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wayt0dawn · 2 years

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｡･ﾟﾟ･We can't let fear stop us!

I'm not afraid of the darkness!･ﾟﾟ･｡

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inspired by : Riku in Kingdom Hearts added inspo ! , westley (princess bride), sesshoumaru (inuyasha), detective benoit blanc (knives out), laurent of vere (captive prince)

full name. Riku Park lee jong suk dob. jan 09 zodiac. capricorn occupation. keyblade wielder birthplace. destiny islands orientation. demisexual song. heavydirtysoul by twenty one pilots film. the martian education. high school temperament. melancholic-choleric mbti. INTJ alignment. neutral good abilities.dark magic, wielder of the keyblade, skilled fighter hogwarts house. slytherin. emoji. ( 🗝 )

present !!

riku and his friends have ended up living in Elias on a semi-permanent basis. it’s nice because he hasn’t had a bed of his own since he was 15. he is currently enjoying working and being able to relax during his free time. even though that alone has become a challenge. riku is constantly looking over his shoulder, especially when maleficent isn’t too far off. it also doesn’t help that those repressing feelings that he had apparently been kicking to the curb for the last few years were starting to catch up to him. he hadn't had much time to ponder before, but now that he did, he knew he had no choice but to face his fears, no matter how much he disliked doing so.

nowadays he’s been spending majority of his time with sulley, whom he previously met when he was ensnared by maleficent. the other had been there for him when he'd rejected everyone else, it was a small distraction to say the least.

rather than being controlled by his black magic, riku is learning to master it under the guidance of howl, his employer. for all his differences, though, howl seems to comprehend his character better than anybody else does.

past !!

riku was the only child to decently wealthy parents. he grew up living next door to sora, who quickly became his best friend. he would often tease the younger boy, but he was always jealous of sora in many ways. kairi came to town and she was added to their little group and the three of them became pretty close.

when they weren't in school, they went to the beach and play on island with the other kids. riku wasn't anti-social, he didn't want to get to know anyone besides sora and kairi, so he didn't have many friends. He was at the top of his class and rarely struggled to learn any skill.

still, he was sick of it. there wasn't much for him to do on the Islands, so he started to dream of a life that was more exciting than the one he had filled with adventure. sora and kairi both had their own hopes and dreams, but riku was too focused on himself to see that. he was the oldest, he was able to convince them at how great it would be to go off on their own. life was so much more than just beaches and coconuts.

perhaps that's why he opened the door. it started calling to him long before he had decided to open it. riku had ignored it at first, but then he found himself going to the island almost every night and standing there, wanting to turn the knob when he was alone. riku was jealous and didn't know how to deal with it, especially when it came to sora and his ability to seemingly replace his absence with anyone else. he felt empty when sora wasn't around. having no idea what to say. he didn't even know how to tell kairi, so he just let it take over him. opening the door to see what was on the other side seemed like the best and only thing to do.

little did he know that maleficent was already controlling his heart. he couldn't remember everything that happened that night. all he could remember was that he'd fought sora and kairi and somehow had gotten away, but maleficent was there waiting to offering him anything he wanted. so he went with her. riku was her perfect soldier, and the darkness had found him so quickly. only when he battled with sora did he ever regret his actions. his friend was so desperate to get to him, and he tried his hardest not to let him. after a few years, riku realized that he was wrong and that he needed to leave. but he didn't know where maleficent had hidden kairi, and he couldn’t leave until her found her first.

future !!

riku needs to stop it. he needs to learn to slow down for once and take it easy. somehow, the two have made their relationship work. though he doesn’t listen to him. he is still head over heels in love with sora and should really consider dropping to one knee at this point.

riku continues to be a warrior of light and defender of those who can’t defend themselves. he has moved on from the darkness of his past and accepted that it’s a part of him he has to nurture in a positive way.

with Sora, he made a family with their 3 children. he didn’t want to take any of the money his parents had offered, but sora had made the decision for him by using the money to open up the dojo.

he’s looking forward to retiring from the good fight and being home for his sora and the kids. at least he better if he knows whats for his own good.

taken connections

Sora - best friend

Roxas - friend

Namine - friend

Mickey, Donald, Goofy - mentors

Maleficent - enemy/former mentor

Howl - boss/mentor

Sulley - friend with benefits

Bev - friend

wanted connections

confidant;; someone who acts as a shoulder to lean on, someone to vent to. someone with good advice to give

neighbor; they could live next door, across the street. hang out for some coffee? explore the idea of living a normal life.

training buddy; kick some butt. someone willing to train with riku, knock down some tree and some sense into this boy.

other; open to possibilities - good & bad.

#watask

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damagedh3art · 2 months

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Lore

Despite being on my main blog already and reblogged here. Here is a separate post. Includes story and some additional info. Post is long so do be sure to expand!

Story

The battle of 7 Lights and 13 Darknesses approaches. The battle to keep Kingdom Hearts safe and sound or overcome by darkness. The journey at the current time seems to flow with the path of Light. However, one hero of Light decided to risk their lives for another's. This light being Sora. All to protect Kairi from being kidnapped instead, the boy still risking his all to keep his friends safe.

Sora didn't want time to repeat. He didn't want his friends to die, not again. So if he just altered everything, instead of letting things play the same. Then just maybe the fates will truly alter, even though he knows of his own consequence. He'd never be able to speak about what he saw in passing before this action. So he shoved Kairi before she could be grabbed in that barbed cage and disappeared himself.

The sacrifice gave Xehanort another guardian to tinker with, similar to Ventus. The trial to see if the boy could form the X-blade with his heart. However, that trial proved nothing to Xehanort. So once again he took the choice to force the pure dark and light from none other than Sora.

Yet with much regret Sora's heart didn't belong to only him at the time. Causing his heart to fracture while remaining in his body. The end result left Sora in a strange mental state and left a nasty mark on his chest.

These trials went on for 2 years before he found his escape, the one day his restraints were loose he took advantage of it. He didn't even care he had no top on and his scar showed. He ran no destination in mind, only ran to where he thought the exit was and hoped his friends would feel his calling heart. When he felt outside's warmth on his exposed torso, even if night he felt such relief. Quickly making his way further away from where he was held captive.

He kept running and running til his body collapsed from exhaustion. Then weakly moved to hide in a small cave like structure and only sit and wait. Things will be ok could hear water and saw bushes with fruit as he got here. Just wait…

After a few days of being a free man, dazed and confused he heard the sound of Riku and Kairi. Their voices echoing in his ears as he fought to wake up and go to them. They grew closer and closer…then soon he heard their startled sounds, unable to see their faces as he turned to look at them, vision blurry. He couldn't talk to them, but he wished to. Yet, truly before he even could say anything he was wrapped in a blanket and scooped up into Riku's arms. Truly rescued and back home once and for all. Back with his friends, but due to his condition begged to not be near his mom. Not yet. And Riku decided to let him stay at his place.

The guardian of light wasn't the same bubbly happy go lucky self. He seemed more drained and grumpy. His keyblade was broken and worn down. It seemed his very self was broken and in need of major repair. Is it truly possible to repair something so fractured?

Roxas and Ventus went back to where they needed to go, but who would help patch Sora? Only time will tell.

Additional Info

Sora is too weak to summon his keyblade back if he loses it, he has massive nightmares and is being tracked by Xehanort while he sleeps if too stressed.

In KH3 Sora spoke to a Chirithy and got sent back in time to try and fix what he lost. However, in this AU it uses the same concept but makes it worse. He begs to go back in time to save where it truly all seemed to be an issue. Be able to truly intervene and not be a figment ghost. So the Chirithy agrees, but gives Sora a major consequence if he tells anybody what he's done.

He keeps a major secret with him while he decides to protect Kairi from being snagged by Xemnas. For himself to be snagged himself and held captive for 2 years before he was found via his dreams with Riku.

Sora only managed to escape by using his Keyblade at the last second, truly risking death. He hits his own heart, spliting it into pieces himself rather than letting Xehanort do such an action. Which in turn combined his crown charm, his keyblade, and something else to his heart. Which as a result lead to him being tainted with darkness in a few places, have bits of white and darker bits of hair, have a cracked crown symbol on his chest, and trouble showing the emotions he used to always feel. He has saved the trio's and the few past members of the organization! There was no final battle with Xehanort, Xemnas, Ansem, or Young Xehanort yet. Sora is aware they are all alive and hates how he delayed something they could have finished once and for all. Feels regret for being so reckless and a risk for almost giving Xehanort what he wanted to unlock Kingdom Hearts.

#important things

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mysticdragon3md3 · 1 year

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I was looking for a funny old Tweet and found muck instead.

I don't know if the problem is that I can't help reacting, or if the problem is that I'm just so anxious about losing any and all thoughts that I feel compelled to always post about it.

It's probably worth exploring why I have this image in my head of Dimitri being so altruistic, benign, and kind, but I just dislike Edelgard. Not that I think she's unkind, but I don't respect all her bad decisions. So do I let Dimitri off the hook (choose to like him, not let his crimes inhibit my attachment to him) because him killing civilians was off screen? Maybe. Or maybe it's that "KingdomHearts-Riku effect", where if the story spends a lot of time with the character repenting and angsting over their regret for their sins, it just garners sympathy for them (at least it's effective to me). Or maybe it's the "Lelouch effect", where if the antihero spends so much screentime angsting over feeling forced into their horrible decisions, then I'm more likely to sympathize with them. It worked on me for Golden Wildfire Claude and Code Geass's Lelouch. I assumed it's what Crimson Flower did for Edelgard, since so many people are convinced she's nothing but compassion, even though she started an unnecessary war and pushed for imperial colonization of the whole continent. Once again, I'm left wondering, if Claude didn't exist as the formidable competition for my house choice and affections, would I have been an Edelgard fan? Maybe? Everyone compares Crimson Flower to Code Geass, and Code Geass is one of my top 3 favorite anime. But it's too late for that now. She lost her chance with me. And Claude was too good, to divert any attention towards her instead. Now, when I think of her, I get annoyed remembering her fans and her choices. When she drones on about feeling forced into pursuing these wars, I just don't feel it. I don't feel her regret. Both Dimitri and Edelgard get portrayed with plenty of sympathizing angst, but maybe I need that type of regret that I get from Dimitri. He completely changes his actions and forever regrets. But El is too self righteous and determined in her Resolve, to really admit that she was wrong, or to even let the weight of her regret weigh her down or dissuade her from her path. Maybe that's emotional strength, but it's also less emotive sympathy-garnering, as a character portrayal. She certainly doesn't regret to Dimitri's intensity of emotion. She regrets that she was "forced" to do horrible things, but she doesn't use that as a catalyst to change how she acts from now on. She doesn't change. Her regrets are just bumps in her journey, fueling her "sunk cost fallacy". She bemoans to the Gronder sky about how the only thing she can do is continue forward to war, instead of reassessing and changing. As I've said before, she lacks self-doubt, but that also means she lacks meaningful self-reflection. Meanwhile, Dimitri takes his regrets and not only vows to change, but changes everything about himself, from his demeanor to his actions, and his vigilance towards regulating himself from repeating past mistakes/regrets. Maybe that's why I buy the "sympathy for character despite their horrific crimes" from Dimitri, but not from Edelgard. That might make sense. Huh, I wouldn't have noticed this if it weren't for that Tweet.

The weird thing is that I don't feel cognitive dissonance about this. Maybe because I'm only really touchy/defensive about Claude. Plus, I've been through so many FE3H discourse, I've stopped caring. What I care about is that I've found an interpretation of FE3H that works for me. I've found headcanons that enable me to enjoy this series and some daydreams that I may turn into fanart/fanfics, and I don't need anything else. In general, Authorial Intent and canon isn't even as important to me as an artwork serving as a catalyst to thoughts, feelings, and experiences. So if I have to ignore some canon, headcanon some characters as being OOC, or completely paint Dimitri as a benign sweetheart in my head while ignoring his canon crimes, in order to get an enjoyable experience out of this series, then that's more important to me. (Though i dont feel I'm bending Dimitri too out of character in my head.) There's obviously something my subconscious is trying to express to me by favoring certain tropes & interpretations, and I'd rather follow the meanings of those trope patterns and that enjoyment and introspection, than get hung up on Dimitri's crimes or Edelgard sympathizers. I don't need my mind changed about this anymore.

…But I'm beginning to really think that Dimitri's regret over how he was when he was a Boar committing crimes, may have really been enough to convince me to sympathize with him. I hadn't thought about it before now. But that's what really differentiates him from Edelgard. He had such a sudden change.

While she never really did change. Once again, FE3H's writing seems to be saying something about the flaws inherent in the usually lauded trait of Resolve. She certainly has embodied the tragic flaws of rigidity, several times. It's just the flip side of Resolve. So many of her strengths are also her tragic character flaws that disallow her from making better choices, like cooperation, digging further for deeper truths, and avoiding FE3H's tragedy goal/premise of "old friends/classmates now at war". Must be an important story theme for FEH3.

Especially since that single mindedness as "tragic character flaw" is also repeated in Rhea. Man, that video essayist who said Rhea and Edelgard are the same, keeps proving more and more accurate to me. (Referencing video essay "Edelgard will always lose.)

So am I a hypocrite, or is just certain story/character writing more effective on me than others? I'm allowed to have my own tastes. If other people feel it's hypocritical to think/feel this way, then I hope they aren't going against their ideals by acting like me. Meanwhile, the way I'm acting and choosing to interpret and get attached to FE3H/Dimitri, is suited to me and my ideals. It would probably be just as wrong for me to go against my values/tastes, just as much as it would be wrong for others who disagree, to act in ways that agree with my values/tastes instead of their own.

Is what I'm doing with posts like this contributing to "unwanted fandom discourse" if I'm only really talking to myself? Let's hope my tags are unique enough to hide me talking aloud to myself.

#twitter is a hellsite #processing thoughts #please don't pick a fight over this as i don't have the emotional resiliency to deal with internet fights #personal fandom records #fe3hfuukasetsugetsu #confused with myself #elredeaglescrit #dimamityaAB #contrasts #reactions #random thoughts #fandomfrictionfracas #doesntdoubtherselfbutalsodoesntcheckherself #forgive #forgiveness

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bravewielder · 1 year

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@champiionic | ＫｉｎｇＭｉｃｋｅｙ ┈ ⭐ ( accepting !! )

❛ life is a journey to be experienced, not a problem to be solved. ❜ From Mickey

✧ ✦ ✧ ― What? Riku stares after the King who was walking ahead of him. Trust Mickey to say something sagely in this circumstance.

“But your majes- Mickey, how can you say that? At a time like this...” He’s right though. He was always right. Back when they found themselves in Castle Oblivion, the reason why he didn’t see any other living soul in the memories of the Worlds he’s been in (apart from all the Heartless) was because he never truly cared much for exploring them, let alone making connections with the inhabitants within. He’s regretted that now.

Though, its not like he had a choice in the matter. The instance he was able to leave the Islands, Riku felt like he hit the ground running. He barely had any time to stop and smell the flowers. There was always a task at hand, a goal to be reached, find the Princesses of Heart, find Kairi, atone for his mistakes, defeat the Organization, defeat Xemnas... There were always problems that needed to be solved.

And now... they needed to find Sora. It’s almost been a year and it feels like they were getting nowhere. They were reaching dead ends.

Riku stops following Mickey for a moment before sighing heavily to let his tense shoulders go slack. He stares up at the sky, forlorn.

“ *sigh* Maybe you’re right Mickey... maybe I do need to slow down. ”

#┊ there is more to seek | answered; ┈ ✧#┊ the road to dawn | ic; ┈ ✧#champiionic

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therealterriblelizard · 3 years

Conversation

Riku: *Going on a mission* You can call me anytime if you have any questions.

Sora: *Calling at 3am* Why do people that go to baby changing stations always come back with the same baby?

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embraceyourdestiny · 2 years

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I fucking hope they bring up that Riku is permanently disabled because he was willing to do anything to save sora. His hip wouldn’t be able to heal so I hope they don’t magic his injury away and let him live with it because he it was a choice he made and it’s not something he regrets

#og #Riku has become the first gay disabled Disney character #Soriku #riku kingdom hearts #Sora kingdom hearts #sora kh #Riku kh #kh #kingdom hearts

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ikeromantic · 3 years

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Tears of Joy

A Mitsuhide Akechi fanfic - this scene takes place at the end of Ch. 13 in the romantic route. Spoilers! Approx. 2300 words

First: Mitsuhide and the Maiden

Previous: Trust

Mitsuhide worked from the hallway, sending orders and letters through Kyubei to see to the settling of the shogun and his new staff. It was tiring work - but satisfying. Against the odds, he’d succeeded yet again. With help, of course, but it was still remarkable what victory could be pulled from a little wit and a lot of will.

Kyubei arrived with the latest information, his expression one of grim resolve. His hand kept touching the short, dark fuzz at the top of his head. A new nervous gesture, Mitsuhide surmised. The vassal and spy had been uneasy since the shogun’s death. Despite that, he was doing an excellent job teaching Riku how to imitate Yoshiaki and filling him in on things the scribe hadn’t known about his lord.

“What news?” Mitsuhide set down his report from Chugaki and gave his vassal full attention.

Kyubei swallowed. “Ah, it looks like the pirates will be on their way by this evening. Mouri hasn’t announced an official withdrawal, but his warriors are packing up all the weapons and sake they can carry . . .” He paused and glanced toward the closed door behind Mitsuhide. Though he had obvious questions, he continued with his report. “The Ikko Ikki are all but gone. Kennyo and a few of his close confidants remain.”

“As expected. I was unable to embed another pair of eyes with the monks, but we should receive regular reports on the doings of Motonari when he sets sail. Anything else?” Mitsuhide knew there was more. Otherwise Kyubei would have sent information like this in a written report.

Kyubei’s eyes went to the door again. “There were, that is, I overheard some of the pirates discussing the chatelaine. Apparently, some are under the impression she will be leaving with Mouri.”

Mitsuhide’s eyes flashed and his smile turned sharp. “I assure you that is not the case.”

“I didn’t think so, my lord.” He paused again, then bowed. “I - I also wanted to offer my apology. Words are not enough, of course. I will - I will do whatever you think is fitting. But . . . I allowed the chatelaine to come to harm. I tore her clothes and frightened her. I failed to protect her and made her captivity worse. If you hadn’t arrived when you did . . .” His voice cracked and he went silent.

“You believe your choices led her to be captured?” Mitsuhide raised an eyebrow.

“No - not directly. But if I’d warned you of the ninja sooner-”

“I would still have been no more likely to catch him on his way in or out of our blockade.” Mitsuhide frowned. “I knew there was risk in leaving her alone. She did as well. Neither of us has regret.”

Kyubei’s head bobbed, but he still didn’t straighten. “I didn’t help her escape. I was afraid it would expose my mission. She was hurt as a result.”

“Yes,” Mitsuhide said dryly. “And you tore her kimono to make it look as if you’d taken her, yes?”

Kyubei nodded again.

“Also to preserve your cover. And if you had been exposed, she would have been taken to the barracks for their pleasure. I fail to see how that would have improved her situation.”

“But my lord . . . she might have died.” Kyubei’s voice was hoarse and low.

Mitsuhide agreed. “She risked her life for our mission. Do not diminish that by taking her pain as your failure. We all did what we must to see this through.”

“Then I have your forgiveness?”

“There is nothing to be forgiven. Now go - I am sure the shogun has need of you.” Mitsuhide waved him away.

Kyubei bowed even lower before standing and hurrying away.

He sat still as a stone until the sound of his vassal’s footsteps faded to nothing. Then he stood and quietly entered the room. There was a little light from the setting sun outside. The air here smelled of ginger, reeds, and honey - the fragrant parts of the ointment he used on his little one. Mitsuhide sank silently to the floor beside her.

She was still asleep. Deeply so. Her body was recovering from her ordeal. A brutal abduction, a restless day trapped in a store room, and then a near-death experience. She was so fragile, and yet strong.

His hands shook as he tenderly ran his fingers through her hair. She meant so much to him, this sweet little mouse. Mitsuhide was finally forced to acknowledge just how close he’d come to losing her. Or worse. He ran his hand over her shoulders just to reassure himself she was there and whole. The bruises were already fading. Her throat had a thin, dark scab where Yoshiaki’s knife had pressed too close. In a few weeks, this would be only a memory. One he hoped would disappear beneath the joy of their life together.

“M-mitsuhide?” Her lashes fluttered as she tried to open her eyes.

“I am here little one.”

Her hand reached for him, cool fingertips tracing his cheekbones. “Are you crying?”

He was, he realized.

“I’m ok. You - you shouldn’t cry.” She sat up and looked at him. Her eyes were wide in the dim light.

“They are tears of joy. See?” He smiled.

She scooted forward and snuggled into his lap. When she was comfortable again, she looked up at him. “You know I can tell when you’re lying.”

“Then you know I’m not. Or . . . not completely.” Which was true. He was relieved she was alright.

“Mmm. I suppose I will take that. But you know, the crying part is my job. So next time . . .” She brushed a tear from his cheek. “Next time leave it to me. I c-can’t bear to see you look so sad.”

“Nor I, you.”

She quieted down at that, and closed her eyes. Her head rested on his chest, and he could feel the tickle of her steady breath. Mitsuhide might have laid down with her on the futon, but a knock at the door spoiled the moment.

“Enter,” he said, thinking it would be a servant, perhaps with dinner. Instead, it was Kennyo.

The abbot gave him a wary look. “Our alliance is at an end, kitsune. We have what we wanted from this venture.”

“It is. Which begs the question . . . why are you still here?”

Kennyo’s dark gaze fell to the chatelaine. She’d fallen asleep again, and showed no signs of rousing. “How is she? She looks better.”

“She is.”

The abbot seemed to struggle within himself for a moment. Then he took a packet from his robes and held it out to Mitsuhide. “Give this to her when she wakes. It is best to prepare it as a tea, steeped until dark. Then she must drink it while it is still warm.”

Mitsuhide looked at the small, paper packet with some distrust.

“Take it. I would not poison her.”

“Not even for your revenge?” Mitsuhide’s eyebrow rose.

Kennyo’s frown deepened and he met the kitsune warlord’s gaze. After several tense heartbeats, his response rumbled between clenched teeth. “I would not harm her, even for that.”

Mitsuhide took the packet and tucked it into his kimono. “I believe you.”

The abbot gave a brief nod and his eyes fell to the sleeping girl. His expression softened by the barest shadow. “I hope you will take better care of her. Know that I will be watching.”

Then he turned on his heel and left. The door slid shut behind him, fast and silent.

The lovers were alone again.

“It seems you brought a little light to that demon’s heart, mouse.” Mitsuhide kissed her temple. “I would not have thought it possible. But you work miracles. I am proof of that.”

She smiled in her sleep, lulled to sweet dreams by the sound of her soulmate’s heartbeat.

***

Morning came with pale yellow light and the sound of talk, even laughter, from the fortress. People returning to normal after the brief but deadly fighting. Mitsuhide was glad they were able to go back to their lives - or to make a new place for themselves. Something he intended to do as soon as they returned to Azuchi.

His little mouse stirred and yawned. Then she looked around the room with a dazed expression. “Did I sleep the whole night?”

“You did.”

“Just like this?” She ran her fingertip along his collarbone.

Mitsuhide shivered at the touch, feeling it awaken something inside him. A fire he’d kept banked for months now. “Not quite like that,” he grinned. “But in my arms? Yes.”

“What? But . . . did you get any rest?”

“I did. I found watching you sleep to be very restful.” This was truth. He’d spent the night listening to her breath, letting her warmth soak into him.

She frowned. “That’s not what I meant! I mean real sleep. You need to get some too. You are human.”

“Are you sure?” He raised an eyebrow and chuckled as she smacked his arm. “You seem to be feeling better.”

“I am. I’d feel even better with a bath.”

Mitsuhide remembered their last bath, shared at an inn. He’d teased her until they were both desperate, and he’d left them like that. Unwilling to take that final step with her until he was sure he would be there after. “Are you very dirty?” He lifted her enough for his lips to find her neck and nibble the skin just under her ear.

She squealed and pretended to try to escape.

“Mmm, you taste pretty clean to me. But perhaps I need to sample a wider selection.”

“Mitsuhide!” She wriggled, trying to get out of his lap. “You can’t be serious!”

“I am always serious when it comes to you.” He let her out of his grasp and watched as she got up. She didn’t look unsteady, but he still stood and offered her his hand. “I suppose I will have to take your word about the need for a bath. But I think we should return to Kyoto before we indulge.”

His little mouse considered, then nodded. “Yeah. If I take a bath before we ride back, I’ll just be filthy again by the time we get there.” She looked around the room. “Are we leaving here already?”

“We are. Kyubei has things in hand and a longer stay will only raise questions.” He pointed to some clothes folded in the corner. “Get dressed and I’ll send word we are leaving.”

She smiled. “Alright. I’ll try to hurry.”

Mitsuhide left her in the room and went to find a servant. It wasn’t hard to do, and soon enough he was on his way back. He was stopped by the silver gleam of a pistol. At the other end of the barrel, a wobbly Motonari stood, braced against the wall.

“Yer not goin’ back.” His eyes were glazed with heavy drink and he stunk of sweat, gunpowder, and alcohol.

“And I suppose you plan to . . . what? Shoot me? Kidnap my little mouse? Flee to your ship?”

Motonari shrugged. “Maybe. Or maybe I just wanna kill ya. One more enemy crossed off my list.”

Mitsuhide grinned. “I doubt that. This isn’t much of a struggle.” His eyes were hard despite the smile. “And if this is for her . . . you know she would never forgive you.”

“She’d get over it. Women . . .” he belched. “Women always do.”

“My little one isn’t ‘women’,” Mitsuhide replied. “Even you must know that by now. ”

Motonari began to laugh. He waved his gun toward the door. “Ya get in there before ya say anythin’ more stupid than that.” He pushed past Mitsuhide, stumbling down the hall.

Mitsuhide rushed to the room and slid open the door. His little one squeaked and pulled her kimono closed.

“I’m not dressed yet!”

He looked around, reassuring himself that everything was as he’d left it. “Perhaps that is why I hurried back.” Mitsuhide gave her a wicked smile. He didn’t tell her about Motonari in the hall. She didn’t need to know.

“Pffft,” she stuck her tongue out at him, but he could tell the flattery made her happy.

They rode out from the fortress before noon, sharing a saddle. The day felt brighter the further from the fortress they got. Mitsuhide knew he wasn’t the only one that felt that way. He could see it in the set of his lover’s shoulders and in the way she smiled.

Once the bloodstained fortress was only a memory hidden behind the dust of the road, she spoke. “I feel like I am riding toward a whole new life. Like . . . like everything is different. Just because one man died. Isn’t that silly?”

“I don’t think it is.” Mitsuhide rested his chin on her head. “Yoshiaki caused so much death and misery with his ambition. That is why we did what we had to.”

“But there are other people just as bad-”

“And none of them are shogun.” He held the reins with one hand and used the other to hug her closer.

After a long silence, she nodded. “I guess I just feel guilty for being glad he’s dead.”

“Don’t.” He paused, then added, “Besides, shogun Ashikaga is just fine. He’s simply in exile. Staying far away from the capital and politics for the rest of his life.”

“Mmhmm. Poor Riku.” She tapped her chin. “Do you think he’ll do ok?”

“With the help we’ve given him, that scribe will be a much better shogun than Yoshiaki. You’ll see.” Then he moved their conversation to lighter things. “After we arrive at the inn, I will send out for food. What treats would tempt my little mouse?” That was all it took to send her into a monologue of her favorite foods.

She took such delight in the little things. It made Mitsuhide want to have joy in them too. He promised himself he would try. For her - he would do anything. So ran his thoughts as they passed the gate into Kyoto and caught sight of the inn.

Then all he could think of was their bath, and how very much he was looking forward to enjoying it with her.

Next: Delicious SFW/NSFW

#ikemen sengoku #ikesen mitsuhide #mitsuhide akechi #otome guys #otome #fanfiction #fanfic #fluff

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osakaso5 · 3 years

Photo

Nagi Rokuya Birthday Photobook Rabbit Chat Part 5: All Their Gratitude

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

Mitsuki: It's midnight!

Yamato: I'm glad we got to give our birthday wishes directly. Congrats

Riku: Nagiiii!!!

Iori: Nanase-san, yelling his name does not count as wishing him a happy birthday. Happy birthday, Rokuya-san.

Riku: Congraaaats!!!

Tamaki: Nagicchi hbdddddd

Sogo: Nagi-kun! I'm happy I get to tell you this face to face. Happy birthday.

Nagi: 。゜(゜´Д`゜)゜。

Tsumugi: Nagi-san, happy birthday! It's so nice that you can all celebrate together this year!

Nagi: Cocona is here!

Tsumugi: Cocona-chan!?

Riku: We're all wearing Cocona masks!

Sogo: It's a bit embarrasing.

Tamaki: So-chan, your hair's sticking out of the mask, lol

Nagi: What a special surprise! Six Coconas! I love you all!

Iori: That doesn't mean you have to grope people's behinds when you hug them *angry* *angry* *angry*

Riku: You're still not used to that, Iori?

Iori: No, and I wouldn't even want to be! Neither should you!

Yamato: My face is getting sweaty wearing this thing.

Nagi: NO! Cocona would never sweat! You must alter your bodies to be closer to hers!

Mitsuki: And how are we supposed to do that, lololol We're still men, you know, lolol

Sogo: Um, if we have to become women... I think there was a potion for that in a black magic tome I read the other day...

Yamato: I'm kinda curious what that potion entails. Not that we're going to be trying that or anything.

Sogo: It seems the first ingredient is the blood of a live toad...

Tamaki: AAAAAAA I can't see I can't hear AAAAAAAAAA

Tsumugi: Those masks must be very warm, if you're already getting sweaty >< lol

Riku: Apparently we're not allowed to take them off for the next hour!

Tamaki: But then we can't eat anything

Sogo: I brought the magic tome, does anyone want to read it?

Tamaki: Don't even open it!!!

Nagi: What is this black smoke!?

Mitsuki: Did you really do some kind of black magic!?

Nagi: Will you summon Cocona!?

Iori: Of course he won't!

Riku: Tamaki! Tamaki! The naan bread we were making is burning!!!

Tamaki: Aaaaaaaaaaaa

Tamaki: This is all your fault, So-chan and Yama-san!!!

Nagi: A... Cocona naan bread?

Yamato: Nope (lol) We were making it for you, Nagi.

Nagi: Why naan?

Iori: Calm down, Rokuya-san.

Nagi: Gulp...

Iori: Apparently it's because "Nagi" and "naan", both start with a "na".

Mitsuki: Lololololololol

Yamato: Pretty funny, right?

Sogo: I see, so they chose due to how similar they sound! That was really nice of them.

Tsumugi: Um, are you making curry to go with the naan?

Mitsuki: Nope, it's just the bread, lolol

Tsumugi: What!?

Mitsuki: I'm not cooking this time, since Riku and Tamaki were so excited to feed Nagi their home cooking. Iori was charged with watching them though, lol

Nagi: Hearing that makes me feel like I need to eat all of the naan, even if it completely dries my mouth...

Mitsuki: I did make the cake, so at least you have that to look forward to!

Nagi: ┖(o゜∀゜o)┙ Wasshoi!

Nagi: Now I can finally outdo Iori when it comes to enjoying one of Mitsuki's cakes.

Iori: My parents own a bakery. Don't think you'll defeat me so easily.

Tamaki: It burned

Nagi: This... looks like a black hole, spewing out the evils of the world...

Riku: Sorry, Nagi... You can't eat this.

Sogo: It's because I brought up black magic in the first place... Sorry.

Yamato: Nah, I really don't think you're at fault here, Sou.

Nagi: Do not mourn while you wear Cocona's face!

Nagi: For the next 30 minutes, you shall have a test of endurance in which you do the Cocona ending theme dance.

Riku: I like that dance!

Tsumugi: I'll make some curry and bring it over in a moment, so feel free to dance until then! lol

Iori: You can't be serious...

Tamaki: I'm gonna win

Mitsuki: Since when is this a competition!?

Nagi: Your cuteness puts you in a lead, Mitsuki! Now, everyone do your best!

Yamato: I think I preferred the weepy Nagi from earlier...

Sogo: Don't say that, Yamato-san!

Riku: Iori, that's the Bon festival dance! lol

Iori: D-didn't the dance go something like this?

Nagi: It did not. Start over, Iori.

Sogo: He's very strict...

Yamato: Are you sure you don't wanna go back to just crying?

Nagi: I have brought you the Clos du Menil I promised, Yamato.

Yamato: Actually, dancing doesn't sound too bad right now.

Tamaki: You sure changed your mind fast.

Tsumugi: Nagi-san, as great of a dance teacher you are, it's about time for the usual!

Mitsuki: I wanna change clothes before he does, lol

Riku: Yamato-san, are you wearing a shirt that has dark patches around the armpits? It's very stylish!

Yamato: Riku, that's sweat... I wasn't kidding when I said these masks are hot...

Nagi: Cocona does NOT sweat!!!

Choices/outcomes:

1. Your outfit will complement the Cocona masks!

Nagi: Indeed. This is a dress code I will gladly abide by.

2. Are you ready?

Nagi: I am burning with excitement, as Tamaki and Riku's special birthday naan burned before me X-P

3. It's time to change!

Nagi: I very much enjoy the sound of that X-P

Tsumugi: Is everyone ready?

Mitsuki: Who got him these glasses, lolololol

Tamaki: Meeee

Yamato: Oh wow, lolololol Looking good, Nagi, lololol

Riku: I want to wear them, too! Let me borrow them later!

Nagi: Very well. I will be the adult for today.

Yamato: What, because of the moustache? lol

Iori: I think you and Rokuya-san are the only ones these glasses would suit, Nikaido-san.

Yamato: What's that supposed to mean, Ichi?

Sogo: Wow... I wonder if I'd look good in them, too.

Tamaki: Quit staring at them with those sparkly eyes.

Sogo: I want to try the glasses, too.

Tamaki: Why???

Riku: Hey, we should all tell Nagi the thing we couldn't last time!

Nagi: !

Iori: Stop acting so nervous, Nikaido-san.

Yamato: You're not pulling any punches today, huh, Ichi...

Mitsuki: You trying to one-up me when it comes to heckling Nagi and Yamato-san? lololol

Riku: One, two, three, go!

Iori: Na

Yamato: Gi

Mitsuki: We

Tamaki: Lo

Sogo: Ve

Riku: You

Tsumugi: What a lovely message..!

Nagi: (´;ω;`)

Nagi: I have received a message of love from those dearest to me

Riku: We've been waiting to say it for too long!

Mitsuki: Congrats, Nagi..!

Yamato: ...Aaaand he's bawling again.

Sogo: Nagi-kun, I love you.

Tamaki: S-So-chan!?

Sogo: What? I don't think it was that out of place to say.

Tamaki: But you didn't have to say it NOW! Look how red you made everyone's faces

Sogo: Why would the rest of you be blushing, when I'm the one who said it?

Iori: It just feels wrong, somehow...

Riku: You didn't react like this when I said that to you on your birthday, Iori!

Iori: Why do you even remember that!?

Tsumugi: Nagi-san, your birthday has just begun! I hope you'll have many more happy moments!

Nagi: (´;ω;`)

Nagi: Well then, please post your other love messages now

Yamato: I guess I'll go first, then! Nagi, I'm glad I got to say this toi your face. Congrats. I mean it. Just when I think you're sly as a fox, you show this cute side of yourself that we all love. I hope you'll keep smiling for us.

Riku: I know you were probably really excited for this, but so were we! Thanks for letting us celebrate with you, and for making us so happy! Let's keep seeing the world and having lots of fun together! Happy birthday!

Tamaki: Congrats, Nagicchi. We're always doing dumb stuff and getting in trouble together, but it's all fun when I'm with you Let's have a blast today!

Iori: Happy birthday, Rokuya-san.

Sogo: Happy birthday, Nagi-kun. Even as a man, reading your photobook made my heart race. I envy you for being so charismatic, but I'm proud of you at the same time. Please keep singing with us.

Mitsuki: Happy birthday, Nagi! I know you've been doing pranks to make me mad on purpose lately! But I just can't be mad at you for that, lololol You always notice the important details. Sorry for relying on you so much.

Mitsuki: I'll have to become more manly, so you'll be the one thanking me for once! Let's go out and have cake sometime. Congrats!

Tsumugi: Again, congratulations and happy birthday, Nagi-san! We're happy just to have you around!

Nagi: I love you all.

Nagi: More than anyone else in the world.

Nagi: You are always there to welcome me home. You make me smile from the bottom of my heart, and you smile with me. When I want to cry, you cry with me.

Nagi: Thank you

Nagi: For giving me this home.

Mitsuki: Nagiii!!!

Riku: Waaaaah!!!

Tsumugi: Nagi-san..!

Sogo: We're all hugging Nagi-kun.

Yamato: Don't wipe your snot on my clothes!

Iori: Stop groping me!!!

Riku: It's not fair that only Iori gets groped! Do me, too!

Tamaki: Wait, I wanna be groped too

Mitsuki: Me too... not, lololol

Tsumugi: Nagi-san, everyone's sending you their birthday wishes online! Would you like to respond?

Nagi: Of course, my dear Tsumugi.

Nagi: This day was very painful and sad for me before. I had not personally known the pain of being apart from those I love.

Nagi: But today, I finally know how important, how wonderful it is to be with the people dearest to you. I am grateful to God, my teammates, and all of you for loving me so.

Nagi: I promise that my love for IDOLiSH7 and you will never end. Do you swear the same thing? Fall in love with me, for all eternity. Tell me how you feel. I will be sure to return those feelings. You will not regret it. I love you.

Translator’s notes..?

next up, Tenn’s Marie Mariage Rabbit Chats!

#idolish7 #nagi rokuya #birthday photobook #translation #i7 #rabbit chat

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chaos-in-the-making · 3 years

Text

Episode break down

For every answer we get, it spawns three more questions.

For instance!! Ok, during the battle where Kirinmaru and Toga first meet and have their confrontation, probably bc Kirin was on the warpath and Toga was trying to stop him, we see where Riku comes from. We ALSO see that Kirinmaru gets his arm sliced off, tossed down the Bone Eater's well, and ends up becoming Towa's homeroom fucking teacher in the present day. So now we know how Kirinmaru is able to "see" what is happening in the future.

BUT WHERE. THE FUCK. DID HE GET A NEW ARM?! SESSHOUMARU HAD TO GIVE BIRTH TO A WHOLE ASS SWORD TO GET HIS BACK. WHAT EVEN.

Also, you are telling me that we could have had a Sesshoumaru CLONE?!!?!?! FROM HIS FREAKING ARM?! IM WRITING THE FIC AS WE SPEAK. Yes, I will ignore the fact that his arm fell into the underworld in the 3rd movie. I do what I want.

NEXT ANSWER!! Rion was beloved!! Kirinmaru took her with him EVERYWHERE so she could witness his powers! Take your daughter to work day, and such. Zero ALSO loved her niece at one point, telling Kirin that he should STOP taking Rion to work, bc now that Kirin has met his match, she is in danger if he is defeated.

SO WHAT. AND I CANT SCREAM THIS ENOUGH.

WHAT.

THE FUCK.

HAPPENED?!?!?!?!

Where did this prophecy come from? Why was Rion sealed away, when Kirin didn't want to? Why did Zero's emotions change from protective to rage towards hanyos? Was it because of Rion, or bc of Toga's rejection??? Is this literally all because Zero never got therapy after a break up??? Did Kirin seal Rion to protect her from Zero???

So this is why Treekyo said that "Sesshoumaru and Kirinmaru walked the same path." Remember that? They both have loved ones they are trying to save from a cruel fate. They both sealed those loved ones away until they could be saved. I expected to hate Kirinmaru, but NO!! NO WE JUST HAVE TWO HEART BROKEN PAPAS TRYING TO DO THEIR BEST TO HELP THEIR CHILDREN.

THE PARALLELS ARE ASTOUNDING. WELL DONE WRITERS.

This story isn't just about the girls growing up and learning cool new powers. This story is about the lengths that parents will go to for their children. Yes, it is HARD to make these choices. Sometimes you make mistakes and regret them later. Sometimes you have to watch while your kids struggle, but when they overcome that obstacle, you are SO GODDAMN PROUD OF THEM ITS LIKE CRACK.

And Moroha getting to see her parents was like ICING ON THE CAKE. She thought they were dead. NO SWEETY THEY ARE WAITING FOR YOU AND THEY ARE SO PROUD OF YOOOOOOU.

But also WHAT THE FUCK HAVE THEY BEEN DOING!!?!?!??! this question baffles me the most. It truly does. Did they AGREE to be banished?? For Moroha's sake??

THE COMPLICATION OF THE PLOT IS KEEPING THIS REALLY INTERESTING AND I LOVE IT.

#yashahime spoilers #yashahimespoilers #season 2

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kingdomhearts-and-soriku-trash · 3 years

Text

Lost Being Found

Sora x Riku fic.

I haven’t wrote an actual fic in awhile and I saw this quote:

“What he feared most was that all this hiding had made it impossible for him to be found again.”

“highly logical behavior” john corey whaley.

And I just...instantly when to Riku and Sora. I went to Riku hiding himself but Sora finally find him😌.

And this is set in the KH2 reunion scene (the one we all love).

“Wait, Ansem!”

Riku stopped walking and he almost turned to look at the brunette behind him.

“I mean, Xehanort’s heartless," Sora said correcting himself.

He felt a stab in his heart. It’s Riku. It’s him, but he can’t tell him. He can’t show him. He can’t. Not like this.

“I never thought for a second that I’d see you again. Just thinking about the things you did makes me really angry," he says with that soft voice of his.

Who could blame him for feeling that? Riku expected him to go off, expected him to say he was ready to be rid of him and never see him again, but he said words he didn’t expect.

“But you saved Kairi, right?” Sora’s voice went back to its comforting high tone. “I have to be grateful for that. Thanks.”

Riku’s heart stopped for a moment at those words. He thanked him. He wasn’t telling him off, he wasn’t saying he didn’t want to see him again, and he didn’t have to turn around to know he didn’t have a look of disgust. He would just have that look he always had. The look of peace and calm.

With his thoughts and emotions running around, he began to walk away once again. His footsteps echoed on the walls and they were louder in his head. Every step was like walking through mud. He didn’t want to walk away, he wanted to go over to him and say, “it’s me. I’m here. I’ve never stopped watching you,” and try to earn his forgiveness, but he couldn’t.

He wouldn’t let him see him like this.

However, as if fate was being kind to him in its own way, he heard footsteps running after him, and he felt a gentle but firm grip grab his hand and pull him to a stop.

“Riku, don’t go!” Kairi’s voice was desperate and his heart was wounded even more. He kept causing people pain, and he felt the need to walk away becoming stronger, but he was stuck. He easily could've broken free of her grip, but...he didn't.

Donald, Goofy, and Sora let out a gasp of shock and his heart began to race faster.

“Kairi, what did you just say?” Sora’s voice was confused...but it was also hopeful. Hopeful that maybe he found Riku, the one he’s been searching for.

“Riku...”. Her voice was soft and even more desperate than before. She needed to let Sora know, she needed to get through Riku’s skull, she needed everyone to be back together.

“I’m no one. Just a castaway from the darkness,” he said in Ansem’s voice. Even hearing his voice made him feel disgusting and he almost didn’t want to open his mouth ever again.

“Sora, come here,” Kairi called out. “Say something to him.” Riku may have cared for her, but even she knew that no one could reach him like Sora could.

He thought he wouldn’t get closer, but he began to walk. He walked slowly over to them, and Riku didn’t know what was going to happen. But then he felt Kairi lift his hand, almost too easily, and lay Sora’s hand on Riku’s.

“Close your eyes.”

Riku looked over to Sora, and Sora looked back with a confused look, but he listened to her. He closed his eyes, and that fear began to kick in again.

He began to fear most that all this hiding had made it impossible for him to be found again.

He thought that this wouldn’t work, that Sora wouldn’t see him as Riku, and that even if he did he would be even more angry to know it was him.

But when Sora opened his eyes and looked at Riku, he knew that he saw him. He didn’t see Ansem, he saw Riku. He saw him and he watched as the love of his life grip his hand with both of his hands and fall to his knees.

“Riku...” he started with his voice now soft and sad. “It’s Riku. Riku’s here.” His voice sounded relieved and he could see that Sora could finally breathe properly.

“I looked for you.” His voice was wavering and he couldn’t look Riku in the eye.

“Come on, Sora. You’ve got to pull it together,” Riku said in that teasing tone he always used with him. He didn't know how to react, he didn’t know what to do, so he fell into his old habit. But that didn’t stop Sora at all.

Sora shook his head. “I looked everywhere for you!” His voice was weak and this time Riku watched as he looked up at him and tears fell from those beautiful blue eyes of his. And now Riku couldn’t stop himself from speaking his mind, finally giving a piece of himself to Sora.

“I didn’t want you to find me,” he said. It was true. He was scared of Sora finding him. He knew he wanted to find him, he knew Sora was aching to find him, but he couldn’t let him see him.

However, he still found him and Riku felt his heart become lighter. He loved Sora with everything in his heart. Their hearts were in tune, he would follow him anywhere in the world, and now he found him again.

And after picking on Sora and his crew, Sora looked at him with a soft and confused look. “Why didn’t you let me know you were okay?” His tone sounded like he was angry that he wouldn’t tell him, but Riku knew he wasn’t angry. He was only worried and relieved.

“I told you. I didn’t want to be found...not like this.” He held his hands in front of him and looked at the fabric covering them. He was wearing the black hood of the Organization, black gloves hiding his hands, and his whole body was hidden away from others.

“This battle isn’t over, and until it is, I still need the power of darkness,” Riku admitted with regret. He didn’t want it, but he needed it for this moment.

“Then let’s finish it. You’re still Riku no matter what,” Sora replied with confidence as he looked at him in the eye with determination.

Riku looked over to Donald and Goofy and Kairi and he felt his heart become lighter. It’s cracks were getting healed.

And deep down, he knew it would get better. They would win, everyone would be safe, and maybe the world will be okay.

And he wished he could hold Sora’s hand at the end of all of this and tell him his feelings...and maybe be blessed for Sora to feel the same.

Riku was in his bedroom at Master Yen Sid’s tower and he was laying in his bed. He was still wearing his regular clothes, but his jacket and shoes were off, neatly put away. And instead of sleeping, he held a paper above him, having the moonlight and the lamp on the nightstand on the left of him letting him see the paper.

Instead of it being a report of Sora’s perhaps whereabouts or reports about what they found of anything darkness related, it was a drawing Namine gave to him. She knew he was alone and closed off, but she thought maybe he would look at this remember and everything that he had gone through. Everything that Sora had gone through.

The drawing was of him being in his Ansem form with Sora’s hand together with his. Kairi wasn’t there, and he wondered why. He thinks maybe she just wanted to focus on him and Sora.

However, instead of wearing a sad face or another emotion, they both had smiles on their face. Sora had tears sliding down but there was still that smile there. Riku had a smile as well, and he smiled as his pointer finger traced that smile.

"Of course she would know I was happy to be with Sora," he thought.

And at the sight of the photo and the memory of that time, his heart felt heavy. He had hurt people during that time, he had done things he regretted...but he doesn't know if he truly regrets them. He'd do anything for Sora, and he practically did. He wishes there was another way to save him at that time, but there wasn't, so he took that chance. And now he had a scar on his wrist to remind him of his choices.

He let out a sigh and folded up the paper and placed it on the nightstand. He wrapped himself under his blankets and actually tried to sleep. He hadn't been sleeping well since Sora had been gone. He knew he was strong, how could he not? But still, this was the first time Sora was out of Riku's sight. He almost always knew where he was, even when it was for...darker reasons. He always knew, but now he doesn't.

And now he feared most that he wouldn't be able to find Sora. He himself had been found before, despite all his attempts at hiding, and now he worried that he wouldn't be able to find Sora. But he always pushed those thoughts away.

"Sora saved me, so I will save him."

It was a promise he told himself every night, and he planned to keep it.

SOOOO....It was different in my head, but this was the closest I could get! This one was focusing around Riku :). The next fic will be surrounding Sora and his issues that better be addressed SOMEWHERE in a game. But yeah hope you like this💙💙.

#my writing #soriku #sora x riku #riku x sora #kingdom hearts #kh #Sora's mental issues and his anxieties NEED to be addressed PLEASE Nomura. I would love some comfort for dear Sora.#He deserves it😭#Anyways hope yall like this! It was difficult to put my image together but YEAH!! Please give me feedback and reblog!! Thank you!!

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physicalturian · 3 years

Text

Why don’t you listen to me? Law x GN! Reader - Part 6

Spoilers for : Punk Hazard and Dressrosa arcs [No gender used for the reader, no physical description, everyone is +18] Words : 5386 Archive of our own Blood, exhaustion, fighting, violence, despair, blood, flirting, tension, hope If you feel like I should put more warnings, send me a DM or an ask

… Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5

Before hitting the ground, Luffy blew himself large enough for all of us to bounce on his belly but I was a bit off to the side. I tried to reach him, but couldn’t. In the seconds it took for me to reach the ground, I saw my life flashed before my eyes, I heard Law yell at Luffy who reacted in no time and enlarged his hand enough to grab me in time. I hit the pirate’s hand with a loud thud and apologized to him, quickly getting off of him, stumbling as I did so. My head was feeling dizzy but I couldn’t take a break, everything was only starting and I had to be there to help.

I could sit down for a bit, it wouldn’t hurt, right? As everyone debriefed, I walked up to Law and sat by him, in silence. He was the first to speak.

“Sometimes I think you’re deaf.” He stated.

“I’m not, if that’s any reassurance.” I told him off-handedly, licking my thumb to brush some dried blood from my arms. I looked like the main character of the movie Carrie after her prom, it was a real sight.

“Then it just means you’re an idiot-“

“Exactly, but guess what? I’m an idiot because you make poor choices, so I think it’s on you.” I said in a light tone. Being next to him alleviated some of the stress my body was feeling, it wasn’t a cure at all but a small part had left and it felt nice.

He was about to answer something witty, probably, when I saw pure fear in his eyes. “It’s started… the birdcage.” He said in a weak tone. I looked up at where he was looking and saw the strings, Doflamingo’s strings, reaching towards the sky only to fall back down somewhere far away. I listened carefully as he explained what was the Warlord planning and panic came rushing back in, I hated this. I hated him, this man was atrocious and we needed to get rid of him, I was not going to say no matter the cost… but considering what was going to happen if we did not take him down… I was willing to sacrifice a few things if it meant taking him down.

We started talking about what we should do, when we heard Doflamingo’s voice all across the country. I didn’t want to listen to him, I couldn’t bear to hear his stupid voice nor see his face, so I helped Law sit up off his seat and sat across from him. “If we lost the key, it’s on Luffy.” I stated as I rummaged through my pocket to find anything that could help unlocking the cuffs.

“You’re not going to be able to pick it, stop trying.” He said as a matter of fact, his hands tied behind his back.

“I’m starting to think you like being tied up, Law.” I said jokingly, grabbing his hands to take a look at the lock. I was surprised when his hands grabbed mine, but it wasn’t to stop me, it was to hold them.

I looked up at his back, confused. But didn’t let go, instead I smiled for a moment, tightening my grip on his hands. It must have made him realize what he was doing, because soon after, he let go and uttered my name in a scolding way.

“What? I’m checking the lock. Unlike you, I would rather have you free than chained up-“ I paused and moved back in front of him, grinning, “Or do I? You are much calmer like that, it’s also a sight really.” Stop talking, god stop talking. Is this what you call flirting? Why would you flirt with him? Stop it.

He raised a brow, the faintest smirk on his lips. “I’m only calm because I lost a lot of blood, but if you’d like I can start telling you how idiotic it is to be here when I told you countless times to get out of the Dressrosa.” His smug expression was replaced by some sort of disappointment, a tinge of frustration tainting his tone.

“Right, I’m the idiot, right. Remind me who got in a fight with a Warlord a lot earlier than planned-“

He frowned and leaned forward, his face closer to mine now, and gritted through his teeth, “For the information, I’m also a Warlord, I could have handled him- But you had to be there and make things worse.”

Tilting my head to the side, I quirked a brow, it was a bit painful to hear him say that if I hadn’t been there, he could have taken him down. I knew he wouldn’t have been able to, but part of me thought it was true. “I’m sorry to hear that, I’m sure the beating you took was for the show, right? That doesn’t look like handling well, to me. But I could be wrong.” I shrugged, giving him a deadly glare as I spoke.

He was taken aback and scoffed, “Why were you even there? Why did you not follow the plan? Are you trying to make me mad?” He asked.

“Uh, not everything revolves around you. I make mistakes, ever heard of that?” I said in a defensive tone before continuing in a lower one, “I lost Zoro and Luffy, so I thought I should find you at Green Bits.” I didn’t want to make him mad per say… All my actions just happened to not be what he wanted me to do. A loud sigh escaped his lips. For a moment he let his head hang low before lifting it once more and looking at me with what I could only describe as tenderness.

“How are your arms?” He asked.

“How are my- How are my arms? How is your stomach?! You got shot three times! Don’t mind me, how are you, let me-“ I ignored his complains and scooted closer, taking a look at his wounds. I was not professional, but it was a bit strange there wasn’t a lot of blood there. He told me he was fine, that he was managing it well and had a plan but I was still worried. “You look so bad, are you sure you’re fine?”

He nodded and explained how he had made it through, and what he was planning on doing to get rid of the bullets then paused and looked at me intently. “Show me yours arms, I can’t do anything right now but I have to know if it’s bad.” He explained in a gruffy tone.

Grumbling, I rolled up my sleeves and showed him my bloody arms. Most of it was dried blood, but some cuts were deeper than others, especially the knife wound. “It’s not that bad, it just a scratch really compared to what you’ve been through-“

“Press around the wounds, does it hurt?” He asked in all seriousness.

Chuckling, I said half-jokingly, “Well if I press it, of course it hurts-“ He gave me a deadly glare and said to just do it. So, I did, and winced, but hid it the best I could.

“You probably have an infection, just from looking at it it’s not good. You’re not going to lose an arm though. Go back to the Sunny and get it treated,” I saw what he was doing, but I was not going back to the Sunny until everyone was going back. This was not over.

“You almost had me there, but no. I’ll help Viola look for the key.” I said with a mischievous grin as I stood up. Law called out my name in a warning tone, and stood up too, he almost lost balance but caught himself and looked down at me with a frown.

I asked, “How does it feel to not have things go your way? I can see you’re a bit tensed there, Captain-“ I felt a tension built between us at the words, the small fight we had before coming here came rushing back to my mind but I tried my best to ignore it. Suddenly I felt a weight on my shoulder, Law was resting his head on it and let out a loud breath.

“Glad to know I’m still your Captain,” My breath hitched at the words, what did he mean by that? Hadn’t he told me to leave, was he regretting his words?

“As your Captain, I’ll ask but one thing…” I tensed at his words, was he going to tell me to go again? I didn’t want to leave, and I was not going to. “Since you don’t want to listen to me, then… Be careful, don’t try to come for me if things go to shit.”

I gasped and put a hand on his cheek to lift his head and look at him in confusion, “I wasn’t going to- more like, I… Hey it’s for Bepo and the team that I’m doing that. They don’t know that you’re being a complete idiot right now, you’re going to get killed-“ I shut up when he stared at me, not believing what I was saying. I felt my face heat up and looked askance, my hand falling back to my side.

“The only thing that can kill me is Luffy’s stupidity, not Doflamingo,” He paused. The silence made things a bit too intense to my taste. We both know he was wrong, but I played along, just this time.

Meeting his eyes once more, I couldn’t look away. The pull I’ve been feeling this whole time came back in a powerful way and I wanted to pull him down and kiss him, but I couldn’t. He seemed to be thinking of what to say, opening his mouth only to close it again. Instead of saying anything, he leaned in and pressed a kiss on my forehead before leaving and joining Luffy’s side. I stood there in shock, how come such a simple action could make me turn into such a mess? It did not alleviate my worry of him getting killed by Doflamingo, if he went to find him in such state, but it sent a weird feeling in my stomach.

I heard Luffy yell in determination, it was quickly followed by Law’s complaints and Zoro’s questioning. Turning around I saw the way he was carrying both men, like they were weightless, two bulky men under his shoulders. The sight was a funny one to see, even more so when I heard Law’s scream when Luffy threw himself, along with the others, towards the ground. Once they were out of sight, I exchanged a few words with Viola, offering her some help to find the key. She politely refused, saying she knew where to find it and she was going to bring it to them in time.

“Then, what do I do?” I asked her, pulling my sleeves down. Both her and the two other men made a thinking face, Kyros said he was going to help people in the centre of town and did just that. King Riku said he was going to join them but was told to stay here. According to Leo from the Tontatta, help was coming and since King Riku was there years ago when they were allies with the Tontatta Kingdom, Viola said he should stay, just for that. She then looked at me and gave me a small smile, “You should stay too-“

“Hey, I’m not royalty or anything like that, I don’t need to be put on the side.” I stated, straightening my back. For some reason the look she was giving me made me think of one of pity, I didn’t like it. So, I tried to look at confident as I could.

“Look at you, you’re bleeding all over. I see the way you wince when you move, you should rest.” She said politely. I didn’t need polite, I needed this to be over with. But being told I should rest, hit my pride, I didn’t know why. I wanted to be useful.

“Luffy and Law are in a state just as bad as mine, and they’re going for Joker.” I gritted through my teeth.

“But they’re fighters, from what I gathered your devil fruit is one of teleportation. Is that correct?” She asked softly.

“Yeah.” I simply replied. I had no idea where she was getting but I was willing to listen for now.

Humming she tore a part of her dress, there was an underskirt underneath which left her still fully dressed. Approaching me, she extended her arm, asking me to show my arms. And I did.

“Then we’ll need you to rest until the Tontattas arrive. Your power will be useful to evacuate the citizens.” She explained, all the while wrapping, the best she could, the fabric around my wounds. I don’t know if it was going to be of any help, but I let her do it. When she stopped, she held my arms and looked at me fondly.

“King Riku, my dad… He’ll need a lot of help; He cares for his people. He can lead them, but he can’t save them all on his own. Please help his people, our people- we’ll need all the help we can get.”

Sighing, I supposed it was all that I could do. I was not looking for greatness, I was not looking to take down Emperors and Warlords, I just wanted to stay alive. And maybe I wanted my Captain to stay alive… if only to tell him how I felt. How egotistical was that? Moving my arms to hold her hands just for a moment, I nodded.

“Alright, but please find the key. Bring the key back to Law, if he stays chained up, he won’t survive and- and I don’t know what I’d do if he…” I couldn’t even finish that sentence, my breath hitched at the mere thought of him dying and I couldn’t bare it.

A soft giggle left the woman’s lips and she tightened her hands around mine for a second before letting go. “I’ll bring him the key, but don’t worry, I’m sure he wants to stay alive just as much as you want him to be.” I’m sure she meant something more from those words, but I ignored it and laughed.

“No, no. You don’t get it… He’s ready to die out there, and that’s what worries me.” I let out a shaky breath, but grinned tiredly, “If you see him, tell him he’s a fucking idiot and I’ll be waiting for him to come back, that- the crew is waiting for us at Zou wait no that’s too much, just tell him he’s an idiot.” I closed my eyes a moment, reflection on what I had said.

Right, an idiot but an idiot I’m worried about. An idiot that had no sense of self-preservation. An idiot that was willing to go down swinging if it meant fulfilling someone else’s will. But fuck, it was an idiot I loved.

Looking back at the princess, I nodded, “Right, right. Well, good luck with the key.” She thanked me and took off the moment we were done. I was left in the company of an old King who was believed to be dead as we waited for the Tontattas to arrive.

I didn’t know him, he did not know me, it was fair to say the mood was very awkward up until other people arrived. Viola returned after a while, and Usopp from the Straw Hat arrived too. I think I may have dozed off at some point, I did not know how, because I did not hear him arrive. However, I heard him scream when he saw the two Samurais. Then chaos ensued. I couldn’t quite follow their conversation; They were worried about someone name Manshelly but I did not know who it was except that she was very important to the Tontattas.

I tried to close my eyes once more, to rest, but it didn’t sit right with me. I wanted to move, do something. Which is what I did when I heard Viola say that Sugar was awake and that she had seen how things would happen in two minutes if we didn’t do anything. Usopp said he knew what to do, but as much as my Captain trusted the Straw-Hat crew, I had not fought with them. They owed us nothing, I did not owe them anything either. And if both Captains’ fate depended on one man, I did not want to bet everything on it. So, I jumped off the platform we were on and started making my way towards the castle, my jumps weren’t as far as they could be from one point to another but I tried to get there as fast as I could.

When I left everyone, I think I heard Viola called out my name but I ignored it, or tried to, at least, she was pretty insistent.

It’s only when it was far too late for me to turn around, that I realized I wouldn’t get there in time. I stopped dead in my track and looked up at the castle, letting a frustrated groan escape my lips as I fell to my knees. I felt like all I was doing was running around, a pointless repetition of actions that lead me to nothing. I was fucking useless.

Still staring at the sky, I saw something fly through and crash through one of the castle’s window. I could only hope it was Usopp’s plan and that it had work because at this point, I was too disheartened to go on. But screams were echoing around me, people running around, for their lives even though nothing much was happening yet.

Swearing under my breath, I placed my hands on my knees to catch my breath and sighed before turning around and making my way towards the extremities of the birdcage. On my way there, I bumped into many people, most of them were running away from the deadly sharpness of the birdcage. I let the healthy people run and helped out the one who seemed to have a harder time, or those who tumbled. I couldn’t carry many people at once, at best two or three but I was going to make a difference no matter what. The idea was to steal as much time, while keeping as many people alive, right?

I didn’t have to do much else, but run around once more. “Oh, fucking hilarious.” I thought out loud as I helped an old lady who had tripped. She looked up at me, curious and I gave her a curt smile and apologized for swearing before dropping her at a far distance from the bars of the birdcage. I did that for a long time, I did not see time fly by, not that I had any way of keeping track of it.

At some point, people joined in and started helping putting others to safety, from what I overheard they were helping in the name of King Riku. I was grateful for the help, even more so when I heard a loud crash coming from the castle.

Looking towards the building, I made sure the person in my arms was stable and stared directly in the direction of the crash. Very, very slowly, the corner of the castle slid off. Then I saw, from afar, two forms in the air. Taking a good look, I couldn’t hide the fear on my face. Someone must have seen me and understood, since I heard them say that I should go, they were handling everything. I didn’t see who it was, I was too distraught by the sight of Law hanging in the air by Doflamingo’s hands, as I started running towards the castle. I bumped into someone who held me in place for a moment before scurrying off. Not paying them any mind, I thought, I was closer than before but it was never enough, was it?

Seeing the scene from afar I was wondering where was Luffy, why was Law alone against Doflamingo? Sure, both were warlords but there was clearly a different in level between them, not that Law would ever admit it. He was too stubborn for that. I was too low on the ground to see what was going on up there, I couldn’t run and stare at the sky at the same time but when I did one last time, I saw Doflamingo raise his foot just like he did when he was going to take down the soldier. Except he was doing it on Law this time, he did not hesitate to slam it down his arm.

My heart caught in my throat and I kept running forward, bumping into people as I did so and ignoring fights, I could not participate in. Don’t do it, don’t do it, please let him live. Don’t do it. My legs were starting to feel shaky, I had to yell at myself to keep going. Exhaustion was taking a toll on me, exhaustion and stress, pure panic too. I couldn’t read lips, and even if I did, I couldn’t see well enough what was being said but I think there was a scowl on Law’s face. Now is not the time to be bitter, I thought, but I didn’t think too long on it and kept running.

He was in no state to take a beating, he had bullet wounds that needed healing. He took a beating right on the bridge, he was locked with Prism stone cuffs not too long ago. If he was to take a hit as strong as Joker’s, he wouldn’t get out of it alive, I just knew it. If he- I did not have time to finish my thought that Doflamingo pushed his leg, he slammed it into Law’s arm as he held him high in the air.

Then they were both crashing down.

I was close enough to hear to agonizing screams of my Captain.

My heart broke. It felt like a physical pain so much it hurt. He could still be alive, right? I paid attention to the moans of pain but soon enough, they stopped. No, no, he’s still alive, right? “The vivre card! I need- I need to see, if- no, not if, he’s doing great, he’s okay, he’s alright.” Patting the outside of my pockets, I desperately tried to hear the scrunching noise of paper in it only to hear nothing. “Fuck off, don’t- it’s in there, I know it.” I muttered, and pulled my pockets out, they were now upside down and out. “No, no, come on!! Come! On!!!” I cried out, my voice was hoarse but I did not realize it, I couldn’t hear much. My head was filled with a mantra, a hopeless attempt to believe he was alive.

Everything was leading to him being gone. If I did not have his vivre card, it meant it was used up, it meant he was, “Dead…” falling to my knees, I hit the ground and starting hitting with my full strength, hurting the side of my fists in the process. “Fuck!” I didn’t stop until I felt content, repeating over and over that I should have told him it was madness, I kept swearing, letting out all my frustration. The dread of the birdcage was forgotten, all I could think about was his body lying on the ground, motionless.

I jumped when I heard gunshots and paused, staring at my bloody fists. This was it. This was the only remaining proof that I needed to be sure he was gone. I scoffed, feeling gross from the running tears on my cheeks and the dripping blood from my hands. I couldn’t feel anything and yet felt soreness all over my body. I couldn’t keep pushing on, I couldn’t do anything.

I couldn’t save him. I couldn’t be of use. I couldn’t even get a hold of myself. I couldn’t fight.

I tried to tell myself that it was not the time for self-pity. I tried to shove away in the depth of my mind what I had just seen, to erase that scene from my memory but I couldn’t. I was going to sneak off to some other place, quieter, where I could gather my thoughts when I felt myself being thrown away by an explosion.

The only thing that caught my fall was glass debris under myself, and onto my hands. The strength of the blow came from Luffy and Joker’s fight. I was going to get up when I heard a loud sound. Looking around, I gasped, squinting my eyes, “Is it… moving? You must be shitting me…” I uttered; my voice shaky as I looked at the birdcage. Observing long enough, I came to the conclusion that it was indeed moving and sighed. Seconds after, I remembered that if it was closing on itself, people might be in danger. My body was telling me to stop, to get away, but people needed help.

I had to ignore my own stupid feelings and help them, I couldn’t stay here, even less so considering the intensity of the fight that was happening up there.

But I couldn’t reason with how I felt. I felt heavy, not from fatigue but from knowing I had lost him. There was no going back, I would have to survive and go back to Zou to announce everyone I had failed. I had promised to look over him, I had promised to them and to myself, but I failed.

Dusting off everything off my form, I stumbled when trying to stand up but held my ground. I couldn’t stop the tears from flowing but I could ignore it and hold back my sobs. Maybe I could replace this sadness when something helpful… like, anger, anger was nice.

Looking up I could see Luffy fighting and something sparked in my chest, it was because of him that Law was taken down. Where was he when my Captain was being held so high above the ground, he probably went rushing into danger as expected and ruined everything- “Everyone!! Get out of here!” I heard someone call out, it interrupted my inner monologue but perhaps was it for the good. I did not want to get mad at Luffy even though I still wanted to. Just a bit.

I looked around to see why did they want to move so desperately, but I did not have to wonder long. Fast enough, or was it fast? I don’t know how long I stood on that same spot, no one around me, but now I had to get moving. Fast enough, Doflamingo came crashing down somewhere in town. I almost lost balance at the quake it sent through the ground when his body smashed into the ground with full force from Luffy’s blow.

For a second I thought it was over, but as I approached the place where the Celestial Demon had fallen, I could see he was grinning. His fingers moving. Was it not enough? He looked so bad, he seemed in an ever worst state than I think I was and yet he was still up for more. Slowly, he stood up and I was not going to stay there long enough to see him standing, I couldn’t waste more time here.

As I ran away from the Celestial asshole, I almost got ran over my Luffy’s bouncing form. I used the little energy I had and teleported out of his collusion course. I could hear their fight going on, and hear it finish too. That’s when I stopped in my tracks and turned around, there lied on the floor the body of the Straw-Hat captain. Luffy, on the floor? Luffy, was defeated? I reacted out of instinct and teleported to his body, calling out his name.

“Luffy! Luffy get your ass back up, Mingo is still alive.” I shook him, at least tried to. His only response was to tell me he needed ten minutes. But we did not have ten minutes. I didn’t tell him that, fortunately someone had more trust in him than I did. He was dressed like a gladiator; I did not know where he came from but he helped Luffy onto his back and said we’d get him ten minutes.

Watching them go away, I called out, “I’ll-“ no it’s stupid, but stupid and improbable is what we need right now. “I’ll try to stall him! Even if I need to get him to the highest point and throw him off of it myself!!” I screamed from the top of my lungs.

Shuffling to my feet, I couldn’t teleport yet, I had no energy but I did start running to where Doflamingo was. He was a bit far away, but when I reached him, he was stumbling but still threateningly-so. In front of him, I could see the form Viola, she was standing right in front of him and took her cape off, showing her daggers.

I winced, highly doubting the damage she could do on a Warlord with simple daggers, then she started attacking. It was beautiful to watch, it was almost like she was dancing. When she went for his face, I smiled. The smile on my face did not stay long when Joker was now right behind her and he kicked her to the ground. I was surprised to hear a voice not far away and turned towards it. There was a girl with pink hair standing there, horrified to see Viola on the ground.

Looking back at the seer, she was rising from the floor, her hands behind her back. It was not from her free will that she was doing so, Doflamingo was pulling literal strings. “Hey asshole!!” Why did I call him out? He hadn’t seen me but now he knew I was there. Great way to use surprise as a way to get him. “You. You’re still alive. Ah, well, don’t worry. You’ll join Law soon enough,” He shrugged and moved his fingers, but I teleported out of his reach. I had to be able to get him one way or another, but since I got out of his reach, he attacked the pink-haired girl instead.

I heard Viola call her ‘Rebecca’, and calling her she did. She was trying to reassure the girl who now had her sword raised, I was confused at first until I saw the tears running down her face. She wasn’t in control; she was being manipulated by the blond fuck. I was trying to come up with a solution, anything, but I hardly believed those strings were cuttable nor did I have anything to cut them. But maybe by bringing his attention back on me, I could at least stall him or distract him.

So, I jumped from my spot, onto his back just like last time. He groaned and unlike last time, I did not have the strength the play rodeo and hold onto him for dear’s life. I was weakened, and couldn’t keep up with him. Grabbing me by the throat he lifted me, still manipulating the two women. “When will you learn to stay in your fucking place?” He grunted before slamming me into the ground.

A loud huff was all that escaped my lips, I couldn’t move anyway. The ground suddenly felt comfortable. The conversation that was happening in front of me was muffled, I couldn’t understand what they were saying but as Rebecca held back from making her way to Viola, Doflamingo was grinning. He was happy from all of this, but it didn’t last long.

The moment Rebecca was about to strike down Viola, the latter was replaced by Luffy- what? How did he get there? I was agape at what had been displayed in front of me, trying to comprehend. The only person I knew could do that was- “Law?” I sobbed in hope. Looking around to catch a glimpse of him, I felt desperate, I felt stupid. He was not here anymore, they somewhat managed to switched place- There he is. On the roof of that building.

[Part 7]

#trafalgar one piece #trafalgardwaterlaw #trafalgar law #one piece trafalgar law #trafalgar law x reader #one piece x reader #law one piece #law x reader #law x gn reader #why don't you listen to me #wdyltm #ao3 #writer #writings #fanfiction #ao3 writer #physicalturian #op x reader #reader

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onuscientia · 2 years

Note

" Do you ever miss seeing the light? " Losing one's sight was something he can sympathize with. But in Riku's case, it was by his own choice and wasn't permanent. He couldn't imagine where he might lose the ability to see the world and never be able to physically see his friends again.

PROMPTED ASK - [ ALWAYS ACCEPTING ] ;;

An inquiry most are too afraid to pose, in lack of understandable awareness that Ignis did not REGRET the choices he had made. Considering how greedy the Gods had been in the past, to merely lose his ability to see was an act of MERCY on their part, and he was hardly averse to being THANKFUL for it.

Still, it did NOT mean he didn't miss certain aspects of what he had lost. His ears were his eyes now, and his fingers when in range to touch and feel, but a SMILE could not be heard, beauteous scenery could not be FELT. Once little things he had taken for granted, now so very grand and missed.

" I do, " he simply says, turning his head to where Riku's voice had trailed from, " Yet, such does not mean any level of repentance has come from it. I lost my eyesight saving the one who matters the most to me. "

--- and he would do it AGAIN, no reservations, no hesitation. As long as NOCTIS was unharmed, untouched, ALIVE, Ignis would give his very life to see to it that that did not change.

" I suspect you would do much the same, as would others who have established an unbreakable bond with another. A fool's errand, in some regards, but it had to be done. "

#bravewielder #[ thank you for this!! this was such a good question. ;v ; <3 ]#IGNIS ;; ( ANSWERED ASK )#IGNIS ;; ( VERSE . AGE OF DARKNESS )

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mimiplaysgames · 3 years

Text

Terra Week Day 7 (Bonds/Fave Scene)

Summary: Terra lets his friends love him. | Word Count: 3,462

Read on AO3

A/N: For Terra Week 2021! You can find that account on Twitter!

~*~*~*~*~

At the end of the day, your chains weigh a burden. Share them. At the end of the night, your Bonds make you free. Mend them.

The stars wink sometimes, if you stare at them long enough.

Terra’s been lying on his back at the roof of the residential tower, where the slats are at a gentle slope so he’s not doomed to fall off. A small, square window behind him gives him easy access; he and Aqua used to waste many nights at this spot for years. Here, they can watch the sun rise behind the mountains, so they get the best of night and day.

The sound of the window slipping open means she’s here—he just wasn’t expecting the plop of an open book landing in his face.

“Look what I found,” she says, and he pulls darkness out of his eyes to see detailed drawings of a fox with a bow and arrow, talking to a large bear who is spying from behind a bush. Robin Hood and his sidekick, Little John. They used to role play as these characters when they were children for hours. Aqua lies down on the space next to him, careful not to slide too close to the edge.

“Thanks, I was looking for this earlier.”

“It was in the potions section. Do you remember putting it there?” He doesn’t, and she shrugs and rolls over to her side. “I forgot there was a part where he dressed up as a blind beggar to sneak into the prison.”

Terra flips pages. Many of them have multiple bends, bookmarks to areas of the story that the two of them enjoyed to play with. That is one of his favorite scenes, Robin Hood dressing in a long cloak and dark sunglasses to hide the fact that he is a fox (despite that it’s still obvious), shaking a beer jug for coins. Those goons he fooled are so dumb.

“It’s still kind of funny after all these years.”

“You would do something like that.” She hides her smile behind her fingers. “Dress up to trick the enemy so you could sneak in and save the hungry.”

“You’re making fun of me.”

She slaps his bicep. “I am not.”

It’s the greatest compliment he could receive but it’s also the greatest cringe. He’s always wanted to be compared to his hero... yet it’s still something he can’t quite believe, like there’s a twist to the joke, even though Aqua would never. She’d speak from the heart.

“Dress like this with me”—he shows a drawing of Robin Hood and Little John in their signature thief green tunics and hats—“and I’ll believe you.”

She rolls her eyes. “They don’t have any pants on.”

“That’s the point. We’d be wild.” Terra hides a smirk behind his finger.

“Only if you pay me a thousand munny.”

“... You know, that’s not going to be hard to collect.”

“A bold claim.”

“Okay, but if I end up collecting it all—”

“You’re seeing nothing.”

He laughs and she joins him, warm and painful in the stomach, something that hasn’t happened so sincerely since they have come back. Nights so far have been tight and insecure, as though laughing would expose them to an enemy hiding around the corner.

Out here, graced with the breath of fresh air, they’re safe under the guidance of the stars. It feels like a young night when their dreams for the future come uninhibited.

“I talked to Yen Sid,” she says once she’s able to slow down.

“And?” Terra swallows air down the wrong pipe and coughs.

She wipes a tear from her cheek. “I convinced him to change the standards of your Mark of Mastery.” Picking herself up by the elbows, she sighs. “Though I still think it’s unnecessary, if you want my opinion.”

Terra doesn’t agree, flipping towards the end of the book where Robin Hood and his love are sent off by a carriage, free from persecution. “What are the new terms?”

“Everyone is splitting up to look for Sora and… I proposed searching for him in the Realm of Darkness.”

Terra rolls to his side, dropping the book, all joy that stayed with them minutes before now drained away. He speaks softly. “You want to go through that again?”

She purses her lips. “I don’t want to, but if it helps with finding Sora, then what other choice do I have?”

Terra hums. “I understand. It’s just… you’ve been through so much already, Aqua.”

“It’s crazy it’s been twelve years,” she mutters before perking up and pretending it’s not a heavy subject. “If you survive the Realm of Darkness, then Yen Sid will name you Master.”

Terra sputters. “Are you serious?”

She giggles. “Partially, but that did come out of my mouth in the meeting. Ven would want to come with us of course, but Yen Sid is most concerned about your affinity to Darkness… which isn’t fair.” She brings her knees to her chin. “We all carry Darkness, and you have already shown, twice now, that you are able to face yours and defeat it. So, I suggested you come with me and face the Master of Darkness yourself.”

“What do they look like?”

“Whatever you think it looks like.” She shrugs. “Yourself.”

Terra doesn’t know what to say. He traces the ridges of the slats in front of him. The Realm of Darkness is a different plane of existence entirely, one where the rules of Light don’t apply, where logic makes no sense and there’s only the constant pressure of regret and succumbing, based on what he’s read from the books. From what he’s heard from her, Darkness is the never-ending fight of giving yourself reasons to keep waking up the next day—when there’s no reason to.

“Twelve years,” he muses. “I couldn’t have survived if that were me.”

Aqua sombers, watching the horizon for the outlines of mountains that you can only see in the night if you squint. “It’s not so different from what you have told me.” She looks at him. “About Nowhere and not knowing when it would end. If it would ever.”

Terra rolls back to look up at the stars. Darkness gives them room to shine. “So all I have to do is survive while we search for Sora?”

“When you say it like that,” she says with a mock-wave. “You know, twelve years isn’t that long. How about we make it twelve days? Survive twelve days and you’re Master. That sounds fair.”

He does a double-take. “That’s not funny. What’s wrong with you?”

“I’m taking a page out of your book and making inappropriate jokes.”

He groans. “This is why you’re not funny.”

“I am, you just won’t admit it.”

He shakes his head, but he can admit it brings a smirk to his face.

The window slips open again with a thud, Ven’s golden head of hair sticking out but not joining them. “You two are the most predictable ever. It was easy to find you.”

“You’re predictable for looking for us,” Terra reminds him.

“Did you find the thing?” Aqua asks, her head leaning back to address him.

“We did.”

That’s right. We. They accepted another member to the family the day of the Master’s memorial, when a talking cat-thing appeared out of nowhere and crashed the end of the eulogy. Terra and Aqua haven’t found a trace of its breed in any of the books in the library (five floors of it). They call it Cheers (because “Chirithy” is a ridiculous name; how in any star can anyone pronounce such a thing?), and every time they ask it questions about its past and how it knows Ven, it responds with more vague questions. Otherwise, it doesn’t offer much opinion. Much like that stupid book, Affairs of the Heart.

But Ven inexplicably has a bond to it, and they are simply going to have to trust his heart.

“What thing are we talking about?” Terra asks.

“Can’t tell you,” Ven quips. “Sworn to secrecy.”

“To who?”

“Come with us, Terra.” Aqua stands up, brushing dust off of her drapes and bending to squeeze through the window.

Just when he was getting comfortable.

Lanterns light the way. Aqua likes to be in charge of how bright they get, and tonight they shine for a feast, bright with a cheery kick, glistening the golden halls of the castle as though it’s sitting in daylight. She marches to the entrance hall where they held their Mark of Mastery years ago. Cheers is already here with two books and a bouquet of flowers on one throne and more knick-knacks on another that Terra doesn’t have a reference for.

“What’s this about?”

“An honorary title ritual.” Ven cranes back into his own arms, proud of himself. “We found a couple of books on how they did it in the Age of Fairytales. A lot of it we can’t translate, but it’s pretty cool.”

“A title ritual?” Terra asks Aqua, who is stroking the middle throne where the Master used to sit, eyes closed in prayer.

“An honorary one.” She brings her hands to her heart. “I believe the Master really wanted to name you Master. And I agree. Riku does, too. I know you want to prove yourself and do it traditionally, but we wanted to do a little something special for you. A title that only we know of so you can keep it to yourself and no one else has to find out.” She steps down. “Until you want them to.”

“Aqua…”

“This is my thanks for what you’ve given me.” She summons Rainfell, and it springs in her hand among glowing petals and a swirl of waves, a second quicker to respond than the aged and wise Defender. She’s whole.

“It looks like so much fun, too,” Ven says with puppy-dog eyes.

“You deserve it,” Aqua says.

“Pfft,” goes Cheers.

“We’re supposed to be equals,” Aqua continues, twirling her Keyblade like it’s as natural as wiggling her fingers. “The Master said so that day.”

“Just say yes.” Ven nudges his elbow. “Roxas already calls you Master.”

Terra coughs on a snort. “Does he?”

“He calls all of us Master for some reason.”

“Maybe it’s because he thinks you’re all old,” Cheers mutters but Ven continues—

“When I tell him there has to be official recognition and an exam, he just shrugs.” He raises his shoulders too high to his ears for a good imitation. “He says, What difference does a dumb test make?” Ven is trying to act voguish, but it makes him look dorky instead. “Master Ventus sounds pret-ty cool if I say so myself.”

“Ahem,” Cheers announces, broadening its arms to command attention. All it needs is a conductor’s baton. “Shall we begin?”

“Do it with us?” Aqua pouts and raises her eyebrows, joining Ven in the ridiculous charade of coaxing Terra into playing along.

Terra huffs. “Okay.”

Both of their faces beam, Aqua throwing a sheepish high-five to Ven’s enthusiastic holler, giggling like they’ve won a game. It’s touching.

“I’ll need your Keyblade,” Aqua says, handing over Rainfell. “Trade?”

“Huh?”

“Standing Masters must accept the Blade of the candidate. To bless it,” Cheers says like it’s the most obvious thing in the world.

“If you say so,” Terra says, straining a chuckle from pouring out in case Cheers gives him a death glare. He summons Earthshaker and lends it to Aqua by the hilt. Rainfell is as light as a feather, as it has always been—he held it when she first called it at the age of thirteen, surprised by the paper-lightness of its weight, wondering How in the stars do you expect to hit anything with this? when he’ll learn the truth later that she hits just as hard as he does.

It doesn’t feel arrogant and big like a Master’s Keyblade. It just feels like Aqua’s, the longest friend he’s ever had.

“Terra. How on earth—?” Aqua grunts and pulls. Earthshaker screeches across the floor, and she takes breaks before inhaling and dragging it more. “So impractical.” She cries a sigh of relief when she reaches the throne.

“Now the masks, in accordance with tradition,” says Cheers, peeking into one of the books.

“Oh.” Ven hurries over to the other throne, grabbing thin, plastic masks Terra’s seen in amusement parks, with the rubber strings that cut into your circulation. “Masks apparently were really fancy in the old days.”

“Yes,” Cheers says. “Made of porcelain and leather. Very tasteful.”

“This is what we got.” Ven showcases three tacky half-face masks of a pig, a bee, and a frog like a deck of cards. “Which one do you want to be?”

Cheers wrinkles its snout in disgust.

“The pig is kind of cute,” Terra says. It’s bright pink, with holes cut out in the eye sockets and a tout nose. The string squeezes him around the temples, so he hopes the ceremony will be quick.

“You be the frog, Aqua.” Ven hands over her mask and dons the bee, complete with springy pom-poms for the antennae.

“Don’t forget the robes,” Aqua says as she slips the frog on, lumpy and shiny, bracing herself so that Earthshaker leans on her hip.

Ven comes back with three of the Master’s hand-me-downs. They smell like dust from a damp dresser. The one given to Terra is too short, and the one Ven is wearing drags on the floor. Aqua’s hangs off the shoulder (We’re going to need to hire a seamstress, she mutters).

“Now we shall truly start,” Cheers says.

“Why does Cheers get to lead this?” Terra asks.

“Because Aqua is the one to honor you and Ven is the witness,” Cheers says. Duh. “Master Aqua, you understand what you must do.”

Aqua holds Earthshaker by the hilt like one of those knights in the attic, its point at the floor. It’s bigger than Rainfell, reaching up to her chest. She gestures for one of the books and Cheers is too eager to turn to the right page and hand it over.

“That book?” Terra rolls his eyes, remembering that no one else can see.

“Yep.” She brings Affairs of the Heart closer to her face, frowning before checking her attitude and reciting:

Thus a wield'r and a cousin, so longeth as thy heart stayeth true, and thy duty vows to who, a mast'r to the endeth, so longeth as thee behold not backeth.

She sniffs and double checks the passage, her chin wrinkling.

“That’s it?” Ven asks. “What the stars does that even mean?”

“You shall also honor your bonds,” Aqua says, whipping her nose out of the book.

“You’re improvising,” Terra says.

“And never scare me again.”

“Mmm—”

She slams the book on his head with enough pressure to make him nod. “Say yes.”

“Yes, Master.”

She chuckles.

“Now we shower the room with flowers,” Cheers says.

Ven gathers up the flowers he plucked—a mix of withering vanity plants, such as tulips, and weeds, such as dandelions late into their development, where they spit white fuzz.

“That’s all you have?” Aqua says.

“It’s late into the season,” Ven says, defensive. “And you didn’t want to wait too long for me to get more.”

He throws them and they droop down to the ground, crinkling on the floor in an unceremonious finish and lack of climax. Terra brushes two petals off of his shoulder.

Cheers stares in contempt. “Well… it is done.”

“Now I call you,” Aqua says, licking her lips as they tremble, and she stops to cup her cheek and compose herself. “Master Terra.”

Master Terra.

He doesn’t know how to feel when she leans his Keyblade toward him. Earthshaker feels the same–not more powerful, not more wise, but a friend patting his back. But what for?

“Has a nice ring to it,” Ven says. “Master Terra.”

“How do you feel?” Aqua says, slipping fingers under her mask to wipe her eyes.

“I don’t know, I guess I expected to feel… something that justifies it all. But I’m still me.”

“Isn’t ‘me’ the person who spent all these years studying for Mastery?”

“Yeah, but it doesn’t make sense in my head.”

“I felt the same way,” Aqua says quietly. Cheers is closing books and picking up dry flower petals, urging Ven to help. “Without you by my side, it just felt… a little empty and confusing.”

“I never congratulated you.”

“I’ll do it first. Congratulations.” She smirks, her cheek wet under the frog mask.

Terra pulls off his mask—ignoring Cheers when it squeaks, Excuse me, but that must stay on for the rest of the night out of respect for your appearance—and studies her. “What’s that look for?”

Aqua pulls hers off as well, her eyes red but soft and happy. “I want to see Yen Sid’s face when he names you Master and I get to tell him that I already did.”

He snorts. “What if he objects?”

“What if he’s too stuck up in past grievances and can’t appreciate you for who you are or what you’ve accomplished?” Cradling Rainfell in the grip of her hand, she nods to herself. “Who gives him a say? I spent twelve years in the Realm of Darkness. Not him. There were some things the Master was wrong about. Do you know why that is?”

Terra wants to say it’s because the Master was afraid, but he won’t speak over her. “Why?”

She looks away at a wall, blinking too much. “I’ll never use it again. It makes me feel like I’m not thinking straight, that I’m too close in making a fatal mistake I can’t take back. But I can’t help but feel there’s a purpose for it. Darkness exists not to put us astray on our path but to help us understand ourselves and our needs better.” When she speaks with this much conviction, Aqua seems the tallest in the group. “Within us, it needs comfort as much as the Light needs faith.”

“That’s what makes the heart strong enough to protect what matters.”

Aqua smiles. “That’s why.” When he’s about to object, she places a hand on his shoulder. “The Master is no longer with us. If you continue like this, who’s to say you’ll be okay with Yen Sid accepting you as well?”

She’s right. “I just think I need to do more to atone.”

“Atone?”

“I faced the Darkness, and maybe I’ve won. Sure.” Terra shrugs, and the change in tone catches Ven attention, who ignores his immediate chores to come close and remove his mask. “But I’m still missing the same Light you have, Aqua. The one that made you, Master, as you deserve. Mine is not that strong.”

Ven sighs.

Aqua opens her mouth to say something but stops herself, searching his eyes with a gentle mix of love and skepticism. “There’s something I never told you.” She rubs her palms together. “In the Dark Realm, I… there were many moments where I wanted to give up.

“I saw you once, a bright light standing in front of me. You talked to me. You protected me from Xehanort, and you told me to never give up.” She breaks, swiping her eyes and sniffling loudly, willing her body to breathe normally.

Terra stares at her. “I thought I made that up.”

“No,” she says, smiling and shaking. “You never stopped lighting me back, either.”

Ven holds her hand, silently crying with her. He looks up at Terra, as he’s done for years, worshipping the ground Terra walks in, thinking he is a prime example of what a Keybearer should be. They did this because they believe in him.

“Thanks for doing this for us,” Ven says quietly, and Aqua nods in agreement. And Terra takes them in his arms, Aqua under his right and Ven under his left, letting them sink their faces into his chest and wraps their arms around his waist.

“Thank you for always being there.” Terra doesn’t know what else to say that would measure what they mean to him. Forgiveness is not a real friend, and they don’t have reasons to give it to him, but he hugs them close without going too tight, his tears falling on their crowns.

“We still have things to clean up,” Cheers mutters.

“Come here.” Ven opens an arm to which Cheers happily accepts, nuzzling its nose into Ven’s neck. It’s only cheerful with him. Terra is most cheerful with all of them. A broken home renovated, a hearth revived, a clear sunrise over the mountains.

Those who know him as Master Terra hold onto him dearly, under a night sky that waits behind stained glass in a moment they keep to themselves, where the future is irrelevant and the past goes to sleep.

#terra #kh terra #kingdom hearts fanfiction #kh fanfic #aqua #ventus #AHHHH it's finally done OMG #i'm so burnt out and tired hahaha #my fic

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cienie-isengardu · 3 years

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The development of Law’s relationship with Zoro - Part 4: Dressrosa, The Breaking Point (Aftermath)

<<Part I: Before Meeting>> <<Part II: Sabaody Archipelago, The First Meeting>> <<Part III: Punk Hazard, The Alliance (A)>> <<Part III: Punk Hazard, The Alliance (B)>> <<Part IV: Dressrosa, The Breaking Point (The Plan Failed)__ (Saving Law)__(Protecting Law)__ (Birdcage, Pica and Doflamingo)__ (Aftermath)>>

Even though admiral Issho alongside with his men officially apologized to King Riku and the citizens, the king made sure the “outlaws” were hidden from marines. Straw Hats, Law, Bellamy and Kyros ended sheltered in Kyros’s home where he once lived with Scarlet and little Rebecca. First time in a long time, the allied pirates were together again. In the night, Sabo visited the house, but beside Zoro, Franky and Robin, everyone was sleeping. The four had a talk about Sabo’s past and the best time to leave Dressrosa before marines will attack them.

Law’s sleep position was much more relaxed and open than the one from the beginning of Dressrosa arc (chapter 794). Maybe it was just the result of total exhaustion and injuries or maybe Law, after so long of stressing and worrying, finally could relax knowing that A) Doflamingo was in marine custody thus no longer a threat and B) he was safe around Straw Hats.

The available room was small but Law could choose any spot to sleep. Instead, he was shown lying close to drinking Zoro (by frame layout alone, again in between Roronoa and sleeping on bed Luffy, this time without any danger around). Zoro most likely planned to stay awake through the whole night for security measures (he has this habit of sleeping just 3 hours per night after all) and taught by experience, Law didn’t have any reason to doubt that if attacked, the swordsman would protect him, the same as he did during battle.

Law didn’t even bother to pretend he was cautious or wary, he simply slept, trusting allies to take care of their safety.

With Zoro, Franky and Robin being the only one awake, there is a high probability they talked about the latest events. How their fights went, what they learned, what to focus on, what to watch out for in the future with angered Kaido as the next goal on alliance’s list. It’s hard to tell for sure if Robin told others about Law’s choice to stay behind and whether in victory or death, share Luffy’s fate. On one hand, it was a choice made under strong emotions, trauma and even the feel of responsibility for Straw Hat’s wellbeing. A choice made because of very personal matters. On second hand, exactly because it happened under such pressure it was the most sincere side of Law Robin had a chance to see for herself. She and Zoro are the least trusting members of the crew and that night was the best moment to discuss in detail what happened and in the process dispel any remaining doubts about Law as their ally. Both saw his determination and fighting spirit, knew he saved their crew members and kept Luffy out of harm's way despite his own injuries and finally, both had some understanding of Law’s hidden goal in Doffy’s destruction. They may not know the whole truth, just the nature of it, but that was enough because Trafalgar did not betray them. And well, he had the suicide feel about himself what could raise some concerns about him too.

I personally think such talk could happen that night, when memories of battle were still fresh in their mind and everyone out cold beside the three of them. The exchange of information could be another reason for the change in Zoro’s behaviour.

For the three days, the Straw Hat-Heart alliance was left in peace by marines. Once again Law was exposed to Luffy’s antics but this time Zoro acted in a more open way, even showing his more usual irritation at other people’s odd behaviour, including his own captain:

Interestingly, there is a visible shift in the arrangement of characters positions - during battle it was usually Zoro-Luffy-Law and the dynamic changed mainly in face of danger. Now with upcoming frames somehow Law was put more often in the middle between the other Supernovas. Even though Trafalgar still kept some tangible distance from others, judging by their (not so strictly stoic anymore) behaviour, it seems like he and Zoro were now more comfortable around each other.

Then the navy finally made its move against pirates. Unlike Usopp, Zoro and Law didn’t show any distress. Bartolomeo and other fighters prepared themselves for such an occasion by securing for Luffy’s group a safe escape route. Instead of running away with his friends, Luffy decided to visit Rebecca - now a princess - and confront her about her family matters.

Zoro reminded Luffy they don’t have time, so he better get it done quick while the rest will wait in eastern port...

and then again, run in the wrong direction.

At this point, Law may have a good suspicion about Zoro’s no sense of orientation (chapter 797). And who knows, maybe he ran alongside Zoro (on picture below, behind Kinemon and Robin), to make sure the infamous Pirate Hunter did not wander unexpectedly somewhere else… that, or both planned to linger behind and secure the group retreat.

The fellow fighters came to their aid, keeping marines far away from Straw Hats. At the same time, Law disappeared without a word, to find and confront recently arrived on the island Sengoku (unless he did mention his intention to Zoro, while they ran side by side??). Frankly, the manga did not provide the reaction of Zoro nor any other member of Straw Hat crew to Law’s disappearance, so it’s impossible to say if they were worried about him or simply trusted in his strength to return on his own on time.

Meeting with Sengoku was one of the most important breaking points for Law. As it turned out, the former fleet admiral treated Donquixote Rosinante - Law’s savior - as a son. And for thirteen years did not understand why his beloved son didn’t follow the order to stay away from Minion Island.

“One day… a soldier I knew died. He was someone I cared about, someone who meant something to me. I took him in as a boy… and treated him like a son… He was as honest and upright a person as I ever knew… and a valuable, trustworthy subordinate. But there was one time, just once in his life, that he lied to me. I had been betrayed… but there must have been a reason for it. Four things disappeared in the chaos of that fateful day. The Barrels Pirates, the life of my subordinate, the Ope-Ope fruit… and a boy with White Lead disease who was with the Donquixote Family at the time.”

Law admitted he was the boy and confirmed that Rosinante left his post and died because of him. Admitted also he didn’t know if the way he lived was what Cora wanted.

First time in 13 years, Law was assured that there wasn’t any hidden goal in Cora’s decision to save him. The man saw a dying, hurt child with the spark of his brother’s madness and decided Law was worth loving and dying for. It was unconditional love, without any “if” or “but”. The “D.” name and the usefulness of Ope Ope no Mi did not matter. Even stopping Doflamingo meant then little. The only thing Rosinante wanted was to save Law and make him finally free. Sengoku literally told Law to not “attach a reason to the love you’ve received”.

Apparently, english “I love you” does not carry the whole meaning of the original phrase “Aishiteruze (愛してるぜ)”. Rosinante’s declaration was along the “I can’t live without you” level of loving someone (x). Now, after so many years of hiding from Donquixote Pirates, planning and scheming and living just to kill Cora’s murderer, Law finally understood the depths of Rosinante’s love. The breaking point is that: Law at last knows (accepts) he was unconditionally loved and now, is free from Doflamingo for good. He can allow himself to finally live without doubts and regrets the way he wants, without a sense of failing some unknown to him expectations. And I think, to some degree, it is the reason why Law’s secretive / introverted behavior changed into a more open, relaxed act around Zoro and Straw Hats. Because he finally could relax, be comfortable with himself.

Due to danger from admiral Issho, Law couldn’t spend more time with Sengoku and had to run to the rendezvous point. Surprising, no Straw Hats waited for him (in the sense, weren’t shown in the frame). Even more surprising is the lack of Zoro between former colosseum fighters in the frontline of the fight. Anyway, Luffy showed up soon after Law but instead of dodging the blind admiral, attacked him. Because to be Pirate King he must face everyone: Warlords, Admirals and Emperors and beat them down.

Zoro in general agreed with Luffy’s reasoning (chapter 799) but did not exactly understand the way Luffy fought against Issho, telling his blind opponent what kind of attack he was going to use. The admiral himself was very surprised by that too, but ultimately accepted and even respected Luffy’s weirdness. In the end, Issho managed to send Luffy flying - what happened to be a favorable circumstance for allied fighters. They catched Luffy and despite Straw Hat’s protest, dragged him to safety. Zoro was happy about that too, but for a different reason - he wanted to take Luffy’s place to fight with a powerful enemy. Bartolomeo thankfully managed to stop the battle-lusting warrior.

Law’s reaction to that event wasn’t shown but once again he had a chance to see Zoro’s insanity when it came to fighting a strong enemy. Zoro and Luffy in that regard were very similar to each other.

Straw Hats-Heart alliance finally got on ship, the Yanta Maria and with the help of people of Dressrosa (who under the pretext of chasing the pirates away, were actually protecting them from the admiral's deadly attack), the alliance sailed away safely.

Zoro and Law's reaction to Yanta Maria was visibly distinctive from pleasant shock of others (open jaws). Zoro smiled, Law, judging by the frown, looked unimpressive. Both their reactions were more quiet and toned down.

On the ship, Bartolomeo and fellow fighters asked Luffy to drink with them “cups of Father and Sons”, to officially accept them as his underlings.

Luffy of course refused, because he A) didn’t like alcohol and B) didn’t want to be captain of such a big fleet. Zoro warned his allies they wasted time trying to change Straw Hat’s mind (and to just give the sake to him). Yet the fighters were ready to force Luffy into accepting the drink. Further Luffy’s explanation only confused everyone (beside Straw Hats) even more. Including Law.

And then Law’s attention immediately turned to Zoro, who, taking advantage of the opportunity, started drinking sake from Luffy’s cup to Usopp’s displeasure.

Finally, Luffy managed to explain his reasoning:

“If I ever think we’re in trouble… I’ll shout for your help. Then you can come save us! I don’t have to be a boss or a great pirate, right?! If you’re in trouble, call for us!! We’ll come and help you!!! I won’t forget about how we fought Mingo together!!

And the Seven Leaders admired and accepted Straw Hat’s decision. But since Luffy was all about freedom, they simply followed his example. Whether Luffy liked it or not, they decided on their own to make him their boss.

Law thus witnessed the founding of the Great Fleet of Straw Hats. And yet, somehow it looked like he was more interested in Zoro’s drinking sake behind Luffy’s back.

When party started, everyone celebrated their great victory (chapter 800):

Luffy, like always, was in the centre of everything. Law, though smiling, kept his distance from Zoro and other partying people. But soon after that Law’s personal space was invaded by Zoro.

The anime expanded this little moment, first showing Zoro approaching Law sitting alone, asking to join the rest. And then, ignoring any protests, just threw his arm around the other man’s neck. Law’s face spoke how much he minded such treatment and had no dignity about that:

During parties, Zoro always spent his time sharing alcohol with people who fought side by side with him (Paulie, Water 7/Enies Lobby) or actually were his opponents (Braham, Skypiea). Zoro didn’t have a habit of forcing people to drink with him or asking (introverted) person who clearly wanted to be alone to join the bigger group. He himself rarely joined larger groups and usually just sat somewhere far from the noise with a few people around. So, Zoro most likely understood Law's isolation since he used to do so himself. Here though he was the one invading Law’s personal space and not giving a damn if the man was happy about it or not. On second thought, if Law didn’t want to join the others, it made sense for Zoro to join him. In a sense, it could be Zoro’s way to break the ice between them. What is even more interesting, considering the palpate distance he kept from Law at the beginning of the story. The second important detail - Law could easily get out of that situation by using Ope Ope no Mi powers. A simple switch of the places and he would be free for good. Yet Law remained, despite how awkward and/or outside of his comfort zone it was.

We may only wonder what made Zoro act in such an uncommon way. Was that respect for Law forged in the heat of battle? Did it bother him that Law after everything was done, still isolated himself? Did it look like Law felt discomfort to be around people he barely knew or interacted with and who all pledged loyalty only to Straw Hats, thus Zoro decided to keep him company?

Zoro initiating physical contact in itself is an uncommon occurrence. Because as much as Straw Hats pirates can - and will - invade Zoro’s personal space, Roronoa is not exactly the type of person open to such contact. Once again, the shift between the beginning (visible distancing) and ending (invading Law’s personal space) of the Dressrosa arc is tangible. Somehow between one and the other, breaking point in Law and Zoro’s relationship happened and changed for good their dynamic. What was seen day(?) after the party (chapter 801):

Law and Zoro sat close to each other, the previous distance gone. Zoro was reading newspapers, indifferent to his surroundings - instead of facing and observing the Heart captain, like he used to do at the beginning. Both men looked like they were comfortable around each other, even despite - or maybe, because of - the shared (forced?) drink. The change in Zoro’s behaviour is diametrical.

Like was said at the beginning, Dressrosa Arc is one big breaking point. It changed the status quo of pirate alliance and Luffy’s position, from rookie pirate to leader of a powerful fleet. It will lead to the complete dissolution of the Shichibukai system and for good push the main hero into collision with Emperors. For Law alone, Dressrosa was like opening old, still not healed wounds but also so needed a moment of catharsis. He was ready to die there, but was saved time after time by allies. In a sense, it was the final test of how strong the alliance was before facing angry Kaido.

Law changed a lot through the course of action. Or maybe not really changed, but like allowed himself to show hidden emotions and trauma. The cold-blooded, scheming pirate who planned to use Straw Hats crew (and spare his own) turned out to be a man willing to sacrifice himself to finish what his savior started but couldn’t do himself. Who came to believe in Straw Hats, as the ones who made miracles happen. Not only Luffy, but the crew as a whole.

The same as Zoro finally saw Law in hopeless, awkward, sometimes outright humiliating situations (anime extension), Law’s impression of Roronoa cracked too. No sense of direction, insanity to laugh at the dangerous enemy and enjoying the thrill of fight, the fondness of alcohol -- all of this created anew image. This time more flawed but at the same time, more real, human. Despite the flaws and awkwardness of previous situations, both proved to be strong-willed, cool-headed warriors one may rely on in difficult times. Zoro stretched out his hand to him, broke the ice, abandoned the distrust that distanced them for a long time. It seems like Law was finally fully accepted by Roronoa and all unsaid things between them settled down for good.

At the same time, the arc showed their similarities. Both were the quiet ones, the type of people who kept distance from others. The ones with pragmatic thinking in contrast to Luffy’s chaotic madness. Zoro for sure was a helpful presence during running from enemies and meeting a weird fighter after another, especially since he did try to keep his captain in check. That it didn’t work for a long time is a different matter.

Anyway, looking at the beginning and end of Dressrosa arc, there is a visible change in how Zoro and Law acted around each other. How the neutrality changed into something more comfortable.

Here comes things worth examining a bit more.

↪ The Seven Leaders pledged loyalty only to Straw Hat Pirates. As long as alliance between Luffy and Law will work, this is not a big issue and to take down all Emperors, every additional help was good. But if ever those two pirate crews will fall apart, Luffy literally just gained a powerful fleet, thus has advantage over rival captain.

↪ Straw Hats & Heart captain worked together to take down Doflamingo. Luffy of course was the one that finished the enemy, but overall, Luffy’s victory was a result of teamwork between pirates, colosseum fighters, marines and common people. As much as Trafalgar Law was well known as the Shichibukai, Luffy and Zoro were in fact the ones that made the biggest impression on people (colosseum fight, defeating Doffy & destroying Pica) and actually interacted during battle with other fighters. Frankly, both showed their charismatic nature that made people believe in and follow them. Luffy became the hope of the whole country. Zoro was the spark that united people to stop the birdcage and brought Luffy the needed time to recover. Law is powerful and has a reputation and knows how to deal with different people to get what he wants, but he is not really good at interhuman relationships in general. Luffy gains friends on the left and right. Zoro, despite being asocial, rude and introverted person, has the impressive air about himself that often makes him look like the coolest person who is not afraid to challenge everything and everyone; for whom impossible does not exist (destruction of Pica, stopping birdcage). Law… kinda lacks in that department.

↪ Because of the made impression on other fighters, there is a big chance Law may have heard some retelling of the events during the party. Luffy and Zoro aren’t men who brag about their exploits, but Bartolomeo and his companions had a lot to share about battle. With so much alcohol and so many strong individuals that were very impressed by Straw Hats deeds, it seems logical that tales of battle would sooner than later be told. Especially by devoted fans like Bartolomeo. Zoro’s daring plan to defeat Pica and stop Birdcage could be recalled by those fighters who saw it themselves, filling Law with missing fragments of the battle.

↪ Frankly, shonen mangas have this one upside down that the final boss must be defeated by the main hero. Which means that characters who actually could do something useful (damaging) to the enemy are pushed to the sideline. Like Robin, who can snap a person's neck from far away thanks to Hana Hana no Mi. Or Zoro, who could join the other Supernovas in their fight against Doffy (either before Law’s threatening injury or after, instead of stopping the birdcage). Or dwarf princess could heal Luffy for a few minutes to finish Mingo once and for good. It’s not exactly a complaint, because it's the standard formula of One Piece story, but because of such, Law and Zoro were pushed into the background, for Luffy to shine. For most of the arc, Luffy was the main figure in the dynamic of Supernova Trio. They did not interact much in words, but the layout of frames - the character position and background activities - created the feeling of the slowly forming bond between Zoro and Law. Now, after Doffy’s defeat, there is a shift next to whom Trafalgar sticks (Zoro) and Luffy is unnecessary for them to interact on their own.

↪ Law didn’t care how high was the newest reward for his head. In contrast, Zoro was pleased to learn his own increased a lot. Even asked for alcohol to celebrate. What could turn into another moment of Zoro dragging Law into drinking.

↪ The last detail (though I’m afraid it may vary from one translation to another) is the way Law addressed his allies. Luffy usually was the Straw Hat-ya. The girls were titled as Nami-ya and Nico-ya. Usopp as Nose-ya, Sanji as Black Leg-ya, Chopper as Tony-ya. Unless I missed it, I don’t think Law addressed Zoro directly to use either his name or made up nickname. They really didn’t talk much throughout the course of the story. There is a chance it happened after freeing Dressrosa - either during the three days when everyone waited for Luffy to wake up or during the party, once alcohol was shared. Zoro, depending on translation, called him either Law or Traffy (or similar form of the nickname).

With the chapter 802, the Dressrosa arc can be considered closed. Now, the Straw Hats-Heart pirate alliance sail to meet their missing crewmembers and to prepare for the fight with angry Kaido. How truly comfortable Law and Zoro became around each other will show the next place: Zou.

#one piece #roronoa zoro #trafalgar law #The development of Law’s relationship with Zoro #zoro & law #monkey d. luffy #straw hat grand fleet #my analyze #finally the dressrosa is done #dressrosa arc #man this arc was painful to write down #so many things happenings #on one hand so little zoro & law moments #on another the effects and differences between zoro & law and luffy gave a lot to think about

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thekingmickey · 4 years

Text

Emotional Spiral and Drabble

One of the core reasons why the King still carries an unnecessary amount of misplaced guilt for past events is because he had spent so much time dreading the reactions from his friends and family.

He feared that they would hate him for the lies he told and the secrets he kept. And after years of silently dreading their potential reactions, the idea of being hated for his poor choices slowly transformed from a unfortunate possibility to an irreversible absolution.

So when the truth finally comes out and everyone is sent to rescue his missing friends, he was shocked beyond belief that no one turned against him. Even Riku who actually did have a reaction towards his actions didn’t nearly explode as much as he expected.

And this confuses him so much that he ends up inadvertently becoming the one to shame and criticize his own actions long after it’s resolved.

You see, his reality has been banking on the ‘fact’ that he deserved punishment and when that didn’t happen, he unintentionally enforces that reality upon himself by becoming the internal criticizing voice he feared all this time.

After the events of KH3, he goes through a brief but significant downward spiral of atypical depression because life has quieted down enough for this emotional issue to flare up and become more outwardly noticeable... especially because it feels strange to be back in a peaceful world that he no longer believes to belong in.

Sure, he still gets happy when positive events are going on, but it’s not his usual cheerful demeanor. It’s either genuine but semi-muted or it’s completely manic and disproportionate to current events. For a while there’s no real baseline to fall back on and it only becomes really noticeable as time goes on.

On the emotional flip side, he also becomes more susceptible towards outward criticism and overreacts upon perceiving rejection (real or otherwise), turns increasingly indecisive and likely to panic when making even the simplest choices, and goes through periods of insomnia/hypersomnia that consistently cycles every few weeks or so.

These symptoms continue to develop throughout the next three to four years, and despite his insistence that nothing is wrong, his closest friends and family slowly take notice of these uncharacteristic behavior changes and take it upon themselves to become the King’s support system when he finally admits that he’s not been himself lately.... but it took a sudden side effect of extreme insomnia for the King to realize how bad things actually were.

There is a little known side effect of extreme insomnia and that is called “emotional lability” otherwise known as a rare occurrence when a person experiences an involuntary extreme display of strong emotions at rapid succession for an excessive amount of time without any cognitive control.

For example, crying and/or laughing uncontrollably for an excessive amount of time regardless of the situation. It’s an extreme and rare side effect of extreme insomnia that that has only happened once, but it was by far the worst experience the King had in his life.

Below the READ MORE link is a drabble/one shot that I wrote about this idea, but head’s up it’s kind of long and really really angsty- like probably the furthest I have ever taken any character I’ve written.. Mainly I was wanting to practice descriptive feelings without the use of any quoted dialogue and went wild- but for real though this drabble involves psychological events that may not be for the feint of heart.

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It happened when he discovered the truth about his mother’s death. Before he learned about it he was already in the middle of a restless cycle. This time only being able to lightly doze for around five hours per night... but after that horrible day when he finally uncovered some handwritten letters he swore his father burned years ago, he was horrified upon discovering that his mother had not left his father as he believed... but she was taken to another kingdom in hopes of recovering from a terrible illness.... and then a formal notice from a distant kingdom with deep regrets-

It had been over a month since he read those letters and had since allowed his already poor cycle of insomnia to disintegrate completely. Now he barely slept for more than two to three hours per night- sometimes per two nights or three even. This, as one may expect, vastly caused the king to spiral into extreme irritability during the day and hardly left his office other than to eat two bites of food before returning back without even speaking even when directly addressed. He swore he was fine and just wanted to have the world leave him alone- is that too much to ask?

Minnie finally had enough of watching her husband suffer and one day swiped the master key from the head butler who stood outside of the King’s office where she burst into the room with the sense to drag her husband out of this downward spiral. The head butler was unfortunately ordered to stay put for the entirety of their three-hour-long discussion, but judging by how her kind-hearted concerns were soon transformed into personal defenses and frustrated exchanges, the butler did not have to imagine how things were going. Then he heard the king say something... something he in his fifty years of service would never imagine to hear from the king's voice. Then the butler’s heart broke in two as the queen burst into tears before the king suddenly slammed the door open and stormed out of the castle while screaming terrible things all the while...

Never would he imagined...

Meanwhile, the King was currently marching through a nearby graveyard and certainly not in the mood for silent respect as he ranted his frustrations while he passed headstones that could never respond or argue-

The truth of his mother’s death lay entirely too fresh in his mind as he trudged further along in the snow. And the further he walked, the more he was reminded of previous transgressions by his father. How he separated their family... how he forbade the mouse to even talk about his mother... the terrible rule that one must only grant an hour to express the weaker side of the heart- the accusation that he shamed the royal family for being tenderhearted-

Then thoughts of his wife trickled through and mixed with past memories. He scowled. How could she ever understand? He took everything away- everything! And she wants him to just forget about it? It didn’t matter that she didn’t say those words, that’s what she meant and he knew it. Well not everyone can have perfect lives tailor-made for them! What could she possibly know about him!?

He kicked up some snow and grabbed a rock before chucking it as hard as he could against one of the larger gravestones which didn’t even cause a dent as the rock ricochet off the concrete statue before striking straight back into his ankle. After a few agonizing seconds, the mouse released a terrible guttural growl of frustration before catching a glimmer of his self-reflection shimmering from the line of headstones.

From what little he saw, he could barely see somewhat transparent images of himself ranting and raving like a child throwing a tantrum... and in some aspects, he was.

After getting to finally restore the worlds... he had assumed that life would finally begin. He’d finally take the helm of taking care of this kingdom and could prove his father wrong by being a better king than him- better than anyone!

And look at him... three years later and finding that this world hardly changed if he was alive or missing in action. Surely there was some big problem that only he could solve- something the kingdom needed him to fix... but it was the same as before he left, heck it looked even better! And the longer he stuck around, the more he felt that Minnie would be far better off without him around to ruin her perfect system.

She made all the important decisions here anyway, so what was he good for right?

The more he thought about the past three years, and his inabilities to shake away from his father’s influence, the more infuriated and isolated and hurt he felt towards the injustices of the world and how he felt so useless in it... of course, no one could ever know about that. They’d just say he was overreacting or to be glad the old king was out of their lives... but they wouldn’t understand. Minnie wouldn’t understand... and.... and-

He tensed as the image of her crying flashed before his eyes.

Oh... Oh dear Lord, out of all the things to say to her... why did it have to be that? Why? That look on her face.... He hurt her. He had really hurt her- Like everyone else...

This was the King’s thought as he finally reached the stone of his mother Lillian May... a worn-down stone that was far more decrepit than the others- no doubt something his father done just to spite her.... it was all so... so unfair!

W-Why? Mom... why did you have to leave me behind?

The rising tension he had felt for the past three years finally exploded out of the poor king who began to cry pent up tears of frustration that were decades-long overdue. He hated it. He hated feeling like this... after saving all the worlds, he was supposed to return to the cheerful funny king everyone knew him for- why was that so hard for him? Why was he so pathetic?!

He suddenly covered his mouth as he swore he heard another presence- another citizen no doubt. He bit hard against his cloak in a sudden urge to repress any noise he might be making. They can’t see him. They can’t look at it- no one gets too look at it! He bit back shuddering cries as he looked around... and after determining that there was not another soul in sight, he still kept a firm grip against his mouth as he cried- for even he was sick of hearing his own voice.

However, at that moment, something strange befell on the poor mouse as he watched this broken heap of frustrations and sorrows echo his own movements. As the reflection sobbed, he became aware that the sounds of it changed. No longer did it sound like someone who was upset... but was beginning to sound like someone bursting with giggles...

The King shook his head side to side, unable to understand why or how... but without any warning he had begun laughing in the midst of tears. How terribly awful...

Unfortunately just before he could really register the implications of this, he forced to pull down his hand. After all, there was one thing he refused to do, it was to laugh at someone’s grave. And yet as he wiped away fresh tears from his face, the small king felt another set of giggles overtake him. S- stop that! he internally called out in an effort to pick himself back up... but after several minutes the king was horrified to realize that not only was he unable to bring himself down... but he was laughing harder and harder until it instantaneously shifted back to convulsive sobs.

Soon he found himself doubled over as this strange affliction grew more drastic and intense. He could no longer stand as his body began to shake under its influence, it’s control! Both laughter and cries freely shifted within seconds and he was completely powerless while lying in the snow clutching his stomach as in a fit so extreme that he felt his abdomen violently expand and contract in panful spasms that still maddeningly encouraged his body to betray him by laughing all the more. It became too difficult to breathe- suddenly a wave of pain caused his body to lurch forward-

To find that it stopped.

He was frozen to the spot lying in the snow... but it, whatever it was, left completely. The crying... the cackling.... all of it....

While it was happening he could barely think straight, so upon having sudden silence assault his ears, the mouse was frozen stiff. He tried to lift his head, but felt an overwhelming sense of fear- as if any movement would trigger another fit. But out of the corner of his eye, it seemed like he was mistaken about a sudden presence amongst the graveyard. For way off in the distance a passerby who witnessed him collapsing was now running straight towards him... and the poor king felt his heart drop. He rolled to his side in a last ditch effort to hide. But just when the stranger’s shadow hovered over his head... another wave of explosive involuntary laughter flooded his senses while his body painfully shook with violent and mournful sobs.

He was extremely lucky that the stranger was a doctor that recognized the king’s distress and immediately took action. After some difficulty getting the king on his feet for his body was wracked with wordless convulsive spasms, he finally got the fella to sit up on all fours before lifting the King up by the shoulders and half-carried half-dragged him to a nearby truck. Once they were both inside, he wasted no time slamming the key into the ignition and then broke about a million traffic laws to get the king to the nearest hospital.

Once they finally arrived, the king was immediately rushed to a private room as one of the nurses called for an emergency messenger to the castle. Doctors began to flood the room and momentarily stared at him with such horror and pity- but even though his expression was too infuriatingly manic and his gasping laughter echoed too loud within his ears, his heart was filled with such humiliation that he immediately grabbed the nearest pillow and dove his entire face into it while heaving for air,

Luckily though, the young doctors were not there to humiliate his pride, but watching him cling to the nearest pillow seemed to jolt them out of their momentary shock. They immediately turned to each other to determine what to do. Mice were notorious for their increased heart-rate and most medicines were risky to administer under normal circumstances. What could they do for the most important mouse in the whole kingdom who was no doubt already at risk?

Just then, one of the elder doctors, a round-faced fellow with a mustache and a stern disposition burst through the group and began barking orders without so much as a passing glance. Immediately the others scattered out of the room, darting this way and that as they gathered their clipboards and began shouting for various supplies as soon as they were out the door.

The elder doctor gave a disapproving huff as he watched the last one leave before softening his expression and turned back to the king with soft kind eyes. He began to speak in even calming tones, but the poor king could hardly hear it over echoes of his own desperation. Soon after, one of the other doctors rushed in with something long and thin in his hands as the elder quickly began to untie the king’s shoes while a third doctor began to firmly press his arms against the king’s right leg. Then just as the elder removed his shoes, the second man grabbed his ankle and the king recoiled as a sharp sting dug into his heel.

At least his emotional response shifted back to the appropriate direction at that moment... but not long after a half-second of externalized panic... he was surprised to suddenly feel a pleasant warmth spread throughout his body. He was still laughing uncontrollably as the medication spread... but soon found that his stomach wasn’t contorting nearly as hard. It became easier to breathe...

He slowly turned his head. Spasms turned completely limp... screams were tamed to light and barely audible whimpers... and when the medicine had run its course, the elder doctor picked the mouse up and laid him flat on his back there were only two silent visible indications of the mouse’s current affliction that remained apparent on his body. A light fluttering in his abdomen... and silent tears that freely flowed from the corner one barely open eye.

After he was sedated, the elder doctor immediately sent for an oxygen mask to be placed on their guest while he began checking for vitals. It was perhaps for the best that the king had no memory of his stay, but would later on get a report that they had documented every involuntary session which had apparently lasted up for two hours at a time with only an average of one minute and a half of baseline stability in between.

That tottering yet dulled state was how the king had spent the next four days- each day more worrisome than the last. Apparently, he nearly fought off the medication twice and they had to administer stronger doses on several occasions- but like with any other patient they just had to find the correct balance so the poor king could still be awake enough for this strange affliction to run its course, but also sedated enough to alleviate as much mental stress as possible.

After getting that sorted, the elder doctor made it a priority to be the one to check his vitals. He talked fondly to the barely responsive king as if he were one of his own children. The patient hardly noticed another presence and his short gasps for air were worrisome, but the elder had noticed that the patient’s stomach fluttered slightly more whenever he was in the room compared to the other doctors. To him that was a good sign of the patient’s emotional sense recorrecting itself... plus it seemed like a compliment to his care, which pleased the elder doctor immensely.

And when he entered the room on the early morn of the fourth day, he was pleasantly surprised to finally see some concrete positive improvements in the patient’s health. For starters, his breathing was steady and no longer labored... the edges of his eyes were chapped from the previous crying spells, but the nurses had been consistently diligent in applying vaseline and they weren’t any fresh tears this morning. Even the fella’s skin was more of healthy color and his fur seemed to be regaining some natural shine- he wasn’t even looking for that, but positive changes all the same. The doctor lightly patted the king’s hands in soft approval, satisfied to let the nurses come in to help him ‘return to the living’ as the saying goes.

It took many hours for the mouse to properly regain consciousness. After all, he was fighting against four times the amount of sedation medication than what was usually given to other mice, but after many attempts, the small king’s eyes fluttered and slowly responded to distant echoing voices asking for his name and wondering where he was. His voice was completely shot and could barely form any sound... but he seemed able to at least mouth the correct answer which seemed to satisfy the distant voices.

Then slowly... ever so slowly... his surroundings began to take proper form as colors began to shift into proper objects and distant ringing began to clear. The nurses kept chattering away which made the small king want to cover his throbbing ears, but he was too weak to even move. Still, though, the nurses were surprised to see that the king did not have any heightened aggression like other patients after awaking from sedation... but after what he had been through... he had never had he been so grateful to not be feeling anything at all.

He smiled a dopy half-grin before succumbing to exhaustion and slept soundly for the first time in many days.

After a while, the king had been lightly awoken by the elder doctor who took the time to explain something. He was proud to see that the King had not been experiencing that odd symptom since first waking... but broke the news that they wanted to keep him there for at least another week for a variety of tests. At first, the little mouse could only barely squeak out several objections, but the elder had to insist and explained that even though they were able to help the king ride out that horrific affliction, they still had no idea what could have caused such a thing. Plus considering his position of power and no heir to the throne etc etc...

Mickey finally relented and tried to shift his position as the elder took his leave. It seemed like he was gonna be here for a long time... but something told him that they didn’t need to do much looking. After all... when he first went to his mother’s grave (had it only been nearly a week ago?) he could barely remember something about a lot of things bothering him all exploding all at once... things kept to himself... and probably shouldn’t have.

Mickey couldn’t help but grimace for he didn’t think about it until then... but it was inevitable that a messenger had been sent when he arrived here. Which essentially means that the whole kingdom probably knew all about this whole ordeal...

He groaned as he began to think about the prospect of future headlines and scheduled interviews, something from within told him that... they had the right to know about this. Something had happened because he... had been too afraid to share. To talk things out- to... to...

To ask for help... without offering it first...

He shuddered.

It seemed to him that it would be rather difficult to tear down previous walls, especially after his life's foundation had been built on them...

But after experiencing what he been through, he no longer wished to allow selfish pride hinder his emotional health. He never wanted to feel so... so helpless again. If he could just have some courage to talk about it.... at least every once in a while... maybe someday... that’ll help others too... perhaps.

But that could wait until another time... he was beginning to drift off again until he heard a small knock on the door. Who on earth? Though he was extremely tired and he was barely able to raise his voice, he called out questioningly.... and before he knew it his room was soon overcrowded with the relieved smiles of his closest friends and family.

Donald was first to burst into the room and nearly jumped on the bed, squawking and wak’ing all the while- Goofy quickly followed and lightly tugged at Donald’s shoulder causing the duck to grumble worryingly but jumped down and smiling wide at the mouse. Then Goofy was lightly squeezing his shoulder and nestled a small bag of candies within the folds of his blanket. Then Horace and Clearable and Chip and Dale... Even Master YenSid who arrived last was grumbling in low tones before sitting himself down at the foot of the bed. He looked at the mouse with intense eyes that seemed to pierce straight through him, but through the king’s slightly blurred vision he coulda sworn that YenSid looked like he had been crying lately... but he gave a soft smile and patted the mouse’s foot before standing up and excusing himself out of the room.

Though he wished he had called him back to stay longer, the King was perhaps too overwhelmed as is upon watching everyone hovering around his bed while excitedly talking over each other and asking questions and celebrating... Minnie though had walked to greet her husband last after everyone else had begun to settle. Without so much as a word, she softly drew close and cupped her hands around his head while gently brushing her thumb lightly under his puffy eyes. It wasn’t until then he realized how awful he must look, but quietly dismissed that as soon as he gazed into her own... and noticed they looked puffy as well...

Without the voice to say the feelings in his heart, he let himself lean heavily against her palm. Then he slowly pursed his lips and brushed them lightly against her wrist... It was hardly the apology she deserved for all he put her through, but by her tearful smile that seemed to lift up his very soul... he knew she understood and accepted it all the same. Slowly she leaned forward and gently placed a soft kiss on his brow. And all was right in the world.

After a few precious moments, Minnie finally pulled away and began to readjust the back of his pillow while keeping one hand firmly secure in her own- Mickey took the time to silently lean back and watch as the others settled themselves around his bed. Soon enough, everyone began to simply enjoy each other’s company now that their king was on the mend. Occasionally they’d turn to him to ask something but Minnie was a perfect advocate to let him rest...

But he didn’t mind as a small grin spread across his face before a light chuckle left his lips... it was worn, hollow, and hardly managed to be above a whisper.... but it was the first real laugh he felt for a long time.

At that moment, being able to simply exist while surrounded by those who truly loved him...

It was the first time in three years that he truly felt at home.

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Sooo yeah, that was the drabble- Ohhh man I hope I didn’t scare anybody ahhhhh. I hope you guys enjoyed this nevertheless!

The good news is that it’s only because of Mickey’s friends and family’s collective efforts that he was able to recognize and combat his atypical depression/emotional dysregulation issues. And he never went through another “emotional lability” episode again, thank the heavens.

After about another year dedicated to developing a better relationship with his own health, the King is finally convinced to discuss his past mistakes with those who were most affected and takes a person journey to seek them out. He was afraid of meeting them at first, but figured that if his fears were confirmed, it would still be better for his own sake to seek some actual closure on the matter so he can finally move forward with his life.

Currently he is in a lot better headspace than he used to be when the worlds were first restored, though sometimes he is still inclined to internalize anxiety when making minor mistakes. But other than that, he is making a far better effort to handle past or current problems and regulating his emotions a lot more frequently.

The king may still find it awkward to focus on his own problems, but he feels incredibly blessed to have the help of his dear friends and family every step of the way.

#From The Castle 🔭🏰🔭(Created Posts!)#By Royal Decree ⚜️👑⚜️(Text Posts!)#Her Small Stories 🪔🖋🪔(Drabbles!)#The Key To His Majesty’s Heart 💖🗝💖(Headcanon Posts!)#angst.... like a lot of it #king mickey #disney fic #disney #disney drabble #drabble #fanfic #fanfiction #kh drabble #kh fanfiction #sora

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