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naoyaslut · 8 months ago

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The Hills Chapter 25

pairings: ran haitani x wife(reader)

wordcount: 2k

warnings: n/a

a/n: continuing the hills 2 years down the line and we're still getting caught up in some bonten bullshit.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25

Your heart raced as you stared at the two agents, fighting to keep your expression neutral. "Of course," you said smoothly, gesturing to the chairs in front of your desk.

"Please, have a seat." you said.

As they settled in, you sank back into your own chair, mind whirling. What could Ran possibly have done to warrant ATF involvement? And why was he turning himself in?

"Mrs. Haitani, we have reason to believe your husband may be involved in some illegal weapons trafficking," Agent Vancouver began. "Have you noticed anything unusual lately? Any suspicious packages or late night meetings?"

You shook your head, forcing a puzzled frown.

"No, nothing like that. Ran's been busy with work, but that's normal for him."

Agent Harrod leaned forward, his intense gaze boring into you.

"And what exactly does your husband do for work, Mrs. Haitani?" Agent Harrod's voice held a note of skepticism.

You met his gaze steadily, your heart pounding beneath your calm exterior. "He's in imports and exports. Mostly consumer goods from China and Southeast Asia." The lie rolled smoothly off your tongue, practiced and polished over the years.

"Mhm," Agent Vancouver murmured, jotting something in his notepad. "And you've never noticed anything... out of the ordinary with these shipments?"

"No, never," you replied, allowing a hint of confusion to color your tone. "Is there a specific reason you're asking about this? Has something happened?"

The agents exchanged a glance. "We're not at liberty to discuss the details of our investigation," Vancouver said carefully. "But we have credible information linking your husband to some very dangerous people."

You forced a look of concern onto your face, though inside your stomach churned with anxiety.

"Dangerous people? I don't understand. Ran's just a businessman."

Agent Harrod's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Mrs. Haitani, we have evidence suggesting your husband may be involved with the Bonten syndicate. Are you familiar with that organization?"

Your breath caught in your throat, but you managed to keep your expression neutral.

"I've heard the name on the news, I think. Some kind of criminal organization?" You shook your head. "But I don't see how Ran could possibly be mixed up with anything like that."

Vancouver leaned forward, his voice softening.

"We understand this must be difficult to hear. But we need your cooperation. If you know anything at all that might help our investigation, now is the time to speak up."

The tension in the room was palpable.

A chill ran down your spine, but you kept your composure, arching an eyebrow skeptically.

"I find that hard to believe," you said, injecting just the right amount of indignation into your voice. "Ran is a businessman, not some kind of criminal."

Agent Harrod's eyes narrowed slightly.

"With all due respect, Mrs. Haitani, you might be surprised what your husband is capable of."

You felt a flicker of anger at his insinuation, though you knew it was likely true. Still, you clung to your role as the innocent, oblivious wife.

"I think I know my own husband," you said coolly.

Vancouver held up a placating hand.

"We understand this must be difficult to hear. We're just trying to get to the truth. If you think of anything that might be relevant, please give us a call." He slid a business card across your desk.

You picked it up, examining it briefly before setting it aside.

"Of course," you said, your tone polite but cool. "Is there anything else?"

The agents exchanged a glance. "Not at the moment," Vancouver said, rising to his feet. "Thank you for your time, Mrs. Haitani."

As they turned to leave, you called after them.

"Agents?" They paused, looking back. You fixed them with a steady gaze. "My husband is a good man. I hope you'll keep that in mind during your investigation."

After they left, you sank back in your chair, exhaling slowly.

Your hands trembled slightly as you reached for your phone, desperate to call Ran. But you stopped yourself, knowing it wasn't safe. If they were watching him, they might be monitoring your calls too.

Instead, you busied yourself tidying your desk, mind racing. What had Ran gotten himself into this time? And why hadn't he warned you sooner?

As you sorted through papers, your eyes fell on the box of wedding invitations. A lump formed in your throat. Would there even be a wedding now?

The rest of the day passed in a blur. You went through the motions, seeing patients and handling paperwork, but your thoughts were elsewhere. By the time you locked up the office, your nerves were frayed.

The drive home was tense, your eyes constantly darting to the rearview mirror, half-expecting to see a tail. But no one followed you to the quiet suburban street.

As your driver pulled into the daycare parking lot, the late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the asphalt. The cheerful chatter of children and parents filtered through your car window, a stark contrast to the turmoil churning inside you. You plastered on a smile as you walked through the colorful hallways, decorated with finger paintings and construction paper crafts.

Kai's face lit up when she saw you, her chubby hands reaching out as she toddled over. "Mama!" she squealed, her dark curls bouncing. You scooped her up, inhaling her sweet baby scent, and for a moment the world felt right again.

"Hey, baby girl," you murmured, kissing her cheek. "Ready to go home?"

The drive home was filled with Kai's animated babbling from the backseat. You nodded and responded at the appropriate moments, but your mind was elsewhere. As you pulled into the driveway, you scanned the quiet street, half-expecting to see unmarked police cars. But everything seemed normal.

Inside, you went through the motions of your evening routine - dinner, bath time, bedtime stories. Kai seemed to sense your distraction, clinging to you more than usual. As you tucked her into her little bed, she looked up at you with Ran's eyes.

"Where Dada?" she asked sleepily.

Your throat tightened. "Daddy had to work late, sweetheart. He'll be home soon." You prayed it wasn't a lie.

As Kai peacefully slept, you found yourself unable to relax in the stillness of the house. Every little noise sent shivers down your spine and made you question who or what could be lurking in the shadows. You poured yourself a glass of wine, but even that couldn't calm your nerves as you anxiously took in the ticking of the clock on the mantle. Just when you thought you were safe, the sound of the doorbell shattered the silence. Panic set in as you debated whether to answer it or hide away from potential danger. Who could possibly be at the door? How did they manage to get past all of the security measures? Your mind raced with conflicting thoughts and fears as you cautiously approached the door.

With trembling fingers, you approached the door, heart pounding in your chest. Through the peephole, you caught a glimpse of a familiar silhouette - tall, lean, with shoulder-length hair. Relief washed over you as you recognized Rin, Ran's younger brother.

You quickly undid the locks and pulled open the door. Rin stood there, impeccably dressed as always in a tailored three-piece suit, his gold-framed glasses glinting in the porch light. The Bonten tattoo on his throat seemed to pulse in the shadows.

"Rin," you breathed, ushering him inside. "What's going on? Is Ran okay?"

Rin's stoic expression betrayed nothing as he stepped into the foyer, his polished shoes clicking against the hardwood. The scent of expensive cologne and something darker - gunpowder, perhaps - wafted around him.

"He's fine," Rin said, his voice low and controlled. "Everything is under control."

You closed the door behind him, double-checking the locks. "Under control? Ran said he was turning himself in. The ATF was at my office today, asking questions. What the hell is going on?"

Rin's amethyst eyes swept the room, taking in every detail. "Is Kai asleep?"

You nodded, frustration building.

"Yes, she's been down for hours. Now will you please tell me what's happening?"

He moved further into the house, settling into an armchair in the living room. You perched on the edge of the sofa, hands clasped tightly in your lap.

"There was a... situation," Rin began carefully. "A shipment went missing. Someone talked. Ran is handling it."

You felt a chill run down your spine at Rin's words.

"Handling it how?" you asked, your voice barely above a whisper.

Rin's expression remained impassive, but you caught a flicker of something in his eyes - concern, perhaps?

"It's best you don't know the details," he said. "Plausible deniability."

You swallowed hard, fighting back a wave of nausea.

"And turning himself in? Was that part of... handling it?"

Rin nodded slowly. "A calculated move. It buys us time and throws off suspicion. He'll be out by morning, as he told you."

Your mind reeled, trying to process it all. The quiet life you'd built, the normalcy you'd craved - it was all hanging by a thread. And yet, a part of you had always known this day might come.

You sat in silence for a moment, processing Rin's words. The ticking of the clock on the mantle seemed deafening in the quiet room.

"How bad is it?" you finally asked, your voice barely above a whisper.

Rin's eyes met yours, his gaze intense. "Bad enough that we need to be prepared for anything. Ran wanted me to come check on you and Kai, make sure you're safe."

A chill ran down your spine. "Are we in danger?"

"Not immediately," Rin replied, his tone measured. "But it's best to be cautious. I've stationed extra security around the perimeter. They're discreet - you won't see them, but they're there."

You nodded, a lump forming in your throat. "And Ran? When will I see him?"

"Soon," Rin assured you.

Rin's words offered little comfort as the reality of the situation sank in. You stood abruptly, pacing the living room as anxiety coursed through you.

"I can't believe this is happening," you muttered, running a hand through your hair. "We were supposed to be planning our wedding, not... not dealing with missing shipments and federal agents."

Rin watched you silently, his expression unreadable. After a moment, he spoke, his voice low and measured. "Y/N, you've always known who Ran is. Who we are. This life... it comes with risks."

You whirled to face him, anger flashing in your eyes. "I know that," you hissed. "But I thought... I thought things were different now. We have Kai to think about."

A flicker of emotion - regret, perhaps? - crossed Rin's face.

Rin stood, crossing the room to place a hand on your shoulder. His touch was surprisingly gentle.

"Ran is doing this for Kai," he said softly. "For all of you. He wants to secure a future where you can live without looking over your shoulders."

You let out a shaky breath, fighting back tears. "By putting himself in danger? How does that help us?"

"It's complicated," Rin replied, dropping his hand. "But Ran has a plan. He always does."

You nodded, knowing it was true. Ran was always three steps ahead, always maneuvering behind the scenes. It was part of what made him so successful - and so dangerous.

"What do I do now?" you asked, feeling suddenly lost.

Rin's expression softened slightly.

"You do what you've always done. You take care of Kai. You go to work.”

You nodded, taking a deep breath to steady yourself. Rin was right - you had to keep up appearances, for Kai's sake if nothing else.

"Alright," you said, squaring your shoulders. "I'll carry on as normal. But I want updates, Rin. No more being kept in the dark."

A ghost of a smile flickered across Rin's face. "You're tougher than Ran gives you credit for," he murmured.

You raised an eyebrow. "He should know better by now."

Rin nodded, his expression turning serious once more. "I'll keep you informed as much as I can. But Y/N... be careful. Watch what you say, who you talk to. Trust no one outside the family right now."

The gravity of his words sank in, and you felt a chill run down your spine.

#the hills #continuation #ran haitani x fem reader #i thought i ended it #but now its back #the drama never stops #i love ran sm #wife reader #bonten

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strangerscallmegray · 1 year ago

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Are we the same?

Hello guys, I hope you like this. I was out looking for Joel Miller x son!reader fics and I could find very little male reader or GN reader fics and so I impulsively decided to create this series. I hope you will like it. The first chapter is going to be exploring Joel's PoV. I'm new here so I don't understand much, hopefully I'll learn along with you.

So, the thing is I have not seen the last of us, it is just recently that I discovered the fanfics and I really liked them, I'm going to watch it soon. So, I apologize for any timeline discrepancy as well as factual errors that might be there in the story lolol.

------- x --------

Joel had a difficult relationship with his son. It was not that Joel did not love him, no, he did, he immensely loved the kid, how could he not? He was his son. You were the last remaining person from his family. The life and family he had had before everything went to shit. But there was a distance between you and Joel, one that Joel deeply lamented. It started after Sarah died. Joel felt like you blamed him for what had happened. You had always been a loving older brother to Sarah and losing her broke you too, you were never quite the same and he couldn’t say he was either.

Joel watched as you went outside the house after the latest argument you had had. Arguments were not uncommon between the two of you. It was simple, Joel still felt you were too young to be going on patrols with him. Whereas you felt you had never been more ready and to see Tess take your side had been heartbreaking for Joel. Tess would not forget the look of betrayal that had etched onto his face when she had done that. Tess had later given him a lecture saying if he wanted his son then he’d have to let him do what he wants to do even if that included danger. Joel had cried out in anger then saying that he’d rather have his son alive and hate him than dead. He and Tess had needed a lot of time to recover from that. He had already lost one child and he was not planning to lose another any time soon. Now, since Joel did not have a say in what you wanted to do, he put his everything into training you. He wanted to teach you everything he knew so that you could survive even if he is not there. He was very proud of you and how far you had come. You never complained when it came to training, even if you had arguments with your dad, sparring sessions were a must, even if it just helped in releasing pent-up frustration.

Joel was sometimes very harsh with you and he knows that. It was because maybe he got so lost when he lost Sarah that he forgot he had another person depending on him. Some days the guilt consumes him and the others he feels like you need the rigidity to make yourself better, that it is what you seek from him. Tess had told him many times that his harshness might reflect negatively on you since you were only 16. Sometimes he thought that surely Sasha must be rolling in the grave over what kind of a father he had become. A memory flashed through this head.

“This is a waste of time, they’ll have finished turning you by the time you get back up from the ground.” He said.

You were panting having fallen on the ground. “I am…..trying.” you said in between of breaths.

“Not like that you are not, the only thing you are trying to do right now is getting yourself killed, if that was your mission, congratulations, you succeeded.”

You had glared at him, still not getting up, “What the hell is your damn problem with me!?” you had shouted and stood up walking up to your dad. “You can see I’m trying, we only started practicing a week back and Tess says I’m doing good, why do you always have to be so critical of me as if I can never be any good?”

“I don’t know what Tess has been seeing, all I am seeing is that it was a mistake allowing a 14-year-old out on patrols.” Joel had said. He couldn’t understand why he was being so unnecessarily harsh.

Tears stung your eyes as you said, “I will prove you wrong Dad, I will be the best hunter you’ve ever seen.” You had said and walked away.

And you were most definitely the best that Joel had seen, he just failed to communicate it to you. He wished he had been more understanding back then.

Then, then came Ellie, the kid who reminded him too much of Sarah, the kid full of life and so opposite from both him and you. In the beginning he didn’t know how to act around her but slowly he warmed up to her. She was not replacing Sarah, nobody could replace his Sarah ever but Ellie was not Sarah, Ellie was Ellie and that was why he had grown to care for her and he knew he had grown paternal towards her. He had seen the way you interacted with Ellie too, you had never held something she didn’t even know against her. You had even taught her a couple of things and his heart swelled with happiness whenever he saw that. An emotion he was sure he would never feel again.

“Is he your son?” She had asked pointing towards you who was standing with the group explaining something to them.

“Yes.” He had said, short and crisp, he didn’t want to discuss it and he hoped she’d get the hint. She did not.

“Then why is he on patrols? He doesn’t seem that much older.” She looked curiously.

He had looked at her and glared “Why don’t you ask him the same then maybe even I will know.”

And after that, it felt the most normal than ever in Jackson, but he just wished he could mend his relationship with his son. He wished you would stop looking at everything he did for you in negative light and stop seeing him as the enemy.

Soo, I hope you liked that, let me know what you think. The next chapter will be your PoV.

#the last of us #joel miller #joel miller x reader #joel miller x teen!reader #joel miller x son!reader #joel miller x male reader #ellie williams #ellie williams x brother!reader #father figure joel miller

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sinner-sunflower · 1 year ago

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A HH Lucifer-centric AU 4/?

PART 1 , PART 2, PART 3, PART 5, PART 6, PART 7, PART 8, PART 9, PART 10, PART 11, PART 12, PART 13, PART 14, PART 15, PART 16, PART 17, PART 18, PART 19, PART 20, PART 21, PART 22

Thanks to your support, I am so committed to this. When I finish this, I plan to make it into a long, proper, one-shot- better format and everything!

I've been doing these chapters in the middle of work lmao, so if you see a typo or some edits, it's me rereading it after work.

I'm trying to include more Alastor but he's pretty hard to write.

I used Velvette so much here cos I love her as that bitch you love to hate. She is obviously the spokesperson of the Vees

---------------------------------------------

The hotel lobby is filled with unbearable silence as hell's overlords and high members of the Ars Goetia arrive one by one.

Just a few hours ago, Alastor heard from Carmila Carmine that the king had called a meeting for the top ruling people of hell. Charlie doesn't know why her dad called for it in the hotel.

The Ars Goetia (minus Stolas) were whispering among themselves and shooting the sinner overlords dirty looks every now and again. The overlords were good at pretending they couldn't hear anything. Apparently, they at least have the sense to know that that would be a fight they cannot win.

The hotel's residents collectively claimed it as their spot. Husk is talking with Angel quietly, keeping him distracted and out of view of Valentino, Vaggie is holding her spear as she keeps a close eye on the strangers in their home, Nifty is obsessively cleaning a corner of the bar (Husk keeps telling her that it is still dirty just so she won't venture elsewhere), and Cherri is playing with an unlit bomb in her hand.

Rosie and Stolas decided to approach Charlie and Alastor at the bar at the same time, both slightly bowed to her.

Charlie: Prince Stolas. Rosie.

Stolas: Hello, princess.

Charlie: How's Octavia?

Stolas: Via misses your outings together. But she is fine. She's with her mother today.

Rosie: Not that I'm not happy to see ya, Alastor. But why exactly are we here? Our Carmila has not stated a reason why.

Alastor: You know as much as me, my dear.

Stolas: It must be dire. His majesty rarely calls for the Goetia's presence. He is not here yet?

Charlie: No. He went down in Sloth earlier. I'm worried. After what happened yesterday, I..

Rosie: Yesterday? Did something happen, sweetie?

Charlie realizes the slip up and backtracks.

Charlie: Nothing, Rosie!

Rosie gives her a look that tells her they're going to be talking about it later. She gives the overlord a weak thumbs up.

Meanwhile, Velvette decides enough is enough and they have wasted too much time waiting.

Velvette: Ugh! Vois, let's go. This is a fuckin' joke.

Carmila: Velvette, calm yourself.

Valentino: Why should she? I had very important shit to shoot today and me being here is making me lose money.

Alastor: Then perhaps you should step down. Having to attend the bare minimum duty of their title must be so difficult for someone so... undeserving.

The Radio Demon has a giant patronizing grin plastered on his face. Alastor's comment prompted Vox to speak up.

Vox: Oh, you timely piece of shit! Fight us right now, Alastor!

Alastor: How unbecoming. Throwing tantrums in front of royalty!

Velvette: I for one, don't want to sit here waiting for a no-show fossil

Charlie's demon side flares as the demon insults her dad.

Charlie: How fucking dare you?!

Random Goetia: You shall know better than to disrespect your king, insolent pest.

Velvette: Ha! You think we're scared of a bunch of birds?

Alastor: Should have known you three cannot behave for a simple meeting haha!

Soon everyone was yelling obscenities at each other, filling the hotel with chaos. Before a proper fight could break out, the door opens with a bang, silencing every demon.

Lucifer has arrived, following him were the other Sins. They were arguing amongst themselves from behind him. Charlie can only catch glimpses of what is being said as voices overlap each other.

Beelzebub: Bel-

Mammon: Are you fuckin-

Satan: Wrath is-

Leviathan: We cannot-

Asmodeus: Evacuation-

Belphegor: Grown another mile-

Lucifer says nothing the entire time and just takes a seat in the middle of the semi-circle table he conjured up. With the way the table was placed in front of everyone else, Charlie gets the feeling of deja vu of her hearing in heaven. But now her dad will be the one passing judgment.

Most of the sinners in the room back up as the Sins continue to argue with their full form.

Lucifer sits back and raises a hand and the yelling stops.

Back then, she never really understood why demons were afraid of her dad. He was always a silly and happy guy when spending time with her. But one time, she sneaks into his rare meetings with the Sins and sees why he was called the devil.

The anger she saw then could have given her Uncle Satan a run for Uncle Mammon's money.

Lucifer: Thank you all for coming on such short notice. I will cut to the chase. I have called you all here because something is brewing at the very depths of hell. Something that may affect us all.

Stolas: The Ars Goetia is at your disposal, sire. But may I ask what is this about?

Belphegor: I can answer that. A few months ago, an anomaly appeared at the edge of Sloth. It was not a problem until-

She pressed her touchpad and a hologram screen appeared showing the infected ground.

Not a single demon didn't widen their eyes.

Angel: What the fuck is that?

Belphegor: We wouldn't have called you all here if it was not this severe.

She taps and shows a mutilated demon pig.

Belphegor: This is Patient Zero. An animal on a nearby farm made contact with the anomaly. It instantly infected the whole body, controlling the creature whilst killing it slowly. If it can affect an animal like this, we fear what it may do to-

Velvette: And what do you expect us to do about it exactly? Why the fuck would we care about some old place we can't even go to.

Belphegor is briefly stunned by the interruption but ignores the sinner's disrespect.

Belphegor: Because you would have to be naive to think that it will stop in Sloth. We cannot be too careful.

Velvette: So you think we would risk our lives? Yeah. No thanks. How do we even know that it will affect us? It's just a pig. The worst we can get is horrible floor decor.

Lucifer stands up and moves silently towards the middle for everyone to see.

Lucifer: Free will does not mean you are free from consequences.

The king starts to remove his shirt to everyone's panic, except Belphegor.

Mammon: Woah woah, mate. The fuck ya doin?

Lucifer shrugs off the last piece of clothing to reveal the glowing, infected marks. It has not been a day since he touched it but the veins are already covering the entire right half of his torso.

Charlie: Dad!

The princess attempts to go to her father's side but Vaggie holds her back.

Lucifer: Shall we proceed without any more interruptions?

---------------------------------------------

What to look forward to in Part 5:

the rest of the meeting

more dialogue from the other Sins. Cannot decide what personality to give to Leviathan.

My HC for Satan is he's like one of those old butler types but has a jacked body (I know he has that workout app, but I'm leaning more of the liver king type of a gentle strongman with anger issues. I don't want him to be a fuckboy gymbro)

more badass lucifer

the Vees getting scolded like the children they are

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avengerscompound · 8 months ago

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Shared Experience - Chapter 16

Shared Experience - A Captain America Fanfic

Masterlist PREVIOUS //

Rating: E

Warnings: nothing really

Pairing: Steve Rogers x OFC Rose Astor

Word Count: 1931

Summary: Rose Astor met her end in 1920, joining the ranks of the living dead two years after the birth of Steve Rogers. A century later the two meet in battle - a beacon of light clashing with a creature of the night. Despite their differences, the two bond over their shared life experiences. Can a vampire become an Avenger? Can two such different beings create a life together?

Chapter 16

Steve and Rose followed Elsa down the stairs into the cellar of an old stone house at the edge of the town. Steve and Elsa had pulled their coats tight around them and each breath they exhaled came out in a puff of condensation. Rose felt bad for them. It had to be difficult to be that cold, but if either of them were uncomfortable, they weren’t saying it.

The cellar was dimly lit and sparsely furnished. A group of five vampires, two men, two women, and one that looked like she must have been turned when she was twelve, were sitting on four brown leather Chesterfields surrounding a large square hardwood coffee table. A sixth lounged on a wingback chair, one leg swung over the arm. He wore leather pants and his black silk shirt was unbuttoned low, like he got his style from Vegas shock magicians.

Each member of the group was wearing a matching amulet around their neck. It looked like a flower made of red stones. The Lightbender Amulet.

Rose was struck by how tired the group looked. Not hungry. Not worn out. Tired - like they’d been woken up recently from actual sleep.

“What did you wake us up for, Bloodstone?” the Vegas vampire asked.

“Calm down, Raizo,” Elsa scolded. “No one is impressed.”

The child Vampire stood up suddenly and pointed at Steve. “Captain America,” she said, pointing at him.

The other vampires all shifted suddenly, some sitting up straight, one standing, Raizo stood and walked around the back of the couches toward Steve, Elsa, and Rose.

“This is why I woke you all up,” Elsa said. “Children, this is Captain America. Captain America, these guys.”

Raizo offered Steve his hand. “I’m Raizo, this is Eliza, Sebastian, Narcissa, Laurant, and Cristina. What brings you to Romania?”

Sebastian and Laurant rolled their eyes as they watched the interaction, and Rose resisted the urge to do the same.

“This is my friend, Rose,” Steve said, shaking his hand. “We were told by the Moon Knight that you had an amulet that would help her walk in the day and suppress her cravings.”

Razio looked back at the others and then approached Rose, he walked around her, his eyes gliding up and down her body, before looking at Elsa. “Are we sure he’s not compelled?”

“You can see for yourself,” Elsa said. “But he’s fine.”

“I can’t compel him anyway. You can try. Something about the Super Serum makes him immune to it,” she said.

“And why did you want to compel him?” Razio asked suspiciously.

“So he’d forget I existed,” she said. “Like I’d been trained by my maker. Not because I was trying to feed off him.”

He looked Steve up and down too then returned his gaze to Rose. “You must be fighting those urges of yours very well if an Avenger is here to vouch for you.”

“She’s not just fighting them, she’s out doing good. She’s part of the team. She’s helped save the world,” he said.

Razio raised an eyebrow. “Well, well, well...”

“Enough, Razio,” Laurant said with a thick French accent. “She clearly meets the criteria. Give her the amulet and let them be on their way. I want to go back to bed.”

Razio huffed and went to the far end of the room, pressing on a brick. The wall shifted in and slid to the side revealing a safe, and he began spinning the combination wheel.

“Who was your maker, Rose?” Narcissa asked.

“Marcellus Lakatos,” Rose said. “When he was in New York at the turn of last century.”

Eliza, the child vampire stiffened and sat forward in her chair. “Rose Astor?”

Rose startled. “Yes. Do you know me?”

“Oh, darling,” Narcissa said. “Eliza is your little sister.”

Rose was reeling. It felt like she’d been slapped. Guilt and anger came bubbling up like bile in her throat. The monster that had turned her and tortured her had gone from her to someone even younger. It was Rose’s fault that Eliza had been turned and god knows what else he’d done to her.

“What?” she asked.

“When you sent him away, he returned here but grabbed me on the way. I think I was supposed to be a snack, but…” Eliza shrugged. Rose didn’t need more than that. She was here, he’d decided to keep her because he was a sadist who liked torturing girls.

“I’m so sorry,” Rose said. “I should have…”

Eliza shook her head. “What? Kept him there so he could keep torturing you? He’d have gotten bored eventually. We’re not the only ones he’s done this too. When we got here, Dracula was pissed. They’re not supposed to turn people as young as me and apparently, it’s been a theme of his.”

Razio approached her, holding out his hand and letting the amulet fall from his fingers, so it dangled from the chain two inches from his hand. The amulet was beautiful. A dark red garnet sat in the center with twelve rubies arranged around it so they looked like sunflower petals. Rose reached for it, but as her fingers went to close around it, he pulled it from her reach.

“Something really needs to be done about him,” he said. “He can’t keep getting away with this.”

“Give her the amulet, Razio,” Elsa scolded. “It’s not her job to take out her maker. She’s an Avenger. She has nothing to prove.”

Razio turned and began to stroll around the room. “True, true,” he said. “She’s proven herself. No one else here has gotten the approval of Moon Knight, notable monster hunter Elsa Bloodstone, and the Avengers.” He flopped down into the winged back chair, flinging his leg over the arm again while he held the amulet out in front of him, watching it spin on the chain. “But what if we could take care of this Marcellus? You all said it. It’s one thing if one of our kind is just drinking blood. We can hardly help it that we need it to live. I’m not about staking every vamp I see just trying to live their lives.”

“I am,” Elsa interrupted.

He waved her off. “But Marcellus is a whole different kind of monster. It’s a game for him. He’s like a cat who enjoys toying with its food before it eats it. And his prey are just getting younger and younger. I know he’s one of Dracula’s progeny and they’re usually off-limits, but going off what happened with Eliza, he might even look the other way. But even if he didn’t, with Elsa and our new Avenger friend, we could carry this out and he wouldn’t even know if we were involved.”

“Oh, so you’d just throw me under the bus?” Elsa asked.

He scoffed. “He already wants to kill you. That’s not going to change anything.”

“The Avengers would be willing to help,” Steve said. “I’ve been hoping to take a shot at this monster for a while. If you know how to get to him, we’ll take him out.”

Rose turned and looked at him with surprise. Steve was so against killing people outside of battle, and even then he usually tried not to kill anyone. She wasn’t sure what to make of this reaction. Was it some kind of protective rage toward the man that had hurt her so badly? A resignation that this was necessary to stop him from hurting other people? Or did he just not consider killing a vampire as killing someone?

He smiled at her and squeezed her hand. She might have to bring it up later, the problem was, she wanted Marcellus dead. She’d wanted him dead since he turned her. If she questioned Steve about his feelings about vampires before that happened, he might have a change of heart and decide to lock him up or something.

“There are other Avengers here?” Razio asked.

Steve nodded. “A few. Black Widow, Iron Man, and the Scarlet Witch.”

Razio flicked his wrist so the amulet began spinning on the chain. “You know this could really work.”

“What are you thinking?” Steve asked. “Shall we go in during the day?”

“No use, love,” Elsa said. “If I could clear out that den during the day, I would have a long time ago. That castle takes in tourists during the day. It’s heavily secured, particularly the crypt they sleep in. My family has considered just setting fire to the place during opening hours, but I’m sure that all that would happen would be a lot of innocent tourists would die and the crypt would remain unharmed.”

“Regardless, we can not enter,” Sebastian said. “While public places are usually accessible to us during opening hours as the invitation is implicitly open to everyone to enter, in this case, the tickets to the castle explicitly restrict our ilk. At night, the building is closed to everyone, so we cannot enter without being invited.”

“What Bas is saying is, we’ll have to draw him out,” Eliza said.

“How would we even do that?” Rose asked. “That ruse of Elsa being a helpless potential victim isn’t exactly targeted.”

Razio flipped the amulet into his hand and leaned back in the chair. “That will be the trick. I’m sure we can think of something. Use bait that’s more to his taste maybe.”

“Wanda might fit?” Steve suggested. “She’s fairly young and has a kind of innocence to the way she holds herself. Maybe we can use makeup to make her look younger?”

Rose shrugged. “It still feels like that might just end up attracting any random vampire as much as it will attract him specifically.”

Razio drummed his fingers on the amulet and then sat up, tossing it to Rose. “We’ll think about it.”

Rose snatched the amulet out of the air and clutched it against her chest. She could feel the power of it pricking against her skin. Holding it in her hand somehow made her more nervous. What if it didn’t work? What if this was a trick and it ended up hurting her?

Yet, she could see six vampires sitting around the room, all wearing one. They could be in on the lie, but it was too elaborate. If Blade, Moon Knight, or Elsa Bloodstone wanted her dead, they’d had their chance. They didn’t need to create an elaborate prank to force her into the sun.

She slipped the chain around her neck letting the amulet sit on her chest. “Thank you,” she said.

“They’re right. We think you’ve proven you’re like us,” Razio said. “Now I know you don’t feel ready for sleep yet. But the rest of us were woken up for this. We’ll sleep on the issue. We can meet up here tomorrow morning. How’s ten sound?”

It sounded crazy and implausible. She could only imagine being awake at ten in the morning if she was up closer to the Arctic Circle during winter. She nodded. “Sounds good,” she agreed.

“Bring those other Avengers,” Razio said.

“We will,” Steve agreed. He slipped his hand into hers and squeezed her hand reassuringly. “Thank you again. And see you tomorrow.”

They were just moving to the stairs when Razio called out to them. “Oh and Rose,” he said. “Enjoy the sunrise.”

Rose smiled and nodded. While she’d seen a few since starting to feed from Steve, they usually came with fear, pain, and that animalistic pull to get underground. If this worked, she wouldn’t feel any of that. If that was true, she would cherish every moment of it.

// NEXT

#marvel #avengers #marvel fanfic #steve rogers #steve rogers fanfic #captain america #captain america fanfic #steve rogers x oc #fanfic #fanfiction #ofc #smut #shared experience

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noroi1000 · 1 year ago

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❝𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐮-𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐢❞ Chapter 16

Satoru-Sensei | ←Previous chapter • Next Chapter→ Summary: The fact that you had a teacher-student relationship didn't matter now. You are both adults. You can do what you want. Whenever you want and every thing that comes to your mind. The truth is that many important things cannot be hidden behind a flimsy lie. Gojo couldn't hide things for long by speaking out about such things. A mysterious man whose behavior can be described as full of lies, and something worth discovering for the truth. Someone wise will notice this too quickly. Sometimes being smart also means foolishness.

"What's wrong, Fushiguro? I didn't expect you would want to talk to us. You never talk to us..." the pink-haired man muttered as he sat on the table instead of the chair.

He was happy to be able to sit in the same seat he had sat in two years ago.

"He's probably jealous that we talk to our kohai more often than to him." the brunette laughed, sitting elegantly on a chair with her longer skirt falling freely.

She always had to be elegant. Especially when she discovered that elegance in a woman like her is seen as an ideal. She considered herself strong and beautiful. So she must be just as elegant. Especially after she met Mei Mei. She became her idol because she can't deny that this woman maintains class even during a fight.

Itadori didn't take anything like he always should. He acted the same as always. His movements during friendly encounters were erratic. And he didn't care what he looked like now.

Fushiguro was the only person who tried to act as if something had really happened.

Because something happened! There is nothing here that is absolutely normal...

A person who was supposedly dead for two years suddenly appears before his eyes...

You were never bold. You would never be in a relationship with Gojo! You two were completely incompatible with each other! He was loud, and sometimes obnoxious! You were quiet and shy.

Because of your personality, you were definitely suppressed by him. Because he's definitely louder than you. More open and wild.

What he saw... Where and how you were together... That's all... It didn't look like a student-teacher relationship.

Is it because he is no longer your teacher and you are also an adult?

Did he make you do it?

You certainly knew how good it would be for you and for others.

Surely you also saw his different behavior toward you. He cared about you more than anyone else. He was much closer.

Did he blackmail you to stay with him?

Gojo is a selfish man sometimes. Is he doing everything to keep you for him? Was he worried about you?

Was he worried that he would lose another person?

Fushiguro learned the truth about Gojo Satoru's school years. He lost a loved one.

Maybe he saw someone close to you and decided to take you away from the world so as not to lose you?

This man is definitely crazy!

He hurt you like that!

He took you away from your parents and your friends!

What was he thinking?!

The dark-haired man had to think about what happened. He had to take it all seriously. All! Now there is no mistake.

All the tips he got... It all led him to the truth.

They must reason with Gojo and take you away before it's too late!

You will return to your family and your normal life.

Gojo cannot like a madman hold you, not at your will, for your safety!

He wants you there because he doesn't want to lose someone close to him. And when you are only with him for the rest of your life, you will never leave him.

It's all so difficult...

You can't say no to him. That's why this is the biggest problem. You are with him because you are unable to refuse him...

"If you act like idiots, I won't tell you anything, and I'll do everything myself..." He said it with a serious face.

And because of this expression on his face, the other two didn't know whether he had his normal face or whether he was really serious and thinking about this important matter.

"Is this more important than the fact that we ate your chicken for dinner?" Itadori asked with his hand slightly raised in the air.

A characteristic vein appeared on Fushiguro's forehead, threatening to make him explode with rage and start screaming at them for losing his food because of them.

But instead, he sighed.

He let out an exasperated sigh that surprised them enough that they really wondered what had happened to make their friend so serious.

"I know you won't believe me right away, but (l/n) is alive." he said suddenly.

Their eyes looked at him questioningly, and they stared in disbelief.

"If she were alive, she would have appeared two years ago," the girl said calmly, resting her cheek on her fist.

"She couldn't show up."

"Where did you think you saw her?" Itadori asked with a curious face.

"With Gojo..."

"Huh? Gojo-sensei is on mission!"

"I thought so too... But I found the coordinates in his house... There was a photo of the beach. It was a small island near Japan. Hokusei saw that Gojo was texting a mysterious girl who had no name on his phone. And he called her 'Ashamed-chan'. So this is it..."

" 'Ashamed-chan'? I heard it once..." Itadori placed his fingers on his chin.

"Gojo said that to (l/n) several times. Do you remember his behavior around her? They were close."

"Are you suggesting something? That our shy (l/n) was in a relationship with our Sensei?" Kugisaki laughed lightly.

"I suspect so. Either they are in a relationship or he is forcing her into a relationship. And she is with him because there is no one else there."

"You can't accuse her of something like that." She snorted.

"I saw them in bed. They–."

"You pervert! You can't spy on a woman in bed! Look at naked men as much as you want! But don't you dare spy on women!"

"Kugisaki, shut up." he growled. "Don't be so loud. I don't want anyone to hear. And also.... I've seen them in bed, but they don't do what you think to. They acted like a couple. And there's no way I could ever mistake Gojo's or (l/n)'s face..."

"Oh... That's right..." the pink-haired one muttered.

You were like Tsumiki to Fushiguro.

Innocent, kind, and gullible. You were sweet. But somehow you were different from her in your shyness and quietness.

"I still don't believe you. It could have been anyone! Gojo's girlfriend might just be like her..."

"(h/c) hair and (e/c) eyes.”

"Ohh... Or maybe it really was her..." She whispered. "But if she could be alive, why did she do this to us and not tell us?! We mourned her every year!”

"I think Gojo forced her to do it."

"No... That's not right! I won't believe you until I see it with my own eyes!" She screamed, almost in tears.

"I need help saving her anyway. I'll take you there, and we'll help her."

The white-haired man's back was leaning against the wall next to the door.

His head was positioned slightly upwards as he placed the back of his head on the wall. His eyes are focused on the corner where the ceiling meets the wall.

Mouths are freely closed. Calm facial expression.

A straight face.

And under this simple face, there is a confusion of thoughts and emotions.

What Megumi said... He had to protect you now.

The world is not safe for you. Especially now that someone found out you're alive.

Now there's no point in hiding anymore...

When they come, he will show them what they want to see.

He smiled slightly...

"Megumi-kun... You were always a smart kid. But..."

Taglist: @mc-reborn ; @yihona-san06 ; @yerinsshi ; @erisfayred ; @tohsri

#jujutsu kaisen #jjk #gojo satoru #jjk x you #gojo x y/n #jjk x reader #gojo x reader #gojo #yandere gojo x you #yandere gojo #jjk fluff #jujutsu kaisen angst #yandere jujutsu kaisen #yandere jjk #Satoru-sensei

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sebastianswallows · 2 years ago

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A new family — Chapter 5

— PAIRING: dark!Ominis Gaunt x F!MC

— SYNOPSIS: Ominis gets tired of his family and how miserable life is with them after he graduates. So he follows Sebastian's example for once, and kills them in cold blood. Now that he has the mansion to himself, he discovers he would still like to have a family, but one of his own making.

— WARNINGS: just Marvolo being a nasty boy. I tried to keep him accurate, and he's probably the worst character I've ever written.

— WORDCOUNT: 2.2k

— TAGLIST: @littletealight @skarathewitch @myrachondria @mrimperio @ssnapsaurus @tarotwitchy-main @hufflepuff-16

Her hand went instinctively to the wand in her skirt pocket, but Marvolo stepped forward slowly, casually, throwing on a bemused smile. The doors closed behind him as if from a draft.

There was little in him that reminded her of Ominis. The high cheekbones and full lips were there, but his hair was dark and duller, his brows bullish thick, and his body was more broad. Although clothed quite finely in a gentleman’s suit, grey with black pinstripes, he moved in an uncouth manner, rough and lumbering and careless, if not outright uncivil.

“I wasn’t aware we were having guests,” he said, his brown eyes distastefully tracking her up and down before settling on her own. His voice was flat and low. It moved like something buried beneath mud. “Although you don’t seem like the sort of person that would be welcome here.”

She immediately hated him. She had heard of him throughout the years by Ominis, although not too much as it was, understandably, difficult for him to talk about his family in detail. She’d seen his pictures around the house as well, a few moving photographs and paintings, and he made himself unpleasant in each one, arrogant and egotistical and proud. And not only was he was as repulsive as his parents, but he’d been party to many of the torments inflicted on her dear Ominis.

She placed the parcel on the coffee table, almost in defiance, and smoothed her hands down her skirt. “I wasn’t aware yours was a welcoming family,” she said coolly.

“It isn’t,” he laughed, coming around to plop himself down on the sofa without even asking for her name. He crossed his legs and sat back, his arms spanning across its backrest almost from one end to another. “Which is why I wonder how you got here. You seem to have made yourself… comfortable,” he said, his eyes going down her figure once again. He might have noted the quality of the robes which she had bought with Ominis, or the dragon-skin boots she wore. His eyes, inevitably, fell to the gift-wrapped package on the table. “I can, of course, think of only one culprit,” grinned Marvolo.

“Is that so?”

“Where is my baby brother?”

“He’s your brother. How would I know?” she said, slowly stepping back.

“I only ask,” he shrugged, “because since I’ve got here I haven’t seen hide nor hair of mother and father, and you’re nothing like sissy’s friends.”

“Perhaps they’ve all gone out.”

His eyes flashed suspiciously up at her. He must have been thinking she was an interloper, or a thief, or worse… She had said nothing to discourage that opinion, of course, but she did not particularly care either way. She hated Marvolo, and didn’t intend to hide it.

“Yes, they must be out there somewhere, draining the family coffers… Am I right?”

Ah, so Ominis withdrawing funds from their account must have tipped him off. Perhaps even one of the Gringotts goblins told him about it. From across the distance, she could feel Sebastian laugh and say ‘I told you so’.

“I don’t know anything about that —”

“No, you wouldn’t, would you? What’s… this?” he said in one breath, leaning forward mid-sentence to pick up the little parcel. He held it to his ear and shook it to guess what was inside.

She took a few steps to the side and sat down on one of the armchairs by the fire, stretching out her legs as she lay almost on her side lazily.

“It’s a gift,” she said, “but not for you.”

“For someone special, is it?” Mavolo grinned, leaning back with it still in his hands. “Enough chitchat. Where’s Ominis?”

“You don’t care.”

“No, I don’t, but tell me anyway.” He looked around the room with a critical eye, suddenly humourless. “I know something odd has happened. I can smell it.”

Her eyes narrowed and she cocked a brow. A sliver of Legilimency told her the truth was slightly different.

“Someone told you.”

“Oh,” he laughed boomingly, “you caught me.”

“The house-elves?”

Marvolo scoffed. “Simpering vermin. No, it was the serpents that live on our grounds. Dug one out of his burrow and a nice long chat. Interesting little fellow. Didn’t recall seeing my family for many moons, although you and Ominis are known to take frequent walks lately…” His eyes glinted with satisfaction, no doubt feeling boastful about his special ability.

“Well then, perhaps the snakes can tell you where Ominis has gone. I certainly can’t.”

“I see he’s done nothing creative with the place,” said Marvolo, making a show of casting his eyes around. “Bought a distasteful little muggle device and littered the place with books, but aside from that… Not exactly an improvement. Even though father’s been gone for… how long, now?”

She shrugged. In truth, she didn’t know for certain how long it had been. “I have no idea what, if anything, has happened to him.”

“I suppose Ominis didn’t have the heart to tell me our beloved parents went ‘missing’. An owl would have been nice, you know… That or he didn’t have the courage to try to make me disappear as well.”

“Ominis has done nothing of the sort. He’s —”

“I thought you said you didn’t know,” he smirked. “So how do you know he’s innocent?”

“If anyone’s to be suspected of something, it’s you,” she said, leaning forward. “After all, I certainly can’t verify what the snake told you, can I?”

“Ah yes, you’re a mudblood. How could you possibly?”

“For all I know, you’re the —”

“Let me guess. I’m the big bad villain, am I? Why? Because I didn’t spoil your little cripple? Because I didn’t give in to his tantrums and melodramas? He was always so disgusting, the little milk-eye… Such an embarrassment. You have no idea what it’s like to have someone like that born in the family. A burden to be dragged about.”

“You really are vile.”

“Do you think,” he continued, leaning forward to brace his thick arms on his knees, “that your scrawny little boyfriend —”

“— He’s not my boyfriend.”

“— didn’t bring his misfortunes on himself? I think he relished it, as a matter of fact… He loved the attention. It was the only thing he had to contribute, after all. No magical talent, no interest in anyone other than himself, no respect for his own family who made him and raised him in the lap of luxury.”

“You call what you did to him ‘luxury’?!”

“Any other wizard would’ve given an arm and a leg to be born into this noble family. No, Ominis wants to be pitied… It is the only way he can stand out. But I know better. So do mother and father — or at least, they did.”

Her sprawl in the armchair turned more into a coiling, like an angry snake ready to strike, but she kept her jaw shut — clenched, in fact — and let Marvolo’s words wash over her. She burned to defend Ominis, but it was clearly a lost cause. Marvolo spoke as if he believed every word, as if he thought Ominis deserved all the nasty things his family inflicted upon him… She’d met people like that before, usually on the other end of her wand. There was no reasoning with them.

“You are convinced they are dead,” she said coolly. “And yet between you and Ominis, you seem to be the one fond of Unforgivables. Only further leads me to believe you killed them, and have come here to try to pin it on him before the Ministry hears of it.”

“Me?” he laughed. “Why would I hurt my own blood?”

“You need money, correct? All those gambling dens in London must be clamouring to get their dues…” she smirked.

In passing, she knew from Ominis about Marvolo’s stay in London, and his squandering habits. It wasn’t difficult to put two and two together…

Marvolo leaned back and smirked, not even attempting to deny it.

“I’ll just remind you that I’m not the only one in this family who is, as you so feebly put it, fond of the Unforgivables.”

“You forced Ominis to use them!”

“You believe everything that blind fool tells you?”

“He’s not a —”

“Although I must admit, pretty girls like you tend not to be very clever. Am I right?”

“Your compliments are as banal as your insults.”

“Come, now,” he chuckled, finally standing up and throwing the parcel back on the sofa. “You’re not as picky as all that, are you?”

With his distinctive heavy steps, hands stuffed in his pockets, Marvolo made his way around the room and vaguely toward her. She could now see that he was leaving mud trails everywhere he went, likely leaving it for the elves to deal with.

“After all,” he shrugged, “if you’ve set up here with that pale bat, your standards must be through the floor.”

“You don’t even care about what happened to your parents, admit it. You’re just upset Ominis is living his life outside of your malign influence.”

“So is that why he’s been dripping the account dry? My account, my inheritance?” he asked, coming slowly closer. “To pay for you? To buy you nice things — although, that piece, I must say,” he tutted and shook his head as he looked her up and down, “not particularly fitting. Guess he must’ve chosen it himself.”

Her fingers itched to curse him, but then Marvolo went by and past her, walking toward the right side of the room. She turned and kept him in her sights as he strolled, completely confident, with his back toward her. Slowly, she rose to her feet and faced him, keeping the armchair between them, ready to duck if tried to take out his wand. She suspected it was either up his sleeve or in his pocket.

“Is that the only reason you’re here?” she asked. “Because you noticed some galleons missing?”

“No,” he said, still looking around. “I’m here because I have yet to receive my annual invitation to father’s special Modranicht feast. Ominis wouldn’t know, he was never invited. It takes… a special pair of eyes to appreciate that celebration,” he grinned, winking at her from over his shoulder.

She glared at him but said nothing. She vaguely knew about the festival, something ancient that used to take place around Christmas Eve. It was supposed to be a celebration of motherhood, although she didn’t want to think of how the Gaunts observed it. The stains down in the dungeon flashed in her memory for a split second.

“Perhaps you have fallen out of your father’s favour,” she said.

Marvolo only laughed and turned his back to her again. His gaze fell to the glass cabinet, and he stepped closer to observe it.

“It is true, though,” he drawled. “I have been a bit of a villain. Not that Ominis didn’t deserve it. He’s never stood up for himself… Not against me, not against mother or father — who, to be fair, is rather terrifying — not even against sissy. I suppose that makes him the family ‘sissy’, doesn’t it?” he laughed. “Which makes me wonder what you’re doing with him.”

“I told you, I’m not doing anything.”

“Sure,” he nodded, looking at her again. “Only wearing his gifts and spending my money and living for months in my house!” said Marvolo, his voice rising with each word until he was shouting at her. His tone changed so quickly from the mocking laughter to the furious rage that it gave her whiplash. “If whoring yourself to a Gaunt is how you pay for your school supplies, so be it,” he said, his tone gentle again. “But you won’t do it on my galleons. Now, you little whore, for the last time: what happened to my father?”

“I’m not your little whore, and I have no idea what befell your father. Since he is supposed to be such a marvellous wizard, I’m sure nothing bad could possibly happen to him.”

“That’s right,” he nodded. “Not from a weakling like Ominis.”

His face turned one last time toward the cabinet and he frowned, noticing that something was off about the display but not being able to tell what.

“Regardless,” Marvolo continued, starting to walk back to her, “just tell me where he is and I’ll take it up with him, brother-to-brother, if not man-to-man.”

“I told you, I don’t know where he is.”

His dark eyes flashed with a dangerous glint as he stalked toward her. “It wouldn’t do to ruin those good looks by lying to me.”

“She told the truth,” came Ominis’ voice. Just then, the fireplace burst green and the flames grew large, dying swiftly to reveal his figure. He was dressed in a long warm cloak, his hands hidden beneath its folds. “But not to worry, Marvolo. Here I am. Now,” he said, stepping out of the fireplace, “I understand you’re looking for our family?”

“Oh, welcome back!” he clapped. “Off to bury their corpses, were you?”

“Oh no,” he said calmly, “I would never do them that honour.”

#Ominis Gaunt #Marvolo Gaunt #hl #Ominis Gaunt fanfiction #ominis gaunt imagine #Hogwarts Legacy imagine #Ominis Gaunt x Reader #Ominis Gaunt x MC #Hogwarts Legacy MC #sswallow;made a thing #sswallow;fanfics #sswallow;a new family

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theboywithburninghands · 1 year ago

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We’ve reached the day of the wedding. This chapter was a delight to create. Keep an eye out for cameos from characters made by my friends @noble-crimson and @cleoarrow. There’s also an embedded song link to better help you better experience one particular moment. I changed the lyrics though. Enjoy, I sure did. @fernstarsblog

T/W: Era appropriate sexism, discussions of abuse and drug addiction

Primum Peccatum Ch. 16: Like Rain on Your Wedding Day

It was a difficult decision, but Pomni and Altonicus ultimately decided to slow down the tapering process in time for the wedding.

Jax had mostly recovered from the worst of his opium reduction, to the point that he mostly only suffered from cold spells and occasional headaches. Of course, it would become severe again once they went from one drop of laudanum to half a drop. But, when this debacle was over, they could focus on fully getting Jax off of opium once and for all. For now, it was about getting the ceremony over and done with.

Pomni, naturally, told Jax about the encounter with Boone. Every detail. It was, after all, important to communicate in a relationship, so she had heard. She did make an effort to emphasize the fact that Boone was the one who ended up hurt, not her, but that was hardly lying. Journalists would call it “editorializing.” She despised Boone and by no means aimed to protect him, but her fiancé was ill and did not need to aggravate his condition by enacting vengeance on his brother. That would jeopardize both his health and also arouse Drexl’s suspicions, had Boone not already turned stool pigeon and betrayed them…

“He attempted to harm you..?” Jax said. His voice was eerily quiet.

“Yes he did,” Pomni said. “He did not succeed in doing so, and his apology appeared genuine enough… But he did.”

Jax took a deep breath. He closed his eyes in a slow blink, then reopened them.

“Help me to my feet,” he said.

“Do you need the lavatory?” Pomni inquired.

“No. I wish to discuss these events with my brother,” Jax said, pulling his bedclothes aside.

“I assume by ‘discuss,’ you mean ‘beat.’ And I can’t allow you to do that.” Pomni said.

“And why not?” Jax asked. His expression was like a hot anvil, unmoving and silent, but radiating palpable energy.

“For once thing, in your present state, you’d be trounced,” Pomni replied. “You have difficulty even standing without my assistance at the moment. I think I could even defeat you as you are now.”

Pomni smiled thinly.

“That was a joke. But the other reason is, you’d be walking right into the lion pit. Boone is at your father’s, and I assume your brother won’t hesitate to cower behind him. What if he reveals the truth of your withdrawals right there? There would be no way to avoid your father’s wrath, and who knows what that dragon is capable of when truly furious?”

Jax’s shoulders slumped a bit. He looked at the floor for a while before glancing up at Pomni.

“You raise fair points. I suppose Boone eludes the consequences yet again,” he sighed. “You are frightfully calm for what you’ve just endured.”

“Calm? Hardly. Though I may be placid on the surface, I assure you, I am not. If I’ve taken away anything from these past few weeks, apart from my love for you, it’s that I cannot change this country’s poisoned ideals through shouting and the gnashing of teeth. Think of it like a boil; squeezing and picking at it in blind anger will only aggravate the pain, as the infection runs deep beneath the skin. If you truly wish to be rid of the agony, it must be treated with surgical calmness, draining every last drop of bacteria-ridden filth from the wound until it can at last heal and be free of pain. That’s why I seem so calm. I am angry, but impotent flailing has gotten me nowhere. All the energy I would have spent on crying and cursing my lot in life has been spent on you and… the day of the wedding.”

Jax smiled weakly. “Preparations have been made, I assume…”

“Made to the best of my ability, darling,” Pomni said. “We can only hope things will play without too much issue.”

“Pomni,” Jax said. “Do you believe Boone will tell my father?”

“I believe he’s capable of doing so. But I warned him that should he, The Gentleman in Red that saved me will pursue him. I do not know if he believed me. But… you can rest assured that I will be the first line of defense should your father arrive.”

Pomni offered a hand, Jax taking it after a moment.

“Never alone, darling,” Pomni said.

—

All remained silent. It reminded Pomni of the eye of a hurricane, falsely still and bright before the thunder and torrential rain resumed. She occasionally waited until three or four in the morning downstairs in Mr. Kinger’s sitting room some nights, clutching anything heavy that could be used as a weapon. A fire poker, a bread knife, an old Dorvician kukri Kinger picked up on his travels, the blade long since tarnished but quite sharp. She eventually settled on a heavy brass candlestick. It was comfortable enough to keep in her lap while reading but heavy enough to knock someone’s lights out.

On one of these sleepless nights before the wedding, Pomni wrote her vows. To her surprise, it was difficult. Quite difficult, really. Writing what she promised to do was quite easy, anyone could do that. But making it sound genuine and not a cold statement of facts, that was an entirely different beast.

She wrote, then erased, wrote a bit more then erased. She leaned back in her chair and chewed the end of the art pencil she borrowed from Kinger. Pomni thought reading so many romance novels would prepare her for romantic writing, and yet, here she sat, at her wit’s end. She looked over at Jax.

He had managed to get to sleep. He had his arms crossed over his stomach, the book Pomni lent him tucked under one hand. She smiled a bit. He looked… peaceful. He deserved the rest. The two of them had been through so much together and it had only been three weeks… Three weeks? That short an amount of time… it had felt like an eternity.

She paused. Hm. That was a good opening line actually. She wrote it down, the well-oiled cogs of her mind beginning to turn. She continued to write, erasing every now and then, until the page was full. She didn’t need to read it more than once to memorize it. So, she supposed she didn’t need it any longer. She picked up the bit of paper, fully intent on ripping it in two…

She looked at Jax. He slept soundly. She smiled a bit once again. She instead folded up the bit of paper and tucked it into her purse. She might have not needed to read it anymore, but it would be a pleasant keepsake.

—

The day of the wedding arrived, and there had been not a single word from The Krolik Estate. Perhaps Boone had made good on his word after all, but there was little time to dwell on that. Pomni was led out of The Rooker Estate by Zooble, driving the family’s carriage. They helped her onto the passenger’s side of the driver’s bench, flicking the reins. Maple and Juniper flicked their heads, snuffling and heading up the road.

“Well, here we are at last. Are you prepared, Ms. Shutnyk?” Zooble asked.

“…I have prepared. But I am quite nervous.” Pomni said. “…Is it true father intends to sign me over to Krolik International as soon as we go through with the ceremony..?”

“I cannot be certain. He has been very quiet ever since the day Mr. Krolik floated the idea. What you saw the day you tried on your dress was the most he’d spoken before or since.” Zooble replied.

“I see… He’s likely still furious with me. I’m very sorry if it’s made your work more difficult, Zooble.” Pomni said.

“On the contrary,” Zooble almost chuckled. “Your parents have been so wrapped up in your wedding that my job has been rather simple. Merely housekeeping. I’m sure I’ll be back to carrying your mother’s superfluous purchases at the market by tomorrow.”

Pomni laughed a bit, but soon she was back to frowning.

“…Zooble. I wanted to say that… I’ll miss you greatly. You’ve been so kind these past three years. I would hire you on as our caretaker if I had the revenue.”

Zooble looked at Pomni. Their eyes smiled.

“I will miss your company as well, Ms. Shutnyk.” Zooble said. “No matter what course today takes, I hope you’ll stop by every now and then, if not for your parents, at the very least for me.”

Pomni nodded. After they arrived at Lakepoint, decorated with white frills and teeming with guests, some Pomni had never seen before and some she recognized distantly, Pomni threw her arms around her caretaker, who more than happily returned her embrace.

—

The ceremony was set outdoors, just by Falconhurst pond. Citronella candles burned on the edges of the property to ward off mosquitos. Two sets of white wicker chairs were arranged on the lawn behind Lakepoint, the grass meticulously trimmed and cleaned of waterfowl leavings. The guests had been instructed to dress simply, the only stipulation being that one’s outfit must include a blue or red flower, red for women, blue for men. On the left side of the aisle sat Pomni’s family. All of her father’s family was deceased or long forgotten in Telychia, so Mirella’s relatives took up these seats. They were Silurians at heart, outgoing, jovial and talkative, everything Pomni was not. She had hardly met any of them, yet she expected she would be well acquainted with them by the time the wedding was over. She held no grudges against them, but sincerely hoped they would ask before they touched.

Zooble had a place in the audience beside Mirella in the front row. They wore their usual tuxedo with two flowers, one red and one blue. Mr. Kinger looked quite dapper in his surprisingly well-preserved wedding tuxedo and top hat, although he did smell a touch like moth powder. He wore a blue rose lapel pin, a gift from the Sultanate of Dorvicia for his work on the biology of desert insects.

In the backmost row sat a shapeman in a red tailcoat, his head nothing but a large set of dentures with a pair of Heterochromic eyes. He held a cane in one hand and an empty wine glass in the other, which he occasionally pantomimed sipping from. The other guests found it wise to simply let him alone, as he arrived at the ceremony with an invitation identical to everyone else’s, speaking to no one and keeping his differently-colored eyes squarely on the altar. He wore no flower.

On the right side sat a rainbow of rabbits. Jax’s family, cousins of his from Drexl’s side of the family, as well as his late mother’s, most having arrived from Ediacara and speaking not a word of Hirnantian. A few other beastfolk derived from different animals sat amongst the many-colored crowd. A family of what appeared to be abnormally large deerfolk consisting of a father, his son and his daughter, a lone corvidae woman seated near the back, and two crocodile men, sitting sharply at attention. Old business partners of Drexl’s back in Ediacara, perhaps.

Drexl himself sat in the front row, sentinel-like in a cobalt blue tuxedo. Zuzanna sat on his left side, ghostly and pretty in a delicate pink dress and a red corsage about her wrist. On his right sat his three sons, all in matching black tuxedos and dyed blue roses on their breast pockets, and Kali, hand in hand with Alton in a red dress. She looked radiant, as always. Boone kept his mouth closed, tapping a foot rapidly on the grass. Osvaldo sat up straight, appearing rather nervous but altogether content. Alton looked as pleasant as he always did. Being a doctor, he must have practiced having a pleasant expression to avoid upsetting any patients.

Gangle sat just beside the stage on a rolling plywood platform, playing “Clair de Lune” on Lakepoint’s grand piano. Vladimir and Drexl wheeled the instrument out to the stage earlier that morning. Though Drexl could have done so on his own, given his mighty stature, Vladimir insisted that he aid him in some way, so was instructed to hold the piano steady on the platform as Drexl pushed it.

Sister Ragatha approached the stage. It was decorated with a white trellis backdrop and a wreath made from ivy vines and a bouquet of red and blue flowers. She wore her usual gray habit, the hood down and her bright red curls hanging free. A rose of matching hue was pinned to her chest. She put her hands on the pulpit, opening The Gray Accord to the appropriate passage, and smiled out to the crowd.

“Good morning, everyone,” she said, the murmur of conversation coming to a halt, Gangle taking her ribbons off the keys and placing them in her lap. “We’re gathered here today to celebrate the union of two wonderful young souls in marriage. Though they only met recently, Ms. Pomni Annabelle Shutnyk and Mr. Jax Bazyli Krolik have become an inseparable duo.

“In fact, you all should know that Mr. Krolik almost caught his death of flu two weeks ago. Ms. Shutnyk has remained vigilantly by his side every single day since, nursing him back to health and keeping him company through the most difficult of the symptoms. That is the kind of pure and dedicated love The Allfather aimed to instill in all beings from our inception.”

Boone appeared to shift a bit in his seat. The Gentleman in Red notably looked away from the stage to focus on Boone, and the beastman was still again. The Gentleman kept his eyes upon Boone a moment longer before looking back to Ragatha.

“I think it prudent to read a passage from The Gray Accord that discusses love. It’s a passage that has certainly inspired my own path towards enlightenment as a Gray Sister, and one that I hope will inspire Mr. and Mrs. Krolik’s union. Ahem…

“‘Love is the single most malleable emotion The Allfather gave to us. It guides us towards The Hereafter like a beacon of light, teaching us to seek the ones who bring us the most happiness and to forgive our enemies. But it can so easily be distorted into jealousy and obsession, or worse, corrupted and turned to mad hatred. That is what a true celebrant of The Allfather should strive for, this pure and soft love, as it will surely guide one to Him.’ Book 2, Verse 9.

“I wholeheartedly believe that the union that has formed so quickly between these two is a sign of this ideal love The Accord speaks of. Though drawn together by financial necessity rather than fate, these two young souls will foster a relationship that will endure through the ages. And I consider it a tremendous honor to deliver them into each other’s arms. Everyone stand, please.”

The crowd rose to their feet, Osvaldo getting up and exiting. Drexl made a move to put a paw on his shoulder, not being fast enough, and watched his second son disappear into Lakepoint with fiery eyes. Zuzanna hurried to his side and whispered in his ear. Drexl listened with a frown and shook his head, but appeared to acquiesce, waving a paw. Zuzanna smiled and followed after Osvaldo.

Ragatha looked over to Gangle, who nodded at the Gray Sister, furling and unfurling her ribbons before putting them to the ivory keys and beginning to play “Gymnopedie No. 1.” Not quite as grand as a church organ, but no one could be asked to move that behemoth.

Jax Krolik emerged from the back entrance of Lakepoint, dressed in an immaculate black tuxedo, custom made extra wide loafers and a bow-tie. On his breast was a dyed blue rose. Although he had dark lines beneath his eyes and his fur wasn’t quite groomed to perfection, he wore his signature wide Cheshire smile and carried himself with an air of pride. Zuzanna walked alongside him, arm in arm. She held her own head up rather high. She was the only woman who could serve as his escort after all, it was a high honor for a housekeeper such as herself.

The audience watched him approach with encouraging smiles. Some of his relatives gasped, having not seen him since he was a toddler. Alton and Kali beamed and waved. Drexl bore a faint smile. Boone made eye contact with his youngest brother and quickly averted it.

Zuzanna stopped at the altar and smiled at Jax.

“Jestem z ciebe dumny,” she said, kissing him softly on the forehead.

“Really now Zuzanna…” Jax said with a wave of his paw. He walked up the altar and nodded to Sister Ragatha, who offered her congratulations.

Gangle added a bit of flourish to her playing as she began The Wedding March, the section even children on the playground could hum along to. Everyone turned again to the back of the aisle and were greeted by the sight of the bride herself.

Pomni stood beside her father, in her iridescent feathered dress and clutching a bouquet of red roses. Her veil was thin as early morning vapor. Vladimir walked with her, arm in arm and with a proud grin on his face. Pomni smiled thinly, keeping her gaze firmly on the grass. All those eyes on her. Best not to look. She only exchanged glances with one guest, the nameless Gentleman in Red, who raised his empty glass in a toast. Pomni could be seen mouthing the word “You..?” before moving along down the aisle.

“She’s so pretty…” said one of Jax’s relatives, bright yellow like a blooming daffodil. Pomni felt a hot blush creep across her face, but felt significantly more emboldened, hearing such sweet words from a complete stranger.

Jax himself watched Pomni reverently. She was normally dressed so modestly, seeing her in such a gorgeous dress was a shock to the senses. She looked like a dove, petite and elegant. He blushed.

“Make me proud, lisichka,” Vladimir said, giving his daughter a hug. As she hugged him back rigidly, she made eye contact with Drexl. His affect betrayed no emotion, so Pomni offered none in return.

She ascended the three steps to the altar, placing the bouquet of roses in the awaiting ceremonial vase. Ragatha gave her a radiant smile. Pomni met her groom’s eyes.

“It’s alright,” Jax whispered. “Look anywhere. I won’t be offended.”

Pomni smiled gratefully and looked at the rose pinned to his chest. Roses didn’t bloom blue naturally, they had to be dyed that color. There has been cross-pollination experiments to create a blue rose, but they only ever came out purple- Oh, blazes, where was her mind? Ragatha had begun to speak, the crowd taking their seats.

“-gathered here today to witness the union of two souls in marriage. May The Allfather smile down from The Hereafter on this blessed day. Now, before we begin the vows, in lieu of having a speaker, our couple has requested a small performance from Jax’s brother and best man, Mr. Osvaldo Krolik. May I direct your attention to the grand piano?”

The crowd all turned to the piano. Gangle had risen to her feet as a gray rabbit approached the platform. There was a faint creak of wood from The Krolik side of the audience, like that of someone gripping the seat of their chair hard enough to break it into sawdust. Gangle went to take her seat on the Shutnyk side of the audience as Osvaldo sat at the piano, flexing his paws.

“Good morning. This is an original composition I wrote specifically for my brother and sister-in-law. I hope you’ll enjoy it,” he announced to the crowd, his eyes on no one in particular.

“Here we go…” whispered Jax with a nervous smile. He took hold of Pomni’s hand, and she squeezed his paw in response.

Osvaldo cleared his throat and closed his eyes for a few moments, silently counting himself off and beginning a soft piano melody. He sang a few wordless notes before he began the first verse.

“Would you like to say something before you leave?

Perhaps you’d care to state exactly how you feel?

We said ‘goodbye’ before we said ‘hello…’”

His voice was sweet and elegant, precise as the brushstrokes of a painter. He picked up speed, gaining a small smile.

“I hardly even like you, I shouldn’t care at all…

We met just six hours ago, the music was too loud…

Wed to you? I’d gain a day and lose a bloody year…

But I… Would like to know…”

He tossed his head back and began to sing louder.

“How do you feel, how do you feel?

How do you feel, how do you feel?”

He sang a few more wordless notes, one foot tapping along to the time signature in his head. Most of Pomni’s relatives had leaned in with interest by that point. Music was of great importance to Silurian culture, and Osvaldo had them enchanted. The Gentleman in Red appeared to sing along silently, even though Osvaldo never performed the song for anyone before today.

He continued.

“Not a single word was said, the night still hid our fears…

Occasionally you’d show a smile, my heart skipped a beat…

We met each other far too soon, yet the world seems fresh and bright…

“I see you lying in the sun, I wish that I was there…

Tomorrow brings another sky, another day with you…

Have you time before you leave to greet this lonely man..?

And I… Would like to know…”

He began the second chorus in full swing, everyone in the audience listening intently by this point. The family of deer exchanged looks of wonder, Gangle could be seen nodding her mask in time with the song’s rhythm, and some of Pomni’s relatives were speaking excitedly in Silurian.

The rhythm of the song slowed, Osvaldo’s eyes closed, his performance winding down in time with the music.

“Goodbye to you…

Now I bid adieu…

I’ll… say I love her one dayyy…”

Osvaldo gave a short aria, his piano-playing picking up speed before coming to an abrupt stop. He took a few deep breaths and placed his hands in his lap.

A few moments of silence and the crowd erupted into applause. Pomni’s relatives stood,

clapping and whistling, calling out “Bellissimo!” and “Chiedere un bis!” The Krolik side of the audience had gotten to their feet as well,

Altonicus cheering for his younger brother with Kali, Boone clapping discreetly along with them. Even some of Drexl’s business partners had risen to applaud, the corvidae woman clapping her feathered hands and repeating “Wonderful!” and the family of large deerfolk cheering as well. Osvaldo made eye contact with the son from that family, nigh on eight feet tall with warm, honey-brown eyes and fur the color of chestnut. He smiled at Osvaldo, who flushed and smiled back.

Drexl stood, but moved not an inch. His eyes were ablaze.

Osvaldo bowed shortly to the audience before walking up onto the stage and standing beside Jax.

“Excellent job, Oz,” Jax whispered.

“I was enraptured,” Pomni added.

Osvaldo sniffled and wiped his eyes. “Thank you both…” he whispered back.

“What a lovely performance from our best man!” Ragatha said after the crowd sat down. Drexl was the last to be seated. “Very well, if everyone is ready, we shall begin with the reading of the vows! Mr. Krolik, let’s begin with you, shall we?”

“We shall,” Jax said, pulling a bit of paper out of his coat pocket. “I actually only had a few days to write these due to being ill, but I’m rather proud of them.”

Jax cleared his throat.

“‘Pomni Annabelle Shutnyk. Before I met you, I had no idea what to expect. The daughter of my father’s business associate could have been anyone. I must admit, I was not expecting a 110 pound powder keg.”

A few people in the audience chuckled, Zooble included. Pomni smirked.

“I admit, I was nervous, yet intrigued. You were uninterested in the banal pleasantries of polite society. You did not even entertain the idea of conforming to the expectations of anyone but yourself. In short, you went where you wanted to go and refused to be led anywhere. And that is truly commendable.

“However, it was not until I fell into dire straits that I saw the warm and compassionate soul that you are. When I fell violently ill, not only did you stay at my bedside through all hours of the day, you sacrificed sleep and stayed awake with me so I would not have to face insomnia alone. You read to me, the entirety of Goethe’s The Ties that Bind-”

He briefly turned to the audience. “Excellent novel, might I add.” There was scattered laughter.

“-until your voice became a mere rasp. And not only have you been a gift to me, but you’ve also helped my own family as well. You’ve befriended my sister-in-law and eldest brother…”

Jax gestured to Kali and Altonicus, the former biting back tears and the latter smiling proudly with a nod.

“…encouraged my best-man and second eldest brother to pursue his dream of becoming a vocalist despite societal pressures…”

He gestured to Osvaldo beside him, who shrank somewhat but retained a diffident smile.

“…and have even helped my third eldest brother see reason, and that is, in itself, a monumental task.”

Jax gestured to Boone, giving him a severe look. Boone looked off to the side.

“I am thrilled to have found, by sheer chance, a woman with a wit as sharp as a bayonet, a will as stalwart as a mountain, and yet with a personality as refreshing as a desert oasis. I cannot wait to walk this world at your side. You have captured my heart, Pomni. I love you.”

He smiled gently and nodded, tucking his speech into breast pocket. Pomni’s mouth quivered. Allfather above, she was supposed to follow that?! She was flattered, certainly, goodness sakes she felt as though she might weep… But how could she ever match such gentle vows?

Well, she only had one set memorized, and was never much good at improvisation. There was only one option.

“Jax…” she began, then paused for a moment. Her mouth had courteously turned dust dry. She swallowed and continued.

“Jax. These three weeks before our marriage have been perhaps the most transformative of my life. Having been arranged to be your bride, I had myself quite convinced I would dislike you. I’m sure you remember my attitude towards you upon our first meeting in my father’s library. I believe I called you a mooncalf?”

Jax laughed, although he was the only one to do so. Pomni continued, swallowing again.

“But, since then, I’ve come to realize that there are few people I’ve met that are as intriguing as you. You are intelligent, forward-thinking and quite frankly… fun. For 25 years, I’ve felt alone in my interests, and thanks to you I’ve finally found someone who not only shares my passions, but who I can also match wits with. I have never felt so liberated as I do when I am with you… Despite the tribulations of the past few weeks, illness related or otherwise, I would not trade the time that we’ve spent together for all the crowns in the world. I, too, am so greatly looking forward to the life I shall lead with you…”

Pomni looked into his lemon-colored eyes with her own aquamarine pair. She felt perfectly comfortable, not a single itching sensation on her body.

“Thank you for helping me realize that I can devote myself to someone while still being my own person. Thank you for loving me as I am and not seeking to change a single aspect of my character. Thank you for… Thank you for making me feel wanted… I love you so much…”

Twin tears rolled down her cheeks. She sniffled and wiped them away, averting eye contact. Jax tried his own eyes with a knuckle.

“Join hands, please,” Ragatha said brightly, opening a small box in front of her to reveal two wedding rings, one with a royal blue sapphire and the other with a crimson ruby. Pomni and Jax held hands. Pomni hesitated only for a moment before gripping his paws. Love him she did, fears weren’t conquered over night.

“Do you, Pomni Annabelle Shutnyk, take Jax to be your lawfully wedded husband, in sickness and in health, through good times and troubled, ‘til death do you part?” Ragatha asked.

“I do,” Pomni said. Jax squeezed her hands. Pomni took the red gemstone ring from the box and slid it onto Jax’s left paw ring finger.

“And do you, Jax Bazyli Krolik, take Pomni to be your lawfully wedded wife, in sickness and in health, through good times and troubled, ‘til death do you part?” Ragatha asked.

“I do,” Jax replied. He took the blue gemstone ring and slid it onto Pomni’s right hand ring finger.

“Then, by the power vested in me by The Gray Church and the country of New Hirnantia, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.” Ragatha said, taking a step back.

Jax lifted Pomni’s veil, revealing her rosy face and nervous smile. He leaned down. She tilted her chin up. Their lips met for the first time.

The audience erupted into applause. Osvaldo applauded right along with them, but, after several seconds, hastily slid down off of the altar and hurried away.

“Osvaldo!” Drexl barked. He received no response.

Pomni Krolik remained on the altar with her lips pressed against her husband’s. It was the longest she had ever touched anyone. And for the first time in her life, she was unwilling to let go.

#the amazing digital circus #funnybunny #tadc jax #tadc pomni #jax x pomni #oh no cringe #tadc arranged marriage au #tadc ragatha #tadc zooble #tadc gangle #tadc kinger #tadc caine #tadc oc #tw drugs #tw abuse discussion #pink floyd

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tessenpai · 1 year ago

Text

Kono Oto Tomare Chapter 134 Scans and Rough TL

Disclaimer: Please DO NOT use this translation to make your own TL of the chapter!! The KOT TL group works very hard to give you the most accurate translation, that does as much justice to the original script as possible. This is a ROUGH translation. That means is faulty and there must be mistakes in certain places. This is just for impatient people like myself to get a grasp on what is going on in the chapter! You can REFERENCE my TL if you want to discuss the chapter but never USE it as it was your own.

Scans: KONO OTO TOMARE! - RAW chap 134 Next Chap 135 (nicomanga.com) (Use adblocker to avoid NSFW content)

Page 1

Side text: The scattered individualities have now become one...

Chapter Title: #134 Tomfoolery

Page 2

Tsukaji: ---Kuuuh

Tsukaji [thoughts]: This is unbeliable. It's uncanny to think there's only 5 people playing.

Tsukaji [thoughts]: It's as if I was in front of an orchestra or something!!

Tsukaji [thoughts]: Ichiei High's performance level has been outstanding every year but

Tsukaji [thoughts]: But schools were finally catching up to them this year...

Page 3

Tsukaji: And now they do this!!!?

Page 4

Ousuke: ...

Akira [thoughts]: Amazing...

Akira [thoughts]: I've thought this when I heard them play before, but the difficulty of the piece and the level of the students is extermely high.

Akira [thoughts]: The left and right hand are completely different and irregular.

Akira [thoughts]: There are unconventional rests in odd time signatures.

Akira: [thoughts]: The pushes are terrifyingly precise.

Akira [thoughts]: They use dynamic strokes and left-hand movements combined with sudden scooping motions

Page 5

Tomoe [thoughts]: What's this...?

Tomoe [thoughts]: It's on a whole different level.

Tomoe [thoughts]: This is... kinda unfair..-

Satowa [thoughts]: Each part is difficult to play on its own. And they are doing it in complete unison.

Satowa [thoughts]: As if they are kids playing---

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Luka [thoughts]: If I play like this, how will they respond?

Luka [thoughts]: Then how about this?

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Miran: Ugh-----

Miran: This dude... Playing however the hell he pleases as if this is his moment...

Luka [Memory]: ---Miran, your playing has changed lately.

Page 13

Miran: Huh? Really...?

Luka: Yeah, the essence of the sound is completely different

Luka: Before, your playing was very "inwardly focused", you see?

Miran: "Inwardly focused"...?

Luka: You dove deep, deep within you.

Luka: I guess you could say it was like you were having a dialogue with yourself...?

Luka: In any case, you didn't pay any attention to us at all.

Page 14

Luka: That's why I always wanted to make you look my way, Miran.

Luka: I was throwing my sound at you at full force saying "Look over here~~!!"

Luka [Memory]: But now...

Keishi [thoughts]: Each individual sound stands firmly, and on top of that, they are completely harmonized.

Keishi [thoughts]: The one that is making that possible is---...

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Natsu [thoughts]: How can someone with such a unique sound be the glue that connects the whole?

Hiro[thoughts]: My heart won't stop pounding, just what is this?

Mittsu [thoughts]: The style is sick--

Sane [thoughts]: The technique is sick-

Kota [thoughts]: Everything is sick!!

Suzuka [thoughts]: When we heard them play before,It seemed like a self-centered solo that everyone else worked hard to hold together....

Suzuka [thoughts]: They are so amazingly greedy for growth.

Page 18

Chika [sfx]: Ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump.

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Luka[Memory]: But that's why I love playing in an ensemble!

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Luka: Because in them, don't you create a piece of music with friends who have things you don't have yourself!?

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Miran[thoughts]: The day I first met Luka, in an instant, I was captivated by that sound of light.

Miran [thoughts]: Kio's sound filled with conviction.

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Miran [thoughts]: Tougo's unwavering sound.

Miran [thoughts]: Imari's gentle sound.

Miran [thoughts]: The thoughts they have accumulated.

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Miran [thoughts]: Are all here together

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Side text: This is the sound of the summit...!!

---Kono Oto Tomare will continue in the next issue!---

#kono oto tomare #kono oto tomare!#kot #sounds of life #stop this sound!#kot!#rough tl #kono oto tomare 134 #kono oto tomare! 134 #kot 134 #kot! 134 #kono oto 134 #konoototomare #konoto #translation #scans

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houseoflibra · 8 months ago

Text

Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas – Bangai-hen The Land of Wind (Part 1)

(This arc corresponds to chapters 7-9 of the first collected volume.)

Page 1

Sanctuary, 18th century

Trainees: - Hah! - Yah!

???: - You've done a good job teaching the trainees… - …Aldebaran.

Page 2

Sisyphus: - They've become strong.

Page 3

Aldebaran: - You're back, Sisyphus! - I heard you had a rough time with this latest mission.

Sisyphus: - Yeah. - Two bronze saints who were with me were injured.

Aldebaran: - Specters? - Not again?…

Sisyphus: - No doubt about it. - We were attacked by Specters we had already defeated. - Some of them had even inflicted damage on our forces before.

Page 4

Aldebaran: - Hmm… if they keep reviving no matter how many times we defeat them… - …the casualties on our side will only keep multiplying…

Sisyphus: - Yeah… - Including these hard-working trainees.

Aldebaran: - Sisyphus, how do we fight that? - I cannot accept my comrades having such pointless deaths!!

Sisyphus: - … - Pope Sage says that Virgo Asmita holds the key.

Page 5

Aldebaran: - Him?… - He failed to attend another meeting the other day because he claimed he was meditating!…

Sisyphus: - I get what you're saying. - But that's what Pope Sage said. - For the moment, he is the one closest to reaching the eighth consciousness. - It is a sense that goes beyond the ultimate cosmo of the seventh sense. - It's… - …the sense that my older brother Ilias, the former Leo Saint, once attained.

Page 6

House of Virgo

Sisyphus: - (Even though it's on Pope Sage's orders, this may be the first time I'm coming face to face with Virgo.) - (Regulus seems to have become somewhat attached to him, perhaps because they're neighbors…) - (But there are also many like Aldebaran who say they don't understand him.) - (Maybe they are alike after all...)

Page 7

Sisyphus: - (They probably perceive things on a different dimension than ordinary people.) - (I wonder…) - (…just how far into the world can they see?)

Page 8

Page 9

Asmita: - You've finally come... - ...Sisyphus.

Sisyphus: - I'm here on Pope Sage's orders. - There's only a limited number of people who know of this, but…

Asmita: - That's not what I'm referring to. - I've been wanting to meet you. - Back then, a connection was made. - And thus this meeting has come to be.

Sisyphus: - I see… - Then you know why I'm here?

Asmita: - Of course I do.

Page 10

Asmita: - You're looking for a way to seal the immortality of the Specters, right? - It is certainly a difficult problem for anyone who has not awakened the eighth consciousness.

Sisyphus: - Then…

Asmita: - But I am still one step away from reaching the realm of the eighth consciousness. - I am unable to meet the Pope's expectations as I am now. - So this is what I thought instead. - It's time for me to follow the bond to the previous Leo now.

Page 11

Asmita: - Ohm!

Sisyphus: - Ugh! - …!! - What are you doing, Asmita?!

Asmita: - Sisyphus… - You received the teachings of the previous Leo. - And as the younger brother of a hero, you struggled. - I heard that you discussed many things with him.

Pages 12 + 13

Asmita: - That is why I think… - …that a part of his principles must live on in you.

Sisyphus: - ?!

Asmita: - Allow me to show you. - Demon Pacifier!!!

Pages 14 + 15

Sisyphus: - No way… - Are you looking for a thousand-day war?!…

Asmita: - I wouldn't mind it. - If it leads to the path of the eighth consciousness… - …it would be no different from a long discussion. - All you need to do is think of your brother within you. - Because… - …he awakened to the eighth consciousness, so surely he lives on, despite having lost his physical body.

Sisyphus: - !! - (My brother is alive.)

Page 16

Sisyphus: - (You don't have to tell me that. I can feel it.) - (When we talk like this…) - (In Regulus, whom he left behind…) - (In the sense of loss around Sanctuary as the Holy War draws near…) - (But…) - (…he's talking about more than these sentimental things of mine…)

Page 17

Sisyphus: - (Is he... still here?) - (Even after losing his physical body?…) - (Brother!!…)

Asmita: - ! - (A gust of wind appeared!…) - (It's different from the wind that Sisyphus creates.) - (It belongs to a third party.)

Pages 18 + 19

Asmita: - Huff… - Huff…

Sisyphus: - Huff… - Just now… - Was that a burst from our clashing powers?… - Or…

Asmita: - It was the former Leo. - Just as I thought. His cosmo is outside reincarnation, and continues to live on blending into the world.

Pages 20

Asmita: - Sisyphus. - I heard that the former Leo suffered from tuberculosis and left Sanctuary to embark on a journey…

Sisyphus: - He did… - But, Asmita… That was…

Asmita: - The lion is calling from within the wind. - On a journey to the land he visited in his final moments.

To be continued...

#saint seiya #the lost canvas bangai hen #the lost canvas #saint seiya the lost canvas #scripts

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rindragon-from-twewy · 1 year ago

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Uh oh! Someone left me alone with my thoughts again! I don't see many people talking too deeply about pre-game stuff beyond "Number One was a terrible person" so I'm here to throw my own poorly explained hot take in to the ring-

I'm not really built for theory crafting and tend to miss or forget obvious details so consider this... an AU proposal more then anything. (Tbh I mostly just wanted to draw smol Yuma lmao-)

Spoiler warning ofc and enjoy this horrifically long and poorly explained ramble-

So... I don't really know much about the general fandom age headcannons on characters. I won't be going in to specifics right now about what I think all the character ages are cuz this isn't about that but for context, I pin Yuma around 15-16, on the early 18 side if you really wanna push it. Mainly cuz... it'd be kinda weird for Kurumi (a school student) to be one of his main love interests otherwise- For the sake of argument, I'll say 18.

So anyways-

Makoto's like... what? 3 or 4 years old? Forgive me for not re-watching chapter 5 just to get my timeline correct here but that's roughly right. Meaning that Number One would've been about 13 or 14 when he agreed to participate in the experiments at most. And sure, he's the smartest person in the world but anyone can be susceptible to lies or manipulations, especially someone that young.

But then of course we don't know how long Yuma had the Number One title for. Surely it would've had to have been at least a little while- I doubt the unified government would go after the blood of the newly appointed "smartest detective in the world" the second he got in to office. So who's to say exactly how much this literal child had been manipulated beforehand?

I'm imagining a sort of... Nagisa plus Kirigiri scenario (the danganronpa characters lol-) where they'd been set on a very specific academic path nearly their whole lives. Sure, Yuma probably had been born a genius and his strong moral code was most likely all his own but... no matter what way you spin it, there must have been some negligence to allow someone so young to become so cut off from the rest of society. It could've been intentional, it could've been accidental. Either way, why is someone like Yuma, who is obviously younger then most of his peers, who could easily pass as a trainee detective simply because of how smol he is, make it all the way to the top on his sheer intelligence alone?

This rambling's getting incoherent, sorry, it's late and I'm tired-

Makoto's pretty manipulative, sure, but he only got to the CEO position cuz of all the blackmail he had- Man had zero control over the city to the point he had to let outsiders get smuggled in just to help him fix it. Makoto (and by extension Number One) is book smart. Not street smart. They can build the rain machine, they can run multiple government conspiracies, etc etc. But if Number One was a kid at the time, it would've been pretty difficult for them to manipulate, mansplain, malewife his way in to office imo. A kid can't manipulate a dozens of adults in to being the leader of the whole WDO, no matter how naturally gifted they are. I mean it's no secret that the unified government and by extension the WDO are just as shady as Amaterasu so why wouldn't they take advantage of a young and impressionable kid when the opportunity arises?

We don't really know how Number One truly felt about anything. We know how Makoto views it, we know what Yuma thinks about it but we don't know if Number One really understood what the repercussions of the experiments could've been.

So let me just... break down what I'd interpret a vague timeline of events to be (in this hypothetical... Uh... AU I guess?)

- Yuma gets in to the WDO somehow. Very young, very impressionable. He may be really good at solving crimes but like any kid, he doesn't know anything that he isn't taught about. Being surrounded by mysteries and crimes, all while constantly being praised by adults as being "just soooo smart!" Is probably what taught him that he didn't need other people and so never learnt (or potentially was never even allowed to) make friends.

- Growing up surrounded by a combination of Yes-Men and people who let the obvious child labour/ exploitation slide because "This little genius is such a special case, we gotta let it slide this once!" Made it so he reached to the level of Number One far faster then anyone would expect. And that then came along with abandoning his old name and identity, isolating himself completely for his own protection. (I like to think he may not even remember his original name because he was so young at the time (for extra angst ^vO))

- And so a completely isolated pre-teen, who's entire life up until this point has entirely consisted of gory murder scenes and tragic crimes he was personally responsible for solving, was approached by the unified government. Who knows exactly how much detail they went in to with explaining their plan? Maybe they said that it probably wouldn't even work out, given all the past failures. Maybe they came begging for his help, like many people seeking justice would have done before them. Maybe they simply told him it was for the sake of peace? Maybe he was in his angsty emo phase and thought having a clone would be cool, who really knows? A pre-teen is a pree-teen, they all do dumb things- either way, he agreed.

- And so things played out like they said in the game, Makoto was created, escaped, saved the citizens of Kanai Ward via isolating them. He keeps them fed the only way he knows how - through the WDO; the only organisation he's ever been able to rely on (and thanks to his authority level, of course). Yuma starts getting suspicious while also simultaneously maturing enough to realise just how wrong everything about his life is, gets his new identity, makes the contract with Shinigami and heads off to start fixing his problems.

Additional Thoughts:

It's like that thing in the original beauty and the beast movie where everyone suddenly realised that the witch probably cursed a 9 year old for not letting a creepy stranger in to his home-

Maybe that's why he stuck with the name Yuma after everything. Cuz he didn't remember his original name to fall back on. He could've been Number One for as long as he could remember for all we know!

Maybe he was so busy trying to run the whole WDO that he didn't even pay much mind to the experiments? Could've just agreed to shut them up without knowing what he was getting in to. Makoto really drove it in to the mud how horrible of a person Number One was but how can we be sure that's an objective fact and not completely opinion driven?

I'm like actually really curious what other's perspectives on this could be. Again, I don't know much about the rain code fandom's age headcannons but it's pretty obvious to me at least that Yuma's on the younger end of the cast- (And by extension, Makoto too-)

Maybe I'll fact check myself when I have the time- either way, it's an interesting AU idea at the very least. I'll probably delete the writing portion of this post if it turns out I'm horrendously wrong-

Its probably gunna turn out that Yuma's in his mid 30s or 40s and suffers from baby face syndrome or something cringe fail like that lmfao-

So. Yeah. That's all just a theory (minus most of the fact checking) A GAME THEORY- Thanks for reading! :D

#raincode #master detective archives: rain code #fanart #raincode yuma #ramblings #headcanon #theory crafting #au idea #long post #potential hot take?#please someone take my phone away #im probably wrong #lol #silly little guy #I'll write the fanfic if nobody else does

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dream-meister-translations · 1 year ago

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DREAM MEISTER AND THE RECOLLECTED BLACK FAIRY

MAIN STORY : CHAPTER 3 PART 16

━

Camus's hand trembled as it grasped the gun. His face paler than the moon itself. His stance so unsteady it seemed he could collapse at any moment.

EMMA : Camus...?

MAM : Camus has… more than his fair share of trauma when it comes to guns. Even just holding one makes him tremble like this.

EVERYONE (EXCEPT SEVEN) : Huh!?

MAM : It was that duel wasn’t it? That caused all of this.

CAMUS : Yes. I lost my left eye in the most disgraceful duel in the history of the Bloody Lady and, ultimately, it led to my expulsion from the organization.

CAMUS : Since then, I've been afraid of guns. It's the truth.

It was then that everyone turned to look at Seven…

SEVEN : ...................Heheheheh……

SEVEN : Hahahahaha!!

EMMA : Se-Seven...?

EMMA : (Could it be...)

━FLASHBACK━

EMMA : If he adores her, why did he leave?

VICTOR : I heard that he was kicked out as punishment for failing them. It’s a harsh world, I guess. I’ll tell you more about that when I get the chance.

━END FLASHBACK━

EMMA : (So all this is because of a duel with Seven!?)

SEVEN : This won't do... I can't just sit back and watch this.

SEVEN : Let me take over the match.

LEN : Huh? What do you mean?

SEVEN : I finally remembered, Camus... That match with you. It was so incredibly intense.

SEVEN : You had my heart pounding, my guts churning...! Only for it to end in a misfire...

SEVEN : This time’ll be different. A duel bigger than anything we've ever seen, risking all our lives and dreams on a single bullet!

SEVEN : Camus, hand me the gun. I'll take your place. Let me experience the ultimate thrill and decide your dreams for you!

VICTOR : W-Wait a minute, Seven!

LEN : This guy's nuts! Hey, stop that, Seven, what the fuck’s gotten into you!? Drop the theatrics!

YMIR : That's fine by me...

VICTOR : Ymir!?

YMIR : What? Seven seems to be far more focused than Camus right now. And he's clearly had success in the past, no?

GRANDFLAIR : This is getting complicated, what do we do?

CROW : We'll leave it to Camus. It's not our decision to make.

EMMA : (Camus...)

SEVEN : I’m waiting, now hand over the gun! If you can't do it, then I will.

CAMUS : The bet has already been made. The players must remain the same.

SEVEN : ........!!

CAMUS : Whether I’m capable of pulling the trigger is thrilling in its own right, is it not?

CAMUS : And... I will definitely take your eye in a rematch one of these days. So, for now, behave yourself.

SEVEN : Tsk! Haha, alright. I’m looking forward to it.

Speaking his last thoughts, Seven stepped back and in an instant seemed to slip back into his lazy, characteristic, sway.

MAM : What a nuisance... After all that racket, it came down to you anyway.

CAMUS : Yes, I apologize. By the way, Mam, if I may. I have one last thing to ask, despite the shame.

MAM : ........Hm?

CAMUS : ...My secret has been exposed. There's no need to pretend anymore.

CAMUS : So I want to say something to her.

EMMA : (Huh?)

MAM : I see. So you’re also in a difficult position.

MAM : It's important to say goodbye between lifetimes. Being a widow... it’s lonely.

CAMUS : Then, Emma, please accept this. Here.

EMMA : M-Me...?

As instructed I slowly approached Camus where he swiftly and suddenly embraced me with his long arms.

ALL : What!?

VICTOR & YMIR & REN : The fu--?

EMMA : U-Um?

EMMA : Camus, steady your mind...!

CAMUS : Thank you. With this, I know I'll be fine.

EMMA : ............Huh?

CAMUS : Now then, let's begin.

The duel was finally under way. Once, twice. And even on the third shot, no bullet was fired...

By the fourth round, it was Mam's turn, with little more than the click of the trigger echoing emptily.

CAMUS : The next round will decide it. As expected of you, Mam, you're brave.

MAM : Don't underestimate me, boy. If you've made up your mind for a game of roulette, then all that's left is to enjoy it 'til the very end.

CAMUS : Haha, there's the Mam I've known all my life. I admire your creed.

CAMUS : No matter how deep the darkness, may you always remain passionate and humane.

With trembling hands, Camus pressed the gun to his head. This was it, the moment when the match would be decided.

CAMUS : Mam, please remember. The Boss's words to never be trapped in darkness no matter what.

CAMUS : …You really shouldn't look so sad right now...

He pulled the trigger...

CLICK.

EMMA : (The fifth shot was a blank...! In that case...)

MAM : ...It's my loss…

The tense atmosphere eased, and a sigh of relief escaped. However—

SEVEN : The match isn't over... yet.

At the moment Seven muttered those words—

Mam snatched the gun from Camus's hand, pressing the barrel against her own temple.

MAM: It's only fair to see the match through to the end.

CAMUS: Mam, the wager was the Boss's position not your life.

MAM : I won't stand for it. After everything I’ve done how could I possibly face him again? — I've had enough!

Mam pulled the trigger, and a bullet fired through her.

But it wasn't a bullet fired from the gun in Mam’s hand.

MAM: Ugh...!

JOE : Hahaha! How about that, my aim gets sharper every time!

ACE : You're so cool, big brother!

CROW & ITSUKI & GRANDFLAIR : The Dark Night Duo!

EMMA : Testament...!

TESTAMENT : Haha... what a pointless match…

YMIR : Not at all. Sorry to say but your plan is ruined. Just now, Camus became the new Boss of The Bloody Lady.

TESTAMENT : Yes. Exactly as expected.

EMMA : What...!?

In the distance, we hear a terrifying roar accompanied by footsteps swiftly approaching us.

??? : Uurraaahhhhh!!!

CROW : Those are the guys they infected with the black powder.

━FLASHBACK━

MAN IN BLACK 1 : We’re agents of a family called the Kingsleys. They’re rivals of the Bloody Lady.

━END FLASHBACK━

ITSUKI : Ah, our old patients. I recognize more than a few faces...

NOAH : There must be dozens of them, this is bad.

TESTAMENT : I told them that Mam was trying to kill them.

KINGSLEYS MEMBER 1 : Bloody Lady, you bastards... You'll be done for before you know it!

KINGSLEYS MEMBER 2 : We'll get revenge for our fallen comrades!!

TESTAMENT : Haha, we're all having such a wonderful time now, aren't we?

BLOODY LADY MEMBER 1 : Ugh!

BLOODY LADY MEMBER 2 : Everyone open fire!!

EMMA : Wait, don't use those guns!!

My shout was in vain... Bloody Lady members opened fire using the guns they'd stored in the warehouse.

KINGSLEYS MEMBER 2 : Hahaha!

One by one. People hit by the bullets were swallowed by the black miasma, losing consciousness.

CROW : I'll stop them!

NOAH : Stop who? There's shooting on both sides!

CROW : Then we'll take them all out! Its the only way to keep them safe!

ITSUKI : Emma, can the Black Fairies handle being out in the open right now?

EMMA : Everyone!

NAVI : Ugh. Such a horrible situation~

NAVI : Negative human emotion is always so thick. Ah... it's too tragic.

EVAN : Ugh, those damned guns! Hey, what the hell do you guys think you're doing!?

GRANDFLAIR : Are you all okay?

HIMMEL : Don't worry. We've recovered quite a bit.

HIMMEL : That said… Trying to purify this many people? It's reckless to say the least…

EMMA : But, we have to try! Let's lend them our strength!

#Otome #Yumekuro #Yumekuro Translations #YMKR translations #YMKR #Dream Meister Translations #Otome Translations #Dream Meister And The Recollected Black Fairy #Dream Meister And The Recollected Black Fairy translations #ch3p16

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emblematicemblazer · 1 year ago

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World building and theories of Engage

Sombron; The father figure

Sombron plays the role of the absent father, the kind of father who leaves the minority of the parenting to the mother figure; Zephia. In Engage it is Zephia that punishes Veyle and the Four Hounds when they fail or disobey and with Possessed Veyle is the one to reward them. None of the Four Hounds are seen speaking directly to Sombron, it is Zephia that passes on his opinions and instructions. The Four Hounds are made up of his most loyal followers, just like his biological children, they are tools to be used and discarded. He believes that his biological children owe them their love and dedication; the Four Hounds fulfil that role when he only has one of his biological children left with him.

Marni's eagerness for praise makes her believe that love is shown when Sombron does not punish them for failing him by losing Emblem Rings. In Chapter 19: The Dead Town, Zephia describes his reaction.

“In fact, no. It was a scolding, nothing more. He impressed upon me the gravity of our role.“

Marni is delighted with this response and replies with:

“That's all? Huh! He must really love us. Feels good to be appreciated!“

Her desperation for praise from an absent father figure makes her misconstrue what should be a terrifying warning, especially when you consider how he punished his biological children, as something positive.

Griss‘s relationship with Sombron is that of a son trying to be seen as good enough. Sombron is literally draining the life out of him, letting him harm himself in order to sate his hunger. In Chapter 23: The Four Hounds, he describes to Zephia how he hoped that all the pain he gave to Sombron would be good enough. How he offered his pain to Sombron is mentioned in Mauvier's support conversation with Gregory, (this conversation is censored in the English translation), he describes how Griss would harm himself to feed blood to Sombron. It is a relationship where Sombron takes while Griss has mistranslated pain as love.

Mauvier is the son that is tolerated. He is tolerated because he is the knight of Lady Veyle. His loyalty to the real Veyle means that he will protect her and reluctantly obey the Possessed version. While he is useful to Sombron, he will be tolerated. Mauvier is a follower of the Fell Dragon but he is not brainwashed, rather he obeys because he is fearful for his own and Veyle's safety. Another reason he obeys is because he has spent a life accustomed to doing as he was told and having religion forced upon him without the ability to choose. It is difficult to break out of compliance especially when he is surrounded by the devout, he could be killed which would leave Veyle with no one.

Finally his biological daughter is a means to an end, that is why her kind and caring true nature is intolerable and an inconvenience to him. Kindness means that Veyle has a conscience and would hesitate to obey him or be deviant. Chapter 16: Seashore Travels, is an example of how her kindness puts her at odds with her father's plans.

“I've decided that I won't harm anyone, ever. Even if it costs me my life. So I am not going back to Papa. I don't want to destroy this world.“

If she is not obedient to him then she is no use to him. Between Chapters 21: The Return and 22: The Fell and the Divine, Sombron tries to kill her when he realises that she is not possessed. He has no feelings for either of the two Veyle's. He does not hate or love her, rather he needs her abilities and powers to achieve his aims, he is as neutral to her as though she is a hammer that once the nail has been secured, he would throw it away. He doesn't understand why a child of his wouldn't owe him “their life, love, their absolute dedication.“ (Chapter 24: Recollections)

#fire emblem engage #fe engage #fe sombron #fe veyle #fe zephia #Fe marni #fe griss #fe mauvier #tw self h4rm #tw abuse

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malsfefanfics · 11 months ago

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Paralogue: Lament of Sister Rivers

[Must be completed after "Darkness Below the Earth", and before the final mission of chapter 16 of Crimson Flower]

Required Units - Byleth, Felix, Sylvain, Medee

Summary: When rumors of potential a Heroes Relic begins to circle around, Byleth is tasked with retrieving it. Hubert's mother, Medee, insists that she come along for the retrieval of this particular prize.

Content Warnings: Discussions of child abuse, attempted murder, arranged marriages, blood pacts, death, custody battles, trying to coerce someone into a difficult choice

Written in script format under the cut.

Sylvain: You sure you're up for this? We can find someone else if you don't want to go.

Felix: I should be asking you that. You sure you're ready to face your old man?

Sylvain: Of course not. But it has to be done.

Byleth: What's going on?

Sylvain: Oh, hey Professor. We're about to leave. We have to go on a mission in my home territory. We can't take very many people with us since it's so far north.

Felix: You should join us. You'd come in handy in recovering this Heroes' Relic.

Byleth: Which relic?

Felix: No clue. All we know is that there's rumors of bandits in Gautier who managed to track one down. We want to get it before they do.

Sylvain: We're just waiting on one other commander, then we're heading out. Care to join us?

Medee: Alright, boys. I'm ready.

Sylvain: Woah, woah, woah. No one told us the Vestra family was coming with.

Medee: No, it is just me. My children will not be in attendance.

[OPTION 1]

Byleth: Why won't they be coming?

Medee: I'm afraid this is strictly business. The kind I do not want my children to bear witness to. They have a certain image of me, after all.

Felix: Hmph. You never let that stop you before.

Medee: Sassy today, aren't we?

Felix: More like irritated at your obviousness. You borrowed that lance from your son after all. You plan to make a scene.

Medee: I like to think I kept this quite under wraps. But then again, you are Rodrigue's son. You Fraldarius boys have always been observant to threats to the Kingdom. Threats like myself.

[OPTION 2]

Byleth: We're glad to have you.

Sylvain: Speak for yourself, teach.

Medee: Oh, Sylvain, you wound me so.

Sylvain: Don't play innocent. I know exactly why you're coming along.

Medee: So you understand why this is so important to me. I cannot stand by while this item is to the wind. Especially where Mattias is involved.

Byleth: Why is this mission so important to you?

Medee: I will explain after the battle. Come. We must hurry. Knowing those boys, without Lambert to keep them grounded, they'll be moving fast, and very recklessly. If we leave now, we can cut them off at the pass in the mountains between Gautier and Sreng without being caught.

Felix: I don't think it's a good idea. You should stay here.

Sylvain: You are the last person who should be on this mission, Lady Medee. You need to stay.

Medee: You try pulling that with me, and I'll show you why I was once known as the Thunder Witch of Adrestia. I will be going, whether you want me there or not.

Felix: There'll be no stopping you, huh? Mph. Let's get moving then.

Sylvain: Ugh. Fine. But don't do anything reckless, okay, Lady Medee?

Medee: Me? Reckless? Perish the thought. And our enemies.

Sylvain: You ready to go, Teach?

Byleth: Let's go.

Medee: Good. Off we go, then.

[AT THE BATTLEFIELD]

Soldier 1: My Lord! Enemies on the horizon! There's a Pegasus leading the charge!

Matthias: So. They came after all.

Rodrigue: Can you blame them? An item like this could turn the tides of warfare. We cannot allow our side to lose it again.

Matthias: A great mistake on my part. I should never have let her…ngh…

Rodrigue: Matthias. It's been over two decades. I know it hurts. It will always hurt. But you must put it aside for now. There will be time to grieve later.

Matthias: No….it is far too late for me to be allowed to grieve her. [LOOKS TO THE SOLDIER] Prepare the archers! Strike down that Pegasus!

Soldier 1: Archers! Aim….FIRE!

Archers: Yes, sir! [FIRE AT THE PEGASUS]

Medee: [STRIKES THE ARROWS DOWN WITH LIGHTNING]

Soldier 1: My Lord, the…the arrows didn't work!

Matthias: What? But how? We have over two hundred archers! No flier has that kind of power.

Rodrigue: No….only one flier we've ever known does….

Medee: [CALLING OUT FOR THEM TO HEAR] It has certainly has been some time, Matthias. You look well, Rodrigue.

Rodrigue: Lady Medee….we thought you died.

Medee: Funny. I hear that a lot these days. So tell me, Matthias, how is my dear sister? Last I heard, she bore you a child. I'd love to finally meet him. What was my little nephew blessed with for a name again?

Matthias: D-dammit.

Medee: Oh, that's right. You have a new family now. [RAISES ARROW OF INDRA]

Soldier 1: Archers! Prepare to- [GETS BLASTED BY LIGHTNING, FALLS]

Soldier 2: Goddess above…. [TERRIFIED] L-Lord Gautier, sir? What do we do?

Matthias: [SPEECHLESS]

Soldier 2: Sir? Sir! [GETS BLASTED WITH LIGHTNING]

Soldier 3: What are your orders?! My Lord?!

Rodrigue: RETRIEVE THE RELIC AND RETREAT! DO NOT ENGAGE! RETREAT! RETREAT!

Medee: [BRINGS DOWN MORE LIGHTNING]

[BATTLE REQUIREMENTS]

Victory Conditions: Defeat Enemy Commanders, Retrieve the Relic before Rodrigue escapes Enemies: Rodrigue Achille Fraldarius, Matthias Raul Gautier, Ingrid (if not recruited), Ashe (if not recruited), Mercedes (if not recruited), Annette (if not recruited), Randomized enemy soldiers Defeat Conditions: Byleth, Sylvain, Felix, or Medee fall in battle

[BATTLE START]

Felix: [SIGHS WATCHING THE SCENE] And this is why she should have stayed home. She's not paying attention to who she's aiming at.

Sylvain: Dammit. We need to hurry before she hits us by accident. Don't let the enemy get away with the Relic!

[REWARD BONUS]

Complete the map without allies HP reaching 0 due to friendly fire.

[UNIQUE DIALOGUE-FACING INGRID]

If Byleth is sent to fight Ingrid:

Ingrid: Professor, please. This war cannot go on. Don't make us fight you. It's not too late to change the path you walk.

If Sylvain is sent to fight Ingrid:

Sylvain: Hey there, Ingrid. I'm sorry, but we have personal business. Ingrid: It isn't too late, Sylvain. You can still come home. Sylvain: Heh. Wish that were true. Anyway, let's not beat around the bush, eh? Ingrid: Dammit, Sylvain. If you won't come back, I'll need to drag you back by your ear!

If Felix is sent to fight Ingrid:

Felix: Out of the way, Ingrid. We have things to do. Ingrid: Felix, please. Come back to us. Felix: I'm not going back, Ingrid. Nothing you say can change that. Ingrid: You stubborn fool. Fine. I'll drag you home myself. On your shield if I have to.

If Dorothea was deployed and sent to fight Ingrid and their B support was seen:

Dorothea: Hey there, Ingrid. It's been a long time. You look lovely. Ingrid: Thank you, Dorothea. So do you. Dorothea: I wish we didn't have to fight each other. We were friends, once. Ingrid: We were. And I'm grateful for our friendship, as short as it was. Dorothea: I feel the same. Well, let's not beat around the bush anymore.

If Medee is sent to fight Ingrid:

Ingrid: Wait a moment. You look…are you related to Hubert? Who on earth are you?! Why…why are you looking at me like that? Stop it! Medee: Galatea's daughter. I sense a great deal of potential in you. Hmh….yes, quite. Very well. I won't kill you. Ingrid: Y-you, what? Medee: Professor? I will try to convince this little angel to join us. She would be a great asset to the people, don't you think?

[BONUS ASSIGNMENT]

Send Medee to attack recruitable units first, and you'll be given the option to spare them.

If you choose to spare Ingrid:

Ingrid: You're….sparing me? But why? Medee: Don't you want to see a better future? One where your dreams and obligations aren't tearing you asunder? Join us, Ingrid. We still need knights like you. Ingrid: I…Very well. I will join you.

If you choose not to spare Ingrid:

Ingrid: Dammit. I can't die yet. I'm sorry, Lord Matthias, Lord Rodrigue. I need to withdraw. [RETREATS] Rodrigue: Do not worry about it, Ingrid. Just get home safely! Medee: Such a shame. Farewell, little knight. I wish you well.

[UNIQUE DIALOGUE - FACING ASHE] If Byleth is sent to fight Ashe:

Ashe: Professor? I'm really glad to see you are alive. I just wish it were in better circumstances. One where we were on the same side. Forgive me.

If Sylvain is sent to fight Ashe:

Sylvain: I hate that we gotta fight like this, Ashe. Ashe: As do I. However, I have a duty to uphold. Sylvain: I understand. You always had a strong code of honor. Well, don't hold back, Sir Knight.

If Hapi was deployed and sent to fight Ashe and their B support was seen:

Hapi: Hey, Freckles. Really didn't want to have to fight you. Would much rather hear another of your raunchy stories. Ashe: I don't want to fight you, either. I wish we could go back to those days. I have so many more stories…but- Hapi: Hey, no hard feelings.

If Rosamund was deployed and sent to fight Ashe and their B support was seen:

Rosamund: You know, Ashe? You're one of the view Faerghans I ever respected. To be honest, there were many times where I really envied you. Ashe: Strange. I could say the same thing about you. I miss our time together. I wish we could be friends again, like before. But we can't go back. Rosamund: We can't. We can only move forward. Well, my brave knight. Come hither.

If Medee is sent to fight Ashe:

Medee: I heard about you from my daughter. She has a certain fondness for those who put their younger family first. As do I. She says she misses you, you know. Ashe: Rosamund does? I…No, I can't back down. Do you hear me? I will protect the people of the Kingdom! Medee: You can protect them by not dying by my hand. I don't want to kill a precious boy like you.

If you choose to spare Ashe:

Medee: Come on, child. We need kind hearts like yours in this world still. Do not die before you can help so many more with your compassion. Ashe: If…if you are sure. Then very well. I shall join you.

If you choose not to spare Ashe:

Rodrigue: Ashe! Get out of there! Now! Ashe: R-right! I'm sorry I failed you. [RETREATS] Medee: You did not fail him, child….

[UNIQUE DIALOGUE - FACING ANNETTE]

If Byleth is sent to fight Annette:

Annette: Professor, please! I don't want to fight you. But I have to help protect the Margrave. And retrieve the relic. I won't cower from you!

If Felix is sent to fight Annette and their C support was seen:

Felix: It's you. Dammit. Annette: I really don't want to fight you, Felix. I know we didn't get along very well back at the academy, but…I considered you a friend. So don't hate me for this. Felix: Hating you would be….difficult. Enough talk, though. Let's just get this over with.

If Mercedes is deployed and their B support was seen:

Mercedes: Oh, Annie. I��I wish… Annette: I know. I know, Mercedes. But…never mind. It doesn't matter now, does it? Mercedes: No. I suppose not.

If Medee is sent to fight Annette:

Medee: Lord Dominic's ward. I sense a great amount of magic within you. Raw potential, like a geode. Annette: Y-you…what? Wait, no! I can't get distracted. You need to be stopped! Medee: Very well. Give me everything you have!

If you choose to spare Annette:

Medee: My son Tancred saw you as a dear friend. I cannot bring myself to kill you. Please, take my hand. You still have a chance at a full, happy life. Annette: I always did have fun with him back at the monastery….I don't know if this is the right path, but… okay. I'll hear you out.

If you choose not to spare Annette:

Matthias: Annette! Retreat! This isn't a battle you can win! Annette: But I can still fight-! Medee: You did well child. But if you will not join us, you best leave before I strike you down. Annette: …okay. Um…Tell Tancred I'm sorry. [RETREATS]

[UNIQUE DIALOGUE - FACING MERCEDES]

If Byleth is sent to fight Mercedes:

Mercedes: I'm sorry, Professor. But this is all in the name in the Goddess. I cannot let you move forward.

If Sylvain is sent to fight Mercedes and their B support was seen:

Sylvain: Of all the people on this battlefield, you're probably the one I really didn't want to see here. Mercedes: I feel the same. I wish I didn't have to fight you, Sylvain. Sylvain: [TEASING] That offer to marry me is still on the table. It's not too late to change sides. Mercedes: [GIGGLES] That was so long ago. If things were different….well, let's not dwell on that. Sylvain: Agreed. I'm sorry, my friend. Mercedes: As am I. Forgive me.

If Jeritza is deployed and sent to fight Mercedes:

Mercedes: It's…it's really you, isn't it, Emil? Jeritza: Mercedes, lower your arms. I do not wish to fight you. Mercedes: I could never stand to see you cry….but…

If Annette is deployed and sent to fight Mercedes:

Mercedes: Oh, Annie. I…I wish… Annette: I know. I know, Mercedes. But…never mind. It doesn't matter now, does it? Mercedes: No. I suppose not.

If Medee is sent to fight Mercedes:

Medee: Looking at you pains me. I do not wish to fight such a gifted healer who helped tend to my son. Mercedes: How is Tancred? Is he taking his medicines like he's supposed to? Medee: He is. He even managed to grow past the need for the nausea herbs. He grows stronger day by day. Mercedes: I'm so glad. Oh…I wish we didn't have to fight… Medee: Give me everything you have, child.

If you choose to spare Mercedes:

Medee: There are so many children who still need you, Mercedes. Do not die before you've lived to see them all grow up. Goddess knows, you of all people deserve to see them. Mercedes: I….you're right. I'm not ready to die here. Goddess forgive me for this. Medee: If anyone should ask for forgiveness, it's the Goddess asking for yours, Mercedes.

If you choose not to spare Mercedes:

Mercedes: I…I can't let you… Rodrigue: Mercedes, run! You can't win this. RUN! Mercedes: I…I'm sorry…. [RETREATS] Medee: A dark shadow looms over you, my dear…

[UNIQUE DIALOGUE - FACING RODRIGUE]

If Byleth is sent to fight Rodrigue:

Rodrigue: It has been a long time, Professor. It is a shame that I must end your path here and now.

If Felix is sent to fight Rodrigue:

Rodrigue: Felix. It is not too late, son. You can still come home. You'd be welcomed with open arms. Felix: It isn't that simple, father. It was never that simple. Don't try to pretend like it is. Rodrigue: Do not make me fight you, my son. Felix: If you can't face me, coward, then you need to lay down your sword. Permanently.

If Sylvain is sent to fight Rodrigue:

Sylvain: Pity we had to reunite like this, huh, Lord Rodrigue? Rodrigue: Your mother and father miss you dearly, Sylvain. Will you not return to us? Sylvain: I wish I could, but I can't. There's things I still have to do. Mother would understand, if she knew who I now fight beside. Rodrigue: You are making a grave error, boy. That woman is not to be trusted! Sylvain: ….neither am I.

If Medee is sent to fight Rodrigue:

Medee: Rodrigue Achille Fraldarius! Face me in battle, cur! Rodrigue: Dammit. You need to leave, Anavros! This doesn't concern you! Medee: It concerns Chalciope. Anything involving her will always concern me! Now, face me, coward!

After Defeating Rodrigue:

Medee: You lost, Rodrigue. Hand over the box you carry. Rodrigue: And why should I? Medee: Matthias signed a blood oath with me a long time ago. Part of that oath was the return of the contents of that box upon my sister's death. Rodrigue: He did what? Matthias… Medee: I understand such pacts are ironclad in the Kingdom of Faerghus, are they not? I remember you signed such a pact once upon a time. Rodrigue: I plan to uphold mine. Medee: Then we are in agreement. Look into the box. If you see what I assume you will, you will understand why I am here. I even have the old letter signed by our witness. You won't believe who signed it with us. Rodrigue: [CHECKS THE BOX] Dammit….Matthias, you… Medee: Will you hand it over? Rodrigue: ….very well. Take it. Medee: Good boy. For that, I'll let you live another day.

[ACQUIRED: ANAURUS, THE MYSTIC SANDALS] [ACQUIRED: CHALIOPE'S PERSONAL EFFECTS] [ACQUIRED: AEGIS SHIELD (if not already acquired)]

[UNIQUE DIALOGUE - FACING MATTHIAS]

If Byleth or another unit is deployed:

Matthias: I am Mattias Raul Gautier. I am His Majesty's first line of defense in the north. And I refuse to allow you to get away with this!

If Sylvain is sent to face Matthias:

Sylvain: Hello, father. Been a while. Matthias: You chose to follow the Empire. Do you fully intent do betray us further siding with the Witch. Sylvain: Just answer me one question, father. Is it true you and Lady Medee had a blood oath? Matthias: What? How- Sylvain: I read the letters your first wife wrote to her, father… Is it true? Was Lady Medee was supposed to get custody of Miklan? Matthias: You do not need to concern yourself with things from before your birth. You wouldn't understand anyway. Ironic, considering you understood your position in this family. None of it matters. Sylvain: None of it matters? You really don't care how your choices- No. Never mind. I'm done trying to understand your choices. I'm done trying to be the understanding one. We're done.

If Medee is sent to face Matthias:

Medee: It has been a very long time, Matthias. Matthias: It has. You…look well. Medee: I wrote to her, you know. Begged Chalciope to come home during the Plagues. She insisted on trusting your word that the home near the border would be safe. Matthias: I cannot excuse my failure, Medee. I should have been there to protect her. Medee: You should have. But you should have done right after you lost her. You didn't. And now, it is time for a reckoning.

After defeating Matthias:

Medee: You've lost. Matthias: Well? Get it over with, then. Medee: ….no. I don't think I will. We still need you to make good on your end of the oath, Matthias.

[AFTER DEFEATING THE FINAL ENEMY]

Sylvain: Lady Medee, we're done here. We got what we came for. Let's go home.

Medee: I'm not quite finished, yet. Sylvain, Felix, take the Professor and go fetch any of the remaining "items". I'll meet you back at camp.

Felix: They can go. I'll stay and help clean up the mess.

Sylvain: No. I'll stay. You go. I…need a moment to talk with my father.

Medee: I will give you a moment to speak with him, Sylvain. But then I need to be left alone with the man. Professor, look after the boys, alright?

[STAGE COMPLETE]

You successfully completed the Paralogue and earned rewards.

[BACK AT THE MONASTERY]

Sylvain: Glad that's over with.

Felix: I agree. I don't want to see those bastards any longer than I have to.

Medee: …..

Byleth: Is everything alright, Medee?

Medee: As well as can be. All things considered. A blood oath is not something to be taken lightly. Maintaining it takes a toll on the spirit.

[OPTION 1]

Byleth: What exactly is a blood oath?

Felix: It's an outdated custom, but one the older Knights of Faerghus take seriously. You make a pact before a witness and the Goddess, signed in blood. The one who breaks their side of the blood oath needs to make reparations.

Sylvain: They can be anything, really. What matters is meeting the conditions. It's not something to be made unless you mean to keep it.

[OPTION 2]

Byleth: This blood oath must be important to you.

Medee: Indeed. I made it before the graduation ceremony when I was an Academy student. And I've kept that vow ever since.

Felix: What was the oath about anyway?

Medee: [TURNS TO SYLVAIN] Are you alright with me explaining?

Sylvain: Better they know now before we have to face the Kingdom again.

Medee: Very well. [TAKES A DEEP BREATH] Before we graduated, Matthias came to me to ask for my blessing. He'd fallen hard for my younger sister, Chalciope. We were, as was called at the time, Daphnel Twins. Born no more than a year apart, and thicker than thieves. She and I were Black Eagles, and she was a Dancer. And everyone who knew her was smitten. Matthias, if I recall correctly, was her most persistent admirer. He told me he wanted to court my sister, and intended to marry her. He did, eventually, and the two had a son. One you had to strike down.

Byleth: You mean Miklan?

Medee: Indeed. He was my nephew.

Felix: What exactly where the terms of this oath, anyway? It must have been pretty severe to have rattled my old man enough for him to cave into your demands.

Medee: They were simple. In exchange for my blessing, my sister's dowry, and our family's keepsake, Matthias swore to protect my sister, love her and her children unconditionally and equally regardless of their Crest status, and upon my sister's passing, her remains were to be returned to be buried in our family's tomb on our grounds, while the keepsake and any Crestless children were to be turned over to my custody.

Felix: What? Then you mean-

Sylvain: [VOICE TIGHT] Yeah. Father had her kept with our dead. And he kept Miklan and the keepsake. The supposed "Heroes's Relic" we recovered.

Medee: Indeed. The conditions for if either of us broke our side of the bargain were also absolute. Despite her passing, I never revoked my blessing of their marriage. I made sure to include that in every letter and journal to my sister.

Byleth: What happens if you break the oath.

Medee: It's dependent. I offered up the life of my future husband at the time, though I did not know who it was to be until later. He offered up the life of the Heir to the Lance of Ruin.

Felix: [FUMING] He did what?! [LOOKS TO SYLVAIN] Did you-

Sylvain: Of course I knew, Felix. She already explained it to me before we even left for the mission.

Felix: If you knew, then why did you try to insist she stay behind as well?

Sylvain: It's called acting, Felix. You never know who might be listening where a blood oath is involved.

Felix: Then does this mean….do you intend to-

Medee: Rest assured, reparations have already been made.

Byleth: But Sylvain still stands.

Medee: Before we left, remember how I had a moment alone with Matthias and Sylvain? I needed a witness to the amendment to the blood oath.

Sylvain: That's why I stayed behind.

Felix: And what was this so-called amendment?

Medee: An alternative to Sylvain's life. I simply bade Matthias to choose.

Byleth: Choose?

Medee: Either I take the life of his remaining soldiers who still stood by him on the battlefield, or I take Matthias's life. Once he agreed to the amendment, I sent Sylvain ahead to join you.

Sylvain: I didn't stay to find out his choice. And to be honest, I don't want to know.

Medee: What do you think he chose, Professor?

[OPTION 1]

Byleth: He sacrificed his remaining soldiers.

Medee: An interesting theory. There is merit to it. Sylvain is worth at least a hundred soldiers alone.

Felix: But if he were to do that, his reputation would be ruined and he'd be branded a coward and potential traitor. He wouldn't be allowed anywhere near the Boar, and he'd be under constant surveillance. He would probably be forced to spend the rest of his life at the border of Sreng until he died with a guard prepared to strike him down should the need arise.

[OPTION 2]

Byleth: He sacrificed himself.

Medee: Like a true Faerghan knight? Perhaps. It would be in line with most of his beliefs.

Felix: If he did that, Gautier territory would be left abandoned. Sreng could use the opportunity to invade. Not to mention he'd leave the Boar with one less guardian. If word got out about his blood oath to you after his death, he'd be branded a coward and a deceiver. Whatever reputation House Gautier have left to them would be obliterated.

Medee: Indeed. Either way, he and the name Gautier would not leave this world unscathed.

Felix: And you're okay with this?

Sylvain: I have my own screw ups to fix. I don't have time to focus on my father's anymore. It's time House Gautier actually stood for something other than it's pride over a Crest.

Medee: You have a lot road ahead. But if this Fraldarius boy is any indication of your circle, I think you'll make it just fine. Professor? [HANDS OVER THE BOX] Hold onto this, will you? I already removed the blood oath letter from the box, so feel free to look.

Byleth: What is it?

Medee: The family keepsake, Anaurus. The Mystic Sandals. I have no use of them currently. It is meant to go to the Heir of House Anavros. And seeing as that house is no more, currently, it is without a keeper. Bestow it temporarily to her Majesty's Dancer. I feel it will come in handy in the coming days. Now, if you'll excuse me….[LEAVES]

[CHALCIOPE'S PERSONALEFFECTS HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM YOUR CONVOY]

Felix: Those are well crafted sandals. Pure silver, if I'm not mistaken. And the gems look enchanted. I'm sure you'll make sure they're put to use. But Lady Medee….I'll be blunt, she did not look well. Considering her family, that's concerning. Can't afford her of all people falling ill.

Sylvain: I'll talk to her later. Professor? Thank you for your help with this. We appreciate it. Really. [LEAVES]

Byleth: …so who witnessed the original oath?

Felix: If I had to guess, there's only one person in the world whose witness to that could have shaken my father to his core that way.

Byleth: Who?

Felix: ….it doesn't matter. Ghosts should stay dead. [STORMS OUT]

Byleth: (They all look so heartbroken…. )

[REWARD DESCRIPTION]

Anaurus, the Mystic Sandals: Equip to Dancer. Increases movement by +2

#fe3h #fire emblem three houses #fe3h oc #fire emblem oc #byleth eisner #sylvain jose gautier #felix hugo fraldarius #mercedes von martritz #annette fantine dominic #ashe ubert #ingrid brandl galatea #rodrigue achille fraldarius #matthias raoul gautier #hapi fire emblem #jeritza von hrym #dorothea arnault #rosamund von vestra #medee von vestra

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