#and every time you tell someone you made this without a prewritten spell

[write4tomorrow]

A Game at Speed (Part 4)

 Word Count: 3201

Pairing: Poe Dameron x Reader

Summary: About a year after The Rise of Skywalker, peace in the galaxy is fragile. The Resistance is faced with new diplomatic problems as they try to maintain the peace. Trade routes are especially tricky and has forced Y/N to test her abilities as a negotiator. Due to tirelessly, negotiating with different planets and systems, Y/N has become the new face of peace and hope. Does this make General Poe Dameron jealous? 

Genre: Adventure / Fluff / angst 

PART 1 PART 2 PART 3     PART 5 Epilogue (Complete) 

The only good thing about your situation right now was that Nix had taken those awful cuffs off of you. Upon being released, you literally fell into Nix’s arms. Your shoulders felt worn and the sudden movement made you cry out. To your disgust, Nix held you against him. He whispered soft words into your hair and picked you up as though you were his new bride. You didn't have the energy to fight back. You knew that recording the message for Nix would take all the strength you had left. 

Nix took you to a small bedroom and left. Was this where you had woken up before? You became too distracted by the bustling droids around you. There were no windows and no clocks. You had no idea where you were but you didn't have time to find out. After allowing the droids to arrange your hair and clean your face, you numbly changed into an outfit that Nix had chosen - complete with gloves. You looked at your body for the first time in recent memory. Your wrists were different shades of awful colors. Your shoulders were stiff and your ankles were weak. Your cheeks and jaw held a new edge from fatigue that you hadn’t seen in yourself since the war. You looked nothing like a politician and every bit the war worn spy. You took pride in your wounds and tried to find some new encouragement from them, but all hope left you when you saw Nix again. When he returned, you realized that you both wore the same colors and matched like an Old Republic couple. You felt like you were in a nightmare. 

You did not speak to Nix. You told yourself it was out of anger, but you didn't really know what to say to him. There was hate in your bones for this man but knowing that Poe’s life depended on your actions made you feel bare and helpless. 

Nix talked enough for the both of you. He explained that the two of you would stand together and deliver a set of prewritten lines. You would smile and take his arm and play the part of the politician. All you had to do was read the lines out in front of you. Then, the two of you would board a ship to the larger of the two battleships where the two of you would happily continue your lives.

“I will never be happy with you, Nix,” you said. Your voice was flat, void of emotion. Your words sounded like a statement of facts rather than promise. 

“You will be once you forget about my… indiscretion, as you would call it.” Nix kept marching you down the hall. He did not look at you and you felt anger boiling inside of you. Indiscretion? Is that what you would call it? Oh no, this was an act beyond forgiveness and you would not allow Nix to make you forget. 

“Nix,” you continued in a monotone, “I would rather die than be with you.” In an instant, Nix whirled on his heels. His hand was in your hair before you could move. He pushed you against a wall and pulled your hair so that you were forced to look up at him. His other hand was clamped around your jaw. 

“I never want to hear you say that,” Nix hissed, “if you can stand to sleep with that General than you should feel honored to be by my side.” Nix was crazy. You began to speak, to tell him that you and Poe never did anything, but he pulled on your hair which forced you to yelp instead of speak. Satisfied with your cry, Nix let go and forcefully intertwined his arm with yours. He practically dragged you down the hall as he kept talking. You would come with him to the new ship to broadcast the message. Once the message was out, Nix promised that Poe wouldn’t be released.

“Why can’t the message be broadcasted on this ship?” You asked as you trudged down the hall with Nix. You knew you were risking another outburst from him and prepared to be thrown against the wall once more. To your surprise, no attack came. From the corner of your eye, you saw a sly smile creep onto Nix’s face. 

“My dear,” he asked coolly, “what makes you think we’re on a ship?” 

Almost simultaneously Poe Dameron was being told the same thing on the Resistance base ship. He stood at the table of the Generals, looking at everyone in the room. He couldn't stop moving. Rose had joined them and there was talk of calling Rey back from her mission of helping the Empire children find their families. It was a feeble thought and not likely to work in time to save you. 

“Y/n is on Kamino,” Connix said as she read the report the Resistance hackers sent her. “She’s being held on a small base on Kamino that was auctioned off after the Clone Wars. We have the fuel to send small fighter planes but we can't send this whole ship and Rey has the Millennium Falcon.”

“Great! Let’s go,” Poe wanted to get in a ship and blow something up. Still, he knew that he couldn’t lead this team into battle without being prepared. Leia would never forgive him. 

“I know it’s probably a trap,” Poe added quickly, “Altross knows that we know he has y/n. He knows that I will- that we will come for her. I think Finn and I should go to Kamino. We’ll search for y/n. However, after we land Connix and Rose will fly in if it's safe. Lando, please stay here and monitor things from the ship. We need to know if we receive any more messages.” 

“Connix should stay here,” Rose insisted, “she can read the transmission waves - encrypted or not - better than anyone. I can go alone, after you and Finn.” 

“No,” Poe said, thinking through the plan, “you’re right, Rose. Connix will stay here with Lando.” Connix began to protest but Poe silenced her. “I will go down to Kamino first. Then, only after I know they haven't detected me, Rose and Finn will join me.” As Poe spelled out his plan, disagreements erupted around him. However, they were quieted by Calrissian. 

“Poe is right,” Calrissian glared at everyone in the room, “we don’t have much time to form a plan and this is the best we have. If one person goes down to Kamino first, we risk losing the least. This council has already shrunk from six members to four. We do not need to risk anymore than is necessary. Y/n would be beside herself if she saw the way we were acting.” His words struck the room into silence. Poe, as well as everyone else, knew Calrissian was right. 

The next hour was spent loading ships, arming droids and trying to prepare for every version of the worst case scenario. Poe couldn’t stop his mind from wandering to you on the street in Coruscant. He knew the kind of bravery it took for someone to face Kylo Ren, he has been subjected to that Sith’s torture himself. He admired you for your resilience. He could see your face, in his mind’s eye, twist as you recalled how you received the scars on your arms. He wanted so badly to kiss away every horrible feeling that you’ve ever had when you told him how you hated seeing your own skin. Poe knew you must have trusted him a great deal to share that pain with him. 

The clearest thing about you, in Poe’s memory, was your laugh. He thought back to your arrival on Coruscant. Poe intertwined his arm with yours and you smiled at him. Your grin was mesmerizing and when you laughed a moment later, Poe felt weak kneed. You seemed to illuminate the world around you with just a smile. Your laugh was better than hearing his engine start up for the first time or hearing BB-8’s victory beeps. Something in his chest ached at the thought of never hearing the sound again. He wanted to make you smile and laugh more than anything. 

Before Poe jumped into his x-wing, Connix pulled him aside. 

“You know the game, Dejarik?” Connix asked. Poe nodded and tried to hide his surprise. Of course he knew the game. Finn, Chewie and Poe has spent many hours on the Millennium Falcon playing it. Chewie always won, but Finn and Poe put up a good fight and their holographic creatures never lost without putting up a valiant effort. 

“I used to play with y/n all the time,” Connix was speaking quickly, “she almost always won because she understood that it wasn't a fast game. She took her time and she knew her opponent. Y/n won because she knew me. She knew how I would respond to certain situations.” Poe knew where this conversation was going. 

“I get it,” Poe said, “I’m not Leia. I rush into things and I make a mess. I’m just a fly boy and I shouldn't rush into this, but-” 

“No, Poe,“ Connix’s voice was soft, “I know you think that everyone is telling you to slow down and think about what you’re doing. Maybe that’s what Leia would have done. Who knows.” Connix glanced around at the bustling people in the hangar. Everything around them seemed to be moving so quickly but Connix kept talking. “Right now, we need to move fast. This isn’t a slow game of dejarik. We don’t have time to assess what Altross’ next move will be and I don’t think he really has time to prepare for our’s. Anything he plans to do will be sloppy. Anything we do will be sloppy if we try to over think it. We’re playing a game of strategy at speed and we need fly boy, Poe Dameron. Y/n needs the fastest pilot in the galaxy. Get in and get out. Bring her home, Poe.” Upon hearing her words, Poe smiled and hugged Connix. 

The easiest part of Poe’s day was getting to Kamino. He knew the way by heart and being in his small ship with no one but his droid was refreshing, almost meditative. He found a small base that matched the coordinates Connix had given him. The rough seas that surrounded the strange base made it more difficult for Poe to find a place to set his ship down, but he wasn’t the best pilot in the Resistance for nothing. 

As Poe made his final descent onto his landing spot, he noticed a ship being loaded and fueled for take off. It was large and luxurious and could easily transport fifty people. From the looks of the sleek exterior, the ship could also keep the passengers entertained for the duration of the ride. The ship could belong to no one but Altross. Poe had to work faster than he thought. 

Getting into the base was easy. BB-8 made quick work of the security. The inside of the base was sparsely populated. Poe had no trouble hiding from the one or two people he passed every few minutes. The only problem was that Poe had no idea where he was going or any clue as to where you were being held. 

“Make sure she’s unconscious when she is taken to my ship,” said someone close by. Poe knew that voice. “She’s more trouble than she seems but we’ll take care of that soon.” Poe tucked himself behind a corner. From his hiding spot, Poe watched Altross stroll down the hall. He was flanked by two men but Poe knew that Altross was the only chance of finding you in time. 

With BB-8 on his heels, Poe stayed a few steps behind Altross. He tried to muffle the sounds of his feet against the cold white floor. Altross seemed to be too caught up in giving orders to pay attention to what lurked in the shadows. He marched with the precision of a General who believed that he had won the war. It didn't take long for the tall man to lead Poe to a dark room. 

Altross entered, leaving the door behind him open. Poe couldn’t see into the room, but like Altross, he recognized your voice when he heard it. Altross was talking to you, but you weren’t listening. You were saying something to yourself in a low voice. Poe couldn’t hear anything you were saying but he could make out each of Altross’ words clearly. 

Yet, almost out of nowhere, your voice overpowered the hallway. Poe’s blood ran cold as your scream echoed around him. The only other sound was a faint buzzing that made Poe’s hair stand on end. Something was terribly wrong. He didn’t know if BB-8 moved first or if he did, but Poe and his droid were rounding the corner before he had an opportunity to think about his actions. 

There were a total of five people in the room: Altross, the two men he entered with, one man standing by some controls, and you. With a blaster in his hand, Poe shot the men that tried to shield Altross from him. He made an attempt to shoot the man by the controls but he was safely behind you. There wasn’t a clear opportunity for Poe to shoot Altross either without also blasting you. Now, the two remaining men were shielded from Poe’s blaster. Somehow, during the chaos, Altross positioned himself directly behind you.

Poe took a moment to look at you. Your arms were bare and your scared forearms were exposed. Your hair fell around your face as your head hung forward. Your body hung in the air to form a horrible x. The clothes you were wearing seemed to match Altross’ uniform and, in a sick way you seemed like a terrible doll that Altross had over used. Poe knew you deserved better than that and he turned his attention back towards Altross. This man was going to pay for this crime in blood.  

As Poe kept his eyes and blaster on Altross, he heard you muttering something soft under your breath. You didn’t even seem to notice that two men were unconscious at your feet. 

“Altross,” Poe seethed, “You’re coming back with me, right now.” 

“Dameron,” Altross replied in a mocking tone, “if you’re lucky you will leave this base with just one other person. You’ll just have to decide if it’s me or her.”

“The memory device…” Poe looked at the machine around you and the cuffs around your wrists. They were too tight and your hands were a strange color. Altross nodded as Poe understood.

“She’s already forgotten you,” Altross was teasing Poe and it was working. Before Poe could do anything, Altross muttered something to the technician behind him. To Poe’s horror, the cuffs around your ankles and wrists began to send pulsing waves through your body. You began to writhe against the chains and scream once more. 

“Chase me,” Altross yelled over you, “or save her!” Altross dodged Poe’s dive towards him. He moved with agility and slipped out of the room. Poe swore but he didn’t hesitate and shot the technician at the controls. He didn’t have to tell his droid what to do as BB-8 began working on the controls. In an instant, the pulsing stopped, the cuffs around your joints released you, and you fell into Poe’s arms. However, your eyes were far away and didn’t seem to focus on him. You fought against his grip. Poe had to practically restrain you in a hug. He could finally hear what you were saying, though.

You were muttering coordinates. Again and again, you said the same numbers. Your voice was rough. You felt lighter than he thought possible. Poe wondered if you had eaten or had anything to drink in the three days since he last saw you. 

“BB-8, remember these numbers!” Running out of the room with you still fighting against his grip, Poe recited your numbers to BB-8. Poe lead the three of you to his ship.

“Hey, hey,” Poe began to whisper in your ear, “it’s okay. It’s Poe, your husband, remember? I’m the really attractive General you were undercover with? Remember? You’re safe now, y/n.” At the mention of his name, you began to calm. You stopped talking and after a moment, your eyes seemed to focus on his. Poe strapped you in as you lost consciousness. 

You woke up on a med bay bed of a small resistance ship. You heard Rose’s voice somewhere far away. You knew that smart thing to do would be to ease yourself back into this world. You felt groggy but desperate. There was something familiar and safe about your surroundings but you couldn’t waste time familiarizing yourself with them. You sat up in the bed and tried to get out, but a pair of hands pushed you back down. The bright lights around you made it too difficult to see. 

“Coordinates! I have to write down- I need something to write with!” You were shouting, eyes clamped shut in an attempt to recall the coordinates you had heard Nix say. That bastard made this mistake of saying the location of his lead ship within your earshot. 

“BB-8 has the coordinates. We’re headed there now.” You froze at the familiar voice. Opening your eyes, you were met with Poe’s concerned face. He was pushing you back against the pillows and there was concern etched into every crease on his face. 

“It’s Poe,” He said softly, watching your face, “you remember me, don’t you?” His voice wavered as he spoke. You couldn’t help but smile. 

“How could I forget General Poe Dameron, best pilot in the Resistance? Weren’t you my husband for a little bit?” You were laughing and possibly crying? Your voice hurt to talk and your head had never been in more pain but you needed to make sure Poe was okay. You wanted to know more, to say more, but Poe crushed you with a shuddering hug before you could say anything else. 

“How did you get off of Nix’s ship? Out of his control?” You asked as he only tightened his grip. A couple of your tears fell onto Poe’s shoulder before he pulled back a little at your question. 

“I was never under his control,” Poe looked as confused as you felt. Still, you had to push past this. There were more pressing matters at hand. 

“Poe, listen to me,” you began to speak quickly, “Nix has a recording of me calling you a traitor. He is going to use my reputation to bring you down. I thought it was the only way to keep you safe. We have to stop him from broadcasting that message. The coordinates,” you couldn’t seem to recall them, “it’s where Nix plans on sending the message.”

“I’ll stop him,” Poe promised, “our ship is smaller and faster than his. We’ll get to his base before he can send the message.”

“I’m going with you,” you said. Poe saw the expression on your face knew that he could not argue. This was personal, for the both of you. Poe recalled the conversation he had with Connix about her games of dejarik with you. 

“She took her time and she knew her opponent. Y/n won because she knew me. She knew how I would respond to certain situations.”

If anyone could take down Altross it was you. Poe could see it in your expression. You were out for blood just as much as he was.

PART 5

A/N: One more chapter to go! Thanks for following Poe on this journey. :) 

[itbeajen]

Agape [6] | Yuri Plisetsky | Witch!AU

Witch!AU

A wretched sob escapes your throat as you collapse to the floor in pure shock and horror. Your body is trembling and shivering, and although you have an inkling as to the sudden hit, the lack of vibrancy and life in your pendant confirms your suspicions.

I... really did lose someone.

Your eyes close as you feel tears well up despite not knowing who it is exactly you've lost. But you know there can only be five options: Yuratchka, Viktor, Yuuri, and Otabek.

If I..

You hesitated, your hand clutching your pendant desperately as you slowly stand back up,

If I just momentarily connect to the bonds again... I can probably feel it right away.

You gently pressed the pendant against your heart, a small murmur of a spell escaping your lips as you feel the bonds that filled your pendant with life allow you entrance. Oh, but you regret it so. Even with just a mere graze of contact, you can already feel the faint tinges of concern and panic coming from both Yuuri and Viktor. There is the confidence, yet hesitation coming from the ever trustworthy Ela. But what hurt you the most came from the two friends you were closest to.

There was a tidal wave of emotions emanating from the blonde Hunter. Anguish. Frustration. Sorrow. Confusion. And

guilt.

They all flooded into you, almost claiming you as though they were truly

your emotions

. But it wasn't yours, it was his. Yet regardless of knowing that, you struggled to separate your emotions from his, after all, despite years of separation, the two of you were inseparable. The bond between you and Yuri has been withstanding the test of time, with several lineages connecting you to him and him to you. You grimaced as you let his emotions settle down and you let out a breath you had been holding in.

I almost forgot how strong our bond was.. enough to almost pull me into its wake.

You shook your head, and felt the tears slowly trail down your cheek. You rubbed it away swiftly.

So it was Beka...

Otabek's bond wasn't as rapid and fast paced as Yuri's. In fact, it resembled a pillar of support as you felt it come in as gentle waves of nostalgia. You recall the time during your childhood, he had always been the caretaker, the keeper of both you and Yuri. He had made sure you two didn't do anything stupid, or if anything, to make sure to join in with the two of you to ensure your safeties. It reminded you of the days when you were allowed to laugh freely and be happy, of times when the only concern on your mind was what was for dinner and whether or not you'll get an extended play time with them. There was no worries of the destiny and fate that was already prewritten for you and Yuri. There was no concerns about whether you would ever get to see each other again. Your grip on your pendant turns loose as you cover your mouth to prevent yourself from sobbing. Tears streamed freely down your cheeks and in the end, you duck your head behind your hair as you let the emotions slowly ebb out of you. I could have prevented it... I could have been there... You shake your head firmly and softly mumbled, "I can do this. I've already figured out the secrets of the seal.. and I've covered my bases." I'll end this. I'll stop this madness. You boldly place your hand on the runes, and you can feel the magic flow between your hand to them, like ripples of the tide gently and slowly joining to make a wave. Your eyes open, arctic blue matching arctic blue and you softly muttered, "To think that this magic was one and the same with his... It's such a shame."

"Yuri," your voice was soft as you gently called him. He looks up from his work and he flashes you a bright smile, "[F/N]!" "Mama's making your favorite today, do you want to come over?" you asked, and Yuri's mouth drops in awe and he furiously nods his head, "Can I?!" "Mhm!" your smile was dazzling, and Yuri swears he'd do anything to see it again, and it would be better if it was only for himself. But Yuri frowns as he sees your petite figure slowly drifting further and further away. Your features blur, and he can only recognize the silver and the blue and he takes one step forward, his hand reaching out to you. He cries your name, but nothing is heard, and you turned to him. He can faintly see a sad smile on your face and- Wake up, we're here. Ela announced as he paced in place. Yuri groggily rubbed his eyes and muttered, "Where?" ...What? Kid, you okay? We're at the island, I know I had to slow down at some point, but I didn't take that long for you to take a nap on me. Now off, you're heavy. Ela sat down forcefully, making Yuri slightly jolt. The blonde grumbled something before getting off unsteadily. He fumbled and Ela laughed, What's wrong? Legs asleep? "Sh-Shut up," Yuri muttered as he stabilizes himself. His hand is placed against his forehead. That was... a dream? A memory? Ugh, all I know is that it was weird. His brows furrowed and he muttered, "[F/N]." Ela frowned and repeated, We're here. Ela practically shrinks into his smaller form as soon as he arrives at the mouth of the cave, causing Yuri to tumble forward into the snow. The young Hunter glared back at the wolf, but as soon as he finally refocused, the eerie silence and oppressive air that was being emitted from the cave made his entire body go rigid. Ela's tail swished back and forth and he asked, Are you scared? But Yuri doesn't respond. The blonde's grip on the sword handle at his belt and his gun holster on the other side tightened as he stared into the mouth of the cave. Can I really do this? You are marred with hatred. Ela commented, his gaze on Yuri was wary, as though he was prepared to take down the hunter then and there if there was any threat to your safety. Yuri glared at the wolf and growled, "Do you have any idea how much suffering the White Witch has put me through? Everywhere I've gone, I get looks of either pity or awe. They look at me like I'm some hero who's going to save them all!" Ela watched as Yuri began to slightly tremble, and he continued, "Me? A Hero? I couldn't save [F/N] all those years ago. I couldn't even save Beka and he was right there in front of me. And I'm supposed to be strong enough by now. Every where I go, this blasted Hunter destiny bullshit has been haunting me and plaguing me." And you think she's not affected by the Legends either? Ela growled in warning and Yuri flinched, "No, I'm sure she is. But you have no idea how it feels. You wouldn't understand. Both of us have the ridiculous weight of the legend on our shoulders; something that we never asked for but was born into." Ela watched as Yuri finally stopped trembling, his voice lowered, "I don't know about her, hell, I don't even know if I know her. But I know that I've already lost so many people important to me that I'm practically dead inside." A dry laugh escapes his lips and he shakes his head, "Do you have any idea how many lives have been lost at the cost of this bullshit? So many of us believed in the legend of the White Witch and her Hunter, yet how many years has it been? How many times have they been chosen only to fail over and over again? "I've lost Beka," Yuri whispered, "My parents. My grandfather. Even [F/N]. All of them. To that stupid blasted Legend." He lets out a shaky breath, "I've always hated her." Ela growled, but Yuri continued despite the hostility from the wolf, "But I hated myself too. I've lived my entire life knowing that I was some dog to her. 'Her Hunter' they'd call me, and they'd talk about it as though it was some title to be revered. A fate that was already predestined for me, something that I had no control of," Yuri spat out, "And that White Witch has done nothing but make me miserable. I joined the Hunters so I could defeat the Sorcerer without her, and yet no matter where I go, everyone tells me that I'll find her. That I'll be able to complete that stupid fucking prophecy." He glanced back at Ela and he admitted, "But I can't hate her completely. Something within me stops me from doing so. And even though I tell myself I don't need her, I can defeat the Sorcerer on my own, it's like the entire damn world goes against me and tells me I can't. And that I have to live out the life they've already predetermined for me." Ela made a soft whine, as though sick of hearing Yuri's rant, but asked anyways, So? What's your point? "My point is that.. even if I hate the path I was destined to walk on, I'm sure she does to," Yuri slowly admitted, and then he muttered, "I'm just hoping that the White Witch isn't my [F/N]." There was a pause, a moment of silence as Ela let that all sink in, and he barked, Quit saying her name like some lovesick child. Yuri flushed pink, "I am not lovesick." You're acting like you are, the wolf snarkily responded. Yuri looked around and muttered, "A-Anyways, this is where the Sorcerer was sealed?" Ela nods and he shivers slightly, I don't like the smell of this place. Yuri nodded, "I don't either... smells of spite, and hatred.. and a heavy curse." You can tell that much? Ela asked and then made a soft approving growl, Better than most hunters. You guys normally can't even tell the difference between an enchanted animal and a regular one. But you know, Ela pauses and trots over to Yuri, taking several whiffs of him and he yipped, Your scent is special. You have several layers of protection enhancements that aren't of your own or from the Hunters, and you also have a heavy curse laid down on you. Yuri's eyes widen at the first part and he parroted, "Protection enhancements?" Ela nodded, and with a flick of his ear explained, Protection of Being. That prevents other beings of magic from knowing exactly what you are. Your scent befuddles them, and unless we see you, we don't know what you are exactly. You also have a Protection from Being. Ela paused, and he muttered, I'm sure you don't need me to explain that. "No, actually," Yuri's voice is soft, almost hesitating and vulnerable, "Please do." Protection from Being protects you from whoever it is that cast that spell. Ela swishes his tail back and forth, It's normally a spell that's cast to prevent you from dying at their hands... but it comes at a very strong cost. Although I have no idea what that price is, I can't use spells like those anyways. And especially not on someone like you. Ela frowned, But now that I've figured it out... His ears flicked in irritation. I feel like Mistress is up to something and I'm powerless to stop her.. but perhaps.. Ela's gaze burned holes into the back of Yuri's head and he finally snapped, "What!?" Don't I at least get a thank you? Ela huffed, and Yuri's eyes widened before he hissed out a curt phrase of gratitude. Ela smiles, but it quickly drops, his ears slightly drooping and Yuri asked, "What is it now?" None of your concern, kiddo. Ela smirked at the way Yuri was so easily riled up. He curled into a ball and muttered, I'll be here waiting, so don't make me wait too long. I expect both of you back before the sun rises. Both of us... huh? Yuri looked away. Okay. So I guess I am saving someone... even if it's not [F/N], I'll save them. But please.. don't let the White Witch and [F/N] be the same... because I don't know if I'll be capable of forgiving her.

The deeper you traveled into the cavern the harder it became to breathe. But one thing was certain, it was much easier to feel the magic in the air. You took in a deep breath, and you frowned. So much magic is literally trapped down here, and it's all because of the Sorcerer.. and me. You shook your head. This isn't time for me to feel pity for my ancestors or even for myself. As you arrived at the small archway you gently stretched out your arm, holding your palm in front of you as though trying to grab something. As soon as your palm reaches the plane of magic, you can feel it rippling and you mumbled, "Libero sigillum1." You can feel the plane of magic slowly begin to crack and you can even hear it as it slowly shattered into dust. You closed your eyes and you felt your pendant slightly throb and you look down. You frowned as you gently stepped into the room. It was lit, albeit dimly, by enchanted fire. The flames flickered lavender and lilac and you could practically feel the years and years of pent up hatred and spite that the Sorcerer had for you. Laid at the very back of the room was a small rectangular altar, with four marble pillars at each corner. Each pillar sported a weave of ivy that wrapped itself around the pillars, clinging onto it as though it was their source of life, and atop them sat yet more enchanted flames. "What's this, a visitor?" a distorted voice called out and your eyes widened as a dark mass appears on the altar. It appears trapped though and you take a step backwards, and it chuckled, "What are you scared of, my sweet? After all..." You feel the room grow colder as the flames begin to flicker wildly. You immediately let go of your pendant, your eyes a dazzling arctic blue as you began to gather magic at the palms of your hand. "I have been waiting years for this day." Black magic reaches out for you, and you jump back before throwing an orb of light towards the center. You snap your finger and it explodes, disintegrating the monstrosity that erupted from the ground. With a quick glance, you noticed that patches of the ground were glowing white whereas others pulsed from purple to black, and you muttered, "So you want a fight, eh?" "But, of course," the voice responded. You can see the dark mass on the altar slowly taking shape to form a rather large figure in a black robe. The hems frayed with darkness and two bright red eyes stared back at you from the abyss of the hood. And although you can't see it, there must be a hint of a creepy smile as it chuckled, "After all.. you and I were once one and the same." You frowned and then dodged yet another spiral of darkness. You landed on the glowing patch and you felt all your fatigue and weariness immediately rejuvenated and the Sorcerer frowned, "Strange... I don't remember those being there.. perhaps it's because I'm not pure enough for them." You frowned and the Sorcerer shrugged, "Well, that means nothing to me. After all," he drawled, "There's always a way of corrupting you." You flinched and he softly muttered, "After all, you've already used all the protection magic on something else... didn't you?" You notice a tendril of darkness slowly edging towards the patch of light and you muttered, "What a pain." An emergence of thorns pierced through the ground as you swiftly dodged each one. It wasn't until you accidentally took one step out of the holy square that you felt it wrap around your ankle. You glanced back, your eyes widen in slight fear and suddenly you're dragged out of the protection of the patch. Slowly you scramble so you're no longer being dragged on your front, and flipped over to your back. You struggled to push the lone tendril off, but the more you fought against it, the tighter it became. You grit your teeth and immediately blast the nasty vine with your own magic, breaking it off of your ankle. You roll away and stumble to catch your bearings as the Sorcerer watched, clearly amused. He chuckled and drawled, "Oh.. but you weren't fast enough, love. Don't you see it... that lovely trail of darkness marring your fair skin?" You glanced down, and in horror you see where the vine was entangled around you. Shit, there must have been thorns or something... but I feel so... weak. You shuddered, whether it was fear or cold, you were no longer entirely sure and the Sorcerer laughed, "Ah, but your attempts were amusing. Thank you for your entertainment. But now..." His robed arms raise, and you feel yourself being lifted into the air before being dropped unceremoniously onto the pulsing magic circle right before him. You futilely struggled, and he chuckled, "Oh.. I can't wait to see your lovely face become tainted... by me."

Yuri took slow steps into the cavern, and it's not until he accidentally bumps into the wall in the dark that it lights up with a brilliant flash. He momentarily closes his eyes from the blinding light and then uncovers it slowly. Runes...? Yuri cautiously touched one, and he felt the magic flow into him with that short contact. His eyes widened and he frowned. I can make sense of some of these runes..? Yuri felt his head throb and he places a hand against the location of pain and muttered, "Stop." Not right now. These memories need to stop. "Hey [F/N]," Yuri looked at you and you glanced over to him. You weren't as blurry this time, he can actually make out how crisp and clear your eyes were. They were filled with warmth and love as they gazed adoringly onto him and he asked, "What does that say?" You leaned over to him, and made a small 'o' with your mouth and laughed, "Yuri! I taught you this yesterday!" He pouted, and muttered, "I forgot." You shook your head, silver locks swaying in the air, and you hummed, "No, don't feel bad! It's okay! Runes are hard to read and they all look similar if you don't study them all the time." "Here, Yuri, this one means-" "Faith," he softly muttered. He closed his eyes, and softly whispered, "Why am I suddenly remembering things from back then?" His gaze followed the winding runes that illuminated the dark corridor and he muttered, "If this is where it's leading me, then I'll follow it."

"So, close," the Sorcerer purred as he watched the darkness slowly engulf you. You winced. I can't... dispell it no matter how hard I try. You bite your lower lip, preventing a scream from leaving and you hear him tsk at you. "No, no, no," he cooed, "Let me hear it... that lovely scream of yours. It's been centuries since I've last I've last heard it... I wonder if you sound the same as back then?" His grip on you tightened, and immediately you screamed. From outside Yuri flinched and his eyes slowly widened. Fuck. He sprinted down the corridor as fast as he could. He approaches the arc way and upon looking into the room, your figure was chained to the four pillars in the altar. "So..leil?" he whispered, but when you weakly raised your head, the once vibrant purple he was so adjusted to was now heterochromatic, arctic blue and blood red. Your lips weakly opened and you whispered, "Yuri, run." "R-run?" Yuri hesitated, as he looked around, but he heard the distinct sound of cackling in the air, and from behind you, the Sorcerer's dark silhouette appears once more. "How unfortunate, he doesn't even remember you," he cooed and Yuri looked upon the sight in front of him in confusion. The mutt said that his Mistress, [F/N].. was here. But this is Soleil? The blonde furrowed his brows and you weakly repeated, "Please, escape. I can't hold him back any longer." You gasped as you felt the darkness choke you and Yuri took a step forward, only to have to make a side step as a tendril of darkness attempted to grab a hold of him. "Ooh, nimble, how fascinating," the Sorcerer purred. He roughly grabbed you by your chin and whispered, "I wonder how he'd react if I take you right here?" You defiantly glared back and the Sorcerer growled, "You already expended most of the magic I've slowly stored up over time.. I should just get rid of you right here and now." The Sorcerer chuckled and cooed, "Sleep well for now, Hunter." "Sor-" Yuri's voice cuts off there as he slumps to the ground. Your eyes widened and the Sorcerer chuckled, "Did you think it would be so easy? To defeat me? The curse I placed over us... You will never break it."