#oc; cyraleona

[lyranova]

Black Clover Next Generation Voice Claims 1/?

Alistar Vangeance: Kenichi Suzumura

Hikari Yami ( @eme-eleff ‘s OC): Maaya Sakamoto

Leonidas Vermillion ( @thoughtfullyrainynightmare ‘s OC): Katsuyuki Konishi

Cyraleona Vermillion ( @/thoughtfullyrainynightmare ‘s OC): Ai Kayano

Dusk Faust ( @loosesodamarble ‘s OC): Kengo Kawanishi

Dawn Faust: ( @/loosesodamarble ‘s OC): Kana Hanazawa)

Nymphadora Silva: ( @koneko-pi ‘s OC): Marina Inoue

Avalina Silva: ( @/koneko-pi ‘s OC): Marina Inoue

[thoughtfullyrainynightmare]

3/4 (maybe 5) of my ocs that I'll post for the art fight!

[loosesodamarble]

Picnics and Fireworks of Love

Summary: The Vermillion family go out to enjoy a picnic under the night sky. Fuegoleon and Solara are in for a surprise. Genre: general, family fluff Word count: ~1800 A/N: And here is the finale to the gift fics for @thoughtfullyrainynightmare! Also, these oneshts will be posted on my ao3 account. They'll be chapters to a fic titled "Summer Essentials with the Vermillions."

..........

“The night is gorgeous tonight, isn’t it?” Solara remarked.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen the sky so cloudless honestly,” Fuegoleon said in reply.

Fuegoleon, Solara, and their three children strolled through an open field out in the countryside of Clover. The grass was tall and swished with each stride of the family’s legs.

“Mom, Dad! Hurry up!” Eleonora called for several yards ahead. She waved her arms at them. “Are those long legs just for show?”

“We’re coming, Nora!” Fuegoleon answered. “You kids are just too quick and spry for us, I suppose!”

The walk brought the five of them to an area of the field where the grass was shorter, likely grazed down by wildlife. With silent nods passed between them, the family agreed it was the spot to settle down.

Cyraleona unfurled a picnic blanket she’d been carrying which everyone helped smooth out. Leonidas set down a lidded basket and pulled food from within, passing it around to his parents and sisters.

Each part of the meal was made by someone different. Fuegoleon made spinach salad with sliced strawberries mixed in. Solara had grilled meat skewers, and she mentioned that the seasoning was given to her by a friend so it wasn’t all her work. Cyraleona grinned from ear to ear as her family enjoyed the garlic knots she baked. Leonidas’s dish was quiche with a seafood filling. And Eleonora had made dessert, triple chocolate chip cookies. Each of them also got a bottle of water and a bottle of the Vermillion family’s special lemonade.

As Solara leisurely ate her meal, she noticed how her kids scarfed down their shares of food. They still ate with some sense of grace, not taking too big bites and using a fork for whatever food they felt called for it. But whenever she or Fuegoleon tried to get a conversation going…

“Yes, my friends in Thea did write back,” Leonidas said before forking another bite of salad into his mouth.

“And what did they write?” Fuegoleon pressed. Leonidas gave a mute shrug to that.

Cyraleona swallowed a mouthful of quiche before muttering, “He’ll be there for the concert. His word is his bond so…” She cut herself off with a sip of water.

“That’s good. I’m sure his parents are proud of his work,” Solara replied. “And I assume you’re happy that he’s still your pianist?” That only got Cyraleona to hum. “So… Nora, how was that one-on-one lesson with Sister Theresa? Was she everything your dad said she’d be like?”

“Yeah, Sister Theresa’s lesson was great!” Eleonora cheerfully said.

“Then maybe we can convince her to let you study under her another time,” Fuegoleon suggested with a smile.

Though Eleonora emphatically nodded to the idea, she still went ahead with eating instead of talking.

Fuegoleon and Solara glanced at each other.

What do they actually think of this? Fuegoleon wondered as he watched as his children were finishing the last items on their plates. They agreed to the picnic when Solara first suggested it. Though they weren’t enthusiastic about it the way I know some of their peers might’ve been, they certainly weren’t against it…

The suggestion had been a week ago, discussed over a more formal dinner. Eleonora had been the first to agree though she also threw in a comment of a picnic probably not being as fun as her camping trips with Mereoleona. Leonidas mentioned that his friends often talked about summer picnics. Cyraleona smiled and talked about how it’d be a refreshing change of pace from the tea parties she’d been invited to recently.

Did we do something wrong between then and now? Fuegoleon thought back but he couldn’t think of anything that he or Solara did that would’ve bothered the children.

Fuegoleon noticed the three leaning in close to each other. They were whispering something and he couldn’t make out what they were saying since he just now pulled himself from his thoughts. Fuegoleon raised an eyebrow.

They seemed enthusiastic only moments ago. Taking the lead on the walk. And they even made dishes all on their own. Solara picked at the quiche. It was the perfect amount of salty and spicy but also creamy from the egg. No way her son put in so much effort for a picnic he didn’t want to go on. But their behavior now makes it seem like they want to get this over with. Thinking more, Solara recalled something. They were muttering about what to do here a few days back… Were they worried about boredom? No, that can’t be it. Conversation comes easily between us. So then what—?

Solara’s thoughts paused when Fuegoleon nudged her elbow with his own. She lifted her eyes to him. Once their gazes locked, Fuegoleon flicked his eyes in the kids’ direction. Solara turned her head.

Leonidas, Cyraleona, and Eleonora had left the picnic blanket and were dashing away. The sound of eager laughter trailed behind them.

“Looks like they have a surprise for us,” Fuegoleon whispered.

“Mom! Dad!” Eleonora yelled, beaming like the sun. “Watch what Uncle Leopold taught us!”

The parents watched and their eyes went wide as their children began to write the runes used for Mana Method in the air. The runes formed the spell circles and seconds later, glowing balls of magic shot into the air.

The speed of the spells created sharp whistles. Then, those balls of magic exploded. Vibrant, warm colors contrasted brilliantly against the dark navy sky. There was a deep orange from Eleonora’s Fire Magic. The twins’ Burning Sun Magic were flickering mixes of red, orange, and yellow. More magic was shot into the sky, directed by the runes that the kids wrote. Some spells burst and scattered streaks of color into the air. Others flared out, elegantly unfurling like the petals of a blooming flower.

“Wow…” Solara blinked a few times to push back the tears coming to her eyes.

It was beautiful. The firework show. The smiles she could see on her children’s faces. The relief she felt knowing she’d worried for nothing.

“Indeed. To think that Leo was able to teach them that in just a few days.”

Without taking his eyes off the fireworks, Fuegoleon reached and wrapped his arm around Solara’s shoulders.

“The children sure are incredible,” Solara said as she scooted closer to her husband. “They’re eager to learn, each one of them. And they work hard for what they want.”

“Wonderful traits to have.” Fuegoleon nodded approvingly. “I’m glad they’ve gotten the best parts of you.”

“And you too,” Solara shot back with a grin. “I’m humble enough to admit that I needed help to raise them into the people they’ve become. I’m proud of who they’re becoming thanks to their own efforts too.”

It was true. As much as Fuegoleon, Solara, and their relatives raised and influenced Leon, Cyra, and Nora, the three of them were becoming their own people too.

Leonidas was growing more in tune with those around him and working to empathize with people regardless of their backgrounds. His ability to listen to others and use what he learns to make decisions were the signs that he could be a leader, if he so chose.

Cyraleona was coming out of her shell, not entirely abandoning her safety zone but learning to show more of herself. She was gaining a quiet boldness that felt right for her. Her artistic heart was adept at stirring the feelings of others and who knew what she could do with that talent.

And Eleonora’s fierceness and cleverness grew with each day, making her a loveable handful to her loved ones. She was ready for a challenge, be it physical or intellectual or even against simple boredom. Always changing, Eleonora would certainly change the world with her.

They had their traits from their parents, but they had many more traits that were their own.

But they were still Solara and Fuegoleon’s little cubs.

It made Solara’s heart swell and she was sure Fuegoleon felt the same. Solara rested her head on Fuegoleon’s shoulder and gazed up at him.

“Thank you, Fuegoleon.”

Fuegoleon turned his head and took in his wife’s smile, illuminated by the bursting fireworks. The flashes of light in the sky made the flecks of sun in Solara’s forest eyes stand out. Such a beautiful woman, inside and out, directing her adoring eyes at him. Her words were filled with gratitude and they held more value to him than any announcement of grand titles being awarded to him.

“Thank you, too, Solara,” Fuegoleon whispered back. “You don’t know how much you mean to me.”

“Couldn’t you always tell me?” Solara teased.

Fuegoleon took a deep breath but then sighed, “No, I don’t think so.”

Solara blinked. She was caught off guard by the admittance. Though she didn’t seem upset.

“No matter my words or my actions, I don’t think either would be able to truly capture the depth of my feelings for you,” Fuegoleon stated as his eyes flicked away from Solara and back to the flames dancing in the air. “These thoughts and feelings can’t be conveyed to you in all their truth. I’m sorry.”

Solara stared at Fuegoleon. She stared at the way the intermittent lighting truly made her husband’s hair look like vermillion flames. The lavender of his eyes didn’t get overtaken by the fiery colors. Rather, the soft, beautiful color she fell in love with seemed stronger against the red, orange, and yellow glow. And his words, his words confessing a sense of weakness, sank deep into her heart.

“Don’t be.”

Fuegoleon didn’t get a chance to look at Solara as threw her arms around Fuegoleon’s torso and buried her face in his chest. She gripped the back of his coat.

“Don’t—” Solara giggled and turned her head so her mouth wasn’t covered. “Don’t be sorry, Fue. Hearing what you just said… That’s enough for me.”

Fuegoleon placed a hand on the back of Solara’s head and used his other to caress one of her arms. He smiled at her. And he was sure his smile at the moment was the same as the one he saw on her face.

“Lara…”

Solara raised her head and sat back up. “Yes?”

Fuegoleon brushed aside a lock of hair that fell into her face.

The whistle of fireworks shooting into the sky resounded.

He leaned down and she tilted her chin up.

The sky lit up with flames and the light of a bright sun.

Their lips pressed together for a soft, chaste kiss.

The fires of love, whether they burned in a romantic’s heart or in the shared heart of a family, burned especially bright that night.

[loosesodamarble]

The lively were certainly living that night, from Nozel's observations.

He glanced again towards where his eldest daughter stood, alongside Fuegoleon's daughter, and spied a head of long, brown hair approaching the princesses. The person's outfit was rather plain compared to the other outfits on display. The dress was a powdery shade of blue and lacked most embellishments seen typical gala wear.

Now who could that be?

Where Ava and Cyra were, a rather heated discussion took place.

"That's ridiculous, an aggressive play style will always lead to one's undoing in chess," Cyra stated with a calm firmness. "It's why playing ebony is better as you're the side reacting to the ivory side's initial moves."

"But if you've seen the way Nymphie does it, you can see that aggressive plays can intimidate the opponent and make them fumble," Ava replied.

"Tee hee! That's more Nymphie being a powerful presence rather than the play style being effective."

"Okay then. How about in something like... oh Tumbling Tower*?" Ava clapped the tips of her fingers together in anticipation of her friend's answer.

"Oh now that's a game where you have to play bold to win," Cyra cheekily answered. "If you're not the first to pull out the high risk blocks, then those are the ones you'll be left with later on."

"I see, I see!"

"Wow, I didn't know you could get so heated over table games!" The princesses turned their heads and were greeted by Dawn's beaming face. "Evening, lovelies~!" Dawn gave a wave of her hand.

"Good evening to you, too," Cyra responded with a playful curtsy. "But yes. One must become opinionated about table games when most within your social circle prefer those to spelunking and jungle hikes."

"It helps that you two are actually good at those games," Dawn pointed out.

"But you do well with games like Countdown Cards**," Ava said. "No one's ever been able to stop your 'final countdown' calls."

Dawn let out a squeak as her cheeks colored up. "Oh... well..." She flicked her ponytail over her shoulder. "Nothing's faster than light after all."

Ava and Cyra rolled their eyes but still giggled at Dawn's pun.

"So what have you been up to up until now?" Cyra questioned.

"Nothing much. Bouncing from one corner of the room to another, saying hi to whoever I can and scurrying away from conversations where I've put my foot in my own mouth." Dawn shrugged. The other girls sighed and each gave her a pat on the shoulder. "What about you two? Having fun? Been waiting around for... certain gentlemen to show? Because I know I have!"

It was Cyra and Ava's turns to go pink in the face. Unlike Dawn, who could so boldly shout her affections to the heavens, the princesses' hearts beat with quieter, but no less intense, adoration. And so to speak them out came with a bit of bashfulness on their parts.

Hi hi, it's been a while! I'll be joining the lovely Lyra's 1k halloween event, for @blackclover-emc

Interactions are of course welcome!

Summary: A couple of eagles make their entrance and Briar reminisces on holidays of old. Naturally their children make an apperance.

Pairings: Briar (oc) x Nozel

Briars dress, Nozel's outfit, Avalinia's outfit, Nymphadora's outfit, Mikhail's outfit, Aoife, Delphine

Elegant gowns and lovely suits filed into the grand castle that served as the venue for this evening's party. With decorative pumpkins lining the stairway up into wide open doors where wark orange light could be seen and soft music floated out into the open air. The patrons were mostly nobles, but those with their connections were not denied entry, dressed in elegant gowns and masks.

A masquerade themed ball likely in honor of the spirit of halloween. Many were easy to recognize despite the masks and gowns and others went out of their way to be unrecognized. But no matter how hard some tried it wouldn't matter, some people just had that air about them that let others know exactly who they were.

A man in a silver embroidered tux, reaching a hand out to take a woman's hand, helping her down from the silver carriage he had concocted for his family to take. His silver hair was easily visible over the blue mask he wore to hide his face, but the braid was unmistakable. The woman, as she stepped down, had her long chestnut colored hair pulled into a tight braid that wrapped around the back of her head. She wore a silver mask, matching her partner's attire, and her dress stood out against the many elegant ball gowns. It was tight fitted and flowy, glittery with sheer materials, covered up by a soft looking fur coat she wore around her elbows. 

As she stepped down and looked up at her husband, the pair undoubtedly gave off a regal and noble air, some couldn't help but stare…

Until a boy practically threw himself from the carriage and out into the open, arms wide.

“Happy Halloween!” Mikhail cheered happily before running right for the stairs. “I hope Alice is attending, I must have her first dance!!”

“Mikhail!” Avalinia was quick to scurry after her little brother, lifting her dress so she could climb from the carriage and rush after him. “Be careful!”

“You're one to talk.” Nymphadora sighed as she too had to follow her siblings. “Sorry dad.” She gave Nozel a courtesy before hurrying after the pair.

Nozel looked less than pleased, mouth already opening to try and tell his daughters (mostly Ava) not to be running like that but little hands at his coat tails drew his attention instead.

Purple and cream colored eyes stared up at him. Two girls so close in age many don't even realize one is older than the other.

“Can we go play?” Aoife asked, her younger sister Delphine was clinging to her too. Purple eyes wide with excitement.

Nozel let out a soft sigh. “Make sure you're with your siblings at all times.”

The girls let out excited squeals before rushing off eagerly.

Nozel huffed again, already abandoned by his children. Not all of his children had come. Some were too young, and the Fairy children had offered to stay home with them to have their own celebration.

"Maybe I can tell a scary story or two." Leolai had said with a grin on her face, it didnt help that Ceili looked just as eager to cause mischief.

But he would worry about his daughters at the party all night, and he knew it. Not only because of Ava's health but how he KNEW he had daughters that were all lovely and some foolish boy would ask them for a dance and-

“My bird.”

A steady but gentle tone pulled the Silva head from his spiraling thoughts and he turned back to his wife. Even with half of her face hidden behind a jeweled silver mask, her peach colored eyes could calm him (or stress him) with just a glance. He could get lost in them.

“They will be alright.” Briar lifted her hand to gently caress his cheek with her knuckles. His skin felt warm in the cool autumn air from just that soft touch.

“I know.” He said. Pausing for a moment only to say it again, much more relaxed this time. “I know.”

Briar smiled at him, soft and rare, as she slid her arms around his and the pair began to walk towards the party entryway.

“Were you serious before?” Nozel asked suddenly. Briar quirked a brow at him, a sign to elaborate. “You've never been to a halloween Celebration?”

“Oh, well I wouldn't say that.” She hummed slightly. “I've never participated in one here in Clover. I was always too busy.”

“Locked away in your bird cage.” Nozel teased. His phrasing for her office down in the magical research division.

She bumped her shoulder into his, a playful gesture. “I had better things to do than drink and dance to slow, boring, songs.”

“Oh? This is boring is it?” Nozel asked, a smile in his tone even if it wasn't on his face.

“Certainly.” Braid stuck her nose up. “Back in my day…ah….” She faltered, realizing how old her words made her seem (even if it was accurate). But she quickly shook it off and continued. “It was simply “Hallows Eve”, and it was a night where, supposedly, Devils could come forth from their realm into this one. And so you wore masks and dressed up to disguise yourself, lest they snatch you away, never to be seen again.”

Nozel almost looked horrified. “Your people celebrated THAT?”

“It wasn't a celebration, it was an excuse to be silly or scary.” she huffed, pouting now. “You dressed in fun outfits, danced around a bonfire, told tall tales, ran through wheat fields or got lost in a maze. Singing and dancing to music that made you want to jump and twirl your skirt… I remember when Cinderella and I would constantly try to scare one another.” 

She was trying not to get lost in far away memories of bobbing for apples as a young fae or chasing people around with spooky masks on. Pulling pranks…

“Sounds like something the people of the common realm would be doing right about now.” Nozel huffed, he almost sounded disgusted at the idea.

“Can't we go spend the evening there then?” Briar whined and Nozel looked at her so horrified she couldn't help but laugh. “I jest, my bird, I jest!”

“Thank god for that…” Nozel muttered, sighing with relief. “But where did the devil's tale come from if all you did was party like barbarians?”

Briar pulled herself from him, leaving Nozel's side cold and unhappy. She lifted her dress enough to hurry up the last few steps before turning to him. The orange glow of the party behind her made her look ethereal.

“All folktales come from truth, my bird.” She said with a grin before hurrying into the room.

Nozel was stunned for a moment, her words sinking in. Before he could panic over the possibility of some Devil showing up he quickly chased after his wife. He knew if he lost her now he would certainly never see her till the morning.

The room was decorated fantastically. Magic was used to make decorations animate or float around. Small, carved, pumpkins danced up and down to the flow of the music above the crowd of dancers, candles flickered along the edges of the room where tables were laiden with a variety of foods and drinks. He could spot Delphine chasing a fake bat that fluttered around with magic while Nymphadora chased her, scolding her for running in a dress.

Briar, thankfully, was not far from the entrance. Her gaze was looking up and around at the decorations of cobwebs and spiders. Fun shapes and images being created in silky webbing every couple of minutes.

“We should host our own party next year.” Briar decided with a nod. “But with a little fairy flare.”

“Please, my thorn, do not set up a bonfire in the gardens.” Nozel pleaded, returning to her side with a hand on her back.

“I would never.” she said firmly. “but even without it, I'm certain some people would enjoy the party I could host.” She lifted a hand to her chin in thought, a playful smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “A murder mystery perhaps…”

“You have a whole year to think about it, my love.” Nozel gently guided her away from the entryway and into the crowd. Music danced around them, as did the people.

“You are right.” Briar hummed. “We should enjoy the now.” She lifted her head to try and look up and above the crowd. So many people to see, and activities to find. Where oh where could they possibly start…

[loosesodamarble]

A Lesson for Young Lions

Summary: Before heading off to work, Fuegoleon takes a moment to impart some words of wisdom to his children (Laura's ocs Leon and Cyra, which I am borrowing for this impromptu fic). Genre: general Word count: ~800 A/N: A longer fic for @thoughtfullyrainynightmare's Fire Vermillion Month. Not really fitting the prompts of "autumn" or "favorite childhood memory" for this week. But I guess it's the FueLara kids being given a quick lesson that could impact their philosophies in the future so... maybe?

..........

Fuegoleon was just about to reach the door to his home when he heard a shout. Or rather two shouts.

“Papa, Papa!”

“Waaaiiiit!”

With warmth blooming in his chest, Fuegoleon turned around to see his children, Cyraleona and Leonidas coming down the stairs as quickly as their little bodies could carry them. Six years old and they were only becoming more energetic. Leon was a little bolder, skipping a step every now and again in his descent. Cyra was just as quick but her hold on the staircase railing to support her steps down hinting at some hesitation.

“My little pride,” Fuegoleon greeted the twins, getting down on one knee so he could embrace them once they were in arm’s reach. “Seeing me off for work?”

“Yeah, we gotta make sure you’re ready to do your best!” Leonidas answered with a nod.

“Well thank you for coming,” Fuegoleon stated. He kissed each child’s forehead and patted them on the head. “Work will be much easier now that I have your encouragement.”

Leonidas grinned and nodded to Fuegoleon. Cyraleona smiled too, but there was a sadness in her eyes.

“Cyra? Is something the matter?”

“Um… I dunno…” Cyraleaona’s eyes flicked to the side before meeting Fuegoleon’s gaze again. “Maybe?” She shook her head. “You can go to work, Papa.”

“Cyra, it’s okay. I can spare a few minutes for you.” Fuegoleon ran a hand over his daughter’s hair. Still, Cyra held her tongue. “Your papa can’t go and help the country if he’s worried that he can’t help his own child…”

“Ah.” After another moment of hesitation, Cyraleona muttered, “w-why do you need to work? If the kingdom is full of heroes like the Magic Knights, how come bad things still happen? Why are bad people still around?”

“To give papa a job!” Leonidas blurted out. “Bad things have to happen, otherwise the Magic Knights don’t have anything to do.”

“Leon, that’s not it at all,” Fuegoleon stated softly and with a shake of his head. Leon’s eyes went wide. “It’s quite the opposite. I have a job because bad things happen and I need to fix them.”

That made Leon frown. “Oh. Hm… So then what’s the real reason?”

Fuegoleon’s mouth pressed into a line.

That question pushed its way into Fuegoleon’s mind every now and then with his line of work. And for it to now be posed by his children…

How could Fuegoleon answer Cyraleona and Leonidas in a way that would make sense to them? In a way that would satisfy them?

“The world isn’t perfect.”

“Good and evil must exist in balance.”

“Some people are just evil.”

Far too simple and some were straight up incorrect beliefs.

But it wasn’t as though Fuegoleon could sit down and explain the complex situation of human psychology and actions and societal impacts. No. Cyraleona and Leonidas would learn that for themselves with time. To simply give a lecture on it, and while they’re still young, would lack any impact.

Fuegoleon took a deep breath.

“Cyra, you said that the kingdom is full of heroes earlier.” The girl nodded to Fuegoleon’s observation. “Well, it’s not quite true.”

The twins let out tiny gasps.

“This is a world that is not full of heroes. But rest assured that neither is it one full of villains,” Fuegoleon stated, casting glances between his kids. “It is a world full of people. People who do heroic things and people who do hurtful things. For better or worse, that’s the way it is.”

The twins were silent for a moment. A part of Fuegoleon worried that maybe he didn’t explain it simply enough for them to understand. Or maybe they were quiet because the answer had upset them.

When Fuegoleon opened his mouth to speak again, Leon piped up first.

“So any person can be nice or mean?" Leon asked bluntly, to which Fuegoleon nodded. "Okay then! I don’t want to be someone who does bad things, so I’m gonna do heroic stuff instead!” For a six-year-old, Leonidas showed a determination that might’ve been bigger than himself.

“Me too!” Cyra squeaked, her voice struggling to match Leon’s volume. “I’ll stop the bad things too when I grow up!”

Fuegoleon blinked a couple of times. A sigh of relief passed his lips.

His children were young, innocent, but already smart enough to grasp his lesson.

“Good, good. I look forward to the good you two can do in the future.” Fuegoleon punctuated his statement with another round of pats to their heads. “But now your papa needs to do his job.” He stood up. “But I’ll be back tonight, got it?”

“Yes Papa!” Cyra and Leon answered, both smiling with ease.

Fuegoleon left feeling lighter at heart and yet somewhat concerned. He could only hope that his kids’ hearts would continue to guide them on paths that led them to do kind things in the future. But, for the time being, he could rest assured that they were learning that they, and others, had a choice in who they were.

[thoughtfullyrainynightmare]

Next up is Cyraleona by yours truly (Fuego's first daughter)

Major Arcana Card XVIII: Strength

When you get the Strength card in an upright manner during your tarot reading, then it shows that you have inner strength and fortitude during moments of danger and distress. It shows that you have the ability to remain calm and strong even when your life is going through immense struggle. It also shows that you are a compassionate person and you always have time for other people even if it's at your own expense.

Her resilience will greatly aid her, and her fearlessness means that she should have no issues speaking her mind

[thoughtfullyrainynightmare]

For the Cozy Oc Ask Game... Can you answer 2, 11, 17, and 26 for Cyra?

Y ES!! My precious baby Cyra!

2) How do they warm up when cold?

Luckily the Vermillion estate isn't a difficult place to find a source of warmth. She'd curl up next toa lit fireplace with a cup of something warm (like tea or cocoa), or perhaps cuddle with Sal if it'd be possible at that time (meaning unless Sal is with Father and Father needs Sal for the job).

11) Does your OC enjoy a cuddle?

She does! She's not particularly shy about showing affection in a physical manner (such as cuddling, hand-holding, or kissing), because that's how she was raised. She has seen physical displays of affection between her parents (such as kisses or hand-holding, or things like hand on one's shoulder, y'know, the likes). And if she was scared or anxious, it was okay to seek shelter from her parents, which she did, as a toddler. Of course, noble life did teach her to uphold a certain façade too eventually, but it didn't mean that asking for a hug wouldn't be okay.

17) Can they fall asleep anywhere? Or are do they need an optimum condition to sleep in?

Something in-between? She's not one to easily fall asleep, but it's not a "optimum required" type of a scenario either. Though of course the level of fatigue will also affect.

26) Is your OC the one who recieves the jacket or gives the jacket in their relationship?

I suppose it depends. She won't decline one if insisted, but due to her magic and attribute, she also doesn't catch a cold quite as quickly as others might. So, if she would see someone being cold, she would offer her jacket or shawl, or whatever she had on.

Thank you for the question!!!

[loosesodamarble]

Sun, Sand, and Sea

Summary: Cyraleona enjoys the beach in her own way and finds some things interesting, and some thing strange. Genre: general Word count: ~1000 A/N: Here's the penultimate oneshot. And this one is again focused on a single character.

..........

Cyraleona saw gold and blue, the sandy shore and the endless ocean. A fuzzy white line of sea foam pushed up or pulled back the land with the moving tides. The sight was beautiful, dazzling even. The weather, with the sun shining above and a salty breeze keeping her cool, was perfect. The sound of splashing and laughter from other beach goers in the water reminded her of the fun she could be having.

Instead, Cyraleona directed her gaze back down to the book she’d brought along. She rested on her stomach across a beach towel. An umbrella leaned over her and kept her out of the sun. The beach was beautiful, but so was prose.

“Cyra, you’re still here?”

She looked up to see Leonidas standing in front of her and gazing down with pinched brows. His hair was soaked and sand clung to his legs.

“Yes, I’m here,” Cyraleona muttered back.

“Did you not put on your sunscreen yet?” Leonidas asked as he crouched.

“I put it on.” Cyraleona sighed at her brother’s wariness. “I just wanted to finish my page first.”

Leonidas hummed. “Do you not like the beach?” 

“Wha—? No, that’s not it! The beach is beautiful! I mean look at that clear water and the sun doesn’t feel too bright and—” Cyraleona babbled. “I’m enjoying myself here, Leon. You don’t need to worry at all—”

“Then what’s wrong?” He sat down on his own towel and looked to Cyraleona.

“Well… Nothing really. I just… feel like lounging.”

It wasn’t the first time Cyraleona had been to the beach. She’d gone on strolls at beaches in Thea with her mother as a child. And the whole family had vacationed at private beach houses before. Today, though, she and Leon were on their own in Raquey, taking a break from their missions and studies. Even with all the people and her usual withdrawn nature, everyone at the beach that day was in their own worlds and their cheerful voices made the beach atmosphere feel complete.

“At least stretch your legs a little,” Leonidas suggested as he grabbed a fistful of sand and let it slip from between his fingers.

“But they are stretched.” To emphasize, she kicked her feet in the air behind her.

“Ah hah… Then allow me to take a turn keeping vigil over our things.”

Cyraleona giggled. “Okay then.” She tucked away her book, slipped on her sandals, then left for a stroll.

As she walked, she noticed things. How the sand looked wasn’t just yellow but also an off-white or even faint pink in some spots. How the water wasn’t perfectly blue but instead a deep teal, tinted green by algae no doubt. 

Cyraleona walked further. The number of people grew smaller. The more unkempt the beach looked as it was further from the main beach resort. The only sounds were that of the sea breeze, the rolling waves, and seagulls high above.

She stopped walking when she saw she was in front of a towering coastal cliff that even extended into the ocean.

How far did I walk…?

Drawing closer, her eye caught specks of color tucked in the shadow of the cliff. Once she was close enough, she realized that they were from tide pools and the small creatures that called them home. Cyraleona approached and knelt down between two neighboring ones.

For being only a few inches deep at most, the tiny ecosystems teemed with life.

Sea urchins waved their spines through the water. Sea slugs crawled across the algae covered floors of the tide pools. Barnacles and mussels poked out of their protective covers every now and again. One was home to wrestling starfish and an eel slithering through holes only wide enough for a pencil. Hermit crabs shuffled along in another. When her shadow passed over another tidepool, the miniscule fish that were swimming about zipped from view to hide.

Cyraleona giggled as she hopped between the tide pools and observed how each one differed.

Then, she noticed a pool that was darker than all the rest. She knelt by it and frowned. It seemed barely an inch deep yet nothing but dark shadows quivered in the water. No signs of life at all.

“Weird…” Cyraleona looked up to see that this pool was closest to the cliff, the furthest in the shadows. So, she tentatively held out her hand and summoned a ball of burning light to cast into the water, hoping she’d be able to actually see into the water. “Huh?!”

The light of her spell chased away the shadows and revealed that the pool was actually an opening to an underwater tunnel leading… somewhere. A magic rune engraved into the rock made it clear that someone intended to hide this entrance.

Cyraleona turned her head, quietly fearing that she might’ve alerted someone. Or something.

But after what felt like an eternity, though was probably less than a minute, Cyraleona felt sure nothing was coming for her and relaxed.

Still curious but also cautious, she dipped a hand into the water. Despite the rune, there was no other magic emanating from the water. Meaning it likely wasn’t a dungeon entrance.

“But then what could it be? What could possibly be hiding on the other side?” Cyraleona stared at the tunnel entrance for a moment longer before sighing. “I’ve probably been away long enough…” she realized.

Cyraleona stood up and wove her way around the tide pools once again to start the walk back to her brother. She dared a glance back but nothing of interest was there.

Maybe I’ll come back with Leon and Nora. Or maybe even Mom and Dad in case it’s actually dangerous… Cyraleona mused.

Along the way back, she happened to find an empty conch and a few sand dollars, and she decided to pick them up. At least she’d come away from the beach with nice souvenirs and not just a weird mystery.

[thoughtfullyrainynightmare]

3, 16 and 20 for Cyra, please?

Oh my gentle baby!

Me? Oh... Certainly, it'd be a pleasure

3. What is your favorite childhood memory?

It would be... father braiding my hair. He quite simply is the best at it

16. Describe your perfect day.

My perfect day would consist... waking up with no rush, then perhaps practicing my violin or reading a book, then taking a stroll in the palace gardens or going out for tea with a friend. It would be... such a day when everything would go as planned, but I wouldn't feel... apprehensive about it. And I would end it with a soak in the baths of our estate, do the extensive skin and haircare routine, and retire with something nice to snack on or drink. Maybe calming tea.

20. Describe your biggest pet peeve.

My biggest pet peevee is... People who interrupt others. Or, not the people necessarily themselves, but the act of interrupting others. And I don't mean it in the manner of finishing each other's sentences like mother and father, but more... when you're speaking on top of someone else, as if you can't wait for them to finish what they had to say.

---

Thank you for the question~

[thoughtfullyrainynightmare]

Hello there, Laura~! Do you think all of Fue and Lara's little lion cubs could answer 13 and 23 from the oc interview questions? I'd love to hear what they have to say~!

Well hello hello Erika~! I think they'll certainly give their best ^^

13. You’re given an unlimited budget to build anything you want!  What do you build and where do you build it?

Leonidas: Unlimited budget hm? For me to build something, let's see... So this is something that money can buy, hm... If I was very idealistic, I would build a bridge between the Capitol of every nation, one that directly connects them together, one that can't be destroyed, or moved from whatever place is the capitol of each nation. If there is a direct path to the headquarters, then each of those nations would be required to play nice with each other. Of course this is impossible, since there are so many nations in the world, and keeping up relations with all of them would be very difficult. And while the idea would be to keep them playing nice to each other, I'm sure they'd find away around it. Even if the bridge would move, should they try to move the main place of operations in their particular nation to somewhere else... So... Hmm... You know what? I would build an immense library that would contain all the information in the world. But it would be on a remote island with portals from many places leading into it. Similar concept as Thea, but... not in Thea

Cyraleona: I think... I think that budget would do much more while being evenly distributed among the general population. But... since the spirit of the game is to build something I... think I would... build... I think I would build an amphitheatre where people could go an play o matter the level, no criticism allowed, and people could go an listen, if they so wished. There'd be comfortable seats, and a bakery or a restaurant nearby so people could get something to eat... A place where people could connect. And I think I would build it... in the fields near the Strong Magic Region, which would require a little bit extra to create a protective barrier against any beasts or other creatures but... I would create such a place

Eleonora: ...My first thought would be "a moat", but that would be pointless. The same as the canyon where Mereo obanue took me and my siblings, but... Hm... I guess I would build a... Can I just use the money to rebuild whatever needs to be rebuilt?

23. Wave you ever had a crush on someone?  Do you have a crush now?

Leonidas: I'm uh *clears throat* courting a certain Lady, yes.

Cyraleona: Oh... I ... uhh... *blush* Yes, there is someone I... fancy. He's a bit shy, but very kind and smart, and ... pleasant to be around with

Eleonora: ... sigh Not this again... I'm not interested in anyone. Can't a girl just be independently governed?

[thoughtfullyrainynightmare]

Hiya there Laura~! I hope it's okay for me to ask a few questions from the "forms of love" ask game... I'll ask just a few... um...

So for Cyraleona: Eros 1, Storge 3, and Philautia 2?

Hiya Erika!! Of course it's okay! ^^

Eros 1

Is your OC romantic in the traditional sense? Do they enjoy giving or receiving gifts of flowers or confectionary? Or are there other courtship traditions from their culture of origin that are important to them?

Now. If you were to ask from her if she thinks that "traditional" romance or courtship is important, she would say "everyone loves in their own way". And while she does believe in it, she also grew up in a Vermillion household. So, she would quietly wish for flowers on Valentine's and important days (like anniversaries), just to feel acknowledged and love by her loved one. And if she wouldn't receive these little things, she would tell her that she is a strong woman and that she can get herself flowers if she wants to. So, it's not a big deal. But it'd be more her reciting the other women in her life, and she'd in fact be quite down by it. But overall as long as she feels appreciated and acknowledged/loved, she doesn't mind how it's done. From Thean culture the one thing that grows to be important to her, would be the Tree of Binding Fates -ceremony, but of course she wouldn't bring it up/suggest it light heartedly. But she does want to experience it one day too, so that she and her spouse could also have wedding bands made of the leaf of said tree.

Storge 3

How far does parental approval (imagined or expressed) impact upon their current sense of self-worth? What might they sacrifice or attempt to achieve in order to ensure the approval of their parents?

It is really important to her. Though she does know that she has her parents' approval and love no matter what she chooses to do with her life, she does want to make them proud, which is why she tries to put herself into social situations that are pushing her comfort zone. It's made easier by the fact that she can always go take a breather and knows that her parents are okay with it, because they value her comfort over "losing face". She's soft and delicate. But she'll grow to be stronger with time, and as she accepts herself and her affinity for what they are.

Philautia 2

Does your OC believe that it is important to love themselves in the first instance? Perhaps in order to be able to give and receive love authentically? Or because they believe first and foremost in "looking after number one"?

This is a very complex topic for Cyra, because while she does think that she can't see validation from other people infinitely and that she should love herself too for who she is, she does find it easier to ... be, when she knows that she is accepted and loved by the people around her. It's a matter of knowing one thing and feeling the other. But she does want someone to love her for who she is, and in order for someone to do that, she does need to be herself. So, she should love herself, so that she might be herself. It's just difficult for her because she has a lot of self-doubt. However, sometimes the love of another person can help you love yourself. It might be the love your parents feel, your friends feel, or a spouse feels. They're all different types of love, but all of them can help.

Thank you for the question! ^^

[loosesodamarble]

🥺😭😍🤩💖🥺😭😍🥺🥺🥺🤩😍💖🥺👏🥰😍🥰🥺🥺🤩

可愛いイイイイイイイ😍！

Commissioned some soft Fuelara and newborn Leonidas and Cyraleona art from @/olkusia111_art on IG ^^

Fun fact: Leonida's hair grows a bit darker as he ages, and becomes a tiny bit lighter than his father's later on. Cyra's becomes a bit like her grandfather's (Arcturus')

[thoughtfullyrainynightmare]

If you thought I was done, think again!/lh Can you answer #14 for Solara and all the Fuelara kids?

:wah: Oh my, what a horror :P /j, lh

I actually did answer for Solara! But I'll just copy/paste the answer

14) What are some of your OC’s comfort foods?

Solara:

She’s someone who eats to live, so to say, so eating isn’t a source of comfort for her. (And she would go as far as to say that she doesn’t particularly enjoy eating to begin with, it’s just a necessity). But this doesn’t mean that she couldn’t develop cravings, since a craving is a body’s way of telling that there is a deficiency of something. However, she sometimes indulges in a good steak tartare, a beef roast, a hot cup of tea, or a soda. It depends on the time, the mood, and the situation. (As said, cravings can be something else too)

Leonidas:

During the winter, one of the dishes that will surely bring a smile to his face is a beef stew, where the meat is so tender that it could be cut with a spoon, and in the pot there would be some potatoes, carrots, rosemary, thyme and cranberries (along with other ingredients ofc). During summer he would love a berry sorbet! Something like raspberry or strawberry.

Cyraleona:

She loves smoked salmon. There was a time where she would only want to eat that, and was rather fussy about it. So, in a creamy soup, served with a side of potatoes, as it is, or in a casserole. As long as it had smoked salmon, she was all for it. And she would argue that it works during all seasons (because it does).

Eleonora:

It depends. Because she does enjoy a good steak, since it reminds her of all her "fun" "adventures" with auntie Mereo, where they would eat primarily meat they hunted themselves. But, if she's feeling particularly homesick, or would be in need of comfort, she would ask for some vanilla pudding. (And yes, it would take quite a lot of her wanting to admit that she'd want such a mellow dish, because her spice tolerance is high, and vanilla pudding is such a "soft" dish!) It's a well guarded secret of hers, but her family knows. ;)

Thank you for the question!!

[lyranova]

Alistar: Dumbest scar stories, go!

Leon: I burned my tongue once drinking tea.

Hikari: I dropped a hair straightener on my leg once and burned it.

Cyraleona: I have a piece of graphite in my leg from accidentally stabbing myself with a pencil in the first grade.

Ezio: I was taking a cup of noodles out of the microwave and spilled it on my hand and I got a really bad burn.

Aloys:

Aloys: I have emotional scars.

@thoughtfullyrainynightmare @eme-eleff (I-I found an incorrect quote generator haha 😅!)

[lyranova]

Children of the Future:

Chapter 24: Behind the Mask

Hi guys! Here’s chapter 24 of COTF hehe, this one is super long I hope that’s ok 😅! This chapter mentions two other “future children” and their mother Solara who all belong to @/thoughtfullyrainynightmare she just let me borrow them for the series 😁💕! The mana zone mentioned was an idea created my @/crazyclownthanos so that belongs to her as well 😁 and this chapter mentions another fic I wrote called ‘Rain’ which I’ll link HERE if you guys want to read. I hope you all enjoy! Also there’s a, hm, lovely surprise at the end too hehe 👀.

Taglist: @eme-eleff @thoughtfullyrainynightmare @simpingforthisonedeer @elysianluv @flow3rbudz @crazyclownthanos @bowandcurtsey @vwdxwnsk @luminouslion (if anyone else wants to be tagged please let me know!

Word Count: 3,583

Warnings: Mentions of Death, Language.

———

“ W-What did I do?”

As Alistar’s soft question hung in the air, Hikari lowered her Katana. A similar scene played out a long time ago. She watched as tears pooled in Alistar’s ice blue eyes and all she wanted to do was wrap him in her arms and hug him, but as she reached a hand towards him Josslyn began to scream.

“ Hikari get away from him! He's a freaking psycho!” She screamed as Yami released her from Alistar’s spell. Hikari turned towards the pink haired girl.

“ Josslyn, just be quiet for a second! He isn’t going to hurt anyone!”

“ He already did!” The girl shouted again, Hikari looked around as William and her ‘father’ continued releasing people from Alistar’s spell. She saw minor injuries, mostly cuts and bruises, but nothing serious. But she couldn’t deny that Josslyn was right, he did hurt people.

“ Alistar-. Alistar?” Hikari started as she turned around to face him, but when she did he was gone. Hikari blinked before looking around wildly. When she looked towards the house she saw one of the brooms was missing, she then looked towards the sky and saw Alistar flying away as quickly as he could.

“ Alistar! Alistar come back!” Hikari shouted before taking off running towards the house, she quickly grabbed a broom herself and took off after him.

“ Hikari wait!” Yami shouted before turning to release Charlotte, who nodded in thanks.

“ What was that? I’ve never seen anything like that before.” Charlotte said as she rubbed her sore wrists, Yami looked down and saw slight bruises already forming. He already didn’t like Alistar that much and now he didn’t like him even more.

“ It was some sort of mana zone,” William said as he walked towards Yami and Charlotte. “ I’m not sure how it works, but apparently Alistar losing control activated it.” William added, Yami and Charlotte nodded. This was probably some new ability the kids learned in the future.

“ I’ll take care of everyone here, you two go after Hikari and Alistar.” Charlotte suggested. Yami and William nodded.

“ You sure you’re alright?” Yami asked in slight worry, Charlotte nodded.

“ It takes a lot more than a few cuts and bruises to take me down.” Charlotte said light heartedly before she walked over and helped a few of the kids up, Yami chuckled a bit as what she said was true. He then followed William as they went towards the house, grabbed the remaining brooms, and took off after Hikari and Alistar.

———

Hikari tried to follow behind Alistar quickly, but he was soon out of her sight. She sighed in slight irritation, how was it he could make his broom fly that fast but she couldn’t? She shook her head. There was really only one place he could go, and that was the Capital.

So she at least knew where to start her search.

After a few more minutes of flying she landed right at the edge of the City. She couldn’t sense his mana anywhere nearby which only confirmed that he was probably further in the city. So she stood there for a few minutes in thought, where would he go if he was in the city? She turned slightly, she knew her ‘father’ and Captain Vangeance weren’t too far behind her and she knew she had to find Alistar before they did.

She quickly ran off towards the center of the city, that was the best place to start. It would take a while, sure, but she had to search for him. He didn’t need to be alone right now.

As Hikari made it to the center she looked around, where did she start? She crossed her arms, this was seriously going to be a pain. Especially since Alistar didn’t have a place he normally visited the city. Hikari sighed, he could be anywhere right now. As she continued to search for the best direction to go towards, a bright vermillion color caught her attention.

“ No way.” She muttered, quickly blinking and rubbing her eyes. She had to be dreaming right? There was no way they could be here too.

“ Leon? Cyraleona?” She called cautiously, the people turned to look and their eyes also widened in surprise.

Leonidas and Cyraleona Vermillion, also known as the Vermillion twins, were the children of Captain Fuegoleon Vermillion and his wife Solara Equinox. Leonidas, or Leon for short, was almost a younger version of his father in looks, although his hair was a lighter shade and his eyes were golden. His personality was a mixture of his fathers and mothers, he could be stern and serious, but there could also be a little playful glint in his eye.

Cyraleona, or Cyra for short, was a little more shy and withdrawn than her brother. Whenever the Captain’s children gathered together she usually had her small group of friends she was comfortable with, but if they weren’t around then she stayed close to her brother and spoke only when spoken too.

“ Hikari? Is that you?” Leon asked as he and his sister approached. Hikari walked up to them with a smirk.

“ Funny seeing you two here, especially since I thought all the kids that were sent back from the future had gathered at the Hideout the Wizard King made.” Hikari said, Leon nodded.

“ I had heard that too, but for some reason we weren’t.” Leon answered vaguely, Hikari frowned a bit as she watched his Ki. He was hiding something, much like Alistar was at the beginning.

“ What are you on some secret mission too?” Hikari asked half jokingly, when she saw the serious look on Leon’s face and the sheepish one Cyra’s she blinked in surprise. “ Hold on, seriously?! You guys are on a secret mission too?!”

“ Yes we are, I’m sorry that’s all we can tell you Hikari.” Cyra said softly, Hikari waved off her apology before rubbing the back of her head.

“ It’s alright. Everyone just likes keeping secrets these days.” She muttered, Leon frowned but before he could comment Cyra spoke.

“ Where’s Alistar? Isn’t he usually with you?” She asked curiously, Leon looked around as well. Usually you didn’t find one without the other unless they were on separate missions.

“ Ah Alistar? Well um…I kinda lost him.” Hikari admitted with a sheepish laugh.

“ What kind of bodyguard loses their charge?” Leon asked jokingly, but he grew concerned when she looked upset and almost ashamed.

“ A crappy one if you ask me.” She muttered more to herself. Leon and Cyra looked at each other, they wanted to ask what was wrong but they were both partially afraid of the answer.

“ Hey, if you two aren’t busy, can you guys help me find him? The area’s a little big for me to be searching on my own.” Hikari asked with a sheepish laugh, Leon and Cyra both nodded.

“ Here take one of these, that way when one of us finds him we can alert each other.” Leon suggested as he handed his sister and Hikari a magic item.

“ Thanks you guys, I promise I’ll try and fill you guys in on what’s happening later but right now we need to find him before my dad and Captain Vangeance do.” She said as she began to run off. “ Oh yeah, and if you guys find him don’t approach him just let me know where he is!” She added before continuing to run off.

Leon and Cyra looked at each other, don’t approach him if they found him? That didn’t sound good at all.

———

William and Yami landed softly just outside the city’s center, this was their first stop, next would be the Golden Dawns base. The two began to walk, with Yami muttering how they would have gotten there sooner if they had just used his ‘wheels’ or ‘taxi jr’. But soon the two fell into silence, not sure of what to say.

“ You alright Vangeance?” Yami asked as he looked at his friend, he had noticed earlier that William had appeared shaken up. He was doing his best to hide it, but his Ki didn’t lie. William turned to look at him and all he did was give him a small smile.

“ Yes I’m alright Yami.” William said, Yami snorted which caused the Golden Dawn Captain to frown.

“ So that’s where the kid gets it from.” Yami said with a shake of his head which caused William to frown even more in confusion. “ Your kid Alistar. He does the same thing, even if he isn’t alright or if somethings wrong he puts a smile on his face and pretends otherwise.” He explained.

“ I don’t do that.” William denied but Yami cut him a look.

“ You just did it, and to be honest, Alistar is a lot more like you than you think. Hell the kid even wears a mask like you, although his is figurative while yours is…literal.” Yami added.

William hadn’t realized others had noticed that too, that Alistar would put on a mask. He wasn’t so sure about them being alike in personality, but he couldn’t deny their backgrounds and a few of their mannerisms being similar.

“ So what’s got you shook up Goldie Guts? Is it the ‘finding out you’re dying’ or is it your kid losing control of both his powers and most likely his mind?” Yami asked, he paused as he didn’t hear William’s boots clicking beside him. He turned and saw him standing a bit away with his head down.

“ It’s not finding out I’m dying. To be honest, we’re all going to die in the future at some point, so it’s a bit expected. But Alistar…I don’t know what to make of it.” He muttered softly as though he were getting lost in thoughts, the person he saw today wasn’t the same person he had seen and spent time with the past couple of weeks, maybe, maybe it was someone else entirely?

“ Yami,” William asked suddenly, his voice slightly full of hope. “ Was there anything different about his Ki or his mana? Maybe, maybe Alistar was possessed by something.” William felt his little ounce of hope dash as Yami shook his head.

“ Nope, it was all Alistar. Even though his mana got a lot stronger when he lost control it was still all him, nothing changed.” Yami said simply he watched as his friend's face grew more defeated. “ Look, we’ll find out more once we find your kid. Maybe he is possessed by something, or maybe he just has a couple of screws loose.” Yami added with a shrug. William nodded, he knew he was right, they would only find out when they asked Alistar directly.

“ Or maybe,” Yami said suddenly as the two walked for another few minutes. “ Maybe he was cursed like you and Prickly Princess? Or he inherited something from his mother?” Yami added thoughtfully.

“ He could have been cursed so we’ll keep that as a likely possibility. As for his mother, I’m not sure. I’ve asked about her a couple of times and he doesn’t answer, all he’s said is that she had plant magic.”

“ That’s it? You’d think the kid would give you more to go on to ensure he’s born in the future.” Yami said jokingly, William nodded and chuckled a bit.

“ You would think so. But Alistar is very ‘by the rules’ which I guess he got from me like you said. So anything to do with her is deemed ‘spoilers.” William explained, Yami nodded and the two continued searching for William’s ‘son’.

———

Hikari sighed as she looked down yet another side street. She, Leon, and Cyra had been searching for Alistar for at least an hour and they still had no luck, it was almost as if he had disappeared into thin air. But she wasn’t about to give up. She would stay out all night if she had too!

“ Where are you Alistar?” She muttered to herself, the last time he did this he ran to the tallest point of the Golden Dawn base. She began to look towards the sky, although he was very much a ‘ground dweller’ Alistar did like a good view. Especially when he wanted to be alone. Her eyes finally landed on what appeared to be a clock tower, that was the highest point she’d seen so far and she hoped beyond hope that he was up there.

Hikari couldn’t help but pant slightly out of breath as she made it to the top of the tower. She really wished she had brought Ezio, because then she could at least use his Spatial magic to get from place to place. She opened the door leading to the top and saw Alistar sitting on the edge. Hikari quickly pulled out her magic item, informed Leon and Cyra that she found him, and told them she would explain later.

“ There you are, I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” Hikari said as she walked towards him. Alistar jumped slightly before turning to see her there.

“ Why’d you follow me?” He asked softly as he turned back to stare over the city. Hikari sat down next to him with a sigh.

“ Because I was ordered too.” She responded, Alistar gave her the side eye. “ Y’know, I think we’ve had a similar conversation before.” She added light heartedly.

“ We have. This whole day has played out before.” He muttered in slight irritation, Hikari nodded in agreement, so it wasn’t just her who thought that.

“ I remember that as though it was yesterday, it was the day we truly met each other.” Hikari said with a chuckle.

In the future

The boy didn’t even seem to notice her presence, he stayed in the same spot, in the same position, as she walked up to him. Hikari had known the boy pretty much her entire life, they weren’t very close though as they were in two separate squads, but she had met him numerous times and found him pleasant to be around. Even if he could be a little bit of a ‘by the rules’ type, but he was always kind and polite to her. This didn’t even look like the same boy.

“ Hurt...it hurts…” Alistar struggled to get out, his voice was hoarse as though he had been screaming, there were vines wrapped around his legs and ankles, but they didn’t look tight enough to be hurting him.

“ What hurts?” She asked him as she looked around his body, his shirt was slightly torn, but he had no wounds.

“ Everything…” Alistar told Hikari so softly that she almost missed it, her head shot in his direction. Sweat was dripping down his face as though he were in extreme agony. But when he finally moved his eyes to look at hers she gasped; his eyes, they held a different kind of pain in them. Alistar wasn’t talking about physical pain, he was talking about a different kind of pain, one that couldn’t be seen.

“ Look, I know you’re hurting right now, and I’ll do what I can to help you. But just because you’re hurting, doesn’t give you the right to be hurting others too!” Hikari shouted, shocking both Alistar and Yami. Alistar gaped at the young brunette. She could understand he was hurting and that in return he wanted others to hurt as well, but that didn’t mean it was the right thing to do!

“ I…” He trailed off, his eyes suddenly searching hers, for what neither really knew. But the vines that surrounded them suddenly began to vanish.

“ I don’t want to hurt anyone else.”

“ Alistar,” Hikari asked softly yet cautiously just like her mother would do. “ what happened?”

Alistar looked away instantly at the question, his body began to tremble once more. Where did he start? How did he even begin to describe what he found out today? He leaned a hand against the pillar for support, Hikari went to help but he held a hand out to stop her. He needed to calm down. He didn’t want anyone else to get hurt or worse, because of him again. He took a few deep calming breaths before he bit his bottom lip, the words were on the tip of his tongue, but he wasn’t sure if he had the courage to say them out loud.

“ I…” Alistar paused, shutting his eyes tightly and squeezing them. “ I killed my mom.” He said, his voice cracking in the middle, Hikari’s eyes widened, what was he talking about? How did he kill his mom? She didn’t understand.

“ What do you mean?” She asked softly, she watched Alistar's hands ball into fists as his shaking only got worse. He finally looked up at her, his blue eyes were full of hurt and anger.

“ My mom...she died giving birth to me. I caused her to hemorrhage, to bleed out, and that bastard lied to me about it!” Alistar suddenly shouted.

Present Day

Hikari turned and noticed Alistar had his face hidden, the memory of that day coming back full force.

“ I remember how you told me your dad lied to you for years, and how the other Golden Dawn members resented you for what happened to your mom.” She began to explain softly. “ I also remember how you told me you felt all alone without actually telling me.” She added with a chuckle.

“ I also remember promising to have your back when you needed me, to be your bodyguard. But I guess I failed.” Hikari muttered more to herself than to him.

“ You didn’t fail. You were meant to protect me from others, not others from me.” Alistar muttered softly, Hikari shook her head.

“ That’s not entirely true. My definition of being your bodyguard meant those things yes, but it also meant protecting you from yourself.” She explained with a small smile, Alistar rolled his eyes a bit.

The two sat together quietly for a few moments, both just getting lost in their thoughts and memories. Hikari tilted her head as she asked the question that had been on her mind since he lost control.

“ Why didn’t you tell me your dad was dying?” She asked softly, she watched as Alistar visibly tensed, she waited patiently for his answer.

“ I…I didn’t know how…” Alistar admitted with a shake of his head. “ to be honest I don’t think I’ve been able to admit it to myself. So that’s why I didn’t say anything.” He added softly, Hikari nodded. His father has probably been the only other constant person in his life besides Hikari, so she could only imagine how the thought of losing his father was affecting him.

“ I can understand. If it were my dad or my mom, I don’t know how I’d react.” Hikari admitted, she quickly shook her head as the thought of losing one of her parents or siblings popped into her head. She didn’t even want to imagine it.

Suddenly Hikari felt a soft thunk on her shoulder, she turned and her eyes widened in surprise as she saw the top of Alistar’s head.

“ Promise, promise you won’t leave me too. I don’t know if I could handle it if you left me like my mom did and my dad will. So promise you won’t.” Alistar begged softly, she felt drops of water gently hitting her shoulder. Alistar was crying.

Hikari moved gently and, somewhat awkwardly, as she wrapped her arms around Alistar in a comforting hug. They both knew she couldn’t promise that but she did it anyway.

“ I promise Alistar. I’m your bodyguard, remember? Where you go I go, and I’m one of the strongest mages in Clover so there’s no way I’d be defeated easily.” Hikari told him kindly, she felt him just simply nod his head.

“ It’s really raining out there isn’t it?” Alistar muttered against her shoulder, Hikari chuckled but nodded in agreement. She couldn’t figure out why anytime he cried he tried to pretend it was raining.

“ It really is. It’s a torrential downpour.” Hikari agreed.

After the two sat there for a few minutes the two young magic knights climbed down and walked through the streets of the Capital. They talked about silly little things, both avoiding the elephant in the room which was how he was going to explain what happened and why he lost control.

“ Was anyone seriously injured?” Alistar asked sheepishly, Hikari shook her head.

“ No, mostly just cuts and bruises, but it wasn’t anything like what happened when we were 12.” She told him, she watched as a half smile half grimace appeared on his face.

“ I’m relieved, but I also feel sorry. I’m going to have to seriously apologize for that.” He said softly, she just nodded in agreement, one of the best things about Alistar was how he would quickly admit his faults and would apologize for them.

Suddenly Alistar stopped dead in his tracks, Hikari made a curious ‘hm’ noise as she turned to look at him. She watched as he stared at someone, she followed his gaze and noticed he was watching a woman. The woman had ash blonde hair, wore plain neutral clothing, and had a red flower in her hair. Hikari frowned and she walked over to Alistar, when she placed a hand on his shoulder she noticed he was shaking.

“ Alistar, what’s wrong?” She asked in concern, Alistar’s mouth kept opening and closing, as though he just couldn’t get the words out. Finally after a few seconds Alistar was able to find his voice.

“ M-Mom?”

——-

Ooo 👀 hehe. Thank you all for reading and I hope you all have a good day/night!

[loosesodamarble]

The children get along just as well as their parents! 😄

Especially Dusk and Cyraleona. Dusk stays the night, quietly guarding Cyra’s sleep and her dreams. 🥺

Little next gen interactions I just thought of…

Leonidas and Dawn run off together and disappear for a bit. Fue and Nacht eventually find the two in a dark closet… arguing and competing over whose magic is stronger.

Dawn: Mine is Light Magic! Of course mine is brighter!

Leon: It maybe be brighter but your magic also lacks any heat which my attribute can supply!

…..

Solara pokes her head into the library and sees Dusk and Cyra on a sofa together. Cyra has fallen asleep and her head is on Dusk’s lap. Dusk is completely still, not wanting to wake Cyra.

Solara: Ahhh. Looks like she must’ve been up late again. Here, I’ll help carry her to her room.

Dusk: Uh, no… She shouldn’t be disturbed if she’s so tired so… I’ll… I can wait…

…..

Josele hears a commotion. The cause? A maid has spotted Eleonora and Vivian climbing to the roof of the castle. Being a protective mama bear, Josele goes after them and gets them back on the ground.

Nora: It was Vivian’s idea. She said the open space would be ideal for me to show off how big I can make my flames.

Josele: (looks at Vivian)

Vivian: Eleonora speaks truth. I deemed the roof the area to have the lowest chance of catching on fire.

…..

Just the Vermillions and the Fausts having a grand ol’ time together. 🥺

The families are bonding! T^T Though Fue and Nacht might not be that thrilled about it, but... their wives and kids are having fun ^^ Or at least having adventures. And in the case of Vivi and Nora, enabling each other.

But also...

Dusk: I can wait Solara: ...What if she stays asleep through the night? Dusk: I can wait Solara: Sweetie, you're not being reasonable Dusk: ... I think the only reasonable thing is to let a tired person sleep Solara: ....