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noonachronicles · 5 years

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Everlong Pt. 4

Kwon Jiyong/ G Dragon X Reader

Word count: 6k

Warnings: mild language, discussions/themes of death, mentions of infidelity.

Genre: Hades/Jiyong. Greek God AU. Fantasy.

A/N: I took extra care with this one because it’s important. I feel like it’s the part where the actual plot comes into play and I hope everyone is excited as I am about it. :D

Update Tag: @kathrynwynterbourne (do you still want this? lol)

Moodboard by bae @memoiresofaneternaldreamer

The throne room in the Judgement Pavilion was truly a sight to behold. An architectural scholars wet dream, if only they knew it existed before they were dead. It was imposing to say the very least. A long room with magnificently high ceilings. Expertly peaked arches, and ribbed vaulting that lined the narrow length of the hall. Ivory columns stood like centurions at uniform intervals, every three yards. The walls were a dark rosewood. They looked black in the dim lighting of the room. It was difficult for anyone not looking for it to notice the fine details of the wood that had been carved to reflect the faces of the suffering souls that occupied the underworld. Some of the faces had their features scrunched in pain. Others were stretched long, mouths wide open, screaming in agony as waves of hellfire washed over their outreaching arms. Hades always found it a bit dramatic and not at all how he would represent his home, but everyone had said it fit the aesthetic of what was otherwise known as the Hall of Judgement. To break up the intricate and macabre details, panel windows of stained glass were inlaid along the walls. There was one window for each of the Titans, one for each of the Olympians, and several panels dedicated to some of the greater battles that occurred during the Titanomachy.

At the end of the long hall sat a single throne made of what looked like black onyx. Completely dominating the wall behind the throne was a marvelously large rose window that could rival those at some of the most famed cathedrals. It was easily done as Hades had immediate access to Louis Barillet who more than willingly designed the window in exchange for a spot in Elysium.

The throne on its own was just as intimidating as the room as a whole, and purposefully so. The back was unnecessarily high. It’s highest peak reaching the bottom curve of the rose window. It’s crest rail had several horned peaks that were so aggressively pointed it looked like a person could be impaled on them. Even still, after all of that, the most threatening thing about the lone chair was often the god that sat upon its seat. This was especially the case on this particular day.

In the past, the judgement of souls had been the burden of three. Minos, Rhadamanthus, and Aeacus. However, in an effort to make Persephone feel more involved, Hades relieved the trio of their responsibilities quite a long time ago. He’d taken over the important task alongside his wife. It had worked out well for awhile, until she had become disinterested and restless. Preferring to wander the underworld alone instead of staying seated next to him. Hades suspected she just disliked how much time they were spending together. It had been just him taking the brunt of the work for some time before she’d left him. And it was in fact she who left him, despite all of his strongest arguments. For so long he fought to keep her but eventually he just got tired and let her go like she’d always wanted and that was the truth of it. After she’d gone he overburdened himself with work, letting it mask the aching loneliness he felt. Everything had been going smoothly for such a long time, but then he found you.

As Hades sat lazily slumped on his throne, his notebook flipped open on one arm and his own arm hanging down from the other with his fingers loosely holding onto his scepter, he knew he had no one else to blame but himself. No one else to blame for the line of souls waiting for judgement that stretched the entire length of the throne room and then some. No one else to blame because he’d been the one neglecting his duties to spend time with you instead, causing a backlog of unjudged souls. What made things worse for everyone, was that he hadn’t seen you in days. It was nearing a full week since you’d been at the bakery and he had no other real way of contacting you. Every moment that passed without him being able to make you blush over something stupid or every moment that passed without you sassing him so much he wanted to flick your forehead, he became more and more irritable. Everyone could tell he wasn’t in his best mood even if they didn’t know the reason behind it.

“Next!” Phobos called out as Hades drummed his fingers on the pages of his notebook impatiently.

He’d already sent five souls to Tartarus just for what he’d claimed was ‘speaking out of term’. Though he would argue in his own defense that they had been right on the cusp of being sent there anyway, so it wasn’t as harsh as people were making it out to be. Even still, Eris had become so uncomfortable that he had to leave the hall before his nerves turned into an actual anxiety attack. No one, not even the Personifications would look at or speak to Hades when he was like this. Only the poor souls that were there for judgement were forced to address him and they did so with an almost comedic amount of caution.

Good. He thought grumpily to himself as the next soul in line stepped forward.

“Name!” Phobos called out from his place just off to the side of the throne.

“Jiho.. Woo Jiho.” the man stuttered out. He’d had an air of confidence as he stepped forward but it faltered before the god, they always did.

Hades brow furrowed, the name sounded familiar but he didn’t know why. He flipped the page of his notebook and the page started to fill up with information about the soul before him.

Woo Jiho, twenty-eight. Date of birth, September fourteenth. Date of death, April seventh.

Hades was almost positive he’d read this page before, but had no idea why he ever would have. He thought perhaps he’d been one of the customers in the bakery that he’d recently played his game with. It would be quite the coincidence but he couldn’t think of another reason. He browsed through the list of things Jiho had done in his lifetime.

Petty thievery starting as a child. Money from his mother's wallet, age seven. Candy from a convenience store, age nine.

Common. Boring. Hades thought to himself. Perhaps that it was why he’d seemed so familiar, he was just like everyone else. He moved his eyes down the page and he let out a long sigh. Things did get a little more interesting as he got older.

One hundred and eighty-seven acts of infidelity between the ages of sixteen and twenty-eight, most of which were committed against his current partner.

Poor soul, he thought to himself before moving on.

Ten different instances of assault, mostly bar fights but once was against a woman when he was eighteen. There were several instances of blackmail, bribery, and extortion. The list of lies he had told in his lifetime between small white and bold faced was countless. Longer than most people who died at his age. Clearly a master manipulator. Under the list of things that he had done in his life that were considered as redemption there was barely anything. Hades made a half disgusted face and looked up at the man before him, already knowing his fate would be Tartarus, no question.

“What can I do for you, Jiho? Have you come for your judgement?” he asked idly.

“Actually...sir...god...Hades?” he tripped over every word. Hades would have found it much more funny if it didn’t happen nearly every time a soul had addressed him for millenniums, “I was told I could offer you a soul, in place of mine? That you had the power to resurrect my soul.”

“The second soul must be willing.” He said slowly stretching his legs out in front of him and sitting up straight. It had been some time since someone had propositioned him with an exchange. “You know you can’t just offer up someone else’s soul? It’s not how it works.”

“No, of course.” The desperate soul shook his head “There is someone I left back in life and I just know that she would do this for me. I know she would give you her soul in place of mine. No one has ever loved me like she does. I love her too, she’s so loyal, I just need to get to her…”

“I don’t care about your love story, just give me the name so we can find out if she’s willing.”

As he stuttered out the name of the soul he hoped would replace his in death Hades finally, and truly, looked at him. It had been your name that fell from his lips. Surely, he thought, this was a mistake. There had to be at least one other on earth who shared your name, and of course he must be talking about her. It could not possibly be you.

He flipped through his notebook until the pages reflected the name he was looking for. The page that showed your name and whose timeline was connected to Jiho. His heart began to race as his eyes flashed over the page. Age, location, life history. The page he’d read a hundred times already. He couldn’t deny it. It really was you. He gulped as he flipped back and forth between your page and Jiho’s, confirming the relation to each other. His breathing remained steady but it was clear he was upset. Phobos watched wide eyed with fear as Hades whole chest lifted visibly with every heavy breath, subconsciously he leaned his body away from the god.

Hades face was calm and reposed, but his eyes were aflame with unspeakable anger as he looked back up at Jiho. “This woman, the one whose soul your offering me, is she perhaps the same woman that you’ve been unfaithful to, lied to, and had a hand in emotionally abusing for years?”

“Woah, no! I have never laid a hand on her like that. I’m not like that!” he denied vehemently.

Hades sighed with immediate annoyance, his hands vibrating with anger, “That would constitute as physical abuse where I had said emotiontionally, you... moron. And before you deny having done that as well, you should now that I do have a record of every instance of your emotional abuse and manipulation of this woman. Not to mention your counts of infidelity, lies, et cetera.”

“Everyone manipulates people to get what they need and want. That’s just the way the world works. I didn’t do anything that any of these other souls haven’t done.” Jiho argued gesturing to the line behind him.

“Wrong.” Hades lifted his open notebook towards Jiho, “All this girl has ever done is trust you, and try to do right by you. And still you would deny her a future so that you could prolong your own.”

“I mean, I guess so, but she doesn’t know all that stuff that I did! She would definitely be willing to give up her soul for mine and isn’t that what matters anyway? What do you care about morality?”

“Just so we are being clear, even in death, you would manipulate this soul into offering up her life for you just to be set free? I want you to look me in the eyes, not just past my shoulder, which is a cowards trick. And I want you to say to me, very clearly, that you upon her willingness, are offering me this soul in place of yours for all eternity.”

“Well...yeah. She just has to be willing, right? I know she will be, I won’t even have to really do anything.” He said more to himself than anything. He squared his shoulders and looked up at Hades, “I, upon her willingness, offer you this soul in place of mine for all of eternity.”

“As you wish then. Go back to holding and wait for my summons. I will go and retrieve the soul tomorrow. I will bring her back here where you will explain to her the exchange you have propositioned me with. If she agrees, you may go free.” He said with a now barely contained rage. “If she doesn’t agree, then you will wish you’d never asked for the opportunity.”

As Hades watched Jiho get escorted back down the length of the hall and towards holding his nostrils flared and his hands gripped the arms of his throne so tightly that his knuckles were turning white. His back was stiff and he sat forward on the seat as if he was preparing to attack the next thing that moved or spoke.

Deimos cleared his throat from beside the throne, “I can get the soul for you, Hades. It would be my pleasure to assist you.”

“If I wanted you to go, I would have asked you to go. Don’t you think?” Flames were flickering visibly in the darks of his eyes.

“It’s just that,” Hades whipped his head around to Phobos, who was already shaken before and looked, now, like he might truly cry from fear, “you’ve been ‘topside’ so much recently. Surely you wouldn’t want to waste your time on a task one of us could and would happily complete for you.”

“Oh, have I been ‘topside’ too much? Is that what everyone has been talking about while I’ve been away?” He asked looking around the room. There was nobody with the courage to look back at him. “Have you all been very concerned about my whereabouts? Are you all worried that I’ve not been here enough to do my job properly AS THE FUCKING GOD OF THE UNDERWORLD? Everyone here in such a rush to get to Tartarus?”

Many of the souls murmured at that but otherwise the throne room trembled with only the boom of his furious voice. Everyone who stood around him shook their heads in denial and a shaky chorus of “No, sir” rang out around him.

“Good, and now that we’ve cleared that up,” Hades took a long, deep breathe and then let his next words ooze with sarcasm, “I will happily judge this entire line of souls today, if it so pleases the court of Personification. And then tomorrow, I will go get the girl who holds the soul that has been promised to me, because I am Hades and this is still my domain. Does anyone hold issue with that?”

This time no one disagreed.

It had been an atypically quiet day at the bakery, which you’d been grateful for. A nice calm way to come back to work after what was essentially a week of laying around in your pajamas crying hysterically for any and every reason until your eyes burned red and the only relief you could find was through sleep. At least the funeral had been nice and you felt like you finally had a little closure which made things slightly more tolerable.

You placed an oversized mug filled with hot coffee and a matching plate with a muffin in the center down in front of a waiting customer who was sitting at one of the tables in front of the large window that opened to the street. When you looked out at the busy sidewalk you felt a spark in your chest as you laid eyes on the one person you’d hoped you’d see all day long.

Jiyong looked expensive, as usual. Black on black on black on black outfit. From his black blazer to his shiny black wingtips. Sunglasses sat propped on his nose and his hair was slicked back. His undercut looked fresh, like he was just coming from the barber, and it reminded you of the first time he walked into the bakery. His lips were thick and pouty, making him look worried instead of his usual disinterested expression. He had one hand casually in the pocket of his dress pants, and the other was gripping a bouquet of flowers at his side.

You bit your lip, unsure if you should just assume that he’d gotten them for you. Maybe he made another friend over the last week, someone he liked a lot and wanted to give flowers too. The sweet feeling in your stomach turned sour at the idea. When you first saw him he was walking so casually confident towards the bakery. Once he finally got to the door, however, he paused as if he’d just thought about something. You watched curiously as he turned and walked back down the sidewalk a little ways. He tucked the flowers into the skeleton of what used to be a payphone. He nodded to himself and then turned back around making his way to the door once more. This time he got as far as having his fingers around the handle before he shook his head and anxiously turned back around, hurriedly lunging for the flowers before they were snatched up by a passerby.

Now incredibly amused by the show he didn’t realize he was putting on for you, you leaned against an unoccupied table and continued to enjoy. With the flowers back in his hand he looked down at them. It was clear to you that they were brand new, just purchased flowers, still in their plastic sleeve. It seemed he had thought about that too as you watched him tug the flowers out of the cellophane and stuffed the sleeve into the trash near the payphone. For the briefest moment you thought that was going to be it, that he was going to make his way inside for real. Instead he stepped towards the trash and began to pluck out all of the filler foliage, the baby's breath and the fern palms, and shoved them in the trash with the plastic sleeve. Finally it was just the flowers left in his fist. He looked down at them once more, very thoughtfully, and then slammed the bouquet against the side of the payphone for good measure. You bit down on your lip to keep from laughing too hard. Then your whole chest warmed at the realization that for the first time in a week you’d even had the urge to laugh at all.

“Hey stranger, what are you thinking about?” his voice snapped you out of your daze and you looked up at him with a small but very genuine smile.

“Hey, Ji.”

He beamed at the sound of his name on your lips again and shoved the flowers at you quite roughly. “I, uh, found these for you.”

Taking the bouquet from him you fingered one of the red gerberas that had nearly snapped from its stem after the collision with the payphone and was now just sort of dangling sadly.

“Found them,” you asked skeptically, “or bought them?”

“Why would I buy you flowers? And hideous ones at that.” he asked as if it was the most insane thing you’d ever suggested to him.

“Hmm.” you smiled cheekily as you hummed, giving the flowers a sniff, “Okay, so say you didn’t buy them. What you did do was see a bunch of flowers somewhere...on the ground or poking out of a trash can...wherever. You saw these flowers just waiting to be appreciated and snatched them up, and then thought to yourself with no hesitation, ‘I know exactly who I want to give these to’ and in that moment you thought only of me. Is that what you’re saying?”

“Give them back.” he said and held out his hand, “I think I saw a vagrant outside who I can give them to who would certainly be more grateful than you are.”

“No way!” you turned and hurried away from him to your safe, no customers allowed, space behind the counter. “They’re mine. You found them, just for me, remember?”

“You’re welcome.” he grinned.

“Thank you.” you smiled quite happily as you found a cup that you could put them in that wouldn’t tip over from the weight and filled it with water before dropping them in. “Would you like your usual rocket fuel?”

He leaned against the counter, “Yes, please.”

“A treat? On me, as a real thank you for the flowers?” you asked.

“No, not today, thank you.”

As well as he was hiding it, he actually felt sick with nerves. He had to find a way to get you to go with him to the underworld but he wanted to gentle about it. It was the reason he was so adamant about being the one to bring you in the first place. Anyone else would have dragged you kicking and screaming, and he could never allow that. If he was being honest, he didn’t want to do it at all. Bringing you there meant ultimately having to explain to you who he was and he was positive that it wouldn’t go over very well. How could it? No matter what it would have to be done because he had been too thoughtless in his anger when he agreed to the deal with Jiho and he never went back on his word. He tried to think of this as a positive, at least you would finally see what a worthless worm your dead boyfriend was.

“Let’s go sit.” you said suddenly pulling him from his thoughts.

He nodded and followed you as you came around the counter. You nodded over to a table against the wall, sitting beneath the painting of Posiedon. You placed his cup in front of one chair and sat down in the other with a deeply exhausted sigh.

“You haven’t been around for a few days. I’ve...missed you.” Jiyong said after a few minutes of comfortable silence. He graced you with a small smile and it really did warm you to see it. “The guy whose been making my drinks for me doesn’t even make fun of me like you do.”

“Yeah. Sorry about that, I had to take some personal days. My boyfriend…” you froze. It happened like that, and often, in an instant you could be teetering on a breakdown. You sat quietly willing the tears that threatened the backs of your eyes to go away.

You looked so tired. Jiyong felt horrible. He wanted to tell you everything, wanted you to know that the man you knew had not been worth the pain you were enduring. He wasn’t worth it in life and was even less deserving in death. Still, he couldn’t just tell you. Delicate, he reminded himself, confess everything slowly and delicately.

“What did he do? Cheat on you or something.” He asked, you said nothing in response, only looked at him with big glistening doe eyes. “Did he break up with you? What...did he die?”

You looked down at your hands on the table. They didn’t feel like your hands, like they were real. None of this felt real. Nothing had felt real for days. Then almost sounding completely out of context you said, “It was a freak elevator accident.”

Still staring down at your hands, you waited for the sound of his laughter. Everyone else you’d had to tell laughed instantly, as if you were undoubtedly joking. You knew it sounded like a lie. What a stupid way for a person to die. So people laughed and would say something like “You’re fucking with me, right?” or “Did Jiho put you up to this? Where is that asshole?” You waited for longer than you expected and still Jiyong did not laugh. Part of you actually thought that when you looked up he would be gone from the table, having left without a word. When you finally did look up he was still there, looking at you with a genuine concern.

“You don’t think it’s funny?” you asked with a sniff.

“Why would I? You’ve just lost someone you cared very much for. Death isn’t typically a joke for mortals.”

“Everyone laughs when they hear. I laughed.” you admitted, only half hearing his response “When they told me, I laughed. The hospital called and they said...they said he was dead. I laughed and I asked the doctor who he really was, what kind of stupid prank he was playing. Seriously… freak elevator accident! Who dies that way?”

“Nearly fifty people die in elevator related accidents every year, worldwide. You’re less likely to be killed by a shark than an elevator.” Jiyong shrugged and then mumbled, “You’d never know because my brother has a horrible PR team.”

You stared curiously at him, “I-I don’t know how to respond to that.”

“I’m sorry for your loss.” He regurgitated the words he knew that most people would say in this sort of situation.

“Are you though?” As hard as he had tried to sound genuine, you saw through it. “You weren’t exactly Jiho’s biggest fan as I remember.”

Jiyong sighed, there was never usually any use in lying to you. It’s why he liked you so much. “I’m not sorry about his death. I am sorry that you’re dealing with the repercussions of having lost a loved one. Especially someone who didn’t earn or deserve the love and care you provided them with in the first place.”

“I missed you.” you said quietly, and you really had. It had been a week and everyone you talked to was exactly the same. Full of pity, lying to make you feel better, treating you like something that would crack and break at the slightest disturbance. You felt like you should have known you could depend on Jiyong to remain brutally honest with you even now. That he would treat you like you were still you. “Why am I not surprised you have no qualms with speaking ill of the dead?”

“Despite popular belief, dying doesn’t change what you did and who you were in life.” he said simply.

“I mean,” you hummed lightly, “it sounds a little harsh when you say it out loud but I suppose it does make sense.”

“I’m pretty smart.” he grinned, and you couldn’t help but smile, however small.

“You’re more cocky than intelligent, sometimes it just works out in your favor.” you joked. He didn’t come back with anything witty like you expected, he just met your gaze. The smile fell from your lips and very seriously you asked, “Can I...confess something to you?”

“Anything.”

You gnawed slightly on your bottom lip nervously for a moment before blurting out the words, “It’s my fault he’s dead.”

Jiyong raised his eyebrows in definite surprise. “Did you fuck with the elevator mechanics or something?”

“No, no. I don’t mean intentionally.” You shook your head fervently and swallowed the small lump in your throat, “We got into a fight the night he died. I told him to leave. I locked him out of the apartment. If I hadn’t done that he never would have gone to stay with his friend that night. He never would have been in that elevator.”

His friend. Jiyong held in his urge to scoff. According to his notebook, Jiho’s friend had been the girl he’d been sleeping with behind your back for almost a year now. He contemplated the best way to proceed with the conversation. The guilt you had been feeling was so clear on your face, he couldn’t just dismiss it.

“Have you considered,” He began slowly, “that if he hadn’t been in the elevator that night, that it wouldn’t have malfunctioned? That you were never the catalyst for the accident, he was?”

“I don’t understand what you mean.”

“I’m saying that I believe that fate is real. Everything from birth to death is predetermined. Which means even if you hadn’t fought that night and he hadn’t died in a faulty elevator, he would still be dead today. Maybe he would have choked on a crouton or tripped over something and crushed his temple on the kitchen counter.”

“Morbid much?” you commented, still processing his theory.

“I don’t think so. I’m just saying that life is life and death happens. You can’t allow yourself to feel guilt over something that probably would have happened regardless of whatever actions you actually took.”

“I just- I didn’t,” you looked away from him quickly, but he could still see the tremble in your lips and glisten in your eyes from the tears that threatened to fall again.

“What was the fight about?” he asked calmly.

“What?” you were clearly surprised by the question. However your lip stopped trembling and your breathing was less panicked. He’d accomplished what he wanted and you didn’t even realize you’d been distracted.

“You said you two had been in a fight that night. It’s why he left. What was the subject matter of the argument?”

“Oh.” you turned away again, but this time to hide the blush that passed over your cheeks.

“What was it?” Jiyong asked, now completely curious, “You can tell me you think you’re the cause of someone’s death but you can’t tell me what you had fought about? Must have been bad.”

You let out a long slow sigh. “It was you. We were arguing about you.”

One of his flawlessly shaped eyebrows lifted to its highest possible point. “Me? Please, do go on.”

You restrained yourself from your regular eyeroll, “There is this stupid cherry blossom festival every spring. They have it at the friendship gardens just outside of town. I went once, and it was so beautiful and remember thinking how romantic it would be. I had really wanted to go so I asked him if he would take me as a date. We hadn’t been on a real date in such a long time. Which I guess I just assumed was what happens when you’re with someone for so long.”

“He said no?”

“He didn’t even pay enough attention to what I was saying to hear the question.” You could hear the annoyed intake of breath, but Jiyong politely said nothing so you continued. “I got so upset. I said if it was too much to ask for him to make an effort, I would just go alone. And he said, ‘Fine, what do I care if you go alone”. Then I...made a comment about how he should start to care because I was going to ask you to take me instead.”

Jiyong dawned the smallest smile at the thought of you thinking of him taking you out. Somewhere you had just said you thought would be romantic, his heart flipped. He wiped the smile from his face fast enough, realizing that this was not at all the time, and he was serious with you once more. “And that, I assume, got his attention.”

“Big time. He wouldn’t let it go. He kept asking me all these crazy questions. He wanted to know where we met. How long we’d known each other. Why you came around so much…”

“If we’ve ever fucked?” he asked, already knowing the answer.

“How’d you guess?”

“They always ask that.” he muttered. Cheaters almost always assumed infidelity. “Of course it would be a concern of physical intimacy, as if emotional attachment isn’t just as significant.”

“Right.” you said looking at him with big eyes, taken back by his comment.

“Not… that I’ve assumed you have an emotional attachment to me. Or that I have one for you…” he spewed out the blantent lie, that neither of you really believed.

“No, right. Of course.” you stuttered out your own words.

The table fell into a silence that wasn’t entirely uncomfortable, just an awkward energy as the two of you privately tried to decipher your actual feelings towards one another. Jiyong gulped down the rest of his drink, that had gone slightly cold by now, as you picked at something sticking to your apron. The silence lasted long enough for your thoughts to circle back around to Jiho and you felt the overwhelming sadness attempt its return.

“I guess,” you started, “I guess I just wish I’d had the chance to say goodbye and make things right between us.”

This was the opportunity he was hoping wouldn’t come. If there was ever going to be such a thing as a perfect moment this was his. He formed the words inside of his brain, the ones that he would say so simply to anyone else, but because it was you his heart seemed unwilling to release. This was the burden he had placed on himself. As much as he didn’t like it, he still preferred to be the one to do it. He felt you deserved at least that much.

“What if I told you I know how to get to the underworld? Would it interest you to go?” Jiyong asked staring into his now empty mug hoping you’d say no immediately.

You looked at him for a long time without saying a word. When he finally looked up at you expectantly you couldn’t help but to let out a small chuckle. “That’s good. That’s a good one. For a second I thought you were serious.”

“I was.” He replied calmly, “I am.”

Suddenly you found yourself uncomfortable and no longer understanding the joke. “That’s not... funny.”

“It’s not meant to be. I can bring you to the entrance of the underworld. Down the river Styx. I can get you passed the main gate and Cerberus. I know a way to get you to Hades palace undetected. It’s safe, most of the journey is through the Fields of Asphodel. If you really wanted me too, I could help you see him again. Possibly even help you free his soul, but ...only if you want to.”

“I-” you scratched the back of your neck, unable to meet his eyes. “I have to get back to work.”

“Y/N…”

You pushed yourself out of the chair, it slid across the polished concrete floor with a loud scraping sound. He watched as you went around the counter and through the swinging doors to the back. His chest felt heavy, you’d never disappeared from him completely like that before. Anger rose up inside him at Jiho and then a fear that he had gone too far, upset you too much. He wasn’t sure how he could have been anymore gentle about it.

Sitting for a while longer he watched as your coworker helped customers and cleaned around the register while you remained hidden away, but then he decided to give up for the day. It was likely you weren’t coming back out while he was present and he even wondered after a point if maybe you’d left through a back entrance. Standing up he slipped back into his jacket and prepared to leave.

“Jiyong.”

Your voice was soft, but he was sure at this point he’d hear you say his name, that wasn’t even his name at all, from miles away. When he turned around you were standing at the door to the back room. He’d never seen you look so nervous. It almost looked like you were scared of him. For a moment he thought to smile, to try and comfort you, but worried it wasn’t the right time and would come off creepy. Instead he stood straight faced, hands in his pockets, and waited for you to reach him with your small, uncertain steps.

“I get off work tomorrow at 5.” You said shakily, his eyebrows raised with interest. “Can you take me then?”

“Of course.” He replied. His heart ached slightly. Was it possible that you really loved this man so much you’d offer up your soul for his? He looked down at his polished shoes, “I’ll, uh, see you tomorrow then.”

“Wait.” You said quickly as he looked like he was about to sprint away from you. “Do I need to bring anything?”

He’d wanted to be sarcastic and mean to push you away. He wanted to snap at you and prove to himself that really you meant nothing to him. Your eyes were so big, so beautiful and so filled with sadness that he couldn’t do it. He sighed, “Like what?”

“I don’t know...a passport?” He looked up at you stunned and then realized you’d been joking. You let out a breath of a laugh, “You really thought I was that stupid.”

“No, I’d never think-”

You shook your head, “It’s okay. Maybe I am that stupid. I just agreed to let you take me to a place that doesn’t even exist.”

“It does.” He smiled small. “You’ll see. Tomorrow”.

#kwon jiyong scenario #g dragon scenario #big bang scenarios #kpop scenarios #Everlong

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dyde21 · 6 years

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Princess 2: Poison

Hey! So this is the other chapter from the Princess!AU I had going. It isn’t sequential, and takes place much farther in the future. Percabeth is an established thing, has been for a while. Again, this won’t be a series any time soon, you guys just requested the other chapter I had in mind, and this was it! More after! Oh, and shoutout to @cakesnomnom for convincing me to actually write it up.

XxXxXxXxX

Annabeth peaked out the window with a sigh, watching the forest pass by them as they trotted along. Now normally, Annabeth would have preferred to ride out in front on a horse with them, next to Percy, but he had thrown a fit. They were traveling to a neutral village to have peace talks with their neighboring country. They had been in a slow war for a few years now, neither side willing to fully invest themselves into a massive assault.

Hence, the fact that they were traveling outside of the safety of their borders.

Percy, being the overprotective boyfriend/knight he was, refused to let her ride out in the open. Now while she had the authority to do whatever she wanted, she was the princess after all, it was clear how much it worried him. He had started rambling on about ambushes, archers, traps. He had even started warning her about the dangers of poison ivy. To shut him up, and get rid of her least favorite expression he wore, one of concern and fear, she had kissed him and agreed to ride in the carriage. At least once they had crossed the border.

So now here they were, just a few minutes outside of the village. Percy had put his helmet back on, and was riding in the front. Unfortunately. Annabeth hated that helmet. When he wore it, she couldn't see his expressions, his messy hair, her favorite smirk. Most importantly, it hid his beautiful eyes. She had actually ordered him to never wear the helmet unless they were in some sort of official or public business. Luckily he didn't seem to mind, claimed it was too stuffy anyway.

Annabeth was about to get out and just ride the rest of her way when she heard his voice cut through the forest.

“HOLD!” His voice was clear and precise. “Jason, Frank, on Annabeth.” He ordered as he hopped off the horse.

Peering out the window curiously, Annabeth's hand grabbed her sword just in case. The hell if she was going to be protected while she sat in a little box while her friends risked their lives. Looking farther down the lane, Annabeth's heart skipped a beat. There was a little girl, her back against a tree as she sobbed, two thugs looming over her. She couldn't hear the conversation, but they said something, the girl flinched, then Percy stepped up. Words were exchanged, and Percy glanced back, as if asking for permission.

Hardly debating a moment, Annabeth nodded, as she placed her sword back down and rested her arm on the window to watch. Percy said something to the thugs, who both drew their swords. A few minutes later both of them were on the ground, and Percy was stowing his sword as he turned to the little girl. The little girl said something, and Percy knelt down. A small smile played at Annabeth's lip as she saw him speak to her, before rustling her hair, then she wrapped her arms around his neck in a hug. A warmth spread through Annabeth's chest. Percy really was good with kids, and some part of her imagined seeing him with kids of their own. Blushing, and shaking out her head, she saw him walking back. Eating... something. Quirking an eyebrow, she looked on until she saw he was munching happily on an apple. “She was delivering them to her grandparents. Made me take one as thanks for saving her.” He offered with a shrug. He climbed back on the horse, and soon the caravan was finishing up the last few minuets of the journey. Realizing she actually had to get back into princess mode, Annabeth took a deep breath and pushed idle thoughts of domestic life out of her mind.

They were dealing with the kingdom of Tartarus. Where luke had fled after he betrayed them. Still, they needed this war over. It was costing too many lives, and there was little prospect for either side actually winning in any meaningful way.

The air had been tense as they made their way through the village. Everyone could tell it was a royal caravan, and no one dared tried anything risky. Especially those who recognized some of the elite members of the Olympian army guarding the princess.

When the caravan finally wound to a halt, Annabeth made sure her crown was on just right, and settled her necklace properly. A gift from Percy after their first year knowing each other.

The door opened, and Percy was standing there, hand outstretched as he helped her out of the carriage. Hardly needed, but they were in public and their image was important. It had never been confirmed to the public that they were an item, but there certain had been rumors flying around for a while now. Ones she hadn't exactly denied overtly. It was just better to stay quiet, for both of them, until a more opportune time presented itself. No matter how much she just wanted to brag about her boyfriend, and use him as a shield from the annoying suitors that held no interest in her other than what rested on top of her head, and between her legs.

No, it was all proper and formal procedure as they were lead to the neutral grounds for the negotiations, and as they began. Both Annabeth, and one of the princes from Tartarus sat in the room, each allowed a single guard, the rest waited outside. There was no question who Annabeth chose, but she didn't recognize the guard of compatriot. Which was both good, and bad. Glad he didn't seem to be famous enough for a legacy, but unknown factors were always scary.

It seemed like her fears were for naught though, as the negotiations had passed without a hitch. They hadn't exactly reached a clear agreement yet, but it seemed both kingdoms tired of the war, and the drain it put on them, and were both looking to settle. It would take some more time, and some more consultations with the heads of each country respectively, but Annabeth felt hopeful.

“I guess that concludes talks for the day.” The man said with a yawn, rolling up his scroll of notes and passing it off to his guard to hold. Annabeth neatly closed her book and wrapped the cord around it as she tucked it into her bag. She trusted Percy with her life, her heart, and her kingdom. But damn if she trusted him with anything she needed him to keep in his possession for more than 5 minutes. His ability to lose things was only matched by his skill with a sword.

As she stood up to leave, she heard the man say one last thing.

“Say, Princess Chase. Have you ever chopped a redwood before?”

She froze, instantly understanding he was hinting at something. Standing up straight, she looked back at him with a careful expression. “I have, actually. It's extremely practical to learn basic survival skills. That includes camping.”

The man nodded, unphased. “They really are mighty trees. Stretch all the way to the heavens, and larger than a man laying from one end to the other. How do you suppose you go about chopping one. Do you start at the top?”

Annabeth paused, regarding him carefully. “Of course not. That's the hardest spot to reach, and needless effort. Take out the base, and the rest will come crumbling down.” Annabeth offered.

The man nodded, his wicked grin never leaving his face. “Of course. Just thought I'd ask. I'm thinking of going camping later, and thought I'd make sure I was doing it right.” He offered, before standing up and walking out of the room before Annabeth could respond.

Letting Percy lead the way as she tried to puzzle out the remarks from the prince, Annabeth had a bad feeling in her gut. Her intuition was screaming that something was wrong. There was no chance in hell he was just asking about logging. He was far too smart for that. She had barely flinched as a random villager had jumped out of the crowd with a knife as he headed for her. Percy had successfully pinned and disarmed him moments later anyway. She merely had hopped in the carriage and was beginning to the ride back. At one point she had seen Percy pulled up next to the carriage on his horse. He took off his helmet as he leaned over to speak with her.

“Why was he asking about chopping down trees. Wouldn't he have someone else to do that for him?”

Annabeth just laughed, reaching out the window to cup his face with a hand gently. It seemed Percy had caught the strange remark as well, even if he hadn't quite pieced together what the meaning was behind it either. She was about to reply when she noticed his condition. She frowned, leaning over to get a better look. “Percy, you look a little pale.” She said, concern dripping from her tone. “Maybe you should ride inside...”

Percy sat back up proper, putting on his helmet after flashing her his signature grin. “I'm fine. Just a little tired is all.” He offered before riding back to be in the front of the caravan.

Annabeth glared after him, debating pulling rank and just ordering him in the caravan. But she figured he was as stubborn as she was and that he was also built like an Ox so he'd be fine. She would just make sure he had the day off tomorrow. Maybe they could finally try that new restaurant that had opened up too.

Before long they had successfully passed the border back to their own country without issue. They were met at the border by the local guard, and Annabeth switched to riding her horse back. She needed some fresh open air after that long ride anyway.

Normally whenever she was riding, Percy would fall in beside her almost immediately. Both for security reasons, and because they just enjoyed each other's company. Only this time, he didn't make a move from the head of the caravan. Frowning, Annabeth began to feel a panic building up within her. First he looked pale, and now he was ignoring her. Craning her neck to look ahead, she saw his head was down. Was he moping about something? Annabeth ran over the entire meeting in her mind, but she couldn't think of any thing Percy could have done that would have him upset. He had acted perfectly.

Spurring on her horse, she sped up to his side.

“Percy, are you okay?” She asked gently, peaking over and trying to get a good look at his face under his helmet.

He gave her a quick nod. “Just a little tired. Been in the sun too long in this armor I think.” He offered. His voice sounded off, but Annabeth figured it was just exhaustion. They had been riding for ages, and Percy had been tense since they first left the borders.

“I see. Well you can say what you want about that kingdom, their architecture certainly is beautiful. If you noticed the molding on all of the buildings, they run with the theme of...” Annabeth continued to recount what she had learned both from the visit there, and the books she had read on the subject.

Before long though, she realized Percy wasn't even offering the polite “uh-huh” that he usually did when she got into a rant about architecture.

“You know, even if you're only pretending to listen, you could try a little harder.” She teased.

When she didn't hear a response, she looked over curiously. Her eyes widened when she saw Percy's head bobbing, before he slumped forward on his horse.

Before Annabeth could grab the reigns of the horse. Percy's body slid off the side and collapsed in a heap on the ground. She saw him fall in slow motion, her heart falling with him and shattering to pieces.

Letting out a shriek, Annabeth quickly hopped off her own horse as she knelt down next to him, trying to roll him over. Ripping off his helmet, she found his face a pale green. Most concerning though were the streaks of blood leaving the corners of his mouth. Reaching up with a shaking hand, she found his temperature was burning.

In a second, the rest of her guards had formed a protective circle around her and Percy, looking for any possible outside threats as Jason knelt next to her to figure out the situation.

She saw his eyes widened, before he quickly fished around Percy's neck for a pulse. Letting out a sigh of relief, she saw him looked at her as his shoulders relaxed ever so slightly. “He has a pulse.” He confirmed, letting Annabeth breath again. “But it's weak. I don't know whats wrong with him... it's like he was poisoned... But we never ate any-”

“The apple.” Annabeth spoke in a cold tone. The apple the kid had given him. Fist clenching in the dirt, Annabeth felt a fist around her heart. She didn't know if the kid had known what they were doing, but this war had already cost too many lives. Percy's was not one she was going to lose. She refused.

Standing up and attempting to hide fear that was growing in her very core, she looked at everyone.

“Percy's been poisoned.” Her voice cracked slightly on the last word, nevertheless she pressed on. “Jason, get him into the carriage, we're heading straight back now, as fast as we can. Frank, get Hazel. Now.”

The large man paused, clearly not expecting to be called out. “I... I do-”

Annabeth took a step towards him, the frustration leaking from her. “I don't care about the kingdom's policy on witches. I swear on the crown she'll have my protection while she's here. I know you are close to her. Go get her now and bring her to the castle, or else.” She said, before turning without waiting for a response. Frank was a good man, he'd never let his friend die. Neither would Hazel, from what Annabeth had heard.

Jason was already finishing loading the young man into the carriage as Annabeth climbed in with him.

“Get us home. Now.” She ordered before closing the door.

Beginning to strip Percy out of his armor, she kept running a hand through his hair. It was faint, but she could see the smallest rise and fall of his chest. She felt like her world was cracking. Her mind wasn't quite as sharp, and her heart rate was far too fast to be healthy. Percy was dying in her arms, and there was nothing she could do about it. No knowledge in her arsenal would cure him. No gold in her coffers would help. She would bring together all the best magic and medicine she could to save him. She would save him, if it was the last thing she did.

They had been through far too much together to be separated by a poisoned apple.

She had too keep it together though. Too much was riding on this. No matter how much of her life was currently dying in her arms, she was still the princess and she didn't have the luxury of losing control. Percy would be fine, and then they would address this unforgivable act.

She jumped when she felt a hand cup her cheek.

“Your nose scrunches up when you're angry.” Percy's weak voice offered. His thumb brushed over the edge of it gently. “Promise me you won't do anything stupid. I'm not worth making a mistake over.” He said, before he coughed a few times, splattering Annabeth's sleeve with blood. He tried to reach up again, but his arm struggled to make it. Leaning down, Annabeth gently nudged her head into his hand, staring at him with wide desperate eyes.

“Shut up Percy. You are worth everything to me. This crown means nothing to me if you aren't by my side. You aren't allowed to leave me. You will be okay. I order you to be.” She said weakly, unable to stop the tears that cascaded down her face and splashed onto his.

Percy just offered her one last grin, wiping a tear with a weak thumb before his eyes slid shut and his head lolled to the side.

Annabeth shrieked in horror, but she still felt a gentle breath coming out of his chest. He was alive. By God, he was alive.

Annabeth just ran her hand through his hair over and over again like she knew he loved.

He would be okay.

When they finally reached the kingdom, Annabeth found the best doctors already waiting for them. Apparently someone had rode ahead and warned them of what to expect. Chiron had already put everything in place, and Hazel was waiting as well.

As they carried Percy in on a stretcher, she strode elegantly beside him. Her red eyes the only sign of any crack in her composure, in the public she remained as regal as ever as they accompanied Percy to the infirmary.

She stood by the side as they worked, attempting to figure out the exact poison, how to counteract it, and Hazel's magic. She refused to leave her side, and thankfully her status prevented anyone from even thinking of ordering her to.

After what felt like hours, the doctors had identified the poison. It was strong, but with a name to the poison Hazel was able to counteract it. Annabeth had already sent to have any imaginable ingredient or catalyst brought over so they were quick to act.

Eventually the witch had told her that it was up to Percy now. The poison was being burned out of his system, but his body still had to fight the fight.

Percy was resting in Annabeth's personal bed, and only Jason was left.

She turned to him, still sitting on the edge of the bed and running a hand through her knight's hair. “Get Piper.” She said without looking up from Percy's sleeping face.

Jason nodded. “As you wish. Should I bring her here directly?”

Annabeth looked at him, and she could already feel her walls crumbling to bits. It was a miracle she had kept it together as long as she had.

“Please.” Was all she said as her voice cracked on the word.

Sensing her distress, Jason quickly made his way out towards his girlfriend's house.

Meanwhile, Annabeth lost it. Collapsing on the bed, she curled up against her boyfriend's side as she sobbed into his shoulder.

Any dignity or grace she had left her as she broke down. She wasn't the princess of a kingdom. She wasn't the youth prodigy of the battlefield. She was just a young woman who had nearly lost the love of her life.

Annabeth couldn't tell how long it had been but eventually Piper had barged into the room. The merchant girl had a small bag which she dumped on the edge of the bed before she pulled Annabeth into a tight hug.

Accepting the comfort from the only person she trusted as much as Percy, she just cried over her shoulder. Piper held her friend, rubbing her back gently.

Eventually Annabeth calmed down enough to sit back.

She saw her friend looking at her with a patient smile. “I brought you cookies and your favorite cider.” She said, gesturing to the end of the bed with the bag.

Unable to help the small smile that crept on her face, Annabeth nodded. “Thank you.” She said in a slightly hoarse voice.

Piper just nodded, patting her on the head patiently. A few minutes later and the girls were sitting on the end of the bed, quietly chatting. Piper was telling Annabeth all the stories of the varied, and unusually odd customers that always found their way to her shop. Annabeth had to suppress her giggles a few times to avoid disturbing Percy, but she was grateful for Piper. She had needed a distraction to break her from her own downward spiral of worry and doubt.

Eventually though, Annabeth put down her cookie and hung her head. “What if he doesn't get better? I can't... I don't know if I can do this without him. He's save my life so many times. I know it's silly. He's just... so important to me.” Annabeth trailed off, glancing back at the sleeping boy.

Piper rested a hand her shoulder. “Annabeth, look at me. You won't need to. Percy is too stubborn to die. He will be back to normal before you know it, goofing off with Jason. The four of us can get a nice quiet dinner somewhere, and try to forget everything, okay?” She said, her voice slipping into that tone that seemed to sway anyone's mind.

Annabeth nodded after a moment. “That sounds... nice.”

Piper smirked. “Of course it does. Now it's late, and I need to get back. I kinda left things in a hurry. If Percy isn't better by tomorrow I'll swing by again, and I'll bring some wine this time.” She said with a wink.

Annabeth nodded after a moment. Moving over to her dresser, she pulled out a small bag of coins. She gave it to Piper. “I'm sure I cost you money by dragging you out here tonight. I know today was a prime day for sales.” She offered a bit sheepishly.

Piper just shook her head, pushing back the money. “I'm not friends with you for your money, princess. I'd close down my shop for good before I turned my back on you.”

An uncontrollable grin crept over Annabeth's face. “I know. That's why you're the best. Even if you're still technically not allowed to sell to the crown because you're too good at bartering.”

Piper just winked again, nudging Annabeth with her hip.

Annabeth laughed and forced her to take the money. “It's really my pleasure though. You've done a lot for us. Use this to treat yourself for once. Take a day off.”

Piper looked in the bag, gasping slightly. “More like a week.” She muttered, before rolling her eyes and safely storing the coin. “Fine. If you insist.”

Giving Annabeth one last long hug, she turned to Percy. Leaning down, she kissed his forehead, whispering quietly. “Get better Percy, your princess needs you.”

Waving goodbye to Annabeth, she quickly made her way back to her shop, a whistle in her step and a jingle in her purse.

Judging by the moon in the sky, Annabeth figured she had talked with her friend longer than expected. Quickly giving an order to the guard outside her door, she arranged for an escort for her friend. It wasn't exactly safe to wander the streets at night with an absurd amount of money in a purse.

Telling her guard she was turning in for the night, Annabeth quickly changed into her sleepwear.

Raising the covers, she slid underneath them and nestled herself against Percy. He was looking a little less pale, and his breathing was more consistent. She kissed his forehead one last time. “I'm waiting for you, seaweed brain. Please come home.” She muttered, before she curled up a little closer and passed out.

XxXxXxXxX

Annabeth woke up to the sun streaming through her windows. She figured they must have canceled her wake up call after the events of the last day, something she definitely needed to thank them for.

Annabeth had hoped to wake up to her favorite pair of strong arms around her, but Percy was still fast asleep, even if he did look a little healthier.

Sitting up, Annabeth dropped her head into her hands as the gravity of the situation set in again. Moving to the edge of the bed, she set her feet on the floor. She should get up, get ready, and call for doctors. It had been a while, maybe there was something more they could do to help Percy n-

“It's too early.” Percy's voice was so soft, Annabeth would have missed it if she hadn't been yearning to hear his voice for ages.

In a flash she was next to him, leaning over him. “Percy? Was that you? Say something. Please.”

Annabeth saw his eyes shift before they fluttered open after a moment. They were a bit bloodshot, but they were open. Thank God they were open.

“An-nn..” He muttered weakly.

He tried to sit up but Annabeth held a hand to his shoulder. “No. You were just poisoned and nearly died. Do not try to move right now.” She ordered. She was not in the mood to deal with his defiant ass, especially after he was so close to recovering.

Percy seemed to understand her tone and she felt him relax back against the bed. “Okay.” He muttered, before his eyebrows knit together. “Poisoned? Are you okay?” He asked worriedly, one hand reaching up to grab her wrist.

Nodding, Annabeth felt her heart swell at the sound of his voice. He was okay. He was okay.

“It was just you, idiot. We're all fine. We're going to be okay.” She repeated to herself.

Percy nodded after a moment. “As long as you're okay.”

Annabeth just leaned down, kissing him properly. “You can't scare me like that again. I almost lost you. We have too much to do, you mean too much to me. Promise me you won't almost leave me like that again.” She said before she kissed him again.

“Promise.” He said after a moment. His eyes were drooping, and it was clear he was still utterly exhausted.

“Good. Now sleep. You still need to recover.”

Percy nodded. “Sounds good.” He muttered, before his hand snaked up her arm a little. “Can I be selfish?” He asked in a whisper.

Annabeth raised an eyebrow. “Always. What do you want?”

“Can... you stay? I know you have meetings and stuff. But... One of my dreams had you being attacked... and I wasn't able to do anything... And I know you can take care of yourself, but I can't sleep knowing you could be in dan-” He was cut off from his tired rambling as Annabeth kissed him. “Quiet. Of course. The kingdom can wait a day. Besides, I don't think you understand how worried I was. It's not like I can think very clearly with you sick as well.” She offered before she pulled the covers back and snuggled up against him under the sheets. His arms wrapped around her, not quite their usual firm embrace, but welcome just the same. Annabeth made up for it by snuggling just a little closer anyway. Before long she felt his breathing slow as he fell back asleep.

Annabeth figured the officials could wait for a debrief a little longer. She had written out a brief note for them anyway when they were working on him so they knew the details. Kissing Percy's jaw, she buried her head into him and let sleep overtake her again.

Percy would be okay. They would be okay. They'd figure out everything else later, right now they just had each other and that was enough.

XxXxXxXxX

Thank you for reading! That’s the last of this AU I will be posting for a while. I’m going to try and get back into the swing of the Cafe!AU. I have a lot planned for that, just got held up on a chapter. I also want to finish the Prompts I have from you. Haven’t forgotten them, just haven’t gotten around to them yet. They will be answered!

Thank you to all my readers. I really do appreciate all the notes. I hope I can continue to provide you with some good Percabeth fluff!

Merry Christmas and happy holidays!

#percabeth #pjo #percy jackson #annabeth chase #Princess!Au

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post-bronze-medals · 7 years

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PJO AU

Hi! I posted awhile ago that I have a Percy Jackson AU for Yuri on Ice! in my head and I thought I would finally get around to typing it all out. Super thanks to @forovnix for not telling me to piss off when I sent her most of this drunk off my face and for encouraging me. Jus, you’re the best, ily a lot. Also I heard through the grapevine that her and @actualyuuri are writing one together, which was the whole inspiration for this universe I have thought up, so I am crediting them too ;) . It is very long - so I will put it under the cut!

Let us begin with...

THE CHARACTERS

Yuuri

CHILD OF: Hecate

PANTHEON: Greek

POWERS: Magic - specialism in spiritual and shielding; Mist control; Astral Projection into the lives of other Demigods and godly beings; Dance is his primary spell casting method.

BACKSTORY: After Hiroko had Mari, she found her womb was too damaged to bear another child. Wanting another child, they tried everything from medicine to, eventually, prayer. The only one who answered was Hecate, who was a distant relative of Toshiya from many generations ago. And with a little divine interference, Yuuri was made from three parents.

Yuuri’s eyes go gold when he uses his powers, a throwback to Kronos that Hecate thinks is kind of adorable. Zeus banned visiting their godly children back after WWII, but he can only really control what happens in the US, as it is the current seat of Olympian (and Roman) power. As such, Hecate has visited Yuuri four times a year since he was a baby, and drops in on him occasionally for a few hours at other times too.

Viktor

CHILD OF: Persephone

PANTHEON: Greek

POWERS: Control of flowers and plant life - especially creating and killing them; Strengthen harvests in the early stages (springtime); Talented at poison creation; Spreads poison through his flowers (airborne) and generally though touch.

BACKSTORY: Victor’s mother had zero need or desire for a husband, partner or indeed, physical sex. She, being somewhat dramatic, prayed to Persephone in a ritual handed down from mother to daughter for generations but generally regarded as a bit. Persephone, bored and wanting to create some life in the world, agreed to help her conceive a child with her as the other mother. She however, recalling how much Hades’ indiscretions had hurt her, told him about her plans beforehand, and Hades’ was absolutely fine with it. He knew he had no room to talk about extra-marital children and he loved his wife a great deal. Something that came of her would surely be only a good force in the world.

Victor has his human mother’s silver hair, and his godly mother’s eyes that cycled through colour according to the weather, the state of the plants around him and his mood. He settled on a teal he liked as his day to day eye colour, and controls himself to keep it that way. Persephone and Hades, taking advantage of the same loophole as Hecate regarding non-interference, bring him down to the underworld every so often. Hades is actually a very doting uncle and is immensely fond of Victor’s loving and giving nature. He teaches him about poisons and summons spirits Victor wants to talk to for a chat whenever he asks. Persephone loves him a lot as well, but in a more distant fashion. It was her that taught him French, and they like to sit together in the pomegranate orchard underground and read.

Yuri

CHILD OF: Apollo

PANTHEON: Greek

POWERS: Graceful; Slight Precognition; Archery.

BACKSTORY: Yuri’s mum had a relationship with Apollo for two weeks, in which she could have sworn she was careful with condoms, but apparently not. Yuri was conceived and he left long before she found out or could tell him about it. The loss of the relationship didn’t really hit her hard, it was only really a fling to them both. She decided to have Yuri anyway, and once she recovered from the birth, she went straight back to work to earn money to support them all, leaving Yuri with his grandfather.

Yuri inherited his fathers colouring but his mother’s face. He also had Apollo’s artistic talents but enjoys dance the most, so generally ignored poetry and music - until he discovered hard rock at age 11. He is also a little precognitive, his instincts have got him away from more than one fight and also led him to the rink where Yakov took him on. His mother doesn't care about his father’s absence but he kind of does, and really really hates the guy, whoever he is. Apollo never bothered to think of a loophole to the decree of non-interference and so never even tried to meet Yuri - he fairly quickly forgot about him and his mother when his newest conquest came around.

Otabek

CHILD OF: Thanatos

PANTHEON: Greek

POWERS: Sense when someone is about to die and if it is their ‘time’; Gravitas; BACKSTORY: Otabek’s parents were cultists when they were younger, cultists in service of Thanatos. Although they settled down a bit when they were older, dropping most of their worship, Thanatos never forgot about them. He doesn't often get cults in his name! So when they were trying for a kid and it turned out his father was infertile, Thanatos helped out without even being requested.

Otabek’s parents love him a lot, as an unexpected and much appreciated surprise. After his birth they figured that it must have been some kind of divine interference and began to pray to Thanatos again. The god sometimes comes to chill out with Otabek and teach him how to use his senses. Unfortunately, his heritage makes him seem creepy af to non demigods. Yuri is his first true friend.

Christophe

CHILD OF: Cupid

PANTHEON: Roman

POWERS: See the truth of love - as threads binding people; Cause lust (orgies); Wings

BACKGROUND: Chris' dads are a very gay, very happy couple who are somewhat overdramatic (being theatre actors) but love with all their hearts. While performing in Paris they prayed they could have a child through their love and nine months later, Chris was dropped on their doorstep in Switzerland. Whether he is the child of all three parents, or of one of them and Cupid, or if he is adopted is unknown.

Chris is seriously loved by them, even though they definitely know something is up because he has large bird-like rose pink wings that show up every so often when he is excited and cannot control himself. His dad isn’t around often, it isn't his nature, but he leaves gifts for him whenever he is in Switzerland, so Christophe doesn't really mind. He has his parents either way!

Seunggil

CHILD OF: Athena

PANTHEON: Greek

POWERS: Tactics/Strategy; Unshakeable calm

BACKSTORY: Seunggil has a single biologist father who had a one night stand with Athena when in the US for a conference. When he returned to S Korea, a son showed up on his doorstep and after confirming he was his son he rolled with it.

Seunggil was brought up as a scientist, to question everything, which only helps his sense of strategy. He is a calm person but if you rile him up utterly he completely loses it and is terrifying.He also is very interested in coding and technology. He never meets Athena and doesn’t care about it - his father barely knew the woman anyway.

Phichit

CHILD OF: Venus

PANTHEON: Roman

POWERS: Charmspeaking; See love bonds

BACKGROUND: Phichit’s mothers are devotees to beautiful things, but most especially to dance. Venus saw them dancing and blessed them with a threesome in bed in exchange for them spending an evening dancing for her. Phichit was the result, as they found out several months later.

Phichit, like his mothers, loves beautiful things but prefers selfies and photography as his outlet, he is determined to capture the manmade and natural world in all its diverse beauty! Being able to charm people into doing what he wants means that he can be a little manipulative but he has a very strong moral code generally and would never hurt a friend.

Leo

CHILD OF: Morpheus

PANTHEON: Roman

POWERS: Send people to sleep; Influence dreams

BACKSTORY: Leo's dad has a very long and healthy relationship with Morpheus through his dream scape, where the bright colours of his artistic mind drew the sleepy god. They decided, after much deliberation, that they wanted a son as a sign of their love and to dote upon in the real world. Leo was conceived in a surrogate’s womb, but is of the two men’s DNA. Leo gets visited as regularly as possible by his godly dad in his dreams, as he is unable to leave the underworld to meet in person. He has never doubted that he is loved. He lives in Mexico with his dad but trains in the US / for the US when he gets his bracelet (more on that later)...

Guanghong

CHILD OF: Vesta

PANTHEON: Roman

POWERS: Fire, Constancy

BACKSTORY: Guanghong parents were unable to conceive and both being pure of heart, were blessed by Vesta so that they could have just one child. He doesn't see her often, but feels close to his godly mother when near a fire or a hearth. He is the emotional centre of his friend group and his sweet nature is pretty much never-ending, also he is asexual.

Mickey

CHILD OF: Dionysus

PANTHEON: Greek

POWERS: Grape Control; Invoke Narcissism and other disorders involving delusion; Makes a party crazy fun when he feels like it (rarely).

BACKSTORY: Mickey and Sara’s mother is a single black mother from a big Italian family. Dionysus didn't want to test his father in Italy, although he probably would have been fine, and decided to leave the Crispinos alone ‘for their own safely’. They pair were raised by their grandmother and long extended family primarily as their mother works. Mickey is protective of Sara for multiple reasons that are Not a sister complex here.

Sara

CHILD OF: Dionysus

PANTHEON: Greek

POWERS: Cause Maenad like madness with a touch; Make wine at will

Mila

CHILD OF: Venus

PANTHEON: Roman

POWERS: Create infatuations; Exceptional Beauty

BACKSTORY: Mila has a single father, who is a premier ballerino and remarried when Mila was seven. Mila was a typical Venus ‘one night of passion’ baby, who was dropped off with her father after her birth and then promptly ignored by her mother. She really likes her stepmum actually, who is a ballerina as well. Mila is very beautiful personally and also a dab hand at makeovers.

Phew - that is a lot! Dont worry, anything important will come up in the fic (if I ever write it...)

Now, onto the actual Plot...

THE PLOT

ARC 1: Yuuri begins to astral project as a child, while he is still learning to control his powers. Through his astral projection he meets the other demigod kids (the geographically closest first, then he ranges progressively further afield). He makes friends with them all and gets something of a crush on Victor, his skating idol (and pretty lovely guy when he gets to know him in person!) Monsters, able to smell their scent, are coming for them even though they aren't in America and everyone is pretty afraid. Yuuri, having the biggest heart, decides to try to change that fact of demigod life at just age 11 and he is very very stubborn about it, asking all the gods of the underworld and all the friendly or neutral monsters he sees about it. He hurts himself a lot trying it, but after a year or so he managed to create a bracelet that holds in the demigod 'scent', making his friend safer. The bracelets have to be personalised to the specific powers of each child so the first one goes to Phichit (his first friend). Then he makes them all one as he meets each character in person, either posting them out or giving them at the novice and junior skating competitions he attends. The hardest to create was Victor’s, who as the first child of Persephone is very powerful. Yuuri ends up accidentally putting a piece of his Self into the bracelet as that is the strongest power he has. It is very dangerous but even after his upset mum Hecate told him what he had done, he could;t regret it. The life of his friend was the most important thing!

ARC 2: Aboveworld gods don't care for their kids by and large (see character notes above.). They often forget them as they are not under American jurisdiction and therefore won't fight battles for them. Only The underworld gods and those mentioned above really care. Even as they become friends at competitions and through Yuuri’s projections, the strain of the bracelets wears on yuuri and maybe eventually one bracelet snaps or becomes overwhelmed. No one blames Yuuri but Yuuri, they just didn't realise how tough it was to power the close shielding of their scent. They have to team up to defeat the monsters that come for them. There is a Big Battle Scene and despite their desperate prayer to the above world parents, none can help. The underworld ones do their best but it is the solstice - their absence would be noticed. The arc ends with them all being pseudo adopted by underworld gods.

ARC 3: They all decide fuck the above gods, they won't be beholden to them anymore. The decide to circumvent their monopoly on items such as nectar and ambrosia, in the process setting up in the Underworld and creating their own godly market/culture/empire for those who dont want to use Olympus. In the process, they make friends with or at least win respect from some monsters. who admire their chutzpah, and also their stylish fashion.

ARC 4: Camp Half-Blood need hep with something as of yet undefined ( a prophecy?). Nico knows Victor through the Hades/Persephone connection and also because of their underground empire. Hades favours Victor as an heir despite not being his son because of his love for Persephone and also his strong underworld connection through Yuuri, his boyfriend, who is also an immensely powerful son of the underground. Victor, having survived past his teens, is also very responsible and wise so is a generally good choice. The whole crew agree to visit the camp at Nico's request and to meet their siblings. Drama ensues...

Yes, There are elements not mentioned here (how do Victuuri get together? What about other pairings? What happens at Camp Half-Blood?) but hey, have to leave something for the actual fic. Hope this is interesting to you guys, I spent several weeks daydreaming this. Tell me your head canons if you want, what do you think about my godly parent decisions? I would love to chat about it. <3 <3 <3

#yuri on ice #yuuri on ice #percy jackson #pjo #my writing

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othersportsnews-blog · 7 years

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Mikey Garcia's future is brilliant immediately after dominating Adrien Broner

New Post has been published on https://othersportsnews.com/mikey-garcias-future-is-brilliant-immediately-after-dominating-adrien-broner/

Mikey Garcia's future is brilliant immediately after dominating Adrien Broner

A roundup of the earlier week’s noteworthy boxing success from all around the globe:

Sunday at Bakersfield, California

Victor Ortiz TKO4 Saul Corral Welterweight Information: Ortiz (32-6-two, twenty five KOs) Corral (24-ten, fifteen KOs)

In his 1st fight in about a 12 months, Victor Ortiz lands a strong still left-hook to Saul Corral who falls to the mat. Corral would answer the ten rely but Ortiz finishes him off with a lot more punches as the ref waves it off in the fourth spherical. Look at

Rafael’s remarks: Previous welterweight globe titleholder Victor Ortiz returned from a fifteen-thirty day period layoff and a fourth-spherical knockout reduction to rival Andre Berto in their April rematch to headline a Premier Boxing Champions card from Mexican journeyman Corral and acquired the earn he so desperately essential. Ortiz, now 3-four in his earlier seven fights, promises he has a renewed hunger for boxing, is enthusiastic by his son’s start and thinks the victory will put him on a path back again to a title. That appears pretty not likely but Ortiz, 30, of Ventura, California, at minimum looked fairly good from an opponent created to buy. Ortiz, a southpaw, looked sharp as he was on level with his straight still left hand. Immediately after Corral lost a level for holding in the 3rd spherical, Ortiz trapped him along the ropes in the fourth spherical and crushed him with a still left hand to drop him hard to the mat. Corral acquired to his toes and Ortiz continued to blast him with unanswered photographs till referee Jack Reiss stepped in at one minute, 26 seconds.

Nathaniel Gallimore TKO5 Justin DeLoach Junior middleweight Information: Gallimore (19-one-one, sixteen KOs) DeLoach (seventeen-two, nine KOs)

Rafael’s remarks: Gallimore, 29, who is from Jamaica and fights out of Evanston, Illinois, took the fight on short notice when former globe title challenger Fernando Guerrero withdrew simply because of health issues. Gallimore was the underdog but he took DeLoach, 23, of Augusta, Ga, aside in an superb overall performance. He bloodied DeLoach’s nose and dropped him 2 times, late in the 1st spherical when he hammered him with a still left hook and yet again with a cleanse hook in the next spherical. DeLoach took a beating and when the fifth spherical finished he returned to his corner and collapsed, just about slipping off his stool, and the fight was rightly termed off. Gallimore received his sixth fight in a row by KO and DeLoach’s seven-fight profitable streak finished.

Karlos Balderas KO1 Eder Amaro Fajardo Junior lightweight Information: Balderas (two-, two KO) Fajardo (3-four, two KOs)

Rafael’s remarks: Balderas, twenty, a 2016 U.S. Olympian from Santa Maria, California, turned professional on April nine and scored a 1st-spherical knockout. He did it yet again in his next professional bout as he blitzed the Eder Amaro Fajardo, 24, of Mexico. Balderas was poised as he took out Fajardo with a great still left hand to the overall body. Fajardo dropped to a knee in agony and referee Marcos Rosales counted him out at one minute, 36 seconds.

Also on the card: very-touted Freddie Roach-trained welterweight Eimantas Stanionis (two-, two KOs), 22, who was 2016 Lithuanian Olympian, knocked out Isaac Freeman (3-6-one, 3 KOs), 28, of Los Angeles, at 50 seconds of the 3rd spherical blue-chip junior middleweight prospect Cash Powell IV (3-, two KOs), 19, of Fort Mitchell, Alabama, shut out Carlos Lozano (7-7, four KOs), 27, of Mexico, profitable 40-35 on all three scorecards.

Saturday at New York

Mikey Garcia W12 Adrien Broner – Full fight recap Junior welterweight Scores: 117-111, 116-112 (2 times) Information: Garcia (37-, 30 KOs) Broner (33-3, 24 KOs)

Punch stats Punches Broner Garcia Landed 125 244 Thrown four hundred 783 Percent 31% 31%

— Courtesy of CompuBox

Rafael’s remarks: Lightweight titlist Garcia, 29, of Moreno Valley, Calif., who has globe titles in three divisions, stepped up to one hundred forty kilos to choose on former four-division titlist Broner, of Cincinnati, who moved down from welterweight, and looked like the pound-for-pound stage fighter most see him as. It was not at all aggressive as Garcia rolled earlier the ineffective Broner. According to CompuBox, Garcia landed just about double the punches Broner did (244-125) and also threw just about double the punches (783-four hundred).

It was not a good way for Broner to rejoice his twenty eighth birthday (the working day ahead of the bout) but for Garcia, it was a huge earn from his most renowned opponent. The scorecards should have been wider. Broner has been outclassed in each and every of his defeats from his ideal opponents: Garcia, Shawn Porter and Marcos Maidana. Garcia, on keep track of for fighter of the 12 months consideration, did as he pleased and should figure in for a main fight both at lightweight, junior welterweight and he stated he may well even be prepared to go to welterweight for the correct fight.

Jermall Charlo TKO4 Jorge Sebastian Heiland – Full fight recap Middleweight – Title eliminator Information: Charlo (26-, twenty KOs) Heiland (29-five-two, sixteen KOs)

Jermall Charlo finishes off Jorge Sebastian Heiland in the fourth spherical by TKO, immediately after Charlo sends him to the mat with a strong still left hook to the head. Look at

Rafael’s remarks: This was every single bit the epic mismatch most predicted when the contracts were signed as Charlo, 27, of Houston, a former junior middleweight titleholder making his middleweight debut, destroyed the inept Heiland, a 30-12 months-previous southpaw from Argentina. While Heiland arrived into the fight with a bum still left knee, which he tweaked throughout the 1st spherical, he was in no way likely to contend with Charlo even on two good pins. The expertise and ability stage were on distinctive planets. Charlo did as he pleased, battering Heiland. He dropped him with a correct hand in the next spherical and landed a further major bomb in the fourth spherical to drop him yet again. Heiland limped to his toes but was terribly unsteady and about to fall down yet again when referee Benjy Esteves waved the fight about at two minutes, thirteen seconds. With the victory Charlo grew to become a obligatory challenger for unified winner Gennady Golovkin.

Jarrell “Big Newborn” Miller TKO8 Gerald Washington – Full fight recap Heavyweight Information: Miller (19–one, seventeen KOs) Washington (eighteen-two-one, twelve KOs)

Rafael’s remarks: Miller, 28, of Brooklyn, is a mountain of a person at 298.8 kilos and talks a game even greater. But coming off an eleven-thirty day period layoff simply because of a dispute with promoter Dmitry Salita, Miller looked good as he took aside ex-title challenger Washington, 35, of Vallejo, California. While Washington’s final fight in February resulted in a fifth-spherical KO reduction to titleholder Deontay Wilder, he still represented easily the hardest exam of Miller’s career. Miller was prepared, and immediately after a gradual get started, clicked on all cylinders as he fought at a greatly speedy speed, particularly for this sort of a major person. He bombed Washington with both of those fingers and laid a beating on him till Washington’s corner properly threw in the towel immediately after the eighth spherical. Miller is on the speedy keep track of to a title shot and could get there in just the following two or three fights.

Katie Taylor TKO3 Jasmine Clarkson – Full fight recap Lightweight Information: Taylor (6-, four KOs) Clarkson (four-nine, KOs)

Rafael’s remarks: Taylor, 31, who received Olympic gold for Ireland in 2012 and also boxed in the 2016 Olympics, is one of boxing’s speediest-rising gals. She previously has a major lover foundation at house and created her United States debut in a showcase fight as she prepares for a very likely globe title fight ahead of the end of the 12 months. With a vocal contingent of New York’s Irish followers cheering her on, Taylor blew out Clarkson, 22, of Cedar Hill, Texas, as predicted. Clarkson confirmed zero resistance as Taylor battered her from get started to finish till Clarkson’s corner properly surrendered at the conclusion of the 3rd spherical.

Rau’shee Warren W12 McJoe Arroyo – Full fight recap Junior bantamweight – Title eliminator Information: Warren (fifteen-two, four KOs) Arroyo (seventeen-two, 8 KOs)

Rafael’s remarks: In February, Warren, 30, the only three-time U.S. Olympic boxer in heritage, lost his bantamweight globe title by aggressive determination to Zhanat Zhakiyanov in his 1st protection in February. Cincinnati’s Warren returned to the ring for the 1st time considering that owning dropped down in bodyweight to experience former titleholder Arroyo, 31, a 2008 Puerto Rican Olympian, for the correct to go a stage closer to a obligatory title shot from the Philippines’ Jerwin Ancajas (27-one-one, eighteen KOs), who outpointed Arroyo to earn the belt final September. Warren easily defeated Arroyo in the eliminator, tattooing him with fast combos and overall body photographs in the course of the fight. It was an superb overall performance from Warren.

Saturday at Tucson, Arizona

Sadam Ali W10 Johan Perez – Full fight recap Welterweight Scores: ninety eight-91, 97-ninety two (2 times) Information: Ali (twenty five-one, fourteen KOs) Perez (22-four-two, fifteen KOs)

Rafael’s remarks: Brooklyn, New York’s Ali, 28, a 2008 US Olympian, acquired knocked out in the ninth spherical hard Jessie Vargas for a vacant welterweight globe title in March 2016 but has bounced back again to earn three fights in a row, together with this stable displaying in a tricky fight (that incorporated a ton of accidental head butts) with former interim junior welterweight titlist Perez in the primary celebration of the “Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN” card. While Ali stated immediately after the fight he felt a minor off, he experienced enough to get the victory about the intense Perez, 34, of Venezuela, whom he knocked down in the 3rd spherical with a cuffing correct hand behind the head that likely should have been dominated a slip or press.

Alejandro Barrera W10 Eddie Gomez Welterweight Scores: 96-ninety three (2 times) Barrera, 95-ninety four Gomez Information: Barrera (29-3, eighteen KOs) Gomez (twenty-3, eleven KOs)

Rafael’s remarks: Barrera, 30, of Mexico, experienced not fought considering that suffering a fifth-spherical knockout reduction to Errol Spence Jr. in November 2015, but he returned for a gentle upset earn from former prospect Gomez, 24, of Bronx, New York, who lost for the next time in three fights. While Gomez scored a knockdown with a still left hook in the seventh spherical and also reduce Barrera about his correct eye in that spherical, Barrera was the manager for most of the fight and outworked Gomez for the near victory.

Saturday at Lengthy Beach, California

Tramaine Williams (twelve-, five KOs) KO1 William Gonzalez (30-8, 26 KOs) Featherweight Information: Tramaine Williams (twelve-, five KOs) KO1 William Gonzalez (30-8, 26 KOs)

Rafael’s remarks: Recognized as “The Mighty Midget,” the five-foot-four Williams, 24, of New Haven, Connecticut, looked wonderful as he crushed Nicaragua’s Gonzalez, 36, with three knockdowns. Williams, whose mother was viewing her son fight are living for the 1st time as he headlined a CBS Athletics Internet-televised card, deposited Gonzalez on the mat for the 1st time with a cleanse correct hand. Then it was a flurry of punches that despatched him reeling into the ropes, which held him up, for the next knockdown. Moments later Williams landed a brutal correct-still left blend, the still left nailing Gonzalez on the chin and knocking him out. Referee Raul Caiz Jr. did not bother to rely, quickly waving off the fight at one minute, 34 seconds. Gonzalez, who lost a the greater part determination hard then-bantamweight titlist Joseph Agbeko in 2008, lost his next fight in a row, both of those by KO.

Also on the card, 21-12 months-previous Brooklyn, New York mild heavyweight prospect Junior Younan (thirteen-, nine KOs) received a extremely tricky, grueling fight from Mike Man (nine-3-one, five KOs), 36, of Sacramento, California, escaping with a determination on scores of seventy eight-73, 76-75, 76-75. It would have been a the greater part draw experienced referee Wayne Hedgepeth not deducted a level from Man for throwing Younan to the mat in the sixth spherical.

Saturday at Durango, Mexico

Cristian Mijares W10 Rafael Hernandez Junior lightweight Scores: 97-91, 97-ninety two, 96-ninety three Information: Mijares (57-8-two, 26 KOs) Hernandez (21-8-two, sixteen KOs)

Rafael’s remarks: Mijares, a 35-12 months-previous Mexican southpaw and former unified junior bantamweight globe winner, received his eighth fight in a row considering that a determination reduction hard then-junior featherweight titleholder Leo Santa Cruz in 2014. In the ninth spherical, Mijares scored a knockdown from Hernandez, 34, of Venezuela, who dropped to two-3 in his final 5 bouts.

Friday at Shanghai, China

Sho Kimura KO11 Zou Shiming Wins a flyweight title Information: Kimura (fifteen-one-two, 8 KOs) Zou (nine-two, two KOs)

Rafael’s remarks: Zou, 36, the two-time Chinese Olympic gold medalist and the experience of boxing in his state, created his 1st protection by taking on hand-picked huge underdog Kimura, 28, of Japan, who was taking a huge stage up in level of competition and pulled the upset. Zou, who ahead of the fight parted ways with trainer Freddie Roach and promoter Prime Rank, opened a reduce about Kimura’s correct eye in the 3rd spherical and it bled in the course of the bout. But Kimura, down 97-ninety three and 96-ninety four on two scorecards and head 96-ninety four on the 3rd, arrived back again in the 11th spherical. Zou looked fatigued as Kimura pounded him, finally driving him to the mat with an accumulation of punches. An unsteady Zou beat the rely but he was in no condition to proceed and referee Danrex Tapdasan stopped it at two minutes, 28 seconds.

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buyjordanshoesvq · 7 years

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lindafrancois · 5 years

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How to Find a Good Personal Trainer or Coach: 5 Mistakes to Avoid!

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Many trainers just try to confuse you with needlessly complex movements, and put all their clients through roughly the same cookie-cutter plan.

Why? because they know it makes them look knowledgeable without actually needing to do something effective:

“Now balance on this bosu ball while doing these dumbbell squat lunge curls and standing on one foot with your tongue out! Muscle confusion!”

Tough workouts are great, but remember that while it’s easy to get someone tired (“go do 100 burpees!”), it’s harder to help someone slowly improve and build momentum.

Sure, it might elevate your heart rate and tire you out, but if it’s not building towards your goals in a way that you couldn’t do at home, what are you paying for?

They might also have just obtained a basic certification and stopped their education there, relying on ‘conventional wisdom’ rather than doing the research and building the experience.

If your trainer says any of the following phrases, run for the high hills:

“Yeah you don’t want to squat too low – it’s bad for your knees.”

“Use this machine; it’s safer for you than free weights” (unless you have an injury)

“Yes, you should be using mostly your back. That’s why it’s called the back squat”

“These (ab) exercise will burn fat from your stomach in no time” (You can’t spot reduce fat.)

I have overheard all of these sound bites from real trainers in real gyms, and it made me weep like the Native American in the 1970s pollution ad:

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Your trainer should be results-focused, not focused on scheduling you a new session and keeping you around.

I often see clients working with trainers for months and months and that client never looks any different.

The trainer is just interested in cashing another check.

Remember, your personal trainer works for YOU: Don’t let them build a program that doesn’t actually fit your needs!.

Do they adjust your workout to take care around any pre-existing injuries you may have, or do they just give you a cookie cutter workout?

Are they encouraging or helping you succeed in the way you want to be encouraged, or are they scrolling through Instagram models on their phones while you’re doing your sets?

Are they putting in time so they can see you get results, or are they putting in time so they can check the box and collect your money?

You’re paying money for this person’s expertise and attention – it’s not too much to ask to find somebody who takes those things seriously.

What certifications should a personal trainer have?

There are a wide variety of personal trainer certifications and other “credibility indicators.”

The more traditional path – a degree in exercise science or kinesiology may mean the trainer in question is knowledgeable about the human body.

However, that doesn’t speak to any experience they may or may not have coaching in real world circumstances.

6 of the most popular personal trainer certifications are:

NSCA: National Strength and Conditioning Association

ACSM: American College of Sports Medicine

NASM: National Academy of Sports Medicine

ACE: American Council on Exercise

NPTI: National Personal Training Institute

CrossFit

T-Nation provides a rundown of the pros and cons from a trainer perspective that we feel is useful insight from a client’s perspective. Be sure to check them out if you want to learn more about what’s behind your trainer’s certification.

CrossFit certifications are completed in a single weekend. While a CrossFit certification does not make a trainer bad (there are plenty of excellent CrossFit coaches out there!), it does not guarantee excellence either.

Here are our thoughts on CrossFit.

A certification from NPTI – the National Personal Training Institute – is a credential gained from going to a full school on personal training (rather than attending a class or taking a test).

While no certification can fully promise excellence, we believe trainers with NPTI certifications are worth your consideration.

CAVEAT TO ALL OF THIS: Plenty of trainers who have NO certification are incredible, and plenty of other trainers have the most elite certifications and are terrible trainers.

MISTAKE #4: Blindly accepting a trainer’s credentials or discounting a trainer without certain credentials.

A certification can be a starting point, but it shouldn’t be the determining factor.

One of the most important things to look for in your trainer isn’t a credential or certification at all, but real experience and an enthusiasm for helping you reach your goals.

For example:

Looking to powerlift or get into Olympic lifting? Look for someone who has successfully competed in their fields, or someone who actually coaches athletes who do compete!

Need to lose a lot of weight? Ask a trainer to share with you success stories from people who are like you.

In our view, finding a trainer with proven experience and a track record of performing or coaching (or both) in the area of your goals is the most valuable step you can take to ensure quality.

The credential is only a starting point.

Trainers aren’t cheap, but the benefits can be priceless.

Remember, you aren’t paying simply for their time with you, but for the years and years they’ve spent learning, training, and coaching.

It’s the years behind the certification that makes their time so valuable, so expect the cost of a trainer to be significantly more than the cost of a basic membership at your gym.

Learn more about our Online Coaching program!

How much does a personal trainer cost? Are Personal Trainers Worth it?

The cost of a personal trainer can vary dramatically depending on:

Where you live (in an expensive city, small town, etc.).

The quantity and duration of your training sessions.

What kind of training you are looking for.

But you want specifics.

The average North American trainer charges $55 for an hour session [1].

That’s an “average” so let’s break it down a little.

Here are the prices for working with a trainer in various capacities at my generic commercial gym in the NYC area (definitely on the more expensive end):

4 sessions per month: $95 per session = $380/month

8 sessions per month: $85 per session = $680/month

12 sessions per month: $79 per session = $948/month

Is this pricing more or less than you expected?

Here is how much a personal trainer costs at:

Global Gyms: Most big box gyms offer personal training:

LA Fitness: you can expect to pay about $60 per session.

24-Hour Fitness: it’ll be about $80 per session.

Anytime Fitness: as little as $35 a session.

Luxury Gyms: If you go to a more upscale gym like Equinox, expect to pay “luxury” prices of $110+ an hour.

In-Home Personal Training. If you don’t want to head to the gym, you can actually have a personal trainer come to your home. The cost on this could be all over the place, but a rough average would be about $65 for an hour session.

Different trainers will have different qualifications and expertise, leading to vastly different training experiences.

This can be really important.

MISTAKE #5: Thinking “more expensive” automatically means “better results.”

Cost is not the right metric. VALUE is the right metric!

Depending on your goals and the results you’re after:

$30 per session might be overpaying for a crap trainer who gives you a generic workout and doesn’t care about you.

$100 per session might be a STEAL if it’s an amazing trainer that gets to know your life and your personality, motivates you in the way you need to be motivated, and helps you get past a plateau when you stall.

That’s why remembering your “get in shape” goals is critical when buying a personal trainer.

If you’re looking to do 5 sessions to improve your powerlifting technique, that’s different than hiring a trainer to be with you in person 3x a week to get you to the gym.

HOW TO THINK ABOUT HIRING A TRAINER:

You’re not just paying for an hour of somebody’s time.

You’re paying for their years of experience, schooling, training, and their expertise.

You’re paying to outsource ALL of your fitness questions to somebody who knows what they’re doing.

Somebody who gives you the confidence you’re training correctly.

So instead of “I am paying this trainer for 1 hour, this is too expensive,” what you’re really paying for is confidence, momentum, and (hopefully) results.

As somebody who has worked with an online trainer since 2014, I would pay any amount of money to my coach (just don’t tell him that) because I love getting results after years of struggle.

How does an in-person trainer compare to our online coaching program?

Our pricing comes in at a less-expensive price than 4 sessions per month with a trainer.

In addition to building you a workout program for the month, we also help you with your nutrition, mindset, and goals, and answer all the questions you have.

There are very real pros and cons to hiring an online personal trainer, so make sure you read that next section.

So a trainer can be AMAZING and worth every penny, IF you have the right one who also takes an active role in your nutrition.

After all, workouts only make up 1-3 hours per week.

What about the other 165? That’s where the progress happens! And your coach should be helping you there too!

Learn more how our Online Coaching Program can help you actually hit your goals!

SHOULD I HIRE AN ONLINE PERSONAL TRAINER? WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF AN ONLINE PERSONAL TRAINER?

Warning: I’m going to be slightly biased in this area, but I’ll share the honest pros and cons of online training:

As I’ve mentioned, I’ve been working with an online trainer since 2014, and it’s allowed me to prove an internet troll wrong and then lose 22 pounds in 6 months while getting super strong!

Here are the Pros to Online Personal Training:

#1) Freedom to fit your schedule. With an online personal coach, you can train when and where you want to fit your schedule – your coach builds the workout program for you ahead of time, so you can fit it in at your convenience.

Compare this to a traditional coach, and you’re at the mercy of their busy schedule. If they only have time Friday morning at 8am, and you’re not a morning person, conflict ensues.

#2) Persistent worldwide accountability. I’m borrowing this phrase from a NF Coaching Client, Jeff (his success story is great). No matter where in the globe you are, your online trainer comes with you.

Which means the accountability never stops. If you travel for work, your coach can plan for that and build you a special travel routine. Getting relocated for work? No problem – your coach will still be there.

#3) Nutritional guidance. With most traditional personal trainers, you engage with them only during your scheduled visits: they help you work out and that’s about it.

With an online personal trainer, you’re connected whenever you have access to the internet. And I would imagine that MOST online coaching programs, work with you on the most important part of the equation: eating healthier!

AKA everything that happens in the 23 hours outside of the gym.

#4) More cost-effective. Most in person personal trainers are expensive, especially if you work out with them two or three times a week.

That’s because if your trainer is working with you, they can’t work with anybody else at the same time.

When you work with an online coach, because you aren’t training with them 1-on-1 in the gym, they can provide more cost-effective guidance.

When you factor in their availability via chat and their help on habits and your nutrition, you’re looking at a life changing experience if you find a coach that fits your personality.

When comparing online coaches versus regular coaches, I’m going to share the cons as if you have the option between a GREAT online coach and a GREAT in-person coach.

Neither of those are guaranteed.

Here are the cons of an online coach when compared against a real life equivalent:

#1) Your coach can’t do the work for you. There’s nothing stopping you from skipping your workout and lying to your online coach that you did it. Nobody wins in this scenario, but I can totally see it happening.

So yeah, an online coach can’t pick up the weight for you, and they can’t yell at you to put down the donut. You have to do the work!

#2) No real time feedback and instant form check. If you’re learning how to powerlift, or you’re going for a particular heavy lift, having a coach right there is HUGE.

They can tell you to move your squat slightly wider. They can guide you through the movement and consistently remind you – even when tired – to keep great form.

Although we do form check videos, where we have coaches and clients send clips back and forth to each other, it’s not the same as having somebody critique you in real time.

If you’re looking to nail a particularly challenging lift, or learn a dangerous gymnastics move, working with a trained professional in person is invaluable.

#3) The value of sunk cost. If you pay for a month of online coaching, there’s nothing inherently motivating you to go to the gym when it’s cold and you’re tired – your coach can’t yell at you, and you’re not letting anybody down in the moment when you don’t make it.

Compare this to working with a real coach in person.

You paid $100 for a session, and if you don’t show up, that money is *POOF* gone. So you tell yourself, “I already paid for this, and my coach is gonna be mad, I should probably go.”

And then you go. And you’re so glad that you did.

Although your online coach can notice that you haven’t signed in on your app, and they can ask what’s going on, this is after the fact compared to an in-person coach getting stood up.

There’s a lot to consider when debating in-person training vs. an online personal trainer.

I wouldn’t say one format is clearly better than or superior to another. It really depends on what you’re after and the circumstances of your situation.

MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: I’ve been working with an online trainer since 2014, and it’s truly been life changing for me.

I had some goals that had evaded me despite a DECADE of effort, and it took a great coach to coax out the right strategy. It’s how I say (jokingly) that I went from Steve Rogers to Captain America.

And it was my coach’s programming that got me a 420 pound deadlift at a bodyweight of 172 pounds:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Steve Kamb (@stevekamb) on Nov 21, 2018 at 10:43am PST

I’m not gonna set any powerlifting records, but I’m healthier, happier, and stronger each and every month, and I’m damn proud of that.

For somebody that can’t afford a top-of-the-line professional coach for each session, having an online coach to build your programming and guide your food choices is a verrrrry close second.

Start training and get results today. Learn more about our Coaching Program!

How to hire a personal trainer

HERE’S MY ADVICE: Give your new personal trainer 5 sessions before making a decision that things aren’t working out (sessions are often sold at a discount in a package).

The first session is often exploratory, explanatory, and introductory, and the trainer needs to test your limits and movements to build upon that.

This isn’t a “get fit quick” strategy, but rather one that could take months and months for you to find the right person to aid you on your journey.

Don’t expect miracles in a day!

A few words of wisdom if you do hire a trainer:

DO NOT USE YOUR TRAINER AS AN EXCUSE: Too many people will hire up a trainer and give no effort in the gym or the kitchen.

Then, when they fail to see results they can turn to their friends and say “man, my trainer is terrible, THAT’S why I’m not losing weight/getting stronger/etc.”

This happens so much more often than you’d think. A trainer is a guide, like Morpheus.

You have to take the pill and walk through the door yourself.

MAKE CRITICISM CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: Often when the trainer asks them to do something (walk every day, throw away junk food, eat a vegetable), the client/trainee comes back with 1,001 reasons why they can’t do that.

No compromise or discussion of possible solutions. This stinks.

Instead of saying “no,” offer an alternative solution and negotiate a plan: “I don’t really like broccoli, do you have a way to make vegetables taste better?”

In other words, don’t look for problems, look for solutions.

IF YOU ENJOY WORKING WITH YOUR TRAINER: Let them know and continue working with them.

The more information you can give them on your progress, the easier it will be for them to alter your program as you go on.

IF YOU DON’T ENJOY WORKING WITH YOUR TRAINER: That’s okay too. Not all relationships end in marriages.

Some first dates suck, and some trainers aren’t what you need.

I think you can be honest with them and let them know that it’s not a good fit and you will not be continuing to work with them.

Good trainers at this point will ask what they could have done better.

Trainers who are simply after your money may guilt trip you or beg you to stick around. Try somebody new and keep the search going.

REMEMBER: this is a lifelong quest, and you’re on the hunt for a great guide to help you on your journey.

They won’t do the work for you, and they can’t work miracles.

Have proper expectations, do what you’re told, and this could be the best investment you’ll make in your entire life!

Trainers in the Rebellion, what did I miss?

Those who have had experience working with Trainers, any wisdom to share from your experience?

One final note: Going to a gym is intimidating, especially if you’re starting out.

If you are in a location where there aren’t any great trainers, you don’t have access to a gym, or you’re just not ready to work with somebody in person, consider checking out our Online Coaching Program!

Schedule a free call to learn more by clicking on the image below:

Start getting results with 1-on-1 Coaching!

If you have questions about what you need to look for when it comes to training with a coach in person, or even questions about working with an online trainer, leave them in the comments below so I can chime in!

-Steve

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photo: Decathlon, wikimedia: high five, Gregg Wass: Trainer, Wikimedia: Spot, Bicycle, Wikimedia: stretchins

Footnotes ( returns to text)

Hat-tip to Lessons, who provided the costs below

How to Find a Good Personal Trainer or Coach: 5 Mistakes to Avoid! published first on https://dietariouspage.tumblr.com/

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