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mamamittens · 1 year

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Oh, Sweet Child of Mine (Pt. 15 END)

Platonic Yandere Whitebeard Crew (Ft. Others) & Reader Insert

Main|First|Previous

Warnings: Yandere behavior. Mild spoilers for Gear 6 iykyk. If yandere content makes you uncomfortable, please do block the tag 'oh sweet child of mine' as well as any variation of 'one piece yandere' that you feel is necessary.

Aside from AU romance endings with characters per request, this is the end! Marco and Luffy confirmed, btw. Now, I'm going to be playing Tears of the Kingdom so my responses will be slow lol

But thanks everyone for being here and enjoying this fic until now, expect it to be on AO3 soon!

Word Count: 2,043

It was a minor miracle that Ace’s little ship made it through the blast that rocked Banaro island. Likely because it was made to handle Ace’s normal fire-shenanigans. It didn’t exactly have room for three on it, but that’s only if you’re of the opinion that people need personal space. Something that, as someone who has been thoroughly grounded, you apparently didn’t need. Marco held you to his chest as he sat in front of the ‘bucket’ where Ace fueled the engine with his fire. You suspect that he was using his phoenix legs to hold into the sides but couldn’t confirm with your poor eyesight.

If he wasn’t partially transformed to hold you both in place it was impressive considering the breakneck speed Ace pushed the Striker at.

You drifted off several times only to find that you three were still traveling. It was only when you woke up starving that you saw Ace lean Striker towards a landmass.

“We’ve made really good time. This island has an optometrist so we can get you new glasses.” Marco spoke into your ear softly despite the wind whipping by you. Not feeling like fighting to be heard, you nodded your head.

Ace expertly pulled the boat up to the docks, tying it off and offering his hand for Marco and yourself. After well over a day at sea, you were a bit shaky but pleased to find you didn’t trip. The docks blurred into what you assumed to be a marketplace, both Marco and Ace finding a reason to keep a hand on you as they guided your path into a shop.

You were utterly relieved when you were handed a new pair of glasses after a few tests. The thick lenses shifting the impressionist blurs into sharp contrasting shapes once again.

Marco gave Ace a sly look.

“You know, I thought I saw the Thousand Sunny on the other side of the docks.” Marco mused, watching Ace’s face abruptly light up.

“We should go see them!” Ace looked at Marco in excitement. When he nodded in acceptance, Ace grabbed your hand and pulled you along eagerly. “You’ll finally get to meet my little brother properly! Lu’s got a great crew you know—his chef is top notch, I’m sure he won’t mind making us something to eat!”

You laughed, using your free hand to make sure your glasses didn’t bounce off your face so soon after getting them.

“Do you even know if they’re on board?!” You asked as Ace tore through the town in his rush.

“Eh, it’s fine! Luffy won’t mind if I drop by!” Ace proclaimed. You looked behind you to find Marco gone. Hopefully he decided to just fly there rather than fight to keep up through the crowds.

The Thousand Sunny was a pretty big ship with a cute lion’s head on the mast with a pointy mane like the sun. The gangplank was out so Ace just steamed up it with you in tow.

“LUFFY!” Ace screamed out, whipping his head around as Marco landed on deck with an indulgent smile. There was a crash somewhere below and thudding steps.

“ACE!” Straw Hat slammed open the door with a wide, excited grin.

“Stop BREAKING SHIT, LUFFY!” A woman screamed from below, quickly following her captain. Straw Hat wasn’t listening as he launched himself at Ace, arms stretching out and wrapping around his brother as he laughed. Ace gripped his brother’s red vest, swaying the two of them in loose circles.

“Did ya get ‘em? Did ya?!” Straw Hat asked childishly as a young woman with orange hair emerged from below, panting for breath from running.

“Sure did, Lu! See, I—We—Even rescued our crewmate.” You raised your hand and smiled.

“Sup.” Straw Hat’s eyes were wide as he finally noticed you were there.

“Eh?!? What happened to you?!” Straw Hat asked, arm stretching out to drag you in close. While you looked way better than before, you were still wrapped with bandages to keep your healing wounds from getting irritated from the high speeds of the Striker. Marco had been strangely dragging out the healing process—or possibly you were just that exhausted that your fruit didn’t properly share the powers just yet.

Straw Hat’s fruit still thrummed against your skin. A calling of the drums that resonated in your chest with that snappy, elastic taste that made you want to smile.

“Well, I got launched out of a sudden volcano and then hitched a ride in Mao’s mouth.” You explained, tolerating the gentle manhandling as Luffy squeezed you into the hug with Ace.

“Mao?” The young lady asked.

“Yeah. Mao. They might be here, actually. Baby~!” You called out shamelessly.

There was a deep, resonating call from the sea as Mao rose up. You squirmed free and ran to the side of the ship.

“Mmmmaaaoooo~! Maaooo~!” Mao called out, leaning down for gentle pets.

“Baby! Pretty baby, lookachu! Ahah~!” You laughed, stroking their nose as Straw Hat laughed behind you.

“Cool! Ace! You didn’t tell me they were friends with a sea king!” Straw Hat ran up and reached out his hand.

“L-Luffy!? Don’t get close to it! You don’t know if it’ll eat you! Can somebody talk sense into him!?”

You grabbed Straw Hat’s hand and gently placed it under Mao’s jaw.

“Mao’s a baby still, so their scales aren’t completely hardened yet. A little scratching right here feels nice cause that’s usually where they start shedding.” You explained softly, Straw Hat absolutely enraptured with a wide, beaming grin. He looked back at his brother.

“This is a baby?!” Ace shrugged his shoulders helplessly and you grinned.

“Yep! Sea Kings grow a lot before they reach maturity. It’s when they grow whiskers that you know they’re fully grown!” You declared.

“Wow! How do you know that?!” You chuckled, pushing up your glasses.

“My home island was near a sea king nest!” You laughed, “But they didn’t tend to go near the island, so we just knew by proxy.”

“I heard we had guests?” A blond man ducked his head out, catching sight of Ace before sighing. “I’ll fire up the stove. Two Ds… sheesh.”

“Join my crew!” Straw Hat asked with starry eyes. You saw Marco and Ace stiffen with Ace looking conflicted. You couldn’t help but laugh and smile wryly.

“No can do. I’m grounded. Sides, you guys aren’t ready for the Grand Line yet.” You tipped your head to the side, expanding your still sore senses. “You have two other devil fruit users that are pretty strong but it only gets harder from here on out. I can’t be a crutch.” You sighed.

Straw Hat pouted.

“What do you mean?” You looked at him with a bit of an indulgent smile. You get why Straw Hat was viewed as a rising star in piracy. But charisma would only get him so far.

“My devil fruit can influence other devil fruits. Make them stronger—or as I realized recently—negate them completely. You… tell you what, ask me again when you find the drums.” You poked his chest teasingly. Everyone looked confused. “…What is your devil fruit power?”

“I’m a rubber man!” Straw Hat declared.

You gave a soft, mysterious smile, finally giving into the impulse to ruffle his hair through his hat.

“Are you sure about that? Find the drums, Straw Hat, and then maybe I’ll join you.” You said. If he managed to find the limits of his devil fruit all on his own, he would probably not suffer the same hubris as your previous ‘partners’. Ace and Marco hadn’t despite being in close contact with you, after all.

Straw Hat huffed, face twisting with determination.

“Fine! I’ll find those drums, wherever they are, and then you’ll join my crew!”

Marco looked like he ate a lemon with Ace not much better, though oddly a little touched in spite of himself. Like he was proud but not sure of what.

--*--

The Moby Dick came into view rapidly with Ace whooping in joy, firing off sparks to let the crew know of your approach. There was, even over the wind, cheers as Ace pulled up close to the ship.

Ace swept you up into his arms and leapt up, planting his feet firmly on the railing as Marco sighed and followed suit. You laid in his arms awkwardly, thinking that this time was hardly any better than your first time on board.

Whitebeard laughed, grinning as Ace skipped over.

“We’re back, Oyaji!”

“Welcome home, my children.” You sighed, not surprised in the least as Ace sat on Whitebeard’s knee.

Whitebeard looked at you, taking in the mostly superfluous bandages.

“Surprisingly, it’s good to be back.” You grumbled without any heat.

Did it still weird you out? Absolutely. You don’t get what any of them saw in you that inspired such ferocity as to track you down across the Grand Line to get you back.

Whitebeard’s smile softened.

“I’m glad you all returned safely.” He murmured as someone stomped up to the main deck.

“You’re back!” Thatch cried out joyously, his usual chef ensemble swapped for loose pants and a shirt. Clearly, he was still on light duty as the nurses nearby scolded him for running. You elbowed Ace to let go and hopped down to the floor, aware that everyone was watching as you approached the suddenly nervous chef.

He glanced around for a hint of what was going on as you walked up to him. Then while he was still stiff with nerves, you wrapped your arms around his chest, gently patting his back.

“I’m glad you’re alright, Thatch.” You mumbled into his shirt. There was a high pitched cry as his arms locked around you, spinning you in circles.

“AH! AHHHH?! You did it! You used my name~!” Thatch cried out as several nurses protested to the vigorous movement, though on who’s behalf you weren’t sure.

You grinned.

“Don’t get ahead of yourself, Twin-Blade.” You said dryly, loud enough to be heard by everyone while hiding your smile. The effect was instant. His arms twitching as he nearly fell to his knees in mock-despair.

“Noooooo! My name! Use my name, damnit!”

You laughed, patting his back consolingly.

“Sure thing, Twin-Blade.”

“No!” Thatch barked, as the crew laughed at his plight.

While not what you imagined, life as a pirate wasn’t so bad if it meant feeling like this.

You considered your now bare wrist, no supportive cloth there to remind you of your past. What you hoped for in your future. Not quite freedom symbolized in marine-standard blue but consistency and a promise to support people. Nor a chain to remind you of your literal, more understandable imprisonment. You were free to put whatever you wanted there once they decided you didn’t need the bandages anymore.

And then? Well, it was a pretty good place for a tattoo… whenever you’re not grounded anymore and can slip away to get it done.

“…Hey, what does being grounded even look like?” You asked Thatch, Marco and Ace having avoided the subject. You assumed it was because they didn’t know either.

Thatch paused, looking over at his brothers and Whitebeard.

“…Nooooo mooooorrreeee… avoiding… parties?” Thatch guessed, receiving cheerful agreements all around. You couldn’t help but snort.

“You know, usually groundings means less of those.” You pointed out but Thatch nodded resolutely.

“Eating every meal!” Thatch added.

“I already did that?”

“More training!” Someone suggested.

“Okay, that makes sense but—”

“Hanging out with Oyaji!”

“Hey now! Don’t get ahead of yourself!” You barked, feeling ganged up on as more suggestions were added, Whitebeard doing nothing but adding to the chaos.

“Given names only.” He nodded and you sputtered.

“I’m not calling you Edward!” You huffed, craning your neck to glare back at him. He paused before smiling.

“That’s alright. Oyaji or Pops is fine with me.” You groaned, burying your face into Thatch chest as you fought the urge to laugh.

“Hey, you have to follow the rules. You’re still grounded.” Thatch teased.

“Does that mean I can stop when I’m not grounded?” You needled. Thatch letting out a bark of laughter.

“Hah! No.”

Why did you decide to stay again?

#one piece yandere #whitebeard crew yandere #platonic yandere #reader insert #oh sweet child of mine #reader accepting their new crew: time to be a shit ( •̀ ω •́ )y #really keep them guessing #btw marines is still an option cause who would know they killed Akainu?#looks like he just bit off more than he can chew from the outside #but reader is happier where they are

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yesbutmakeitgay · 17 days

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Just A King In A Rusty Throne

Valkyrie x Reader

Summary: You're friends with benefits with The King of New Asgard, you wish you were more than that, but The King would never allow it.

Word count: 2.6k

Friends with benefits, implied smut, nudity, angst with a happy ending.

A/N: I don't see a lot of love for my King Valkyrie, let's change that!

Masterlist | AO3

King Valkyrie slumps on her bed wiping her mouth off with the back of her hand satisfied. As soon as you regain your senses you sit up and start fetching your clothes, "You don't have to go," Valkyrie says gently, if you were facing her maybe you would have caught a glimpse of the lost puppy look that adorned her features.

"Isn't that the agreement?" Your tone is stoic, more so to remind yourself that getting further involved with The King would be unwise.

"I just mean not yet, you could stay a little longer if you want." Her voice is soft and inviting, one that she reserves only for moments like these. However you don't let the sweetness get to you.

You twist your neck to take a look at her still naked form, "What do you want?" There's a subtle acidity lacing your words.

She turns to lay on her side and looks at you intently with her captivating eyes, "I want whatever you want." At this point she would say anything she thought would make you stay longer.

You calculate your next move carefully. To any outsider this conversation would seem like a sweet exchange between lovers, but you both know it's a lot more complicated than that, starting by the very definition of your relationship, "I want to stay the night," you let out as a test to your adversary or so you convince yourself. Your bait is met with silence and that tells you all you need to hear, "That's what I thought." You finish putting your shirt on and aggressively stand up scanning the room to look for your shoes.

Valkyrie reaches her arm out for you, "No, come on, don't do that." The novelty of The King’s pleas has already worn off of you after many nights spent this exact same way.

You look her in the eye hiding your emotions, "Do what? I’m doing everything you want. I come here whenever you ask, stay as long as you wish and when you see me in public you don't acknowledge my existence."

Val gets up and quickly puts her clothes on, she walks around the bed to stand in front of you, "It's not like that, Princess." She softly tucks a strand of hair behind your ear.

"Then how is it?" you respond instantly, shying away from her touch.

"The rules are different for me, I am The King," she explains, trying to get your sympathy.

"You are The King, you have the power and authority to do whatever you want." You aren't sparing her your pity.

When she realizes her plan won't work she gives it up and retaliates in your same cold tone, "I have an image to uphold."

Her words drive through you like a knife, if that's the game she wants to play, so be it, "I see," you simply say.

She only realizes what she said after it left her mouth, "That's not what I meant."

"Too late, you already said it." You walk out with your shoes still in your hand and a lone tear running down your cheek.

You hoped that was the last time you saw The King of New Asgard, or that's what you told yourself. You knew from the start you were never gonna get your way with her, yet you accepted her terms for the time you did get to spend together.

The arrival of a ship causes commotion all over the Kingdom, it wasn't very often that The King received guests. You recognize the outside of the vehicle and decide to go greet the visitor.

"Captain, it's good to see you," you reach out your hand for Carol to grab.

She accepts your handshake and gives you a smile, "You too." She is genuinely pleased to see you again. You had the opportunity to meet Carol some time ago while you were sneaking around with Val. The Captain is fully aware of Valkyrie's ways and doesn't like to meddle in her personal life, but she seems to have grown a soft spot for you even if your relationship is mostly professional. "Is Val around?" If anyone knows of The King's whereabouts Carol's money is on you, given the nature of your affiliation.

"I don't know, I've been kind of avoiding her." Your eyes go down to the ground for a moment.

Carol understands the meaning behind your words, "I'm sorry to hear that," she pauses, "I’m gonna go look for her, it was a pleasure." She does a good job of hiding her disappointment.

"Likewise," you respond. Before she leaves she places a cordial kiss on your cheek.

Carol finds The King in her place, they exchange pleasantries and deal with the purpose of her visit.

After they're done with the business side of things they begin to walk back to The Captain’s ship and she decides to bring up a touchy subject, "How's your Princess?" she hesitates.

Valkyrie is taken aback by the question, "I don't-we don't-anymore."

"So I’ve heard," Carol is quick to remark.

Val rolls her eyes, "Of course you have, you saw her?" There's a tinge of hope in her voice.

"Yup."

"She's been avoiding me for weeks." The longing in Val’s eyes is unmistakable.

Carol pouts, "Poor little you, what'd you do this time?" She's confident in her choice of blame placing.

"Oh, you know how it is, this one leaves and new one comes around." Valkyrie pretends to be unaffected, but Carol can see right through her.

The Captain makes a point of grabbing Valkyrie’s shoulder and making eye contact, "Just because it's what you're used to, doesn't mean it's what you want, or need."

After a few seconds The King breaks the eye contact and continues to walk staring straight ahead, "I know what I want."

Carol follows behind her with a sigh, "But it's different with her, you weren't sad when the other ones left."

"What do you know?" Val huffs.

They keep going the rest of the way to Carol’s ship and stand in front of it when they get there, waiting for the door to open.

"Yeah, what do I know about loss," Carol asserts before entering her home and flying off.

Valkyrie is left with a choice, she can ignore their conversation all together or she can admit that she finally allowed herself to care about someone and then screwed things up because she didn’t know how to handle it. If she’s being honest she hasn’t been able to get you out of her mind since the last time you saw each other.

A few days later you knock on The King’s office door to announce your presence, you open it before waiting for an answer and walk halfway in. Valkyrie eyes you up and down for a moment, making no effort to conceal her actions, "Princess, you're looking well, come on in," she instructs. You feel a little violated, but she’s done much worse in the past so you can manage.

You stand in the middle of the room with your arms crossed, "What do you want?" you demand.

"I need to speak with you, why don't you sit down?" Valkyrie keeps her composure.

"I think I'll stand." Your tone becomes more aggressive.

She tries to give you a friendly smile, "You don't have to be so…hostile."

You can’t even try to be cordial, "I do, actually, you are using your power to force me to stand before you," you refute, "which is kinda shitty." For lack of a better word. Val hadn't thought about it that way, but she tries not to dwell on it too much.

"I want to apologize, the last time we saw each other things didn't go so well, the way I spoke to you wasn't right." She’s clearly given a lot of thought to her word choice.

"Okay." You expect her to have more to say about the issue.

"So, do you forgive me?"

You realize that’s all she’s got and it is now your turn to speak, "Oh, uh, no."

"No?" The King cannot believe your refusal.

"No," you state more confidently.

Val is dumbfounded, "Well I don't know what else to do." You do appreciate her honestly, but there isn’t much more to appreciate about this conversation.

"Hope that your next plaything has less self respect," you snark, "am I free to leave now?"

Valkyrie’s ego suddenly shrinks, "I suppose I can't keep you here."

As soon as you close the door behind you, you let out a breath you didn't realize you were holding in. You were usually pretty good at keeping cool and holding your ground, but King Valkyrie had become something of a weak spot of yours.

Val sinks into her chair, she really thought the apology would work to get you back. Why she wanted to get you back so badly? She wasn't sure, call it remorse or Carol's words finally getting to her.

The King has been having affairs every night this week. However she can't seem to enjoy them like she used to.

She comes out from under her sheets to look at whatever her name is, "I can't do this, I'm sorry." She gets up and walks to her closet to find some clothes, she's not gonna put her three piece suit back on, "It's not you, you seem great, I just can't, I'm going out."

She puts on a pair of shorts and a sweater as she makes her way to the door, "Take your time, you can help yourself to anything in the fridge, but please don't stay the night," The King urges.

She drags her feet to her office and collapses on her chair. She takes a big swig out of one of the many bottles she keeps there and buries her face in her hands, feeling the comfort of the alcohol burning her throat.

She presses a button on her desk that immediately triggers a call to Captain Marvel, it's the middle of the night, but she knows Carol doesn't work on a schedule.

When she picks up, Carol is working on the engine of her ship.

"Marv, you were right!" The beginnings of The King's tipsiness start to show.

"About damn time you admitted it, what are we talking about?" Carol responds plainly.

"I miss her, I’m miserable." Carol does not take her eyes off of the engine, but she has a good idea of what Valkyrie looks like right now.

"That's awful, Val, I’m so sorry you can't have meaningless sex anymore," The Captain taunts.

"I don't know what to do."

"Have you considered celibacy?"

"I want her back." Val sounds a little more sober somehow.

"Does she know that you want her back?" Carol asks with a little more tact, Goose hops on her shoulder to look at what she's doing.

"She's not exactly making it easy for me, when I called her to apologize she barely entered, didn't even accept it."

Carol stops her work and puts Goose down to finally look at Valkyrie, "Did you make her go to your office so you could apologize?"

"Yes?" Val responds bluntly. Carol pinches the bridge of her nose with a sigh, "What?"

"Okay," The Captain brings her hands to her hips, "you need to be less of a King and more like a being with a heart and feelings." Val looks at her beyond confused. "She likes you, you just have to get your head out of your ass," Carol rephrases.

"Oh."

"There you go, alright, good luck." Carol hangs up now that she's satisfied with their conversation.

Valkyrie finishes the rest of the bottle and stumbles back to her room, thankfully it's empty when she enters.

The King takes a few days to think about what Carol said and to consider her life choices.

You’re coming out of work for your midday break when you spot someone standing right outside the building. It takes you a moment to realize it’s Val without her three piece suit out in public. Once you do recognize her you avoid eye contact and try to walk past her, but she stops you by gently grabbing your arm.

You roll your eyes and reluctantly turn around, "What?"

Her eyes light up when they meet yours, "I cancelled the rest of your meetings for the day, I was hoping we could go for a walk."

"A walk?" You frown.

"Yes, not with The King, just with me." You’ve never seen her more vulnerable, not even fully naked on her own bed.

"Do I have a choice?" You still have your walls up high.

"Of course, it can be as quick as you want." That’s not the first time she’s said that to you. You consider her offer for a moment, she did get you out of work so you cautiously agree.

She begins to walk down the street and you follow behind her. "It has been brought to my attention that I have put you in very unfair positions in the past." She measures her words carefully. "I want to apologize for that."

"Thank you." Your tone is harsh, but you do mean it.

"I haven’t been able to be with anyone else since…"

"I’m flattered," you deadpan, "am I the best of your fuck buddies?"

She scowls at the term, "I’m trying to tell you that I am not the same without you."

"Well, that is not my problem."

"But I want it to be your problem."

You squint your eyes in confusion, "What?"

"Marry me," she blurts out making you fully look at her with wide eyes.

"Are you serious?"

"Yes, maybe?" she hesitates.

You cannot believe what’s happening, "You can’t just marry your fuck buddy, that’s not a thing, Val."

She stops walking and turns to face you with her whole body, "Can you please stop calling it that."

You stop and mimic her stance, "What do you want me to call it then?"

"A love affair?" She stumbles on her words.

You snort, "How much love was involved in this 'affair?’"

"More than I ever intended," she whispers, rubbing her own arm. Your heart begins to beat faster. Unsure what to answer you both continue to walk in silence, with every step you take you feel your walls crumbling down ever so slowly.

After a while, she speaks again, "Did you love me?" she almost pleads.

You glance at her from the corner of your eye, "What does it matter?"

"I think-I think I did love you," she chokes.

Your heart threatens to bear a whole in your chest, "You think?"

"It’s not a familiar feeling for me, I don’t know what to do with it."

"You don’t have to do anything with it, you can just feel it. It doesn’t hurt to not be an idiot about it."

She chuckles, "I really am sorry, I hope you can forgive me someday." This time, you can sense the sincerity in her voice.

"How sorry are you?" you smirk.

"Very sorry." The air between you feels lighter.

"Enough to let me kiss you in public?" You try to test her once again.

"I-" you scoff and are about to walk away at her uncertainty when she speaks again, "You want to kiss me?" There is a glimmer in her eyes, you can only give her a sheepish smile and before you know it she’s pulling you by the hips and connecting her lips with yours.

This is the most intimate moment you've had with Val despite the endless nights of passion you've spent together.

You break the kiss in need for air, but stay close to her, "I won't marry you, yet, but you can take me on a date." Valkyrie nods quickly, "Not with The King, just with you."

"I would love for nothing more."

Give Valkyrie some love and tell me your thoughts! I have more Val fics for you if you're good 😉💜💜

Tagging all the people who interacted with my last Valkyrie post because I can: @fionnemrys @murderbasketheassassin @clara-eternal @dapper-hydra @nevaeh-daughterofvalcarol @thorgood

#Valkyrie #king valkyrie #mcu valkyrie #Valkyrie x reader #tessa thompson #brunhilde

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jell-o101 · 7 months

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Which animation companies, are the best choices for, animated movies for

Kirby

Captain Falcon

Samus

Ness and Lucas

Fox and Falco

Olimar

Splatoon

Link & Zelda

Idk why but Pixar feels like it would do a good job with Kirby. With feel good movies like Up or Inside out, a wholesome yet HEARTWRENCHING story for a Kirby film would be in Pixar's hands (if you know the lore, then you understand)

I havent played any Falcon or Metroid games to know, but perhaps libe actions by Universal Studios would fit (cant guarantee a good film lol)

For the Mother games, Sony. No doubt.

Starfox is HARD....perhaps Warner Brothers...particularly whoever worked on Happy Feet and Guardians of Gahoole. Two gorgeous films btw. Perhaps Laika instead...A stop motion film in SPACE would be awesome to see.

Pikmin WOULD GO WONDERFULLY with Cartoon Saloon. Have you SEEN their films??? Pikmin would DEFINITELY fit their aesthetic!

SPLATOON OMG I CAN TOTALLY SEE DREAMWORKS OR ILLUMINATION DOING THAT. SPLATOON ESPECIALLY WOULD WORK IN ILLUMINATION'S SENSE OF HUMOUR. AAAA

As for the Zelda games. This is too obvious. Studio Ghibli or Studio Ponoc. No questions asked. After all, Princess Mononoke is probably the inspiration for Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.

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imagine-darksiders · 1 year

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Ok I’m sorry to ask because I know you’ve said you have a bigger work load now, but is there any way we can get some head cannons for your dragon Monty? I’ve only known him for 3 seconds but he’s my new beloved.

- Dragon Monty is a total thug.

- He’s the scourge of your father’s kingdom, a cantankerous beast with an explosive temper and a penchant for bullying innocent denizens into giving him their hard earned gold, livestock or other such essentials.

- He’ll often threaten to burn down the kingdom if he doesn’t get his way. And yet, in all the years he’s plagued the land, he’s never actually carried out on his threats. So far as the people know, he hasn’t actually hurt anyone, although he insists he definitely has.

- Freddy Fazbear is the captain of your royal guard, and he’s your most trusted friend.

- For your part, you despise the wretched dragon who terrorises your people.

- One night, a couple of thieves steal their way into the castle and take you for a ransom.

- They flee under the cover of darkness, making for the mountains in the hopes that the fearsome dragon will deter anyone from following.

- Monty smells the intruders in his territory and rushes to confront them. He doesn’t expect to stumble into a camp whereupon he finds a pair of thieves in the process of removing the local royal’s regalia.

- His eyes land on you, tears streaming down your face and your arms littered with rope burns and the beginnings of bruises from your rough treatment.

- His temper rages. Your home is in his territory. And everything in his territory belongs to him.

- His stomach is lined with Boric acid, which turns his fire a brilliant, sickly green when it erupts from between his teeth.

- Predictably, the thieves flee, leaving you tied on your stomach, half clothed and petrified.

- Monty scrutinises you for a moment, weighing up how he’s going to play this.

- Eventually though, with a dramatic roll of his eyes, he gathers you between his teeth and flies you back to his cave, nestled beside an alpine lake.

- He’s never taken a royal before, so he’s a little embarrassed by the state of his home. With nowhere clean to put you, he deposits you gingerly on top of his treasure pile.

- He decides you look rather pretty perched up there on all those gemstones and coins.

- You daren’t say a word in case you set him off. You know of the dragon’s irascible nature.

- So it comes as a surprise when he suddenly offers you some undamaged clothes from his horde.

- You squeak out a tight ‘thank you’ that seems to catch Monty off guard. He glances around, as if there’s some other monstrous dragon you’re talking to, before he tentatively replies, ‘you’re… welcome?’ It’s like he’s never said those words before in his life.

- He still has a reputation to maintain though, so he puffs himself up and demands to know why you were in his territory, yet he almost immediately loses his bluster when you break down into sobs and hide your face in your hands.

- Well now he just feels bad. He’s not the smartest dragon in the world, but he knows what those thieves had almost done to you.

Clueless for how to calm you down, he decides to do what he does best. He acts tough. “Hey, you don’t gotta worry about those creeps no more! They wouldn’t dare come back now they know Montgomery D. Gon’s got their scent!”

- A strange noise drifts out between your fingers, so seldom heard by the dragon that he doesn’t immediately recognise it. When he does, he’s surprised. It’s a tiny, wet but unmistakable laugh.

- He’s… never made anyone laugh before…

- Monty would rather chew off his own wings than admit to himself or anyone else that he’s lonely.

- He realises he wants you to stick around. Which is a problem for you, since you’d much rather go home.

- That same night, after Monty finally falls asleep curled around you and his treasure pile, you make a run for it. You have no idea just how possessive a lonely dragon will turn out to be.

#fnaf #fnaf sb #montgomery gator #Montgomery dragon #dragon au #monty x reader

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captain-krow-drozdov · 6 months

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Link Getting Yoinked By The Great Fairies: Part 2 Electric Boogaloo!

Also Some Frame By Frame Screenshots Of Link Having A Terrible Time <3

Mans Is Having Gloom Hands Flashbacks...

~For More Link Getting Yoinked~

#Captain's posts #Captain plays tears of the kingdom #Wild Gets Yoinked #totk link #botw link #loz totk #this poor twink gets man handled so much this game #the great fairy

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lutiaslayton · 5 months

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Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva

ＰＡＲＴ　１９

〚ＦＩＲＳＴ〛〚ＰＲＥＶ〛〚ＮＥＸＴ〛

Disclaimer: This is a fan-translation for the Japan-exclusive novellisation of the movie Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva. The original novel was written by Aya Matsui under the supervision of Akihiro Hino, and belongs to Level-5.

This translation only aims to be a pleasant read for non-Japanese fans, nothing more: I made a few deliberate changes while translating in order to get the writing style closer to what is usually found in English fanfictions, as the Japanese storytelling can sometimes be different than what we are used to.

── London・Present

＊ Reunion

After Janice’s voice faded away, I remained pensive for a while.

Three years ago.

The moment I met her, I was left in awe.

She was a beautiful woman, much older than me…

But at that time, was it Melina that left such a big impression on me?

Or was it Janice…?

This is one of the puzzles that I have yet to solve.

This had been my first adventure with the professor, and it was a very special one for me.

‘Mr Future Gentleman’

I thought I had just heard her voice again.

“Look, Luke.”

The professor’s voice brought me back to myself. He had two tickets to the ‘Eternal Kingdom’ opera in hand.

It really was just like that time from three years ago.

Though of course, the name of the venue on the ticket was not the ‘Crown Petone’ this time.

Mr Whistler’s face came to my mind.

According to Inspector Grosky, he sometimes plays the piano in prison, bringing tears to the eyes of his fellow inmates.

I heard through the grapevine that Captain O’Donnell and Mr Marco Brock have hit it off since the incident, and often travel together.

Amelia is currently studying abroad at a foreign university.

The letter I received the other day said that she was still very grateful that the professor and I had attended her grandfather’s funeral.

Nina sometimes comes to visit us here, at Gressenheller. She has a very good memory and studies very hard, and I think she might be admitted to college before me…

But I won’t lose to her. Look out for the Future Gentleman and puzzle master, Nina!

Oh, that’s right, Mr Starbuck and Mrs Raidley had their wedding just the other day. The gossip magazines made it a really big deal.

And I’m currently reading Annie Dretche’s latest mystery. I’m so excited, I can’t stop reading it!

Annie once told me that she has been writing mysteries much faster than before for the sake of Mr Bargland. That way, he would have something to read while he spends his spare time at the hospital…

And then…

There was a knock at the door. Who could it be? Perhaps a client for some new exciting mystery to solve.

The professor and I got up from our chairs at the same time and headed for the entrance.

But as soon as I opened the door, my heart skipped a beat.

“Janice…”

I was dazzled by her smile. It looked just like the one I had seen three years ago…

　⇚　　　　　　　↛

And this completes the fan-translation of the official Eternal Diva novel, everyone! Man, this sure was something. A lot of work, a lot of tears and sweat, a lot of good surprises. Who knows what the future has in store for us now!

...Hm? What's that? Another novel? Let's see...We've seen a lot of blue lately, perhaps a change of colour would do us all some good. How about green? Green sounds nice, right?

Yup. Illusory Forest it is, baby. See y'all next week for a brand new adventure, and one that most of you never have gotten to experience before at that 👀

Oh, also, I'm just going to say before we let Ambrosia go back to its eternal sleep: this thing has followed me up until the very end of my PhD. I defended my thesis, like. TODAY. Just A FEW HOURS AGO.

At the exact time this post is coming out, I am likely going to still be stuck at the lab managing the mini-quiches for the party or something of the like, hahaha. So... yeah, I guess I'm a doctor now? In theoretical chemistry, that is. Yay? Yeah, let's go with yay :D

(and I hope that future me won't happen to be told a random "actually no ur work sucks you failed lol" on that very day and the party prevents me from editing this post in order to bring the bad news, that'd be awkward lmao)

#professor layton #layton's book club #luke triton #janice quatlane #eternal diva #eternal diva novel #translation #professor layton and the eternal diva

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seelenyan · 7 days

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Hello hi(￣∇￣)!!! Im new here and im also looking for a new moots!

⊹ ︴u can call me lituhayu or felis (๑˃̵　ᴗ　˂̵)

i use any pronouns so feel free to address me by anything

im still a minor

a BIG seele fan

⊹ ︴the fandoms im in:

honkai impact, honkai star rail, genshin impact, d4dj, tears of themis, cookie run, demon slayer, and many many more!

⊹ ︴ little info on games i play!! (＾ω＾)

captain lvl 88 on honkai impact

rank 105 on d4dj

kingdom lvl 49 on crk

Tl 66 on hsr

Ar 50 on genshin!

⊹ ︴DNI LIST! (•ˋ _ ˊ•)

Basic dni criteria, seele haters, 25+, AI arts, not putting TW on NSFW content, rare/crackship haters, ZIONIST.

⊹ ︴Information about myself! （｡>‿‿<｡）

Im kind of sensitive, i like to draw, VERY active on tiktok, really likes to play hoyo's games, i use kys/kms jokes.

follow me and ill follow u back(≡^∇^≡)

#moots #looking for moots #genshin #genshin impact #hi3rd #honkai impact #hsr #honkai star rail #Spotify

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skyloftian-nutcase · 4 months

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Blood of the Hero Ch 12 (Link's parents play botw)

Summary: The Soul of the Hero will always be there to save Hyrule. But when Calamity Ganon is nearly victorious in killing him, it's those that bear the Blood of the Hero who will prevail. Ten years after the Great Calamity, the Shrine of Resurrection is damaged and Link's parents fight to save their son and Hyrule along with him.

AO3 link

To Kakariko - Familiar Faces

"Get her out of here. You can't win this fight. Not here, not like this. Go to Fort Hateno, Link. We'll rally the troops there and figure something out."

The air was so filled with ash and smoke it practically choked him as Castle Town burned. The sound of distant guardian fire and people’s screams rang in his ears. His exhaustion was so prevalent he could sleep and never wake up right then and there. His heart was so broken he almost wished for death. But his determination was even stronger, his concern for Link and the princess paramount. Link’s worried expression cut into him far more than a guardian’s beam ever could. The boy’s eyes, filled with sorrow, glittered with something else at his words, though.

Abel was doing more than just giving an order, he was giving the boy hope. Link latched on to the words, his face growing stony with conviction. Abel pat his cheek lightly and gave what little bit of a smile that he could muster. "I'll meet you there, okay?"

His son watched him, his façade cracking a hair, his breath hitching for just a moment. Abel slid his hand behind his boy's head, pulling him close so their foreheads rested against each other, and they both closed their eyes for a moment. "Keep her safe. Do your duty, Link. Now, go."

T he moment was lost, and Link pulled away. He took a slow, deep, steadying breath, and then nodded. With renewed resolve, he turned quickly, rushing to Princess Zelda and grabbing her by the wrist, pulling her away from Abel, away from the castle, away from the city and the ruins and the disaster all around them. The princess followed helplessly, tears staining her cheeks as she turned back to look one last time at her home, her kingdom, before they vanished around a corner.

Abel awoke stiff and sore and disoriented. Images of Castle Town faded into the dust that was lazily floating in the sunlight. Everything was too soft and warm; it instantly made his insides squirm. It felt foreign and unsafe. Reaching forward, he found himself clawing at air where Link and Tilieth had been, and cold adrenaline shot through him like ice, making him nearly fall out of the bed in his haste to get up. His chest screamed in protest, and he doubled over, leaning on a small table for a second to catch his breath.

Kakariko. They made it to Kakariko. He’d nearly forgotten. But where was his family?

Abel quickly slid some boots on. Heading outside, he saw that the sun was fairly high in the sky, and his anxiety grew tenfold. How long had he been asleep? What had happened in that time?

“Captain Abel.”

Turning, Abel saw one of the Sheikah warriors from yesterday. Before he could get a word in, the warrior continued, “Your wife and the Champion are with Lady Impa in her residence. Would you like me to escort you?”

He didn’t need an escort. It was ten steps away from the inn. Abel shook his head, continuing on, all other courtesy forgotten. It was a somewhat chilly morning with the wind blowing, and it stung against his face. He hastily ran up the stairs and entered the abode.

Link was settled on a bunch of pillows on the floor, slumbering still. Tilieth sat at his head, hands tracing through his hair, gently brushing it while Lady Impa and someone unfamiliar knelt at his side facing toward the door.

Lady Impa glanced up, somber face pulling in surprise at hearing Abel’s entrance, and then she gave a tired smile. “Good morning, Captain. I hope you slept well.”

“What are you doing?” Abel asked.

“This is Kollin, our healer,” Lady Impa said, motioning to the man beside her. “I was speaking with your wife about the situation.”

Abel approached the group slowly, his heart finally slowing to a normal rate. Tilieth smiled up at him.

Staring down at Link, stripped nearly bare, let Abel look his wounds over as well. They didn’t seem much different than they had when they’d left the plateau, but somehow Link at least looked less pale. Also, the pressure wounds from his harness seemed a little better. Something had to be happening.

“His wounds are grievous indeed,” the healer commented as his eyes looked over the boy.

Princess Mipha could’ve healed him, his mind thought, and his heart tore a little at the words. The demure Zora princess had always been a kind, gentle soul. Abel had rarely seen her in battle, but it seemed particularly unfair that she had been dragged into the war and murdered in such a horrifying way. He didn’t know what specifically had happened in the Divine Beasts, but given how the guardians had been taken over and no support had arrived, he could guess well enough.

“Can you do anything?” Tilieth questioned hopefully.

“There are elixirs I could make,” the healer proposed. “He’d have to be awake to ingest them, though. Beyond that, it’s up to him. His wounds are wrapped and cleaned – I cannot change the natural healing process.”

“Your ancestors could,” Abel cut in, crossing his arms. “I’m more concerned about your technology than your healers, Lady Impa. The shrines are healing him. We need to know where they all are.”

Impa sighed. “The best solution would be to repair the Shrine of Resurrection. If it’s damaged… the best ones to fix it would be my sister or Robbie. But as I said yesterday, I haven’t been in contact with them since the Calamity. We were fighting our own war down here, too. The guardians came to Kakariko from the west. They completely destroyed Lakna Rokee Settlement and burned the hillside. We held them off, but… my mother was killed in the fight, and I became chief. I had to help rebuild the village. Purah stayed longer than Robbie, but even she left after a year.”

Abel chewed his tongue a little to hold back the bite in his tone before saying, “The Shrine is destroyed. Link will die before we can hunt anyone down, let alone before it can be repaired. I need to know where the smaller shrines are.”

The Sheikah chief furrowed her brow thoughtfully, her head tipping down to look at Link. The metal adornments of her hat jingled, filling the silence as Abel felt dread bubble in his chest.

“I… don’t know the location of all the shrines,” Lady Impa said slowly. “Not many were apparent before the Calamity. It seems more have appeared since then. I assume that was your doing, based on what Tilieth’s told me.”

Whatever help Abel had been expecting, it certainly wasn’t this. Why had the king even directed them here? The dread fizzled out, replaced by an ever-growing frustration.

“I can show you the one here,” the chief continued. “And I can try to map out the few I know of that Princess Zelda visited.”

“In the meantime, I’ll make some elixirs for Sir Link,” the healer said, rising. “And perhaps a few for you two as well, for your journey.”

Their journey. Their journey. Abel… had known, yes, that they would be on a journey to find the shrines for Link, but going to Kakariko had seemed a bit more of a main goal, an endpoint that would give them all the information they needed so they could start anew with everything in hand. It had at least promised some sort of guidance and assistance.

Tilieth smiled. “Thank you for your help.”

The former knight almost let out a bitter laugh. Help? What help? Pointing out one or two places we can try to reach in a land scorched by malice and crawling with enemies? Do we even know how many shrines there are?!

He was tempted to ask for at least a warrior escort to assist them, but at this point he didn’t trust them enough to even consider it. Besides, it might attract too much attention, assuming there were people with ill intentions wandering the countryside.

Such as…

“What of the Yiga?” Abel asked suddenly.

Lady Impa stared at him, a little baffled. “The Yiga? What of those traitors?”

“Have you heard anything about their movements?”

The chief shook her head. “No. The whole world was almost destroyed. For once, I think even they are just trying to survive. I hope they were wiped out, honestly.”

As do I. Abel sighed, nodding. “Let’s go to this shrine, then.”

With that, he helped Tilieth dress Link once more and carried him outside. Lady Impa led the group up the cliffs, which allowed for a beautiful view of a good portion of Hyrule. It didn’t boast the same vastness and scope as Tilieth’s favorite perch just outside the Shrine of Resurrection, but it did give Abel a moment of pause.

A moment to remember what it looked like before all this.

Abel had only been to Kakariko Village once before in his life, and it was when he’d been assigned as part of the royal guard that would accompany Princess Zelda to the village. This was before Link had been appointed her knight. She had been fairly young, fourteen or so. The village had seemed so much livelier then. It had also been more populated.

Bitterness swelled inside of him, the same old friend that seemed to accompany him on bad days. He swallowed hard, looking away. When Tilieth slid Link’s hand and the slate across the access pad, Abel walked first into the darkness of the shrine.

Having Lady Impa accompany them down into this new trial was at least different, though he wasn’t sure how helpful it would be. Not that he hadn’t seen the woman fight – Lady Impa was an impressive warrior. He just…

He didn’t trust anyone anymore, he supposed. And at this point, with as little as she could offer, he’d given up on relying on anyone else for assistance.

The voice that reverberated in the chamber spoke a different message this time, leaving the former knight on edge. “To you who sets foot in this shrine… I am Ta’loh Naeg. I share with you my knowledge, that it may please Hylia.”

“That’s… different,” Tilieth noted. “We don’t have to do anything?”

“You usually have to do something?” Lady Impa asked.

“Yes,” Abel answered slowly, lowering Link to the floor. Two chests flanked the entrance, and he hesitantly went to one. He was happily surprised to find a Sheikah blade in it.

Finally, some useful treasure.

“The trial, of course!” Lady Impa clapped her hands together. “Stories say that this shrine held an ancient trial for Sheikah warriors!”

“Maybe you should do it, then?” Tilieth suggested hesitantly, glancing at Abel.

Abel felt his hackles raise, but before he could protest, the chief nodded. Abel stepped forward, but Til put a hand to his chest, somehow managing to put pressure right where his ribs were bruised. He coughed and grimaced immediately, catching her attention.

“Are you hurt?” she asked quietly as Lady Impa walked by, unaware. “We need to talk to the healer.”

“I’m fine,” he snapped. “But I’ll let her do it. Since apparently I’m too feeble to handle a Sheikah trial now.”

“It’s their tradition,” Tilieth argued hesitantly, expression worried. “And it gives us a break. She’s on our side too, Abel, remember?”

Abel sighed heavily.

As Lady Impa approached the center of the room, the gap in the floor was filled with a rising arena and miniature guardian awaiting her. Abel and Tilieth, despite their aversion to the mechanical beasts, were growing accustomed to the sight in these trials.

He supposed they should have warned the chief about it.

Lady Impa gasped, going rigid, before she charged ahead, slashing viciously at the guardian. Abel squinted, noticing that this one was designed differently from the others, and it did nothing to defend itself. The monk’s voice spoke again, giving fighting instructions.

It’s not a duel, it’s a lesson. Of course. He did say he was trying to impart knowledge.

It was a very basic lesson, though. Lady Impa picked up on it quickly, realizing her attacks were futile but the enemy wasn’t retaliating. She followed the instructions, one by one, until she destroyed the small foe. This time, when it shattered, its blade remained intact, piquing Abel’s curiosity.

After all, such a blade could be useful.

Abel collected the blade while Tilieth collected something from the other chest, plopping it into her pouch.

“We won’t have room to carry all your trinkets, you know,” Abel remarked dully.

Tilieth only smiled and winked.

Abel was the last to reach the final room as he had to pick Link back up, but Lady Impa’s surprised squeal was enough indication that the other two had made it to the monk.

“H-he’s… this is… different,” Impa said, clearly disturbed at the sight of the decomposed Sheikah monk.

“This is normal,” Tilieth explained. “So far, all the shrines have a monk in them at the end. They give Link a Spirit Orb. Watch.”

The monk spoke of a hero rising from the ashes of Hyrule before granting the orb. Link twitched a little, as if when the orb shattered was akin to being splashed with a big raindrop. Abel rested his forehead against the boy’s cheek in reassurance, though he doubted Link could feel it. With that, the group was transported outside, Lady Impa shaking from head to foot.

“What just—?” she tried to question, looking around wildly.

“The shrine kicks you out when you’re done,” Abel quipped, stepping into the grass. “Let’s go. The healer should be ready by now, I imagine.”

“Kollin’s elixirs take some time to m-make,” Lady Impa explained shakily, still getting used to the sensation of being teleported. “B-but—but I imagine he’ll be done by evening.”

Evening?! They were going to lose an entire day? This was absurd. Abel could see another shrine down in the valley from here. He wasn’t going to wait.

“That’s all right,” Tilieth said cheerfully. “I can cook some meals with the ingredients I gathered. Best to have supplies ready for… well, for everything.”

Abel garnered some satisfaction in the way his wife’s voice faltered, and he wasn’t entirely sure why. Maybe it was because she was entirely too chipper about this whole mess. Why wasn’t she as upset as he was, why did she think this was fine? She’d said herself that the Sheikah would be able to—

To what? To fix this issue? What sort of naivete had led Abel to think anyone could fix anything at this point?

Get yourself together, he snapped at himself. They still had an objective; the situation wasn’t entirely hopeless.

He supposed he… had expected more help than this. If the king had mentioned Lady Impa would guide them, then he’d, well…

He’d expected the king to be true to his word. But he wasn’t. And it wasn’t the first time.

The bitterness swelled, roaring like a foul beast, and Abel swallowed hard again, biting his tongue.

Lady Impa and Tilieth were babbling now, speaking of shrines and monks, and Abel found himself too weary to care. He walked down the path back to the village with Link resting comfortably on his back before turning right and heading towards the view of the valley once more. At least here he could enjoy some silence.

The trail led to a large collection of stones, Sheikah names inscribed on them, with one towering above the rest.

A memorial for the Sheikah lost in the Calamity.

Crickets chirped and birds sang, their voices carried in the wind, echoing in the silence of Abel’s mind as words were hard to find at the moment. He remembered the bodies of the Sheikah warriors he’d buried on the Great Plateau, the two who remained to help him defend the Shrine of Resurrection from the guardians who had invaded the sacred place. He remembered Castle Town burning along with the rest of Central Hyrule.

He recalled Link, broken and bloodied nearly beyond recognition.

The smell of ash and smoke filled his nostrils, and his throat tightened. He looked to his right and saw Hyrule once more, its landscape a patchy mixture of green and scorched brown and black. The orange glow of two shrines stood out amidst the scars of the land, and energy filled the former captain of the royal guard.

Marching back into the village, Abel saw Tilieth alone now, standing in the center of town. She smiled brightly when she saw him. “Abel, there you are! Come here, let me hold Link, I want to pray.”

“We don’t have time for that,” Abel said dismissively.

“You need to be more patient,” his wife giggled, seemingly unbothered by this entire day. “It’ll be fast. Besides, you need to eat! I made some breakfast for you, if you want some.”

He couldn’t argue the latter issue as his stomach growled, and so he slowly let Tilieth take their son in exchange for a small meal. He finished it within a couple bites, returning his attention to his family to see Til sitting on the ground in front of the goddess statue, Link’s head in her lap.

The image struck him for some reason. It wasn’t as if Til hadn’t prayed to Hylia many times over the years. Abel himself used to pray to her fairly often. Every once in a while his heart stirred enough to try again when they were on the plateau. But now…

Now it seemed like a giant divine joke.

Princess Zelda was supposedly a descendant of Hylia, an inheritor of the divine power to seal away the darkness. Yet she couldn’t activate it in time.

Link was Hylia’s precious chosen hero, destined to fight the darkness and prevail. Yet she didn’t support him when the time came.

Abel had prayed time and again for his family’s safety. Yet his daughter was dead, his son close to it, and the one thing that could have saved him had been destroyed.

And now… now when he’d finally thought Hylia had shown them a path when things seemed the bleakest… Lady Impa had little to nothing to give.

“We need to leave,” he said curtly, eyes darkening.

“Oh, Abel,” Tilieth huffed, a little exasperated.

And that was what did it.

The bitterness and pain swirling in his gut returned with a searing passion, and fire spilled form his mouth. “Don’t talk to me in such a patronizing tone like I’m the child between the two of us. I’m the one who has been trying to keep everyone alive. I’m not the fool who runs about giggling like this is a game. I don’t place hope in false goddesses who only seem to take pleasure in torturing us, and I'm not as idiotic as you’re choosing to be! How can you just sit there and be fine with all of this? Do you even care about Link?! Why do I have to be the one to push to move forward, to—to—”

Words became increasingly difficult, choked out in a rage that was steadily growing along with his tone of voice. The area grew unnaturally quiet as Tilieth seemed to shrivel under his shadow.

His wife watched him, eyes wide, face stricken, tears steadily spilling, cheeks flushed. “You think—what makes you think I don’t—Abel—”

“Don’t even argue with me about it, it’s true!” Abel continued, even though his mind and heart had taken a distinct change in tone. It was as if he couldn’t stop himself anymore, like he knew what he was doing was wrong, but it was already happening and it was akin to a boulder making its way down a mountain. “You pray and you pray, and you speak to the winds, and you place hope in people who have no right to it, and you act as if everything is fine when it’s not!!”

He couldn’t bear to be in this village any longer, couldn’t bear to continue this conversation any longer, couldn’t bear to see Tilieth look so hurt, couldn’t bear to feel so hurt. He turned sharply on his heel, finding Ama grazing lazily and mounting her before tearing out of the area entirely.

The rain began anew, pelting against his face, making him shiver and ache, but he pushed Ama to run all the harder. His surroundings blurred as he steadily grew soaked, his steed couldn’t run fast enough, his heart couldn’t beat hard enough, the rain wasn’t loud enough, he wasn’t angry enough, nothing was enough—

The rain stopped, bringing forth sunlight, startling him into focus just in time to realize where his horse had taken him.

Blatchery Plain.

Abel’s breathing sped up until it started to hitch, one hiccup after another. He shakily slid off Ama and walked amidst the carnage, his body trembling from head to toe.

The guardians stood all around, frozen in that final moment in time, a testament to the princess’ divine power.

All Abel could see was how much it must have hurt. How terrifying it must have been. How much Link must have been hoping Abel would arrive as promised and save him.

Hyperventilating gave way to sobs, and Abel collapsed onto his hands and knees.

Goddess above, what he wouldn’t give to get Link and Lyra back, what he wouldn’t give to prevent the Calamity from ever happening, what he wouldn’t give to never feel like this again.

Why? Why?!

Abel cried until he had no tears left, until it hurt to breathe let alone weep, until he felt so utterly drained he might as well have been awake for a month. Something soft and warm nuzzled him, neighing and grunting softly, and he blindly reached up to stroke Ama’s face. The horse pushed against him again and Abel leaned into it, wrapping both arms around her neck as he tried to get some control over himself. The horse, despite being tamed only recently, was surprisingly patient in the hold, and it gave Abel the grounding he needed to finally regulate his breathing.

When he stood, he huffed out a wet, tired chuckle, petting the horse’s neck. “Thank you, girl.”

The horse huffed, bobbing and headbutting him gently in the chest, and Abel suddenly realized that this was not, in fact, Ama.

Ama was a black mare, with hair that was dark like the night sky. While this steed had charcoal hair, it was longer, with a dark chestnut coat save for white around its hooves.

There was a small scar on its front left shoulder, distinctly patterned, a downward circular slice as if a curved blade had tried to cut it.

Curved like a Yiga sickle. The only curved blade Abel was really familiar with.

Abel blinked. Stared at the scar, the familiar scar on the familiar horse.

“Epona…?” he breathed, looking up into the horse’s brown eyes.

The mare’s ears perked forward and she whinnied softly, tail flicking in acknowledgement. Ama roamed behind her, grazing.

Hylia above, it… it was Epona. This was Link’s horse.

How had…? Abel shook his head. He wasn’t going to question it.

And with that thought, shame immediately filled him. Because he… had questioned everything. Again and again and again. More than that, though, he knew without a doubt that he’d hurt Tilieth.

Abel glanced at the sky. He… couldn’t say thank you, but he would at least temper the bitter thoughts in his mind. Maybe this was actually a good sign, after all.

He didn’t dare hope, but…

“It’s good to see you again, girl,” he finally settled for saying. Epona bumped her head against him once more. “Let’s get you to your rider.”

XXX

Tilieth sat on the ground alone.

When soft footsteps approached her, she didn’t bother to look up and acknowledge them.

“Tilieth…?”

The voice belonged to Impa.

Tilieth just stared at Link, hands tangled in his hair, breaths shaky but regular.

“I, uh…” Impa continued somewhat awkwardly. “I’m sorry.”

Sorry? What was she sorry for? This wasn’t her fault. None of it was any of their faults.

Til wished Abel would just understand that.

Her heart ached and burned. She felt so unbelievably alone in that moment, despite the comfort the Sheikah chief was trying to offer. Tilieth had always been surrounded by love and support her entire life until the Calamity, and then all she’d had was her husband.

And now even he was leaving her.

That’s not true and you know it, she reminded herself, despite tears beginning to spill out of her eyes, despite the way her breath started to hitch.

Why couldn’t Abel understand? Tilieth had been terrified to leave the Plateau, and yet he was upset at her for trying to find joy and hope wherever they went? Why couldn’t he just—why did he have to be—

Tilieth cried, leaning over her son.

“Look, I—I don’t know you, but,” Impa stumbled over her words clumsily, hand resting comfortingly on Til’s back. “But I can see how much you love Link, how much you want to help him. I… I know he’ll be in good hands since he’s with you.”

Tilieth wished she could thank her for her kindness, but words never came to her in these moments. She often hated that, hated that she had passed it on to Link.

Link’s silence leading up to the Calamity had been twofold and Tilieth had known it. Sure, he’d been stoic and calm just like his father, but underneath she could see the anxiety. Abel was quiet in his worries, too, but he’d take them out through anger and work. Link did that too, but also, like Til, he just shut down.

It didn’t make a difference now, she supposed, but she wished dearly she knew how to stop it. Impa at least deserved acknowledgement.

But Tilieth was so tired. She was so tired of having to hunt for hope and light, of having to be the one to bring it to everyone else. Why couldn’t others find joy in the world too and share it with her? Why did Abel have to be the way he was?

Why did any of this have to be the way it was? Why couldn’t Link just wake up, why couldn’t Lyra just be alive, why couldn’t her father be here to help her still?

“Why… why don’t we just go back to my home?” Impa offered. “Or—or the inn?”

Tilieth really just wanted a hug from her loved ones, honestly, but the kindness Impa was offering still warmed her heart. She nodded, sniffling, and let Impa pick up her son.

“Huh. I never expected Link to be so light,” Impa muttered, staring at him. “I mean, he’s so muscular and all. Or, well…”

He had been, yes. Before he’d started fading away into death’s embrace after the Shrine had been damaged. His muscles were still there, but much smaller, and he’d definitely started to lose weight.

Tilieth burst into tears anew.

“O-oh—uh, it’s okay!” Impa hastily said. “I—I’m sorry, I didn’t—”

Impa sighed as Tilieth tried to control herself.

“I… I really am sorry,” Impa repeated, her voice much less frantic now. “Link’s my friend. I hate seeing him like this too. But… but I do mean what I said. I know you care about him and that he’s in good hands. It makes me feel better to know you’re taking care of him.”

“Y-you…” Tilieth tried to push the words out of her tight throat, rubbing her face to wipe the tears away. “You two were friends?”

“Yeah!” Impa eagerly answered, nodding. “We traveled a little bit together. One time I dared Link to eat a whole roast pig at one of the feasts people provided for the princess and he did it! Another time while we were traveling, he let me put flowers in his hair to cheer up the princess.”

The image of Link with flowers in his hair made Tilieth giggle. She tried to latch on to the idea, to the sweetness of the memory, the gentle love in the gesture, rather than the thought that she would never see such a scene. Her gaze returned to the statue of Hylia.

Oh, Hylia. I… I’m sorry to ask, but please… just… help us. I know you’ve been looking out for us, and I apologize to ask for more, but…

The breeze changed directions, blowing the scent of flowers towards her, and Tilieth sighed, her tears steadily drying.

Link coughed in Impa’s hold, startling both women.

“Guess some pollen got in his nose,” Impa offered feebly with a small laugh. “Let’s get to the inn.”

Tilieth sighed, following the chief. When they entered she watched Impa gently lay Link on one of the beds.

“Kollin will be able to help with the elixirs,” Impa said reassuringly with a smile. “He’s an excellent healer, I promise. He patched me up after the Calamity.”

Tilieth nodded, sitting on the bed. Impa watched her a while longer and then wrung her hands a little nervously.

“Is there… is there anything else I can do?” Impa offered. “I’m sorry I can’t do more.”

“It’s okay,” Tilieth said, finding her voice once more. “I don’t… please don’t take Abel’s anger to heart. He…”

He what? She didn’t really know. Abel had a horrible habit of not expressing himself well, far worse than Tilieth when her emotions got the best of her. Her issue was that she couldn’t control her emotions when they overwhelmed her, while he refused to even acknowledge them.

She supposed some of this was her fault, then. She hadn’t checked in with him. But she’d…

Frustration bubbled within her. She naturally tried to take care of others, her intuition helped her break through to Abel at the start of their acquaintance and extended their relationship beyond friendship. But didn’t she deserve something in return?

Of course you do, and you’ve gotten that, she reminded herself, her chest tightening, her eyes watering once more. She couldn’t even begin to count the nights she’d spent sobbing in Abel’s arms when they’d first settled on the Great Plateau. She couldn’t recall how many times he’d told her it would be all right, that Link was safe now, that he would protect her and their son.

She hated this. She hated needing the comfort and not giving it back when she usually did. She hated that Abel was so upset and wouldn’t reach out, that she had to be the one to initiate it when she too was hurting. She hated that she’d let Abel be her stability when she hadn’t done the same for him. She hated that she had done the same and it wasn’t enough. She hated this entire situation.

She just wished things could go back to the way they were. She’d take the status quo on the Great Plateau over this.

But she couldn’t go back, and she knew that. So she had to find hope where she could. Because she couldn’t live without hope; she refused to.

Abel seemed to view her hope as some kind of weakness, as a childish thing, but her desire for it and her seeking and clinging it took more energy and strength than anything in her life.

Impa had apparently excused herself at some point, as Tilieth suddenly found the room mostly empty. The innkeeper was pointedly keeping herself busy with cleaning the other side of the building.

Tilieth sat on the bed alone.

The door to the inn opened, but she didn’t pay it much mind. Instead, she turned her attention to Link. When was the last time he’d awakened? Ah, that’s right, he’d had a few sips of water yesterday in the morning. He really hadn’t eaten much of anything at all the entire time he’d been out of the Shrine—the first time he’d woken up they’d had some broth ready, but he’d only had a sip or two—and it was beginning to worry her. She could see how his hair was dry and damaged, his lips cracked, how his skin pulled more easily than it should have. He was dehydrated and undernourished, and she couldn’t do anything about it. Link’s waking moments were so rare and unpredictable, it left her anxious just thinking about it. How would they even get elixirs in him?

“Why are you here?”

Tilieth jumped, startled, and looked up to see the warrior they’d met at the Dueling Peaks Stable. The young woman watched her with piercing eyes that held an intensity to them, reminding her strikingly of Link and Abel, though the girl’s were brown instead of the boys’ cerulean blue.

“I—Lady Impa suggested it,” Tilieth answered uncertainly.

“Why are you in Kakariko?” the warrior clarified, her tone unchanging from its monotone, interrogative manner.

“W-we…” Til glanced at Link, and fear ate at her heart all of a sudden. Kakariko Village was a refuge, but this warrior felt nearly belligerent all of a sudden. She tried to think if she’d done something offensive, or if the warrior had given some kind of sign of mal intent back at the stable, but all she’d done was show some kind of possible surprise at seeing them before abruptly leaving.

Wait. She probably recognized Link. All the Sheikah knew of the Hero, after all. They probably all knew he was supposed to be in the Shrine of Resurrection, too. Perhaps Impa hadn’t told everyone.

Did that mean she wasn’t supposed to tell everyone? They were walking around with Link in broad daylight. That seemed unlikely. She supposed this warrior hadn’t figured it out yet, then.

“The Shrine was broken,” Tilieth explained. “We came here for help.”

The warrior crossed her arms. “You won’t get much help here. Sheikah keep to themselves.”

Tilieth watched her hesitantly, curiosity bubbling in her. This young woman wore Sheikah clothes but clearly was a Hylian. It was a little confusing. Instead of letting her curiosity get the best of her, though, she asked, “Where should we go, then?”

The Sheikah warrior paused as if to consider, gaze drifting over to Link, and her eyes softened. “Nearly all of Hyrule is destroyed. But I heard that one tribe was least affected due to their location. You should go to the Gerudo Desert.”

“The Gerudo Desert?” That was so far from here!

“They have strong warriors,” the woman continued, staring at Til once more. “There are no major Hylian towns anymore. They’re all gone. Zora’s Domain is hostile, Death Mountain inaccessible, and no one has heard anything from the Rito. But I know for a fact the Gerudo were mostly unscathed. If I were looking for sanctuary for my son to heal, I’d go there.”

“You think the Sheikah wouldn’t let us stay here to rest?” Tilieth questioned carefully, not really believing such a statement but wondering why this woman seemed to think so.

“They’ll let you stay all you like,” the warrior replied. “But they won’t lift a finger for you outside of this village. If rest is all he needs, then by all means, let him stay.”

“You know the Sheikah went to the Great Plateau with him,” Tilieth informed her, a little bemused. “They helped seal him away so he could heal, they fought guardians to protect him.”

“And they died,” the warrior said coldly. “Alongside many other Sheikah.”

“Alongside everyone,” Tilieth corrected quietly, looking at the ground.

“Not everyone,” the warrior suddenly snapped, making Tilieth shoot a startled look at her. The warrior glared for a moment longer before looking away. “Not everyone. But they don’t care about that anymore. They did their search and rescue, they picked up what pieces they could, and then they just hunkered down and stopped caring about the rest of the world.”

“You… sound like you don’t like them,” Tilieth noted hesitantly.

“They’re my family,” the warrior replied with a strange dull heaviness to her tone. “That doesn’t mean I don’t disagree with their thinking. What is it you need for your son?”

“He… needs Spirit Orbs. We can collect them from the shrines. Do you… do you know where more shrines are? Like the one up on the hill? They’re the only thing that can heal him.”

“I’ve seen those shrines everywhere lately,” the warrior answered. “But they weren’t there before. Hopefully they don’t move before he can get to them.”

Well, at least Tilieth knew that wasn’t going to happen. They didn’t move, they were just unearthed by Abel and the slate.

The warrior shifted, growing less stern and asking in a softer tone, “Does… does he ever wake up?”

Tilieth smiled sadly. “Once every day or so. If we’re lucky we can make sure he drinks something. But it’s… not…”

Not enough.

The warrior slowly made her way to the other side of the bed, staring at Link. Tilieth watched her keenly, wondering where this sudden gentleness came from. The woman seemed to be a swinging pendulum, one moment harsh and the next kind. She looked so young – Tilieth wondered if this behavior was simply the product of growing up in such a world. She couldn’t have been more than twenty. Tilieth remembered her own life at that age and it was… vastly different.

“What’s your name?” Tilieth asked quietly.

The warrior didn’t acknowledge her for a moment, still watching Link, before she closed her eyes with a shuddering breath. “Sheik.”

It was certainly a curious name. Tilieth wondered if the girl herself had chosen it, as a Hylian being raised by the Sheikah tribe.

Sheik reached down slowly, hesitantly, her hand setting on Link’s shoulder. Tilieth grew a little tense but didn’t stop her.

Link’s eyes opened.

Sheik and Tilieth both jumped, caught off guard, and Sheik retracted her hand as if she’d been burned. Tilieth didn’t bother acknowledging it, instead scrambling for her bag to get some food in him. She requested hastily, “Can you get the healer, please? This might be the only chance we get to give him elixirs!”

Sheik nodded after a moment’s hesitation, rushing outside. Tilieth managed to sit Link up a little and got him to have some stew, and she was surprised at how long he stayed awake and how he actually even managed to try and chew some of the food, though it had all been pureed for him to drink.

He… he hadn’t done that before.

“Link…?” Tilieth tried hesitantly, hopefully.

Her son stared off at nothing, and she sighed.

The door burst open, making Til nearly jump out of her skin and spilling the rest of the food on the blanket. Impa and the healer, Kollin, were there in an instant.

“He’s awake?!” Impa said breathlessly.

“It won’t last long,” Tilieth explained quickly. “Please, the elixir—”

“Right here,” Kollin cut in, offering a half-filled bottle. “I didn’t have time to make everything, but it’s something.”

Tilieth nearly yanked the bottle out of his hands, turning back just to see that Link had fallen back asleep.

She could practically feel the chill in the room as everyone’s hope and urgency shattered. She blinked rapidly against the tears that sprang up, lowering Link to the pillow and fiddling anxiously with the bottle.

Sheik approached silently, staring at Link, and then kicked the bed frame, jostling him.

“What are you—” Til almost snapped when Link startled awake once more.

He—he was awake again?

Wait, what? He never woke more than once in a day!

“The elixir, hurry!” Impa insisted, waving a hand. Sheik sat Link up, directing his head towards Tilieth. He clearly didn’t really notice the jostling, but he was still awake.

Tilieth hastily uncorked the bottle before slowing her movements so she wouldn’t make him choke on it. Link drank tiredly, clearly running out of stamina, but he got half the contents in before starting to cough and forcing her to pull away.

“You need more Spirit Orbs,” Sheik muttered.

“So that’s… that’s how he’s been?” Impa asked.

Tilieth nodded, lowering the elixir bottle to her lap.

Everyone watched Link a moment before Kollin piped up. “Why don’t you take a break? Sir Link drank some elixir, let him rest.”

Sheik glanced back at the healer before lowering Link to the pillow once more.

“Well…” Impa started uncertainly before catching Til’s attention and smiling. “I was going to work on a plum garden I wanted to plant. Maybe you can help me?”

Tilieth stared at her, dumbfounded. The thought of letting Link out of her sight when Abel wasn’t around was incomprehensible, if not ridiculous. But they were in Kakariko Village. They were safe.

Link’s safe.

“I… yes,” she said slowly, as if such a thing were novel, as if gardening hadn’t been a necessity she’d handled on the Plateau.

But it was different. She wasn’t alone. She wasn’t alone. She was helping someone else garden, she was helping create something in a village full of people. There was an entire community here. A safe community, where Link could rest without worry of danger, where Tilieth could just be with others and enjoy herself and work on a project for the sake of working on a project and not because her family would starve to death without her efforts.

A smile slowly spread across her face, and she spoke with more conviction. “Yes. I can help.”

Despite the overcast nature of the day, Tilieth couldn’t feel warmer and more comforted as she went outside and dug her hands through the soil. They were nearly finished with the garden when a Sheikah rushed over to say someone was in labor, and Kollin and Impa had gone to assist. Tilieth completed the project, wiping the dirt from her hands, and decided to wander the village a bit, basking in its simple beauty, relishing the fact that, for the first time in a decade, she felt like she was a part of a community once more.

Some exploring yielded excitement that not only brought her joy but also grounded her back in her current situation. A korok was hiding amidst a few little statues, gifting her a seed and an armful of apples. A woman was seeking to rebuild her clothing boutique – though there were no visitors to Kakariko, she still wished to make clothes for others, and she assisted Tilieth in working with a half-finished garment to make a tunic for Link. It was colorful and beautiful, resembling a traveler’s attire from Hateno. Tilieth’s heart ached at the sight of it, but she was also satisfied with it. At least now Link had clothes that would fit him properly, and perhaps even keep him a little warmer. The leather belts and pauldron would also lend some protection.

The village was getting together to celebrate the birth of a baby girl by the evening, and Tilieth went to check on Link, when she heard the sound of a horse galloping and neighing.

Tilieth stiffened, knowing who it had to be. She had managed to get to the inn before Abel’s return, so it might buy some time as he looked for her. She wasn’t entirely sure she really needed it. She’d calmed significantly since his outburst. But…

She still didn’t want to deal with this. Not now. She was having a good day. Link was having a good day. And…

The door slid open. Feet shuffled inside.

The room was uncomfortably quiet. The innkeeper shifted awkwardly before exiting the building entirely, joining the festivities elsewhere.

“I’m sorry,” Abel started softly, simply. “I… what I said was… I know you care about Link. I know you love him more than anything. I’m sorry.”

The wound in Tilieth’s heart wanted her to push back, to argue, but it was a small wound, steadily shrinking in size.

This wasn’t the first time this had happened, though it had been a good while. Abel would be fine, fine, fine until he suddenly wasn’t. There were ques, but Til had missed them, as she herself had been dealing with everything too. She remembered, years ago, before the Calamity, when Abel had apologized for an outburst, and she’d actually been able to ask him why he acted in such a manner.

I… it’s my responsibility to take care of you, of our children, of the royal family. I suppose sometimes… I’m not as strong as I need to be. And it bothers me.

There was more to it than that, she was sure, and despite how much she had tried to reassure him… well. The Calamity had happened.

Tilieth sighed.

“It’s okay,” she said quietly.

“No. It isn’t.” Abel argued.

Tilieth felt her chest tighten. Why did her husband always have to be so aggressive anyway? She was trying to let the subject go.

Abel walked towards her, and she sighed tiredly, wondering if he would turn this into another fight. He hesitated a moment before sitting on the bed with her, hand moving to her face and directing her chin to look at him.

“You’re doing everything you can to help Link. You’ve gone through more than anyone should have to and you’re… you’re still trying to find the good in the situation, still trying to be optimistic. It certainly does more good than… you’re strong and wonderful, Til. I’m sorry.”

Til’s throat tightened up once more, and she couldn’t push words out, so instead she leaned in to her husband, who held her gently. She promised to tell him how wonderful he was later, when she was able. But for now, she let herself relax in the safe embrace, crying and holding him in return.

The moment was interrupted when Abel stiffened abruptly. “Til—Til get the food, Link’s awake—”

Tilieth’s eyes opened quickly, and she stared at their son. Link was indeed awake again, though not focusing on anything in particular. She swallowed hard, heart racing, and choked out, “Honey, he—he ate earlier, and drank some elixir, he’s—he’s waking up more—”

“He what?” Abel gasped, releasing her and reaching towards Link. “Link? Link, can you hear me?”

“I… I don’t know if he can,” Til explained uncertainly. “But he is more arousable. Sheik woke him up too.”

“Sheik?” Abel repeated, glancing at her. “The warrior from before?”

Til stared at him. “Wait, you—you spoke with her too?”

“Back at the stable,” Abel answered dismissively. “She… well, she saved me from an archer.”

Til stood, adrenaline spiking. “So you did get into a fight! I knew you were hurt! Abel, why didn’t you tell me?”

Abel turned to her sharply but caught himself and sighed instead. “I didn’t want to slow us down.”

Til grabbed the remainder of the elixir she’d tried to give to Link and held it out to her husband. He wordlessly took it and drank. The relief on his face was instantly apparent, and he relaxed his posture, seeming to sink more into the bed. Then he shifted his focus back to Link, but the boy was asleep once more.

“He’s been doing that,” Tilieth noted. “That’s the third time he’s woken up today.”

“The third time?” Abel repeated, surprised.

Tilieth smiled, running a hand over her husband’s head, gently untangling knots in his hair. “Yes. He’s getting better, Abel. It… it will be all right.”

Abel leaned in to the touch, resting his hands on her hips and pulling her back to him. Til sat beside him, letting him bury his head in her shoulder as she held him. Then excitement bubbled within her, triggered by Link’s awakening and the end of the tension between the couple.

Til pulled away gently but steadily, catching Abel’s attention, and she smiled at him cheerfully. “I made Link clothes. I haven’t had time to cook much, but I can make some dinner for us for the journey, and—the village is celebrating the birth of a baby, so we should enjoy that too!”

Abel watched her a moment, blinking and registering what she’d said, and he chuckled breathily. “Well, I mapped out more on the slate, and marked a few shrines. And… I found another horse. Or, well, she found me.”

“Another—you—the map—you went to a tower?”

“Yes, but—but come look, Til,” Abel insisted, rising and taking her by the hand.

The pair went outside, though they stopped at the entrance to the inn as Abel didn’t want to leave Link unattended for long. He whistled briefly, and Til saw Ama trot over, alongside—

“Epona!” she gasped. “That’s Epona!”

Epona nickered, ears perked forward, and she covered the extra distance to the couple while Ama huffed a small distance from the inn. Link’s horse paused at the stairs to the inn and cautiously put a hoof on a wooden step, eager to reach the pair. Tilieth laughed, clear and light and echoing in the air, and she ran down to meet the steed, hugging her neck. Epona swished her tail, turning her head a little so it nuzzled the back of Til’s, and she felt her heart soar.

“How did you find her?” she asked, not letting go.

“I didn’t,” Abel answered from the inn’s doorway. “I told you, she found me.”

“Oh, honey,” Til cooed into the mare’s mane. “You survived.” Then she burst away, even more energized, and looked at Abel in delight. “Hon, this is—we should celebrate! I can’t believe—this is so wonderful!”

Abel’s smile was warm and, dare she say it, hopeful, and he nodded. There was no way she wasn’t dragging him to the village’s festivities now. The discussion with Sheik, plans for their trip, talk of Gerudo Town, even cooking provisions could wait until later. She just wanted to bask in this joy now, her first feeling of freedom and joy, her hope strengthened and revitalized and rewarded.

They were going to be alright.

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raisin-shell · 9 months

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Durotan/Orc x Reader (male or female) Fluff 7/29/23

Note: this does not go along with the movie timeline nor the game. In this AU, Durotan can speak with humans in their language. Furthermore it’s my blog and It’s all made up in my head. Enjoy.

For as long as you could remember, Orcs and humans never got along. Always fighting. Humans out of fear. Orcs out of threat. There was always heated tension between the two and unfortunately for you that heat burned deep within your belly. Curious you were about these creatures and surely there would be at least one you could, if at all possible, befriend. You wanted to learn their ways. They intrigued you.

All for not. Your father wouldn’t have it. He was a fine captain. A renowned orc hunter who served his king well. Alas you sat, locked away in his keep for every time they’d muster up their war-band for another massacre, you’d embarrass both your father and bloodline. Making a profound fool of yourself was staple. You loathed all the death that surrounded you, both human and orc lives taken so needlessly. So much so that you shamed your father by not following in his footsteps, headstrong and rebellious. Regardless of your protest… these hunts still happened. And today was no different. Or would it be?

Hours passed. The sun began its travels across the sky and once more you peered through the tiny window of your solitude. Your mother had long passed. You had wished she was still alive. Her death had hardened your father. An orc had taken her life. A tear began to trickle down your cheek at the thought of this, just as the sun began to reach its final destination for the day. The clambering of shoed horses began to echo in your ears as the band led by your father made their return only this time with a prisoner in tow. You struggled to catch glimpse but you could hear and see all the kingdom’s people gathering around, some shrill screams and loads of chatter engulfed the city gates and seemed to boom louder as they shut.

You raced to the door knowing it was still locked but hoping for some way to break free. They had never returned with a live orc before. At least not in your lifetime. The crowds began to swarm around the large beast, shackled in chains and encased in a massive iron caged wagon as it began its decent down into the mouth of the dungeon. You began to tug madly at the heavy doors and as luck would have it the latch lifted. The guards had all but abandoned their post, most likely to see about this creature. Nevertheless you crept through the corridors, slipping away down the west tower’s stairs.

Fortunately for you, you knew the castle inside and out. You knew every secret passageway. Every trap door. Every nook and every cranny had seen your fingertips at least once. You made your way unnoticed, down deep into the belly of the dungeon where you had made acquaintances with very many prisoners before. Perched upon a thick oak rafter, you remained hidden but still in the line of site as the iron cage began to roll beneath you. Eyes widened with wonder as the wagon stopped and the soldiers began removing the locks and iron chains barring the wagons doors. There, laying in the center of the cage you could clearly make out the silhouette of this beast.

He was massive. The body of a human ten fold. Muscles tense even though it was apparent he had been knocked out. He was stripped of his armor if any with no weapons. Nothing but a loincloth was left on the poor creature. He was bloodied with large cuts and scars covering his body. You could not make out his face but you could undoubtedly tell he was a male and as his body lifted softly in rhythm… he was alive! He was breathing.

“Shit.”

Your breath had been taken away in awe, pressing yourself flatter against the stone walls as your kind began to enter to wagon. They unchained him from his wagon prison only to drag him across the jagged wooden floor, letting him fall to the ground as the wagon creaked and squeaked due to his weight.

“Chain him.”

Your fathers voice rang through all the commotion, several soldiers following suit grabbed whatever they could and dragged him across the piss and shit stained floors. They shackled his wrists behind his back and also his ankles, securing him to the thick cold stone wall of his cell. Your brows arch as your father approaches the creature, kneeling down and gripping his strong jaws, lifting his almost lifeless head to face his as he glared at him.

“When he comes to, he’ll talk. If he doesn’t, he and all he loves will suffer the consequences.”

Your father dropped the orcs head with disgust, turning heel as he matched angrily out of the dungeon and the cell gate slammed shut. He was left alone, beaten and battered. You had to move quickly for if you were to gain this creatures trust… you had to act fast. He could die in this rotten heap. The dungeon master was one miserable burly man, but a drunk he was also. The wheels turned in your mind as you devised a plan. Hurried you remembered the small flask of wine you had stowed in your pocket. Surely you could bribe him once more like you had done so many times before.

You leap down from the rafter, careful not to startle any of the other prisoners as you made your way towards the disgusting brute, giving him your ultimatum and flashing the flask at him to boot.

“Give me that bottle! And get out of my way!I care not what you do down here I’ve told you thousands of times if memory serves!”

The greedy man ripped the flask from your grip without warning and turned from you, turning the bottle up to drink. He was so determined to get that flask from you he hadn’t noticed you had slipped the keys from his belt. All to easy.

Your footsteps pattered softly towards the orcs cell door, pressing the key into the latch and unlocking it. The door creaked open and there you saw him… he was indeed massive, far much more larger than you but you didn’t let that stop you. There was a bucket of fresh water and some cloth set aside on the floor. You reached for them and walked carefully up to the poor creature, kneeling down and shaking your head at the deep cuts still bleeding that he had. Your hand clenched the cloth, dipping it into the cool water then wringing it out as you began to tend to his wounds.

About an hour passed. The buckets water was now tinged in blood and you began to step back a bit as he started to stir. His hands spread across the floor, a low growl rumbling from his chest let you know he was in much pain as he began to sit himself upright. You lower yourself to the ground in a seated position. The last thing you wanted to do was to be looking down upon this creature. You wanted him to know you were there to help, not a threat.

“H… hello. You’ve been out for the past hour or so. I.. I’ve been trying to help you. You.. you must be so frightened. I’m so very sorry for what they have done. It’s ok. I’m not going to hurt you.”

Your eyes widen as his golden gaze hits yours, intense and deep with sorrow.

“I’m not frightened for myself.”

He finally spoke up causing you to jump back a bit.

“I’m frightened for my family. My wife. My son. I fear what will happen to them.”

His eyes left you and fell to the floor as if he were completely defeated. You knew exactly what he meant by his statement.

“Well… there’s not much I can do to help with that. All I can do for now is help sooth you.”

You inch closer to him, reaching your hand out to his shoulder and slowly cupping it over the mass of muscles.

“So… how might I do such a thing? What soothes you?”

You inquired intently as the orc sits for a moment. His eyes dart back to yours then to your hand still placed upon his body, then to his cleaned wounds. You could tell he was thinking, pondering exactly why this… human was offering help. None of that mattered now. All that mattered was that you were here with him in his time of need.

“Play with my hair.”

He stated simply after what seemed like ages of silence. You leaned back a bit biting your lower lip. From what you did know of this race was that their braids represented something.

“Are you sure? I mean… don’t they mean something? Your braids and beads?”

The Orc sat for a moment not making eye contact with you before he spoke.

“They meant something before I got caught. You ask what would sooth me. I say play with my hair. My mate would do this after I had seen battle.”

The massive orc began to lean back a bit, his shackles hindering his comfort but you offer to sit behind him to further cushion his solid back. Your eyes begin to dilate at the site of his broad shoulders so thick with toned muscle. You lap your lips and inhale to focus on the task at hand. His hair is deep ebony. Thick and luscious. It smells of fresh timber and fire. You begin by slipping each hollowed out bead from his strands. Some were made from wood. Some ivory. Some were carved out of bone. Some were what seemed to be solid gold. Each was hand carved, painted and decorated in his clans colors. There were many different fabrics, strands of cord that wrapped around his hair as well. They were beautiful to your eyes but nothing was more beautiful than this massive creature submitting to you, allowing you to touch his head in such a manner.

You started slow, fingers delicately untwisting each thick braid until each lock cascaded down his scared back. His breathing became low and rhythmic. You could tell this was relaxing to this orc. Your appendages carefully pulled through his long thick mane, no snags to be had and you were very surprised that this creature was very clean despite what he had been through. When you reached the top of his scalp you were wary… the braids were tight against his skin. Finger tips began to once again work their way through the calculated zigs and zags. He had tilted his head back for you, leaning into your touch. He craved this. Once all the braids had been loosened and his trimmings had been removed, you began to dig the points of your fingertips into his scalp.

The massive orc let out a low satisfying grown, his legs stretching outward as his back arched. His eyes fluttered shut and he began softly panting as he breathed. Oh how you wished you could stay like this forever. You took this time to study his face. He was very handsome, a strong expressive brow with an even stronger jaw. Eyebrows as thick as the hair atop of his head. His eyes were a golden color and seemed to gleam even in the dungeons darkness. And his tusks… one had been chipped no doubt from fighting with other orcs, the other pierced and decorated with their kind’s jewelry. And he had a bit of facial hair. His skin was olive in color and his ears were pointed at the tip and pierced. Nothing like the tales of orcs that you had heard.

Just as he began to nod off against your palm’s caress, you could hear loud footsteps nearing the creature’s cell. Without question you stood nearly causing him to fall backwards. Quickly you gathered the loose trinkets you had taken from his hair and stowed them in your pocket where the flask once was.

“I… I’ve got to go. But I will see you again. I promise. I’m going to get you out of here one way or another.”

You smile at him as he looks on, eyes still filled with sorrow as you quickly shut his cell door. The footsteps became louder and before you scurried away you had asked for the creatures name….

“Durotan. My name is Durotan… thank you.”

#world of warcraft #durotan #monster lover #orc lover #monster fucker #i love orcs

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strawwritesfic · 1 year

Text

Sora x Female!Queen!Reader: Deception

Summary: A queen must be many things, but above all she must be true to her heart.

Rating/Tags: All (not anti-Kairi; not canon compliant; magic user!reader; party member!reader; Sora & Donald & Goofy; Sora & Donald & Goofy & Reader; shippers on deck; love confession; mutual crushing; fluff)

Challenge: “160 Collective Drabbles” challenge by BobaPop on Lunaescence Archives.

Tag List: @imaginesfire

Notes: I wrote this, like, the week Kingdom Hearts III came out without having played it myself. Thus, it’s intended to be set during Kingdom Hearts II. But there really aren’t any game-specific details in here, so depending on whether you prefer young!Sora, zippers!Sora, or plaid!Sora, you can really just pick whatever game you want to set this during (that he is in, I mean...obviously this doesn’t work for Birth by Sleep).

Deception

When the morning sun pushed its way over the horizon at last, you could wait no longer. Your sleepless night had come to an end. Without bothering to wait for someone to dress you or guard you—activities you had done by necessity yourself up until very recently—you left your quarters in swift silence. No one stopped you on your way to the throne room, which allowed you to slip inside it undetected.

The cavernous space plunged into darkness as the doors shut behind you. A few seconds later, a fist-sized fireball floated above your outstretched palm. In its dim light, you made your slow way up the long, thin carpet and up to the raised dais it led to. There you ran your free hand across the gleaming arm of the empty throne. Your father’s throne. Your throne, now.

Your flame flickered as tears sprung to your eyes. You quickly rubbed them away. Today was no day for tears. After so long fighting the Heartless, your kingdom was won. Today you were to be properly introduced to the populace as their queen. No longer was the princess away at war, but there to stay as their benevolent ruler. They needed to see you driven and calm, not mourning what was lost during those years of darkness.

“Your majesty.”

You spun on the spot, fire glowing hotter than ever, only to find no threat waiting behind you. A familiar older man bowed where he stood just a few feet away: Cassius, your captain of the guard.

So he had followed you after all. It would be some time before you grew used to being watched and protected again.

“Yes?” you said, a little awkwardly.

“You have visitors. The three men from before.”

Your heart sank. So soon? But better to say your goodbyes before everyone else arrived for the coronation. You only hoped you could do what you needed to do without the time you had counted on to mentally prepare for it.

“Send them in,” you said, and clapped your fireball in between your hands. It vanished just as every torch in the room lit up with fires of their own.

Cassius nodded, then he disappeared back through the double doors that led into the hall.

You sat on your throne to wait. Resisting the temptation to run your hands up and down its arms again was difficult—but a queen must not be nervous.

In the minutes that followed, you attempted to quash your nerves. You had escaped the coup that killed the rest of your family, learned the magic your parents had despaired of you ever knowing, and defeated your monstrously transformed aunt to bring light back to your world. How hard could it be to say goodbye in comparison to all of that?

Harder than all of them put together, you realized when the doors opened again and you caught a flash of Sora’s smile. The closer he drew, the harder your pulse hammered in your throat. By the time the trio stood before you, you almost felt faint.

“Your majesty!” they said, bowing as one. You tried to swallow away your emotions before the three straightened.

“Sora. Donald. Goofy.” You smiled at each of them in turn. “You bow to no one here. Certainly not to me.”

“Sounds good to me!” said Donald.

“But we have to be respectful,” Goofy chimed in. “You’re the queen now. A-hyuk!”

This was what you had feared the most. The three of them had been your closest companions since their arrival on your world. Without their help, your kingdom would still be under the control of the Heartless. Now that it wasn’t, your true place was revealed. They were no longer your cherished friends. They were subjects just like everyone else. You ached at the loss of Donald and Goofy’s casual antics, but feared more the loss of the boy standing between them.

Sora, however, looked at you with the same sparkling blue eyes as always. “You know, I always thought queens were supposed to wear a crown,” he said.

With a gasp, you reached for the top of your head. You felt nothing there but hair. “I guess I forgot to put it on this morning,” you said with a sheepish smile. “You’ll see it this afternoon at the ceremony.”

All three exchanged looks you liked not at all. Donald opened his beak first, but Sora spoke before he could:

“We aren’t going to make it to the ceremony.”

Your fingers curled against the arms of your throne. “Why not?”

“The Keyblade says it’s time to go. There are other worlds that need our help.”

“Of course.”

It wasn’t just your world that was overcome by darkness. You knew that. You also knew that you couldn’t be selfish. Sora was the only remaining keyblade-wielder, and he had an obligation to rescue more than just you.

Goofy leaned over toward Donald’s head. “You know, I think we should go look at the Gummi ship. Make sure it’s ready to leave,” he said in a stage whisper.

“What?” Donald squawked. Then he saw Goofy’s pointed look from Sora to you, and rolled his eyes. “Oh, all right.”

After many glances backward, Donald left with Goofy. You supposed you ought to have appreciated the latter’s tact, but the last thing you wanted just then was to be alone with Sora. It was difficult for you to even look at him knowing that you would never get to do so after he left.

“I’m sorry we can’t stay,” he said, his brow furrowed with uncharacteristic worry.

“It’s okay. You’ve got other princesses to rescue.”

“You really did most of the rescuing yourself.”

His wide grin sent electricity running up your limbs. You were never going to see that smile again. At first, that same smile—along with Sora’s unflappable cheer and optimism—had irritated you, especially in the face of several dozen Neoshadows. Its light had grown on you, though, and now you didn’t want to imagine a life without its presence.

But you had to. Sora didn’t belong to you. He had his own world to return to. What were you supposed to do? Tell him you’d thought—after your aunt and her army destroyed everyone you cared for—you wouldn’t love anyone again and that he’d proven you wrong? That you had been so consumed with revenge and loneliness that if he hadn’t arrived when he did, that you’d have been a Heartless by then, too? That you couldn’t have become queen without him and you didn’t think you could be one at all if he were gone?

No. On his own world, he had his own girl, his own princess. A queen must not be selfish.

Sora stepped up onto the dais, and you stiffened. He didn’t appear to notice. His arms went behind his head in a typical gesture of friendly nonchalance.

“You know, I was thinking,” he said, “maybe we could come back and visit in a little while. The Heartless can’t win forever. Once they’re gone, I can come see you again.”

“No.” The word came out of your mouth before you could stop it.

Sora looked as though you’d shot one of your fire spells right at his face. Guilt surged through your stomach, but you pushed it away. What did you have to feel sorry for? He had a job to do, and so did you. Too many people were relying on your both—not to mention that no matter how much you loved Sora, you didn’t want to take him from Kairi. He’d spoken too highly of her for him to have any feelings left over for you.

You took a deep breath and tried again: “No. I’ll be far too busy. There’s so much I have to learn and so much we have to repair. I just don’t have the time, and I’m sure you’ll be busy, too.”

Sora’s expression of shock turned into a frown. “I guess you’re right.”

“I don’t want to keep you.”

“Okay.” Still frowning, he stepped away from your throne. He hesitated before offering you one last, shallow bow. “Goodbye, [Name]. You’re going to be an great queen. You’re the bravest, most amazing girl I’ve ever known.”

What that, he turned to go. He didn’t look back. Your innards twisted as you watched him near the doors. Once Sora stepped through them, he would be gone from your life forever. You would never see him again. He would see a million worlds and never know that one of the girls he’d left behind longed for his return.

That was for the best, wasn’t it? Someday Destiny Islands would call him back. They needed him more than you did. A queen must not be selfish.

“Sora, wait!”

He looked around just in time to catch you as you sprinted for him. His arms went around you automatically, and his familiar laugh rumbled against your face as you pressed yourself to his chest.

“What’s all this about?” he asked.

When you pulled away from him, tears were leaking from your eyes. You didn’t care. You didn’t care if you were being silly or selfish or snobby. Sora was going to leave, but unlike your family, he could come back, if he wanted to. He never would if you didn’t tell him the truth. Maybe it would come to nothing. Maybe he really did love Kairi. All you knew was that you simply couldn’t let him walk out of your life as easily as he’d entered it.

“I—I…” By then, you were crying openly. “Please come back! Please come see me again. Sora, I…I…”

He pulled you closer into a tight embrace. “I will. I love you, too.”

That was when Donald burst in.

“Oops,” said the duck, in a tone that made it clear he wasn’t sorry at all for the interruption.

“Sorry, Sora.” Goofy stuck his head in, too. “It’s time to go.”

Reluctantly, you disentangled yourself from Sora’s hug.

He just smiled again and stepped toward his friends. “That’s okay. [Name]?”

“Yes?”

His smile widened. “I’ll see you again really soon.”

“I’m glad. Stay safe.”

He left with a final, cheerful wave.

Shortly after, Cassius returned to ask why you remained in your nightclothes. When you attended to your chambers to allow your lady-in-waiting to dress you for the coronation, you noticed that much of the anxiety that had kept you awake all night was gone.

The road before you remained difficult and long, but you knew you could handle it. After all, you’d been honest with the boy you loved. For now, through every meeting, through every lesson, through every painful memory, you could go on knowing that Sora never lied. He’d be seeing you again really soon. And when he did, you'd be ready to be completely honest with him.

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