#timaeus is so worried

[northersouth]

KaeMAYeus Week 1:

Warming Up | Pet Names

"Here, give me your hand."

Kaeya laughed, holding out his left.

"So forward Sparrow, I'm flattered but aren't you moving a bit-"

"Not like that." Timaeus took Kaeya's hand, massaging the salve onto his skin. "Your hands are really chapped."

"It's better than frost bite."

"It's a step before frost bite."

-It's Cold Outside, StarrlightKittens

[satinroses]

Off the beaten path

Yan! Albedo x reader x Yan! Susbedo

4874 Words

GN! reader

Summary: Albedo has been frantic about keeping you far away from Dragonspine for reasons unknown but when Sucrose asks you to go to Dragonspine to gather some ingredients for her you can’t help but go there however when you arrive Albedo doesn’t seem at all upset over your sudden arrival in Dragonspine… rather he seems uncharacteristically enthusiastic.

guys this is my first fic so erm I'm sorry if it’s really bad :[

Warnings: typical yandere behaviours, non-con kissing, both Albedos being little creeps, Y/N needs a break and has official permission to execute them both, Y/N is a smidge naïve, Manipulation, gaslighting

The brisk air of Dragonspine doesn’t sit gently in your lungs, instead its crispness demands your attention. Each breath is invigorating. You were never one to focus on meditation or breathing techniques, seeing little interest in self-reflection or mindfulness however on mornings like this one on Dragonspine with the bright morning sun rising to full mast you couldn't help but feel rather contemplative. 

Admittedly you were not as alchemically inclined as your lover, the chief alchemist of the Knights of Favonius however when sucrose entered Albedo’s office late at night in a state of utter disarray as the samples of flora she had procured from Dragonspine had seemingly vanished from under her very nose you couldn’t help but take pity on the poor girl in her panic. Tomorrow morning she would be too busy refining the remaining electro hypostasis’ lightning prisms from her last journey outside the walls of Mondstadt for yet another experiment… She simply wouldn't be able to make the trek to Dragonspine and back while also completing all of her tasks but despite her pleading the knights were far too busy to waste their time collecting mere greenery.

You shifted on your feet, you always thought she held herself to a far harsher standard than she deserved, constantly focusing on her shortcomings as Albedo’s apprentice rather than acknowledging what an accomplished and gifted alchemist she was in her own right. You walked towards the distraught green-haired alchemist, firmly grasping her on each shoulder. At your steady grasp sucrose looked up at the reassuring smile you gave her “Sucrose! Don’t fret so much, you’ve already done more than enough. I’ve got it handled, I’ll head to Dragonspine first thing tomorrow morning and I'll have the samples for you before lunchtime.” For the first time since Sucrose entered the room you could feel your lover's eyes rising from the notebook where he had been scrawling away his recent findings for the past few hours, his turquoise eyes piercing into your body as though if he stared hard enough he’d be able pierce your subconsciousness and reprogram you, as though if he impressed his vision into you long enough you would eventually be remade in his vision, as though staring could somehow convince you to rescind your offer. 

Although Albedo was typically indifferent about how you spent your time and who you associated with, you couldn't help but notice that recently he had been very clearly trying to shepherd you away from the snowy peak of Dragonspine. Any ideas of visiting him while he was working was quickly shot down with a “It’s not worth the trek, most of my work in Dragonspine will be done soon enough, there is no point in journeying all that way”. Any mentions of stopping by to drop off some warm food for himself, Sucrose and Timaeus was quickly halted with a “we pack more than enough food and there are plenty of braziers around the camp, please don't worry yourself” much to the dismay of Timaeus. It felt as though every attempt to come see him working had been instantly stopped by some rebuttal he had regarding it as a waste of time and energy.

It would be a lie to say your heart didn’t ache with every blatant refusal to your attempts to visit him on the mountain. He let Kaeya, Klee and Sucrose visit him freely but he seemed particularly insistent that you do not come to Dragonspine, that you don't even entertain the idea. In spite of Albedo's recent reluctance for you to venture to the frozen mountain, you refused to be deterred. This particular voyage was not a selfish endeavour for your own entertainment… no! Sucrose needed your help and you refused to let her down. It would be a breeze to wander about the mountain picking flowers for a little while before meandering back to Mondstadt to what would likely be a hero’s welcome from the young woman, besides with your pyro vision strapped to your waist you sincerely doubted any hillichurls would be causing you issues and you knew well enough to steer clear of any Fatui outposts placed along the winding frozen pathways.

The mint-haired woman let out a deep sigh of relief, her breathing steadying as she looked at you hopefully “really?! You will? Thank you so much Y/N I- I don't know how to repay you I-'' you laughed warmly at the girl’s gratitude “think nothing of it! It’ll be a piece of cake, besides I haven't left Monstadt’s walls in weeks, going out and exploring will do me some good.” It seemed as though this past month almost every commission took place within the walls of Mondstadt, if you had to clean that blasted statue of Barbatos or tell that creep Albert to knock it off one more time you were going to go crazy, on the rare occasion you were given a commission that left the walls of Mondstadt it was something mundane like a food delivery to Springvale and back. You hadn’t had a single combat commission in weeks. you had filed several complaints to Katherine about the distribution of commissions and despite her promises to reach out to her higher ups regarding potential flaws in the commission distribution system, she still hadn't gotten back to you.

With Sucrose’s issue resolved and her mind soothed you gently guide her to the door of Albedo’s office “It’s getting late and I’m sure you’ll have a busy day tomorrow” you say to her, clasping the bronze door handle and holding the door open “I’ll see you tomorrow, verdure in tow!” you exclaimed as you watched the girl amble over to the exit of the Knight’s headquarters, waving you a polite goodbye. 

You softly shut the thick oak door to Albedo’s office not wanting to disturb the diligent genius, taking his silence during your conversation with sucrose as a sign of him returning to his work. Ever the academic, Albedo rarely allowed himself to be distracted from a task once he had dedicated himself to it, however upon turning around you were greeted by Albedo still staring at you intently, his eyes having never once left your frame. His pupils were dilated, the darkness engulfing his iris leaving only a sliver of blue as an outermost ring. He didn’t blink as though afraid you would slip from his grasp the moment he shut his eyes. His body was still, his entire being focused on watching you as though he was waiting for something to happen. He hadn’t written a word since your mention of Dragonspine, his studies completely paused as his pen stayed pressed on his crisp white notepad, a thick ink blot seeping into the page and staining it but in spite of this, the observant Albedo didn’t make any effort to move the pen.

Seeing Albedo so on edge subsequently had you unsettled. You gently walk across the plush red carpet approaching Albedo, taking the pen out of his hand and setting it down on his desk before he could further sully his work. Only upon your contact with him did he seemingly snap out of the daze he was in, blinking softly. His eyes still zeroed in on you but they seemed softer, less frantic. Upon setting the pen down you began to wrap your coat around your shoulders “you know what i said to sucrose is right, i should be heading home soon before i have to bump into the crowd of tavern crawlers on their way from The Cat’s Tail to The Angel’s Share” you joke gently attempting to lighten the mood, Albedo barely manages a smile at your jest. instead getting up and shoving his arms haphazardly into the sleeves of the jacket he stripped off hours ago “let me walk you home. It’s getting far too dark for you to be wandering about Mondstadt alone. I wouldn't be able to rest well unless I knew you made it back safely.” You smile bashfully at the consideration he's shown for you.

“Oh Albedo, i don't want to be a bother I'm sure you have plenty of things to-”

“I insist.”

“Well if you insist” you smile softly, your heart fluttering at his show of chivalry

You nodded and fiddled with the buttons of your coat, your fingers trembling as Albedo stood by the door waiting for you to be ready to leave. Upon noticing your battle with your buttons Albedo quickly faced you as he placed your hands by your side to instead button your coat up himself. The moment you were suitably clothed to brace the cool Mondstadt evenings Albedo’s arm snaked around your waist as he ushered you out of the Knight’s headquarters. Your cheeks warmed at his gesture as the reserved alchemist’s hand enclosed your waist tightly, pulling you closer into him as though he was trying to mould you together, unable to be separated by anyone or anything. You attempted to initiate some small talk as you wandered through Mondstadt, however Albedo hardly noticed. He muttered vague replies or made noises of affirmation as you discussed your day and how cold it had been recently and how excited you were for the next Windblume festival. Instead Albedo’s eyes were fixed intently on the shadows the dim streetlamps of Mondstadt cast as though a ghost was about to peer out from one of the alleys. As you reached your home you opened the door yet Albedo's hand didn't move from your waist. You stared at him expectantly, waiting for him to release you from his grasp but he didn’t move his hand until several awkward seconds had passed before he hesitantly allowed you to walk through your front door. “Goodnight Albedo” you whisper gently before pressing a gentle peck to his cheek. You disappear behind your door trying to forget about Albedo’s peculiar behaviour tonight, fretting about what could have possibly made him so troubled. In spite of your concern about Albedo’s recent behaviours you slipped into an uneasy sleep, unaware of how he remained steadfastly on your doorstep like a statue keeping watch until the sun began to peak over the rolling hills of Mondstadt and he reluctantly retired to his own abode.

●・○・●・○・●・

The crunch of the fresh layer of snow beneath your shoes invigorated you as you continued your trek along the mountainside. Your head felt light as you inhaled the overwhelming saccharine scent of the half dozen sweet flowers you had found, your hand clutching the stems of the flowers gently, determined to bring Sucrose back the best possible samples. Alas you couldn’t help but feel as though your luck had all but run out when you began to search for mint. Perhaps some traveller had plucked the last of it in this area or maybe you were just unlucky. You bent over in the snow, your head almost grazing the ground as you sifted your hands through the snow hoping your fingers might latch onto even a mint sapling, that perhaps the constant winter snowfall had simply covered up all the fresh mint. After a few minutes of sifting through the mountainside snow you began to instinctively reach for your weapon as a distinctly humanoid presence loomed over you… there shouldn't be Fatui this far from the main path but perhaps these were scouts for a larger group. You held your breath not wanting the person to realise you were aware of their presence until you were ready or you were forced to act, likely the latter. As several minutes passed and you still pretended to be focused on the frost dusted ground beneath you rather than the presence looming over your form you were confused as to why they hadn’t approached yet… perhaps it was just some freezing adventurer too sheepish to ask for help so they were simply waiting to be noticed… or perhaps it was an inquisitive little snow fox or boar who would scurry away the moment you acknowledged it yes, that sounded much better. You would turn around and be greeted by some shy little forest animal who would flee the moment you acknowledged it. Yes. That was it. Nothing bad is behind you. You began to repeat in your head as you rested your numb hands on the hilt of your weapon before taking a deep breath and turning around.

Of all the potential scenarios you imagined being greeted by, seeing Albedo staring at you in utter shock was not one of them. You exhaled softly before you began to chuckle in relief, pressing your hand over your thumping heart as you chastised your over-active imagination. You smile gently “‘Bedo I didn't think I’d bump into you, what are you doing on this part of the mountain?” You awaited a response yet you weren’t greeted by one, you looked back up at Albedo but instead of him offering you a small smile or him trying to usher you off the mountain he simply stood there staring at you as though it was the first time he had truly seen you. He drank in deep breaths, his mouth slightly agape as his eyes danced across you, blinking softly as though trying to dispel some sort of illusion “Albedo? Everything okay?” you ask gently, your mind already on slight alert after his peculiar behaviour last night. Suddenly he let out a deep gasp as he stuttered out “what are you doing here? I thought… i thought you weren’t fond of Dragonstone…” you look up at Albedo in utter confusion “Not fond…? Albedo what are you talking about, you’re the one who practically forces me off the mountain” you say, half joking, half serious.

Albedo’s gaze becomes cold as he spits out “of course I do” with a venom unfamiliar to his voice, his eyes glaring into the ground with such profound hatred it startles you. He quickly remembers your presence and haphazardly attempts to regain his composure with a deep breath and a few blinks before he says in an even tone “then what are you doing here then Y/N? Shouldn’t you be in Mondstadt?” Your heart beat steadily accelerates as you feel your skin crawling as Albedo stares at you, his gaze seeping into your skin as he drinks in every little detail, his eyes fixating on every mole and birthmark and freckle, desperately imprinting them into his mind like this is the last time he might ever see you “we discussed this last night remember? I’m looking for some flowers for Sucrose’s experiment” you state, your voice tight as my body tense like a coiled spring ready to launch itself out of the grasping hands of the alchemist.

Albedo puts his hand on his chin as he begins to mutter “Sucrose… Sucrose… Sucrose… Sucrose!” he had sounded utterly befuddled by the mention of her until the final mutter of Sucrose seemed to ignite some spark of familiarity, like Sucrose was more of a passing acquaintance rather than his most promising protégé. 

“Yes of course Sucrose needed some flowers like we discussed last night”

“Yes that would appear to be the case” You giggled breathlessly, trying to ignore the pit of bile bubbling in your stomach “I just want to find some mint and then I'll begin the trudge back to Mondstadt”

“Oh… some mint? I think I know where you might be able to find some”

“O-Oh are you sure I don't want to be a bother and I don't want to get in the way of anything or be a nuisance or knock something important over in your lab” You stuttered out sheepishly, trying to find any way to get back to Mondstadt.

“Nonsense I’ve set up a temporary second camp just a little ways up the mountain, follow me. I’m sure we’ll find plenty of flora up there”

“Okay yes you’re right” You beam trying to ignore how tight the grin feels, like your skin is cracking underneath it. He holds out his soft cool palm waiting for you to grab it. You gently settle your hand in his unable to hear how his breath hitches softly as your numb fingers are clutched by his, a barely noticeable flush spreading across his complexion. Each step in the direction of this second camp makes your foot feel heavier until eventually you’re practically shuffling through the snow. As you wind through the passageways of the mountain you can’t help but feel like you’re going far too high but each time you ask Albedo about the new camp’s location you’re greeted by the same excuse “just a little ways further.”

“‘Bedo…” you stutter out “I should turn back, I need to get these flowers back to Sucrose soon. I promised she’d have them by lunchtime and the sun is getting rather high” 

He stopped in his tracks, the hand that had been grasping onto yours tightens with an unnatural grip “but we’re almost there” he smiles out, the smile far too large and toothy to look natural on him, mimicking a lion baring its teeth far more than a reassuring grin “just a little further” he repeats once more as he continues up the path, your hand still held tightly in his. You had followed him for as long as your reason had allowed but now you were venturing into parts of Dragonspine unknown even to you as he dragged you up yet another beaten path. You smile half heartedly, trying to ignore the primal sensation of fear when Albedo smiles at you, the undeniable emotion of something being deeply wrong every time he tightens his hold on your hand.

You stop walking and begin to try to coax your limb out of his grip but the gentle tugging of your hand out of his makes his smile drop. He balls his now empty fist as he pauses and stares down the offending limb as though it had personally wronged him. you stare at your feet, your eyes darting between your snow scuffed boots and the sweet flowers clasped tightly in your other hand as you try to avoid albedo’s gaze permeating through you. Albedo’s lack of social adeptness was often something you found endearing, another quality which raised the alchemist’s standing in your eyes but right here in the crisp morning air of Dragonspine with the sun shining far too bright, there was never another quality you despised more. The chief alchemist simply stared. you tried to move. You could apologise to Albedo for your behaviour later but as you were about to move your legs his fist grasped onto your wrist with a bruising grip. You reflexively dropped the sweet flowers that you had kept grasped securely in your hand as Albedo’s cold hand fixed around your wrist. You couldn't find it in your panic stricken haze to even think about the flowers that were now resting on the cold mountain snow. 

You yelped out in pain before looking up at Albedo for an explanation for his sudden change in demeanour. He offered none, instead he shifted his cold, stiff body closer against yours so your fronts were pressed together, chest to chest. He breathed down on your face, his breath wasn’t warm or wet like you had expected, instead it felt cool on your skin. Snowflakes settled on his long lashes as his pupils dilated, flickering to your lips. You stood stock still as confusion began to cloud your mind. Albedo’s gloved other hand rose to your lips, gently caressing them. “So warm…” he muttered absentmindedly as he traced the curve of your cupid's bow before his finger fell down to your lower lip. You enclosed your only free hand around Albedo’s, coaxing his fingers away from your lips instead you placed it down by his side “‘Bedo… I promised Sucrose those flowers, I need to get back to Mondstadt soon” his expression hardened before he finally acquiesced. Albedo’s dismay at you having to leave so soon was apparent until a mischievous glint alit in his eye. He tightened his grip on your arm before he whispered against your lips “I'll let you return to Sucrose if you promise me adequate compensation…” you could have laughed at the absurdity of Albedo’s demands “compensation?” you guffawed “You can't be serious Albedo.” he pulled you closer, no space was left between you as he tittered airily, running his hand softly through your hair “shh shh shh… I don't want mora and I don't want favours, I just want” his cheek flushed pink in spite of the confidence he exuded as he breathed out “I just want a kiss. That's all.” You were perplexed at Albedo’s request, since your relationship with the chief alchemist had been formalised he had rarely felt the need to formally ask for permission to kiss you but the Albedo here and now was blushing like a virgin at the mere thought of it. 

Typically you might have questioned his sudden change in behaviour but with some divine intervention seemingly handing you a way out of this awkward exchange on a golden platter you didn’t feel inclined to throw it back in the face of whichever archon had decided to bless you with this opportunity. Instead you leaned in softly before pressing a gentle, hesitant kiss to Albedo’s lips. To your relief his remaining grip on your hand loosened as your lips skimmed his but the sudden slackness didn't seem to affect just his hand but rather his whole body as he didn't kiss you back. Instead Albedo kept his eyes tightly shut as his entire body froze, the only part of his body that seemed tense was his furrowed brows. It was as though he were in a state of deep contemplation, focusing only on memorising the feeling of your warm lips on his. With his attention completely on the feeling of your mouth slotted against his own and his arms resting loosely by his sides, you took the chance to quickly separate yourself from him, turning away and fleeing along the frosty pathway down the mountain in a desperate attempt to escape the unnerving encounter.

You couldn’t hear Albedo calling out to you or following behind you so once you had made significant distance between where you and Albedo had been standing you turned to face him. To your surprise Albedo hadn’t moved an inch, he stayed exactly as you had left him, as though suspended in the moment in which your lips left his. The only difference is that this time his eyes were ignited with a cold determination, a look you knew to be unique to Albedo when he made a breakthrough experiment, when he found an ingredient he had been scavenging for months to find, when he finally located a dusty old tome or scrap of paper which had the information he needed and now when he stared at your frame scurrying down the mountain. As the base of the mountain came into view and your nerves began to settle you realised that in your desperation to get away you had left the flowers on the snowy ground. You halted for half a second, your foot pivoting as you prepared to venture back up the winding path but as your eyes met the incline up the mountain you were filled with paralysing nausea. Every single instinct in your body was fighting against the idea of going back up the mountain. Whatever interaction you and Albedo had shared up there, a raw, primitive, instinctual part of you knew that it had been wrong, that it had been off, that if you went back up the path then you truly believed you would not make it back down the mountain for a second time.

●・○・●・○・●・

Almost slipping down the mountain in your haste to escape your peculiar encounter with Albedo you didn't dare stop until you reached the Adventurer’s camp on the outskirts of the mountain where you finally felt the hammering of your heart slow for the first time this morning now that you had escaped the sheer cold of Dragonspine but even then with Albedo’s peculiar behaviour these past few weeks and in particular today you still couldn't feel at ease, even as you began to trudge out of the Adventurer’s camp and back towards Dadaupa Gorge.

You almost did a double take when you saw a frantic Albedo hurrying towards Dragonspine, his hand resting tightly on the hilt of his cinnabar spindle, his body tensed and ready to pounce. “...Albedo…? How did you get down here so fast?” you called out, eyeing the alchemist wearily. You had never felt more bewildered. Upon hearing you call out to him Albedo’s hand loosened on the hilt of his blade. He ran to you and wrapped you tightly in his arms, one arm wrapped around your waist so tightly it was suffocating you, the other clawed into your hair, his fingers digging into your scalp. He pulled you close as he had on the mountain however this time he buried his head into your neck as he inhaled deeply.

As you stood there embracing the startled alchemist you could feel just how intensely his hands were trembling but you couldn't help but pry for answers in your state of bewilderment. You were certain Albedo had been behind you as you descended the mountain and even if he had followed you down (which you suspected he had) how would he have gotten ahead of you? Albedo hadn’t been leaving Dragonspine when you met him here but rather he had been approaching, he had to have come from the direction of  Mondstadt. You asked louder this time “Albedo, how did you get ahead of me?” You were up on the mountain last time I saw you.” At your declaration Albedo finally peeled his from your neck, his manic eyes darting across you assessing for any damage before he finally seemed to regain some semblance of awareness “how did i… i know dragonspine like the back of my hand Y/N. it wasn’t hard to overtake you” Albedo stated trying to steady his voice. Although it’s likely the Alchemist knew the Mountain far better than you did… you didn’t fully believe him. You couldn't fully believe him. Not when you saw how terrified Albedo had seemed as he bounded towards the mountain in such a distressed state you almost didn't recognise the alchemist, not when you felt just how tightly he had clutched onto you as though you were about to slip through his fingers, not when you could feel how frantically his heart was beating as he held you to him. 

You continued to insist Albedo explain what had happened, why he had been acting so strangely. The expression in Albedo’s eyes was unreadable, something you had never seen in the chief alchemist’s eyes before, something almost reminiscent of fear. As you both traversed down galesong hill towards the city of freedom you stopped Albedo and turned him to face you as you whispered in a pleading tone “Albedo please… just explain to me what happened up there. I’m not upset with you, I'm just confused. What happened up there? You seemed rather out of sorts.” Albedo’s lips grew into a thin line, the expression on his face was a grim one but instead of any explanation he simply pressed the back of his palm to your forehead “you’re burning up” he mutters. Yet again Albedo’s actions fill you with nothing but confusion.

“Burning up? What are you talking about Albedo? I feel fine just please, answer my question” you cry out, frustration beginning to rise as he dances around your question yet again

“Yes, you’re shivering too and it’s clear you’re in a state of confusion, from these symptoms I’d estimate that you’re suffering from the early stages of hypothermia” Albedo says in an even, methodical tone

“H-hypothermia? Albedo what on Teyvat are you-?” you pause as Albedo begins to take off his coat, wrapping it tightly around your shoulders

“Honestly you should have dressed warmer if you were planning to go to Dragonstone, you need to take better care of yourself Y/N. now come on, you’ll need to be treated for this but I'll only be able to do it back in Mondstadt where we can warm you up” Albedo said wrapping his arm around your waist as he began to walk even faster towards Mondstadt, keeping you tucked closely into his side. You didn’t feel weak and you didn’t feel tired, the rational part of your mind wanted to doubt Albedo’s diagnosis but an equally significant part of you wanted to accept what Albedo said, to dismiss this whole morning as some strange illness induced hallucination. yes that must be it... You insisted internally. You’re unwell and this illness is messing with your head like Albedo says. You’re not being completely rational so right now just need to trust Albedo and head back to Mondstadt for treatment and you need to forget how Albedo keeps glaring at Dragonspine with pure loathing as though daring the mountain itself to come and try to take you from him, It must just be the cold getting to you.

[teaquaccey]

Okay… soooo… (Eng ver)

Okay so…

I’ve been thinking of this thing for Sagau Genshin for a while but like…

I’m not sure how to explain it…

So, here’s the idea!

I don’t remember where I heard it but it was about the lore about visions.

Archons don’t give them out like candy, but the gods who give them to the inhabitants of Teyvat as a somewhat “help” to the user to achieve their ambition.

But once their ambition has been fulfilled the vision goes out like Tomo’s or something like that and finally the gods receive something greater than what the user wanted.

But it also serves as an “eye” of sorts like a mini spy camera.

I’m not sure how legitimate this info is but, where im trying to go is…

What if the vision also work as a “shield” and blocks the vision holders ability to identify the reader as the creator and such?

Just imagine…

You wake up in Teyvat and the only people that can identify you as a highly being are the npc’s and not the vision users?

Imagine an imposter au with an imposter that is perceived as the creator by the vision users but that is actually a group of gods manipulating their perception or ability to identify the creator by making one of them play the role of the creator.

The reason behind this is because they want to rebel against the creator or something, i dunno maybe they lost badly against the creator in uno or something like that idk.

And because the vision users don’t have the ability to sense anything strange with you they don’t report it to the rest.

And because of how much energy or attention the gods have to keep on the whole creator play they don’t pay any attention to you for the first months?

You would be free from the vision users…

But the npc’s?

Oh dear…

Imagine the gods and imposter finally notice your presence and send the rest to hunt you down.

Imagine the least likely people teaming up together like…

In Mondstadt it would be like…

-Oh! Amber here for the usual?- Sara asks the outrider.

-An imposter?! No! I haven’t seen anyone looking like their grace…- She answered sounding surprised.

—-

-No information about the so called “Imposter” again Master Diluc- Charles informed the red headed that had visited the Tavern with just that exact purpose.

—-

-An imposter? I’m sorry Acting Grand Master, but I’ve seen no one looking identical to their grace!- Marjorie mentioned looking at the blonde.

-I see…- Jean ponders.

-If any information arises please inform us immediately- She mentioned.

-Of course- Marjorie replied as the blonde left.

Jean left as she went back to headquarters.

Finding the imposter was going to be a bit more challenging than expected.

Lost in her thoughts she barely managed to dodge Blanche and Charles who were carrying boxes with what looked to be food and beverages.

-Oh! My apologies- She mentioned.

-Oh no worries Grand Master Jean- Blanche brushed it off as both her and Charles walked towards Marjorie’s shop

She found it a bit suspicious how the three seemed to be together but soon her concerns went away as she realized how paranoid she was that she was now even doubting about Mondstads citizens.

Jean shook her head in disapproval of her eavesdropping and walked away to see how were the others with the search.

Once the three were in the clear they entered the building where a certain Creator was reading a book.

-Glad to see that you’ve been doing alright, your grace-

In Dragonspine:

-Is something wrong, Albedo?- Timaeus asks.

-You see… there have been rumors of a so called imposter…- Albedo explains

-An imposter?!- Timaeus asks in surprise.

-What do you mean…-

-Mmhh, Timaeus… you have been in the city for longer than I, have you not had any encounter with a person with similar characteristics to their grace?- He asks

-No, I’ve seen no one with their appearance…- Timaeus denies.

-Mmhh I see… by the way, I don’t want to sound invasive but why have you’ve been asking about the price of my paintings? I wasn’t aware that you were interested on the arts- Albedo inquired as poor Timaeus tried to come up with an excuse to not expose that he wanted to get one to give it to the creator because they commented that they liked them.

-Well um… because why not?- He mentioned sheepishly

-Huh…- Albedo pondered.

Suspicious.

In Liyue it might be like…

-Mr. Shitou one of my clients has complained over the lack of quality of the Noctilucous Jade you’ve been selling- Yanfei mentions interrogating Shitou.

-Well, you see business hasn’t been going well lately and…- He tried to excuse himself trying to find an excuse after he has been commissioning different hair pins and accessories to be made with said material to later give them to their Grace.

-Huh… this is the same thing Linglang told me at the antiques shop! Is business really not blooming right now?- Yanfei asked herself.

-Anyways, my client would still want to demand you for the low quality of your products-

-What?!-

-We’ll be paying for the troubles Miss Yanfei-

Before she knew it, Yanfei was now in front of the Northland Bank.

-We are the ones who have been buying all the good quality Noctilucous Jade from Mr. Shitou- Nadia mentioned helping Shitou cover from this.

They didn’t wouldn’t want to see their grace upset because one of their followers business broke because of them…

In Inazuma:

-I commissioned a new kimono for you your grace! Is it to your liking?- Hiiragi Chisato asked as she showed her a beautiful made Kimono she had sent from Fontaine.

-Wow…-

-Ah yes, your grace we have been waiting to give you these for quite some time- Xixi mentioned as she presented a bunch of boxes filled with various gifts.

(I dunno why but I feel like being in Ritou wouldn’t be so bad I mean, here is where most Npc’s are at… just be careful with the boats and every should be fine)

(Everywhere else I think you’d be pretty screwed not gonna lie xd)

In Sumeru…

I’m too tired to keep making stories…

But I think people like Dunyarzard would be so nice! Like she comes from money as far as I can remember so I can imagine her taking us to the Grand Bazaar.

It would still be a bit complicated to go there however since Nilou and Dehya would be there and with the switch that the gods forgot to turn off to recognize you again… yeah it’s gonna be a bit difficult to convince them but we have a sweet, lovely person like Dunyarzard! And the grand bazaar you should be fine… probably…

In Fontaine…

Melusines or Poisson, either place and you should be good at.

But this place is the trickiest however since there seems to be someone with a vision almost everywhere you may go.

Overall…

It would be like a very big game of hide and seek where the seekers(the vision users) are breaking their minds trying to find you while the supposedly spectators that shouldn’t help you are just watching them while helping you, basically cheating in the game.

Just image a war between the two factions like oh my gosh!

There was this Npc’s… I don’t remember her name(also to lazy to search it up xd) that was part of the Aranara quest, like the forest watcher that helped us, you know what I mean? Got into an accident, Aranara help, Aranara quest and finally she went out into adventures with the Aranara that saved her.

Just imagine if we meet her before anything and then she gets her vision like…

She puts it on as an accessory and doesn’t sense the Creator’s aura.

She takes it off and she notices it.

She finds out slowly about what visions really do and with some scholars from the Akademiya they start coming up with a plan or device to take away people visions so that they realize who the actual god is.

The possibilities…

Also dunno where to put the archons here I think they would notice the aura of the creator because they don’t have visions and such so maybe they’re in the rebellion against the gods of celestia and the fake creator.

Neuvillete and Furina would also probably be in the creators side because Furina’s vision is if I don’t remember badly given to her by Neuvillete.

So yeah…

Just something that I’ve been thinking about while I try to sleep.

This is just a very crapy idea but anyways hope someone likes it :,)

Also!

I don’t think my posts are appearing in the etiquettes i’ve been putting them at, because this is a very new blog I made with the only purpose of publishing this.

So if anyone that somehow sees this thread can help me with reblogging it you would be helping me a lot!

I really want to share this Idea with more people!

Once again thank you!

(Also good luck for anyone pulling for Clorinde and Alhaitham!)

(I’m personally pulling for Sethos, fingers crossed that he comes in a ten pull or else I’m gonna be so close to 70 pity and I don’t want neither of the current 5 stars, even though they are cool)

(Anyways good luck and thanks for reading!)

(:D)

[welcometoteyvat]

finally typing up my late lantern rite thoughts (very long). overall 100/10 quest I love hu tao

The amount of Xingqiu's brother mentions were insane. Surely we'll see him either as an NPC soon, right? Right? /j Honestly here he sounded pretty competent, nothing like "a simpleton" like Xingqiu's troubles voiceline suggests hmm...

The little model animations were SOOOOOOOOOO GOOD. contributed a lot to the experience and made it feel so much more alive. hu tao's expressions especially, but also yun jin's expressions, and Xiangling's "come back, get over here and eat!!!!!1!1!!!" was also really fucking funny. they've been adding these small animations for a while but this event specifically had so many of them and the effort paid off <3

in a similar vein I'm impressed how smooth the animation/model actions were when Xiao put the sigil on us

hu tao lan yan and qiqi fill in the gap fic please

timaeus is kind of silly, also very funny he and ying'er still going strong 2 years later. he's literally learning liyue language for ying'er? genuinely his dedication is impressive. they should make events replayable because how will everyone who missed 3.5 windblume know why timaeus simps for someone a whole country over

we finally know what the fake chinese characters in all those liyue signs represent (kinda ig). I need to look over this part again

if hu tao&/xiangling or hu tao &/yun jin stocks on ao3 don't increase after this I will start biting. MY GIRLS T_T T_TT_T_T_T_T_T_T. bro the farewell section was so tender I enjoyed it greatly. Their relationships with each other got developed on screen.. yun jin and hu tao's banter especially was really cute and really shows us their relationship aside from the hints in their VOs

YUN JIN OPERATIC HILITUNE ON SCREEN. the fanvid of it from bilibili can finally rest, thanks for your service, canon got here 4 years later.

Yun Jin, having practiced the tao dou opera, MUST have known something correct?? or else she wouldn't have asked hu tao so many times to promise to come back, right? She trusts Hu Tao so much :'''' . if Hu Tao says she can handle it, Yun Jin knows there's no stopping her, and she will find a way, but it doesn't stop her from worrying nonetheless :''').

hu tao's death flags during part 2......

my agenda is speaking, but I wish Xingqiu and Hu Tao directly talked during the farewells section. something something chivalry and sacrifice. Hu Tao makes her peace with giving up everything to resolve the Tao Dou issue, but is Xingqiu at peace with losing a friend even tho its selfish of him to want her to stay? he has personal stakes in this please just let them talk a little

I'm really really glad they went through with the death, they showed Hu Tao's emotions, they showed her father and grandfather waving her off. I broke, she looked so tired but satisfied (thinking about her vision story, where she waited so long for her grandfather to never appear vs him visiting her for just a brief moment here)

my other favorite shot is when traveler pulls her out and she looks at them in muted surprise. she just looked so sad and fragile and in need of a hug :(((

the Themes (waves hands wildly). hu tao's father's lingering regrets were his fatal flaw, and so Hu Tao settles her affairs properly and steels herself before going to die. she leaves behind the plum blossom branch just like her grandfather left his hat.. genuinely what the hell. the parallels between her cutscene goodbye and her saying "happy lantern rite" kills me

the epilogue last year with the fontaine tourists was pretty fanservicey, and tbh the epilogue the year before was also somewhat fanservice to me, (liyue gang dinner and zhongli venti teasing) though I liked it better. However I think this epilogue was actually really good— the hanging out and the fluff felt natural, it fit with everything else and wasn't super sudden. Maybe this was because of all the setup that happened (Yun Jin and Xiangling's promises to Hu Tao, Xiao and Yelan's dynamic built up in Perilous Trails and their earlier exchange), so the payoff is good instead of forced. After the trials and danger they got put through, everyone gets a chance to relax, and I appreciate the slice of life after the main plot. also Yun Jin's opera was crazy good considering it was not a cutscene, the animation and camera angles really sold it

I thought the special guest was xiao again, like how LR 3.4 had him dragged to the harbor by Hu Tao.... xiaolan banter was also v good though.

THE ADEPTI. they're still watching over Liyue in their own way :') the affectionate bickering about hu tao's name :''''''''

I barely mentioned lan yan in this... her part was pretty minor ngl, her habit of learning everything about a person to the point of sounding a bit creepy is kind of fun though.

alright. fantastic quest absolutely no notes I got almost everything I ever wanted and I am so glad Hu Tao had such an incredible 2nd story quest. chongyun and shenhe exorcist lantern rite next year?

[justrandomayatolover]

Relationship headcanons or something pt. 4 w/ Beidou, Kujou Sara, Sucrose

Includes: gn!reader, reader is a barman from Natlan in Beidou's part, a baker in Kujou Sara's part and an artist in Sucrose's

Here's part 3 and part 5

Beidou:

After all, we all know that Beidou is an alcohol lover, probably as well as the Crux's whole crew

So as they set the ship in Natlan, the first place they went was your family's tavern

And oh dear god, it was hard not to look at her, you've heard about beauty of people from East but damn, you haven't expect that

You tried not to look down so you don't look like pervert, but looking in her eyes was even harder

She was both intimidating and hot, also funny and caring about her crew, treating them like family

Next day she came again, this time alone, sitting before you and laughing about the state people were in the morning

Afternoon became almost midnight, neither of you caring about closing time, just talking like there's no tomorrow

When the day came when she had to leave, she simply gave you a small note with her address for letters and "You're cute when you're flustered" leaving you dumbfounded, red and also excited for next meeting and letter exchanging

Kujou Sara:

As general for Shogun army, she doesn't have much free time, but after vision hunt decree (and Raiden Ei taking over, putting Shogun away[at least that's what happened in my opinion, if it didn't now it did for the sake of this fic]) she was now asked multiple times in a day to buy some sweets that happened to suit the Archon the best

And it happened to be your little bakery with homemade goods

Each with nice details, some looking like inazuman visions, some like foxes and some like cherry flowers

So it was every day thing that Sara saw you, except she didn't tell you who these were for but when she did you froze in place, shock written all over her face

Then nothing

When you woke up from apparently passing out, she was sitting next to you with stern face but still deep inside worried for your state since it's not normal to just pass out

So next time she came for sweets she brought you some herbs saying they're relaxing and recommending taking breaks, you were rather surprised because it's not every day a general of an army brings you some sort of herb tea

So you offered her to sit down with you for a moment to enjoy a tea together

And like that every day, both seemingly to enjoy it

Her stern demanor softned at the sight of you, her tense shoulders relaxing and small smile decorating her face

After not very long when she came to your bakery one day and simply stated "I like you and I would like us to be in relationship, if that's okay with you"

Of course you agreed even if it was rather plain and straightforward

Sucrose:

You met Sucrose near fountain in Mondstad and immediately fell in love with her

She looked so adorable, so pretty and had such unique features

The ears, the glasses, the hair, everything about her was perfect to you

You quickly went up to her and asked if she would want to be your model for next piece, but the moment you did, her face was red, and her glasses slightly fell from her nose, making her even more adorable

She didn't know what to answer but both Klee and Timaeus cheering for her in background and Albedo giving her an encouraging nod

After first painting came another and another and another, but your favourite one is painted when you asked her to talk about alchemy, with small smile and eyes full of excitement

With that you two exchanged things you're passionate about but made for eachother, you giving her painting of Mondstad's scenery and her giving you flower made from alchemy (similar to that in last windblume event)

Not very satisfied with this one but ig it's not that bad

[dontcallmebugaboo]

Bricks and Mortar Ch. 2: Lost

Yami gritted his teeth as he struggled to maintain focus on the duel at hand. It was somewhat hard to concentrate when his emotions were a cacophony of chaos. First, there was the near heart attack he practically suffered watching poor Anzu get thrown across the train car simply because she wasn't directly involved in the duel. 

He should have been firmer when insisting that she get back into the train for her own safety. He should have never let her accompany him to the roof of the train in order to help find the emergency brake. He should have never made her jump to his side when the train was coming apart in the first place.

Even though he would have been alone, at least Yami could be assured that Anzu was safe.

Now, he constantly had to tamp down his fear and worry that she could be seriously hurt.

 He wouldn’t let himself think beyond that.

There was also the seemingly unending frustration towards Weevil and his constant underhanded methods he utilized throughout the duel. A living annoyance— as Anzu herself might have put it--if there ever was one. 

Of course, the anger he still felt towards himself was ever present as he watched with deep dismay as Timaeus, his ancient dragon, faded from view mere seconds after being summoned, refusing to be wielded by one who dared to utilize the Orichalcos. It appeared that the powerful monster no longer trusted the pharaoh, not that he could truly blame it. 

Yami growled low in his throat as Weevil did nothing to hide his positively gleeful reaction as Timaeus vanished from the battlefield. "It just goes to show everyone how evil you truly are, Pharaoh!" 

His heart clenched at Weevil's words. Obviously, Dartz had told the bratty duelist everything about the past. Weevil had declared Yami to be evil with such conviction, that of course, he had taken the Atlanean man at his word. 

Not that Yami was actually refuting those words as he scrambled to think of a new strategy that didn't involve Timeaus. He glanced at his hand as he forced himself to stay focused, stay calm. He couldn't remember a thing about his past life as the pharaoh of Egypt, but that didn't mean that he--

"Would you SHUT UP ALREADY?!"

Yami jolted as Anzu's commanding voice tore through Weevil's cackles and his own sinking despair.

"You know nothing about him! Nothing! Neither does Dartz, no matter what bullshit he claims! Yes, I can obviously see that Timaeus left the field, but that does not make the pharaoh evil! Not even close! So, get off of your damn soap box right now, or I will find a way to break through the Orichalcos and kick your ass myself without a duel disk!"

"Anzu..." Yami breathed. He was both touched by the fierce sincerity of her words, and concerned for her safety following her declaration. He was certain that Dartz was watching the duel right at this very moment. 

Weevil, on the other hand, couldn't have cared less about Anzu's words. "Ugh, do you ever shut up, Anzu?" The arrogant duelist sneered. "Literally, no one ever asks the peanut gallery for their opinion."

He then leered at her. "You know, it's almost too bad that the Seal of the Orichalcos can't take away your soul along with the pharaoh's, but then again, I can't imagine that the Leviathan would want to put up with your incessant blathering!" 

"That's enough!" Yami snapped, his violet eyes sparking with ire. "You will leave Anzu out of this! She has nothing to do with this duel and I will not stand for you speaking to her in such a disrespectful manner!"

"What, do you like her or something?" Weevil taunted. "Ooh, the black-hearted Pharaoh has a big old crush on the mouthy princess!"

Before either Yami or Anzu could respond to Weevil's insults, he played a card, yet another poisonous insect. Anzu briefly wondered if he had been a mosquito in another life, between all of his pesky barbs and annoying, inconvenient moves he played throughout the duel. 

Yami did his best to fight back and protect his life points, but it was a difficult challenge for him thanks to that damned Insect Barrier card. On top of that, Weevil activated his trap card Infestation, which according to him, caused all monsters on the field to lose one hundred attack points. Those were then added up and subtracted from the players' life points. 

Yami didn't even blink as his life points were brought down to four hundred. He wouldn't give the little worm the satisfaction of seeing an iota of concern on his face. 

"You know," Weevil began conversationally as he slipped a hand into his pocket, "I almost feel sorry for you, Pharaoh. After all, you're not going to be able to save Yugi since you have basically no chance of winning this duel." He flicked his cold, red- tinted green eyes toward Yami as he pulled out a card. "But for a limited time only, you could see your friend." He waved the card at him. "Right here, right now."

What?

It couldn't be that simple, could it?

Desperation crashed over the pharaoh. He had to see Yugi, to beg forgiveness for the terrible, foolish mistake he had made, to make sure that he was okay, to assure him that he would rescue him as soon as possible. 

"Let me see him!" Yami commanded. "Show Yugi to me!"

Weevil pulled the card back as he pouted in an exaggerated manner. "You know, it wouldn't kill you to say please."

As if in a trance, Yami walked slowly toward his opponent, hand outstretched as he reached out toward the card, toward Yugi. 

"You know, on second thought, why would I give you what you wanted so easily?" Weevil asked as he placed both hands on the card's top edge. 

He tore the card in half. 

"Whoops! Clumsy me!" 

Yami choked on a gasp as his heart plummeted, body growing numb from the shock. His mind was like static. All white noise. 

Yugi... his best friend, his brother, his partner... gone again. 

"NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!"

Weevil cackled at the pharaoh's pain. To see such a proud, arrogant man crumble was great. 

"You're lying!"

Unlike Yami, Anzu stood tall, her face set into a mask of fierce determination. There were tears at the corners of her cerulean eyes, but she refused to let them fall.

"You know, denial is not just a river in Egypt, Anzu."

Rolling her eyes, Anzu continued as if the boy hadn't spoken. "Yugi is a good, light soul. He is important to so, so many. So why would Dartz even think to trust his soul to a lowly, pathetic worm like you? Besides, wouldn't Dartz need Yugi's soul to help power his big, stupid, sky snake?"

Yami gasped as Anzu's words pierced through his agony and brought him back to reality. 

Everything she said made perfect sense. Dartz kept claiming souls of the innocent to fuel the Leviathan, why would he give something up so precious like Yugi's soul even if it was as an attempt to taunt him? And to let Weevil Underwood of all people be entrusted with his soul card. 

The answer was plain. He wouldn't. 

"You lied," the pharaoh growled. 

Weevil shrugged. "It was just a prank, this duel was dragging out for so long, I decided to liven things up a bit. I just ripped up a stupid low-level bug card."

"Your manipulative tactics have gone on for long enough!" Yami yelled, his rage almost palpable. "You have trespassed in our souls with your actions and now you will pay!"

"My move!" Yami glanced at the scarlet armored warrior on the field! "Breaker! I activate your special ability!"

"So, you can destroy a magic or trap card on the field," Weevil scoffed. "Big deal!" A beat passed before realization hit him. "Oh crap! That is a big deal!"

"'Oh crap' indeed, " Yami confirmed with a smirk. "Breaker the Magical Warrior! Destroy Weevil's Insect Barrier!"

"Oh no!" Weevil wailed as he watched his trap card shatter into dozens of shards of light. 

"I may have weakened my monster by using his special ability," the pharaoh commented as Breaker the Magical Warrior’s life points dropped from eighteen hundred to fifteen hundred. "But it was well worth the sacrifice, because now I can destroy you!"

"Poison Butterfly!" Yami called out. "Destroy his Armored Centipede!"

Once the opposing monster had been reduced to nothing, Yami made his second command. "Now Poison Butterfly, attack his life points directly!" 

Weevil grunted, but weathered the attack. He cackled when he realized that he still had over two thousand life points. "Is that the best you've got, Pharaoh? 'Cause I'm still standing, and now Poison Butterfly is poised to drain the remainder of your life points!"

"Whoever said that I was finished?" Yami asked coldly. 

"Both of your monsters have already attacked!" Weevil pointed out. "There's nothing more you can do!"

"If you would be silent already, I'll show you my next card!" He called forth a magic card. "Berserker Soul!"

"What?"

"Once I have discarded my entire hand, this card allows me to keep attacking you with a monster from my side of the field with every monster card I draw until I draw a magic or trap card so long as the monster I attack with has attack number of fifteen hundred points or less."

Weevil blanched as he recalled the pharaoh saying that using Breaker’s special ability was well worth the sacrifice of a higher attack number because now the monster had fifteen hundred attack points, exactly what Yami needed in order to use his magic card.

And Weevil had nothing protect his remaining life points, no matter how high the number was. Yami was determined to drag that number down to zero.

‘He came up with a plan that quickly?!’ The former regional champion was both impressed and frantic.

The pharaoh attacked. “Well, would you look at that? The first card I’ve drawn is Queen’s Knight! Breaker! Attack his life points directly!”

The warrior monster leapt forward across the field and slashed at the defenseless boy, eliminating a good chunk of his life points.

Yami drew another monster card. “Attack him again!” He drew a third monster card. “Attack again!”

It was as if the pharaoh’s mind was clouded by nothing but the red of rage and driven by the utmost desire for vengeance. He drew yet another card and chuckled darkly. “This just isn’t your day.”

A sixth monster slashed away at Weevil, though there was little point as his life points had already been drained away.

Unaware of the fact that the Seal had already shrunk in size, focusing its dark, devasting magic solely on Weevil, Yami barely glanced at the card in his hand, only noting that it was yet another monster to attack his opponent with. He opened his mouth, ready to command Breaker the Magical Warrior to attack Weevil’s life points directly once more only to be stopped when his movements were suddenly arrested.

He was furious when he saw that Anzu had one hand encircling his wrist in a firm grip, her arm wrapped around his waist as she blocked him from touching his duel disk. Why was she denying him his vengeance!

“Let me go!”

“That’s enough, Pharaoh!” Anzu snapped. “You’ve already won the duel, the Seal of Orichalcos is gone. I understand your anger, believe me, I do, but right now this is what we call overkill!”

At her words, at the realization that the Seal of Orichalcos had already faded, the anger seeped out of Yami, his body sagging against Anzu’s as he sighed quietly in exhausted relief.

His respite was brief however, for his sharp violet eyes landed on Weevil’s crumbled form, still kneeling upright despite no longer harboring his soul. Leaving Anzu’s embrace, the pharaoh stalked over to his opponent. He grabbed the boy by his collar, paying no mind to the way Weevil sagged in his grasp. “Where’s Yugi! Tell me where he is!”

Anzu ran over to him and pulled him away from Weevil. “Yami, it’s too late! There’s nothing Weevil can tell you because the duel is over. The Orichalcos already did its work. He’s gone.”

As Yami stared down in horror at the body, only now realizing what had happened, Anzu began tugging on his arm in urgency. “No, no, no, Pharaoh, you can’t spiral on me now, we have to find a way to stop this train! In case you haven’t noticed, it’s not slowing down!” She squeezed his arm, trying to snap him out of his stupor. “I don’t want to die, do you?”

Yami barely straightened as he turned toward Anzu, further alarm overcoming him as he fully became cognizant of the fact that his precious friend was standing next him, in just as much danger as he was as the train continued to race at an alarmingly high speed.

“I—”

Whatever Yami was about to say was forcefully cut off as the train suddenly jerked itself off of the tracks. The pair toppled to the roof of the train, holding on for dear life as it skidded dangerously across the canyon’s surface before violently being flung off of the edge of the cliff.

Anzu and the pharaoh screamed as they plummeted through the air, heading toward the unforgiving current of the river below them. As he continued to tumble through the air, Yami only had one coherent thought.

‘I’m sorry.’

Then darkness.

______________

Anzu floated.

 At least, that’s what it felt like to her as her mind spun about in the dark. She felt peaceful, weightless. As if she could just remain in the warm, comfortable embrace of the surrounding darkness and just sleep. There was no need to worry about…whatever it was she had been worrying about.

“Anzu.”

A voice pierced through the dark. A familiar voice that was as velvety and soothing as the darkness that cocooned her. 

“Anzu, wake up.”

The voice had become urgent, pleading, even, as it commanded her to leave the safety of the dark and return to the waking world. Though Anzu wasn’t fond of the idea, the voice calling out to her was too familiar and too alluring to her to ignore it for long.

Opening her eyes was a bit of a challenge for Anzu however, it felt like sandbags were weighing down her eyes. Grumbling as she continued to return to the waking world, Anzu forced her eyes open and sat up.

Which proved to be an immediate mistake.

Anzu gasped as she was assaulted by a wave of both pain and nausea. She fell back, but instead of landing on her makeshift bed, she was gently pulled into a pair of arms, her aching head landing against the crook of someone’s neck. “Easy, easy,” the familiar voice chided.

Blearily, Anzu glanced up and saw that she was indeed being held by the pharaoh. “Thank the gods you’re awake,” he continued as he moved one of his hands to gently cup the back of her head.

She was silent for a minute, her mind still terribly jumbled as she tried to fight off the pain that was attacking her body. “How are we not dead?” She finally asked tiredly. “We fell from so high up.”

“I can only assume it was due to the interference of the gods that we have not entered the afterlife,” Yami offered quietly.

“Not that I’m not grateful to be alive, but couldn’t they have cushioned our landing a little better?” Anzu grumped.

Yami grinned, and though Anzu could not see it, she swore that she could feel it. “I understand your frustration. I too, have suffered bruises on my body. Thankfully, neither of us appear to have broken any bones.”

He then took her chin in his hand and with an incredible gentleness, tilted her head back so he could examine her for any possible signs of a concussion, the memory of learning about how to identify the severe injury flitting through his mind as he recalled paying attention to the health class that Yugi was too bored to give much notice to. Yami had later teased his aibou when the boy nearly failed the pop quiz as he had recalled more of the lesson than Yugi did.

Yami diligently ignored the ache that twisted through his chest at the thought of his lost partner. Right now, he chose to focus on his friend in his arms.

Anzu couldn’t stop the blush that bloomed across her face and could only hope that the pharaoh would mistake it for a possible fever. She cleared her suddenly dry throat, not that it deterred the man from gently examining her head. “Ah…what exactly are you doing, Yami?”

“Ensuring that you have not suffered a concussion.”

“Oh.” That made sense. “S-so…what’s the prognosis, doctor? Am I going to live?”

Yami sighed in relief as he saw no signs of severe head trauma. “You will be fine. Likely as sore and as exhausted as I am, but fine.”

“Good.” Gingerly, Anzu shifted into a sitting position once more, attributing the earlier feeling of nausea with vertigo rather than a concussion. She glanced around, taking in their surroundings, appearing to be in a teepee. Definitely unexpected.

“Where are we?”

“I don’t know,” Yami admitted. “I woke up only a moment before you did, so your guess is as good as mine, but I can say with confidence that someone rescued us.”

Anzu nodded in agreement and wondered if she should test her body’s limits in trying to get up when her attention was arrested by the sound of a low growl. Looking to the entrance of the tent, Anzu gasped when she saw a large grey wolf slip inside. Before she could react any further, the wolf charged forward and tackled her, forcing her back to the ground.

Yami shouted in alarm, moving to force the wolf off of Anzu and turn its attention onto him, when he paused at the sound of Anzu’s laughter. Relief and slight confusion ran through him as he took in the sight of the wolf showering Anzu in affectionate canine kisses. His confusion grew when the wolf turns its attention onto him, but gently caressed the wolf’s soft head anyway.

“Skye!” A little girl’s voice cut through the air, her voice chiding. “That’s no way to treat our guests.”

As the wolf, Skye, retreated to the teepee’s opening, Anzu and Yami took note of a little auburn-haired girl, no older than nine, poking her head into the tent. “I’m sorry about Skye,” the child apologized, “She was just excited to know that you two were awake. I’m Chris, by the way.”

“I’m Anzu, and this is Yami,” Anzu introduced as she gestured between herself and the pharaoh. “It’s nice to meet you, Chris.”

Yami’s eyes widened almost imperceptibly at being called by a name other than Yugi in front of someone who wasn’t within his immediate circle of friends. He masked it by asking Chris politely, “How long have we been here?”

“My grandpa is the one who found you,” Chris answered. “And that was about six hours ago.”

“It must be quite late then,” the pharaoh noted as he finally saw a hint of the inky sky through the opening of the teepee.

“Just a couple of hours before midnight,” Chris confirmed with a small nod. “Would you like anything to eat? My grandpa should still have some stew left in the pot if you would like.”

“If it’s not too much trouble, then yes, please,” Anzu answered. She glanced at Yami who gave a nod in response to Chris’s question, though she doubted that he would actually eat much of the offered meal. He was already starting to look much too troubled for her liking.

The pharaoh waited a bit when Chris and Skye slipped out of the tent before turning to Anzu. “You didn’t introduce me as Yugi,” he noted.

Anzu looked at him pointedly. “You’re your own person, why wouldn’t I introduce you as such? Especially when its safe to assume that Chris and her grandpa don’t know anything about the Millennium Items.” She smirked. “Unless there’s something that Skye is hiding from everyone.”

Yami snorted at the comment about the wolf. “I suppose I’m not used to being referenced to as my own person,” he admitted.

“Well, I can’t exactly refer to you as ‘pharaoh’ right now, can I?” Anzu asked rhetorically. “It’s the twenty-first century after all, and Egypt doesn’t use that title for its royalty in this time. I’m also fairly unsure of Pharaoh being a first name these days.”

She made sure to make direct eye contact with Yami, cerulean locking onto deep violet. “You’re your own person, Yami. It’s only due to unexpected, supernatural circumstances that you’re sharing a body with an entirely different person. But you’re you and Yugi is himself. I know that for a while in the beginning of us getting to know you that Jonouchi, Honda, and myself thought you two were the same, but after knowing you for a few years, there’s obvious differences between you two.”

Before Yami could respond, Anzu continued, her voice becoming sharp. “And so help me if you try saying it’s because Yugi has a heart of gold and your heart is…dripping in darkness or some type of self-pitying bullcrap like that, I—”

She froze when the pharaoh clasped his hand on top of hers. “Thank you, Anzu,” Yami said, and Anzu forced herself to remain still when all she wanted to do was melt from the warmth in his voice and in his gaze.

“You were the first person to see me for myself,” Yami continued. “Even before Yugi. Before myself, actually. Though I may not be happy with my actions as of late, you continue to remind me that I am not a mere entity, nor am I Yugi’s shadow. I am grateful for your continued support and friendship and I shall do all that I can to prove to you that I am worthy of them.”

He gently squeezed her hand. “I just ask that you be patient with me.”

Feeling flustered, Anzu had a hard time maintaining eye contact with Yami as she hoped that there wasn’t a blush on her face betraying what was going on in her mind and in her heart. She managed a small nod while a smile teased itself at the corners of her mouth.

The moment ended when Chris came back with two bowls of steaming stew carefully balanced in her small hands. Behind her walked a tall, elderly man though the only obvious signs of his age were the long silver hair that tumbled in waves down his back and the small wrinkles around his kind flint eyes. On his shoulder, he carried Anzu’s backpack and Yami’s duel disk, his cards were in the man’s hand.

“Well, I’m glad to see you two are up and about,” the man said. “My name is Ironheart. I’m sure my granddaughter Chris here told you that I found you in the wreckage of that train crash.”

“She did,” Yami agreed as he accepted the bowl of stew that was proffered to him with one hand, seeming to have no interest in releasing Anzu’s hand. “We are grateful to you for your help and your hospitality.”

“Of course,” Ironheart replied. “I’m just relieved to know that I was able to get you two out of there before the sun set. It’s far too cold at night for a pair of crash survivors to be wandering around. Especially with so little light.”

“That’s true,” Anzu agreed as she slid her hand out from underneath Yami’s. When the man in question turned to look at her, she teased, “Hey, I don’t know about you, but I do need a hand to hold my spoon, just hold onto a steaming bowl of stew.”

“Right,” Yami agreed, unsure of why he was slightly disappointed when Anzu stopped holding his hand. Or why his hand felt so cold without hers.

Ironheart took a seat next to his granddaughter near the front of the teepee. He waited a few moments for the travelers to eat some of the stew before posing a question. “When I approached the remains of the train, I noticed that it wasn’t the entire train. I also noticed that you two were the only ones near the wreckage. What happened to cause you both to become separated from the rest of the train, if you don’t mind me asking?”

He hastened to add, “Not that I believe either of you caused the train to separate, let along derail there is. I sense no malice in either one of you.”

Despite Ironheart’s assurance, both Yami and Anzu grimaced as they stopped eating. They shared a loaded glance as they considered Ironheart’s question.

Just as they considered how complicated, and dangerous, the answer was.

_________

A/N: Is this chapter too long? It might be too long. But I did have fun writing this! Gotta say, it's been a while since I was excited to keep writing one of my fics!

This is turning out to be less of an emotional rollercoaster and more like an emotional elevator ride with some more ups and downs, but hopefully in a way that makes sense to you guys.

I'm also toying with the idea of writing a sick fic where Anzu goes down with a bad cold and can't go to school, so her boys cut class to take care of her. Thoughts?

[millenniumdueled]

Day of Judgement: Part 1

Something had to give. Too many people were getting hurt, getting caught up in what should have been his fight. His friends were one thing. But now, Professor Hawkins...

Yugi shifts against a sleeping Joey, where the two of them rested against each other in one of the bench seats of the Hawkins' RV. Across the table, Tristan and Duke snooze in a smiliar fashion.

The conversation between Yugi and his Other is quiet, spoken inside their hearts, communicated with feelings more than words. They both know what it feels like to worry about their Grandpa. Yugi glances over at the door to the RV's little bedroom at the back, where Téa and Rebecca sleep. He owes it to her to find him. To bring him home. To do so without endangering anyone else.

Yugi moves slowly, slipping out from under Joey's arm, careful not to wake the other man. He dons his jacket, his shoes, his Duel Disk, and quietly leaves the RV.

He has to Duel Doma's Three Musketeers. He has to win. Even if that means condemning his opponent to the cruel fate of the Seal of Orichalcos.

Those three have been with him through everything. They've seen the Shadow Games. They knew him at his worst.

But he can't let them see that side of him again.

He glances at Duke's Cadillac, considers for a moment. But he's never driven before, and the roar of the classic engine would surely wake everyone. He wanders from the RV, past the charred remains of the Professor's house and to the stables behind.

They don't need to speak, they share the same memories of that horse camp in middle school.

It's awkward, especially at first. But somehow, some sort of instinct takes over as the Other Yugi does too, sitting there on Rebecca's beloved horse Billy. But awkward as it is, he manages to coax the horse out of his stables, and into the desert, chasing the location left for him by Doma's Musketeers.

The ride seems to go on forever, but his heart keeps him going, even as the ranch falls far out of view behind him. He's not sure how he knows the way. Maybe it's destiny guiding him, or Timaeus on his deck. Maybe it's that little stone he's been wearing around his neck since that Duel back in Domino City.

But eventually, he sees another person. The tallest member of the trio, the man who called himself Raphael, standing expectantly across a rickety suspension bridge.

Yugi's heart pounds in his chest.

He brings Billy to a stop, nearly tumbling to the dusty ground as he dismounts. But that little fumble hardly deters him, as he turns to fix an icy, piercing glare on the man across the chasm.

"This ends here, Raphael," he growls as he marches, confidently, across the precarious bridge.

[javomelancholie]

Happy Birthday, Albedo! 🎉🥂🎂

I love you with all my heart 💖

You are the best character in Genshin Impact 😙

"Dragonspine is one of my favorite places to visit and collect inspiration during my leisure time.

Just like now, the skies have cleared after the snowfall and birds are chirping lively. Setting up an easel here is bound to capture a remarkable scene.

However, the snowy landscape can be too serene, and painting just the scenery might leave the composition feeling somewhat sparse. If only I could add a figure to it... Hmm, you'd be willing to model for me?

Alright, then come over here. Fret not, just stay in your most comfortable, natural state."

"Okay, come over here."

Lumine fell into his arms 🥰

Albedo is so good in his language art skills.

I would like to remind that last year Albedo and Lumine were drawing for each other on Albedo's birthday. The painting was called: "You and I" (omg I am still not over it)

He could talk about anything but he specifically chose to talk to Lumine about something romantic once again - the experiment which Timaeus did for his beloved (what Albedo is hinting here? 😏)

"Timaeus was depressed for a while because he didn't make the flower for his beloved"

By this analogy Albedo was also depressed for a while because he hadn't seen Lumine for a long time. This Natlan material is just a pretext to lure Lumine to see him. His little tricks can't be hidden 😌

And this is what excites me the most - he is paying attention to Lumine's journey to Natlan! They want to explore it together! He invited her to investigate this world with him again just like in his feelings about ascension.

Don't worry, Albedo, I have been taking you with me every day since the day I went to Natlan! 🥹💖

"I can serve as your assistant"

What kind of a new play is this??

You know how to play it!

Can you be my hubby instead

What do you mean "He's fictional character"?

I need him!

"Captain Albedo, please take a look! This is my latest sketch from practice! ...What do you think?"

"...Well, if you consider it a form of relaxation, it's not bad."

Omg when I saw Mika for the first time I thought that he looks like an albelumi child who came from the future 😂

I still keep seeing him this way esp if he is around Albedo, Lumine or Klee xd

[dragontamer05]

I fully admit that even I have yet to really figure out the extent of like what Tim / his magic can like do.

Being well made of/from it, changing up his form be it keeping disguise and hiding the less the human bits or taking on full draconic form both use/need magic.

In a way it's likely at least partially the reason behind his strength, despite his size.

But like in terms of like actual skills or idk spells?

[holy shit this got waaaay long so put it under a cut lol]

Always flip flopped between if he breathes fire - like I never actually had him do it but I imagine maybe he could. Although if he did it as not full dragon probably hurts a lot, not badly injured perse just a very uncomfy feeling might leave his voice a bit raspy for little bit.

As much as he'd like to be, he's not much of a healer. Look he has tried and with more effort and training to some degree he likely could use his magic to heal. At the very least in an emergency situation a temporary help (slow bleeding/ hold something into place, though doing such would surely be very draining on him. (Makes up for it though with having fairly good first aid and medical knowledge from his dad so not totally useless in that kind of situation)

magic or not his own body does have increased healing capabilities.

Honestly most of it probably tends to manifest in either defensive ways keep himself/someone else safe or when push comes to shove

He's definitely more sensitive and able to pick up on when it comes to magical objects- be they made with magic, have magic cast on them charm/curse and while I hesitate to say he can perfectly figure out/know but at the very least very intuitive at sensing if said magic is something dark/ malicious/ dangerous in nature or something more benign- So you know not always 'good' perse but certainly nothing dangerous or needing to worry about

With training and practice Timaeus eventually would be able to perhaps despell/remove some charms/curses/magic (Inspired by the Legendary Knight Timaeus Card who upon being summoned you can banish a spell or trap) Of course even he'd have limits depending on how strong he may only be able hold it temporarily

Being something of a literal creature of magic if need he could/can draw magical energy from another to like strengthen himself. He sort of already unconsciously does it- but very very minor and not enough to affect the other person but like there is sort of a different feeling he gets when around others who have magic. Really it's only more recently he's slowly started to notice/piece together that like that there have been times where after spending time around /with someone (Yami, Mana, ect...) who has magic even if he was really exhausted before he doesn't feel quite as tired after.

That said if he's touching someone- and in this case also needs to be a voluntary choice and would never do it without asking first. He can basically use/take advantage of the other's magic and it will strengthen him

--

Though under utilized fact is that to an extent the magic which makes him, his magic although he has gained a far stronger grasp of it. It's not exactly stable , predictable and makes him unpredictable.

Sadly he was labled as 'failure' for a reason.

Part of that was from their own ideal of not thinking him suitable i.e. obedient enough or thinking he would ever be to be of use- plus growth was to slow for their liking and some other perhaps seeming arbitrary reasons.

However a big one was, a clear lack of control. Which sure some of it came from him just being this under developed lab creature without proper direction ect but there were signs that the magic and the 'experiment' / Tim wasn't exactly stable.

At one point he lashed out and attacked one of the scientists (and uh killed him). Marking him as dangerous.

And although he seemed okay after well there was no knowing if he'd suddenly turn on them, or if this creature would lose the ability to control itself with the strength of its magic in a constant state of flux and they couldn't get it to stabilize.

--

Somewhere, somehow Tim's dad was able to get his hands on a sort of charm that kind of dampened down some of that excess magic. Not a perfect solution but it helped/helps keep his magic more in check. Sort siphons off some of the excess / overflow during rises in it.

There is some connection with magic to his emotional state - though it's hard to say which way it goes. Emotion affect magic or does magic affect his emotional state, might be a mix of both. During high stress/ emotional times there's certainly an influx and can be harder to control.

That said the charm isn't a permanent solution and every so often he does kinda have to do a magic decompression if you will and just kinda allow a large release of magic. Usually by taking dragon form and going off somewhere away from any risk of harming someone and mostly just waiting it out that way.

With having gained more control he doesn't always need to wear / have the charm on him and can manage without it but that doesn't mean he won't.

The very unstable nature is why for a long time, he tended not to be able to keep control of maintaining his human appearance once night came (something something magic connected to night something something)

Thankfully such instances are a lot rarer for him now as he's slowly gained better habits of managing his magic though that doesn't mean he still doesn't fear for it happening. So he tends to be a lot more careful in the evening and why he doesn't go out as much as he'd like- or will go and find the least populated areas if he does.

[kumeko]

A/N: For the @albetherzine! I have too much fun writing Paimon sometimes.

…

…

…

…

In hindsight, Aether should have expected this. The realtor had been really vague when he’d asked about his roommate. The woman leaving had squeezed his shoulder in what had seemed like a reassuring manner but was now clearly pity. Even Paimon had told him the house was sketchy.

A fact she refused to let up, even now as she rattled off on the phone. “Paimon told you so! No one rents a house for that price.”

“I know, I know.” Aether sighed as he leaned against the hallway wall. “But it is a really nice house. And affordable.”

In his defense, it was an amazing place. There were three bedrooms upstairs and one in the basement, meaning the whole house was only filled with four roommates instead of the usual five to six. There were two fridges. His roommates consisted of Sucrose, a shy scientist, and Timaeus, a nerdy mechanic. When he needed to study, the house was quiet and seemingly empty.

“That’s how they trapped you.” He could almost hear Paimon roll her eyes. “You should have asked Lumine for help.”

“I didn’t want to bother her.” Aether rubbed his neck sheepishly, thinking of his twin sister. For the first time since they were born, they were in different places, in universities that were a plane’s flight away. The independence was thrilling. It was also terrifying.

“You’re just asking for help, that wouldn’t bother her! And then you wouldn’t have ended up in a place like that,” Paimon huffed. She stamped indignantly, the sound loud enough for him to hear. Sometimes he worried about her—she had never been able to control her temper and he could just picture her failing interviews because she didn’t know when to keep her mouth shut. “Is he still down there?”

Aether glanced at the foreboding basement door in front of him. It hadn’t budged an inch. The white paint was cracked and peeling in places, revealing the brown wood underneath. In an otherwise modern house, it looked entirely out of place, like a horror scene in a field of flowers. “I think so.”

“You think so?” Paimon asked skeptically, tapping her foot.

As though to answer her question, a loud bang punctuated the air. Aether winced, wondering just what happened downstairs. “I know so.”

The only problem with this house was his mysterious third roommate, Albedo. Aether could count on one hand the number of times he’d seen the guy. Every time, the upper-year chemist had been wearing goggles, his blond hair flowing over the frames like a lion’s mane. Loud bangs and odd smells informed everyone else when Albedo was home.

Sucrose had said it was fine, but Aether wasn’t certain. Just how healthy could it be, locking yourself up in a basement with foul-smelling chemicals for hours on end? He couldn’t remember his science classes that well, but couldn’t Albedo accidentally make a poisonous gas? What if he was slowly killing them all?

And just what was he trying to do?

Once, just once, Aether had seen Albedo without his trademark lab coat. Aether had been studying and glanced out his window to find Albedo in the backyard. Paintbrush in hand, the senior had stared at a blank canvas, as though visualizing his painting. By the time Aether had scrambled down the stairs, Albedo was gone.

Part of him wondered if he could have seen Albedo’s eyes if he’d gotten down fast enough.

“This sounds sketchy,” Paimon grumbled. “I still think you should leave.”

“It’s—” Aether’s eyes widened as black smoke poured out the cracks around the door. “Fire!”

“Fire!” Paimon shouted. “Should I—”

He didn’t say anything before hanging up, shoving the phone in his pocket as he yanked open the door. Luckily, the doorknob wasn’t hot yet. Black smoke poured into the hallway. Albedo was still down there. Aether didn’t think twice before dashing down the stairs.

The smoke was even thicker downstairs. There was a small window, barely visible, and he ran to open it. As the smoke escaped, Aether pivoted on his heel. It was easier to see the small laboratory now. Vials lined the counters, various machines beeped as they ran automatically. Aether coughed in his sleeve as he searched for his roommate.

“Albedo?” he called out. There wasn’t a response. The silence unnerved him. He stepped forward. “Albedo?”

His foot bumped into something and he looked down to find his roommate lying face down.

“Albedo!” Before Aether could check him, he noticed a small fire on the counter. It burned on a pan, trapping it for the most part, but he wasn’t going to take any risks. He sprang forward, patting it with his hand instinctively before recoiling from the heat.

“Extinguisher, water…” He mumbled his eyes darted around the room before landing on the former. In two steps, he picked it up. In another, the fire was gone. Aether sighed, relieved. “Great.”

There was a soft moan. Aether looked down just as Albedo slowly opened his eyes. He’d almost forgotten. Quickly, Aether knelt next to him, helping the older man get up. “Are you okay?”

Albedo coughed, looking dazed. Lazily, he scanned the room, as if not certain of where he was. It couldn’t be good for him to be here. The air still smelled of smoke and burned plastic.

“Here, follow me.” Gently, Aether took Albedo’s arm and guided him up the stairs. Past the wooden door, with its flaking paint. Past the narrow hallway, covered in darkness. Past the patio doors, until they were outside in the cool, fresh breeze. “Take deep breaths.”

Albedo breathed in through his nose, shaking his head slightly as though waking himself up. His voice was smoother, deeper than Aether expected. “We’re outside.”

“Yeah.” Aether watched him worriedly, inspecting him for injuries. Fortunately, he appeared unscathed.

He looked at his hands, then the house. “Huh. Didn’t go as planned. I added too much phosphate.”

Aether frowned. “You started a fire. You could have killed us.”

“No, we would have been fine.” Albedo pulled off his goggles, yanking them past his golden hair. He rubbed the soot off with his shirt. “The fire wouldn’t have left the pan.”

He kept talking, but Aether couldn’t hear. Instead, he stared, transfixed by the tropical blue of Albedo’s eyes, the way his hair framed his face, softening his impassive expression. It had been hard to tell before but his roommate was hot.

Aether flushed. Maybe the fire had spread to him somehow. Clearing his throat, he pushed all irrelevant thoughts from his head and focused on the issue at hand. Their house could have burned down. This madman constantly did experiments, ones that probably could endanger them. Who knew what could happen next time? What if Aether hadn’t been around today?

It was time he stopped this nonsense. Squaring his shoulders, Aether interrupted, “That isn’t the point.”

“Then what is?” Albedo absentmindedly dusted off his clothes, creating small black clouds of soot. He glanced up at Aether and frowned. “You’re…?”

Aether stiffened, mildly offended. Sure, they hadn’t interacted much, but he’d expected Albedo to at least know who he was. “Your roommate. Aether. We’ve met.”

“Oh.” Albedo rubbed his chin, his brow pinched as he tried to remember. “Right.” He held out a hand. “Albedo.”

Somehow, Aether had a feeling Albedo didn’t remember. Or care.  That the next time they’d met, they’d have this same question all over again. Reluctantly, he took Albedo’s hand and shook it. The senior’s fingers were calloused, as though this wasn’t the first time he’d nearly burned or hurt himself for the sake of his tests. “Nice to meet you.”

“Yeah.” Albedo extracted his hand and turned around. “I’ll see you later.”

“Wait!” Aether gripped his shoulder, forcing him to stay. “Like I was saying, the point is safety. You can’t do that again if it’s unsafe.”

Albedo scoffed, crossing his arms. If before he had appeared unfocused, now he was determined. “I have safety precautions.”

“They’re not good enough.” Aether gestured at the house, then down at the basement window at the side. Black puffs of smoke still seeped into the air. “You still ended up out here! That fire still happened!”

“Oh.” Finally taking this seriously, Albedo strolled over to the window and crouched. He swatted at the smoke once, dissipating it. Peering through the window, he studied his lab before nodding. “Fair point. I’ll be more careful next time.”

Aether rubbed his ears, not sure if he’d heard right. “Next time?”

“Experiments can’t run themselves.” Albedo stood up. He slipped his goggles over his neck like a necklace. “I’ll figure something out.”

“You almost—there was a fire and you’re thinking next time?” Aether paled. He had no idea what Sucrose and Timaeus saw in this man. They had claimed he was a genius. Maybe he was, but he certainly was a danger. Maybe he was a genius at putting them in danger.

He could almost hear Paimon now, laughing at the news. Told you the house was bad news.

Gritting his teeth, he ground his heel on the grass. There was still something he could do. This wasn’t over yet. Aether squared his shoulders and asked, no, demanded, “You’ll show me the safety measures before you start.”

Albedo stared at him. His expression was impossible to read. It was like looking at a blank slate, a white sheet, a piece of granite. Part of Aether wondered what it would take to make his roommate smile. Then, finally, after the silence was unbearable, Albedo nodded. “An assistant would make things easier.”

That wasn’t the response he’d expected. Aether blinked before pointing at himself. “An assistant? Me?”

Albedo didn’t seem to hear, already lost in thought as he mused over the new development. “A second person to run experiments with…this could work out. Should I increase the quantity of trials or scope? A live test subject would also be handy.”

“A live test subject?” Aether’s jaw dropped. Just what sort of experiments was Albedo running that needed human experimentation? At this rate, it wouldn’t just be the house that got destroyed. “Wait, I didn’t even agree to this! I just wanted to check your measures, not help you.”

It was too late. His enigmatic roommate was already heading back into the house, making his way back down to the basement. Clearly, he hadn’t learned anything from the fire.

Clearly, Aether had no choice if he wanted the house in one piece. He sighed.

“The rent is cheap. The location is good. The other roommates are nice.” Aether ticked off each point on his finger, to remind himself of just why he didn’t pack up and leave. “I can’t find another place right now. It’s quiet when I study. I already paid this month’s rent.”

Paimon had been entirely right about this place.

It had been entirely too good to be true. 

“She’s never going to let this go,” Aether grumbled as he headed inside.

Still, there was something to look forward to. He’d be working with Albedo. Maybe he’d get to see those bright blue eyes again. Aether couldn’t deny the small jolt that went through him at the thought.

All he had to do was survive whatever Albedo tossed at him. That couldn’t be that hard, right?

[xcyphoz0a]

When the stars took you away

Gender neutral reader, angst TW/CW: disappearance but it’s you this time <3 Character(s): Liben Word count: 491 Proofread: n/a | “Looking up at the stars at night, I couldn't help but wonder... What lies beyond this world?” | A/N: :) / @i23kazu

When you expressed your interest in the stars, Liben made trinkets of glass and metal shaped to stars in the most intricate designs. You’d give him a smile with another trinket shaped in the sun in response. He’d cherish it, always somewhere in hold with him.

When you told your increasing suspicion of what may lie beyond Teyvat, he looked at you with a confused look. He’d see you with the traveller and Paimon, asking them–especially to the traveller– about what worlds existed, if it was possible to travel, and jump to other worlds. Liben wishes it was only just a passing interest.

When your wish for adventure and freedom raised concerns in his mind, he did everything to satiate that hunger for something new, raw, free, newfangled. He’d take you to the nooks and crevices in Teyvat, wishing for that want of something fresh and new to be gone, for that curiosity of what lies beyond this world to disappear, never to appear in your mind again.

But he knows that he also had an insatiable curiosity of new worlds–especially when the traveller came. Yet he only wonders. He was a bystander, someone who just wondered, but you were different. You wanted to know, so you acted on your curiosity. You’d be cooped up in your room, at times being seen running in and out of the knights of Favonius’ headquarters, boxes full of scientific and alchemical equipment from Albedo, Sucrose and Timaeus.

Your visits to him were seldom, progressively becoming lesser every single day. The week passes and you haven’t visited him at all. You don’t answer the knocks on your door, you don’t seem to get out to see the letter of your rent being overdue anymore.

And at night he sees the windows of your house flash a bright yellow and white for a millisecond. His eyes widen as he runs over, watching the door of your house creak open as if inviting him to see what was going on inside.

Your house was a mess. Scattered test tubes, equipment, metal bits, crushed glass, bright, gleaming materials at the table, leaking to the wooden floor, staining it to neon colours.

Instead of the common furniture in the living room, it’s replaced with something odd, peculiar, the outré device taking up the space of your living room, odd coloured smoke pouring out of the little cracks in the metal.

He’s calling out to you in worry, but there is no reply.

He looks at the odd machine in distress as he looks at the burnt hole in the middle, burned in the shape of two feet, the size of your own.

Liben always knew your actions and thoughts were of idiosyncratic style. Yet he never knew you’d be successful.

His heart cracks when he sees the trinket of a star in the middle of where you would’ve been, holding it close to his chest.

He disliked the stars.

[lustimpacted]

Sucrose

Age: 20

Gender: Female

Sexuality: Bisexual

open roleplay

Modern AU RP

Sucrose loves experimenting and spends most of her time researching on bio-alchemy, stating that she likes to discover the secrets of life. Her research often yields numerous results that she often labels every unique variable as a result of its own, regardless of how useful said result may be. She spends an immense amount of time researching that she finds herself quickly bored whenever she takes a break.

Due to spending most of her time researching and experimenting, Sucrose is a recluse. She has trouble talking with others, as she frequently worries about unintentionally offending them. Lisa remarks that she is hopeless when talking to people, as she is very timid and easily frightened, especially by people of imposing status, such as Jean and Eula. However, she does not share the same issue when talking about bio-alchemy or Albedo. She reveres Albedo to the point that she considers him to be a true gentleman and maintains an excessively formal manner towards him, despite both being of similar age.

Despite her meek nature, Sucrose is also compassionate and humble. In spite of her social anxiety, she sympathizes very well with those who are equally or even more shy and awkward than herself. She's also supportive of other people's academic pursuits, as shown by her support for Collei's studies and Klee's Jumpy Dumpty creations. She's also close to her fellow alchemists Timaeus and Albedo, supporting and respecting them in research and other aspects of their lives. However, she will not shy away from honest criticism of her friends, such as Timaeus' research or Albedo's bad habits, even if doing so scares her.

[winter-cheshire-writings]

Echoes and Experiments - Chapter 22:

Mieko spent a few weeks with Albedo, keeping their engagement quiet and just spending their time together. Upon returning from his work one day, Albedo found Traveler talking to Mieko in front of Good Hunter. Traveler needed a place to stay the night, since the knight's headquarters was under renovation, so of course Mieko and Albedo offered them a room. “I don't want to intrude.”

“It's fine. I'll be working through the night, I have an experiment that needs completing.” Albedo stated. "And Mieko doesn't mind the company.”

“Exactly. Since cooking for one is boring.” Mieko smiled. “So. What would you two like for dinner?”

-

The next morning, Traveler walked into the kitchen, shocked to see the blue-haired woman already sitting there, drinking coffee.

"Oh, good morning Traveler." It was hardly even 6am and Mieko was already wide awake. "Did you sleep alright?"

"What are you doing up?"

"I'm not exactly the most sound of sleepers." She replied simply. "Want some coffee? Or tea, or juice?" She asked. "I also have some pastries if you like."

"Is Albedo not here...?" Traveler expected the woman's  other half to be present, but he wasn't around. Surely he had come back at some point.

"He had something to do, so he left around 5." She yawned a little. "He said he would return soon." She sipped her coffee again as Traveler sat down. 

"Sorry to bother you two, I'm sure having someone else in your house is odd."

"Hardly, Traveler." She chuckled. "Albedo and I don't mind the company. Besides. Now that I'm out of work after selling the shop, all I do day in and day out is either follow Albedo around or go help the Knights with work." 

"Even so... It's not awkward to have someone else in your house?"

"If it were, we wouldn't have offered." 

"Precisely." Both of them turned to see Albedo walking into the kitchen. "Sorry for leaving so early, Mie. I hope you got to sleep a bit more."

"Not really, but I'll be fine." She pet his head. "Sit and have some breakfast, Albedo. You and Traveler can talk. I have to go and drop something off to Koyuki." She kissed his cheek.

"Very well. Don't be long." He replied, smiling as she left the room. "Traveler."

"Yeah?"

"I know Mieko said you're welcome to stay. But she is very stressed after losing the shop."

"I noticed. Don't worry, I get the hint." Traveler replied. "I'll be out later today. I mostly stopped by to see how she was doing."

"Good." Albedo smiled. "She needs to rest."

"Is it not enough anymore? You sleeping next to her?"

"It hasn't been enough since she lost the shop." Albedo replied. "She's getting worse.”

-

A month and a half later, Mieko had gone up to Dragonspine with Albedo, and was helping him gather Star Silver for his paint. “They've got to be here!” Mieko looked up when she heard the voices, turning when she heard Albedo step away.

“Oh, Traveler. Paimon. What a coincidence, seeing you here.” She heard him say, picking up the pieces of Star Silver and heading their way.

“There you are! And where's Mieko???”

“Albedo, is that Traveler and Paimon?” Mieko asked, smiling as she carried the chunks of Star Silver, brushing her hair back with her free hand. “Hello, you two. What brings you up the mountain?”

“Timeaus sent us, because he said he didn't want to interrupt you two again. We left the bulky stuff back at the camp, like the blankets.” Paimon said as she floated around and Traveler handed Albedo the important items from Timeaus.

“Blankets? Oh. Yes I do recall asking him to find me something warmer for my Mie.” Albedo said as he took the wrapped parcel from Traveler's hand.

“Albedo, you made Timaeus do that? I could have gone back to Mondstadt for that myself.” Mieko said, pouting a little. 

“You need more rest. That is non-negotiable.” He retorted. 

“Non-negotiable, huh?” She sighed, giving him the side eye. “Oh, alright…”

“Is your condition still bad? Has the insomnia gotten worse? And what about the dizziness?” Paimon asked, floating closer to Mieko.

“I'm okay, Paimon, really. Being up here on Dragonspine seems to make me more at ease. Plus, I get to spend all my time with Albedo now that I'm not working in the shop. And if he has to go into the field, I can always just go and assist Jean with small errands.” Mieko said, smiling a bit nervously.

“Well, if you say so…”

“I do, really Paimon. Thank you for your concern.” She said, relieved that Paimon believed her for the moment. It wasn't exactly true, but she didn't want to cause any concern here. Albedo walked up behind her and took the Star Silver gently from her arm.

“Let's go back to camp, so we can treat you to a meal for bringing these things up the mountain for us.” He said, Mieko feeling his hand on her back.

“Now you're talking!” Paimon cheered. 

“Then I'll make dessert too.” Mieko added.

“Alright!” They headed back towards Albedo's camp, Mieko walking and talking with Paimon while Albedo walked with Traveler. They were clearly talking, but Mieko didn't mind. She knew Albedo was probably informing Traveler about her condition worsening. Mieko got to work on the food and dessert, looking over at Paimon.

“So, Paimon. How have you been? Any stories to tell?”

“Not much. It's been the same old, same old for us.” She said, making Mieko smile.

“Hmm, I see. Well, that happens sometimes, right? The calm before a storm.” She smiled a little more.

“Hey, don't say it like that! You'll jinx us!” Paimon exclaimed, making Mieko chuckle.

“Sorry, sorry. I'll try not to.” She said, finishing up her cooking. When she was done, she got up to go and fetch Albedo and Traveler, who were talking outside of camp. “Albedo. Traveler. Food's ready.” She said, smiling at them. “Come and eat.”

“Hurry up, if you want any!” Paimon chimed in, flying up next to Mieko. Traveler walked to join them, Mieko stepping aside as they walked in. Albedo stopped in front of Mieko. 

“You aren't tired?”

“I’m alright.” She said. Albedo made a bit of a face, shaking his head and turning away.

“I shall return shortly.” He said brisket, Mieko watching him go. She sighed a little, feeling her heart ache. He was… Frustrated? Of course he was, he must have thought she was feigning being alright because they had company. She turned and walked back into camp, sitting down next to Traveler.

“Huh? Albedo isn't coming?” Paimon asked her. 

“He's been doing that, when he gets upset… It's mostly because I can't stay focused, and he's having to watch over me more.” She said, smiling as she served the food to them, not feeling hungry. She always lost her appetite when Albedo was frustrated with her. 

“Watch over you more? What do you mean?” Paimon questioned as they ate. 

“I'm not really… Doing as well as I let on.” She said. “I put up a front because I'm trying not to worry anybody else, but…” Mieko sighed. “I'm sure everyone has seen through that already…” She looked over at Traveler. “Albedo told you weeks ago, didn't he?” She said, watching them nod in reply. “My condition is getting worse, clearly. And no one can pinpoint what's wrong with me… I'm causing Albedo so much stress, and I'm worrying everyone around me.” She gripped her arm to steady her shaking hand. “I'm honestly terrified, because I feel like Albedo will find me to be a burden…”

“Mieko…” Traveler's eyes caught a small wisp of darkness over her shoulder. As they wondered what it was, Mieko spoke again.

“I just wish I could make it stop… I'm a disaster, I know I am… And Albedo keeps protecting me… I worried Diluc, Lisa, even Kaeya… I can't even work right now… I'm useless.” Traveler dismissed her statement of being useless, telling her that someone would scold her. She knew Albedo was close by, he never went far. “Ah, you're right, but…”

“Mie.”

“Yes, Albedo?” She turned her head, looking over her shoulder at him. His hand came to sit on her head, gently stroking her hair.

“You look tired.” He said gently, clearly apologetic in his own way for walking away. 

“You do too.” She smiled in reply. “I'm sorry… You heard me, huh? I'll go and lay down…” She got up from her seat, bowing her head to Traveler and Paimon before heading to the corner where the sleeping space Albedo set up for her was, taking one of the blankets Traveler had brought with them along. Albedo was about to reach for her, but stopped and sat down. 

“Thank you for talking to her.”

“You don't have to thank me for that. She's my friend. You'd usually scold her if she's like that.”

“I can't bring myself to scold her, not when she's like this. She's fragile right now.” Albedo said softly.

“So you're just worried about her? She seemed terrified that you'd leave her behind.” Paimon said.

“That fear has been progressing immensely. It's been especially intense since she lost the shop.” He rested his head in his hands. “I can only watch her slip away… I haven't been able to find a single thing that helps.” He was clearly very frustrated by his inability to assist the woman he had been in a relationship with for over 4 years. 

“D-Don't worry, you'll figure it out!” Paimon said, concerned for the Chief Alchemist, not used to seeing him like this. 

“Thank you for the sentiment… I can only keep trying… In the meantime, could I ask you a favor?” He looked up at them, doing his best to regain his composure. 

“A favor? Sure. What kind of favor?” Albedo glanced over at Mieko laying down before turning back to Paimon and Traveler. 

“If at all possible. Can you two take her somewhere tomorrow? If you aren't already occupied.” 

“Take her somewhere? Like where?” 

“Anywhere is fine. I just need her to not be at home, and not here. I have something I'm working on, and I can't let her see.” He stated simply.

“Ooh, sure. We can do that. Right, Traveler?” Paimon grinned. Traveler laid out some options, trying to lift Albedo's mood by joking about taking Mieko to Starsnatch Cliff, or Fish Blasting with Klee. Albedo was mildly exasperated, just enough to be noticeable.

“In any case, please just keep an eye on her for me.” He said. Once Traveler got up and left the camp, Albedo looked over to Mieko, who sat up from her “sleep”. “Did you manage to nap?”

“Not much…” She looked over at him. “I… I'll try and go back home… I don't want to bother you while you work.”

“You wouldn't be.”

“That isn't what it sounded like to me.” She replied. They stared at each other before Mieko stood up. “I'll go back to the city.”

“You aren't well.”

“You're right… But I'm clearly burdening you, even if only emotionally.” She stated. 

“My emotional state is fine.”

“Is it?” She asked him. “You're frustration is getting clearer by the day…” She said softly. “And you're clearly working on something that you don't want me to see… The surprise in your eyes tells me you thought I wouldn't notice because I haven't been at my best.” She smiled again. Albedo wanted to retort, but nothing came out of his mouth when he opened it to speak. “I'm sure taking care of myself constantly is impeding your work. So…”

“... Very well. I shall return to the city tomorrow.” He stated. Mieko nodded, walking past him and out of camp, heading down the mountain alone. Every step felt heavy, and her heart ached. Her hands felt like they were burning as she thought about even the remote possibility of Albedo being upset with her enough to show this level of frustration. Even though he said it wasn't her, it still hurt. It reminded her of her ex and the way things had been left.

“Mie you idiot.” She cursed to herself quietly as she walked down the road, feeling a light rain start to fall. “See what happens, when you get too happy?” She scolded herself. “You went and upset him…” She took her time heading home, the rain picking up as she arrived near the outskirts of the city. “Ahh, calm down. You're overthinking it.” She looked down at her hand, seeing the engagement ring on her finger. Tears started welling up as she headed home to Albedo's house, opening the door and locking it behind her. The thoughts were becoming overwhelming, and although she was able to tell herself they weren't true, the pain still radiated through her like if she had just received confirmation of the words being true.

Every thought hurt, every insecurity bubbled up, and she felt like she was going to drown in it. She did her best to calm down, going to take a warm shower to wash away the rain. Somehow it didn’t help her feel any better, but at least she hoped it would stave off any chance of illness. She laid down on the bed and stared forlornly at Albedo's pillow, feeling the tears rising in her eyes again. “Albedo… I miss you.” She whispered, gripping the blanket and closing her eyes. “I’m so sorry… For causing you distress…” She muttered to herself as she did what she could to silence the thoughts, and for the first time in years, the words she never thought she would say again left her lips. “This is my fault…”

[oreichalkos]

can you believe im a goddamn SHAM and never posted about what happened to dardanos AFTER doma... 

i did write a post about paradius and how dardanos’ luxury yacht was said to have been demolished in the storm and so dardanos was pronounced dead, but he Wasn’t, clearly. 

for the time that dardanos was thought to be dead, paradius had to go through the struggle of “what do we do with company hierarchy”, and of course there were people who wanted to hold out hope that maybe by some miracle, dardanos had survived and was just on some island waiting to be found, so paradius’ board of directors agreed that they would not pick another CEO until a year had passed and if dardanos wasn’t back within 365 days, he was most certainly dead. to keep with that, while most of his vast fortune was distributed to charities ( as was written in his will, which existed and no one knew why, since he was only in his 30s ), enough was left for him to still live comfortably if he was, in fact, not dead. 

and look at that, 8 months after the disaster of doma, dardanos eleazar was found, reportedly washed up on the shores of naxos. and from that, he had to go through the rather stressful legal process of being Not dead. he was interviewed about what had happened in the 8 months, and soon enough his miraculous return was a headline everywhere from tv to magazines. 

dardanos’ story is that he did end up stranded, but he was not so far from civilization as he had thought. relying on his vast knowledge, he managed to construct a rather sturdy raft and survived by identifying which flora were safe to eat and which weren’t. he was, in fact, believably thinner than when he’d last been seen, so everyone bought the story. and it wasn’t entirely untrue. the difference is that dardanos is in fact immortal, so he didn’t have to worry so much about food, but he did find himself rather stranded and needed time to recover from the brutal fight gaea had put him through. 

while stranded, dardanos was often in a trance, visiting the spirit world and talking to the legendary knights, at first mostly hermos, but in time, timaeus and critias. 

the reason dardanos didn’t return to the spirit world is not because he’s banned, but because he chose not to return; at least not yet. for as chaotic as the planet is, dardanos wanted time to see the modern world with eyes unclouded from gaea’s hatred. 

as most people didn’t know about doma, dardanos doesn’t have to deal with the scorn of others, although he does carry a deep guilt that he doesn’t talk about. 

he continues his work as a philanthropist and keeps paradius as the powerhouse of a company that it is. 

he builds a new deck with the help of the legendary knights, focusing on their power and his own. it’s the proof of his healing soul that they decide to stay by his side. 

on that note, dardanos is often seen with three “new” close friends, and yeah, they’re timaeus, critias, and hermos. 

shockingly, dardanos is rather shy without gaea’s influence, which makes for a stark contrast between the “real dardanos” and gaea. no one could mistake the two for each other, which helps when dardanos inevitably encounters people from his past as gaea’s host. 

[dragon-knight-timaeus]

Timaeus is eager to hear where in Domino Critias and Hermos are so he can go get them but nothing yet. He feels Sora's hand on his shoulder and he looks at her.

"They'll be all right."

Timaeus sighs, "I know. But I can't help feeling worried. They are my comrades, my brothers. They should be here with us."

( @pogyugimutokog @jonochipog )

Sora sets the table while Yugi, Jounouchi and Timaeus chat with each other. She notices that Timaeus continues to check his phone. Probably waiting to hear from Critias. She sets the bowls of soup down in front of everyone and places her hand on Timaeus' shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

"They'll be all right."

[millenniumdueled]

The End of the World, Again: part 1

The group of Chosen Duelists and their entourage make their way back through the halls of the temple, out the way they had come.

For a brief moment, the two Yugis confer inside their heart. But they quickly nod in agreement to investigate, and Yugi sprints up to the platform.

He slows his pace, the scale and intricacies of the snakes so much more impressive up close. But something else distracts his observation. In each snake's mouth is each of the rarest Duel Monsters cards to exist, the legendary God Cards.

Yugi's eyes light up, and he feels his Other Self gasp. Quickly, he scoops up the cards, then clutches them tight as he hops down and sprints once again to catch up to the group.

As he does, he finds Joey and Tristan tending to an unconscious Raphael. He feels a bittersweet sigh from his Other Self at the sight. "How did he get here...?"

With Joey and Tristan carrying the much larger man between them, they all finally make their way to the temple's entrance, flooded now with bright, teal light. They all race outside, temporarily blinded by the sudden intensity. As her vision clears, Téa gasps.

Floating far overhead is a mass of land, an island raised into the sky.

"is that--!! atlantis?!" Yugi squeaks. "That has to be where that serpent took Dartz!"

"can our helicopters even make it up there?!" Mokuba wonders in awe, sticking close to his brother's side. "in these winds???"

Yugi glances back over his shoulder at the temple. "that rift was left after the monster ate dartz. i wonder if we could follow it back that way...?"

Seto

Seto gazes up at the island before them, then over to the helicopters, then back to Yugi. "...At the very least, we should put those who have no business trying to kill a God onto the helicopters. This place is collapsing."

He squeezes Mokuba's hand- and is summarily interrupted by the pilot himself.

"Mr. Kaiba! A huge hurricane is headed toward the East coast of the United States! If I may, I suggest you all should leave here as soon as possible!"

Seto huffs. Everyone heard that, at least, from the mic in his lapel. He turns on his heel, back toward the temple, and lets go of Mokuba; unfortunately, without a vested interest in Duel Monsters and no deck at the moment, Mokuba has no business trying to follow him, here.

"You all stay here. I'll handle Dartz, myself."

Mokuba

At first, Mokuba nods along to his brother's suggestion. It isn't until Seto lets go of his hand that he realizes, he's part of the helicopter group. He blinks a few times, then turns as if to follow, only to be stopped by Téa's hand on his shoulder once again.

"I'm coming too--" he starts to say.

"Your brother will be okay. He'll fight better knowing you're safe," she assures him.

Still, he can't help but feel particularly small and useless as he watches him go.

Joey

Joey doesn't need to say a word. He just looks at Tristan, and his friend sighs and nods, taking the full weight of Raphael onto himself. Then he turns to Mokuba.

"Don't you worry, squirt!" he teases. It's funny to him, now, to always call him squirt no matter how tall he gets. "We'll keep an eye on 'em. Right Yug? Us and Critias, Hermos, and Timaeus!"

Mokuba

Mokuba rolls his eyes a little less playfully at Joey's comment, however. "I'm gonna be taller than you pretty soon," he warns. Seeing Tristan struggle under the full weight of the larger man, he does at least see one opportunity to be somewhat useful. He's not as strong as Joey, but he slings one of Raphael's arms over his own shoulder to help get him onto the chopper.

But he does glance back at Yugi and Joey as they go. "...please come back," he mumbles

Yugi

Yugi rolls his eyes at Kaiba's comment, but he has a playful little smile as he turns to follow him back into the temple. He keeps his pace slow, though, hanging back a bit until Joey joins them.

"that's right!!" he pipes up in agreement with his best friend. "as long as we stick together, we can't lose." He raises his voice in emphasis on those two words, letting his voice carry down the echoing halls toward Kaiba up ahead.

Seto

Another frustrated *Huff* is all the reply Yugi or Joey get out of Seto as they jog to catch up with his long strides. He doesn't look back to see if they're following (their footsteps are telling enough) and he doesn't particularly care if they *are.* Though, Joey does make a good point...

"I don't need help from a low-class fool; the only reason you'll be at all useful is that legendary dragon card. If not for that, I would insist on handling this alone." *Backed up with a gun, if necessary,* is only thought of, not spoken.

The Chosen Duelists make their way back through the now-empty temple, rumbling and crumbling around them. The souls have all vanished from the stone cards they were being stored in, leaving the halls eerily silent in feeling; Seto isn't sure if he preferred it when it was sorrowful.

But with Joey and Kaiba setting the pace, they make quick time to the swirling blue portal Dartz disappeared into.

Yugi

Yugi has to trot a little to catch up to Kaiba once Joey's at his side. He's quiet as they walk quickly, letting the two have their bantering. Whether Kaiba means his words or not, at least his inflated insults feel familiar. Somehow, they distract him from the anxiety of the battle they're walking into.

But as they venture deeper back through the temple, his pace slows just a bit. He looks at the walls as they pass, empty now, and his chest feels tight.

"all those tiles are empty now. do you think.... they've been.. um."

"....Mm."

"devoured...?"

There's a pause, but Yugi can feel the way his Other Self flinches.

"...We need to move quickly, Partner."

And so he does. Yugi breaks into a bit of a jog as the conversation inside his heart quiets. He's right at Kaiba's side as they reenter the massive chamber where their last fight had taken place.

Yugi draws a deep breath as he approaches that rift. There's still the chance he's wrong. That this portal leads directly into the Leviathan's mighty maw instead of a battlefield. But they came all this way, the Duelists couldn't turn back now.

"ready guys?" Yugi asks his friends.

But the response he gets, the sound of Dartz's laughter echoing from the portal, sends a chill down his spine.

Yugi glances at his allies, wraps a fist around the chain of the Millennium Puzzle, and disappears into the teal light.

(( credit to @redeyesandchilifries and @blueeyesking for their rp parts !!!!! ))