#thanks for the ask! her foundlings are such a short window in her life but arguably one of the most formative

[silversiren1101]

so i understand if you don't want to answer all (or any) of these, especially since I'm pretty sure at least some of it will be covered in the fic you're working on, but I really wanted to know....

What were Mino's foundling's like? And later on, since Mino sees as her kids, I assume she also sees them as Jess's older siblings? Does she ever tell Jess about them, and if so, how much does she tell her? If Jess finds out about them, how does she feel about these older siblings she'll never meet?

Wah! Thank you for sending in an ask! And giving me a chance to talk about Mino's foundlings. I'm still workshopping their names but there is one that is concrete, and you'll understand.

Minovae found them right at the end of the civil war, during restoration efforts when doing search and rescue (and 'cleaning' *cough cough killing undead and monsters and bandits) in the district of Westcrown she both grew up in and had a part in its total destruction: Rego Plea, though it was already starting to be referred to as Rego Cader. She heard screaming and sounds of trouble, and arrived into a ruined part of the subterranean aqueducts there just in time to save the three tiefling brothers she'd take in as her adopted wards from a otyugh. Starving, sick, and terrified, they'd lost their parents and just been trying to survive, and even though she'd saved them from a horrible monster, the sight of her Hellknight armor actually led to the oldest (only 12 at the time!) to try and stab her with a broken dagger he'd been using to protect his younger siblings.

She only gently disarmed him, tried to wipe his cheeks clean, and asked who he was and why they were here and alone. It took some gentle but firm prying for her to get their story, and the minute she did she knew she couldn't turn them over to any orphanage--not with her own childhood experience. Who would take in three obviously devil-blooded kids, with their bright red skin and pointed horns and black-yellow eyes? She declared she would see them cared for by invoking the title of Foundling, and that with nearly every city overflowing with orphans and resources low, the Order of the Scourge wouldn't contest her claim as they could actually afford to take them in.

The three of them are:

Finley (Age 12): Oldest of the three. Fiercely protective and independent. First instinct is to turn down help and do everything himself. Also loves to help when he is specifically asked for it - Mino recognizes the same need she has in him to be deemed useful and needed for protection's sake. He's also secretly generous and giving, as he's been caught sharing food with the resident stray cats and taking care of them.

Aver (Age 9): The middle brother is the most quiet and withdrawn, and also the most likely to flinch. One of his horns being broken and signs of a long broken cheekbone told Mino all she needed to know, especially as both his brothers tend to swarm protectively over him. He comes out of his shell when engaged through art or books (the signifers teach them all to read but he really latches onto it), especially when the subject matter is knights and heroic figures.

Morgeth (Age 8): Youngest. Tries hardest to be strong, since that's the last thing he remembers of their parents "Stay strong for your brothers" (he used to be a crybaby). Rejects things he says "are for babies" even when really wanting them. Mino usually has to trick him in some way for him to accept gifts or treats.

The three of them come with her to Citadel Demain (a bit far from Westcrown but it's nicer than Citadel Rivad, the Scourge's new home, and actively under reconstruction) where they begin a new life of structure: regular meals, regular chores, regular education. Foundlings are overwhelmingly raised by Signifers in the Orders, and it's no exception for these three, though Mino spends a lot of time with them, dotes on them, and starts saving up money for when they age out. She absolutely begins to consider them hers. There's a lot of chafing at first, but who can blame three tiefling orphans not even in their teens yet for it? Being surrounded by Hellknights is terrifying at first, especially the masked signifers who aren't as soft as their savior (though not cruel to them in the slightest, just a bit chilly). The three learn to read and write, begin to learn history, and Aver even begins some basic magical training as a sorcerer's spark reveals itself in him.

[Spoilered for the next bit - since it concerns child death.]

The next four-ish years are among the happiest of her life by then, as she works in Egorian and gets to see her 'sons' whenever she returns to Citadel Demain - watching them grow healthy and strong and happy and cared for.

Their loss is... it's the worst moment of her entire life. Finley turned 16 and didn't want to enlist. She knew he wouldn't and it was never expected of him, but he did not take the prospect of being separated from his younger brothers well. Mino tried to reason with him, produced all the money she'd saved up to get him a home and settle him someplace close by, where she would bring Aver and Morgeth to visit whenever she could. The younger two also didn't like Finley having to leave now that he'd aged-out, and try as she might, she could not get them to accept it would only be for a few more years until they also became 16 and could live together.

They boys waited until she left Demain to leave with Finley - sending her a letter that thanked her for everything and that they loved her, but they couldn't be separated.

It took her weeks to find them. The fact it was related to a spread of missing persons cases she'd been working on for months broke her. A lesser Thrune had been trying to gain power by taking those that "wouldn't be missed" off the streets and from slums, ritually sacrificing them to some devil they'd formed a pact with. Finley was still alive when she arrived, but it was only a matter of time. There was no saving him. She ended his suffering as gently as she could and even to this day can barely remember the whirlwind of rage and slaughter that happened afterward at the complex. The cultist death count from her grief was over twenty before she was subdued by the Order of the Glyph and dragged a bleeding chained mess to Abrogail Is feet for interrogation and torture (since she learned some things about the Thrune's contract with Hell).

Decades later, nearly a century even, Minovae is still like to have to fight off a tear when something reminds her of her lost sons, even though they were only a part of her life for barely four years. Finding Finnean was a strange experience, his name similar enough to Finley's that even with her memories gone, she found a few tears rolling down her cheeks when the errant pathfinder had introduced himself to her, not knowing why.

In post-game canon, she holds their memories close to her heart, and even closer after she has her biological daughter, Jesyll. She waits a few years to tell her about them, and points to the Foundlings about Citadel Darvhage, explaining she'd had three of her own (the Order of the Vice continues the practice of course). She tells Jess gradually more as she gets older, at first only explaining that they died in a tragic accident, then telling her truth once Jesyll fully comes to understand the threat of House Thrune and what her parents have been working towards for years now: their total destruction and usurpation.

Jess' relation with them is complicated, of course. When she's younger, she's sad she had brothers she'll never meet. She's sad that mom fights back tears whens he talks about them, and how happy she seems when she talks about the brighter memories with them. Coming to learn the truth, and at that point Thrune has already blatantly tried to kill her and her family at least twice... well let's just say she inherits her mother's strong sense of justice. It's not difficult for her to infer just how many other cases there have been like this in this damned country, and her outrage only feeds into her revolutionist spirit.

I like to think as an adult she also has a habit of charity and caring for orphans displaced by tragedy, seeing it as carrying on a family tradition.

[flightlessangelwings]

Grant a Name to a Buried and a Burning Flame ~ Chapter 2

Hades!Din Djarin x Persephone!Reader (gender neutral, no y/n)

Chapter 2/3 (chapter 1 linked in my masterlist)

Word Count: 3.1k

Warnings: Hades/Persephone retelling, historical setting, hints of soulmate AU, fluff, mutual pining 

Moodboard made by me

~

Over the next week, you didn’t leave your little room, too angry and hurt to face the world. Ironic that you ran away from your kingdom and your castle that felt like a prison to you only to find yourself in a different kind of prison. With a sigh, you gazed out the window and watched as people milled around in the nearby streets. You thought about how happy they looked, and it made you reflect more than you wanted to admit.

Every morning, there was a knock at your door, and every morning you ignored it. You knew who it was, and you weren’t ready to face him just yet. That pull still remained, however, and you felt it harder just before he knocked at your door. And it stayed after he gave up, which compelled you to get up and open the door. When you did, you found a single flower pinned to the outside of the door. No note or anything, just the flower.

You gently yanked it off and smelled it. The fragrance felt like a welcome warmth in the coldness of your current situation, and even though you were still angry for what he did, you found that you couldn’t bring yourself to hate your new husband. Even in your head, it sounded weird: your husband. For the first time since you locked yourself in your room, a faint smile graced your face.

The cycle repeated daily, with a knock on your door that you ignored and a single flower left behind as a gift. Eventually, you had enough flowers piled on your dresser that you were able to arrange them in a beautiful little bouquet. The sight of it lifted your spirits, and you suddenly had a new resolve to actually do something with your time now that you were in this new kingdom. 

You dressed yourself in a fresh robe that was left for you and draped a cloak over your shoulders. The robe was a beautiful color, though more muted than what you normally wore, and it complimented you perfectly. Before you stepped out, you glanced over at the bouquet of flowers and decided to pick one up and tucked it behind your ear. It was the first one that was left for you, and it was by far your favorite.

As you walked the streets of the kingdom, you found that it was actually a pleasant place. The dark and dull skyline that you could see from your castle completely contradicted how full of life this place was. People milled along as they went about their business, and the market was more lively than you would have guessed. It was colder than you were used to, and the sun did not shine brightly in the sky, but overall it was not a horrible place to be. It felt homey and comfortable, which surprised you.

You greeted vendors who had no idea who you were with a smile, and you just took the opportunity to take in your surroundings. Brightly colored fruits stood out from the dark wood of the carts, and they looked too delicious. Beautiful woven robes and dresses lined another stall in deep colors that you never would have appreciated had you not seem them up close. And the streets were cleaner than you would have imagined them to be. 

The thought popped in your head that you completely misjudged this place as you stared at the skyline from afar. You wondered if you misjudged its ruler as well…

A shout from the far end of the street knocked you out of your thoughts, and you immediately rushed over to see what the commotion was about. When you approached, you saw that a man towered over a young woman. She obviously looked uncomfortable with the way he grabbed her, but no one else bothered to do anything about it. Not you, though, you were not going to stand for it.

“Excuse me,” you approached with a fire in your eyes from under the hood you wore, “Are you too blind to see that this lady does not want you in her space?”

The man scoffed and turned his attention to you, “Hasn’t anyone ever told you to mind your own business?”

You stood tall, you weren’t going to let this scum of a man intimidate you, “But it is my business,” you quipped back in a pointed tone, “Or have you not heard about the new ruler here?” Normally, you hated to use your rank, but you did not like the way this man threatened others and it was the fastest way you could think to diffuse the situation. You stared him down with a fiery gaze that you hoped would be intimidating enough.

It was, and it stopped him in his tracks as he looked into your face. Realization dawned on him and he immediately backed off, “Sorry, sorry,” he mumbled as he retreated.

With a satisfied smirk, you turned to the young woman, “Are you alright?”

She nodded, “Yes… thank you…” her voice was meek and she didn’t dare look you in the eyes as she expressed her gratitude.

No one noticed, but a hooded figure watched the entire confrontation from the shadows. From under his hood, Din couldn’t help but smirk as he watched you. Your beauty and your strength were unmatched, and Din had never felt more drawn to you than in that moment. He ducked away, however, before he felt the pull toward you strengthen and you were left alone again. 

The rest of the day was uneventful and you made it back to the palace without any other incidents. When you reached your room, you found another flower on your door, and you couldn’t help the grin that lit up your face as you pulled it from the door. You thought you felt eyes on you, but when you looked over your shoulder, all you could see were shadows. With a shrug, you went into your room, unaware that Din watched you from the darkness with his own grin.

Somehow, the sun felt brighter when you woke up the next morning, and you decided to head out for the day again. As you opened the door, you came to expect a flower there, and you were not disappointed. You plucked it and tucked it behind your ear as you headed out. Strangely, you didn’t feel the familiar pull that you became accustomed to, and you wondered where the hooded man was.

You let yourself wander wherever your heart led you and you ended up in front of an orphanage. There was no shortage of orphaned children even in your kingdom, so it was a sight you were familiar with, but you wondered why of all places, you brought yourself here. With a deep breath, you stepped inside, but nothing could have prepared you for the sight that greeted you.

In the middle of the room, surrounded by children was a familiar hooded figure. He didn’t see you enter right away; he was too preoccupied with caring for the children around him. For such an intimidating man, he was incredibly soft and gentle with the little ones, and even though you couldn’t see his face, you could tell how much they meant to him. You leaned against the doorway and just watched him for a time, and a new feeling swelled in your chest.

He held a toddler in his arms, and the child looked over at you and cooed when he saw you. That was when Din finally looked up and noticed you. As the child in his lap giggled at you, he tilted his head to the side and you couldn’t help but smile.

“Is this how the rough and tough ruler of the Underworld spends his days?” you joked as you moved closer.

Din replied with a short laugh, “The foundlings are the future. We must look after them.”

You nodded in agreement, at a complete loss for words. You never expected a man with his reputation and who appeared so rough around the edges to be so caring. He seemed so genuine around the children too. The toddler in his lap reached out for you, and you carefully lifted him up into your arms.

“He’s new here,” Din explained as he watched you hold the child and he was never more grateful to have his face hidden, “I found him held captive by mercenaries on the outskirts.”

“Does he have a name?” you asked, unsure of what to say to that. You had so many questions for him, but you felt like that was a conversation for another time when you weren’t surrounded by children.

He shook his head.

You turned to inspect the child’s face. He had big brown eyes that seemed to look into your soul. When he smiled, you could see his little teeth. You don’t know why, but a name popped into your head, “How about... Grogu?”

The child cooed at your suggestion, and Din couldn’t help but laugh fondly, “Grogu?” he echoed you and the baby turned to him and babbled happily.

Both of you laughed softly as you both decided that the name stuck. You spent the rest of the day in the orphanage with him and the children, and somehow everything just felt right. The sun had long set when you two finally left, and you let him escort you back to the palace. Neither of you spoke, but you both felt comforted by the other’s presence.  You even found that you stayed closer to him than you thought you would, and the feeling when his side brushed against yours sent bolts of electricity through you. 

It wasn’t until you reached the door to your bedroom that you both stopped and turned to face each other. Even from under the hood, you could feel his gaze on you, and he slowly and carefully reached out and ghosted his hand over the flower tucked behind your ear.

You felt your skin burn at his barely-there touch, “Thank you for these,” your voice was just above a whisper, but you knew he heard you.

“It suits you,” was all he said in response, “Goodnight Persephone,” he was about to turn away, but your voice stopped him in his tracks.

You told him a name, your name, your real name, and you felt him tense in front of you, “Can…” you took a deep breath, “Can you use my real name?” when he didn’t say anything, you felt the need to clarify more, “I don’t have anything against the name. It just doesn’t feel like mine, you know?”

If you only knew how much he related to that. Din gave you a single nod and said your name in a hushed tone that made your heart skip a beat before he disappeared down the hall. You looked forward to the daily gift of a flower on your door the next morning.

Over time, you spent more and more time with Din, and you felt more and more comfortable around him. He wasn’t much of a talker, but you learned that he communicated in other ways, and you quickly learned what his head tilts and subtle body language meant. And he always continued the tradition of leaving a flower at your door every morning, and you wore it behind your ear for the day.

Most days were spent at the orphanage with Din, and you noticed how much he seemed to relax around the children. It made your heart melt when you saw this hooded, armored man be so soft with the little ones. One day while you walked back, you asked him about his life before ruling, and he told you stories of his time as a mercenary. And for every story he told you, you offered one in return, though you felt yours were far less thrilling than his.

A new routine that started with the two of you was that he would walk you to your room every night. It started the day you spent at the orphanage for the first time, and it became an unspoken thing ever since. It felt comfortable at first, but the more the nights went on, the more you found that you didn’t want to bid him farewell for the evening.

And Din felt the same way about you. He longed to reach out and caress you; the pull he felt never felt stronger than when he was about to leave you for the night.

The two of you lingered in front of your door, neither of you wanted to move. In order to keep him in front of you, you asked a question that had been on your mind since you first met, “How did you find me in the forest that day?”

He put a hand on his hip and tilted his head to the side slightly, a sign that meant he was amused, “I’ve felt a pull for some time and I followed it,” he answered plainly. He paused for a moment before he asked a question of his own, “Why did you run away?”

You sighed, you figured the question would come at some point. But, you wanted to be honest with him, “I didn’t feel right there, you know? Like it was never truly my home. I never wanted to rule, it was just something that was expected of me,” you let out a deep breath as you thought of your home for the first time in a while, “I’ve felt this pull too, so I decided it was time I followed it.”

“I never wanted this either,” he watched as you looked at him with wide eyes, “I was a mercenary most of my life. It was tough, but I was free to travel whenever I wanted,” he paused and gestured to the black sword on his belt, “I won this sword and the kingdom came along with it.”

Silence fell between the two of you as neither knew what to say next. You never would have guessed that this man had so much in common with you, or that your stories were so similar. You fiddled with your fingers as you looked anywhere but his hood. There was another question on your mind, but you weren’t sure if you wanted to ask it out loud.

He seemed to read your thoughts, and after a heavy sigh, he broke the silence, “Din.”

Your eyes met the darkness of his hood, “What?’

“My name,” he spoke in a soft voice as he carefully reached out to you, “It’s Din Djarin,” he rested his hand on your cheek as he spoke, but didn’t let himself relax until you gave him the silent permission to do so. 

You exhaled deeply as you leaned into his touch. A comfortable silence fell over you again, and this time you were the one to break it, “Din…Can I stay with you tonight? If that’s ok?”

Din’s grip on your face tightened slightly as he nodded. His hand dropped and trailed down your arm before he took your hand in his and led you down the hallway to his room. It was just as plain as the rest of the little palace, and it felt like it was more for utility than anything else. And yet at the same time, it felt homey. Maybe that was because of his presence. 

You stood in the middle of the room and bit your lip as he watched you. When your eyes fell back to his figure, you suddenly felt the urge to reach out for him. Without a word, you lifted your hands and gently caressed his face through the hood much like he did yours earlier. You heard him sigh as he leaned into your touch. The two of you stayed like that until Din covered your hands with his own and slowly started to push his hood back.

“Din…”

“It’s alright,” he whispered. In your conversations, he has spoken about the creed he took as a youngster and explained about his covered face. Din had told you that he could only remove his covering in front of his own clan, but you chose not to press it further. You were understanding and never once questioned it, and that only made him fall for you more.

Guided by his hands, you pushed his hood back so that he only had the mask on the lower half of his face. The first thing you noticed was his brown eyes, which held a softness that made your heart skip a beat. His brown hair was messy from the hood, but it looked so soft and you couldn’t resist the urge to run your hand through it once.

Then, you slowly reached for the mask, and you paused when you had a grip on it before you took it off. His eyes told you all you needed to know and you took off the last barrier from his face to the rest of the world. He looked so nervous, which was something you did not expect. The man who walked with such confidence and was always quick to protect those he deemed worthy of it, was nervous in front of you.

Your eyes scanned his face and took in every little detail that you could in the low light of his room. Your hand traced the frame of his face before you cupped his jaw and ran your thumb over his lips. Din closed his eyes and you felt his lips lightly kiss your thumb. He was so handsome, and you couldn’t resist the urge to lean forward and place a soft kiss to his lips.

He froze at first, but quickly leaned into your touch and wrapped his arms around you as he deepened the kiss. It felt like a burst of flames between your bodies as you embraced each other. It was as if every decision in each of your lives led you to exactly this moment, and nothing had ever felt more right. 

“You know,” you whispered with a smirk when you broke away for air, “If I had seen your face earlier, I wouldn’t have stayed mad at you for long.” 

Din gave you a quick half smile before he cupped your face with one hand and pulled you back into another kiss. This kiss was much more heated and passionate. You moaned into the kiss as you felt Din shuffle your bodies towards his bed, and you were more than happy to let him lead you there. 

Din broke away just for a moment to say your name. He waited for your eyes to open and meet his before he spoke again, “I love you.”

You smiled widely as you kissed him again, “I love you too, Din.”

~

Notes: Thank you all so much for the amazing response to chapter 1!! I really appreciate all the love on this!! This chapter was really just fluff and falling in love before the dramatic climax in the last chapter. I hope you all are enjoying my take on this tale! Taglists are open so let me know if you’d like to be added to my Pedro characters, Din Djarin or just Hades!Din lists.

[talpup]

Lost Song:12

Summary: The war between the Dragons and Griffons ended 233 years ago, and both races right along with it.

Or so it was believed. There are three individuals that will soon change that.

Kai is the last of the Dragons and he seeks to take what he sees as his rightful place and rule over all of Oblvi. Meanwhile, Shouta, the last Sphinx, wants nothing more than to do his job; keep the peace and and teach the young Fourth’s to hopefully avoid the mistakes of their ancestors. And Teris, a Foundling who is just trying to understand and survive in this strange new world that is supposedly her own.

All three have their own wants and desires, but Kai’s plans, Teris’ existence, and Shouta's past mean that none of them may get what they want.

This fic is rated explicit and has warnings of sex, violence, and other possible triggers.  For a full list of story tags please check the fics AO3 (link to that at the top of my tumblrs homepage).

12.1

Kai exited a side door and met up with Hari.  Whiffs of smoke blew from the Dragon’s nostrils at the memory of Teris and Shouta's arms brushing while the two stood side by side, the Sphinx regularly moving to shield Teris from his view.  Teris might be part of Shouta's Ilca.  But she was his.   And yet Shouta had managed to keep her by him the entire gathering.

He had no doubt Shouta had given Teris that dull, disgusting bracelet. The thing wasn’t even worthy of being on some detestable mutt Hybrid like Nedzu.  It certainly didn’t belong on a proud, pure blood Beast like Teris.

Kai swore that if he hadn’t killed the Sphinx by the time he reclaimed his throne.  The first order of his reign would be to end Aizawa, finally do away with all Sphinx kind.

The only thing that had gotten Kai through the trying afternoon was imagining what he would do to Teris this evening after Ryuu left.  He imagined her pretty lips wrapped around his cock.  Making her look at him as he fucked her sweet face.  She had done well in combating Shouta's attempt at keeping her from agreeing to dinner.  But she had stayed by Shouta's side.  Had accepted Aizawa's gift and worn it.  For that she would be punished. And Kai could think of no better punishment than having her choke on his cock.  It wasn’t as if he could punish her more directly.  At least not yet.  Though the thought of spanking her ass raw and fucking her from behind while she screamed his name and cried out in apology was something he looked forward to doing when things progressed.

“Did you find out who was doing the inspection?”  Kai questioned.

Uneasy as he was, Hari bravely met Kai’s eyes.  “We did our best.”

“And was your best good enough?”  Kai asked, knowing if it had been Hari would've answered with a name.

Hari swallowed and shook his head.  “No, Sir.  I’m sorry and take full responsibility for the failure--”

Kai’s hand wrapped around the Arepyiai’s throat cutting off his words and air supply.  “You’re damned right you’ll take full responsibility.  I left it to you to see the Ilca learned who was doing Teris’ inspection. Yet you’re telling me you’ve failed.  That out of my nine Ilca members no one was able to discover a simple name?”

Hari gurgled, but to his credit didn’t attempt to fight off Kai’s choking grip.

The Dragon’s eyes slitted.  Gold scales appeared along the back of his hand.  Nails lengthened into deadly talons that pierced Hari’s skin.  “How am I suppose to threaten or buy a person off if I don’t know who they are?  Do you like the idea of my future mate being subjected to some filthy Fourth's roving gaze?  Maybe you’d prefer Teris undress and walk the grounds of Traverseen Hall for all to see?”

Hari shook his head as best he could.

“What part of mine do you not understand?  Teris is mine. No one should be allowed to look upon her but me.  And yet because of your failure--”  Sensing someones eyes on him, Kai turned.

Hizashi sucked in a breath, emerald eyes widening further. He had been waiting out in the garden for Oboro to return.  The Venti said he had a gift for him.  Hizashi hadn’t meant to listen in.  In fact he hadn’t heard anything.

Teris had said Kai was kind and gentle.  But what Hizashi saw was far gentle and kind.  He stupidly ducked behind a shrub as if he and the Dragon hadn’t already locked eyes.  He had wondered why Shouta didn’t like Kai. The Sphinx always admonishing Teris on what time she was to return from lessons with Kai; as if she were some child with a curfew.  Was this why?  Because Shouta knew Kai was violent and harsh?

Kai’s eyes returned to human.  The scales on his hand disappeared.  Talons shrinking back to nails.

Releasing Hari, Kai took out a handkerchief and he wiped his hand clean. “Return to the dorm.  I’ll deal with you later.”

“Yes, Sir.”  Hari nodded.

“And Hari.”  Kai called.

Hari turned back.

“Set another place for dinner.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Cursing his lack of care, Kai made his way to the distant shrub. “Hizashi.  Isn’t it?”

Hizashi’s eyes squeezed shut.  Where was Oboro?  He sheepishly stepped out from behind the bush. “Yeah.  And you’re Kai, right?  The one tasked with instructing Teris.”

“Teris makes it more of a pleasure than a task.” Kai said, wondering what if anything the Hybrid overheard.

Hizashi's eyes darted about looking for someone to come to his aid.  He was usually great with meeting new people.  But after what he saw...

“About what you heard--”

“I didn’t hear anything.”  Hizashi said.

Relieved, Kai went on.  “Well, I’m sorry you had to see that.  I tend to take sterner measures when the protection of a ladies virtue is at stake.”

Hizashi's lowered ears lifted and twitched.  “A ladies virtue?”

“You don’t think I go around treating my Ilca so cruelly all the time do you?  What has Teris been telling you about me?”

“No, no!” Hizashi shook his head.  He laughed, relieved.  Though still unsettled, it gave reason to what he saw.  “Teris speaks rather highly of you.”

A low hummed sounded in Kai’s throat, such things always nice to hear.  “You wouldn’t happen to know who ‘s doing her inspection.  Would you?”

Hizashi frowned and shook his head.  He didn’t know what Teris’ interview and inspection would entail.  But the words coupled with Shouta's darkening mood as today drew near told him it wouldn’t be pleasant.  “I wish she didn’t have to go through it.  It’s all because they can tell she’s some pure blooded beast from an ancient species.  If she were a Hybrid like me and had some telling marker in her human form.  Like my ears.  Maybe they would have some idea what she was and wouldn’t have to go through it.”

Kai’s lips tightened a fraction.  The thought of the dirty Hybrid feeling sorry for Teris and wishing such a disgusting disgrace of mixed blood on her was an insult. “I’m hosting a dinner for her this evening.  Hopefully it will help take her mind off today's ordeal.”

“That—that sounds really nice.”  Hizashi said, wishing he’d thought of it. Maybe Kai wasn’t so bad.

“I’d like for you to come.  I know Teris thinks you a close friend and having you there would undoubtedly make her happy.”

Hizashi brightened.  “Is Shouta going?”

Kai paused but was able to keep his irritation with Hizashi and hate for Shouta from showing.  “The aim is to lighten Teris’ spirits and make her happy.  Do you think his presence would aid in that?”

Hizashi's smile fell.  It would if the two quit being so stubborn and admitted their feelings for each other, he thought. But as things currently stood, Kai had a point.  “Do you like her?”

“That’s a rather personal question.”  Kai replied.

“She’s my friend.”

“Which is why I would like us to get to know each other.”  Kai said.

“So you do like her.”  Hizashi said.

Kai wasn’t about to belittle his feelings to something as juvenile as like.  Nor was he willing to tell Hizashi his plans to Bond with Teris; fully aware the Hybrid would tell her and Teris wasn’t ready to hear it.  Instead, Kai said.  “I want to see Teris happy and think she deserves the best, same as you.  More than that I can and will give her those things and more.”

Hizashi wasn’t sure how he felt about Kai liking Teris.  Sure he had suspected it.  And with the way Teris talked, he could tell she had a bit of a crush on Kai in return.  But he had seen Teris and Shouta together.  They could be so perfect if only they stopped being so stupid.  Still, it was Teris’ life.  If she chose to be with Kai either for friendly release or as a companion, Hizashi would support her.  So long as Kai was a good guy.  And accepting Kai’s invitation to dinner was just  the chance Hizashi needed to decide if Kai was a good guy.

Thinking a short apology to Shouta, Hizashi smiled. “Thanks for the invite.  I’d love to go.”

“Good. I’ll see you and Teris at six.”  Kai turned away, pleased with the exchange.  Distasteful as it would be having a filthy Hybrid in his Ilca dorm, he was well aware what Hizashi meant to Teris. Winning Hizashi over would only help speed Teris’ sense of ease and comfort which would quicken her acceptance of their eventually mating.

12.2

Shouta glanced at the window gauging the passage of time.  It had been nearly an hour but Teris’ interview felt like it had gone on much longer.  Seated beside her, Shouta hoped the questioning was near its end.  That was until he remembered what awaited her after.  Sharp eyes looked over the five visiting Council Elders seated at the table before them.  He wondered which Elder would be doing Teris’ inspection.  Much as he hoped it would be His Purple Highness, Shouta wasn’t holding his breath.  He was never that lucky.

Along with the five visiting Council members was Elder Yagi.  Also a member of the Council, the Talos was acting more as host for these proceedings than anything else.  At the end of the long table was Director Nedzu and Arbitrator Todoroki Enji, who were there more as witnesses to the interview and hadn’t said a word unless direct questions were asked of them.

Facing the line of Council members felt more like facing a firing squad. Though few questions were asked of him, Shouta couldn’t shake the invading memories of his own interview.  The fear his younger self had felt got the best of him twice already.  Making his heart hammer till the rush of blood drummed in his ears drowning everything else out.

“Tell us, Aizawa.  Has Teris shown any hinting of her true form?  Scales? Feathers?  Fur?”  Destro asked.

“No.” Shouta lied without pause or regret.

“Why don’t you speak plainly and just ask if she’s shown sign of being a Griffon, Dragon, or Sphinx?”  Ryuko asked the Basilisk.

Eyes on Shouta, Destro prodded.  “Well?  Has she?”

“No.” Shouta said.

“Having once served the Dragons and raised one myself.  I can say with certainty that our young Foundling here is not a Dragon.”  Ryuu said.

“Nor is she a Sphinx.”  His Purple Highness put in.

“And what about a Griffon?”  Destro questioned.

Shouta’s fingers twitched, eyes on some distant detail in apparent disinterest.

His Purple Highness looked at Destro. The Basilisk’s might’ve served the Dragons during the Dragon-Griffon war.  But Destro had become leader of the species after the Fall of Crowns.  Whether it was because Destro had been leader for only 233yrs and felt the need to prove himself. Or because the Basilisk truly held such beliefs. Destro had been the most vocal Council member when Shouta and Kai faced the Elders. He vehemently argued the then young Sphinx and Dragon should be put to death for the sake of continued peace.

“The Griffon’s are dead.  A lost species.”  Mera said, wishing for the interview to end so he could go to his rooms and sleep.

“So were the Sphinx's and Dragons until Ryuu and His Purple Highness found and saw different.”  Ryuko said.  The Amphiteres might’ve served the Dragons during the war.  But Ryuko liked to think she and her species had lost their servant mental to the Dragons; while holding no animosity against Kai for his species past deeds.  “What’s to say Elder Yagi hasn’t done the same?”

Yagi coughed.  The Talos’ long ago injury that was slowly killing him making him cough blood into a handkerchief.

“May I remind you, Yagi didn’t find Teris.  She was found in earth and brought to Oblvi by a Derrick.  You can hardly fault Yagi for that.  Or did you young ones forget Traverseen Hall was build near one of the only two physical gateways connecting Oblvi to earth?” His Purple Highness asked.

Ryuko didn’t mind being called a young one. When one had lived as long as His Purple Highness, everyone was young.  Still, she didn’t like her intelligence being called into question.  “I’m aware.”

“So why question if Yagi’s done the same?  Surely you’re aware any Foundlings or issues coming through either gateway are handled by the area Elder.  Yagi just happened be unfortunate Teris was brought through the gateway here. It’s not as if he didn’t inform the rest of us immediately.” His Purple Highness said.

“Unlike some.”  Destro remarked.

“I informed the Council of my finding Shouta as soon as I was able.” The Dryad King said.

“After you unspelled him.”  Destro said.

“I’m flattered you think my physique strong enough to carry a stoned Sphinx through an untamed forest and back home.”  His Purple Highness sarcastically flirted.  “It’s not as if I secretly hatched a Dragon egg and raised the youngling for several years before informing the other Elders.”

Ryuu frowned at the Dryad.  “Your species served the Griffons during the war.”

“And yours served the Dragons.  Save for the Sphinx's, there isn’t a species of Fourth that wasn’t guilty of choosing a side.  And every single one of us here helped hunt the Sphinx's down for it during the war.” His Purple Highness said.

“Is that why you unspelled the Sphinx?  Out of some sense of guilt?” Destro asked.

“This is an interview about the Foundling.  Can we please stay on target and get this over with?”  Mera murmured, tired eyes slipping closed.

Looking at His Purple Highness, Ryuu went on. “You were quite high up the ranks, if I remember. A close and trusted friend of the Griffon King.”

“That was a long time ago.”  His Purple Highness said.

“But surely you remember well enough what the Griffon species smells like. All we’re looking for is some assurance Teris isn’t one.”  Ryuu said.

Shouta's eyes lifted to his mentor.  Air catching in his lungs he force himself to breathe.

Everyone at the long table, seated across from Shouta and Teris, turned to the Dryad King.  Destro and Ryuu leaned forward to get a better look at the Fourth.

His Purple Highness stared at Ryuu.  There was a toying glint in the Tengu’s challenging gaze.  With a blink His Purple Highness realized Ryuu somehow knew Teris was a Griffon.  How?  And why wasn’t he outing her?  Was Ryuu setting him up to deny Teris was Griffon in attempt to claim he was a sympathizer to the fallen crowns and traitor to the Council?

“Well?” Mera pressed, eager to be done.

“Teris’ hereditary scent smells like no Griffon I’ve ever smelled.”  His Purple Highness truthfully said.

Ryuu’s shimmering eyes smiled at the Dryad King.  His Purple Highness expected a follow up question to try and ensnare him.

Instead Ryuu blocked further questions before anyone could ask them. “Well, I’m satisfied.  If no one has anything further?  Good.”

Mera was already standing and gathering his papers.  “In that case. We’re done.  Director Nedzu, thank you for the use of the room. Thank you everyone for your time.”

“And her inspection?”  Destro looked after the already departing Mera.

“Happening in the next room over.”  Mera said with wave and a yawn.

Mera gone, Ryuko looked at the fellow Elders. “So who’s doing it?”

Shouta's shoulders sunk.  There went his hope Teris would be inspected by the sole woman in the group.

Teris was so relieved the interview was over she didn’t hear the name of the Fourth inspecting her.  She felt Shouta tense beside her.

Lips hidden by his capture weapon, Shouta attempted to assure the both of them. “It’ll be alright.”

Teris barely heard Shouta’s murmur.  His deep timber a comforting balm while his words set her back on edge.  What had she missed?  Who was doing the inspection?

Getting to his feet, Shouta turned and held a hand out to her. “Just keep the bracelet on.  Understand?”

Teris nodded.  Her eyes lowered to Shouta's upturned hand.

For a second Shouta thought she wouldn’t take it.  He silently cursed himself for the unthought action.  But then Teris’ warm hand nestled in his. Shouta's nerves ignited in delight. His fingers curled around hers.  He pulled her to her feet and didn’t let go.  Turning around he led her out the room and down the hall to the next door.

Teris rushed to keep up with Shouta's longer stride.  Grateful when he stopped, she faced him, breathing hard.

“Out of breath from a short trek.  We should train more.”  Shouta murmured.

Teris weakling tried to pulled her hand out of his. “I know you’re an ass.  But you’re just saying that to irk and take my mind off things.”

“Is it working?”

“No.”

Shouta stepped to her, hand letting go of hers to wrap around her waist. “How about now?”

Teris’ face heated.  The Sphinx wasn’t playing fair.  “Maybe.”

“Maybe?” Shouta hummed.

Teris shivered, feeling the deep vibration of his chest.

Shouta's other hand slinked up her arm.  “Should I up my game?”

“Are you capable of it?”

Shouta chuckled, lowly. “Oh, Kitten.  I’m getting up right now.”

He held her tighter.  His hardening length prodding her pelvis.  Teris sucked in a breath.  Her legs squeezed together, hips dancing.

Shouta bit back a groan.  There had been something he wanted to tell her. Something important.  But he couldn’t think with her rubbing against him.  The smell and warmth of her overwhelmed in the best of ways, drowning everything else out.  “Keep the bracelet on.”

“You already said that.”  Teris breathed.

Shouta swallowed, trying to remember what he wanted to say.  His head began to dip, eyes focused on her tantalizing lips. Teris’ head lifted, tilting ever so slightly.

The door behind her opened.  Shouta's head jerked up. Teris turned.  Eyes widening, she pressed back into Shouta.

Remembering what he wanted to say Shouta whispered into the back of her head. “Whatever the reason, if it becomes too much.  Leave. I’ll be waiting out here and will deal with whatever may come.”

Teris looked back at him.  She knew Shouta, like Kai, was watched by the Council.  But until today she hadn’t realized the Council's goodwill still determined their continued existence.  If Shouta went against the Council…

“Are you ready?”  A male voice asked.

Shouta looked at the man, fighting a low growl.  How the hell was the Anzu preforming the inspection?  He wasn’t an Elder.  He merely worked for the Council.

Straightening her back, Teris turned and met Hawks’ gold eyes.  Shouta felt a wave a pride at the way she fearlessly faced the Anzu.

Hawks watched Teris step to him. Holding her breath, she passed him and entered the room.  Hawks’ eyes flicked to Shouta.  He smiled at the Sphinx.  Shouta's lip twitched, battling a snarl.  The Anzu cocked his head at Shouta's unaffected stare.

“Feel free to go about your day.  This may take a while. I plan on being exceedingly thorough.” Hawks goaded.

Shouta's hands balled into fists in his pockets.  Claws formed and embedded in his palms.

Hawks’ eyes narrowed a fraction at the non-reaction.  He smiled crookedly and shrugged. “Or stay and use your imagination.”

It took every ounce of restraint Shouta had not to bust down the door as soon as it snapped shut.  The Elders exited the interview room drawing his attention.

While the others filed off in the opposite direction, His Purple Highness made his was to Shouta.

The tension in Shouta's shoulders eased. Annoying as His Purple Highness could be, the Dryad had been something of a parental figure.  Well, more like the embarrassing Uncle that made open innuendos in polite conversation and forgot children were around.  Still, His Purple Highness had done more than unspell him and argue for his life.  He had given Shouta a home.  The beginnings of a new pack to help ease the pain of the one he’d lost.

The Dryad King smiled warmly. “That interview couldn’t have been easy for you.  You did well.”

“It was Teris’ interview.”  Shouta said.

“She did well too.”

“She did.”  Shouta agreed.

“You should tell her.”

“Tell her what?”

“That she did well.”  His Purple Highness said.

Thinking the too proud Griffon likely thought she did well in everything she did, Shouta huffed.  “She already knows.”

As he spoke, the Dryad added, voice mixing with the Sphinx.  “And that you love her.”

Shouta looked at the Fourth and blinked.  “What?”

“What?” His Purple Highness echoed.

Shouta's eyes narrowed at the Dryad’s overly innocent expression.

Certain Shouta had heard him, His Purple Highness went on.  “Still, her interview had to have brought back memories of your own.”

“Maybe a bit.”  Shouta begrudgingly admitted.

“I remember the day I found you hidden in a crevice deep inside that mountain cave.”  His Purple Highness didn’t speak of the cave-ins, rubble, or multiple bones that had once been Shouta's home and pack.  “Curled up and put to stone, you looked so tiny and helpless.  It was clear you had been spelled not just for protection, but out of a great love and sense of hope. Even being put in hibernation during what had surely been a terrifying time, you looked peaceful holding that--”

Shouta's eyebrows furrowed.  He had been holding something?  What?  He didn’t remember holding anything.

His Purple Highness chuckled, trying to cover and divert from the slip. He would tell Shouta about and give him the Griffon feather he’d found him with.  But not now.  It was far too dangerous for both Shouta and Teris.  “You were a dirty mess but still one of the most beautiful and precious things I’ve seen in my life.”

Shouta’s scowled with an embarrassed blush.  He ducked into his capture weapon trying to hide his flushed cheeks.  Grateful his hair covered his warming ears.

“You’re getting sentimental in your old age.”   Shouta muttered dryly.

“Deciding what to do with you was one of the hardest and easiest things I’ve done in my existence.”  Thinking again of Teris’ feather clutched in Shouta's small hand, His Purple Highness said.  “As soon as I unspelled you I thought I’d regret it.  But I never did.  Not even when faced with the fear and anger of my fellow Council Elders.  Even now, after everything. I don’t regret it.”

“You mean after I’ve grown into a gruff grouch?”  Shouta said with a toothy smile most found creepy.

“Well… Now that you mention it…”

The two chuckled.  Shouta's low and short.  His Purple Highness’ light and long.

“I’m almost sorry you’re leaving tomorrow.”  Shouta said.

“Well, now that you mention it.”  The Dryad grinned.

Shouta's expression darkened. “I said almost.”

“A King has duties to his people, Shouta.  There’s a Harvest Moon tomorrow.”

Shouta cursed.  With everything going on, he’d forgotten.

Oblvi had four Harvest Moons a year.  One for each season.  While most species only celebrated one Harvest Moon.  Many elementals and species carrying a tie to the land celebrated all four.  The fall Harvest Moon would be celebrated with bonfires and dancing.  And of course release.

Many revelers would attend in their true form.  It’s why humans took to wearing masks on the day.  To appear like the ‘evil spirits’ they saw and not be set upon.  But that was a long time ago.  Thankfully travel to earth was now limited and illegal without proper pass. Though their were occasionally those that snuck through.

“You should come.  You could use some fun.”  His Purple Highness said.

“Walking around a forest full of loud, excited Fourth's is hardly what I call fun.”  Shouta remarked.

“Hizashi is half High Elf.”

Shouta cursed again.  High Elf’s were connected to the land.  Of course Hizashi would want to and should participate.  The celebration was more than just a festival. It had a physical effect on the Fourth's linked to nature.

“Teris should attend too.”  His Purple Highness said.

“No.” Shouta's heckles rose at the thought of Teris accepting some revelers invitation to participate in the orgy known as the Sowing.

“I understand that Kai is instructing her.  But as her Ilca leader you should be taking part in her learning.”

Shouta's lip twitched, biting back a snarl.  Mind still on the Sowing, he imagined all the ways Kai was instructing her.  It certainly didn’t help that Teris had returned yesterday smelling of sex and Kai.

“Bring your Ilca and just attend for the tamer beginning festivities.” His Purple Highness said. “Think of it as a lesson for Teris, and way to support Hizashi.”

Though he had denied His Purple Highness in the past, Shouta didn’t like to.  He owed the Dryad.  Even now His Purple Highness looked out for him.  The least he could do was suffer an hour or two at the Harvest Moon Festival.

“Fine.” Shouta growled.

12.3

“Alone again.”  Hawks smiled, seductively.

Trying to hide her unease Teris blustered.  “If you kiss me again I’ll kill you.”

“I’m hurt.  Like that lip you bit when I kissed you.  I’m nothing if not professional, Teris.  Now undress.”

“What!” Teris shrunk back clutching the neck of her tank top.  She wished she’d worn more covering clothes.

“It’s an inspection.  What’d you think I’d be looking over?  Your resume?”

Teris swallowed.  Her show of fear was giving him too much power.  The Anzu’s toying smile and dancing eyes told of his enjoyment at her discomfort.  Lowering her hand she met his shimmering gold eyes.

Hawks’ eyes narrowed.  Anger and distress often caused a small show of a Fourth's true form.  It’s probably why the Council Leader decided he would perform Teris’ inspection.  Because he was good at playing with emotions and getting under peoples skin.  But if Teris was going to bury her unease thus denying the opportunity of some display of her true form, then he had no other choice but to go through with the inspection.  Not that he minded.

Teris looked Hawks over in judging distaste.  “So are the Anzu some newly recognized species?  I thought Hybrid’s were the only ones incapable of perfect human form.”

“Wow! Do you speak to Hizashi with that mouth?”

Teris grimaced.  She really didn’t care.  But given how much Kai made of it, thought it would be a sore spot to needle Hawks with.

“My species is a new old.”  Hawks said, conversationally.

“A what?”

“Not new.  Not old.  And definitely not ancient.  The wings and eye markings a show.”  Hawks said of himself.

“Show of what?”  Teris asked.

“You can put on that robe.”  Hawks nodded to a covering hanging off the back of a chair.

“Show of what?”  Teris pressed.

“Do you really wanna draw this out?  Aizawa’s probably stayed standing outside.  Waiting.  Wondering.”

Teris lifted her chin.  “I just want my question answered.  Show of what?”

Hawks smirked.  Proud.  Stubborn.  Entitled.  He ticked the traits off in his head for later scrutiny.  “Undress.”

“Turn around.”

Hawks’ smile grew.  “I’m nothing if not a gentleman.”

Teris huffed.  Hawks slowly turned away.  She took a tentative step to the chair.  Hawks looked over his shoulder making Teris pause.

“Just don’t go stabbing me in the back.”

“I’ll do more than that if you look back again.”  Teris snarled.

“Ooo. Promise!”  Hawks enthused.  His wings opened and lifted creating a sort of screen between them that put Teris at ease.

Teris pulled off the tank top and hastily put on the robe.  Her skin prickled at the touch of the cool silken fabric.  It was shorter than she would've liked.  Coming to just above her mid-thigh.  But at least she wasn’t left in just her underwear.  Not trusting Hawks, Teris turned away undoing her belt and pants.

Red feathers parted ever so slightly, a single gold eye peeking through. Hawks observed Teris’ movements more than her undressing.  There were moments where she was fluid and graceful; like a cat.  And others that reminded him of himself when agitated; quick and staccato.  Bird like.

Back turned to the Anzu, Teris bent and pulled off her pants. Straightening, she felt a presence behind her and spun around.  When had Hawks moved?

“Shall we begin?”  Before Teris could respond, Hawks dropped into a squat in front of her.

Suddenly Hawks wrapped a hand around the back of her ankle and lifted her leg. Teris squeaked.  Her body jerked, toes curling.  Arms stretched out trying to help balance.  She wobbled for a second but quickly steadied herself.

Hawks noted her reactive timing.  And how she didn’t need the nearby chair.  Though there was still no physical display of her true form.

“What the hell!”  Teris squawked.

Interesting. While most voices took on a higher pitch when startled.  There was a melodic chirp to Teris’ voice.

“Just checking your reflexes.”  Hawks sung, Teris’ chirp bringing out the beastly bird in him.  He set down her leg, hand and eyes running up the smooth flesh.

Teris shivered at the touch.  When he got to her mid-thigh she stepped away.

Hawks met her glare with a smile.  “I guess it would be rude to go any further without first buying you dinner.  Other than Kai have you sought release with anyone else?”

“I’ve already done my interview.”

“So that’s a no.”  Hawks declared.  He got to his feet.  “Since I’m staying on at Traverseen Hall for a while.  Feel free to seek me out if you tire of Kai.  Or just want some variety.”

“That’s never gonna happen.”

“I make it a point to never say never.  Extend your arm.”

Teris did so.  Allowing Hawks to push the sleeve of her robe up.  He rotated her arm, hand and eyes examining the same way he had her leg. His fingers skimmed over the bracelet Shouta had given her.  Teris tensed.

Hawks’ eyes narrowed and lifted taking in every minute expression.  His fingers trailed down her palm, opening up her hand.  Head lowering to the pulse point of her wrist, he breathed deeply.  Her hereditary scent was definitely less distinct than it had been yesterday.  And there was a muddled something to it that hadn’t been there before.

While it didn’t matter to him since he’d been unable to recognize her species scent.  He wondered if any of the Council Elders would've been able to tell what she was if not for the obscuring difference.

His eyes focused on the bracelet she wore.  The bracelet that hadn’t been on her wrist yesterday when her species scent was clear and distinctive.  He wondered who gave it to her.  Aizawa was the obvious choice since she hadn’t had it when she’d come from Kai, smelling of sex and the Dragon.  Why would Kai want to muddle her species scent anyway?  Then again, why would Shouta?

A talon sprung from his nail-bed, pricking the pad of Teris’ finger. Teris’ hand jerked back.  She licked the small puncture.  Hawks marked her treatment of the wound.  The list of possible species she could be narrowed by small degrees.

“Take off the robe.”

Teris bared her teethed.  “No.”

Hawks met her challenging glare with a mask of stern command.

“Why’d you give me the thing if you were gonna make me take it off?” Teris asked.  “Trying to lure me into false comfort?  Or do you just like toying with people?”

Like toying with people?  Hawks thought.  No.  But I’m good at it. Trained at it.  Along with a host of other things.  Hawks’ mask of determination melted into one of mock sympathy.  “What the Council giveth the Council can easily taketh away.”

Teris’ eyes widened thinking of Shouta and Kai’s lives.  At Hawks’ smirk, her expression hardened.  “You’re not the Council.”

“You’re right.  But I am working for them.  We all must obey and dance to the Council's tune if we wish to keep our lives and freedom.  Now take off the robe.”

Teris paused.  Caught between fearful compliance and proud defiance.

Seeing her hesitance, Hawks took pity and cajoled.  “I told you.  I’m nothing if not professional.”

“You’ve been far from professional.”

“It’s just a job, Little Bird.”

“Names like that make it seem more than a job.”  Teris glared.

“Have you never enjoyed a job?”  Hawks questioned.  He both hated and loved this one.  Teris was fun.  The puzzle of figuring out what she was a unique challenge.  Only trouble he had with the task was Teris was new to this world.  She wasn’t like the others he’d spied on and lured into traps in the past.  She was truly innocent and unprepared for the ways Oblvi worked and was run.  And he had to pray on that innocence to get his answers.

It’s just a job, Hawks comforted himself.  If he didn’t do it the Council Leader would send someone else, and he’d be ruined.  Never mind what his Secret Boss who ordered him to watch Teris would do.

Suddenly Hawks was in her face.  Teris pulled her head back only to have Hawks grab under her jaw, fingers pinching in her cheeks.  He pulled her forward.  Their noses almost touching.  Hawks’ eyes darted over her face.  His hair tickled her forehead.

Teris’ breath caught in her throat.  Her eyes widened, unfocusing.  The action was reminiscent of the way the scarred man use to grab and examine her, spitting terrifying words in her face.

Hawks’ wings sagged.  No sign of her true form.  Releasing her, he stepped back.  “Robe off.  Now.”

Heart hammering in her chest Teris untied the fabric belt with trembling hands.  She tried to steady her breathing, telling herself the scarred man wasn’t here.  He and his blue flames couldn’t hurt her.

The robe slipped from her shoulders.  Hawks watched it puddled on the floor at her feet.  Taking a fortifying breath, he schooled his features and lifted his eyes.  Teris’ hips turned to the side.  She crossed her arms shielding her bra covered breasts.  The action squeezed her tits together enhancing her enticing cleavage.

Stay on target, Hawks told himself.  This is a job.  Not a pleasure. Yeah, but with a sight like that it kinda makes it a bit of both, he argued with himself.  She doesn’t want you and there’s a Sphinx waiting outside that’ll tear you apart if you step out of line, he reminded.

Hawks slowly circled her.  Booted feet deafening in the silence.  Teris shivered.  Though she couldn’t say if it was from the chill or Hawks’ roving gaze.  She felt him stop behind her and bit her lip, fighting the urge to look back at him.

Fingers plucked the waistband of her panties.  Teris spun around.

“Just checking for a tail.”  Hawks smiled, crookedly.  His eyes sharpened.  Still no sign of her true form.

“Are we done?”

“Almost. Just wanna try one more thing.”

“Try for what?”  Teris scowled.  She yelped and turned, something tickling the back of her leg.  It was one of Hawks’ feathers.

Hawks stepped to her.  With a practiced snap of the bra strap he had her bra unhooked.

One arm clutched to her chest, Teris spun back around, other hand lifted. Hawks had but a moment to see the mild display.  But a moment was all he needed.  In place of peach fuzz there were tiny quills gracing Teris’ cheeks.

Her hand connected.  The slap sharp and loud.  Hawks’ head wrenched to the side.  He held his throbbing cheek.  The stinging skin hot under the palm of his hand.

Teris bent, free hand grabbing the robe.  She grasped the fabric to her. “Out!  This so called inspection is finished.  We’re done.”

Feather re-attaching to his wing, Hawks turned to the door.  The inspection might be done.  But he was far from finished.

***This fic will have a LOT more world building than my others.  Please feel free to comment or send me an ask if you have any questions.

Thank you to those who have left hearts. And a special thank you to those who have left comments and/or reblogged. They really mean a lot.

Special thank you to @inorganicone2230 who knows of my love for the mythic and encouraged me to start this fic without stressing about the other two I’ve got going.  Your friendship means the world to me.

[experimentalmadness]

Cin Vhetin Ch. 2: Tag

Here’s the full-text of the second one shot in the series! Enjoy. 

Summary: Trying to lay low after the imperial attack on Nevarro, Din finds himself pursued by a new and dangerous hunter. When circumstances force them to make an uneasy truce they discover that the two are stronger together than apart. Din sees potential in the hunter, but she has a few secrets of her own that threaten to shatter the fragile bond forming between them.

Pairing: Din x OC/Reader (however you prefer to read it) No warnings for now

Masterlist: Chapter 1

Ao3 Link

***

It was a decent enough shot. 

If he hadn’t been wearing the beskar they’d have him dead to rights. Din was blasted backwards into the side of his ship, falling over with a grunt. Either the rebel pilot-turned-hunter had never encountered beskar before, or they were inexperienced—they stood for a few seconds in shock that he wasn’t dead.

And that was all the time he needed. 

He threw the vibroblade as he rose to his feet. The hunter’s respirator crackled with static as they dodged out of the way, still not fast enough. A bright flash of red blossoming out of their shoulder as the blade grazed right through their thick jacket. 

There was no more hesitation from the hunter then. They charged him, knocking him back to the ground. They had a blade of their own in hand, raise to strike. Din lunged upwards, kicking them off of him. They tucked into a backwards roll, skidding onto hands and knees before springing up again with a lithe twist. 

Not so inexperienced, then. 

The knife left her hand with ease, Din scattered it aside with his vambrace. She had another ready to follow it, and Din had just enough momentum to block the onslaught a second time. They backed off and fired another blaster shot at range, a low growl rumbled through their helmet as the beskar remained, scored, but otherwise unmarred. 

His turn. 

Unhooking his blaster he fired three shots in succession. The hunter dodged with a speed that defied their physical form, using the side of the Razor Crest to gain height and leap behind him. A blast caught the back of his helmet, making him see stars for only a moment.

But they were on him again like an angered vornskr. He ran backwards, slamming their head into the bottom of the aft engine. A grunt of discomfort from the hunter, a second hit and they slid off of him. 

He had his blaster on their prone form only to find they had one drawn too, even with their head down on the ground. 

“Who sent you?” Din panted. 

Silence from the formerly talkative hunter and it was impossible to make out what they were thinking with the tinted helmet on. “Move, they gasped, rising to their feet, “and I’ll shoot.”

 “Do it and I’ll double it. Only one of us is wearing armor.”

“Good point,” they replied with only a mild tone of amusement. “Rain check.” 

They were fiddling with something on their utility belt. “No, wait!” 

Smoke filled the area and relief coursed through Din’s veins. He had thought it was a detonator. Din’s hunter was gone as the smoke cleared, their only trace was the empty smoke grenade lying at his feet. He picked it up, examining it. 

Standard issue, no identifying markers that he could see. In fact it looked hand crafted. Pocketing it, he ran back up to the ship’s doors to check she hadn’t entered. 

“Hey, kid,” Din poked his head up past the ladder into the cockpit where the baby was keeping itself entertained by the window. “Alright in here?”

Assured that the foundling was still safe and well, Din went back to the engine. A panel had indeed been removed and someone had gotten into the wiring. It took nearly an hour, but he managed to fix the mess left behind. 

Just who was that hunter? 

He shut the doors as he reentered the ship. 

Getting the Razor Crest airborne again, he opened a comm frequency. He had gone dark in his communications over the last few weeks, not wanting anyone tapping in or tracking him. But if one hunter was already on his tail…

“My friend!” the small holo of Greef Karga answered, “to what do I owe the pleasant surprise?”

“Thought you said the Guild wasn’t hunting me anymore.” He did not have time for pleasantries. 

The holo frowned. “There’s been no mention of bounties to my knowledge, though the guild is still scattered thanks to the imperials.”

“Well someone is still after me. Ex-rebellion I think. Modified pilot’s uniform and helmet. Mechanic. Possibly makes their own weapons. Sound familiar?”

Greef shook his head slowly. “Not exactly, but I’ll do some digging.”

“Ask Cara, if the hunter is a former rebel she might know.”

“She’s offworld now, but I’ll send a message out. Stay safe, friend, I’ll let you know when I have something.”

Din closed the channel and sat back in his seat with a sigh. It might not be worth it to stay on Raydonia after all. Not with a new pursuer so close. “Change of plans, kid.” 

He took the Razor Crest into orbit. If he wasn’t careful, he’d run out of backwater planets soon. 

***

The hyperspace trip was a short one, intended only to throw off any would-be pursuers. It was still relatively empty space out there. A few planets glowed distantly, giving Din some semblance of time and space. 

He began inputting the calculations for a second jump to the closest of the three planets visible when another ship pulled out of hyperspace in front of him. It was an older Lancer class ship, with most of its paint stripped off. A perfectly ordinary, unremarkable ship, if not a bit outdated. 

Din’s comm channel crackled to life, but he knew who’d be on the other end before they spoke. 

“Hey there,” came that same, vaguely disinterested, oddly amused modulated voice. The Lancer’s ion cannons swivelled to meet his ship and open fired. 

Din had just enough time for evasive maneuvers as the cannon fire lit up the blackness of space. From behind him the foundling gave a startled cry. “Hang on.”

The ship wasn’t ready to make another jump to lightspeed again so soon. Best bet was to continue to gain some distance. No time to engage. 

The Lancer was a much more maneuverable ship compared to the Razor Crest, but it was nearly as large. If he could get ahead of it, he could shake them off. Didn’t answer the question of how they found him out here in the first place. He had looked for a tracking beacon when he first fixed the engine and seen nothing. 

“Who sent you?” He tried hailing them again, swerving to avoid another cannon shot. The guild wasn’t sending hunters out for him anymore and even if someone else was they were unlikely to divulge. Switch tactics. “You’d get a lot more money for bringing us in alive.”

“Maybe,” the Lancer shot low and Din felt it reverberate against the shields. 

That was always the trouble with agile ships. They thought they could fly circles over you. Din pulled back abruptly, taking them into a tight spin and letting the Lancer carry forward on its own momentum. Din fired two shots. It was more than what he needed to take out one of the shields. The Lancer pulled back and Din shot forward, punching the last coordinates in for the jump to lightspeed. He didn’t have time to see if the Lancer recovered before they went careening into hyperspace.

***

The shields would need some fixing, but they had only been 35% depleted from the encounter. It could wait temporarily. The priority was landing. No settlement stops this time. It was more imperative than ever he hide with the child. There were three possible planets the hunter would believe he had escaped to in relative short range. They only needed to be right once. And whoever this was, they were smart enough to track them without a standard beacon. He couldn’t underestimate them a second time. 

It only took two days of hyperspace travel to reach their next destination. The planet Akiva was rather similar to Raydonia, but with far lusher tropical forests at its equator. Perfect for disappearing for a few days. They’d camp near the ship in case they needed to make a fast getaway. 

His comm channel blinked on and off and Dinn registered Greef’s call signature. “Hope it’s good news,” Din barked. “Whoever they are, they have decent tech. Got followed through hyperspace.”

“Depends on what you consider good,” Greef replied. “They’re not part of the guild. And Cara says just because she’s ex-military that doesn’t mean she knows every single soldier.”

“Worth a shot.”

“A contact did recognize the description you gave. Your hunter is a merc. The helmet was the giveaway. Seems they’ve picked up a bit of a reputation. Goes by the signature The Rebel. Never brings anyone back alive.”

“That explains some things at least.”

“If I hear anything else I’ll let you know. You and the kid alright?”

“For now. Can’t tell you where I’m going, but I’ll be in touch,” Din toggled the thrusters to prepare for the descent into the atmosphere. “Any chance you could get hunters on them?”

“I could, but I doubt you have the money to hire them,” Greef laughed before closing the channel. 

“Guess that means we’re on our own,” Din brough the ship down near a small clearing. With the engines off the sounds of the lush, tropical jungle began to permeate. He had seen signs of a few towns and settlements on the flyover, but he’d do his best to avoid them until it was absolutely necessary. 

“Come on,” he unstrapped the child from its seat, hoisting it up with on arm. “I can show you how to set up a perimeter.”

It would be five more days before Din caught sight of the Lancer entering Akiva.