#where the mountian meets the moon

[moominvalley-state-of-mind]

in honor of the wild robot movie coming out this fall,

couldn''t put more, but some honerable mentions:

wind in the willows

watership down

honestly, theres probably more lmao :P

!!PLEASE RB!!

[spiritedstars]

Spirit Meets the Bones XXXVI

Genre: Angst/Romance/Drama Warnings: physical abuse/triggering language. Author’s Note:  Thank you for reading <3

thank you @riorsonxaden for always being my beta <3

tagging: @climb-the-mountian / @vanserrass / @positivewitch / @animezinglife / @zenkindoflove / @rosewood-cafe / @clockwork-ashes / @carnythian / @secret-third-thing / @runningwiththeoceans / @that-golden-lyre / @thedarkinmansfield / @readychilledwine / @goldenmagnolias / @mali22 / @readthelastpaage / @maidr-00 / @electromagnetic-waves / @eastofatlanta / @moobell55 / @bibliophiliaxvignette / @devilsfoodcake22 / @weesablackbeak / @ladywhilemia / @alohaangels / @feysandfeels / @corcracrow / @dawneternal / @gracie-rosee / @mage-neve / @illyrianvalkyrie / @saint-stella / @carolynmezzosoprano / @rainbowsnowflake / @queenoftheworld1998 / @wolvesnravens / @lalaluch /

Find it all here.

Iris tried to focus on her steps as she walked away from the one person who mattered more than anyone else. Tried to keep breathing, knowing anything could happen to him. 

She could sense Eris’s every emotion trickling through the bond as she stepped out of the ballroom and walked quickly down the hall. His panic became hers and as she ran a finger against her necklace in comfort, Iris knew better than to look back. If she did, she wouldn’t resist running back to him and he needed her away for his own sanity. 

With every step she moved away from him, her mess of a heart thumped how wrong it felt. She loved him. She loved him and should’ve told him anyway. She should’ve stayed —

Iris also realized she should’ve been paying attention when she collided with the one person she wanted to avoid.

“Iris.” 

She straightened at the voice of the High Lord and a strong sense of foreboding coiled in her stomach as she took a step back. 

Iris gave him a polite bow of her head. “High Lord.”

Beron tilted his head, giving her a sly leer that instantly put her on edge. “You usually say it differently, no?”

She worked not to let her expression shift from a pleasant smile and swallowed, bowing her head again, “How can I help you, my High Lord?”

“Better,” he said and took a closer step to her, his eyes tracing her body in a way he hadn’t openly done so before. He watched her with an almost morbid curiosity and it made Iris tense further. “Have you been enjoying yourself this evening?”

Iris’s jaw clenched but she kept her gaze even. “Yes, of course. It’s been a splendid night,” she answered. “Where is –”

“You’re doing better than I expected. I admit…I underestimated your capabilities.” Beron continued, ignoring her response as his gaze burned into her skin. “I am pleased to see that you can be taught whatever is necessary.” 

She couldn’t stop the slow blink at his words and the tone he said them, alarm bells ringing in her ears. Silence stretched between them and Iris knew by the way the corner of his mouth lifted, Beron could hear the rapid beating of her heart. His gaze shifted to her chest as if he could see right through her and suddenly, her mind took her back to the fight she had with Eris many moons ago about his father – about the High Lord’s particular interest in females. Eris didn’t believe his father would cross that one line to force himself on the females he wanted but…with the way the High Lord was looking at her now, Iris wasn’t as confident. Hating the way his gaze made her feel so dirty, she casually lifted a hand to rest it over the slight dip in the front of her dress, cold dread slinking down her spine. 

“I’m…relieved to know it was to your standard,” she said carefully. “But where is –”

The High Lord took another step towards her and Iris couldn’t stop her eyes from widening as he infringed on her personal space. She noticed too late how quiet the hallway was – how alone they were. How Oren, who was meant to be waiting for her, was nowhere in sight. “Where are you off to, without your husband?”

Cautiously, Iris backed another step with a tight smile. “I wanted to refresh before we continued with the dancing,” she said. “Where’s Mother?”

Beron’s face darkened and his demand was nearly a growl, “Stop calling her that. Do not concern yourself with her.” 

She blinked, her brows furrowing slightly and her free hand tightened in the folds of her dress. “As you wish…may I be on my way now?”

Instead of answering, the High Lord took another step closer, backing Iris against the wall and her eyes quickly darted to the empty hall they stood in again. Why was it so empty? And so quiet? Where the hell were all the people? 

“My lord –”

“My eldest son had always been my favorite of the children I sired. The most reliable. The one who followed orders.” he began. “Yet, since you appeared, he has challenged me more and more as the days go on. He’s become quite a nuisance.” Beron’s mouth curled in distaste as he watched her. “Every single one of them has become a nuisance but Eris…he has disappointed me the most. And I do believe it is all because of you.” 

Iris flushed and beneath the prickling anxiety at being cornered like this, anger pulsed under her skin. “I’m afraid I don’t follow, High Lord.” 

Beron snorted. “Do not pretend to misunderstand what I mean, Iris.”

They said nothing for a moment and Iris knew she had to tread carefully. Eris had suspected his father might be aware of something but she didn’t want to be the one to jeopardize anything else. 

“I think you are giving me too much credit, my lord.” she finally said. “Eris is a male of his own mind and has always…admired you. Strived to please you.” 

His brow ticked up at her words and Iris had to swallow as he leaned in closer to her. “And you, Iris? Do you strive to please me?”

Revulsion clogged her throat at the quiet, sinister tone he used and his choice of words. Iris knew he always toed this line with her, doing anything to piss Eris off. But this time…it felt different, more dangerous. 

This time, Iris wasn’t sure the High Lord wouldn’t act.

“I –”

“You and I haven’t gotten to know each other very well. I think that will be changing soon,” he said and Iris felt her stomach drop as he watched her with cruel amusement. “My son will not like it but I’ve let him slide without a more lasting punishment and he seems to be pushing his limit today. You will fit exactly what I have in mind for him.” 

Her face flushed deeply and Iris could do nothing to stop the disgust in her expression, that rage simmering beneath her skin. Did she dare pull out her dagger? Would she be fast enough? “W-what are you —”

Beron chuckled and Iris flinched back when he raised a hand to grip her face tightly. “In all honesty, you weren’t of any interest to me before,” he said, his voice as soft as a lover and Iris tried not to gag at how close his mouth was to hers. “My son and I had an understanding about you but the way he keeps you from me and hides you away…piqued my interest. I think it’ll be a very fitting punishment indeed for him to watch as I teach you all the things that do please me. He can watch you break until it shatters him.” That cruel amusement returned as he added, “And then I will slit his throat.”

The world slid out from beneath her feet and rage like none other scorched her skin. “How dare you –”

His grip tightened painfully on her chin and she hated the smile he gave her at the whimper that slipped from her lips. “You are aware your father offered you to me first, aren’t you?” he asked, his tone sharpening. “Your circumstances and level of comfort are rapidly changing and given how the rest of this evening will unfold, I suggest you watch your tone. Your husband will no longer be your shield.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” she breathed and a twisted smile curled on the High Lord’s face. 

“Do you think I’m unaware that my sons are trying to stage a coup? That my wife is a part of it?” he said, his voice low and Iris felt her lungs collapse. “They planned and planned and it will all collapse on their heads.”

Iris worked her throat, panic slowly unfurling in her chest as she thought about her next steps. This couldn’t be happening. “I don’t think –”

She yelped as the High Lord gripped her by the throat and slammed her body into the wall. “Do not even think to lie to me.” he hissed. “I know they will try to humiliate me tonight but I’ll be damned if I let them after everything I’ve done to get here.” His hold tightened and Iris wheezed as her nails dug into his hand. “You will get your share of the punishment as well but I promised your father he would get his turn first.”

Her father. Of course, that fucker was in on it. He must’ve come to them earlier on purpose, to rile her and Eris before disappearing. 

What if she pulled her dagger out now? Would she be able to gut him and run to find Eris? Her free hand twitched in the folds of her dress for the hidden pocket but the High Lord grabbed her wrist and pinned her arm to the wall, pressing his body against her.

Iris couldn’t breathe and she wondered if Eris could sense her panic – her fear. It was the last thing she wanted. She didn’t want Eris anywhere near his father right now and she tried to move but all it did was push her body against Beron’s even further. He smiled at her in a way that said he liked it too much. 

“You must have lost your mind. Let go of me.” she hissed, clawing at his hands but Beron only smirked, tightening his grip even further. 

“Do not give me orders, girl. Once I’m finished cleaning out the traitors, you will have the honor of being the first trained in the new ways,” he promised darkly. “I certainly don’t need four sons and can always find a new wife.” Much to her dismay, Beron leaned close to her ear and breathed, “I do have plans to keep you in the family, Iris. You and I can play then whichever of my sons survives…I’ll let him play with you too.” She froze, her breath stuttering as the High Lord pulled back and Iris looked at him with wide eyes, overcome with horror. “And do not worry, I’ll kill Eris after he has the privilege of watching his mate be used.”

Iris’s head emptied and she felt her body go slack against him. He knew. The bastard knew about their bond and Eris had been right – his father was going to make everything so much worse. 

She stared at him in repulsion and disbelief and so much anger boiled in her blood that she began to shake. How long would males like her father and Beron think to use her like bait? To keep finding ways to hurt her husband, the only male she’d ever loved? “You are a deranged bastard.” she seethed. “How dare you say these kinds of things? How dare you spit on something so sacred and try to twist it?”

Beron’s smile was one of her worst nightmares. “Soon enough, I will spit wherever I’d like.” he nearly purred and Iris fought back the urge to gag. “This isn’t the first time I’ve ruined someone’s mate. I will certainly enjoy ruining you as well.”

“You’re a fucken pig. Let - me - go.” Iris hissed and thrashed in his arms. “Eris will –” But Beron’s face darkened at the mention of his son, squeezing her throat tighter. 

And fight as she might, he was a High Lord — a vile, vicious High Lord that abused his powers in the worst ways and he would not let Iris break out of his grasp unless he allowed it.

He observed her for a moment, his mouth curling. “I do like your fighting spirit. We’ll see how long it’ll last when I’m done with you.” he mused then shoved her to the side hard enough, Iris stumbled and fell as she finally took a deep breath. “I plan to see how fast you can run, little gazelle.”

Iris blinked in shock, trying to breathe as she watched him casually making his way back to the ballroom – as if he hadn’t just stated his despicable plans to ruin everyone’s lives. Eris and his brothers had plans in place but the High Lord seemed to be ten steps ahead. How did he know? Who had betrayed them?

Iris rubbed her raw neck, noticing too late that her necklace had broken, and pulled her hand back, cradling it sadly. She tried not to take it as a bad omen as she shakily stood, torn in her next decision.

She would not think about the High Lord’s threats, shuddering through the ghost of his touch and gazing around the empty hall again. It was empty for a reason and she struggled to understand why Beron had let her go.

Did she run back and warn Eris? Would it be walking right into Beron’s trap and making it all worse?

Iris steeled herself, tucking the necklace into the pocket of her dress with shaky hands and finally pulling out her dagger. She would go back to Eris but not without some kind of support – Iris would be a help and not a hindrance. She would find Oren and hopefully, her mother-in-law.  As upset as her husband might be that Iris was still here, she’d be damned if she left him now.

Tightening her grip on her dagger, Iris carefully continued down the hall, wary of every sound she made. The emptiness of it was deliberate and as she took a few more steps, she felt her healer magic almost tugging her along. Iris did all she could not to run – not to draw attention to herself because the lack of people in this hall was not a good thing. She walked as casually as she could until Iris turned the hall and her body lurched as she came to a stop, her heart leaping into her throat.

“And where do you think you’re running off to, daughter?” 

Iris swallowed and her grip tightened even further on her dagger, observing as her father stood in the hall, alone. As if he’d been waiting for her. “What are you doing here?” she asked as calmly as she could. 

His smile made every inch of her tense. Running into the High Lord and then finding the male she hated most waiting for her was not a coincidence. 

In trying to avoid Beron’s trap of going back to Eris, Iris had walked right into another and it suddenly made sense why the High Lord had let her walk away. 

“I’m here to escort you to your next stop.” her father said with that awful smile and Iris steeled herself. 

“My next stop is to my husband.”

“Why, that’s exactly where I want to take you as well.” Aron said and took a step towards her. Iris took a step back. 

“I will not go anywhere with you. Move aside and let me pass.” she demanded and he raised a brow.

“Given your little stunt in the ballroom and standing here without your husband, I wouldn’t think you’d be brave enough to keep up with that attitude.” 

She felt anger flare in her bones and couldn’t help scoffing at her father. “When we shooed you away like the dog you are?” she mocked and his expression flattened. “I’m not sure why you get offended. You are the High Lord’s lapdog through and through, aren’t you? Willing to do anything and everything he requests of you?”

“Shut your mouth, you ungrateful bitch.” Aron seethed and Iris couldn’t help the small sense of triumph at riling him up, even as they stepped around each other, knowing his hands could harm her. “The High Lord and I have a mutually beneficial relationship that you and your stupid husband threaten to ruin.” 

“Ah, yes. The relationship with you on your knees for the High Lord doing all his dirty work and he allows you to reign free?” she dared to say. 

Aron's eyes narrowed and seethed, “And what do you dare mean by that?" 

And Iris knew should've stayed quiet. She should’ve listened to the part of her screaming to get away from him as soon and as fast as she could – the survival instinct that had stayed with her over the years of dealing with his fists. 

The other part of her, the one now thumping through her veins, was raging at her to keep going. She was a princess of this court. The mate and wife of the next High Lord come hell or high water and her husband was the reason she could stand her ground and know she was worth the fight. She had a right to fight for herself and not let this sorry excuse of a father keep diminishing her like this. So Iris channeled every ounce of arrogance she could muster and smirked, speaking in a tone of such uninterested boredom that she was slightly disappointed Eris wasn’t here to witness it, “Eris and I have often wondered if you get better rewards the better you suck his father's cock. I doubt we’re the only ones.” 

“How dare you!” 

Her father didn’t give her another chance to say anything else and Iris knew she was playing with fire taunting him but she’d spent her whole life dealing with him and his anger. She was sick of him and his jabs and his entire existence. She would fight fire with fire and consequences be damned. 

Aron lunged at his daughter and Iris barely dodged his grip, slicing her dagger up as she went. 

“You dare try to hurt me?” he seethed as he moved against her. 

“I will hurt anyone who tries to hurt me and you’ve been at the top of my list for years, you piece of shit.” She snapped and took a step back, her eyes darting around the hall for anything that may help her. Anything to stop him as he followed her, trying to corner her while she dodged him.

The hall was dimly lit, and that eerie silence of being alone with him had the shadows playing tricks on her senses as Iris continued to evade her father's advances. The bastard seemed to know her every move and each time she moved one way, he followed her with a snarl. She knew she couldn't quite match his physical strength; Iris had been on the receiving end of his blows for years and that small fear would always linger. But she had to remind herself that she was stronger now. Even if she couldn’t win, she sure as fuck could injure and this fueled her determination.

As Aron lunged once more, his sword now in hand, Iris quickly sidestepped him, her dagger slashing through the air and the metallic clash echoed in the hall as her blade met his. The sound vibrated through the room as father and daughter glared at each other.

“You dance this little number with me and yet, you couldn’t overpower me if you tried, could you?” Aron cooed mockingly and Iris’s jaw clenched as she shoved away from him and a gleam of silver caught her eyes from a nearby table. Backing away slowly, letting her father assume she was retreating, Iris darted towards it, quickly grabbing one of the lofty candlestick holders adorning the hall. The cold metal of the sturdy base felt reassuring in her hand as she held it, facing her father.

“This was always your problem, Aron.” she mocked and her father’s eyes flashed. “You always underestimated me.” 

Aron's face twisted with rage, and as he charged at her again, Iris was waiting. She feigned with her dagger and instead swung the candlestick holder with all her might, aiming for his head with a cry of rage, slamming into him as hard as she could. The impact sent him stumbling and she took advantage of his surprise to slam it into him again and watched with gruesome pleasure as her father crumbled to the floor. 

The weapon she’d brandished slipped to the floor with a loud clang and Iris allowed herself a moment of deep breaths, her hands shaking. She had knocked him out. She’d won. This round at least. 

The joy was brief as Iris remembered what she was originally supposed to be looking for and quickly hid her dagger once more. She glanced down at her father with distaste, grabbing his discarded sword and throat bobbing, Iris focused back on finding her family. She had no doubt her father would be coming after her with a vengeance once he awoke. 

Carefully glancing around the corner once more, ensuring she was alone and her father didn’t have anyone else waiting for her, she sprinted towards the guest wing that was rarely used, the only space she could think Beron had walked from. The buzz of her healing magic returned, almost urging her on and Iris focused on swallowing her panic, needing to keep a leveled head. 

They had a plan. She would find Oren then find Eris and they would be fine.

Lady Enya had to be fine. She had to be okay. She was finally leaving. Lucien was waiting – Her mate was waiting. 

And Eris…she would be by his side however the rest of this night goes. 

She skidded to a stop in front of the room, trying to control her heavy breathing as she glanced around the wing to find it deserted, the door to the main room closed. Her magic tingled at her fingertips and Iris knew this was the right place. Quickly, she knocked. “Lady Enya?”

A heartbeat passed and she knocked again, her tone sharpening. “Lady Enya?”

Nothing.

She heard nothing. 

Did that mean – had Beron –

Her grip tightened on her blade but Iris made herself take another deep breath and as she raised her hand once more to knock, she heard a pitiful groan. 

One of pain. 

Iris yanked at the door handle and groaned to find it locked. With a grunt, she threw herself against the door with everything she had once, twice, and by the third shove, her shoulders were aching and her hair had started to become disheveled, there was a small crack in the door. Mustering whatever was left of her energy, she threw herself against the door a final time and it finally burst open. Panting, her gaze swept the room until it fell on a body – three bodies and she nearly keeled over – Lady Enya, Emil, and Oren were bleeding out before her. 

Iris’s hands began to shake as she took note of each person and as if in a trance, slowly let the sword slip from her hands. Lady Enya lay face first on the floor, Emil on the ground with a chair toppled over him, and Oren slumped against the wall. 

Eris had told her what his father was capable of if provoked but it didn’t stop her from trembling at the sight of the broken furniture and speckles of scattered blood. 

“Oh gods.”

Quickly closing the door behind her, Iris rushed over and turned her mother-in-law, blanching at the paleness of her face. Her cheeks were marred with bruises, a cut to her lip and Iris made herself take a breath then another at the sight of the Lady of Autumn’s golden dress now stained with blood. 

The chaos had begun and the High Lord certainly knew where to hit.  

“Mother? Mother, can you hear me?” she called, trying to keep the frantic panic she felt at bay as her hand hovered over Lady Enya’s body, assessing her as carefully as she could. The High Lord seemed to have used his fists more deliberately with his wife, as if wanting to make sure his touch would haunt her forever and Iris bit her lip hard, sensing the amount of bruises across her mother-in-law’s body. A line of blood sat across her throat as if the High Lord had debated whether to slit it or not and Iris’s hands moved shakily, letting her healing magic find the hurt. 

Why hadn’t her body started healing itself yet? What had the High Lord done? 

“Please answer me. Please don’t be  –”

“Iris.” 

Her head snapped to the corner to where Emil struggled and her brother-in-law groaned lowly as he attempted to move. “Emil!” she said and froze for a heartbeat as her gaze flickered between the three bodies. If Lady Enya wasn’t healing, did that mean Emil and Oren hadn’t either? Grimacing, she focused back on her mother-in-law. “What the hell happened? Are you able to get up?”

“My father. He knows.” Emil wheezed and Iris watched him shove the chair off him with a shaky hand. “The fucker knows. Trapped us in here.”

“W-why is there so much blood? ” she asked, carefully shifting Lady Enya’s head to continue checking for injuries. “Why isn’t your mother’s body healing itself? Can you heal yours?” 

“No. F-faebane in the drinks he forced on us,” he said with a wince. “My magic is snuffed out.” 

“Try not to move, please!” Iris called out and glanced down at Lady Enya with a small sense of relief at the little bit of color returning in her cheeks. “Let me help you first. If you’re already hurt, movement will make it worse.”

With a final assessing hand over Lady Enya, Iris quickly shifted over to Emil, assisting him in sitting up and her brother-in-law hissed when she exposed the nasty wound to his gut. His face was no better than his mother’s and Iris winced at the way his arm was twisted. “The fucker saw me following him and Mother. I tried to make it seem like I wanted to walk her back to the dance but when Oren showed up, he must’ve known something was happening and called us in here,” he explained quickly, panting slightly as Iris carefully touched him. “He wanted to toast the evening and before we could stop him, he forced the drinks on us.” 

“What kind of weapon did he use?” Iris asked, moving her hands to scan Emil for further injuries and healing as she went along. “He must’ve –”

“His fists. His magic.” Emil said and moaned painfully as Iris set his arm back in place and healed the wound to his abdomen. “Then his sword. Oren got the brunt of it trying to protect my mother. H-help him, please –”

“I will, I will.” she managed and blew out a breath, her heart thumping wildly in her chest. “Eris – he’s – your father is aware of everything.” Iris helped him shift against the wall, handing him his discarded daggers. “He cornered me in the hallway and I think he has something up his sleeve. It’s going to get ugly.” 

“It absolutely will get ugly. He thinks he has one up on us because he knows we’re planning to overthrow him.” Emil seethed, grunting as he adjusted himself, carefully strapping his two daggers to his sides. “But he doesn’t know to what extent.”

“Don’t underestimate him,” she said quietly and Emil put a hand over hers, forcing her to pause but she gave him a tight smile and patted his hand. “I think he knows more than you think he does.” 

“What makes you say that?” Emil asked, his eyes narrowing and Iris shrugged helplessly. 

“He threatened me with all his ideas for the future out there. Whatever it is, you all must figure out a way around it.” Iris said then backed away from him; she had healed him as best as she could. Swallowing, she met his gaze, her eyes pleading. “Please don’t let Eris deal with it alone, Emil. I know your magic hasn’t returned yet but –”

“You’d be a fool to only rely on your magic in this court.” he rasped and nodded. “I’ll be fine. We’ll get back to him.”

Iris nodded and blinked back the well of tears that surfaced. There was no time for this – no time to dwell on things she couldn’t control. If they couldn’t heal themselves, Iris would gladly do it for them, helping in the only way she knew how. She quickly made her way to Oren and Iris couldn’t help but hiss as she ran her hands over him to find multiple fractures and wounds. 

Eris’s friend and one of his most loyal soldiers was bloodied and bruised, left for dead trying to protect their family. Anger boiled beneath her skin at the injustice of it all. 

The High Lord had been pissed. 

Iris let her magic work, panting slightly at the exertion of so much of her magic all at once. She looked over as Emil slowly began to stand, his hands trembling slightly. “You lost blood, you need to let yourself rest a little longer,” Iris ordered.

“There’s no fucken time for that,” Emil said and breathed deeply, bracing a hand against the wall. “Time will cost us and he’s too prepared. I need to find out how. I need –”

The Lady of Autumn made a small noise and both Iris and Emil glanced over to find her shifting slightly. “Lady Enya?”

Without a word, Emil approached his mother and Iris bit her lip, watching him stumble slightly as he walked. Even with her help, the faebane slowed their healing and they needed more time.

“Emil.” his mother breathed, reaching out a trembling hand as her son assisted her to sit up. “What happened? Where –” Lady Enya’s gaze found Iris, widening, and Iris was grateful to see the bruises on her face had somewhat lessened. “Iris! What are you doing here?”

“I came to find Oren and ended up finding you all together,” she explained, focusing back on Oren’s wounds. “Are you feeling alright? I’m healing everyone as best as possible but I’m a little nervous that –”

“I feel better, thank you.” Lady Enya reassured quickly as alarm crossed her expression and Iris’s brows furrowed, her gaze torn between Enya and Oren. The Lady of Autumn exchanged a look with Emil before her eyes returned to Iris. “You need to leave. Now.” 

Iris blinked, her hands flattering for a moment before she resumed healing. “What?” 

“Beron —” Enya grunted as Emil helped her stand. “He left us nearly dead on purpose. But you – you – he’s going to use you to ruin Eris. You need to leave.” 

“But –”

“Now, Iris. Before he sends someone to –”

“He already had my father waiting for me and I managed to get away. I’m not leaving.” 

“Iris –” Emil began but she cut him a glare. “You know he has plans –” “I’m not leaving.” she snapped. “Everything is already going to hell and if your father is going to hurt my husband – my mate, then I am going to be here and help in any way that I can.” 

Emil’s whole body seemed to lurch as he froze. “Your what?” he asked as Enya’s expression shuttered. 

“You heard me.” Iris breathed and her heart felt like it was going to explode in her chest. She would not deny him. Not now. Not here. And Eris may have been terrified for people to know about their bond but with things escalating so quickly, how could she worry about anything else? 

“I am aware that I promised Eris that I would get out but things have changed and I refuse to leave him now. You think if I tried to run, your father wouldn’t find me so he could keep hurting Eris?” Iris met his gaze and then turned to her mother-in-law, her eyes burning. “He’s the first thing that’s ever been mine. The best thing that’s ever happened to me and I’ve waited my whole life to have what I have with him.” Her lip quivered slightly as she glanced down at Oren whose breathing had finally evened then she turned back at them. “This is my fight too and should this end in fire, I will burn with him.”

“Iris…” Enya began and her mother-in-law’s lips trembled but Emil watched her with a look of calculated interest that Iris could’ve sworn had a flicker of pride in it. 

Deeming Oren healed enough, Iris carefully stood, glancing down at her stained hands, and fisted them slowly before she faced them once more. “I am not leaving him. He is mine and I am his and whatever may come…we will face it together,” she said and rolled her shoulders back, her tone offering no room for argument. “I hope I have made myself clear.”

It was silent for a moment and Iris’s shoulders tensed, wondering if they’d argue with her or force her to leave — if it was the smartest thing to do but then both Emil and Lady Enya nodded.

“Then I hope my brother trained you well, sister,” Emil said solemnly and her shoulders dropped. “It’s going to be a hard fight.” 

“Then a hard fight it is,” she answered and felt nothing but grim determination. “Now tell me, how much of the faebane was in the drink? Do you think the effects will last long?”

“I have an antidote on me. So should you, Mother.” Emil said and ran a hand over his clothing until he found the small vial that somehow hadn’t shattered in the beating he’d gotten then turned to his mother. “We should’ve taken it sooner. I miscalculated and now it’ll cost us –”

“I don’t have it.” Lady Enya said and her face was grave. “He took it from me and crushed it right before you came in.” Her shaking hands fisted in her dress. “He took it and crushed it like he crushed everything else in my life.”

Iris’s throat tightened as Emil’s expression shuttered before thrusting a hand out to his mother. “Then take mine. I’ll be fine to fight until my magic returns.”

“No, Emil, you must –”

“I have an additional one.” Iris cut in, her hand sliding into the hidden pocket of her dress and quickly handing it to her mother-in-law. “You need it more than I do. I will take no argument on this either.”

Lady Enya’s shoulders dropped and Iris hated to see her lip quivering as she slowly closed her hand around the vial and huffed out a weak laugh. “Iris, I –”

The door that Iris had deliberately closed behind her swung open and they all tensed. Emil immediately slid in front of his mother, hiding the antidote and Iris froze when she saw who was standing there.

“You truly thought you could get away from me, daughter.” 

Aron stood in the doorway, a smugness mixed with anger in his expression, and was now flanked by three sentries who bore no mark of the Vanserra brothers. 

“Do you not know when to give up?” Iris asked in exasperation, her hand immediately sliding to her hidden dagger once more. “How many more times must I humiliate you for you to be gone?”

Her father snorted and the sound had her stomach coiling as that familiar anxiety flared again, not daring to take her eyes off him as she shifted closer to Emil and Lady Enya. He was angrier now and Iris had dared to hurt him. His revenge was coming sooner than she had predicted and she couldn’t help glancing at the bruise still prominent on his temple. 

“We’ll see who shall be humiliating who, you stupid bitch,” Aron sneered quietly, his mouth curled in distaste. Iris flushed angrily to be demeaned like this in front of her family but it was that quiet threat in his tone that put her on edge again. Her father’s eyes narrowed as if he could sense her hate, sense her raging heart but he jerked his chin to his soldiers and they began walking towards Iris.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” Emil snapped and stepped forward but Aron only gave the prince a cursory glance as Iris backed a step, then another with her father’s soldiers still approaching her.

“You’re still alive?” her father merely said, unbothered by the prince’s reaction. “Your father will be disappointed.”

Emil drew his two blades, a rage she hadn’t seen before cut through the usual calm demeanor he presented, and an invisible barrier went up between them and her father’s soldiers. “You all take one more step toward her and I will cut you where you stand,” he said, his tone lethally calm. 

Aron scowled and Iris clenched her jaw, her fingers tight around the hilt of the hidden dagger, the air in the room thick with tension as Aron glanced at them with a tilt of his head. “Now, now, prince. This doesn’t concern you. I’m here for my daughter and nothing else.” he said and gestured with a hand. “Should you and your mother choose to flee, I will grant you a headstart before informing your father that you still draw breath.” 

“You dare stand before the Lady and prince of this court and behave this way?” Lady Enya said, her expression filled with cool disdain as she stepped towards him and the lord had the nerve to lift a brow, glancing over her.

“As far as I’m aware, you won’t be the lady of this court for much longer,” Aron replied then added with a small, mocking smile. “Per your husband’s support, I do dare. My lady.”

Emil let a breath pass then another, the room beginning to heat as he scoffed in disbelief. “My brother was right. You certainly are too bold for your own good.” he spat and without warning, threw a blade, landing it in the throat of the soldier on the right with a thud. “Stand down or the next step you take will be the last.”

Aron grimaced at the fallen soldier to his side then glanced at Emil. “That was uncalled for.” he tsked. “Are you sure you want to behave like this, prince? Don’t you know what your father has in store for you?” 

“And what do you know about my father’s plans?” Emil asked, taking a step forward. 

Aron smiled in a way that triggered every terrible memory Iris had of him. Every bruise, every hurt he had given her always started with that smile and her grip tightened on the hilt of her dagger. “I am your father’s hand. I will execute them as he wishes,” he said. “My daughter is the final piece of the punishment he plans to unleash on you all but do you know who else will be part of it?” 

Emil’s eyes narrowed as Iris shifted a step over, her eyes on her father. “Considering you seem to love the sound of your own voice, I assume you’ll be telling me.”

Her father chuckled and it made Iris’s skin crawl. “I do believe you know her quite well,” Aron said and Iris watched Emil’s body tighten, her gaze caught between him and her father. “She’s a pretty thing. Gave her quite the fright when we yanked her from her hiding place.”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“No sense in denying your lover, Emil. It’s Cosette, isn't it?” Aron said, making a show of consulting his lapdogs behind him and Emil seemed to stop breathing. “You can imagine how fun it was to watch her succumb to her fear as she was blindfolded. Especially when we popped out that little earpiece and she could no longer hear clearly what was going on.” Aron gave a nasty laugh and Iris felt her stomach drop, watching as color leached from Emil’s face and his hands started shaking. “It was delightful.”

“You can’t be serious.” Iris breathed and Aron spared her a look of disdain before his eyes went back to Emil. 

“Henry Adler’s daughter is a bold move for you, boy. Your father will relish in breaking you with her in company.” 

“Tell me where she is right now you fucken piece of shit.” Emil snarled and Aron tsked again.

“I would watch that tone,” Aron said and wagged a finger. “Your father gave me free rein to do what I must and we barely touched her. It would be a shame for you to bring her further harm should you continue to be disrespectful.” her father said and Iris felt bile rise in her throat.

Cosette was supposed to be long gone alongside Theo. If they had Cosette, did that mean they had him too? How long had they had her for? How had they gotten their hands on her? Eris had said the signal had been clear this morning. Her eyes met Lady Enya’s and they seemed to share the same thought: how had this happened?

“Stop this at once.” Lady Enya demanded. “Do not bring an innocent girl into this.”

“She’s the daughter of a traitor and the lover of one. None of you are innocent.” Aron crooned. “And I will do as the High Lord has requested of me whether you wish to see it or not. Maybe if you give up her father, we’ll do a trade.”

“Tell me where she is right now.” 

Aron only snorted. “And what would be the fun in that?”

Without warning, Aron and his remaining soldiers lunged forward and chaos erupted in the room. Iris swiftly moved, her training kicking in as she dodged her father’s grip. She couldn’t believe he was challenging Emil and Lady Enya so openly. Had they all lost their minds? Had the High Lord really allowed him such leeway? Then again, he had left part of his family to bleed out in this very room and if had his hands on two of them, what’s to stop him from killing their significant others as well? What of Helene and the baby?  

“Stop this madness, you fool.” Iris demanded. “The High Lord is –.”

Aron didn’t even spare Emil and Enya a glance as they took on his sentries, continuing towards her. The bastard wasn’t even using a weapon. “Worry less about the High Lord and more about how your husband will be paying for his crimes.”

Iris faltered for a moment. “My husband committed no crimes.” 

“No?” he said with a smile full of malice. “Treason isn’t a crime to you?”

“Save me your bullshit.” Iris snarled. “The only criminal here is you and I am so sick of your shit.” 

“When you’re with the High Lord, nothing you do is a crime,” Aron said with a chuckle then lunged forward to grab her but Iris dodged, her fist flying out and connecting to her father’s cheek. 

He blinked back in surprise and almost absently touched his face. “That is the second time you have laid hands on me.”

“And I will do it again if you even think about touching me.” she promised.

Her father watched her and Iris hated to see the curiosity in his gaze. “So it seems you have truly learned to fight.” Aron mused and the mocking tone grated on every nerve in Iris’s body as she moved.

“My husband taught me well.” she snapped and her blade sliced up as Aron reached a hand for her. Her father hissed and the scent of fresh blood filled the air as Aron glanced down at his bleeding hand and then back at his daughter. Iris swallowed, her heart in her throat as rage clouded his expression but she stood her ground. “He gave me everything you tried to deny me of.” 

“Then it’s a shame you’ll end up being his downfall, won’t it?” Her father hissed and lunged forward, slamming her into the wall. Iris yelped but refused to go down without clawing at him, anger and fear fueling her every move. She sliced her dagger again, meeting flesh when her father backhanded her and she grunted, trying to step out of his reach again. But Aron was angrier than she’d ever seen him before and when she tried to move out of his reach, he shoved her back against the wall, his elbow digging into her throat. “I’ve had just about enough of you.” 

“Then get the hell out of my way.” Iris snarled but her father ignored her and instead, yelled over his shoulder, “Now.” 

Iris’s gaze quickly shot to Emil and Layd Enya still fighting but the look cost her. Her father now had a small vial in his hand and with a nasty smile that had her hackles rising, Aron crushed it in his hand. “Say goodnight, daughter.” 

“Wait –” she gasped but her father only smirked then blew the powder in his hand into her face and a wave of nausea washed over Iris, blind panic unfurling in her chest as the last thing she saw was her father’s smug face before it all went to black. 

——

He had made a mistake. 

As Eris watched the people enjoying the ball around them, he knew sending Iris away before his father returned was a mistake. He didn’t know where the High Lord was, Emil and his mother were missing and with Emil missing, he didn’t know if Mikel was in place to take his mother away. 

The longer he stood there, the more quickly his lungs were shrinking, and if Eris didn’t force himself to breathe, he’d likely have a stroke on the spot. Everything in his body was shriveling at the sense of wrongness surrounding him, and doubt began to fester in his mind in earnest. 

Something was wrong.

Had they been stupid enough to think they could take his father on? Should they have gone about this differently? Could they have tolerated him a little more and snuck their mother out on a different day? 

Too many variables were out of his control now and the one person who had ever settled him was gone and still, Eris regretted not sending her away sooner. 

His fists clenched behind his back and when Izak and Finn casually slid up next to him, Eris already knew it would get worse. He quickly shielded them from listening ears. 

“We’ve lost communication with some of the soldiers on the outside,” Izak muttered, running a hand over his beard. “And there seem to be more sentries we don’t know in the room.” 

“Mikel hasn’t checked in again and I’m starting to get fucken antsy,” Finn added and Eris’s gaze sharpened on his brothers.

“What do you mean he hasn’t checked in?” Eris said. “You haven’t heard from him about the others?”

“I heard from Lucien.” Izak confirmed with a frown. “Helene is fine.”

“Nothing about Theo? Or even Cosette?” Finn asked. “Where the fuck is Emil?” 

Eris scowled then rolled his shoulders back, feeling every inch of him tense. “I need to find Father. You two figure out what’s going on and try to stay together. I don’t trust a single person in this room.” 

“We’ll go with you,” Izak said but Eris shook his head.

“You both can’t follow me. People will notice.”

“Where’s Iris?” Finn asked and Eris felt the question snatch his breath. 

“I sent her to find Oren and get out before whatever is about to happen does.”

Finn and Izak shared a glance that had Eris tense further. 

“I was going to tell you that Oren’s been too quiet for a while. I – I can’t get a hold of him.” Finn said tightly and Eris felt his stomach drop.

“What.” he snapped.

“It doesn’t have to mean anything –” Izak quickly said but Eris’s glare shut his brother right up.

“You know it means something.” He hissed. “You haven’t heard from Mikel and now Oren is missing. I sent her — if he’s not — and your father is still –”

Eris made himself take a deep breath and fisted his shaking hands tighter. “Do as I told you. I need to find your fucken father and find out where my wife is.” 

“Let me find Iris and make sure she’s alright. Maybe that’ll lead me to Mikel as well. You and Izak focus on Father.” Finn said and Eris met his brother’s gaze. 

“Finn.”

“She’ll be alright, Eris. You trained her to handle herself, didn’t you?”

“You know Father is a different kind of beast and I –”

The words died in his throat as his father casually strolled into the room and all the air in the room was sucked out as he made his way over to them. Slowly, as if deliberately giving them time to note each step.

Eris swallowed once then nodded to his brothers. “Get out. Get out now.”

“And leave you here?” Izak demanded quietly.

“Yes.”

“Are you sure being here with him alone is wise?” Finn asked. “Eris, if he’s already –”

“Whatever the damage is, it’s already done. Find the others,” he said and spared them both a glance. “Go. Now. Before he gets closer.”

A heartbeat of silence passed and the grim determination he found on their faces matched his own. His younger brothers. How different would their relationship have been had they grown up anywhere but here? With any other father? Who could have they become? What kind of lives would they lead instead of this?

The question that plagued him all his life rose to the surface as he turned to watch his father again: what would it feel like to finally take a breath without worrying about his father’s hand choking it out of him? 

The three of them said nothing and Eris only nodded once before the two of them scattered. 

He kept his eyes on his father as he walked toward him, his brothers steering clear of the High Lord. Even as his Father addressed his guests as he passed them, his eyes never left his eldest son and every inch of Eris tightened, winding up for battle. Whatever his Father thought was happening, Eris knew deep in his bones that he would be taking the brunt of it all.

His heart was a ticking time bomb and Eris had a feeling it would explode any minute with each step his father took toward him.

Time seemed to slow as father and son met, standing before one another. The music was drowned out and the glittering lights did nothing to stop the darkness that sank into Eris as he stared at his father. 

Even as they stood in a room full of people, Eris heard and saw nothing else but the male in front of him. The one person who had ruined his life and those he cared about in every way possible. 

“You seem to be waiting for me, son.” 

The High Lord’s tone was conversational, almost light and Eris clasped his hands behind him, matching his father’s tone. “Your absence was noted, Father. I was coming to find you,” he said. 

The High Lord gave him a faint smile. “Did you miss me, son?”

Eris’s smile was thin as his thumb tapped against his hand. “Always.” he lied. “I see Mother isn’t with you.” 

Beron shrugged an elegant shoulder, the corner of his mouth curling up. “She’s decided to take a break from the evening. She doesn’t seem to be feeling well.” 

Eris’s eyes narrowed, his heart thundering in his chest. “Oh?” he asked carefully. “She seemed fine earlier. Where is she now?”

His father didn’t answer right away and instead, let silence dance between them. The High Lord said nothing and Eris felt his slowly magic start to thump in his veins again. Loudly. Enough that even the dagger at his side seemed heavier. He wondered if his father could sense it as he watched him.

“You seem to be implying that I am lying to you,” Beron said in that same conversational tone and Eris made himself take a small breath through his nose.

“Of course not. I am merely surprised at how quickly she seems to have fallen ill,” he replied. “I will go check on her. Bring a healer to examine her as well.”

Beron hummed and the disapproval in it made Eris stiffen. “Your concern for your mother isn’t necessary, son.” the High Lord said and gave him a smile that didn’t reach his cold, dead eyes. “She will be fine. I need you here, dazzling the guests.” Eris’s brows flattened and before he could object, his father turned away and demanded, “Walk with me.” 

The tension in the air thickened as Eris hesitated a beat and then followed his father, the echoes of their footsteps drowned out by the thrumming beat of his heart. The continued casualness in his father’s demeanor grated on Eris and he couldn't shake the feeling that he was walking towards the beginning of what felt like the final act.

As they moved through the splendor of the ballroom, Eris scanned the faces of the guests, both relieved and anxious that he saw no signs of his brothers. The uneasiness continued to grip his chest, thoughts of his mother and Iris making it difficult to focus on anything else. The laughter and music felt insulting as the weight of impending doom hung heavy around his neck.

He followed his father until the High Lord reached his throne and took a seat, leaving Eris standing before him. Beron gestured for him to move closer and Eris took the two steps up the dais until he was facing his father. Beron said nothing, merely snapping his fingers for a server to bring him a drink and a muscle feathered in Eris’s jaw at the deliberate waste of time, praying to whatever gods were listening that he didn't shove the whole glass down his father’s throat. 

As if reading his thoughts, Beron’s mouth curled and he finally broke the silence, his voice low, ominous. “You've always been intelligent, Eris. It's a trait that I had hoped would serve you well, but it seems to be backfiring on you lately. Causing more trouble than it's worth.”

Eris shot his father a sharp glance, his jaw clenching again. "And what trouble might that be, Father?”

Beron chuckled darkly, and the sound sent shivers down Eris's spine, tension lining every muscle as he stood there. But the High Lord only sat back on his throne, his finger tapping on the flute of champagne observing his son and for once, Eris let his anger flare.

“Are we really going to play these games right now?” he said flatly.

“Interesting you should say that, son,” Beron said lightly. “Considering you’re the one who is playing a very, very dangerous game.”

Eris straightened, his fists clenching behind his back. He let a beat of silence pass, slowly breathing through his nose again before he spoke. “Am I?”

Beron hummed, his gaze burning into Eris, his eyes calculating his son’s every breath. “I understand you’re used to insulting my intelligence given how much control I’ve given you over our court.” he mused then made a discontent noise. “One could even say it was my fault that I let you be so unchecked. That I…trusted you.” 

Eris's stomach churned at the tone in his father's voice. He tried to maintain his composure; he usually relied on his father avoiding a public spectacle but given the circumstances, Eris wasn’t sure it would stop the High Lord this time. The knot of anxiety tightened in his throat and he cleared it before he continued. “Father, I would never –”

“Do not look me in the face and lie to me, boy.” Beron threatened softly. 

The High Lord’s gaze raked over Eris with that signature distaste and every fiber of his being was on high alert. With his father, that could mean anything. Eris was a busy male, he had been up to many things but didn’t dare let any emotion other than feigned confusion slip through. 

“And what exactly am I lying about, High Lord?”

“High Lord.” he spat and Eris bristled. “You mock the title with your deceit.”  

Squaring his shoulders, Eris forced himself to maintain a sense of calm, refusing to let his father get under his skin. “I’m sorry to hear that even tonight, I have managed to disappoint you, Father.” 

Beron spared Eris a glance before looking back at the guests. “We’ll see how sorry you’ll be as the night goes on, son.” the High Lord managed and Eris’s confusion wasn’t feigned this time, trying as he might to keep the beat of his heart steady. 

He ran his tongue over his teeth and said, “Is there something you wish to tell me?”

His father chuckled and the sound sent a shiver down Eris’s spine. “There are many things I wish to tell you but it will have to wait for the show later.” 

A beat of silence. “What show? We have nothing planned.”

“You don’t have anything planned,” Beron said and it was the predatory gleam in his father’s eyes that made the thumping in Eris’s chest quicken. “I most certainly do.” 

Eris struggled to maintain a facade of calm as a storm of prickling anxiety and rage boiled beneath his skin. He almost wished his father would outright say whatever it was he was up to and let the cards fall where they may so Eris could rework his plans. 

Steeling himself, he decided he would find his mother first and ensure Iris had made it out. He was too tense to tell if the thread that tugged on his ribcage was because of him or because of Iris but either way, he didn’t want to wait too long to find out. 

Eris needed to get away from his father. 

“Well.” he finally forced himself to say. “I will…entertain our guests until your show begins. Send a healer to mother and –”

“No. I don’t think you will.” Beron said with a hum and before Eris could brace himself, his father’s magic locked on his body, holding him in place. 

He couldn’t move. His body wouldn’t budge. 

Panic unfurled in his chest as he glanced at his father who was eyeing the room again, with no care in the world. “Father.” Eris hissed. “What is the meaning of this?”

The High Lord glanced at his son. “You don’t need to go anywhere just yet. I like having you by my side.”

“But I –”

“Did I tell you?” His father asked with a small smile. “I saw your pretty wife in the hallway. She too, was looking for your mother.” Beron’s tone was nonchalant. “We had a lovely chat.”

Eris didn’t get a chance to even appear confused when the High Lord seemed to drop the glamour around himself and he felt the world tilt as Iris’s scent washed over him. 

Eris took a breath. Then another.

He felt his soul leave his body at the smile his father gave him. A smile that meant more than it should. For Eris knew his scent mingled with hers and with an ironclad shield settling around them, his father knew Eris would not receive this news well. 

“What did you do.” he breathed and fear like he’d never ever felt before spiked in his heart. He fisted his shaking hands and tried to move, demanding again, “What did you do?”

“Do not take that tone with me.” his father said quietly, observing him. 

“Then answer my question.” Eris hissed. “Did you touch her? Did you hurt her?”

Beron’s chuckle was sinister and every morsel in Eris’s body filled with rage. “I only touched her a little bit but…perhaps that will change later tonight.” 

“Father.” he snarled and Eris knew it was only because of his father’s shield that the whole room hadn’t heard him. “Do not toy with me.”

“I wouldn’t dare,” Beron said with a small smile. “But your wife? I shall certainly enjoy toying with her.”

Eris felt the world slide from beneath his feet as his father’s gaze remained on him and Eris tried his everything not to let his expression shift – not to give the fucker any satisfaction but his lungs had lost air and he wasn’t sure how to –

A choked noise slipped from his throat and Eris hadn’t been imagining it – his father’s magic was choking him.  

“You seem so worried about her.” The High Lord mused. “I haven’t done anything to her yet.” His father’s gaze bore into him. “With your scent all over her, I’ll need to wait a little while before I have my fun.”

“Father.” Eris choked but the High Lord merely tsked, his expression almost bored. And Eris realized at that moment just how well and truly fucked he was. If his father was hinting at his mating bond with Iris, he had to know about other things. His eyes sought out the blur of people for his brothers but he had sent them out of the room and Eris was forced to stand there – forced to remain locked like this in his father’s hold, glamoured so that no one would see anything unusual happening. No one would be looking at him. 

“Is there anything you’d like to tell me, son?” the High Lord asked, tilting his head as Eris struggled. “This is your chance to do so before things get exceedingly worse for you.”

Eris’s throat bobbed. How big of a spectacle would his father make this? He could break out of this but too many people were missing. Too many fucken variables he didn’t control. Could he unleash himself without setting the whole room on fire? Without harming everyone else? 

Did it really matter as long as he took his father out? Would it be justified if, at least, the High Lord was extinguished?

But no. He was not his father. He would not harm for the sake of harming.

He let his expression neutralize and slowly calmed his raging heart. He wasn’t sure about his mother but if Beron let Iris walk away maybe it would be fine. 

His brothers were on the prowl. He would give them a little more time – just enough that when he exploded, Eris would know they would be alright.

So he met his father’s gaze and said as conversationally as possible, “I have no idea what you're talking about.”

Beron let a moment of silence pass then sighed. “I’m disappointed by that answer.”

The High Lord’s magic tightened around Eris’s throat and he made a wheezing sound as his father forced him to take a step forward, forcing him to kneel before him. 

Beron’s hand reached out and if Eris could have, he would’ve flinched back as the High Lord’s hand brushed his son’s face. Had anyone been watching them, the gesture would’ve been loving but his father’s hand was anything but as he gripped his chin and forced him to look up at him.

“Remember that I gave you a choice.” the High Lord said, his voice full of violent promise. “I gave you the chance to confess and you decided to continue lying to me.”

“I have nothing to confess,” Eris said, his tone strained and his father’s grip tightened painfully.

The High Lord shoved him back with a snort. “Then do not complain when it all comes crashing down on your head,” he warned and raised his glass. “I hope you and your brothers enjoy the consequences of your actions.”

And every lick of fear he had ever doused – every prickle of anxiety he had fought off in the last few weeks crashed over him and Eris was helpless to do anything but wait for whatever hell his father was about to unleash.

[rzngokukyo]

I found your blog through Yoriichi hcs. I like it very much. I am thinking about a scenario for him when his s/o is a childhood friend who always sneaked out to play with him when he was avoided by his family? He ran away from home, they haven’t seen each other until now he saves her from a demon just like the way he saves Michikatsu?

Thank you so much hun!! Congrats on being my first tumblr request ❤️

——

It was a dark night, the full moon peaking out occasionally between passing clouds. You weaved in and out of the trees surrounding your home, making your way back. You spent the day selling crafted jewelry in the village at the bottom of the mountain.

Only having your thoughts to keep you company, you let your mind wander. You remembered back when you were only a young girl, maybe 8 or 9, on a night like this you’d be heading to your usual metting place with your best friend Yoriichii. Back then, Yoriichii was your only friend besides your siblings. Although he was very quiet , he was kind and thoughtful.

You learned over time about his home life, and that soon he’d be leaving to begin preisthood. He never seemed phased by the fact his family didn’t seem to want him, even at a young age your heart broke for him.

You vividly remember when he suddenly stopped showing up to your meeting spot, missing days turned to weeks, months, years. Later on in life you learned his mother passed right before he stopped coming, wondering if that was the reason he left.

You never married or had children, you stayed to yourself on this big mountain, only interacting with others when you sold your goods.

A loud crashing sound snapped you back to reality. It had begun to rain , thunder struck somewhere not far from you. Judging by the trees that surrounded you, you were still a good 10 minutes from home.

Unaware of the sounds the thunder was covering, you slowed your pace. It was summer time, so the mountian had no snow, although the weather wasn’t ideal, it was beautiful.

Twigs started frantically snapping all around you, catching you off guard. It was almost impossible to tell what or who was near.

“H-hello? Is someone there?” You half expected the sounds to be your imagination, while another part of you expected deer to rush out, seeking cover. You did not expect a horrid half-human creature to lunge at you from the dark.

You let out a cry for help as you tumbled onto your back, now covered in mud on the ground. A demon was hunched over you, flailing it’s arms in your direction, clawing your clothes and near your face.

“Help! Get off me!” You were by no means weak but at best you could only hold this thing back. It’s mouth snapping in every direction, seeking contact with your flesh.

Out of nowhere you saw a burst of dark red and orange, feeling a weight being lifted off you. Your eyes shut, you breathed shakily.

Had someone heard you? Maybe you died and were in the afterlife?

“Are you alright miss?” A husky voice echoed into your ears as you felt a warm hand hold your cheek. “I’m sorry I couldn’t get here earlier, but the demon is gone now.”

One eye peeked open as you put a face to the voice. To your astonishment , Yoriichii was kneeling down in front of you. A concerned look was spread across his face. It might be dark and the rain blurred your vision but there was no mistaking that birthmark.

You felt tears welt in your eyes as you lunged forward onto him. “Yoriichii! It’s me y/n! Where did you go?”

The man fell silent, he didn’t recognize you until he heard your voice. A subtle smile crept across his cheeks. “I’ve been here and there, helping wherever I can.” He helped you up, draping an extra piece of fabric over you, trying to shield you from the rain. “I must get you out of the rain before you get sick. Is your place far?”

You shook your head and lead him in the right direction. Once in your home he lit the furnace you had in your kitchen, taking off his wet outer-clothes to wring them out.

You went off to clean up and change, wishing he hadn’t seen you like this. You offered him food and shelter for the night, but he refused.

“I can’t stay, more people are out there, getting killed, hurt and turned. I’m needed.” Pain was in his eyes, after all you both just reunited after so many years. “Thank you for the offer.”

Before he could make it out the door you tugged on his clothes. “Take me with you, I can fend for myself and I won’t get in your way, just.. don’t leave me again.”

He smiled with his eyes and took your hand. “I don’t expect you to fend for yourself, I won’t force you to come or stay, just please, listen to what I have to say.”

The biggest smile covered your face as you went to hurrily grab any nessecitaies. The rain had stopped and the moon peaked out over the clouds, it was the start of a whole new beginning with the person you missed the most.

[scrappywriting]

"...I'm sorry, your Majesty."

The words do nothing. Regis sits on a camping chair, staring into a blazing fire. His shirt is oversized, with a loud, ridiculous logo- some trashy thing that Gladio owns but never wears. Sweatpants, the ones Gladio normally wears for his morning run, somehow hilariously mismatched.

There isn't anything else for him. His casual clothes are in Insomnia; his kingly raiments are stained with blood. Or, were, before Ignis got to them. Now they're washed, cleaned, hung out to dry, and tomorrow, they will be mended. He's seen what Ignis can do, his hands methodical and precise regardless of the world- it'll be like nothing ever happened.

His aching leg stretches before him; his cane is at his side. Eight hours ago soot and ash are streaked across his face, along with dried, flaky blood. His hair was in disarray, rocks and grit tangled within. Eight hours ago Ignis was on one side, and Gladiolus was on the other, and Prompto was frantic, one hand pushing and pushing like he could hurry them up, the other raised and firing a gun that Regis barely even heard. There was roaring in his head, his ears, his heart. It drowned out all else.

Nine hours ago, he watched Noctis die.

---

He doesn't know how to look at Gladiolus and that's fine, because Gladiolus doesn't know how to look at Regis. Of course Gladiolus looks, though, because what else can he do? This is- was- the King of Lucis. The man his father is- was- sworn to protect.

(The man his father died protecting.)

There's a burn of resentment there, but it's half frustration and self loathing. He can hate Regis for getting his father killed, but it was the job, and Clarus did what he was born to do. Gladio, though? Gladio failed. He failed to stop Noctis from rushing back to the citadel, he failed to stop Noctis from-

The kid died. On Gladio's watch. He didn't even die in front of Gladio; he just warped off, impatient and anxious. Things are both crystalline and fuzzy; Noctis had yelled something about his dad. Something about the citadel, and how he'd be just a second. Gladio had yelled something shitty after him- wait? Hold on, you'll get yourself killed?

It hadn't even been a minute, but it was such a chaotic minute. Statues coming to life, the dread clutching his heart. Running, cursing, Prompto's frantic fingers tugging on Gladio's sleeve, his high-with-panic voice asking where Noctis went. Flames, debris, MTs and Kingsglaive and all sorts of shit hitting the fan. They'd booked it, Ignis showing up out of nowhere, prim and proper even with his face streaked in blood.

And then there was Regis, clutching a body to his chest.

---

They left Noctis behind, and Ignis blames himself. It was the logical thing to do- Noctis was dead, and Ignis knew he was dead, he knew because he had prepared for the worst case scenarios on this trip and the phoenix down didn't work- but he blames himself. Regis's grip was a vise; Regis didn't want to let (the body of) his son go. Ignis pried his hands off, dug his nails into the skin of Regis' fingers until he drew blood. Shook the old King, shouting about how they had to run or he would die too.

(Regis had wanted to die, Ignis is certain. But cold, frigid logic had told him that Regis couldn't always have what he wanted: Noctis alive, Noctis well, Noctis in Altissia and getting married. Noctis, safe.)

(Noctis's body, to burn or bury.)

They pulled him away. They saved him, because if they couldn't save Noctis, they had to save Noctis's dad.

(It still feels like they didn't save anything at all.)

---

Prompto isn't even supposed to be there. He's certain he shouldn't be: two weeks fresh out of Crownsguard training. Barely good enough at self defense, only given a gun because Noct thought he'd be good at it. Those were his words, exactly: "I thought you'd be good at it," with the careless, casual feigned indifference of a cat. He'd been over the moon at the rush: being accepted into Crownsguard, being trained, getting to meet Lady Lunafreya, finally, after all these years.

He's not supposed to be here. Gladio and Iggy- they're Noct's Shield and Adviser, the ones who were supposed to protect and guide him since birth. Prompto's nobody, just some loser kid with a barcode. He's heard the nobles talk, because the Glaives are- were- thick as thieves. The Glaives accepted this scrawny kid as their own. The nobles talked of favouritism, pets, a face to show diversity and tolerance.

(His hand covers his covered wrist, for a moment; then he turns it into a fidget, hooking his fingers around the leather band and giving it an anxious tug. Opens his mouth to say something, to joke, but he can't. It's a bad dream. Any moment, he'll wake up. Noctis'll be poking him, smirking, and there'll be a line of drool caked along his chin.)

(He doesn't wake up.)

(Sometimes, he wonders if it's true. If the nobles were right, if Regis and Cor and Clarus all passed Prompto not because he'd passed his training, but because Noctis's only friend couldn't die.)

---

"Ignis," Regis says, and Ignis doesn't flinch. He stands straight, hands clasped behind his back. "Why were you there?"

The response is prompt, almost rehearsed. Neutral and clipped as if he were answering a question about the weather. "The Regalia broke down just outside the walls ten minutes after we departed. Noctis requested your mechanic, and that none of us inform you. While we waited for repairs to complete, we decided to say goodbye to the city."

"...I see."

It's mundane. It's so mundane. Nobody got kidnapped, accosted, or even blackmailed; the car just broke down. But the car is fixed now- and Gladio is awkwardly, stubbornly washing bloody, dirty handprints off the door handles- and everything is different.

"What do we do, your highness?"

Regis blinks. He looks at the three of them- at Prompto trying not to look at Regis, trying to hide behind Gladio's bulk- and suddenly looks older, wearier than he ever did.

"I trust your judgement."

Ignis was Noctis' advisor. Ignis was the advisor of a child merely two years his younger, and he had felt like he fit the role. Noctis was moody and childish, still growing into expectations. Noctis was prone to impulsive, stupid things, like the time he warped out an open window to avoid his vegetables and literally hit a bird.

Prompto had choked on his spit, then, face turning an astonishing shade of red as he coughed. And Ignis had felt accomplished in his role: guilting Noctis into eating his vegetables, making sure Prompto could breathe. First aid for the bird, even, which had lost a good number of feathers but was only stunned. But regardless: Ignis had felt equipped to deal with Noctis and his endearingly childish friend.

Regis, though. Regis is regal and defined enough that the occasional childish whim is no cause for concern. Regis is more than twice Ignis' age, literally ruled a kingdom. Regis has made hard decisions that Ignis has only imagined. He was signing a treaty, preparing for a double-cross, and the majority of his Glaives are scattered or dead.

There is, simply, no way that Regis needs Ignis' advice. To say so is laughable, and to believe the words, more so.

Ignis pinches the bridge of his nose. Inhales. Exhales. "I will not disappoint you, your highness," he says, certain he's lying.

Regis' raiments need to be mended. He'll start with that.

---

Prompto goes for a run with Gladio, part to keep Gladio company, part to get away from Regis (though it makes him feel guilty, because the dude just lost his kid, fuck), and part because he just needs to run. He needs to turn tail and bolt, away from Insomnia, away from Altissia. Cleigne sounds nice. Mountians, cliffs, forests. He'd get a ton of fantastic nature shots with his camera, and nobody would ever find him.

Not that they'd come looking, anyway. He was Noctis' friend, first, and he's got the feeling Iggy and Gladio only put up with him because Noctis would've thrown a fit if they didn't. Noctis is gone (dead) now. They don't have a reason to keep him around. He doesn't even have a reason to stick around, because... he only joined the Crownsguard for Noct, anyway.

Gladio trips over a rock and swears, loudly. Then he slams his hand against the ground, cursing and cursing, and Prompto bounces from one foot to the other because he doesn't know what to do. Then he kneels, awkward, and says, "We'll figure this out," because it's bigger than the two of them.

It's not just about Noctis being dead. It's also got to do with- fuck- Insomnia being taken, and Regis on the run, and whatever the hell the imperial army is up to. People died. It wasn't just Noctis.

(But damn if he wouldn't trade everyone for his best friend.)

"I shouldn't be here." Gladio's voice is oddly hoarse. Choked. For a moment Prompto pauses, stalling over the words, and then Gladio says, "I couldn't even keep the kid alive."

"Dude," Prompto says, "We couldn't keep Noct alive." It's like, a team effort or something. Crownsguard shit. Him, and Gladio, and Ignis were all supposed to be watching Noct's back. It wasn't just Gladio, and technically, technically, Prompto knows it wasn't their fault.

Noct was reckless. He rushed off on his own. Ignis, Gladio, Prompto- they couldn't keep up. They should have known that he would do that; he was their friend, and they should have prepared for that, but they just. Didn't. Couldn't.

(It feels wrong, to say that Noctis is dead because he did something dumb. Like he's disrespecting his best friend's memory.)

For a second Gladio's lips curl, teeth baring into a snarl. Prompto's bracing himself for some kind of accusation (deadweight, a nuisance) and then Gladio just... crumbles. Leans bodily against Prompto, like one of those huge dogs, shuddering silently.

"Hey," Prompto says, and that's where he stops. He can't say it'll be okay. 

(It probably won't be okay.)

“Hey.”

[thelostweepingcherrytree-blog]

Meetings don't always go well.

Before this story starts this is the same story on wattpad under the name of a different user TheMidnightWhispers, Which is my other account so do not be alarmed I am not stealing my own story XD If you rather read this story on wattpad just look up Dennis x reader (svtfoe) and it should pop up!

=========================================================

I know this gets boring but some people do not know what most reader insert slang means so...

y/n means Your Name

f/c means Favorite Color

h/m/t means Human or Monster Type (You can be the same bird monster if you want or human)

h/c means Hair Color

m/n means Middle Name

l/n means Last Name

so that's all so let's get started!

==============================================================

The forest was damp and dark, All we could hear was the wind howling in whispers in our ears and the soft click and clop from our horse's hoofs hitting the dirt and rock covered ground.

I wouldn't say this was the best place to be but Lady Moon thinks these monsters will help us figure out whats been happening to the draining of magic, Why going into the Forest Of Certain Death was the first one on the list was beyond me, All I know is I wanna leave as soon as possible.

"Miss l/n, We are coming up to the home of King and Queen of Avarius. I expect you to be on your best behavior and to stay behind me and stay silent while I talk, Do I make myself clear?" Her rough yet steady voice says cutting through my thoughts and deafening sounds of the forest that wants to kill anything that breathes.

"Yes, lady Moon." I spoke softly as we continue up a dirt path, Now coming up to a thinning out open land with a broken down house that could be falling to its basement any moment from a gust of wind or tree trying to destroy it just because it's there.

We both stop our horse's, I stepped off my horse and helped Lady Moon down and let her guide our way to the front door of the abandoned looking home, I pulled my hood from my cloak on tighter to hide my face and weapons around my body, I was highly skilled in close combat and one of the best guards in the castle of Mewni, Lady Moon wanted to go alone but Sir River insists that she brought someone along with her to the Forest Of Certain Death, So Lady Moon picked me.

I honestly didn't expect to be picked, I was one of the best knights but I was nothing compared to the royal guards of the castle, the royal guards stay in the castle while the Knights stay in the villages to keep the people of Mewni safe from thieves and smugglers and even monsters if they somehow get through the barrier that Lady Moon created with her magic.

I was getting ahead of myself and lost in thought when I heard Lady Moon knock on the door of the abandoned house bringing me out of my thoughts, I need to focus in case of something happening to our Queen or myself.

The door made a slide sound, I couldn't see what happening but I take it Lady Moon was fine from her simple reaction of standing back a little when the door opened

Keeping my head down as Lady Moon spoke to King Avarius I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, Of course, it's gonna happen due to the fact we are in the forest of monsters but this feeling was different than most of the common feelings of being watched.

I ignored the feeling and focused on Queen Moon and King Avarius as his crown hit the down with a rattle of metal, Lady Moon just stepped forward while I just stood in the shadow being as quiet and not drawing attention as King Avarius grumbled about no one picking up his crown but once he picked it up and placed it back on his head he hits it off his head again and closed the door, I let out a quiet sigh from how dumb these monsters are and seeing how Lady Moon reacted towards it, she too was not happy about them.

King Avarius walks past us with a rough grumbly voice "My dear" He paused for a moment "We have company, You might wanna get dressed." he grumbled as he walked away, I looked over Lady Moons shoulder to see a slender figure at a broken table, The figure moved its head to the side and looked over their shoulder to see a confused look and soon replaced with excitement.

The figure stood up fast and flung whatever was in their arms to reveal a smaller version of King Avarius but female, Getting a better look at the figure they held a crown on their head and a feminine stance and a kind smile on her...beak?

"Queen Moon! What do we owe the honor for this visit." Queen Avarius says while placing her hands in her sleeves, I looked down and respected their private conversation.

I glanced around the room, A lot of broken things laid around and peeling wallpaper and broken picture frames, A red chair caught my eye seeing as that's the only decent looking thing in that room.

I adverted my eyes and placed them on the floor behind Lady Moons feet to focus more on her than my surroundings, I checked everything out and if something goes wrong I know where to go to escape and protect her because if I get her hurt in anyway King River will surely take my head off for it.

Before I knew it everything became serious and hearing the last bit of their conversation "-Not DENNIS" Queen Avarius sent a dark glare towards the red chair, A green bird like monster like King and Queen Avarius emerged from the red chair, A dead glare towards both royals.

Who was that thing? I know its name is Dennis but it looked eviler than King River completely wild in the village when Queen Moon travels to different kingdoms for business which makes me worry about the village now...

After Queen Avarius returned to Queen Moons conversation, The figure in the red chair 'Dennis' glances at me now, His glare hardens on my frame hidden behind a cloak and hood, He couldn't see my features but he was extra careful while looking at me, Probably trying to figure out if I am good or bad.

After what felt like forever the two royals conversations die down and soon said their goodbyes and thank yous and before I knew it, we mounted our horses and rode off towards the castle, A look of disappointment and stress flashing through Lady moons eyes as our horses guide us back to the castle.

After 5 minutes I felt the same pair of eyes of being watched again, I strained my ears to listen for any sound and for my surprise I heard a rustling of leaves being moved, We are being followed I looked over to Lady Moon and she slightly nodded her head telling me she hears it too.

"I know you are there, Come out, If you know whats good for you" Queen Moon says with no emotion but the threat in her voice still hinted she will attack if needed.

The figured landed dead center in both me and Queen Moons path and once our horses stopped I stood up on my sadle throwing my cloak on my right side back grabbing my sword but Queen Moon threw her hand out to me, signaling me to back down but I still stayed in my stance with my hand on the handle of the crisp cool metal of my sword.

"What do you want" Lady Moon glared at the figure in front of us glaring daggers until suddenly his face turns from pure evil and deadly into soft and concerned " It's me, Dennis! You were just at my house."

Queen Moon stepped off her horse and within a second I was at her side, My stance tall and strong, If he did try something I was now waiting "Why are you following me" Queen Moon says to Dennis.

"Are you looking for my big brother because you wanna help him?" Dennis questions Lady Moon while looking at her in concern "Help him what?" Queen Moon asks the teenage monster unsure if she wanted an answer or not.

"He is not well" Dennis shakes a little with sadness, seeing this was shocking, to say the least.

"Do you know where he is?" Lady Moon says to Dennis as he seemed to brighten up "I can take you to him!" He says as he bends down in a squatting position in front of Queen Moon, To put it lightly it looked extremely wrong and inappropriate "O-oh my! W-what is this?!" Queen Moon blushes from how inappropriate and immature of him to do but of course he was a monster and not many of them know manners like Lady Moon and me.

"We must go by wing M'lady" Dennis says extremely creepy to me, I wasn't gonna let this strange monster take Queen Moon somewhere without me, It is against my orders to leave her alone.

"Excuse me no, Lady Moon will not be going with you, My mission is to keep Queen Moon from any harm and bring her home safe, " I said gripping onto the handle of my now warm sword

It took a moment for Dennis to process my order before he straightened himself out and looked over at me "But this is serious, My big brother is in trouble and I fear for his life!" Dennis seemed on edge

I didn't say anything but once I thought through my answer Lady Moon beat me to it "Please excuse miss l/n, My husband assigned me a knight and I had her come with me." Lady Moon seemed a little upset for me disobeying her command but we weren't in the house anymore so I could freely speak my mind.

"I will go with you, But stay low enough so my knight may follow below." Queen Moon says to Dennis who seems to almost jump out of his....feathers for his excitement.

He bent down again and Queen Moon didn't give me a chance to argue when Dennis flew up fast not giving her a chance to hold on tightly, I let out a monstrous growl and sprinted after them, Luckily my speed came with my training and other abilities.

Queen Moon knew about this and wasn't fazed by how I became this....half monster being but I was 85% Human but no one could tell if they have seen me and saw what I hide.

3 minutes of flying for Dennis and 40 minute feeling for me, Running 3 miles in 4 minutes should be a mewni record!

Ahh if only it was a good time to crack a joke but nows, not the time due to the fact that DENNIS WON'T COME DOWN FROM THE MOUNTIAN HE TOOK QUEEN MOON ON!

I was furious and worried, Maybe he is gonna attack her while she is up there? He must know her powers are weak from how our magic is so low, Freaking great I am starting to have a mini attack from worrying so bad.

I huffed after taking a small break from my legs wanting to fall off from running so much but being at the bottom of the mountain while they are up top without me is quite stressful, I was wondering if I should even try going up after them but that thought disappeared once I spotted the green monster bird flying back towards The Forest Of Certain Death, Oh how I wanted to kill that monster with my bare hands.

~Time skip of wanting to die from your sore and tired legs~

I was panting when I got back to our horses, Lady Moon was on her horse while Dennis stood little ways away from her showing he wasn't gonna do anything to her or our horses, Good the monster knows better.

I walked up to Lady Moon and bowed but her sharp and worried voice hits my ears "Come on y/n we have no time to wait around, We need to get back to Mewni as fast as we can" Her horse started to walk forward towards the kingdom while I saddled up onto my horse.

"Will you help my brother?" Dennis says stepping towards my horse, I looked at the green monster bird not wanting to answer him but didn't wanna be rude.

"I don't know, My place is the village guard in Mewni, I never leave unless I am ordered too." y/n says to him, Watching him look down "Please...just...maybe try? I miss my brother so much I just wanna make sure he is okay" Dennis flys up into the trees.

I sigh and took off on my horse after Queen Moon and followed her back to Mewni, I know for sure that I will meet the monster again.

[kimetsu-no-yaiba-imagines]

Okok warning, this is gonna be pretty long!

(Cue the crappy, but only ref I have of her)

This is Yukime Yamashiro!!

She was was born into a demon slaying family that uses the Snow Breath, (I can go into more detail of it if y'all would like, just let me know!!) , along with her older brother Saiichi. Her father was a strong Snow Breath user, and her mother a Wind Breath user. Sadly, both of them supposedly died on a mission when Yukime was still a baby. (The truth is that only the father died, and the mother survived, but becouse the Snow Breath family is a bitch, aka they only care about being "pure blooded", they told Yukis and Saiichis mother that her kids also died to the hands of a demon) So, Saiichi and Yukime grew up in a strict and demanding environment. Saiichi trained to be a user of the Snow Breath, and Yukime tried following suit, but Saiichi didnt allow her at first. He wanted her to live a normal life. Yuki started to secretly train, and after a while, Saiichi had no other option but to teach her properly.

As soon as Saiichi passed the Final Selection, the Snow Breath family decided that he's "old enough to take care of himself and Yuki" and just left a 15 year old and an 11 year old to fend for themselves, in a huge house in the mountian, where it was always snowy, except during late spring and summer. Saiichi had to go on a lot of missions, so Yuki was alone a lot. She wasnt used to it, so she was very lonely, but she trained to distract herself.

Every time Saiichi would return from a mission, he would bring blue primroses, a flower that can last winter. It became Yukis favourite flower.

Saiichi quickly raised in the ranks, he was almost as strong as a Pillar, but he never killed a Moon, nor was he interested in it. It would mean he would have even less time with his sister. One day, some demon slayers visited their house. Yuki saw how Saiichi was treated by them. They always put down Snow Breath and made fun of the Yamashiro family. (Since the family is considered weak, they stopped paying attention to proving themselves to the demon slayers, and turning their horizons to the rich, normal folk. Their image and connections are the most important thing to them) Saiichi took it all with a gentle smile. It infuriated Yukime. Then she decided she's gonna become a Snow Pillar and prove to everyone her family isn't weak.

With time, it was finally time for Yukis Final Selection. She passed and had her nichirin blade made by her and Saiichis childhood friend, @kny-imagines 's OC, Suzu. (Shes a smith they met in the swordsmith village. Since the Yamashiro family has ties with a lot of people, it of course, also had ties with people in the swordsmith village, so Saiichi and Yukime visited. There they met a brat called Suzu. They became friends. Suzu is where Yukine got her rowdy personality and no impulse control. At first, Saiichi treated Suzu as a child becouse shes a few years younger than him, and she was a brat to him too. But soon, she got a crush on him that would last for several years) Yuki's blade changed to a pure white.

Soon, it was time for Yuki to start her missions. She wandered, and, as she did when her brother was gone, felt extremely lonely. (ill die anyway by girl in red explains her thoughts and fears during this period) Then, she meets the main trio and starts to travel with them. At first she held them at an arms length. She was annoyed by Zenitsu cuz he was a coward and she cant handle those. She would constantly get in fights with Inosuke becouse of her temper. Tanjiro was the only one she could have a normal conversation with, becouse he reminded her of her brother. They both had gentle eyes and beautiful smiles.

As for her relationship with Genya, they met during the Swordsmith Village Arc. When Genya was screaming how he's gonna kill the Moon and become a Pillar, Yuki overheard him and started fighting with him how SHE'S gonna be the one to kill the Moon! Their relationship basically went from "Enemies to Friends" after one battle together though. She admired him becouse he never gave up and his way of fighting, becouse "He's strong, just in his own way!".

After the end of the story, when the demons are defeated, Yuki is confused. She lost her only purpose in life. She failed to become a pillar. All thats left is a husk, no aspirations, no interests. She had spent almost her entire life focusing on one goal. She decides to travel. And she does, for several years. She meets Genya again, and cue the adorable shoujo manga romance with 2 idiots that no idea about love!

HONESTLY I HAVE SM MORE TO SAY ABOUT MY BABY BUT THIS IS ALREADY SUPER LONG, I JUST HOPE Y'ALL WANNA KNOW MORE ABOUT HER AND HER BRO AS WELL AS THE SNOW BREATH AND IT'S LORE!!

U-Um I was wondering if anyone ʷᵃⁿᵗᵉᵈ ᵗᵒ ˢᵉᵉ ᵐʸ ᵏⁿʸ ᵒᶜ⁻

[silentdovelove-blog]

HONORING MY LATE HUSBAND NICKOLAI COWELL, Screamin' Olaff Maginski, NEW SONG ROAD SCORE ONIONS I am baaaack. I am having an INTENSE physical transformation. In my 10 Years of horrific illness, I had thousands of tumors/graulomas, and many many badly broken and dissinetegated bones. I had numerous surgeries, including 2 prostetic hips, other human bones, screws, and countless stiches in my throat where they kept on having to save my life with IVs sewed into my neck, for my blood was teribly infected, I had DVT blood clots, and my veins had collapsed. I know it is BEYOND a miracle I am here, typing this, smiling, breathing. I am trying to find that balance that I always struggle with between helping make the world a better place and caring for myself. The past few days, as it was most of the last 10 years, I lost hearing in my left ear and every noise that came to me was garbled into torturous pain in my left ear and eye where so many tumors recently melted, leaving holes so to speak. Since I coud not use music at all, I deeply mediated on the places and people I love so dearly and healed healed healed, am healing healing healing. I am almost COMPLETELY off narcotics, just had to add a bit back with he recent intense pain. I realize I am not yet strong enogh to travel on a plane, so I will not make it to the Portland Memorals May 6 and Music May 7 for my dear late husband, 'Nickolai' Nicholas Cowell, Screamin' Olaf Mcginski. My songs will be there, a dozen of them, on recycled paper, as will my spirit, and I will be there on some form of social media. Every single person that was attracted to the wonderous light of my husbad is an exceptional person, I assure you will not be let down if you attend and meet some of his glorious 'extended family'. This is a small event for friends and family organized by his parents and brother. He never had a friend he didn't consider family, so in that vein: all are very welcome, kids too of course! I will post information soon about the event(s), timing and more details. I am working with my dear sisier on a Funeral close to home, in Massachusets perhaps. My nephew and I will be playing songs, and we are planning some beautiful rituals. I will be honoring this brillinat man for the rest of my life, so after Portland will be a Mass/NJ event, one in Telluride, CO, and on from there Interntionally eventually. This hubmle brilliant unseen man in his lifetime deserves the world, and I internd to give it to him now that I am alive again, taking care to first feed and love and heal myself, which I am deepy working on now. He is truly helping me write the Album, Band of Peace, letting all beings know they are dearly loved, powefrul, and thet unity and peace and susainability are all possible! There will be a non-proft fund in his name associated with this evetually. I have been offline, completely had my phone shut off, and have been in a deep cuccoon. I will check messages and emails etc. soon. I was able to listen to music again starting yesterday!!!!!!!! YEAH! I will be working with many many msicinas! SO EXCITED! Today, I wrote the song Road Score Onions about meeting and inevitably falling deepy in love wih my late husband, Screamin' Olaf Mcginski. The greif is deep, for he is my True Love. The music helps immensely, and I am trying to remind myself not to be so sad, for he is here with me!!! Cheers and peace, y'all! No matter what is going on in your world around you, peace is possible-for is inside you!!! I will be recording music videos of Whanganui River and Road Score Onions soon, as my ear pain allows me to, gives me the green light!!@@ ROAD SCORE ONIONS ************************************** Darlin', you brought me road score onions and I was all in. Singing by the fire your face floated through centuries in my dreams. We had the same visions passions hearts right from the start. Always before I thought I was on a holy mission alone. Until you became my only home I've ever really known. I knew I was on a mission to bring sustanability to our people, solar power to every steeple. But oh, how you gloriously stopped me in my tracks. To join me. There is no looking back. Sundays were our days. You taught me how to telemark ski. You moved with me to New Jersey. To move in with grandma so she didnt have to go alone to a sterile home. To Unite. To fight for new state laws for solar wind and earth energy sustainability afforability city. You designed engineered and installed solar all over. You taught biodisel. Your gigantic heart is so damn lethal! We did what we loved for work. Busmans holidays. Neverending passions to create on earth a new and true heaven from seven stars from very far away, away. Oh, how i remember how tender your touch. It is too much to not have you here as I have awakened. No, I am mistaken. For you are writing this with me! Holy!!!! It was way too much. How sick I fell. We went down the deepest well. It was pure hell. Unable to talk. Unable to walk. You never left me, my darling. 10 loooonnng years, beyond our deepest fears. The waxing new moon lends me these tunes. Any days of breath I have left I give honor to the holy father and deep thanks to you. You. You remove my blue. My boo. My true blue. So may Nick names for the man that means the word to me, Nickolai, how you do Fly, Fly. Fly!! My one true new moon. Bloom. Boom. Bloom. You bring me love from my deepest dreams you benevolnt being! How your life was taken mid-steam. No! I am mistaken! You were not taken! For you are here healing with me. I remember it all so clearly. So dearly. You would sing to me Bob Marley and Michael Franti tunes, under our Harvest Moon. We would dance. dance. dance. Into a trance. Until I could no longer stand. How you always held my aching hand. You demanded peace. In all you did. But for your own self. Self less you are my dar'ling. You couldn't see your worth. Your love is so healing, healing, healing. How it removes my ceilings. So many more peaceful warriors I love so are in heaven. Watching over us. They will rise with us again soon, under a glorious winter solstice afternoon. We have a love so true. I have gone so deep down iside. Where you reside. I am your bride. With deep pride. I have been deep in my cuccoon with you and the moon. Thanks and praises to the one above working with you to heal this weary dove. Oh, how you still bring me road score onions straight to my heart. In the end and right from the start. The number of times we saved eachothers lives. Forged in fire. You satisfy my every desire. Spiritually we are steemed from trees. Fom Luxor, Nepal, Tibet. Peru. We are never through. We come from Water. Earth. Air. Dust. Don't despair. All that is true and holy and sacred will soon rise. Stop the illusions and our people's confusion. Ashes to ashes. Dust to dust. In the Great Spirit I put all my trust. You must know you will never leave my heart. Your essence from me cannot part. Our trip to Nicaragua. Sabana Grade Village. Our Holy Pillage. Staying with our humble loving beautiful family on their earthen floor, teaching eachother about sustainability. Singing dancing so very free! We learned how to make solar panels. Change the channels. Flooding all lies. Bridge the divide. House sitting in straw bale heaven adobe. Riding horses from the mountian peaks to the sea. Dancing underneath the glorious full moon. For you, I do forever swoon. My big spoon. Look at the moon. Planting gardens composting making the most of what we were given. You were always forgiven. Livin' I am again. Your humble brilliant hands they do heal this sacred land. Oh, how your glance and dance does put me into a trance. Come into my arms. Away from all harm. Sway with me to the rhythum of the soft afternoon. Watch the new blooms. Please, deliver me from evil!. All the countries you worked for peace in. To my deep chagrin too brillant you were for the darkness here you are now devoid of fears darling, you are so damn pure!! I can feel you, ever-presently near. Oh, how my days are filled with rain and my nights are filled with sorrow. The thought of loving you brings me rainbows of tomorrow. The kind bones in your face defy space. Your soothing voice is so very gentle. So choice. Your brilliant mind so divine. Your gigantic heart melted me right from the start. Your addictions and earthly afflictions haunt me. I try to remember that now you are finally at peace. You are my peaceful warrior. How you do deliver me from pain. You are a white buffalo in my dreams: dancin' prancin' singing a dancin' and and a bell ringing. You light my fire deep within, my love twin. Sing to me as we sway to the wind in the trees lighting beings. Erupting into a violet orange sky, no longer shy. His white orange violet indigo blue silver gold halo showed me past lifetimes with this precius soul. I right then did know. I would never go. When I was down, you would bring me kittens donkeys and love poems. How I know them all by heart. You are my man. We are taking a stand with this album you are helping me write. People, Unite!!! You took my hand all over this glorious land. Man oh man. When I was long captured underwater and could not talk or sing, I would bring my visions to the pure of heart above. Owlie was sent to Nahko to sing to you this love song, 'She breaks free a flower. Catches the wave of the wind. She plants it South, far below the canyon walls. We are the mighty rivers, emptying at the mouth and joining currents. Currently, I am waiting for the midnight hour when the moon undresses in all her glory. You are my shell. My ocean as well. Put your mouth to my mouth, breathe along. You are my shell my ocean as well. Put your mouth to my mouth breathe along', he croons. How every single night was freight with the deepest strife. I could not even be touched or held. How tears welled and felled. Of course you had to check out!!@@ I do shout! Your addictions and our afflictions were to much to bear. Bear. Bere. Bare. But for our deep deep undying love, and uconditional love from the one above. I swear, I am being miraculously healed. All was reveled. It happened so damn fast. You did not believe your eyes. You tried and tried while I cried and cried for you to wake up. I had to leave to set you free like you had so often delivered to me. After all is said and done, You returned to me! See!! These songs you are writing with me! Glory!! I open my mouth south to your breath. Dissolving the tumors in my brain, my breasts. Your violet eyes Singing and dancing together on the hightest peaks. In your arms I find the deepest releif. The light in your soul. How it roll roll rolls. Over and over with you down the valleys, we met at the mouth of the river where we are finally delivered back into eachothers' arms. I finally received your ashes. I have been planting them all over. Rebirth Rebirth Rebirth. I will show you your worth that you couldn't see in this particular form on Earth. Oh perfect storm! I will always remember your water. We shall recover. All that was lost. lost. Roots run deep. True love doth forever seep. Oh, in my heart how you bring me road score onions every day to keep me sane. I will always honor your true name, my darlin'! Galloping on horses to the sparkling waters in Dominica. You are a fantastic humble leader. Watching all you do the classes you hold. You are so very bold. A sight to behold. You have zero ego, ergo my heart sings for your ring. Your humble brilliance was definately heaven sent. My love for you does rise rise rise. I will always be your bride. We will not be denied. My Darlin', My Serapin. My Dolphin. My Holy Love Twin Deep Within. Oh. How you bring me road score onions every day. It is a miracle I am healing at all. I can feel you holding me carressing me right underneath me singing to me writing these songs with me. How your mighty heart cures my disease. Please. Pleease. Don't leave me. I deeply believe. In you. My boo. I will soon be honoring you across the world 'From the west coast to the east coast blazing a trail of gold', as our wedding song Katharina wrote us our story is Told. Oh, at first glance, you took a deep stance in my heart. Your exceptional kindness, brilliance, humbleness, compassion, deep beauty had me from day 1. You Sacred Sun. We had to meet to consolodate our grants under the same ubmbrella nonprofit Atals Arkology. Steeprock Jointery. Led by the late, the great, the brilliant, the dear my brother from another mother: Glen Harcourt. Dear Brother, I know you are with my lover in Heaven. Creating glorious breathable buildings that sing! Structures that venerate and create love. They self illuminate, never to take. My grant was for green bulding code changes and education series. His was for Biodiesel for town busses and trucks. What Divine luck. That smile. I could see for miles. Your kindness. Your gentle kiss, that sweet abyss. Many many laughs. I crocheted your favorite hat. After our first weekend together, you left me the most heavenly letter. On the back of a macaroni package. That said 'You are like a perfect red apple on top of a tall twisted tree in a desolate land.' Not long after, you asked for my hand. Photon belt. Starseed Gateway. Gravity. Weightless. Unity. Blue Cosmic Hands Across this Sacred Land. Time to take a Stand. A Stand. On our first date after our grants were given to my house in Telluride you had driven. From your Biodisel Warehouse in Montrose. Our date to the potluck at our friends yurt that glorius fall night by the fire. Your face removed all my hurt, You beamed through centuries in my deepest dreams. I knew that road score onions had been planted so deep in my heat. Right from the start. Oh, darling. I 'aint leaving you again. You breathe life into me eveytime I remember you showing up with your road score onions in my heart. They took deep root right from the start. -Elizabeth Robbins April 29, 2017

[itswhay]

you are going to hate me but... 1-100 :>

lmAo okay... 

1: when you have cereal, do you have more milk than cereal or more cereal than milk?

Cereal 

2: do you like the feeling of cold air on your cheeks on a wintery day?

yes actually 

3: what random objects do you use to bookmark your books?

shoe laces and ripped paper 

4: how do you take your coffee/tea?

sweet as fuck 

5: are you self-conscious of your smile?

I never smile w my teeth so I guess 

6: do you keep plants?

I gave a lil succ named John Stamos 

7: do you name your plants?

^^^^^

8: what artistic medium do you use to express your feelings?

Photography ? I guess I also write on a p blog everyday 

9: do you like singing/humming to yourself?

yeah ig

10: do you sleep on your back, side, or stomach?

side 

11: what's an inner joke you have with your friends?

you wouldn’t get it 

12: what's your favorite planet?

Saturn 

13: what's something that made you smile today?

This girl said my outfit was cute 

14: if you were to live with your best friend in an old flat in a big city, what would it look like?

cozy 

15: go google a weird space fact and tell us what it is!

All of space is completely silent 

16: what's your favorite pasta dish?

probs anything w cheese and tomatoes and ground beef 

17: what color do you really want to dye your hair?

I dont lmao #beentheredonethatoverit

18: tell us about something dumb/funny you did that has since gone down in history between you and your friends and is always brought up.

Nothing im perfect lmaooooooooo 

19: do you keep a journal? what do you write/draw/ in it?

yeeeeeee and none ya fckn biz... but like for real I write about my day in detail and how im currently feeling about people bc I forget things really easily and I want to remember my life ????? 

20: what's your favorite eye color?

i don have one all y’alls eyes are beaut

21: talk about your favorite bag, the one that's been to hell and back with you and that you love to pieces.

I have like this embroidery elephant bag that got at a festival when I first moved to colorado 

22: are you a morning person?

lmao no 

23: what's your favorite thing to do on lazy days where you have 0 obligations?

I like to sit on the back porch on the couch and drink coffee and nap 

24: is there someone out there you would trust with every single one of your secrets?

yes @ daron 

25: what's the weirdest place you've ever broken into?

my own house damnnn gurrlll willldddd

26: what are the shoes you've had for forever and wear with every single outfit?

currently pink hightop converses but the shoes I had for the longest time was a pair of purple low tops 

27: what's your favorite bubblegum flavor?

PoLaR iCe 

28: sunrise or sunset?

Sunrise 

29: what's something really cute that one of your friends does and is totally endearing?

lmao ummmmm Nicole holds your hand when you sit near her 

30: think of it: have you ever been truly scared?

lmao yea 

31: what is your opinion of socks? do you like wearing weird socks? do you sleep with socks? do you confine yourself to white sock hell? really, just talk about socks.

I nEVer sleep in socks. But like socks are sick, never only wear white socks 

32: tell us a story of something that happened to you after 3AM when you were with friends.

lots of things that if im being honest i dont feel like reminiscing about rn bc im tired  

33: what's your fave pastry?

muffins 

34: tell us about the stuffed animal you kept as a kid. what is it called? what does it look like? do you still keep it?

I had this GiaNT mouse I mean lik e it was huge 

35: do you like stationary and pretty pens and so on? do you use them often?

I love... I write letters and postcards to people 

36: which band's sound would fit your mood right now?

Probs Elvis like always 

37: do you like keeping your room messy or clean?

I like it clean but usually it messy

38: tell us about your pet peeves?

People hiding things, acting like a different person than who they are, being a bad friend bc you want to seem cool to someone else 

39: what color do you wear the most?

Pink and Black prob

40: think of a piece of jewelry you own: what's it's story? does it have any meaning to you?

yeah boi The longest amethyst pendant I wear my grandma gave me, the shorter one my mom gave me. I used to have this moon necklace I would wear literally everyday and was very important to me but I lost it at a show and Im still sad about it  

41: what's the last book you remember really, really loving?

Joel Grey’s book 

42: do you have a favorite coffee shop? describe it!

Mutiny !!! its really sick and there mochas are so good and they have good heckin shows (also im obvi a starbucks bitch so...) 

43: who was the last person you gazed at the stars with?

myself bitch I tell the moon to protect my loved ones every nite 

44: when was the last time you remember feeling completely serene and at peace with everything?

On the beach in Savannah like pls take me back  

45: do you trust your instincts a lot?

100%

46: tell us the worst pun you can think of.

Imagine if you would hit the clock in the morning and the clock would hit you right back. -I think it would be truly alarming. 

47: what food do you think should be banned from the universe?

Ketchup 

48: what was your biggest fear as a kid? is it the same today?

Needles and yea 

49: do you like buying CDs and records? what was the last one you bought?

Cds uhhhh last was probs placebo 

50: what's an odd thing you collect?

Musiclas on VHS 

51: think of a person. what song do you associate with them?

person not named -- song: hold on to me placebo 

52: what are your favorite memes of the year so far?

the blinky guy

53: have you ever watched the rocky horror picture show? heathers? beetlejuice? pulp fiction? what do you think of them?

lmao yea they good 

54: who's the last person you saw with a true look of sadness on their face?

I heard it in there voice too and it was last week and It hurts to see someone so sad 

55: what's the most dramatic thing you've ever done to prove a point?

well i can say that I did not join the frisbee team to prove a point 

56: what are some things you find endearing in people?

lmao being nice and happy at least some of the time passionate about things and seeks to be happy and fulfilled 

57: go listen to bohemian rhapsody. how did it make you feel? did you dramatically reenact the lyrics?

yeah but also that song makes me sad 

58: who's the wine mom and who's the vodka aunt in your group of friends? why?

Im both fuck me up 

59: what's your favorite myth?

my love life *that weird drum sound thng when some1 makes a joke* 

60: do you like poetry? what are some of your faves?

yeah 

61: what's the stupidest gift you've ever given? the stupidest one you've ever received?

to tired to answer this 

62: do you drink juice in the morning? which kind?

orange 

63: are you fussy about your books and music? do you keep them meticulously organized or kinda leave them be?

leave em be 

64: what color is the sky where you are right now?

dark 

65: is there anyone you haven't seen in a long time who you'd love to hang out with?

yeah I was supposed to see zack but then it fell through so that should happen soon 

66: what would your ideal flower crown look like?

d a i s i e s 

67: how do gloomy days where the sky is dark and the world is misty make you feel?

I like it 

68: what's winter like where you live?

bad gross cold snow 

69: what are your favorite board games?

clue 

70: have you ever used a ouija board?

nah son dont fuck w that shit 

71: what's your favorite kind of tea?

rasberry 

72: are you a person who needs to note everything down or else you'll forget it?

yea 

73: what are some of your worst habits?

got lots of them 

74: describe a good friend of yours without using their name or gendered pronouns.

They are small short fuckn nerd but 

75: tell us about your pets!

I l o v e them 

76: is there anything you should be doing right now but aren't?

sleeping > 

77: pink or yellow lemonade?

pink 

78: are you in the minion hateclub or fanclub?

I hate those yeloow bitches 

79: what's one of the cutest things someone has ever done for you?

ew

80: what color are your bedroom walls? did you choose that color? if so, why?

theres like this giant mountain mural... mountians... just mean,,,, so... much to me, lmao no we rent  

81: describe one of your friend's eyes using the most abstract imagery you can think of.

pine tree w golden light shining through 

82: are/were you good in school?

this semester im doing pretty good 

83: what's some of your favorite album art?

lmao idfk 

84: are you planning on getting tattoos? which ones?

yea a tcb in new mexico 

85: do you read comics? what are your faves?

yea wonder women ones like the old ones 

86: do you like concept albums? which ones?

?????

87: what are some movies you think everyone should watch at least once in their lives?

Boy meets girl (my heart ) and girl happy 

88: are there any artistic movements you particularly enjoy?

im s o tired im sorru 

89: are you close to your parents?

yea 

90: talk about your one of you favorite cities.

Savannah 

91: where do you plan on traveling this year?

lots of places actually 

92: are you a person who drowns their pasta in cheese or a person who barely sprinkles a pinch?

drowns 

93: what's the hairstyle you wear the most?

short and out of the way 

94: who was the last person you know to have a birthday?

Carla

95: what are your plans for this weekend?

work and I have a thing on sunday 

96: do you install your computer updates really quickly or do you procrastinate on them a lot?

i ignore them 

97: myer briggs type, zodiac sign, and hogwarts house?

idr aquarius im slytherin  

98: when's the last time you went hiking? did you enjoy it?

yes i did 

99: list some songs that resonate to your soul whenever you hear them.

nooooooo 

100: if you were presented with two buttons, one that allows you to go 5 years into the past, the other 5 years into the future, which one would you press? why?

neither thats a horrible question live life in the present and understand that each day is different and you should just enjoy what you can of them :)))

you right i do kinda hate u but its ok 

[kayyeh1]

I need something new to get into and distract myself from life, a new show, a new game, a new book series, a new webcomic, heck even a new fanfiction. Let me know if you think of anything. Nothing too inappropriate though. Example if some things I love

Shows: Young Justice Little Witch Academia Steven Universe Avatar: The Last Airbender Ok K.O. Star vs Evil Ninjago Erased Your Name Fullmetal Alchemist Izetta: the last witch Miss Kobayashi’s dragon maid

Games: Legend of Zelda Skylanders Phoenotopia Broken Age Bearville Club penguin

Books: Wings Of Fire Dragon Rider Eragon Where The Mountian Meets The Moon The wide awake princess The frog princess A mango shaped space and ithers by Wendy mass Dragon Slippers

Webcomics: Sharp zero Peritale Namesake Sleepless domain Rock And Riot Strong Female Protagonist

Movies: Big hero six How to train your dragon Monster high movies ( the old ones ) Rise of the guardians

BTW if you wanna hit up my ask or message me and fangirl about any of these things go for it

[coyotecorner]

Senklip Journeys to the Big Water Part I:

Long ago, before the time of the people, the Animal People walked the land. Back then, the land was a different from it is now. It was after the time the Big Waters had left the valley and the land was, once again, vibrant and lush.

It was at this time that kulenčutn(the creator) gave Senklip(coyote) the task of preparing the land for the People to Come. He had journeyed in the direction the sun had risen, to the land of Curly Hair (qwesp) where he fought and tamed the monster Horse. He had journeyed to the land where the rivers started to the land of the Big Mountians, that are always covered in snow, where he found and killed a baby that ate people and an Elk that could make himself unseen.

It was also this time that he had saved Salmon from the One Who Drags His Belly on the Ground. Grateful for this, Salmon invited Senklip to come to his country so he could throw a feast in his honour. “Ee-yah!” Exclaimed Senklip, “You live a great distance away! Further than that of the tallest mountain, where the rivers start! Who would look after my family while I am gone? Surely you don’t mean for my family to starve?!” He was, of course, making an excuse for you see, Senklip was horribly lazy and all his children were already grown or old enough to take care of themselves.

His two eldest sons now journeyed the sky in the Lodges of the Sun and Moon while his youngest, topken, was old enough and strong enough to take care of himself. In fact, it was said that he was a better hunter than his Father. This is why, today, they hunt and scavenge during the time of snow instead of sleeping like the other animal people.

Knowing full well that Senklip was lying Salmon told him, “Senklip! I know you are only trying to make an excuse so you don’t have to go. Your two eldest sons are fully grown! The one, whos skin is as red as the fire, inhabits the Lodge of the Sun and greets us every morning to announce a new day while the one, who’s skin is as pale as the roots beneath the earth, inhabits the Lodge of the Moon announces when we must harvest and when we must sleep. Your youngest is old enough to take care of himself and his mother and I have heard it said, from the meadowlark, that he’s a better hunter than you are!” With his pride hurt, Senklip reluctantly decided to journey to Salmon’s country. “You go on ahead then!” Said Senklip, “I shall meet you there after I am done preparing! I must also say goodbye to my wife for she is going to miss me dearly!”

With that, Salmon turned to leave back to his country when he warned Senklip, “Be careful to listen to my warning as you could end up dead if you don’t! Do not stray far from the river! The country that it goes through is a strange and foreign place and many of the people would rather kill you than welcome you!” Senklip, of course was not paying attention to the warning salmon gave him as he was instead dreaming of all the food he would eat the feast for it was known throughout the land that the Big Waters, where Salmon lived, had more food than any where else on the land! He only nodded his head in understanding as he was prancing off to prepare for his journey to the Big Water.

[theburbplane]

Chapter 1 - The truth must be told

I woke up to find that It was dark because the fire had died and there was no light outside other than that from the moon and the stars. I poked the fire revealing the hot coal and put some small pieces of wood onto it then I blew it until a small flame came. Nothing ever good comes from the dark.

I then heard a screech, the sound was so high pitched that my ears began to ache, it grew louder and louder.

Chills began to go up my spine. I've never heard a sound like that before.

"What is that?" I said to myself. I decided to look outside to find out what it would be. I saw something move in the shadows. The screeching stopped and everything was silent.

"Mom?" I called, turning away from the window. No  one answered. "Mom!" I croaked as I began to freak out realising I was Home Alone.

I went to the front door to lock it and as I got to it, the door's nob moved but I quickly turned the key and started slowly moving backwards, not taking my eyes off the door. My heart started racing.

"Lily." A voice called from behind the door. The sound of its voice was alluring. "Come to me." It ordered. It's voice was dark, something not from here, not human. I went behind the bookcase because the door began to open by itself and icy breeze entered the room and blew the flames from the fire out. It became quite dark but you could see the outlines of objects.

I got up from behind the bookshelf and  started moving towards the door because of the fact that I had lost compelete control of my body, I tried to fight it but It didn't work. I reached the door and saw the fingure of a Huge Shadow-Like Dog that everyone warns you about. I wanted to scream but my lips wouldn't move. It was as if it was feeding off my fear and using it against me.

It's eyes bored into mine and I tried to move my eyes away but it stopped me. It's eyes were dark and empty, as if it had no soul.

"I've finally found you." I heard it say inside my mind.

"You are not welcome here." I said in my mind.

"I can do whatever I want. Even take over your soul." It's voice got angry. "I am a shadow, You cannot stop me, human."

There were footsteps, someone was running towards us.

"Get away from her!" I heard someone yell. It turned and slowly moved towards where the noise came from.

"Get away you DEMON!" They yelled louder.

I heard the sound of a blade moving through the air abd then there was a yelp. I felt my body again and the fire came a light. I immediatly closed the door and put on some more candles to make the room lighter.

The door opened again for I forgot to close it but this time, thankfully, it was my mother that came through the door.She turned, closed the door.

"Mom?" I noticed the two blades with strange markings that were covered with black blood that she placed against the wall. "Were you the one who killed the Shadow?" I asked.

"Yes."

"How though?"

"With these." She picked up the blades. "You cannot kill it with a normal blade as it's a Shadow and has no physical form."

"Oh, what are those markings."

She sighed. "Look, my love, I know you deserve answers but this is not the time and definatly not the place."

"butiwannaknow." I said in a small voice.

She gave me a glare. "Do not talk back to me."

"Sorry mom." I looked down at the floor.

"You're not hurt, are you?" She placed the blades down and came towards me. She looked at my arm.

I pult it away. "I'm fine mom."

"Is your father here?" She changed the subject.

"Him and Augustus -"

The door opened.

Micheal and Augustus came inside.

"Perfect timing." She said.

"Hi." Augustus said to me. He smiled and waved.

"Please help me with this, son." My father said as he held the one side of the table.

"Sure." Augustus said whilst picking up the other side of the table.

"Thanks."

They moved it infront of the door.

He ran over to us and hugged us.

He let go of us.

"Let's go somewhere safer." My dad said.

She nodded. "Yes, to the basement." She turned to face Augustus. "Augustus, Please can you go and grab some candles."

"Okay." He went to the cabinet and took as many as he could.

"Thank you, dear." My mother smiled at him.

"Pleasure, ma'am." He said smiling back

My father opened the door to the basement and we all went inside.

He locked the door with a key.

"They've found her." He said.

"What?" My mother's face became dark.

"The Shadow's. They're here." He said.

"They never come this far South." She held me tighter.

"I know." He looked at us. "We need to go."

"Wait." Augustus said. "What about me?"

My mother and father looked at each other.

They both nodded

"You'll come with us." My father said.

"I'll explain later right now is not the time." My father said.

"We need to go through a portal, There is no way we can leave without it spotting us."  My mother said.

"Yes that is true." My father replied.

They joined both hands and started whispering strange words, they said it in sync, I couldn't make out what it was, It was in an ancient language called 'Certer' It was the language of the centurion, I have never tried to learn it as it was extremly difficult.

"Ex strem mana tore enla berdien centurion." Both of them repitadly kept saying it until a light appeared between them. They let go of each others hands and a portal appered.

The door bursted open and more shadows came in.

"Jump!" My father yelled. "I'll hold it off!"

We did as we were told and jumped in.

~*~

I woke up in a bed inside what looked like a palace bedroom. My head was really sore. I saw my mother by my side.

"Mom?" I said my voice was shaky and soft. I moved my hand to hers.

She looked up her eyes were red, her hair was messy and She was completely strained.

"Are you feeling okay?" She asked in a motherly tone. Searching my eyes for an answer.

"Yes, Why what's wrong?" I asked curiously.

"Don't you remember?" Her eyes widened.

"Um, Something was trying to take me?" I yawned. "

She smilied but didn't respond. She was hiding something I could see it in her eyes. A few minutes passed until my father walked in and sat on the bed.

"I think you deserve some explinations." He said as he sat down ,frowning.

"I sure do." I replied whilst crossing my arms

"What would you like to know?" He asked in a very serious tone.

"Where am I really from?" I asked saying the really, slowly.

"Well your from here, Kulun mountians" He said back as if it was something casual.

I read about Kulun mountians, It's the ancient place, The mountians are extremly high, the clouds hide them and only a Centurion can get there, It's also where the queen of the centurions lived with her loyal subjects but since she's been dead they have abanded it.

"So am I a Centurion?" I asked curiously.

"No you are not, your a halfling. You are both a human and Centurion." He said looking directly into my eyes.

I frowned. "So is mom a fairie and your a centurion?" I asked.

"Uhm well you see ,we love you so much don't forget that. We aren't your parents-" I interrupted him.

"WHAT?"  I said, my voice was croaky.

"Let me finish, You are queen 'Adalinds' daughter,  You have royal blood flowing through your veins and royal powers." He said that really slowly so that I didn't miss anything.

"So then who are you?" I asked once again another question.

"We are your guardians, We are angels sent from Archangel Micheal to protect you from any harm or threat, We were given this task because we have been with you from the start. We watched you being born into this world, We watched you take your first steps-" I interrupted him.

"Why did you watch me? I surely remember it was you who helped me take my first steps." I said to him.

"No we had to earse all of your memories with your mother or father because it was a threat to everyone, They would find you." He said that with fear.

"Who would find me?" I asked a little frightend.

He pursed his lips "The Ice wolf King."  He said, He had no emotion. That word brought chills up me spine.

The Ice wolf King has never been seen by anyone, Maybe they saw him but they were killed right then and there. They say that he is a werewolf just like the others. No one has seen him in either of those forms.

"Why would he want me?" I asked freaking out.

"We will have to ask the elders." He said frowning. "I really don't like to talk about it, I'm to pure for such evil."

He helped me out of the bed. I stumbeld a little and definatly felt light headed, I got up to fast. I sat down again and got up five seconds later.

"Are you okay?" He asked in concern.

"I am now." I replied and held my head. "Um is there any clothes other than a robe for me?" I asked looking down at my clothes.

"Oh." He observed me. "I will ask a maid, now one second." He said holding his hand up. "I will be back soon sit down." He said in a protective voice.

He walked out of the room and closed the door. Now that I am up I can see the floral patterns on the bed, these look familiar. I got up and walked around the room and saw a window, I went to it to see what was outside. I was very high off the ground, We were in Kulun Mountians. This place was supposed to be abonded, wasn't  it?

~*~

I heard knocking on the door. It echoced throughout the room.

"Come in." I said to whoever it was.

A lady in a neat blue dress with a white apron walked in she was holding a beautiful frost dress and some shoes ,which I guessed was mine. She walked towards me and layed the dress on the bed and put the shoes next to it.

"Thank you." I said to her smiling.

"My pleasure your majesty." She replied and smilied

Majesty? Oh yes I'm basically the heir to the kingdom. That isn't frightning at all.

"What is your name?" I asked curiously.

"It's Mary ,I haven't seen you for so long." She replied and looked at me.

"I'm sorry but I don't remember, my memory was wiped." I said that with shame.

I sat down on the bed and she sat down next to me.

"It's fine dear, We all know about that, It was for everyones safety." She said whilst rubbing my back.

"I know." I looked at her. "Well it's nice meeting you ..again, I think I should get dressed." I said to her and she walked out of the room to give me privacy.

I pulled on my dress and put my shoes on. I looked in the mirror

"What the heck?!" I said out loud.

I started observing myself, my hair has gone white from brown, my eyes have gone to ice blue from brown and my skin has gone from tan to a pale white.

~*~

I heard someone knock on the door.

"Come in." I said whilst still observing myself.

The person came in. It was my 'father'. I don't know his actual name.

"Oh my." He said and put a hand over his mouth. "The spell is wearing off." He said that taking his hand away from his mouth.

"What spell?" I asked.

"Oh we had to protect you, change your identity and conceal your powers." He said whilst observing me.

"But centurions don't look like this." I said whilst gesturing at myself.

"We should go and meet the elders now." He said grabbing my hand and pulling me.

"Yes, we should." I said back to him.