#i was born with a full head of black hair! i thought most people who are now brunettes were brunettes the whole time!

[unopenablebox]

shocked to learn how many of my mutuals were blonde children from that hair color poll going around. the blonds walk among us, disguised, indistinguishable

[flipidifloppody]

𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐱/ 𝐦.𝐬

summary: you and the sturniolos have been best friends since you were born due to your moms being close friends. it's your 19th birthday and your having a massive house party. when it comes to the sturniolos coming over matt randomly keeps staring over..

‼️warnings‼️: smut (quite abit). pet names (ma, baby etc) swearing, alcohol.

I have been best friends with the sturniolos for 18 years now, my closest one of them all being matt. We were so close no one could seperate us, ever since we were kids. It was my 19th birthday and I am having a party at this resort house my mom booked for me. Loads of kids from school and outside of school was coming. There is gonna be alcohol and probably drugs if people bring it. Idk. But it was now two o'clock and i needed to start getting ready before it hits 5:30pm. I hopped in the shower and began to wash my hair thoroughly trying to look my best for the party. I'm so nervous it's unreal. I continue to wash my self and quickly jump out the shower and wrap a towel round me and sit down on my desk.

I began to prep my face by doing my skincare adding primer invetween that too. I then began to do my makeup. A few hours later, it was now 4pm i was just in the middle of picking out my outfit still in my towel when i got a notification from instagram, i quickly opened it to see who it was or if it was something for the party.

@matthew.sturniolo

hey what time is the party?

uhm sometime around half five ?

yeah sound fine see you later then

bye matt see ya

I start sliding on the dress that i picked out. A black satin dress that fit my body perfectly. As i slipped the straps over my shoulders I looked down at my dress then smoothed it out with my hands abit then pairing the dress with a pair of black high heels that went well with the dress. I stood in front of my full body mirror and stared at myself for a minute before running my fingers through my curled hair loosing it out abit. I smiled at myself in the mirror as i picked up my black juicy couture purse, clutching it in my hands as i turned the knob of my door and walked out of it.

I hopped into my car and put in into reverse as i was going to the place of the party to set up and lay out everything perfectly. I had called matt over to help me since he had offered before hand.

I pulled into the driveway of the massive house that my mom had rented out. I felt so special knowing that all this was just for my birthday. I then saw a familiar face standing in the doorway waving for me to come over to him. matt. I quickly picked up my pace as i walked steadily in my high heels over to him.

'you look beautiful' matt said as he was looking me up and down slightly looking down more than up.

i smile and say 'you don't look to bad yourself'

he was wearing a black ransom t-shirt and some blue loose jeans with his car keys jangling on the belt hole.

we both laughed together for a while as we were talking about our life and how long it's been since we've all seen each other and hung out together

'you know i really missed you y/n' matt blurted out

i smile at the comment and my cheeks flush a baby pink 'i missed you too matt , quite allot actually'

'well we better head inside and start to decorate huh?' he suggested i quickly nodded as he took my hand and basically dragged me inside. When we walked in i we in shock as i looked at the high ceilings with balconies on the second floor looking down to the first. It was beautiful.

after a while all the decorating was done it was around twenty past five and i heard cars start to pull into the drive.

there was a knock at the door. i quickly grabbed the handle and turned it to reveal most of my friends. i greeted them and let them in and started to turn on the music and get ready for what i thought was going to be a 'normal' party

it has been a while since the party had started now, but i decided to head upstairs into one of the spare bedrooms to rest my head abit as it was really noisy downstairs. the music quickly muffled when i was walking into the first room which was free. Most of them were taken because i'm pretty sure people were fucking in there or some shit. I got in the room and was quick to kick if my heels and practically jump onto the bed. I was sat down peaceful when i heard some muffled bangs and crashes in the en-suite next door

i decided to go in there since i was curious. When i walked in i saw matt sat on the floor of the bathroom with his phone in one hand and in the other hand was him stroking himself.

my mouth completely dropped.

As his head flung back against the bathtub with his eyes squeezed shut he started muttering something under his breathe which oddly sounded like my name

this couldn't be happening right now. we have been best friends for years. after a second of standing in complete shock i finally spoke up. 'matt..?'

he looked up at me in complete disbelief 'oh.. shit i'm so sorry y/n i'm really s-'

i cut him off by kissing him passionately adjusting myself onto his lap whilst putting more depth into the kiss.

as soon as it broke matts jaw was swung open. it was like he had seen a ghost. Moments after he was quick to turn us over pinning me to the cold floor and quickly lifted my tight dress to the bottom of my chest.

'always wanted to do this to you ma' he said before shoving two fingers in me causing me to scream out and take a clump of his hair into my fists.

'f-fuck matt'

he quickly sped up his pace while grasping onto my thighs with his free hand

'you like this huh?'

i was quick to nod as he pulled his fingers out when i was just about to reach my orgasm. he chuckled to himself as i threw a straight face right at him signalling to him i was now pissed off

'why the fuck matt?'

'yeah yeah i'm sorry baby'

he quickly stuck his fingers in his mouth licking them clean and taking them out with a 'pop'

i had my eyes shut and was quick to open them at the sound of a belt unbuckling

he took his dick out as it sprung against his chest and stoked himself a few times before lining up with me

'you ready ma?'

'fuck.. yes matt'

he quickly slammed into me staying still for a minute whilst i adjusted to his size. i gave him a nod signifying to him that he could pick up his face. Trust me he was quick with that. i instantly screamed out and grasped onto his shoulders for support as my legs wrapped around him letting him hit me from a different angle. His tip basically kissing my cervix as he thrusted into me.

i screamed out as he put his hands over my mouth to try and prevent people from downstairs to know what was happening.

'now baby you don't want them hearing now do you huh?'

i shook my head no before rolling my eyes to the back of my head and clenching around him

'fuck baby if you keep clenching around me like that i won't last much longer'

'matt i'm gonna cum'

'cum all over my cock ma i wanna see your pretty face aswell'

with those words of relief i let out realesing all over his dick he wasn't long after as he pulled out and shot white strips of his hot cum onto my chest

he collapsed on top of me making sure not to put much weight on me

'you okay baby' he said sweetly whilst caressing my cheek and kissing it lightly

i nod my head gently

'cmon let's get you cleaned up and i'll run you a bath aswell'

i just smile at him whilst getting up.

@astrolynnworld @strawberrysturniolo @lovingmattysposts @lovingchrissposts @plasticferal @sturniololoverr

[dadyscumslutprincess20]

Lost Love

(Small story I thought about doing until I write another request that I got, also be looking out I’m working on 4 request at a time then the rest at once💕)

Cha Hyun su x fem reader

Genre: Just a bit emotional

It’s been a year since you last saw Hyun su after trying his self into the military to keep the remaining survivors of Green Home safe , so we all would be able to saved and took to a shelter/camp that was meant for any survivors

Since then you lived with the regret of not telling him about the baby , both you and Hyun su moved in together in your first apartment at Green home , since you were a bit more social you made a few friends inside the building , but most of you time was spent with Hyun su

When the apocalypse started. Hyun su started to have serious noise bleeds , times where he would black out or there were even moments you felt like he want your Hyun su

After gathering with the remaining survivors you soon learned that Hyun su was a special case of the monsters that now roamed the city

After a while you found out you were pregnant, deciding it wasn’t the right time as you kept the pregnancy to yourself .. not knowing Hyun su would turn his self in the same night

Now here you were a year later with two beautiful children, a boy and a little girl , even though it’s been just a year they were already at the age of 12

Before giving birth to Cha Hee (son) and Cha Hui (girl) , you escaped from the shelter finding a small abandoned camper , the only joy out it was that it was two small rooms that had a full sized bed in both , a small kitchen and dining area that was in the middle and the driver seat that was locked right when you entered the camper

Your pregnancy was pretty easy we’re surprised you along the way , except that you felt your self changing as you started to hear a voice in your head , you belly barely as it looked like you were just bloated from a good meal or something, but you knew you were pregnant, the hardest part of the whole pregnancy was the birth , since you didn’t have any support, you ended up giving birth to the twins inside the camper in your small room , bring down on a spare dry towel you had to hold in your scrams as you gave birth to both Cha Hee and Ch Hui

After giving birth to the twins you noticed how much you’ve changed, your eyes had I slight hit of green with time making your neon eyes now look unnatural, you half grew a bit longer as you soon realized that you gave in to your desires , now becoming a monster but some how keeping it in control.. maybe it was because you had not one but two people to protect

After a few months after having Cha Hee and Cha Hui you soon realized that they weren’t exactly human either , as Cha Hee was born with bright blue eyes , Cha Hui was born with Green eyes

There was a few differences between the two as Cha Hee, he was a quite child , who could make a person go crazy after a certain amount of days soon resulting in their suicide or the death of everyone around them including them selves if you were lucky enough to stay on his good side he would use his touch to show your most happiest memories

Cha Hui was a bit different she was a cold child , always quietly analyzing others , but even though she seemed cold she was super nice once you got to know her , her touch could either set your ablaze as you scream in pain and agony or you could fall into a deep sleep that no one could wake you out of as you live out your deepest fears over and over again, but like her brother if your were no harm to her mother or Cha Hee she could show you your happiest memories ,you didn’t discover this until it happened in front of your eyes

After that you had Cha Hee and Cha Hui to keep on a special pair of gloves that were handmade by you, it made you feel a bit more safe if no one would discover there powers then any one would assume their normal kids , the only thing that would make any one realize their twins it their dark black hair that resembles Cha Hyun Su’s

As you laid in your bed as you start to realize that it’s been quite for a while now , thinking that the the twins were in bed as you stand to your feet , slowly walking out of your room and you peek into their room that was located on the right of yours

Seeing that the room was empty as you start to become slightly worried , heading for the kitchen finning area to see that they weren’t there either

‘Where are they’ the voice in stead your head says as you frantically search the camper a second time just to make sure , but when you saw they weren’t there you quickly open the doors to the camper heading down the three small steps as you head out the door looking left and right frantically as you run straight heading down the road as you call out both Cha Hee and Cha Hui’s names

Not getting a response from neither of your babies as you start to panic thinking of all the possible things that could have happened to them

What if they ran into humans? Or worse the military? , as your mind starts to cloud with questions that only made you panic more , you soon came to a hault as you heard a few giggles , looking around the area as you notice a small grader dome

Taking a small breathe in and out as you head inside the small dome , eyeing scanning around the flowers that bloomed with life , causing you to feel a bit calm but still worrying for you babies

After a while of walking down the small trail you come to a stop , as you feel your body tense up , confusion shown in your eyes

There was Cha Hee and Cha Hui.. but they weren’t alone , there stood Hyun su with a girl that seemed to be around the age of 14 as she talked to Cha Hui who had a small smile on her face , it took a while before Cha Hyun su noticed your presence , eyes locking with your as Ah-yo turned to see why Hyun su was so quite , eyes slowly following his as they land on you soon catching the attention of the twins

“MOMMY” Cha Hee screams out with joy as he runs toward you wrapping his arms around your waist with a smile

“Mom , look we made a new friend” Cha Hee says as pulls away from the hug grabbing a hold of your hand as he pulls you towards Hyun su , Ah-yi and Cha Hui as Cha Hui soon stand beside you wrapping her arms around you as she looks at Ah-hi and Hyun su

“This is Ah-yi and Hyun su” Cha Hee says as he points to both Ah-yi and Hyun su

“And this is our mom , Reader” Cha Hui says as she tightens her hold eyes still watching Ah-yi and Hyun su who eyes now look at you with pure shock

“M-Mom…” Hyun su says as his head hangs low , Ah- yi noticing the hurt in his voice , after a few seconds his head slowly rises eyes now shining blue as he gives you a cold stare

“ After everything we done for you.. to keep you safe , and you have some assholes child , correction children” Hyun su says eyes staring daggers in to yours as you feel a shiver flow down your spine

“I-It’s not like that” You reply as you look down down your feet not able to look him in the eye

“Wait..you know her” Ah-yo says as she looks between you and Hyun su in confusion

“I do actually in fact she’s our dear girlfriend, well was it seems” Hyun su says eyes now looking both at you , Cha Hee and Cha Hui

“I didn’t cheat okay.. I just..” you say looking back in to Hyun Su’s eyes tears now threading to fall

“I don’t know how to tell you and it was to late.. you let us alone” you managed to choke out as tears start to flow, Shock showing on Hyun Su’s face as he looks between Cha Hee and Cha Hui

“T-Their .. mine” Hyun su says eyes slowing turning to normal as he slowly falls to his knees , tears falsify flowing down his face as he looks at you with a sorry expression

“I-I didn’t mean to .. I-I just wanted to keep you safe..I..” before he could finish his sentence Cha Hee warped his in a warm hug as Cha Hui looks him in his teary eyes

“So .. your our father” Cha Hui says as her green eyes watches Hyu su closely as he slowly nods his head in agreement, slowly walking towards Hyun su as she slowly wraps her arms around him pulling him and Cha Hee in a hug

“I had a weird feeling .. it explains why we were okay with you keeping us company” Cha Hee says with apart smile

After a while of hugging , Hyun su informs you on Ah-yi and how he has been taking care of her since she was pretty much born , listening as Hyun su talks about Ah-yi like a proud father , which he was, he starts to feel guilty about missing his own kids growing up deciding to keep not only Ah-yo but you and both Cha Hee and Cha Hui close and safe

[ourflagmeansheartbreak]

So… can we all agree that last episode of Agatha All Along didn’t happen? (Literally)

Long rant incoming… (ep5 spoilers)

I am on insane amount of copium and my delusional state is saying last episode happened in Agatha’s head.

1. The goddamn screen

I already saw someone talk about it, if I can find the post I’ll tag it below. But the screen always goes full screen mode on the trials. Except for this episode, why’s that?? (P.S. because it wasn’t a trial, or at least… wasn’t a real one.)

I FOUND THE POST ALL CREDITS FOR THIS ONE GOES TO

2. Salem Seven being right there and right then, and… releasing bugs instead of killing her??

What that was supposed to accomplish? Because it wasn’t to kill her. It was to torture her.

I remember similar episode in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, where Satan released bugs outta his mouth (very original), the bugs would crawl into people’s hair and make them see and hear things, do things they normally wouldn’t do.

In CAOS, Agatha (ironically, another witch) found a bug in her hair, which made her say things she never would. Zelda (directrix of the coven) had the same bug in her hair which made her see things, slap a student.

Agatha (in here I mean) shakes out the last bug out of her hair. Either they were all affected or we’re seeing Agatha’s delusions, because she did fly through it first.

Not to mention that the house seemed far away, and the second they fly through those bugs, the house is like… right there.

3. Trial is supposed to be made for a witch and their elemental mastery/knowledge.

First trial was made for Jen, in her aesthetics and to test her abilities. Second trial was for Alice, made in her mother’s aesthetics and for her powers.

And then we have Agatha’s trial and… what? In what universe did that make sense? 90’s themed? If anything her trial would be the one from Salem.

4. Nobody’s acting normal. But when do they ever.

Everyone immediately turns against Agatha without even considering other options. Which feels less like something they’d do and more like what Agatha thinks they would if given opportunity.

Argument could be made that Teen controlled them to do that but I for once don’t believe that. (Eyes didn’t glow blue like at the end.)

Lilia didn’t blurt out “try to save Agatha” for no reason in episode 2.

5. The road never changes. It’s the only constant in their journey.

And yet somehow… after this trial it’s… green? Time doesn’t change, sky doesn’t change, road doesn’t change. Ever.

6. Teen is Billy Kaplan confirmed. Or is it?

If this is just a manipulation of reality of some sort, it could be just Agatha’s worst fears confirmed.

Her mother saying she was born evil, her only kind of friends immediately turning on her, her son is somehow connected to that. Her genuinely not being able to control her powers after being so long without them and accidentally killing another witch, no one believing her… teen being Wanda’s kid, and turning out evil.

She sniffed him out as Billy long ago, she said so last episode “you don’t need to know a person’s name to know who they are”. She never thought that’s her son. She thinks it’s Billy. She thinks she knows.

The sigil on his mouth says W when he says his name, his fingers were black in first episode (only someone who’s touched the darkhold has it), he managed to break through Wanda’s hex that only someone with darkhold’s power could do… so much pointing at him being Billy…

I’m gonna leave with the fact that the devil is a known trickster and if you flip the W upside down…

7. Everyone dies, what a jolly ending! We still have 4 episodes left.

Even if Teen is Wanda’s kid and he sought out to kill Agatha… he could’ve done that already? She was powerless, he could’ve done the whole “seek my vengeance” part already.

That whole “ok the gig’s over you must die now” made no sense. How is he gonna finish all of the trials alone? There’s no other way out. And he for a fact knows they’ll need everyone to complete it.

And what even on earth does he have to avenge?? Wanda took the darkhold herself, she left Agatha powerless and imprisoned, Agatha lost! She’s the cringe fail loser! there’s nothing to avenge, young Jedi.

8. Where the fuck is Rio

No, seriously. She’s just somehow not there at the end. How’s that even possible. If she was working with Teen then she’d be there gloating or some shit.

Closing arguments are… none. I can already see myself making a YouTubers apology about this post and how utterly wrong I was a week from now. But for now let me just… *deep inhale*

I haven’t been this obsessed with a tv show since OFMD, god bless

[animesmolbean]

Guardian of Light

(Male)

Hello! Welcome to my rewritten story for Dune and Kingdom Hearts!

Some things have changed, and the story has more added detail that helps with the story.

Regarding updates, they will be slower because I really want to explore a bit of the story, especially for future chapters. But I'll try to update as soon as I can.

As shown up above, this is the male version of the chapter! The female version was published yesterday (Monday). The female and male verison will have some differences (if you read both of them) to show the different actions taken by the characters. This will mostly affect the intimacy part of the story and not really the actual plot.

One more thing, I was inspired to write this story after reading a fanfiction I read on Wattpad that is just phenomenal! My story follows the format of it (most of the time), but it's a completely different story!

I'll link the book here if you are interested in reading it!

With all of that out of the way,

Hope you enjoy the first chapter! ♥️

Dreams are messages from the deep.

“My planet, Arrakis, is so beautiful when the sun is low. Rolling over the sands… You can see spice in the air. At nightfall, the spice harvesters land.

The outsiders and their army of demons race against time to avoid the heat of the day. They ravaged our lands in front of our eyes. Their cruelty to my people is all I've known.

These outsiders, The Harkonnens, came long before I was born. But their demon army only came recently with them.

By controlling the spice production, they become obscenely rich. Richer than the Emperor himself.

Our warriors couldn't free Arrakis from the Harkonnens, or the demons that lurk in the shadows, but one day, by the imperial decree, they were gone.

Why did the Emperor choose this path? And who will our next oppressors be?”

〰️

Chapter 1: Accepting a Deal

〰️

Year 10191

CALADAN, Homeworld of House Atreides

“I've been having these weird thoughts lately. Like is any of this for real… or not?”

A (straight/curly/wavy) (hair color) boy slowly woke up. The soft glow from the light in his room, ridding him of any feeling of sleep.

He sat up, running his fingers through his hair. He looked around, seeing the familiar room he was given when he was a kid.

“It was… just a dream.” He whispered.

〰️

Meanwhile, a young boy was lying on a bed, shirtless, asleep, but tossed and turned a little as he dreamed. He was dreaming about something. Or rather, someone. His (Hair Color) hair gently blowing in the wind. He turned towards him, his beautiful sapphire blue eyes sparkling with happiness as he smiled widely.

His beautiful best friend since they were kids, the boy who is always the light of his life. (Your Name).

However, there was someone else with him. It was another girl that wore a different outfit compared to (Your Name). The boy didn't know who this was, for he could only see the side of her face. But he knew that he had dreamed of her before, too.

The boy's hazel green eyes opened, groaning softly, sitting up as the moving light came and shined against his shirtless form. He sat up in his bed, looking down.

‘What could that dream mean?’ He thought to himself.

〰️

The same young boy was now in a dining room, sitting at the table, deep in thought as he ate his breakfast.

An older woman who sat at the end of the table spoke up, breaking him out of his thoughts. “It's good you're up early. I just wish (Your Name) could be too.”

〰️

(Your Name) stood outside, in a loose gray long sleeve, baggy black Capri pants, and his boots were off, placed by a rock.

He dipped his feet into the large, cool body of water, walking until the water was halfway to his calves. He looked out towards the horizon, in deep thought.

〰️

“Your father wants you two in full dress before the Emperor's Herald arrives.”

The brunet boy raised his head up at this news, “Full dress? Military?”

“Ceremonial.” Jessica, the woman's name and his mother replied.

Paul let out a sigh. “Why would we have to go through all this when it's already been decided?” Paul asked.

“Ceremony.” Jessica simply replied.

The doors to the room suddenly opened, making the two at the dining table turn. Paul's lips lifted up into a smile at who was standing there. (Your Name).

“Ah…” (Your Name) chuckled awkwardly. “So sorry I'm late.” The boy walked over to the spot between Paul and Jessica.

“Nice to see you here (Your Name). And with shoes on this time.” Jessica lightly teased her son-like figure. She knew this boy since he was around five years old. She remembered the day the first time she brought him to Caladan.

〰️

Jessica was out late at night, having trouble sleeping. The sky was dark, stars twinkling, and the moon being the only thing providing light, making anything the light shone on glow a soft blue.

She walked along a beach that Caladan was known for when she saw what looked like a shooting star in the sky. But she saw it was falling towards the ground, not going across the sky like a shooting star normally would.

She watched the bright light and splash into a large body of water she was near. She walked closer to the water, her feet touching the soft sand. What she saw made her eyes widen.

What fell into the water was not a rock. But a child. He looked very young, like about five years old. He wore a white loose shirt with black shorts and no shoes.

Acting fast, she took off the cloak she was wearing and grabbed the wet, unconscious child and carried him back to the castle to be taken care of.

Jessica walked towards one of the spare rooms, requesting one of their servants to find clothes for the child. The female servant did what she was told while Jessica laid the child on the bed.

She got a closer look at the boy. He had (Hair Color) hair, (Skin Color) skin, all wet from landing in the water. She frowned and stroked the boy's wet hair.

This action caused the child to stir and mumble. Jessica watched the child slowly come to. When he opened his eyes, however, Jessica felt her heartbeat increase.

The boy's eyes were a deep blue. Like the color of sapphires or cobalt.

Jessica knew then that she needed to keep this boy safe.

〰️

(Your Name) chuckled shyly at Jessica's teasing, playing with the silver charm on his silver necklace; shaped like a small crown. He smiled back and then looked over to his best friend, who was already staring at her. Before he sat down, he greeted Paul with a gentle hug. The male smiled softly at his friend and hugged him back.

Once (Your Name) was seated and eating his breakfast, Jessica told him what she had just told Paul. The boy was confused as to why they were having a ceremony, but he gave Jessica a nod before he resumed eating. Jessica poured a glass of water for (Your Name) and slid the glass to him. The (Hair Color) haired boy thanked her quietly.

Jessica did the same for Paul, “Thank you.” The boy whispered. Jessica replied, “If you want it, make me give it to you. Use the Voice.”

(Your Name) guessed that Jessica wanted Paul to use the voice to bring him the water.

“Mom, I just woke up.” Paul protested in a gruffy, morning voice.

Jessica just stared at her son making Paul roll his eyes as he reluctantly agreed to try. He turned his body in the chair to use the voice, “Give me the water.”

It came out more like a soft, raspy whisper than what it was intended to be.

(Your Name) let out a muffled giggle at Paul's weak attempt. “The glass can't hear you. Say it to your mother.” He whispered.

Paul gave the boy a look before looking back at his mother. Seconds felt like minutes. The atmosphere shifted to stillness as (Your Name) watched Paul and Jessica stare at each other intensely, waiting for Paul to use the Voice again.

Moments later, his lips moved.

“Give me the water.”

The voice came out gruffier and a bit distorted. But it did its magic. Jessica took the glass and pushed it towards Paul a little. But as quickly she was under the spell, she quickly snapped out of it. She pushed the glass of water closer to Paul.

“Almost.”

“Almost?”

Paul's voice was back to its normal pitch.

“Bene Gesserit skills take years to learn, Paul.” Jessica told her son as he reached out and grabbed the glass.

(Your Name) nodded. Even though he wasn't being taught to use the Bene Gesserit, he understood its complexity and why it's important to master.

Jessica observed her son before speaking again. “You look tired. More dreams?”

(Your Name) raised an eyebrow in confusion. He looked at his friend with worry. ‘Has he been dreaming too?’ He thought to himself.

Paul shook his head, muttering, “No.” Then he went back to eating.

“What about you, (Your Name)? Have you been dreaming?” Jessica asked.

The boy looked down before muttering, “No.”

〰️

“Extreme temperatures and treacherous weather events make life outside the cities of Arrakis truly hostile.” A robotic voice came from a recording that laid on the ground and showed visuals of what they were talking about.

After breakfast, the two childhood best friends decided to spend some time studying before they had to head to the ceremony.

The recorded voice from the video played as Paul had a book in his hands about the Fremen, reading it as his back leaned against (Your Name)’s torso. The boy was in a kneeling position, his arms were wrapped around Paul's neck, forearms resting on top of his shoulders. His head was on top of Paul's, silently reading along with him, occasionally nuzzling his nose into the boy's curly hair. He was only half paying attention, focused on looking at the book, listening to the recording, and trying to be as close to Paul as possible.

“With sandworms powerful enough to cut through metal. Only the native tribes known as the Freman and one other special person, that hasn't been seen nor born for centuries known as the Haris Aldaw’ have adapted well enough to survive.”

(Your Name)’s attention was diverted when he heard that name. Haris Aldaw’. He moved his head off of Paul’s. He has heard that name before. From where, he wasn't too sure.

Paul turned his head to look at the (Hair Color) haired boy, his hazel green eyes showing worry. “(Your Name), are you okay?”

The (Hair Color) haired boy blinked before nodding. “Yeah. I'm alright. Don't worry.” He replied to the boy.

Paul let one of his hands go from holding the book, grabbing one of (Your Name)’s hands, giving it a gentle squeeze. (Your Name) welcomed the comforting pressure and did it back to him. But to his surprise, Paul pressed a kiss to the back of his hand. Then, Paul turned his friend's hand to show his inner wrist and placed a kiss on the spot, too.

The (Hair Color) haired boy felt a blush blossom onto his cheeks at the gesture. Now flustered, he looked away shyly.

Paul let his hand go and smirked to himself before he continued reading.

“Preferring to inhabit the remotest regions of Arrakis the Freman share the deep desert with the giant sandworms, known to the Fremen as Shai-Hulud. Long exposure to spice has given the tribe their characteristic blue eyes, the eyes of Ibad.”

‘I wonder if it's as blue as my eyes.’ (Your Name) thought to himself, his focus back on the book and the recording.

“Little else is known of the Freman except that they have some sort of power that controls the Earth and the Freman are dangerous and unreliable. On the other hand, much is known about the Haris Aldaw’. They are known to control elements and have other magical abilities such as being able to glide.”

(Your Name) bit her bottom lip. ‘My dream last night was about gliding… and falling.’ He thought to himself again.

“Freman Attacks make spice harvesting extremely hazardous. For the Freman spice is the sacred hallucinogen which preserves life and brings enormous health benefits. For the imperium the spice is used by the navigators of the spacing guild to find safe paths between the stars. Without spice, interstellar travel is impossible, making it by far the most valuable substance in the universe.” The voice recording concluded.

〰️

(Your Name) and Paul were now standing outside, dressed nicely for the ceremony, both dressed similarly.

The (Hair Color) haired boy turned his head to look at the bearded man in the center. Duke Leto Atreides. The man he saw as his father for many years now. He remembered when he first came to Caladan, he was confused as to how he got here and where he came from. Jessica had explained the situation, and the Duke didn't want to believe the tale, but when he saw how adamant she was, he believed her.

He took him in and cared for him like he was one of his own kids, raising him alongside Paul. Teaching him many things like reading and writing, alongside Lady Jessica. He couldn't be more graceful to the two for taking him in.

The Duke turned his head and saw the (Hair Color) haired boy looking at him. He gave the boy a subtle nod to him; a gesture he returned to him, a gentle smile on his face.

An enormous oval shaped ship landed on the ground. The ramp was placed down as the important people walked out from it. They were wearing their house clothes and walking respectfully towards them. (Your Name) wasn't exactly sure who they were but knew they were of utmost importance if they were coming to speak with the Atreides.

“Smile Gurney.” The Duke said, looking forward at the approaching visitors, his tone calm but with a touch of joking as he spoke to his trusted member.

“I am smiling.” Gurney replied monotonously, a blank expression on his always serious looking face.

(Your Name) bit his bottom lip to suppress a snicker from escaping his lips. Paul looked at him in mild amusement.

The Duke shook his head at Gurney’s deadpan response, “How much will it cost them traveling all this way for this formality?”

“Three Guild navigators and a total of 1,460,062 Solaris for this round trip.” Another trusted advisor answered beside the Duke. The Duke turned his attention back to the new visitors.

(Your Name) watched as a member of the group that arrived from the ship bow to the Duke, “By the grave of Shaddam IV of the House Corrino, ascendant to the Golden Lion Throne of Padishah Emperor of the Known Universe, I stand before you as Herald of the Change. We are witnessed by members of the Imperial Court, representatives of the Spacing Guild, and a sister of the Bene Gesserit. The Emperor has spoken.” He pulled out a scroll, unrolling it before he read, “House Atreides shall immediately take control of Arrakis and serve as its steward.” The member closed the scroll. Do you accept?

The Duke took a couple long strides, stopping at the top of the stairs, “We are House Atreides. There is no call we do not answer. There is no faith that we betray. The Emperor asks us to bring peace to Arrakis! House Atreides accepts!”

“Atreides! Atreides! Atreides!” The soldiers that stood everywhere, representing House Atreides, started chanting as the Duke made his way down the stairs to sign the paper.

Before he does, the Duke looks back at his son and (Your Name), seeing them both giving him a subtle nod in agreement, silently approving him. They watched him sign the paper using his signet ring.

As he did, (Your Name) felt a feeling in his stomach that he couldn't quite place. Like a feeling of unease. He wasn't sure why he felt it just now. ‘Probably from all the people staring at us.’ He thought to himself.

“So it is done?” Leto asked the Herald.

“It's done.” The Herald responded, face blank, not showing any emotion.

Once the deal was finalized, (Your Name) scooted closer to Paul, pressing his right arm against Paul's left one. The curly haired boy looked at the boy. He gave him a gentle smile, which he returned in kind.

He always liked Paul's smile. Paul thought the same thing about him.

Taglist

@skeletonixsstuff

[goth1c-pinki3-pi3]

Okay so to the two people who said they would listen/read my ideas, this is for you two before i go to sleep and expand on a later date.

•So for galra keith I would definitely think that he had a lot more galra traits then the show gave him.

• For example his nails were typically stronger and grew in a curved shape

• For another example, his hair was naturally a dark/deep purple but his first foster family after his dads death dyed it black thinking keith had dyed it young to the purple color

• Speaking of purple, i would also think that his eyes were a deep dull purple/plum color

• moving to the scene where Krolia suggests the name Yorak, i personally think that Keiths dad would have included that in his name after she left earth

• so Keiths full name is "Keith Yorak Kogane"

•In terms of galra, he'd probably be seen as a late bloomer to the blade of marmora because he hasn't grown in his ears or tail, not knowing that his tail was surgically removed by one of his foster familys (theres a very rare chance of a human being born with a tail, and I think the tail wouldn't have grown much because the human body has evolved to not need a tail and half his biology was against the tail)

Now onto the good stuff, ergo the trans stuff

• i'd say he's transmasc who's known since he was a young boy, but that could also be me projecting, who knows

• my big thing was what about periods? because i know that everyones is different, i'd say his started at 15 give or take a few years, but before he ended up leaving earth

• With his period, because Galra most likely dont have anything quite as similar (based on cats, i suppose. With cats all their internal bleeding is reabsorbed), his periods would probably be very light as half his body (might/) will absorb the blood and the other half will shed it out.

• I'd say for the same reason he uses cloth pads, simply for the reuse ability and his light flow would have made it easy to clean

• i also head cannon that him growing out a mullet is the result of him shaving his hair at some point, and regaining enough confidence to grow his hair out while knowing that he could easily cut his hair if he felt dysphoric

• with the chest situation, it can go two ways. with the episode when keith and lance are going to the pool, Keith is shirtless, so that is a point to small-chested keith

• but we could also just, ignore that and pretend that he was in a compression shirt that was meant for trans people to swim in. because if there was shorts with them then im sure there was something for compression (ignoring how the alteans could shapeshift)

•One of my biggest head cannon when it comes to trans!keith, is that only Shiro knows, and that if they're ever overheard talking about it (like shiro lecturing keith about working out in a binder or something), everyone just completely misunderstands the conversation

Keith: Shiro it's fine (Shiro just said he can't work out safely in his binder)

Shiro: No it's not keith, you can't keep doing this. You know why. We're in space, you can't avoid the consequences anymore than you could on earth. (Shiro is talking about Keiths ribs, and how if Keith breaks a rib or something akin to that, then there is nothing in space that can help him as opposed to earth where at the very least he could have fixed his ribs)

Lance or Coran overhearing and thinking that it's just about keiths little pick pocketing habit (another head cannon): Huh, i didn't know Keiths been a pick pocketer when he was on earth.

Anyways, thats all i can come up with right this second, if i feel like i'm able to i'll expand on a couple of my head cannons / thoughts

[forestdeath1]

Hopelessness

@prongsfoot-microfic

It turned out that this microfic is 1600 words long, so if it's more convenient for someone to read on AO3, here's the link.

It's jilypad.

---

Sirius kisses Lily’s belly, stretched by a muggle T-shirt with Black Sabbath on it, his gift. The air's filled with the light scent of jasmine from the open window, letting in the cool June breeze. Lily isn't really into Black Sabbath, but Sirius hopes the band's symbolism might somehow influence Harry’s musical taste, since he’s got no hope with Lily and James. As Lily recently said, she wears that T-shirt solely because it features a "handsome vocalist" who reminds her of Sirius.   Sirius is quite pleased with that outcome.

They're sprawled on a wide sofa under a soft blanket, Sirius snuggled up beside Lily. The quiet of the Potter home, only interrupted by the ticking of antique clocks, always puts Sirius in a peaceful state. Lily gently strokes her rounded belly, while Sirius, with his arm around her waist, draws patterns on her skin, occasionally leaving soft kisses in response to the baby's sharp kicks. James, sitting opposite in a battered chair once favoured by Fleamont, reads the newspaper, his eyes scanning the pages gloomily.

"Oh," Lily exhales lightly. "He's been kicking all day. Extra lively today."

"Harry," Sirius murmurs softly, amazed at the depth of feeling he has for a child not yet born. "My handsome, smart boy."

"When did you get so sentimental?" James asks, not looking up from his paper.

"Since you married this incredible woman and started your own amateur production of 'Tiny Humans.' Even my frostbitten heart had to defrost for the premiere."

"Oh, my love," Lily, smiling softly, reaches out to gently ruffle Sirius's hair, "sometimes I think, what if I'd married you instead of James? How much prettier would my child be?" Lily's light, carefree laughter makes Sirius smile.

"Hey," James perks up, pretending to be offended. "There’s a lot of Blacks. And only one of me. Harry's gonna have the most unique hair in all of Magical Britain."

"And the dullest sense of humour," Sirius shoots back, still focused on the belly, speaking in a teasingly sweet tone as if talking to Harry. "Hopefully, you’ve got a better one. You got a bit short-changed on the genes from one side, but I promise to teach you."

"At least my humour doesn’t make people want to off themselves," counters James.

"You adore my jokes, don't kid yourself."

"Haven't heard one yet."

Sirius flicks his middle finger at James, who just chuckles, then removes his glasses and rubs his nose bridge in mock exasperation.

"Everything alright?" Lily asks him, concern in her voice.

"Yeah," James replies, trying to mask the worry in his voice. "Just going to make some tea."

Rising from his chair and heading to the kitchen, James leaves a trail of unspoken thoughts behind him. Sirius watches him go, and Lily, with a soft sigh, shakes her head.

"He's like this all day. Lost in thoughts about the war. Sticks to me like glue. Fancy taking him out somewhere? Hit a pub? Even stay out all night. He needs to get out more. He can't keep guarding me from God knows what," Lily adjusts a stray lock of Sirius's hair, a simple, familiar gesture.

"Alright, but not tonight," Sirius responds tenderly, kissing Lily's belly one last time before gently running his hand over her soft skin and carefully standing up from the sofa to not disturb her.

"Patrol?"

"Yeah," Sirius glances at the old wall clock, "and I'm already late."

"Why don't you move in with us?" Lily stops him with the question she poses every month.

"Don’t start," Sirius says with a light reprimand. "I'd end up covered in old people's dust here, sipping teas and reading newspapers. Tea? Seriously? When was the last time I drank tea?"

Her laughter, bright and full, fills the room, reflecting off the warm glow of the candles. She could easily shift from a pensive mood to mirth, and really, it took nothing to make her laugh. Lily was always so light, Sirius adored that about her. Like an autumn maple leaf playfully dancing with the wind – always ready to soar at the slightest breeze.

"Come here," she extends her arms, and Sirius leans in, allowing Lily to plant a tender kiss on his lips. "I love you," she looks at him, her gaze filled with care and tenderness, "Be careful."

"You too," Sirius smiles and ruffles her hair. "Look after Harry."

Stepping into the hallway, leaving Lily resting on the sofa, Sirius grabs his jacket from the coat rack and pulls it on, whistling a tune he caught in some noisy muggle café.

"James! I’m off."

James peeks out from the kitchen, holding a pack of tea.

"Not staying for tea?" he asks, knowing the answer already.

Sirius isn't much for tea, yet James has been offering it to him for years. In an attempt to make the drink more appealing, he once even started spiking the tea with Firewhisky. That gimmick worked for a while, but soon not even Firewhisky could dispel Sirius's irritation with the whole tedious, monotonous process.

"No, got patrol."

James looks slightly disappointed, tosses the tea pack onto a table cluttered with books and newspapers, and approaches Sirius.

"Lily suggested we should hit a bar," Sirius mentions.

James shrugs, adjusting his glasses absently.

"I can't leave her alone. Every time I go on patrol, you know it’s torture for me. I keep thinking something might happen, that they might attack our home, and…"

"I know," Sirius cuts him off. "That’s why I’m not inviting you. Just passing on Lily’s words."

James gives a soft smile, tilting his head slightly.

"You’ll come over on Friday?" he asks.

"Yes."

"And stay the night?"

"Of course."

James nods and hugs Sirius, pressing his face to his neck. Sirius leans into his ear, kissing it and breathing in the scent of earthy moss and the morning forest. James's scent always carried the notes of their moonlit adventures, as if his skin had absorbed the essence of those nights. They stand in silence for a moment until the soft hum of an old radio playing a vintage jazz tune Lily adores drifts in from the living room.

"Everything will be alright, James, hear me?" Sirius whispers, probably a bit too roughly patting James on the head as his movements have grown more abrupt lately. "I promise. Everything will be alright. With Lily, with you, with Harry."

"Yes," James says, rubbing an eye then running a hand through his hair. "Of course. It'll be alright. With you too."

"I'm not that important."

"Don't talk like that," James responds in a strained voice.

"I’d do anything for you, whatever it takes," Sirius says in a matter-of-fact tone, as if they’re discussing a Christmas dinner menu, not talking about things people usually don’t say to each other when everything’s fine.

James steps back, looks up at Sirius, and smirks, chasing away the worried shadows from his face.

"Have I mentioned you’ve become sentimental?"

"I've spent too much time around a mushy sod like you," Sirius grins, shrugging. "Bad influence."

James laughs, shoving Sirius's shoulder then pulling him in close, as if wanting to hide away in Sirius's broad embrace.

"I love you, you idiot," he kisses him, fingers threading through Sirius’s hair, tousling it. "Don’t be late on Friday. Lily’s making your favourite blueberry pie."

"I won’t," Sirius breathes out huskily.

James nods, and Sirius steps out the door. The June air hits his face, a warm breeze flicking a lock of hair from his forehead. The scent of night flowers mingles with the smell of fresh paint – someone nearby decided to give their fence a fresh coat.

Sirius moves a few meters away, casting one last glance at the Potters' house. James stands in the doorway, leaning on one shoulder against the frame. Sirius catches his worried gaze and nods subtly in response.

A moment later, Sirius apparates, but James's troubled face lingers in his mind like an echo. Usually, James's face brings peace, but this time it leaves a quiet itch, a reminder that Sirius is missing something, yet can't quite grasp what it is.

The war makes everyone nervous, anxious, and lost, and Sirius knows better than to succumb to these draining sentiments. But seeing those feelings in James – the person who made Sirius believe that even in the coldest winter, there's an unbeatable summer living inside him – Sirius realizes things are grim.

Of course, Sirius will come over on Friday. Perhaps he'll stay for the weekend, and they'll spend it together, like old times, before the threat of war knocked so clearly on their doors. They'll wake up to a late breakfast in the garden, reminiscing about school under the rustling of green leaves and birdsong, and perhaps even making plans for the future where the war is just a distant memory—a future where Sirius already knows exactly how to raise Harry and what gifts to give him from the very first months of his life.

A future where they're together.

After breakfast, they'll apparate to the lake, where James will set up broom races, beating Sirius yet again.  Lily, always rooting for Sirius, will put on a theatrical display of disappointment and spend the day cheering him up, recounting for the hundredth time the tales of James's rare Quidditch misplays at Hogwarts—as if Sirius didn't already know each one by heart.

After dinner, James will suggest a game of wizard chess, and Lily will pick out a book to read aloud by the fireplace. Soon, she will head to bed early, as has become more common since she got pregnant, and James and Sirius will go out to the garden, lie on the grass, and spend the night forgetting all worries, remembering that it's moments like these for which they're fighting and ruthlessly suppressing the hopelessness that seeks to consume their souls.

[hoodedchishiya]

♦️Biography. Chishiya Shuntarō♦️

Most of this is made up by the mun— do not steal or reblog as I’ve put a lot of thought into this. Also do not copy this layout.

Basic info:

Full name: Chishiya Shuntarō.

Birthday/Age: Born April 2nd. 24 years old.

Zodiac sign: Aries.

Gender: Male.

Sexuality: Refuses to label himself. Interested in both men and women.

Nationality: Japanese.

Born in: Yokohama, Kanagawa Japan.

Currently residing in: Shibuya City, Tokyo Japan.

Morality: Morally grey.

Occupation: Doctor/Pediatric Heart Surgeon.

Speciality/Game preference: Diamond ♦️

♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️

Appearance:

Height: 168cm (5’6”)

Weight: 57 kg/8.9 stone.

Hair: Platinum Blond (Dyed)

Eyes: Brown/Onyx.

Tattoos: None. He isn’t interested in getting any either.

Piercings: Two ear piercings, plain black his choice of earring. He refuses to wear earrings in Borderland though, as they could easily get snagged on something during games.

Scars: A horizontal scar on his back between his shoulder blades which he obtained during his first ever Spades game— a part of the reason he hates those types of games. The scar is also part of the reason he constantly wears his hoodie at the Beach despite the hot weather to conceal it away from other players who may see it as a potential weakness. Chishiya likes to be seen as untouchable after all.

Other: Has a small gap between his two front teeth and a beauty spot under his left eye. Often wears eyeliner too.

Faceclaim: Nijiro Murakami.

♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️

Family/Friends:

Mother: Chishiya Yui.

Status: Alive.

Relationship— Nonexistent. Chishiya’s mother is often absent from his life, only showing up on the occasional weekend to check in— the checking in being ignoring him half the time she’s there. Due to the fact that she never cared to explain her disappearance or where she was going to either him or her husband, Chishiya learned to stop asking and accepted that maybe she never wanted to be a mother or a wife to begin with.

Father: Chishiya Minato.

Status: Alive.

Relationship— Their relationship has always been rocky— an understatement if you ask Chishiya. Father-like- son, Chishiya’s father is a proud and stubborn man. They didn’t get much time to bond given his father was always at work, working 12 hours at the hospital almost every day with little time to acknowledge Chishiya and cold shouldering him when getting the chance. They often clashed whenever speaking and after his consistent pushing for Chishiya to follow in his footsteps as a doctor and his constant chiding for him to do better even with the perfect grades at school, Chishiya finally snapped and decided to cut off all contact. Both of his parents’ neglect is why he is the way he is and doesn’t understand the basic concept of love— whether it be platonic or romantic. It’s also why he strives to be better than everyone else thanks to his father drumming it over and over into his head on a daily basis.

Siblings: Only child.

Spouse: N/A. Rarely engages in relationships or sex for that matter, only the occasional hook-up. (Depends on the verse. Shipping can be discussed, but I won’t allow force shipping.)

Pets: N/A. His parents never allowed them in the house, and when growing up he lost interest in getting any pets.

Kids: N/A. (Again, depends on the verse.)

Friends: Chishiya doesn’t have any friends in the real world by choice— he simply doesn’t feel the need to have them, nor did he ever feel any connection to the people around him while he was growing up. After Borderland though, he became quite close to Kuina, Arisu and Usagi.

♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️

Other:

Personality/Traits: Sarcastic, Witty, Highly intelligent, Selfish, Uncaring, Nonchalant, Calm, Collected, Introverted, Anti-social, Manipulative, Cold-Hearted, Cynical, Logical, Realist, Enigmatic, Confident, Merciless, Proud, Stubborn, Apathetic, Stoic.

MBTI Type: INTJ— INTJ type is Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, and Judging, which means they are energized by time alone, focused on big picture ideas and concepts, led by logic and reason, and organized. This combination of personality preferences produces people who are analytical, innovative, and strategic.

Any mental illness: Depression. Antisocial personality disorder— Often takes anti-depressants to keep his depression at bay but considering he doesn’t have them in Borderland, he goes off the rails and let’s the intrusive thoughts start to seep in. This often leads to him acting out as a means to find new ways to distract himself from the hurt and past traumas that are usually numbed by the pills. Chishiya loathes to feel anything. He’d much rather be emotionless and numb while getting off on other people’s pain. He’s a bit of a sociopath.

Weapons: Makeshift taser, makeshift flamethrower, switchblade and makeshift bombs. Basically anything he can get his hands on, he’ll try and craft it into a weapon.

♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️

Backstory:

Born to two doctors, Chishiya comes from a rich family— but quickly learned the hard way that money doesn’t buy happiness. From a young age, Chishiya learned how to be independent due to his parents never being there for him. He learned how to cook, clean and look after himself. Pretty much the result of both his parents being pressured by society to start a family, Chishiya was the product of what his parents hoped would get people off their backs once and for all.

Neglected and forgotten about half the time, Chishiya grew bitter to the world around him believing that humanity is inheritently selfish and that love doesn’t exist.

Forced into med school by his father by the time he was eighteen, Chishiya accepted his fate and tried to see the positive of joining the profession thinking that perhaps if he could help people then he could find the meaning of life and prove to himself that humanity wasn’t all that bad after all.. unfortunately it only lead him further down the path of bitterness to the world around him.

Never returning home after graduating and with a degree now under his belt, Chishiya opted to completely cut off all contact with his parents and changed his phone number to start anew. Soon after, he sealed a position at Sakurazawa University Hospital, starting out as a medical intern. At first all was well and he could actually see a decent future for himself there. Things were looking up and he was finally helping people and healing a part of himself in the process.. that was until the letters started to roll in and he was forced to prioritise the treatment of richer patients, the less fortunate often dying due to much needed treatment and surgeries that got delayed. 9/10 times, they were kids that died..

Depression quickly set in and Chishiya fell into despair, completely growing numb to everything and the last of his hope for humanity, and to find his calling in life diminished. Death didn’t bother him anymore. Nothing did, and he learned to stop caring about anything and everyone including himself.

It’s why he treats Borderland as a playground and has little concern for his own life, using sarcasm as a shield to hide behind. His mindset is: Now he gets to choose who lives and who dies. Oh how the tables have turned.

**More to be added.**

[sminny-wew]

Meeting of the Nettos

-

THUD!

After what felt like an eternity of freefall, Megaman.EXE suddenly hit solid, hard ground.

"Oww..." The orange navi groaned from his landing spot on the ground. After taking a moment to recover and gather himself, Megaman pulled himself upright and tried to inspect his surroundings.

He blinked his green eyes in confusion. He was standing in some kind of strange, white void. He squinted his eyes, straining to understand how far the space stretched, but no matter how hard he focused, he could not make out any sort of horizon; there didn't even seem to be a floor, despite the ground feeling completely solid beneath his feet. It couldn't possibly be the real world, but this place didn't feel like anywhere on the net, either. Was he dreaming somehow?

"Where the heck am I??" he cried out.

"Whoa! Another navi me?!"

Megaman whirled around at the voice of a sudden new presence in the void, and found himself face-to-face with...

...himself?

The other navi definitely had his face, but certain other details were different. He had the same orange gloves and boots, but his bodysuit was a plain black compared to his own dark orange. He also wore a full orange helmet, with a white antenna on both sides and short tufts of dark artificial hair poking out at the back. All the same, the Hikari family crest rested on the front of his helmet, the sides, and on his chest. But perhaps the biggest (and most curious) difference was that the other navi had brown eyes.

Hub's eyes.

"Whoa...!" The delayed shock finally struck Megaman, and he jumped in surprise. "Who are you? Why do you look like me??"

"That's what I wanna know!" said the lookalike, seeming oddly less surprised than Megaman figured he should be, and far more excited. "You're a Netto too, right?"

He blinked. "Huh?"

"Ah, wait, you go by Lan, don't you?"

Megaman's eyes widened slightly at the use of his real name, and he forced out a rather unconvincing laugh. "I dunno where you got that name from, but you're looking at the one and only Megaman!"

The other navi's eyes lit up in a surge of excitement. "No way! You go by Megaman too??"

Megaman deflated slightly. "Y-Yeah...? Is that name common around...wherever we are?"

"Sorta," said the other Megaman, "But in my case, I'm not usually a navi."

"Aaaaand you lost me," said Megaman, his brows furrowed in confusion, and brought a hand to his chin. "Hey, wait. If you're really another me, then...were you made the same way?"

The other Megaman shrugged. "I dunno, did you and your Rockman fight an ancient net entity that grants people's wishes by warping reality?"

Megaman merely blinked in silence.

The other Megaman grinned sheepishly, rubbing his hand against the nape of his neck. "Guess not."

Megaman let out a small sigh and shifted into a sitting position. "Normally I don't like to talk about when I was made. But, weirdly enough, I feel like I could talk to you about it because you remind me of more than just...well, me. You kinda remind me of Hub, too."

The other Megaman tilted his head with curious interest, moving to join him on the ground. "Who's Hub?"

"He's my operator. He's kind of shy and quiet, but he's a really nice and friendly kid. He's also really smart and focused!! Without him, I never would've stood a chance against World Three or anybody else!"

"Hey," said the other Megaman suddenly, "Just, out of curiosity, are you and Hub...twins?"

Megaman's eyes widened. "I...how'd you know?"

The other Megaman gave a weak smile. "Normally, I can be pretty clueless about a lot of things. But, if you're me, and you're a navi, and you were made, then...I think I understand."

Brown eyes locked with green.

"You were the one who had HBD, weren't you?"

Megaman gulped, but it was more of a phantom reflex than anything else. "...Yeah. When we were born, Hub turned out perfectly healthy, but...I wasn't so lucky." He shook his head, as though to ward off any negative thoughts. "But Dad didn't wanna give up on me. He worked day and night, trying to incorporate my DNA with the Navi Project to bring me back. And eventually, right around Hub's 10th birthday...there I was, all finished and ready to meet him. We've been together ever since: stopping netcrime and making the world a better place for humans and navis to live peacefully." He tilted his head downward. "I just wish we weren't always separated by a screen."

A silence hung between the two orange navis. Neither was entirely sure what to say next.

"...Are you mad at your dad?"

Megaman looked to his counterpart. "For what?"

"For doing that to you. Did he ever make you feel...inferior? Like you were just a backup of the real Lan?"

Megaman's brow raised. Where was this coming from? "Not...really? I mean, for a while I couldn't tell Hub who I was even though I really wanted to, and it was kinda hard to keep it secret, but other than that...Dad always seemed to think of me as Lan. I mean...I feel like I'm the real Lan. Never really had any reason to doubt myself."

The other Megaman hummed flatly. "Gotcha."

Feeling a sense of concern, Megaman side-eyed his counterpart. "Is...is your Hub okay?"

The other Megaman gave a solemn nod. "His name's Saito, actually, but he also goes by Rockman. And...he wasn't okay for a while, but I didn't know it at first. He'd been building fences around his true feelings and keeping them hidden, so I never knew just how much he was hurting." He brought a hand to his chest. "He was so scared at first when the entity switched our places. I had to keep reminding him to breathe just so he wouldn't pass out. I could tell he was really excited to be human and getting to just, live, y'know? But he felt like he didn't deserve it, like he'd stolen my life from me. Like he'd stolen Saito's life."

He looked back to Megaman, though the melancholy on his face had given way to vigor, and his brown eyes shone with it. "But after everything we've been through together, especially on Torishima...I feel like those fences are finally gone, and me and Saito are closer than ever! Brothers, no matter what!"

That smile was infectious, and Megaman couldn't help himself. "Yeah...just like me and Hub! Nothing can stop us, 'cause no matter what, we're always connected!" He then sighed defeatedly. "I just wish one of them was here now, they could help us find a way out of this place."

"I guess we better go find the others then."

Megaman did a double take. "Others??"

"Yeah! You didn't think we were the only ones here, did you?" He stood up and gestured for Megaman to follow him. "C'mon!"

The two walked for some time, though exactly how long, Megaman wasn't certain. For all he knew, time may not even exist in this endless white void. But, soon enough, they came upon a growing crowd, and Megaman's eyes widened.

An entire group of other Lans, or Nettos, or whatever they called themselves, stood amongst each other. They were either chatting, laughing, or just looking around in excited confusion. Some were navis, just like him. Others seemed to be completely human. At least one of them even appeared to be a girl.

Netto Megaman slung his arm around his shocked counterpart's shoulder. "We still don't really know where we are, but since it just seems to be other Nettos and Lans here, I've been calling it 'the Nettoverse'! Pretty cool, huh? It's like something out of a superhero movie!"

His mind spinning faster than he could keep up with, Lan Megaman shook his head.

"This...is...AWESOME!"

[ceph-the-ghost-writer]

OC Interview

Tagged many moons ago by @orphanheirs! Rolled a die and it chose Elfy! (She'll be writing this rather than signing.)

Are you named after anyone?

Nope, not unless you count dolphins! My parents thought the full version, Delfina, looked similar to "dolphin". (They learned later it actually means "of Delphi", as in the ancient Greek archaeological site. Which they still thought was cool. It is.) Plus there aren't any other women in my family with that name. My nickname comes from the "elf" part of Delfina, and a childhood of being obsessed with fairytales and folklore. Having my head in the clouds, basically.

When was the last time you cried?

It was while laughing at Isaac the last time he went with me on an investigation. He's calm and casual around things like rattlesnakes, scorpions, even wolves and mountain lions. But he gets jumpy about the stuff he can't see--like ghosts! I had him do some EVP sessions, and he handled the recording equipment like it was rigged to explode.

Do you have kids?

No, but maybe some day. When I slow down a little. (And find someone who can co-parent with me.)

Do you use sarcasm a lot?

Not a lot, but my expression will let you know when I am!

What’s the first thing you notice about people?

Their body language and how they carry themselves. You can tell a lot about someone just by how they stand or sit. (Not their whole story obviously, but a general overview of their current situation.) If someone's stiff and proper, or slouched and worried, that type of thing.

What’s your eye colour?

They're brown, like most people's. What a weird question. Why isn't it ever about how long your eyelashes are? Or whether your eyes sparkle, or if they have creases at the corners from smiling? (Mine do, and I have medium length lashes.)

Scary movies or happy endings?

Scary! I'm in the Spirits Department for a reason.

Any special talents?

Finding trouble and giving it the slip afterwards, teehee.

Where were you born?

In Charlottesville, Virginia since my parents wanted to be close to family when they had me. I spent part of the summers there as a kid for the same reason, though I grew up around Chicago, Illinois for most of the year. Did you know that more cities in Virginia are named after women than any other state? Probably explains why I like them so much.

Do you have any pets?

I have a cat! His name is Scurvy because he has a patch of black that's right over one of his eyes. And he likes to play with/chew on limes whenever I have some on the kitchen counter.

What sort of sports do you play?

I joined a local soccer group briefly once. Mostly to hook up with a woman who was part of it, though.

How tall are you?

About 5'3", not counting my hair.

What was your favorite subject in school?

English and history because both involved stories about other people, and how they shaped the world.

What is your dream job?

I'm already doing it! (Though I'd never say no to a pay increase.)

Taglist and blank questions below

Dysthanasia Taglist: @thecyrulik @thatndginger @sunset-a-story @space-writes @scoundrelwithboba

Additionally: @nailamoonsi @meerawrites @wintherlywords @theprissythumbelina @elrallin

Blank questions:

When was the last time you cried? Do you have kids? Do you use sarcasm a lot? What’s the first thing you notice about people? What’s your eye colour? Scary movies or happy endings? Any special talents? Where were you born? Do you have any pets? What sort of sports do you play? How tall are you? What was your favorite subject in school? What is your dream job?

[lavender-bundle-blithe]

I Died and Reincarnated as a Tiger Prince?! | BSD!AU

( . . . ) I've been watching too much isekai/slice of life/fantasy anime lately, so I'm just gonna put some random stuff here and just- tackle it later, I don't know what's become of my brain- (Welcome to my brain, I am sorry in advance)

Right out of the park: Atsushi ends up dying in the orphanage.

The next thing he knows, he wakes up to an otherworldly universe that's full on fantasy; I mean "Dahlia in Bloom", "By The Grace of the Gods", HELL EVEN "Snow White with the Red Hair" too.

We have magic, guilds, monsters, mystical beasts, you name it!

Anyways- he wakes up in what looks to be an infirmary, but it was... different. For one thing, there was a nurse and someone else there.

They introduce themselves as the royal doctor, Yosano Akiko, and the royal captain guard, Byakko, who she claims to be his mother though the difference between her and Atsushi were evident; she was a pure shapeshifter but human, and Atsushi is a white tiger half-human.

They kept it vague but explained that he was now safe, and would be living with the royal family in the mountains, where they are now currently. He doesn't have to worry about what happened before, but he has a hunch it's something similar to the orphanage, though he never brought it up.

Byakko teaches Atsushi all she knows about this world, their home practically converted into a big library. Which he didn't mind, he adored reading as much as he did back in the orphanage. Although his new features are still something he needs to get used to.

He becomes acquainted with the people in the castle; their staff, the administration, and the royal family. But the most he found himself staying close to was his mother when she does guard training or the bandaged brunet prince and his begrudging advisor who is half/half wanting to strangle said prince. But if either were busy, he would hole himself in the castle library or befriend the people that live in the castle besides the royal family.

As he grows, Atsushi learns about combat and magic to the point he's mastered even his mother's magic besides his own (that being turning into a tiger) and especially how the world works. But never once has he left the castle, only ever staring at the castle walls and into the town on the mountain with them. Because even then, the mental scar from the orphanage still haunt him that the outside world was dangerous.

News spread quickly of the royal family gaining a new member, a white tiger human with unique colored hair and eyes to boot. Atsushi thought that it was normal as people can be born half-human. But apparently not as rare as a white tiger half-human. Nevertheless, that hasn't stopped him from living a life that he wished for years.

By the age of 18, a royal family from the coast came to visit for some kind of business; an alliance of sorts. They have been neighbors, but things have always been neutral but it has for as long as history reads, so they may as well start an alliance supported by a trade system and something else.

At first, they were thinking of a marriage proposal between their gingerheaded guard captain and the bandaged brunet, but it seemed the news of the new tiger prince reached them, and suggested a second marriage proposal; this time with either half-human black dragon siblings and Atsushi.

(A/N: Damn, this really happened because I'm got invested in slice-of-life-isekai-fantasy anime, christ. This post was supposed to be vague bullet points on an idea that seemed interesting [hell I even did the cheesy name title and everything] but the more I got to typing this and visualizing it in my head, the more it became fleshed out and- hhhhhh T~T"" | aaaaaaaaaaa yeah I don't know what else to say other than it'll be a while until I flesh this out entirely, and yes I made this entirely because I've been watching By the Grace of the Gods and just- yes- I don't know what else to say on that- | Atsushi getting to know everyone is-like- season 1. The marriage proposals and surprise surprise SSKK is season 2.)

[roselyn-writing]

I changed Derek’s appearance because he looked similar to my other male OCs; Black hair, Fair skin, Blue eyes and etc. I made him different by giving him a tanned skin, chestnut brown hair and his blue eyes remained lol.

Full Name: Derek Monrik.

Age: 50 Y.O.

Date of birth: 21 November 1180. (Virginian time and year).

Hair: Brown.

Eyes: Blue.

Skin tone: Tan.

Favourite food: Burgers, Steaks. French Fries.

Least Favourite food: Peanuts, beans.

Favourite colours: Brown, Blue, Black.

Aesthetics: Royal Aesthetics, Bandit Aesthetic, Police (Sheriff) Aesthetics. Prince aesthetics.

Weapons: Enchanted Sword.

Hobbies: Practice with his sword and riding his favourite white horse, He named it (Buck).

Derek is inspired by Prince Charming (OUAT). And the other princes who gone rogue. I’m a big history lover lol.

Lore

Derek Monrik was born into the Royal family of The Monriks; to a Kingdom called ��Verdantia’.

He was the second-born child of Queen Eveliyn and King James. He couldn’t see his family, Because they were invaded by their mortal enemy Kingdom: The ‘Lothlorien’.

The Lothlorien army quickly raided their Kingdom. King James, Queen Eveliyn, and Their oldeer son, Bernard managed to find his baby brother ‘Derek’ and they escaped the Kingdom. Fleeing from the enemy.

Once, King Leonidas of The Lothlorien Kingdom entered King James's old castle. He and his wife, Queen Adaia, sat on the thrones; Declaring this Kingdom is now theirs.

He raised his hand. “I hereby declare this kingdom is ours!” Leonidas announced. His tone is laden with pride and joy.

Hours later, One of the maids brought a baby to King Leonidas. She told him that she found the baby in a hidden basket in one of the princes' rooms.

King Leonidas took the baby. He held it like he held his baby. The moment he looked at the baby, He knew it was King James's son. He had a sinister smile plastered on his face. He will raise the child so that when he grows up, He will task him to kill King James, his father, and his brother, Bernard, His real family, Which He would never know, Because he was abandoned.

King Leonidas raised Derek as his son. Because, He is sterile and he couldn’t have children. So, Derek was his only chance to experience Parenthood. And he was happy with it.

Years go by, and Derek grows up to be the best and strongest Prince in the kingdom. Known for his chivalry, strength and kindness. His name was on every tongue. Everyone knows him and love him.

Prince Derek: The Venerated Prince-Knight, was tasked by other kings to slay Dragons, Demons, Creatures, etc. He killed one of the most feared and fiercest dragons was ever known to Virginians. ‘The Latroshka’ it literally means:‘Face of Death’ in the Virginian language. Once he killed it, King Midas paid King Leonidas handsomely.

His second best achievement was the killing of the Aleazēt which was a Demoness living in a statue named by the same name: ‘Aleazēt’ She lived in a black statue of a naked woman with messy long hair.

The Aleazēt was known to corrupt people, enslave them and use them for her own purposes. He was tasked to kill her by King Oberon, King Leonidas and his soldiers camped near the Aleazēt place.

Derek managed to find her and broke the statue to pieces. He thought she was dead, So, He returned to his father to tell him about the succession of his mission.

King Leonidas looked at him. He has a neutral expression. “When you killed her did something appear?” King Leonidas queried. His tone was neutral.

Derek shook his head. “No, Nothing appeared, It just broke to pieces,”

King Leonidas facepalmed at Derek revelation. “Then, You didn’t kill her, Go back and finish the job!” He commanded with a firm tone.

Derek once again left for the statue of Aleazēt. He was astounded to see the statue there Like nothing happened! Like it was never shattered. So, Derek took his sword and started to smash the statue, Breaking it into millions of pieces. He didn’t stop until he heard a loud shriek of a woman.

In just a matter of milliseconds, He blinked for seconds, Startled by the sudden sound, he quickly looked around to find the source and that's when he saw her – a mysterious black woman with skin as black as onyx - eyes as red as garnets, and her hair falling on her face like a thick river of blackness, Lying right in front of him; It was none other than Aleazēt herself! His heart raced as he realized the gravity of the situation.

The moment she tried to escape or resist, Derek acted swiftly, drawing his sword and striking her with a forceful blow that sliced her in two; She let out a piercing scream that echoed through the air. But instead of blood and flesh, Derek was met with a cloud of black dust and sand that blinded him momentarily. With a quick reflex, he shielded his eyes and regained his focus. It was a thrilling victory, and he had completed his mission successfully.

He returned to the camp one again. He informed his father that he finally killed her. To prove it, He handed his father a potion bottle filled with black sand. That was Aleazēt remains.

His father, King Leonidas, Smiled proudly and congratulated his son. “Excellent! I’m so proud of you!” He cried happily.

To thank Derek for his help. They hosted a large and luxurious party for his honour. There, He met Princess Charlotte, The daughter of King Midas.

King Midas smiled as he introduced his daughter to Prince Derek and King Leonidas, She was beautiful, elegant but she was a spoil brat.

King Midas suggested that Prince Derek should ask for his daughter hand’s in marriage. But, He has to earn it by killing a notorious Siren: ‘Lady of the rocks’ She lived and guarded a beautiful lake decorated with rocks and rocky landscapes. It is called Lake ‘Na’rinda’

After the party, King Leonidas and his son, Prince Derek sat to discuss the next mission of Derek. King Leonidas told of him the Siren, Cordelia.

“Cordelia, The beautiful and seductive yet murderous Siren of the Na’rinda Lake, luring in all who come to the lake to pull them to their watery graves.” That was what King Leonidas told his son, Prince Derek, about the deadly yet alluring siren.

Derek was with Princess Charlotte in the royal carriage. King Midas asked his daughter to accompany them. Suddenly, The driver of the carriage stopped.

Derek exited the carriage to see what made the driver stop, The driver told him there is a big tree that had been cut down and its blocking their way. Derek strolled to the big fallen tree to investigate. He surveyed his eyes at the sight in front of him. He noticed it has been cut clean, Not by accident at all. He deduced someone made this trap.

He helped the driver and his men to remove the tree. Suddenly, He heard a loud scream coming from Princess Charlotte. A thief had stolen her golden bracelet and took off.

Prince Derek immediately goes after the thief. He knocked the person down, and he discovers that thief is a woman.

“You are a girl?” Prince Derek gasped.

“A woman.” She corrected him. Then she headbutted him then she ran away.

Prince Derek, Momentarily stunned, He got to his feets. And he vows that he will find her no matter what.

Hours later, The woman exited her cottage, she steps out of it, and she is immediately snagged in a trap, Set by Prince Derek himself.

Derek chuckled as he crossed his arms. “Told you, I will find you.” He grinned.

“Ugh, You again, What do you want?” The woman said, Her tone is laden with annoyance.

“You know what I want! give the golden bracelet back!”

“Fine, I will give your bracelet back. But! You should release me first!”

Derek rolled his eyes but he released the woman from the tree-trap. After he released her. She handed him the bracelet.

Derek wasn’t interested in the bracelet. He was pondering the woman’s face. She is beautiful.

Her skin is creamy and flawless — Her long curly black hair cascaded down her shoulders and back like a waterfall – gentle hazelnut eyes with a hint of a green colour in them. She has a slender body-build that is covered with brown and white bandit outfit.

Derek was admiring her but he realised himself and took the golden bracelet from her. He looked at her with a neutral facial expression.

“What’s your name?” He asked.

“Eevie.” She replied. “You?”

“Prince Derek.”

“Nice to meet you. ‘Prince’”

“So, What are you doing here?”

“Nothing much, Just stealing so I can eat.”

“Where’s your family?”

“I don’t have a family.”

There was an awkward silent between. Derek felt sorry for Eevie. He knew she has a tough life. He inserted his hand inside his pocket and handed her a sac full of gold. She was surprised. She looked at him for explanation.

“You need more than I do.” came his reply. His tone was firm yet full of compassion.

She smiled as she took the gold sac. “Thank you.”

Prince Derek smiled. He looked at her for one final moment. Before he leave.

“I hope we cross paths again,” Derek said then he left.

Eevie smiled. She looked at Derek’s back as he was walking away, until, He disappeared into the thick forest of trees and grass.

At this moment; Derek knew who his heart chose. And that was Eevie. He never wanted to marry someone out of power and ‘kingdoms relations’. He wanted to marry out of love.

Derek told his father he doesn’t want to marry King Midas’s daughter: Princess Charlotte. Instead, He wanted to marry out of love.

Enraged, King Leonidas demanded his son to take back his words and he’d marry Princess Charlotte, Not because of money or riches, He wanted his son to marry a noble or a royal woman. He doesn’t want his own son to defile his bloodline.

Derek looked at his father with his serious facial expression. He stated his reasons. And he will not abandon what his heart desires.

Before King Leonidas could grab his son’s hand to so he could stay and talk more. Derek looked at his father and self-exiled himself. He ran to his room. Took some possessions: Gold and clothes. Then he left the palace.

He entered the horse stable, He ride his trusted white horse and took off to the forest, Where Eevie is.

After encountering Eevie once more, he mustered up the courage to confess his love for her. To his delight, she smiled and reciprocated his feelings, and the two fell deeply in love. They decided to get married and start a new life together away from the chaos and drama of royalty. They settled in a cozy home in the woods and lived happily ever after with one another.

In modern world, Derek works as a sheriff in Moirvdonne police department and he is so good at his job.

This is the Lore of Derek Monrik. I hope you like it! 🖤🖤😊.

[polutrope]

Hi! If you're still taking the Silm phrase prompts, Finrod + shadows of things that were yet to be? — @emyn-arnens

Thank you for the prompt! This is quite a bit different from my usual. I experimented with writing a draft by hand, and this is what came out.

~1400 words of child Finrod, recounting the experience of one of his first forebodings. On AO3.

I was born in Tirion, in my father’s wing of the Palace, but I was still a babe when Mother first brought me to Alqualondë.

When I told Father this story, he asked, “How do you remember that?” But I remember everything, like Grandfather Olwë who they say has the longest and clearest memory of all the Eldar, at least of those who made the Journey to Aman (he says his brother Elwë remembered more). As the Noldor, my father’s people, have the greatest skill in craft and lore, the Teleri, my mother’s people, have the greatest skill with memory. For the Teleri call themselves Lindar, Singers, not only because they have the most beautiful voices, but because they perceive the world and their lives within it as a Song. Each emotion a note, each experience a chord, each event a whole movement. Songs, at their root, are stories. And when you make stories of your life, you never forget. 

Sometimes, we even remember things that have not yet come to pass. This is called foreknowledge or foretelling. It is not unusual for the Eldar, Father says, but I am very young to have such powers (as he calls them). He didn’t say as much, but because I can hear minds even when they do not speak with voices, I know that he thinks this particular foretelling should not be possible in the Blessed Realm. Perhaps he is right that this memory is not a foretelling at all but thoughts and images my mind put together in a story to help me make sense of them. But Queen Míriel died in Aman, so perhaps what I saw on that first visit to Alqualondë could happen also.

Mother had me swaddled to her chest in a sling, and her voice purred in my ears as she held up one arm to point: “See, Ingo? There is the great mansion your grandfathers built together. Olwë envisioned its rounded shapes and its roof like cresting waves, and Finwë made it strong using the language of numbers and patterns.” The wind was whipping my soft hair around my face and she stroked it back. “But come, let me show you the most beloved creation of our people.” I felt the rhythm of her footfalls as she walked us down the pier. “For in the building of ships we received no aid from the Noldor. Ossë taught us this craft before we came to these shores.” She took her arms away from me for a moment, to help her up the ladder onto the royal swanship.

My head fell back and I saw the tall mast reaching up, up, up into the sky streaked with pink and gold. The sky is never as bright and blue here as it is in Tirion, for the Pelóri stand between Laurelin and the coast. Mother was still speaking to me in her lilting voice, bouncing and cupping my little body with both hands, but her words faded to a murmur of sound without meaning. 

“Stop them!” a voice cried, and my sight was obscured as with a grey gauze. “They are manning the ships! Stop!” Something whizzed past at the very edge of my field of vision, and I looked down to see what it was. Perhaps a seabird swooping low. I looked up at Mother, but she smiled at me and showed no sign of noticing. 

Again something flew past and I knew it for an arrow. I had only seen anyone use a bow once, when we visited Uncle Nolofinwë soon after I was born. Cousin Findekáno had been in the courtyard practising his shot with a bow made for play. But these arrows flying between the shadowy veil between the present—on my mother’s chest, a bright warm day—and the memory of what would be—dark, dark as the blackness of sleep, and full of shouts—were long and swift and some struck the ships so hard their points drove right through. Someone screamed. I did not see them fall, but I heard the splash that swallowed the scream in the sea. I had never heard anyone scream that way, as if all their voice was loosed at once. It pushed a scream from my lungs, too, and Mother’s lips stopped moving and she held me closer and hid my eyes against her chest. But that was worse, because it hid the bright day so that all I could see now was the dark memory full of shouts and clanging metal and whizzing arrows and bodies falling in the water. 

“Shh, shh,” she said, bouncing up and down to comfort me. I pounded my fists against her chest, pushing so I could see again with my eyes. Then I found her face, and she was smiling and started to sing. Mother’s songs are powerful. She pulled me back from the shadowy place. “Are you hungry?” she asked when my tears had stopped. No, I was not hungry, but I could not tell her because I could not yet shape words with my mouth. “Come, let us go back and find you some fishcakes. Would you like that, my golden star?”

Later, when I could speak with words, I did not tell anyone of that memory. By then I had many other memories layered on top of eachother, both of things that had been and things that would be. Most were joyous, and those ones I made into songs that made others smile and laugh and sometimes cry, but always with happiness. I did try, once, to put the memory from the swanship into a song, but it made my heart tighten and my stomach twist and I did not think it would be fair to share such unpleasant feelings with others. 

Then a few days ago, Turukáno (he is my favourite cousin) came to visit us in Alqualondë. Our mothers took us to the beach, and we built sandcastles and splashed in the waves. While we were playing, Turukáno suddenly went very still and his skin was full of tiny bumps as if he was cold, even though it was an especially warm day and there was no wind. I hugged him to warm him with my body but he did not move for some time. When he came back, and met my eyes, he didn’t say anything. We went in and wrapped up in our towels, and Mother gave us juice and melon and soon he was smiling and laughing again. 

But I was not able to put out of my mind the strange mood that had come over my friend, so when we were tucked in bed for sleep, I asked him what had happened. 

“It is nothing,” he said at first. But Turukáno and I shared everything, so I asked him again. Then he told me what had frozen him with fear: it was the same memory, or very similar, I’d had on the swanship with my mother. 

It was not the first time Turukáno and I shared a memory. We share dreams often, sometimes on purpose, so that we can be together even when he is Tirion and I am in Alqualondë. But we’d never shared this sort of memory. Poor Turukáno had never even had a memory of the future before!  

When Father came in to check that we were asleep and found me holding Turukáno and Turukáno crying, of course he was worried. But I wouldn’t tell him what happened, not then, because Turukáno was so scared already. 

“I promise to tell in the morning,” I told Father. 

So I did, I told him this morning, because I did not want him to worry. I think it would have been better if I had not, because he has been walking about the home all day fretting with the hem of his tunic. I heard him asking Mother if he should tell Anairë, because of Turukáno, and if she thought we should make a journey to Lórien to ask the Vala’s aid in “interpreting memories”. 

But Irmo knows the Theme of Arda, what if we discover that the memory Turukáno and I shared is true? I do not think I could live with that certainty. I know that Turukáno could not. Father will not force me to go, and I won’t. It is safer, I have decided, for some memories not to be put into speech or Song. 

Thanks to @cuarthol for the beta!

[thekingofthenameless]

Tell me your top 3 OCs

Thanks for the ask!!! :D

My top two are definitely Merlin and Charlie!

(I have other ocs of course, but I have no thoughts about them rn because I’m writing a oneshot specifically centered around these two, so I’m just gonna talk about their bond for the third lmao.)

1. Merlin:

Merlin (full name Merlin Caledonensis Ambrosius) is a Black transgender aroace man! (Specially non-partnering, as well as being romance and sex repulsed.) He’s also neurodivergent: he has schizophrenia, psychosis (as a symptom of it), misophonia, and Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

He has a carefully crafted image of himself that he’s made as a way to survive, and no one besides Charlie, Ganieda, or Vivian will know his true self.

He hides it all under being a very mellow person.

He’ll smile easily, make shitty puns, converse with most people he comes across, give advice and trade knowledge freely without there being any catch, unlike some others out there.

Many consider him a friend, one of the most renowned protectors of magic, and one of the most famous magical beings, that everyone at least knows the name of. (Despite the demons that apparently have plagued his mind for centuries.)

But both he and his dragon are shrouded in myths and legends that no one knows are true or not, and he’ll never confirm or deny, simply dodging the curiosity or asking about the questioner with a smile.

(Unless it’s about being secretly married, because then he’ll go on a disgusted rant about being thrust into romance, and how he’s never been in a relationship, and he doesn’t need it, he has Charlie and his sister and his friends.)

His secrecy isn’t just limited to his past; it’s to the point that he feels exposed if someone simply finds out something he likes.

He usually doesn’t think about the fact that he’s constantly hiding parts of himself to make him seem more palatable, but when he does, he resents it. (And understands, because he’s hard to deal with. He has no idea why Charlie still loves him, sometimes.)

Just a few of the secrets he holds close to his chest are being naturally left-handed, hiding it behind the mask of ambidexterity that he taught himself. His complete and utter lack of romantic or sexual attraction, to the point of being repulsed at the idea. His aversion to a frankly maddening amount of sounds, and being born a girl, who hadn’t wanted to change his reproductive organs because they didn’t make him feel distressed and not at home in his own body like his breasts.

The voices in his mind tell him that everyone knows, no matter how hard he’s tried to hide them, and that they’ll hurt him again; Charlie has to constantly reassure him that no one else knows besides the two of them. (But not that he’d never betray him by revealing them. He’ll always trust his familiar, and Charlie knows that.)

Art Dump! (And an excerpt of his appearance from another character’s point of view because I’m lazy lol)

Click on the pictures for better quality and to see the whole thing! (The old one is his first, older design; the second one is his current one.)

[Amos] tries not to stare, taking in his appearance nonetheless. The man who is apparently Merlin seems to be only a couple of inches shorter than him, even from where he’s standing. Long white hair, that shines like freshly fallen snow, rests halfway down his back. It’s locked into thick strands that remind him of strong rope, tied up into a mid-high ponytail. Every side of his head is shaved, showing softer but still coarse hair that glimmers like frost. “Merlin,” Uther calls. “I have someone for you to meet.” He turns, revealing his face. He’s beautiful. He’s Black; his skin is a warm, dark brown. Several scars (one on the left side of his forehead, above his eyebrow; another spanning from his forehead to his nose, ending a little below his eyes; and the last across his left cheek) darker than his skin adorn his face. His eyebrows, eyelashes, and beard (which has a coarse, curly texture) are as white as his hair. His almond shaped eyes are a lighter shade of blue, with orange rings around his pupils. Eyebags darker than his skin, but a different shade than his scars, are under them. The bridge of his nose is prominent, making it curve. An aquiline nose, if he remembers correctly. He hasn’t seen anyone who has it in a while. He’s wearing a dark green bliaut, (that shows some of his chest, and he has to quickly look away) brown pants, a long, hooded blue cape, and brown heeled boots. A necklace, which is only a gem held with black string, rests against his neck. A bracelet is on his right wrist, and a ring is on his right hand’s second finger.

2. Charlie:

Charlie (full name Charlemagne William Ambrosius) seems a little rougher around the edges than his wizard, but he’s still nice (once he gets to know someone).

If he doesn’t know them yet, he won’t hide the fact that he stares them down while gauging their character. And even if he does, if they aren’t Ganieda or Vivian, he’ll still give them the same stare if they say or do something that could register as a possible threat to his beloved. (Yes, he calls Merlin that now. You’re welcome.)

He’ll say the things that Merlin thinks but won’t say, and doesn’t care that he comes off as mean or blunt sometimes either.

No one else’s opinion matters as long as Merlin is safe.

Anyone trying to separate the two of them, no matter for how long, immediately comes off as suspicious to him. People have attempted to take advantage of his familiar’s illness in the past, by convincing him that their actions weren’t real and were things he hallucinated or imagined. Sometimes, they also do the opposite and make him remember things that never happened.

And there’s the separation that still haunts both of them in different ways.

He’d been out hunting (which takes hours, since he’s a 3,000 pound dragon that eats a lot, but at least he only needs to eat every 4-5 days) leaving Merlin behind with their mutual acquaintance, Mordecai. His familiar had been feeling slightly tired, but neither of them were too worried; he’d hopefully sleep it off.

When he returned, Merlin was gone.

After hours of frantically trying to contact him through their telepathic bond multiple times while tracking his scent, he found a monastery.

His companion’s scent led him down to a dungeon, which had a chair with blood at its feet. And it continued in a trail somewhere else.

He had to quell his rising terror and fury to focus on finding him, following the blood and still strong scent upstairs.

Finally, he’d found the door that Merlin seemed to be behind, and he entered quietly when he only heard silence.

Even after seeing the blood, he still wasn’t expecting Merlin on a bed, sheets under him bloodied and stained, two corpses on the floor.

He was curled into himself, staring off at nothing.

They’d tortured him, broken him.

He never wants to see his beloved look that like again.

Art dump and excerpt:

(Like Merlin, the old one is his first, older design; the second one is his current one.)

(Charlemagne stares at [Uther] the whole time, red eyes almost glowing in the dim light.) How is no one else unnerved by him? He’s entirely unsettling, with those red eyes, (at least they have white sclera; that helps with making him look slightly less monstrous) giant, feathered wings colored like lava, and thick-furred body colored like soil and fire. (What kind of dragon has fur and feathers, anyways?) Besides that, the mark of being a familiar adorns his leg, for lack of a better word, unable to be hidden.

Their bond:

(To help with some things, cambions and dragons both age extremely slowly! Cambions age one year in every five years; dragons age one year in every fifty-five years.)

Yes, I did math for this lmao.

(Dragons also turn fully adult at five years old [two hundred seventy-five chronologically]. At a year old [fifty-five], they’re still too small to open their eyes. Five years later [60], they’ve opened, but their teeth haven’t grown in yet. Ten years later [70], they’re able to be weaned off milk. At two years old [110], they’re able to speak. From there, the main changes are their bodies slowly changing into adulthood.)

Merlin and Charlie have been familiars for a long time: over 4,000 years. (I don’t have an exact year yet. 😓) The two of them have been best friends, and inseparable for most of their lives.

Merlin, pre-transition, as a thirteen year old (chronologically 65) on the cusp of puberty, found him abandoned by his parents in the woods. They didn’t think he’d survive for much longer; the only reason he wasn’t classified as a runt was because mammalian dragons only have one offspring at a time.

At a year old (chronologically 55), he was too small to even open his eyes, but he could hear. Merlin’s hands gently ran over his fur, murmuring soothing words, getting him used to the feeling, voice and scent of human, before he gently cradled him in his arms and took him home. The little kit would be eaten by anything opportunistic enough if he didn’t.

Adhan was used to her son’s empathetic nature, but she never expected him to bring home a dragon.

Eventually, she was convinced, though.

Merlin fed him cow’s milk from a wooden bowl, hoping that he would able to digest it. (He was, fortunately.)

He looked down at the kit, colored like soil and fire, and lava all in one, and decided to name him Charlemagne William. He wasn’t going to give him his last name just yet.

Merlin always knew he was more intelligent than an average animal, no matter what anyone else thought, and talked to him as though he was human even back then.

Soon, it became commonplace to see the two of them together, Merlin either holding the little dragon in his arms, or carrying him in the blanket that he wrapped around himself.

Charlie became more affectionate as well, always curling against his side or on his chest.

By the next five years, when Merlin aged into fourteen, there was no concept of the two ever separating, but there was confusion when Charlie stayed the same size and age. (He’d opened his eyes only recently, and his teeth weren’t coming in; he couldn’t eat solid food as a result.)

Amidst Merlin’s worry over his dragon not seeming to grow, puberty slammed into him.

And he didn’t feel like a girl. It wasn’t his clothes; he’d always loved outfits that go down to his knees or farther. It was his body.

He felt too feminine, felt like he was all blossoming curves and soft features. He hated seeing his breasts grow, and he began to bind them, hiding the fact from everyone; fortunately, his healing factor helped offset any negative effects, and everyone was focused on getting Ganieda and Vivian together, anyways.

(Ugh, romance.)

But what he would be if he wasn’t a girl? A man? (Yes, is his answer, deep down.) That was ludicrous.

This would pass.

(It did not pass.)

At night, when everything was quiet, he vented to his dragon about everything, gently cradling him in his arms. How he didn’t feel like a girl and didn’t feel at home in his body. How certain sounds set him off, and people thought he would outgrow it, but he wasn’t, and how he was terrified of telling his family these things. He had to be a good daughter.

(Charlie would nuzzle him, understanding every word, purring as loudly as he could to comfort his beloved wizard.)

Charlie finally started growing more teeth when Merlin was sixteen, chronologically eighty years and six months then. He slowly weaned his dragon, introducing him to different types of meats and other foods. Apparently, they’re omnivorous, but it’s usually easier to just eat meat instead because of their size.

Despite the relief at the fact that his dragon just aged very slowly, his body dysphoria refused to leave. He knew that it wasn’t normal to hate looking at yourself in the mirror, and hate becoming a woman. (Especially since Ganieda accepted it, and loved it, happy to grow older so she and Vivian could marry sooner.)

Sometimes, when he was sure that everyone was asleep, he’d shapeshift into a man under the moonlight streaming through his window. He’d stare at himself, reverently running his hands over his face, quietly walking around his room in the body he so desperately wanted.

But he pushed it down, keeping it a guilty secret. Womanhood was still important to him; he had to be a good daughter, a good sister, and he loved them too much to just leave. But how would they react, if he did tell them?

(Charlie always treated him with the same love, man or woman, affectionately nuzzling him and purring. His eyes held an understanding that he wished everyone else would have.)

Maybe… he could broach the topic with his mother.

He did, eventually, and she gently stroked his steadily growing locs as he curled against her, speaking in nothing louder than a whisper the whole time. (Charlie rested against his feet, quietly watching them both. Adhan easily believed her son about his intelligence, now.)

She didn’t have any advice, in the end. But she kissed his forehead and told him that she’d always love him, no matter what. And if she did end up having a son, then she’d be blessed with the most amazing one she could have.

Twenty-five years later, at twenty-one (one hundred five years old), he shapeshifted into a man again, this time using his magic to make this form his true one. He cried when he was finally able to have the body he’d wanted for so long permanently.

Charlie wrapped around his legs, nuzzling him, and he picked him up, holding his dragon close. He purred loudly, sweet and comforting, even as Merlin’s tears soaked his fur.

Another seventeen years later, when Merlin was twenty-four (one hundred twenty-two), and Charlie was two (one hundred ten); Merlin was reading by the fire, and Charlie was curled against his right side.

Charlie looked up at his wizard adoringly, letting out soft purrs. He wanted to speak, talk to him just as much, and thank him for everything he’s done.

Merlin’s hand reached down to gently scratch his head, and he leaned into the contact, wishing he could speak even more.

Maybe… he could try.

“Merlin?” He said quietly, doing his best to not wriggle in excitement so the surprise wasn’t spoiled.

His wizard looked up at the unfamiliar voice, brow furrowing in confusion. After searching the room, his gaze went back down to him. “Charlie, did you hear that?”

“Yes,” was his simple answer.

Merlin’s mouth dropped open, eyes widening in shock. “What- You just talked.”

He smiled proudly, tail thumping as his wizard’s brain broke. “You can talk.”

After the subsequent reveal, and excitement had died down, they had long conversations that lasted for hours. At the end of it, their bond had only strengthened, and now, they knew things about each other that no one else ever would.

Twenty-three more years later, when Merlin was twenty-nine (one hundred forty-five), his schizophrenia began to set in.

He began to hear people calling his name when they hadn’t; began seeing things out of the corner of his eyes, with nothing being there when he turned around, confused. His food began to taste terrible when he knew it was the same as everyone else’s, and he became terrified of it being poisoned.

Then the voices and delusions started.

They started out positive, but over time they began to tell him crueler things.

His delusions told him that someone has invaded their home and is walking around (he can hear their footsteps), bugs were crawling on his hands in the dark until he turned a light on, or touched Charlie so his glowing spread to his hands.

And they happened over, and over, and over again, but every time it was real until he came out of it and remembered that they aren’t.

At least they usually didn’t last for that long.

But his hallucinations started getting worse, and instead of just hearing nonexistent voices, people and creatures appeared.

Sometimes it made absolute sense that a stranger was in their house. And they weren’t a threat, simply doing things that made him inquire why they were there.

Charlie, who was up to his knees now, was determined to help his wizard.

He suggested putting bells on the door so Merlin can think back and remember if they rang or not before he panics about a stranger being in their house. (It isn’t foolproof, but it does help.)

When the gaps in Merlin’s memory began to get worse, it didn’t matter. He’d remember for him. He’d eat some of his food first so that he knew that it wasn’t poisoned. He’d stay awake when he was afraid of falling asleep.

Merlin took care of him first. It was his turn.

After they fought in battles, and Merlin’s sensitivity to loud noises increased, along with new trauma, his stance didn’t change.

He’d breathe on him instead of calling his name so he doesn’t get as startled, and he’d walk across a room (in the rare occasion of that) instead of yelling for him. He’d do his absolute best to not yell at someone making him angry, no matter how much he wanted to.

He’d understand when Merlin got snappy because of his senses being bombarded with too much, and never blame him for it. He’d lay his head on his stomach as a comforting weight when panic became too much.

He’d say that he loves him, and he’s not going anywhere, he never is, and repeat those words over and over again, as many times as he needs to.

Merlin was sixty-five (three hundred twenty-five), when he became immortal. He could’ve used the spell that makes aging stop at thirty, like Ganieda, but the main reasons he didn’t was because he wanted to have natural white hair, not just changing his hair color, and he thought looking older would make him seem more distinguished. (If he’d aged badly, he would’ve shifted back to his younger appearance and kept the white hair. He didn’t, though.)

Charlie was a fully grown adult at five years old (three hundred thirteen), and just his head was as big as Merlin’s torso.

They went flying together now, and Merlin had crafted a saddle himself. Sometimes it was just a slow, leisurely fly for the sake of it; sometimes it was high speed, filled with loops and falling through the air. They still hardly ever argued about anything, but in the very rare occasion they did, they’d stay in the same room, spending time together in silence so they can calm down and see the other’s point of view. They always, always talked things out in the end.

They share the same feelings towards each other: I love you. I love you so much that I can’t fathom spending time away from you unless it’s absolutely necessary, and I’ve willingly chosen to stay with you for the rest of our lives. This bond was formed by a labor of love, and nothing can ever separate us, except for death.

I know things about you that no one else ever will. Typical familial terms like father figure or brother don’t fit us, because our relationship is far too complex to dilute it down into one role.

Soft whispers and gentle touches define us.

I am not leaving you. I am never leaving you.

One morning, after they woke up intertwined together, like always, there was a mark of swirls and leaves on Charlie’s right front leg, and when Merlin looked at his own body, there was one on his right bicep.

No one knew what they meant, until Merlin’s throat was slit after an ambush.

He didn’t die immediately. He choked on his own blood for at least ten minutes before he passed out, terrified of dying, hoping Charlie was safe, and would be able to recover in the end.

He woke up in a meadow filled with flowers, any signs of his violent death gone.

Before he could panic, a voice called his name.

He turned to see a being with completely dark, blue-ish gray skin.

Her hair, braided in a fishtail, long, feathered wings that almost dragged on the ground, and eyes, subtly glowing, were all completely white.

Golden earrings pierced her ears; a necklace of the same color with a red gem rested against her neck. A circlet that matched both was on her head.

Amara, goddess of life.

He immediately knelt in front of her, averting his eyes. He knew the legends, had seen paintings and murals of her. But why was she here?

Charlie appearing out of nowhere startled him. Completely forgetting about proper etiquette in front of a goddess, he ran to his dragon, stroking his fur and hugging him tightly.

Charlie hadn’t been hurt at all, unlike him. He didn’t know what had happened; he’d been trying to find him since their separation, and suddenly… he was here.

Amara had been quietly watching, smiling. She offered to explain, making both of them look at her; Merlin sheepishly apologized for his lack of decorum. She laughed and waved it off, understanding.

Charlie rested his head against his chest, and Merlin carded his fingers through his fur after they sat down. Amara explained that Merlin wasn’t going to die permanently: his heritage of being the former Anti-Christ had given him resurrective immortality. It was far more pragmatic than to make a new Anti-Christ every time one died. The markings on the two of them were from them becoming familiars, a bond of a precious animal companion and a wizard.

Charlie had received some of Merlin’s powers without them realizing it, which meant that if one of them died, they both would, and they would resurrect together. They also had a telepathic bond, like Merlin and Ganieda.

There was no spell to perform for them to become familiars. It was because they loved each other that much.

They’re still one of the only familiar pairs in the world, even now. Many wizards have animal companions, of course, but none of them have formed that bond created by a labor of love.

Art dump:

THEY ARE EVERYTHING TO ME. YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND.

Artist credits: HappyArt9, cat-gh0ul, NaldThal, heropaws, biposi, and honeyxmonkey!

[malthemagnifisent]

Pairing: Aerin x M!mc (Cyrus)

Plot: Cyrus is feeling the pressure that comes with being a hero. He needs to save the world; he needs to be the best; he can’t disappoint his friends or the people of White Tower. He can’t keep it all inside anymore.

Tag list: @saskieenkeli @lancelotsimp

The library, which Cyrus had originally thought he could have spent a lifetime in and never gotten bored in, had actually quickly become his least favorite place to be because every time he went in, he was always left with more questions than answers.

It was all starting to weigh on him more heavily than he liked to admit, and for some reason, the last few hours spent in the library had been the worst so far. His head was pounding, and every rustle of paper felt like a knife to his skull. There was also the weight pressing down on his shoulders—the unbearable weight of the world that he couldn’t even think of dropping because who else would carry it?

Somehow, the burden of saving the realm of light had once again come to him, and he couldn’t just turn away, no matter how much he might want to.

With a curse, he slammed the book in front of him shut and stood up. His chair rocked noisily back and forth before finally settling down.

"You should sleep."

The quiet voice made Cyrus sigh, and he reached up to pinch the bridge of his nose before shaking his head. "I don’t need sleep; I need some way to prepare myself; I need information, Aerin," he mumbled, screwing his eyes shut until spots danced in the blackness behind his eyelids.

Aerin had been granted freedom from his cell during the day at Cyrus’ request. The prince was smart; he undoubtedly knew more than he’d been letting on, and if he tried something, Cyrus was almost always with him, ready to put a stop to it.

So far, he's had to do nothing of the sort. Aerin had been well behaved; he'd even been obliging, and even now he was being rather doting, which Cyrus didn’t really understand.

"Cyrus," Aerin said his name, like Nia said her prayers. He whispered it with reverence, like Cyrus was a god, a hero, a soldier, a king.

A hand fell onto Cyrus’ shoulder, and without thinking, he jerked away, stumbling slightly and nearly crashing into a shelf full of very large books. He managed to steady himself in time and looked over at Aerin with an apology on his lips. "I’m fine," was what came out instead, and it was all he could manage before he turned and hurried out of the library, Aerin’s voice drifting after him.

He would have gone to find one of his friends, but at the moment none of them were around, so instead he went to the place he felt most at ease, his bedroom. It was a large room, a luxury afforded to him because of his status as a hero. He hadn’t asked for the room, but someone like him, born in a small village and raised most of his life in a small house, was not the type of person to turn down a luxury when it was offered, so of course he had taken it.

When he burst inside, he grimaced. The fire had been lit while he was gone, and usually he would have liked the warmth it provided, but at the moment it felt like too much, and so he made a beeline for the balcony door and pushed his way outside into the cool evening air.

His room was high up in the castle, and looking down made his stomach drop, but he didn’t step away; he just tried again and again to calm his breathing, though it was proving fruitless, and he wasn’t even sure why.

He heard the door of his room opening behind him, and he knew without looking that it was Aerin. It was like he had developed a sort of sixth sense for the man’s presence; he could always tell when he was there. It was a little unnerving, but at times he loved it.

"I told you I’m fine, Aerin, just frustrated," he said into the evening air, the words getting swept away on a cool breeze that ruffled his dark hair and made his skin flush a light purple. A chill prickling along his skin, making him shiver.

Before he could even register the fact that he was cold, a new warmth was surrounding him, and when he looked down, he realized it was Aerin’s cloak, which had been draped around his shoulders. It smelled like the prince—clean, floral, and like the pages of the books in the library.

Cyrus pulled it tighter and pressed it up to his nose, breathing in deeply as his eyes fluttered closed.

Only then did he realize what he was doing and quickly loosen his grip. "Thanks," he mumbled, finally glancing back at Aerin to offer him a tight smile.

He didn’t know what else to say, which was a rarity for him. He always knew what to say; he always had some comment he needed to get out, but now he was speechless. His words had failed him.

Stepping up beside him, Aerin leaned against the balcony railing and looked out across the city of white towers, his dark eyes scanning the city with an emotion that Cyrus couldn’t place.

It could have been regret or longing, perhaps. It didn’t matter—not to Cyrus, at least.

"I didn’t mean to snap at you; I’m sorry," he said, clenching his hands tightly around the railing, his nails scratching against the stone and tearing at the tips of his fingers, though the pain didn’t register for several seconds.

Aerin shook his head and finally turned to look at Cyrus, studying him like a fine piece of art before he broke the silence hanging between them. "If anyone has a right to snap at people, then it’s you," he said, as if Cyrus could do no wrong, as if he wasn’t letting down the world with his stupidity.

"Cyrus," there was that tone again—that reverence, that adoration. It made Cyrus’ throat close up, and before he knew it, he was choking on a sob.

He leaned forward, looping his arms around his head as he screwed his eyes shut, and warm tears slipped down his cheeks, falling from his chin and down toward the ground, off the balcony.

Dropping his hand down, he formed it into a loose fist and began to rub at his chest, trying to calm down his sudden cries and possibly help himself breathe because all the air seemed to get caught in his throat and he was starting to become lightheaded.

There had been a few times when he’d felt like this, but those had been when he was young, when he didn’t have the maturity he did now, and when he couldn’t control his emotions. He wasn’t supposed to be acting like this now. And yet he was.

"Shit!" he gasped, running the palm of his hand down his face, hating the wetness he found there. "I’m sorry, I don’t know what’s wrong with me; I just can’t handle any of this right now," he said, his voice shaking as badly as his hand, which was now clasped over his mouth, muffling the sound of his sniffling gasps.

Aerin’s hands were on him, and before Cyrus even knew what was happening, he was being pulled into a hug. It was stiff and rather awkward, but he quickly sank into it, snaking his arms around the prince’s waist and holding him so tightly that he was sure it would be painful.

His face pressed into the crook of Aerin’s neck, the warmth of the man’s skin keeping the cold night air at bay.

"You shouldn’t have to bear this weight, Cyrus," Aerin said, hesitantly relaxing into the hug and sliding his hand up to tangle into the back of Cyrus’ dark hair, his fingers carding through the soft strands, the repetitive motion offering Cyrus something to focus on other than the painful beating of his heart.

"I should be able to carry it; I shouldn’t be this weak; I’m not—" he broke off into a shuddering gasp and tangled his hand into the back of Aerin’s shirt, his fingers clenching desperately into the fabric.

Aerin was not the best hugger; he didn’t seem to know where to keep his hands for more than five seconds, but somehow it was still one of the best feelings in the world to be held while the universe was crashing down around him.

"You’re not weak; you’ve never been weak a day in your life," Aerin muttered, slowly turning their bodies so he was sheltering Cyrus from a cold breeze blowing in. It was so painfully simple—a gesture that shouldn’t have meant anything, but it did; it meant everything, and Cyrus held on a bit tighter.

The wind settled down, but Aerin still kept him close; his head turned so his lips brushed over Cyrus’ pointed ear. "It doesn’t have to be you; let someone else play hero for once," he said, and somehow that was what finally got Cyrus to pull away.

He stepped out of Aerin’s arms and looked down at their feet, shaking his head slowly. "Don’t do that," he whispered, stepping to the side and hurrying back into his room, back into the warmth, with the fire still crackling in the hearth.

"Do what?" Aerin followed after him, softly closing the doors to the balcony behind him.

Cyrus raked a hand through his hair, thankful that his tears had stopped, though his frustration and anger remained. "Don’t tell me to walk away; don’t give me permission to do that, or I'll—" once again he broke off, looking torn between fear and exhaustion.

It didn’t take long for Aerin to understand; he was too smart not to understand, so a soft sound of acknowledgement fell from his parted lips as he moved to stand in front of Cyrus. "Or you’ll actually do it, because if someone tells you that you’re allowed to walk away, then you won’t be able to stop yourself?"

Of course he understood; why wouldn’t he? Aerin always seemed to understand, and perhaps that should have been unsettling because not too long ago the prince had been his enemy; he’d helped kidnap Nia, and he’d hurt Cyrus himself. He’d done so much wrong, but still, Cyrus thought he was the only one who really understood what was going on inside his head.

Aerin’s hand found Cyrus’ cheek, and he gently tilted his head down, forcing their eyes to meet so Cyrus couldn’t look away as he spoke. "You do not have to be the one to save the world, Cyrus," he whispered, stepping imperceptibly closer, their bodies so close that their clothes brushed.

Cyrus blinked, his blue eyes burning with unshed tears that he refused to let fall. For a moment, he was frozen, just staring down at Aerin, but the next second, without thinking, he leaned down and kissed the prince.

It wasn’t like the other kiss they had shared—the one in the glade, sitting in a forest by an enchanted lake. That one had been hesitant, soft, and easy. This was something different; it was desperate and heated, and it left Cyrus breathless, but he didn’t dare pull away.

He’d been given permission to walk away, to be himself again—not the hero of Morella, but Cyrus Ballion, the orphan boy from Riverbend—and this was what that boy would do. He would kiss the person he wanted and not regret it one bit.

Aerin was more than receptive to the kiss, returning it eagerly as the two of them moved toward the bed in tandem, locked together until Cyrus’s knees hit the bed and they tumbled down onto the soft mattress.

With a heaving breath, the kiss broke, and Cyrus was left staring up at the ceiling, his heart beating rapidly, and his cheeks flushed. Aerin lay beside him, seeming equally disheveled by the whole thing. It was rather comforting that he couldn’t keep himself together either; it made Cyrus feel better.

"Be what you want to be, Cyrus; no one else can force you into a role you don’t want." It was such a simple sentiment; it made such perfect sense, and Cyrus was weak, so he nodded.

Reaching out, Cyrus took Aerin’s hand and held it loosely, keeping his eyes trained on the high ceiling. "I want you to stay here; that’s all I want right now," he whispered, unsure what else to say.

He was just Cyrus again.

[animesmolbean]

Guardian of Light

(Female)

Hello! Welcome to my rewritten story for Dune and Kingdom Hearts!

Some things have changed, and the story has more added detail that helps with the story.

Regarding updates, they will be slower because I really want to explore a bit of the story, especially for future chapters. But I'll try to update as soon as I can.

As shown up above, this is the female version of the chapter! The male version will be published tomorrow (Tuesday). The female and male verison will have some differences (if you read both of them) to show the different actions taken by the characters. This will mostly affect the intimacy part of the story and not really the actual plot.

One more thing, I was inspired to write this story after reading a fanfiction I read on Wattpad that is just phenomenal! My story follows the format of it (most of the time), but it's a completely different story!

I'll link the book here if you are interested in reading it!

With all of that out of the way,

Hope you enjoy the first chapter! ♥️

Dreams are messages from the deep.

“My planet, Arrakis, is so beautiful when the sun is low.  Rolling over the sands… You can see spice in the air.  At nightfall, the spice harvesters land.  

The outsiders and their army of demons race against time to avoid the heat of the day.  They ravaged our lands in front of our eyes.  Their cruelty to my people is all I've known. 

These outsiders, The Harkonnens, came long before I was born.  But their demon army only came recently with them.  

By controlling the spice production, they become obscenely rich.  Richer than the Emperor himself.  

Our warriors couldn't free Arrakis from the Harkonnens or the demons that lurk in the shadows, but one day, by the imperial decree, they were gone.  

Why did the Emperor choose this path?  And who will our next oppressors be?”

〰️

Chapter 1: Accepting a Deal

〰️

Year 10191

CALADAN, Homeworld of House Atreides

“I've been having these weird thoughts lately.  Like is any of this for real… or not?” 

A (straight/curly/wavy) (hair color) girl slowly woke up.  The soft glow from her light of her room, ridding her of any feeling of sleep.  

She sat up, running her fingers through her hair.  She looked around, seeing the familiar room she was given when she was a kid.  

“It was… just a dream.” She whispered. 

〰️ 

Meanwhile, a young boy was lying on a bed, shirtless, asleep, but tossed and turned a little as he dreamed.  He was dreaming about something.  Or rather, someone.  Her (Hair Color) hair gently blowing in the wind.  She turned towards him, her beautiful sapphire blue eyes sparkling with happiness as she smiled widely.

His beautiful best friend since they were kids, the girl who is always the light of his life.  (Your Name).

However, there was someone else with her.  It was another girl that wore a different outfit compared to (Your Name).  The boy didn't know who this was, for he could only see the side of her face.  But he knew that he had dreamed of her before too.

The boy's hazel green eyes opened, groaning softly, sitting up as the moving light came and shined against his shirtless form.  He sat up in his bed, looking down.

‘What could that dream mean?’ He thought to himself.

〰️

The same young boy was now in a dining room, sitting at the table, deep in thought as he ate his breakfast. 

An older woman who sat at the end of the table spoke up, breaking him out of his thoughts.  “It's good you're up early.  I just wish (Your Name) could be too.” 

〰️

(Your Name) stood outside, in a loose gray long sleeve, baggy black Capri pants and her boots were off, placed by a rock.  

She dipped her feet into the large, cool body of water, walking until the water was halfway to her calves.  She looked out towards the horizon, in deep thought.

〰️

“Your father wants you two in full dress before the Emperor's Herald arrives.” 

The brunet boy raised his head up at this news, “Full dress?  Military?” 

“Ceremonial.” Jessica, the woman's name and his mother replied.

Paul let out a sigh.  “Why would we have to go through all this when it's already been decided?” Paul asked.  

“Ceremony.” Jessica simply replied.

The doors to the room suddenly opened, making the two at the dining table turn.  Paul's lips lifted up into a smile at who was standing there.  (Your Name).  

“Ah…” (Your Name) chuckled awkwardly.  “So sorry I'm late.” The girl walked over to the spot between Paul and Jessica.  

“Nice to see you here (Your Name).  And with shoes on this time.” Jessica lightly teased her daughter-like figure.  She knew this girl since she was around five years old.  She remembered the day the first time she brought her to Caladan. 

〰️

Jessica was out late at night, having trouble sleeping.  The sky was dark, stars twinkling and the moon being the only thing providing light, making anything the light shone on glow a soft blue.  

She walked along a beach that Caladan was known for, when saw what looked like a shooting star in the sky.  But she saw it was falling towards the ground, not going across the sky like a shooting star normally would.  

She watched the bright light and splash into a large body of water she was near.  She walked closer to the water, her feet touching the soft sand.  What she saw made her eyes widened.

What fell into the water was not a rock.  But a child.  She looked very young, like about five years old.  She wore a white loose shirt with black shorts and no shoes.

Acting fast, she took off the cloak she was wearing and grabbed the wet, unconscious child and carried her back to the castle to be taken care of.

Jessica walked towards one of the spare rooms, requesting one of their servants to find clothes for the child.  The female servant did what she was told while Jessica laid the child on the bed.  

She got a closer look at the girl.  She had (Hair Color) hair, (Skin Color) skin, all wet from landing in the water.  She frowned and stroked the girl's wet hair.  

This action caused the child to stir and mumble.  Jessica watched the childhood slowly come to.  When she opened her eyes however, Jessica felt her heart beat increase.

The girl's eyes were a deep blue.  Like the color of sapphires or cobalt.

Jessica knew then, she needed to keep this girl safe.

〰️

(Your Name) chuckled shyly at Jessica's teasing, playing with the silver charm on her silver necklace; shaped like a small crown.  She smiled back then looked over to her best friend who was already staring at her.  Before she sat down, she greeted Paul with a kiss on his temple.  The male smiled softly at her.

Once (Your Name) was seated and eating her breakfast, Jessica told her what she had just told Paul.  The girl was confused as to why they were having a ceremony but she gave Jessica a nod before she resumed eating.  Jessica poured a glass of water for (Your Name) and slid the glass to her.  The (Hair Color) haired girl thanked her quietly.

Jessica did the same for Paul, “Thank you.” The boy whispered.  Jessica replied, “If you want it, make me give it to you.  Use the Voice.” 

(Your Name) guessed that Jessica wanted Paul to use the voice to bring him the water. 

“Mom, I just woke up.” Paul protested in a gruffy, morning voice.

Jessica just stared at her son making Paul roll his eyes as he reluctantly agreed to try. He turned his body in the chair to use the voice, “Give me the water.” 

It came out more like a soft, raspy whisper than what it was intended to be.

(Your Name) let out a muffled giggle at Paul's weak attempt.  “The glass can't hear you.  Say it to your mother.” She whispered.

Paul gave the girl a look before looking back at his mother.  Seconds felt like minutes.  The atmosphere shifted to stillness as (Your Name) watched Paul and Jessica stare at each other intensely, waiting for Paul to use the Voice again.  

Moments later, his lips moved.

“Give me the water.” 

The voice came out gruffier and a bit distorted.  But it did its magic.  Jessica took the glass and pushed it towards Paul a little.  But as quickly she was under the spell, she quickly snapped out of it.  She pushed the glass of water closer to Paul.

“Almost.” 

“Almost?”

Paul's voice was back to its normal pitch.

“Bene Gesserit skills take years to learn, Paul.” Jessica told her son as he reached out and grabbed the glass.

(Your Name) nodded.  Even though she wasn't being taught to use the Bene Gesserit, she understood its complexity and why it's important to master.

Jessica observed her son before speaking again.  “You look tired.  More dreams?” 

(Your Name) raised an eyebrow in confusion.  She looked at her friend with worry.  ‘Has he been dreaming too?’ She thought to herself. 

Paul shook his head muttering, “No.” Then he went back to eating.

“What about you, (Your Name)?  Have you been dreaming?” Jessica asked.  

The girl looked down before muttering, “No.” 

〰️

“Extreme temperatures and treacherous weather events make life outside the cities of Arrakis truly hostile.” A robotic voice came from a recording that laid on the ground and showed visuals of what they were talking about.

After breakfast, the two childhood best friends decided to spend some time studying before they had to head to the ceremony.

The recorded voice from the video played as Paul had a book in his hands about the Fremen, reading it as his back leaned against (Your Name)’s torso.  The girl was in a kneeling position, her arms were wrapped around his neck, forearms resting on top of his shoulders.  Her head was on top of Paul's, silently reading along with him, occasionally nuzzling her nose into the boy's curly hair.  She was only half paying attention, focused on looking at the book, listening to the recording and trying to be as close to Paul as possible.

“With sandworms powerful enough to cut through metal.  Only the native tribes known as the Freman and one other special person, that hasn't been seen nor born for centuries known as the Haris Aldaw’ have adapted well enough to survive.” 

(Your Name)’s attention was diverted when she heard that name.  Haris Aldaw’.  She moved her head off of Paul’s.  She has heard that name before.  From where, she wasn't too sure.  

Paul turned his head to look at the (Hair Color) haired girl, his hazel green eyes showing worry.  “(Your Name), are you okay?” 

The (Hair Color) haired girl blinked before nodding.  “Yeah.  I'm alright.  Don't worry.” She replied to the boy.  

Paul let one of his hands go from holding the book, grabbing one of (Your Name)’s hands, giving it a gentle squeeze.  (Your Name) welcomed the comforting pressure and did it back to him.  But to her surprise, Paul pressed a kiss to the back of her hand.  

The (Hair Color) haired girl felt a blush blossom onto her cheeks at the gesture.  Now flustered, she looked away shyly.  

Paul let her hand go and smirked to himself before he continued reading.

“Preferring to inhabit the remotest regions of Arrakis the Freman share the deep desert with the giant sandworms, known to the Fremen as Shai-Hulud.  Long exposure to spice has given the tribe their characteristic blue eyes, the eyes of Ibad.”

‘I wonder if it's as blue as my eyes.’ (Your Name) thought to herself, her focus back on the book and the recording.

“Little else is known of the Freman except that they have some sort of power that controls the Earth and the Freman are dangerous and unreliable.  On the other hand, much is known about the Haris Aldaw’.  They are known to control elements and have other magical abilities such as being able to glide.” 

(Your Name) bit her bottom lip.  ‘My dream last night was about gliding… and falling.’ She thought to herself again.

“Freman Attacks make spice harvesting extremely hazardous.  For the Freman spice is the sacred hallucinogen which preserves life and brings enormous health benefits.  For the imperium the spice is used by the navigators of the spacing guild to find safe paths between the stars.  Without spice, interstellar travel is impossible, making it by far the most valuable substance in the universe.” The voice recording concluded.

〰️

(Your Name) and Paul were now standing outside, dressed nicely for the ceremony, both dressed similarly; since (Your Name) prefers men’s clothes for mobility.  There were rare occasions where she dressed like Lady Jessica but only for very special occasions.  The two of them stood close to each other as they waited. 

The (Hair Color) haired girl turned her head to look at the bearded man in the center.  Duke Leto Atreides.  The man she saw as her father for many years now.  She remembered when she first came to Caladan, he was confused as to how she got here and where she came from.  Jessica had explained the situation and the Duke didn't want to believe the tale but when he saw how adamant she was, he believed her.  

He took her in and cared for her like she was one of his own kids, raising her alongside Paul.  Teaching her many things like reading and writing, alongside Lady Jessica.  She couldn't be more graceful to the two for taking her in.  

The Duke turned his head and saw the (Hair Color) haired girl looking at him.  He gave the girl a subtle nod to her; a gesture she returned to him, a gentle smile on her face.

An enormous oval shaped ship landed on the ground.  The ramp was placed down as the important people walked out from it.  They were wearing their house clothes and walking respectfully towards them.  (Your Name) wasn't exactly sure who they were but knew they were of utmost importance if they were coming to speak with the Atreides.  

“Smile Gurney.” The Duke said, looking forward at the approaching visitors, his tone calm but with a touch of joking as he spoke to his trusted member. 

“I am smiling.” Gurney replied monotonously, a blank expression on his always serious looking face.  

(Your Name) bit her bottom lip to suppress a snicker from escaping her lips.  Paul looked at her in mild amusement. 

The Duke shook his head at Gurney’s deadpan response, “How much will it cost them traveling all this way for this formality?” 

“Three Guild navigators and a total of 1,460,062 Solaris for this round trip.” Another trusted advisor answered beside the Duke. The Duke turned his attention back to the new visitors.

(Your Name) watched as a member of the group that arrived from the ship bow to the Duke, “By the grave of Shaddam IV of the House Corrino, ascendant to the Golden Lion Throne of Padishah Emperor of the Known Universe, I stand before you as Herald of the Change.  We are witnessed by members of the Imperial Court, representatives of the Spacing Guild, and a sister of the Bene Gesserit.  The Emperor has spoken.”  He pulled out a scroll, unrolling it before he read, “House Atreides shall immediately take control of Arrakis and serve as its steward.” The member closed the scroll.  Do you accept?

The Duke took a couple long strides, stopping at the top of the stairs, “We are House Atreides.  There is no call we do not answer.  There is no faith that we betray.  The Emperor asks us to bring peace to Arrakis!  House Atreides accepts!” 

“Atreides!  Atreides!  Atreides!” The soldiers that stood everywhere, representing House Atreides, started chanting as the Duke made his way down the stairs to sign the paper.  

Before he does, the Duke looks back at his son and (Your Name), seeing them both giving him a subtle nod in agreement, silently approving him. They watched him sign the paper using his signet ring.  

As he did, (Your Name) felt a feeling in her stomach that she couldn't quite place.  Like a feeling of unease.  She wasn't sure why she felt it just now.  ‘Probably from all the people staring at us.’ She thought to herself.

“So it is done?” Leto asked the Herald.

“It's done.” The Herald responded, face blank, not showing any emotion.

Once the deal was finalized, (Your Name) scooted closer to Paul, pressing her right arm against his left one.  The curly haired boy looked at the girl.  He gave her a gentle smile which she returned in kind.  

She always liked Paul's smile.  Paul thought the same thing about her.  

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