#the x-blade must be forged through a clash of light and darkness

[gummi-ships]

#kingdom hearts dream drop distance #khddd #sora #riku #nightmare's end #mirage split #my gif #i was going to write up a whole thing in the tags about my thoughts on this keyblade #but i just know it'll be an incoherent essay because i can't properly articulate my thoughts #the x-blade must be forged through a clash of light and darkness #but i find it so highly significant that sora and riku can create their own keyblade which is so unheard of #this keyblade isn't created with a clash but rather through harmony and balance #not with conflict but with understanding and connection and love #and i always felt as though that's how the x-blade SHOULD be forged. that master xehanort went about it all wrong #because balance and connections are such important themes in these games #it has two handles and looks so regal when combined. all of the shapes feel reminiscent of the x-blade too #it shines so brilliantly with both sora and riku's symbols. the heart and crown which is the iconic logo for the entire series #also the way stained glass is always used to represent hearts. it's so significant! #and yeah the paupu fruit keychain is its own thing to unpack #okay so i ended up writing something anyway but there's still so much more #i just really hope we get to see more of this in future games because it would be shocking if it was nothing more than a cool combo attack

[daenerystargaryen06]

Melisandre was robed all in scarlet satin and blood velvet, her eyes as red as the great ruby that glistened at her throat as if it too were afire. "In ancient books of Asshai it is written that there will come a day after a long summer when the stars bleed and the cold breath of darkness falls heavy on the world. In this dread hour a warrior shall draw from the fire a burning sword. And that sword shall be Lightbringer, the Red Sword of Heroes, and he who clasps it shall be Azor Ahai come again, and the darkness shall flee before him." -A Clash of Kings - Davos I

"Jhogo spied it first. "There," he said in a hushed voice. Dany looked and saw it, low in the east. The first star was a comet, burning red. Bloodred; fire red; the dragon's tail. She could not have asked for a stronger sign." -A Game of Thrones - Daenerys X

"The Dothraki named the comet shierak qiya, the Bleeding Star. The old men muttered that it omened ill, but Daenerys Targaryen had seen it first on the night she had burned Khal Drogo, the night her dragons had awakened. It is the herald of my coming, she told herself as she gazed up into the night sky with wonder in her heart. The gods have sent it to show me the way." -A Clash of Kings - Daenerys I

The first sign of Azor Ahai being Daenerys is she is the first to see the bleeding comet. When she goes to sacrifice Mirri Maz Duur in Drogo's funeral pyre, she sees the comet arrive. She takes it as a sign to not only progress in lighting Drogo's pyre and beginning the ritual of hatching her dragon eggs, but also as an omen that the gods are showing her the way. This leads her to the Red Waste, to where she eventually comes across Vaes Tolorro, wherein she is discovered by Xaro Xhoan Daxos, Pyat Pree, and Quaithe. They then lead her to Qarth. This was the only 'safe' place Dany and her small khalasar could go after her hatching of her dragons. The comet bled for her, and showed her the way to a place of relative safety for her and her people. It aided in her decisiveness to light Drogo's pyre, burn Mirri Maz Duur, and begin the ritual for hatching her dragons into the world.

"Burnt," said Salladhor Saan, "and be glad of that, my friend. Do you know the tale of the forging of Lightbringer? I shall tell it to you. It was a time when darkness lay heavy on the world. To oppose it, the hero must have a hero's blade, oh, like none that had ever been. And so for thirty days and thirty nights Azor Ahai labored sleepless in the temple, forging a blade in the sacred fires. Heat and hammer and fold, heat and hammer and fold, oh, yes, until the sword was done. Yet when he plunged it into water to temper the steel it burst asunder. -A Clash of Kings - Davos I

"Cradling the egg with both hands, she carried it to the fire and pushed it down amongst the burning coals. The black scales seemed to glow as they drank the heat. Flames licked against the stone with small red tongues. Dany placed the other two eggs beside the black one in the fire. As she stepped back from the brazier, the breath trembled in her throat [...] She watched until the coals had turned to ashes. Drifting sparks floated up and out of the smokehole. Heat shimmered in waves around the dragon's eggs. And that was all.." A Game of Thrones - Daenerys VI

When Azor Ahai began to forge his sword, Lightbringer, he worked upon the blade and forged it in the sacred fires. But when it was plunged into water, the steel had "burst asunder". Daenerys carries her dragon eggs and pushes them down into burning coals, and they drink the heat, but do not hatch. Both Azor Ahai and Daenerys placed something in fire, but it did not go as they wished.

"Being a hero, it was not for him to shrug and go in search of excellent grapes such as these, so again he began. The second time it took him fifty days and fifty nights, and this sword seemed even finer than the first. Azor Ahai captured a lion, to temper the blade by plunging it through the beast's red heart, but once more the steel shattered and split. Great was his woe and great was his sorrow then, for he knew what he must do." -A Clash of Kings - Davos I

"The brazier was cold again by the time Khal Drogo returned. Cohollo was leading a packhorse behind him, with the carcass of a great white lion slung across its back. Above, the stars were coming out. The khal laughed as he swung down off his stallion and showed her the scars on his leg where the hrakkar had raked him through his leggings. "I shall make you a cloak of its skin, moon of my life," he swore." -A Game of Thrones - Daenerys VI

Both Azor Ahai and Daenerys both have a lion parallel. When Azor Ahai slays a lion in his attempt at forging Lightbringer, it fails. When Daenerys pushes her eggs into the burning coals and has a small wish for them to hatch, it fails, and Drogo returns to gift her the white lion he had slain.

Both Daenerys and Azor Ahai fail in some sort of way. Azor Ahai fails to forge Lightbringer in his seeking to do so, and Daenerys fails to hatch her dragon eggs despite hoping they might. That is, until the deaths of their two lovers:

"A hundred days and a hundred nights he labored on the third blade, and as it glowed white-hot in the sacred fires, he summoned his wife. 'Nissa Nissa,' he said to her, for that was her name, 'bare your breast, and know that I love you best of all that is in this world.' She did this thing, why I cannot say, and Azor Ahai thrust the smoking sword through her living heart." -A Clash of Kings - Davos I

"And when the bleak dawn broke over an empty horizon, Dany knew that he was truly lost to her. “When the sun rises in the west and sets in the east,” she said sadly. “When the seas go dry and mountains blow in the wind like leaves. When my womb quickens again, and I bear a living child. Then you will return, my sun-and-stars, and not before.” Never, the darkness cried, never never never. Inside the tent Dany found a cushion, soft silk stuffed with feathers. She clutched it to her breasts as she walked back out to Drogo, to her sun-and-stars. If I look back I am lost. It hurt even to walk, and she wanted to sleep, to sleep and not to dream. She knelt, kissed Drogo on the lips, and pressed the cushion down across his face." -A Game of Thrones - Daenerys IX

Azor Ahai had killed Nissa Nissa purposely, Daenerys on the other hand, had killed Drogo out of mercy. Despite this, the deaths of their two lovers aided into their successions. Lightbringer was finally completed by Azor Ahai. And Daenerys' dragon eggs finally hatched from Drogo's funeral pyre.

When Drogo is left in a vegetative state and Rhaego forcefully killed from Dany's womb- her dragon eggs feel full of life, and not just stone:

"When she woke the third time, a shaft of golden sunlight was pouring through the smoke hole of the tent, and her arms were wrapped around a dragon's egg. It was the pale one, its scales the color of butter cream, veined with whorls of gold and bronze, and Dany could feel the heat of it. Beneath her bedsilks, a fine sheen of perspiration covered her bare skin. Dragondew, she thought. Her fingers trailed lightly across the surface of the shell, tracing the wisps of gold, and deep in the stone she felt something twist and stretch in response. It did not frighten her. All her fear was gone, burned away." -A Game of Thrones - Daenerys IX

Ser Jorah and Mirri Maz Duur entered a few moments later, and found Dany standing over the other dragon's eggs, the two still in their chest. It seemed to her that they felt as hot as the one she had slept with, which was passing strange. "Ser Jorah, come here," she said. She took his hand and placed it on the black egg with the scarlet swirls. "What do you feel?" -A Game of Thrones - Daenerys IX

When Azor Ahai kills Nissa Nissa and forges Lightbringer, it "leaves a crack across the face of the moon". Daenerys hears a tale from Doreah of moon being an egg, and cracking when it wanders too close to the sun, thus producing dragons; and that one day, it will happen again.

"It is said that her cry of anguish and ecstasy left a crack across the face of the moon, but her blood and her soul and her strength and her courage all went into the steel. Such is the tale of the forging of Lightbringer, the Red Sword of Heroes." -A Clash of Kings - Davos I

"He told me the moon was an egg, Khaleesi," the Lysene girl said. "Once there were two moons in the sky, but one wandered too close to the sun and cracked from the heat. A thousand thousand dragons poured forth, and drank the fire of the sun. That is why dragons breathe flame. One day the other moon will kiss the sun too, and then it will crack and the dragons will return." -A Game of Thrones - Daenerys III

Daenerys is the moon, as given by her moon related imagery in her chapters. Drogo is the 'sun', as given by his sun related imagery. When she lights Drogo's pyre, she walks into the flames; this is the moon "wandering too close to the sun". When she does, her dragon eggs begin to finally hatch, and crack loudly. Drogon's egg being the last to hatch, and the crack being referred to as so loud it sounded as though the breaking of the world. Daenerys is part of the sacrifice of hatching her dragon eggs in this ritual, the last central piece needed for her dragons to hatch.

After Azor Ahai forges Lightbringer, it was never cold to the touch, but warm:

"The Jade Compendium. The pages that told of Azor Ahai. Lightbringer was his sword. Tempered with his wife's blood if Votar can be believed. Thereafter Lightbringer was never cold to the touch, but warm as Nissa Nissa had been warm. In battle the blade burned fiery hot..." -A Dance with Dragons - Jon III

Daenerys' dragons are hot to the touch, and are considered 'fire made flesh':

"When she had her handmaids char the horsemeat black, the dragons ripped at it eagerly, their heads striking like snakes. So long as the meat was seared, they gulped down several times their own weight every day, and at last began to grow larger and stronger. Dany marveled at the smoothness of their scales, and the heat that poured off them, so palpable that on cold nights their whole bodies seemed to steam." -A Clash of Kings - Daenerys I

This occurs when Azor Ahai fights against a monster using Lightbringer:

"In battle the blade burned fiery hot. Once Azor Ahai fought a monster. When he thrust the sword through the belly of the beast, its blood began to boil. Smoke and steam poured from its mouth, its eyes melted and dribbled down its cheeks, and its body burst into flame." -A Dance with Dragons - Jon III

When Daenerys kills Kraznys Mo Nakloz, this occurs:

"A lance of swirling dark flame took Kraznys full in the face. His eyes melted and ran down his cheeks, and the oil in his hair and beard burst so fiercely into fire that for an instant the slaver wore a burning crown twice as tall as his head. The sudden stench of charred meat overwhelmed even his perfume, and his wail seemed to drown all other sound." -A Storm of Swords - Daenerys III

The coming again of Azor Ahai indicates that a few certain things must occur for the person to fulfill the role:

"He is not dead. Stannis is the Lord's chosen, destined to lead the fight against the dark. I have seen it in the flames, read of it in ancient prophecy. When the red star bleeds and the darkness gathers, Azor Ahai shall be born again amidst smoke and salt to wake dragons out of stone. Dragonstone is the place of smoke and salt." -A Dance with Dragons - Jon X

Daenerys fulfills these points. Not only was she born at Dragonstone, a place of 'smoke and salt', but you can also say she was "reborn" when she hatches her dragons from Drogo's pyre. This fulfills the 'born amidst salt and smoke" as Daenerys sacrifices herself to hatch her dragons from the pyre and is "reborn" along with her dragons. Smoke from the fire, salt from her sweat:

"Another step, and Dany could feel the heat of the sand on the soles of her feet, even through her sandals. Sweat ran down her thighs and between her breasts and in rivulets over her cheeks, where tears had once run. Ser Jorah was shouting behind her, but he did not matter anymore, only the fire mattered. The flames were so beautiful, the loveliest things she had ever seen, each one a sorcerer robed in yellow and orange and scarlet, swirling long smoky cloaks. She saw crimson firelions and great yellow serpents and unicorns made of pale blue flame; she saw fish and foxes and monsters, wolves and bright birds and flowering trees, each more beautiful than the last. She saw a horse, a great grey stallion limned in smoke, its flowing mane a nimbus of blue flame. Yes, my love, my sun-and-stars, yes, mount now, ride now." -A Game of Thrones - Daenerys X

Daenerys also wakes dragons from stone. When she first receives her dragon eggs, they are told to be merely stone. Not alive. Considered only as pretty 'rocks'.

"Dragon's eggs, from the Shadow Lands beyond Asshai," said Magister Illyrio. "The eons have turned them to stone, yet still they burn bright with beauty." -A Game of Thrones - Daenerys II

"Stone, she told herself. They are only stone, even Illyrio said so, the dragons are all dead. She put her palm against the black egg, fingers spread gently across the curve of the shell. The stone was warm. Almost hot. "The sun," Dany whispered. "The sun warmed them as they rode." -A Game of Thrones - Daenerys III

Yet in my previous points, after the death of Drogo and Rhaego, the eggs begin to feel alive. And after Daenerys sacrifices Mirri Maz Duur and herself in the ritual to hatch the eggs, the dragons finally hatch.

We could also say that both the forging of Lightbringer and the dragons hatching involved blood magic.

Lightbringer was only successfully finished when Azor Ahai plunged the blade into the heart of his Nissa Nissa, and her "blood and her soul and her strength and her courage all went into the steel". It is also said that the blade was tempered with Nissa Nissa's blood.

Daenerys' dragon eggs hatching involved blood magic from Mirri Maz Duur, and a ritual sacrifice.

There is speculation/statement that Azor Ahai is not just one person, but I believe that Daenerys is the main focal point for being Azor Ahai reborn, and her dragons Lightbringer.

"It may be that I am mistaken in you, Jon Snow. We both know the things that are said of bastards. You may lack your father's honor, or your brother's skill in arms. But you are the weapon the Lord has given me. I have found you here, as you found the cache of dragonglass beneath the Fist, and I mean to make use of you. Even Azor Ahai did not win his war alone. I killed a thousand wildlings, took another thousand captive, and scattered the rest, but we both know they will return. Melisandre has seen that in her fires. This Tormund Thunderfist is likely re-forming them even now, and planning some new assault. And the more we bleed each other, the weaker we shall all be when the real enemy falls upon us." -A Storm of Swords - Jon XI

"There must be one more," he said, though whether he was speaking to her or the woman in the bed she could not say. "The dragon has three heads." He went to the window seat, picked up a harp, and ran his fingers lightly over its silvery strings. Sweet sadness filled the room as man and wife and babe faded like the morning mist, only the music lingering behind to speed her on her way." A Clash of Kings - Daenerys IV

". . . three heads has the dragon . . . the ghost chorus yammered inside her skull with never a lip moving, never a breath stirring the still blue air. . . . mother of dragons . . . child of storm . . . The whispers became a swirling song. . . . three fires must you light . . . one for life and one for death and one to love . . . Her own heart was beating in unison to the one that floated before her, blue and corrupt . . . three mounts must you ride . . . one to bed and one to dread and one to love . . . The voices were growing louder, she realized, and it seemed her heart was slowing, and even her breath. . . . three treasons will you know . . . once for blood and once for gold and once for love . . ." -A Clash of Kings - Daenerys IV

"The dragon has three heads. There are two men in the world who I can trust, if I can find them. I will not be alone then. We will be three against the world, like Aegon and his sisters." -A Storm of Swords - Daenerys VI

Daenerys is the main focal point and leader as Azor Ahai. She will be the one to lead the war against the Others/WW, with the possibility of two others working beside her with her three dragons. She and Drogon are the center point for the AA/Lightbringer roles, only they won't be working alone, and it will be a conjoined effort.

It is likely that Daenerys will be the one (possibly joined by Jon or the other main central characters of ASOIAF) to unite the people together and lead them against the cold and the dark. She has the main criteria of being the one to do so. Powerful armies, the right family name, being viewed as the last true living heir to the IT, and her three dragons. She has the most potential to influence the other people into following her and working together to defeat the Others when the time comes.

Her victory over the Others alongside those that aid her will bring a summer that will never end. This is the coming conclusion to the 'Song of Ice and Fire'. Daenerys is the fire, the Others being the ice.

#daenerys defence squad #daenerys stormborn #daenerys targaryen #daenerys targeryan #daenerys appreciation #mother of dragons #pro daenerys targaryen #breaker of chains #khaleesi #team daenerys #asoiaf #a song of ice and fire #azor ahai #light bringer #drogon #asoiaf daenerys #jon snow mention #meta #long reads #long post #speculation #daenerys is azor ahai

[nadziejastar]

It actually does make sense for Lea and Isa to have the dragon zodiacs. They'd be like fire and ice.

Nomura has never been very subtle with naming his characters. In Latin, "Terra" means "Earth", "Aqua" means "Water", and "Ventus" means "Wind". Not only does "Isa" literally mean "Ice" in Norse, but Saix's Claymore is shaped like the Isa rune.

Only the moon breaks his icy calm.

Also, more than any other Organization XIII member, Saix's personality is the most "icy". He's cold and emotionless. It makes me wonder if ice was meant to be Saix's elemental attribute, before it became Vexen's.

Isa – A boy with a calm and taciturn personality. He connects with his best friend Lea through candid objections, but he keeps other people at a distance, and doesn’t speak much. He also often scolds Lea, who has an opposite (though complementary) personality.

Lea and Isa's personalities are complementary opposites.

Marluxia: "All the Organization seeks is balance. You must understand, our ultimate objective is not to clash with the light. We seek to complement it."

Guardian of Light/Seeker of Darkness are complementary opposites.

The letter χ can be pronounced both "key" and "kye" (leading to some confusion) and symbolizes the perfect crossing of light and darkness. The χ-blade can be forged via a high-dimensional clash between those two poles.

The X-blade can be forged through a high intensity clash of two opposite polarities.

What is Ragnarök? It is, quite literally, the song of ice and fire. But what is a song? Is a song a battle? Do notes fight one another for dominance, with no care or concern for the overall sound? No. That is discord. A song is harmony -- notes working together in unison. And that is Ragnarök -- the forces of ice & fire uniting as one to attack the world of gods and men.

It would have been cool if Lea and Isa's fight was between Fire/Ice, since it fits the Norse end of the world myth so well.

#kh isa #kh saix #kh theories

[subbing-for-clones]

The New Apprentice Part 11

Maul x Sith reader

Word Count: 2.1k

WARNINGS: Oof um so yeah, SMUT 18+ ONLY, blood play, decapitations, straight up murder, power grab, power kinks, light cum play, over all violent.

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       The Death Watch customized their armor. It was in the small details that you had come to be able to recognize most of them. Clan signets, certain dents and scratches here and there, slight differences in paint. You didn't know any of them personally but you knew whose throat you crushed when they stood in your way to the throne room. Maul strode with his chin held high, hands clasped behind his back as you and Savage walked behind him clearing the way. You didn't have to see his face to know that his eyes burned, flaming with anticipation.

    Not many, but a few of the Watch stepped out of your way. It was them you let live. You needed numbers and mindlessly slaughtering all of them wasn't going to get you anywhere. Ghosts couldn't pledge loyalty after all. But the ones who shot or lunged for your master all met one of two fates. Suffocation followed by broken necks or simply being thrown off of ledges. Every step the three of you took could have shaken the ground with purpose. Savage had the last guard in his force grip while he clutched and scratched wildly at the invisible hand that held his throat, lifting him high into the air. You threw the towering doors open to the hall with a powerful unseen push and Savage threw the gasping Mandalorian hurtling towards the group that surrounded Vizsla in his false reign on the throne.

    Blasters were raised in your direction but Maul hadn’t faltered, stalking forward he growled loudly banging his fist against his chest and pointing at Vizsla directly.

"I challenge you, one warrior to another and only the strongest shall rule Mandalore!" The guard lowered their weapons and looked to their leader who took each step off of the throne slowly but filled with resolve.

"So be it. Give him his weapon."

    Bo Kataan unclipped Maul's saber from her utility belt and tossed to him. Gods, you could've fucking ended her right then and there for having the gall of being the one to hold your master's weapon. Maul force pulled it out if the air and into his hand holding it closely, igniting it with a savage roar as the red lit up half of his face agianst the sun's setting glow.

    Vizsla lit the dark saber and cried out, "For Mandalore!" before charging. The two met with a violent ferocity, electricity screamed as their sabers clashed red agianst a crackling black. You noted that Maul wasn't using the force. Whether it was out of personal pride or to strengthen the chances of the Death Watch following him you didn't know but marveled all the same as you stood watching with Savage and Almec. They danced dangerously around one another, weapons shrieking with every contact.

    As you had suspected, the battle didn’t last long. You were surprised when Vizsla had managed to disarm your master but he quicky regained the upper hand. Kicking the broken leader back to the foot of the throne he force pulled the dark saber into his grasp, lit it and beheaded Vizsla in front of all of his men.

    You watched unblinkingly as Maul took his rightful place on the throne. His golden eyes bored straight into yours, a slickness wetting your folds at his power display. You barley registered Bo Kataan sneering something with a disgusted tone to her voice. Your masters growl rang out clearly in the hall calling for her execution along with the deserters who joined her. You walked slowly away from the door; eyes still locked on his, predatory. Blaster shots flew past you. The traitors had lit their jet packs and took flight, returning fire. You were possessed by lust, more so than you ever had ever been in your life.

    You felt more than thought about your arms lifting above your head, clenching your fists and slamming them back to your side, power fueled by your emotions. The loyal Death Watch members stared in amazement as every deserter crashed to the ground with such a force that their beskar shattered on impact. Death rattles and groans of agony drifted from piles of crumpled limbs as blood pooled around them. An invisible, ethereal hand brought Bo Kataan to her knees in front of you, clutching at her neck to no avail like you had seen dozens of times by now. Your eyes still locked with Maul’s.

    He leaned back in the throne grinning wickedly as you took your sabers from her belt where his had hung beside them not minutes before. You took a moment to look at her face, swollen and purple while her eyes bulged. You lifted the shorter of the two sabers to the side of her throat and lit it, plunging the plasma blade through her neck. You ripped the last tendons that connected her head to her shoulders with a violent spray of blood, drops splattering across your cheek.

    The loyalists were frozen in place, even Savage was gaping but you didn’t see any of them; only your master. He must have commanded them to leave the hall because bodies in armor rushed past you as you sashayed up to the throne before dropping to your knees between his spread legs; his twitching bulge painfully obvious now. You reached up to the hem on his pants and dragged them down, freeing his aching cock.

    You didn’t hesitate to drag a long languid lick from his base to his dripping tip while he groaned loudly. You captured the tip in your mouth and lightly suckled it, swirling your tongue around his head as you sunk lower down his shaft. Eyes locked onto his you took him all the way down to his hilt; gag reflex be damned. You were blown out by lust and feral for the man before you. Any slight shred of doubt you held in his plan, gone. You swallowed around him and he hissed, his eyes rolling to the back of his head. He gathered his bearings and pulled you off of him by your elbows and dragged his tongue over your chin and cheek, collecting the blood where it had splattered.

    After cleaning every last drop off of your flesh he delved his tongue into your mouth, tasting himself on your breath. He was growling while he tore your bottoms off of you, exposing your skin to the chill of the air. His hand plunged between your folds roughly and he moaned at how wet you were; dripping down your thighs like you had already cum.

    He bit at your lips viciously before pulling away long enough to pull you onto him and directing his cock into your burning core. You gasped out as he brought you down flush with his hips on the throne. You lifted slightly to fall back down onto him as he thrusted up into you. The pace was brutal, ferociously fucking each other as teeth explored one another’s soft necks. His pace impossibly picked up and your legs were starting to shake, breathing became ragged and inconsistent while you clenched around him. You screamed your release and went limp from its power as he continued to fuck into you until he was roaring animalistically in your ear; filling you with his cum. He gripped you there, on his cock, bodies littered around you, Bo Kataan’s blood staining your top. You stared into each other’s eyes until your breathing slowed.

      A week passed since your master took Mandalore and instated Almec as its prime minister. The Death Watch who had remained loyal to your master had painted their armor black and red, the higher-ranking members adorned a crown of horns in semblance to Maul’s. All that had seen your display and no doubt heard your sexual activity immediately after the bloodshed obviously feared you. Going rigid if you turned a corner and walked into their line of sight. You had tried to assure them that as long as they did their jobs and served the new Mand’alor appropriately they had nothing to fear of you. This only seemed to make it worse.

    That night when you returned to yours and Maul’s shared room you paced around while he read a data-pad from a desk.

“I’m gonna make them like me,” you decided aloud, eliciting a chuckle from Maul.

“They don’t need to like you to do their jobs darling.” He was wearing a long silken black robe as he peered over the rim of his reading glasses at you. He had adapted incredibly quickly to the finer things part of this new situation. He adapted quickly to all of it actually; he seemed to seamlessly juggle the various crime syndicates and the new planet easily.  

“No, they don’t, however, people who serve out of fear will only serve you for so long. People who like you, who love you, will follow you to the end of the galaxy and back,” you ran your hands over his shoulders, down his chest and nibbled at his ear, “as I would for you.”

Maul took off his reading glasses chuckling louder as he turned to face you, “they watched you kill at least fifteen solders simply by lifting your arms. Then you proceeded to rip a woman’s head off who had held an air of importance within their ranks; the second I sent them away we fucked on the throne while you were covered with blood,” he gazed at you like you were the most wonderful woman who had ever existed in the galaxy and you playfully pouted.

“I guess I did scare them a little didn’t I?” you pouted coyly. Maul stood to kiss you.

“Yes, my love you’re utterly terrifying and I love it. I love you.” You rubbed your nose against his and nipped at his lips, “I love you too.”

You took his hand and pulled him into your shared plush bed, “I’ve been thinking.”

He turned on his side, propping up on his elbow and dragging his other fingers down your curves, “yes? What about?”

“The extra funds we seized from Satine’s personal accounts. I think we should use them to relight the forges that the pacifist had extinguished. I’ve been reading up on the people’s customs and it seems they value a few things above all else, the forge fire being high on that list.”

He hummed in thought, “and what of the rest of the funds? That surely wouldn’t take all of them to accomplish.”

You thought for a moment before answering, you didn’t want to come off as undermining his rule but he had asked for your opinion so you spoke, “well, Satine had been struggling to get food to some of her people. I looked into reports and found that several extensive farm land properties had been seized from various clans by the crown after failing to make payments on them. After statistical analysists, I calculated that if those lands were to bear crops and raise meat yet again; Mandalore could be self-sufficient in two seasons. I suggest we give the land back to the clans who lost them, abolish their debt and use the money to seed their fields. Mandalore would feed itself without the need for outside intervention and you’d have their gratitude along with their loyalty.”

    Maul had removed his hand from your side to stroke his chin in thought of your words looking off into the distance. You waited on bated breath for his response. He eventually looked back to you with a proud smile on his lips, “that would work. You know,” he took your hand and pressed a kiss to your fingers, “you’d make a wonderful Queen. The people would adore you as I do.”

Your face heated as you looked away, honored by his praise and humbled by it.

“I will bring your suggestion to Almec tomorrow and see that it happens. I know I’ve been busy but we will resume your training very soon my love; I’m sorry the break has taken longer than I had perceived but please know I haven’t forgotten about it. It can’t be a bad thing to have a planet full of warriors grateful and indebted to me. Someone wiser than her years recently explained to me why it’s best to have people who like you, serve you.” You giggled at his mirroring and locked your lips with his.

   The two of you lazily made love until sleep took hold of you both. As you drifted off into its warm embrace you sighed contentedly, the path felt clear again. This is what you were meant to do in this moment, heal these people and their planet and strengthen Maul’s rule here.

#darth maul #darth maul x sith reader #darth maul fluff #darth maul smut #lemon #SWTCW #SWTCW AU #Star wars #Star wars au #star wars smut #maul x reader #maul x reader smut #lord maul

[atomic-taco-muffin]

Can you make a part 11 to the “MHA x Fem!Reader: Kingdom Hearts”

Kingdom Hearts Part 12

Warnings: Angst

Rating: SFW

Before I start this, here is your hero costume:

Now onto the series!

You and the others stepped onto a barren, windswept land.

“It’s time. The Keyblade Graveyard is up ahead,” Mickey said. You all nodded, directing your eyes toward your destination. 

“Someone’s coming,” Sora said softly. 

Beyond a cloud of dust, Master Xehanort approached you all across the wasteland, his pace calm and unhurried. 

“You were right, dunce face. He is gross,” Bakugou whispered. 

“Right?!” 

“I can feel him staring into my soul. That’s so no manly,” Kirishima whispered. 

Xehanort stopped before you all and began to speak. 

“Legend has it that darkness once covered the world. We know so little about the Keyblade War--only that it was just the beginning. If ruin brings about creation, what, then, would another Keyblade War bring? When the darkness falls, will we be found worthy of the precious light the legend speaks of?” he said. Ansem appeared beside Xehanort.

“Who’s that?” Mina asked Denki. 

“Ansem Seeker of Darkness. Xehanort’s Heartless,” Denki replied. 

“Or will all of creation be instead returned to shadows? Today, we will re-create the legend and see,” Ansem said. 

Next, Xemnas stepped forward, taking his place on the other side of Xehanort.

“That’s Xemnas. Xehanort’s Nobody,” Denki whispered. 

“But first...Your light shines far too brightly. It must be extinguished in order for the truth to be seen,” Xemnas said. Vanitas appeared in front of the previous three.

“That’s Vanitas. The dark part of Ventus’s heart,” Denki whispered. 

“Only when your hopes have been broken by battle upon battle can the key be claimed to Kingdom Hearts,” Vanitas said. 

“And break you is what we shall do,” Y!Xehanort said, who had appeared next to Vanitas. “It has been etched.”

“That’s Xehanort younger self. You can totally see where things went wrong,” Denki whispered. 

“That’s his younger self?” Mina asked. 

“Yep.” 

Darkness flowed from the five villains and surrounded the whole area, blocking out the sky itself. The cloud opened, and countless Heartless, Nobodies and Unversed began raining down upon you all. 

“Look at how many there are!” you said. 

“Okay, everyone, get ready!” Izuku said as the number of Heartless grew and grew. 

“Remember! The Nobodies can only be defeated by a Keyblade!” Sora said.

“Got it!” you and Class 1-A said. 

The number of creatures surrounding you all was fast growing into a near-endless horde. After managing to clear out the Heartless in your immediate vicinity, you and the others paused to catch your breath. 

“Is everybody okay?” you asked as you surveyed the team. When you saw that they were, you relaxed somewhat with relief. 

“C’mon, let’s go,” Sora called out. But just as you all were about to get moving, yet another figure appeared in the distance. Ventus was the first one to notice. 

“Terra!” he shouted, running off before you all could get a word in. 

Aqua started after him, calling his name with a hint of apprehension. Ventus was unaware that Terra’s body was under Xehanort’s control.

“Terra! We found you!” Ventus exclaimed as he took his friend’s hand (protect this baby, okay? he deserves the world!). 

“Terra, please say you’re in there,” Aqua pleaded in a rather more cautious voice. 

“That’s not him, is it?” Sero asked Denki, who shook his head in response.

Instead of replying, Terra observed Aqua quietly. His blue eyes seemed to stare right through her, and she placed a hand on Ventus’s shoulder to draw him away.

“What gives, Aqua?” Ven asked. 

“I know that you’re not him,” she said as she placed herself before Ventus protectively. “Now, let our friend go!”

That was when Terra’s hair turned white, and his blue eyes turned to gold. 

“He is their thirteenth,” Mickey said softly. 

“Great. More Xehanort’s,” Bakugou said. 

“Hey! Now you’re catching on!” Denki said. 

“Shut up, dunce face!” 

“Today is the day you all lose,” Terranort quietly told you all. 

“What?!” Aqua cried. A dark fog began to congeal behind Terranort. 

“Before you even face the thirteen, every last one of you will be torn heart from body. But fear not. The χ-Blade will still be forged,” Terranort said. 

He called his Keyblade to his hand. Beyond the dark fog, atop of the cliffs looming above the wasteland, countless Keyblades stood thrust into the terrain like grave markers. 

“We’re not gonna lose to you,” you said. 

With a smirk at your challenge, Terranort launched himself at Ventus, closing the distance in a single moment, and dealt the boy with a devastating blow with his Keyblade. Ventus was sent flying and crashed to the ground in a cloud of dust. 

“Ven!” Aqua gasped. 

“That’s it!” Bakugou and Sora shouted as they charged at their foe. But Terranort caught Sora’s strike on his Keyblade and sent him sprawling on the dirt as well while he kicked Bakugou out of the way. 

“Kacchan!” Izuku shouted. 

“I’m fine, Deku,” Bakugou said. 

Terranort next set his sights for Kairi, lunging for her. Axel threw himself in front of her, but he, too, ended upcast to one side. 

“Axel!” Kairi cried. 

Terranort held his Keyblade over Kairi’s head, poised to strike. Scrambling to his feet, Sora rushed over and threw his arms around her protectively, you doing the same thing to Sora. 

“(Y/N)!” Class 1-A shouted.

“No! Sora!” Mickey shouted as Donald and Goofy rushed past him to either side. 

Goofy’s shield found its way in front of Terranort’s Keyblade just before it could connect with you and Sora. The clash sent both of them staggering back, while Donald poured his magic into a spell so powerful it created glowing emblems on the ground beneath him. 

“Zettaflare!” he shouted. 

A tremendous beam of light shot from Donald’s staff straight into Terranort, cascading over him and blasting him away. Utterly exhausted, Donald collapsed, and Goofy and Mickey hurried over to him. You rushed over to help Donald while Aqua checked on Ventus, Riku and Kairi went to aid Axel, and Deku rushed over to Bakugou.

“I said I’m fine, damn nerd!” Bakugou shouted. 

“This can’t be real,” Sora whispered. After healing Donald, you rushed over to Axel and did the same thing you did to Donald. You were all completely out of your depth. Sora could hardly believe what he’d just seen; Terranort had taken down four of them with almost no effort at all. And another dark whirlpool was growing beyond his fallen friends, releasing another wave of Heartless. Riku ran over to Sora and took him by the shoulder. 

“Pull it together, Sora! We haven’t lost them. They still have their hearts. But we have to protect them,” he said. 

“Right!” Sora agreed with a nod. The stream of countless Heartless in front of you all swirled upward into a vortex. 

“We stand together,” Aqua said as she came to join Sora and Riku, Keyblade in hand. 

“Go beyond!” Izuku said. 

“PLUS ULTRA!” you and Class 1-A said. Aqua looked back at the king.

“Mickey, Kairi, Goofy, watch the others,” she said. 

“No, we should all get to safety while we still can,” the king pleaded from where he knelt beside Donald. 

“It’s too late for that,” Todoroki replied as he watched the storm build in the sky. 

Masses of Heartless wove through the ravines, congealing into a colossal river that rushed straight at you all. The legion of Heartless--the Demon Tide--was so enormous you all could hardly understand what you were all-seeing.  This was nothing like anything you all had seen in the Realm of Darkness and back at U.A. You all looked on in stunned amazement as the Demon Tide reared into the sky like a whirlwind.

“Denki, what the hell is that?” Mineta asked. 

“It’s called the Demon Tide,” Denki replied. 

“It can’t be...No...” The memories from Aqua’s time in the darkness were rising in her mind. The nightmarish Heartless that came back, again and again, no matter how many times she struck them down...had been just like this. 

Perhaps sensing this sudden weakness in her mind, the storm of Heartless swept over her.

“Aqua!” Riku shouted. He watched as the Demon Tide swallowed up Class 1-A. Mickey, Goofy, Donald, and the rest in one fell swoop. You and Kairi knelt, protecting Axel, but were quickly carried away, too. 

Yours and Kairi’s hands reached Sora’s--but your fingers passed through empty air. As the strength left Sora’s body, his Keyblade slipped from his grasp and vanished. Sora dropped to his knees and screamed, falling forward onto his hands in the dust. 

“Sora!” Riku hurried over to his friend. 

“They’re gone. Kairi, Donald...Goofy, the king...I just lost (Y/N) for the second time...Gone forever.”  Sora raised his head slowly, eyes brimming with tears. “What do we do? Without them...I...All my strength came from them. They gave me all of it. Alone, I’m worthless. We’ve lost...it’s over.” 

Riku considered comforting Sora with a hand on the shoulder, but he chose to get to his feet instead. 

“Sora, you don’t believe that. I know you don’t,” he assured him, then walked toward the Demon Tide to face it himself. 

As Sora watched, the Heartless attacked, and Riku took the full brunt of it head-on. The flood of Heartless split in two against Riku’s Keyblade, streaming out around them to either side. But not even that was enough--eventually, the darkness swallowed him, too. Sora gasped--and then the world went black.

And so, as foretold, the darkness prevailed, and light expired...

#bnha #bnha imagines #bnha x reader #mha imagines #mha x reader #mha imagine #mha #bnha imagine #kingdom hearts #kingdomhearts #kingdom hearts imagine #kingdom hearts imagines #kingdom hearts x reader #kingdomhearts x reader #kingdomhearts imagines

[nezzfiction]

Team WISE Ch. 1 - Scarlet

Series Synopsis: Ten years have passed since Team RWBY disbanded. Remnant is in the midst of its Second Great War. And while the Kingdoms wage battle and destruction against one other, a darker, more ancient threat grows in its shadow. Only a select few are willing to set aside past differences to see the greater danger Remnant faces. Only those who possess the wisdom to seek out the truth in the dark—those who are truly wise. To that end, Weiss Schnee assembles her private group of covert operatives. 

This is the story of Team WISE.

Links to read the series: Ao3 or FF.net

Or hit the jump below:

.

Scarlet

.

The Color of Passion.

The Color of Blood.

The Color of Sin.

.

.

It was a cloudy overcast over Beacon Academy, when Glynda Goodwitch, Headmaster of Beacon Academy, gazed out pensively from the window of her office.

“I suppose it was only a matter of time before they came,” she lamented.

In the distant skies, numerous airships flaunting the Atlas banner approached. Dreadnoughts the size of the school’s largest buildings loomed forward, causing the air itself to ripple and tremor.

“Only a matter of time…”

Glynda lowered her glasses, and massaged the bridge of her brow.

She was getting tired. Too tired, too quickly to fight the world that wanted its own destruction with such longing.

Glynda remembered bearing witness to a full Atlesian Air Fleet only one other time. A time far past and far gone. The last Vytal Festival and the Fall of Beacon Academy.

It had been a decade since then. Glynda rebuilt the school from the ground up. It was no easy task, but she had the help.

But it was never the same.

Perhaps, Vale’s government knew that. Which was why they were so ready to migrate the capital of the Kingdom further southward.

It hasn’t been a month after the move, and Atlas is already at our front door, she thought.

Glynda knew this inevitability, but chose to stay regardless. Beacon had a legacy to uphold and she would be the one to uphold it—even in the face of its imminent destruction.

A second Fall of Beacon.

How disgraceful.

Even so…

“There’s nothing left, but to surrender.”

The words soured in her mouth.

“If they have any decency, they’ll spare the students. But this is Atlas,” she sighed. “There’s a chance they might turn the students into prisoners of war…”

For a moment, she thought of putting up a fight. If she asked it, the students would eagerly take up arms without hesitation. But that would be irresponsible. The young shouldn’t run so hastily to their deaths. Honorable sacrifice is a rite reserved for the older guard.

With an ironed resolve, Glynda placed her glasses back on. Her eyes burned with a fierceness—which smothered immediately in the next second.

Her sudden shock caused by a lone figure striding towards Atlas’s invading Fleet. The young woman’s cape fluttered violently against the wind, as she crossed the courtyard. A Huntress with a bright, red hood.

Glynda immediately pulled out her scroll to dial the number of the Vice Headmaster. A click sounded after a couple rings.

“What do you think you are doing?!” she exclaimed without waiting for an answer.

“I’ll buy you time,” Ruby Rose’s voice came from the other end. “You need to evacuate the students.”

“I can’t let you do that. I won’t allow you to sacrifice yourself!”

“It’s alright, Professor. I don’t plan on dying. Besides, I can hold them off better than you can.”

“Return here at once! That is a direct order, young lady!”

“Sorry. It was great while it lasted. But you must’ve been really stressed out not to see my resignation letter on your desk.”

Glynda turned, and saw a single white envelop sitting on her table. Ruby must have used her Semblance to leave it without her notice.

“I won’t accept it!” Glynda shouted into her scroll. “You can’t possibly hold off an entire fleet on your own!”

But before she could finish berating the former Vice Headmaster, the line went dead.

…

Underneath her hood, Ruby scowled as the lead flagship descended to lower elevation.

I don’t need to hold off an entire fleet.

From the flagship, a single figure descended like a silver meteor.

I just need to hold off one person.

The woman who landed before her was dressed in a snow-white gown. Her waist and leggings were reinforced in battle-scaled armor. A long estoc the length of a spear, drew through the air with a sharp ring.

In spite of herself, Ruby couldn’t help but form a disparaging smile.

“Hey, Weiss. Long time no see.”

Her former partner posed Myrtenaster below Ruby’s nose, but the latter showed no signs of fear.

“Surrender,” Weiss uttered the single-word command.

“What, no ‘how have you been?’, ‘what have you been up to?’”

“Surrender and tell all the professors to surrender at once, too.”

“No ‘I’m sorry for leaving without a word’. No ‘can we please talk about this?’”

“Ruby.”

“Oh, so you do remember my name.”

“This is no time for games.”

At the word, Ruby unfolded two scythes from the holsters of her back. The giant curved blades spread from each arm like wicked wings of omen.

“Who’s playing?”

“Don’t do this, Ruby,” Weiss warned.

“Too late! You already started this! I can’t believe what you’re doing! Did this school mean nothing to you?!”

“…”

“Did I…Did I mean nothing to you?” For a sliver, Ruby’s composure faltered. But realizing this, she reaffirmed her conviction. “I won’t let your bring harm to any of the students.”

“I intend to do nothing of the sort,” Weiss answered.

“I won’t let you take them prisoner.”

“I plan to make them honorary citizens of Atlas and transfer students to our academy.”

“So you can turn them into child soldiers for your war?!”

“Isn’t that what you’ve been doing?”

“We train them to be Huntsmen and Huntresses!”

“And despite you and Professor Goodwitch’s discouragements, some still choose to enlist in Vale’s military. Trust me when I say this, Ruby. My way is the only way they live without harm.”

Just then, Weiss bade a swift backstep in response to the silver glinting of Ruby’s eyes.

“Nothing you say will convince me to surrender those who put their faith in me,” Ruby snarled. “You knew that once.”

Weiss breathed a low, sorrowed sigh, before taking a fencer’s ready stance.

“I suppose this was always how it was going to be.”

“No. It wasn’t. You were my best friend! You were my partner! I…! I cared about you!”

“…!”

Ruby wiped the tears away and readied herself once more.

“Don’t hold back, Weiss… Cause I can promise you—I won’t.”

“…So be it.”

…

…

As Glynda and the other Professors shepherded the students out the back exits, Glynda pulled out her scroll. The device immediately produced a hologram of the fight ensuing in the courtyard.

Flashes of red and white darted back and forth across the stonework. The feed couldn’t keep up with the dazzling pace the two full-grown Huntresses set. It only caught glimpses of their figures when they paused to clash, and then break apart again.

At that moment, Ruby stopped her motion to dig her boots into the ground. She harnessed her Aura through her cowl, which shed rose petals in the activation of her Semblance. The cloak enlarged to envelop her form like a curtain setting the stage.

Weiss narrowed at the new situation. In response, she pierced her sword into the stone floor, casting an enlarged Glyph. It spun and rose, before the shattering sound of a glacier gave entrance to a colossal knight’s summon.

At the same time, Ruby’s cloak ripped away to reveal the woman riding atop a monstrous wolf. Like its master’s hair, the beast’s fur was a rich black coat with red highlights. Its rows of teeth gnashed viciously and hungrily, with a maw that unhinged like a crocodile’s.

Weiss charged with her knight at her side. Ruby’s wolf let out a piercing howl, before racing forward like the wind.

The moment their attacks collided, Glynda’s scroll’s projection cut out.

She took the moment to utter a few silent words.

Farewell, Ruby Rose.

And then, resumed evacuating the students.

.

X  X X  X  X

.

(One week later…)

The harsh sound of uncoupling metal shook Ruby awake from her slumber.

“Had enough time to cool off, I think?” Weiss stood pompously in the bright lit doorway of her cell.

“Ghhgg!” Ruby cringed, pulling her bedsheets over her head.

She remembered the days Weiss did something similar to wake her up, when they were late for classes. But the nostalgia of the memory instantly turned bitter as reality came reeling back.

Ruby could hear the sharp clacks of Weiss’s heels making their way towards her.

“I take it you’ve read the materials?” Weiss checked, while ripping away her blanket with a violent flick.

Ruby didn’t respond. Only looking to the piles of opened folders spread out on the spartan work desk bolted to the corner of her cell.

“Well? Any thoughts?” Weiss asked her.

“…I think…” Ruby rubbed her eyes, while adjusting to the light. “—If those documents aren’t forged or faked, Remnant is in real, deep trouble.”

“The material is completely legitimate. I’ve confirmed the accuracy of the findings myself.”

“Like that counts for much.”

“As such, we must address this problem with the utmost urgency,” Weiss pressed on.

“So?”

“So! …I’m assembling together a team. A special operations team to deal with the matter.”

“…”

Ruby was immediately hit with an overbearing bout of displeasure. She faced away from Weiss, towards the shadows. Her arms crossed defensively.

“This is serious, Ruby,” Weiss scolded. “I wouldn’t make this offer otherwise.”

“Well, that makes me feel better.”

“We are the only ones properly equipped to handle the situation.”

“Why? Why haven’t you reported these findings, if they’re so serious? Why is this the first time I’m hearing about it?”

“Why do you think?” Weiss walked around her, and sat on the bed so they would be sitting face to face. “Remnant is in the middle of its Second Great War. If Atlas made this announcement, who would believe it? The Board of Directors of my own Kingdom don’t even believe it.”

“You mean they don’t want to spend their resources,” Ruby pouted to the side, still refusing to meet her.

“Yes, that’s exactly right.”

“…”

“If I tried to spread these findings on a massive scale, the other Kingdoms would never see past the current war to understand the grave situation we’re all in.” Weiss paused. “But you do… and so will the rest.”

“’The rest’. Why me? I’m sure a brigadier general like yourself should have her own pick of special, elite soldiers.”

“They’re called ‘specialists’, Ruby. And no, not any of whom I can trust—and not of the caliber I need.”

“Do you really think I’m just going to go along with you?”

“I believe…” Weiss paused. “No… I know you can look past our differences and see the real problem at hand. The fate of Remnant is at stake.”

“…”

“I probably shouldn’t say this, and you might think I’m lying,” Weiss bit her bottom lip, “But I’ll be glad to be working with you again.”

With that, Weiss produced another folder, and placed it in Ruby’s hands.

“What’s this?” Ruby asked.

“Your credentials, as well as your new identity. The name ‘Ruby Rose’, the great Huntress and Vice Headmaster of Beacon Academy, is a bit too famous for the covert nature of our operations.”

“Seriously, Weiss?” Ruby uttered, as she began pouring over the details of her new persona.

Weiss was making ready to leave the cell, before stopping at the doorway.

“Oh, yes. One more thing, before I forget.” She turned with an authority and a small hint of satisfaction.

“Welcome to Team WISE—”

“Scarlet.”

#rwby #weiss schnee #ruby rose #yang xiao long #Blake Belladonna #rwby fanfiction #rwby au #Team WISE

[bi-outta-cordonia]

Turnabout: Liam x MC (The Royal Romance)

First fic I ever do for this fandom, so we’ll see how this works out. There was a Wilkinson razor ad that came out a few years ago that inspired this mess, but I’m gonna put it up anyway. This is a purely fictional work so please don’t actually like, attempt any of the things you see in this. 

The Royal Romance. King Liam x MC (Riley Harrington). NS*W, 18+. Tags include; swordplay in ways that a trained professional would definitely not encourage, light hand job, a bossy wife, heavy petting, and maybe a bit of jealousy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Liam attempts to blow off some steam and fails to do exactly that.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A steady quiet grips the palace halls, such an old building occasionally cutting the silence with its creaky foundation and slight chills—little breaths to ease the weight of its ever-growing legacy. He carries each new burden from the pristine marble through the glittering golden halls, hundreds of eyes look to him for everything—guidance, assurances, admonition, and all that fall in between. To save the bounty of this year, will he risk the ire of demanding more in taxes? To ease the tensions between council members, will he declare favor for one or take a chance by presenting an olive branch? 

Beads of sweat slip down his brow and dangle precariously at the tip of his nose. The wooden dummy sits tall in front of him, fresh cuts and deep slashes criss-crossing all along the chipped surface. Liam takes a quick step to the right, sword whisking through the air as he slices a careful pattern into the dummy. 

Some thousands of generations of Rys monarchs had it much more difficult than he. Her Majesty, Queen Kenna Rys had the backing of five kingdoms and the reputation of the Light Taker but her ability to wage war did nothing to gain her allies. Her allies were people first, desperate and in need of one thing or the other—to save a kingdom already on fire, she bites her tongue and answers that call for help first. To bring it all together under one crown and to have the decision be a unanimous one at that? 

How many acres of Stormholt did she lose for every day she spent taking care of other people’s problems? It’s a responsibility he understands, but gods help him, he doesn’t envy the work his ancestors had to endure. 

Splinters of wood split and scatter upon the mat. He raises his sword with a grunt, cutting at what would be an arm if he faced a live opponent. 

All that weight Kenna Rys carried—all the weight he must carry as King. Not many places to work out the stress he faces these days. 

“I was wondering where you ran off to.”

A smile spreads across his face and he offers a brief bow to his inanimate partner. When Liam turns, he’s graced with the sight of Riley, her long dark hair pulled into a loose bun, a leather jacket hugging her shoulders, and a long black dress adorning her. She leans against the doorway of the training room, eyes appreciatively roaming the entire length of him. 

“I didn’t mean to worry you,” he says, breathless and dabbing at his brow with the towel hanging on his shoulder. Liam approaches her slowly, sword still in hand and face settling into a gentle expression. “How was your meeting?”

She smiles. 

“I had to have a sincere conversation with Madeleine and Maxwell at the same time.” Riley brushes past Liam, sweeping into the room and his eyes follow her. He catches the sway of her hips as her dress flutters around her ankles. “They’re definitely on the same page with the relief efforts. It’s just that Madeleine knows more practical ways to handle our solutions and Maxwell just wants to do everything that he can at once.” She sighs. “But I’d be lesser without both of them. We get more done as a team, even if we have completely different ideas.”

“Ah. The perils of leadership,” he chuckles. 

He watches her approach the weapons rack, her impeccable manicure glimmering under the soft light as she trails a hand across the metal guards of each sword securely held in place. His breath hitches when she stops in front of one. 

“I was hoping we could take some time to ourselves for the rest of the day,” she says, hand curving around to stroke the hilt—he swallows hard. She draws the sword from its stand, metal glinting as she turns it in her hand and examines the fine craftsmanship. “It won’t be long before this place is flooded with nobles from every which part of the country. I’ve been looking forward to the Light Bringer Festival. Sounds lovely.”

“In the days of old, Queen Kenna faced in single combat the illustrious Empress Azura, She Who Shines Brightest, and, before the throne, in front of witnesses numbering in the hundreds, slew the Queen of the Bright and thus secured the Five Kingdoms, their borders, and their independence,” he recites, hand blindly reaching back and grasping at the door knob. “It marked the beginning of the Five Kingdoms—a fight to end all fights, or so the history books say.”

 Riley gives a few good swipes with her sword, eventually ending with a powerful thrust forward. Her eyes find his across the room, arm slowly lowering to her side and she gives the blade a careful twirl. She stalks forward and he pulls the door shut—again and he sets the lock. At the third step, his feet glide across the floor as he joins her and twirls the blade in his hand. 

“I’ve been doing some reading of my own,” she says, eyes flashing dangerously. “Diavolos Nevrakis—King of Abanthus. He was made Queen Kenna’s husband after the war against the Iron Empire ended?”

“Yes, he was,” Liam answers. “His father intended betrayal as soon as the dust settled and Diavolos chose to defend Kenna instead. They developed quite an alliance during the conflict.”

Riley laughs. “The stories are a bit more…suggestive in terms of what their relationship was like.”

It occurs to him that they’ve made a full circuit by now. He made a promise to her after their marriage—his burdens would be hers and hers would belong to him. It’s a union forged in understanding and bound by Cordonian tradition, the beloved King and his outsider Queen. So many candidates and so many ways this could’ve turned out. He would kiss the gods themselves if they ever came to him—once for their blessing and a second time for granting him the chance to marry the love of his life. 

“Diavolos Nevrakis was a man born and bred for war,” Liam says, voice dropping low. Riley’s head tilts and he nearly has her. “The first time he ever met Kenna was on the battlefield. Theirs was a love forged by blood, brimstone, and steel.”

“They were warriors,” she says, raising her blade and pointing it at him. 

He raises his arm to a ready position, smile tugging at his lips. “Lovers.”

“I wonder how hard they pushed each other,” Riley says, quirking a brow. 

All the preamble he gets before she lunges forward, blade swinging at him and forcing him back despite the steady block. She’s relentless in her pursuit, careful strikes swishing past him and her steel clanging against his. Nimble feet compared to his steady stance and he can tell she’s been getting in extra practice with Mara. Not as refined as a fencer but she’s unpredictable enough that it makes a difference. The loose strands of her hair whip around her face but he keeps his eyes trained on her body and her sword. 

He rushes to the side, both of them grunting with effort as their blades cross and she pushes him back with a grunt. His arm raises and her cut is true—one clean slice across the shirt loosely adorning him, buttons scattering across the ground and his pale skin peeking out between the neatly parted flaps. 

Liam briefly touches the ruined pieces of his shirt until his eyes dart up and lock with Riley’s. Oh, the smug glee in those brown eyes. She holds her blade out still pointing it towards him and he can’t stop the wicked smile that spreads across his face. 

He tears the pieces with his free hand and pulls the tatters out of his pants, shedding and tossing his ruined shirt to the ground. 

“My darling Queen,” he purrs, boldly gliding across the plane of their battle. Riley follows him, blade still precariously keeping him at length. “I’m afraid you may have started something here…”

“I certainly hope you plan to finish—”

Two quick strides, wrist flicking carefully as his blade crosses hers and she steps—

Back, favoring the right, and earns a clean split down her dress. 

One gleaming brown thigh greets him, the entire length of her leg now exposed by a cut stemming from the hip and parting all the way down. Riley brings her arms down and stares at the cut, cheek apples glowing as she laughs despite the fiery look in her eyes. The black dress flutters around her leg now as she moves, eyes lifting and finding his. Her tongue darts out as she wets her lips. 

They meet each other in the middle, her blade screaming and sliding along his as he lifts his arm overhead. Chest to chest, the powerful muscles in his body ripple as they give a half twirl around each other, swords shifting down at the ready and he jumps back when she slashes at him. 

The clash of steel,

Beads of sweat flying off flushed skin, 

Grunts that could easily be mistaken for sounds of something far more carnal,

The exertion no different and the aim relatively similar. He can see their dance—one step around the other, blades singing with each clash, his eyes trained on her and her determination trained on him. One more step towards the middle as they meet halfway and he jerks his hand down, tearing a rip across her chest. 

Liam licks his lips tasting the salt of his sweat and the budding temptation hanging heavy in the air. 

Beneath the split of the folds, he’s blessed with the sight of her breasts begging for the scrape of his teeth. What he could do to her—oh, the things he’s done to her with just a raspy sound and a few string of words. 

He would move mountains. 

Stop the world on its axis.

Wait on her, hand over foot. 

Riley tilts her head and watches him circle her—both their chests heaving. 

“Seems I’ve the advantage, Your Grace,” Liam says, voice hoarse from exertion. Her arms hang loose by her side, blade gleaming in the light, and the wild look in her eyes stirring primal feelings deep within him. His eyes roam over every inch—needs it like a man dying of thirst needs water. He could do so much if she’d let him. 

Liam twirls the blade in his hand and she strides towards him. A woman on a mission with her shoulders hunched forward and she clashes with him—both hands gripping the hilt as they meet and he fights the voice in his head telling him to toss the blades so he can take her to the ground. The hollow of her throat is where he fixes his eyes, dark brown spots peppered along the expanse and Liam groans. 

A gift of a few nights ago when the palace halls fell silent to the night, nothing but the footsteps of the nightwatch trailing past their bedroom and he refused to grant her respite. He refused to hold back, refused to let her sounds go unheard. He didn’t give a damn who heard, at least they’d know. 

His fingers squeeze the grip and it’s a torture of a kind feeling the warm metal beneath his fingertips rather than her skin. He presses forward and she begrudgingly jolts back so as to keep her balance. Again and his body ripples with a deep seated hunger that claws at him. Another and he pushes her back with all his might, pivoting on his foot and forcing her to spin. 

His wrist flicks out and he cuts at her skirt along the front. She gasps and falters back, spinning on her heel to force some distance and he strikes again, cutting the back of the skirt and exposing both her legs completely. Her head tilts back for a boisterous laugh and he suppresses a moan when he stares fully at the smooth black fabric clinging to her ass. 

“I’m not done yet!” she exclaims, slowly turning towards him. Dangerous—tempting the decency and years of etiquette he’s been trained to maintain. A king must always been in control but why? Why would he deny the feelings bubbling just beneath the surface making his throat dry and his skin tingle? “Now, now—what’s that look in your eye, my King?”

He can’t even bother hiding the way his eyes roam across her exposed thighs. His free hand flexes, a muscle memory coming to mind—of warm legs cradling his head, his fingertips dug into soft brown flesh, and the heady scent of her core invading his senses. 

“A deep-seeded yearning,” he answers honestly, eyes taking in her wild appearance. He takes a ready stance and watches her smirk. She tugs her bun completely loose, raven locks falling over her shoulders, and he can remember the last time he had a fistful of that, gently tilting her head back so he could leave those marks all over her neck. She circles him with her blade out. “Gods help me, if I wasn’t committed to finishing this…”

“Ah ah, patience, love,” she teases, eyes drinking him in. “Oh, but look at you, all breathless and pretty for me.”

He inhales sharply—it’s a familiar phrasing. 

A familiar tone of voice. 

Liam’s eyes dart to her gleaming thighs. 

“Look at you,” he murmurs. “All voracious and tempting…” He raises his blade in front of him in a defensive position, her steady paces putting him on edge. “The key to all the control I have left in me.”

“And I’m not giving it back,” she challenges, winking. 

He smirks. “Oh, beloved. I would hope not.”

It’s an onslaught that follows, sparks nearly flying between them. Her grunts and his grunts that put him in so many different places at once—the unabashed sounds of the opera behind them and her nails raking down his back— 

The cool air of the Applewood manor and her heels pressing into his back—

 Hot breath puffing into his ear and her body squeezing all around him as their boat rocks—

Everywhere and nowhere at once, too many times over. So many times over, so many memories and all he can think about is the heat in his belly and the contrast of his hands on her skin, holding her wrists down down as their slick bodies slide against each other. She’s everywhere—perfume on her neck, quivering thighs, slick heat spread all around him—and nowhere—home with him, home in their bed, screaming for him, begging for him.

Trails of sweat slither down his body, arms up and wrists nearly crossing (like the time she looped red ribbons around his). She spins, slashing with purpose and ferocity (like the time when she shoved him with both hands into a private room at an exclusive event, witnesses be damned), and he meets her at every turn (like when she rolls her hips just like he likes, her breathless voice caught between a haughty laugh and a throaty moan, her open lips hovering over his as his eyes roll to the back of his head). 

Liam thrusts his blade forward and her back slams against the wall, sharp edge digging into the reinforced wood and her jacket pinned against it. She lets out a loud sound that can’t be anything other than a sensual grunt. Gods, the amount of times he’s heard that sound, has imagined hearing that sound when they’re chauffeured in the limousine, his hands flexing uncontrollably as he grips the seats and she sits proudly beside him, a coy hand roaming freely in his lap. 

His eyes lock with hers—one moment, she’s impeccable with every strand of hair carefully slicked back as her crown sits heavy upon her head.

The next, she’s looking back at him with wild eyes promising him all the world and then some if only he’d fall even further into ruin for her.   

He blinks, head shaking and hands trembling—her voice is so clear, everything is so clear.

Another memory—

Spread across his desk, missives, folders, all the trinkets that should be there scattered across the floor and she’s got one hand gripping the edge, eyes lidded and mouth wide open as moans pour from her throat, dress open in the front where her breasts are covered in his bites, blackeyes of her nipples staring at him pebbled and glistening from his earlier attentions, her skirt pulled high up around her waist and panties lying somewhere in tatters. He grips her thighs with the strength of a man afraid to let go, desperate to have all of her at once. Their bodies slick, wet heat dripping from them every which way—his shirt hangs wide open and his pants hastily bunch around his thighs because it’s all he could manage before it became too much. 

Buried in her, buried until he can go no further. Her hand on his stomach so she can feel the muscles tremble and ripple with every thrust. 

Liam’s throat goes dry and his mouth opens. 

Riley slips out of the jacket and brings her blade up, clashing with his as she pushes him back and slashes at his pants. The belt and the pieces fall around him as her eyes gleefully land on the black boxers clinging to him. He glances down at the expert cut and slowly lifts his head. 

When their gazes meet, he knows he’s lost control already. 

“And now…” she purrs, twirling the blade in hand, her other hand reaching out and tracing a path from the elastic band of his boxers through the dark hairs trailing up his belly button, “for my other question.”

He swallows, curls his free hand into a tight fist so he won’t even consider palming the heavy erection straining in his boxers, and turns his head so he can follow her path around him. Fingertips glide across his skin—stomach arching up so she can rake her fingers along his chest, circle around his powerful arms, and dance along his shoulders. 

“Riley,” he whimpers, pleading.

“Did he ever bend for her?” 

Tantalizing touch and it scrapes along his skin, a blade of finer craftsmanship than he could’ve ever imagined. Cuts deeper and drives harder into his very soul. 

“Diavolos—” He shudders as her fingers dip down low in the curve of his back. “He was not a king that could be so easily tamed. Battle was his—his second nature and not much could, hah…” Black polished nails glide around to his belly, dips beneath the elastic band and just barely touches him at the base of his cock. His entire body seizes up, dark eyes now completely fixed on the smug expression on her face. He takes a breath, shifting on his feet and rising to his full height above her. “Not much could be withheld should he desire it.”

Riley tilts her head. “And if his Queen wanted him to bend a knee for her?”

“He’d do it,” he responds quickly, voice rumbling in his chest and surprising her. “Anything she wanted—the world, the universe, all the damn stars in the sky and the galaxies in between.” He’s moving forward, backing her up towards the wall and her eyes never stray from him. “He withheld nothing. Wore his passion for his people—for his Queen—on his sleeves and fought with the weight of both bearing down on him. It was everything he should’ve been, everything she deserved.”

“And me?” Riley whispers. “What do I deserve, my love?”

His nostrils flare and his hand shoots out, grasps her at the back of her neck and pulls her towards him. 

“You deserve…” She keens as he tips her back further, spies the way the light dances in her eyes and exposes her blown pupils to him despite the already dark depths of her eyes. “All the heat and the fervor built up in me…” He dips his head, lips hovering over hers and eyes darting over every part of her face—the face that greets him in the morning and puts him at ease when he goes to sleep. “Gods, Riley. I could do so much to you right now.” Just the barest brush of their lips and all the heat bubbles within him, burns him from the inside out. “Command me and I would move you however you want me to. Would have you whatever way you deemed worthy.”

“Oh, Liam…”

Her eyes squeeze shut and he closes the gap, seals his lips to hers with a guttural sound. Claims her, marks her, throws the last thread of his control right up in to the wind without a care. Backs her up against the wall with the tatters of his pants limply clinging to his ankles and his cock rubbing all over her dress. It’ll be an awful mess, precome leaking from the tip and spreading all over his boxers. All the things he could let her do—that he could do. 

He presses her hard up against the wall and she moves her mouth in tandem with his, swallows every moan and releases a few trembling ones of her own. One hand smooths over his heated skin, rakes down the pinkish flush spreading down his body and catches on a nipple, making him shudder. Air barely matters but he parts long enough to let her suck in a breath before he greedily consumes more. More kisses, more heat, everything and nothing, all of her and twice more of himself. 

Liam presses a knee up against her already soaking core, rolls it between her legs as he swallows more kisses and sucks down more of her pleading noises. Her free hand scrabbles until she settles it on his neck and pulls him to her. As close to her as their physical bodies will allow and it’s still not enough. He wants further in, deeper in, all the way down to her soul. 

More, more, more, it will never be enough—can’t ever be enough. 

Her hand comes back around and shoves at his chest. He can’t even register his own body anymore, just lets it do whatever it pleases as his blade arcs up and splits her dress completely down the middle. The tatters fall down her arms as soon as she lowers them. 

Black lingerie and her hair sticking up in places, chest heaving, and body slick with sweat. Riley whips around slowly and his blade meets hers above their heads, chest to chest and gods help him, he would absolutely end it now if she asked. 

He would do anything for her to just end it now.

Eyes locked, pupils blown wide. His growls and her gasps—they circle each other in a dance far more intimate than they’ve ever shared before. Eyes darting to lips, darting to skin, the temptation rising between them and she slips away, bare feet quickly padding towards the locker room and he dashes after her with a breathless laugh. 

She throws the curtains in his face, laughing and twirling around in circles. The sword slips from her fingertips, clattering unceremoniously to the ground and he tosses his down without a thought. No need to run from anything anymore as she lets him sweep her up in his arms, the muted light of the baths bleeding out onto the floor, and his lips find hers. Hot, hungry—begging and pleading for sweet release. 

Liam lifts her and she wraps her legs around him, bodies slick and sliding together as if they were made for one another. He sets her down after a few steps, just outside the baths proper and onto the plush white carpet just outside the entrance. 

Hands fumble and grope, tear off her panties, unhook her bra, and slide his boxers down the entire length of his body. Heated gazes lock, her tongue wetting her lips, and her brows rising. 

“Give me what I deserve, my love,” she demands, fingers carding through the hair at the nape of his neck. He groans as she shifts her hand up to grip his hair tight. “Mold yourself for me, give me all that I want and more.”

“I’ll give you—” he manages before her lips crash hard against his, devouring every sweet sound from his throat and the little puffs of air in between. They break with a gasp, the wind stolen from their lungs and burning something fierce with every intake of breath. “Riley, please.”

She tugs on his hair and he cries out. 

“Oh, Liam. I hear you, darling. I hear you loud and clear.” Their bodies shift and he finds his back against the warm carpet, chest heaving as nails rake down his skin, tweak his nipples and dip lower until her hand firmly grips his cock. “But I already told you: give me what I deserve.”

“Fuck!” he shouts, legs splaying wider and eyes glancing down to watch her pump him. 

Slow. 

Steady.

Hand twisting on every upstroke, squeezing just right to draw the breath from his body. Leave him at her mercy. Bend to her will and mold his body into the perfect pliant mess she craves. Precome beads at the tip, spilling down his cock and she pays it no mind. Slides her hand through the slick and spreads it all over him. Drives him further and plucks at the remaining threads of his sanity. Snips each with a feverish kiss—to his neck (snap), and further down along his collarbone (snap snap). Little kisses down his chest and over his fluttering stomach. 

He swallows hard when she lets go of him, grabs his shoulders to steady herself and swings a leg over his body. Her wet core presses hot against him, her heat nearly engulfing him but not quite yet. Liam reaches up and brings her down to him with both hands cradling her face. Their foreheads press together as their heavy breaths fill the room. 

“Riley, please. Gods, please. Anything you want.” He’s fully aware of the desperate crack of his voice, his body trembling in anticipation of everything—heated kisses, heated core, fiery passion and endless possibility nestled deep within him. “I’ll give you anything you want, just…just…please!”

Riley kisses him hard, lets him scrabble at her and stroke shaky fingers through her hair as her body sinks down on his cock, one hand holding him steady while the other loosely grasps his neck. Guttural sounds rumble in his chest, mouth still moving in tandem with Riley’s, capturing them even as her lips part and let out a desperate gasp. Her hips remain still until she shifts, body clenching around him and a few quick movements have him pinning her to the ground. 

His move—his play. He could have her any way but he’ll wait. 

He’ll let the heat consume him as he consumes her kisses, hands pinning her wrists and body shifting ever so slightly—reminding her that there’s a fight she’s yet to finish. 

He plants smaller kisses down her jaw, each as powerful and hungry as the last, leaving a trail of wet heat down her neck. Choked gasps flood the pristine room, her wrists give pull but he won’t let her move any further. Riley’s hips cant up and he growls, lavishing her throat with more bites, more marks that she’ll need to cover in front of the Court. 

Fuck them, he thinks. 

“Oh, Liam!”

Fuck them, he thinks, gently rocking his hips forward. 

“Riley—Riley—tell me what you want!” he hisses, face pressing into her neck. 

Her chest heaves and she struggles against his grip at her wrists, pushes forward like she wants to touch him. His teeth scrape along her neck once again, hips rocking in one thrust—

A second and she wrenches her hands free,

A third and he plants his hands next to her head, body rolling up and, finally—

Finally,

Gods help him, 

She opens her mouth—

“Fuck me. Fuck me, Liam, god, I want it all!”

He’s a merciful king. 

He could never cut his teeth on the ruthless power plays his father was capable of—compassion is the weapon of Liam’s choice. 

Oh, but there are those moments. These moments, when the savagery and the passion overflow within him. When the niceties and the control slip completely from his grasp in favor of something more carnal than hunger. 

He could never hide his love for Riley, never ever again. His hips rock steady into her at first, drag every moan from her throat as her legs wrap tight around his waist and her lips press to his ear letting him hear every little thing he does to her. She wraps her arms around his neck, sanity giving way to desperation and he pounds his hips against hers. 

“Yes! Yes, hah, Riley!” he grunts hot and rough in her ear, wet heat slamming into wet heat. His lips descend unto every bit of hot flesh he can find—her face, her neck, her shoulders, her soft lips. Whatever he can capture, he’ll take. Whatever she offers, he’ll cling to for now. 

“God, Liam!” 

Her heels press deep into his lower back and she squeezes around him, the wet sounds of their coupling setting a steady rhythm. To the drum of her pulse under his tongue laving along the flesh, and then to the thrum of his heart slamming against his ribcage. Deep inside her and deeper still, Liam carries them both as far as they can go, as loud as they can be as they claw their way to their destination. 

Her fingers scrape and pull at his hair, pleasure tingling down his spine like a strike of razor thin lightning, and her moans drive him harder. All that he could do for her and more, all that he’s ever wanted to do for her and more—all possible as his fingertips graze along her sides, circle her breasts, thumb the peaks of her hardened nipples, and gently close around her throat. 

Lips scrape against lips, leave wet trails from cheek to jaw to neck. Teeth sink into flesh and mouth closes around skin—dark brown marks left in his wake, reminders she won’t hide and he can hear the gossip now. 

“Oh, how bold!”

“My, how atrocious to leave such…such evidence!”

“Have they no shame? No tact?”

No ability to maintain all that—

Tight—

Awful control. 

That part of him that tries to hold it together in her presence when all he wants is a fistful of those black tresses, yanking and pulling, molding her the way she’ll let him and the way he wants. One hand slips from her neck to push at her thigh—up and to the side so there’s nothing left to hide from him. Liam leans over her, lips barely touching hers as hot puffs of air spill from her lips to the rhythm he sets with his hips. He takes in every detail, refuses to close his eyes because he wants to see everything—

The way her brows draw tight when he thrusts just right,

Teeth and jaw clenching as he shifts his hips and pins her down,

The hand trailing on her thigh now dancing between her legs, rubbing careful and sure circles around her pearl. 

Her head snaps back, mouth wide open as his hovers waiting to swallow her every noise. Nails rake painfully down his back and he knows there will be marks in the morning. The thought alone sends chills down his spine. 

“Look at me,” he breathes, voice nearly shot. She thrashes underneath, thighs opening wider. His hips snap mercilessly into hers, fingers still teasing the wet warmth between her legs as he pulls and pulls her closer to the edge. He’ll bring her there, teeter her just off the edge—

But first—

“Liam…oh god, Liam, please!” she begs. 

But first.

“Riley, look at me, right now.”

It’s a struggle for her to open her eyes, the depths of deep brown staring back at him with tears pricking at the corners, threatening to streak down her face. One hand still around her throat and he shifts his entire body, gets her hips near parallel to the floor as he rises on his knees and closes his hand tighter around her neck, pulls her forward so their foreheads touch. 

He’ll stay in the depths as long as she’ll let him. As long as it takes. His lips part, press against hers for a fleeting moment as her eyes dart all over his face. 

“I love you,” he breathes. A heady moan tears from her throat as he grinds his hips into hers. No thrusting, just heated flesh pressed up against heated flesh. Their bodies slotted perfectly, her breathless gasps stirring feelings already burning hot in his belly. Liam squeezes the hand around her neck and presses his body further, fingers still mercilessly teasing her pearl. “Every day it’s a battle when you’re near—a struggle not to throw you down and mark you up.”

Her hands shift and grip his shoulders tight, nails biting into his flesh and he can’t bring himself to care. His hips start a slow rhythm at first, dragging more of those sweet sounds from her. 

“I—fuck! I’m not…not apologizing,” she manages. Her eyes never stray from his, all the fervor and passion within driving him harder. Driving him deeper. Riley opens her mouth, words just on the cusp of her tongue but he gives her a moment—watches her head tilt back as far as his grip allows her and those beautiful brown eyes roll to the back of her head. “All of this…I want it all, baby…” Her hands smooth down his bare chest and his jaw clenches. “I demand it. I don’t want you to stop until…”

“I’ll give you what you deserve,” he says between clenched teeth. “All the things you, hah…all the things you…want and more.” More than this—more than flesh on flesh, chasing heat and highs beyond their wildest dreams. Liam drags her forward crushing his mouth against hers. One kiss, just the one break in all the fantasies fueling him. When they part, their eyes lock, breaths ragged and heavy as fire burns in their veins. He swallows around dry air. “Anything you want. Everything you want, my love, please. Oh god, Riley, I’ll give you everything just…please…”

Her hands weave through his hair pulling him close. She tilts forward kissing him sloppily. 

“Give me your love,” she demands and he groans, deep and low. Lets the sound settle in his chest as one of her hands smooths down his back to grip his ass and loosely guide him. Her lips press against his ear and he shudders at the breath puffing into the cartilage. “Give me your fears. Your worries. Give me what’s been eating at you, clawing at you, shaking you down to the core.”

The hand trapped between them shifts up so he can wrap her up in his arms. It’s all lost to him now—sanity, tact, control, and everything in between. His hips chase a feeling now, no rhythm or rhyme. Just the heat surrounding him on all sides, the fire threatening to burst from within him. He presses his face in the crook of her neck as the heat coils tight in his belly, mouth open and lungs burning. He groans deep, inhales sharply and takes in the scent of her perfume mingling with the sweat clinging to her neck. Her ankles lock behind his back and it’s only a matter of time. 

Five…

“Let it wash through you, baby,” comes her sultry voice in his ear. Encouraging him still. Coaxing him regardless of the subtle ache that must be quaking in her thighs by now. “Let it flow through me.”

Four…

Squeezing tight around him and he can barely take it anymore. Barely stand the fire choking him up in the chest and the desperate heave of his lungs swallowing dry air. Her hand on his ass keeps guiding him—pinching him when he grinds his hips into hers and squeezing when her name tumbles off the edge of his lips. He can’t take this anymore.

Three…

“Riley, please! Gods, please, I can’t! I can’t stand it—”

Two…

“Give me all of it. Give me, give me, give me! I demand it. I want it. I want it! I want you! I want you so fucking much, Liam! Oh!”

Oh…oh…

One. 

One love, one body, one soul—for a few minutes, maybe even less than that. Maybe more than he’d ever be able to understand. Just those few seconds in between the powerful jerk of his hips, the desperate pleas spilling rapidly from Riley’s lips. It’s a feeling that flows out of him with a snap—the very last thread of his control gone completely as he spills deep inside her. Thrusts hard until there’s nothing left of him to give. He holds her as tight as he can without hurting her, presses his mouth to her ear and lets the hoarse groans bubbling in his chest pour out of him. 

He keeps going until his knees scream with pain, until her choked sobs die down and morph into gentle praises that she plants upon him with even gentler kisses. On his face, across his cheeks, and down his jaw—each whisper of breath dancing along his skin carrying a promise of love and adoration. 

“So good. So so good, Liam, I love you so much,” she says like it’s an oath, sure and brimming with passion. Her shaky hands cradle his face, pull him from the warmth of the crook of her neck so she can look him in the eye properly. His heart swells large and fast in his chest at the pure joy in the depths of her brown eyes. Riley brushes the sweat from his brow and kisses every bit of skin her fingertips touch. “I love you, Liam. You did so well.”

“I love you, too,” he says quickly, stealing a few kisses from her lips. There’s a beat of laughter that comes from her in between them. A ray of warmth in all this cooling heat—the one sound he cherishes more than raspy pleas and hoarse begging. He presses his forehead to hers and shares a laugh with her. “Riley Harrington, I love you so damn much. I love you, I love you…”

And for a moment, there’s no titles and no need to think about the world outside the doors. There’s just them, their bodies bare with sweat clinging to their skin, and whispers of their devotion filling the silence. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Of course they pick him. Why wouldn’t they pick him?

He’s the Professional Best Friend—the one person that knows Liam--inside and out--that could track him to the ends of the earth and back. 

Drake sighs—and shouldn’t be complaining either. It isn’t as if Madeleine’s concerns are unfounded. These days, whenever Liam disappears, it tends to cause a bit of panic amongst the King’s Guard. Anton may be gone but the threat is still fresh in people’s minds. That won’t change any time soon. 

So when Madeleine levels him with a pointed look and a raised brow, as if to say, “fetch, boy,” he has no choice but to go track Liam down, or else a national scandal break out on account of the King of Cordonia just wanting a few minutes to breathe. 

When he tosses the doors to the training room open, he freezes. 

Scraps of clothing lay in tatters all over the mats, clean cuts from what he can see, and not a trace of any person who could’ve worn them nearby. He steps further into the room and picks up some of the pieces so he can closely examine them. Little black scraps here, white fabric there—no blood on either, but the black scraps…

He brings a strip of black cloth to his nose and sniffs. 

“Harrington’s perfume…” he whispers and turns his head. 

A small leather jacket lays crumpled on the floor by the wall. Panic wells in him when he picks it up and notes the cut across the back of it. A sword or knife—he looks closer and—

“No blood?”

His head snaps towards the locker rooms, a noise drawing him closer to the doors. Through the threshold, he can hear two voices—one unmistakably Liam’s and the other…

He inches further into the room, noting the steam rolling out of the shower and the two swords lying haphazardly across the floor. There’s a grunt, deep and guttural—he swallows. 

“—hadn’t thought that far ahead.”

“Clearly.”

Harrington. 

He creeps closer, footsteps silent as he inches closer. 

Liam sighs wistfully. “The one time I wish Bastien had actually kept close tabs on me…”

Someone’s wet footsteps pad across the tiles. “No phone either?”

“Left it with Drake.” A pause. “What? Wait, no. I—I didn’t plan—”

“Oh, I know. This was my plan but I just—wow, so that’s a tidbit I’m definitely gonna abuse later.”

“Riley!” There’s a lilt in Liam’s voice as his laughter cuts through the quiet. 

It eats at him in ways he doesn’t expect a lot of times, the jealousy and the silent heartbreak that gnaws at him. Drake sighs and presses flush against the lockers—he hasn’t thought about either of them like that in a while but it creeps up sometimes. He remembers the social season, hating Harrington and wishing she would figure out that court is the last place she needed to be. He remembers the contempt that spread through him when Liam spoke on and on about how right it felt to be near her whenever he could. 

The shower cuts off and the two of them giggle again. Drake straightens up when Liam’s head pokes out from behind the curtain.

“Oh, Drake! Thank goodness,” he says, breathing a sigh of relief. “I’m afraid I might need your help for a moment.”

“Are you two okay?” Drake asks, pushing off the lockers. He stops when Liam glances back and pulls the curtain tighter to him. He’s seen Harrington before—he never told Liam, not that he ever would. “Madeleine said she hadn’t seen either of you for a while and I found your clothes...” 

A deep blush tinges Liam’s cheeks and his eyes dart around the room. 

“Ah…well…” Liam jerks and looks back, a small smile creeping on his face and Drake can practically see Harrington’s glib expression as she pokes her husband in his sides. “Riley’s…Duchess Riley is with me. We may have…been a bit overzealous with our training. Which brings me to our current problem—”

“You need me to bring you spare clothes,” Drake finishes with a sigh. 

“And if possible, try not to get caught doing it,” Liam adds, unhelpfully. 

Drake rolls his eyes. “Alright just…hang on. I’ll be back in a few.”

“Thank you—”

“Thanks Drake!” Riley exclaims.

He turns on his heel and gives a half-hearted wave. 

“You both owe me!” he tosses back, marching off. 

His thoughts are quiet at the very least, no whispers of the jealousy from before poking and prodding at him.

#playchoices #choices #the royal romance #king liam #king liam x mc #choices: stories you play #choices: the royal romance #n*fw #ns*w

[dnmeinster]

Sorting Through Kingdom Hearts III Part 1 - Your 7 Lights, My 13 Darknesses

Spoiler Warning

There was a very specific moment that the story of Kingdom Hearts went from complicated to convoluted.  It was in KH2, when King Mickey tells Sora of the villain they fought in the first game, "He wasn't really Ansem.  He just went around telling everybody that he was."  And it only got worse from there.

 And yet, for all its messiness, I love the series, the characters, and even the storyline.  Though it might seem nonsensical, there is usually some sort of logic to it all, however skewed.

Kingdom Hearts III has me scratching my head at a bunch of developments.  Ultimately, I enjoyed the game and might even write up my impressions at some point.  But for now, I merely want to write up what's confused me and try to sort through it.

We start with Master Xehanort and his scheme to reform the X-blade and gain control over Kingdom Hearts.  I'll let him explain:

"In ancient times, people believed that light was a gift from an unseen land by the name of Kingdom Hearts.  But Kingdom Hearts was safeguarded by its counterpart, the Chi-blade.  Warriors vied for that precious light, thus beginning the "Keyblade War." The violent clash shattered the Chi-blade into twenty pieces--seven of light, and thirteen of darkness.  And the only real Kingdom Hearts was swallowed by the darkness, never to surface again.  I once tried to create my own pure light and darkness to forge the Chi-blade, but the attempt ended in failure.  In my eagerness, I had lost sight of the correct way to achieve my goal.  I acted rashly.  I can admit that now."

Here, at the end of Dream Drop Distance, Xehanort recounts the plot of Birth by Sleep, where he separated Ventus into pure light (Ven) and pure darkness (Vanitas) before masterminding the events that led to their clash.  But their battle failed to successfully produce the Chi-blade, so Xehanort was forced to resort to Plan B, which was basically the events of KH1 and KH2.  But that didn't work out too well either, as Sora intervened to stop him.  So it was on to Plan C, or the clearly intended plot for KH3:

"I used the evil fairy to find seven pure lights for me, just as I prepared thirteen vessels to fill with pure darkness...However, I have not abandoned my ambitions--the seven guardians of light and the thirteen seekers of darkness...All the pieces are destined to appear.  Your seven lights just like my thirteen darknesses, whose final clash will beget the prize I seek--the Chi-blade!"

At this point, Xehanort has Sora in his possession, and intends to use him as his thirteenth darkness:

"But first, the thirteen darknesses shall be united.  All the seats have been filled.  And now the last vessel shall bear my heart like the rest!"

But because of a last-minute intervention by Axel, Donald, and Goofy, Xehanort fails to unite his darknesses.

"We are out of time.  Neither the union of light nor darkness has been achieved, and we must all return to whence we came.  But, the gathering of the seven and thirteen is nigh.  Let us finish this at the fated place, once your lights and my darknesses have joined together."

So, if you're following this, Xehanort did not unite the 13 darknesses at the end of Dream Drop Distance, nor did Mickey/Sora unite their 7 lights.  That was to come in the sequel.

But what exactly does it mean to unite 13 darknesses?  Do they all have to bear Xehanort's heart in order to be considered darknesses?  Or is that purely an egotistical act?

Before we explore further, let's list out the 13 darknesses that our Xehanort gathers in KH3:

Master Xehanort

Young Master Xehanort (YMX)

Terranort

Ansem, Seeker of Darkness

Xemnas

Vanitas

Xigbar

Saix

Luxord

Marluxia

Larxene

Riku Replica

Xion

Benched:

Vexen

Demyx

For Number 1-5, they all already bear Xehanort's heart, as they are all a form of Xehanort, be it his original form, his younger self, his heartless, his nobody, or Terra possessed by him.  But what about Number 6-13?  Did they ever get turned into a Xehanort horcrux?  And what exactly happens to them when they do bear a piece of his heart?  Do they lose their individuality?

This was the first question that originally stumped me.  When Terra becomes possessed by Xehanort's heart, he's not really Terra anymore.  But that was a direct one-to-one transfer.  What about Xigbar?  We learn in Dream Drop Distance that he already bears a part of Xehanort's heart.

"Xigbar:  Xemnas and Xehanort formed the Organization for a very specific reason--round up a bunch of empty husks, hook them up to Kingdom Hearts, then fill them all with the exact same heart and mind.  Translation--they were gonna turn all the members in Xehanort.

Sora:  Make more Xehanorts?  You tricked your friends to...But you--aren't you scared of just turning into someone else?

Xigbar: Me? I'm already half-Xehanort."

Two statements stand out:  "hook them up to Kingdom Hearts and then fill them with the exact same heart and mind" and "I'm already half-Xehanort."  First, by saying he's half-Xehanort, Xigbar implies that he retains part, or half, of his original self.  And he still displays much of the same characteristics that defined him in KH2 and BBS.  If he's only half Xenahort, then we can look to the first statement to understand why.  Xehanort did not fill him with the same heart and mind. He couldn't. He didn't have access to Kingdom Hearts.  So, instead, he resorted to putting a part of his heart into Xigbar.

There are a few instances in KH3 where it's less clear what is required to become one of the 13 darknesses, and they mostly involve Larxene.  This is where my confusion initially stemmed from.

Larxene reiterates multiple times that, although she has joined with the Real Organization XIII, she has no desire to bear Xehanort's heart.  Even when she meets her end, it sounds as if she has refused to become one of thirteen Xehanorts.

"I lost...to a bunch of losers!  ...But...could be worse.  Become that geezer's heart tank?  No thanks."

I originally took it to mean that she never accepts Xehanort's heart within her body.  However, this quote could also be interpreted as meaning that losing to Sora and friends was better than continuing to bear Xehanort's heart.  And, if you pay close attention to the initial battle in Scala ad Caleum, it becomes clear that she did indeed have Xehanort's heart within her.

 Take a look:

 That’s Larxene’s weapons on that enemy.  Why is that important?

"Once a seat of power for all keyblade wielders, here I and my other selves can be one...in Scala ad Caelum."

Those twelve enemies you face are Xehanort's twelve other selves, most likely the fragments of Xehanort's heart, returning to their Master after their bearers were defeated.  Each has a weapon of one of the darknesses, from Marluxia's scythe to Vanitas' keyblade and Luxord’s cards.  Which means that all 12 darknesses did indeed possess a piece of Xehanort's heart.

So, to state this as plainly as it can be stated, the 13 darknesses that Master Xehanort needed were indeed 13 Xehanorts, but Numbers 7-13 were only half-Xehanort; they bore a piece of his heart and not his mind.  Thus, they were able to act independently from Xehanort and were not his puppets.  This explains both their individuality continuing after becoming one of the darknesses and their subsequent betrayals.

One last bit of evidence of this is from the epilogue.  Even though Xigbar has been half-Xehanort, he still had his own agenda.

"Some time ago I had to cast my old form away.  Been through plenty more semblances since, but it’s still me underneath it all...I had a role to play.  And after all these years, it’s done."

So Xigbar aka Luxu could continue to work toward his own goals even after becoming half-Xehanort.  At this point it should be clear:  although Xehanort assembled the 13 darknesses and united them with his own heart, he was unable to supplant their personalities and personal motivations.  Was this because it was not a one-to-one transfer of his heart?  Or because he did not possess Kingdom Hearts to replace their hearts and minds?  It's probably both.

Moving on, we can now tackle the 7 Guardians of Light:

Sora

Riku

Kairi

Mickey

Axel

Aqua

Ven

 They all died.  And then they didn't.  And then there were even more guardians.

(8.) Lingering Will/Terra

(9.) Roxas

(10.) Xion??

Right now, we're only going to focus on 1-8.  And I'm leaving out Donald and Goofy because they're not Keyblade wielders.  But...wait. If the seven lights have to be Keyblade wielders, does that mean the 13 darknesses must be as well? Indeed, I would surmise that Xehanort needed to place a piece of his heart into all 13 darknesses in order to make them, shall we say, Keyblade-eligible. Thus, all involved in the clash to form the Chi-blade must have the heart of a Keyblade wielder.

When the Seven Guardians initially arrive at the Keyblade Graveyard, they are confronted by Terranort and a horde of Heartless.  And then they are all killed.  Why would Xehanort do this if he needs them to clash to create the blades?  We'll get to that.

Sora ends up in the Final World, which is some sort of purgatory/afterlife.  The rest of the guardians, their hearts and probably their bodies, are trapped in the realm of light.  Xehanort has dispatched a Heartless to collect their hearts and use them to complete the Chi-blade. Their hearts are their lights, and Xehanort is capable of staging a clash with his darknesses in order to obtain the ultimate Key.  But it won't be that easy for him.

Sora, held together by Kairi's belief in him, restores himself, returns the realm of light, rescues the guardians' hearts from the Heartless, and then...travels back in time to their initial arrival at the Keyblade Graveyard.  I'm not even gonna get into that right now.

Instead, let's talk about guardian number 8.  What's changed when Sora returns?  Well, Terra's Lingering Will shows up to confront Terranort.  Where did he come from?  Turns out there's an optional cutscene in the Final World where Sora has a discussion with Namine.

"While sifting through memories, I spoke to Terra, the Keyblade wielder you’ve been looking for.  He has a strong will, and it keeps him tethered to the realm of light.  I’ll try tracing that connection."

Namine is the reason that the seven guardians survive their second arrival at the Keyblade Graveyard, as none seem to remember their first, including Sora and Kairi.  Why is that exactly?  I'm thinking it has something to do with Kingdom Hearts' rules of time travel.

Since the seven guardians survive, they go on to clash with the 13 darknesses.  And each clash begets a piece of the Chi-blade.  Even though all of the darknesses are defeated, save one, the Chi-blade is formed, Kingdom Hearts is summoned, and Master Xehanort is on his way to victory.

Except Master Xehanort is also a portal.  A time and space portal.

What is it with this game and time travel?  We'll take a deep dive in Part 2.

#kingdom hearts #kingdom hearts 3 #kingdom hearts iii #xehanort #keyblade #sora #organization xiii #chi-blade #kh3 #kh3 spoilers

[queencrimsonred]

Loyalty (Somnus Lucis Caelum x Reader)

Author’s note: Somnus is kinda an ass, but he’s not nearly as bad as Bahamut in my humble opinion. I couldn’t do any of my other work until I finished writing this, which is a danger to my academic career since I have a project proposal due in two days 😅. Written over 2 nights, based on fuzzy dreams and the fact that my subconscious mind doesn't think Somnus can be truly evil and the praised founder king. Excuse the typos please, it’s like 3 am and I am a very tired college student. -Crimson

Word count: 9044

Warnings: Spoilers to the Episode Ardyn prologue, maybe some DLC spoilers, violence, character death. Nothing all that shocking if you’ve watched the prologue.  

“Somnus, you’re brooding again,” _____ smiled to herself as she cut the apple in her hand.

“Am I?” He looked over at her, she snickered.

“Yes, you seem to be doing it more often lately. What is troubling you my love?” She asked as she looked up at him.

“You would stand by me no matter what wouldn’t you?” He asked, she suddenly felt like the gods themselves were scrutinizing her.

“Do you truly need to ask? I have loyally stood by you since we were only children, that won’t change.” She said firmly, he nodded and turned to look out the window as the sun disappeared behind the clouds.

“That is good to hear,” he responded. The closer they got to the day the gods would choose the rightful heir to the throne, the more distant Somnus became.

“Why do you ask?” She asked

“I just needed to hear it from you,” he answered, looking back over to her.

“Perhaps we should go on a trip together sometime soon. It seems that you could use a break, and a hunt seems like the ideal way to do that. Wouldn’t you say?” She offered, she stabbed a small piece of apple off her plate and offered it to him as he chuckled.

“Yes, that sounds wonderful, but only if you can keep up.” He smirked slightly about to take a bite of the apple only for her to pull it away from him at that very moment.

“Please, I am the best huntress you will ever meet; I am more than capable of keeping up with you.” She said stubbornly, holding her head up high and crossing her arms as she spoke. He rolled his eyes, pinching her chin to get her to meet his gaze again.

“I’m only teasing. You put seasoned hunters to shame.” He smiled this time, and she nodded.

“Mhm, and don’t you dare forget,” she responded holding out the apple slice again.

“How could I when you keep reminding me every time we hunt together?” He asked, eyeing the slice skeptically this time as if she would pull it away at any minute. “Will you let me eat it this time, or are you going to pull it away again?”

“Sorry, I won’t pull it away this time. I would hate for my beloved to starve.” She giggled, he scoffed but allowed her to feed him anyways. “When should we go hunting next?”

“In a few weeks, I would prefer to know the state of our kingdom before that,” he answered, and she nodded.

“Of course, there is no need to rush, but don’t forget to take breaks, I hate seeing you so stress.” She put her hand on his cheek, and he responded by leaning in and pressing a light kiss against her lips.

“With you at my side, I’m sure I will be fine.”

***

It was a day of monumental proportions, the day the true king would be named, the day that _____ hoped would finally end the feud between her dear friends. What she had expected was for a calm concession, but it was not what she received. _____ stood beside Aera and Gilgamesh at the top of the steps, right next to the throne of the rightful king. The moment Ardyn entered the throne room, _____ could tell that something was wrong. With so many eyes watching them, now was a time for the brothers to put aside their differences and work together for the sake of their nation. However, the moment Ardyn stepped past Somnus, he stood and glared at his brother.

“Do you truly covet the throne so badly brother? The crystal chose me.” Somnus declared boldly, Aera gasped and _____’s eye went wide. “You’ll have to forgive me, but this was the only way I could think to lure a traitor like you here. The gods have spoken, and I am the rightful king!”

“And if I object?” Ardyn asked as Somnus summoned his sword with a smirk. _____ couldn’t act even if she wanted to with Gilgamesh blocking standing in the way. The fight between Ardyn and Somnus started, each blow was deflected, but _____ knew it was only a matter of time before one of them gained the upper hand. “I will spare your life if you renounce your claim to the throne.” Ardyn coughed slightly, and Somnus smirked. Both Aera and _____ tensed as they watched the fight; _____ didn’t want to see either of them hurt. She couldn’t start the thought of Aera suffering the loss of her beloved, and she didn’t want to lose Somnus. _____ clenched her fist as one of Ardyn’s deflections sent Somnus tumbling back, but he didn’t waste a moment. Somnus threw a spear at his brother, warping after it right as Ardyn caught it and sent it through his chest. _____ knew this fight would be over if Somnus attacked now, and he was never one to waste an opportunity.

“Stop!” Aera cried out, barely slipping past Gilgamesh and running down the steps.

“No Aera, don’t!!” _____ cried out to her oldest friend, unable to stop her. Gilgamesh only acted fast enough to stop _____ from lunging after her, but not so quick as to stop Aera. _____ could not move as she watched Aera jump between the two brothers, defending her beloved without a moment of hesitation. Somnus’ sword cut across her back, and she collapsed into Ardyn’s arms, a faint smile gracing her lips.

“Aera! Don’t worry, I’m going too—” Ardyn shouted, silenced by Aera’s gentle touch. _____ stepped past Gilgamesh this time, only for him to grab her arm, promptly stopping her in her tracks.

“Release me at once Gilgamesh,” she snapped as she glared up at him.

“Do not intervene, unless you too wish to perish.” He said to her, and her heart sank.

“At who’s hand?” She asked, receiving no response this time as Gilgamesh ushered her back. Strong though she may be, he strength paled in comparison to the men surrounding her. _____ desperately wished she could do something to stop this from going any farther, she wanted to save Aera, and aid Ardyn, but there was little she could do for them.

“Forgive me brother, but I must fulfill my calling.” Somnus raised his sword prepared to end Ardyn’s life as he stayed knelt on the floor cradling Aera. Though he didn’t stay like that for long, in an instant he was on his feet again, still holding his beloved. He let out a monstrous scream as black tears stained his face and a suffocating black aura surrounded him. The room erupted into screams as people fled; _____ tensed, she couldn’t believe her eyes. The Ardyn she knew would never submit to the darkness, he was a healer, and beloved by his people.

“You must leave _____; it is not safe here,” Gilgamesh said firmly, but she shook her head.

“No, I will not leave so easily,” she refused; she would not leave when the people closest to her were all here. Someone had to witness this. Someone needed to know the terrible acts of this day.

“Then I trust you will defend yourself if necessary.” She nodded but prayed that it would not come to that. Gilgamesh quickly jumped down to stand beside Somnus as they attacked together, _____ clenched her fists, hiding in the shadows to avoid getting caught in between this clash. Attack after attack, Ardyn continued to stay on his feet, desperately clutching Aera’s body as he ascended the steps to the crystal. Ardyn reached towards it, and _____ could see the desperation on his face; the crystal was his last hope. The moment he touched the crystal, he was thrown backward by its light. He had trusted the gods above and loyally served them; he was the blessed healer, and yet the gods would condemn him. _____ felt hot tears streak her cheeks at the sight of her dear friends hitting the ground. Somnus didn’t waste a moment to approach his fallen brother again, while Ardyn looked around, his eyes momentarily landing on _____.

“I am unworthy…” The words slipped out, and _____ shook her head, the tears refusing to stop as Somnus summoned his blade to his hand. The very sword that was forged alongside his brother’s, the blade that was supposed to be used to maintain peace in their kingdom, had become nothing more than an executioner’s blade. Somnus sent the blade directly through Ardyn’s heart, and black smoke burst in all directions, consuming the room before spilling out into the sky. _____ shielded her face until the smoke dissipated to nothing, leaving only the bodies of Ardyn and Aera on the throne room floor, while Somnus hovered over them. His eyes stayed trained to their bodies for a moment before he turned his attention to the outside world. _____ was too stunned to speak, her legs refused to move; she was no stranger to bloodshed, she had stood beside Somnus in countless battle, and yet, this could not compare to anything she’d seen before. She had watched Somnus strike down his brother, and the oracle without a moment of hesitation. Had she intervened, she was sure her fate would have been the same, but she couldn’t tell what he was thinking. Somnus’ eyes drifted back to her, she didn’t look away, but she regretted meeting his gaze. The pain it caused her was indescribable; she felt like she no longer knew him; he felt more distant than ever before. He was a man that she once loved and respected, but the person before her felt like a stranger. Somnus turned his back to her, taking in a sharp breath.

“Seal him away, his existence must be erased from history for the sake of our kingdom,” the order was directed at his guard, but it didn’t fail to send a chill down _____’s spine. Somnus left the throne room, but _____ couldn’t find it in herself to follow after him. _____’s eyes went to the bodies of Aera and Ardyn, Aera was beyond saving, and Ardyn had been condemned to a life of solitude, and _____ had done nothing to stop it. She stood by and watched her friends suffer; the thought of it made her feel sick.

“_____,” the careful call roused her from her thoughts, she looked over to see Gilgamesh standing beside her.

“You should follow after Somnus, should you not?” She asked she hoped he would since she couldn’t.

“He asked to be left alone, and it seems that you are more in need of a guard at the moment.” He responded, it sounded like a lie; Gilgamesh would never leave Somnus’ side over a reason like that.

“I do not need a guard; I need to forget what I just saw.” She whispered; every time she closed her eyes the image came back, as if it were engraved on the back of her eyelids. She couldn’t turn a blind eye to this, but having to watch Somnus’ actions pained her. She loved him, but the man she fell in love with was not this cruel. She needed to talk to him, she wouldn’t accept that he was completely unfazed by this, she wouldn’t accept him isolating himself after what he had done. “If you’ll excuse me Gil, I think I need to find a way to build up my courage.”

***

Hours had passed, and _____ had spent the entire time pacing through the halls trying to find the nerve to speak with her beloved. She had reached the point where she was sitting outside his room but still hadn’t bothered to knock on his door.

“Knock on the door, you’ve known him for years, you love him. You’re a knight that has fought beside him through impossible odds. This isn’t something that should be troubling.” She said to herself, yet it did nothing to motivate her. She was afraid that if she didn’t handle this correctly, he would push her away. Losing Aera and Ardyn was bad enough; she didn’t want to risk losing him too. She knew that deep down the man she first fell in love with was still there, and she was the only one with even the hope of finding him. “Now is no time to be a coward.” She mumbled to herself before standing again, she walked up to his door and knocked three times.

“Enter,” his voice was cold, but she didn’t hesitate to enter his chamber and close the door behind her.

“Somnus,” _____ carefully called his attention. He was in a seat next to one of the many large windows in his room that overlooked the ocean. His gaze traveled over to her for a moment; the coldness in his eyes made her nervous. “Please talk to me.”

“There is nothing to talk about.” He looked out his window once again, staring off at the sea.

“Would you truly choose to push me away now?” She asked, she cautiously approached him, and knelt beside him, her hands lightly grasping his forearm. “The events of today are life-altering.”

“I did not ask for you here, leave _____. I do not want to speak about what happened today, not with you.” He ordered coldly, the way he said her name sounded like it brought a bad taste to his mouth. The corners of her lips fell to a small frown.

“I know you are not so cruel as to be unfazed by your actions, I am certain of it. You cannot just—!” She was promptly cut off when he turned his anger on her, pulling his arm away from her as he stood over her. She didn’t waste a minute before jumping to her feet; the look in his eyes made her heart race. She had never felt like she was in danger while standing at his side before, but at this moment, she feared for her safety.

“I told you to leave, leave now _____, I do not want to see you!” He snapped, he glared at her with contempt in his eyes. _____ couldn’t help but flinch, her fears from earlier suddenly felt more justified the longer she stood here. “Do not come back; you are not welcome here. Leave me be.”

“As you wish your grace, I will leave you be.” His new title passed her lips like venom, she did not want to show fear now. If she did, she worried it would only make this situation worse; she would rather respond with anger of her own. If he wanted her gone so badly, then she would leave without a trace. She turned on her heels, trying to stop the tears that stung the corner of her eyes from falling as she left the room. _____ walked down the hall to her room, quickly entering and closing the door behind her before she allowed her tears to fall. She didn’t feel safe spending the night here; she didn’t want to stay after their confrontation. The question now was where would she go instead. Going to visit her parents wasn’t an option, they would never stop questioning, and the journey was too far to make right now. Visiting the village would be easier, but she would still be badgered. The Temple of the Six was nearby, and she knew the high priest wouldn’t question why she was there, and would most likely allow her to stay as long as she wanted. If she left now, she would probably be able to make it before the road was too dangerous to travel on. With her mind made up, she penned a quick letter in the off chance the Somnus came to see her and laid it on her desk along with her most trusted sword. It was a gift from Somnus, but at the moment it felt too heavy to bring with her, so she chose another blade as she packed the necessary items for the trip. By the time she finished packing, the sun had already set. She sealed her note with her wax seal before she stuck her head out of her room to make sure the coast was clear and discreetly left, only leaving a single candle burning in her room. She snuck down to the stables where her Chocobo happily greeted her. “Hello, I missed you too.”

“Dame _____? What brings you to stables so late at night?” The stable hand asked, conveniently walking in with her saddle.

“Your timing couldn’t be more perfect, I’m leaving for a trip to the Temple of the Six.” She sent him a small smile, but she just scowled

“A trip now? It is very late, it‘s not safe to travel right now,” the stable hand said, frowning at the woman as she took her saddle from him and placed it on her Chocobo.

“You needn’t worry, I will be fine, I don’t intend on traveling too far, and the journey is a relatively safe one. I cannot be here tonight.” She made sure everything she needed for her trip was tightly strapped to her bird.

“As you say, but please do be careful on your trip, it would be a shame if something were to happen to you as well.” His shoulders slumped, knowing there was no hope in stopping the headstrong woman.

“I promise you that I will arrive at the temple without even a scratch. I hope you have a pleasant evening,” she said.

“You too, have a safe journey, I hope your time at the temple is enlightening.” The stable hand nodded as she pulled herself onto her Chocobo, quickly snapping the reins and disappearing into the night.

***

Elsewhere in the palace, Somnus pinched the bridge of his nose, his head hadn’t stopped hurting since he sent _____ away.

“Gilgamesh, have you seen _____ anywhere?” Somnus questioned his loyal shield, who shook his head.

“Not recently, she was in her room the last time anyone checked,” he responded. “Is everything all right your majesty?”

“I need to speak with her, I may have been too harsh on her earlier.” He responded, he didn’t want to push her away, but he didn’t know what to say to her. He thought that giving her space would be the best course of action, but the more he thought about it, the worse it made him feel. He hesitantly left his room and walked towards her’s. He didn’t like the thought of having to apologize to her right now, there were too many things he had to apologize for, but losing her was not an option. He knocked on her door but was met with silence. “_____, may I come in?” There was still no response, which was unlike her even when she was angry. He slowly pushed the door open and stepped into her room to find it empty, lit only by a candle on her desk. When he walked up to her desk, he found a letter with her wax seal pressed on it, and her sword laying on top of it. It was her most trusted sword, and a gift he had given her years ago.

“What is this?” He questioned while pushing the sword aside, seeing his name written across the top of the note. He took no time in breaking the seal and opening the letter; it was _____’s handwriting without a doubt, though it was messier then letters she usually wrote to him.

King Somnus,

If you are reading this, then I decided to leave the palace. I am not sure when I will return, but for the time being, I am traveling to the Temple of the Six. Should there be an emergency that requires me, send word and, I will return.

Respectfully, Dame __ _*_

It was her handwriting, but she would never sign a letter to him like this, she would never be so formal. She left after sunset because of their argument, and if something happened to her, it would be his fault. He was confident she would arrive safely, but he desperately wanted to follow after her. He knew it wasn’t an option to follow her, the reason she went was most likely to clear her head after the events of today, and she wouldn’t be able to do that with him by her side. He prayed for her safe arrival and returned to his room, he would allow her to choose when she would see him again.

***

An hour had passed since _____ first set out, and she had finally arrived at the temple without running into a single problem on her path. The moment she dismounted from her Chocobo, the high priest greeted her.

“Dame _____, what brings you here so late in the evening?” The priest asked the young woman who pulled off her hood and bowed her head in respect.

“I need some time to myself and wished to pray. I couldn’t think of a better place to go,” she answered honestly. She would return to Somnus’ palace when the Infernian turned to ice.

“Of course, you are welcome to stay as long as you like. The temple always welcomes you,” he answered, sending her a kind smile that she returned, though it was a bit forced.

“I am grateful,” she answered. She was not so fortunate as Aera, she could not speak with the gods, yet praying to them still offered her some comfort. She stepped into the prayer room escorted by the head priest, her gaze stayed on the statue of the Draconian. The famed blade-keeper, who was responsible for what had happened to Ardyn and Aera.

“I shall leave you be to pray if you should need anything, please just ask the guard to come to get me.” The head priest said, and she nodded.

“Thank you, I appreciate it,” she said with a casual smile, the head priest bowed his head slightly, leaving her on her own to pray while the guard stood by the door. She walked farther into the room and knelt before the statues. “Hear me gods above, please answer me. Grant me some solace in these trying times.” She whispered, clasping her hands together. She didn’t expect an answer, she expected the silence she received, yet she still felt disappointed. She wanted to believe that the events of today were not meaningless, that there was a higher purpose to it all. She had so many questions that would never be answered. Why would they allow such a horrible fate to take those dearest to her? Why would they bestow such powers on Ardyn only for those very power to turn him towards the darkness? She prayed that one-day Ardyn would know peace.

There was nothing more she could do for him, she could not free him, and even so much as uttering his name would become criminal sooner or later. It seemed to her that Somnus wanted nothing more than to erase his brother from history. The only thing she could do now is stand by Somnus, and make sure that he didn’t do anything worse than this. Though, at this moment, the thought of going back to him only made her feel sick. She swore to stand by him no matter what, she trusted him and his judgment, but how could she forgive him so quickly? On the other hand, how could she not stay when he needed her the most? The Somnus she knew wasn’t the man she saw today, he was carefree, a tease, who loved to nap and hunt. He loved his people and valued his allies, she knew he would do what he believed was best for his people.

“Somnus, was this the best we could do?”

*** A week had passed since _____ had first secluded herself in the temple, she spent her days with the men and women that watched over this temple. They shared meals, and she aided them in whatever they might need help with. She welcomed the distractions that were offered here. Any moment she wasn’t distracted was spent praying for Ardyn and Aera, she couldn’t help but feel guilty for what happened to them. There was nothing _____ could have done, but standing by and watching made her feel like a despicable person. She spent days doing charity work and praying, even now she was kneeling in the prayer room.

“Forgive me Aera, forgive me Ardyn, I pray that you both know peace,” she whispered, her mind wandered to the thought of Ardyn and Aera enjoying a peaceful afterlife together, though Ardyn’s immortality denied him of such a luxury. Her thoughts were disturbed by a shrill scream from outside the temple doors. _____ quickly looked towards the guard that stood at the doors, who looked just as stunned as her. “What happened?”

“I am not sure, allow me to go check,” he said as he bowed his head. He was about to leave, but _____ spoke up before he could. She couldn’t stand by idly, not after the events of last week.

“I will accompany you,” she said softly, standing and walking towards the door.

“All due respect Lady _____, but you should not get involved, it may be dangerous.” The guard frowned, but she only shook her head.

“I am more than capable of defending myself, you needn’t worry. I have trained for many years to perfect my swordsmanship and my magic.” She quickly reassured, although a number of her abilities were given to her by Somnus years ago. Although she was able to fight along-side him with ease even before that, he granted her the ability to use the magic bestowed upon him by the gods for reasons he never explained to her.

“As you wish,” the guard responded hesitantly, the pair both scowled as the walls of the temple shook with great force. They exited the small room, walking into the main corridor, which had erupted into chaos. A young priestess nearly ran directly into _____, barely stopping in front of the combat specialist. _____ put her hands on the priestess' shoulders and met her panicked gaze.

“What has happened?” _____ asked calmly

“Oh, Lady _____! It is terrible! The temple is surrounded by daemons!” The woman cried “it seems that they are trying to break into the temple, you must get to safety while the guards protect the building!”

“If it is as bad as you say this temple might be destroyed.” _____ frowned.

“I must go help my comrades immediately,” her guard spoke up. “Please Lady _____, go with this priestess, she will take you to a safe place.”

“No, I cannot, allow me to accompany you, I assure you I am more than capable of fighting, I spent many years serving the king.” She looked up at him with determined eyes, though he still seemed hesitant to agree, he nodded.

“Alright, let us go quickly.” She nodded, sending the priestess off to the nearby safe room before following the guard to the temple entrance. It wasn’t until they started running toward the entrance that she realized how wildly impractical her clothing was for combat. Her white dress offered her little protection, and her shoes were not meant for the type of movements she’d need to fight. She cursed her decision in clothing for this trip, but she would have to make do with what she had, she would not stand by this time. The chaos in the halls didn’t compare to the sight before her, more daemons were surrounding the temple than she’d ever seen before, and the guards didn’t stand a chance against them. “Gods above…”

“Now is no time to hesitate, fighting is the only choice we have, they will destroy this temple and everyone in it if you run now.” She gritted her teeth as she summoned her blade. The weight of it felt off, she hadn’t used this sword in ages, but it was the only one she had at the moment. She glanced around, before calling over one of the guards. “You there, do you think you can make it to the stables?”

“Per-Perhaps, why do you ask?” He asked, she nodded and looked back to the daemons in front of them.

“My Chocobo is in the stables, I need you to take it and go to King Somnus’ palace, when you arrive, find a castle guard and tell them what has happened here. Make sure to tell them that you were sent by Dame _____ __*__, tell them I will hold off the daemons, but we need more guards. Go quickly!” She ordered, she couldn’t go herself, they needed her here.

“Yes, of course!” He quickly ran towards the stables, she prayed that he would make it in time.

“Gods above, protect us.” She bowed her head before charging forward.

***

At the palace of Somnus, the young king sat on his own, looking at the stars that covered the night sky. Peaceful though it may have been, the silence was eerie, he had grown used to _____’s attention and her quick wit. He was beginning to question if it was wise allowing her to leave like this. He wanted to give her time to collect her thoughts, but if he didn’t act, then there was a chance that she may never return. As loyal as she was, surely even she had her limits, and pushing her away after what happened wouldn’t make her want to come back. He didn’t want to hurt her any more than he already had.

“Perhaps it’s time I went to check on her,” he mumbled to himself, leaning back in her seat with a small sigh. He decided on visiting the temple first thing in the morning since it was too late to go now.

“Your majesty!” Somnus looked over at the call to see one of the castle guards running down the hall. He knelt before his king, out of breath and sweating, and not wasting a moment to speak. “A messenger from the Temple of the Six has arrived with a message from Dame _____!”

“What has happened?” He quickly questioned.

“Daemons have surrounded the temple, she says they are outnumbered and in need of assistance!” He responded Somnus’ eyes widened. He hadn’t been worried about _____ staying at the temple because it was typically well guarded, and daemons rarely appeared there.

“Should I send the guards?” Gilgamesh asked

“Yes, but we are going as well.” Somnus stood, much to their surprise.

“All due respect, but it is unwise for you to travel, you are king now,” Gilgamesh said. He couldn’t help but tense at the thought, it was dangerous for him to leave this late at night, especially when they didn’t know what kind of battle they would be walking into.

“I don’t care, _____ is there, and I will not stand by when she is in danger.” Somnus confidently walked down the hall towards the stables. His duty was to protect his people, he wouldn’t sit by when they were in danger. He wouldn’t allow _____ to fight by herself; Somnus would always fight beside her.

***

“Dame _____, your swordsmanship is outstanding.” One of the guards marveled as she cut down yet another daemon. There were only a few were left standing, but many of the guards that were here were killed in the struggle. Should anymore appear, they wouldn’t be able to fight back anymore.

“Stay focused, we’re still surrounded,” _____ responded, flicking her wrist and stabbing the daemon that appeared behind her. She was lucky to only have sustained a few cuts and scrapes so far, but she couldn’t take much more of this. The fighting felt endless, and she was running on little energy at this point. It was already past midnight when the daemons first attacked, and after cutting down so many of them, she was getting tired. Suddenly, she heard more screams as the ground beneath her feet shook. “What now?!”

“Another daemon!” Someone shouted, and her blood ran cold as a massive daemon appeared before them. It made all the other daemons she had executed so far look small, and it’s razor sharp claws has already taken out three guards.

“Dame _____, what should we do?” One of the guards questioned, she shook her head.

“I don’t know, I have never seen a daemon like this.” She answered breathlessly, she took in a breath, there was only one thing to do. “Everyone, focus your attacks on the new enemy!” She ordered, charging towards the new daemon. Its claw shot towards her, and she expertly deflected it with her sword. The guards around her followed her lead, but it didn’t seem to slow down the daemon in the slightest. Each attack only added to their exhaustion, _____ hoped that the guard she sent to Somnus’ palace has made it, or else this situation might truly be hopeless. Trying to fight the new enemy along with the enemies that were already there was more difficult than she would care to admit. It seemed that they were slowly making progress, but it was painfully slow progress. Time was passing, and if they could make it to dawn everything would be fine, but making it that far seemed impossible. _____’s fight was starting to get sloppy, she was aggressive and burning through her energy quickly.

_____ fought off the urge to scream as the daemon’s claw cut across her leg, stalling her long enough for it to swing its arm towards her. It hit her with enough force to send her directly into one of the stone pillars of the temple. She fell to a knee, watching the daemon and trying to strategize but coming up with nothing. She was almost completely out of energy, she would not be able to keep this up much longer, and with only a few guards remaining, the odds did not appear to be in their favor. This daemon was too strong for them to take in their current condition, had it not been for the numerous fights leading up to this one than perhaps she would have been able to manage it, but now? Now she didn’t have the energy to keep fighting, and blood seeping into her white dress was a firm reminder that she was running out of time. She had the energy for one last assault, and if she failed to finish it, it would mean her life. She couldn’t help but feel that it was justice for her inability to act when Aera and Ardyn needed her the most.

“Dame _____, are you alright?!” One of the guards questioned

“I’m okay, but I fear that I am at my limit,” she said softly, “we must finish this in the next attack, lest we all perish here.”

“May the gods above have mercy on us.” The guard beside her said as she charged up her last attack, dashing towards the daemon faster than ever before, and skillfully dodging all of its attacks. She was sure that the beast was at its limits as well, but she wasn’t sure that she had enough strength to finish it.

“Gods above, protect us,” she said almost silently. Her attack landed and broke off one of the daemons appendages, but it wasn’t enough. She stumbled and fell to her knee at the feet of the daemon; it raised its claw above its head, and in that moment time around her slowed. She didn’t want to die like this, there were still too many things she still had to do. Yet here she knelt, staring down the monster before her that was devoid of all forms of sympathy. _____ took in a sharp breath and stared up at it in defiance, using the last of her strength to throw her sword directly at the daemon’s head, and watching it scream in pain. She could be satisfied with what she did, she protected innocent people, and it was almost dawn. Even if she fell here, the people of this temple would be safe, and her job would be done. With that as her final thought, she bowed her head as the daemon before her brought down its massive claw. “It is in your hands now.” The world around her went silent as she waited for its last attack, but it never came.

“I think not.” The all too gentle words barely reached _____’s ears as she quickly looked up again to see a streak of blue blur past her vision. An array of swords struck down the daemon in an instance, and she was awestruck. Of all the people she expected to come to her aid, the newly crowned king was at the bottom of the list. _____ gasped as the daemon began to fall towards her, but before she could even make an attempt to tumble away an arm wrapped around her waist and she was kneeling on the stone steps of the temple entrance.

“Somnus?” She looked up at the man who had just rescued her from what would have been a hopeless situation. He tensely watched the daemon dissipate from their view, his arms still wrapped around _____.

“Your majesty!” The few guards that remained from the attack called out in surprise, he only briefly acknowledged them before turning his sights to _____.

“Are you alright?” He asked, for a moment she forgot how to speak.

“I-What are you doing here? That was—!” She snapped out of her daze, worrying about Somnus more than herself now. There was no reason for him to be here, and no reason for him to travel here so late at night.

“Why am I not surprised that your first reaction is to scold me for coming to your aid? Rest _____, you have had a long night.” He shook his head with a small smile.

“Somnus you…”

“Hush, do you need more direct orders? You have lost too much blood, rest now so I can get you home in time to save your life.” He didn’t need to say more; her eyes were already involuntarily fluttering shut.

“Thank you,” she whispered as she drifted off into a peaceful slumber.

** “_____, what on Eos are you doing?” _____ heard a quiet giggle and opened her eyes to see Aera hoovering over her with a small smile. _____ glanced around to see herself surrounded by white sylleblossoms in a garden she didn’t recognize. The area beyond the garden was shrouded by a thick fog. It felt like a peaceful dream, one that _____ couldn’t believe she was fortunate enough to receive.

“Aera? Where am I?” She asked, slightly panicked, Aera only laughed and pulled her friend up so at least she was sitting upright.

“Did you forget the sylleblossoms garden near your family home?” She asked

“No, but I don’t see my home anywhere,” she quipped, Aera shook her head.

“Then perhaps it would be more accurate to say that this is a significant place to you. Either way, what’s more important is that I’m here.” She pointed out, _____’s shoulders slumped.

“Of course, it is, but it makes me feel like the reason the Temple of the Six was attacked by daemons was some kind of retribution for my inability to act, or maybe out of spite of the gods themselves. Aera, I’m so sorry,” she said. _____ couldn’t help but frown, as happy as she was to see Aera smiling like this, it only added to her guilt. For Aera to have her happiness stolen away so quickly, it all seemed so unfair.

“It was preordained, there was nothing you could have done to change what happened. I do wish that things could have been different, but this is the only option we were given. Please don’t blame yourself anymore.” Aera grasped _____’s hands, the same caring smile she always had.

“What Somnus did, it was unforgivable, but I—.”

“You still love him, don’t you?” She asked, though she already knew the answer.

“I’m sorry,” _____ apologized again.

“For being in love? Don’t apologize, be with him, love him and enjoy your life. What happened to Ardyn and myself cannot be undone, but that does not mean that you should not be happy.” She reassured _____ as the woman looked down at the flowers surrounding her.

“He’s traveled down such a dark path, and he’s pushed me away. I swore to always stand by him, but what if he no longer wants that?” _____ asked

“If anyone can guide Somnus down the right path, it is you. In fact, it is your job to guide him down the right path. He needs you, even when he tries to push you away.” Aera answered before reaching towards _____ and wrapping her in a tight hug. “You are strong enough to go down this path, there is nothing you cannot accomplish so long as you continue fighting for what if right. The gods stand with you _____.”

“The gods stand with me?” _____ asked in confusion.

“Of course, why else do you think that you are able to see me now?” Aera asked, pulling away to smile at _____. “They know of your heart and your loyalty, they can hear your prayers.”

“Thank you Aera, thank you for telling me this,” _____ said as she let out a shaky breath. “I am so thankful that I was able to get to know you.”

“I will always be here for you, even if I can no longer see you in the waking world.” Aera’s smile grew.

“I hope that you are able to be at peace here Aera,” _____ said as she met her friend’s gaze.

“One day we shall all be at peace.” Aera’s voice started to sound distant to _____ “it’s nearly time for you to return to your beloved. I am glad that we had a chance to see each other one last time.”

“I’m glad too, goodbye Aera, I will think of you every day.” She sent Aera one last smile before she closed her eyes.

**

_____’s eyes opened slowly, and the early morning light immediately flooding her vision; she felt slightly disoriented as she inspected her surroundings. Bandages were securely wrapped around her torso and hands, and a loosely fitting white dress touched her skin. She didn’t remember how she got here, or how long she had been asleep, but she felt at ease.

“It is good to see that you are finally awake.” _____ looked over to the balcony where none other than Somnus himself stood. She slowly sat up, ignoring the sharp pricks of pain as her body protested.

“Som—King Somnus,” she corrected herself, feeling both uncomfortable and a bit confused. His quiet chuckle seemed loud in the large room, loud and almost bitter. Somnus walked over to her, sitting on the edge of the bed and staring her down, she didn’t dare look away.

“You are laying in my bed, calling me king is unnecessary,” he responded. “How are you feeling?”

“I am fine, but why am I here?” She questioned, the last time they had an actual conversation, he had made it very clear that he did not want her here. “You made it very clear that you did not want me at your side the last time we spoke.”

“Is that why you vanished in the dead of night to that secluded temple?” He asked this time she looked down at her hands.

“Why did you come to the temple so late at night?” She responded to his question with a question of her own, unable to meet his gaze. Somnus’ hand went to the side of her face, forcing her to look back up at him as he loomed over her.

“I was worried about you, I caught word that the temple was under attack and immediately set out.” Her eyes widened at his response.

“But why? You’re king now, you can’t just run off into danger like that!” She protested “much less because of me.”

“I am fully capable of caring for myself, had I not come when I did, I fear that you would not be alive.” He stared into her eyes, oddly comforted by her stunned silence “do you truly believe that I would not come to your aid?”

“Somnus, it is not your duty to come to my aid.” She scowled out of nothing but confusion, still meeting his gaze as she spoke.

“But it is. How could I sit by knowing that the reason you were in that situation was because you were trying to escape me?” He asked with a frown of his own, she hadn’t expected him to care. “I sent you away was because I did not need your comfort when you yourself still needed to heal. I could not stand the thought of you comforting me when my actions caused you such pain. There was nothing I could say or do that would change what you witnessed. I am sorry for what happened, I wish it did not have to come to this, but I had to do what was best for our kingdom. I never intended for Aera to get hurt, but I could not allow my brother to take the throne, our people would have been in danger. I cannot expect you to be okay with what happened and I expect you to hate me for it, but I felt that you at least needed to know why.”

“I was not okay with what happened, I am still not okay with it, but how can I hate you when I stood by and did nothing? I could not stop Aera from intervening, and there was nothing that I could have done to help Ardyn. What happened was terrible, but it cannot be undone now. All we can hope is that the events of the past are not repeated. Go forward as a kind ruler, do not allow for anymore needless bloodshed. I know that you care for your subjects, and, despite your actions over the past few years, I know you are a kind person. I hope to see you become a great ruler one day because I know you are capable of it.” _____ wrapped her arms around his waist, much to his surprise. He did not expect her to be so forgiving, how could he after seeing the pain on her face only a week ago? Regardless, he wrapped his arms around her shoulder, keeping her as close as he could. “You will go on to do great things, just promise me that you will never allow something like the events of last week to happen again.”

“I promise you that I will rise to meet your expectations, but will you stay at my side for all of it?” He asked, absentmindedly trailing his hand down her spine.

“Of course, I swore I would always stay at your side, that has not changed.” She answered firmly, and he chuckled once again, but this time it was much lighter than before.

“I am not so sure that you understood what I was asking of you,” he said, an amused lilt to his words.

“Hm?” She responded

“I could put you in nearly combat situation, and you would excel, but you are painfully oblivious to my feelings.” He mused, unable to stop himself from smiling.

“Somnus...” she pouted.

“Forgive me, I suppose I should be more forward.” He pulled away from her to get a clear look at her face. “That kingdom that I am building will need a queen, and I want you.”

“Really?” She asked quietly, they had been together for so long but somehow, she didn’t expect this.

“Yes, you have stood by me through countless mistakes. I know that with you at my side, we will lead our people towards a prosperous future.” Her expression made him want to tease her, but it could wait until later. “Marry me _____.”

“I am laying in your bed wrapped in bandages and probably look like I just lost a fight against the Gods, and you would propose to me now?” She practically squeaked.

“You do not look like you lost a fight against the gods, in fact, you are as beautiful as always. There is no better time for me to do this, seeing as how you keep putting yourself in harm's way, maybe this will motivate you to stay safe.” He rolled his eyes.

“You know that I don’t intentionally put myself in those situations!” She retorted with an indignant pout carved into her face.

“I am aware, you just happen to care too much,” he chuckled. “What do you say? Or do you need to think about it?”

“I don’t need to think about it, though saying yes to such an unromantic proposal hurts my pride.” She looked up at him with a small smile.

“I suppose I will have to make it up to you later then, when you’re no longer bedridden.” He hummed, leaning closer to her with an almost teasing smile.

“You know, I really am fine, it was only a few cuts and scrapes.” This time she was the one to roll her eyes, while he quirked a brow.

“I am going to pretend I didn’t hear that, having things this way plays out in my favor,” he responded, she tilted her head.

“Oh?” She couldn’t see how this was a favorable outcome.

“It gives me more time to plan this romantic proposal that you seem to want.” He smirked slightly when her eyes widened.

“I-I was kidding! You don’t need to do anything more!” She protested

“But I must, it would be shameful of me to not give you a proposal fitting for the future queen. I would hate to not meet your incredibly high expectations.” He chuckled as she shook her head.

“Somnus no, it really isn’t necessary!” She blushed

“Perhaps I should start by speaking with your parents. It would be rude of me to not ask for their permission. I should make sure you have the finest—.” She silenced his teasing with a kiss that he was more than happy to return. Her hands went to the sides of his face while his hands traveled down to her waist, and they both closed their eyes. _____ savored the sweet kiss, it had been quite some time now since they shared their last kiss, but the mood was different now. Now, she was kissing the man that would soon be her husband,

“Why must you be like this?” She pouted as she pulled away from him.

“As I recall, when we first started spending time together I was merciless when it came to teasing you. Moreover, you fell in love with me during that time.” He answered

“Keep teasing me like this, and you’ll receive the same response I gave you when we were children. I don’t care if you are the king,” she quipped. He laughed before pressed his forehead against hers.

“Pinching my cheeks is hardly a threat my love, but I will relent. I wouldn’t want to fluster you too much, though it does make me wonder how you’ll fair over some other aspects of our relationship.” He mused with a smirk gracing his lips.

“What are you talking about now?” She pursed her lips and raised a brow, failing to calm herself.

“After we get married, people will expect an heir, I wonder how that will go.” He responded as he closed his eyes with an innocent smile while a bright blush tinted her cheeks.

“Somnus…”

“Hm?” He responded, opening his eyes again to see her glaring at him.

“That proposal of yours better be the best proposal you have ever done.” She pinched his cheek and pulled it out of sheer annoyance “because if it’s not, you’ll be short a fiancée at this honeymoon that you already seem to be planning.”

“Perhaps I went too far.” He chuckled, having to put in the effort to get her to release his cheek. “I’m sorry, I’ll stop now, just let go!”

“Hm, fine, you’re lucky that I’m kinder than you.” She released her hold on his cheek, quickly pressing a kiss to the area that was now stained red.

“I most certainly am, now let’s take a nap, all of this talking it draining.” He didn’t wait for a response before falling on to the bed to lie beside her. It was far from the first time they had shared a bed, in fact, they spent more time together taking naps than she cared to admit.

“I just woke up, isn’t it too early to take a nap?” She asked, he just chuckled and wrapped her in his tight embrace.

“It is never too early, and seeing as how I can’t think of anything better to do with you at the moment this seems like the best option.” He hummed, his eyes already shut.

“Let’s go hunting,” she chirped, though it was only meant to be a joke. He opened his eyes to look down at her, his brow twitched ever so slightly.

“When I ask your parents for permission to marry you, I should ask if you were born this reckless.” He responded dryly.

“I was just kidding, besides, if anyone is to blame for my recklessness, it’s you.” She quipped

“Oh?” He squeezed her waist, trying to avoid touching any of her injuries.

“When the man you love keeps charging into fights, it’s difficult to sit by and watch.” She snuggled closer to him.

“I will make sure to keep that in mind, I would hate for the woman I love to be hurt because of me.” He pressed a light kiss to the top of her head. “I love you, I will spend the rest of our lives proving it to you.”

“I’ll hold you to it.” She smiled to herself as her eyes fluttered shut, and she enjoyed the warm embrace of her king.

#Final Fantasy XV #Final Fantasy 15 #FF15 #FFXV #somnus lucis caelum #Somnus x Reader #x Reader #I am very tired #ardyn lucis caelum #Aera Mirus Fleuret

[starisartblog]

The Light of the Storm: A Miss Fortune x Lux Fanfic

I don’t have an AO3 account so here’s a story I’ve been on and off writing about how Lux and Miss Fortune met and fell in love. I generally tried to stay lore compliant??? but there’s also a lot of creative liberty largely due to the fact that I roleplayed Miss Fortune for about 2 years. Basically don’t @ me about what’s canon and what’s not. This will be multichapter but idk how long it will be.

Chapter One: Unfamiliar Territory and a Pirate’s Honor

The first signs of land on the horizon brought much relief to the deckhands aboard The Lightforger. While surrounded by a vast empty sea, one would think that they were suspended in time, but in reality the voyage had only lasted a few weeks. The expertise of their charters and navigators were the only thing that stood between them and mindlessly drudging across the sea to their destination.

Luxanna Crownguard shuts the cover of an old tome at the call of sighted land. She, like many others, suffered with consequential boredom that came with long voyages and this had possibly been her longest trip to date. Despite biding some of her time with studies of old tomes and sparring with Kahina, she felt trapped. It had also reminded her of the seclusion imposed by her family in her younger years. Pushing that rather sour memory back, she tucks the tome under her arm and skips up the stairs to the main deck where several of her comrades look on curiously.

Arches of land slowly reveal themselves from the horizon, their bases shrouded in mist from water falling from great heights. Soon a landmass is in full view, the vague shapes of vessels perch themselves on the cliff sides while numerous banners flap freely in the wind. Lux had only heard stories of this place from older superiors and veterans. An anarchical land that would make anyone in the royal court of Demacia faint.

This was the city known as Bilgewater.

According to some of the stories she heard, Bilgewater hadn’t always been this way. A long time ago several ships had accidentally crashed into the Serpent Isles largely due to the fact that it had been apparently uncharted. After a minor clash with the natives of the Isles, the foreigners agreed to claim a small piece of land for the building of lighthouses to avoid further casualties. It served as a convenient rest stop at first but then expanded to a convenient trade port to cut down travel time between countries.

For a while it had been very prosperous, but soon the mysterious Black Mist had strengthened and attacked the port city frequently. Deciding that the resources expended to maintain its safety against the seemingly indomitable threat were a waste, many abandoned the port town. Those who remained consistently fought off the Black Mist and claimed Bilgewater for its own. Unfortunately the lack of a stable government turned Bilgewater into a lawless land of brigands and pirates.

Knowing full well of their relationships, The Lightforger had been stripped of its Demacian flag along with any symbol of its origin and dressed as a common tradeship. Those aboard had been dressed accordingly to keep up the charade. Lux figures that a Demacian vessel landing in Bilgewater was probably the equivalent of painting a large target on their back. On top of that, diverting attention from themselves was a crucial part of this mission.

The vessel had finally passed through the first arch of Bilgewater by nightfall. The clash of cold water from above and the warm night envelops The Lightforger with mist, making for almost an ethereal passing into the city. Peering from her cabin window, Lux gathers her things while determined to sneak glances of newfound territory.

Needless to say, she was completely awestruck.

Oil lit lamps decorate every odd end of the city, giving it a warm glow in contrast to the night. Scaffolds of wooden walkways and bridges connect the separated pieces of land giving Bilgewater’s heart a completely labyrinthian look. Vessels of old had been fused with old stone architecture to create taverns, shops and living spaces. She recognizes old Noxian warships, Freldjordian longboats, Shuriman vessels and even old Demacian galleons that had been repurposed as such.

Carved in wood and stone along many cliffsides and buildings had been a myriad of sea creatures, decorated with old bones and fangs. Lux notices two recurring creatures. One a frog-like monster with endless rows of teeth and a fanged creature with seemingly endless tentacles stretching from all parts of it body. Had it been the visages of their gods? She finds the prospect simply fascinating…

Clearly distracted, the girl would jump at the feeling of cold metal at the back of her neck. With a yelp, she turns around to the freckled and grinning face of her companion.

“Only you would get excited over a pirate town, Lux.” Kahina waves the hilt of her sword in a teasing manner. Lux waves a hand dismissively at her, a slight tint of red to her cheeks betrays any stoic stature she tries to play off.

“This is our first time visiting Bilgewater. I couldn’t help myself.” The blonde retorts. “You must admit the architecture is impressive and unique! The description from any book I’ve read simply doesn’t do this place any justice.”

“Sure, sure.” Kahina yawns finally sheathing her sword. “Just don’t let it get to your head. Remember that we’re still walking into a den of wolves. They’re more likely to shove a blade in your stomach if it meant more gold in their pockets.”

Lux frowns. “Deception lies in many forms, but it’s all still deception.”

The Lightforger finally settles in an available dock, occupied by a small crowd of men and women idling around the deck space. With their belongings strapped to their backs and sides, several of the Radiant Ones stand ready on the main deck. Kahina nudges Lux once more, putting a hand on her shoulder and whispering into her ear.

“I just heard that apparently the reason we’re here is that someone owes Aharon a favor.”

“I thought you said people here are more likely to doublecross you.” Lux whispers back. “An old drinking buddy perhaps?”

“Something of the sort.”

A voice comes from behind the two. Aharon lowers his hood and motions them off the deck. “I’m taking a small group to meet up with our primary collaborator--and by small I mean just us three. The rest will assume their stations with their help.” He then motions to the small group that had come to greet them.

An older man steps forward, his cane thudding against the dock with every step. He studies the three for a moment, though once settling his gaze on Aharon he simply smiles.

“Trust ya had smooth sailin’ lad?” The old man nudges Aharon with his cane.

“Uneventful.” Aharon brushes his robe. “I was looking forward to stepping off the ship the moment I set foot on it.”

He and I share that sentiment… Lux thinks to herself.

“Well we can hold business talk fer th’ mornin’ if yer too tired. Sure th’ Captain won’t mind terribly. We can accomodate yer lil’ posse easy--”

“Time is of the essence, Rafen.” Aharon states plainly. “If nothing else I want to pass on our recent findings…” His serious tone doesn’t falter in the slightest despite how casual the other is. The old man called Rafen laughs and shrugs.

“Aye aye aye. Good to know I have the right man. Captain told me you were a no-nonsense Demacian.” Aharon finally lets himself smile and adjusts his glasses.

“We have a reputation to uphold as no-nonsense Demacians.”

“As we be holdin’ the reputation of no-good scoundrels.” Rafen raps his cane against the floor several times and those with him stand to attention. “Alright help ‘em unload and such. An’ be careful with their stuff will ya? I’m sure most of what they own be more valuable than yer own lives.” The old man turns back to them.

“Captain’s in the workshop tonight. Follow close an’ keep yer blades closer.”

Despite the winding and confusing passages, Rafen navigates the small group with ease. He had grown with this city and thus knows of every street and turn. Lux finds it all impressive, but can’t help but wonder about something else. Men and women lurk in the alleyways as we pass, but seem to slink further in as Rafen passes. Had it been from fear? Rafen certainly didn’t look like a man that Aharon would associate himself with. Not to mention that the old man spoke of a Captain. His Captain. There had been someone that even he answered to? It was quite a mystery.

The workshop Rafen had spoken of sits at the base of a spire, hollowed out many years ago and an old ship had been attached to the side with a sign reading “FORTUNE’S FAVOR” hanging at the front. A small twisting flight of stairs brings them upwards and they are soon greeted by a gentle orange glow, the hissing of steam and the ringing of metal.

The room itself is a humble space to fit a forge among other smithing tools and stations. Pinned along the walls are various swords, daggers and firearms created with a style reminiscent of Bilgewater’s aesthetic. A lone person sits in the middle striking a slab of glowing metal against an anvil. They’re clothed head to toe with protective gear only further adding to the mystery of Aharon’s client.

Rafen makes sure the other is aware of his presence, then walks over to exchange a few words rendered unintelligible by the roar of the forge. Their work is put at a halt, dunking the glowing metal into a nearby container of water and creating a massive cloud of steam. As the steam dissipates, the person seemed to have removed their gear.

Hiding beneath the mask is the face of a dark skinned woman with fire red hair strung up into a ponytail. The woman rises from her seat to reveal a well built frame, defined with muscle and decorated with old scars. Colorful tattoos cover every inch of her body depicting sea creatures, ships and green tentacles that encroach from her back. Slick with sweat, the forge’s light makes the woman look like a glistening goddess and her eyes are a cool blue to balance such a fiery radiance. The woman glances over her three new guests and once it settles on Lux, the blonde instinctively holds in a breath.

“Captain Fortune.” Aharon steps forward to extend a hand. Lux lets out a quiet exhale as words were finally exchanged. “It’s been a while.”

The woman named Fortune steps forward as well, accepting his hand with a strong shake. Aharon even winces at the forcefulness of her grip and she can’t help but grin. “Aye. Was wonderin’ when I was gonna see yer mug again, Aharon Dawnscribe.” The man puts his hand to his chest and gestures to the other two. “I’d like for you to meet two of my companions--”

“Kahina Radiabourne.” Kahina gives a respectful salute.

Fortune’s gaze was once again on Lux. Realizing that the Captain was looking for a name, she flinches. Despite such a playful demeanor, the woman gives off a commanding presence that forces Lux to look to the ground.

“L-Luxanna Crowng-guard, ma’am.” Lux squeaks out, red hot with embarrassment. Gods above she could feel Kahina’s smile behind her.

“A blueblood? Interestin’.” Fortune cants her head to the side, tilting her chin up with a single finger. “Ah come now, level eyes with me lass. No need to cast down such a bright an’ pretty face..”

Gods above! Gods above! My heart is going to burst…! Lux cries in her mind.

“Captain.” Aharon clears his throat. “If you're quite done, then we'll get on with business. I've already expressed to Rafen the urgency--”

“Aye aye aye.” She winks to Lux and pulls her hand away. “But not here. Voices carry an’ snoopin’ ears are all too willin’ to listen.”

They're led to the other side of the forge through a door and presumably into the ship attached at the side. The noises above them are prominent, yet muffled and Lux concludes them to be just above a lively bar. Given the mass of crates and items compacted in the room and the noise above, they would be free to discuss anything without being overheard. Rafen guards the door they just entered through while Fortune says something to another man who promptly leaves the storage area. Two men return with small bowls of stew, several small loaves of bread and drinks.

“It’s a seafood stew. Bilgewater classic.” Fortune explains while being given her own share and promptly dipping her loaf into the bowl. “Fish is our specialty, but we can’t grow anythin’ else worthwhile here. So we really do benefit by those still willin’ to trade.” As Lux samples the stew, she realizes what the woman means. Shuriman spices season the broth and accompanying the fish are hardy potatoes and carrots from Noxus. Finally the loaf of bread served with the stew is all too familiar: it was made from Demacian wheat.

“Yer wheat is the absolute best for soft bread like this.” The Captain smiles and chews on broth-soaked bread, speaking again after swallowing. “What’s this all about then? Must be pretty damn urgent for ya to see me in person.”

“If I may be blunt.” Aharon appears a tad unnerved once Fortune’s gaze is upon him. “We suspect that Bilgewater is at risk of total Noxian occupation.”

Her playful air vanishes just by her posture straightening and her brows narrowing. For now her food is set to the side.

“Surely ya didn't cross the seas to tell me somethin’ I already knew.”

“Of course not. I have intel confirming some...concerning circumstances towards our claim. Given that you're a rather adamant advocate against Noxian expansion, you're of the few I can trust with this information.” As if to take off some unforeseen force of stress, he redirects his attention. “Miss Crownguard, if you would.”

The moment she feels the Captain’s gaze again, she hesitates. Lux has encountered many a general and sergeant, but never has a simple gaze made her feel completely disarmed. Captain Fortune was well worthy of her title.

“Let's hear what you have to say, Crownguard.”

“Uhm. I-I have done a fair share of espionage within Noxian borders.” Her heart feels like it's creeping up her throat again. “A recent assignment has had me follow a trend of trade containing armor and weaponry being sent from Noxus to the occupied city of Bel’zhun. We thought it to be standard upkeep for the soldiers to retain their control in Shurima. We’ve then noticed a large fraction of such resources travel to the east before being sent from the port city of Mudtown.”

“Aye. A good ship gets you from Mudtown to Bilgewater in a week’s time.” Fortune seems quick to piece it together.

“Then you fully understand the severity of the situation.” Aharon takes back control of the conversation. “It's only a matter of time before shipping over mere swords becomes sending a fleet of soldiers to your coasts.”

“They be hard pressed to take over the entire island. The Kraken Priestess an’ her god wouldn’t take that lyin’ down either.”

“You've heard the horrors of the Noxian invasion of Ionia.” Aharon says bluntly. “They stripped acres of magic from their lands. I wouldn’t put it past them to employ similar tactics here if it meant killing a supposed god.”

It goes without saying that occupying the island would also inch Noxian territory closer to Demacia for an effective pincer. In short, both nations are properly threatened by this.

“Yer stretchin’ this favor I owe ya real thin.” Fortune seems frustrated, taking another bite of bread and a spoonful of stew.

“I don't intend to waste a pirate’s honor on something frivolous. Brash as you may be, you're a reliable ally. I figure preventing such an invasion while this city rebuilds to be enough incentive to having your full cooperation.” There's a moment of painful silence, then Fortune begins to laugh and the tension in the room eases up a bit.

“Bloody seven hells! Can't really argue against that can I?” She waves a hand dismissively and downs the rest of her stew. “Fine. Ya have my cooperation, but we'll continue this tomorrow. A sea voyage takes a lot out of ya when ya ain't used to it.” She rises from her seat, holding her drink in her hand.

“Hold on Fortune.” Kahina stops the woman. “I have one question for you.”

“That's Captain Fortune.”

“Right. Captain Fortune, what’s your connection to Aharon? I've never even heard of you until today.” Fortune has to think on it for a moment. Had she forgotten as well?

“A few years ago Aharon here let me in Demacian borders to catch a runaway bounty. I mentioned owin’ ‘im fer it, that's all. What? Did ya think I was a--”

“Thank you for your hospitalities, Captain Fortune. I'm sure we'll all make ourselves quite at home.” Aharon was utterly embarrassed, squeezing past the guard to the stairs. Lux can’t help but chuckle at it all. She couldn't really imagine him being with someone like her anyway….

Not that there was anything wrong with the Captain! Lux was sure she was a wonderful woman...!

...Gods why was she arguing with herself over this?

“...He doesn’t even know where to… Eh. Whatever. I’ve a few things to take care of,” Fortune takes one step up the stairs with the guard standing to the side. “I’m leavin’ the rest to you Rafen.”

“Aye, aye Captain.” The old man gives a respective nod before she disappears up the steps. “I left Yale ova there t’accommodate th’ rest o’ yer lil’ group. Long as yer here, ya have full protection o’th Syrens. Courtesy o’th Captain of course. I’ll be sure t’find Aharon an’ let ‘im know.”

“Thank you, Rafen.” Lux bows to him, with Kahina following suit.

“Ahh it’s no problem. I reckon we’re all friends now, aye?” The old man gives the two a crooked grin before he and Yale leads them to their rooms.

The rooms themselves were quaint and surprisingly well kept. Despite being just above the ground floor, the noise from below was as muffled as the storeroom. Lux and Kahina set down their belongings but don’t bother to do much after that. Exhaustion slowly creeps up on them and they crawl into their beds.

“Hrm.” Kahina stares at the ceiling. “Think we can really trust this Captain?”

“If Aharon trusts her, then I see no reason to be wary.” She answers honestly, expecting Kahina to be wary like this. “Especially since she's against Noxus’s regime. That has to count for something doesn't it?” Kahina merely shrugs.

“She could turn sides real easy. Remember what I said?” Lux gives the other woman a stern look who sighs in response.  “Well… I guess at least just play it safe.”

“I know.”

A brief silence.

“Even so...that Captain is drop dead gorgeous isn't she?”

“Kahina!”

“Don't play dumb. You were completely distracted once she took of that smithing mask!”

Lux bites her lower lip. Damn her.

“Goodnight. Maybe she'll show up in your dreams.” Kahina grins triumphantly and pulls the blanket over her.

Lux gives a defeated huff and throws the blankets over her own head. The voyage had indeed taken more out of her than expected. It wasn’t long until she drifts off to sleep...

#League of Legends #Miss Fortune #Luxanna Crownguard #ill possibly draw up some proper designs for Kahina and Aharon later #but for now I pretty much imagine Kahina looking similar to Bridgette from Overwatch #and Aharon looking similar to Saias from Fire Emblem #(the FEH art moreso)

[angel-with-a-pipette]

1. So, I've been thinking about Daybreak Town as a final world, and I have some ideas for how it could work. Basically, the first section is the town itself, with Ventus and Roxas as our party members (under the assumption that Xehanort has Ven's body). The objective is to find 13 gears in order to lower the water level enough to enter the waterway (the area where we usually enter in game is flooded). After every gear, we get into a skirmish with some Unversed. The 13th gear is in the water.

Okay, before I post the rest of the messages, Ireally need to ask: When I get those huge chunks of theories that Ican't really debate (because they're very hypothetical and we don'tknow much about KH3 up until now and they're just personalideas/wishes) – should I even answer them? I mean, I willdefinitely always publish them, but sometimes I can't really addanything onto it apart from “Oh I like this idea” or maybe theoccasional rebuttal because I think something is unlikely from howthe story processed so far.

I don't know, is this something you want or would yourather want me to just publish your theories? >

Okay, but now onto this one! (And if you hate mycommentary just skip over it!)

1. So, I've been thinking about Daybreak Town as afinal world, and I have some ideas for how it could work. Basically,the first section is the town itself, with Ventus and Roxas as ourparty members (under the assumption that Xehanort has Ven's body).The objective is to find 13 gears in order to lower the water levelenough to enter the waterway (the area where we usually enter in gameis flooded). After every gear, we get into a skirmish with someUnversed. The 13th gear is in the water.

(Just copied it again for consistency's sake)

Wait, Ven is our party member BUT still somehow underXehanort’s control? Or did you want to say “under the assumptionthat Xehanort doesn’t have Ven’s body?I love the ideawith the gears!

2. After you've found and activated 12gears, the water is low enough to activate the gear in the area rightnext to the entrance to the waterway. "Another Day" startsplaying in the overworld. But once you activate it, instead offighting an Unversed, you fight Vanitas. He gives a "motiverant" of sorts in the cutscene preceding the battle, and afterhe's defeated, Ven points out that dying saving the worlds fromXehanort would probably be more fulfilling than dying in a pointlesswar.             

OH GOD NO VENVEN NOOOO

3. After this, you enter the Waterway, where all theenemies are Nightmare Dream Eaters. You have to defeat a group ofNightmares every time you go through a gear in order to stop the oneahead of you so you can proceed. "Energy" is playing theentire time, until you reach the end, where you're attacked by 3Darklings. Let's assume that Darklings have been a recurring foewho've been helping Xehanort by holding Sora at bay, but flee beforeyou can finish them off. And now you're fighting 3.           

Oh, the idea of Darklings showing up is reallyintriguing!!

4. After bringing the HP of one of the Darklings' HPto 1, Nightmare Chirithy interrupts the battle, fuses with them, andwe have to defeat it's Boss Form. After it's destroyed once and forall, we can enter the Clocktower. There, "Case of Foretellers"plays in both field and battle, but the only enemies are Darklings,and you can finally kill them! There's no objective but reaching thetop, where Braig challenges you one last time. But this time, he hasa Keyblade, and fights a lot like Sora.           

I definitely love the throw-back to X/UnchainedX/Union X with Nightmare Chirithy and its Boss Form! I'm personallynot so sure about Braig wielding a Keyblade though, it's just not mycup of tea :s

5. Braig can do anything Sora can, magic, combos,shotlock, flowmotion, and even his own Drive Form where his Keybladeturns into two Arrowguns and fights more like how he did in BBS andKH2, even having the Drive Finisher let's call it be his old "combinethe guns into a sniper rifle" desperation attack. And after he'sdefeated, he falls between two gears and gets crushed to deathoffscreen. And you can go back to the entrance to get his Keychainfrom his Keyblade. And that leaves the ending.           

Savage. I definitely like how versatile Braigwould be, this has to be a thing!!

6. Xehanort's first form is Ven!Xehanort, in theForetellers' office. Anything the Sora's can do, he can do. He's gotVen's Wind, Vanitas' darkness, Roxas' light, and Sora'sswordsmanship. Heck, we can add Xion to Sora's party to avoid theunlucky number 4 and give an excuse for Xehanort's sorcery. But afterVenort is defeated, we cut to the Keyblade Graveyard, where eitherRiku or Kairi leads the Guardians of light (and Donald and Goofy)against Master Xehanort, who's wielding the X-blade.           

Okay I'm still confused about the Ven situation, butdamn, wouldn't that be terrifying? It would. I LOVE IT. What happensto Ven!nort after the fight though? D:

I think the only addition I'd do to this scene isthat Riku and Kairi and the rest already fight, since the X-Bladeshould only form once the 13/7 clash with each other, right?

7. After Xehanort is defeated, the X-blade isdestroyed, as is the universe, save for KH. And the blast carriesXehanort's essense up to KH, where he fuses it with his own darknessand Ven's body. The universe is fractured, and Ven and Vanitaswillingly forge a new X-blade for Sora to wield in a desperateattempt to counteract Xehanort. Sora frees Donald and Goofy, andteams up with Roxas to battle KH!Xehanort. And what follows is a sortof boss rush where you revisit all of the previous worlds.           

So... Ven's heart and Vanitas's heart are kind of“free” at this point and that's how they can make a new X-Blade?Because if old Norty has Ven's body, it's impossible otherwise?

Boss rush with the previous worlds? Love it! Rox as aparty member? Love it! But please give us the Destiny Trio together;_;

Sora,Donald, Goofy, and Roxas (and possibly Xion), team up to infiltratethe Worlds Xehanort is trying to destroy, teaming up with the friendsSora made in those worlds to beat back the incarnations of Xehanort'sevil. Eventually, Sora and co make their way back to the very core ofXehanort's new world, free the Guardians of Light, and face off withXehanort's ultimate form. After defeating him, the worlds are freed,and Xehanort is forced into his frail, dying body, then tries topossess Sora.            

I can definitely see a desperation attempt ofXehanort to take over Sora's body (shouldn't Sora be already nortedin KH3 anyway)!! I'd actually love to see this because damn, thatwould be intense!

Xehanort and a Sora recently stripped of his powersdue to returning Ven's heart clash one final time within Sora's mind.Sora's fighting to fend off Xehanort's influence, while Xehanort istrying desperately to stave off death so he can try again to remakethe worlds. When Xehanort only has 1 HP left, Sora enters one lastDrive Form, and must build up to the form's finisher in order toexpel him. Once Xehanort's back in his own body, Ven blasts him off acliff with a gust of wind, killing him.           

“must build up to the form's finisher”

*gets flashbacks to the Ventus/Vanitas fight whereshe had no idea wtf she was doing but somehow still defeated Vanitasin one try*

XD Sorry! But damn, wouldn't it be savage if Venblashed old Norty off a cliff? DAMN.

All in all, this was a very enjoyable read! I can'tunderstand how you guys are able to come up with such intricatetheories, it baffles my mind! I really hope SE will have some of yourideas, whether for the final fight or for something along the way!

#KH3 #KH theory #Kingdom Hearts 3 #Ventus #Xehanort #Braig #Sora #There are more messages I will come back to them later! #anonymous #Alja answers

[spookyknight]

VoltronFic: Torrent

Torrent

Rating: Teen

Pairing: Keith x Lance

Summary: Paladins red and blue find calm in the storm on a treacherous uninhabited planet.

my heartfelt thanks @skyestiel for your enthusiastic support and advice

Read on AO3

or

Uotanea is loud. Not because of high winds or fauna or a bustling city. It’s hard to explain.

The high-and-low pitched whine reminds Lance of the server room back at the Garrison. He’d followed Pidge in there once. The noise drove him crazy after a while. It wasn’t particularly loud or grating. Just the inescapable droning of electric current. A constant oscillation that gets under his skin. It ripples through him, clashing with pulse and respiration; casting doubt on the body’s natural rhythm.

The reality is different from Coran’s convoluted explanation of the electromagnetic hum that inundates the planet’s atmosphere. Though, admittedly, Lance started tuning out the particulars once he discovered Hunk and Pidge would be attending an intellectually stimulating tech-engineer meeting between the Olkari and the Blade of Marmora while he and Keith were stuck on a fetch mission.

From what he does remember, the vibrations stem from ugulite, the highly reactive mineral they’ve been sent to collect. The metal element is formed underneath the planet’s crust. Lacking sophisticated mining equipment, the paladins are to access ugulite from a deposit in the Janesper Canyon—the jagged, rocky gorge they’re currently traversing.

The reactive field interferes with advanced electronics, so their Lions have to wait on the surface. Along with any useful Altean tech that would make their lives more comfortable. Just two dudes roughing it on a deadly, uninhabited alien planet.

Fun.

At least the electro-din limits the ability for conversation. Keith has a rudimentary Geiger-counter-thing that registers whatever magnetic waves the ugulite gives off. He blazes the trail based on the direction a little red arrow is pointing. Lance follows.

It’s a bit like their first adventure. Going out into the desert on Keith’s word and finding the first Lion. Only Blue was a more exciting prize than a fancy magnet. And Earth was a lot less dangerous than Uotanea. Probably.

They’ve lost sight of the surface. Rocky pillars, arches, and buttresses surround them, the terrain carved and forged in the likeness of some ancient temple. The descent into the gorge is gradual. It means more hiking than climbing, which is good. But walking is also tedious and that damn noise is incessant.

“Are we getting close?” Lance asks.

Keith doesn’t turn around, but his posture tenses. “Are you seriously asking me ‘are we there yet?’”

“I am asking,” Lance replies slowly, drawing it out, “if the uggo-lite-o-meter says we’re getting closer.”

“It’s a dial with an arrow.”

“So...no.”

“You wanna take over?” Keith holds up the instrument.

Lance waves him off. “No, no. You’re doing great. Must be your superior arrow-following skills. Good job, buddy.”

The hum starts to dissipate. Keith stops in his tracks, looking back at Lance. Right. That’s bad. It means the exposed ugulite deposit is preparing to discharge built-up electrostatic energy into the air. An electrical storm, complete with caustic rain, is imminent.

Basic rain, Coran explained, not acidic. Still corrosive. The precipitation would have a high pH dangerous to their skin and detrimental to their armor.

They’re prepared for this. At the base of a bowed pillar rock formation, the paladins unload their packs and start to make camp. Keith digs out stakes and tension rods and Lance unfolds a large sheet of plastic material. Inky black clouds gather in the sky. There’s a light breeze and a buzzing feeling in the air. Static and plunging pressure. It speeds their construction. The hum is almost gone. The resulting silence is deafening in its own way. There’s an awareness in the lack, like ears ringing after a rock concert.

Lance unrolls the groundsheet. Keith bangs stakes into the dry ground at a steep angle. They thread thin black poles through fabric channels. The sky is full on ‘Auntie Em! Auntie Em!’ dark, now. The ground rumbles. Lance’s hands start to shake.

It takes both of them to bend the tension rods and affix them in place. The tent is up. Keith sprays the rainfly with the protective coating Coran provided. A thin chemical shield promises to keep the shelter intact.

There’s an ear-splitting crackle—a quake sending lightning up from the ground.

Keith startles, eyes wide. “Get in. Hurry!”

They snatch their remaining gear and scramble into the tent.

Lance turns to zip the entrance closed. For a moment, everything is quiet except their harsh breathing. The rain begins a sporadic sprinkle, advances to a drizzle, then finally increases to a rhythmic pitter-patter.

The tent holds, showing no signs of leaking or corroding.

Keith exhales a relieved sigh. Lance looks over and he’s wearing a bashful little smile. They both chuckle, adrenaline fading into a grateful anticlimax.

They’re stuck, but they’re safe.

The tent is long and narrow, affording just enough room for two bodies to lie down with a comfortable gap between them. Fatigue sets into joints from the long hike. A respite sounds good. Lance unfastens the bulkier plates of his armor, placing them in a neat pile by his feet. Keith mirrors his movements, unburdening himself and settling down.

They lie parallel in silence, watching the tented ceiling and listening to the rain. It’s nice. Existing in the same space without squabbling. Maybe it’s something about braving the elements. In their training exercises, the paladins always did perform better against a common enemy.

Dangerous as it is, the rain is pleasant. Its cadence soothes just as the ugulite’s magnetic buzz irritates. Opposite forces. Discord and calm, red and blue, Keith and Lance. He’s getting maudlin. It’s just that the rainfall reminds him of home.

“I miss this sound so much,” Lance says.

He doesn’t mean to voice the thought out loud, but there it is. Keith hums thoughtfully. “You can play rain audio in your room.” “It's not the same.” Lance presses his hand up against the fabric to feel the percussive tap of each raindrop as it hits. “You can tell when it’s real. It feels so close.”

“You’re a pluviophile.”

“Yeah, I guess.”

Lance lowers his hand and smirks, exhaling a laugh. Where Keith picked up that vocabulary gem is a mystery. They maintain soft voices; speaking without drowning out the rain, through some unspoken agreement.

“I read that it’s because it reminds you of the womb,” Lance murmurs. “Being safe inside but surrounded by the sound of water and everything. It feels like home.”

He looks over at his companion. Even in the dim light, Keith looked relaxed. His eyes are half-lidded. He, too, is entranced by the tempo of the rain and the freedom of seclusion. If they close their eyes, they can pretend they’re back on Earth. Homesick yearning seizes up in Lance’s chest. If only.

Keith reaches over and takes his hand. An act of empathy. Another bonding moment, he supposes. They connect over commonalities. Displacement, high expectations, mortal danger.

Lance feels mesmerized and sedate. The other paladin’s hand squeezing his should be a signal. But he’s so relaxed. The movement on the other side of the tent doesn’t register. Keith is rolling on his side, leaning in, and then—suddenly, it seems—Keith’s lips are on his.

Lance freezes. His brain kind of short-circuits.

Rain, quietude, a gentle kiss. Everything is soft and faded like a daydream. Like he’s just drifted off and his mind is wandering. He’s watching his dream-self, trying to shove him into action, but it’s not working. There’s a disconnect. “Shit.” Keith pulls away, lies on his back with an arm thrown over his face. “I misread that. Just—shit. Lance springs up. “Wait. Whoa, wait. Hold up.” He turns toward the red paladin. “I've been trying to get you to notice me for, like, going on three years. And just now...what the hell did I do?”

“What?”

Keith shifts his arm, peeking out one eye from under the crook of his elbow. It’s insanely endearing.

Lance makes a show of looking around the tent. “Is it the lighting? Have you been put off by the radiance of my devilish good looks?”

Keith scoffs. “What are you talking about? You’ve been fighting me ever since we met.”

“Yeah.” Lance throws his arms up as far as the tent will allow. “You’re a very frustrating person.”

“Right. You hate me.”

“No.” The blue paladin is adamant. “Dude, would we be able to form Voltron if I hated you?”

“But you don’t like me,” Keith mumbles, his voice small.

Lance sighs, his posture deflating. “I don’t know you. You don’t let anyone in.” Keith peels his arm away from his face, so at least Lance knows he’s listening. “Even at the Garrison. You were always so focused on being the best. In your own world, in some kind of zealous competition with yourself. You won’t let anyone help you.

“I wasn’t trying—I didn’t need to be the best.” Keith averts his eyes. “I never thought I was good enough.”

Lance leans down, getting in his teammate’s face, their foreheads nearly touching. He waits until Keith tears his gaze away from the wall of the tent. Even in the dark, he recognizes when their eyes connect. It sends a prickle up his spine.

“You are good enough.” He swallows to keep the schmaltzy waver out of his voice. “Better than.”

Keith’s features shift, his expression inscrutable. Something raw, intense. “You are too.”

And it breaks something inside Lance, hearing that. He gets misty-eyed and chokes a tiny sound back in his throat that he won’t call a sob. It’s everything his cadet self wanted to hear before all this started. He wishes he could reach back, tell past-Lance that someday he’ll be cowering from basic-rain on a faraway planet and Keith Kogane will finally tell him he’s worthy.

Lance lowers his head, brushing their noses together before capturing the red paladin’s lips. The contact is soft, but the spark of it jolts through him like thunder. Or it’s actual thunder. They are weathering a storm.

Keith hums, a tremor running through him. He slinks his arms around and pulls Lance closer. Fingers comb through hair. Mouths open and the kiss deepens. The air in the tent is hot and electric. The universe shrinks to the fervent slide of lips, the wandering of hands. The rain pit-a-pats on the tent.

Uotanea might be heaven.

Lance pulls back, just to get a breath of air between them. He takes in the flushed and disheveled paladin beneath him. It’s a vision he wants burned in his memory. Along with the needy sound Keith makes before kissing him again.

The drizzle peters out and the electromagnetic hum of the ugulite builds. Keith flinches away and Lance knows he hears it too.

“Quiznak,” Lance deadpans.

Keith laughs. It’s an enticing sound and Lance is helplessly charmed. The red paladin tips them over and Lance falls on his side with an oof. The stony ground is not forgiving. Their legs tangle together.

The hard knock is forgotten when Keith licks a line up his neck. Lance shudders, a traitorous whimper slipping out. Another slick glide of his paramour’s tongue, followed by suction. Desire washes over him, making his pulse race. It feels wanton and wicked and makes him seriously consider abandoning this stupid quest.

He doesn’t grasp the intention until Keith is finished, swiping his tongue over his handiwork one last time. There’ll be a mark, right beneath the blue paladin’s collar.

“This comes with us,” Keith says.

Lance nods, understanding. It would be easy to chalk this all up to the rain. They could go back to how things were before. Strained but familiar. Or they could move forward, into uncertainty. Lance votes for the latter.

He leans in, to seal the pact. And maybe to tempt his new flame into putting off their task a little longer. He doesn’t make it. There’s an incongruous clatter—this comical sproing—and the ceiling caves in.

Keith growls. “You didn’t secure the ridge pole in the grommet?”

“It wasn’t me!”

“Dammit, Lance.”

“How do you know it wasn’t your grommet?”

Keith untangles himself, flailing the fallen fabric out of his way to gather his gear. He finds the zipper and opens it. Grumbling to himself, he exits, leaving Lance alone in the collapsed tent. The electro-din is back with a vengeance.

Lance pouts. “Can’t we go back to the kissing part?”

Keith is making a racket outside, undoubtedly assessing what went wrong with their survival structure and preparing to move out. He huffs when his partner doesn’t follow.

“Help me take this down so we can get this over with,” the red paladin calls.

Lance dons his armor. Gathers his gear. Crawls out of the tent. And prays for rain.

#klance #klance fic #keith x lance #lance x keith #fluff #ficlet #thought about just a link #but it's short #and i've set the precedent of posting #so here! #that one time lance got asmr and good things happened #lol #idek #but hey #i wrote a thing i wrote a thing #after forever #such a short thing tho #spooky's fic

[hermanwatts]

Science Fiction and Fantasy New Releases: 29 August, 2020

Time-lost super-soldiers, living detective saints, swordless swordsmen, and His Majesty’s Naval Service takes to the stars in this week’s new releases.

Coven (Saint Tommy, NYPD #7) – Declan Finn

Detective Thomas Nolan has finally returned home. In typical police fashion, he is welcomed home with a murder case and gunfire.

After one arrest goes spectacularly wrong, Tommy is assigned another case and another dead body.

But everything goes wrong from the start of the case. The deceased is a member of a nearby military base, and no one wants to answer his questions. A local bodega gives him mind-splitting headaches. Worst of all, someone is after his children.

To make matters worse — Tommy no longer has his charisms.

Dreamhealer – Jeff Duntemann

By day, Larry Kettelkamp keeps ancient PDP-8 computers alive in a collapsing industrial bakery. By night he wages war on nightmares, and has been waging that war for thirty years. As a young man, Larry discovered that he could enter other peoples’ nightmares, end them, and then vaccinate the dreamers against that nightmare with an ancient symbol that alters the relationship between the two hemispheres of the brain.

For nightmares are not random concoctions of our dreaming imaginations. Strange creatures called archons living in the subtle realms of the collective unconscious craft horrifying dreams to drop into sleeping minds, and then feast on the terror those dreams evoke. This scheme goes back 15,000 years, to the dawn of human history. It was created by a sort of super-archon who claims to be the Demiurge of ancient Persian myth.

Once Larry learns how to destroy archons instead of merely banishing them from dreams, this architect of all nightmares hunts Larry down and demands that Larry stop destroying the monster’s archon servants. Thus begins an escalating conflict that draws in a bored title-search agent, a witch and a lightworker, two teenage prodigies, a modern-day cult practicing ancient Persian death magick, dream mechas a quarter-mile high, and a very very large number of dogs.

Katanagatari #4: Sword Tale – Nisio Isin

From the pen of the author of the legendary MONOGATARI novels comes another unique offering, available in English for the first time! The basis of an animated series, KATANAGATARI brings to life a swordless “swordsman” and a self-described “schemer” who embark on a quest to obtain twelve peculiar masterpiece blades. Unveiling the truth about the legendary katanas and their creator as part of a gorgeous tapestry of fates that vie to upend history itself, this hardcover edition, featuring a gatefold color insert, beautiful interior art, and copious bilingual footnotes, is the last of a quartet collecting a best-selling series from the former homeland of samurais and ninjas. Brimming with action, romance, and unexpected wisdom, often as tongue-in-cheek as The Princess Bride, and shot through with ninjas, samurais, and secret moves, Sword Tale is Musashi for a new generation and a gift for any fan of adventure.

The Lion and the Unicorn (Ark Royal #15) – Christopher Nuttall

The war isn’t going well.

In five years of heavy fighting, humanity and its alien allies have steadily been pushed back towards Earth, towards the very heart of humanity itself. The virus is steadily wearing the defences down, mounting campaign after campaign to infect and enslave every other alien race. The only hope rests with newer and better weapons, with technology that may turn the tide, but can the weapons and starships be deployed in time?

HMS Lion and HMS Unicorn are two new ships, designed to take the war to the enemy and tip the balance of power in humanity’s favour. But with untested technology, clashes between their commanding officers and trouble below decks, they may find themselves facing more than they can handle …

… And the odds of coming home are very low.

Mist Dragon (The Dragon Misfits #5) – D. K. Holmberg

The dragon misfits are the key to saving the dragons of Lorach but they must act before a stranger destroys them.

Jason has secured a tentative peace for Dragon Haven. With his control over illusion, and the Lorach threat thwarted for now, his time is spent preparing for the next attack, knowing the Dragon Souls will not be easily stopped.

An old ally to Dragon Haven returns, but Jason questions his motives—along with his techniques. Now Jason must choose whether to stop the Dragon Souls or save them.

Stopping Lorach for good might mean destroying the captured dragons. It’s a choice Jason fears to make, but doing otherwise means betraying those who have come to rely upon him.

The Soldier: The X-Ship – Vaughn Heppner

After endless years of fighting in a galaxy-wide war, the most decorated super-soldier of the Old Federation was granted leave, sliding into a stasis tube aboard a sleeper ship. The ship never reached its port, while the soldier woke up a thousand years later on an operating table.

The Old Federation was gone, most planets hurled back into the Stone Age. A devastated Earth used spies instead of spaceships to compete against the tougher richer worlds.

The Director of Earth had doctors suppress the super-soldier’s memories, giving him an undercover identity and mission: grab advanced technology from a prohibited planet before anyone else could and bring it back to Earth.

The soldier turned spy felt desperately lost, alone and out of place. There were no familiar faces. But an intense sense of duty drove him headlong into danger. And yet…and yet…there was something more, something missing that he increasingly wanted to know.

So began The Soldier’s odyssey in a future time that would change the destiny of the universe.

The Stars Asunder (The Aryshan War #2) – Jon del Arroz

A deep conspiracy upends a civilization…

…which could cost the lives of billions.

The war rages on between Earth and Arysha, even after the death of a prominent Aryshan leader.

Sean Barrows is sent into Aryshan space a second time to gain details on their fleet movements and objectives, but he has a greater goal in mind: find the love of his life. But a major threat looms for everyone: a new fleet of Aryshan ships which can go unseen and launch deadly stealth attacks. Can two civilizations survive?

Zero.Hero – J. D. Astra

The greatest Heroes have already fallen…

Now it’s up to Claire and her ragtag crew of Zeroes to save the city.

Low-ranked contractors Claire, Elise, Norah, and Piper dream of making it to the top twenty with the Stewards of Light, but their weird RPG powers have them trapped near the bottom instead. Balancing college, part-time jobs, and family matters leaves the girls without much time to fight crime and grind out the experience they need to climb the ranks.

When a new threat emerges, the gamer girls are left standing in a city turned upside down with no hero to save them. The underclassmen are outclassed, but they’re also the only ones who can stop the spread of chaos. Claire and her friends will have to unravel the mess with clever teamwork and determination, and find the top-rank heroes in themselves to save the city before it falls into darkness.

Wretched Son – Jon Mollison

The hum of rubber tires on hot and dangerous roads.

The white dotted line between life and death.

A young boy’s fight to chart a route to manhood.

Take a ride through a different sort of apocalypse. A world on the verge of forging a better tomorrow, or repeating all the same old mistakes.

And the fate of the world to come rests on the shoulders of a young boy as uncertain of his future as the world in which he fights to survive.

Science Fiction and Fantasy New Releases: 29 August, 2020 published first on https://sixchexus.weebly.com/

[nadziejastar]

The Origin and Meaning of the Recusant’s Sigil

Death

Xehanort: “X”… A most ancient letter. Some say “kye,” but the meaning is the same. Death… A letter that spells endings.

This has been something I’ve been meaning to discuss in-depth for a long time---The Recusant’s Sigil, otherwise known as the Mark of Heresy. It really bothered me how this aspect of the story was left totally unexplored. It was obviously going to factor heavily into BBS Volume 2, explaining Xehanort’s obsession with darkness, his ambitions, and even his ability to time travel. What exactly is the Recusant's Sigil and why does it mean so much to Xehanort? What does it have to do with the X-blade? And why does it mean "death" and "endings"? 

Well, one reason is that “X” is thought to be the Mark of the Beast. It should also be noted that in Greek, 666=XXX. Interestingly, in Judaic kabbalah the number 666 is actually used to represent the creation and perfection of the world. Which is probably closer to how Xehanort sees it.

But by far the most familar usage of “X” meaning death is the skull and crossbones. In the Middle Ages, it was a common tombstone decoration, and appeared in many “memento mori,” which were illustrative reminders of mortality. In more recent times, the skull and crossbones signifies poison.

Endings

The skull and crossbones is also an important emblem in Masonry, where it symbolizes the transience of the material world, and it is used in initiation rituals. It symbolizes the gateway to the higher realms of understanding only achievable through spiritual death and rebirth.

Freemasons use the ‘X’ to symbolize transformation. For example, the first sign is that of crossing the hands over the chest, “cross my heart and hope to die”.  This phrase demonstrates that the initiate will be penalized with death if they ever reveal the secrets.

One must go through various initiation rituals before attaining the next rank in their journey of enlightenment. The 17th degree is considered the transformation, or change of the initiate. There is a certain part of the ritual called “the crossing of cordons”. They cite this as a reference to the point in the heavens where "the celestial equator crosses the plane of the ecliptic", basically referring to changes made over time.

The cordons used in this ‘X’ transformation ceremony are depicted with black and white---the classic symbol of duality secret groups like these are always referencing. That’s why you always see the black and white checkered floor in Masonic imagery. They are pushing the idea of joining opposites and finding a new equilibrium. It's the same with Xehanort.

The χ-Blade

If Kingdom Hearts is a lock, then this blade from the age of fairy tales was the key.

It could be argued that without the χ-blade, the Keyblade War might never have been waged; after all, you cannot possess what you cannot find or unlock.

It is clear the blade was the inspiration for human-wrought Keyblades. The letter χ can be pronounced both “key” or “kye” (leading to some confusion) and symbolizes the perfect crossing of light and darkness. The χ-blade can be forged via a high-dimensional clash between those two poles.

It is believed that the Recusant’s Sigil also derives from χ.

 —Glossary (KH3D)

In hermetic kabbalah, the skull and crossbones are related to the chi-rho, which symbolizes time, death, and rebirth. It became an important Christian symbol when it was adopted by the Roman Emperor Constantine, representing the first two letters in the name of Christ---chi and rho. The chi-rho is also the origin of the tradition of abbreviating “Christ” in “Christian" or “Christmas” to “X.”

Before it became the monogram of Christ, the chi-rho was the monogram of Chronos (whose name also begins with a chi-rho), the god of time. The small letters in the image are the alpha and omega; the beginning and the end. The chi-rho was also used in hermetic alchemical texts to denote time. It was used as an emblem of several solar deities, as well. Young Xehanort's ability to time travel is therefore integrally linked to the Recusant's Sigil, and whoever taught him about it.

Recusant’s Sigil

But why is it called the Mark of Heresy or the Recusant’s Sigil? A recusant is defined as a person who refuses to submit to an authority or comply with a regulation. Which is basically the same thing as a heretic.

The Crook and Flail are the emblems of the Egyptian god Osiris. They were the symbols of divine authority carried by Egyptian Pharaohs in state ceremonies. The Recusant’s Sigil is the symbol of Osiris upside-down.

The “X” is also used in ancient Egypt as a symbol of the dead. You see it in Egyptian pyramids and temples, where Pharaohs are buried with their arms and legs crossed. This is because it was the symbol of Osiris. He was ruler of the dead and the underworld, and this was done in devotion to him. 

Was it easy to decide on the design for the three main characters?

Tetsuya Nomura: “No, it was actually pretty difficult. Especially since all three of them would change into armor, when I began to work on their design I had decided that they would hit a round device to change into the armor. But how I could incorporate that device into their clothing was pretty difficult to decide. Also, since one of the secret keywords in the story is "X”, I decided that I had to put that somewhere in the design of their clothes.”

Unlike with Sora, Xehanort didn't literally put the "X" on their clothes. Nomura used it to symbolize their unfortunate fates, as “X” was the secret keyword for the story. Terra was his destined vessel, Ventus was half of the X-blade, and Vanitas said Aqua was a backup. 

What is the meaning of the ‘x’ in the Organization member’s names? Also, was adding the ‘x’ to their original names difficult? Nomura: It was Xemnas’s decision to add the ‘x’. I think the meaning will become clear in Birth by Sleep. Think of the circumstances of the Organization member’s names with an ‘x’ added. We came up with many name candidates the with ‘x’ added in together with the staff, we rack our brains while we consider them.

Xemnas planned to use all the original Organization members as vessels once the artificial Kingdom Hearts was completed. In anticipation of this, he also added the "X" to their names as well. The "X" is the mark of an intended vessel.

異端の印 (Itan no shirushi, lit. "Mark of heresy”) is a symbol designed by Xehanort to represent the rejection of a Nobody from his original persona. It is incorporated into the new names of each of the original members of Organization XIII, and is derived from Xehanort’s sleeping memories of the χ-blade.

—khwiki

But Xehanort needs that person's original self to die first. That is the ONLY way he can use them as a vessel. All of the Organization members have been marked, to signify the death of their original self.

Xemnas: Our experiments creating Heartless were attempts to control the mind, and convince it to renounce its sense of self.

But it's especially true wth Saix. He was the only successful vessel from the original Organization, besides Braig, who was totally willing. Roxas was a good candidate at first, but he became too self-aware, and thus was no longer usable. 

Xemnas: As your flesh bears the sigil, so your name shall be known of that as a recusant.

That's no doubt how Saix got the scar on his face. To signify the death of Isa, and the creation of a successful vessel. It’s also a mark of submission to Xehanort’s “divine” authority. The whole idea is…pretty dark, actually. But it was also so interesting to me. It was why Lea and Isa became my favorite characters in the first place. There were so many intriguing concepts in their story line and their whole relationship had so much potential. Especially since Isa might have even allowed himself to become a vessel in order to protect Lea. 

The Key to Return Hearts

Where did the Organization’s coat and mark come from?

Nomura: Xemnas remembering his human years. One year after BbS, Xehanort as well as the five other apprentices toss aside their hearts. Then the Nobody Xemnas was born, and the Organization which he creates take a lot of things from his memories as a human. But as Xemnas had two people whom he came from, Terra and Master Xehanort, he takes from both of their memories. The coat used by the Organization was something that Master Xehanort originally wore. The Nobody mark used by the Organization is a similar shape to the mark Terra used. Xemnas gives Organization members names with an X in them. This has something to do with Master Xehanort’s interest in the χ-Blade.

So, the shared destiny of Terra, Aqua, Ventus, and Isa was indeed to die---but also to be reborn. The game that introduced all these concepts was called “Birth By Sleep,” after all. Nomura implied that Xemnas based the Nobody emblem on the mark that Terra wore. His words suggested that the meaning of these symbols was important and that we’d eventually get to learn more about their origin. 

But, of course, we never did. But we do know that although Xehanort followed the darkness, Master Eraqus was a defender of the light. Well, if “X” is the symbol of death and endings, then what is the symbol of life and rebirth? Is that the true meaning of Eraqus’ symbol?

The press release for KINGDOM HEARTS III unveiled by Square Enix discusses the search for the “Key to Return Hearts.” Is there anything you can tell us about that?

Nomura: There are two possible meanings of the “key.” One of which is the “hardware” key, which opens doors - this is what keys are in general (laughs), and the other is the “light” key, that opens something else. In this case, it is currently unknown as to which type of key Sora must find. This is the main storyline of KINGDOM HEARTS III - Sora must go on an adventure to find the “key” without knowing what or where it is. But as you know, we can’t really say anything else on the subject (laughs).

The ankh is the ancient Egyptian symbol of life, fertility and the union of male and female. It appears frequently in Egyptian writings about rebirth and was also called the Key of Life. Early Christians adopted it to symbolize the resurrection of Christ. I obviously can’t know for sure, but I think it’s possible that Eraqus' symbol was integrally tied to the whole concept of the “Key to Return Hearts”.

The ankh was used in funeral rites as well. It was sometimes held upside down by the loop, where it resembled the shape of a key. It was considered the key which opened the gate to the the realm of eternity. When someone died, their corpse carried the ankh. At the time their souls were weighed, or when they would board the Boat of the Sun God Ra, it was a sign that they sought this same immortality from the gods. Therefore, the dead were sometimes referred to as “ankhu”, meaning possessor of life. In the dark occult, the ankh is still used as a symbol of evil and death when it is used upside-down. That might be the true origin of the Nobody symbol---an inversion of the symbol of life.

It's fitting that the Recusant's Sigil is based Egyptian concepts and imagery. To the ancient Egyptians, the Sun represented light, warmth, and growth. This made the Sun deity, Ra, very important, as he was seen as the ruler of all creation. When Ra was in the underworld, he merged with Osiris, the god of the dead. Osiris is usually distinguished as the god of the afterlife, the underworld, and the dead. But more appropriately he is the god of transition, resurrection, and regeneration. And it's worth mentioning that ancient Egyptians always used a red Sun to symbolize Ra. 

#kh meta #kh #anti-kh3 #kh terra #kh aqua #kh ventus #kh xehanort #kh xemnas #kh axel #kh saix #kh isa #kingdom hearts #kh theories #kh3 theory