#she hatched 6 on her own | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

the-kr8tor · 3 months

Text

Batten Down the Hatches

Pairing: Pirate! Hobie Brown x fem! Reader

Word count: 7.8k

Tags: use of Y/N sparsely, no specific physical description of the reader, TW panic attack, CW Injury, CW food mentions.

Between the Devil and the Sea Masterlist

Navigation

CHAPTER 6 >>> CHAPTER 7

With Pavitr’s arm slung over your shoulder and James handing you a glass that smells incredibly strong, your heart has never felt this content in years. You laugh as Yuri wins an arm wrestle round for the third time that day. Everyone cheers, Yuri flexes with a rare wide smile.

It's been a few hours since your daring jump, you can still feel Hobie's hands on yours and the crew clasping your shoulders happily once they finally lifted you up. With their warm welcome and after the whole debacle, Hobie insisted that there should be a celebration for a mission accomplished.

“Someone rum me up!” she yells and you immediately give her your untouched glass. “Oh hell yeah, thank you, wifey!” Yuri winks, already drunk.

“I'm not your wife, Yuri!” You happily yell above the noise.

She gasps dramatically, “oh you wound me!” You shake your head with a smile.

“Yeah, Yuri, she's already taken!” Pav pipes up from your side, shaking your shoulders.

You clasp your hand over his chattering mouth, the crowd guffaws, asking you numerous questions.

“Oi! Who's got you all smitten then?” Two fingers asks.

“Oh look at her smile!” Ned joins in with the teasing.

“Alright, who do I have to fight for your hand?” Yuri has her hands on her hips, a teasing smile on her painted lips.

“No one! Pav's being a little shit!” you wrangle Pav while he tries to wiggle out.

He manages to get out, acting like he's deprived of air. “Isn't it obvious, it's the ca–”

Finn huffs loudly, his large frame casting a shadow over the small table. You sigh, relieved that Finn unintentionally saved you from all the teasing.

Yuri looks him up and down, the alcohol in her veins inflates her ego. With a smug smile on her lips, she sits back down on the stool, laying her elbow down on the table, flexing her hand towards Finn, challenging him for a match.

Everyone quiets down, flicking their eyes between the two.

You never thought you'd see the day, Finn grins, sitting across Yuri. With a loud thump, he copies his opponent’s movement, his large hand dwarfing Yuri's.

A loud cheer erupts, overflowing cups sloshing out, some even jump for joy. You blame the alcohol.

Pav leaves your side, going around to collect bets. The crew coughs up coins, you watch, beaming, nodding along to the light strumming of Ned's well loved guitar.

Backing away from the crowd, you leave everyone to get some air. The throbbing ache in your ankle protests so you lean on the ship's bannister, watching the vast sea waving to you. The afternoon sun bearing down, its warmth a welcome one from the cool sea breeze.

A steaming cup suddenly appears, balancing on the wooden railing. A lithe hand pushes it towards you wordlessly.

“Another olive branch?” You tease, side eyeing Hobie.

“No, I figured you'd want something to drink when you didn't drink the rum.” With his back against the bannister, elbows propped over it, he leans casually, face upwards, basking in the sun. His silver piercings glint in the light, a familiar pendant around his neck.

“Were you watching me? You stalker” taking the cup, you raise it to your smiling lips. Turmeric, you surmise based on the taste. You let the herbal tea soothe your aching ankle.

“I was watching my crew.” Hobie faces you, muscles relaxed, content. “How's the injury?”

“Getting better,” you twist your foot around, testing the pain. There's a dull ache now, the ice from Nellie's helped. “How'd you know about turmeric?” looking at him, you watch as his smile turns into a grin.

“‘m full of surprises I guess.” he throws your own words at you.

You roll your eyes, “You're insufferable, captain.”

“And I, you.” His eyes are soft. Before you know it, Hobie's already walking away.

The roaring laughter gets your attention. Yuri stands on the rickety table, arms up in glee with a look that screams ‘I'm a winner!’ Meanwhile, Finn is standing next to her, visibly worried, holding onto a very drunk Yuri who keeps riling up the crowd with her triumphant yells.

You guess the rum has special properties if Yuri can beat the large Finn at his own game.

The crew parts for Hobie, you'd think he would put a stop to Yuri's rambunctious celebration. Instead, he hops up on the wobbly table, sharing the already small space with Yuri who guffaws loudly, clapping rhythmically.

“Scoundrels!” She yells at the top of her lungs, the crew cheers, matching her energy.

Gwen sidles up next to you wordlessly, shoving you lightly. Giving her a smile, you watch the carriage wreck in front of you.

“May I introduce, Hobie motherfuckin’ Brown!” Yuri drops backwards, making you flinch towards her general direction. Good thing Finn's got her in his strong arms.

Yep, she's properly drunk off her ass.

Hobie takes a glass from someone, raising it up, the crew quiets down. A hush fills the ship, the sound of wood rocking against waves can only be heard above the silence.

“Rapscallions” They urge him on. “ne'er-do-wells!” The cheering gets louder. “Fuckin’ rascals!” He paused, the yells are ear drum bursting. “We finally got the king's swine!” You hear glasses breaking.

Hobie continues, quieting down the entire ship with one clear of his throat. “With the papers we have we finally know where the son of a bitch is sailing to.” His voice shakes from sheer anger and determination. “This time we get the upper hand.” His men hoot and cheer. “We will fight until we get our hands on the bastard that cut half of our crew. This time we get our bloody revenge!”

He downs the entire glass of rum in one drink, swallowing it like water. Meanwhile the rest of the crew follow his lead, gulping their own drinks fervently.

The cheering got so loud your ears started ringing.

You really hope they get the navy captain so that you can find your family who may or may not be up north. Until then, you'll stay with the crew and hope for the best that there'll be minimal injuries incurred during the fight.

—

You can't seem to find sleep despite how tired you were of yesterday’s events. Tossing and rolling in your bed, with a huff, you fling away the blanket. Lacing up your well worn shoes, you open the creaking door quietly.

With only the moonlight as your guide, you walk the familiar hallways, feet carefully avoiding the noisy floorboards.

Entering the library, lighting the oil lamp left on the table, you roam the bookshelves. With the help of the lamp, it illuminates the old spines. But nothing has piqued your interest, finding the titles too dull to keep your attention or too engrossing that you might not fall asleep when you inevitably drown in its pages.

Yawning, you think of another way to help you sleep. Maybe a glass of water might help? Or better yet, a cup of warm tea and biscuits might satiate you.

So you traverse the hallways once again, passing by cabins. Careful not to make any noise or you might face the wrath of a sleep deprived pirate. You know what they say, it's better to tease a drunk pirate rather than wake one from their slumber.

With silent footfalls, you almost jump in your skin when you see the captain himself brewing a pot of something that smells incredibly sweet.

With his back turned away from the door, you're sure you can slink away without him noticing.

“Scuttlebutt,” he half chuckles as the floorboards under you creak while you try to escape. “Want some hot chocolate?”

You groan, defeated. Turning around, he greets you with a smug smile, his eyes showing how fatigued he is but the light is still there, saying otherwise.

“What the hell is hot chocolate?” crossing the space, you lean on the kitchen island, facing Hobie on the other side. “I thought chocolate was supposed to be cold.”

“You're in for a treat then. ‘m guessing you've never had chocolate before?” he takes a clean mug for you, laying it next to his.

“Nope,” you pop the letter p, trying your best not to wipe your heavy eyes. “Chocolate is a luxury few can afford.”

Hobie hums, pouring the hot liquid in each cup.

This is what ambrosia might've smelt like, you thought.

“It's chocolate melted down with hot water or milk. Lucky for you, we got a few bottles of ‘em from one of the families. But we need to consume it fast or it'll go bad quickly.”

He hands you the cup, taking it tentatively, you don't flinch back when he suddenly grabs your hand to hold it when he gets impatient from your apprehensiveness.

“Don't worry, I already gave Pav and the first shift their share so you can drink to your heart's content.”

You look into the swirling brown liquid, the warmth from the cup soothes your nerves. Taking a sip, Hobie watches with crinkling eyes and a smile hidden behind his own mug.

“Holy fuck! Sweet nectar of the Gods!” You say before you take a big gulp, the heat searing your tongue. “Ack!” Spluttering out, Hobie lets out a loud laugh.

“Be careful it's hot” he says in between laughs.

“I know, but it's so good though!” You exclaim, eyes twinkling with mirth.

Hobie chuckles, watching you swallow the liquid down to the last drop.

You sigh, full and happy. “If solid chocolates taste like this then I'm more than ready to raid a merchant ship carrying crates of it.”

Hobie shakes his head. “I've never thought chocolate could make someone a pirate.”

“Not a pirate.” You move to pour yourself a cup. Hobie beats you to it, the sweet drink sloshing inside, filling it to the brim.

“Hmm” he watches you through his lashes.

“You're thinking, that's bad.” You take your cup but Hobie holds it hostage with his hand over the ceramic.

“What are you really doing back here?”

“I couldn't sleep, I just wanted some water.” you move to try and take the mug from him but he moves it further from you.

“There's some outside.”

“Fuck off.” Your hips hit the corner of the kitchen counter harshly as you try to grab your cup sneakily. The mug of precious chocolate scrapes on the counter, making you glare at Hobie when a few drops of it spills. “What do you really mean by that, Hobie?”

He scoffs, “You being here is suspicious—”

“How many times do I have to tell you? I'm not navy.” You say with gritted teeth. You're not sure if he's just messing with you or he's truly being genuine.

“Not that. Not after O’Hara ran a bloody marathon for you, I know you're not one of ‘em. Or at least not anymore.”

You glare at him, getting angrier the second he uttered that name.

“Are you a deserter? Hmm? Are you his runaway bride? If so I don't blame you, I'd run away too.”

You grimace. “Fuck no, I'm neither of those things! Now can you please give me my chocolate?”

“No.” He blinks like he just got some revelation. “Fuck, are you his kid?”

“No! What? How'd you even get that conclusion? Do I look like—?”

“For all I know you could be an aristocrat.” He raises a brow.

“Oh come on!” You're properly annoyed. “I've been scrounging up food and coins for years. If I was a runaway noble lady then I would've come home to my mansion the second I was starving!”

“Why did the retired admiral run after you then? He looked like he wanted your bloody arse.”

“It's none of your business.” The fire in your eyes tries to convey your emotions. “I don't want to talk about him.” your voice turns shaky.

“It's my business because you're on my ship. If Miguel O'Hara's after you I need to know if the rest of my crew is in danger.” a few weeks ago his infuriated face would've scared you but now you're equally as mad as him.

You exhale, knuckles closed tightly on your side. “Fine, I'm here on your ship because you're heading north and I need to go north. You don't need to know about me and that man because I'm leaving when we get there. He won't come after the crew, I won't let him.”

His anger dissipates, eyes avoiding your own. “Here,” he stretches his arm, sliding the cup to you. Hobie winces from the movement, grabbing onto his chest instinctively.

“What is it?” You look at his pained expression. Walking around the counter, you step towards him, not too close but not too far that you wouldn't notice how his brows are knitted together, sweat dripping on his forehead.

Carefully reaching for him, you turn him gently towards you, not missing how hot his skin is under his shirt. “Hobie, look at me.” You say softly, hand squeezing his shoulder in an attempt to comfort him.

After a beat he looks at you with his stormy eyes, rain clouds dancing around his vision. “‘m fine, just need to sit down.”

“Let me see please” He freezes in front of you. “I'm here to help, aren't I? Now can I?” With a nod, he unbuttons his shirt slowly. Now open, a bandage is taped across his chest, dark blood seeping through it, clearly needing to be changed. “Fuck.”

“That bad?” He rasps.

“Yes, sit down.” You guide him towards a chair, surprisingly, he lets you. “I need to take it off to see the wound.” Hobie nods.

You kneel down in front of him, he sucks in his teeth with every tug and pull you do. The wound looks almost infected because of the careless bandaging and half hearted cleaning.

“Stay here, I'll get the things I need.”

He stops you with his hand bracelet around your wrist. “Tell me why you need to head north. There's nothing there but pompous politicians and leeching royals.”

“I think–” you start but you have no idea how to continue. Hobie looks up at you, hand sliding down to fit your own. “I think my family's there.” Without sparing any detail, you slip your hand out, turning away to head towards the infirmary.

—

His skin is hot against your hands, too warm for your liking. Sitting in between his legs, cotton shirt fully opened to reveal his wound and scarred chest. His newly bandaged knuckles rested on his thighs, they didn't need much cleaning but the skin was still open so you still did it just in case. The bottles of herbs rattle as the boat rocks from side to side.

Hobie's legs bounce up and down, the silence and tension is thick enough that your needle couldn't even poke through it. The ointment you're gently rubbing on him makes him wince, trouser leg bundled up in his shaking knuckles.

“Sorry, if there's any consolation, I hate this stuff too.” you quietly say. The strong smell from the mixture makes your nose itch.

“Were you a clumsy kid?” Hobie says, sucking in his teeth.

“Mm-hmm, I was climbing everywhere.” Chuckling softly. “Up in trees, roofs, got into so much trouble that she–” You stop, swallowing thickly. “I got a few scars to prove it.”

“We could compare–” he winces again when you press a little too hard on his wound but not too hard for it to bleed again. “Fuck…”

You hide your smile with a clear of your throat. “Sorry.”

“Fuck off, I know you're not sorry.” He laughs while you stifle yours.

Packing the mixture on his wound to combat any further infection, you make your hands extra gentle with every press and swipe.

“You should've told me about this.” Chastising him, you feel his eyes burn into your skull. “I could've prevented this, you know.”

“I've been told ‘m a stubborn bastard.”

“Oh I know. You did a shitty job at cleaning it by the way.”

“That's why you're here now, right?” His idle hands play with a hanging thread by your sleeves. He's not tugging at it so you don't mind, anything to keep his mind off the pain.

“So how'd you know about the turmeric for swelling?” You don't answer his question.

His smile falters before a small fond smile appears. “From someone a long time ago.”

Finishing up with cleaning his gash, you take a clean bandage from the table to cover and protect it. “They must be good then. Not a lot of people know about it.”

“Yes, she was.”

You pause, staring directly at his sad eyes. Hobie continues, “She was like you, brazen and full of fire.” He stares off into the distance, “A bloody force to be reckoned with.”

“A jack of all trades, she was. Always tryin’ to learn shit she didn't have to know.” Hobie flicks his eyes to you. “She knew how to swim, so that's a plus.”

You chuckle as he stares at your soft smile.

“Yours?” He asks tentatively, hand twitching to get closer to you.

“Does she know about ginger and honey?” Like a switch flicking, you stand up abruptly. “It's gonna help with your fever.”

Hobie doesn't press you for any information, instead, he lays back on the chair, letting you pamper him while your hot chocolate gets cold on the counter.

Preparing his tea, you can't help but feel bad for Hobie. Without him ever saying her name you know it's her, and you know he cared about her so much that whatever happened to MJ drove him to this state; a constant agony and hunger for revenge that if not satiated might consume him. He doesn't deserve it you think, he might be a pirate but during the time you've known him you found kindness in his frozen heart that's just waiting to be thawed out the moment he gets his revenge.

For his sake and the crew, you hope he gets what he always wanted.

“Here,” handing him the hot concoction, you're careful not to spill a single drop on him.

Hobie takes it, calloused fingers brushing yours. Taking a whiff of it, he makes a face that makes you scoff with a smile.

“If you can drink an entire glass of rum without choking then you can handle a simple tea.”

He side eyes you, shaking his head like a petulant child rejecting his medicine.

“Down the hatch, Hobie.” Bringing your hand under the cup, you guide it towards his tightly closed mouth. “It's sweet!”

“Nuh-uh” he shuts his lips closed the second he says it before you could shove the tea down his gullet.

Laughing, you can't believe the big bad captain of the bloodsail pirates is refusing to drink a simple ginger tea. “Do you need me to plug your nose, you big baby?” You say in between giggles.

“No, fine, I'll bloody drink it. I don't want your grimey hands all over my face.”

“These grimey hands were all over your chest treating your wound, you absolute child.” You regret your words the second you realize.

“Oh you were all over me, huh?” He smirks. You're glad that he can still smile after everything.

“Fuck off, drink it or don't, I don't care. Go die in a corner or something” you shrug, playing him like a fiddle.

“You really do care about me, Scuttlebutt.” With a deep breath, Hobie drinks the contents without any fuss.

You pat yourself on the back mentally. He coughs, scrunching his nose.

“I need to check your wound and clean it every eight hours. Got it?” You face him directly, hand on the side of his chair, looking down at him sternly.

“So you're finally askin' me out then? Pav was right, you're smitten.” Hobie has the brightest smile of a feverish man you've ever seen.

“Shithead.” You say, snatching the empty cup from his hands.

“You really do care about me. You've even given me a nickname”

You shake your head, taking your cold chocolate, flipping him the bird on the way out of the door.

“Lookin' forward to my next doctor's appointment, Trouble!” Hobie yells after you, his loud guffaw can be heard echoing out in the hallways.

—

You fall back into a comfortable routine. Helping the crew with their tasks and learning their ways throughout the time spent. You finally learn that the murky bucket of water doesn't have lye in it after seeing James dunk his entire arm in it. It's safe to say that he was covered in soapy water from head to toe after almost giving you a heart attack.

Ned's been teaching you how to mend the sails when you're not in the galley with Finn. He tells you tales of the time he was a traveling bard before the war. His stories were very colourful and sometimes not for the faint of heart. Who knew he had so many fans?

You've never smelt like gunpowder before, finding the powder tucked into the cloth of your clothes and sticking to your skin. The main culprit of the almost daily gunpowder bath is no other than Yuri and two fingers who took it upon themselves to teach you how to load a cannon and a musket. Under all the flirting, Yuri's a great teacher, your aim could do some work but at least now a gun isn't worthless in your hands.

At night, Miles and Pavitr would teach you about the stars and how to read maps, using it to navigate just in case you get lost. Which you hope will never happen to you. It would be a great skill to master if only you three would stop gossiping and giggling throughout the night, bellies full of tea and biscuits that Finn hides in the galley.

You find Gwen reading in the library alone from time to time. At first, you kept your distance, reading further away from her. But after a while, you notice that her favourite chair gets closer to yours until you sit side by side with her, reading quietly under a single oil lamp.

There's never a dull moment on the ship, everyone does their share of the work, and everyone gets to eat and be left to their own devices during the night. It's great, you think. You don't worry about your next meal or where you need to sleep anymore.

Your mind has never been this quiet since you left home.

Surprisingly, Hobie's been diligent at keeping your regularly scheduled injury maintenance on time. Even if you forget, he would appear out of nowhere, clutching your bag of supplies in his hands with a shit eating grin that makes you want to rip his bandage off harshly.

The brightness of the sun filtering through the large window hinders your vision a bit as you carefully take Hobie's stitches off. Your brows are knitted together, eyes full of concentration as sweat drips on your forehead. You could've done this in the infirmary but Hobie had to do a bunch of work in his cabin so you're currently doing your best at managing while he walks around the large table sat in the middle of the room. You follow him with your sutures and scissors. The sight must have been hilarious because half of the crew were chuckling and stifling a laugh.

But the moment you were finished, you threw them the nastiest glare you could muster. Shutting them all up immediately, looking away from you nonchalantly. You pretend you don't see them hiding their smiles.

Sitting down on a free chair, huffing and with your arms aching, you twist your wrists around, massaging the tired muscles with your fingers.

Miles sits next to you, a piece of paper landing right on top of your hands. Your own face stares back at you, a pencil sketch of you, face full of concentration.

“Did you draw this?” You say, surprised and with a bright grin on your face.

“No, Hobie did.” He says sarcastically but you believed him for a second. “Of course I did, it was a bit hard when you were following Hobie around like a duckling.”

“That's a compliment, ducklings are cute, Miles.” He rolls his eyes, “this is amazing though, thank you. I haven't had my likeness drawn in…never actually.”

Miles smiles, taking out a small leather bound sketchbook from his back pocket. ��Prepare to be surprised then.”

He flips through it, you get glimpses of drawings from far flung sceneries, animals that you don't know the names of and faces of the crew; some familiar, some are strangers to you. But you see more of Gwen's face amidst the pages. You fight the urge to tease him, maybe you'll do that when half of the crew isn't discussing battle plans in front of you. Their faces are serious and intense as Hobie lays out figures on a map.

“You're this bored, huh?” With your elbow resting on your thigh, you watch him stop on a page.

“Look at this one” he proudly says, eyes twinkling. Showing you the pages, his hand still holding it just in case you had the audacity to flip through it yourself.

You can't believe it's your own face staring back at you.

Your eyes smile in the drawing, the unmistakable shine of happiness in them. Face turned to side, clearly looking at something. Your lips are curled up into a grin like someone just told you the funniest joke ever. The shading is expertly done by Miles, *it's like staring into a mirror, you thought. You've never seen yourself this happy.

“I'm guessing I did a good job?” He smugly says, “you're staring at it way too long, narcissus is that you?” Miles jokes, but his smile fades when he sees your eyes glistening in the sun. “Oh shit, please don't cry. Hobie's gonna kill me if I made you cry.”

You sniff, casually hiding the heat behind your eyes. “It's really good.” Chuckling, you feel a pair of eyes on your form. “Thank you, I–” exhaling, you have no idea how to properly thank him. Settling on a fist bump on his arm, you awkwardly do just that. “Thanks, you made me look prettier.”

He laughs, sighing in relief. “Nah, it was no problem. Making you look good was the hardest part.”

“You ruined it,” you scrunch up your nose, feigning annoyance. Pushing the notebook, shoving it to his chest he laughs loudly, too loud apparently when someone from the room shushes you two.

Miles winces before turning back to you. “You know what helped though? In getting your expression right?”

“No?”

“Hobie,” he says with a quick gesture towards the man. A mischievous smirk on his face. “You were talking to Hobie while I was drawing this.” Lifting the page back up, “look how happy you were!” You close the book with his fingers still inside.

Yelping, he glares at you. “I made you a portrait and this is how you thank me?”

“Shut it” your eyes roam the room, looking for someone who's eavesdropping on the conversation. Thankfully no one is. “Don't act like Gwen isn't on every page of your book.” you whisper shout at him.

“Oh so you're saying that the same feelings I have for Gwen can be translated to your feelings towards Hobie?” He teases you right back, whispering quieter. “I owe Pav a coin.”

“You little–!” He rockets away from his seat, weaving through the crew. “Come back here, Miles!” Chasing him, careful not to shove anyone, your fast footsteps echo in the hallways.

Miles yells back, gaining speed ahead of you. “I have Hobie's version too if you'd like to see it!”

“No! Fuck you! I'll tell Gwen!”

He turns heel, now running after you. Cursing, you turn around, back to where you came from. Sprinting, you both pass by Hobie's cabin lightning fast. The crew's laughter echoes out while you try to escape Miles.

Hobie can't help but crack a smile even when the topic at hand is serious and dire.

—

With a book in front of you, hands smelling of ink and paper, you glance at Gwen who's leaning on your side comfortably, using you as her personal backrest. You don't mind it since she snuck in hot chocolate for you.

“I've been thinking—”

“That's dangerous, don't hurt yourself.” She murmurs.

“Funny, ha ha” you laugh sarcastically. She snorts, eyes still glued on the page. “Seriously though, what's on the bow of the ship? I've only seen mermaids and the occasional angel carved on it but I've never seen one like the one here. Where in the world did Hobie even get it?”

“It's a dragon.” Gwen says without looking back at you.

“A dragon? But it doesn't have any wings though?”

She sits up, gently laying the book on her lap, looking prim and proper. “A version of it, I guess? It's popular in the east.” You listen intently so she continues. “In their stories, the dragons symbolize luck and strength, which we need now more than ever.” stretching her neck, she continues. “And Hobie traded it in exchange for our boring old siren.”

You chuckle, “What's the difference between the ones in our mythology and theirs? Other than the lack of wings and looking way cooler.”

“They say they have the power to control the weather and are big enough to swallow the moon.” you whistle out, intrigued. “Maybe after the fight we can sail over there and show you around the place?” she asks, grinning.

“I'd love that.”

You should tell her that you're not staying after the fight, but you don't want to ruin the moment or her mood. You'll tell her when you get the chance, for now, you let them focus on what's coming.

“We named him Terrence by the way.”

You giggle. “I'll be sure to greet him every morning.”

—

The clean water splashed on your head is a nice reprieve from the searing heat. Being the so-called ‘doctor’ on the ship, Hobie thought it would be a great idea for you to also be their designated water girl to combat heat stroke. It's easy work, reminding them to drink water and also just dumping a splash of water on the crew's head using a soup ladle. You're having fun actually, just randomly (and sneakily) pouring water over their heads whenever they complain about the heat while toiling under the sun, watching them shriek and jump from the sudden gush of water. Now they rarely complain anymore, that just means you've done a good job at keeping them all alive under the heat.

But there's one person who you haven't dumped water on yet, which with the help of Finn and his strength, you're about to remedy that.

Hobie stands near the helm, observing Pavitr sailing the ship with ease. You and Finn carry the entire barrel of half full water, (it's mostly Finn doing the work) carefully sneaking behind Hobie to dump the entire contents on him.

Before you could signal Finn to pour it on Hobie, he turns around, hands placed on his hips and a face that says: I dare you.

You freeze mid step, darting your eyes towards your little helper. Finn shrugs, subtly pointing his head towards Hobie.

“Well—?” With one strong heave of the barrel, pointing it directly towards Hobie, the water hits him with a splash, completely drenching him.

The sound gets everyone's attention, seeing their captain wet as a freshly caught fish, the roaring laughter fills the ship, pointing, hollering and whistling at their captain.

The smile on your lips fades, eyes widening when you flick your eyes downward, you've never thought a harmless prank could make your heart beat faster and for heat to rise to your cheeks. And it's not the sun that's causing that or a symptom of heat exhaustion, no, it's Hobie and his unfortunate white cotton shirt that's completely soaked through, sticking to his skin, showing off his chiseled torso. You don't dare look further down, you might not recover from what you could possibly get a glimpse of.

Hobie splutters, wiping at his wet face, water dripping from his entire body. You swallow thickly, Finn notices your sudden silence. He looks at you with narrowed eyes, head tilted like he caught your hand in the cookie jar.

You blink rapidly, “W-what?” Side eyeing Finn. He raises a brow, “What? I may not like him but I still have eyes, you know.”

“Liar.” He says in a deep voice, making you do a double take.

“Did you just—?”

“Y/N,” Hobie addresses you, eyes telling you to run. “You better not let me catch you.”

You squeak, bolting immediately. The crew guffaws loudly like they're watching the best entertainment the sea could offer. Sprinting down the stairs, hearing footsteps behind you, your old injury flares up, almost tripping you.

Hobie catches you before you could fall flat on your face. His drenched arms around your middle, his clothes squelching on your back, the water seeping through your own clothes.

“Time to walk the plank again, Scuttlebutt!” He jokes but the way he carries you towards the plank has you wiggling out, hitting his arms.

“It was a joke!” You scream. He walks closer, “a jape!” Hobie stops near the edge. “A jest!”

His laugh reverberates, you feel his chest vibrating. He cranes his neck down, whispering close to the shell of your ear. “Did you really think I'll throw you overboard?” Goosebumps rise on your skin as he blows hot air. “I'll let Finn do it instead.”

Biting your lip, hands gripping his wrists, you decide to rag him on after knowing he won't actually throw you into the shark infested waters. “yeah? Why don't you do it yourself? Be a man, captain”

Behind you, the crew continues to cheer. Pav even lets out a ‘lets go!’

Hobie chuckles deeply, squeezing you once. “You cheeky—”

The alarm bells from the crow’s nest rings out, James yells from above. “Vessel approaching! Starboard!”

Hobie lets you go, taking a telescope from a serious looking Gwen.

The blood in your veins turn into ice, holding on to the railing, you grip it as you feel your knees give out.

You can't hear what anyone is saying with blood rushing in your ears, frantic voices indistinct, igniting your nerves. Your breathing turns shallow, you try to count backwards in your head but it's no use when your hands start shaking.

“Oi,” Hobie notices your distressed expression. Rushing to your side, his voice starts getting clearer when he places his hands on your cheeks, holding you gently like you're about to break from the slight pressure from his touch.

“Breathe, yeah?” He inhales and exhales, encouraging you to do the same. You copy him, staring only at Hobie. “There, good, just breathe.” His thumbs wipe at the tears you haven't noticed letting out.

After a beat of breathing in sync, Hobie nods. “It's alright, they're allies. You don't have to be scared.” He turns you around carefully, “see? They're waving.”

Pointing at a man clad in red, white and blue, Hobie squeezes your shoulder. “That's Captain Anarchy and right next to him is his first mate, Robbie Banner. They're here to help us win the fight.”

You calm down a little once you see the crew of the other ship smile and wave at you. Trusting Hobie, you look over your shoulder, his face too close to you, breath mixing in together. Flinching, you take a step back from his hold.

He lets you go, hands sliding away from your elbows, giving you space. You look uncharacteristically small in front of him, shoulders hunched, eyes looking down at your feet.

“You're alright, Y/N.” His reassuring and soft voice echoes amidst the rowdy crew behind him.

You could only nod.

—

It's been chaotic since the sons of the sea arrived. They have been welcoming and kind to you, too kind, in fact that you sometimes forget that they're pirates. Especially Robbie, he always goes out of his way to help your uneasiness. He once told you during dinner with the crew that he knows how it feels to be new; and for some reason he thought that you're Hobie's lover, saying that loving a pirate captain is pretty hard work. You shut down the conversation immediately.

Finally finding a time for yourself, you stretch your aching hands, gunpowder stuck in your nostrils. Hemp and pine tar sticking under your fingernails. You've never thought that you'd be preparing for war but here you are.

After the incident, you've made yourself scarce. With preparation and between meetings, you hadn't had a chance to speak with him. Or for Hobie to even try to approach you. His wounds have healed so you don't have any reason to keep seeing each other. But you find yourself holding on to two mugs of hot chocolate, trudging the cold hallways to his cabin.

The mugs are warm in your hands, the familiarity helping with your nerves. You have no idea what to say to him, maybe a simple thank you perhaps? You didn't intend to become that vulnerable in front of him, so maybe an apology? Whatever you end up saying to him, it all has to start with a simple knock on his door which you're currently standing stiffly in front of.

Juggling two mugs in one hand, you place your knuckles on the wood. Your ears perk up at the muffled voices inside. Against better judgment, you place your ear above the door, eavesdropping on the conversation.

“—She’s not her, Hobie. I've seen how you act around her, how you look at her.” You strain your ears to hear better. “It's the same with MJ.” You blink in surprise.

“Gwen,” Hobie sighs, there's rustling on his end. “I don't like what you're insinuating.”

“I'm not insinuating anything. I'm saying this as a friend to you and to her. Don't. Just…don't” there's footsteps, “She's good for the crew, Hobie. We can't lose her.”

“I know she is.”

Gwen scoffs. “You just proved my point.”

“She's not her, I get it. Can you please go back to preparin’?”

“No, not until you get it in your thick skull.” she pauses. “She's her own person. I see it too, the similarities in their personalities. But Y/N’s not MJ.”

You almost drop the mugs.

“I know she's not MJ. I don't fancy her, I tolerate her.”

“Are you sure? Because you keep–”

His voice shakes. “MJ is gone and Y/N is Y/N. I know she's not MJ.”

Backing away from the door, emotions swirling into a dangerous concoction, face flat and lips downturned. You slowly bend down to place the mug on the side of his cabin door.

You have no idea how to react or confront it, so you just walked away. Throwing the information in the back of your mind, hoping it doesn't seep into your bones. Hope that it doesn't rot and spoil inside.

—

The sky is heavy with dark clouds, thunder booming like drum beats, lightning peeking out in the night. A storm is coming, you can feel it in your tendons, the smell of petrichor looming overhead, temperature dropping significantly. The fog obscuring the way doesn't help with your icy nerves. The rest of the crew battens down the windows, preparing to weather out the storm. You're not even that close to the destination and yet the sky is already preventing the ship from going further.

The sea is unusually calm despite the storm brewing ahead. A possible omen to what's to come next. You pray that you're wrong.

Shutting your window, locking it in place, you take your medical bag that's hanging from the cabin's doorknob. Making sure the door is properly closed, you head over to the deck.

You almost collide into a body, their hands holding on to your elbows.

“Woah there!” He holds you at arm's length. “You alright, doc?” His genuine smile makes the day a tad brighter.

“Captain Anarchy, hello and please don't call me that. Contrary to popular belief, I'm not actually a doctor.” You chuckle lightly.

“I won't call you doc if you don't call me captain anarchy.”

“Alright, what should I call you then?”

“Karl's fine. I'm not your captain anyway so why bother calling me captain y’know?”

You nod, “Yeah, I get it. Are you lost? These are the cabins.”

“Shit, yeah.” He scratches his head. “I swear this place is built like a maze. I'm looking for the galley actually, Finn said I can borrow some ingredients. I'm planning on cooking for everyone tonight.”

“That's really nice of you, thanks. I'll show it to you if you want?”

“That would be fantastic, thank you!”

Gesturing behind him, you lead him while he laughs at his own blunder. “Wait, Finn talked to you?”

“Mm-hmm, I've known him for a while. The secret is to talk about produce and spices then you won't be able to get him to shut up.”

“I'll keep that in mind.” You chuckle, shaking your head. Deciding to make small talk while weaving around hallways, you ask him. “How long have you been a pirate?”

He sighs, “Too fucking long.”

“Looking to retire?” you look over your shoulder, his face says it all.

“Absolutely, we're all just saving up so we could settle comfortably somewhere. Unfortunately taxes are really fucking high these days thanks to the asshole in the big chair.”

“You got that right. All these wars and sponsoring explorations got the people's coffers dry and empty.”

“Exactly! Man, Hobie really knows how to pick them, huh?” He shakes your shoulder like you're old friends. You don't flinch away, in case you offend the only ally Hobie has.

“We're not together.” you say flatly.

“That right? Sorry. Well, he did pick the right crew member then.”

“More like he fished me out of the sea.”

He laughs, the sound reminding you of a bird chirping. Karl looks at your humorless face. “Wait, seriously.”

“Yep, that's a story for another day because we're here.” you open the doors for him, showing him the galley.

“Thanks, Y/N. I owe you one.” he shoots you a friendly wink.

“Of course, just give me extra portions later.” you joke.

He chortles, “I'll save the bigger bowl for you”

Before you leave, there's a question that's unfortunately gnawing in your head.

“Can I ask you something?”

He peeks over the counter, blue eyes staring back at you. “Shoot.”

“Pardon?”

“Oh, it just means go ahead.”

“Right, uh…Did you know Hobie three years ago?” You cross your arms on your chest.

“I've known him far longer than that.”

“How was he back then?”

Karl thinks for a moment. He smiles, “Best damn pirate I've ever seen, next to me of course. He was younger, wide eyed, hungry for adventure, more than ready to take down the crown itself. Safe to say he's ambitious, he still is but—” he shakes his head. “For a different reason now.”

“Do you not think he can take down Matthias?”

“I have faith that he can and he will eventually. But I'm afraid that I'll never see that wide eyed Hobie ever again. He's gotten used to the flames, feeding it, letting it consume him. I don't think he'll be able to fight that fire after he gets what he wants.”

You clench your jaw. “What happened to MJ?”

“I don't think I'm the right person to tell you that.”

Nodding, you wordlessly thank him with a small smile.

“Wait, Y/N.” he calls for you.

“Yeah?”

“Whatever happens, help him douse the fire? For everyone's sake.”

“I— I'll do my best.”

He gives you a tight-lipped smile. “Promise me, please. I owe MJ that much.”

You exhale shakily. “I promise.”

Turning to leave, you fight with yourself. How could you make that promise when you plan to leave after Hobie wins? How do you keep that promise when you can't even look him in the eye? How do you tell Gwen and the others when their hearts are set to you staying on board?

Will it be worth it for you to leave what you currently have for someone who may not even exist?

You pause in the middle of the barren hallway, hand clutching tightly at the straps of your bag. Breathing heavily, you feel it rearing its ugly head again.

Your thoughts get interrupted by the alarm bells ringing, this time instead of curling around yourself, you decide to face it head on despite the shaking in your legs. The crew needs you, and you need them.

Crash!

The ship lunges harshly to the side, flinging you to the wall, head pounding on the hardwood.

Your vision blurs, white dots dancing, ears ringing and your head stinging from the impact.

“Fuck…” you crawl, doing your best to get up on the deck.

“They need you. Get up, lazybones.”

Hearing her voice whisper into your ear, makes you laugh coldly. You're probably concussed.

With a groan, you lift yourself up, using the wall as leverage.

With every heavy step, you straighten up, ignoring the pain in the back of your head. Walking up the steps makes you dizzy but you continue on.

Holding on to the door frame triumphantly, you reach the deck.

The fog has reached the ship, covering the entire deck in its thick mist. You notice the quiet, and the lack of movement from the crew. They all just stand stiffly, spaced away from each other. holding their weapons in their hands in a tight grip, the only indication that they're alright.

You spot Hobie in the middle of the crowd, eyes staring into the sea.

“Hobie?” You softly say. Grabbing his arm, you jump when he takes your wrist without taking his eyes off from what he's staring at.

His hand shakes, you're afraid to look.

“Y/N,” he whispers, voice cracking. “I'm sorry.”

His apology makes you follow his gaze.

The thick fog makes way for a dozen ships sailing towards you at incredible speeds, they open the lamps on their bows one by one. Like a hunter's gaze, they petrify you.

With your heart trying to escape your chest, you turn starboard, hopeful for a way out. But the sight alone would make you weep.

A larger ship looms over the revenge, its bow crashed on the side of the now splintered wood of the ship. The navy ship is Gilded and pristine, decorated with carvings of asphodels. The crowned angel with her wings spread out on the bow looks down at you through her wooden eyes.

Hobie clutches on to you tighter, scowling, shaking in sheer anger.

A menacing laugh echoes into the eerie silence.

You're surrounded.

185 notes · View notes

uncharismatic-fauna · 5 months

Text

The Basics on the Barred Owl

Strix varia goes by many names: the barred owl, the northern barred owl, the striped owl, the hoot owl, the eight-hooter owl, or the who-cooks-for-you owl. The last few names refer to the owl's distinctive hooting call, which is often followed by what is often described as 'maniacal laughter'. The barred owl is native to the old-growth deciduous and coniferous forests of eastern North America, though in recent decades the species' range has expanded across the Rocky Mountains into the Pacific Northwest.

The striped owl can be hard to spot, due to its white and brown plumage. The back and wings are brown with white barring, while the chest is dull white or gray with brown streaks. The face is surrounded by a gray-white disk and framed with a brown mask. This coloration allows the barred owl to blend in seamlessly with the upper forest canopy where it resides-- although some populations in the southern parts of its range have been known to carry a pink tint due to the amount of shrimp they eat. However, S. varia is not a small birds; adults can be anywhere from 40 to 63 cm (16 to 25 in) in length, with a wingspan of 96 to 125 cm (38 to 49 in), and weigh about 630 g (22.2 oz) on average.

Like most owls, the barred owl is primarily nocturnal, though they can be fairly active during the day. When dormant, they roost in tree hollows or nests abandoned by other birds. At night, adults are active in guarding their territory and hunting for small mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, and large arthropods like moths and crayfish. The only natural predator of adult hoot owls is the great horned owl, which will often drive S. varia from their territory. Eggs and nestlings are sometimes prey for raccoons, weasels, and diurnal birds of prey.

S. varia mates for life, and couples are fiercely defensive of their territories and nests. Courtship and territory establishment begins in late winter, and continues from February to April. Males attract mates with their distinctive who-cooks-for-you call, and further entices prospective females with head bobbing and bowing. Together, the pair then establishes a roost and the female lays up to 5 eggs. She alone incubates the clutch for about a month, while the male hunts for her. After hatching, the female continues to care closely for the chicks for another 2-3 weeks, at which time she joins the male in hunting.

Hatchlings quickly become active, and are prone to falling out of the tree, but even at only 4 weeks old they are able to climb back up the trunk. Siblings have been recorded as being tight-knit, often staying close together in the nest and when learning to fly. Fledging begins at about 6 weeks old, and by 10 weeks young are capable of short flights. However, parents continue to provide care to their chicks until they're 6 months old, at which time the young owls leave (or are forced to leave) and establish their own territories. Mortality in barred owls is highest in their first year of life, and once out of this perilous stage individuals may live to be up to 18 years old in the wild.

Conservation status: The barred owl is a common species, and is considered by the IUCN to be Least Concern. The expansion of its range into the Pacific Northwest is considered one of the major causes of the decline of the northern spotted owl.

If you like what I do, consider leaving a tip or buying me a ko-fi!

Photos

Mick Thompson

Hal Thrachtenberg

Mark Musselman

#barred owl #Strigiformes #Strigidae #earless owls #true owls #owls #birds #deciduous forest birds #evergreen forest birds #north america #eastern north america #biology #zoology #ecology #animal facts

151 notes · View notes

nebulablakemurphy · 1 year

Text

Moves & Countermoves (Part 6)

Summary: No one ever wins the games, even fourteen years later, Y/N is still playing.

Peeta is down by the river, camouflaged in the rocks after Cato slashed his leg and left him for dead.

“Ah ha ha,” Chaff smiles when he spots Haymitch with an entire pitcher of rum. “So this is how the Capitol treats it’s favorites.”

“Had to steal it off the cart.” Haymitch chuckles allowing his friend to slip in between him and Y/N.

“Steady now.” Y/N teases, a hand to his back until he’s seated.

Chaff knocks her shoulder with his own, “what’s the matter, baby?”

Y/N has nothing but love for her husband’s best friend. However they are two peas in a pod and when they get together…there goes all the liquor. Back home in twelve, Haymitch has been known to have a drink or two, still able to enjoy his wife and children. This place brings it all back, the horrible things he’s done, everything he failed to do. If he wasn’t drunk, he’d surely lose his mind.

“I wanna send Peeta medicine,” Y/N explains.

“Sponsors leaving you high and dry? Never thought I’d see the day.”

“Not the sponsors, Haymitch made him a deal.”

“Who am I to disrespect this poor boy’s dying wish?” Haymitch quirks a brow.

“And his wish is to-”

“No parachutes. Save Katniss.”

“Katniss,” Chaff drawls.

Two of their tributes have formed an alliance. Rue and Katniss hatching a plan to blow up the career’s stash; lightning fires to draw them away.

“This green stuff is gonna smoke like crazy, as soon as it’s lit, move on to the next one.” The girl on fire warns.

“Ok,” Rue agrees, “we need some kind of signal; in case one of us gets held up.”

“Like what?”

“Here, watch this.” Rue lets out a tiny melody, which the birds rings back.

“Mockingjays.” Katniss realizes, “that’s brilliant.”

“We use them back home to signal the time.” Rue says, shifting the backpack on her shoulder. “If we hear that, it means we’re ok and we’ll be back real soon.”

“We’re gonna be ok,” Katniss pulls her in for a hug, running a hand over her hair. “Hey, I’ll see you for supper.”

————————————————————————

For once in her life Y/N is grateful for the Capitol broadcasting the action only, in the viewing room. A split screen between Rue lighting the fires, the careers chasing smoke and Katniss making her way to the cornucopia.

Clove and the others leave a single boy behind to keep watch. As the red haired tribute from five lily pads around explosives to steal food, the watchman catches her in his peripheral. Taking off after her into the woods.

Katniss lines up her shot, missing the corner of the apple net by just a hair. She takes a step closer, a few calming breathes later the tip of her arrow pierces the bag and out tumble all of the apples.

She’s blown back by the force of it.

“Oooh,” Chaff winces.

After a moment Katniss gets her bearings, heading back to Rue.

The boy keeping watch pays the price, Cato snaps his neck before giving him a chance to explain.

Rue is well on her way to light the last fire when she hears the explosion. Katniss did it. Then the trap set by the careers falls, she tripped the wire, a weighted net.

“Shit.” Y/N covers her mouth. Katniss…please hurry.

“Come on, Rue,” Chaff says, under his breath. “Work your way out.” He coaches, as if she can hear him. She does try, just like he taught her, but the net is too heavy.

When Katniss finds the final fire unlit, she whistles their signal.

“Get her out.” Haymitch rocks back slightly in his seat.

“Get her out.”

“Get her out.

“Get her out!”

The people of the viewing room echo. Y/N turns her head as the room builds to a collective chant.

“Get her out. Get her out. Get her out.”

It isn’t unheard of for spectators to voice their call to action. Though they are more concerned with the entertainment value than the life of the child.

When Katniss gets no response, she races toward the pile of sticks and leaves meant to start the last fire. Still no Rue.

“Katniss! Katniss, help.” Rue calls from beneath the net.

Katniss cuts her loose, Rue safe in her arms. “I’m here, you’re safe.”

The viewing room cheers are short lived. Marvel sends his spear flying, only to be met with Katniss’ arrow. When the cameras pan back to Rue…the damage is clear and irreversible.

Y/N excuses herself. She cannot watch, she cannot pretend, she cannot breathe. Scrambling into the nearest private room with the curtains drawn. Pushing them back with little care before realizing that it is occupied.

“You look ill, dear.” The Capitol woman gasps. “Come, sit down.”

“I’m so sorry to barge in like this.” Y/N apologizes, it’s not anyone she knows.

“Never you mind that, the pleasure is mine. Let me get you a drink.” The woman begins waving down a waiter.

Y/N grabs the ice bucket, “can I throw up in here?” Doesn’t matter, it’s coming up.

“Oh my stars, you poor thing.” She fans the victor as best she can, while continuing to wave one hand out of the privacy curtain. “Must be something you ate.”

“What can I get for you?” The waiter asks.

“Some water, to start and a fresh ice bucket.”

“Yes, right away.”

The woman takes great pleasure in ‘nursing’ Y/N back to health. With water and something close to a bland cracker.

These people are not inherently bad, Y/N realized that years ago. Conditioned in their belief and out of touch, but they are not evil. I don’t hate them…I hate what they do.

It’s not long before Haymitch is tearing back curtains to find her. Letting out a sigh of relief when he does.

“Haymitch, what a pleasure.” The woman holds out a hand.

“Great to meet you, love the dress.” He kisses the top of her hand, using it to guide her toward the exit, “give us a minute, will you?”

“But of course.” The woman is awestruck. The victors of district twelve, in her private room! Hailing over everyone who is anyone. Mouthing, “they’re in there,” motioning toward the fabric that separates them.

“I need you to listen to me.” Haymitch whispers, kneeling in front of Y/N. Wiping away any remnants of vomit and tears.

Y/N nods.

“Katniss gave that little girl a proper send off, you know as well as I do, the gamemakers and Snow aren’t happy about it.” She created a martyr.

Again she nods.

“I’m gonna talk to Crane, see what I can do for damage control.” Keep Katniss alive.

“Ok." Don’t let them kill Katniss.

“We’re gonna get you a mint and then I need you to walk out of here like nothing is wrong. Can you do that?” He tips her chin up, holding her gaze.

There is worry in his eyes, guilt and sadness. Her husband is afraid and he needs her. “Yes.”

“Good,” Haymitch gives her a reassuring smile, taking her into his arms.

————————————————————————

Katniss receives a parachute of bread a while later. After the silence is louder than the cannons and the artificial sun has set.

Haymitch is still negotiating, Y/N figures he must’ve sent it. Until she sees the note attached, from district eleven.

Y/N makes her way over to Seeder, sitting alone in the opposite corner.

“It was for Rue,” she older woman explains before Y/N can get a word out. “My district spent days scrounging up the money, the sponsors finally came through. We had enough to send some for Thresh too.”

“You could’ve sent him both.”

“My people wanted Katniss to have it.” Seeder informs her.

“I know she…appreciates their generosity very much.”

The answer is dry, rehearsed. Y/N is young and still does not understand. “I knew a girl once, she was kind and brave. She played the games and never let them play her. For the first time, I thought there might not be a victor. Because she was lying there, bleeding out and her partner was there, bleeding out…nobody was killing anybody,” she pauses. “Haymitch had to fight like hell to get you out of that one, they wanted your family-”

Dead. “I know,” Y/N stares down at her hands.

“I saw something that day, and I see it in her.” Seeder motions toward Katniss on the screen. “A good, genuine person with heart. They tried to snuff it out of you, beat it out of you; but I still see you. You hold onto your heart and you never let anyone take it from you.”

“Thank you,” Y/N blinks back tears.

“Attention, tributes, attention. The previous rules allowing only a single victor have been…suspended. Two victors may be crowned, so long as they both originate from the same district.”

All hope is not lost.

Part 7

Series Taglist: @praline357 @flowercrowns-goodvibes @justheretoparty420 @avocadotoastwithegg @officialjellydoughnut @whoreforfictionalpeople @treehouse-mouse @emo-markie @spilled-mi1k @magical-spit @greaser9902 @jessicamellarky @yourebuckingkiddingme

#haymitch abernathy x y/n #haymitch abernathy fanfic #haymitch abernathy x reader #haymitch x y/n #haymitch abernathy x you #haymitch fanfic #haymitch abernathy #haymitch x reader #thg haymitch #hunger games fanfic #the hunger games #hunger games #katniss everdeen #peeta mellark

487 notes · View notes

efplanning · 5 days

Text

a celebi that finds an abandoned pokemon egg.

she gets attached to the pokemon that hatches. raising him as her own. she doesnt time travel for about 6 years...just wanting to be there w this little pokemon while theyre growing up...

but she misses time traveling. its only natural. its basically what celebis are made for. but she cant take her child with her or he'll register as an anomaly straight away and...

so. she takes a chance and starts working on a time machine. hoping to show her little one the world how she sees it...how shes supposed to see it...

dialga knows. he always did. he cant let her finish it.

knowing her punishment is coming she tells her child goodbye. regretting that she wont get to see him grow up...

her child continues work on the time machine.

#efverse legends #this is absolutley ruining me rn.

63 notes · View notes

shanastoryteller · 9 months

Note

happy pride fem! wwx thanks

a continuation of 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Wen Qing risks her life and her brother’s life and the lives of every Dafan Wen to warn them and it’s still not enough.

Lotus Pier has fallen.

They’re exhausted and singed and starving and Wei Wuxian doesn’t know where her people are and it’s by design, it’s exactly what they planned for, but what had seemed reasonable as she and Jiang Cheng discussed inevitabilities under moonlight now feels like treason when, ironically, the planning and undermining and lying hadn’t.

“They could still be alive,” she says, the three of them huddled beneath a tree with Jiang Yanli between them, because she’s the least able to handle the cold. “They kept Lan Qiren alive.”

“As a hostage,” Jiang Cheng says, eyes pinched at the corners. “I know. That’s why we – I know.”

They’d needed to help smuggle the junior disicples out, had needed to make sure they were dispersed to the senior disciples that had managed to escape, so that all is not lost.

She had seen Lan Zhan in the wake of Coud Recesses burning to the ground and had known what was coming for Lotus Pier. Uncle Jiang and Madame Yu hadn’t believed her.

Jiang Cheng had. So they’d hatched a plan, so when they failed and the Wen sent out that flare their own people had known what to do. Civilians had hunkered down to weather the storm and been told to not fight against the regime change. Cultivators and their family had ran, for the most part. The youngest had ran, as commanded.

Most of the senior disciples had stayed to fight, to give everyone time to make it out, stayed to die so that others could have a chance to live.

The Wen are powerful, but sloppy. They can’t track and kill all of them. They don’t have the numbers, or the motivation. Their people will live. Hopefully.

“I should have stayed behind,” Wei Wuxian says, the guilt eating away at her.

Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli had to go. There’d be no reason to keep Madame Yu or Uncle Jiang alive if the heirs were dead, if they had no one to threaten into compliance, so of course neither of them could stay.

Wei Wuxian could have. Should have. She ordered disciples she’s known her whole life to their death and then ran herself.

“Shut up,” Jiang Cheng says, all exhaustion and no anger. “Mother and Father told us to run. All of us. Besides, I couldn’t have gotten all those kids out on my own. Are our junior disciples lives less valuable than your pride?”

“Of course not!” she snaps, then frowns. “Stop that. Being reasonable is my job.”

Jiang Yanli lets out an unexpected laugh that unfortunately derails into a coughing fit. Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng share a look over her head.

They have to find shelter, and food, and find it soon. The two of them can manage without for a while, but she can’t.

Wei Wuxian forces herself to focus on that and not the harsh truth she’s trying her best not to think about.

Uncle Jiang and Madame Yu are probably still alive and their lives will be used to keep the Jiang, specifically Jiang Cheng, from attacking them. But they would both rather die than be used that way and all three of them know it.

Jiang Cheng is going to have to make an impossible choice and Wei Wuxian would do anything to save him from that.

#prompt answers #prompts are closed #asks #skyfrogsmossfogbooks #untamed

295 notes · View notes

pianokantzart · 1 month

Text

The Super Mario Bros. Redux (Pt. 6)

What would happen if, in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, after Mario and Luigi are separated, Mario was the one who ended up in the clutches of Luigi’s eventual arch nemesis, while Luigi teamed up with some of his own close allies to go rescue him? (This part of the story is in one shot format. Most other parts are written in bullet points.)

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 ________

A short summary of the things Luigi had done in the past twenty four hours that he had never expected to do in his entire life:

Fall into an interdimensional wormhole. Fight a warrior princess in a crowded arena. Become a royally acclaimed ghost hunter. Enlist in an army assembled to ambush the territory ruled by The King of Ghosts in order to rescue hostages and bring balance to the afterlife. Adopt a dog.

... Though it was more accurate to say the dog adopted him. Normally Luigi had trouble with animals– he could never read their body language, and his clumsiness made for bad first impressions. The few animals he got along with in the past were old and quiet, wanting nothing more than a warm lap on which to lay their head. Polterpup was different; playful and energetic, mischievous yet patient. Luigi couldn’t help but wonder what was the reason behind the attachment– if he himself resembled an old master or friend from the dog’s past life before it became a ghost. It still wore a collar, though the little golden loop on the front had no tag. The collar was bright red, almost a perfect match to Mario’s favorite color. "Heh, you’re just as good at getting into trouble as Mario, too,” Luigi added with a somber smile, kneeling down to oblige the ghost dog’s less-than-subtle plea for belly rubs until it disappeared again, as was its habit. Polterpup tended to suddenly poof in and out of thin air with little warning, and though it seemed to be at random at first, Luigi began to realize the dog mostly came to him when he was feeling alone, which was more often than not as of late. Every new experience, every strange encounter, every unexpected victory made Luigi wish more and more that his brother was around to take part. Hardly a second passed without him wondering what he was doing at that moment, and if he was okay.

Unfortunately, his occupied mind made him a less-than-helpful assistant to E. Gadd. The professor had warned earlier that he had always preferred working alone. The result was a very low tolerance level for “tomfoolery,” as he described it, and it wasn’t long before Luigi’s shaky attempts to help attach upgrades to The Poltergust caused the scientist to lose his patience. One shoddy wire-soldering job later, Luigi found himself being forcibly pushed toward the exit by the surprisingly strong old man. “Go. Shoo. Distract yourself with something else.”

“Like what?” Luigi asked, digging his heels. “What do I do? Where do I go?”

“How about you see the princess?”

“Princess Daisy?”

Luigi lingered in the doorway. The professor adjusted his glasses, and pointed down one of the castle hallways. “Yep! She’s in the greenhouse. I’m sure she could use the company. You two seem to get along well enough.”

“We do?” Luigi placed his hand against his cheek, thinking over their last interactions. They had exchanged blows, but worked together in the end to defeat Boolossus. She had held his hand up as the victor, but she had also toyed with him in a way that made it clear that she knew how weak he truly was. He liked her, that much he knew, but that didn’t mean she wanted anything more to do with him, and furthermore she had a power and confidence to her that intimidated him beyond her status as the daughter of four kings. “I don’t know. I mean, we did make a pretty good team, but she’s royalty! I don’t know anything about how to approach royalty. Do I bow? Or–”

“You’ll be fine,” The Professor assured, only half paying attention as he returned to his work, burying himself back into the open hatch of a large machine.

In the end, Luigi did as he was told. The greenhouse was easy enough to find. As large as the Birabuto Palace was, its corridors were open and easy to navigate, and the guards were surprisingly helpful in giving directions despite their shaky first-encounters.

Finding the large doors to the greenhouse, marked by limestone imitations of crawling vines carved into the archway, Luigi gathered his determination and pushed them open. The first thing that struck him was a wall of glacial cold– a shocking surprise, and the opposite of what he expected from a greenhouse, but this discomfort was immediately undercut by the beauty of the surrounding foliage. The flowers, sparkling with a brilliant, incandescent blue, sprouted from planter boxes and large pots all around in blooms and buds. He thought for a moment that surely they were beautifully-crafted plastic or silicon, but pinching a large leaf between the fingers of his gloves he found they felt as real as any common dandelion. The second thing that struck him was the night sky, clearly visible through the glass walls and ceiling. He had never in his life seen so many stars, and for all his love of science and space he could not recognize a single constellation, which served as an unsettling, but ultimately breathtaking reminder of how far from home truly he was.

“Oh! Hey!”

Luigi jumped and let out a surprised squeak when Daisy emerged from behind a stack of pots to greet him. Her cheeks were tinted pink from the cold, and in her right arm she held a large sack of powdery-white fertilizer that she was distributing between the plants. She laughed at his reaction, but it carried no hint of condescension, just friendly amusement. “I was hoping I’d see you again before we invaded Evershade Valley!” she called, waving him over. “Luigi, was it?”

Luigi approached while holding his hat to his chest, shuddering a bit as the chill bit at the edges of his ears. “Yes, Your Highness.” Daisy once more laughed her friendly, good-natured laugh. “None of that. Just Daisy. No ‘Miss’ or ‘Ma’am’ either. If you’ve gotta be formal, call me Princess Daisy.” Luigi, feeling a little more at ease, put his hat back on his head. “Yes, Princess Daisy.” She gave a nod of approval, then went back to work fertilizing the long rows of plants. “So,” she asked, “What can I help you with, big guy?” “I, er…” Luigi suddenly realized he had failed to come up with a proper reason before arriving here. He couldn’t very well say the professor kicked him out of the lab for being inept, but before he could think of an excuse his attention was re-seized by the plants. Curiosity overcame him to the point that he forgot his worries, and he once more brushed his hand against the leaf of the nearest flower. “Are these where your ice powers came from? In The Battle Stadium?” “Of course! I’m pretty good with a powerup, huh?” Daisy said proudly, “Normally I favor the elephant fruit, but today I decided to switch things up.” “Elephant fruit? There’s other magical plants?” The princess stiffened. Luigi was worried for a moment that he had accidentally said something offensive, but she retained her genuine smile as she set the sack of fertilizer down and placed her hands on her hips. “Wow, you’re really not from around here, are you.” Before Luigi could answer, she walked up and wrapped a friendly arm around his shoulder. “Suppose I should’ve known. Humans aren’t native to this world. The professor is one of, like, two other humans I know. Do you know E. Gadd? Is he your uncle or something?” “I– uh, no. We just met yesterday.” “Let me guess: you're lost." "Well... yes..." "And he said he'd only get you home if you help him.” “What!?” “He’s the kind of guy to pull a stunt like that if he thinks it’s for the greater good.” Daisy explained, holding Luigi a bit closer in a show of sympathy. “You don’t have to do this, you know, you could go home anytime you like. I’ll vouch for you!” Despite the friendly intention behind these words, Luigi felt a lump form in his throat. He slipped out from under The Princess’ side-hug, and stared up at her with a troubled look. “Do you… want me to leave?” Daisy bristled. Her cheeks reddened as she shook her head and waved her hands in dismay. “No! No no no of course not! I think you’re great! It’s just…” She trailed off, rubbing the back of her neck.

Luigi, surprised by this rare show of nervousness, patiently waited with bated breath for her to gather her thoughts, and after a few seconds she continued, quieter than before. “It’s just that I keep thinking about what you said in the arena. You seemed like a guy who had a lot to lose. You weren’t in it for glory or the fun of the fight, you were just scared and… I don’t know… I felt bad for you. Still do.” At this, Luigi gained a slight smile, shyly burying his hands in his pockets and rocking on his heels. “Heh, don’t worry. I gotta learn how to not be scared all the time, y'know?” It didn’t take long before he realized what he said– whose words he was echoing. The gravity of the situation quickly crashed back down on him, robbing him of that small moment of comfort. It was evident by the look on Daisy’s face that she had seen the change in his expression, so Luigi went ahead and explained his predicament before she could ask: “It’s my brother, Mario. We both fell through a warp pipe. I ended up in your kingdom but he ended up in Evershade Valley.”

Daisy cocked her head, the gears turning behind her eyes as everything she had witnessed about the plumber's manner up until now came together in her mind. “Oh. I see.”

“It was my fault. I fell into the warp pipe, and he jumped in after me, and– I… I can’t just leave him.” Luigi heard his own voice crack and felt tears beginning to form in his eyes. Despite this he kept going, the pent up emotions of the past twenty four hours running rampant, unable to be reigned in. “It’s not that I don’t trust anyone else to save him, but I gotta make sure he’s okay! We’ve never been apart this long… and I-... I miss him.” Tears began streaming freely, the cold air burning them into long lines down Luigi’s cheeks. He turned away, struggling to wipe his eyes with the back of his glove. “I’m sorry…”

“Don’t be.”

Luigi saw a glimmer of white fabric in the corner of his vision. Turning, he saw the princess holding a flower-embroidered handkerchief out to him. He accepted, and dried his eyes. He tried to hand it back, but she was already returning to the flowers, plucking up a set of pruning shears as she went. “I’ve never known a good fighter that didn’t have big emotions brewing under the surface,” she assured. “But don’t you worry, after the way we saved my dads, saving you brother should be no sweat!...” Luigi, hearing a light snip of closing shears, saw Princess Daisy remove one of the ice flowers at its base between where the leaves connected to the soil. Despite being cut off from its roots the plant remained as lively as ever. It almost looked to be dancing happily in her hands as she delivered it back to Luigi.

“...and when you do save him, give him this.” She said, holding out the offering. “If Mario’s anything like you, he’s not going to want to be defenseless, and ice magic is the one of the few things that can combat boos besides your Poltergust.” Luigi smiled. He reached out and took the flower into his hands. He was surprised to find it wasn’t particularly chilly to the touch– clearly the coldness of the room was for the sake of cultivating the plants, not the effect of the flowers themselves. “You seem to really know a lot.” He mused aloud, pressing the gift to his chest. “But… you said humans aren’t native to this world. Where did you come from, then?” He stopped suddenly, realizing the personal nature of what he asked. He searched Daisy’s face for some sign of disapproval, but was relieved to see her smiling just as brightly as before. “Ha! I wish I had an answer to your question!” She laughed, “Dragonzamasu says I hatched from an orange egg that appeared suddenly in a field of flowers. Biokinton says he found me curled up in a bassinet hitched to a shooting star. Hiyoihoi says he found me locked in a gemstone at the center of the oldest mountain in Sarasaland. But I’m more inclined to buy Totomesu’s story.”

“What’s Totomesu’s story?” Daisy’s smile wavered. Luigi wondered once again if he misstepped, but this time easily brushed the thought aside, trusting by now that the princess would let him know if he had done something wrong. She turned away, staring up at the stars through the glass wall of the greenhouse, and Luigi placed himself at the her side, watching the stars in tandem until Daisy finally broke the silence and answered his question: “He found me at the mouth of a warp pipe, barely old enough to crawl and completely terrified. Sometimes I think I still remember that day… as much as I prefer to believe that I hatched from an egg.”

There was such an odd sadness to her voice that Luigi felt an impulse to reach out and reassuringly take her hand, though he had enough common sense to refrain from such an intimate gesture. All the same, he wanted to say something comforting. “I don’t mind that you didn’t hatch from an egg.” He heard himself blurt out.

Daisy shot him a confused look, and Luigi nervously scrambled to explain himself. “What I mean is… hey, you were a baby, y’know? Ain’t nothing to be embarrassed about. You’re already so cool, you can’t be cool every moment of your life, and most babies aren’t cool! And… uh…” Daisy started to laugh. Luigi turned red, but felt a little better now that she was smiling again, even more so when he felt the princess affectionately nudging his shoulder. “Haha! I get it big guy, I get what you're saying!”

Luigi laughed too, in spite of himself.

“Speaking of ‘cool,’” Daisy went on, “I'm freezing!” She rubbed at her arms in a display of discomfort. Luigi, too, was suddenly reminded of just how cold he was. By now the low temperature had seeped all the way through his clothes and skin, triggering a powerful shiver that ran through his core, which was soon soothed as the princess wrapped an arm around him, and pressed him close. “Tell me, Luigi, do you have hot chocolate in your world?”

“I love hot chocolate!”

“Perfect!” With her arm still tightly wrapped around the plumber, Daisy eagerly led him to the egress of the greenhouse. “Let’s get us some good old-fashioned creature comforts before we fight some ghosts!”

"Heh. Yeah. Let's-a-go!" Luigi said, forcing enthusiasm, thankful that he had the cold as an excuse for his uncontrollable shivering.

#my writing #super mario bros #super mario bros redux #super mario brothers #mario movie #mario movie au #Luigi #Polterpup #Princess Daisy #Professor E. Gadd #Luaisy #this got longer than I intended but what else is new

55 notes · View notes

tobitofunction · 3 months

Text

🐉 part 9

part 1 part 2 part 3 part 4 part 5 part 6 part 7 part 8

TW: Blood,

You watched as carriages were filled with chests of different sizes,"Everything is nearly ready" Zuko said from behind you, he was dressed in casual clothes, something which you hadn't seen him in for a while,"Nervous?", he chuckled and nodded,"We are getting married so yeah and it's only our first ceremony as well" you smiled and walked towards him,"Thank you for agreeing to do this" you smiled placing your head on his chest, Zuko wrapped his arms around you and kissed the top of your head,"It's part of your culture, I don't want you to lose that part of you just because you are marrying into mine" he said,"Will you be taking Haku or taking the boat with us?" he asked after a while,"I be taking the boat, Haku will be flying alongside us" you said pulling away from him,"You also be delighted to hear, that plan for a dragon pit is set in motion" your eyes lit up at the comment,"A couple of fire nation architecture's and builder will join us so they can inscept the pit themselves" you smiled widely and hugged Zuko again,"Thank you again" you smiled and kissed his cheek.

Haku was flying in the air peacefully, Zuko looked up at him before looking at the red egg still unhatched, he sighed and closed the lid of the stone container,"It will hatch don't worry" you smiled rubbing his back,"Teach me Valyrian" he said making you lift a brow,"You want to learn Valyrian" you said happily,"Yes, it's beautiful, mostly when you speak it" he said making your cheeks darken slightly,"Nyke krenyikhé bodmagho ao ñuha jorrāelagon " Zuko cocked his head making you giggle,"I gladly teach you my love" you said making him smile, he kissed your forehead when a servant approached them,"My Lord we be arriving soon" he said with a bow, Zuko nodded his head,"Let the others know as well, thank you" he said making the servant leave,"By Sun set tomorrow we be married in the tradition of old Valyria" you said holding his hands,"I can't wait"

"Wow, it's so cool looking" Kiyi said holding Ursa hand, who finally let her mother be close to her again,"It is quite impressive" she agreed,"Look at the dragons" Kiyi said pointing towards a small dragon flying behind it's mother,"Can I have it?" she asked excitedly but Ursa shook her head," Y/N, where do the dragons live?" Noren asked,"Those two are wild dragons so they live in the dragon mount a bit further from the castle, dragons like Haku live in the dragon pit" you explained,"There aren't many dragon's here, including the wild ones I say we have 11-13"," That seems like quite a lot," he said,"It's nothing to the glory of old Valyria," your Uncle said making you shiver,"Dragons roamed the skies like birds did, every child of dragon rider families received an egg at birth which always hatched, now they mostly suit for decorations," he said, "Uncle how glad I am that you are welcoming us," you said as you saw your Uncle,"I'm glad you found your dragon, your father is waiting for you all at the dining hall, your other friends are also waiting," he said, his eyes drifting towards your necklace, the gift he gave you, which you are still wearing, a small smirk played on his lips.

"Fireboy, good to see you again" Top said the second you all walked in, she punched Zuko in the arm making him wince slightly." Father" you smiled hugging your father, he kissed your forehead and squeezed your hand once the two of you parted from the hug,"It's been only 3 months but you have changed so much my sweet child, I missed you dearly," he said,"I missed you too, how are you doing?" he sighed,"as good as one can after losing part of your heart if it hadn't been for you and your sister, I be a dead man" you smiled sadly,"How is my sister doing?","she is a strong baby, just like you were when you were born and now you are getting married," he said his own purple eyes began to tear up but he quickly composed himself when Lord Coryls walked over,"Everything is ready for the dinner," he said,"Good to see you again Princess," he said with a small bow,"Good to see you too my Lord".

Dinner was quiet, you sat beside your father while Zuko sat next to you,"I'm curious what does your wedding tradition involve?" Aang asked breaking the silence," It's a union of blood and fire" your cousin said before biting into his duck again, "In old Valyria, blood magic is what made us dragon riders, not every family could do it, and the only ones who could, were made powerful" your father explained,"That's why we try to marry each other as often as possible, our blood is what makes us special" you said with a nod,"But now it's about to become diluted" your Uncle snarked making you sigh and your father rolls his eyes,"It will strengthen our bloodline, and we made a pact, your firstborn children will be wedded together" he reminded, making you sigh,"Has your egg hatched yet?" your Uncle asked turning to Zuko," No, it hasn't" Zuko said,"If it that isn't a sign" he hummed,"Your dragon wasn't born to you either Uncle, you claimed him when you were 12" you said making his smirk drop,"But still I got one dear niece" he said before getting up,"Where you going?" his wife Laena asked,"I have some business to attend to" he said kissing her temple,"Well this got awkward fast" Sooka said to Suki and Toph,"I love this family" Toph added making Sooka smile and nod while Suko just rolled her eyes at them.

Zuko held the egg above the fire,"Come on hatch" he mumbled,"They are like babies, they will come when they feel like it" you said entering the room,"Don't worry, it will hatch eventually. I have a good feeling" you said sitting down beside him, Zuko sighed and placed the egg on his lap,"What if it doesn't?" you shrugged,"Than it doesn't, my father doesn't have a dragon he rules this place" you said making Zuko look up,"Wait what?","Soon after it hatched, it didn't get along with the other dragons in the pit" you said with a sad expression," He was given another egg but it never hatched and he was fine with it, cause he knows a dragon doesn't define his strengths as a leader or his place within the family" you continued,"So don't define yourself either, you be a great husband" you kissed his cheek," Zuko smiled and placed the egg back into it's container,"What did you bring?" he asked finally noticing the stash of cloth,"The wedding attire for tomorrow, be careful with it, they have been in the family for generations" you said making Zuko nod, Zuko inspected the outfit the shoulders were red like blood and it blended into the beige of the rest of the outfit, it was lined with golden embroidery,"Nervous?" Zuko asked making you nod,"Yes, but at least I got to know and got to love you before we get married, not many people in similar positions have that luxury,"My mother didn't" Zuko said with a nod,"I see you tomorrow.

Zuko was met by the Chief of the sun warriors, Zuko took a deep breath before approaching him,"You suit the traditional clothing well" he said looking down at Zuko, evidence of dislike was evident in his voice, and Zuko couldn't blame him. Even though Dragon's do still exist, his ancestors still hunted them down to near extinction. "Now follow me this ceremony has many steps," he said,"Some, you find them familiar enough as you did some of them with the Avatar", Zuko nodded as he followed, the path becoming familiar to him,"Take a piece of the eternal flame and bring it to your bride who is waiting for you by the Master's with a flame of her own" he said slamming the bottom of his staff into the ground, unlike last time it was only him and the Chief,"Is their reason for this tradition?" Zuko asked curiously," The Dragon's came to us because of them, they are the blood of the dragon, previously you brought the flame to your show commitment to fire bending, now by doing this you will show the same but for each other. The Princess without fire bending carried the flame before you came up to the master's without the use of her dragon, now you need to do the same".

The way up was more tiring than Zuko remembered maybe it's also the clothing which added to it, as they were slightly heavier than what he regularly wore. He examined the flame in hand just to make sure it was still the same size and not too small or too big. Soon enough he was where he met the Master's last time, it was as breathtaking as the last time. His friends and family were already there so were your family and the sun warriors."You made it, good" the Chief said,"She is waiting up there for you" he said moving sideways to reveal the stairs, sun warriors were standing on each step on both sides, more lined up in a circle around the base of the stairs, he looked up at you, a torch was in your hand which was burning with Zuko assumed with the eternal flame, beside you stood even more sun warriors. Zuko carefully made his way up,"I thought you got cold feet" you smiled shifting the torch slightly,"I'm here now. There are so many more Sun Warriors here now than last time I was in this position" he said nervously, you smiled,"It's not as different than what you did last time with Aang" you said trying to ease him. The Chief appeared behind Zuko slamming his staff into the ground and making it stick, both of you turned to the Chief to allow him to take pieces of the flames of you, he then handed the flames to the warriors around him. The warriors used those flames to create circles just like they did for Aang and Zuko before."What do we do with these now?" Zuko whispered, holding up his flame,"You will see" you said turning around and handing the torch to a Sun Warrior whose hands where free, Zuko turned around and saw another free warrior and did the same. The man gave him a glare but he held it anyway before he faced you again.

"Princess?" the chief said,"We are ready? Aren't we Zuko?", Zuko smiled and nodded."Chanters!" he hollowed making the sun warrior who weren't carrying flames begin chanting like last time, Zuko reached for you hand as the music continued the horn blared signalling Ran and Shaw to come out but it was a different horn from last time, soon blurs of red and blue swished around them before,"The horn is from old Valeryia, it was used for weddings. Dragon's were always present in weddings to approve their rider's partner and the other dragon. As a wedding between riders is not only to unite families but also dragons. But as we are only family alongside the velar yon it turned into just having Ran and Shaw in it as a reminder of the fall of our people" you explained to Zuko who seemed a bit nervous. Soon the two dragon's stopped flying and stood facing each other with the two of you in between. The chanting has stopped as well. Zuko quickly looked down at everyone, everyone who wasn't holding fire was kneeling. Zuko felt a hand on his shoulder it was the Chief, he handed Zuko a stone, it was nearly clear, the light of the flames and setting sun shined on it,"Let me do it first" you said gently grabbing the stone. Zuko nodded, slightly embarrassed, you slide the stone horizontally over you bottom lip making blood appear, you placed your thumb on the cut making the blood appear on your thumb, Zuko than realised what will happen next, he gave you a small nod, you smiled and smeared the blood between the space of his brows, you than handed Zuko the stone who did the same, he handed you the stone back, you than cut your palm open a small wince leaving your mouth, Zuko followed but he showed no signs of pain, you held out our hand zuko placed his bleeding hand on top of yours, the Chief wrapped a red cloth around your joined hands as he began speaking,"Hen lantoti ānogar (blood of two) Va sÿndroti vāedroma (joined as two)-" as he spoke a female sun warrior showed up with a golden cup in her hand, she held it under the cloth as your joined blood dripped down into it,(-Mēro perzot gīhoti (Ghostly flames) Elēdroma iārza sīr (and songs of shadows)-" the chief motioned to the sun warriors who where holding the torch and Zuko's flame, the woman moved the cup and handed it to chief,"Don't panic" you mouthed, Zuko nodded he was slightly confused why you were telling him not panic but he was soon answered as the warriors used the left over flames to set the cloth on fire, his skin began heat up but you seemed calm so he tried to keep the panic to himself,"- Izulī ampā perzī (two hearts as embers)-" the chief said handing you the cup of your blood, you brought it to your lips slowly taking a sip before handing it to Zuko, who slightly hesitated before doing the same,"-Prūmī lanti sēteksi (forged in fourteen fires) Hen jenÿ māzīlarion (a future promised in glass) Qēlossa ozūndesi (the stars stand witness) Sÿndroro ōńō jēdo (the vow spoken through time) Rÿ kīvia mazvestraksi (of darkness and light)" he finished removing the cloth from your hands.

You smiled and touched Zuko's face gently making him smile. Zuko's hand cupped the back of your head pulling you in for a kiss. The dragons huffed making Zuko pull away from you in concern,"Don't worry if they didn't like you, they would have killed you the first time" you joked making Zuko smile just as the two dragons flew back into their caves. He looked down at his hand, it wasn't burned but slightly red and it stung a bit. He looked at your hand but yours wasn't red nor did it seem to hurt. "Congrats Princess....and Fire Lord" the chief said.

The two of you walked down the stairs to your friends and family,"Congratulations guys, it was a beautiful ceremony, it was an honour to attend. How can you top this Zuko?" Katara said,"Probably not, Fire nation weddings aren't anything like this" he said wrapping his arm around your waist and bringing you closer,"Thank you for letting us be here, it's truly an honour to see how other nation's celebrate," Aang said," It was cool, a bit gross with all that blood but still cool" Sooka said making Suki and Katara nudge him," I'm not big on tradition but yours are cool" Top said with a big smile,"It was truly beautiful," Suki said,"So romantic" Ty Lee added. "Thank you for attending guys, it truly means a lot to me" Zuko said as your father pulled you aside.

"My beautiful daughter is now married" your father said cupping your cheek,"I remember the day you were born clearly, it was one of the happiest day's in my life, today is a day happiness and sorrow as I won't be able to see you as often now, as you are part of the fire nation now","I'm still your heir father, and I will do you proud" he smiled and kissed your cheek,"I know you will, I wish your mother could see you" he smiled sadly,"She is watching father, I know she is" you answered making smile at you. In the corner of your eye you could see your Uncle, he had his arms crossed and was leaning against the rock,"I wish you a Wonderfull marriage cousin" Laena said taking your hands,"Thank you, I hope my Uncle is kind to you" you said honestly," You know your Uncle, he loves me in his own unique way. Mostly now since I'm with child" your face light it,"Congratulations dear Cousin, I hope for the babe to be healthy and a strong dragon rider","Thank you, it means a lot. He already found an egg, it came from the clutch of your mother dragon. I hope it's okay?" you nodded,"Of course, we are family after all" you smiled at her, Laena silver curls slightly blew in the wind. Laena moved away when her father and brother walked over,"Congratulations Princess, I hope the marriage is what you wish it to be" Corly said,"Thank you my Lord","You know where home is cousin, in case you ever need it of course"his son said with a soft smile, even though the wedding between the two of you never happened it was still good to see that he was good with it and not petty.

Meanwhile, Zuko was talking to his own family,"You have grown a lot Zuko. You be a good husband I know you will" Iroh said patting Zuko's shoulder before pulling him in a hug, "Thank you for everything Uncle" Zuko said tears rolling down his cheek, "I'm proud to see the man you have become, I wouldn't change the journey we had for all the tea in the world" Iroh said. Zuko turns to his mother,"Thank you for letting me be part of this, I wasn't there for you at your lowest moments in the past but now I won't leave your side. I be there whenever you need me Zuko" Ursa said hugging Zuko tightly,"Thanks Mother"."Zuzu, the dragons were so cool" Kiyi said in Noren's arms, her eyes wide and filled with joy,"I'm glad you enjoyed it Kiyi" Zuko said pinching her cheeks gently making her giggle. Zuko looked up from his sister to Mai,"Congrats you are officially in chains" she said in her usual monotone voice,"No, I'm happy for you Zuko, Y/N is good for you" she said a soft smile appearing on her lips,"Thank you Mai, I hope you and Kei Lo happiness as well" Zuko smiled, Mai licked her lips and nodded,"So you ready to be a dad?" she said out of nowhere making Zuko,"What?","Come on Zuko, this only started because you need an heir and so is she, if you didn't need one you only be dating" Mai explained, Zuko sighed,"Yeah I guess I never really thought about it....It's probably in inappropriate time to ask but if we never broke up, would you see us being in this situation?","No, I don't like the idea of marriage or kids really...I guess we are destined not be a couple" she sighed,"And yes it's not a good idea to ask your ex at your wedding this question. Congrats again Zuko" she said as you approached again,"Let's head back to Dragonstone" you smiled kissing Zuko's cheek making him smile.

You and Zuko walked towards your shared bedroom, both nervous about what was to come. Once entered you noticed some small changes, the bedsheets went from a cream coloured cotton to a red silky sheet, more candles were brought in, thin curtains were placed around the bed,"Wow" you whispered turning to Zuko, your blood was still between his brows and vice versa,"Do you want to take a bath first? To get rid of the blood?" Zuko asked,"Yes, that be good. I call the maids".

The maids prepared a bath quickly, the tub was filled with steaming water to the brim, flower petals were floating on the top. I slowly turned around towards Zuko,"We can have separate baths-","No, it's fine, we are married now" he said playing with your outfit,"Take it off" you whispered,"What?","Undress me, Lord, husband" Zuko's cheek flushed, but he smirked,"Only if you the same Lady wife"

#zuko x reader #zuko x y/n #avatar the last airbender #zuko x you #avatar zuko #zuko x fem!reader #zuko x female!reader #zuko fanfic #firelord zuko

57 notes · View notes

cupidl0vesy0u · 24 days

Text

Would anyone be interested in origins smp AU but changed a bit?

Is it literally the origins universe, but with Missa and some changes in story.

If you got any ideas or questions, feel free to tell me about it or ask!

Here's some ideas for the story so far.

(Sorry for grammar mistakes!)

When Phil was younger, he fell in love with a beautiful woman who was said to be the goddess who came from the moon.

He spoke to the moon every night, hoping she would come down again, and answer him.

But then it happened and she really visited him again, again and again.

Talking to him and slowly falling in love, too.

After some time she came to visit, but had a gift with her.

A gift that represents their love and their nightly talks she adored.

She gave him an avian egg.

The egg hatched to Tommy, who was really special. His hair was almost golden like, and his eyes were the shiniest blue.

----

But after some time, Kristin visited Phil and told him that she knows someone he would really like. ;-)

He got intrudused to a avian named Missa.

- they fell in love, and Kristin told Phil to get with Missa so he is not alone and has help with Tommy(?) She knew his love for her was strong but knew it was hard being alone without her there with him.

- Then Missa and Phil had their own eggs together

(Phil is the one who who laid the eggs- MPREG REAL?!?)

Tommy is now the oldest, and he is the one who got in a acident, and became a phantom.

His younger siblings are Chayanne and Tallulah.

Chayanne and Tallulah are twins while he is like 6 years older then them (?)

Kristin sometimes visits Tommy's dreams because he is made from stars and magic, I think(? This doesn't make sense, tbh-.)

36 notes · View notes

kaymarie-bell · 5 months

Text

TWST Book 7 Chapter 6 spoilers and reactions ahead

You know, through all the updates people have been wondering "where is OB Malleus? is he seeing the dream too? why is he not interfering despite our group being 'awake'? does he even know about all of this?" it might seem crazy what I'm about to say-

This update started with a banger giving us Baul knighting Sebek and giving him an armor that's just like his after fighting off the Silver Owls together

Btw I'm currently on a mission of stealing all the gel in NRC to keep Sebek from putting his hair up again. If you care.

Silver carrying an injured Lilia on his back while Yuu and Grim look after the egg instead of leaving him behind like he asked. I'm ok I'm ok.

Sebek got to show off his UM training. I'm so proud of him 🥹

They killed my hot wife.

Fighting as Meleanor vs The Knight of Dawn felt so sick and twisted knowing what the outcome was.

FUCK THE SENATE. TF YOU MEAN "Filthy bat" "Don't touch Malleus" "get out of the capital and don't show up here again" I'm genuinely upset, what the fuck leave Lilia alone 😭

Maleficia's magic was not helping with hatching the egg, and touch and love is more effective so of course the responsibility falls on Lilia. Huh, who would've thought-

Lilia and the egg communicating. Did y'all see that. Is anyone else being totally normal about it.

Meleanor knew what she was doing when she left her child to Lilia.

Also what do you mean his own grandmother couldn't provide him the love he needed to hatch? 👀

Lilia's numerous travels around the world were all to find something to help hatch the egg. And he got discriminated against by both humans and fae everywhere oh I'm so sick-

Egg!Malleus feeling lonely even before hatching. Lilia being the only one who hears him crying. Lilia running to him despite it being dangerous. 😭

HE DISCOVERED HIS SIGNATURE SPELL WHILE SEARCHING FOR A WAY TO HATCH THE EGG. THE SPELL THAT BEST REFLECTS THE ESSENCE OF HIS SOUL IS THE ONE HE USES FOR BOTH MALLEUS AND SILVER. Shaped like a father fr.

Oh so the egg seems to gain strength only whenever Lilia shows up around it? What a coincidence I wonder what could this mean

Lilia's VA did a phenomenal job. I started ugly crying too. The 200 years were worth it to Lilia 😭😭😭

*Silver voice* I'm sure we were all wondering, "if these dreams are supposed to be happy then why have we seen nothing but pain and suffering so far?" well, it turns out Malleus being born is his happiest moment in life.

not a single thought behind that baby's eyes (he's 1 minute old)

Leona was right he sure *is* a lizard

not the senate suddenly praising Lilia as a hero 😒 I haven't forgotten what y'all said earlier.

Oh shit OB!Malleus is back. I got so caught up in the euphoria of seeing Malleus' birth that for a moment I forgot about overblots.

Malleus has his mom's looks and his dad's voice according to general Lilia

OB!Malleus is absolutely pissed at his grandma and the senate. Good for him.

Malleus offering Lilia a dream where Meleanor and Levan are alive...

If anyone is wondering "how are we supposed to win a battle against OB!Malleus?" the answer is: you don't. We only survive 😔 (for now ig)

Silver is able to secure the entire group in his arms. So normal about it haha.

SON IS BACK.

IDIA IS AWAKE LET'S GO GAMERS LMAO

we have reached 100 chapters. I can't wait to see what Idia's victory strategy is going to be

#twisted wonderland #twst #twst diasomnia chapter #diasomnia spoilers #twst jp #Malleus needing love to hatch and the only person who could provide it not being allowed to because of difference in status...I'm so sick #I can see next update being the last for this chapter #I got so happy when I saw the Shrouds I'M HYPED #imagine Idia shows up in full mecha suit next chapter #not even going to think about how he was able to wake up from his RSA Ortho dream #kay shouts into the void

120 notes · View notes

gracielikegrapes · 1 year

Text

My HOTD Fixit! AU

I made this for my own sanity because I'm a nervous wreck :)

Alicent still marries Viserys I however her and Rhaenyra reconcile before she gives birth to Aegon.

Rhaenyra still sleeps with Criston however doesn't gallavant around fleabottom with Daemon. He does this with Laena instead.

Otto runs his mouth about Laena and Daemon and gets sent away because the last thing Viserys needs is to piss off House Velaryon.

Rhaenyra marries Ser Harwin and Lynol Strong becomes Hand of the King.

Daemon and Laena marry and separate their time between Driftmark and Kings Landing.

Aemond (roughly 10 years old) loses his eye during training with Criston (because he's known for his restraint) Criston Cole is executed.

Alicent, Rhaenyra and Laena raise their children together with Daemon leading the Valyrian studies because these kids (especially Alicent's) need to know their Valyrian heritage.

Harwin leads the boy's combat training and threatens them with Daemon training them if they misbehave. Baela also joins sometimes.

Viserys I passes away whilst Alicent is pregnant with Daeron. Rhaenyra ascends the throne keeping Lynol Strong as her hand. Alicent is an advisor alongside Rhaenys with Corlys being the Master of Ships.

Laena unfortunately passes away after commanding Vhagar. Her twins are about 12 years old.

Rhaena tries to claim Vhagar under supervision a month after her mothers funeral however she is unsuccessful but unhurt.

Aemond claims Vhagar approximately 6 months after Laena's death again under supervision.

Jacerys and Helaena are betrothed with Jace being the heir to the Iron Throne.

Aemond and Rhaena are betrothed. They will soon inherit a sizable Manse and land within the Crownlands once they are married and of age.

Baela is betrothed to a Velaryon cousin and is the heir to Driftmark.

Aegon is suprisingly good at sums and aids the Master of Coin and advises over the coffers of Dragonstone and the Manse in the Crownlands.

Lucerys is the heir to Harrenhall.

Joffrey and Daeron are a pair of gremlins.

Daemon has long since taken on a brother role to Alicent; he's a blessing and a curse.

Otto remains exiled to Oldtown.

*~EXTRA~*

Aemond gifts Rhaena a pink dragon egg when they begin courting. The egg hatches on their wedding day; she's named Morning.

218 notes · View notes

rollinouttahere-writes · 5 months

Text

Strays AU

Who are Lizard and Doll? What the hell is the Strays AU? Finally there is an easy way to answer these questions without going through 100 memes to figure it out.

Who is Lizard:

Lizard is the reader from Was It Worth It?

She is 14 pre-timeskip

After Crocodile is defeated, Robin brings Lizard with her when she joins the Straw Hats

Usopp, Chopper, and Zoro are all highly suspicious of her, the rest of the crew is more willing to give her the benefit of the doubt.

She gets a bounty poster immediately after Alabasta because she is VERY wanted by the marines. Due to how dangerous her father was, her starting bounty is 50,000,000 berry.

She feels horribly guilty over what Crocodile did and spends her every waking moment trying to make up for it. Examples include: selling all her jewelry to help buy things for the crew/ship, doing everyone’s chores whether they asked her to or not, never asking for help, etc…

Possesses Armament Haki, it awakens from how stressed she is in Skypeia with Enel attacking the Straw Hats. It’s pretty weak, but is enough to shield Nami from Enel’s Observation Haki.

Everyone fully accepts Lizard post Skypeia, but it takes her a while to realize that because she’s so lost in her own head.

Luffy’s talk of freedom really rubs off on her, and she wants to save others from being in the situation she was in with her father.

The Straw Hats are normal, but Robin is a little yandere for her because she got attached to her over the years. Lizard finally gets to experience what normal familial relationships and friendships are supposed to be like.

As she gets more comfortable and confident, she goes from a sweet, mild mannered teenager to a take-no-shit pirate that will jump anyone she has a problem with.

Now that she’s no longer under her dad’s control and is truly seeing how money and finances work, she becomes extremely frugal as a result. She thinks her dad was insane for wasting as much money as he did.

Despite all of the resentment, she doesn’t actually hate Crocodile. She’s furious with him for starting a war and trying to kill Robin, but a part of her does still care for him. She was a daddy’s girl her whole life, that doesn’t just go away overnight. There is a lot of guilt stemming from this because she feels like she should hate him but just can’t.

She has a crush on Koby because he’s the only marine who doesn’t assume she’s just as bad as her father.

Who is Lady Camorra?

Lizard’s pet bananawani. She first got her when she was a toddler, and Lizard was the first person Lady Camorra saw after hatching. They’ve been inseparable ever since.

She is a juvenile, but is already 20 feet long (about 6 meters)

Lizard likes to tie bows around her head crest and color coordinates them with her own outfits

She’s a chonky girl from how well fed she is

Only takes commands from Lizard but is friendly enough towards the rest of the Straw Hats (except Sanji because he beat up her entire extended family back in Rainbase and she is NOT over it)

Who is Doll?

Doll is the reader from Better Left Unsaid. She is gender neutral in the fic, but got labeled as a girl as the Strays AU developed because I forgot that the reader was GN in that fic. Oops.

She is 13 pre-timeskip

While she is reasonably confident around Shanks and his crew, she is a nervous wreck around literally anyone else due to how severely under socialized she is. She’s terrible at making eye contact and shakes like a leaf around new people.

Lizard catches wind of her existence and immediately decides she needs to be rescued (she does).

Doll bounces between reveling in her newfound freedom and having panic attacks because she’s afraid Shanks is going to find her and murder all of her new friends.

Now that she’s gotten a taste of freedom, going back to Shanks is her worst nightmare. If she so much as thinks she saw him she is screaming and crying because she knows he isn’t going to change. She dislikes Shanks more than Lizard dislikes Crocodile.

She is an expert at lockpicking, being able to break into any treasure chest helps endear her to Nami.

While Nami is unhappy about having an emperor hunting them down, her and the rest of the crew are quick to take Doll under their wing.

Uta is her older sister, but she doesn’t remember her at all and only has photos to go off of.

What is the Strays AU?

This is an AU where Lizard, Doll and Lucky (from Lucky Break) are all a part of the Straw Hats at the same time.

Lucky is a big sister to both Lizard and Doll.

Rumors start to speculate that Lucky and Lizard are actually siblings, and they both go with it because it’s funny.

Lizard gets very protective of both Luck and Doll and sicks Lady Camorra on anyone who bothers them.

I'll add more to this as it develops

#strays au

67 notes · View notes

misguidedasgardian · 1 year

Text

The White Dragon (9)

9. While you were gone

MASTERLIST

Summary: You’d been living in a dream, and now you had to wake up

Pairings: main Harwin Strong x Fem!Targaryen reader

Warnings: cursing, medieval and A song of ice and Fire AU customs, talks about “bastards”, name calling, mentions of smut, and more, a tamed chapter

+18, MINORS DNI

Wordcount: 3.7 k

Notes: One thing I changed from ASOIAF… since the conquest, the Tully’s were the lords of the Riverlands… well, now the Strongs are 😂 Short chapter I think, but a transitional one, we will see what they'd been up to for the last 10 years

Year 128 AC, 10 years after the departure from King’s Landing

The thing is… that when you are the highest ranking person in a holdfast, you can practically live however you want. And away from court, and royal protocol and responsibilities, you learned, fairly quickly, that you were free

And that’s how you lived with your small family.

You shared your bed with your husband, and sometimes your children, when they crawled in your bed in the midst of the night claiming about having nightmares. Harwin’s desire to extend your family never dwindled, and you tried, everynight to do so… now for pleasure more than need.

In your fourth year away from court a third babe was born to you, a little girl, with silver hair and kind eyes just like your sweet mother and with the coloring of your husband. She was the apple of his eye, and yours, and you named her Aemma, with your father’s blessing, he even made the trip to bring you a dragon egg. That never hatched

Your children grew as summer grass, free from the schemes and darkness of the court. Running over open fields, green woods and jumping over streams. And their dragons grew alongside them. Maekar and Rhaegar turn into young dragonriders at age 7, and your daughter was content with riding with you, in Vhaelar’s back

Harwin dealt with matters of the Strong lands and you managed to finish the construction of your new home. A castle. It was over the hill overlooking Harrenhal, and it was beautiful, with big windows with painted glass and a big patio where your children grew, played, and learned under the shadow of a beautiful tree that you built your home around. towers in which you and your children had your quarters, and a tower named the tower of the princess, that serves as a watch tower with a dome, a favorite spot for you, Rhaegar and Aemma. In the castle you had headquarters for your servants as well, and you all lived together. Still keeping the old Harrenhall, since it was an important seat of great size, closest to King Landing, it was an important military outpost for armies of the crown that could not be forsaken.

Your children were instructed in philosophy, history, even some arts, and they spoke Valyrian fluently, thanks to your own teachings. Maekar, ever the scholar, would pay close attention to his teachers and septas, but Rhaegar, on the other hand, the boy’s mind seemed to be everywhere but on the patio. And sweet, Aemma, of 6 name days, would listen to her brothers, and learned to read and write only at 4 years old, and the first thing she wanted to do was to write to her dear grandsire, who sat in a big chair and wore a golden ring in his head.

Ser Steffon at the beginning traveled with you, even if as Rhaenyra had two more sons, and that drove you away from the line of succession, you still were a princess of royal blood, so, your own Kingsguard was appointed to you, alongside a bunch of city watch former soldiers that became soldiers of the House Strong. But your personal guard traveled back and forth, and now with a bigger royal family and descendants to the throne, he was more needed in the Red Keep, than by your side. He was very close to renouncing but you insisted otherwise, you needed him by your father’s side, even if his only wish was to stay with you and train the boys, something you had been postponing as much as you could but they were ten now and Harwin was dying to start their training.

Under yours, and Steffon’s eyes, you guarded Joanna’s safety, as many suitors came to her seeing that she was now a widow, and a young Lannister woman, and you gave her the liberty to be courted in your home, and to chose her own spouse, after many suitors, she fell for the heir to house Tully and Riverrun, a handsome and good man, with auburn hair and freckles and a kind smile. Of course his Lannister brothers refused him, but with you, a princess, behind her, there was nothing they could do, and with angry looks, they let her wed him. You had constant contact with the Tullys, since the Strongs were the lords of the Riverlands, and House Tully was loyal to you. Now Joanna was happier than you had ever seen her, with two beautiful sons with auburn hair and green eyes just like hers

But the shadow of the crown was always over you, constant news reached your ears, and a worry was eating you. According to some reports… Rhaenyra’s offspring did not resemble Ser Laenor, and that was becoming a problem for her, the whispers reached you in Harrenhal. The line of succession, her line of succession, was trembling, and in a corner of your mind you wondered if after her, came you as heir, or Aegon, Alicent Hightower’s son. Maybe that was a question you didn’t need answering. Your father was right, the Iron throne was the most dangerous seat in the realm, and looking at your children, you decided you will turn a blind eye and deaf ears to those nasty rumors, which weren’t really rumors, but your allegiance lies with Rhaenyra’s claim and line.

Your children deserved to be as free as their dragons, and the crown and court was like the Dragonpit for them, a beautiful cage, but a cage nonetheless. You managed to create a perfect life, and escape it, or so you thought.

Aemma rested her head in her chubby little arms, looking at the horizon from the Princess Tower, the sound of horses neighing, and hooves and carriages reached her before a caravan appeared through the King’s road, and she recognized the banner immediately, the banner of her house, flying high alongside the three headed dragon

“Grandpa is here!” she screeched, jumping on her feet and running down the spiral stairs. “Grandpa is coming!” she repeated, as her small feet led her to where you probably were, in the gardens with a book. “mommy!”, she threw herself and you catched her in your arms

“What is it, sweet girl?”, you asked as you kissed the top of her head

“Grandpa is coming”, she beamed with a big smile, missing some teeth, “I saw him”, since you weren’t celebrating any name days, or festivities, the fact that your father by law was visiting did concern you.

“Is he now? then we should greet him”, you muttered, “Where are your brothers?” her little face

“I don’t know”, she muttered, looking at the ground in front of her, revealing her little lie.

“Oh you don’t know?” you giggled

. . .

“Arghugon, Karnax!” demanded Rhaegar, and the dragon fell from the skies and with her powerful claws and clinged into the poor stag that screamed in agony, as the dragon lifted its prey, threw it in the air, “Dracarys!” and finally burned it to the crisp so he could eat it. The cream colored beast with golden marking devoured it whole in long bites. Rhaegar knew better than come close to him when he was feeding, so he was content in watching from the tree line

Maekar joined him, hoping that his own dragon won’t come near him now. The blue and silver dragons as flying over the God’s eye

“Aerion is bigger”, whined Rhaegar

“They are the same size”, Maekar answered, “they were born at the same time, and they grow all the same, eating the same, sleeping the same. He only looks bigger because it’s mine”, he joked. Rhaegar rolled his eyes, as his dragon finished his feasting

“You heard that?” Maekar asked, walking away from the trees and looked towards the road, where he saw the caravan approaching, “it’s probably Grandpa Lyonel”

Many couldn’t tell them apart, but one look from you was enough to do so, Maekar had broader shoulders than Rhaegar, and he wore his hair short, strong dark curls over his head, while Rhaegar screeched and screamed when the maids tried to cut his main, so you let him wear it longer, often he had to tie it to keep it from obscuring his gaze.

“Mom will want us there to receive him”, told Maekar, and without thinking it anymore, he ran towards Aerion, who had landed close to him. Rhaegar did the same with Karnax. And they both flew the few miles that separated them from the Castle.

“Where were you?” you asked as they ran to your side fixing their clothes and hair

“Sorry mom, I was teaching Karmax to hunt”, muttered Rhaegar, “Maekar was helping me”

“Good lad” you looked at Harwin with a side smile as he ruffled the boy’s hair, as you stood with the members of your household outside the castle to wait for your father

The carriage stopped right in front of you all, a soldier jumped from it and opened the door, and Lyonel showed up, he had lost part of his hair, as ten years took its toll, but he was still a tall, proud and Strong man.

“Grandpa!” Aemma jumped into Lyonel’s awaiting arms, and the man giggled having his granddaughter hugging him tightly

“Hello sweet girl!” he greeted

“I missed you grandpa”

“I missed you too, and your hugs”, you knew Lyonel wasn’t a man you could just easily hug or anything, but he only had one weak spot in his strong walls, and that was their grandchildren.

“Lord Lyonel” you greeted

“Father”, greeted Harwin by your side

“My Lady”, he muttered looking at you, “Son”

“Grandpa” mocked Rhaegar, because of all the title-calling. You looked at him with warning in your eyes but Lyonel only smiled and he hugged his grandsons

“What have you two been up to? uh?”

“Making the teachers a little mad, that’s all”, muttered Maekar

“just a little?” Chuckled Lyonel.

After the warm welcome you of course invited Lyonel in, the day was turning into darkness, and it was time to serve supper.

Lyonel had much to say about the capital, contrary to the both of you who lived lives more sunk into a routine. The boys and Aemma of course had much to say to their Grandsire, tales about their dragon’s growth and their personal achievements, like they could hold conversation in High Valyrian, and Harwin laughing about it because he felt left out about you chiding them in your mother tongue so it will have more impact.

With long pouts on their account and they had to be sent to bed, they wanted to share the after-dinner with their parents and grandfather, but you insisted that they will have a long day tomorrow showing Lyonel all the things they talked about.

After dinner, Harwin, Lyonel and you, gathered in the library, with a cup of wine in hand and the hearth lit up, it was a beautiful night, you could heard crickets in the distance

“It is not that we don’t enjoy your visits, dear father, but I must ask, what brings you here?” asked Harwin

“I cannot visit my son, his beautiful wife and my sweet grandchildren?”, he tried to sound funny, and you did smile, but his face was tainted with concern, “being here is like a breath of fresh air, so relieving from all my duties… and the heaviness of the court”

“Lyonel, is there something wrong?”, you asked, placing your hand on his arm, encouraging him

“I’m afraid there is something”, he admitted, “it’s about the princess”

“What is it?” you asked. And one of the things you liked most about Lyonel is that he always went straight to the point, he was frank

“Rhaenyra is alone, without allies, she is sinking, so is her claim”. Even that didn’t surprise you, the ghost of your sister and her hostility towards you ever over you. You had contented with the fact of being the second daughter, and you were happy because of it, but the thing is, she was the first, the heir, and that will have a toll on you someday, and perhaps that day had arrived

“Do you come on your own accord?” asked Harwin

“She sits at the small council”, you interrupted, “she lives in the Keep, she is an active member of court, what was she doing all this time but make allies and show herself as a ruler?”, you muttered, in disbelief, “what has she been doing?”, you asked again. Lyonel looked down

“Did she send you, father?” he asked

“No, well, she may have hinted at it”

“What do you mean?” you muttered

“She needs you, a senior member of the Royal Family, to back up her claim, to support her”, he said, “she has said, outloud, and on many occasions that if you were there at court, you would support her ideas and contributions”. You had never hold grudges against your sister, despite everything, but now… your name being spoken like that, her using you, despite being miles away… really, you now cursed her, for putting your own comfort, word and life in the line

“I don’t know what I could do for her”, you whispered, “I don’t understand, she had ten years at my father’s side, she should have strengthened her claim by now…”

“The Queen also sits at the small council, they both have their claws on the King”, this was all said in the privacy of the library, in complete secrecy, “and I fear that they are going to… tear him apart”

“Father…”

“It is not with nothing but care that I say these words… only to you both, and in the safety of your home” he said, “I fear for the future of the realm”

“So bad?” you asked then, seeing your own future being sealed right in front of you

“Having you, his darling daughter, will remind his grace of his true family, of why he chose your line as the one to succeed him, I believe you will bring the court comfort, and strength, to your sister’s line.”, you shared concerned looks with Harwin, “A seat in the small council is yours, Princess, and for Harwin, there is the post as commander of the city watch”

“Those are generous seats”, your husband muttered

“Indeed”

“Lyonel…”, you called, “I don’t know what you are asking”, you needed him to say it

“I am asking for your return to court”, he said firmly

“You want us to take the boys, and Aemma?”, you asked then

“I wouldn’t ask if I didn't believe this is the best course of action, you are the lords of the Riverlands… You have Dorne and the North as allies, you built those bridges, now you need to cross them”, the princess and now Prince of Dorne had send many letters to you over the years, never forgetting the visit they paid when you were alone in the castle, and for the North, Cregan Stark always send you gifts, and letters, which you answered and in turned send more gifts.

“You are talking like a war is going to break out”, you whispered

“Princess, your father is sick”, he told you, “his mind is drifting, he might change his mind, or else, the Hightowers might take that chance to do something…”, Lord Lyonel was one of the smartest and joust men you had ever encountered, and he sat at the side of the King, if he was exposing this to you, is because it had merit.

“Dear father by law”, you muttered, “we will talk about this, you must understand my trepidations since… I’ve made Harrenhal my home and, it’s so sad for me to leave it”

“Of course, my sweet daughter by law”

After that, you and Harwin walked together towards your shared chambers, ready to take to bed, you were suddenly so tired

“We need to start making preparations” he said as he started taking off his clothes

“Harwin…” you called with concern, “Are you truly entertaining this?” you asked, “put ourselves and our children at risk?”

“The Red keep is the safest place”, he muttered

“For now” you said, “you heard your father, The King is sick, how long until he expires, and a war breaks out for his succession?” you asked, “To Rhaenyra to fight young Aegon, and the Hightowers…”

“That might not happen if we are there”, he said firmly

“You had visited the capital more than me”, you muttered, you were only going for very special occasions that you could count with fingers of one of your hands, loving your new home too much to abandon it for long, Harwin however, visited as twice as many times, being called upon by his father constantly for accounting of the Riverlands, “what do you think?”

“I think that my father’s fears as true, we must return at once”, he said firmly

“You seem so eager to return to the capital, husband”, you muttered with bitterness

“Don’t, don’t do that” he begged. You know that even if Harrenhal was thriving under his leadership, no matter how many rides spurring his horse he took, or how much he trained, or how many times a night he took you, he had became restless, missing the fast pace of King’s Landing, and that harmed you, because you were so happy here, but you knew he was missing something to be completely full, or perhaps someone

“I don’t want to go”, you said, words stuck to your throat and tears threatened to fall from your eyes, “I have a bad feeling about this”

“Don’t cry”, he begged

“We are happy here”, you fighted, “our children can do as they please, we can do as we please…”

“This is the future of the realm”, he muttered

“The realm is going to be fine”, you said back, “they have my sister and my father… and Lord Corlys, and princess Rhaenys standing beside her…you want them to have us as well, Maekar, Rhaegar, little Aemma, and me?”

“This is your family, calling for you”, he said firmly, “we should respond to that calling”, the battle was lost, you knew, he knew it. And deep down, you did want to answer that call, but being a mother had made you selfish, self centered, putting your children and your immediate family first

“You are the Lord of Harrenhal and the leader of our family”, you said bitterly, giving up, “what you say, goes”

“Don’t be like that”, he grunted, “I would never force you to do anything”

“But you are forcing me,” you said firmly. You didn’t look at him, instead you turned your back to him and sat on the bed to remove your shoes and socks, “You call in the maester and the Housekeeper and tell them, we leave for King’s landing tomorrow”

“Darling…” he called for you but you didn’t answer, you just left your rooms barefoot, lonely tears falling down your eyes. You ended up in the tower, you could see the God’s eye from there, and the beautiful sky with a full moon and all the stars

You didn’t want to go to the Capital, because you knew what awaited you there, and deep down you knew about the coming conflict, and the part you will play in it. Deep down you knew, you have dreamt about it many times.

And no alliances, nor dragons, not even Harwin or all the armies you could gather will protect you from your fate.

The carriages were getting ready, and your children couldn’t be happier, you had always taught them about being excited for new adventures, and traveling to the capital, to a huge castle like the Red Keep, filled with members of their family, and other kids, other dragons, they couldn’t be happier as you told them they could start their training. And for that you were thankful. Aemma wanted nothing more than to see the King, and Helaena, even if they never saw each other they exchanged letters alongside the king’s and the girls were fond of eachother.

“And we could train?” asked Rhaegar, already driving you to the edge of madness with all of his questions. following you around as you commanded servants what to pack in coffers

“I’ll ask Steffon to train you himself”, you said, and they seemed content

“And me” muttered Harwin. You smiled as you stop to kiss your husband, trying to forget the fight of the night before

“Iuuuu”, mocked Rhaegar grossed out by their parents shows of affection, you just giggled as Harwin chuckled and ruffled his hair

“Maybe at court you’ll find a girl to love just as much I love your mother”, he muttered

“Ugh, father, I’m only ten!” he mocked and ran off. You laughed as you saw him go

“Great strategy, husband” you congratulated. He smiled kindly at you

“I know you didn’t want to come, but trust me on this…”

“I know”, the thing is that you trusted your own gut more than Harwin’s, but no matter, your fate was already dictated, you only had to play the game, the cards that you’ve been dealt, and… you’d always have Harrenhal if the things turned sour.

But now your other son required your attention, pulling at your arm

“Where are our dragons going to go?” asked Maekar

“Probably to the dragonpit” you answered, “I told you about it, remember?”

“Yes, but Aerion and Karnax are always in the open”, fighted Maekar

“I know my love, but it’s only for a short time”, you answered calmly. The dragonlings would usually sleep in the wild, and when the weather was hard, Vhaelar would shelter them under her huge wings, as she still recognized them as her’s. “Or they go where their mother goes, just like you”, you booped his nose and he giggled.

And sooner than you’d like, you were ready, all the things were loaded, and only your family was left

“Can we go on dragon back, mother?”, asked Aemma, you looked at Harwin and he nodded

“Yes, sweetlings”, your sons cheered in joy. You did want to arrive on Dragonback, to show some authority. A show of strength

And as you saw the caravan with your husband and Lyonel part before you, you looked at your children with worry, but as they looked up at you with bright smiles, you knew everything was going to be alright

Taglist! ❤️ @tearsarcane @integra1127 @aestmilky @thanyatargaryen @tythaitie @lostinworldofdarkness @voodoogoul @wildmindedbeauty32 @lil-pudd @alicattx @electric-bloo @astaaan-lol @stargaryenx @kaitieskidmore1 @bregarc @lilpnd @jcpenneyyy @janelei @fexibau @ladyoakenshield157 @danielle-leah1997 @lady-ragnvindr @cecilyjmorgenstern @omgsuperstarg @bugheadskid @batprincess1013 @her-fandom-sanctum

Notes: Karnax is the first dragon ever mounted by a man, and that man was Aerion, the very first Valyrian. They were inseparable once Karnax hatched, and then when Aerion realized he could mount him and fly in it, they founded Valyria. Those are the names chosen for the dragons of the Strong Boys

#harwin strong x reader #ser harwin x reader #harwin strong x targaryen reader #harwin strong #ser harwin strong #harwin breakbones #harwin x reader #ser harwin breakbones strong #targaryen!reader #hbo house of the dragon #house targeryen #house of the dragon #house targaryen #misguidedhotd

484 notes · View notes