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Chapters: 4/? Fandom: The Arcana (Visual Novel) Rating: Mature Warnings: Major Character Death Relationships: Apprentice/Julian Devorak, Apprentice/Lucio (The Arcana), Julian Devorak/Lucio (The Arcana), Apprentice/Julian Devorak/Lucio (The Arcana), Julian Devorak/Original Female Character(s), Lucio (The Arcana)/Original Female Character(s), Julian Devorak/Lucio (The Arcana)/Original Character(s) Characters: Julian Devorak, Lucio (The Arcana), The Apprentice - Character, Original Female Character(s), Nazali Satrinava, Count Spada (The Arcana) Additional Tags: Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Friends to Enemies, Friends to Lovers, Enemies to Lovers, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Polyamory, Blood, Injury, Mild Gore, Canon-Typical Violence, Romance, Slow Burn, Julian's POV, Lucio's POV, Amputation, Sexual Tension, Sexual Content, Alcohol, Plague, Pre-Red Plague (The Arcana), Red Plague (The Arcana), Other Additional Tags to Be Added, Tarot Series: Part 1 of End Up Here (Reworked)

Chapter Summary:  As Julian plans for the grand opening of his clinic in Vesuvia, his relationship with his new apprentice, Bakuli, begins to grow deeper.

A rework of my fanfiction End Up Here.

Chapter 4: A New Home

Julian sits at the bar of The Rowdy Raven, scribbling furiously on crinkly pieces of parchment he’s had wadded up in his pocket for most of the day. His shopping list is slowly diminishing, but there’s still a fair bit left that hasn’t been crossed off. The search for new clinic equipment has become rather pressing, as the doctor plans to officially open the doors starting next week. He has managed to secure a few exam tables, which will be delivered by the end of the week, and some glassware (vials, beakers, flasks, and things of that ilk).

Julian frowns when he totals up all his expenses from the day. He won’t have much money left in the way of furnishing the small apartment above the clinic. For now, all that matters is that it has at least a cot for him to sleep in and a pot for coffee. Otherwise, he can forgo all other luxuries he might want, until he’s got some extra income to spare. He’s rather used to living in more spartan conditions after stowing away on cargo and pirate ships. Julian is merely grateful the apartment isn’t infested with fleas and (hopefully) won’t have anyone threatening him at knifepoint in the middle of the night.

Julian is drawn from his thoughts when the little bell above the doorway tinkles gently. His attention wanes from list making when a familiar face greets him from the entry to the Raven...

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I promise I'm still working on the next chapter. It's just gotten away from me (as I should've expected) and it's now taking longer for me to edit (because I keep adding things, whoops). But here is a sneak peek!

“Your past was rife with confusion, and the feeling that you were stuck,” Bakuli speaks, and her voice seems to take on an air of quiet confidence, “You were ready for change, for adventure, but in your youth, you were aimless. Good for you for breaking out of that and seeking more.” This last part she adds with a proud smile. She moves on to the next card.

“Ten of Wands, upright. The present,” she continues, “You have new responsibilities in life. You’ve come a long way from where you were, and now your hard work has paid off. But that doesn’t mean the hard work is finished. You may be prone to stress and feeling overworked, so make sure you take care of yourself.”

“Sounds about right,” Julian posits, making Bakuli laugh a little before she moves on to the final card. Julian finds himself tensing as her fingers grip the edge of the card and flip it over. She reveals a giant raven, bound in red rope. A shiver runs up Julian’s spine.

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Fic update! Working on getting Chapter 4 out. I thought I'd have it out yesterday, but I decided to do more editing than I initially intended haha. So Chapter 4 is going to be pretty revamped from the original version, but will still be within the same vein. Hope you are all doing well :)

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Chapters: 3/14

Fandom: The Arcana (Visual Novel)

Rating: Mature 

Warnings: Major Character Death 

Relationships: Apprentice/Julian Devorak, Apprentice/Lucio (The Arcana), Julian Devorak/Lucio (The Arcana), Apprentice/Julian Devorak/Lucio (The Arcana), Julian Devorak/Original Female Character(s), Lucio (The Arcana)/Original Female Character(s), Julian Devorak/Lucio (The Arcana)/Original Character(s) 

Characters: Julian Devorak, Lucio (The Arcana), The Apprentice - Character, Original Female Character(s), Nazali Satrinava, Count Spada (The Arcana)

Additional Tags: Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Friends to Enemies, Friends to Lovers, Enemies to Lovers, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Polyamory, Blood, Injury, Mild Gore, Canon-Typical Violence, Romance, Slow Burn, Julian's POV, Lucio's POV, Amputation, Sexual Tension, Sexual Content, Alcohol, Plague, Pre-Red Plague (The Arcana), Red Plague (The Arcana), Other Additional Tags to Be Added

Series: Part 1 of End Up Here (Reworked)

Chapter Summary: Doctor Julian Devorak has spent the last 10 years practicing medicine around the world, going on adventures and getting into all sorts of trouble. When he hears of a plague ravaging Vesuvia, he feels compelled to investigate and hopes that he might run into an old friend.

A rework of my fanfiction End Up Here.

Chapter 3: A Mysterious Illness

Julian dives out of the way of a right-hook meant for his jaw, sending his assailant stumbling to the tavern floor, arms flapping comically out to his sides.

“Come on, then, you churlish lout!” he guffaws, raising his fists in front of him, a mischievous gleam in his eyes, “Thought you said you could best me in fisticuffs?”

The hulking man splayed out on the floor huffs in anger, grunting as he raises himself and squares up before a foolhardy Julian. This “churlish lout” towers over everyone in the bar and is packing over two-hundred pounds of pure muscle. As he spins to face the lanky, auburn-haired doctor, he wears a snarl that could scare off even the meanest of wild dogs. But Julian isn’t intimidated. Trouble follows the good doctor practically everywhere he goes, so this isn’t his first rodeo. Besides, Julian has speed and agility to his advantage. And about three fewer pints of beer in him, as well. Normally, he wouldn’t dare pick a fight with someone this wasted.

Rakish, certainly, but I do have some sense of honor, for goodness’ sake! he thinks to himself as he starts to shift his weight between feet. The drunken fool started it, anyway- the doctor is merely finishing it...

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Chapters: 2/13 Fandom: The Arcana (Visual Novel) Rating: Mature Warnings: Major Character Death Relationships: Apprentice/Julian Devorak, Apprentice/Lucio (The Arcana), Julian Devorak/Lucio (The Arcana), Apprentice/Julian Devorak/Lucio (The Arcana), Julian Devorak/Original Female Character(s), Lucio (The Arcana)/Original Female Character(s), Julian Devorak/Lucio (The Arcana)/Original Character(s) Characters: Julian Devorak, Lucio (The Arcana), The Apprentice - Character, Original Female Character(s), Nazali Satrinava, Count Spada (The Arcana) Additional Tags: Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Friends to Enemies, Friends to Lovers, Enemies to Lovers, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Polyamory, Blood, Injury, Mild Gore, Canon-Typical Violence, Romance, Slow Burn, Julian's POV, Lucio's POV, Amputation, Sexual Tension, Sexual Content, Alcohol, Plague, Pre-Red Plague (The Arcana), Red Plague (The Arcana), Other Additional Tags to Be Added Series: Part 1 of End Up Here (Reworked) Chapter Summary:  A young Montag Morgasson flees from his tribe. Exiled and alone, he looks to make a name for himself in the world and meets a young doctor's assistant who changes his life forever.

A rework of my fanfiction End Up Here.

Chapter 2: Montag

Morga’s eyes are filled with wrath, blazing in the morning sun. Montag watches as she wrestles her spear from where it’s lodged in the dirt, just inches away from his head. Her words are still ringing in his ears when he scrambles through the snow, clumsily raising himself from the unforgiving ground and bolting through the woods.

I’m going to spoil you one last time, her voice echoes. This is not a blessing, but a threat. I’m giving you a head start, Monty. You better run for your life.

And that’s exactly what he's doing. Running for his goddamn life...

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Sneak peek of some of the changes you can look forward to in End Up Here (Reworked). Here's an excerpt from Chapter 3!

Bakuli is perched on the countertop closest to the sink, which is filled nearly to the brim with clear, shimmering water. Her hand trails absentmindedly through it, the pale outlines of the intricate, mehndi-style of tattoos looking almost blue under the surface. Occasionally, a little tentacle curls up out of the water and grasps at the magician’s finger. “Sagara likes teatime gossip,” Bakuli winks as Julian peers into the water-filled sink and meets the eye of a very mischievous looking mimic octopus. “Hello, there! Would Sagara accept a handshake in greeting? Or eight, I suppose,” Julian teases, leaning over to get a better look at the strange little creature. He gently tests the water with his finger. He’s seen many an octopus on his oceanic journeys, but they’ve all been too shy for him to get close enough to touch. “Careful, Ilya,” Bakuli chuckles as Sagara shrinks back, startled by the doctor looming over her, “She might spray you if you frighten her. She may be small, but her siphon is mighty.” “Oh, I’m not so scary, am I?” Julian begins but is cut off when a thin jet of cool water splashes him in the face. Bakuli, cackling from where she’s seated, passes him a dry hand towel.

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Chapters: 1/13 Fandom: The Arcana (Visual Novel) Rating: Mature Warnings: Major Character Death Relationships: Apprentice/Julian Devorak, Apprentice/Lucio (The Arcana), Julian Devorak/Lucio (The Arcana), Apprentice/Julian Devorak/Lucio (The Arcana), Julian Devorak/Original Female Character(s), Lucio (The Arcana)/Original Female Character(s), Julian Devorak/Lucio (The Arcana)/Original Character(s) Characters: Julian Devorak, Lucio (The Arcana), The Apprentice - Character, Original Female Character(s), Nazali Satrinava, Count Spada (The Arcana) Additional Tags: Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Friends to Enemies, Friends to Lovers, Enemies to Lovers, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Polyamory, Blood, Injury, Mild Gore, Canon-Typical Violence, Romance, Slow Burn, Julian's POV, Lucio's POV, Amputation, Sexual Tension, Sexual Content, Alcohol, Plague, Pre-Red Plague (The Arcana), Red Plague (The Arcana), Other Additional Tags to Be Added Series: Part 1 of End Up Here (Reworked)

Summary: “I- I thought of a name you could call yourself,” Julian ventures, voice shaky. Montag merely looks expectantly back at the young man, wordless for once. Julian takes a deep breath before he speaks. “Lucio,” he almost whispers, voice catching in his throat, “It means, ‘light.’”

Julian Devorak's life is changed forever when he crosses paths with an enigmatic magician and a mercenary with a troubled past.

A rework of my fanfiction End Up Here.

Chapter 1: First Meetings

Montag’s eyes are wild, piercing, and bright despite his overall weakness. Julian can feel them boring into him from across the room, their keenness unnerving in the dim light of the medical tent. Montag is not what Julian had been expecting when he had first heard that Count Spada, himself, had requested the presence of the battle-hardened mercenary for this war. Julian wouldn’t have been surprised if some ancient, brooding, beast-of-a-man were to have hacked his way through the battlefield and come storming into Julian’s tent. But Montag Morgasson is quite the opposite: lean and compact, his youthful features sharp but delicate. His blonde hair, though grimy now with sweat and dirt, is otherwise silken in quality. He’s striking, really. But what is most striking about him, Julian notes, are his eyes: Montag’s eyes are almost as pale as the moon, feral and glimmering with determination. It’s hard for Julian not to lose himself completely in them.

Montag is supported by two other soldiers, both weary and haggard, but a lot better off than him. His left arm is hanging loosely at his side, as limp as the strands of blonde that have fallen in front of his vision. But even through the muss of golden hair, Julian can sense the mercenary’s unrelenting gaze. As the tent flap falls shut, the din of soldiers calling out orders and the clang of sword-against-sword hushes to nothing. Julian must practically wrench himself from the mercenary’s hypnotic hold on him when one of the soldiers asks where Montag’s broken form ought to go...

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Announcement for End Up Here:

After a great deal of thought, I have come to the conclusion that I would like to continue writing End Up Here but with my fan apprentice, Bakuli, rather than the vague Apprentice character I've been writing about. This is a decision I've come to after realizing that I am really enjoying editing the EUH version that includes her. I am also running into some pretty serious writer's block with EUH in the way that I've been writing it and want to move in a direction that allows me to get more in depth with my main character.

I'm sorry if this is a disappointment to some. I still have every intention of finishing End Up Here, it will simply be with my fan apprentice rather than The Apprentice. I will still keep the old version of the fic up on my AO3 and on Tumblr. But I plan to start posting the edited version in the next coming weeks. If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in my inbox!

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Interest check for my fellow Arcana fans that are reading my fic End Up Here:

As I am writing this fic, I am also editing a version of it that has my fan apprentice in it rather than just the vague Apprentice character.

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Chapters: 15/? Fandom: The Arcana (Visual Novel) Rating: Mature Warnings: Major Character Death Relationships: Apprentice/Julian Devorak, Apprentice/Lucio (The Arcana), Julian Devorak/Lucio (The Arcana), Apprentice/Julian Devorak/Lucio (The Arcana), Nadia (The Arcana)/Original Female Character(s), Lucio/Nadia (The Arcana) Characters: Julian Devorak, Lucio (The Arcana), Lucio Morgasson, Montag Morgasson - Character, Apprentice (The Arcana), Nazali Satrinava, Nadia Satrinava, Nadia (The Arcana), Original Female Character(s), Valdemar (The Arcana), Volta (The Arcana), Vulgora (The Arcana), Vlastomil (The Arcana), The Devil | Lucio's Patron (The Arcana), Count Spada, Asra (The Arcana), Salim Alnazar, Aisha Alnazar Additional Tags: Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Friends to Enemies, Friends to Lovers, Enemies to Lovers, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Polyamory, Blood, Injury, Mild Gore, Canon-Typical Violence, Romance, Slow Burn, Gender-Neutral Apprentice (The Arcana), Julian's POV, Lucio's POV, mentions of amputation, Sexual Tension, Sexual Content, Alcohol, Plague, Pre-Red Plague (The Arcana), Red Plague (The Arcana), Collar play, Threesome, Character Death, Graphic Depictions of Illness, Grief/Mourning, Depression, Implied/Referenced Alcohol Abuse/Alcoholism, Ghosts, Nightmares, descriptions of burning Chapter Summary: The Apprentice first appears to him a week or so after their passing. Lucio’s sleep that night is restless. He lies awake, staring vacantly at a sliver of moonlight that has strayed through his curtains and dared to cast its pale light across the floor. A sudden weight pressing into the mattress beside Lucio draws him from his haze. Thinking perhaps Nadia had crept into the room, Lucio turns to face her, but in the turbid darkness, all he can see is a shadowy figure staring down at him from where they sit. Eyes bore into him, a dull red glow emanating from their sockets. Lucio feels his limbs seize as he gapes back at the unsettlingly familiar figure, frozen in fear.

Chapter 15, The Plague: Ghosts of Ember and Ash

Lucio’s room reeks of sorrow and the sickly scent of fever. He is buried under his bedsheets, chin prickly with stubble and eyes crusted with salt and gunk. He is an utter wreck. Lucio does not remember the last time he saw the sun nor the last time he ate. His shriveled stomach aches with hunger and his dry mouth yearns for the sweet relief of water. His spirit hovers above him, watching as his pathetic body lies motionless in bed, too weary and broken to put any effort in anymore.

Time has had little to no meaning since the death of the Apprentice. In fact, Lucio cannot remember how much time has passed since he watched their frail body, covered only by a thin, white sheet, get carted off to the Lazaret. It is well known around Vesuvia that the Count has lost himself to fever, to delirium, and deep sorrow. Months seem to pass with Lucio hardly leaving his room, holed up in the darkness with the curtains drawn and the door firmly shut. His bedroom stinks of devastation, the musty, stuffy scent permeating the very tapestries on the walls. Rage surges through his veins. The hateful creature in Lucio’s heart feeds upon his desolation. It grows with every passing hour, hungrier and hungrier as he simmers in illness and despair. Wronged by his subjects. Wronged by the Devil. Wronged by the only people he thought truly cared for him...

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Chapters: 14/? Fandom: The Arcana (Visual Novel) Rating: Mature Warnings: Major Character Death Relationships: Apprentice/Julian Devorak, Apprentice/Lucio (The Arcana), Julian Devorak/Lucio (The Arcana), Apprentice/Julian Devorak/Lucio (The Arcana), Nadia (The Arcana)/Original Female Character(s), Lucio/Nadia (The Arcana) Characters: Julian Devorak, Lucio (The Arcana), Lucio Morgasson, Montag Morgasson - Character, Apprentice (The Arcana), Nazali Satrinava, Nadia Satrinava, Nadia (The Arcana), Original Female Character(s), Valdemar (The Arcana), Volta (The Arcana), Vulgora (The Arcana), Vlastomil (The Arcana), The Devil | Lucio's Patron (The Arcana), Count Spada, Asra (The Arcana), Salim Alnazar, Aisha Alnazar Additional Tags: Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Friends to Enemies, Friends to Lovers, Enemies to Lovers, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Polyamory, Blood, Injury, Mild Gore, Canon-Typical Violence, Romance, Slow Burn, Gender-Neutral Apprentice (The Arcana), Julian's POV, Lucio's POV, mentions of amputation, Sexual Tension, Sexual Content, Alcohol, Plague, Pre-Red Plague (The Arcana), Red Plague (The Arcana), Collar play, Threesome, Character Death, Graphic Depictions of Illness, Grief/Mourning, Depression, Implied/Referenced Alcohol Abuse/Alcoholism Chapter Summary: Their handwriting is so deeply familiar to him, Julian wonders if it’s etched into his bones. If someone were to dissect him, they would find his ribs adorned with the words of the Apprentice, carved lovingly, committed to a memory that even his body reflects. Julian’s fingertips caress the deep imprints of their writing on each piece of parchment he glosses over. He can feel the Apprentice contained within these pages and it threatens to destroy him. His lip quivers as he pulls a small scrap of paper from one of the piles.

Chapter 14, The Plague: The Depth of Grief

Julian sits at the bottom of a dark sea, silt and sand clouding his vision with every powerful rush of the tide. Hardly any light reaches him from above, but he can feel the strike of lightning, the rumble of thunder, and the muted blaze of fire. He is anchored, weighted down by threads he cannot see. But he can feel their searing, stinging pain, digging into his wrists, his neck, his ankles. He doesn’t fight it. He accepts his fate as if it’s a punishment doled out by a wrathful judge. He wallows in his sentence, knowing he deserves it. Welcomes the crushing pressure of the ocean. Soggy papers flutter around him, his scrawling script a bunch of gibberish in the dull, gray-green light. Sometimes, far in the distance, out in the open sea, he thinks he can see the Apprentice. They float ethereally amongst detritus and debris from a sinking ship. This is the only time Julian fights his bindings. As he struggles against his invisible fetters, he inhales, gasps of briny water filling his lungs, choking him in his inability to free himself. The Apprentice merely gazes upon him pitifully, before dissolving into a cloud of red ash...

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Chapters: 14/? Fandom: The Arcana (Visual Novel) Rating: Mature Warnings: Major Character Death Relationships: Apprentice/Julian Devorak, Apprentice/Lucio (The Arcana), Julian Devorak/Lucio (The Arcana), Apprentice/Julian Devorak/Lucio (The Arcana), Nadia (The Arcana)/Original Female Character(s), Lucio/Nadia (The Arcana) Characters: Julian Devorak, Lucio (The Arcana), Lucio Morgasson, Montag Morgasson - Character, Apprentice (The Arcana), Nazali Satrinava, Nadia Satrinava, Nadia (The Arcana), Original Female Character(s), Valdemar (The Arcana), Volta (The Arcana), Vulgora (The Arcana), Vlastomil (The Arcana), The Devil | Lucio's Patron (The Arcana), Count Spada, Asra (The Arcana), Salim Alnazar, Aisha Alnazar Additional Tags: Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Friends to Enemies, Friends to Lovers, Enemies to Lovers, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Polyamory, Blood, Injury, Mild Gore, Canon-Typical Violence, Romance, Slow Burn, Gender-Neutral Apprentice (The Arcana), Julian's POV, Lucio's POV, mentions of amputation, Sexual Tension, Sexual Content, Alcohol, Plague, Pre-Red Plague (The Arcana), Red Plague (The Arcana), Collar play, Threesome, Character Death, Graphic Depictions of Illness, Grief/Mourning, Depression, Implied/Referenced Alcohol Abuse/Alcoholism Chapter Summary: Lucio has spent all night fretfully contemplating what to do. He settles on what he feels is the best option: sending them to the Lazaret, where they’re more equipped to handle victims of the plague. Where Lucio can only hope the Apprentice will get better.

Chapter 13, The Past: Falling Apart

Valdemar confirms that Count Lucio of Vesuvia has, indeed, contracted the Red Plague. Restricted to bed rest, Lucio ponders what on earth he could have possibly done to deserve this. Isn’t he invincible? Hasn’t Lucio escaped death more times than he can count? Fury, rage, wrath burble and swirl within the Count. His attendants find his silence more nerve-wracking, more terrifying than his tantrums.

“Your Highness, I think it’s high-time we consider moving your magician friend to a place where they’re less likely to infect anymore people,” Valdemar posits, ignoring the scathing look Lucio passes their way. The Count isn’t too weary yet to put up a fight, but he’s too upset to know what kind of fight he wants to pick.

“Will you send me there, too?” he spits, not bothering to move the limp strands of blonde that have fallen in front of his eyes. No one should have to see them in this disgusting state, leached of their vibrancy. His normally sparkling silver irises look dull amongst the bloom of red that creeps ever closer to their edges.

Valdemar merely smirks, “That’s not for me to decide.”

A shiver runs the length of Lucio’s spine. It’s been ages since he spoke to the Devil, since he has even acknowledged the goatman’s presence. He can still feel his domineering spirit lingering somewhere in the ether surrounding the palace. The fact that he hasn’t done anything to help poor Lucio out is maddening. It only serves to fuel the Count’s rage. Lucio knows he hasn’t exactly been the picture of “obedience,” lately, but he hasn’t been that bad. Not bad enough to be ignored by someone who could probably snap his fingers and cure not only Lucio, but the whole world of this dreaded disease.

“I want to speak to him,” Lucio hisses, gripping the edge of his bed sheets tight.

“Good,” Valdemar returns with a toothy grin, “He’s been expecting you...”

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Chapters: 14/? Fandom: The Arcana (Visual Novel) Rating: Mature Warnings: Major Character Death Relationships: Apprentice/Julian Devorak, Apprentice/Lucio (The Arcana), Julian Devorak/Lucio (The Arcana), Apprentice/Julian Devorak/Lucio (The Arcana), Nadia (The Arcana)/Original Female Character(s), Lucio/Nadia (The Arcana) Characters: Julian Devorak, Lucio (The Arcana), Lucio Morgasson, Montag Morgasson - Character, Apprentice (The Arcana), Nazali Satrinava, Nadia Satrinava, Nadia (The Arcana), Original Female Character(s), Valdemar (The Arcana), Volta (The Arcana), Vulgora (The Arcana), Vlastomil (The Arcana), The Devil | Lucio's Patron (The Arcana), Count Spada, Asra (The Arcana), Salim Alnazar, Aisha Alnazar Additional Tags: Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Friends to Enemies, Friends to Lovers, Enemies to Lovers, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Polyamory, Blood, Injury, Mild Gore, Canon-Typical Violence, Romance, Slow Burn, Gender-Neutral Apprentice (The Arcana), Julian's POV, Lucio's POV, mentions of amputation, Sexual Tension, Sexual Content, Alcohol, Plague, Pre-Red Plague (The Arcana), Red Plague (The Arcana), Collar play, Threesome, Character Death, Graphic Depictions of Illness, Grief/Mourning, Depression, Implied/Referenced Alcohol Abuse/Alcoholism Chapter Summary: So swiftly has this disease taken root. So quickly has it destroyed the vibrant magician before him. Their shirt hangs loosely off their frame and the hollows under their eyes are dark crimson. Visions of a withering Lucio return to the Count’s dreams that night. After a while, he wonders if maybe he just shouldn’t sleep anymore. Spare himself the pain of staring at a pathetic spectre that mirrors his image. A mockery of his effervescence.

Chapter 12, The Past: Ruin

Things happen so fast. After the collapse, the Apprentice is swiftly taken to a cordoned off wing of the palace where no one but a select number of physicians and attendants are allowed. Lucio and Nadia are left to address the panicked crowd. But the Count finds himself, for once, at a loss for words. He slumps to the floor, staring wide-eyed down at his hands, hands that are now stained with disease. His gilded talons glint dully in the fading light of the day. Peripherally, Nadia’s commanding voice resounds through the hall, trying desperately to calm the frightened crowd. Whispers from his subjects grate against Lucio’s ears. He tries to hold on to the calming sound of his wife’s voice, but the vitriol overshadows it.

“Can’t even keep it out of his own home,” one merchant hisses to another, beady eyes glowering at the Count.

“Poor magician. It should’ve been Lucio. It would serve him right for all the mess he’s put us through.”

“Hush! You shouldn’t say such terrible things.”

Poison. Poison weaving through the crowd, tarnishing his good name. Lucio clenches his fists, hoping the hot and angry tears that start to bead in the corners of his eyes will dry up. Or perhaps, they’ll drown this ungrateful throng of idiots.  

These fools don’t deserve Nadia’s kindness and reassurances, he fumes to himself, silver eyes alight with a furious resolve...

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Chapters: 14/? Fandom: The Arcana (Visual Novel) Rating: Mature Warnings: Major Character Death Relationships: Apprentice/Julian Devorak, Apprentice/Lucio (The Arcana), Julian Devorak/Lucio (The Arcana), Apprentice/Julian Devorak/Lucio (The Arcana), Nadia (The Arcana)/Original Female Character(s), Lucio/Nadia (The Arcana) Characters: Julian Devorak, Lucio (The Arcana), Lucio Morgasson, Montag Morgasson - Character, Apprentice (The Arcana), Nazali Satrinava, Nadia Satrinava, Nadia (The Arcana), Original Female Character(s), Valdemar (The Arcana), Volta (The Arcana), Vulgora (The Arcana), Vlastomil (The Arcana), The Devil | Lucio's Patron (The Arcana), Count Spada, Asra (The Arcana), Salim Alnazar, Aisha Alnazar Additional Tags: Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Friends to Enemies, Friends to Lovers, Enemies to Lovers, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Polyamory, Blood, Injury, Mild Gore, Canon-Typical Violence, Romance, Slow Burn, Gender-Neutral Apprentice (The Arcana), Julian's POV, Lucio's POV, mentions of amputation, Sexual Tension, Sexual Content, Alcohol, Plague, Pre-Red Plague (The Arcana), Red Plague (The Arcana), Collar play, Threesome, Character Death, Graphic Depictions of Illness, Grief/Mourning, Depression, Implied/Referenced Alcohol Abuse/Alcoholism Chapter Summary: Lucio jolts awake, back in his own room, a sliver of pale moon light creeping through the curtains. As the Apprentice collapses into his waiting arms, Lucio kisses the top of their head. He breathes in their gentle scent, lets it wash over him. Allows it to make him forget all the trouble this mischievous Apprentice has put him through these last several weeks. Julian’s touch still lingers on his skin, his husky voice echoing in his ears. Lucio’s bed feels like it’s missing someone, because it is missing someone. As his mind mulls over the dream journey he’s just returned from, those words pull at his tongue. I love you, he wants to cry out, You and Jules. But they stick to his throat, get trapped in the back of his mouth. When he’s sure the Apprentice has fallen fast asleep, he rises from bed and stares out at the moon above, fingers toying with the sun suspended around his neck, wondering if Julian is in Akash, gazing up at the same sky.

Chapter 11, The Past: The Price of Decadence

In the couple of weeks following the Masquerade, life is once again filled with joy. Though mornings and afternoons are lonely, save Mercedes, Melchior, and occasionally Brundle, Lucio’s evenings and nights are filled with the Apprentice. Languid hours are spent lounging in the gardens under the vivid colors of the sunset, Lucio’s hands roving underneath the threads of the magician's clothes. At night, their soft sighs and twittering laughs fill his bedchambers. And when he dreams, he dreams of them and of Julian.

These dreams are always pleasant. It astounds Lucio to actually be able to see Julian, the real Julian, in a dreamworld. Or magical world. Or whatever. The Apprentice explained it in detail once, but it went in one ear and out the other. Regardless, Lucio feels a bit like things are back to some sense of normalcy. Julian is as effervescent as always, though a bit wearier. He thanks Lucio over and over again for sending more help to Akash.

“It’s the least I could do,” Lucio returns, quite proud of himself.

“Well, it’s much appreciated,” Julian goes on, a sparkle in his grey eyes that Lucio hasn’t seen in a while. It gives the Count a little thrill to see the doctor so happy with him. A reminder that Julian looks up to him, relies on him, needs him. Without Lucio’s help, Julian would be utterly overwhelmed. Lucio is his savior, something he hasn’t felt as of late. The last couple months, Julian has seemed- distant . Like he doesn’t want much to do with Lucio, unless it’s for pleasures of the flesh. With this gesture of good faith, the Count hopes his roguish companion will go back to his normal self...

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Chapters: 14/? Fandom: The Arcana (Visual Novel) Rating: Mature Warnings: Major Character Death Relationships: Apprentice/Julian Devorak, Apprentice/Lucio (The Arcana), Julian Devorak/Lucio (The Arcana), Apprentice/Julian Devorak/Lucio (The Arcana), Nadia (The Arcana)/Original Female Character(s), Lucio/Nadia (The Arcana) Characters: Julian Devorak, Lucio (The Arcana), Lucio Morgasson, Montag Morgasson - Character, Apprentice (The Arcana), Nazali Satrinava, Nadia Satrinava, Nadia (The Arcana), Original Female Character(s), Valdemar (The Arcana), Volta (The Arcana), Vulgora (The Arcana), Vlastomil (The Arcana), The Devil | Lucio's Patron (The Arcana), Count Spada, Asra (The Arcana), Salim Alnazar, Aisha Alnazar Additional Tags: Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Friends to Enemies, Friends to Lovers, Enemies to Lovers, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Polyamory, Blood, Injury, Mild Gore, Canon-Typical Violence, Romance, Slow Burn, Gender-Neutral Apprentice (The Arcana), Julian's POV, Lucio's POV, mentions of amputation, Sexual Tension, Sexual Content, Alcohol, Plague, Pre-Red Plague (The Arcana), Red Plague (The Arcana), Collar play, Threesome, Character Death, Graphic Depictions of Illness, Grief/Mourning, Depression, Implied/Referenced Alcohol Abuse/Alcoholism Chapter Summary: As infuriated at Lucio as Julian is, the young attendant in him is equally devastated. He had once looked up to Montag as a symbol of confidence. Of exhilaration. What the Apprentice once said about seeing Lucio’s vulnerability, his light, still lingers in Julian’s mind. He recalls the afternoon in the garden, gilded sunlight and laughter. That night, Lucio gifted him the vielle. Julian can feel the gentle squeeze of his shoulders as the Count wishes him safe travels. He drowns in the heat of Lucio flush to him.

Chapter 10, The Past: Back to the Way Things Were

Julian’s first day of journeying begins with a boat ride and ends when he reaches a tiny island in the middle of the Emerald Sea. In a small fishing port, he meets up with Nazali, who had apparently already been on their way to the Masquerade when they received a call for aid from the village of Akash.

“It’s good to see you, old friend,” Julian beams upon seeing his mentor’s familiar face. Nazali smiles, the corners of their eyes crinkling with joy as they stride towards the auburn-haired rogue.

“I’m glad you’ve decided to come with me,” Nazali greets Julian with a bear hug and a strong clap on the back, “It sounds like things are getting worse in Akash.”

“When did the outbreak start?” Julian questions, slinging his pack over his shoulder and letting Nazali lead him away from the port.

“A couple weeks back was their first recorded case. No one really knows how it started, but there’s been a rumor going around that a merchant from Vesuvia brought it with them,” Nazali explains, face set in a grave frown. Julian’s heart sinks to his stomach. If only he and his fellow physicians could work faster, smarter, something.

If only Lucio would take things more seriously, Julian thinks, irritation welling in his mind. If the Vesuvian court wouldn’t keep stepping on his toes, on Nadia’s toes, maybe this damned disease would be gone by now. More funding should be directed towards the cure effort. Instead, it goes right into Lucio’s pocket or into building that dreadful quarantine center...

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Chapters: 14/? Fandom: The Arcana (Visual Novel) Rating: Mature Warnings: Major Character Death Relationships: Apprentice/Julian Devorak, Apprentice/Lucio (The Arcana), Julian Devorak/Lucio (The Arcana), Apprentice/Julian Devorak/Lucio (The Arcana), Nadia (The Arcana)/Original Female Character(s), Lucio/Nadia (The Arcana) Characters: Julian Devorak, Lucio (The Arcana), Lucio Morgasson, Montag Morgasson - Character, Apprentice (The Arcana), Nazali Satrinava, Nadia Satrinava, Nadia (The Arcana), Original Female Character(s), Valdemar (The Arcana), Volta (The Arcana), Vulgora (The Arcana), Vlastomil (The Arcana), The Devil | Lucio's Patron (The Arcana), Count Spada, Asra (The Arcana), Salim Alnazar, Aisha Alnazar Additional Tags: Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Friends to Enemies, Friends to Lovers, Enemies to Lovers, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Polyamory, Blood, Injury, Mild Gore, Canon-Typical Violence, Romance, Slow Burn, Gender-Neutral Apprentice (The Arcana), Julian's POV, Lucio's POV, mentions of amputation, Sexual Tension, Sexual Content, Alcohol, Plague, Pre-Red Plague (The Arcana), Red Plague (The Arcana), Collar play, Threesome, Character Death, Graphic Depictions of Illness, Grief/Mourning, Depression, Implied/Referenced Alcohol Abuse/Alcoholism Chapter Summary: There’s an emptiness in Lucio’s chest and it’s horrid. Icy. It weeps a poisonous ichor that bathes his bones and dissolves his insides. He doesn’t want to feel so terribly alone, not with someone in his bed, right next to him. So he takes the Apprentice in his arms, holds their shuddering form close, feels them grasp desperately at him, before they fall asleep in one another’s embrace.

Chapter 9, The Past: Hubris

Things continue on exactly as Lucio told the Devil they would. The Apprentice and Julian are blissfully unaware of the infernal machinations of the Count and his Courtiers. They continue to lay themselves at Lucio’s feet, ready and willing to please and be pleased. Lucio convinces himself that he’s not grown soft. This relationship truly is one based only in delights of the physical. Any conversation is purely for the benefit of Julian and the Apprentice. Any gifts Lucio gives are attempts to ensure he sweetens the deal for his companions. It’s not out of affection or adoration. It’s calculated and purposeful, meant to keep his companions complacent and distracted.

Liar, something in him hisses, Liar, liar, liar. You can feel it in your heart. You like them. You adore them. What would you do without your precious Julesy? Your enchanting Apprentice? You’d be alone. Alone like you’ve always been. Alone and unloved. Pathetic and weak.

“Shut up,” Lucio hisses back at that voice. But it comes creeping into his mind late at night when Julian and the Apprentice slumber soundly beside him. It whispers, vitriolic and seething, telling him what a sad sap he is. A sell out. A pushover. All because he gets the slightest bit of affection from someone. All because someone is giving him the time of day.

The Apprentice shifts in their sleep, snuggling closer to Lucio from where they lay sandwiched between him and the doctor. They let out a soft sigh through their nose and it fills Lucio with some hideous, fuzzy feeling. He sweeps a strand of hair from where it obscures their closed eyes. They look so peaceful. Julian beside them, gangly limbed and sprawled out everywhere, looks tranquil. In the softness of these late hours, Lucio can maybe admit to himself that this is something more to him than what he told the Devil. Devil be damned. No one needs to know, not even Julian and the Apprentice. They don’t need to get attached to him, and he to them. Lucio, Light of Vesuvia, doesn’t have time for that, anyway...

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Chapters: 14/? Fandom: The Arcana (Visual Novel) Rating: Mature Warnings: Major Character Death Relationships: Apprentice/Julian Devorak, Apprentice/Lucio (The Arcana), Julian Devorak/Lucio (The Arcana), Apprentice/Julian Devorak/Lucio (The Arcana), Nadia (The Arcana)/Original Female Character(s), Lucio/Nadia (The Arcana) Characters: Julian Devorak, Lucio (The Arcana), Lucio Morgasson, Montag Morgasson - Character, Apprentice (The Arcana), Nazali Satrinava, Nadia Satrinava, Nadia (The Arcana), Original Female Character(s), Valdemar (The Arcana), Volta (The Arcana), Vulgora (The Arcana), Vlastomil (The Arcana), The Devil | Lucio's Patron (The Arcana), Count Spada, Asra (The Arcana), Salim Alnazar, Aisha Alnazar Additional Tags: Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Friends to Enemies, Friends to Lovers, Enemies to Lovers, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Polyamory, Blood, Injury, Mild Gore, Canon-Typical Violence, Romance, Slow Burn, Gender-Neutral Apprentice (The Arcana), Julian's POV, Lucio's POV, mentions of amputation, Sexual Tension, Sexual Content, Alcohol, Plague, Pre-Red Plague (The Arcana), Red Plague (The Arcana), Collar play, Threesome, Character Death, Graphic Depictions of Illness, Grief/Mourning, Depression, Implied/Referenced Alcohol Abuse/Alcoholism Chapter Summary: "I want them to want me, too," that horrible, meek little voice whispers. The voice he wishes he could rip out of his mind and abandon in the snow, where it belongs. Lucio reminds himself why he’s gifting them all these fabulous treasures. Why he’s taking up so much of their time. It’s to distract them from their research. If anyone out of this sorry lot of physicians can figure out a cure, it’s Julian. And Lucio needs to buy the Devil more time to do whatever ritual it is he’s planning. The Courtiers have their parts to play, and so does Lucio. This is all just an elaborate scheme. Julian and the Apprentice are fleeting affairs, ones he’ll never have to worry about again once he’s the king-of-kings. They’re minor bumps in the road. Momentary fun. Nothing but entertainment for entertainment’s sake, right?

Chapter 8, The Past: Sentiment and Longing

Lucio feels refreshed. The morning following his dalliance with Julian and the Apprentice, the three enjoy a leisurely breakfast with Nadia and Lady Delphine. Lucio is delighted when his attendant’s curious gazes trail after the throuple as they wander the halls towards the breakfast table.

Get a good look, everyone, Lucio thinks, a proud smile plastered on his face as he leads them to the veranda, That’s right. These two are mine.

Lucio’s guests sit to either side of him, no doubt basking in the afterglow of last night. They’re still rosy-cheeked and a bit disheveled. Quite frankly, however, Julian’s never had more color in his complexion. He looks fortified, as does the Apprentice.

The healing power of my presence, Lucio beams, feeling quite pleased with himself. Last night felt healing for him, too. Too long has Lucio been alone in the palace, bored with himself and having little to do. All this business with the plague has really dampened his spirits. Parties are dwindling, Noddy’s no fun anymore, and the Courtiers-

Well, they’ve never really been any fun, he grouses, half-listening to what the Countess is trying to tell him about their duties for the day. He’s thoroughly distracted by the sensation of his fingers grazing the Apprentice’s leg, just underneath the hem of the glossy robe he let them borrow. Lucio’s other hand is busy holding his mimosa, so he opts to tease Julian with his foot. The coarse hairs of the doctor’s calf tickle his toes as he gently caresses his leg. As Noddy blathers on, Lucio’s silver gaze traces the patterns of love-bites he and the Apprentice left behind on Julian’s neck.

Masterful, he grins slyly, winking at Julian when the doctor’s gray eyes glance over towards him...

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