#she believes in the swordsmen and she will always be there

[t-u-i-t-c]

chapter xxx

#kr saber lb #kr lb #umbrella.thoughts #umbrella.posts #rintaro cares so much for mei #she's always believed in him and she showed him so much #he's experiencing a life outside of the one he had when he was growing up in the guild #she introduces him to food and activities and resources #she lets him talk about his life and helps him navigate through the world #she knows he's strong even when rintaro may not believe it himself #she believes in the swordsmen and she will always be there #and rintaro will always make sure she can be safe and live peacefully #although they're going through chaos they know they can find strength and peace in each other

[ssparksflyy]

percy x zeus!gf hcs pls!!! and could i request it to be more on the funny side and how percy and zeus have beef but also get along cuz of gf

ask and thou shall receive ༉‧₊˚.

percy jackson dating hcs ! ⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

pairing: percy jackson x daughter of zeus!reader warning(s): little bit of swearing a/n: hi! ty for requesting <3 im literally not funny but i hope u enjoy thissss! also theres a lotta taylor in this one 🤭

BIG REPUTATION BIG REPUTATION OHHH YOU AND ME WE GOT BIG REPUTATIONS AHHH

it doesnt matter if ur a social butterfly or antisocial, everybody knew you and percy before you even started dating

so best believe when u actually got together, everybody ( literally ) cheered

but omg your flirting era had to be on of the most painful things to watch

seriously doesnt matter if u got game or not, percy is literally oblivious and a LOSERRRRR

im so sorry but somebody had to say it

bro had THE BIGGEST crush on you and whenever he'd try to like compliment you itd usually sound a little weird

tell me why he'd probably say something like

"i like your outfit today! that shirt for sure looks better with those jeans than it did with the shorts you wore 2 weeks ago :)"

lil creep

cue silena crying in the corner bcs she made a bet with beckendorf and it is NOT looking good for her right now

WE NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE.

u guys are iconic

like well-known power couple

I'D be scared to train with you guys cause like wdym i gotta go against the best swordsmen at camp and the daughter of the king of the gods?? no thank you, i choose life ♡

when people are asked to think of a couple, they immediately think of you guys

everybody loves you guys fr

if you ever broke up ( which you wont, percy would probs just say "no" ) itd probably leave everybody super torn

BROOOO ITD BE LIKE IN GILMORE GIRLS WHEN LORELAI AND LUKE BROKE UP AND THE WHOLE TOWN LIKE TOOK SIDES

if you havent watched gilmore girls, that basically sums the situation up. lorelai is literally like the town's sweetheart and luke is the owner of the most popular diner in their small town ♡ very cutesy

so sorry for the spoiler

SALLY LOVESSS YOU

she's literally so sweet and treats you as if you were her own child

she'd definitely bake cookies when you first meet and if you liked them, you best believe you are being sent back to camp with a baggie full of cookies

yk what percy time

your literally his queen

( sorry i say literally a lot )

he treats you like royaltyyyyy

always opening doors for you, walks you everywhere, follows the sidewalk rule, everything ♡

when its raining, he picks you up bridal style and takes you wherever you need to go, so you dont get your shoes wet ♡♡

yall literally live in the rain tho

neither of you leave your cabin with an umbrella, the rain just gives you life

AND I DONT KNOW WHY BUT WITH YOU ID DANCE IN A STORM IN MY BEST DRESS FEARLESS

one time, you went out for a fancy dinner, got dressed up all nice very fancy very fancy

BUT you BOTH forgot to check the weather

and it ended up POURING rain by the time you got out of the restaurant

and i kid you not

percy just grabs you by the hand, leads you out into the rain, and begins to dance with you.

no coverage, no music, no fucks given. just him and his girl.

he treasures that moment forever and ever

all the gods looked down at you from olympus and melted

neither of you care if you're disrespecting your fathers, you spend almost every night together ♡

percy is absolutely a big cuddler

literally just adores the feeling of you close to him

oh lord save him his drug is his baby he'll be using for the rest of his life

falling asleep together is so easy, you just melt into each other's touch

waking up is what's harder

neither of you want to leave the bed, and neither of you want the other person to leave the bed either.

percy's the typa guy to just have a sweet little conversation with you before he gets up for the day

you always get a good morning ( and a good night! ), then percy asks you what's on your schedule for the day ( as if he hasn't memorized it by now ), and what you wanted for breakfast that morning

he simply cannot get up without it

he's also the typa guy to just whisper sweet nothings into your ear if he wakes up before you ♡

he just goes on a little ramble about how pretty you look when your sleeping, even though you are sleeping while he's 'talking' to you

sorry where was i?

ZEUS.

the bastrard HATES percy and percy HATES the bastard

theyve literally been beefing since he was 12 years old

so best believe when zeus found out his daughter was dating this mf son of poseidon, oo he was MAAAADDDDD

poseidon is literally so chill with you. like he just cares that percy is happy

zeus holds back everything in him to not kill percy on the spot every time you make out

he doesn't do it because he knows you'd probably walk to the underworld to get him back and hades would go feral if he got another orpheus & eurydice

percy gives zero fucks. he flips off the sky every time he walks outside

percy is so sweet and caring and kind and shows ur father such respect like hes literally an angel 😇😇

i wouldn't say that he starts like actually respecting him, but he tries not to offend him as often as usual, just for you ♡

in the scenario that you'd have to make a trip to olympus, percy and zeus put on their big boy pants and try to tolerate each other

hera dont like you or percy bro she's literally just there

its ok tho, you both despise her for kidnapping percy and wiping his memory ♡♡♡

JASON AND THALIA HOWEVER

thalia would definitely be the dramatic dad that zeus cant be (in person, at least)

whenever she and the hunters stay at camp she ( jokingly ) tells percy

"jackson, i want her home by NINE PEE EM. no later. i expect you won't be drinking, and you will be TAKING CARE OF HER. in the instance that i hear you DONT, i think you'll be taking a second trip across the river styx, you hear me?"

in like an old man voice and everything

percy plays along with it and salutes her going "yes ma'am!"

jason thinks yall are so cute together

since you were together before the whole switcheroo thingy, jason knew you first, and you were instantly best buddies

you told him about percy, and once he met him, he was happy to find out he was exactly like you described him

jason and thalia are ur #1 supporters ♡

in summary, alexa play that should be me

a/n pt.2: hihi! hope you enjoyed thatttt <3 i had sm fun writing these teehee, have a good day/night!

peace from manhattan,

percy jackson

#percy jackson #pjo #percy jackson x reader #pjo x reader #heroes of olympus x reader #hoo x reader #percy jackon and the olympians #heroes of olympus #by bells ♡⋆ ࣪.

[slayfics]

Muichiro’s Mansion

Muichiro x Reader series

Mitsuri gives you some advice for becoming Muichiro’s Tsuguko.

Chapter 2

“Of course.” You responded surprised that Mitsuri came up to you at all.

“That was admirable of you, to be so dedicated to the Hashira you wish to train under.”

“Oh, thank you... You don’t think it was foolish to turn down Uzui?” You asked.

“Not at all, after all the heart wants what the heart wants.” She said, smiling sweetly. “I think turning down a Hashira like you did was so very brave that I want to tell you a secret ok?” Mitsuri moved closer whispering the next part to you. “Tokito has an awful memory. I’m sure he will forget about this in a few days’ time. You should try to write to him and apply to be his Tsuguko again.” She moved back speaking at a normal volume now. “Maybe you’ll catch him in a better mood, and he will say yes.”

“Oh... Do you think so? I will try. Thank you Miss Kanroji.” You said bowing your head.

“If he says no again you can let me know, there is always a spot for you as my Tsuguko!” She said as she turned to leave. “Bye, hope to see you again!”  

You followed Mitsuri’s advice and wrote a letter to Muichiro the following week applying to be his Tsuguko. The next few days dragged on as you eagerly waited for his response.

Finally, a crow with long eyelashes came and dropped a letter off to you. The crow let out a puff of air as it dropped the letter and turned its back to you with a sassy ruffle of its feathers and flew off. What is with that crow you thought, but quickly tore open the letter. The letter was short and simple.

“I believe we went over this at the recent Hashira meeting. My answer remains no.”

-Muichiro Tokito

You felt your eyes begin to swell with tears. To be turned down once is one thing, but twice!! The humiliation sunk in, and you weren’t sure how to handle it. Why had the master thought it was a good idea to ask Muichiro in front of everyone in the first place? Didn’t he know that you would be turned down? Why did you listen to Mitsuri and make an even deeper fool of yourself by asking again.

A few days passed and you encouraged yourself to keep training. While out training, trying your hardest to forget about how broken up you felt, you heard a yell.

“HEY!” You turned around to see Suma heading straight toward you.

“Aren’t you the swordsmen that turned down Lord Tengen!”

“Umm I uhh..” You stammered and Suma began to smack you on the top of the head.

“HOW DARE YOU INSULT HIM IN FRONT OF THE MASTER! YOU SHOULD FEEL SO LUCKY TO HAVE BEEN OFFERED TO TRAIN AS HIS TSUGUKO!” She yelled continuing to smack you. You felt tears begin to swell in your eyes again. Not only have you been rejected twice... You now made yourself three enemies out of Tengen's wives. Brilliant.

Should you beg for forgiveness now and write to Tengen apologizing and asking to be his Tsuguko? But the thought of that made your heart sink. You’ve envisioned for so long to train under Tokito. You couldn’t imagine turning to any other Hashira.  

“Hey cut it out! This swordsman is going to suffer enough not having a Hashira to train under now.” Makio said, pulling Suma off. Suma stuck her tongue out at you and began to walk away with Makio.

You let out a sigh and as you looked up you saw Muichiro passing by. 

Thank you all for the love you gave chapter one! It persuaded me to get this chapter out earlier than I anticipated! I’m going to attempt to get on a regular schedule for posting chapters once a week~

#demon slayer #kny x reader #kny x you #anime x reader #anime x y/n #demon slayer x reader #muichiro x reader #demon slayer muichiro #demon slayer x you #muchiro tokito #kny muichiro #kimetsu no yaiba hashira #demon slayer hashira #hashira x reader #mist hashira #kimetsu no yaiba #demon slayer x y/n #kny fanfic #Muichiro’s mansion

[firefirefruit]

Steel in Her Veins, Chapter: One

Table of Contents | Next Chapter

Characters: Fem!Reader x Roronoa Zoro

Chapter One: What Happens When a Swordsman Meets a Swordsmith? 

GIF by gildedmuse

Behind the Wall

Zoro notes that the trek up into the forest with Gramps is oddly silent, as his boots clumsily crush against the leafy meadow. Between the two, no words of small talk are being shared or expressed – which is surprising and also a breath of fresh air to Zoro, since it seems he can’t get away from people who love to yap. 

He was also secretly thankful that he was being guided to the swordsmith rather than having to put his listening comprehension skills to the test, with how – and he wholeheartedly believes this - villagers always give him the most confusing roundabout directions (really, it’s just them telling him to turn left). 

So, as he lags behind the dagger-swinging Gramps, he realises that this has been the first time in months that he’s felt at peace without having to sleep for it. 

After what seems like an hour of silent ambling, Gramps looks behind himself at the samurai and childishly beams. 

“We’re almost there, celery-boy.”

“Gotcha, dusty puffball,” Zoro retorts.

“I must warn you… you should be prepared for the swordsmith. She does not like to sugar-coat things.” 

Zoro remains silent; at first, he mulls over his words before deciding to shrug it off. It’s not like any of the swordsmiths he’s met are legendary, so really, why would her opinion matter?

As they near a mountainous cliffy terrain, Gramps stands ahead of a narrow gap between two rumbling boulders. His hands deftly stroke across a specific gap with obnoxious hand movements, which Zoro thinks he’s undoubtedly making up on the spot. Still, as the old man moves away from the caress, the rocks begin to shuffle and grumble lowly. The boulders twist and turn, jagged and crumbling, into forming an irregular cave-like hole. 

When the cave stops echoing its aroused yawn against its walls, the merchant turns around to stick his tongue at Zoro.

“You thought I was an insane old senile for a second, didn’t you?” 

Slowly, Zoro’s ears turn red.

“You did, didn’t you? You followed me here because you felt bad for me, didn’t you?” 

“Leave it alone,” Zoro sighs, feeling the heat continue to rush over the rest of his face. 

He quickly shuffles through the entrance before he can give the geezer another chance to holler at his idiocy. It didn’t stop the dusty puffball, though – as they both continue their journey within the dimly lit cave, Zoro can hear the old cackles that echoed off the jagged walls.

“Wait until you meet her, you’ll be lit up in flames!” He giggles deviously, pleased with his successful torment with the bull-head.

“I don’t give a shit about what anyone thinks,” Zoro mutters, remaining tight-lipped for the rest of the journey. 

Over the Wall

“Go find a transponder snail right bloody now - I’m not dealing with him,” you hiss at your Gramps, who stares at you almost as dumbly as the green sword wielder standing beside him.

“What are you talking about?” Gramps Suki splutters, acting oblivious as he’s always been with you. “Give him a chance, he’s a good kid!”

“No,” you hiss, ignoring the green-head standing stoically in front of your anvil, putting your palm up at Gramps. “Call the Navy Protection Services right now, he’s a disgrace to his swords.”

“Do you want a fight with me, woman?!” The idiot swordsman yells, clawing clumsily for the weapons at his hip.

Unprovoked, you hit him with a deadpan look to the side. God, how many careless swordsmen have you dealt with who all act the bloody same?

“That’s brave, asking to fight the one person who knows how to make and break a blade.” 

In an instant, green-head starts shouting out a string of insults like a moron. 

Although small and frail in appearance, you know Gramps Suki is more than what he chooses to show to people. In a swift manoeuvre, his knobbly hands grip the guy by the collar, making the samurai look like a wretched cat dragged by its neck.

“Get your hands off me, dumbass!” The swordsman chokes, squirming and struggling against the strength of your Gramps. Ignoring him entirely, Gramps stares at you with bewilderment and slight humour.

“What?” You ask him, casually heading to the back of the room to wash your hands. 

“We aren’t pro-Navy, Raya, or have you hit your head on the anvil again?”

“You’ve hit your head on the anvil before?” A gruff voice snickers in Gramps’ vice grip, making you grit your teeth hard.

“Someone needs to call child protection services on those poor swords,” you loudly announce, shutting the green-head up from his evil grin. 

You turn around to rest against the sink, drying your hands with a blackened rag. 

“I can quite literally feel how broken they are in their sheaths, and I’m stood all the way here. Don’t you respect your blades, Mr. Samurai, or do you like to use them as big tooth-picks instead?”

And the dude, still squirming a few centimetres in the air, absolutely loses it. You can’t help but crack a laugh over how furious he’s getting as he begins to continue with his insults. You swear you hear him call you an anvil-indented-head in his string of lovely compliments.

Even Gramps can’t help but guffaw at the entire interaction between you two, completely folding over in on himself. Although still holding onto the green-head’s shirt in an abnormally strong grasp, he heartily laughs on, as if he’s holding a cloth in the air.  

Tsk. Maybe Gramps really is going senile - you think, while you dust off your blackened hammer. Out of any person in the world, you didn’t know why Sukiyaki decided to bring in this idea of a swordsman as a potential client.

You and Gramps have only worked for the best and scarcely have any, if at all, clients – simply because, for you and Gramps, swordsmithing is incredibly dangerous and quite literally life-threatening. Your whole cover can be blown up in an instant if the wrong person fucks around and finds out who you both are.

As underground swordsmiths, you intentionally work away from the hubbub of the central market to gain only the attention of the right clients. To you, this cabbage patch of a man shows absolutely no promise, evidence, or indication of worthiness to bear your craftsmanship by his side. 

This dude comes in with a crumbling sword, the sword who’s barely holding herself together in the shambled state she’s in, as well as bearing two other wobbly blades on his hip. The first time you sensed their three auras, as he and Gramps made their way towards you, your whole stomach dropped. 

Of course, you see broken swords all the time; in your profession, it’s called for – but the way that the green-head’s metals were humming – no, moaning - made you want to writhe in your own skin. You’ve never heard this level of sadness before. It completely pained you to know what the blades were thinking.  

How unfeeling he is to the forces who defend his life, time and time again. Frankly, it’s insulting. 

“Who do you think you are, anvil-head? You’re just the village’s swordsmith - a nobody,” the guy spits out, wholly absorbed in his anger. He finally manages to push himself away from Gramps’ hands and land on his feet.

“Oh, God.. not again,” Gramps mutters, shaking his head in mild displeasure. He knows what’s about to happen.

Your hands pause in the middle of buffing your hammer. 

A nobody, huh?

Your fingertips grow warm. You gaze up at the man – the first time you’ve actually acknowledged him with a look - who’s now stomping towards you, his hands balled in fists. 

As you shake your head, you feel tendrils of smoke and heat frame around your face. What a bull-head. 

“Fix my swords, woman,” he demands through gritted teeth, standing between you and your workbench. 

You sigh, unimpressed, staring straight into his eye. 

“It can’t be done.”

“Are you telling me you’re so unskilled that you can’t mend my swords?”

A smile unfurls across your lips, fire emanating from your fingertips and across the stray curls of your hair. 

You shake your head. 

“No, I’m telling you that I'm melting them. Look down.”

Gramps Suki and Bull-Head slowly tilt their vision to the floor, plainly staring at the liquid metal dripping out of all three of his sheaths. 

#one piece #one piece zoro #roronoa zoro #roronoa zoro x reader #nami #zoro #one piece luffy #luffy #monkey d luffy #one piece ace #straw hat pirates #usopp #sanji #tony tony chopper #nico robin #straw hat luffy #one piece fanfiction #one piece fic #one piece fanfic #op fanfic #op fandom #female reader x zoro #zoro x female reader #zoro x fem reader #three sword style #zoro roronoa #zoro rorono x you #zoro roronoa x y/n #straw hats #one piece nami

[sleepyhead0720]

Hiii, saw your request is open and I rlly love your writing style! Can I request a fluffy Sanji x Reader where Reader and Sanji are pining for each other and the whole crew is just tired of it, esp Nami and Robin because the couple think that their crush with one another is unrequited. Thus, the crew devised a plan to make them confess to one another.

Tysm and I hope u have a nice day <3

Aww tysm! I hope you enjoy it<3

I wish you a good day too:))

Masterlist

Feels for you

“How long have they been at this?”

Robin glanced at Sanji who was all over you,

“I believe it’s been about a week or two”

She said looking down at her book

Nami huffed

“And the both of em haven’t made a move yet?”

Robin shrugged

Nami looked at the two of you, Sanji was giving you some fresh food in the shape of hearts as he looked at you like a lovesick idiot

You, with obvious blush, ate the fruits that he offered you while thanking him.

It was ridiculously obvious how the two of you felt for each other, atleast for Robin and nami

“Hey you guys! Come here!”

Nami whispered at the rest of the crew

As everyone gathered inside, nami began to speak

“Have you guys noticed sanji and y/n?”

Luffy looked confusingly at nami as he ate a piece of meat Sanji cooked for him

“Now that you mentioned it, he has been giving them special attention compered to the two of you” said usopp

Zoro hummed, still sleepy

“Right??”

Nami sighed

Luffy and chopper looked at each other confusingly

“Why? Is anything wrong with them?”

Asked chopper

Usopp turned an whispered something to chopper, then at luffy

“WHA-mph!?”

Nami covered choppers mouth as she whispered yelled at chopper to be quiet

“Ohhh that’s why Sanji has been giving extra food to y/n!”

Luffy laughed as he finished his meal

“Im sick of those to simping for each other and not saying anything!”

Robin chuckled

“If you really don’t like it, you can always give them a little push,”

Nami looked at Robin surprised

“Robin that’s a great idea!”

Nami clapped her hands together

“Ok, everyone! Here’s the plan!”

/——————————————————————-\

“Y/nnnn!” Luffy yelled

Both you and Sanji looked at the hungry captain

“What do you want now luffy?” Sanji asked tired of him already

Luffy seemed to pause as if thinking back to something

“Oh yea! Y/n could you help me with something?”

You stared at him confused

“Uhh yea sure!”

He suddenly carried you and began to take you somewhere in the ship

“Luffy! Slow down!”

“Ah! Sorry y/n!”

He gently put you down

“What did you need help with?”

“Oh, I actually wanted to ask you something!”

You tilted your head at him

“Uh sure? What did you wanna ask me?”

He thought for a moment

“How do you know when you like someone?”

/——————————————————————-\

“Oi, love cook”

“What do you want now moss-head?”

Sanji groaned as he turned to Zoro who was now walking towards him

“So who’s the unlucky girl?”

“Huh??”

Zoro smirked at him

“Cmon, i know you like y/n, it’s pretty obvious by the way you treat her compered to everyone else”

Sanji blushed and looked away

“Ho-how??- that’s none of your business !”

Zoro’s smirk widened

“Oh but it is! Cause I like her too,”

Sanji quickly turned towards zoro shocked

He laughed

“In fact, I’m planning to confess to her once luffy brings her back”

Sanji glared at the swordsmen

“Don’t you dare!”

Zoro laughed more

“I’ll make you a deal since Im so nice, if you confess first, I’ll forgot about my little crush on her, but if I do it first, I think we both know what’ll happen”

Sanji seemed to glare at him even more

“Oh we’ll speak of the devil”

Zoro smiled as he turned towards you and Luffy walking towards them

“Oi! Y/n could I take to you?”

“DONT you dare moss-head!”

Sanji yelled at Zoro as he raced towards you

You tilted your head, confused

“Uhh sure?”

Zoro smirked and whispered something to Sanji which made him blush hard

“Erm… y/n could I talk to you in private?”

He said nervously

“Sure!”

The two of you walked away from Luffy and Zoro

The rest of the crew came out of their hiding spots

“All that is left is for Sanji to make the first step”

Nami smirked

“Finally!”

“Oi nami, where’s my booze?”

“AND my food!”

/——————————————————————-\

“So what did you wanna talk about?”

You turned to Sanji, a light blush in your cheeks

“Uhm well there’s something that I’ve been wanting to tell you for a long time…”

‘Could it be?’

You blushed at the idea

“Yea?”

He stayed quiet

“Y/n, i-erm….I like you, and not just as a friend! I like you more then that…. And uh…. You don’t have to return my feelings but I just wanted to let you know that….”

He avoided eye contact with you as he his blush worsened

You blushed at his words as a smile appeared on your face.

“Im glad Sanji, cause I may have the same feelings for you too!”

He turned to you surprisingly but that being replaced by a big lovesick smile on his face too

He approached you slowly and hesitantly wrapped his arms around you while giving your forehead a kiss

You hugged him back while inhaling his scent happy that you wouldn’t spend more time with your hidden feelings about him.

|———————————————————————|

#one piece #one piece x you #one piece x reader #one piece x y/n #black leg Sanji #sanji one piece #black leg sanji x reader #sanjionepiece #op Sanji #sanji x you #sanji fluff #sanji x y/n #sanji x reader #sanji

[fengxun]

ONE LOVE, ONE LIFETIME – YONE X READER

“Well, if you decide to come back here one day,” you said, reaching for his hand. Your skin felt warm against his own. “Just know that I’ll be here waiting for you.” Or, the one where Yone fell first.

CONTENT.⠀gender-neutral reader; romance, light angst and hurt/comfort, family issues, elitism in the family (yeah), Asshole Father bc I have problems, family member death, very heavily implied that MC was an accident baby, talks about death and the afterlife on yone's end, brief talks of arranged marriage, allusions to misogyny. + Spirit Blossom AU with some changes to fit the narrative. ~11k words

NOTES.⠀I wanted to finish this before I start properly using the break so woe ~20 pages be upon ye. I've had this in my drafts for ages and it took longer than I would've liked but! we made it! this is a gift for my beloved @kakujis, a dear friend and my Shimada Liker in Arms. <3 I hope you enjoy!!

divider by cafekitsune | cross-posted on ao3

Pride and honour stood above all else.

Such a lesson was established in your clan from the moment of its founding, forging ahead generations of noble swordsmen who have never strayed from their paths. Every child born into the family is bound to duty, raised and trained by the elite until they are seen as ready for the battles ahead of them. Pride flowed in your veins and you were taught to believe that what you bleed is your negligence. Honour is engraved in your bones, down to the marrow—strong as the seas, and immovable as the mountains.

Every child of your family knows this by heart, including you, the broken one. The odd one out. The blemish on what would otherwise be a pristine reputation.

Born without the same mana or prowess that all of your brothers possessed, you were deemed a flawed child undeserving of the honour of your family name. Fate restricted you from following the path you wished to take as soon as they decided on where your life began. How was it fair at all to put such a heavy burden on a child’s shoulders? On someone who hadn’t opened their eyes for the first time yet?

You craved to learn the ways of a warrior, to be someone the younger generation could trust and look up to. Instead, you were scorned in your own home by a family that was hellbent on upholding tradition and their position among the elite. All because you were born differently. Anything said about you was always done in contempt, especially from your own flesh and blood—your father, your brothers, and your sisters.

‘You are not my child.’ It was your father’s way of saying he didn’t want himself or his beloved sons associated with you, his flesh and blood. It wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. So long as he and the oh-so-esteemed council were alive, you would never be seen as a part of the family. So long as he continued to breathe, he would look down on you as much as he could. And yet, even though he so explicitly despised you, you still did everything you could so you could be worth his time.

A fruitless endeavour. He held your weakness over your head, his glare a constant reminder of how he’d always see you as a failure. You would never be enough. You wanted to leave, but where would you go? Without your family name, you had nothing. With your name, all you were was a bastard. You were bound to a home that didn’t welcome you.

‘You are not my child.’ You didn’t want to be.

You wished you had the chance to meet your mother. She abandoned you on the doorstep, they would say whenever you asked about her, your father saved you. It wasn’t until years later that you learned the truth. She never abandoned you—she was threatened, forbidden from stepping foot inside the mansion again. You used to wish she had fought more and taken you with her, but the more you grew, the more you understood. Whatever fury you harboured towards her dwindled like a flame dying on its own.

She didn’t have a choice. You knew firsthand what that felt like. Everything the elders said was law; within these walls, there was no going against them. They saw her as disposable, a lowly commoner who just happened to earn the affection of a nobleman for a night. And dispose of her they did. As the midwife took you away, your mother was sent off to another city in a carriage that never returned. No one spoke of her again. Whether it was by command or a collective agreement, you weren’t sure.

There were times when her name would come up in hushed whispers. Some of them were from your father. You remember being six years old and listening to your father’s drunk mumbling. With a hand on your head, he told you that you looked just like your mother. It was the gentlest he’d ever been with you. But when the inebriation left his system the next morning, your loving father was gone, and the patriarch was back.

His soft tone became harsh once again. His eyes burned with hatred. It was as if everything was just a dream. It might as well have been. You chalked it up to him having a bad day, just like yesterday and the day before that. Surely he’d be kind to you again if he drank.

He wasn’t.

And as if taking your mother away wasn’t already enough of a mockery, you were constantly reminded that this was not your home. That you were here because you belonged to the clan. You’ve always been. You were already their property from the moment you inhaled your first breath.

Your life was theirs, but even that wasn’t enough.

(You don’t think you’ll ever be.)

A child in a loveless family. Your father thought it wasn’t worth trying to train you, having decided that you were beyond help. Your brothers didn’t see you as someone they had to protect. Your sisters didn’t want to be seen with you. All you had were your grandparents.

With them, you were treated as family. It didn’t matter to them that you didn’t have what your siblings did. They loved you.

You spent mornings in the apothecary room with your grandmother, learning all about herbs and medicine from all around the world. In the afternoon, you’d spend time training with your grandfather in the dojo and listening to his stories of ages past. Then, every evening, you’d spend time with both of them at the temple that they cared for. All of your best memories were made there. When your grandparents inevitably passed, you didn’t hesitate to pick up from where they left off.

Your volunteering to maintain its upkeep seemed to satisfy the elders enough. At least you’ll be useful in something, your father said without batting an eye. You liked to think you’d become numb to all the jabs thrown your way, but you were wrong.

The temple was your getaway, somewhere you could hide from the world and feel more at home than you did in the estate. The smell of flowers and herbs inside the temple, alongside the sight of the sunrise or sunset, never failed to lull you into a state of tranquillity. The voices you’d hear from around you weren’t those of disappointment, but those of birds chirping in a joyous tune. It was the only place you’ll ever feel at peace in. Seeing the names of your grandparents engraved on the stone slabs broke your heart whenever you walked by. You might not grieve any more, but you were still alone.

Ionian faith and tradition flowed in your veins. You were taught about grace by your grandmother and what it meant to be dignified, worthy of respect even without noteworthy achievements. Your grandfather taught you strength and combat so you could protect yourself and others from monsters, both human and unknown. You wouldn’t have gotten the chance to learn the blade elsewhere. He was more than enthusiastic to pass on his knowledge to you. He’d grown weak with age, he said, but you’ve always thought he was the greatest swordsman you know. Aside from the temple, the dojo was where you felt the happiest, but as always, good things never lasted long for you.

In your world, secrets were nearly impossible to have. Spies and traitors lurked in the walls, engraving every decision you made and every word you spoke into their memory. It didn’t take long for your father to find out about the lessons his father had been giving you. In fury, he forbade you from entering the dojo or holding a weapon again and told you that you didn’t deserve to carry on his father’s legacy. Forced to leave behind your passion and descend into monotony, the art of the blade eventually left your mind. Had you just fought back—

No. Not everything was under your control. As long as you were in your father’s home, he would continue to treat you however he liked. The cruel words will keep being said, behind your back and to your face, but you won’t give them the satisfaction. You swore not to let anyone see you at your weakest again. You hated the name that you bear, but you would honour it the way you were taught to. The world might be against you, but there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Staying hopeful in a place like Ionia was all you could do.

Dawn always comes after dusk. The sun always rises for a new day. You didn’t see why it should be any different for you.

—

Your days got busier as the Spirit Blossom festival approached.

More and more people came to honour their loved ones every day, praying and making offerings to their ancestors for protection. You weren’t sure if you ever attended the festival yourself. You knew of the legends and stories behind it, of its reasons and purposes, but you had only been a bystander. You couldn’t see spirits even if you wanted to anyway, you thought bitterly, so there wasn’t a way for you to see your grandparents again.

‘In the Spirit Blossom festival, the dead reunite with their loved ones until the afterlife calls for them again.’

Whether or not it was possible to see said spirits, it was still hard to ignore the longing in your heart. The cycle of life and death was not unknown (you were more familiar with it than you’d like) but you didn’t think anyone could ever get used to it. You loved deeply, and when the ones you love are taken away from you, you’re left alone with yourself. You weren’t a stranger to partaking in as many tasks as possible to stop needlessly thinking, either. You spent your entire morning doing chores and running errands for this reason. You needed to keep yourself busy so you could drift away just for a little while.

With all of your tasks completed, you had nothing left to do. Leaves were swept into neat piles that the farmers always came to pick up later per routine. It took longer than you would’ve liked, though you supposed it was bound to happen when the workload wasn’t meant for one person, but two. The other shrine maiden had an ‘urgent matter to attend to,’ as her messenger informed you and left. You knew right away she paid him to cover for her. You’d like to think you mellowed out with age, having lived for almost three decades, but you were wrong. You were just as easy to irk as you were as a child.

‘It’s not a good thing to harbour negativity in a sacred place,’ your grandmother’s voice rang in your head, ‘it brings bad luck.’ But there you stood, the most irate you’ve ever been as you wished a terrible week upon the both of them.

Thanks to the tedious work done in all your lonesome, the tile flooring within the temple was spotless. The altar was dusted and reorganised, ready to accept the next batch of offerings. The place smelled more like soap than the usual floral incense you were used to. On any other day, you’d return to your quarters after such a productive time, maybe read a book before you go to sleep, but nature had other plans in store.

The wind howled and rain started to pitter-patter against the rooftop while the sun began its descent. Silhouettes of nature and man-made structures were the only company you had as you made your way back into the prayer room. Away from the rain, you idly watched the world go by from inside. You remembered your grandfather telling you about his battles in a storm and how tumultuous it had been. The retellings of his past exploits were your favourite stories to listen to in your childhood. He travelled through the lands and protected those he held dear with honour. He lived a life of pride and accomplishments that you wanted to have in yours. You still did.

A singular incense stick burnt in the centre of the bowl of ash and sand, its smoke disappearing into the air as it did so. The air grew colder as the sun set, painting the sky in warm hues and your skin in gooseflesh. The storm outside threatened to extinguish the flames within the lantern posts outside. Your uniform robe and long skirt, despite its many layers and the fabric, didn’t aid much in shielding you from the cold. A shiver ran down your spine from the sudden drop in temperature.

If you were asked what you disliked about this time of the year, you would say the weather’s unpredictability as the veil was lifted. The day started pleasantly; the sun was bright and the spring breeze was refreshing. There was no way you could’ve known that there would be a storm approaching.

The doors slammed shut with a loud bang, making you jump in fright and instinctively reach for a sword you no longer owned. You frowned. Years had passed since you last held a weapon, and you weren’t sure if your body had any memory of it at all. If danger were to actually happen, your only means of defence would be the old wooden broom in the corner, which you doubted made for a good weapon. Still, you found yourself keeping it close, your fingers curling tightly around the handle. It was better to be safe than sorry. You were fortunate enough to live in a densely populated area that was well protected, but as typical of an Ionian village, worse things awaited after sunset.

You were a cautious person for as long as you could remember. As optimistic as you tried to be, you weren’t exactly so convinced that there was such a thing as a safe haven. So long as peace exists, so will chaos, and with chaos comes things that are out of your control. You were taught to let things progress the way fate and nature intended them to, to let go of your anxieties because you always worried over ‘nothing.’

But that was easier said than done. You worried for a reason. Everything happens for a reason. Fate weaves the threads of life the way it wants to. The strong are led to lives of fame and power, and the blessed are led to lives of love and fortune. But you weren’t strong or blessed, you were cursed. If the Creator put you on earth for a reason, what is it? What path does fate want you to take, and what did you do in your past life to be put in such a suffocating position?

The anxiety at the pit of your stomach grew stronger the longer you observed the forest and the shadows in between. In the daylight, the temple was comforting and tranquil, picturesque, but it hadn’t occurred to you until then how daunting it was in the dark. It was a quiet night, eerily so, and the floorboards creaked beneath your feet as you padded into the prayer area. Tentatively, you placed the broom down and knelt before the statues of the gods you worshipped. The incense burnt itself down to the base, gradually putting out the flame on its own.

‘If you are afraid, pray. The gods will protect you.’

You weren’t a child anymore. Monsters only existed in stories—there was nothing to be afraid of. But the feeling persisted and it became worse as the door swung open and slammed against the wall. You heard something breathing.

It wasn’t the wind.

A low growl rumbled from the chest of whatever was stalking towards you. An animal of some sort. A predator. Your mind screamed at you to just run, but you were terrified, you couldn’t move and your body just wouldn't listen—

It drew closer.

You were going to die, ripped apart by a monster, and it was going to hurt more than anything ever had. Squeezing your eyes shut, you muttered a prayer under your breath in hopes that it would help. Maybe it was a spirit that couldn’t pass on. If you prayed for it, you could alleviate its pain and then be left alone. You were frantic, the words coming out incoherent as you got tongue-tied and struggled to remember the rest of them. When you felt it breathing down the back of your neck, your voice died in a choked whine. It watched you with hunger and it raised its claws with murderous intent, ready to slash.

It never did.

Instead, you heard the gargling of blood, followed by a clatter on the floor. Your body finally listened and you turned around to see what you could only describe as a demon. The glow in its mask’s eyes dimmed as it died with a sword speared through its chest, inches away from your face. In terror, you watched it bleed as the crimson splattered on your skin. It crumbled into dust as if it was never there. Just like that, it was dead and gone.

The mask dropped where your saviour stood. Wordlessly, he picked it up and attached it to a grotesque belt adorned with similar faces. All you could do was watch as everything slowly sank in. The downpour became louder, heavier. Your ears rang and your body felt numb. The only sound you heard was your ragged breathing as you tried to calm down and think. This must be a nightmare. It had to be. It had to be a hallucination from your paranoia and lack of sleep.

You closed your eyes and opened them again. The man was still standing in front of you.

You weren’t dreaming.

It was all real, from the blood splattered on the ground to the man in front of you. Half of his face was covered by a red mask, more menacing than what the monster had worn. Bandages were loosely wrapped around his torso and his arms, revealing some of his pale skin and scars from what could only be combat.

You weren’t dreaming.

A monster you had never seen tried to kill you and you were lucky enough that this man came to save your life. It felt as though your mind stopped entirely. You didn’t know where to start. Were you supposed to ask about the monster or ask about him?

You decided on the latter. “How did you know it was here?”

A beat of silence passed, and then he spoke.

“It is my curse to bear.”

That didn’t really answer your question. You attempted to ask again, but one glance at his face made you realise that he didn’t care about answering them. It was essentially impossible to tell what he was thinking and you’d rather not agitate someone as intimidating as him.

“Thank you,” you opted to say instead.

Your gaze landed on the swords in his hands. Blood was still dripping off of the red blade that seemed to be glowing. If his mask was menacing, his blades were worse—you had never seen anything quite like them.

He didn’t respond. All he gave you was a nearly imperceptible nod, a sign of acknowledgement. Seemingly satisfied with his kill, he made the move to leave, and your thoughts ran rampant. You wanted answers, an explanation, anything to make sense out of what happened.

You should let him go. You should run home before you encounter another one of those things again when you’re not as lucky, but you didn’t.

“Wait!” you called out, louder than you intended. “Teach me how to fight.”

He stopped in his tracks, then slightly looked back at you. The action had you fidgeting nervously. There was a gut feeling that he was going to say—

“No.”

You needed him to teach you. He was strong. He knew what those things were and how to kill them. He could help you. If that thing could come in here so easily, undeterred by the protective runes and wards placed around the temple, another could do it again. You couldn’t afford to let this place get destroyed because of your inability to defend it. You needed to protect your grandparents’ memory, a small sliver of their legacy that you were allowed to touch. You had to.

The chance was falling out of your hands right in front of you. Your confidence wavered, but you tried again. “I… I’ll pay you. Just name your price.”

“Money has no value to me.”

“Please?” Your voice was quieter, more hesitant. “This place, it’s… It’s all I have left. I need to protect it.”

“I can’t,” he said. “I have a duty I must fulfil.”

“Please—wait!”

This time, he didn’t spare you another glance as he walked off into the night, leaving you afraid and alone with the monster’s blood still on your skin.

—

No matter how many years passed, Yone’s hands would always be stained in blood.

The village was different from what he remembered. He knew of it when it was in flames and scattered with bodies of the brave. With what little time it had after the war, the village has been rebuilt from the disaster that the Noxians left behind. It was stronger, safer, liberated from their clutches. More swordsmen and warriors were patrolling the area, all bearing the crest of the clan that owned the village itself.

That didn’t. The clan of where men were raised to be elite warriors and women were raised to be the most adept of mages, known for their noble blood and valiance. Their estate was fortified and bigger than it used to be, looming over the smaller houses that unsurprisingly didn’t get as much protection. What seemed to be the most protected, though, was the temple. It was known to be a sanctuary to the villagers and the most important value to them was faith. Seeing said sanctuary well-protected wasn’t a shock. It was always that way.

As a child, he used to visit the temple on particularly rough days. Sometimes, his brother would come along, and they’d go find the master swordsman who took care of it with his wife, the shrine maiden. His brother in particular enjoyed hearing all about the swordsman’s stories, inspired by his strength and bravery that remained well into his older years. His wife was stern but motherly to all, more doting towards children than adults.

They weren’t like the rest of the clan who looked down on the weak; they loved. They loved their home, they loved their fellow men, and they loved the world. The people loved them, too. He loved them, just like they loved this sanctuary they built.

Yone stepped into the courtyard. Though it was past sunset, he could see that the place was much greener. More flowers had grown since then and the spring was well-maintained. He thought that the temple remained the most welcoming place he ever found himself in. It was clear that whoever was taking care of this place did it with the same love that the elderly couple had. He spotted their names on the stone slabs written in gold. There wasn’t just one bouquet on their grave, but several. Well-loved even after death as they deserved.

As he approached the main building, he sensed it—danger lurking within, undoubtedly the work of a monster he was all too familiar with. The wooden doors were broken and splintered. Cautiously, he stepped inside. True to his suspicion, at the end of the hall was an azakana hunched over someone, its grotesque mass a stark contrast to the pristine state of the walls as it growled and breathed heavily. His swords glinted in the light of the moon as he drew them.

Yone’s kills were clean and precise. He didn’t need to destroy his surroundings to prove his strength, nor did he think that he was destructive to that extent. As disciplined in life, as disciplined in death, and even more so in between. His physiology was wholly different from what it had been when he was alive. His being alone defied life itself.

He felt weightless, numb yet still in full control of his body as he moved into the prayer room, his footsteps not making a single sound. He heard what sounded like crazed muttering from where the azakana stood, something akin to pleading or perhaps a prayer. The azakana raised its hand. Its talons grew longer and sharper, prepared to strike whoever it was hiding. Before it could, Yone pierced his blade through its heart, silently watching as it disintegrated back into nothing but ashes and dust on the ground.

“How did you know it was here?” you asked, still struggling to catch your breath.

He was silent for a while as he picked up the mask it left behind and pinned it to his belt as proof of yet another successful hunt. You were staring up at him with teary eyes, still shaken from being so close to death’s grasp. He didn’t want to alarm you—he knew he looked ghastly—but you were obviously different from what he was. You were alive, vulnerable, and from the way you quivered like a leaf, you had never encountered one of those things before.

“It is my curse to bear,” he replied smoothly. A practised response, one that he hoped would be all you asked for. Yone knew it didn’t answer your question. As if you had more questions—you most likely did; he didn’t blame you for that—you parted your lips to speak, but no words came out.

Slightly defeated, you exhaled and gave him a small smile. “Thank you.”

Yone glanced at you. Your face felt familiar to him like you were an old friend he hadn’t seen in years. You must be related to the previous caretakers somehow. The resemblance you had with them was striking. The way you spoke was timid, unlike the boisterous master swordsman or the confident shrine maiden. It didn’t bother him. If he was like you, defenceless in your position, he would’ve acted the same way. You seemed to be calming down with each breath you took, making him relax just the slightest. You weren’t harmed.

Aside from the azakana’s blood, tonight, his hands were clean, and he wouldn’t need to repent.

He decided to leave. There was no reason why he should stay for any longer. The sooner he could find the other stray malevolent spirits, the safer his childhood home would be. Things like him didn’t have the privilege of resting. He didn’t need it. Before he made it past the door, you called out for him, forcing him to stop in his tracks.

“Teach me how to fight.”

He didn’t hesitate. “No.”

“I… I’ll pay you. Just name your price.”

You looked less and less confident with each passing second. Dealing with stubborn people wasn’t anything out of the ordinary for him. He grew up with Yasuo—he was more than used to it. He pursed his lips.

“Money has no value to me.”

“Please.” Yone should’ve been out for the next hunt by now, but there was something in your voice that kept him staying where he was. “This place, it’s… It’s all I have left. I need to protect it.”

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to help you. He wanted to protect what he could too. It just… wasn’t for him. He thought you’d be better off learning from a master. Surely you could go to the dojo that your clan owned?

“I can’t,” he replied, realising that he had left you hanging. “I have a duty I must fulfil.”

He didn’t look back this time. The cold air of the night greeted him as he stepped out and put his swords back in their sheaths. The rain washed away the blood and its remnants on the stones beneath his feet. The skies seemed to be clearer than they were earlier. The moon and stars glowed brightly in the darkness, illuminating the paths before him. There was a nagging feeling in his chest that he hadn’t felt in a very long time. Something was off—were there more azakana hiding in the area? He decided he’d patrol the forest one more time before moving on elsewhere.

He left without a trace, just like a ghost like him always did.

—

You started to carry a dagger with you wherever you went.

It wasn’t a naginata or ootachi like you were trained to use, but it made you feel safer to have something you can defend yourself with. Thankfully, the temple wasn’t damaged too badly, though it would still take some time to repair. One of the older mages dropped by and offered to cast a protective seal, which you gladly accepted.

“Miss?” you asked, fidgeting nervously as she finished up her work.

She hummed. “Yes, dear?”

“Is the… The veil, is it already open?”

“It should be by now.” She contemplated for a bit. “I will say, it wasn’t this disastrous last year… I assume it’s because the magical energy is stronger this time around. Don’t worry, dear—nature will have adapted to it by now.”

“I see. Thank you,” you chirped. “I’m more worried about the temple getting attacked or broken than anything… I can’t see spirits the same way you can. I won’t be able to protect myself.”

“The seal will keep out malevolent entities.” She placed a comforting hand on your shoulder. Then she lowered her voice as if she was worried someone would hear her. “Was this really done by the storm? I could feel something strange in the air when I came here.”

You hesitantly shook your head. “There was a monster. It broke in and some—something else killed it.”

“What did it look like?”

“I was too scared to look,” you said apologetically, “but it was wearing a mask.”

“A mask?”

“It looked like a demon. The same ones in stories I used to read as a child.”

The mage frowned. “We’ll need a stronger seal than the one I put here, then.”

“Do you know what they are?”

“They’re called azakana. They are demons,” she explained. “You’re really lucky to have made it out alive. Those creatures are ruthless. They’ll stop at nothing.”

Azakana. You didn’t think you heard of them. You weren’t allowed in the magic library. Your grandparents didn’t like going into detail about the unknown, said it was just hearsay. You never got to explore the world the same way they did. All you knew in your entire life was the estate. You contemplated sneaking into the library to learn about everything that was kept from you, but there were bigger matters at hand.

“How do I stop them?”

“You kill them before they kill you,” she answered wryly. “I’ll do all I can to help keep the temple safe, but I can’t guarantee your protection.”

You had a busy afternoon ahead of you—more errands to run, more favours to do—so you couldn’t stay for long. With a polite goodbye, you went your own way, her words echoing in your mind all the while. You’d have to retrace your steps and learn to fight by yourself. The thought of how ridiculous you’d look training alone made you grimace. But she was right; it was kill or be killed. You wouldn’t always be as fortunate as you were a few days prior.

You idly swung the empty basket in your hand as you walked through the estate. The gardens look much better now. The hedges were trimmed, wilted flowers were removed, and the pond was clear. You couldn’t believe a storm just happened. The weather seemed to have settled for good, too. It was a warm and sunny day, the perfect weather for you to collect herbs and flowers for the village apothecary. She had become more frail with age, and considering her station isn’t too far from the temple, you offered to do the job for her. In your pocket was a written list of what she needed. It was nothing too difficult to find.

You were about to leave until you heard your name coming from someone in the meeting room. The doors were closed, but the walls were thin enough for you to be able to hear through them.

“—a leftover person,” a voice said—you recognised it as your uncle’s. “Past the age of marriage, but it could still be an option.”

Your heart dropped. You hid behind a wall, your fists clenched tightly around the handle of the basket as you tried to calm down and stay quiet lest you get caught eavesdropping.

Another voice chimed in. “—offspring would be cursed as well. Are you sure you don’t want to set up an arranged marriage? It’s been years—”

“Being constantly reminded of a mistake I made nearly thirty years ago is quite irritating, councillor,” came the unmistakable haughty voice of your father. “I said no. I refuse to tarnish our family name.”

You should be used to this. The cruel words, the hatred, the anger, but you can’t, no matter how much you’ve tried. It’s not as if you’re unaware of your power or lack thereof. It’s been said to you time and time again: you were weak, you were nothing.

“—what about training? It could help with getting started,” a feminine voice added. You weren’t surprised that she was the only one who was less harsh with her words talking about you so far. She of all people would know how you felt.

“Out of the question,” your father replied snidely. “Our mages and swordsmen are all pure-blooded. The bastard doesn’t deserve the honour of being one of them.”

Their words slipped through your ears. You were no longer listening; instead, you bit down on your lip and tried to hold back tears. How could someone hate their flesh and blood so much? How could he take everything away from you so easily? Not caring that they would hear you, you stormed out the gates while harshly wiping away your tears with your hands. Knowing them, they probably wanted you to.

You ran and pushed past strangers, unbothered by the concerned and irritated looks you were given. You ran until you found yourself deep in the forest, far enough so you could be left alone. Everything you tried to hold back then burst. You wailed, nails digging into your skin and your body wracked with sobs. The sound of water flowing down the stream slowly but surely calmed you down. The sobs eventually became quiet sniffles until they stopped entirely. Your tears dried on their own and you could finally breathe again.

Looking up from your hands, your gaze drifted to a fawn across the river. It lovingly nudged its mother with its head, stumbled a bit as it tried to keep up with her pace. The sight warmed your heart. It was always nice to see beings, human or animal, be gentle to one another. You hoped to be in that position someday.

A twig snapped behind you. Alarmed, you reflexively grabbed your dagger and whipped around, but the threat you were going to say died on your tongue when you saw who it was. The masked man—the one who saved you from the azakana—stood before you, huffing at you as if he found something funny.

“I’m not here to hurt you.”

You glowered at him with furrowed brows before hesitantly relaxing, putting the dagger back in its sheath. “What are you doing here?”

“The dojo.”

“What?”

He crossed his arms over his chest. “Did you not ask me to teach you how to fight?”

“I did, but…”

You bit the inside of your cheek. It was kind of him to seek you out again to tell you this, but you weren’t sure how you felt. Part of you wanted to say yes, to learn to protect yourself and others. The bigger part of you already felt defeated. You could only be tough for so long before you started to break.

“Thank you for reconsidering,” you said. You meant it. “But I’m not allowed there.”

“Not allowed?”

“My father is quite a stickler for the rules.” You chuckled humorlessly. “Only his sons are allowed in that dojo. The ones with noble blood, not the bastards. Take a guess where I fall between those two.”

He mulled over your words for a bit. Then he said, “Tell me your preferred weapon.”

You blinked dumbly. “Huh?”

“Your stance. It doesn’t belong to someone who uses a dagger.”

You supposed it made sense for someone like him to know something that even you didn’t notice. Awkward as he might be, it was evident that he was passionate about what he knew. A man of honour and discipline, a dual wielder with effortless lethality. You wondered how someone like him wasn’t revered and well-known the same way that the bladesman from Wuju and the blade dancer of Navori were. You broke the silence with a noise of disbelief. How strange, indeed.

“My grandfather thought I was best suited for a naginata, so that’s what he trained me in as a child,” you told him. “I don’t think I remember anything, though. It’s been a very long time.”

“You do,” he cut in. “No one forgets the art of the blade. Your mind may not remember, but your body does.”

“That’s very kind of you to say… Thank you,” you responded, smiling softly at him, “but what made you change your mind? I thought you had your… duty.”

“I do, but helping you can also be one of them,” he replied bluntly. “You have something you want to protect. As did I.”

You tried not to think too much about why he said it like that. It was not your place to pry, but you had always been a curious one. He must have lost something or someone along the way. For someone so stoic, he didn’t hide the regret in his tone well.

You glanced at him, deciding to end your train of thought before you slipped up and said something you regretted. “Are you sure you want nothing in return?”

“I only ask for your name.”

Heat rushed to your face. It was an incredibly mundane thing to ask for, normal for people who were getting to know each other to do. His forwardness caught you off guard, made you lose your balance for a moment. You cleared your throat and gave him your name, which he repeated quietly to himself.

He nodded at you. “My name is Yone.”

Yone grabbed a bamboo stick (where did he even get that from?) and tossed it your way, visibly pleased when you managed to catch it with ease.

“Well, then, let us begin.”

—

You developed a new routine since you started training with Yone.

In the morning, you took care of the temple, which you said was ‘good as new.’ In the afternoon, you helped the apothecary with preparing medicine. In the evening, when everyone went home, you trained by the riverside with Yone. Then, at night, he walked you home per your request.

For someone who was adamant that they forgot everything, you got familiar with the blades quite easily. You were a quick learner, he noticed. He didn’t understand why you thought so lowly of yourself. He didn’t understand how your family could hate someone like you. From first glance, he knew that you were kind. Stubborn, but a great listener. Thoughtful, quick-witted, and gentle even with those who didn’t treat you the same way.

It had taken a while, but you started to be more confident in yourself as well. You hesitated less. He could see you rising up the ranks in the dojo quickly; you just needed encouragement and practice. It didn’t make sense to him why your father was dead set on restricting you from everything.

No matter, Yone thought. His heart swelled with pride every time he saw you. You didn’t even seem to realise that you were nothing like your family said you were. As much as he wanted you to know that, he wasn’t good with words. On top of his unfamiliarity with comfort or praise, he also didn’t know where his relationship with you stood. You weren’t friends, you weren’t strangers, but you weren’t distant like acquaintances would be. Regardless, he didn’t want to overstep. All he could do was hope that you’d understand him.

Steel clashed against each other as you parried his attacks. Something was different, like you weren’t completely there. He was proven right when he managed to pin you down to the floor, the edge of his sword hovering only a breath away from your neck.

“You faltered,” he said more as a statement than a question. “You can not hesitate in a fight.”

You averted your gaze from his intense stare. Were you afraid of him?

“I’m sorry.”

“We should stop for today.” He smoothly rose to his feet and offered you a hand, helping you up. “Is something wrong? You seem distracted.”

“The festival is tomorrow,” you murmured. “But I’ll be alright.”

“You don’t wish to participate in it,” he finished for you.

You gave him a strained smile. “I can’t. I just… can’t.”

Abruptly, you pulled your hand away from his and squeaked out an apology. He hadn’t noticed they were still joined together, but there was a strange feeling pulling at his chest when you let go. Still, he didn’t say anything, choosing to let the conversation end there. He knew what it was like to lose someone. Rebirth might have changed him, melded him into stone, but some things could break through and get to him.

(He hadn’t known it then, but you were one of them.)

“I’ll… see you tomorrow, then,” you said hesitantly. “I should go back.”

He nodded. “I understand. Get home safe.”

You looked as though you wanted to say something else, lips parted and eyes curious, but you didn’t. Instead, you smiled at him—softer this time, less strained—and left without a word. As you faded into the distance, Yone sighed quietly and sat down on the grass, his swords laid next to him. He didn’t want to take you away from your other responsibilities; he knew fully well that you were quite dutiful as he was. He’d gotten so used to spending evenings with you, training and listening to you talk about whatever was on your mind that your absence felt off.

Though you were sure that you weren’t going to join in the festivities tomorrow, you most likely had to help out somehow. From what you told him about your family, he doubted that they’d leave you alone as well, taking the chance of reuniting with loved ones to look down on you. His lips tugged into a frown. Feelings weren’t exactly his strong suit since his new life began, but it didn’t mean he couldn’t understand how you would feel.

The breeze caressed his skin, taking him in its cold embrace. The drop in temperature didn’t bother him. It never had, really. He was more than used to how inconsistent the Ionian climate could get. So what was this weariness and uneasiness clouding his mind? Lingering somewhere between life and death, feelings were the least of his concerns, but he didn’t like what it was doing to him as he thought about you.

He stared at the moon’s reflection in the river. It did the same thing not long ago when you sat together and talked to him about your fondest memories. It was the first time you were so open with him. He listened to your stories, your laughter and the bittersweet tinge in your voice.

He saw a spirit walking hand-in-hand with another person somewhere not too far from where he was. A festival meant for reuniting with their loved ones, the only chance spirits and humans got to see each other again. He didn’t have anyone to visit—even if he did, he doubted he could bring himself to face someone he had failed years ago.

His thoughts wandered back to you and what you told him about your grandparents. It was a relief to find out that they never changed even after the war, having stayed the same loving people until their end. A thought popped into his head. If he could just find them—no, he could.

He knew their names. He knew them.

He wasn’t a magic user, but he was confident in his ability to search. Reinvigorated, he grabbed his swords and got up. Pondering under the stars would have to wait, he had a mission to do.

The only advantage to being something he was, Yone thought, was that fatigue was never an issue. He traversed through the plains, made his way up the hill, taking every twist and turn he could think of. Not wanting to risk being seen by civilians—he wasn’t exactly unaware of how… appalling he looked—he stayed in the shadows, hiding in the darkness. After what seemed like a few hours, he finally spotted the silhouettes of your grandparents, distant but familiar.

“Yone? Is that you?” your grandfather said in disbelief, his tone still full of the same joy it had whenever he spoke to Yone and his brother. His eyes crinkled as he beamed at the younger man. “I haven’t seen you in… in years! You’ve changed!”

Your grandmother was less boisterous, though it was clear she felt happy to see him as well. Upon taking a proper look at him, her face fell, and she approached him with a concerned expression.

“It’s far too early for you to be like this,” she sighed. Yone wanted to argue that he wasn’t exactly young anymore, but he couldn’t bring himself to do so. “What happened?”

“It… is a long story,” Yone replied, his voice lacking the same strength and volume it had earlier in the day. Grief was such a fickle thing. He’d feel nothing one moment and everything in the next. He didn’t mourn himself, never had nor did he ever think it was necessary, but he did regret. Regretted being unable to protect his family, regretted being unable to protect your family. The curse laid upon him gave him the chance to atone, and even then, it never eased the chains wrapped around his soul.

He shook his head, pushing the thoughts aside. “I have a favour to ask of you.”

—

Yone was acting suspiciously.

To start, when you arrived at the clearing of the forest you usually trained with him, he wasn’t there. You didn’t know how long you waited until he arrived, offhandedly apologising for his tardiness. The sky had already faded into dark shades of blue, the sun nowhere to be seen and replaced with the moon peeking over the horizon. It might have been immature of you to scold him while being as huffy as a petulant child, but he didn’t seem to mind.

The day didn’t start out well for you, to say the least. The only things spoken around town were how excited people were to see their late relatives again and how much they looked forward to spending time with them for the next three days. It wasn’t like you wanted to feel bitter about it all. You were glad on their behalf, but the feeling of being the odd one wasn’t something you could control that easily. You wanted to be able to experience the same magic and happiness the others did.

As if that wasn’t enough, a councillor—likely the same one you overheard that time—left you a letter summoning you to a meeting the same night. If you didn’t know better, you would’ve kept that in mind and made sure you arrived in time. But you knew what it was going to be about. You were already in a loveless family. A loveless marriage wouldn’t make your life better and the only one benefiting from it was your father. You didn’t exactly like being spiteful (it’s a sin, a monk would say) but there was nothing wrong with it if they deserved it, was there? You ripped the paper to shreds, threw it out somewhere you couldn’t remember. It didn’t matter as long as you got rid of it.

There were a lot of things to be angry about, like how irritating it was to still be under your father’s control as an adult, or how they all never broke their habit of speaking as though you weren’t there. It didn’t mean you liked being angry. You weren’t built for such aggression.

You shook your head. Now wasn’t the time to be thinking about this.

“You’re late.” You didn’t mean to say it as whiny as you did. Overly aware of how you sounded, you looked away from Yone and crossed your arms over your chest, ignoring whatever reaction he had to it. “I’ve been here for hours.”

“I’m sorry. I… had something to attend to,” he said. “I have something to show you. Follow me.”

Without realising it, you pouted. “And you have the nerve to boss me around…”

Yone’s silence made you begrudgingly glance at him again. He looked anxious, which was a surprise—you always saw him so calm and collected. It was… concerning. You sighed. He didn’t seem like he meant to leave you waiting for so long. Heaving out a quiet sigh, at last, you relented.

“Fine. Lead the way.”

The walk was quiet. You had a bunch of questions in your mind, both from curiosity and a bit of pettiness you had left. He deftly navigated through the woods, turning back once in a while to see if you were still following him. It was dark, almost as dark as it had been when you met him in that storm for the first time, but you weren’t as afraid anymore, either. You couldn’t describe it. Something about him felt safe. It could be that it was because he saved you from death and helped you become stronger. You didn’t think that was it, though.

You caught up to him, now walking beside him rather than behind. “Where are we going?”

He didn’t answer. You huffed. Fine.

But you couldn’t stay annoyed for long. You found your gaze drifting over to him; the curves of his mask, the clenching of his jaw. How was it possible for someone who scared you so much when you first met to also be someone who you’d trust with your life? You knew nothing about him. He was a strange person, impeccable swordsmanship aside. He never spoke about his family or his home. He was familiar with the village like he lived here before, but you’d never seen him. Just who was he?

Yone led you to a cliffside. The trek—how wasn’t he tired?—felt worth it in the end when you saw the night sky. The crescent moon smiled at you from her place among the scattered stars, sparkling and glowing brightly on what would normally be pitch black. A hand was placed on the small of your back, taking you by surprise and making your breath hitch before you relaxed. It was just him.

“I brought you a gift,” he said plainly. You narrowed your eyes at him. He didn’t look like he was one for gifts, but who were you to decline? It must be a reward or something, or an apology because you were left for hours—

Someone called your name. A familiar voice, one you hadn’t heard in years. You must be imagining it. They were dead, there was no way it could be. Were you so tired that you were imagining things?

“They’ve been waiting for you.” Yone gently pushed you forward. “Go.”

Sceptical as you were, once again, you relented.

The figures were clearer the closer you approached. You recognised the clothes, the voices—was this a prank? Would someone like Yone play such a cruel joke?

“You’ve grown so much,” came the voice of your grandmother, laced with a tenderness you’d recognise from anywhere.

“How…” you trailed off. Your grandparents stood in front of you, happiness radiating off of them in waves as they walked your way. You didn’t know what to think, what to feel. Weren’t they supposed to be dead? Were you hallucinating? “I don’t understand…”

“It’s us, kiddo.” Your grandfather placed a hand on your head, ruffling your hair affectionately. It was cold, but it felt real, too real. “We came to see you.”

You fell apart. Tears sprung to your eyes as you fell into their arms, broken sentences and wailing leaving you at its will. It was real. You didn’t understand it. You weren’t supposed to be able to see them, to see spirits—you didn’t have that gift, your father always made sure you knew that. So how was this possible? How could you see them, touch them, feel them?

“We tried to come find you every year,” your grandmother spoke, her voice as soft as a whisper. “But we—we couldn’t come in. The estate, it’s… locked away from us.”

“You left me,” you snivelled, “you left me here—you…”

You didn’t know what you were saying anymore. Giving up on trying to voice your thoughts, you kept crying until you grew weary, the devastated weeping gradually dissolving into shaky breaths. You felt her hand on the top of your head, lovingly smoothing down your hair as she hummed the tune she always sang to you when you were young. Your grandfather leaned down to press a kiss to your temple, chuckling under his breath—they were as overjoyed as you were.

“We can’t stay for long,” he murmured. “But we really wanted to see you. That young man helped us. Quite the man you’ve found, hm?”

“He’s just a friend,” you grumbled. As cross as you were with him earlier, you were thankful that he’d done this for you. There were many unanswered questions you had lingering in the back of your mind, but those weren’t that important anymore, you thought. Finally pulling away, you smiled for the first time that night. “I missed you.”

“We missed you too, sweetheart.” Your grandmother returned the gesture, brushing your stray tears away with her thumbs. “Why don’t you come sit with us, tell us what you’ve been up to?”

As you followed them, you turned to look back at Yone, mouthing ‘thank you’ with another smile. He nodded. You learned to pick up on his cues in the past month you spent with him, so you knew what he meant. You’re welcome. He wasn’t the best with words, preferring to let his actions speak for themselves. You wondered if he knew how important this was, how you’d always remember his kindness.

Lost in conversation with your loved ones, you missed how Yone’s stern expression melted into fondness as he watched the scene, the corners of his lips curling up just the slightest. It was the happiest he’d ever seen you.

(And it was the moment he knew—he’d do whatever it took to protect your smile.)

—

Existing somewhere in a plane between life and death, Yone spent his days on autopilot with only one goal in mind. Cursed for as long as his afterlife would last by the azakana, he’d continue to hunt them down one by one until there was nothing left. He saw his ‘life’ differently, ‘felt’ differently.

Bound to the world of the living, denied the peace of death, as he used to say. Time was no longer so important to him now that he became what he was. It passed as it willed, and he would only follow until it was over—assuming it would ever be. Yone didn’t care—or rather, he just tried not to think—about the state of life, the meaning of his existence. If he was bound to duty, at least he’d try to accomplish this one, unlike what he failed in his youth.

He should have left Ionia when he killed the last azakana in that temple. But more and more showed up every day, dangerously close to where you lived, and he knew that they would come find you again eventually. Deciding to take your request wasn’t an impulsive decision. He found your determination admirable even with the chains that held you back. It reminded him of who he had been. Who he craved to be once again. He tried to keep himself distant, staying within the boundary of just a kind stranger, but before he knew it, he found himself feeling tethered to you.

You weren’t just someone he saved. You were someone he had grown increasingly fond of. Yone knew you were kind, that you had a lot of love to give even to those who didn’t deserve it. He believed in his ability to predict what would happen, to adapt to sudden changes, but nothing could’ve prepared him for the whirlwind that was you.

For the first time in years, he felt alive, and it was all because of you. Your smile, your voice, the way you’d playfully talked back to him, the way you were always concerned for him. That much still held true as he sat beside you on a hill, his gaze focused on you over the sunrise you meant to show him.

He didn’t expect you to invite him to something that could be seen as so intimate. He didn’t expect himself to agree without a second thought either. He prided himself on being someone who always thought before he did anything, but something about you had him caving into his whims more frequently. He’d find that irritating if he was the same young man he used to be, but he didn’t. If he was bold enough, maybe he’d go as far as to admit that he liked how you made him feel.

It seemed his gift for you had changed you overnight. You weren’t mad at him anymore; if anything, you seemed to be more gentle with him. Like you saw him differently. He didn’t want to assume you did—that would be unfair to you.

This was what made it difficult for him to leave.

He couldn’t stay here for long. Fate would guide him to other places, more obscure and dangerous, and as much as he felt like he overstayed his welcome with you, he didn’t want to go. He didn’t know if he’d get the chance to see you again, to talk to you again. Getting attached to what could be temporary wasn’t a smart idea—he knew that. But for once, he wanted to let himself live again.

Seeing your face fall when he told you about his imminent departure was, perhaps, the worst he ever felt. He lived through countless battles; the scars on his hands proved that. He didn’t lose his senses even with his state of being a ‘ghost’ of sorts. He still felt the sting of a cut, the aches in his muscles after exerting himself. Emotions, on the other hand, were more complicated. Growing up with his brother, he had to be stern, calm and confident. He had to be assertive. He had to be strong.

With you, he could let all of that go. He wouldn’t lose his habits, he didn’t want to, but with you, he could let his guard down.

“Yone?” you broke the silence. He blinked, suddenly overly aware that he had been staring at you like a fool in love. Maybe he was. “Are you alright?”

“I am. I’m sorry for worrying you,” he responded. “I was only… thinking of the future.”

“You’re leaving soon, aren’t you?”

“I am.”

You went silent. He frowned, wondering if he should’ve kept it a secret after all. He didn’t want to hurt you. He never did.

“Well, if you decide to come back here one day,” you said, reaching for his hand. Your skin felt warm against his own. “Just know that I’ll be here waiting for you.”

Yone felt like time and the world stopped for him.

“I know I’m a lot to handle.” He didn’t think you were. Still, he didn’t interrupt, letting you speak your mind. “And I know this is just some favour, but you know… I’ve grown pretty fond of you. I’d be sad if you left without telling me.”

Your tone was lighthearted, playing off your words as if they were only a joke in case he didn’t feel the same. He felt warm—the warmest he’d ever been—and he was never one to be timid, but you always managed to bring that out of him with ease.

Yone said your name. You hummed, urging him to continue.

“You should be proud of yourself,” he said. The words felt unfamiliar to him, foreign, but he needed you to know. “Like I am of you.”

You smiled. He wanted to engrave this sight into his memory, make it something he would never forget. You teasingly nudged him with your elbow, giggles leaving your throat as you replied without missing a beat, “So you’ve grown fond of me too, huh?”

This was the most casual you had ever been with him. It was a nice change, he thought, one that he really liked. In a matter of a few weeks, you’d gone from a meek, terrified person into someone confident and much happier than you were when he first met you.

“I have, indeed,” he replied. Perhaps more than I should.

With another chuckle, you fell back into a silence that was tranquil this time, more comfortable. He wondered if it was obvious that he was staring at you—he was trying not to be, but he was always told his gaze was intense. It didn’t seem to be an issue with you. Sighing in contentment, he let his eyes wander back to the sunrise before him. The last day of the Spirit Blossom was fast approaching, which meant that you’d once again find yourself in a busy schedule. But he didn’t have to think about that, so he stopped. Instead, he let himself indulge in this rare moment with you, thinking of nothing but how much things have changed. How much he has changed.

You never let go of his hand. Neither did he.

—

“Will you be going back too? To the spirit world?”

He did say he would be leaving, after all. You weren’t really sure what you’d do if he left. His presence had become something you were accustomed to. Since the moment he found you again in the forest, your routine seemed to have more and more of him. It would feel odd, having something you were so used to just disappear so suddenly. You knew you’d get over it, but you didn’t want to.

“I’ll be staying in the human world,” he said, “only elsewhere.”

A selfish part of you wanted him to stay. You liked having him around. With him, you could forget all about the people who shunned you. Your initial lack of strength or inability to use magic never bothered him; he saw you for who you were, treated you like any person should be treated. You weren’t lying when you told him that you’ve grown fond of him—you truly did.

No, you didn’t want him to leave. But he had to;

“I see,” you whispered. “I guess this is goodbye, then.”

The longer he took to reply, the more anxious you became. The familiar stinging of your nose and the watering of your eyes had you trying to hide your face from him. You promised yourself you wouldn’t cry. A quiet whimper was all you let slip before you held back the onslaught of tears. You didn’t want him to think you were strange. Someone who got more attached to him than they should’ve. Someone lonely, desperate for company.

“Would you like to join me?”

Even with his mask on, you could still feel Yone’s gaze on you.

“What?” you echoed dumbly. You must’ve misheard him. You could’ve sworn you just saw his lips twitch like he was amused by something. “What do you mean?”

“You’ve said before that the only thing stopping you from leaving was your fear,” he continued. “You’ve become stronger. You fight well, by yourself and by my side. We might also be able to find your mother if we travel together. And, I…”

He trailed off, seemingly to collect his thoughts before he added, quieter, “I enjoy being with you.”

Flustered, you couldn’t say a word. It took a while before you could properly process what he said.

“You mean…”

“Yes. I’d like you to come with me.” He cleared his throat, hesitating as if he was nervous. “You can decline if you’d—”

Yone was cut off by you tackling him into a hug, nearly sending him falling backwards had he been unable to keep his balance. You buried your face in his neck, smiling against his skin before you pulled away to properly look at him. Seeing how close you were made your eyes widened, and you were about to pull away before he leaned down to kiss you softly, which you melted into with ease.

Hesitantly, he pulled away. You could’ve sworn he was blushing. “I assume that’s a yes…?”

“You already know what I meant, Yone.” You grinned, unable to resist the urge to tease him. “You just want me to say it.”

“Well, it… would confirm my thoughts.”

“Of course, it’s a yes!”

“I must warn you it won’t be easy,” he hesitated, giving you another chance to say no. Like he couldn’t believe that you wanted to join him. “So if you don’t want to come, you don’t have to… Why are you laughing?”

“I mean it, you old fool,” you teased.

“Old fool—”

“I would love to come with you.” You curled into his side, laying your head on his shoulder as you watched the river flow in front of you. “I’m not scared anymore. I have you.”

Yone pulled you closer, leaving a ghost of a kiss on the crown of your head. “And I have you.”

It felt like something straight out of a fairytale. You were going to leave this wicked place with someone you fell in love with. You couldn’t believe it was happening, but it was, and your heart raced, not out of fear but out of excitement.

You couldn’t wait for the adventures you’d have together.

#I had default Yone in mind writing this bc I like that design better so I'm sorry if that broke the immersion </3 #all #yone x reader #lol yone x reader #league of legends x reader #lol x reader

[deathmetalunicorn1]

Hi there! Can I request Female Mihawk Reader with Yandere Lu Bu, Jack, Raiden, Buddha, Qin Shi Haung, Thor, Poseidon, Hercules, Loki, Hades, Rudra, Indra, Hajun and Sasaki?

Reader comes from another World and is revealed to be the ‘Strongest Swordswoman in the World’ with her God opponent being the God of Swords (Reader has Yoru, her Black Blade on her back) and has her Valkyrie Partner transform… to everyone’s shock into a small crucifix pendant, that’s actually a small dagger, which her God Opponent demands in annoyance what exactly is Reader’s game, only for Reader to explain “I’m not the the kind of beast who uses all her might when hunting down a mere rabbit” then has a condensing look as she ‘pitifully’ says “Unfortunately, this is apparently the smallest blade my Valkyrie Partner can turn into, so this will have to do”

Which makes all the Gods and Reader’s Opponent FURIOUS, believing Reader is to arrogant and stupid… until she proves them all wrong by DESTROYING her opponent (The fight ends similar to Zoro and Mihawk’s fight, but the only difference is Reader doesn’t use Yoru, as her calls her opponent ‘Too Weak’ and a ‘Disappointment’ to her, when she kills him, stabbing God’s heart with her tiny blade as he starts to disintegrate) and to add more salt to the Gods’ crippling egos, Reader admits this fight was just like every other fight she’s had “Boring and Unsatisfactory” as she leaves, just as stoic as she fought

However, to everyone’s surprise, Reader shows interest in Sasaki and tells him how he’s the only man worthy of her time (Reader can tell Sasaki is strong, especially since can adapt in battle) and even tells him that she’ll wait for him, no matter how long it takes for him, until he can surpass her, since both are Swordsmen with Honor (Everyone is jealous of Sasaki getting Reader’s attention) and she even asks him every day to spare with her

Reader even tells Sasaki that he should be honored that she uses Yoru when they spare (Sasaki feels honored that a woman like Reader gives an old man like him attention like this, and he could ‘Die a happy man’, which causes Reader to laugh, which is a shock to everyone since Reader is always stoic with a resting bitch face)

-You were regarded as the strongest sword user in the world, even as a woman, you were the strongest, your skills with swords were legendary.

-You enjoyed your time in Valhalla, able to live in quiet comfort, drinking wine, reading books, and meeting other legendary humans, one that you didn’t know, but that was because you were from another world entirely.

-When you died, being caught in a sudden explosion, you were brought here to Valhalla by Brunnhilde.

-This new world was unlike your own, the only people with unique powers were the gods themselves.

-You didn’t fuss with the gods much, getting your own quiet room and plenty of areas to choose from to train in.

-Many of the warriors you faced while training, both humans and gods, were very strong, giving you a challenge, but only for a short while.

-Your skills were too much for them, easily able to overpower most anyone who would challenge you.

-When Ragnarok was announced, you were one of the first people that Brunnhilde approached, asking you to fight against the gods themselves.

-Hoping for the challenge you were finally looking for, you agreed.

-You were fighting first, something you requested and Brunnhilde arranged it for you, and your opponent was announced first as the god of swords himself!

-You smirked for only a moment as you walked out, a massive sword strapped to your back, carrying it with ease.

-Your sharp golden hawk-eye like eyes pierced into your opponent as he was holding two large swords with ease, but everyone was stunned as you made no move to grab your massive sword.

-You touched the cross-shaped pendant hanging around your neck as your Valkyrie partner appeared beside you, “You’re sure this will work?”

-You glanced at her as she was hugging you around your neck, looking like a child, but you instantly pulled out, the tiniest sword that anyone had ever seen, more like a baby dagger!

-Your opponent’s eyelid twitched before he pointed a sword at you, “What the hell is that?!”

-You held your blade, your Volundr, ready to strike, “A weapon that is more than enough for you.” His eyelid twitched again before the gods were quick to yell at you, calling you a cocky human and that you should know your place.

-He shouted at you, charging you with his swords, demanding to know why you weren’t using your big sword, as he wanted to take it from you, seeing the quality.

-You looked almost bored, dodging his strikes before kicking him away from you, your foot in his stomach before you spoke, your voice cold, “I’m not the kind of beast who uses all her might to hunt down a mere rabbit. A pity-” as you looked down at him as if he were dirt, “-that this is the smallest blade my partner can transform into.”

-More shouting from the gods while the humans were in awe of your confidence.

-You rolled your eyes as he shouted out his most powerful attack, trying to take you out and you took a step to the left, dodging it completely, much to his shock as he had turned white, his eyes wide as he gawked at you.

-Your eyes narrowed slightly, “Such a disappointment.” You then slashed at him, cutting him down with an X shaped slash, winning easily.

-Gawking faces filled the arena before the humans went wild, seeing that you had defeated a god and you made it look so easy!!

-You sighed as your partner returned to her normal form, holding onto your hand, making her look like she was your child before you turned, looking up at Zeus, “Was that really the strongest god you had?”

-You ignored the fury of the gods, many who shouted at you, but they couldn’t argue that you did handle your match so easily, it was almost embarrassing for them!

-When Heimdall approached you, inquiring about your thoughts of the match, your words resonated with so many people, “Boring and unsatisfying.”

-The rest of Ragnarok came and went, wins and losses on both sides until humanity was standing in the winner’s circle, and to further prove they deserved their salvation, as you all got to choose one wish together, those who had been killed were brought back to life, both humans and gods.

-The smallest shade of a smile appeared on your lips as your arms folded under your chest, seeing the reunions all around.

-Many gods and humans now had more of a healthy respect of each other, knowing that humanity was indeed stronger than they had thought.

-You were unaware you were now being stared at by both gods and humans, who were taken by your power, wanting a chance to fight you themselves, to test your strength.

-The more they stared as you were speaking to your Valkyrie, Goll, and Brunnhilde, the more they wanted to know about you.

-You were a stunningly beautiful woman, intimidating almost, something even Aphrodite had to admit, but your strength paired with your beauty made you a truly highly sought after woman.

-However, you stunned all by stopping after you had been walking out of the arena, when you saw Kojiro approaching you.

-He offered you a bright grin, “Hey there Y/N! I haven’t seen you since your fight! You were amazing! I would ask for a fight but I would probably lose.” As he said this he scratched the back of his head, laughing lightly.

-You put a hand on his shoulder, meeting his eyes which widened in shock, “No- you’re wrong. Your adaptability in your own fight was very impressive. I’d be honored to spar with you, to see how strong you are now. I would wait centuries for you to surpass me, Kojiro.”

-He was stunned that you recognized him as strong, while many of your other self-proclaimed rivals, were seething with jealousy, as you hadn’t paid them any attention, at least with fights; you would talk with them, but as far as actual fighting, you refused, only willing to fight other sword users.

-You sparred with Kojiro every day, allowing him to train against someone very difficult, and your matches always drew a crowd, not that you minded, mainly because you couldn’t care less.

-As Kojiro laid on his back after another intense session, for him at least, he spoke, “I’m honored a woman like you would give an old man like me any attention. I could die happy.”

-A grin instantly appeared on your face before you threw your head back, laughing warmly, which everyone stared at with huge eyes, as you always had a RBF! You were absolutely stunning when you smiled.

-You reached a hand down to help him up, giving his own a soft squeeze as you spoke with a soft smirk, “It’s a special type of man to grab my attention like that.”

-The glares Kojiro received were well worth it. He had no regrets.

-Lu Bu- When he finally convinced you to spar with him, using his halberd against Yoru, he wanted to see who had the stronger strike, his Sky Eater or your Strongest Slash in the World. The damage as the two strikes hit was so immense, even more so than when Lu Bu fought with Thor, you both had to help clean up the arena after you trashed it. When the dust cleared, both of you were still standing, unharmed and you had to give him a small grin, seeing that he withstood your attack. He became another you fought on a regular basis and he always fought with such joy fighting you, saying you were the only woman he would respect. Thor and him were both strong drinkers, as they would invite you out all the time, which you didn’t mind, finding their antics amusing. It was nice to be able to fight without holding back.

-Jack- Was one of the few who actually didn’t want to fight you, more interested in just conversing with you, sharing tea or wine, playing chess together, and having intellectual discussions. You had to admit that you were a bit curious about his ability to see into your soul, describing the colors you displayed at any given time, it was unique as you had never heard about something like that before. Jack enjoyed his talks with you, never wanting you to leave, as he found you entrancing, from your looks to your strength to your complex personality. He wanted to see more and more.

-Raiden- Raiden was very enthusiastic in trying to convince you to fight him, to the point of chasing you down, running after you until he had you in his arms, like it was a children’s game of tag. You always refused him, as you weren’t a combat fighter, you only used your swords and if you fought him, either you would get hurt from his physical attacks or he would get cut to ribbons. Your words and reasoning did little to deter him as he kept seeking out, asking for a fight, carrying you around in his arms like you were a princess. He was very jolly and loud, but also pushy and sometimes annoying, but you felt like you couldn’t bring yourself to dislike him.

-Buddha- Buddha was another one who was quite pushy, not as in he wanted to fight you, as he was quite laid back, but he was always coming into your house, uninvited, bringing all sorts of snacks that he was willing to share with you. You could enter your home at any given time and find Buddha lounging on your couch, welcoming you home like he lived there. He picked up after himself so it wasn’t that big of a deal to you, and he was quite amusing when you gave him wine and got him drunk, he was a funny, cuddly drunk, which you teased him mercilessly about, but he didn’t care, as you were giving him attention.

-Qin Shi Huang- This cocky little shit irritated you, at first, when he tried to make demands of you like he was in charge of you. As time went on and you learned that was how he was a person, due to him being emperor, you gave him a bit of leniency. He was almost like a child with you, acting spoiled, wanting you to dote on him. He didn’t really want to fight you, although he was curious about your strength, he just liked your icy vibe, as he had seen you smile so brightly, he wanted to see what other sides there were to you.

-Thor- The god was respectful but also quite persistence, in getting you to fight him, as he wanted to see your strength for himself. He would ask you on the daily to fight, but would accept your no, unlike others who would keep asking, but then he would be back the next day to ask you again. You only accepted after you fought Lu Bu, willing to give him a match. Brunnhilde left a lump on your head, Thor’s head, and Lu Bu’s head, scolding all three of you after you and Thor destroyed the arena again. Thor respected your strength and loves to spar with you and Lu Bu both, as you could give them a challenge and they give you a challenge. Plus, they were fun drinking buddies as they were both very strong drinkers.

-Poseidon- Your strength and beauty was unrivaled, or so he thought, when you smiled and laughed, it was like he was being born again, seeing the world with new eyes, but only with you. Poseidon couldn’t stand that you were giving Kojiro the most attention, fury filling him that the older samurai had your attention. It made him want to do even more to get your attention on him. You weren’t bothered by his fancy gifts when he would try to give them to you, refusing them, but his tenacity is what caught your attention, not willing to give up and you finally accepted one of his gifts, a bottle of wine, but you made him sit and enjoy it with you, showing him that there were more sides to you than he originally thought.

-Hercules- This man- this god, was like a giant puppy with you, smiling so brightly when he would call out your name when he sees you around. He’s so respectful of you and your power, not taking anything lightly, which you appreciated, but he’s also super sweet with you, taking your groceries from you, “Let me carry those for you!” he treated you like a lady, but knew for a fact you could probably kick his ass easily, especially if you used Yoru. You enjoyed seeing Hercules, as he showed you all around Valhalla, and he would always be willing to fight you, if you wanted to spar, as he knew he didn’t need to hold back against you.

-Loki- This MF!! He is such a little gremlin and a tease, popping up at random places to try and scare you, wanting to see more emotions out of you, calling out your name so cheerfully. Loki was complicated, if you needed a word to describe him, he was annoying, teasing, perverted, loud, and obnoxious, but as you hated to admit it, if he hadn’t come around for a few days, you found yourself missing his antics. It was sometimes too quiet without Loki’s obnoxious self, popping up at random times. He nearly melted when you patted his head when he came back, asking if you missed him, and you patted his head lightly, adoring your affections.

-Hades- Was very impressed with your skills when he saw you fight, wanting to test you himself, and laughed warmly when you refused to fight him, instead offering him a glass of wine. The two of you became fast friends, as you were similar in personality, usually so serious and stoic, but you did have your soft sides, him with his siblings and you with children. Hades usually got jealous when someone else would try to take your attention off of him, but he was calm about it, choosing instead to just glare harshly while pouting, which you noticed, poking his cheek when you came back, teasing him which he tried to deny that he wasn’t pouting.

-Rudra- Was very soft with you, acting like a gentleman, asking to walk with you, taking anything that you might be holding other than your swords, it was amusing, but appreciated. You found Rudra relaxing to be around, as he was mellow, but you could sense his strength, his determination. You laughed warmly when he asked to hold Yoru, wanting to see how heavy it is, as you were carrying it around like nothing and swung it with such ease. Even with holding it with all four of his hands, Yoru fell to the ground as he could barely hold it up and he gawked before showering you with praise for your strength.

-Indra- Quite and cool, you found solstice with the Hindu god, as he was relaxing to be around, as he didn’t ask you for fights on the regular, only about once a week or so, and he would just sit with you, enjoying spending time together. You did dislike when he smoked, as you didn’t like the smell, but he always made sure to sit downwind from you, so you weren’t overly bothered. You did, however, find out that he was a weak drinker, after you offered to share your wine with him. You couldn’t help but poke his cheek, teasing him as he was nursing a headache afterwards, finding it amusing while he found your teasing side to be rather cute.

-Hajun- You had to discipline him when he tried to grab Yoru, wanting you to fight him, easily taking him out with your unsheathed sword. He was shocked with how easily you were able to take him out, impressed with you while you sat on his chest, but he was unbothered, finding you light, as he asked to fight you again. He was rather territorial with you, if he were to see you, he would hug you and try to keep everyone else away, not willing to share such a strong opponent with anyone else. As time went on however, he grew more territorial, not wanting anyone around you at all, which was more of a headache for you than you thought.

-Kojiro- Kojiro was the only man you gave any physical attention to, mainly because he was your lover now, something he still couldn’t believe. The swell of happiness that would fill his heart when your arms would encircle his neck, hugging gently could warm him all throughout winter. He never asked you for fights, you were the one to ask him, which you didn’t do for anyone else, something he noticed but wouldn’t mention as he would let you curl up in his lap, being doted on by him so gently, your arms around his neck as you both basked in your quiet affections with each other.

#record of ragnarok #ror x reader #ror lu bu #ror jack the ripper #ror raiden #ror buddha #ror qin shi huang #ror thor #ror poseidon #ror heracles #ror loki #ror hades #ror rudra #ror indra #ror hajun #ror kojiro sasaki

[void-ink-studios]

Please... please, Star Child... Help us...

Incarnations AU is back, with more stuff from the poll I put out a few months ago!

This is probably the most fanfiction thing in this AU, the idea of a Redeemed Dark Matter. I always thought Dark Matter was an interesting villain for the franchise, and I've chosen to characterize it as both a villain and a victim. Something that was born from a source of great pain and hatred, that was never shown another way, and left to fester in its own misery for eons.

So, what would they be life if given a second chance? What if they were allowed to live again, with a new perspective?

More on that Under the Cut.

Remember, if you like the art, be sure to reblog!

I have a few ideas on how this could even happen. Most revolving around a Clockwork Star, a wish gone awry, and the concentrated power of a wishing star being too much to handle, even for an Incarnation.

It culminates in a battle between an unstable, barely holding together Dark Matter and Kirby. Kirby hears their enemy call out to them from the chaotic void. But it's not a taunt or a temptation to join them.

It's a call for help. For an end to the despair.

But Kirby doesn't destroy them this time. They spare the Darkness, because they believe the Darkness could do better, if given guidance.

Zero is the first to reemerge from the swirl, in a new form. It is still strange, still terrifying gigantic, but it is a broken and healed angel. It is in a new form, with a new life. Rather than Zero 3, Kirby decides to give it a different name. They give him the name Cipher.

Cipher's subjects form and emerge shortly after him. They emerge with a choice: Stay or Leave. Those who leave will disconnect from the greater hive and be on their own to do as they wish. Those who stay become part of the new Dark Matter. The New Kingdom.

Dark Nebula is suspicious and wary of this truce with the Star Child but is willing to stick around to protect Cipher and the hive with her life. Just as she always has. She becomes the head administrator and advisor to the new king, as well as the primary ambassador to attend events that Cipher's size and reputation prevents him from attending.

The Swordsmen emerge, and those who stay accept their new role as the royal guard, the sworn protectors of Cipher and Nebula. Some chose to leave. Some scatter to the stars to search for a new purpose. Most surprisingly, some stay on Popstar, becoming wandering warriors. One even joins the Meta-Knights. But those who stay take their duties quite seriously.

It's the Drones that are most intriguing. Most stick around the hive. But some decide to leave. Some become normal citizens of Popstar. Some become explorers with intent to return to the hive one day. Some leave with the Swordsmen, coming squires of sorts. And some... well, some can't let go of the old way. They can't let go of the need to infect and hide. It's with a heavy heart that those are dealt with, often by Cipher himself. But, those who stay are the bulk of the citizens of the New Kingdom. They serve as the staff to Cipher and Nebula, as entourage on diplomatic missions, as builders and cultivators and explorers. It's the first time they've been allowed to explore their own interests. To build and grow, rather than infect or take or destroy. They are Cipher's subjects. And he sees them with the same parental warmth Dedede feels for the Waddle Dees.

It's a feeling very new to everyone involved.

Then there's Miracle Matter. The one thing Cipher tried to create. The first thing he felt true grief for. The first to add to the hive when she was destroyed. She emerges from the cloud, still tiny, still strange, but with a very different role. No longer was she meant to be Kirby's counter, a copy, a corrupted answer. Now, she was Kirby's cousin. A new friend, one who they could teach games and play with, like Gooey and Bandie. Now, she was Cipher's princess. His daughter, in a way.

It's a new thing for him, the idea of family. But Nebula and Miracle are his unit. His sister and his daughter. And he learns to love. Love and dotes on them as would any brother and father.

They make a home of Popstar's moon. They keep in contact with Popstar. They try to make amends with other kingdoms, especially Ripple Star. They rise as a New Hive.

And they are happy.

I have a lot of thoughts on this whole thing, so if you're curious or want to see more of this, feel free to send an ask.

And other poll stuff is being worked on! So, stay tuned.

#my art #digital art #incarnations au #kirby #kirby fanart #kirby gijinka #kirby dark matter #kirby dark nebula #kirby dark matter swordsman #kirby zero

[writerfae]

Dih'ahnran

To Talon, being a bard was a distant dream. But being a guard, that was his destiny.

His father is one. So was his father before him. From the very first generation the men and women of his family had served the crown as a part of the royal guard.

It was only natural to walk their path, especially for the heir of the house.

And Talon wanted it. He wanted to be a guard, to serve the crown, to carry on the family’s legacy.

Loyalty, that was a symbol of their house as much as the hawk that was on their family crest. He would be loyal. He would be a good guard.

Talon was excellent with the sword, a swordsman with a talent that outdid that of his father and grandfather.

Ever since he was a child, playfully battling his older sister with a wooden sword, he had trained and nurtured his skills to the brink of perfection.

Elegant with the weapon as much as he was with his favorite violin, and just about as passionate about it, his sword play was delightful to watch.

When he joined the guard training, that gained him quite the reputation, much to his own pride and his father’s satisfaction.

Talon had always known about the origin of his family, about the underlying shame that motivated their loyalty to the crown. He never got to know the details, though, until he received a special gift.

On the day of his eighteenth birthday, his father had called him to his side. Unlike usually, the hall had been empty of people except for Talon’s parents, and Talon almost feared he was about to get scolded, even though he didn’t give them a reason to do that.

But instead of a scolding, he got something else entirely.

„I am pleased to hear that you have proven yourself to be an excellent guard,“ Talon’s father had said.

And for Talon, who had yearned for his father’s approval most of his youth, that would’ve already been enough of a gift, even if he’d never admit it even to himself.

„And since it is your birthday, your mother and I think your ambitions should be rewarded with a gift of a special kind.“

Only then did Talon notice the item laying in his father’s lap, wrapped into the finest of black cloth. His mother beckoned him closer as her husband moved to reveal what the cloth had hidden: the most beautiful sword Talon had ever seen.

It looked ancient, like a sword from an old tale, yet it was as good as new. Talon couldn’t help but to reach out and hold it and his father let him. The handle fitted perfectly in Talon’s hand, the sword a pleasant weight in his hand, not too heavy, not too light.

It was almost like it was made for him.

„This sword has been an heirloom in our family for generations,“ his father explained. „It belonged to our ancestor. Cyprian, the very first of our line – and one of the best swordsmen of his time.“

Awestruck, Talon let his eyes wander over the pristine blade. How could this sword be from the time of the first kings and queens and still be without a single flaw?

As if his father read his mind, he continued.

„This blade was made out of the finest yet strongest material. It is ancient blacksmith work from the Alder Court, a true masterpiece. Alder Court weapons were the best of their kind and only a handful still exist. This is one of them.“

Talon’s breath caught in his throat. „From the Alder Court?“ he whispered.

Now it was his mother who spoke up, her voice as quiet as if she wanted to share a secret.

„It is said that this sword was a gift from the Alderking himself, a sign of his gratitude and love for his most trusted general and friend. Dih’ahnran, he called it, a loyal soul, just like the one it was gifted to. The name is engraved right here.“

She leaned forward to show it to him. Talon traced the engraved runes with his finger.

„Dih’ahnran…“ He still couldn’t quite believe what he was holding in his hands. He could believe even less that this was his now. And there was something else he couldn’t believe.

„So our ancestor was in the Alderking’s inner circle?“

That was new to Talon. But he wasn’t surprised, no one would like to admit that their ancestor was friends with the fallen king. It made Talon feel uneasy as well, but he was curious, too.

His father’s expression turned hard as stone. They didn’t talk about their heritage in this family. It was something you remained quiet about, something you pretended wasn’t there.

That was the case in all the houses that used to be from the forgotten court.

Talon didn’t expect to get an answer at all. He never got them when it was about something his father didn’t like to talk about.

Like Talon’s brother. Or the details about their origin.

But he did answer, if reluctantly.

„Yes. But in the end, he made the right choice and turned against the traitor to help our regents save our home. He came to the Willow Court, swore his loyalty to the Willowqueen, and remained loyal to her till the day he took his last breath. And we, his descendants, have been loyal to her royal family ever since.

„And that,“ he said, „is all that matters.“ He stood up, and Talon knew he wouldn’t get more information than that.

„I entrust you the sword of our ancestor, my son. It is the sword of a hero. May you do it justice.“

Talon bowed his head, gripping the sword so tightly it almost hurt.

„I will. Thank you, father.“

It was a promise. Not just to his father but to himself.

And to his ancestor.

This family will be proud of me.

*

I have lots of feelings about Talon owning Cyprian's sword. I also have lots of feelings about the name of this (and that of the Alderking’s) sword. That's why you get this even though I'm on a tumblr break haha

tag list: @andifthestarsweretodie @bloodlessheirbyjacques @bluehourskyeli @charleeyy @deadlycupid @dustylovelyrun @gr3y-heron @justafrogandherumbrella @jessica-writes22 @ladywithalamp @magic-is-something-we-create @marrowwife @myhusbandsasemni @my-cursed-prince @phantasticdomains @rhikasa @saltysupercomputer @sleepy-night-child @soupopoireau @thegirlwithnonickname @thewalkingnerd @vampywriter @vsnotresponding @writing-is-a-martial-art (if you want to be added or removed from the tag list let me know!)

#this actually gives more info about Talon than i thought it would tbh #writer speaks #writeblr #wip: the knights of the alder #writing #my writing #also this is not proof read who do you think i am

[haleingstorm]

I'm back on my pjo bullshit now with added Naruto for flavor.

Team 7 gets reborn into pjo, who are they? Well I'm glad you asked.

What is the difference between too much loyalty, so much you forsake your own life, your well-being, your mission, and too much love? Uchiha's feel too much, too much love and too much hate. Percy Jackson is a son of the sea god but his eyes burn with fire. He is jaded and proud and desperately wants to keep his people alive. He is a master swordsmen because he has spent a entire lifetime perfecting his skills. His enemys expect him to fight like a Greek and underestimate him.

Annabeth Chase looks at Luke and thinks 'I've seen this before, I know what you will become ' but she can not stop him, will not stop him because she loves him. Annabeth fully believed that Thalia's death is her fault because she wasn't good enough, she was too weak too useless. She knows Luke blames her too(does he? Not to begin with but with Kronos whispering in his ears...). Annabeth meets Percy and thinks 'oh I know you'. Their relationship is not easy. This is not a love built on quests, and soft smiles and protection. It is one built on death and betrayal, barred teeth and knives at each other's throats. But they make it work.

History has a tendency to repeat itself and another little boy is called a monster. Leo Valdez knows who he and who he was. He knows somewhere out there his brother/person/other half is waiting for him. The first time Leo hears the prophecy he makes a choice, the only choice. The first time he gets his brother again he hugs him and does not let go for a long long time(Annabeth looks at the two of them and greives, you think at this point she would be used to always coming in second but that doesn't stop it from hurting).

Team 7 looks at the rest of the 7 and says no. They will make it home. Whatever else happens we will bring them home.

#sasuke uchiha #percy jackson #naruto uzumaki #leo valdez #annabeth chase #sakura haruno #Imagine the pain Percy feels knowing that Leo will die #there is nothing he can do #leo chooses before they find out about the physician's cure #and Percy can do nothing but watch #Annabeth knew as soon as she saw Percy + Leo #that she would never again come first for either of them #imagine her surprise when Percy falls into Tartarus for her #naruto #percy jackon and the olympians #the seven #heroes of olympus

[seirclys]

OG! Penelope Eckhart Headcanons: Abilities and Magic

Part 3!

As always, I only really write for OG! Penelope instead of Siyeon(our FL), so this is much more conjecture than anything. SPOILERS FOR THE NOVEL.

I imagine that Penelope, throughout the lifetimes she spent trying to fight against Laila, deviated from the original script many, many times. Many of them were to fight against Laila or others where she tried to run away and start a new life.

Of these lifetimes, and of Penelope's unique, hellish existence, her powers developed in a strange manner.

As mentioned in Part 1(Appearances), Penelope uses magic unconsciously to maintain her appearance. This is due to the fact that she takes the most pride in her appearance, and it is her greatest asset.

Abilities

Throughout her many lifetimes, Penelope has learned different life skills or pursued a life of craftsmanship underneath master artisans, trying to find her passion that a household of abuse has stamped out. They've been useful in not only helping to make a name for herself but for her to survive in lifetimes when she left nobility. I'll only list some of the more prominent ones.

Weaving/Embroidery: The latter being a skill of nobility, Penelope lived up to her namesake by learning textiles over several lifetimes, earning her high praise in foreign countries for her vivid tapestries and intricate embroidery scenes. This skill includes tapestry weaving.

Woodworking/Sculpture: A skill of practical craftsmanship and also of the arts. While Penelope never learned stoneworking/masonry, she could theoretically apply these two skills to stoneworking.

Calligraphy/Scribework: That one lifetime she went off to become a scribe at a secluded academy. It helped her be able to examine ancient books and interpret them, as well.

The Ancient Language: Technically, the ancient language is bound by the blood of the Ancient Wizards. Think like in Percy Jackson where the half-bloods' brains are hardwired to read Greek or Latin, and something like that but without the dyslexia. However, Penelope also picked up other ancient, foreign languages during her time as a scribe.

Metalworking/Metal Engraving: Although she was never allowed in the forge(because of how weak she was, unable to lift a hammer), Penelope absorbed a lot of the knowledge from observation, while she worked on intricate detailing and carving in magic spells into delicate artifacts.

Weapon Proficiency: There were several lifetimes when Penelope left to become a mercenary, a soldier, or a knight. In addition to learning the standard Imperial sword forms, she also traveled around a lot and learned from other swordsmen. She favored the use of spears and long daggers, as well as unconventional weapons like thin cables to wrap and restrain opponents.

Swordmastery: As mentioned above, Penelope learned a lot of sword forms and trained extensively. She was eventually certified as a Swordmaster in a few of her lifetimes, earning her acclaim. However, she has never been recognized as one in Eorka.

Her usual weapon of preference is an arming sword(the conventional, straight double-edged European swords) like what Callisto and Derrick carry. Eorkan swords seem to have a knuckle grip, but Derrick's gap is smaller for some reason.

There were a few times she carried an executioner's sword(blunt-tipped sword).

In addition, she's proficient in polearms, specifically spears.

She carries around a few knives underneath her clothing.

Marksmanship: Given her preference of a crossbow in the original text, I believe that Penelope was actually very proficient— it's just that it was confiscated for a while before Siyeon got her hands on it. She's extremely good with a crossbow and a conventional bow.

Equestrianism: I think riding any rideable category of animals counts at this point...? Novel Spoilers but there are flying, mounted troops...? But yes, Penelope learned that both as a hobby and also as a knight.

Herbalism/Apothecarist: A skill of both healing and harm, Penelope uses a vast knowledge of natural plants to both help and to get rid of enemies through poison.

Perfect Memory: Penelope has a semantic, autobiographical, and near-eidetic memory. This means that she can recall general worldly knowledge, knowledge of her own life, and visual memory with extreme detail and clarity.*

Jewel Dealing: One of the jobs Penelope took. She can easily discern gems of exquisite quality, thus allowing her to sell her jewels at better prices.

Ceramics: A skill she also picked up. She uses it in her magic.

*Part 4 elaborates on this.

Magic/Mana

Like in Shrike, I will be calling those of Ancient Wizard heritage "Arcani". They use mana, and do not require the use of staffs and wands to perform feats of power. They use "mana".

Necromancy

The manhwa elaborated that the Ancient Wizards drew power from nature and the Laila from living energies(aka sucking out their life force). Given Penelope's many deaths, I believe her magic would naturally start to skew toward what Laila would use. It was difficult to come to terms with, but Penelope's magic can be categorized as necromancy.

She's much more in tune with the dead and harmful energies left behind after death, like resentment, hate, and despair. In the first few lifetimes when this connection solidified, she was branded as an insane, raving woman from all the negative energies assaulting her mind.

Eventually, she managed to turn it into an empathetic path, where she would help the spirits pass on properly.

She can also summon spirits! Her powers are very much focused on death and lingering spirits. Penelope often has a small retinue of spirits following her around, deciding to serve as her companions.

While she can theoretically control any spirit, Arcani spirits are drawn to her, since Penelope is the last Arcani alive, and thus they gather under her command.

While usually manifesting as shadowy blobs or small glowing creatures(usually aquatic, or butterflies), stronger spirits can take on more humanoid forms.

I'm not borrowing from Roxana here, it's just butterflies are used as symbols of the cycle of life and death, metamorphosis, and the soul. Soul butterflies are translucent like glass and glow the slightest.

As for humanoid forms, they usually take on the image of masked individuals. Some have normal human faces, while others still have shadowy visages, and wear masks or veils. In these forms, they usually have some sort of magenta/bright pink incorporated in them, like their eye colors or in clothing accents.

Some of them are sometimes sculpted prosthetics or doll bodies by Penelope.

Usually, they are only visible to Penelope, but they can be made to be visible to others as well.

Flora/Poison

Penelope's first breakthroughs of her magic were during the torture happening in the latter part of each time loop(when Laila's , and so her magic is aimed at causing pain, unconsciously, to keep someone alive enough to suffer without fading away in death.

In the vein of "causing pain" magic, one of Penelope's preferred methods include summoning thorny vines or flowers to strangle, restrain, or otherwise incapacitate her opponents.

Penelope loves flowers, and constantly summons them to enjoy their scent and appearance. Because of this, she has a sweet, floral scent.

In addition, she practices mithridatism(building up immunity to poison by taking it). It's a bit useless since her tolerance resets when she dies, but it's been a habit that Penelope had since she was 16, so she's still a bit poison-tolerant. It has saved her life a few times, though, along with her iron stomach. This has allowed her to use poison in conjunction with her magic.

If you've read Roxana, you may remember that in Season 2, Roxana is able to incapacitate and even kill someone with her touch because of how poison-saturated her body is. Penelope has been working towards this state for many time loops, succeeding only in the latter stages where she consumed poison like she was starving.

I mention this because Penelope uses blood magic, as well, the poison making its attack prowess much more effective.

She wraps her body in a thin layer of magic to be able to interact with people normally, though not many initiate physical contact in the first place.

Eventually, she is able to control whether or not poison exudes from her skin, but it was a difficult process.

Weaving

Penelope manifests thin yet strong strings of mana to ensnare and trap her victims in combat.

In addition, she can weave together elaborate illusions using elements like water and fire, or just from mana to confuse others.

Weaving can also be literal: Penelope works magic spells such as protection into fabric and garments and imbues the threads with mana to strengthen them.

She can also use mana ribbons and change their solidity to act as blades.

Penelope usually summons three spear-like weapons to float behind her, which she can control without touching to attack. These can even turn into the aforementioned mana ribbons. For reference, refer to Honkai Impact 3rd's Herrscher of the Void and her Subspace Lances, which were the major inspiration here.

Subspace/Pocket Dimension

To be further elaborated on in the next post, but as you may have seen in Shrike, Penelope has the Eternal Ataraxia. It was essentially a spatial prison to entrap her soul for her ancestors.

I feel like, at some point, Penelope would either crack her way into one of the subspaces or find a way to make it happen after literal centuries of studying the Mirror of Truth.

Most of what I can say is going to be elaborated in Part 4, anyways.

Unlike in the Eternal Ataraxia, the usual Subspace is a barren land, if there is even any.

#lysia's posts #lysia's narratives #villains are destined to die #vadd #death is the only ending for a villainess #death is the only ending for the villainess #ditoeftv #penelope eckhart #original penelope eckhart #og penelope eckhart #og! penelope eckhart #og penelope #og!penelope hcs

[karishrtstlen]

🕊 I’ll crawl home to her.

Obamitsu // Obanai and Mitsuri remember important moments before their wedding

Inspired by Hard Work-Hozier

Mitsuri paced around her bedroom with sweaty palms and eyes filled with tears out of pure stress. One day from now would be her big day and she couldn’t believe she was marrying someone as perfect as him. Someone like him. Someone like Obanai. Shinobu had come over to calm her down as well as Shinobus sisters, Kanae Kanao and Aoi, as of now there were no results.

“Oh god Shinobu he’s just so. Amazing why would he even consider marrying me?” She asked her friend who sighed and rubbed her temple

“Why wouldn’t he? That man’s completely smitten over you. Don’t you remember how he asked you out?” Shinobu reminded her

and how could she forget?

・┆✦ʚ♡ɞ✦ ┆・

Summer of their senior year in highschool. This was their last summer before they would have to mature.

Shinobu had suggested that their entire friend group take a small trip to the mountains, Where Giyuu’s adoptive father lived, To relax and so they did. They spent the entire summer there.

Mitsuri remembers two weeks before they left quite well.

“Lyubov” Obanai called out for her. She wasn’t sure where he got the nickname from, all she knew was that he had called her that ever since their trip to Ukraine Sophmore year.

“Whats wrong Oba?” She asked quietly, it was nighttime and she wasn’t supposed to be awake but of course Obanai knew she would be awake.

She forgot to bring her favorite bunny plush she can’t sleep without it.

“Can you come with me please i have a surprise” He said quietly knowing she was tired and hadn’t rested properly. A tired Mitsuri made her a little bit more anxious than usual, But not with Obanai. Obanai felt like home to her and she would never give that up. She took his hand.

Her bigger softer hands from baking into his smaller calloused hands from writing so much. Mitsuri has always thought their hands, though opposites, fit each other like puzzle pieces that were missing. She thought their mere beings were meant to find each other.

Like how though she’s taller and a lot stronger everything about her screamed feminine no matter how many people tried to make her seem masculine for her build

And Obanai was the opposite that completed her.

He, unlike many of the boys she’s liked, had never objectified her, sexualized her body and its proportions, never tried to make her seem masculine for her strength, and never not ONCE judged her for how she decided to eat.

He led her outside into the forest secretly praying she would trust him just a little longer he could feel in his heart that she was getting scared. Two hours passed before Obanai asked her gently to close her eyes while turning off their flashlight. Underneath her palms she could see a glow as Obanai held her arm and led her deeper into the forest.

“Open them now, Lyubov” He said gently letting go of her as if she’ll break if he did way too fast.

When she opened her eyes she was met with a sight so magical she could barely breathe. An entire grove of Wisteria trees with fairy lights covering them and polaroids hanging on the lines their friends standing on the side of a projection screen playing videos of her and Obanai from the day they met to now. In her shock she failed to notice Rengoku giving Obanai something and patting his shoulder with a stern look before going back to his spot next to Tengen.

“Do you know why I call you Lyubov Mitsu” He asked

she shook her head and he smiled.

“When we took our trip to Ukraine you mentioned how beautiful you thought the language was and how much you loved it. So for you i learned it. That way you could hear the beauty of a language you love even if you don’t know it. In Ukrainian Lyubov… Lyubov means Love” He took a deep breath looking at Mitsuri who had tears falling already. “Back during the Taishō period there were these fierce swordsmen and women who fought against something no one knows yet but its said to be beasts so fierce coming back with just a busted eardrum and broken ribs was considered a miracle” He laughed a bit looking down

“What i found interesting was that there were two whose looks are described similarly to us, they loved each other yet made no move to confess a push and pull out of fear. They died in each other’s arms confessing too late.”

Mitsuri looked into Obanai’s glassy eyes and felt butterflies erupt. “I don’t want to be like them Kanroji.” He said getting on one knee “So to you i want to say that you are my best friend. For the longest i believed that’s all you were but my heart said otherwise. If i have to die with you in my arms I want it yo be with you as my girlfriend and the promise of marriage sealed from the get go. Mitsuri Kanroji I want to make this promise to love you and soon marry you. I promise to work hard and make sure you never feel worthless because in my eyes you’re more than this world and this universe combined, to me Kanroji you are everything. The waves the moon the sun the flowers the planets the stars the galaxy everything. So please, Be my girlfriend and more than that my future wife” He finished by taking out a promise ring the diamond being in the shape of a heart with a snake going around it.

and how could she not say yes while sobbing and giving him small gentle kisses all over his face in fear if breaking him?

her precious boyfriend and future husband

・┆✦ʚ♡ɞ✦ ┆・

Tomorrow is the day Obanai would be marrying the woman he loves with his soul. Right now he was with Rengoku, Tengen, Giyuu, and Sanemi at the spa instead of a bachelors party.

“Out of everyone I would have expected Tengen to marry his girlfriends first” Sanemi said with a sly smile cucumbers covering his eyes. Tengen rolled his eyes and told him to shut up sinking further into the mud bath. Obanai smiled brightly at them careful not to mess up the stitches around his mouth.

“Marrying her is my biggest accomplishment in life she’s gonna be mine forever and i’ll love her forever till my last breath” he said calmly “Getting her fathers permission was a hassle i remember it so vividly just three months before i asked her to be mine”

・┆✦ʚ♡ɞ✦ ┆・

Obanai took a deep shaky breath wiping the sweat off his palms onto his school uniform before knocking on the door only to be met with Mitsuri’s mother.

“Oh? well hello young man how can I help you” She said politely and Obanai smiled

“Hello Mrs. Kanroji. My name is Iguro Obanai i’m a friend of Mitsuri’s… I was wondering if I could speak with you and your husband on an important decision I want to make regarding your daughter” He said in a polite tone which shocked Mrs. Kanroji.

Many boys had come to ask for permission to date their daughter but non had been as polite as Obanai. She smiled warmly and invited him inside.

Mr. Kanroji wasn’t as warm as Mrs. Kanroji. He had seen many people promise to love his daughter only to hurt her. He’ll have to die before anyone ever hurts her again his precious baby girl. “What do you want with my daughter” He asked the minute they took a seat.

“I want her heart” Obanai replied sincerely.

“Many say that and many break it how do I believe you?” Mr. Kanroji replied sternly.

“Because I am not them. With all due respect sir I am not here for your daughter’s body nor her strength I am here to love her. To show her she is worth more than the universe and that her soul is pure till i take my last breath. With all due respect sir I am here to show her a love that can only be experienced once in a lifetime through every problem we have i want to love her. With all due respect sir I am her to show her the world and it’s beauty even if i have to risk my life for her I am here to do that. To love her in spite of every obstacle. Through heaven and hell i will love her. If I have to walk down to Hades and demand her soul back in replace of mine I will.” He said finishing with heavy breathing.

Mr. Kanroji gave him a proud smile and nodded.

“Keep my baby happy young man.”

・┆✦ʚ♡ɞ✦ ┆・

It was that day and the nerves were everywhere. Obanai wore his hair in a manbun with a few loose strands that he managed to make look neat. His suit was all white with small diamonds on the collar to give the illusion that he’s sparkling in his suit. He wasn’t wearing his mask, for the first time people were seeing the outcome of his surgery. On his big day he will not hide his truth. He will not hide what he was a survivor of from the woman he loved. The woman who saved him from a terrible fate and brought him peace.

The music Mitsuri chose to walk to played, Work Song by Hozier, she walked through those castle like doors memories passed by Obanai.

Her holding him the day he told her what his family had done

Her smile when they adopted their first fur baby

Her eyes when he brought her roses just because

And her tears when he upheld his promise on marrying her.

Seeing her hair in a slick bun with a tiara on carrying a bouquet of pink and white roses her pure white dress with diamonds placed neatly on it giving her this magical look.

A true princess.

Her father handed her to Obanai and as soon as the weddding started they were lost in each other’s eyes.

Then finally the vows

“love is sweet, love is blind, but when I take this hand Ive seen all light. loyalty and happiness comes to one but one that's loyal and happy will be us as one. take this ring as I take your kindness into my soul. flowers too as you may throw to the next lovely beloved below. with my soul and heart I promise to you Obanai, to be the best version of love you have ever seen” Mitsuri said softly

Obanai took a deep breath.

“I didn’t write my vows down because I wanted to tell you my raw feelings and not something rehearsed. Mitsuri Kanroji I have loved you since the day you accidentally bumped into me at the entrance ceremony our freshmen year. You have shown me more love more care more respect than anyone and not only that but you have been my savior and my comfort. Mitsuri Kanroji I may not be perfect and i may not be who you were hoping to marry but I promise to show you im worth it. I’m worth your time energy and love i am worth you. You are my everything. To everyone in the audience I want you to know. When my time comes lay me gently in the cold dark earth but no grave can hold me. I will come back and love her all over again in every life I swear on my life” He finished looking at the tears rolling down Mitsuri’s face.

Tears of genuine happiness.

“Do you Iguro Obanai take Mitsuri Kanroji, to be your lawfully wedded wife to have and to hold from this day forward for better, for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, till death do you part?”

“I do”

“Do you Mitsuri Kanroji take Iguro Obanai, to be your lawfully wedded husband to have and to hold from this day forward for better, for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, till death do you part?”

“I do.”

・┆✦ʚ♡ɞ✦ ┆・

#☆Kari's writing #demon slayer #obamitsu #obanai iguro #mitsuri kanroji #demon slayer fanfic #demon slayer fluff

[foxboyclit]

sharp wit, dull swords

aka the sword flirting fic, special thanks to @hyenagirlbulge for helping me with Fencing Logistics

In the courtyard settled on a cliff face carved out of West Wall was the second home to House Nydalla’s swordsmen. Here, the Matron and her consort engaged in sparring-and terrible jokes. Minisstra had always sparred with a frigid air of confidence, and Iphis savored in watching her mask slip. When she flushed that brilliant violet of embarrassment and ire, how could he be blamed?

Minisstra parried his attacks as he closed in on her, blades meeting with the sound not unlike windchimes, and she knew it was a matter of time before he’d leave her an opening in a frivolous display. When he did, she crouched, twisting her blade and attempted to lunge at his torso now vulnerable, but Iphis leapt back, keeping light on his feet as he deflected Minisstra’s attack.

“You’re quite skilled with that weapon, but you’ll have to thrust harder to penetrate, my dear,” he teased, reveling in her irritated scoff. Her eyes may have been shielded by her mask, but her eye rolls were audible.

Minisstra swayed back, reassuming her open stance. He shuffled closer, but did not close the distance. He knew her moves well enough; she was goading him into making a full attack, already having played the deflect in her mind. Instead of taking the bait, Iphis tested her with a series of small jabs.

Their swords clashed again and again, and Iphis went for a full lunge, hoping to throw his opponent off her rhythm. Minisstra was quicker, however, as she swept her cloak over herself to block his maneuver. Using the closed distance to her advantage, she hooked an ankle around Iphis’, sending him stumbling.

He smirked as he regained his footing. “Oh, Mistress,” he breathed, the awful banter part of his mind somehow far from exerted, "You know it takes more to force me to my knees.”

“You’re about to lose your voice after this session,” she warned, but his smile only widened.

“That is, if you score this time.”

“Focus, Ra’soltha.” she snapped, and Iphis finally shut his mouth and traversed. She did the same, blocking his short thrusts with languid slashes. The two of them spiraled like that, caught in an elaborate dance of blades. Iphis circled in closer, his attacks picking up speed, until Minisstra let him believe he had her in close.

She retreated, and he leapt forward, blade extended out in front of him. She parried then counterattacked in a single fluid strike to his waist.

“You managed to hit,” he said, jumping backward, “always more appreciated when a partner dances with me before.”

“Sweet Lloth, how many euphemisms do you have?”

Iphis shrugged mischievously as he put away his rapier, “why, are you desperate for more?”

Minisstra rolled her eyes and leaned in for a kiss, her way of telling him shut up and good match.

#c: iphis nydalla #c: minisstra eradia nydalla #fox's writing #im writing smth with them thats a little heavier so in the meantime enjoy some cuteness

[mamamittens]

Well, if you insist @bookandyarndragon

Here's the ridiculous self indulgent isekia nonsense with two versions of Nikia with and without wings in as close to the early manga style as I've managed so far (I referenced Sanji's introduction specifically and color picked from one of the colored covers) recreated digitally.

Anyway!

I didn't think of a name for the crew or how this series of shenanigans starts, nor names for the crew since this was just like... An hour of mindless wandering and memeing to myself.

Also, I'm not referring to first person because it makes this feel like I think it's real on some level and I don't need that level of disassociation on top of what I already have during the workday lol

But! The start was how the "Sir" thing starts. Which is that shortly after getting on board of the ship Nikia sees the state of the kitchen and is immediately horrified. It's a mess from the crew making desperate meals and not knowing how to cook and clean after themselves to save their damn life on account of the aforementioned cookbook thoughtfully left behind being quite illegible.

So she tears them a new one and tells them they're not allowed in until they understand what "mildew" means and the life cycle of gnats in the kitchen. They respond in fear "Yes, Sir!!" And she thinks they're just intimidated and when they keep it up, thinks it's a in-joke now.

Not realizing they're too afraid to ask her name and believe she's a very crabby "he". A running joke is that every time she almost tells them her name or correct the use of "Sir", something happens to interrupt.

The crew itself is more of the fun having, romantic type of pirates not interested in conquest but just adventure and maybe some treasure.

The captain is charismatic, fun loving, and has an uncanny ability to set things on fire. Once, Nikia asked him to boil a pot of water and it spontaneously caught fire... Without even having anything inside. He also has the ability to always know when it will rain. Just rain though. He also has a fear of swans despite the figurehead of the ship being a swan.

This was due to losing a bet and the crew thought it would be funny. If Nikia has wings, this helps explain why he's quickly intimidated by her.

The first mate is also the navigator and always knows what the weather is about to do but doesn't always pick up on rain for some reason. Anytime him and the captain argue about the weather, they're somehow both right. Every damn time. Even when they shouldn't be. He also likes taking pictures and delights in capturing his fellow crewmate's at unfortunate times to plaster it on the notice board.

The sharp shooter only likes pulling off trick shots to set of complex actions when literally just shooting his opponent would have worked--which he is fully capable of. He just refuses to not show off. He enjoys collecting books in his spare time but don't bother asking how he organizes them. He doesn't. He just always manages to pull the one he wants on the first try despite having no idea where he put it.

The swordsmen are twins who work together uncannily well but are disastrously clumsy apart. They also really like circling whoever they talk to while sharing lines and end up making their unfortunate conversation partner really dizzy. They were the ones that cleaned the kitchen between "meals" but eventually got so sick of it they abandoned the task.

The shipwright is a big fan of miniaturized craftsmanship so the ship is actually beautifully detailed. He just takes forever to work because nearly every inch of his work is engraved or embellished with art. Repairs the ship but enjoys engraving eggshells in his spare time. Comedically large man, so this hobby is both cute and a bit comedic.

And that's all I have for my crew of dweebs.

I figured the fighting Whitebeard thing would be because they overheard Whitebeard was pissed off and, when they ran into him at sea, assumed the Yonko wouldn't hesitate to fight and figured they may as well meet it head on. Nikia had no idea they were doing this and they were too afraid to enter the kitchen to inform her.

#back on my bullshit #mittens rambles #not a sir au

[charlottedabookworm]

look just-

picture this:

war’s just been declared, their uncle an usurper, their grandsire dead and their mother’s crown taken from her, and Jace and Luke are still wearing their fine tunics that declare them to be both Targaryen and Velaryon because they’ve scarce been home an hour before-

they are rushing to the painted table, to speak to their mother, when they stumble upon what could only have been one of Queen Visenya’s secret passages with the amount of dust that is every wear, the cobwebs they immediately walk into, and Luke trips and Jace reaches for his brother and dust flies and-

‘is that uncle egg’ jace mutters, staring at a babe, and their mother, their fathers (all three who stand within this room) all look different but it is egg - their uncle who has always been older and faster and stronger and is now as small as little egg is and whatbis happening how is this possible-

‘dark sister?’ their grandsire asks and this man still has most of his fingers, still holds his back straight, is not a breath from the stranger taking him

‘kepa said i needed to get used to the weight!’ luke says and his brother is so proud of that, that daemon has deemed him worthy to even carry dark sister, has deemed his training progressed enough by account of one of the greatest swordsmen in the ream, that he doesn’t even notice his slip

jaces does

jaces sees his grandsires eyes widen, he sees the looks shared between his muna and his kepa and daemon and he-

oh, he thinks, looking at his brother

luke is coated in dust, it clings to every ilm of him as it does to jace. it turns his hair grey and his dark brown eyes sheen purple against the lining of a tunic fit for the heir to driftmark and he grins with their munas grin and-

to anyone looking, luke could be a trueborn velaryon

his family looks from luke to jace and he knows he looks like a strong, he has his papas curls and his grandfathers eyes for all he hardly remembers the men, but- but his grandmother was a arryn before she was targaryen and jace has been drilled with enough lineage trees to know that house arynn has married into house strong and-

he sees the way his grandsires eyes soften when looking at them both, the sudden panic flickering through allicent hightowers eyes, and he realises that, for once in his life, he is not being thought of as a Strong boy

they believe jace takes after his great grandmother

more than that, jace knows in an instant, seeing the gazes turn to three rather than two, they think-

well, jace thinks, and the smile that spreads his lips is a copy of his stepfathers. maybe they can help with the war, before it even begins

after all…

“you know what kepa is like, muna, grandsire,” he says with an easy grin,looking them both in the eye and gesturing at daemon. “at least you managed to convince papa that baby viserys doesn’t need a ship before his first nameday,” and jace grins at ser laenor, the man who raised them and loved them and gave them his name, aa if sharing in a joke

luke, his beautiful brilliant brother, blinks but says: “muna kicked you both off of dragonstone for a whole sennight after that”

after all aegon the conqueror had had two wives

#fic idea #hotd #just jace seeing where everyones heads are going #and instead of correcting them decides ‘i’m gonna use the hell out of this’ #‘they’re all married’ he says lying through his teeth #‘see harwin is muna’s sworn shield and one of the kingsguard’ #‘ser cole? i think he ran away? muna mentioned it once when we asked about her wedding’ #he’s a bit sorry about fucking up everyone’s lives #but he’s frankly he’s gonna do it anyway cos jace loves his muna and loves his family and wants better for en #luke just playing along like the best boy he is

[doraemon-facts]

Thanks to Doraemon’s interference, Nobita and Shizuka end up married in the future. As children, Nobita’s crush on Shizuka is obvious, and there can be no question that Shizuka sees him as a close friend. She genuinely enjoys his company, goes above and beyond to help him when he is in trouble, and would be very upset if he had to move away. But does she ever consider him in a romantic light?

In the present day, Shizuka has not committed to the idea of marrying anyone specific yet. When Nobita uses the "Dream Recorder" (ユメコーダー) to find out who her ideal partner would be, her future partner is shown with a blank face. Her dream partner does say, however, that while they are lacking in accomplishments and riches, they love her more than anyone.

Source: ユメコーダー, 1974 (manga)

So how does Nobita stack up against Shizuka’s dream partner? There are many times when Shizuka seems unimpressed with him. When Nobita sends a pumpkin carriage to bring her over for a party, she is disappointed to see that he’s the one behind it.

Source: だいこんダンスパーティー, 1979 (manga)

She is disappointed again when he gives her a poster as a present, only to find it’s a poster of him. He wanted to give her a poster of a fancy car sealed inside "Easy Carrier Paper" (かるがる持ち運び用紙), but when the driver drove away, Nobita put himself in the poster in desperation.

Source: ポスターになったのび太, 1981 (manga)

Nobita uses the “Talent Selection Board” (いいとこ選択肢ボード) to improve his looks, but Shizuka doesn’t believe it’s him, saying that Nobita is much “funnier looking”.

Source: 顔か力かIQか, 1988 (manga)

After Nobita strands the two of them on a deserted island with the "Robinson Crusoe Set" (ロビンソンクルーソーセット), he tries to calm Shizuka by telling her that he’s there. She retorts that that’s the reason she’s worried!

Source: ロビンソンクルーソーセット, 1983 (manga)

When Nobita has appeared in Shizuka’s dreams, it’s sometimes a very unflattering image.

Source: ゆめのチャンネル, 1977 (manga)

However, that is not always the case. When Shizuka is cast in the role of a princess in a shared dream using the "Indulgent Dream Kit" (気ままに夢見る機とアクセサリーセット), she is resistant to the idea of an arranged marriage and sneaks away from the palace, disguised as a male knight. But after adventuring with "Nobitania" (who, unknown to her, is played by the real Nobita), she admits that if he was her arranged partner, she would be happy to marry him.

Source: Nobita’s Three Visionary Swordsmen, 1994 (manga, Doraemon Long Stories)

When Shizuka tells Nobita about her dream the next morning, she’s not willing to say too much, but she does reveal that his dream counterpart was “very cool”.

Under the influence of the "Dramatic Gas" (ドラマチックガス), Nobita confesses his love to Shizuka and she shyly replies that she loves him, too. Although this should not be read literally due to the gadget’s effect, the "Dramatic Gas" seems to work by exaggerating existing emotions instead of making them up.

Source: もりあがれ！ドラマチックガス, 1984 (manga)

Shizuka is also known to get jealous when Nobita is attracted to other girls.

The anime contains more hints that Shizuka may harbor romantic feelings for Nobita. When Nobita uses the “Popularity Pheromone” (モテモテール) to make himself irresistibly attractive to women, Shizuka is affected, but continues to act normally around him and refuses to let him copy her homework. One interpretation for why her behavior does not change might be that she is already attracted to him.

Source: モテモテール大作戦, 2011 (episode from 2005 anime)

Heart symbols are seen rising from her after Nobita saves her from a blizzard.

Source: はこ庭スキー場, 1979 (episode from 1979 anime)

Both Nobita and Shizuka blush when they share an umbrella.

Source: ラッキーカラー棒, 2004 (episode from 1979 anime)

When Nobita enters her dreams and defeats a monster giving her nightmares, Shizuka (not knowing it’s the real him) is so grateful she wants to marry him.

Source: 夢ボート, 2000 (episode from 1979 anime)

When they first meet in kindergarten, Shizuka gives Nobita a kiss after he retrieves her hat, which Gian had dropped in a swimming pool.

Source: 小さな恋にメロメロ, 1993 (episode from 1979 anime)

In the present, Shizuka has kissed Nobita on two occasions. Once is after he spent all day looking for a pin she lost, and fixed it after he accidentally broke it.

Source: さがし手, 1999 (episode from 1979 anime)

Another time is when Nobita used the “Mosquito Needle” (蚊チューシャ) to get rid of her anxiety over a violin exam.

Source: 蚊チューシャ, 1999 (episode from 1979 anime)

To tell the real Shizuka apart from a clone made by the “Clone Mirage” (分身蜃気楼), Nobita asks if Shizuka likes him. The clone is offended by the thought, but the real Shizuka blushes and refuses to answer. When Nobita asks for clarification later, Shizuka replies that her answer is "secret".

Source: 二人のしずかちゃん, 2004 (episode from 1979 anime)

#doraemon #nobita nobi #shizuka minamoto #manga #anime #movies #1979 series #2005 series #ドラえもん #野比のび太 #源静香