#when our eyes are closed ; we still see embers ━ ( // OOC )

[caniisrufus]

did keith ever tell shiro about what he saw during the marmora trial? did he just sort of carry his whole choice of history/truth over doing right around in his chest after that? did he even get to take a minute to breathe and reconsider the ghost of a return of his dad??? did he?????

[a-monsters-love]

The Air Between Us: Part 1

[Prologue] [Part 1] [Blurb 1] [Part 2] [Blurb 2] [Epilogue]

Zuko x A!Reader:

Genre: fluff

Warnings: mild swearing

Word count: 7742

Time line: Takes place when the Gaang goes to the Fire Lords beach house with Zuko on Ember Island. I changed it from them going to see the play about themselves and go to a circus instead; I extended the time they were on the island to fit everything.

A/N: If your reading this I hope it lives up to any expectations, the prologue got so much more love than I thought it would. This is my first fan fic, the reader was originally written as my DnD OC so I apologize if she’s written wonky. I hope I wrote Zuko’s character well, I was worried I wrote him too OOC but I’ve read so much Zuko x Reader fanfics that I felt like it wasn’t that bad lmao. I am my own proof reader so please message me if I messed something up. Also I don’t know how to write Sokka or Suki’s character, I’ve never met anyone like Sokka and Suki has so little dialogue in the show that I feel like she’s just happy to be there.

(Y/N) = Your name (S/C) = Skin color (H/C) = Hair color (E/C) = Eye color

————

“SSHHUUUUUUU.” A loud, terrifying, growl hissed through the Fire Lords vacation home. Echoing into an almost animalistic growl.

“Ah.” Shu looks over to Katara, ”Sounds like (Y/N) is awake.” Probably also waking up everything else in the greater vicinity. Based on the ferocity in your voice they decide it’s probably best to rush over to the room you’re now resting in.

You’re alone, in a hastily cleaned dust covered room. You don’t know where you are. You aren’t aware of how you got here or what day it is. You’re sticky, you reek of herbs, and everything HURTS. These are facts you listed as you woke up. You hear the softest knocking on the door, “If you are not my brother or with him I will rip you to shreds.” You snarl at the door, it’s been a long time since you’ve been this mad, you can hear the hand that was on the door knob let go and take a step back, not going much further than that. Exhaustion starts taking over but you were determined to stay awake until you received your answers. You hear large familiar foot steps run over to the room you’ve been placed in. When the door finally opens you see your twin brother, Shu with Katara, and a very nervous looking Zuko up against the wall behind them. You determined he was the one you threatened. Your (E/C) eyes flick from the nervous fire bender to your brother, “You’re late and I have questions, little brother.” You hissed menacingly.

——

It’s been less than 24 hours since you passed out. In that time, you’ve managed to win over the Gaang and somehow sort out the choices your brother made for the both of you. Neither of which you disagreed with however you barely remember anything that happened after the end of the fight at the circus. You blacked out, this wasn’t a first, but it was a first from blood loss. Katara has been working on healing your wounds every 4-6 hours, letting the salve do its job before cleaning you as best she could through the fear that you might not have made it otherwise. She looks exhausted.

The night prior, when Zuko escorted you to the evacuation area, the Gaang had received the full disclosure on your wounds, your history, and your goals. During your first healing session you were face-in-lap of the Fire Prince, as he received endless teasing. Katara, all though giving him the ‘all knowing’ look the entire time, was the only person to have his back. You lost so much blood you needed to stay as warm as possible until your body regulated, and what’s a better hot water bottle than a fire bender?

——

“Hey Sifu Hot Water Bottle!” Toph hollered down the hall, Zuko groaned. Knowing he will never be able to live this down, but was it worth having you nuzzle into his lap like a sick turtle duck? Absolutely.

“What, Toph.” He rolled his eyes and crossed his arms at the tiny earth bender.

“Shu and Katara are getting herbs so you should keep your princess company~” Toph grinned from ear to ear, knowing his reaction, even if she couldn’t feel it through the hardwood flooring.

Zuko’s cheeks flushed brightly at the comment, letting out a forced ‘groan’ in an attempt to get the better of the girl. He, however, quite liked the idea and rolled around options in his head to see if he could do anything for you without needing healer expertise. He decides to prepare tea. He remembered a recipe for a pain killer tea that his uncle had made for him, it tastes like crap but he knew it could help.

Walking up to your door, no problem, walking in? That’s another story. You were passed out, why is he suddenly so nervous? Then he heard it, well he heard you. He’s never heard such a terrifying savage sound escape someone, let alone a person of your stature. He lightly knocked on the door as not to surprise you but received a threat regardless, this was new. “WHAT DID YOU DO??” Toph whisper yells from down the hall, Zuko not wanting to give up his spot, while not disturbing you he throws his hands in front of his chest indicating ‘I don’t fucking know’ quickly remembering she’s blind.

As if saved by the bell, Shu and Katara rushed up the hall to your room, “I didn’t wake her, I got here after the roar.” Zuko whispers before they open the door. He sees your bandaged body and has the desire to help but decides it’s best to stay out of the way. His gold eyes meet your own (E/C) eyes, causing him to remember the night prior, a blush dusts his face and he looks down.

Shu and Katara enter the room, leaving Zuko in the hall. “In or out, princeling.” You state dryly. He decides to walk in and sit against the wall, opposite to your brother and the water tribe girl. Setting down the tea pot he prepared. You can feel warmth radiating from him, Fire bending perks, you noted. “Someone help me into an upright position…please.” Your tone changes, almost begging for help. You’re tired and in pain and in need of answers. Zuko and Shu both gently help you lift yourself from laying on your chest to sitting upright. Zuko grateful for the bandages looks into his hands after letting go of you. Katara hands you a cup of tea. You look between the healer and Shu, “So… I barely remember anything after the battle at the circus, please fill me in..” You take a sip of tea without even flinching at the taste, to Zuko’s surprise.

“What?? What’s the last thing you remember?” Katara seems mind blown by the idea and Zuko looks as if he’s the one who lost too much blood.

You sip your tea slowly and tilting your head back and fourth trying to stitch together the memories. “Well, we trapped all the Fire Nation soldiers, Shu and I high-fived and that’s when things started getting hazy,” You stopped and tried to pull pieces to your mind, “I had said.. something to you guys and then my legs went weak and Zuko caught me.” You pointed at him, your ears turned red at the thought. “After that, nothing. Last time I blacked out that bad was in Omashu, like 2 years ago, and that was a party.” You ramble on, still a bit delirious from blood loss and medication.

Katara watches you, thinking over your condition. “Well, you did lose a lot of blood, if we knew sooner then maybe we could’ve done something.” She shakes her head and looks between the two boys before explaining the context of the night prior. She then comments that neither you or Shu gave goodbyes to anyone before you left, which she found weird.

You and Shu exchange looks, and erupt in laughter. To the shock of both Katara and Zuko, who found himself confused but smiling seeing you laugh. You groaned and held you sides, laughing hurt. “We’re circus kids, don’t worry about ‘goodbyes’ we have our means. Since we left them that means Auntie and Uncle are probably retiring.” You move your attention to your brother, “Did Uncle give you anything?” You finished your tea putting the cup down for a refill. You let a small shiver consume you.

“He gave me a box and told me to open it when your up and-or well,” He rolls his eyes. “Whatever that means.” He leans over and refills your glass.

“We’ll need that in the up coming war, so don’t lose it,” You seem back to you matter-a-fact like self. Looking back to Katara, “What’s the status on my wounds?” You ask, picking up your cup for another sip.  

She sighs, “It should only take a couple more sessions for it to not hurt so bad and to get you up again” She looks at the ground almost in an ashamed way, she glances at Zuko briefly while choosing her words. “I wasn’t able to prevent the scarring, you will forever have a large scar that stretches from the middle of your back up your neck and down your shoulders to both your hands.”

The room is quiet from Katara statement, you can feel the tension from her words. Noting the look she sent the scarred prince but keeping a calm face you nod, “Well, that’ll look badass.” Taking another sip of tea, “I wonder if it’ll be a problem with Aangs training, Air Bending masters get tattoos, right?” You start thinking aloud. You shrug at the thought, “Well, either way, when can we get to the next healing session? Because I’m cold and everything hurts and I’m hungry, this tea is helping but I can’t eat in this condition.”

Katara smiles brightly at your quick resolve and ushers the boys out to start the healing session. Zuko was replaying how quickly you came to a resolve about your scar in his head not noticing Katara trying to get his attention. “Hey.” You snap your fingers close to his face, causing a small breeze. “Are you gonna watch or are you gonna leave? I have to strip for this.” Zuko’s face was immediately red at the thought of what you just said and stumble-ran out of your room. And so, your first session while awake starts. Followed by every curse word and obscenity you can imagine escaping your mouth. This isn’t healing, this is assault!

Due to the depth of the wounds and the concern of Katara, you had multiple ‘healing sessions’ throughout that day. The day following you were up and running again, for the most part. You found yourself mostly watching Zuko and Aang train, much to Zuko’s dismay but he took note of the a light blush that dusted your face and he redness of your ears when he took his shirt off. He started taking it off earlier in his matches with Aang to see if he can get a reading out of you. Your angelic poker face is not something he could win against. That small smile is constantly plastered on your face.(*1)

However much you enjoyed seeing him with his shirt off, you enjoyed studying their sparring session more than anything. Both Zuko and Aang had multiple different influences in their bending, there are time Zuko’s moves look like that of a water bender. You have never seen anything like it, however you’ve only ever practiced with Shu, an earth bender, so you weren’t one to talk. You asked Aang the occasional question about air bending basics. Things to practice so you can find the middle ground you needed to have control of your bending better. You sit on the patio while they trained practicing your control, letting Aang correct you when needed.

——

“What about bending? When can I start fully practicing that?” You ask Katara while making a fresh pot of jasmine tea, it’s one of your many favorites.

Katara hums at the question, “You should be okay for now. BUT!” She looks you in they eyes. “No heavy lifting, and no going past your limits. If you start feeling sore or exhausted you must take a break.” You almost spat at the statement but stifled your laughter, you’re an air bender. Is air heavy? You jokingly thought, knowing how hilarious that sounds.

“Awesome,” You cough to hide your ongoing laughter. “Can you help me then? I want to change to practice.”

Katara agreed and followed you to your room. She had tied your (H/C) hair back, neater than you’ve ever tied it. You’re still in full bandage but you have a halter top exposing your bandaged midriff, and your most comfortable short harem pants, you liked the way they hugged your hips and sat comfortably at your knees. You walk out barefoot to the training grounds to Toph, who almost hit you with a boulder. “Hey, lightfoot! At least make sure you have a presence for me, you could’ve been back in bed!” She scowled in your general direction, “Katara would’ve blamed me!” She huffed.

You make sure both feet are flat to the ground and walk to the girl, “Could you help me with something?” At Aangs references and Sokka’s bad memories you try to describe the Airball court and the type of game that was played in it. “If we make one out of stone you can ‘watch’ me and Aang play and it’ll give me good practice to handle my air bending without creating an actual tornado or by using my fans.” Toph rolled the idea around in her head, “If we get a fire proof ball we can get Zuko in on the game?” You further suggest.

Almost like a light bulb goes off in Toph’s head she lights up, “(Y/N)! You’re a genius!” She runs off to look for the ideal location.

You go find Aang, catching him before he starts his sparing session, “Hey, Aang!”

Aang sees you calling and perks up, “Hey (Y/N), what up?” The young nomad asks, meeting you halfway.

“Okay, so,” You clap your hands together holding them in front of your chin. “Can Airball be played with 3 goals or does it have to be 2?” Your (E/C) eyes are almost glowing at the question throwing the boy for a loop, you’re finally acting more like yourself again.

“Well, since Air Nomads are traditionally pacifists I’d say only 2 goals to avoid having 2 teams ganging up on 1 team.” He smiles remember the times he played back in the Southern Air Temple, then his brow knit. “Why do you ask?” (*2)

You smile putting your hand on his small shoulders, “I’m having Toph use her bending to build an Airball court so I can practice my bending and I thought it could give you and Zuko a different type of field to spar on.” That last part you made up on the spot but it is a valid option. Aangs face lights up, “Do you want to grab Zuko and show me the ropes?”

You both grab Zuko, and a random empty metal box from the vacation house. He begrudgingly follows, being pulled hand in hand by two Air Benders, what has my life come to? He thought to himself while not shaking off either hand so he can keep holding yours. Aang explains the game rules and how it’s played on the way.

You follow the noises of the court being built by Toph and you hear her call, “(Y/N)! What were you thinking to use for the ball??” You can see she had stone and river rock options behind her however you didn’t want to risk the damage to you or Zuko. (*3)

“How ‘bout this?” You hand her the metal box, “If you metal bent it to the shape of a ball we can leave it hollow so it’ll be easier to move for me as an ‘inexperienced’ air bender and for Zuko who will have to use his flames to actually propel it.”

You can see Toph physically frown, “Hey, I’m not an earth bender, and as much as I wouldn’t mind taking responsibility if he got hurt, throwing boulders at him is not in my job description.” You both laugh and Toph agrees. You suggest Aang and Zuko use the court first for training then you can get to the game.

Toph has lifted a platform to the height of the court, “You’re pretty good at staying balanced on moving boulders.” She comments.

“Yeah, well, having a giant but strong Earth Bender for a twin your whole life does wonders for your balance.” You joke, pushing your elbow into Toph who is trying to stifle a smile at the mention of Shu.

While watching the boys jump around so gracefully reminds you a lot of the circus. You feel a bit sad at the thought and Toph picks up on it. “What’s wrong, lightfoot?”

You don’t hate the new nickname as much as the others seem to hate theirs, you lean back a bit on the platform holding your knees to keep your balance. “I was trained in all sorts of circus and show performances, piano, guitar, gymnastics, acrobatics, juggling, tight rope walking, and contortionism-“

Toph would have spat out her drink if she had one, “YOU’RE A CONTORTIONIST?” She gaps at you causing Zuko to blush, losing his balance and Aang to give him a big stupid grin.

“Ah-well-“ You stammer, blushing hard because no one outside of the circus ever seemed to be interested in the things you trained in. “Ye-yeah I was trained in all sorts of things-“ You look down at your knees to avoid making eye contact with the boys and not wanting to look at Toph, regardless of her being blind. “Watching them dance around reminds me of home.” You chuckle sadly.

Toph talks your head off with all sorts of questions about the circus and what you can do, once your embarrassment subsides you find yourself passionately talking about it. Before you realize it, the boys are done sparring and Aang asks if you’re ready.

You nod and hop to the court, trading places with Zuko. You accidentally bump your shoulder with his arm causing him to grab your hand in case you slipped, sending a hot sensation up your arm from where he held you. You smile softly and embarrassed “Sorry.” You rub the the back of your neck and squeeze his hand.

He lets go quickly. “Ah, yeah.” He stammers, “It’s fine, (Y/N).” Shooting a subtly smile back. You blush loudly, realizing this is the first time he’s said your name to you. You scurry to get to the center of the court.

“S-sorry if this isn’t as great as the courts you had at home. My instructions were vague.” You tell Aang, he shakes his head with a smile, he doesn’t care he’s just excited to play. You practice spinning the make shift ball in a web of air. Before throwing the ball at Aangs hoop.

——

The game starts between (Y/N) and Aang, and Zuko can’t take his eyes off of you. You don’t look like someone who can’t control their bending. Just watching you spin, flip and dance around from post to post is like a choreographed show. Even when you throw or kick the ‘ball’ consumed by air. “So, when are you gonna ask her out, Sifu hot water bottle?” Toph snickers, getting a general idea of the game, enjoying it none the less.

“What? What are you talking about?” Zuko scowls at the girl who just sarcastically snaps her neck in his direction.

“Really? Dude, your attention is on her every move and reaction.” Toph cheers loudly for you, making you a bit embarrassed missing your footing. You slip off the beam you aimed for but you push off the side of it just to hop on the top of another, Aang claps saying you’re a natural. “See, your heart rate just spiked at a little slip. Just ask her out, the worst she can say is no right?” Toph shrugs suggestively, “Maybe she likes you back.”

Zuko scoff at these comments before actually thinking about them. “Shut up.” Toph laughed and punched him in the arm. “What was that for!”

Toph smiles, “Thats how I show affection.” Her face beamed as she moved to the ledge of where they sat and waved at the on coming footsteps.

——

Aang has 3 points on you and you haven’t even scored yet, to anyone else you’d say it’s fine, it’s the first time you’ve played. You on the other hand are fairly competitive, and according to Aang you seem to have the rules down. You have the ball in your hand now and decide to throw all cation to the wind, literally in this case. You air bend something close to a funnel weaving around the posts and throwing the ball into it. Your hand twirling lightly to keep it moving. This does not work as planned, as the funnel created so much momentum that the metal make shift ball flattens to the stone hoop. You gasp putting your hands on your temples, “Oh spirits!”

Aang laughs a little too hard, Toph laughs while grumbling about ‘all her hard work.’ Zuko lets out a chuckle, this embarrassed you but your glad he seems to be having fun watching the mess you call a match end. “That was great (Y/N)! I’ve never seen you have that much control with your bending!” You hear Shu say, you didn’t even realize the rest of the Gaang had made their way to watch.

“I was trying so hard to be delicate, agh why don’t I know how to be delicate!” You groan, “I couldn’t even make one shot!” Ruffling you’re hands in your hair.

“There’s the competitive little sister I know,” Shu snorts, you made a tiny ball of air at the tip or your finger and shot it at him, hitting him in the center of his forehead. You laugh anyway.

“I can control little things and big things with my bending, the in between is where it gets hard.” You stretch letting out a barely audible whimper from your burn wounds.

“Hey, that was a lot better than I remember from first time Aang made me and Katara play,” Sokka snorts.

The only one who heard your whimper was Zuko, but that’s because you never lost his attention. Which annoyed him to no end when you were unconscious, but now? He just felt lighter having you around. He couldn’t pin down why, maybe it was the way your laugh was contagious, or that you always knew how to say the right thing? Even when it wasn’t directed at him. Somehow your flaws made you more wonderful to him. Competitive? Generally sarcastic while sounding like an Angel? Even when you’re cranky he wants to be around you. He just liked it, a lot more than he anticipated. He thought at first he wanted to be more like you, now maybe it’s not that.

He let the thoughts run around his head as the Shu and Toph earth bend the platforms everyone was sitting on back into the ground. You head back with Aang, Zuko and Toph, who was dragging Shu by his hand, talking about the game and how to improve the court. Aang laughed explaining that it’s great for training but Airball posts were general made of soft woods, you face palm at that lack of knowledge. Letting out another small whimper from your wound. Zuko hesitates but decides to put one of his hand gently over top the biggest part of the wound. With his generally high internal temperature he figured the heat might help. Your back stiffens in surprise and he starts to pull away, you grab his forearm gently indicating that it’s okay and look over towards him. You mouth the words ‘Thank you,’ your general angelic poker face now replaced by something more relaxed and dusted with blush, you look away hoping he doesn’t notice that your ears turning red. He does.

——

Later that evening everyone was heading to bed, you were more sore than you let on but you weren’t tired. You’re finally starting to feel some energy come back to you after ‘working out’ today. You couldn’t do your normal stuff but you weren’t upset, understanding the situation. Katara was the last person you said good night to after she helped you bathe, you had your healing session in the water. Now with a fresh pot of jasmine tea you sat on the porch staring at the scenery, less than a week ago you lived such a hodgepodge lifestyle with the circus. Albeit this is temporary, you couldn’t imagine your life any other way at this point. You hear soft foot steps come from behind you, you pay no mind until you hear them speak. “You know, you should probably have a blanket or something with you, it’s cold in the evenings here.” It’s Zuko, you smile up at him and offer him tea. Seemingly ignoring his comment about the weather you pat your hand at the space near you, suggesting he sits.

He sits down and pours himself a glass, jasmine. His favorite, he wonders if you knew. “Jasmine tea is one of my favorites,” You say.

“Really?” He sips the tea, and watches you. Your seemingly angelic demeanor is gone, you look like you’re in your own world now.

“Well, actually I haven’t met a tea I didn’t enjoy.” You chuckle and hold the glass in your hands to keep yourself warm, you were relishing in the cold but for some reason now you craved warmth. Maybe since he pointed it out? You don’t think too long on it, you focus on your breathing. Aang taught you a special breathing technique that all Air Benders use to regulate their body temperature. “There is an older gentleman who would visit my aunt and uncle when our travel schedules aligned, he made the best tea.” You smile into your cup, “He’s the one who actually taught me how to make tea.” You chuckle, knowing you’re not nearly as good as him. A shiver overcame you.

You made him think of his Uncle Iroh, he has a lot of regrets to work through regarding that matter. Zuko looks down and adjusts the teapot, scooting closer to you after noticing your small shivers.

“You remind me of myself in a lot of ways.” You said, still taking in your surroundings. Zuko didn’t understand the statement, that was clear on his face when you glanced over to him, not realizing you’re start to lean towards his warm arm. “For an assortment of reasons.” You start to explain. “You always come off as super grumpy and quiet, but you’ve never seemed grumpy to me. Earlier you were the only one to notice I was sore. It felt amazing and honestly I was just grateful you didn’t make a scene about it.” Zuko thinks on this for a bit, realizing that the angelic demeanor you have is a facade, this was (Y/N), and outside of maybe your brother it seems like he’s the only one you’ve shown your true self to. Regardless of the reason, Zuko smiles softly.

Now realizing your arm is leaning up against his. “Great Spirits you’re warm!” You cover your mouth realizing how loud that might’ve been. You chuckle.

Zuko laughed quietly and leaned back into your arm, “Fire Bending perks.” He said, he felt embarrassed touching you earlier but for you to say it felt amazing? He blushed hard thinking about it, grateful for the night sky.

“I knew it.” You murmur playfully as you sip your tea.

You pull back from Zuko’s warmth to stretch, groaning.

He hesitates to ask, “Does it hurt?” He wants to touch you, maybe this fire in him is good for something.

You sit back next to him, maybe a little closer than before. Trying to consume his extra heat, “Of course it hurts, but the pain isn’t something to be bitter over.” You bump his leg with your knee at the comment.

Hesitantly he moves the arm pressing against you and leans on it now close behind you. Your arm now touching the side of his abdomen and his arm touching your back, with his hand on the floor. He doesn’t respond. You lean into his side thinking, “Yes, it was a terrible thing that happened to me, but there’s no changing it and the pain is temporary. Why should I be bitter about it? That only makes the aggressor look powerful.” You know you both have terrible scars, yes yours is bigger but yours isn’t on your face. You thought to yourself. “Those who attack people smaller or weaker than themselves are nothing but cowards.” You mumble. Zuko leans his side into you, as a sort of silent response. You stayed like this for sometime before deciding his warmth is making you sleepy. “Has anyone ever told you, you make people sleepy?” You yawn at him.

A smirk raises to one side of his mouth, “Just once,” Remembering your face nuzzling into his lap the night you collapsed.

You raise an eyebrow but don’t question him, you smile though. “Well here’s a second, your natural warmth is cozy and I’m getting sleepy.” You got up to head to your room, when Zuko gently grabs your bandage covered fingers.

“I-uh, usually have a hard time sleeping,” He admits. “If you ever have a hard time sleeping you can come sit with me.” He was looking at your hands sadly, as if they received the worse kind of treatment.

You giggle, knowing you’re always out here before him. You squat down to his level from standing and give him a soft smile, “I naturally don’t sleep much so you can always come get me if you’re lonely.” You squeeze the hand that’s still holding your fingers before making your way to your room. Your skin is buzzing from where his heat once was. “You know where to find me.” You flick your hand up in a lazy peace sign.

——

At lunch the next day Toph and Sokka were trying to figure out who was the oldest twin. “Seriously, who’s the oldest.” You and Shu move in unison looking from each other to Sokka.

“Yeah! You keep calling each other older or younger! What’s the deal.” Toph pouted next to Shu, as she continued eating.

You twins laughed, “Ancient family secret.” You both said.

“Come on, Toph!” Sokka continues, “One of them has to be lying!” The two started to bicker. Suki and Aang can’t stop laughing from you and Shu doing and saying everything in unison, from blinking to eating. This was something the two of you had perfected at a very young age.

You and Shu glance at Aang, “You okay, Sifu Twinkle Toes?” You both go, the room erupted in laughter.

——

The days continued like this. Aang would give you something to practice, you started training with Toph or Katara. Shu and Toph started to trade training tips on metal and magma bending or would practice sand bending together on the beach. You had your healing sessions and a bath afterwards and once the sun was down and everyone was off to bed you started spending your evenings with Zuko.

You always seem to be waiting for him, you decided rather than staying awake in your room to just sit on the patio. Part of you didn’t want to wait to see if Zuko would actually come find you. You heard him walk up on cue, “Tonight’s tea is chamomile.” You say tilting your head towards him. He wore just a shirt and loose shorts, you imagine these are his pajamas.

He smiled and sat in the same position he had the night prior, arm around your back hand on the floor and the side of his abdomen pressing firmly against you. You poured him a cup this time. The two of you would talk for sometime before retiring to bed.

——

One night Zuko found his way to the patio and you weren’t there, he waited where he usually sat with you for some time before he realized the tea pot was gone. He walked to your room, lightly knocking before opening the door. You weren’t there. A sort of panic washed over him, he decided to look around for you before alerting anyone you were gone. Zuko walked down to the beach when he found foot prints, a sigh of relief left him when he found you sitting in the sand. Knees pulled to your chest, face down, cold tea pot and cup sitting next to you. He watched you for sometime before deciding to walk up. “So this is where you’ve been.”

A small sniffle comes out as you wipe your face, “Ah- Yeah.. Sorry..” You force an awkward chuckle. “I didn’t mean to worry you.” You didn’t look at him, he wasn’t sure you were looking at anything when you finished wiping your eyes.

Zuko sat down beside you, he wasn’t good at comforting people. He tried to think of something his uncle would say if he knew you. “My uncle told me once, that sometimes the best way to solve your own problems is to help someone else.” He spoke quietly, not really sure how to help. “I don’t really know how to comfort people but if there’s anything you need, you can ask..”

A small smile made its way to your face, you were pretty sure he had no idea what that statement meant. “I just uh-“ You looked up at the sky, “I feel guilty. And shameful.” You mutter. You could tell he was confused by this statement but you didn’t say anything for sometime. “You heard my families history, Jesa had an excuse. Sure it wasn’t a good excuse but..” You trailed on. Your voice was getting louder and more shaken with every word. “I was always so ashamed of my bending because it put my family in danger. I was ashamed that my family didn’t fight to defend the air nomads!” The air started stirring aggressively around the two of you. Tears started bubbling up in your eyes again and you pushed yourself from the ground. Zuko grabbed at your hand. You roared at the ocean in front of you, tears streaming freely down your cheeks, bending so much force in frustration waves flew up high before crashing down as you fell on your knees in front of Zuko.

His eyes wide, jaw slacked at the raw power you possessed. He’s never seen Aang use his air bending in such an aggressive manner. You were squeezing his hand, this pulled his attention from what you had just done. He squeezed your hand back before gently pulling on it, coercing you to come closer. You did, you ended up in his lap. You were between his legs that wrapped around you, your knees pulled up, leaning your side and head against his chest. He wrapped both arms around your waist and rested his chin your head. Zuko hushed you until you calmed, and the air around you two had settled into the stale ocean breeze.

His warmth calmed you, he didn’t have to say anything. You’re frustrated with yourself, you didn’t realize you’d bottled up so much. You buried your face into Zuko’s chest, “I feel guilty for being..-“ You hesitated, “For being so happy. Knowing my people have been eradicated.” This stings Zuko’s heart and he just holds you tighter.

Zuko’s history plays through his head, finally understanding what you had meant the other night. ‘You remind me a lot of myself’ you told him. He tilted his head down, pressing his nose and mouth against the top of your head. “Maybe that’s why your family made it. Because of what-“ He thinks of how to put it, “the Fire Nation did to your people. So that you could be happy, so that you could be here and build your people up again when this horrible war ends.” He didn’t know, but you were quiet.

You moved and held onto his bicep that rested between your thighs and bust, you’re both tired and wide awake now. (Y/N) never thought about it that way. That maybe being here, after everything, was your destiny and not just a selfish desire. You squeeze his arm softly, “Thank you, Zuko.” You mumble.

Neither of you said anything for the rest of the night. Not when Zuko heated up the tea pot and your glass, not about you staying in his lap. You both had the nights events and words playing in your head. Zuko realized what his uncle told him was right. Zuko told you what he needed to hear.

——

Zuko was always the last to sleep and the first awake, these were old habits he couldn’t break. However he didn’t mind it so much since (Y/N) has been around, you’re like him. Last to sleep first to rise, at first it was a constant surprise as you’d daze around the kitchen making tea at dawn. Your pajamas leaving very little to the imagination. A short but loose fitting top and loose shorts. Your bandages helped him not look like a bigger fool than he felt he already was. You never teased him about it though, you always just offered a smile. This house was starting to feel like a home again. The early mornings and the evenings were becoming his favorite time, these were times when you were yourself and when you leaned on him. You did this more than he mentally prepared himself for, the first time you did it was when Zuko was preparing tea for the morning, you lazily made your way into the kitchen and poked around him realizing he was doing what you had planned to start. You ended up leaning against his back while holding on to the edge of his shirt and commenting about the warmth before moving to pour yourself a glass of tea. The mornings that followed that one he started to notice you’d seek him out in a tired stupor. Clinging onto him regardless of what he’s doing, warming yourself up for the day, before making yourself a glass of tea and walking off.

He’d watch your beautiful figure laze around with your tea until you found the patio and sat down. You always manage to look back at him with your bedroom eyes expectantly. This always causes him to blush but he makes his way over and sits with you. He’ll watch you from the corner of his eye as you start to wake up.

He missed your presence during his training sessions but was always able to catch a glimpse as you train with one of the girls. Your control over your bending was exceedingly better than it had been when you first met.

“So. Sifu ‘hot water bottle’” A voice says mockingly. Zuko scowls and tears his attention from you and turns around to see Shu. His expression quickly dropped, not wanting to get on your brothers bad side.

“Uh, hey Shu.” Zuko says nervously, “What’s up?” He starts rubbing the back of his neck trying to temporarily purge what happened at the beach from his mind, you letting him wrap you up in his arms and lap was engraved in him. Shu waves him over to follow him.

He follows him until they’re out of your line of sight, “If you like my sister you’re going to have to fight me first.” Shu states pointedly and crosses his arms.

“Wait-wait. What??” Zuko throws up his hands, “I don’t want to fight you, we’re uh,” He stops at the word but shakes his head. “We’re friends, sparring is one thing but I can’t just fight you.”

Your brother flares at him and slides his foot, bending just enough earth under Zuko to knock him down. “I’m not just going to hand my sister, whose like,” He throws his hands up. “An international secret! To someone who can’t protect her!” Shu hisses. This is fair.

His glare drops and he offers a hand to help Zuko up, confused at the quick demeanor change until he hears you talking to Katara and walk past the scene. “Think about it.” Shu quietly hisses before walking away. Zuko stood there dumbfounded for quite some time.

“Your healing session today will be the last for your arms,” Katara tell you. “Your back will take some time but unless the wound gets struck again you shouldn’t have to worry about it opening on its own.” This was the best news you’ve had in some time. You can start actually exercising again.

That night, Zuko was the first to the patio. You stared at him for a bit, something about the moonlight hitting him makes your stomach flop about. You finally walk towards him, realizing he looks uncomfortable. “You okay?” You ask as you sit down beside him.

He looks over at you, he doesn’t say anything but just stares. Examining the lack of bandages on your arms and the concern in your face before speaking. “I’m trying to take all the right steps to make right all the wrongs I’ve done.” He looks away.

You keep looking at him, the gaang has already told you about their history with Zuko when you and Shu asked them how Team Avatar came to be. Zuko hands you a cup of tea before continuing, “I did some- a lot.. of awful things that I can’t take back. I can’t even apologize to my uncle for betraying him.” This statement causes Zuko to put his face in his hands. “He probably hates me now.”

That statement stings you, you’ve only ever seen the Team Avatar version of Zuko. You hesitate but decide to put your hand on his back, running your hand up and down his spine, making shapes with your fingers. “That might be true,” He flinched at this comment. “However. If you can get a group of people you literally tried to kill, to actually like and appreciate you and to care about you. I doubt it’ll be too difficult to get someone who’s always loved you to forgive your actions.” You smile and lean your head on his shoulder still rubbing his back. “From what you’ve told me and what I’ve heard from the others I can imagine he’ll be so proud of you for doing the right thing.”

Zuko doesn’t reply for sometime, replaying the words in his head. Replaying what he told you at the beach. He did do the right thing, he has changed. But what if it’s too late, he wants to ask but he already feels foolish for his actions. He lifts his head and looks over at you before resting his cheek on your head. “You don’t think it’ll be too late to apologize?”

You straighten up and smile at him, and cup his face with your hands. “If you truly mean it when you apologize then it’ll never be too late.” You leave a small kiss on his cheek and then smile at him. Zuko pulls you into him, holding one hand firmly around your shoulders and one around your waist. This caused you to gasp but he doesn’t let go. He needs this, you think. Hugging him back with your arms around his neck and a hand brushing his hair with your fingers till he’s ready to let go.

As much as he needed a hug the second he hugged you he was extremely embarrassed. Embarrassed that he wanted to pull you into his lap again and not let go. Especially after you kissed his cheek. He feared letting go as you would see his blushing face. Not realizing you can feel his blush as his body temperature rose. It wasn’t until you held him back and pet his hair that he started to savor the moment, engraving it in his mind before letting go and looking at the sky. You watched him carefully, you wanted to kiss him more and find all the reasons as to why everything would be fine. “Your brother told me I have to fight him.” Your face snapped away from his, you knew what this meant, but why would Shu say that to Zuko? Why wouldn’t he talk to you first? Did he tell Zuko how you feel? You were panicking.

(Y/N)’s ear are red, Zuko noticed. She seems embarrassed. Was she embarrassed of Zuko? Was it her brother? Or something else? He couldn’t get a read from you, “D-Did he say anything, ah,” You started. “About me, uh, when he did..?” You couldn’t make eye contact with him.

His face turned bright red, yes the whole thing was about you! He’s thinks your embarrassed about your brothers actions. “Well, ah,” he stammers, “I kind of, uhm, brought it upon myself.” You both look away from each other. “He told me to think about it.”

You sigh putting your red face in your hands, “I am so sorry.” You groan. Embarrassed that you thought this was about you.

“No no it’s not your fault!” He stammers, “We should uh, we should head to bed.” You nod at him and take the hand he offers to get up.

Your fingers touch his as he walks you to your room, “Uhm. Good night Zuko.” You smile and whisper to him as you separate, he watches you as you disappear behind your door. He wants to follow you in, realizing what you mean to him.

When he got to his room he closed and slid down the door. “Good night, (Y/N).” He sighed, “What am I going to do.”

——

A/N:  Holy smokes, guys! We made it through Part 1! If you’d like to be tagged in this series please feel free to message me or comment on this post! Here are my starred notes: (*1) Imagine that customer service face we all have, you know the one (*2) When I wrote this line for Aang it ended up destroying my whole plan for the rest of this scene because I was like “Shit Aang would actually say something like that” (*3) Did you know river rocks explode when they get too hot?

Tag List:

@coalsmind @bucky-blogs @fanficflaneuse @cutiepoo16 @eridanuswave @grapesauze @theblueslytherin @coolpenguingoddess @royahllty @whalerus @shewritesseashells @lammello @ditu-m9 @kryptidkova @gxrleexis-arctic-monks

[embersrpg]

TELEVISION SPOT.

The morning after the wedding is a quiet one. It starts like any other. No one mentions what had happened at the end of the reception, and things might be a bit tense but that’s not stopping anyone from trying to live their lives. Even you know it’s best to keep your head low for the day and keep with what you’re doing.

And training goes on, the tributes gather and alliances are hard at work but it’s hard to tell what any of them do behind those closed doors. Meals are had and it’s like thinks are getting back to normal.

Then it’s the evening and Caesar gets on television. He’s got an announcement to make.

“Stay tuned this week, we’re doing something very special for you Panem residents. Watch as we spend the next few days interviewing your favorite mentors, stylists, and escorts! This Quarter Quell has been unlike any other, and we know you’re chomping at the bit to see what your favorite icons are up to. I certainly know I am. And it all leads up to our interviews with this year’s tributes!” He gives a bellowing laugh and the camera pans out from him, giving the date and time details. 

You’re now being forced to go back on television, to present yourself. Right up until you have to send out your tributes to the masses. It’ll be a nightmare.

So you wait for your turn. But as the days go by, you notice that you haven’t seen some people around. Cinna has been missing, as have Silver and Slate. No one has see any of them since the night of the wedding. Most people are too nervous to say anything too loud, so their worried are hushed under whispers or kept behind closed doors. However you feel about it, it’s clear that them not being here is sending a clear message to the rest of you.

No one is safe anymore. No one, no matter where they come from, can be kept from the Capitol’s watchful eye. 

But then you wonder... did any of them have anything to do with what happened at the wedding?

OOC ----

Uh oh... some people are in trouble. Whatever will you do!

More information about the interview will come out this weekend (with a poll for when to host it). It will serve as an honesty-day type situation. The only thing is, the answers your characters give will be broadcasted to the entirety of Panem, and the rest of their peers! Meaning secrets can be spilled, or even... sneaky information can be relayed to knowing ears muahah.

I will do a group-wide specific honesty hour question list (I will likely take questions from the first one) if you have suggestions for things you’d like asked, please send them here! While there will be the list of question, specific questions will also be encouraged, to get deep into the nitty-gritty! I’ll be trying to come up with some myself but you can jump into the madness yourself!

Now onto the good stuff. 

As I mentioned in a previous statement, the way Embers is structure now will be a little different. There are really only going to 6 chapters total for the game, but chapters will be much longer. Chapter 5 will last around 6 weeks, if not more depending on how thing progress.

A lot will happen within Chapter 5. It’s crucial you are talking to everyone behind the scenes to plot and hc with one another. I can almost guarantee you that no thread will naturally reach a conclusion unless you intend to have an extremely short one. I intend to get a lot of characters wrapped up in some messes in this chapter and you will likely want your threads to stay up to date with developments. 

I just ask that you cap your threads off with your hc plan so everyone can see how the thread progressed. 

I intend to keep the tribute interview night to be about mid-chapter. It wont be it’s own event but it’ll be an excellent opportunity since it’s everyone in one space together. Plus... who knows what’ll happen.

NPC threads will also function a bit differently now. Basically, I am no longer offering up random NPC threads with folks. NPCs from here on out play a specific and direct purpose to the plot and it’s very likely I will reach you directly to go ‘hey do you want an npc thread with X’ hopefully you say yes and we go from there. There might be a situation where I post a call for a starter with a specific NPC, but I am no longer just writing any NPC. Don’t worry, a lot of your faves will still make it to the dash.

As always, you know what to do with questions. If there’s anything I forget, it’ll go in the Sunday notes.

THE FACTS

Start date: Right now

End date: [Very tentative] August 26th

Tag: Chapter Five

PLEASE LIKE ONCE YOU HAVE READ

[milanosbitch]

rec list for endhawks gems

as usual during this quarantine, i went through a challenging quest, searched through every single fic on ao3 about a single ship and made a rec list, ended up with around 25 works out of 630. nearly all of them should be free of explicit, problematic and triggering content besides one or two in the mature content sense. and i’ll note those down separately but i always suggest reading the tags before starting a fic regardless the rating, just so you know what you’re diving into. furthermore, there’s this author note at the end of a fic that i’ve found which pretty much sums up my feelings about a mess that’s called todoroki friggin’ enji:

“ I love Hawks and Endeavor together. They're a great dynamic, whether it's platonic or not. I'm a pretty open guy when it comes to shipping, and me and a certain lilviathan love going back and forth with dumb ideas about them.

And that's kind of where the contradictory feelings for the Flaming Garbage Man that is Endeavor kind of come from? Because I really do think he's a very interesting and well-developed character, but I also have a very strong urge to stab him at any given time.

I want to make his life miserable and hurt him, but I also want someone to sit him down and tell him that while he owes his family an apology, they do not owe him forgiveness. I want to see him grow. I want to see him face the repercussions of his actions and move forward. ”

—by Canarianyellow on archiveofourown.org

last notes; starred ones are my personal favorites, and i'm adding to this list as i go,, so look out for updates!! you can find a better formatted version of this list here on google docs.

that being said, here are the gems i found on a yet another holy quest:

Walk Alone by adastrad*

Rating: Teen & Up

Word Count: 3.6K

Summary: You've lost your wings, you've lost your speed, and in the crowd ahead, you've lost him too. How do you know what name to call out when you don't even know what to call yourself?

as usual, kick-starting the list with one of the first fics i’ve read about them. we have some pretty good angst related to the latest manga chapters in our hands and a fascinating second person pov here. the ‘stream of consciousness’ style of wording kicks you right in the ribs, in a good way.

&&.

It's Cold, I Don't Want To Be Lonely

by onlyatitagain

Rating: Teen & Up

Word Count: 3.7K

Summary: When in the presence of Todoroki Enji, it was easy to feel warm and overwhelmed by heat in more ways than just physical. Hawks was very aware of the fire burning in his heart that roared to life whenever he was with his childhood hero, who was now his best friend. The relationship they had was special in the way of how close they had become, Hawks trusted the number one hero with his life and could always count on him no matter the circumstance.

What would happen if he said something and ruined that trust, the friendship they had built over months of knowing each other?

You should never play with fire, unless you want to get burned.

truly a beautiful hurt/comfort fic. enji’s characterization is gentle and might feel slightly OOC, but give it a chance. there is also some pretty cheesy couple stuff at the end and that might not be your cup of tea, just a heads up.

&&.

Fallen by copper_leaf**

Rating: Teen & Up

Word Count: 7.3K

Summary: Hawks’ attempt to infiltrate the League goes wrong.

Enji is the one he turns to.

both its part one and part two, this series can take my soul. literally 7K of sheer hurt/comfort, and a caring enji. hawks’ eyeliner is probably ruined by now. can i say this is probably the best fic i’ve read about them softness-wise? i can.

&&.

Burning Embers by copper_leaf**

Rating: Teen & Up

Word Count: 6K

Summary: Hawks wakes up, wingless, in Enji's arms.

the continuation of the fic above, here’s more content that will make you feel all mushy. a beautiful excerpt from it:

“It’s a flicker of light in the darkness, the last ember left in the heart that still has the power to bring all else to flame.”

&&.

The Bird Who Swallowed a Star*

by angyhawks (Soll)

Rating: Teen & Up

Word Count: 4.5K

Summary: Endeavor remembers Hawks' small hands, how they didn't burn as he danced on his palms.

How Hawks had whispered sweet nothing into his flames, words not important as his lips moved and his voice chirped.

He remember Hawks finding him, small and spent, and gifting him a feather to feed on.

Endeavor wishes a feather had been his only offer.

//in which Endeavor is a fire demon, Hawks is once again tied to the ground, and wouldn't it be nice if they could kiss?

&&.

Light by Caahs*

Rating: Teen & Up

Word Count: 2.1K

Summary: Since he was a boy, Hawks gathered an eternal distaste for darkness, which was preserved until his most recent days. However, the blazing figure of Endeavor always came up like his warm source of light, illuminating the most obscure paths and clarifying the most difficult decisions.

&&.

Emotions Are Hard, Love Even More So...

by aurora_whitlock

Rating: Teen & Up

Word Count: 4.4K

Summary: Hawks and Endeavour at the end of a long week. Alone. Together. Its just some cute, fluffy bullshit basically. Warm your hurt little hearts.

&&.

Cuff me to the truth of failure

by Not_A_Valid_Opinion

Rating: Gen

Word Count: 3.4K

Summary: The kid’s eyes are so wide, Hawks can see the entire silhouette of his wings in their reflection. “I want to be you.”

Shit.

“No, you don’t, kid,” he can’t help but promise, can’t stop the sadness in his eyes from flickering into view.

Hawks has dinner with Enji after a bad interview.

&&.

Look at what amounts from the jump

(and I'm never coming down) by

Not_A_Valid_Opinion

Rating: Teen & Up

Word Count: 3K

Summary: He stares at Endeavour with something close to regret, maybe closer to suspicion, but before Endeavour can catch the look it’s gone and replaced with a pursed lip and a glance at his phone. “I’ve gotta go. See you around, Enji.”

But the burly man stops him with his name. “Watch where you’re flying,” he says gruffly, though it’s different. It’s not an order. It’s not a request.

Whatever it is, Hawks takes it as a challenge.

Endeavour is worried about Hawks. Hawks doesn't know what to do with that information.

&&.

You mesmerise me in red and gold

by Arayne

Rating: Teen & Up

Word Count: 4.2K

Summary: Enji has never gotten to tell Hawks what's on his mind so he tries, in several ways, to make it clear how he feels.

&&.

We've got a good thing going

by lehnsherry

Rating: Teen & Up

Word Count: 3.7K

Summary: Enji is watching Shouto, so he notices the way his eyes snap to the kitchen doorway just before he hears the soft footsteps and the rustling of wings, and his heart jumps into his throat. He turns in his seat just in time to see Hawks walk in, eyes still closed and a hand scratching at his messy hair.

“Mornin’, babe, do you know where my -” Hawks breaks into a huge yawn, and then opens his sleepy eyes, and freezes in the doorway like Shouto used his power on him.

Enji’s mouth makes an involuntary sound of embarrassment, and Hawks flushes all the way down to his chest.

&&.

As He Lived by uzumae*

Rating: Teen & Up

Word Count: 2.3K

Summary: Hawks wants to imagine that he still has a place in a world he no longer belongs to.

&&.

future hearts by rire

Rating: Teen & Up

Word Count: 1.2K

Summary: When the rest of Hawks is putting on airs, it’s his wings that give him away.

&&.

Break off a piece of your heart by kettleowl

Rating: Gen

Word Count: 890

Summary: The High-End incident, but they are actors who are too emotionally invested in their roles.

&&.

to take a fall by rire

Rating: Teen & Up

Word Count: 2.3K

Summary: “What’s with that look, Endeavor-san?” Hawks smiles. It doesn't reach his eyes. “Don’t worry about me, I’m fine. I got what I wanted, didn’t I? Now I’ve got more free time than I know what to do with.”

&&.

A Thousand Flowers by adastrad*

Rating: Teen & Up

Word Count: 440

Summary: "Let's hope the next time the cherry blossoms fall, we will all be smiling."

&&.

#fantheflames by adastrad

Rating: Teen & Up

Word Count: 54.9K

Summary: Todoroki Shoto accidentally, on purpose, and with great regret helps make Hawks/Endeavor happen.

this is wholesome. one hundred percent cheff kiss. peak comedy with a dose of stan twitter. actually a shouto-centric fic and more like an outsider pov of slight endhawks.

&&.

This Gentle Earth by adastrad**

Rating: Gen

Word Count: 4.2K

Summary: Hawks buys a better excuse to keep visiting Musutafu, but damn it. Enji hadn't been looking to adopt.

guaranteed to melt your insides. enji ends up being a plant parent.

&&.

The Winner Takes it All by adastrad

Rating: Teen & Up

Word Count: 25.2K

Summary: Endeavor's eye is gone. He may say his injuries are his own responsibility, but it's Hawks' fault, isn't it? He will give Enji everything he can. His top secret mission will take the rest.

slaps the roof of the fic this baby right here is a shortcut for a brain burn. with a complicated storytelling and equally complex characterizations, which results in a slow but satisfying reading if you’re looking for a detailed story!! there’s seriously so much pining that it keeps you on your tiptoes until the end of it.

&&.

Roasting the Roaster

Rating: Teen & Up

Word Count: 3.7K

Summary:  Hawks gossips with the receptionist at Endeavor Hero Agency about what a dork the boss is, discusses Endeavor lookalike porn, and then ropes Shouto into lunch with Endeavor, whereupon Shouto just roasts his dad the whole time.

Can you roast a man who's already on fire? Apparently, yes. Yes you can.

(includes the hit single Did You Need Some Ice For That Sick Burn by Hawks, ft. Shouto Todoroki)

[Only tangentially related to the other fics in this series.]

slight crack fic for humor but it’s truly well-written. a shouto and hawks team up over endeavor was something i never deeply gave attention to yet it is gold and i need more of it. hawks writes a bop, endeavor’s whole agency thirst over the said man and everything leaves you with tears in your eyes from cackling at these dorks.

&&.

the fics listed below the cut are rated mature or

explicit by the authors, and therefore contain sexual content:

Penumbra by Nicolefrickle

Rating: Mature

Word Count: 1.8K

Summary: Enji wants to touch Hawks' wings. Badly.

this one is rated mature but the theme is only minorly implied so i can say it is safe to read without worrying about the rating. more like a fluff fic with hawks being a happy birb.

&&.

An Imperfect Cage by Crandberrycrush

Rating: Mature

Word Count: 55.5K

Summary: Hawks is an orphan, brought up in a charity school and thrust into the world at eighteen to work as a governor for the Todoroki family, a family that has more secrets than he can hope to unravel.

*A gothic romance based heavily on the novel Jane Eyre*

&&.

Liquid Nitrogen by surveycorpsjean

Rating: Explicit

Word Count: 23.8K

Summary: Enji can't figure out why the hell Hawks keeps sleeping in his office.

the plot? the writing? the characterization? everything is perfect. i’m normally uncomfortable with this much amount of smut and debated if i should put this on the list or not, since it might consist of triggering content for some. please read all the tags beforehand starting this piece.

&&.

Palindrome by Nicolefrickle

Rating: Mature

Word Count: 7.9K

Summary: Hawks doesn't realize just how much he needs Endeavor, or why it feels like he's still racing time.

//

A character study of Hawks with flashbacks and inner thoughts, heavy on the Endhawks, heavy on the hurt

[blade-king-luze]

“The Knight and His Faithful Steed”, Part 3 - Combine

Part 2

(OOC: The final part of a three part story on how Luze obtained his summon, Diomedes the Severer of the Dark. WARNING: Mild gore description. I know. I hurt him a lot in this story.) - Feat. Reiga Giou (Fowler) - Odin Norse Mythological reference - Small soundtrack from Final Fantasy X, located within the story

🎵 - (Music to read through this)

Necromancers. Humans that have the power to summon many beasts alike to come to their aid. They will do anything in their power to win at any battles with them, including summoning humanoid Duras known as Opasts. They are to be feared by hunters alike that would oppose them for they are ranked higher than the Lesser Duras.

Such beings are more to be feared in the world of Necromancy. Even the Greater Duras summoned by necromancers themselves. They can be gargantuan, they can be quite small for a Duras size but swift. They can be their loyal companion as Opasts are with their masters. They can cause great amounts of destruction upon their wake. Even going so far as to harm their summoner.

But who is to say that there are no dangers of summoning such frightening beasts to aid them in battle? There are always a greater possibility of the Necromancer’s demise.  Unlike Luka Crosszeria, who created a normal pact with his dragon due to his previous mission on stopping two humongous dragons from causing a ruckus in Niflheim, Luze takes on a more dangerous path to summon a Greater Duras by using a Necromancer’s tome. Through trial and error he alone knows more of his faults and errors of trying an attempt to make the spell work.

However, with his resilience and strong determination we may be able to see if he will succeed or fail; Considering the next attempt will possibly end his life. Hold on to your horses as we take a glance on what lies ahead for The Blade King. I am sorry guys, pun intended ... I will take my leave.

“Are you ready to begin, Luze?” Fowler reassured me. We stood in the middle of the grand room as the candelabras were lit once again. The room still feel as dark as they were during the night, despite the candles calming flames. The air was tense.

I nodded hesitantly and sternly. He handed me the tome that I had used yesterday. I took it steadily and hesitantly as I observed it for a moment. The black and white intricate designs were facing me. I turned around and walked several paces ahead to give myself space. Fowler took a few steps back to watch from afar, but not too far where he can stop whatever spell may repel back at me again.

I took a deep breath as I felt myself more relaxed than I have before. I held the tome with both hands letting the book face flat, horizontally. My arms were relaxed. I closed my eyes. I started to whisper in Enochian. A few moments passed as I continued to chant. The air flowed gently around me. The flames from the candles danced faintly.

I continued to speak quietly in Enochian as green ley lines slowly formed underneath me and rotated slowly. The tome that I held on my hand began to float away slowly departing from my hands and levitated in front of me, opening and flipping to pages and pages until it reached the middle of the book binding. My hands moved on their own as they positioned themselves as if I was in prayer, arms slightly out and palms facing upward. Multiple runes appeared between the lines one at a time below me, then multiple more times. Then another until it completed the pattern.

Fowler stared at me sternly and slightly concerned. His hand curled subtly into fists as he kept his eyes on me. I thought of those words again. The words of my own desires.

Freedom. Escape. Protector. Devotion. Being wanted.

They all somehow manifested to form that creature. That horse that guided me or fooled me. I could not tell. It lead me to my doom where it lured me to my unwanted past. Yet it lead me to salvation when it made my illusionary wounds disappear.

The world in my head began to fade darker. Darker than the shadows again. The strange desolated abyss once more.

My spectral body opened its eyes as I saw the horse immediately in front of me from afar. “You again ...” I heard my spectral self whisper. It took a step forward. Then another as it kept walking towards me. My glare tensed.

As it kept taking steps, the floor where the hooves stepped on, left embers instead of the previous white light the pyreflies emitted. I backed off slightly but only just one step. I knew this was just an illusion. I won’t let it hinder me again. I kept my eyes tensed on it. The horse kept walking to me as the embers still persisted underneath it. The air slowly became hot.

Screams were faint from the distance. I felt my body quivered. My eyes slightly widened as I kept trying to look at the horse still moving to me. The screams grew louder as it echoed and surrounded me. I felt my eyes blur slightly as my head started to pound. My heart started to beat faster. I wanted to grab my head to fight back the headache but I persisted to hold myself still.

But I kept staring forward. I clenched my fist. I slowly closed my eyes. The screams still persisted. The vision of the corpse that tried to grab me. Then another vision of my dying comrade that reached out from afar with his arm stretched out to me. Pleading and crying for help.  

But then, I heard different words from him. Did he say something else before his complete demise? Something that I couldn’t make out from my fear, perhaps?   My eye lids quivered as they were still shut in this illusionary world. 

What did he truly say then? I focused. Moments passed as I focused on one sound alone. I listened to his voice. The sounds around me from other screams shut off, one by one. The flames that crackled suddenly grew fainter.

“Live!!” My eyes shot halfway wide slightly in shock. “You must live, Lord Luze!! Survive!!” My eyes slowly widened. I look to his direction, but he wasn’t there anymore.

Live. Survive. Freedom. While I was starting to run away. Escape. As I wanted to escape from the black void and my curse. Protector. I wanted to protect myself from my wounds and scars. Devotion. To keep my promise from my fallen comrades that I will remain alive. Being wanted. For those who cared for me whenever I would not need it.

My fists loosen as my hands relaxed. My eyes now tensed once again. What now stood in front of me, wasn’t my dying comrade. Nor was it a white whimsical horse anymore. The shadows reflected from the fire cast over on the ground ahead of me and took form. It started to manifest slowly and materialized, ascending, as the distorted mass slowly shaped itself into the same creature as the white horse.

It was a black bold stallion with red glowing eyes. I stared at it sternly as it loomed over me like last time. The mane flowed like shadowy haze as it blew against the breeze. The flames lessen from being walls, to small trails of fire that only lit the ground for us. We both looked at each other for quite some time until I felt my heart calm. My mind filled with clarity. Live. Survive. My comrades ... My most trusted comrades. My friends ... I will-- ... My right arm began to rise up steadily. I felt myself reaching out to it with my hand. My palm spread out in front of it. My eyes were still. The horse suddenly reared back and stood proudly on its hind legs. It neighed loudly as the echoes from it circled through the air demonically. The area started to disappear once again. The world started to distort now back to reality.

My true eyes steadily open as I stared blankly and glazed. The spell continued. The candles were now dancing wildly as the calm breeze slowly raged into harsh winds.

O Severer of the Dark, I began to say. My voice echoed. Fowler was surprised as he heard my voice. He took a step forward. Cleave those who will do us great doom towards our victory and send them to their salvation. I summon thee in thy name, writ in royal blood of thine fallen king.  

Ride, Diomedes ...

The candles bursts into red flames. Fowler looked around the room, shocked. He looked back at me as the ley lines underneath me glowed brighter. The wind became barely visible as it swirled around and entered within the ley lines. Fowler brought one of his arm up to block some of the air that blew against his face. “Has he ... Has he done it?!” As he tried to look.

Just then, the wind slowly died down. The flames from each candle suddenly lessened and immediately gave out. The room was dark. Silent and still. But not as dark nor was it completely silent. 

The tome fell down with a soft thud as it closes itself. I brought my hands down gently. I blinked as I gained my senses. Fowler brought his arm down as well. What he saw, he could not comprehend. His eyes grew wide. I looked up myself. I stood there while my eyes also grew wide in disbelief.

🎵 - (Right click the video screen to loop it)

I could not fathom from what I saw. My breath was taken away from what lies before me. A Greater Duras.

Diomedes took the form of a gargantuan black horse. Just like what I saw within my illusionistic world. But it wasn’t just any normal horse nor was it like the Night Mares at all. Diomedes had a blade protruding out from his forehead. Multiple blades jutted out from the sides of his figure. He had eight legs and his body was cladded with skulls on his neck and knees, while the body itself was metallic black like an armored black knight. His face bared fangs while the mane and tail glowed deep blood red flames. Besides the dead candles to light the room now, it was Diomedes’ flaming mane.

I walked to him as if I was in a trance. My gaze still shocked. Fowler ran towards me but he still kept his distance as he still observed, now within a good distance to see and observe more closely. My steps echoed throughout the room as the silence grew more deafening. Diomedes bowed his head down slowly. The blade from his forehead barely touching the ground. I stood still in front of him.

“Were thou the one who summoned me, writ in royal blood of mine King?” It spoke in Abyssal. The voice was demonically ominous as he was looming over me. I felt myself taken aback slightly and shaken from his presence. I have never known that such a beast as a Greater Duras would be this intimidating. Something grand, majestic, and one of the legendary Pact Beasts to be right in front of me. Was it like this with my brother making a pact with his dragon? I swallowed as I fixed my posture. My hands trembled. I curled my hands into fists to steady them. I took a deep breath and gazed at it. I spoke back in Abyssal.

“Yes. I was the one that summon you forth. I have summoned you forth if you would have me as your pact master. Hear my plea as I will take your trial so that your blade will rend our foes asunder.” The room was silent. Fowler walked a few steps towards me, amazed by The Greater Duras presence. I stood there firmly, anticipating what this creature would do.  He seem to be hesitant.

“Then bestow upon me thine left eye. If thou will gain a thousand wisdoms from me, thou must lose thine unwanted sight so thou may hast thine renewed sight to observe thine enemies and rend those to their salvation. Prove to me thou art worthy to hold mine power. If thou will make such sacrifices.”

Fowler took a step forward as if denying what he understood. I stood there unwavering. My heart kept beating fast. There was nothing I could do now. This was his trial. So he would have my literal eye then? 

I looked down as my hand released from fists. They were still slightly shaking as I observed them. But I held steadfast as I relaxed. Fowler looked towards the Greater Duras then back to me, twice again. “Luze!”

I turned around to face him. I slightly smiled as he was worried. “Don’t interrupt. This was my decision from the start. And I will see to it that I will fulfill it.” Fowler was taken aback as he steadied himself and stared sternly but solemnly. I turned back around to look on the floor ahead of me and closed my eyes for a moment. Then I looked up to see Diomedes with a stern glare. If he would have my left eye, then so be it.

My right hand twitched as I looked back down. I steadily took my right hand glove off as I look to my clawed hand. I slowly raised my clawed nails and hovered them to make contact with my left eye lid. My breathing became unsteady as I hesitated.  I felt my fingers shaking, but I took deep breaths to steady myself.

I tried to make this as quick as possible but I knew that the pain receivers will act fast through my nerves. It wasn’t enough to steady myself to relax. I could not turn back now.

I began to dig my nails deep in my left eye. I winced. My left hand quickly grabbed my right wrist as I tried not to pull my right hand away. I took a step forward to balance myself and preventing from kneeling. I whimpered subtly as I kept digging deeper. And deeper. My whimpers grew louder.    Blood poured out from my left eye and onto the floor as my fingers were covered in streams of red. Fowler looked to me in shock, not knowing what to do but to watch as I try not to writhe. The Greater Duras stood ever still. My nail eventually scraped my eye socket as I gripped fully around my eye. I reared back and screamed from how excruciating it was, my hands now shaking. It was but a few moments where I managed to pull my left eye out as quick as I am able to.

I suddenly fell to my knees as my left hand stopped me from completely going to the ground. My right hand now holding onto what was once my left eye from me. I breathed sharply. Blood still trickling down on the left side of my visage. My vision blurred. Fowler wanted to run to my side, but considering that this was a trial, he still had to hold back. He felt helpless to see me through pain again. But it was for better or for worse at this point.

I wearily looked up at the Greater Duras. In the back of my mind I was furious that I had to do this to myself but at the same time, it was a pact that I was willing to make. It was honestly better than giving up my humanity or other unnecessary parts from my body.

Suddenly, black haze built around Diomedes and surrounded the creature engulfing all of his figure. The blade from his forehead disintegrated slowly into black particles to blend in with the haze.  It went around like a small whirlwind until it settled and disappeared. The Greater Duras became the form of the black stallion I had saw. He walked towards me. Hooves softly echoing and clicking on the floor.

Still kneeling down, I raised my weak hand with my eye towards him. Diomedes stopped near my hand as his snout steadily lowered until we barely touched. Something in between us glowed as my right eye widened. The green light flashed brighter and brighter. I had to forcefully close my eye to block out such refulgence. Fowler brought his hand to block out the excessive light.

Then, a moments passed as the light dissipated, dimmed, and gave out. The air died down and the room went completely dark. Fowler brought his hand away. A few seconds later, the lights from the candelabras and the chandeliers lit back up once again, one small flame after another. He looked around him as each candles were lit steadfastly. I went fully on my knees as I looked down with my eyes closed. My arms dropped at my sides. Diomedes was not present anymore.

I brought myself to stand up steadily still. I lifted my head slowly. As I opened my eyes, I saw everything with two eyes once again. My left eye was where it once was before. My left iris flashed and glowed tinted red until the red glow disappeared. The blood that streamed down on my left face still remained. I felt different. I felt more powerful than I was before. However, it was fortunate that I was never the power hungry type. But I felt like some kind of burden lifted from my shoulders.

“Luze!” I heard Fowler say. I snapped back into reality as I slowly turned to face him. Suddenly, a black raven flew above us. We stopped to look up. It made circles around us until it gently floated down towards me. It flapped its wings as it steadily landed on my shoulders. Why would a raven be here?

It wasn’t a moment too soon as it landed where I recognize its presence. It was actually Diomedes who took form as a raven. I had recognize those deep red eyes, the ones that were always ominously staring at me. I reached my hand to pet him.  I stroke at his feathers gently as he fluffed up slightly and gave out few small croaks. I turn to gaze at Fowler and gently lowered my hand from Diomedes.

Diomedes picked at his feathers for a moment until it lifted to the air once again and flew to disintegrate into black haze in thin air, disappearing from us once more.

“... You’ve done it.” Fowler whispered. “You’ve actually accomplished what would be quite impossible for a Duras to even do ...” I looked at him for a moment as I tried to smile. But given how exhausted I was, I couldn’t make out one. “I have ... Have I?” He nodded steadily as he smiled. He was glad I was alright, still alive and standing.

I turned my gaze slowly in front of me as I stared into the blackness ahead of me.  I now have a Greater Duras at my side. One that would stay with me for as long as I live. Though he may defy me one day, I will not let that stray away from my own path I have now chosen. 

Brother ...  What would happen if we cross paths again this time? How strong will your dragon be against my steed?

... I dare not think too much into it. However, I was now ready to face him whenever there is a chance that our Greater Duras will clash against each other. As long as I have something to repel such a beast as Luka’s dragon.

I will continue to fight on no matter how long it takes now. Because I will live. Because I will survive.

That is what my comrades would have want from me. And I will hold steadfast unto their wishes forever onward, Riding towards my victory to my own salvation with Diomedes.

[darksiders-scenarios]

I got an idea for you, friend! After humanity is restored, news that their human S/O was the last human on Earth spreads like crazy. With that, either people kiss the ground they walk or throw rocks and attempt to kill them. They are constantly persecuted by crazy fans and assassins, and Earth is definitely not a safe place for them any longer. How would the horsemen react? What would they do?

~Think I made them a bit too OOC, bah. 

Here’s Part 2 for Strife and Fury (link)

War

The moment he saw your face plastered on the big screens in the many cities throughout Earth, War was struck by an extreme Déjà vu moment. But unlike you, the horseman had not been jarred by the intense scrutiny during the premature Apocalypse. And unlike him, you were human. Breakable. Diminutive. Traumatised. 

And this was most certainly not helping.

Although the screens displayed seemingly positive messages about you, War was sufficiently informed that the overwhelming attention would be detrimental to your mental state.

He was not surprised when he saw your house surrounded by a horde of noisy humans, waving placards and yelling how they were dying to meet their ‘saviour’; the one who influenced ‘God’ to resurrect them, and even reverting the End War.

He recognised the trucks and cars that were parked in your yard; paparazzi and news reporters. There were about twenty of them and more were still arriving. Some of them were banging on your door and a couple even had the gall to attempt to climb up to your windows. Glowering, War strode through the mass, ignoring the way some of them either tripped to scramble out of his way or those that attempted to fire questions at him.

He roughly shoved the humans away from your door and unsheathed Chaoseater from his back. Upon sighting this tremendous, deadly blade, the remainder humans scampered off your territory, and the ones at your windows all but plummeted into undignified heaps before hobbling off to join the others.

The door was locked, as it should be, but he easily crushed it as he barged his way through. Impeding the colossal sword into the space to act as a blockade, the horseman made his way up to your bedroom.

“Y/N?” he called softly as he stepped in. Teal eyes sweeping the room, he remarked that everything was in place; your chest of drawers, desk, wardrobe, bed.

But not you.

His panic mounting, War made to exit, were it not for the tiny, almost inaudible noise that came from under your bed.

“Y/N,” he tried again. When you still didn’t respond, he grasped the edge of the bed and singlehandedly lifted it easily as though it was just a cardboard shoebox. You were huddled on your side with your palms against your ears. Instantly, you staggered back due to the sudden brightness until your back hit the wall.

“Go away,” you mumbled, eyes scrunched shut, “Just leave me alone.”

You sounded so weak, exhausted and defeated that War clenched his fist tightly, outrage bubbling deep in his guts and he momentarily wished that he hasn’t been so merciful in letting the humans escape. Instead, he placed the bed on to one side and reduced the space between you, allowing his unnatural warmth that radiated from his body to reach you.

At once, your eyes snapped open and you took in the mighty bulk of your Horseman guardian friend.  There was a brief pause before you stammered, “W-War?”

The Rider crouched before you, gaze never faltering from yours, “You’re coming with me,” he declared simply, his voice leaving no room for debate.

Although you didn’t reply, he must’ve caught the confusion that flashed in your eyes. “This is no longer your home, little one.”

“But I’ve nowhere to go,” you moaned.

His eyebrows furrowed. “Our realm is open to you, Y/N. It has always been and will remain so.”

“I know, War,” you hunched your shoulders, “but it’s not right.”

“What isn’t?”

You raked your fingers through your hair. “They’re after me. This shouldn’t concern you. Protecting me during the premature Apocalypse made sense but these,” you pointed to your window,“ are my people. My Earth. My problem,” you gritted your teeth, “I shouldn’t be dragging you into this.”

He didn’t reply instantly when he hauled you onto his broad shoulder and made his way downstairs to your broken entrance. “You devalue your worth,” he commented quietly, dislodging Chaoseater from the stone slated step. You can only watch the ground move with each of his strides.

You stiffened when you heard the returning group, no doubt commenting on your ‘kidnap’. But no one touched you. Their previous cries for attention were replaced with hushed murmurs of confusion and some of them were blatantly jabbing their fingers in your direction.

“Your 'problem’,” War proceeded. Blade in hand, he breezed through the crowd with your face now buried into the crimson cape on his shoulder. “is my problem.”

You moaned wretchedly, “That’s just making me more of a burden to you.”

“My home,” he carried on, ignoring you. The green glow of the Serpent hole emanating from the other side of the street “is your home.”

Contrary to furthering your guilt, you were surprised at the budding warmth blooming throughout your entire body. You chanced a peek from the crumpled fabric, observing the crowd gawking at your retreating forms, seemingly given up on their pursuit of you.  

You can only shake your head, the warmness of the cloth, coupled with the smell of leather and metal, triggering a defeated sigh from you. Of course, you were happy, elated more accurately. But given the circumstances… you shook your head. No, it was a dream come true to live with War. Besides, he was right, Earth was no longer a safe place for you.  

“And it isn’t complete without you,” he finished, snorting softly when he felt you nuzzle your head against the side of his hood.

Death

It didn’t take long to track you down in the run down library. Gliding past a window, Death instantly identified your slumped form against one of the book aisles, with your back to him. Even from outside, he could see your body shaking with unconcealed terror. A little ahead, he spotted the mob fast approaching the area, fire torches in one hand, rocks and knives balancing in the other. His own eyes were blazing like smoldering embers under the night sky, burning with rage and contempt but he stilled his hand from marking their demise.

'Not yet,’ he thought, eyeing the moving figures as they scattered around, no doubt to accelerate their search for you.

Tapping on the window, his frown deepened when you visibly flinched and made to dive under the desk, if not for the familiar cold mist that circulated around you. You whipped your body upright and caught sight of the intimidating dark brother that you’ve come to love so dearly.

“Death,” you breathed as soon as you slid the window open, allowing him entrance and shutting it behind.

“Y/N,” he said it with such calmness that surprised even him. “They’re within close proximity. We must make haste.”

“We?” you couldn’t help but blurt out.

His eyes shot down on you. “Yes, 'we’, as in 'us’, Y/N,” his irritation seeped through his calmness. You winced at the abruptness but held your tongue, averting your eyes to the floor.

Your psyche was already too damaged to formulate a defense.

He placed a heavy hand on your shoulder. “Come. We cannot linger here.”

You only nodded, choosing not to respond. The wrath of your people was already too much to bear. Gripping the cuff of your jacket tightly, you waited to follow your guardian. But he didn’t move.

“Y/N,” he paused, seemingly debating with something. “Are you afraid of me?”

“N-No!” you gasped.

“Talk to me.”

Perhaps it was the soft gentleness that prompted you to comply. “I-I just don’t see the point of you being here. The idea was to resurrect humanity to redeem your brother. End of,” the hand on your shoulder didn’t move. “Everything else is irrelevant. You’ve done what you had to do. Earth and its people should mean nothing to you.”

Whatever he was about to say was lost to the sound of the approaching mob, the cacophony of their cries and jeers, stomping boots and clanging of sharp weaponry evoked a terrified wail of your own. The hand on your shoulder moved to your back, firmly pressing you to him.

“You needn’t be afraid,” he muttered under his breath. “Not while I’m here.”

’But why?’ you wanted to ask but instead replaced it with a shaky, “Do they know I’m here?”

“Not yet,” was the curt reply. You looked up to see his face turned to the side, eyeing the fragile window as though daring them to come through.

You pressed your palm onto the bottom of his cold sternum. He tilted his head downwards to the right, still not meeting your eyes. “You have doubts, young one,” he rumbled lowly but his tone was not accusing.

Before you could respond, something crashed through the window and you screamed, but Death easily deflected the rock with the back of his hand, leaving you untouched. Without another word, he lifted you into his brawny arms and at once, you felt a magnitude of your fear dissolving under his touch.

“You needn’t doubt,” he continued, surprising you. “Humanity’s resurrection served to erase my brother’s crime, yes, but…,” he faltered then. The jeers and taunts grew louder and so so close.

“Devil spawn!”

“Traitor!”

“You brought this upon us!”

Death slowly approached the shattered window, arms tightening around you. “…but not at this cost,” he was still not looking at you. “At this point, Y/N, Earth and its people indeed mean nothing to me,” he muttered darkly.

Another rock pelted through and Death let it bounce off his shoulder, as though it was just a bead or marble. He was now standing on the ledge, regarding the baying mob below him. The only barrier was the glass window.

“They are irrelevant,” he jerked his head to the crowd. “As to why I am here…” once again, he halted when sudden poundings reverberated through the inner walls, causing pieces of the ceiling to crumble down.

A small whimper escaped your throat and Death felt you grip his cowl tightly. Eyes softening, he finally looked down at you, taking in your tear streaked face. Tears caused by fear. Fear instilled by your people. The very people who should be grateful to you.

“As to why I am here,” he repeated softly, Harvester was already in one hand and he was slowly sliding the window open.

“Death?” you whispered when he didn’t carry on, shivering when the sudden gust of icy breeze enveloped you, but no longer were you panicking even though the clamour of the angry mass was deafening.

Death’s eyes creased. At your confused stare, he merely tapped your nose with a long finger. You giggled then, albeit a strangled one when it dawned on you what he meant.

Later, the shouts of jeers and taunts will be replaced with yowls of agony, pleas for mercy and the sounds of ripping flesh. No mercy will be shown. No human will be spared tonight. 

It will take little convincing for you to agree to live him in his home realm. Earth was no longer your home.  

[kainfamilyfortune]

Thea - Journal Entry #10

10. Leaps of Faith

The gentle tug and pull of the ship lulled me into a restless sleep last night as we made our way closer and closer to the Kul Tiran capitol of Boralus. I couldn’t help but wake upon the cot next to my new comrades, feeling the anxious ties as they too toss and turn. The eyes of a Gilnean woman met mine in the dimly lit hull - I could see the face worn by so much loss and hardship, and I hoped she could see the strife that I had in my life as well mirroring her expression. She cracked a hopeful smile before closing her eyes, her long dark hair covering half of her face as she embraced the frayed linens, peacefully whisking away into slumber.

I had fear in my judgement, Light being my guiding hand, that I wasn’t strong enough for this. Leadership may be in my blood, but this was further than what even Pap told me of Andrew Kain, first in the family, who was bestowed the gift of the Light. He helped the first immigrants of humans travel from Tirisfal to Westfall, then the Kain name traveled back north to settle all throughout the Eastern Kingdoms, “All we have is our legacy.” I could hear Pap say, but all I could feel was pressure to bestow a line of kin, bare a child in a cluster fuck of a war-ridden world. I was truly the last Kain.

I stared at the ceiling of the ship for a long while, hearing the uneasy snores of those who I would fight alongside in the coming days, before calming... thinking of far beyond where I was.

I opened my eyes, as I stood from the dilapidated cot, smelling the lush forest. I have never been here, I thought. The only place that this reminded me of was home, but much more overgrown and raw, as I looked off into the distance I could see a lake and... Arathor banners around a small plateau of tents and huts, and the makings of a small castle. This was Tirisfal. I was home. I turned to where our humble abode would be, to find nothing but a few tents and a gentle fire under the twilight sky. Two boys about my age sat across from one another talking, but I couldn’t quite make out what they were saying so I walked over to them and waved to get their attention but they didn’t acknowledge my approach. The conversation become much clearer, “So you’re actually going through with it, eh brother?” the darker amber haired, broad shouldered boy said.

The other boy, bald with soft amber eyes and sharp chin answered, “Aye, Andrew, I’m afraid I won’t be able to join the caravans. Besides they need me to take care of the sick, this disease is... it’s not looking well. The High Priest has already started to show signs... clammy hands, high fever, the coughing... we fear that he... he isn’t going to make it.” His sentence breaks off as a few tears begin to well up in his eyes, before wiping them away.

“Silas, we need you. Kobolds and Gnolls are the least of our fears as we travel south. We need a good priest to spread the message of the Light. I need my brother.” Andrew nods in an encouraging way, but gives a frank smirk knowing that the other boy has already made his choice.

“You’re the leader. You always have been. Ma and Pap, they- they would be proud. So proud-.” He stops, looking up in my direction, as I step upon a twig breaking the silence, “You’d better check that out.”

“Aye.” Andrew mouths, approaching me at a vigorous pace, mace in hand as it flared in light, two paces away from me before he passes straight through me. I wasn’t here. This was a dream, and I was left alone with the one named Silas, as he looked straight at me with a curious look, not speaking a word. 

“You see me, don’t you?” I spoke, breaking the silence. Anxiety welled up in my throat burning like acid. I was met with silence for a moment before Andrew walked past me dragging the carcass of a limp boar.

“That’s going to be a good dinner.” Silas said, his eyes still staying vigilant on me, before shaking his head and standing up to help his brother hang the boar upon the fire pit, flames licking the freshly skinned flesh. Good they couldn’t see me. I approached the fire, sitting down on a third log between the two, I couldn’t help but appreciate the brother’s silence as they cooked their dinner under the now dimming sky, the songs of crickets in the wood and snapping of embers in the fire, looking closely at each one’s features. Andrew was built, like he had spent most of his days chopping logs and carrying heavy loads for this newly found kingdom. His eyes matched my dark amber ones and button nose gave him a warmth in his rounder still boy like face, as he stared at Silas across the fire with earnest. Silas’s sharp features lulled downward looking towards the boar as he twirled the fire spit, his thinner, spindly build showed that he wasn’t much of a fighter, robes clean, seemed like he was a priest in the making.

Silas stopped and got up, grabbing a knife, admiring the boar skin as he stretched it up a tanning rack, as he began to trim the hairs. His careful movements were calculated and precise. He was interrupted by Andrew as he began coughing, “Alright brother?” He asked from behind. I looked to see Andrew covering a hand now drenched in fresh blood as he attempted to clear his throat. “Aye.. Aye-” He coughed again and again. Silas approached him now with a slight panic, “The dinner can wait, Come now.” He moved the boar off the spit with one hand, conjuring light to hold the other end and then grabbed his brother by the shoulder and walked him towards the main camp.

I followed the two, stars showing the way, as Silas struggled to drag Andrew up the hill. Finally they made it to what I assumed to be an infirm tent. The largest in the camp, paled only by the ground work of the castle to be built around them. He carefully set Andrew down as another priest assisted, procuring a combination of herbs into a mortar and pestle and feeding it to him, Silas dabbed a cold rag around his neck and forehead. Andrew looked up from the cot to Silas and said weakly, “I’m-I’m fine brother. Does the fever come so quick to kill?” He attempted a jest, laughing at first then proceeded into a coughing fit.

“Rest brother. A cure is coming.” Another tear stroke down upon his cheek as the priest flanking Silas rested a hand upon his shoulder. I couldn’t watch this... Andrew couldn’t have died. He didn’t. I exited the tent and watched the sky for a moment, night blanketing the scenery in an eerily similar fashion to my youth, then the turned into day, then to night again, then day, then night. It was dizzying that I shut my eyes for a moment wanting the shock to subside. When I opened them again it had stopped, and I heard crying from behind me.

I entered the tent to find Silas, knelt over the body of Andrew, tunic covered in blood, and four other priests encroached upon him. He was dead. Truly. The woman who had put a hand upon Silas’s shoulder tried to do so again, but he shook it off. “Leave me.” he muttered under tearful jerks, “Leave. Now.” They seemed to be apprehensive at first, but then acknowledged his grief as they exited the tent. Silas arose, wiping away his tears and draped a cloth upon the frame of his brother. He stood there a moment in silence before lifting his arm and snapping his fingers, light filtering underneath the burly build of a man kiting him a few feet into the air. Levitating him slowly towards where I stood.

I followed the two brothers once again, instead of going to the camp where they would have had a jovial meal, to the newly built under croft. I could feel Silas’s aura, his warmth, it matched that of when I lost Dustin, although something was much more raw about it. A soft light from the sun basked the entry way, with flower petals of previous ceremonies of loved ones were showered in remembrance, as the torchlight cancelled the next flight down into the darkened crypt.

Finally we reached the inner chamber, Silas knelt down in the center snapping his fingers and gently laying his brother as he began to pray. “Light, I’ve come to you this day with the heaviest burden upon my shoulders. I have given to you all that I am, all that I ever will be, to see my mother, my father and now my brother die at the hand of disease and misfortune upon this land. Please here my call. Please help me resurrect my brother. My Andrew. So that he can lead these people to greater heights, ones’ that they can’t even imagine.”

I stared at him as he was met with silence, resurrections were not that simple, surely he knew this. I wanted to comfort him, but as I took a step forward the room... the weight shifted. Air felt like it was pulling in from all directions around a singular point. Andrew Kain. The flames sucked inward from the torches as they were extinguished, the only glow in the room was a faint holy aura from Silas and a shimmer in front of him, as the sultry female voice spoke out from the void, “A barter must be made to continue young priest…”

Light. No.

“What do you ask of me? Please save him… he deserves to be in good health.  He has much good in him.” He pleaded, tears streaking his face. As the shimmer caressed the corpse, and began to glow vibrantly, then dim once more. Time felt like it had paused to admire this moment, as he waited, and waited. Andrew began to cough, but not that of violent disease, no. Life was pouring back into him before weakly he grasped at Silas’s hand, with a wide smile. “Silas...”

Before he had a moment to embrace Andrew laying before him, the shimmer spoke again. “A barter has been reached.” As Silas’s body collapsed upon the crypt floor. 

A life for a life.

His funeral was nothing like I ever saw. Tears struck my own eyes as I relived it, honoring the memory of one of the first Light wielders. The one my family chose to forgot or was lost to time itself. Or the one I made up. Because before I knew it, I was being startled awake to get ready for departure. Boralus Awaits.

(OOC Notes! 

Wanna Catch-up? ----> Here!

I wanted to explore a few themes with this one, figured now would be a good time to start to blur the story lines between the two muses and wanted to challenge myself in what would that time be like in Silas’s life, while offering a canon ‘origin story’, while at the same time have Thea be introduced to Silas as this distant past relative that the family doesn’t acknowledge or speak of. Hmmm Wonder why? 

I cannot wait to start writing the Battle of Dazar’alor, I’m about to actually do that in-game with Thea (Since I got her to ilvl330 this morning) once I jump through another week worth of WQ’s, LFR’s and Warfronts! Since I don’t technically main Alliance it’s been super great feeling. For now I wish you all a happy week! Thank you so much for reading if you got this far! <3)

[knightofbalance-13]

Re:RWBY Chapter 2 “Review”

http://archiveofourown.org/chapters/22649114

Remember that stupid little project that’s said to be a passion project but the writer out right insulted the original writing staff and blocked their only critic? Well, I’mma gonna point out every single flaw in each part of Re:RWBY for my followers. I would do this for the author but they've made it clear they don't want my opinion by blocking me so sucks to be them: I’m never directly criticizing them ever again.

So let’s begin:

The kind of view you could only get up close.

See, the reason here is that if this was said by a person, the weird dialogue here would be excused as a part of human speech pattern but since it’s narration, it sticks out like a sore thumb. What works as a character talking does NOT work as narration. It’s also a sentence fragement that, again, only works with casual dialogue, NOT narration.

That guy’s got a flaming staff!

See, this normally wouldn’t be a problem...but the author directly took an almost exact line from the original and decried it. So apparently they’re allowed to get away with this but the original writing staff isn’t. Hypocrisy people: it kills the enjoyment of a story. Also, the lack of a chibi Ruby makes this scene

“Just weapons?” she exclaimed in disbelief, “They’re an extension of ourselves! They’re part of our very being, and they’re really cool!”

See, this is a problem with the written style of Re:RWBY: What works in the original show does not always translate well to written form directly. This line is emphasized by the sheer emotion and speech that Ruby shows in the original. Here, it loses the charm. You’d need to be way more description to make this funny or charming.

That’s pretty deep of you.” Yang remarked with a smile. She had heard this a hundred times before.

Why is Yang saying it’s deep of her if she’s heard it so many times? had you said that Yang rolled her eyes and then smiled then it would show exhaustion on her end and thus be funny but now it’s just boring and awkward.

“Like you’re always up in people's’ faces, and Ember Celica’s all about aggression! And then you know, Dad’s not very confrontational so he’s got his whole thing, and me, well…”

Mind telling us about how Ember Celica is all about aggression because you didn’t write the trailers so for all we know, Ember Celcia is all about defense. I know that’s nitpicky but if they’re not going to be fair, I see no reason to be myself.

Also, rwde posters criticized miles for being vague...so this person just decides to be as vague as possible with Taiyang’s weapon. Yeah, even though I love Taiyang to death, that will not save this person from my knife.

“Are completely over-the-top and rip off your heroes?”

Yang’s brutal but that was just uncalled for, aswell as rather OOC for her. Goody, this writer can’t keep an already established character consistant, something any fanfic author worth their weight in ink learns day 1.

“Hey!” she said defiantly, “I love Crescent Rose for what she is, I just happen to appreciate certain amazing weapons as a base.” “So, you copied Uncle Qrow’s gimmick.” “Shh!” she hushed Yang with a pout. It didn’t exactly help that she hit the nail on the head with that comment. “I just love seeing new weapons, okay? It’s a lot like meeting new people, only better.”

Yeah, see the scene in the original worked better as it flowed faster into Ruby’s social awkwardness and made her more adorable. We also say Runy looking away from Yang, emphasizing this. Here, this is not the case.

“Actually, my friends are here. I should really catch up. You’ll do great! Just wander around and find some people! I’ll see you soon!” Yang sprinted off towards the older students who had arrived together with peers their own age. “But Yang!” “Bye!” she shouted, and melded into her circle of friends. It left Ruby rather dejected.

yeah, again this fails because Yang was talking really fast, zooming around with shadow people as friends and zooming away really quickly, leaving Ruby visibly dazed and confused with really wacky music playing in the background. All of these factors catch the viewer by surprise and thus make it funny. Here, it’s dull, flat and emotionless. And yes, it is possible to translate this to writing. Easily. Watch.

“Actually...” Yang drawled out, fiddling with her hair. All of a sudden, several people zoomed out of seemingly nowhere, the force of the movement sending Ruby into a spin, making her resemble a black and red top.

“Myfriendsarealreadyhere, Ishouldcatchupwiththem.You’lldogreat,wanderaroundandmeetsomepeopel. ‘kaybye!’ Yang rattled off quickly, zipping away so fast all she could make out was the dark sillouhtte of Yang’s friends, leaving her older sisters words to rattle around the poor girl’s skull as she desperately tried to get the world to stop spinning

“But Yang!-” She cried out, her rotations pettering out much like her hopes for the day

See? I managed to do it, keep it closer to the original and keep it funny. And it took me about thirty seconds. Not hard, at all.

“Where are we even supposed to go…?” she wondered aloud in a hushed whine. Did she have to worry about dorms? Did the school even have dorms? Well of course they had to, otherwise where would they live? She still had no idea where to find them or who to report to for a room key or even the names of anyone else in the huge place! “I don’t know what I’m doing.”

Yeah, this was much funnier in the original as ruby said all of these in a paniced squeak, not a hushed whine. Also, the middle part was said not narrated, adding to the hilarity. Narration should only be used as an addition, NOT a substitute.

“This is Dust! It’s all Dust! Mined and purified straight from the finest Schnee quarries! Do you even know what the market price is for a mere ounce of this?” Little did she realize the powder spilled into the air with each reckless movement. “Uuhhhh…” Ruby sniffled. "What are you, brain-dead?" She slammed the case she held shut and dropped it back on the luggage cart. “Dust! Only the best Dust there is! You’re not gonna find a better producer on the planet and you’re out here knocking it around!” "Right, I... I know..." Ruby coughed and pulled her sleeve over her nose. “Are you even listening to me? Is any of this sinking in? What do you have to say for yourself?!"

Ah see here, the thing is this dialogue paints Weiss as your stereotypical rich girl and while she did have a few shades of it in the original, it was only her attitude that was this, not her dialogue hinting that there is more to her. So in essence: Weiss’ first lines are OOC.

Ruby, who had received enough Dust to the face by that point, finally sneezed one of the greatest sneezes of her life. The force of it blew the volatile Dust particles right back at the girl, where they ignited in a large but otherwise harmless explosion. It left her flawless white dress and fair skin covered in black soot. She began to dust it off and barely contained her rage.

Thing is: There are times to take liberty with the source material and thus you could have said that it created a crater ike it was intended in the original. But by sticking to it (for once) you’ve limited your self and contradicted your writing (”large but otherwise harmless?” me thinks this person doesn’t understand how explosions work.)

“Heiress. It’s heiress, actually,” announced a voice from afar. Both girls turned to see a dark-skinned young woman walk towards them. Silky black hair bounced with each step along with an oversized bow atop her head. “Weiss Schnee, heiress to the Schnee Dust Company” she said plainly. “Finally,” Weiss smiled smugly, “some recognition!” “One of the largest Dust producers in the world, hailing all the way from Atlas.” “Precisely.” The new girl shrugged and closed her eyes nonchalantly. “The same company infamous for its controversial labor forces and questionable business partners, not to mention the dangerous implications of a Dust monopoly on the world economy.” "Wha- How dare you- The nerve of... Ugh!”

One : Blake was pissed off in her second line, drawing a connectionto her disdain for Weiss. Now it seems like she’s just stating facts.

Two: They put the fuming after this but she starts getting angry immediately and thus should have been connected to the last line. This is basic writing technique and the author fucked it all up.

Weiss began to fume, which made Ruby chuckle. The black-haired girl offered her hand, when her tights-covered legs came into view, Ruby took it, hoisted to her feet by some hefty upper body strength. In contrast to Weiss, Blake boasted incredible height, and in contrast to Yang, all of her muscle came in toned, smooth arms.

That’s a pretty damn sexual description of Blake for an asexual like Ruby who is confirmed to not think about sex. Great, OOC and forced lesbianism. Wonderful. Would have worked if this were an AU but nope, this is meant to be a novelixation of RWBY so this is a problem. Also, “The black-haired girl offered her hand, when her tights-covered legs came into view, Ruby took it, hoisted to her feet by some hefty upper body strength” ? Couldn’t just leave out the comma? The line feels clumsy and awkward and unlike the writing staff of RWBY (specifically Miles) who was just starting out on the show, the author boasts being a better writer...despite amateur screw ups that my thirteen self would cringe at.

The rich girl scowled and snapped her fingers. A couple of servants came and collected the suitcases on the ground. She walked alongside her luggage cart as her servants rolled it off, but her thousand-yard grouchy stare stuck to the black-clad girl the whole time.

Problem: Weiss is never seen with any servants at Beacon and never mentions anything and wants to distance herself from her father. So this is still pretty damn OOC for her.

"I promise I'll make this up to you!" Ruby yelled after Weiss. With all said and done, she really did not want to make any enemies. “And thanks for the backup,” she said to the other girl, “guess I’m not the only one having a rough first day…” She turned to what she hoped could flourish into a new friend. “I’m Ruby! What’s your name?” “Oh, uh” she seemed taken aback by the question. “I’m-” “Hey! What did Sneezy get herself into over here?”

yeah, Blake walked awaynin the original encounter which left Ruby alone, making Jaune’s reach out to her all the more noticeable and making an immediate bond with her. But seeing as the author barely tolerates him, I guess I should be thankful they didn’ t ax him immediately.

Also: Sneezy? Nowhere near as funny as “Crater Face” which due to length and size is a clear parallel to “Vomit Boy” and also I assume this is a reference to Sneezy from Snow White? Yeah, wrong character: Ruby’s red Riding Hood so the reference is a screw up.

“Do they?” Asked the black-haired girl rather flatly. She put a hand on her hip and raised an eyebrow. Ruby noticed a black ribbon wrapped up her forearm.

Blake go away! You’re intruding on the best damn relationship in the show! And no I don’t mean romatically but Ruby and Jaune always had this bond with each other that made them really click as they share so much. This also helped Ruby gain some points as jaune is the Audience Surrogate and thus we feel closer to her.

Now it’s just Blake...and Ruby’s delivery with her higher voice is funnier.

“Woah! What’s that?” Ruby interjected again as she spotted what that ribbon attached to; a black rectangular sheath with a sharpened edge strapped to the back of the girl’s waist. “Is that your weapon?” “It’s, uh…” “Is it a gun? A sword? A gun-sword?!” “It’s more of a-” “And is the sheath a sword too? Wow! And that ribbon ties it all together. Is it elastic or something so you can slingshot it around?” “I’d rather just-” “You know,” Jaune cut in, “I have a weapon too.” “Don’t we all?” Ruby asked, and grabbed Crescent Rose from behind her back. She transformed it immediately and slammed the tip of the blade into the ground for balance. The gears and machinations at the base of the curved blade, as well as the Dust cartridge loaded up to the barrel made it impressive for reasons more than its size.

I am bored as shit right now. The gag of Blake trying to introduce herself is not funny, the two with real chemistry aren’t interacting and my patience is nearing it’s end!

“Is that a giant scythe?” Jaune asked, intimidated. “It’s also a customizable, high-impact sniper rifle.” “A…. a what?” “It’s also a gun.” The black-haired girl clarified. Ruby cocked the rifle’s slide to agree. Despite Ruby’s enthusiastic smile, the other girl hardly seemed as dazzled as Jaune. “Isn’t something like that a little dangerous for someone of your…stature?”

Ruined the line. The author ruined one of the most iconic lines in the series. There’s nowhere enough description for the voices to be funny, nowhere near enough build up of awkwardness to come out of nowhere, Blake bogs the scene down and the gun cock comes before the line. All of this makes it dull. The author made RWBY dull!

“Sounds like more of an heirloom to me,” Ruby chuckled. “Well, I like it. Not everyone has an appreciation for the classics. How about you, friend-” To her surprise, the black-haired girl had vanished while they conversed over Jaune’s sword. Not a trace left.

Not enough build up to be funny, don’t know enough of Blake to be meaningful thus she was completely superfluous. Blake was completely pointless, what was her poi-

“Shows concern and then runs off without warning,” Ruby mumbled, “she’d get along great with Yang. Didn’t even get her name!”

Ah, I see. A build up to a dumb joke and not even a good dumb joke and forced Bumbleby ship tease. Great.

"Hmm." Ruby looked around as students dispersed. "Hey, do you know where we’re supposed to go?” "Oh, I don't know! I was following you. Y-You think there might be a directory? Maybe a food court? Some kind of recognizable landmark?” Ruby giggled at the thought of them as two new students completely lost with zero help. Of course her day would end up like this and things would go disastrously badly! “Is, uh... Is that a 'no'?" "Heheh, hah…That's a 'no.'"

Joke falls flat because they haven’t moved a god damn inch, not enough description to be funny anyway and “disastrously badly” ? Really? Two adverbs in a row in narration?! Well, at least it ends as it started: Bad.

I mean it: This is on of the worse novelization of a series I have ever seen and I happen to be a fan of the concept. Not enough description to match the vibrancy of the original, chops up lines and characters until they kill scenes and OOC out the butt. If this is what critics of RWBY think it should be then I’m starting to think that RWBY critics are totally wrong after all. Especially if they are arrogant enough to think THIS is even close to equal to RWBY, let alone above it.

*Holds up a copy of Re:RWBY Chapter 2* Only one thing to do left. *Flings it the air, causing the pages to float down*

SILVER CHARIOT, CUT THIS SHIT TO PIECES *Silver Chariot appears and slashes and stabs all the pages with speed and precision befitting the Stand of Victory. The pages are quickly cut into pieces, then into fragements then into shreds and so on until the chapter is cut beyond repair*

[caniisrufus]

i’m sorry the only thing i can think about now with ‘ single parent au ‘ things is dream daddy au.

[caniisrufus]

my eyes hurt and my kitchen pipes are bust and my neighbours are loud but you can’t take my dumb red son from my grubby gay hands

[caniisrufus]

just learned pidge and keith’s ship has the name ‘ forestfire ‘ and honestly why did none of you tell me

[caniisrufus]

voltron has a vr game with the actual voice actors where you play as lance and i’m losing my mind

[caniisrufus]

i forgot keith’s birthday was next week

[caniisrufus]

sure i’ll abide by the lore of the vr game, why not

[caniisrufus]

🎉 he’s so used to indifferent solitude that he doesn’t think much about his birthday bc nobody’s ever been around much to celebrate it with him 🎉

[caniisrufus]

hey ya’ll ever just been exhausted