#captivity au: nightmare's castle; good end

[sunnydayaoe]

Hey can anyone tell me about color. he's like so pretty I want to know his deal [and the deal of like. who he hangs with. who's the... chromatic crew? team epic? whoever those are.]

extra under cut

not shipping I just think they are very normal about color.

[contamination-zone]

Guide to my fucked up self indulgent Fresh au[s]. thing. that "Nightmare's ideal scenario" thing, but with more surrounding it [Color], + an older au thing I had earlier.

Individual zooms under cut + extra

These all have their own individual tags [what I put at the top there], but I might collapse [Captivity AU: Nightmare's Castle] and [Captivity AU: Nightmare's Castle; good end] cus I thought I'd have more thoughts on Nightmare keeping Fresh as a pet, but welll. it is just boring if Fresh has no power to be annoying back haha.

And Captivity AU is still its own thing separate from all this too. Because I like Fizz's terrible situationship with the experiment and I still have the idea of Fresh escaping to go be happy with CB's family. So that means.. the other two [or one] are just offshoots of this one :-]

The concept I've been throwing around for how Fresh wouldn't starve while with Color + also making it so Color wouldn't have to compromise his morals to feed Fresh is just that Fresh can get most of his daily magic by hanging around Color, who dispels so much magicical soul stuff that Fresh could just... persist. but that feels too hand-wavy and self-indulgent haha.

[sterlinggothdarlings]

Thinking about the character motivations for the Olympics AU because my brain is itching to write things.

So, you know how in real Olympics there are a lot of very fit people from all over the world crammed into the same space for like, two weeks? And inevitably, people bang?

So, I'm thinking that in this AU, since it still takes place in non-descript medieval times aligned with most of the canons of ROTBTFD, this would be a prime scenario to try and form aliances through marriage. The royals of each nation would bring their offspring to compete, and to show them off to other royal families. Hopefully (hopefully), at the end of the tournaments, ties would be strengthened between nations and wars would be less likely to break out.

Queen Elsa, coming from a crisis that she unknowingly instigated in her country, is pressured by the noble families in her court to go to this event - even though neither her nor her sister Anna would be able to compete (Elsa's talents lie elsewhere), they should still try to mingle with the other royals. What's left unsaid, but Elsa can infer well enough, is that if Elsa fails to secure at least one advantageous alliance, she will be giving the nobles reason to unite and dethrone her as a danger to the kingdom. The nobles seek reassurance that they will be helped if her powers ever get out of control again.

There is, however, a complication: neither Elsa nor Anna trust men anymore. Any alliance forged here will probably be at the expense of Anna, and after the coup attempt from Hans, she has become very wary of men she does not fully know. Elsa could never make her sister go through that betrayal again. And she had to be extra careful about anyone she were to wed - what if she accidentally froze them during the consummation of the wedding? It would be a disaster, an international crisis never seen before. Their situation was entirely too delicate to even consider coming to this event, but her hands are tied. So, here they are, Queen Elsa and Princess Anna of Arendelle, to attend the Olympics.

The silver lining of this nightmare is that they will not be here alone - their cousin Rapunzel, the lost (and recently found) Princess of Corona, an island nation in the South with abundant sun, will be in attendance to compete in Acrobatics. They have never met in person, but it will be nice to know to get to know each other. Who knows, maybe they will visit each other's castles to take a break from frigid winters or from the scorching sun and humid air. Rapunzel, in stark contrast to her cousins, is ecstatic over the prospect of meeting new people from all over the world. Most of her life was spent locked away in a tower, only finding the strength to run away after 18 years of captivity and manipulation. Now, she will take in as much of the world as she can, be it in exploring the wilds, visiting new places or even dancing the night away in balls (with her parent's approval, or course - being princess is still very new). Anna sees in her the same naivete she had 3 years ago, so the instinct to protect Rapunzel makes the princesses inseparable during the event. That, however, will not prevent them getting into mischief; sometimes family brings out your inner child, no matter how much you try to reel them in.

And is during mischief that they meet Merida, Princess of DunBroch, a kingdom from the Eastern Highlands, known for their tall trees and multitude of rivers. She came to compete in Archery, along with her family: her father, who will be competing as well, as a Duelist; her mother, who is well intent in finding a list of good matches for her to choose from; and her brothers, the triplets, who have grown in age and chaotic potential alike, and therefore still cannot be left alone to their own devices. Merida is unsure of what this trip will bring for her future, but the one thing she is absolutely certain of is her ability to absolutely demolish her adversaries in this tournament. While she and her father will shine in the competition, her mother will shine in the political side of the event. As long as the triplets don't find a way to burn the entire thing to the ground, that is. Merida is quickly accepted by the princess cousins, and finds joy in female friendships in a way she never experienced before.

Meanwhile, Hiccup has heard tale of this competition, and his father Stoick has convinced him that it would be a perfect opportunity to gather intel about different dragon species across the sea, and offer their services as dragon tamers to other nations. Extend an olive branch and maybe improve the reputation of the Vikings across the sea, since Berk has become much too far from their endeavors. The son of the village chief can't stay so far from his village for so long, there are responsibilities that need to be fulfilled. It would be best to expand their research and conservation efforts in a more permanent way. Hiccup and Stoick, however, do not have an invitation to the event. Nor are they aware of the matchmaking part of it. They have decided to play it by ear - a few dragons ought to grab someone's interest one way or another, right?

And, last but not least, in the middle of all these troubles and shenanigans, unbeknownst to the citizens and attending guests, there is a stranger in their midst. Something making the wind blow wilder and the nights feel colder than they should this time of year. A foreign spirit, trapped in the city for seemingly no reason, unseen by the people and unable to ask for help. That is, until he decides to check out the guests of this Olympics everyone seems to be talking about. He sneaks into a room in the castle, one of the few windows still lit by candles. And miraculously, he hears someone say his name. Jack Frost. A redheaded girl can see him, can hear him. There is hope for him to get out of this place yet. If, of course, this girl stops using him as target practice for her bow and arrow.

This is all I have so far! I might change Hiccup's motivation, seems too vague for now. Hopefully I'll have more ideas to write this in the future!

[underaker-empty-blog]

continuation!

They manage to learn to not run away from everyone they meet and instead try to make conversation with them, which works sometimes but other times they get captured and escape and teach their captives a lesion on capturing people that are trying to be friendly, they had to do this so much that it made them develop a separate personality. Making them less… nice to new people, and they may have killed some people in that state but always brings them back so that the timeline stays the same and they don’t get ink on their ass for disturbing timelines. After a few months of being alone in their void/au they try to make a brother or a paps of their own to make it less lonely but they fail as they don’t know how to make a body that looked like a paps, so after a bit they just go insane and start to hear voices. It becomes nice to have the voices as it makes it less lonely and they view it as a good thing as others may see it as a bad thing,

they don’t care what others think though, a few days after they got the voices, they explore the worlds and find outbound. They talk with the two skeletons and become great friends with the two. Happy that they didn’t run and was able to start a conversation with the two, it was a nice change of pace! They were a lot of help to build up the courage to be less shy in front of people and it made them very happy, so they were happy to be friends with the two. But eventually they had to leave and go help some other creators with their au’s to be livelier! It was a fun job in their eyes and was happy to help people and it made them happy when the creators where happy, and it was all fun and whatnot tell it wasn’t, when they had to go to dying au’s to collect souls, they didn’t want to leave them there but at the same time they didn’t want to take the souls but he had to in the end every time and it filed them with a bad feeling that wasn’t guilt or sadness it was a mix of both, and they didn’t like the feeling at all. Regardless they did their job and got it over with. One time as they were saving the souls of a dying au that they thought was already abandoned they got a knife thrown at them hitting their spine causing them to bleed but they didn’t scream as they had been in worse pain before, they pull the knife out of their spine and turned to look at the person that throw the knife, they turn to see killer getting ready to throw another knife at them, so in response they throw the first knife at killer grazing his cheek with enough precision for it to not be a missed throw, stopping killer in his tracks as they go back to doing their job hoping that killer learned his lesson and would leave them alone so things wouldn’t have to get anymore messy then they already where. After they finish their job, they open a portal and leave, killer still stuck frozen in the dying au. They leave but then realize that killer would be killed if he stayed in there (how ironic), so they release the souls into their au and go back to the still frozen killer and picked him up with ease and opens a portal to nightmares castle and put killer into the portal leaving him there with a little head pat and then closed the portal. Nightmare saw the whole thing in confusion. They then go back to their au/void and just relax as they think about what to do in their free time and then find a drawing book and a pencil, they decide to try out drawing because it could be fun. So, there they were sitting on a pillow in their room drawing away and making humanized versions of their new friends having fun as they do. Soon they want to show their new friends the drawing, but they aren’t done drawing it yet.

[pokegalla]

Bird Season

A concept idea of what I planned for Dreamswap in my story. Inspired by @krazykumiii and their headcanons.

Chrom is Cross, Richard is Ink, Flare is Error, Robin is Nightmare, and Phoenix is Dream (all from Dreamswap). Enjoy!

“Huh?!”

Robin nodded, “It seems your friend got kidnapped….”

Noelle looked upset, “They took Bunny…?”

Everyone else however was a bit more concerned about something else. They look back to see that I still haven’t said anything the entire time. When I suddenly stood up, Kris stood beside me.

“Don’t do anything stupid,” They said.

“Our friend is being held captive! She’s like my little sister! Why the hell would you expect me to stick around on my ass when I can just go and get her,” I exclaimed.

Flare spoke up, “Not a good idea. The Justice Reign are a serious group that is led by Robin’s brother and-“

“I don’t give a FUCK Flare! Listen I know there are some AUs I would never wanna mess with and some of them are the alternative versions of Dream as well. BUT. He fucked with ME. SO! We gotta problem. And I’ll be DAMNED if you gonna make me sit around twiddling my thumbs when I can go whoop yo bro’s ass. Ok? Ok I’m going,” I vented out before opening a portal and heading into the Justice Reign’s castle.

“….is you’re friend always like this,” Robin asked.

“Only when she’s lost her patience and ready to kick ass,” Susie said with a wide and smug grin.

Chrom laughed, “Nah I gotta see this.” Everyone ended up following right after me.

Bunny sat uncomfortably in a chair as she looked around the room. Phoenix was doing his paperwork and ignoring her. The silence and awkwardness was killing Bunny but there wasn’t much else to do but sit there. She COULD escape….if it wasn’t for Richard glaring daggers at the back of her neck. She’s starting to miss the original Ink now….

Suddenly a guard came rushing into the office, “Your highness! A mad lady has wrecked havoc in the training yard! S-She’s a lunatic! Thankfully no one is hurt but she requests your audience.”

Phoenix groaned, “I see….Richard. Go and meet her instead. This could very well be a trick. I will stay here and guard the captive.”

Richard nodded, “Understood.”

They immediately rushed to the area while Phoenix stayed hidden after tying a cloth around Bunny’s mouth. Upon entering the room, I sighed heavily.

“Thank god the others came along….they’ll keep them busy until I get-,” I stopped noticing Bunny was tied to a chair, “Bunny! Oh thank god you’re ok. Still what the hell….tying you up?! These guys are such jerks!”

I began to untie her, not knowing Phoenix was still in the room. He stealthy came out of his hiding spot land summoned his claymore. I finally got to Bunny’s makeshift gag and-

“BEHIND YOU-,” She screamed as soon as I removed the cloth.

I quickly summoned my crowbar and swung back, last minute colliding with the claymore. Our eyes met….my eyes glowing in colors of the galaxy and shaped like a dragon’s making Phoenix drop his guard as he stared in awe and shock. I managed to push him back, making him bump into his desk. I finished untying Bunny.

“Get out of here! I’ll hold him off for now,” I shouted, “And don’t start talking shit just go!” Bunny flipped me off but did as I told her.

Phoenix raised his claymore yet again, “You can use magic….I see. You are more formidable then I thought.”

I sat up, “Dude I don’t know WHAT your problem is with me but you don’t EVER get my family involved! If I’m the problem, then deal with ME. Don’t use cheap tricks to bait me here!”

“But it worked didn’t it? The problem is that you created The Core Virus, Virisity, and the viruses and created chaos among the other AUs. You caused too much negativity and problems,” He took a couple of swings and I did my best to dodge them, “You have caused my team and my people so much stress and I must put an end to this!” Jeez for a guy swinging a heavy sword, he’s fast as hell!

“And you’re acting on this now?! I’ve already been amending my mistakes and we have been through so much and I am NOT letting a dumb golden pigeon ruin our hard work and hurt us,” I shouted back, “LEAVE. US. ALONE!!!” I finally managed to knock his sword out of his hand.

We both stared at each other then back at the sword….then we both dashed to grab it. I tried to lunge for it but Phoenix grabbed me. I flailed around and successfully escaped his grip, only to be pinned against the wall. I looked up at him with a huff and readied my crowbar to knock him upside the head but he grabbed the crowbar and threw it away.

“LET GO,” I shouted.

“No I don’t think I will. Not until you behave,” Phoenix said looking very done with my shit.

I stuck my tongue at him, “Can’t keep up old man?”

He surprised me with a smirk, “Says the one who’s trapped beneath me.” I tried to push him off but his wings instinctively wrapped around me, trapping me further.

“What are you planning you damn pigeon….,” I said glaring up at him.

“….perhaps we can work something out. As I said, you are more formidable then I thought and you further proved this point. No one’s ever unarmed me before….especially a human,” Phoenix explained while leaning closer, “I promise to provide protection and shelter for you and your team. As long as you do as I say. What do you say?”

“….let me talk with my friends first,” I said, “We’ll come back with our answer right after.” I thought he wasn’t going to allow it….but he surprisingly backed away and went back to his desk.

“I will let you all go….but only this once. I expect a reply as soon as possible. Until then,” Was all he said before continuing his work from before. I left completely confused at the interaction but shook it off as I ran to meet up with the others before he decided to change his mind. Phoenix smiled when I left.

“What an interesting human….,” His mind wandered to how I fought and how determined I looked. He was hoping I’d come back….maybe by then he’ll figure out why his soul is still beating so fast….

Bonus:

Same energy on how I was talking to Flare earlier-

[lildevyl]

DSMP FanFic Recommendations I

So, a few days @nastiiuu did a nice Recommendation of a DSMP FanFic called Evermore. So, per request, here's a list of different DSMP Recommendations that I have from my History, Mark For Later, and from my Bookmarks! Sorry, @nastiiuu that it took me a while to get this up! But I hope you all enjoy!

Stay safe and I will put the Summaries and Tigger Warnings in as well!

So, I will start off with the one the @nastiiuu recommended a few days ago!

Evermore

Summary: Prince Theseus, a child of blonde and blue, a child of isolation and a crave for touch. He's the youngest in the Royal Family, and somehow the most forgotten. The most neglected. The most alone.

Tucked away in his tower, the young prince watches the world move on without him, watches his family welcome two new princes into their arms, and yet reject him when he cries desperately from nightmares or shivers from a painful wound.

"Wilby?" The child had murmured, all curious and hesitant at once. He was tucked in his older brother's lap, watching as his other sibling sparred with their father. "We'll always be together, right? Forever and ever?"

Wilbur smiled. "Of course, Tommy. Forever and ever."

The Hanahaki rising in young Theseus' throat says otherwise.

TW: Isolation, Hanahki Disease, Angst no happy ending, Character Death, Villain!Dream, Manuplation.

The Exchange: My Life for Yours: I'm still reading this one, I'm on chapter 17 and it's ssssssssooooooooo good right now!

Summary: Tommy was a liability. Too annoying and too loud.

Techno didn't care about this child.

"Unless of course, you want call on that favor"

"Ok"

Then why he suddenly did?

TW: Villain!Dream, Canon Diverse, Kidnapping, Demons/Dreamons, Demon!Dream, Dreamon!Dream, Isolation, Manipulation, "A Deal with the Devil."

The Inevitability of Change: I just got caught up with this one and oh my Ghoul! This is intense and so good! I can't wait for the update!

Summary: Fuck it, he was allowed to do this, it would be better for everyone else anyway. They could do whatever they wanted and he wouldn’t be in their way. He wouldn’t cause problems anymore and he could have the perfect life that he had always wanted.

The egg extended a blood vine out to him. "Do we have a deal?" There was a level of smugness that Tommy recognized all too well from all his wars with Dream, it was the sound of an opponent knowing they’d won.

“We do, you dumb ugly bitch.”

or

Tommyinnit hated change. He'd witnessed so many people he cared about in his life change and hardly ever for the better. He just wished things could go back to the way they were when he had everything he ever wanted, a loving family who cared about him, a best friend who was always by his side. He craves this so badly that he makes a deal with the egg to get everything he's ever wanted.

or or

Tommy becomes a coraline kinnie

TW: Derealization, Unreality, Manipulation, Child Abandonment, Violence (later chapters), Explosions (later chapters).

Ties of the Puppet

Summary: Tommy hates how his mind feels trapped at that moment with Tubbo. The look in his eyes one Tommy had been forced to see far too many times. Wilbur’s eyes.

or

Tommy struggles with the trauma of his life and unhealthy relationships, Wilbur tries his hand at redemption, Phil and Techno learn to heal what's been lost.

TW: Mental Health Issues, Violence, Abuse, Redemption Arc for Tubbo, Healing for Tommy/Phil/Techno, some of the characters will seem a little OOC, Canon Diverse.

Forged By Truth (Or the Lack there of)

Summary: After his escape from exile failed spectacularly, Tommy only needed to be reminded that Dream saved his life a few times before it starts to sink in. Once his exile can continue again far away from any more distractions, Dream proceeds with his plan to craft the perfect weapon.

TW: Manipulation, Mention of Character Death (Character doesn't really die but the other characters don't know that), Suicidal Thoughts, Violence, Protégé AU, Tommy becomes Dream's Protégé, Angst, Whump.

Mask: I'm still working on this one but it's really, really, really good! A lot of Angst and Manipulation. So, please be careful when reading!

Summary: Dream knew Tommy was a naturally clingy child. That's why he found such satisfaction in having him exiled.

Dream didn't plan on Tommy clinging to him.

Dream was going to take advantage of the situation.

All Tommy needed was a bit of a push and then he would be completely broken.

Ready to be remodeled into the perfect weapon.

TW: Suicidal Thoughts, Attempted Suicide, Manipulation, Emotional and Mental Manipulation, Protégé AU, Broken!Tommy, Angst, Angst (possibly no happy ending but I'm not sure), Whump.

Lion's Cup, Tiger Stripes: I just finished this one and it's so good! Exile Arc but with a twist! Guest Appearances by Sad-ist, Late-August, Derivakat.

Summary: Tommy Innit knew what Dream was doing and was sure as hell not going through with it. So, by the third week of exile, as Dream starts to escalate his punishments, he leaves. One month later he runs into Purpled and hires him as a bodyguard while he travels.

Or Tommy runs away, stays in one village for a month to clear his head and decides to go travelling while dragging Purpled with him.

Or road trip pog.

TW: Angst, Angst with a happy, Found Family, Violence, Testing, Scares, Explosions (later chapters), I think that's all.

Valley of Serenity: This is a very long fic! It's about 60+ chapters so feel free to read in increments but this is a really good fic! Redemption Arc and Healing for the SBI Family!

Summary: After blowing up a nation, Wilbur throws a sword down at his father's feet and begs to be killed.

Phil, however, takes one look at the state of his children and decides he has other plans.

(post november 16th au where wilbur doesn't die. instead a family leaves the smp entirely, and learn how to live with each other again.)

"Fuck, I - I can't forgive either of you right now," Tommy says quietly. Despite the words, he hugs Wilbur tighter. "One day, though. I think one day I will."

"And we're still brothers, right?" Wilbur dares ask. Techno inhales sharply beside him.

They get a choked laugh in reply.

"Yeah. Brothers."

TW: Angst, Mention of wanting to die, Healing, a long road of healing, Mental Health Issues, Family Bonds, Angst but I think there is a happy ending, Violence, Mention of the L'Manburg exploding. Redemption Arc, Healing.

Breathing's Just A Rhythm: I finished this fic a few weeks ago and my ghoul! This is so good! Time Travel Fic with Dream, Schlatt, Tubbo, Tommy, and of course CHAT!

Summary: POGTOPIA??? WHAT ARE WE DOING HERE?? TIMETRAVELBLADE. technotravel

“Chat, I did not time travel,” Techno said exhaustedly, “I don’t know what gave you that idea, but please calm yourselves.”

The voices started obnoxiously whispering at the top of their lungs. HE DOESN’T KNOW. PANIC

Or: Tommy, Tubbo, Jschlatt, and Dream all end up in the past. (Oh, and the Chat comes too) (mcd is a villain, this fic has a happy ending)

Or OR! Dream attempts to Time Travel in the past but winds only go back a few months ago during Pogtopia Area and he winds up bring a few unexpected victors with him! MEANWHILE: Karl is trying his damnest to fix everything with Time Travel Fiasco that Dream caused! B/C the Future selves and the past selves switched!

TW: Graphic Violence, Bodily harm (later chapters), Kidnapping (later chapters), Explosions (later chapters), Betrayal (later chapters I won't say who!), Isolation, Manipulations, Mental and Emotional Abuse, Trauma, Therapy (Finally these boys gets some), Good!Schlatt, Villain!Dream, Redemption Arc Wilbur and Schlatt.

I think I got them all?

Wrong Place for Redemption: This one of the stories that helped inspired Breathing is Just a Rhythm! Time Travel Fic!

Summary: -Previously titled Time Will Decide. Name taken from lyrics in 'A Sadness Runs Through Him' by The Hosiers

“Okay, why don’t you go see him.” Tommy didn’t know what he thought the afterlife was going to be like, hell he didn’t even know if it was a real thing. Maybe he’d see Wilbur, possibly Schlatt, but he didn’t expect to see a white castle and Karl.

Or where Tommy looses his final life to Dream in the prison only to be teleported back in time.

OR where Tommy is given a second chance and isn't going to blow it, not even if things start to get revealed (things that change everything) and discoveries are made.

This whole book has TW's: Child abuse, violence/murder, gore/blood, implied/referenced suicide, suicide, drinking, etc.

Parental Rights: Another good on going fic for me! Can you tell that I love some SBI/Found Family Fics here?

Summary: Sam wants to be there for Tommy. Wants to be his dad. Wants to be the one Tommy comes to when he's in trouble or excited over something. He'd happily legally adopt Tommy, but well... Tommy's actual father is in the way of that. Sam thought with how distanced Phil was with his son it would be easy to persuade him to give his parental rights over to Sam. But well... Tommy's stubbornness had to come from somewhere, right?

TW: Sleep Walking, Mentions of Exile, Healing Arc for Tommy, Healing Arc for Sam, Healing Arc for Tubbo, SBI, Healing Arc for Techno.

Allium: This is still on going, but oh man! This is getting really good!

Summary: What if Dreams plan for the Disc War finale had worked?

Tubbo dead, Tommy in the prison, SMP under his control. Allium Ashes.

TW: Major Character Death, Ghostbo (Ghost Tubbo), Manipulation, Isolation, Imprisonment, Prisoner Innit, Making someone believe they are responsible for something they didn't do, Kidnapping, Rescue Mission.

And How Can I Compete (With The World At Your Feet): God AU and this is really Fangtastic! Rated M for Graphic Violence and Attempted Sacrifice.

Summary: Tommy has been kept away from the world and held captive for four years, and now he’s about to be used as a sacrifice to a god. A blood god, to be specific. The Blood God. But, instead of accepting his captor’s sacrifice, the Blood God is in debt to Tommy. And he’s going to save him.

A universe where Technoblade, Wilbur, and Phil are all gods who have become quite protective of a mortal fifteen year old without a home.

This concept was based on a text post I saw, I think! I can’t find it anymore, but if you see it let me know!

TW: Blood, Violence, Attempted Sacrifice, Villain!Dream, Villain!BadBoyHalo, Occult Setting, God AU, Blood God!Techno, Angel of Death!Philza, God!Wilbur, Angel!Tubbo, Angel!Ranboo.

Death's Forest: This is a nice little One-Shot for the SBI, and Dadza fans! Set during Tommy's Exile. Don't worry! Dadza to the rescue!

Summary: “Can I see him?” Phil asks, blinking owlishly, as if he’s simply just asking. As if he’s not holding a threat behind those light words.

“Don’t push your limits.” Dream responds, and Phil only smiles with a slow nod.

The next day, Dream wishes he had answered differently.

Or

Phil isn’t quite human. He wants to visit Tommy during exile.

TW: I don't think there's any TW here, but if there is, please let me know!

Prince Theseus: Royal AU! Hybrid Tommy. Prince Tommy (Theseus).

Summary: Prince Theseus Craft of the Anartitic Empire, A child who could bring joy to anyone's day left to be forgotten by his family left to spend his days in his tower with nothing but his Maid and dear friend as company

Left to watch his older brothers laugh and smile as his father looks at them with love and the eyes of a proud parent he never saw directed to him, watch them both receive the love he craved so desperately from his father. Left him to envy his brothers yet grow jealous as that jealousy turns to a small flame of hatred growing steadily as time passes leaving him to make his final decision.

No longer will he be known as Theseus but as the Amazing Tommyinnit who could do anything who will prove his former family wrong and show he is better than what they think.

Which leads him to where he is now, a runaway prince who finds a new family brought together by hardship and their love of traveling the endless seas.

AKA :

16 yr old Prince Theseus changes his name to Tommyinnit and runs away from his royal family who neglected him and finds a real family on a ship who just so happened to be pirates as well.

TW: Isolation, Mention of a Minor Character Death, Running Away, Royal AU, Hybrid Tommy, SBI, Neglect, Pirates, Found Family, Angst, Hurt and Comfort, Magic.

Therapy Marriage: Okay, I'm adding this one for some Wholesomeness, and Fluff with some Angst but there should be a Happy Ending!

Summary: but for some reason, tubbo (and possibly ranboo, although he doubted this was his idea) had got it into his head that tommy needed therapy or some shit.

which, fine, maybe he had a little bit of an issue. he did freak out at damage, and weapons, and he had reached out to puffy, but he was okay! he didn’t need tubbo to pity him.

but- here was where the weird part came in- tubbo wanted tommy in his marriage.

TL:DR Tubbo wants to help Tommy and decides that the best method is by marrying him as well. Ranboo just goes along with it.

*****

Okay, this post has gotten very long! I do apologize for that! So, I'll add others to another Post!

[astriefer]

ℙ𝕒𝕣𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝔸𝕌!

Just about a girl conquering the former Preator and the daughter of Zeus' hearts. And of all hunters, in fact.

It's not Theyna for anyone who might think. Just let those girls be cool parent's figures together!

They did not meet in the regular way.

In short, The girl was captured and Reyna happened to be in the next cell... some events happen and they become closer. Some running, fights, and angst lead to the small girl being very connected to Reyna.

Reyna takes care of the girl since the girl seems to be afraid of anyone else.

The hunters agree that she'll stay until they find her a new home. Maybe half-blood or Camp Jupiter.

Reyna grows more and more attached to this kid. And because no other person actually wants to get involved with the girl, and the girl's fear as well, it's mostly up to her to make her comfortable and comfort her in times of need.

Singing a lullaby to calm the girl at night. She has frequent nightmares and it breaks Reyna's heart. So she sings to her, Specifically the song they sang as they were held captive together.

They arrive in CJ and after some discussion, Hazel and Frank start searching for a new home and family for the small girl.

Reyna gets it hard. That night she understand how much she cares for the child.

She is being very protective and goes everywhere with her. She works hard to make her open up to more people (hell knows it's no good to be with one person ALL the time)

Yet it's not hard to tell Reyna like spending time with the girl. The little lady can sure warp Reyna around her little finger.

She manages to get the girl to be less strict around Thalia. She also recruits Frank and Hazel to help. She believes their nice and open nature will help.

She's there all the time to offer comfort. Yet the girl seems to like the Preators, even though she's acting very shy and careful.

When she want to take the girl for dinner Hazel pulls her aside to ask if she really want to find the girl home in New Rome.

At first, Reyna doesn't know how to respond. She wants the girl to have a family... and she wants to be part of it as well.

That realization makes her come to Thalia and ask just that. She doesn't want to leave the hunters, and she doesn't want to leave the girl in New Rome. So the simplest solution is to bring the girl with them. Permanently.

At the start, all the other hunters (and Artemis) firmly disagree.

Because well, their journeys can be dangerous. And their training area is not a place for straying children.

And of course, someone will have to watch over the girl.

And if there's an attack or they'll have to camouflage or hide? The girl will only slow them down.

And the hunters is a place for YOUNG MEDIANS. Not small children.

Reyna is desperate to get the girl to stay. She tries to convince Artemis but fails. She tries enough to wear out Artemis makes her threat to turn her into a doe.

The girl is worried about Reyna's tiredness and worry and she dares to ask Thalia what she can do to make Reyna feel better.

Thalia is half amazed by the consideration of the child. She has her own reservations, but she truly sees how deep the bond between Reyna and the girl is.

She dismisses the kid with something like "She's just worried for you, to be well." Or some cheesy thing.

She makes her own conversion with Artemis, pointing out what a teaching lesson adopting the girl could be.

I mean, the hunters are their own family, not interrupted by the human world and less affected by what happens in the camps. As they live longer, you can imagine they're starting to be more strict and pay less importance to tenderness and to be responsible for someone. They're mostly care-free apart from their duty to Artemis and to their sisters.

So basically that's half lame so imagine she makes some good explanations of how the girl could benefit them.

When Thalia comes tells Reyna the girl could stay, they find out the kid ran away.

Reyna is shocked and runs to the woods to search for her. If course Thalia is running right after her with the thought, 'we can't lose the girl a moment after we agreed to take her in.'

Reyna is worried as heck and calls for the girl. Damn it monsters, you are not the important thing right now.

They're in the forest for what feels like hours. Reyna and Thalia are still searching. Reyna lashes out on Thalia because she's so tired of fighting against the world to give the little girl the family she deserves.

Thalia breaking the news to Reyna

Reyna just jumps on Thalia from happiness and gratitude. She catches herself quick enough but her heart is still pounding.

Then they hear the little girl soft singing and They run to her.

Some monsters coming in their way, making bad puns and demand the kid to be their rightful finding.

Thalia smacks them off while Reyna and the girl have a heartfelt conversation.

Reyna and Thalia both didn't get to grow in a normal, loving family. Or at least, their parents never actually been there for them. So Reyna promises to the girl she WILL be there for her.

She promises that the girl does not cause any pain for her, but the opposite. They even makes a pinky promise. (She clarify this beacuse the kid run away because she thought she's making Reyna feel bad).

They return to the hunter's camp where Artemis announces the kid would stay. The kid is so excited to stay with Reyna, she almost tear off Reyna's hand.

Yeah. Parent a child traumatized bby with immortal dudes. A piece of cake.

At start they all like "ugh get it away we need to concentrate." Beacuse again, the other hunters aren't mean, they just thinks it's not the society or the place to raise a child.

They dosn't feel comfortable around the girl in the start. You can say it's mutual.

The girl stays close to Reyna (and Thalia at times). She has a habit of hiding behind their legs and peek at the others when she's afraid or nervous.

She still very careful. Encouraged by Reyna and Thalia she tries to come on the better side of the hunters. They also convince some hunters to give the girl a shot.

Many of them still very well reserved, but... they feel a little jealous by the shiny, huge smiles the little girl gives Reyna and Thalia.

They all just starting to be more friendly. Play in lyre for her, give her a fresh apple from a tall tree (She just gasps and looks admiringly at them)...you name it.

The hunters fighting over who will teach her archery. That's fun.

"You trained Sophia 100 years ago! Now it's my turn!"

"Stop acting like a baby! You--" "You're the baby! I'm 97 and you're just 56.I'm way more skilled!"

Eventually they agree to divide the responsibility of educating her between whomever want to teach her. So Reyna gets face to face combat, Thalia is responsible for the knowledge of tracking and self-defense (and the introduction to Rock music) .some other hunter teaches Math, antoher teaches her about nature and animals, etc.

The girl is latina. She also has pointy ears (not human? And the hunters have no idea whether she is a demigod or not.)

Reyna being Protective Mami™

Thalia joins.

Probably all the hunters ends up beings protective aunts who will secretly coo at her when she doesn't notice.

Awkward stories time!

Reyna telling her about the journeys of the the seven and also some inside-information about them.

When she first met Percy she asked if after he became a guinea pig he liked lettuce better, then pouted when he agreed (only because Thalia gave him the look). She made a deal with Thalia that if he did, she'll have to eat lettuce at dinner.

Her favorite of the seven is Frank. She loves his hugs after she grew familiar with him (it... takes time).

Both Thalia and Reyna tell her the stories of Jason, Thalia's brother, and Reyna's closest friend. The gratitude all he has done by passing on his life story to their beloved one, and to anyone willing to listen.

She also fascinated by Annabeth, but who isn't actually?

She heard so many stories of Camp half-blood from Thalia. About Camp Jupiter from Reyna. She also likes to call Percy "seaweed brain" but it's just the cutest and without any repulsion.

Her being friends with Estelle Blofis

They're building snowmen in winter, sand castles in summer, eating blue pancakes and cookies made by Sally Blofis together.

Estelle Is the first friend she makes who is in her age.

Piper and the little girl singing together is just the best?

All the hunters having heart attack from the cuteness.

The girl telling Reyna that even though Piper is a great singer she likes singing with Reyna the best. She wants to kill Reyna doesn't she

Leo showing her his gadgets (after Reyna make sure they're unexplosive)

She doesn't get to see Centaurus in her journeys with the hunters so she's so thrilled to meet Chiron. She asks for a ride and Chiron awkwardly agrees. It's offensive for Centaurus to "give a ride" to someone, but she's so polite and looks at him like all her dreams come true.

She says it's the best thing she's done in her life and all the hunters are very offended.

The hunters crushed CHB in Capture the Flag that visits. Revenge accomplished.

The best thing for Reyna and Thalia is to see how shiny and nice their kid is. She was so afraid and alone. Now she has the hunters and both camps. She's opening up, and it's more than they could have wished for her.

Yup. The hunters love their new "recruit".

A.N.

Yeah, I like this au. A lot. If you guys will like it I'd be glad to make more headcanons about this! All you need to do is let me know!

Wish you enjoyed this!

[deltacode]

The Nightmare Region

Prompt: Nightmare felt abandonment before. The first time with his brother four hundred years ago and now with his square. He shouldn't have become close to them. He knew that they would leave him once they were 'SAVE' by someone better than him. He saw the signs but didn't stop them. Maybe it was his foolish thinking or maybe he trusted them not to leave him too...He thought they knew how it felt to be alone...Killer was the first to leave, to Colour and Outer. Horror with Farm, Dust with Blue, Error with Ink out of all Sans. And finally, Cross with his own twin, always second best to his brother...Always second to everyone. He was alone and discarded twice now. He just wanted the multiverse to end but know he honestly had no reason to fight. He lost his soldiers, the increase of positive energy around the AUs was weakening him. He felt tired...he just wanted to disappear for goid. Forget about the war, the pain and sleep. He destroys the castle, his empire, his home for the last four hundred years. Then he goes into the void to sleep forever.

But something goes wrong, he wakes up alive and strong with so much negative energy. Running into another him who still had the gang. He watches and observe them...feeling more alone than before. Their relationship was more intimate than his own group. He finds himself watching them protecting each other, helping each other, comforting each other....even loving each other in passion tango within the bedrooms. Nothing new to him, he slept with Killer and Cross before but it was never about loving each other...it was only about pleasure and relief. He finds himself pretending to be the other Nightmare as he watches them, enjoying those passionate moments more then he should. He knows he shouldn't but he'd envy of his other self. It's like the multiverse cursing his very existence with this new more loveable Nightmare. He tries to leave before he becomes too attached but he'd done a stupid rookie mistake, he got sloppy from relaxing too much and gets caught by Killer. He bought into the other Nightmare's rank. 

This Nightmare calls himself, Ordeal, and the Dream of this universe was known as Morpheus. This multiverse is known as the Oneiros. Nightmare feels himself becoming attached to this new group of Bad Sanses even he'd being watched by them as a guest 'prisoner'. He knows he can't, the same will happen. He'd not Ordeal, they will leave him too. But they welcome him...comfort him...even offer him to join their poly...he refuses the temptation first. And refuses again for the second, third, fourth and fifth and sixth...His resolve to reject the offer becomes weaker as he stays with them longer.

He breaks down during the seventeenth time they ask him to join their poly. Killer kisses him tenderly as Ordeal hugs him, comforting him. He blacks out from all overload of emotions, finding himself in the large bed with the poly around him. He can't bring himself to leave the soft embrace of the group around him, at first. He still fears that they abandoned him too. His paranoid grows of how Ordeal wants him to lower his guard down, then strike him down to take his black apples. He also learns that Ordeal knew he was watching all this time. He was actually watching Nightmare since first arrive in this world, it was his domain just as his. That's why he didn't got thrown into the dungeon or treated badly. They knew he was there watching them....that explains why during the tango nights they would be facing his direction sometimes. He doesn't flush up from knowing that fact! He will deny until he dies.

Ending 1 (Bad ending) Nightmare accept the poly due his past and fears, leaves the Ordeal gang and returns his original world for one last battle, wanting to end it all. Nightmare is defeated and capture as Ordeal's gang searches for him, not knowing he's fate. (Captive Nightmare) This starts a new war between Nightmare's original multiverse and Ordeal's multiverse.

Ending 2 (Neutral Ending) Nightmare accepts the Poly. He starts to heal up and enjoy his time here before returning to his original multiverse. With Ordeal's gang following him to help retake some of his old AUs so he gains negative energy to survive on. He lives in Ordeal's castle as he does need a new base and the fact his broken castle has memories he rather not remember. (Nightmare strike back) Nightmare and Ordeal corrupt the AUs of the two multiverse. Feeding off all the negative energy, they take turns when leaving the castle. So no one but their lovers know there are two Nightmares running around. Morpheus does know about Nightmare and is very chill, unlike Dream. He was smart enough to know the humans were bullying his big brother. So there is balance in the Oneiros multiverse. Morpheus is dating Ink and Blue.

Ending 3 (Good ending) Nightmare accepts the Poly and stays in this new multiverse. Cutting his bond with his past multiverse to live here permanently. His brother feels his bond with Nightmare gone and starts searching for him. Only to find his destroyed castle in ruins. No clue where his brother has disappeared. (Searching for the Missing Nightmare) Dream searches for his brother with his old gang who reluctantly came. They run into Nightmare and sees him with his lovers or rather the new gang members attacking some poor AU. Pretty much telling the old members he replaces them like how they replace him for something better.

----

Notes about the Oneiros AU: Nightmare is call Ordeal, Killer is call Slayer, Dust is call Ashe, Horror is Tyke, Error is Virhe and Cross is Crux. Dream is call Morpheus, Blue is Blua and Ink is Wino. There is balance in the Oneiros multiverse. Morpheus is dating Blua and Wino, poly Star Sanses.  There is no children in the poly yet.

----  If you wish to write about my au, I don’t mind at all. Just give me credit. Now I’m off to draw these sinful fluff bone heads design.

[xazz]

Moth Wings 3

Pairing: AltMal, Altair+Desmond Rating: Explicit Tags: vampires, romance, servant AU, music AU, fluff, angst, flangst Status: WIP

Happy Halloween! What’s better than an update to some vampires to celebrate?! And we get Malik. Finally. Here to be a charming vampire, what’s not to like? If you want to read them making out already you can sub to my patreon, where they’re already together (check out my blog main page) otherwise it’ll be a bit.

--

Desmond was two. 

He was finally learning to walk. He looked like he should have been able to from birth but it still took a while to get it.

It was Altair’s nightmare.

Now he could wander. Or fall. Or bump into things. Or climb something.

Altair sometimes woke up in the middle of the day in a cold sweat after finding Desmond at the bottom of the stairs in the castle in his stress nightmares.

He wasn’t speaking yet though, despite Altair’s efforts. The master wasn’t upset about it but the mistress was. She kept telling Altair he needed to try harder. Altair didn’t know what else to do. He talked to Desmond all the time, asked him questions, engaged him in what they did during the night.

Altair was heading for bed one night. He’d put Desmond to sleep before the sun rose and he would sleep all day without issue. The master was waiting by his closet. He put his eyes down. “Master, did you need something?”

“Yes. We are having a guest arrive today. Before sunset. I require you to meet them in the light and have his attendants bring his sarcophagus to one of the empty chambers here in the castle.”

Altair half looked up, confused. He looked into the master’s chest. “A guest?” he asked.

“Yes. An old associate of mine. This is an important task, understand?”

“Yes, master. Do… do you need me to stay awake all day to wait for them?”

“He won’t arrive until late in the day. And it is important you are rested to care for Desmond. So rest, but not so deeply you don’t wake before dusk.”

“Yes, master,” Altair bowed. He didn’t straighten until the master was gone and went to his own chambers elsewhere in the castle.

He got ready for bed but slept poorly, knowing he needed to wake early. He woke well before dusk, going out to the castle steps and sitting, waiting. The sky was slowly turning orange and pink and Altair drifted in and out of a dozing state after his bad sleep. 

He started awake as he heard the sound of hooves on the path leading up the castle and scrambled to his feet. He waited. He shook his head, sure he was dreaming at what was coming up the path. It was a carriage being pulled by...vertically black and white striped horses. Four of them, pulling a black carriage being manned by two drivers and he could see three men hanging off the back as well.

The carriage came around the drive and stopped in front of the stairs. “Hail,” one of the drivers called.

“Hail,” Altair lifted a hand, staring at the striped horses. “I take it you’re the guest we’re expecting.”

“Yes,” the driver got down. “His majestic Malik ibn-Selim el-Jama al-Sayf of the Sunfaire Abode.”

“Oh,” that meant nothing to Altair. “The master is sleeping currently. I’m to show you where to bring the sarcophagus.”

“Very good,” and then he spoke another tongue to the others and the three men got off the back of the carriage. They were huge dark skinned men with wide shoulders and biceps as large as Altair’s torso. They opened the back of the carriage, talking to each other. The second driver joined them and he was as big as the men in the back. They dragged a sarcophagus halfway out of the carriage and then they hoisted the wooden box up onto their shoulders. The first driver looked back at Altair, “Lead the way then,” he said.

Altair was so stunned he couldn’t move for a moment and then he nodded. “Yes. Yes come follow me,” he beckoned. They followed him, climbing the stairs as Altair quickly opened the front door for them. “I assume your master is sleeping as well?” he asked the driver.

“Yes. We’ve been trying to make the going as easy as possible,” he said.

“This way,” and he led them down the hallway to where there were empty rooms, close to Desmond’s room too. He opened a few doors into empty rooms to find the nicest one and motioned the pallbearers inside. They went in and laid the sarcophagus down gently. They spoke to each other in the language Altair didn’t know briefly and one undid a few latches on the box and then they all filed back out.

“And where may we put the zebras? And where are we staying?” the driver asked.

“There’s a stable around the side. And… I don’t know where you will be staying. Your master will have to arrange that with mine.”

“Hmmm, very well.” More unknown words were spoken and then they all leff, leaving Altair alone in the hallway. Did he go after them? No. That didn’t seem right. He wasn’t needed to help them. 

While he’d been waiting for their guest it had gotten dark out. Desmond would be waking soon and Altair hadn’t eaten yet. He quickly went to the kitchen to grab something for breakfast before making his way back to Desmond’s room. As he was, eating the cheese and meat stuffed bun, a door opened. Altair froze when a figure he didn’t recognize stepped out from the room. He quickly looked down, realizing it was the master’s guest.

“That was the worst day’s sleep I’ve had in centuries,” he heard the vampire grumble. “You there,” his voice was directed towards him.

“Yes, sir?” he kept his eyes down and put the bun behind his back even as the vampire’s shoes came into his sight on the floor.

“You are the help here?”

“In a way, sir,” he said. “I look after young master Desmond.”

“Ah, yes, of course. I assume I’m too early for breakfast then?”

“The sun set a moment ago, sir. The rest of the coven has yet to wake.”

“I see-- would you look up? Didn’t William teach his help to look at who they speak to,” he sounded annoyed.

Altair would rather look than make a vampire angry. He looked up at Malik. “He prefers I keep my eyes down,” he said truthfully.

Malik rolled his eyes and muttered under his breath that while he couldn’t understand did sound a lot like ‘of course he does’ in an annoyed way. He wasn’t like the other members of the coven. Malik was fairly dark skinned for a vampire with a thick head of black hair that was messed from sleeping but not so unruly he couldn’t comb it back with his fingers. Like the others he had pure black eyes but they didn’t seem as sharp. Maybe it was because of the black painted lines around the edges even if they were a bit smudged. It took Altair a moment to recognize it. He’d only ever seen ladies wear eye makeup before. “Well you can show me where the dining room is then, yes? I can wait for them.”

“Of course, sir,” Altair nodded and turned on a heel and headed for the dining room. “The kitchen is down through there if you don’t want to wait,” he pointed at the stairwell leading down when he brought the vampire to the dining room.

“I shall be a courteous guest and wait,” the vampire said and sat.

“Very good, sir. If you’d excuse me,” he bowed.

“Where are you going?”

Altair paused before he left. “I’m going to get young master Desmond.” He was looking at the table, not at the new vampire.

“Silly me, of course. My sleep made me forgetful. Off you go,” and Altair retreated, stuffing the rest of the bun into his mouth on his way back.

Desmond was groggy and whiny when Altair picked him up from his bed. “Come now, Des, its time for breakfast,” he bounced the boy gently to wake him up. The little vampire yawned and behind him his weak wings fluttered and closed against his back again. “Yes yes, very cute, but it’s time to wake up.”

He got Desmond dressed and made sure he was awake before taking him to the dining room. Some other members of the coven were already there, talking with Malik. Altair just sat in a chair at the far end of the table with the baby quietly. He was only allowed to do this until the Matron came for meals and took Desmond away, then he was to go away until the meal was over.

Desmond was more awake now and did not want to be in Altair’s lap. So he let him stand next to the table and he bounced up and down to see over it before climbing into the chair next to Altair and standing on it to get a view of the dining room. Altair kept a hand near his back in case he needed to catch him. He could walk but not very well and sometimes still fell onto his butt or knees. When they were alone it was fine but here? As more of the coven was coming in for breakfast? If the child fell he’d be done for.

Eventually the Matron came to breakfast. She cooed at Desmond as she picked him up from the chair, ignoring Altair entirely. He slid off the chair as some went to go get a fresh meal for the rest of the coven. He waited outside the dining room for meal to be over and took Desmond when the Matron left the dining room.

Back in Desmond’s room Altair tried, unsuccessfully, to engage Demond in talking. He’d read Desmond a thousand books and sang him songs and talked about musical instruments and theory and anything to encourage the boy to speak. To at least want to tell Altair to do it again. Even just to say Altair’s name. Or call his mother. But like all the other days it didn’t happen and Altair ended up laid on the rug in annoyance watching Desmond scribble with colored crayon on scrap paper. He did love to draw at least. And he loved when Altair sang to him. Even if Altair was not a good singer. Sometimes he even made noises like he was singing along with Altair, little squeaks and beeps of noise.

Maybe that was something.

When the sun rose he put Desmond to bed and went down to the town. He was the master’s servant but he wasn’t a captive. They’d just made it very clear if he left and never returned they would hunt him down and kill him. So long as he came back.

His father’s workshop was attached to his family home. He’d been training to make violins from his father when he’d been volunteered. His father had always been an early riser and Altair wasn’t surprised to find him there, stringing bows with cat gut and waxing them flat. Umar was surprised to see him. “Altair, what are you doing here?”

“Hello to you too,” Altair said tiredly.

Umar was chastised, “Hello, son. What brings you here? Had enough of the castle life?” it was a minor tease but went right to Altair’s gut. Did they think he was pampered up there or something? Surely they had to realize he wasn’t a guest in the home of a vampire. He didn’t say anything about that. He just ignored the question entirely.

“May I have one of the violins?”

“Huh?” Umar was confused.

“I’ve told you I’m looking after the master’s son,” he said. Umar nodded. “He’s old enough to start talking but he isn’t. The masters are getting... increasingly upset about this. I can’t figure out a way to get him to talk.”

“Some children just take time,” Umar said gently.

“I know that. But that isn’t good enough for my masters, father,” Altair sighed. “But he makes noises when I sing to him, like he wants to sing along. I thought maybe music would get the words out?”

“Ah,” Umar nodded sagely. “Yes. We’ve had a few kids start talking to sing along with a fiddle player,” he agreed. “You’re, of course, welcome to whichever you wish,” he motioned to the workshop. There were only a few completed violins hanging on the wall, their wooden bodies shiny and beautiful. 

“Thank you.”

“Though I should make you make your own,” Umar chuckled.

Altair sighed. “I only wish, father,” he said earnestly. “I hope I get to return and finish learning,” before he died. That was left unsaid. Umar was not a young man. He and Altair’s mother had had Altair late, which was why she wasn’t here for him. Umar had raised Altair alone, their only child.

“I’m sure you will. It’s just until that brat is older yes?”

“Yes. The master promised once Desmond was half grown I could return back down here to the mountain.”

“Well that isn’t too bad. You’re young. A decade won’t feel like that long.”

“I suppose,” Altair sighed. “Let me pick one and get back. I still haven’t been to sleep yet.” Umar left him to select one of the violins. 

He picked a brightly polished one and tested it under his chin. It felt familiar and filled him with nostalgia. He tested the strings and even untuned, the strings loose, the sound it made was rich and melodic and Altair was satisfied. He put it, two bows and extra catgut and wax into a lined case. “Thank you, dad,” he said as he clipped the case closed.

“Of course, my boy. Whatever you need,” Umar said.

“I’ll try and visit again.”

“It’s alright. I know we run on opposite schedules now. Don’t feel you need to risk your sleep for me. I know you’ll be back.”

“Thank you,” Altair bowed a little before heading back to the castle.

[plutoandpolaris]

Fantasy AU: Reconditioning

After the events of The Oracle, Marvin meets face to face with the King for the first time, only to find that he is the only one who survived the attack on his home.

(For those unaware, The Oracle is a story I wrote for Dark Puppetry, and can also be found in my channel in the JSE Writer’s Discord, which @egopocalypse runs. It’s not really necessary to understand this fic, however.)

Warnings: Blood and death mention, imprisonment, starvation/dehydration, manipulation, mind control.

Never had he thought he’d prefer the flames of the stake, but after spending a hellish eternity in the suffocating darkness of the castle’s dungeon, he’d do anything to once again feel warmth on his skin. For all he knew, he might not have even been in a dungeon. Maybe it was a tower, or maybe he was already dead and this was the punishment he’d earned for being a ‘wicked sorcerer.’ He’d marked out the size of his cell, running his hands along the walls until he’d mapped a small four by four foot square. He never could reach the ceiling, and by the cold draft that blew in throughw the cracks in the mortar, he could only assume it was somewhere high above him. There was no cell door, not that he could feel, only the same coarse walls penning him in on all sides.

Every so often food appeared in the center of the room, usually bread or hard tack, water accompanying it once every other day. The first day the water came he’d accidentally knocked over the pitcher while fumbling in the darkness and had to wait another two days to get water again. He thought he should’ve died from that alone, but it seemed obvious that while whoever was keeping him here had a vested interest in keeping him alive, they were not in the market of making it comfortable.

He’d expected to be put in the same kind of magic suppressing binds the Vitralians used to stop their captives from escaping, but he was subjected to no such thing. They seemed to enjoy watching him sit, throwing every single spell he knew at the cell walls to no avail. He’d tried pulling the bricks apart with telekinesis, teleporting himself outside the cell, various curses and hexes to make the walls crumble, but they just absorbed it all like nothing had even happened.

Eventually he stopped trying, spending his days curled fitfully in a corner, trying to sleep. It didn’t come easy, and even when he did manage to drift off, he was immediately startled awake again by the nightmares. The attack on his temple had taught him to take his dreams seriously, but he had no idea what his were supposed to mean. Vague shadows, unintelligible whispers, a clawed hand wrapped tight around his throat. The strangest of all, however, was how each ended: A man in leather armor, knelt in a battle torn field, a single red lilly cradled gently in his hands. The man’s face was always shadowed, slightly distorted, each feature blurred just enough to make identifying him impossible.

Then one day, a light shone into his cell and he screamed.

After so long in complete darkness, the soft beam of lantern light sent his eyes ablaze with a burning pain. He screwed them shut, shuffling backwards until his back hit the wall. He could hear the heavy footsteps as they entered his cell, a rough hand clamping down around his arm and yanking him up, half leading, half dragging him away. He tried to keep track of where he was going, memorize the castle’s layout in preparation for an escape, but the light still burned his eyes every time he tried to pry them open, making the efforts ultimately futile.

They climbed a few flights of stairs, heading down a narrow passage and into an adjacent corridor. Only then did he finally manage to crack his eyes open slightly, peering around the space. It was a long straight hallway, heavy curtains pulled tight on every window, each door shut and locked. The paintings on the walls were nearly indistinguishable in the darkness, but he could feel several sets of eyes on him the farther they walked. The smell was sickly sweet, a mixture of dead flowers and something sharper. His stomach roiled, although that could’ve just been the starvation talking.

They stopped at one of the doors for just a moment before he was unceremoniously thrown inside, the door shut tightly behind him.

This room was also pitch black, but for once Marvin relished in it. At least now he could open his eyes without pain. Open them he did, scanning the room as well as he could as dark shapes blurred in and out of his vision. He couldn’t make out anything concrete save for the twin pinpricks of green light glowering at him in the darkness.

He didn’t realize they were eyes until they blinked.

The realization sent him scrambling back, reaching for the door, only to realize that it had disappeared. A low, amused chuckle reverberated through the room, vibrating in his bones.

“͟L͏ea̡v̵ing̢ ͜so͜ s͏o҉oǹ ar̶e we͞? ̴Pit҉y̶.”

His blood froze in his veins at the voice, hand trembling as it fell silently away from the empty wall where the doorknob once was. He could hear heavy footsteps making their way toward him, ceasing with a light thud as whoever was with him took a seat. A match sizzled, lighting up the room for a moment before it was placed in a nearby oil lamp.

Sitting before him was the King of the Black Forest, a sly smile on his face and a small black blade held delicately in his hands.

Marvin wasn’t very familiar with demons, not really. They didn’t leave their island very often, especially not after the war. Even with the rematch primed and ready, he’d never actually seen one in person.

He’d expected them to be taller, somehow.

The King was crouched down low in his chair like a snake poised to strike, the room filling with a soft tinkling as his many rings tapped against the metal of the blade, enunciating the silence.

A silver serpent coiled around his left thumb, the shining metal glittering in the lantern light.

He was small, wiry, all long limbs and sharp bones. But in the long shadows cast by the dim lights, green eyes roiling with a carefully tempered, steel sharp rage, Marvin could believe all the stories he’d been told without question.

“D͏o̕ y̧ou̶ kn͞ơw̶ w̨h̀ý y҉o͞u aré h͞ere, ̸M̶ar͝v̡in?̢ Ẃh̴y I͡ ͠ha͟d͝ ͘you̸ ͜l҉if̵t̸ed̶ ͞f͟r̢o͞m̴ ͏p̴e̢rdi̛t̶ion?͜” ͡

The temple massacre flashed through his mind, his friends and family stuck like pigs or carted off to be burned. Why had he been saved?

“What happened to the rest of them?!” Marvin demanded, pulling himself to his feet and staring defiantly into the King’s bemused expression, ignoring the terror pooling in his chest.

The other paused, pulling a small cord from his tunic pocket and tossing it on the ground in between them.

It was one of the belts the temple priests used to wear to services, near unraveling, charred black at the ends.

“͘Ev͝er̢y ͟last͟ o̢ne o̸f ̷t̨hem̷, ̀de͢ad.̵” ̛

Deep down, Marvin knew no one else had survived. But he’d held on to the hope that maybe someone had gotten away, appeased the Vitralian quartermasters and was spared, something.

He took a tentative step forward, picking up the cord in his shaking hands and holding it into the light.

“Why me? Why?! There were children, expecting mothers, good people, and you chose me?”

Y҉ou ̧h͝ave͞ so͞m̸et͢hi̛ng̸ ͠th́e o͟t̨her̴s ̸d̴id no̢t͜.͏ A͡ ̀gi͝fţ. D̕i̧vi̷nat͜i̸on,͡ p̕rop̀h̵ecy҉. Th͞is͝ ́m̨ak͞es̕ y͡o͢u us̀efu͞l̶ ҉t҉o͝ m͜e.”́ ̴

Marvin’s eyes widened. He’d had prophetic dreams since he was young, but they’d never been good for much of anything. He couldn’t control when he’d have them or decipher what they meant until it was too late.

He shook his head loosely, dumbfounded.

H̵ave you ̵e̴v̀e͟r ̴f͢elt ̡a͘b͜a͜nd̴òned, M͞a̴r͘vi̧n? By ͏y҉our̷ fam͢íl̨y, p̛erha̵ps͏?̵ ҉O̷r͏ ev̷e҉n the ̵h͡e̸a̸v̶e͡ns t̵he҉m͝s̡e͡lve̴s?” ͜

The King stood from his chair, blade held loosely in his hand, fingertips ghosting over the razor sharp edge.

“T̛he ̴gód͜s̛ ̕are i҉nhe̷rent͟lỳ sel̶f͞ish c̛re̵a̕tures͜, ̀wa͏tc͝h́ing҉ théįr m̴ewl̢iņg ̛wo̷r̨shippérs d̀ie b͜y th̸e ̀thous̛ánds̢, ́their̛ h͠and̶s dr̛en̸ch̢ed͠ in҉ ͢t͘h́e̛ ͞blo͜o͜d̸ of̕ ̕a̶ll͞ ́t̷ho͟şȩ wh̡o̢ called ͟o͡u͏t for h̷eĺp but͝ we͟re ca̡sţ a͢w̛a͘y.̴”

He crouched in front of Marvin, cocking his head to the side almost sympathetically.

“B̷ut ̢I͜ ͡am̴ şo̷ ͢m̶u͢c͝h͘ mor̀e͢ ̴th̷an a ̀g̴od͟, an҉d̢ ̕Ì ͝c̵an̨ giv̧e̛ y̷ou҉ ̶ever̸y̵t͞h͠i̢n̸g͠ ͘you’ve e̡ve͘r w̡an͘t̸ed.͟”͜ ͠

The King’s eyes were much worse up close. Irises dipped in poison, the black scleras so reflective Marvin could see his own terrified face in them.

“All I want is my family back.” he said, voice shaking, back pressed as close to the wall as he could get it. It wasn’t far enough.

“Is̷ th́a͡t̷ rea̛l͟ly w̵hat yo͞u ͡w҉ant?͜ B̕ecaus͡e ̨I ҉c̛ąn ́s͘e͡e͡ ̴t͡he̶ d̶e̛sir͡e͡s ́of y̴o͟u͜r̕ hea͘rt̛,͏ Ḿąr̨v̢in. I kn̶ow ̵the ͞ánge̛ŗ th́a͘t̀ plag͏u̴es ̛y̢o҉u.”͝

The King leaned forward even further, ghosting the tip of his blade against Marvin’s heaving sternum.

He didn’t want revenge, never had. It one of the five tenets of mysticism: Revenge is a fruitless endeavor and a waste of magic. Never let hatred sully your heart.

He’d had to memorize all of them to become an apprentice magician in the temple. Yet the more the King talked, the more his words began to make sense.

Anger coiled tight around his bones, pooling in his chest and dripping down into the pit of his stomach. Marvin could feel the slight echo to the King’s words, pounding with every beat of his heart, and the thought that he working some sort of suggestion spell crossed Marvin’s mind.

He mentally pushed back against it, but it was the equivalent of swimming against a swift ocean pulling you out to sea. He’d never seen anything like it.

With most suggestion magic, once you recognize that someone’s trying to influence you, you can push back and dismantle the spell without much trouble. This, however, was something much different. It blew past the protective wards in his head without even slowing down, speaking in a voice that sounded so much like his own, flooding into his thoughts like an infectious disease.

Why would he need his family back if he could have every single Vitralian quartermaster burned in the dirt like he had been. He’d do it himself, watching as the flesh burned off their bones and pooled into a puddle of fat and blood at his feet. He’d set their whole damned capitol city ablaze, watching as their famous marble towers toppled one by one.

Marvin shook his head as hard as he could, attempting to dislodge the false thoughts from his mind. He could feel the King’s eyes on him, watching in tempered delight as the young magician fought against his influence.

Every time Marvin pushed back, more cropped up somewhere else. It was less of a suggestion spell and more of an order, taking over his thoughts one by one until he didn’t have anything left to fight with. He was burning through his magic reserves quickly, the effort boiling in his veins.

“A͢nd I҉’d͏ ͟le̸t you ̵do ̛th̀e hǫno̴rs to҉ò,” The King said, watching him struggle, a sharp toothed grin stretching across his face. “All ̶you ̡have͜ ̸t͠ơ ̨do i̡ş joiǹ t͢he ͠w͏i͠n̕n͝in̢g̸ si͟d̡e in̶ t̴h͏is͝ litt̨l͜e s͞qu͜ab͜b̵le ̛of o͘urs.̧”͝

W̨i̸tḩ ̸y̷o̡u͏, ̶we’ļl ͝b͡e ̸t̷w͡o ̧s̛t̀eps̕ ahe͞ad. W̡h́en my ̶ar̨mi̴es ręduc̛e̶ ͠their ̨pìti̕fu͟l͠ cìt̛ies ͠t̸ò ̛du̢s͠t̷, y̶o҉ù’͞l̀ĺ ͝ha̕v̵e t̕he ͝Ki҉n͝g҉’̶s̀ ̢qua͢rt͜e͏rm̕a̴s͠te̢r͟s͝ to ̶d̴o͏ ͠wit̵h ̶as͘ you͢ ҉wi҉s͟h.”

He leaned back on his heels, watching as Marvin slumped back against the wall, his reserves spent, all resistance shredded in a matter of minutes. It was working.

Anti could see the anger as it settled into his eyes, turning the blue cold and tempered, sharp as steel. The suggestions had been ludicrously easy, as he’d expected. Inspiring hatred was simple, all you had to do was amplify what was already there. No one was without anger, no heart left pure. All he had to do was find the spark and nurture it into a flame.

It wouldn’t last forever, of course. No spell does, not really. Marvin would begin to doubt himself, become terrified at the malice that had seeped into his thoughts. But Anti could wait. Sure, it would clash with Marvin’s morality at first, but every moral compass could be tampered with if you had enough time.

For a power as useful as divination, Anti could wait.

I’́d̵ e̶ve͘n ̀g̕i͞ve y̶o̸u ̛the͏ one̕ th̵at҉ o͏rde̛red t͏ḩe ̕de͘s̡tŕu̕c̡t̛ìón ̧of yo͟u͞r temp̨l͡e̛ ̢to be͢gi̛n wit̀ḩ.̴ Matthiu̵s Org̀arḑ,̛ t͝h̶e ̵Vi̡t͘r̨al͢ia̛n ̶a̵rm͝y͢’s favor͝i̷t̶e l҉i̶t͟tl̷e ̕at͏t̀a̷ck͏ d̀og.͞”͏ ͠

He stood, extending out a hand expectantly, watching with veiled glee as Marvin took it without hesitation.

Anti pulled him up, stumbling backwards slightly as Marvin immediately collapsed back onto the ground, banging his knees off the floor and coughing deep within his throat.

“͏W̛ore ͠y͢ours͞el͏f ̧o҉u͘t҉,͡ did̷ ̛yo͜u?” Anti said, letting out a long sigh, crouching back down to be level with the magicians nearly unconscious, heaving form. “This ͏co̢ul̵d ̀all ͞ha̵ve͏ ͘b̧ee̴n a͏v҉o̕i̸ded ͜i̧f͟ ͜yòu̕ ̢wou̷ld ̴jus̀t҉ st͟op̨ ͜f̨i̛g̢htin̡g me.”

Just another little suggestion spell for good measure. Couldn’t hurt.

Without Marvin actively pushing back against him, the suggestion seeped into his head without any resistance whatsoever. Anti could iron out all the little details later. For now, he had one of the world's most powerful diviners wrapped around his finger, and that was as good a start as any.

-

This was supposed to be a quick little backstory thing but n o it took me two months to write.

(Taglist)

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[altean-plance-au]

Loose Ends (Part 1)

Continuing from the New Assignment series. This time: a lot of protecting happens and the title refers to the author finally posting something after what seems like forever. Also Keith finally makes his appearance in the AU.

Featuring a scene from this piece by @honestlyprettychill (AdminChilly)

Admin Hush ( @hushman) will provide part 2 in the coming days.

~~~~~~~~

The next time he and Pidge found a trail of shattered Balmeran crystals, he would take the wiser route and alert the Castle first before following it, Lance decided sorely.

Had he done so the first time, they might have been able to avoid this situation.

Heavy footsteps announced a new arrival, interrupting the eerie quiet of the dark room. Lance’s ears twitched, eyes closed to feign sleep and aide his concentration.

It was not armored boots, he knew what those sounded like better than back of his hand. The sound was more akin to softer shoes, like those nobles would wear.

Their host was finally going to introduce himself then.

Lance maneuvered his bound wrists the best he could behind his back, reaching out with the tips of his fingers as far as they could go. They sifted through a sea of crinkly material, the name of which rested on the tip of his tongue. He couldn’t see it, only able to turn his head to see a portion of what was over his shoulder. Even that was a difficult task between the darkness of the room and a taut rope keeping him tight against the back of the chair.

His hands finally made contact with flesh - another pair of hands - and he squeezed them.

“We’re about to have a visitor,” Lance told Pidge. “Stay alert.”

A squeeze back was all the response he received before the door opened and the room flooded with bright light. Lance winced and turned away, closing his eyes at the sensory overload.

“When my men told me I had some unscrupulous visitors, I hardly believed that the honorary princess was one of them,” the voice said with disgust. Lance recognized it immediately, but Pidge beat him to the punch.

“Duke Elor,” she said distastefully. Lance felt her body tense where their backs touched. “I should have known you were behind the drones. What are you planning to do with all these Balmeran crystals?”

Lance opened his eyes once more and turned his head to observe the duke. His gaze was drawn to what the only man held; his broadsword. The one King Alfor had given him upon becoming a Castle guard.

A part of him wanted to be very angry at the irreverence by which the duke held the special weapon. The luxury to do so was not afforded to him.

A very bad situation had just turned into a bodyguard’s worst nightmare. Helpless to protect his charge in the first place, Duke Elor had never been shy about his dislike of the Holt siblings. Although both families were equally distant cousins of the crown, Pidge and her brother had been granted the titles of princess and prince by virtue of their father’s valued scientific and military council.

Elor was perhaps understandably jealous, but Lance had never pegged him to go this far.

“Is it wrongful to do business in the trading of Balmeran crystals in peace and quiet?” he asked airily. “The drones are not mine," his voice carried in annoyance. "The trail which led the two of you here was an oversight which I have personally seen to the correction of.”

“It is illegal if you have them infused with additives,” Pidge accused. “For good reason. They’re a power source themselves, too dangerous to be mixed with any other energy.”

“A growing necessity in a demanding economy and viewpoint which our beloved king does not share,” Elor said condescendingly. “And because we do not see eye to eye, the two of you will remain here while I deliver this to my client.”

“You won’t get away with this,” Pidge growled. “King Alfor will find out about this.”

“Perhaps eventually, after I am long gone off planet,” he said coolly.

Lance scoffed, and grinned in confidence. “There’s no way you’ll get past space port security. They’ll be all over you before you can even break the atmosphere.”

His grin vanished as Elor’s mouth morphed into an unkind smile. “It is a good thing you both are here to provide a distraction, then.”

Reaching into his pocket, Elor produced a flare and lit it with the flick of his fingers.

The room illuminated and fear gripped Lance fast. The room in which they were being held was storage for mounds of dried juniberry and other tea leaves. Tied tightly to the chair, Lance hadn’t been able to feel the leaves through his armor, even though they piled up to his chest.

Leaves dry enough to catch fire with even the smallest spark.

Like the flare Elor had just lit.

“I thank you that your final act in life will be to my assistance.” He placed Lance's broadsword up against the wall next to the door. “I can at least afford you the luxury of perishing with your weapon. Farewell, children.”

“Wait, Duke Elor don’t - !”

The Duke dropped the flare to the floor and both captives gasped in fear as the leaves burst into flame, spreading quickly all around them.

“Do not feel as if you’ve failed your duties, Lieutenant,” the duke said as he stepped backwards out of the room. “Think of yourself as here to guard Miss Holt in the afterlife.”

The door locked shut with deadly finality. Darkness returned but for what the fire illuminated. To Lance’s dismay, it had already engulfed a whole quarter of the room.

“If you have something clever up your sleeve,” he said in panic, “now would be the time!”

Pidge wiggled her wrists furiously. “Don’t you think I’m trying?! The leaves are so far gone I can barely feel a pulse. You’ve got water magic, put it out before it gets to us!”

Lance went rigid, shrieking as his toes begin to get too warm for his liking and a soft glow appeared just before him. “I can’t move my hands. Even if I could there’s no water here!” Desperately, he blew hard towards the flame, hoping to hold it back.

“Stop it, you’re going to make it worse! Just - just give me a minute!” Pidge yelled. Though her words were sharp, Lance could hear the fear in her voice.

Lance gave her silence and felt the familiar warmth of her magic fill the space immediately around them. While normally it gave him good feelings, the encroaching threat and the increasingly unbearable heat on his legs made it difficult.

Pidge coughed and Lance found himself doing the same after inhaling smoke. Was this really how he was going to meet his end? The worst bodyguard ever? Never to see his family again - let alone if they would ever find out what really happened to him.

Maybe now was the time to tell Pidge about his budding feelings for her. The timing was awful, but it was the one regret he could fix right now - for better or for worse.

“Pidge,” he began, “there’s something I need to - “

A leaf cut across his cheek as sharp as any sword. More of them circled and cut the rope that kept him tied down. In a flurry, even more leaves pushed out away from him, reducing the agony of the fire.

Lance looked up in wonder. The words he had intended to say taken from his mouth, leaving him to gape like a fish at the sight. Leaves swirled around the both of them until the floor beneath was bare, making them the center of a vortex of leaf and flame.

The ropes no longer restrain him and Pidge’s labored breath snaps him out of his awe.

“Pidge!” he jumped out of his chair and ran around to face his charge, kneeling to get a better look at her face. She sat in deep concentration, also now unbound. Sweat fell from her temples and her breathing became increasingly strained. Pidge rarely used this much volume of flora in practice, but the amount of energy Lance knew she was using due to the near-dead leaves was overwhelming her.

“Pidge, it’s time to go. I’ll carry you, we’ll make a break for the door,” he prodded.

Pidge did not respond, her head bowed and brows creasing with strain. Her face was more pale than usual.

She wasn’t going to be able to hold the firestorm in place for long anyway.

It was his turn to come up with a solution then.

Lance called upon his magic and with great care not to disturb Pidge, took her sweat and gathered it into as big a ball as he could.

He used the knowledge from one of Pidge’s lessons and infused his own energy into the small sphere. It grew in volume, bolstered by Lance’s magic. Standing, and stepping backwards, he balanced the precious water between his palms. Then very carefully he maneuvered it into the firestorm that surrounded them. The water mixed in with the fire and it slowly began to sizzle out bit by bit, leaving only a tornado of tea leaves.

A moan from behind alerted Lance that Pidge could not last any longer. She fell into his arms and the leaves dropped at the same time. The fire had not been extinguished, but their powers had bought them time.

"Let's get out of here, Pidge. Hold onto me tight." He took her arm and slung it over his own shoulder, carrying her towards the door.

Pidge groaned and her eyelids fluttered. "I've got the door. Stand back."

She raised her arm and Lance saw what she was going for. He supported her arm and activated the computer on her wrist cuff for her once it was aimed at the door's control panel. In just a few tics it opened without a problem.

"Nice job, Pidge," Lance said. Pride for his friend filled him. "You never cease to amaze me."

"Save it for later," Pidge said as she flopped her head into Lance's side. "We need to get out of here and warn the Castle. Duke Elor is still out there."

Lance dutifully helped her outside, a fond feeling rising in his chest. "Let's get you to a safe place and we'll do just that. I have to do my job right once today," he quipped. He accompanied it with a forced chuckle.

Pidge didn't respond. Lance frowned, a serious demeanor falling over him. He collected his sword and sheathed it with his free hand.

He almost failed today. He wouldn't let it happen again.

~~~~

Pidge woke rejuvenated. Aside from a post-wake up haze, her body felt energized and ready. Her legs felt slightly damp. She opened her eyes to see Lance sitting up next to her, their backs against a tree. The morning dew still clung to the grass underfoot.

Not just any tree, she realized, the Father Tree. Pidge sighed in relief. She couldn’t think of any safer place for them to be right now save the throne room. Even though her relationship with the Tree was still tenuous, she knew permission was there to draw upon some of the Tree's smaller branches.

She still needed to fully earn its trust.

"I'm glad you're awake," Lance said in relief. "How are you feeling?"

"Much better," she said. "I think the Father Tree did me a favor and replenished my magic. Did you call for help?"

Lance nodded. "Shiro has some guards on the way. I told them where we're at." He paused and tears formed around his eyes. Without warning, he grabbed her into a tight hug. "I was so worried for you. Here you are, saving me when I'm supposed to be your bodyguard."

Once over the initial surprise, Pidge returned the hug softly. Something about Lance was so earnest and warm and it infected her with ease. It may have been cliche to think she was safe in his arms. "You brought me here. There was no way I could have gotten out of there alone. You more than did your job. We're a team remember? That was our deal from day one."

Lance chuckled, tears evident in his relief. "You're right. I'm just... so thankful you're okay. And not just because you're my boss. It's because you're my friend and you mean so much mo - "

"This is all very quaint, and rather annoying."

Pidge gasped and broke from the hug. Focused on what Lance had been about to say, she hadn't been paying attention to her surroundings. Inexplicably, Duke Elor stood before them. Two guards of his own aimed blasters menacingly towards her and Lance.

"How - how did you find us?" Pidge exclaimed angrily.

"I'm just as frustrated as you, young lady," Elor chided. "Here I am awaiting my ride only to discover that the two of you have pulled off the impossible and escaped. That building should be in ruins by now."

Lance shifted to his knees, sword between her and them. “We aren’t that easy to kill,” he said. Pidge couldn’t recall the last time he had sounded this devoid of all humor.

This situation scared him, she realized. Same as it did her.

“Careful with your choice of words, Lieutenant. I might take that as a challenge.”

Wind whipped up around the area, causing leaves and branches of all kinds to whirl about indiscriminately. Pidge shielded her face, but did not miss the shuttle that landed on the beach just yards away.

“Be obedient children this time and stay put for your death.”

The trees trembled in the presence of newcomers. It was Pidges only warning and she realized with a gasp that more enemies were inbound from the ship.

“Lance, above you!”

Lance raised the sword above him not a tic too soon. It clashed with a shorter blade descending from the trees. Lance grunted and heaved, forcing the assassin to land a good distance away and unable to complete the blow that had been intended for her.

The assassin was masked in purples and blacks, a sign of Galra make.

A greater fear than death took her. Pidge turned the fear to anger, directed at Elor. “We have been at peace with Daibaazal for centuries. Now you bring assassins and risk it all? For profit?!”

Elor did not react, placing his hands behind his back in proper posture. “We all must do what we can my dear child. Peace is simply bad for business.”

Lance stood to face the Galra assassin, practically snarling with his sword at his side ready to go. Pidge dug into her magic reservoirs, hidden behind Lance for the element of surprise.

Sweat dripped down her face as Pidge's brain fought for a solution. Now the situation had turned impossible. If they were killed by a Galra blade, Altea would go up in arms. If they killed a Galra, even provoked, Zarkon would go to war.

Lance understood this as well as she did. He held his ground, grip visibly tightening around the hilt of his sword.

Elor turned up to the trees on his left, smile savage. “Kill the princess,” he ordered.

“Don’t you touch her!” Lance yelled, and launched himself at Elor.

Elor’s personal guards fired their blasters. Facial markings glowing bright and magic concentration in the palm of her hand, Pidge summoned help from the leaves of the surrounding trees to create a barrier for Lance, desperate to make sure he wouldn’t be hurt.

The leaves could not shield all of the continuous blasts. Lance deflected some with his sword as he pushed forward, but his battle cry quickly turned into one of pain. He twisted and fell to the ground with his back against the enemy.

Pidge's breath caught in her throat as the assassin cut through her leaf shield and came at Lance with sword raised to strike a blow.

“Lance, look out!” she yelled.

Lance spun around on his back and once again met the Galra blade to blade. The two held the others blow, Lance clearly struggling after the repeated hits from the blasters.

The broadsword flew from Lance’s hand, flying and skidding a sizable distance away. The assassin’s blade thrust into his stomach and he screamed in pain.

Pidge wanted to go numb. Lance was her friend, possibly best friend. He was warm and kind and quick to be silly. He was her training partner, the first she’d ever had. Whatever she did, she did with him.

She loved him.

Through tear stained and fearful eyes, determination won out. She would not go numb, that wouldn’t help Lance at all. He would not die today, not if she could help it.

A warm, ancient feeling filled every inch of her being. Rage seeped into the gaps as the assassin ripped the blade out of Lance’s body and lifted him up by his collar.

Pidge saw everything. All around her each individual stem and leaf were outlined in a bright green glow. Thin vines surrounded her, twisting and twirling freely, ready to attack. She did not have to ask the plant life to do anything. They were of one mind and will.

The vines went rigid, making themselves as spears. Like lightning, they make their way to impale the assassin.

He saw the attack coming. With one great heave he threw Lance by the collar and jumped out of the way.

Pidge has no time to avoid Lance as she catches his full weight, sending them both tumbling to the ground.

“Enough toying with them,” Elor said in annoyance. “Finish the job.”

Pidge moaned in pain, but did not lose her wits. She rolled Lance onto his back and set him upright against the Father Tree.

The assassin raced towards the two downed Alteans, blade raised high. Abruptly, the assassin stopped. His blade slid out of his hand and fell to his knees, a bloodied shard of ice sticking out of his throat.

Lance’s markings continued to glow for a moment longer before flickering out. Pidge had no time to be fascinated by not only his quick thinking to use the dew, but also with his impressive phase changing.

He was in bad shape. Blood ran down from his eye, both of which were clenched shut in obvious pain. His right arm held fast to his abdomen and Pidge knew more serious injuries lay underneath his skin.

“Lance? Lance can you hear me?” Pidge said frantically, forcing herself not to shake him but rather apply pressure to his wound. Blood ran up to her wrists in an instant.

He groaned and bit his lip as he sucked in a breath. “Run,” he said. “I can spare you a few seconds. Get to the lake.”

“I am not leaving you,” Pidge declared firmly.

“It’s my job,” Lance said in equal measure. “Let me do it.”

“Shut up,” Pidge said. Instead of telling him why, she showed him.

She cupped her hand around his non-bloodied cheek and brought her lips in to meet his.

The kiss was soft and short. There was no time to dwell on how their friendship or professional relationship would change after this. Pidge didn’t have the luxury of time for it, or to wait for Lance’s reaction.

She stood between Lance and their would-be murderers. Vines from the Father Tree twist and curve around her hand, palm glowing more brightly and more powerful than ever. The sleeves of her dress ripped and her wrist cuff broke; her teeth grit in anger and determination.

They were both going to live, and only after they were both safe they would talk.

“You will not touch him,” she growled.

Elor rolled his eyes, clearly fed up with this whole matter.

“Defiant to the end. Captain.” He turned to his guards “Finish them!”

The guards aimed their blasters.

Pidge felt her markings light back up with fervor as she readied herself to defend against the blaster fire.

The standoff was interrupted as a curved blade flew in out of nowhere, embedding itself in one of the guards blasters. A hooded figure, dressed similarly to the assassin, raced in. With one hand he pulled the blade out from the weapon, and punched the guard in the jaw with the other, knocking him to the ground and out.

The second guard fired his blaster at the newcomer, who effortlessly blocked it with his blade. He raced forward and sliced the gun in half, using the handle of his blade to knock the guard unconscious.

Elor took several steps back, face full of raw fear. “What are you doing?! I pay you and this is how you repay me?”

“I take my payment in justice,” he said.

Gunfire from the shuttle blacked his path, which Elor took opportunity of to run to the safety of the ship.

The man in Galra colors shifted his head towards Pidge and dropped his mask. His black hair and pale face were the last features she had expected underneath the Galra uniform.

“Take down the ship! Hurry!” He yelled urgently.

Elor’s ship was taking off, loaded with the infused Balmeran crystals, Pidge could only hazard a few awful guesses about the type of people who would be buying.

She shot vines towards it, but even the Father Tree had limits. The flora stretched as far as it could, but the ship lifted high enough that they could not reach.

“No!” Their savior cried in dismay.

The shuttle hovered over the lake and turned to them. The telltale glimmer of the beam cannon charging made Pidge’s heart break. She scrambled to create a shield for the incoming blast, but no matter what she did, the physics didn’t add up. It wouldn’t be enough.

The ground shook violently. Instead of a laser from the shuttle, a much more powerful one rose from the center of Lake Altea and pierced the ship, causing it to explode on impact.

The gigantic figure of the Gombash leapt upwards to the flying debris, snatching fragments of metal and crystal before diving back into the lake. So large was the splash that the spray even reached them.

“Woah,” the man said in awe, shoulders slumped to a more relaxed position. “Can I get one of those?”

Pidge couldn’t help but feel only relief. The Gombash has saved not just them, but the Castle too. It was the one creature on the planet powerful enough to contain the explosions the crystals would inevitably create.

She let the plants return to their places. The grove looked as if nothing had ever happened.

She could now focus on the most important issue.

“Lance!” She flopped to her knees to check his vitals. Her tech confiscated and destroyed, she was forced to do it the old fashioned way.

He was visibly breathing. Still, she placed her forefingers at the base of his neck and read his heartbeat. Pidge deemed it within acceptable levels considering the situation. It wouldn’t stay that way if they stayed here too much longer.

Lance stirred and lifted his eyelids. “Are you safe?”

Her vision blurred at his concern. “We both are. We’ll have to explain Duke Elor’s death, but Gommy saved us from a lot of potential problems.”

“Gommy’s a good boy,” Lance chuckled with a soft smile. “I think I prefer your kisses to his though.”

Heat rose into Pidge’s cheeks. “We were about to die. I panicked.”

“I’m glad you did,” Lance said. With effort, he took her hands in his. His affectionate gaze somehow seemed different, a touch of love between the admiration and kindness.

“Is he going to be okay?”

She’d actually forgotten about the not-Galra warrior.

He knelt down the other side of Lance and produced a small container from his belt pouch. He began to rub a magenta colored cream over the wound. “This salve will start the healing process, but it’s not a cure all. He'll still need medical attention.”

Lance looked up at him quizzically, a single eyebrow raised. “Oh. Um, thanks?”

“Who are you?” Pidge asked, trying to figure him out as much as Lance was. “Why did you help us?”

“Because it’s my job,” he said, rolling back onto his feet. “My name is Keith. I’m an agent with the Blade of Marmora.”

“The Blade of Marmora?” Pidge repeated, her mind buzzing with the new information and trying to piece the puzzle together. “That’s Zarkon’s most elite military unit. You don’t look Galra.”

“Wait how do you know about the Marmorites?” Lance asked her. “That’s top secret stuff. Shiro had to call in tons of favors for my clearance.”

“Well, I’m technically not supposed to know,” Pidge admitted frankly. “It came up one day while I was searching the Castle archives.”

Lance’s eyes bulged comically. “Those are encrypted!”

“Yeah, poorly,” Pidge scoffed.

“I’m half Galra,” Keith explained. By the way his eyes darted between the both of them, he was just as equally trying to judge their character. “Dad was Altean. That’s why I was selected for this mission.”

“Wait, how long have you been investigating this?” Pidge probed. She was cautiously curious about the situation. Why hadn’t the guards been notified of this?

“I lost my reconnaissance drone several months ago, so I had to gather information on the ground. Duke Elor was my first suspect, so I joined the Galra mercenaries to see it first hand. Now the Duke is dead and the crystals destroyed. You two,” he said crossing his arms, “are my only witnesses.”

Pidge’s jaw dropped.

“The drones were yours?!” she and Lance exclaimed together.

Keith, taken aback and eyes wide, responded in kind. “You two destroyed it?!”

“So it was a Galra spy!” Lance declared angrily, leaning forward. “You should have told us, we wou - “ a coughing fit cut him off. Pidge gently pushed him back against the Father Tree.

“I did!” Keith defended. “I was assured that King Alfor was aware of everything.”

“He sure didn’t seem like it when we found the drone,” Pidge remarked with suspicion. “Are you sure Kolivan sent you?”

Keith opened his mouth to respond, but was silenced by the noise of Altean blasters. A five man squad from the Castle stood ready to fire.

“Step away from the princess and put your hands on your head, assassin. You’re under arrest.”

The combination of defeated and incredulous was amusing to see on Keith’s face as he raised his hands in surrender. Pidge frowned. This latest action continued to convince her that he was telling the truth. No assassin would give himself up so willingly or offer healing to a mortally injured target.

Help for Keith would have to wait. Lance kept his eyes closed, focusing on every breath. Speaking had drained more of his energy than he had anticipated. Although not in immediate danger, Lance needed medical attention, at least more than Pidge could provide at the moment.

Once the repercussions from today had settled and Lance was healed, then they could talk.

And they had more to talk about than just magic.

[sunnydayaoe]

whatever. self indulgent au blast. kills you with rocks

[searchingwardrobes]

Desdichado: 12/19

As I read over this fic (since it had been so long since I updated it), I saw that at one point I promised to update this every Friday. Yeah, sorry about that! Life just got in the way. But, even though I can’t promise updates every Friday, I can promise that I will be updating this more regularly from now on.

Oh, the research we have to do as fanfic writers . . . I have been studying Julian Morris’s face (such a burden, I tell you) so I could do a better job at describing him because, honestly, I’ve never paid much attention to Phillip on Once. The Once wiki fan page says he has hazel eyes, which I mentioned in a previous chapter. However, after much (purely scientific) research, I beg to differ. Those eyes look brown to me, people. And can I just say that the casting director’s for Once have a very good track record for hunting down attractive men? Sorry Julian that I did not appreciate that pretty face more when watching the show. You were just one of so many!

But don’t worry, this chapter isn’t all Philip and Aurora. There’s also Outlaw Queen. Oh, and CS. There’s a little of that too . . . Let’s just say things are heating up all over the place in this chapter 😉

Summary: My CS Ivanhoe AU because I never liked how Ivanhoe ended. There’s chivalry and jousting and all that good stuff. But best of all, Killian is a knight. Oh, was that all I had to say?

Rating: T for men treating women like it’s the 12th century (except for our heroes, of course)

Trigger Warning: Starts out Sleeping Captain, but CS is endgame. Also positive spin on Regina with Outlaw Queen.

Words: Close to 3,000 in this chapter

Also on Ao3

Tagging: @snowbellewells (who has helped me with this fic!) @whimsicallyenchantedrose @wellhellotragic @mythologicalmango @thislassishooked @kmomof4 @snidgetsafan @kday426 @teamhook @bethacaciakay @jennjenn615 @delirious-latenight-laughs @winterbaby89 @let-it-raines (If anyone else wants to be tagged, please let me know!)

When the warmth of the sunrise hit Aurora’s face, she groaned at the stiffness in her neck. At some point, she had simply slumped against the tree behind her and promptly fallen asleep. Phillip’s head still rested in her lap, yet before she could wriggle free of the inappropriate situation, his eyes blinked open, their warm brown irises seeming to almost melt in the early rays of the sun. Her hand drifted to his jaw without conscious thought, and she trailed her fingertips lightly along his thickening beard. He smiled at her, a dimple forming in his right cheek.

“Am I dreaming?” he whispered.

Low as his voice was, it startled Aurora, and she snatched her hand away from his face. He frowned and stood up as quickly as he could. When she tripped over her skirts in her own haste to stand, he clasped her elbow and assisted her. His palm against her skin sent a tingle down her arm. When had she started feeling this way around him? Flustered and overly aware of each and every feature of his handsome face?

“You . . . had a nightmare,” she mumbled, pulling her cloak tighter around herself.

His gentle brown eyes regarded her tenderly. “I appreciate your kindness, m’lady. We’ll speak of it no more.”

And with that, he bent to scatter the ashes of their fire, chattering to her about the warm milk his mother used to bring him as a child whenever he had bad dreams. Aurora knelt nearby, relieved to put her trembling hands to a task as she packed their meager provisions back into Sir Phillip’s satchel.

“Mothers are naturals at soothing nightmares I suppose,” Aurora put in, feeling more at ease the higher the sun rose in the sky, “my mother would comb her fingers through my hair and sing me a lullaby as I drifted back to sleep.”

“You miss her terribly, don’t you?”

“Aye, more than I can say.” She handed the satchel to Phillip and tried to ignore the heat that flared when his fingers brushed against hers.

They headed through the trees, still staying off the path lest they run into bandits or scouts of Prince James. Phillip offered her his hand whenever the terrain got rough, and each and every time, the urge to feel his arms around her swelled within her. And on the heels of such thoughts, came swift guilt at the way her heart was betraying her precious Killian, her childhood sweetheart. Yet every time she tried to pull Killian’s roguish smile to her mind, her eyes were pulled to Phillips’s easy grin. And every time she attempted to conjure memories of Killian’s sparkling blue eyes, she found her mind drawn instead to the depth and warmth of a pair of brown ones instead.

“Lady Aurora, why are you trembling?”

She blinked to see Phillip standing there, concern etched upon his brow as he held her gloved hand in both of his.

“I . . . “

But before Aurora could give an answer, Phillip’s gaze snapped to the tree line, and he pressed a finger to his lips to warn her to be silent. Without thinking, she pressed herself closer to his side as she saw a figure through the trees. Phillip pulled her behind a large tree, pressing her back against the trunk. Her heart pounded in her chest at how close the knight was, though his gaze was fixed beyond the trees and not at her.

“Phillip,” she whispered. Was that flutter in her heart from fear, or something else?

“Sh,” he warned, but when his eyes captured hers, he forgot about whatever threat was beyond their hiding place. Instead, his eyes darted from her eyes to her lips and back again, his body inching just a bit closer to press against hers. Their breathing seemed to match, both quickening. He bent his head, his lips hovering close, and she felt her eyes falling shut without a thought.

“Who’s there!”

The shout from beyond the edge of the woods caused both of them to jump, and Phillip immediately put distance between them, a blush creeping up his neck visible even under his beard. Aurora bit down on her lip to prevent a chuckle from slipping forth.

“Poaching on Misthaven land is punishable by death!” the voice shouted once again. “Show thyself!”

Aurora gasped and rounded the tree as she recognized it. She had clearly flustered Sir Phillip, because he wasn’t quick enough to grasp her arm as he called out a warning. The knight found himself trailing behind her as she lifted her skirts and ran towards the familiar voice.

“Graham!” she exclaimed as she ran.

The knight, whom she had known since she was a small child, grinned in relief as he lowered his bow. “Aurora? Is that you?” He put his arrow back in his quiver and slung his bow upon his back just in time to catch her as she leapt into his arms. They both laughed as they embraced, but when Graham saw Philip trailing behind her, he stepped in front of her defensively.

“Stand down, Graham,” she laughed, pushing him aside, “this is Sir Phillip, my rescuer.”

“Rescuer?” Graham asked, suspicion coloring his words. “What’s happened? We’ve been worried sick. Uncle Stefan and the rest of your party were supposed to arrive days ago.”

“Uncle Stefan?” Phillip asked.

“Yes,” Aurora explained as she clasped Phillip by the elbow, “Sir Phillip, I would like you to meet Sir Graham Humbert, my cousin on my mother’s side.”

Phillip nodded as he took in the family crest of a wolf and a deer on the shield that hung on the man’s horse behind him. He reached out and took the man’s offered hand.

“And this is Sir Phillip, knight of the Templar.”

“A Norman?” Graham almost spat.

“None of that,” Aurora sighed with a roll of her eyes, “did you miss the part where I said he was my rescuer?”

“I did take note of that, cousin, and what exactly did he rescue you from? And where is the rest of your father’s house?”

“That is a long story,” Phillip told him, eyeing the woods behind them carefully, “and one better told within the walls of Misthaven. Do you have a good company of knights to sufficiently guard the castle?”

“We do,” Graham nodded firmly.

“Good. Take the Lady Aurora and make haste to the keep. I’ll follow.”

“But Phillip!” Aurora bit her lip as grasped his hands in hers. “Dear brave sir, I can surely walk the remainder of the way. You are in just as much danger as I for betraying your company.”

“And that was the choice I made,” he replied firmly, “you, however, have been a victim in all of this, and I have vowed to ensure your safety.”

“And you are my family,” Graham added, unceremoniously scooping her up and placing her upon his horse.

She wanted to argue further, to reprimand Graham for flinging her around like a rag doll, but the look of intensity in both men’s eyes stopped her. Phillip stepped forward and grasped her hands once again. “Prince James is involved, remember? This is no trifling matter.”

“I’ll keep her safe,” Graham promised.

Phillip nodded and squeezed her hands. “I’ll be right behind you on foot.”

All Aurora had time to do was smile at the handsome brown-eyed knight as Graham shot forward on his steed towards Misthaven castle.

*****************************************************

The Merry Men led Lord Stefan, Regina, and Violet stealthily through the woods towards the castle where the captives were being held. Suddenly, Robin Hood stopped and lifted his hand and their company immediately stopped, the Merry Men dropping to crouch amidst the brush. Robin made his way back to the Lord and the two ladies by his side.

“Wait here,” Robin instructed. “My men and I will draw closer to the castle in order to set the fires. Are your men ready, Lord Stefan?”

He nodded. “I really feel as if I should be with them.”

“No my Lord,” Robin argued firmly with a brisk shake of his head, “neither the Templars nor Prince James’s knights will hesitate to shoot down the most landed Lord of the Saxons. And with you gone, what will become of your daughter?”

Stefan sighed, yet nodded in agreement. He turned to Violet who was trembling and patted her hand. Speaking softly to the girl, he led her to a fallen long so she could sit. Regina watched the child with sympathy; it wasn’t fair that she had been drawn into such intrigue.

“They’ll be fine,” Robin assured at her elbow, “and so will your Emma. We’ll get her out safely, I promise.”

Regina nodded, folding her trembling arms across her chest. She wanted to believe him, yet she knew there were so many things that could go wrong in battle. Seeming to sense her distress, Robin reached out and clasped her arms gently.

“They’ll be drawn out by the fire. We don’t have time – Emma doesn’t have time – for a long siege.”

“I know.”

Regina took a deep breath, then let it out slowly. Robin reached out tenderly and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

“I have to go.”

He turned, and the thought that something could happen to him strangled Regina’s heart. She grabbed him by the elbow and pulled him back to her, then yanked him down by the edge of his cloak to crash her lips into his. It was quick, and Robin blinked at her in shock.

“For luck,” she muttered, giving him a little shove as red flooded her cheeks.

He grinned broadly, then swiftly took her face in his hands. He bent then and kissed her properly, his lips sliding over hers, his tongue gently parting her mouth so he could drink her in. When it ended, Regina felt herself sway as spots danced before her eyes.

“For the pleasure of it,” he told her with a wink, then he was jogging off to join his men.

Regina rolled her eyes at his cockiness, yet she had to press her hands to her cheeks in order to cool them.

******************************************************

Killian watched Emma intently as she bent over him, her slender fingers roaming over his neck as she studied the cut there. He could no longer deny the heat that filled him at her touch, and it made dread settle in the pit of his stomach. He had made a vow to Lady Aurora. No matter what attraction he felt to Emma Swan, he could never break it. And he did still love Aurora; they had a long history together, and she was a tender part of his best childhood memories.

And yet, as he gazed into Emma’s face, he couldn’t help being drawn to her full, pink lips. He ached to gather her in his arms and press his lips to hers. He thought of waking up and finding her beside him, that drowsy smile upon those lips. He couldn’t help the traitorous wonderings in his mind – what would it be like to wake up to her smile every morning?

Those lips smiled as she ran her fingertips one more time down his neck and to his collarbone. He shifted in the bed, his face reddening to try and cover his body’s reaction.

“Well,” she told him joyously, “your neck wound is healing so nicely, it no longer needs a bandage.”

Her eyes met his, and her expression changed. Could she see his desire written all over his face? Her fingers drifted to his jaw, and he swallowed around a sudden lump in his throat. He reached up to touch her hair as he had longed to do, relishing the silky feel of it between his fingers.

“You are an exquisitely beautiful woman,” he told her softly.

“You only say that because I saved your life.”

“No, I say it because it’s true.”

His hand left her hair to cup her face. That too was just as soft as he had imagined. Emma took her hand in both of hers, her eyes falling shut as she held it pressed to her face. Then she gave his palm a slow, lingering kiss. The feel of her lips sent a jolt through him and it took every ounce of his chivalry not to pull her down to the bed for a passionate embrace.

She opened her eyes, and he was startled to see tears in them. “You are not mine to have, Sir Killian.”

Then she dropped his hand and rose quickly, turning her back to him. She hastened to the kettle at the fire.

“Forgive me, Lady Emma,” Killian choked, feeling like an utter cad, “I didn’t mean -”

“It’s okay,” she cut him off. “Let’s just . . . forget it happened, shall we?”

Killian struggled to sit up in the bed, and Emma turned suddenly with an alarmed expression. She ran to his side and gently pushed him back down against the pillows.

“Just because your neck wound is healed doesn’t mean the rest of you is,” she admonished like a mother hen.

He groaned as he felt the jabbing pain in his ribs and the flame of fire shooting from the wound in his side. “I realize that now that I’ve attempted to move,” he chuckled. His gaze found Emma’s as she fussed with the blankets. “Forgive my forwardness, I beg of you m’lady.”

She gave him a smile tinged with sadness. “Of course I forgive you.”

She turned back to the kettle which was now singing over the fire, and he sagged against the headboard. No matter what his future held, of this he was certain – Emma Swan would always haunt his thoughts.

The spell that seemed to hang between them was shattered when they heard screams, shouts, and crashes from the corridor. Emma gasped, nearly dropping the kettle, and then raced to the door. Ever since they sent Violet for help, they had been alone in the chambers. He prayed no one ever learned of it; he would never forgive himself if he harmed Lady Emma’s reputation.

When Emma reached the door, she yanked it open and immediately began to cough as thick smoke billowed into the room. Another scream rent the air along with the sound of shattered glass, and Emma tumbled back into the room as flames licked at the stone outside of their chamber.

“Emma!” Killian shouted, pushing up from the bed despite his pain.

She ran to him, catching him as he attempted to rise from the bed. She lowered him back to the mattress, clinging to his shoulders, her cheeks streaked with tears.

“You can barely walk! What are we going to do?”

She choked on a sob, and he drew her close, even as he winced at the pain in his ribs. He had never felt so helpless in his life.

“You must leave me,” he whispered into her hair.

“What? No!” She grabbed desperately at his shoulders.

“Emma!” A voice shouted from the doorway. They both turned to see Sir Baelfire standing there, outfitted in chain mail as if ready for battle. “The castle is on fire, you must come with me!”

“No!” Emma shouted, clinging to Killian more desperately.

“Well, you don’t really have a say in the matter,” Baelfire grumbled, yanking Emma up.

“Don’t touch me!” she screamed, pummeling the knight with her fists. But Sir Baelfire had combat training and was clad in chain mail, so he easily stopped her attack, pinning her arms to her side.

“Let go of her!” Killian yelled, pushing himself off the bed. He attempted to stand, but his injuries, his weakness from his days of fever, and the smoke quickly filling the room were too much, and he sagged quickly to the floor.

Emma continued to fight her “rescuer,” kicking him in the shins and elbowing him in the stomach. The latter caused him to grunt and let go of her, but her instinct to rush to Killian’s side was her undoing. Sir Baelfire leveled a blow to her head that sent her crumpling to the floor, unconscious.

Killian struggled to his knees, swaying as the smoke thickened and flames swelled in the corridor. He choked, unable to cry out, helpless to rescue the woman who had so bravely fought and cared for him. Through the billowing smoke, he could just make out her arm dangling at her side, her hair a golden waterfall tumbling over the villainous knight’s arm as he carried her away.

“Emma,” he choked, a tear slipping down his cheek as they disappeared into the smoky haze.

As he slipped into oblivion, his last image was most likely a hallucination. He could have sworn he saw a Black Knight silhouetted in the flames.

[branlovestowrite]

Enchantment Restored (2/15)

To celebrate my one-year anniversary of writing for Captain Swan I am posting the first multi-chapter I wrote for CS for the first time on Tumblr. I’ll post a new chapter each day for the next 15 days.

This story can be found in its entirety over at AO3 and fanfiction.net.

Enchantment Restored

Princess Emma’s kingdom has been overthrown by King George and the Evil Queen, Regina. Now she must trust a pirate to help her rescue her family and save her land from tyranny. No Curse AU. Captain Duckling.

Rated: T

Chapter 2

As soon as Regina and George were informed the parlay was accepted, Snow and David were whisked away by George's troops. They were only able to give their children a hasty goodbye. Emma demanded and Leo begged to know where their parents had been taken, but no answers were given. The children were permitted to return to their rooms, albeit under constant guard.

Leo resumed his lessons, only now under Regina's frequent supervision. He spent most of his time with Regina and was never allowed to be alone with his sister. Emma worried for her little brother. He was an open and warm child, displaying much more of their mother's optimism than the skepticism of their father. Their Aunt Ruby used to joke that Emma got all of their father's traits and Leo had inherited all those of their mother. Emma feared, since he now only had Regina as a constant companion, that he would be too easily swayed by the Evil Queen's influence.

Emma and Leo ate most of their meals with Regina, George occasionally joining them. The tension between Emma and Regina made mealtime very awkward, and the discomfort was doubled when George was present. Leo tried to diffuse the tension, but this often only resulted in Regina paying him all her attention and ignoring her other dining companions.

Emma tried to work out where her parents were taken. She constantly fretted over how to get them a message. She even tried to get a bird to carry a missive, but there were few left. George had put his army to work following the conflict to help restore peace and order to Misthaven. But the people's memories of Regina's prior tenure, combined with the stories they heard of George's rule, made it hard to dispel their fear. This anxiety made it difficult for the land to recover, and many of the animals remained in hiding.

One night, roughly 6 months after her parent's exile, King George brought a new member to their small dinner party. He introduced the man as Lord Cassidy, the heir to George's kingdom of Anwalt, and Emma's future husband. Emma found herself surprised upon meeting Lord Cassidy. He was not at all what she expected George's heir to be. He was perhaps 10 years her senior, with dark hair and eyes and a ruddy complexion. His accent was one she had never heard before, and he seemed much older than the 30-some odd years his countenance displayed.

Emma was not allowed to be alone with Lord Cassidy at any time. She only ever interacted with him at meal time or in the presence of Regina or George. She tried to learn more about him during the limited interactions, but he seemed as restricted by George in the conversation as she was. Though Emma doubted herself, she couldn't shake the feeling that Cassidy was just as much of a captive as she.

The only solitude Emma experienced came at night, when she was in her chambers, supposedly sleeping. Though she was alone in her room, there were guards posted outside her door and on the castle grounds below her window. During the day, she spent most of her time with guards whose fealty belonged to George. She tried to engage with them and found them rigid and cold. Driven by fear and loneliness, Emma spent most of her days sequestered in the library under the watchful eye of her guard.

One day, as she was perusing the familiar tomes and looking for something comforting to read, she noticed a stray piece of parchment slightly peeking out from the binding of one book. Thinking it may be a letter her mama or papa had used as a bookmark, she grabbed the book from the shelf and casually carried it over to her chair near the window. She settled comfortably and stared for a moment at the engraved cover. It was a book on the history of magic in The Enchanted Forest. An unusual volume for either her mother or father to read, as neither had a particular talent or interest in magic. Still, she hoped to at least see her mother's elegant script (or her father's nearly illegible scrawl), so she opened the book to the letter.

She did not recognize the handwriting at all. It looked very foreign to her, though she found the words were in her language. Casually, so as not to attract the attention of her guard, she opened the letter within the bookbinding and began to read.

Emma,

I hope you get this letter. I know we haven't spent much time together, but I know you spend a lot of time in the library. I wanted to try and get to know you without George watching over us all the time. You know me as Lord Cassidy, but I go by Neal. I wasn't born with that name, but it's what I use now. I was born in the Enchanted Forest, but I spent a lot of time away from here. I only recently came back, to be with my Papa. It's a long story that I'll tell you sometime when I don't have to write it all down.

I'm sorry that you have been thrown into this situation with no control over what happens to you. I really don't like the way George and Regina are treating you, or that you are being forced to marry me. It's not that I don't like you. I think you are beautiful and smart and I could see myself falling in love with you. But I want you to have a choice in this. Believe it or not, but I don't have much of a choice either. That makes me sad, because I think under different circumstances we could really have something, you know?

I want to make the best of this bad situation. I hope this letter helps ease your mind about me and my intentions. I know what it's like to be separated from your family and if I had any power, I would do whatever I could to reunite you with yours. Maybe we can be friends? George will probably loosen his grip once we're married. I know there's no way to prevent the marriage, but afterward I could try and help get us both free and then we can find your parents and save your brother. I don't want you to be afraid of me. Please know that I would never do anything to hurt you.

You might want to burn this letter so Regina or George don't find it. If you want to write me back, leave the note in this book. Hope we can get to know each other some more.

-Neal

The gentle sound of the waves sloshing against the hull awoke Emma from her dream of Neal's first letter. She had not burned it, as he suggested, but instead treasured it. It was the first kind gesture anyone had done since the entire nightmare began. It gave her hope. She hid the letter and re-read it for several days before she responded.

She heard a soft tapping on her cabin door, indicating Captain Jones was ready for their meal. Emma could not shake the feelings of guilt that overtook her every time she felt the pull toward Killian. Whatever Neal was to her, she knew she did not love him. At least not in the way she felt she could love Killian, if she would let herself.

Banishing thoughts of love from her mind, Emma opened the door for Killian. His face lit up immediately upon seeing her.

"Swan, at last. Are you ready to dine with the Captain?"

"Indeed I am, Killian. In fact I feel famished."

She threaded her arm in his and walked the short distance to the Captain's quarters. She smelled delicious smells and wondered idly who the cook was and how he was able to prepare such delectable fare on board the ship. Her hunger soon got the better of her, however, and she ate heartily.

"It is good to see a lass eat a good meal," he said. "In my experience, most feel self-conscious to eat their fill in my presence."

"Most likely because they feel doing so will make them appear less desirable to you."

"Aye, but you have the advantage, Swan. Because I find a woman who takes what she wants more desirable than anything," he said, giving her that undeniably attractive stare.

Emma felt her cheeks flush again. Was this man really flirting with her? She was pregnant with another man's child! Granted, she did not love Neal and had let as much slip to Killian at their first meeting, but that did not give him license to try and woo her. Was he trying to bed her because he knew she was not a maiden? Or was he one of those men she had heard whispers about, who found woman with child attractive? She could not know, but she hardened her gaze to stop all such thoughts in his part.

"I don't know what your end goal is, Captain, but I assure you that I have no intention of allowing you to bed me while I am your passenger. I am more than capable of defending myself and will do so readily should you try to take advantage of me."

She expected Hook to look shocked, or perhaps try to diffuse the situation with more innuendo. Instead, he donned a serious look.

"I have no intention of any untoward behavior whilst you are in my care. If I wanted your heart, Emma, I would not obtain it using any trickery. I would have it because you want me."

"Are you so sure you would succeed, then?"

"Aye."

His response was so simple, Emma found herself at a loss for words. After a moment, Killian broke the silence.

"I can assure you that my behavior toward you will be nothing short of gentlemanly."

Emma remained silent, staring at him with her critical eye.

"Most men would take your silence as off putting, but I love a challenge," he gave her that delightful smirk again, and she couldn't help but relax her posture a bit, though she still refused to break her silence.

Killian was obviously uncomfortable with her silence, and he tried another tactic. "I find you to be a puzzle, Swan."

Emma couldn't help herself. "Really? How so?"

"I found you hiding in the tavern near the border between Anwalt and Misthaven. You told me you were on the run from King George. You want to reunite with your parents and brother, but not the father of your child. Is George the father?"

"No," Emma answered. "The father is my husband, Lord Neal Cassidy of Anwalt."

"And you do not want to reunite with your husband?"

"I would like to see him again, but that is not my priority. I know he is safe."

"Your priority is not to join your true love?"

"I never said he was my true love. But, no, his safety is more secure if I do not contact him. And the safety of others."

"And why is that?"

"Because George has threatened to take Neal's life if I contact him. And due to that, Neal's father has threatened to take the lives of those I hold dear should I try."

"His father? Why would your child's grandfather keep you apart from your husband? Regardless of any threats George may have made."

"Because Neal's father has spent centuries trying to reunite with his son, and now he has him, he will not let anyone part them again."

"Centuries, you say? Who is Neal's father?" Killian asked, with a slight menacing look on his face.

Emma sighed deeply. She supposed she would have to share this information eventually.

"Rumplestiltskin," she said. "The Dark One."

"Your husband and the father of your child is the son of The Dark One?" Killian asked in nearly a whisper.

"Yes."

"Bae," Killian whispered, with a far off look on his face.

"You know him?"

"We spent some time together, long ago."

Kilian's mood seemed darkened beyond repair. Emma stood to take her leave.

"No," he said, seeming to shake off his dark mood. "Love, don't go, please." He held out his hand.

Emma looked down at his face, seeing vulnerability there for the first time since she met him.

"Alright. I'll stay," she said, taking his hand. She felt a shiver at the contact and a flutter in her stomach that had nothing to do with the baby. She needed to be careful. This man's allure was dangerous.

[arofili]

gen freeform exchange letter!

See my signup for likes/DNWs/etc.

This is not the most detailed letter, just kind of a collection of my scattered thoughts about how the tags I chose apply to the characters I chose. these are of course completely optional, you can follow my prompts or pick something completely different, whatever you’d like. thanks for writing for me!!

~~~

Request 1: Kidnap Dads Fluff

this is the Kidnap Dads Fluff request! some of these are pretty Maedhros-centric, bc he is my favorite character; you don’t have to include all of them but I’d love it if you included Mae.

I like my Kidnap Dads either extremely fluffy OR extremely complicated and handled with care. This request is for the fluffy stuff. Please don’t make anyone a bad parent - definitely not M&M, but also not Elwing & Eärendil either, and if you’re writing about M&M’s childhood at all I need Fëanor to be a good dad. Things can be Complicated™ but I need there to be love at the root of parent-child relationships.

For the relationships outside of the various combinations of Elrond & Elros & Maedhros & Maglor:

I would love to see Elrond & Gil-galad viewing each other as brothers because Russingon-baby!Gil shares a dad with Elrond!! or Gil somehow visiting Mae while he and Mags are taking care of E&E? idk. just, Mae as Gil’s dad and also Elrond’s dad, that’s good content. (though Jaz, if you get assigned me feel free to write your Gil and Elrond platonic marriage idea, haha)

for Eluréd & Elurín & Maedhros: an AU where Mae saves them? maybe they get to take care of their nephews! or maybe Sirion goes differently, oooh

accidental parent acquisition: M&M didn’t INTEND to care about E&E but they do, E&E realize that they’re closer to M&M than they were to their bio parents

"We're Family Now and There's Nothing You Can Do about It": E&E claim M&M as their parents despite M&M’s protests that No We’re Evil You Don’t Want Us As Parents

Adult Siblings acting like Children: this could work for either set of siblings; I’m imagining E&E goofing off while Elrond is visiting Tar-Minyatur in Númenor and Elros’ nobles are sweating like “wtf is happening”; OR it’s M&M who have a moment of levity and sibling shenanigans that they don’t normally indulge in and E&E see and are astonished and start to trust them more

Awkward Conversations with People You Tried to Kill: M&M comforting E&E immediately post Kinslaying

Bedtime Stories: M&M telling E&E about their shared dead relatives? M&M telling E&E about Aman? E&E telling M&M about the petty squabbles they witnessed between the various nobles in Sirion?

Building A New Life: none of them really expected to survive Sirion, and they certainly didn’t expect this family situation, so they have to figure out where to go from here

Casual use of powers in a setting where the character should really be more careful: Maglor using Song magic when he doesn’t need to? Maedhros getting all Spirit Of Fire-y while protecting the twins from orcs? eldritch E&E abusing their Maia powers for petty childhood pranks? any one of those, but in front of an audience of outsiders?

Character A and B work together to take care of hurt/ill mutual loved one: E&E and Maglor caring for Maedhros who’s having a bad pain day

Characters Hanging Out In The Kitchen Because They Can't Sleep: accidental family gathering in the kitchen, every character sneaks out individually and is surprised to find the others in the kitchen too

Characters Teaching Each Other New Skills: i LIVE for this stuff with kidnap dads!! Mags teaching music? Mae teaching swordfighting? History? Politics? Magic? whatever!

competent parenting: this is almost a Requirement tbh, but idk, show a moment where E&E expect M&M to be too harsh or to be pushovers but M&M establish firm boundaries and do the Right Parenting Thing

Family Fluff: that’s this entire request tbh

Disabled Character Kicks Ass: Maedhros!!!!! protecting the twins!!! :D

Fluff and Angst: yesss, angst with a happy ending is my JAM

Food as a Metaphor for Love: Maedhros who bakes :D

Gruff intimidating character gets soft around kids: I nominated this tag specifically with Maedhros & E&E in mind :)))) Maglor being surprised Mae gets along with the kids so well, and then remembering “right he used to be older bro Maitimo”? E&E expecting Mae to be the strict one but no it’s actually Maglor, Mae’s a big softie? an outsider watching Mae switch abruptly from “intimidating warlord who can and will kill you” to “doting father”?

The Intimacy of Brushing/Braiding/Washing Another Person's Hair: ELVES AND HAIR PLS. maybe M&M having Noldor Hair Culture Norms that make hair a Big Deal, and E&E having Sindar norms that are like “whatever, it’s just hair”? things that are really meaningful to M&M but E&E don’t get the depth of it?

Hope vs. Despair: E&E giving Maedhros hope when he’d almost fallen permanently into despair

Identical Twins Swap Places to Mess with People: just. E&E shenanigans. bonus points if M&M are the only ones who can still tell them apart.

Oaths & Vows: literally anything to do with E&E reacting to/discovering/understanding the Oath of Fëanor

Platonic Soulbonds: adoption bonds!! my hc is that (for elves) blood family have a soul connection to one another innately, but when you adopt someone you have to initiate that bond yourself (kind of like a marriage bond but not). anything to do with M&M adopting E&E - or, E&E adopting M&M!

Post-Canon: AU where Mae lives pls??

Protectiveness: M&M protecting E&E from an outside threat OR E&E protecting M&M’s reputation after they’re separated

Raising a Child or Children Together, platonic co-parenting: M&M brotherly bonding :’) they feel like Real Family for the first time since their little brothers were little

Ruined Castles and Fortresses: Amon Ereb as a makeshift fortress long after it should’ve fallen? E&E visiting Tol Himling post-canon?

Sibling Rivalry: M&M competing over E&E liking them the most? E&E competing over M&M spoiling them the most?

Telepathy: ósanwë!!

Trans Character: make some characters trans! have M&M be supportive of E and/or E transitioning! have M and/or M be trans and explaining that to the twins! or whatever! I love trans stuff!

~~~

Request 2: Kidnap Dads Angst

Okay, here’s the Kidnap Dads But Angst request :)))) A lot of the same prompts....but make them angsty......I would like a happy ending (or at least a hopeful ending), though, so hurt/comfort would be great, or someone thinking things are worse than they turn out to be, that sort of thing. If there’s a specific prompt that would work better with an unhappy ending I’ll mention that, but unless I request it please don’t do it.

Non-Kidnap Fam relationships:

Elrond & Gil-galad, Mae & Gil: again, was thinking Russingon Baby Gil here, but this time Gil has angst about Mae being his dad. Elrond reassuring him that Mae is a good dad? Or maybe they’re both remembering Mae after he dies :(((

Eluréd & Elurín & Maedhros: a canon take on this where Mae keeps comparing the first E&E twins to the second set.... or maybe Eluréd and Elurín are haunting Mae?

"We're Family Now and There's Nothing You Can Do about It": M&M adopting E&E before E&E trust them fully, they need to make sure E&E are cared for but the twins are still afraid of them. OR E&E adopting M&M, but lean into the angst of M&M not feeling like they’ll be good enough parents

A and B mourn death of person they both loved: Maglor & Elrond & Elros mourning Mae? Maglor & Elrond mourning Elros?

Angst - Characters know exactly how to hurt each other: SO much angst potential here... maybe Mags needling Mae right where it hurts in an attempt to get him to take a more active role in their lives? Using Fingon against him? :)))

Angst with a Happy Ending: my bread and butter, this is kind of the ideal story I want for this request

A assumes that B will abandon them; B reaffirms their loyalty to A in A's time of need: Maglor and Maedhros right before the theft of the Silmarils? M&M assuming E&E will abandon them as soon as they get the chance?

Awkward Conversations with People You Tried to Kill: immediately post-Sirion, dial up the angst factor

Building A New Life: post-WoW, everyone going their own ways

Character A and B work together to take care of hurt/ill mutual loved one: E&E and Maglor care for Mae on a bad pain day or with an injury from battle BUT instead of cute sickfic everyone’s terrified Mae is going to die, Mae kind of wants to die, Elrond is worried he’s not a good enough healer for this, Maglor blaming himself for Mae getting into this situation, basically everyone’s on edge and not having a good time

Character discovering own self-worth: E&E teaching Mae to love himself again!!!

Character draws negative attention onto themself to protect another: OKAY so my angsty headcanon for this is that Maedhros intentionally draws the twins’ ire to him when things get tense between the Fëanorians & their hostages, so they associate negative encounters with Maedhros and positive ones with Maglor. Basically he wants to spare Maglor the brunt of their anger by taking it onto himself, sabotaging his own relationship with the twins. bonus points for E&E figuring this out and fucking up his plan by loving Mae too.

Character expected to die but didn't and now has no idea how to live anymore: MAEDHROS LIVES AU FT. ALL THE ANGST

Child A comforts Child B after B has nightmare about their dead parents: E&E in the first few years of captivity :))

Characters with complicated pasts struggling with guilt and grief and forgiveness: is this not just the Fëanorians???

complicated family dynamics: just make it fucked up and difficult, E&E shouldn’t love M&M but they do anyway, they still love their bio parents too but have mixed feelings overall

Depending On Each Other To Survive: Beleriand is literally falling apart around them, they have to rely on each other or they WILL die

Difficult Decisions In War Time: M&M sending E&E to Gil-galad? M&M choosing to go after the Silmaril, E&E reacting to that?

It's the end of the world as we know it and Character(s) feel(s) fine: E&E have literally only ever known wartime, this is normal to them. OR Mae feeling better when things are horrific than he does during peaceful-ish times.

Oaths & Vows: E&E try and swear the Oath of Fëanor in order to get M&M’s approval, M&M are horrified

Platonic Soulbonds: M&M doing the adoption-soulbond thing with E&E because without a parental soulbond baby elfs can DIE..........

Post-Canon: early second age angst :)))

Redemption: M&M redeeming themselves through being good parents to E&E...but does that really redeem them?

Refusing to believe a loved one is dead: E&E refusing to accept that Maedhros is dead :))))))))

Regret: M&M post-Sirion

Separated for an Extended Period of Time and the Slow Road Back to Normal: AU where Mae survives but is separated from everyone for a long time? Canon Mags does his emo wandering thing but finally Elrond drags him to Rivendell? post-rebirth Mae and Mags and Elrond??

Take me instead: Mae sacrificing himself for the sake of the twins ;-; OR the twins trying to sacrifice themself for M&M??

two people really want Found Family but are too emotionally stunted to admit it: Maedhros desperately wanting to be included in Mags & E&E’s new little family but not able to admit it on his own

Us Against The World Mentality That Might Not Be Healthy But The Characters Find It Comforting: is this not just the Fëanorians at the end of the Silm....

World-weary broken people find comfort and understanding in each other: MAE AND MAGS....

competent parenting, Disabled Character Kicks Ass, Fluff and Angst, Gruff intimidating character gets soft around kids, The Intimacy of Brushing/Braiding/Washing Another Person's Hair, Hope vs. Despair, Raising a Child or Children Together, platonic co-parenting, Telepathy, Trans Character, Protectiveness, Ruined Castles and Fortresses: see previous request!

~~~

Request 3: Maedhros and/or Fingon and/or Finrod with a Kid!

Please note my Russingon preferences for this request, it’s in my DNW section.

Okay I have two basic concepts for this request - though I like all of the relationships I requested so if you have a completely different take that would be great too - but here’s the idea: Maedhros and/or Fingon and/or Finrod end up semi-accidentally adopting a child! The kid is either Gil-galad or Maeglin, probably :)

Some possible scenarios:

Maeglin!

Aredhel and Maeglin go to Fingon instead of Turgon when they escape. Something happens to Aredhel, maybe Eöl follows her and she dies like in canon? Or maybe she’s still around, she deserves to live. But Fingon gets custody of Maeglin, and then ropes Maedhros and/or Finrod into helping him out.

A young Maeglin goes on a journey outside of Gondolin, against Turgon’s wishes, and gets captured by orcs...but much earlier than he does in canon. And this time he gets rescued by Maedhros! Now Maedhros is stuck with a kid who has a lot of the same trust issues he had post-Angband and he calls Fingon and/or Finrod in for help. Probably Fingon considering Maeglin is his nephew.

Aredhel and Maeglin go to Himlad instead of Gondolin. When Celegorm and Curufin go to Nargothrond, they go with. Again, maybe something happens to Aredhel? Or not? Whatever you’d prefer. But Finrod gets involved in Maeglin’s upbringing.

In any of these scenarios: Turgon gets worried enough about his missing sister and/or nephew to go looking for them, finds them in the care of someone else, is frustrated he “wasn’t good enough” to take care of them. Probably Finrod knocks some sense into him.

Tags that work for these situations: "We're Family Now and There's Nothing You Can Do about It", Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Alternate Universe - Everyone Lives/Nobody Dies, AU where disaster character has good role models in their youth, Building A New Life, Character thinks no one is coming to save them; MULTIPLE people team up for the rescue, competent parenting, Gruff intimidating character gets soft around kids (MAE!!), Hair Braiding/Care, The Intimacy of Brushing/Braiding/Washing Another Person's Hair, Helping Friend to Recover from Trauma, Nightmares, Overcoming Trauma, Raising a Child or Children Together, Unlikely Team-Ups, platonic co-parenting, Long Lost/Secret Relatives

Gil-galad!

For this request, Gil-galad is probably adopted. (Though, if you want to make him a trans!Russingon bio kid, be my guest.) He could either be a random baby that needs caring for OR the son of Lalwen (and Círdan?) that they can’t take care of for Political Reasons OR whatever other Gil-galad theory you prefer. (Just don’t make him Fingon’s bio kid unless he’s also Mae’s bio kid.)

I love the idea of Fingon adopting Gil-galad and writing Maedhros to say “we have a kid now!” Mae panics because WHAT DO YOU MEAN WE HAVE A KID?? (Doesn’t have to be romo Russingon, could just be that Fingon assumes his BFF is going to be involved in raising his son because of course??)

Fingon or Finrod adopt a baby Gil, but he gets passed around between them + Maedhros for Reasons. Gil has SO many dads.

Tags that work for this situation: Accidental Baby Acquisition, Alternate Universe - Everyone Lives/Nobody Dies (pls just give me some shenanigans with a happy ending), competent parenting, Gruff intimidating character gets soft around kids (MAE!!), Hair Braiding/Care, The Intimacy of Brushing/Braiding/Washing Another Person's Hair, Immature note passing during otherwise adult meeting, Raising a Child or Children Together, Unlikely Team-Ups, platonic co-parenting, Long Lost/Secret Relatives

I also threw some tags in here that would be fun for scenarios that don’t necessarily include Gil or Maeglin.

Mae, Finno, & Ingo: Bonding over being the oldest sibling, court intrigue, Immature note passing during otherwise adult meeting, Character Finds Support In Queer Community, bonding over both being gay Give me some Valinor shenanigans, or war leaders in Beleriand goofing off, or them all being The Gay Cousin :)

Mae and Finno: A assumes that B will abandon them; B reaffirms their loyalty to A in A's time of need, Character Adjusts To Newly Acquired Disability, Fealty Dynamic, Helping Friend to Recover from Trauma, Hope vs. Despair, I trust you to remove me from the equation if I become a danger to others, Loyalty - King/Queen and Lionheart dynamics, Person Used to Being Treated Like a Weapon Gets Rescued & Treated Like a Person Again, Stoic Character Breaks Down And Admits They Need Help, Sworn Loyalty basically these two being Ride Or Die for each other <3 <3 lots of post-Angband trauma that Finno helps Mae unlearn! If you go with this part of the request, please please please keep my Russingon preferences in mind; since this is a gen exchange I’m not expecting romantic Russingon but I do need them to care for each other very deeply, and I don’t want them shipped with other people. a platonic marriage situation would be EXCELLENT.

And a few more things I just love in general: Platonic Cuddling, platonic declarations of love, Platonic Soulbonds, Telepathy, Holding Hands For soulbonds: please do it in the canon style of choosing to soulbond with a person. For telepathy: ósanwë shenanigans.

And of course: Aroace Character(s), Nonbinary Character(s), Trans Character all of these are a “YES PLEASE” situation no matter what prompt or character!

~~~

Request 4: Silm Fake Relationships!

Fake dating is my JAM, I love it, and I especially love it when it stays platonic all the way through! Requesting some pretty light-hearted stuff here, I just want shenanigans and fun times, mostly.

Amárië & Finrod: Okay I don’t really ship these two At All in any circumstance, Finrod just feels....so extremely gay to me....so my default headcanon is that they are BFFs who are mutual beards for each other! (Bonus points for minor/background Amárië/Elenwë and/or Finrod/Turgon) Other kinds of fake relationships would be great too. Possible tags: Becoming Friends With Your Ex (like...they DID date, it didn’t work out, they’re better off as friends), Character remains friends with their ex after an amicable breakup (see previous), court intrigue, The Intimacy of Brushing/Braiding/Washing Another Person's Hair, Immature note passing during otherwise adult meetings, mutual beards, Platonic arranged marriage POWER COUPLE, Platonic marriage of convenience, Pre-Canon, Shared commiseration over being forced to attend a formal event

Aredhel & Celegorm: They’re both very aro in my mind (Aredhel ESPECIALLY), I can see them pretending to date to get people off their backs about being in a relationship (or a FWB situation but this exchange might not be the best place for that haha), or maybe they’re taking one for the team so the Mae/Fingon relationship coming out is slightly less scandalous after they already revealed their “relationship.” Also, them platonically co-parenting Maeglin in an AU is very good if you’d like to include that. Possible tags: Character enthusiastically agrees to doing something dangerous (they have that vibe), court intrigue, Dumb friendly competitions, Family Fluff, Friends Discussing Treason Over Tea, Immature note passing during otherwise adult meetings, Platonic marriage of convenience, Pre-Canon, Shared commiseration over being forced to attend a formal event

Caranthir & Haleth: Fake marriage for tax purposes. Enough said. (also they’re both aro.) Possible tags: Characters Become Roommates At College (would be a funny modern AU), Former colleagues work together again; surprised by changes (Moryo visits Haleth in Brethil?), The Intimacy of Brushing/Braiding/Washing Another Person's Hair (bonus points for cultural misunderstandings), Immature note passing during otherwise adult meetings, two people really want Found Family but are too emotionally stunted to admit it

Celebrimbor & Finduilas: You know I’d never much considered their relationship but I saw it nominated and it got my brain working! Maybe they’re fake dating to piss off their dads, haha. But I can also see them having a really unlikely friendship in Nargothrond, having each other’s backs, etc...people assume they’re dating and they just don’t bother to correct anyone? Bonus points for Fin-galad! Possible tags: A assumes that B will abandon them; B reaffirms their loyalty to A in A's time of need, court intrigue, Friends Discussing Treason Over Tea, Platonic arranged marriage POWER COUPLE, Shared commiseration over being forced to attend a formal event (first meeting perhaps?), Worldbuilding: Politics & Diplomacy

Lalwen: I love the fanon of her and Círdan being buds. Them in a fake dating for politics situation would be amazing. Or her just being badass on her own! Possible tags: court intrigue, Platonic arranged marriage POWER COUPLE, Worldbuilding: Politics & Diplomacy

Other tags: Aroace Character(s), AroAce Marriage, Aromantic Character: I always want this but ESPECIALLY for this request! Fake/Pretend Relationship Stays Platonic: that’s basically the premise for all these requests, haha Late Night Conversations: could apply to all of these. I just really love like...it’s late, you’ve been hanging out all day, your inhibitions are lowered, you start saying shit you normally wouldn’t and have a heart-to-heart...that’s the good stuff Platonic Bedsharing, platonic declarations of love, Platonic Soulbonds: really close platonic relationships :’) 5 times this happened and 1 time something else happened, Nonbinary Character(s), Character gets a hug, Holding Hands, Trans Character: Just things I love in general that I requested on all my requests

~~~

Request 5: TAZ Amnesty

Please don’t have Minerva and Duck in a romantic relationship. Additionally, if you could not call Duck “Wayne” that would be great.

A & B have an honest and completely frank discussion about difficult subject: Arlo and Mama talking about what happened to Arlo

Alternate Universe - Roommates/Housemates: I think this would be funniest if it’s Duck & Pigeon? or maybe always-mundane!Duck and extraterrestrial-who-is-really-bad-at-hiding-it!Minerva

Aroace Character(s), Aromantic Character: my headcanon for Duck is that he’s aromantic! so him and Minerva being best friends or QPPs or something would be awesome. really I just thought the ending with them being together romantically came out of nowhere so idk, a fic where Duck realizes he’s aro and doesn’t /have/ to be in a romantic relationship, and Minerva supporting him and them remaining really good friends, that would be amazing.

Begrudgingly Respectful Coworkers to Friends: Arlo and Mama :)

Casual use of powers in a setting where the character should really be more careful: Duck frantically trying to get Minerva to act normal in public

Character Finds Support In Queer Community: Duck realizing he’s aro? maybe Pigeon helping him get involved in Kepler’s queer community? OR Pigeon realizing she’s queer and older queer (trans?) Duck awkwardly trying to be in solidarity with her

Character Forced To Reveal Their Secrets: Arlo & Mama pre-canon?

Finding Bigfoot: this is just too funny to NOT have as an Amnesty tag. Maybe Pigeon goes hunting for Bigfoot and Duck has to stop her from hunting down Barclay!

Thing character has built a large chunk of their life around comes to an end; finding a new path: this could go for most of the characters, but I was especially thinking of Minerva here

Unexpectedly Meeting People From One's Past While With New Companions: Duck introducing Minerva to his friends/colleagues? Mama introducing Arlo to everyone after he gets back to “normal”?

5 times this happened and 1 time something else happened: I just love this format :)

Nonbinary Character(s): Pigeon maybe? but really anyone as nonbinary would be awesome

Character gets a hug: Duck deserves hugs. I feel like Minerva would be good at giving them.

Holding Hands: platonic hand holding is just. so good

Missing Scene: seriously WHAT happened to Pigeon???

Trans Character: trans Duck trans Duck TRANS DUCK (ngl the “Wayne” reveal really disappointed me, I much prefer trans Duck haha)

~~~

Request 6: TAZ Balance

Please don’t have Lucretia in a romantic relationship, or Magnus having had romantic feelings for anyone other than Julia.

Literally any gen relationship in TAZB would be delightful to get a fic about, don’t feel boxed in by the nominated characters. I also cannot BELIEVE I forgot to nominate Kravitz & Barry, that’s one of my very favorite possible friendships.

Angus + THB: would love to see an exploration with Angus’ individual relationships with them :)

Carey & Magnus: this friendship means A LOT to me, especially because I headcanon Magnus as arospec and so Carey’s lasting and important friendship with Magnus despite also having a romantic relationship that’s important to her....ahhh I get very emotional just thinking about it ;-;

Edward & Lydia & Kravitz: I do like the theory that Kravitz=Keats, so exploring that would be neat. OR Kravitz isn’t Keats, but he has to track down and deal with these two rogue liches.....

Edward & Lydia & Taako & Lup: AU rivalry shenanigans? canon enemies-to-friends? these two pairs of twins just have a lot of parallels that are very delightful :)

Johann & Lucretia: idk I just think they should be buds. also I headcanon both of them as aroace, so you could have them bond over that maybe.

Kravitz & Merle: I just think that Merle blaming Magnus and not Kravitz for losing his arm is HILARIOUS, would love Krav feeling awkward about that but Merle not even registering it fdjhskfjdsh

Lucretia & Magnus: these two are so sweet, especially during the Stolen Century? like they’re the only two humans, they’re both pretty young, I think they had a very special bond. (I love queerplatonic Magnus & Lucretia, especially with aroace!Lucretia and demi!Magnus)

Lup & Taako: chaos twin siblings :’)

THB: I mean give me shenanigans with them all day long! during the Stolen Century would be amazing, as foreshadowing for canon, and with the other IPRE members being baffled by their antics

Ren & Taako: I just think they’re cool! Would love to see Ren’s transition from a fangirl to Taako’s no-nonsense assistant :)

Alternate Universe - Roommates/Housemates, Characters Become Roommates At College: just. IPRE shenanigans. or Magnus and Carey as roommates!

Aroace Character(s): aroace Lucretia!! aroace Johann!!

Aromantic Character: see above but also, pan+arospec Merle! demiromantic Magnus! (that’s my VERY FAVORITE headcanon, you can’t change my mind)

Begrudgingly Respectful Coworkers to Friends: can’t believe I forgot to nominate Barry & Kravitz here, smh... if you’d like to do that go for it, but otherwise, the IPRE would be amazing here, or Kravitz and Merle if you stretch the idea of “Coworkers,” or some AU or situation where Edward and Lydia have to get along with Taako and Lup despite being bitter rivals. or djhfskjfdhk Merle and Angus!!

Best Friends Have Bad Ideas Together: THB and/or Lup and Taako have a collective one brain cell and it’s gone missing

Canon-typical shenanigans: yeah.

Catching up with an old friend: Carey and Magnus post-S&S!! or THB post-S&S :)

Casual use of powers in a setting where the character should really be more careful: this just screams Taako. Ren telling him to calm down a bit? Lup encouraging him? Angus doing damage control? Edward and Lydia vs. Taako and Lup in a drama contest?

Character enthusiastically agrees to doing something dangerous: MAGNUS RUSHES IN

Character Finds Support In Queer Community: queer BoB!! queer IPRE!! if you write me some arospec Magnus and his friends I will DIE of happiness :)) (bonus points for qp!Magcretia)

Bonding over shared memories of past lives: was really getting IPRE vibes for this one

Character loses everything and can only turn to enemy for help: Edward and Lydia forced to come to Taako and Lup for help :)))

Drinking Games, Drunken Shenanigans, Dumb friendly competitions: THB or IPRE probably. just fun silly things happening for laughs.

Enemies to Friends But In A Situation Where They Must Pretend To Still Be Enemies: Edward & Lydia & Taako & Lup? Kravitz & Merle?

Families of Choice, Family Feels - Us Against The World, Family Fluff: IPRE !!!!

Friends to Enemies to Friends Again: Magnus & Lucretia :( OR again, can’t believe I didn’t nominate Kravitz and Barry, but, those two before Krav realizes Barry is a lich and then after and then post-S&S

Friendship that's more important than Character(s)'s romantic relationship(s): Carey & Magnus!!! obviously Carey/Killian is Excellent, but the fact that Carey prioritizes Magnus in her life as a friend makes me SO emo, just. ahhhh love this so much. also Takko+THB :)

Making the morally right choice sucks: Angus & Taako? Ren & Taako? Edward & Lydia & and their bro Kravitz? orrrr Edward & Lydia & their not-bro mortal-enemy Kravitz??

platonic declarations of love: yes please! Magnus & Lucretia especially :)

Team Living Together and Learning to Deal with Everyones' Bad Habits: IPRE and/or THB. maybe THB being surprised they already seem to know each other’s terrible habits...

Unexpectedly Meeting People From One's Past While With New Companions: this has Weird Voidfish Stuff written all over it

5 times this happened and 1 time something else happened: just a good trope

Nonbinary Character(s): nonbinary Taako? yes please. or anyone else tbh, I just love nonbinary characters.

Character gets a hug: Magnus gives VERY good hugs and there’s very many people who deserve one

Holding Hands: just...so good <3

Missing Scene: so much time in the Stolen Century to explore...or BoB off-work shenanigans...

Trans Character: canon trans Lup! headcanon trans Magnus!! any other character as trans, I love trans stuff!!

[wajjs]

This is for a luro au we came up with @mizulekitten and @jupitertriton, in which Lance is captured by Sendak when Sendak infiltrates the Castle of Lions, Shiro and Pidge managing to escape.  There’s obviously A Lot More to the au we’ve established already but either I’m going to write more or Mizu or Jup will, so. No spoilers :’-)

It’s A Wonderful Life

 The chanting of the crowd could be heard without problems from their momentary containment cell.  If he had been granted access to a weapon, he would’ve been clutching it in his hand.  It was time for millions of eyes to feast on the good, the bad, the ugly.  The galran army truly loved these shows, felt revitalized watching the shedding of blood over the already coagulated soil of the arena.  And Kuro would give them the show they all had come here for.

 He would maim, he would break bones, he would behead every unlucky being that happened to be thrown his way.  On his clawed fingers he could almost feel the tension of thick skin as it snapped open, leaving him room to tear through flesh, to destroy.  Kuro had been made from the previous Champion to promptly claim the still warm throne.  It was routine by now, so ingrained within him, the shouts for more, the cries to make it stop.

 Kuro’s incandescent yellow eyes fall upon mesmerizing silver ones.  Lance is waiting for his turn as well, waiting for purple hands to come drag him out to be consumed by voracious gazes.  Lance, who had joined his side as indisputable winners in the arena after just a month of captivity.

 Lance, whose iris-less eyes seemed as sad and all encompassing as ever.

(more under the cut)

 Kuro knows that it’s only a matter of time before they are made to fight each other.

 He finds that he doesn’t want to.  He doesn’t want to kill the beautiful human and he doesn’t want to get killed by him either.  He doesn’t want to add hurt to the one the distorted version of a human carries now, and he doesn’t want to have more hurt add to his own.

 Kuro knows he only feels this way about Lance.  He finds that he doesn’t mind it.

 It is perhaps because of those thoughts that Kuro leans down to save the height difference between them and press a kiss to sewn shut lips.  The thick and sturdy thread the druids used to keep those lips together is something Kuro’s grown used to seeing at every opportunity he sees Lance, but it’s something that feels both new and wrong when coming in contact with his own lips.  His clawed hands twitch at his sides.  There’s nothing he can do now.

 When he pulls away after a moment of contemplation, Lance’s eyes focus on him again.  There are questions dancing in them—Kuro’s the only one who knows how to read them.  But Lance doesn’t try to communicate by hand signs and his lips don’t even twitch into a half smile.  Kuro hums and leans down again, a hand cradling through short brown hair and resting at the back of Lance’s head as he kisses him again.  He doesn’t mourn the inability to caress Lance’s neck because Kuro’s never seen Lance without the metal collar that kept in their respective place the cylinders filled to the brim with dark purple quintessence.

 They were located exactly a couple of centimeters below the base of Lance’s skull, needles dug deep into the flesh.  It had been a clever thing coming from the druids, amongst the other numerous things they ended up imposing upon their experiments.  It kept Lance just there from out of his mind, it maintained him on edge and absolutely vulnerable.  The corrupted quintessence had slowly washed away Lance’s truest, deepest colors, and now the man Kuro had grown to respect and whose company he often seeked was an entirely new being.  Not that Kuro actually knew who Lance had once been before the nightmare had chewed him up and swallowed him whole.  The sealing of that mouth by sewing the lips shut had been the perfect crown to coronate Lance as Haggar’s newest favorite toy.

 Kuro’s brought back to reality when Lance presses into the kiss.  It’s a short deliberate movement with an undercurrent of power that has Kuro’s adrenaline levels rising in the span of one breath and another.  Lance’s always cold metallic fingers trace words on the exposed skin of Kuro’s forearms.

 Words that make his heart sore for different reasons than the prospect of the fight about to come.

 Because Lance has said I understand and Kuro doesn’t know what to do with that.