#but yes. bow before her ground-bound mortals

[woodcat-collections]

bobcats parties are.. something else...

#loretta on her horse at the head of the table #which you would think would be super inconvenient #but yes. bow before her ground-bound mortals #and josh and beatriz forming some kind of eldritch abomination on the other side of the table? #legendary #and then my pc just kind of looks like they are crying or maybe questioning their sanity #pinching the bridge of their nose #or face palming #sso #ssoblr #star stable online #star stable

[a-case-of-attachment]

So in Hell’s Greatest Dad, Lucifer tells Charlie that ‘with a punch of a pentagram’ and ‘usually I charge a sacrificial lamb’ when he’s offering to help her with the hotel and it got me thinking. Surely he must have had people sacrifice things in his honour or for favours before right? So….what if when something is sacrificed to him it ends up down in Hell?

It works like some sort of inter dimensional postal service. Lucifer will just be doing whatever then a portal will open up above him full of weird oil slick coloured clouds and lightening cracking across the endless sky with the boom of thunder not far behind. Out of the portal flies a cherub sized faun wearing a shirt, waistcoat and bow tie brandishing a clipboard that’s got the contract attached to it. All the important things will be on there like who’s doing the sacrificing, what they are sacrificing and what they want in exchange for it. Lucifer can either accept the sacrifice and sign the document, giving the sinner what they want or just straight up refuse to sign, decline the sacrifice and instead have it sent off to purgatory.

The problem is that Lucifer is so jaded that he doesn’t even bother reading the contracts any more. Sinners all want the same thing anyway, fame, fortune, revenge, so what’s the point even bothering to look these days? It’s not like he gets that many sacrifices in his name anymore and when he does it’s mostly just lambs and goats, the occasional dog or guinea pig and a cat that one time. He often just gives them to people as pets, it’s how Charlie had gotten razzle and dazzle.

But you know, people are deranged and over the centuries there have been a handful of human souls that come his way. Lucifer never accepts those, often get angry that people actually think killing someone would make him happy. Shocker, it doesn’t. All it did was prove that humans really are just the worst, a race of violent psychopaths hellbent on causing as much pain and destruction as they can. Yes Lucifer felt bad that these people had died and for nothing but he wasn’t about to reward some lowlife scumbag for taking another’s life so unfortunately that meant the sacrificed soul was purgatory bound. It wasn’t ideal but it also wasn’t permanent. At least there they would get the chance to move onto heaven eventually and not be stuck in this infernal nightmare for all of eternity.

So no, Lucifer didn’t do human sacrifices. Except, well, maybe he did.

It was an accident! Lucifer had been distracted, him and Charlie having a slight disagreement about the hotel and her expectations when it came to heaven. He hadn’t meant to upset her but she needed to realise that very few angels would be as open to the idea of redemption as he or Emily had been. It had been just about the time Lucifer had been urging Charlie to proceed with caution when it came to Heaven that a portal opens above him, a little faun flying out, clipboard already in hand and looking down at Lucifer through the spectacles perched on its nose.

Lucifer had attempted to ignore the blasted thing but it just flys around his head, brandishing the clip board and tapping impatiently at its wristwatch until Lucifer finally had enough and snatches the board off him, quickly flipping to the back and signing it before shoving it back at the startled faun. It just huffs at him, jotting something down before tearing off a sheet and giving it back to Lucifer only to disappear back into the portal. Lucifer doesn’t look at the contract he just signed, not caring what shallow and self serving thing the mortal had asked for. He goes back to Charlie, continuing to urge to not trust heaven so easily, all the while holding his arms out expectantly to catch whatever animal is going to drop out of the portal.

Lucifers expecting a lamb or a goat, heavyish for a human but nothing for him, except he gets something much larger and heavier, the shock of it knocking Lucifer to the ground. His first thought is some wretched mortal had sacrificed a cow or horse, either to lazy to find the usual offering or thinking the bigger the sacrifice the better the reward. Either way Lucifer is already regretting his choice to grant their wish, no clue what he is supposed to do with a cow other than send it down to a farm on wrath. Grumbling Lucifer sits up slightly, tugging at his hat that had been pushed down over his eyes but when he mages to pull his hat off Lucifer realises it’s so much worse than a cow.

There’s a person on his lap. A very human person sprawled across his lap and legs, their weight pinning him to the floor. You are dressed all in a white, the fabric almost see through though the top part was stained red with blood. Lucifer can’t look past your chest, the demonic sigils carved there still oozing blood. When he does manage to look up it’s to fined wide fear filled eyes staring back at him. The two of you just stare at one another, Lucifer feeling more and more panicked as the seconds drag on whilst you look close to passing out.

The whole room is silent and Lucifer just knows that they are all staring at the two of you, just as shocked as him and waiting for one of you to do something. Charlie is the first one to make a move, slowly creeping across the room to lay a hand on your shoulder. She probably meant to be a reassuring gesture but it’s a mistake nonetheless. It startled you, causing you to fall from Lucifers lap and giving you the first real view of the room and the rest of its inhabitants. Things go about as well as you would think.

You start screaming, Charlie panics as she tries to calm you down but only makes it worse, Angel dust offers you a drink that gets knocked out his hand and ends up all over Husk and Alastor offers to silence you permanently. Needless to say that none of what they are doing helps calm you down or make you feel any less afraid and all Lucifer does is sit there, staring down at the smear of red on his white pants and struggling to wrap his head around what in the hell is happening because he couldn’t have just accepted a human soul as payment. He’s never done that before, never, and yet there you are, cowering in the corner like a frightened animal, eyes franticly darting around as you look for some form of escape.

It’s that look of pure terror that gets Lucifer up and moving, handing off his hat and cane to Charlie as he gets everyone to back up and give you some space. He approached you slowly, hands held up in front of him to show you he meant no harm and keeping his voice soft and calm as he tells you that no one’s going to hurt you, that your safe here with them. He makes sure to leave a little bit of space between you when he stops, sinking down into a crouch so he’s eye level though you won’t look at him for long, eyes darting around at even the slightest movement. You’re still bleeding, the sigil for his name looking the deepest. It makes Lucifer feel sick, that someone could do this to you and claim that it’s in his honour. He found no honour in an act like this, only hate and disgust, igniting a strong desire inside him to hunt down those responsible and show them the same kindness they had you.

It takes a good few minutes of Lucifer talking at you before he gets any form of response. He introduces himself, tells you once more that he isn’t going to hurt you and that he just wants to help and maybe even clean up those markings so they don’t get infected. It’s slow going but eventually you give him a slight nod, uncurling from where you had been trying to make yourself as small as possible so he can get a better look at the ugly mess of cuts on your chest. He startled you when he conjures water and a cloth, Lucifer apologising as you bang into the wall behind you in an attempt to get away from the sudden action. He does get you to calm down though, at least enough for him to clean away the blood and apply bandages.

These wounds will not disappear like the injuries the now resident of Hell would sustain, their origin in magic and acting as a physical sign of your binding to him. But Lucifer vows to look after them and you, after all this is all his fault and though he knows that Charlie would care for you if he was to up and leave he can’t bring himself to do so. It’s his responsibility to look after you, you are his after all and isn’t that just a horrific twisted little thought. Lucifer wants to cry, to beg your forgiveness because unless he was to gift your soul to another you were bound to him from now until eternity, forced to obey his every request regardless of what you wanted. He can’t cry though, not when you already are, silent tears rolling down your cheeks and dripping off your chin onto his hand and arm as he cleans away the blood. So he fights back the tears, completely focused on his task and trying to be as gentle as he possibly can be.

When he’s done and the now ruined rag and pink water are vanished away with the wave of his hand Lucifer doesn’t know what else to do other than offer you a safe space of your own and a comfortable bed to sleep in so he does exactly that. You look terrified when he asks if you would like to go to bed, eyes dropping down to just below his belt. Lucifer might actually be sick when he realises what you are scared is going to happen and he can’t get the words out quick enough to reassure you that he means to sleep and that you will be the only person in the room. His obvious horror at the implication seems to reassure you and you give him a small nod.

You use the wall to support you getting up but as soon as you go to take a step forward your legs buckle and Lucifer has to lurch forward to grab hold of you before you can hit the floor. Your to weak, wether that be from the shock or the blood loss Lucifer doesn’t know, possibly both, but what he does know is you are not going to make it up the several flights of stairs on your own.

He asks before picking you up, waiting for you to give him a nod of agreement before he slips one hand behind your back and the other behind your knees. It’s nothing for him to pick you up but it had you squeaking in surprise, flinging your arms around his neck and pulling yourself tighter against him. Lucifer can’t help laugh softly, assuring you that he was stronger than he looked and that he wouldn’t drop you. You don’t seem to buy it though, your hold around his neck tightening as you hide your head against his shoulder. He can’t blame you for being scared, Licifer looks like a strong breeze would send him stumbling but he supposes that’s one of the perks of being an angel, he’s stronger than he looks.

It’s only when he turns around that Lucifer realises the rooms completely empty except for the two of you. He doesn’t know when everyone else disappeared but he’s grateful for it, not sure how you would have reacted to a room full of weird looking people staring at you. He talks to you the whole time up to your room, telling you where he was taking you and a little about the hotel and it’s residents, though he mostly tell you about Charlie and Vaggie, the only other people he trusts to look after you correctly if he wasn’t around. Lucifer picks a room for you on the same floor as him though a couple of doors down in an attempt to keep you close and also give you some probably much needed distance. He sets you down on the bed, tells you where everything is including his room, just in case you need him before he comes back to check the bandages in a few hours. He does conjure you some sleep clothes though, making sure they were the softest and most comfortable thing you have ever worn. He wants you to be comfortable, to actually feel safe after what you have been through and though he knows the simple kindness he has showing you will not erase that it will hopefully show you that despite what you may have heard Lucifer isn’t all that bad.

Lucifer hates himself just a little bit more after what he does next, crouching down to look you in the eye and telling you that you can’t leave the hotel room unless he comes to get you or you are going to his room and nowhere else. Normally it would just be words but you are bound to Lucifer now and even you don’t want to you will have no choice but to obey him. You stiffen, nodding your head slightly but still you don’t say a word, not even when he bids you good night. He doesn’t even get the door half way closed before he hears you start to cry. He wants to go back, to take you in his arms and apologise for what has been done to you whilst reassuring you that life here will not be as bad as you think. He doesn’t though, wanting to give you time to greave and mourn the loss of your life.

He doesn’t even make it two steps down the corridor before it all really hits him and Lucifer crumbles, sinking to the floor and pressing his hand against his mouth in an attempt to muffle his own sobs. He doesn’t know what he’s supposed to do, or how he’s even meant to care for you correctly. Animals were easy, simple to please, humans not so much. Plus Lucifer owned you, he would have to be extremely carful of what he said because even an offhanded comment would be taken as a command and you could end up getting seriously hurt.

It’s too much, Lucifer not equipped to deal with such responsibility but he has no choice, he has to. This is all his fault after all and he couldn’t abandon you in your hour of need. No he would figure this all out, tend to your wounds and help you adjust to life here in hell. He would help you find a place to call home, maybe at the hotel helping with the sinners or maybe something down in one of the other rings. Just somewhere you could feel truly safe and at ease. Whatever you wanted Lucifer would make it yours, giving you as much a slice of paradise as he can. How else would he atone for his mistake?

#hazbin hotel #hazbin lucifer #lucifer magne #lucifer morningstar #reader insert #gender neutral reader #gn reader

[chrono-vi]

2 - Hopeful Reunions

Content Warning: Brief Violence

“A chime rang in the entranceway, alerting the inside patrons of an entering body. The clamor of conversation only hushed slightly, a few curious heads turning to see who’d come inside the establishment.”

“I’ll only be here for a moment, pay me no mind,” The newcomer’s voice called, approaching the front desk. “Is she here?”

“Oh, yes! Of course! She just came back from her coffee break.” Quickly, the receptionist turned from him and directed her attention to the phone at her side. “Ma’am, your meeting is here.”

“Send them up, Mitzi.”

“You’re good to head up, sir,” Mitzi smiled at the man before her, “and, thank you for doing this.”

“Thank you for caring about her,” he bowed his head to her one final time, before quickly bounding up the stairs. He hadn’t been back in this place for so long; it’d changed so much, but the love in every brick was still present. The meaning this place held was still intact.

The door to her office was always open, as she’d always said it was. Her back was to it, however, the woman staring longingly out the window. She’d changed so much, yet something about her felt… right.

“Chrono,” he breathed out, relieved to see her. She quickly turned around to see who’d entered.

“Kamell!?” The Envy quickly rushed her older brother, hugging him tightly, “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me you were coming!” She complained. “It’s been ages!”

“I wanted it to be a surprise!” He laughed, his arm extended out to keep her from bumping what he’d brought with him. “Here, these are for you.”

Chrono moved back to see the object in question. It was a carefully-curated basket, full of things she’d been craving; candies, fancy wine, and a few little self-care products. She let a sigh slip through her lips, but she kept a smile. “Seriously? What am I, an old woman?” She scoffed. “Are you trying to tell me I’m overworking myself again?”

“Are you surprised?” Kamell retorted teasingly.

The two shared a laugh and a long-needed conversation. It’d been too many years since they’d finally felt normal.

--

But normalcy was always so fleeting. The familiar eyes of family weren’t so kind here. These harbored centuries of hatred; a deepness in sky blue that felt more like the chilled ocean floor.

“You came back when I told you not to.” Masi tilted her head back, staring down her nose at the woman in front of her. “We can’t keep doing this, Chrono.”

“If you don’t come willingly, I will drag you down with me!” Chrono hissed. “I am not leaving you this time!”

“By the Mother - give it a rest!” She threw down her arms. “I’m not a child, do not treat me like one! Let me go!”

“I refuse!”

Their fight was so familiar, though. A scuffle with a weapon - two sisters who disagree. One aggressive, one hurt. Chrono’s head spun with deja vu, distracting her from the elbowed blow Masi landed on her nose.

Chrono fell to the ground, knees impacting gravel as she clutched her bleeding nose.

"The next time you follow me, I will kill you." Masi's voice sounded so foreign to her sister. "You are scum of the afterlife intercepting the lives of mortals, and I will not stand for it."

The sound of her boots crunching as she walked away haunted Chrono. She watched in terror as she once more lost her own twin to the world. Would she ever get through to her…?

#oc writing #vana writes #writing prompts #chronovi southfire #kamell southfire #masi-crelle southfire

[luxmaeastra]

Nathaniel watched as the Great Library began to crack and disintegrate. Whole chunks of the structure began to be sucked into the portals. The Fiends tore through attacking anyone they could.

"Silas do something, stop Ashcroft!"

"The Archon cannot be bound. It —"

"Aperion! Aperion I bind you to me blood and soul. So long as my —"

The figure's light began to dim, its form solidifying. Its eyes shifted in the ever changing light. Ashcroft hadn't moved from his knees as he openly wept at the terrifying beauty before him.

"Who are you to bind me? Silas is this the one you're fond of? You are not one of my children mortal, you do not get to use such a name. Which of them gave it to you?"

Ashcroft finally broke his stupor and shook his head.

"We will make great progress! We - my great grandfather made this all for you so you may be bound and help mankind!"

He slowly stood to his feet.

"As for the demon? She's fine, she did us a great service. I confess I didn't know one of you could cry."

Aperion stared at him stepping toward him.

"You hurt one of my daughters?"

Ashcroft opened his mouth, his eyes widening as The Archon swiped its claw through his neck. Aperion watched the mortal crumble before it looked to the portals.

"Our home is crumbling Silas. We will take this one."

Nathaniel gasped holding tighter to Elisabeth. Ir said so nonchalantly. Did it understand the havoc that would be caused.

"Please no —"

"No? No? My children deserve a home and your kind destoryed it. That will not be how things continue. My children will be made to suffer for your mistakes."

It looked to Silas.

"Find your sister, find the one they took. I wish to know how she is. Lorelei is close yes? Tell the others, they are free."

Nathaniel wanted to say that it couldn't do such a thing. He cried out as he felt the bond severing, as his magic was yanked away.

----------

Rigelus frowned and stomped his foot.

"Give it back Sirius!"

Sirius crossed her arms her gray eyes alight.

"Make me!"

Rigelus's eyes narrowed.

"Give it to me or I'll make you cry!"

He stomped his foot his eyes widened as the ground shook. He looked at her wide eyed.

"I didn't do that I swear!"

Oristes and Arktos swept in picking them up as they fled. Carynth behind them.

"Where are we going?"

"Anywhere that isn't here Arktos just get us through the rift!"

//I had ideas :( and they died on me//

The great bricks cracked and disappeared, the ground under them rumbling with the unworldly drag from the portals. Portals that had opened into a world that Nathaniel and Elizabeth didn’t even know, the risk that Ashcroft had made was one he had seen committed by foolish mortals before.

Silas stared at Nathaniel as he heard his order, he felt the pull to follow it but he knew better than to do as his body demanded. Something else was something through, someone else was coming. When Aperion appeared he bowed to them, watching them as they finally solidified.

“Not the one who tries to bind you,” he responded when he was addressed. “That one should not be trusted.” He flinched when Ashcroft spoke, as he spoke about binding Aperion. So many had tried that in the past, how many lived to tell the tale? How many survived after hurting their children? Or even the beings it took an interest in.

The revelation he had hurt one of their children caused him to flinch more as he looked away, he knew exactly what was happening next. He knew the blood one come, the scent of it was thick in the air. He didn’t know why he cared to look away, maybe it was the humanity he had received from spending time with Nathaniel.

He gave Nathaniel an apologetic look, to know that they would take his and Elizabeth’s home as their own, seeing the pain that was caused as their bond was severed. “I’ll find her.” Was all he said before he disappeared to find his sister.

---

Terror seized Sirius as she held onto her older sibling tightly, her eyes looking over their shoulder as she could only watch their home shudder and shake around them. Something was happening, something was wrong!

“I’m scared,” she whimpered before she looked toward Rigelus. “I don’t want to leave our home, what is going on?”

#Muse | Silas #Muse | Amren

[the-broken-truth]

The Lion of House Dimitrescu

Summary: During a meeting with Mother Miranda & the other lords, Alcina learns of a strange captive in her brother's care - he has the body of a human but humans don't have horns nor ears & tails that resemble lions. Just what is he and what is Alcina's interest in him?

Pairing: Lady Alcina Dimitrescu x Male Lion Demon (Leo)

Leul meu - My Lion

Cereți și voi livra, Doamna mea - Ask and I shall deliver, My Lady

"I'm telling you, Mother Miranda - we have to get rid of him. He's costing me Lycans." The voice of that fool - Heisenberg - was the first thing Alcina heard as she made it to the Meeting Grounds and took her seat; all the other lords were present, as well as their matriarch/mother - Mother Miranda.

"What has he done now, Heisenberg?" Mother Miranda asked as she looked in Fourth Lord's direction.

"Just last night - that creature slaughter another 5 of my Lycans without even moving for where he stood; with a flick of his claw, he tore open their bellies like scissors through ribbons. I can't keep hold him - not like I'm really holding him, to begin with; he can easily break out of his bindings but he just choices not to because 'it's not worth his time.'." Heisenberg said as he leaned back into his chair with a tired exhale.

"Sounds like someone is giving you a run for your coin, Karl." Angie chuckled as she clapped from her position on Donna's Lap, Heisenberg snarled at the doll as he forced his hammer into his hand.

"Keep that damn doll quiet, Donna, or I'll turn it into a porcelain pile!" He growled.

"Meanie!" Angie squealed as she scooched closer to Donna.

"Silence!" Mother Miranda echoed out as she threw her hands up and her 6 wings fanned out - silencing the siblings. "Now - we shall discuss like adults what shall do about this creature; it's not something you would see every day and thus it will not be killed." Mother Miranda began before Karl interrupted her.

"With all due respect, Mother Miranda, it's not that we 'shouldn't' kill - it's that we 'can't' kill it. I sent a fuck-ton of metal through its chest before it fell, only to revive itself." Karl said as he looked at his mother.

"Mother Miranda - what is this 'creature' that you and Heisenberg keep referring to?" Alcina said as she took one long swing from her cigarette before resting the hand that held it on her armrest.

"Heisenberg has come in possession of a creature - it looked like a mortal man so he sent his lycans after it but it easy cut them all down. Once Heisenberg managed to capture it - it was revealed that this creature wasn't mortal at all; it possessed the ears and tail of a lion, as well as the fangs, claws, and power of one." Mother Miranda explained.

"And the horns - don't forget the fucking horns." Karl said as he exhaled again.

"If this creature is so strong - then how was Heisenberg able to capture it?" Alcina asked.

"The fucker allowed itself to get caught - when I asked it, it told me 'wasting my strength on your pathetic brood isn't worth it. I'll go with you and see just what you can offer me.' - then it followed me back to the factory and it stayed there...until it got bored or my lycans got ballsy and got their asses killed." Karl explained.

"Where is the creature now? At your deathtrap of a factory?" Alcina asked with a raised eyebrow.

"No - I brought the fucking monster here. Like I said - I'm not taking it back with me; I lost more than 25% of my lycans dealing with that fucking thing." Karl said with a hiss.

"Now that you are all caught up - we need to decide what we can do with the creature. Heisenberg refuses to house it any longer - which is understandable."

"Thank you, Mother Miranda." Karl took an exhale of relief.

"Donna has always backed out of housing the creature in fear of it breaking her dolls. That would leave Moreau and Alcina. Out of the two of them - I think would be best if Alcina housed the creature." Mother Miranda said.

"You would wish a beast to roam in my castle?" Alcina asked.

"As Heisenberg stated before - it is well behaved. It acts mortal but with far more strength and a few unseen abilities." Mother Miranda said.

"As much as I hate to admit it - the damn thing knows how to cook and damn good too. If it wasn't so damn destructive, I would have kept it for the food." Karl said.

"Is that so? Well - I was looking for a new cooking staff. If this is what you wish, Mother Miranda - I shall house the creature." Alcina said.

"Perfect. Heisenberg - collect the creature and bring it here." Miranda ordered as she pointed down the hall where the creature was being held. Heisenberg groaned as he rose from his seat and grabbed his hammer and disappeared down the hall.

Everyone waited and watched the hall until they heard a few things: the sounds of chains rattling, then the sound of Heisenberg yelling 'Get your fucking hands off me!'...then they watched as Heisenberg came flying out the shadows and crashed into the pue he was sitting on; laying there, groaning in pain.

All these were on the shadows and they widened as another figure came out of the shadows: He was built with muscles as if he was sculpted - his skin was like light bronze, riddled with scars and wounds that healed up over time - his eyes were dark blue, deeper than a raw sapphire - his hair was short, didn't even go past his hairline but it was free all over his head. True to Heisenberg's word: There were lion ears that matched his hair color perched atop his head, as well as a tail of the same color that swayed by his ankles; what's more on his hair line were two black goat-like horns where the tips pointed in the direction of the back of his head. And if that wasn't enough, he was tall.

By tall - they meant giant.

And by giant - they meant HE WAS THE SAME HEIGHT AS ALCINA!!!

The giant wasn't wearing a shirt or shoes but he was wearing dark grey baggy pants made of cloth that were tied around his waist with a cloth belt, tied at his side. His hands here bound before him as he glared down at the groaning Fourth Lord.

"I've warned you thrice, Heisenberg, and you didn't heed my warnings. I told you not to grab my tail to try to make me move at your desired pace." The stranger growled as his long lion swayed at his heels.

"That doesn't mean you throw me like trash, you damn freak!" Karl yelled as he pushed himself off the ground.

"If you didn't want to be treated like trash, then don't behave like trash." The man rolled his eyes as he looked at Miranda and the other lords - the massive man bowed his head with his eyes closed.

"Please do forgive me for destroying your stuff, Madam Miranda; but I refuse to act like an animal." The stranger said - respect dripping for each of his words.

"You...You are excused this first time but only this time - do not let it happen again." Miranda said as she collected her composer.

"Of course. I was informed you decided on my fate." the man said.

"Yes." Miranda began as she gestured her hand in Alcina's direction - making the First Lord stand. "This is Lady Alcina Dimitrescu - Lord of the Castle Dimitrescu. She will be your new keeper; I expect you to treat her with respect and listen to her words." Miranda said as Alcina walked up to the man who could stand up to her - literally.

"So - you are the one who has been giving that fool such a hard time. You're not exactly what I imagined." Alcina said as she waved her cigarette in his direction - he was not affected by the smoke.

"If you don't mind me asking - just what were you expecting, Lady Dimitrescu? I pray you weren't expecting a grotesque, uncontrollable monster." The man said with a raised eyebrow.

"In a way, Leul meu. But I am happy to announce you are better looking than I thought. I wonder what else you are capable of." Alcina said with a smile.

"Well." He smirked as he grabbed Alcina's other hand gently with his bound hands and brought them to his lips. "Cereți și voi livra, Doamna mea." He placed a gentle but burning kiss on Alcina's knuckles. The two of them smiled like cats who just devoured canaries as they looked into each others' eyes.

"What name do you go by?" Alcina asked with a purr.

"My name is Leo, My Lady." He purred back and kissed her knuckles again.

#resident evil 8 #lady dimitrescu x reader #lady dimitrescu x oc #alcina dimitrescu #alcina dimitrescu x male oc

[hlizr50]

Unveiled

Spoilers for From Blood and Ash

Poppy is unveiled to her new guard. Alternate POV.

Read on AO3

Everything had gone according to plan.

Well, that wasn’t entirely true. But the end goal had been accomplished.

Swift booted footsteps echoed down the hall as Casteel and his “commander” made their way to the Duke’s office. Jansen had been explaining how the meeting would proceed; the Maiden would be escorted in, Duke Teerman would explain the need for a new guard with the Rite coming so soon, some prattle about why they chose Hawke Flynn to be that guard, the Maiden’s unveiling, and the fealty oath…

He would see her. Finally. No ridiculous veil, no mask. He would see the puzzle complete, how the eyes as green as spring, the full pink lips, the soft creamy skin all fit together. He was sure she would be beautiful, if what he had seen and touched and tasted were any indication. He had a goal in mind, to be sure. But she had intrigued him. He wanted to see and know more of her.

And he always got what he wanted.

“Hawke. Are you listening?”

He turned his amber gaze on Jansen. “I’m sorry?”

“Do you remember the oath?”

“Of course,” Casteel rolled his eyes before reciting. “’With my sword and my life, I vow to keep you safe Maiden, the Chosen. From this moment to the last moment, I am yours.’ Quite melodramatic if you ask me.”

“Keep your voice down,” the commander growled softly. “You are a dedicated guard of Solis swearing fealty to the future of the kingdom, in case you’ve forgotten.”

Casteel sneered. “I haven’t forgotten. And it would do you well to remember who is leading who, Commander.”

“Of course. My apologies.”

The prince knew that Commander Jansen was on a very precarious ledge. Being a Descenter in the heart of Masadonia was dangerous in the best of times. In a position of power, Jansen could pull a lot of strings and make a lot of things happen. But he had a hand in a number of plots, and if just one person was found out or turned against him… his own demise would be the least of the consequences. It could be catastrophic to the schemes they had put in motion years ago and set back the resurrection of Atlantia for literal decades.

The arrived before a heavy wooden door flanked by two of the Duke’s personal guard. Jansen greeted them by name and Casteel gave each a nod. Then they pulled the door out, opening up the room to the pair. This was the beginning of the end.

So it hadn’t gone completely to plan. The prince knew he needed to get close to the Maiden, so he could steal her away right from under the thumb of the Ascended. That had meant an opening needed to come available for one of her personal guards – it wouldn’t do to just work in the castle. Jericho had been tasked with taking out her guard during her almost-daily evening walks.

And he had done it.

But then he’d tried to go ahead and take the Maiden, and that had gotten him into trouble. He hadn’t known she would be armed and dangerous, and when you cross a wolven with pointy things it’s bound to get a little messy.

And Jericho wasn’t known for being calm, cool and collected on a good day.

The Maiden had gotten in a few good strikes, but she had received quite the blow as well. He’d seen the angry swelling around her mouth and jaw at Rylan’s funeral. He only imagined the bruising extended far under the veil, over her cheek and temple.

That was unacceptable.

He hadn’t enjoyed cutting off Jericho’s hand. But he would not allow Penellaphe to be hurt. And to teach a lesson you had to be firm. Unyielding. Deadly, if warranted, and definitely a bit unhinged. Just to keep everyone vigilant.

“Commander Jansen,” Dorian Teerman greeted them. “And you must be Flynn.”

“Your Grace.” Casteel bowed to the Duke, something it almost physically hurt him to do. But he was playing a part, and he could spend more time later creating enticing scenarios in which he destroyed Teerman in any number of ways. “I have summoned the Maiden. She and her guard should be here shortly.”

The Duke hadn’t bothered to introduce his wife, Duchess Jacinda Teerman. Casteel wondered if he even acknowledged her existence much of the time. He didn’t know much about Duke Teerman, but he seemed self-absorbed, self-righteous, and cruel, which was not much different than any of the Ascended he had encountered. Their unyielding refusal to “petition the Gods” so the Tulis family could keep their third son, when their first two had already died so young, was only further proof of their evil. Of course, those first two hadn’t been lost to a “blood disease”, but to the Ascended’s bloodlust – they had been fed upon until there was nothing left. And yet the Duke and Duchess would only insist on taking the third as well. Had it been one of them who had bled those poor children dry? It made his stomach twist to stand with Jansen, making small talk with the pale blonde Duchess as they waited for the meeting to start.

It wasn’t long before the door swung open again. And there she was.

This was how he had expected to meet the Maiden. Veiled, so he could only see her lips and chin. Hair pulled back so it was not visible beneath the veil, either. That was a shame. Her hair had unlocked something in him that night at the Red Pearl. It had been so unexpected. And then there was the ridiculous, frilly, white lace and pleats of a dress that covered everything from her neck to her wrists to her ankles. Surely a garment such as that was an affront to the Gods, sleeping though they were. This was the Maiden, pure and docile and silent. It was a stark contrast to the woman who had snuck into his room not so long ago. In a brothel, no less.

“Please. Close the door Vikter,” the Duke nodded as he sat behind the black painted desk. Casteel looked toward the older guard with the sandy blond hair as he pulled the doors closed. He knew more about Vikter than he should for his supposed station, but what was most important was his closeness with the Maiden. Penellaphe. He would need to be thorough in his dedication to win over the seasoned soldier.

“Thank you.” Teerman nodded. “Please, sit, Penellaphe.”

He watched the Maiden as she lowered herself to the bench. Gods he hated that dress. It was such a pity to hide the curves that he knew were underneath. It was an effort to keep himself from smirking. If only those in this chamber knew what she had been up to.

“I hope you’re feeling well, Penellaphe,” the Duchess spoke, a sickeningly sweet voice that felt practiced and false. The veiled Maiden nodded. “I’m relieved to hear that. I was worried that attending the city council so soon after your attack would be too much.” Casteel had watched the Maiden through the entirety of the meeting, trying to decipher anything from the full lips and curve of jaw that he and the rest of the world were allowed to see. Had he seen her skin flush while the Tulis family begged for their son’s life? What had she been thinking as her keepers were tearing yet another family apart?

“What happened in the garden is why we’re all here.” The Duke’s voice was cold. “With the death of… what was his name? The guard?” It made the prince angrier than it should, that this beast could not even be bothered to know the name of the man who had given his life to protect their precious Maiden.

“Rylan Kiel, your Grace,” Vikter answered.

“Ah yes, Ryan. With Ryan’s death you are down one guard… Again. Two guards lost in one year. I hope this isn’t becoming a habit.” What that a joke? Was he trying to imply that this girl could have stopped it? Casteel had to contain a sneer. The guards would continue to fall, if it meant getting his brother back and burning Solis to the ground. Nobody would stop him – not the Maiden, not the Teermans, not Vikter, not the Blood Queen herself. “Anyway, with the upcoming Rite, and as you draw closer to your Ascension, Vikter cannot be expected to be the only one keeping a close watch on you. We need to replace Ryan, which - as I’m sure you realize now - explains why Commander Jansen and guard Flynn are here. Guard Flynn will take Ryan’s place effective immediately.”

“I’m sure this is surprising, as he is new to our city and quite young for a member of the Royal Guard. There are several Rise guards in line to be promoted, and bringing on Hawke is no slight to them. But the Commander has assured us that Hawke is better suited to this task.”

And so the diatribe began about why he was just so good at what he did that he was the next natural choice. Fresh eyes to see new threats. An impeccable record on the Rise and experience beyond it, which would naturally come in handy if the Queen summoned the Maiden earlier than anticipated for her Ascension. It could happen. Teerman Castle had been compromised more than once in the last week. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Queen Ileana determined that they were no longer capable of keeping the Maiden safe here in Masadonia.

If only they knew.

If only they knew that his sense of hearing and smell made him aware of an enemy’s presence long before the enemy knew he was there. If only they knew how much he had to dumb himself down to appear to be a mortal man, counting seconds so he wouldn’t move too fast or relaxing his muscles so he wouldn’t seem too strong. If only they knew that their Commander was a Descenter himself and was planting Prince Casteel himself – the Dark One – into the role of Royal Guard Hawke Flynn. If only they knew that today they were delivering the Maiden into the hands of the most dangerous creature in their nightmares.

“The Descenters and the Dark One are not the only things to fear out there, as you know,” the Duchess had been speaking. Gods they were making it terribly difficult not to laugh. They were so ignorant. The pale blonde Ascended turned to Casteel now. “As a member of the Maiden’s personal royal guard, it is likely that a situation may occur where you will see her unveiled. It can be distracting seeing someone’s face for the first time, especially a Chosen, and that could interfere with your ability to protect her. That is why the Gods allow this breach.”

“Commander Jansen, if you will please step outside,” the Duke gestured toward the door and Jansen took his leave. Casteel stood alone, now, looking toward the veiled young woman now standing before him. Oh, had he been looking forward to this.

“You are about to bear witness to what only a select few have seen: an unveiled Maiden. Penellaphe, please reveal yourself.”

She was too still, and Casteel could tell that her breathing was shallow. What could she be thinking? He was sure that part of her was anxious that she’d be found out.

“Penellaphe. We do not have all day,” the Duke cut out and his wife tried to soothe him.

“Give her a moment, Dorian. You know why she hesitates. We have time.”

Why did she hesitate? Of course, she was concerned about being recognized, but he couldn’t imagine the Duchess would know that. And why did the Duke have that glib smile plastered on his face? Casteel returned his gaze to Penellaphe as her lady’s maid assisted with the chains on the headdress before it fell from her head.

Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes were dark as her gaze remained pinned on the Duke. He could only see the right side of her face as she glared at Teerman and from the corner of his eye he could see the Duke’s expression fall into icy stone. Then she took a breath and turned to face Casteel, lifting her chin slightly.

Gods. She was stunning.

Those lips, her jaw, those eyes as green as Atlantian spring. He was ready for those things, had seen them that night at the Red Pearl. He’d known even then that she was beautiful, and now with her stony gaze it was only confirmed. And then there were the scars. Two scars tracked down from her temple, one over her cheek and toward her nose and one down through her eyebrow. Where had those come from? Who or what had done that to her? He gazed at her, taking in every detail of her face before meeting her eyes. Those eyes. They were dark and stormy, betraying the lack of emotion on her face. It was as if she were steeling herself, although he didn’t know what against.

“She’s truly unique, isn’t she?” She flinched as the Duke spoke again. “Half of her face is a masterpiece, the other half a nightmare.”

That bastard. Her arms tremored slightly, and Casteel realized what she had been hardening herself to feel. He knew that this moment, where he could make Penellaphe feel small, was why the Duke had that slimy smile upon his face. Appearance was a fickle thing, and beauty and perfection were highly touted by the Ascended. The Maiden, chosen but scarred, was being raised and educated under the thumb of a man who likely took every opportunity he could to tell her what a shame it was that her face could never be pleasing to any of them. She was a pawn, a possession to them. But he saw her here, just as he had seen her in the Red Pearl. She was a person, with feelings and desires and insecurities. She was Penellaphe.

He made an oath to himself that he would only treat her as such.

“Both halves are as beautiful as the whole,” he stepped forward then, wishing he could see the Duke’s face when he said it. Her sharp intake of breath made him want to smile for her. She hadn’t been expecting that, and that was the nightmare – that she was not aware how truly lovely she was.

He gave a shallow bow and placed his hand on the hilt of his sword. “With my sword and with my life, I vow to keep you safe, Penellaphe. From this moment until the last moment I am yours.” Bowing to Duke Teerman had been torturous, but bowing before her was almost natural. So was swearing his fealty to her. The ease with which he did so kindled something inside of him. He had come here to play a part and set into motion the resurgence of Atlantia, and that was exactly what he was doing. But those emerald eyes, lush red lips, and two pink scars were already threatening to unravel him.

And he wasn’t so sure that he was going to fight it.

#fbaa #fbaa fanfic #from blood and ash #poppy balfour #hawke flynn #casteel da'neer #alternate pov #ao3 #fanfiction

[thefallendivine]

Ma’an-riss Q’iras: Bittersweet

NOTE: This is the short for the second Guardian. If you don’t want to be spoiled about the character, then you are free to skip this post.

---

An ear-splitting screech pierces the air as Tien stabs the wyvern right at the inflicted wound in its chest, bypassing its shell to tear right through its muscle straight into its heart. The wyvern’s last breath blasts her right in the face, smelling like a Dwarven coal mine: sulfuric, earthy, and comes with a burning sting that clings to the back of the throat. Even with the winged lizard’s lashing tongue and bared fangs, Tien is not at all fazed, having grown used to the sights and smells of these Draconic descendants.

Pressing one foot on the wyvern’s chest, Tien establishes footing as she twists her blade around its heart until the wyvern’s thrashing stops and it slumps lifelessly, just like all the others.

“That should be the last of them,” calls a familiar voice from behind Tien. Pulling out her curved sword before turning to face the approaching Human man. With a big grin on his face, Kimber looks around, “We hit the jackpot, didn’t we, boss?”

Tien casts her gaze all over the ruins, so does her companion, a Dragon Hunter just like her who has worked for the hunting party she leads for many years now. Someone she considers her brother. 

It is the strangest feeling, having been raised to view Humans with indifference at best, Tien now considers several of them as family. Fifty years ago she would have shuddered at the mere thought of entrusting her unguarded back to an incompetent race, but she has seen past that. Most times she wonders if the Elves are the problem, rather than the Humans.

But that in itself is the beauty of being a Dragon Hunter. No matter what shape or size a person is, they are welcomed with open arms in the quest of slaying terrorizing monsters. Most of them are already disowned by their respective nations, that is why they find no more reason to begin quarrels with one another. It may be a difficult job, but not any more difficult than any other job for a warrior.

“The only problem is: how are we going to transport all these guys?”

The question has Tien looking back to Kimber. “We don’t. Not yet.” Tien turns to the others, her voice then rings deep and loud as she instructs her party, “Wrap them up with the cloth we brought. Be thorough. When you’re done, load up half of the wagons with wyverns. Bury what’s left in the sand with the drakes and the wurms. Those of you whose mind and blade are still sharp, gather around.”

As their party moves to fulfill their leader’s orders, Kimber turns to Tien. “Those weird cloth that took up half the space in our storage. Don’t tell me they’re from ‘nishil-norey’.”

Tien stifles a smile after Kimber butchered the name of the Elven city. But from the proud undercurrent of Kimber’s expression, presumably from displaying his knowledge of the overlooked origin of an uncommon product in front of an Elf, Tien lets the Human have his moment of triumph. “Yes, they are.”

Nyshlenorreian fabric are used by Dragon Hunters to preserve their kills so the value does not depreciate as they are transported through changing humidity and temperature. Elves use them for preservation of harvests, especially those reserved for offerings, and are mostly used within Elven territories. Smuggling these fabrics out of the woodlands is a difficult undertaking and always costs a fortune.

“Holy shit, boss. You’re really serious about this haul, aren’t you?”

Tien raises a brow. “When am I never serious?”

Kimber nods. “Fair point. But why would we load up only half of the wagons?”

Tien turns to the center point of the ruins: an abandoned graystone fortress, its walls still standing strong despite the thousands of years of history that shows on its surface. “Because I need to somehow make up the investment I made. By, perhaps, about ten times?”

Following Tien’s gaze, Kimber whistles. “You mean to say there’s gold inside?”

Tien shrugs. “Gold, ancient relics, unhatched eggs, they always guard something. And that something is always worth a whole lot than a weyr of freshly killed Dragonkins.”

The response Tien is expecting does not come, and she looks to Kimber who now has faraway look on his face. “So you really were serious when you said that this might be the last hunt we’ll ever have. Our kills alone are enough to drown ourselves in fine wine for the next twenty years. But if you’re right about the treasures inside, then we don’t have to do all this anymore.”

Like Kimber, Tien does not reply, having mixed emotions about it all.

Thankfully for the Elf, the Human breaks the moment. “It’s bittersweet… but mostly sweet.”

Tien nods, a soft smile gracing her lips. “Mostly.”

Kimber smiles back before facing the other hunters who have now gathered, raising his sword as he shouts, “You hear that, fellas? One more dive into some musty ruins and we can finally pay back the boss with all the thousand year cognac she wants! No more of that filthy ale she forces down her throat to make us happy!”

The other hunters shout back their own cheer, inducing a fond shake of the head from Tien.

The raucous elation is then disturbed by a shriek echoing from inside the ruins. As the cheers come to a halt, a wyvern shoots out of the fortress’ cracked surface.

The laughter comes a moment later.

“Look at the little guy cheering with us,” Kimber says along with the jeers of the others.

Tien ignores her party in favor of watching the wyvern fly up high towards the sky. Wyverns are hostile on sight even if they are outnumbered, but the one that came out is not. And the shriek it let out is not one of fear; hunters are well aware of how a scared wyvern sounds. Tien has never heard that kind of emotion from a wyvern’s call.

How strange, she thinks to herself.

Just as Tien’s gaze settles back on the fortress, the ground they are standing on begins to shake. A clap of thunder that is usually heard from above reaches the hunters ears. It reverberates below their feet, and aside from just hearing it, they feel it as well. The tremors creep up from the earth onto their feet, quivering its way up their bodies until their balance breaks, pulling them down to the ground on their hands and knees.

Now kneeling and unable to regain stability, the hunters as one welcome the great Dragonkin that bursts out of the fortress with forced reverence.

Tien watches in both horror and awe as the fortress that withstood time is now shattered like glass to make way for what appears to be a giant wyvern— using the leading edge of its wings as a forearm, it lands on the solid ground of the desert.

Assessing the monster, Tien’s gaze moves over its golden carapace up to the crown of horns on its head. Just like any other Dragonkin, penetrating the scales would be difficult, which only leaves the underside. It will be the same as any other wyvern, except the one in front of them is ten times larger than the ones they fought in the area, which only means that it would be impossible for such a wyvern to fly. While it can still move around with leaps and bounds, it still is a wyvern on the ground. And as far as Tien’s experience goes, a grounded wyvern is a dead wyvern.

Tien nods to herself.

“Stand your ground!” She shouts as she gets back to her feet, sword placed in front of her. ”We cannot outrun a wyvern this large! So we kill it, like all the others!”

Just as Tien says the words, the “wyvern’s” wings detach from its front legs, before spreading outward in a glorious display— Tien has never seen a wyvern do such a thing. But before she can think further on it, the monster roars, and along with it, the earth quakes in perfect harmony.

Tien frowns, hearing something beyond the sonorous cry. An unrecognizable pattern of sound yet with distinct and clear succession of structured noise, one with an undertone of expression.

Tien’s eyes widen. Did it speak?

The Elf almost cannot believe the conclusion she came up with, but once more, the wyvern roars.

“Orrtid irayagnan onna...”

Tien’s breath catches. “Impossible...” she breathes out.

“Hey, boss! Are we gonna do this or not?”

To Kimber’s question, Tien can only respond with a vacant look.

Unfocused, her quiet words do not quite reach her companions, “Is this what the Dragonkin are guarding? A real Dragon…”

The golden titan roars again, louder and angrier, “Orrtid irayagnan onna!”

This time, Tien does reply. Not to the Dragon, but to her party. “Run! Run for your lives!”

Confusion spread throughout the Dragon Hunters at the sudden change of instruction. But seeing the frantic look on their leader’s face, they all follow with infected horror.

Ma’an watches as the mortal Humans, ordinary and odd, scatter across the sandy terrain, weaving their way through her dead Dragonkin servants. Anger surges from inside her, hot and pulsing like the world’s core. She takes to the skies, looking down on the mortals who dared disturb her slumber on top of murdering her servants.

She lets her wrath free, spewing out the heat that comes from her own core onto the fleeing mortals.

Once they were the masters Ma’an served, but no Human can ever make her bow down again. Setting herself down on the ground, she shouts a vicious cry: a proclamation of her awakening in the present age.

#main companions #guardians

[valkyriesryde]

Release the Hounds {15/15}

Chapter 15: Get Down

Chapter Summary: The search continues for Hades in the mortal realm and on Olympus Thor must face the reality that his council will never be the same. The End. 

Word Count: 3,700ish

A/N: its been about three months since I wrote the last chapter and I’ve lost motivation to write, had depressive episodes, moved cities away from my family and spent countless hours writing and rewriting this chapter not wanting it to end. Thank you to everyone who read and will read this, your support will forever hold a dear place in my heart and I appreciate all of the messages I have received from the beginning of this story more than any of you will know. Here is the finale, I hope I did you all justice <3

“Harley, Peter, you two take to the south down the mountain, Rebecca will take to the skies and I’ll go west,” Natasha handed out the instructions for their search as if it were another battle plan. To her and everyone else there it was just that. Time was of the essence and if they left it too long there was a high chance that Hades was dead. 

From the amount of blood and gold on the snow in front of them, they didn’t have much time at all, and by how weak Harley was already feeling, he knew it was near. 

To the east was a cliff, Rebecca had already peered down and Natasha’s owl had done a closer inspection with no evidence of the queen of the Underworld. 

“Steve, you’ll go north into the woods, you’ll be stronger in the trees.” That was her last instruction before they parted ways. If one were to find Hades a flare would be sent into the sky that lit up the sky like the Star of Bethlehem. If they came into trouble, well, they’d have to figure that out when they came to that obstacle. 

It’s good to know what these gods were going up against, yes they were searching through a mountain range with a forest climbing its sides. But they were also in the middle of nowhere. There was no sign of human life for miles upon miles and that meant one of two things.

The first thing it meant was that this was a hunting ground at the best of times but unsurvivable for humans majority of the time, this was in the favour of the gods, it was the middle of winter, it was slim to none that they would come across a human while searching the land in this area.

The second thing it meant was that with the lack of humans came an abundance of other things. Animals filled the land, from the woods to the cliff faces. Predators like eagles, foxes and wolves hunted the land. Prey like small birds, rabbits and even goats lived as best they could. It was hard for any mortal animal to really thrive in these woods though. With no humans in this land it meant there were no demigods, no half and half’s to protect the preciousness of mortal life, so the supernatural, the monsters that were too rabid for the city roamed the land freely. 

The further Steve stepped into the woods the less connected with the mortal world he felt. Cerberus walked in front of him with his nose to the ground but he hadn’t picked up the scent of Hades yet, there were too many other smells. Smells that Cerberus liked, minotaurs, werewolves, even a griffin but too far away. 

Steve was on high alert, every noise, every rustle of leaves and breeze that blew past him caught his attention. He had to take it slow, a hunt, not a fight. Go too quickly and he could miss something, a sign, blood, a mark she could have made, anything. There was evidence of the beasts all around him, paw prints and scratches on tree trunks, leftover hunted prey left to the other animals in the woods but no sign of Hades. 

Hades sight was hazed. She couldn’t make out details around her as she reached out across the ground and felt the ground beneath her. Cold stone under her fingertips, sharp rocks up the side of the wall. She was in a cave, deep into it with little light around her, it wasn’t just the injuries that had taken her sight. 

There was no portal near her, she was too weak to make her own way to the underworld but she could feel the magic around her. She could feel the supernatural beings’ powers and strength more than the weakness that the mortal world put her through. But it wasn’t enough to help her move out of the cave herself. 

In the snow, in the middle of the forest, wolves stalked the trees. They kept watch and growled at any noise or critter that came close. It didn’t take much longer for Cerberus to smell the wolves. A scent that Cerberus was familiar with but not for years. 

It was getting cold and dark when they came to the small clearing at the front of the cave. Steve could almost sense the wolves stalking the area around him as they walked out of the tree line to be met with one lone wolf standing at the entrance. 

Cerberus immediately bowed to the wolf who’s fur was a crisp white like the snow beneath his paws. It stood side on but as it turned to bow down to both Steve and Cerberus, Steve caught a glimpse of something that made his skin crawl and his heart drop.

Gold. Soaked into his fur mixed with dark red in the matted fur. 

“Where is she?!” He choked out, trying to be strong even though his body was crippling with fear. The wolf was big, bigger than any he had seen before. It currently towered over both he and Cerberus, who was still bent down to the ground. It stood, looked at Steve and then turned back into the cave. Cerberus sat patiently in the snow now, he knew this wasn’t his place, he knew this pack, he was a part of this pack, he would do what the leader said. 

Steve however, he followed the white wolf into the cave, deeper and deeper until it stopped and stepped aside to show Steve the lost treasure he had been looking for. 

And there she was. 

And there he stood.

She could feel him, that same smell from the first time they met, fresh rain, pollen in the air, it stood out against the damp, the stone and the stench of death she knew was coming from herself. Maybe she wasn’t so much better than Demeter said. Maybe she deserved this. 

It took some time to convince the wolves to let him take Hades. She’d fallen back asleep soon after his arrival, not even acknowledging him, he wasn’t sure she actually knew he was here. The wolves were protective of their fallen angel. But Steve was able to convince them that he was her safety, he told them he would protect her, that he would take her home.

“There must be a doorway here?!” He said into the darkness but only stone walls surrounded him. “How am I meant to get her home?” He come all this way, he’d worked so hard this entire time to help her and the Underworld, and now? All of his work, all of the time he’d spent learning about her world when he could have spent it with her. His priorities were morphed to what he thought was right, putting her on the council. But what was right had nothing to do with her position, nothing to do with anyone else but her, she should have been his priority. 

She was too light in his arms as he picked her from the group. Her skin was cold, lacking of any sort of colour. The wolves stepped aside as he carried her out of the cave where Cerberus waited, now standing tall in his true form. Three heads, obsidian black fur and paws as big as Steve’s chest. 

“Take us home Cerberus?” He asked and the pet growled in response, kneeling as Steve placed Hades on his back and climbed up afterwards. “As fast as possible Spot.”

Cerberus bound towards the edge of the cliff, closer and closer until he jumped. Steve held Hades tight as they fell further and further until the depths below turned black and rimmed with gold.

Behind them, at the entrance to the cave the wolves ventured further into the woods again, their debt owed to the god who saved their youngest. Behind them, as they went out of sight, a birch tree sprout. Taller than any seen before in the mortal realm, leaves full and green in the middle of winter. A normal looking tree apart from its height to many but to those that knew, to Natasha and Rebecca as they saw it grow from the top of the mountain, to Peter and Harley who saw it tower over everything else, they knew what it meant. A new beginning was here and the Queen will be returned home. 

One Week Later

Thor stood overlooking Olympus from his balcony. It was filled with life and freedom, as if the past few months had never happened, as if his sister hadn’t been attacked and left for dead by someone he trusted, as if everyone was safe and things we normal.

“Funny how little they really know isn’t it?” Loki stood by his side, as he always had. The green and teal of his cloak reflecting in the sun overhead and against the snow on the ground. “Bucky has come full force today it seems,” he smiled.

“Its in celebration, she woke up today, she’s doing much better it seems. MJ has been by her side continuously to help the healing. She’ll be back to herself soon enough.” 

“Say her name would you Thor. What could go wrong if you say it here, no one is around.” Loki slithered behind Thor, his hands dropped onto his shoulders, “Hades.” He said into his ear. “Our darling sister, our first protector, the selfless one, the keeper of our secrets. Say her name in Olympus dear brother, shout it from the rooftops!” Loki leaned his back against the railing as Thor whispered her name and they felt the wind settle briefly around them.

“Hades is awake,” he said quietly, “Demeter is locked in her home and Hades will sit on the council. Are you happy?”

“I am, though I do wish you had given me the pleasure of tearing that godforsaken mother from earth apart myself but to each their own.” Loki smiled jokingly at Thor who let out a deep laugh back. Brothers, until the end of time. 

The air began to still in Olympus as the two stood overlooking it, the people in the streets and the market stood still, the bustling sound softened to a murmur that they could no longer hear. 

And when the brothers looked out at the steps of Olympus they saw the reason for the silence. First it was the black petals that floated through the air around her, the blackened path that dragged behind her cloak, turning to a gold pathway as the judges followed her in full adorned armour. Pietro in silver, a hero, Wanda in red, to remember the innocent, and Sam in black, for the monsters, his wings mixed with the colours of the judges and dripping gold for his queen as he walked a step behind the other two. One, two and three, they followed her on the gold plated path. A few steps behind them was the final member of her entourage, his armour held the most colour, blues and reds, pinks and greens and a shield on his back.

The queen walked with purpose, she didn’t look to the sides at the nymphs and olympians, she didn’t take in any of their judgements. Even though they murmured with gossip as they watched the son of Demeter follow his mother’s enemy. They whispered about how Hades had kidnapped Steve, how she had lured him with a flower so beautiful he couldn’t resist, others whispered about how it was Steve that turned his back from Demeter, that he was coerced by the judges to join the Underworld before the debate and they had poisoned his mind. Rumours ran hot in Olympus as the five continued to walk onwards towards the temple. 

Inside the temple was chaos. Thor and Loki moved quickly to the throne room where the rest of the Olympian gods were already waiting, having been summoned by Hades herself to meet. Something the brothers weren’t aware of until a nymph of Thor stopped him in the hallway and exclaimed as such.

The letters had appeared on their desks, their counter tops or bedside tables late last night and had been kept under wraps from all after the heat of the last few weeks.

The doors burst open before the council and Hades stepped into the room. The twelve gods sat in their seats and stood as she moved to stand in the centre, the judges stayed back, as did Steve, awaiting their next order.

One bowed to the queen, Ares, he kneeled as soon as she entered. No one knew what this meeting was about, no one knew why they were called and everyone feared the worst, especially with the absence of Demeter. Ares feared Hades’ wrath the most, he would have no part in this, he’d chosen his side and continued to be loyal to both Olympus as well as Hades. 

“Good morning all,” she smiled sweetly and bowed her head but none replied. 

Then the doors opened and in walked Thor and Loki. They moved to their thrones, side by side the biggest of all and at the forefront of the council, one empty on one side of Thor. Hades knelt, her entourage followed.

“What are you doing out of bed so soon?” Thor questioned as he sat, his voice seeped with disappointed.

“I’m fine brother, no need to worry,” she rolled her eyes lovingly at her brother and stood straight. “I’ve come to present my statement, and return what was taken.” 

Steve tried to protest, he had no idea this was what she was doing, he thought she was taking her rightful seat on the council. Sam glared in his direction, daring him to speak.

“You’ve already come home sister,” Loki said and Hades cocked an eyebrow at him. “May I?” He gestured to Thor who simply nodded his head. All of the olympian gods looked on confused, they all assumed the same, that she was here to give back Steve, they had no idea what was really going on. “Transparency is key it seems and we have learnt that the hard way here haven’t we? Hades I believe I speak for everyone here when I say we are pleased to honour your rightful place on the council beside us, this throne was and will always be yours if you wish to take it.”

“What of-?”

“She’s been banned from any council business.” Thor stood before the council as Loki sat back down, he slowly walked down the few steps to Hades. “Demeter’s views do not match that of the council, she no longer has Olympus or the mortals in her best interests, only herself. She’s been locked in her home, awaiting punishment.” He looked past Hades towards Steve with sorrow in his eyes, “we were to meet later today to discuss her punishment, but I’m glad you’re here, we can begin business. Now sit, judges, you may wait outside as is custom.” 

Hades followed Thor up the steps and so casually that it never felt out of place she sat, on the council of Olympus. 

“God of Spring,” Steve heard as he turned to walk out, “won’t you be sitting to speak for your domain?” Bucky smirked at his friend, inviting him to the seat beside him. 

Steve looked to the big three, to the other gods surrounding him, they were all waiting for his answer, waiting for him to sit where his mother once had. And of course, he would never keep them waiting long. 

“Are you sure about this?” She asked him at the rivers’ edge. He looked up to the gates as they glistened and moved, the flowers bloomed, the gold sparkled in the sun, the daffodils were scattered far and wide and he looked back to her. 

“My task isn’t done yet, if I’m to teach Olympians everything they need to know about the Underworld, I need to know everything myself.” He smiled at her, his Queen.

“You don’t have to do this Steve, I can get MJ to reverse the curse,” she was so unsure, with no one around she was always so much more vulnerable with him.

“I don’t want it to be broken, and even if it was it wouldn’t stop me from coming back any chance I could to see you.” A step closer, a whisper under his breath just for her. “The fates brought me to you-“

“That doesn’t mean you have to stay.”

“Would you be quiet,” he laughed and she shied away. “They are not why I want to stay,” a gently hand on her cheek, pushing a boundary they had unspokenly set for themselves. Never to succumb to the fates, to form their own opinions, to have their own conclusions. “I have to have you in my life.”

“And you in mine,” she gleamed and when he beamed back she thought Bucky had brought the sun down to the Underworld with how warm she felt.

“I have to collect some things from Bucky, but I’ll be back later tonight, I promise.” Steve turned to leave before she could even say goodbye but he stopped in his tracks at her voice.

“Take Cerberus! He’ll protect you where I can’t.” The dog shrinking to the Doberman he was familiar with by his side. 

Under the stars of the souls, painted in the skies of the Underworld by artists the God of Spring held the Queen of the Dead. He kissed her in front of the Gates of the Underworld, where their symbols were intertwined for eons before their paths even crossed, before either of them knew of the importance of each other. 

A kiss that was a promise, a see you soon, a please be safe. The two gods were never away from each other for long. When the God of Spring returned in the darkness later that night, when everything was sound asleep he walked into the home of Hades to find her still wide awake, sitting and watching over the gates, waiting for his return. He was welcomed with a small smile, a “you were gone too long” and tugs towards bed. 

The fates dropped him in the Underworld at her feet. They twisted and pulled at their strings together and bound, no knife or scissors could ever break them apart. All the gods knew, all those who were witnesses were well aware now and none feared they were wrong. The protector, had her own protection. 

That is the story of Hades and Persephone. Of love and betrayal. Of chosen family. Of new homes and realising ones worth. I don’t think I’m missing anything, they lived happily ever after and all that good stuff. Why are you still here? They kissed, isn’t that what you wanted?!

Oh 

I know what it is.

What punishment did the council decide on you ask? What consequence did Demeter face? 

It was winter in Olympus, the God of Spring returned to collect his belongings to go to his new home in the Underworld where he would spend each winter for the rest of time. But there was one step he had to make along the way. 

In the dead of the night Demeter sat at the gazebo that was once her son’s. She’d torn through the drawings and belongings she’d found there, they sat amongst the cold wood. Her tears had quietened as she began to accept her defeat and fall from power. As she did so the leaves began to move. 

She heard footsteps in the snow, crunching under the weight of whoever moved towards her. 

“Who goes?! No one is allowed in here show yourself!” She yelled into the darkness with no reply. 

Through the splitting wood of the gazebo behind her, flora began to grow. Vines, roses with thistle sharp as knives, asphodel in the corners. And at its centre Demeter saw the fruition of the prophecy she once thought she controlled. 

In the darkness of her garden, eyes shone through behind her. A man standing tall, his eyes a crisp blue, anger seething from them. Above him were three more sets of eyes, red, glaring at their prey.

No nymph could have this power, no member of Olympus par from the big three were allowed to step foot within this home anymore. She was to be locked away from all that she held so dear. But there were still pathways, there are always pathways even into a locked room. And he had found it. 

Demeter felt her breath shorten as it flowered, the daffodil, through the cracks of her son’s gazebo it flowered bright and tall in the night. And when she turned she saw the moon catch sight of the metal weapon in his hand. No nymph would feel her wrath again, no child would think they were less than loved in her presence ever again, no god would think they had no worth because of the poison that left her tongue. Because she would never be seen again. 

The eyes slipped back into the darkness and disappeared as if they were never there. He left the same way he came, through the cracks in the stone that the caves reached. Ironic that the place she feared most was just a doorway away from her home this entire time he thought as he left her fearing for her life. 

“The scythe will swing low,” he whispered as it closed behind him. The three headed dog by his side, back in the realm of the dead and moving towards the home on top of the hill as if he’d just popped down to the store. Now he was home.

“When the wind is still and the air is cold, the sun will shine in Hades. 

When what belongs is brought home the snow will fall.

It will crunch under the steps of the taken, it will slice through the heart of the fallen.

The harvest will not grow when spring is taken. 

But the daffodil will grow through the cracks of the grave

And the scythe will swing low.” 

The End 

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[hela-avenger]

poison & wine- part 30

Author: hela-avenger

Word Count: 1522

Summary: Prince Loki of Asgard is in need of a date to take back home. That’s where you come in with a task of your own to make the whole trip with an insufferable prince worth it. Too bad that things don’t always go as planned and you end up giving more than you can take. Fake-Dating AU.

A/N:  I don’t know where this part came out from and it wasn’t what I intended but it did its job. I’m having a hard time trying to finish this story because I love it so much! Gah, next part will most likely be heartbreaking if I can make myself to write it. 

poison & wine masterlist

For the first time since the first night you spent together, you had managed to wake up before Loki. He always woke first having duties bound as a royal prince to manage but today was different. He was sleeping in and it allowed you the chance to truly look at him. Not as a God or a royal prince, but as the man who owned your heart. 

Loki looked younger in his sleep. Probably because every waking moment he spent it scowling and that aged him quite a bit. You refrain from laughing at the image in your mind as you return your gaze on him.  

His long raven hair was still nicely brushed back, not a single strand out of place, and you chalked it up to his abundance use of magic. 

Prince Loki of Asgard could never look unruly, not even in his sleep. 

You shift a bit closer to him allowing the closer perspective to reveal details you were unable to see from afar. 

His eyelashes were dark and long resting on the top of his cheeks and they fluttered as he woke. You can’t help but gasp at being caught only feeding Loki’s amusement as he smirked down at you.

Loki opens his mouth to speak but is unable to as persistent knocking comes from the bedroom doors. 

You’re not allowed a chance to get out of bed when the doors open to reveal your handmaidens led by a very determined Frigga. 

“We tried to stop her…” Datya begins to explain poorly. “...but she’s the Queen.” 

Loki and you scramble out of bed. You’re quick to grab your robe and place it on hoping to look decent enough.

“Mother, what are you…” 

“You missed lunch and dinner,” she interrupts. “You’ve also banned anyone from entering your room. You can’t avoid the world forever.” 

Her glare strays to you easing into a calming and sympathetic stare. 

“You can’t hide her here forever.” 

“He wasn’t hiding me,” you assure her. You glance over at him and he sighs unsure of what explanation could be offered since your reclusion. “We needed some time alone considering the abrupt news of our engagement.”

“Right,” Frigga answers, recalling your curious handmaidens’ attention were still on you. “Well, we have a long day ahead so we must get a move on.” 

With a clap of her hands, your handmaidens are quick to move to the closet. You watch as they pull your gowns and the rest of your belongings out.

“What’s going on?” Loki asks her. 

“There’s a celebration to be had,” Frigga answers. “Asgard hasn’t seen a royal engagement since… well, since your father and I were engaged. There is much to do in such a short amount of time.” 

Iana is quick to take a hold of you and starts to lead you out of the room. You shoot a look of alarm to Loki only to see him trying to refrain from laughing. You glare at him in response and he simply raises his hands in defense. 

“Get dressed, son,” Frigga chastises him. “We’ve got a busy day ahead.” 

Iana was working on your hair while Lynn and Datya argued about what dress you should wear. You couldn’t care less about the decision seeing as there were more pressing concerns in your mind. 

Your time spent with Loki had been stagnant. The usual charm and ease was replaced with coldness and stiffness. Loki had spent the rest of your time together trying to formulate a more detailed plan and you listened. 

All you did was listen to his voice as he raved on about his plan and the back-up plan and the plan that would follow after that one. 

He was detailed and very organized and with the passion he spoke, it just further solidified that Loki was not only going to be a great king but was already a great man. 

“What are you thinking about, dear?” Iana quietly asks you. 

“Hmm, oh,” you whisper, not having noticed Iana’s ever-watchful stare. “I well… would it be cliche to say I’m thinking about Loki?”

Iana cracks a small smile. 

“He has you very enamored.”

“Is it that obvious?” you ask with a laugh. 

“There is a certain youthful glow to a woman in love,” Iana answers as she pins your hair back. “It fits you quite nicely.” 

You smile in response not knowing what else you could do. You couldn’t confess your troubles to her. Your handmaidens had snitched on you to the Allfather reminding you that you were truly on your own here. 

Your only confidant had been blocked from seeing you as you got dressed and his mother had a lot of things to manage for the day of celebration that laid ahead of you. 

“Have you talked about your mortality issue yet?” Iana asks. “You mentioned before you hadn’t breached that topic with him yet.” 

You swallow at the question. 

You hadn’t thought of that when it came to him. He did promise he would be at your side for the centuries to come, but you couldn’t offer him the same. 

“No, uh… it's a bit of a grim topic to discuss,” you answer. “But I have a few centuries left and I’ll be more than happy to spend them with him.” 

Iana smiles tightly at your response and simply taps on your shoulders. 

“I’m done with your hair,” she tells you. “Lynn and Datya can help you get dressed. If it’s fine with you, I would like to aid the Allmother with the preparations.” 

“Yes, you’re dismissed,” you tell her. “I’ll see you at the festivities.” 

Iana bows her head before taking her leave. Her presence quickly being replaced by Lynn and Datya who finally settled on a dress. 

Your handmaidens had left a while ago having done their best work once again. You seem to glow even more than the first night they helped you get ready and you thanked them for their work again before being left on your own. 

For once, you weren’t being forced to wear another green gown to a royal event and yet you can’t help but miss them when you realized what Lynn and Datya had decided to choose. 

You stared at your reflection in the mirror unable to accept the image that welcomed you. 

You had so long ago foregone the thought of you in a white gown and yet here you were wearing one. 

The lacing and the white silk…

It was the dress of your dreams and you hadn’t even realized you even had such dreams to begin with. 

You were living some sort of twisted fairy tale.

 A royal wedding and a prince too, but the love within the tale was the true work of fiction. 

A knock on your door disrupts the dark turn your thoughts had strayed to shifting them into a new direction altogether. 

Loki. 

You take a deep breath and try to ease your fast pacing heart at the thought of your prince waiting for you right outside. You smooth down the skirt of your gown as the doors open to reveal Loki waiting for you. 

“Come, we must make a…” 

Loki doesn’t finish his sentence as he stares at you in speechless wonder.

“...You look radiant,” he stammers out. “Absolutely stunning.” 

You warm at his compliments and try to keep your mind grounded. 

“You were saying something?” 

“Right,” Loki nods at the reminder. “We have a quick stop to make before joining the celebrations.” 

He offers your arm for him to take and you happily take it. He starts to quickly lead you away from the banquet room into an unknown area of the palace. 

“Where are you taking me?” 

“It’s a surprise,” Loki answers. “A gift too.” 

“A gift?” 

Loki doesn’t offer an answer as he stops in front of a beautifully carved wooden door. He motions for you to open it and so you do. 

The door creaks as it slides open revealing a dimly lit office. The lights grow brighter as you step inside making you notice the array of maps and trinkets laying around. 

“What is this?” you ask, turning to Loki for an explanation. “What is all of this?” 

Loki offers you a small smile.

“It’s your father’s office,” he answers. “All of his belongings, his travel logs, his journals… They’re stored here.” 

“Loki…” you whisper unsure of what else to say. 

He simply smiles in response as you approach your father’s desk and start to look through the logs scattered around. 

“We’ve got a few minutes to spare before we have to make an appearance,” Loki tells you. “But take all the time that you need.” 

“I don’t even know where to begin in thanking you, Loki.” 

“You’re already doing it, Y/N,” Loki responds. “By being by my side through it all.” 

He brushes back a strand of your hair and leaves it resting on your cheek. 

“You deserve to get what you want too,” Loki whispers. “You deserve to get everything you wish for.” 

You smile up at him and the urge to kiss him intensifies with the way he’s looking at you in return. The previous tension was gone, returning you both to the peaceful tranquility that you had before the news of your engagement broke.

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#loki x reader #loki x you #loki x ofc #loki x oc #prince loki x reader #prince loki x you #prince loki x ofc #prince loki x oc #fake dating au #thor au #avengers au #marvel au #loki series #loki fanfic #loki fic #loki odinson #Loki Laufeyson #Prince Loki of Asgard #poison & wine part 30 #you fic #reader-insert #reader fic #fluff #angst

[anxious-logic]

The Power of Family: Prologue

Masterpost

Chapter Warnings: blood mention (not a lot), food mention, (what could be interpreted as) very brief self-harm, mention of chronic illness in and future death of an off-screen parent

Word Count: 1,882

---

Virgil narrowed his eyes as he felt something tug at his core, gentle but insistent.

"Yes?" he murmured to himself, closing his eyes as he traced the pull back to its source. His eyebrows lifted in surprise as he saw where the call was coming from.

Virgil didn’t know mortal years very well, but a boy who couldn’t have been more than sixteen was kneeling at a temple in a small town. The temple wasn't much - four columns of wood, capped with a woven roof barely holding itself together, acting as a safehouse for all six of the gods. The boy was in front of the single altar, which was made of a large, flat rock, his heels tucked underneath him. Virgil heard the boy’s words echo in his mind as he began to speak.

"Remus, God of Life; Roman, God of Stories; Patton, God of Trust; Virgil, God of Strength; Janus, God of Truth; Logan, God of Wisdom.” The boy exhaled shakily as he placed a small wooden bowl filled with berries and fruit on the altar, bowing his head. "I ask for your aid in this time. I... My mother is sick. Dying. She cannot live much longer with our doctors and medicine." The boy sat back, closing his eyes. He swallowed, and firmly nodded once as though he had decided something. "I offer anything you ask in return for her life.”

He reached into a pocket in his cloak, withdrawing a knife. Virgil tensed as the boy drew it across his palm, letting blood well up over his skin and drip onto the altar next to the bowl.

"Please, spare her."

The boy wiped the knife on the ground next to him, cleaning the blade. He pressed his palm to the rock of the altar, staying there for a moment before standing, a smear of red remaining on the stone.

Virgil's eyes snapped open as the soft pull dissipated. He broke into a dead run.

~~~

Virgil rubbed at his forehead in frustration as he stared down at the stone at his feet, his eyes tracing the carved rune corresponding to his abilities.

“What are we doing about this situation?” Virgil asked. He was trying his best not to reveal just how panicked he was; the unsettling feeling that always permeated the air of the ritual clearing was making the attempt far more difficult.

A teenager – barely more than a child – was offering his life to them. All of them. In return for his mother’s continued life.

“We don’t have much of a choice, do we?” Patton’s voice was wavering, the god of trust barely able to keep tears from spilling down their face. They were sitting curled up just behind their own runed stone.

Roman, the god of stories, gritted his teeth. “There should be an exception. Isn’t there?” They turned to Logan, the god of wisdom. “There must be. For young mortals? Who don’t know what they’re offering?”

Logan spread her hands, her face sorrowful. “He knows full well what he is offering. He understands what it meant when he spilled his blood on the altar.”

Patton’s knuckles were white where he was gripping the god of truth’s hand. “He had such… trust in all of us. That we could do it.”

“He spoke the truth when he said he was willing to give anything.” Janus’s voice was quiet, but it cut through the silence regardless.

Remus jumped up, pacing frantically back and forth. “There has to be something.” He raked his hands through his hair, his face contorted in concentration. “I can- I can create something. An exception. Right?”

“Not without the belief, knowledge, and trust to back it up,” Virgil said. “And you three can’t spread it that quickly. Regardless of what we could do otherwise.” He looked apologetically at where the tears had begun spilling over Patton’s cheeks, the god silently sobbing.

“We can’t take his entire life force,” Logan said forcefully, her face unusually emotive. “We need to figure out another solution.”

Virgil closed his eyes, trying to trace back what he knew about this child. “His mother fell ill when he was only a child,” he offered weakly. “He was forced to grow up much too quickly, beginning to do daily hard work to support his family even before his voice dropped.” He opened his eyes. “Can we do anything with that?”

Logan’s eyes suddenly held a glimmer of hope. “Pull it forward more, to today,” she said eagerly. Virgil frowned in confusion, but closed his eyes to do so. “What do you see?”

Virgil bit the inside of his cheek as he very carefully located Thomas again, nudging at his past ever so slightly to get today’s records. He gasped as he came upon something extremely unusual.

“There are extreme abnormalities,” Virgil whispered. “At approximately the time he contacted us. Is his plea to us the reason why?”

He heard a rustling, then Logan spoke. “Describe the abnormalities.”

Virgil probed at the area, wincing slightly as it seemed to resist his attempts at further exploration. He crouched down and placed his hand on the carved stone at his feet, the magical conduit boosting his abilities just enough to assess Thomas’s strength in more detail. “...It’s all over the place - strong, then weak, then practically nonexistent, and back again. It’s resisting all of my attempts to look into it more.”

He opened his eyes to see Logan pacing back and forth excitedly.

“And after?”

Virgil frowned. “It’s- different,” he said haltingly. “I don’t know how to explain it. It’s familiar, for some reason, but certainly different than it was before he contacted the six of us.”

Logan turned to face him. “Trace me.”

Virgil reared back, startled at the sudden change of subject. “I- what?”

“Trace. Me.” Logan stepped closer, her presence intimidating despite how small she was compared to Virgil.

Virgil shook his head slowly, then looked into Logan’s eyes, diving into her mind. He felt the familiar resistance, then the usual sparks that came from the other gods’ inhuman powers.

“That’s enough,” Logan said, blinking her eyes and pulling out of the trace. Virgil shook his head slightly to reorient himself. “Now, how similar was Thomas’s mind to mine?”

Virgil’s eyes widened. Oh. “He’s not human,” he breathed.

Logan tilted her head from side to side. “Not completely,” she corrected, before her face split into a grin. “Don’t you see? We can- do more things with him, his life, now that he’s no longer entirely mortal.”

“We don’t have to take his entire life.” Janus’s eyes were filled with hope.

“Precisely.” Logan quickly walked over to Janus, grabbing the other god’s hands and squeezing them tightly, bringing them to her chest. “We should be able to- split his life force, for lack of a better word. Wherever we like. And likely manipulate it slightly, so we won’t be bound to a year for a year.”

Remus pulled his gaze up from where he was looking at the ground. “Yes. We can.” His voice was filled with hope.

“What could we manipulate it to? That it’s a life worth living?”

Remus’ eyes began to glow a bright green, and he was silent for a few moments. He blinked, his eyes going back to normal, and squeezed his hands on his thighs before speaking. “We could take twelve of Thomas’ years and make it twenty-four of his mother’s. She would live to sixty years; that is far closer to the typical mortal lifespan, is it not?”

Logan nodded. “Longer, even.”

“So- twelve years of Thomas’ life would make him quite young, would it not?” Patton seemed excited at the idea.

“He would be four years old,” Remus said, nodding. “Very young.”

“He could not live in his village,” Roman murmured. “Especially as we do not know the extent of his- otherness after sacrificing himself to us.”

Virgil took a deep breath in an attempt to center himself. “No,” he whispered.

“He would lose both memories and appearance after the transfer,” Remus added. “For all intents and purposes, he would not have lived a day past four years.”

Patton snapped their head up suddenly. “Can we-” They cut themself off as all of the others looked at them, pressing their lips together.

“Can we what, love?” Janus asked, thumb rubbing over Patton’s knuckles soothingly.

“I know we have not… done it before. But could we- could we take him in?”

Roman inhaled sharply, the only noise heard in the silence that fell after Patton’s words.

“I know it… it’s not something that any of us – or at least I – have considered at length.” Patton swallowed, looking around at the other gods. “But… well. I will not pretend that I would not… appreciate the chance to raise a child, mortal-born or otherwise.”

Janus was looking at Patton with a facial expression that Virgil had no hope of deciphering. Logan looked considering, and Remus was looking at his partner like they were the center of his universe. When Virgil looked over to Roman, squeezing his hand where it was still on his partner’s thigh, he didn’t see any immediate negativity towards the idea.

“I would love that,” Remus breathed, breaking the silence that had fallen over the clearing.

“Would he be- um.” Virgil licked his lips, carefully measuring his breathing as everyone looked at him. “Would he be just… yours?” He gestured to Patton, Remus, and Janus. “Or would he be… all of ours? Together? I mean, I just. Um.” He shrunk back a bit. “Yeah.”

Patton exchanged a glance with Remus, then looked over to Janus, the three of them seeming to have a nonverbal conversation for a few moments.

“I don’t think we would be able to do it on our own,” Janus eventually said. “And it would be incredibly difficult for any of us to raise a child without them seeing all six of us as parental figures, considering how entwined all of our existences are.”

Virgil nodded his head, conceding the point to Janus. “I suppose,” he said in agreement.

Logan exhaled, standing up straight and bringing her hands to clasp behind her back. “So we are in agreement, then? We intend to… adopt… this mortal child and raise him as our own?”

Nobody disagreed.

“Well,” Logan said. “Let us go, then.”

She held out her hand to Janus, who took it and extended a hand to Patton in turn. They offered their hand to Remus, and the rest of them joined until Roman closed the circle by clasping Logan’s other hand.

Patton looked around the circle, making eye contact with all of the other gods. “Last chance to back out,” they offered quietly. Nobody spoke up.

“Okay,” they said, closing their eyes and taking a deep breath. They all stepped onto the stones inset into the ground in front of them, the runes carved into the rocks beginning to pulse with power. As the gods began to whisper under their breath, they glowed brighter and brighter until it was no longer possible to see them.

After what might have been seconds and what might have been years, the light faded. The clearing was empty, except for a small child sleeping peacefully in the circle of carved stones.

Next chapter

#ts virgil #ts remus #ts roman #ts patton #ts janus #ts logan #the power of family #i can write sometimes

[delicatelyherdreams]

Pragma(tic) Epilogue: The Gods Live On

Pairing: Persephone!Bucky Barnes x Hades!Reader

Summary: In a world where the old gods never truly died, you must learn to navigate your way through the ups and downs of immortality. And if living forever wasn’t hard enough, an ancient evil is now threatening to break free after centuries of silence. And as if that still wasn’t hard enough for you, now a pesky and infuriatingly handsome god is trying to wedge his way into your life. Gods, work, love, and conflict—what more could a goddess need? [Hades & Persephone AU]

Word Count: 3724

Warnings: Language

Pragma(tic) Masterlist

Previous 25: She Almost Murders Someone (Again)

The Winter Solstice Gala, held to celebrate the gods’ reign and usher in a new year, was upon you. It was only months after Bucky had moved in with you—the happiest months of your life. 

Bucky was almost immediately integrated into the Underworld as fall set in just days after his promise after he ate those seeds and bound himself to the Underworld for half a year. This almost made it better. Having him with you always made it easier to get him acquainted with everything there was in the Underworld and train him in his new role.

You hardly had to do anything; he was a natural god of death. 

“It’s because life and death are so alike,” he said one day as you lay in bed together, your head nestled in the crook of his arm as you both read books. “I just know how it feels. It’s easy for me.”

He was good at leading souls down, providing them with a comforting figure as they made the voyage from the Mortal World to the Underworld. He was good at putting them at ease and getting them down in one piece. And what he wasn’t good at, Clint was there to lend his aide.

That also allowed Bucky to grow accustomed to the Underworld.

He moved like he owned the place. He learned it inch by inch, grew as close to it as you did. He loved the place. He loved his home. It was amazing. You’d expected the dark and the death to have some effect on him, but there was nothing. He moved like he’d always lived there. It was beautiful.

His clothes joined yours in your closet. His toiletries took up residence in the bathroom. He claimed the left side of the bed and brought his own pillow to join yours. He made your home his own, living alongside you in perfect harmony. 

It was blissful. You couldn’t believe your eyes every morning when you woke up every morning to see his face sleeping just inches from yours. You found it amazing that you could just swoop in and peck him on the lips whenever you wanted. You found it surreal that he would eat every meal with you and go on strolls around the perimeter of your kingdom whenever you wished. You found it beautiful that you could go to bed every night, holding him in your arms and fall asleep to the sound of his steady heart.

For four months you operated like this, growing accustomed to living together. For four months you saw few others. For four months you knew nothing but peace.

But, of course, peace must be broken.

Carol personally delivered the invitation.

The Winter Solstice Gala was to be held near the end of December on the shortest day and longest night of the year.

You had half a mind to decline the invitation as you had so many years before, but Bucky had accepted before you could put a word in. 

“I think it’d be fun,” he later said when you caught him with an accusatory glare. “Besides…” His arms snaked around your waist and he buried his nose in your neck. “I want to see you in a regal dress.”

You couldn’t deny him so you ended up stuck in a scarlet gown, impatiently waiting at the bottom of your stairs for Bucky to finish getting ready.

You fiddled with the fabric of your dress. You had to admit that it was gorgeous. In the traditional ballgown style, it had a wide skirt that swept over the ground when you walked. Fabricated flowers covered the skirt and they crawled up the fabric. The corset top cinched at the waist, giving way for a slit to fall through your cleavage, accenting it just right without revealing anything. The sleeves hung off your shoulders, leaving your skin and collar bones exposed to the cool air. You wore no jewelry or accessory save for your golden crown that rested atop your head.

Your feet ached already. You didn’t like your heels. You didn’t really care much for this dress either, but it was required for such a gala. All the other goddesses would be wearing something similar and you refused to be the odd one out. 

You huffed and shifted your weight from foot to foot. “Bucky!” you called up the stairs. “Hurry up! We’re gonna be late!” Unlikely, but you were desperate to get him out.

“I’m coming!” he yelled back. “I’m sorry, Doll.” His voice was growing louder. “This tie was giving me difficulty.” His footsteps echoed in the halls as he came to the top of the staircase.

You turned to face him and your heart stopped. 

You’ve said it before and you’ll say it again: Bucky Barnes looks damn good in black. His suit was a midnight color, as dark as the night sky. His hair was combed back and gelled away from his face. His blue eyes pierced your soul and stole your breath away. You vowed to yourself then to burn every article of clothing he had that was not black.

He gave you a sheepish smile as he descended down the stairs. “You look gorgeous though.” He stopped a foot away from you and took both your hands in his. “Red really is your color.” 

You had to peel your eyes off of his figure and snap yourself back to reality. Giving a flustered cough, you nodded. “Yes and… Er, black is your color also. You look good, Buck. Really good.” You could feel heat pooling beneath the skin of your cheeks as you averted your eyes. 

He laughed at you and squeezed your hands. “Thank you. Now, shall we head out? I know we only have to teleport, but I don’t really want to wait in a long ass line to get in.”

“Sure! Just…” You mustered up your power and blinked. Opening your eyes again, you found yourself on the steps of the palace, surrounded by two dozen other gods and nymphs. Your ears were greeted with a muted murmur of excitement. 

Everyone was dressed to the tens. Fancy gowns made your head swim with colors and elegant suits gave the night a sharpness you found enthralling.

Bucky nudged your side, gesturing up to the front doors where Queen Carol and Queen Maria stood basking in the light of the ballroom.

Carol looked splendid in her white gown, radiating power as she beamed down at the gathering of gods below. “The Winter Solstice is the time of year in which we gods toast to the new light ahead. On our darkest day, we are able to look forward to a time that will be brighter. The light will only grow on our great empire, shining bright for all to see. Now come! Let us be merry and dance!”

Short, sweet, and simple; just how you liked it.

Your sister and her wife made way for the other gods, allowing them to file into the ballroom. 

You and Bucky fell towards the back of the line, slowly climbing your way to the palace. As you passed through the doors, Carol reached out and took your hand. Giving it a gentle tug, she smiled and nodded you in. “Thanks for coming,” she whispered as you passed.

You nodded to her, silently thanking her for the invite, before turning into the ballroom and joining the party.

It was already in full swing. The muses perched on a raised dais on the far wall and played their instruments with expertise. Their jaunty melody filled the air, spurring the gods around to join in dancing on the dance floor. The room was painted gold and midnight blue streamers fell through the air. Balls of magic cast the golden glow over the room. Hovering in the air, they cast dancing shadows whenever they moved. A long table filled with sweets, snacks, and drinks lined the side wall. 

Of course that was your first destination.

You and Bucky seemed to be on the same wavelength as you both made a beeline for the food. Your mouth was already watering at the thought of the sweet ambrosia on your tongue. 

Bucky laughed as he fell to a stop, picking up an ambrosia square. “We’re pathetic!” he cried, taking a bite out of it. “We could be dancing and instead we came for the food.” 

You couldn’t contain your laughter. “You know why? Because we’re smart. We can’t dance on empty stomachs. Besides, the food is best here on Olympus. I like the food in the Underworld but there’s just something about this that makes my heart happy.”

“True.” 

“Just stay away from the pomegranates,” you warned. “I’m not having any more of that nonsense.”

“You got it, Doll.” He smirked as he popped the rest of the square into his mouth and turned for more.

You could’ve stayed there all night, but it wasn’t long at all before you were interrupted. 

“I thought I might find you here,” chimed an amused voice from behind you. You could hear the smile in her words.

Both you and Bucky froze. Turning around slowly, you locked your eyes on Winnifred as she stood apart from you, her arms folded over her chest and her lips quirked up in a smirk. The green of her gown gave her an earthly glow, making the brown of her hair glow with life.

Bucky swallowed heavily. “M-Mother!”

“Hello, James. Hello, (y/n).” She bowed her head to you respectfully.

You nodded back. “It’s good to see you again, Winnifred.”

“And you.” She looked up at Bucky, her eyebrow cocked. “I haven’t seen you in months, James. I was beginning to worry.” Her words were prodding and filled with an unspoken question.

“Yeah… I’ve been spending a lot of my time down in the Underworld.”

“Ah, yes. I did hear about that. I can feel the death on you.” Her face screwed up in mild disgust. “You’re the new god of death.” It wasn’t a question so much as it was an accusation. She didn’t like it one bit.

You nodded. “He volunteered to take on the responsibility. I told him what it meant, and he still wanted it. Who was I to deny him?” 

“I am not objecting,” Winnifred said, her voice calm and cold. “I acknowledge that my son is a grown man fully capable of making his own decisions.”

“Thank you, Mother,” Bucky said wrapping his arm around your waist. “I am very happy with my new role. Being the god of death is easy for me and I can do something for the mortals that matters.”

“That doesn’t mean you can’t visit every once in a while,” she said with a teasing smirk.

You and Bucky exchanged a glance. He hadn’t told his mom about his situation. 

This wasn’t going to end well.

“Actually… Funny story.” Bucky laughed and rubbed the back of his neck. “My new job requires that I… Uh… I have to stay in the Underworld for half the year. It’s mandatory, non-negotiable. So… During fall and winter I really can’t come to visit you.”

Her lips curled down in a frown. “And why not? I’d assume that even then you’d still be able to spare a day to come up and see me.”

“I can’t, Mother. I’m sorry.” He lowered his gaze. “I ate food of the Underworld. Six pomegranate seeds. I knew what it meant, and I still did it.”

You studied the goddess’ gaze warily, gripping Bucky’s arm and preparing to pull him away should she lash out.

Her face, however, was unreadable. She was silent for a few moments before she took a deep breath. “You swear that you weren’t tricked into eating it? You really wanted to be down there so badly that you decided to revoke your right to choose where you are?”

“I did. I do,” he confirmed, pulling you close to him. “I am happy there. And I can always come during the spring and summer. But for the cold months, I want to be down in the Underworld with (y/n). I made my own choice, and that is what I wanted.”

“Then I am happy for you.”

Her words made your heart stop and you searched her face for any ounce of sarcasm or anger.

You found none. A soft smile had overtaken her features as she looked between you and her son. “I am happy for the both of you, and I only wish you the best.” She nodded her head once more. “Now you’ll have to excuse me. I’m afraid that there are more people I have promised my attention to. I will see you in the spring, my son.” She curtsied to you before backing away and joining the ball.

You stood dumbstruck beside Bucky, your mouth agape. “What the fuck just happened?” you asked, your voice dripping with confusion. 

“I think,” he said slowly, his voice tainted by a hint of uncertainty, “my mother just gave us her blessing.” He shook his head. “Whatever! I’m not going to question it!” 

“Me neither!” You turned away from where she had gone and looked at Bucky, a wild laugh escaping your mouth. 

“I think that’s all the crazy I need from the night. I’ll be checking in with her later to make sure she’s feeling well.”

“Probably a smart idea,” you laughed. 

“Oh man…” 

You opened your mouth to speak, but you were cut off by the sound of a new song filling the air. The tune was slower than the last and gentle in the room. At once partners flooded the floor. Pairs of lovers held each other as they began to dance in time. 

Bucky coughed into his hand as he looked out at them. “Seems like fun…” he mused softly, his eyes sliding to glance at you.

“It does,” you agreed softly, looking back at him. 

He paused for a moment before turning to you and bowing. His hand extended for yours, giving you the chance to take it. “May I have this dance, my love?” he asked, his voice tender and kind.

You nodded as you placed your hand in his. “It would be my honor.” 

His fingers curled around yours and he stood straight. Taking slow, deliberate steps, he walked you to the dance floor.

Gathering your skirts in one hand and grabbing his, you placed your other on his shoulder.

His warm hand grasped yours and his other found a home on your waist. Pulling you flush against him, he smiled down at you. “Just let me lead,” he mumbled as he began to pull you into a waltz. 

A soft piano melody filled the air, the notes filling your heart with a slow tranquility. The world around you slowly melted away, leaving you with only him. The scent of him filled your nose—the freshest flowers and the richest earth. His body was warm in such a close proximity. His hand was strong. Nothing other than him mattered in that moment.

You stared up into his blue eyes. They never once left yours.

You traced every one of his features. You knew you’d never get enough of it.

You’d never get enough of him. Truly, he was the love of your life.

How had you gotten so lucky, you wondered as you waltzed around the floor. How had you managed to entrap this man—this god—and make him fall so deeply in love with you?  How had you found him? 

He really was the only one for you. You couldn’t believe you’d wasted so much time on those who were unworthy of your love. You couldn’t believe that a love like this actually existed.

You loved him. You really did. Where you had been strong before, you were stronger now because of him. You felt it every day when you woke up: the strength and power he gave you through his support.

A year ago, you wanted nothing to do with him.

But now you never wanted him to leave.

You squeezed his hand softly, pulling him closer to your body.

He squeezed yours and smiled in response, twirling you in place. 

For hours you danced, letting him lead you in dizzying circles until he waltzed you out of the ballroom to a balcony that overlooked the city.

The music inside quieted to a dull hum and you and Bucky were left alone as the doors closed behind you of their own accord. You slowed to a stop before the marble of the railing. 

He didn’t let you go. You didn’t want him to let you go. You basked in the other’s presence, simply enjoying the silence. 

You decided to be the first to break it, mumbling three little words. “I love you.”

“I love you,” he echoed, his hand letting go of yours and cupping your cheek softly.

You leaned into him, letting your eyes flutter shut. “Thank you,” you whispered in the night.

“For what?”

“For being with me. For never letting me go or giving up. I can’t imagine it was easy, knowing everything I put you through. So just thank you for everything.” You knew you’d never find the words to tell him exactly how much you appreciated him, but this would just have to do. 

He pulled you close and rested his forehead against yours. “We’ve been through too much for me to let you go now, Doll.”

“I know we have. But I want you to know that I never want you to let me go. I love you too much.”

“Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere any time soon.” He fell silent for a bit, his brow furrowing in hesitation. “Actually… There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.”

“Oh?”

“It’s… It’s kind of a big question. I’ve been waiting for the perfect time, but I never knew when I’d catch you in the moment. I guess that now is as good a time as any, right?” He was nervous. You could tell it in the way his eyes wouldn’t stay in one spot for long and how he shuffled his feet. His hand dipped into his suit pocket and slowly pulled out a small, rectangular, velvet box. 

Your breath hitched as your eyes glued themselves to the box. “Bucky…” Your voice was small and trembling, the lump in your throat keeping it from being anything more. Your heart pounded in your chest.

He shuffled his feet and passed the box in between his hands, the black of his palm swallowing the black of the box. His blue eyes found yours and held your gaze. “Look, I know that this probably isn't how you’d envisioned your life going—I mean, who could’ve predicted the Queen of the Underworld getting mixed up with some minor god of spring—but I couldn’t imagine my life any other way. I love you so, so much (y/n), and I want you in my life, to have and to hold, for forever. You will have me as long as the stars still burn in the sky. You will have me as long as man roams the Mortal World. You will have me as long as Olympus stands. You will have me as long as we both shall live. So…” He cleared his throat and slowly sank to the ground onto one knee. His hands held out the box as he stared up at you, his eyes begging. “Will you, (y/n) Aidoneus, the unseen one, eldest daughter of the titans Kronos and Rhea, goddess of the dead and wealth, Queen of the Underworld, and the love of my life, do me the honor of becoming my wife—my beloved queen—and spend eternity with me?” He only then cracked open the box and your heart crawled up into your throat.

Staring up at you, encased in a band of black vibranium, was a perfect and raw ruby, red as blood and the size of a large pebble.

The stone was shockingly familiar and you were surprised you even recognized it. “Is that…?”

“It is.” His smile was bright. “It’s the ruby you threw at me all that time ago. Believe me, I can’t believe I kept it either. But I figured that there was nothing better to propose with than the first gift you gave me put into a band of my own creation.” At your bewildered expression, he smiled sheepishly. “I asked Tony to teach me how to make a ring so I could give you this. But that’s beside the point. I need to know what you say. Will you marry me?”

Staring down at him, you could picture the future. You could see your ring on his finger and his ring on yours. You could see the his-and-hers crowns. You could see two of everything as he only solidified his place in your life. You could see yourself waking up with him, eating with him, loving with him, doing everything with him. You could see him as a permanent part of your life, there forever more.

You could see him standing by your side as your husband and your king, ruling the Underworld together, bound by nothing but love and adoration. You could see him as yours, and you as his.

And it made you smile. 

You wiped at the tears that were flooding your eyes and nodded. “Yes,” you said softly. 

His eyes lit up as he looked at you hopefully. “Yes?”

“Yes! Yes! A thousand times yes.”

He didn’t hesitate to slide the ring on your finger and stand to pull you in a hug. With his arms wrapped tightly around your torso, he kissed you and laughed into your mouth.

You held him as close as physically possible, just basking in him. “I love you,” you said again when you broke apart for air.

“And I love you. Always.”

Your heart was happy. You were happy. Knowing that Bucky was yours and yours alone filled you with something indescribable. 

He loved you. You loved him. He was yours. You were his. And that was enough to make you happy.

Because now you had him for as long as you both shall live.

For all eternity in your very own happily ever after.

#pragma(tic) #hades and persephone #hades & persephone #hades & persephone au #persephone!bucky x hades!reader #bucky barnes #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes x you #bucky #bucky x reader #bucky x you #the end

[danurso]

Salem's favorite butler - Part 3

Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3

(Took some time, but the ending is here)

Jaune: *walking with the group through the corridors*

Yang: so, what's the plan?

Ruby: i don't know yet.

Nora: why don't you blast salem with your laser eyes or something like that?

Ozcar: it would be useless, she would just come back to life like she did countless times before.

Weiss: then what are we going to do?

Jeanne: i don't know, all i know is that we need to find a way to destroy salem.

Weiss: easier said than done, we have no idea how to defeat her remember?

Jeanne: i know but we have to find a way to destroy her, she's been acting odd for a long time now, and we have no idea what her real plans are.

Jaune: *chuckles*

Yang: something funny?

Jaune: yes, you whispering plans to destroy my queen is quite amusing, specially since you have no idea on what to do or is going on.

Jeanne: then tell us what is going on? I think is pretty obvious that Salem is evil and is trying to wipe mankind away from earth.

Jaune: you don't need worry about that, mankind will still live to see another day.

Ruby: what do you mean?

Jaune: my queen has more important things to deal with right now than our pitiful race. *stops in front of a large door*

Ozcar: and what would be more important to salem than destroying mankind?

Jaune: you'll see. *opening the door*

Salem: *on the bed with her hair down* jaune?

Jaune: *walking in and bowing* yes my queen, i brought your guests as you requested.

Salem: *sighs* how many times do i have to repeat myself. . .

RWBY/JN_R/Ozcar/Qrow: *walks in the room before freezing and gasping, some of them even letting their jaws fall to the ground*

Salem: *holding a blonde baby in her arms while having a small white haired girl clinging and sleeping on her arm* . . .you're my husband, you don't need to act as my butler anymore.

Jaune: *chuckles* i may be your husband, but that doesn't take away my responsibilities as your butler.

Salem: i should punish you for ignoring what i say.

Jaune: and as your loyal butler, i'll gladly accept the punishment my queen.

Salem: . . . *sigh* i'm too tired to punish you, it took some time for saphir to fall asleep, blanc at least fell asleep as soon as she hugged me.

Jaune: *smiles* of course she did, you have a soothing motherly aura afterall.

Salem: giving me these sweet words and this idiotic smile won't spare you from your punishment, are you aware of that?

Jaune: *still smiling* of course i am my queen.

Salem: now, *looks at the still extremely shocked group* it took you all long enough to reach this place.

RWBY/JN_R/Ozcar/Qrow: . . .

Salem: Jaune? what is wrong with them? Do they not talk?

Jaune: i don't know my queen, they were quite talkative a few moments ago.

Jeanne: j-jaune. . .

Jaune: yes?

Jeanne: a-are these. . .your. . .y-your k-k-ki-

Jaune: my children? Yes they are.

Jeanne: *gets struck by a imaginary lightning*

Jaune: *smile widens* the girl clinging on my queen is blanc while the boy sleeping on her arms is saphir.

Jeanne: i-i. . .why. . .when. . .how!?

Jaune: *raises eyebrow* our parents never told you about that? Well, it's fairly simple, when a man and a woman really love each other they-

Jeanne: *blushes* i-i know how that works you idiot!

Jaune: really? Then i don't get your question.

Jeanne: you don't get it!? I'M ASKING WHY DID YOU AND THIS MONSTER-

Jaune: *flames on his eyes flare, giving her a cold look*

Jeanne: *shivers*

Jaune: *flames fade, and still smiling politely* i will have to ask you for silence once more my dear sister. As my queen just said, it took a lot of time for our children to fall asleep, and so i would rather avoid loud noises to not wake them up. Also. . . *vanishes*

Jeanne: wha-

Jaune: *re-appears right in front of her, giving her a freezing glare and dropping for the first time his polite smile, replacing it with a way more somber expression* don't think for a second that i will spare you just because you are my sister, my queen is everything to me, so if you lack respect with her once more, i will end you.

Jeanne: *shaking terrified*

Jaune: *turns around and walks back to salem's bed, turning back to them with his polite persona back in place*

Salem: you know, sometimes you're scarier than me.

Jaune: i'm sorry if i scared you my queen, but you know i tend to lose my temper whenever anyone insults you.

Salem: you are forgiven, but for now try to hold your temper, these people are bound to hate and despise me, so much that i don't even know if they'll accept my proposal.

Ozcar: proposal? What kind of proposal?

Salem: a truce, at least for the time being.

RWBY/JN_R: a WHAT!?

Jaune: *eyes flare* mind your volume, please.

RWBY/JN_R/Ozcar/Qrow: *shivers*

Salem: i said i wanted to propose a truce, it's the reason i didn't let anything hurt you on your way here and why i suspended my operations awhile ago.

Ruby: are you. . .are you really proposing that?

Salem: yes. . .being a mother again made me reconsider a lot of things, as did my marriage with jaune. I still see mankind as a worthless race who deserves to be wiped away from remnant, but at least some of them have their own worth, and both me and jaune wanted to raise our children teaching them about this worth.

RWBY/JN_R/Ozcar/Qrow: *speechless*

Salem: so i will make this proposal, all of my agents will go out of the field and my grimm will stop pushing against the walls of your kingdoms. Of course the grimm won't stop, they are a natural force of destruction after all, but without me controlling them they will get less aggressive and coordinated.

Ozcar: and what do you want in exchange?

Salem: Peace. For me, my husband and my family. I'm honestly tired of this war, and what i have with Jaune is way more important to me than our pointless fight, so now all i want is to live in peace with my husband and my children.

Yang: oh really? And how do we know you're not going to go berserk when your kids and jaune grow old and die? It already happened twice with you, how do we know it won't happen a third time?

Salem: you can't, it's as simple as that.

Ruby: then-

Salem: but i doubt that will happen, since by the time they perish i will most likely have perished as well.

Jeanne: cut it out, we know you're immortal.

Salem: i was immortal.

Ozcar: what do you mean with that?

Salem: the god of light cursed me with immortality a long time ago, saying it was a punishment that would only go away when i learned the value of life. . .a lot of things changed when i got pregnant with blanc and had to confront a lot of feelings i kept buried for more than a millenia, i'm aware of how ridiculous and impossible it might sound to you ozma but i changed, for once i decided to focus on the life inside my belly instead of the death of the race i hate so much, i forgot about my revenge, and one day i realized that something was different.

Ozcar: what exactly?

Salem: well, i thinks better to show instead of telling. *raises her hands, one of her nails getting sharper and sharper before she uses it to cut the palm of her hand* see?

Jeanne: and what exactly does this-

Ozcar: wait a second mrs.arc.

Jeanne: what?

Ozcar: . . .

Salem: *with blood coming out of her hand*

Ozcar: *with wide eyes* it's not closing. . .

Jeanne: what?

Ozcar: the wound on her hand. . .it's not closing.

Weiss: wait, does that means she-

Salem: yes, to answer your questions, i am mortal. The curse was lifted some time ago, though i can't say for sure when it happened exactly.

Jaune: *coming in with a first-aid kit and patching up her hand* and while i know you're happy about it my queen, you shouldn't hurt yourself like that every time you want to check your mortality.

Salem: you worry too much about me.

Jaune: *smiles* because i love you my queen.

Salem: *smiles* i'm aware.

Jeanne: what do we do now professor? Now that she's not immortal anymore we have a chance.

Ozcar: . . . . .salem.

Salem: yes?

Ozcar: *looking directly into her eyes* . . .

Salem: . . .

Ozcar: . . .farewell, we accept your proposal.

RWBY/JN_R: w-what!?

Blake: are you serious!?

Weiss: after everything she did, we're just going to let her go like that!?

Ozcar: there's no point in fighting anymore, salem's curse was lifted but we don't know if it can come back, so just leaving her alone now is our best option.

Jeanne: our best option? *clenches jaw* pyrrha is dead because of her!

Ozcar: and a lot more people will end up dying if we keep going, we have an opportunity to get peace, we shouldn't throw that chance out of the window because we want revenge.

Yang: we're not throwing that chance out of the window. *deploys ember celica and eyes shift to red* if we kill her right now we'll still get peace and also avenge our friends.

Ozcar: miss xiao long, we-

Ruby: she's right professor, we have a chance to end everything right now and also avenge our friends *unfolds her scythe* we should take it.

Yang: it's because of her that our world is such a mess! and i'm not letting her off the hook because she's saying that she changed! *an aura of flames starts covering her*

Jaune: *eyes flare with magic*

Saphir: hmnn. . .wah. . .wha!. . .WHA!

Salem: oh heavens. *starts rocking the baby* calm down darling, everything is gonna be okay.

Jaune: *standing between the group and salem*

Salem: calm down jaune.

Jaune: i am calm my queen, and i will remain like this as long as they remain the same.

Yang: shut up! I'm gonna kick your ass and your queen is going next!

Qrow: *stands in front of ruby and yang*

Ruby: uncle qrow? What are you doing?

Yang: don't tell me you're siding with that psycho!?

Qrow: no, you're my nieces, i'll always be on your side.

Yang: then get out of the way!

Qrow: look girls, i know you're angry and want to avenge your friend-

Ruby: if you know that then get out of the way!

Qrow: i will, but let me ask you something first. Even if you manage to kill salem, will you be able to live with that weight on your consciousness? Knowing what you did?

Yang: knowing that i killed a monster? I think i can live with that.

Qrow: knowing that you killed a mother.

Yang/Ruby: *flinches*

Qrow: can you do it? Kill her knowing that these children will have to grow up missing their mother? *looks at yang* while one of them doesn't even know her yet?

Yang/Ruby: *eyes wide, looking down and clenching jaws in frustration*

Qrow: *looks to the rest of the group* the same goes to all of you, can any of you live a normal life knowing you ruined the lives of two innocent children?

_WB_/JN_R: . . . .

Qrow: *draws scythe* if you don't mind that then i don't mind either, i've done enough bad things in the past so one extra sin weighting on my mind wouldn't be a bother.

RWBY/JN_R: . . . . *stores weapons*

Qrow: *sighs* that's what i thought. So? What now ozpin?

Ozcar: . . .

Jaune: *goes back to salem* let me deal with him. *picks saphir up and starts rocking him*

Saphir: *calming down*

Salem: *giving him a small smile* only you to calm him down so easily.

Jaune: *smiling back at her* i could say the same thing about you with blanc.

Salem: *stroking her hair* heh, i guess you're right.

Ozcar: *sighs, staring at the couple* now we leave qrow, there's nothing else to do here. *leaves*

Qrow: okay. *follows*

_WBY/_N_R: *leaves as well*

Jeanne: . . .

Ruby: jeanne?

Jeanne: *staring at jaune*

Jaune: *looks back at her, getting up and walking to her* i remember this face, it was the same face you made when mom and dad decided to take me to their travel instead of you.

Jeanne: it's just. . .i can't believe you're alive, not only that but you're a father now, married to the queen of the grimm, it's just too much for my brain to process in such a short amount of time. . .i don't know how i should feel about it, still, i didn't wanted this to be the last time i see you.

Jaune: it won't be. Me and my queen don't want our children to grow up trapped in the grimmlands for their whole lives, we want them to see the world in its entirety, and maybe even see the rest of their family.

Jeanne: i can't say much for our parents, but i'll try to keep an open door for you, well, for you and them. *boops saphir's nose*

Saphir: *giggles*

Jaune: i'll keep that in mind.

Ruby: jeanne, we need to go.

Jeanne: *smiles* okay. . .goodbye jaune.

Jaune: goodbye sister.

Ruby/Jeanne: *walk away*

*meanwhile*

Qrow: are you sure about this ozpin?

Ozcar: yes, i'm sure.

Qrow: alright, if you're sure then i won't question. But can i ask you something?

Ozcar: i can't promise i'll answer, but you can still try.

Qrow: what made you change your mind?

Ozcar: what are you talking about?

Qrow: don't play dumb, you know it doesn't work with me. When you decided to come here you were decided to put an end in this war, and i'm pretty sure the end wasn't going to be a peaceful one, what made you change your mind?

Ozcar: . . . . . *sighs* she was miserable. . .

Qrow: ?

Ozcar: a long time ago, when she was still trapped in the tower, salem had a miserable life filled with sadness and sorrow, she was a prisoner in the hands of her own father and had to deal with suffering every single day since she was born. . .but when i saved her, she gave me a look filled with so much life and happiness, she looked at me like i was some sort of messiah, someone invincible who could conquer the world when all i really did was free her from a bad person. . .

Qrow: and what does that hast to do with what happened today?

Ozcar: . . .she was giving ms.arc's brother that same look. . .the same look she used to give me after i saved her. . . *hands start shaking* he is her world now, and while he's on her side everything will be fine to everyone.

Qrow: ozpin?

Ozcar: . . .can i ask you something old friend?

Qrow: uhm. . .sure.

Ozcar: *looks back to him with tears running down his cheeks* do you think i made the right choice? On the day i abandoned her, do you think that was the right thing to do? Or maybe i should have stayed with her and tried to change her for better like jaune arc did?

Qrow: . . . *sigh* honestly? I have no idea. Usually you're the one giving me advices, so i don't really know what to say to help you.

Ozcar: . . . *looks back ahead* i see.

Qrow: *places a hand on his shoulder* but. . .

Ozcar: *looks back to him*

Qrow: one thing you always told me was that there's no point in thinking so much about a past you can't change when you have a future that you can still shape ahead of you.

Ozcar: . . . *takes in a deep breath before letting it out* you're right, there's no point in thinking so much about it, especially now that our future looks so bright. *wipes his tears* Thank you old friend.

Qrow: anytime oz.

#rwby #jaune arc #yang xiao long #ruby rose #salem #weiss schnee #blake belladona #nora valkyrie #lie ren #jeanne arc #ozpin #ozma #ozcar #qrow branwen #jaune x salem #grimm knight #salem's favorite buttler

[tinalbion]

Headcanons for (Freddy Krueger, Inkubus, Mayor Buckman, Dr. Andover) being obsessed with/having a twisted "crush" on (one of) their latest victim(s), if you do not mind terribly. Maybe there's just *something* about them...But she fights and refuses.

First off, all the Englund character group?! Yes, omg PLEASE. This is gonna be so fun to do, I can feel it! And then the angst, the pining! Ahhh! Anon, bless you. I hope I’ve done well!

Freddy

He wasn’t the one to usually pine for anyone, the only thing he craved, the thing he wanted was their soul. That was it, that’s how it always went. But something was off, something about them just sparked the need and want that he NEVER felt for anyone on this level. It was ridiculous and he wanted to cast the thoughts from his head immediately, but it kept gnawing at the back of his mind no matter what he did.

At first, he stalked them like he did any normal victim, but with every visit, she noticed the shift in their dreams, how it went from demonic and terrifying to a seemingly more intimate setting. She wasn’t exactly upset by the change, but when she started seeing him more and more, it was unnerving and it made her feel real danger when she was asleep.

Freddy would try so desperately to convince her that she was special, that she was something that was never supposed to happen, but she doesn’ like where this is going. She HATES it. She just wants to dream normally and live her life when she’s awake, but he tries so hard to not let her go. This is his realm and will do everything in his power to keep her here with him. 

When she begins to fight it and try to escape, his twisted sense of reality doesn’t seem to register at first, he tries to show her just how wonderful it can be to be here in the dream realm with him. Why would you be so stupid as to reject that? It’s bliss. He would try to show her over and over again, to prove that he was worth seeing a different side to. If she didn’t agree, what would he do, exactly? 

Marking her up would be such a delicious joy, showing her that he was displaying his loyalty to her, showing her what NO ONE else had ever earned before from him, not even when he was bound to a mortal body. He wanted to hurt her in the best way possible to show her how being with him would be better than ecstasy, better than living in her usual dull, mundane world. He would show her what living could be.  

That urge to feel the hot blood run from her by his blades would flash in his mind as she would look up at him in complete and utter fear, the fact that she was denying him, a pathetic human fool who knew nothing of the things she could have gotten. To hell with her, she would end up just like any other victim he had in his realm. It was either bow to him or die by his hand. ‘Make your choice, princess.’ 

Inkubus

Who wouldn’t want him to sweep them off their feet and make them feel so good all the time? It would be impossible to resist his charm, especially with all of the magic he was able to hold, to use to influence anyone and everyone he desired. But she was the one special case that he had never expected to come upon. He spotted her taking a walk alone, the sway of her hips and the look in her eyes, he would have her, he would pass on his festering seed to live another life for 100 years within her. He needed to have her. 

What a surprise though, she wanted nothing to do with him. His magic, his aura, his charms, they all failed him. How would one like her be able to disregard his magic and just swat him away as if he were another typical pest? Pathetic, he needed to try harder. She continuously shot him down no matter what he did or how hard he tried, but he refused to believe she couldn’t stand him, so he decided to follow her and send her little gifts here and there. It was easy to find where she lived.

He would creep in the shadows of her place, whether it was when she was alone or when she had guests, but no matter who was there, they’d all think they were going insane. Seeing shadows from the corner of their eyes wasn’t normal, but they’d all ignore it until one day she snaps and loses her cool, crying out for him not to hurt her. She would beg for her life as he would reveal himself to her, hoping that she’d just see him and something would light up in her eyes and realize just how wrong she had been to reject his advances.

When he realizes that she tries to go for a weapon to protect herself with, he realizes the truth of it all; he cannot reach her and she would never accept him willingly. When it hits him, he’s appalled by the fact she wants nothing more than to get him out of her life, readily standing there with a kitchen knife as she cowers in the corner. He would have given her the world, why can’t she see that? Inkubus only saw red after that.

Why won't she see it? He would look down upon her with mercy, something that hadn't been done in so many centuries for the demon that it was completely foreign to him as it was said upon his tongue. His blade would reveal itself with a slick sound, his face no longer holding the affection it once did for her, and she knew that she had made a mistake. He watched and listened as she begged for her life, pleading with him to give her another chance, but he saw right through her desperate lies.

When he looked at her and saw the potential, he was almost disappointed that it would go to waste so easily. She was special, he thought as his hands weaved through her hair, yanking her up to meet his gaze so he could stare her in the face as his expression remained blank. “We could have been so much,” he would say as he sliced her throat open and watched the blood come streaming down her front. At least he would be able to bathe in this for later. 

Mayor Buckman

Lord in Heaven knows this man should not be cahootin’ with living people and falling head over heels for one, but there he was, completely smitten with her. She was going to be another side dish for the main course for this year's Jubilee, just like it had always been each year prior, but even his boys had noticed the change in him. Granny Boone had been so wrapped up in preparing for the feast that she hadn't even noticed her own husband's distance, that is until she noticed her. 

She was so pure and full of life that she had seemed more than willing to stay for the barbecue, the little detour had proven to be more exciting than she had anticipated, so she offered to even help around the town if they allowed it. Buckman was taken by that kind of offer, especially from a Yankee, it was unheard of and it wouldn't sway his mind. But the more he learned about her, the more she had spoken about her life, the mayor was strangely drawn to her like she was the one. 

It was a ridiculous idea since she was alive and very much younger than he, but no matter how much he tried to convince himself it was some sort of fever he had been suffering, anything that would easily explain the feelings he had been having. What he didn't expect was to come to the conclusion that he would fancy her. No one could know about this, but he wasn't making it very discreet the next morning. He would walk up to her, that large grin plastered to his face as he'd explain there was so much to do here in Pleasant Valley, all the things she could occupy her time with. She would thank him but feel rather uneasy by how touchy he'd get with his hand always placed on her shoulder.

The day after, he would have to tell her how he was feeling or else he'd lose her entirely to either her leaving or her being served up on a silver platter for his townsfolk. When he had caught her alone, away from her friends, he stuttered like a madman and felt so odd, it was a wonder he was able to speak at all. During this entire confession, the young woman stood there in uncomfortable silence and shifted slightly, already planning to leave as soon as she possibly could to avoid any more of this. When she didn't share Buckman’s views, he grew reserved and upset, curious as to why she would treat him like this, like some common man. He even explained there was something about her that he couldn't stop thinking about. 

She recoiled from his touch and he looked at her in confused disgust. How could he be so blind, she was nothing like him and she would never accept him or his way of life. He pleaded with her, tried to convince her to think otherwise, but the harsh words that followed did not make Buckman too happy. He looked at her in silence and then walked away; he couldn't find the words to tell her just how infuriated he had been. He was going to try and find a way for them to be together, whether she would have been alive or not, but he was willing to make it work. She was ungrateful.

Her time had come as she had been cornered, the rest of her friends dead and already being cooked for the Jubilee, where she had been on the ground, shaking like mad. She wanted her life to be spared, she wouldn't tell a soul about what transpired, she promised. Those promises always came up empty. Buckman looked down on the poor soul, annoyed at himself for once feeling pity for that wretched girl, but now he felt his power return once again as he stood over her, his trusty sword in his hand. It would have to be him to take her life, he wouldn't want it any other way. 

Doctor Andover

He had no time for trivial things such as infatuations and crushes on others, it would interfere with his work and it wouldn’t be a great idea to get anyone involved in his...complicated personal life. But when she walked through the door of the clinic, Andover didn’t expect much from the consultation, until she spoke to him. She was something else, that was for sure, and the phobia that brought her into the clinic was more than curable for Andover. He would have to lie though, to prolong her stay and keep her here with him, naturally, he would have to lie to his assistant’s as well for the benefit of keeping her around.

When she comes in to speak to the good doctor for several one on one meetings about her phobia, she eases into conversation with him and even feels she can trust him with what she’s suffered through. He feels the same, he feels so connected to her now that he felt as if no one else beyond this room existed but the both of them. How he imagined what she would feel like against his hands, how she would sound as they shared a moment together in secrecy. Andover craved it now, he wanted nothing but her. Soon after she had been placed in the Fear Chamber, he would watch her as she slowly drifted off into unconsciousness and he would be sure to have the room locked so he could just enjoy her presence in peace.

When her fears had been slowly getting in check, she would thank him and talk about leaving his facility. He wanted nothing more than to be with her for as long as possible while he helped her, aided her in getting better. She would only accept his help since she saw him as a professional, he would guide her to being better, feeling better. What she didn’t anticipate was that one day, he offered to pay for her room and board outside of the facility if it were to make her comfortable. It didn’t.

When she insisted that she didn’t need that, that she was leaving indefinitely, he only fought harder to keep her there, to stay near him. She was the one keeping him going with all of this insanity around him, especially when something greater was happening that he wasn’t fully aware of. Today was the day her treatment ended and she was packing her things when Doctor Andover appeared in the doorway. “You must come with me, I have one last thing for you for your therapy.” He led her to the room with the Fear Chamber, but she was so taken back when he pushed her inside, gassing her to sleep with a deadly amount.

She cried out to be released, she just wanted to go back home, but Andover was already committed to keeping her there for himself. He had made a deal with whatever creature fed from the patients’ fear, that he would get to keep her there with him in exchange for the others. He blindly and willingly accepted it. It was foolish but it was a deal he couldn’t go back on. Before she lost consciousness, she begged him to see reason, but now there had been no going back for Andover. 

After it had been done and she fell asleep, her hand slowly sliding down the front of the glass as she drifted, her fears came back twice as strong as her new fear developed into her subconscious, and it took the shape of Andover himself. Even in her slow and agonizing death, he would always be there for her, whether it was to torment her through her afterlife or just show up as some twisted guardian. He watched over her for weeks until he could no longer keep the body, but he would have her in her mind forever.   

#tinalbion writings #slashers x reader #slashers imagines #slashers headcanons #slasher requests #freddy krueger #freddy krueger imagine #freddy krueger x reader #freddy krueger headcanons #inkubus movie #inkubus x reader #inkubus imagine #inkubus headcanons #mayor buckman #mayor buckman x reader #mayor buckman imagine #mayor buckman headcanons #doctor andover #doctor andover x reader #doctor andover imagine #doctor andover headcanons

[diaryofabeautyfiend]

I wrote this quickly on my phone so beware of typos. This is the longest story I’ve ever written so I hope it doesn’t seem too long. I hope you like it. Reblog and like if you don’t mind.

Small Time Witch (20)

“Norns, girl. It’s hair. It will regrow. Just do it.”

“But I love your hair. Isn’t there another way? What if I take a piece of flesh?”

Loki pinches the bridge of his nose trying to shove scissors in your hand.

“Flesh will decay eventually if it has no blood source. Hair can last much longer.”

“Why do we need to cut it all off?!” You are being the biggest brat at the moment.

In order for you to become immortal Loki must bind a part of himself with the clipping of the Yggdrasil. Since it is a very powerful spell he assumes a large amount of hair is needed. Loki assured you he would make his short hair look as fashionable as any other mortal man. That’s exactly why you won’t let him cut it. He is anything but basic. Even when he’s in modern clothing he still looks like a fucking god and it’s all due to his luxurious hair.

Loki considers your earlier suggestion and genuinely fears for his safety. And this isn’t the first time he’s had to worry about you stabbing him. He taught you a spell using blood magick and you went for your athame so fast he had to knock it out of your hand. Now that it’s just you and him you have really let your true self shine. He can’t help but think he is also rubbing off on you a bit.

“While your violent tendencies turn me on immensely, I have to say your preference for my hair over my flesh is a little unnerving.”

“You are a Demi god. You heal fast.”

“Point well taken, my love. If you don’t cut it I will.”

He looks in the mirror holding the scissors open and he hesitates. He frowns at his reflection and drops the scissors on the counter. “On second thought, dearest, why don’t we go see the elves on Alfheim? Perhaps there is another way.”

With satisfied little smirk on your face you pat him on the shoulder and leave the bathroom. He is annoyed with your silent gloating but you really don’t care. You sit at the kitchen table quietly turning the pages of your cook book now full on smiling.

When Loki asked you to be immortal for him you hesitantly accepted. Forever is a long time and it was hardly a marriage proposal. You accepted none the less and so the complicated spell work began. The first step was binding Loki with the Yggdrasil and that was proving to be a challenge. So, as your life mate suggested, you geared up to take your first trip on the Bifrost to Alfheim.

You are very nervous. Loki held your hand trying to calm you but you couldn’t help it. Your thoughts were racing and your stomach was doing flips. You focused all of your energies on not puking. Loki called for Heimdall and you were whisked away.

Loki held on to your hips and braced you for landing. Your face was pressed up against his shirt and your eyes squeezed shut. It took a little bit of force to pry you off of him. “Relax, y/n. You’re safe. We’ve landed.”

Once you felt the ground solid beneath your feet you pushed Loki away and released the contents of your stomach. Inter dimensional travel was clearly not for you. He smoothed your hair back from your face and rubbed your back. A bottle of water appeared in his hand. “Drink this. Are you ok?” You shook your head and plopped into the grass trying to regain your composure.

Alfheim was truly a sight. Sprawling mountains and crisp air, the sun shining and glittering on the water. Your eyes explored the landscape with childlike wonder. The grass even felt softer. You stood up slowly turning to take it all in. We should definitely build a vacation home here.

You had a pretty long journey ahead of you by foot no less. You hoisted your pack onto your shoulder and started walking. Loki stared at you completely confused. You walked with purpose like you knew exactly where to go. You were absolutely walking in the wrong direction but you looked so sure of yourself.

“Pet?” he called after you, “It’s this way and we can just teleport.”

“I’m not sure if my stomach can handle that again.” All the color drained from your skin and you gagged.

“It’s not as harsh as the bifrost and we aren’t going as far. Hold onto me.” He took your hand and in the blink of an eye you were standing in front of a large temple. “Steady, darling. Deep breaths.” He backs away a little as you right yourself. “Ok?”

“Yep.” you gag a little but choke it back. After a moment you feel well enough to walk. “What is this place?”

“The temple of the Ljósálfar. Light elves. Freyr, who is the king of this realm and a very powerful vanir, gifted me the Yggdrasil. He will help us when the spell. Bow when he greets us.”

Out of nowhere the elf appeared. He was just as glorious and ancient looking as the land he ruled. He looked impossibly old. Your brain couldn’t even fathom how long he’s been alive. Was he glowing? You forgot to bow so you did quickly. Loki couldn’t stifle his laugh.

“This is the Midgardian to whom you’ve pledged your life? A little rough around the edges huh?” His voice was gentle and playful. You have come to realize Midgard is known as the idiot child who ate paint chips that one time. Couldn’t help if it was true.

“This is her first time outside of Midgard, your Grace. I am working on polishing her up.”

“If you’re careful you’ll have an eternity” he smiled at you and spoke slowly, “you may need that long to make her presentable.”

You opened your mouth to defend yourself but Loki squeezed your hand and gave you a warning stare. He’ll get an earful at home.

“Forgive me for the unannounced intrusion, Sire, but I’m afraid the spell you’ve given me is a touch advanced...”

He tutted Loki and held up a finger, “You flatter me, boy. You are as practiced as they come. If you hesitate ask yourself if her immortality is what you really seek.”

“It is!” you shouted. “I’m sorry. It is, Sire. We didn’t know what to use. You said ‘bind it with a piece of himself’. Which piece? I suggested flesh but we were worried about decay.” You rambled on for what felt like hours. He hung on your every word chuckling at your ignorance. This ought to be a funny story to tell at the old elf’s lodge later. Loki was mortified. Once you finished he patted your hand and laughed.

“You are a spirited little girl aren’t you? What fun! Loki I am surprised at you. To think hair or flesh could grant immortality. It has to be the essence of your life force. More powerful than blood. A piece of your soul.” Loki looked shocked. Minor detail. As if the elf could read his mind he said, “Did I leave that part out? Must be slipping in my old age.” He smiled at you again. “Come! I’ll get you fixed up.”

He lead you deeper into the temple down a dark path illuminated by torches. It should have been cold and damp but it was still comfortably warm. Loki felt your apprehension and squeezed your hand. You came to a gigantic wooden door with carvings depicting elves dancing around what looked like the Yggdrasil. You ran your fingers over the wood dipping them into the carvings.

You reached a long table that looked like an alter. He took the Yggdrasil clipping and Loki’s hand. With the tip of his athame he cut Loki’s palm. He took your hand and did the same. You placed your hand on top of the clipping and entwined your fingers. Freyr held his hands over yours and said something that sounded like a prayer. The Yggdrasil let out a stream of golden light that wrapped around both of your wrists.

“Now you will feel no storms,

for each of you will be shelter to the other.

Now you will feel no cold,

for each of you will be warmth to the other.

Now there is no loneliness,

for each of you is companion to the other,

You are two persons,

but there is one life before you, and one home.

Turn together to look at the road you traveled,

to reach this—the hour of your happiness.

It stretches behind you into the past.

Look to the future that lies ahead.

A long and winding, adventure-filled road,

whose every turn means discovery,

new hopes, new joys, new laughter,

and a few shared tears.

May happiness be your companion,

May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead;

And through all the years to come.

Go this day to your dwelling place

and enter into your days together.

May your days be good and long

upon the earth.

Your adventure has just begun!”

The Yggdrasil split into two pieces which he placed on your left ring fingers. Those words sounded an awful lot like vows. You and Loki stared at each other in shock. “Umm. Excuse me, Sir. Are we married?” you asked in disbelief.

“Yes! Of course! In the sense that your souls are bound and only death can part you. Sounds like marriage to me. Did I leave that part out too? Oh dear. Well joyous felicitations to the happy couple.” And he disappeared.

“Well shit.” You said to no one in particular. You left the temple in complete silence occasionally looking down at your finger. Loki called for Heimdall and you were home. You didn’t vomit this time thank goodness. That would have made your dramatic exit a lot less dramatic. You let go of his hand and walked into the house leaving him on the porch with a slammed door in his face.

“Pet?” He said after a few minutes. You were standing at the kitchen sink drinking glass after glass of water. “Y/N. Can you say something? I don’t know why you’re angry but I can tell you are and....”

“Did you know?” Your voice was deadly calm.

“Know about what? That he’d marry us today? No. He conveniently left out that tidbit. It’s not like it’s legally binding.”

“But it is spiritually binding. Your soul is bound to mine. Your immortality bound to me. That means something.” You had tears in your eyes and your fists were clenched. How could he be so casual about this?

His brow furrowed and he hated that you thought it didn’t mean anything to him. Now you felt each other even deeper. Subtle shifts were amplified. As soon as his mood shifted from apprehension to hurt you knew. It softened you a bit but you were still angry.

“Lok, I didn’t mean to say it didn’t mean anything to you. I know it did. I got married today in sweatpants with none of my friends or family there and my ring is a twig. Forgive me if it wasn’t the magical day I was expecting.” The weight of the Yggdrasil changed on your finger. The brown branches were changed to gold and an emerald of impressive size set in the middle. You noticed he changed his to complement yours. He weaved his fingers with your fingers and pulled you closer to him.

“It was magical to me. Couldn’t you feel it? The way we are now woven together like a tapestry? It’s not just the meaning of it all, a symbolic moment. We are physically one. Y/N I don’t care if you are in the finest gown or your sweats. We are bound together until death. Did we need the pageantry?”

Now you felt like an asshole. He gave himself to you mind body and soul and here you are crying about a dress. “I’m being a brat aren’t I?”

A soft smile warmed his face, “A little. I didn’t want to say.”

You slid your arms around his waist and rested on his chest. With a wiggle of your fingers the record player clicked on.

“Is this our first dance?” he asked with a hint of amusement in his voice.

“Mhmm. I love you. I’m sorry for ruining our day.”

“I love you too and you ruined nothing. It wouldn’t be us if we didn’t have a little drama surrounding our wedding. Dance with me.”

You swayed to the music in the dim light of your living room....in the cottage built in the glen where the sun hits it like a spotlight.

#marvel #marvel witches #loki laufeyson #loki x reader #loki angst #soft loki #loki odinson

[therainbowwillow]

https://therainbowwillow.tumblr.com/post/640994942684151808/therainbowwillow

Part 13.

Premise/last time: On Olympus, tensions are high. The pantheon is forced to choose sides: an innocent poet or the man who stabbed him. Hermes only grows increasingly anxious about his approaching trial. If he’s not ready to sing, he’s afraid Orpheus will take the fall.

—————————————

Thanatos stands, exhausted at the gates of Olympus. The walk out of Hadestown had been longer than he’d expected. Hypnos hadn’t woken after the third night. He’d been in and out of consciousness since.

Thanatos calls out to the gods, pleading for aid. Their lack of ambrosia had taken its toll on himself and his brother. Despite his near-constant unconsciousness, Hypnos looks as if he hasn’t slept for weeks. The blinding lights of Olympus do him no favors. The bags under his eyes look even more pronounced here.

Pasithea steps up to the doors and slams her fists against them. “Please!” She cries. Still, they’re met with no reply. She sinks to the ground and buries her head in her hands. Thanatos forces himself not to collapse under his and his brother’s weight. 

It feels like an eternity before a man arrives at the door: golden hair, blue eyes. He looks just like his father. “Asclepius.” Thanatos bows his head to his old enemy. A doctor so incredible he’d resurrected the dead. Zeus’s punishment hadn’t held him down long. Now he’d become a god himself.

“It took me a moment to convince Zeus to let me take my leave. Come in. Speak to no one. Keep your heads down,” he directs. He helps Pasithea to her feet. “You must be out of your mind to come here, Thanatos. If Hades learns of your presence-”

“Hades is here?” Thanatos inquires, forcing back his panic.

“Yes,” Asclepius answers. “He arrived, worse off than you, a few days ago. It seems his years of pushing around his workers finally caught up to him.”

He opens the gates and guides them through the city’s oddly silent streets. Quieter than Hadestown, Thanatos observes. Down below, a pickaxe always swings. A foreman’s shouts are always audible. Here, there is nothing but stillness. “I mean you no offense, my lord, but I believe my storage cellar may be the best place for you to take shelter,” Asclepius says.

“None taken. We’ll take what we can get.”

“If I might ask, what happened to your brother? I will treat him, as he clearly has taken a hit to the head. How long has he been unconscious?” Asclepius asks.

“Hades’s doing,” Thanatos replies, curtly. “He’s been in and out of consciousness for six days.”

Asclepius opens the door to his residence and ushers them inside. “I suspected as much. I assume you fled without carrying ambrosia with you?”

Thanatos nods. “We had no time.”

“I don’t blame you.” Asclepius takes a few pillows from his bed and tears off the sheets. He guides them down a short staircase into a dimly lit cellar. It smells of herbs. The sweet scent of nectar reminds Thanatos of his hunger. Asclepius tosses the pillows against a shelf and rests Hypnos against them.

“Make yourselves comfortable. You may have as much ambrosia as you wish. I will not tell the counsel you’ve arrived. If they come looking for you, hold the door shut and stay quiet. I shouldn’t be long,” Asclepius tells them. He turns to leave.

“Asclepius, I’m sorry for the circumstances of our last meetings,” Thanatos apologizes.

He smiles. “I’m lucky I got off so light. You helped the boy escape, didn’t you? That is why you are so afraid.”

“I’m the god of death. I have nothing to fear,” Thanatos attempts to convince himself.

“Angering Hades gives anyone something to fear, mortal or divine. But I believe Hermes and Orpheus are in far danger than yourself. Regardless, take care. I won’t be long.” He shuts the door behind him.

Thanatos immediately turns search the shelves for nectar. He finds a bottle, flicks out the cork and drinks half of it. The rest, he hands to Pasithea.

Hypnos rubs his eyes. “Ugh...” he groans. “Where are we?”

His wife briefs him of their journey. “So... we’re locked in Asclepius’s basement? On Olympus?” He smiles slightly. “These pillows are almost as good as mine. Comfy. I could almost forget that the furies cracked my skull open.”

“Do you ever stop?” Thanatos mutters.

“Like I said! Vacation, Than. Sure, it’s not a beach, but to be fair, there’s no difference. I’d sleep either way. Give me some of that nectar.” He tips the bottle and swallows. “Mm. Not bad. The underworld ages it better.”

“Hades is here,” Thanatos blurts. “So would you shut up and let me think?”

“He is? Didn’t Hermes steal the train... oh my gods! He walked? Ha! I wish I could’ve seen that.”

“Would you listen?” He snaps. “Hades wants us punished. You’ve seen what happens to mortal traitors. We can’t let him find us, Hypnos.”

“And that’s why I’m not going anywhere. Not that I could. Pretty sure I can’t walk. Or at least I wouldn’t want to deal with the headache,” he replies. “Now. What’s the plan, Thanatos?”

“I... don’t know.”

“So we are in trouble then! I... have an idea, but I’m not sure we should rely on it.”

Thanatos exhales. “I’ll hear you out. Maybe a bad plan’s better than no plan.”

“Hades will summon Orpheus and Hermes to trial, right? If that song was as good as it sounded and if I didn’t hallucinate the change in weather, I’d say other gods will side with Orpheus simply because his song has power. Maybe we ought to take their side. Show ourselves and proclaim our support?” Hypnos says.

“Hades will call it a second betrayal.”

“What do we have to lose, Thanatos?”

He sighs. “If they win the trial, it’ll give us a chance. Even that’s better than nothing. I agree.”

—————————————-

“Hermes.” He jumps at the sound, startled awake.

“Apollo.” He crumpled the letters and stuffs them into his pockets.

“You’re anxious. Panicked. What are you afraid of?”

Hermes rolls his eyes. “Didn’t I tell you to stop doing that? I know how I feel without you telling me.”

“Sorry, but you’ve hardly spoken to anyone for days. You’re hiding something. You secret would be safe with me.”

“Oh yeah? I don’t believe that for a second,” Hermes retorts. “You’ll blab to your boyfriend the second you walk out the door.”

Apollo leans slightly more of his weight against the crutch he’s using to walk. “I won’t,” he says, softly. “Hyacinthus is a good man, but this is clearly more than he needs to worry about.”

His tone is honest. Still, Hermes doesn’t back down. “It’s more than you need to worry about. Go write a poem or something, o god of music,” He replies, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

“Hermes, look. I know we’ve had our disagreements, but... I do care about you. I guided you through your childhood; I taught you how to function on Olympus. I tried to protect you. From what I understand, you broke your contract with Hades and you’re afraid of what he’ll do to you. Why won’t you speak to us? We know, Hermes,” Apollo tells him.

“No, you don’t know!” He snaps. “I’m not afraid of what he’ll do to me. You called me Prometheus yourself. I’ll suffer, but I can manage. But it’s not me they want. I know Orpheus will take Hades’s punishment in my place. He’s young. Afraid. He won’t survive,” Hermes draws in a shaky breath. “We have no defense.” He hands Apollo the letters. “Read.”

His eyes pass over the words on the pages. “Hermes, we’ve been summoned immediately.”

“I know. We can’t go. Not yet. Orpheus needs to rest. And...” he exhales. “I haven’t told him.”

“He deserves to know. Why do you keep this from him?”

“Because he needs to recover. If he knows, all he’ll do is sing and sing. He’ll forget all else if he thinks he can protect me and Eurydice. That boy, my son, he feels with the whole of his being. He loves with such kindness, such passion, that his love alone brought flowers to the realm of death. He’d give his life if it meant protecting us and I can’t let him do that.” His voice rises. “If Zeus wants my blood, fine! Let him torture me. He won’t touch Orpheus.”

“Hey, it’s gonna be fine. We’ll win the trial. You have nothing to worry about! We’ve got Athena on our side and even I’ve argued a few cases. With Orpheus’s song, we’ll be undefeatable.” His words are encouraging.

“I have to tell him,” Hermes mutters. 

“He needs urgency. I hate this as much as you do, but we do what we must.”

Someone pounds on the door. Hermes bristles at the sound. “Who’s there?” He calls.

“Hermes...” Three voices in harmony.

He strides across the room. “Don’t open the damn door!” Apollo snaps.

“Orpheus is next on their list,” he replies. He turns the handle. “What do you want?”

“You cannot defeat fate. You will see. What is coming.”

Hermes slums against the door frame and sinks to the ground. Orpheus is singing. His voice falters. He cries out, “No! No!”. Eurydice screams. The metallic stench of blood hits him. Hermes tries to stand. His wrists are bound in chains. It’s dark. He can’t tell if his eyes are open. 

He gasps and the room returns. Apollo kneels at his side. “Orpheus,” he chokes out. 

“He’s fine. Hermes, what did you see?”

He takes a deep breath. “Orpheus screamed. I couldn’t reach him. Apollo, this is fate. It’s unchangeable.”

“Don’t talk like that. I know how prophecies work. They’re misleading by nature.”

“There wasn’t nuance. We’re going to fail. And when we do-”

“No. Hermes, we’re going to win.” He puts his hands on Hermes’s shoulders. “I swear we’re going to win.”

“We have to tell Orpheus.”

“I can do it if-” 

Hermes cuts him off. “No. He’s my son. I need to tell him myself.”

Apollo doesn’t argue. 

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

Orpheus strums his lyre. His voice sounds a little better today, he notices. Still, he struggles to reach high notes. His voice breaks or he coughs in between lines. He’s begun to realize that it isn’t going back to the way it was. Eurydice doesn’t mention it. He hates to think about the possibility, but he knows he’ll have to eventually. 

He reads over his sheet music. He starts another paper. He tries humming his melody, replacing his higher notes with low ones. Eurydice perks up at the new song. “That was beautiful.”

He cracks a smile. “You think?”

“Sing it again.” 

He repeats it, louder this time. 

“Orpheus!” A carnation blooms in his hands. “My gods, that’s incredible.”

Again, he sings, this time plucking the lyre to the tune of his old song. The harmony hums in the air. Flowers spring up in his hair. 

“How’d you do that?” She’s grinning. 

“I don’t know! I thought maybe it’d be easier on my voice.”

“Is it?”

He nods. “I think so. I don’t feel like hacking my lungs out at least.”

“I love you, Orpheus. So, so much.”

He blushes. “I know.”

“I know you know. I just needed to tell you again.” She marches to his bedside and kisses him before he gets in another word. “You’re beautiful, you know that?”

He turns as red as the carnations dotting his hair. “I- mmmph!” She kisses him again. 

“Shush.” She places a finger on his lips. “Just kiss me.”

“O-okay!” He awkwardly presses his lips against hers. She wraps her arms around him. 

“Gods, I love you,” she whispers in his ear.

He remains in her embrace for a while until she pulls away. “You wanna sing that song again, lover?”

He’s smiling like an idiot. “Yes.”

“Well, sing it then.” 

“La, la la la... ha ha!” He laughs. It sounds ridiculous through his ear-to-ear grin. 

There’s a knock at the door. “I’ll get it!” Orpheus proclaims habitually. “Oh, wait.” Eurydice stands to open it. “No, I said I’ve got it! Come in!” Orpheus calls. “See?” he says, winking. She laughs. 

The door opens. Hermes stands in its frame, looking exhausted. “We need to talk. Both of you.”

Orpheus frowns. “Is everything alright?”

“Yes. No... I don’t know, kid.” He considers just handing Orpheus the letters. Instead, he continues. “I’ve been receiving summons to Olympus since we arrived. I didn’t want to worry you, but I can’t keep you in the dark any longer. Hades has convinced Zeus to put us on trial before the counsel. The charges against you are baseless. But... I did break my contract and I’ll face the consequences.”

“No, Hermes, we’ll win! You said yourself I could convince Hades of anything.”

“Orpheus, broken contracts don’t go unpunished. I just don’t want you to feel the consequences of my actions.”

“Hermes, I don’t want them to hurt you!” Orpheus begs.

“I’ll be fine. I don’t want you to worry over my fate, kiddo. I’ll do what I can. I just didn’t want to leave you in the dark about all this.”

“My song has to work. It will work,” he repeats.

“It will,” Eurydice agrees. “It can do all this.” She gestures around the room. Flowers have pushed through the floor boards. They line the fireplace and decorate Orpheus’s nightstand. “It can save us.”

“How long do we have?” Orpheus asks.

“Maybe two weeks,” Hermes answers, “at best.”

“I’ve almost got it, Hermes. I’ll be ready to sing by then.”

“Thank you.”

“It will work. I promise.”

#hadestown au #hadestown #hadestown fanfic #therainbowwrites #my god this fic is off the rails

[fyeahwildfire]

Spirit Bound

Chapter 8

Summary: After your victorious battle against Goro, you face off against Shang Tsung. With you taking the victory and saving Earthrealm, Shang Tsung is forced to face his emperor in Outworld. However, for you and Raiden you do not understand why the amulet is not healed. Did you save Earthrealm fate or did you become the cause of its destruction?

Pairing: Mortal Kombat x reader; Bucky x reader; second soulmate x reader

In the middle of the night at the Wu Shi Academy, Jax and Raiden speak amongst each other as they look at Earthrealm warriors and Shaolin monks celebrating your victory.

“I do not understand why my amulet is further damaged.” Lord Raiden sighs. “He must win…Originally, I thought Liu Kang would be the victor.”

Jax casts him a side glance, “But Y/n won.”

Raiden nods as he looks down at his amulet. “Yes, she did. I do not know if her victory has saved Earthrealms fate.”

“What do you mean? Nobody coulda done what she did. She made Shang Tsung look like a chump.”

“When we first met, she told me a message from the Elder Gods. She said “The Grand Champion of Mortal Kombat shall be Earthrealms salvation or the cause of its destruction.”

“You don’t think that she could…” Jax shakes his head. He would not doubt you. You had proved to everyone that you were willing to stand up and fight.  

“Here to congratulate us on our victory, sorcerer?” Raiden keeps his head straight, while he looks among Earthrealm warriors and Shaolin.

“What? Shang Tsung?!” Jax straights up.

Raiden takes a step towards Shang Tsung, “You have been revitalized, I see. I didn’t realize your master was in the habit of rewarding failure.”

“The emperor has an offer, Raiden. A new tournament.”

“I see no reason to participate in any plan of yours.” Raiden crosses his arms.

“The emperor proposes a single tournament, to replace the current system of ten. It will be held in Outworld. If Earthrealm does not win. Outworld will absorb it. But if Earthrealm wins, Shao Kahn will abandon his claim to it forever.”

Not wanting to hear any more, Raiden turns his body to look back over the sacred grounds. “Give your emperor my regards.”

Shang Tsung smiles wickedly as he generates a large portal across the courtyard. Hundreds of Tarkatan warriors emerge out of the portal, they charge and attack both Shaolin and Earthrealm warriors.

Raiden whips around furiously and attacks Shang Tsung meanwhile Jax jumps down. He clotheslines one of the charging Tarkatans. Head butts another. Punches and knees another Tarkatan then proceeds to thrown him down to the ground and stomping on the creature. Another Tarkatan creature sneaks up and sucker punches Jax. Having the advantage the Tarkatan sends Jax sprawling and knocks him unconscious.

“He gained a momentary advantage during our kombat and escaped. I now realize what we must do.” Jax starts hearing Raiden’s voice as he comes to. Johnny Cage and Y/n kneeling over him with concern.

The academy itself is in ruins, lying on the once sacred ground are the many corpses of Shaolin and Tarkatans. Jax looks amongst his friends to see they are uninjured, however one of his friends is missing. Sonya Blade.

“Where’s Sonya?” Jax question as you try to help him up.

“Shang Tsung has taken her.” Raiden answers.

“We’ve gotta find her!” Jax exclaims.

“We must follow them!” Kung Lao closes his fist with determination.

“Shang Tsung has made it clear that Earthrealm will be under constant threat unless I agree to a new tournament.” Raiden gasps as he has another vision.

“Another vision.” Jax looks to both Raiden and you.

“Yes. I saw Liu Kang win the proposed tournament. I believe we must attend.”

Something about this didn’t sit well with you. It made no sense. “Your earlier vision, of Liu Kang’s victory over Shang Tsung did not happen.”

“What are you trying to say, kid?” Jax looks over to you.

“What if Raiden’s vision is some sort of warning from his future self. Perhaps these visions are event’s we need to change. What if we decide not to agree?”

“Hundreds will die.” Johnny stated bluntly.

You instantly remember your conversation with the Elder Gods. They had warned you about Shao Kahn planning to move his forces to take over Earth. You had asked why they hadn’t intervened, but they replied that Shao Kahn had not violated the rules of Mortal Kombat. “Invasion is not itself a transgression. It is the merger of realms that is proscribed.”

“Invasion is not itself a transgression. It is the merger of realms that is proscribed.” You whisper. “The Elder Gods told me Mortal Kombat tournaments are not intended to prevent certain outcomes, but they are intended only to maintain balance among the realms. If we accept these new terms of Shao Kahn and we win, then he will abandon his idea of claiming Earth.”

“And if we lose.” Johnny questioned.

Everyone gave him a glare that he would say such a thing, all except you. Yes, you had thought about it. If Earthrealm warriors lose than Earth would be doomed. Now the words “the Grand Champion of Mortal Kombat shall be Earthrealms salvation or the cause of its destruction” looms heavily over you.

“Earthrealm will be destroyed. But we must not let that happen!” You reply.

“Very well, hear me, Elder Gods! I accept the terms proposed by Shao Kahn!”

A light from the heavens shines down on all of you.

“We go to Outworld.”

With Raiden, Jax, and Johnny looking for Sonya and Liu Kang and Kung Lao freeing their Shaolin masters, you took the time to get information for yourself. You found yourself walking through the dark creepy forest, when you heard explosions and then the sound of a fight transpiring.

Stealthily you walked over to see, Shang Tsung with Kano who was in a middle of a fight with another opponent. Was this new opponent an ally?

“Stay down!” He told Kano. “I would have words with your associate. Tell me what you know of Sub-zero’s death.”

Emerging out of thin air is Reptile, preparing to fight the new incoming threat. Shang Tsung changes his form into Bi-han. “Despite his failure at my tournament, I’ll wager he was more powerful than you, Lin Kuei.”

“Assuming his form will not give you his skill, shapeshifter.”

“Let us see if smoke can freeze.”

The two face each other in battle, but it is clear Shang Tsung did not…could not ever replace or be Sub-Zero. With Smoke taking the victory, you watch him hover over Shang Tsung. “Now answer me! What do you know of Sub-Zero!”

Suddenly the Lin Kuei is attacked by an unseeable force.

“You have disobeyed the directive to remain at the Lin Kuei Temple.” Cyborg Sektor states harshly as he emerges.

“Sektor?”

“You will return with us to begin your transformation.”

You decide to step out of the shadows and use your telekinesis on Cyborg Sektor. “I don’t think so!”

More Cyborg Lin Kuei appeared, immediately you use your abilities to take them all down. Sektor regains himself to see you dismembering and destroying the cyber Lin Kuei, with not even a sweat on your forehead. He decides then in that moment to retreat.

Hovering over one of the cyber Lin Kuei, you begin to examine all his parts. “You alright?” You asked the man dressed in black as you take a closer inspection of the helmet.

Smoke looks amongst the bodies of cyber Lin Kuei, how could this have happened? He knew of the cyber initiative but he along with Kuai Liang could never willing submit.

Your voice had snapped him back to reality, your voice was sweet and smooth. As you hover over one of the bodies, he quickly roamed his eyes over you. Your skin looked so smooth that he wanted to reach out and touch. Your raven hair floated gently in the wind. But what took his breath away was when you looked into his eyes with concern and the way you tilted your head with confusion. From that moment on he knew he was done for. You were truly the most beautiful women he had ever seen.

Clearing your throat, you decide to ask him again. “Are you alright?”

“Yes, thank you. I am called Smoke.” He bowed to you respectfully.

Immediately you pick up on Raiden and Johnny teleporting close to the both of you.

“Well Smoke it’s nice to meet you. My name is Y/n.” You stand up and extend your hand to shake.

Immediately, he notices your soulmate tattoo on your forearm. Of course, a beautiful woman like yourself was already promised to another.

Noticing his silence, you quickly pull your arm away, when Raiden and Johnny walked up beside you.

Johnny looks at the dismembered cyber Lin Kuei. “Damn…”

Smoke immediately drops to his knees out of respect for Lord Raiden. “Lord Raiden, I am called Smoke.” He rises on his feet again and looks between the three of you. “Why are you here in Outworld?”

“To participate in a tournament to save Earthrealm.” Raiden responds. “Join us, Smoke.”

Smoke looks to you with sadness in his eyes, before looking over to Raiden. “Forgive me, but if Sektor was searching for me, he is hunting Sub-Zero as well.”

Fear spreads throughout your whole body, your other half brother was here and now he was also in danger. Immediately, you use your telepathy to get his location.

“Sub-Zero? Call me crazy with a K…but didn’t he die?” Johnny asks Raiden with confusion.

“Not Bi-Han. He speaks of Kuai Liang. The Lin Kuei Grand Master intends to turn every single member into a cyborg. My brother is in danger!” You answer and immediately take off to search for him.

#mortal kombat x reader #smoke x reader #raiden x reader #kuai liang x reader #bucky x reader #johnny cage x reader #mortal kombat #fujin x reader #kuai liang #sub zero #kung lao #liu kang #bi han