#THIS ISN'T A RIDDLE DAMNIT

[gildedmuse]

All a writer in the OP fandom has to do is have an island that's flowers release sex pollen and happen to have all the captains (and Ace... maybe King) there at the same time as Zoro.

This isn't rocket science. We need more Zoro bowls.

- Frustrated Zoro fans everywhere

[svtskneecaps]

yknow what GOOD i'm glad there's a spy this server was missing espionage. everybody lip wags on and fuckin on about trust and secrets and hiding SHUT UP IF YOU'RE HIDING WHERE ARE THE CIPHERS. WHERE ARE THE RIDDLES. WHERE ARE THE CODED MESSAGES. WHY IS BADBOYHALO THE ONLY ONE TALKING IN METAPHORS. WE HAVE CELL "THE ENIGMA" BIT.

MAKE YOUR DAMN BASE A LABYRINTHIAN NIGHTMARE. my waystone is at the entrance and you can ONLY ENTER MY BASE IF YOU KNOW WHICH DOOR ISN'T THE ENTRANCE TO A ROOM WITH A FAKE FLOOR AND SHARKS or what the fuck ever. there's a hidden path amidst ghost blocks FOLLOW IT OR DIE. PLEASE friends there are so many POSSIBILITIES. not to be twelve years old on main but a book series i read a while back had a secret area that was only accessible via a crazy ass alice in wonderland set of puzzles that would dump you in a moat if you failed, the concept being those who knew the path would take less time to enter than those who didn't. COME ON. secret rooms in secret rooms. this is my library but shhh this is my REAL library behind the fireplace and then THIS IS MY REAL LIBRARY BEHIND THIS BOOKCASE. make the world's most unintuitive create factory for big daddy breakfast and hide something in the middle of it WHO'S GOING TO COMB THROUGH THAT MUCH MACHINERY. NO ONE. NOBODY.

like bruh. i want them leaving notes like it's prohibition and they're trying to find a speakeasy. i want them smuggling information like the revolutionary war. i want them to talk like truckers when a cop is on the frequency. i want "one if by land two if by sea" type shit. ESPIONAGE. IS. COOL. DAMNIT.

[hmshermitcraft]

For the small town theme!

Hermitcraft the sunniest place in the world!…or at least that’s what the town sign said as Gem moved into the small town it was lovely! Nice bakery down the street from her apartment, giant library, fun neighborhood it was paradise!…Unless you count all the shulk growing around the town Gem had never seen so much of the stuff in her life and when she finally asks about it she all she usually gets is “Oh you’ll find out soon enough if your lucky” or “It’s gonna be a magical night when you figure it out”. She’s not for riddles damnit so after a week long exhausting research endeavor trying to figure out what the shulk was about.

So imagine her surprise when she’s woken up in the middle of the night to see a very tall and very naked warden hybrid standing in front of her bed staring at her…she thinks? Doesn’t help wardens are blind but now she has one in her bedroom looming over her bed just looking at her before said warden runs a hand through her hair and pokes her….ok now the confusion was off the charts. So she managed to get the warden to sit down and put a blanket around herself so she wasn’t having to keep staring elsewhere so she wasn’t distracted by certain…bits.

And as the warden explained who’s name was Pearl as it turns out granted her English was very very choppy but she heard a knock at the door and went to open it to see a very very tired blonde haired woman saying “did a warden break into your apartment?” Great more questions! So the woman who’s name was False explained that the town has always had a warden hybrid or two running around Pearl was just one of them albeit the most curious of her kind who liked to sneak to the surface at night to explore the town above the ruins that was her home. And eventually quite a few people discovered Pearl and began to teach her about the surface world.

Now Pearl is normally a little more curious than the average hybrid how could she not be when the town above the ruins was filled with so many precious things and pretty people?! Especially False who’d she go to heaven and hell for she makes pretty sounds, smells nice and doesn’t even mind when she pokes and rubs her to get a better mental image of her! And now she has another girlfriend Gem! She teaches her how to read brail and even makes an effort to teach her how to speak English easier Pearl knew leaving the ruins was a good idea!

False knew something was up when Pearl didn't arrive at her usual time. Thankfully, she's known Pearl for long enough to figure out where she's ended up. Of course, it has to be the apartment of the new girl in town. Of course.

False could feel fear holding her lungs in a vice as she rushed up the stairs. They've tried to tell Pearl that appearing in people's houses in the middle of the night isn't a good first impression, but Pearl isn't interested in hearing it. She's so relieved to find Gem and Pearl both unharmed. Pearl makes the most delighted coos when she hears False's voice - immediately dropping the blanket to rush to her. False quickly wraps it back around Pearl's shoulders.

It's a bit of an awkward first meeting for all of them. False apologises greatly for Pearl, but Gem brushes her off. She thinks it's really cool, even if it was a little intimidating at first! False gives Gem the rundown on what she needs to know, whilst Pearl complains, "You're givin' away my secrets..."

It's upon learning that Pearl uses touch a lot that Gem gets the idea for braille! It ends with the trio hanging out often, Gem reading to Pearl, or helping her through another book. False often chilling on her phone, or trying to help out. Pearl shows Gem how to care for the patches of sculk in her apartment (and promises it won't spread any further, it just makes it easier for Pearl to get around!)

When Pearl introduces Gem to the other hybrids, Gem gets the distinct feeling she might be meeting the family. She would've worn something better if she knew, not that they can see but- oh, nevermind!

[grey-eyed-menace]

Vague ideas for future Twisted Wonderland snippets that I can't articulate just yet, and, knowing my luck with the inspiration Gods, isn't likely to get resolved anytime soon.

Either way, they're being forced out into this thing so I don't fucking forget.

These aren't in any particular order.

The basic flurry of panic and tears Subaru goes through after getting sorted into Pomefiore, branching from this, this also likely needs to include Crowley being informed of the situation. Which mostly consists of "GOD FUCKING DAMNIT! I'M ILLITERATE!" and another poor first year diving for cover as they clutch their RSA transfer paperwork like a lifeline.

Grim's reintroduction into NRC and how he becomes the only sentient being allowed under Subaru's comforter in Pomefiore. By admission under duress, Ace still thinks the little demon is out for blood. Possibly a follow up with Diasmonia and Silver playing temporary snuggle buddy while Subaru cuddles with the first year gang.

As above, what changed with Heartslyabul storyline, and why Grim wants Ace to stop coming the fuck over to Pomefiore.

Subaru getting dragged into town so she can get actual clothes that aren't just her school and dorm uniforms by Rook before he bails due to Vice Housewarden duties and dumps her on ADeuce. The trip is ultimately derailed and ends with Subaru pushing TW!Kuzco off of Sage Island's pier and having to book it back to Night Raven before they can be held accountable. Takes place maybe a week and a half before the entire Chapter Three debacle.

Having to go into town, again, post Chapter Three to actually get those clothes before she's forced to attend a public place with Vil. She ends up tagging along with Sebek, Thorne, and Silver as they set about restocking Diasmonia's kitchen utensils, (you know why).

Riddle and Floyd getting caught making out during the immediate wind-down of Chapter Five.

Floyd squeezing Subaru for the first time, and ending up with a head hug for his troubles as Subaru just... quietly collects herself in the aftermath of Chapter One. Ends with Subaru earning a life long menace because she just goes back in for another hug once he lets go, (post chapter one, Subaru's still really fucking jittery but positive affection is positive affection).

Subaru accidentally kidnapping Tsum-Ruggie.

Tsum-Floyd purposely kidnapping Subaru. Featuring Jade as a reluctant recipient to a hug.

The one where it's revealed where the fuck Tsum-Subaru ended up.

The incident that convinced Subaru that all of her upperclassmen needed to collectively get laid. AKA Ghost Marriage. Now with cheek kisses, fifteen year old boys being idiots, and having to pretend to have the hots for your shut-in of an upperclassmen so he doesn't get carted off to the Afterlife, (and a delighted little brother who takes so many pictures and videos).

The thirty minute staring contest that happens during chapter six after Subaru threatens to start waxing lyrical about Idia again. To his parents. Followed shortly by Azul actually waxing lyrical to his parents.

Another less defined idea of Idia subtly trying to get called Shroud-senpai during Star-Sending and Subaru being called an adorable underclassmen by Agatha.

The entire reason Leona is fucking terrified of Ortho in my version of events. Featuring a gleeful Rista Caspian, a sad Agatha, and a deeply traumatized Alek Carris. Oh, and NRC during the third years first six months or so at the College, (excluding Leona, who... was technically still a third year).

Jamil and Agatha play cards and gossip post chapter-four.

What Sebek thinks constitutes as appropriate Courting Practices. Lilia looks on in amusement, Silver vague pity. Thorne and Malleus, meanwhile, are just fuckong confused.

Agatha and Idia's first week at Night Raven. And how Crowley broke his Left arm that year.

Azul Ashengrotto matchmakes.

Jade Leech being the one that actually gets the couples in question to sleep in the same bed.

The somewhat nonessential silly little cluster of scenes where people mix up Subaru's given and family name.

The rather enthusiastic make-out session between Yuuki Subaru and Agatha Paige once they both learn the other is alive in the aftermath of chapter six. Idia and Ortho are even more traumatized. Azul wins a bet. Agatha considers it premeditated revenge to what is bound to happen in Ignihyde between Azul and Idia once they get back, and Subaru is just a little light headed and happy. Neither consider this a prelude to a relationship of any kind.

A conversation had with Lilia during Subaru's birthday event, featuring a look at what being a teenager feels like at fifteen and what it looks like when your well over two thousand years old.

The wholesome little snippet of Riddle and Subaru being stupidly sibling like during an Unbirthday party.

Cater getting the privilege of a Subaru Sanctioned And Approved scrapbook for his birthday. Complete with lots of selfies.

Subaru bringing Malleus as her plus one to an Unbirthday Party post chapter three. He looms. Riddle is worried, Cater pouts, Trey is tired, Ace questions his life choices, and Deuce...? Deuce makes conversation. Awkward and stilted, but conversation!

Subaru hugging a rightfully confused Thorne, and not letting go for a solid thirty minutes. Featuring a very confused and indigent Sebek.

Leona's increasingly elaborate plots to avoid Subaru post chapter-two, because he's a lot of things, but watching one of his tiny underclassmen looking at him in legitimate abject terror over something isn't something he likes dealing with.

Ruggie and Thorne's late night Cafeteria Raids. Cuter then you'd expect. And sadder.

Rista and Floyd's ongoing rivalry for the most unhinged Octaniville member. Jade wins by a landslide.

Someone finally confides in Subaru that two of the scariest people on campus think she's cute. Subaru, who's seen both of these idiots fail at largely normal human things, thinks they're idiots.

The master chef competition, and how Subaru got banned from it. Featuring a rightfully terrified Crowely and a stab happy Grim.

Winter Break cuddling. With Grim.

Why Subaru let's Grim easy access to knives.

Subaru's completely justified reaction to learning Rook has been taking pictures of her without explicit permission, and has more or less been stalking her after being informed of her situation, and her very violent want to get the fuck away from him afterwards.

Dorm room transfer following Chapter Five, both for ease of access due to a broken ankle, and because the repurposed storage room isn't so much cutting as it is the fact that it's directly across from Rook's personal room. Sleepover with Epel.

Why you don't fuck with Pomefiore First Years. They will stab you with the nearest available object, and the staff either won't believe you, or they themselves were once Pomefiore First Years and know you provoked it.

Some idiot decides to finally comment on the casual dates Subaru has with some of her social circle. Rook may or may not be responsible for stringing them up in front of their dormitory with a length of rope.

The fall-out of the association with Vil's fanclub, and Epel and Subaru's collective investment in a metal baseball bat as a precaution.

Time Travel shenanigans featuring Subaru and the Obey Me! cast.

How Subaru ended up in Twisted Wonderland.

Future snippet of the fifth year graduation for most of the third years.

That one Age-Swap AU where Epel and Subaru are still as feral as they are as first years as they are Housewardens.

The rather sad expectation of Subaru waking back up in that antiques shop with nothing to show for it except what feels like a very realistic dream. Meets the Shop-Keep a very... familiar face.

Sebek finally hikes up his metaphorical skirt and asks a pretty girl out. Thorne just thinks he's adorable. They get a date snippet post chapter seven.

Blanc March, ex-Housewarden, expresses a desire to pinch Riddle's cheeks. Riddle collars him.

Tsum-Sebek and aggressive snuggles.

A bunch of post chapter seven stuff that's on the back burner until the release.

Malleus and Subaru have a long talk about what they think about each other.

Vil gets tackled during Chapter Six. By Epel.

Agatha's Union Birthday.

Valentine's Day, NRC Remix. AKA Subaru stares way too long at at certain people and nearly has a breakdown over arrangements. Agatha is told she's appreciated. And Thorne beats Lilia out of the kitchen with a wooden spoon. Oh, and Ruth nearly gets thrown out a window.

Pillowtalk, discussions of romance, Ace has a Sexuality Crisis, and gender-switch potions.

Neige asks Subaru out post chapter six. Agatha has an entire laughing fit over it while offering no help to a near hysteric Vil. Followed shortly by 'Why couldn't you ask her out?' which is answered by the subsequent 'I like having an intact spine'.

Thorne and Silver talk about loneliness, Sebek and Thorne talk about fear, Malleus and Thorne have what might qualify as 'Girl Talk'. Lilia has a moment of pride.

The death of Thorne's crush on Lilia, and Silver's unfortunate need to lay out the facts.

Cater tutors an underclassmen through becoming Tech Literate, and gets an unfortunate crush.

[tobias-hankel]

I wish you would write a fic where…

Spencer actually does tell Emily about his drug problem and let’s her help him with it.

(I wish you would write a fic where...)

wc: 635

Warning: mention of drug use, withdrawal

Don't. Please don't.

It helps.

Please. I don't want it. I don't want it. Please.

Trust me.

The memories of Hankel plagued Spencer's mind as he searched desperately for his vial of Dilaudid. He was sure he had another in his room but now that he is looking, he isn't sure.

He isn't sure of anything anymore. Spencer has no idea what happened to that young man that was begging not to be drugged. The young man that was sure he would never abuse drugs in his life.

That man left, leaving only a shaking, sweating, dope sick man in his place.

Spencer grabbed his satchel and dumped it onto his bed. Markers, pens, glasses, even new needles, but no vial. Damnit! Spencer thought, throwing himself onto his bed amidst the junk and crumbs from his satchel.

What happened to me? Spencer was near tears. He needs to use, or at least it feels like he does. He needs to buy more, but he feels so sick already that the thought of getting up feels like climbing a mountain.

He has a dealer, who wasn't as hard as he thought it would be to find. Spencer's drug abuse stood out like a sore thumb to drug dealers. At least someone noticed... Spencer thought. He had told Gideon four months ago that he was struggling but that he would get better.

Now Gideon was gone and no one else cared. Well, almost no one.

Emily always cared. She would ask Spencer how he was doing, tried not to let him be alone for too long, asked him to hang out after bad cases, he was also sure that she was the one that left a rehab pamphlet in his desk because he caught her staring at him when he opened the drawer.

Spencer scratched at his arm and neck. I need to use... I need help.

Tobias, help me.

He can't help you. He's weak.

Tears made their way to Spencer's cheeks as another flashback assaulted his mind. He couldn't do this anymore. He couldn't keep finding these same demons, couldn't keep picking drugs over his own life.

Without any more thought, he took his cellphone off the bed, out of the junk from his satchel. For a second, his finger hovered over his dealer's number before he clicked on a different number. They answered within two rings.

"Hello? Reid?"

Spencer choked on a sob before finally saying, "Emily, I need help."

Despite the fact that Emily lived twenty minutes away, she was at his apartment in less than ten. Spencer didn't even hear a knock on the door, only keys in the lock. Of course Emily would have found his spare key in no time at all.

"Reid?" Emily called out as she walked into Spencer's living room, looking around, before heading for the bedroom. "Spencer..." Emily sighed out when she saw him.

By now, Spencer felt on fire from his accidental withdrawal so he had stripped down to his boxers, leaving Emily to see the most honest version of himself. From his shrinking frame to his track mark riddled arms. Any doubt Emily might have had about Spencer's drug addiction was erased at that moment.

"Emily," Spencer said, sitting up, "I... I'm struggling."

Emily crossed the room in three steps, and pulled Spencer into her arms. Neither person was too fond of hugs but this was something they both needed. "It's okay, Spencer. I'm so proud of you for letting me know."

Tears made their way back to Spencer's face, "I-I don't to be this way anymore and I d-don't know how to stop."

Emily pulled out of the hug to look Spencer in the eyes. "I will help you every step of the way, okay?"

Spencer nodded, "Okay, Emily. Thank you."

[aetherlocket]

Follow the River

BNHA X READER

Fantasy AU

This is chapter 1. Read the rest on FFNET, AO3 or Wattpad!!

There was a great white palace that was impossible to not catch eye of peering over a fog blanketed summit, where King Enji, Prince Shoto, and Enji's other children resided. Many knights guarded the palace and served under the King, and (Y/n) was one of them.

She was born and raised to become a warrior and serve for one in a higher position. It was something of a family tradition for the women to become something of the sort. Her father was more of a businessman, her grandfather a chauffeur, while her mother was a dragon hunter, and her grandmother also a knight, though not quite so skilled.

Although (Y/n) didn't have the natural talent her female family did when it came to fighting, she tried her best and eventually earned the respect of many skilled warriors in the Kingdom of Yuuei. Every day, she seemed to learn something new in the art of combat, while dedicating her life to the protection of Prince Shoto.

Only few, including her, knew of the corruption underlying King Enji and his family. The blatant favoritism when it came to King Enji choosing his heir went overlooked and uncontested in the community due to his outstanding reputation.

On the road not too far off from the great palace was a white horse. (Y/n) the knight handled the frantic animal attached to the carriage as if it was nothing, and Prince Shoto watched carefully as if he would learn just by watching her armor covered hands move the reins.

"How far is this kingdom?" he asked.

"If you fall asleep, it'll feel like nothing," the knight's voice was echoey and serious inside the steel helm.

"So it's far." Shoto sighed and his eyes fluttered closed as well, sinking into his seat just a bit. "All I must do is speak with this noble's daughter, correct? And then I may go home?"

"Yes. I've forgotten her full name, but your own father is considering a marriage between you two," (Y/n) replied without hesitation.

"I- what?" Shoto blinked. "Why hasn't he told me this?"

There was no response.

"Why do you know, but not me?"

(Y/n) stayed silent, and only swallowed nervously.

"Ah," Shoto sighed. "I see. You weren't supposed to say that."

"Please don't tell King Enji I said anything.." (Y/n) squeaked, not befitting for a warrior graced with the strongest armor and sharpest sword in the kingdom.

"Don't worry about it.." Shoto's voice lowered as he turned his head to the side, watching the trees rapidly pass by him, his hair covering some of his view as a frown made its way to his face. (Y/n) turned her head away from the road for a second to make sure Shoto was alright, and something in his expression flicked a switch in her.

"I.. You know, he isn't sure. It's just to see if she's up to his standards, I guess. Not a guarantee-"

"Won't you get in trouble if you keep talking?" Shoto said with his usual dead tone, but he was just a bit relieved on the inside. He had no intention on marrying anyone, and being forced to would further destroy the already unbearable relationship between him and his father.

(Y/n) nodded without a sound and focused her eyes on the road from then on. But then Shoto pouted. He wanted to know more.

"How do you feel about this?" Shoto asked. "This.. marriage."

(Y/n) hesitated for a moment before answering. "This.. is what the King wants, so there isn't much I can do about it. I just don't agree with it, per say... It's not right..."

"That's all I needed to know," Shoto replied.

(Y/n) always wondered what was going on inside of Shoto's mind, and that moment was no exception. He was an enigma. She didn't blame him for being cold at times, however.

She also wasn't particularly so sure about that area. She hadn't been to their destination before, so she simply trusted her instincts and a ripped map to take her and Prince Shoto there.

Being trusted with such an important figure in the kingdom gave her stomach butterflies. As she began to feel a smile free itself from under her helmet, the carriage came to a sudden halt, throwing both (Y/n) and Shoto forwards.

"Step out slowly. Keep your hands in the air and don't try anything," said a voice, and a battle axe was pointed at the pair. Three, to be exact, one for each silhouette.

(Y/n) knew better than to reach for her halberd, and reassured Shoto with a quick, soft metal touch to his shoulder, slowly leaving the white carriage. "You're challenging someone with armor and a weapon while you're bare? I hope you know that you won't be leaving with the Prince."

"Oh, we don't care about the Prince. We just happened to hear from someone that you're carrying a lot of money in that carriage to offer the daughter of that noble," said a different man, presumably a second bandit. "But we may have to kill him if you resist. There's three of us, and only one has to get close to him. Your armor means nothing."

The third bandit made his way behind the carriage, closer to the Prince, just in case. Shoto gave (Y/n) a look, though she couldn't tell, facing away from him. She was already sweating in her armor from the sun and quite worn out from training, so this wasn't the ideal situation for her. And yet, she didn't downplay herself.

The knight lifted the front of her helm, exposing her face, riddled with sweat. "Yes, there is money. There's a bag next to where the Prince is sitting," (Y/n) said, taking the chance to look at Shoto. He shook his head, as if reading her mind, diverting his gaze to the bandits, his hands inching closer to his sword by the second.

"Before you go and do that," (Y/n) said, stopping the second bandit from walking past her, "Who gave you this information? Only us, the King and the noble were informed of this."

"I won't say. You'd have them executed. They're a big help, so we can't have that," he said, and smiled. (Y/n) cursed mentally. Was it one person, and the bandit refused to reveal their gender, or is it another group of people?

As the second man placed his foot on the edge of the carriage, (Y/n) halberd left it's holster, its tip barely making its way to the second man's neck before the edge of an axe was placed dangerously close to Shoto's neck as well.

"You're risking the life of your Prince? I don't understand you. Some knight you are," said the second bandit.

"I apologize," (Y/n) said, moving her halberd away from his neck.

"Thank you for the distraction," Shoto said, and before anyone could process it, blood fell down like a fountain to dirt. The second bandit tried to speak, only to cough up blood. "Speaking with a sword through your heart proves to be difficult, doesn't it?"

The loud thud of the large man hitting the floor made even the knight flinch, watching the man writhe in agony, holding his fist weakly against his heart for his last few moments. She then realized; she wasn't doing anything to help whatsoever.

"Fuck!" The other men had tried vigilantly to swing their axes at the Prince, who jumped back off of the carriage. It seemed that they had completely forgotten about the money, and focused their attention on the death of the Prince.

The knight missed her attack, but they couldn't even reach the Prince before a clean slice to their necks were delivered by who they were trying so desperately to kill. They went into a stiff paralysis and fell over, holding their necks and drowning in their own blood.

(Y/n) could only stand there mesmerized, lowing her bloody halberd, almost forgetting to wipe the acidic substance coating it.

She was also, frankly, ashamed.

The blood on her halberd wasn't because she had killed them, saving the Prince. It was splatter from the Prince having to defend himself with an incompetent knight by his side.

"I assume we'll have to reschedule this little trip," Shoto said, wiping some blood off of the edge of his lips and softly running his fingers through the docile horse's mane. "Turn the carriage around."

****

Many could tell, simply by watching (Y/n)'s face in the rare times she had her helmet off, or even completely covered, simply from her body language, that she didn't enjoy working in the palace. Even Shoto could tell how much energy wearing the heavy suit and sparring with the others as training took from her each day.

No one could blame her. No one liked working for Enji Todoroki. Ask anyone in the palace for their opinion of him, and it will be some variation of 'bastard' or 'good for nothing.' Ask people outside the palace, and it will be something positive or indifferent, because they believe whatever the newspapers tell them.

Shoto had asked his knight once: "What do you think of this idea; I run away from this place and start a new life."

To which (Y/n) blinked and removed her steel helmet, a way of expressing her concern. It was then that Shoto knew she was serious. "Are you really considering this?"

Shoto only nodded. He felt often like he had said too much, basically, whenever he spoke. His father did a great job of making this point around him.

"I understand," said (Y/n), to his surprise.

He expected a, 'You're delusional. You're a rich prince with everything you could ever want!' or, 'Don't take your position for granted. I'd kill to be in your place.'

"I doubt that," Shoto replied, attempting to provoke her into speaking her mind a bit more, hoping for more encouraging words.

"I can tell why you do, my Prince," (Y/n) said. It wasn't working.

Shoto sighed. "I can't talk to anyone without them treating me like a Prince. I'm just a normal kid on the inside, damnit.." His voice was as low as a whimper, but (Y/n) could hear every syllable as they left his mouth. She pretended not to hear and kept her head down.

***

Shoto hadn't dared to enter the knight's quarters without permission once before.. but he had made up his mind that night about something.

Shoto chuckled as he saw (Y/n) with her helmet still on as she slept. He removed it as slowly as possible, and wasn't surprised to see that her face was sweating uncontrollably with rosy cheeks, and her hair messy.

He almost forgot why he was there as (Y/n) began to wake up, presumably from the sudden influx of cool, fresh air hitting her face.

Shoto held his hand out before the girl could fully awaken. "Come, I'm leaving tonight."

"Prince? What do you mean leaving? Why are you in the knight's quarters? I-"

"Just get your armor and weapons and come," Shoto put a finger to her mouth, lightly squeezing her arm. She didn't dare protest any further. If it was the Prince's will, then she was meant to follow it, no matter what. But there was something off this time. He seemed happy, in a way, for once, without smiling. Shoto helped carry parts of her armor out of the quarters while she carried her halberd, most dangerous areas facing the ground as Shoto led the way.

"So what's happening exactly?" (Y/n) asked, stuffing some leftover yen into her pocket.

Shoto only walked into his room and gestured for the knight to join him. He was already wearing what he usually did, his royal attire embroidered especially for him along with his holstered sword. "I told you, we're leaving."

"You weren't kidding..?" The knight chuckled. "I understand you want to leave this place, but think about it. Your dad will do anything to get you back-"

"I don't care. I'd like to see him try," Shoto replied coldly, polishing his weapon and slipping on a few bracelets, hiding them under his sleeve. "I'm not going to that noble's place. I'm not marrying his daughter either, so I'll have to leave before the trip is rescheduled. Easy as that."

***

"So where.. exactly.. are we going?" (Y/n) asked the Prince.

"To a certain mountain," replied he.

"You don't mean.. That one.. right?"

After a brief moment of silence, (Y/n)'s worst fears were confirmed, and her tongue began to feel heavy in her mouth. "Sir.."

"Is there a problem?" Shoto asked, looking straight ahead as he walked.

"I'm.. not sure if I can protect you, if anything happens, if that makes sense."

Shoto stopped and turned to face the knight. "What are you talking about?"

"Well.. a few days ago.. those men trying to take the money.. and how I was basically useless.. You had to do everything yourself. It doesn't make sense-"

"You were tired," Shoto interrupted her, then continued walking.

(Y/n) stood there for a moment, staring at the ground before picking up her pace to match the Prince's again, until they reached the base of the mountain.

"Why are there steps?" (Y/n) asked.

"Mount Hosu used to be a tourist attraction.. it's closed because of the dragon rumored to live here now."

(Y/n) shivered. "Dragon."

"Did you say something?"

"Nope."

They continued forward, climbing up an unholy amount of steps before it split into two different paths. One of the paths was dry and bare, while the other had a stream of water beside it.

"Just follow the river," Shoto said, and walked along the path with the stream of water.

"How come you know this place so well, Prince?" (Y/n) asked. As far as she knew, Shoto stayed locked in the castle all his life, and only left under supervision from her or another trusted knight.

"It's not Prince anymore, just Shoto," the boy dodged the question expertly.

***

It took a while, but they finally arrived at the top. (Y/n) immediately used her survival skills. (Y/n) gathered dry wood and use a spindle stick to light a small ember. Shoto tried himself but failed, only giving himself some splinters from the wood.

With the knight's guidance, Shoto successfully managed to roast a wild animal. Of course, Shoto had really understood none of it, but nodded in silence, and hoped that she would help him later.

"Now that I've helped you.." (Y/n) began to trace her finger across the dirt. "How about you teach me more about fighting? A knight should know more, if not just as much, as their Prince. It only makes sense."

Shoto hummed. "You're already known as a strong warrior. I don't believe you need extra training."

"Please?"

"I'm nothing special.. I can't really teach."

"Please?" (Y/n) pleaded.

"... Tomorrow, maybe," Shoto relented. He walked over behind a tree and took out two folded tents.

"Did you plan this or something?" the knight asked.

"I've been considering it for a while, let's say."

As they settled, a teenage boy had just finished climbing up the same steep mountain as the Prince and the Prince's close knight, and he was exhausted. Then, as he caught his breath, he repeated his goal over and over in his head; to hunt down the dragon perched somewhere on this godforsaken mountain.