#the fact that skuld is the only one that they did not show or leave any hints to where she ended up in the khux finale | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

cq-studios · 9 months

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All of your WIP titles are very interesting, haha, but if I can only pick a few, what are Ghosts of the Past AU and Brain's Dead Daughter monologue about?

(You can choose however many you’d like. I love to ramble about my things, and sharing stuff actually motivates me to work on them. So if there’s others you’re interested in shoot me another ask ^^)

(For This)

I’ll start with Brain’s Dead Daughter Monologue ‘cause I think it’ll be shorter to explain.

So this one is a part of Nameless AU, which is an AU where Eraqus’ parents die and Brain has to take care of him (which is most definitely an oversimplification of it but that’s the gist). This was originally a part of The End of Normal but I decided to make that all from Eraqus’ perspective instead of having it switch between the two of them. I think this might end up as an interlude chapter, but I’m not sure.

Here’s what I have so far. I want to add more but I might just leave it as is. Who knows?

How could he be grieving for someone he barely knew? He had sent her away. They’d rarely spoken. And yet Brain felt that familiar emptiness of loss anyways. Maybe what he was feeling was failure? A failure to do his job as a parent. A failure to form a bond with his child even after promising he’d try. What had he really lost from this, other than a relationship he never had? Maybe that’s what he was truly grieving. Not his daughter but what he hadn’t been able to do with her.

This was the feeling he was trying to avoid. That pain. He never wanted to feel it again and yet there it was inside him, ringing like a bell. Once again someone he should’ve been responsible for was gone. It was an almost unbearable sting that reminded him vaguely of how he felt when he first realized the Dandelions had been lost.

Annoyance rose up inside him. That thought bothered him most of all. This was a completely different situation and yet his mind still found a way to connect the hurt he felt to the Dandelions. It was so long ago he should be over it. But still that failure haunted him. And even now, when he should be grieving something completely different, he found himself stuck on them instead. Why couldn’t he move past it?

His daughter just died and here he was sitting in a room alone thinking about people he knew even less from hundreds of years ago. How pathetic was that?

As for the Ghost’s of the Past AU

This is still in the planning phase, so things here might get completely changed in future, but it’s currently two Subject X is Skuld themed fics (and a Sea Salt Trio + Isa one later on) where she starts seeing Ephemer’s ghost (but is it really him or her subconscious???). He can’t tell her any information she doesn’t already know but he can guide her towards the answers she’s looking for.

The first fic follows her just before and then after she escapes. She ends up in Zootopia and has to try and learn how to navigate that environment while still trying to find leads on her past (with the help of her ghost companion). Which is certainly helped by the fact that, as soon as she shows up, so do the heartless. She is blamed for them originally but then they find out she can defeat them (she uses magic, not her keyblade as she doesn’t remember she has it) and they make it her job to get rid of them. And the plot of Zootopia happens but with darkness instead of nighthowlers, you know KH Disney world stuff, and she finds some memories along the way.

The second one is from the Sea Salt Gang’s perspective (Skuld's too sometimes but not often), where they go through worlds looking for X and find her in Zootopia (since she’s literally the only human there she’s not hard to find). It would focus more so around Xion and Roxas forgiving Isa and Isa reconciling for his past actions and abuse towards them. And have a reunion at the end.

Like I said earlier I don’t have much solid writing for these fics yet but I did write this one small scene that takes place between X disappearing and Lea and Isa becoming nobodies. It is technically canon complaint but I wrote it for this AU so I’ll put it here.

“Hey!” Lea called. The boy, Ienzo, stopped and turned his head to face him almost robotically. Yeesh, what do they do to the kids here? No, not important, stay on task. Lea shook his head to clear it, “Do you know where the notes, or files, or whatever, on…” Oh, what was it they were using his friend to research again? Damn. He really should’ve planned this better. He could practically hear Isa making fun of him in his head. Lea, only a moron like you could forget something like that. It’s ironic really. Ironic? Right! “on memories. Do you know where I can find the papers about that?”

Ienzo blinked at him twice, otherwise unmoving. Lea did the opposite, definitely moving as he shifted uncomfortably. Seriously, what is up with this kid?

Without a word, the tiny scientist began walking away.

Should’ve known better than to ask the mute kid for directions. Lea realized, way too late.

“Is that a yes? ‘Cause even if it wasn’t I’m following you anyways”.

#Ghosts of the Past is actually super underdeveloped considering how old it is but I keep changing it around and putting other random ideas #*I have into it #oh and it takes place in the year between 3 and Re:mind #Brain’s Dead Daughter Monologue was a fun exercise to get into Namless AU Brain’s head #poor guy kinda messed up his life in that one lol #Namless AU #khux #sometimes i think about my khux fics

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apricuscity · 9 months

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Geography Lesson: Völsung

“Well hello there all you wonderful people! It’s ya boi, Mr. Kusunoki back again with a long awaited geography lesson! This week we’re gonna take a look at the Kingdom of Völsung! Pretty cool right? Well it’s real cool and not just because we’re headin up to the frozen North!”

“See the Kingdom of Völsung is located far far North. You have to head past Nivis, out into the Ледник Sea, and somewhat North-West of Crepusculum. Most of the time Völsung is a frozen tundra but it does give way to patches of green during the warmer months.”

“An interesting thing is the fact that it’s about three times the size of Apricus. While this doesn’t make it the largest land mass out there, it’s still pretty impressive. Thing is, the population of the entire place is probably only about half of Apricus’s population.”

“You’ll probably find a lot of smaller settlements along the many rivers, straits, mining towns, and every so often a logging town. Most of the land however is uninhabited. Sounds like a place old Morely & Friends would love to set up shop in. Imagine walk-through Tacos ‘N More locations with no competition. Anyway, moving on.”

“The entire kingdom is broken up into five “holds”. Each hold is pretty distinct, they’ve got their own customs, cultures, and local governments. Granted everyone still falls under the rule of the King. We’ll get to him later. The holds are Völsung, Wægmunding, Wulfing, Yngling, and Scylding. Each of these has a capital city of the same name. Wow, some of those are a mouthful huh?”

“Hey speaking of cultures did you know Völsung has it’s own iconic thief? You’re probably aware of the Taco Felon or even the Baguette Bandit but have you heard of the Smörgåstårta Pillager? Legend tells of a ghostly figure who rides through the holds at night seeking only one thing, Smörgåstårta. It’s even said that this figure has haunted some of the past queens!”

“Now Völsung is as I mentioned earlier ruled by a royal family. The Krakas, which includes King Sigurd, Queen Consort Brynhildr, and the princesses Aslaug, and Skuld. Both of which are currently visiting Apricus! Big shout out! Beneath the royal family each hold has it’s own ways of determining laws. Most of the time it’s a council, a bit like we have in Apricus but slightly different.”

“A lot of times judicial matters are handled between individuals. We’re talkin some trial by combat type stuff. While it is generally allowed, it’s considered dishonorable to hire a fighter to take your place, so be ready to grab your weapon and handle your own affairs. Most of the time this is done privately BUT disputes between high profile folks can turn into a spectacle where everyone is welcome to watch. I should note it’s usually to first blood with an official overseeing these things to make sure nothing goes too far.”

“Culture is a little hard to go into detail about. Each of the holds has their own ya know? Song, craftsmanship, and warrior heritage are all extremely important. Combat for example is taken incredibly seriously. In the hold of Völsung it represents a right to rule. It’s the pride of those folks. The Shieldmaidens generally call that hold home. Shieldmaidens can recruit from any of the holds but the captain is always from Völsung and almost always of royal blood.”

“In order to be one you have to show an aptitude for combat, the arts, and have strong faith. Oh yeh, and nobody above the age of 12 can be selected. That’s how early this starts. If you get selected you leave home, get assigned a mentor, and have to go through vigorous training in many different aspects. Once you hit 20 you can attempt to graduate. In order to do this you have to fight your mentor. If you win, you claim your place as a Shieldmaiden. If you lose you have to wait another year before you can challenge again.”

“Shieldmaidens are, aside from the royal family, the most culturally significant people in the kingdom. They act in stage plays, and head religious festivals, among other duties.”

“The hold of Wægmunding is known for having the fiercest warriors in the entire kingdom. The mighty Berserkr! There are plenty of stories about these warriors and what they are capable of. Do not mistake them for an untamed brute. The Berserkr is said to enter something of a battle-trance. Their mind emptied of all things save combat, their sense of pain dulled. They also acted as religious leaders. Practicing rituals to strengthen the spirits and bless warriors for a coming battle.”

“In Wulfing, the ability to fight directly translates to your ability to survive. While much of the kingdom is in a time of great peace, the hunters of Wulfing do not take kindly to trespassers on their grounds. It is common for feuds between families to break out over territory, and strength is ultimately what determines the victor. The most feared warriors of the Wulfing are the Ulfheðnar, those who wear a wolf pelt, and fight alongside a tamed wolf of their own. The rite of passage to becoming an Ulfheðinn involves striking out into the wilds alone, armed with nothing but a weapon and a hunting knife, to track down and slay a mother wolf. The wolf is skinned, and the pelt turned into the warrior’s coat. The warrior then takes the mother’s pup in as their own, rigorously training the wolf to fight at their command.”

“In the Hold of Yngling, they were well aware that their many rivals could best them in combat without effort. As a result, their strategy became to preempt these invasions to cripple their forces before they became a threat. This is what gave rise to Yngling’s legendary navy fleet, the Jomsvikings. Where other Holds’ elite warriors were generally also spiritual leaders, the Jomsvikings were simply well-trained and well-disciplined soldiers. This was the most formal military institution in the kingdom, and it has lasted the test of time, though Yngling being the most forward thinking Hold has altered their structure a bit to encourage the service of the whole kingdom rather than just their own Hold. The Jomsvikings were primarily naval combatants, and they built their ships to dominate naval engagements.“

“Finally, the Hold of Scylding may have the smallest population, but their warriors were not to be underestimated. As most of them are Awakeners, even the most elite fighting force in the kingdom could be swiftly dismantled by a powerful Scylding shaman. The Hold has no formal fighting force, operating with the understanding that should a crisis arise, every citizen must participate.”

“Beyond combat, the next major point of pride for Völsung is in their craft. This shows through most strongly in Wægmunding, where most of the traditional methods of smithing weapons and armor are still kept alive to this day. The materials they mine are put through a special tempering process to make their weapons and plate harder, sharper, and more resistant to the brittling cold. Smithing is a form of art in Völsung, and any self-respecting smith refuses to allow shoddy work to leave their forge. Many smiths even have a trademark that they place on their work, an engraving, a brand, or a particular filigree.“

“The final main pillar of Völsung’s culture is in their arts, most of all their songs. Since the days of old, storyteller bards known as skálds would write poems and songs about great heroes and battles, yet another tradition that has persisted. Many famous warriors have hired skálds to accompany them to battle as spectators with the intent of having their prowess recorded into song. Some skálds in the more modern eras have also begun translating these poems and songs into stageplays, and these plays remain one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the kingdom. While each Hold has its own major theater located in its capital, the greatest productions are held in the Hjaldrhólm. Typically these shows are reserved for either the debut of a new work from a popular skáld, or a traditional play staged for an important holiday or festival.“

“The religious practices of Völsung are rooted in naturalism. They believe that all things come from nature, and as such, all things must return, and through the World Tree, all things are connected. Therefore, respecting nature is an important part of life in Völsung. It is understood that resources are required for the advancement of society, but that does not mean they take selfishly. Trees harvested for wood are replanted, animals hunted aggressively are given time to repopulate before they may be hunted again, and so on. It is a cycle of taking and giving back that allows the people of Völsung to achieve a harmonious existence with their harsh environment. This deep appreciation for the natural is also what keeps many people from pursuing cybernetic augments except where medically required. Tainting your flesh with metal only serves to weaken your connection to nature, or so they believe.”

“Many of their actual practices take the form of magic rituals, meant either to bestow a blessing or boon, ask for a favor, or simply impart good luck in the future. Countless such rituals exist, each with their own distinct use. Some are to be done seasonally, or as part of a greater celebration. Very few exist with the intent to curse others, and they are generally considered taboo to perform. In the past, these hexes were done in the attempt to weaken opposing armies before battle, but have since become antiquated in their use.”

“While the religion of Völsung is theistic, worship of the gods is generally frowned upon. It is not uncommon to impart the gods for wisdom or aid, but it is done so with the understanding that the intervention of the gods should not be trusted in full. In the theology of Völsung, they believe the gods to be legendary magicians whose power was so great that they ascended into the spirit world after their deaths as immortal springs of energy. As such, their power is to be revered, but never relied upon, as their whims are still that of mortals and may turn on those they bless simply for fun. Some notable gods include Skuld, the old Valkyrie Queen of Völsung who conquered and united the kingdom, and goddess of valor and bravery; Beowulf, legendary Berserkr and god of fury and battle; Völsi, a tyrannical warrior king said to have founded Völsung and god of fertility and family; Eiríkr and Fenrir, a great Ulfheðinn and his wolf companion who are dual gods of the hunt; Helm, an old Jomsviking captain and god of sailing and commerce; and Gróa, goddess of nature and magic, a powerful shaman said to have single handedly defended Scylding from Skuld and her forces, eventually becoming her lover. There are countless other gods in their religion, but most are very minor deities who are often glossed over in everyday life.”

“Finally let’s go into a little bit of history.”

“The history of Völsung is pockmarked with conflict, and war is the one commonality through the ages, though they have remarkably humble origins. Before there was a kingdom, the people in the region were nomadic hunting tribes. Usually these tribes were made up of small family units or a group of families that would travel together and support each other. Occasionally two tribes would have some conflict over territory, but all conflicts were rather small compared to the feuds that would brew later. Over time, certain families began to amass power within certain regions, and other families began to congregate around them, or were otherwise absorbed into them. This was the beginning of the rise of the clans.“

“The spread of the clans’ influence was slow, and it took time for these five to absorb all of the minor clans spread about, but this consolidation of power was what allowed the region to begin advancement. People began settling down, building villages that would in time turn into fully fledged cities, and more advanced technology began to develop. However, with these clans now seizing land and power, it set the stage for a time of bloody conflict as each clan fought for resources they now needed. All five clans were at odds. Occasionally through the generations two leaders would form a tenuous pact in an attempt to get a leg up on a rival, but it was just as frequent that these pacts would be betrayed. There isn’t much in the way of documentation that survived this period aside from a few poems of great warriors and their deeds, but it’s estimated that from the approximate time these clans formed until the eventual unification was roughly a thousand years or so.”

“Generations went by, and with it, the tools of war only grew more sophisticated, along with their tactics. Later in this period was when sea battles began, with so many ships being sunk that the great lake that forms the center of the area was given a name to reflect it. The Rekinn Blóði Vatn, or “Blood-Stained Lake,” was a site of countless battles, and was what gave the Yngling forces such a terrifying reputation. Though we can’t be entirely certain when the conflicts truly began, we are certain of when they ended. The fighting continued until just over 400 years ago, with a campaign led by a Völsung Shieldmaiden, Skuld.”

“I’ll skip ahead a bit and let you know that after a series of lengthy conquests, which you can read about in the Apricus Archives, or at the traveling museum, she conquered all of the clans.”

“Her first act as the conqueror of the clans was to unite them all under a single banner, ending the many wars and senseless bloodshed that had plagued their lands for so long. Her deeds in this campaign earned her the title of the Valkyrie Queen of Völsung, and all under her rule would come to respect her strength and compassion. Eventually the crown was passed to Skuld’s son, Fitela.”

“Fitela’s rule was a time of the arts. The man held artistry in such high regard that he commissioned countless paintings, songs, and plays of old legends and stories, including tales from his mother’s conquest. As a result, he ended up marrying a skáld by the name of Signy, who wrote the poetic stage play chronicling Skuld’s tale that is still performed to this day. Fitela also commissioned the construction of the arena of Hjaldrhólm, and is attributed to its use as a theater instead of just for combat.”

“The generations following Fitela were generally uneventful, with one exception. For years, the lineage of Völsi had sat the throne, and all royal families took it as their surname. What better means of recognizing a rise in status than to take the name of royalty after all? The first to break this tradition was King Ragnar, who ruled around 200 years ago. Ragnar had embarked on a tour of his kingdom, wishing to see all of his land personally, and ensure that things were running pleasantly for all. During his time in Yngling, he chose to have a meal at a small, family run tavern. He was taken aback at how delicious the meal was. Even with simple ingredients, they had prepared food fit for royalty. He asked to meet with the chef personally to thank them for the meal, so the owners introduced him to their daughter, Alfrún Kraka.”

“He became so transfixed by her beauty that he could hardly speak. In a gesture of thanks, he offered the girl a position in the castle’s kitchen. She declined however, humbly stating that she wished only to share her cooking with as many people as possible. Disappointed, Ragnar conceded, but vowed that he would come by to have her cooking every time he was in the city. He ended up visiting regularly, each time commending Alfrún for her work and offering her a spot in his castle, and each time she declined. Over time, the two grew to be close friends, and would spend time outside of the tavern together. After many years, Ragnar once again asked if Alfrún would accompany him to the castle, and again she declined. This time though, Ragnar corrected himself, stating that he did not want her to accompany him as his chef, but as his wife. For the first time in a decade, she said yes.”

“The two were wed in the next couple of months, and Ragnar, showing the utmost reverence for his wife, took the surname Kraka to honor her humility. This came as quite the shock to the kingdom, as normally the name of the family with the higher status would be taken, but there was no specific tradition forbidding it, so there wasn’t much to be done. With that act, the rule of the family Völsi had ended, and the reign of the family Kraka had begun.”

“The following generations were likewise uneventful, and the Kraka line continues to this day with the rule of King Sigurd and Queen Consort Brynhildr. Their eldest daughter, Princess Aslaug is the next in line for the throne, and their younger daughter, Princess Skuld is training to become the next captain of the Shieldmaidens, taking the mantle from her grandmother, Skalmöld.”

“Recently, King Sigurd has made the decision to open the kingdom of Völsung to trade with other civilizations, and their borders are finally free to travel by outsiders, making it the first time the kingdom has sought any kind of cooperation with foreign powers.“

“There ya have it, some fun facts about the Kingdom of Völsung! Hope everyone enjoyed it! Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to see about getting a rafter of wild turkeys out of the Hecaball dressing room. Long story..”

“Kusunoki, OUT!”

#Mr. Kusunoki

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missingmywing · 2 years

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Ohhh boy, quite a bit of interesting info here (plus the little bit extra I've seen about a scrap-and-rebuild command, which has facinating implications), and I am very happy reaction commands are coming back, but HOLY SHIT THAT BIT IN RED.

I am thinking and running through a mental list of anyone it could be and there are a very limited amount of people. And a lot of it depends on how Nomura is classifying "throughout the series".

The Dive to Heart voice, Darkness, Brain, Skuld, and the Scala kids (minus Xeha and Eraqus) are the only ones who haven't received voices. I'm tentatively taking the Scala kids off the list because of how new they are and that they've only shown up in one title. Same for Odin. And they specifically used he, so it's not Skuld. Luxu and Ephemer were both voiced in Back Cover, and Eph had lines in III, so it can't be them sadly. I really thought it might be Brain, but apparently Nomura confirmed in a past interview that it's not him so... that's a little disappointing.

So that leaves the voice you hear in the Dive, Darkness, or a DR character who is not who they seem... maybe. I'm extremely doubtful of Darkness from a thematic/contextual point of view, but there's nothing to outright remove it from the equation.

For the DR characters, I'm really not sure how Nomura is classifying "throughout the series". They don't seem to fit, unless one of them has some other identities Istg Nomura if you use a technicality to make it Luxu but I'm not... really sure I buy that? It could be Sigurd, I suppose, but he(?) still only shows up once for a few seconds and why would he be in KHIV? But it's not impossible so it remains a possibility.

Not going to lie, there is a part of me that really hopes that it's the Dive voice because that would be so, so, so cool to finally get it voiced. And thematically it would make sense, so I'm listing it as most likely... in terms of the KH4 trailer. I'm a lot more hesitant in regards to the Missing Link trailer because so far that voice has only ever spoken to Sora and Roxas, but... we'll see.

Those are my current highest two, but we'll see if it changes as we get more info. We do know that it's not a new character, and it hasn't been voiced before, so that takes off the majority of the cast list.

So we have final confirmation that Quadratum isn't connected at all to TWEWY's Shibuya, though we've technically known that for a while. But it's fully addressed and debunked here. The fact that the apartment is going to be the hub for the first bit of the game will be interesting! KH2 vibes are going to be strong in this one, I bet. And Persona 5 style room customization perhaps? The fact that it's exactly where Audrey said it was it a fantastic and hilarious. Poor Sora and Strel really did get doxxed.

I'm going to have a stroke NOMURA WHY ARE YOU LIKE THIS I'm kidding this is why this is my favorite series please never change. If anyone has a translation of the message that would be fantastic! I am very interested in what could be hidden.

Overall no solid new information, most of it we knew and the rest if cryptic as hell, but I am very excited to find out who the voice is. Disappointed Brain is off the list because having him in IV would have been fantastic, but that still leaves a lot of fascinating questions to figure out.

#kingdom hearts #kh4 #khiv #tetsuya nomura #famitsu #i'm so excited #and REACTION COMMANDS ARE BACK HELL YEAH #I hope we return to a more kh2 play style because it really is the most fun to play #although having elements of III like the -za commands and the command styles and the multiple keyblades equipped #are also things I think should be kept #basically just get rid of attraction flows and either expand the flowmotion uses or get rid of it entirely #I love that we now have another X-message to figure out #and I'm sure the fandom won't spend the next three years tearing their hair our over it

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lisinfleur · 3 years

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Shelter

The request:

Author’s Notes | I took the chance for Day Felice’s new album and wrote it while listening to their song Shelter, if you guys want to listen to it while reading as well. I hope you guys enjoy it! (And the song too haha). Universe | Vikings Pairing | Ivar x Reader Info | Viking Age AU, requested by anon. Words | 1878 ⁑ Warnings: Mentions to child abuse and abandonment. Wounds, blood, and some angst.

His chariot noise was always something that would help his mind to ease after any kind of arguing. And with his wife, it wasn't different. This morning he’d left after a huge discussion with her.

Why was Y/N so worried about a slave child?

Ivar insisted several times she should just forget the thing and let it go. It wasn't their responsibility! And more: by taking leftovers and water for that child every night, she was only making the little thing's suffering longer!

"It would be dead already if it wasn't for you, feeding it every night!" he remembered trying to insist.

But Y/N's was stone-headed! Every single night, there was his queen, dressing her cloak and leaving his castle - once a former church - to visit the thing that now wasn't moving places, of course.

Someone was feeding it, helping it, all the time! Why would it be stupid and leave it behind?

Ivar was getting used to passing by that child every day as if the girl was some kind of door or local decoration. But not for his wife. Not his Y/N and her heart blessed by Frigg.

She was a natural mother. He knew that! It was one of the reasons he chose her the love Y/N would show for any child she could have around.

But when she came with that stupid idea, it went too far for him.

"I'm going to take her home."

A thing.

A useless thing that wouldn't serve not even as a slave, so thin it was.

They've discussed it for hours. Ivar screamed at Y/N she was insane, perhaps touched by some local spirit. Y/N yelled he was an insensitive motherfucker who could fuck himself out of her room if he thought she would let a child starve to death on her door.

As always, their love was intense but also was their anger. And whenever they would yell at each other, one of them would end up hurt.

This time, it was her.

"I don't fucking care about what you think! It's cattle, Y/N! Cattle die! And that's it! I won't spend my supplies with a thing that can barely give anything back to us!"

Or maybe not.

Perhaps... It was him.

"Fine then. Let us guide her to the woods and leave her to the wolves, Ivar. Isn't it what we do with useless things? Oh, wait... Wasn't it what your father did to you?"

Their words would always hurt each other deeper than they wanted to hurt. Their hearts would regret the words said at the moment they’d left their mouths.

But this time, her words forced his eyes to look out of his chariot. And Ivar stopped it by the street near where that thing was sitting, observing. Trying to understand why his wife was trying so hard to save that starving child.

Why was she comparing them as if there was anything in common between him and a Saxon abandoned child?

It was early in the morning. He watched as the little girl unwrapped the leftovers his wife had given to her the last night. At first, Ivar thought the little hungry thing would, of course, eat everything without care. But he watched with surprise as she fractioned the little portion, eating a quarter of it and saving the rest for later.

It was an intelligent move... She wasn’t a wild animal, after all.

That would be a cold day. Ivar observed as the little one looked up to the sky. The sun was born behind some heavy clouds - probably some rain would be coming at night.

He watched as the little thing looked around, smartly stealing a barrel from the trash of a nearby store, checking on its wooden pieces to place it properly as a shelter. She was young and thin enough to fit into it. It would serve for the night and maybe keep her warm.

The owner of the store, so as some people who were passing by, pushed her here or there, complaining about her attempts to move between them. And Ivar watched as the little girl looked up from the ground to the bigger people around her, fearlessly.

She wasn't such a defenseless little thing as he thought she was.

In fact, she was pretty smarter than he thought a Saxon child could be, hiding her barrel between the mead barrels of the same store, covering its problems with some mud, so the owner wouldn't see it wasn't one of his barrels.

She wouldn't have her shelter for the night thrown away or broken before she could use it.

Ivar lost track of the time he spent there, watching the girl moving here and there, gathering stones and mud to imitate the shop owner's way of stocking his barrels and preserving hers.

But the important matters of the town had to be more important than his arguing with his wife, and with this, Ivar moved away from that place.

His mind wondered if that was the reason why his wife was so sure he and that child had something in common.

The little girl was a fighter like he was someday, indeed. She was fighting her way to keep herself alive and, perhaps, his precious Y/N was right, and death wasn't exactly the fate that child had in this world.

Ivar tried to get himself occupied during the day. But the truth was that his mind never stopped lingering over Y/N's words, passing over and over the things he had seen that morning.

When the night was threatening to come, the sky broke in water as he thought it would. But curiosity dragged him away from the path to his home.

Ivar wanted to see if the little girl's plan had gone right and what was his surprise when he found the little one sitting away from the store under the heavy rain, with nothing but a rag to cover herself and wounds everywhere.

The barrel she'd tried so hard to protect was shattered near the store's trash, and a fence was placed by the owner around his barrels with some spikes near the place she was sitting before. It was preventing her from having coverage under his roof, even from the outside.

That angered Ivar a little. He'd seen her hard work! And, in the end, her plan had failed. She was clearly beaten and wet from her head to her toes anyway.

However, his eyes caught something he wasn't expecting.

After eating the last piece of what his wife had given to her, the little girl extended the leather over a hole he watched her carve with her bare hands on the ground. Treated, the leather started to catch water and fill itself, becoming a bag into the hole. The little girl caught the bag before it could lose its content, tied the leather with a strand of her ragged trousers, and created a canteen from where she started drinking the rainwater, relieving her thirst.

She was beaten down, defeated. Yet, she didn't give up. She didn't lay her pride down. And found herself a way to turn that rain into a chance for her to survive one more day.

There was determination in her eyes.

That little thing wasn't being sustained by his wife's crumbs. No. She was fighting to the limit of her strength to survive.

Like he'd done someday...

Ivar's eyes filled with surprise when he could see himself in that little girl's wounds, dragging himself through the mud when everyone thought he would never move.

Standing, when everyone was expecting his legs to break and let him fall.

She was a fighter. And, maybe, Y/N was right. Perhaps it wasn't about a Saxon child or a useless slave. Perhaps the gods were showing him they've chosen that little thing, to give her a chance, to reward her for the fight she was putting on for her life.

"Get in," Ivar's voice sounded.

The little thin thing lifted her eyes to see the mighty Viking looking at her from the chariot everyone from her people was taught to fear. Her wounded little body could barely reach the top of its wheels when she got up to look at Ivar.

Her eyes into his, instigating even more the curiosity he was starting to have about that little Saxon thing.

How fierce would she be if raised under his roof?

But the little thing didn't get up on his chariot at once. Instead, she lowered herself, gathering more stones with her muddy and wounded hands.

"I said get in! Don't you see you'll end up dying under this rain?" Ivar complained, annoyed he was standing under such heavy and cold waters for a thing that dared to turn her back on him, carving the floor and placing the stones in a way the rain wouldn't destroy her little monument. "What the fuck are you doing?"

"I must do it, sir," she mumbled.

Ivar could recognize a small stone monument in that little girl's construction. His people were used to rising those little towers to pray for the gods or place small sacrifices and offers.

Was Y/N teaching her about the gods?

"Why?" he asked as she tried to climb up on his chariot, struggling a little with the height and her wounded knees.

"It is for the lady who comes here every day," she mumbled. "I promised if I ever was to leave, I would leave one of these for her, so she would know I'm not dead."

For his wife.

She was leaving a stone monument for Y/N, so she wouldn't be worried...

"I don't know where you're taking me, king Ivar," she said, showing she knew who he was. "But I don't want her to be sad."

Ivar's heart ached. There was indeed something in common between him and that child. But not only the fact that both of them were survivors.

She didn't want his wife to be hurt.

And so didn't he.

"Cover yourself," he said, throwing his warm cloak around her.

It covered her like a blanket in which she rolled herself, nestling with a grateful smile.

"She was right," the little girl mumbled as Ivar started to ride his horses.

"What?" he asked, and she repeated, smiling at him.

"The lady was right." She said. "The gods were watching me. Maybe I passed their test."

Y/N was definitely teaching that girl. And Ivar sighed, looking at the road.

Perhaps it was a test for himself as well. Or Skuld just had decided to use him as a feather to write that little girl's fate differently.

"Skuld," he said, catching her eyes. "We shall name you Skuld. To honor the god that wrote your fate like this."

"Skuld," she tried.

Pronouncing it perfectly.

"Sounds strong... I like it!"

What a petulant little thing, Ivar thought. As if she had any choice on how things would be from now on. A giggle filled Ivar's mouth.

Y/N was right and he would remember apologising after coming home that night.

The little girl wasn’t a useless thing. And he had to admit.

She was like him, after all.

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#history vikings #imagine vikings #ivar #ivar the boneless #ivar imagine #ivar x reader #ivar ragnarsson #ivar lothbrok #ivar's heathen army #sister wives #htgi #shot

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conaionaru · 3 years

Text

Woman’s game (Ivar the Boneless + Hvitserk)

Who is in control?

Synopsis: Skuld’s family leaves for the Mediterenean so she spends some more time with Ivar before he leaves as well.

Warnings: toxic relationship, casual sex, little bit of smut, talk of personality disorder, hints of sub and mommy kink, attempted good girl kink

Masterlist

I don’t own the gifs.

Today would be the day Bjorn set out on his journey, bringing everyone willing with him. Ylva sharpened her weapons peacefully, praying to the gods to keep her sons and daughter safe. The girl, of course, spends the day with Ivar once again. Loving the way the boy hangs onto her every word and challenges her right back.

So it was obvious that she slept with Ivar again. Out of all the men in Kattegat right now, her youngest had to choose Ragnar's son. Once upon a time, even Ylva found Ragnar worthy of her bed. But she was married and had too many children. All Ragnar ever wanted were sons to carry on his legacy; what a joke it would be if Skuld would be the one to carry on Ivar's?

What felt like a thousand years ago, she lest her beloved husband to Ragnar's whims. And so all her attraction to the handsome king faded as well. Now, whenever she drank, she dreamt of all the ways of paying him back.

But the great Ragnar Lothbrok was very capable of destroying himself on his own. Taking a second wife, not raising his son, nearly killing his youngest, and abandoning them all. Now he was just a shell, while she has everything: children, loyal followers and allies, riches, and a throne.

All her children made her proud, and the older they got, the prouder she became.

Egil was their first child and looked like his father with his fair hair. Very responsible, but he had her anger and temper. How proud she was when he presented Liv to her. His lovely wife gave him a daughter soon enough. And the glory of battle overshadowed the need for an heir. Liv was, of course, too content to tell him she wanted more children. So Egil sailed to possibly imaginary lands and left Liv and Kara to watch after the earldom.

Gunne was a troublemaker since birth, so keen to annoy people. He had no problem with women or battle. So when he settled down with Hjordis, Ylva believed her a witch. But he grew calmer and boasted about his pretty wife that could dance the whole night away and never tire. Out of all her good daughters, Ylva liked the cheeky Hjordis the most.

Another favorite was Þórfríðr, Stigandr's wife. The third born was everything Ylva hated. Silent, shy, and unsure. Þórfríðr charmed him because she knew what she wanted and told him to do the same. The only place he was sure and precise was the battlefield. People may underestimate him, but in battle, he would always win.

Despite being the fourth son, Brandr worried about his siblings the most. He had a pure heart and will of steel. No luck with finding a wife and giving Ylva more grandchildren, but that's not everything in life. What matters is that he survives and lives on.

Haldor may not give her any grandchildren, but that doesn't matter. His curly hair and adorable smile warmed her heart the first time she saw him. He didn't scream like the others, only whined and snuggled closer. That attitude never really left him.

Skuld was the youngest. A little bit spoiled, but she was where Ylva bet her money on. She was wicked, intelligent, and brave, so much like her mother. Sometimes, Ylva worried for Skuld's mind. The girl didn't cry either when she was born. There had only been silence. But the babe wasn't dead; it just looked around with tired eyes, silently judging everyone. The more Skuld grew, the stranger she seemed.

She didn't follow cry when she fell; friends always surrounded her that she didn't care about and had no problem with violence. At first, Ylva thought it was her brothers' fault, but when she found her eight-year-old cutting herself, she knew it wasn't the truth. Apparently, she wanted to see how blood looked like up close, and Brandr ran away before she could find out.

Over time, her behavior lessened, and all that was left behind was charm and cunning. But sometimes, Ylva saw the same dangerous glint in her eyes as that day. And yet, she thought of Skuld as her best child. Her youngest had the best chance of moving up in the world and becoming successful.

That's why she allowed this charade with the Ragnarsson. As long as Skuld was enjoying herself, the danger of her violent side was low. And a Prince was better than the usual company she kept.

"Aren't you a confident virgin?"

"I am not a virgin anymore; you know that," Ivar growled into her ear, flipping under him and changing the slow teasing pace that she set. "Are you not enjoying yourself?"

"I had worse." Skuld teased, wrapping her legs around his waist so he can go deeper, and scratched her nails down his nacked back. "But I also had better. So speed up, Ivar."

The Ragnarsson growled like a feral beast and bit into her collar bone to ground himself. With rougher trusts, he made the headboard bang against the wall so even his brothers will hear. He wanted them to remember the sounds and prove he was a man, and Margrethe just wasn't worthy of his cock.

Not like Skuld, who took his dick like she was born to do it. When she wasn't naked around him, she joked with him and smirked like a sly fox. To think that he didn't want her anywhere near him not even two days ago. And now, after round four, he felt like he found himself the perfect match.

"How about now?" He whispered into her ear; she didn't answer, probably didn't even hear him with how loud she was moaning. With one last high pitched moan, she shuddered under him and came. He followed five trusts later and collapsed next to her.

"A shame you will leave soon. Your mother will probably give me the cold shoulder the moment you sail off."

"Why?"

Skuld chuckled and rolled over to drape over his sweaty torso. "Her darling boy is leaving on a dangerous journey. And he chooses to spend his last moments home, fucking the guest."

"Mother had me my whole life. It's only fair you had me for a little bit. I am doing what she asked of me before you came here." Ivar chuckled and pulled her closer, careful not to touch her back. She had limits just like him, he never showed his legs, and she never turned her back to him or let him touch it. Whatever the reason, he didn't really care as long as he got laid. "I am being a good host and paying you attention."

"How nice of you." She teased back, sitting up and leaving his bed again. This time not only to drink something like before. She picked up her discarded orange dress and put it on.

"You leaving already?"

"I have places to be. They are sailing away today, remember? I can't warm your bed for the whole day. I need breaks too."

"Not necessarily. You can still walk. That means you can come a few more times."

Skuld smirked at him and brushed his hair away from his face. "I created an insatiable monster."

"You could sate the beast like a good girl." Ivar tried the words, waiting for any indication that she liked the new kink. But Skuld chuckled and trailed her hands down his chest to paw at his cock.

"Or you could take what is offered and stop complaining like a spoiled brat. Be a good boy and get dressed." She drew her hand away from his lap and left him alone, looking dazed from her words. With a chuckled, he threw the furs off and left his bed.

Skuld walked to the shore where everyone was already present. Haldor was chatting with another man who enjoyed the attention. Her brother had some fun before he was supposed to leave as well. Good for him.

"I was worried you wouldn't see me off, Sweetheart." She turned on her heel to see the Ragnarssons standing there, waiting for their mother to stop talking to Harald and say her goodbyes.

"Maybe I came to take you to Valhalla before you could slay any enemies. Who are you to know?" Hvitserk grinned at her bold joke and moved closer to her.

He leaned to her ear and whispered softly. His breath lightly teasing her skin. "A shame I didn't have as much fun as you did. You are rather loud, you know?"

"I am aware, thank you. Thank the gods your brother will leave soon. Otherwise, I will die of exhaustion."

"I could talk to him if you want," Ubbe suggested only for her to shake her head.

"Let him. I am sure you were all the same. I still see the insatiable spark in your eyes as well." With the last sentence, she turned her eyes to Hvitserk, who was not hiding the fact that he ogled her chest. The second oldest smirked at her, no hints of shame, watching her as her oldest brother whisked her away.

"Another Ragnarsson, really? Isn't one enough?"

"If I were you, I would worry more about my survival than my sister's bed friends."

Egil rolled his eyes at her attitude and led her to the rest of their family, waiting for her. "Why, you think I won't make it? Do you truly have so little faith in me? Who do you think I am?"

"I think you are an idiot and annoying. Now leave me be, Egil." She seethed back at him and strode over to the rest of their family.

Ylva smiled a sad smile at her and drew her youngest to her. With uncharacteristically soft hands, she took her face in her palms and stroked her cheeks. "Stay close to Aslaug. She won't let anything happen to you."

"How can you be so certain? She has no place in her heart for anything other than her sons and wine." Skuld rolled her eyes at her mother's advice. She still saw the plan to leave her behind as a stupid decision.

It would have been better for Skuld to stay in Yugar and rule in her mother's place, instead of the three good-daughters that had the duty now. Placing her in Aslaug's household was a strategic move, a sign of trust and peace. If the Queen were to break it, she would face the rage of the Lioness and her five ferocious cubs.

"Maybe not, but she is clever and knows how to avoid war. Our relationships have strained enough thanks to her husband. The very one she despises as well. So going against him and entrusting you into her hands..."

"Is the perfect way to give her a sense of power with her hands still tied." Ylva nodded and kissed Skuld's hair as one last goodbye before departing for her journey. She hugged all her brothers as well. No matter how annoying they would get, they were family. And family always supports each other, especially if possible death looms over them. And with their tendency to get hurt in battle, this may be the last time they see each other.

"Keep your wits sharp, Skuld. May Freya protect you." Gunne whispered into her ear and passed her something wrapped in a cloth. He winked at her as he departed and sailed away.

Skuld's face was devoid of all emotion as her family grew smaller and smaller. In Kattegat, she was a stranger and probably rumored a whore. How much easier it would be for her to leave in the black of the night and return home—seeing Kara running around covered in mud while Liv scolded her halfheartedly. Hjordis stitching on the loom while Þórfríðr mocked her shaking fingers alongside Skuld.

But Ylva made a choice and gave her an order, if Skuld were to disobey, she would be punished. The last time she did it, her mother placed guards outside her door that chased away any lovers. Not even the thralls were allowed to be by her side. And that was only for being late to a meeting with another Earl.

When the small dots on the sea were gone, Skuld retreated to her family's hut. She sat down near the gone out fire and unwrapped the gift from her brother. Inside the cloth was a simple dagger with a wooden handle. It was light and easy to manipulate.

"Keep your wits sharp, huh?" She held the blade up for closer inspection and smirked in delight. It was a truly perfect gift. Skuld settled the dagger in her lap and teased her fingertips over the edge.

Skuld tucked the weapon away in her corset and left the silent hut. First, she must gather allies. And the best way to do that is to mingle with the common folk. Finding sympathies in Aslaug's court would be impossible; right now, the only trump card she holds over the Queen is that she saw her son naked.

The people in the market watched her walk by; she sent them smiles, playing the brave, lonely Lady. Slave traders, slaves, merchants, farmers - all useless to her right now. A merchant's ship would be a good escape in case of need. But they move on too fast, and she can't strike a deal with every boat that comes here. What she needs are whisperers. Little unseen things that will tell her all they know. And won't tell a soul they tattled to her.

"Margrethe! I would say it's fate that we meet, but that would be a lie. After all, I live where you work." The blonde slave smiled at her and shifted her hands in unease. "Would you like to walk with me?"

Of course, the girl had no other choice but to do as told. And so, Skuld led her away from the crowd by the arm. Smiling the whole time innocently. "Say, Margrethe... Does Ivar still bother you?"

Margrethe shook her head but still looked uneasy. She looked up at the taller female and leaned closer as if to tell a secret. "Did he...Did he hurt you?"

Skuld chuckled and pulled the scared girl closer to whisper into her ear. "In a way. But nothing I didn't like. Did he hurt you?"

"Yes."

Skuld frowned at the revelation. "Since the feast?"

"No... I only see him during meals. He doesn't even look at me." Margrethe confessed and looked at Skuld in confusion. It was weird of a foreigner to question thralls like this. The only one who ever asked her if she was okay was Sigurd, and he fucked her right after.

"That is good. I saw how uncomfortable you were that night. And I felt sorry. I also wanted to apologize for my flirting. I was drunk and wanted to lighten the mood. But I think I just made you more uncomfortable."

"It is alright."

Skuld shook her head and let Margrethe into an empty alley away from prying eyes. "Ivar is a cruel person, as we both know. And it would be better for everyone if they didn't know what we know. Or he might become even worse."

"I don't know what you are talking about." Margrethe denied, fully well knowing what the Earl's daughter was talking about. There was only one thing connecting them, and that was that they both slept with Ivar. Or attempted to in the thralls case.

"He told me, Margrethe. There is no need to deny it. And we don't have to talk about it. I know that night must have been scary. I just want you to know not to tell anyone."

"I told." The blonde whispered, scared, her eyes terrified. Skuld wondered what the cripple Prince did to her after he failed to get hard. A simple failed fuck would scare her so much. "I told Sigurd."

Skuld bit her lip at the dumb girl's actions. Scared or not, seeking refuge by the brother that spat venom at Ivar was stupid. One argument, and he might use it against Ivar, leaving Margrethe as the only possible source, especially when Skuld told the brothers that she and Ivar had no such problems.

"Don't worry. If Sigurd thinks you a liar, he won't spread the news. All I must do is prove them wrong. I did most of the job already. Just a few more things, and he will think Ivar more than capable."

"And how will you do that?" The wide eyes blonde stepped closer to Skuld. Trying to hear what plan the young female hatched.

Skuld leaned into her ear and whispered slowly, watching for any possible interruptions or witnesses. "Go to a healer and ask for Moon tea. Mention my name as often as possible. Ask for some herbs against pains as well. Say he left marks, and I ordered you to go there. Say anything that might sell the story, bruises, bite marks, even blood."

"Tell some slaves as well - the ones that spread the most rumors. I will walk with a slight limp and wince when I sit down. Moan and scream louder than before so everyone will hear. If they ask you what happened that night, you tell them naught. Deny any accusation and seem shifty. As if you lied about the whole thing."

Skuld pulled away after she was done whispering and watched the thrall try to remember the plan. "That will work. Thank you."

"No need to thank me. We, strong women, should work together. That's the only way we might survive men like Ivar. Always one step ahead. If there is anything you know that could help us..."

"The Queen..." Margrethe trailed off, not sure if she should tell or not.

"Yes..."

She swallowed and looked around as if the woman would jump out at any moment. "She isn't fond of you. This morning she ordered Ivar to stop seeing you, but he protested and said he wouldn't. She thinks you a spy or that you have ulterior motives. Hvitserk just thinks you horny."

"That's more or less it. I am also bored and want Aslaug to regret her choice of taking me in. I could be at home annoying my good-sisters and niece instead of diddling her darling son. But thank you for the information anyway. I will remember your words well. Now go before someone finds us."

Margrethe ran off as Skuld watched her go, a deep sense of satisfaction sets in. Playing kind and concerned was as easy as breathing by now. Faking what people want to see or hear is easier than others think. Soon enough, they turn into little birds, fluttering around and gathering whispers and rumors—easy pray and yet useful. The more they believe you protect them and care for them, the more loyal they become.

During the night, Ivar sat next to her, propped on one arm. He was leaning over her with a frown on his face and kept pestering her. "Then why did you come to my bed if you don't want to sleep with me?!"

"I was lonely." Skuld shrugged her shoulders and looked at him with a teasing smirk. She was not hiding the fact that she is lying right into his eyes. "And maybe I wanted to be toughed kindly instead of being mauled by a beast."

Ivar looked away from her and laid back down. Refusing to even look at her as a spoiled child would. "Oooh. Don't be like that, Ivar. I want affection, give me some, and we can play." The young Prince continued to look away, pretending that he didn't hear her.

Skuld pulled a face at his stubbornness and rolled onto her side to catch his gaze. "Don't make me beg..."

"If you keep being difficult, I won't get in the mood at all..."

Skuld rolled her eyes, and forcefully turned his head to her. She held his cheeks in a tight grip, digging her thumb into his jaw in a warning. "I don't like being ignored, boy. So either you pay attention, or I will leave you to play all by your lonesome. How embarrassing would that be, huh?"

Ivar watched her with nearly black eyes, charmed by her rough treatment, and hissed words in a fake sweet tone. "What do you want?"

Skuld smirked and loosened her grip a little, caressing the tender spots with her thumb instead. "Hold me for a bit, and you can do what you want later on."

"Anything I want?" Ivar rasped out, looking like an addict with his drug right in front of him but still out of reach. She smirked in victory and patted his cheek mockingly.

"Within reason and boundaries. You do anything I don't like, and you will be punished. I am not a slave; remember that." The Ragnarsson nodded and pulled her against his chest, stroking her auburn hair with uncharacteristic gentleness. Maybe he wasn't a lost cause after all and just needed a firm hand.

After the cuddles, Skuld kept her promise and let him fuck her how he wanted. The boy saw some positions that he wanted to try, so they had a few rounds before they were both spent. As Skuld laid on her back with Ivar sleeping with his head on her chest, she watched the shadows on the ceiling.

Her dagger was on the floor, buried under her dress. For whatever reason other than brotherly worry, Gunne thought she needed a weapon. What he knew, he didn't tell. But there was something big coming if he was worried for her safety enough to arm her.

Ivar whined on her chest and buried his head deeper between her breasts. One of them hidden under his calloused hand, sleepily squeezing the boob. She sighed and scratched her nails over his scalp to lull him back to sleep, choosing to rest as well.

#vikings #history vikings #ivar the boneless #slow burn #Hvitserk Ragnarsson #Hvitserk #hvitserk lothbrok #ivar #ivar ragnarsson #ivar lothbrok #ivar imagine #vikings imagine #hvitserk imagine #original character #original female character #ivar x oc #hvitserk x oc

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miss-tc-nova · 3 years

Text

Guide - Eraqus & Brain

Yes, I am currently subscribed to the “Brain is Eraqus’s grandpa theory.” When that bit came up, I knew I had to write this. AND, it was originally going to be a lot darker, but I spruced it up a bit and like this version better.

~~~~~

“The darkness will not win!” Wooden weapons clash.

The boy with slate colored hair hits back. “Hiya!”

While the defender stumbles back, he recovers quickly. He prepares to rejoin the fight but movement in the window catches his eye. There’s someone in his house—someone he recognizes.

An enormous gasp leaves his mouth, startling his opponent. His weapon falls into the grass as the boy races for the backdoor. Little feet patter across the floor, rushing for the visitor.

“Grandpa!”

Granite eyes light up. “There’s my little sunshine!” Reaching down, he scoops up the giggling child who immediately reaches for that worn hat. “What have you been up to today?” he asks, straightening the headwear on the little boy’s head.

“Me and my friends were playing Keyblade War but I saw you in the window!” he happily states, pointing out the open backdoor.

“Friends, huh?”

“Yeah! And—”

“Eraqus!” A tiny, little blonde pokes her head inside.

“Come back! We need you to make the teams even!” A white-haired boy runs in, skidding to a halt when he sees the stranger.

Another girl, this one with silver hair and golden eyes, jumps in. “Are you comin’ or not?!”

The enemy from earlier spots Eraqus in his grandfather’s arms and gapes. “M-M-Master Brain!”

A third boy tilts his head of red hair, not very impressed at all. “Hermod, are you sure? He doesn’t look like a master to me.”

Grandpa simply chuckles but Eraqus is not having his friend’s disrespect. “Yes he does, Bragi! This is my grandpa!”

“Just because he’s your grandpa doesn’t mean he’s Master Brain,” Bragi huffs, still eyeing the man suspiciously.

“You pea-brain,” the silver-haired girl snaps. “Teacher told us Eraqus is the grandson of Master Brain. So if that’s Eraqus’s grandpa, then that’s Master Brain.”

His amber eyes widen. “Oh…”

Hermod pushes a sheepish Bragi closer. “Say you’re sorry,” he whispers not so subtly.

Now before a legendary master, the kid doesn’t seem so confident. “S-Sorry, sir.”

Grandpa laughs, letting his grandson slip to the floor. “Don’t worry about it, kid; I’m not working right now. I just came to visit Eraqus, but I guess he’s already got visitors today.”

If Eraqus had to pick his favorite person in the whole world, it would be his grandfather. He loves his mother and father but not the same way he loves this man. “But you can stay, right?” he begs, tugging on the jacket. “I want you to meet my friends!”

“You do, huh?”

Frantic nodding messes the wavy hair. He’d do anything to spend time with Grandpa and will take every chance given to show him off—not because he’s Master Brain, but because Grandpa is the best.

“Alright. Do you want to introduce me then?” Grandpa says with a smile.

His excitement is so great, his words run together in his already small mouth. “This is Bragi and Hermod and Urd and Baldr and Vor and they’re all in my class!”

Children wave or comment at the mention of their names and then it’s Grandpa’s turn. “It’s nice to meet you all. I’m Brain. So you all want to be keyblade warriors, huh?”

Baldr is the first to voice their dreams. “Yeah!”

“We’re gonna be the best!” Urd agrees.

“Oh ho? Even better than me?”

Immediately, the little girl’s confidence falters into fear. “N-No sir! Never better than you!”

A grunt escapes the man as he sits himself on the floor among the kids. “Now that’s not the right answer.” She appears even more distraught. “You should always aspire to be better than the generations that came before. If each and every one of you becomes better warriors than I ever was, then I know the future will be in good hands. So go ahead, be the best, and don’t stop until you are.”

Urd’s frown turns into a beaming smile and the others start to catch her elation too.

“Hey, do you have any cool stories about the Keyblade War?” Bragi asks, having recovered from his blunder as if it never happened.

“Mmm, no, but I do have a great story about this giant Heartless that tried to destroy my favorite bakery.”

Eraqus exclaims, “The one you beat while eating a tart?!”

“Yes, that one.”

“That one’s my favorite!” The kid excitedly sits down, staring up at his grandfather, one hundred percent ready to listen to another telling of his favorite story. Eraqus is an excitable, impatient child but when it comes to his grandfather, he would happily listen to the same story over and over again. Not only is Grandpa his biggest hero, but the relationship he has with his grandfather is the relationship he wishes he shared with his parents.

The gaggle of children plop on the ground while Grandpa tells his silly tale of fending off a ferocious monster. Before long, the storyteller’s got every one of the rambunctious toddlers hanging on his every word, sparing time to answer excellent questions the curious come up with. Their little expressive faces show every bit of awe and delight as they listen, all the while Eraqus radiates pride.

“Wait, how did you pay for the tarts if Master Lauriam took your wallet?” Urd asks, ever the perceptive one.

Hesitation. “Uh…Well…”

Vor gasps, “Master Brain! Did you steal them?!”

“No! Nooooo!” Grandpa replies hastily. A warning finger points at them. “Stealing is bad and you should not steal from other people.”

Eraqus tilts his head. “But didn’t you steal Master Ephemer’s coffee?”

“No! I did not steal the coffee and when the fight was over, I made Lauriam pay for the tarts since he took my wallet!”

“Did he steal it?” Baldr asks.

The master seems to contemplate this new question. “…Yes. And stealing is bad.”

His grandson decides it’s time for a different topic. “Will you tell us the story about you and Master Skuld and the giant trickster?”

“You mean the Trickmaster.”

“Yeah!”

A hand raises. “What’s a Trickmaster?” questions Hermod.

“Well it’s this really tall—”

“Kids.” The interruption comes from the hall where Eraqus’s mother and two more women stand. “Vor, Baldr, your moms are here to pick you up.”

“Aww!” the pair complain.

Baldr protests, “But Master Brain was about to tell us about the Trickmaster!”

“Yeah!” agrees Vor.

“All you munchkins better listen to your mothers,” Grandpa warns them. “They’re doing their best to make sure you grow big and strong.”

“Yes Master Brain,” they all drone, each of them having been taught to respect their elders. The unfortunate two scurry off to their mothers who say something before they come running back.

“Thank you for talking to us.” Vor gives him a bow.

Baldr follows her example. “Thank you, Master Brain.”

“No problem.”

As fantastic fables entertain those remaining, the toddlers are taken away, one by one, by parents until it’s just grandfather and grandson.

“You got some exciting friends, kid,” Grandpa says, watching Eraqus return from bidding Urd goodbye.

“Yeah. They’re all really cool and they don’t treat me funny.”

Grandpa nods, pushing himself off the floor. Eraqus can see something thrilling in those eyes. “That’s good. Now, you’ve got three seconds to run before I TICKLE YOU!”

The boy takes off yelling with the man close behind. Shouting, a foreign phenomenon to the home, fills the silence while the pair rushes around in their game. Their antics lead them to Eraqus’s room where there’s running, roughhousing, mock sword fighting, and more fun than the kid has had since Grandpa’s last visit. This is his best friend who knows all his secrets because Eraqus isn’t afraid to tell him everything; even when he knows he’s done something wrong, he knows that Grandpa may scold him but will still be there to help him learn from his mistake. This is what every kid needs and this is the relationship he gets jealous of when he sees his friends with their parents: one full of respect, freedom, and love.

“Dad.” Grandpa freezes, child above his head, looking to the doorway where his daughter looks on. “Don’t you have a meeting with the council?”

Arms lower to drop the boy onto his bed. “Oh, right. Man, I forgot about that.”

“I noticed,” she replies bluntly. “And Eraqus needs to work on his studies before he goes to bed.”

Said child groans, tugging at Grandpa’s jacket, “Aww, do you have to go?”

The woman opens her mouth to retort, but the man waves her off and she leaves them be. “Sorry kiddo. People are counting on me to make choices to take care of them. Plus, you heard your mom, you got studies to do.” Era gives a little pout and the man ruffles his grandson’s black hair. “Look, the next time I come visit, if your mom tells me you’ve been good, I’ll take you to see the citadel.”

Oh he’s been dying to see that. “Where the keyblade warriors train?!”

Grandpa grins. “That’s the one. But like I said, you gotta behave and do your studies like your mom asks.” A hand extends to the boy. “Deal?”

The kid puts on a show of considering the offer but slaps his little hand into his elder’s. “Deal!”

The stolen hat is taken, plopped back onto the owner’s head while they shake hands. “Alrighty then.” A warm, loving expression softens Brain’s smile. “You’re gonna be a great warrior someday, kid, better than me.”

“You think so?”

“‘Course I do. Always remember, may your heart be your guiding key.”

~~~~~

Warm sunlight beats down on the bright world. Despite its dreary nature, the cemetery, too, is actually quite bright. The youth in white strides along the stone pathway, flowers in hand.

Months ago, he stood in this very vicinity, in the deafening rain, trapped in a bubble of mourning. He cried and screamed and even blew up at the parents he’d never before disrespected. They didn’t understand; they still don’t but the whole thing has managed to blow over. Friends, acquaintances, and even his Master came with condolences, receiving a meager ‘thank you’ in return. Nothing made him feel better and he just couldn’t come to terms with the fact that such a powerful, legendary master—that his grandfather—was dead.

And then he found the words carved into the headstone: “May your heart be your guiding key.”

Even now, those words echo in Grandpa’s voice—the mantra he told the boy at least every time they parted ways. Those were his last words to Eraqus.

Grandpa was the only person who seemed to understand and acknowledge his struggles. The pressure of nobility and responsibility often pressed down on Eraqus but somehow, his grandfather always gave him the support and courage he needed to endure those things. In the face of all his anxieties, it was always his grandfather reaching back to lead him through. Brain was everything Eraqus needed in his life. Even now, in death, he’s still managed to leave his grandson with the strength he needs to move forward.

It’s because of these words that Eraqus became something his parents aren’t exactly proud of. He began shirking his studies and speaking his mind no matter the company—really the only thing that keeps them off his back is the fact that he’s still a pretty damn good student. Just because he’s happy doesn’t mean he can let his grandpa’s faith go to waste; he’s supposed to become a great warrior after all. But, following his grandfather’s words, Eraqus started becoming the person he wanted to be instead of the person he was expected to be.

The boy sits down, resting the bouquet before the stone. From his pocket, he also presents a talisman—the mark of keyblade wielders, even those in training—which he finally earned today.

“There’s so many things I want to tell you.” He expected the tears, but even so, he smiles. “But before I get to all that, I have to say thank you.” The sleeve of his haori drags across his face. “Thanks for guiding me, Grandpa.”

#eraqus #brain #kh brain #kh eraqus #grandpa brain

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psianabel-writes · 4 years

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Brain & Ventus & Skuld & Ephemer - After Confession comes Comfort (Post jpn KHUX update 2nd April 2020) Walking back to the Daybreak Tower after Ventus's story on the hill, emotions come down on Ventus - his fear of meeting and confronting Lauriam with this and not wanting to lose his friendship to all of them - and Skuld and Brain are there to comfort him. [AO3]

Let’s head back to the tower for now. Brain held onto Ventus’s back just as Skuld did as they made their way along the streets of Daybreak Town. They walked silently, not knowing what to say or talk about, still processing Ventus’s story he told them up on the hill - fragments of a much bigger story, they slowly all realized, one that put itself together bit by bit. It started with Lauriam looking for his little sister Strelitzia, over to strange glitches appearing over Daybreak Town, to a new world connecting to them that was not supposed to exist, to finding out they were indeed trapped in a data version of their home and not flew to the world they were supposed to go to according to Master Ava, over to Brain realizing he was not the one appointed to get the Book of Prophecies in the first place, and then - … Finding out Ventus wasn’t even supposed to be amongst them, taking Strelitzia’s place instead.

Brain rubbed over his own head briefly as he went through everything again, glancing over to Ventus on his side who still clutched his head. He rubbed over his shoulder, seeing that Skuld already did the same on his other side. Ephemer walked with them on the side, his sad expression never leaving his face, tucking on his scarf nervously as he looked down to the ground. The air between them was dense, but not because of anger or hatred - their loss of words and their want to comfort Ventus in this was too deep. This whole situation felt so unreal, so out of this world. They couldn’t remember how exactly they came back to the tower again, or how long it took them - they didn’t focus on anything except coming here, into the room they always met. The late afternoon sun shone through the stained glass, giving it a warm atmosphere, which was much appreciated after this cold sadness that overcame them. Ventus halted in the middle of the room, making Brain and Skuld stop as well. They still held onto him, neither of them not wanting to leave him any time soon. Not until he showed any signs of getting better. “What … now?” Ephemer carefully asked as he sat down on his chair at the table, looking at the other three in the room. Brain looked between Skuld and Ventus, back and forth, meeting Skuld’s concerned eyes a few times. He sighed, gripping Ventus’s shoulder lightly. “ … We have to find Lauriam.” Ventus immediately looked up to him at his words, fear reflecting in his eyes. “He has a right to know this. … And maybe he found something out in the meantime as well.” Ventus opened his mouth in shock, widening his eyes as he took a step back from him and came closer to Skuld. “But-” “Are you sure, Brain?” Skuld looked at Brain, keeping her hand on Ventus even stronger now. “We have to tell him sooner or later.” He shook his head as he put his hands in his pockets, fumbling. “And it’s better to do it now rather than to do it when it’s too late. I don’t like keeping things from him. … Especially not something that involves his sister.” Skuld nodded in understanding, but Ventus still kept his fearful eyes glued onto him. “I’ll go.” The three looked at Ephemer, who stood up from his chair on the side. He put his hand over his chest and confirmed with Brain. “He has to be around somewhere. I’ll find him and bring him back.” With gratefulness Brain looked at him, relieved he took this position. “Thank you, Ephemer. … Chirithy will help you with your search.” Just as soon as Brain called for it, his Chirithy appeared in a puff of smoke, bouncing on the edge of the table, lifting their head away from their eyes. “Really now? Searching for your friends again?” The Chirithy said, looking into the round and then to Ephemer, before their eyes landed on Brain again. “Please?” Brain said pleadingly, a smile forming on his face as Chirithy didn’t budge yet. The Dream Eater was silent for a few seconds before they sighed deeply a low “Okay”, hopping over to Ephemer and then down the table to tuck on his trousers. “Let’s go then.” Ephemer had to hold in a chuckle as Chirithy took the lead, waving to the others a small goodbye. “I’ll be quick.” He said, jogging after the small creature right after. Brain and Skuld turned to Ventus again after Ephemer left, seeing his distress and horror in his face. Clearly he wasn’t ready for this confrontation, his own memories not making much sense to him. How was he able to face Lauriam with these information - “Ven.” Brain came forward to him again, calmness in his voice. Obviously it was hard for Ventus to calm down in such a situation and Brain was well aware, but running away from it wasn’t a good idea in the first place. Ventus’s hands started to shake as he held his head again, the pounding headache not wanting to go away - pieces of memories flashed in front of his eyes, but they were too hazy to make anything out. “How can I … How can I face him like that-” He started, his words shaky and hasty. “I don’t … I don’t want to-” “Sshh, it’s okay.” Skuld put a hand on his back again, running it up and down in comfort. “It’s okay. We’re here, we’re not leaving you, you hear?” Brain put both his hands on Ventus’s shoulders, trying to keep him down and safe. “Let me do the talking, yeah? You’re not alone in this.” Even though the signs pointed towards that he had something to do with Strelitzia’s disappearance, Brain did not believe a single words about him being responsible for it. Darkness was at work and clearly he had no memories of anything that happened in the warehouse. Where did even come that Master Ava from as well? Someone had their hands in this, making Ventus a scapegoat in their actions, trying to bring disruption to their bonds. Brain tried to make sense of all the things he knew. Master Ava couldn’t have done it, he was sure about that, it didn’t make sense. She wouldn’t have given him the note that listed the five Union Leaders, let alone would do such a cruel thing and replace a close person from one of the Union Leaders. He knew about her plan of wanting to see what happened if someone didn’t follow “the script”, but that was too obvious and too much. But this means … someone else wants to do it as well … “I … don’t want to lose you.” Ventus continued with a sob, the pain of his headache becoming more and more, gripping on his head stronger. “I don’t -” I don’t want to die. He was close to falling on his knees if it weren’t for Brain and Skuld’s fast reflexes, holding him up with wobbly knees. Brain put his arms around the young boy, letting his head rest on his shoulder, while Skuld continued to comfort him and started to stroke over his head. “It’s going to be alright, okay, Ven?” Skuld said behind him, starting to put her arms around him as well, resting her hands on Brain’s back while having Ventus in the middle. “We will always be friends no matter what.” Brain felt Ventus sobbing against him, but right now he honestly didn’t care at all. He needed that, his friends being there for him, the people he cared about - They were in this together. No matter what destiny threw at them. “Let it out.” Brain whispered to him as Ventus’s tears fell, his emotions overflowing, unable to hold it back anymore. “We’ll take over from here.” “We’ll protect you.” Skuld said to him as well, looking over to Brain with concerned eyes. “Lauriam will understand, he has to.” Even though Brain already told him that he would do the talking, he wasn’t sure where to even start. How to explain, how to make sure Lauriam understood it wasn’t Ventus’s fault, seeing the truth behind all that. He had to lay out the facts to him, telling him his sister was supposed to amongst them, and that she was … gone now. It wouldn’t be simple, he knew that. But he was the only one who could make him see. Concern and nervousness rose in him, but he pushed it aside for now for Ventus’s sake. This moment together was only about him.

#kingdom hearts #khux #Ephemer #Ventus #KH Brain #Skuld #fanfiction #my work #gen fic #bruh ive been not okay since this morning #this game gives me a feeling like nothing else does #i love these kids so much you have no damn idea

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daybreak-academy-fanfic · 4 years

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Daybreak Academy: Chapter 89

Pas de Deux

Summary: In which Brain and Ephemer have a cat fight. Word Count: 2,044 First | Previous | Next ☆ ⚬ ☆ ⚬ ☆ ⚬ ☆ ⚬ ☆ ⚬ ☆ ⚬ ☆ ⚬ ☆ ⚬ ☆

“The last Friday before winter break.” Brain fondly remarked, more to himself than Anora. “Which means one last Dandelion meeting before break. Ah man, I'm already so done with it.”

“Did you have one last week?” Anora curiously wondered. But Brain shook his head.

“Nah. We all kinda voted to have the day off some time ago. Might have been at the first meeting? Maybe the second? We also talked about not having one this week too awhile back, but Skuld and Lauriam can put up a pretty good case when they want to.”

Anora gave a little nod of understanding. A small gust of wind brushed against her face, kissing her with the promise of incoming winter weather. Winter was Anora's favorite season. It meant ice skating, and cozy fires, and very warm cups of hot chocolate after a good 30 minute snowball fight. Brain had shivered at the breeze but didn't directly oppose it. If anything, it made him talk even more as the duo headed toward the main building.

“Have you figured out what you're doing for break?” he asked her. “I didn't want to say it in front of Eraqus, but I really don't want to go home. You know how you get all skittish when there's more than five strangers in a room? Multiply that by at least 2 and a half, and you have my family.”

Just the thought made Anora shiver.

“My thoughts exactly.” Brain agreed with a nod.

When they got to the front door, Brain signaled for Anora to wait a moment she he could hold it for her. She gave him a rather sheepish nod in passing as thanks. Brain tipped his fedora at her slightly in acknowledgment before closing the door behind them.

“If you don't mind me doing it,” he went on as they continued their trek to the Dandelion clubroom, “I'd really like to use you as an excuse not to go. Not sure what your family situation is, but I'm not asking you to go off to them if it's too uncomfortable. Heck, you could go to your family and just leave me here. What my mother doesn't know wouldn't kill her.”

Anora let out a little snort of bemusement. “You're a big boy now.” she teased. Brain jolted for a moment before giving her a bewildered glance. She looked back at him with a wide, teasing grin.

“I guess you could say that,” he agreed as he looked away from her. He even placed a finger on the front brim of his fedora to slightly hide his face from her. It earned him a genuine laughter from Anora- her bubbly laughter almost echoing as they took the stairs.

The closer they got to the clubroom, however, the more something in Anora's chest started to clench in anxiety. She fought hard to not latch onto Brain's arm and hug it for dear life. When they stopped just short of the clubroom door, Anora thought she was going to be sick.

“I'm going to the school store after the meeting to pick up some instant coffee.” Brain casually told her. Either choosing not to notice her distress, or maybe trying to distract from it. “You want me to get you anything? Toothpaste? Quick meals? Lady things?”

Anora shook her head, showing that she didn't need anything, before giving him a quick kiss on the cheek and hurrying away from the Dandelion clubroom. A part of Brain was amused by the display- but the other part of him was slightly bitter. She didn't need to be so worried about running into Ephemer. Sure, he was the club leader, but it's not like the silver-haired headmasters' pet was going to talk to her either. Brain knew that for a fact. It took them how long to go on that first date, with several interventions that included Brain himself? It was going to happen again unless one of them grew a spine.

Which, if Brain could almost guess, was going to be Anora.

The Unicornis student entered the Dandelion's clubroom to find that he was the fourth to arrive today. Ephemer was already sitting at the round table, looking over the itinerary book. Skuld and Ventus were over at one of the loveseats.

“Good afternoon.” Brain greeted them all with a trip of his fedora. “Everyone else have a good day?”

Skuld and Ven looked up and smiled at him, giving their greetings back warmly. But Ephemer had jumped a considerable amount in the air. He whipped around to look at Brain- his face growing pale while also contorting into what could have been a grimace. Brain let out a light chuckle at seeing it.

“What's that look for?” he snorted. For awhile, Ephemer refused to answer him.

“How's Anora?” the younger of the two finally asked through gritted teeth.

“She seems to be doing pretty well. But you could ask her yourself, you know.”

Ephemer looked away before grumbling, “She wouldn't listen to me.”

“If you really believe that, then it's no small wonder you broke up.”

The pen that Ephemer had been using cracked at his grip. Skuld and Ventus didn't seem to notice, since they had gone back to their conversation, but Brain certainly did. He moved a bit closer to Ephemer's seat- even placing a hand at the back of the chair.

“Why don't you just talk to her?” he asked the Dandelion leader.

“Little hard to do when she's too busy kissing you.”

Hearing this, something in Brain ignited with a slow burning fury. He cocked an eyebrow at Ephemer before politely questioning, “Pardon?”

Likewise, Ephemer looked up at Brain with a hard expression. It was more contempt than Brain was used to seeing from the Leopardus student.

“You've wanted her since the summer. Haven't you?” Ephemer then accused. “That was why you decided to dance with her. You were just jealous.”

Brain snorted at the idea. But when he saw how serious Ephemer still was, he looked back in near surprise. “Oh Ub Iwerks, you're serious.” he remarked. Then Brain started to laugh. “Ephemer, good grief, how dense are you?”

Ephemer didn't respond. His eyes narrowed as he looked Brain up and down.

“You just don't get it, do you?” Brain went on to muse. “If it wasn't for me, Strelitzia wouldn't have kissed Anora. That could have been you if you had just taken the hint.”

Every atom in Ephemer's body suddenly froze. “What did you just say?”

Brain looked down at Ephemer with a particularly malicious smirk. “Oh, you heard me.” he challenged. “I talked to both of you about Anora. Only one of you did something about it. Guess who took her first kiss, Ephemer? Wasn't you. Was it?”

There was no warning for what happened next. Ephemer had launched himself out of his chair to tackle Brain around the middle. Surprised, Brain couldn't do anything to protect himself but fall over from the impact. The two of them hit the ground hard. Brain was the first to react after- he kneed Ephemer in the crotch and easily got back to his feet.

“Strelitzia asked Anora on a walk in the afternoon.” Brain seethed as Ephemer was coiled in pain. “You had ALL day and the night before! You did nothing but sit and watch, as if you expected her to just wake up and realize she loved you! Anora had never fallen in love before- so how was she supposed to know, Ephemer?”

The only answer that came out of Ephemer's lips was a low hiss. He worked himself up a bit before making another lunge for Brain's legs. Again, caught off guard, Brain was back down on the ground. Ephemer made quick work of climbing on top of Brain, then making blind punches at his face. Brain was able to block most of them before they ever landed. Didn't mean that Ephemer didn't manage to scratch him at least once, though.

Both boys were too concentrated on trying to hit -and avoid being hit by- the other that they couldn't hear Ven's desperate pleas for them to stop. It wasn't until Skuld walked up to them and quite harshly kicked Ephemer off of Brain with the heel of her modestly high heeled boot. Ephemer let out a noise of pain as he fell over. Brain was almost about to get on top of Ephemer in retaliated before Skuld used that same heel to pin Brain's hand to the ground. He also let out a yelp in pain.

“That's enough!” Skuld demanded at a tone so high that it made both boys flinch. Since she had their attention now, she moved her heel from Brain's hand. “If you Toms are going to keep fighting, then move it out of the clubroom or I'll get security. This is ridiculous!”

For a moment, all they did was stare up at her. Eventually, Ephemer was the first to peel his body off the floor.

“Invi wouldn't touch me.” he bitterly growled. But he sat down in his chair with an aggressive plop.

Brain remained where he was a bit longer- mostly making sure that he could still use his hand. He started to sit up, looking around the room for where his fedora had gone, and found that Ven had nervously picked it up in the middle of the scuffle.

“Thanks Ven.” Brain mumbled before gently taking the fedora back. “Sorry you had to see that.”

The youngest student only nodded his head.

Everyone's attention was diverted when the door to the clubroom opened up. Lauriam came through the door, not quite looking at them yet.

“I'm sorry I'm late.” the oldest of them all apologized. “Elrena had an emergency and needed me to...” He trailed off in sensing the tense atmosphere. Warily, he turned to Skuld to ask, “What did I miss?”

She gave him a heavy sigh before gesturing to Brain and Ephemer. Lauriam looked over at them and was shocked to see how roughed up the two boys looked. Ephemer had the becomings of a bruise near his eye, and Brain had started to nurse a bleeding nose.

After putting two and two together, all Lauriam could give was a small, “Oh.”

. . .

Brain was late, and Anora was worried. They were supposed to meet outside the main building today, right? Sure, Brain said that he was going to the school store after, but shouldn't he had been done by now? Maybe she should go in and check...

“Anora.”

The young woman just barely had time to turn around before Brain took her by the shoulders and pulled them into an aggressive kiss. When he let them go, Anora was quick to cast him a worried side glance. Seeing it immediately diffused a lot of his anger toward Ephemer. It wasn't her fault that the silver haired coward was, well, a coward. And an idiot. And possibly the single most irresponsible piece of-

“It was a rough meeting.” he admitted, softly pressing his forehead against hers now. “How about we have an early dinner off campus? You pick the place, I'll pay for it.”

“I'm sorry.” she whispered with a small shake of her head. Brain frowned as he moved them so he could look her in the eye.

“What do you need to be sorry for?” he questioned. “You're not the one that needs to grow a pair.”

But Anora still shrunk a little and failed to meet his gaze. Brain looked her over, letting out a hard sigh in the process.

“Let's just get off campus for awhile.” he tried to tell her, taking her hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.”There's a general store in town, I'll pick up what I need, then we'll have dinner somewhere. Maybe go for a nice long walk just for good measure. What do you say?”

Anora still refused to look at him. But slowly, surely, there was a small nod of agreement. The idea of being off campus nowadays seemed more appealing by the minute. A small sigh escaped Anora's lips as she and Brain headed toward the front gates. She knew what she was going to do for winter break now.

#daybreak academy #chapter 89 #kingdom hearts fanfiction #tw: physical violence #Anora #Brain #Ephemer #Skuld #Season 3

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kessielrg · 4 years

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[Daybreak Academy][KH AU] Hospital Beds

Summary: In which Skuld fades in and out of consciousness in the aftermath of her overdose (chapter 37 of Daybreak Academy). [oneshot][spoilers for @daybreak-academy-fanfic, obviously]

Rating: K+

Word count: 2,220 words

Skuld had only passed out on one other occasion in her life. It was the 2011 Departure County Regional Lux Pageant: Junior Division. It was the last major competition before going to state, so -of course- it was a very big deal. The whole situation could have been avoided if she, or her parents, had been paying enough attention that day. Ultimately, it was ruled that Skuld had been dehydrated and the incident was never brought up again.

But that was when something in Skuld changed. Her parents all but glossing it over and working on the next pageant nearly made her pop a blood vessel. After that incident, Skuld refused to attend any more pageants so long as she had a body to live in. No more lights, no more angry moms when their kid didn't win a crown, no more stage cues from hosts that didn't even pretend to care; none of it. Skuld was done.

When she received her letter of acceptance from Daybreak Academy, Skuld gave her parents an ultimatum: if she went to Daybreak, then she wouldn't attend any more pageants. It had to be one or the other. Of course her parents let her go to Daybreak- having a prestigious school listed as your alma mater looked far better on a resume than how many useless gold crowns you've won. For that, she was thankful her parents had some sort of common sense.

They say, when your brain realizes that it's about to die, your whole life flashes before your eyes. When Skuld could feel her whole body shut down on her, the rest of her life up until then didn't even matter. Back then (and right now) her only thought was 'what if no one finds me?' That thought was infinitely more terrifying when she was in her own private dorm and not about to be shuffled on stage in front of a crowded audience.

Skuld had no idea how long she had been out. Her mind took what seemed to be years before realizing that she was in a hospital room. A slow glance toward the window indicated that it was sometime during the day. Wasn't it after sunset when she passed out? The memories were fuzzy at best, and a good part of it still seemed fragmented as she tried to piece together what had actually happened.

But thinking took up too much brain power that she didn't quite have back yet. What with the 'hard reboot' and all of waking up without intentionally making your body shut down. She didn't even bother to know if her parents were even aware she was in the hospital right now. She had listed Headmaster Ava as her emergency contact for so long, she had memorized that number far better than her own parents'. Skuld let out a soft sigh as she let her body succumb back into a black abyss of nothing. Maybe she'll feel a bit better later on.

Hopefully.

. . .

“I should have known the moment she came to callbacks alone.”

Skuld knew the voice but couldn't bring herself to open her eyes to be sure. It took a lot more effort than she had to even give the slightest of peeks. Her glimpse was short, but it confirmed her suspicions. In the hospital room with her was Ms. April. With Ms. April was Headmaster Aced, awkwardly trying to navigate the hospital room with a small vase of get well soon flowers in his hands.

“You never would have guessed too.” Aced calmly noted, setting the vase of flowers on the bedside table. “Everything was kept on track, she dropped off notes about what needed attention then she'd send another note saying she found a solution...”

“That's not the point, Aced.” Ms. April snapped. “She's still child. There was no reason for her to have such a heavy workload without any of us noticing. I should have noticed. Ava- Ava should have noticed!”

“Ava?” Aced repeated. A quick look of confusion crossing his features. “What does Ava have to do with this? Gula is the Leopardus headmaster.”

“That stupid student council she started!” April declared. “Don't tell me you're not aware of it!”

“Of course I was aware, all of us knew...”

“And did any of you know that the five students she cherry-picked had trouble adjusting?” the short teacher snapped back. “Skuld wasn't the only one. And the fact that you don't even know that-!”

“It's not like any of them were from my house.” Aced argued. “I'm not the one who would have noticed even if I could!”

A dark silence immediately filled the room the moment he said those words. Ms. April was fuming.

“April...” the youngest of the two tried to say in a timid voice. “I...”

But Ms. April wasn't going to listen to him. Instead, she turned on her heel and immediately headed toward the door. Fear was quick to reach Aced's features as he went after her.

“April!” he even feebly tried to call. “April I didn't mean…! April!”

Skuld could hear the door shut when they both left. The tense air still lingered in the room, and it made her feel incredibly awful in its aftermath.

No, Skuld dully thought, Don't leave. It wasn't anyone's fault.

But she could feel herself drift off again. In seeing no use of fighting it, Skuld relaxed her body and went back to sleep.

. . .

Third time's the charm, as they say, and this time around Skuld felt much better. Or better enough that she could actually maneuver her body to reach for the call button. It still took a lot of effort, though, and she immediately flopped back down on the hospital bed in exhaustion.

“Skuld?”

Skuld blinked as she looked to who had said her name. To the right of the bed was Ava and Gula. They looked like they had placed another small vase of flowers by her bed and were completely surprised to see her awake. The teen tried to give them a smile of acknowledgment, but it came out as a momentary twitch instead.

“We should get the nurse.” Ava gently whispered to Gula, placing a hand on his elbow.

“I did.” Skuld slurred as she gestured to the call button- it was an attempt to pick it up and show it to the Vulpes headmaster, but it was a futile effort at best.

“How you doing kiddo?” Gula then asked, casually sitting at the end of Skuld's bed as if it weren't a big deal. He even gave her foot a playful pat before adding, “Enjoy your nap?”

“Gula!” Ava admonished before giving him a whack on the shoulder.

Gula only shrugged while giving a playful laugh. “Honest question.” he casually proclaimed. Skuld looked between the two of them like she had never seen them before. Maybe a part of her thought she didn't.

“My head is… numb?” she admitted in a slow drawl. “Still so tired...”

“Do you remember what happened?” Gula asked. His smiling face diminishing quite a bit to something more serious. Skuld raised an eyebrow before looking down at her hands. That was an idea she hadn't really considered until now. Her face scrunched as she tried to recollect her memories.

“I sent an email...” came the slow answer. “I got up and things were… wrong. Someone was at my door? Anna? Nora…?”

“Anora.” Gula corrected her. His tone was a bit darker than before now too. “Anora had come to your dorm just as you fainted. She called the ambulance for you.”

“Right… Anora...”

A small silence fell between the three of them as Skuld tried to further recollect her memories. She knew who Anora was, right? Skuld reclined a bit and in a brief flash when she closed her eyes, she could see a pink haired girl who very seldom talked and was currently the object of attention from…

“Ephemer.” Skuld wondered out loud as she looked back at Ava and Gula. “Is he with you?”

“Ephemer will be coming by later.” Ava told her. “He needed a little more time to… to process what had happened.”

“Idiot thinks its his fault.” Skuld huffed. She noticed her mental flub a moment too late, but didn't bother to correct herself. Gula laughed at it, though.

“Nice to know your sense of humor is still in tact.” he teasingly mused. It earned him another hard smack on the shoulder and Ava saying his name in a very disapproving manner. This time, Skuld did manage to smile, but it was still half formed and looked rather lopsided. Still, the attempt had been made, and only seeing it out of the corner of their eye made both Gula and Ava relax a bit more.

The soft moment was only interrupted by the nurse finally coming into the room. Ava and Gula excused themselves not long after, allowing the nurse to have more room to do her work. After some time the nurse called in the doctor for further tests. The doctor assigned to Skuld's case arrived about ten minutes after that. Not that Skuld was complaining when she saw him- he was super cute.

“How are you feeling, Miss Niyati?” the doctor asked her as he looked up from his clipboard of notes on her condition. He hit her with a million watt smile that nearly made Skuld's blood pressure spike.

Despite this, she gave him the automatic reply of “Dead.” without any thought put into it. The doctor laughed at this.

“Well, these charts say otherwise.” he humored her. “But that's just a sign you're still living, isn't it? Do you feel any pain, or a bit woozy?”

Skuld gave a small half shrug at first. “I think I have a delay. Words don't sound… good.”

The doctor once more gave her a kind smile before assuring her that such things were natural after an unexpected nap time. He went on to explain a lot more about how she had gotten there. Apparently she had taken too much acetaminophen and her body had shut down before any major damage could be done. The doctor told her that she was lucky to have gotten to the hospital as quickly as she did. Who knows how long she would have been out -let alone if she could even be woken- had her friend (Anora?) not contacted first responders right away.

It took some more time for them to run through some basic response tests before the doctor decided that she was good for now.

“I'll have a nurse come by so we can get your body weight before we do an MRI. With all luck Miss Niyati, you'll be out of here in no time.”

“Good.” Skuld replied with a small sigh. She was starting to feel a lot like herself again, and the idea of being in a hospital any longer than she needed to was starting to bug her.

“By the way,” the doctor said, almost as if he had forgotten something important. “Your friend, the one that came with you, she's still sitting outside. Would you like me to tell her that she can come in and sit with you?”

Skuld paused for a moment, looking up at the doctor like she had no idea what he was saying. But then it hit her; it must have been Anora. Right? Gula had said that Anora had called the ambulance, but he didn't say if she had come to the hospital as well. Ephemer had yet to show up, so maybe she was keeping watch for him?

The young woman carefully shook her head at the doctor. “She's waiting for someone.” she told him. He gave her an affirmative nod in agreement.

“Well, if that's all,” he said to her, “Then I'll be on my way. Remember, I'll have a nurse coming by for you later so be on the look out and try not to go to sleep again. Alright?”

At Skuld's agreeing nod, the doctor gave her one last brilliant smile before making his leave. Once the door closed, Skuld let out a long sigh as she relaxed against the hospital bed. Her head lulled over to the side so she could look at the small assortment of get well soon cards and flowers her bedside table had accumulated. When the nurse had helped her, Skuld had convinced them to read a few cards to her. They were all nice gestures- some of them were littered with apologizes about the school play.

But that was a subject for a different time.

Skuld's thoughts were interrupted when she heard the door to her hospital room open and close. She looked up to see Ephemer and Anora. Ephemer looked like a wreck- his eyes were bloodshot from crying, his clothes were put on rather haphazardly, and his hair looked like it hadn't been brushed in weeks. Anora, standing a little behind him, was nothing more than a shrinking wallflower that didn't want to get in the way between the old friends. Seeing them was almost a relief.

Skuld tried to give them her best smile before fondly remarking, “There you are. I was wondering how long it was gonna take for you to show up.”

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secret-reports · 4 years

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Greetings Mel!

I wanted to ask you about the circumstances of Strelitzia’s death.

An often not talked about detail is the fact that Gula was in the room with Player and Skuld mere moments before Strelitzia arrived. Both Player and Skuld are given a scene which shows them leaving the house. We are not given information as to whether or not Gula also left the house however. I think this information was purposefully left out to cast suspicion on Gula, but yet we are seemingly being led to believe Ventus is the culprit. What’s also peculiar is that Ventus seems to be confused on the details of his own whereabouts at the time and the details of how he came to be appointed a dandelion leader. I think what the bread crumbs are leading to is that Gula and Ventus might be the same person, and for some reason his memories were changed and he started to think he was someone else. I think something similar happened to Apprentice Xehanort when he started to think his name was Ansem, but that is a topic for another day. Seems like Dark Chirithy may be up to no good in the background to me.

Anyway just wondering your thoughts and hope you have a lovely day :)

P.S. I will pre-counter the KBGY scene and KH3 epilogue scene by simply saying dialogue is too vague to indicate anything one way or another and in KH3 there are 13 norts, why can’t there be 2 Gulas. :p

Hello! I mean, there’s not really any contradicting evidence, but there also isn’t really much else for me to entertain this on. For one thing, you say that Gula and Ventus are the same person (as in, Gula somehow changed his outfit before Strelitzia’s arrival, whether or not Gula is retaining the same personality or is someone in a different headspace as Ventus), but then later say there are 2 Gulas.

So is your theory that Ventus and Gula are the same (of which then Gula would, as Ventus, be present for Strelizia’s death, but then go to the Keyblade War as Gula again, somehow survive, and return back as Ventus as one of the Union Leaders? This certainly would not explain how Gula could appear with the other Foretellers summoned by Luxu in KH3′s Epilogue

Or is your theory that Ventus is another version of Gula, in which case the fact that Gula never explicitly being shown leaving the abandoned house is irrelevant to Ventus arriving with messed up memories? Unless you are saying they were both present during Strelitzia’s death, but based on your phrasing I don’t think that’s what you were trying to express.

Aside from your theory, with Gula not explicitly being shown leaving the abandoned house, I would only find that suspicious if there was one other hint that Gula was present for Strelitzia’s death, but so far there aren’t any that I’ve noticed. For one thing, be it Ava herself or Darkness taking on Ava’s form to kill Strelitzia, if Gula was there he would have reason to believe Ava would go AWOL and have in general have other deviating plans-- so Gula probably wouldn’t assume Xigbar “excluded” Ava. But, he did assume that in the Epilogue, which leads me to think that Gula wasn’t aware of Ava having any second thoughts-- as in, he wasn’t present for Strelitzia’s death to witness Ava/someone disguised as her/someone possessing her etc etc.

I hope all that makes sense LOL

#replies #submission

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nyctospoilers · 5 years

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notes of characters in KH3 and how they connect to the next saga

((mainly written for myself, sorry if sentences don’t make sense))

Braig/Xigbar/Luxu:

Coded’s secret ending

kh3 explains how everyone was able to time travel, they left their bodies behind and their hearts were inserted in replicas created by Vexen.

however, that does not explain Braig having his BbS appearance during Coded’s secret ending (DDD’s timeframe), when having a replica for him would show his Luxu self, since his Braig/Xigbar body is a vessel in and of itself.

Sora and Riku only appeared to retain their bodies in DDD, their real bodies were in the Mysterious Tower, while their bodies were projected in the dreams of worlds. We know this from Sora changing appearances in TWTNW later in DDD, as well as his actual sleeping body in the Mysterious Tower

However, Radiant Garden is not a sleeping world, there is no currently known way Braig should appear the way he does in Coded’s secret ending

I don’t think this is a plot HOLE, just something yet to be explained

A connection to Saix (and Axel)

Braig states in during Coded’s secret ending, “So, which poor soul will it be?” when Young Xehanort is cut off after making a ‘S’ sound. The only other character in the room during that time with a name that starts with S is Saix.

Assuming YX tells Braig Saix is a member of the new Organization, then when Braig travels BACK to BbS time. After which, Lea and Isa as teens attempt to become apprentices to help The Girl, who is later removed from the cells by Braig. It’s possible Braig knew that taking away The Girl will spur Saix into becoming a member.

Others

The delicious irony of Braig being stabbed by No Name in DDD’s initial cutscene.

the delicious irony of YX explaining to Braig the importance of the No Name keyblade

Luxu did NOT travel to the current world we know by any loophole like data or dreams. He’s an ancient being who has genuinely existed for all these years.

We know Ephemer did not survive like Ven, Lauriam, and Elrena, but spiritually remained in the Keyblade Graveyard.

It is unknown if he passed away before or after the dandelions escaped to the current world

Braig wears a ragged red scarf like Ephemers (though admittedly it does not have a swirl pattern)

If it is Ephemer’s, does Braig wear is it a token of victory from a battle, or as a token of grief?

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Eraqus:

knowledge of KHX

during the chess match: YX “then you’ve heard of the lost masters?” eraqus: “never heard of them... where did you hear about that?” [said with suspicion] *couple lines later* YX: “You can drop the facade.”

Eraqus also foreshadowed/planned Sora using the ancient fallen keyblade wielders power during the final battle, saying “some light comes from the past”

his possible connection to Brain in KHX

Brain in KHUX: “Right now we’re still walking the path of a ruined destiny... I’m going to rewrite it.” “I’m going to become the virus that rewrites the program that is this destiny”

Luxu in KH3 report 11: “One of the Five is an impostor, someone the Master did not choose. They represent a virus in the program he so carefully wrote.”

YX AND Master of Masters: Darkness will prevail, and light expire. YX: the future, it’s already been written

Eraqus: “Who’s to stay I can’t change it, and maybe light will prevail?”

KH3 report 2: ‘Eraqus is a blueblood descended from the very first masters in the age of fairy tales.”

Luxu acknowledges Brain as an impostor, yet still let’s him carry the others to the current world we know (or else Ven Marluxia and Larxene would not exist). Luxu also still gives someone the No Name as they leave. Eraqus resembles Brain, and eraqus’s lineage received No Name.

It’s possible that Eraqus is either Brain himself, or a descendant of him, sharing the same will

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

“The Girl”

Probably Skuld, evidence is as follows:

Secret Report 1: “May my heart be my guiding key” knows saying from age of fairy tales

“Four friends, and a key…that is the sum total of my memory.” the ONE girl union leader, with 4 boys. And No Name passed down to one of them, not known who yet

she was carried away by Braig (luxu) at one point, destination unknown

Report 1 was written years after the time of it’s contents, as she says “even now, years on”

if she was 15 (Secret Report 3), she would be marluxia’s age by now unless something has stunted her growth (like ven).

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

Sora

The possibility of Sora leading the Keyblade wielders

I’ve said before Sora will possibly become a king, since he is associated heavily with crowns, and Scala ad Caelum was once a seat of power.

This theory was only strengthened by Xehanort stating his desire to be the leader for keyblade wielders, and Sora stating he wasn’t fit. The glare between the two, while not hard evidence, could be seen as written foreshadowing that Sora is the one fit to be the leader.

EDIT! I forgot to mention in BbS’s xehanort report 4, “And when Kingdom Hearts is complete, it is said the one who opens its door will bring about the creation of the Next World. ... whoever opens that door will be reborn as something far greater than human.”

Sora was told in KH1 that he is the one who will open the door by the voice in the Station of Awakening.

In KH3 Xehanort opens the door of Kingdom Hearts, but is interrupted when Sora activates the portal within him. Sora then closes it with the X-blade and with everyone’s help. We don’t know what happened to the X-blade afterwards but it’s not a jump to assume Sora will be able to use it again in the future if he ever needs to open Kingdom Hearts again fully this time.

Sora changed destiny like Eraqus planned

In the scene of Sora telling Xehanort he isn’t fit to lead the keyblade wielders, Sora states that one must accept the fact that they cannot control destiny, however, we know that Sora did change destiny:

At first, everyone was wiped by terra-xehanort and the demon tide in the Keyblade Graveyard. But when Sora returned from the Final World, he first returned just a moment before the demon tide killed him, but when he restored everyone else as well, he returned a handful of minutes before, and changed the course of everyone’s fate. There’s even moments of deja vu, with terra/xehanort, the only difference of the Lingering Will stopping him. It’s possible that the Lingering Will was summoned by Eraqus as well, seeing as he’s been in Terra’s heart. kitsoa reminded me that Namine mentions Terra and his strong will in the Final World! Still, I am confident in a weird shift of destiny.

Sora’s ability to visit the Final Place

Chirithy reveals Sora has visited The Final World multiple times, when sleeping so deeply he will wonder over from the Station of Awakening

The Final World is a place where persistent hearts gather after death, similar to Kingdom Hearts (it wouldn’t surprise me if they were one in the same)

Others

We’ve still yet to know what Sora did during his time away between DDD and KH 2.9 other then play with dream eaters. Though it’s possible that’s all he did (though why keep it a secret from Donald and Goofy?)

#kh spoilers #kh3 spoilers #kh3 theories #a lot is here sorry haha #I will probably reblog this onto kingdomheartsnyctophiliac before i delete this blog in a few weeks #kh3 analysis #analysis

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nadziejastar · 5 years

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I mean, it's nothing specific towards Skuld. That’s an overly reductive summary of my viewpoint. I didn’t even know that Subject X was Skuld when I first played KH3, since I barely knew anything about KHUX. I would feel this way towards any character if they were Subject X. But yes, I do hate canon Subject X because she was forcefully inserted where she didn't belong. She became the main purpose of Lea and Isa's relationship out of nowhere, and their OWN relationship didn’t get the focus it deserved and needed. So, this would be a good opportunity to show how absurd the resolution of Axel/Saïx really was and why I have a good reason to hate Subject X for her role in the story.

Nostalgia… And memory. We are the ones who lost their hearts—the ones who are no one. Nobodies. Not light nor darkness—we live in the twilight.

Axel stopped outside the crystal ball room and took a deep breath.

Why are we here? What are we doing? No—why am I here?

Now, Axel did want to help Roxas. But what Kairi said in her letter was a way more accurate description of his relationship with Saïx. Whether Lea/Isa or Axel/Saïx, they had a very...intense relationship, to say the least. Good or bad, there was a ton of powerful emotions between them. It was Axel’s most intense relationship, bar none. This intensity was a fundamental aspect of his character.

Roxas wilted again, and something in his expression weakened Axel’s resolve slightly.

I just did what I thought was the best thing at the time. For Roxas, for Xion, for the Organization—and for Isa. But most of all for me.

He turned away from Roxas and made himself walk away.

Lea/Axel had very strong attachment and affection for who he remembered Isa to be. He stayed in Organization XIII for him, even when he no longer recognized him as that person anymore. I got the impression that Lea was not just best friends, but in LOVE with Isa. That’s how powerful their emotional connection was presented to be.

It’s messed up, Axel thought. Why am I trying to put Saïx in charge of the Organization…?

“I thought I told you not to get too involved.” Saïx swung his chair, turning his back on Axel. Axel could feel nothing but a will of rejection from that back.

“Just look at it. I won’t say any more than that.”

For Saïx to say that, he probably doesn’t intend to tell me any more. Axel stared at Saïx’s back. The two of us have definitely changed since those times.

“…I wonder which of us it was that changed,” muttered Axel, and Saïx’s shoulders trembled for just a second. Without waiting for an answer, Axel left the room.

And I don’t think that’s an unfounded or baseless interpretation. The subplot at the Beast’s Castle in Days was always parallel to Axel’s motivation for completing Kingdom Hearts. On the day Kingdom Hearts became visible in the sky (Day 94), Roxas questioned why they were fighting. Why did they even need hearts?

Really? Axel wondered to himself. Did that self in my memories really have a strong heart? Don’t really know. And then, Nobodies without hearts wish for only one thing. A heart. If I was asked if I wanted a heart, I guess I’d answer that I did. But do I really want a heart? Can a heart really fill this hollowness I’ve carried since I fell into existence as a Nobody?

Axel didn’t let Roxas know, but deep down he actually had similar doubts. He was ambivalent about getting his heart back, because he wasn’t convinced it would truly heal the emptiness he felt.

No—he had definitely betrayed them. The one who killed everyone in that castle, who led Riku to Naminé—that was him. And yet it wasn’t a total betrayal. Doubts still swirled inside him.

Why am I here? What do I want? How can I become whole again?

Even now, he wasn’t sure.

What should I have done? What should I do?

The mission on Day 94 was at the Beast’s Castle and Roxas first questioned why the Beast was fighting the Heartless. And the whole time in that world, Roxas kept wondering what he was fighting so hard for.

“Once Kingdom Hearts is complete, I bet you’ll be able to figure it out.”

The magic words again, Axel thought. It’ll all make sense when Kingdom Hearts is complete.

But was that true? No one had ever seen it happen before. So who knew? Still, all they could do was believe in it. Pitiful Heartless, mindlessly collecting hearts…

Roxas finally learned that the Beast was fighting out of love. And I got the sense that it was a hint. Axel was motivated to complete Kingdom Hearts for the same reason. He wasn’t even sure if it would work. He was skeptical. But he chose to believe in it.

“We don’t need them both. Just one. And pretending won’t change it. Think good and hard about it.”

I am thinking. I’m thinking so hard that I’m sick of it. I’m thinking so hard that I just want you to tell me the answer. He wanted to tell him so, but Saïx had already started walking towards the lobby.

It’s just like that back is rejecting me. And, I’m realizing that my memories of the past are too different from the thoughts I’m having now.

Why the hell am I here? I don’t really know any more. What the hell do I want to do?

Axel was always questioning why he was still in the organization when he thought about how much Saïx had changed. And he always felt like Saïx’s back was rejecting him.

He’d been overthinking the do’s and don’ts so much that he lost sight of what he wanted. And he couldn’t gather the courage to follow Roxas. Was he afraid of rebelling against the Organization? No—it was just that he wanted things to stay the way they were, even more than Xion or Roxas did.

He had been using the Organization for his own ends from the start. The only thing that had changed in the meantime was who it was all for. Maybe Saïx would call that a betrayal. But his world had changed.

Axel wasn’t really in the organization to get his heart back. He wasn’t even in the organization because he was afraid of rebelling. He was doing it all for Saïx’s sake. And he got fed up with that at the end of Days.

Today I have to destroy Roxas. I cannot betray the organization.

From the little shelf at his bedside, Axel took a white envelope, and looked at it vaguely for a while. Putting it in his pocket, Axel got up off the bed and left the room.

But that decision didn’t last very long. He decided he couldn’t betray the organization, then went to see Saïx.

Maybe this is the last time I’ll see Saïx, too.

Thinking, Axel looked at the seated Saïx’s back.

“We’ve known each other for a pretty long time, haven’t we?”

Ignoring Axel’s words, Saïx continued typing on the keyboard.

“Say something. Have you even thought that maybe I can’t erase Roxas?” Axel said, in a playful tone, and Saïx finally looked up. “It’ll be all right. Cause I’m tough.” Axel puffed out his chest.

“How stupid,” said Saïx, and for a moment he smiled.

He tried to emotionally connect with him, thinking it was the last time he might see him. And Saïx still had his back turned to him. But no matter how many times Saïx rejected Axel and left him staring at his back, Axel still kept trying and trying and trying. Axel never would have even considered destroying Roxas if it wasn’t for his feelings for Isa.

Axel waited.

In the shadows of the spaces between, he waited for Sora… For Roxas.

“Traitor,” Saïx had called him. But his betrayal of Organization XIII wasn’t exactly a recent development, Axel thought with a bitter laugh.

He could hardly feel the pain anymore. And it wasn’t that the wound was healing—no, this was just the end coming closer.

Before he reached Sora and the other two, Nobodies appeared in his way.

“Really, Saïx…?”

Number 7 had probably sent them—but whether to finish him off or to keep that trio from coming any farther, Axel wasn’t sure.

Saïx broke Axel’s heart into a million pieces.

He wanted to fight that way again. He wished they had talked more, about lots of things. About nothing. He wanted to talk to his friend again.

But why do I feel this way if Nobodies have no hearts?

His time was running out, thanks to Saïx. He could hardly move anymore.

Axel was physically and emotionally destroyed by that man. Yet in KH3D...he went back to him. Very quickly and happily, too. All I could say was wow. Just...wow.

Saïx: There's something I've meant to ask.

Xemnas: About Axel? The poor fool. How long will he keep chasing the illusion of friendship, when he himself lacks emotion? Trying so hard to retrieve what he has lost, when it may never have existed in the first place. He deserves nothing more than our pity.

And Saïx had psychotic rage towards Axel when he left. This rage was VERY personal.

“Hilarious,” said Saïx.

He’s being sarcastic… Joking, in other words.

Saïx had made up his mind not to say such things in front of the other Organization members. It was something he could only be towards Axel, something special that could only have been born from the relationship Saïx and Axel had had as humans.

It was a result of the extreme closeness they shared as humans.

He felt sad somehow, like he missed someone. That voice, that attitude… Axel. His name is Axel. But who is he? Oh—I remember. The guy with the scar on his forehead said he was trying to find Axel. Sora’s mind raced.

Axel’s sadness had nothing to do with a mystery girl. Saïx’s rage had nothing to do with a mystery girl. He was not offended on anyone else’s behalf. It was for leaving him. KH3 tried to downplay this and water down the powerful emotions between Axel and Saïx. And all they did was make it seem ridiculous that they were even friends in the first place, let alone best friends.

Axel’s eyes crinkled as he remembered his own best friend—the only friend he’d ever had, in fact.

“If your best friend goes away, you’re sad, and if you get to be with them, you’re happy,” Naminé added. “Isn’t that how it is, Axel?”

“…That’s about the size of it.” Axel nodded and sat down on the remaining empty sofa, staring at the sea-salt ice cream he held.

Their whole relationship is pointless if you don’t address all of this sadness, heartbreak, and abuse. KH3 just swept it all under the rug. It tried to deflect all of your attention away from Axel and Saïx’s relationship. It diverted your attention to Roxas and Xion being back, and also to Subject X. It was all so they wouldn’t have address the elephant in the room. They needed to fix Lea and Isa’s relationship with EACH OTHER. KH3 did not do that.

“I don’t want to disappear, but I’m not upset or sad about it.”

But they really, really needed to.

Axel didn’t waste a second grabbing his chakrams. But his body was reluctant somehow.

I don’t want to disappear… But still, it wouldn’t be so bad if I did. Not here.

I mean, come on. Saïx KILLED Axel with a vicious smile on his face. He wanted Axel to PAY for leaving him. He acted like one of those crazy, jealous, obsessive ex-lovers that stalk and kill the person for dumping them. I also got the impression that Isa was in love with Lea. Saïx was devastated when Axel left because his memories of the past were that powerful.

He wanted…to find hope—the hope that Sora and Riku had.

Saïx gave him a cruel grin. “You will lose everything!”

And then the Claymore pierced Axel’s chest.

I don’t want to disappear. I can’t disappear now. I shouldn’t have to disappear at all. Why am I doing all this? Who is it for? For Roxas… For Riku, for Naminé… And for myself. There are still things I should do. Things I have to do.

They gave him a sense of purpose. He WAS jealous, but he wasn’t JUST jealous. He was a lot more conflicted than that. Saïx hated Isa’s memories and wanted them to disappear. I mean, it may have been a negative relationship, but it was still a very intense relationship. Toxic, but passionate.

“Well, I think you can be inseparable, even if you’re apart. It’s like, if you feel really close to each other. Like best friends,” said Axel.

Yet this incredibly destructive, intense, personal relationship played a relatively minor role in KH3. Saïx showed up and acted very casual with Lea. And Lea's reaction was very mild toward the guy who sadistically murdered him not long ago.

“As long as we remember one another, we’ll never be apart. Got it memorized?”

Roxas grinned. “Who are you, and what have you done with Axel?”

“Hey! I tried, okay?” All that effort to cheer them up, and they just turned it into a punch line. Chagrined, he looked away.

They just casually chat about some random girl. SHE is now is the main focus of their friendship. Their OWN relationship was incredibly milquetoast and watered down. It took a back seat. They didn’t act like best friends, or even former best friends. They didn’t act like they liked, cared about, or respected each other. They just tolerated each other for the sake of that girl. Basically, it seemed like they were just using each other because they shared a common goal. That’s the note this relationship ended on.

Axel kept talking. “There’s something special only born between two people who are even more than friends… that’s love.”

“More special than friends? Like…if they’re best friends? Inseparable?”

“Well, you can care about your friends, but that’s not exactly it…” Axel paused, groping for words that might make sense to Roxas.

I got the sense that Lea and Isa’s and/or Saïx and Axel’s relationship was probably considered a bit TOO intense for something between two men. So a female had to be inserted to downplay that. Wouldn’t want people to get the wrong impression. Only a female is the "correct" target for that level of intensity. It’s sexist. it’s homophobic. And it’s just all around small-minded.

Maybe…the pain I felt then was the hurt of someone’s heart? I feel it even more clearly than the pain in my body. It’s hard to endure, but…something about it is almost comfortingly familiar, too. It’s a special hurt, born from the same thing as my lost memories. I want to run away from it. But I won’t.

And it’s such a waste in a series all about pain bringing you closer together and the power of the heart. Yeah, it wouldn’t be unfair to say that I hated it.

#kh isa #kh lea #kh saix #kh axel #kh leaisa #kh akusai

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moonlights-shadow-warrior · 4 years

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Who Killed Strelitzia?

Ava, Ven, Skuld, and Darkness. The four mostly likely to have killed Strelitzia based on the information we have now. The fandom seems to lean more towards the former two, while I believe it was one of the later two

First, to go over what we know

It’s recommended to use x2 speed for videos

Strelitzia's Chirithy spotted Player and Skuld walking into the house to meet with Gula (x)(x) and immediately ran to get their wielder (x), to the confusion of Elrena's Chirithy (x). While Player and Skuld were in the house, Ava's and Luxu's keyblades clashed (x) and the clock tower tolled, starting the war. This prompted Gula to tell them to head back as their "Union Leaders will probably call for an assembly", at which point Player and Skuld split up, the latter saying she was "going to go join the other Dandelions" (x)

Not long after, Strelitzia arrived at what at first seemed like an empty house (x). As the two are getting ready to leave, Strelitzia is stabbed. Her Chirithy asks "Why...?" and on the zoom out the killer has disappeared. Then you get Strelitzia's last wish as she walks to the doorway and then she dies.

I'll go down the list, giving for and against arguments for each character

Ava

For:

Knew that Strelitzia was chosen as a Union Leader. And--as far as we know--her, MoM, and Luxu were the only ones who knew. MoM and Luxu taking out a chosen wielder and inserting someone different, going against what was supposed to happen doesn't seem likely. Not unless Strelitzia wasn't supposed to be a Union Leader, which also doesn't seem likely

Has the ability to create illusions (x). Would give an explanation as to why the killer was shrouded in darkness, and possibly even giving her the ability to appear in two places at once. There is also a theory that Ava became Darkness, being able to do so because of this ability

Her wording when she gave Brain his role and the BoP seems odd and rather suspicious (x)(x). General consensus as of now is that she either gave Brain the BoP when she wasn't supposed to or straight up inserted him into the Union Leaders when he wasn't picked by MoM. This is supported by Luxu saying in Secret Report 11 "One of the Five is an impostor, someone the Master did not choose. They represent a virus in the program he so carefully wrote. The virus has begun a strange undertaking: a reckless plot to allow the Five to escape into another worldline" (x). In addition, Brain calls himself a virus (x) and is possibly named after the first computer virus (x)

Chirithy's "Why...?" possibly implies that they knew the killer. And as far as we know, the only suspects Chirithy had previously met or seen was Ava and Skuld. Chirithy has also probably met Lauriam before, but based on Lauriam's inner thoughts on his search to find Strelitzia as denoted by the parentheses (x)(x) he didn't know what had happened to her, much less that she'd been killed

She didn't notice Strelitzia wasn't with the Dandelions. While we don't know just how many Dandelions escaped the war, you'd think Ava would keep an eye out to make sure all the future Union Leaders were accounted for before taking them to the new world. However, Lauriam didn't notice Strelitzia wasn't there either so maybe there were too many to keep track of who all showed up (added 11 Dec 2019)

Against:

Brain was given his role as a Union Leader and the BoP 4 years ago (x). How long they've been in the simulation is unknown, but based on Ephemer's conversation with the player (x) it's been a while. However, with everyone being able to recall events that happened before the war with relative ease, I'd say it hasn't been years since the war. I'd venture a guess to say it's been months, maybe a year at most. In addition, given that Ava didn't say that the war would be happening soon unlike all the other times we've seen her tell the other chosen, he was probably one of, if not the first to be given his new role

She was fighting Luxu shortly before Strelitzia was killed (x)(x)(x)(x)(x). We don't know how long the fight lasted, but unless she was able to create an illusion or the fight ended extremely quickly, she wouldn't have been able to find Strelitzia and kill her in that time

The Dandelions were to meet up after the bells. Skuld said she was going to meet up with the other Dandelions (x), at which point Ava would send them to the outside world (x). So Ava would have had to given the role of Union Leader to a Dandelion that she had either pulled aside from where they were meeting or found them before they had met up with everyone. We don't know how quickly the Dandelions were sent off, but it had to have been in the span of the few days (x) between the bells and the war. However, Elrena's Chirithy says the new Union Leaders were introduced shortly after (x) Strelitzia's Chirithy ran off to find her

She gave Strelitzia her role what was probably only a day before she was killed. Ava says that the it wouldn't be long before the world ends (x) which immediately cuts away to Strelitzia in her room thinking about her being a Union Leader and what's going to happen. Upon her realizing that Player isn't a Dandelion she debates going out to find them (x) before saying she'll wait in Fountain Square for them early tomorrow (x) which is where Chirithy finds her and tells her that she spotted Player (x). This leads to her going to the house in which she dies. So unless during the cut away days pass or she waited at Fountain Square for multiple days, Strelitzia was killed the day after she received the book

Brain was given his book first, then Ephemer, then Strelitzia. As stated above, Brain was given his role 4 years ago. Ephemer was sent not long before the war to prepare everything as Ava would be sending the dandelions "soon" (x) and that there wasn't "much time left" (x), and Strelitzia what was mostly likely only a day before. Meaning Strelitzia could have very well been the last of them to receive the book, so why would she kill her when she only just informed her of her role? Unless what Luxu said really shook her to her core and she quickly tried to make a last minute change

Only one (1) member of the Union Leaders was someone MoM didn't choose, as stated in Secret Report 11. This means that if it is to be believe that Brain wasn't a chosen Union Leader, then whoever killed Strelitzia was meant to have been a Union Leader in the first place. So if Ava was trying to change things, why would she pick the person chosen by MoM that she had previously skipped over for the role of Union Leader?

Ven

For:

He was very young. Ven was ~16 (x) during BBS, and had been living with Master Eraqus, Terra, and Aqua for 4 years, making him ~12 when he trained under Xehanort. Which means that he was 12 or younger during his time as a Union Leader and selected my MoM when he was 8 or younger due to at least 4 years passing (x). Which means at the time MoM chose what was essentially a 2nd or 3rd grader to lead the others in 4 years time. So either MoM was being extra chaotic, or he never actually chose Ven

Xehanort was able to create Vanitas from his Darkness. We've never seen this tempted again, so it's unknown if it's possible to do this with everyone that has darkness in their hearts, or if Ventus had more darkness than what could be considered normal which was then used to give birth to Vanitas

He said he'd barely spoken to Ava (x). And based on previous interactions Ava's had when telling the new Union Leaders their roles (x)(x), she tends to talk a lot

His Keyblade. Claims he's not particularly good at anything and never at the top of the rankings (x), yet has a fully leveled Missing Ache (x). Not only is this Keyblade the fourth to last one you get when playing (x), it's also a Dark Speed Keyblade (x)

Against:

Only one of the new Union Leaders was an impostor. So unless Brain was chosen by MoM, Ventus was meant to be a leader in the first place which takes out the first and last points of For

As far as we know, he didn't know Strelitzia had the book

Skuld

For:

The new Union Leaders weren't supposed to come in contact with one another (x). While we don't know if that meant meeting each other knowing they were to be Union Leaders or meeting each other in general, we don't know. But Skuld had a feeling Ephemer would be there (x) which seems to go against what Ava wanted. In addition, this isn't outright confirmed by Ava, rather Brain speculating and Ava saying he's "always been a bright one"

Ephemer talked to her about the end of the world (x). Ephemer showed up in her dream (x), and even though she said he told her nothing except to meet up with Player and go with them, her story quickly changes. We don't actually know how much Ephemer told her either

Ava told her that she had chosen Ephemer to replace her and lead the Dandelions (x). This means that Skuld knew about Ephemer, which again contradicts the first point. In addition, while Ava talked about a war with the Dandelions, she never talked about others replacing her (x), possibly allowing Skuld and only Skuld to infer that there would be someone to replace each of the Union Leaders who had to take part in the war

She split up with Player right before Strelitzia was killed (x). We don't see her again after that until she and Ephemer go to get Player, so it's unknown if she went straight to where the other Dandelions were gathered or not

She's been compared to Ava quite a few times (x)(x)(x). So if you believe Ava might have killed Strelitzia then Skuld, who is quite similar, could have gone through with it as well

Her eyes. Yes, I'm using the fact that Skuld has golden brown eyes as a point because the only characters we've seen with eyes that aren't blue, purple, green, teal, or silver is Skuld and those possessed by Darkness. Even the reoccurring Dandelions seem to have one of the above eye colors. The only exception may be Brain and that's 'cause I can't tell what colors his eyes are since it's so dark

Again, Chirithy's "Why...?" possibly implies that they knew the killer. And they had previously seen Skuld going into that building with Player

Against:

To the first point of For, Lauriam and Strelitzia obviously knew each other being siblings. Lauriam claimed to have not seen her much after he convinced her to join the Dandelions (x) sometimes within the two years before her death (x), but that doesn't change the fact that they met beforehand. So unless Ava didn't know (which seems unlikely), the new Union Leaders were allowed to meet and know each other as long as they didn't know about the other being chosen.

Again, only one of the new Union Leaders was an impostor. Either Ava messed up big time when telling Skuld about Ephemer, Brain was chosen by MoM, or Ava decided after meeting her that Skuld wouldn't be included in the Union Leaders

As far as we know, she didn't know Strelitzia had the book

Darkness

For:

It's Darkness. Taking on the name of what they're fighting and helping Maleficient is all kinds of shady

The book could have been given to another. Just because Strelitzia was killed by someone, doesn't mean that person was the one to become the new Union Leader in her place. The killer could have easily passed the role onto another

We don't know anything about them. As with the Ava is Darkness Theory, Darkness could actually be anybody. We don't know their abilities, we don't know if that black blob is their true form or not, we don't know their motives. All we know is that they have knowledge of the future, know MoM's plans, and know how to travel forward in time (x)(x). Because of this they could even be someone already on this list

Against:

As far as we know, they didn't know Strelitzia had the book. This is excluding the Ava is Darkness Theory

And now for some honorable mentions I've seen

Lauriam - almost completely cleared of suspicion

Brain - almost completely cleared of suspicion

Strelitzia's Chirithy - doubted Strelitzia and would've been able to inform other's about her role

Gula - in the house where Strelitzia was killed

Luxu - could've known she was to be a Union Leader

MoM - would've known she was to be a Union Leader

Luxord's Somebody - there are claims that he's Darkness, plus we haven't seen him yet

Demyx's Somebody - there are claims that he's MoM, plus we haven't seen him yet

While going over this I did notice that some of the new Union Leaders are similar to the old ones and maybe MoM just picked those that could take over in both role and personality. Ava = Skuld (obviously) and Strelitzia = Invi with the whole watching thing. Kinda falls apart after that though with Aced, as grumpy as he can be

Obviously I'm biased but really I don't care too much on who it was; I just want this game of Clue to be over and to find out who killed my precious baby angel. Just think of all the possibilities for art and fics and photoshoots

Let me know if there are any tags I should add, if I missed anything, if any of the links or information are incorrect, if there are any typos, and feel free to comment any ideas or theories.

Crossposted from Pillowfort

#kingdom hearts #kh #khux #kingdom hearts union x #kingdom hearts theory #kh theory #khux theory #traitor ava theory #traitor ventus theory #traitor ven theory #traitor skuld theory #ava #ventus #skuld #strelitzia #kh darkness #who killed strelitzia #it speaks

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lokisgame · 5 years

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Enchanted Forest [8]

[part 1] [part 2] [part 3] [part 4] [part 5] [part 6] [part 7]

Water washed down her face and hair, breast and back, rinsing off last remnants of the dream, and leaving her with nothing but scraped raw logic and reason. She read too much last night. All the Faeries, gods and spirits filtered through her subconscious, mixed with fresh memories and emotional unease, and created this vision, a figment of her imagination. She never actually met Mulder before she was assigned to work with him, but Quantico was a big place, with agents coming and going all the time, from all places. BSU, VCS, ISU, Mulder worked with all of them, and there was a good chance they passed each other in the hallway, just as she passed thousands of people, every day over the twenty one weeks in training or even later, when she was teaching. Maybe she wondered about it, or maybe they even discussed it, killing time on some long, boring stakeout. It probably did happen.

The house on the other hand, troubled her more, slipping from memory the harder she tried to hold on. All she had left was the feeling of warmth, not just physical, but emotional. Safety of a place of her own.

Wrapped in a warm bathrobe, with a towel piled on top of her head, she sipped coffee and looked around her brightly lit apartment. All light wood and pale blue, pinstriped furniture, books neatly arranged in a bookshelf; this was her home, spacious and comfortable. Yet the feeling of arms around her and the warmth of fire in the hearth, stirred something inside her, that she didn't quite understand. She was happy with her freedom and life in general, was she not?Mulder's words echoed in her head, as if whispered in the darkness.

Dreams are answers to questions we haven't found out how to ask yet.

Waving off the thought, she dressed and locked the doors, thankful, that it was finally Friday.

She was about to take a sip of coffee, when Mulder came in, looking considerably better. Only evidence of his illness was the rare addition of a green scarf to his smile and the usual dark coat, dark suit, bad tie ensemble. "Hi." She said over the mug. "Hi yourself." He crossed the room in four long strides and rounded the desk, presenting her with a paper cup. "What's this?" "Triple, venti, half sweet, non-fat, caramel macchiato." She was smiling before he reached the half-sweet part. "You noticed." Mulder grinned and reached into his coat pocket, producing a small paper bag with a flourish, "and, a cookie." Scully laughed, popping the lid on her drink. "Keep it." "Thanks." It was what she always ordered, when felt like treating herself, including the chocolate chip cookie she got for Mulder. "How are you doing?" "Only slightly used," he said, going back to hang up his coat, "thanks for the soup." "You're welcome." "I owe you lunch," he added, taking her usual chair and accepting the coffee she didn't need anymore. "Coffee's fine." Scully watched him break the cookie in half, so they could share it, also part of the ritual. "What did you mean by Yule, yesterday I didn't have a chance to ask." "Some believe," he explained, reaching out and letting her pick the piece she liked, "that on the night that Christians celebrate as Christmas Eve, Anglo-Saxon and Germanic peoples used to celebrate Mother's Night or Mōdraniht." "An event dedicated to female deities, usually appearing in trios," she said, cookie half way to her mouth, filling in the gaps for him, "like Matres and Matronae." "Or like victims in our case. A pattern appearing often in many religions, not only in Europe, but here I'd focus mostly on the Scandinavian Norns, goddesses of fate." "Wyrd, Verdandi and Skuld, past, present and future." "Exactly," wiping crumbs with the side of his hand, he took a sip of coffee, before continuing. "Some believe, that sacrifices might have occurred during the event, possibly currying favour." "And you think that the dead body was part of some ritual?" Mulder shrugged, noncommittal. They both knew the statistics on murder and the occult. "If you know of any Wicca practitioners that suddenly became vampires, I'm all ears." Scully snorted and bit into the cookie, keeping the dream to herself. "Anyway, these are just loose theories, and since they found only one body this year and that suicide note." "We might have another year, before any new evidence shows up." "Not that I would wish that on anyone, but I guess, yeah." He washed down the rest of the cookie with coffee and smiled. "So, you did anything interesting last night?" "Nothing special," she said, but grinned suddenly, holding up one finger. "What?" Mulder watched her disappear into the backroom for a second, just to come back with another plastic box. "I was going to bring this to you later, but you're here, so." He took the box and opened it, smelling cinnamon and vanilla crust, apple pie. "My mom says hi." Without thinking twice, he drew her closer, sneaking one arm around her waist. "Thanks," he said softly and rested his cheek against her blazer. Scully stroked his hair, as the seconds stretched longer and longer, each one more comfortable than the last. She was growing used to his touch, shape and feeling of his arms. Something was shifting inside her, tipping scales of her inner balance, just a little off to where ever Mulder was. Combing fingers through his hair one last time, she realised they felt soft and silky smooth, exactly like her dream fox's fur.

Having Mulder close, helped Scully focus a little more easily. He sniffled his way through the day with just an occasional cough shaking the office, as he sat by the desk going through books, just as she had the day before. Lunch hour came and went, lost among clicking of keyboards and rustle of pages. Finishing the case report and wrapping some overdue ones as well, Scully felt like she did an honest day's work, and was about to put away a few case files in the cabinet, when Mulder came in, unexpectedly. She never noticed him leave. "Did you know it's snowing again?" He said, combing fingers through damp hair. Looking up, she saw fine, white dust gathering in the corners of the skylights, where wind couldn't blow it out. Mulder pushed a salad it into her hands. "This isn't the lunch I promised, but let's take a break." "Thanks." Scully smiled and took a seat on her side of the desk. "You okay?" She asked, above the crackling of plastic. "Better." Mulder unwrapped his sandwich and bit into it, the scent of bacon hit her from five feet away. "You should eat more vegetables, you know," she admonished. "I see lettuce and tomatoes here," he mumbled, glancing at the sandwich, "those are still vegetables, right?" "You know what I mean." Scully sighed, but his witty reply was cut off by a chirping cellphone. Holding up one finger, he answered the call. "Mulder." Grunting affirmatives, he listened for a moment then scribbled a few words on a post-it. Cryptic, monosyllabic conversations weren't unusual, but something didn't sit right with Scully this time, telling her to add a new item to the list of possible unidentified callers. But he was sick, he shouldn't be working, that would be… "Okay, I'll be there." He finished and hung up, folding the post-it and putting it away with the phone, before going back to his late lunch. Halfway from another bite, he noticed her staring. "What?" "Nothing," Scully looked away, suddenly very interested in proper distribution of low fat dressing, "nothing." "Poker night with the Gunmen," Mulder said casually. Nodding, but unable to force herself to look up, awkwardness welled inside her against all reason. Irrational fears were just that, irrational, but why did she feel like he wasn't perfectly honest this time?

Large tub of ice cream landed in her cart when she did her customary Friday night grocery run. Some said that diamonds were a girl's best friends, but since she was on a mere g-woman's salary, she had to make do with second best. Who said she didn't love herself. She even planned to rent The Exorcist, to make the night perfectly perfect. Mulder had plans and so did she. Her only dilemma was, should she take a bath before or after the movie. She took a good few minutes at the store, trying to decide between another batch of good, old, lavender-vanilla and neroli-bergamot. Something about that sweet, citrus fragrance made her smile and she told herself not to think too much. Not about the bath, the ice cream or the movie, or the fact that she was going home to an empty house, on a snowy Friday evening, when even Mulder had plans. Plans, she wasn't at all suspicious about, plans that involved him, three guys and a deck of cards; probably some tacos as well. All the onions and chilli peppers, she felt beginnings of heartburn just thinking about them. The chilli peppers, not the men. He couldn't be working that other job of his, not with a cold, that would be unsanitary, and unprofessional, and unsexy. Mulder sneezing at someone's… The image made her giggle, and earned her a curious stare from the woman waiting in front of her in the checkout line. No, definitely shouldn't think about Mulder and other women, even like that.

The movie didn't hold her interest, not as it used to anyway. She even turned the volume down low, all the screaming and chanting starting to get on her nerves. The ice cream came and went, while a forgotten bottle of wine she found in the fridge, kept calling her name. White, semi-sweet, light as a feather. Since it was a thank you gift from a neighbour, who's kid got sick and she just happened to be home that evening, she was saving it for some nice dinner occasion. But the longer she thought about it, the more she realised, that she didn't really see that nice dinner happening. Her mother visited rarely, Missy even rarer, actually, when she saw her family, it was at her mother's. Friends moved on, disappearing in the loving arms of families of their own, while she kept working and traveling. Even Mulder, found a way to spice up his life, break out of the routine. It was her, who stayed behind. Was she really the boring one? No, she was most definitely not. She opened the bottle and ran the bath.

Much better. Scully thought, letting the warm water take her in, a glass of wine dangling from her hand in soft candlelight. This felt good, simple and warm, and the wine was indeed divine. She savoured the crispness and breathed in the sweet scent of bath salts, letting her head fall back and her mind wander aimlessly. Surrounded by calm, memories began to float around her head. First came the weight, of his arm around her, then of him in her arms. He didn't try any tricks or dirty moves, utterly undemanding, even when he asked her to lie down beside him, he asked for nothing but the warmth of her body. For all the years of flirting, when it came to the real deal, he was disarmingly honest, blurring the lines just enough to get what he needed, and if she told him no, he would respect that. Not that she would, when he was shivering and looking at her with those eyes, and giving her that cute pout. Mulder was strong, intelligent and capable, but when the lights were out, when they were alone, he was a dreamer, a romantic, chasing romantic ideas no matter how far they would take him. She admired it, respected it, stopped it if she had too, but most of all, she loved it. As aggravating and dangerous it might be, Mulder was a challenge and she loved that about him. But how could she miss that whole other job of his? Why didn't he tell her earlier, apart from the obvious. He said he liked it, that the women cared about him, but why didn't he come to her. Didn't she care enough? She risked her life for him more times that she could count, without even stopping to think about it, but still, he searched for solace in somebody else's arms. What if this was his way to cope, to unwind? What if he was doing it tonight? What if the poker night was just a front, a code, to keep the secret from her all along. The phone stared at her from a shelf above the tub, brought in case someone called. Scully picked it up and stared back, at the keys. She knew the number by heart, didn't even need Mulder's perfect recall for it, and on an impulse, dialled. The phone rang, two, three times… "Lone Gunman," Frohike answered, sounding businesslike as usual. "Hi," she said, realising she was in a tub, naked. "It's Scully, could you turn off the recorder?" "Why hello, Agent Scully," his tone turned into something that supposed to fall under alluring, but could only be considered endearingly embarrassing. "Done as per your request, what else can I do for you?" Uncontrollable urge to cover herself up made her sit up, but she did it very slowly, afraid the sloshing water might give the game up. "Ummm," her cheeks burned. What has come over me? "Is Mulder there?"

On the other side of town, Frohike sighed and poked Mulder's shoulder with a wooden spoon. "It's for you," he said, waiting for him to swallow the bite of taco he just started. "The good doctor." Mulder licked his fingers from the last of salsa and took the phone. "Hey Scully, what's up?" "Hi," she said, voice faltering slightly, "how are you doing?" "Me? I'm fine," he smiled, popping a piece of green pepper into his mouth, "maybe five bucks behind, but I'll get that right back," he had to speak over the boo's and howls of the guys. "Why?" "It's nothing, just checking." "Are you okay, Scully? You didn't catch my cold, did you?" That silenced the Gunmen and good. Mulder could almost swear, he heard water sloshing on her end of the line. "No, no," she said, still a bit odd, "I'm fine." "Okay," he chuckled, definitely water sloshing. "I'm sorry for bothering you, have fun." "Thanks, and just so you know, you never bother me." That at least got a small laugh, she was acting kind of weird tonight. "Okay, goodnight." "Goodnight Scully." He hung up and went back to his food, grinning, under three pairs of curious eyes. Byers piped up first. "Why would Scully catch your cold?" "Not why, how." Langly corrected, when Mulder refused to look up. "You know I don't talk about that stuff." He said quietly. Collective howl shook the entire house that gave The Lone Gunman its' headquarters.

#enchanted forest #x files fanfic #msr fanfic

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conaionaru · 3 years

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Woman’s game (Ivar the Boneless/Hvitserk)

No time to die

Synopsis: Skuld finally leaves the hut and reunites with Ivar. She deals with the aftermath.

Warnings: PTSD, murder, revenge, suicide attempt, trauma, toxic relationship

Tags: @youbloodymadgenius

Skuld sat in the hut, watching the light stream in from the small crack in the wall. The wall was sturdy enough to hold her in, but at least it gave her some sort of light—the only ray of sunlight since the start of her confinement.

She felt empty, emptier than she did before. She must look like a madwoman - dirty and crazy. Yet she still laughed. At least some things are very still funny to her, like the occasional shadow that passed by the crack in the wall or the hopelessness of it all. That was the funniest thing for her—the fact she will probably starve here before getting to leave.

All these visions of her future, all crushed in this endless darkness, all because she fucked a cripple. Who knows if what Astrid said is true? Did Lagertha truly only notice her cause she slept with Ivar? If Skuld slept with Margrethe like she thought she would, no one would have paid her any mind... Nonsense. Lagertha was intimidated by Skuld's mind, not her bedfellows.

The new Queen had to make sure no one would challenge, so breaking the most ambitious woman in court was a good example. Better a madwoman than a corpse. Oh, but she will pay for that miscalculation. Skuld would wait and kill her slowly. Dragging it out till there will be nothing left of the bitch than legends and whispers.

Meanwhile, Ivar sat before Lagertha, annoyed by her denial of their fight to the death. "Where is Skuld?" He asked the smug Queen; seeing the uncertainty in her eyes made him perk up. She knew where the now blonde was.

"Skuld is locked away for her own safety. If you want to care for her, I can give her to you." Lagertha said diplomatically as the sons of Ragnar frowned. Sigurd and Ubbe completely forgot about their mother's guest.

"And since when is the daughter of an Earl property?" Ubbe asked, watching the blonde Queen frown.

"A guest in need of supervision. Not property." Shieldmaidens brought the girl in. Dirty, dressed in a slave garb with greasy hair and bloody scratch marks on her arms.

The people gasped as they saw her, so strange compared to her usual style. Skuld shielded her eyes from the sunlight, squinting at the harshness of it and the whispers of the people around her. "Skuld," Ivar called out, making her look at him with shocked eyes. He was alive.

She slowly walked over to him, the armed shieldmaidens behind her. Ubbe draped his fur around her as she clenched Ivar's hand in hers. She was shaking and looking around like a wounded animal.

"I am sorry for your treatment, Skuld. But your behavior against me is unforgivable." The Ylvasdottir looked up at Lagertha and tilted her head to the side.

Her blue eyes trailed over to the proud female warrior still standing there, her guard down as she watched her mentor talk. Skuld blinked and stabbed the woman in the neck. Blood sprayed over her face as the gasping warrior fell backward, the other shieldmaidens catching her bleeding body. Out of her neck stuck a chicken bone, bitten into sharpness.

Everyone gasped as they watched the woman die, Ivar watching the emotionless look on Skuld's face. The female looked at Lagertha, empty eyes meeting shocked ones. "I will rip you apart, limb by limb. All of you will die for what you die. Maybe not today or in a year. But your days are numbered. And when my mother returns, I will have enough skulls collected to serve them all mead in them."

She turned towards the crowds of people and pushed back her shoulders. "Your Queen, the usurper, took me captive and imprisoned me! She starved me and made me live in my own filth like an animal. All because she thought me a threat. I would have never raised a hand against anyone if she left me be! If she can do these horrible things to an innocent bystander..."

Skuld turned back to Lagertha and softened her look, looking like she might cry, but her eyes spoke vengeance. "What would she do to her people? Are the men and women too poor to pay the fines, too weak or old to fight? What will she do to those who don't please her? A prison cell or an execution?"

"You are not as innocent as you like to make people think. You just murdered the third shieldmaiden since my reign."

Skuld frowned and looked at the corpse. "Your shieldmaidens kidnapped me and locked me away like an animal. If you do that, you should expect the beast to bite back once it is free. The safest option... is to put it down and save yourself the impending doom. But I am human, not an animal."

Lagertha clenched her jaw as if she wanted to protest, but she held her tongue. Ivar and Skuld left the hall, the other two brothers following behind them. Skuld walked with her head held low, her shoulders hunched, and steps timidly. The more beat up she looks, the more sympathy she gains. And the easier Lagertha's downfall will be.

"Are you alright, Skuld?" Ubbe asked her watching the dirty girl walk.

"I will be. I could use a bath, food, and clothes."

The dress they put her in was a nice change against the itchy one she had before. But still, she felt unclean. She scrubbed her skin till it was red, blood trailing from some of her old wounds. Margrethe entered the room with a timid smile. The thrall was a free woman now and set to marry a Ragnarsson. Maybe she isn't as stupid as Skuld would like her to believe.

"Food will be ready soon. I just wanted to tell you... I am also sorry for what happened." Skuld smirked and looked at Margrethe's false look of pity.

"You are angry. I get that. After all, you very nearly beat for spreading rumors."

"You made me spread them. You said it would save me from Ivar's rage, and instead, Aslaug got angry at me." The blonde ex-thrall glared at Skuld. Angry at the obvious betrayal. She felt like a puppet and couldn't believe she trusted Skuld at all. Someone of Skuld's social status would never be kind to a slave.

Skuld sighed and looked up at the wooden ceiling. "I did what I had to do. You were in no danger, Margrethe. You were a puppet, true, but not a target. Aslaug would have scolded you, not beat you. That's more Lagertha's way, isn't it? She used you more than I did. Worse things."

"Sex slave." Margrethe spat out, annoyed, making Skuld wince.

"Ah, yes. That bitch is long overdue, don't you think? When the time is ripe, she will fall. For you and for me."

"You want me to believe you are killing her for me?"

The older blonde chuckled and watched Margrethe's doubtful look. She didn't believe one word Skuld said. Good. She had potential, after all. "Oh, not at all. You just benefit from my revenge. That doesn't mean you shouldn't support me, nonetheless. Free woman or not, take what you are given, Margrethe. Those who strive too high and have nothing to back it up with end up dead - forgotten, with an unmarked grave and no legacy left behind."

"Why all the advice?"

"I told you... We, strong women, should work together. That's the only way we might survive. Always one step ahead."

Margrethe frowned and shook her head. "Is that truly how you live? Always scheming and plotting, expecting betrayal from everyone? Then I truly pity you."

Skuld scoffed and pushed back her shoulders; she looked more terrifying like this. Like a queen about to execute her enemy. And if Margrethe continued to talk, she would become her enemy. "I don't need your pity. This is the world we live in. Where men can do what they want, and only the strong survive. Love, emotion, trust all means weakness in the end. Always expect a dagger in your back; that way, it won't surprise you when it comes. Call me crazy, but I survived. And when all of this is done. All those legendary men will be dead, and the only thing left behind is me. Queen Skuld. Wouldn't it be a nice fate?"

"For a slave to become a Queen? Yes, it would." Skuld smirked at Margrethe's ambition. The fool would die before she ever touched the crown.

"Then I wish you all the luck in the world, Queen Margrethe. After all, you are going to need it." She hunched forward and leveled the ex-slave with a glare. "Not leave. I am still not finished."

Margrethe slammed the door behind her, and the moment they closed, Skuld threw herself on the bed and burrowed herself on in the furs. The walls around her felt small, and the light kept irritating her eyes. Even the voices outside the room were getting on her nerves.

"Never took you for a killing type." Ivar'd voice commented from behind her as he crawled over to her from the door.

"There are many things you don't know. For instance, right now, I don't want to be around people." The Ragnarsson chuckled and moved up on the bed to lie next to her. But instead of touching her like she thought he would, Ivar just laid there, watching her.

"Sorry about your parents." She whispered, watching the anger and sadness on his face.

"It wasn't your fault. We have something in common now, other than than the sex."

Skuld scoffed at his words and rolled away from him to avoid his offended look. "A common enemy is not relationship material, Ivar. You romanticize it too much."

Ivar rolled his eyes and watched her breathing even out. The scratches on her arms looked terrible—some with newly dried blood on them. "How long were you in there?"

Skuld swallowed and turned on her back. If she looked at the wall for too long, it seemed as if it was inching towards her faster. Ivar's need to talk was driving her up the wall as well; she felt trapped all over again. "I don't know, since Lagertha attacked the village. I was walking, and some shieldmaiden kidnapped me. I killed two but was overpowered. I have no idea how long I spend in that hut."

She felt too vulnerable, admitting it to Ivar. Maybe if she showed some emotion, Ivar would get spooked and leave. Instead, he hummed and took her thin hand in his. "That was two months ago."

The blonde sucked in a breath and froze. Two months in that hell hole, no wonder she went crazy. She was crazy,... Wasn't she? Only insane people can see walls moving and imagine enemies in every shadow. "Are you alright?"

Ivar's words went to deaf ears as her breathing picked up, her chest falling and rising in panic. Her blood rushing and heart-pounding drowned out his voice in her ears. Skuld clawed at her forearms again; a knock sounded from the door, Ubbe's worried voice asking if they are okay.

It snapped her from her trance; she sprung from the bed and marched away, shouldering past the oldest Ragnarsson, his wife, and Sigurd. The door banged against the wall as she runs down the hill, needing to be as far away from people as possible. She stopped near a cliff and took in deep breaths to steel herself.

The voices in her head got louder, the pounding of her heart following every sentence like a war drum.

"You would have never been a hostage if you just didn't sleep with Ivar. Lagertha would have never noticed you if you didn't strive so high."

"I am calling you a dangerous woman with love for violence and death..."

"Deranged whore."

"Glorified drunkard."

"What in Odin's name is wrong with you?! Why are you so weird?"

"What do you mean you don't know what empathy is? Have you never felt sorry for someone?"

"You are manipulating them. They are your puppets, not friends."

Skuld held her head in her hands, her hair tightly clenched between her fingers as her breathing grew harsher by the second. It felt like her heart would explode out of her chest any moment now and jump off the cliff...

She dropped her hands back to her side and closed her eyes. Pushing her shoulders back and holding her head higher did wonder to her look. The blonde now seemed more in control despite the ruffled hair and scratched arms. Her face was still a little bit red from her panic attack. She turned on her heel and marched away from the cliff. Not even ten steps away from the edge and Skuld turned around again.

"Why did you do that?"

"Mercy. It would die anyway. Why let it suffer?"

Why let me suffer? And so she spread her arms and let herself fall off the cliff. The freezing water surrounded her and made the world go dark.

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