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ccindiez · 2 days ago

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[Malleus Draconia] 祝福 Shukufuku Blessing - lyrics translation, interpretation, and character analysis

Remarks:

This translation and interpretation is done by an amateur, so please take it with a grain of salt

I only play the JP version; hence, the wording I used might be different from official translations. Sorry for the inconvenience

Title:

Blessings are shown to be related to Malleus in many ways, whether it is his gifted blessing since birth, his hometown greeting etiquette (may the blessing of the night be with you), and even his unique magic also called ‘Blessing (祝福)’ in Japanese. In Book 7, where Malleus is one of the main characters presented in the plot, the story also showed various scenes of characters blessing each other - mostly the fae.

Hence, the title of the song itself is very befitting of a blessed child of a fae like him.

T/N

This song represents the inner thoughts of Malleus: mainly his perception of human and time compared to those of his and the feeling of isolation he became familiar with during his childhood. This later would play a significant role in his reasoning behind his action of blessing.

The singing voice itself is also very passionate. As if Malleus has poured out all his bottled feelings throughout the years. This reminds me of him stating he wants to express normal expressions such as anger, laughter, and crying.

I also found many interesting referencing of the dorm song (恣意天変 - Shiitenpen) and Book 7 in this song which I would love to share - TWST sure loves to do this as the pattern is kept constant in all solo songs.

The song also delves into the meaning of blessing - if one does not really wish for them, is it really considered a blessing, or is it considered a curse?

Intro:

“UNDER MY REIGN”

The music break in the intro setted up a really good atmosphere for the song. A calm classical music disturbed by a more rock instrumental - just like how a storm of unsolved feelings builds up from inside of Malleus.

The MV shows Malleus being kept isolated behind thorns and blizzards. This not only holds a figurative representation: his loneliness which is caused by his immense magical prowess and his position as “that Malleus Draconia” - the next ruler of the Briar Valley, but also the literal representation of his state within the first part of Book 7 - his feeling of Lilia leaving caused blizzards as Silver noted.

The MV also shown lightings when the titled, “祝福”, popped up and Malleus under the green light. This sounds familiar right? These are the lyrics from Shiitenpen’s chorus.

Shiitenpen’s Chorus 1:

すべてを切り��く雷(いかづち)[7] が語る徴(しるし)を見よ

Subete wo kiri saku ikazuchi ga kataru shirushi wo miyo

(Behold the omen spoken by the lightning that rends all things asunder)

さあ　この翠緑の光の元に世界よ跪け

Saa kono suiryoku no hikari no moto ni sekai yo hizamazuke

(Now, kneel before this emerald light)

Malleus stated how as the house warden, he is the one who withholds the spirit of the Briar witch, which the reference to Shiitenpen in his song reflected that really well.

Verse 1:

“傷もない　箱庭のなか

Kizu mo nai Hakoniwa no naka

(In a miniature garden with no blemish)

無数の声が鳴く

Musuu no koe ga naku

(Countless voices cry out)

奏でるは　お前が描いた　祈りの歌

Kanaderu wa Omae ga egaita Inori no uta

(What plays is the song of prayer you painted)”

At first I was like, why did they use ‘miniature garden’ here? It is a reference of conversation between Malleus and Silver from Book 7 Chapter 29. After Silver found Malleus deep in his thoughts at the main street when he should join Lilia’s farewell party, the notification of the Dragon-kun toy rang. Malleus stated that even though the dragon left their eggs and departed on a journey, it won't be lonely as this thing has lived a life of fairytale like this, within this miniature garden, for countless times already.

Then Malleus remembered his conversation with Lilia about comforting someone within the game, how it might be better to let them live happily ever after as long as there’s someone taking care of them. This then later rings the bell for Malleus of what perfect present could he give Lilia as a parting gift. In which, later on, he also bestows the blessing of a forever dream to everyone within the sage island, in which he is the one who would take on the role of inspection and intervention, just like what Lilia had commented about his game.

The kanji 鳴く・naku means to cry. The kanji itself is normally used with the cries of birds, beasts, and insects, and is not normally used as an action of human (泣く・ naku would be used instead). However, the lyrics here would mean the cries of countless powerless people asking for blessings. This here reminded me of how Shiitenpen describe humans as powerless beings, by using words such as dregs and pebbles, under the reign of Maleficent.

恣意天変 (Shiitenpen) verse 1:

沈滓(おり)よ　拝せよ

Ori yo Haise yo

(O dregs, offer your reverence.)

機微を解せよ　祈りのように

Kibi wo kaise yo Inori no you ni

(Comprehend subtlety as if praying.)

恣意天変 (Shiitenpen) verse 2:

まだ赦しを願う礫(つぶて)は

Mada yurushi wo negau tsubute wa

(The pebbles still wish for forgiveness.)

Talking about praying, the scene from the Shukufuku MV shows an invitation from Lilia specifically for Malleus to his farewell party. The word ‘祈り・ inori’ or prayer here reminded me of a verse from Shiitenpen.

恣意天変 (Shiitenpen) Pre-Chorus 1:

祝いの席は知らぬ囁き　

Iwai no seki ha shiranu sasayaki

(A whisper of the unknown at the banquet).

However, unlike the dorm song, Malleus here got an invitation, which means he should bestow upon the inviter a gift as per the etiquette.

In Book 7 Chapter 29, Malleus also referred to the teaching of his grandmother, Maleficia, “The reason why our clan, which descend from dragons, has the strongest power amongst the night kin is to protect the smiles of the residents of the Briar Valley".

Despite the immense magic he holds, he’s rendered as powerless without the solution. He couldn’t save Silver and his dad from the pain of parting. What could he do as a ruler that is meant to protect the happiness of their residents?

With the solution he got from his prior conversation with Lilia, Malleus gained the means to grant ‘blessing of happiness’ for Silver and Lilia.

Malleus believes that the blessing he bestowed upon everyone is what things they prayed for and dreamt of.

The song then shifted from the topic of ‘power’ to introducing the second topic of ‘perception of time’. This would be marked as the first time Malleus mentioned ‘time’ in the song.

“時は過ぎゆくもの?　消えゆくもの?

Toki wa sugiyuku mono? Kieyuku mono?

(Is time something that passes? Or vanishes?)

もう少し　遊んでいたいだけ

Mou sukoshi Asonde itai dake

(I just want to play a little longer)”

The concept of the "perception of time" is also frequently explored in Book 7: how time is fleeting and constantly moving forward. This is reflected in contrasts such as the time shared between Lilia and Silver compared to Malleus, as well as Silver’s growth and Lilia’s gradual weakening due to the passage of time.

As someone who got plenty of time on his end, his perception of time is different from others. The MV emphasizes this by showing a silhouette of Malleus standing still while the background changes to different places in school, representing how his life in school is very short compared to the long life span of his species.

The only thing Malleus remembered about his childhood with Lilia is how Lilia came to visit him from time to time and how he wished Lilia would stay with him even a minute longer. This notion is still presented even in the present time, as per the timeline of faes, Malleus is still not fully grown; hence, it would be a proper reaction of a ‘child’ to not be fully accepting of the parting. This song is where he poured out his conflicting emotions between those of a next ruler and a growing individual.

Chorus 1:

“あぁ　お前に美しい未来を

Aa Omae ni utsukushii mirai o

(Ah, bestowing a beautiful future for you

加護を知らぬ　儚い命に

Kago o shiranu Hakanai inochi ni

(To the fleeting lives that know no divine protection)

幻想だって　追走だって

Gensou datte Tsuisou datte

(Be it illusion or pursuit)

さぁ　好きなだけ

Saa Suki na dake

(I will grant them as much as you like)

ただ倖いあれ

Tada saiwai are

(Simply, may there only be surrounded with happiness)”

The verse reminded me of Book Chapter 36, when Malleus told Lilia that he would like to give Lilia an excellent parting gift and there’s no more need to shed tears over parting. It is because he will be the one who gives them a new world where ‘time’ stops, so parting is no longer required.

This would be the gift of divine protection for those fleeting living beings (human) - equating Malleus to the divinity from the immense level of magic he possesses.

The stating of fleeting lives referred to Book 7 chapter 29. Malleus said to Silver that the life span of humans is fleeting and short, compared to the long life span of fae species, like himself.

The MV shows a spinning wheel which not only represents the passage of time, and a gift, but also how powerless humans can be compared to the power of magical species. The spinning wheel is a Maleficent’s blessing that follows the princess, just like how Malleus’s blessing will follow everyone who he granted.

The MV also shows Silver and Sebek inside a bubble - representing a short and fleeting life span of human species.

The chorus ends with Malleus wishing for the happiness of all residents inside his miniature garden. The phrase “倖いあれ・ saiwai are (may you be bestow with happiness)” reminded me of “祝福であれ・shukufuku de are (may blessing be bestow upon you”, which the fae character in Book 7 frequently used. Saiwai means unimaginable good luck, unimaginable happiness, and not to stumble upon any misfortune. When substituting Shukufuku with Saiwai, the song shows the sole real meaning of Malleus’s blessing, his wish for others’ happiness.

However, is the envisioned happiness by Malleus the same for everyone?

Verse 2:

“一欠の痛みさえ　刻まれぬ瞼の裏

Hito kake no itami sae Kizama renu mabuta no ura

(Not even a trace of pain is craved behind these eyelids)

どうしたって醒めないまま

Doushitatte Samenai mama

(Why not stay unawaken)

抗う愚かさを　その目に見よ

Aragau orokasa o Sono me ni miyo

(The fools who resisted, witness this with your own eyes)

すべては　意味のない過ち

Subete wa imi no nai ayamachi

(For it is all a meaningless mistake)”

The first verse of this part is referencing the curse in sleeping beauty. Even something so nightmarish like sleeping forever is deemed to not be painful under Malleus’s blessing; hence, there is no need to be awakened.

In the next verse, Malleus sings as if he growling. The MV then shows the silhouette of Silver and Sebek with backgrounds of different dorms, representing how these 2 are trying to wake everyone up from Malleus magic. His singing tone became angrier as if he’s trying to warn them not to over-stepping his envisioned dream world. He stated that the path Silver and Sebek took to oppose him is meaningless, as they neither have enough power to compete with him, nor in case they succeed to wake everyone up, if the world outside his blessing is filled with sadness.

It is referred to chapter 99, where Silver and Sebek interfere with the conversation between Malleus and Lilia in Lilia’s dream. They both do not want Malleus who born with love to become the world’s enemy and declare to break the “blessing” of his

The song uses the word ‘愚か・odoroka (foolish)’ and ‘過ち・ayamachi (mistake)’. I believe these referred to a verse from Shiitenpen.

恣意天変 (Shiitenpen) Pre-Chorus 1:

忌諱(きい)に触れるような　愚かな過ちの果て

Kii ni fureru you na oroka na ayamachi no hate

(At the end of a foolish mistake that dared to touch upon taboo)

裁きが下る

Sabaki ga kudaru

(Bestowing the judgment from above)

Silver and Sebek here are overstepping the boundaries by interfering with Malleus's authority within the dream realm. Hence, they would eventually receive a judgement from him - a divine entity who possessed immense magical power.

Chorus 2:

“あぁ　巡り巡る夢のつづき

Aa meguri meguru yume no tsuzuki

(Ah, the continuation of a recurring dream)

明けぬ夜に　結末などない

Akenu yoru ni ketsumatsu nado nai

(In a night where dawn never breaks, there is no ending)

恐れないで　この手を取って

Osorenaide kono te o totte

(Don’t be afraid, just take my hand)

さぁ　永遠に

Saa eien ni

(Now, for eternity)

終わらない夢を

Owaranai yume o

(An unending dream)

ただ倖いあれ

Tada saiwai are

(Simply, may there only be surrounded with happiness)”

The song compared the ever-lasting dream created by Malleus to a night where dawn never breaks is such a great usage of metaphor in my opinion. Malleus, himself, is one from the night kin (夜の眷属・yoru no kenzoku), which is the enemy of the knight of the dawn (夜明けの騎士・yoake no kishi). Without the presence of the knight of the dawn, there’s no one who could compete with someone at Malleus’s caliber; eventually, making him become someone unstoppable.

In Book 7 chapter 37, Malleus talked to others “why are you frightened? Even a splendid future is waiting for you” and “Now, give me that hand”. Also in chapter 99, Malleus to Lilia (dream) “I shall grant you any wish. Now, Lilia, take my hand..”.

When talking about taking someone's hand (receiving help), it reminds me of at the beginning of Book7, during Lilia's farewell party, Lilia and Acdeuce also have a conversation about this topic). Lilia requested specifically for them to help Sebek by giving a push, if he ever found himself at a dead end. He explained it in detail that someone who takes others’ hands so easily when offered won’t be picked by the mirror of darkness.

So as we could have expected, it is foreshadowing how NRC students won’t easily take Malleus' hand, even if there's no string attached to his generosity.

Outro:

“UNDER MY REIGN”

The song introduced an outro with a replicated instrument and MV scenes as the intro. This referred to the recurring dream Malleus bestowed upon everyone inside his miniature garden.

It reminds me of Book 7 chapter 36, Malleus stating “today is not the day we bless the departure, but a new beginning (birth)”, “yes, today is the day you would be born again.”, and “A world without sadness of losing friends, family, or anything! A world without sadness!”, before using his unique magic.

The only difference in the outro is the presence of thorns and the scene of Malleus holding a ball of thorns within his two hands, signifying his authority over this miniature garden.

The outro could also be referred to how they moved the fight from within a dream to a real world, once everyone has woken up. It gives such a splendid ending for someone who holds such a high magical prowess like Malleus.

#twisted wonderland #twst #twisted wonderland translation #twst translation #solo song #overblot #cindy_notes #Overblot #Shukufuku #Blessing #malleus draconia #twst malleus

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strawberry-bubblef · 3 months ago

Note

Just found your blog after seeing the Overblot students reacting to causing serious harm to the reader/their partner and oof the angst is strong there! Excellent stuff all around and the way that several of them have symbolic injuries suited to each is fitting-

Like Vil pointed out the irony that his attack blinded them (likely disfiguring too)

Leona missing the arm that never hesitated to reach out for him.

Jamil making his S/O unable to stand without them, needing his support.

For some reason, it all reminded me of the Jekyll and Hyde musical (not at all accurate to the original work but the music is pretty good) particularly the Confrontation song, where Jekyll and Hyde have a musical number ripping into the other.

Imagine if the Overblot guys (whether merely haunted by their memories of the event or tying into your original post about permanent injuries inflicted to the person they loved most) have nightmares confronting those versions of themselves especially in regards to the harm that could have (or did) happen to their S/O. Only to get hit with “can’t you see were the same” but maybe the OB’s are mild yanderes towards the S/O or point out easier it is to keep them by his side, that he’s willing to take the risks to keep them around unlike the “good boy” persona some of them keep up.

OB students having nightmares of themselves after hurting their s/o

Part 1: Ob student unintentionally hurting their s/o

Aww! Thanks for the sweet words 🥲🫶 I'm glade you liked it !

Riddle Rosehearts

The halls of Heartslabyul are silent after curfew. Moonlight cuts silver through the tall windows, casting the checkered floor in sharp, cold contrast. It’s late, but Riddle isn’t sleeping. Not really. Not anymore.

He jolts awake again, breath shallow, red eyes wide. He stares at the ceiling, but all he sees is the moment he can never take back.

Your voice, cracking as you tried to reach him.

The way the vines coiled around you, cruel and tight,his vines.

How you cried out.

And the silence after. The absolute silence.

He’s by your side now, and you’ve forgiven him. You told him as much, your voice gentle, your hand on his. But that forgiveness tastes like ash when he remembers the look on your face back then,not fear, not anger, but disbelief. As if you couldn't quite believe he was the one hurting you.

It clings to him like a second skin.

And every night, the dream returns.

The maze is dead now. No more vibrant red blooms or the sweet scent of petals. Only twisted thorns and rotting leaves, the sky above a bruised, stormy purple. The air is heavy with guilt and magic.

In the center of it all sits his throne.

That version of him is waiting, legs crossed elegantly, sipping black tea that stains the porcelain cup like ink.

“You're late,” the Overblot says. “But I suppose shame slows the feet.”

Riddle takes a breath. “I’m not here for your games.”

“Ah, but we’ve played such lovely ones, haven’t we? Tea parties and rules and hearts cut clean in half.”

He steps closer, circling Riddle like a cat. “Do you remember how quiet they became after we were done? No more backtalk. No more chaos. They obeyed. Isn't that what you wanted?”

Riddle flinches.

The Overblot leans in, voice silken and low. “You wrapped yourself in rules because your mother left you no room to breathe. So you did the same to them because love is terrifying when it’s free, isn’t it?”

“I was wrong,” Riddle says. “That wasn’t love.”

“Then what do you call it?” the other hisses, the smile gone. “You think your bouquet of apologies rewrites what you did? You think gentle words and shared tea make up for the way they screamed?”

Riddle’s hands tremble. He can’t meet his own eyes,those cruel red eyes staring out of a mirror cracked by power and pain.

“I didn't mean to hurt them.”

“But you did.” The Overblot’s voice turns almost tender, almost sad. “And I-we will always live with that.”

Silence falls like snow.

And then: “But at least I was honest. At least I did what had to be done to keep them close. You fear they’ll leave. I made it impossible. Maybe you should be thanking me.”

Riddle recoils. “You turned them into something fragile.”

“I turned them into something ours. They stay because of you, but they flinch because of me.”

A pause.

“Can’t you see?” he whispers. “We’re the same.”

The dream ends with Riddle reaching for his collar, choking on petals that pour from his mouth,crimson, velvet, suffocating.

He wakes with a cry.

It’s still night, the room quiet. He reaches for you instinctively, but the sheets are cool, the space beside him empty. Panic strikes fast and cold.

He finds you on the balcony, bathed in moonlight. Wrapped in a soft robe, you’re gazing at the stars. Your arm is wrapped, supported. Some movements are slower now. But your eyes are bright as ever.

You turn as he approaches.

“Another nightmare?”

Riddle says nothing. He only stands behind you and hesitantly slide his hand into yours. His grip is tight,not crushing, never again but desperate in its quiet plea.

“I don’t deserve you,” he whispers.

“You don’t get to decide that alone,” you reply softly, placing yourhand over his. “You made a mistake. A terrible one. But you changed. You’re trying. That matters.”

“I see him every time I close my eyes,” Riddle admits. “He says we’re the same.”

You turn, gently cupping his face with the only hand that you have left. “Then prove him wrong.”

He leans into your touch like a drowning man, clinging to the only solid thing in a storm. In your eyes, there’s still pain. Still healing. But also,somehow hope.

He’s terrified he’ll always be at war with that version of himself.

But if you’re willing to walk beside him through the thorns, maybe, just maybe, there’s a path forward.

Leona Kingscholar

The desert wind howls in his ears.

Leona stands on the edge of a dry, cracked savannah where nothing grows, under a sunless sky. The ground is stained with soot and ash, grass burned to cinders. In the distance, a pride stone crumbles into dust.

And there,at the center of the destruction,is himself.

Or at least, what’s left of him.

His Overblot form sits lazily upon a throne of twisted bone and stone, smoke curling from his mane like incense from an open flame. Those glowing eyes burn, full of mirthless amusement.

“Took you long enough,” the Overblot drawls. “What, couldn’t face me sooner? Or were you too busy watching them struggle to tie their shoes with the wrong damn hand?”

Leona's jaw tightens. “Shut up.”

“Hit a nerve?” His other self stretches, claws dragging over the arms of the throne. “I’m not the one who tore it from them. You are. We are.”

“I never meant–”

“Don’t insult both of us. You knew what that spell could do. You were angry. Jealous. Tired of always coming second. So you struck. And you didn’t stop.”

Leona’s fists clench. He can still remember the heat, the way magic surged through him like wildfire, untamed and wild. The look on your face when you collapsed, your dominant arm crushed under a landslide of sand and force.

He remembers how still you were. How you didn’t reach for him. Couldn’t.

And how the silence that followed was louder than any roar.

“They can’t write like they used to,” his Overblot murmurs. “Can’t lift a box. Can’t sketch, or braid your damn hair. All the things they used to do so easily,gone. Because of you.”

“I know !” Leona snaps. “I live with it every day.”

“Do you?” The Overblot tilts his head. “Then why haven’t you left? Why not let them go and find someone better for them? Someone whole?”

Leona’s voice drops to a growl. “Because I love them.”

The other version smiles, sharp and cruel. “No. You need them. And they need you now, don’t they? You made sure of that. No one else understands them like you. No one else will want them like this.”

Leona stares, disgust tightening in his throat.

“Come on,” the Overblot purrs. “Admit it. Part of you is relieved. Because now they’ll stay.”

“No.”

“They’ll never leave you.”

“NO!”

The Overblot lunges, claws out, but Leona doesn’t move.

Because he knows the truth: this isn’t about physical pain. This is about guilt, about possession, about fear.

And about how love can rot if left to fester.

He wakes up leaning against a tree in Savanaclaw. It's still dark, the early morning stars just beginning to fade. His hands are buried in the dirt, sweat soaking the back of his shirt. His heart thunders in his chest like it’s trying to dig out.

The scent of jasmine reaches him first. Then your voice.

“Bad dream?”

Leona looks up.

You’re seated nearby, wrapped in a blanket, watching the horizon. Your sleeve is pinned up neatly, your right side turned toward him. The scarred place where your arm used to be is hidden, but he knows its shape by memory now.

He sits beside you wordlessly. You lean into him, letting his warmth chase away the morning chill.

“It’s always the same dream,” he mutters. “Me. Him. You.”

You rest your head on his shoulder. “Do you still hate yourself?”

He doesn’t answer.

His grip tightens ever so slightly. “I wish it had been me instead.”

You reach for his hand with your remaining one and lace your fingers together.

“I would’ve still stayed,” you say. “Even if it had been you who got hurt. Even if it was your arm.”

Silence stretches, heavy and honest.

Leona leans into you then, pressing his forehead to your temple.

“I’m trying,” he whispers.

“I know.”

And for once, the guilt doesn’t scream quite so loud.

Azul Ashengrotto

The sea is too still.

No current, no light,only the inky abyss stretching endlessly in every direction. Azul floats weightlessly in the dark, arms crossed over his chest, eyes closed as if sleep could shield him from what he knows is coming.

No light,only the inky abyss stretching endlessly in every direction. Azul floats weightlessly in the dark, arms crossed over his chest, eyes closed as if sleep could shield him from what he knows is coming.

And then it starts.

The water shifts.

A shadow coils in the deep like smoke in water,and from it emerges himself,not in his human form, not even in his merman body. No, it’s the Overblot: bloated and grandiose, tentacles stretching into the black like roots through rot. His grin is razor-sharp, filled with oil-slick malice.

“Still pretending to be human?” it coos. “Still clinging to the mask of the poor little businessman?”

Azul doesn’t look at it.

“Did you think success would make you good?” the Overblot hisses, gliding around him like a serpent. “That if you just worked hard enough, they’d love you? Respect you?”

Azul breathes slowly, deliberately. “Shut up.”

“Oh, touchy.” “You weren’t nearly so quiet when you were begging them not to leave you. Not when they were lying there,bleeding, gasping because you made them part of your deal.”

Azul flinches.

He sees it again: the whirlpool, the crashing debris, the spell cast in desperation and greed. The way you fell,your leg crushed under the magical pressure, twisted unnaturally before he could stop it.

Before he cared to stop it.

“You used them,” the Overblot sings. “Because deep down, you thought: if they depend on me, they won’t leave me.”

“I didn’t—”

“Yes, you did,” it snarls. “You saw them shine and you thought: I want that. You dragged them into your schemes, into your world. And now?”

A cruel smile stretches over its face.

“Now they can’t even dance.”

Azul’s fists curl.

“They limp through the halls, leaning on a cane or your arm, and every step is a reminder. And yet, they still smile at you. Still tell you it’s not your fault.”

The Overblot leans in close, eyes glowing.

“But it is.”

Azul screams,no sound leaves his throat, only bubbles but he surges forward, trying to claw at the thing wearing his face, only for it to melt away into nothing.

Leaving him alone in the silent sea.

He jolts awake in a cold sweat.

The lounge is dark, only the soft glow of enchanted lamps illuminating the drapes. Azul sits on the couch, disheveled,, breath caught halfway in his throat.

A small noise draws his attention.

You're at the window, adjusting your prosthetic leg,carefully, patiently. You don’t notice him watching, or maybe you do, and you choose not to look.

He swallows.

You always do things quietly now. No complaints. No bitter remarks. But you also don’t hum anymore when you walk. You don’t twirl in the water like you used to.

Azul lowers his eyes.

He hears the soft tap of your cane as you make your way over, the familiar pattern of your gait now etched into his memory.

You sit beside him, brushing your hand against his.

“You dreamt about it again.”

He nods, shame burning behind his eyes.

“I see him in the mirror sometimes,” he murmurs. “The one I was. I wonder if I’m still him.”

You shake your head. “He would’ve run from this. You didn’t.”

Azul hesitates before reaching for your hand. “I don’t deserve your kindness.”

“Maybe not,” you whisper, “but you’re trying. And that counts more than you think.”

He leans in slowly, resting his forehead against the side of your head. “If I could give you that leg back…”

“I wouldn’t take it.”

He stiffens, shocked.

You turn to him with quiet intensity. “Because then maybe you’d still be pretending to be someone you’re not. I don’t need perfection. I need you.”

Azul doesn’t reply,he can’t. But he holds you a little tighter, breathing in the proof that somehow, some way… you’re still here.

And maybe that's enough.

Jamil Viper

The chains rattle again.

He doesn’t know where he is,some room, always dark, always humid. The smell of sweat and ash lingers like incense from an old nightmare. Stone walls stretch in every direction, but there’s no exit. No sky. Just that mirror on the wall.

He doesn’t look at it.

Not yet.

He knows who’s waiting on the other side.

But he turns anyway.

And there he i. The Overblot version of himself smiles cruelly, slouching in that confident, arrogant way Jamil hates to admit he once wished he could embody.

“You look exhausted,” the Overblot drawls. “Not sleeping well, Jamil?”

“I’m not here to talk to you,” Jamil hisses.

“Oh, but I’m here to talk to you.” The reflection slinks closer. “How’s our darling doing, by the way? Still limping around because of you?”

Jamil’s stomach churns.

The sound of bones snapping, of the ground cracking during that awful moment,when magic surged out of control, when the pressure pinned you down, the illusion spells fraying as your foot was crushed beneath falling debris he summoned. Not even intentionally. Not really.

But he knew you were nearby.

And he still didn’t care.

He had finally taken the reins of his life and you were collateral.

“I didn’t mean-” Jamil starts, voice strained.

“You didn’t stop,” the Overblot cuts in, venomous. “You didn’t hesitate. You knew they were watching. And still you used your magic. Still you twisted their mind until they collapsed.”

Jamil’s voice is a whisper. “I didn't want to hurt them.”

“You wanted control.”

Silence.

“You wanted them to stop pitying you. To see you,not the servant, not the background character, but the powerful one. And when you had it, even just for a moment…”

The Overblot tilts his head.

“…you liked it.”

Jamil clenches his fists. “I hate you.”

“No,” it says, baring fangs. “You hate that I’m you. You hate that some part of you thought, ‘If I can just keep them dependent… they’ll never leave.’”

The words sting like poison.

“Now look at them,” the Overblot murmurs. “They used to dance barefoot on sunlit floors. Now every step is calculated. Controlled. Like you wanted everything else to be.”

Jamil shuts his eyes tight.

When he opens them again, the mirror is empty.

He’s alone again.

But the silence is louder than before.

He wakes up in a sweat.

The room is dim, lit by the flicker of a candle. The warmth of the dorm blankets does little to soothe him, especially not when he sees the empty spot in the bed beside him.

You're by the window.

Adjusting the supportive brace over your ankle,what's left of it. Your balance is careful, practiced. Your fingers are deft. Jamil sits up quietly, heart aching.

You glance over your shoulder. “Nightmare?”

He nods, slow.

You limp over to him, footsteps padded by the soft cloth of your wrap. You don’t say anything at first,you just press your forehead to his, fingers tangling with his.

“I see him,” Jamil says. “The version of me who… who didn't care. Who thought being loved wasn’t as important as being obeyed.”

You don’t flinch. You already know.

“I hate him,” he whispers.

“But he’s not you,” you murmur back.

Jamil’s eyes glint with unshed tears.

“I almost made you another chain.”

You shake your head, taking his hand and placing it against your heartbeat. “But you let go. You let me go. You helped me stand again.”

His voice is raw. “You should’ve run from me.”

“I didn’t want to,” you reply. “I wanted to walk beside you. Even if I had to relearn how.”

He exhales shakily.

And when he kisses your knuckles, it’s soft. Tentative. Like he’s still trying to prove to himself that you’re real,that this, what he has now, is real.

Even after all he’s done.

Vil Schoenheit

The mirror doesn’t lie. That’s the curse.

He can’t hide from it. Not from the face that stares back at him,twisted, blot-streaked, gleaming with hatred and pride. His Overblot self grins through cracked lipstick and bleeding glamour.

“Ah. Come to scold me again, Schoenheit?”

Vil doesn’t answer. He already knows how this goes.

Every night, it’s the same: the same confrontation, the same voice that sounds too much like his own, the same sickening echo of violet light bursting from his fingertips, burning away the world and everything he held dear.

Especially you.

“Still pretending you didn’t enjoy it?” the Overblot version sneers. “You always thought beauty was everything. Until you became the monster.”

Vil’s voice is cold. “I wanted the world to see me. Not them.”

“And now they can’t see anything at all.” A cruel chuckle. “Isn’t that poetic?”

His throat tightens.

He remembers the scent of magic in the air, the searing heat, the flash of light as your scream tore through him. The way you clutched your face, blood slipping between your fingers. The panic that followed. The silence. The way your eyes never found him again.

“I didn’t mean to hurt them.”

“But you did.” The Overblot tilts his head mockingly. “You wanted to be seen. So you made sure they never would be seen again. You took that from them. You, who worshipped beauty like a god.”

Vil’s hands tremble at his sides.

“You knew what your magic could do. You chose to use it anyway.”

“I thought I could control it.”

“You were wrong.”

Silence.

Then:

“They still call your name,” the Overblot whispers. “Even now. Still reach for you. Still smile in your direction. And doesn’t that make it worse?”

Vil turns away.

“All they know is the echo of your voice and the feel of your touch. And you cling to that, don’t you? Because if they saw you as you were... they would’ve run.”

The mirror cracks.

Not from magic but from the way Vil slams his fist into it, fury rippling through every bone.

And when he opens his eyes again, he's awake.

The bedroom is quiet, curtains drawn open just enough to let in moonlight. You’re seated on the bed, fingers moving expertly as you read a Braille book Vil had custom,made for you. Your head tilts slightly when you hear him stir.

“Another dream?” you ask gently.

Vil’s voice is hoarse. “Yes.”

You set the book down. “Was it him again?”

“…Yes.”

You pat the space beside you, and he comes willingly. Sits beside you. Lets you touch his face. You always do that now,run your fingertips along his cheekbones, brush over the curve of his lips, like you’re memorizing him all over again.

“I hate what I did to you,” he whispers. “I took the stars from your eyes.”

“And still I find light in your voice.” you say softly.

Vil swallows. “You don’t hate me?”

“I miss what I lost,” you admit. “But I don’t miss you. Because you’re still here.”

He presses your hand to his chest. “It should’ve been me.”

“No,” you whisper. “You came back to me. That’s enough.”

Sometimes, he still dreams of mirrors.

But these days, when he wakes,he’s holding your hand.

And somehow, that makes all the difference.

Idia Shroud

That’s how the nightmare always starts.

Blue flame dances along the walls, scorching consoles, melting cables, and setting off a chorus of alarms. Everything is chaos.Except for him. Except for the Overblot.

It rises from the flames like a ghost made of rage and sorrow, hair wilder, cloak billowing like smoke. It grins, bearing rows of flame-slicked teeth.

“Guess what, Idia,” it sing-songs. “You’re the villain in your own tragic visual novel. Bad End unlocked!”

Idia curls inward, arms around himself. “I didn’t want to hurt them.”

“You did more than hurt them,” it hisses. “You burned them. Because you wanted to keep them close. You wanted them safe.”

“I lost control. The magic-”

“You thought locking them in the Underworld was safer than letting them leave you. And when they reached out for you..” The Overblot snaps its fingers.

The scent of scorched flesh.

The sound of your cry.

Idia covers his ears, but it’s no use.

“You destroyed the very hands that held you. Four fingers. Gone. Just like that. Do you know how many times they tried to play your games after that? Tried to cook? Draw? Hold a pen?”

“I didn’t mean to-!”

“But you did.” The voice is ice now. “And you know what the worst part is?”

Silence.

“They still forgive you.”

Idia lifts his head slowly, shame thick in his eyes.

“They still smile when you fumble with words. Still wrap what’s left of their hand around yours. Still kiss your cheek and say it’s okay. It’s not okay.”

“I know,” he whispers. “I know it’s not.”

“Then why do you stay?”

He doesn’t answer right away.

Then-q

“…Because they asked me to. Because they didn’t want to lose me too.”

The Overblot’s grin fades.

Idia steps closer to it. For once, he doesn’t flinch.

“I am a coward. I am broken. But I’m trying. Every day. I can’t fix what I did… but I can be here now. And that’s what they asked of me.”

The flames flicker.

“You don’t deserve them,” it spits.

“I know,” Idia says. “But they still choose me. And I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to be worthy of that.”

He wakes up gasping.

Your hand is in his,smaller now, missing parts of what once was, wrapped in soft bandages and healing cream. But warm. Still warm.

You stir beside him. “Another one?”

He nods.

You squeeze. “You’re still here.”

“…Yeah.”

You rest your forehead against his. “Then I’m okay.”

He doesn’t cry, but he holds your hand tighter.

And for the first time, the nightmare fades into silence.

Malleus Draconia

The castle is quiet. Too quiet.

He wanders its halls alone in the dream. The stone is grey, cracked with age. Thorny vines have grown wild over every door, every window. The sky outside is eternally twilight, like the world itself is holding its breath. Time doesn’t move here. It hasn’t for centuries.

He knows where you are.

He always knows.

Your chamber lies behind an arch of briars, untouched by rot or dust. Enchanted sleep preserved you, peaceful and unmoving, lips barely parted as if frozen mid-sigh.

He crosses the threshold slowly, reverently. His footsteps don’t echo anymore.

You lies there still.

Because of him.

“Malleus.”

The voice that greets him isn’t yours.

It’s his but deeper, weightless, echoing with ancient magic.

The Overblot.

It steps into view like a reflection peeled from his shadow. A smile too gentle to be anything but cruel.

“You saved her,” it says. “She was going to leave. Be taken away. You stopped it.”

“I imprisoned her,” Malleus whispers.

“You protected her. In eternal sleep, she couldn’t be harmed. Couldn’t abandon you. Couldn’t be taken away by time or fate or death.”

Malleus walks toward the bed. Your skin is still warm beneath the spell, magic thrumming softly with every breath. So many years have passed. More than he dares count.

“And yet she wept in her dreams,” he murmurs. “I heard it. Even through the spell.”

“Dreams are nothing,” the Overblot croons. “She’s safe. Isn’t that all you ever wanted?”

His hands tremble.

“I wanted to be with her,” Malleus says, voice breaking. “Not without her. Not like this.”

The Overblot’s smile fades. It regards him like a disappointed parent. “You are a king .You could have have eternity together.”

“No. I forced eternity upon her. I robbed her of choice… of time… of life.”

A silence falls.

Then-

“But she’s awake now.”

That voice. Yours.

He turns.

You're standing in the doorway. Older than you should be, touched by the centuries but beautiful still. Eyes full of sorrow and kindness both.

“I’m awake, Malleus.”

He stares, breathless. “This isn’t real.”

“It could be,” you say, stepping forward. “If you let go of the guilt. If you come back to me.”

“But I hurt you. I stole your future.”

“And yet I chose to wake up.”

You reach out.

He takes your hand in both of his, kneeling as if in penance.

“I will never forgive myself,” he whispers.

“Then let me forgive you instead,” you say. “You’re here now. And I waited because I believed you’d come back.”

He wakes in your arms, forehead against your shoulder, breath shaky.

You cradle his head gently, fingers weaving through his hair.

“You dreamt it again,” you murmur.

He nods, silent.

“I’m still here,” you remind him. “Still choosing you.”

And he holds you tighter, as though centuries could slip between his fingers once more.

But this time, he’ll never let go.

English is not my first language !

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