#then cue the journey looking for Will's soulmate | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

randomshyperson · 2 years

Text

Rulers of The Multiverse - Wanda Maximoff x Reader - Chapter Six

Summary: Strange’s faulty spell will cause a series of unexpected events, from your reunion with the love of your life in another world to the appearance of a child capable of traveling across the multiverse. This story follows the journey of a very tired Guardian alongside mischievous America Chavez and Scarlet Witch.

Warnings: (+18) explicit language and sexual content, violence, a lot of magic, found family, mentions of abusive past and trauma, mind control, use of illicit substances, mostly top!reader, soulmates analogies. || Words: 7.650k

A/N-> I don't know if anyone is getting anxious about it but the story is obv slow burn, but we have smut in chapters 12, 16 and 17 :) also, despite the angst, it's a happy ending.

General Masterlist | AO3 | Wattpad | Series Masterlist

--//--

Chapter Six - The Witch World - Part II

Wanda has never seen you like this.

As she advanced into the room taking the cue from the guards before her, she reached for a chaotic scene.

It was some kind of operating room - with a stretcher in the center and work counters - and it was full of people. America was standing next to three other frightened healers, and there were at least two different sets of guards.

You were standing with what appeared to be a short dagger, and Wanda recognized it as the one belonging to America, figuring you must have gotten it by standing up.

The item was pressed against the throat of the healer you were holding.

What surprised her most was the utter panic she found in your eyes, filled with tears like the one in the reflection.

"We won't say it again, traveler! Release Healer Grey immediately!" Yelled one of the guards at the front, all armed but with items stowed in their holsters.

You only grunted in irritation, tears streaming down as you pressed the trembling blade against the girl's throat.

"I'm the one who won't say it again! Where am I? Where is my wife?" You shouted back getting more nervous by the moment.

America spotted Wanda entering, and shouted. "There she is, Y/N! Can you calm down now and let our friend go?"

Your attention fell on Wanda and you frowned. "That's not my wife. I-I don't know you! None of you!"

You pressed harder, and the healer choked, which caused the guards to conjure magic in the air, making you take frightened steps backward, dropping the healer and stumbling to the back of the room, your dagger raised in the air and your hands shaking.

"Stay away from me!" You shouted, and Jean now free, raised her hands in the air for the guards to wait.

"No! Don't charm her!" She ordered seriously. "She's just confused."

The guard made an incredulous expression, but the next moment you began to cry very hard, and put your hands to your ears, falling to your knees.

"Please make it stop!" You begged, the dagger falling at your feet. "Take it away!"

The room went into complete shock, and Wanda clasped a hand around her chest at seeing you in that state. America was startled as well, and began to cry softly, looking away.

Jean approached cautiously.

"Miss Maximoff..." She began, and Wanda blushed softly as she realized it was you she was talking to. "I need you to focus on my voice, do you think you can do that?"

You continued crying, your hands firm around your head which you shook. "No, please, it's too loud."

"I know, miss, but you need to concentrate." Jean insisted and her hands began to glow orange. She held one of them up to you, and you were crying too hard to notice. "I'll help you, okay, try to think of something happy."

You sobbed, but from the way you softened the grip of your hands, you seemed to be obeying. Jean sighed deeply the next moment, her eyes turning the same color as her hands, and when your sobbing quieted down, Wanda knew she was using telepathy.

As soon as Jean finished, you grunted and got up in a huff, running to the first sink you could find and start to vomit. The sound made half the room let out exclamations of disgust, but Jean let out a sigh of relief.

"Thank you, Mr.Skurge, but the situation is under control." Jean informed as she turned to the guard in the center. The man raised an eyebrow at her, briefly looking at you throwing up.

"Are you sure?" He asked, but Jean didn't hesitate, nodding with a small smile.

She waited for the guards to leave, and intervened when Skurge tried to grab Wanda by the arm.

"Please, Skurge, the traveler may remain. Thank you." The guard didn't look very pleased, but he didn't resist the order. And when the room was empty except for the presence of Jean, America, Wanda, and a few other healers, you stopped puking, falling breathlessly sitting on the floor, your head resting on the wall.

"How are you feeling, Y/N?" Jean asked approaching you to help you up, and you flashed her a breathless smile.

"Fucking fine, witchy Jean." You murmured back, and Wanda's heart nearly exploded at how much it sounded like you again. You were okay. Sick, but okay.

Jean helped you stand, and you accepted whatever that colorful drink was that one of the fairies handed you, stumbling helplessly back to the stretcher. "How long this time?"

"You held out for thirteen more seconds this time. " Jean replied with a little pride, but you grunted annoyed, turning the colored potion over in one go.

"At that speed, Chthon destroys my mind before I can have any chance to expel him!" You retorted annoyed, but Jean sighed.

"Don't be such a pessimist!" She tries and her hands are working to open your jacket. "You are holding it longer. And the nausea is a great sign, I told you. It means you’re expelling dark magic in a physical way."

"It's disgusting." You grumble as you let Jean undress you. Wanda clears her throat, and the attention of the room falls on her.

"Does anyone care to tell me what's going on?" She asks in a half-high-pitched voice, well aware that Jean just went back to undressing you, and that you are basically ignoring her as you exchange glances with the healer and America approaches her with a tear-stained face.

"It's a long story, but to make it short, they are trying to remove the influence of the God of Chaos from Y/N's mind." Says the child. "And it's not nice to watch."

You chuckle, now in just your underwear, moving to what Wanda imagines is a bathtub at the back of the room.

"Neither nice to watch nor easy to do." You comment wryly and step into the tub. You shudder and clench your jaw, and Wanda realizes that it is filled with ice, but you sink in anyway.

The fairies move to throw elixirs into the water, and she watches you dive in.

"Wanda, I am Healer Jean Grey, it is a pleasure to meet you." Says the woman approaching - after handing your dirty clothes to the helpers - and Wanda diverts her eyes from your tub to Jean.

"Have we met before?" She inquires about the name, and the other redhead's smile widens.

"No, not in this universe at least." She says. "But for the last hours I've been digging through Miss L/N's memories and I've seen your face and heard your name so many times that I feel like we have." She jokes and Wanda can only offer her a forced laugh. “Anyways, I must get back to work, Miss L/N insisted that we wouldn't stop until we succeed so excuse me.”

Jean stepped aside to join the other healers lighting candles and drawing runes in the air around your tub. She frowned in concern as she realized that you had been underwater for a considerable amount of time.

"Is she okay...?" Wanda began in a whisper, and America murmured in agreement, looking away to the door.

"She has done it like four times, you're going to hate it." She mumbled before turning to one of the fairies. "Hey, I think I'll take that invitation to eat now."

"Oh, of course, Miss Chavez. Please accompany me to the room we have prepared." Says the Fairy with a gentle smile. "Miss Maximoff, would you like to join us?"

But Wanda gave no more than a nod in the negative - missing the way America sighed, whispering to the nursemaid that she needed to see at least once before the two-headed outside - as she was busy looking at the tub, feeling pressure in the back of her head.

You emerged at once, and all the lit candles beside you went out. The helpers shuddered, and Jean twiddled her fingers at the side of her body, but Wanda was completely mesmerized by you.

A corner smile that turned into a husky chuckle as you stretched your arms in the air. When your eyes opened, they were bright red and the white part was completely blackened.

"What a stubborn girl." It is your voice, but it is definitely not you. Jean steps forward, glowing hands that make the runes drawn in the airglow as well. You sigh impatiently. "Good, let's try that again."

Jean began muttering spells in a language very similar to Celtic, raising her hands in the air, and the healers joined her in the incantations, the runes vibrating.

You rolled your eyes, waved your hands in the tub as if you were bored, and even threw some ice on top. When your ears began to bleed, you laughed again as you raised your blood and water-soaked fingers to the redhead a few feet away from you.

"Careful, Miss Grey, you'll end up killing the host." You ironized and Wanda swallowed dryly, stepping forward in fear as she saw that Jean wasn't stopping. That made you - or whatever was in you - realize her presence, and your smile faltered. "Look who's here."

"Wanda, don't listen to the taunts." Jean warns back, gesturing another rune higher, but Wanda flinches when you try to charm the iron of the candlesticks toward Jean, only for the metal to hit the barrier of runes made around the tub.

"Look at me, Scarlet Witch!" You shouted as you stood up and left the ice, the water wetting the marble floor. "Tell me what you see!"

Wanda shuddered but moved closer. She stopped in front of the barrier, feeling a soft tingle from the spells, and stared back at the demon's eyes.

"You are Chthon, God of Chaos." She says. "You are the author of Darkhold."

Your smile does not reach your eyes, but you raise your chin slightly. "Tell me, child, have you been enjoying my teachings?"

Wanda raises an eyebrow. "All you have done is disturb me with nightmares of my children and whisper lies into my ears. Every time I meet another witch I realize I know nothing about any subject."

Chthon locked his jaw at the allegation but gave a short laugh.

"I have shown you the truth, ungrateful witch." Retorted the god between teeth. "But of course, you are as weak as all the others before you."

It is Wanda's turn to raise her chin. "Weak? Because it seems to me that Y/N and I are causing you quite a bit of trouble."

Chthon grunts angrily, punching the barrier and making the entire commode vibrate, but Wanda swallows dryly and doesn't flinch, staring back into the demon's eyes.

"Don't run away from this world yet, Wanda Maximoff." He warns in a low voice. "When I blow a hole in her head from inside out, I want you to watch."

Wanda hesitated, her eyes filling with tears - of anger, hurt, and fear - and she took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves.

Jean lets out a deep sigh, drawing Wanda's attention away from the red eyes.

"Sisters, do it now." She spoke opening her eyes, her pupils orange and glowing. "Chthon, I claim Gaea's blessing on our land and banish your presence from this world!"

The other priests joined in the chorus, repeating Jean's words.

Wanda watched intently as your eyes wavered, the pupils red between normal coloration, but suddenly you were smiling again, and Wanda let out a grunt of pain as she felt a twinge in her head.

Something ran down her forehead, and she lifted her fingers to touch the blood. She didn't need to see to know that the rune should be visible from the spell you had done hours before.

"You cannot banish me from whom I do not possess." Chthon warned the witches, but his voice was weak and hoarse. "Tell them the truth, Scarlet Witch, or they'll end up killing your girlfriend before any real fun." He warned quickly before stumbling away, grunting in pain and with hands-on their head.

Wanda held her breath in anticipation, seeing that you had sat down beside the tub. Jean finished the incantation, and only when the runes faded did she approach.

"Can you hear me, Y/N?" She asked with some hope in her voice. You gasped, raising confused eyes at her.

"Where am I...?" You muttered confused, eyes fluttering gold. "Where did Thanos go?"

Jean let out a disappointed sigh. "Enough, I'm not going to hurt you anymore." She said and gestured for the healers to move and hold you by the arms, easily overpowering you. "Take her away for evaluation. Only the Wise Master will be able to help her."

Wanda lets out an exclamation as they press a needle against your neck that makes you much more peaceful, and drags you out of the room.

"Please tell me what's happening." Wanda says to Jean, and the redhead sighs, frowning as she looks at the other.

"Actually, Miss Maximoff, I'm the one who would like to ask you that." She says. "Can we start with why you have a mirroring rune on your forehead?" Jean questioned, lifting her fingers to hover over the rune etched into her skin. Wanda swallowed hard, but she was exhausted. So she decided to be honest.

Just over twenty minutes later, she had chains on her hands.

–//–

You awoke to a very soft surface, and as you forced your body to react and grope your way around, you realized that you were in a bed.

A delicious smell of your favorite breakfast filled the room, and you could also hear the sound of soft music.

It was all so peaceful, so you knew right away that it was a lie.

Grumbling a little, you sat up in bed and looked around. It was a simple room, but if you tried to focus on anything, it grew blurry, so you gave up looking for details and made your way downstairs, feeling your heart clench as you recognized the house as the one in Westview.

Your dead Wanda was in the living room working on the computer like she used to. The girls were watching a cartoon on the living room carpet.

So who was cooking?

You took a deep breath, and made your way to the commode, preparing yourself for a few more hours of torture with the god of chaos, when you felt your stomach turn around as you found your other Wanda, in modest clothes and with brown hair.

"Hey." You greeted half confused and surprised, twiddling your fingers nervously. Wanda took her eyes off the pan just for a second, an easy, bright smile appearing on her lips.

"Detka, good morning." She greeted back. "Sit down, it's almost ready."

You swallowed dryly, looking through the opening in the wall between the living room and the kitchen, but realized that your family didn't even seem to hear you two. So you accepted the invitation to sit down.

"You haven't checked if the boys are awake, have you?" she asked, and you frowned in confusion.

Boys.

"Wanda, I don't..." You started but heard the stairs, and the next minute, two little boys were running inside at high speed, and you shuddered with fright. Wanda laughed, asking them to calm down, and the boys took the free seats at the table.

When Wanda turned off the stove and set the plates, you realized that the breakfast, though your favorite, was not for you, but for the twins.

You smiled as you watched them eat excitedly, and the way Wanda ruffled their hair and had eyes shining with happiness.

"They look like you." You commented and she smiled sweetly, her hands on each of their shoulders.

"You can talk to them if you want." She says and you swallow dryly, before taking a deep breath to build courage and focusing your gaze on the one with the longest hair.

"Hi." You try, and he blinks away from the breakfast, making a funny face.

"Hi, mommy." He says, and you choke in surprise. He doesn't seem to notice anything strange. "Did you want some?" he asks over food, and you quickly deny it, dumbfounded by the whole thing.

"S-sorry, what's your, um, name?" You say, and the boy laughs.

"Mama she's doing it again!" He complains to Wanda behind him, before turning his attention back to his food. "We're not even identical twins, Mommy, that joke isn't funny." He mumbles, and you let out a tearful laugh, finding the whole thing quite incredible.

You swallow dryly, and look at the other boy, and he drinks some juice before commenting:

"Don't be mean, Tommy, mommy's just trying to make us laugh." The other comments, and his brother sighs loudly, looking at you again.

"Fine, I'm sorry, Mom." He says.

You give another affected laugh, saying it was no problem at all. You risk extending your hand across the table in Tommy's hand direction.

"Detka..." Wanda tries to warn you but you touch him. And a lump of emotion rises in your throat. Tommy smiles affectionately at your touch, going back to eating when once you stop, you gather your hand close to your chest, feeling your eyes fill with tears.

"They're warm." You murmur, and Wanda sighs, bending down to tell the boys to take the breakfast to the living room.

As soon as the kitchen is empty, Wanda sits down in the chair closest to yours. But you speak before she can.

"Wanda, they're alive." You gasp in surprise, still holding out your hand, and the brunette sighs, nodding.

"I know, that's what I've been trying to tell you."

"B-but how..."

"I don't know." Wanda cuts in, twisting her fingers nervously on the table. "When I said goodbye to them, I really thought everything that happened at Westview was a lie. But when I started reading darkhold, and when I learned about the multiverse, Y/N, I saw them. They were right there, and they were in so many places. I couldn't... I couldn't touch them, but I could visit them in my dreams. Watch them in other lives."

"Is that what you are doing now?" You ask with a frown, lifting a hand to move her hair away from her face, and feeling your heart speed up as Wanda leans into your touch.

"No, detka." She says. "I am in your head."

You swallow dryly, caressing her cheek. "Wanda, what did you do?."

She sighs, raising her hand to your forehead. "I told Jean everything I knew." She replies. "Apparently, they don't like dark witches in this universe at all, something about an ancient war that didn't end well. You, on the other hand, are what they call an Honorable Warrior. And the rune you placed to link our minds is what I'm using to be here."

You let out an exclamation, "Where is America?"

Wanda raises an eyebrow. "Thank you for asking how I am..."

You huff under your breath, getting up. "I know you're fine, you're here talking to me. You can't blame me for being worried about the kid who's all alone in an unknown universe." You comment moving to look out the window. The landscape outside is like Westview - except for the surrounding red field growing closer - and you let out a sigh. "Wanda, our memories are blending together. You need to wake me up."

She gets up too, crossing her arms. "I came to do that, but I have no idea how, this is different from telepathy. You just won't obey my voice."

You grunt softly, looking around the living room for a second before looking back at her. "It won't be pretty, but you trust me, right?"

"I do, but I don't want to hurt you." She warns with a frown as she notices your expression. And you give a short laugh.

"Don't worry, honey, I've lived all before." It's your last warning before you take control again. It was a little painful, but gradually the surroundings were transforming. You had no idea which memory would come first, but as a temple formed, you shivered.

Wanda intertwined her hand in yours, watching with curiosity as the memory stabilized.

"Where are we?" She asked.

"The Kamar Taj of my world." You replied, taking a deep breath to build courage before starting to walk toward the entrance.

Wanda muttered in surprise, but you said nothing more until you reached a room where several teenagers were practicing mystical fighting.

You stopped when you found your younger version, on one of the far tatami mats.

Wanda let out an affectionate exclamation, muttering something about you being cute, but you were watching the memory with your stomach churning, knowing exactly what you would see next.

"Who's the boy fighting with you? He's good." Wanda asked as she watched you fight back with great difficulty an older child who was attacking you with an enchanted stick like yours.

Before you could answer, your younger version received a blow to the face and fell to the mat. The boy hesitated, guilt stamped on his face. But one of the masters watching shouted:

"Samuel, in a fight, our enemies won't hesitate! Your mercy may cost your sister her life!"

Wanda's eyes widened in surprise when she discovered that you had a brother, but the surprise gave way to shock at what happened next. You gave him a nod from the floor, confirming that he should continue. And your brother landed the first blow to your cheek, but you didn't pass out, grunting in pain and spitting blood on the mat. The master stood.

"Proceed. Either we fall forever or we get up." He guided, and Samuel's eyes filled with tears, but he swallowed dry and hit it again, and again.

"Y/N, please give it up." He pleaded crying on the fifth blow when you could barely keep your eyes open from the bruises.

But you spat the blood back onto the stained tatami.

"We don't give up at the Kamar Taj." The master commented, but Samuel grimaced and threw the enchanted stick on the floor.

"I won't kill my sister." He retorted angrily and turned to leave the room, receiving a sigh of disappointment from the Master, who looked at you.

"Cowards cannot be Masters of the Mystic Arts, Miss, and there is no place in the Kamar Taj for visitors." Declares the Master before turning away. You let out an exclamation of despair, standing up with difficulty, and shouting for Samuel to come back.

"Please, Sammy, fight me!" You shouted stumbling with difficulty, grabbing the enchanted staff and running after him with struggle.

Your brother kept walking, ignoring your pleas for him to wait.

"No, Y/N! I won't keep hurting you!" He fought back, looking over his shoulder. "No shelter is worth the price, let's find another place."

"Sammy, please, we have nowhere to go!" You tried but he kept going, and you yelled back. "Fight me!" And you raised your arm to throw the stick at him. But when you threw it, golden energy flashed around and the object flew with much more force and speed straight into your brother's chest.

He stopped, choking in pain and falling to his knees a minute later. You watched the scene in complete shock.

"S-sammy?" you gasped, and he fell to the ground, dead.

Wanda covered your field of vision as she stepped in front of you with her hands on your face -the image of the mages running, of your younger self screaming and being dragged away, or the horrified looks of the other masters and students.

"Detka, look at me, focus on my voice. I'm so sorry..." She whispered, leaning her forehead against yours, her fingers wiping the tears from your skin. You sniffled softly.

"I'm waking up." That's what you told her before sliding your arms around her, burying your face in her neck.

–///–

Wanda blinked the tears away, the chains on her fists making noise as she raised her hands to wipe her face.

A dead brother. Just like her.

The similarities between you, as well as the differences, never failed to surprise her.

She grunted in discomfort as she forced herself upright after lying in that uncomfortable bed - the palace dungeon was nothing like the comfortable room they had offered her before - and stared at the dark, damp surroundings.

She turned her head as she heard a noise at the iron door, her chest filling with hope that you had already found her so quickly, and the feeling fading completely when a pair of golden horns became visible through the window sill before the door opened.

Loki nodded to the guard, entering the place with a casual smile, and Wanda grunted impatiently, hugging her legs.

"God, not you." She grumbled annoyedly surprising the man, who nodded for the guard to close the door and approached Wanda with some confusion stamped on his face.

"Sorry, have we met before?"

"Not personally, and not in this universe." She retorts watching him conjure a chair right in the middle of the room, and sit down.

"Oh, what an interesting thing." Loki said with a gentle smile. "And what was I like in your world, Miss Maximoff?"

Wanda sighs. "I've only heard stories about how you tried to take over the earth and killed several people."

Loki gave a surprised little laugh but nodded. "Yeah, sounds like me." He said, moving his hands to his jacket and pulling out a small gold item from his pocket - a scale - and as soon as she sees it, Wanda lets out an impatient sigh.

"Not that again." She complains, but Loki just smiles, ignoring her comment and aligning the item with the woman in front of him. In a few seconds, the scale stops swaying and remains unbalanced to one side.

"I see the lady has returned to crafting dark magic." He declares putting the item back away, but Wanda grunts.

"I literally have not left this cell, and your people have not returned my powers, so no, Mr.Laufeyson, I am not crafting anything."

"You can't lie to me, Miss Maximoff." Loki retorts with a small smile, surprising Wanda. "I'm very good at reading that sort of thing. And unlike my white magic colleagues, I have no problem getting the truth out of you."

Wanda clenches her jaw in a mixture of anger and fear, trying to think of the best solution for this. You and America are still theoretically, in their custody.

"I thought this world despised dark witches." She comments and Loki shrugs.

"Not really, it's more like an agreement between the two parties." He says gesturing a bit, "It's all about balance, Miss Maximoff. And no world can survive without light and darkness working together. In the past, wizards like us tried to dominate the light, and it almost tore everything apart. So now we have an agreement, to maintain order and balance between the forces. The light can take the glory, after all, people like us always work better in the shadows." Loki explains with a small smile, and Wanda swallows dryly as he stands up. "I am here to remove the rune on your head, I need you to show me the movement Miss L/N made when conjuring it."

Wanda lifted her chin to him, narrowing her eyes in suspicion as she did so. "And if I refuse?"

Loki laughs softly, and Wanda turned her face away, evading his touch when he placed his fingers against her cheek. "The order I was given was to protect a pure witch from a dark witch, that's all I'm here for, daily work. But if she is someone important to you, I would advise you to consent, Miss Maximoff. There are several types of mirror magic, and if I am correct, and I usually am, the one that was placed in your head is not only for you to play memory-watching games with your friend. It serves for her to receive Chthon's damnation in your place."

Wanda gasps softly in surprise, looking away. So that's what you were doing.

"Wife." She whispers and Loki frowns in confusion, but she sniffles softly before raising her eyes to him again. "She is my wife."

"That's a yes, I suppose?" Loki asks and Wanda swallows dryly, before nodding.

She demonstrated the movement as best she could remember, and Loki hums in understanding, tracing his fingers across Wanda's forehead.

As soon as she feels her skin burn, her eyes fill with tears. She knows she will hear the boys again.

It's not a really painful procedure, and it's really quick. Loki murmurs in a Celtic language with his eyes closed and wipes the blood that runs down Wanda's forehead before it drips.

Then he steps away, muttering that it was done. Wanda sniffles softly once the loud whispers return and is ready to lie down again when Loki hesitates on the way out and looks at her again.

"Miss Maximoff, try to remember that although demons may whisper our worst fears, witches are made to rule them. And not the other way around." He says and offers her a small smile before knocking on the door for the guard to open.

Wanda tries to remember this, but as Tommy and Billy's screams echo in her mind again, she curls up on the dirty mattress, closing her eyes tightly and covering her ears.

Chthon's wicked laughter also sounds in her head.

It's good to be back in this little pathetic mind of yours, Scarlet Witch.

She pressed her hands harder against her ears.

Good thing we were introduced. Now I can take care of you personally, no more lackeys. Aren’t you excited?

Wanda sniffled. The background noise of Chthon's voice was the distant cries of her children, and they were getting closer by the second.

How about you stop playing the helpless witch, Wanda? The twins are out there, needing their mother.

"I don't have my magic." She muttered tearfully and received an evil laugh in return.

That cheap trick? Y/N underestimates me, but I'm not surprised. She is lost and weak, an unsworn sorceress. She is not like you, my sweet Scarlet Witch. Your affection for her is the only weakness you have.

"Shut up."

You don't believe me? You know she lies. She didn't even tell you about her brother. Imagine what other kinds of dirty secrets she's hiding... I can tell you all of them, you know. I was in her head.

"Stop talking." Wanda gasped, but Chthon only filled her with flashbacks of images of the boys hurting themselves, and she whimpered.

I don't care if you want to play fairy tales with her or anyone else. But stop pretending that a cheap magic trick can stop you. The only block is the trust you put in her. My chaos magic cannot be contained by anything but its equivalent, and we both know she didn’t fight you for good, so stop pretending before I lose patience!

"N-no, stop talking." Wanda whined, hearing the boys clearly now. "Y/n did that to protect the sorcerers..."

But they hurt her, Wanda, have you forgotten? You saw it yourself what they did to her, all that fighting and training until she bled. And you just want to protect her, don't you? Well, you can't do that from a dungeon. Concentrate, Wanda. That trick is only for sorcerers, you're a witch, magic always flows in you. And chaos cannot be contained.

Wanda felt a gentle pressure in the center of her chest, and after that, her whole body vibrated at once without stopping. Every cell in her body electrified and her eyes glowed red.

She gasped, relaxing as she set her magic back, if somewhat, even stronger than before. But it was always like this, her power only seemed to grow.

With just a thought, the chains disappeared. She had no difficulty at all in leaving the cell.

Don't let anyone stand in your way, Wanda. And don't forget that the child is your one-way ticket to your boys.

This time, Wanda didn't ask Chthon to be quiet. Her hands glowed scarlet, and as she marched inside, her clothes were stained red.

–//–

Jean is the first person you see when you jump out of bed and try - and fail - to leave the room and find the girls without alerting anyone.

"By Gaea! Do you wish to scare me to death?" She exclaims but you grunt impatiently, lowering your hands off the defensive position. "Wait, how are you up?"

"Long story, decide now whether you're going to help me or stand against me, witchy grey."

She frowns at you. "Depends, are you still under the influence of the God of Chaos?"

You sigh, looking down the empty hallway trying to find the right direction, but Jean continues around the corner, on your way.

"No, Grey, I felt the connection break about fifteen minutes ago, just a bit after I woke up. God, why do I feel like I'm running in circles in this place?" You mumble in stress, and she laughs softly.

"You probably are." She says, raising her fingers to your forehead as if to check that the spell really wasn't there anymore. "The palace is all enchanted, Y/N. Only by using magic you can find your way forcefully, that is, if you don't have permission to be here. And you don't have it, at least not until the next three minutes."

You blink in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Jean sighs, turning around, and you take your cue to follow her. "I came to get you actually, the council wants to see you. I think they want to know your intentions, and which master you serve that sort of thing."

You swallow dryly. "And I suppose they won't be happy to hear that I serve none?"

Jean laughed in confusion. "What? Your universe doesn't require devotions?"

You give a nervous laugh, your gaze running around. "Well..."

A loud explosion outside attracts your attention. You and Jean run to the plate-glass windows, being able to see soldiers running but nothing beyond that.

"That doesn't look good." Grey comments, checking a wristwatch that has no number on it, only symbols. "But your audience hasn't been canceled. Maybe it's just something with the solstice."

"Shouldn't you check...?"

"That's what the guard is for." Jean retorts before walking back, and you stumble a bit as you follow her. "Look, just try to be honest and don't say anything that might offend the old gods, this is very important."

"Where is America?"

"She's already with them, I just came to get you so we could get started." Jean said. "She eats a lot."

You smile lightly, nodding, but suddenly remember. "Shit, where's Wanda?"

Jean hesitates, but you have reached the iron doors and she holds up your hands. "She's been taken prisoner, for the crime of worshipping chaos magic, a crime under the law of the Five Supreme Priests. You have the magic of the Order circulating in you, it is higher magic. Maybe you can convince the council to change the judgment."

"But Jean..."

The door opened, and she pushed you in by the back of your shoulder, and you grunted softly as you stepped into the large oval hall.

Jean disappeared down a hallway, and you swallowed dryly as you felt all the eyes in the room on you. Besides a small crowd of witches, there were five occupied chairs - each by a woman wearing a cloak and an infinity stone around their neck - in the center.

America was kneeling to them but waved to you as soon as you entered.

"Miss L/N, the sorceress of the Order." Announced the witch who carried the power stone into the room, who bowed slightly as you made your way clumsily to your friend. "It is an honor to welcome you into our universe." Greeted a woman as soon as you stopped in front of her chair. Exchanging a clumsy look with America, you started to bend down, but before you could do so, a red glow forced your limbs back upright as the power witch laughed softly.

"A Supreme never bows to her equals." Says the witch next seat, who carries the Reality Stone.

You swallow dryly. "Sorry, my bad I think." You mumble clumsily. "It's just that I saw everyone lowering themselves..."

"Don't worry, Sorceress, customs are different between worlds, we are understanding." Says the power witch, sitting down like her colleagues.

You clear your throat. "Sorry again, but, I think there is some misunderstanding. I'm not a supreme sorceress."

The reality witch let out a short laugh, rolling her eyes at your awkwardness. The power witch offered her a sympathetic smile, nodding to the woman next to her.

"Sister Calypso, please introduce Y/N, to her truth." Asks the power witch, and the one carrying the soul stone stands up elegantly, her black braids swaying at the side of her body as she approaches you.

Calypso's eyes glow orange as she raises a finger in your direction, but you only have time to gasp as you feel a golden thread being pulled out of her chest, and flowing through the air to the ceiling.

It forms, right there in the center of the room, your image, but without any concrete features, just a figure of the same physical size. Many golden threads float around it until they gather in the center of its chest in the same shape as the infinity stones.

Suddenly it explodes around the body, and all the witches let out soft gasps.

The enchantment then fades away, and Calypso offers you a glance before sitting back down.

"As you can see, the fate is clear." Says the power witch. "Our people have struggled to maintain balance for two centuries, and we have finally been gifted by Geae with the Supreme Missing. The Order Sorceress through which the Mind Stone runs in their veins has finally arrived."

The room applauds softly, but you frown and stare at America for a moment, before clearing your throat and raising your hand to ask to speak. The power sorceress's smile falters.

"Do you want to use the bathroom now?"

"What? No! Is that what it means to raise your hand here? That's weird." You mutter quickly lowering your arm and stepping forward. "Look, I don't want to ruin anyone's speech, but I think you guys really got the wrong person. My destiny is certainly not to be a High Priest Witch, I'm not even a witch!"

"I told you that was a mistake, Saturnyne" Murmured the reality witch, her legs crossed in her chair as she admired her nails. Saturnyne - The witch of power - let out a loud sigh as her other sisters began to whisper among themselves.

"Calypso's vision is unmistakable!" She declares irritated, slowing down the side conversations. "I admit that it had been an unusual thing for a sorceress to be chosen for the position, but we must not question the will of the gods."

"Sorry again, but why do you think the will of the gods would be a sorceress from another universe?" You try, and the reality witch lets out a laugh. Saturnyne gives her a pleading look, but she stares at you anyway.

"Our mind stone was destroyed in the great war, and even with all the sacrifices, we were never able to balance our universe again." She declares, her eyes wavering between normal and red coloration. "Suddenly, we are graced with a visit from three powerful creatures, one of them hailing to be the Destroyer of Worlds, and another with the blessing of Oshtur in her veins, plus the missing singularity and a child who carries the power to travel between dimensions, a point of contact for the gods." Continues the witch, rising to her feet. "My sisters read these events as a clear blessing from the gods, but someone among us has to be cynical about it all. And I do not recognize a strong will of Oshtur in you, Magic Thief."

"Psylocke, do not disrespect a Supreme." Asks the power witch causing the other to let out a wry laugh.

"But she didn't take the rank, sister."

Saturnyne rolls her eyes. "It's not a choice." She said waving for the other to sit down, but you let out a grumble.

"It's not a choice, I beg your pardon?" You questioned between your teeth, surprising everyone. "I have no intention of offending your customs, but I must warn you, I have no intention of staying either. I couldn't give a lesser fuck about the wills of the gods and their prophecies." You declare shocking the whole hall - Jean slaps her hand against her face from the audience - but you don't flinch. "And if it's not clear after 200 years, the stones are the problem. My advice is to destroy them all and tell the gods to go fuck themselves."

The hall exploded in shouts and gasps from accusations of blasphemy to death threats. The witches lost their temper too - the time one looked ready to attack you, along with Psylocke, both were held back by others - and you stumbled backward, patting America on the shoulder so she would stand as well.

"I can't conjure a portal for us now, can I?" she muttered to you.

"No chance, I need to find Wanda." You whispered back watching the confusion increase by the second. Some guards in the distance seemed to be preparing to arrest you at any moment, and almost all of the witches had their magics awake - eyes glowing - as they argued among themselves. "Any chance you could lead us to the dungeons?"

"I don't know where it is..." America began to justify but her speech turned into a shout of surprise when Calypso raised her hand from where she was, and one of the braids stretched long and frighteningly wide until it hooked around your neck and forced you to your knees on the floor.

You struggled for air, hands around the grip. You heard something about an escape attempt, and the guards conjured up enchantments as they approached, but suddenly all the candles in the castle went out and an icy air invaded the place.

One of the witches, the one carrying the space stone, rose into the air elegantly - her eyes and hair completely white - and her powers seemed to have something to do with the rain that began outside suddenly, because the lightning became large enough to illuminate the room in flashes.

"The Supreme Court of Witches demands that the Scarlet Witch leave not only this sacred temple but this universe!" Warns the woman in a loud voice floating in the air. All her sisters move into attack position, and Calypso's grip firms so tightly that you think it will break your neck.

Your groan of pain is enough for Wanda to start attacking.

She kills Ororo first - pushing her hard against the long glass panes to the outside, and using her own lightning to electrocute and immobilize her, while scarlet magic rains shards of broken glass down on her.

Calypso must have been next because the grip loosens in the last minute before you can lose consciousness, and you put your hands on the ground, gasping for air. America kneels beside you, trying to help you somehow, and as soon as you can breathe again, you hug her.

"Don't watch." You ask, holding her on the ground braced against you, and using the only remaining magical form to conjure a small shield to protect you both from the fight.

It's a massacre, basically because no one has a chance. You watch Wanda kill the supreme witches with ease, but when you realize that Jean is going to fight too - maybe for morality's sake - even if she's not your friend, you look away, hugging America tighter.

It doesn't take long to finish. Wanda is half out of breath, not from the effort, but from what has just happened.

She is completely covered in blood, and she is barefoot - you imagine that because she has been treated as a prisoner - and yet she doesn't mind stepping on the shards of the broken windows. She looks around in confusion, as if she didn't know exactly what was going on, trapped in a state of pure adrenaline, or as if she was expecting more people.

"America, take us somewhere nice, okay?" You whisper as you break the embrace, and the girl swallows dry, and though you both know she can't choose, she nods.

You gesture for her to stay behind, and approach Wanda with slow steps.

"Hey, sweetheart, it's me. Come, give me your hand." You said, and she blinked her distant eyes at you but obeyed. And you saw the tears welling up.

"T-they were...hurting you." Wanda tried in a broken voice, confusion and anger streaked across her face. "I made them stop."

You nodded, pulling her by the hand toward America. "It's okay, darling. Hey, don't look at them, Wanda. Look at me." You ask as soon as you see her shiver as she begins to notice the amount of bloodied bodies on the floor, and she swallows dryly, trying to focus her watery eyes on you.

America conjures a portal behind her and waits for you two. You guide Wanda out of that world, sighing softly as you feel a new atmosphere. The portal closes behind you, and Wanda reaches for your shirt, her whole body visually shaky, and you can do nothing but hug her tight.

--//--

#wanda maximoff x reader #wanda maximoff x you #wanda x reader #wanda x you #elizabeth olsen x reader #marvel imagines #Rulers of The Multiverse

520 notes · View notes

sammysvanfeet · 1 year

Text

Secret Soulmate || Chapter Six

Jake x Reader - Soulmate AU

Word Count: 3.5k

WARNINGS: MDNI! mentions of injury, smoking/alcohol, death, weapons (mentions of guns/daggers), allusion to prostitution (nothing explicit)

When Polly had her mind made up, there was no changing it. I’d known her my entire life and if there was one word to describe my sister it would be stubborn. Like the time when she was ten and became obsessed with rollerblading, convinced she could master it without any practice and thus ended up in the hospital. That didn’t deter her though, she kept trying and trying and well… four more doctor’s visits and countless medical bills later, my parents finally put their foot down and told her no more. There was no stopping Polly now though. Once I’d mentioned Josh’s grave, she was hellbent on visiting. I don’t think she even understood why she felt the sudden need to go visit what was supposed to be a stranger to her – but of course, I did.

Jake looked pained the entire time, tugging on her sleeve like a lost child, imploring her to rethink this. I wanted to snicker at his futile attempts but I knew now was neither the time nor place. My mother quickly took care of the bill and attempted to smooth things over with the other guests at the table while the three of us waited outside the restaurant. I lit a cigarette and puffed on it in an attempt to conceal my nerves, not even earning a chiding from Polly. I would say I was shocked but right now my existence was merely a blip on her radar.

The heavy restaurant door pushed open and out came my mother, wrapping her thick wool coat around her to protect her from the elements. I didn’t even register the cooler temperature, probably thanks to the wine I had indulged in. I glanced down at my skimpy sparkly dress, far underdressed for this weather. As if on cue, a drop of precipitation hit the ground in front of me. I hoped I didn’t catch a cold.

“Put that out right now!” My mother shrieked, pulling the cigarette from my lips and throwing it to the ground before stomping on it aggressively with the toe of her patent leather heels. I was so lost in thought that I forgot that I had been smoking right in front of her.

I rolled my eyes and walked away silently to the car, the squabbling voices of the two ‘love-birds’ not far behind me and the angry clacking footsteps of my mother hot on my own heels. I felt almost numb at this moment, nothing could prepare any of us for what was surely to come next.

“Polly, please. This is your last chance to rethink this. Let’s just go back to your mother’s, pack our things and head home.”

“If you loved me, you would do this.” Polly challenged. What a conundrum, Jake wasn’t doing this because he loved her, he was doing this because he loved his twin.

Jake sighed deeply, a sign of him relenting to the fact that he was in an impossible situation. His hand had been forced, no thanks to me. He trudged to the drivers side of the car and climbed in dejectedly, starting the car once all of us passengers were seated. As we began our drive up to the graveyard, light drizzle soon turned into a downpour, the windshield wipers doing little to help with the visibility. Jake drove at a sensible speed, I’m sure he was thankful for the conditions as an excuse to prolong the journey.

The car traveled through winding back roads shrouded in darkness. The whole trip felt ominous, even more so once Jake signaled for a right turn and pulled up to a pair of giant wrought iron gates. ‘Garden’s Gate Cemetery’ the sign read. I shivered, despite the heat on full blast in the car. This was it, this was Josh’s final resting place in this lifetime.

Jake rolled down his window and reached his arm out to punch in the access code into the callbox. The sleeve of his blazer was soaked through as he retracted his arm and quickly closed the window back up. The gates squeaked loudly, even audible over the thudding raindrops pounding on top of the car. It felt like they were opening agonizingly slowly, adding to the tension we all felt inside of the vehicle.

He proceeded to enter through the gates, the gravel crunching beneath the tires. A few minutes later the car came to a halt, my mother and I turning to Jake to await further instruction.

He hung his head, picking at his nails nervously. I daren’t even breathe, lest I break the silence, but Polly began to exhale shakily.

“Pol, are you okay?” I furrowed my brows, suddenly concerned.

“N-no. Something’s wrong.” She clutched at her head, a pained look crossing her face. Her breathing became more rapid, panicked.

“I told you this was a mistake.” Jake directed at me, but his gaze was fixated on Polly with concern.

“What’s going on?” Mother interrupted, “Polly, dear, calm down.”

She ignored my mother’s pleading, instead reaching for the handle and clambering out of the car into the sheets of rain, drenching herself immediately. My mother protested, bequeathing her to grab an umbrella, a coat or something, but it fell on deaf ears. Instead, in the flash of an eye, she took off running into the night.

*Flashback - Circa 1850, California*

Polly placed the last of my curls neatly atop my head and secured it with a bobby pin, stepping back to admire her handiwork, “You’re definitely going to find a husband tonight.”

I hit her arm playfully, “Pol, you know I won’t settle for anything less than my mate.”

“Do you know the current ratio of men to women in California? Hmm? It’s 15 men for every one of us women. The likelihood of either of us finding our soulmates here is very slim. But that makes us powerful, we are a commodity and I bet we could make a pretty penny for ourselves without ever having to get our hands dirty.”

“What you are suggesting is filthy in and of itself!” I responded, appalled.

“Oh, my sweet innocent sister. I’ve heard that the men in saloons are simply paying for a woman to sit with them! No expectations and nothing untoward!” She explained, but I was still skeptical. “They’re all so lonely and downcast, these goldmines have melted many men’s sunshine – but we can offer to sit with them and lift their spirits… for a price, of course!”

I took a final look at myself in the mirror, pleased with my hair and painted face. Admittedly I looked good and I knew I was about to get a lot of attention. Compliments and drunken declarations of love would maybe satiate me for tonight, but I was determined to find true love. One way or another, I would find my soulmate.

Polly and I linked arms as we stepped outside of our shared apartment, strolling leisurely down the bustling street. The sun had started to set and the men were returning from another grueling day searching for a jackpot. There wasn’t much to do in California besides drink at the many saloons, hundreds of them opened up in San Francisco alone. Other men found themselves at brothels or gambling houses, throwing away what little money they had left in search of short term gratification. The gold rush was not for the faint of heart, people came from all parts of the world with a dream of striking it rich, but many failed and lost everything they had in the quest to find a fortune.

We decided on drinking in The Golden Star Saloon tonight and pushed through the batwing doors, all heads turning rapidly towards us. Men’s eyes practically popped out of their heads, hushed whispers and intense stares followed us as we walked up to the bar. A smiling woman greeted us warmly, perhaps the only other female in the vicinity right now.

“I think my prayers have just been answered.” The woman introduced herself, “I’m Edith and this is my saloon.”

I gasped, “Can a woman own a saloon?”

“Women can do anything! Here, let me get you gals a drink and take you somewhere quieter so we can talk. I have a proposition for you.”

We followed Edith into the back of the establishment. She led us through a door with a sign above it declaring ‘NO ENTRY WITHOUT PERMISSION’. It was obviously her office – tasteful paintings were hung on the walls and beautiful oak chairs surrounded a grand desk. There was a fire crackling in the corner, adding a coziness to the room. I’m not sure what I expected the proprietor of a bar to be like, but she certainly wasn’t it. She seemed refined and intelligent, warm and kind. I already knew that I liked Edith. She reached for a bottle of dark brown liquor, what I was assuming to be whiskey, and poured a drink for each of us.

“I’m going to be frank with you, the men around here are starting to lose hope. With that, they’re spending less time mining and are coming back with less money to spend in my establishment. I’ve been operating at a loss, unsure of how I could turn profits around. I think you two might be the answer to that.”

“I’m not a prostitute!” I choked around my sip of whiskey, the burn traveling down my throat.

“I wouldn’t care if you were. But that’s not what I’m propositioning. Have you heard of ‘saloon girls’?” We both shook our heads ‘no’ as Edith continued, “Well, that’s no matter. I’m going to pay you to sing and dance, to brighten the desolate atmosphere of my bar, to get these men excited to make their money and spend it here again. Encourage them to buy drinks, encourage them to laugh. If you’re in, I’ll pay you a generous portion of what they spend.”

“And that’s all we have to do? Sing, dance and encourage men to drink? That seems too easy.” I responded.

“Men are simple creatures and us women have been under their thumb for so long. Now it’s our turn to have the money and the power. I’ll need you to come back tomorrow evening dressed a bit… different.”

“Different how? Do you know how long we spent on our hair and faces tonight?” Polly said defensively, gesturing to our perfectly curled heads.

Edith smiled, “That’s not what I meant. Your dresses tell me you two grew up on a farm. Modest, simple. They’re very nice dresses but they’re not exactly giving men the impression that you two are fun.” She paused, considering her words, “Think brightly colored skirts, ruffles and tassels and feathers galore.”

I raised my eyebrows skeptically, “It sounds like you want us to wear some kind of costume.”

“Well in a way, yes. It is a costume in a sense. When you’re here, you’re playing a part.”

“I think I need some time to consider this.” I admitted, sheepishly.

“I’ll give you til tomorrow night. If you’re in, come back dressed to impress and I’ll pay you a portion of the whiskey commission and if sales are up – then I’ll give you up to $10 by the end of next week.”

My head was swimming with the promise of money, I felt no better than these men hoping to strike it rich. $10 each would pay our share of rent and allow us to feed ourselves generously – with money leftover to save or spend as we pleased. Our parents couldn’t make that on the farm in a month! Polly and I shared a silent look, both of us being seduced with this offer.

Polly downed her drink and placed it on Edith’s desk, “We will see you tomorrow.”

That evening, the two of us stayed up into the early hours of the morning hand-dying our plain old dresses. Beet juice to give us shades of pinks and reds, turmeric and marigold flowers ground down and boiled to give us bright yellows and deep golds. We ripped up our lace curtains and sewed ruffles into our newly-hemmed skirts, our hands aching and sore by the end of the night.

I tried on my creation once it was done, looking down and marveling at the way the bright colors contrasted against my skin. My thighs were exposed slightly over the tops of my boots, but I’d never felt more naked. It was freeing, in a sense, not to be confined by layers of petticoats and linens – but this feeling was foreign. Would I be judged by other women? Would I be objectified by men?

“You’re not showing enough skin.” Polly commented. “You need to show more bust, and get rid of those long sleeves.”

I worried my lip nervously, “I don’t want to look too promiscuous.”

“Here, let me help you. You will still be covered enough, we’re just accentuating your breasts and arms. Men will be looking, but I will not let them touch you.” Polly reassured me, getting to work with her seam ripper, picking out the stitches of my shoulder. She slid the remaining fabric down my arms, before unbuttoning the two buttons by my neckline and helping me secure a bodice over the top of my dress. “Now go look at yourself in the mirror, add some red lipstick too.”

I dipped my brush in the small pot, applying the red waxy substance to my lips before tapping some into the apples of my cheeks with my fingertips. Admittedly, I felt like some kind of circus performer with the bright crimson emphasizing my facial features but Polly reassured me that I looked good.

My breasts were pressed up high, practically threatening to spill over my top. My arms looked long and slender, my thighs full and meaty. So much of me was on display, I felt vulnerable in a way I hadn’t before.

Polly could tell I was feeling uncertain, so she came to stand next me, admiring her own reflection with a confidence I wish I could replicate, “We can’t back out now. We’ve put in all this effort. Just give it one night, and if you’re not happy with the money or you feel uncomfortable then we won’t go back – neither one of us.”

I nodded, feeling her arm wrap around my shoulder affectionately, “You’ve got a deal.”

Our first night at the saloon went off without a hitch. We walked through those same batwing doors to whoops and cheers, wolf whistles and applause . I felt like royalty in my newly fashioned dress, all eyes on me as I bought glasses of whiskey to the patrons. News traveled fast about the new Gold Star saloon girls, more and more men flocking to the bar each night. With the larger crowds inevitably came some trouble, but Polly and I now confidently owned our own weapons. We never had to brandish our pistols or daggers, just remind the men that they were there if we had to use them. That was enough to keep the drunks in place.

Polly took the role of entertainer, confidently singing and dancing while I brought drinks to the men and sat with them patiently while they regaled stories of the wild west. She reveled in the attention, her performances becoming renowned, until one night a case of nerves struck her. She refused to come out of the broom closet-turned-backstage changing room, securing a chair under the handle of the door and effectively barricading herself in. I worried for her, this was so out of character for my sister. I pounded and pleaded behind the door for her to let me in, only when I began to sob did she relent, cracking the door just enough that only I could join her.

“Polly, you’re scaring me. Did something happen? Are you hurt?” I frantically checked her for bruises or blemishes, but found nothing indicating she was injured. “What is it?”

“I–I feel funny. My head hurts and my stomach is in knots. I feel this magnetic pull, like my body wants me to go out on stage but the closer I get, the more it hurts. I’m scared.”

“Oh my goodness.” I inhaled sharply. “Polly, do you remember the story our mother told us when we were little girls? About how she thought she was dying of a mysterious illness the moment she met father?”

“She said her head felt twice its size, like she thought it might explode until he put his arm on her shoulder.” She recalled with a shaky voice.

“Is that how it feels for you now?”

She shook her head profusely, denying what we both knew was true, “I know what you’re trying to say, but there is no chance that my mate is out there.”

“Polly, you have to go out there, you have to at least see for yourself–”

A commotion behind the door cut me off, both of us turning to the source of the sound. Edith’s unmistakable voice was berating a patron, probably some drunk that was overserved and had wandered into her private office.

“I have a pistol and I am not afraid to use it.” Edith confidently stated.

I cracked open the door and peered out, the back of a curly headed man immediately in view and before him, a stone-faced Edith pointing the barrel of a gun into the man’s face. His hands were held up defensively, his stance was balanced and not indicative of a man inebriated.

“Please, ma’am. You don’t understand. I need to be back here, something is calling to me.” The man explained.

“And what exactly is that? My safe? My crates of liquor?”

“All across the west I’ve traveled wayward for, to find the weight of dreams in gold. But I think I’ve found what I should have been searching for this whole time, something no riches could ever afford me.”

“It’s him.” I whispered, unsure of whether or not Polly heard me. She joined me to peek out the crack of the door at the same time the man turned around, locking eyes with Polly instantly.

He moved to come closer to us, causing Edith to fire a warning shot up into the ceiling. The sound of the bullet firing echoed, causing a ringing in my ears. The man crouched to the ground in shock, to which Polly scrambled over to him desperately.

“Are you hurt? Please tell me you’re okay.” She checked his body for wounds the same way I had previously scanned hers.

He uncurled from his stance and smiled up at her sheepishly, a boyish charm emanating from him, “I’m fine now that you’re here.”

“I–I’m Polly.”

She held out a hand in introduction, which he brought to his lips and planted a soft kiss atop it, “I’m Josh. I’m your soulmate.”

Present Day

Mother, Jake and I all looked like we were in mourning; huddled under a single black umbrella, solemn expressions on our face. I no longer had to explain to my mom what was going on. From the scene in front of us, I could tell she knew – such a wicked deja-vu for her to have to relive through her own daughter.

Polly was curled up in a ball, shivering and drenched, wailing like I’ve never heard her before. Before her lay a marble headstone with ‘Josh M. Kizka’ etched into it. A single white rose rested atop, no doubt left by Jake.

“Why?” My mother whispered, trembling at the sight.

I didn’t know how to answer, so Jake did instead, “He made me promise.”

I felt so helpless, this was not the outcome I had expected nor hoped for. This was everything Jake had warned me would happen. The guilt was insurmountable, as I stood above my broken sister I felt utterly responsible for changing the course of her life.

I stepped out of the shelter of the umbrella and crawled across the muddy ground to envelope my sister. She was too heartbroken to protest, so I held her as she cried, wishing I could take away the pain she was feeling.

“I know nothing I say will ever heal the pain you feel. You know the truth now, I know you’ve seen glimpses of the past.” I began to cry with her. “You held me just like this, back in the war when I lost my own soulmate. When I lost… Jake.”

“Why did he do this?” Polly begged me to answer. She looked me in the eyes, despair and vulnerability swimming inside of her own.

“That’s for Jake to answer, but I think we should get you home. You need to change and get warmed up and then he can tell you everything.”

“I’m not leaving him!” She whimpered like a hurt animal.

Jake crouched down to our level, his expression full of anguish, “I can bring you back first thing in the morning. I promise you. You can stay as long as you like, but Josh wouldn’t want me to leave you here like this. Please, let’s just get you home for tonight.”

TAG LIST: @celestialfauna @streamsofstardust @doodle417 @theweightofjake @turtleskane @morganic-goods @jakeslovehandles @emsgvf @jakeyboiiiiiii @way-to-go-lad @fleet-prodigy @age-of-nyahh @gvfrry @greta-flanveet @jakekiszkasguitarpick @kkdarling @theweightofstardust @mintysammykiszka @lvnterninthenight @jakesgrapejuice @thecoldwind @brokenbellz @myownparadise96 @loveisonaroll @joshkiszkas-admin @gretavankleep37

52 notes · View notes

rose-of-the-grave · 9 months

Text

Six Pomegranate Seeds

Pairing: Elain x Azriel

Olympus AU

This is the final part of this 3 part fic. If you haven't read the other two parts then you can find them on the series masterlist. I'm the author (please don't repost) <3

Masterlist Series Masterlist Read on Ao3

Warnings: most characters are ooc and I tried to fit them into the story so the way that I've written some of these characters does not in any way reflect how I view them, some character relationships were also changed as well as the relationships between the gods, everyone appears the same age, pomegranate seeds with a drug like effect, non-con bonding into mates

Word Count: 1,064

Characters: Elain=Persephone, Azriel=Hades, Nesta= Demeter, Rhysand=Zeus, Feyre=Hera, Cassian=Helios, Lucien=Apollo, Morrigan=Aphrodite

Elain was distraught. That was plain to see. She had ran back to her room to gather her things while Azriel prepared for her departure. There wasn't much, mostly just the dress she had worn to the party which had already been ruined.

In the meanwhile Azriel had sent word to Cassian. He would lead provide an exit for Elain to take. Az had already decided to lend her his own chariot to take her back to Olympus. As long as there were shadows she would have a safe passage home.

He tried his best to not think about the kiss but his mind kept wandering to it. It felt as natural as breathing. Like a piece of his soul had returned home.

Lost in thought, he looked around. He loved this garden, it was a welcome change from his daily life but he had no talent for gardening. Elain did though. He had watched her, there had been a bittersweet edge to her smile but she was happy. This was a place that could remind her of home.

Thinking of the gold orb, he went to his study to retrieve it. It was now or never. He placed a finger in the locking mechanism of the orb and watched as it halted its movements. It opened to reveal a gift. A pomegranate that had been carefully preserved by magic. It was from the only place pomegranates could grow, Olympus.

They were considered forbidden fruit, Rhys had destroyed the tree because of its power. Funny considering the magic within its seeds were the reason he was so happily married. Eating a pomegranate given to you by someone would tie you to them.

This act was what tied gods together. It was the equivalent of soulmates. Rhys had outlawed it but apparently one had escaped.

Elain will be hungry, he thought. Most food here would leave her feeling sick or would be downright poisonous to her but this pomegranate wouldn't. She would need sustenance for the trip.

Picking off a few seeds, he placed them in a tiny, black container. The rest of the pomegranate went back in the orb which in turn went back in the drawer.

He walked out into the shadow realm, reappearing in front of his chariot. Elain was only just arriving. She wore a dress that was similar to the one she had had on when he found her. It was in a different style but it would pass muster. Clutched in her tight grip were the scraps of fabric that he assumed had been her previous dress.

Reaching out a hand, he helped her up. He placed a soft kiss on her hand before relinquishing it. Handing her the container, he said his final parting words.

"Here. It should be enough to ensure you don't get sick on the journey. I promise you, this is not going to hurt you. It's food from Olympus."

She took it. Her face a bit skeptical but he could see how hungry she was. As if on cue her stomach growled softly.

Giving his steeds the signal, they prepared to take off.

"Farewell, my little dove. Until we meet again."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Elain sat in the chariot as it soared out of the Underworld and into the sunlight. Her curiosity and hunger pushed her to open the container. Within were a handful of crimson seeds. Without a second thought she popped a few in her mouth.

The moment the seeds hit her tongue it felt as if the entire world was screaming for her to stop. But she couldn't. She felt compelled to eat the rest. She ate a few more before the container was yanked from her grasp.

Looking up, whining for more, she saw it in her mother's grasp.

In a daze, she didn't register what they were doing until she was before Rhysand. She watched in quiet desperation as he burned the rest to a crisp.

"How many did she eat?"

Everyone's eyes were on her as she held up six fingers.

In the distance she heard someone say that that meant six months a year. Someone else screamed, in rage and in pain. Her mother, she realized.

After that she didn't recall anything. She awoke in her own bed, sunlight streaming through the window. She was home.

For the next few months she spent her time tending to her garden, Nesta a watchful presence. It felt as if everyone was watching her, making sure she didn't run. Or maybe they were trying to make sure she wasn't taken in the night. It had was in end of summer when she found the first one.

A note on black paper written in a swirling script.

I look forward to our next meeting my little dove.

It wasn't signed but it was crystal clear who had sent it. In the weeks that followed she found many similar notes. Some complimented her work on a particular section of the garden. Others were small snippets of what he had done during the day.

You see, on that fateful day when they talked in that garden he omitted to tell her which garden his was tied to though he knew it well. This was the original garden. Elain's garden.

It was through this garden that they communicated. This little piece of Elain that had comforted him so for centuries. It felt like home to her now. She didn't know how she hadn't seen it. That garden had been a mirror image of her own.

As winter neared, anticipation coursed through her veins. This time, she was prepared. When he came on a cold autumn evening she was waiting for him.

There he appeared in a cloud of onyx smoke, smirking. A king ready to make her his queen. Others would have thought her crazy but he spoke to a small, hidden part of her. The part of her that was full of thorns and brambles that cut like knives. She covered them with ease, her flowers disguising them.

He was the god of the Underworld and she the goddess of spring. They shouldn't have ever met. He showed her things that she had never seen. He soothed the monster within. And she softened his hardened edges.

She smiled, eager to return to him. He held out a hand that she gladly accepted.

"Hello, my little dove."

#acomaf #acotar #acowar #acosf #acofas #rose of the grave #azriel #elain archeron #elain x azriel #azriel shadowsinger #azriel acosf #azriel acotar #elain acotar #elriel #elriel fanfiction #olympus au

12 notes · View notes

talkingbl · 8 months

Text

How A BL Can Go From Melodrama to *Cinema* 🤩

1. Better production quality across the board. But particularly when it comes to set dressing (all BL markets), audio quality (Thai BLs), sound design and sound track. Tired of hearing unintentional real-room acoustics because GMMTV was too cheap to buy enough wireless mics for every actor, or because MeMindY thought wireless mics were the only kind of mics allowed ever and now we can hear every brush against the mic, or hearing the water on the beach over the actor's actual voice. Tired of the bland, plain "dorm room" with absolutely no personality that's clearly shot in a hotel room. Tired of the same 15-20 clearly royalty-free backing tracks blaring over an actor's voice at inappropriate times that are the editor's way of calling the viewers idiots by handfisting a cue that a tonal shift is occurring. And I am utterly exhausted with cheesy sound effects that completely suck the tension out of every scene! Just fucking stop!!!! Example of good production quality: The Blue Hour (not a series but still...).

youtube

2. Multi-season series (with shorter seasons overall). And no, I don't mean sequels (a la Tharntype 2/Still 2gether) where the characters are fundamentally in a different story. I want to see genuine conflict explored with the care it deserves, characters actualized, and romantic moments that linger just enough to leave viewers wanting more. Most BL storylines are entirely too rushed (or, on the other hand, feel like 2 different stories crammed into one season of television). I'd rather split up seasons by character arc the same way it's done in Hollywood or anime and cut seasons down from 12-14 episodes to 8-10. I feel like most Thai BLs would benefit from taking the multiple shorter-seasons than the one longer-season approach. Good example of a multi-season series, with strong pacing due to tighter seasons: Young Royals.

youtube

3. Better acting. And no, I don't mean crying and screaming because that's what the uninitiated think good acting looks like. I'm talking microexpressions when Neo portrays Boston's silent hurt watching Top take genuine interest in Mew. I'm talking the subtle glance down to Juntaek's lips when Jisub shows Jaewon's inital interest in Jihyun on their meetcute. And I'm talking the quiver of Fourth's voice when Gun is confronted with the reality that maybe he's not cut out for the music industry. A great performance doesn't necessarily have to be understated or even realistic, but it does need to be consistent with the story conventions and characters we're dealing with. Under/overacting to the point of parody is okay in satire. But doing so in a story that otherwise leverages typical romance/tragedy story beats looks ridiculous. It would also be great if all the lead actors were talented too.... Example of a good acting performance: Fourth (most of the time) in My School President.

4. Increased story variety. From broad themes and co-genres all the way to specific character arcs and tropes, we need more variety in BL stories (ESPECIALLY in KBL). Give me more period pieces, sci-fi, horror stories, star-crossed lovers, soulmates, magical boys, heroes' journeys, survival stories, mysteries, etc.! Good example of an unconventional character arc: Not Me.

5. Longer Episodes for KBLs. This is one area of production I think the KBL industry can learn a lot from the Thai BL industry. While the stories I've watched never really feel rushed, they do feel a bit empty/inadequate. The writers could explore more themes and character drama just by lengthening episode runtime 10-15 minutes per episode. Good example of a KBL with many longer episode runtimes: The Eighth Sense.

6. Subtlety. This is kind of an amalgam of 1 and 3 but I want to say more. Stop telling me the plot/character arc and just do the plot or arc. Stop cueing tonal shifts with on-the-nose music/sound effects and trust that, as your viewer, I am intelligent enough to know that the actors have gotten serious after a bout of laughter, or have simmered down from a heated exchange. When you cue your viewer, you either think they're dumb or you don't trust that your actor, director, and/or writer are doing their jobs. Either way, the viewer is left unsatisfied. Good example of subtle storytelling: I Told Sunset About You.

youtube

#bl boys love #the blue hour oabgun gun atthaphan #young royals wilhelmsimon edvinomar my school president tinngun geminifourth fourth nattawat notme offgun #the eighth sense #i told sunset about you bkpp billkin putthipong pp krit

7 notes · View notes

clanwarrior-tumbly · 2 years

Note

Hi friend 👋 I just recently found out about the necromancer that Mark plays in The mystic crystal 😅 and was wondering if you could do a Necromancer Mark x reader where she's from the same universe as Danny and Ninja Brian and when the final confrontation happens, she realizes that Mark is her soul mate and somehow convinces him to let the princess go, and persuades him to come with her?

If not I completely understand ☺️

Oooo soulmate stuff!! I haven’t done that in forever. I had to look back on my blog for inspiration and I’m going with this prompt:

“Soulmates that feel each other’s pain (as in any physical pain inflicted on one is felt by the other)”

......................

Why was the Necromancer so evil? Where did all that hatred come from?

Was he born with it or...could he have been good once?

Those were questions that plagued your curious mind during the journey to the infamous Necromancer’s lair. You, Brian, and Danny were dragged from your world and sent on this perilous quest to defeat him and save the Princess.

Yep, some generic fairytale you three were thrown in. And none of you have the slightest clue what to expect once you finally met this evil-doer.

All you knew about him was from the King’s mouth--how he was vile, crude, destructive and...basically every other bad word in the dictionary. His abilities apparently involved fire, lightning, undead armies, and whatever powers the mystic crystal that imprisoned the Princess had.

In short, you were fucked.

Yet..you couldn’t help but wonder if this Necromancer was just an asshole for no reason or if he had some tragic backstory attached to him (as many villains did). You asked Danny and Brian, and both of them didn’t really care about his motivations.

“We got a hot princess to save, [y/n]!” Danny would tell you. “What else matters?”

“Yeah, you’re right.” You sigh, adjusting the shield on your back.

Were you suppose to throw this like Captain America? Or just to defend the pair from attacks?

Perhaps both. You were a bit too eager to use it.

......

At last you reached the Necromancer’s hideout after getting past all of his defenses. Your “trusty noble” steeds immediately abandoned you the moment you dismounted, but did you blame them? No.

You would’ve been running scared shitless, too, if you didn’t make a promise to the King.

So you pressed onwards and entered the crystal-filled cavern, noticing skulls and bats with glowing yellow eyes all around. As Brian and Danny strutted in with all the confidence in the world, you remained cautious, urging them to stay behind your shield.

“Let’s not get too cocky, alright? We have no idea what we’re up against.”

“Pssh, this’ll be a piece of cake.” Danny dismissed. “Unless the bells of doom toll, we’re safe! He’ll never see us comi-”

As if right on cue, you heard the bells toll as everything around you turned red. And you looked to him in annoyance.

“You were saying-?”

Suddenly a swarm of bats started attacking you, and you shielded him, Brian, and yourself as you all ran further into the cave-

Straight into the throne room of the Necromancer himself.

“So..you’ve come from another world to kill me.” He grinned, pridefully admiring the crystal in his hands before setting it down. Within it, the Princess’ image was just barely visible.

“That’s right!” Danny boasted. “The King sent us to stop you for good!”

“No, he sent you idiots to DIE!!" The Necromancer rose up, wielding his staff, though he noticed you and paused for a moment. “Another fair maiden? Huh..are you sure you wish to fight me? I’d hate to ruin such a pretty face.”

“Not if I ruin yours first.”

He huffed. “We’ll see about that!!” From his hand he fired a lightning bolt, but you deflected it with your shield, blasting a nearby rock to bits.

‘Wow this is a pretty strong shield..’ Before you could decide your next move, you heard Danny gasp.

“Wait! I know how to stop him!”

“Huh?” You and Brian glanced at him, seeing him holding a hand to his head, looking to you with wide eyes and a big smile.

“The Princess spoke to me! We must use the power of love!” Suddenly a teddy bear appeared in his hands.

“Wait where did you...huh??” Glancing at the ninja archer, you saw that he somehow manifested Valentine’s Day balloons and a cake.

The Necromancer looked on, being just as confused as you.

“Stand back, guys! I’m gonna hug him-!!”

Immediately the hero in blue spandex was zapped, shattering both legs and being thrown across the room. As Brian rushed to his aid, you realized too late that the Necromancer was charging at you next, swinging his staff to sweep your leg and send you to the ground-

“OW!!”

A man’s scream was heard, but not from Danny or Brian.

But from the villain himself.

You saw him collapse to one knee, groaning as he felt a sharp pain in the side of his head. He held it with gritted teeth, before looking up to see you holding that exact same spot where you hit your head. His golden eyes blinked in bewilderment.

“Wh..What is this?!! What sort of pain magic are you using on me?!” He snapped.

“I didn’t do anything! All I have is this shield.” You huffed, rubbing your head as you stood back up. “You hit like a girl, by the way.”

“..oh how DARE YOU?!!” He sprung up as well and sent out a fireball. Although you dodged it, some of the flames managed to singe your elbow. You hissed in pain as it left a burn mark on your flesh.

The Necromancer yelped again and brushed invisible flames away from his own elbow, noticing you were burned in the same spot, too. “H-How is this possible?!! How are you deflecting your pain back to me?!!”

“I don’t know! Is it technically deflecting if I’m feeling it, too?”

He was about to try a new attack, though he stopped and realized something. “Wait, if I’m feeling whatever you’re feeling, then....” But he shook his head. “No, that’s impossible.”

“What’s impossible?”

“I’ve heard of something like this. It’s...the magic of soulmates. It takes many forms, including one where they feel each other’s pain...” He looked at his taloned claws, trembling.

‘Soulmates..that’s right.’ You had forgotten. How could you?

Back in your world, soulmates existed and they found each other in countless ways--whether it involves strings or tattoos or countdowns. You’ve had yet to encounter yours, assuming you had the type where something special only happens once you meet them.

Could this evil man from a medieval universe possibly be your soulmate?

While the Necromancer continued monologuing, you decided to test something out. So you approached him, putting your shield on your back before flicking him on the forehead. “Ow!”

“Ouch..” You winced, once again feeling that same pain, but sure enough that confirmed it. He was the one. “Well, uh...this is awkward...” You trailed off, tensing as he stared at you, though not with hatred but with sadness.

“I can’t believe it. All this time, I thought everyone in this stupid kingdom had a soulmate except for me. I thought...I was destined to be alone, forgotten...unloved.” He turned his gaze to the crystal so you didn’t see the tears welling in his eyes. “I-I consulted the King’s wizards out of desperation, and even they could not tell me..”

“So you mean to tell me that you’re only evil because you weren’t sure if you had a soulmate?”

His silence told you that was true. ‘This couldn’t get anymore cliche..but damn, can’t believe my own soulmate doesn’t exist in my world.’

Although not what you expected, you couldn’t be happier to finally find him...even though he tried killing you and your friends only moments ago.

Speaking of whom, you noticed Brian pick up Danny--who was somehow still alive--like a weapon, but you put a hand up to stop him from coming over, mouthing a “wait”. His eyebrows only furrowed in slight confusion, though he didn’t move.

“I only stole the Princess to make her mine..” Hearing the Necromancer speak up, you glanced back at him, seeing him now holding the crystal. “Because I thought fate denied me a soulmate, but..it was you all along. A lovely lady from another world, brought to mine to kill me.”

“Well, it’s not what I expected either.” You awkwardly chuckled. “But look, I don’t wanna kill you. I don’t think either of us wanna. We can end this peacefully.”

“How?”

“Set her free and come home with us.” Putting a hand out, you offered him a sincere smile. “You don’t have to stay here and be miserable and edgy and all that. You can be happier in my world, with your soulmate.”

Still, he was hesitant to accept your offer, frowning deeply. “It sounds too good to be true, though..”

Then he looked up at you suddenly. “Strike me again. Just so I know it’s not a trick.”

‘Damn, is this guy a masochist or something?’ Danny laid there in Brian’s arms, bewildered as they both watched you kick the villain in the shins, both of you in pain after the fact.

While he was recovering, you grabbed the crystal and shattered it into pieces, freeing the Princess at last. Having watched the entire ordeal, she was astonished that her heartless abductor actually had a heart, after all, yet she smiled and thanked you, Danny, and Brian for rescuing her.

You managed to fully convince the Necromancer--learning his name was Mark--to come back with you to the kingdom. He was understandably afraid to, but went along with you anyway, using his powers for good as he summoned skeletal steeds for the five of you to ride back on.

Upon returning to the King, Danny was healed and everybody rejoiced....until Mark was revealed to be right behind you, in which they panicked. The guards moved to arrest him, but you and the Princess insisted that he was good now that he had found his soulmate.

Obviously nobody believed it, and he was gonna say some snarky shit but you elbowed him in the gut to demonstrate the bond, causing both of you to wince at the same exact time.

Realizing it was true, the King apologized--aware that he played a role in Mark’s fall from grace--but was hesitant to let him go with you.

“Are you sure you wish to take him? You’ve seen what he’s capable of.”

“I am aware of the risks. But I can assure you of this, Your Majesty..he won’t bring harm to these lands ever again. Or any lands in any reality.”

"...very well, then I give you permission to take him with you.”

Upon hearing this, Mark openly wept right there in the throne room, falling to his knees as you knelt next to him to comfort him. You were quite tearful yourself as you finally found your soulmate after years of never knowing if you had one at all.

It was a shock to everyone, considering nobody’s ever seen the evil and hotheaded Necromancer cry before, though it was still a touching sight. It even made Danny cry a little.

Soon the magic portal opened, and the four of you soon departed, eager to go home. Though not before Brian killed one of the wizards to “maintain his rep”.

Once you arrived back in your world, only then did Mark let go of your hand, looking all around at the apartment you shared with the two men--plus a third roommate who was just chilling on the couch.

You chuckled at his confusion. “It’s not a castle, but it’s home. Welcome to New Jersey, Mark.”

“New Jersey..” He looked all around, then back to you with a light smile. Not an evil smirk. “I could get used to this. Thank you..and I’m sorry for everything.”

“No worries. We’re together now even though we had to cross 26 dimensions to find you.” You chuckled as you patted his cheek, kissing him soon after.

The blush on his face grew and he attempted to hide it with his cloak. “D-Don’t bewitch me with your charms, [y/n].”

Danny just sighed and smiled fondly at you two.

The princess was right.

The power of love defeated the Necromancer.

#clanask #iplier egos x reader #the necromancer x reader #necromancer x reader #necromancer mark x reader #nsp x reader #soulmate au #female reader

59 notes · View notes

fitnessandworkoutprograms · 8 months

Text

Cultivate Deeper Connections: Embrace the Art of Mindful Relationship Building

From Strangers to Soulmates: Nurturing Meaningful Connections Through Mindfulness

Are you ready to transform your relationships into profound connections that stand the test of time? Delve into the world of mindful relationship building – a journey that fosters genuine understanding, compassion, and harmony. Discover the power of presence and communication in creating bonds that enrich your life.

1. Mindful Relationship Building: Your Path to Authentic Connections

Mindful relationship building is more than just social interaction; it's a conscious approach to nurturing connections. Whether you're looking to strengthen existing relationships or forge new ones, mindfulness is the cornerstone of deepening bonds.

2. The Art of Presence: Connecting on a Deeper Level

Mindfulness is about being present in the moment. When applied to relationships, it means truly engaging with others, listening without judgment, and understanding their emotions and perspectives. This presence lays the foundation for genuine connections.

3. Empathetic Communication: A Bridge to Understanding

Mindful relationship building emphasizes empathetic communication. Through active listening, open-hearted conversations, and non-verbal cues, you'll foster an environment where every individual feels heard, valued, and understood.

4. Navigating Conflict: From Friction to Resolution

Even the healthiest relationships encounter challenges. Mindfulness equips you with the tools to approach conflicts with grace and empathy. By acknowledging emotions and seeking common ground, you'll transform conflicts into opportunities for growth.

5. Emotional Intelligence: Cultivating Compassion

Mindful relationship building nurtures emotional intelligence. As you understand your emotions and those of others, you'll cultivate compassion and empathy – qualities that form the bedrock of enduring relationships.

6. Strengthening Bonds: Mindfulness in Practice

Incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily interactions enhances the quality of your relationships. Gratitude exercises, shared mindfulness activities, and reflective conversations deepen connections and create lasting memories.

7. Embrace the Journey: Invest in Mindful Relationship Building

Are you ready to embark on a journey of connection and compassion? Our mindful relationship building resources offer insights, practices, and guidance to foster meaningful relationships. Elevate your interactions, enrich your life, and create a world of authentic connections.

References:

"Visit our website to access exclusive discounts and offers on Health Products."

#Mindful relationship building

0 notes

strigital · 3 years

Text

spent much more time than i am willing to admit thinkin about LDB/Miraak going at it somewhere in the depths of Apocrypha like fuckin animals, masks on, having no idea who the other one is (besides the basic knowledge of "they the mortal enemy") purely because their Inner Dragons™ sensed each other and went to horny town for a stroll, AND once the two are done railing each other into the ground like there's no tomorrow, they immediately go "ah fuck i was supposed to slay 'em not lay 'em", and then the LDB yeets themselves outta there via the Black Book in a moment of sheer panic, whilst Miraak is suddenly overcome with an existential crisis because on one hand he gotta do them dirty in order to successfully ghost Herma Mora... but on the other hand...

#more like #I'd fuck them AGAIN #sudden intimacy got immortal touch starved demigods acting up #when dick/pussy so good u might as well go on an enemies-to-lovers-to-friends trope journey #which would start all angsty violent and oh so horny-horny #and end up as something sweet gentle and romantic #but tbh #was merely contemplating ldb and miraak engaging in some anon smut #can u imagine the scandal #when those masks come off #and they be like #ah fuck my enemy not only fucks like a beast they also do be looking kinda cute #cue these two dorks getting hella awkward but also developing a crush on each other #and then slowly 'just sex' becomes 'making love to my ultimate soulmate good gods i can't live without them'#anyways #pls don't mind me #just going through some miraak brainrot lately #imma try my hand at smut but #i have no hope for myself #shitpost #the elder scrolls #skyrim #tes v #tes 5 #dragonborn #miraak #dovahkiin #ldb #bethesda #otp

98 notes · View notes

ransprang · 2 years

Text

requested by @ravenina14

kaeya x female reader - Soulmate au

soul mate au details: soulmates have the same power as each other, just different color hues

nsfw: fem reader receiving oral, squirting, edging & praise (being called "good girl")

word count: 1.2k

You are an esteemed political figure in your city who is sent on a business trip to Mondstadt. You arrive in Mondstadt with the guards escorting you through the city. Traversing the cobblestone pavements and staircases you reach the Knights of Favonius Headquarters.

You see a blue haired man with an eye patch approaching you. "Why you must be our special guest y/n, a pleasure to meet you. I am Kaeya the Captain of the Knights of Favonius."

"It’s a pleasure to meet you as well captain Kaeya" you reply. After some small talk about how your journey was Kaeya gets an idea, "Before we get into business, how about I show you around Mondstadt? I believe it is your first time here, yes?"

You were a bit taken aback by his offer "Well yes it is my first time here, but surely you’re a busy man-"

"Oh nonsense, showing a guest as pretty as you around Mondstadt is far more entertaining than any of the usual Favonius stuff", he says smoothly. You couldn't help but blush a bit and accept his offer, "Well if you insist then sure!"

From there you took your leave from the headquarters and head to see the town. He showed you beautiful monuments like the Anemo Archon Statue and other hidden gems in the city. Although he may be a bit flirtatious and dramatic, you grew fond of the captain and his charisma.

"Well that's enough of the city. How about we catch some rest at a nearby lake?" "Yes sure that sounds lovely captain."

Once you both are near the water you take a deep breath and close your eyes taking in the scent of the lake. You gently open your eyes and catch Kaeya staring at you. Before you could comment on it you see strange goblin-like monsters behind Kaeya running towards you both with weapons.

"KAEYA LOOK OUT!" you yell as a monster is about to attack him. Before Kaeya could react you push him aside and use your ice powers to freeze the monster. The monster is frozen in a block of purple colored ice.

Kaeya looks stunned for a moment and recollects himself. Readying his sword he says, "Ice powers huh? I knew you were special y/n." He finishes off the monster encased by your purple ice. Then he sprints towards it's partner and yells "Cool it!" unleashing what seemed to be blue ice powers and freezing it. Then swiftly cuts the monster in half.

You both pant and try to regain your stamina. He suavely walks back to you as if nothing happened, "I didn't think Hillichurls would interrupt us, I'm terribly sorry about that soulmate".

"Kaeya you.. have the same powers as me.." you say still processing what happened. "Yes and it seems that we were fated to meet after so long huh." he whispers tucking a strand of your hair behind your ear. His hand lingers on your face for a few seconds and you were unable to read his expression, "You have no idea how long I waited till I would find you darling."

You take his hand with your own and rest your cheek on it gazing at him lovingly. He cautiously leans forward taking the cue you throw your arms around his neck and connect your lips together.

His curious hands explore your curves and feeling mischievous he slaps your plump ass and grabs it. The action makes you gasp letting him slip his tongue into your mouth. Both of your tongues fight for dominance till you had to separate for air. A string of saliva connected both of your lips. He uses his thumb to wipe the saliva from your lips.

Kaeya lustfully gazes at you, "Let's see what other ways we get along my dear soulmate." He immediately grabs you by the waist and starts kissing you again. He puts enough pressure on your body to give you the signal to lie down on the grass beneath you both.

Kaeya is now on top of you while you both share passionate kisses. His mouth moves towards your neck and finds your most sensitive spot, making you moan loudly. Once satisfied with the marks he left on your neck, he starts eyeing your chest.

Wanting his hands on you again, you instantly start undressing for him. Chuckling he says "Eager are we hm?" He also unbuttons his cape and blouse to reveal his tanned chiseled abs and chest. Once you're down to just your panties he places your hands on his torso as a signal to touch him.

He separates your legs with his hands and grinds his clothed hard cock onto you. The sensation of his erection on your clit was driving you crazy.

Kaeya's gloved hands moved to cup your breasts. Your nipples brush against the cloth of the gloves getting you wetter. He plays with your nipples and pinches them for a while admiring them. Then leans down and uses his tongue on your buds, each one getting an equal amount of attention. While sucking on one of your breasts, one hand is on the other breast and his other hand rubs your most sensitive spots getting you all wet for him.

His hand slips under your panties and your wetness surprises him, "Oh, you're this wet for me darling? This will be interesting." He removes himself from your breasts and spreads your thighs apart. He stares at your glistening pussy which makes you cover your face in embarrassment. His face disappears between your legs and he licks your lips. He gently places his tongue on your clit and starts warming you up. Embarrassingly enough you're already so close to cumming for him.

He chuckles a bit as he feels you squirming continuously as his tongue flicks your clit driving you insane. Your hands grab his hair which makes him groan against your pussy making you wetter.

He smirks and pulls away blowing cool air onto your sensitive pussy making you whimper. "Cmon I know you can handle some cold baby."

His hands play with your breasts and nipples teasing you. The teasing was too much though, you thought you might cum from just your nipples being played with. The texture of his gloves rubbing against your sensitive buds was just too much.

He notices from your face contortions that you're getting dangerously close to your release. "You've been such a good girl for me y/n." His hands stop teasing your buds and go back to spreading your thighs apart again. "Cum for me.", he says as his head dips back down to your pussy and his tongue picks up the pace to an inhuman speed.

His tongue makes you feel so good and you feel your releasing building inside. Letting out a long moan you're finally able to cum and you feel your pussy squirting. Kaeya laps up all of your sweet liquid.

Kaeya resurfaces from your thighs licks the remaining cum on his face while maintaining eye contact with you. As you were coming down from your orgasm his eyes already start roaming your naked frame, "I hope you're ready for round 2 darling."

Who would've known that the handsome captain of Mondstadt was your soulmate <3

your squirt,

admin sar

(this is my first time writing full on detailed smut. can you tell this man does something to me)

#genshin x reader #genshin headcanons #genshin impact x reader #genshin fluff #kaeya x reader #genshin kaeya #genshin impact kaeya #kaeya ragnvindr #kaeya x you #kaeya fluff #genshin impact #genshin #smut #kaeya smut #genshin impact smut #genshin smut

124 notes · View notes

sorryimananti-romantic · 2 years

Text

Take Me Home (Chapter 6)

faerieprince!park seonghwa x oc (yena)

genre and warnings: fantasy, fluff, angst, violence warning

word count: ~15k

synopsis: prince seonghwa, the faerie prince of dark, has been having dreams about his own death by the hands of his friend, prince hongjoong of light, his only hope the girl with an incredibly familiar face appearing in those dreams telling him she'd go back in time to save him- the girl being yena, who's lived her life without memories of her childhood and a block in her mind, now out on a journey to get herself treated, where she'll encounter the princes and find her life changed, in ways she never thought, discovering her powers and her soulmate along the way, love strong enough to survive through multiple timelines.

series masterlist

"Yena."

Yena woke up with a jolt, shutting her eyes instantaneously at the bright light pouring in the room through the window, and let her eyes adjust before opening them again.

Where was she?

The room- it was big enough for her, almost as big as her room back in Fomalhaut, and she was... on a bed, soft sheets tangled around her legs. Cactuses and ficus among a variety of other plants lined the room.

Yena got up, pushing her hair behind as she went to the window, surprised to see what looked like a street- houses and trees lining the road. She didn't remember coming here, so where was she?

A knock sounded on the room, and the door opened, revealing San, who was smiling at her. Yena smiled back as he came closer, dressed in all black.

"How are you feeling?" He asked.

"I feel okay, but where are we?" Yena looked out of the window again, "Why don't I remember-"

"You passed out, remember? We were practising magic and you passed out, I told you to eat before you practised!" San shook his head.

"I'm sorry, I didn't realise it would be that tiring," Yena looked at her hands- she didn't remember practising either. "Why don't I remember anything?"

"You must have knocked your head out," San said, flicking her forehead and she rubbed it, glaring at him, "Come on, let's eat before we start again.

As if on cue, Sana came in, carrying a tray of food, and Yena greeted her before she left, saying she should eat her fill. While the two ate chicken, San said, "You're still just a beginner with time magic. I wonder what we can do to improve it."

"Yeosang must have some idea," Yena drank from her glass. "Shouldn't we just go to him?"

"As soon as you're better," San replied. "How did you even learn what little you know about time magic?"

Yena scowled, "Don't you remember? Hongjoong and Yeosang taught me when-"

When Seonghwa died.

San looked up at her, "What's wrong?"

Yena stared at him- why was he asking? He should know when she practised-

I went back in time. And I-

Yena spotted the moon-shaped scar on San's neck.

He had flicked her forehead.

"You're not San."

His eyes grew dark- and then the colour of his eyes changed to amber-

Yena tried mustering up her magic, but she couldn't- she looked down at her hands. What was wrong?

She looked at San- everything was turning black, and suddenly she was engulfed in darkness, and she let out a little scream before she opened her eyes again.

"I wish you didn't have to try so hard," A voice- an unfamiliar voice sounded. Yena opened her eyes, but realised they were already open, but it was very dark.

"Junyoung," Yena struggled- she was tied to a chair- her arms tied to the chair post, her hands in shackles, her legs tied as well- the black dress she had worn to the feast in tatters, "You coward."

A low laugh rumbled, "Coward I may be, but you have to admit I got you for a second there." Yena felt the voice come closer, and then it sounded from behind her, making her jump a little. "Slowly, I'm gonna make you spill everything. You and I, Yena," he had his hands on her shoulder now, rubbing them, as he whispered in her ear- "We have a lot to accomplish."

Yena grimaced- she wished she could just see. She could feel his breath still tingling her neck and she wanted to hit him so bad-

"In your dreams," Yena countered, and he laughed again.

"No, Yena. In your dreams."

And Yena felt dread wash upon her as she realised what he meant.

----------------------------

Everything in Seonghwa's home reminded him of Yena.

The library where they had spent hours and had their first kiss, the living room where they had enjoyed each other's company, his parents' room where she had stayed, his room where they had sat in comfortable silence all night long.

Yunho clicked his fingers in front of Seonghwa, and he realised he had been zoning out- he had been staring at the spot on the sofa where he had found her sitting upside down one day, claiming that it helped her think. He shook his head, drawing his attention to Yunho.

"I was asking where we should start."

"Right," Seonghwa shifted. "First, we go to Junyoung's room in this castle. We have to be able to find some sort of a clue there. We can plan further from there."

"Do you think he'd keep her in your kingdom? To mock you? He seems like the type to do that."

"He does," Seonghwa agreed, "And I was thinking we should start with the mountains of Bharani."

"Isn't it too cold for even him there?" Yunho asked, "I mean, I have no problem going there- ice and water, you know. But even he'd freeze out there."

"I agree, but he must be keeping her somewhere we would think impossible," Seonghwa leaned forward, rubbing his face. "I just... I want to find her as soon as possible."

Yunho sighed. This was really taking a toll on Seonghwa- he hadn't had a proper meal since she was gone. "We all do, Seonghwa. But... you have to take care of yourself too."

"I can't, when I think of what she might be facing, I want to throw up," Seonghwa slumped back, putting an arm over his face. "I experienced her memories first hand. She... she used to get beaten until she passed out and then they'd heal her and start over again, it's why she doesn't really have scars."

Yunho scooted closer to Seonghwa, putting an arm around him as he continued. "The only scar she has is from those shackles- you may have noticed those," Yunho nodded and Seonghwa took a deep breath. "I offered to heal those scars. But she wanted to keep them."

"It's the only reminder she has," Yunho sighed. "That's horrible."

"It is," Seonghwa wiped his eyes. "If he- if I find that he hurt her in any way, Yunho, I will not hold back."

Yunho stared at the eldest prince, his eyes dark with rage. "Alright. You don't have to. But please, Seonghwa, you have to take care of yourself too. I can't help you if it's only the hurt and the rage fueling you."

"I will," Seonghwa said, "Let's go to that bastard's room."

"Did someone even live here?" Yunho wondered as he looked around the room- it looked emptier than the guest rooms Seonghwa had- at least those had plants and random books and accessories.

"It's like he wiped this room clean of any trace," Seonghwa opened the drawers- the only belongings there were a few pens and blank pages, a razor, his seal and such. Nothing gave him away. "Isn't this too clean?"

"It's unnerving," Yunho admitted. He checked under the bed, finding two pairs of shoes, "Do you think he's always lived like this?"

"He must have," Seonghwa wondered. "He... he was always a workaholic- as Jinki. He only talked about work, he never liked talking about personal matters and that was okay with me since I did not want him to either- he wasn't the type of person I could become close with, you know? We didn't click like Seokmin and San do, or Jaebeom and Hongjoong do, or any other one of you. I wonder why I never thought much about it."

"Soyeon makes up for it, doesn't she?" Yunho said.

"Yeah, she was usually the mood-setter, but why would Junyoung work as my Right Hand?"

"To turn you to his side?" Yunho looked at him, "Because of the nature of your magic."

"I don't think so. Could our powers have worked well with each other?"

"I don't think he needed the power of the Dark- I mean, he managed on his own pretty well," Yunho looked out of the window at the starry sky. "Besides, I think cold and dark make the best duo."

Seonghwa managed a smile at that. "You're always boasting about that, yet you rarely use your ice element."

"I prefer the water form more," he admitted. "I'll keep the ice for when I meet him."

"Why did Junyoung want to kill me? To get rid of the oldest prince first?" Seonghwa wondered. "And why did he change his plans?"

"He must have realised Hongjoong was a greater threat to him," Yunho replied, and paused as he made the connection. "What if... he somehow knew about the time travel? And changed his plan because of that?"

Seonghwa's eyes went wide in realisation, "That's... I guess anything is possible when it concerns him."

Yunho shook his head in disbelief, "That must be why he changed his plans. He somehow knew."

Seonghwa stared at the bed where Junyoung used to sleep every night. "We need to look into his background and find his motive. Why kill the princes? What does he really want? I don't think it's as simple as just ruling over the entire planet- there has to be a motive."

Yunho sighed, putting his hands in his pocket, "Let's find that."

---------------------------

In the two days that San and Hongjoong had allowed themselves in the Kingdom of Scorpio, they had searched the entire city of Antares, gone through the plains of Acrab and Dschubba, crossed the Noor River to travel through the forests of Sargas and finally gone through the rocky terrain of the mountains in Jabbah, only to return back to the palace. It seemed like Junyoung wasn't in this Kingdom- and if he was, he must have put all of his magic into masking their strength, which meant that he wouldn't be exploiting Yena's magic for now. That gave them some relief.

San believed that even if Yena's magic was masked, he would only have to touch the ground to know if Yena was near or not. His magic knew hers well now, so it must work.

The duo rested for the night before leaving for the Kingdom of Gemini- Yeosang had insisted that they take him with them to Fomalhaut, since it was more probable that Junyoung would be there, but Yeosang also wanted to see the place where Yena had grown up. So the duo took the route of the Turquoise Sea to reach Pollux, where Yeosang and Mingi awaited them.

Upon reaching Mebsuta, they were escorted to the castle- a majestic maze-like structure with high towers, the monochrome aesthetic shining in full glory. Like his twin's castle in Alhena, both were situated quite near the sea- Yeosang's with a view of the Turquoise sea, and Yena's with a view of the Pearl Sea.

The princes greeted each other with hugs and Yeosang insisted they have a proper meal before they discussed their plans. After lunch, they sat in the study, where Yeosang stretched notes in front of them.

"I think I know what Junyoung wants with Yena," he announced.

Hongjoong raised a brow. "And what is that?"

"The time magic itself," Yeosang took a chair in front of the three princes, "Think about it- apparently he's been 'monitoring' Yena throughout all those years, living with her in Fomalhaut, making sure the block stayed in her mind. Now why would he want to make sure of that?"

"So she doesn't find us?" Hongjoong shrugged.

"Yes, but there's more- when you try to contain something, doesn't it become worse?"

San shifted. "Her power- because of being contained all these years, it came out in explosive surges."

"Exactly," Yeosang nodded. "It was more than just her not finding us and performing her princess duties- it was about her powers. It has to be."

"So how would he know when the right time was?" Mingi wondered.

"I think it was a chance," Hongjoong leaned forward. "He became Seonghwa's Right Hand what- three years ago? He's been a court member longer there, though. So he must have been trying to figure out what to do while getting close to Seonghwa and figuring out what to do with him- with us."

"And now he wants you dead," Mingi pointed out. "Because you're a threat to him."

"He wants Seonghwa dead too, he wants most of us dead," San said, "So are you saying he knew about the time travel thing?"

"I'm saying... he might have been the one who planned it all along," Yeosang sighed, "I think that Yena meeting us... was no coincidence."

San's eyes went wide at what Yeosang had just said. "You're saying... that Yena meeting me might not have been planned?"

"I don't exactly know how far Junyoung planned," Yeosang said, "And there's a possibility that he may have changed his plan if he saw her before Antares- which, to my knowledge, he didn't. I'll have to ask Seonghwa if in the past few months he's been out of Hamal. Anyways, if he somehow knew that Yena was getting healed, that would mean he changed his strategy accordingly."

"But how does the time travel fit in then?" Hongjoong asked.

"What if he killed Seonghwa on purpose?" Yeosang said, "To make sure Yena time travelled to bring him back- because he knew that she would. Isn't he the one who planted those dreams in Seonghwa? To prepare Yena for what she had to do?"

"And then we prepared Yena for him," Hongjoong's eyes were wide in horror. "We never thought he did that on purpose. Even if we did, we would have brought him back somehow."

"But why would he remember everything in this timeline?" Mingi asked. "When the timeline changes, everyone except Yena forgets. We go back to the past. So how would he know?"

"Yunho said they didn't let anyone except himself and Seonghwa know that Yena was in Seonghwa's castle," San pursed his lips. "Maybe it didn't matter that he would forget. If he already knew that Yena was getting healed, his plan wouldn't have changed. Except this time, Hongjoong replaced Seonghwa- he must have known something."

"He must have," Hongjoong agreed, "Maybe he knew through Seonghwa. Maybe he knew through Yena herself, when they met in Antares later. But what matters is that he... he is the mastermind behind all this."

"Yes," Yeosang shook his head, "Now the only question that remains is why he wants to time travel."

----------------------------

Wooyoung and Jongho stood outside a house that looked abandoned- no sign of life remained. The other houses across the street were decorated with living plants- but this one looked... dead.

"When did you say Junyoung's uncle lived here last?" Jongho asked, mirroring Wooyoung's pose- hands on hips as the two stared at the house.

"Three years ago," Wooyoung answered, "Let's look inside first before asking around."

Jongho agreed, and the two unlocked the gate with magic- it seemed like someone was still looking after the house, possibly a relative or Junyoung himself. Dust sat on every shelf, and it actually looked like someone had been living here.

"Didn't you say he moved?" Jongho asked as he opened the cabinets- the smell of the expired jams and spices tingling his nose, "It doesn't look like he moved."

"It looks like he left in a hurry?" Wooyoung suggested, going to a room and finding a man's belongings there- clothes, shoes, accessories and vanity.

The two explored the single-story house, examining the ceilings and the walls for hidden compartments, but finding none. Under the bed, they found old photos of General Lee and their parents, the Lee brothers, General Lee and his wife, but no photo of Junyoung.

"What happened to General Lee's wife?" Jongho asked, "I don't think I ever heard much about her."

"I haven't heard much about her either, but I remember the adults talking about something like how she wasn't a faerie."

"She wasn't?" Jongho was surprised, but Wooyoung shrugged, saying he wasn't sure. "So where is she?"

"I don't know," Wooyoung said, "Back on Earth? Dead? No idea."

After asking around the neighbourhood, they found out that Junyoung's uncle had indeed disappeared. When they didn't see him come out of the house or anyone go in for a week, they finally checked but found out that he must have left.

"I have a bad feeling about this," Wooyoung said, "What if something happened to him?"

"Wasn't he working with Junyoung though?" Jongho asked.

"He was, but... I don't know," Wooyoung sighed, "We should tell the others soon. And we should try to trace his whereabouts- he had a person who lived with him- someone who ran his errands for him. Kwon, I think his name was. We should look for him- he might know something."

"Let's do that," Jongho agreed, and the two stopped by to write letters, sending them via Jongho's birds.

-----------------------

That night, Seonghwa received a letter from Jongho, and after reading the contents he showed it to Yunho.

"Isn't this the same uncle who controlled Junyoung too?" Yunho said as he read the letter, "I don't think he still has control over him."

"I agree," Seonghwa said, "In her memories, he was basically ordering everyone around. And he wanted Yena to learn the time magic too- what are the chances that he's still working with him?"

"We haven't really seen him or heard of him, have we?" Yunho shifted in his chair. "I guess we wait until Wooyoung finds out what happened to him."

"Do you think... this is somehow related to Junyoung's mother?" Seonghwa suggested, and Yunho narrowed his eyes. "I mean, the motive. Why does he want to time travel?"

"That's plausible actually," Yunho exhaled, "Maybe he wants to go back in time to meet his mother? But if she was a human, she might be living her life on Earth even now. Why time travel?"

"What if he only wants to go to Earth?" Seonghwa looked at Yunho. "But why would he need Yena's time magic for that?"

"Maybe somehow, there's a possibility that Yena can take him to Earth," Yunho's eyes went wide as he made the connection, "Isn't Earth what- a few light hundred years away from us? The faeries of our generation sacrificed their and our immortality so we could live like humans- like mortals here-"

"That must be it," Seonghwa nodded. "Yeosang might know better if this could work- if Yena takes him to Earth, she would have to time travel too."

"Yes," Yunho cleared his throat, wondering if he should say what he wanted to.

That Yena couldn't possibly survive the trip. And maybe Junyoung wouldn't either. It would be suicide.

"I know what you're thinking," Seonghwa muttered. "It is only one of the possibilities. We have to get to them before they attempt anything, Yunho."

"We've searched all of your Kingdom," Yunho said, "Let's go to mine tomorrow. Though I doubt he'd be there."

"We have to keep looking," Seonghwa sighed, his heart aching as he looked out at the starry sky, "It's all we can do."

-------------------------

"How do I look?"

Seonghwa turned at Yena's voice, and Yena smiled nervously as she looked down at her dress- the black dress Seonghwa got her for the feast. Seonghwa scanned her- her blonde hair fell in loose curls, tied messily back, the pearl earrings dangling from her ears, the belt that held her waist.

"Say something," Yena laughed. Did he not like it?

"You look... amazing," Seonghwa finally smiled as he came towards her slowly, "I wonder who chose the dress for you."

Yena rolled her eyes as she turned to look in the mirror one last time, "I wonder?" She smiled and locked her arm with Seonghwa as he took her out of her room in Hongjoong's palace, with the intention of escorting her to the dining hall.

Only it looked like he had a detour planned.

"I really want to take a walk in the garden with you right now," he explained as he took the turn that led there.

"Do we have time?" Yena asked, her heart fluttering at his words. With a grin, he said they had enough time.

The sky was brighter than usual- the moon and the sun were dazzling. They strolled through the garden, arms still locked as they looked at the sky.

"It's a beautiful night, isn't it?" Seonghwa finally said.

"It is," Yena smiled.

"I wish I could freeze time," Seonghwa cast a glance at her. "Just you and me, under the night sky. Time frozen."

"Since when are you such a romantic?" Yena teased, and he laughed, leaning forward to whisper in her ear.

"Since I saw you."

Yena bit her lip, trying not to smile as she looked up at him, "You're hopeless. I'm pretty sure you hated me when we first met."

"Did I now?" Seonghwa chuckled. "You should do it sometime. Freeze time for a few moments."

"What good is that gonna do?" Yena wondered out loud.

Seonghwa smirked. "When it's you and me under the starry night sky in Hamal, you'll know. Wait till you see it," he said, leaning forward, brushing his nose against hers. "You'll want to do it yourself."

Yena smiled, tempted to bring him in by his collar, "You say that like I haven't seen that sky, Seonghwa."

Seonghwa paused. Yena thought she saw a shadow pass over his eyes as he stared at her, but then he smiled, his hand going to her waist and bringing her closer, "You make me forget things."

Yena's arms automatically went around his neck, but she hesitated, "I don't think it's something you'd forget-"

Freeze time.

Time.

Why was Seonghwa, of all people, talking about time with her?

Seonghwa was scanning her face now, a frown drawing. "You're quick."

Everything turned black.

Yena opened her eyes- she was still tied to that chair, still wearing that black dress- it mocked her, clinging to her body with the sweat. She looked around, finding Junyoung sprawled across the sofa in that room. The room had a window, but it was boarded shut. The only light source was a candle.

"I guess it's too early to mention time in the illusions," Junyoung sighed, "Seeing how it triggers you to wake up. This is gonna make things tough."

Yena rolled her eyes, "If you just tell me what you want, maybe I'd consider doing it without you going through all this trouble."

"Would you now?" He looked at her, "If it was that simple, Yena, I would have just acted as Seoho and become closer to you and asked you to do a favour for me. You won't understand."

Yena was thinking now. "Look, Junyoung- Seoho- whoever you are. Do we have to do this? I know you weren't like this when we were kids- when your uncle made you do things-"

"He didn't make me do anything," Junyoung's voice was loud. "Whatever I did, I did it out of my own will. Don't think I ever went soft on you, Yena."

Yena gulped, "Alright. My memories aren't fully back. What do you both want from me? Where's he now?"

Junyoung stared at her, and began to laugh slowly, annoying Yena to her core as he clapped on his leg. "I act alone now. It's just me. As for my uncle... Let's say I had no use for him anymore."

Junyoung got up then, and Yena felt dread wash upon her as his words sank in. "We had the same motive earlier- get you to learn and master time magic. But the reason... it was different. I only acted along because I was going to get rid of him once you did learn. Except," he came to stand behind her, putting one hand over her shoulder and caressing her head with the other.

"Except you weren't all that good we thought you'd be."

Yena had to stifle the urge to cringe away from him. "I was a kid. Did you think I could master time magic at that age?"

"You could have, if you'd just," he lightly slapped her shoulder, "given in."

Yena felt a small amount of satisfaction at the fact that he knew she didn't give in. And hoped he knew she sure as hell wasn't going to give in now.

"What makes you think I'd give in now?" Yena challenged.

Junyoung let out a short laugh, "Oh, dear. Now that I know you've seen that starry sky," he came in front of her, winking at her, "I'm gonna make you dream of things you'll never see. And when you start to believe it as your reality," he bent forward, running a finger from her temple down to her chin, nudging it up so she looked at him, "I'll make you do everything I want. And make you forget everything you know."

Yena was grinding her teeth now. She noticed that he wasn't hiding the colour of his eyes anymore. "Why don't you show me your true face, Prince of Illusions? Or have you forgotten what you looked like?"

Junyoung smirked, "I'm not tired of wearing this skin yet," he brought his face closer, "But if you want, I can make you forget what you look like too."

Yena bared her teeth at him, cringing away from him. Junyoung only laughed, drawing back finally, to her relief, laughing maniacally as he left the room.

Yena slumped in her chair- she had to be careful. She could not give any information to him.

She could not give in. She couldn't let him know which memories she held dear.

—----------------------------

"I won!" Hongjoong announced, pumping his fists in the air excitedly. Yeosang and Yena groaned, mirroring each other's expressions as they threw their heads back, further annoyed when Hongjoong started doing a silly dance around them.

Yena gawked at him. "Prince of Light, the one prince everyone would agree to be titled 'King' if need be," she turned to Yeosang. "Were you all in your right mind when you thought that was a good idea?"

Hongjoong rolled around laughing, Yeosang letting out a sigh, "I think we might have to reconsider once we go back to our dimension."

"You better," Yena grinned. "Okay, Hongjoong, enough. You won at rock-paper-scissors, no big deal. Come on, Yeosang, let's end this."

Yeosang nodded, and the twins put their fists in the air, muttering 'rock-paper-scissors'. Yeosang drew a rock and Yena, to Hongjoong's amusement and her regret, drew a scissor.

Yeosang let out a cute laugh, making both of them double over with laughter. The two turned to Yena, and she put her hands up in surrender.

"Alright, give me my punishment."

Yeosang and Hongjoong stood up for the dramatics, rubbing their hands, warming them up as they smirked devilishly at Yena who was to receive a finger-flick from both of them. Yena rolled her eyes- they had been at this game for hours now, bored out of their minds since they could do nothing else and were waiting for Yena's magic to replenish, so they had come up with all sorts of punishments- butt smacking, hand slapping, elephant spin, pinching, and of course finger flick to the forehead- one that she was to receive finally after she had been on a winning streak for a while.

"My turn first," Yeosang said, and Yena drew her bangs back, making puppy eyes at him.

"Don't hit your sister too hard, will you?"

"This card won't work on me," he assured her and Yena slumped, muttering 'so much for being twins'. He prepared himself, standing right in front of her, and she shut her eyes as she braced herself.

A few moments passed. "What's taking you so long- ow!"

He'd hit her right when she opened her eyes to check, and as she clutched her forehead, wincing in pain. It was Yeosang's turn to high-five Hongjoong as they both danced around her.

"Very princely of you both," she muttered as she cursed under her breath at the pain shooting across her forehead.

"Not as princely as you cursing," Hongjoong retorted. "Princess."

"I only found out a few days ago, you can't exactly blame me," Yena stuck out her tongue. "Come on now. Get it done with."

"Alright," Hongjoong came forward, rubbing his hands as he stood in front of her. Yena didn't close her eyes this time, watching him rub his hands excitedly.

"Wait-" Yena said, thinking she had spotted gold tendrils on his hand, but Hongjoong suddenly flicked her forehead, sending pain and his magic shooting across her forehead.

And this time, Yena's howl of pain was louder.

Hongjoong and Yeosang were dancing until they saw Yena who was clutching her forehead in pain, and Hongjoong understood then, rushing towards her and touching her forehead, taking his magic back.

"Did you do that on purpose?" Yena gaped at him.

"No, no, I didn't realise," he said, "I'm sorry."

"No, it's okay, it's just... it's like my magic tried to fight back when yours suddenly entered."

"It must be because of the surprise," Yeosang said, "Whenever foreign magic enters, that's usually what happens the first few times. Unless it's healing magic."

Yena looked at Hongjoong, who was trying not to laugh at the sight of her red forehead, "What exactly is your magic, apart from the healing?"

"Healing isn't always all that nice," Hongjoong sat down beside her, crossing his legs, "I can... un-heal, if that makes sense."

"Oh," Yena nodded slowly. "That's... interesting."

Yeosang scoffed, "Haven't you heard the rumours?"

"I have," Yena smiled, "The Prince of Light who can make your eyes burn."

Hongjoong laughed, "The origin of this rumour was because of my visuals, but-"

"Oh please," Yeosang said, "We all know who the original visual is."

Hongjoong and Yeosang started bickering and Yena watched them amused, stretching her neck to look at the sky.

Yena woke up with a jolt.

It was utterly dark, save for the light leaking through the messily shut window. And it was hot. Where was she?

And was that another illusion?

But it was not, she realised. It was a dream- a memory. All that had happened during her time in the other dimension with Yeosang and Hongjoong while they had prepared her for time travel. She had been reliving that moment in her dream.

How utterly ironic, she thought, to be dreaming a memory when Junyoung was making her live in an illusion over and over again.

At this point, she was going to lose all sense of reality. She would never know if she was dreaming, in an illusion, or awake. She sighed, waiting until her breathing was normal, and then she looked around.

The room was about 10 by 10 feet, she was tied to a chair right in the middle of the room, there was a window to her left boarded shut, and she narrowed her eyes as if she could see outside, but all she got was bright light coming. She sniffed the air and it smelt damp.

In front of her was the door. Next to the door was the sofa on the right, where Junyoung sat whenever he came and put her in one of his illusions. That was all there was in the room- nothing else.

There was a woman, who it seemed possessed the magic of rendering a person immobile- she would take her to the bathroom behind her twice a day, where she was allowed to wash up. In case she tried to do something- which she had once, the woman would freeze her where she stood.

As for food- the woman fed her twice a day herself. It really seemed like Junyoung was taking no chances. Yena had to roll her eyes when she first heard of this. After all, tied like this, she couldn't exactly grab the plate and kill someone, could she?

Yena tried testing the grip of her ropes- there had to be some sort of a magic at work here too, since no matter how hard she tried, the ropes remained tight around her body, digging into her flesh now- the skin was long gone due to her efforts over the previous days.

And how many days exactly had passed? Four? Five? She had no idea. It might as well be a week. She felt her throat tighten.

The princes- her friends.... they had to be looking for her, wouldn't they?

She missed all of them so much.

Yena shut her eyes, roiling her magic up, trying to send a signal to Seonghwa.

When she had kissed Seonghwa that time in their room in Antares, when he had those dreams of killing Hongjoong, she had felt it. she had felt the same black magic in his mind.

She had been utterly surprised, and had thought it might be because of the healing sessions. So she had done what he had done for her once. She had slipped in her magic, wrapping it around his as a brace, protecting it against the black tendril.

Whether Seonghwa had felt it, he had not commented on it. But his magic had embraced her back too.

She didn't know if it would work. What even made her do this was because of how San had slipped her magic in and had used that to comfort her in her healing sessions. But he was usually in physical contact when he did that.

It would probably not work. A tear escaped her eye.

Her obvious connection to Yeosang was masked by Junyoung's power, so she couldn't send a signal to him either. At this point, no one would ever know where she was. Not even her.

Her mind went back to the dream she had, and she smiled through her tears at the memory of the forehead flicking. Hongjoong's magic had shook her mind-

Forehead flicking- Seoho's habit. Her heart sank in realisation. Was that how he had monitored Yena all those years? Stayed close to her, occasionally flicking her forehead in a friendly manner... and sending magic? Making sure that the block in her mind was intact?

And then in Altarf, when she had dodged it and she had thought his expressions had gone dark for a second...

Then again in Antares, when he had actually managed to flick her forehead- he would have known then that she was not the Yena from his present.

Yena sighed in frustration. She felt sick suddenly, at the thought of how she had never noticed it. She prayed- it was all she could do.

Prayed someone would find her- or she would find them again.

----------------------------

Mingi was left alone at Yeosang's castle after the three princes had departed to Fomalhaut in search of answers, and if they were lucky, Yena. He was going to spend the night here and then go search Castor- Yena's part of the kingdom tomorrow. It would truly be ironic if she was, by some chance, there, of all places.

Yeosang's Right Hand, Namjoon had been working along with Mingi, and he told Mingi how Yeosang handled his kingdom so well- the castle in Castor, where Mingi himself had only been once a few years ago, was now fully functioning in case the lost twin ever came. Mingi was tempted to tell him that she had, but he only nodded as Namjoon praised his Prince.

Noticing Mingi's expressions, he told him that he knew about the princess along with two other people who would be accompanying him tomorrow to the princess' castle- Taehyung and Wheein- Yeosang's Captain of Guard and Vice Captain of Guard. Mingi's own staff had departed to take care of his kingdom, so Yeosang had lent his best guards, who were exceptional trackers as well.

Taehyung and Wheein met him that night to discuss search strategies and offered to lend him their help for the search in his own kingdom too. Mingi thanked them, saying they should- he had a hunch that Yena was on this continent.

For some reason, Mingi felt that Junyoung would be residing either in Fomalhaut or Castor- the two places that Yena would call home- if Junyoung was the type of person to rub such things in your face. And knowing him, he was. San was right- they had to search every kingdom just to be sure.

But Mingi felt that if not for these two, she would either be in the mountains in Seonghwa's Kingdom- Bharani, or in the desert in Mingi's own Kingdom- Algeiba. Since Mingi was the one who had been with Yena for the shortest while, he had a feeling that Junyoung would use that too.

But Junyoung had no idea what Mingi was capable of.

And Mingi planned to burn him alive when the time came- though he wasn't so sure he would be able to hold on his own against him.

The next morning, the three travelled from Mebsuta to Alhena, a two hour ride by carriage. Like Pollux, Castor was also mostly plain landscape, the only change from the scenery in the north being the forest that the two shared with Mingi. Mingi's plan was to start with Alhena, then go north to Wasut where the forest was. They had travelled in the forest then, returning in Yeosang's territory to the forest in Mekbuda, and continuing east till they were in Denebola- Mingi's part of the forest.

From Denebola, he would travel to his castle in Regulus, from where he would take more faeries and go to the desert.

As soon as they arrived in Alhena, the three ditched the carriage and after lunch, walked on foot using their fae speed. Taehyung and Wheein, familiar with Yeosang's magic, were positive they could detect Yena's if she was in their range, since the two shared the same magic.

Unless Junyoung was masking Yena- which was why Mingi was here.

He was the only one who could see through the masking of a magic, and like Hongjoong, he could nullify illusions too. It was why he decided to stick with Taehyung and Wheein- the trio stood a chance at finding Yena.

And if need be, he would go to other kingdoms too. For Yeosang, who was a big brother to him.

For the Princess, the sister he never got to know.

—-----------------------

San, Hongjoong and Yeosang landed in Fomalhaut.

For a moment, the three breathed in the air- it smelled fresh, thanks to the amount of greenery. Earlier, they had crossed the Pearl Sea, and in their hearts, had wished that Yena would soon see the sea named after her.

Fomalhaut was a busy island- ships docked on the port where the princes had landed, well hidden in their cloaks, dimming their powers so no one would detect them. As they walked further in, it changed to a market, reminding San of Altarf, and further ahead were the residential areas and workplaces.

"Amazing how well the people manage it," Hongjoong commented. "If it was Earth, well... you know how humans think."

Yeosang shook his head and they continued walking to the address of Eun Young- more famously known as Cheetah here. It seemed like what Yena had said about Fomalhaut was true- everyone knew everyone here.

Finally, going through numerous maze-like streets, they arrived in front of a house. It looked old- in need for renovation. The paint had peeled off the walls.

"This is where Yena grew up," Yeosang breathed as he stood in front of the house. Hongjoong patted his back.

"She grew up well," San looked at Yeosang. "She had a good mentor. Let's go."

San knocked at the door, and a few moments later, a middle-aged woman opened the door.

"Eun Young?" San asked, and she nodded, observing the trio, who observed her back. San internally smiled- when Yena had said she really did look like a cheetah, she wasn't lying.

He supposed it meant he really did look like a fox too.

"I'm- I'm Yena's brother," Yeosang finally said, surprising the other two- they hadn't exactly planned how to introduce themselves.

"Yena's brother?" Eun Young's eyes went wide. "Are you here for Yena?"

"No, it's a long story," Yeosang inhaled. "She found me. But... we need your help now."

Eun Young narrowed her eyes at the three, but shrugged, inviting them in, and the three collectively sighed in relief as they stepped inside, leading to what looked like the living room with an open kitchen.

Hongjoong and San drew back their cloaks, and Eun Young turned as she put tea on the stove, almost dropping the sugar pot in her hands as she looked at Hongjoong.

"What's the Prince of Light doing with Yena's brother?"

Hongjoong looked at San and Yeosang- they hadn't expected she would recognise one of them. "You... recognise me?"

"My mother lived in Antares," Eun Young said, bowing, "I've seen you enough times to recognise you."

"Well, I suppose there's no need to hide our identities then," Yeosang said, "I'm Kang Yeosang of Space. This is Choi San of Earth."

Eun Young gaped, bowing again, and looked like she was about to say something, but paused. "You said you're Yena's brother?"

"I am," Yeosang admitted. "Yena has told us a lot about you."

"Don't tell me," Eun Young laughed in disbelief, "She's the Lost Twin?"

"The one and only," San smiled.

Eun Young apologised as she took a seat, letting all this information sink in. She was smiling now.

"You must have had a long journey," she said, "Let me fix something for you to eat."

As she went into the kitchen, the three met eyes. She seemed like a nice woman, and Yeosang was relieved that she grew up well. As Eun Young set the table with sandwiches, cookies and tea, the three decided to tell her about Junyoung as well, if she was willing to help.

As the princes ate, famished, Eun Young stared at Yeosang- he did look quite like Yena. He even felt like Yena- it was unnerving. San noticed, and he shared a knowing smile.

"How did you both find each other?" She finally asked, "And where is she now?"

San cleared his throat, "Yena found me in Altarf first- purely coincidental. I learned about the block in her mind- it was hindering her magic. I took her to the High Healers, but they suggested we go to Antares. But Yena... her magic felt familiar to me, because it felt like Yeosang's. As her memories started to come back, I realised she might be the Lost Princess we've been searching for."

"The block in her mind," Hongjoong began, "It was planted by... Seoho."

"Seoho?" Eun Young frowned. "How come?"

"Seoho isn't who you thought he was," Hongjoong said, "He's the Prince of Illusions- the Prince we thought dead."

"That's... unbelievable," Eun Young put her head in her hands, "He met me a few months ago- when Yena was in Altarf. I told him she was in Altarf."

San looked at Hongjoong, "I remember Yena telling me something about meeting a friend from Fomalhaut in the market. I didn't realise..."

Hongjoong shook his head- Junyoung had planned this long ago, it seemed, "He's been going by the name of Jinki, acting as Prince Seonghwa's Right Hand. He has been plotting something- he had been monitoring Yena while they lived here, making sure the block to her mind stayed intact. Why he suddenly left for Hamal and why he decided to make contact with Yena, we aren't sure yet."

"What happened to Yena?"

Yeosang wanted to be the one to tell, but he was unable to. He looked at San for help. San nodded, "Yena told me she found herself in front of an orphanage when she was... six?"

Eun young nodded and he continued, "Seoho- Junyoung, actually, and his uncle- General Lee's brother had been keeping her captive in the mountains of Rukbat before that. She was kidnapped at the age of two. You may have noticed the scars on her wrists."

"Oh god," Eun Young looked like she was about to cry. "Why?"

"She's the Princess of Space," San said, "the Princess of Time too- her other title, one kept secret throughout the generations. They probably wanted her to master the time magic quickly so they could use it."

"Except not everyone is able to do that," Yeosang added, "And as a kid, Yena wasn't able to. It was only recently, when Prince Hongjoong and Seonghwa healed her, and her magic came out in full force that Junyoung planned a trigger, forcing her to time travel."

They paused for a few moments, letting all that information sink in, and when Eun Young finally nodded, Yeosang continued, "Junyoung has kidnapped her, again. He is very powerful- after all, he could have been a prince too. Much happened, and he took her. We don't know where she is, he is masking her scent just like they did years ago, so we're unable to find her like we could have."

Eun Young exhaled, "Seoho... Junyoung. I should have known- I offered to teach him to master his magic so many times, but he just wouldn't tell me what his magic was. I should have known something was up with him, but... he was too kind, ironically. A bit too kind, if I have to say."

"That's how he's been," San nodded. "He deceived everyone. Yena didn't know it was him until the last moment."

"I hope she's okay," she looked at Yeosang, who only nodded. "How can I help?"

"We'll be searching for any clues, see if Junyoung and Yena are here," Hongjoong said, "If you know anything about where Junyoung lived when he was here, you should tell us."

"I helped him move out," Eun Young admitted. "He didn't leave anything behind- what he didn't need, he threw away. He was meticulously neat. Another family moved in, so I guess it won't be of any use."

Hongjoong nodded, "Then we'll just use you as a guide to search in Fomalhaut."

Eun Young nodded, "If you don't have a place to stay, please feel free to stay here- I have free rooms."

"Thank you," Yeosang said, "Yena... did she live here?"

"Yes," Eun Young smiled sadly. "She's one of my best students. I'm very fond of her. Her magic was unique, and I helped her in any way I could."

"Yena has told me a lot about you," San said, smiling. "She's quite fond of you too."

"She was always so kind to the other kids too- apart from threatening to portal them into another world whenever she got angry," Eun Young said, and Yeosang scoffed, "She would get tired too quickly whenever she used her magic, so that's why I got her checked- how we found about the block."

"It wasn't easy, was it?" Yeosang asked, "The healing process."

"It wasn't," Eun Young nodded, "It was very painful, that's why I had to let her go to Altarf."

They sat in silence for a few moments as they sipped on their tea, each lost in their own thoughts. Eun Young looked at Yeosang, "Do you remember Yena from your childhood?"

"A little," Yeosang said, "But I always felt a part of me was missing- it's because we share the power meant for one. Without each other, we'd feel incomplete. Our magic was supposed to be used together- it works better that way."

"I see," Eun Young sipped. "Do you want to see Yena's room?"

The three looked at each other, and Yeosang managed to say 'please'.

Eun Young led them upstairs, the wooden stairs creaking. She told them she had five rooms in total, and at one point two had shared a room- some got adopted, some moved out when they became independent, so only two kids other than Yena remained.

They entered Yena's room- it was small, but big enough for two single beds with a table in the middle of them. The table was full of Yena's belongings- vanity, a mirror, accessories in a box, some notebooks and stationery.

There was a small closet, where Yena's clothes and shoes were, and near it hung photo frames- one of Yena and Eun Young, which seemed recent, one of Yena and a girl, where Yena looked about 15, and one of all the kids, where Yena was about 10. The three smiled at the photos- she looked more like Yeosang when she was young.

"This one looks exactly like you," San pointed at the one where Yena was ten. "Get rid of the long hair and we have Yeosang."

"Does it now," he smiled.

"I'll leave you three," Eun Young said, "Let's search tomorrow then, you should rest. If you need anything, please let me know."

"Thank you for letting us stay," Yeosang said.

"Anything for Yena's family," she smiled, leaving.

Yeosang looked around the room, going to the bed, picking the notebook and opening it. It was labelled 'Yena'. He realised he was seeing her handwriting for the first time.

He hesitated, but turned the pages- it seemed like a random notebook where she jotted down things to do, things to buy, or just doodled. He was turning the pages when he paused, gasping.

She had drawn the Gemini constellation- drawing little stars on the constellations. He turned the pages to check if she had made other constellations too, but she hadn't.

As if she knew.

"Guys, look at this," Yeosang showed them the doodle, putting a hand over his mouth in disbelief. Hongjoong and San stared at the doodle for a good minute too.

"I guess she always somehow knew," Hongjoong looked at Yeosang, patting his shoulder. "It's the way she remembered her name- held on to it till the very last moment. And held on to her birthmark. She never forgot what was important to her."

San shook his head, smiling. He wished she had been here when they would see the place where she had grown up. The circumstances now weren't what he had imagined they would be.

Yeosang smiled, placing the book back, lying across the bed, his throat tight and tears threatening to spill. "Let's search everywhere we can- not just Fomalhaut."

"Don't worry," San said, "We'll find her this time, before she does."

"We better," he sighed. He was still in awe- she hadn't forgotten who she was. In her heart, she had always known.

—-------------------------

"It really doesn't look like she's in Alhena," Taehyung said as he sat on one of the chairs in the dining hall, taking off his weapon belt and setting it on another chair next to him, sighing in exhaustion. He ran a hand through his black curls and looked at Wheein.

"I didn't feel anything either," she said, letting her blue hair loose, rubbing her scalp, "Did you?"

"No," Mingi admitted. They had been at it till way past midnight, and now they had finally come to the castle where they would stay and rest until they were ready to move, "Let's go north tomorrow then."

"Yeah," Taehyung said, "Let's make sure we all rest properly."

Food arrived, and they ate dinner- very late for dinner actually, and Mingi apologised to the chef who just dismissed him, saying his kitchen was open for him. After a silent dinner, since they were too tired to speak as well, the two left to sleep, leaving Mingi roaming the halls of Yena's castle.

The castle was twin to Yeosang's- monochrome on the outside with the sea quite close to it. The interior was themed silver and blue- like their magic. Mingi went to the Princess' chamber, where Yeosang had said he could stay in one of the rooms. Dangling the key in his hands, he entered the chamber.

It consisted of a few rooms other than the Princess' own room, and a living room- quite big, and a study with a spectacular view of the Pearl Sea. It looked like Yeosang used this chamber when he came to stay here- it was well furnished, and there were books and notes on the table and shelves too.

There was a note stuck on one of the doors, from Heejin- one of the court members- saying he could stay here. Mingi picked the note, folding it absently as he stood outside Yena's room instead, hesitating before opening the door.

The room that the Princess never got to use.

It looked like Yeosang didn't use it either though. There was nothing in the room save for furniture, but on the table were small plants, a few books from Yeosang's collection, and some photos.

Mingi picked a frame, smiling at the picture of the twins from when they were babies, the red birthmark on Yeosang's face the only way he could tell them apart. Another picture was of the Kang parents holding their kids. Then there was one of Seonghwa, Hongjoong, Yeosang and Yena.

Mingi's heart went out for Seonghwa. He really was in love with Yena- it was evident on his face. Mingi was still confused about how much time they had spent together, and how much Seonghwa remembered, which according to him, was all of both the timelines. He supposed it had been enough.

He remembered how his parents had told him to be daring when it came to love- to not hesitate when you find the right person, because it meant you had a chance of losing them. With faeries, love was different than it is for humans- faeries felt love much more deeply, and they had this connection with their significant others that humans couldn't comprehend. Mingi didn't understand how it worked- he had only ever heard of it. Soulmates, they called it.

He placed the frames back, taking one of the notebooks and doodling a cartoon with small planets around its head, writing 'The Princess of Space', then drawing another little cartoon with fire around its head.

He hoped the Princess would see it one day. Sighing, he finally went to his room to sleep.

The next day, the three gathered in the afternoon, packing fresh food for the journey. Mingi felt tempted to tell the staff to expect the Princess soon, but he had to hold himself back- he didn't want to think negatively, but anything could happen.

The three went on foot like before, travelling with their fae speed, their senses on alert for any sign of familiar magic. On and on they went, until they were in the territory of Wasut, night upon them. Mingi decided they should have dinner in one of the restaurants before they went for the forest; they wouldn't be finding meals for a while then.

After ordering three servings of meat, the trio sat, discussing how Castor was so similar to Pollux. Thanks to Yeosang, the two states have been running in harmony.

"Can I ask you something?" Wheein looked at Mingi, her eyes brimming with curiosity.

"Sure," Mingi said.

Wheein sighed wistfully, "What is the Princess like? You've met her, right?"

Taehyung gave Wheein a warning look but Mingi smiled at them. It was natural to be curious about the long lost princess.

"I've only been with her for a short while," Mingi admitted, "As you both know, me and Yeosang only went there a day before the feast- a day before she got taken."

The two nodded, and Mingi continued, "Meeting her... felt unreal. Her magic felt so familiar, she looked familiar except she was not... if that makes sense."

Wheein smiled a little, saying it did. "Does she look too much like Prince Yeosang?"

"They are twins, Wheein," Taehyung smiled, "I think I knew it when I saw her too. I was there, you know. I got a glimpse of her when she was in the castle- for some reason, even though I didn't know who she was, she felt familiar. It was probably because she looked like our Prince."

"Yeah, that's how I felt," Mingi laughed. "But she's... how do I put it? She's like us. We all spent the whole night talking and catching up with each other, and not once did I feel that she was out of place. It felt right. Though I wish I had gotten to know her more."

Wheein pursed her lips, "We will find her, won't we? Someone has to."

Taehyung sighed, drinking, "Someone has to. Also, Junyoung- do we stand a chance against him?"

"Well," Mingi thought, "Probably not. But I have a plan, in case I find him. And you both- promise me you'll follow my instructions."

Wheein and Taehyung shared a look, and then Mingi let them on his plan- which was, if they ever got close to finding Junyoung and things went right. The two hesitated at first- it was utterly dangerous, but they couldn't say no to the Prince, and he sounded so sure that Yena was where he thought she would be- probably because his land called to him.

Or maybe because he was being paranoid, but nobody said that out loud. Not even Mingi, who knew there might be a chance he was wrong about this hunch he had.

----------------------------

"You take the front, I take the back," Wooyoung said.

"It's got to be the opposite, you fool. You knew General Lee better- if Kwon will talk to someone, it will be you."

"Right," he clicked his tongue, motioning Jongho to follow him.

After tracing Kwon's whereabouts for a day, they finally learned that he ran a small business of wooden crafts somewhere between Nunki and Kaus Medionalis. It was quite a change- it looked like he had retired from living his life like Junyoung's uncle, and it was a wonder that he stayed in the same continent.

But if he worked with the two, it meant that there was a chance that he knew Yena's identity. And Wooyoung was going to get answers from him.

Jongho sneaked in through the back door, opening the locks without a sound, spotting a man with greying hair working on carving. He had a knife in his hand- it could be used as a weapon. Wooyoung should be careful.

To Jongho's surprise, Wooyoung entered like a normal customer, greeting the man with a bow as he looked around, meeting eyes with Jongho for a millisecond. He said something in praise of his crafts, to which the man bowed his head in thanks as he continued working.

Wooyoung finally stood in front of him, Jongho waiting for the signal. "How long have you been situated here?"

The man didn't look up, "2 years, I think."

"You must know Lee Joon Hyuk then," Wooyoung asked, referring to Junyoung's uncle.

The man set the wooden piece on his desk, the knife still in his hand as he looked at Wooyoung, scanning him. "Who are you?"

"Jung Wooyoung."

Jongho saw Kwon's free hand go behind his back, and he finally appeared out of the shadows, "I wouldn't try that if I was you."

Kwon shook his head, dumping his knife on the table. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Wooyoung took a seat, Jongho joining, as he said, "Please sit. We just want to talk."

He did, and Wooyoung asked, "Do you know the whereabouts of Lee Joon Hyuk?"

"I don't," he said, but it was obvious that he was lying.

"The only reason I don't have you suffocating on the very air you breathe is because you have information that I want," Wooyoung glared at him and the man visibly gulped. "And I know everything about your past ventures with Joon Hyuk and Junyoung, so you might as well tell me."

Kwon scanned the two princes in front of him, and sighed, "Have you finally found Yena then?"

"That's Princess Yena for you," Jongho's voice was steel. But to his surprise, Kwon sighed in relief.

"I never thought Joon Hyuk would go to that extent of torture," he admitted, "He kept me close to him only because I used to be his friend, and because he needed my power of healing- I'm the one who healed Yena every time he tortured her."

Wooyoung bit the inside of his cheek- he didn't know whether he should curse at him or thank him for the relief he provided to Yena.

Kwon rubbed his face, "I told him over and over again that what he wanted- mastering the time magic, was too much for Yena- the little girl I knew. She was only a child, she couldn't have possibly mastered it."

"Why did he want it?" Jongho asked.

"Originally, Joon Hyuk simply wanted to bring his brother back," Kwon said, "You both don't know, but those two were very close. Joon Hyuk was never jealous of him being titled the Prince- what he would have been if he had lived to see it. But he was angry with the other generals because they let him die."

"Did they, though? Let General Lee die, I mean," Wooyoung asked.

"Technically, they didn't. Lee was tired- he was selfish and welcomed death when it came to him. He couldn't bring the love of his life on this planet, so for the well-being of his son, he had to choose to bring him here, and leave his wife behind."

Wooyoung sighed. It was indeed sad, how General Lee had to choose between his wife and son. "So about Junyoung dying-"

"That was Joon Hyuk's plan," he said, and the princes weren't surprised, but what he said next made them pause, "But then Junyoung died too, because of a forbidden magic he used to call a darkling from their planet-"

"Wait," Wooyoung leaned forward. "Junyoung died? And where do darklings come in?"

"Didn't you figure it out?" Kwon sat back in his seat, sighing, "The Prince is as dead as he could be since some 20 years ago, buried under the earth. The one who wears the skin of Junyoung isn't a faerie, it's a darkling- a child Joon Hyuk raised as Junyoung, to use his magic to bring the real Junyoung back."

Wooyoung and Jongho looked at each other, eyes wide with horror.

"He raised Junyoung- the darkling- in that house in Rukbat, until he was grown up enough to perform magic. He kidnapped Yena next."

"So why did he decide to let her go? Why not keep her?"

"He had bigger things planned," Kwon shifted, "He wanted to trigger her to learn that magic, once she was mature enough. He could wait a few years for that. Only, he didn't live to see that day."

"What do you mean?"

"Junyoung killed him," Kwon revealed, and Wooyoung and Jongho looked at each other in surprise, "He'd had enough of being used by him. What Junyoung wanted, I guess, was different from what Joon Hyuk wanted."

"And what does he want?" Jongho dared to ask.

"I'm not sure, and I have been hiding from Junyoung for years now- if he sees me, he would kill me too, because I know him. But he didn't want General Lee to come back," Kwon looked at the princes. "If I had to guess, he wants to bring back the real Junyoung- Prince Junyoung too."

"Why?"

"I pray it's not what he's doing... it's not pretty," he sighed, "He'll use the prince's power and he'll be invincible then- a darkling and a faerie possessing the same magic side by side- you get the image."

"And where does Yena come in?"

"Yena is the Princess of Space. You all have no idea what she is capable of."

"Enlighten us," Wooyoung said, dreading what was to come.

"I once managed to sneak on Junyoung's notes- he had made some calculations. I thought it was him making the calculations for the trip to Earth- but those calculations were wrong. He wants to open the portal to the planet of the Darklings. Maybe he wants to rule both the planets- he might be capable if he succeeds in bringing the Prince back from the dead."

"He has Yena," Wooyoung admitted, and Kwon almost fell from his chair. "He had been acting as Prince Seonghwa's Right Hand for years now, monitoring Yena in Fomalhaut as well. She found out about the block in her mind and went to Altarf, started getting her memories and magic back. She found us all, and Junyoung killed Seonghwa, which led her time travelling back to save him, where Junyoung changed his plan and took her instead."

"You all fell right into his trap," He shook his head, "Don't you see what he did? He triggered her to learn that magic, so when he took her, she was prepared. You served her like a platter to him."

"Why did you not tell the Princes, anyone, about Yena?" Jongho retorted, "All these years, wasted. Why?"

"I don't know," he sighed, "I prayed she would find you all. It looks like she did, except Junyoung might have planned all of this."

"Do you have any idea where he might keep her?" Wooyoung asked.

"Not in Rukbat," Kwon said, and they nodded, "Probably in Bharani or Algieba. Maybe even in Yena's own territory. But that's only my guess, he could be keeping her anywhere. Hell, he might have even done the deed by now. How long since he took her?"

"4 days," Jongho said, "How much time do you reckon we have?"

"A week, if she doesn't break earlier," Kwon said.

Wooyoung nodded, getting up, "We have no more time to waste. If you learn anything, you have to tell us. It's the least you can do for Yena."

Kwon looked like he was drowning in regret, but he nodded.

"Anything for the Princess."

—----------------------

"Eun Byeol!" Yena shouted, her fists tightening, "Come back this instant!"

Eun Byeol, hair a wild mess from running, turned and stuck out her tongue at Yena, infuriating her further as she ran away.

Yena sighed, pinching her nose bridge- she could feel a headache coming already. She heard someone laughing lightly behind her, and she turned, spotting a mop of dark red hair.

"Seoho!" Yena shook her head, "Don't tell me you witnessed all that!"

"I did," Seoho shook with laughter, coming closer to her as he hugged her in greeting, "How have you been?"

"Just like you saw," Yena drew back, shaking her head in the direction where Eun Byeol had run off to, a ghost of a smile on her face. "What about you?"

"Do you wanna go eat something?" Seoho wiggled his eyebrows. "I never treated you for my 16th birthday, did I?"

"Glad you remember," Yena grinned. "Let's go."

The two went to a nearby café, ordering hot chocolate and coffee. As they sipped on their coffee, Seoho told her he planned to leave Fomalhaut now.

"Is this a farewell treat then?" Yena's expressions fell.

"You could say that," Seoho sighed, sitting back in his chair.

"What about your family?"

"I don't have parents, and I broke things up with my uncle," he said, his expressions growing dark. Yena knew he didn't like talking about his uncle, so she only nodded. "I'm a free man now. I'm going to travel around, see where I feel good and settle there."

"Will you visit us? You know Cheetah adores you."

"And you?" He leaned forward, putting his arms on his knees as he leaned forward, "Will you miss me?"

Yena rolled her eyes, sipping to hide the flush creeping on her face. "Of course I will. You've been a good friend, Seoho. You're the only one who sees me, not my power."

"Oh well, that's true," He leaned back then, smiling at her. "Should I beat up the kids for you?"

Yena scoffed, "They'll hang you upside down in the backyard if you so much as touch them."

Seoho laughed, "I'll try to visit. I'll have to look for work, and I don't know when I'll have time to take a vacation," he sighed, "But I could always invite you."

Yena smiled, "At least I'll have an excuse to leave Fomalhaut then. You better do that soon."

"I'll try."

After finishing up, Seoho and Yena stood outside the café. Seoho told her he had already said his farewell to Cheetah, so she was the last person he wanted to meet.

He pinched her cheeks, like he used to when he said she was being 'too cute'. "I'm gonna miss you."

Yena groaned in pain, slapping his hands away, rubbing her sore cheeks. "Can't say I will."

"Please, you're so dramatic," Seoho rolled his eyes, flicking her forehead like he always used to, making her laugh.

Flicking her forehead.

Yena felt pain shoot across her forehead-

Yena gasped, waking up. It was a memory, again-

But this time, it seemed it was courtesy of Junyoung, sprawled across the sofa, watching her as she panted, struggling to breathe.

"Remember the good old times?" Junyoung's voice almost echoed in the room. Yena narrowed her eyes to get a good look at his face- Seoho's face.

"Not good anymore, I'd say," Yena muttered.

"Please," he sighed. "Let's not tarnish the memories of the past. We used to be such good friends. Can't we be the same again?"

"Well," Yena shrugged, voice dripping with sarcasm. "I don't remember you tying me to a chair when you were Seoho."

"You're still the same," he shook his head. "You always sounded... somewhat arrogant, Yena."

Yena said nothing, just watched him scan her. He got up then, slowly approaching her, "Did you like seeing the memory?"

Yena didn't respond, just kept staring at the floor as he went to the shut window. "Do you know why you're here?"

"I suppose you'll tell me," Yena muttered.

"You don't know why we decided to dump you in Fomalhaut when you were little, do you? I guess you don't remember."

Yena froze- was there another reason behind her being 'useless'?

As if Junyoung had read her thoughts, he said, "You weren't useless, Yena darling. In fact, you were dangerous. You must remember how we wanted you to master the magic of time?" He went behind her, and Yena dreaded what came next.

"The Planet of the darklings," Junyoung said, and Yena almost fell from her chair, "It's a few light hundred years away from us, and for you to open the portal, you must master time and dimensional magic."

"The darklings?" Yena looked at Junyoung, "What the hell do you want them for?"

"It intrigues me, you know," he said, slowly circling around her, "It's been what-24 years? 23 years since we've been on this planet? I find it... interesting that the darklings, who couldn't stand a week without hunting faeries or humans before, are staying peacefully on their planet- or so we assume. I wonder what they're up to."

"Oh please," Yena scoffed. "If for once they are not being savage, do you intend to provoke them?"

"No," Junyoung shook his head. "I just need someone strong enough to help me out."

"Help you out with what exactly?" Yena asked.

"Killing the princes, of course," Junyoung said as a matter-of-factly, and Yena gulped. "I can't have them alive- they'll end me. And once I have the power... there's much to explore, isn't it?"

Yena couldn't imagine what was going through his mind. She gulped, shifting towards him through the ropes, wincing when they dug into her. "Seoho- Junyoung?"

"Call me Junyoung," he said, anticipating what she had to say.

"Look, Junyoung," Yena tried to reason, "The princes would welcome you back, if you stop all of this... madness. I'll forgive you for all you did, and we'll all forget everything bad that has happened. You can rule as the 9th Prince, you can have your own kingdom- we'll make it work-"

"The 9th Prince?!" Junyoung laughed out loud, mocking her. "You think I want to rule?"

Yena's brow furrowed in confusion, and he drew closer, leaning in front of her.

"I want to conquer."

Yena sucked in her breath as he finally drew back, going to the window once again. "I'll show you, Yena. My memory," he said, and Yena felt her vision going black as he let her in on his memory.

Yena realised she was seeing things through Junyoung's eyes as she saw her own self- wrists shackled, hair sprawled, sitting in the corner of the room in that house in Rukbat. Yena looked up and saw Joon Hyuk, staring at Yena.

"Do it, Junyoung."

Junyoung inched closer, putting both his hands on Yena's head as he pushed his black magic inside her mind. A few moments went by before Yena's eyes rolled back and she let out an unearthly scream, sending a wave of power that threw Joon Hyuk back against the wall. Junyoung kept holding her-

She was shivering now- uncontrollably, but Junyoung heard his uncle order him to press her more, and he did, which resulted in a black wave-

They were in a portal.

Yena- through Junyoung's eyes- realised that this wasn't the portal she was used to. This was different-

"Why did you call me?"

Yena gasped- the younger Yena was conscious now, frozen at her spot as a man- a faerie or something else entirely- approached.

It looked like any other faerie, except it had wings of a bat hanging behind him, as black as the clothes he wore, as dark as his hair that hung on his shoulders, his ebony eyes glaring holes wherever he looked, lines etched on his face- he was cruel. It radiated from him, and Yena blanched.

Joon Hyuk bowed to the stranger, "You are... a darkling?"

"As you faeries refer to us, yes," he scanned the three.

"I have a proposition for you," Joon Hyuk looked at Junyoung. "You have the time magic, right?" The darkling nodded, "This girl has the time magic too. I want you to help her master it- I'll give you anything you want."

The darkling roared in laughter, looking at Yena, "Ironic how you call us cruel when you torture your own," he glared at Junyoung. "Even we aren't that brutal."

Joon Hyuk's expressions went dark, but the darkling continued, "How dare you try to disturb the peace of my planet for your puny demands?"

Joon Hyuk regretted it- everyone could see it on his face, "I can offer you Yena herself- if you just let me-"

"I don't need a faerie girl," the man glared at Joon Hyuk then looked at the little girl who was looking at him in wonder- and Yena could have sworn she saw something like pity in his eyes, as he looked at Junyoung too- then something dawned over him. "You corrupted this boy too. He's not yours- are you sure you're a faerie?"

"I only want to turn back time and get my brother back-"

"No one does that, faerie," the darkling shook his head. "Not even us."

Yena watched as the darkling approached Joon Hyuk, towering over him by a good few inches, grabbing his collar, "Release the girl. Free the boy- I can feel what you did to him. I'd ask to take him, but he's no use to me now. If I find in a few days that you haven't, I'll give you the war you seem to love so much, you understand?"

Joon Hyuk nodded slightly, not meeting eyes with him, and he sneered at him, dropping him to the ground harshly before he approached Junyoung.

"It looks like this boy is going to grow up like you," he tsk-ed at Junyoung, going to Yena next, who sat frozen in her spot, not breaking eye contact with him as he sat down in front of him, touching the shackles on her wrists-

And they disappeared.

"I'll do a favour for this poor girl's sake and send you back to the moment you portaled- she cannot do that herself," the darkling said, and Yena- the little Yena, eyes wide with wonder, nodded.

"Try not to use the time magic if you can," he whispered in a low voice so only Yena heard, "And in case you're forced to, you do me a favour," he winked at her, and the little Yena almost smiled as something unspoken passed between them.

Yena felt cold wash over her as she came back from the memory Junyoung had shown her. It took her a few seconds to play the events in her head again, before she understood.

"You realise now, don't you?" Junyoung said, "It's because of a mere darkling that we had to set you free. You ruined uncle's plan... but I have to thank you for something- because of you, I realised what I wanted."

"And what is that?" Yena dared ask.

"I want you to go back in time again," he said, standing tall over her, "I want to bring back the one whose name I wear."

"What do you mean?" Yena's mind was jumbled now-

"A faerie with my magic. A twin of mine. Someone with whom I would be unstoppable."

A faerie, he had said.

Not a darkling.

"You should be the only faerie with this magic-"

"I am not Junyoung," he glared at her, and Yena felt as if someone had poured ice-cold water on her, "Junyoung, the 9th Prince, really did die, thanks to his stupid uncle who thought using him was a good excuse to invite me in this dimension. He did succeed- old, very old magic did that, but it ended with the Prince dying."

"What are you?"

"A darkling, if you can call me that anymore," he said, staring at his hands- as if he himself didn't believe it. "And I want power."

"Why, why do you crave this power, Junyoung?" Yena asked, and he paused, "The darkling we met- he wasn't like you- I know now that darklings, not all darklings are cruel beyond reason. You'll only sit alone in the end-"

"Oh no, dear, you got me wrong," he smirked, and for the first time, Yena felt fear as he drew closer to her, sitting down on one knee so he was face to face with her.

"You, Yena, are more than your powers, remember?"

Yena shifted back in her seat, going as further away from him as she could. He put a hand on her knee, caressing it, and Yena wished she could kick his face.

"I won't be ruling alone, you see," he said, watching her knee shiver as he caressed her- even through the clothes, she could feel it, "The Prince would serve as my general. You'll be with me as my queen, because you will make this all possible, because I need you. I need you to rule beside me. I only have you, don't you see?"

"Junyoung," Yena almost cried. "Please stop this madness. There's no way I'll do that."

"Oh, you will," he finally looked at her, moving up until he was only inches away from her face, making her cringe back. "You will, Yena, because I will make you like the idea of ruling beside me."

"You can't make me do anything," she almost spat in his face, but he drew back as he laughed.

"You'll find yourself doing that, because I will control you, Yena."

He turned to leave, and Yena groaned loudly, "Just like your uncle, Junyoung. Just like he controlled you. I thought you were better than that."

He turned back at her, and in that instance, his illusion slipped as he glared at her with anger- glared at her with shining amber eyes-

"Do not compare me with that bastard."

Yena could only cower as he stood there for a minute, glaring at her, then slamming the door shut behind him.

And Yena realised that she- that this whole planet, was in deep, deep trouble.

—--------------------------

It took Wooyoung and Jongho a very long one day to get to Seonghwa and Yunho.

Wooyoung and Jongho had ditched writing letters now- what they had found out was too much to explain in letters. They needed to change their strategies, they needed to get together and find Yena as soon as possible, because she was not in the hands of a faerie but a darkling.

The two still couldn't believe what they had heard- all this time the princes had been thinking of him being Junyoung- Junyoung the Faerie Prince. Thinking it was all illusions and mind games that Junyoung and Joon Hyuk had played, thinking that Junyoung wanted to bring his father or mother back.

They had never imagined this.

Jongho and Wooyoung used all their strength in making the ship go faster, reaching Sheratan in a few hours, passing out as soon as they reached the castle. Seonghwa and Yunho instantly knew something was wrong, so they lent their energy to the two so they would at least be able to speak.

When the two did open their eyes, it took them a moment to get a grasp of where they were.

"Am I dreaming, Jongho? Did we really meet Kwon?"

"Oh we did, all right," Jongho said, and Seonghwa frowned.

"Who's Kwon?" Yunho asked.

Jongho and Wooyoung sat in the bad, sombre, drinking water as they tried to decide how to phrase it, and worse, how to put it in front of Seonghwa.

"We have bad news," Wooyoung began.

"We can tell," Yunho assured them, "The look you gave us as soon as you saw us and passed away? We thought someone died, Wooyoung. Spill."

Wooyoung looked at Jongho, who urged him to speak.

"Kwon- he used to be the healer Joon Hyuk had in Rukbat. We met him, and he told us that... that Junyoung isn't who we think he is."

"We all know he isn't," Seonghwa said, but Wooyoung shook his head.

"You don't understand- Junyoung isn't Prince Junyoung, Seonghwa. He's a darkling- Joon Hyuk managed to get a hold of a darkling child, which is why the Prince Junyoung, the faerie prince actually died."

Seonghwa wasn't sure he was hearing it right, and he looked at Yunho, who was mirroring his expressions, his eyes wide. "So the one we buried- that is the real Prince Junyoung? And the one we know- that's a darkling?"

"Yes," Jongho said, and Seonghwa swore loudly, "You know how the darklings have powers like us, so in a sense, it's like he is Junyoung. He wants to use Yena to bring back Prince Junyoung- so together the three of them are strong enough to do anything."

For a minute, the older princes couldn't say anything as they recalled the events in their head. It made sense- Prince Junyoung should never have been this strong and powerful. And now they knew why Junyoung wanted Yena- the one thing they were always confused about.

"I... I need air," Seonghwa abruptly got up, almost stumbling, and Jongho almost went after him, but Yunho stopped him, shaking his head.

"It's going to be very hard on him," Yunho said, sighing, "Already he was blaming himself, but now..."

"It isn't anyone's fault, we couldn't have possibly imagined-"

"I know," Yunho assured, "With him, everything about Yena is different, you know that."

Jongho and Wooyoung looked at each other. It was true- he loved Yena like none of them. What he felt... they couldn't imagine. They could only give him the space he needed.

Seonghwa rushed to his room in Yunho's chamber.

He almost ran, entering his room, going to the bathroom and standing in front of the sink, feeling like he was going to throw up.

Yena... His Yena.

She was being kept captive by a darkling.

He recalled the conversation he had with Yena about darklings during her stay in Hamal, when she had told him that sometimes she dreamed of a man with bat wings and a cruel face, who looked at her with pity- he should have known that it could have been a memory. He should have made the connection.

Deep in his heart, he knew it was asking too much, but he still couldn't help but curse at himself. Curse at everything that was happening.

He washed his face with cold water, grabbing the edge of the sink as he looked at himself in the mirror.

I will find Yena-

And I will kill Junyoung- the darkling.

He opened the door to Yunho's room, startling the princes as he stood in the doorway.

"What do I do?"

"We go to Fomalhaut," Yunho said, telling Seonghwa the plan they had etched out, "It's where Hongjoong, San and Yeosang are. We won't be able to contact Mingi yet- he's travelling in the forests, so I just sent a message to the castle telling him to contact me when he gets my message."

"To Fomalhaut then," he said, looking at the tired faces of the younger princes, "Get 5 hours of rest. Then we move."

----------------------------------

Hongjoong, Yeosang and San accompanied by Cheetah had just finished searching all of Fomalhaut, but to no avail. Since it was a small island, it took them only one whole day, taking breaks only for food.

Cheetah had told them stories about Yena and other kids; including Seoho- the boy she knew. She had never thought he would be someone else entirely, never thought she knew not only the lost princess but the apparently dead prince too.

And she couldn't digest the fact that Seoho- Junyoung had known their identities and kept them hidden, kept the block in Yena's mind and kept her away from her family. Kept himself away. Why would he do that?

"I still think he wasn't that corrupt, in heart," Cheetah said as they sat for tea in her house, the princes searching the cookie box for their choice of cookie, "I mean, he was a kid being controlled by his uncle, was he not?"

"That's what I find strange too," Hongjoong said, "He should have known we would have accepted him. Every year on his death anniversary, the whole planet mourns. Why did he never show up?"

"And does he even want to bring back his father, or does he really want to go find his mother?" Yeosang tilted his head, "Somehow, I think if Yena and him really were friends, Yena would have done that for him if he had just asked properly."

"Yena is very kind," San added, "She really would have done that for her friend- but maybe Junyoung feared she'd remember what he'd done to her and wouldn't help him?"

"Still," Cheetah sipped her tea. "That doesn't explain the lengths he's going through. Killing the princes? Taking Yena hostage? Disguising himself as the Right Hand of Prince Seonghwa? I don't think that's what he actually wants."

The princes fell silent- they knew then, that something was amiss and they just couldn't put a finger on what.

They were about to go to bed, when a knock- a rather loud knock sounded on the door and Cheetah looked at the princes-

"I wasn't expecting anyone."

But the princes looked at each other- they could feel it.

"You have company, it seems," Hongjoong gave her a faint smile as he opened the door to Seonghwa, Yunho, Wooyoung and Jongho.

And they were looking grim.

"You didn't send a message?" Hongjoong said as they entered, greeting them with short hugs, "Is everything okay?"

The four looked at Cheetah, bowing to her in greeting, who looked very surprised- she was, after all, in the company of seven princes in her own home. "We've heard a lot about you, Eun Young."

Cheetah smiled at Seonghwa, "So the princes tell me. Please, have a seat," she gestured to the living room, and all of them sat down, Hongjoong telling them that Cheetah knew everything now.

"We were going to come here anyway, and Mingi can't be contacted right now, so we sent him a message," Yunho explained, and the princes nodded, "We have... news."

Yeosang paled, hesitating as he asked, "Is everything alright?"

Wooyoung, who was sitting next to him, nodded, rubbing his back as Yunho explained, clearing his throat, "Wooyoung and Jongho met with Kwon- the healer that stayed with Junyoung and Joon Hyuk in Rukbat, the one who used to heal Yena when..."

The others nodded, and he sighed, continuing, "He's been staying low because he fears Junyoung will kill him- like he killed his uncle."

"He killed his uncle? He's dead? We thought they might still be working together," San looked at Hongjoong, who nodded.

"There's more," Yunho said, "Junyoung isn't the Junyoung we know- he's not the Prince. He's not General Lee's son."

Everyone was confused then, and Yunho told them about how he was a darkling wearing the identity of Junyoung, and what he planned to do.

The princes and Cheetah looked at each other- this wasn't what any of them had expected. All the colour had drained out of their faces and it looked like they were about to say something but stopped- still trying to make sense of what was going on.

"But..." San said, "He has the illusion magic- so darklings have magic like us too, huh?"

"They do," Jongho answered. "There may be darklings with earth magic, water magic, just like faeries. The only difference between us is that they are inherently dark, because they use their magic for dark purposes- and over time, some of them become corrupted."

"I think," Seonghwa began, deciding to tell the princes about Yena, "that there's a possibility that Yena may have encountered a darkling when she was in Rukbat."

"What?" Yeosang gaped at Seonghwa. "How?"

"She told me she used to have dreams sometimes," Seonghwa said, "About a man with bat-like wings, someone who radiated cruelty but took pity on her, telling her to 'return the favour' someday. It might have been a memory instead of a dream."

"You didn't see it in her memories?" Hongjoong asked Seonghwa and looked at San too, but both of them shook their heads. "It seems like she may have met a darkling then. I wonder what favour he did to her, what he expects in return?"

"I hope it's not something ugly," Wooyoung muttered. Everyone agreed.

"Why didn't I ever suspect Junyoung?" Cheetah finally spoke, "He just seems so... normal."

"It's okay, Eun Young," Hongjoong said, "We couldn't have guessed- not when he's been masking his powers and living as several people."

"What do we do now?" Yeosang asked, slumping back, staring at the ceiling. "I just can't digest the fact that my sister is with a darkling right now- hell, she has been with a darkling for years. What should I do?"

Wooyoung patted his thigh in comfort. "He said there's a possibility that Junyoung might be in Bharani or Algieba. Now that we know he is a darkling, we have to search these places again. Thoroughly."

"We checked Bharani," Yunho said, "He couldn't have been there."

"What's the possibility that he's using illusions to make it look like he isn't?" San said, "We check again. Hongjoong should be able to see through illusions, right?"

Hongjoong nodded, "Let's go to Bharani first- it's near. Mingi was going to Algieba anyway, should we split?"

"I say we stick together because if we find him, we need you, Hongjoong. And Mingi too. You both can fight illusions better," Yeosang said.

"I agree," Seonghwa said, "We should stick together. I'll send a message to Mingi to stay put in his castle and wait for us. Let's go to Bharani tonight- it's closer. And Eun Young- could you come with us?"

Eun Young shifted in her chair, "Won't I be a hindrance?"

"You're Cheetah," San smiled, "Yena misses you a lot, and I think she'll need you when we find her."

Something unspoken passed between them as Cheetah nodded. "I will. For Yena."

"Pack what's necessary," Seonghwa said, "We leave as soon as we're ready."

-----------------------------

Yena was dreaming again.

She was dreaming about the time when Eun Young had approached her as a cheetah for the first time- without a warning, she had shifted, and Yena, only 7 at that time, had almost fainted.

But the cheetah approached her slowly, moving in a feline way, and circled her once before sitting down. And then Yena had caressed her fur until she was purring, and had laughed out loud as she did so.

The dream shifted- almost like a trip through her memory, showing her the time when she'd come back after being stuck in her portal, how Cheetah had hugged her tight, how she hadn't been able to sleep that night so Cheetah and her had spent all night talking about anything and everything.

Yena was conscious in her dream, and she thought it was cruel that she dreamt of her when she was in a place like this.

After a few more memories, Yena woke up, face wet with tears as she finally cried for the first time after arriving here.

taglist: @novahoneykcals @jjoonggurt @sincostansan @bewitchedinyourhunger @bultaollaburn

couldn't tag: @soliyaa @ansko

#seonghwa x reader #park seonghwa x reader #seonghwa angst #seonghwa fluff #seonghwa smut #seonghwa scenarios #seonghwa imagines #park seonghwa angst #park seonghwa fluff #park seonghwa imagines #ateez x reader #ateez au #ateez imagines #ateez scenarios #ateez angst #ateez fluff #take me home

90 notes · View notes

theroomofreq · 3 years

Note

can you give me muggle jily recs pleaaseeee <3 :D

HOW MANY HIGH-QUALITY MUGGLE JILY FICS ARE THERE?? TOO MANY TO COUNT. *cracks knuckles* BUT I am here for the challenge. Jily AUs are my JAM.

Again, shoutout to our amazing @jilyarchive friends who tag every wonderful muggle jily au they come across. here is the link that will take you to their tags page. You'll find links to specific tropes and AUs :')

I've searched through my own AO3 bookmarks and history tabs, and I present to you 28 jily muggle fics that I LOVE. I am THRILLED thinking about all the good things in store for those that read these wonderful stories. This list took me ages to make because I went through and reread most of these brilliant fics. Happy reading !! xx

properly improper by @lizardcookie

“Marry me,” Mr. Potter repeats, closing the distance between them by striding back up towards the sofa, only to stop and crouch to one knee right there at her feet, looking up at her. Burning. “Pick me,” he elaborates. “Pick me, choose me, love me instead.”

- this fic is the reason why I comment the way that I do (spoiler it's because it's amazing)

The Wedding Ring by @mppmaraudergirl

What is undeniably worse than attending your sister's wedding looking as desolate and forgotten as a wilted houseplant? Drunkenly ringing your ex-boyfriend and asking him to be your date.

- SOBS UNCONTROLLABLY AT THE PERFECTION

Oh my god, they were ROOMMATES by @magic-girl-in-a-muggle-world

Silly one-shot, Muggle AU with Fem!Jily as pining roommates and Marlene as their matchmaker.

- the fic that brought me back to jily and inspired my deep obsession of fem!jily

Swipe Right, Swing Left by @downn-in-flames

The unspoken rule of using dating apps in D.C. is that you always start with where you work.

James Potter, it seems, never picked up on that one.

- giddy just thinking about this gem

'Tis the Damn Season by @petalstofish

It doesn't feel like Christmas for Lily Evans, not after losing her parents to COVID before the Holiday season. She anticipates spending Christmas all alone until a boy from her past shows up and offers her a mutually benefiting deal that has her calling him 'babe' just for the weekend. 'Tis the damn season, after all.

- cries in respect for lyrical writing

Watch Me Unwind by @maraudersftw

Lily Evans hates her job, hates the bigoted customers she has to serve as a bartender at the richest club in the city. But the one person who makes bearing all of it worth it has someone else in his arms tonight. (Rated: M)

- obsessed with the way the plot jumps around the time line in this

oil be there for you by @abby10fanfic

Texting/Social Media AU: Lily and James haven't spoken for 2 years. But that's all about to change thanks to Peter and his involvement in an essential oil pyramid scheme. Featuring boss babes, toxin-free lifestyles, binding contracts, and a very oily journey.

- YOU WOULD NOT BELIEVE HOW FAB THIS IS

a matchmaking mission by @downn-in-flames

James Potter has a mission: get Sirius Black and Remus Lupin to finally admit that they both fancy the pants off each other by Valentine's Day.

His partner in crime? Lily Evans, Remus' flatmate, who he also happens to be slightly in love with

- DOUBLE the amount of pining idiots in love :")

about time by @jilyss

'sure, yeah, I can accompany you to that black tie event for your work tonight. wait. why are we on a red carpet?'

- this is my emotional comfort fic, your honor

whiskey business by @elanev91

Sirius Black has a (bad?) habit of picking up hobbies that take over his and James' flat -- this most recent one? Homemade vodka that James now has to try and peddle to everyone in the building.

- hysterical! must read!

Fashion Disaster by @maraudersftw

James Potter is roped into an awful dare by his best-mate, which involves him wearing atrocious pieces of clothing for all days until Christmas as dictated by Sirius. If this wasn't terrible enough, he now has to contend with his maddening crush on the beautiful saleswoman at the clothing store.

- classic hijinks that I live for

it wasn't a pity invite by @elanev91

Part of the December "Winter Tropes" Jily challenge. Prompt: my family invites you to join our holiday meal as an obvious setup and omG i’m so sorry

- awkward Christmas date that owns my heart

spice and honey by @clare-with-no-i

tagging along with her food reporter sister to profile James Potter, London's hottest young chef, is not how Lily Evans pictured her Monday going - especially if he's anything like Petunia’s described.

needless to say, she's in for a whirlwind at Chez Maraudeur.

- I'm one re-read away from printing this out and putting it on my bookshelf.

Waffle Wars by @elanev91

There's only one waffle maker in the dining hall and it literally always breaks. So, naturally, the only reasonable course of action is to meticulously map out when it's working and, ultimately, do a heist.

- the witty narration in this fic can not be matched

You Can Hear It In The Silence by @alrightginger

Lily is non-verbal and deaf in a world where the things your soulmate says about you end up written on your skin. She has known about her soulmate since she was seven, but knows they don't have a clue she exists and possibly never will.

- exquisite, cue me sobbing forever

out the window by @displayheartcode

A new family moves to Ottery St Catchpole.

- everything I could ever want in a fic, forever in my mind rent free

The Christmas Guest by @thegodmachine

An Evans Family Christmas: Petunia is bringing her fiancé and Lily is bringing her…Friend…

- petunia pov that gives me WINGS

Football, Calculus, and Cappuccinos by @moonawrites

At eighteen years old, James Potter has a lot going on. He's a rising star navigating the politics of professional football, the pitfalls of sudden fame, the fallout from choosing his dream over his father's company... and a serious crush on the red headed new barista at his favourite coffee shop.

- I'm still working my way through this fic, but trust me when I say its a GEM

if u like pina coladas by @zephyrcove

Lily is desperate for a date to Petunia's wedding, James has been pining, and their friends meddle ;)

- explain to me how characters can be so perfect via texting fics?

Shelf Awareness by @ghostofbambifanfiction

It's too far out of her way and she's wasting so much money, but Lily can't help but return to the bookstore every weekend, where her passion for good literature has, perhaps, been unexpectedly reignited by the messy-haired, pun-making, rather handsome bloke who works there.

- you absolutely must know that I binge read this and then immediately REREAD it

How to win a witch in 10 days by @adenei

“She’s going to find some unsuspecting wizard, get him to fall for her, and then do all the things that turn men away to get him to break things off! Won’t it be the best way to see what witches do that drives men crazy?” But what happens when the man in question is a blast from Lily Evans's past? A Jily Magical AU based on the romantic comedy "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days."

- fic based off of a rom com? YES PLZ :’)

The Fight Before Christmas by @ghostofbambifanfiction

The heartwarming Christmas tale of Lily Evans and James Potter - two plucky kids who hated one other, until the day they really, really didn't.

- complete sucker for this one

All This Time by @thejilyship

James and Lily grew up next door to one another. Their bedroom windows giving them glimpses into the others life, and also offering prime opportunities to argue with each other over every little thing. They never figured out how to be friends when they were kids, but now that they've graduated from college and are home for the summer, they have a second chance to get things right.

- one of my favvvv tropes

Let Me Love You by @thejilyship

With only a month until she's set to take the throne of Gryffindor, Lily is informed that she'll have to get married or choose to give up her throne. She never thought she'd have to even entertain the idea of an arranged marriage. Enter, James Potter.

- cries in princess diares AU

The Fabulous Baker Brothers by @frustratedpoetwrites

Lily walks a different route home from work and stumbles upon a cute little Bakery with an even cuter baker in the window.

- yes yes yes to embarrassed pining.

Marigold Mornings by @mppmaraudergirl

This is a fun game she thinks, as she removes her hand from his side and reaches up to run it down his chest. He catches her hand in his own, takes a step forward so that her nose nearly brushes against his shirt. She can feel the heat radiating off of him—or maybe it’s from her. He licks his lips and her eyes are drawn to the motion. She knows it is a bad idea, absolutely knows it.

- incredible storytelling featuring dynamic characters :') a favvv

Welcome to Pettyville by@women-inthe-sequel @alrightginger

When Lily Evans accidentally sends a text to the wrong number, she isn’t expecting to find the right person behind it. She can’t stop talking to Prongs. The only thing is, Prongs can’t stop talking about the girl in his class. What could go wrong, other than the number?

- LOVE SQUARE ANYONE

The Kiss a Stranger Project by @alrightginger

“What’s your name, then?” she asks, realizing they haven’t even properly introduced themselves yet. She nervously crosses her arms.

You shouldn’t kiss a guy without knowing his name first.

Right?

- THIS ONE WILL LIVE IN MY MIND FOREVER

#ror reqs #jily fic #mugge fic recs #jily fic rec list

225 notes · View notes

icedflames · 3 years

Text

The Progression of Elain and Azriel’s Relationship.

Let me preface this by saying this is LONG.

After a second read through of ACOSF, I really think it’s clear that Elriel will be featured in the next book. Sooo, book by book, I’ve complied excerpts that show the progression of Elain and Azriel’s relationship and why I think the next book will feature them. I’m not going to be adding a lot of commentary, just my general interpretation of the scene. The excerpts speak for themselves.

A Court of Mist and Fury

Chapter 24 - Elain meets Azriel at the Archeron Estate

"A faint smile bloomed upon Azriel’s mouth as he noticed Elain’s fingers white-knuckled on that fork, but he kept silent...”

“Elain said, ‘It’s all very disorienting.’ ‘I can imagine,’ Azriel said. Cassian flashed him a glare. But Azriel’s attention was on my sister, a polite, bland smile on his face. Her shoulders loosened a bit.”

“Elain said to Azriel, perhaps the only two civilized ones here, ‘Can you truly fly?’ He set down his fork, blinking. I might have even called him self-conscious. He said, ‘Yes. Cassian and I hail from a race of faeries called Illyrians. We’re born hearing the song of the wind.’‘That’s very beautiful,’ she said. ‘Is it not—frightening, though? To fly so high?’ ‘It is sometimes,’ Azriel said.”

“Rhys chuckled, Cassian’s wrath slipping enough that he grinned, and Elain, noticing Azriel’s ease as proof that things weren’t indeed about to go badly, offered one of her own as well.”

At their first meeting, Azriel’s attention was on Elain and she labeled the idea of the Illyrian’s flight as beautiful. Feyre notes how Elain and Azriel are similar and says they are “perhaps the only two civilized ones.” Polite and kind.

Feyre notes that Elain’s shoulders loosened when Azriel offered her a polite smile and after noticing Azriel relax, she offers a grin. Azriel probably noticed Elain’s discomfort because of her fingers tightly grasping the fork and tried to put her at ease. In return, Elain felt relaxed based on Azriel’s cues even though they had just met.

Chapter 50 - Feyre distracts Rhys by talking about her sisters

“And I think Elain—Elain would like it, too. Though she’d probably cling to Azriel, just to have some peace and quiet. I smiled at the thought—at how handsome they would be together. If the warrior ever stopped quietly loving Mor. I doubted it. Azriel would likely love Mor until he was a whisper of darkness between the stars.”

Feyre again notes their similar temperaments - how they are both introverted and would appreciate each other’s company in silence. The second part, about Azriel loving Mor forever, now sticks out given what we know from A Court of Silver Flames. I’ll get to that later.

A Court of Wings and Ruin

So at this point, Elain and Nesta have been forcibly turned fae against their will. I didn’t include that portion because it’s more relevant to Elain’s self-journey, rather than her relationship with Azriel.

Chapter 24 - Nesta and Elain move to the townhouse

“Azriel arrived first, no shadows to be seen, my sister a pale, golden mass in his arms. He, too, wore his Illyrian armor, Elain’s golden-brown hair snagging in some of the black scales across his chest and shoulders. He set her down gently on the foyer carpet, having carried her in through the front door.

Elain peered up at his patient, solemn face. Azriel smiled faintly. ‘Would you like me to show you the garden?’ She seemed so small before him, so fragile compared to the scales of his fighting leathers, the breadth of his shoulders. The wings peeking over them. But Elain did not balk from him, did not shy away as she nodded—just once.

Azriel, graceful as any courtier, offered her an arm. I couldn’t tell if she was looking at his blue Siphon or at his scarred skin beneath as she breathed, ‘Beautiful.’

Color bloomed high on Azriel’s golden-brown cheeks, but he inclined his head in thanks and led my sister toward the back doors into the garden, sunlight bathing them.”

Elain is traumatized from her experience with the cauldron. She’s withdrawn, she’s quiet, and she’s scared. Azriel carries hers through the front door, rather than just setting her down outside. To make her more comfortable with the house, he offers to show her the garden. Feyre likely made mention of Elain loving flowers so this was a sweet gesture on Azriel’s part.

Most significantly, Elain (likely) called Azriel’s scarred skin beautiful - his trauma ingrained into his skin and the history of his abuse... She sees it and calls it beautiful. And Azriel blushes.

“But Lucien’s attention went right to the hallway toward the back, his nostrils flaring as he scented Elain’s direction. And who she’d gone with. A low snarl slipped out of him. ‘Relax,’ Rhys said. ‘Azriel isn’t the ravishing type.’ Lucien cut him a glare.”

Oh Rhys, Azriel definitely is.

I thought it was interesting. Yes, mates become possessive. But why include that? Why wouldn’t Lucien snarl when Elain was with Rhys or Cassian? Just a thought.

“Elain sat silently at one of the wrought-iron tables, a cup of tea before her. Azriel was sprawled on the chaise longue across the gray stones, sunning his wings and reading what looked to be a stack of reports—likely information on the Autumn Court that he planned to present to Rhys once he’d sorted through it all. Already dressed for the Hewn City—the brutal, beautiful armor so at odds with the lovely garden. And my sister sitting within it.”

I really love the juxtaposition of Azriel clad in black, sprawled in the gardens with Elain, so full of light, sitting there with them. It’s unlikely that the morally grey spymaster (who literally tortures people for his profession) and the sweet girl would have struck up a friendship. But there they were, in the garden, enjoying each other’s silent company. Exactly what Feyre predicted in A Court of Mist and Fury (“Elain would probably cling to Azriel, just to have some peace and quiet”).

“‘Why not make them mates?’ I mused. ‘Why Lucien?[...]What decides it? Who decides it?[...]You said your mother and father were wrong for each other; Tamlin said his own parents were wrong for each other.’ I peeled off my dressing robe. ‘So it can’t be a perfect system of matching. What if’—I jerked my chin toward the window, to my sister and the shadowsinger in the garden—“that is what she needs? Is there no free will? What if Lucien wishes the union but she doesn’t?’

‘A mating bond can be rejected,’ Rhys said mildly, eyes flickering in the mirror as he drank in every inch of bare skin I had on display. ‘There is choice. And sometimes, yes—the bond picks poorly sometimes the bond is nothing more than some...preordained guesswork at who will provide the strongest offspring. At its basest level, it’s perhaps only that.’”

The conversation between her and Rhys is very important. Up until this point, we’re led to believe mates are the end all be all. Mates are soulmates. Now, we have a scene directly suggesting that the mating system is flawed and a mating bond could be broken. And it’s Feyre talking about Elain and Lucien’s bond, using Azriel as an example as who Elain might choose over Lucien.

At this point, Elain and Azriel’s relationship starts to progress and they slowly start to become acquainted with each other.

Chapter 27 - Elain has a vision

“‘I saw young hands wither with age. I saw a box of black stone. I saw a feather of fire land on snow and melt it.’”

“Mad. Elain might very well have gone mad.”

So here, Elain spouts a vision and Feyre, Nesta, Mor, and Azriel are taken aback. Feyre remarks that her sister may be going mad. They don’t understand what’s going on with Elain and why she is espousing such creepy things.

“I faced Azriel, exposing my palms to him. ‘What does that mean?’ Azriel’s hazel eyes churned as he studied my sister, her too-thin body. And without a word, he winnowed away. Mor watched the space where he’d been standing long after he was gone.”

Azriel had an expression of concerned and then winnowed away without a word, leaving Mor gaping. Why? Why was she gaping and staring at the spot Azriel had been? Could it be that she sees something Feyre doesn’t?

Chapter 30 - Azriel and Cassian visit Elain and Nesta

“The two Illyrians paused their inspection of me long enough to note my sisters finishing up breakfast, Nesta in a pale gray gown that brought out the steel in her eyes, Elain in dusty pink. Both males went a bit still.”

We know that Nesta and Cassian are mates. Cassian stilled at the sight of Nesta. Azriel stilled at the sight of Elain. Hmm.

“I dragged a hand over my face before going to Elain and touching her too-bony shoulder. ‘Can I set you up in the garden? The herbs you planted are coming in nicely.’ ‘I can help her,’ said Azriel, stepping to the table as Elain silently rose. No shadows at his ear, no darkness ringing from his fingers as he extended a hand.”

Azriel stepped in and said he could help Elain get to the garden. A bit of a pattern. He wants to keep her company, and perhaps, wants to have her company. Even more significant are that his shadows are missing. We know that the shadows disappear around Mor, who he’d been pining over for 500 years. Now they’re gone around Elain. Maybe it’s just to make her more comfortable or maybe it’s because he’s developing an interest in her.

Chapter 32 - Azriel discovers Elain is a seer

“Elain’s brows twitched toward each other. ‘The queen—with the feathers of flame.’ The shadowsinger angled his head. Lucien murmured to me, eye still fixed on Elain, ‘Should we—does she need …?’”

‘She doesn’t need anything,’ Azriel answered without so much as looking at Lucien. Elain was staring at the spymaster now—unblinkingly.

‘We’re the ones who need …’ Azriel trailed off. ‘A seer,’ he said, more to himself than us. ‘The Cauldron made you a seer.’”

Azriel, as observant as he is, realized Elain wasn’t going mad. She was a seer.

Lucien thought she was going mad or she was ill. As did Feyre, Mor, Nesta and everybody else in the Night Court. This is mentioned in prior chapters when Lucien suggested to Feyre that Elain see a healer.

However, Azriel looked at Elain and figured it out. Which is important to Elain. When speaking to Lucien about Grayson, Elain said, “No one ever looked - not really...He did. He saw me. He will not now.” Azriel looked. Azriel saw her.

Chapter 50 - In the townhouse, winnowing to the Illyrian Camps

“Mor took Nesta and Cassian by the hand, readying to winnow them to the camp, while shadows gathered around Azriel, Elain at his side, wide-eyed at the spymaster’s display.”

Azriel’s shadows are gathered around him, likely in response to brewing war and because Feyre just made a deal with Bryaxis. Elain is staring wide-eyed. I don’t interpret this in fear but in awe.

“Then Azriel, gently taking Elain’s hand in his own, as if afraid his scars would hurt her.”

The gentleness Azriel exhibits towards Elain is just sweet.

Chapter 62 & 63 - Hyburn kidnaps Elain

“But Azriel asked softly, ‘What about Elain?’ Something cold went through me. Nesta was just staring at Azriel. Staring and staring.”

“From the shadows near the entrance to the tent, Azriel said, as if in answer to some unspoken debate, ‘I’m getting her back.’

Nesta slid her gaze to the shadowsinger. Azriel’s hazel eyes glowed golden in the shadows.

Nesta said, ‘Then you will die.’

Azriel only repeated, rage glazing that stare, ‘I’m getting her back.’”

Azriel is the first person to realize Elain is missing! Not Nesta, not Feyre, not Amren. Azriel.

His eyes glowed (an indication of powers at play), with rage in his stare. Azriel is angry, he’s upset, he will get Elain back. Nobody asked Azriel to rescue Elain. Nesta even told him he would die. But Azriel doesn’t care. He’s getting her back.

This really shows that perhaps their friendship developed further than Feyre realized and Azriel had formed a connection with Elain. A connection strong enough that he would risk dying to get her back.

Chapter 65 - Azriel and Feyre rescue Elain

“My mouth went dry as that scream sounded again. I couldn’t bear it—to let it go on, to see what was being done. Azriel’s shadow-hand grasped my own, tugging me closer. His rage rippled off his invisible form.”

Feyre and Azriel both thought it was Elain screaming in Hyburn’s camp. Rage was rippling off his invisible form. Azriel, stoic, brooding Azriel is so angry because he thinks Elain is being hurt that Feyre remarks on it.

“Azriel gently removed the gag from her mouth. ‘Are you hurt?’

She shook her head, devouring the sight of him as if not quite believing it. ‘You came for me.’

The shadowsinger only inclined his head.”

Again, Azriel is so gentle with Elain.

Elain devoured the sight of him. Elain didn’t believe Azriel would save her. But he did. “You came for me.”

“The gray light of morning had broken over the world, mist clinging to our ankles as we headed into that camp, Azriel still cradling Elain to his chest.”

“Nesta rounded a tent, skidding to a halt in the mud. She let out a sob at the sight of Elain, still in Azriel’s arms.”

“Rhys lunged for Azriel, taking Elain from him and gently setting my sister down. Azriel rasped, swaying on his feet, ‘We need Helion to get these chains off her.’ Yet Elain didn’t seem to notice them as she rose up on her toes and kissed the shadowsinger’s cheek.”

Azriel is wounded but he’s still cradling Elain to his chest. He doesn’t have to but he doesn’t let go. Almost like if he goes, she’ll disappear again. And then Elain kisses his cheek? Too cute.

Chapter 69 - Truthteller

“Azriel, still limping, merely nudged aside Cassian and extended another option. ‘This is Truth-Teller,’ he told her softly. ‘I won’t be using it today—so I want you to.’”

Azriel is still injured and was being stubborn in wanting to fight, despite Rhys telling him he couldn’t. Azriel didn’t relent until Mor begged him with tears in her eyes. Since he can’t fight, he’s offering Elain one of his knives...

“Elain’s eyes widened at the obsidian-hilted blade in Azriel’s scarred hand. The runes on the dark scabbard. ‘It has never failed me once,’ the shadowsinger said, the midday sun devoured by the dark blade. ‘Some people say it is magic and will always strike true.’ He gently took her hand and pressed the hilt of the legendary blade into it. ‘It will serve you well.’”

Again with the gentleness.

“Cassian gawked at Azriel, and I wondered how often Azriel had lent out that blade. Never, Rhys said from where he finished buckling on his own weapons against the side of the wagon. I have never once seen Azriel let another person touch that knife.

Elain looked up at Azriel, their eyes meeting, his hand still lingering on the hilt of the blade.

I saw the painting in my mind: the lovely fawn, blooming spring vibrant behind her. Standing before Death, shadows and terrors lurking over his shoulder. Light and dark, the space between their bodies a blend of the two. The only bridge of connection … that knife.”

So Azriel didn’t offer Elain just any knife. It’s Azriel’s most prized possession to the point where no other person, not even his brothers or Mor, had ever been allowed to touch it. Yet here he was lending it to Elain. His relationship and connection to Elain is strong enough and deep enough that he would give her his beloved dagger.

Here’s where it gets interesting. The lovely fawn standing before death. In ACOMAF chapter 57, the Book of Breathlings said (in pertinent part), “Rot and bloom and bones...Hello, fanged beast and trembling fawn.” I think the choice of words is intentional. Death and a fawn? Hmm.

Further, when Majda described the mating bond to Elain she said, “The mating bond. It is a bridge between souls.” Now Feyre says - the only bridge of connection is Truth-Teller. Why use the words describing a mating bond to describe that moment?

Chapter 74 - Elain Kills Hyburn

“Elain stepped out of a shadow behind him, and rammed Truth-Teller to the hilt through the back of the king’s neck as she snarled in his ear, ‘Don’t you touch my sister.’”

Elain, using Azriel’s dagger, stabbed Hyburn in the neck. The trembling fawn snarled in the king’s ear and killed him to protect Nesta.

Stepping out the shadow seems like a significant parallel. In Chapter 62, “Azriel stepped out of a shadow.” Azriel’s symbol is the shadow. Elain stepped from a shadow, Azriel’s symbol, and exhibited a display of strength, despite being traumatized for most of the book...

A Court of Frost and Starlight

Chapter 2 - Rhysand thinks about the War

“Cassian was near death and Nesta was sprawled over him, shielding him from that killing blow, and Elain—Elain—had taken up Azriel’s dagger and killed the King of Hybern instead.”

Elain, of all people, killed Hyburn with Azriel’s dagger and that imagine is important enough for Rhysand to think of it again.

Chapter 4 - Feyre asks Mor about Truth-Teller when gift shopping

“‘You honestly think he’d ever give up Truth-Teller?’

‘He gave it to Elain,’ Mor said, admiring a moonstone necklace in the counter’s glass case.

‘She gave it back,’ I amended, failing to block out the image of the black blade piercing through the King of Hybern’s throat. But Elain had given it back—had pressed it into Azriel’s hands after the battle, just as he had pressed it into hers before. And then walked away without looking back.”

Just as Azriel had pressed the knife into Elain’s hand, Elain pressed it into his when she finished. Gently.

Chapter 7 - Rhys and Azriel discuss gifts

“‘Az ran a hand through his dark hair. ‘Are we …’ Unusual for him to stumble with words. ‘Are we supposed to get the sisters presents?’

‘No,’ I said, and meant it. Az seemed to loose a sigh of relief. Seemed to, since all but a breath of air passed from his lips”

Interesting how Azriel is stumbling over his words when he asks if he needs to get Elain (and Nesta) a gift. What could be making him so nervous to give her a gift? A crush, maybe?

Chapter 12 - The Inner Circle has a Family Dinner

“Elain’s voice was colder than usual. I glanced at Nuala and Cerridwen, the latter giving me a shake of her head as if to say, Not a good day for her.”

Elain has befriended Azriel’s spies to the point where they tell Feyre, Elain’s sister, that it’s not a good day.

“‘Don’t,’ Elain said flatly, starting once more into a walk, veils of steam drifting past her shoulders from the roasted rosemary potatoes in her hands, as if they were Azriel’s shadows.”

Interesting choice of words.

“Azriel emerged from the sitting room, a glass of wine in hand and wings tucked back to reveal his fine, yet simple black jacket and pants. I felt, more than saw, my sister go still as he approached. Her throat bobbed.”

Handsome Azriel walks in and Elain goes still. Her throat bobs. Elain is totally crushing on Azriel.

“But I strode to my seat—nestled between Amren and Mor—in time to see Elain say to Azriel, ‘Hello.’ Az said nothing. No, he just moved toward her. Mor tensed beside me.”

Why would Mor tense up (again)?

“But Azriel only took Elain’s heavy dish of potatoes from her hands, his voice soft as night as he said, ‘Sit. I’ll take care of it.’ Elain’s hands remained in midair, as if the ghost of the dish remained between them. With a blink, she lowered them, and noticed her apron. ‘I—I’ll be right back,’ she murmured, and hurried down the hall before I could explain that no one cared if she showed up to dinner covered in flour and that she should just sit.”

Elain was so shocked that she kept her hands up and then ran off to make herself look presentable. She has it bad.

“One moment, his hand was spearing toward the serving spoon. The next, it was stopped, Azriel’s scarred fingers wrapped around his wrist. ‘Wait,’ Azriel said, nothing but command in his voice. Mor gaped wide enough that I was certain the half-chewed green beans in her mouth were going to tumble onto her plate.”

“Azriel didn’t let go. “Wait until everyone is seated before eating.”

Azriel telling Cassian to wait for Elain to come back before they started eating. How sweet! And again, Mor tenses, gapes, etc. because of Azriel and Elain. Why does she keep doing that? Is it because Azriel is maybe moving on? Is she jealous? Or is it something else?

“Elain swept in, apron gone and hair rebraided. ‘Please don’t wait on my account,’ she said, taking the seat at the head of the table.”

She got all fixed up. Aweee.

“‘I’d feel bad for the mice,’ Azriel muttered. Mor and Cassian howled, earning a blush from Azriel and a grateful smile from Elain—and no shortage of scowling from Amren. But something in me eased at that laughter, at the light that returned to Elain’s eyes.”

After Amren bluntly told Elain that there was no going back to being human and Elain was visibly upset, Azriel told a joke to lighten the mood. Elain shot a grateful smile and Feyre’s was so happy to see a light return to her sister’s eyes.

Chapter 16 - Rhys speaks to Cassian and Azriel

“Azriel strode to the lone window at the end of the room and peered into the garden below.”

Who could be in the garden Azriel?

Chapter 18 - Feyre and Elain talk about Lucien

“‘He brought you a present.’

Those doe-brown eyes turned toward me. Sharper than I’d ever seen them. ‘And that entitles him to my time, my affections?’

‘No.’ I blinked. ‘But he is a good male.’ Despite our harsh words. Despite this Band of Exiles bullshit. ‘He cares for you.’

‘He doesn’t know me.’

‘You don’t give him the chance to even try to do so.’

Her mouth tightened, the only sign of anger in her graceful countenance. ‘I don’t want a mate. I don’t want a male.’

Elain is mad. She doesn’t want a mate or a male. Yet some bond is forcing him on her. She doesn’t want Lucien. A gift isn’t enough to win her over.

More importantly - he doesn’t know her.

Chapter 19 - Winter Solstice

“I made to move toward [Elain], but someone beat me to it. The shadowsinger was clad in a black jacket and pants similar to Rhysand’s—the fabric immaculately tailored and built to fit his wings. He still wore his Siphons atop either hand, and shadows trailed his footsteps, curling like swirled embers, but there was little sign of the warrior otherwise. Especially as he gently said to my sister, “Happy Solstice.” Elain turned from the snow falling in the darkness beyond and smiled slightly.”

Azriel immediately made a move towards Elain to wish her a happy solstice. Again with the gentleness.

“Watching Cassian especially, now standing with Az at the fire. He was the portrait of relaxed, an arm braced against the carved mantel, his wings tucked in loosely, a faint grin on his face and a glass of wine in his hand. He slid his hazel eyes toward my sister without him moving an inch.”

Azriel stealing glances at Elain.

“‘Oh, that’s from me.’

Azriel’s face didn’t so much as shift at the words. Not even a smile as he opened the present and revealed -

‘I had Madja make it for me,’ Elain explained. Azriel’s brows narrowed at the mention of the family’s preferred healer. ‘It’s a powder to mix in with any drink.’

Silence.

Elain bit her lip and then smiled sheepishly. ‘It’s for the headaches everyone always gives you. Since you rub your temples so often.’

Silence again.

Then Azriel tipped his head back and laughed. I’d never heard such a sound, deep and joyous.”

Elain give Azriel a sweet, thoughtful, and funny gift that made Azriel laugh so deep and joyously. That rarely happens with him.

“Azriel mastered himself enough to say, ‘Thank you.’ I’d never seen his hazel eyes so bright, the hues of green amid the brown and gray like veins of emerald. ‘This will be invaluable.’”

Feyre had never seen Azriel’s eyes so bright. Ahhhh.

They’re most definitely friends by this point, with the other chapters hinting that the two are crushing on each other.

Chapter 22 - After the gift giving

“Azriel and Elain remained in the sitting room, my sister showing him the plans she’d sketched to expand the garden in the back of the town house, using the seeds and tools my family had given her tonight. Whether he cared about such things, I had no idea.”

Elain and Azriel stay behind, late at night talking about gardening. Even if it’s not of interest to Azriel, he wanted to be with her. So sweet!

A Court of Silver Flames

Chapter 3 - Cassian tells Nesta that Azriel will be staying with them

“Cassian said tightly, ‘He says he’d rather stay up here than at the river house.’ That made two of them. ‘Why?’

‘I don’t know. He’s Az. He likes his space.’”

Alright so let me start by saying Cassian isn’t as observant. And the readers have more insight. Who stays at the river house? Elain. Why would he want to stay at the house of wind? To avoid her. Why would he want to avoid Elain? Probably because he’s developing feelings for her.

Chapter 19 - Cassian tells Azriel about Elain and Nesta’s fight

“‘Because of the shit with Elain?’

Azriel stilled. ‘What happened to Elain?’

Azriel stilled at the thought of something happening to Elain. Honestly, enough said.

Chapter 21 - Nesta insults Elain

“‘Maybe you’ll become interesting at last, Elain.’

Nesta saw the blow land, like a physical impact, in Elain’s face, her posture. No one spoke, though shadows gathered in the corners of the room, like snakes preparing to strike. Elain’s eyes brightened with pain.”

Azriel’s shadows were prepared to attack in defense of Elain. Sounds like somebody has feelings for Elain...

Chapter 22 - Azriel and Cassian discuss having children

“Cassian looked over at Az. ‘You think you’ll ever be ready for one?’ Ever be ready to confess to Mor what’s in your heart?

‘I don’t know,’ Azriel said.

‘Do you want a child?’

‘It doesn’t matter what I want.’ Distant words—ones that prevented Cassian from prying further.”

So Cassian still thinks Azriel is head over heels in love with Mor. And Azriel responds with distant words, saying it doesn’t matter what he wants. Could what he wants be Elain? The seer whose mate happens to be the son of a high lord?

He could understandably be hurt over that.

“He was still happy to be Mor’s buffer with Azriel, but there’d been a change lately. In both of them. Mor no longer sat beside Cassian, draped herself over him, and Azriel … those longing glances toward her had become few and far between. As if he’d given up. After five hundred years, he’d somehow given up. Cassian couldn’t think why.”

Azriel rarely looks at Mor. There’s been a change. And Cassian has no idea why, after 500 years, Azriel has finally given up.

Elain. Elain is the reason.

Chapter 29 - Amren suggests Elain should look for the trove

“Azriel stiffened, an outright sign of temper from him as he said quietly, ‘There is an innate darkness to the Dread Trove that Elain should not be exposed to.’”

Azriel doesn’t want Elain to be exposed to that darkness. He’s acting protective over her. Like he really cares for her.

Chapter 30 - Azriel and Cassian discuss Feyre’s pregnancy

“‘No. But we need to summon Lucien,’ Azriel said, just a shade tightly, as if he didn’t like it one bit.”

Why wouldn’t Azriel want to summon Lucien? Perhaps he doesn’t want anything to develop between Lucien and his mate, Elain?

He’s jealous.

Chapter 44 - Elain tells the story of how Nesta stole a Duke’s heart

“‘She made ballrooms into battlefields and plotted like any general. Like you two,’ she said, nodding to Cassian, and then, a bit more shyly, to Azriel. Azriel offered her a small smile that Elain quickly looked away from.”

Elain is shy around Azriel, and quickly looks away from his smile. Sounds like a crush.

Chapter 58 - Winter Solstice

“You came,” Elain said behind her, and Nesta started, not having heard her sister approach. She scanned Elain from head to toe, wondering if she’d been taking lessons in stealth either from Azriel or the two half-wraiths she called friends.”

Elain is stealthy, quiet. So much so that Nesta remarks that Azriel or his spies himself may be giving her lessons.

“Azriel stood in the doorway, monitoring them. As if he’d heard Elain’s sharp laugh and wondered what had caused it.

‘I was just checking on dessert,’ Elain explained as they approached the doorway and Azriel. Nesta met the shadowsinger’s stare and he gave her a nod. Then his gaze shifted to Elain, and though it was utterly neutral, something charged went through it. Between them. Elain’s breath caught slightly, and she gave him a shallow nod of greeting before brushing past...”

Azriel heard Elain’s laugh and wanted to see what caused it.

They looked at each other and Elain’s breath caught - something charged in that gaze. It’s obvious now that the two have developed feelings for one another.

“‘Why don’t you sit?’ [Nesta] leaned against the doorway beside the shadowsinger. ‘My shadows don’t like the flames so much.’ A pretty lie. She’d seen Azriel before the fire plenty. But she looked at who sat close to it and knew the answer.

‘Why did you come if it torments you so much?’

‘Because Rhys wants me here. It’d hurt him if I didn’t come.’”

“Shadows darkened his eyes, full of enough pain that she couldn’t stop herself from touching his shoulder. Letting him see that she understood why he stood in the doorway, why he wouldn’t go near the fire.

His secret to tell, never hers.”

Elain and Lucien are by the fire. Nesta quickly picks up on the fact that it torments Azriel to see it. She understands why. She sees the pain in his eyes. Azriel is likely in love or close to in love with Elain and seeing her with a mate pains him. Knowing that he’s not her mate pains him.

Chapter 59 - Post Solstice

“He’d been replaced in training by a stone-faced Azriel, who was more aloof than usual and wouldn’t even give her a smile.”

What happened to put Azriel in such a bad mood?

Azriel Bonus Chapter

This is where Elain and Azriel’s feelings towards each other are confirmed.

This occurs on Winter Solstice - which explains why Azriel acted the way he did and why he “more aloof than usual.”

I’m not going to go into the Gwyn part of the chapter because, in my opinion, it’s not relevant to Azriel and Elain’s relationship.

“Too many razor-sharp thoughts sliced him any time he grew still long enough for them to strike. Too many wants and needs left his skin overheated and pulling taut across his bones.”

Azriel isn’t sleeping because of his desires...

“He was elated for his brother and yet... Azriel couldn’t stop it. The envy in his chest. Of Cassian, and Rhys.”

Azriel is jealous of Cassian and Rhys. Of their mating bonds and their connections.

“The faelights gilded Elain's unbound hair, making her glow like the sun at dawn.

She halted, her breath catching in her throat. ‘I...’ He watched her swallow. She clutched a small gift in her hands. "I was coming to leave this on your pile of presents. I forgot to give it to you earlier.

Lie. Well, the second part was a lie. He didn’t need his shadows to read her tone, the slight tightening of her face.”

Elain’s breath catches when she spots Azriel.

Azriel knows Elain well enough that he can tell when she’s lying.

“Elain closed the distance, and her breathing quickened as she again paused, now a scant foot away. She extended the wrapped gift, her hand shaking. ‘Here.’

Az tried not to look at his scarred fingers as they took the gift. She hadn't bought her mate a present.

But she'd gotten Azriel one last year-a headache powder he kept on his nightstand at the House of Wind. Not to use, but just to look at. Which he'd done every night he’d slept there. Or attempted to sleep there.”

Elain is so nervous to give Azriel his gift!

Azriel looked at the gift she gave him last year every night... They both have it bad for each other.

I won’t bother to quote it, but Elain gifts Azriel another thoughtful gift - ear plugs to drown out Cassian and Nesta.

“He left the rest unspoken. Because her mate had been in the family room and Azriel had needed to stay by the door the whole time because he couldn't stand the sight of it, the scent of their mating bond, and needed to have the option of leaving if it became too much.”

This is what Nesta observed and understood. Azriel was so tormented by Elain having a mate that he couldn’t go near her.

“Elain's large brown eyes flickered, well aware of all that. Just as he knew she was well aware of why Azriel so rarely came to family dinners these days.”

Understanding between the two of them. Like she knew he liked her but they wouldn’t act on it. Why though?

“Elain sucked in a soft breath that whispered over his skin. His shadows skittered back at the sound. They'd always been prone to vanish when she was around.”

Azriel’s shadows always vanished around Mor, the woman he loved for 500 years. Now they do the same around Elain.

“His head went quiet. But he took the necklace, opening the clasp as she exposed her back, sweeping her hair up in one hand to bare her long, creamy neck.

“He knew it was wrong, but there he was, sliding the necklace around her. Letting his scarred fingers touch her immaculate skin. Letting them brush the side of her throat, savoring the velvet-soft texture. Elain shivered, and he took a damn long time fastening the clasp.”

This confirms that there is sexual attraction and romantic feelings between the Elain and Azriel. She shivered. He savored the texture of her skin.

18+ below!!!

“It had never gone this far. They'd exchanged looks, the occasional brush of their fingers, but never this. Never blatant, unrestricted touching. Wrong - it was so wrong. He didn't care.

He needed to know what the skin of her neck tasted like. What those perfect lips tasted like. Her breasts. Her sex. He needed her coming on his tongue.

Azriel's cock strained behind his pants, aching so fiercely he could hardly think. He prayed she didn't peer down. Prayed she didn't under stand the shift in his scent.”

Azriel is so turned on. He needs Elain. Yet, the touching is wrong to him. Wrong because perhaps he doesn’t feel like he’s enough for her.

“He had only allowed himself these thoughts in the dead of night. Had only allowed his hand to fist his cock and think about her then, when even his shadows had gone to sleep. How that beautiful face might appear as he entered her, what sounds she'd make.”

Azriel thinks of Elain at night and pleasures himself to him.

“‘I should go,’ Elain said, but made no move to leave. ‘Yes,’ he said, his thumb sweeping in long strokes along the side of her throat. Her arousal drifted up to him, and his eyes nearly rolled back in his head at the sweet scent. He’d beg on his knees for a chance to taste it.”

Eyes rolling, beg on his knees... Sounds a lot like how Rhys and Cassian react to Feyre and Nesta.

“So close one deep breath would brush her breasts against his chest. She looked up at him, her face so trusting and hopeful and open that he knew she had no idea that he had done unspeakable things that sullied his hands far beyond his scars. Such terrible things that it was sacrilege for his fingers to touch her skin, tainting her with his presence.”

That’s why he keeps making self-deprecating comments - he doesn’t feel worthy that somebody like him (a man who tortures for his job) would touch her.

“Azriel’s hand slip up her neck, burying in her thick hair. Tilting her face the way he wanted it. Elain's mouth parted slightly, her eyes scanning his before fluttering shut. Offer and permission. He nearly groaned with relief and need as he lowered his head toward hers.”

Elain and Azriel are about to kiss! That is, until Rhysand commands him to stop.

“His stomach twisted as he pulled his hand from her hair and stepped back. Forced himself to say, ‘This was a mistake.’ She opened her eyes, hurt and confusion warring there before she whispered, ‘I’m sorry.’

‘You don't- don't apologize, he managed to say. ‘Never apologize. It's I who should...’ He shook his head, unable to stand the bleakness he’d brought to her expression. ‘Goodnight.’”

So Rhysand stops the almost kiss and now Elain feels rejected. Azriel is devastated for having to stop and see the hurt he inflicted.

“Rhys's power rippled through the room like a dark cloud. ‘I’m talking about you, about to kiss Elain, in the middle of a hall where anyone could see you,’ he snarled. ‘Including her mate.’

Rhys is angry in this scene that Azriel may risk starting a feud between courts - the autumn court where Lucien is from (yes, Helion is his father but as of now, Beron believes himself to be Lucien’s father).

“‘What if the Cauldron was wrong?...The Cauldron chose three sisters. Tell me how it’s possible that my two brothers are with two of those sisters yet the third was given to another.’ He had never before dared speak the words aloud.

Azriel questions the Cauldron. Why were my brothers chosen? Why wasn’t I chosen? Why am I never chosen? Why can’t I just be with the person I want to be with?

Azriel isn’t saying he deserves her or not. He’s questioning fate.

He’s upset. He’s angry. He’s lonely. He’s heartbroken.

“Azriel said nothing. He hadn't gotten that far with his planning, certainly not beyond the fantasies he pleasured himself to. Rhys growled, ‘Allow me to make one thing very clear. You are to stay away from her.’

‘You can't order me to do that.’”

Azriel doesn’t want to listen to Rhysand. Azriel made his feelings clear - he can’t be ordered to stay away from Elain because of his feelings for her.

Then, Rhys again mentions the Blood Duel. That Lucien could invoke it should Elain and Azriel pursue something.

“Rhys bared his teeth. ‘So you will leave Elain alone. If you need to fuck someone, go to a pleasure hall and pay for it, but stay away from her.’”

Azriel snarled softly.

His snarl indicates there is way more than just lust between Elain and Azriel.

So that’s it.

Azriel and Elain went from acquaintances, to friends, to crushes, to almost lovers and the bonus point of view makes it clear that they have both romantic and sexual feelings towards each other.

It set up the theme for the next book - a forbidden love story where Elain and Azriel must overcome fate itself to be with each other.

#I didn't mean to make it this long #I had sooo many things highlighted I didn't even realize #elriel #elain #elain archeron #azriel #acotar #acomaf #acowar #acosaf #acosf #acotar theory #mine

626 notes · View notes

mrpenguinpants · 3 years

Text

Xiao: Affection HCs

Told ya it would be a spoiler. But tytyy You’re all lovely people and ty for the continued support 💕Hopefully tumblr doesn’t eat this one so I can stop double posting. I pray everyday that this will get him home assuming Childe doesn’t eat all my primogems.

1.1 is coming and I’m not ready. Plus the 6th fatui harbinger looks so pretty??? Side note, I’ve been listening to Maria Z – More and I’ve never related more to a song out of context than right now aha.

[taglist] <- if you want to be added, please read this first.

@hanniejji @mikeysbike @unionwitch

Semi Part 1: Friendship

Semi Part 2: Falling in Love

Semi Part 3: Cuddles

Semi Part 4: Protective

Semi Part 6: Jealously

Semi Part 7: First Kiss

Semi Part 8: Opposites Attract

Semi Part 9: String of Fate [Soulmate] HCs

Semi Part 10: [ Fainting ]

---

Xiao: Affection HCs

When you both finally got together and you wanted to surprise him with a back hug, he almost threw you over his shoulder. Luckily, he caught himself so you didn’t end up with a sore back or go flying off the railing. He would definitely catch you but Xiao might never be able to look at you again if he did. Even though Xiao has been alive for a long time, he doesn’t necessarily get the opportunity to share or receive affection.

He doesn’t truly mind if you’re affectionate even if it does make him a bit stiff. He’ll ask that you take your affection slowly and preferably give him a small warning or sign. When you go in for a hug he might fumble with his hands slightly before awkwardly resting them on your back. It’s a slow and steady process in the beginning but it’s worth it.

While Xiao has a reputation to keep, he’s thankful that you’re fine with initiating affection. He’s not good at hugs or holding your hand plus it makes him feel a bit shy to ask permission to do so. So the fact that you’re so comfortable in doing these loving acts with him makes him feel happy. He doesn’t like to admit he’s a bit touch starved but it’s only when you’re away on trips that he really feels that inch in his chest.

Sometimes it can be a bit too much for him so he might push you away, just for a bit. You’re overflowing affection might be a bit too overwhelming for him to handle that he need’s a couple minutes to calm his heartbeat down and accept that yes, this is reality and he’s not alone anymore.

Overtime he’ll slowly adopt your caring nature but to an extent. He’s lived relativity in solitude and while he is touched starved, he does like his personal space. He won’t suddenly start swinging you around or wax poetry together, but you’ll both find a balance in timing and Xiao’s comfort levels which he appreciates more than he’s able to say.

Xiao’s love language isn’t with words so whenever you compliment him or tell him you care about his wellbeing so sincerely, he might freeze up. He’ll either fumble with his words but more often then not, he silently nod and accept your words. Don’t take it too much to heart, he just doesn’t know how to handle praise from someone he cares a lot about.

It’s a bit of a give and receive deal with him. If you do something for him, like make almond tofu, he’ll hold your hand or let you coddle him while he eats. He’s never been in a relationship before so these things and cues aren’t natural for him. If you’re too shy to ask for affection this is a way to convey your feelings.

If he ever get’s jealous he’ll be a bit more forward. He might take a page out of your book and wrap his arms around you from behind to direct your attention somewhere else. However, if you get hurt that’s when his protective switch flips on. He won’t immediately jump on you but he’s softer and always has a hand on you, be it your back or wrist. Anywhere where he can feel a heartbeat.

Whenever he’s feeling a bit lonely or just want’s to feel comfort, he’ll slowly inch his hand next to yours and slowly lace your fingertips together. You’ll look at him curiously as you study his features. Looking for cues that only you would recognize as you slowly curl your fingers around his until your palm meets his. When he doesn’t react, you grin and hum happily as he huffs a bit looking away.

If you’ve been gone from the inn for a while he might humour a welcome back hug but it’s nothing too grand. While you’re squeezing the metaphorical life out of him he’ll calmly rest his hands on your waist and welcome you back.

It’s always amusing to Verr whenever she manages to catch a glimpse of you and Xiao. When you have to leave the inn to go on another journey Xiao will give you a quick goodbye hug and parting words. Xiao’s arms are gentle around you while yours squeeze around him to try and commit to memory his warmth.

“Try not to be too hard on the hilichurls,” you quietly laugh into his shoulder as he huffs before placing his head on top of yours, closing his eyes.

“It’s an adepti’s responsibility to make sure Liyue is safe,” he mutters into your hair as you laugh at his response.

“Mhm, of course! You can be honest with me you know. I promise I won’t tell anyone,” you say fondly even if there is a hint of amusement lacing your words. You already know the underlining words he want’s to say but you can’t help but poke a bit of fun at him.

She can’t hear what Xiao say’s but judging from your flustered look she can take a couple guesses. He gently tilts your chin up and places a small kiss on your forehead as your face flushes even more before you stutter and push him away to hide your embarrassment. She turns away and continues back on her work as she hears you say a final goodbye to Xiao as you climb down the stairs. She waves goodbye back at you when you pass her and wishes you luck on wherever the wind takes you.

“Heading out Xiao?” she asks as she peer’s up to the roof to see Xiao standing on the railing, spear in hand. He’s lost the softness in his features now even though it’s only been a couple seconds since you left.

He gives her a quick glance before nodding, slipping his mask on, and jumping off. She sighs a bit under her breath when the adepti is out of sight. If he acted like that normally he would be a rather popular adepti, but at least she knows that what he says and feels for you are genuine. Though, as she muses sorting papers, she can at least say she’s seen the aloof yaksha smile.

#genshin impact #genshin impact fluff #genshin impact x reader #genshin impact headcanons #genshin imagines #genshin impact imagines #genshin impact xiao #xiao x reader #genshin xiao headcanons #genshin xiao imagines #genshin x reader #genshin impact fanfiction #genshin fanfic #xiao x lumine #xiao x aether #xiao headcanons

2K notes · View notes

lupically · 3 years

Text

#97DB88 | BENNETT.

genre | angst, (unofficially) soulmate au

word count | 1885

warning | none

note | hello anon (ˊ•͈ ◡ •͈ˋ) thank you so much for requesting! i hope this is what you are going for (even though... soulmate aus are usually more fluff than angst...)!

request | from anon

the portal stood in the middle of the storm, swirling, haunting, tempting.

the stormterror had descended without a warning, creating a massive storm in mondstadt that was impossible to miss even from miles away. you and bennett were lucky enough to have been able to head back behind city walls before the wind barrier took over and created a dome around the living space.

it was not safe inside the city, but compared to being stranded outside, you two would much rather be with the others on the inside.

your first plan was to find fischl just in case that girl would get herself stuck in some trouble. you two made it past the stairs, which took some mighty effort because of the strong whirlwind, and you were about to follow bennett and head to one of the residential buildings when a familiar fight caught the corner of your eye.

you stopped to take a closer look at it.

a portal.

no, not just any portal.

it was the same portal that appeared on the roof of your apartment building back on earth, it was the same portal you recklessly entered before you found yourself in mondstadt, your body hitting the head of an unfortunate boy you have now come to know as a loyal friend.

clutching your fists together, you huffed out a breath of immense disbelief as you glared at the blue-black object.

you, and bennett, have been through heaven and hell trying to find a way back to where you belong. for a while, after all the errors and failures, you had even thought about waving your earthly life a farewell and simply settling in mondstadt for the rest of your life.

the thought of staying in mondstadt was not too bad of an idea, of course. the future you could pursue in teyvat with a vision and a sword was infinitely more interesting and exciting than the future you could have chased on earth with a textbook and a degree.

not to mention your friendship with bennett was surely an irreplaceable one. you two have ventured into dark forests together, solved ancient puzzles, and held your hands through dungeons with each other. but, most importantly, whenever night flows and you two would giggle in his bedroom, with you sleeping on his bed and him laying on a mattress set on the ground just next to it.

you have shared nights with him for so long now, you were unsure if you could ever fill the hole of his shape in your earth bedroom.

but, still, you could never abandon the thought of leaving your family and your friends behind; people who have raised and loved you, as well as people you grew up with. your heart would not let you forget the memories you have made with them. whenever you are close to giving up, reminiscence brushes past your body and brings you the smell of your mother's smell and the sound of your best friend's laugher.

ah... just when you thought you were returning home again, here you were, standing before the gateway back to earth in the middle of a dragon's tantrum. if you had plans to go back to earth now, this would be your chance.

flashes of your childhood memories occupied your mind as you took a brave step forward, then another, and another. visions of your friends and your family flooded into your head as you made your way against the stormterror's wind; you were smiling and thinking about the exciting reunion with your pets, or even the disbelieving looks you would get from your best friend when you tell them about mondstadt, about teyvat, about archons and dragons.

just a few more steps and you would be home. just a few more—

"[name]!"

a hand curled around your wrist and halted your movement. you turned around immediately, your gaze shaking with returning light when you found bennett behind you.

he has his hand up to his face, a poor attempt to block out the wind that continuously blew dust and air into his squinted eyes. looking at you, his gaze was nothing short of urgent. "what are you doing? we should head home and take cover! we can't fight the stormterror!"

"i... bennett... i found..." you looked at him, then you nudged your head behind your shoulder at the blazing portal, "the portal... i found the portal..."

he stared at you for a second. his eyes moved between you and the oval-shaped portal emitting vividly behind you. the gears turned in his head before, against all odds that burned in his chest, he perked up and tightened his grip on your wrist excitedly.

"the portal!" he exclaimed, his eyes deadly focused on the floating object. "like the one we have been looking for? the one that can send you home?"

"yeah." you nodded.

"that's good, isn't it? we have been searching for it for so long!" he said, shaking your arm excitedly as the concept of departure took its sweet time to settle in his head. "you can go home!"

you softened. "i can go home."

you felt a heavy churning in your stomach as soon as you saw bennett—the first person you met on this unthinkable journey. albeit you actually dropped onto him when you fell from the sky so the first encounter was against both of your will, he was still your first friend in teyvat, and he has stuck with you ever since.

your journey together replayed like an adventure movie in your head. his willingness to look for an exit with you, his selflessness in choosing to take care of you, his protectiveness whenever you both encounter danger along the way—bennett has truly been the kindest to you, and you weren't sure if you could deal with missing him when you leave.

as if he could read your mind (you would not be surprised if he actually could), bennett flashed you a bright smile—always, always a bright smile—as he took your hands in his carefully and held it before his chest. there was laugher in his voice, a form of boyish relaxation that only he would be able to exude underneath the wrath of his unfortunate destiny.

"now, now! you better not be hesitating about going back home, [name]!" he said in a scolding manner. "as much as i want you to stay in mondstadt with me, i don't think i can be selfish enough to hold you back from being with your family again."

"well, i for one know that... if the situation is reversed and i was in your family's shoes..." he hummed and rolled his eyes up in thought, then he returned to his grin. "it would be great that you met new friends somewhere else, but ultimately, i would still want you to come back home, so i think your parents may be thinking the same thing too!"

you pursed your lips together.

you knew he was just saying it to make you feel better about wanting to leave. you knew him just as much as he knew you, and you could read him just as clearly as he could read him.

there was a glassy plain of tears before his eyes, wobbling in front of the beautiful jade windows. he was not smiling with his eyes, either, like he always does whenever he was with you.

it took minimal cues for you to understand that it was straining him to pretend as if he was happy and dandy about you going home, but somehow he kept on the happy facade even though it was tearing him to shreds.

because bennett saw in your hesitation that you were not having trouble deciding because you wanted to be with him more than you wanted to go home, but because you were worried that he would be left alone after your departure. it was not because of him, personally, that you felt reluctant, and that alone was enough for bennett to let you go.

if you had hesitated because you wanted to be with him, he would have fought for you to stay with all he could. but you didn't, he could see; even though you two were so close, even though the proximity of your souls were vivid and warm, there was a more familiar home for you somewhere else.

bennett only wanted you to be comfortable and happy back where you could feel like you belong. if it was eath that could provide it, he can let you go. he can do that.

"you're not leaving me alone, [name]," he said, "so don't worry. i'll be okay."

you two have talked about it once. the unlikely coincidence that he was the person you fall onto out of everyone else in mondstadt, and the uncanny chance that you two managed to hit it off so well too. you two were like souls that were crafted together and got lost on the path to existence; soulmates separated by time and dimensions, but soulmates, nonetheless.

if bennett could just remember that.

"it's your home," he whispered.

"it's my home," you repeated softly, gripping his hands back.

taking a step forward, you released his hands and reached up for your hair. you took off the clip you have been using to keep your hair away from your eyes, then you moved forward and carefully placed it into bennett's hair. your hand slowly glided the side of his face, your eyes focused on his features to engrave his face in your memory. when your finger reached the tip of his jaw, you leaned in and planted a chaste kiss on his cheek.

"thank you so much for everything, bennett," you said.

"i–ah! you're wel–welcome," he mumbled as he fidgetted nervously.

ah! this is the worst circumstance to be kissed for the first time!

he was quick to collect himself and grinned at you. he was smiling from his eyes this time. "well, what are you waiting for? off you go, now!"

your lips quirked down into a bitter smile. your legs felt heavy when they knew they were to walk away from bennett. standing on your spot, you gently pressed your forehead against his, bumping against his goggles lightly as you whispered a tender farewell.

and he stood in the middle of the storm to make sure you left with the portal before he could dare himself to find shelter. bennett smiled to himself when the portal disappeared from before the water fountain; he was officially standing in a mondstadt without you.

as he turned around to look for shelter, he reminded himself to remember the soulmate theory you two established playfully together.

soulmates who are separated, soulmates who are far away, but all is well despite that, because he will kiss you from a thousand worlds away if he has to, and he will hold you through all the time and spaces the universe could offer. if given the chance, if one day the universe decides to fight for your reunion again, he will run, fly, crawl to you.

"soulmates," bennett whispered under his breath, and before he made his way to someone hiding in a restaurant, he wiped away the tears that rolled down his cheeks.

#genshin x reader #genshin imagines #genshin impact imagines #genshin x you #genshin impact x reader #genshin scenarios #genshin impact x you #genshin impact #genshin bennett #genshin bennett x reader #genshin impact bennett #bennett #bennett imagines #bennett x reader #genshin impact scenarios

159 notes · View notes

saezurufeels · 3 years

Text

It’s the year of realizing things

It’s been too long since I’ve talked about Yashiro, so I’m back with more feelings. This time, while I was re-reading a few chapters it struck me that Yashiro’s intelligence deceived me into believing that he was all-around “smart.” But, even though he is perceptive, he’s also surprisingly unaware of his own and others’ emotions sometimes- or wilfully ignores them until he can no longer.

Mostly I’ll be talking about the shower/confession scene in chapter 23, which I’ll admit, confused me for a long time. There is so much dialogue and so many visual cues, that I had no idea where to even start analyzing. I was so overwhelmed, that very sentence and expression turned cryptic and it felt like the tiniest clue could mean a million different things. So, I just let that chapter exist somewhere in the back of my mind while I focused all my energy on other aspects of saezuru.

But today I was sent on a journey of realization when I started reading the warehouse scene (chapter 33), where Y and D have an honest conversation just before Yashiro shoots Doumeki in the leg. I couldn’t get past Doumeki’s vulnerability and hurt (😭). At one point D tells Y “you’re different from the others,” getting a wide-eyed look from Y. Now, obviously that’s Doumeki’s way of telling Yashiro that they’re soulmates, and I’m not even gonna reference that statement because it’s common knowledge. But then I thought, based off of Yashiro’s indecipherable expression, that there might be something more behind those words. So, I went on a quest to understand it and along the way I accidentally solved my own confusion about the meaning of chapter 23.

I mean, I knew there was something special about Yashiro opening up to Doumeki; but I was too focused on looking at it from an abused child’s perspective, that the whole reference to Kageyama went over my head. I didn’t understand it, because I didn’t realize that Yashiro's anger stems from how Kageyama treated him in their teenage years.

Back to chapter 23. Yashiro is sitting in the shower fully clothed and exploring every thought that comes to mind, like a stream of consciousness, which is cleverly represented by the running shower. He doesn’t know why he’s feeling angry. Then he feels like he’s forgetting something and tries to remember what Doumeki said before, which was: “I’ve lost my self-control. I highly respect you. I always want to be by your side. But my feelings for you were always more than that. Out of all people, I’m drawn to you so strongly that I can’t hold myself back. I’m sorry.” Yashiro finally realizes that he has been misinterpreting Doumeki’s words and feelings all along. When Doumeki said “You’re different from the others” he didn’t mean it in the way that Kageyama meant it when they were in high school, which was “you’re pitiful because you’re alone.” Doumeki simply means that he has never been so enchanted, so in love with someone before, which makes Yashiro different.

But Yashiro never felt alone in Kageyama’s presence; it was only after Kageyama said he pities Y for being alone, that Yashiro felt the “loneliness of loving another man.” We know this because in that same conversation K said Y is alone, Yashiro had a look of confusion and asked Kageyama for clarification (”alone?”); and later when Yashiro arrived home, he recalled Kageyama’s emotional expression at his dad’s funeral because he was happy to see that Yashiro came. That’s when Yashiro broke down in tears and thought “people are full of contradictions.”

Because of this specific incident and his general unrequited love for Kageyama, I believe that Yashiro is afraid of falling in love with men because he assumes he will be rejected by them and have to go through the pain of feeling like he was always alone. If he is rejected, he would have to re-frame moments and memories to reflect an accurate image, which means having to realize that the other person meant more to him than he did to them. And that is a cruel, painful and heartbreaking experience that no one deserves to go through. Yashiro has every right to be careful about falling in love.

When Doumeki came into Yashiro’s life, things took a sudden turn. Yashiro was almost never alone; Doumeki was always there, either on his bed or next to it, on the other side of the door, or in front of it, standing by his residence or following him down the street. Doumeki never left his side, unless he was instructed to do so by Yashiro himself. So, in chapter 23 Yashiro comes to the realization that Doumeki is different from “him,” (Kageyama), and is not looking at Yashiro with those same (pitiful) eyes, and in turn neither does he pity Doumeki the same way he took sympathy on Kageyama. Instead, Yashiro says, he found Doumeki so cute and wanted to keep him, but was too afraid of how this lifestyle could easily harm Doumeki, and if that happened, Yashiro doesn’t know what it would do to him.

So, although I focused a lot on Yashiro childhood sexual abuse to explain his mental processing, it was never quite enough to really give me a full understanding of his character. I mistakenly brushed Kageyama’s effect on Yashiro’s life under the rug, because I assumed it was part of an unimportant past that Yashiro has long since forgotten. But this explains why falling in love feels like ripping off a band-aid for Yashiro. This is why he has reoccurring nightmares of being followed by Doumeki, but when he turns around, there is no one by his side. Yashiro doesn’t want to be alone, but he feels like he has no other choice. Making Doumeki run his little gangster errands could get him killed, and then Yashiro would truly have no one.

I think Yashiro must have been tremendously disappointed to see Doumeki back with the yakuza 4 years later. Actually, I don’t know if disappointment is the right word. Yashiro gave up his own happiness to protect Doumeki; 4 years of happiness out of the window, only for Doumeki to continue this dangerous lifestyle. I think Yashiro probably feels like he failed in some way, not only to save Doumeki, but also to convince himself that he did the right thing. Now Yashiro has to confront an angry Doumeki, who feels abandoned and who has people questioning his integrity as a yakuza (which Doumeki obviously doesn’t care about, but Yashiro feels responsible for).

Anyways, it’s nice to see Yashiro and Doumeki finally talking about their feelings, however passive-aggressively, rather than waiting for one of them to get hard before having a panic attack and realizing you’re in love 🙃

#analysis #yashiro #doumeki #saezuru tori wa habatakanai #chapter 23 #chapter 33

67 notes · View notes

helena-thessaloniki · 3 years

Note

Hi Helena! Big fan of your writing here🥺♥️ Your rivamika fics are my safe space 😭 (if you have time to answer) i’d love to know when you first started shipping them, why, and what made you continue to love this ship (or anything else to do with your journey as an RM shipper)? i love your characterisation of both levi and mikasa individually, but even more so, your portrayal of their dynamic as a couple, which is why i wanted to ask so badly ☺️ x

Hey anon! Oh woah, first of all, thank you so much. Second of all, oh god, you probably shouldn't have handed me the mic. heh 😅

I’m afraid to look at the word count of this response, I’m sure it’s much more than you bargained for, but I appreciate the question and enjoyed thinking through my response (: Most importantly, I’m so glad you find my stories as a safe space. It’s really an honor. Thank you for sharing with me 🖤🖤

TL; DR As a longtime reader, writer and lover of stories and story-telling, by being someone who pays attention to how stories are crafted and deliberately developed from beginning to end, I sincerely thought Isayama was setting up rivamika as an endgame relationship. So, I read into and interpreted meaning out of ALL their interactions and became deeply invested.

I don’t necessarily ship them cause of the parallels, age gap, enemies to lover trope, height difference, or some of those common reasons and/or kinks. I’m more basic and boring than that. I love the concept of them coming together as though it’s inevitable.

They both are unbelievably strong, selfless, and have suffered so much loss— so, no one else could truly understand them as well as they can understand each other. They both probably would have always settled for a stable, simple life, and been alone and lonely even without realizing it— instead, they find each other, and realize what it means to actually no longer be alone, to do more than just survive. It’s this understated bond, as opposed to a dramatic and passionate romance, that I envision in them and that I love so much.

Then, the passion, heat, the romantic "spark"— I think that’s an added bonus, the cherry on top, the perfect final puzzle piece. They’re both so physically capable, can speak through their actions, and don’t show much need or capacity for emotional/ verbal communication, so the ability to connect with each other through physical intimacy and mind-blowing sex seems like another given.

Still, at the end of the day, for me it comes back to their ability to fully depend on each other, to the inevitability. Not like some soulmate trope where they 'have no choice' in it, but like the stars aligned to prove it's right. How each of them have only one other person on the whole planet who could see and understand them, to be on par with them, to make them realize there’s more to life than settling and surviving, and they happen to find it in each other.

You asked, I rambled 😅 Here’s a breakdown of my thought process in my rivamika journey. For those who make it to the end or want to skip to the end, I'll finish with the excerpt of the very first rivamika scene I felt compelled to to write.

I've tried before to re-watch and remember the exact scenes, exact moments, that initially captured my full attention, but I guess it was all of them, the gradual and cumulative compilation of their earliest interactions.

Mikasa always appearing cool and indifferent, and paying no attention whatsoever to others fawning over, like Jean initially falling for her, but then her strongly reacting over Levi in the courtroom showed how uniquely capable he was at getting under her skin.

Of course, the scene in the forest chasing the Female Titan was a critical one. I think of that as the first time both Levi and Mikasa were truly able to see the other's strength, mental and physical. And for them, orphans and trauma survivors who have suffered extensive loss, I think that seeing strength in another person made them feel less alone. Less alone in a deep, quiet but cataclysm, life-altering sort of way, even if not a romantic one. Like they didn't know it was something they didn't have, something they didn't expect to get from life, but then found it with each other.

(Even when we found out Levi was an Ackerman, I was disappointed if it meant they were immediate relatives, but willing to accept it wouldn't be a romantic end to loneliness, it would be a familial end to loneliness. But... the author never explored that. Not once.)

In that forest scene, manga and anime, the way that Levi pauses to really look and see Mikasa and think about who she is, what she’s gone through, and how strong and dedicated she is now— that was a defining moment. It was also a visual demonstration of Levi breaking character, from aloof and ruthless, to considering and curious. I thought Yams was showing both of them do that on purpose.

Then, Levi getting hurt because of Mikasa in that scene felt like another clue. Sure, it was while saving Eren, and sure, it could have been meant to humanize super-soldier Levi, or sure, it could have been another aspect of how Mikasa rushing into things over Eren ends up hurting other people that later changes in her character development, but it felt like a very pointed statement about Mikasa being a vulnerability for Levi. And that's swoon-worthy, right? Most of us have been exposed to and conditioned by stories about how special and romantic it is to be the one and only girl who can make an otherwise disinterested or unattainable guy actually pay attention to her, and so admittedly I fall right for it.

I’m sure I’m forgetting plenty, but the opening of season 3 felt like confirmation. When Levi figures out Kenny's behind things and entrusts Mikasa with instructions to share with the others, instructions about fighting people instead of titans that ultimately everyone else besides her struggles with, and when Mikasa lets Levi hold her back from chasing after Eren, her most important way of trusting and having faith in Levi, I honestly took that as cues from the author that rivamika was endgame. I let myself get truly invested from then on. That’s that understated bond I was referring to. To me, that unspoken but undeniable trust is the most important dynamic.

Seeing them fight together or fight similarly has always been fun and powerful and fulfilling.

I'm newer to the snk club. I was originally an anime-only fan and started watching in fall 2019, I think. I wasn't on tumblr, twitter, or anything else to see fandom discourse. So, I didn't know that the rooftop scene of Mikasa fighting Levi over the serum was such a staple for our ship until much later. I love the scene just like many do for all the reasons we do, but I don't think the actual scene was pivotal for me, so much as it's aftermath. I thought it represented two things.

One, it was an important marker in Levi's characterization. Hands-down one of the most striking scenes to me is the one where Levi is in the alley, somber and alone, listening in on Eren, Armin, and Mikasa talking together. It artfully shows his longing for hope and connection. So, when Levi chose Armin for the serum, that represented Levi choosing hope. And when Mikasa ultimately gave up fighting Levi and didn't choose Armin, which Armin finds out about later on, I see that as an important marker in Mikasa's development. It puts a wedge between her and Armin/Eren [Armin, because he knows she would have let him die, and Eren, because Armin is too special to him and he couldn't look at her the same way after realizing she would have let him die]. That distance between her and her childhood friends is one I don't think could ever be healed completely, one of those painful lessons in growing up. By doing that, it then also puts a distance in Mikasa's own childhood self to her current self. I thought that matured her and separated her out in a way that was another clue toward eventual rivamika developments.

That's a whole other conversation on Mikasa, but I’ll stay on track. Her love for Armin was absolutely authentic and fierce, but at the end of the day, at the core of her being, she chose survival over hope. Meanwhile, Levi chose hope over survival. To me, that was soft, fertile ground for the reasons why eventually, if/when Mikasa found hope and chose hope, that could directly tie together with her inevitably in coming together with Levi. Again, less butterflies and fireworks, but more natural and in a way that was just a given.

I wrote Beyond the Walls before reading the manga from the Marley Arc and on, so that's why most of that story is her journey into embracing that hope. *manga spoilers* There's a lot of meta, criticism and talk about Mikasa's silent, off-screen and subtle style of character development in the Marley Arc and afterward. I won't go down that road, I'm still processing the end of the manga to be honest, but I think it's fair to say she does eventually end up choosing hope over survival when she lets go of Eren and saves humanity instead. I love the “Stay with Me” line and think it’s perfect; a simple but profound display of trust and their deep-rooted bond in a really understated way. *end manga spoilers*

Here's something I always wanted to talk about in full but haven't. It honestly reads to me like Yams was building toward rivamika, and didn’t do anything to stop that until too late. There are tools authors can use to ensure we stop shipping a pair or start shipping a new one; love triangles are commonly used in every artistic medium and we’ve all been persuaded by these tools. But Yams didn’t use these tools to make sure readers didn’t feel convinced by rivamika. For all the reasons I listed above, more I'm forgetting, and for the following:

If he wanted us to think they were family and it would be incest, he should have added in a conversation between them realizing they were (close) family and that they weren't the only ones left in their biological family like they thought. But he didn't.

If he wanted us to think it was completely inappropriate between a child-and-adult and student-and-teacher, then he could have done something to ensure Mikasa looked childish or Levi looked older, but no. They barely look ten years apart. I do think it's unacceptable and that there's a power imbalance between a child-and-adult relationship regardless of that, and that there can't be true consent when one is a superior and another a subordinate, so I personally age-up Mikasa in my head and try to handle his position of power responsibly in my writings... but the point being, by the end of canon, there's no inappropriate or non-consensual romance between them, yet there's a lot of history and chemistry that could naturally lead to an age-appropriate and consensual relationship. If Yams didn't want us to think so, he could have made it more clear that there were reasons it wouldn't happen.

The only thing that makes sense to me is the author planned on rivamika endgame but was shamed/pressured out of it (either internally or due to others) OR that the author somehow accidentally created such vibrant chemistry and an incredible dynamic between them. Like, he didn't put enough convincing substance of eremika in, didn't make Levi look old enough, didn’t have one of them do something unforgivable in the other’s eyes, etc. Those are some of those tools he could have used. Romance was never a key component in snk. And since we now know Yams planned or needed eremika endgame for sake of plot and the conclusion of the manga, I personally think he didn't know what to do with the riveting rivamika substance and chemistry being much more convincing to readers. Once he had them so well built-up, maybe the only option he felt he had was to just stop putting the characters together. We get little-to-no rivamika interaction, platonic or practical, after season 3 all the way up until the very end. But there was so much of it beforehand ?? So, it simply doesn't make sense. I think the author just straight-up cut any and all interactions out between them because it was too convincing and moving, more convincing and substantial than eremika. But, as the end of canon shows, we needed to have some eremika buy-in. It's messy writing and unskilled in the romance department, but considering for how long and how complicated snk has been in a creative process and how lackluster the eremika romance (the main and apparently pivotal romance) is developed, I think it’s plausible to say the author effed up.

As far as writing fanfiction goes, there's just so much room to explore them. In canon, we aren't given enough insight into their individual perspectives, let alone their dynamic together, so it feels like a blank canvas to work from. I think that's part of why I love to write them, and also why I don't necessarily read much of them. When I first started shipping them while watching the anime, I read a few of the classics that were canon-verse, but I haven’t really read much since. For me, exploring and discovering them as a writer is the most fun. (It's one of the reasons Naruto and Harry Potter have such large fanfiction collections. There's so much world-building and so many characters, but there's also so much left to the imagination.)

In general, I'm drawn to strong characters, especially women, who are multidimensional enough to be real, vulnerable and soft. Mikasa is the pinnacle of that. I don’t necessarily like to write about her love or infatuation with Eren, but I do respect and admire and consider it integral to her character and her amazing capacity to love. We can have strong, kickass women who falter when it comes to love but are still considered strong for it. The two don’t have to be mutually exclusive and Mikasa is a beautiful example of that.

And Levi is strong, but real and vulnerable too; he’s honestly a fantastically developed character, from Petra explaining to Eren in the beginning how he’s not the amazing hero he’s painted to be to the public, to how Levi genuinely cares for Erwin and others and chooses hope despite all he’s suffered.

The end of the manga wrecked me a bit. Kind of like Games of Thrones. You have something that was so epic and well-done for so long, a rushed ending that isn't immediately sensical and isn't fulfilling is hard to stomach. Eventually, I'll move on from the denial of that and process what I think and feel about it. The whole reason we have fanfiction is to expand on canon, but it's made me put rivamika on the back burner until I figure it out. So I'm a little less hyper-fixated on the pairing right now even though interacting with you all and asks like this remind me what brought me here in the first place. 😊

To conclude, I’ll share that the very first rivamika content I wrote was a compilation of moments I thought could be inserted into season 3. These are still moments I plan to edit and publish one day. For anyone that actually read this far, I’ll put a rough and unedited excerpt of the first scene I ever wrote about them.

Thank you again anon 🖤😊

BEGIN EXCERPT [after the rooftop fight for the serum, immediately following the ceremony where Eren touched Historia by kissing her hand]:

Part of her was embarrassed at such a flagrant act of disobedience to a superior, especially to one who saved her and countless others' lives in the past. But mostly, she was anguished by the situation Captain Levi put her in once he revoked the serum meant to save Armin and planned to use it on Commander Erwin instead. Her current ostracization and self-loathing was not entirely her own fault. Anger she felt toward herself was just as easy to wield against him.

It must have shown in the grit of her teeth or defiant tone, because he turned to look at her, more aloof than curious.

Like a flint struck to steel, it ignited the fury she felt toward him.

“I shouldn’t have hesitated. I should have just killed you,” she answered him at last, piercing him with eyes darker than the night.

He wasn’t concerned. “You’re good, but not that good.”

Her hands fell to her side, fists clenched as she stood with a single, fluid movement. Before she could let loose a threat, he sighed.

“What’s the problem, Ackerman?” He was dismissive, his shoulders relaxed and posture loose.

The fire too furious to contain, she went sailing for him with the same speed from the battlefield. Her fingers already curled, she tightened her grasp as she swung her fist into his gods-damned apathetic face.

Levi wasn’t unprepared. He easily side-stepped her, then snatched her wrist to steal her momentum. Though he tried to toss her aside, she was no less fast; Mikasa dug her heel in and spun, her other arm shoving hard into his chest.

Too graceful to stumble, Levi used the chance to hook her second arm too. He caged both her wrists in a grip so strong, she was sure it bruised her bones. Still, he only looked at her warily, almost bored.

“Shouldn’t you be grateful? I chose Armin.” If his reminder was meant to ease her anger, it had the opposite effect.

Fury and desperation gifted her additional strength. She shoved into his chest hard. Levi shifted backward, nearly forced into loosening his grip; within that split second of an opening, Mikasa slammed her elbow into his chin, rocking his head backward.

“You did,” she seethed, but as fast as the fire inside her exploded, it was doused. Her next words came out broken and damp. “But I didn’t.”

Levi remained stern and otherwise unmoving as he attempted to flex his jaw through the spasm of pain. As the momentum of the fight died down, he loosened his hold on her wrists and evaluated her distraught frame.

Mikasa immediately released her own hands and turned away from him, eyes stinging from tears she refused to shed as she focused on the stars ahead. Admitting the harsh words aloud hurt her far more than any injury she could inflict onto him.

Not only was Armin one of the only friends she had, but he’d been a steadfast one throughout almost all she could remember of her life. After the trauma of her childhood, it was Eren and Armin who embraced her, whom she learned to love. Now, though, there was a wedge between her and Armin she was not sure could ever be removed. What was worse, as deplorable and selfish as she knew it proved her to be, was the painful wedge it now put between her and Eren too.

Once again, she found Levi standing at the peripheral of her sight, close enough to see but far enough to be a blur at the edge of her watery vision.

“You almost killed me.” Levi repeated his earlier words, but he said them with an odd bite, torn between frustration and patience. “You would have killed me to save him.”

Too late, Mikasa realized he hadn’t meant these words as an accusation, but an odd form of validation. She bit her bottom lip, teeth puncturing too hard; the tang of metal was sharp on her tongue when she swallowed blood.

“You thought about letting your closest friend die,” Levi said quietly, tiredly. “But I did let mine die. I left him for dead, when I could have saved him.”

Mikasa was startled from her selfish reverie, for the first time acknowledging the sacrifice he made on that fateful afternoon. She’d been too absorbed in her own relief, and then, her own regrets to consider what the decision had done to him.

For a brief moment, she considered turning to face him, but the stark reality of the matter made her refrain. How could she feel pity for his loss, when his loss enabled her gain? An uncomfortable knot tightened in her stomach.

“Tch,” Levi sighed. He was only one notch less taciturn, but for him, that was soft. “You’ll live with your guilt, and I’ll live with mine.”

His words granted Mikasa’s tears the permission to spill. She buried her face further into her scarf, both hands trembling at the worn threads. As quietly as he arrived onto the roof, Levi disappeared from it.

It was rare for him to indulge in alcohol or celebrations, but Erwin’s absence felt more tangible than his presence ever did. Levi distracted himself with the chaos of the few remaining Scouts that Erwin had died entrusting his legacy to, and attempted to drown the pain with whatever drink Connie Springer shoved into his hands.

He found Hanji with their ale long-forgotten about on the table as they half-stood from their seat, frantic while explaining some morbid experiment in great, vivid detail to an unsuspecting and slightly horrified MP officer.

Though Levi wordlessly took the seat beside them, Hanji paused their rant to slap him hard on the back, an enthusiastic greeting flying from their drunken lips. The MP took this chance to excuse himself, a pathetic attempt at politeness, but Hanji either didn’t care or didn’t notice.

“Ah, Levi,” they smiled at his drink, though it didn’t entirely reach their one eye. “Where you been?”

Levi didn’t answer. “You know, shitty-glasses, you’re even more unbearable about your experiments when you’re drunk.”

Hanji waved dismissively and reached for their ale. Years spent in battle and command together had gifted both of them with an eased familiarity, and sometimes, genuine friendship. In the same manner he ignored their question, Hanji ignored his lack of response and went on with their original inquiry.

“Careful, Captain,” Hanji warned lightly. “Now that there’s far fewer Scouts, you having a favorite might cause some division.”

Even though Hanji meant the words, there was a glint of mischief that twinkled in their remaining eye.

“It’s not favoritism,” Levi countered bluntly, turning his vision toward the young man on the far side of the room. “Eren is simply the best chance that we have in this war.”

Hanji laughed as if he’d made a joke and Levi looked back to stare at them, unable to be surprised at their quirks or oddities any longer, but still a touch curious about what spurned this current demonstration.

“I wasn’t talking about Eren,” Hanji said at last, a pointed nod toward his injured chin.

Levi blinked. He didn’t realize he was nursing his injury with the hand not on his drink. As though it were too hot to touch, Levi dropped his hand.

Hanji was not judgmental, nor inquisitive. In a war-torn life of losing too many cadets entrusted to him, the fact that Levi found a soldier with the strength and skill to remain safe was not only rare, but worth special attention. Still, it made him too lenient.

“Sometimes I think you’d let her get away with murder,” Hanji chided halfheartedly.

When he thought of Erwin dead in his grasp, sometimes he wasn’t sure if he already had.

#my asks #my thoughts #rivamika #rivamika fanfic #lena writes

28 notes · View notes