#the game ends with everyone getting their 'happy endings' but sycamore ends up kind of alone. people leaves. get married with kids and all

[sualne]

been thinking a lot about the what happens post game and sycamore's hypothetical children.

[gingerpeachtae]

Concentric [22]

masterlist

Words: 18k

Genres: fantasy!AU, angst, fluff, enemies to lovers, eventual smut

Warnings: graphic depictions of violence and death

Summary: You had been ready for the end of the semester. You had been ready to spend time away from your best friend, Jimin, and finally move on from the feelings you harbored. Yet, after your friend was forced to reveal a secret, you found yourself in a new world that was chock full of magic, war, and wonder. So, here you were, basically thrown into your own fantasy novel, with your best friend on one side, and six male warriors on the other.

A/N: thank you everyone for being so kind and patient with me! i hope this extra long chapter helps make up for the wait 💙

*2 weeks later*

The burning orange glow of the afternoon sunlight filtered through the bunches of leaves above your head. Rays of the golden light cut through the patches of shade all around you, creating beams and pockets of warmth that you and Tae relished in as you both quietly jogged through the trees. Weaving around shrubs, bounding over logs, avoiding sharp thorns.

Making your way further into the forest, you winced every time your feet hit the ground just a little too hard or your weight snapped a slight, skinny twig. The rune on the back of your neck might’ve give you some enhanced senses and reflexes, but it couldn’t override the fact you were human, and humans had a tendency to make noise.

Which was exactly what you didn’t need at the moment; not when you were doing recon on the enemy.

You and the grey-haired Saeni at your side were in charge of monitoring the northwest faction of the draikensu forces today. Taking note of their patrol routes, where they were positioned, how they received orders from higher ups, what weapons they carried, and any other intel that may be deemed useful. It was tricky business, though. You had to stealthily avoid the approximate fifteen-thousand dark Saeni that wouldn’t hesitate to slice your guts open, but you still had to get close enough to actually get the information needed. Not to mention also being extremely cautious of any traps or alarms that could be set by draikensu magic users.

Truly a phenomenal way to get your blood pumping chock full of adrenaline, to be honest.

Not having a glamour to hide your body from sight and voice from ears did nothing to ease the hard, erratic thumping going on in your chest either. Yoongi had wanted to place the concealing magic over your bodies, but you and the rest of the group heavily protested. He needed to save the energy in his grumpy ass body for whenever the clash with the draikensu finally came to fruition. The only magic Namjoon was “allowing” him to conjure was a shield to cover camp and maintaining communication with the palace magic users. Neither were very tasking for him physically. It was simple, easy magic.

Though you would see Yoongi roll his petal pink eyes every day when a new leaf fluttered in on the morning wind, holding the same message as always.

Where are you located? Any updates or intel? We are __ days away.

Grumbling, he would mutter something along the lines of “No, you fucking acorn, we haven’t changed our location because, as I have said every day for the past six days, we wouldn’t until you arrived,” before plucking a leaf from a nearby tree and whispering an incantation that “etched” a message containing your ever-the-same whereabouts as well as any new information you’d discovered onto the green fiber. Then, he let the wind gently lift the leaf from his palm and carry it away to its receiver.

It was fascinating to watch, but also made you wonder why the mint-haired Saeni hadn’t used the nifty technique to alert his brothers they were about to walk into a trap while he was injured all that time ago. You know, instead of panicking and having you run around yelling in English. When you voiced the question, Yoongi just huffed and informed you that it only worked if the recipient was also a magic user.

That had made you feel a little bit better at your decision to scream and run around the forest as your alternative form of communication with the boys. Not great, but better.

Speaking of communication, you thought as you ducked below a broken tree limb, I still can’t believe that was the way Illai chose to guide Jimin…

You leapt over a small ditch, lightly landing on the balls on your feet, as the memory washed over you.

It was still dark outside, the sun not yet peeking over the horizon and saying good morning to the world. But it didn’t matter. All of you were awake, packed, and ready to go.

Taehyung sat on the ground across from you as you taught him how to play the classic hand clapping game ‘Slide’ while Jimin and Jiae finished their teary goodbyes to each other. Originally, you had been playing with Jungkook, but he kept messing up and was smacking your hands so hard in retaliation that you decided to kick him out. Now he was pouting a few feet away, sending you tiny glares while leaning against a sycamore tree and kicking at the dirt.

A few trees down, Yoongi was curled into a ball where the roots dived into the earth and Hobi quietly sat next to him with his arms wrapped around knees. Beside them, the last two members of the kiela were double-checking their things as they carried a hushed conversation with one another. Mingi and Chungha stood off the side, speaking lowly in the dark and gesturing toward the lilac-haired princess as she let out a sob and hugged your best friend tightly.

Eventually, Jimin pulled back from Jiae and gently wiped at her tears with the pads of his thumbs while murmuring sweet nothings. You smiled at the duo, causing yourself to falter and lose the rhythm you and Tae set with your hands. The blue-eyed Saeni let out a whine but you didn’t pay it any mind, too caught up watching the cute couple. You felt nothing but happiness as you watched Jimin give the young female a soft kiss on her forehead.

After another minute, the two finally separated and Jiae hugged herself as tears continue to trail down her cheeks. Jimin ran a hand through his hair and took several steps back, almost as if he needed the physical distance to keep himself from latching on to her again. As he moved away, a strong breeze picked up and disturbed the leaves and near quietness of the early morning. The greenery shook all around you, and Chungha reached out to clasp Mingi’s forearm briefly before she pivoted and strode over to Jiae. The female guard placed a gentle hand on Jiae’s shaking shoulder, which caused your eyebrows to raise slightly since it was an act of kindness you hadn’t seen from her before.

After taking a deep breath, the princess squared her shoulders and addressed everyone in a strong tone. “I will get you help. I promise. Just… be careful. Please.”

You all nodded, well, everyone except for Yoongi since he was still resting and oblivious to the conversation.

Jimin flashed Jiae a big grin, but you could tell he was forcing it. His eyes didn’t squish.

“Don’t you worry about us. You just focus on getting back to the palace safely.”

The princess’ chin trembled but she narrowed her pale blue eyes at the half Saeni before pointing a finger at his chest. “And you better be careful when closing that rift or I swear to-”

“He’ll be fine, princess.” Mingi draped an arm around Jimin’s shoulders and warmly smiled. “I gave you my word I would watch over him so that’s what I intend to do.”

Jiae dipped her head slightly in appreciation then looked down at the ground, taking deep breaths. Taking that as their cue to leave, Chungha nudged Jiae to pick up her things, and the rest of you watched silently as she did so.

It was weird having them leave. While you weren’t particularly close to either, they were still a part of the journey and you had grown used to seeing them every day. You didn’t want them to go… but you knew they had to.

As they stood before the group, you saw Jiae’s chin quiver again and you sent her what you hoped was a reassuring look.

“Goodbye everyone,” she called out lightly while squeezing her eyes shut for a few heartbeats before focusing her somber gaze on Jimin. “…Bye Chim.”

Then, she abruptly swiveled around and walked into the expanse of the forest, her lilac hair fluttering in the wind behind her. Chungha stayed for only a half-second longer, just to give you all a curt nod, before she too disappeared into the darkness of the trees.

Once they were gone, Hobi began to gently rouse Yoongi from his sleep, and you heaved yourself to your feet. Quickly shuffling over to your best friend, you heard him sniffle as he stared at the spot Jiae had just stood. Mingi patted his shoulder twice understandingly then turned to give your hair a ruffle as you arrived, making you roll your eyes in false annoyance. While the guard left to grab his stuff, you carefully wrapped your arms around Jimin’s torso and murmured a “come on” while guiding him to his kiela.

“Chungha is with her and you know how seriously she takes her job,” you whispered.

“I know. I know. Fuck, it just kinda sucks that I might die, and she won’t know I think I love her.”

Your feet tripped over themselves as you whipped your eyes to Jimin’s face. His brown orbs bugged out and met yours in shock while his mouth opened and closed several times. Blood rushed to his cheeks as he stammered and stumbled over his words while trying to explain himself.

Giggling, you gave his tummy a pat. “I’m really, really, happy for you, Slim Jim.”

“You’re not… you’re not hurt, right?” Although he was still blushing, he looked at you with apprehension and worry clouding his features.

You bit your lip and quickly glanced toward the burgundy head still leaning against the tree before shaking your head and smiling to yourself. “No. I’m not.”

Then you frowned and jabbed a finger into his stomach. “And shut up, you’re not going to die.”

While Jimin groaned and rubbed the spot you had aggressively poked, Tae skipped over to you. Looking at the male, you noticed the playful and excited glimmer in his blue eyes and hastily detached yourself from your best friend just moments before Tae tackled him into a hug.

“Congrats Chim! You’re in love!” The grey-haired Saeni pinched Jimin’s cheek lovingly before letting him go.

Jimin flushed once more as the rest of the kiela chuckled and offered their congratulations as well, but they were fast to also tell him to hurry up and get moving so you could all leave. As the apricot head ducked his head and did just that, you sent Tae a flying kiss and made you way over to your boyfriend.

“Still pouting?”

“…No.”

“So that’s a yes.” You released a stream of laughter and gave his arm a teasing pat. “I don’t blame you, TaeTae did much better than you.”

Jungkook crossed his arms over his chest and let out a strong puff of air while looking away, making you laugh even harder.

“What, why should we go south?” You heard Jimin call out, but you figured it was addressed to Namjoon, so you didn’t bother replying.

It was odd, though, because you thought Namjoon had said you were going to travel west.

“Y/N? Why south?”

Your brows furrowed and Jungkook met your confused stare before you both slowly turned your heads toward Jimin. As did everyone else.

It was silent save for the rustling trees, chirping birds, and clicking bugs.

“Uh… I didn’t say anything Slim Jim.”

At your statement, his face copied your own bewilderment. The kiela and Mingi looked back and forth between you two, trying to understand what was going on.

“But you… you said we needed to go south…”

“No?” Tilting your head to the side, you pursed your lips. “I said TaeTae did better at Slide than Kookie.”

“Literally nobody said ‘south,’” Yoongi piped up from the side.

“Oh… I could have sworn…”

Jin offered that he could have just misheard someone speaking or maybe it had been the wind in his ears, and the others voiced their agreement. Jimin peered at his older brother unconvinced, but he let out a defeated sigh and hung his head. Shifting the strap of his bag, he went to take a step forward when his head suddenly lifted so fast you thought his neck would snap. His brown eyes focused on your once more and you were shocked at how wide they were.

“Y/N, you just said it again!”

Um, I what now? Your mouth dropped open, unsure how to respond when you clearly had not said anything.

“Chim, you’re just hearing things,” Hobi said while shaking his head and checking over the blades attached to his body.

“No, I’m not!” Jimin ran a hand through his hair stressfully. “A feminine voice said we need to go south and, Y/N, you’re the only girl here now!”

Your best friend gripped his hair as you all looked on, not sure what to do or say.

“You’re positive you heard that Chim?” Tae hesitantly asked in a soft tone.

“Yes!”

Tae nodded but didn’t say anything else, just as lost and dumbfounded as the rest of you.

Letting his hands fall from his head, Jimin let out a strangled sound and began breathing erratically as he whispered that he just heard it again. In response, Yoongi narrowed his pink eyes and studied his younger brother. Nobody moved, nobody made a sound.

Then, Yoongi started laughing. Bracing himself on his knees, the magic user let himself go and almost no sound came out because of how hard the laughter racked his body. Confusion now doubled, you shifted your attention to him, wondering what in Exia’s name was happening.

Did they get bit by a lillaf? Are they high?

Finally, after what seemed like a solid minute of everyone awkwardly glancing at each other, the mint-haired male quieted down and caught his breath. The magic user wiped at his eyes, gummy smile not fading away, and explained what he found oh so funny,

Apparently, your best friend once again found himself as a fleshy GPS, but this time it came with sound navigation in the form of the mother goddess herself… speaking directly into Jimin’s head.

Lost in the memory, you weren’t paying as much attention to your surroundings as you should have been, meaning you weren’t as focused on what was in front of you. Meaning you didn’t see the large rock in your path. Meaning you tripped right over that fucker and stumbled forward several steps with a gasping curse.

As you managed to catch yourself from face planting, Tae skidded to a stop and looked back at you with a slight wince.

You grimaced as you took in his expression. Shit, that was probably loud…

Letting out a small, shaky breath, you straightened and went to start moving again but stopped as Tae’s bright blue eyes expanded in alarm. You froze and he went still, the only movements coming from either of you being the sway of his feather earring and your hair in the breeze.

Then you heard them.

“I’m telling you, I heard something over here.”

“It was probably just a fucking animal.”

Your eyes instantly mirrored Tae’s and you darted your gaze over the mass of pine and maple trees around you to try to figure out what you to do. There was no doubt in your mind that you and Tae could take on a few driakensu, but it could go wrong too easily. It was too risky. You didn’t know how many draikensu there actually were or if there was a magic user with them or if there was another patrol nearby. There were simply too many factors that were unknown, and that could get you killed.

But… you didn’t know what else to do. They were too close to run. They would hear your human footfalls and know it was indeed not an animal they had heard. Biting your lip, you clenched your hands into fists before reaching for your bow. Just as you touched it, Tae’s hand covered yours and hurriedly began pulling you over to a small bundle of pine trees with low needled branches that were close to the ground.

Quickly and quietly, he shoved you beneath the sharp, green needles and you had to set your jaw to keep from yelping at the scratches. Tae soon followed you under the cover of the pines and you both crawled through the dirt and brown needles to the trunk. Your heart was beating rapidly in your chest and you did your best to breath slowly and calm down as you laid flat on your tummy and made yourself as small as physically possible.

The blue-eyed Saeni shifted to grasp your hand in his just before the shoes of a patrol of two draikensu came into view, one pair black and the other brown.

“Sounded like it came from around here.”

You held your breath as they tread over the earth, their faces obscured from view. All you could do was wait and pray they couldn’t hear your pounding heartbeat or smell you in the air. You watched their boots walk around the area for a while, then one of the draikensu turned their feet in your direction, making your heart drop. Footsteps approached and stopped not even ten feet away, so close you could count the number of eyelets they had laced on their boots. Tightly squeezing Tae’s hand as the black boots stared into your soul, you waited… and waited… and waited…

Until they finally stepped away. Black Boots marched over to the other pair and you heard some rustling before Brown Boots faltered back a few steps, most likely being pushed by their partner.

“See? Nothing here you dipshit.”

You didn’t dare move.

“But I-”

You didn’t dare breathe.

“But nothing. It was probably a kwaulta or a damn deer.” Black Boots swiveled on their heels and began strolling back the way they came. “Let’s go.”

Tae gave your hand a slight pump as the other draikensu lingered for just a moment before dragging his feet after their partner. You dropped your forehead to the dry needles on the ground, feeling your tense muscles deflate in relief at their exit. You heard Tae let out a long exhale beside you and he also sagged against the forest floor. The two of you stayed that way for several minutes, giving the draikensu ample time to put some distance between you.

Finally, once Tae was certain it was clear, you both crawled out from the pine cover and back into the open. After wiping the dirt from your palms off on your thighs, you checked to make sure none of your arrows had gotten loose as Tae let out a noise of reprieve.

“Come on, we need to finish this sweep,” he whispered, “Let’s get this over with so we can get back to camp.”

Nodding, you cracked your neck and took a deep breath, then the two of you began jogging through the trees again.

The sun was beginning to dip in the horizon as you sat with your back against a tree watching Jin stir the soup over the fire. Jimin was laying down on you, his head resting on your shins, and playing with a leaf in his hands. Mingi and Tae sat close by, playing Slide and giggling amongst themselves, while Namjoon and Yoongi contemplated the location of the rift on the other side of the fire.

Curtesy of Illai speaking to Jimin, you knew the general vicinity it was in, but since the area was currently swarming with draikensu, you didn’t know the exact location. All you knew was that it was smack dab in the middle of Uzjuk’s forces, hence one of the reasons why you had been doing recon; to see if there was any weak spot in their defenses where you could slip in.

Not that any had been found.

A soft tickle to your wrist made your arm jerk and you lightly glared at Jimin who was grinning innocently up at you as he pulled the leaf away from your skin. Snorting and shaking your head at his squished eyes, you turned your attention to the forest that was growing darker by the minute.

Watching. Waiting.

“They’ll be back any minute now, stop worrying.”

You reached over to poke Jimin’s cheek and scoffed. “I’m not worried, I’m just… just…”

“Worried.”

“Alright fine but hush, I’m allowed to be a tiny wee bit worried about my boyfriend, thank you very much.”

“Wow, not even concerned about Hobi? That’s heartless.” Jin butted into the conversation as he threw some herb into the pot.

“Wha-No!”

“Illai said she agrees with hyung. Heartless,” Jimin sang while splitting his leaf down the middle.

“Oh shut up, no she did not.”

Your best friend just shrugged and giggled into your legs, making you roll your eyes while the bugs clicked and chattered loudly all around you.

“Has the mother goddess actually said anything today?” Mingi called over while still deeply immersed in the hand clap game.

You swear you even saw a sheen of sweat coating the male’s forehead.

Jimin just let out a light groan, saying she had but it was just the usual spiel about needing to hurry and close the rift before the world fell into chaos and slowly withered away.

Geez, she sure knows how to give a quality pep talk.

You blew out a raspberry and picked up a twig by your side. “It’s almost like she doesn’t realize it’s eight against thousands at the moment.”

Yoongi barked out a laugh. “You better watch the sarcasm there, little scorja. Wouldn’t want her taking offense.”

“I’m not trying to be rude, just freaking realistic.” You held your hands up in surrender then leveled the twig at Jimin. “But just to be safe, tell the lovely mother goddess not to smite your best friend, yeah?”

“My girl is going to get smote? Before she can show me what that ‘Ablatar’ thing is? Damn.” A familiar voice came from the trees.

Your head shot up just as the burgundy head strolled into camp, Hobi and his glistening blades only a step behind him.

“Kookie!” You shoved Jimin’s head off you, making him release a complaint, and pushed yourself to your feet.

As the rest of the kiela and Mingi welcomed the duo back, you ran over to your smiling boyfriend and launched yourself at him, hooking your legs around his waist and burying your face into the crook of his neck.

“Hey, sweetheart.” Jungkook let out a airy chuckle and wrapped his arms around you, holding you close. “Miss me?”

Yes.

“Of course not. Who would miss you?” You hid your grin in his shoulder, breathing in his scent of steel and florets as you tapped your fingertips against the handles of his short swords.

Jungkook carried you over to the fire, being sure to avoid the plume of smoke caused by the steady wind, and plopped down on the ground with you in his lap. “Mhmm. Sure.”

You pulled away from his neck as he brushed some of your hair out of your face and gave you a quick peck on the lips, making your body go warm and tingly.

“Ew,” Yoongi muttered but his look of mock disgust was soon replaced with something much brighter as Hobi enveloped his frame in a backwards hug.

Giving Jungkook’s firm chest a pat, you climbed off his lap and sat beside him, your thighs still touching, as he and Hobi started recapping what they saw while scouting the west side of the enemy’s forces. Overall, nothing had really changed since your dear asshat and Tae had checked that area a couple days ago. The same patrol rotations, same camp locations, same array of weapons.

While Jin began to ladle out soup for everyone, Tae seated himself next to you and rested his grey head on your shoulder, asking how much longer it would be until the palace troops arrived. The remainder of the group gathered around the fire and settled down to eat together, and Yoongi grumbled out that Jooheon, the magic user he was corresponding with, said by tomorrow evening or the following morning.

Almost here… which means there’s a high chance I might die soon… and not get to see the upcoming season of Stranger Things. Great. You sighed and took your cup from Jin’s outstretched hand, thanking the male quietly.

But I really don’t want to die. You trailed your gaze over the Saeni with you. And there’s no way I could bear it if any of them died.

“Everything okay, little scorja?” Tae whispered just as Jungkook put a hand on your knee and asked the same question silently with his peridot eyes.

“Yeah, just thinking,” you replied and flashed them both tiny smiles as the sky grew even darker and the sounds of the crackling fire filled your ears.

As long as I’m with you both and the others, we’ll be okay. We have to be.

Repositioning your body for the umpteenth time, you let out a sigh and threw an arm over your eyes to block the blinding brightness of the moon through the treetops. You couldn’t sleep. Your mind simply refused to turn off no matter how many times you mentally scolded it. Releasing another defeated sigh, you pushed yourself up to a sitting position while being careful not to disturb a snoozing Tae beside you. Holding your head in your hands for a few seconds, you cursed your dumb brain for not being able to stop thinking before sliding your blanket off your legs and looking around.

Trees. Darkness. Trees. Darkness. Trees. Jungkook. Darkn-wait.

Backtracking your eyes, you saw Jungkook watching you with an amused expression as he leaned against a tree. Sending him a pout, you shivered as the breeze made you feel the full coolness of the night before standing up and tiptoeing around the jumble of sleeping Saeni.

“It was kind of funny to watch you huff and flop around,” Jungkook whispered as you made your way over.

You gave him a light shove as you settled your shoulder on the trunk beside him. “It’s kinda creepy to watch someone sleep.”

“Try to sleep,” he corrected you with a teasing smirk, eyes glittering in the moonlight.

“Same difference. Still creepy.” You rested your head on the bark and let your eyes graze over his face, noticing that despite how utterly handsome he looked, the bags under his eyes revealed how tired he was. “How are you? How long until you can say your watch has ended?”

“I’ve been fine,” Jungkook shifted closer and reached out to grab your hand and toy with your fingers. “Better now that you’re here with me.”

Letting out a fake gag, you couldn’t help but giggle. “Oof, that was… wow. That was cheesy.”

His nose scrunched as he laughed, agreeing with you, and then he suddenly dropped to the ground and sat with his back to the tree. With the grip he still had on your hand, he tugged you down on top of him, so you were straddling his thighs. The burgundy-haired male placed his other hand on your nape, guiding you toward his lips for a long kiss. Slipping his hand to the front of your neck, he lightly trailed his fingers over the silver chain at your throat, making you whimper into his mouth. You went to pull him even closer to you, craving more, but he pushed you back slightly instead. With a lazy grin on his face, he whispered that it wasn’t the time for making out. He had a duty to be on watch and you were simply too loud and would wake up Yoongi if you continued.

Says the guy who started it. You rolled your eyes, determined not to give him the satisfaction of being whiny.

Meanwhile, he moved both hands to your waist and held you tenderly.

“Come on, you can lean into me and try to sleep.” His peridot eyes were soft as he murmured. “I know my scent calms you so just focus on that.”

Your eyes bulged and you felt heat rise to your face. A bit flustered, you shifted on top of his thighs and asked him how he knew that.

Chuckling, he gave your hips a gentle squeeze. “You always nuzzle into my neck and breathe deeply. Nothing to be embarrassed about sweetheart, just c’mere and get some rest.”

Although you could still feel your face flushing, you nodded in tiny and laid against him.

“If it makes you feel any better,” he whispered into your ear, “I’m just as addicted to your scent. So damn sweet and spicy… just like you and it drives me fucking crazy.”

Oh.

Settling his strong arms around you, he inhaled and placed a kiss to the top of your head, making you smile and feel fuzzy.

And he was right, you did feel more relaxed than you had been on your sleeping mat. This was definitely a softer, warmer, comfier, and all-around better way to sleep. You could finally feel your brain start to wind down.

“You know,” you mumbled into his chest, “this position isn’t very ideal if a draikensu shows up out of the blue.”

Jungkook snorted. “Sure it is. You’re my shield.”

“Hey!” You pinched his torso in retaliation, causing him to flinch and yelp.

Snickering, you could feel your eyes begin to grow heavy and you murmured out a goodnight and thank you to the male holding you. Yet, right as you were about to finally doze off, Jungkook abruptly stiffened.

Cracking your eyes open again, you listened to the forest, but only heard the usual bugs and wind through leaves. Jungkook, though, whispered for you to get up and get behind him.

“Huh?” You leaned back to peer at him, but his eyes were focused on the trees to the left. “What happened to being your shield?”

His peridot gaze flickered back to you briefly, his body alert. “I’m serious, get behind me. Now.”

When you didn’t move, he gripped your waist and stood up, pulling you both to your feet. Once you were balanced on the ground, he reached over his shoulders and wrapped his hands around the hilts of his swords.

You cocked a brow as he yanked the blades from their sheaths. “I’m not going to cower behind you like some stupid damsel, so tell me what’s going on.”

The other Saeni began to stir and you heard one of them sleepily call out the same demand.

“Someone’s coming,” he said through gritted teeth, his jaw set as he stared into the dark forest.

“Alright, cool. Let’s kick their ass.”

Jungkook released a strangled, frustrated groan. “You don’t have your bow, dumbass, and no time to get it. Just get behind me, will you?”

“And you have two swords Coco! Gimme one!”

“For Exia’s sake, could you just lis-”

He cut off his own words as his head jerked to the side. While the kiela and Mingi stumbled to their feet and brandished their own weapons, Jungkook stepped in front of you. His body was on full defense mode as he blocked you from view and lifted his swords. Sighing loudly to announce your annoyance, you were barely able to see around his sturdy frame. Lightly touching his shoulder, you peeked past him and waited for whomever it was to appear. But all you saw was trees and darkness.

Trees and darkness. Trees and darkness. Trees and darkness. Trees and there.

A silhouette formed between the trunks as they jogged through the forest. Though once the person saw Jungkook and his threatening demeanor, as well as the rest of the Saeni ready to fight, they instantly came to a halt and held their hands up in peace.

“Whoa, settle down guys. It’s just me.”

Who?

The male in front of you cocked his head to the side and lowered his arms while taking in the newcomer, as did the rest of the kiela.

“Yugyeom?” Jungkook asked in an incredulous tone.

Again, WHO?

The Saeni, apparently named Yugyeom, waved one of his hands that were still held high, a smile breaking out on his face. “The one and only. How’s it going Kook?”

A funky looking creature that seemed to be a mix between a spider and a scorpion crawled its way across the dirt in front of your knee, though instead of a stinger at the tip of the scorpion-esque appendage, a bright orange feather fluttered in the breeze. Truthfully, you would have been utterly freaked out by the little guy if not for how funny the vibrant feather made him look.

“Viilko,” Tae said beside you.

“Hmm?”

The grey-haired Saeni pointed at the feathered creature with his bow as it scurried beneath some low-hanging shrub leaves. “Viilko.”

You hummed again in acknowledgment before cursing under your breath. The damn viilko made you lose what number you were on. Again.

Sighing, you set about counting your arrows once more, making Tae snort as he sharpened the blades at the end of his bow.

A deep grunt made you glance up from your task and you saw Jungkook with his back to you, his shoulders heaving as he stood over a groaning Yugyeom on the ground.

Yugyeom, as it had been explained to you shortly after he’d arrived last night, had trained with the kiela and they considered him a good friend. He was also one of the few people Jungkook trusted outside of his brothers. The male had been sent ahead of the palace troops with a message that the general wanted to attempt a negotiation with the draikensu and they would be there by nightfall today.

Like that crazy psycho of a god would agree to any terms. You shook your head.

You hadn’t had much of an opportunity to talk to the new male besides a brief introduction last night before he essentially passed out from exhaustion. You had finally fallen asleep not long after him, once again wrapped up in your boyfriend’s arms, and by the time you woke up in the morning, both Yugyeom and Jungkook were gone, having left on one last recon mission that lasted most of the day. As they ran around the forest, you filled the hours by practicing with your bow, doing some light sparring with Yoongi and Hobi, and lounging around in some sun patches with Tae and Jimin. You had been about to doze off in the warmth of the sunlight when Tae jostled you awake and advised you to organize your arrows and tighten your bowstring.

And then these yahoos had to come and interrupt our peace and quiet. You tilted your head as you refocused on the view before you.

Both males were sans shirt for their sparring match, showcasing their sweaty, muscular bodies, and as Jungkook helped his friend to his feet, you found yourself admiring the draeva mark between your boyfriend’s shoulder blades.

Your mouth went dry and a finger twitched, wanting to trace the circles.

Tae cleared his throat, not even looking up from his task but just knowing you were distracted yet again.

You ignored him, though. Too engrossed in the sight of tanned skin and bulging muscles.

As the male with red hair so dark it reminded you of merlot rotated his wrist with a slight grimace, you smiled and cupped your hands in front of your mouth to yell, “Yeah, Coco! Kick his ass!”

Jungkook peered over his shoulder, sending you a cocky smirk and a wink that made you grasp the arrow in your hand just a little harder.

“Ya! Would you stop distracting your girl, Kook!?” Tae leveled the sharpening stone at his brother threateningly.

“Distracting? Distracting?” Your boyfriend asked with a fake scoff while turning around to face you, placing his glistening pecs and abs in full view. “How in Exia’s name am I being distracting?”

Oh Sweet Neptune… You trailed your eyes down his body, drinking in the specimen that was Jeon Jungkook in all his sexy, sweaty glory.

Blatantly ogling him, you felt your body grow warm as you raised your gaze and met his eyes that seemed to darken. His jaw ticked as he stared you down and you swear you felt your core pathetically clench around nothing.

Fuck, please pin me against a tree. Biting your lip, you dropped your eyes to roam over his sinful body one more time before returning to his face. Please please please.

So caught up in the overwhelming sight of him, you didn’t even see Yugyeom’s leg flying toward Jungkook’s side until it was almost too late. But Jungkook just winked at you again then quickly pivoted and danced out of the way before it made contact. Just in the nick of time. The burgundy head laughed as his friend whined and they began to spar once more.

“Okay, that’s enough.” Tae stood up and positioned himself behind you before picking up your still-sitting form and rotating you so the two fighting Saeni were out of your immediate line of sight. “You need to finish this, little scorja. The troops will be here in a few hours and I know your ass won’t do it once they get here.”

Sending a small glare to the blue-eyed male, you huffed and did your best to filter out the sounds of grunting and fists hitting flesh as you began counting once more since he was completely correct. There was no way you would do this later. But you told yourself if you finished fast enough, you could return to a patch of yellow-orange warmth before the sun set and if you were lucky, Jungkook would join you… and if you were even luckier, he would still be shirtless.

Alright, Y/N, let’s get your counting on. Sun patches and hot, shirtless boyfriend await! Chop Chop!

…

Shit… that made me lose count again.

You sighed and vowed it would be the last time.

Okay, NOW it’s time to get my counting on. Let’s do this.

Sitting out of the way with your back against a wide oak tree, you watched the palace troops bustle around as they yelled, enacted more tents, started more fires, and threw up additional magic shields. They’d arrived right around nightfall, just as Yugyeom had said they would, marching in and waking you and Jungkook up from your nap, and it was… a lot.

Suddenly being around so many people was not doing much to settle your nerves about the impending battle. Not being able to speak with Jimin, Jungkook or Tae, or any of the kiela, or even Mingi wasn’t helping either. Within mere minutes of the troops’ arrival, General Son Seungdeuk had called for a meeting with Mingi and the kiela, and your non-Saeni ass was not invited to join. Namjoon had tried though, saying you had collected intel too, but General Son wouldn’t have it since you weren’t a BTS Saeni. He knew you had shared the information with the others, so you didn’t need to be included. So you weren’t. The boys felt bad, but you’d assured them it was fine. Giving them a salute and a smile, you urged them to hurry up and go then watched them follow the general into his freshly set up tent.

That had been over two hours ago.

Whatever, it’s probably a boring and stuffy meeting anyway. Crossing your arms, you peered into a nearby fire.

The flames spat and flickered, burning away at the wood. One of the logs collapsed, sending a puff of smoke and a collection of sparks into the air.

As you watched the smoke lazily rise, you heard your name being called and turned to see Yugyeom strutting through the mass of trees and troops, his merlot hair glowing almost purple in the firelight.

Lifting your hand to wiggle your fingers a bit, you greeted the male and tilted your head curiously as he sat down next to you.

Noticing your perplexed look, Yugyeom quickly asked, “Oh, it’s okay if I sit with you, right?”

“Yeah… I’m just sort of surprised you want to, I guess,” you replied honestly with a shrug.

“I would have come to keep you company sooner, but I had to report to my officer and drop off some maps at the meeting and-wait. Why are you surprised?”

Pursing your lips, you looked back to the fire as you explained how although he was the kiela’s friend, you hadn’t even known him for more than a day. You’d figured that meant he wouldn’t want to talk to you after the palace forces arrived. Plus, you weren’t blind to the stares you got from the Saeni troops. Specifically at your ears. They would point and whisper among themselves as they walked past, making you roll their eyes at their adolescent gossip. But it also made you consider that nobody except for Mingi and the kiela would want to be around you since you were different.

Sheepishly, you glanced at the male after you finished to gauge his reaction, but he only flicked your arm.

“Sure, we barely know each other, but you seem cool. Saeni or not.” Yugyeom smiled before gently nudging you with his forearm. “And I want to get to know you better because you’re obviously vey important to my friends… especially Kook.”

His smile turned sly and he sent you a wink.

You felt your cheeks heat up and you gave the male a tiny shove, causing him to burst out into laughter.

Yugyeom tipped his head back and rested it against the oak tree as he quieted back down. “It was a little shocking, not going to lie. He doesn’t let many people in, but, fuck, wouldn’t shut up about you when we went scouting this morning.”

Not letting yourself linger on the fact Jungkook talked about you to his friend, you snorted as you recalled how rocky your relationship started out with the peridot-eyed male. “Trust me, he couldn’t stand me for a hot minute. He had a few issues with me, and I didn’t like his attitude. We bickered a lot. Like a lot.”

“You didn’t take his shit even when you first met? Damn…” The male whistled approvingly. “You’ve got some gojcha girl.”

“So I’ve been told.” You gave him a crooked grin. “Hobi said the same thing after I called Kook out for choking me and not doing it, uh… properly, if you know what I mean.”

The merlot head clapped his hands together while erupting into more boisterous laughter, making some Saeni turn their heads. “Shit, I wish I could have witnessed that! The poor sprout probably didn’t know whether he wanted to stab you or fuck you after that.”

You couldn’t help but giggle too, feeling much more at ease now that you had someone to converse with. For the first time since the Saeni troops had come, you weren’t dwelling on the draikensu or what the boys were talking about or how you were going to reach the rift. You felt relaxed and somewhat normal.

Thank you Yugyeom… You looked at him gratefully.

“Wai-Wait…” The male struggled to get the words out while turning to face you and clutching at your arm for attention. “Why was he choking you!?”

“Ah, yeah, that probably needs some context.” You chuckled while picking up a stick by your side and twirling it in your fingers.

After a thoughtful moment, you began telling the story of how you met the kiela.

“Alright, so Jimin’s punk ass lied to me….”

“And-And this one time-” Yugyeom slapped his thigh repeatedly while throwing his head back. “Kook disarmed the instructor during a lesson and proceeded to give him advice!”

“I remember that!” Taehyung chimed in, giggling at the memory. “Instructor Hyun was practically spitting and threw him out of the lesson!”

“Not my fault he didn’t know what he was doing,” Jungkook grumbled beside you, causing everyone to erupt into more laughter around the crackling fire.

As your shoulders shook, you gave the male a sympathetic pat on the arm. “I know, Coco, I know. How dare such peasants be in your vicinity?”

Peridot eyes glared at you, and you responded by sticking your tongue out at him.

The boys were released from their meeting with General Son about two and a half hours ago and had found you and Yugyeom soon after. Joining you on the ground, they told you the general dispatched a messenger to the draikensu lines to see if they would be willing to meet for negotiations despite them warning the general no good would come of it. The only thing Uzjuk would accept would be Jimin’s head on a spike… and that was not happening. Besides, even if he wasn’t someone you all cared for, killing Jimin would bring absolutely no benefit to your side. Literally all it would do is destroy the only thing capable of stopping the dark god. Yet, regardless of the boys repeating that fact over and over, the general still wanted to attempt a deal.

Dumbass.

After they explained the General Son’s decision, Yoongi and Tae had begun complaining about being cold under the night sky, so you all had scooted over to the closest fire and claimed it as yours. While waiting for the messenger to return, you and the males passed the time by telling stories. You started by sharing the tale of an adolescent Jimin pissing himself in the airport the first time he had to take a flight to a dance competition. To retort, he detailed the instance where your leggings had a hole in the crotch during an entire performance, giving the judges and audience full view of your Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles panties. Jin followed by describing how Yoongi once fucked up the glamour spell and changed all their armor to a shining neon purple. Hobi then told of the time Namjoon accidentally called a high-ranking officer ‘motherfucker’ instead of ‘ma’am’ because of his nerves.

Basically, you were all trying to embarrass the fuck out of each other.

Shifting closer to Jungkook, you moved the hand on his arm to his thigh to steady yourself as you leaned in to whisper in his ear. “It’s actually pretty hot you were showing up the instructors.”

He looked down at you and sent a wolfish grin. “Is it now?”

“Mhmm…” You trailed your hand just a little higher on his strong thigh, making the male stiffen and narrow his eyes.

“Careful sweetheart.”

“Ugh, there they go again. Nasty.” You heard Yoongi say under his breath, which made you turn to address the magic user.

Peering over the flames, you pointedly stared at how close he and the kiela’s spy were sitting, their hands just a hair away from touching, as you raised a brow. “What was that? Is there something you would like to share with the class?”

His pink eyes widened in alarm and he quickly looked away while mumbling that there wasn’t. Hobi’s face downturned into a concerned frown as he gently rubbed the mint-haired Saeni’s back and asked what was wrong, but that only caused the tips of Yoongi’s ears to burn red.

For fuck’s sake, can they please just get together already?

Sighing at the duo, you leaned into Jungkook’s side and gazed upwards for a moment to look at the swaying treetops through the moonlight and smoke. It reminded you of that one night a couple years back, when you and Jimin were bright-eyed freshmen drinking on your dorm’s rooftop.

“Yo, Slim Jim, remember that time whe-”

A loud curse succeeded by yelling cut you off.

Furrowing your eyebrows, you exchanged confused glances with the males before rising from the ground and following after the sounds. The boys trailed behind you as you jogged and weaved through the gathering Saeni, curious as to what was going on. You hopped over a series of tree roots and slipped past a collection of shoulders, then you stopped in your tracks as you caught sight of what caused the outbursts.

A female covered in blood, barely holding herself up on her hands and knees. Slashes and cuts on her torso, bite marks on her forearms, and bruises blooming all across her skin. Her body shook as she coughed up blood, painting the ground a dark red beneath her. Whimpers and groans escaped past her lips as she trembled.

You could sense the boys arrive at your back.

“Oh my goddess, she was the messenger,” Jimin whispered in shock.

Covering your mouth, you watched as she clutched at the pebbles and twigs and tried to crawl forward.

“H-He said we l-leave by morning…” The crimson-coated female struggled to raise her head. “Or we…”

She hacked up more blood.

“Or we all die.”

Then, she fully collapsed to the ground.

You swallowed hard as Yoongi and a few other Saeni swore and pushed through the mass of people, some hands flaring up with magic as they rushed toward the female.

Jimin shakily reached for your hand.

You met Jungkook’s hardened gaze.

And panic broke out around you.

You were silent yet alert as Namjoon went over General Son’s new plan. It had been a little over an hour since the messenger came back nearly on her deathbed - bloody, beaten, and bitten. Thankfully, she would be fine. The magic users had healed her, not completely to reserve their energy, but enough that she was stable for now.

In the wake of her return, while Yugyeom left to meet with his commanding officer, you could almost see the fear begin to ripple through some of the troops. Most had only heard stories of draikensu savagery, but not many had seen it with their own eyes. Now that they had, they were appalled. Horrified. Scared.

You couldn’t blame them. But you also knew there was nothing else you could do except face them. You had to.

Because Jimin had to close the rift. And you and everyone else were going to be the distraction that allowed him to slip behind enemy lines and do just that.

General Son had pinpointed an area about two miles northeast that dropped to open field but had high ground overlooking the south and eastern sides, which would provide you with a major advantage for archers. Hence why he decided that would be the place where you would engage the draikensu.

“Archers leave in twenty to secure the cliffs,” The yellow-eyed Saeni turned his attention to you and paused for a moment before saying, “That includes you, little scorja.”

Your eyes widened even though you shouldn’t have been surprised. You were an archer, after all. It made sense. But the sudden knowledge of being separated from the boys you had grown so attached to had you breathing faster.

Twenty minutes… twenty minutes is all I might have left with them. With the kiela… with Jimin… TaeTae… Kookie…

Tears began to well up in your eyes, but you blinked rapidly, deeply inhaled, and nodded in understanding to the leader of the kiela, who gave you a weak half-smile before continuing.

“The ground forces will head out in a few hours, right before sunrise. Remember our mission is to keep the draikensu busy to allow Chim and Mingi to get to the rift undetected. If we fail, everything fails.”

No one spoke as Namjoon finished, but millions of thoughts sprinted through your mind. It was so loud… but silent. The only actual noises coming from the snapping of burning wood, the rustling of leaves, and other hushed conversations occurring throughout the forest.

In a quiet voice, Namjoon urged you to get your things together.

Sniffling, you forced yourself to raise your chin and nod again.

This won’t be goodbye. This won’t be goodbye. This won’t be goodbye.

Mingi, Namjoon, Jin, Yoongi, and Tae all looked at you somberly, as if they knew what was going on in your head. Hobi grinned and threw up what you supposed was meant to be a reassuring thumbs up. You couldn’t get yourself to muster an enthusiastic response, but it did make you crack a tiny smile. Though when you shifted your gaze to Jungkook, the smile vanished and you felt your stomach drop. He wasn’t even looking at you. Just staring at the orange flames with a clenched jaw and fisted hands. You started to breathe laboriously again. You needed him to just look at you. Send you a cocky smirk and tell you everything would be fine.

But he didn’t.

So, you made yourself tear your eyes away to focus on your best friend… but the sight of his chin trembling and tears glistening in his amber eyes made a lump lodge itself in your throat.

This won’t be goodbye. This won’t be goodbye. This won’t be goodbye!

Sucking in a shaky inhale, you looked up at the night sky and tried to get a grip on yourself.

This won’t be goodbye. This can’t be goodbye.

As if sensing you were about to lose it, Tae quickly made his way over and gently took your hand. “Let’s get your things.”

You allowed him to lead you away, face blank and empty as you did your best to hold yourself together. But, once the rest of the boys were out of sight, you let out a choked sob and finally let your tears roll down your face.

“It’s okay, little scorja, let it out. Let it all out so you can be strong.” Tae rubbed his thumb soothingly across the back of your hand as he guided you past the fires, Saeni, and trees.

Your chest shuddered as you tried to suck in air. You knew the Saeni around you were staring, but you couldn’t bring yourself to give a damn. All you could think of was that you had to leave, and you were terrified.

Holding a thin branch so it didn’t whip back into your face, Tae’s pained eyes met yours and you whimpered. Neither of you said anything, though. Just let the sadness float over you both as you made it to the partially hidden spot behind a shrub where you had left your backpack, quiver, and bow. Not letting go of Tae’s hand, you bent to grab a backpack strap.

But as soon as you reached for it, another sob raked your body and you folded over. “I don’t wanna-”

You fell to your knees and wrapped an arm around your stomach.

“I don’t wanna lose you. Any of you. I don’t want to be alone.”

Dropping to his own knees, Tae pulled you into him and squeezed you tight while letting you cry into his shoulder. You clutched at him, needing something to anchor you as emotions poured out of your eyes and past your lips. After a minute of his comfort and your tears, you pulled back, wiped at your cheeks, and whispered a thank you. He gave you small smile and asked if you were ready. Taking a deep breath, you shivered at the breeze and grabbed your backpack while standing back up. After slinging a strap over your shoulder, you did the same with your quiver, then bent once last time to pick up your bow. Finally, you squared your shoulders, which made Tae’s blue eyes brighten, and marched back to the boys with your head held high.

This WON’T be goodbye.

You power walked through the milling Saeni, many of them embracing or clasping the arms of their fellow troops. Others were settling down to get what little sleep they could.

You walked past the fires, feeling their heat come and go.

You walked around fully-grown trees and tiny saplings.

You walked beneath the moonlight and leaves.

You walked over sticks and twigs and rocks.

You walked, determined to be strong and to believe that this wouldn’t be the last time you saw them.

You walked until you made it made it back to the boys.

Letting your backpack fall from your shoulder with a thump, which caused most of their eyes to swivel to you, you then eased your quiver and bow down on top of it.

There was no doubt they could smell the saltiness of your dried tears, see the puffiness of your red eyes. But you didn’t care.

As you stared at the males scattered around the fire, Jungkook only spared you a quick glance before returning his gaze to the blazing flames.

It caused a twinge in your heart but you chose to ignore it for now.

Instead, you strode over to Namjoon and wrapped your arms around him, hugging him close and telling him to be safe and watch his back. And if he forgot, then you would do it for him.

“Thank you. Make sure you take care of yourself, yeah?” He smiled and his dimples seemed even deeper in the glowing light of the fire.

You both stepped away, and you moved on to Jin, murmuring a fond ‘Papa’ as you wound your arms around his torso.

“I’m looking forward to trying more of your cooking after this… and hearing more of your dumb jokes.”

“Ya, you tyrant! They’re not dumb! They’re impeccable jokes, thank you very much.” He shook you in his arms playfully before turning more serious. “But, of course, little scorja. I’ll make you anything you want. Be safe.”

The raven-haired male flicked a finger under your chin once then wandered over to stand with Namjoon.

Next was Mingi, who’s hazel eyes were round and glossy as he embraced you. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep him safe. I’ll protect him. I promise.”

You patted his back while tightly shutting your eyes. “I know you will, but I want you to promise you’ll protect yourself too.”

The guard leaned away and rested both his hands on your shoulders, making you open your eyes to meet his gaze. “I promise.”

Satisfied, you slid your hands to rest on his arms for a heartbeat before removing yourself and walking to Hobi, feeling both warm and cold at the same time.

As soon as you were close enough, the white-haired male yanked you into a hug and hummed while rocking you back and forth. You felt the multitudes of straps crisscrossing his body and the coolness of his blades under your fingers as you let out a sad laugh.

“I don’t know for sure if everything will be okay, but… everything will be okay, little scorja,” he whispered into your ear, “Just have faith in yourself and in us and be brave.”

“I’ll try my best. Don’t run out of knives.” You smiled softly while giving him one last squeeze and letting go.

Shuffling to Yoongi, he surprised you by grabbing your wrist and tugging you against his chest.

He held you lightly and murmured, “I may act indifferent most of the time, but I really care about you. Remember what I’ve taught you and kick some fucking ass, alright?”

You pressed your lips together and slowly inhaled as he smoothed a hand over your hair.

“I’ll remember,” you whispered back, “and I’ll be on the lookout for your blue sparkles so I can watch you destroy some draikensu fuckers in style.”

“I’ll try to make it entertaining, just for you.”

You both pulled away and sent each other easy grins, and yours grew when you saw his endearing gumline make an appearance.

You went to turn and was suddenly tackled by a body with apricot hair. His breathing was heavy and uneven, and you felt droplets hit your shoulder as he clung to you.

“No no no no no. Don’t cry, please don’t cry because you’re gonna make me cry again.” Your voice went higher in pitch as you placed your arms around your best friend’s neck and rested your face on his front.

“You don’t have to go.” His words were slightly muffled from talking against your skin. “You can stay here and be safe. You don’t have to go.”

You took a long, deep breath and willed yourself to keep it together and not give in to the rising urge to join your best friend’s tears.

Gently detaching yourself from him, you reached up to cradle his cheek and used your thumb to clear some of his tears. “I’m gonna go. I can’t just sit around here and wait.”

Jimin’s lower lip wavered and he tried to say something, but no sound came out.

You gave him the best smile you could, but it faltered a bit. “I’m your best friend, Slim Jim. You can’t get rid of me easily. We’ll see each other again.”

Leaning his face into your palm, he closed his amber eyes and covered your hand with his. “I love you, Y/N. You know that, right?”

“Of course I do, you big doofus. I love you too.”

You pulled him in for one, last hug, then stepped away before you could change your mind. With a sniffle, Jimin hastily moved around you and into Hobi’s arms, who held him as more tears cascaded down his face.

You looked down at the ground and fisted your hands on your thighs as you felt a lone tear make its way down your cheek. As it dripped off your chin, you made yourself pivot and start walking toward Tae. Though as you did, he shook his head and gestured to his younger brother, who was still staring into the fire as if it was his lilfeline.

You paused, taking in the male.

“Kookie…?” You gingerly called out to him.

There was no response beyond a tick in his jaw which made your chest tighten painfully.

Hearing the others move back a little to give you two some sense of privacy, you hesitated for just a moment before treading over to Jungkook.

You stopped right beside him and placed a hand on his bicep, trying to coax him into looking, saying, doing something. “Jungkook?”

No response.

“Kookie, please… please… I-I need you right now.”

Your resolve started to break again as the person you cared for so much refused to acknowledge you.

“I really really fucking need you. Please, just… something. Anything. I…” You trailed off as a gasping sob came from your lips and you dug your fingers into his arm.

As if a switch had been turned, Jungkook whined and yanked you close so he could hug you desperately. Strong arms surrounded you and he buried his face into your neck.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” he repeated over and over like a mantra, his voice strained. “I’m so sorry, sweetheart, I’m just- I’m scared.”

“Me too,” you admitted quietly, hands starting to shake.

“I don’t… I can’t lose you.”

You breathed in the familiar scent of steel and florets, trying to calm down. For once, it actually made things worse. All you wanted to do was stay by his side, but you couldn’t. Being with him would only slow him down, make him lose focus. You would distract him. You would get him hurt.

You shook your head at the thought and nuzzled further into him. “I’ll be okay, I won’t be in the mess of things. I’m more worried about you.”

“I’m the best, sweetheart, nothing will happen to me.” He traced a light fingertip against the rune on your nape, making you tremble even more. “No need to worry.”

You let out a pathetic snort as the wind picked up and made the trees groan. “Cocky as always.”

“Just the truth.” He smirked against your skin.

In your peripherals, you could see Saeni holding bows start to gather a little ways away.

Closing your eyes, you allowed yourself just a few more seconds of Jungkook before unwinding your arms from his middle. Though before you could move away entirely, he used the hand behind your neck to hold you still while crashing his mouth against yours. He kissed you with all he had, searing the feeling of his lips against yours into memory.

Then he released you and placed a final, tender kiss to your forehead. “Time for you to go sweetheart. Hyung will take you to the archers.”

You flickered your gaze to the side to see Tae waiting for you, blue eyes swimming with emotion. Biting your lip, you removed yourself from Jungkook’s arms but stared into the beautiful peridot eyes that always captivated you.

“I… um, I think I…” You struggled, trying to find a way to say what you wanted.

I think I love you.

Jungkook just softly smiled and tucked some of your hair behind an ear. “You can tell me later, go on.” He gave you a tiny nudge toward his brother.

This isn’t goodbye. You reminded yourself, and let your body be pushed away. I can tell him later.

Not looking back at Jungkook or the other boys, you jogged away from the warmth of Jungkook and the fire and over to your things.

“Ready, little scorja?” Tae asked in a small voice.

You picked up your backpack, quiver, and bow. ���As I’ll ever be.”

Taking your hand, he tugged you toward the other archers. Past the fires, around fully-grown trees and tiny saplings, beneath the moonlight and leaves, over sticks and twigs and rocks. Away from your new family.

Slowing down when you reached the group, he gave your hand a pump and went to say something but was interrupted by a voice shouting for you.

Looking over your shoulder, you saw Jungkook running over. Skidding to a stop a few feet away, he thrust something at you. It took you a couple seconds to register what it was, and your eyes bugged out when you did.

“Are… are you sure?” You looked up at his face, uncertainty coursing through you as the ruby gemstone of Jungkook’s dagger winked at you in the low light. “It’s so important to you.”

“You’re more important.” He placed the weapon and its belt into your hand then enclosed your fingers around it. “If you drop or lose your bow, use this okay?”

“Okay,” you whispered.

“Okay.” Jungkook smiled. “I lo-… I’ll see you soon sweetheart.”

With that, he turned and ran back to his brothers. Tightening your hold on the ruby-hilted dagger, you held it against your chest and watched him disappear into the dark. Once he was gone, Tae muttered something under his breath that you couldn’t quite catch, making you tilt your head at him curiously. Waving you off, he pulled you into a hug.

“I wish I could go with you bu-”

“I know, you’re a special, one of a kind, kickass archer who fights better in close proximity.”

“Your words, not mine.”

You chuckled and gave his but a tiny poke as someone gave the order to start heading out.

Tae pressed a kiss to your cheek. “Bye, little scorja. Be safe. Love you.”

“Love you too, TaeTae.” You returned with a cheek smooch of your own. “You better come back safe and sound or else I’m gonna whoop your ass.”

“Well, I have to come back safe and sound now. I don’t wanna get my butt whooped.” He laughed and showcased his boxy smile before taking a step back.

And another.

And another.

And another.

You felt yourself growing colder with each one.

His smile fell slightly as he waved. Then he pivoted and left.

Leaving you alone.

This isn’t goodbye.

You copied his actions, turning on your heel and joining the departing Saeni while you tightly gripped your bow and Jungkook’s dagger.

This isn’t goodbye.

Crouching at the edge of the cliff, you felt the dirt and rocks dig into your knee. One hand grasped the bow at your side as you peered over into the dark expanse below. The field was mostly barren, only a few lone trees scattered throughout the grass. It was an eerie open blankness that seemed emptier under the moonlight.

But in several hours, it would be different.

It would be stained red with blood. Littered with bodies. Filled with the screams of the dying and yells of the defiant. Soon, this peaceful, quiet land would turn into a battlefield.

You wouldn’t be down in the chaos, but you would be taking your part in it. Sending arrow after arrow into unexpecting bodies. Making them fall and bleed out onto the earth.

And you would do it without a second thought.

Because people you cared for, people you loved would be down there fighting for there lives and you would do everything you could to protect them. To give them one less enemy to go up against. So you wouldn’t hesitate to draw your bowstring and shoot an arrowhead into draikensu flesh.

Anything to help your family.

You released a long exhale, admiring the field for another minute as you traced a finger against the gemstone on the dagger now strapped to your side. After a final glance to the glowing moon, you crept back to your sleeping mat and threw your blanket over your legs.

If you wanted to protect them, you needed to get as much rest as you could before sunrise, even if it was only a couple hours. Most of the other archers were doing the same. There were some Saeni who were too restless for sleep, though, and had volunteered to stay up and keep watch. You could see a few of them leaning back against trees nearby, softly talking among themselves.

With a sigh, you laid back and curled onto your side while folding an arm behind your head. You forced yourself to ignore the emptiness beside you. The lack of warmth. It was the first time you were sleeping alone in weeks and it felt so foreign, so… wrong.

Don’t think about it, Y/N. You slept alone all the time before this whole thing, you can do it again.

Tugging your blanket higher, you made yourself concentrate on the darkness behind your closed eyes and counting your long breaths backwards from five hundred.

Five hundred ninety-five… five hundred ninety-four… five hundred ninety-three…

…

You finally fell asleep somewhere around thirteen.

The sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon as the Saeni troops stood in formation on the field below. You were positioned far down the eastern side, close to where the rocky ground finally ended and dropped off, and you had near perfect view of the field and soldiers below. Your fingers anxiously tapped against your thigh as you knelt at the cliff’s edge and continuously looked between them and the trees on the other side of the clearing. The draikensu hadn’t yet revealed themselves, but you knew they had to be coming.

It was sunrise.

It was only a matter of time.

Shifting on the rock, you squinted and tried to search through the hazy dawn to find a shimmer of burgundy hair, a flash of blue light, or a glinting metallic body, but everything muddled together. You couldn’t see them.

Maybe it’s for the best.

The archer to your left, the one with the long pastel pink hair, fidgeted and mumbled to himself again. He had been doing that for the past forty minutes or so.

Flexing your fingers, you observed the thousands of Saeni standing together. You weren’t sure how they were segmented, if at all. If kielas stuck together or if they were grouped by weapon or some other factor. You didn’t even know how battles worked for Exia’s sake. Would they stand across from each other and slowly march forward while letting the magic users exchange blows like some 17th century battle reenactment? Would both sides immediately sprint toward each other and begin fighting like they so often do on Vikings? Would the draikensu use guerilla tactics and have traps planted throughout the forest? Or would the enemy resort to a defensive strategy and stay back to protect the rift with all their forces?

You prayed to the gods it wasn’t the last one, because then General Son’s plan would instantly fall to shit, and the battle would be over before it ever started.

You didn’t think it would be the last one, though. If there was one thing you’d learned about Uzjuk and his posse of dark Saeni, it was that they never passed over a chance to kill and destroy.

And this was a very large opportunity for them to do just that.

Rays of morning light began to shine across the sky, making everything a bit brighter and coloring the world a radiant gold. Though, for now, most of the field was still covered in shade.

You made yourself breath slowly as you lightly touched the feather charm on your choker and listened to the forest. To the birds and the bugs, the creaking of trees, and the scuttling of small creatures in the underbrush.

To the sound of thousands of feet hitting the ground.

Your eyes widened and the pastel-haired Saeni interrupted his muttering to yelp out a curse.

“They’re coming,” someone down the line warned in a low voice.

Okay… okay okay okay. Here we go. Everything is going to be fine. You’re a scorja, you’re strong, you can do this.

You pulled an arrow out of your quiver and loosely notched it while the troops below drew their weapons, the ringing of metal reverberating in your ears.

On the field, one Saeni strode out before them all, holding his spear high in the air. General Son.

“On this day, with the sun shining down upon us, we will look darkness in its face. We may tremble, our bodies may bleed, and our swords may break… but we will not let the darkness prevail any longer!

“As one, we will stand together! As one, we will fight together and die together!”

General Son slammed the butt of his spear into the earth and roared.

The soldiers echoed, pounding their weapons against the ground or their chests.

“Do not fear death, my brothers and sisters… for our mother goddess will embrace you with open arms and Exia shall raise her cup in salute to your bravery!”

He brought his spear down again as he tilted his head back and yelled into the morning sky.

You and the other soldiers followed, screaming with all you had as the draikensu drew closer.

“STAND TALL SOLDIERS OF ILLAIN! STAND TALL AND FIGHT FOR YOUR FAMILIES, YOUR FRIENDS, YOUR KING, YOUR GODDESS. STAND TALL WITH ME, WITH EACH OTHER! STAND TALL IN THE MORNING LIGHT OF ILLAI!”

General Son let his voice sing across the clearing as he turned to face the opposite side of the field while you and the Saeni shouted into the open air once more.

Your heart beat wildly, and you breathed heavily. The sun was warm on your back, but you shivered from the adrenaline now rampaging through your veins.

The draikensu answered your screams with their own, whooping and hollering tauntingly as they ran through the trees.

Your hands began to shake, and you squeezed your eyes shut. Alright, death registration. You know the drill. Let’s do this one last time.

Releasing an unstable exhale, you reopened your eyes and stared into the trees. Waiting.

“Remember, if they move to attack right away, we go loose,” the female beside you reminded the archers close by.

You didn’t forget, but you nodded to yourself.

If they attack, we go loose. If they attack, we go loose. If they attack, we go loose.

The crazed shrieks of the draikensu were so loud now, they had to almost be upon you. The sounds echoed off the trees, filled your ears. Their footsteps seemed to vibrate the earth.

And then they broke through the tree line.

Scourges of draikensu sprinted out of the forest. So many it seemed like they were overflowing and spilling out. And they gave no signs of stopping. They were heading straight toward the Saeni front line.

In the distance, an archer called out the order to take aim while General Son yelled for shields.

It took a second for the order to register because you were so taken back by the draikensu pouring out of the trees, but then you quickly inhaled, raised your bow, and drew back. As you searched for your first target, glowing light began to flare up throughout the Saeni ranks.

You hurriedly shifted your eyes over the multitudes of colors, picking out several areas that lit up blue, but only one stood out as Yoongi’s magic. It was far away, toward the other side of the field, but the mint hue was unmistakable.

All of the sudden, a semi-translucent rainbow wall flashed to life in the middle of the field between the Saeni and the charging draikensu. The enemy slammed into the barrier; most being stopped in their tracks but some managing to slip through.

It was just like the shield Yoongi had enacted around Juufa’s temple. Only much bigger.

The few who were able to push through were immediately downed by archers from the south side of the cliffs.

“Loose!” A Saeni screamed somewhere down the line to the left.

Shit, right.

You narrowed your eyes and peered down your arrow, picking out a draikensu and slowly exhaling. Then, as the mass of archers around you let of their bowstrings and sent a round of arrows into the enemy, you did the same.

You couldn’t tell if it was your arrow or someone else’s, but the person you had been targeting was hit in the chest and the impact caused them to clutch at the shaft now embedded in their body before falling to their knees.

You hastily snatched another arrow from your quiver, aimed, and sent it flying.

You did it again and again and again.

Yells of pain soared into the air, but you didn’t stop.

Volley after volley of arrows were sent into the enemy line where they were held up by the magical shield, and any that were able to get through the colorful barrier made it no more than thirty feet before they were shot down.

The bodies piled up. But more continued to emerge from the forest.

You reached a hand over your shoulder for a new arrow as a gust of wind disturbed your hair and conjured goosebumps along your skin, but all your actions stilled as a mix of maroon, purple, and yellow light erupted from the trees.

With your heart pounding in your chest, you watched three draikensu stroll out from the greenery, their hands pulsating with the glow of magic.

Oh, shit. Oh, FUCK.

“Take them down!” And archer yelled as the dark magic users raised their hands. “Take them down now!”

You grabbed an arrow, notched, and aimed while shadows gathered at a singular spot on the shield’s surface, causing it to ripple.

Their magic.

“Alright, you fuckers, let’s stop right there,” you hissed.

As if she heard you over the distance, wind, and wails, the magic user closest to you lowered her amethyst-glowing hand and peered at the cliff. Your eyes went wide and you cursed under your breath as she seemed to stare directly at you.

You released the bowstring, sending your arrow screaming toward her chest, as did the other archers.

Not a single one thumped into their bodies, though. They all bounced off a dark purple shield fabricated by the magic user just moments before the arrows landed home. It encased both her and her two buddies, making it impossible for you to hit them.

The other two were still attacking the barrier in the middle of the field, the shadows they created causing that spot to warp and distort even more. Whatever their magical counter was, it allowed more draikensu to slip through the increasingly darkening spot. Not all at once, but enough that the southern archers weren’t able to kill them all. Some were reaching the Saeni front line.

Your breath caught in your throat as they engaged with each other, the ringing of clashing metal resonating across the sky.

Returning your eyes to the middle of the field, you saw the shield’s colors were growing muddy. It was growing darker and darker as the shadows penetrated its surface. It almost looked like veins of darkness were spreading out from where the shadows drilled into the magic.

The shield cracked.

And a moment later part of it shattered, leaving a large, gaping hole that caused the draikensu forces to shriek in delight and rush through.

The rest of the shield held itself together for one… two… three… four… five more seconds.

Then it flickered and disappeared entirely.

Slashing diagonally, Jungkook cut into a male’s chest. Blood spattered onto his upper leg as the draikensu fell. Before his previous target even hit the ground, the burgundy head spun and thrust one of his blades deep into the belly of a female while parrying the strike of a curved sword with the other.

Grunts and screams were all around him. The clanging of metal against metal filled his ears. Crimson coated his fingers and the smell of iron permeated his nostrils.

Yanking his blade from the female’s gut, he kicked her away before stabbing his now freed short sword into the thigh of the draikensu who’s attack he blocked. As the male’s leg gave out underneath him, Jungkook dislodged the blade, adjusted his grip on the handle, and quickly cut the male’s throat. The action caused the draikensu to drop his sword and clutch at his neck. Blood poured over his hands and he gargled while collapsing into the dirt, the life in his eyes dissipating as the blood from his body spilled onto the earth.

Breathing hard, the Saeni caught movement out of the corner of his eye and sidestepped the swing of an axe. The blade so close he could feel the disturbance it caused to the air. Blood and sweat dripped down Jungkook’s face as he leveled his gaze on the new opponent. The draikensu sneered, peeling her lip back from her teeth while pointing her axe in his direction.

Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, Jungkook rushed the female. Ducking below her next attack, he continued forward and dragged the edge of sword along her calf, which caused her knee to buckle. At the same time, he rotated his torso and brought his other blade upwards to slice at the flesh on her side. She gasped and faltered a step while Jungkook dug his heel into the ground and narrowed his eyes. Hissing in pain, the female swung her axe wide, but the burgundy head jumped backwards to avoid the weapon.

Placing a hand over her bleeding side, the draikensu bared her teeth and snarled, “I’m going to cut off that pretty head of yours.”

Jungkook tightened his fingers around his short swords but didn’t bother replying. With a growl, the draikensu brought her hand back to the axe’s shaft and heaved the weapon toward him. Dodging the axe bit, Jungkook swiftly pivoted and dashed forward, carving into the female’s torso. Using the momentum of his movements, he then slipped behind her and thrust both swords into the junctions of her neck and shoulders. Wrenching the blades out, she toppled to the ground.

Blood dripped off the tips of his swords as Jungkook allowed himself a second to glance up at the eastern cliff again, desperately searching for a glimpse of you.

There, still in the same spot as last time. Relief flooded his heart as he caught sight of you still raining down arrows into enemy lines while surrounded by soft, golden sunlight.

Knowing you were alright gave him the resolve to refocus on the chaos around him. On the male that was running toward him, longsword brandished and ready to be swung.

Gritting his teeth, the peridot-eyed male charged and met him head on.

Letting out a loud yell, Namjoon rammed his shoulder into the draikensu, knocking his opponent back a step and giving the yellow-eyed male space to clobber her with his hammer. The blunt, heavy head of his weapon hit the draikensu’s chest, shattering her sternum and sending her now broken body backwards.

Straight into Jin’s side.

The impact of an unexpected body flung into him caused the eldest member of the kiela to stumble and slip on the dewy, blood-slicked grass and trip over the dirt clods. With a curse, the raven-haired male lost his footing entirely and fell, the limp body of the female pinning down his sword arm. A nearby draiknesu noticed him struggling to get his arm out from under the body, his sword caught on a strap or something. With a gleeful squeal, the draikensu bounded over the corpses strewn on the ground and raised his spear. Ready to impale the partially immobilized raven-haired male.

Jin tried to yank his sword out, to no avail. “Fuck. Shit. Fuckin-fuck it.”

In a last second decision, Jin let go of the sword’s handle and tugged his arm out from underneath the heavy, limp body. Heart pounding in his chest, he rolled to the side just as the spearhead was thrust into the earth right where his head had been. The draikensu yelled and went to retract his weapon but Jin braced his hands against the ground and kicked the male’s legs out from underneath him. The action caused the draikensu to land hard on his back, which forced the air out of his lungs. Before the male could regain his wits, Jin pushed himself up to his knees and crawled on top of the draikensu so he could deliver a punch to the male’s temple. The hit left the male in a daze, allowing Jin to wrap his hands around his opponent’s head. One palm at the chin and the other at the back of the head. Then, the raven-haired Saeni grunted and abruptly pulled the male’s head up and to the side, snapping the neck with a loud pop.

Releasing the draikensu with a sigh, Jin let the male lifelessly flop back to the earth while moving off the body. Focusing his attention on the dead female still on top of his sword, he went to shove her over when a crunching sound came from just behind him. Spinning on his knees, he saw Namjoon following through on a swing that had crumpled a draikensu Jin hadn’t noticed sneaking up on him.

The older Saeni blinked as his leader wiped sweat from his brow.

“Shit, thanks Joon.”

“Sure thing hyung. And sorry about that.” The yellow-eyed Saeni gestured to the dead female.

Shrugging, Jin finally rolled over her body and began started to detangle the hilt of his sword from where it was caught in the straps and loops of her armor. Meanwhile Namjoon covered his back, demolishing any draikensu that dared to come near with precise swings of his destructive hammer.

The seven Saeni could hear the battle as they weaved through the trees, the sick melody of cries and wails piercing their ears. None of them commented on it, though. They had their own job to focus on and entertaining the possibilities of how their comrades were faring would only serve as a distraction.

So, they remained mostly silent as they continued moving in formation, listening to the distant screams and staying alert for potential threats.

Jimin was in the middle of the small pack, escorted by Mingi and a tall, golden-haired female named Ipsa at the front. To his right was a short male who had introduced himself as ‘Geodin,’ and to his left was the archer who requested to be called ‘Stem.’ Bringing up the rear was the whip wielding Koliifa and his sister, Opikal, who had eyes so dark they appeared obsidian.

As the seven looped around the draiknesu’s forces, a light, beautiful voice occasionally floated into Jimin’s head, making tweaks and adjustments to their route. The apricot head would quickly relay the message to the others, but the Saeni didn’t talk much beyond that.

There was too much at stake for casual banter.

They had been moving for about forty-five minutes, heading out just before the sun began to rise, and so far, the plan to go around the enemy was working. Not a single dark Saeni had crossed their path. But that could easily change at any moment, so the group never relaxed.

After they each vaulted over a fallen tree, Ipsa briefly glanced over her shoulder and interrupted their silence. “By any chance, does the mother goddess know if this rift will be out in the open or…?”

“Or if there will be any draikensu guarding it?” Stem added while dipping his head to avoid a branch to the face.

Jimin winced and dug his nails into his palms while his legs rustled the leaves of several plump shrubs. “No and… no.”

One of the Saeni breathed out a curse and the apricot head held back a frustrated groan at how much of a disadvantage they truly had before explaining that Illai could only see the world through his eyes while she was leasing out space in his head. However, she was able to feel the dark energy pulsating from the rift like a beacon, and that was how she was guiding them.

As the terrain started to grow more inclined, Mingi gruffed out, “Each of you were selected for this mission for a reason. Whatever is waiting for us, we can handle it.”

“You know, General Son said we’d be going in with little information,” Opikal piped up from the back in an incredulous tone, “but I didn’t think it would be this little.”

Koliifa snorted beside her while skirting around a thin tree. “Aw, cheer up, sis! It’ll be fun.”

“It’ll be something, alright,” Geodin muttered in response.

Using a collection of tree roots as steps to climb further up the steady slope, Mingi offered how even if there were indeed draikensu guarding the rift, they were probably so pissed they weren’t allowed to join the battle that they won’t be as attentive to their surroundings as they should be.

“And that makes for easy pickings,” Koliifa said as he sent his dark-eyed sister an easy grin.

Opikal just grumbled in return, skepticism swimming in her eyes.

Then, the conversation faded, and the faraway screams once again filled the void of their voices.

His feather earring swung heavily in the air, weighed down by the blood soaked into the fluff. It continuously hit the blue-eyed Saeni’s neck as he fought, which stained the delicate skin a dark crimson.

Tae released his bowstring, sending an arrow flying into the middle of a male’s chest, then lunged to the side while tilting his bow to gouge the razor edge of his weapon into the lower belly of a draikensu. As the male dropped his axe, clutched at his gutted abdomen, and bellowed in pain, Tae retrieved a new arrow from his quiver as his body came to a stop. Quickly scanning over the people fighting around him, he picked a target and embedded the arrow just below their clavicle before he turned and quieted the screaming draikensu by efficiently slicing his throat open.

Following the momentum of his bow, he pivoted on his heel while pulling out another arrow. Tae spotted a female running in his direction and nocked the arrow, but as he went to draw, he caught a flash of metal in his peripheral vision. Diving, he evaded the arcing blade and rolled to a crouch on the dirtied grass. Re-notching the arrow, he allowed the silky fletching to sift through his fingers for just a moment as he hastily relocated the draikensu female.

As soon as he let the arrow fly, Tae found himself dodging another strike of a sword by lurching forward into another roll. The sword wielding female growled at her second miss and geared up for another attack while the grey-haired Saeni rose to his feet. With an aggravated yell, she heaved her large blade toward Tae’s body, but he ducked and spun behind her in one, fluid motion. The sun glared in his eyes and Tae dragged the sharpened edge of his bow up the female’s entire spine, making her stiffen then collapse.

Sucking oxygen into his lungs, Tae slumped for just a moment to catch his breath. Long gone was the natural scent of the forest, rather the stench of iron and death was rich in the air. The once smooth, undisturbed grass of the field was torn up and ravaged. Blood slowly trailed along the curves of the weapon, covering more of it in liquid red until it collected and dripped off toward the ruined earth.

It was a messy, brutal battle.

And it was far from over.

Pressing his lips together, Tae lifted his chin, narrowed his bright blue eyes, and found his next target.

Dropping to the ground, the arrow barely missed your head.

Not many draikensu carried bows since most of them wanted weapons that allowed them to directly carve into flesh, but the handful that did had begun shooting at you and the other archers not too long ago. Which was just great. Fantastic. Splendid.

Your cheek pressed into the sun-heated rock as you contemplated if you should lay low for a minute or get right back up. You blew out a puff of air, disturbing some of the dust beside your face, before pulling your body forward a bit so you could peek over the cliff’s edge.

You raised your head just a smidge and CLINK!

An arrow hit and bounced off the rock just a few feet from your face, making you immediately duck back down to safety.

You breathed in through your nose. Alright, well… this fucking sucks.

As you exhaled, you glanced up just in time to see a Saeni further down the line get hit in the shoulder, blood immediately blossoming around the shaft now buried in her body. A tiny whine escaped past your lips and you squeezed your eyes shut… but all your saw were the corpses littering the field behind your eyelids. Their broken and mangled bodies.

Please don’t be one of them. You sent out a silent prayer to the boys below as your chest rose and fell heavily. Please.

The sound of another arrow sinking into flesh made you clench your fingers around your bow, and you shifted to better lay against the ground and make yourself smaller. But the movement caused the dagger now strapped to your waist to dig into your side and the sensation made you go still with a jolt.

Jungkook…

Fuck, if Jungkook saw you right now… he’d be so disappointed. You were cowering, you were hiding. This wasn’t you.

What am I doing?

You shook your head against the ground, feeling some pebbles grind into your skin, before muttering, “Fuck. This. I need to woman the fuck up.”

Adjusting your body, you bent one leg up toward your head and winced as a decently sized stone scraped against your ankle. Okay, so what if I get shot with an arrow? You forced yourself to scoff while sliding your hands upward along the rock. That’s nothing. That’s just a slightly more painful bee sting.

“I’m a scorja, dammit. I fucking got this.”

One… two… three!

You pushed yourself back up to your knee and snatched an arrow from your quiver. Picking out a draikensu, you aimed. The breeze danced across your face and the sun warmed your back as you squinted and sent the arrow loose. It thumped into the draikensu’s thigh, making you smirk, but as you went to finish her off you heard commotion coming from your right. Furrowing your brows, you spared a glance over but immediately had to double take and stare as your mouth dropped.

Draikensu were pulling themselves up and over the edge of the cliff. The bloody bastards had actually climbed up the vertical rock face.

“For fucks sake…”

They engaged with the archers, working their way down the line. Coming closer and closer to you as more of them crawled into view. They were maybe only forty yards away. Shifting, you repositioned yourself to face north, and as a male began to sprint toward you, you raised your bow.

He was thirty yards out.

You shot, but he managed to evade it.

Twenty yards.

Cursing under your breath, you reached for another arrow.

Ten yards.

Your eyes widened and you tried to move out of the way, but the male rammed straight into you and tackled you to the ground.

You let out a pained grunt as you were slammed down, bow flying out of your grasp, and your heart pounded as the male straddled your torso and held one of your shoulders down with a large hand. His other raised a knife that shined in the sunlight. He aimed it at your chest, and with a wicked smile, plunged the blade down. Throwing your arm up beneath his, you blocked his arm’s descent and stilled the tip of the knife just mere inches from your body. Your trembled as the male sneered and pressed down harder, trying to force the metal into your flesh.

His thighs fully encased your waist, making it impossible to grab the ruby-hilted dagger at your side. Slowly, the knife lowered closer to your heart as his superior strength began to overtake you which made you release a gasping whimper. Desperately, you stretched out your other arm and blindly felt around the ground.

“Why struggle when you’ll just die like the bitch you are anyway?” The male mused, eyes flashing with cruel amusement as you wrapped your hand around what you hand been searching for. “Just let it happe-”

You smashed the fist-sized rock into his skull with a powerful yell.

The strike caused the male’s body to slacken and you used that moment to flip your positions. The movement of the switch, paired with his limpness, made him involuntarily drop the knife. As you righted yourself on top of his thighs, you snatched it from the rocky ground and thrust it hilt deep into his side.

The male wheezed as you wrenched the blade from his flesh, eyes struggling to stay open as he stared up at the sky. His blood began to gush from the wound and pool beneath him while you adjusted your grip on the handle and brought it down again, this time right underneath his sternum.

You were breathing heavily as the male’s gasps turned raspy and more blood leaked from his body.

Then the draikensu released a strangely contented sigh. “My sacrifice is worth it. The key will die while you pathetically fight. The key will die and Uzjuk will reign.”

Your hands tightened around the handle of the blade while the rest of your body froze. “What did you just say?”

A final, rough exhale came from the male’s lips, then his eyes became completely empty and unfocused. You didn’t bother trying to get him to say more. He was dead.

Shit. Okay, he said ‘the key will die,’ but they couldn’t possibly know where Jimin is, unless… fuck, what if they do have people waiting for him at the rift?

Your hands began to tremble as you considered the possibilities. The one that rang loudest in your head was that Jimin was about to blindly run into a death trap. Your best friend was going to die. You pressed the back of your hand to your mouth as you tried to calm yourself, but the thought kept pounding through your mind like a migraine.

Jimin is going to die.

Jimin is going to die.

Jimin is going to die.

I don’t even know where he is and he’s going to die.

You darted your eyes around in panic, noting the other draikensu who had climbed up the cliff face were also death… though they had unfortunately taken some of the Saeni along with them. The remaining archers were back to sniping down at the enemy, not having a slightest clue as to the hysteric dread rampaging in your mind. Pressing both hands to your head, you held back a scream.

I don’t know where he is, but I have to try. I have to try to help him.

Taking deep breaths, you crawled off the dead male and over to your bow. With it secured in your grasp, you pushed yourself to your feet. Then you ran into the trees without looking back.

I don’t know where the fuck you are, Slim Jim, but I’m coming.

The coolness of the shaded forest slid over your skin and you mentally planned your route around the draikensu.

I’m coming.

An angry growl vibrated in Yoongi’s throat as he flung his magic out toward the female, creating a rope of mint blue energy that fastened around your neck. He yanked, forcing her body to fly over the bodies and blood-soaked grass to be impaled on the dagger held in his other hand. The draikensu let out a choked sob before her head lolled due to him dragging the blade up and to the side, spilling more crimson over his hand and killing her with precision. A blur of movement to his left made Yoongi fling the now dead female in that direction, right into the draikensu that was brandishing a short sword.

The draikensu was pummeled by the body, causing him to hit the ground with a cry. He struggled to drag himself out from the weight now laying on top of him, but after about five seconds he too was laying limp on the dirt and grass.

A tiny throwing knife buried between his neck and shoulder.

Hobi pivoted after his throw and slid beneath the large hammer swinging for his gut.

“You were pretty slow on that one!” Yoongi called over to the spy, who was still dancing around the draikensu’s heavy weapon.

Hobi’s chest heaved and he shouted back without looking. “Give me a break hyung! I’m running low on blades so I’m making sure every throw counts!”

The mint-haired Saeni grit his teeth and raised both hands toward a draikensu that had made the mistake of setting his sights on the Saeni’s partner. Blue light encased the draikensu’s head and Yoongi harshly grunted before ripping one of his hands to the side.

The draikensu’s head followed, separated from its body in a spray of blood.

“Why didn’t you say something earlier, idiot? Get over here,” Yoongi ordered as the headless body slumped first to its knees then crumpled to the ground, the neck pumping out red.

The disturbing image distracted Hobi’s opponent for a split second, giving him the opening to dart forward and sink both of his knives into either side of her neck. He pulled the blood-covered blades out and punched the female in the jaw, forcing her to fall and bleed out onto the earth. Then the white-haired male trekked backwards to Yoongi’s side, his eyes alert and aware of his surroundings.

When he was near enough, Yoongi reached out and grasped one of Hobi’s straps to tug the Saeni fully against him. Shutting his petal pink eyes, Yoongi held Hobi close while inhaling deeply. The magic emitting from his hands flared even brighter and suddenly a circle of mint-colored energy pulsed outward, throwing every draikensu around them roughly fifty feet back.

Now that he had time and space, tendrils of blue light crept out from Yoongi’s hands and Hobi watched in amazement as they leeched onto the dead Saeni on the ground. The light searched the corpses, locating and withdrawing the blades Hobi had flung into them. With a low murmur from Yoongi, the light came zipping back toward the male beside him and they softly returned the blades to their sheaths across Hobi’s body. Then the light retreated to Yoongi’s glowing hands, leaving the kiela’s spy astonished.

“I… hyung… that was-I didn’t know you could do that!”

Even though the draikensu were starting to regroup from his buffer attack, Yoongi felt pride well up inside him and he smiled. “It’s just something I’ve been working on for you. Finally worked out the kinks a few days ago.”

Tilting his head to softly take in Hobi’s flushed cheeks while he stammered out a shocked thanks, Yoongi noticed the draikensu were now charging the duo and he reluctantly pushed the Saeni away. Instantly, Hobi realized as well and hardened his gaze before throwing one of the blades in his hands. It sunk into its mark’s flesh and Hobi ran to meet a new opponent.

Gripping his dagger, Yoongi was about to follow but paused and narrowed his eyes as bursts of maroon, amethyst, and yellow light flashed in the air close by.

The seven Saeni were breathing hard from their nonstop running as they suddenly came to a halt because of Mingi’s order.

The hazel-eyed guard slowly lowered his fist from where it had been raised beside his head and the Saeni all listened intently to the world around them, trying to pinpoint the noise that had caused the guard to stop them.

“I don’t hear anything,” Geodin whispered, and the others agreed.

Mingi swore and shook his head. “I swear I heard something running in our dire-”

A singular, loud howl echoed through the forest… then the sound of large paws running over the earth.

Coming straight toward them.

The male panted as he blocked the draikensu’s attack with one of his blades and cleaved into the male’s collarbone with the other. More blood splattered across Jungkook’s face and chest, the warm liquid causing him to flinch slightly, and the male fell with a gargled scream.

Pivoting, Jungkook sharply inhaled and quickly leaned back to dodge the point of a spear that was jabbed toward his head. The female growled and lunged again, this time aiming for his chest, but the burgundy head jumped aside before surging forward to get beyond the reach of the long weapon. His sudden switch to the offensive made the draikensu stumble back in surprise, and her heel tripped on the arm of a fallen Saeni. She gasped as her body lost balance and Jungkook aided her descent by sending his foot into her stomach. As she fell, Jungkook followed, plunging both of his swords deep into her chest just as she hit the ground. The draikensu weakly coughed and blood bubbled up past her lips. Then Jungkook yanked the blades out, causing the light in her eyes to wither away.

Hanging his head for a couple heartbeats, still panting as exhaustion settled over him, Jungkook gulped in air and looked over to the eastern cliff.

And felt his heart stop when he didn’t see you.

He shook his head and rescanned the archers. You had to be there. You had to be. But he felt dread bloom inside him as he realized there were fewer Saeni kneeling on the edge than before and you weren’t there.

You weren’t there.

You weren’t there.

His chest tightened painfully as his exertive breaths shifted to panicked ones.

“Fuck, where are you, sweetheart?” Jungkook whispered in a scared voice.

Gripping the hilts of his swords so hard his knuckles turned white, his body grew cold and he began to shake as he raked his eyes over the archers again and again and again. Desperate for any sign of you.

But there were none.

The world seemed to blur around him and all he could see was the empty spot where you. Should. Have. Been. He couldn’t even hear the screams or clashing of metal around him anymore. It all just collected and faded until it was a high-pitched ringing in his ears.

His peridot eyes glistened, and a lump formed in his throat as he choked out a small, fragile “no…”

And he was so focused on the absence of you… so distracted from the battle around him… that he didn’t notice the blade being thrust toward his exposed side.

previous [21] — next [23]

taglist: @cookied-dreams @apurpledheart @james-herondale023 @lorengarcia-yut @kittycuptea @toddsgirl27 @a-feeling-of-euphoria @treatpeoplewithkindnesshoe @kthdior @taigaajin​ @lylanie12​ @kassandravictoria​ @namjoonsslutakakoreanmanswhore​ @xionysus​ @jihoonspout @loverliketwilight​ @palomaxaxaxa​ @keeleybeaver​ @i-like-puppy-mg​

[flesymetahiq]

While I am preparing answers to the romance Ask, here is a small excerpt from Elinor’s childhood, you guys said that you were interested, well, let’s see, I hope you like it :3

Maybe bad English warning xD

Perhaps rude words may come across

The story is written on behalf of Elinor

In the mentioned moment, Elinor is 12 years old by the way

First meeting

—Stupid old man, — I thought, dragging my feet like a body devoid of soul, — The sun had not yet managed to peek out from the horizon, as my forehead had a date with this stupid, thick stick, I hate it! — my thoughts gradually turned into grumbling, as I was a bit afraid that my far from adequate grandfather could be anywhere, sometimes it seems to me that the walls, the earth on which I walk and the sky that spreads over my head, all this is his ears and eyes, then where is he from always knows about everything I do, how does he know about my every move? - He says, "protect the weaker, but at the same time he always hits me - a small, innocent gi .. I did not have time to fully regret myself , because I suddenly heard the screams of the Butcher.

— Here you are, you petty scum! Come here as you get earful from me! And then from your grandfather in addition! — There was a sensation that at that moment I was looking not at the another angry old man running towards me, but at the Gorgon, who turned me into a motionless statue with her sinister look. At first I did not understand what was happening, and maybe I could be understood, at the moment I was between reality and dream, as it dawned on me here. I abruptly remembered that yesterday, I found somewhere a whole tank of yellow paint, and decided to paint the shop of that same Butcher, because it always seemed boring and gray to me, he had to say thank you to me, but in the end he runs to me, obviously not with the best of intentions? And then tell me that there is justice in the world! Naturally, I did not stand like a frightened sheep, cornered, since I was a very dexterous and nimble girl, this old senile never caught me. However ... he threatened me with my grandfather, he would get me out of the ground, I stopped right there, waiting for the butcher to catch up with me. I began to wave with both hands so that he would not beat me. Finally, the butcher caught up with me, at this moment he couldn't touch me even with his finger. He stopped a meter away from me, grabbing his knees, the old man began to eagerly swallow air.At that moment I could hardly restrain laughter, because I understood that this was very inappropriate. I was not afraid to put my hand on the poor man’s shoulder, and solemnly greeted him.

— Good morning, Mister Akuya! Right? You looking very depleted.

— I...—he answered with difficulty, — I am.. I'm Akadzuya

— Mister Adzuya!

— Akadzuya!

— Akadu?

— Listen girl, I know what games you're playing with me now, and ... - He did not finish, because his lungs again demanded to be filled with air.

— Mr. Kakadu, let me help you, I will cure you, — I said sweetly, putting my hands on the old man’s shoulders, whispering a spell, light began to come out of my hands, — I will cure you of everything, you will be strong , you will run as if you hadn't two legs, but as on four legs! I swear! You know I'm magician, right?

I heard that this old man is far from being smart people,but he was very close to the rude beasts. He had already forgotten about my pranks, my proposal was noticeably interested in him, because he really knew that I was not an ordinary girl, I was just as good as any, but I own magic.

— You said strong?

— Yes, exactly! But, on one condition — you will forgive me and don’t tell anything to my grandfather, in addition, I will promise never to paint your shop again!

— Right! — The Butcher remembered, and he almost grabbed me, but he stopped right there, my offer was too tempting, — Okay, little bastard, so be it, you heal me and make me omnipotent, and I forget about what you done.

- Great! That decides me! - I replied joyfully. Although many people tell me that I look like a little angel, in reality I'm little devil. I remembered that a week ago I found a spell that turns one animal into another, I decided to practice and turned squirrels into hares, and other animals (except hares), too, for some reason I managed to turn everything into these fluffy, eared cuties, however I haven’t practiced in human yet, but people are still animals too, so I didn’t see much difference at that time.

After all, I promised that this old donkey will run as if on four legs? I always keep my promises! Closing my eyes, I whispered the following spell, after which I removed my hands from the butcher's shoulders and stepped back a couple of big steps. I imagined a hare, fluffy, old with huge ears, its fur is not completely snow-white, it is with brown spots, a very cute hare - a butcher, and what was my surprise when I opened my eyes and saw that hate that I had imagined! I was so glad that I managed to turn a donkey into a hare, without any serious practice at all! I wish grandfather saw this, yes, he would be extremely mad at me, but I'm sure he would appreciate my abilities! Maybe...

Clasped hands, I jumped with joy and hare— butcher was jumping too, a thousand lights sparkled in my eyes, my first steps to becoming a great magician! Unlike me, a hare, a hare butcher jumped on the spot not from joy, but from panic and fear, he just couldn’t say anything and even did something to me, which made me very happy.

_ That's all, Mr. Akadzuya, now you can run on all four paws! Believe me, you are now much quicker than me, as I promised, and judging by your solemn dances, you feel very good! Well, do not thank me, I am always happy to help! - Playfully giggling, I headed further where I was going. But the hare Akadzuya began to chase after me, running ahead. He sometimes got on two legs, supposedly threatening me, seriously? Did he continue to threaten me even as a small defenseless animal? Fun. Naturally, I did not pay attention to him, I too lost in thought about how talented and unique I am.

The sun was gradually peeking over the horizon, scattering its rays anywhere. The dew on the grass began to shine with almost all colors. The light cool breeze seemed to be the conductor among the orchestra of the leaves of delicate cherry trees and mighty sycamore. I did not have time to blink, as whole flocks of birds occupied the sky, each of them, large and small, tried to shout out to each other, although it was a kind of war, it was quite beautiful and harmonious. For a couple of days of arrival in this village, I managed to remember the local surroundings, given that the village was far from small, probably because the nature of this place was breathtaking. Indeed, if you live in a boring palace and the maximum where you can take a walk is your garden, it would be very difficult for you to remember places like this village.

Grandfather came here with me after I put forward my claims regarding my dream. I always used to talk about my dreams, and probably my grandpa and all the adults around me in the palace, simply could not stand the opportunity ... What kind of dream would you ask? Well, my father Viktor is the ruler of a large kingdom called the Augusei, but besides all this, he is a real hero who almost every day saves someone’s lives, he participated in many battles against the monsters and evil demons that this Kingdom is infesting with, and looking at him, I always wanted to become the same, I made an idol from my father. Every year I see him less and less, only seven years ago we were inseparable, he often told me about his adventures, read bedtime stories, played with me, joked and was just a friend who was always with me. Now .. Now I’m a little lonely, my father has a lot of things to do and problems, and he haven't simple free minute but I know.. he still cares for me. Somewhere deep down in my heart, I am very offended by him, although I try to understand him, but this does not repel my respect and pride for him, especially the dream of becoming like him.

Dad often talked about my late mother Akane, whom I vaguely remember, since she died when I was still very tiny. She was a very sweet, kind woman, so my father loved her madly, after her death, I would not be surprised that he was very depressed by grief, but this did not stop him from smiling warmly at the sight of me, indeed, I never saw him sad, all what I can do is guess what he feels when he looks at me and remembers her ... After all, I look so much like my mother..

I am also sure that my mother was a wonderful magician, because my father did not possess any superpowers at all, but he was an excellent strategist and fighter. And my mother’s father, that is, my grandfather Fuji, whom I managed to grumble in the morning, was also a magician, and most likely a fighter. After all, in addition to spells, he promised to teach me various military techniques. Old Fuji is very responsible and strict, so I don’t like him, sometimes it seems to me that he hates me ... (However, this is not so at all).

It was to this village that he brought me, because there is a great landscape, in addition to valleys and rivers, the village is surrounded on all sides by mountains, which makes it safe and even impregnable, and the air in the village adds strength, there are also a lot of my distant relatives, who also have something to learn. It was just to them that I headed along with the hare Akadzuya.

Oh sure ... Grandfather said that he has a couple of students with whom he will introduce me, we will be a team! Or maybe we will even become good friends! This was so pleasing, because like this I never was in team, for some reason, everyone around tried to avoid me, both children and adults, but why, I still can not understand. Sometimes I thought, because I am very energetic and like to make all kinds of disgraces, well, well, I'm not the only one, right?

Then why is everyone so aloof from me? I hope my team will not avoid me .. Anyway I will try my best!

Approaching a large wooden two-story house, grandfather said that it was called Engava, I first saw such houses, and indeed the architecture and people in this village made it seem like I was in a completely different world, everything was unusual and unfamiliar to me here, but it even pleased me. Like many children, I really liked to learn something new.

Before I came to the veranda of this house, I went through a fabulous garden that didn’t look like a garden in which I spent most of my childhood, I won’t say that my garden was any worse, I’ll just remind you to see similar gardens full of trees with pink flowers, for me it was an innovation.

Before I came to the veranda of the house, I went through a fabulous garden that didn’t look like a garden in which I spent most of my childhood, I won’t say that my garden was any worse, I’ll just remind you to see similar gardens full of trees with pink flowers, for me it was an innovation.

When I stopped at the threshold, my grandfather met me, his gaze was oddly soft and calm, he ordered me to leave my shoes on the threshold, which I did.

- What is it? - Suddenly asked Fuji looking at the Butcher,who was turned into a hare, and who was reaching for my grandfather, as if he wanted to say something to him. Honestly, I completely forgot about him, so my grandfather’s question made me sweat a little.

- Ahhh ... It's .. - I said uncertainly, yes ... yes,I found him on someone's garden bed, thid robber was gnawing someone else's cabbage, and so that farmers would not make a chop from him, I decided to take him for a while, you don't mind grandpa?

I had to lie, although I sounded very confused, my grandfather did not suspect anything, at least ... At least it seemed to me ...

Sighing, my old man continued.

- So be it, then take him and wash, you never know where he went besides dirt.

- You do not mind?! Is that true?! Thank you, Grandpa! - Today will definitely be a day of surprises! The butcher, although he did not like it at all, nevertheless, I managed to catch him quickly and attach him to myself so that he would not run away - But what about ... well ... Your another students? How many students do you have, generally? Do you have them for a long time? Are they my peers?

— Less questions and more work,— grandfather sharply answered, pointing with his hand to the other door, — The bathroom is over there, you will wash this animal, and then I will explain everything.

— Ah ... although what was I hoping for? Grandpa... at least torture him, will still remain the same grumpy grumble. Well, okay.

I led the hare into the bath, he was still resisting.

—I think it’s a pity to learn, and ... and ... I’m ashamed, — I said quietly while closing the bathroom door so that he wouldn’t run far and grandfather would not hear my conversation, — it’s true, but, you see, I’m very ... I was scared when you threatened me with my grandfather, so let's agree, I will look after you a little while you ... well, while you’re a hare, and then I will turn you back into a human, and then we will leave, and I won’t touch you and your shop either! Even ... even wash the paint, just do not tell grandfather! - I folded my hands and bowed in apology, somewhere I saw that someone were doing something like that , I was not used to it, but it would be more unusual to get some kind of punishment from my grandfather, - Please! In any case, I will turn you back into a human!

The butcher guarded his ears, his eyes looked strictly at me, but soon he relented, in any case he didn’t know what could be expected from me, so we both had nowhere to go but a compromise. And this, to be honest, really pleased me.

Fifteen minutes later, I left already with a hare shining with purity. At that time my grandfather was talking with some unfamiliar elderly lady, who, having seen me, bowed.

— Madam Elinor, it’s good to see you, oh, it's looks like...I ... I see Akane in front of me, — embarrassed, I did the same thing, the old woman, with difficulty straightening up, she began to wipe a tear from her eye and smile warmly.Akane? Does she know my mother? Maybe she is just one of these distant relatives that Fuji was talking about. I said nothing, because my whole body was constrained by that inconvenience and the shame that I experienced , I found it strange and could not justify my reaction — will you stay with us for the summer? Yes? It’s wonderful, this place is so good, so fresh, beautiful ..

— Yuna,— my grandpa interrupted het ,recalling that she had stepped back a little from an important topic.

— Oh, yes, excuse me,I always talk about silly things. well,as you understand my name is Yuna,nice to meet you,I will take care of you, and young Madara and Tsunobi, while Mr. Fuji will have important things to do.

Madara ? Tsunobi? This is must be my team! I can't wait to see them!

I wonder what other “important” things are there besides training my old grumbler has.

I didn’t ask further, the fool knew that I want to finally start training and getting to know this mentioned guys. Therefore, Grandfather immediately went with me to another room where two of my peers were waiting for us.

These were two boys, a blond with a fairly long hair, who looked at me with his angry, bright yellow eyes, over which lush black eyebrows and a brunette stretched with even longer hair and dark blue, kind eyes.

- G.. Greetings! - said the dark-haired bowing to me, - My name is Yamata Tsunobi.

— Pleased to meet you, Tsunobi, my name is Elinor, you can call me just Ellie, If you want.

Tsunobi was noticeably embarrassed and even blushed, his face resembled a huge tomato, but Madara looked away from me somewhere on the wooden ceiling. Very gentlemanly.

— And then,— I continued looking at the blond boy— you're Madara,am I right? I'm glad to meet you too...

- Did you bring a hare for lunch? - muttered Madara. Akadzuya immediately flinched, but I reassured him, clutching to myself.

- Nothing like this!

- Then why drag any rubbish to training? How stupid it is.

We just saw each other, and I already began to dislike him, even with a teacher he is not ashamed to talk to me like that! But in response, I just smiled.

- Well ... But you are also present at the training.. so why not?

Madara clearly did not understand my joke ..

- So what?

- Yes so .. nothing

— Enough, Grandfather interrupted us, — after all, you didn’t come here because of conversations, did you? After you introduce yourself to each other, I must to tell you something..

[court-of-pokemuses]

Every Eusine ship rated!

I’ve done this over on my main account @/pkmnsdarkqueen, and I think it’s kinda fun. It’s every ship on the muse from this page rated by my personal opinions. For this account I’ve been slowly working on it since January, and since this is a multimuse it took this long. I hope ya’ll enjoy!

Disclaimers directly below and the list under the cut!

strike through=my side commentary, trying to be funny, usually about ship names italicized=if asked I’d be down to rp it mostly just to see how/it it’d work * by name=I just think it’s a wildly random ship bold=ship name and who in it to help you find a certain ship highlights=they are grouped up, again in case you want to find that one ship

Took out category of Eusine and a protagonist/rival/or companion since they’re all children so it’s a hard no. A few other younger characters fit in the other categories though they’ve been judged no as well for the most part. Some shipped but ONLY in the context of the character being grown up.

Took out category of Eusine with pokemon because pokephelia. In multiship some of them have a pokemon and these have been dubbed as being one of the human’s part pokemon.

ships on ‘never ending romance’ website. Before asked yes mun has other ships she likes that aren’t listed, but Im only focusing on those listed.

Eusine w/ a Villain

Top rated ships: Diamondstud, & Uxorious shipping. 

Bottom rated ships: Fanatic, Fixation &  Hoax shipping.

*DiamondstudShipping - Colress & Eusine 5/10 I mean they’re both fabulous dudes who are focused on finding legendaries so I’d give it a fair shot of happening. Then again would Colress be able to put up with Eusine? 

FanaticShipping - Eusine & Saturn 0/10 Hehehe, they’d kill each other. (Saturn would kill Eusine)

FixationShipping - Eusine & Giovanni 0/10 Giovanni would kill him let’s be honest. 

HoaxShipping - Archer & Eusine 1/10 I.........hm.........yeah don’t really see it too much either as a long term thing. Maybe a hook up?

*UnfortunateShipping - Butch & Eusine 4/10 I mean it’s interesting you got 2 folks who like to show others up, and are fancy bois. Could kinda work I suppose. 

UxoriousShipping - Eusine & Hunter J 6/10 And in this corner we have the wild ship that kinda makes sense just make Eusine more crazed. I mean they’re both obsessed with finding legendaries??? So just watch em run around trying to find certain stuff. Not much love there tho

*WorthyShipping - Cyrus & Eusine 4/10 I’m sorry but I do not see Eusine as hitting the ‘worthy’ level on that I mean he’s strictly emotion based tbh. This would be wild though to see. 

Eusine w/ a champion

Top rated ships: Regent shipping

Bottom rated ships: Gnomon shipping

AeonShipping - Eusine & Cynthia 0/10 Oh gosh no, how the f is that gonna work? Like bruh I don’t think she’d put up with him. 

GnomonShipping - Eusine & Steven Stone 4/10 Gnomo means gnome, so this ship is about gnomes???? Anyway moving on from that def another one night stand scenario.

MantleShipping - Eusine & Lance 4/10 Here we have another one night stand! Seriously just very few people can handle Eusine long term.

*RegentShipping - Alder & Eusine 7/10 Eh Alder did casually shoot his shot at Cynthia so if he did with Eusine def would of at least gone a round. Tho hm long term???? Maybe? I mean Alder has more patience???

SplashShipping - Eusine & Wallace 4/10 Both fabulous, but can they handle each other’s extraneous is the real question.

Eusine w/ an elite 

Top rated ships: Ouroboros, and Harker shipping

Bottom rated ships: DarkMagic, MythHunter, and Elitist shipping

DarkMagicShipping - Eusine & Karen -50/10 Hehehehe, no. Yeah no even if Morty wasn’t involved in why Eusine hates her they would soon find a reason to be at each other’s throats.

ElitistShipping - Eusine & Will 1/10 Will would be sick of him pretty soon, or Eusine would be sick of him. If they didn’t chat much before hand maybe 1 night.

HarkerShipping - Eusine & Marshal 7/10 Cuter than some others I will say and I mean Marshal does seem to have more patience than some, and maybe it’d work.

MinaShipping - Eusine & Grimsley 5/10 Oh grims baby boi shipped around. Yeah I could kinda see it running better than some but again 2 dramatic bois, we’ll see how long they can take each other. 

*MythHunterShipping - Drake (Orange) & Eusine 1/10 I just want to see em exploring the world trying to find crazy legends and such. 

OuroborosShipping - Eusine & Flint (elite) 9/10 Kinda want to see this happen. I just imagine it being the refined boyfriend and messy other boy friend who were originally roommates. 

PilgrimageShipping - Bruno & Eusine 3/10 Ye Bruno would have the patience of a saint to handle him but would it be a good relationship?

WellReadShipping - Eusine & Lucian 5/10 Hm, nerd meets fabulous extrovert. Kinda sorta maybe?

(Surprised to see everyone in the Johto league and no Koga)

Eusine w/ a gym leader

Top rated ships: Sacred, Maelstrom, and RagingInferno shipping

Bottom rated ships: Camilla, Sacrosanct, and Broxa shipping

BroxaShipping - Eusine & Winona 0/10 Winona would not put up with this man. 

CamillaShipping - Eusine & Sabrina -10/10 Sabrina WOULD NOT put up with this man.

CeladonShipping - Eusine & Erika 3/10 I kinda want to see this in that Eusine can usually get away with his slightly flirty shiz and expects Erika to fall, but she just outright does not and boom he’s like,”but....hm I am intrigued.”

CorruptShipping - Bugsy & Eusine 0/10 No way in heck would Boy Scout and Eusine get along

DropletShipping - Eusine & Misty 2/10 Huh it’d be interesting but also they’d probably just fight alot.

HereticShipping - Eusine & Falkner 6/10 I think the name is funny, and brings up some interesting possibilities in au, but as the same time I kinda see it in the main timeline and wanna see it. 

IntertidalZoneShipping - Eusine & Jasmine 0/10 Ye they might ship, but would it be a healthy relationship?

JustinShipping - Eusine & Elesa 0/10 Who is Justin. They would be fashionable together but trying to romance would not work.

MaelstromShipping - Eusine & Volkner 8/10 Ok maybe. Tbh Volkner and Morty have somewhat of the same vibe to me, but Volkener has a bit more sad energy. 

MinakaneShipping - Eusine & Whitney 0/10 This is the first time I feel like Eusine would be annoyed and only becasue she’s just a happy ball but like all the time.

*RagingInfernoShipping - Chili & Eusine 7/10 Ok but watch em both get mad and scream like and then like cuddle afterward and both apologize. 

RueShipping - Eusine & Candice 0/10 Eusine is bent on finding legendaries and Candice is all protect them. no.

SacredShipping - Eusine & Morty 1000/10 Top for the boi cause they just have alot of character moments, and also they have the same salty chemistry and I love it.

SacrosanctShipping - Eusine & Clair 0/10 Clair would hurt him first before any sparks flew. 

SiWongShipping - Byron & Eusine 4/10 Eusine is your dad now Roark. So anyway I think it’s kinda interesting I like the contrast they have with each other but Idk how it’d work together. 

TesseractShipping - Brock & Eusine 1/10 Please explain the name to me, are you telling me they’re Avengers now??? So anyway I kinda feel like this wouldn’t happen. Like I mean Brock is a kind soul, and Eusine is kind of a goblin. 

WTFEverShipping - Brawly & Eusine 3/10 The name says it all. They’d have a one night stand, Brawly would think it was more and scream that at Eusine who’s confused why he’s mad. 

Eusine w/ Professor or assistant to

CrossRegionShipping - Bill & Eusine 3/10 Bill I suppose could work but I feel like things would fall apart when Bill realizes ‘oh you don’t just like suicune in a research sense you’re a bit fanatic.”

***ForelockShipping - Eusine & Professor Sycamore 5/10 .....Ok but if Sycamore was evil maybe? Idk why specifically this, but for some reason I feel like that would vibe??? In general tho naw.

*InvestShipping - Eusine & Professor Rowan 4/10 Naw don’t see this long term but I see it going longer than most.

*LifelongDreamShipping - Eusine & Fennel 9/10 There aren’t too many heterosexual ships I see with Eusine but oddly enough I can see this one. Especially after Eusine lost suicune and they get to talk about what they want from life. 

Eusine w/ a minor GAME npc

Top rated ships: Bowtie, and Value shipping

Bottom rated ships: Chaser, and Jinx shipping 

*BowtieShipping - Eusine & Juggler Irwin 6/10 You know what ye, let em both be showy but one has the cool ability to juggle.

ChaserShipping - Eusine & Satsuki 2/10 Satsuki is a kimono girl about protecting the legendaries idk if she’d be down with his goal unless you just want to focus on them enjoying the journey of looking. 

HarangueShipping - Eusine & Thorton 5/10 I can’t tell if Thorton is a child so that’s weird but for this we’re gonna head cannon he’s an adult. I mean kinda cute I guess with crazy pants McGee energy that Eusine has and in control Thorton. SO eh.

*JinxShipping - Eusine & Palmer 2/10 But Palmer making a hologram suicune? Eh Might be cute, but it’d need more depth than my little cute joke. 

MysticPoisonShipping - Eusine & Lucy 3/10 Funny to imagine same energy as Erika, but long term I don’t see it. 

PokeWifeShipping - AZ (XY) & Eusine 4/10 Someone please explain, please. I mean it’s a no from me dog, but like maybe in an alternate timeline???

*ValueShipping - Eusine & Riley 6/10 They just wanna go find legendaries. They both have the slight cool vibe and I like it.

Eusine w/ a minor ANIME/MOVIE npc

Top rated ships: Harrow, Thunder, Jones, and LegendQuestShipping/PursueShipping/RavingShipping

Bottom rated ships: 20Questions, FollowMyLeader, and Legato shipping

*20QuestionsShipping - Eusine & Flint (Kanto) 0/10 Ya’ll this is Brock’s dad. Like wut??? Brock I am your dad now. I guess the fandom just sees Eusine with dads/dad bods. what 20 questions are they asking?

*AncientPossessionShipping - King of Pokelantis & Eusine 5/10 ..........yeah if anyone was gonna end up possessed it’d be Eusine. They both want to find a legendary pokemon, but Eusine still has their heart focused on wanting to help the pokemon. Although hm idk but what if the king corrupted Eusine??? 

FollowMyLeaderShipping - Eusine & Molly Hale 0/10 So this is the child from the movie and I get we see her all grown but still I don’t like this. 

ForeignShipping - Eusine & Harrison 3/10 This guy has a houndoom as his main and has a tie with ho-oh, I’m shocked the fandom didn’t slam him together with Karen. Anyways he doesn’t have too much depth in the way most anime NPCs do but like mayhaps

GoldbergShipping - Eusine & Noland 5/10 Another dad bod type. Anyway I see this one tho since the cold calculations of Noland may mix with Eusine’s craziness. 

*HarrowShipping - Eusine & Harley 10/10 Yes def on this one. Harley is kinda intense, Eusine is intense. I think this makes sense. 

JonesShipping - Eusine & Ian 8/10 There isn’t much on this guy except that he takes care of pokemon. But he has that dad bod which apparently is Eosin’s thing so sure. 

LegatoShipping - Butler & Eusine 0/10 So Butler has a girlfriend for one. I honestly feel like they have the same energy but Eusine is gay. 

LegendQuestShipping/PursueShipping/RavingShipping - Eusine & Lawrence III 8/10 Again this is just crazy Eusine with someone enabling him. 

*MadShipping - Eusine & Tyson (Johto) 6/10 The Tyson they’re talking about it she one that forced the evolution to happen. I mean I guess but also again this would be the crazy Eusine one. 

ThunderShipping - Eusine & Kudou 8/10 One gets Suicune, and one gets Raikou I mean he’s one of those anime characters that doesn’t get much character so let it happen.

WitnessShipping - Eusine & Ritchie 0/10 This guy is a rival to Ash so ya know it’s a kid, and I don’t see anything they’d connect on.

Eusine w/ Orre or Ranger npcs

SuicuneShipping - Eusine & Venus 8/10 So they’re both conceited, and focused on folks liking them? 

Eusine w/ manga characters

UnworthyShipping - Eusine & Walker Guess what folks, it’s another dad-o, specifically Falkner’s. 

Eusine and multiple people: (All are gonna be a no romantically because I don’t see Karen being poly, but I’ll give plot ideas)

Top rated ships: ImaginaryFriend, and Oos shipping

Bottom rated ships: MissSaigon, Erratic and CrystalIntegrity shipping 

4KingsShipping - Eusine, Falkner, Morty & Lyra 3/10 I’m kinda lost on the name here, and I could see them all hanging out I guess. Maybe a couples date thing, Eusine & Morty w/ Lyra and Falkner. Where do the kings come from tho?

BromanceShipping - Eusine, Flint (Elite), Morty & Volkner 7/10 Bromance where nothing is platonic and clearly 2 couples, or heck maybe it is, anyways I like it though! CapeShipping - Eusine & Jackson (Vincent) / Eusine, Jackson (Vincent) & Lance 9/10 Ok but cape awareness club though where they all sit down and make up good reasons to have a cape, and they make PR for it cause they’re tired of getting teased. It’s a funny idea. CrystalBellShipping - Eusine, Morty & Suicune 5/10 Ok this is just Eusine completing his goal in life and morty also being there. I mean I feel like Morty would be the 1 person to support him having the pokemon but I mean it’d eventually just be his fav pokemon on his team.

CrystalIntegrityShipping - Eusine, Paul, Kris & Suicune 1/10 This is just eusine hanging out with children and a legendary pokemon what are they supposed to do?

CrystaltrioShipping - Eusine, Morty & Kris 4/10 Just a gay couple handing out with this child who defeated them both in pokemon combat. Look she just thinks they’re cool ok?

DashingFanboyShipping - Baron Alberto, Eusine & Lawrence III 9/10 3 bad bois all out wanting to catch their pokemon favorite. Please don’t leave them along longer than 5 minutes because bad things can and will happen. 

EastWindShipping - Crystal, Eusine & Suicune 4/10 This is just Eusine being mad that she caught the pokemon. It makes sense tbh, but I think she’d get annoyed with him trying to convince the legendary to be his pokemon.  ErraticShipping - Eusine & Morty + Eugene (Eusine) & Kudo 2/10 Ok so this is just Eusine shipped with one guy and another Eusine shipped with Morty cause Eugene and Eusine are the same person. I am confusion and I feel like Kudo and Morty would be too. 

ImaginaryFriendShipping - Eusine, Lawrence III, Morty, Ho-Oh, Lugia & Suicune 10/10 .........This is just people giving them a hard time about pokemon they will never get/see isn’t it. Heh I feel like you could put more people in this thing, and I think there should just be that as a support group.  IntelligenceShipping - Eusine, Lucian & Will 5/10 Bruh Lucian would lose his mind trying to deal with these two, It’d be funny to watch but poor Lucian.  KarmaShipping - Eusine, Falkner, Morty & Will 5/10 What did Falkner do to deserve bad karma? And yes I say bad cause Will, Morty, and Eusine alone would cause some shiz. This is the above but with one more person and falconer stuck with it.  LovelyangstyfanserviceShipping - Eusine, Falkner, Lawrence III & Morty 5/10 Ah so these are the angsty bois huh? You’re missing a few folks.  Marina'sFondestDreamShipping - Eusine, Jackson (Vincent) & Lance 3/10 I think this is just a 4 way someone wants to happen. Eusine would have a good time talking to Vincent about Raikou cause it could help him find Suicune. Lance is wondering how he got wrapped up in this convo. 

MisledShipping - King of Pokelantis, Ash & Eusine 4/10 So Ash got possessed by the king and Eusine would def fall into the same boat if there. Yeah the king would have 2 minions basically. 

MissSaigonShipping - Brawly, Eusine & Morty 1/10 So many Eusine and Morty with another person. Hm I can’t think of much they’d have in common immediately...

MovingOnShipping - Eusine, Lawrence III & Professor Carolina 5/10 Professor Carolina helps 2 dorks get over the fact that they can’t have the legendary pokemon they want. MysticQuestShipping - Eusine, Jimmy (Kenta) & Marina (Johto) 4/10 This is just them all looking for suicune and only one gets it, spoiler it’s not Eusine

MysticShipping - Eusine, Morty & Will 6/10 Ah yes the clairvoyant, the psychic, and a fanboy. One of the most powerful forces to ever exist. Real talk though I feel like they’d just all cause trouble together. 

MystifyShipping - Eusine, Morty & Whitney 3/10 Is it just me or is anyone that ships with Morty and Eusine feels like a 3rd wheel? I feel like they’d have an ok time together but idk if it’d go long term. OnMyHonorShipping - Eusine, Falkner, Morty & Clair 6/10 Ok yeah they all definitely have that ‘honor’ vibe about them but I fell like their honor systems have various levels of skew to them. It’d be interesting to get them all in a room to talk about it though. 

OosShipping - Brawly, Eusine, Morty & Will 10/10 Please catch them all in some school au where they are the trouble makers of the school. Brawly is the wanna-be intimidating jock, Will is the class clown, Eusine is the dramatic theater kid, and Morty is the introvert they adopted.  SacredDevotionShipping - Eusine, Morty, Ho-Oh & Suicune 9/10 They finally got the pokemon they have fan boy crushes over. Cute but I feel like they’d not realize how much for it takes to care for a legendary. That and be bad at trying to defend them, interesting thing to explore.

SacredFireShipping - Eusine, Morty & Ho-Oh 5/10 Now morty got his pokemon he wants. Kinda cool, maybe it’d show Eusine what he looks lie to other people. 

SacredHonorShipping - Eusine, Falkner & Morty 3/10 Again falconer feels like the third wheel here, and idk what they’d do long term. 

SuitUpShipping - Butler, Darach, Eusine, Lance & Steven Stone 6/10 All the dudes in suits huh (and Lance)? I feel like some are missing. I can see them all going shopping some time though and getting wild new styles. 

TrimurtiShipping - Eusine, Giovanni & Lance 4/10 Huh....ok I mean I just see it as Lance reluctantly keeping Eusine safe from Giovanni cause Eusine would def do something to make him mad trying to act tougher than he is.

Eusine w/ Eusine

RagingEgomaniacShipping - Eusine & Eusine 10/10 He’d band himself in a heart beat, and they’d be wildly annoying to everyone else. 

[ryttu3k]

List 10 of your favorite ships, in no particular order. Don’t cheat by scrolling down to see the questions yet, either!

1. Golden Trio (Hermione/Ron/Harry, Harry Potter) 2. Korrasami (Korra/Asami, Legend of Korra) 3. LubricantShipping (Sycamore/Meyer, Pokemon) 4. Lapidot (Lapis Lazuli/Peridot, Steven Universe) 5. Sidlink (Link/Prince Sidon, Legend of Zelda - Breath of the Wild) 6. Skysolo (Han Solo/Luke Skywalker, Star Wars) 7. PerfectWorldShipping (Sycamore/Lysandre, Pokemon) 8. Best Enemies (Doctor/Master, Doctor Who) 9. Zelink (Zelda/Link, Legend of Zelda) 10. HardenShipping (Archie/Maxie, Pokemon)

1. Do you remember the episode/scene/chapter that you first started shipping 6?

Skysolo. lmfao dude I don't even know I was like twelve. Possibly this scene?

2. Have you ever read a fanfic about 2?

Korrasami. A few, but I don't read a ton of LoK stuff.

3. Has a picture of 4 ever been your screensaver/profile picture/tumblr screensaver?

Lapidot. Nah. Like I love it but it's not one of my number one favourites.

4. If 7 were to suddenly break up today, what would your reaction be?

Perfworld. "Oh thank god I'm free." Like I love it but it's very much a trash ship.

5. Why is 1 so important?

Golden Trio. God, they need each other. Like yeah Ron and Hermione work great together but they work best when Harry is there too. They compliment each other in a way that makes them all stronger individually, and the addition of the third person makes each of the individual pairings within better.

6. Is 9 a funny ship or a serious ship?

Zelink. Not really? It can be kind of light-hearted (the Skyward Sword ending in particular, with the optimism of a new future on the Surface) or goddamn tragic (Ocarina, sob).

7. Out of all the ships listed, which ship has the most chemistry?

Honestly, lubeshipping. They definitely have the strangest flirting!

8. Out of all your ships listed, which ship has the strongest bond?

Best Enemies or Zelink. In, uh, different ways. Zelink lasts through timelines and life times, and Best Enemies just can't shake each other. Like, ever.

9. How many times have your read/played/watched 10’s fandom?

I have played ORAS (well, AS) twice! Once as a regular run, once as a Nuzlocke. Archie killed my Pikachu the second time :(

10. Which ship has lasted the longest?

The Zelda timeline is canonically over ten thousand years old so I'm going with them.

11. How many times, if ever, has 6 broken up?

Skysolo. They're technically not actually together, although given how much I do the My City Now thing over Star Wars, I'm saying they've never broken up and are happy so there.

12. If the world was suddenly thrust into a zombie apocalypse, which ship would make it out alive, 2 or 8?

Korrasami or Best Enemies. The Master probably caused the zombie apocalypse lmfao. The Doctor could deal with it, for sure. Korra is the Avatar and Asami is a badass normal, but they can't regenerate, so I feel they'd manage to survive for a long while but not quite as long as the Time Lords.

13. Did 7 ever have to hide their relationship for any reason?

Perfworld. Depends on which AU you're using ;D My general view was that they were openly dating, but post-Geosenge Sycamore is just like, "I don't wanna talk about it."

14. Is 4 still together?

Lapidot. They're currently poofed and in Bismuth's care, but once they reform, they'll basically have to have A Talk and hopefully work things out? So currently not actually together, but they'll get there.

15. Is 10 canon?

HardenShipping. Yes. Yes it is.

16. If all 10 ships were put into a couple’s Hunger Games, which couple would win?

Frankly most of them would be trying to destroy the Capitol from the inside. And indeed, some of them have in my HG Pokemon AU!

17. Has anybody ever tried to sabotage 5’s ship?

Sidlink. Nah, I can see everyone around them being pretty enthusiastic! I can also see Mipha's spirit going "JUST KISS ALREADY" lbr.

18. Which ship would you defend to the death and beyond?

I mean, all of them.

19. Do you spend hours a day going through 3’s tumblr page?

Lubeshipping. The tag hasn't been updated in three months what do you think.

20. If an evil witch descended from the sky and told you that you had to pick one of the ten ships to break up forever or else she’d break them all forever, which ship would you sink?

Rude. Also, perfworld, because I love it but also, yikes.

[maddieghammond]

Camp Stories 2019: Part 7

June 14th, 2019

Today was insane!

We worked and cleaned and prepped for campers all day, blah blah blah, I’ll skip to the good parts. Starting with the campfire.

Every Friday night, all of Camp Harwood gathers for a campfire at the big fire circle deep in the woods. Tonight was no exception, and the official end of staff training was cause for celebration. Staff performed skits, sang songs, and told stories. It was a lot of fun. There was some serious stuff too. Part of the ritual every Friday night includes sitting in silence- as a group- for five minutes. This is to reflect on our time at camp and our achievements, and well as set goals for the future. It was really beautiful, listening to the rustling trees and the crackling fire as I thought about what I want to achieve this summer. I like to think that I’m already living a story worth telling. 

And little did I know, my story was about to get a lot more interesting. 

After campfire, we were dismissed for the night off. I’d heard rumors of a house party happening, which were quickly confirmed by the girls in my cabin as soon as we got back. I guess that even though everyone is invited, people try to be discreet about partying so that it's easier for Benny to turn a blind eye on us in our off time.

Which I totally get. If he doesn’t see that we’re up to no good, it's easier for him to pretend our camp is more like Camp Walden than Camp Firewood. 

The party was at a guy named Liam’s house, he’s a third-year counselor as well as a third generation counselor. His father worked here, as well as his grandfather. They have a house on the next lake down from Hart Lake, and apparently have parties all the time. Someone described their family as “the Gatsbys of Camp Harwood”- they’re rich, generous, and love to have a good time. The girls said it's about a 25 minute walk from our cabin to get there, and that if we’re tired at the end of the night, there is an open invitation to sleep there. I figured that if I was going to experiment in underage drinking, this would be a pretty safe environment to do so.

Getting ready in the cabin with Cali, Jess, and Alexa was fun. We blasted pop music and, in Alexa’s words, got “camp glam”. After quickly showering, we threw on sundresses, mascara, and put a little effort into our hair. I straightened mine, Cali and Jess braided each others’, and Alexa tamed her curls. Cali pulled four cans of Mountain Dew out of her mini fridge (I guess it's common for people to bring those here?), opened them, and poured a little bit out of each onto the ground outside. Then, after rummaging around in her suitcase for a minute, she opened up a hidden bottle of cheap vodka, and filled each can to the top with alcohol. 

We toasted to a great night out, and I tried to play it cool. It was a very strong first drink. 

As the sun started to set, we headed to Liam’s house. We sipped our drinks, gossiped and placed bets on what would happen tonight. Cali already knew about my crush on Lucas, and I confessed my feelings to the other girls. They’re all excited for me, and said they’re happy to find reasons for us to be left alone together. 

Sycamore staff arrived fashionably late, and by the time we got to Liam’s, the party was in full swing. People were spread out throughout the giant house, dancing, drinking, and playing games on the lawn. It was an overwhelming scene straight out of a college movie, but I felt surprisingly comfortable. Probably because everyone- well, almost everyone- here has been warm and kind to me. 

I think I was also a little tipsy. We had all finished our drinks on the walk there. I felt warm and a little dizzy, but in a fun way. Alexa brought me a fruity tasting drink from the kitchen, and I sipped on it for the rest of the night.

We played drinking games for awhile- turns out I’m pretty good at beer pong? Cali, Jess, and Alexa kept me entertained, introducing me to everyone there. I think I’ve talked to almost every staff member now.

Time moved fast, and after a while, I ended up alone with Lucas at the end of the dock, sitting together and dangling our feet in the water. We talked for what felt like forever, sitting so close that our knees were touching. It was electric. 

At one point, there was a comfortable silence. We looked at each other, and I was feeling it, so I kissed him! And he kissed me back! It was long and slow and sweet, just like I’d been hoping for since I saw him on Sunday in The Lodge. That feels like forever ago, like I’ve wanted him for so long. 

We didn’t do much more than kiss before we were interrupted by Liam, who ran down the dock in his boxers and did a cannonball into the moonlit lake, followed by a handful of equally drunk and naked friends. I don’t know if they even noticed Lucas and I. If they did, they didn’t care or make a big deal out of it. 

We laughed and got up, and walked back to the house, trying to be discreet. 

Jess and Alexa were passed out on the porch with their clothes on, but Cali found me and asked if I wanted to walk back to camp with her. I said bye to Lucas, and we headed out. I filled Cali in on what had happened, and she was so excited for me! 

Now we’re back in Sycamore, and I’m about to crash. I’m just- I’m so happy. I can’t believe I’ve been here less than a week. I already feel like a new woman. 

This has been an excerpt from Camp Stories, a narrative podcast by Maddie Hammond. Listen to full episodes for free on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

[our-legacy-rp-blog]

JAYLIE has been accepted for the character DELANEY ALLAWAY

An outstanding application, Jaylie! You really captured Delaney, and the amount of thought you’ve put into her character really shows. You’ve got a great eye for character detail, and we can’t wait to see where you go from here. Welcome to OL, and be sure you fill out the checklist HERE.

OOC name & pronouns: Jaylie (she/her)

Age:23

Timezone: GMT+8

IC INFORMATION:

Character’s name: Delaney Allaway

FC: Lily Collins

Position request: Seeker on the Gryffindor team (if not already filled)

Birthday: June 17. Gemini are known to represent dual natures in one. They are expressive and sociable, but also tend to suddenly get serious, thoughtful and restless. They are fascinated with the world itself, extremely curious, with a constant feeling that there is not enough time to experience everything they want to see. I think this describes Delaney very well – she’s always on the move, wanting to experience as much as she can, although at times she can also be prone to sullen moods and sudden bouts of thoughtfulness.

Wand: 11½”, Sycamore and unicorn tail hair core. A sycamore wand is always eager for new experiences and tends to lose its brilliance when engaged in mundane activities – much like its owner. Delaney is a curious witch and makes a good partner for her wand, especially since she is always challenging herself with spells that are past her level of competency (even if the results aren’t always good). Along with a unicorn tail hair core, Delaney’s wand is extremely faithful to her and enables her to produce consistent magic, although she discovered that it tends to perform better when she brings it along with her whenever she is breaking the rules or trying something new.

Patronus: Delaney has obviously tried casting the patronus charm on more than one occasion, but has never succeeded in casting a corporeal patronus. If she could, it would be a dolphin. There is an adventurous and carefree nature to the dolphin, one that is reflected in those with it as their patronus. They are often social and loved by most. They are strong and like to explore new things and meet new people. These traits are mirrored in Delaney, who is communicative and enjoys experiencing and learning new things. Dolphins also symbolise freedom and if there is one thing Delaney values, it is her freedom.

Boggart: Herself, being trapped within glass walls.

Delaney is always up for an adventure so when a few of her fellow Gryffindors asked her along to go boggart-hunting in her second year, she agreed in a heartbeat. It wasn’t as fun as she thought it would be, though, and till now she still remembers what she saw when she faced the boggart.

It was as if the boggart could sense her fear beneath her suppressed memories, ones that even she could hardly remember.  She saw herself surrounded by glass walls which were so high that they never seemed to end. She – or rather, the image of herself – pounded her fists on the walls but there wasn’t so much as a crack. Her mouth opened her mouth to cry for help, but no sound came out.

The reason is still unclear to Delaney now, but she has a subconscious fear of being trapped and unable to free herself, stemming from her younger years of being locked up in the Kinney household. Unlike now, she wasn’t allowed to make any noise or do what she wanted. One of the things she enjoys most about life is being free; having the freedom to do what she wanted, the freedom to speak her mind and express herself. Taking this away from her would be worse than asking her to run around Hogwarts in nothing but a towel (not that she has tried). She just hadn’t known how much she really feared that until she faced a boggart for the first time.

Headcanons:

When Delaney was first put into the foster care system, she couldn’t read or write. While she wasn’t underfed or physically abused, her parents didn’t teach her anything either. They spent as little time as possible with her. Being in the same room as her made them uncomfortable, therefore they avoided doing anything that would mean them being in her presence for an extended period of time and this, unfortunately, included teaching her the alphabets and numbers – things that a four-year-old would usually know by then. A kind matron acting as the temporary caretaker of the kids in the foster care system taught her how to write her own name on the fourth day she was there, and from then on, she learned something new every day, be it from the matron or the older kids. By the time the Ministry confirmed the Allaway’s adoption of Delaney, the girl could pretty much hold up her own end of the conversation, read and write basic sentences, and do simple counting.

Although Delaney loves all things dragons, her first love is, and always will be, the Antipodean Opaleyes. From the moment she laid eyes on the baby Opaleye for the first time, she knew she was in love. When its iridescent scales caught the sunlight, the then five-year-old girl had gasped involuntarily, drawing the smiles of her parents. It was the most beautiful creature she has ever seen. For the next few weeks, she spent almost every waking moment with the Opaleye until it stopped breathing fire every time she got closer and instead greeted her with a smoky snort.

Delaney wants very much to become closer to her brother, Lowry. The girl is easily satisfied and doesn’t want for much. However, if there was something she was envious of, it was her cousins’ relationships with each other. The Allaways were a big family, with aunts and uncles and cousins all living together in a communal environment. During her first day at Clarity Park, after meeting her new parents, she was told by the witch from the Ministry to stay outside and play with her cousins while the adults settle the paperwork. Still shy and reserved, Delaney sat under a tree while watching the other children. Seeing how her cousins played and protected each other in team games made her excited to have someone like that in her life as well. Afterwards, when Mimi and Sam told her that she had a brother, Delaney couldn’t keep her heart still. Even though she looked impassive on the outside, her mind was turning furiously. Would he be her protector, or she his?  It didn’t matter either way – she simply wanted someone she could play with like the cousins she saw earlier. Someone who was willing to accept her, despite the suddenness of her appearance. She didn’t understand what was it she felt then, but it broke her heart when Lowry refused to shake her hand or introduce himself that day. It broke her heart when he wouldn’t look her in the eye at breakfast the next morning, or in the days that followed. At one point in time, Delaney even thought to herself that she wouldn’t mind changing parts of her personality if it meant that Lowry would grow fonder of her. There was, however, one thing she knew she wouldn’t be able to change, even if it was to get her brother to like her…

She hates the quiet. While Lowry excels when working in silence, Delaney finds it too overwhelming and her brain always refuses to cooperate when she must do so. She always feels a need to fill in the silence and has therefore developed a habit of talking to herself whenever she’s alone. She doesn’t care much for what others think of her when they overhear her mumbling to herself; after all, it’s a free world, surely everyone is entitled to their own methods of focusing.

History:

The Kinney family were a muggle family living on the outskirts of Belfast and paying their way through honest and earnest means. Julia worked as a school teacher for younger children, while Michael was an electrician in the local neighbourhood, fixing appliances or light fixtures. They lived modestly, scrimping and saving where possible in order to have a treat every now and then - a nice dinner out, a trip to the city for the day. Julia and Michael, who had met not long after leaving school themselves, were not boastful or idealistic people: they were in love, but they also believed in the practicality of a good marriage. They could support one another and whatever family they created, and that meant something. Their first child was a boy named Caleb - healthy and happy, the young couple were overwhelmed with the pressures of first time parenthood, scrambling to understand how to take care of a baby and give it everything it needed. Though Caleb was a handful, the pair were flushed with success and quickly got pregnant a second time soon after. This time round, they were prepared – armed with experience and the know-hows of taking care of a child now, they were excited to have a second child join the family.

However, bizarre incidents followed. From the moment of her conception, Delaney was… strange. Meetings with the doctor resulted in the technology failing or the scan photos to come up blurred, distorted, or simply black. Her birth caused a power surge in the hospital, and the back-up generators were forced to kick in. Julia noticed that her pregnancy was much more tumultuous and restless than it had been with Caleb, and at one point wondered if there was something wrong, but none of it mattered when Delaney was born - a healthy girl delivered in the waiting arms of her parents, who were happy she was alright. The strange occurrences faded from the minds of her parents as the throws of parenthood began all over again - Julia and Michael were too busy to notice the signs of early magic that were happening with Delaney until it was too late. Shocked by what they saw - their baby girl making lights flicker, objects move, and on one memorable occasion, making her toy dragon shoot flames from its mouth. They were scared, and rightfully so - raised devoutly Catholic, Julia and Michael were terrified of their own daughter, and quickly fell into a pattern of neglect and fear that dominated the first few years of Delaney’s life.

She was kept away from her brother and instead forced to stay in her room under lock and key. Though only a baby and, soon, a toddler, Delaney was given little time with her parents - though fed, washed, and changed, she was largely left on her own. The girl spent most of her days by herself, locked in her room, with no one to play with or talk to. She used to cry when she was younger but as she grew older, she begun to comprehend that her parents only grew angrier and more scared of her whenever she did so, and therefore stopped. Julia and Michael feared bringing in a priest and having him confirm the worst, not to mention the unwanted attention and notoriety that a modern day possession might bring them. They were simple people; they didn’t want to create waves. So Delaney grew up a lonely but not uncared for little girl, her magic coming in spurts over the years and only serving to continue scaring her parents. It was only when Delaney left the house to receive her vaccinations that others became aware of what was happening inside the Kinney house. Delaney accidentally used magic in front of a muggle that alerted the Irish branch of the Ministry of Magic to her case - and when they came to the house to alert her family, they found her locked in her room. The conditions were terrible, and though Julia and Michael made excuses, the Ministry couldn’t sit by and let it continue.

Delaney was removed at the age of four from her family and put into the foster system for witches and wizards. Because she was so young, the Ministry actively searched for a home that would take her permanently - and that was when the name of the Allaway’s cropped up. Known for running Clarity Park, a sanctuary for magical creatures and beasts, the Allaway’s were reclusive and isolated from most of the wizarding world, but they kept a few old contacts within the Ministry for situations involving creatures. In passing, Delaney’s case was mentioned, and very quickly the Allaway’s decided to take her in. She was, after all, much like the other cases they took, albeit a human one but no less of a troubled cause. For the first time in her life, Delaney was allowed to be a child - and quickly she adapted to her new surroundings. Wild, free, and talkative, Delaney shed her old skin and became a young girl who was loud and active - traits that she had learned to suppress in order to keep her parents happy. Clarity Park was her home, and she spent days running among the pens and enclosures of the animals, learning their names and qualities.

But the one creature that captured Delaney’s attention the strongest was dragons. Clarity Park had rescued and rehabilitated several abused dragons, but Delaney’s favourite were the Antipodean Opaleye breed. Friendly, beautiful, and easy to train, Delaney handled several of the baby Opaleye’s before they were shipped off to dragon reserves, which had more space. Delaney found that she had a knack for dragon rearing and was encouraged by her parents, Mimi and Sam, to continue developing her skills with the dragons that passed through Clarity Park. For them, there was no danger in Delaney or her gifts, and they raised her like their own alongside their biological son Lowry. Mimi and Sam were hesitant to tell Delaney about her past the older she got, especially as they witnessed the changes she’d made since arriving - they didn’t want to ruin her childhood by bringing up the bad, and possibly repressed, memories from life as a Kinney. But for Delaney, these were times that she could hardly remember; she knew that the Allaway’s were not her biological family, but it didn’t matter so much when she was loved and cared for by their communal way of taking care of each other. The thought of looking for or even finding out more information about her biological family has never crossed Delaney’s mind – to her, the Allaway’s were and always will be her family.

There was, however, a downside. Delaney and Lowry did not get along, and it was, to Delaney at least, almost a one-sided competition that she wanted no part of. Though she loved Mimi and Sam and called them mother and father, she knew that Lowry came first to them and was not envious of that position. She understood that she was the intruder in Lowry’s life and gave him a wide berth, hoping that, with time, they might become friends. But Lowry never softened, and instead seemed to only grow colder toward Delaney over the years. When the time came to head to Hogwarts together, Delaney thought that it would bond them - but it didn’t. Gryffindor called to both of them, and Lowry seemed angry that they were once more stuck together. She watched as he made friends with other people and pretended like they weren’t family - a blow that stung and left her to make friends with others in his absence. Although it wasn’t all bad for Delaney as Hogwarts allowed her to focus her magic, the wild thing inside of her that had caused so much trouble, she also knew that she would never stop trying to bridge the distance between her and Lowry.

Taking to her subjects eagerly, Delaney found her stride in subjects like Care of Magical Creatures, Herbology, and Transfiguration - things that tapped into her strengths or allowed her to challenge herself. And it became clearer over the years that her direction in life lay with dragons, and that one day she might be a dragon trainer herself at a reserve. But the time between the present and that dream was a long one, and Delaney set about working hard and proving herself a strong witch. A dedicated student, an active and athletic person, as well as someone who always seeks to better themselves, Delaney is a proactive Gryffindor who embodies the traits of her house. Talkative, friendly, and with a wicked sense of humour, Delaney is type of person to be at the forefront of social events, conversation, and extra curriculars. She wants to be bold and live without fear, learning from her early years with her family - she never wants to feel as though she can’t be herself, and freely encourages others to do the same. For Delaney, each day is important, and she tackles it with a fierce heart and a steadfast belief that anything is possible.

Now:

If someone were to bring up the topic of werewolves in a conversation with her, Delaney would refuse to take sides. For some reason, they always remind Delaney of dragons – the same words used to describe the dragons once upon a time are now also being used to label the werewolves. They are beasts – too fierce, unpredictable, dangerous, and uncontrollable. The solution to that were the dragon reserves. Dragons kept in captivity and studied. If the werewolves and wizarding community cannot find peace with each other, is it going to end in the same way? Only it would be worse, because werewolves are not beasts, at least not in Delaney’s eyes. They feel, they think, they talk – in a common language with wizards and witches alike. Some of them are born a werewolf, some are made, but not all are happy with their circumstance, not all hold the same extremist views as the culprits who have been making headlines of late. It is frustrating, to say the least, hearing all the negative press about the current state of the wizarding world.

Not one to remain fixed for long, Delaney chooses not to dwell on it and instead focus on other things like getting out of detention, quidditch, and getting those grades which she needs to pursue a future as a dragon keeper. Throwing herself into schoolwork and extra curriculars, Delaney strives to live each day without regret. She simply wishes to experience as many things as she can while she is still able to. Straightforward with her feelings (though some would call her tactless) and with an inability to turn down a challenge, the Gryffindor often finds trouble following her even if she doesn’t mean to cause any. However, she has no time for anything that slows her down or anyone who would stop her from achieving her goals. Ultimately, family and friends will always be her priority, and she will protect them no matter what it takes.

[tumblunni]

Happy mother’s day to Johanna from pokemon. I mean.. happ day to ALL the game moms, but seriously wtf is it with this series and giving them absolutely zero role in everything. Johanna’s still the best we got, but I hold out hope that maybe she could be even more of a thing in a sinnoh remake! And oh man, does anyone else really miss unnamed johto mom? She had the most plot presence as a gameplay aspect yknow, even if she didnt have PLOT PRESENCE. i really really really REALLY loved sending a portion of my income to help my virtual mom, and her buying me cute dolls to decorate my virtual house with. I went APESHIT for Staidum 2′s feature to see your custom room in full 3d on the menu screens! ^_^ Plus like.. just... a bank was a REALLY necessary addition to pokemon and its been much harder to manage money in every game since GSC because WHY DID THEY REMOVE IT?? If people disliked the mom buying you gifts feature, then they shoulda just brought back mombank with gameplay balance changes or customization options or whatever, not removed it forever... But of course the most important part is that it reminded you of your virtual mom existing and let you have some cute phonecall conversations during the journey! I just really really love poke-moms. As someone who kinda Very Much Lacks a real good mom, it felt really happy to imagine i had a fictional one. Why does pokemon keep missing this great opportunity!! And its also why im kinda sad all the professors stopped being like grandpa figures and now the player is supposed to see them as attractive or whatever. Theyre like my teacher yo! Thats not gonna happen no matter how sycamore he is! Oh but its actually why i really adore kukui even though he’s the most fanservice professor design ever, they still gave him cute mentorly interactions and a dadlike personality! And he’s even canonically a dad figure to one of yor rival friend characters, even if its up to the player to decide if you wanna see him as your buddy or as your videogame crush, lol But just... MAN I really miss Johanna!! She still had a really minor role, to the point that you only know her name if you get lucky enough to face her in the randomly generated Contest finals. But THAT is why i loved her! She actually reappears later in your story and helps you out, and is implied to be having her own adventure behind the scenes instead of just sitting in that house with one line of dialogue for 90 hours of gameplay. Actually, even, I loved the easter egg that she did actually (very rarely) change dialogue when you go back to get your pokemon healed at story-important points. like when team galactic blows up the nearby lake you can go visit her to heal up after the boss fights and she’s actually like HOLY SHIT YOU NEARLY DIED IN A LAKE EXPLOSION SON/DAUGHTER! And she fusses over you but she still lets you continue journeying after this moment of hesitation, believing in you that you’re the only one who can save this world. I just fuckin love Johanna! And.. like.. she’s kinda the closest we got to my secret dream of Champion Mom Wants To Fight. it was equally surprising to see her suddenly appear as the contest champion, even if its a completely missable easter egg. It was still nice to be able to kinda battle with your parental figure in a friendly competition of love and hugs. Also it’s good fuel for a thousand headcanons of her somehow knowing wallace from rse and etc. ALL CONTEST FRIENDS KNOW EACH OTHER, YO. Pokemon contests are THE BEST, please give us more of them and continue the Actually Having A Plot As You Defeat Them thing from ORAS! Lisia was the bestttt Seriously just imagine like... Contest plot of sinnoh remakes actually revolves around giving momma johanna some more screentime and development and backstory and like... maybe even she could appear in the main plot too? Even if its just like the thing of the gym leaders being stated to be fighting the rest of team galactic offscreen so you can reach cyrus. Maybe TG attacks a contest hall or something as the final part of the contest sidequest, and you and mom have to fend them off while simultaneously doing the contest finals. ‘Hey is this part of the show?’ cliche. Kick ass in the prettiest way! It could be really cool as a unique kind of bonus contest match, like a doubles contest where you have to work with your partner to make combo moves, or like a hybrid of battling and contests where you have to maintain a certain tv ratings level during the fight. JOHANNA IS BASICALLY METTATON OKAY, THIS IS MY HEADCANONS She just... has so much personality for someone who does nothing in the whole game. Why WHY do we never get enough mom? Do they just assume everyone has a real mom... man I was really happy tho to have sun and moon address abusive parenting as a main plot and also give some more personality to the mom character even if she’s still not really a plot presence. and like everyone is a parental figure in this plot! Bunni’s fifty moms and dads and at least two grandpas! even if The One Original Mom still didnt get enough screentime im glad i could project my sadnesses onto every kahuna ever And also rescue my new best friends from Literally My Actual Mom: the Videogame Character! Lusamine fuck off, i wanna see johanna again >_>

...so yeah basically pokemon moms this game series has been a constant comfort during my childhood when i was suffering from the bad mom stuff, so im glad it continues to give me the ol good mom wish fullfillment feels even as an adult i love unnamed slightly more screentime sun and moon mom i love contest star johanna mom i love mystery bank plush toy gifting mom i love even smaller role gen 1 and 3 moms even i love slightly medium sized role but really no personality unova mom 1 and 2 i love super cool kalos mom who’s so heavily set up as being a thing and then sadly never gets to have more than the every game regulated tiny screentime allottance I love every mom dad and grandpa-y pokemon professor I love 99% of all gym leaders who need more damn screen time too i love the kahunas making up for all that gym leader neglect AND being more parental than ever before i love the goddamn villain bosses that somehow end up being Officially My New Dad every damn time i love how the only truly unforgiveable fan unfavourite villain bosses are the two child abuse bastards i love kicking their ass with catharsis power and then going back to my million virtual family members and pretending i could do this in real life and everyone knows i inexplicably love charon from gen 4 cos he’s Slightly More Grandpa Than Every Other Villain i love games about found family and stuff... i wish pokemon would realise that its one of these games, yknow? sun and moon seemed a lot like a good step in that direction. i think if was able to play that game as a kid i would have been able to realise i was being abused. its really important to address these subjects in children’s media, yknow? and just GOD it sucks that the only way i dont get sad on mother’s day is wasting hours thinking about fictional 2 lines of dialogue moms from a dumb monster catching game aaaaaaaaa johanna why u no be real

[kalosstarters]

I'd love it if you used Manon(Mairin) for the character writing question!

And you bet I’d love to write it! This isn’t really a “how to write Manon” post, though, this is more about my headcanons regarding her character. I had no intention to make it 1250+ words long but it kinda happened. So yeah, not a short answer. That’s how much I love this girl. Here we go:

(I’m sorry about having this first but) she’s clumsy. If she’s walking on an icy road? More than likely to fall. When she doesn’t remember to look at where she’s going? Falling again. But it shouldn’t still be overdone; if she falls several times in a one-shot, it stops being funny. Sometimes she can surprise and not fall!

She’s naive. Just for fun, I checked the word ‘naive’ on dictionary . com and it defined it this way: “having or showing a lack of experience, judgment, or information”. That is definitely Mairin. In practice that means that she might trust someone (like Lysandre) too easily, or, on the other hand, not believe what she is told when she should. Her lack of experience shows in a lot of occasions in the anime, for example when she’s trying to catch flabébé (rip) and needs Alain’s assistance. In my fics she is usually at least 7-8 years older than in the anime so I imagine this trait isn’t quite that visible anymore, but might still show up on some occasions. She might for example ask weird questions about something she should know at that point.

Regarding the previous point, her questions about the globe/earth and several other obvious seeming things make me headcanon that she is rather uneducated and might not have had a lot of contact with people of her age before leaving for her journey. I imagine that her mother is not mentally capable of taking care of her children while her father is who knows where (Mairin doesn’t even know him) so she and her brother (another product of my imagination) live with their aunt who doesn’t allow the kids to go to a normal school (I haven’t decided all the details so I don’t know why, maybe she just hates people). Well, the home education doesn’t suit for Mairin who in my headcanons has dyslexia and concentration problems (and it doesn’t help that her aunt keeps screaming ‘why can’t you read?’ when she stutters while trying to read something out loud) which is why she has fallen quite a lot behind when she starts her journey. Luckily, later on, after the TF arc I imagine that Alain promises to help her to learn and is a surprisingly good teacher, even though Mairin will probably never truly enjoy reading unless the book’s topic is something she definitely cares about. These things might show in some of my fics. 

A new addition: why does she know so much about Pokémon then? I imagine that to keep Mairin out of trouble her aunt gets her various Pokémon related games and maybe picture books that teach her a lot.

Mairin is talkative, sometimes to the point of being ‘pesky’ in Alain’s opinion. She just keeps talking about everything she can think of while Alain simply gives short remarks between her rants. However, her style to speak isn’t particularly fancy, she talks like a tomboy and says what she thinks, sometimes even when she shouldn’t.

She can get pretty snarky when she wants to, saying stuff like “don’t you have this thing called ‘emotion’?’” which she might regret later on. However, when she likes something, she also shows it, complimenting and being supportive and very nice/sweet (when she likes someone as much as she likes Alain, she might even try to organize parties alone for them, even if her attempts are rather disastrous sometimes, as seen in xy&z e44 - which leads to another headcanon about Mairin being bad at the household work - particularly cooking)

Mairin likes making physical contact with whomever she’s talking to (particularly if she’s more familiar with them, but she gets pretty close to Alain even in act 1), going for friendly hugs, highfives, pats, elbowing, etc, rather easily.

I read Bulbapedia’s description of Mairin and it mentioned “forceful nature” which definitely isn’t a lie. She is stubborn, strong willed, angry when things don’t go her way, and sometimes tends to be too pushy, and even disrespect the other person’s wish/opinion if she doesn’t agree with it. However, when I age up Mairin in my fics, I try to not overdo that trait, because I headcanon that during her journeys she will learn more about the limits and rules about relationships, and understands that she _can’t_ do whatever she wants; she needs to listen to other people sometimes too. (Sometimes being pushy is also a positive trait; she might be able to make Alain do something he wouldn’t normally do, and he might notice afterwards that hey, it wasn’t that bad! It was actually quite nice. This can be seen for example in the dance scene. I’m positive that at the end of the day Alain had fun too). Despite being “forceful”, she’s also a caring, compassionate and good hearted, and would do anything for her loved ones.

Mairin is a happy/positive/optimistic person most of the time, but I headcanon that despite this she has insecurity problems because she feels she’s never a good enough trainer, and has so much she needs to learn, but can’t. She also suffers from ptsd after the Flare arc and Professor Sycamore encourages her to talk about it with professionals.

She is also rather sensitive, sometimes hiding things that worry her behind her smiley face, but is still notably better at showing her emotions than Alain (both with her body language and words). When she’s upset, she cries; when she loves something, she says it out loud (however, later on, she values her and Alain’s friendship so much that she wants to be sure about his feelings before saying anything about that to him, which is why I headcanon that Alain is the first one to say the 3 important words - kind of by accident)

Mairin is not as brave as Alain is (as in, if something is wrong, she doesn’t try to solve it if she sees the situation is out of her control, as seen in act 3) but she’s still ready to do a lot of things to protect the loved ones. Sometimes she might even do questionable things (I 100% believe that she would for example lie about something if it helped to protect Alain or her ‘mon). I hated how the writers made her so inactive in the Flare arc even though we had seen she is not totally helpless in TSME, and she _did_ have a pokemon with her. In my fics, I’m trying to make sure she isn’t inactive like that, but she shouldn’t be written like a super bada** heroine either, because she’s not, she’s just a “normal” girl who is scared of things just like everyone is.

As for Mairin’s interests, I headcanon that she loves grass types (because her starter is a grass type, Bébé should be a grass type too even though for some reason that I don’t understand it isn’t, and even Mairin’s design sort of suggests that). That’s why I imagine she will become a grass type specialist, and she starts by challenging gyms, but eventually she becomes a gym leader (I also HC, like many others in this fandom, that Ramos is her grandfather and Mairin will take over his gym after competing in the Kalos league), and later on a member of elite four. She doesn’t forget about her goal to learn to mega evolve, though, and the first ‘mon she successfully mega evolves with is a venusaur. (She also has a sceptile but they have a bit of rough time mega evolving).

[sage-nebula]

2, 3, 5 and 14 for pokemon asks!

2.) What in-game battle was the hardest?

Okay, so like everyone else who experienced the original Gen II games, I was also scarred by Whitney’s miltank as a child, because it was way worse in the original GSC than it was in the HGSS remakes. But that said, as much as I do love Whitney, she has been dethroned …

… by fucking Ghetsis and his HACKED AF HYDREIGON.

You have no idea, NO IDEA, how many tries it took me to beat that motherfucking, cheating-ass hydreigon. No idea!!! I actually had to leave the Castle to go train and then come back because that bastard dragon was too much of an issue. I imagine Ghestis and N just sitting there in awkward silence, waiting for me to return, all because Ghetsis’ hydreigon—which shouldn’t even be a hydreigon yet, mind you, that’s why I’m calling it hacked—is too much of a goddamn beast to die, and yet keeps wiping out my team without restraint. It kind of killed how epic the ending was a bit since I had to pause the ending to go train a bit more, but what can you do. 

Lusamine’s clefable was also a little bastard in her final battle in Gen VII, but that just dragged the battle out, I didn’t have to try it again. Ghetsis definitely takes the cake on this one.

3.) Is the idea of catching them all/completing your Pokedex overwhelming?

No, it just doesn’t feel worth it.

I completed the ‘dex back in Gen I, because I thought I was going to get Togepi or something if I did. In my defense, I was eight or nine years old, and the internet wasn’t as prolific yet. Rumors flew everywhere, and while I knew some of them were fake (no matter how hard we tried, we could not move that fucking truck), there were others I still believed, because I wanted to believe them. So I believed that if I completed my ‘dex with all 151 pokémon I would get a ticket to the Grandfather Canyon from the anime to get Togepi, or would just be given a Togepi, or whatever other prize, I didn’t know. I expected something significant nonetheless. So using my brother’s Game Boy and both my Red Version and my Blue Version (along with my brother’s Game Shark for Mew—look, we didn’t have a lot of options back then, my dad laughed in my face when I asked him if he would let me skip school and then drive me to California or New York to attend one of the Mew giveaway events), I completed my PokéDex and proudly took it to Game Freak in-game …

… only to be given a bloody certificate. 

I raged. I raged so hard. And I vowed on that day to never waste my time completing the ‘dex ever again. And to this day I haven’t. I kind of wanted to in AlphaSapphire since the ‘dex nav made capturing pokémon fun once more, but I still didn’t and, in all honesty, I’m just not motivated. I don’t shiny hunt, so the Shiny Charm is useless to me. It’s not proper motivation. Game Freak needs to give me a real reason to want to complete the ‘dex before I’ll do it again. I don’t know what that motivation is yet, but we’ll see. (Probably more story content, but who knows how they’d implement that.)

So yeah, it’s not overwhelming, it’s just not worth it. When Game Freak gives me a reason to care, I’ll do it again. Until then … nah.

5.) The biggest Pokemon-related disappointment

I love Pokémon to the point where I consider it a lifestyle choice rather than a fandom, but honestly, we could be here all day with all the times it has disappointed me. A brief list of examples:

The aforementioned certificate for ‘dex completion in Gen I;

Not giving the U.S. the GS Ball / Celebi event in Gen II (like, we had giveaway events for Celebi in Gen II like the Mew ones, but I don’t think they gave you the GS Ball to take to the shrine—but then again, I could be wrong, because once again they were only in California and New York and thus I, a ten-year-old, couldn’t go);

The U.S. PokéCenter only being in New York (though now it’s a Nintendo World building, rather than a PokéCenter);

The GS Ball not amounting to anything in the anime. Ditto for the Ho-Oh subplot from the OS, and basically all the other subplots the OS introduced and then promptly dropped and forgot about;

Pokémon Origins. Just, the whole thing. The art is ugly, Origins!Red is so incompetent it’s a wonder he knows how to breathe, and so on and so forth;

MOVIE 20. From not actually being a proper anniversary movie, to spitting all over Ash’s and Pikachu’s relationship while simultaneously claiming to champion it (“I wanted Ash to once again be a normal ten-year-old boy who casually says abusive stuff when losing a battle—” HE WOULD NEVER, AND ESPECIALLY NOT TO PIKACHU, HOW DARE YOU—), it’s basically the biggest disappointment to ever exist;

Alan’s trauma being COMPLETELY swept under the rug and forgotten about after XYZ044 (like, XYZ044 and everything that came before it was perfect, but after that? DISOWNED, not canon in my eyes, et cetera);

Gladion having barely any plot involvement in Sun/Moon, and not being included in the climax at all even though it’s his fucking family;

Lusamine’s severe child abuse being handwaved and excused because she’s a woman in both the games and the fandom. The worst abusers in my life have been women, and so the fact that everyone wants to handwave Lusamine’s abuse, give her a happy ending, et cetera really bothers me. The fact that Ghetsis doesn’t get nearly the same apologism (not that he should, he definitely SHOULD NOT) is what tells me that it’s an issue of sexism rather than just abuser apologism / villain apologism, and again, I’m bothered by it;

Ride Pokémon being introduced in Gen VII, but you can’t use your own pokémon, but instead have to use loaner pokémon that you call to you. I already have my own charizard and lapras, so the fact that I have to borrow some strange charizard and lapras to fly around is insulting to the ones I have on my team. Fuck you and your stupid laws, Alola.

I could probably go on, but this is a taster. Like, honestly, again, I love this series more than any other, it’s a lifestyle choice and not just a fandom—but that’s why I’m critical of it. I hold it to certain standards because I love it so much, and I’m not afraid to express when it upsets me. This is a small sampling of the times it has. Trust me, there are more.

14.) Your most and least favorite professors

As far as the games go, my favorite professor is hands down Professor Burnet. She not only has the most interesting field in all of the games (she specializes in multiverse theory, how cool is that?!), but I also love everything about her design. She’s gorgeous. The fact that she also didn’t have a bigger role in the plot, and that we instead had to put up with Kukui’s annoying ass for the entire game, is yet another complaint I have about the Gen VII games.

Least favorite in the games, meanwhile, is prooooobably Cedric Juniper, because I hate the way he overshadowed Professor Juniper all throughout the Gen V games. She is to date our only primary female professor, and yet they just had to say that she inherited her practice from her father. Not only that, but he had to keep showing up and explaining things in lieu of letting her do it, which isn’t something that any other professor had to experience. So while I don’t have anything against Cedric himself, as a character, I am still bitter about the way that Juniper was treated as a result of his inclusion.

As far as the anime goes, Professor Sycamore is obviously hands down my favorite, because he is the best dad, especially for Alan. ♥ Best dad in the best family, I love him.

And least favorite in the anime is … hmm, probably Professor Ivy. She seemed sort of spaced out and not with it the entire time, and plus there was whatever she did to Brock to traumatize him every time her name is brought up … I would assume she just rejected him, but then again, we’re never told, so … :/ Yeah, Professor Ivy is probably my least favorite in the anime thus far.

[sage-nebula]

How do you think Alan would handle the team plasma crisis if he were in unova?

Pre-Flare, or post-Flare? Because that matters, given how Lysandre’s emotional abuse has left him with C-PTSD, a symptom of which is hyper-vigilance (which is why, in To Devour the Sun, the alarm bells start ringing in his head the second he sees Lusamine; that hyper-vigilance kicked in big time). I’ll answer for both.

As a general rule, Alan would not buy into Team Plasma’s doctrine, at least not to the level that they would want him (and others in the populace) to listen. Alan is concerned with pokémon welfare, naturally, and pokémon abuse is something that will absolutely set him off and he won’t stand for, but the idea of separating humans from pokémon wholesale is one that he would find immensely disagreeable. Not only has he grown up in an environment where harmonious coexistence between humans and pokémon is not only treated as the norm, but something to find delight and love in, but prior to Sycamore unofficially adopting him, pokémon were the only beings that were ever kind to him. Even though he was sometimes blamed for things that bunnelby did, the bunnelby were never purposefully unkind to him, and Alan knew they didn’t mean to get him in trouble (and figured that, well, he was a bad kid anyway, so). The houndour destroyed the village after he brought Soot back, but Soot seemed to really love him, and again, that was something he recognized as being more his fault, rather than the pack’s. Though it’s subconscious, on some level Alan is always going to trust pokémon more than he’s going to trust human beings, and he could never see a life where humans and pokémon live entirely separated as being a good one. Not only would he see that as immensely sad for the humans, but he also feels that would be sad for thepokémon. Not allpokémon need trainers, of course, and it’s arrogant to assume that’s the case, but in Alan’s perspective pokémon benefit from companionship with humans just as much as humans do. Again, it’s a mutually beneficial relationship—it’s harmonious coexistence. Thus, while he’s of the opinion that something definitely needs to be done with regards to pokémon rights, welfare, and putting an end to pokémon abuse—and while he knows that there are abusive trainers (and breeders, and coordinators, et cetera) out there, and that they need to be stopped as well—he would feel that separating humans from pokémon altogether is the wrong way to go about it. It’s the most extreme “solution” to a problem, and in the end it wouldn’t be a real solution in the first place since it doesn’t actually work to improve the lives of pokémon, but instead chucks them all back out into the wild without any care or consideration for those who might not be able to survive out there. (Because sure, a pokémon who was captured might be able to return to a life back in the wild, but what about those who were bred in captivity? What about baby pokémon who don’t have poképarents to care for them? What about pokémon with chronic illnesses or disabilities? A pokémon with only three legs instead of four, or an elderly pokémon who is blind, isn’t going to be able to defend themselves from predators and could be easily picked off. And yeah, that’s the circle of life, but isn’t it cruel for humans to chuck a pokémon like that back out into the wild, despite how the humans have the facilities and capabilities to care for them? Alan would feel that it is. It’s irresponsible at best and cruel at worst, and he wouldn’t agree with it.)

So to that end, regardless of where he’s at in his life, Alan would find Team Plasma’s platform immensely disagreeable. It’s funny, because in a way he and N have some things in common, particularly when it comes to the part where they both find pokémon to be more trustworthy than humans (though for N it’s a conscious thought, whereas for Alan it’s mostly subconscious). Both of them tend to prefer the company of pokémon over human beings. But their views still stand in opposition. Alan would feel that even though N’s reasoning for doing what he’s doing isn’t wrong (in the sense that, again, there are abused pokémon and they do need to be rescued and protected), N’s methods for going about it are. And remember, Alan is a Gryffindor; his internal moral compass and need to follow what he feels is Right (while opposing what he feels is Wrong) is what drives him. So if he feels that what N and Plasma are doing is Wrong, he will oppose it, and put a stop to it if need-be. He’ll stand in the way. Of course, the problem for him is that N is also a Gryffindor, and one who is standing on the opposite side of the fence, so there would definitely be a pretty strong clash here, particularly since (at least in the beginning) N refuses to see nuance in the situation and refuses to compromise*. He doesn’t budge on his position. He feels he is Right, and opposing views are Wrong, and that’s that. Alan, obviously, disagrees, which would lead to a pretty solid clash between them.

(*I’m not as familiar with how the anime handled N, so I’m going off game characterization here. N was adamant that what he was doing was Right, and for the benefit of pokémon, and that even if it made humans sad, he cared very little for what made them sad if what made them happy was something so Wrong. N has incredibly strong will, and while Ghetsis had certainly lied to him about what his (Ghetsis’) true aims were, the fact remains nonetheless that N was a passionate believer in Team Plasma’s ideals (or what he was led to believe those ideals were), and as such he would just as adamantly advocate for it, which would lead to him clashing with Alan. Of course, it would also lead to a lot of rising frustration if Alan did come to the conscious realization / admitted that he, too, finds pokémon preferable to people (“If you feel that way, then why can you not see that what I’m doing is right?”), but nonetheless, they would clash.)

I think that, pre-Flare, a lot of Alan’s involvement would lead to him wanting to question / speak out against Plasma demonstrations. Pre-Flare, Alan does still have C-PTSD (from his childhood in Isolé Village) that has shaped his personality, but he also had seven happy years with Sycamore that did a lot to assist him in recovery and healing. That, plus the fact that he doesn’t have incidental trauma from the Flare crisis, means that he wouldn’t have the same degree of hyper-vigilance, and as such wouldn’t go out of his way to investigate Plasma, to put an end to them before they really get started if need-be. As such, while he’d definitely disagree with the dogma, it’d make more sense to think that he’d attend Plasma demonstrations and rallies to listen to what they have to say, and would speak out against Ghetsis (or whoever else was giving the presentation) if presented with the opportunity. He would also speak against them to various members of the public that were gathered around, arguing against the idea that companionship with pokémon is inherently bad, pointing to his own bond with Lizardon as an example for how good it could be, among many other things. If he was still pulled into the larger conflict (with the Tao dragons and all that), then it would be more incidental / accidental, more N-seeking-him-out rather than Alan-purposefully-gets-that-involved.

On the other hand, if it’s post-Flare, the Alan’s hyper-vigilance from his C-PTSD is still in full swing, as his is passionate desire to not ever let something like the Flare crisis happen ever again. Setting aside the potential for him to be the Kalos Champion at this point, not only would Alan still find Plasma’s doctrine to be heavily disagreeable, but he would also get so many alarm bells when faced with Ghetsis, who—like Lysandre—is a child-abusing, silver-tongued manipulator who claims to be doing what he’s doing for the benefit of others (specifically pokémon, in this case). N’s situation is a bit different from Alan’s was, in that Ghetsis has had N raised to believe that he is Team Plasma’s King. In N’s perception, Ghetsis works for him, even if the reality of the situation (which N himself cannot see) is quite different. Therefore, if Alan tried to point out to N that Ghetsis shouldn’t be trusted, that something about this is off, et cetera, N would likely disregard and dismiss him, because Ghetsis may be the leader of the Seven Sages, but N himself is still King. Plasma’s knights are still his. Alan doesn’t know what he’s talking about.

(Of course, N would realize later that, no, Alan knows exactly what the fuck he’s talking about, even if the situations have their differences. N would wish that he had listened.)

There are more differences between Plasma and Flare than there are between, say, Aether and Flare, but the similarities are still apparent enough that Alan would actively try to shut them down, recognizing that burgeoning danger that everyone else dismisses as a bunch of weird people in costumes rattling off nonsense. Thus, even if N does take an interest in him, Alan would still be actively getting himself involved, meaning that the “two heroes” plot would progress on a much more equal track, with both of them putting in the necessary amount of involvement.

That said, if it did play out with the Tao dragons and all that, then I have to say that N would still partner with Zekrom (as he typically does in my writing), while Alan would partner with Reshiram. While some might want to give Zekrom to Alan due to color schemes, it really doesn’t fit; Zekrom is the dragon of ideals, and N is an idealist. He passionately fights for his ideals, and everything he does is based around them. On the flipside, while Alan is a Gryffindor and thus the question that drives him is a question of Right or Wrong, Ravenclaw is his secondary House, and so he still does seek to learn and discover the truth of various matters, whether it’s something in his studies or the truth of a situation. (And I mean, it can’t be surprising that Ravenclaw would be his secondary House. Not only was he raised by a Ravenclaw, but even setting that aside, he’s a researcher / scholar. He’s naturally curious, and loves to learn. He’s still far and away so Gryffindor it hurts, but Ravenclaw is the second House he’d be Sorted into after Gryffindor, definitely.) He’s far more likely to be chosen by a dragon that values truth over one that values ideals. (Plus, Reshiram is a dragon/fire type, and who does that remind us of, hmm? Ah, yes—Lizardon. ;D) So while N would be chosen by Zekrom, Alan would be chosen by Reshiram. That’s definitely how that would play out. (And at the end of it, would Alan and Lizardon unleash a case of pain on Ghetsis? You better believe they would. Ohhh you better believe they would.)

So yeah, that’s how I think it would play out. Note that, post-Flare, certain things about Ghetsis’ demeanor and attitude would give Alan anxiety and incite some trigger reactions in him (as I said, his hyper-vigilance means that Plasma would put him on-guard), but I don’t think that Ghetsis has enough in common with Lysandre, demeanor-wise, for it to be debilitating. (Lusamine’s word choice and attitude are far more similar to Lysandre’s, just as Aether is more similar to Flare; thus, his trigger reactions were a lot worse when faced with the Aether Foundation and Lusamine.) It wouldn’t be pleasant, but then, Plasma are villains and criminals; no one ever said it would be pleasant, it just is what it is.

[sage-nebula]

Besides the black and white games which Pokemon games did you find to be the most well written.

HMMMM . . . I’m going to go ahead and rank them by region, with 1 being the best, and 7 being the worst.

Unova

Hoenn

Alola

Sinnoh

Johto / Kalos

Kalos / Johto

Kanto

Hoenn is a bit difficult to rank, because Emerald Version is vastly superior to either Ruby Version or Sapphire Version, which means that Hoenn should technically be broken up to show that Emerald comes before either Ruby or Sapphire. However, both AlphaSapphire and OmegaRuby also have elements---namely the Delta Episode and that amazing gift to the Pokémon games known as Zinnia, but also distinct personalities for the characters of Archie and Maxie---that Emerald didn’t. So in a way, the remakes kind of tie with Emerald, but Emerald is still superior in other respects (e.g. two antagonistic teams, a much better climax, et cetera). It’s kind of like how it’s impossible for me to decide whether Gen VI or Gen VII are better in terms of gameplay. They keep wrestling with each other for top spot because they both have glaring strengths and weaknesses.

With that said, though, although it’s difficult for me to decide whether Emerald or ORAS is my favorite Hoenn game (honestly, they could have solved this problem by giving us DeltaEmerald, but alas), I still think the Hoenn games are the second best written games in the series. Unova is first for obvious reasons. Alola could have been second (or even first!), but the more time I spend away from it, the more the issues become apparent to me, and I’m never going to be over how disgusting Lusamine’s “redemption” was in the end, particularly since it has led to the fandom woobie-fying and excusing her blatant, on-screen abuse of her children, in ways I’m sure they wouldn’t if she was a man. (I mean, the disgusting “alas, poor villain” the game gave her certainly contributes to it, but I’m positive the Unova games could have done the same for Ghetsis and people would still hate him, because female abusers always get less harsh treatment than male abusers do. As someone with a very abusive biological mother, this is the sort of thing that personally upsets me to no end.) Gladion and Lillie both deserved better than what they got, and so while the Alola games do have strengths in the narrative, ultimately the way the Aether Foundation part of the plot was handled drags them down.

I’m personally not a fan of the Sinnoh games, story-wise, but I do think they were still written well, and I think that perhaps my dislike of them stems from my dislike of Sinnoh as a region (and most of the Sinnoh ‘dex due to how many of them are pre-evolutions / new evolutions for existing pokémon). With that said, I haven’t played the Sinnoh games in years, and because I’m me I will buy the remakes when they’re announced (come on, we all know they’re going to be), so it’s possible that improvements will be made and my opinion will change then. Depending on how much I like the story this time around, the Sinnoh story might move up to spot three, particularly considering (again) the glaring flaws and weaknesses in the Alola narrative. Even if I don’t personally feel attachment to Sinnoh’s characters or story, this is a question of what is more well-written, and it’s entirely possible that Sinnoh has a stronger narrative than Alola. We’ll see.

Johto and Kalos are difficult for me to rank because Johto barely has a story (though it still has more of one than Kanto, but that’s not saying much), but the story it does have is good. I’m still salty that they weren’t willing to change enough in HGSS to flesh out the story more. I get why they didn’t---an in-game Game Freak NPC straight up says that they tried to change enough things to keep them fresh, while keeping enough the same to keep fans happy---but it still upsets me, because with the Johto games there is so much potential to make them more than they are, and yet that’s potential that is wasted. Still, what is there is good. All of the characters are likable, there’s good development (Johto Rival has some of the best development), the legends and lore are fascinating, et cetera.

Meanwhile, there’s a lot more to the Kalos games, but even though there’s more, I still dislike it and find it to be a mess. And keep in mind, I played both X and Y; it’s not as if I only played one of them and made a judgment. I played them both. The rivals were aggravating and shallow, Team Flare was written to be a “lighthearted, joke team” according to Game Freak and yet they wanted to commit mass genocide, and the fact that these two ideas---that they’re a comic relief team that wanted to commit genocide---existed in the same game led to not enough gravity being applied to the situation. LIke, for fucksake, in the Unova games all Team Plasma wanted to do was make it so that Ghetsis was the only person in Unova with pokémon, and everyone in the narrative flipped their fucking shit over the idea that they might not be allowed to train pokémon anymore. We had an entire showdown at N’s Castle with all of the Gym Leaders (minus the Striaton Trio) showing up at the end of the first game. Yet in Kalos, Lysandre makes a region-wide broadcast about wanting to commit genocide, and yet the only ones to do anything about it are the player, the rivals, and Sina and Dexio on Sycamore’s orders. And then there’s Sycamore’s speech about how he wanted Lysandre to “set his pride aside” which just . . . it seriously reminded me of Cho saying that Marietta was “a lovely person who made a mistake,” which, okay, that’s fine for Marietta “I Sold Out the DA” Edgecombe, but not so fine for Lysandre, who wanted to commit mass genocide, ugh. (And I’m not bashing Sycamore here so much as I’m criticizing the writing; while I felt angry at Sycamore for phrasing things like that while playing, in retrospect I’m more infuriated at Game Freak for actually writing this.) I felt like the same level of gravitas was given to Lysandre wanting to commit genocide as was given to Team Rocket’s shenanigans in the first two gens. Had the Kalos games been games from an earlier generation, it might have been more excusable; but they followed the Unova games, which were such well-written Pokémon games that really filled the player with a sense of urgency and appropriate drama and determination, and as such they were a complete letdown. 

So tl;dr on this: The Kalos games had a more fleshed out plot, and that should theoretically put them above the Johto games, which were pretty bare bones. However, the bare bones we had in the Johto games were better written than the flesh we had in the Kalos games (which were terribly written even though they could have been so much better, as the PokéAni proved by miles, god bless the PokéAni), and as such it’s hard for me to decide where they go.

Finally, the Kanto games barely have a plot (they have the least plot of them all), and what is there is . . . unimpressive, to say the least. I mean, it’s actually a little hilarious to me how Giovanni is taken so seriously in Pokémon fandom, because in all honesty he’s a complete joke. I think part of this is due to the PokéAni; Giovanni is far more powerful, strong, and intimidating in the PokéAni than he ever is in the games, and Team Rocket’s influence is far more wide-reaching as well. The TRio aside, the rest of Rocket’s agents and executives and scientists are actually frightening in the anime. But in the games? Giovanni loses a couple of battles to a child and then tries to disband his entire organization. They reform without him and he’s about to go help, but then he loses another battle and leaves once more to go continue sulking. It’s pathetic. Team Rocket may be my favorite villainous organization in Pokémon (could have been the Aether Foundation, but Game Freak fucked that one up), but the game!Giovanni is pathetic, and since the Kanto games don’t have a plot beyond “be the very best like no one ever was and I guess beat up Team Rocket sometimes,” they’re at the bottom of the pile as far as narrative quality goes.

[sage-nebula]

lubricantshipping! I did one for this ship but I wanna see your thoughts!

All righty!

Who said “I love you” first

Meyer, although funnily enough it was in a conversation that wasn’t entirely about their relationship, and the context wasn’t really romantic, either. I’ve got a fic in-progress for this, actually, but the context is that Meyer brings up the subject of Sycamore adopting Alan, because he’s conscious of the fact that if he and Sycamore do end up married one day, Clemont and Bonnie are going to see Sycamore as their stepfather. Bonnie in particular, Meyer thinks, would want to call Sycamore “Dad” or something of the sort. And that’s great! That’s fine, except he has noticed that Alan still addresses Sycamore as “Professor,” and he doesn’t want—well, here:

“I don’t want to push either of you to do something you’re not comfortable with as far as adoption goes, if either of you don’t want, but I also don’t want to run the risk of making Alan feel like he’s not—or like he can’t be—part of this family, too.”

(Meyer was just talking to Sycamore about it, there—Alan wasn’t present for this conversation.)

Anyway, back on topic—that was the context, and at the start of the conversation we have this little bit here:

“You didn’t adopt Alan, did you?” Meyer repeated. “Officially, I mean. On record.”

“I—no,” Augustine said, and he glanced away for only a second before he caught himself and looked back to meet Meyer’s eyes again. “I didn’t. Where is this coming from? Why do you ask?”

It was Meyer’s turn to frown. He set the remote back on the armrest, stared at it for a moment, and then transferred it to the coffee table instead. When he finally spoke, it was more slowly than usual—more careful, deliberate.

“Things are getting kind of—well, I’d like to think things are getting pretty serious between us. Between you and me. I like you a lot—love you, actually.” His cheeks flushed red, and Augustine couldn’t help but smile as he took Meyer’s hand in his own. Meyer smiled back, and squeezed Augustine’s hand as he ran his thumb along the side of it. “But the thing is, things are getting serious between us and that’s great—but it’s not just us we have to think about. It’s the kids, too.”

That’s what I imagine to be the first time—what ended up being the first time in my headcanon, anyway, due to how naturally that came out, but Meyer’s own shyness about saying it aloud. It’s not a huge, formal declaration, and it’s not the central topic of the conversation—but it still matters, it’s still important, and I think the fact that it happens in the comfort of the living room and feels natural and easy is perhaps better than a dramatic declaration of love. :)

Who would have the other’s picture as their phone background

Sycamore! But it’s not just Meyer. It’s actually a selfie Sycamore took of the two of them together, quite possibly with Gabrielle (his garchomp) and Toast (Meyer’s blaziken) also crammed into the shot. Meyer would, except his phone background is actually a candid photo of Bonnie stringing lit Festival de la Vie lights around Clemont as if he himself is a tree.

Who leaves notes written in fog on the bathroom mirror

Sycamore starts it, but they both end up doing it every now and then. It’s less “notes” and more pictures/short messages, though. A smiley face here, a “hi :)” there, et cetera.

Who buys the other cheesy gifts

Meyer! He’s pretty big on gift giving and likes to pick up little things whenever he’s out. The thing is, he’s also a practical person at heart, and so even the cheesiest of gifts usually have a practical intent behind them. A box to store things in, or a picture frame—things like that.

Who initiated the first kiss

Sycamore for sure. It was very slow so that Meyer could put the brakes on it at any time if he wanted, but Sycamore definitely made the first move insofar as the kiss goes, just like he made the first move insofar as hitting on Meyer right there on screen for everyone to see in canon.

Who kisses the other awake in the morning

Either-or—it depends on the situation. Sycamore is a sleepyhead for sure, but he’s also used to waking up early due to morning duties around the lab (after all, there are hungry pokémon who need their breakfast), and so there are many mornings where he’ll be awake before Meyer is. But that said, even if he is awake before Meyer is, Sycamore appreciates his own sleep so much that he won’t wake Meyer up unless Meyer has a legitimate reason to be awake (work, et cetera). So if he does have a legitimate reason, then he’ll give him a kiss to wake him up—but if not, he’ll let him sleep.

In the event that the situation is reversed, though, Meyer does inevitably end up kissing Sycamore awake. Sycamore really is a sleepyhead. He’ll sleep ‘til noon if you let him.

Who starts tickle fights

Sycamore might start them, but Meyer finishes them. Sycamore learned not to start them after that.

Who asks who if they can join the other in the shower

Sycamore is totally the type to pull the, “Mind if I join you?” card. That is 100% his M.O.

Who surprises the other in the middle of the day at work with lunch

Meyer! It’s usually something he made himself, too. He’s a fantastic cook.

Who was nervous and shy on the first date

Meyer, because Sycamore knows what he’s about, son. He isn’t really the type to get embarrassed on dates and the like because he knows who he is, knows what he wants, and is at a point in his life where if someone else doesn’t necessarily approve of him, well, oh well. He’s happy and that’s all that matters. Meyer is a bit more self-conscious, though, especially because at the beginning of the relationship he feels like Sycamore is quite a bit “out of his league.” Sycamore does a good job of making sure those insecurities get banished in short order, though.

Who kills/takes out the spiders

We know that the Pokémon universe has at least some normal animals due to things like fish being served in Kalosian restaurants in the XY games, and plankton and coral being mentioned in Sun/Moon, and so I like to think that they have normal insects/arachnids as well (especially since we see normal butterflies in some battle animations in XY, depending on location). So in that case, I like to think that this question can refer to regular spiders rather than pokémon spiders, and if that is the case …

Sycamore has always been one to take spiders outside, because even if they’re not pokémon, he just doesn’t have it in him to kill anything. Meyer, meanwhile, was always an either-or; he has no problem moving insects outside, but at the same time if it’s something like a black widow or brown recluse, and he doesn’t have a cup handy, then he’s less likely to risk a highly venomous spider bite by moving it outside, and more likely to squish the thing before it can bite him or one of his children. (Or, well. he might have Toast kill it. That, too.)

After he and Sycamore get together, though, 99.9% of spiders are moved outside.

Who loudly proclaims their love when they’re drunk

Sycamore, but the thing is that he’s such a lightweight that it really doesn’t take a lot to get him drunk. And he doesn’t even really like alcohol that much, truth be told—most alcoholic drinks have too tart of a taste for him to enjoy—but give him a couple glasses of champagne at a fancy dinner event and wow, he will loudly proclaim his love, and probably a lot of other things. It’s a bit embarrassing, but Meyer is flattered and appreciates it nonetheless.