#my fairly dangerous godmother

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[yunarim]

ಇ. broken melodies | chapter 1

⇢ ⁺ SMILE-LESS SOIREE˖ Yuu starts to adjust to the RSA and its inhabitants.

— PREVIEW (read for tags and synopsis) — MASTERLIST (open to read previous chapters) — AO3

⁺ w.c : 11k+

One day a little butterfly asked—well, fluttered its fragile wings rather than asked—Yuu what was the reason to get up so early in the morning. Back in Fairy Queendom, Yuu used to start her day with a benevolent moon radiating its light at her face at the time of the day Fairy Godmother enchantingly claimed as ‘morning’. 

The ‘time’ itself was an unfamiliar matter for Yuu before she met Cinderella. The Princess patiently taught her how a gentle morning changed into a lambent afternoon, how a flamboyant day left a room for a mysterious evening, and finally, how everything fell into Morpheus’s caring arms during the night. 

Cinderella undoubtedly was quite attentive to the atmosphere changing during the night and how drastic the changes were. Yuu would find herself doing chores at the very back of the kitchen; Cinderella’s hands smelled like soap and were still quite dry and covered with little calluses. 

“I still do wonder how there’s no change of day in the Fairy Queendom you’ve mentioned,” Cinderella chuckled, sweeping the floor.

“According to what you’ve told me, it's an everlasting night where I live,” Yuu answered, wiping hands on a damp cloth. “Fairy Godmother says it’s quite gloomy… Maybe it is me who is wrong since I find night rather enchanting.”

“Vespertine darkness doesn’t suit her well,” Cinderella answered vaguely. “She herself resembles the brightest light, the ray of hope. And hope is always vivid.”

Yuu wondered if Cinderella thought that somber night would fit her well but decided to remain fairly ignorant, dreaming of being called light-radiating herself one day.

Yuu thought that living under a perpetual night’s vastness led to her not needing sleep. And yet she desperately had been fighting her drowsiness, eager to stay awake for a little longer. It was suspiciously humanic of her and right now when she needed sleep hopelessly, it seemed that it wasn’t the best timing.

Yuu stared at the smiling expression on a cheeky face of an intruder and tried to blink it away, first assuming it was the hallucination formed due to received stress. The silhouette did disappear but Yuu felt something wasn’t right.

“Show yourself,” she demanded.

“Hmmm~” A stranger’s amused voice echoed in the room, its owner nowhere to be found. 

Yuu turned around, revealing her magic wand and furrowing her brows. The stranger’s purple hair locks flicked in the moonlight, before her very eyes as she jumped, ready to cast a protection spell. 

But the person (his humanity was under question yet) positioned himself on the thin windowsill and remained silent. It seemed like a play of glances between them, his cocky and playful, and hers cautious and observant. Yuu didn’t know how many minutes passed while she was trying to read at least one clear emotion on his face, yet the stranger wasn’t quite eager to analyze her appearance at all. His gaze penetrated through her, giving Yuu the impression he somehow managed to grasp all the gist he needed already, now only enjoying the little show the two of them held. 

Purple striped tail—Yuu refrained from making a remark on how fluffy it looked—wiggled playfully, but her cautiousness remained solid and firm. He didn’t radiate danger, nor did Yuu manage to catch a glimpse of ill intentions, but his mysterious play was slightly concerning. 

The stranger wasn’t saying anything to the extent it was getting rather strange, so Yuu thought if she can’t make him talk, she would do it herself. Small steps formed a rigid base to start from.

“... My name is Yuu,” she almost whispered, but the stranger’s lip corners turned upward slightly. “Who would you be?”

“Who knows, Pointy ears-chan~”

Pointy ears— Anyway, this act wasn’t of importance. Yuu straightened her nightgown and let her magic wand disappear with bright golden sparkles. In case something happens, she can defend herself even without the weapon.

“... Hm~” A boy hummed suddenly. “How peculiar.”

“Yes?..” Yuu reasked in confusion. “... Huh. I will report to the headmaster about you if you won’t reveal how I can help you.”

“How curious,” a person smiled. “Not want but help? I see you’re quite an interesting human… Or should I refer to you as… Well, nevermind!”

Yuu blinked, wondering why his gaze couldn’t manage to put her on guard. His eyes were the embodiment of a mystery, containing something more of a value underneath. 

“I’m Artemiy Artemiyevich Pinker,” the stranger finally answered. “A third-year student here.”

Yuu sighed, massaging her temples with fingers and trying to follow his sudden introduction. 

Would be understandable if you knew Anastasia, Yuu thought, remembering her dear friend's name sounded quite similar, was it Anastasia Nikolaevna? 

It was highly unwise of her to spill her friend’s name so easily without thinking twice, but she was already tired enough to care dearly. Taking a deep breath, she continued.

“Nice to meet you, Artemiy-san,” she bowed slightly. “Though I’m afraid I don’t follow how I can be of help at this late hour…” She couldn’t process everything that was happening in the past ten minutes, including an unexpected encounter with a teacher and another boy she thought was a student.

“It’s understandable that you’re confused,” Artemiy grinned. “We all are. That is what makes us curiouser.”

“... Isn’t there already a curfew?” Yuu decided to try changing the subject, glancing at Artemiy and catching his penetrating gaze, which contained realization of what was happening so painfully obvious to him when Yuu herself couldn’t grasp even a glimpse of comprehension. 

“Fun always happens at night.”

At night… Does it really? Yuu lowered her gaze right to the ground, imagining how she could have been watering the flowers in her garden. Magically grown flowers couldn’t compare to the real ones, waking up under the bright sun and full of vivid color palette shades. Was night really that fun?

“Actually,” he teleported on the corner of her bed, no sound coming from his movements. At this point Yuu decided to give up trying to analyze why would he behave that way. “I came to say that if you seek some fun, just let the road to me loom before you.”

He spoke riddles so tangled Yuu started experiencing a heavy headache.

“Yuu-san,” his cheeky voice sounded playful and full of energy. Yuu could feel an abrupt ardor running through her veins while a cheerful notes of his voice echoed in her mind, but she brushed off the thought quickly, mentally grounding herself back to earth. Or whatever this planet was. “You seem interesting. Can you stand on your head?”

“... Huh? I’m not aware if I can… I have never tried?”

He was so alien in this empty room drowned in a cold moonlight. Or was he the only normal while she was getting crazier with every passing second of their conversation?

“You should try one day,” Artemiy proved his unvoiced confirmation that he most definitely could stand on his head, turning midair and performing a pirouette-like move, causing Yuu to gasp in awe. “Who knows what things you might see from this perspective.”

Yuu approached him carefully, strands of his lilac hair brushing against her stretched out fingers. Artemiy seemed majestic, almost fairy-tale like character, despite he was a very human-like to her at this very second, his eyes of dandelion petals stared right into hers with flickers of curiosity.

“... What do you see then?”

Artemiy hummed, touching her ear once again before returning to the solid ground.

“One day you’ll tell me,” he answered vaguely, leaving Yuu blinking in incomprehension. “Well, see you tomorrow’s today, Wanderer~” 

The boy dissolved within dust particles glowing light gray in the moonlight, leaving Yuu all alone. 

Huh?

Yuu sighed. What was tomorrow’s today anyway? Also, Wanderer? Yuu turned around to hopelessly try to find the boy to ask him what he meant by that. 

No one saw her actually landing in this realm, right? She might have been confused all along and maybe a person like Artemiy would notice her right away, or at least feel her presence, but was that really the deal? He didn’t look like a normal Prince to her, and even if the Beast didn’t look humanic at first, Artemiy resembled someone else to Yuu. In any case, it didn’t matter at the moment. Even if he wasn’t human, then he might be a.. Cat? Could a cat really tell Yuu came from another dimension? 

Then the question was how much did he know. Yuu swimmed at the back of her mind, deepening in her own thoughts and trying to figure out if Artemiy named her that way just because she was the only girl attending an all-boys school or did the case lie deeper further than she could guess? 

“Ah, right!” Artemiy reappeared before her face, his only head remaining. “Call me Che’nya. Bye-bye!”

“Arte— Che’nya-san, wait!! And he’s gone…”

Yuu fell on the bed, covering her eyes and sighing loudly. She had no right to complain right now. The reason why she ended up appearing in this foreign world was that someone was in danger. Yuu questioned if there was a princess to be saved or maybe destiny itself played a little trick, reversing the story current and demanding Yuu to save a prince instead. And even if she was wrong, there was no denying she must have accomplished the foredoom predestined for her. 

Someone needed to be saved.

And with that thought Yuu allowed herself to finally rest, her eyelids feeling leaded. It was a rough day, but what will the following one offer to her tomorrow?

Once upon a time in midwinter, when the snowflakes were falling like feathers from heaven, a queen sat sewing at her window, which had a frame of black ebony wood. As she sewed she looked up at the snow and pricked her finger with her needle. Three drops of blood fell into the snow. The red on the white looked so beautiful that she thought to herself, "If only I had a child as white as snow, as red as blood, and as black as the wood in this frame."

Yuu stood right in the pile of the whitest snow glimmering under the gentle sunrise, and dared to touch blood drops, wondering if she was seeing things. The blizzard felt suffocatingly real, causing Yuu to shiver. The story seemed vaguely familiar, but before she could observe the place she happened to appear, a gray fog covered the surroundings, transporting Yuu to another place.

Soon afterward she had a little daughter who was as white as snow, as red as blood, and as black as ebony wood, and therefore they called her Little Snow-White. And as soon as the child was born, the queen died.

Yuu frowned, hands wrought in a praying gesture, the grief splashed into her heart, pricking it with thorny glacial snowflakes. 

A year later the king took himself another wife. She was a beautiful woman, but she was proud and arrogant, and she could not stand it if anyone might surpass her in beauty. She had a magic mirror. Every morning she stood before it, looked at herself, and said:

Mirror, mirror, on the wall,

Who in this land is fairest of all?

To this the mirror answered:

You, my queen, are fairest of all.

Yuu tried to look at her reflection, trembling before the Queen’s arrogant gaze aimed at herself, but couldn’t see what was hiding underneath the glassy reflection. 

When did all the sorrow penetrate her soul? 

“Ugh…”

You slowly opened her eyes, getting adjusted to the light coming through the window and tenderly sliding down her face. Her head was still covered with a mist of yesterday’s events, making her slightly dizzy. Sleepiness she thought she would never experience crashed down on her. Everything seemed surreal, resembling a vague delirious dream. 

She has never seen a light so bright and gentle in her whole rather long life. She turned to the window frame, meeting the sun rays happily welcoming her, and had to close her eyes for a brief moment before the brightness could burn her vision. 

Yuu slowly got up, bare feet touching a cold marble floor. She might have needed shoes to use in the so-called house in the future but it was okay for now. Yuu made her way to the window, opening it and exhaling fresh air, enjoying the sounds of nature playing in every leaf, every flower petal, in a puff of wind. Her gaze fixated on the sun slowly rising from far away, and she stretched out her hand, as if trying to reach such a majestic miracle of gold, and tender rays praised her with its shining once more, skimming over her pointed face features, as if trying to tickle her.

Yuu chuckled to herself bitterly, turning away from the window and sighing. Such wonderful mornings might become addicting. 

She wondered what time it was. Probably the morning was still just rising, given how low the sun was positioned, and tried to guess with her own abilities. It was quite hard for her to concentrate on the day changings since she’d been living in an eternal night all these years. 

“Ha~ah,” she sighed. “There’s no use.”

No matter how long she was listening to nature singing, no reply was received. Yuu assumed it was around six in the morning, but she needed confirmation before she could visit the headmaster and ask him about the details she needed to know.

She then remembered how Ambrose said that she’s currently staying within a clock tower. It would be only logical to check the clock itself now, so Yuu headed to the hallway. 

The hall that she couldn’t really observe with Ambrose leading her to her room and with the night guests visiting her so unexpectedly looked different when sun rays were lighting it up. Apparently the clock tower was quite glassy with how many tall windows it had. She ran up the stairs with clear amusement on her face, and looked out of the window, enjoying different views. Despite the hall being fairly empty, it did impress Yuu with its powerful yet elegant columns and marble floors. A whole academy could be seen from this point, and Yuu decided to observe it today as carefully as she could.

The clock itself should have been on the highest floor, so she overcame another spiral staircase and saw a huge archway leading directly to the clock mechanism. There were enough stairs in the building, so she had to climb another one before she faced a gigantic room, the main highlight of which was an immense window. The gilded dial was framed with a gold rounded frame. The rays of the sun solemnly made their way through the transparent surface of the glass, illuminating the entire room, and revealing to the light the variety of attributes within. Extinguished lanterns in bizarre vessels suspended on golden chains. Tall bookcases with an incredible number of book volumes, as well as a lot of bizarre paraphernalia, apparently intended for the study of Astrology and basically anything space-related.

Yuu gasped, staggered, and stared at all this beauty looming before her. She forgot about checking the time and approached intriguing scrolls on the table made of wood. Yuu took a glance at familiar circles and symbols, frowning. She couldn’t identify all of them, as well as the meaning, but at least this realm had something similar to what she already knew.

“Solar Return chart,” she mumbled to herself, noticing Pluto being in 8th house in that one particular chart. “... I wonder whose one is that.”

Yuu wasn’t extremely good at interpreting charts but Pluto falling in that position was quite an observation, leading to significant change in one’s life. She chuckled and turned abruptly, regaining her thoughts and remembering she went here to check the time.

It was five in the morning. Yuu nodded to herself and returned to her room. It was the perfect time to decide what she could do. Everything seemed really quiet at the moment, so lessons must have not started yet. She didn’t know how much time she had before classes either, but decided to take a little tour around the clock tower and observe if there was anything needed to be done in terms of chores. 

Yuu walked around the whole building, realizing that it was all well lit by daylight due to the prevailing number of windows. Yuu also saw a room that appeared to be a guest room. It looked a little simpler than her own. There was also a simple living room with a small fireplace and a coffee table, where there was a painted tray with one mug without any dust on it, but Yuu did not feel human energy there. Going deeper, she stumbled upon a small kitchen and pantry, which contained nothing of great value, except for the various types of cereals.

After sorting the kitchen utensils, Yuu also dusted the kitchen and tidied up the pantry. Summoning her magic wand, she pulled up the boxes and containers resting on the upper shelves, which were not so easy to reach with her small height, and then packed cereals and other non-perishable products in them.

Sighing heavily, Yuu lifted her head and looked at the light seeping through the windows, becoming more and more bright and gentle. She went outside of the tower, her eyes meeting with a free space which could be used for gardening purposes though she wasn’t sure if it was okay to use it, given she didn’t plan to stay here out for too long. The smell of morning dew floated in the air, shimmering from coniferous freshness to a salty sea aroma, embraced by the sand chilled after the night coolness. Not so far away, the flooding singing of seagulls and salty waves gently rolling on the shore could be heard.

This place wasn’t her home. Yuu shrugged the thought and a sudden sensation of getting excited over doing arrangements and chores and missing the feeling of doing routine she was fond of. Cleaning helped her to keep the mind in peace, letting all the worries sort out a little, but when everything was already done, she felt how a heavy anvil of unresolved problems dropped on her, pressing and crashing. 

“Just what am I doing…”

Yuu summoned her magic wand, her fingers enveloping its base, and took a deep breath before taking a position and closing her eyes. 

She tried casting a mirror to her home once more. This time she was going to try remembering how Mirror Hall looked in her memory. An enormously huge ballroom with mirrors hanging on the walls, different aura colors around Princesses’ portraits radiating from golden frames. Her Sprites cheerfully flying everywhere and dancing with butterfly maelstrom, Fairy Godmother teaching her how to hold the posture and—

“Argh!!” Yuu screamed, dropping the magic wand like it happened yesterday, and hissed out of pain, falling on the ground.

She opened her lidded eyes, white noise particles flooding her vision, and felt her veins setting ablaze. Pulse in her vessels were beating fast, every beat sending a wave of pain running underneath her skin and causing the veins to shudder, following the rhythm. Her mind was lost in the labyrinth of memories and strange hallucinations, dissolving in images of the mirror in her mansion getting blocked by thorny veins. 

“So it’s not the spell being wrong,” she whispered, trying to get up. Her white nightgown became covered in stains of green grass and damp soil. “The mirror itself is blocked?..”

Yuu picked up her magic wand and tried to sort out the thoughts swarming in her head, but all in vain. Everything she could think of at the moment was her dearest Fairy Godmother.

“I want to see you again,” Yuu mumbled, hardly making her way to the entrance. 

Maybe her magic still wasn’t advanced enough to make it through the block on the mirror? Yuu gasped, realizing that if it was the case, then she could practice more once she regains her energy after such a miserable attempt. 

The problem was that she had no idea about block-removing spells. Her knowledge was embarrassingly limited due to Godmother teaching her only simple ones, allowing her to grow plants quickly and some basic attacking and defensive incantations. Yuu first found a book about potionology in Snow White’s realm, learning a few potions when she managed to take a glance at them. 

Worlds she visited opened many doors of opportunities to Yuu that she was too humble to observe but did it nevertheless. It felt wrong to do something she was always prohibited to do — Fairy Godmother taught Yuu not to seek information she’s not provided with. Yuu remembered shivering in horror at the mere thought of doing something that Fairy Godmother advised her not to. Yuu couldn’t resist the urge to write a spell or two on the parchment, then throw it out, reaping in a myriad of pieces out of fear that her Mother would find out she was messing with magic spells.

Yuu knew it was insanely dangerous to practice unsupervised, so that her hysterical nights of delirious writings of spells enchantment turned into nights full of Yuu secretly writing down possible combinations she wouldn’t be able to test ever again, guilt filling her heart, consolidating with an unknown to her feel of rebellion. 

Detailed, rather safe one, spells changed into small incoherent-looking notes, resembling silly scribbles, which actually contained more dangerous conjuration combinations she could have never tried casting. 

Yuu gulped and took her magic wand again, the conscious restoring and clearing. 

“Á lelya,” she whispered, waving a magic wand and causing a cheerful swirl of golden particles to reveal a slightly dilapidated book. “It’s been a while.”

Yuu touched yellowed with age, slightly damp pages with ink stains around the edges. She felt an indescribable relief because if she accidentally left her magic spell book at home, a catastrophe might have been caused. She looked through the pages, delicately flipping them one by one until she found her old invocation conjunctions. 

She covered the book with a shield, leaving it levitating near her, and tried to transfer her consciousness to the Fairy Queendom realm, concentrating on her mind floating to the Mirror Hall, but all in vain — the image remained dark and hazy. The sun was shining brightly, its rays dancing on her skin, and Yuu gave up, sighing in defeat and deciding to try again later.

Yuu went to her room, changing into the ceremonial robes she happened to wear yesterday, and removed the coat to not stand out too much. Trousers felt alien and unfitting on her, but she was also excited to try something new. Yuu went to the bathroom near her room and checked her outfit in the mirror, nodding to herself, and went out of the clock tower. 

The clock tower was located on a small ledge, being the farthest point on the campus from which one could see the entire academy. Yuu wondered where the rest of the dorms were, because the number and size of the buildings didn't match the number of students she saw yesterday at the ceremony.

She remembered the way to the headmaster’s office, so she immediately followed there, observing every candelabra she saw. The academy seemed even more welcoming and cozy in the morning, enveloped by warm sunny lights. The silence, covered by the morning dawn, did not seem as heavy as yesterday, and therefore it was not so uncomfortable to cut it with the sound of heels.

Yuu knocked twice, hearing a joyful “Come in!” and followed further in Ambrose's office.

The headmaster was drinking tea, Yuu smelled sea buckthorn notes and a variety of herbs mixed in there, and bowed to him in a greeting way.

“No need in bowing, child,” Ambrose smiled at her, gesturing to have a seat, and continued right after. “You’re quite diligent, aren’t you? I was planning to wake you up much later.”

“I can’t burden you more than I am already,” Yuu lifted her surprised gaze at him. “

“We need to do something with that extreme politeness you have here…” Ambrose said to himself and continued before Yuu could ask what was that about. “How did you sleep?”

Yuu recalled two strangers appearing in the clock tower at midnight, then Che’nya appearing in her room, and laughed sheepishly. 

“Ha-ha… I did sleep well.”

“I see you’re adjusting to a new place,” Ambrose nodded. “Have you explored the clock tower yet?”

“I have!” Yuu smiled brightly, remembering the clock itself and all the astrology things in the room. “You’ve mentioned that someone comes for checking purposes. Do they study Astrology?.. They’ve left their notes.”

The headmaster smiled even wider, pouring tea into a cup and giving it to Yuu. 

“Indeed. You will meet the person soon. Don’t worry and feel free to observe his notes, I believe he would be happy for you to join him in his studies.”

“Is it… really okay for me to do?” Yuu asked humbly, not sure if she could have looked through the notes made by another person who apparently worked really hard. “I will not offend him?”

“Of course not, child. If it bothers you a lot, just ask him if it’s alright when he comes. And now come here.”

Yuu followed Ambrose to the other wing of the office. He took out a small, neatly folded package and a box from the mahogany cabinet and handed it to Yuu. She looked at him questioningly, tilting her head to the side, but accepted the things.

“What is it?” She asked.

“Your school uniform,” Ambrose answered, chuckling at her funny startled reaction. “I thought I would find one uniform set of the smallest size, but it needed to be adjusted magically, given you’re quite… tiny, I would say. Forgive me for the rudeness.”

“H-huh?..” Yuu mumbled absent-mindedly and stared at him in bewilderment. “It’s okay! Thank you very much, how could I repay—”

“One more word about repairing, and I will use magic to silence you for a minute, child,” Ambrose said cheerfully but his eyes weren’t smiling at all.

“Yes sir,” she answered.

“Well then,” he continued, making his way to the desk, Yuu followed him like a lost kitten. “Let me provide you with the information you need to adjust comfortably.”

Yuu nodded and took a seat in front of him, sipping the tea Ambrose prepared for her, a new obtained uniform resting on her lap. 

“First, here’s a manual for you to always check it in case you forgot something or lost somewhere within the campus. Studies start from 8:30 am, so be sure to wake up by that time. I see you had no problem today with that though.”

“Understood,” Yuu nodded, opening the manual she was given and gasping in surprise. “It’s so detailed!”

“Glad you find it useful,” Ambrose smiled. “You’re in class A, and your seat number is 27. You can find your class location here,” He pointed to the map in the manual. 

“Right to the teacher’s room,” Yuu commented. “I see.”

“Yes. Your class teacher is Emery der Licht. He is an impressively talented magician, as well as an incredible Teacher. Don’t hesitate to ask him in case you have a problem or don’t understand something. Okay?”

“Okay,” Yuu nodded and felt an excitement rising up. It’s been a while since she talked to someone, not to mention study with someone. “Uhm, headmaster…”

“Yes?”

“How many of the school staff are aware of my situation?..”

“Only me and the one who comes to the clock tower from time to time,” the headmaster said. “And Excalibur, too. Though he’s not really a school staff member.”

“It is ‘he’?..” Yuu asked. “I think he would be sad to hear it… I thought he was a… a teacher?”

“Haha!” Ambrose laughed genuinely at her answer. “Excalibur would be actually delighted to hear it! In any case, please don’t spread any more information about your origins to others, especially students. We’ll study your case together, and if nothing helps, I’ll report to the government.”

“Understood…”

“By the way!” He exclaimed. “If you want to find more information, come to the library. I think you might find something useful there.”

“Library!!” Yuu lit up, jumping from her seat, and apologized right after for her behavior. “I will do so, thank you!”

After a discussion which lasted for over an hour, Yuu thanked Ambrose, bowed to him again (despite him giving her a certain look so she decided that maybe she did something wrong) and got back to the clock tower to change the clothes.

She opened the box, revealing a pair of shoes and clothes. Upfolding the uniform and looking at all the elements of it, Yuu fell deep into the thoughts of how exactly it should be worn. Imagining the look in her mind, she waved the magic wand. All clothes elements danced around, the elements of ceremonial robes floated midair while other pieces of clothing were pulling on her body by itselves. 

“I hope I did it right…” Yuu said, making her way to the bathroom to check out what she did. 

The uniform was noticeably large even after using the shrinking magic, but Yuu didn't push it any further, thinking she would mess up intertwining two magics together. A white blouse with loose, wide sleeves was tucked into dark blue trousers with golden stripes on the sides. Seeing her pants being not so comfortable and big at the waist, she sighed and waved her magic wand again, and a wide belt appeared around her waist, fixing the problem. Yuu also tried pulling on a white blazer with navy blue inserts on the sleeves, but it was too bulky. She grimaced at the realization that she was not up to the task (namely, putting on the uniform properly) and decided for one moment to simply throwing the jacket over her shoulders, fastening its two sides with a golden chain on her chest, tucking it under the golden bow on the collar of her blouse.

She nodded approvingly to herself as she took one last look at the dark leather boots with not-too-high thick heels laced with white satin ribbons and a pretty bow at the top. Her hands felt bare and alien to her without the gloves she used to wear in the Fairy Queendom, so she made final touches and added almost transparent white mitaines and smiled.

“I hope I don’t stand out too much…”

And with that she opened the manual to check her destination. 

Yuu… was scared. 

She was sure she had never seen so many people gathered at one place. Even if she visited many Princesses' realms, she remembered people celebrating on the streets, she even recalled how Rapunzel insisted on having some fun together during the festival, but what was happening right now—

She couldn’t comprehend it. Somehow yesterday at the ceremony when people were coming to Excalibur one by one and the others were just standing beside her, right now all of them were moving. She stared bewilderedly at students who were fooling around, talking, laughing, gossiping, talking again… She could have endured that, but they were talking about her. Her instincts sharpened, making hearing range absolutely uncontrollable. Every smallest piece of information reached her, pounding loudly in her ears, and she tried to calm down as fast as she could.

“Oh, is that the girl that we saw yesterday? I thought it was a mistake?..”

“I know right? Who could have thought they would enroll a girl here.”

“Isn’t it like, against the rules tho?”

“Maybe they’ve decided to make the school open to all genders?”

“I guess so. She’s quite a cutie!”

Ugh… Yuu was getting dizzy. Yesterday she was too shocked to pay attention to the number of people surrounding her, and she also seemed fine talking to the headmaster and even Che’nya. She suddenly slipped out of her previous thoughts, remembering an unexpected encounter that happened at midnight. 

Right, Che’nya! Yuu nodded in a greeting way absent-mindedly to two or three students who were staring at her while she walked, and thought about finding Che’nya. He said he is a third-year student here, so it shouldn’t be a problem… But then again, it actually might be quite a challenge to find a person who was appearing midair randomly just if he wished so.

“Ayo come look at this,” someone suddenly said quite loudly. 

Yuu finally managed to concentrate on one particular group of students walking behind her, and listened.

“It’s Neige’s new project advertisement,” a student said. 

“He’s starring in a new movie?! It’s been only two months since he won an award in a previous one!”

“He’s nailing it,” the boy seemed to be extremely proud. 

“Agreed,” the other one said. “How in the world does he manage to study so well and also participate in all those projects? It’s insane!”

“And you’re just a first-year,” the boy said edifyingly. “Neige is a second-year by now. Must be tough.”

“I heard he’s also a dorm leader?”

“Yeah…”

Yuu hummed to herself, whispering the boy’s name to herself. Neige, she mumbled, rolling his name on her tongue as if trying to figure out what it reminded her of. He must be fairly diligent, given how others were speaking about him. And before she wanted to return to her thoughts again, she realized that practically everyone was discussing Neige, all of the people praising him and adoring. As much as Yuu wanted to continue hearing people talk, she took a deep breath and entered the Academy. 

The interior of the Academy fascinated with its immense scale and abundance of spiral staircases. It flowed like a ballerina in a dance, and the fullness of warm bright light in the building filled ones with good and joyful feelings. Yuu stared at the central wing of the Academy, as if fascinated, not even imagining how much more unknown things were awaiting her. 

Yuu, shifting her gaze from the manual to the corridors of the school, observed the interior. The huge difference between the calm and cozy atmosphere in the morning and the current liveliness and cheerful spirit seemed quite attractive to Yuu. The students got to know each other, discussed the beginning of the school year and looked quite enthusiastic. Yuu allowed herself to relax a little, despite the tenacious glances that followed her silhouette here and there, and reached the auditorium (located on the 8th floor) that Ambrose was talking about.

She took a deep breath and opened the door. The classroom was an auditorium with several rows rising up and a stairs in the very center. Opposite the stairs, near the entrance, there was a huge blackboard and a tribune for the teacher. Fancy lamps hung from above, but they weren’t litten up, thanks to the sun rays seeping in through the windows.

Yuu made her way to the seat number 27, trying to ignore all the stares locked on her. She was quite early, sitting on the middle row on the edge, and wondered who was the one who’s got to sit beside her. Yuu wanted to make friends.

She lowered her gaze, remembering Princesses calling her their dearest friend, and chuckled bitterly. Was she really?.. Yuu decided that if making friends was equal to helping them, then she should start doing exactly that, but she also couldn’t manage to find someone who needed help at the moment.

She was observing the classroom more closely, hearing people discussing first her (right when they walked to the class), then Neige again. Yuu also found copybooks and notebooks as well as a fountain pen lying on the hanging shelf under the table and opened the notebook ready to write. 

The bell rang, and Yuu jolted in her seat thinking something happened, but apparently she was the only one panicking over nothing. As she heard from the boy behind her, it was indicating the start of the lesson. And indeed, a teacher came.

“Good morning to you all!”

Yuu stared at the teacher who entered in surprise. Familiar, unbelievably long blond hair almost reached the floor, and Yuu was sure it would have curled across the floor if it hadn't been styled in a stunningly beautiful braid decorated with small flowers. In the light of day, she was able to see his eyes in more detail. Green chrysolites of his big eyes gleamed charmingly in the sunlight. Pink shades predominated in the color palette of his clothes, giving the impression that he was very young. Yuu wondered how old he actually was but realized it was quite rude to think about it, even though whispers here and there were heard. It was the person who she saw this midnight in the clock tower! The one who jumped after the boy.

“Is this boy really our teacher??”

“He looks so young!!”

“Just how long is his hair?!”

“Young gentlemen, I can hear you,” he grinned, but his eyes weren’t smiling joyfully. “In any case, nice to meet you. My name is Emery der Licht, I’ll be your classroom teacher. I teach everything magic-related and alchemy, which makes us the closest friends ever from now on~ Don’t think about skipping my lessons, alright? It wouldn’t do anything good for you.”

Yuu nodded more to herself, and wrote down his name in the notebook. 

“I see Class 1A is quite interesting this year, hm?” Emery looked at Yuu, making her tilt her head. “Yuu-san, right?”

“Yes!” She answered excitedly. He was teaching magic!! It was unbelievable. “That is me.”

“Hmm,” Emery chuckled amusingly at her pronouns choice. “How peculiar. I look forward to working with you, Yuu-san.”

Emery explained the freshman curriculum. Yuu found his words very entertaining and revealed her heightened interest in what was happening. She first entered an educational institution, and everything about the educational process seemed extremely new to her, mysterious, but infinitely broadening horizons of the mind.

The first lesson turned out to be an introduction to the structure of alchemy, a kind of acquaintance with this entertaining science. Yuu was so engrossed in taking notes that it wasn't until the end of class that she noticed her desk mate hadn't shown up.

She heard students claiming they were hungry, and hummed to herself. She didn’t need much food intake, but wanted to see the cafeteria and the food people eat there. 

She slowly walked along the corridors of the Academy, studying the portraits of great figures in the field of magic, memorizing their names and surnames. Yu was interested in the curve of every fancy lamp, every shelving and every column capital.

Descending another spiral staircase, she finally found the cafeteria. A large number of oblong rectangular tables were located on the first floor, but Yuu noticed several round tables designed for a smaller number of people on the second one. On one side, from a wall-to-ceiling window a garden could be seen. And on the other side, beside the counter and the showcase, food was  handed out by…

“Are those gargoyles?!”

“What the?!”

Yuu heard students’ surprised tone and could actually relate to their shock. Come to think of it, she… saw someone similar once?..

“We have names,” One of the gargoyles said loudly, giving a cupcake to one of the students. “Mine’s Vittorio.”

“Uhm, thank you.. Sir?..” Another student took his lunch from the gargoyle with the tallest horns.

“Hugh,” another gargoyle answered.

Yuu watched in amazement. Real gargoyles were handing out food to the students!! As soon as she looked at the vegetable salad, another gargoyle, apparently the smallest of them, immediately flew up to her and served a portion of the salad that Yuu had looked at ten seconds earlier.

“H-huh?” She said. “Thank you, sir!!”

“I’m Lavont.”

“I’ll remember. Thank you so much!”

And just when she straightened from bowing to him, Lavont already went to another student with a tray full of different dishes. Yuu made her way to the second floor where a lesser number of students were, and took a seat. 

Despite the cafeteria filled from top to bottom with the noisy voices of students and the clatter of plates, Yuu felt isolated. However, she had to dine alone very often, which was not something unexpected. Yuu had time to grab the cutlery and was about to try the salad when a ticklish "Hello nya~" was heard behind her ear.

“Huh?!” She exclaimed, turning around but seeing no one. 

“What are you doing here all alone?” 

A familiar face appeared before her, and Yuu recognized Che’nya from purple hair strands, and exhaled in relief.

“Che’nya-san,” she greeted him with a little bow. “You sure manage to surprise me. For the second time today.”

“Life’s full of surprises, right?”

“I guess it is…”

Even despite Che’nya’s randomness, Yuu realized she actually felt better after his appearance. He was easy to talk to even considering his strange way of doing that, and also his voice was quite nice to hear. He waited for her to try the salad and smiled at her when she swallowed the first bite, making sure she was eating. Yuu wondered why he would do that in the first place, but decided not to comment at the moment. 

“Che’nya-san, I wanted to ask you why you came to me today.”

“Hm~” Che’nya hummed, leaning a bit closely but not making her uncomfortable. “What do you think?”

“I think it’s quite obvious,” she told him, fixing her gaze on his eyes, and continued consuming food slowly. “I just want confirmation. My guess is that… well, isn’t it quite strange? I seem different not only in terms of gender, but also in the dormitory no one else lives. It’s just suspicious.”

Che’nya stared at her with an unreadable look for half of a minute before sighing in defeat, causing Yuu to startle a little. Did she say something wrong? But her words were only logical.

“Here in my dorm we appreciate curiosity,” he said suddenly, thanking passing by Vittorio who gave Che’nya his meal consisting of fish and a salad too. “Thanks, Tori~”

Vittorio chuckled, pouring a cup of tea for Yuu and going to another table before she could have thanked him.

“Anyway~” Che’nya regained her attention on him. “Your guess is far from renyality.”

“Oh,” Yuu gasped. “Then what is it?..”

“No fun in telling you that simply~” Che’nya consumed fish almost in one bite, making Yuu widen her eyes in surprise. “Well well, I have no choice other than to spend more time with you to help you find out.”

“Yes?.. I understand you less with each second.”

He didn't respond to her statement, only his fluffy tail wagged playfully. Yuu pondered over his words when a "curiosity" suddenly popped up in her mind.

“Che’nya-san,” she called him. “May I ask you a question?”

“Not ‘may’,” he said. “You should! Ask right away, especially if it’s about directions. I’m good at giving ‘em~”

“No, it’s not that… You’ve mentioned that you appreciate curiosity in your dorm. Do other dormitories also have features they associate their dorms with?”

Che’nya smiled brightly at her.

“Nice one this time! Nyep, they do. Want to hear?”

Yuu nodded eagerly. Che’nya looked around, as if scanning their surroundings, and returned his gaze to Yuu, making her follow his.

“The dorms here are divided into seven kinds. You can easily distinguish them by colors~ For example, that one person with a turquoise brooch on his jacket. See, nya?”

Yuu followed his glare, easily spotting a student Che’nya pointed out. Indeed, a brooch with  majestic shades of green and blue sparkled beautifully in the light. 

“That’s Merheronelle. If you see people wandering around and being all lively and vivid, they must be from there.”

“What a beautiful sounding name,” Yuu nodded but got startled when she saw another student with a warm, light beige-colored brooch. “Oh, and that one person?”

“A~ah, he’s from Dýnamieisos!” Che’nya replied with tail’s wiggling. “Quite valiant individuals, I would say!”

“Valiant? How come?”

“Don’t make me regret calling you Wanderer, mm?” He returned his gaze to her, meeting with her confused one. “You seem curious enough to fit in our dorm though.”

“Ah, forgive me,” Yuu covered her mouth with a palm in surprise, ashamed of herself. “I forgot to ask what your dorm is called in the first place… I’m sorry for being rude and unattentive.”

Che’nya sighed, releasing a sound similar to cat meowing but rather… annoyed cat meowing?

“Our dorm name’s Pandora Charm,” he replied. “Quite charming, right?”

“Oh, it really is!” Yuu agreed, letting her lips curve in a small smile but also not noticing a brooch on his uniform. “What’s your dorm color?”

“Bright blue, nya. Woah, watch that guy!” Che’nya managed to switch her attention to a boy with a bright orange-colored brooch. “You don’t see Huriirada students that often. Must be a first-year.”

“Hm? Why is that?”

“They’re rather determined but sometimes they look quite… lonely,” Che’nya’s smile dropped for a mere moment before she could have asked what he actually meant by that he switched her attention again, making her gaze fixate on another student somewhere on the first floor. The boy was surrounded by an insanely large number of people with red brooches. 

“He’s from Edelwiese,” Che’nya said, his tail wagging cheerfully. Were they acquainted? Or maybe friends? “I think the most popular ones! The school staff wanted to ask Excalibur to rethink his choice because the number of Edelwiese students was quite large this year.”

“Huh? That many?”

“They’re all very kind,” Che’nya hummed. “But I don’t think that’s the only reason…”

Yuu narrowed her eyes, but he was already pointing at another student with a pastel pink brooch. 

“It looks so lovely,” Yuu said. “The color. Reminds me of gentle peonies...” Yuu grew peonies of a similar light pink color in her garden, knowing how much the Fairy Godmother loved them.

“The name of the dorm is rather floral too. It’s Florevel, the students there also remind me of flowers sometimes.”

Yuu decided not to ask how a person could resemble a flower, and nodded at the boy who was running up the stairs when another two with similar bright yellow brooches were chasing him, causing quite a commotion.

“Aaah, them~” Che’nya laughed. “Kifurijua dorm members are rather dauntless. But those are… those seem reckless. In a good way, nya.”

Yuu wondered why this group of students were in such a hurry, but she continued to discuss school life with Che’nya and asked about various things. After a while, she glanced at the watch, horrified at how quickly time had flown by and how empty the cafeteria had become. Time always went too fast for her, as if it didn't exist at all. After bowing and making Che’nya promise to greet her normally next time, she hurried back to the classroom.

“I see you’re already socializing, Yuu-san,” Emery greeted her at the entrance, and allowed to make her way to the desk. “Ah, youth~”

Yuu blinked twice but decided not to push it. Getting ready for the class starting, she pulled her notebook and jolted again at the sound of the bell ringing, furrowing her brows. Loud noises were a bit painful for her ears, but she decided it was just a matter of time until she got used to it.

“Alright,” Emery said, grabbing a piece of chalk and writing down the next topic on the blackboard. “Our next subject is… wait a moment.”

Yuu noticed the teacher glancing at the door and wondered how far he could hear. She also heard a rapid sound of someone approaching this classroom by running. The next second the door was shut open instantly, and a boy she saw in the cafeteria entered the classroom.

“I’M REALLY SORRY!” He said, trying to catch his breath and straightened his back, greeting the teacher. “Good morning, sir!!”

“It’s professor der Licht for you.”

Yuu widened her eyes. So young and already a professor?! This Academy was amazing…

“So,” Emery crossed his arms. “Care to explain? You skipped two lessons already, and it’s literally your first day here.”

“Aagh, yeah yeah, hehe,” the student didn’t appear to be guilty at all. “I just kinda… overslept?”

The sudden silence put Yuu on alert. This student fluttered his eyelashes innocently as he watched Emery slowly walk over to the table and take something out from under it. No one had time to blink an eye, as a dull sound of contact between something metallic and something solid was heard.

“Ouch! Sorry!”

“EEEEGH?!”

Emery held a frying pan in his hands, looking at the student with a look that expressed something along the lines of "Uh-huh, hopeless." Yuu couldn't figure out which was worse, hitting a student with a frying pan, or the fact that the student looked completely unharmed and more like slightly puzzled.

“Go take a seat,” Emery sighed. “And don’t make me hit you tomorrow’s morning too.”

Yuu followed the student making his way to his seat and parted her lips slightly when he sat right beside her. So he was the one missing this morning! What a deskmate she encountered. 

Yuu listened attentively to Emery, noticing that she already knew some of the facts, and allowed herself to take her eyes off the board to switch the gaze to her new desk mate. The boy in a good shape and with strong looking arms was tilted slightly forward, as if listening to the teacher, but his thoughts seemed to be somewhere else. His carefree look of sky-blue eyes fascinated with its crystal purity and innocent brightness, though a hardly noticeable shade of mischief was hiding underneath. His wheat-colored hair curled slightly in bangs that fell a little over long eyelashes, a pair of front strands of the hair matched the color of his eyes. 

And the part that seemed extremely adorable and eye-catching to Yuu appeared to be a pair of animal ears (lion ones, maybe?), one of them was twitching at the sound of the professor slightly raising his voice so he could be heard on the further rows. Yuu swallowed, trying to erase an unexpectable eagerness to touch a fluffy-looking fur of a color matching his hair, and felt her heart beating a bit faster at his cuteness. 

She also observed how messily his uniform was arranged, and how the bright yellow brooch almost fell off the short-sleeved shirt, not to mention the jacket tied around his torso. Something moved under his jacket in a jolly wave, and she saw a tip of a tail. It was much thinner and longer than Che'nya's. 

He turned to her suddenly, causing her to drop the pencil she was holding, and smiled so brightly she thought the sunrise was just a mere joke before his cheerful expression. 

“Hello!” He tried to whisper but it came out a bit loud. “I’m Luan, you?”

“Yuu,” she answered, not getting why he would continue staring at her without saying anything.

“No, you.”

“I’m Yuu,” she repeated and realized the pun. “My name is Yuu.”

“Eh,” he looked at her in surprise. “Mīnne? Idk what’s that. Anyway, nice to meet you!”

Yuu stared at him dumbfoundedly before saying something like ‘Nice to meet you too’ in return. She was almost getting used to people talking about her being a girl and not really trusting her and only Che’nya casually starting a conversation. But this boy looked so nice and apparently genuinely didn’t care, so she decided to give it a go.

“So we’re desk mates, right? So cool!”

“Y-yeah, it is!” Yuu tried to follow. “Oh, right,” he turned to her again. “Are you a girl? You look quite feminine.”

Yuu blinked at him. Did he not hear?

“I am.”

“Oh, cool,” he just shrugged it off, seemingly he really did not care at all. It was rather refreshing. “Btw do you know the teacher’s name?”

“It’s Emery der Licht, Luan,” she answered in a whisper. 

“Super, thanks, Yuu!” He laughed. “It’s lame to call him by his surname anyway.”

“You know I can hear you, right?”

“Yep~”

Yuu smiled at how genuinely sunny and joyful his laugh was and decided to return to taking notes. Somehow the only presence of the boy around managed to put her heart to peace, leading to the realization that apparently not everything invoked her sudden anxiety over a big number of people talking about her in an overwhelming way. 

“If you want to find more information, come to the library. I think you might find something useful there.”

Yuu remembered Ambrose’s words and right after the lessons she was heading out straight there. Some students hurried back to their dorms, others began to bond and gathered in the garden to get to know each other better, some preferred to enjoy the atmosphere all alone. Yuu, on the other hand, continued to walk slowly through the ornate corridors until she reached the giant doors, near which hung a gilded sign "Library".

Opening the doors, Yuu seemed to find herself in a parallel reality. Obviously, she really was in another universe, but still, what appeared before her was beyond praise.

In contrast to the predominantly marble decoration of the academy, the library was made of wood. Myriads of wooden bookcases sprang up in front of her, never knowing the end of the edge. Everywhere there were shelves with various kinds of relics, memoirs and other bizarre scrolls. The library featured dimmer lighting, maintaining a note of mystery. Yuu walked past a giant bookcase at least floors long, curiously touching a wooden step ladder that allowed one to climb to the topmost shelf. The floor was covered with dark blue carpets sheathed in gold to match the school's uniform.

Yuu went deeper as the light seeping through a window somewhere far ahead illuminated the whirlwind of dust particles dancing in the passageway. Yuu turned her head to the left, meeting the cylindrical bookshelves filled to the brim with books and the stairs leading to the mezzanine. On the right side there was a gigantic reading room filled with tables. There were cozy-looking table lamps on them, dozens of books were stacked in careless piles. From the reading room one could proceed to the next seemingly endless rows of bookshelves. Another spiral staircase also led to the second floor.

There were few students, and their small number created a special, very personal and indestructible atmosphere of mystery and hidden knowledge. Yuu walked up the three steps and ended up near what appeared to be the librarian's desk. It was a cylindrical stand, behind which a giant clock towered on a bookshelf-shaped stand. Yuu tilted her head up, meeting her gaze at the glass ceiling, over which the setting sun danced playfully, drowning in the crimson hues of the sunset.

Yuu walked over to the librarian's desk, peering under it curiously and noticing a mop of dark brown hair that looked like melted bittersweet chocolate. The person raised up, and Yuu gasped at his extraterrestrial beauty. Silky curls framed his face with neat, dreamy features. His solid elegant posture reminded her of royalty. He blinked, his lush eyelashes covered sandy eyes. 

He held his chin high, not shying away from looking majestic, but not supercilious. The librarian gave her a curious eye, fixing a steadfast gaze on Yuu's eyes. At that moment, her own glare flickered over his features, and she couldn't help but notice the charm of the mole under his right eye.

“Good evening,” his voice appeared to be quite deep. “My name is Aell, I’m a librarian. How can I be of help?”

“Good evening, sir Aell, I am Yuu.” She bowed to him but he didn’t seem surprised or annoyed at her action, unlike others who she happened to meet. “Could you please tell me where’s the section with…”

Revealing her intentions to a librarian was a risky move, so Yuu smiled slightly and continued after a pause.

“Books about the history of monarchy kingdoms?”

The librarian nodded, seeming unsurprised at all, and turned to the right. Yuu still was too preoccupied with observing his features to follow his eyes, but noticed another mole on the tip of his sharp nose, staring at him in reverence.

“Second floor, section eight. There will be six tables. Come near the third. Somewhere in there.”

“Thank you very much.”

“Call me if needed,” Aell added, lowering his gaze to the book lying on the table behind his counter, lowering his gaze to the book lying on the table behind his counter, which distracted Yuu for a split second again. Some inexplicable aura of elegance and quivering charm of the librarian forced her to look at him again, and she noted how charmingly his eyes were distinguished by the presence of only one double eyelid on one of them and the absence of it on another.

Yuu followed his directions and indeed found the right section. She ran her fingers along the spines of the books, thoughtfully examining their bindings and reading the titles, when suddenly she heard a speech, one of the voices seemed suspiciously familiar to Yuu.

“Ya, don’t tell me!”

Yuu peeked out from behind the bookshelf, peering at the two figures sitting at the reading table. She saw the back of a familiar person with copper-colored hair, his voice resonating within her mind. 

Opposite him sat (more like rested) a boy she did not know. He was laying on the table with his head resting on his hands, which were folded on the table in the shape of a frame. The setting rays of the sun made its way through the window frame, leaning against the silhouette and caressing his pale skin. Above his refined figure and golden curls of silky hair, slightly tangled and glossy with ornate ringlets delicately appeared because of his sleeping posture, trembled a mirage of something extraterrestrial. His eyelashes quivered reverently in the sleep, and his eyebrows drew down to the bridge of his nose, emphasizing something restless appearing in his dream. Motes of dust, lazily bending around the contours of the furniture in the library, did not reach the top of his head, dissolving in the light of the rays of the setting sun.

“You’re asleep?! For real? What in the world…” The boy was sitting with one leg pulled up to his chest and clasping it with one arm, hastily swinging the other one back and forth. “Yo, that’s insane dude… Gotta record this.” 

Right, it was the boy who appeared in the clock tower this night and disappeared in a hole which was created absolutely randomly, and dissolved just the same way! His voice was rather loud and vivid in the gentle warm library atmosphere, even if he tried to restrain it, making it a bit lower.

Yuu's eyes flickered over their silhouettes in interest before dropping to the floor. She was torn apart by curiosity, she wanted to clarify what was the reason for their sudden so-called meeting that night, but at the same time ... Despite the fervent and friendly mood of the boy, she could not approach him so easily. In addition, his apparently friend had a dream, and, as it seemed, it was not so pleasant. The violent nature of the nightmare clouded his wonderful features.

A sudden loud thud from behind distracted her from the thoughts which started swirling in her head, making her mind hazy. Yuu turned to her left, noticing a book which fell off the highest shelf.

“A book, huh,” she said, intending to pick up a book which fell from the highest shelf, and turned to the two students, the sleeping one apparently waking up. 

Yuu felt a familiar sensation of air trembling slightly when already extremely familiar purple hair locks appeared before her eyes, and then Che’nya’s face was revealed.

“Che’nya-san,” Yuu let out a sigh. “I thought you promised you would greet me normally?”

“I haven’t greeted you yet~” He hummed, this time not revealing his whole body and letting his head float midair. “Anyway, it’s still a bit early. Don’t rush it.”

“Yes?” She blinked. “What do you mean?”

“Who knyaws~” 

“Che’nya-san,” Yuu frowned. “I suggest you speak to me in a clearer way. Otherwise…”

“Othernyaise?” He reasked her playfully. Maybe it was the right moment to start regretting life choices? At this point Yuu felt a strange sensation, causing her to almost roll her eyes at his words, but quickly shrugged it off. What was this feeling called in the first place?.. 

“Remember I told you today,” Che’nya grinned with the eyes closed, the smile exposing his teeth. “Fun always happens at night.”

“I’m starting to believe I must have found a translator from your language instead,” Yuu sighed.

“As I’ve mentioned,” his purple strands flicked before her eyes. “I think I need to spend a bit more time with you. And that means…”

He disappeared again, but his voice could still be heard in the back of consciousness. “Next time I’ll greet you properly. I can’t break promises, after all~”

Yuu rubbed her temples with the fingers and thought that there was enough shock and strangeness for today. Turning around to talk to those two students, she realized that they had already disappeared while she was talking to Che’nya. Had his remark served as a vague hint that she should not approach them now? But for what reasons? Che’nya, nevertheless, was woven from riddles.

She picked up the fallen book, intending to put it back on the shelf, but became interested in the title, engraved in gilded letters: "Dead Kingdoms. Stories that have sunk into oblivion." Well... Maybe there really was something fateful in this meeting with Che’nya. Taking the book and realizing that the sunset rays began to change into cold evening ones, Yuu threw a quick glance at the place where the two students were sitting, and came closer. A suspiciously familiar smell of tea hovered over the table, and a playful sensation of something familiar and magical, tickled his veins. Yuu shifted her gaze to the table, where she found a colorful flier.

“Neige LeBlanche: Grand première”.

Yuu tilted her head, observing a boy’s silhouette. On the poster, he was turned with his back, his head slightly tilted to the side. The black poster stood out with a single element — a bright apple clasped in thin fingers.

She returned the flier to where it lay and decided it was time to head back to the clock tower.

Yuu hadn't yet taken this road back to the clock tower, but she wanted to take a walk to get a better view of the area. As Yuu passed by the garden railings, she felt an inexplicable attraction.

A feeling of unbearable longing penetrated her to the bones, penetrating into every cell of her body and responding with unbearable pain. She missed her mansion garden, her surroundings, the whirlwind of mischievous Sprites and tender butterflies.

She wanted to go through the gate and restore the clarity of her mind, when suddenly a distinctly sharp smell of blood hit her nose. Yuu winced, gripping the book tighter in her hands. Blood was one of those smells that unpleasantly tickled the nose, made fairies writhe in dislike, and was generally unpleasant to her kind. … Or so Fairy Godmother taught her, and in particular she instructed her to avoid the source of the scarlet liquid.

However, despite the obvious unpleasant associations, Yuu did not feel such a persistent, painfully unbearable rejection. Someone could be in trouble, and she had no right to wonder what to do when there was only one answer.

The smell grew stronger closer to the edge of the campus, outlined by the forest. Yuu approached the entrance, touching the barks of the trees and feeling unequivocally calmer. The trees whispered to her to move on, every blade of grass shuddering with her step, and Yuu's frown deepened. 

Yuu came to a small meadow, in the center of which was a small youthful figure. She silently moved a little closer, and greeted the person in a low voice.

“Good evening?..”

“Ah!!”

A startled person turned to her, revealing his stunned expression. Yuu was silent for a while, studying in amazement the delicate, most beautiful features of the youth who appeared before her. His eyes shone dark brown in the evening's cold hues, and his jet-black hair was neatly styled under a pretty beret. It took Yuu a moment to notice a few pomegranate drops of blood on his thin, graceful fingers.

His gaze followed hers, and he realized what she was staring at so intently. The boy smiled radiantly at her, and an unprecedented tenderness shone in his eyes with a quivering gleam.

“You must be surprised!” His voice seemed marshmallow-sweet to her, it was lulling and infinitely warm, like a warmed milk. “I hope I didn’t startle you? Please worry not, the blood’s not mine…”

“I know,” she nodded. 

You don’t smell like this one, she wanted to say but refrained from doing that. Yuu sat beside him instead, finally noticing the one who was bleeding.

A small cute rabbit with a wounded leg.

“Ah,” she gasped. “A poor thing!”

“Indeed,” the boy replied with a note of genuine worry in his voice resembling a nightingale’s trill. 

The movements of his fingers were full of caution, parental care and sincere concern. 

“Did you come to help?”

He nodded, his gaze fixed on the rabbit. Yuu wanted to use healing abilities, but wondered if it could be revealed yet. Did they exist here? But before she could do anything, the boy frowned.

“If only I had something to bandage the wound…”

“Don’t worry,” Yuu answered. “I can help.”

“Huh?..” He blurted out on an exhalation comparable to the light touch of a cloud in the morning mist.

Yuu ripped off a piece of her sleeve, taking a guess that this move wouldn’t be considered something strange. She handed a piece of cloth, leaving the bandaging process to the boy. 

His slender fingers deftly bandaged the wound, and the bleeding soon stopped. The rabbit looked up at the boy, blinking a couple of times before limping to his knees and perched there, falling asleep. In his huge eyes—two precious stones—a bright childish hope was born, supernovae flashed, and a radiant happiness resurrected. A burst of laughter escaped his scarlet lips, and he turned to Yuu, completely oblivious to the two crystal tears that rolled down his cheeks, not from oppressive sadness.

“Your eyes,” he said suddenly. “Resemble a ripe apple. They’re very beautiful.”

Yuu shivered. The only thing she heard about her eyes was that they’re quite terrifying because of their color resembling blood. And yet his gaze painted everything in a radiant sunny hue, and Yuu forgot for a moment where she was, fascinated by the gleam of his bottomless eyes.

“My name is Neige,” the boy said, and Yuu gasped again. Neige? The one she heard about today? “And you?”

“I am Yuu. You’re very kind, Neige.”

He closed his eyes, and the corners of his lips pulled up, forming the most tender smile. Neige was so guileless in his innocent kindness and gentle friendliness that Yuu felt how the natural skepticism that wrapped her mind in thick vines began to melt like liquefied cotton candy.

“Hmm,” he nodded. “Thank you for your help. You too are very kind.”

“No, I…”

“I need to get going, it’s already late.” Neige stood up, carrying the rabbit extremely carefully to not hurt it. “See you around, Yuu.”

Neige waved goodbye to her with his free hand, and the moment he turned around, Yuu smiled back at him, feeling an unexpected stab of a longing feeling, alien to his image, pierced her very heart. The corners of her lips slowly dropped as soon as she noticed the fading spark, vibrating with viscous yearning in the bottom of his eyes.

“Have a nice dream today.”

“Yes, good night… Neige.”

Yuu watched the boy's receding silhouette. Thoughts did not obey her attempts to sort them into the shelves of her mind, confused by the illusory sadness, which flashed in the amber of Neige's eyes, resembling an autumn wind.

And yet she hoped for a nice dream today nevertheless.

★﹒﹒NOTES

✧˖ Yuu uses an archaic Japanese feminine form 妾 (わらわ / warawa). It was humble and self-effacing, but in most of historical anime/novels/etc it's used by female characters of high social standing. ✧˖ Mīnne — variation of Old English form 'min', meaning 'my/mine'. Another way of emphasizing Yuu's pronouns choice.

✧˖ Characters speak Japanese, but Yuu-You puns were inevitable, so don't be surprised :)

✧˖ 'Á lelya' — Appear (in a demanding, impreative way). Yuu uses Quenya (a constructed language devised by J. R. R. Tolkien) in her speech when casting magic spells.

✧˖ The dorm names are revealed! I'll provide you with detailed meanings of word formation used, but try doing your own research and of course have some fun!! (like we did with my bestie creating all of them~)

✧˖ Three new characters were introduced! Have fun guessing them too, given we deviated from the originals in terms of their appearances ha-ha... ✧˖ In case the dorm colors aren't compitable with your tumblr color palette choice, here's the names in a list: — Merheronelle — Dýnamieisos — Pandora Charm — Huriirada — Edelwiese — Florevel — Kifurijua

© yunarim 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐝. 𝐝𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭, 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲, 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐲, 𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐧.

[literary-illuminati]

Book Review 54 - Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher

I’ve been meaning to read some of Kingfisher’s work for a long while now, but I can’t say I knew a thing about this book when I started it. Or, well, I know it had been nominated for a Hugo, which is the entire reason I grabbed it, but otherwise! Extremely charming book overall, even if let down a bit by some tonal inconsistency at the beginning. But then, I’m kind of a sucker fr the whole faerie tale fantasy aesthetic when it’s done well, and this delivered it in spades.

The story follows Marra, third-born princess of a small coastal kingdom, in her quest to kill the evil prince who married and murdered one of her sisters and is waiting to do the same for her other only until she gives her a son. This involves recruiting the aid of a clever and powerful Dust Wife, a necromancer living among the dead of a necropolis, and walking with her across the land to the prince’s city, recruiting the requisite band of quirky friends and allies along the way. There is a fairy godmother’s blessing/curse, and a dramatic christening, and a visit to a goblin market, and ann adorable skeleton dog named Bonedog. Intercut with the present timeline is Marra’s backstory, dolled out in small chunks through the first half or so of the book.

Tone-wise I’d probably call this, I don’t know, whimsical? Fairy Tale fantasy is probably the best way to put it – Marra’s home is literally named the Coastal Kingdom, and the prince’s is the Northern Kingdom. Humour abounds, though in general it’s more endearing than, like, actually funny. Fairy godmothers and their blessings play a loadbearing role in the plot. Despite the subject matter, it’s all a fun and fairly light read – magic is (despite all the corpses) more wondrous than terrible, the heroine’s fortunes basically follow a straight upward curve from page one onwards, aside from the prince himself there’s not too much of the way of actual evil around, the action scenes are more fun adventure setpieces that traumatic bloodbaths, and in the end cleverness and making friends carries the day and gets the princess her happy ending (which, to be fair, does include ceasing to be a princess).

All that said, my absolute favourite two scenes in the book both suffer from the fact that, as wonderfully evocative as they are, they both seem like they were lifted out of a different and rather stranger book and into this one. One, a detour to a Goblin Market, only slightly, and I adore well done and properly fae and alien goblin market settings so much that reading it made me want to go find a Changeling campaign I could join. The other though, is the opening scene of the whole book – starting in media res as Marra quite literally tears her hands apart picking through a pit of bones to find what she needs to assemble a complete skeleton of a dog with enchanted wire, open wounds growing more infected by the minute as she tries to complete an impossible task before the cannibal spirits who haunt the blistered land she hides within find and feast upon her.

Then she leaves, and never suffers another actually dangerous injury again, and the witch who gave her these impossible tasks tasks is in open mouthed shock she actually did it and just agrees to help her and it’s time for a roadtrip. The whole narrative takes a sharp turn towards whimsy, is what I mean. Not a bad thing, but took some real adjustment.

Otherwise – look, I know that most people enjoy romance subplots in their books. Consider it a value ad. I do not understand that at all. The romance in this book was just a total nothing, felt like it existed entirely out of obligation. Like, inoffensive? But it was tangential and minor enough not to really matter, but still took up enough wordcount hitting all the mandatory beats that I started to resent it.

Also, the protagonist is theoretically thirty, but also carefully written to be sheltered and unworldly/inexperienced enough that if you made her the standard issue 20 y/o fantasy protagonist basically nothing about her would change. Which just, like, why?

Anyway, fun read! Nothing to set the world on fire, but I did enjoy it, and will make a point of digging up some of Kingfisher’s other stuff in the future probably.

[unknownalamir]

When I was 18, I saved my brother's life.

It was the Friday after my high-school graduation, my little brother was 10 at the time and it was his last day of 5th grade. My family (my parents, my younger sister, my little brother, and my godmother) and some of my sister's friends traveled a several hours to this place called Lava Hotsprings in Idaho.

There's this river that goes through the town there under multiple bridges that you can raft down. Normally when we go there the water is fairly low and it's easy to get in and out of the tubes. When we got there it was around 6:30 - 7 ish and starting to get slightly chilly, the water was a bit above waist height on me (5'1) and seemed okay to raft in, all of the experienced adults agreed that it'd be good for tubing. And of course, there was no one else on the river, and every time we've been tubing before it had at least a few people.

My godmother had a recent surgery and was still in a wheel chair and didn't want to raft. When my mom mentioned being concerned about her I offered to go in the raft with my brother so they could relax in the hot pots nearby. My dad decided to drop them off and took his truck to the other side of town to wait and help us get the tubes out of the river.

Originally my godmother was going to be waiting in ma's truck at the area where you take your tube out of the river so that we could join her when we were done, my mom was planning to be in the tube with my brother and I was going to be in the tube with my dad while my sister tubed with her friends.

So I ended up being the oldest person on the river, with awful swimming skills, a raft that's in a different style than what I normally use (Google intex river run 2 person tube, its the closest I could find), and kid that I love and adore and would literally die for. Not that I really thought about any of those things at the time.

It went really great at first, for about 5 minutes, until we went over a small waterfall and got spun around. It was tiny, not usually a problem, but the rafts we were using had a plastic bottom and headrests that got in the way when I tried to use my arms and legs to move us. All the bumps in the river became a danger because I wasn't able to move the raft well enough, but I wasn't worried, after all, it was just a minute or so till the next drop off point, right?

And then, after another series of spinning and being jostled by the river, I got so focused on the next bump and how best to brace myself for that one and the one after that I didn't see the rock sticking out of the bank. It wouldn't have been a problem for me, but it was on my brother's side of the raft and I didn't see it coming until right before my brother's head slammed into it.

At first, I thought It'd be fine. He was crying, sure, but it's probably just a concussion at most, right? I could be calm enough for the both of us until we reached the next place I could drag our raft out. And then I saw the blood in his hair as it poured out of a gash on the back of his head and I started panicking and trying my best to get us out of the river despite the numerous branches and rocks that covered the river bank. When I finally saw a bare area that could be used to get tubes in and out of the river, I tried my best to get there.

Unfortunately, the previously mentioned issues with moving the raft came up. At the time I was the normal recuperating-from-life-and-finals exhausted on top of the physical exhaustion from trying to get us out of the fucking river, and the lack of being able to use my feet and arms as leverage while remaining inside the tube (in order to not be swept away from my brother by the stronger than expected river) was not helping. I missed the potential exit spot.

And then things got even worse as we went under the cities main bridge with it's tall concrete wall and rocks replacing the river bank (Just look up Lava hot springs tubing, you'll see the fucking concrete wall and the many bridges over the river). 

Do you know what a drowning machine is? It's when water flows over a low-head dam and creates a backwash (a current that recirculates) that can trap objects and people, and makes it nearly impossible to escape, even for experienced swimmers (which I am very much not).

In the fucking concrete wall area of the river, there are some rocks that go up slightly then a small drop, it was enough to make a small cycling current. When we went over the rocks, the water was going fast enough and the rocks were high enough that the tube just went over the backwash and it would have been fine if I was not having a panic attack and my brother wasn't severely injured. And due to him being injured and disoriented, he was not able to stay in the raft and got flung off. 

I fucking jumped out of the raft (which you should not do, the area is filled with very sharp rocks and rounded rocks that feel sharp and are painful when you are barefoot) and did my best to fight the river to get to the backwash area while holding on to the tube's black cord thing. I am a shit swimmer, if he was in the backwash, I would not have been able to get him out. As it was I had just barely gotten to the backwash and the only reason I was not pulled in was because of my death grip on the cable as the river tried to drag the tube away and me with it. Then I hear my brother screaming and I turn around and there he is, clinging to the raft as hard as I am, using the tension of me holding onto the cable as the raft and I are pulled in two different directions, climbing back into his seat even as he sobs hysterically and I am fucking leaping back into the tube to join him and I still don't fucking know how I did that.

I am like, not even fully in the raft from that point forward. I am on the side of the tube, trying to use my legs as leverage as best as I can to get to the nearest bare spot in the river bank. I am also failing miserably and tearing up my feet the entire way while occasionally getting more into the raft to avoid being dragged over small waterfalls and logs. 

Then we're going under the bridge that connects East Side Park to the rest of the town, and on the other side are all the riverside restaurants where you can see people tubing while you eat. And at least a dozen people saw us and heard me screaming for help and did NOTHING. 

Finally, an older women saw and began yelling to me that there was an area a meter or so ahead, just out of sight, where we could get out. A few younger boys, mid teens, heard her too and ran to east park to help us get out. 

That was when I became almost parallell to the water as I used ever bit of leverage I could get and any energy I had left to haul us, tube with my brother still in it, onto the bank. We just barely made it on the bank, and the river was still trying to drag the tube and us with it. That's when the boys got there and helped me drag the tube the rest of the way onto the shore and then into the park. 

My brother had mostly stopped bleeding at this point, and the blood that soaked his hair had washed away when he was in the water near the concrete wall from hell. This was when he told me that all he had was a headache and that he was still terrified, while trying to hug me to death. 

I, on the other hand, was still having a panic attack, and somehow wasn't hyperventilating, while carrying the tube and trying to call my dad and walk at the same time. Apparently my feet and legs were also covered in dirt, gravel, and scrapes, but I didn't really notice that until about ten minutes later when I tried to get in the truck and almost passed out from pain and the loss of adrenaline. 

It wasn't until after I was in dad's truck wrapped in towels, with my brother holding an icepack to his head while equally covered in towels and refusing to let go of me, as we made our way to the nearest ER (30 min away) that I started hyperventilating and sobbing.

When we got to the hospital (I think it was in the town north of Lava? I don't remember the name) we were told that it would take us 2 - 3 hrs to be seen. So we drove another half hour or so to the nearest open clinic and waited over 45 min to get seen. 

It was awful. My parents and the doctors (and the rest of my family when they arrived in the other truck) were calling me a hero. But it just felt like my fault. It still feels like my fault. If I had just payed more attention, if I hadn't tried to be more adult, if I had remebered that I had my phone and called my parents while I was still in the river, if I had protested more about going to Lava when I didn't want to go in the first place. It wouldn't have been like this.

We both ended up fine, with no concussions or fractures or broken anything for either of us. They gave us some antibiotics to keep us from getting infected from anything in the river. I got my feet wrapped and bandages for the scrapes.

My parents took us to get hot chocolate and McDonald's afterwards. 

I know it's not my fault, but I still feel like it is. Even with how long it's been, I still feel awful about it. I didn't learn about drowning machines until after when my brother turned on a video about it and asked if there was one in the river. 

I had trouble walking for ages, I kept having to peel my socks off after my shoes rubbed against the injuries enough for blood to soak through the bandages, or for them to start bleeding again when they weren't bandaged. 

I tried multiple times to write vent posts both here on reddit and on tumblr since it happened. Most of them are still left in my drafts, unposted.

I've never gone back to Lava Hotsprings. Even if I did, I'm refusing to go back in that river. I don't want to go tubing ever again either. This is one of the few events I'll never forget.

[the-modern-typewriter]

Questions! What age-group is your God Key novel directed at? From all your snippets on here and Patreon it almost seems it'd be a YA novel. Also, do you keep your own collection of personal story ideas? Like, ideas you're not working on right now but will when your novels done? I've just discovered the concept that some writers have multiple stories they work on (like Brandon Sanderson) which is encouraging because my brain won't shut up and for the longest time I thought I had to ignore them

The God Key is adult/potentially 'new adult' - the main characters are in their late twenties and there are darker themes throughout. For example, there is a content warning for fake suicide that is a fairly hefty plot detail. It may or may not appeal to some young adults, but it wasn't written as YA which is targeted at 15-18 year olds.

That said, I think my writing style potentially has something YA to it, so that could be what you are picking up!

Also, yes, I absolutely have multiple stories in my head at once. Discounting stories on Patreon (which, if I was counting them all as stories I am working on/potentially working on would come up to a whopping 200 or something!) I have at least two other novels I would consider myself actively working on a first draft of. These are:

Moonlight Drowning (fantasy romance about a young woman desperate to rescue her sister from the Fairy King who stole her. I call the main antagonist a Fairy King, but I'm playing hard and loose with fairy lore. It's at about 18,000 words but I actually have a plot outline for once and know where I'm going if I find the writing time, so it's very exciting!)

Say Yes (YA asexual romance, currently stalled at 24,000 because fluff and contemporary non enemies-to-lovers romance is not my natural niche so it's being a bit of a learning curve!)

I switch between the two when I get stuck.

Then there are a few other ideas still germinating in my brain for later, that I am not actively working on and haven't really started.

X Marks the Spot - some kind of thriller element, I have a clear idea of the main character and the semi-antagonist, but no plot!

And that's not including just random ideas that I'm not ready to even think about, like the I know at some point I want to do something longer around haunted houses/the Bluebeard mythology. I have another vague concept of doing something with Cinderella, except Cinderella is a thief and the fairy godmother is more like the godfather in terms of dangerous and mafia, so whatever it is isn't really Cinderella at all. Among other things.

Busy busy brain.

But yeah, you don't have to ignore ideas, so long as you don't do the thing where when one story gets hard (which it inevitably does, because writing a story isn't easy) you give up to do another story. Switching tracks/taking a break/working on multiple things is totally fine. But if it's a pattern where you never keep chipping away at any of your existing stories, you need to do the brain work of figuring out what's getting you stuck. Hope that helps!

[imliterallyjustsittinghere]

Was listening to some songs from the 1997 Rodgers & Hammerstein Cinderella movie while looking at Princess Tutu fanart and those two things combined in my head, so: Cinderella au where Duck is Cinderella, Rue’s the not-so-wicked stepsister, Edel’s the fairy godmother, Mytho and Fakir are the Prince and his guard and obviously the Raven is the evil stepfather.

It doesn’t align Perfectly with the fairytale, obvs. Rue and Duck get along fairly well, most of the time. Rue does SOMETIMES act cruel or say hurtful things, but Duck has the distance to know that it’s bc of Raven’s manipulation. Mytho, Rue, Fakir, and Duck are all fairly acquainted to varying degrees: Mytho and Rue are good friends and Rue’s been in love with him for ages, she’s hoping they’ll start courting once she’s been “introduced” to society. Fakir spends basically all his time with Mytho, since he’s his bodyguard. Fakir also frequently interrogates Duck, since she’s acting as a servant and therefore hears a lot about what’s going on in the household, meaning she’s more likely to know if Mytho’s in danger. Mytho only knows Duck as a maid he sees once in a while, though comments from Fakir (who IS aware that Duck is the rarely seen step-daughter of the Raven) have led him to ask Rue about her, leading to Rue worrying Duck might be a romantic rival.

ANYWAY, the royal family throws a ball in Mytho’s honor, and Rue's now old enough to attend. Duck is slightly too young, and is honestly too busy being happy for Rue to care. Then she overhears the Raven plotting to murder Mytho in a coup. Panicking, bc this would break Rue’s heart if the Raven succeeds and could result in the execution of the entire household if he FAILS, Duck runs to her parents’ graves, crying in terror.

While Duck is having a small panic attack, Edel appears. She tells Duck she can get her to the ball. Duck LEAPS at the chance to save Mytho and also everyone she’s ever known. Edel does the whole Cinderella transformation, I’m sure you know how it goes, and also makes Duck look slightly older (I had to fit in a Princess Tutu reference somewhere). Off Duck goes to the ball!

Once she gets there, Duck immediately starts searching for Fakir. Look, she’s a girl on a mission, she doesn’t have time to dance and socialize and do all the things balls are for! (and also she knows full well she isn’t supposed to be here and is a little scared that someone will notice her lack of formal manners and have her thrown out) Once she finds him, she pulls him aside and immediately tells him what she heard. Fakir has no idea who she is and starts asking very pointed questions. In his defense, it’s loud, dimly lit, and Duck is dressed very differently than normal, especially given the whole “looks older” thing. Duck gets nervous, makes her excuses, and leaves, accidentally tipping off Fakir that they know each other and losing her shoe in the process.  This is getting long so I’ll continue it in a reblog.

[shreddedparchment]

Pseudo Princess Pt.34

A Little Spell

07/20/2020

Pairing: King!Steve x Reader          Word Count: 6,799

Warnings: smut, language, FLUFF, cute babies, slight angst

A/N: Enjoy! I’ve had fun with this one. As always if you happen to reblog, thanks so much for helping me spread my work.

Tags are CLOSED!

Please do not REPOST my work on any other sites or blogs. REBLOGS are welcome!

Spring has awoken in Broklin. The sky is blue once more. Small tufts of cotton clouds fly by overhead as you walk with Maggie in your arms. She’s little, only three months, and aging with the peony blossoms in your gardens.

She wears one in her soft hay colored hair, carefully pinned by her Godmother Natasha this morning.

As she gawks at a flying bird, her chubby baby arms stretched out as if to touch it, your mind has a fleeting thought as you think about Nat, as it does every time you think of her.

What is he not telling me?

You remember it like it were only last night, Steve and Sam racing from your bedroom with a scroll crushed in Steve’s right hand.

He’d come back hours later looking tired and worried for only a moment as he walked into the room and then he’d smiled at you as you sat up, your little girl pressed to your breast as she fed.

He’d laid down beside you and kissed Maggie’s little feet just to hear her fuss a little and then laid with his eyes shut. Thinking things that you wanted but couldn’t know. Wouldn’t know. Still don’t know.

You’d known better at the time than to ask him what all of his rushing around had been about and instead settled Maggie between the two of you after she’d fed and only after he was asleep had you moved her into her cradle.

Steve had wrapped his arms around you in his sleep as you’d moved closer to him and it had chased away any fretting you’d had at the prospect of more trouble.

Despite the fear that had begun to grow in your mind, your worries seem to be unfounded as nothing has happened to alarm you or, really, anyone in the Kingdom.

“Sister!”

The call shatters your thoughts back to this blissful spring day and you turn to see Morgana moving quickly towards you, one hand holding up her pale green dress. The little vines etched along her collar and sleeves stand out in dark green and earthy brown.

“Morgana, your Majesty.” Peter states, moving towards Morgana and give her a quick bow while she too stops to greet him.

“Hello, Peter!” She smiles, then hurries back to you while Peter leaves you two to wait by the garden entrance.

You inspect your work—her dress—worried about the state of the stitching as she flounces about, but it’s holding up very well.

“Morgana, I thought you were in your lessons until the afternoon?” You chastise, eyes narrowed suspiciously as Maggie gasps in excitement, coos, and kicks her legs so quickly that you have to adjust her dress around her little feet. She’s a vision in pale blue to compliment the rosy pink peony in her hair.

Your own dress a stunning yellow, and a ribbon around your waist to match the color of Maggie’s dress.

With a little one, you have had to learn to keep your hair up or tied back. Grandmother had insisted on a braid this morning. Long with peonies also wound through to match your daughter.

For the most part, you don’t understand the fuss everyone has been making over the two of you looking so coordinated but apparently it is a tradition of the kingdom for a Queen and her child to set an example of “unity” . How exactly clothes show this, you have no idea.

“Hello little Maggie.” Morgana gushes then opens her arms to take her.

Handing your daughter over, you adjust her dress as Morgana gets her comfortable.

“Don’t ignore me, Morgana.” You warn her, with love of course.

“I’m not ignoring you.” She huffs. “I’m merely using my beautiful niece to avoid answering the question.”

You laugh. A confession you had not been expecting.

“What are you doing here?” You demand, still chuckling as the two of you resume your walk through the winding hedges of your now wild garden.

All these flowers once grouped with their own species and rigorously kept apart before were now in a truly wild blend of organized chaos.

“I finished early and the Master asked if I would like to proceed to the next lesson or spend the day on my own…” She begins.

“And naturally you decide that the day is better spent with Maggie and I?”

“Of course!” Morgana smiles, tickling Maggie’s little tummy. “Isn’t that right, Princess?”

“You should have gotten a head start on your lessons.” You reason.

“And miss out on this beautiful day? I don’t think so. Besides, my brother-in-law would like to see you. It looks like a meeting.” Morgana says, knowing that you will know what she means. “He sent me down to fetch you, and to take little Maggie back upstairs for her nap.”

“Has something happened?” You panic, stopping to look at her with wide eyes.

Maybe you were getting too comfortable too soon?

“I don’t know.” She laughs. “Father tells me nothing and mother insists that I stay out of all Avenging business.”

“They’re right, Morgana…I’m so glad that you weren’t anywhere near during the battle.” You worry. “Or Shuri. I’m glad she and her brother had to go back home before anything could happen.”

“They could have helped. The Black Panther is very skilled. And powerful.” Morgana reasons.

“He is.” You nod. “But I would have everyone be safe rather than risk the dangers of the castle that night.”

“You make it sound so terrifying.” She tells you, not realizing that you’d left out a chunk of compelling story when you’d recounted the events of the night.

“It was.” You assure her.

“Sister, even if it was scary, don’t you think that all of the Avengers fought for a reason? They all want to protect you. And my brother-in-law fights for more than just you and Maggie. He fights for the freedom of his kingdom.”

She thinks a moment, and smiles. “But mostly for you. You should see the way he watches you and Maggie. There’s a fear in his expression that I don’t understand. Almost a yearning. Even Nat says that she does not remember him ever looking at anyone so.”

“I don’t want anyone fighting for me, Morgana. I want everyone to be safe.”

There must be something in your eyes as you insist because she nods, understanding.

“Where were they?” You move on, eager to forget the night of Maggie’s birth.

“It’s only Steve, Sam, Bucky, and Natasha.” She informs you, making sure you know it isn’t the entire team. “They’re waiting for you in Steve’s den.”

“Can you manage Margaret?” You wonder, waiting to see what she’ll say.

Morgana rolls her eyes, “Of course, I can! Now go.”

With a bite to your bottom lip you quickly lean in and press a kiss to Maggie’s cheek.

She turns towards you as you pull away. Eyes wide and hands and feet flailing and kicking in excitement.

“I’ll see you shortly my pretty girl.” You coo at her then head towards the castle at a hastened pace.

As you pass the gate you move to Peter’s side with a pleading look.

“Will you stay and watch over her?” You fuss, worried about leaving Morgana alone with Maggie. Not that you don’t trust her, but you’re a little more wary now after so many close calls.

“I-” Peter begins, ready to defy you in favor of protecting you. He’s your personal guard!

“Please, Peter. I need to know that I can trust you to protect her if I cannot be around.” You plead.

Peter watches your expression then glances behind you towards Maggie and Morgana.

“Of course, your Majesty. I will protect them both with my life.” He promises, easing the worries in your heart.

You hurry on, but just as you reach the door you look back at your daughter once more and find Morgana helping her wave her tiny clenched fist as she mouths Bye-bye momma! Peter joining them with a small jog.

As he stops beside them, Morgana’s gaze is diverted, and her cheeks fill with a rosy tint.

You return their small wave and allow your feet to carry you faster through the castle towards Steve’s den.

On the second floor you pass Sharon nestled into a small library with her nose in a book.

You stop, warring with your two halves. The one side of you is eager to greet her and ask her to accompany you to this new meeting that you’ve suddenly been summoned for when you’re so often left in the dark about Avengers matters. You’re grateful to her for saving your life and the life of your little girl.

Then there’s the second half. The wife half. The woman within you that remembers the sight of her nestled in against Steve’s chest. The stern set of her jaw when you staked your claim for him and then the feeble attempt at an apology that so clearly had meant nothing at the time.

Your jealousy is moderate now. It doesn’t rear its head like a starving monster anymore, but it’s still there. You are Steve’s and he belongs to you. You’ve rarely felt the need to make it clear that you belong to each other. When you see Sharon being one of those occasions.

With a quick breath, cut short by a determined huff from your gnawed-on lips, you stifle the urge to claim and instead allow the friendlier side to move you into the room.

“Sharon?”

Sharon blinks, searching for you with wide eyes still dazed by her book.

“Oh,” She smiles, rising as she sets her books aside.

She curtsies as you stop before her, hands placed gently at your front as you try to stand the way Nat has taught you. Regal. Or as close to it as you can manage. You’re still unconvinced that you can pull this royalty business off.

You know you’re Queen and you make no arguments about it, but you’re fairly certain that Sharon—and other women like her, Nat included—will always look more the part of nobility than you do.

“Your Majesty, good morning.” Sharon greets, rising and matching your pose but clearly more relaxed.

“Good morning. I hope you’re well?” You begin, hoping the pleasantries aren’t unwelcomed.

“I’m very well, my lady. Thank you for asking.” She smiles again, a bit softer.

“I was wondering, why aren’t you with the others in Steve’s office?”

“I, my lady?” Sharon asks, genuinely confused as she presses her hand to her chest. The pale silk orange dress is elegant but fitting of the weather. The dark purple roses that flow upwards into a cluster in the pattern draw the eye to her bust, just as her hand does.

“I was sent for by Steve just now.” You explain.

“I-I’ve been in here all morning. All night even. It might be possible that they sent for me, but no one knows where I am. This has always been a good place to hide.” She confesses and her smile widens.

“Well, why don’t you accompany me? Whatever schemes they have you will no doubt be an asset. Indeed, I don’t know why they’ve sent for me. I’m…I couldn’t possibly be of much help.” You shake your head, relaxing a little more with every word you speak.

“I think it likely that his Majesty wants to keep you apprised of the events in the Kingdom.” Sharon ponders. “After what happened at King Anthony’s castle, he’d be a fool to keep you in the dark.”

You hadn’t though of that. Steve is summoning you to keep you informed? He never has before.

Once again, your mind is dragged back to the day of Thor’s visit and Sam’s urgent scroll.

You must have gone into a daze while your mind ran with thoughts because Sharon clears her throat, pulling you from your own ponderings.

“Your Majesty?” She checks, wary.

“Sorry.” You smile again. “I’m sorry. Will you come?”

Gesturing towards the door you take a tentative step as you await her choice.

“Of course!” She exclaims, rushing to open the door fully for you.

“You don’t have to-”

“Please.” She states simply, and you don’t refuse her.

The two of you walk together, Sharon a half step behind you—as she should be with you as Queen—in surprisingly comfortable silence.

When you reach the wing that you and Steve live in, you clear your throat, walking a little slower with his den visible at the end of the hall.

“I’m glad you decided to stay a little longer with us.” You tell her quietly.

“As am I, your Majesty.” She smiles. “Seeing you run the castle and the introductions with the court and the people…I hope Maggie won’t turn in her grave, but you do this job better than she ever did.”

“Oh?” You’re not exactly surprised by her statement. Steve has often told you this himself, but to hear it come from two people who loved Margaret the most and knew her the best really speaks volumes.

“Maggie was always focused on the world. It’s good to see someone care about just this Kingdom. It wasn’t in ruins or anything when she was in rule, but it has truly prospered under your care. And your attentions to its people force Steve to also consider those closer to home.

“There will always be an evil out there for us to fight. I think he used to forget those that depend on him waiting right here.” Sharon ponders, not really asking any questions just making observations.

“You’re too kind.” You smile. “It has truly been my honor to serve. To help.”

“Serve?” She asks, confused.

“Isn’t that what we do? Steve and I?” You think aloud. “We are here to provide a service. That service is indispensable. We provide stability and structure to the lives of everyone in Broklin. We were placed here to not only rule, but to help and to take care of those who need us. We are called to serve our people in the best ways we are able.

“There can be no service more important to perform in all the world.” You shrug, as if it should be the most obvious thing in the world.

Sharon huffs a small laugh, not in sarcasm, but surprise.

“What?” You stop, turning to look at her with your hands carefully placed at your front. “What have I said?”

“You truly put us all to shame, your Majesty.” She states, looking into your eyes with a sparkle of sincerity. “There are sovereigns that would say the exact opposite. That it is the duty of the people to serve their King and Queen.”

“And it is.” You agree. “We are a carriage wheel, the people and us. In order for us to carry forward, we all must do our parts. It’s why I chose to marry Steve despite never having known him.

“I love him now, but when I agreed to marry him, I had no idea who he was. My father needed me to be dutiful and I was.” You smile. “We serve the people and they serve us in turn. We cannot have one without the other. Kingdoms fall every day to famine, disease, discontent among the people…one cannot expect to take and take without giving something in return.”

“Yes.” Sharon nods, “I see that now. And I’m sure Steve has seen it too. You’re teaching him well.”

You laugh, finding it silly that you could teach Steve anything that he doesn’t already know.

“Come on, before they grow impatient.”

As the two of you approach the door, you spot Grandmother leaning against the wall just outside the door, her hand on her chest and her eyes shut tight as if she’s struggling with a pain of some kind.

“Your Majesty?” Sharon probes as you slow just outside the door.

“Go on in.” You tell her, “I’ll be right in.”

Sharon nods and joins the others while you approach grandmother, a sudden realization fills you with dread.

Grandmother is old. And as much as you’ve grown used to her care, she will not always be with you.

“Grandmother? Are you alright?” You check, easing closer before placing your hand on her back carefully.

She’s lost so much weight recently that her dresses have begun to fit her loose. You’ll have more made for her.

“Shall I send for a doctor?” You ask, ear growing.

“No.” She says, withered voice shaking with a trembling breath.

“What’s the matter?” You wonder, placing reassuring hands on the sides of her arms.

She looks up at you, her eyes boring into your own and you can see it all in the reflection.

She’s terrified. This old woman, fearless in the face of a full on battle, is scared.

“Will you not confide in me?” You fret.

“No.” She says, eyes narrowed as she considers you and her legs grow stronger. “Not until I see it all.”

You’re confused by her words but try not to dwell on them.

“Let me at least get you a glass of water.” You insist.

“I said no, girl. Get back to your duties and leave me be.” She grumbles and pushes around you, muttering something under her breath as she reaches into one of her hidden pockets and pulls from within it a small vial of glittering powder.

You watch her until she’s out of sight, your mind trying to make sense of what little she said, but you can’t. You never could with Grandmother. Why was she out here to begin with? Had she been part of the meeting up until now?

Inside Steve’s den, you find Natasha sitting on one of the plain seats by his desk, Bucky beside her, arms crossed as he stares at a map spread out across Steve’s desk.

Sam is leaning against the desk, one hand along the edge while he points at a cluster of black iron houses near the corner. Sharon, sits in the chair beside Nat giving the impression that Sam must have given the seat up for her when she entered.

Your husband sits in his large chair behind the desk, his elbow on the wooden arm. His right hand covers his mouth while he taps a finger on the other deep in thought.

All of them turn to look at you as you enter. Sam straightens up, Natasha and Sharon both rise to their feet, and Bucky drops his arms. Steve however is transfixed on the map, eyes blazing with storm clouds as his mind fixates on whatever problem has gathered them all into this room.

“No, please…” You tell the others and they relax, taking up their previous positions.

You edge your way over to Steve and almost on instinct he opens his left arm to greet you beside him, turning his chair before he pulls you into his lap without sparing you a glance.

Normally you might protest the open affection in front of your closest friends but as you sit and he wraps his arm around your waist, there’s a needy weight to his embrace that tells you in this moment he must feel you there with him.

You recognize it and it makes you nervous. Fearful of what is troubling him.

“Is it bad?” You ask, looking only at him.

He takes a deep breath and then releases it slowly but doesn’t utter a word.

“Bucky?” You turn to him and wait as he shakes his head then nods to Sam.

“They’re here.” Sam says, leaning over the map again to point at the same cluster of black iron houses. “In this village. Abandoned long ago. All of the structures are crumbling. Decayed. If they’re not overgrown with vegetation, they’re soggy with mold and moss. Thor says there are at least three dozen soldiers left.”

“Hydra?” You ask, surprised you could find the breath in your body to do so.

“We thought that Captain Danvers had killed Rumlow, but it appears that he escaped before she could finish the job. He’s taken what’s left of their numbers here to regroup and rebuild.” Sam explains.

“Then we go after them.” Sharon says passionately.

“Thor says that rushing in would be reckless.” Bucky says. “They have something there. A weapon unlike any he’s ever seen before. It turns men into mindless slaves with a single touch. It shoots out an energy that he has never seen.

“And there’s no way to guarantee that they would still be there, even if we went now.”

“Where is Thor?” You wonder, looking around as if he might appear form the shadows.

“Searching.” Nat says. “For information on the power they possess.”

“We have to do this carefully. I won’t risk open war. Not with these villages here surrounding them on all three sides and the border on their back. They could slip into the Kingdom to the south and start a war between our kingdoms.” Steve shakes his head. “We’ll take a day, come up with a few strategies. We must move but we must do so correctly.”

“I thought they were gone.” You lament, starting at the cluster of houses.

Your tone finally brings Steve’s gaze to you and he wraps his arm around you more tightly.

“And they are.” He assures you. “This is what’s left of them. They’re weakened and if we do this properly, we might finally be able to eradicate the world of Hydra.”

“Cut off one head, two more shall take its place.” Bucky says solemnly drawing everyone’s eye.

Steve is frowning, his hands gripping the fabrics of your dress above your thigh as he considers his childhood friend.

“Then we’ll rip out their hearts.” He declares before immediately stifling the rage that filled his chest. “We need to take that weapon away from them and then we can kill them once and for all. We can’t wait for Thor.”

Nat gets to her feet and Bucky drops his arms. “We should at least give him a week to return before we attack. We need to know what we’re facing.”

Steve considers this, “I’ll give him three days. It’s all we can afford. Any more time and we may as well send them the numbers to withstand us.

“You and Nat take the rest of the day for yourselves, enjoy each other and tomorrow begin recruiting amongst the guard. Anyone skilled in deceit. They should also be able to hold their own against either of you.”

Nat nods and heads for the door. Bucky hesitates but quickly follows his wife out, leaving the door open.

“Sam, ride for Malibia and see if Tony can come back and whether Lord and Lady Lang are still present at his castle.” Sam nods, then leaves too.

“Shall I reach out to Fury?” Sharon wonders, pushing herself to the edge of her seat.

“No.” Steve shakes his head. “They’re racing after a separate faction of Hydra supporters. We’ll let them do their work. I want you to go to the East tower.”

“Wanda?” She asks, curious but unsurprised. “You want me to train her?”

“I want you to question her.” Steve clarifies. “She and her brother were part of Hydra. They were created by Hydra. If anyone might know what this mystery weapon is, it will be them.”

Sharon rises and rushes out with a curtsy leaving you and Steve alone in his office.

Your eyes dance around the now empty room, stopping on the curtained off corner that had been Margaret’s reading nook.

The jealousy you feel is almost imperceptible. He’s had it sectioned off for so long that you’re certain he did it to either keep you out or shield it from view so that he might move on without being reminded of his first love.

“Are you worried?” He asks, drawing your gaze back down to meet his own.

“Only because I wish this were over.” You shake your head, reaching up to trace the shape of his cheek and then slide your hands into his soft and slightly unwashed golden head of hair. “But it will never be over, will it?”

Steve’s face is serious, pained in a way, but only because he can see your distress. “No.”

His agreement weighs your heart down and you settle into his arms a little sadly.

He wraps you up in them, pulling you so close that you might as well be fused with how he’s got you tucked in against his chest. You shut your eyes and rest your head on his shoulder, tucking it underneath his chin when he adjusts it to rest it against your head.

“Oh, my sweet flower.” He whispers. “I’m sorry that I cannot be normal for you.”

His lament gives you pause, making your heart ache for an entirely different reason.

“Steve…” You push yourself back up, searching for his storm blue eyes which you find full of sorrow. “…I would not want you to be anyone but who you are.”

He considers your words for a few moments while you renew the caress to his head.

“Wouldn’t you prefer it if I were a normal king? No Avengers? No strange enemies with strange abilities?” He wonders. “I know that even my own abilities might be a little troublesome. I know that I can be a little heavy handed.”

“Steve,” You stop him, taking his face in both your hands and turn him to face you. “I would not change one single thing about you. Not your strange addiction to salted pork with that cherry glaze Cook makes. Not the wrinkles around your eyes when you laugh. Not the strength in your body or the smiles that greet me in the morning. Not the love you will always hold for Margaret, despite your declarations to the opposite.”

You drop your voice so that it is low and only for his ears, even though you’re very much alone.

“And most definitely not those heavy hands that pin me to our bed.”

His cheeks flush pink and it makes you so proud to make him blush that you chuckle once.

“I love every inch of you. Yes, I worry but only because I’ve seen you beaten and bloody. I’ve tended your wounds and watched you flinch. I’ve waited at your bedside in fear that you would never wake. I’m afraid that someone will take you from me and I’m not sorry for that. I can’t pretend that this life is not without risk and that very risk might one day take you from me and Maggie. I would wipe the world of evil if I could, but I know that I cannot so, I will worry every day for the rest of my life because I love you.

“That’s not a bad thing.”

Steve sighs heavily, hating your words. He leans forward, pressing his forehead against your chest as his hands trace the shape of your back, rubbing it to give you comfort.

“I wish I could give you a life without strife.” He cries, voice muffled against your breast.

“Oh, my darling, there is no woman, no wife or mother in this world that lives without strife. Perhaps mine is a little more elevated with so much hanging in the balance, as Queen and also the wife of the Captain, but I do not regret my choices. I would gladly marry you and endure all of my hardships over and over again if it meant that I could have this moment. Our daughter safe with her Aunt and you with your arms around me.”

Steve smiles at you, sappy and pure.

“I’ll be careful.” He promises.

You throw your head back and laugh, your hands gripping his shoulders to keep from falling off his lap.

“What?” He asks in humored shock. “What’s humorous in my promise?”

“Just swear to me that you will return to me in a somewhat decent state. One which I can nurse you through and I will gladly wait forever for you.” You can’t expect him to make promises he can’t keep and for him to be careful…well, you know better.

“I love you.” He tells you, voice deep and low.

His sudden declaration sends massive butterflies into the pit of your belly and your heart does a dance. It robs you of breath and you lick your lips and swallow the lump forming.

“Even after seeing me as I gave birth to Maggie? You love me after that?” You wonder, knowing the sight it must have been.

“No woman on this world is stronger or more capable than you, my petal. I could not have done what you did to bring her into being and I will worship at your feet for sacrificing so much to bring her to us.” He gushes, genuine and intense in his expression despite the lovesick flow of his words.

How long will this last? How long will he really love you in this way?

You know it all fades eventually. You’re not a fool. You’ll be glad if you and Steve love each other half as well as Tony and Pepper when you two have been married as long.

He pulls you down to kiss him and you give him what he needs and what you so desperately want. You think back to every time he pulled away from you, despising you for touching him just after you were married. You remember the way he forced himself to consummate, the way he’d drowned out your cries for relief because he wanted to get it over with.

He wanted to be done with you and never could you have imagined that he would hold you so dearly. His lips wrapping themselves along yours, tongue softly probing for entry which you swiftly allow.

“Do you have to get back to work?” You whisper between a kiss, lips wet, eyes hazy with desire.

Steve pulls back to see your eyes and he shakes his head, leaning back in. He runs his tongue along your open mouth as he pushes you up onto your feet only to reach down and hike up the front of your skirt.

He pulls you towards him, hands hooking behind your thighs as he guides you back onto his lap but leaves you standing over him.

His hands disappear underneath the folds of your dress, but you can hear the swish of his pants as he braces himself on the arms of his chair and pushes his trousers down a bit.

His hands caress the length of your leg, from behind your knee to thigh before finding your hip. With one hand he leads you and with the other he lines himself up, the heat of his cock pressing against the soft wet folds of your cunt.

You shiver.

“Tell me you love me.” He begs, needy.

“I love you.” You answer, a breathy whisper as he impales you slowly.

“My sweet…” He groans, yanking you down to kiss him in a fevered passion that you hope he will never forget.

~~~~~~~~~~

“I need to go check on Grandmother.” Your eyes are fixated on the shielded corner of Steve’s den.

You’re not really looking at it, but it’s in your line of sight.

Steve groans, tracing the skin of your bum where you sit, still resting on his lap. Your head is on his chest, your body still wrapped around his. Still full of him though he’s spent after three rounds. You will both be sleeping soundly tonight, so long as Maggie will allow you to do so.

It’s not the custom for you to watch her at night but you insisted and as Queen no one will argue. Especially when Steve is so eager to support you in building a new way of life in the castle.

“She’s ill.” You reason with him, “I found her outside your door nearly fainted. With her age, I’d hate for us to be careless with her heath.”

“Shall I send for a doctor?” Steve asks, hands stopped on your bottom.

“Not yet. I’ll check with her first and then send for someone if needed.” You sit up and make to rise.

Steve’s hands suddenly grasp your bottom tight, fingers digging into your flesh. There’s a worry in it and it makes you look at him in search of what it might be.

“Do you want to see?” He asks you.

You’re at a loss as to what he means, and it must show on your face.

“Behind the curtains.” He explains, then gestures at the spot with a nod. “You were curious once before.”

You look at the spot and try not to feel too hurt or sound wounded by the memory of that day.

“And you were angry with me for it.” You remember.

“No.” Steve says, voice stern and certain. “No, my love, I-I was angry but not because you tried to look at her spot. I was angry because I thought you’d read my book.”

He sits up a bit more, arm wrapped around your waist to keep you in place as he reaches with the other one to grab the red book with the large A embossed on the cover.

“This book holds every account of every mission that we have ever run as a team. It holds details of enemies and their abilities or their motives. It has everything.

“When I walked in that day, I saw you with your hand on it. I saw you reading it.” Steve hurries to explain. “My heart dropped when I realized what it was you were looking at and I lashed out. It wasn’t right of me to do so, but the last thing that I wanted was to have you involved in that world.”

“Oh.” You realize, staring at the book in his hand. “I thought-”

“I will not lie and say that it didn’t have a little to do with Margaret and her space in my den, but mostly I-I was already in love with you and the thought of you and all your purity and goodness, all of your vulnerability exposed to the violence of the world I lived in filled me with a fear that I have never known.

“Even now, only the thought of our little Maggie in danger compares to the terror that fills me when I think of you at the mercy of Pierce’s sword.” He brings his hands up, one on your cheek and the other on the back of your neck. “I would have gone mad if he’d taken you both from me.”

You can’t blame him for the fear. You’d felt it too. Still feel it when you imagine your little one, protected only with your body and you with no way to fight Pierce off.

“We owe Sharon so much.” You tell Steve and he nods.

“I can never repay her for being there when I could not be.” Steve agrees.

Several moments pass in silence as the two of you reflect on what could have been and relish in each other’s presence, bodies pressed so close still, in gratitude for the reality of the outcome.

“So?” Steve continues. “Would you like to see?”

He tosses the red book back onto his desk and carefully helps you up. He pulls your skirts down, helping you fluff them out as they should be before tying the string of his trousers and adjusting his shirt.

With the soft hiss of skin on skin, he takes your hand and pulls you around his desk towards the corner.

He releases your hand and reaches up to unhook the heavy curtains.

As they fall away, it reveals not a reading corner but a remade space with a new seat by the window. A bench with a plush pink cushion, darker pink peonies in the fabric. The dark woods compliment the lighter colors. Around that seat is indeed a bookcase but it’s much smaller than the ones that surrounded it before.

There is also a spinning wheel, a basket of what you can only assume is everything you will need to make your own yarn. There are several small round containers that you recognize as sewing kits. In one sitting open you can see a pair of iron scissors, thick and heavy. A leather pouch, spools of already woven yarn, and a collection of cutting knives for leather should you decide to work with it. There’s a small table against the other wall where a large bookcase had sat before, piled with patches of fabrics for embroidery and a few samples of tapestry fabrics that excite you as you’ve never worked on a tapestry before.

Near that table along the floor is a plump yellow cushion. The design is also feminine but only just with silver and baby blue butterflies. A small pillow, a doll made of rags and another out of wood tells you that this spot is for your little one.

Steve offers his hand once more and you take it, in awe of his reveal.

“I know you like to read so I had some books brought for you, but I wanted this space to be yours and yours alone. Well, until three months ago when Maggie was born, and I had that small space added for her. Do you…like it?” He wonders, watching you as you let his hand go and move to trace the smooth lines of your spinning wheel.

“Like it?” You gasp. “Oh, Steve…”

You burst into tear and cover your face. Why must you be so emotional right now? You want to show him how happy you are!

“Oh, no. Please do not cry.” He pleads, moving to wipe your tears away.

“I c-can’t help it. I’m sorry.” You weep. “I’m just so-so happy.”

Steve laughs, an easy chuckle as he pulls you against his chest.

“Thank goodness.” He kisses your head and holds you until you stop crying.

The walk to grandmother’s is a happy one. You’re excited to spend time in Steve’s den. Not only because he’s given you so many new tools to really make some high-quality products but because this means that you’re officially part of his life. He wants you near him when he works. He’s opened his space up for you and is welcoming you so openly.

After so long spent wondering whether you belonged here at all, you finally have your place. Truly this is where you belong.

A keening cry pierces the cool spring air. The shade of the trees that surround Grandmother’s cottage suddenly seem looming with the clear sound of an animal crying out in protest is cut abruptly cut off.

You stop walking and wait a moment to see if you might hear anything else but when you don’t, you race towards the cottage, in fear for Grandmother’s life.

As you shove the door open, you expect to find the old woman clutching her heart again, on her knees in a heap on the floor.

What you do not expect to find is the old woman in the middle of a large circle drawn onto her floor.

Even now, a strange purple light fades from the circle leaving behind the sight of Grandmother on her knees, a slaughtered mess of black fur in front of her and her hands bathed in blood as she struggles to catch her breath.

“Grandmother?!” You race towards her, stepping into the circle as the light fades completely.

She turns towards you, watching you with pure white eyes. Although she looks at you, her eyes see beyond you. They watch something you cannot see, and you begin to realize that everything that everyone said about Grandmother being a witch had been completely correct and not at all because of her old age and her hermit behavior.

“Grandmother are you alright?” You ask in a panic, realizing her true self while trying to make sense of it with the old woman who just delivered your daughter.

When she speaks, she breathes inward. Her voice escapes as a gasp.

Breathing in. “The worst is yet to come.”

Breathing out. “There will be a power much darker than this world has ever seen.”

Breathing in. “Six are sought by the one who shall wield them. Half will die.”

Breathing out. “Already he makes his move.”

“Grandmother?”

With her eyes still bone white, she seems to finally see you and grasps the top of your arms with such strength that you’re sure her fingers will leave a bruise.

“He will fight harder than he has ever fought before. He will protect them all with his life.”

He? Steve?

“And he will fall.”

[raeynbowboi]

Building an Embodiment of the Fairytale Princess (2.0)

This is nothing new. I’ve done this build before, which I’ll link right [here]. The post did really well, and people seemed to love the concept. However, since then, Mythic Odysseys of Theros and Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything have both come out, bringing with them not only new subclasses, but new features, spells, mechanics, and elements that I couldn’t take into consideration the first time around. So, I decided that rather than just adding a tag on post like I did before, I’d just remake the build with the new features being taken into consideration. Like before, the focus of the build is to create an embodiment of the generic fairytale princess and not any one particular character. So without further ado, let’s get into it.

Like before, we’ll be choosing Variant Human for our race of choice. We’ll channel Sleeping Beauty to be gifted by the fey with blessings of Beauty, Grace, and Song for +1 CHA, +1 DEX, and Performance proficiency. We also get a bonus feat, and thanks to Tasha’s, we can now take Fey Blessed for +1 CHA. However, if she doesn’t cast with Charisma, then substitute those CHA bonuses with Wisdom instead.

The generic fairytale princess is a maid of purest heart, so we’re Lawful Good. But for your more rebellious princesses, Neutral Good or Chaotic Good are also valid.

Background is obviously Noble for proficiency with History and Persuasion.

CLASSES & SUBCLASSES

BARD

This one seems pretty obvious. Bards love to sing and dance, like your stereotypical princess. Because Charisma is their top stat, and they have expertise, it can make them great negotiators, and allow them to excel in dialogue interactions.

GLAMOUR

This college is very fitting for a fairytale princess, as it is focused on making oneself as beautiful and charming as the Fairest of Them All.

LORE 

Lore bards share information, whether they tell stories, recite plays, share philosophy, or spread juicy gossip, the Lore Bard gets more magical secrets, and added expertise to make your princess an even bigger Mary Sue. In actual medieval history, princesses often learned to play instruments and sing, recite prayers or poems, or tell stories to visiting guests, and it was considered a part of her education and duty to do so.

CLERIC

While not every princess is a devout religious girl, their stories tend to be set in the medieval period when a good princess would have been expected to be chaste and pious. So on that front, worshiping a good deity would be befitting of such a character.

LIFE

The fairytale princess raises up those they care about, and nothing is more supportive and helpful than keeping your friends on their feet. The Life Cleric turns your princess into a kind soul who weeps for her friends and patches them up after the battle, turning your princess into a useful ally against the wicked witches and dangerous dragons.

LIGHT

Not all Fairytale Princesses are passive or support players. Those who lean toward Light are the princesses who stand as the Big Good of their story and battle the forces of Darkness with the power of the Light. Of the three Cleric options that fit the archetype, this is the best option for being a powerhouse in combat.

PEACE

Don’t get me wrong, I still hate this domain for wearing the skin of the Love Domain we were supposed to get, and you can absolutely still play it that way. How this domain went from Love to Togetherness to Pacifism is beyond me, but it’s a fairly strong subclass. The classic princess archetype is supposed to be gentle and kind, fitting for one who worships a god of mercy and forgiveness. It’s a value often toted as the strongest characterization of the early Disney princesses.

DRUID

My first time building the fairytale princess, I ignored Druid as an option because the wildshaping didn’t really make sense for a fairytale princess, but a lot of the Bardic Magical Secrets were used to steal Druid spells. However, thanks to the optional rules from Tasha’s, Druids can now use their Wildshape to summon fey that take on the shapes of animals instead of turning into the animals themselves, which makes Druid far more viable, as summoning animals is very in-character for a fairytale princess.

DREAMS 

The Circle of Dreams has heavy Fey associations with references to the Summer Court ruled by Titania. It also is strongly focused on healing, and has a very Fairy Tale flavor to it. It’s an especially great option if you want to invoke Sleeping Beauty, as you can cloak your party while you sleep and send messages to people through your dreams.

SHEPHERD

The fairytale princess is strongly associated with animal buddies, and nothing makes better use of that than the Shepherd Druid, which focuses on amassing an army of critters. What’s more, the Unicorn Totem is very fitting, not only because Unicorns only approach maidens with pure hearts, but Shepherds of the Unicorn Totem get empowered healing.

SORCERER

The sorcerer is born with a spark of something special in them, and a lot of fantasy royalty have magical powers that other people in their world lack.

DIVINE SOUL

The princess doesn’t literally have to be the descendant of the gods, as the original name for the subclass was more about being favored by the gods. Still, if you want to lean into the idea of the princess as the Big Good against the Big Bad, then having her be born with the spark of the gods inside her makes for a neat characterization.

WILD MAGIC 

With the new Sorcerer Shards as I’ve come to call them, we were introduced to the Feywild Shard, which was heavily geared toward Wild Magic Sorcerers, which seems to be WoTC’s way of saying that Wild Magic Sorcerers are the fey-linked sorcerous origin, so I’m including it because of our fey connection. 

WARLOCK

This is the only class where there’s exactly one good option, but it’s one that works surprisingly well.

ARCHFEY 

As a Warlock with a Pact of the Chain, your fairytale princess can choose to Find Familiar any cute little animal companion, or a Sprite to be your Fairy Godmother. Or rather, you can sign a pact with your Fairy Godmother, and use your Chain Pact to summon one of her emissaries to help you. The Archfey patron themselves can act as your Fairygodther, granting you and your party boons and aid where they need it.

WARLOCK INVOCATIONS

Agonizing Blast Armor of Shadows Beast Speech Eldritch Mind Eldritch Sight Gift of the Ever-Living Ones Shroud of Shadow Voice of the Chain Master

CHARISMA vs WISDOM

The big split in how you build your princess falls down the line between these two camps. The wise princess works better as a Druid/Cleric, while a charming princess is more of a Bardlock. For me personally, as much as the Cleruid fits the fairytale princess, the stereotype of the princess is usually that she is gullible, naïve, and overly trusting. Insight is a wisdom check, and something the classic princess archetype is usually bad at. Granted, Animal Handling is also Wisdom, but the Bard’s expertise can overrule a low Wisdom score. Think of it like a clash between Princess Zelda from the Legend of Zelda vs Princess Peach from Mario. Princess Zelda is wise and is much more focused on leadership and protecting her kingdom. Peach is more about the pretty dresses and having servants help her. They’re two very different camps on the princess archetype. Ultimately, which one you choose will depend on the type of princess you wish to invoke. The Classic Damsel or the Wise Matriarch.

SIDEKICKS

A new feature added in Tasha’s, sidekicks are secondary characters that can help the party and are basically simplified character builds with fewer bells and whistles. There are three main camps:

Expert. Experts are clever and knowledgeable, be they minstrels, librarians, pickpockets, merchants, or assassins. They can pick proficiency with DEX, INT, or CHA saving throws, and can be proficient or an expert with any five skills of your choice, and humanoids also gain proficiency with light armor, simple weapons, and two tools of your choice.

Spellcaster. Trained in the secrets of the Arcane, be they a priest, a fortuneteller, or a magical creature. They can choose proficiency with INT, WIS, or CHA checks, and can be proficient in Arcana, History, Insight, Investigation, Medicine, Performance, Persuasion, or Religion. They choose a roll to determine their spell list: Mage (Wizard), Healer (Cleric, Druid) or Prodigy (Bard, Warlock). The sidekick has access to the spell list of the classes their role aligns with, as well as casting with that stat.

Warrior. trained fighters, be they a soldier, a city guard, a trained animal, or a hired sword. They can pick proficiency with STR, DEX, or CON saving throws, and their skill options are Acrobatics, Animal Handling, Athletics, Intimidation, Nature, Perception, and Survival. Warriors can pick a fighting style: either Offensive to add +2 to attack and damage rolls, or Defender to impose disadvantage on hitting creatures other than them while within 5 feet of the princess.

Generic Princess Sidekicks

Humanoid Guard Warrior (bodyguard) Humanoid Commoner Expert (handmaiden, governess, etc.) Humanoid Magewright Spellcaster (court mage, or advisor) Any Beast-type Warrior (animal companion)

Fairytale Inspired Sidekicks

Seven Dwarves - Dwarf Warrior Fairy Godmother - Sprite or Pixie Spellcaster Prince Charming - Humanoid Noble Warrior Wicked Witch - Barovian Witch Spellcaster Beast - Gnoll, Jackalwere, Orc, or Troglodyte Warrior Puss in Boots - Awakened Cat or Tabaxi Warrior The Frog Prince - Awakened Frog or Grung Warrior Three Little Pigs - Awakened Pig Expert, Spellcaster, & Warrior Big Bad Wolf - Wolf Warrior or Awakened Wolf Expert Robin Hood - Redbrand Ruffian or Bandit Expert Djinn of the Lamp - Dust, Ice, or Magma Mephit Spellcaster Pinocchio - Giant Stone Statue Warrior White Rabbit - Awakened Rabbit Expert Cheshire Cat - Awakened Cat Expert or Spellcaster

There is no actual limit to the number of sidekicks your character can have, so in theory, your fairytale princess could have an entire posse of talking animals hanging out and helping her.

Skills, Spells, and Features

As a Variant Human, we got Performance proficiency alongside our Fey Touched feat, and as a Noble, we have proficiency with Persuasion and History. For everything else, we’re just looking to be a standard Fairytale Princess. So we should look to be proficient with: Animal Handling, Arcana, Religion, Nature, or Medicine.

BASIC FAIRIES

Dancing Lights Faerie Fire Healing Spirits Spirit Guardians Summon Fey Conjure Woodland Beings Conjure Fey

BASIC PRINCESS THINGS

Animal Friendship Command Heroism Speak With Animals Animal Messenger Calm Emotions Find Steed Warding Bond Zone of Truth Conjure Animals Mord’s Magnificent Mansion

SNOW WHITE

Armor of Agathys Mirror Image Beacon of Hope Aura of Purity Heroes’ Feast

CINDERELLA

Fabricate Creation True Polymorph Wish

SLEEPING BEAUTY

Sleep Phantasmal Killer Dream Wall of Thorns Dream of the Blue Veil

THE LITTLE MERMAID

Charm Person Shatter Suggestion Tidal Wave Compulsion Control Water Dominate Person Maelstrom Control Weather Tsunami Storm of Vengeance

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Charm Monster Unseen Servant Tiny Servant Animate Objects Awaken Hold Monster Summon Fiend

Last time I built the fairytale princess, I gave her exactly 1 build. 18 levels of glamour bard and 2 levels of Archfey Warlock. But recently I’ve begun to instead put more stock in leaving builds open, showing instead the options that a player has to choose from. So, for this update, I’m not pushing for a specific build. I’ve laid out the appropriate spells, and the types of princesses that a player can strive to emulate with their spell lists. Consider this more of a guide to help you decide how you want to play your fairytale princess.

[theamityelf]

If you're participating in the game: Ben introduces his parents to his new girlfriend, Uma.

Ben suggested they do it at some party, or event. Some occasion which would make it inconvenient for his parents to protest or make a scene. But Uma was adamantly against that.

“If they have a problem with me, I’d rather they let all that out right off the bat,” she said, in a half-there tone because she was also poring over a file on Ben’s desk. She was leaning over in such a way that one of her teal braids dangled just in front of his nose, and he felt tempted to curl it around his finger, as he had seen Harry do countless times when wheedling for attention. But more pressingly, he was tempted to offer her his seat; the only reason she wasn’t already in it, or in his lap, was because today the lofty impertinence of sitting on his desk appealed to her, instead. “I don’t want all four of us to be dancing around it for however long. Fake smiles and veiled insults are fine for council meetings, not family get-togethers.”

“It would remind you of Mount Olympus?” Ben guessed, and Uma loosed a toothy smirk:

“Oh, pretense doesn’t last long there at all. Remind me to tell you about Thanksgiving dinner...or, I guess, you could ask Harry.”

The day they ended up choosing was a fairly free one, which made Ben nervous; normally, if he had to meet with his parents, or at least with his father, he made sure that there was some other event scheduled directly after, so that he would have a way to leave as soon as he needed to.

“If you don’t want to do this, we don’t have to,” Uma said, frowning as she picked up on his nerves. “I don’t care about your parents’ opinion, and you don’t need their permission anyway. At least, not from a royal standpoint.”

“No, I want...They should know. It’s like you said: You shouldn’t have to dance around them.”

Uma scrutinized him in that way she had, then glanced at the glass doors leading out to the terrace where Adam and Belle were eating their lunch. “You want me to tell them?”

“I’ll do it.”

“Well, I got your back.” She grabbed his hand to emphasize her point, which was funny because holding hands was not a gesture that seemed to exist in the VK physical affection paradigm.

“Thank you,” he said genuinely, and led the way outside.

“Ben!” his mother greeted him brightly. “Will you be joining us for...?” 

She trailed off. His father turned around in his seat, to see why. And Ben turned, too, despite already knowing that Uma was the reason. He supposed he just wanted to look at her again. (At that moment, she was still adjusting to the sudden sunlight, holding her hand up like a visor to avoid the indignity of scrunching up her face.)

“Ahoy ahoy,” Uma said, with a mirthless smile.

“Got room for two?” Ben asked.

His father’s jaw tightened, as he took in their linked hands.

“I see two extra chairs,” Uma answered him, since no one else did.

“Great,” Ben said brightly, and started towards the spare seats.

“Belle, send for Fairy Godmother,” King Adam said in a dangerously even tone. “It looks like there’s been another love spell.”

“Dad,” Ben protested, but Uma cut in:

“No, no; that one’s fair. Let them run whatever magical tests they need, to be sure this isn’t another trick.”

“Oh, even if it isn’t a love spell, it is certainly a trick,” King Adam said, and now Uma tilted her head, as if merely curious to hear his logic. “Were you not the one who captured my son and tried to leverage him to steal the wand?”

“I am,” Uma confirmed, mildly. “A crime for which I was pardoned, because I was a minor at the time, and because it was ruled a desperate attempt to reverse the crimes against humanity that you committed, Your Ex-Highness, and of course because Ben never came to any harm in my care.” Her words were as quick and smooth as a slice from her sword, and like a wound that took a moment to bleed, it took a second for even Ben to notice the slight added stress to her last two words. The implications therein, that Ben had come to harm in his father’s care. Uma’s gaze was as unforgiving as the sea.

“I’m going to get Fairy Godmother,” Belle said, rising and sprinting for the door.

Uma watched her go with a lazy distaste, a wave receding.

Ben squeezed her hand, and just like that, she was anchored again, turning to him with a gaze that was warm instead of scalding. The affection that swelled in Ben’s heart as he met her eyes turned unceremoniously into a beast-like protective fury, when he glanced past her to see his father’s reaction.

All of his reasons for doing this suddenly seemed so far away; what justifications could he have ever formed for creating a situation where anyone looked at Uma like that?

...

(Okay, that’s what I’ve got. How was that, lol?)

[rwby-grimm-guardians]

RWBY Grimm Guardians Arc 3: Separated Union Ch 9

Side JNPR: Reunions

Welcome back to Separated Union! Here’s the special chapter, Side JNPR and here, Jaune, Nora, Ren, and Oscar talk about the current events and a certain red-head returns.

This takes place a few hours after Side Red III, so it is around lunch time.

As usual, please give constructive criticism and enjoy.

Disclaimer: Still own nothing.

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(1:38 PM)

Oscar walked into the hospital cafe, sighing. He hadn’t realized how much he had been missing his own mother while he was visiting his aunt. The farm boy also noticed Jaune was deep in his thoughts as well, given how the younger teenager accidentally walked in on the blonde talking to one of his sisters on the phone. Speaking of the blonde, Jaune was sitting at a table by himself, rubbing his eyes. He looked...fairly exhausted. Both physically and mentally.

Oscar sat in front of him, asking, “Maybe a dumb question, but are you...doing alright?” “Not really, to be honest…” Jaune said. “Ruby and her mother’s interactions, as well as your interactions with your own mom remind me how much I’m...missing my own family back at home…” He rubbed his back, “I have a few sisters, as I’m sure you know by now. Also got a nephew...” The blonde chuckled, before sighing, “I know they’re safe right now, but...what if I need to be there for them when they need me the most?”

“The world’s getting more chaotic.” He explained. “More Grimm are showing up, forces that are bigger than us are targeting us and the academies; we are heading into dangerous territory.” Oscar nodded in agreement, before Jaune continued, “I...feel like I...need to be there to protect them. I know they can probably keep themselves safe, but…” “I already...technically lost someone I cared about… Almost lost another. I don’t want that to happen again.” He said.

Oscar knew that one of the people Jaune was referring to was Ruby. He assumed the blonde was also referring to Pyrrha. “How long until…?” The younger teenager asked, before the blonde shook his head. Jaune sighed, “No clue. Ruby and Summer did it to save her and not even THEY know when she’s come out.” He took a deep breath, before sighing again. “Gods, I hope it’s soon. The last thing I want right now is for her to be lonely.” He said. “Especially right now…”

Ren and Nora eventually joined the two, sitting next to both Jaune and Oscar. “How’s Ruby’s progress?” The blonde asked. The ginger shrugged, “Hard to say. She says she’s well, though I’m not sure if Oscar’s mom believes her.” “That’d be accurate.” The youngest of the group chuckled. “She has a way of knowing when people lie about their health.” Ren chuckled, “Yeah, that sounds like a mother… From what Ruby’s been saying, Summer’s also like that.”

“Thank gods…” Jaune sighed with a smile. “Speaking of which, how is Ruby’s mom?” He then explained, “She...seemed to be stressed a bit earlier when she asked for Ruby’s uncle.” The green clad teenager nodded, “She had a lot on her mind. From what little she said, she’s...been having nightmares again. Ruby too.” Ren then explained that Summer had a very important catch-up conversation with Anna. “I won’t ask her what they talked about…” He said. “But I did ask Ruby’s uncle why she needed him.”

“He said ‘She’s talking to Ruby’s dad about herself’.” The green clad teenager said. Oscar raised an eyebrow, “So...does that mean Ruby’s mom doesn’t need to hide her identity anymore?” Ren shrugged, “Hard to say, really. Though...from what could tell, she seemed...happy telling Ruby’s dad. Like her anxiety was dissolved.” The group nodded, before falling into silence. They...really didn’t want to talk about Pyrrha currently. Especially when there was no guarantee that they’d see her in their lifetime...

As if on cue, Qrow then walked in and stood next to the group’s table, saying, “Sorry for the intrusion, but Ruby’s on her way. Thought I’d let you know.” “Just...don’t freak out…” He chuckled, receiving confused glances from the group. “How come?” Oscar asked. “Why are you walking around!?” Jaune asked suddenly, queuing the group to turn towards Ruby...holding Summer’s arm as she attempted to stay standing.

“Dr. Pine suggested that I should walk a bit.” The young leader said with a sheepish smile. “Mom insisted on helping.” Both the blonde and Ren sighed with relief, before tiredly chuckling as Ruby glared at them. “You know damn well I’m not insane.” She said loudly, receiving a laugh from her uncle. “I tried telling her that I was probably not ready.” “To be fair, you are doing quite well.” Her mother said, smiling, only for it to fade as she lifted her daughter in her arms, while Ruby’s legs began buckling.

“Was…” Ruby corrected, giving a slight groan. Summer gave her daughter’s abdomen a quick once over. “Is it from your legs?” She asked, receiving a nod from the young leader. Ruby sighed, “I’m okay. Just weak in my legs… Not sure if they’re numb.” Summer raised an eyebrow, “Can you feel them?” Her daughter nodded, “A bit, yeah. Little chilly though…” ‘Well, there’s a good sign, at least…’ The elder Rose thought, sighing with relief. She then said, “Want me to get you a wheelchair?”

Ruby nodded, “Please.” Setting her daughter down in one of the chairs, Summer went off to find Anna and get a wheelchair. Sighing, the young leader pulled her legs to her chest, saying, “Sorry for making you worry there, but I promise I’m healing.” She took a deep breath, before admitting, “Unfortunately, my sleep patterns are NOT.” “Ah...so that’s why you’ve been looking drained.” Ren stated. Ruby grunted, “It’s been getting pretty bad recently.”

The group went silent as soon as they heard a rattling. Jaune then noticed that his shield had come off and had fallen to the floor...even though he was sure he had it secured to his back. A tired, yet genuine grin formed on Ruby’s lips, “Looks like she’s finally waking up, huh…” The blonde turned to her, “How do we know if Pyrrha will...remember us?” Ren and Nora turned to face the young leader, only to see a tired, regretful expression. “We do not.” She said.

As soon as she said that, a mix of yellow, red, and orange energy, in a form akin to that of fire, burst forth from the shield. It then swirled, forming a human body, hair, clothes, and armor, before stopping as the energy dissipated, revealing the form of Pyrrha Nikos, now on her knees. An uneasy silence settled as Pyrrha opened her eyes, taking a look at herself first, before observing her surroundings. “Am I...alive?” She asked, hesitantly. “Or are you all...dead as well…?”

Jaune and Ruby both let out a shuddering sigh as smiles formed on their lips, their right hands over their hearts. The redhead raised an eyebrow, concerned as she asked, “Is...everything alright?” “You’re here…” The blonde said, gently hugging his partner. “So yeah. Everything’s fine at the moment.” Pyrrha cautiously returned the hug, as if she didn’t know if this was real or not. “Where are we, Jaune?” She asked. “Mistral International Clinic.” Ruby answered. “I...kinda got screwed up…”

Pyrrha sighed with a smile as she and Jaune stood up, “I hope you’re listening to your doctor and taking care of yourself.” The younger girl nodded, “Yes, ma’am.” The redhead sighed, looking at her friends. “Looks like I have a lot to catch up, huh?” The newly revived teenager chuckled. “A little.” Ruby smiled sheepishly. “Mom will help out with what happened after…that…” Before Pyrrha could ask what she meant by “that”, everyone turned to the door as a chuckle was heard.

“Well, look who’s finally gotten out of bed.” Summer smirked, entering the cafe with a wheelchair. “I trust you’re feeling well?” The redhead nodded, smiling, “I am now. Thank you, Ms...um…” The former STRQ leader chuckled again, “You may call me Ms. Summer if you want. Finally told Ruby about me, so no need to hide it any longer.” She then put her cloak on Ruby, before lifting her and placing her in the wheelchair. Pyrrha nodded as Summer rolled Ruby up to the table, “I see. Thank you then. Both of you.”

She then raised her arm, “If I may ask, what did you mean by…’that’, Ruby?” Everyone froze, before sighing in unison. “Beacon’s been...practically destroyed.” The young leader admitted. “We...didn’t lose, I think. But we definitely...didn’t really win either.” Summer placed her hands on her daughter’s shoulders, saying, “We had to make a forced retreat.” “From what we know, none of the Grimm got outside of Beacon and the teachers are still active.” She explained.

“So why are we in Mistral…?” Pyrrha asked. “Ozpin had me do some investigating, due to Cinder’s forces being in Beacon.” Qrow explained. “Right now, the trail leads here.” He then raised a hand, “If you are wondering, yes. He’s still alive and currently speaking with Ruby’s doctor, Anna Pine.” The redhead sighed with relief, “That’s one less thing for me to worry about.” An amused smirk formed on Summer’s face, “Nah, you still got plenty to worry about and look after, thankfully.”

“I’d rather worry about a lot of things, instead of blindly think that everything’s going to work out.” She mumbled, unaware that Ruby and Qrow heard her. Her daughter began rubbing the taller woman’s hand as a means to comfort her. The redhead then turned to Oscar, saying, “I see I have a fresh face to meet.” “That Oscar Pine. Met him when we first arrived in Mistral.” Ruby chuckled. “He’s my doctor’s son.” The youngest of the group rubbed the back of his neck, shyly saying, “N-Nice to meet you, Ms. Nikos.”

An amused and flattered smile formed on Pyrrha’s lips, as she said, “Just Pyrrha is fine. It’s nice to meet you too, Oscar.” Summer hid her face in her daughter’s hair as she silently laughed, before whispering, “This kid is too fucking cute. I want to adopt him.” “You could ask Dr. Pine to be Oscar’s godmother.” Ruby whispered back excitedly. “His mom might kill me if I asked.” The former STRQ leader chuckled. Oscar then stood, “I’ll be right back. Mom needs to know that she might have another patient.”

The group chuckled as Summer ruffled the youngest member’s hair as he passed by. After he felt the room, the redhead said, “He’s a cute one. Like a little brother.” “He really is like that.” Jaune smiled. Pyrrha sighed, “It’s good to be home.” She looked at herself once more, noticing that she was armored, looking more like a spartan. She then asked, “Is the...new get-up normal?” The former STRQ leader nodded, “For most Weapon Spirits like us, yes. Arktis...or rather, Willow Schnee is the same.”

“Weiss’s mom, right?” Pyrrha asked, receiving a nod from Summer. “I think it suits you.” Jaune said, observing his partner’s armor. Nora grinned and nodded, “Ditto.” Ren smiled, nodding with a hum. The redhead blushed with a flattered smile, before feeling her partner’s hand holding hers. Squeezing Jaune’s hand gently, she then asked, “Well, would you like to tell me what’s been going on since getting to Mistral?” The group nodded, with Jaune saying, “Sure, though it...might be a little long.”

Pyrrha just chuckled, “That’s perfectly fine with me.”

As Pyrrha began catching up with her team, Qrow looked at Summer, whispering, “Can we talk in the hall? Please?” Raising an eyebrow, his former leader nodded, kissing Ruby’s forehead before following the former bandit into the hall. “What’s up?” She asked. Qrow sighed, “First, I need to apologize. For eavesdropping on you and Ruby last night.” ‘Ah...so that’s who it was…’ Summer thought, before saying, “Well, please explain your reasons and I will.”

Nodding, the former bandit said, “Which brings me to my topic. Firstly, you two need help.” “I’ve spoken to Anna about it when getting the wheelchair.” The taller woman said. “Believe me. I know we do.” Qrow nodded, hoping his sigh of relief went unnoticed by his former leader. “Secondly, you need to see and visit Tai and Rae.” He said. Noticing the tired and annoyed expression on Summer’s face, he added, “Summer, it’ll HELP you. And them as well, if I may add.”

The taller woman raised her hands in mock surrender, “I know, I know…” She then sighed, sitting on  the floor. “There’s one problem with that…” She said. Qrow nodded, “I’m aware. You can only really see Tai, as you know where he lives.” “Yang...might be able to help you with Raven.” He said, only to receive a shaking head from his former leader. Summer sighed once more, “Tai won’t talk to her about her mother.” ‘Of course, he won’t….’ The former bandit thought, rubbing his eyes.

“Do they even want me back?” Summer asked. “I’ve been...technically dead for almost 12 years now.” Qrow sighed, sitting next to his former leader as he said, “You know both of them missed you. Raven wants nothing more than to be by your side again and have us safe.” He felt the taller woman lean against him as he continued, “Tai nearly fell apart when he heard about your....’death’.” “Yang told me...” Summer mumbled. “Also said that you were able to help him get back on his feet.”

“Probably one of the only good decisions I’ve ever made.” The former bandit said. “I know Raven, you, and Tai would argue that I’ve done more good things.” “Because you HAVE.” Summer said. “You’ve realized that your tribe was awful and left. You’ve been a great uncle for Ruby and Yang. Hell, I think you’ve done more for Tai than I ever could...” “You flatter me, even though I don’t think the last two are true.” Qrow chuckled softly.

“Raven would say the same.” The former STRQ leader said. A small smirk rose to Qrow’s lips, “Yeah, she would. Much like how I tell her how many good things she’s done.” “That’s something you two need to work on.” Summer said. The former bandit hummed in agreement. The two sat like in comfortable silence, before Qrow said, “I’d be honored to be your brother-in-law.” A warm smile formed on Summer’s face as she chuckled, “Thank you, Qrow. I’d also be honored to be your sister-in-law.”

Chuckling, the former bandit patted his former leader’s shoulder, saying, “I’m going to get some coffee. Want some?” Summer smiled, “Please.” Nodding, Qrow went back into the cafe as the taller woman sighed with a tired, yet content smile on her face. Ruby then wheeled herself out, saying, “Mom, do you have my scroll? I need to text Yang, Blake, and Weiss, please.” Standing back up, Summer raised an eyebrow, “How come…?”

“I was thinking about possibly setting up a virtual meeting.” The young leader said. “Both as a means of checking up on each other and figuring out what to do next.” Nodding, her mother handed her the scroll, asking, “What time?” “How does the day after tomorrow sound?” Ruby asked. Summer nodded, smiling, “That sounds good to me. Though check with your sister and team first.” Her daughter nodded, before tilting her head. “Your right eye looks different.” She said.

“Like...your iris is silver again, but your sclera is red.” She explained. Summer raised an eyebrow, before Ruby took a picture with the scroll and showed it to her mother. Sure enough, the elder Rose noticed her right eye had changed. It was still Grimm-like, but it had her silver iris once more. ‘How the hell did THIS happen?’ She thought. ‘And when? Not to mention why...’ “I’m going to ask Anna about this later...” Summer said. “Right now, setting up that meeting is more important.”

Ruby nodded in agreement, before sending a group text to her sister, Weiss, and Blake...

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And that’s it. I REALLY tried to make this good. I really did. I had plans on bringing Pyrrha back, but this was hard to do. Though I hope it was worth it in the end.

Pyrrha’s new appearance is INSPIRED from this lovely artwork by Razenix-Angel on DA: https://www.deviantart.com/razenix-angel/art/Pyrrha-Nikos-armor-guide-581087124

Anyway, next will be the end of Side White, where Weiss becomes VERY vocal about her decisions.

[fairytale-poll]

ROUND 2D, MATCH 3 OUT OF 4!

Propaganda Under the Cut:

Simi:

[No Propaganda Submitted]

Sadie Ramirez:

[No Propaganda Submitted]

[aquaticalay]

Centurion .Chapter Two.

Bucky Barnes x Reader

Sequel to For Something Greater

Summary: (Y/n) is an active duty Navy SEAL Commander, the first and only woman to ever become a SEAL. After successfully stopping a genocide with the help of the Avengers, she becomes a bridge between the military and the earth's mightiest heroes. But even as her relationship with Bucky grows, she decides not to tell him about the nightmares and trauma that haunt her. Both their secrets begin to unravel when Bucky accidentally stumbles upon a piece of dangerous information about (Y/n) that she doesn't know about herself— something she must never find out about.

Genre: Action, Drama, Romance

Warning/s for the series: cursing, violence, death, eventual smut, PTSD.

Warning/s for the chapter: mentions of anxiety symptoms and death.

Word count: 2.4k

Note: The plot is heavily inspired by the song 'in the dark' by Bring Me The Horizon, and 'Mercy' by Muse. So yeah, go listen to it if you want to :)))  I'll post a new chapter every two days.

THIS IS A SEQUEL TO FOR SOMETHING GREATER,' SO IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THAT, THE LINK TO THE MASTERLIST IS IN MY BIO.

Let me know if you want to be in the taglist!

(Taglist will be reblogged)

TRIGGER WARNING! THIS SERIES REVOLVES AROUND POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER. (Including, but not limited to: anxiety/panic attacks, extreme mood swings , nightmares, intrusive thoughts, insomnia, irritability, hypervigilance, and hyperarousal)

Gif is from 'in the dark' mv by Bring Me The Horizon

You arrived in SEAL team 6 Headquarters in Seattle an hour early. You decided to use your precious time to change into a set of military issued clothes: A green shirt and cargo pants. Very practical.

You entered the briefing room fifteen minutes early. Everyone else was already seated around the mahogany table; Diego Miller, Logan McCoy, Collin Harris, and Nolan Woods. 

They greeted you with a salute, standing up from their seats. You returned the gesture, a habit you've picked up after a million times of doing it. “At ease,” you said assertively, and they sat back down. You heard a clank hit the ground. Suddenly, you tensed. You had to remind yourself it was just Miller's prosthetic leg to calm yourself down. To remind yourself that this room is secure, that there is no threat here.

 You took your usual seat, between Harris and McCoy. 

“How’s Mia?” you ask Harris. 

Mia was his feisty five-year old daughter. When he adopted her, heappointed you her godmother.

Mia was sweet and strong, learning and following her father’s example quickly. She also got quite attached to you fairly fast. The last time you met her was a month ago, right before your peacekeeping mission. You went to their place to give Harris a ride to SEAL team 6 headquarters. Before you knew it, she was running into your arms excitedly, “Auntie (Y/n)!” She exclaimed, scrambling up for you to carry her. “Hello, Mia,” you greeted, pushing her curly black hair to you could see her adorable face clearly. She had a button nose, one of her most striking features. Her skin was dark, the color of a pine cone, and her eyes were almost pitch black. You were sure she will grow up to be a strong and beautiful young woman. “Where’s Uncle Bucky?” She tilted her head.

Mia was infatuated with Bucky. At first, He didn’t know what to make of the child. He didn’t have experience with kids, and he was scared of hurting her. It wasn’t long before he eased into interactions with Mia, letting her stick fridge magnets on his metal arm, spelling out random words on it like 'cake' or 'kandy.'

“She’s asking for you,” Harris answered with a grin, “she misses her Aunt (Y/n) and Uncle Bucky.”

You chuckle at the thought of her looking for you, and Harris making some silly, probably magical, excuse to avoid disappointing her. 

“How’s Barnes? And the rest of the Avengers?”

You shrugged. “Bucky is fine,” you said shortly, “And Sam and Wanda are doing fine, too. Didn’t meet anyone else, though.”

When Harris met you, he was a wide-eyed 17-year old boy aspiring to be the best sailor he can possibly be. He has known you long enough to read emotions through your voice. He could tell you wanted more time to rest, to spend time with the person you love. You needed a break, both mentally and physically. It was so obvious  a blund man could see.

“This mission won’t be long,” he reassured, somewhat trying to comfort you in ways that he can. You nodded, hoping that he is right.

Before you knew it, a Special Operations Command Officer walked in the room to brief you for the mission. You recognize her almost immediately. Her quirky smile was unmistakable.

Naomi Tanaka. She was an old friend who trained alongside you in Navy bootcamp, one of the only people who believed you could become a SEAL. One of the only people who had faith. One of the reasons you took the risk. It paid off, didn't it?

You hadn’t seen her for a long time, since she just finished recovering from her gender reassignment surgery. 

You gave her a knowing nod, a greeting. She acknowledged it with a smile, mouth drawn from ear to ear; it was sincere.

The briefing went well. Tanaka explained the mission pretty clearly. She told you that there was an abandoned Hydra genetics lab in an old Soviett Union military base in Ukraine, and your job was to bring back intel and information, as well as making sure it was really abandoned. 

“Wheels up in an hour,” Tanaka ordered. 

When she dismissed the team, your squadron scrambled out into the locker room to prepare themselves. One hour wasn’t a lot of time, but it has to be enough.

You trailed slower behind to talk to Tanaka. You wanted to exchange a few words with your old friend.

You hugged her enthusiastically. “How are you?” You asked.

She let a joyous smile take over her expression. “Never felt better. It’s good to be back.” Sighing, she squeezed your arm, “We really need to catch up some time.”

You agreed, but right now, you need to prepare for the mission.

-

The flight to Ukraine was smooth. No turbulence, and you arrived in the cover of night. 

You landed in a valley near the Eastern Carpathian mountain range, just a few miles away from the abandoned Hydra base. Though no assault was expected, you asked the team to be alert and to check and recheck their ammunitions for the third time, for good measure.

You ordered Woods to scout ahead, and he tells you through the comms that there is no danger. There is nothing to worry about.

“Are you sure?” You asked, supersoldier-enhanced adrenaline pumping through your veins.

“A hundred percent,” you hear Woods say reassuringly through the earpiece. You had a doubt, but if your years of experience taught you anything, it’s that doubts are the main reason of failure.

You signal the rest of your team into formation, nearing the underground bunker with your weapons alert. You lowered your night vision goggles. Other followed your example, doing the same.

“McCoy, Miller,” you called, “Stand guard outside. Watch out for threats.”

The two of them looked at you like your insane. It was unusual for you to ask two of them to stand guard. It wasn't efficient. It seemed like you were wasting men on generally unimportant jobs. Besides, protocol did suggest not having more people on look out than necessary, and in this case  one was more than enough.

“Only one of us should be on the lookout,” Miller suggested, hoisting his gun up.

“No!” you bark aggressively, catching everyone in your team by surprise, “Two of you out, now!”

For a split second, all activities stop, and everything is silent except for your pounding heartbeat. You try to breathe, but your breath comes out raspy and dangerously fast. 

You were never frivolous. You were always calm and collected, as you were trained to be. But this time, it seemed like you had pulled a pin inside of you that triggered an explosion.

And frankly, having you exclaim something so out of character, so unexpected, was terrifying.

“Commander,” Miller said cautiously, “Are you okay?”

“M’ fine,” you insist, averting your eyes from any staring gaze, “Just be on the lookout, two of you.”

If McCoy and Miller want to question your authority, they decided not to. They complied to your order without question.

You lead Harris and Woods into the bunker. 

The only way inside was by a set of stairs. The walk down was terrifyingly agonizing. The icy footsteps were starting to drive you insane. Thankfully, you don't have to hear more when you got to the bottom.

“Split up,” you say, and this time, no one says anything.

You found yourself moving forward the small bunker, Harris and Woods going their own ways on either side of you. 

Tanaka was right. The place was almost empty except for a few empty tubes on the dusty metal shelves. The stainless steel showed signs of breaking down, you could clearly smell the rust.

The floors were dirty. What used to be white ceramic looks gray now. It was filthy, and you were grateful your uniform provided the coverage from whatever disease might be lingering here.

It was clear that no one has stepped foot in it for at least a decade.

“Find anything?” You ask. 

"No,” Harris reported back. “Me neither,” Woods said.

Nearing the end of the bunker, something finally caught your eye.

It looked icy. You adjusted your night vision.

Squinting and carefully coming closer, you realized that it wasn’t ice. It’s water contained in a long transparent tank.

As you got closer, you heart dropped. The tank was filled with water the shade of translucent milk. 

A female human being was floating inside. Her hazel eyes were wide open but unmoving, her skin was as pearl-white as her platinum blonde hair. A thin cloth covered her otherwise naked body. A silver tube on the bottom of the tank frame traced to a non-functioning life support system. You weren’t sure if she’s dead or alive. She’s neither floating nor rotting, but you can’t imagine her being able to survive with these extreme conditions, especially if the bunker has been abandoned for as long as it seemed to be. 

One other thing that seemed to disturb you is how eerily familiar this condition was. You could imagine vividly what it felt to be her. You shake off the thoughts. You need to focus.

You placed your hand on a corner of the tank and wiped the dust. There were words engraved into the thick glass: PROJECT MERCY #21

“I-“ you start to say, trailing the pad of your fingers on the marble-smooth glass, “I found something. Get this back to base.”

-

The flight back was uncomfortable filled with numbing silence. It went hand-in-hand with a few worried stares they gave you.

They knew something was unspoken; something that caused your outburst. But they didn’t ask. Perhaps they were too afraid to ask.

When you gave the covered tank to the base, you waited patiently in front of forensics.

Usually, you’d wind down in the locker room with your squadron, but today it just didn’t feel like you want to. You were too restless to do so. 

You were starting to think avoidance was your coping mechanism for the guilt you felt after that outburst.

It didn’t take too long for forensic to determine that the woman was dead, but that was pretty much the only information they gave you. Everything else was supposedly confidential.

No, you thought to yourself, you need to know more about project Mercy. You don’t know why, but it was a gut feeling that you had, like an instinct planted in your mind by nature. 

Besides, it was a product of Hydra. You needed to know more.

You took out your phone and called the only person who could possibly have an answer, or at least is willing to help you find answers.

“Bucky?” You said through the line urgently. It must be in the middle of the night in New York. He didn’t sound too tired, though.

“(Y/n),” your name escapes his lips like a sigh, breathing with relief. Little did you know, he hadn’t been able to rest before knowing that you’re okay.

“I- Do you know anything about Project Mercy?” You said quietly, trying to make sure no one could hear this conversation.

You were aware that this was illegal. You weren't exactly allowed to share what you find in your operations to the avengers. At least not until they agree to the council.

“Project what?” Bucky asked, his voice sharp.

“Project Mercy,” you repeated,”It has something to do with Hydra.”

The line went silent for a while. You called out his name worriedly.

“It’s a covert biological engineering project Hydra has in collaboration with the KGB,” He says flatly, “I don’t know much about it. All I know is this that none of the subjects came out successful.”

You cursed under your breath. There must be something more to it than that. "Can you please research old SHIELD records for it? We’ll review it together tomorrow night when I get there.”

You could sense Bucky’s hesitation. “This isn’t allowed, right?” He breathed through the phone, “I read the council files you gave Sam. We’re not supposed to exchange any information until the deal is done, right?”

He was right. The only problem is that you didn’t care. Not right now.

“I know,” you admit with a hint of guilt in your stern voice, “But I need to know. I need this, James. Please.”

Bucky never had the heart to say no to you, even if he wanted to. Certainly, this time is no different

“I’ll do what I can,” he promised. 

That was all you needed to hear.

-

Bucky immediately activated the hologram projector in his room. "Friday, lock the room," he said. He heard a confirmation from the AI, followed by a click.

"Dim the lights," he said.

As the blinding neon calms into a soft hue, he can now see the hologram clearer.

"Show me decrypted Hydra and SHIELD files," he requested the AI.

"The one Agent Romanoff dumped to the internet?" Friday asks, making sure to do all the right things.

"Yes," he confirms.

The blue semi-transparents hologram shows millions of files.

"Search for 'Project Mercy," he says again. The hologram changes, a few files left on the hologram.

"Project Mercy was a Hydra bioengineering project in the 1980s. It's goal is to make a fully functional supersoldier from artificial lab-grown cells. These cells were fertilized and grown in a tube that resembled a womb. After nine months, the subjects are ready to be "born." None of them successfully had supersoldier characteristics, and most of them are dead."

Buciy stopped in his tracks.

"Most of them?" He raised his voice, wondering if he heard Friday correctly.

"According to the data, the first and second subject of Project Mercy are given to Hydra agents to raise and observe. Both subjects are alive as of 2014, living normal lives."

Bucky narrowed his eyes. "Where are they now?" He demanded.

"Their records have been wiped out. All that's stated is that Mercy One is female and Mercy Two is male."

"Is there any way to recover the information?" Bucky asked.

Friday calculated, searching the possibilities, "There might be physical records of Mercy One and Two in old private lab of the Hydra scientist named Michail Petrov."

Suddenly, his eyes widened. He recognizes the name, and it sounded just as bitter as it used to, engraved into his half a century of memory. Bucky's human arm curled into a grudging fist.

Petrov, as he recalled, was once the Winter Soldier's handler.

~

[symwinter]

Making Descendants likeable to me and only me but maybe you if we have similar tastes?

Part One: Mal

The best way to ‘fix’ Mal, is to give a context to her actions, have her grow from them, and change for the better, a standard thing really.

In movie one the main thing Mal has to learn is to grow out of her mother’s shadow. A lot of what she does is to be like her mom, there’s a whole song about it, but to make it the driving force of her first step in her arc is a good way of going about it. Have her initially be against the date with Ben because her mother wasn’t the dating type. Have her interest in magic be because her mother is. Then her telling her mother off at the end of the third act all the more climatic.

The other thing is to remove the manipulation of Ben with the love potion. Instead, it would make more sense to infect Audrey with some kind of hatred spell. Audrey already doesn’t like the Core Four, so the spell just makes her more obsessed and spiteful of them, therefore Audrey has more reason to want revenge on Mal in movie three other than stealing her boyfriend when the spell breaks.

Movie two‘s main arc is trying to figure who she is by going back to her roots, magic and then the Isle. Her conflict with Uma is more a result of her pre and post Auradon side as she still cares about Ben, lovable puppy that he is, even when she’s trying to be the person she was before. However I am going to get rid of the whole love spell thing Uma does since magic doesn’t work on the Isle and it’s never explained how she got off the isle and did the spell

By the end of the movie, Mal embraces the better parts of her old self and the better parts of her new self and along with having one of my favourite movies endings with the dancing boat scene, she tells Ben her actual real faery name, a sign of utmost trust: Morgana.

Movie 3 is more like a tv show with an A plot and a B plot. A plot is “actions have consequences” primarily focusing on what she did to Audrey. B plot is “how to keep her deal with Uma without endangering the people she cares about” because in case anyone forgot the Isle holds people like: attempted murderers, actual murderers, abusive parental figures, people who have committed high treason, people who have attempted regicide and/or identity theft, attempted animal murderers, people who are willing to manipulate a teenage girl who’s stuff got destroyed to gain power, a jock, whatever the fuck Captain Hook was trying to do. It isn’t safe to release them onto Auradon and just assume their grudges will go away.

By the end of the movie when Hades, who isn’t her dad in my version, gets on his high horse, Mal rightfully admits it was her fault Audrey went this far but also that Audrey is like seventeen, nobody died, and that there was little to no collateral damage. As for the whole villain kid parent thing, Mal and Ben reinstate something I’m calling the “Villain Rehabilitation Act” which is basically a rehab/help centre type thing that allows villains who want to change the opportunity to change in things like a larger scale Remedial Goodness class, finding jobs where their skills come in handy, and finding Auradon citizens who are willingly to help them get better. 

Also due to fairy physiology, Mal should have wings. The basics for me is that a fairy’s shoulder blades are more pronounced to act as the breaking point for wings, but because Mal was on the island the anti-magic prevented them from growing out properly but also technically hid the pain so when she reaches Auradon she has back problems and what looks to be fractals from the damage her lack of wings has caused. It also acts as a catalyst in the first movie when she goes to Fairy Godmother for help and kind of experiences genuine motherly affection as Fairy Godmother breaks the unofficial rule not to use magic to break Mal’s wings out of her back with as little pain as possible. Like all wings they’re translucent with fairy magic in a physical form being the sparkles/glitter, but hers are dragon shaped.

Part Two: Evie

Since I can’t just make Evie the protagonist without doing a bunch of movie rewriting, we shall keep Evie as the deuteragonist/tritagonist that she is. Also like the others, her character arc is handled in the movie and then she’s fairly stable for the rest. Evie’s major character arc in movie one is to not trade her passions to get the guy. This is dealt with through her two most defining relationships in Auradon: Doug and Ben. While Jay is her best friend, more on that in a the next part, it’s those two that basically help Evie to ditch the persona she had put on. She’s still boy crazy and wants a nice castle, but she should be herself. Evie is fashion savvy, empathetic, and genuinely smart and she shouldn’t throw it out. By the time two and three roll around, she’s got an upcoming business, a sick boat party to look forward to, and is making bank by embracing and sharing her fashion. Her time on the Isle isn’t ever really discussed because for a good portion of it, she was locked in her house for not inviting Mal to her birthday party, so she actually knows the least about the Isle. However, that is unimportant as she acts as the bridge between Mal’s old and new self having figured out how to be her best self without getting rid of the person she was, and in movie three she’s legit done with all the fighting because she is the most emotionally mature which is why she suggests the ice breakers because Audrey is clearing a danger to herself and others and we don’t have time for your power trips.

Part Three: Jay and Carlos

You know when we reach the “and” I’m running out of stuff to do. This is probably where we reach the point where it’s primarily background or aesthetics that change more than a storyline.

Jay is the only member of the Core Four to be born in Auradon. His mother is alive and well. Just before our gang was born, the Villain Rehabilitation Act happened, and Jafar decided why not in a ploy to get power, but then befriended and fell in love with Jay’s mom, but the act was revoked for unknown reasons and Jafar, as well as baby Jay were sent back to the Isle, even though Jafar was one of the least dangerous villains at the time. So technically for Jay, Auradon is a chance to meet his mom. Which he does on Family Day before the whole Queen Leah drama. THe other notable thing about Jay’s past is his friendship with Evei, which began when he broke into the castle to hide after stealing some stuff for his dad and Evie hiding him from her mom. Friendship blossomed from there and the two will often hang out because of this.

Carlos is both easy and hard to work with. For example, appearance wise he would have movie two hair, the peak hairstyle honestly, but everything about him personality wise is a lot more… poised. He still likes tech, but fall out of the limo he does not. However he’s not great at talking to people without being kinda bitchy. His main issue with Jane is her lack of self confidence, so even after the hairstyle upgrade in movie one he still kinda sees her as spineless though he’d never say it outloud.

His arc is friendship through the doggo and like compliment sandwiches. Taking care of Dude and having to give positive critiques teaches him empathy, constructive criticism, and a better way of complimenting people by pointing out the effort a person put into something, even if the result isn’t great. There’d be a part of the dance in movie one where Carlos tells Jane that her problem isn’t her appearance, but her lack of confidence and offers to help her figure it out. Also his crush on Jane stays but the whole having trouble asking her out is either ignored or dealt with very quickly. Like they’re about to go to the Isle to get Mal back and Carlos spots Jane and asks if she’ll be his date to Cotillion if he gets back in time for it.

Part Four: Ben

The gist is that a single strand of his dad’s curse is in his  DNA and fairy magic can strengthen it, so for movie one, other than the whole Audrey thing, his major conflict is that he’s in love with a woman who can legit turn him into a beast. I mean there’s magic water and true love, but it’s still a terrifying thought to him, especially since Ben is a total sweetheart and doesn’t deserve it. Interestingly enough, he finds that nothing actually happens when he’s with Mal until movie two when we learn Fairy Godmother was requested to bury the curse so on the Isle, where magic doesn’t work, he’s basically a ticking time bomb since the beast curse was still gaining strength from Mal’s untamed magic and since it’s also genetic, it can affect him on the Isle. It mainly takes the form of claws and being a bit more on edge. By the time they return home, the spell is placed back on him, and is subsequently broken again in movie three. Ben can’t catch a break, but once the whole enchanted water puts him at a halfway point, he learns of Mal’s deal and brings up the old Villain Rehabilitation Act since it’s what he based his exchange program on and is able to find the moving fairy cottage by following the smell of Audrey’s perfume. Movie three’s whole thing is the acceptance that his curse is kinda cool and that fangs are fun.

Part Five: Antagonists

Movie two has Uma as the antagonist with Harry and Gil as like lackeys. Uma does not hate just Mal. Evie, Jay and Carlos all got to leave the Isle and get a better life, but Mal had power on the Isle and even though Uma rose when she left, she still feels it was just given to her. Her goal is to truly beat Mal so her power feels justified. Harry goes along cause he’s like lowkey in love with Uma, but like he just has a general thing for confident women and gravitated to Uma due to shared interests, and Gil had nothing better to do. That’s why he’s the odd one out. Somehow after the whole Ben kidnap fails, Uma escapes the Isle but rather than mind control Ben cause no thanks, she decides to ruin cotillion. Unlike before, Uma has been humiliated by Mal, so attacking the boat with her octopus tentacles is a pretty big fuck you. When that fails she hides out in her mother’s old lair until movie three. Meanwhile Harry and Gil are left with trying to hold the crew together but by movie three it’s broken up which is why Harry and Gil decide to break out and are less then excited to see Uma initially since she abandoned them. But again, they’re happy that she’s back. Harry does kinda break away from Uma such as complimenting Evie back after she compliments his accent, but it’s Gil who has the best character arc as he becomes part of a himbo duo with Jay. Gil honestly doesn’t need to change, he's great as he is.

So we’ve already covered movie one’s antagonist, Audrey who was a means to an end created by Mal and while Mal does break it, I don’t imagine she apologized for it. So she vanishes before the dance sequence and goes to deal with every that’s happened and also probably to be a witch on the Charmed reboot, I don’t know for sure. But movie three Audrey is a different story ignoring the end, which was talked about as well. Audrey’s primary goal in movie three is to get back at Mal which is deserved, and Queen of Mean is a bop so it’s staying. The downside is Audrey is so invested in revenge she doesn’t think to stop using Maleficent’s wand which was created to be used by a fairy. Fairy wings basically act as a magic battery, constantly replenishing the magic used by spells, so when a human, like Audrey, uses it, when it runs out of magic, it’ll use Audrey’s life as energy ie. it puts her in a coma. When Audrey does wake up thanks to Hades, she finally gets her apology from Mal and while they aren’t friends, they don’t hate each other. She also trades the pink for blue as pink reminds her of things like activating the curse on her ex-boyfriend or locking Chad in a closet. 

Next is Hades who isn’t Mal’s dad. That was kinda dumb. His plan is mostly the same, escape the Isle by making people feel bad for him, but again, Mal doesn’t fall for it at the end, not only by pointing out that she pushed Audrey into doing that while no one did to Hades, sure he was stuck in the underworld but he never tried to find a positive in it, and you know, people died during Hades’s titanomachy. By the end however, he is allowed to go back to the underworld rather than the Isle.

Part Six: any other characters that are primarily just minor fixes that don’t need their own section

Doug is fine. While he does have a crush on Evie, his primary goal in helping her is just that. There’s no ulterior motives. Also his season three hair is a yikes.

Chad is also fine. I like that he’s clearly got good self-preservation skills shown in movie three, and giving him claustrophobia helped me sympathize with him.

Jane is a top tier character, fight me. Major difference in movie one is that her following of Audrey in movie one is because she wants to be liked and thinks that’s the fastest way, but she doesn’t insult Mal, and actually asks to have her natural hair back after the whole dance thing.

Lonnie, proving mlm wlw solidarity is great. I like her friendship with Jay in movie two and her being a boss as bitch and also when she puts her foot on Chad’s back to make doing push ups harder because Chad still sucked in movie two.

The og parents are fine. Dizzy is great, wished we had more of her in D3.

Part Seven: should’ve been a show

And I don’t mean like Wicked World, which like the books is non-canon in this, but like an actual tv show. So much could’ve been done with the Isle that just wasn’t. Mal probably wouldn’t be such a contentious character if we didn’t have to cram the plot into a two hour movie. They wouldn’t even need to start the show with them meeting, since they could follow the format of Once Upon A Time and have each episode show things like how Mal, Evie, Jay, and Carlos became friends, or how the whole Shrimpy thing happened. Descendants, and Barbie Princess Charm School, would work better as a tv show over a movie. At least I think so.

There it’s done.

[asktheheartsprincess]

Solo Para: Another Piece on the Board, Part 1

Cora felt as though the entire earth had tilted off its axis, though she kept up her confident stride until she rounded a corner- out of Iris’ view. Then she slumped against a wall, struggling to control her racing heart. This couldn’t be happening. This simply couldn’t be happening. This was somehow a million times worse than when she had met Iris and Ally, because at least Iris and Ally were living representations of the woman who had stolen everything from Cora and her family. Cora knew that A...lice hadn’t died. But Kayla? Kayla was a living representation of someone who could steal everything from Cora in the future, an additional piece on the board that should never have been there. And Cora simply could not allow that to happen.

Perhaps the most mind boggling aspect was that Kayla shouldn’t exist. Ardenzana of Wonderland, Queen of Hearts, had famously executed the entire House of Spades, from its rogue Duchess Palaterra (the chit who dared to call herself ‘the White Queen’) to its younger members before the ink reading “guilty” had dried on the parchment declaring the verdict (it was this incident that had led to the Auradonian tall tale of the Queen of Hearts preferring “sentence before verdict,” though the verbal verdict had already been handed down. Auradonians, of course, didn’t bother with these particulars). Every member had been executed. No one could have survived; indeed, the stories and records indicated no one had-

Unless Ardenzana herself had plotted for them to.

Heart pounding, feeling more nauseous than she cared to admit, Cora practically ran to the Rehabilitation Center to visit her mother. She found the Queen of Hearts in her chamber, sipping tea. Cora stumbled through the requisite three curtsies, gasping out, “Your Majesty-” midway through the last one.

The Queen of Hearts, realizing something must be terribly amiss for Cora to blatantly botch simple etiquette and protocol, raised an eyebrow and inquired, “Corazana, what’s wrong?”

“Your Majesty,” Cora asked, entirely unsure what she wanted the answer to this question to be, “Did you- did you ever let any traitors live?”

“What?” The Queen of Hearts balked, “No, of course not. Corazana, you know treason is a high crime. Why would you even ask that?” She set her teacup down on the table, folding her arms.

Cora, somewhere between relief and desperation, said, “Because there’s this new student- she’s calling herself Kayla -says she’s the daughter of the Wh- Duchess of Spades. I mean, I thought it was ridiculous, of course. It had to be. It is ridiculous, right?”

All at once, Ardenzana’s lips pursed. She sighed, and stared out the window, “I always knew that decision would come back to haunt me. And darling, never trust Fairy Godmothers,” under her breath, the Queen of Hearts added, “I loathe that woman.”

Instantly, Cora felt her relief dissipate. Settling back on her heels- her mother hadn’t granted her permission to rise out of the curtsy -she asked, her sense of dread worsening, “Your Majesty...what are you talking about?”

Ardenzana of Wonderland, Queen of Hearts, surveyed the execution orders for the House of Spades before her. She read off each name, her blood boiling at the thought that these people she had trusted- people she had considered friends -had brought a rebellion against her. This one she’d danced with at a ball last week. This one she’d sent an unbirthday gift to. And all the time, they’d been plotting to take her queendom from her. They’d been burning down her people’s houses, dressing themselves up as her knaves and soldiers so innocent Wonderlanders would think the Queen of Hearts herself was harming them. They deserved to die, she thought fiercely, and she continued reading the names, a scribe dutifully writing each one down. There would be no mistakes.

Just then, Ardenzana arrived at a name that was (relatively) unfamiliar to her: “Palacaela, of the House of Spades.” She turned around, facing her lady-in-waiting, “I can’t place it.”

Clearing her throat, the lady-in-waiting added with a curtsy, “Daughter of the Duchess of Spades, Your Royal Majesty. A baby.”

Entirely unaware she was performing the action, Ardenzana’s hands fluttered to her stomach. The court wasn’t aware of it yet- the king and queen didn’t dare announce it -but the Queen of Hearts was pregnant. They’d had trouble having children in the past, and she’d already miscarried once, fairly late into her pregnancy. She’d subsequently suffered a bout of post-partum psychosis, and her court, in their way, had been supportive of her, following even the strangest of her orders without complaint. The Queen appreciated it, but she still felt vulnerable about the entire episode. So while the royal couple was cautiously pleased they were pregnant, they didn’t want the courtiers to know unless there was a viable chance this baby would survive.

“A baby,” Ardenzana repeated with as much disinterest as she could muster, “How old?”

“I’m not sure, Your Majesty,” the lady-in-waiting admitted, reverting to the shorter title, “Only that she’s very young.”

Internally, what served as Ardenzana’s conscience warred with itself:

‘Every traitor deserves to lose their head.’

‘But can a baby actively chose treason? They can’t do anything without the support of a mother.’

‘A mother. And what kind of mother would Palaterra have been? Undoubtedly, she would have led the child down the wrong path-’

A baby cannot commit treason, the Queen of Hearts decided eventually, and a baby should not be punished for the crimes of its mother. However, she can hardly stay here either.

Her hands flew to her stomach again. Ardenzana would not allow for her child to lose everything the way she almost had.

Nodding to the lady-in-waiting, the Queen of Hearts commanded, “Fetch me the Rabbit.” With a curtsy, the lady-in-waiting departed, unaware that the Queen of Hearts shook her own head at her scribe, and he crossed out the name “Palacaela.”

“I was pregnant with you,” Ardenzana admitted, “and hormonal, and I let it override my better judgment. I thought that a baby couldn’t commit treason, but of course I couldn’t let her stay. I insisted she be sent away from Wonderland, never to return, and with no idea of her identity. I thought it was better that way. She might have a mother who wouldn’t let her commit treason.”

Cora could barely believe her ears, “So it’s...true?” Her voice cracked on the last word, and she felt her head start to swim.

“Yes, unfortunately,” the Queen of Hearts confirmed with a sip of tea, “And no one would have been the wiser, except that insufferable Fairy Godmother accused me of murdering innocents the other day. I have presided over many executions,” Ardenzana huffed, “but always of convicted criminals. I have never executed an innocent person. She dared call me a liar, and told me I was wrong, and I saw red. Obviously, I couldn’t kill her-”

“Obviously,” Cora repeated dumbly, still trying to process her mother’s story.

“-and before I knew it, I had shouted at her that I had not killed an innocent, that in fact I’d given someone a second chance against all of my instincts, because a baby can’t commit treason, and here we are,” the Queen of Hearts finished glumly, “What I failed to factor in, of course, is that babies grow up. And then they get vengeful, and dangerous.”

“That’s why you always gave me lectures on cutting off any loose ends,” Cora realized with a start, “About always following through what I’d started.” The Princess of Hearts had eventually started tuning out those lectures, mostly because she’d had to focus on pretending she’d liked tea. But her mother had often waxed on about that (in between her graphic descriptions of how she’d like to make Alice pay).

The Queen of Heart’s green eyes glittered darkly, “Lessons, darling. Not lectures. And yes. Spies do not just appear out of nowhere. They have allies who let them into court to begin with. You simply can’t cut out one weed, you must cut out the entire rotten growth, no matter how young the sprout is.”

“So...Your Majesty....what do I do now?” Cora asked, uncertain and doubtful. Her voice was high-pitched, like a child’s. For the first time, Cora didn’t know what her path was.

“You kill her,” the Queen of Hearts responded.

[wellhellotragic]

Gilded 4/?

 Summary: Once upon a time, a great prophecy was told. A child would be born of true love, capable of becoming the brightest of lights, freeing the world from evil, or to become the darkest creature the world had ever seen. Choices were made, destiny fought, but fate is a tricky thing. It’s often the path that we take to avoid it, that leads us straight to our demise.

Rating: M

A/N: So just as a trigger warning, there is brief mention of attempted rape in this chapter. Nothing happens, it's stopped before it can really start, but if that's too upsetting, I've separated that part with ***** so feel free to skip.

Catch up here: 1, 2, 3

Emma had spent most of her life tucked away from the world. Her mother and father had harped on her time and time again about the importance of discretion. As a child, she hadn’t really understood it, her small mind too young to comprehend the delicate nature of her situation. Too young to understand the danger that lurked around every corner.

She’d heard the council members whispering in the hallways, her name spat out in contempt, but she never knew of what they spoke. As soon as she’d get close enough to hear them, silence would overtake the halls.

Sometimes from her window, she’d spy other children playing, but had no friends herself. The only people that even spoke to her apart from her mother and father were her Aunt Ruby and Granny. The old woman would come in at night time while her parents were away and read her bedtime stories until she fell asleep.

When Snow and Charming weren’t off trying to settle treaties and trades with other kingdoms, they would come into her room each night and snuggle in beside her in bed. They wouldn’t read to her they way Granny did. Their stories came from memories, from the heart. Tales of a Evil Queen chasing after a princess. Tales of a shepherd defeating a dragon to become a prince. The princess and the shepherd prince always found each other, and together, they defeated the evil queen. She’d always fallen asleep not long after, dreaming of the day when she would find her own prince.

The princess was lonely, though, and one night she made a wish on the brightest star in the night sky. She wished for a friend, for anyone to keep her company and make her time a little more bearable. It was on that very night that her first friend appeared.

The small blue light that fluttered through her window quickly transformed into a beautiful woman. Her dress resembled something Snow White would wear in its grandeur.

“Hello, Emma.” The woman smiled. “I heard your wish.”

“Who are you?” asked the Princess.

The woman was light herself. Her dark curly hair pinned up, her brown eyes falling upon the girl.

“You can call me Blue. I’m your fairy godmother.”

Emma gasped, having heard of such things from Granny. In one tale, a fairy godmother had helped a woman name Cinderella sneak into a ball where she had fallen in love with a prince.

“Are you going to help me find my prince?” Asked the princess, nearly bouncing out of her slippers.

The fairly giggled.

“Not yet Emma. You’re still too young for such things. But I can help you with something else.”

The fairy smiled down on the girl and knelt so that they were the same height.

“With what?”

“Emma, you have magic.”

The princess was stunned.

“But, I-”

“Yes, it’s true. You were born with it. I can help you learn to use it if you’d like?”

Emma nodded her head, excited at the prospect of performing magic tricks.

“Yes! Yes. Please!”

The fairy laughed once again, before growing more somber.

“First, though, you should know that many people are afraid of those with magic. They fear us, and that can lead them to do dark, unspeakable things. Do you understand me, Emma?”

The little girl nodded, not completely sure, but fearful that if she asked any questions the fairy would disappear, taking her knowledge with her.

“Little one, you must understand how imperative it is that you tell no one of this. Not even your parents.”

Emma face fell, not accustomed to keeping secrets from Snow and Charming.

“Your mother and father love you very much, Emma, but they don’t understand magic. They only know of how it...,” the fairy paused, nearly gritting out the words, “corrupted Regina. Her magic was dark, and your parents are worried that having magic makes you evil.”

“So, am I?

“Are you what, child?”

“Evil. I have magic.”

“No,” the fairly smiled back. “That’s what I’m trying to tell you. Not all magic is bad. But people will jump to conclusions, so it’s best that we keep this just between us. Do you understand?”

“Yes.”

And with that, Emma and her fairy godmother began their weekly lessons. Blue came to her at night, when the brightest star was at its highest, teaching her all sorts of magic. They started with small things, focusing on discipline and controlling her emotions. Emma noted that her magic was particularly strong when she was angry at Blue for pushing her too hard. As Emma grew into a young woman, they turned to more difficult tasks like spell books and reading ancient ruins.

Emma’s powers grew, and the fairy seemed very pleased with her progress. She could move objects across her room, light the fireplace from the comfort of her own bed and could immobilized small animals. And, as promised, Emma kept her lessons with Blue a secret from everyone else.

Until her fifteenth birthday, when she accidently slipped. It wasn’t a conscious decision. She hadn’t meant to use magic, to expose herself to anyone. But as her father was trotting a horse around just aside the castle stables, it became spooked, and started neighing and bucking angrily. Rearing up on its hind legs, Emma watched in horror as he father was thrown. Just as he was about to hit the ground, Emma reached her arms forward on instinct and stopped him. His body remained suspended in midair as, slowly, the princess dropped her hands, allowing the king to float down gently to the stable floor.

The look on his face, on everyone's faces, was something she’d never forget. Abject terror. It was just as the fairy had warned her. Snow grabbed her hands and pulled her back inside until they were in Emma’s chambers, her father close behind.

“Emma-”

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry!” Emma cried, cutting her mother off.

“How did you do that?” Asked her father.

Emma opened her mouth, the answer on the tip of her tongue, but then she thought better. The fairy had always emphasised how fearful of magic people were, and Emma knew that if they learned of what she’d been taught, they’d never look at her the same.

“I don’t know. It just... happened.”

There were tears in her eyes. Genuine ones, mixed from the fear of nearly losing her father and of her parents finding out that she had magic. But her father didn’t yell as she had expected. Instead he took her into his arms and whispered in her ear.

“It’s going to be okay, Emma. We’re going to fix this.”

She’d been so grateful that he father still loved her that she hadn’t considered his words. She’d missed the insinuation that there was something wrong with her.

The next week, Emma appeared before the council for the first time, at her mother’s side. Each member was silent as first, but as Snow began to explain the events that had unfolded in the stables, their voices grew heated.

“She needs to be dealt with.”

“She shouldn’t even be here.”

Emma could do nothing but look down at her hands. She’d ruined everything.

The blue fairy had abandoned her after learning what she had done, telling her she couldn’t teach her anymore. Her mother had barely spoken to her, and everyone stayed clear of her in the hallways. The maids left her food trays outside her room, too scared to come face to face with her. And her parents’ closest confidants wished she’d never been born.

Without asking permission to be excused, Emma ran from the room. She’d moved without thinking, without having a plan, until she stumbled into the library, and straight into the body of a man she’d never met before.

Terrified, Emma tried to retreat. She was already in enough trouble without having been seen as well. But the man reached out, grabbing her elbow with only enough force to steady her.

“Whoa there, lass.” His accent was something different, unknown to her ear, yet soothing. “Now, what has you so vexed and let’s see if we can fix it.”

When she looked up, she the first thing she noticed was his blue eyes, darker that the sky, but not as dark as a sapphire. If she had to compare them to something, she thought they most closely resembled the ocean from the paintings in her father’s study. His hair was in light curls, hidden away under a naval hat.

“Emma!”

Her mother’s admonished voice did nothing to ease her fears.

“I’m so sorry mother. I didn’t know anyone was in here.”

And just as before, Emma ran, this time to her room where she slipped inside, hearing only the briefest of exchanges between her mother and the man as she had fled from.

Please, I would hope for your discretion in this matter, Lieutenant Jones.

It was nightfall before either of her parents entered her room. Emma had stayed hidden away the rest of the day, afraid that everything around her was crumbling, that it was all her fault. Her parents hadn’t been as forgiving as before. Snow had made her disappointment quite well known, and Charming had stayed nearly silent. They’d worried that the naval officer, a man delivering treaty terms from King George, would report back of the princess’ existence. Snow had almost thrown him in the dungeon to protect Emma, but the queen knew that the sudden disappearance of a senior naval officer would only draw more attention to them.

The lieutenant had promised not to tell anyone of the young princess’ existence, but as they only had the word of a man employed by a tyrant, they once again prepared for the worst. Emma was sequestered to her room during the days, only allowed to leave the confines for dinner with her parents. Granny and Ruby no longer came to visit her, and she’d never felt more alone.

She understood it, but she was certain that she would go mad if she was never allowed to breathe in fresh air again, to bask in the glow of the sun. So although she knew better, the young princess broke her promise to her parents once again, thinking that one small excursion couldn’t possibly hurt. She’d be back long before anyone would ever think to come and check on her for dinner.

Summoning her magic, Emma thought of a meadow she’d seen in a drawing. She knew it wasn’t too far outside of the castle walls, and should therefore be safe. No one would even see her.

And as her mind focused on that meadow, she felt her body become light as air. When she opened her eyes, she was there, standing amongst the tall grass she had pictured. She wandered for a bit, finally coming upon a tree. She sat at the base, under the safety and shade of its branches, imagining a life she would never have. The life of a regular girl, one from Granny’s old books. As the sun began to fall, she closed her eyes, thinking of her room, finding herself back in the safety of her stone walls.

Once turned into twice, and soon the princess found herself in the meadow at least once a week, always alone. She began bringing books with her to read. Books from the library, similar to the ones Granny had read her, but more grown up, more mature.

Two years passed in much the same way. Two years of Emma longing for the companionship found in the books. Longing for a man to kiss her and touch her as the men in the books did to the women they loved. Two years wondering if she’d ever find someone to love her.

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

They had met by fate. She had been wandering alone in the forest outside her parents’ kingdom, having snuck out with the guards none the wiser, just as she always did, although exploring deeper than ever before. The forest was a maze, and after one turn too many, she’d become hopelessly lost. That’s when she’d heard a commotion and followed the noise in hopes that someone could help show her the way out. When she’d rounded the corner, she’d come face to face with a man who reeked of ale.

She hadn’t had many occasions to come across drunken fools in the safety of her parents’ castle. When his eyes caught her, and turned almost feral, she was stunned. Her father had taught her to fight, and she was second only to him in swordplay, but this man was huge. Even if she had a weapon, she was too caught off guard to defend herself, and too outmatched by his size. The man took her in and she couldn’t help but notice how his eyes lingered as they moved down her body. He licked his lips as he watched her and his mouth curved up into a greedy smile.

“Well, what have we here? A fair maiden in distress?” His words filled her stomach with knots.

“No, I’m quite capable of taking care of myself. Thank you,” she replied.

She tried to move past him quickly, but as she did, he grabbed her elbow and tugged her back in front of him.

“Now, what kind of gentleman would I be if I left a lady in need when she comes to me so willingly?” He licked his lips again.

And that’s when he lunged for her. His mouth came down on her hard, unwillingly taking from her her first kiss. She tried to pull her head back but he was too powerful. His arms wrapped around her body holding her close enough that she felt as though she might suffocate. Before she knew it, his mouth was traveling down her neck, blocking out the sting of the tree bark pressing into her back. She screamed out as loudly as she could, hoping that someone would hear her.

The man’s mouth continued downward and she began to feel a tugging at the shoulder of her dress. Panic overwhelmed her body as she felt every muscle in her go tense. His breath on her was hot and vile. With every fiber of her being she willed herself to think about anything else. Her emotions were too overwhelmed that she couldn’t even pull forth her magic. Perhaps if she could distract herself, it would be easier somehow. She didn’t want to think about how this man had his hand traveling up her thigh trying to push her dress up along with it.

She closed her eyes and thought of one of her mother’s stories. She thought of the princes and princesses, and of their happy endings. She couldn’t remember anything about them being molested in this way. Did her parents leave those parts out so that she wouldn’t be frightened? This wasn’t that way it was supposed to happen. She was supposed to meet her own prince charming and ride off into the sunset with him.

Gone were the lighthearted fairy tales she had once indulged in. She knew better now.

Her thoughts were brought back to this horrible man who was violating her. She was ready to fight. It may not do her any good, but she wouldn’t let him have her that easily. She opened her eyes ready to kick and scream, to bite his filthy flesh, to do anything she could to force him off of her. That’s when she realized she couldn’t feel his breath against her skin any longer. His hands had stopped traveling along her body. His gaze had sobered and was focusing down at his stomach.

Her eyes traveled down to where his bloodshot gaze was fixed low in front of him. His tattered top filled with a bright red color and she could see just a hint of metal poking through. He gasped and grabbed his stomach as the metal was wrenched back from the other side. His body crumpled to the ground and his eyes went still.

She looked up to find him. His eyes were kind as they traveled up and down. Unlike the hungry eyes of her attacker, this man’s eyes were filled with caution and concern. In his right hand he held a blade covered in blood.

He stepped towards her but kept his hands to himself, held aloft in a placating manner.

“Are you alright? Did he hurt you?” He asked quietly.

Her body was trembling and she felt her legs giving out on her. She started to fall but before she could hit the ground he was there, catching her. He scooped her up in his arms and carried her out of the maze back and towards to castle. She watched him though a tear filled blur. When they arrived back at the front gate, her parents were waiting for her. They had grown alarmed when she hadn’t answered her door that afternoon. No one had seen her.

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

The man immediately handed her over to her father’s arms. Her father set her down and her mother instantly enveloped her, clutching her daughter to her chest. When her mother finally released her from her hold, and her father was finally able to survey her properly, the king finally noticed that her gown had been torn at the shoulder. His eyes filled with rage and he drew his weapon on the outsider.

“Give me one reason that I shouldn’t run you through with my sword right here,” her father demanded.

The man looked back at him with wide eyes in shock. Realizing how the situation looked, and that the father assumed he was at fault, he tried to speak up. But before he could manage a word out, guards swarmed him.

“Father! No!” The princess cried out, but her father’s rage had overtaken him.

“Emma, go inside. NOW!” Her mother’s arms wrapped around her again, trying to pull her away toward the castle, but she broke free.

“Father, please. He didn’t do anything. He saved me!” Her voice was beginning to break and tears were streaming down her face.

Her father snapped his eyes toward her, trying to make sense of her words. When he looked back at the blue-eyed man, he saw something in his expression, something strong enough to give him pause.

“Is this true?”

“Yes your highness. I was in the woods hunting, when I heard her scream. I found her pinned under a man. She was too shaken to walk back so I carried her here.”

The queen tugged on Emma’s shoulders once more, obviously displeased at her daughters behavior, but Emma refused to budge until she knew that her father wouldn’t kill him for her mistake. That her rescuer was safe.

She heard her father grumble before motioning to the man to join them.

If felt like ages, as her parents continued to question the young man. Emma was reminded of what her mother had said of the lieutenant from years before, of how her actions had almost gotten him arrested. A knot formed in her stomach at the grim memory as the interrogation continued.

They asked him if he had a family, to which he replied no. They had all been killed in one way or another, he explained. It had been an innocent enough question, but Emma knew what her parents were really asking; is anyone going to come looking for you? There was no one. This blue eyed man, with the same odd accent as the man who had been interrogated before him, was just as alone in the world as she was. Emma felt for him.

Her parents must have felt for him as well, granting him leniency as they struck an accord. He wouldn’t be thrown in the dungeons, but he would be imprisoned in the castle. Unlike the lieutenant, this man had no title that bound him to anything, and it would be easy to snatch him from the world and keep him hidden behind the stone walls of the castle. Just as they had done with their own princess. They weren't willing to consider his promises of silence, but her parents weren’t callous either.

As the months went on, she and the blue eyed man came to be friends, reading side by side in her room, exchanging stories. Well, mostly, as it often was more the case that Emma sat and listened to his stories, as she’d only rarely ventured outside the meadow. She’d learned that his mother and father had died under the Evil Queen’s reign, that he once had a brother who had passed away at the dagger of another man while trying to help someone. She knew that his eyes lit up when she laughed, that his hands were warm when wrapped around her own. She learned that his kindness knew no bounds.

And eventually she’d come to know that she loved him. The realization hit her as they shared their first kiss on his balcony one evening. The bright star hidden away that night from their view, no wishes made. Just him, as he leaned forward, delicately brushing his lips against hers, giving her a promise of forever.

The next day, Emma accompanied her lover as he met with her parents, asking for her hand in marriage. The king and queen looked stricken by the request, and Emma had been certain they’d decline. She could hear her parents arguing all the way from their room for most of the night, and at breakfast, they were both unusually quiet, sitting slightly further apart than usual.

It was another three days before Emma and her companion received an answer, before Charming gave his approval, followed by Snow, albeit, a little unwillingly.

It wasn’t a long engagement. There wouldn’t be an elaborate ceremony or a ball afterwards. There was no need for invitations or formal meal planning. The hall wasn’t even decorated with flowers. Aside from the new dress, there was nothing to commemorate the event.

The only guests they had in attendance were her parents and their council. Only the first two rows of pews were filled in the castle chapel. It wasn’t what Emma had imagined, nothing like in her books. The only solace was that she was getting a chance with the love of her life.

He would be her happy ending, and, by the night’s end, he would be her prince.

The white gown was heavier than anything she’d ever worn before, and she struggled not to fall under its weight as her father escorted her down the aisle. Her mother’s face held a smile, but her eyes lacked any sparkle. But it was okay, because her prince was there, and while nothing else measured up to her expectations, he did.

And so they recited their vows before the council, until the priest granted them permission to seal their union with a kiss. But as Emma leaned forward to meet him, just as her lips brushed his, he pulled back, gasping for air and clawing at his throat.

Everyone in the room gasped, and he looked at her, his eyes less brilliant as they bulged in alarm.

“What did you do, Emma. What did you do?”

And as his body hit the ground, she screamed. She fell to the floor next to him, grabbing his lifeless body and cradling his head in her lap.

“No!” Her words drowned out by her sobs.

It was her father who finally grabbed her, forcing her up and pulling her from her love. She tried to fight, to stop him, to stay, but her father dragged her away.

“No,” she cried out. “Graham!”

The princess wept, clinging to her pillow. Her love was gone and it was her fault. She was the monster everyone thought her to be. She waited, waited for the council members to decide her fate, for the villagers to come brandishing their pitchforks. She waited, and waited. And eventually she fell asleep, still crying for Graham.

It was dark when she was startled awake, shaken roughly with a hand across her mouth. There was a single candle attempting to illuminate the room. Slowly, her eyes adapted and she saw her father standing above her. He released his hand and she sat up, still confused.

“What’s happening?”

For only a moment, she’d forgotten the events of the day. She’d forgotten that Graham was gone, that she’d murdered him. But it was only a moment, and then it all came rushing back. The council had made their decision, and Emma’s life would be forever irrevocably altered.

“Emma,” her mother said from beside her. “You have be charged with murder and treason to the crown.”

Snow’s voice fell off, and she looked away, unable to finish. Emma knew that her mother was disgusted by her.

It was Charming’s voice, however, that delivered her fate.

“You have been found guilty of the crimes. The punishment for your actions,” he paused, his face sharp, devoid of all emotion, “is banishment from this kingdom immediately. You are to be stripped of your title, bearing no rights to the throne. You will leave tonight and never return. You are an enemy of the crown and of Misthaven.”

Emma stood, trying to comprehend the depths of her father’s words. It had been the last thing she’d expected, so far away from the dungeon prison she’d prepared herself for. But this was worse. She was being cut off from everything, her family, her home, for the life she’d come to know over the last eighteen years.

“Father, surely you can’t-”

“If you ever return, you face death by hanging.” David’s voice was full of contempt. “Do you understand?”

Emma teared up, nodding in affirmation.

“Then go, now. Go far from here and never return.”

Not even bothering to collect any of her belongings, Emma vanished in a swirl of light grey smoke. She went as far as her magic would take her. She wasn’t sure if she was still in her parents kingdom or not, but her magic had been drained.

Looking around, she realised just how serious her situation was. She had no money, no belongings, and no friends. She began walking, her delicate feet bruising on the rough terrain. She walked until they felt raw, finding herself as the edge of water.

There were large ships all around, with grand sails and flying the colors of her parents’ kingdom. She’d made it to the edge of the kingdom, yet it was not far enough. She tried to barter her way onto one of the ships, but with no money and nothing to trade, they simply laughed in her face.

Finally she gave up, mustering the very last of her magic to sneak into the food storage of one of the vessels. She didn’t know where she was going, but as long as it was away from Misthaven, it wouldn’t matter. As she hid away, she felt her magic regenerating just under her skin, and on that night, something in her shifted. She allowed the buzzing of it take her over, and after years of trying to hold her powers at bay, she gave in.

Tagging: @dreadpirateemma

[imaginarybird]

Unwilling and unable to face everyone on her own when it comes time to attend Auggie and Ava’s wedding, Riley Matthews hires a solution in Lucas Friar. Loosely based on The Wedding Date.

Part One // Part Two // Part Three // Part Four // Part Five // Part Six

Rating: Around a PG 13/14

Notes: So this took a little while, but honestly…a lot happens in this chapter. Like… a lot a lot. But in any case, thanks so much to everyone who has been supporting the fic, especially @sand1128  for getting me through the worst of my doubts about what I’m doing, as always.

Please take notice of the fact that this chapter contains a semi-graphic scene of medical trauma and treatment. There is blood and discussion of injuries. If you’re squeamish, you can skip over it without losing too much content--it’s the third scene of the chapter, starting with ‘“What happened?” Riley demands…’ and ending with ‘when he gives his instruction. “Turn.”’

 Also, please note that while I did a bit of research to accurately talk about treating the injuries, nothing in this story is done following any real protocols and the way some things are done is most definitely Grey’s Anatomy or ER style, i.e. for dramatization purposes rather than realistic medical integrity. This should not in any way be considered medical advice. Do not try what you’re about to read.

 Anyways….

 In this chapter, Lucas feels awkward, Riley saves the day, and then Riley and Lucas climb up a tree. 

“Not everyone can be the princess, or have a fairy godmother to grant all their wishes, or have a prince burst in and give them everything they’ve always wanted. Some people are just the ugly stepsister in someone else’s story.”

 Lucas can hardly believe the words as they come out of Riley’s mouth. How can a woman, who’s so beautiful--so wonderful--think so little of herself? “You don’t really believe that, do you?” He asks, unable to stop himself from furrowing his brow. The context of the conversation is ridiculous (it’s not like fairy tales were ever a big thing for him growing up or anything that he ever bought into) but the root of the matter is clear; Riley somehow doesn’t think that she’s the star of her own story. Just a bit part in someone else’s.

 Now, more than ever, he wishes Riley were more interested in explaining her past, because he’d love to know who had convinced her to think that way so he could show them all the ways that they’re wrong.

 Riley sighs, pushing herself to her feet. “Could you not…?”

“Could I not what?” Lucas follows after her. They start down the beach, back towards the party and the bed and breakfast.

“Do the whole… ‘Oh my gosh, but you’re so great Riley! Of course you’re not the stepsister. Your happy ending is totally coming!’” Riley throws on a mocking, tired effect as she apes her example. She takes a sip of her drink before returning her tone to normal. “You were just trying to convince me that that kind of thinking is a waste of people’s time and energy. Don’t insult me by turning around and telling me that you didn’t mean it was a waste of time for me.” 

“I meant obsessing over it and spending your life waiting for the happy ending to come to you instead of living your life and going after what you want is waste of time.” Lucas explains. “Not that there’s no room for hope.”

“I have plenty of hope, Lucas. Just not for that.”

Lucas stops walking. He can’t explain it. Why his chest aches to hear Riley admit that she doesn’t have hope for herself in that way or why he wants to do everything in his power to fix things and change that. He’s heard about all manner of unfulfilling lives and sad life stories from his client and he’s never felt the need to do anything outside the scope of his job for them; that’s just not who he is.  But here, and now… with everything he’s seen so far this week and Riley in front of him… Even after all the attempts he’s made to remind himself of his role, all Lucas wants to do is sweep Riley away from this mess of a family and find a way to prove to her that she’s so much more than what they’ve convinced her of.

“Riley--,”

“I’m really tired, Lucas.” Riley spins on her heels, flashing him a sad (and ultimately false, he thinks) smile. “I’m just gonna go back to the room and get to bed.”

Riley turns back once more and walks down the beach, leaving Lucas behind, wondering what on earth he can possibly do.

Try as he might, Lucas can’t figure out how to start another conversation with Riley, least of all about anything of substance. At first this was because he had no approachable opportunity.

On his way to follow her back to their room, he had been sidetracked by Ava, asking myriad questions about what he would be wearing to the wedding, right down to the socks that he had brought (and Lucas had started drifting off partway through the conversation when Ava had started wondering whether or not his jacket used matte or shiny thread but he’s almost positive he agreed to swap out the laces on his formal shoes to something more ‘beach chic’ appropriate, whatever that means, before the conversation finally came to a close). By the time he did manage to get back to the room, Riley was already in bed and if she wasn’t asleep she was doing a very fine job pretending that she was, so Lucas had little choice but to go through his nightly routine and climb into bed beside her. 

Then the morning came, and try as he might, Lucas just isn’t a morning person. He hasn’t been ever since leaving Texas and the ranch where mornings were more of a necessity than an option, so even though his body was awake bright and early as the alarm clock in the room dictated, his mind didn’t really join him until after breakfast when they were engaged in a dance rehearsal at Ava’s behest. At that point both he and Riley were too engaged in making sure that they were in the right position, doing the right step at the right moment to discuss anything else.

Now they’re on a chartered schooner with the extended Matthews family (minus Maya, who claimed an unsteady stomach wouldn’t do well out on the water and opted to stay on shore) for the entire afternoon. One last private activity for the family before the rest of the wedding guests start arriving. And although they’re fairly isolated from everyone else, choosing to enjoy the view of the water from a padded bench on one side instead of eating at the ‘set-up for a party’ bow with the entire clan and watching several of the men engage in a clam shucking contest, they aren’t exactly talking much.

At least, not about anything of substance.

Riley seems quite content to chatter on about any benign subject from explaining why the music choices for the opening dances at the reception are significant for the young couple, to giving him more detailed accounts as to how her aunt and uncles and other extended family met their spouses (although she noticeably stays away from Josh and Maya) to telling him about some of the more exciting days she’s had since she started working in a busy emergency room.

Anything, Lucas thinks, to keep them from going back to the subject of the previous night or anything related to it, and he can’t find a way to steer them back that direction as he so eagerly wants to do. How else can he figure out a way to help her?

Riley is in the middle of explaining how they handle Halloween in a pediatric ER, when the ship hits a particularly large and choppy wave, leaving her lurching sideways to fall across his lap. The ensuing blushing and giggling disentanglement of limbs is enough to halt the filler conversation, and to remind Lucas exactly what a dangerous line it is he’s straddling; Riley is really creeping her way into his head and heart, becoming so much more engaging and interesting and attractive than any client before her has. All without any negligible effort on her part.

“Sorry.” She apologizes as they both straighten. She sends him a demure, dimpled smile as she tucks a strand of hair that’s blown out of her ponytail back behind her ear. “What was I talking about?”

Lucas doesn’t want to answer. Partly because she didn’t seem nearly so comfortable while running down her laundry list of distraction topics, and partly because this seems like as good of an opportunity as any to try and move the conversation where he wants to go. But, possibly sensing his intent to move them back towards a subject she’d rather avoid, Riley speaks again before he can find his path.

“Nevermind. I wanted to thank you, anyways.”

“Thank me?”

“For actually listening to me last night and not...trying to fix me or whatever.” Riley leans back in her seat, then looks over at him. “I know you don’t agree with what I said last night and that you wanted to say something and try and change my mind, and it means a lot to me that when I asked you not to you respected that.”

Oh.

Now Lucas just feels like a tool for wanting to broach the subject in the first place.

Riley thinks his silence on the issue was him respecting her wishes (and how low is the bar that that alone is enough to mean a lot to her? he wonders) when in reality he just didn’t know how to do what he wanted. And now she’s thanking him for it which means he absolutely cannot go back to that conversation without looking like the biggest asshole in the world and Lucas knows he can’t do that. He doesn’t want to hurt or disappoint Riley like that.

“You don’t need to thank me for that, Riley.” He settles on, hoping that his face doesn’t give any of his surprise or uncertainty away. “My number one job here is to make sure that you’re comfortable. We’re not gonna talk about anything that you don’t want to talk about.” He means it this time too. He’s not going to do anything that will jeopardize the trust that Riley has been building in him.

“Well, I really appreciate that.”

A beat passes. Lucas hesitates for a brief moment, but ultimately reaches over and grabs her hand. “So... with that settled, what do you want to talk ab--,” He doesn’t get to finish the thought.

Another wave rocks the schooner, only this time instead of falling into each other’s laps again, Lucas and Riley hear a shriek, followed quickly by someone crying out, “Oh god!”, at the same time that there’s a second, anguished scream.

“What happened?” Riley demands as they arrive at the bow of the ship and the root of the clamor and screaming. She’s holding Lucas’ hand as she pushes through the chaos of caterwauling family members buzzing around a small catering table, but drops it in the same moment she speaks: just as they spot the bright slicks of blood. 

Her dad and Uncle Josh are both clutching at drenched, blood-soaked hands. Even at a distance Lucas can tell that Cory’s wound is worse; he has a nasty looking knife jammed in the base of his hand. With a pale face and glassy eyes, he looks ready to drop at any moment.

Eric answers as Riley rushes towards them. “Their knives both slipped with that last wave.”

“Someone get me the first aid kit!” Riley grabs her father by the forearms. “Let’s sit down before we fall down, OK?” She starts to lower him to deck and kneels beside him. She glances back to Lucas. “Help Josh, please.”

Lucas darts over to do as told. Josh is already starting to sit, but he helps him the rest of the way when he sees the man sway a little too much.

“Knife! There is a knife in my arm!” Cory’s eyes are transfixed on his arm.

“Close your eyes and try not to think about it.” Riley instructs. “I’m gonna look at it a little bit. You’ll feel my hands near the wound. If anything I do hurts I need you to tell me.” She grabs his injured hand and starts to inspect the wound. “Lucas, tell me about Josh. How does he look?” She doesn’t turn away from her exam, just asks the question, while doing her work.

Eyes clenched shut, Cory groans. “Take it out. Take it out.”

“That would be a bad idea.” Riley answers.

Lucas pries the hand Josh is clenching to his injury off to take a look. He finds a jagged gash, flowing with dark blood. “Like he sliced his hand with a big knife.”

“How deep? Can you see anything? Bone or fat?”

He tries to probe it, but just gets another spurt of red. “I can’t see anything past the blood.”

“Get a bottle of water and pour it over the wound to clean it.”

Cory continues to moan about getting the knife out of his arm. Riley continues to ignore that and work. Eric tosses Lucas a bottle of water, which he unscrews the lid off of the moment he catches, tossing it aside.

“Are you sure you should be doing that Riley?” Topanga asks. “The hand has a lot of delicate nerves and blood vessels…”

“Take it out. Take it out. Take it out.”

“I’m a nurse, I know what I’m doing.” Riley huffs, blowing her loose hair away from her face. “I’m not going to take it out, Dad. I’m going to tape it in place. Where are we on that first aid kit?!”

“It’s coming!” Someone shouts from the down the boat.

Riley glances over. “Lucas, how is that cut looking?”

Pouring the water over the wound and sending a runny flood of crimson down Josh’s arm, Lucas can’t see anything that doesn’t look fleshy, angry, and red. He relays the message.

“You’re only a pediatric nurse.” Topanga interjects loudly.

“Here’s the first aid kit.” Linda arrives bag in hand and breathing heavily from her sprint.

Riley rolls her eyes, muttering. “Because the structures of the hand only magically spring into place when a patient turns eighteen?” She holds one hand out behind her. “Give me some gauze and the medical tape, then take the rest of the gauze over to Lucas.” As Linda digs through the bag and provides the supplies, Riley gives her instructions. “Lucas, you’ll need to pack the gauze tightly over the wound. Then you’ll want to elevate the hand so it’s resting above Josh’s heart and continue to apply pressure. That’ll control the bleeding until I can come take a look.”

“Captain wants to know if he should turn back to the marina.” Morgan announces.

“Absolutely.”

“Riley, I just think that all of this would be better left to the real profess--,”

“There is a knife in my arm and it needs to come out now.”

“Dad, no!”

Riley’s protests come too late. By the time Lucas can look over to see what’s happening, Cory has torn the knife out of his own hand and blood is arcing out, spraying across Riley’s form. The crowd shrieks, moans, and otherwise panics while Riley dives across to clamp her hand around the now open and spurting wound.

“Lucas, I’m gonna need your help over here!”

Lucas hands Josh over to Eric and scrambles over to Riley. She has both hands holding some soaked gauze to her dad’s wrist, and he can see more blood pushing up through. “What do you need?”

“The knife was in his radial artery. Is there a blood pressure cuff in the first aid kit? I need to temporarily cut off blood flow so I can bandage the wound properly.”

“Like a tourniquet?”

“Hopefully for not nearly as long, but yeah.”

Linda produces a blood pressure cuff and tosses it over. The Matthews’ family falls into a thick silence. “What am I doing?”

“Wrap it just above his elbow and pump it up until I tell you to stop.”

All Lucas can hear is the lapping of the waves and the air-filled ghostly puff of the blood-pressure cuff as he inflates it. Cory’s mouth is flapping as he stares, white-faced, at the bloody mess Riley is trying to control, but no noise is coming out.

“Stop!” Riley orders. “Leave it there.” She lifts the soaked matted mess of gauze away from her dad’s hand and drops it to the deck beside her; the wound now trickles rather than bursts with fluid. “Perfect. Now I’m just going to pack the wound with as much sterile gauze as we have,” she holds one hand back again for Linda to start supplying her, “and wrap it as tightly as I can with an ace bandage. Meanwhile, I need someone to keep time for Lucas.”

“Time for what?” Morgan asks.

Riley doesn’t stop working, barely pausing to wipe at her forehead with the back of her wrist. “Every twenty seconds, he needs to turn the release valve on the blood pressure cuff a quarter turn to let some of the blood flow back to dad’s hand.”

“Riley, he’ll lose more blood that way!” Topanga protests.

“Turn it now,” Riley instructs softly before addressing the complaint. “And if I leave him with the blood supply to his hand cut off we risk damaging the tissue or forming a blood clot that could cause him to have a stroke. I know what I’m doing.”

“I’ve got the timer.” Shawn steps up, pulling out his phone.

“But Riley--,”

“But nothing, mother!” Riley nearly shouts as she continues to pack the wound. “I am the medical professional here, you are merely the uneducated wife of the patient, and if you want this done correctly so your husband gets to keep his hand, you need to step back, shut up, and let me do my job!”

The thick silence of moments before has nothing on the air of stunned quiet that hits the group now. Lucas risks a peek at everyone’s faces and finds them all staring at Riley, mouths agape. Topanga looks particularly floored and flummoxed.

Riley works on, breathing heavily but seemingly oblivious.

Shawn coughs once and Lucas could almost swear his voice breaks a little when he gives his instruction. “Turn.”

“Quite a day, huh?” Lucas comments as Riley emerges from their bathroom, showered and changed from her earlier clothes to a more casual (and less bloodstained) outfit. After dealing with the immediate problem of stemming the blood flow from her father’s injury, Riley had been able to properly evaluate Josh’s cut and take care of both family members until the ship’s captain returned them to the marina and she could transfer their care to the waiting paramedics. The work had left her a blood-covered mess, but it had also given him, and the entire family, a front row seat to a whole other side to Riley; gone was the nervous, subservient little girl… in the face of a real crisis Riley was confident, calm, and efficient. She knew what had to be done and didn’t hesitate to make it happen. 

It had been quite the scene to watch and be a part of.

“I know, right?” Riley is almost grinning as she answers. “A beautiful trip on a schooner, topped off with a clam shucking contest gone awry...who would have thought I’d get to practice my triage and treatment out on open water at my little brother’s wedding?”

“It’s...definitely not the story your coworkers will be expecting when you get back.”

“And the day’s not even done. We still have the big ‘Welcome to the Cape’ party at that restaurant in a couple hours.”

The party Riley’s referring to is Ava’s way of greeting all of the wedding guests who have arrived throughout the day. According to the itinerary Lucas had been e-mailed not long after his confirmation as Riley’s date for the week, the patio of a local restaurant has been rented for a night of dinner, drinks and ‘one or two fun surprises’. By far not the worst activity to be saddled with, even after the craziness of their day. Lucas just can’t believe it actually is still happening after their misadventure on the cruise; he would have thought that with her future father-in-law requiring outpatient surgery (and her witnessing the initial trauma on top of that) Ava would be holding court, giving dramatic retellings and frantically wondering how Cory’s splint and Josh’s stitches will affect the aesthetics of the wedding. Not to mention how the rest of the family felt, seeing Cory in what appeared to be dire straits. Lucas isn’t particularly close with family, but he can definitely imagine the emotional journey he would go on if he were to see him involved in a gory accident like had happened today. He’s certain the only reason Riley is as calm as she seems is because she’s so used to dealing with similar scenarios at work that somehow, she had gone into nurse-mode and saw Cory as just another patient to deal with.

“Are they really up for hosting a party after such an... eventful day?”

Riley flops down onto the bed with a bounce. “I would have thought your bar for ‘eventful’ would have been set a little higher, Lucas. Aren’t you the guy who helped a horse give birth all by yourself when you were eleven?” She turns onto her side so she’s facing the side where he’s sitting, resting her head on her hand.

“Oh, so you’re saying a severed artery isn’t an event? Or getting to save the day by bossing your family around? Or standing up for yourself and telling your mom to shut up?”

“You were doing a nice job making your point until you made up that last one.” Riley rolls onto her back. “I’d never tell my mom to shut up.”

Lucas side-eyes her. Does she really not remember telling off Topanga? “Well...you did.”

“I couldn’t have.”

“Your exact words were ‘step back, shut up, and let me do my job’.” Lucas recites, watching as a look of panicked realization slides down across Riley’s features.

“Oh god.” She bolts upright and scrambles off the bed. “I yelled at my mother. I told my mother to shut up.” She starts to pace at the foot of the bed. “I slipped right into work mode and didn’t even think about what I was doing.”

It would almost be comical, although Lucas knows Riley’s worry is quite genuine; in a lot of ways he’s still getting to know her, but from what he can tell, the part of her with confidence, who can assert herself and handle whatever gets thrown at her...doesn’t exist around her family. Something in her still wants to please them, or gets incredibly intimidated by them, or something and she just becomes quiet and small. So for her to have stood up for herself, especially with her mother who Lucas can’t recall her even making token attempts to defend herself during the conversations he had been a part of, and especially when she wasn’t doing it entirely deliberately (if her lack of immediate recollection is any indication) has to legitimately be distressing for Riley.

He slides to the end of the bed to be closer to her. “I’m sure it’s not that big of a deal. Everyone gets told to shut up once in a while.”

“Not Topanga.” Riley shakes her head. “She’s always the one in charge. No one doubts her or tells her to shut up. It doesn’t matter what the question or problem is. If they disagree with her, they shut up and deal with it. It’s her way or no way at all.”

OK, well that sounds a little over dramatic and a bit like Riley is letting her childhood impressions color her point-of-view now. Nobody is that intimidating or domineering. “Riley, she’s an adult. Don’t you think she can recognize that you were both in a high stress sit--,”

“You don’t get it, Lucas. You’ve talked to her once or twice. You don’t really know her. When I say nobody yells at her, I mean nobody. I’ve heard stories that Feeny got away with it once, but that’s Feeny, anything involving him is a whole other ball game anyways.”

“What’s a Feeny?” From the way Riley stops her pacing to cross her arms over her chest and send him what can only be described as a burning glare, Lucas determines that this is the wrong question to ask. Time to inject a little rationality into the conversation. He hops to his feet and closes the distance between them, gently placing his hands on her elbows. “Riley, I think you’re looking at this from the wrong perspective.”

“I don’t see how you can know th--,”

“What I’m hearing you say,” Lucas begins, guiding her to sit on the foot of the bed, “is that your mom is going to be very upset with you for standing up to her and telling her that she was wrong.”

“Monumentally upset.”

Lucas nods, giving Riley the perfunctory correction. “OK, she’s going to be monumentally upset with you. I guess I just don’t understand why that’s such a big deal. I know I don’t have the story as to why, but it’s painfully obvious to me that she already doesn’t think any of the choices that you make are the right ones. You already have a relationship that’s so strained that you moved across the country to get away from it. If she’s mad at you about this one little thing, on top of the problems that already exist between you, exactly what difference does it make?”

Riley’s mouth opens to say something, but closes a half a moment later. She does this two more times in slow progression, her frenzied expression giving way to one of deep thought.

“Your mom strikes me as the kind of woman that doesn’t forgive someone she thinks has wronged her unless they come crawling on their hands and knees, ready to jump through an obstacle course of flaming hoops and beg her to accept their apology.” Lucas says, threading his fingers through Riley’s. “And you strike me as the kind of woman who’s strong enough, and smart enough to know deep down that doing that and sacrificing who you are will never be worth it. If you weren’t, you would have done your penance with her a long time ago. So you’re already at an impasse. It might not feel good, knowing that you’ve probably renewed her anger with you, but does it actually change anything?”

Riley still doesn’t answer him, not right away. “How do you do that?” She asks, voice quiet.

There’s something about the softness in her eyes when she looks at him, the sparkling mix of gentle awe and understanding that suddenly makes it hard for Lucas to focus. That’s not how women usually look at him. “Do what?”

“Get me to calm down and make everything seem so simple.” She replies, adding a tender smile. “You always seem to know exactly what to say. Are you this insightful with everyone you go out with?”

“I don’t think I’ve understood any of them the way I understand you.” The response just...slips out. No qualifiers, no exceptions, just the bare bones. I understand you. In that instant it feels like all of the air is sucked out of the room, and Lucas could almost swear that Riley’s breath hitches but he doesn’t dare entertain the thought or kid himself like that.

Especially when Riley looks away, closing her eyes.

How could he have gotten so relaxed? So stupid? This is a job, not a date. If he doesn’t get better about seeing Riley as nothing more than a client he’s going to be in for a world of hurt when they part ways at the end of the week.

“I know you probably say things like that to all of your clients,” she says, eyes still closed, “but thank you for saying it to me. Even if you don’t mean it, it’s nice to not feel so weird and out there for the way I feel. At least for a few minutes.”

“I don’t.” He answers, again before he can really think about it. “Say things like that to all of my clients.” So much for distancing himself. “And I do mean it. I feel like even though we may not share the same experiences, our stories are the same.”

Riley glances over at him, jaw slack. Barely a beat passes before she jumps to her feet, drawing her hand away from his. “I, um, I should call Auggie. See how dad’s surgery went. And then I think I’m gonna walk on the beach for a little while.”

She exits the room in a whirlwind. Lucas can’t even acknowledge what she said or say goodbye, she moves so quickly. And he’s left wondering exactly what just happened. How did they go from feeling so comfortable and connected to so stilted in such a short span of time?

The answer eventually comes to him as he falls back so he’s lying down, staring up at the ceiling.

Feelings.

More specifically, his feelings.

He’s so used to dealing with his clients forming crushes and thinking something exists where there’s nothing but play-pretend romance--so used to letting them down gently and keeping things professional on the job--that he never even thought about what would happen if he was the one who started to develop affection for a client. About how awkward that would be for the poor person who’s just trying to get through whatever awkward interaction they didn’t want to face alone that led them to hiring him in the first place. He’s so used to never even having to consider his feelings for a client because he’s never seen them as anything more than a business transaction that he barely even realized how much more Riley had become to him, or that he had a problem he needed to control before he had already let them run loose and made an awkward mess of it.

No wonder Riley had bolted from the room.

Lucas reaches for his phone to call his business partner. The call the day before had been a standard check-in they do when he goes on extended trips with a client; now he’ll ask for one piece of backup he never thought he’d have to ask for. The speech they’d written together about all the reasons it is a terrible idea to fall for a client.

Lucas quickly decides that he’ll listen to that and get his head on straight, and then do everything he can to show Riley that everything can be just as normal as it was and nothing has changed. He can be professional. He has to be.

The last thing he wants is to lose the friendship they’ve started to form.

“‘Cause I’ve had the time of my life,

And I’ve searched through every open door,” 

“I can’t believe Auggie and Ava brought a karaoke machine to their welcome party.” Riley groans as the couple wraps up their duet. The party hasn’t even really started yet--everyone thought the two had gone up on the small staging area to give the formal speech to kick things off but instead they had started singing what Riley had informed him was their absolute favorite duet, the ballad from Dirty Dancing.  “This does not bode well.”

“I’m sure they’re just having a little bit of fun.” Lucas answers, unable to keep from smiling as the couple dances on stage to the synthesized instruments as they play out the end of the song.

To his great relief, when Riley had returned to the room to get ready for the party, she had seemed just as eager to put their awkward moment of feelings behind them as he was. She’d given him what seemed to be a well-rehearsed speech about how emergency situations often amplified and distort feelings, that they were both probably feeling the effects of the adrenaline leaving their bodies after dealing with the clam shucking incident, and that they should move on as though that piece of the conversation had never happened.

Lucas had agreed, happy to latch on to a provided explanation that let him save face over something that was pretty much entirely his fault, and after a few small bumps in the road where he wasn’t sure whether he should hold Riley’s hand or have his arm around her shoulder as they walked into the party and similar moments of indecision, they’re now back to the status quo of comfortable, easy interaction.

“Thank you everyone!” Ava waves and curtsies as the song ends while the crowd on that patio cheers. “And welcome to Cape Cod for our wedding extravaganza! We are so thrilled that you’ve all made the trip to share in my and Auggie’s happiness, and that you’ve come a few days early to enjoy some of the beautiful sights the Cape has to offer and some fun activities.”

Auggie takes over for her. “Now, one of the things Ava and I wanted to do for everyone over the course of the next few days is share the activities that we’ve spent our entire relationship enjoying together, with all of you. And the first of those, as you might have guessed by our little performance,”

“Our flawless performance,” Ava corrects.

“Is karaoke.” Auggie finishes, quite obviously, in Lucas’ opinion, used to being interrupted in such a fashion.

“That’s right everyone! This isn’t just a Welcome to Cape Cod party, it’s also a karaoke party!” Ava screams and claps, seemingly oblivious to the mixed reaction she’s getting from the crowd. Most everyone is cheering, but it’s a lot less enthusiastic than they were when they were just applauding the performance or the welcome message. “There’s only one rule, and that’s that nobody gets to leave the party without getting up on stage at least once.”

The cheers lessen even more, but Lucas is fairly certain that the crowd will perk up again once they’ve had real chance to get a drink or two in them.

“In a moment, I’ll bring around songbooks to each of the tables so you can all make your selections and sign up.” Auggie explains. “And you’ll want to be quick about it--no one wants to listen to a night full of repeat songs.”

“No one wants to hear a night full of karaoke either but that doesn’t appear to be stopping you.” One table over, Maya makes a not-so-muttered comment, though Josh, hand freshly-stitched and bandaged, hushes her soon after.

“And while Auggie’s doing that I’ll get this party started with one of my personal favorites. So pick your songs, find partners if you need them and let’s have some fun! Welcome to Cape Cod everyone!”

Another synth-heavy beat kicks up behind Ava, who starts to dance, while Auggie hops off stage, grabs a large stack of mini-binders and starts to distribute them to every table.

“Hey boy, don’t you know I’ve got something going on? Yes I do.

All my friends are gonna come, gonna party all night long….”

“So…” Lucas can’t help but smirk as he looks at the rest of the table. “How does everyone here feel about this little surprise?” He’s barely a step above tone deaf, but he can’t say he minds the night’s new obligation; what does it matter if he embarrasses himself a little? It’s not like he’s ever going to see these people again once he goes back to LA.

He and Riley chat with their companions at the table, the always entertaining Eric and Linda, who both seem incredibly enthused by the prospect of getting up on the mini-stage and singing their hearts out. Riley is not nearly so thrilled, he decides based on her expression, but she’s not panicking like Lucas might have expected. He has to wonder if that’s because this is actually quite typical of Auggie and Ava or for some other reason.

After Auggie drops off the small black binders containing all of their song options, and it takes about a minute for Eric and Linda to rush off to get their choice in the lineup because they ‘weren’t going to risk anyone else getting to their song first’, Riley glances over at him in between page flips. “See anything you want to do?”

“I see a few songs I know.” Lucas shrugs, not sure that he cares too much. “Did you want to do something together or--,”

“Actually, I have an idea. If you don’t mind. As part of your,” she glances around to see if anyone’s paying attention, leans in close and whispers the last word, “job.”

“I’m all ears.”

“Now it’s nothing but my way. 

My loneliness ain’t killing me no more.”

Lucas has to admit, watching Riley sing her song, going after every syllable in a take-no-prisoners performance, and looking every inch the self-assured woman that had taken charge on the deck of the schooner, that her idea is the perfect choice for them tonight.

Apparently, after their conversation when she was taking a walk, one of the other things she had come to understand was that once she got over the initial panic of realizing that she had stood up to her mom, it actually felt really good to have done it. And now she wants to take a few more baby steps towards letting her family know that she’s happy with her life.

Things like rocking out to a Britney Spears power ballad on a karaoke stage.

And when she’s done with that, having her ‘dedicated and handsome’ boyfriend dedicating a song to her and putting on a bit of a show for everyone.

Well...Lucas is more than happy to do that.

Especially after she more than nails the execution of her part of the plan. Riley finishes her song on a high note, to the applause and cheers of Auggie and Ava’s friends and some uncomfortable looks shared between many of her present family members. She bounces off the stage, a broad smile on her face.

While Auggie and Ava do their duties as hosts and MCs for the night, spouting off commentary on Riley’s performance and starting to build up his, Lucas hugs her quickly. “That was great! How did it feel?”

“Amazing! That was so much fun! Why have I never done that before?” She laughs broadly, stepping back and twirling.

“Stay close for part two, OK?”

“And now to sing a song for his sweetheart,” Auggie says, using his best TV presenter voice, “Mr. Lucas Friar!”

Lucas hops up onto the stage, grabbing the microphone and starting his song. He only has eyes for Riley as he sings the first verse (as though that’s hard), and by the time he hits the chorus, he strides off the stage to grab her hand and start dancing while he sings, causing Riley to laugh and blush while they sway, twirl and even dip.

“If you’ll be my soft and sweet, I’ll be your strong and steady,

You’ll be my glass of wine, I’ll be your shot of whiskey…”

At the second verse, he takes her back up onto the stage with him, continuing to serenade her and guiding her through a one-handed dance, until they get they reach the end of the song.

“If you’ll be my sugar baby, I’ll be your sweet iced tea,

You’ll be my honeysuckle, I’ll be your honey bee.”

As they dance out the end of the music, Lucas fumbles the microphone back into its stand so he can hold Riley with both hands. He twirls her out, and then in in rapid succession. She collides into his chest, and he can’t help but notice the same sparkling, gentle awe in her eyes as they meet his.

The last chord plays and the crowd bursts into applause.

And with Riley’s face barely inches from his, and feeling the joy and fun and the sparks that seem to be hovering in that small space, Lucas stops thinking completely.

His lips crash down onto hers.