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Legends Chapter 8: Signets

Hello Riders! Sorry for the late update, I head to rethink a very important part of this chapter at the last minute because I didn't want to go with my original thought. Which meant deleting a section of what I already wrote and having to figure out a good place to put my new idea-after I figured out that new idea. Anyways, I hope you all like this chapter!

Chapters 22-24 in Fourth Wing Pairings: Xaden x Younger Sister, Liam x best friend Warnings: Mention of death, swearing, violence, *Big spoilers from the book series* Word Count: 9,894

Legends Masterlist

Signets usually say a lot about the rider. It's why I'm not surprised my signet is shadow wielding. I keep a lot of secrets, I need to in order to survive. But what do you need, (Y/N)? Whatever it is, I have no doubts that you'll be among the strongest. -Recovered correspondence from Cadet Xaden Riorson to (Y/N) Riorson

Once battle brief ends, I quickly pack up my things and rush out the door, the sound of my squad calling after me fading in the distance. Nyx and Aether are silent for the moment, waiting for me to reach my room.

I rush through the halls, mind racing. I know what's happening, but I don't want to believe it. It can't be true. I make it to my room and lock the door behind me, throwing my bag on the floor by my desk. "Nyx, please tell me my signet isn't what I think it is." I say through our bond. I need confirmation.

"I will not lie to you, Night Orchid." Nyx's velvety voice floats into my head.

"Please say it. I need to hear it, because if I don't I'll keep trying to deny it."

"You're an inntinnsic. You have telepathy to be exact." Nyx answers, voice strong.

"They'll kill me."I whisper aloud, falling to my hands and knees in shock. Knowing it's telepathy doesn't even register in my mind. I only focus on the fact that being inntinnsic is a death sentence and even though I usually put on a brave face, I don't want to die. Not yet.

"I will not allow them to harm you. I will destroy every human and dragon in my path if they even breathe wrong in your direction." Nyx assures.

"But-"

Nyx cuts me off, "You will learn to control it in secret. You are strong and smart, I would not have chosen you if you weren't." My breath hitches at her words, "No one will know except those you choose to tell, though I recommend keeping it to yourself. Now rest, you need it after developing your signet."

"I have still have one more class, and I'm already late." I try to argue.

"Skip, resting is more important at the moment." I don't argue anymore. I slowly stand up, kicking my shoes off and climbing into bed. I'm asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow.

*_*_*_*_*

I'm awoken by knocking on my door. "Go away!" I yell. I'm terrified of who could be on the other side. Of the possibility of the person finding out.

"(Y/N), open up." Liam calls back. I groan but untangle myself from my sheets. I hesitate, my hand hovering over the door knob. "(Y/N), come on." I can't ignore him, even though part of me really wants to.

I crack my door open, "Finally." I hear Liam's voice but his lips don't move. "Are you okay? You skipped the last class. And you missed dinner." He holds up a plate of food, "I brought you some in case you were hungry. Gods I hope she's alright."

I keep my mind carefully blank as I watch his lips move. Making sure the only words I acknowledge are the ones actually coming out of his mouth. "Thanks." I mumble. "I have a really bad migraine, it started in battle brief. Nyx said resting was more important."

"Did you go to the healers?" Liam asks, causing me to shake my head. "Maybe you should, they could give you something-"

"Liam, I love you. But all I want to do right now is eat and go back to sleep. So thank you again for the food, but leave me alone." I step back, closing the door in his face before he can say anything else. I hate being rude to him but I'm so nervous he'll find out.

I can't slip up, telepathy is more than just being able to read other's minds. I can project my thoughts into their head as well. One slip up and I'm dead. I sit down at my desk, beginning to eat the dinner Liam brought me as my mind races. I doubt Liam would tell anyone but I can't put that burden on his shoulder's.

Once I finish eating the food Liam brought me, I pace my room. Mind still racing, thinking of all the ways this can go wrong. "Enough, Night Orchid. You're driving me insane." Nyx huffs. "Burning alive sounds more fun than having to hear your worrisome thoughts. I already told you no one will harm you."

"You can't promise that, Nyx." I sigh, shaking my head. "You can't be with me 24/7. Carr snapped a kids neck the other day because he was an inntinnsic."

"That kid was weak, he showed his signet to everyone and was killed for it. You managed to hide it and will continue to hide it for as long as we live." Nyx growls.I groan in frustration, but I know I need to hide it or I'm as good as dead.

I bite my lip, closing my eyes and stepping into the library at Riorson house. I focus on the window with the comfy reading nook below it. Through that window I see the shimmering white light that represents Nyx's power. I slam the window shut, locking it, then open my eyes back up, keeping one foot in the mental library.

I need to block Nyx out or she'll try and talk me out of this. But I need to do this, I can't do this by myself and there's only one person I trust with this information. I pull my shoes on and rush out of my room, passing by Liam who sits outside of Violet's door. He quickly stands up when he see's me. "(Y/N)? Where is she going?" There's a pause between his thoughts, "Fuck, I can't leave Violet."

I ignore his call, climbing the stairs and heading towards Xaden's room. I knock once, then open the door before Xaden can answer. Xaden, Bodhi, and Garrick all turn to look at me.

"What is she doing?" Xaden narrows his eyes, his voice sounding in my head. Clearly, I'm struggling to block out all of Nyx's power.

"I need to talk with you. Now." My eyes are wide as I look Xaden in the eyes. My gaze flickers to Bodhi and Garrick, "Privately."

"Come on, 'cuz. It's just-" Bodhi starts, a playful smile on his lips.

"Out. Now." I glare.

"You can't just order them out of my room, (Y/N)." Xaden rolls his eyes.

My glare turns to Xaden, "I just did." I turn back to Garrick and Bodhi, "Now get out before I resort to violence."

Garrick stands up, "Well Chradh just told me to leave unless I want to get eaten by Nyx so…" He trails off, clapping Bodhi on the shoulder, "I suggest we leave."

"What did Chradh say to you?!" My eyes widen in panic. Logically, I know Nyx didn't tell Chradh anything. This is a secret she's keeping between me, Aether, and herself. But I can't help the panic that seeps into me. But somehow I control the power enough to not let my worries reach anyone in the room. Probably with Nyx's help.

"Exactly what I said," Garrick exchanges looks with the others, worry evident on his face. "He didn't tell me why Nyx would eat me, he just said to leave." Garrick shrugs. "What the fuck is going on? Is she okay?" His eyes are focused on mine, begging me to tell him what's going on, but instead of asking he pulls Bodhi with him, heading for the door. "See you in a bit, Xaden."

Xaden nods, turning to me once the door is shut behind Garrick and Bodhi. "Well?" He asks, eyebrow raised. "What is so secretive that she had to kick them out of the room?"

I start pacing in front of my brother, "Will anyone be able to hear us if they're trying to listen in or do we need to find some place where no one can hear us?"

Xaden's eyes narrow, "My room is warded so no one can hear what's going on in here with the door closed. What the fuck is going on?"

"Good, good." I mumble, "I got my signet today during battle brief."

"Okay? Why is that a secret?"

My lip wobbles, the minute I tell him there's no going back. I stop pacing, turning to look him in the eye, "You know why." I can't bring myself to say it out loud.

Xaden tilts his head in confusion, "A secret signet. She's panicked. Oh my gods, is she an inntinnsic?"

"Yes," I say, answering his unspoken question. I force the word through my mind, into his.

Xaden's eyes widen, "How did she? No, she can't be."

"I am. Nyx already confirmed it. I'm telepathic, inntinnsic." A tear falls out of my eye before I can stop it, "They're going to kill me, Xade." I say out loud, voice cracking.

"No." Xaden says, moving towards me and gently grabbing my arms. "No, no one will lay a hand on you. How many people know?"

I shake my head as more tears fall, "You're the only one I told."

Xaden pulls me into a hug, he presses my head against his chest as I sob. He slowly lowers us so were sitting on the couch. "You'll develop a second signet, no one will have to know about this." His hand brushes over my hair, trying to soothe me.

"What if I don't?" I choke out between sobs, "People will begin to wonder why I haven't exploded!"

"You will!" Xaden's arms tighten around me, my head tucked under his chin. "And if you don't we'll sneak you out of here, to Aretia. You'll be safe. I promise."

"Even if that works, how am I supposed to learn to control it? I'm already on the verge of going crazy from having to keep my mind blank so I don't talk to anyone!"

"I'll help you learn."

"How are you supposed-"

Xaden's voice floats into my head, cutting off my panicked question. "I'm an inntinnsic too."

I finally pull away from Xaden when I hear his thought, "What?" I ask confused, tears finally slowing down.

"I developed my second signet not too long after the shadows. I knew I had to keep it a secret because they'd kill me if they found out. I can't read thoughts but I can read intentions. It's a form of inntinnsic." Xaden pauses, "I can- will. I will teach you."

"Who else knows?" I whisper.

Xaden shakes his head, "No one. You're the only person I've ever told." I blink, shocked by this new information but happy I'm not alone. He reaches up a steady hand, brushing away the last of my tears. "Now the first lesson, you need to know is control. You already learned grounding, correct?"

I nod, muttering, "Carr taught us."

"That light that connects you to Nyx, there should be a line flowing from it. That's your signet. You need to block the flow from that line. That way you block the signet but not her full power." Xaden gives me clear instructions, making sure I understand every word.

I take a breath before thinking back to the Riorson library. I find Nyx's power and the line of magic flowing from it. I snap the door shut, blocking the signet from being used. "Okay, it's done."

Xaden nods, "Now you just need to get used to holding it all the time. You can't let it slip. And if it does you need to close it as quickly as possible." I nod in understanding.

*_*_*_*_*

It's an hour after curfew and I still sit in Xaden's room practicing my shielding. We've been talking and playing games, trying to distract me so I can practice holding my shields in place for everything. Spoiler alert, it didn't go very smoothly, but at least I'm letting it slip with someone who already knows what's happening. And the longer I practice the better I get.

"Okay," Xaden says, standing up and stretching his legs, "I'll walk you back to your room. I need to meet with Garrick and Bodhi."

"Are you guys doing a weapons drop?" I ask. Xaden told me about helping the fliers a while ago. They need more weapons to fight the venin so the marked ones have been making the weapons here at the school then periodically meeting with them to hand them over.

Xaden nods, "We need to leave soon so we can make it back in time."

"Let me come with you." Xaden opens his mouth like he's about to argue, "Please?" I ask. "I don't want to be alone right now, and it will be great practice."

"What if you slip?" There's a brief flicker of worry behind his eyes before he quickly masks it.

"Then I slip. I can't hide in my room forever. Nyx blocked me before, if I can't get under control quickly enough, she'll do it again." I reassure. Of course I'm nervous about others finding out, but I need the practice and I trust Nyx to help if I need it. Plus if I slip in front of Bodhi and Garrick I trust that they wouldn't say anything, though ideally they won't find out.

"Of course I'll stop you from using your powers if I need to." Nyx says to me, "I'll meet you on the flight field. It will be nice to fly with Chradh for one of these weapons drops."

I smile at her words, "Nyx already said she'll meet me at the flight field, so no arguing."

Xaden sighs, "Fine." He opens his armoire, pulling out two flight jackets. He holds one out for me. I grab it, slipping it over my shoulders. "There should be an extra pair of flight goggles in the pocket." Sure enough, I stick my hands in the pockets and feel the flight goggles.

"Thank you," I say, smiling once more. We quickly make it out to the flight field. Sticking to the shadows so Xaden can hide us if necessary.

Garrick and Bodhi are already waiting with the dragons, "How are you feeling?" Bodhi asks once he sees me.

"Better now. Sorry for how I reacted earlier. It was important." I say, looking between the two riders.

"We figured," Garrick replies, shrugging. "At least you're alright now."

"Let's go." Xaden says, stopping Bodhi, Garrick, and I from continuing the conversation. He runs up Sgaeyl's leg, settling on her back.

I run towards Nyx, mounting without issue. "Aether was worried, he wanted to come but for once in his life he listened." Nyx says once I'm settled.

I pull my borrowed flight goggles down, "I'm alright, Aether. I'll visit you tomorrow." I call out to him.

"You better." Aether huffs, making me smile. Nyx launches into the air, she allows Sgaeyl to lead the way, flying close to Chradh. It takes three hours to get to our meeting spot. It's the longest I've ever flown and my legs are starting to go numb. We are just beyond the wards, the magic is wilder out here. It's something you don't notice when you're not bonded.

"Stay." Xaden says, eyes meeting mine.

I scoff, but do as he says. That is until I see the fliers coming towards us. I scan the group, and immediately notice Syrena. "Syrena!" I yell, I quickly stand up, jumping from Nyx's back, rolling so I don't hurt myself.

I stand up quickly, rushing towards the flier, and fling my arms around her. "Wow, (Y/N). You've gotten even more beautiful then were when you were 15." She says, hugging me back. I may not be able to stand Syrena's sister Cat, But Syrena is amazing. She definitely got all the good traits.

Before I can reply, Xaden scolds me, "I told you to stay mounted."

I roll my eyes, pulling away from the hug, "I'm not a dog. And Syrena is a friend." I turn, looking at the other riders, "And any friend of Syrena's is a friend of mine." I lean forward, towards the other fliers and drop my voice to a whisper, "She has good taste, she likes me after all."

The fliers all smile at me, "This the infamous (Y/N) Riorson?" One of the fliers asks.

"At your duty," I playfully salute with two fingers. Despite the distraction, I've been doing really well with keeping my shields up. I only had one slip up during the flight, and luckily it was only into Xaden's mind. I take a moment to remind myself to keep a mental foot in the library to continue to block the power.

"No wonder Syrena talks so highly of you," Another flier says, "Older Riorson should take some notes." A playful smirk pulls at the fliers lips.

I shake my head, "I tell him all the time, he's just always so… broody." I poke Xaden's cheek on the last word. Bodhi snorts at my words and Garrick's lip turns up into a smirk.

Xaden slaps my hand away, glaring. "Here's the weapons, we'll reach out in a few weeks about another drop." Xaden says, bringing the conversation back to why we're here. There's four bags of weapons. Garrick, Bodhi, and Xaden drop the bags at the fliers feet. "We have to head back."

"Thank you." Syrena calls out as we turn away, heading back towards our dragons, "(Y/N)." I turn to look at her. "It's good to see you. Especially on a badass dragon like that," She nods her head at Nyx. "We all knew you'd amount to great things."

I smile, "Thanks, Syrena. It's good to see you too. Stay safe."

"We'll try."

*_*_*_*_*

As November turns to December, I make sure to practice with my telepathy every day. Because if I don't I will be greeting Malek sooner than I would like. I don't slip up anymore. My shields are incredibly strong, the strongest in my year. And I've been practicing reading minds without letting my thoughts enter the other person's. Which I've also excelled at, though it takes more focus than just shielding myself from using the signet.

I still haven't manifested a second signet which is making me incredibly worried. Xaden keeps having to reassure me that I will and nothing bad is going to happen to me. Nyx and Aether try to reassure me too, but I have my doubts. I mean why hasn't the second signet manifested yet? It's been a month since the first one showed up, and if it doesn't manifest soon people are going to start questioning me.

Currently the squad is in the gym, practicing hand-to-hand. Dain made mandatory practice sessions every Tuesday night to prepare for the Squad Battle. Not that Liam or I need it. I'm still undefeated in challenges and the only time Liam lost was to me.

Rhiannon and Violet are practicing together with staffs. The staff is far too big a weapon for Violet but it's a practice session so I say nothing. Rhiannon stops short from hitting Violet, "You're distracted tonight." Rhiannon says, backing away. Her gaze flickers to Liam who is sitting next to me carving a new piece of wood.

I have a book in my lap, a romance novel about a princess who falls in love with the knight tasked to be her personal guard. It's a cliche but it's cute. I go back and fourth from reading to watching the practice matches around me.

"But you're faster than you used to be." Rhiannon continues, "Whatever Imogen has you doing is working."

"As if there was ever any doubt," Imogen calls from the mat next to them. She has Ridoc pinned in a headlock. Jack and some of the members of his squad are a couple of mats over, also practicing. It's why Liam isn't practicing himself. And because Liam's out, I don't have a partner.

"You're taking it easy on me." Violet says. Sawyer and Quinn are circling each other, Emery and Heaton are coaching the new members we gained after Threshing, and Dain is watching the matches unfold.

Dain's eyes meet mine, "(Y/N). Join someone. We're here to practice, not read."

I roll my eyes, then look around the room before bringing my attention to Dain once more, "I'm sorry, is there a new squad member we magically acquired? Because if you haven't noticed, everyone is already paired up."

Liam smiles, but continues to focus on his carving and Violet. Dain glares at me, but before he gets the chance to answer I speak again, "Unless you're offering to be my partner, squad leader?" I smile innocently.

Dain's jaw ticks, "Fine." He gestures to the open mat beside Imogen and Ridoc, "Let's go."

I smirk, placing a dagger in my book then gently putting it on my chair. "This will be fun." I mumble, just loud enough for Liam to hear me. One of the reasons I've been practicing reading thoughts with my signet is so I can hear my opponents thoughts when fighting. If I can hear what they're thinking without sending my thoughts back to them, matches will be even easier to win than they already are.

I walk towards the mat, standing to face Dain, "Weapons?" He asks.

"I'm fine with anything. Or nothing." My smirk widens, "Choose whichever you think will help you win. I don't mind being at a disadvantage."

Dain rolls his eyes, "You're already at a disadvantage, I'm taller, stronger, and have more practice than you."

"Maybe so, but I'm faster and more agile."

Dain sighs, "No weapons. Just our hands."

"And mouths." I grin, "What makes you tick, squad leader?" I slowly start to circle him, "I'm very good at pushing buttons if you haven't noticed."

Dain takes a deep breath, clearly trying to make sure I don't rattle him. "Don't give her a reaction. That's what she wants." Dain's eyes follow me around the mat. "Are you going to talk or are you going to fight?"

I raise an eyebrow, "Have you never heard of a verbal battle? A battle of wits?" Out of the corner of my eye I see Garrick and Xaden enter. Xaden does a double take when he sees who I'm facing but doesn't interfere, instead he focuses on Violet saying something to her as he passes.

"This is hand-to-hand combat. Not a debate."

"True. But that doesn't mean I need to move first. Especially because the conversation is so… stimulating." I shrug, indifferent.

"She's so irritating. She's really not going to make the first move? She does this almost every match." I cross my arms, waiting for him to move. Dain's jaw ticks. "You're seriously just going to stand there?"

"I'll stand here all night, Aetos." I raise a brow in challenge.

"This fucking woman. I swear to the gods." Dain's frustration is palpable. Even if I couldn't read his mind, it's easy to tell he's annoyed with me. Good, just let that annoyance come out in the fight. But I know Dain is smart, and it's going to take a lot to get him to react. "Fuck it. Looks like I'm offense."

Dain moves quick, trying to kick my legs out from underneath me. But he's not quick enough. I uncross my arms, jumping out of the way, we circle each other before Dain moves again. I block his punch, interlocking are arms. I swipe his leg, making him fall to the mat.

Dain rolls away from me, quickly standing back up. "Still feeling confident, squad leader?" I taunt. We dance around each other again, throwing punches and kicks. Dain's a good fighter, but I know I'm better. Even without my secret signet.

I move my right arm up, blocking another blow. Then I switch, too quick for Dain to keep up. Instead of fighting on defense like I have been, I move to offense. I attack quickly, pushing Dain towards the edge of the mat. I aim low, sweeping his legs from below him. He lands with a thud. I quickly move on top of him, pinning him below me, in a tangle of limbs.

My grin widens as I watch him catch his breath, "Fuck me." He takes one more deep breath, "You're fast." He whispers. "I yield. Only because I need to get back to watching everyone else."

I roll my eyes, "Sure, that's the only reason why. Just admit I'm better than you." I tease, still not letting up.

This time Dain rolls his eyes, "Probably in more ways than one. Just let me up, Riorson."

I pout, "What's the magic word?"

"Fucking- Please." He says through gritted teeth.

"Actually the magic word was, 'you're right'. Technically though that's two words, three if you count the-"

"(Y/N)!" Dain scolds, still laying beneath me.

Our eyes meet, "Fine. Fine. I'll let you up." I stand up, offering Dain my hand which he accepts. When we look at all the other matches, everyone is distracted by either us, or Xaden and Garrick, who are currently sparring shirtless.

"Get back to work." Dain orders, "We still have another half hour." I reclaim my seat next to Liam as Dain goes back to watching the matches.

Rhiannon and Violet start back up again, but Rhiannon quickly sweeps Violet's legs from under her. "Shit, I'm sorry, Vi." She drops beside her. "Just relax and give it a second."

"And yet that is the rider Tairn chose," Jack sneers, "I'm starting to think he chose wrong, but considering I haven't seen you wield any powers, I bet you're thinking the same thing, too, aren't you, Sorrengail? Shouldn't you have twice the ability to channel with two dragons?"

I roll my eyes, it doesn't work like that with feathertails but of course no one but Violet and I know that. Liam and I stand, Liam puts himself between Violet and Jack while I hang back but make sure I'm available to do something if I need to.

"Simmer down, Mairi. I'm not going to attack your little charge. Not when I can challenge her in a couple of weeks and accidentally snap her scrawny neck in front of an audience." Jack folds his arms across his chest, "Tell me, though, you are getting tired playing nursemaid, aren't you?" His squadmate offers him a piece of orange, Jack shoves his hand away, "Get that noxious shit away from me. Do you want me to end up in the infirmary?"

"Walk the fuck away, Barlowe," Liam warns.

"She's only alive because of you," Jack spits out, eyeing Xaden who moved closer to the group.

"Right, because I'm the one who buried a dagger in your shoulder during Threshing." Xaden sarcastically replies.

Violet scrambles to her feet, finally gaining back her breath. "We could settle this now," Jack says, sidestepping Liam to look at Violet. "If you're done hiding behind the big, strong men." I roll my eyes at his words. Garrick steps towards Violet's left. Imogen has also inched closer, Jack knows he can't do anything with all of us around. "That's what I thought." Jack says, blowing Violet a kiss.

"You ran," Violet snarls, "That day in the field, you fucking ran when it was three on two, and we both know when it comes down to it, you'll run again. That's what cowards do."

Jack's face flushes. Dain mumbles, "For fucks sake, Violet."

"She's not wrong." Xaden says. Garrick laughs, and a smile pulls at my lips. Liam maneuvers Jack off the mat. Jack's shoes squeak against the floor as he fights, unsuccessfully to hold his ground, and Liam forces him from the gym.

Xaden flicks his hand, shutting the doors with his power, locking Jack out. "What the hell were you thinking, egging him on like that?" Dain scolds, marching towards his childhood best friend.

"Oh, now you feel like talking to me?" Violet lifts her chin in defiance.

Xaden steps in between them, eyes meeting Violet's, "Give us a second." Rhiannon and Dain step back.

Garrick walks towards me, pulling his shirt over his head, as Violet and Xaden begin a heated discussion. "Did you win against, Aetos?"

I smirk, "Of course I did."

"Wingleader Riorson," Dain calls, "She's just not used to the bond yet. She'll learn how to block it out."

Xaden rolls his eyes, "You choose the oddest times to defend her, Aetos, and the most convenient times not to." I bite my lip, damn Xaden, go for the throat.

Xaden turns back to Violet, "Do us both a favor and put the fucking armor back on." He turns away from her. When Violet's eyes see his back, she gasps. Violet noticed the 107 scars littering his back. 107 scars to represent the 107 marked ones.

Xaden tenses for a brief moment before grabbing his shirt from Garrick's outstretched hand. They leave the gym together, not looking back in any of our directions.

*_*_*_*_*

It's the next day and Violet has pulled me into Rhiannon's room to talk with us. "So, what's up?" I ask when we're all seated.

Violet awkwardly rubs the back of her neck. "As you know, Tairn started channeling last night." Violet told us this at breakfast but we could all tell she was holding something back. "Something else happened but before I say I need to ask you a question." She looks me directly in the eyes.

"Shoot." I say, waiting for her to continue.

"Do Nyx and Chradh ever…" She trails off, "You know? Get intimate?"

I crack a smile, "You want to know if my dragon and her mate fuck? Of course they do."

Rhiannon smiles, but Violet's the one who responds, "Have you done anything because of that?"

"Wait? Did Tairn and Sgaeyl have sex after he started channeling?" Rhiannon asks.

Violet nods, "It felt like I was on fire, I'll never look at Liam the same."

I blink in shock, smiling faltering, "Did you and Liam-"

Violet cuts me off, "Gods no! But when I looked at him I wanted to." My shoulder's sag in relief. Liam and Violet can do whatever they want. I don't know why I'm happy that they didn't, but I don't focus on that. "I slammed the door in his face before I did something I would regret."

"So what? You want to know if I've ever done anything I regret because of Nyx's emotions?" Violet nods at my question. "Luckily no. The first time it happened, it woke me up in the middle of the night. I just got out of bed and went for a cold shower when I realized what was happening."

There's a brief pause, "The second time it happened, I locked myself in my room and handled things myself. I don't need someone else to please me."

"You didn't even go to Sawyer?" Rhi asks.

I shake my head, "Even though I enjoy my time with Sawyer, I'd feel guilty if we had sex because of Nyx's emotions. It wouldn't feel like I was 100 percent in control. And that's not fair to Sawyer."

Violet sighs, "That's what I'm nervous about." She pauses, looking down before looking back at Rhiannon and me. "Gods this is awkward… but last night after I slammed the door on Liam and told him to go to bed… I ran into Xaden." I raise an eyebrow waiting for her to continue, "We kissed. I don't even know what I was thinking."

"Well you weren't. At least not clearly." I shrug, "You find Xaden attractive, Xaden finds you attractive-"

"He does?" Violet interrupts.

"I mean… he didn't actually tell me that but I'm not dumb, and he's not either. He absolutely finds you attractive he just doesn't know when to admit his feelings… Fucking men." I roll my eyes. Most men never know when to admit their feelings, at least not until months, possibly years, of pining. "But anyways, your dragons emotions were adding on top of your own, it made it more difficult for you to resist, especially when the channeling is so new."

"I can't believe you waited this long to tell us." Rhiannon says. "And that's not judgment. Far from it. I'm all for you exploring… whatever it is you want to explore."

"Agreed, I approve. Xaden could use someone like you." I smile.

"I've been with Liam from the second I walked out the door this morning, and last night I was a little too discombobulated to put it into words." Violet rolls her shoulder, adjusting how she's sitting, "Between Tairn channeling and then everything else, it was just a night."

"Good point." Rhiannon says, then her smile widens, "Was it good? Tell me it was good. That man looks like he knows exactly what he's doing."

I laugh, "Oh gods, do I want to hear this? You know what? Just don't give details, yes or no?"

Violet's face flushes, "It was just a kiss… But yeah. He knows exactly what he's doing." Her brows furrow in thought.

"Second thoughts?" Rhi questions. "You look like maybe there are third thoughts, even."

"No," Violet shakes her head, "Well, maybe? But only if it makes stuff weird between us."

"I don't see Xaden letting a kiss become weird." I say.

"Yeah." Rhiannon agrees, "You guys are stuck together for the rest of your careers. Lives, too. Have you guys talked about what happens after he graduates?" Rhiannon turns to me, "Or you and Garrick for that matter?" She turns back to Violet, "Oh, I bet you get the choice of duty stations. Wingleaders always get to pick."

"He'll get to pick." Violet grumbles. "I will have to follow. Tairn and Sgaeyl haven't been separated for years. Her last rider died almost fifty years ago, and as far as I know, she flew wherever and whenever she wanted to be near Tairn before Naolin - his last rider - died in Tyrrendor. It's a two-day flight to that part of the border, depending on where he's stationed, so what are we going to do next year and the year after that?"

"He'll probably choose somewhere close so it's easier to get Sgaeyl and Tairn together. I don't know what Garrick and I are going to do." I reply.

"Not sure," Rhiannon shrugs, "Feirge said we won't be able to be apart more than a couple of days, so does that mean one of you always has to follow the other?"

I shrug as Violet answers, "No clue. I think that's why most mated pairs bond within the same year, so they don't have these issues. How am I - we -" She changes her words, looking at me, "supposed to stay competitive next year if we're constantly flying off to the front line with Tairn and Nyx? How is Xaden and Garrick supposed to be effective if they have to fly back here all the time?" Violet's face scrunches, "Xaden's the most powerful rider of our generation. He's going to be needed on the front, not here."

"For now," Rhiannon stares at Violet, lifting her brows. "He's the most powerful rider in our generation for now." She turns to look at me, just as intensely. She's indicating that Violet and I are going to be more powerful.

"What-" Violet starts but a knock stops her from continuing.

"Rhi?" Liam asks through the door, panic evident in his voice. "Is Sorrengail in there with you? Because-"

Rhiannon opens the door causing Liam to stumble inside. He catches his balance, eyes sweeping the room, stopping on Vi. "There you are! I went to the bathroom, and you disappeared!"

"No one's trying to assassinate her in my room, Mairi." Rhi rolls her eyes. "You don't have to be with her every second of every fucking day. Now give us five minutes and then we'll start walking to class." She pushes his chest and he retreats. His mouth opens and closes, trying to form an argument. But before he can, Rhiannon closes the door on his face.

"He's…" Violet sighs, "dedicated."

"That's one word for it," Rhiannon mutters, "You'd think that guy owes Riorson his life or something, the way he sticks to you like glue."

I look down avoiding eye contact, "He does." I whisper, "We all do." Violet and Rhiannon's gaze flicker to mine. The unasked question floating between us, "Don't worry about it. Story for another time." I wave my hand, brushing off the lingering looks.

Rhiannon hesitates but decides against trying to ask more, "Oh!" Her eyes light up, "Something happened with me last night, too."

"Do go on." Violet says, intrigued.

"All right," Rhiannon takes a deep breath, "I've only done it three times. Twice last night and once this morning, so be patient for a second."

"Of course," Violet says, nodding.

"Absolutely," I agree.

"Watch the book on my desk." Rhiannon says, nodding towards the book.

Violet and I both turn, focusing our gazes on the book. A minute passes but nothing happens, just as I start thinking that nothing will, the book disappears from the desk. My jaw drops open as I stare at the empty spot. Violet jumps up, whipping around to look at Rhiannon, "What the hell, Rhi? What just-"

I turn to look at Rhiannon as well, she's holding a book with a wide grin. "Is that the same book?" I ask, standing next to Violet.

Rhiannon nods, "I guess I can summon!"

"Holy shit!" Violet grabs Rhiannon's shoulders, "That's amazing! That's… incredible! I don't even have words for what this is!"

My smile stretches across my face, "Fucking brilliant!" I laugh.

"Right?" Rhiannon clutches the book to her chest, "I can only to it from a few feet away, and I can't go through walls or anything."

"Yet!" Violet and I say in unison.

"You can't go through walls yet." Vi continues, "Rhi. That's the kind of rare signet that's going to make your entire career!"

"I hope so." Rhiannon stands, putting the book back on her desk, "I just have to develop it."

"You will." I say. Minutes later, the three of us plus Liam are joined with Ridoc and Sawyer as we walk towards the academic building.

"I finished this for you." Liam says, handing Violet a wooden figurine.

It's Tairn, "That is… incredible. Thank you," Violet says.

"Thanks," Liam smiles, dimple popping. "I wanted to carve Andarna first, but I'm not around her as much, you know?"

"She's pretty private," Violet says.

"Unlike Aether, who always needs to be nearby. He's very clingy." I grin.

"You love it." Aether huffs.

"Of course I do." I reassure.

"Really, I love it. Thank you." Violet says again. The hallway clears as we walk closer to Professor Carr's room.

"You're welcome." Liam replies, he turns towards Rhiannon, "I'm starting Feirge next."

"Make sure to get her full badassery." Rhi jokes. Violet looks behind us, lost in her own thoughts. "We're going to be late," Rhiannon says, bringing Violet back into the conversation.

"Vi, can we talk?" Dain asks, coming up behind us.

"Now?" Violet asks.

Dain grimaces, nodding, "I tried to catch you after formation, but you disappeared pretty quickly, and after what happened last night, I figure now is better than later."

"It might be convenient for you to want to talk after weeks of ignoring me, but I have class right now." Her grip on her bag tightens.

"We have a couple of minutes, please?" He doesn't look at the rest of us, choosing to stay focused on Vi.

Violet glances at Rhiannon and I. Both of us glaring at Dain, "I'll be right in." We nod, Rhiannon turns around, walking into the classroom. I hesitate for a brief moment before following Rhi, and making sure to grab Liam to bring him inside the classroom too.

We wait just inside the door for Violet to finish her conversation with Dain. Once she walks through, her eyes scan the room. "Finally ready to join us, Cadet Sorrengail?" Carr asks.

"Yes, sir." She nods.

"Signet power?"

"Not yet." Violet shakes her head, we slowly make our way to our seats as Violet and Carr exchange words.

"I see." Carr clucks his tongue, "You know your siblings were both gifted by extraordinary signet powers. Mira's ability to manifest a ward around her and her squad has been an absolute asset to her wing, and she's been highly decorated for her valor behind enemy lines."

Violet forces a smile, "Yes. Mira is an inspiration."

"And Brennan…" Carr continues, "Menders are so very rare, and to lose one so young was tragic."

"I think losing Brennan is the tragedy." She lifts her bag higher, "But the loss of his signet was a definite blow to the wings."

"Hmm." Carr hums, "Well, it seems the Sorrengail line is blessed, even in a rider as… well, delicate as you are." What an asshole. "With Tairn having chosen you, we'll expect nothing but an earth-shattering signet from you. You can start with the lesser magics through your relic."

"No pressure." Violet mumbles.

"He had a very similar conversation to me when I started the class because of Xaden's powerful signet and Nyx being powerful." I roll my eyes.

"Don't stress." Rhiannon mutters back, "That's what I was trying to say earlier. You are Tairn's rider. And you Nyx's."

"What do you mean?" Violet asks.

"You're all worried about the integrity of the wing because Riorson might have to visit to keep his dragon happy, but Violet, he's not the most powerful rider of our generation. You both are. Bonding not only extremely powerful dragons but two dragons."

Violet looks at me in shock, "She's not wrong." I shrug, indifferent.

"Now let's begin." Carr says from the front of the room.

*_*_*_*_*

December has turned to January and I still haven't developed a second signet. It's been three months since I first started channeling which means I have three more months for a second signet to develop without people questioning me.

Violet is also still waiting for a signet to appear but at least she only started channeling last month. She still has five months before she needs to develop a signet. Ridoc can wield ice, a common signet but badass nonetheless. Liam has farsight, he can see an object or person from miles away. Rhiannon and Sawyer both practice their signets daily, and the growth in their power shows.

Xaden helps me with my telepathy as much as possible, usually 2-3 times a week. I've grown so used to shielding that I don't need to think about it anymore. I can easily infiltrate others minds without sending my thoughts to them as well. But I don't usually do this unless it's during a fight. The only person I practice sending my thoughts to is Xaden. No one else knows about my secret signet and I plan on keeping it that way.

There's no flight field today, the dragons have deemed it too cold. I'm not the biggest fan of the cold but I hate not having flight lessons. We'll need to know how to fly in all types of weather once we're out of the quadrant. Plus no flight field means I don't get to see Nyx and Aether.

I stand beside Liam, Ridoc, and Violet. Emetterio is calling out matches. Rhiannon is already on a mat fighting a first year from Second Wing. Sawyer is on another mat fighting a first year from Third Wing. "Mat seventeen, Jack Barlowe from First Wing versus…" Emetterio's brows raise, "Violet Sorrengail."

"Absolutely the fuck not." I say, eyes wide as I look between Jack, Violet, and Emetterio.

"No fucking way," Ridoc mutters.

"Finally!" Jack throws his hands in the air.

"Let's do this." Violet says, rolling her shoulders and heading towards the mat.

The three of us follow Violet towards the mat, "Tell me I can break my promise." Liam says to her.

My eyes narrow in confusion, "The third years are off doing third year things," Violet replies, "You can't get to him in time, but I know what it means to you to keep your word. Especially with him. Go ahead."

Liam turns towards me and Ridoc, "Guard her like you're me."

"You mean like I'm six inches taller and built like a bull?" Ridoc gives him a thumbs up, "Sure. I'll do my best. In the meantime, you'd better run."

"Quickly." I add.

Liam looks back towards Violet, "Stay alive."

"Working on it, and not just for my sake." Violet smiles at him, "Thanks for being a great shadow." Liam rushes out of the room at her parting words.

"He's going to try to kill you, you need to go for the weak spots. Knees, throat, eyes, and groin." I say before she walks on the mat. She nods in acknowledgment.

"Barlowe and Sorrengail," Emetterio calls from the opposite side of the mat. "Weapons?"

Jack bounces on the balls of his feet, "Anything she can hold in those puny hands of hers."

"No wielding," Emetterio reminds them, eyeing Jack. "Tap out or knockout earns you a victory." Jack is going to go for killing blows and we all know it.

Jack and Violet face each other. Jack only has one knife in his hand, "You're kidding, right?" Violet asks him, "Only one?"

"I only need one." Jack replies, a sadistic smirk on his face.

"Keep it clean." Emetterio warns, "Go." I watch with baited breath. Ridoc is tense beside me. Jack lunges for Violet, she slices her dagger across the back of his hand, earning first blood.

"Shit!" He jumps back, out of striking distance.

"Come on, Vi." I mutter.

Jack kicks out, aiming for Violet's midsection. She narrowly avoids the blow. "Bet you wish you could throw that blade, don't you?" Jack taunts.

"Bet you wish you didn't know what it feels like to dig out one of my knives, don't you?" She retorts.

Jack's lips tighten. He surges forward, using his strength and size to his advantage. He easily kicks Violet's dagger out of her hand. I suck in a breath, she needs to win this. She uses her speed, ducking and diving to swipe her other dagger at him. "Damn it!" He yells in rage.

Jack catches Violet off guard. He flips her over his back to the mat. He keeps her arm locked, thrusting his knife at her chest. Thank gods he doesn't know about her armor, it just saved her life.

"He's using death blows!" I call out.

"That's not allowed!" Ridoc shouts.

"Pull it back, Barlowe!" Emetterio bellows.

Jack has Violet pinned, but then she listens to my advice, kicking him right in the balls. He falls to his knees allowing Violet to stand up. Where the fuck is Xaden and Liam? "Tap out." Violet says, she picks up the dagger she dropped. "I can cut you open at any second. Both you and I know if this were real life, you'd be done."

"If this were real life, I would have killed you the second you stepped foot on the mat." Jack seethes.

"Tap. Out." Violet repeats.

"Fuck off!" He yells, throwing his dagger.

Violet throws her hands up, the knife lodges in her forearm, blood falling from the wound. "No throwing!" Emetterio scolds. My heart is beating fast in my chest, I swear I can hear it. Jack's fist slams into Violet's cheek. His knee rams into her stomach. His hands clasp her face. A scream, guttural and loud, rips from her lips.

"He's using his powers!" Ridoc yells. Ridoc, Emetterio and I all stop forward. They both try and grab Jack's arms to pull him away, but when they touch his skin, they hiss in pain, tearing their hands away. Violet shakily reaches her arm up, shoving her closed fist at Jack's mouth.

Jack jerks away, falling to the ground. But he can die for all I care, my focus is on Violet. I catch her as she falls forward, gently laying her on the mat. I feel a sudden surge of power as I gently cradle her face. I watch as the scrape on her cheek closes, then the knife wound on her forearm where Jack's knife once was.

"What the hell is wrong with him?" Someone asks from behind us. Ridoc is kneeling at Violet's other side, watching her wounds close in amazement.

"Oranges," Violet whispers. Her breathing is coming a little easier, but I can tell she's exhausted. "He's allergic to oranges." Ridoc relays the information to Emetterio and not a moment later, Xaden and Liam come through the door.

I look up at them, "She'll be fine. Or at least I'm pretty sure she will be." I look towards Ridoc then back at Violet, before finally looking back to Xaden and Liam, "My signet manifested… I'm a mender." Xaden's eyes light up.

For a brief moment I open my mind to him, "Focus on Vi, we can talk about this later."

Xaden kneels beside Violet, picking her up, "We'll definitely be talking about this later."

*_*_*_*_*

Liam

It's a couple hours before curfew, a week after Violet's match against Barlowe. She's gone to bed early because she's been training nonstop with Xaden. I knock on (Y/N)'s door, we haven't had a lot of time to hang out, just the two of us, since I've been told to watch over Violet.

She answers after a few seconds, "Hey," She says, looking past me, "Where's Vi?"

"Her room. Said she was tired, wanted to go to bed early." I reply.

(Y/N) nods, then grabs my wrist, pulling me into her room. "Xaden's been really working her. I'm not surprised she's tired. But she needs it."

I nod, "It's only going to benefit her in the end. She's stronger than she gives herself credit for but…"

"She's still not as strong as she should be as a rider." (Y/N) finishes for me, "What she lacks in strength she makes up in intelligence. If it wasn't for her weaponizing oranges she probably wouldn't had survived. Though I do wish she just let Jack die."

I chuckle, "Definitely would had made the rest of our lives easier." I sit down on the edge of her bed as she reclaims her spot against the headrest. "So, how's your mending practice?"

She rolls her eyes, "You know how it is. We sit next to each other in Carr's class."

Before I can reply her door opens, Xaden walks through. He pauses as he looks between his sister and me, "Where's Violet?"

"Her room, she went to bed early." I reassure. Xaden nods, his eyes lock on (Y/N). They're both silent but it looks like they're communicating. There's subtle changes in their lips and eyes.

Finally Xaden moves, he grabs the chair at her desk, "So… mending." He pauses, "I haven't gotten the chance to talk with you about it."

(Y/N) shrugs, "It's a signet."

I roll my eyes at the casualness of her words, "It's an exceptionally rare signet. One that's powerful and important."

"Exactly." Xaden agrees, "How's it coming along?"

"Fine, Carr wants me to start working with Nolon. Instead of going to the classroom, I'm going to be going to the healers quadrant. I start Wednesday." (Y/N) replies.

"You didn't tell me that, is that why he held you after class today?" I ask.

(Y/N) nods, "I'm not sure if I trust Nolon. I mean I'm sure he'll teach me fine, and what better teacher than someone with the same signet? But I don't know… he gives me bad vibes."

"Well, you don't need to trust him, just learn from him." Xaden says. "I'm glad the signet is working out for you. You're going to be in high demand. Once you graduate, Garrick is going to have to follow you whereever you're needed."

I involuntarily tense at Xaden's words. I know Garrick is going to do everything he can to keep (Y/N) safe, not that she necessarily needs the protection, but knowing that they're bonded for life…

Deigh huffs, "When will you admit you love her?"

I roll my eyes, "Of course I love her, she's my best friend."

"That's not what I meant and you know it."

"How's the farsight coming?" (Y/N) asks, breaking me out of my thoughts.

I nod, "Good." I pause, rubbing the back of my neck, "Actually, I wanted to tell you both something."

"What's going on?" Xaden asks, back straightening.

"I developed a second signet… I can wield ice. I've been practicing on my own, but I'm not very good yet. It only showed a couple of nights ago."

"That's amazing, Li!" (Y/N) exclaims, smile lighting up her face.

"Keep working on it in secret," Xaden says, "The leaders don't know about the marked ones second signets, it'll be used to our advantage when it really matters."

"But not all the marked ones get second signets, right?" (Y/N) asks.

Xaden nods, "Most do, but not everyone." He pauses, "We should all get to bed, it's getting late." Xaden stands up, walking towards (Y/N)'s door.

I stand up too, following behind him, "I'll see you tomorrow, (Y/N)."

"Goodnight." She says back, waving from her spot on her bed.

*_*_*_*_*

(Y/N)

February flies by in a blur. I'm still keeping up on telepathy practice with Xaden but now on top of that and my usual course work, I also am required to complete hours in the healers wing with Nolon to train my mending signet.

I've also been taking a lot of time to keep up with sparring practices. I've defeated everyone in the squad, and even got the help of some of the other marked ones to continue my training. Once it clicked that my signet being mending wasn't going to help me in battle, at least in the sense of fighting, I wanted to focus on my own strength without my signet. Well, without my second signet. My telepathy is still very helpful when fighting and keeps me at an advantage against my opponent.

We stand in formation as Captain Fitzgibbons reads off the death roll, "Sharla Gunter, and Mushin Vedie. We commend their souls to Malek." I shiver as a cold gust of wind sweeps past.

"Vedie?" Violet asks. He was a Second Wing first year.

"You didn't hear?" Rhiannon says, pulling her cloak tighter around her neck, "His signet manifested in the middle of Carr's class yesterday, and he burst into flames."

"He… he burned himself to death?" Violet's eyes widen.

Rhi nods, "Tara said Carr thinks he was supposed to be a fire wielder but it just overwhelmed him in that first rush…"

"And he went up like a torch." Ridoc adds, "Kind of makes you glad your signet's still hiding, huh?"

"Please, I was where Violet was not too long ago, and I was internally panicking the whole fucking time." I say, puffing warm air into my hands.

"You? Panicking?" Sawyer asks, "Unlikely."

I roll my eyes, "I'm just good at hiding it. Can't let anyone know my weaknesses."

"Smart to hold any weakness close to your chest." Nyx's voice enters my head.

"If you have any…" Liam mutters.

"You didn't just pick me for my good looks." I reply to Nyx.

"We chose you because you're brilliant." Aether says.

I smile. "Way to feed my ego."

Rhiannon waves her hand at Liam, "Exactly. He's known you since you were kids and even he doesn't think you have any faults. I'll say it again. Not. Human."

I giggle, "I'll take that as a compliment."

Rhi rolls her eyes, "I will say though, knowing what happened to Vedie, kinda makes me want to skip class today."

"No skipping class," Dain snaps, "We're weeks away from the Squad Battle and we need every single one of you at your best to win."

Imogen snorts, "Come on, Aetos, I think we all know Second Wing has that squad in Tail Section that's going to smoke the rest of us. Have you ever seen them sprint up the Gauntlet? Pretty sure they've been out there even though it's still covered in ice."

"We're going to win," Cianna, the squad executive officer, proclaims, "Sorrengail here might slow us down on the Gauntlet," she wrinkles her nose, "and probably in the wielding department, too, at the rate she's advancing-" I narrow my eyes in a glare.

"Gee, thanks." Violet deadpans, crossing her arms.

"But Rhiannon's skills more than make up for that." Cianna continues, "And we all know Liam, (Y/N), and Heaton are going to decimate on the mat for the challenge competition. That only leaves flight maneuvers, which from what I hear, (Y/N) is doing incredible at. And whatever the wingleaders come up with to judge this year."

"Oh, is that all? Man, I thought it was going to be hard." Ridoc says, sarcasm dripping from his lips.

Dain glares at him, "We're down to eleven of you," he glances at the group, "Thirteen of us in total, which puts us at a slight disadvantage against a couple of other squads, but I think we'll manage-"

We lost two of the new additions last week when the smaller one's signet manifested in battle brief. They both froze to death in seconds, nearly taking out Ridoc. It was a perfect opportunity for me to practice my mending. I healed Ridoc's frostbite in seconds, which he was very thankful for. Now Nadine and Liam are the only two left from the group we acquired after Threshing.

"But in order to manage, I need you guys to get to class." Dain nods at Violet, "Especially you. A signet would be great, you know. If you can make that happen." I roll my eyes, yeah because it's that easy.

Xaden walks up to our group, "She's going to miss Carr's class today." Sawyer clears a path for him, stepping closer to me.

"No I'm not." Violet shakes her head.

"She needs to go," Dain argues, "I mean, unless the wing has more pressing matters for Cadet Sorrengail, her time is best spent developing her wielding skills."

"I think we both know she's not going to manifest a signet in that room. She would have already if that was the key." Xaden glares, "And yes, the wing has more pressing matters for her."

"Sir, I'm just not comfortable with her going a day without at least practicing her wielding, and as her squad leader-"

"For Dunne's sake." Xaden interrupts. He reaches into his pocket and takes out a pocket watch, holding it in his outstretched palm, "Pick it up, Sorrengail." She glances between the two before stretching out her own hand, holding it above the watch.

"You got this." Rhiannon encourages.

"Let her concentrate." Sawyer chides.

The watch plummets to the ground, but Violet snaps her hand back, yanking the watch towards her. She catches it with her left hand. "See? She's practiced. Now, we have things to do." He places a hand on her back, guiding her away from the squad.

Taglist: @littleemissperfecttt @galaxystern08 @thegirlwiththepurpleshelves @lagrandeourse @justannadahfanfictor

#series rewrite #fourth wing #the empyrean #xaden riorson #xaden x sister!riorson reader #violet sorrengail #dain aetos #bodhi durran #garrick tavis #liam mairi #rhiannon matthias #ridoc gamlyn #sawyer henrick #imogen cardulo

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fandomrewrites · 1 month ago

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I’m going to try and finish the next chapter of Legends tonight but if it doesn’t get posted later today it will be up tomorrow.

I’m so excited for you guys to read more about (Y/N)’s signet. I wrote the first 2 scenes in the next chapter, months ago, around the same time I wrote the dinner scene with the squad in the last chapter. It’s something that I planned for a while and I really love the way it turned out.

I don’t have much written at the moment, just all original scenes but I’m hoping to get the rest finished quickly once I get home from work.

Fingers crossed I can get it out tonight 🤞🏼

#series rewrite #fourth wing #the empyrean #xaden x sister!riorson reader #oc

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fandomrewrites · 1 month ago

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Question for everyone who’s reading Legends. Would you rather join Violet and Imogen’s runs or (Y/N) and Dain’s?

not a runner, but I would join Violet's and Imogen's run club just because.

#series rewrite #fourth wing #the empyrean #oc

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fandomrewrites · 1 month ago

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me: I write for myself, not validation

also me after posting a fic *refreshes ao3 every five minutes*

(two things can be true)

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fandomrewrites · 2 months ago

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Legends Chapter 7: Feathertails

Hello riders! I would like to first start by saying formatting for this chapter is going to be a bit off. I’m posting from my phone instead of computer like I usually do. Once I get access to my computer I’ll edit the formatting. I already have 7 bonus scenes I’ll be writing after this story is completed, keep letting me know what you want to see. I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Fourth Wing chapters 19-21

Pairings: Xaden x sister, Liam x best friend, Sawyer x reader

Warnings: Swearing, death, implied smut, sexual talk, spoilers from the book series

Word count: 7,165

Legends Masterlist

I know some times as a Duke I need to do things in the best interest of my people, like the arranged marriage between Xaden and Cat. But I don't think I'll ever be able to do something like that to (Y/N). I see how her face lights up when she's around Liam and I can't help but want her to end up with him… or at least someone like him.

-Recovered Correspondence from Duke Fen Riorson to Colonel Mairi

My dagger flies out of my hand, landing in the unbounded cadets arm. I blink. Violet isn't there anymore, she's beside me. But there's no possible way for her to have gotten there in seconds. She was just pinned across the room!

I turn to look at her, Xaden is now filling up the doorway. His eyes snap to Violet's then mine, he looks at everyone else in the room, one dead cadet, four injured. "You're all fucking dead." Xaden's eerily calm.

"Riorson!" A dagger clatters to the floor.

"You think surrendering will save you? It's against the code to attack another rider in their sleep."

"But you know he never should have bonded her!" The cadet argues, "You of all people have reason enough to want the weakling dead. We're just correcting a mistake."

"Your mother giving birth to you was a mistake. Not Tairn choosing Violet." I snap.

Without letting anyone try to defend themselves, Xaden's shadows grab them by the throat, constricting until they don't move anymore.

When the last cadet hits the floor, footsteps are heard from the hall. "Damn Xaden." Garrick says, looking at the dead cadets, "No time for questioning?"

"No need for it." Xaden says, he nods at me, "(Y/N) killed one before I even got here." I nod at Garrick just as Bodhi enters. He also does a quick sweep of the room.

A laugh bubbles out of Violet, we all turn to look at her. I place a gentle hand on her arm, "It's the shock." I whisper to her.

Bodhi sighs, rubbing the back of his neck, "Let me guess… we're on clean up duty?"

Xaden nods, "Call in help if you need it." He turns to me, "Thanks for the help, but go back to your room. I don't want you involved any further."

I narrow my eyes, "Like hell! Violet's my friend and she was just attacked! I'm going to be there for her!"

Xaden's eyes narrow but before he can argue, Violet speaks up, "Let her stay, please." She gently grabs my arm. Xaden sighs but nods, seeing that Violet clearly needs the comfort. "I'm alive." Violet mumbles.

"Yes, you're alive." Xaden confirms. Stepping over a body and retrieving mine and Violet's daggers. Garrick and Bodhi haul out the first body.

"I didn't realize I said the out loud." Violet replies, she's shaking, glancing around her room. Xaden opens her armoire. He takes out her cloak and boots.

"Like I said, it's the shock." I tell her, gently rubbing her shoulder.

"Are you hurt? Either of you?" Xaden asks.

"I'm okay." I answer, looking at Violet.

Violet takes a shaky breath but doesn't answer, "Come on, Violence." Xaden says, folding Violet's cloak over his arm and dropping her boots to the floor, "Pull your shit together and tell me where you're hurt."

She hesitates, "It's okay, Violet. You're safe now. You can tell us." I reassure her.

Xaden's fingers lift up Violet's chin, making her look at him, "You're breathing like crap, so I'm guessing it has to do with-"

"My ribs." Violet finishes. "The one by the bed hit the side of my ribs with the sword, but I think they're just bruised."

"Must have been a dull sword." Xaden replies, cocking an eyebrow. "Unless it has something to do with why you sleep in your leather vest."

Violet's eyes glance at me, "You never told him?"

I shake my head, "Of course I didn't. It's not my secret to tell. I wasn't going to break your trust."

Her lips form a small smile before her gaze flickers back to Xaden, "It's dragon scale. Mira made it for me. It's why I've lived this long."

Xaden glances at the armor, "Ingenious, though I'd say there are multiple reasons for why you've made it this far."

I snort, "Me too. But Violet here is oblivious to her brilliance."

Violet rolls her eyes. Xaden's eyes flicker to the bruise marks on Violet's neck, he then looks towards the cadet that made them, "I should have killed him slower."

"I'm fine." Violet says.

Xaden's eyes snap towards Violet, "Never lie to me."

Violet frowns, glancing at me, before admitting, "It hurts."

"Let me see."

Violet opens then closes her mouth, "Is that a request or a demand?"

"Your pick as long as I get to see if that fucker broke your ribs." Xaden pauses, "At least let (Y/N) take a look if you don't want me to."

Garrick and Bodhi step through the door, Masen and Ciaran behind them. "Take those two, and we'll get the last ones." Garrick tells them. They get to work, carrying the last of the bodies through the door.

"Thank you," Xaden says, he flicks his wrist and the door shuts. "Now let one of us check your ribs."

Violet swallows but nods. She doesn't specify if she wants me to look so Xaden steps closer when Violet turns her back to us. She shrugs out of her night dress, holding the material over her chest. "You'll have to-"

"I know how to handle a corset." Xaden says, he gently moves her hair over her shoulder. Xaden's fingers loosen the laces of the corset. "How the hell do you get yourself into this thing every morning?"

"I'm freakishly flexible. It's part of the whole bones-snapping, joints-tearing thing." I watch as Violet and Xaden's eyes meet.

I swallow back a laugh, "Should I leave you two alone?" Violet's eyes widen, a blush creeping up her face. Xaden glares, loosening the last lace. I hold my hands up, "Sorry, not a joking time."

Xaden shakes his head, he gently runs his finger over Violet's bruising ribs, "You have one hell of a bruise, but I don't think they're broken."

"Yeah," Violet says, "That's what I thought. Thank you for checking." Xaden laces Violet back up.

"You'll live. Turn around." She does, tugging her night dress back over her shoulders. Xaden drops to his knees, reaching for Violet's boots. It reminds me of Liam kneeling before me to put my boots back on at parapet and I can't help but smile at the thought.

"You're going to have to walk through the pain, and we have to do it fast. Can you lift it up?" Violet nods, lifting her foot. He puts her boots on for her, one after the other.

When he stands back up he looks at me then turns back to Violet, "Can (Y/N) go back to her room now or did you want her to stay?"

Violet glances at me, she opens her mouth then closes it again. "I'll do whichever you want. I'm here for you if you need me." I say.

Violet's eyes glisten but she blinks quickly, stopping any tears from falling, "Go back to bed. I'm okay now. Or at least I will be."

I nod. I glance at Xaden, reaching out to gently squeeze his arm. "I'll see you both in the morning." I turn to walk out the door. Heading back to my room.

"Good work, Night Orchid." Nyx says. "Now get some rest."

*_*_*_*_*

The next morning at formation, Violet stands next to me, whispering. "You need to have a conversation with Aether, it's important."

I narrow my eyes in confusion but nod, "And maybe bring Garrick. He should know too." Violet continues.

"Garrick? Why does he need to know about Aether?" I ask.

"He's bonded with you because of Nyx. He needs to know about Aether, he'll find out at some point. Might as well be with you."

"Did Andarna say something last night? You went to see the dragons, right?"

Violet nods, glancing around but no one is listening to us, they're focused on Captain Fitzgibbons, "We did. & she told me some things… about feathertails. You need to know too."

I nod in understanding, "Aether? Can I come see you at lunch?" I don't specify what for, I know he knows everything that happens with me, he knows what he needs to tell me.

"Of course! Nyx will be there too!" Aether replies.

"I'll tell Chradh to tell his rider." Nyx says.

"Thank you." I reply.

Fitzgibbons reads off the last name, "We commend their souls to Malek." Six of the eight names on the list were the unbounded cadets that attacked Violet. The other two were third years, killed on a training operation near the Braevick boarder.

"I can't believe they tried to kill you while you were sleeping," Rhiannon says. She's still seething from when Violet told the squad what happened at breakfast.

"Even worse, I think I'm getting used to it." Violet replies. Captain Fitzgibbons is making some minor announcements. I don't bother paying attention.

Xaden is striding past the formation, stopping in front of Dain. "There's a change to your squad roll."

"Wingleader?" Dain asks, confusion evident in his voice. "We just absorbed four from the dissolution of the third squad."

"Yes." Xaden agrees, he turns to at Second Squad, Tail Section and I know exactly what he's doing. "Belden, we're making a roll change."

"Yes, sir." Belden nods once.

"Aetos, Vaughn Penley will be leaving your command, and you'll be gaining Liam Mairi from Tail Section." I can't help but smile.

Dain's mouth snaps shut, and he nods. The two first years switch spots, Liam nods at Xaden as he passes, standing in line behind Violet.

"I do not need a body guard," Violet snaps. I bite my lip to stop my smile from growing. Poor Violet, that is absolutely not going to work.

Xaden ignores her, focusing on Dain, "Liam is statistically the strongest first year in the quadrant."

"Actually that would technically be me." I pipe up.

Xaden sends me a quick glare before turning his attention back to Dain, "He has the fastest time up the Gauntlet, only lost one challenge, and is bonded to an exceptionally strong Red Daggertail. Any squad would be lucky to have him, and he's all yours, Aetos. You can thank me when you win the Squad battle in the spring."

"I. Do. Not. Need. A. Bodyguard." Violet repeats, louder this time.

One of the first years behind us gasps. Imogen snorts, "Good luck with that approach." I giggle, no longer able to stop myself. I quickly place my hand over my lips to quiet the sound.

Xaden walks past Dain, standing directly in front of Violet. "You do, though, as we both learned last night. And I can't be everywhere you are. But Liam here-" he points at my best friend, "he's a first year, so he can be in every class, at every challenge, and I even had him assigned to library duty, so I hope you get used to him, Sorrengail."

"(Y/N) was already there for me, and you're overstepping." Violet snaps.

"You haven't begun to see me overstepping. And good thing (Y/N) was there. Now you have two of the top cadets in your year watching your back." His voice drops, "Any threat against you is a threat against me, and as we've already established, I have more important things to do than sleep on your floor."

Violet's face heats, "He is not sleeping in my room."

"Of course not," Xaden agrees, smirking, "I had him moved into the one next to yours. Wouldn't want to overstep." He turns around, walking to the front of the formation.

"Fucking mated dragons." Dain mutters, keeping his eyes forward.

Once Fitzgibbons finishes his announcements, he steps to the side allowing Commandment Panchek to step towards the dais.

"What's going on with Panchek?" Rhiannon asks.

"Not sure." Violet says. But I do, it's about her. There's no way Xaden was going to let this just slide.

"It has to be something big if he's fumbling with the Codex up there," Rhiannon says.

"Quiet." Dain snaps. He glances over his shoulder, looking at us for the first time. He does a double take, noticing the marks on Violet, "Vi?"

"I'm fine." Violet reassures. Dain continues to stare, "Squad Leader Aetos, people are staring." She waits for him to react but he doesn't, "Dain!"

He blinks, clearing his throat, "Is that what Riorson meant by last night?" Violet nods. "I didn't know. Why didn't you tell me?"

"I'm fine." Violet says again, "Later." She nods towards the dais, causing Dain to turn back around.

"It has been brought to my attention as your commandant that a breach of the Codex has occurred." Panchek starts. "As you know, breaches of our most sacred laws are not to be tolerated. This matter will be addressed here and now. Will the accuser please step forward."

"Someone's in trouble," Rhiannon whispers, "Think Ridoc finally got caught in Tyvon Varen's bed?"

I snort as Ridoc answers, "That's hardly against the Codex."

"He's the executive officer for second wing," Violet says, sending Ridoc a pointed look.

"And?" I say, "It's still not against the Codex. I say get it, Ridoc."

Violet sighs, "I miss sex."

I hum, a smirk on my face, "I know someone who might be interested."

Ridoc talks before Violet can ask who, "If you're looking for a little fun, I'm happy to oblige-" He winks, brushing his hair off his forehead.

"I miss good sex." Violet counters. "Besides, apparently your spoken for."

"We're not exclusive," Ridoc says, "It's like Rhiannon and what's-her-name…"

"Tara," Rhiannon replies.

"Will you all shut the hell up?" Dain scolds.

I bite my lip to stop my smile, I love pushing Dain's buttons. "Of course you do. Never one for authority." Nyx chortles.

"I can't help that it's funny when he gets angry."

Xaden is walking up towards the dais, "This is about me." Violet whispers. Dain glances back at her with confusion.

"Early this morning," Xaden begins, "A rider in my wing was brutally, illegally attacked in her sleep with the intent of murder by a group primarily composed of unboundeds."

Murmurs fill the air, "As we all know, this is a violation of Article Three, Section Two of the Dragon Rider's Codex and, in addition to being dishonorable, is a capital offense."

"Having been alerted by my dragon, I interrupted the attack along with two other Fourth Wing riders." He pauses, dipping his chin toward Garrick and Bodhi, who step up beside him on the dais. "My sister, (Y/N), another Fourth Wing rider, was also alerted of the attack by her dragons, she made it to the room first killing one of the attackers."

There's a brief pause before Xaden continues, "As it was a matter of life or death, I personally executed the other five would-be murderers, as witnessed by Flame Section Leader Garrick Tavis and Tail Section Executive Officer Bodhi Durran."

"All Tyrs. How convenient," Nadine, a new addition to the squad, sneers. I roll my eyes, but continue to face forward.

"But the attack was orchestrated by a rider who fled the scene before I arrived," Xaden's voice raises, "A rider who had access to the map of where all first years are assigned to sleep, and that rider must be brought to swift justice."

Another pause, "I call you to answer for your crime against Cadet Sorrengail," Xaden's gaze shifts to the center of the formation, "Wingleader Amber Mavis."

"What the hell?" Dain asks.

"She's a Tyr, too, Nadine," Ridoc says over his shoulder, "Or are you only biased against marked ones?"

Nadine keeps her mouth shut. Dain shakes his head, "Amber would never. A Wingleader would never." He turns to completely face Violet, "Get up there and tell everyone that he's lying, Violet."

"But he's not." Violet replies.

"It's impossible." Dain argues.

"I was there Dain."

"Wingleaders are beyond reproach-"

Violet cuts him off, "Then why are you so quick to call our own wingleader a liar?"

Amber steps forward, "I have committed no such crime!"

"Of course she would try and deny it." I whisper.

"See?" Dain says, ignoring my comment and pointing at Mavis. "Put a stop to this right now, Violet."

"She was with them in my room." Violet states.

"That's impossible." Dain continues to argue, he steps forward, lifting his hands.

My eyes flare in anger, I step in between him and Violet, "That is you best friend. Don't you dare disrespect her by trying to force her to share her memories." I hiss, quiet enough that only Dain and Violet hear my words.

Dain blinks, his hands dropping back to his sides, "How do you-?"

I don't allow him to finish the question, "It doesn't matter, get away from her. Because if you try to touch her without her permission it will be me you'll have to get through and I can promise you, you will not want to deal with me when I'm angry, Squad Leader."

Dain's jaw clenches, behind him Xaden speaks once more, "Wingleaders, we need a quorum." Dain look over his shoulder at the dais where the rest of the wingleaders gather. Dain moves away from Violet and I, shoulders tensed.

Wing beats are heard above us as the wingleaders gather to talk. One by one each of the wingleaders dragons land on the wall, Tairn is with them and so is Panchek's Green Clubtail.

"Shit's about to get real," Sawyer says. He breaks formation to stand at Violet's side.

"You can stop this all right now, Violet." Dain says, "I don't know what you saw last night, but it wasn't Amber. She cares too much about the rules to break them."

I shake my head, Dain needs to shut his fucking mouth before I shut it for him. "Don't do anything rash, he'll know the truth soon enough." Nyx says.

"You're using this to get your revenge on my family!" Amber yells at Xaden. I roll my eyes. "For not supporting your father's rebellion!"

My jaw ticks, but I give no other reaction. In a matter of minutes she'll be dead, she's just just talking out of her ass to try and save herself. Xaden doesn't acknowledge her, he continues his conversation with the other wingleaders.

A scene flashes before my eyes, Amber making eye contact with Violet then dashing out of her room once she realizes she's caught. "That spineless wretch," Rhiannon seethes. Everyone in the quadrant saw what Amber did last night.

Dain pales, "Believe me now?" Violet asks him, "You're supposed to be my oldest friend, Dain. My best friend. There's a reason I didn't tell you."

He staggers backwards like he was slapped. "The wingleaders have formed a quorum and are in unanimous agreement," Xaden says, he's flanked by Nyra and Septon, "We find you guilty, Amber Mavis."

"No!" She shouts, "It is no crime to rid the quadrant of the weakest rider! I did it to protect the integrity of the wings!" She paces, looking for anyone to help.

As a whole, the formation moves back, away from the wingleader. "And as is our law, your sentence will be carried out by fire," Nyra states.

"No!" Amber looks at her dragon, "Claidh!"

Her Orange Daggertail snarls at the other dragons. Tairn swivels his head, snapping at the smaller dragon, causing Claidh to cower.

I hear Violet whisper, "Please don't." I instinctively grab her hand. I don't feel bad for Amber, she deserves to die after what she did, but I understand that Violet needs comfort in this moment, so I'll provide that to the best of my ability. She turns to Xaden, begging, "Please give her a chance."

Xaden holds her gaze but doesn't say anything. "Claidh," Amber whimpers, looking at her dragon. The formation splits down the middle, leaving Amber standing on her own.

Tairn leans low, extending his neck and head. He opens his mouth wide, flames erupt from his mouth. Claidh screams, everyone's hands fly to their ears, trying to block out the sound of the Orange dragon mourning.

*_*_*_*_*

After morning classes when the rest of the squad starts heading towards the dining hall, I break off from the group, heading towards the flight field. "Where are you going?" Liam calls after me.

I look back, seeing the squad watching me. "I'm meeting Garrick. We need to speak with our dragons."

"Will you make it back for lunch?" Sawyer asks.

I shrug, "I don't know how long it's going to take. Don't worry about me though, skipping one meal isn't a big deal."

"I'll sneak something out for you if you don't make it."

I smile, "Thanks." I turn, walking away from the group, "Garrick is meeting me, right?" I ask my dragons, but before they respond I see the tall rider waiting in the courtyard.

"Smiley." Garrick greets, he wraps an arm around my shoulders when I get closer, "So why do we need to talk with our dragons? Chradh wouldn't tell me anything."

"Beats me. Violet said that Andarna told her and Xaden something about feathertails last night. Said I should talk to Aether about it and bring you."

Garrick shakes his head, "I can't believe they stooped that low. Attacking her in her sleep."

I scoff, "Honestly, I'm not surprised. There's so many people in this godsforsaken college that would do anything to bond, especially a dragon as powerful as Tairn."

"I'm just happy it wasn't you." Garrick cringes, "That sounds like I don't care that it was Violet which isn't true…"

I smile, "It's okay, Gar. I know what you meant." We're just approaching the flight field, the three dragons standing next to each other. Aether bounds forward, I run towards him, stepping out from under Garrick's arm.

Aether and I meet in the middle, he nudges me with his head, making a sound like a purr. "Hi, baby." I say, giving him a kiss on his nose.

"Hi (Y/N)!" He replies, keeping his head nuzzled against me. Nyx and Chradh approach from behind Aether. Garrick walks closer as well.

"So, what's so important about feathertails?" I ask, looking between Aether and Nyx.

Aether looks at Nyx, they exchange words between each other before Aether turns back to me, "I'll start with the least important… Andarna and I are twins."

"Andarna and you are twins… that makes sense I guess? I mean I figured you guys were about the same age anyways." I shrug.

"That can't be the only reason they wanted to talk with us." Garrick says, brows knitted together.

Nyx growls, low and deep. "Pretty sure that means patience." I smirk at him.

Garrick holds his hands out, "Sorry."

"Feathertails are adolescents." Nyx says.

My mouth opens in shock, "He's a baby?" Garrick asks. My head snaps to him. Chradh must have told him.

"Not a baby." Aether replies. "Just young. I'm two."

I turn towards Garrick, he's waiting for a response, "He said he's two."

A new male voice enters my head, its deep, almost like a growl, "Dragons age differently from humans. We age faster. Though feathertails usually don't bond."

I open and close my mouth, "Did Chradh just talk to me?"

I ask Garrick but Chradh is the one who replies, "Yes, child. Just like Nyx can talk with Garrick."

Garrick shrugs, "It's part of the mated bonds, why we're connected too." I nod.

"So if feathertails usually don't bond, how come Aether and Andarna did?" I ask.

"And why don't they usually bond?" Garrick adds.

"Andarna and I trusted you and Violet. We know that you would never do anything to hurt us. You would never abuse our power." Aether says.

I look towards Garrick who is waiting for an answer, so I repeat what Aether said. "What do you mean your power? It's different from adult dragons?"

"Yes. I can give you my power directly. The power usually goes away once we reach adulthood but when we're feathertails, if we bond, we can easily be drained of that power."

Once again I repeat what was said to Garrick, "So it's different than a signet?" Garrick questions.

"A signet is the magic manifested through our power together, as dragon and rider." Nyx says.

"As a feathertail, there is no signet. It's just pure magic given directly to the rider." Chradh adds.

"Which is why feathertails can be easily drained if they bond." I state.

"But I know you would never do that. I trust you." Aether says, resting his head on his paws.

"Of course I wouldn't." I confirm.

"You both let a baby-" Aether shows his teeth, "Sorry. A two year old, bond?" Garrick asks, disbelief clear on his face.

"You act like Aether and Andarna are ours." Nyx snaps, "They're parents died, they're orphans. No one controls the twins, even though sometimes we wish we could."

"The most we do is guide them. They listen when they want." Chradh says.

"So what's yours and Andarna's power? I'm guessing Andarna used hers last night. There was this moment…" I trail off shaking my head, not sure how to describe it.

"It's not my place to tell you Andarna's but I can reverse time." Aether holds his head up with pride.

"Reverse time?" I ask in shock.

"Yes. Just about 5 minutes previously."

"Oh. No big deal then." I say casually, trying to wrap my head around this power. Garrick looks confused so I tell him what he said. "Gods, no wonder feathertails usually don't bond. If the higher ups found out about this…" I shake my head.

"That's why you both can't tell anyone. Don't even talk to Violet and Xaden about this. They already know what they need too. No need to discuss it more." Nyx warns, swiveling her head to look between me and Garrick. We both nod. "We'll see you later, you're going to be late for class."

Aether gently nudges me one more time, then backs away, launching himself into the air. Nyx and Chradh follow.

"Well that was a lot." Garrick mumbles, he throws his arm back over my shoulders, "Let's go, Smiley."

*_*_*_*_*

During dinner the whole squad sat together, bombarding Liam with questions. "Do you have any embarrassing stories of (Y/N) when she was younger?" Ridoc asks, grinning.

I roll my eyes, "Can't have embarrassing stories when I never get embarrassed."

Liam smiles, "Exactly. Nothing phases (Y/N)."

"Well you must have some interesting stories." Violet says.

Liam and I exchange a look, "(Y/N) loves dancing and singing, the amount of times I've walked in on her having dance parties in her room." He shakes his head, a small smile on his face.

"Is she any good?" Quinn asks.

"Yes," Violet and Rhiannon answer in unison.

"Well, she's good at singing, we don't know about the dancing." Violet adds.

"How do you know that?" Sawyer asks.

"She sings in the shower." Rhiannon shrugs.

"I perform in the shower, thank you very much." I correct.

"She's good at dancing too, she was required to learn ballroom dancing when she was younger." Imogen says.

The group turns to look at me, "You were?" Violet questions.

I nod, "I was in line to be a duchess. I had to learn all types of etiquette, dances, how to play instruments. I hated the etiquette classes but the dancing and instruments were fun."

"She always said she was born to be a rider not a lady." Liam adds, laughing.

"Liam is a good dancer too. I used to beg him to be my dance partner during lessons. I hated working with the other kids when he wasn't there."

"I hated it, the only reason I started doing them was because when we were 10 and the lessons started (Y/N) threatened me."

"I did not threaten you!" I roll my eyes.

"You held a dagger to my throat!"

I smile, "I did, didn't I?"

Liam rolls his eyes, "Yeah, you did. But honestly, I probably would had done it anyways. I'll do anything if it means making you happy."

I lean over to kiss his cheek, "You're so sweet."

Imogen smirks, "They were also each others first kiss."

I laugh, nodding, "I think we were eleven."

"I'm sure she's improved since then though." Liam jokes, winking.

"I mean, I have nothing to compare it too, but I'd say she's a pretty great kisser." Sawyer shrugs.

Everyone at the table, besides Rhiannon turns in shock, "What? You two? You kissed Sawyer?" Ridoc asks, "You kissed (Y/N)?"

I snort, "We've done more than just kiss."

"Way more." Sawyer confirms, smirking.

"How long has this been going on?" Violet asks.

Sawyer and I look at each other, "Um, like the first week here?"

Sawyer nods, "Yeah, it was before challenges started."

"Wait." Liam looks at me, "He was the one, the night you were late." He doesn't elaborate further but I know he's talking about the night of the first meeting between the marked ones. I nod in response.

"Why do they both get to kiss you?" Ridoc asks.

I laugh, startled by the question, "What do you mean?"

"I'm right here, (Y/N)."

I smile, "First, Liam and I haven't kissed since we were kids. And second I usually go for older guys."

"What about girls?" Rhiannon asks, jokingly blowing me a kiss.

"Are you asking me to kiss you? Because the answer is yes." I smirk.

"I mean…" Rhiannon trails off.

"Back to me." Ridoc says, "Will you kiss me?"

Sawyer snorts, "Don't sound too desperate, Ridoc."

"I am desperate and I'm not afraid to admit it. Have you seen (Y/N)?"

"Thank you." I smile.

"I've seen a lot of (Y/N), many times." Sawyer confirms.

"How many times?" Liam asks, drawing the attention to him, "Just out of curiosity."

"5? 6?"

"Multiple rounds each of those times." I nod.

"She does this thing with her tongue." Sawyer whistles. Imogen laughs, shaking her head.

"I wanna know what you do with your tongue. Your room or mine? We can leave right now." Ridoc says.

"I'm not sleeping you with Ridoc." I laugh.

"I'm good though, (Y/N). Probably better than Sawyer."

"I take offense to that." Sawyer replies, pursing his lips.

"Okay, Ridoc. Convince me." I say.

"Does it have to be with words?" Ridoc asks, eyebrows knitting together.

I smirk, "You just want to kiss me."

"Yes, but I know it will convince you so it's a win-win."

I nod, "Okay then, Ridoc. Lay one on me." Without any hesitation Ridoc grabs the back of my neck, pressing his lips to mine.

"Gross." I hear someone mutter. Pretty sure it was Violet. Ridoc slips his tongue in my mouth, deepening the kiss.

I hear Imogen whisper, "Oh shit."

There's a cough behind us. Then a deep voice calls out, "Gamlyn!" Ridoc and I separate, turning to see Xaden with his arms crossed and Garrick standing beside him, "If I ever see you make out with my sister again, I'll cut your tongue out of your mouth and feed it to Sgaeyl."

Ridoc's eyes widen, gulping, "Noted."

I laugh, "You can't scare off every guy, Xaden." I roll my eyes, looking across the table at Imogen and Quinn.

"I can try." Xaden's glare flickers to me. "Don't kiss people in front of me. We've already talked about this."

I smirk, remembering our conversation. Instead of acknowledging the previous conversation, I decide to tease Xaden, "Only if you promise not to kiss in front of me once you finally grow the balls to confess your feelings for a certain sil"-

Xaden's glare hardens as he cuts me off, "You may be my sister but I will hurt you."

I smirk, "Love you too, Xade." Garrick and Liam both shake with laughter. "Honestly at this rate, I should just kiss everyone in the squad." I glance around the table at everyone, "Who wants to be next?"

Imogen smirks, "Honestly, I wouldn't mind a kiss."

The whole table snaps there gazes in her direction but Imogen continues to look at me. "What?" Xaden snaps.

"I mean, she looks like she'd be a good kisser. And bonus points because it will piss you off."

"You'll seriously kiss me, Gen?" I ask, mouth parting in shock.

She nods, "Absol-" I don't give her a chance to finish, I launch myself over the table grabbing the back of her head and pulling her in to a heated kiss. Imogen smiles against my lips.

I can't see the faces of the rest of the squad but I know they're looking on in shock. "Okay, enough!" Xaden says, pulling me away from the pink-haired girl.

Imogen laughs, running her thumb over her bottom lip, "I was right, you are a good kisser." She winks.

"Well now I really want that kiss." Rhiannon says from down the table.

"No more kissing my sister in front of me." Xaden glares, "Do whatever you want when I'm not here but I'll murder the next person who kisses her in front of me, I swear to Malek."

I smirk, "He's just bitter because he still hasn't kissed So-" A shadow quickly wraps around my mouth, stopping me from saying more.

"If I release you will you behave?" Xaden glares. His onyx eyes meeting mine.

My eyes twinkle with mischief but I nod in agreement. His shadow slowly falls away from my mouth, "I won't tease you anymore and no more kissing my squad members in front of you." I turn towards Rhiannon, "I'll meet you at your room later, we can kiss then." Rhiannon laughs, nodding.

*_*_*_*_*

A week later the squad heads to battle brief, "I want to be like the cool kids," Rhiannon says, watching as first years from second and third wing file out of the stairwell coming from Professor Carr's classroom.

"We will," Violet reassures. She links her arm with Rhiannon's.

"You may be cool, but you will never be as cool as I am!" Ridoc says, slinging his arms over the two girls.

I roll my eyes as Violet explains, "She's talking about everyone who's already channeling." She pauses, rearranging the books in her arms, "Though at least if we're not channeling, we're not stressed about manifesting a signet before the magic kills us."

I groan, "Don't remind me. I still haven't manifested a signet. I'm a ticking time bomb!"

Liam's blue eyes twinkle, "Remind me not to stand too close to you." I stick my tongue out at him.

"Oh, I thought we were discussing how I owned that physics test." Ridoc grins, "Definitely the highest score in the class."

Rhiannon rolls her eyes, "Please. I scored five points higher than you."

"We stopped counting your grades months ago." He leans forward slightly, "Your grades in that class make it unfair for the rest of us." He looks towards Liam, "Wait. What did you get, Mairi?"

Liam smirks, "Not getting into the middle of this."

Violet laughs as we break apart , entering the bottleneck. A cadet steps into our path, "Sorry about that Riorson, Sorrengail."

I ignore him, unconcerned, but Violet replies, "Nothing to be sorry about!" She turns back towards us, "I'm never going to get used to that."

"I like it. People should be afraid of me." I reply, a bright smile on my face.

Liam snorts, "Of course you would be happy with people being terrified of you."

I hum, "I like being scary. I think more people should be afraid of me."

Violet snorts, "I'm pretty sure most of the quadrant is afraid of you."

"Gods, I hope so." We all enter the battle brief classroom. Riders file in, finding their seats. With the amount of deaths that have occurred in the quadrant, there's plenty of seats available for everyone to sit, unlike the beginning of the year.

I sit next to Liam, Violet on his other side. "Riorson just got here." Liam says. He's working on a new dragon carving, he gave me the carvings of Nyx and Aether last week. They're sitting in my room on my desk.

"Figured." Violet says. She keeps her gaze forward but holds up her middle finger in Xaden's general direction.

Liam snorts, grinning, a dimple flashes, "And now he's glaring. Tell me, is it fun pissing off the most powerful rider in the quadrant?"

"You could try it yourself and find out." She suggests.

I laugh, "Oh, pissing off Xaden is so much fun. But you know who's even more fun to piss off? Aetos. I want to laugh every single time he gets annoyed with me." I look at Liam. "You should try it sometime."

"That's going to be a no from me. For both pissing off your brother and Aetos."

I shrug, "Your loss. I'm having a great time."

"I swear, you'd think there were assassination attempts on me during every class with the way he makes you shadow me." Violet says, shaking her head.

"In his defense, people are fond of trying to kill you." Rhiannon replies.

"One time!" Violet argues, "It happened one time, Rhi!"

"Right, and what do you call that whole thing with Tynan?"

"Threshing. And he went after (Y/N), not me."

"That's true." I mumble in agreement.

"Fine Oren, but while we're on the matter, a lot of people are fond of trying to kill you too, (Y/N)." Rhiannon states.

I shrug, "It comes with the last name, plus no one's succeeded. I think the only first year who has killed more people than me is Barlowe."

"Speaking of Barlowe," Rhiannon turns her attention back to Violet, "What about his constant threats?"

"She has a point there," Sawyer chimes in.

"They're just threats. The only time I've actually been targeted was at night, and it's not like Liam here is sleeping in my bedroom."

"I mean, I'm not opposed-" Liam begins.

"Don't even start." Violet's head whips in his direction, "You are a shameless flirt."

"You have no idea." I mumble, a small smile on my face.

"Thank you." Liam grins, going back to his carving.

"It wasn't a compliment." Violet scolds.

"Don't mind her, she's just sexually frustrated. Makes a girl crabby." Rhiannon jokes, writing the date on her empty page.

"That has nothing to do with it!" Violet says, exasperated.

"And yet you're not denying it." Rhiannon smiles sweetly.

"I'm sorry I don't make the cut," Liam says. "But I'm sure Riorson would be fine with my reviewing a couple of candidates, especially if it means you'll stop flipping him off in front of his entire wing."

"Or maybe Riorson would help you out." I smirk.

Liam's eyes widen and Violet whips her head to me, "What?" She asks, her cheeks are red.

"I was talking about me. I'd gladly help you out and bonus because you know I won't try and kill you."

"Is Liam still going to have to review you? I mean how exactly would you go about that? What would you be scoring?" Rhiannon grins, raising an eyebrow, "This I have to hear."

"I mean… I wouldn't say no to reviewing you." Liam says, looking at me.

My eyes flicker over his body. I'm not blind, Liam's hot. "Hmm… Can't say I'd mind either." I wink.

Violet bursts out laughing, "Thanks for the offer, both of you. But I'm good. I'll make sure to run any potential liaisons by you, Liam."

"I mean, you could watch," Rhiannon continues, "Just to be sure she's fully covered. You know, so no one… sticks it to her."

I giggle, watching as Liam's face turns red. "Oh, are we telling dick jokes now?" Ridoc asks from my other side, "Because my entire life has led up to this very moment."

Sawyer laughs, causing Liam to mutter under his breath, "Fuck me." He talks a little louder, "I'm just saying that since you're protected at night now-" we all laugh harder.

"Wait." Violet stops, "what do you mean I'm protected at night? Because you're next door?" Violet's smile vanishes, "Please tell me he's not making you sleep in the hallway or something obnoxious."

"No. Of course not. He warded your door the morning after the attack." His expression changes, "I'm guessing he didn't tell you?"

"He what?"

"He warded your door," Liam says quieter, "So only you can open it."

"He did it to mine too, he's very protective." I say, doodling on my paper.

"But if he's the one who warded it, he can get in, too, right?" Violet asks.

"Well, yeah." Liam shrugs, "But it's not like Riorson is going to kill you."

"Right. You see, I'm still adjusting to that little change of heart." She fumbles her quill, dropping it to the ground as Professor Markham and Professor Devera get their things ready for class to begin.

"If we can get started?" Markham calls out, quieting the students. Just as the words leave his mouth, a sharp pain causes me to reach for my head.

Markham says something else but I'm focused on rubbing my forehead, trying to get the pain to stop. Markham is making an announcement but all I can focus on is the massive headache that is forming.

The cadets around me break into cheers. Liam nudges me, "Are you okay?"

I nod, "Just a headache." I drop my hand, trying to focus on anything except the pounding in my skull.

Then I hear Violet's voice, "Surely he didn't say that." I blink, unsure what she's talking about. Markham is currently talking about a previous battle, apparently the front lines were quiet today, which I think is bullshit considering they haven't been quiet since the beginning of the school year.

But again, I don't focus too much on what's happening around me, the headache is getting worse. "An entire village of Navarrians was ransacked last night along the border and supplies looted." Again I hear Violet's voice.

I feel a mental block slam into my skull, "Talk to me, Night Orchid." Nyx says.

"What?" I ask.

"Talk to me, continue to talk to me throughout the whole class. I don't care what you miss. This lesson isn't important. Talk to me and don't stop. And when the class ends, get back to your room as quickly as possible."

So I do. Nyx blocks her powers, stopping me from channeling. She only allows me to talk with her and Aether who pops into the conversation right after Nyx's initial statement. The headache went away as quickly as it came. Throughout the lesson I focus on nothing but Nyx, Aether, and the doodles on the paper in front of me.

Taglist: @littleemissperfecttt @galaxystern08 @thegirlwiththepurpleshelves

#series rewrite #fourth wing #the empyrean #xaden riorson #xaden x sister!riorson reader #violet sorrengail #dain aetos #bodhi durran #garrick tavis #liam mairi #imogen cardulo #rhiannon matthias #sawyer henrick #ridoc gamlyn

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fandomrewrites · 2 months ago

Note

Are Andarna and Aether irid? Are they twins to be exact! I have been meaning to ask you this!

Also can you make a scene where Violet also simps for Y/n? Please (I am down bad for both of them at this point haha) and I also want to see Xaden's reaction to it (for scientific purposes)

Andarna and Aether are twins! When I first decided to make a silver feathertail one of the first things I wrote was “Andarna’s twin” 😂

I can definitely make a bonus scene for Violet simping over (Y/N)! I’ll add it to my list 😁

#series rewrite #fourth wing #the empyrean #xaden x sister!riorson reader #xaden riorson #violet sorrengail #oc

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fandomrewrites · 2 months ago

Text

Hello Riders!

I thought I would be able to post this week but I’m not going to be able too so here’s a scene from the next chapter. I wrote this a while ago and it’s one of my favorite little filler sections that you learn more about (Y/N)’s past. This scene takes place after the attack on Violet during the first dinner with Liam in the squad. I may end up editing it a little once it’s added to the next chapter (I haven’t started writing the full chapter yet) but for now here it is! I hope you guys enjoy and I’ll post the full chapter as soon as I can!

During dinner the whole squad sat together, bombarding Liam with questions. "Do you have any embarrassing stories of (Y/N) when she was younger?" Ridoc asks, grinning.

I roll my eyes, "Can't have embarrassing stories when I never get embarrassed."

Liam smiles, "Exactly. Nothing phases (Y/N)."

"Well you must have some interesting stories." Violet says.

Liam and I exchange a look, "(Y/N) loves dancing and singing, the amount of times I've walked in on her having dance parties in her room." He shakes his head.

"Is she any good?" Quinn asks.

"Yes," Violet and Rhiannon answer in unison.

"Well, she's good at singing, we don't know about the dancing." Violet adds.

"How do you know that?" Sawyer asks.

"She sings in the shower." Rhiannon shrugs.

"I perform in the shower, thank you very much." I correct.

"She's good at dancing too, she was required to learn ballroom dancing when she was younger." Imogen says.

The group turns to look at me, "You were?" Violet questions.

I nod, "I was in line to be a duchess. I had to learn all types of etiquette, dances, how to play instruments. I hated the etiquette classes but the dancing and instruments were fun."

"She always said she was born to be a rider not a lady." Liam adds, laughing.

"Liam is a good dancer too. I used to beg him to be my dance partner during lessons. I hated working with the other kids when he wasn't there."

"I hated it, the only reason I started doing them was because when we were 10 and the lessons started (Y/N) threatened me."

"I did not threaten you!" I roll my eyes.

"You held a dagger to my throat!"

I smile, "I did, didn't I?"

Liam rolls his eyes, "Yeah, you did. But honestly, I probably would had done it anyways. I'll do anything if it means making you happy."

I lean over to kiss his cheek, "You're so sweet."

Imogen smirks, "They were also each others first kiss."

I laugh, nodding, "I think we were eleven."

"I'm sure she's improved since then though." Liam jokes, winking.

"I mean, I have nothing to compare it too, but I'd say she's a pretty great kisser." Sawyer shrugs.

Everyone at the table, besides Rhiannon turns in shock, "What? You two? You kissed Sawyer?" Ridoc asks, "You kissed (Y/N)?"

I snort, "We've done more than just kiss."

"Way more." Sawyer confirms, smirking.

"How long has this been going on?" Violet asks.

Sawyer and I look at each other, "Um, like the first week here?"

Sawyer nods, "Yeah, it was before challenges started."

"Why do they both get to kiss you?" Ridoc asks.

I laugh, startled by the question, "What do you mean?"

"I'm right here, (Y/N)."

I smile, "First, Liam and I haven't kissed since we were kids. And second I usually go for older guys."

"What about girls?" Rhiannon asks, jokingly blowing me a kiss.

"Are you asking me to kiss you? Because the answer is yes." I smirk.

"I mean…" Rhiannon trails off.

"Back to me." Ridoc says, "Will you kiss me?"

Sawyer snorts, "Don't sound too desperate, Ridoc."

"I am desperate and I'm not afraid to admit it. Have you seen (Y/N)?"

"Thank you." I smile.

"I've seen a lot of (Y/N), many times." Sawyer confirms.

"How many times?" Liam asks, drawing the attention to him, "Just out of curiosity."

"5? 6?"

"Multiple rounds each of those times." I nod.

"She does this thing with her tongue." Sawyer whistles. Imogen laughs, shaking her head.

"I wanna know what you do with your tongue. Your room or mine? We can leave right now." Ridoc says.

"I'm not sleeping you with Ridoc." I laugh.

"I'm good though, (Y/N). Probably better than Sawyer."

"I take offense to that." Sawyer replies, pursing his lips.

"Okay, Ridoc. Convince me." I say.

"Does it have to be with words?" Ridoc asks, eyebrows knitting together.

I smirk, "You just want to kiss me."

"Yes, but I know it will convince you so it's a win-win."

I nod, "Okay then, Ridoc. Lay one on me." Without any hesitation Ridoc grabs the back of my neck, pressing his lips to mine.

"Gross." I hear someone mutter. Pretty sure it was Violet. Ridoc slips his tongue in my mouth, deepening the kiss.

I hear Imogen whisper, "Oh shit."

There's a cough behind us. Then a deep voice calls out, "Gamlyn!" Ridoc and I separate turning to see Xaden with his arms crossed and Garrick standing beside him, "If I ever see you make out with my sister again, I'll cut your tongue out of your mouth and feed it to Sgaeyl."