#made some friends w some birds as the sun rose

[2006aquamarine]

i remember when I woke up early one summer morning and just couldn’t get back to sleep. It was like 4am? I believe. And I looked at the weather app and I saw that it’d be a sunny day that day. Then i thought of the lake and how I often plan on going there to watch the sunrise, but I never wake up early enough. So I got up, got some water and weed, and drove myself to the lake to watch the sunrise. I have nothing to say except spontaneity and spending time to marvel at the world doing its thing is always fulfilling. Here’s the picture I took.

[naquey]

Eddie Baby

Inspired by a song but it's not actually a song fic. You can listen to the song while reading, or don't. It doesn't really affect anything.

Dear old Eds pays a visit to the woman who's loved him for so long, whom was thrown in Arkham to rot away for eternity. And maybe he breaks her out.

t/w: guns, gun violence, blood, mentions of death

(divider: cafekitsune)

The Riddler wasn't a sentimental man.

At least, he never wanted Penguin to know that. Oswald had a penchant for taking the things closest to him and kidnapping them, or killing them. So, he kept a little secret from his feathered friend. Wearing a nice plaid jacket, and some khakis instead of his green velvet suit he adjusted his tie. The fake I.D. tucked into his old wallet, the one he carried around back when he was a civilian and worked for the GCPD.

The security at Arkham always made him nervous, but the staff here seemed to have already forgotten his face. He remembered the last time he had stayed at the asylum, it made him twitch and squirm as he walked the halls side by side with a guard. Ed couldn't forget what he had to go through, what he had seen.

He could only imagine it had gotten worse.

Jim Gordon was the new commissioner, there was no doubt in his mind it most certainly had gotten worse. That Professor Strange didn't work here anymore, but he still felt his skin crawl. He was older and his face had changed a lot since then, wrinkles and sun damage, and all the things in similarity. Even a few grey hairs strewn in with black strands.

His heart skipped a beat when he saw that familiar red tone. She was sitting behind glass, chin in one hand, tapping her nails idly on the counter. Her eyes lit up seeing Ed in the doorway and a grin stretched across her face.

"You're here!"

She sprung up from her seat and put her hands to the glass, pressing her face as close as possible. Ed wanted to be closer than the glass allowed him.

"You asked me here, I couldn't keep you waiting."

"That was years ago." Her smile faltered.

"I know, I know. I'm later than expected, but, how about a riddle to make up for it?"

"A riddle?!

Her grin settled back onto her face and she clapped her hands together. Pressing herself up against the glass she giggled, no, laughed like a hyena. Ed hadn't heard such a cute sound in a long time.

"What stares with a stone face, listens without answering, and hovers by like a vulture?"

A grin of his own crawled across his face.

Realization crossed her features and he saw her gaze shift from him to what was behind him. The guard was standing in front of the doorway. Listening in to their conversation.

"Rose?"

"Guard!" She called.

He stepped away as the police officer stepped up to the glass. She started asking him for things and Ed noticed the camera up in the corner. Rolling his eyes he looked over at her, shaking his head.

Then the red light on the camera went out.

Okay, maybe he did ask for at least some help from Penguin's henchmen. Penguin would hear of this later, but it wouldn't matter then. Ed had grabbed the handcuffs and had cuffed the guard then held chloroform to his mouth and nose. His body had slumped like a ragdoll after a moment and Ed let him hit the floor.

"Correct, you still have your wits."

"Oh, come on, just let me out already."

"Darling, I need you to be quiet."

He bent down and took the keyring from the officer's belt. There were only a few keys so he didn't have too many too look through, it really is a security problem if they only ever have a few. There was a door separating the visitors and the asylum patients, he crouched by the lock and tried each key, the third one fit.

Rose squealed and ran into Ed, hugging her arms around his neck. She nearly sent him off balance with the force of her hug but he was quick to catch himself before he fell over.

"I can't believe you did it! You actually did it!"

"Not without some help from a couple of bird brains." Ed brushed some of her hair out of her face. "When we get home, I have a plan I'd like to propose to you."

"Oh! Backup, such a nice ring to it."

"Shall we go before they find out the cameras were cut or do you need your things?"

"You know I have nothing here, let's go!"

He grabbed the officer's gun, taking her hand in his free hand. Breaking out of Arkham thanks to the Penguin was such a rush, but breaking out someone he loves was even more thrilling. They ran down the hallway, Rose laughing with glee.

"Hey! Stop!" An officer called when she'd seen them.

"Wait, wait. No! Don't shoot!"

"You wouldn't be free of this place if a few people's lives weren't lost, my love." His voice was so soft and kind, something she had missed so much. She nodded slowly.

Looking away when he shot at the officer, when the blood spattered and pooled on the floor beneath the body. She hid her face in his arm. More cops had closed in on their location and they ran again. The exit was so close, he could just feel it. Ed was so sure that this would finally work.

Then something exploded.

Rose scrunched up her hair in the towel Oswald was so generous to give her. Fresh from her shower she felt clean and happy. Ed was sitting in a big arm chair, eyes glued to the television. The news was talking about her asylum escape. A shiver ran down her spine as the names and pictures of officer's showed up on the screen. She wasn't the one who killed people, but seeing so many die bothered her. She was free, but it was like something was weighing on her soul.

She was older now, left alone with her mind for so long. The floor boards creaked under her barefoot and Ed turned around, startled. Switching off the television he stood up and turned to her in one swift motion.

"As breathtaking as the first moment I saw you."

"Eddie..." Her hands were trembling, the towel was shaking.

"Hey, hey, hey. What's wrong?" He pulled her in a hug, her head tucked under his chin.

"You didn't have to kill them..." Her voice was small.

"They would have caught us."

"I know that, but they were people."

"Everyone I ever killed before them was a person, it doesn't matter though! You're here!" She stepped back and he cupped her face in his hands. "You're safe."

He was so gentle and kind. The doctors at Arkham had told her over and over that Riddler was a cruel, vile man who would do horrible things to her. They didn't believe that she was in love with the man who was Riddler. It was seen as a delusion, which was why she was admitted. She couldn't help it when he heart melted. It had been so long. Arkham had been so horrible.

She was startled when Ed wiped away her tears. Pulled in for another hug she finally let go and began to cry, her shoulders shaking and her body crumbling into him. He petted her hair and pressed kisses to her head, slowly swaying the both of them as she sobbed into his arms.

For now, he wouldn't tell her what he had been waiting to propose, but eventually he would tell her.

[radiatinggarlic]

2022 year in review-garden

This year's gardening efforts were mostly rubbish but there were a handful of highlights that keep me moivated on figuring out this thing called gardening. A late frost/cold snap zapped the Mexican Plum blossoms, killing any chance of fall jelly expermentation. Also, no early food source for the local pollinators(primarily bees and moths in years past)

After 4 years(or is it 3?) the Carolina Jessamine gave us its first and only blooms. We're gonna get there baby! Next March, we'll get 5!

And looping back to the Plum tree situation, there was a delay of the spring wildflowers this year and the bees were h0ngry, so I fed a smol swarm for roughly a week until the wildflowers finally showed up. No small feat, as I am v scared of stinging insects, but I am a sucker for a charity case so I couldn't just let them continue to struggle with the hummingbird feeders.

Gave up the good fight on forcing back the Heavenly Bamboo, in order to make a bird, bee, and butterfly garden in the middle of the backyard. Transplanted the Sweet Williams and Butterfly Bush to the house beds until the H.B. can be properly erradicated. Got some random annuals to fill in the vast empty bed spaces, honorable mentions for the Snapdragon and Dusty Miller who both just THRIVED. C got 2 zucchini plants for me and a jalapeño for himself, also placed in the house beds. I planted basil as well as having a go at a potted tomato. There was a whim purchase of 3 $10 rosebushes, two in the front bed (to replace the two that had died) and one by the back patio. Things were looking promising at the end of March/beginning of April.

Mid-April brought the Antelope-horn Milkweed back along with some new friends. There were eight total Monarch caterpillars who Eric Carle-ed their way through our humble milkweed before pupating all over the place.

Under a zucchini leaf was my personal fave pupation spot.

And then they emerged and did their butterfly thing. Backyard magic!

The Star Jasmine also gave us its first flowers after 3 or 4 years(planted the same day as the Carolina Jessamine).

Come June 1st, I harvested the first zucchini and I was ready for it. I love growing zukes. They are so damn hardy and it's a plant I've never had issues growing. I regularly have to shred and freeze my harvests because I can't keep up consuming them. I really love zucchini.

And then... the heat came. 100 degrees. Daily. For months. And yes, it's Texas. There is an expectation of hot, hot temps and little to no rainfall and watering with a hose here does nothing because the water is dreck. And so, the zucchini plants withered and died. The butterfly bush became crunchy, which I am still seeking to understand. C bought me another butterfly bush to cheer me up, and it also crunchified. I am hoping that they may return come the spring, though. Most of the annuals shriveled, withered, and passed. The rose bush by the patio kicked it. The Plum tree's leaves burned. C's jalapeño just kind of hung out, no flowers, no fruit, grew to 2.5 feet.

Looking back, I'm going to say the single most frustrating plant this year was the tomato. C kept undermining the way I was caring for it, watering and fertilizing after I had already done so. Moving it so that it could get "more sun". It didn't need more sun... anyway, this fucking tomato grew taller than me (5'6") and made a handful of flowers and didn't do much else. At some point, mid-July I think, the receptionist at my veterinarian's office mentioned an old wive's tale of getting a broom and(gently) smacking the top of the tomato plant, in order for it to start producing fruit. When I got home I said, "fuck it, why not?" And I'll be damned if it didn't start fruiting.

and that's it. The tomato harvest for 2022. As it turns out, tomatoes won't fruit if it's too hot, so a whole lot of unecessary labor and couple bickering for naught.

The basil put everything to shame by just g r o w i n g. I truly thought I was going to be struggling with this dude but it just kept chugging along, busting out branch after branch of delicious leaves. And I was checking on it everyday at sunrise to make sure there are no flowers because I have a habit of letting things bolt, and also, you know, everything else was deadsies. Frankly, if we hadn't received an early cold snap last month I think basil would still be rolling merrily along. I'm really hoping that it survives the winter and comes back.

Finally, the established fruit and nut trees and bushes suffered hard through the drought and heat. The dewberries burned and shriveled. The peaches looked okay at first but then stalled midway through growing. Come harvest time they were still small and green. Eventually, in August, they dropped and the local opposums and maybe the armadillos ate all but the pits. The figs seemed fine until it came time for the fruit to do their final plump out and instead shrank back and dropped to the ground. Another disappointment, as I wanted to experiment with making fig crumbles. The drought caused the pecan trees to opt out of producing any nuts this year. C impulse bought 3 trees for the "orchard"("they were on sale!"), so we added a banana tree that you can't even tell was planted, a loquat with shriveled crunchy leaves because they hate heat over 80, and another fig that looked lovely but once transplanted went into shock and dropped it's leaves.

Other work done: Chopped down Heavenly Bamboo in front bed. Fought to pull out as much of the root ball as possible (not much) and put down cardboard and landscape fabric in a bid to stop it from coming back. I'm mostly winning? I've had to go back in and remove some persistent spots and am due to do that again, actually. I also put down cardboard and a thick layer of leaf litter in the crape myrtle bed. Once I buy and put out some soil I will plop some landscape fabric on top, let that bitch percolate, and then (hopefully) next fall cram it full of bulbs and ferns. It's a nice bed but I much rather spend time in my backyard, than the front, so a set it and forget it bed would be preferable. I'm also going to try and bring back

[bridgyrose]

"Would they even notice if I vanished? " Lonely Ruby, after she falls. If you want to sprinkle some pollination in I wouldn't be opposed!

Ruby groaned as she picked herself up, the sounds of waves crashing behind her filled her ears. She dragged a hand through the warm sand and looked around, not quite sure where she had landed. Everything that happened seemed to be a blur from how quick things fell apart. She remembered watching her sister fall, then Cinder attacked and pushed her off the edge and Blake..

“Blake!” Ruby cried out as she started making her way to the trees. “Blake! Where are you?!” 

Her cries were met by the squawking of birds and the sound of the ever crashing waves behind her. She sat down on the sand to wait for any sort of response, keeping to one spot so if anyone did come for her they’d be able to find her. Someone had to find her. 

The suns started to set and Ruby picked herself up to start making her way into the jungle before the moon rose to make a shelter and a fire. She was starting to feel alone, though she knew someone had to be close by. Afterall, Neo and Blake had fallen with her and Yang should’ve made it here first. Though she was sure Weiss made it. 

Ruby’s heart started to sink as her mind started to wander towards Weiss. So many unspoken words to her friend, promises she was never able to keep… would Weiss even come looking for her? Or try to find a way to bring them all back? 

Ruby shook her head and started grabbing fallen logs and leaves to start building a shelter and moved a few rocks to make a fire pit. “She’ll try to find me. I know she will. And I’ll look for Blake and Yang after sunrise. I will find them.” 

Weeks passed and Ruby swore she had checked every inch of the island for some sign of Blake and Yang. Even Neo seemed to be gone without a trace. She sat down in the small hut she was staying in and started skinning her kill. At this point, she wasnt sure why she kept going. Sure, she wanted to see her friends and her teammates again, but each day she didnt find Blake or Yang, the more it felt like she was truly and utterly alone. 

Once she finished skinning the rabbit, Ruby placed it on a drying rack and walked outside to watch the sunset. “Would… would anyone actually notice if I’ve disappeared? After all, it was my fault everything went wrong in Atlas. I was the one who decided to wait to tell Ironwood about Salem, Penny was put into danger because I asked her to help me, Nora was hurt all because I wanted to get that stupid message out and I still dont know if anyone actually saw it… even my plan to get everyone out of Mantle and Atlas seemed to play right into Salem’s plans. Cinder was right there, she knew everything and I… I couldnt stop it…” 

Ruby laid down flat on her back and looked up at the stars through the trees. She didnt care if she ever left this island, at least here she wouldnt be putting her friends in any more danger. She wasnt ready for this kind of responsibility, wasnt ready to help protect anyone, and most certainly, she wasnt ready to be a huntress. All she did was lead people to-

“Ruby! Are you here?!” 

Ruby sat up as she heard Weiss’s voice and looked around. “W-Weiss?” 

“Ruby! Where are you?” 

“I'm over here! Follow the fire!” Ruby started stroking the flames of the fire and added more wood to make it larger. She smiled as she watched the fire billow in front of her. Someone was finally coming to find her. And she could finally tell Weiss-

Ruby winced as she felt something sting her neck, her vision blurred as she pulled a dart from her neck. Weiss’s voice started to distort as she fumbled her way into her hut, her own words starting to slur as she called out to Weiss. “Over… here!” She stumbled and fell into the wall of the hut, her equipment falling on top of her as her eyes started to close. The last thing she was was someone who looked like Weiss slam the blunt end of a spear into her before everything went black. 

[lancermylove]

Oh No, He Didn’t! (Oneshot)

Fandom: Twisted Wonderland

Pairing: Leona x fem!Reader x Malleus

Warning: None

Requested by: Anon

Prompt: Can I request a oneshot where Leona has a crush on the reader and the reader has a crush on Leona and they are in a kind of weird situation because it is starting to get obvious, then bam! Malleus confesses to the reader and who sees? Of course the lazy lion. Happy ending with Leona please. I had to request this after you said love triangles were okay as long as the reader ends up with one. Feel free to ignore this if this is so specific and sorry. I am the one that requested malleus Leona love triangle, I forgot to specify the gender of the reader, so it could be female or gn I don’t mind. Sorry for saying it separately.

A/N: Anon, I love specific requests! Don’t worry about sending the messages separately. As long as I’m not finished with the request, I don’t mind anyone sending in any changes or additions. Also, I had fun writing this request! Thank you for sending it in. 😊

Word Count: 2,368

———————————————

When you first met him, you thought he was too aloof for his own good. Every meeting after that usually resulted in the two of you arguing to the point where even Ruggie got used to it. So, how did you end up developing a crush on him? You couldn't deny he was attractive, but his lazy, callous, and straightforward personality? You never once saw him as a potential candidate to add to your “I wouldn’t mind dating him” list. So, how? 

One day while sitting in the NRC courtyard, you were talking to Lilia about movie clichés. "Oh, and let's not forget the romantic movie clichés. The moment where the female lead can't decide which guy she likes and one of her friends asks which man she likes, and supposedly, she sees the image of the guy she loves once she closes her eyes. That man is the one her heart truly desires." 

"Hey, (y/n), if you close your eyes, do you see the image of any man?" Lilia asked curiously, turning his head to glance at you. 

"What? Lilia, why would you even ask me that?" You blinked rapidly and giggled, "I don't believe in such cliché things." 

"Try it. Who knows, maybe your heart likes someone without your mind realizing it," the Fae let out a laugh and beckoned you to try. 

"Fine," you sighed and closed your eyes as you laughed internally at the thought of your heart liking someone. Suddenly, you opened your eyes and stared at the ground, paralyzed. 

Lilia quietly watched you with a smirk and pressed the side of his index finger to his lips. "So, who did you see?" 

"W-What? I didn't see a-anyone," you quickly averted your eyes and stuttered, not wanting the Fae to know the truth. 

"Are you certain?" He teased.

"Of course!" You nearly yelled, causing Lilia to laugh. 

That night your eyes refused to shut as your mind kept wondering how in the world did Leona's face flash behind your closed eyelids? You weren't sure if your heart desired to be with him, or if your mind was playing tricks on you. 

"I am going crazy..."

----

Oddly enough, after that incident, you started to notice the changes in Leona's behavior. Was it just your imagination or was he being nicer to you? He didn't make rude remarks or laugh at unfortunate events that happened throughout your day. Leona even listened to your long speeches and stayed awake to talk to you. Not to mention, he invited you to take a nap with him whenever you looked upset. You weren't sure if he was always like this and you didn't notice, or if your mind was messing with you again.

Leona also took note of the changes in your behavior towards him. For some reason, you blushed a lot and acted more girly than usual. Did you just giggle at his words? Why does your giggle sound so sweet to him? Why is your smile making his heart race? Did you always look this beautiful? What is going on? Leona felt like he was losing his mind.

Even Ruggie picked up on your unusual interactions, but unlike the two of you, the hyena figured out the reason behind the sudden change. He even made a bet with Jack, saying the two of you are going to end up dating. Jack, on the other hand, thought his senpai was being delusional or must've eaten something odd. Though both the Savanaclaw members could agree that when you and Leona were together, the atmosphere around you two was very awkward.  

----

Not wanting to spend time with Leona, you decided to spend a few hours with Silver and his animal friends in the nearby forest. You watched Silver interacting with a grey-furred squirrel with a wide smile. Out of nowhere, you noticed firefly-like specks floating in the air, and a few seconds after, Malleus appeared without Lilia or Sebek by his side. 

"Hello, Silver. Hello, (y/n)." The tall dragon politely greeted with a kind smile.

"Hi, Malleus, what brings you here?" You rose to your feet and fixed your dress as you waited for his reply. 

The leader of Diasomnia turned to his dormmate and said, "I would like to speak to her alone." 

Silver nodded and took a few steps away before turning his back to the two of you. Malleus chuckled and shook his head, "No, Silver, return to the dorm. Also, be sure to keep my location a secret from Sebek." 

Reluctantly, the silver-haired man excused himself and followed the prince's order, taking his animal friends with him. After he left, you turned your attention to the dragon and asked, "How do you manage to sneak away from Sebek?" 

"With Lilia's help," he replied, "Would you join me for a stroll?"

"Sure." 

The two of you quietly walked around the forest, enjoying the occasional chirping of the birds and humming of the insects. The sun shone high in the sky, but the dense vegetation provided sufficient shade. The gentle breeze caused the leaves to rustle every so often. Out of the corner of your eyes, you noticed Malleus looking straight ahead with a serene smile. As if he noticed you staring at him, his smile grew wider. 

"(Y/N), I would like to tell you a secret, but could you make a promise to me?" He asked, breaking the silence, "No matter your answer, promise me that we will continue to be as we are now." 

You found his request strange but nodded, "S-Sure...what would you like to tell me?" 

Malleus stopped under a large tree decorated with tiny blue flowers and turned to face you. "When I first met you, I found you to be intriguing. I always wished to spend time with a human, but most feared and still fear my presence. You, though, are different..." 

He studied your expression for a moment before continuing, "I would like to thank you for accepting me as a friend, but if you would consider accepting me as more than a friend, I would be even more grateful." 

"A-As...more than...a friend?" You tilted your head and stared at him with your lips parted. Not sure what he meant by those words, you waited for him to explain. 

"I feel a strange attraction to you, and I, myself, did not understand what it meant. When I told Lilia of this, he said the strange attraction is called love. Seems like I have developed feeling for you, child of man," Malleus chuckled. 

For a moment, you gaped at him with your mouth ajar, repeating his words in your mind over and over. Once you realized that he was confessing to you, you averted your eyes and covered your burning cheeks with your hands. Never once did you expect the Malleus Draconia to confess his love to you, and here he was, in front of you admitting his feelings for you. As you reveled in his confession, a face suddenly flashed before your eyes - the face of the same lazy lion you were trying to avoid. 

"I...," you lowered your gaze in utter confusion. You couldn't deny that you liked Malleus, but was he really the man you wanted to be with? 

Sensing your hesitation and uncertainty, Malleus rested his hand on the top of your head. "You needn't reply to me at this moment. Take your time." 

"Please don't get me wrong, Malleus, I like you a lot," you looked at him through your lashes and whispered, "but thank you for giving me time to think over it." 

Unbeknownst to you, Leona was napping under a tree nearby when he thought he heard your voice. His eyes shot open when he heard Malleus, and he immediately sat up as soon as he heard the dragon confess his feelings to you. Leona growled under his breath as he rose to his feet. He was going to give that pestering dragon a piece of his mind, or so he thought until he heard you say you like him a lot. The lion squeezed his eyes shut, bared his fangs, and tightly curled his hands into fists. He turned on his heels and stormed away not wanting to hear anything more. 

----

"What is his problem?" You sighed and sunk into the bench. For the past few days, you couldn't find Leona anywhere, not his usual spots, not new spots, not even in his dorm. He didn't even reply to your messages or calls. 

"Is he trying to avoid me?" You mumbled, getting up and heading towards the cafeteria. Your heart felt heavy, but you couldn't understand why. "Someone take this twisted feeling away..."

Right then you noticed the familiar golden-yellow uniforms and hurried towards the group of three. Sensing your presence, Leona began to walk away from Ruggie and Jack. 

"Hey!" You latched onto his arm and jumped in front of him, "Why are you avoiding my calls and messages? Where have you been?" 

He looked at you with an icy stare and spoke in a flat voice, "Why do you care?" 

"W-What? Leona, what do you mean?" You asked, taken aback by his crude reply. " What...what is your problem?"

"You are," he answered bluntly. 

You winced at his words and lowered your gaze, blinking away the saline liquid filling your eyes. 

"What are you doing here with me? Go to your dear dragon." He growled and stomped away, not waiting for your reaction. 

"Dear...dragon?" You mumbled under your breath while slowly lifting your head to look at Leona's back. Then, it hit you. He started to avoid you since the day Malleus confessed to you. Leona heard what Malleus said to you? Is he upset because of that?

Feeling your head spinning, you found a quiet place away from everyone. No matter how many times you tried, you couldn't calm your racing heart and restless mind. 

"What...do I do?" 

Tears clouded your vision and landed on your lap, leaving stains on your blue dress. Out of your peripheral vision, you noticed Lilia appearing out of thin air and taking a seat next to you. 

"Are you confused?" He asked knowingly while gently stroking your head. 

"I don't know what to do..."

"Then why not ask your heart?" He chuckled slightly. 

"My...heart?" You gazed at him baffled. 

"You know, like in the cliché movies," the Fae laughed and wiped your tears with his back of his fingers. 

"But Lilia-"

He shook his head and interrupted before you could finish your sentence, "Don't worry, my dear. Regardless of your decision, neither Malleus nor I will stop talking to you." 

"P-Promise?" You asked, innocently holding out your pinky finger for him. 

"Promise," Lilia chortled, linking his slim pinky finger with yours, "Now...(y/n), who do you like - Leona or Malleus?" 

You took in a deep breath and hesitantly closed your eyes. Much to your shock, Leona's face instantly glowed in the darkness. You began to recall certain moments with him. The time the two of you argued over who gets the last sandwich, the lazy day you spent with him in the botanical garden, the time where you napped with him, using his muscular arm as a pillow, and the time where you opened your eyes after a nap to find his face only a few inches away from yours. 

As you slowly opened your eyes and blinked a few times to adjust your vision to the sunlight, Lilia studied your face intensely. 

"So, who did you see?" 

Without thinking once, you replied, "Leona..." 

The Fae let out a hearty laugh and patted your back, "Well, what are you waiting for? Go tell him." 

"Will...Malleus be okay?" 

"Yeah, he will sulk a bit and lock himself in his room, but then he will realize he doesn't want to lose you a friend, and in no time, he will be back to his old self." 

You giggled as you watched him mimicking Malleus's expressions. "Thanks, Lilia. You're the best!"

After hugging him, you ran from one place to another in an attempt to locate Leona. You finally found him in the forest, standing in front of a pond. Running up to him, you threw your arms around him and buried your face in his back. 

"O-Oi, Herbivore, what do you think you're doing?" He asked, startled. Even though you could tell he didn't want to talk to you, even though he tried to wiggle out of your grip, even though he may reject you, you decided to tell him how you feel. 

"I choose you." 

"What?" Leona asked as he turned his head back to glance at you.

"I choose you. I love you, and only you, Leona." 

Feeling his body stiffen, you tightened your grip around him. The lion stared at a lotus floating in the pond, his eyebrows raised, and eyes widened as if he was a deer caught in the headlights. 

"You w-what?" He asked in a breathless voice, wanting to make sure he heard you correctly. 

"I choose you! You. You. You!" 

Leona parted your arms and turned towards you, still in shock. Seeing his expression, you giggled for a bit, but quickly avert your eyes from him. "Actually, Lilia helped me realize that I like you..." 

"Lilia? How exactly did he help you?" Leona asked in a voice much softer than his usual stern tone. 

"He asked me who I liked and told me to close my eyes. The man whose face I see is the one I love...you know, like in the romance movies...," you bit the corner of your bottom lip and blushed, "I saw your face." 

Within seconds, Leona's laughter echoed throughout the forest, "That's how you decided who you like? Seriously, Herbivore?" 

"Hey!" You pouted and crossed your arms, "My heart showed me the path, okay? If you don't want me to choose you, then I can always go to Malle-"

Before you could finish the sentence, Leona grabbed your jaw, tilted it up, and smashed his lips against yours. 

"Don't you dare finish that sentence. You are mine and only mine, Herbivore," he whispered against your lips and deepened his kiss. 

———————————————

➣ Twisted Wonderland Masterlist ➣ Buy me a Ko-fi or Commission?

[papipopsicle]

AFTERTASTE PART SIX

Pairing: Archie Andrews X Short!Reader

Genre: fluff and some angst

Summary: In which two best friends since childhood test whether sex and friendship can co-exist without causing conflict. Including OC's Flick and Cherry, a bisexual and lesbian in a sapphic relationship who are best friends of Y/N.

Song: Wildflower by 5 Seconds of Summer

Warnings: a high probability for swearing

Words: 1.7K

MASTERLIST

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     "LEONARDO, MICHELANGELO!" An eleven year old Y/N Robins called from her porch door, impatiently tapping a food bowl against the wooden frame she leant against. Behind her, the sun was setting and painted the sky a gorgeous array of pinks and oranges, sweeping together like watercolours. She looked out on the street impatiently, finding its sleeping state both calming and unnerving. Elm Street was never noisy, but after three years of living there, the girl had realised it wasn't a place of silence either.

And she was completely right. A distant, yet soft, meow grew ever closer, finally appearing around the side of a bush. Y/N grinned, affectionately calling out for the birman to go find his dinner, "C'mere Angelo, that's it boy!"

He trotted past her up into the house where his found his dinner waiting.

"Leo!" Her small voice called out as loud as it could into the cool evening air. He had wandered off earlier that same day to enjoy the Riverdale summer heat elsewhere, and the Robins family didn't think anything of it. Just as her mouth opened to call out the name again, Vegas came barrelling out from the door of the Andrews household, across the street to her side with Mary and Archie following.

The Andrews matriarch noticed the empty food bowl, "Is everything alright, Y/N/N?" She asked in her usual professional voice, but the girl knew from experience how much love and warmth it really held. Elodie told her about Leonardo's disappearance and how it wasn't uncommon in this kind of weather, but he could be getting a bit hungry.

Mary handed the dog leash to her son and sent him a secret wink, "Why don't you two walk Vegas together and see if you can find him?"

Excitement had been bubbling through the small town of Riverdale for weeks now anticipating the big Fourth of July celebrations ahead of them. Y/N Robins had planned on keeping up with her old tradition of sleeping in until late afternoon, then rolling out of bed in time to catch the fireworks with her friends. But with with the drunkenly asking Archie to be her boyfriend, which was not something she remembered a few hours later, her plans for this year were flipped on their head. So she found herself getting dressed to go talk things out with her supposedly best friend in a quiet spot next to sweet water river.

With her hair half tied up, and a black denim jacket over her shoulders, Y/N left through the door in her bedroom, and waited on the edge of the pavement until she heard a door across the street open and quietly shut. Any butterflies fluttering in her stomach all but disappeared as Archie turned around and smiled into the early morning sun towards her. It had been three days since they had last seen each other, since the girl confessed she didn't really know what she wanted in the space between them.

He jogged over road, asphalt kicking up under his new Nike trainers, and immediately engulfed Y/N's small frame into his own. The two teenagers walked all the way to the edge of Sweetwater River in the silvery silence of early birds and rustling leaves, their hands every now and again grazing each other and lacing together.

"So," The Andrews boy sighed as he lay against the warm grass, watching as she sat next to him and propped her head up on his chest, "what's going on in that head of yours?"

"Leo!" Y/N's melodic voice rang out across the long stretch of stream. Crystal clear water you could see the smoothness of the rocks which lay underneath if you peaked your head over the bank enough. For some unknown reason, the young cat would always find his way towards some kind of water, even back in Phoenix.

"Hello?" Archie bopped the girl on the tip of her nose as she returned back to reality, evidently not hearing what he'd just asked by the puzzled look her face adorned.

She hummed and gave him her full attention, allowing him to rephrase his previous words. In the back of her mind, Y/N knew exactly what she wanted- to leave high school and go on endless adventures with the boy her head lay upon. She wanted an easy life, away from the eerie little town she called home- to decorate her own house with pictures of smiles and candid memories. But most of all, in that perfect moment, she wanted herself to let go and fall in love with her childhood best friend.

After finding Prince Charming and finding out he was really the one from Shrek and not Cinderella, her faith in true love was shaken at the age of sixteen.

"I'm scared of you hurting me, or doing anything that could possibly hurt you, Arch." Y/N's voice faltered at her blunt honesty, "I meant everything I said, but I don't think I'm over what happened with Chuck last year."

"Tiger," Archie interrupted her thoughts, sitting up slightly leaning back on one hand and using the other to cup her face, "I can't promise we won't ever hurt each other even just a little bit, but whatever happens, we'll learn and grown from it together. I don't think I'll ever fully understand how much that bastard hurt you. But, nothing in this world that's worth having comes easy, life is scary and I'll go through all of the shitty parts twenty three hours a day, if it means I get just one with you smiling up at me."

Half an hour of roaming up and down the river bank had passed before a twisting, nauseous feeling took over the pit of Y/N's stomach. She and her family adored their two fluffy boys, her dad would never admit it but they all heard the little 'goodnights' he'd whisper as he made his way up to bed finally. Though with her parents still working, and Y/S/N desperately needing to finish an assignment due tomorrow, the youngest Robins was the only one able to attend this search and rescue mission.

"What if he's -"

Vegas rubbed his nose against her shin in comfort.

"Y/N/N," A twelve year old Archie cut her off in his usual caring voice, "don't even let your mind go there. He's a little ninja cat he's probably off catching frogs or something."

He grabbed her hand, squeezing it in comfort and heading towards an unexplored area of the forest line. Truth be told, he was meant to be doing English homework with Betty Cooper right about now, but that had slipped his mind as soon as Y/N Robins adorably wonky smile found him across the road.

"Leo!" Y/N's sweet voice called out.

"Leonardo?" Archie followed with Vegas by his side.

"That's the sweetest thing I think I've ever heard." The girl admitted shyly, hiding her rose dusted cheeks by bringing Archie into a tight hug, her head resting in the crook of his neck while her long y/h/c hair tickled his face. It smelt of strawberries and mint in the morning breeze.

"Y/N/N, can I ask you something?" His voice sounded nervous, but as she looked up and nodded, his face held a smirk, "Will you stay my girlfriend?"

She answered with a small kiss, staring into his eyes innocently as her fingers traced his back under his thin t-shirt, about to lift the material from his body. But life had a funny way of throwing challenges their way, making them run before they could walk.

"I think I see him!" Archie handed the leash to his best friend, seeing a patch of grey in between the auburn autumn leaves. Vegas barked and tried to follow after his human, but Y/N managed to stop the Labrador from bounding away by distracting him with ear rubs. Wild growls and hisses could be heard as Archie wrestled the feisty long haired cat into his hoodie clad arms. Then Leonardo hissed so madly, the young boy almost dropped him, "Yep, definitely Leo."

Y/N ran over as fast as she could, dropping the lead as soon as she saw his pumpkin eyes and bare teeth, clearly not a fan of Archie. She grinned widely with glee and got to her tippy toes to kiss Archie's cheek. "You're a life saver!"

As soon as the fluffy animal felt Y/N's little hands rubbing his chin as she took him from the boy's arms, he switched into a completely different cat and started purring.

A gunshot sounded through the open clearing, and before a high pitched scream could escape from Y/N's mouth, Archie saw the terror in her eyes and pulled the petite girl behind him. He scaled the area, unable to see anything but birds fleeing from the unusual noise.

"We need to get out of here." The boy's gravely voice whispered with urgency, picking her up without hesitation and running until his lungs burnt and his trainers once again hit the comfort of tarmac.

"What the fuck was that?" Y/N screeched, her inquisitiveness telling to turn back, but thankfully common sense won that battle. She and Archie found themselves back on the pavement of Elm Street before they knew it.

"Y/N, we didn't see anything, it could've been a car backfiring a street away for all we know." Archie tried to rationalise, but in all honesty he was stuck to his core with dread.

"Right, or someone was just murdered and we could've been next on some psychopaths hit list." Y/N's dark mind shone through as she blurted out her inner monologue. The boy didn't have any words of wisdom, instead he lead her to his front door and brought her into his body. They stayed in their own little world for what could have been hours, thankful they had each other and not allowing themselves to think about what secrets Riverdale was really hiding under it's pretty exterior.

Nothing ever happened in the town with 'pep'.

Betty Cooper awoke early that Saturday morning, ready to get any assignments out of the way to enjoy the weekend ahead. She opened her curtains and tied her hair up into a ponytail, but as she looked out of her window at the beautiful blue skies, she watched in shock at the surprising scene unfolding in front of her. Y/N Robins up on her tippy toes, with Archie Andrews' hands wrapped around her waist as they kissed intensely in what the two thought was privacy.

PART SEVEN

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[dragonotaku-justineverything]

(Pokémon AU) How did Jaune meet his adorable little Eevee, Caramel? And what was his first interactions with Aerial and her own Eevee Mocha like?

Well... I got a bit carried away again. I just love this AU and I'm really getting into Pokemon again recently, so sorry for the long post ahead.

But I hope you all enjoy it nonetheless!

It was a beautiful day outside Beacon Academy. The sun was shining brightly and hardly any clouds were visible. Multiple flocks of Wingull, Starly, Pidgey and other bird-like Pokémon soared freely in the sky around Beacon. A few letting out some faint cries sporadically. The Wooloos were happily grazing and rolling around in their paddock. Many students and visiting trainers alike were outside, just enjoying the nice weather with their Pokémon. This nice weather gave both Ruby Rose and Jaune Arc the idea to enjoy the day with a nice picnic outside with their friends.

On several blankets spread out in a grassy portion of the academy's lavish courtyard near a tree, the group of eight friends were all eating and chatting away. All of their Pokémon were out of their pokeballs and gathered around them.

Some were just lazing about, such as Ren's Greninja sitting cross legged while dozing off with his head tilted down or Weiss's snow white Vulpix snoozing in Weiss's lap while she sat in the shade of the tree. Others were chowing down, like Nora's Shinx or Blake's Litleo, eating berries/Poké food in their own little food bowls. Or in the case of Pyrrha's Aron, he was eating some screws, nuts, bolts, and other small pieces of scrap metal. Yang was busy brushing her Growlithe's fur, and watched her Combuskin running around with Ruby's Zorua.

Jaune was happily munching on a sandwich. He put the sandwich down and moved his hand to lightly scratch Hera's head, who was laying down next to his left thigh. Normally she'd be laying in his lap, but that space was currently taken. A small glass container was resting in a space between his legs. Inside it was a Pokémon egg he'd "won" two months ago wrapped in a blanket, so Hera had settled for laying right next to him instead. She was adapting pretty well to the new circumstances with said egg. Though Jaune was still wondering how she'd react when it finally hatched

His nails lightly scratched just around the base of the tuft of white fur on her head, just where she really liked it. "Shoo-, mmm *swallow*, sorry. So Pyrrha, you're Metang actually evolved on live TV?"

Pyrrha lowered her fork with the next bit of her chicken and strawberry salad to respond with a smile. "Yes indeed. It happened during the final match of my second tournament at Sanctum. It was quite an astonishing sight."

Jaune smiled and leaned back a bit. "I bet! Man, watching a Pokémon evolve in person must be amazing."

Yang looked up from her Growlithe over at him. "You've never seen a Pokémon evolve?"

Jaune chuckled a bit. "W-well I mean I've seen it on video and stuff, just not in person."

Nora shamelessly jumped in and added her two cents. "Neither have I! It must be soooo cool!"

Pyrrha giggled happily and looked over to her Metang, who was actually on the ground for a change instead of floating, with Cubone resting on its head. "Well, watching my Beldum evolve into Metang was definitely a sight I'll never forget."

They group continued to converse, laugh, and just enjoy themselves. Their Pokémon did as well, all of them getting along pretty well. They were all so engrossed in their merriment, none of them noticed another member slowly walking towards their misshapen circle.

That was until she made her move.

Jaune felt a small tug at his hoodie but ignored it, thinking it was just Hera rolling around in her sleep. It was a pointed finger and a question from Ren that actually made him look. "Uuuh Jaune... do you know who... that is?"

"Huh?" Jaune looked down to where his friend was pointing, which was by his stomach. There, in his hoodie's pocket near his stomach, was a small little brown Pokémon with a small, furry body and a big fluffy brown tail.

And half of its body was buried inside his hoodie pocket, rummaging around in it.

"WAH!??" Jaune nearly jumped up in surprise, but he managed to stay pretty still for the most part, trying not to jostle the egg between his legs. However, he still shot back an inch or two when he threw his hands up above him and fell back, his head lightly landing on the blanket.

Hera, startled by her Papa's sudden jolt, sprang up to her feet and spun to look at him. She lowered her stance, ready to defend him if she needed to! That's when she saw the little brown Pokémon as well, now standing on top of her Papa's stomach while he was laying back, but its top half was still stuffed in her Papa's pocket! What was it doing? Was it trying to attack him?! She wouldn't let it!

"Growl! ROW! GRO-!" She had just started barking at it when someone else's yelling stopped her.

"Eevee! Stop that! That's very rude!"

The brown Pokémon stopped moving finally, and stood still for a moment on Jaune's stomach, then slowly started walking backwards. It took a little tugging, but it finally pulled itself out of Jaune's pocket. As it got free, everyone around got a good look at its top half.

The first thing they all noticed was a large collar of fluffy, cream colored fur. Then two long, thin ears on top of its head. Finally its small, soft, squarish face with two big dark eyes and a happy smile. As well as a small plastic candy wrapper hanging from said smile.

Weiss, Ruby, Yang, and Nora all let out a coo of "Awwwwww" at the same time.

"Eevee no!" The group again heard the voice call out again, and almost all at once, they looked away from the 'Eevee' and towards where it was coming from.

There they saw a young girl, running up to their group with her arms waving above her. She was quite slender, had dark hair pulled back in a ponytail. She had a light blue jacket on, open in the front to show she had on a black halter top underneath it. A pair of tight black and blue pants with heeled fur boots matching in color. A simple black choker around her neck finished her outfit nicely.

Then the group noticed that a Pokémon that was just like the one on top of Jaune right now was also running alongside the girl. One this one had a small band of flowers around the base of one of its ears. It was hopping/skipping along right by her feet as they both ran towards them, its whole body arcing into the air as it followed her.

Within just a few seconds, she was right next to them, her arms still frantically waving. "Eevee you can't just jump on people you don't know like that! That's very rude! And give that candy back! You can't go stealing from peo-" The girl abruptly stopped her admonishment of the Pokémon as she finally looked at who Eevee was still standing on top of. "...JAUNE!?"

Jaune, still laying on his back, turned his head to look at the new girl that screamed his name, and quickly shot back up to a sitting position when he saw her. "Aerial!?"

The two looked at each other for a moment, then both smiled widely and started to laugh. Aerial started talking first. "Hey! What are the odds of running into you like this!"

"Me? What are you doing here haha?!"

Aerial leaned over a bit, smiling down at him. "Aunt Juniper said you'd gone off to Beacon, but I wasn't expecting to see you so soon!"

Jaune, still sitting, smiled brightly back up at her. "Yeah hahaha, it's always been my dream to go to a professional Pokémon academy after all haha. Hera's here too!" As Jaune finished, he pointed towards the Fire-Type.

Aerial shifted her gaze to her and her eyes brightened even more. She got down on her knees and hunched forward, getting close to Hera's height. "Heeeera~ hi! It's been such a long time! How are you?"

Hera's earlier confidence seemed to wane a bit as she started to look a little nervous. Papa seemed to know this woman and was happy to see her, so she shouldn't be worried, but she still pulled back a bit from Aerial. She seemed a little familiar to her as well, but she wasn't sure...

Jaune chuckled. "She might not remember you, Aerial. It was a couple years ago now."

Aerial pouted childishly and straightened her back, "Awwww that's a shame. I definitely remember her!"

"I don't doubt that. You loved her as a kid."

"Uuuummm... hello?"

Jaune and Aerial turned their heads in unison to look at who spoke.

Yang was holding a hand up, like she was waiting to get noticed or called upon. "Uuuh yeah, we're still here. Mind uuuuh, filling us in on what's happening Jaune?"

Jaune sweatdropped a little, slightly embarrassed that he'd completely forgotten about the others present for a minute there. "He he, sorry guys." With one hand, he gestured to Aerial. "Everyone, this is my cousin, Aerial Yeager. She's from Atlas actually, so that's why I was so surprised to see her."

Aerial waved at the group, still with a smile on her lips. "Hi everyone! I trust Jaune's been good to all of you."

A lot of them nodded at that, and many of their Pokémon had stopped in their activities and gathered around as well, looking at the new arrival.

Aerial's eyes scanned over all of them and began to sparkle. "Awwww you all have such amazing Pokémon!"

"Speeeeaking of which... Aerial, are these Pokémon yours?"

Aerial turned away from the group and back to Jaune. He was pointing down right beside him. There, the Eevee from earlier that jumped on Jaune was licking away at the now unwrapped candy that it got from his pocket, looking completely carefree. Meanwhile, it looked like the Eevee with flowers that ran up with Aerial around its ears was admonishing it.

"Y-yeah, they are. H-hey Eevee what did I say! That isn't yours!" Eevee stopped licking and looked up at her with a head tilt, then just went back to licking the candy happily. "Hooooh." Aerial sighed and bowed her head, feeling defeated at being ignored.

"Hey it's no big deal Aerial, I have plenty of these caramel candies. I was just caught off guard when Eevee just appeared out of nowhere."

"Yeah sorry about her. She's kind of a handful sometimes. She likes doing what she likes when she likes. Oh, everyone," Aerial gestured in front of her towards the two small Eevees. "This is Mocha and Eevee, their sisters."

Blake was the first to catch what she said. "Mocha?"

"Ah yeah, that's what I call my Eevee, the one with the flowers. The other Eevee... Well, no matter what name I try, she doesn't respond to it. Coca, Ginger, Toffee, Hazel... she doesn't seem to like anything I pick out for her."

The group all turned to the Eevee still licking away at the candy, not noticing or caring about all the eyes on her. Mocha seemed a little annoyed at her sister's actions still, but had stopped reprimanding her as she didn't seem to care too much.

Jaune looked down at the Eevee right next to him, then slowly reached a hand over and gently rubbed his index finger on its head. "You sure do like that candy huh? Did you smell it and that's why you came over to me?"

Eevee didn't seem to mind the light petting. In fact she seemed to like it as she enjoyed her treat. She stopped her licking for just a moment and looked up at the person petting her. "Vee vee vi!"

Jaune chuckled at its happy cries.

"Grooow!"

A very familiar voice on his other side made Jaune turn his head to see a begging Hera standing next to him. "Oh sorry Hera, you probably want some pets too." Jaune reached his free hand over and gently began petting Hera's white floof on top of her head. That immediately put a smile on the Growlithe's face and she happily nuzzled Jaune's hand back.

Aerial shook her head in slight disbelief. "Same old Jaune. Always a whizz with Pokémon."

Now that the excitement had fully died down, the group went back to lounging about like they were, now with an extra member as Aerial sat down and joined them at Jaune's invitation.

They all talked and got to know each other more. Aerial explained how she was indeed from Atlas, but had come with a few friends on a trip to Vale and Beacon to explore what kinds of Pokémon were here. Aerial told them about her friends, her school, and of course also her Pokémon. They were all surprised by how many she already had. A Braviary, a Ludicolo, and a Munchlax. Plus her two Eevee's as her companions, that made five Pokémon in total! There were teachers at Beacon that didn't have that many!

After about another two to three hours of talking, laughing, bonding, and snacking (Jaune offered some of his food to Aerial which she gratefully accepted), the sun was beginning to set and Aerial said she had to go. She stood up; brushed some crumbs off of her pants; said her goodbyes to everyone, giving Jaune her scroll number and promising that they'd talk again soon; and called for Mocha and Eevee to come along. Only that's not what they did.

Mocha stood up with her no problem and was ready to go, but Eevee didn't. She just kept laying down next to Jaune where she'd been for the past hour getting pets and even , licking a second caramel candy that Jaune had given her. She didn't move at all at Aerial's call.

"Eevee? Come on, it's time for us to go."

Again, Eevee didn't move.

"Eevee." This time Aerial's voice was a little more stern. "We need to go. Now come on." Aerial walked over to the Eevee and bent over to pick her up. Before she even touched her, Eevee had snatched up her treat and jumped into Jaune's lap, getting a surprised "Ooph!" from him. She set her treat down and turned to look at Aerial. Then for the first time all day, it let out a cry. "Eev! Ve ve Eevee!"

Aerial pulled back. She was surprised to hear Eevee talk back directly to her. Sure she didn't listen sometimes, but never out right talked back at her. "Eevee! What's gotten into you?"

Eevee didn't respond this time, just curled up in Jaune's lap and hunkered down.

Everyone watched this unfold, but only Ren spoke up. "I think Eevee is trying to say that she'd like to stay with Jaune."

Aerial looked over at the stoic boy, wide eyed. "W-wha? Wait really?" Aerial looked back at the tiny curled up Pokémon in Jaune's lap, happily laying down with her eyes closed, her treat finished in a hurried bite. "B-but... Eevee really? Y-you wanna stay with Jaune?"

Eevee looked up to Aerial, smiled easily, and nodded. "Ve ve!" It definitely seemed to be happy.

Aerial kept looking down at Eevee, and Eevee kept looking up at her. After a few seconds, Aerial's expression shifted from being slightly sad, to understanding. "Okay. Well then, let's see what Jaune thinks." Aerial looked down to cousin, his confused face making her almost giggle. "Jaune, it looks like Eevee has taken a liking to you. Would you like to keep her around with you? I know you'd take amazing care of her, so I'd be comfortable with you taking her with you if you want."

Jaune's mind nearly exploded from hearing that! His cousin was asking him if he'd like to have another Pokémon!? For real?! Jaune felt his lips twitch upwards before he even said anything. He looked down at the Eevee in his lap. She seemed very happy there, and she'd wanted to stay with him first. Jaune looked back up to Aerial and nodded once. "I'd love to. And I promise that I'll give her the best care that I possibly can!"

Aerial knew he'd say that. He loved Pokémon, so being offered one by a family member was probably like a dream for him. "Well alright then. I have to say... I-I'm sad to see you go, Eevee." Eevee looked up at Aerial when she said her name. "But... if this is what you want, then I can accept it. I know Jaune will take great care of you, and I can call to see you anytime I want. So... you take care of yourself and Jaune alright? Your sister and I will see you again, sometime real soon, I promise."

Eevee smiled and leaped out of Jaune's lap, landing close to Aerial's feet. The little Pokémon nuzzled her head against Aerial's leg and let out faint coos. Aerial quickly dropped down and scooped Eevee into a tight hug. She held it for at least 10 seconds before she let her go, setting her softly back down on the grass. When she did, Mocha bounced over to her sister and they started talking by themselves, most likely saying their own goodbyes while Aerial stood back up. "Okay, I guess this is goodbye for now Eevee. Jaune, I'll definitely be expecting some video calls from you now. Oh, and maybe you'll be able to think of a good name for her too."

Jaune, now no longer having a Pokemon in his lap, stood up. He was careful not to bump the container with the egg in front of him as he did so. He stood up straight, showing off just how much taller he was than his cousin. "You got it Aerial. I hope we meet again sometime soon as well. This was fun." He took a step forward and embraced her in a hug, which she returned.

When they separated, Aerial stepped back. "Okay, well... we really have to head out now. My friends are all probably waiting for me back in Vale and I need to catch a Bullhead before they stop for the night. It was nice meeting you all! I hope to meet you all again someday!" Aerial started to leave, and Mocha, having finished her goodbye to her sister with a loving nuzzle, followed her.

Eevee watched as they left. Eevee suddenly bounced forward a few feet in their direction and let out a loud "Eeeeveeeee! Eeeeeveee!", saying goodbye for now to her family.

Aerial stopped and turned her head back to look at her after her cry. She smiled back at her and waved before continuing. As the pair got farther and farther away, Eevee returned back to the group, stopping in front of Jaune.

Jaune smiled and knelt down to be closer to her. "Eevee, I'm touched that you wanted to stay with me. I promise that we'll have some amazing adventures together! Oh, there's someone that I want you to officially meet now! This is Hera." As Jaune said her name, the red Growlithe walked up next to her Papa and stood next to him proudly. "She's my best friend and has been with me since I was a kid. I hope you two can be friends."

Hera padded forward and stopped right in front of Eevee. She looked down at the smaller Pokemon with a big smile. She leant forward and gave Eevee a big lick on her head, which Eevee started to laugh at. The two then began to talk to each other in their out cries, and Jaune could already tell they'd get along fine.

"Well... that was sure something huh?" Jaune looked behind him and saw Nora holding her Shinx in her arms, and all his other friends smiling at him.

"Haha yeah, I guess so. Aerial's always been super trusting of family, but this shocked even me."

Yang walked forward and lightly punched his arm in a friendly way. "So... got any names for your new friend Vomit Boy?"

Jaune, while he was rubbing his now sore arm, looked down at Eevee again. As he did, he noticed a wrapper from the caramel candies he'd given to the Eevee earlier. "Huh..." Jaune knelt down and picked up the wrapper, then looked at it in his hand. "Maybe I do. Hey Eevee?"

The Pokemon stopped speaking with Hera and looked over to the kneeling Jaune. She quickly skipped over to sit right in front of him. "I was thinking, since Aerial couldn't think of a name you liked, yet you liked these candies so much, how about I just call you Caramel?"

Eevee looked up to him curiously with her big doughy eyes. Slowly those eyes began to shine with joy and she jumped up at him. Thankfully Jaune was used to this sort of thing thanks to Hera, so he caught her easily since she was a lot lighter.

"Whoa haha! Okay then, I guess that's a winner huh? Well, welcome to the team Caramel!"

AND! FINALLY! DONE!

Aerial Yeager is an OC created by my good friend @jace-the-writer-guy, who is also Jaune's cousin on her mom's side. I owe him a big thanks for helping me write this because I constantly was asking for specific info on his OC and him giving me ideas for stuff.

I'd been planning this out bit by bit for so long, so I sincerely hope that you all enjoyed this origins ask for Caramel, Jaune's Eevee!

[hpdabbles]

Love Limit: Seven years

Harry thought he was ready for his parents to present the wizard he could be marrying, he really did, up until said wizard strutted into the room. Sitting across an impassive Draco Malfoy, as the adults discuss the benefits of their houses unifying under the banner of marriage, the young boy tried not to sweat through his dress robes.

Something about the pureblood heir made him nervous, in a strangely good way. It was like he wanted all of Malfoy's attention on him but every time their eyes meet, Harry looked away, desperate to disappear feeling excited and embarrassed all at once.

Malfoy quickly grew bored, turning his attention to the garden outside the fancy magical french restaurant the adults choose to meet in. He remained disinterested in the room at large, staring blankly at the birds flying around the flouting feeding areas. He folded one leg over the other, his royal blue robes falling in waves over his shoulders as Malfoy claps his hands in his lap.

The sunlight streamed in from the large window and with the lovely bright white and blue of the walls, it brought out the pale blonde of his hair, lighting up his facial features as if though they were contour by sunlight itself.

He looked like a painting, perfect in every stroke of a brush, come to life. So beautiful Malfoy almost seemed fictional, despite the fact he was sitting right in front of Harry.

Harry kept his eyes on his feet, face feeling hot as if though he stood in the sun for too long but every so often would peak up at the blond. He wanted his parents to finish the marriage meeting as quickly as possible. This one seems to drag on longer than any of the previous ones did.

It was a tradition in the Potter family for the parents to pick a spouse for their children but one that skip a generation. His father, James, had been free to choose his mother, Lily, but Harry's grandfather had been engaged to his grandmother since before they were sent to Hogwarts.

Most purebloods had the same tradition but the Potters were more lenient in the fact they allowed a few of their bloodline to choose for themselves.

Harry had been raised with the knowledge that the various marriage meetings were to carefully select a good spouse and more importantly someone who would bring honor and something of value to the Potter name.

He had been tested for his magical compatibility at age two, as all magical kids have, and through it, his parents were made aware his magic could bond with both males and females which gave the more wiggle room to find someone for him.

Witches and Wizards' magic had a certain level of Compatibility that allowed them to have strong, powerful, and good-looking children the higher their compatibility was. The Compatibility could indicate if the child in question would grow to fancy males or females, should the pair be the same sex then they could blood adopt.

By blood adopting, they would be given a Squib toddler who best matched their own magic. Through a ritual as old as Merlin, their compatible magic would mix in the child changing them to be the pair's by blood and by magic.

Not all Squib children matched an eager childless couple before they reach five years old- the cut of the ritual working- which is why a few grew into adults without ever accessing magic but the lucky ones who were blood adopted became a regular witch wizard able to use their core.

According to Malfoy's profile, the one sent to his parents to review, Malfoy's magic only matched with males with a high Potion and Runes magic. It went well with Harry's high Defense and Herbology magic, to the point their Compatibility was an astounding ninety-seven percent.

It was the only reason his Dad had been willing to meet the Malfoys as Lucius and he never got along back at Hogwarts.

"Thank you for meeting us today, Lord Malfoy, Lady Malfoy, and Heir Malfoy" Mom suddenly say her voice smooth and sweet, though her smile was strained.

"It was a pleasure, Lady Potter." Lady Malfoy replied, dipping her head respectfully as she stood, "I do hope we can continue this discussion in the near future. An owl will be in contact with you soon."

"We look forward to its arrival," Dad says in a tone that promises the poor bird will be shot down if it enters the Potter's air space. "Good day, Lord Malfoy, Lady Malfoy, and Heir Malfoy."

"Good day," The blond boy says his voice sending goosebumps all over Harry's skin. He never knew a voice could sound like honey before.

Realizing they were leaving and that he hadn't seen a single word, Harry hastily rose. He meant to say "Good day" or "Thank you for considering me for your son" or something along those lines. But all that came out of his mouth was a choking squeal.

Malfoy's frown and odd look made Harry so red he actually hid behind his mother. The blond child rolled his eyes, tilted his chin up in dismissal while strutting out of the room after his parents.

Harry watched him go with wonder never before had a seen someone his own age look so regal.

"What did you think Harry?" Mom asks after they leave crouching down to look into his very same pair of emerald eyes. "Did Mr. Malfoy seem-"

"He's so pretty!" Harry blurts taking the woman by surprise. "He so pretty, and elegant and Mom, did you see how soft his hair looked? Did you notice how amazing his sitting was? He looked like a Disney Prince!"

"W-well if you think so, I suppose he is," Mom says hesitantly shooting a look at Dad. The man in question had put his head into his hands, looking dismayed. Harry understands, he was nearly too overwhelmed by how pretty Malfoy is too.

"Do you think Mr. Malfoy is prettier than Leo?" Dad's voice is muffled by his palms but Harry hears it all the same.

"Much prettier!" He has known Leo all his life and while he was not ugly he was nowhere near Malfoy's league. He is the son of his Godfather, Sirius, and his husband Remus, both of which were Dad's best friends through all of Hogwarts.

Leo was Harry's best friend too since their parents saw each other so often, they shared everything even being compatible with both witches and wizards. Of course, their dads had them tested to see their Compatibility and the two were at a seventy-nine. Up until Malfoy, that was the highest he ever match with someone.

Harry had overheard Uncle Sirius proclaim they would wed one day if no other match could be found to which all the adults toasted to. Leo had wrinkled his nose when Harry told him later about it that night during their sleepover.

"Don't get me wrong Harry, but I like you as a best friend, not someone I want to marry" Leo had said tucking him in because Leo liked to make sure Harry was warm. He liked to care for people in a way Harry liked to too, but more so when he was the one doing it. "I just think it is like Dad and Uncle James getting married."

"Gross they're brothers."

"And we're cousins."

"I won't have to marry Leo, will I?" Harry asks his Dad, who has yet to raise his head. A cold sense of dread settled in his chest. He knew that some kids didn't get a choice, that they would marry who was selected for them but his parents weren't like that, were they?

"Harry....you are almost eleven." Mom starts looking pained. "All witches and Wizards have to be engaged before entering Hogwarts if they aren't muggle-borns. It's the law."

"I know"

"Malfoy is one of the last wizards unclaimed, it would have been rude not to meet them so we organized this marriage meeting even if we never....both sides didn't take it seriously Harry. Leo has already been made your fiancee and I suspect the Malfoys are going to go with Theodore Nott."

Harry gasps outraged. "Nott!? Malfoy has been promised to Nott!? He's so boring! All he did at our marriage meeting was read!"

Dad raised his hands to give him a sheepish smile. "Sometimes someone who reads is the better choice for a boy like Mr. Malfoy. I'm sure you will like your life with Leo once your older-"

"I don't want Leo!" Harry protested hotely. How could his parents do this to him? "I want Malfoy!"

"Harry please understand, Leo is much better-"

"No!"

Mom steps forward biting her lip. She never liked this part of the tradition she married into, as a muggle-born she hated the idea of pairing off her child. It was something he heard his parents argue at night but in the end, there was nothing she could do. Harry is a Half-blood and by law, he must be engaged. "Is there really nothing that can be done, James?"

"If you can convince Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Nott, and Leo to break the arrangements before you turn seventeen then yes," Dad said after a long pause. "But that will be very difficult to do and if you can not succeed then you must marry at seventeen. You will be on a time limit."

"It's okay! I know Leo won't mind. He fancies Nott" Harry brightens then slaps a hand over his mouth once he realized he accidentally exposed Leo's secret. "Please don't tell Uncle Sirius or Uncle Remus, Leo doesn't want them to know he fancies Nott."

Mom shakes her head looking oddly shocked. Harry had no idea why. Leo wouldn't stop talking about Nott for nearly three weeks straight after their marriage meeting, gushing about the fact the other boy had read him a story while their parents spoke.

"I can convince Nott and Malfoy! I solemnly swear it!"

Dad threw his head into his hands and screamed but Harry knows he supports him either way.

[patchworkpuzzle]

pairing: Inasa x f!reader (and some Midnight x Aizawa)

word count: 21.8k genre: Fantasy AU, Fairy Tale AU

warnings: some depictions of violence and brief descriptions of sexual acts and activities (So 18+ please, just to be safe...)

notes: Hello there! This is my first fic that I ever posted here, sorry it’s so long! I got carried away trying to make it as close to the material as possible. It is very heavily inspired by the Disney’s version of the fairy tale, so it hits the same sort of story beats as the movie. But I do hope you enjoy this, and please don’t be shy to give me feedback! I promise I don’t bite! summary: After the beautiful (Name) is born into royalty, everyone gathers to celebrate; until an unwanted guest appears, the evil fairy Midnight. She curses the young princess and announces that she will die by pricking her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel before sunset on her 18th birthday. Fortunately, one of the good fairies, Mei changes the spell so the princess will fall into a deep sleep instead, and the only way to wake her from her sleep is true love's kiss. ______________________________________________________________ In a faraway land, long ago, there lived a kind King and his fair Queen. They fell in love, in its purest forms, and wanted a family to help spread that love along for years to come. They longed for a child and at last their wish was granted. A daughter had been born, and they named her (Name). Yes, they named her after the happiness they felt when they first knew she was to arrive. A great holiday was proclaimed throughout the land on the day she was born, so that all the people, of both high and low estate, could pay homage to the infant Princess. And our story begins on that most joyous day.

Fondly the Monarchs, met with the King and Queen of their neighboring kingdom. Who brought with them their son, Prince Inasa, in hopes that one day these two young children will unite their kingdoms together. As they were betrothed, though they were too young still to understand what that could ever mean. And so, the young boy stood, barely able to peer into her bassinette, as he gazed unknowingly at his future bride.

An announcer broke the quiet and peaceful atmosphere within the hall, announcing that the good fairies had finally arrived. Causing excitement to buzz all throughout the room, as only good fortune would come. The magic and beauty that would be brought by these creatures was deemed legendary, and only few of high standing were ever able to be given gifts from them. A high honor indeed was bestowed upon the King and Queen when the fairies accepted their gracious invitation to such a monumental event, and it was clear they were willing to pay them back in kind. The young babe was to be blessed indeed.

“The most honored and exalted excellencies, the three good fairies. Mistress Mina, Mistress Nejire, and Mistress Mei!”

With grace and elegance, they three fairies bowed at the foot of the thrones, before a lighthearted chuckle released them from such a position.

“My good friends, no need for such formality on such a joyous day!” King Haru smiled, “Please, I welcome you humbly and graciously. Besides, it is my daughter you are meant to meet, not I!”

The fairies, not wasting another moment on formality dashed past to where the King and Queen sat and over to where to young Princess laid. Unable to contain their excitement as the cooed over the child. ‘Oh, what a precious darling!’ one had said. ‘How sweet she is! Has her mother’s looks’ another flattered. ‘Oh, how blessed she shall be! With gifts from us three!’ the last had declared. And with each a flick of their wrists, a wand appeared in their hands. As two floated away to allow the first fairy, Mina, to bless the child with a gift of her choice.

“The gift of mine is one of beauty rare, that no other will ever compare. Lips that will shame the reddest of rose. She will walk with springtime, wherever she goes.”

With a flourish of her hand and a smile brightly plastered on her face, a pink ball of light appeared at the end of her wand. Gently she placed it over the child’s face and allowed the bright light to absorb into the child’s skin. Waiting until the glow had subsided the second fairy then moved into the place of the first. This one, Nejire, seemed to be unable to hold in her excitement as she fluttered herself around the bassinette. Her wand already containing a blue light that seemed ready to jump away from it at any moment as she recited her gift.

“Small, sweet princess, my gift to you is of song! Melody her whole life long. The morning dove’s her troubadour, brining nothing but sweet serenade, to her door!”

The blue light then shot from her wand, like a bird it flew around the room as it sung a sweet tune before landing into the chest of the young babe. Nesting itself gently until the light no longer seemed to exist. The third fairy, Mei, stepping forth to slow the blue one down, then moved to stand in her place.

Raising her wand proudly, she then started to proclaim what her gift would be “Gentle Princess, my gift shall be –“

Before she was able to say another word a cold gust of wind rushed throughout the room. The chill caused the three fairies to hover over the child, and for the King and Queen to stand from their spots on their thrones. Looking towards the main entrance of that of the great hall they all were celebrating in that day. The sky, once so bright and blue, darkened as thunderous filled clouds covered its hue. Lightning thrusted out from once the sun stood and sparked the ground wherever it saw fit. This was a clear and dreaded sign of only one being. And as the door flung open by an unseen force, the purple smoke the arose from the ground made it certain who it could be. All in attendance watched with dread as a being of fine curves and beautiful dark hair started to take shape. It was the dark fairy Midnight, and the King held onto the Queen tightly as their breaths caught in their throats.

“Gods, its Midnight!” Nejire exclaimed, though her words hushed by the hand of Mina

“What could she be doing here?” Mei scoffed, trying to shrug off the hand of Mina’s that was tugging her closer to them.

“Shhh! Be quiet!” Mina urged as the tall and looming figure made its way further into the room.

“Well, well” her sultry voice echoed throughout the quiet room “quite the glittering and glamorous assemblage you have brought here today, my King. Royalty, the nobility, and even the peasants! How quaint!” she walked leisurely around the room, her eyes watching those with feigned interest before stopping herself in front of the steps of the King and Queen.

“I was really quite distressed at not receiving an invitation!” Midnight pouted, she leaned forward on her staff, her cleavage on full display to the those at the throne. It caused the King to avert his eyes in embarrassment and the Queen’s to narrow in anger. It caused Midnight to smirk as she made her way to where the other fairies where; to where the Princess laid. Making sure to sway her hips is mocking of the Queen.

“You weren’t wanted.” Mei spoke before she really though of it. The other two fairies quickly pulling her closer to them as Midnight’s gaze now laid upon them

“Not wanted?” Midnight gasped “Oh dear, what an awkward situation! I had hoped it was merely an oversight of some kind.” She looked back over to where the King and Queen stood, though she leaned her body closer to where the Princess laid. Her eyes burned as she looked into the eyes of the King “It is an oversight, right?”

The Queen broke free from her husbands grasp and marched quickly to where the fairies were. Blocking Midnight’s way as she picked up her child and held her tightly in her arms “You weren’t wanted.” The Queen repeated, her tone felt like knives through skin.

“Oh truly?” Midnight smirked, almost feeding off of the malicious energy as she turned away from the Queen “Well, in that event, it would be best if I were on my way.”

“You are not offended, your excellency?” the King asked, eyes pleaded that what he said was the truth.

“Why no, your majesty.” Midnight smiled, the smirk on her face turning into a vicious grin “And to show you I bear no ill will, I will also bestow a gift to your child.” She stomped her staff upon the ground, causing it to shake and allow bright purple smoke to fill the air around her.

“Listen well, all of you. The princess shall indeed grow in grace and beauty. She will be beloved by all who know her.” Her smile faded and was replaced by a scowl, her eyes turning dark as she continued “But before the sun sets on her 18th birthday, she will prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel and die!”

She held her staff up in the air, and a wave of it caused a bright light to fill the room, solidifying the cruel gift. The smoke grew more abundant as her cruel laughter filled, and echoed, throughout the room. Feeding off of the distress and cries of anguish the King, Queen, and fairies gave out. She gave one last smile and wink to the royalty that stood before her before she disappeared. The room and the skies above them returning to their original state as if she were never there to begin with.

The Queen sobbed, holding even more tightly to the child in her arms., as she crumbled to the floor. The King followed, wrapping his arms around his fair wife and new child. The fairies approached carefully to the young family, sorrow in their eyes.

Nejire, ever the one to comfort was the first to speak. “Please do no despair. Mei still has her gift to give.”

“But will that gift spare my child of this curse?” the King asked above the sobs of his wife

“Oh no, sire.’ replied Mina “A fairy’s gift can never be taken back or replaced. Especially not a gift from one as powerful as Midnight.”

“But I can help!” Mei exclaimed, her wand at the ready “Sweet little one, if through this wicked witched trick, a spindle should your finger prick. A ray of hope may still be within this. The gift I give to you is not that of death, but just in sleep the fateful prophecy you will keep. And from this slumber you shall wake, if only by true love’s kiss. For true love shall be the only thing to conquer all.”

A small wave of her hand, and a bright yellow light emerged and encased the child in its glow. Sobs rang even louder within the room, as the King and Queen mourned their loss. That no matter how strong the last gift will be, eternal slumber is still a fate no one will ever wish to have. Least of all a fate for a child. A joyous, beautiful day was now ruined by one simple gift.

                                                               * * *

Ever fearful for their child’s safety a law was decreed that every spinning within the kingdom should, on that very day, be burnt. And so, it was done. But it was still not enough to ease the worry in their hearts. With much reluctance, the King and Queen gave their child over to the three fairies. The only beings able to protect their child from any harm, and to keep her safe away from prying eyes. The King and his Queen watched with heavy hearts as their most precious and prized possession, their only child, disappear into the night. Never to know where she will go and grow up. Never to see her take her first steps or say her first words. For it was only if all were unknown to who she was, the safer she would be.

“A run-down cottage, you think they would have accommodated us better…” Mina mumbled, as she started to unpack the small wagon they were given “Especially seeing as we now have to live in the middle of nowhere! And without our magic!”

“It’s not so bad!” Nejire interjected, bouncing the baby in her arms gently “Beautiful nature all around us! A cozy home to keep us warm and happy at night. A sweet creature we get to watch grow. What is there really to complain about?”

“Yeah! Besides, I can fix this place up in no time at all! Even without my magic!” Mei exclaimed, rolling up the sleeves of her now modest dress, “Just you wait, this place will become beautiful again!”

Mina rolled her eyes at her fellow companions’ excitement. They may be ready to forget the dreariness and dread of the events that lead them to where they are now, but Mina could not. How can they be truly happy with having to give up the one thing that made them whole? Magic was the only thing that separated a human from a fairy, and now it was gone. All the glamor and glitter that once was apart of her very being, gone. Now she was to wear crudely made clothing that felt uncomfortable on her skin, and to deal with sore feet as was now forced to walk everywhere. But, as she watched her friends scurry around with laughter and smiles, she couldn’t help but think that it could all be worth it in the end. Besides, it was about time they had a break from the world.

And so, for eighteen long years the whereabouts of the princess remained a mystery. While deep in the forest, in a small cottage, the good fairies carried out their well-laid plan. Living like mortals, they had raised the child as their own.

Though happy for the fairies and the young child they raised, it was not so happy in the kingdom. The years were sad and lonely for the King and his beautiful Queen. But the time for the princesses eighteenth birthday was drawing near, and the entire kingdom began to rejoice the return of the lost princess. Preparations were underway to hold the largest gathering and celebration the kingdom will have ever seen. Invitations had even been sent out to all kingdoms, far and wide, to come join them on this marvelous day, no matter your station. For everyone knew that as long as in Midnight’s domain, the forbidden mountains, thundered with her wrath and frustration, it could only mean that her evil prophecy had not yet been fulfilled.

Midnight sat within her castle, upon her throne, as she watched out the window at all the valleys and peaks that stood beyond it. Slowly she caressed the head of her staff absentmindedly as she filled her head with thoughts that were fleeting. Her minions cowered below her, awaiting her wrath that was sure to come at any moment.

“It’s truly incredible,” she finally spoke out, though to no one in particular “eighteen years and not one trace of her. Almost as if she vanished into thin air. But we all know that’s not the case, do we?”

She finally turned her gaze downwards, eyes meeting one unlucky minion as he was pushed ahead of the rest. He trembled before her; eyes forever downcast as he refused to meet her piercing gaze. “N-no, not the case at all, your excellency.”

“And you’re sure you searched everywhere?”

“Y-yes, anywhere! We all ...”

“But what of the towns, the forests, the mountains?”

“Yes, your excellency! We searched mountains, forests, and houses, and let me see, in all the cradles.”

“Cradle?” Midnight asked, her tone turn less boresome as she narrowed her gaze on the one that stood before her, almost encouraging him to continue to speak.

“Yes, every cradle. We searched them all!”

This caused Midnight to throw her head back, a single dry laugh passed her lips “Cradle? Did you hear that, pet?” she called out, eyes now focused on a dark looming figure that stood past the group of minions before her. “All these years, they’ve been looking for a baby!”

The laughter that came from her was melodious, filling the quite air with a beautiful tune that the minions before her could not help but join in. No longer afraid of ensuing her wrath. Though, before all in the room could join in, it stopped, and the sky turn even darker around them

“Idiots!” Midnight screeched, raising herself to stand as lightning sparked around her “Fools! Imbeciles! You creatures have disappointed me for the last time!”

Lightning flew away from her and towards the group, pushing them further and further from the throne and the women that stood there. All scrambling to get away from the white-hot fire that would surely cause them pain. Though none made it out of the room. None made it away to some sort of safety. Midnight’s wrath came down upon them in a wall of hellfire and flame, leaving nothing behind but ash and dust.

“Oh, they’re hopeless. A true disgrace to the forces of evil. Why can’t I have someone who is competent? Other than you, of course.” she turned and smiled to the shadow, “You may be my last hope, Aizawa.”

The shadow stepped forward towards her and revealed a handsome man. A man who has been with Midnight since she started becoming the mistress of all that is evil. Always in the shadows to give quiet advice, to keep her company, and to do what needed to be done when all else had failed her. Midnight gave him her usual sultry smile as she brought up a hand to cup his face. He leaned into her touch, enjoying the warmth she was providing.

“Go, pet. Circle far and wide. Search for a maiden of eighteen with eyes that sparkle like the sun and lips red as roses. Go, please do not fail me.”

Aizawa only nodded, his gaze telling her more than words ever could. He stepped back from her warmth and with a flick of her wrist purple smoke engulfed him. When it disappeared a raven, flapping its wings, was in his place. With a nod of its tiny head, it turned to soar out the window. Starting his search on the far reaches of the kingdom, where only few ever go.

                                                             * * *  

The years passed by much more quickly than any of the fairies had ever thought it would. They raised (Name) as best as they could, and they could not have asked for a sweeter child to raise. Mina taught her how to dress and always made her beautiful dresses to wear. Nejire taught her how to garden, to enjoy the presence of the nature around them, and to sing beautiful tunes for the birds in the sky to sing along to. Mei taught her to always be resourceful, and to always help. There could never be too many hands helping her fix something, now could they?

Though it was not always easy. As (Name) grew older, she become more aware of the world around her, began to question things more and more. Why can’t I go with you to the marketplace? She would ask, only to be told that it was a two-person journey. Well, why can’t I be one of the two that go? She would counter, only to be told that it would be far too tiring for a young girl such as herself. Why don’t I have any friends like those in the storybooks I read? She dolefully questioned, only to be reminded that those of her three aunts were all the friends she would ever want or need. Why does it seem like I am the only one that ages? She would tease, only to be met with laughter as the three always had a hard time trying to explain that question away. Explaining agelessness would open a door that would surely lead to her finding out of the dreaded curse, and they didn’t want that. And they certainly had been quiet these past few days as they tired to prepare a small celebration for her upcoming birthday.

What is being in love like?

The heard her wistfully ask as she sat and spooned at the bowl of porridge in front her. Seemingly filling her head with daydreams instead of paying attention to her meal. Ignoring her three aunts as they shuffled about, trying to carefully hide the gifts and craft supplies they had acquired.

“What are you dreaming about?” Nejire asked, taking away the bowl from the girl as she clearly was no longer eating.

“Well surely one of you must know!” (Name) enquired, leaning her body against the table “You’re older than I am, experienced more than I! I’m positive one of you has some idea on what it’s like!”

“Why are you so interested, all of a sudden?” Mina teased, walking past her to ruffle her hair “Reading too many romances?”

(Name) gently knocked her hand away, turning her head to hide her now scarlet cheeks from her teasing aunt “W-well maybe! And what of it?”

“I swear if you spent as much time helping us out instead of daydreaming about all those fantasies in your stories, we would have fixed this stupid sink by now!” Mei grumbled from her position under the sink, trying her best to seem like she was fixing it instead of hiding things.

“I keep offering to help, and you keep shooing me away!” (Name) giggled, “besides, you all have been encouraging me to do so. These last few days you all have been trying to get me out of your hair. It’s almost as if you’re planning something.”

They all froze in the middle of what they were doing, their tense shoulders hiding nothing. It caused (Name) to laugh. She had caught them trying to hide something from her. Though this certainly was not the first time this had happened, and she was sure this would not be the last. Though she held no ill-will, though her aunts may deny it, she knew they were preparing for her birthday. Hence why she was always sent away for hours on end.

“Planning something? What on earth would make you think that?” Mina gave a nervous chuckle “We simply just had errands for you to do!”

“Yes, and you always work so hard for us! So, we wanted you to have more time for yourself to relax!” Nejire added.

“Besides, there isn’t really a need to fix much anyway….” Mei murmured as she got out from where she was currently hiding “and speaking of errands, there is one we need you to do today!”

“There is?” (Name) and Nejire asked, with the latter getting shot a dirty look from the golden eyed woman.

“Yes! We, we, uh, well we need...” Mei muttered, scanning the room to find something to spark her mind before her eyes landed on a bowl by the windowsill filled with wild berries “We need you to pick more berries!”

“More berries? But don’t we have plenty already?” (Name) questioned, turning herself towards the window where she knew she had placed them the day prior.

“Nope! They’re all gone!” Mina jumped in, situating herself in front of the girl to block her from seeing this obvious lie. “And we’ll need you to pick something else out, while you’re gone!”

“Oh, and what’s that?”

“Wildflowers!” Nejire agreed, placing her hands on the girl’s shoulders, and giving them a little squeeze “They always brighten up the home! And I was thinking of placing them in every room, so we’ll need plenty!”

“You want me to pick up wildflowers and berries?” (Name) questioned one last time, as she was being pulled to stand up.

“You got it kiddo!” Mina exclaimed as she opened the door to their little cottage.

(Name) was shoved through the door before she knew it. A basket to hold the goodies she would be getting, along with some twine to hold all the flowers together. The door opened only briefly, but before she could get a word out, Mei had thrown her hooded cloak at her before slamming the door shut yet again. She could almost make out the comforting words of ‘in case it gets cold’ but it was hard to tell.

(Name) merely shrugged her shoulders; she was used to the antics of her aunts. Always so full of energy, it was like living in a whirlwind at times as she got dizzy trying to keep up. But if they wanted her to get wildflowers and berries then that would mean she would have to go by the riverside. Which was quite a hike from where their little cottage stood, meaning almost half the day would taken up simply by walking there and coming back. Let alone the time it would take to get what she needed. But she wasn’t to complain. She enjoyed the walk and the fresh air it brought. It meant she could daydream all her questions and fantasies with no one around to tease her for doing so.

She tied the string of her cloak around her shoulders, pulling her hood up as she made her way to where she needed to go. She had to be careful on the first leg of her journey, the forest had a way of scaping and scratching one with its many branches if one was not careful. But (Name) walked along with ease, singing out a few notes of a tune for the birds to hear and sing back.

After years of living here, of coming and going from this forest almost daily, the animals within it grew accustomed to her presence. They never ran away from her when she approached or tried to attack when she knelt down to give them a pet. They simply enjoyed the calming presence she gave off, and the stories she would tell, and the songs she would sing. This small journey was to be no exception as already a few squirrels, a rabbit, and some birds had come to join her on her walk.

On the other side of the forest, where she walked, was another person. Sitting high upon his noble steed, taking note of the surroundings he was in. This man was the young Prince Inasa, and he currently was on his own journey towards his neighboring kingdom. Excitement filled his blood as he was to finally meet, and celebrate the birthday of, the kingdoms princess; the woman of which he was betrothed to. He had not seen or heard from her since that dreadful day, and he wanted nothing more than to talk with her. To get to know her and see if she would be as lovely as the thoughts of her he had dreamed up from time to time.

The young Prince was a passionate one, those in his kingdom would say. He always spoke loudly and energetically at whatever was on his mind. At times it would be out of excitement over a game, other times loudly proclaiming his drive to succeed, and there were times when he would say a truth that would confuse those he meant to insult due the kind way he said it, and at times most humorous to those around him was when he proclaimed he was confused or lost about something. Though, he was always honest and had a good heart, so many found the loud young man to be very endearing.

This would be another instance where the young man would be considered endearing. He was so excited to get ahead, to see the kingdom that he had not been in for so long, that he forced his horse to dash away from the party. To blaze the trail ahead and make it to the kingdom first. But he did not know where he was going. And thus, he found himself wandering these very woods. Aimlessly trying to figure a way out and to where he betrothed would be.

He proclaimed an excited shout when he found a river, as rivers always lead to some home or village that would be situated nearby. And he was, thereby, one step closer in the right direction. He could already hear his father’s voice chiding him on his foolishness of dashing ahead. But Inasa knew it would be worth it in the end. He got down from his horse, to allow it to graze and have a drink of water, so he may stretch his legs from sitting upon his steads back for so long.

When he walked a few paces down the rivers edge he heard it. It was faint, but he wouldn’t mistake the sound for anything else in the world. It was singing, but not a bird’s sweet tune, this was a melody that could only be created by a person. But who, he no idea? But he wanted to find out. His new mission was no longer to get to the castle as soon as he could, it was now to find the person behind the sweet melody that rang like an angelic choir throughout the trees around him.

He got to his horse, and though it was hesitant to leave its patch of sweet grass to follow his owner, he was eventually persuaded by the promise of ‘a bucket of oats and a few apples’. Though when Inasa tried to get on his back once more, the horse bucked him off. A clear sign he was not in the mood to have the over-eager man ride him through this dense forest for another while. But allowed the young man to guide him through, without the fear of his companion running off.

(Name) was in a portion of the forest she always affectionately called ‘the berry patch.’ As all sorts of bushes of wild fruit, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries, seemed to form all on their own over the years. It was the main spot she would go if she wanted to get a sweet snack while she wandered about, or to bring home something for her aunt Nejire to bake. Her basket became full before she knew it, as she swung it around carelessly, as she swayed herself to the melody her and the birds around her were making. Slowly making her way to where the wildflowers grew.

The sun shining down on her was keeping her warm and she could not contain the swelling of happiness in her heart over what will transpire once she was to return home. Gifts and sweet treats, perhaps even a new dress for her to wear, she was not sure. But she always loved when her aunts got in moods like this, she always felts so loved. Slowly she picked berries and placed them gently in her basket, singing a lullaby that she read in a story not too long ago.

“I wonder, I wonder, I wonder why each little bird has a someone; to sing to~” She giggled as a bluebird came down to rest himself on her outstretched hand, ignoring the fruit she was about to pick she instead moved the bird closer to her “Sweet things to~ A gay little love melody~ I wonder, I wonder, if my heart keeps singing will my song go winging. To someone, who'll find me and bring back a love song to me…”

She held onto the last note for a breath longer. The melancholy words slowly seeping its way into her heart. She loved her life, truly she did. But she did always envy those in her storybooks and how they could have adventures. How they could meet strangers and create friendships, and even have a budding and beautiful romance. She wanted life outside of this forest, wanted to meet people other than her aunts, wanted to fall in love with someone kind.

She sighed as she pulled down the hood of her cloak, no longer worried about branches that could go into her hair “Oh dear, why do they still treat me like a child?” she questioned. The closest she got to an answer was a trill from a bird, almost as if asking her what she meant. “Aunt Mina, and Nejire, and Mei. They never want me to meet anyone…”

She pushed a branch out the way as she stepped forth into an open field filled with the wildflowers she was searching for. The animals that scurried around her feet made little chirps of comfort, to which (Name) responded by sitting herself down and allowing them into her lap. She gave them all small pets as she gazed off into the field.

“But you know something?” she started to smile, gazing downwards at the small creatures “I fooled them. I have met someone!”

This in turn caused the animals to get off her lap in excitement. The birds flew around her head and chirp in a matter that almost sounded like asking her who it was. She giggled at their enthusiasm and slowly started to get back up again, wanting to get started on her gathering.

“Oh, there’s plenty!” She exclaimed, as she started picking “I met a man as strong as a mountain, but always looked at everyone with the kindest crimson eyes! And he had a friend too, one with quite the temper! But he had such soft hair and though he grumbled when I kept running my hands through it, he never pushed me away.”

“There was also a girl who always looked like she was floating! No matter where she walked, she would just glide effortlessly though the air. And a sweet baker’s son, with the most determined green eyes one would ever see on someone, claiming that one day he would be a knight!”

“Oh! And the-“ (Name) stopped herself from continuing, a blush appearing on her cheeks in embarrassment. The animals around her urging her to continue her story as she sheepishly continued her task. After a moment she finally, quietly, whispered out “T-the Prince…”

The animal’s excitement grew even more as the swarmed her hands to stop her from picking another flower and continue on the exciting story she was currently telling. “Well, he’s tall and handsome and… and so romantic.”

She could not help letting out a dreamy sigh as she thought more of the imaginary Prince that she read in her story only hours prior. “We walk together, and we talk together, and just before we say goodbye, he takes me into his arms, and then…” She wrapped her arms around herself in a mimic of what she was describing, squeezing her arms tightly before letting them drop with a defeated sigh “I wake up.”

The animals around her seemed just as defeated as they too joined the young woman as she slouched her shoulders down, now picking at the flowers with saddened disinterest. “Yes, it’s all only in my dreams...” She sighed out after a moment, before perking up slightly “But, they say if you dream a thing more than once, it’s sure to come true! And I have seen them all so many times! So, there is still hope!”

(Name) smiled as she began her renewed interest in her task. Humming along to the lullaby once more, no longer finding the words within it sorrowful, but rather hopeful. That maybe one day a far away companion would hear her sweet tunes and sing some back to her. With that thought in mind she changed her song to one of meeting once again, upon a dream.

Where one hope was renewed, another was slowly starting to dissipate. Inasa had tried to follow the sound of the melody that got his interest in the first place, but now it was gone. He was starting to doubt if he ever heard it at all and it was just his overactive imagination that made him mishear things. Just as he was to turn around, give up hope and find a way out of this place, he heard it. Quiet humming that turned to muffled singing that seemed to be coming from a path before him. Before he could even think about his noble steed, he was dashing ahead to find the person behind it.

“And I know it's true, that visions are seldom all they seem. But if I know you, I know what you'll do.” (Name) stood, holding onto the last wildflower, keeping its sweet scent to her nose a moment longer “You'll love me at once, the way you did once upon a dream~”

“You’re singing is beautiful!”

Inasa couldn’t help but exclaim, even if it did cause the young woman to be startled and squeak out in surprise. It was only the truth, and he felt it was necessary to share it with her. Though he did feel a little bad as he watched her shoulders go up and tense around her cheeks as she looked at him with a frightened stare.

“T-thank you…” She peeped out as she slowly started to back away from the stranger, over to where her things were so she may make her escape. “That’s very kind…”

“I do apologize!” He laughed, bringing a hand up to scratch at the back of his neck sheepishly “I didn’t mean to frighten you at all!”

“Oh no, it wasn’t really that…” She reassured as she gradually leaned herself down to grab at her basket “It’s just that you’re a… a…”

“A stranger?” Inasa finished, moving towards her to try and close the distance between them. He watched as she bashfully nodded her head, still not meeting his intense gaze with her own “But don’t you remember? We’ve met before!”

“I really don’t think that we have, sir. I never met you before!” She mumbled out as she shrunk in on herself as she watched him approach. His frame was giant compared to hers as he loomed over her.

“We have, once upon a dream!” he got out, though he attempted it to be soothing and quiet it was rather the opposite, which caused the young woman to jump. He placed his hands on her arms to try and calm her down “I know you…. I have seen you many times in my dreams too. If you’ll allow me this one thing. I would love a dance.”

(Name) watched as he let her go, taking a step back and extending his hand out to her. She wanted to flee, to get away from this field and make it back to the safety of her cottage, but when he held her it was so gentle. His touch so warm, that she couldn’t feel or see any real danger in trusting him. Besides, she read about these things happening all the time in her love stories. She would be a fool to try and turn it down.

Inasa waited with bated breath. He wouldn’t really do this sort of thing, asking a woman to dance so suddenly, even to the women he knew. But he couldn’t help it, she was one of the most beautiful women he had ever laid eyes on. Not only that, but there was a sense of familiarity when he looked at her. Like he had met her before, he just couldn’t quite place the memory.

A wide smile came across his face when she placed her small hand gently in his, one so bright that she couldn’t help but respond in kind to. Though hers was much more bashful as she placed her hand on his shoulder and felt him place his own on her waist. She had never been this close to another person before, not in this kind of intimacy, and the fact it was with a stranger made it even more dizzying. But she couldn’t help enjoying the feeling of what felt like a million butterflies fill her whole body as this young man stared to move her into a waltz.

He was a wonderful lead, was all (Name) could think as they danced. She had never waltzed before and was sure her movements were clumsy and lacked any form of grace, but he didn’t seem fazed at all. He just held her closer and moved within the field without a bump or stumble. She had a wonderful little laugh, was all Inasa could think when he would pick her up and swing her around every now and then. The first time was a mistake, an oversight of him forgetting that she was not confident in the dance and the little squeak she let out made him put her down instantly. However, she gave a breathless chuckle and asked him to do again, and he couldn’t help but oblige. The giggles she let out were sweeter than any music he ever heard, and he found himself lifting her off the ground to swing her around more and more, just to get another peep.

He was strong too and had an infectious smile, (Name) thought again when he lifted her up once more. Unable to stop herself from letting out more laughter and he swung her around and around, blushing when he let out a few chuckles himself as he watched her. The blushing and shy glances that she gave were causing Inasa’s heart to beat out of his chest. It made him pull her even closer whenever he would set her back down.

“Who are you?” He couldn’t help but ask as he set her down for the last time, ending their little dance but still keeping her close to him “What’s your name?”

“Hmmm?” She responded, still stuck in her dreamy state as she stared up into his eyes once more.

“Your name, mine is Inasa” he countered, trying to get her to answer his question but hoping she would not look away.

“Mine name is  – “she stopped herself from continuing, the dreamy look was now changed to one of realization. What was she thinking? She couldn’t be telling this stranger her name, even if he was gentle and kind and gave her the most beautiful memory of dancing in a flowered field; she just couldn’t. She broke away from his tender gasp and gaze and began backing away “Oh no, no, I can’t!”

“You can’t? What do you mean?” He asked, the concern ever present in his tone as he tried to hold again and reclaim the sweet moment.

(Name) shook her head as she dashed off towards her belongings, quickly tying the rope of twine to the basket before she picked it up again, not caring at how precarious the flowers that sat atop it were “Goodbye!” she called out over her shoulder, hoping it would be enough to end their encounter.

She knew it wouldn’t be, how could a rushed goodbye ever seem like a proper way to end such a romantic meeting such as theirs? She knew it the moment he easily caught up to her to gently grasp her wrist to turn her towards him again “But when will I see you again?”

“Oh never, never!” she grieved, trying to tug her wrist away from his grasp to continue on her way.

“Never?” his grip became tighter, but not tight enough to cause any sort of pain, “I will never see you again?”

She didn’t want to hurt his feelings or crush his heart. The desperate look on his face was clear that if she were to reject him that he may never recover from the loss. “Well… maybe some day...” She tugged her wrist once more and gained its freedom, quickly taking that opportunity to move away from him once again.

He tried to follow her again, but was not as well versed in avoiding the trees and their unforgiving branches as she was, but his determination kept him from straying too far behind “When? Tomorrow?”

“Oh, no!” She called back, trying to get enough distance from him so she can get away. But she did want to see him again, and though she had never done it before, she was willing to break her aunt’s rules about meeting strangers, especially at night, for him “This evening!”

“Where!?” he called out, getting his own cape stuck on a branch behind him. Trying in vain to get it unstuck so he may continue after her.

She turned, noticing his footsteps were not behind her anymore “At a little cottage, in the glen.” She stated, pointing a hand in the direction he would need to go if he wanted to find it “If you follow this path, you will find it”

She gave him one last smile before dashing off, and quickly disappearing, into the thick forest once more. Her heart was still racing over the fact that a stories fantasy, one about the love she was pondering about earlier that morning, came to her. Real as the pages she held between her fingers as she read it. And though she may not know much about what love was, or how it comes to people, she knew in her heart that the love that started to bloom within her chest when she danced with that man was true as any other.

Inasa watched in awe as she left without a trace. If he didn’t know any better, he would have thought her a vision, something that was never real. But the pounding he felt in his heart, the butterflies that wouldn’t stop beating their wings in his chest, grounded him in reality. She was real, and the shy glances and smiles were proof that she felt the same as he did when he first heard her voice. He couldn’t care less as he tore his cape so he could be free of that trees grip. Nor did he care when walked back towards his horse, feet catching and stumbling on every tree root, for he felt like he was gliding on a cloud in the happy spirits he was in. When he mounted his horse once more and it started to lead him in the direction they came in he stopped it. Claiming that there was a ‘change in their plans.’ He had hoped that his betrothed, and his family, would understand when he didn’t show up the castle, or when he would choose this young country women to be his bride instead of the princess. He didn’t want anything else, and he knew he would not be persuaded.

Though, unbeknownst to the young couple, they had a visitor. And not the sweet and friendly kind of forests creatures. No, an odd and peculiar raven watched over them with a questioning glare. One that was too focused and intrigued than that of a normal bird. And when they parted, so did it. Following after the young woman, almost as if she was its prey. He followed her all the way until she made it back to her cottage. Perching itself on the roof, by the hole of the chimney, as it listened in to what was to unfold.

“Oh goodness! I think she’s almost home!” Nejire exclaimed as she quickly tried to tidy up her dirty dishes that would surely give away the fact that she was baking.

Mina quickly moved to the window to see if that was true, cursing when she saw (Name) walking over the hill and towards their home. She quickly moved all her sewing equipment into its designated box and shut it quickly. Rushing to put it back in its place and to take the new purple coloured gown she had created into the closest that was situated near the doorway. Mei picked up all the craft supplies she had spread out all over the small dining table, making sure the little gifts she had wrapped were placed back in their original hiding place under the sink. She then slid herself beside Nejire to open the window to get the smell of fresh baking out of their home so nothing would seem out of the ordinary.

They all almost let out a breath of relief when (Name) waltz through the door, completely unaware of what they had been planning. Though after a moment of watching the young woman waltz around the home in a dream like trance as she placed her items on the dining table and her cloak across a chair nearby, it was clear that she wouldn’t have noticed even if they didn’t clean up.

“Oh dear, what has gotten into you!” Nejire giggled as she stopped the girl swaying her body to and fro. “Your head seems to be in the clouds! Well, more so than usual!”

She didn’t respond, only gazing away from her aunt to continue her humming. Her body continuing to sway, though her movements were limited from being exaggerated, due to the hold Nejire had on her. Mina quirked a brow and gave a chuckle as she motioned for Mei to get the gifts from their hiding spot, seeing no reason to try and hide them anymore.

“It sure does. Did your head get away from you daydreaming about love this morning?” Mina teased as she opened the closest door to carefully retrieved the dress she had just placed in there.

“It wasn’t a dream” She sighed, eyes focusing back into the world around her “At least not anymore.”

“Hah?” Mei exclaimed; her confusion mirrored on the faces of her fellow sisters “What does that even mean?”

“Oh, just wait until you meet him!” (Name) beamed, her arms moving to embrace Nejire as she began to sway the two of them around the small living area in a manner similar to the dance she had just encounter only hours prior.

“Him?” Mina probed, placing the dress down and coming over to stop the current dance that was taking place “You’ve met some stranger?”

“Oh, he’s not a stranger” She smiled, moving herself into the arms of Mina to persuade her to join her in the dance instead. “We’ve met before.”

“You have?” Mei jumped in, placing the gifts down as they no longer seemed as important “Where?”

“Once upon a dream!” She replied wistfully, removing herself from Mina’s grasp to wrap her own arms around herself to mimic the gentle hold that she grew to love just a few hours earlier “In the wildflower field just earlier today…”

(Name) dreamily sighed as she started swaying once again, ignoring the concerned looks her aunts were giving one another over the situation. (Name), in love? With a man she just met. Not only did that not bode well to her safety and trying to keep her hidden, but she was betrothed to someone else. And the last they checked that suitor was still going to marry her as soon as the curse lifted. They wanted to wait until the next morning to tell her the news, but it seemed they had no other choice.

“She’s in love…” Nejire sighed as she sat herself down on the nearby chair, ignoring the creaks and groans it let out from the action.

“This is terrible!” Mei bemoaned as she too sat herself down, placing her arm on the dining table with her chin cradled in her palm “Not good news at all…”

“Why? After all, I am eighteen!” Her smile starting to fade as she listened to her aunt’s reactions “And the talk of marriage is not uncommon for someone my age, let alone falling in love.”

“It isn’t that dear.” Mina began, taking hold of the young woman once more “You are already betrothed to the Prince of a neighboring kingdom.”

“What? Betrothed? Since when?”

“Since the day you were born.” Nejire responded, watching as Mina sat the both of them down opposite of her.

“But how?” She exclaimed, pushing herself away from her aunts embrace as she tried to come to terms with the information being told to her “How can I marry a Prince? I would have to be-!”

“A Princess. Which is what you are.” Mei clarified, removing her hand from her chin “The crown Princess of this here kingdom”

“Tonight, we will take you back to your father, the King.” Mina declared, standing from her spot, and brushing off imaginary dust from her skirt to distract herself from the sorrowful look she was be given.

“But we can’t!” (Name) wailed, standing up and grasping onto Mina once more, this time in desperation to get her to take back what she had just said “I promised! He is coming here tonight! I promised I would meet him!”

“I’m sorry, my dear little one” Mina took hold of the young woman once more, petting her hair in a soothing manner to try and calm her “But you must never see that young man again.”

The crying, sobbing, and pleading they were faced was something they all wished to never hear, but it needed to be done. They needed to break the hope that (Name) might have had of loving this mystery man so she may do what she was born to do. It pained them greatly to see her stare blankly at nothing as they packed her things. To not be responsive when the moved her to their wagon and settled her down in the back of it. To not ask questions on the sights they would see or about the destination they were going.

And how could she respond. The one glimpse of life was now taken from her. Her one chance of true love being forced away from her grasp when she was so close. And to be told all of this. That she was not some miracle that her aunts had found and took in. But rather a princess that they were told to guard and keep safe from some unknown danger. That she had parents, but never knew of them. That she was to marry someone else. That was the worst of it. As she watched the moon shine brightly in the sky, she thought of him. Inasa. The young man she promised to meet that night. She tried to think fondly of their brief encounter. How oddly charming his enthusiasm was, how lovely his smile had been when it shone on her, and how handsome she found him. But it still stung so sharply in her heart to know that when the dawn broke, so would his heart at knowing she never showed up.

                                                             * * *          

When at last they all left that cottage, the raven flew away. Having listened to all that he wanted, having gathered all the information he desired, he left. He flew himself towards Midnight’s domain like he had always done. The place his home and the path so familiar that it no longer put a twinge of fear into his heart as he drew closer. He found the princess, a lot easier of a job then he thought it would be, but nevertheless he knew that his mistress would be very pleased of the news he would share.

He flew through the open window to where her throne was kept. Perching himself on it as he waited for her to acknowledge his presence. He would never startle or interrupt her thoughts with cawing, an action too rude to be done the Queen of Hell. He was more than willing to be patient; he had no other job to do then serve her after all.

After a moment, she lifted her head. Midnight always knew when her beloved was around. She could always feel the presence he gave off; it soothed her soul. She smiled towards the raven before flicking her wrist. The purple smog that was so familiar with her being began to swarm around him in a dance that he was used to. After a breath he was returned to normal, standing by the window in his usual dark attire; ones that matched his mistress.

“Come, Aizawa.” Midnight sighed out, beckoning him closer with her finger “Tell me what reason you are back so soon.”

He headed her call, walking towards her in smooth controlled steps. “I think it would be rather obvious as to why I am here so soon, your excellency.” He murmured out, his deep voice sending rumbles down her spine.

She moved a leg up and down his sensually when he got closer, a devilish smirk growing on her lips “Please tell me you found her, pet. It would bring me such joy if you did.”

“Of course.” He responded immediately, taking hold of her leg as he moved to step in between them. His hand running slowly up and down the leg he grasped in a soothing pattern as he pushed the other away, ignoring her silent request to pull him closer “You sent me on a job. And I never fail.”

She let out a small moan, barely a whisper, but it was heard nonetheless by the man before as he allowed her to place her arms around his neck. Her hands playing with the strands of hair at the nape “You never do. Shall I give you a reward then, pet? For doing such a good job?”

Aizawa placed his free hand on one of her arms, halting its motion of pulling him in closer “We should wait. She is on her way to the castle now, if we wish to succeed we must follow them.”

“My curse states that we have until sundown of tomorrow to fulfil our revenge.” She tugged at him once more, trying to get him to succumb to her will. “We have plenty of time.”

“But if we want to succeed, we must act now.”

“Aizawa, please!” Midnight whined, her arms losing their strong grip and now hanging loosely around his shoulders “We have more than enough time to do what we need to do.”

The gaze in her eyes turned hungry, a stare that he was always weak to. And she knew it as well. She gripped her arms around him once again and he let her pull their bodies close. Her chest pressed snuggly against his as her legs tightened around his hips. Wanting to feel all of him in this glorious moment. She brought her lips up to his ear, unable to resist taking a small nip of his ear lobe, relishing in the shiver that went down his spine as her warm breath met his ear.

“Please, pet. Let us celebrate now.” She sighed, bringing a hand up to cup his face and moving it so their lips were almost touching “And once we succeed, we shall celebrate again in a larger and more grand scale. For I do not think I can bare another moment longer without you.”

Aizawa closed the small gap that separated the two of them, pulling at the back of her head to control the kiss to how he saw fit. He was never one to say no to his mistress, not in times like these. It was rare that she would plead for his touch, so he was more than willing to oblige her request and fulfil her needs. After all, he was her most loyal and trusted servant.

                                                             * * *          

The castle was something that (Name) had only seen in pictures, beautiful paintings that showed its grandness and scale, and now it was before her. If it weren’t for such a melancholy reason, she would have delighted in its beautiful structures and intricate design. But to her, in this moment, it looked nothing more than a prison. And as she watched its drawbridge lower to let them in, all she could think was as soon it closed it would lock her up from her freedom forever.

She knew it wouldn’t be all bad. The stories she read of the fine luxuries and splendors that royalty were given was something she envied when she was cooped herself up in her small room, but now she understood why in those stories those young royals always longed for an escape.

She felt a pat on her knee, and when she looked up she gazed into the kind blue eyes of Nejire. “Cheer up love, for you will finally get to meet you mother and father. How delighted they will be to finally see you once again.”

(Name) only gave a small smile. She wished that this reunion would be sweet and joyous as one hoped it would be, that her parents surely would see it as. But she did not know them. And although she understood why they did what they did, they still abandoned her. To her, the two people she was to love unconditionally, were nothing more than strangers. More people in this new life at court she did not want to interact with.

She knew she was being immature. That her lack of optimism, that could be felt by those around her like a rain cloud over their heads, was only making things more difficult. But she couldn’t help it. She was just like a ragdoll, being pulled into the directions people wanted her to go. Not fully listening to the words the guards and royal advisors said about ‘meeting with the King and Queen tomorrow when the celebrations arise.’ And being pulled into tight hugs, without truly feeling them, before being left alone in a room. She tried to be strong, she always had, but she couldn’t help the tears that stung her eyes once she was finally alone. Curling herself up within the soft covers of her new bed as she wished for this all the be a dream. A terrible nightmare, that once started so sweet, that she would eventually wake from and return to her small cottage and simple life once again.

But when she woke the next morning, she was met with the disappointment of reality. The plush softness that consumed her body could not be mistaken, nor could the gorgeously decorated room that surrounded her. When a maid came by to give her breakfast it only solidified that she no longer was a simple maiden girl, but royalty. No longer will she be treated with love and familiarity, but rather lukewarm and distant envy.

Her aunts, if she could really call them that anymore, came by after she ate. Instructing her to go bathe, as they prepared the rest of the items needed to get her ready. She didn’t want to bathe, to scrub off all that she once was, but she couldn’t deny the warm water and beautiful smelling soaps. She did what she was told, even if it was slowly and begrudgingly.

When she walked back into her room, they were waiting for her. Mina instructed Nejire to close the blinds and for Mei to lock the door, as she beckoned (Name) to come and stand by three large mirrors where a gown was waiting. She allowed Mina to place the gown over her head, to move her arms through the sleeves, and not complaining when she was tightening the corset; only letting out little gasps every now and then. They did her hair next. Nejire was so gentle when brushing her hair, and her fingers making soothing patterns when placing some of her locks up in an intricate design. It did help relax her, almost making her fall asleep with how soothing it all was.

It was only when Mei presented her gift that the atmosphere in the room started to shift. “One last gift for you, dear.” Mei spoke quietly as she approached, carefully placing the most beautiful crown upon her head “The symbol of royalty. A crown to wear in grace and dignity, as is thy right and duty.”

“Now dear…” Nejire began to comfort as she watched the tears start to fill (Name)’s eyes as she stared at her reflection.

“Come,” Mina pulled Nejire away, knowing it was best to not try and cheer the melancholy girl up “Let her have a moment alone.”

(Name) could barely look at herself, which was a shame. She had never looked more beautiful in her whole life. The gown was a beautiful soft purple, with beads and jewels that winded like a maze around her bodice in a complex design before unravelling in lovely strands along her skirts. Her hair never looked so soft, and the braids within them looking almost flowerlike as they twisted behind her head. And the crown. How prepossessing it was as it sat on the head, taunting her with the reality that she truly desired to wear it as often as she could. She truly looked the part of a princess.

But she wished she could feel the part. She wished she would have known sooner. She watched out of the corner of her glassy eyes at the reciting forms of those that raised her; wishing why they held so much from her. She sniffled before closing her eyes, refusing the let the tears fall “Why didn’t you tell me?”

She wished she sounded strong, wished her voice didn’t whimper out the words, wished that she didn’t looked at them with pleading sad eyes, but she needed to know. She could swallow her pride if it meant they could explain everything.

“We were forbidden to, by orders of the King.” Nejire was the first to speak, moving closer to her once more as the need she had to comfort the young woman was ever present.

“Why would he forbid you from telling me?” she moved her arms to wrap around her, nails desperately finding purchase within the sleeves to ground herself “Why would he banish his own daughter?”

“He didn’t want to do it. There was someone who forced his hand” Nejire knelt herself in front of the young woman “I think it is time we tell you everything.”

The other two nodded as they moved closer to her. They told a tale of kingdom, on that was filled with wonders. Other beings, those of myth and legend, and how they lived mainly apart from mortals, but some enjoyed their company. Like them, fairies with magic so wonderful and power they grant almost any gift and wish. They never aged and could hide and pretend to be just like any normal man if they wanted; as they were instructed to do. They then told a tale of the birth of girl, and how the kingdom celebrated her arrival. And how three fairies were invited and in kind gave gifts to the baby. But one fairy was not, and in her anger of her wounded pride place a curse on the girl. If she were to prick her finger up until the eve of her eighteenth birthday she would die. And their gifts could not be taken back, so it was altered to have the girl to fall into a deep sleep.

(Name) took their words at stride. At first she was almost marveled at the knowledge of magical beings, that her aunts held powers beyond the mortal imagination. Warmed at the thought of how much love was spread and felt on the day she was born. But it was quickly dashed away into anger over being told of the curse. Her curse: the one she was gifted to on that day. Her nails dug into her arms with such pressure she knew it would break skin if there wasn’t a silk barrier.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Her voice was shaky, but no longer with a sorrowful tone. Her voice too strong and clear to be mistaken for such a thing. “Why would you lie to me of such a thing?”

“The king ordered it. We had to follow his orders.” Mina sighed, placing a hand on her shoulder, shock filling her features as (Name) pulled herself away aggressively.

“He wouldn’t have known if you told me! He was not visiting us, nor was he asking you to tell him of your doings!” she knitted her brows together in vexation as she huffed her arms into her lap, her hands in tight fists.

“We wanted to protect you! We love you very much, we couldn’t bare to tell you such horrible things!” Nejire attempted to soothe, as she tried her best to hold the angry woman’s hand, to no avail.

“The sweet lies you told are not better than the truth! I would have accepted it all if you explained it to me! No matter how bitter of a fate it all was!” (Name) finally looked up at them, a scowl forming on her face.

“We were only trying to keep you safe and to protect you, dear!” Mei urged, wanting badly to calm the whole situation down. Today was supposed to be a celebration after all.

“Protect me?” She scoffed “What did you expect would happen? All you did was heard me like a sheep, and now you have led me to slaughter!”

(Name) stood abruptly, pushing away the hands and arms that wanted to hold and comfort her. She walked to the other side of the room, where the drawn window was. Sunlight was peaking through the wool curtains and it was doing nothing to soothe the anger that flowed so freely through her veins. She hated the fact that it was such a beautiful day, that they day of her possible demise would shine so brightly. That those she trusted were dishonest with her for most of her life would enjoy such a clear blue sky. That the young man she had wanted to meet last night would walk home under the sun’s warm rays, almost as a taunt to his sadness.

“Leave…” was all she could mutter after a moment of agonizing silence.

The three of them looked to one another, unsure of what to do. “(Name), please…” Nejire started, but couldn’t finish, as the young woman turned back to them.

“Leave.”

Her tone felt like a sharp knife as it cut through the air at them, almost like it was cutting their skin. She had never acted, or sounded, this way and they were at a loss of what they could do. But they suppose there wasn’t much they could do. Time was the one who caused this chasm, once small but quickly turned into an abyss, so it was only time that could fill it. To mend the wounds and broken heart that was caused.

(Name) listened, her back turned as she could no longer look at them in this moment in time, until she heard the door close with a soft click. It wasn’t until that soft noise hit her ears that she let the tears fall from her eyes. She almost threw herself onto a nearby chair, as she could no longer stand. Her sobs raked through her body with such force that her breathing came out as hiccups.

She may be childish, naïve, and always seemed to have her head in the clouds. But not even the strongest of people could hear that their life may be over in the matter of hours, and the life that you loved so much was all a lie.

                                                          * * *

The tears were something so delicious to see for Midnight as she watched through the ball on her staff. The young woman’s anguish she could practically taste as she watched her breathing become uneven and face to go red. It delighted her no end, a wicked grin gracing her perfect features as the moments passed watching the young princess cry out in heartbreak and agony. Midnight hummed, the image slowly fading away as she uncrossed her legs and stood from her throne. Her long skirts and cape dragging behind her as she walked down the steps.

“Shall I go visit her now, pet?” Midnight asked, looking up at Aizawa with a gaze of mischief written in her eyes.

“She will need someone to comfort her.” He agreed, his own smirk coming to grace his handsome features.

“Then let’s not keep her waiting.”

With one last shared smile Midnight flicked her wrist, the purple smoke filling the air between them as they waited with bated breath for it to do its job. Teleportation was a tricky spell to master, many things could go wrong while one was using it. A slight error could cause for one to teleport to a place they didn’t want to be, or to only transport a part of their being. Many that have tried either ended up in a dangerous location or missing a body part or two. But this never was an issue for Midnight. She was the most powerful fairy there was, so it came to no surprise to her when she arrived at the location in a matter of only mere seconds; and in one piece.

She was in the Princesses room, watching silently at her crying. The young woman no longer effected so heavily by her emotions now, as she was slowly calming herself down. It was almost a pity for Midnight, as she would have loved to watch her little body continue to heave with suffering. But she supposed that there was no time to spare, and that the distraction that this would cause would only be that. She approached the young women, quietly and carefully as to not alert her presence. When she was close enough she placed a small hand on her back; gently running it up and down in a soothing manner.

“Dear child, what has you so upset?” Midnight inquired, as she slowly moved her hand up to play with the ends of her hair.

(Name) sniffled, wiping away the tears that burned into the skin of her face, “It’s a long story….” She mumbled, not realizing who she was speaking with as she thought it was merely another maid asked to check in on her.

“I do know a thing or two of long stories.” Midnight hummed; her tone playful as if inviting the girl to continue the conversation.

“Oh, do you?”

“Mhmm, would you like to hear one?” Midnight purred, her touch turning lingering as she continued to run her hand up and down the young woman’s back.

The tone that was used to ask that question confused (Name), as was the demeanor this woman now had with her touch. She looked up at the women and gasped. She was beautiful, her dark hair and perfect skin was one anyone would envy; but it was her eyes that captured (Names)’s attention. A deep blue that seemed to glow the longer you stared within their pools, and (Name) was mesmerized by it.

“There was once a handsome man, a prince if you must know.” Midnight mused, pulling the young woman closer and slowly stroking her face with gentle touches “And he caught my eye. Oh, how he was so sweet and kind, and I thought I would be able to tempt him to stay with me in my kingdom.”

“But alas, another caught his eye. Though, I cannot blame him. She was a beautiful creature, no could compare with her, even I was tempted to take her away. And so, with a heavy heart, I allowed him to marry this woman. What a strong love that could be felt throughout all the kingdoms afterwards, even stronger when the birth of their child happened.”

Midnight smiled wickedly, playfully tapping the young woman’s nose, enjoying that she was now completely under her spell “They held a celebration, and I waited patiently for my invitation. I was an old friend and being of high standing. Imagine my surprise when I never got one, but those that are lesser did. Fairies, not as strong as I, guests of honor. So, I showed up unannounced and gave a wonderful gift to their child.”

Midnight lowered her face, her breath now fanning against the young woman’s as she grasped onto her arms tightly “Would you like to see your gift?”

The princess nodded her head in a trance like manner, her movements stilted as if she was being controlled by someone else. Midnight smile grew wider as she pulled away, taking languid steps away from the princess and out of the room. She knew that (Name) would follow behind her, the spell she casted on her far too strong to break now. All Midnight needed to do was find a room where no one else would find her and enacted her curse. And she knew where the perfect place would be.

Mina wouldn’t stop pacing the corridors. Guilt gnawing at her, finding purchase into her heart like gnarled roots of a tree that found security into the earth, over what had transpired only an hour prior. She wished things had gone differently, perhaps it would have been better to tell her of the curse. But no matter how times her mind thought of the ‘what if’s’ the harder it was to find a clear answer. She had to deal with the fallout and pray to the few that are more powerful than her that her beloved little princess would forgive her. She kept her head down as she thought of all the ways she, and the other two, could apologize. The skirts of her gown swayed along with her as she picked at a few pieces of string that had appeared from her over wringing of the garment in fret.

A flash of a familiar soft purple hue caught her attention at long last. Mina’s head quickly shot up to find it once more, scurrying herself around the corner into another corridor to find her. She called out to the princess once she was in eyeshot once again, only to be met with silence. At first she faltered in her stride, clearly worried that the young woman was as furious as she had been when Mina originally left her, but something seemed off. It was the way she was walking, like in a trance. It was not like the times before when (Name) would just prance into the cottage in high spirits; much like she did yesterday. This seemed like she was a puppet being forced to move.

Mina picked up her stride to catch up with the young woman, trying to make sense of it all. When she was but a few paces away did she finally see Midnight. Walking a yard in front of the young woman in an unhurried pace; every step she took, (Name) mimicked. Under her spell to finally meet her brutal end. Mina kept silent as she turned herself around and back to where she once was. When after a few hallways had passed did she summon her wand out of the air. A flick of her wrist and her wings were once again adorned on her back; fluttering in excitement at being used after so long. With a deep breath, that came back out as a huff, Mina flew as fast as she could to where she knew the others would be. They didn’t have much time.

Mina found them rather quickly, which she was thankful for. What she was not thankful for was the confused looks on their face as they watched her approach, even less so when Mei so brashly pointed out that they were ‘gonna wait until after today to be fairies again.’ But it only took a mutter of Princess’s name for them to understand. Quickly following suit and brandishing wings and chasing after Mina to where she last saw the princess.

Midnight was leading her towards the West Wing’s Tower. She knew there was a secret room, one where previous kings of old would hide their paramours. She knew that this King would not know of its existence, and therefore no one else. It would be the perfect place for the princess to have a comfortable and hidden sleep. There was a fireplace, standing at the end of small corridor, it was inconspicuous, but the flames always fluttered different than those of a normal fire. But only those who truly looked could tell. The flames flicked in a pattern, and if one pressed the bricks behind it at the right times it would open and grant access to a narrow stairwell that led upwards. Something Midnight did with ease as she guided the young princess up, making sure that the door closed behind them. Those retched fairies surely would be close behind her.

She could hear them, after all, calling out to their spellbound princess. Begging her to snap out of her trance, to not follow after her, to not touch anything. It made her chuckle at the pitiful attempts of trying to stop her. How could they? They were not as strong as she was, they had no hope. And she could feel said hope start to dwindle as she heard them banging at the hidden door; desperately trying to open it.  

Midnight breathed in deeply the stale air that now surrounded her. The room being closed off for decades if the dust that surrounded them was any clue. She tutted, clicking her tongue in distaste as she scanned the room.

“No, no, no” she muttered out, swirling her staff in the air “We need a clean room to spend eternity in, don’t we?”

She knew she wouldn’t get a response, not even a nod, and it made her giggle as the purple smoke filled the air. All the dust, cobwebs, and any other debris vanished as if it never sat in the room at all. The linen on the bed, by the far window, looked as if was brand new; like it was never slept on before. And most importantly, the dusty and decrypted spinning wheel now looked pristine.

She walked up to the young woman once more, her mouth by her ear as she placed her hands on her shoulders, giving them an encouraging squeeze “Go on, love. Touch the spindle.”

Midnight could hear the cries of the other three fairies, muffled by the distance between them, calling out to the princess and begging her to not touch anything. The distress in their voices was something Midnight relished in, as if she were drinking the finest ambrosia. She pushed the woman forward, watching with utter delight and the princess raised her arm.

“Touch the spindle, I say!” she giggled out, glee seeming to pour out of her as she watched the scene unfold.

(Name) approached the spindle slowly, her eyes glossed over in the trance she was in. She raised her hand to where the sharp needle jutted out proudly; almost as if begging to be touched. It seemed like she hesitated when her fingertip was mere centimeters away, like she could hear the begging cries of her guardians telling her to stop, but it only lasted a brief moment. Her fingertip was punctured on the sharp needle, as it pressed itself further until a trail of blood trickled down her hand and onto the floor. The stinging pain caused the spell over her being to be broken, as she flinched her hand quickly away from the needle. The horror of her realization over what had transpired appeared on her face as she looked up at Midnight, who was laughing merrily.

Her body went limp, darkness reclaiming her mind just as she got clarity. Midnight delighted as she watched as the princess struggled to fight against the comforting weight of dropping eyelids and heavy limbs. The deep sleep encasing every part of her being as she fell to the floor.

The three of them had finally figured out the door’s hidden trick when they heard a thud. The silence that followed was deafening and could only mean one thing. They dashed up the stairs in a matter of seconds and through the second door into the room before them. Midnight was all they could see, as she sat at the bedside, not looking at them as she slowly stroked the hair of the princess, the young woman which they had raised as she laid almost lifeless upon the large bed. The only indication that she was still alive was the slow and consistent rising of her chest.

“Such a pretty thing.” Midnight called out, breaking the heavy tension and unbearable silence as she moved some hair out of the young woman’s face “Much like her mother. Almost the spitting of her, don’t you think?”

Midnight stood, a last lingering touch to her victims’ cheek, before straightening her posture. She did not wait for them to respond, grabbing hold of her staff as she gave them one last sinful smile “You are poor simple fools. Thinking you could defeat me, the Mistress of Evil. Now your precious princess sleeps, and you get to bear the agonizing weight immortality brings as you all watch her helplessly forever.”

With a flick of her wrist her purple smoke gathered around her once more. The smoke disappeared rapidly, as did the wicked fairy. The sky, once so blue and bright, turning red with the curse of Midnight. A visual reminder of the horror that befell upon a once prosperous and happy kingdom. With heavy hearts, the three fairies watched helplessly as the last beam of sunlight was cast out.

They cried, something they haven’t done in a millennium, as they clutched to the hands of the princess and each other. They could see the bright lights of the fireworks that were shot into the sky, the cheers from the crowds that exclaimed their joy at finally meeting their princess after so long. The fanfare, the ill-timed joy, digging daggers deeper into their hearts over their failure.

Nejire placed a red rose in one of the hands that were laying on her chest, stroking her cheek one last time as she moved away “The poor King and Queen.”

Mina nodded; a sad sigh escaped her mouth as she tried to hold back another sob “They’ll be heartbroken when they find out.”

“Then they won’t.” Mei declared, pulling back her sleeves and getting her wand ready to begin another spell.

“They aren’t” Nejire and Mina questioned as they watched a bright yellow ball of light grow larger and larger as the moments passed.

“I’ll put them all to sleep, just like (Name). They will all awaken when she does.” Mei concluded, the yellow light springing forth from her wand and into the sky.

And like the rain, bits of the magic fell from the sky and landed upon the kingdom. The three fairies watched as everyone started to grow limp and heavy with sleep. Dropping slowly to the ground, one by one, as they entered the same blissful state of unconsciousness as the princess. Unaware of the horrors that were sure to awaken when they try figure out how to awaken the sleeping woman.

“Good thinking, Mei.” Mina mumbles as she watched the last person fall asleep, almost finding some form of humor as he landed within a hedge. “Always the quick thinker.”

“We need to find him.” Nejire interrupted, stopping Mei from accepting the compliment before she even had a chance. “Find that boy, the one (Name) mentioned yesterday.”

“Why?” Mina questioned, turning her attention to the pondering Nejire as she started to pace the room “What good would he do?”

“True love, that is what will break this curse, won’t it?” Nejire countered, her tone making it seem like it was the most obvious thing in the world. “That was the condition Mei put on her spell when she gave it eighteen years ago.”

“You’re right.” Mei sighed, “But how do we know that what (Name) felt with this mystery man, a stranger mind you, was true love?”

“I can’t say for certain! But it’s the only real hope that we have!” Nejire pleaded, attaching herself to Mei’s arm as a way to drive home her point.

Mei shook her off quickly, never liking the feeling of being clung to “Suppose you’re right, where would we find him? Not like we’ve ever met him and can point him out in a crowd!”

“The cottage!” Mina exclaimed, moving from her spot by the window to where the other two stood bickering “(Name) said yesterday that he was coming to the cottage that night to meet us! It may be a long shot, but maybe we can find him there! Or on our way!”

“Then what are we waiting for!?” Nejire cried out, already dashing towards the open door. The others followed suit at the raced towards the cottage once more.

                                                               * * *

Inasa did not know what he was going to expect when he got the invitation to see the beautiful young maiden once again, at her little cottage in the glen. Maybe he would meet her parents and together they would have a wonderful dinner and tell stories by the warm hearth. Or perhaps she would meet him outside, tell him to follow her as she showed beautiful new locations within this dense forest as they danced even more. Or maybe, when he arrived, she would tell him to keep quiet as she snuck him into her home and to her bedroom, where they would share secrets and dreams; and maybe give a shy kiss or two.

He was expecting something. But when he arrived it was quiet, it seemed like no one was home. He waited a few hours, maybe they went out to a nearby market to get supplies; she did say to meet her in the evening, and he was early. But as night fell, so did his heart. He began to have his doubts about whether she truly felt the same as he did. Or if she was just a frightened maiden, one who did not know how to make him go away and thus made up this tale before running away from him forever.

Just as he stood from the stoop of the doorstep, the dawn slowly breaking upon the horizon, whistling for his horse to come to him so they may leave was when he heard a noise from inside. Maybe there was a back entrance to the cottage and they just got back. Hope and excitement filled his heart once more as he knocked on the door; waiting early as he bounced on the balls of his feet for an answer.

“Come in!”

He heard, and though it was muffled he knew that voice anywhere; the pretty maiden he wanted to see most. Zealously opening the door, uncaring when it swung open so fast that it banged on the wall behind it, as he raced in to hold the sweet girl in his arms once more.

Rope that caught around his arm, stopping him mid stride, was what initially caused confusion to be written on his face. But it quickly turned to one of anger as he struggled when more lines of thick rope hooked themselves around his body, immobilizing him. He called out, yelled and screamed in fury at the smaller hellion creatures below him, to be let go at once but all it did was cause one to tie a scarf around his mouth to silence him. The muffled noises a far less annoying sound than the booming commands he was letting out moments prior, though it was causing the minions issues as his struggle was as vigorous as ever. His strength was something they had difficulty maintaining and controlling.

What felt like an eternity, but was only a matter of moments, two being appeared in the doorway. Blocking out the sun’s rays with their presence as one stepped aside to let the other slowly walk into the room.

“Well, this is a pleasant surprise, isn’t it pet?” Midnight tittered, turning her head back briefly at Aizawa as he slowly entered the cottage.

“We surely we’re expecting this.” He agreed, nodding his head.

“Not at all! I set a trap for a peasant, and lo! I catch a Prince!” Midnight gave an airy laugh as she grasped the chin of the still struggling Inasa, turning his head from side to side to evaluate him “A handsome one too, I can see why she was so enamored.”

“What shall we do with him?” Aizawa interrupted, breaking his mistress free of taunting before anyone could know they were there “Kill him?”

“Kill him? No, of course not!” Midnight guffawed turning back her confidant and giving him a small pat on his cheek, keeping her eyes locked on his as she called out to her minions “Away with him. But gently, my pets, gently! I have plans for our royal guest.”

Once she knew her minions, and the Prince they were carrying ever so carefully, were gone she pulled Aizawa closer to her. A leg coming up to settle in its usually place around his hip as she wrapped her arms around his neck once more, her breath mingling with his. He held onto her hips to stop her from going any further, an action which caused her airy laugh to come past her lips once more.

“I think we can celebrate on a grander scale now.” She whispered, her smoke filling the air as she started the process of returning to her domain “The princess is asleep, and we have in our possession the only thing that can bring her back.”

“I wouldn’t be apposed to it.” Aizawa murmured, allowing his mistress to pull him even closer and tug at his hair in excitement as slowly they faded from the cottage.

                                                            * * *

When the fairies arrived at the cottage, it was empty. On their journey there, they split themselves up to cover as much ground of the forest and its greenery as possible in search of the young man, but never finding him. So, to come to the place they called home for the past eighteen years and find no sign of him caused all their hope to be dashed away. But ever determined they still wanted to try and find something within these old walls.

They entered, the door creaking on its hinges in a familiar way, as the three of them hovered as they carefully peaked through the threshold. They were uncertain if Midnight or her hellions would be awaiting them or not. When the saw none and heard no signs of movement did the continue on their mission. Searching for any clue of the young man that could help them end the curse.

“Oh no!” Mina called out, as she approached the kitchen, where the back entrance was. She found a hat and carefully picked it up for the other two, who came to her when she called out, to inspect and examine “She’s got him.”

“W-well where could she have taken him?” Nejire inquired before gasping and placing a hand over her mouth as she passed the hat to Mei “You don’t think she killed him, do you?”

“I don’t know! But we need to go to where she has taken to make sure it doesn’t happen!” Mina urged, already moving towards to exit.

“At the Forbidden Mountains! But we can’t go there!” Mei exclaimed, grabbing hold and halting the overeager Mina.

“We’ll die if we try!” Nejire agreed as she helped keep Mina from dashing off and away from them.

“But we have to try! We promised to keep her safe, didn’t we?” Mina urged, her words causing the other two to slacken their holds “We can, and we must!”

Mei and Nejire let out small sighs, composing themselves for a brief moment before nodding. Determination, replacing the trepidation, that filled their gazes as they set themselves to continue their journey to Midnight’s domain.

The Forbidden Mountains was not for the faint of heart. It was filed with creatures that were not friendly to those that came close to them or their homes. Filled with flora that means to take a bite out of anyone that treaded too close to their petals. And rock, leading up to their ruler’s castle, that would give way whenever it felt as if it were a fun game to play. The three fairies were grateful for the fact they could fly, and thus avoid most of the dangers that surrounded them. But fear still gripped their hearts, as they knew that all sense of security would be dashed away once they entered Midnight’s home. They held each other closely they approached and entered through one of the many open windows. Praying that would not accidently enter the same room as Midnight and her faithful companion.

In a way, their prayers were answered. They indeed entered the same room as Midnight and her companion, along with the many hellions she called minions. However, the room they entered was grand and with many pillars and places to hide away from the gazes of those within the room. And that is exactly what they did, as they watched the scene around them unfold. Careful to avoid looking at Midnight for too long as she clung in a depraved manner to her favored companion. The sounds of their love making could be heard over the music, the crackling of the bonfire in the center of the room, and fanfare of victory of the minions. It was uncomfortable for the uninvited guests.

They were thankful that it was near the end of their passionate embrace, as after a few agonizingly long moments they parted from one another. Midnight had the happiest look on her face, blissed out and unfocused, as she gazed at the fire before her. Uncaring of trying to cover herself up to preserve her modesty as she reached out to pet the head, and smooth out the hair, of her beloved.

“What a pity that Prince Inasa can’t be here to enjoy the celebration!” Midnight giggled as she stood from her throne after she heard her beloved hum in agreement, trying her gown to hide what she was so proudly displaying moments prior “Come, we must go to the dungeon to cheer him up.”

Aizawa stood and clutched her outstretched hand, taking hold of her staff before to give to her before he allowed her to drag him to the dungeons. The three uninvited guests perked up when the heard of the news and carefully, like the spiders within this castle would, maneuvered through every room and corridor the pair below them would go through. Taking mental notes of where things were as they kept their distance, not wanting to be found.

They waited a few paces behind the entrance of the dungeon, waiting to see if Aizawa would follow his mistress or not. Finding that he was indeed staying by the entrance to give Midnight her time alone to taunt the young man, did the curse quietly to themselves. Not being ones to accept defeat so quickly, they left out one a nearby window and slowly moved themselves downwards to where the barred dungeon windows laid. Peaking through them gingerly until the found the one where the Prince was hidden within. They ducked themselves further down when they saw Midnight enter the cell.

It was a sight Midnight could never tire of. A handsome man chained to a wall; head hung in defeat. It brought such thrill to her heart she could feel it missing a few beats as it palpitated faster in her chest. She walked up to him, entertained by his defiance as he turned his head away from her approaching figure. Though it didn’t last long, she grasped his jaw and turned it back to face her leaning form; her eyes burning with mischief as they gazed into his that were filled with fury.

���Oh, come now, Prince Inasa. Why so melancholy?” She whined, though the smiled that stretched across her face was indication that it was meant to mock him. “A most wonderous future lies before you. The destined hero of a charming fairy tale come true!”

Inasa broke free from her hold, turning to face away from her once again. The action only made the smile grow more gleeful on Midnight’s beautiful features as she brought her staff before the young man. The glass orb glowed brightly, so much that it was impossible for the Prince to not glance at it. Once she knew she had caught his attention she swirled her hand around it, making images appear within the glassy surface.

“Behold, as a I tell you a story.” Her tone delighted “Within the King’s beautiful castle, and in yonder upmost tower, dreaming of her true love is the Princess (Name). But see, familiar is she not? By the gracious whim of fate, tis the same peasant maid who had won the heart of our noble prince but yesterday!”

Midnight could tell she had caught his attention now, his eyes focused on the comatose form of the young woman where she had left her sleeping. “She is indeed most wondrously fair, unparalleled her beauty. Eyes that shined so brightly in the golden sun, her lips that shame the red, red rose. In ageless sleep she finds repose. The years roll by a hundred to a steadfast heart are ‘bout a day. And now, the dungeons’ part and the Prince is set free to go on his way. Off he rides on his noble steed…”

The images within the orb now depicts the young man before her, age has caused to become old and decrepit, to be frail, as he is barely able to stand on knees so wobbly. Midnight shrugs her shoulders, standing more upright.

“A valiant figure, straight and tall” Her tone dripped with vicious sarcasm as she continued to story, the images a contradiction. “To wake his love with true love’s first kiss and prove that love so true and pure conquers all.”

She pulled her staff away from him and cackled at his frustration and misery as he tugged at his chains with renewed vigor. Turning away from him with a wink she called out to the man that waited for her just outside “I’m ready, pet, to leave our noble Prince with these joyous thoughts!”

She gave a dignified curtsy, to further mock the young man before her, and a wink as the door opened once more, flooding the room with light that momentarily blinded the prince and causing him to turn his head away from her once more. “A most gratifying day.” She concluded as she walked out the door.

She allowed her beloved to close it behind her, the clicking sound of the lock putting her more at ease as she started to walk towards her chambers. Her staff thudding against the ground with every other step she took. After a few paces she turned back around to face her loyal and oldest friend, holding her hand out to him as she had done countless times before “Come, pet. I want you to join me in the first restful sleep I shall have in these past eighteen years.”

                                                        * * *

The three fairies waited a breath, and then another as they silence around them became deafening by the moment. When their hearts agreed that enough time had passed the slowly started to enter the cell. Approaching the now despondent young man as he hung limply from his chains, a far cry of the valor and fury he was tugging at them while Midnight was with him. When they came into his line of sight, they quietly shushed him, with Mina placing her dainty hand over his mouth; claiming to him that there was ‘no time to explain’. Confusion was written on his features, as well as trepidation, as his eyes shifted from between the three before him; unsure if they were friends or more foes to taunt him.

When they used their wands, magic similar to what he saw moments prior, to unbind him from his chains and unlock the door did he know they were allies. Quickly he stood, ignoring the stinging pain of the chaffed flesh of his wrists and the soreness his arm held within them from being bound above his head, as he dashed towards the door. Wanting to find and save his fair maiden, no betrothed, from her fate at the hands of the cruel witch.

“Wait, Prince Inasa” The hushed words of Nejire called out to him as the three of the rushed to get into his way to stop him “The way to true love may be barriered by still many more dangers. Which you will have to face alone!”

“Then what am I to do?” Inasa asked, the desperation in his tone was faint and hidden behind determination, but they could tell that he was afraid even though he wanted so desperately to save his love.

“Allow us to help you, of course!” Mina smiled, raising her wand to the young man, and clearing her throat “Armor for one, a man filled with valor, so valiant and true, to save him from the harm of the evil he pursues.”

The pink light fluttered across the room to where the young man stood. It went and disappeared into his chest and after, but a breath, armor made of silver and steel graced his body. Nejire moved into the place of Mina, raising her arm and wand with a smile.

“Virtuous is the Prince, a shield he will keep by his side, protection from all that strike at him it will provide.” Much like what happened with Mina, the same was done. Blue light with a whispering touch placed a shield into young man’s hand.

“And now I!” Mei puffed her chest with pride as she swished her wand in the air as she recited her gift “Virtue and Valour, traits needed to fight, but nothing other than this can make what is wrong right. Truth will guide the mighty sword in his hand, as he will save the one he loves most in this land.”

A sword so beautifully crafted, that matched the intricacies of the shield and armor he was donned, appeared in the hand that was free. Inasa smiled as he shuffled and moved the items in his hands, feeling them out to make sure he was able to wield them with little difficulty.

“These weapons of righteousness with triumph over evil.” Mina concluded, clasping her hands over her heart as she watched the prince.

“But you must still be careful! You cannot be careless!” Nejire added, placing a hand on the shield she gave the young man, making sure he was paying attention to what they were saying.

“You are our last hope! You cannot let her, or her creatures, harm you! We cannot heal wounds that are meant to kill. Not from someone like her.” Mei spoke solemnly, proving that their warnings should be headed.

“I cannot thank you enough!” Inasa exclaimed, chuckling as he was hushed by the three before him as he lowered his voice “I promise I will fight until my last breath. For you, the kingdom, and for her. I will end this curse!”

With one last nod the three fairies moved out the doorway, and path, of the young man. Without hesitating, or missing a breath, Inasa dashed passed them. Determination filled every part of his being as he raced up the tower’s steps, skipping a few at each leap he took. The fairies, though fast, almost found it difficult to catch up and keep pace with the eager prince as they flew along side him to help guide him the right way.

Although where they were in the castle has no one else nearby, they all knew it would not be the case once the got further into the castle and towards the exit. The hellish minions, those that had wanted to go to rest now after celebrating most of the day, came across their path not too long after they made their escape from the dungeons. Some ran off, clearly to alert their queen and to gather more to fight. But that did not stop Inasa in the slightest as he charged at them. Knocking some out windows, while others were slain where they stood.

Others, the help that finally arrived, were dropping boulders to try and stop the prince from continuing on his journey, not caring if these rocks were going to stop him or kill him. But Inasa had nothing to fear as Nejire turned those that were to land on him into bubbles, that simply blew out once they touched his shoulders. A wall of arrows was another attempt to kill the prince, but that too was thwarted by the shield he held out to protect himself and the aide of Mei, as she turned them all into flowers. What was once a treacherous wall of death was now nothing more than a celebration of his current victory.

As they neared the exit, and the gate that will lead them out of the castle and towards to princess, Mina flew ahead to find and free Inasa’s noble steed. To which the horse wasted to time getting to his master and bending forward so he could get on as quickly as possible. With a cry and a tight grip on the reins they bolted out of the castle, not wanting to wait another moment in staying at that retched place.

Hot oil was their last attempt at permanently stopping the young man’s escape, as the propped cauldrons filled to the brim with the bubbling liquid at the gates that would lead to freedom. Inasa braced himself for the scalding liquid that would burn his skin, knowing that if he died at this moment he would not have died passively but rather fighting, only for the pain to never show. Mina had flown above him and transform the falling oil into rainbows. Colours that beautifully fell onto the man, and the ground around him, as he raced through the closing gate. His freedom assured as he galloped towards the kingdom, to where he beloved awaited him

                                                       * * *

Midnight was in the middle of ecstasy with the one she held most dear in her heart, bouncing in his lap as she relished in the groans she was causing to come out his throat. The last thing she wanted was to be interrupted in this moment, and especially not at the news the terrified and frantic minion shared with her. Her anger never boiled so high as she struck down the minion into a pile of ash where it stood. Throwing herself off her beloved as she marched to where her window was, watching the prince ride away on his noble steed through the gates. The growl that left her throat was inhuman, as the rising of her bare chest grew more and more rapid the longer she seethed at the pitiful attempts her useless hellions made at stopping the young man.

She turned to Aizawa, who was already dressing himself to fix whatever mess needed to be fixed for his mistress. With a shaky hand, that was caused by the anger that trembled throughout her body, she pointed to where she last saw the prince ride away.

“Get him back, NOW!” she screeched, her face turning carmine as the anger kept growing in her body. Being released in small bursts as lightning started to strike through the sky.

Aizawa nodded, this not the first he had watched his mistress angry; he was no longer scared by her outbursts. He merely wished to do what was needed so she would no longer be upset. Nor was he was surprised that she had turned him into a giant beast, a giant bird of prey to fly after the young man; a griffin.

Soaring through the skies, he let out a horrifying screech to symbolize that he, and Midnight, knew of the prince's escape and that he should now fear for his life. The three fairies exchanged worried glances as they flew behind the prince, the large animal that was swiftly approaching was far more intimidating that what they had seen in thousands of years. But Inasa was not fazed, he simply let out another cry for his horse to go faster as a wicked smile graced his features. If they wanted a fight, he was sure to give them one.

They needed a plan, that was all that was racing through the fairies minds as the griffin was now above them. Though Inasa was doing wonderfully at avoiding the bird’s talons at it reached for him, they knew it would not be long before it finally caught him. They paused in their stride, only briefly, so they may hold their wands close. A king, like Midas, his sits upon a throne; with powers, of man, unknown. Grant us this, his touch, and turn this body into stone. They mumbled together, aiming their shared light towards the griffin that was now flying swiftly towards the prince, who had his sword raised and ready to strike at the beast.

The spell worked, stopping the beast in its stride as it fell towards the earth below it. Inasa took the opportunity to charge at the now fallen, and immobilized, beast before him. His sword now held high behind him, causing a strain on his shoulder, swung down briskly upon the neck of beast. And though it was now stone, the magic at which the sword was graced with, cut through it like it was merely paper. The heavy head crashing down with a hefty thud that shook the ground.

Midnight let out a cry of anguish, one that could be heard through the entire realm, over the death of her beloved. Her companion over the thousands of years past. The noise so broken and filled with suffering, one would almost pity the Queen of Hell, as she fell to her knees and sobbed. The screams that left her throat were a mix of absolute sorrow and fury as she clenched her fists so tightly blood was starting to appear, the droplets running down to the ground beneath her. Her breathing ragged, and throat raw, as she raised her head once again to continue to watch the man who had slain her love continue on his way.

She cursed all that lived in this world, and the rage within her heart made it certain that she will see the world around her crumble to dust to avenged what she had lost; starting with the young man that was now approaching the kingdom of his inferior princess. She stood, gripping her staff within her bloody hands as she held it so tightly that the ancient wood started to crack under her strength.

“A forest of thorn shall be his tomb. Born through the skies on a fog of doom. Now go, curse of mine, and serve me well. Round that castle cast by spell.” Midnight hissed, allowing her magic to fill the skies once more.

Black clouds appeared over the red sky and blocked out even more of the light; leaving it difficult to see further than a few feet. Bolts of lightning rained from the sky, striking the ground until there was no spot left untouched by their scorching heat. And in its wake vines, thick and filled with barbs, covered the ground before the castle. Causing Inasa to abruptly stop before he reached them. Giving one last loving stroke to his steed’s mane, he dropped down from it. Sword at the ready to start clearing a path needed to move forward.

It was agonizing, though he had armor to protect most of his body, his hands and face were left bare for the barbs and thorns to graze as he cut them down. Small scratches, though they were, they still stung as small droplets of blood fell down his cheeks and knuckles as he continued to make his way through. Determined, like Hercules, to go through his trials to reach the ultimate goal and be with his beloved.

The fairies were unable to do much, their own magic unable to ease the burden for the prince. As they used the majority of it turning the ancient beast, the griffin, into stone. All they could do was stay as close to him as possible, whispering words of encouragement as he heaved his sword down. His breathing haggard and arms sore, but he managed to break free of the jagged walls that guarded the castle.

Midnight watched all of this, knowing that the prince would be able to get through. But her plan was not to stop or kill him with this spell; but rather tire him out. So, he will be unable to properly fight the next beast she would place in his way. To tired to properly to defend himself, thus leaving him vulnerable even with the treasured armory he had protecting him. She would be the one to end his life, while he was broken and bruised.

“Perils, one faces for love so true. Even if it batters the body blue. For your beloved, your heart fights still. But to another’s, you had no qualms to kill. And now with all the fury of hell, you will breathe your last farewell.”

Midnight grabbed hold of her staff, hurling it towards the ground. The glass orb shattered, pieces scattered all over where she stood, as a dense purple fog surrounded her and clung to her flesh like a second skin. She knew that if she were to do this, she would have no magic left after; not for a long while. But she did not care. The hatred that fueled her body overruled any sense she had left. As she grew taller, as claws sprouted from her fingertips, as her bones cracked and broke only to grow anew in a different shape. The process agonizing and painful, but necessary if she wished to win.

“Now, you shall deal with me!” her voice boomed, being heard by the prince as he paused in his stride to await what was to come “And all the powers of hell!”

She appeared before him, the last obstacle standing in his way to where the castle gate was. A dragon, a hundred feet tall and weighing tons; with hellfire that spouted from her mouth and burning the ground at which she aimed. A formidable beast, stronger than what he had just face, one which no one has ever slain before. As it roared, the pitch hurting the man’s ear, as it moved towards him; causing the ground to rumble with every step.

“We need to help him!” Nejire exclaimed, as she held tightly to Mina as she watched Midnight gnash her teeth; the snapping noise it made caused a shiver of terror to go down her spine.

“We couldn’t help him with the thorns!” Mina retorted, wrapping her arms around Nejire in comfort “How can we help him with this!?”

“We can guide him!” Mei declared, flying forward towards the castle and Midnight; scanning the terrain for any semblance of aide it could bring to the prince. The others followed suit, trying the hardest to find a cliff, or something along those lines, that may be enough to at least subdue the evil queen.

Inasa did not hesitate when she advanced. Wiping his brow of the blood and sweat he courageously started running towards the once beautiful dark fairy, now turned horrible beast. The ground beneath his feet was unsteady, and so was his movements; but he couldn’t stop now, not while he was so close. The hellfire she spat towards him was blocked by his shield, saving his life from a grim end, but causing him to tumble to the ground by the force. It was unrelenting, and when the opportunity arose, when Midnight took a breath, he retreated to the safety on higher ground. However, at a wall he was stopped; for it was a dead end.

It was cliffside, one that lead far downwards to a river below. If he were not careful, the crumbling and uneven ground below his feet would be the reason for his end. Worse off, she was not far behind. Claws digging into the earth, causing most to crumble away into the depth below them. She snapped at him, making him continue going towards the edge of the cliff, as he had no other option; he was stuck.

“Come, hop up this way!” Mei called out, gesturing to where her and the others stood. It was slightly higher, but still a place of peril as it was even closer to the cliffs edge. But Inasa chose that instead of ending up in the gaping maw of the dragon behind him.

Midnight followed, blowing forth another powerful gust of hellfire towards the prince. The warmth of it all was making the armor around his body warm tremendously. The heat almost unbearable as the sweat gathered and fell into his eyes. The brief moment it took for him to wipe it away was the opportunity Midnight needed. Another blast of her flame with his shield blocking it; but the gust and where it was placed knocked it from his hand.

It made her laugh. The brave and courageous prince, one that came so far was now stuck with no other option then death. She snapped her jaw at him, enjoying the almost feeble attempts he was making as he slashed his sword at her. Though, when he managed to cut her serpentine tongue did she let out a deafening roar. She was done playing this game, done playing with her food. She reared back on her haunches, ready to make the final blow.

That moment was all Inasa needed, the sword in his hand tingled with the heat; but also seemed to glow with the magic within it. He did not need an explanation to know that this was now his chance to slay the beast. Shifting it in his hands, so it sat more like a javelin, he threw it towards the heart of the beast.

‘Now sword of truth fly swift and true. That evil may die and good endure!”

The fairies whispered to one another as they watched it soar through the air, and with deadly accuracy it landed in the chest of the dreaded dragon; into the heart of Midnight. With a howl of agonizing pain, that could even be heard from deepest parts of the earth, Midnight fell. Her body careening over the edge of the cliff, narrowly missing the prince as he jumped out of the way, to only fade away before it could hit the ground below. Only a small thunk of the sword that ended it all could be heard as it landed into the water below.

After scrambling to get to safe ground, Inasa gingerly looked over the edge of cliff to make sure she was dead. The dark clouds above them faded away, though the red sky still proved that though she was dead the curse was still upon the land. Taking a moment to breath, to collect his bearings and wipe more sweat from his face, Inasa stood. He looked towards the three fairies, gesturing towards the castle in a silent command for them to tell him where he needed to go; to where the princess was.

The fairies wasted no time in guiding him towards the castle, through the many corridors and hallways, and only paused a brief moment to figure out the puzzling fireplace. Once it was solved they moved aside, allowing the prince to bound up the stairs ahead of them. He did so without any hesitation, adrenaline still filled his veins as did his wanted to see her again.

He entered the room where she laid in swiftly but paused as he gazed upon her sleeping form. He changed his stride from rushed and hurried to slow and pensive as he neared her bed. She really was the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on. Her sleeping form angelic and he could not stop himself from reaching a hand up to brush a strand of hair away from her face.

Though she was beautiful like this, his heart was pained looking at her. His wanted to see her cheeks get rosy again, for her eyes to light up as she looked at the world around her, for her lovely smile to grace her face, and for her melodic laughter to be heard by him again. He wanted to hold her, to feel her warmth, and to have her once again return his embrace in the shy way he found so endearing.

With these thoughts in his mind, he lowered himself towards her face. Pausing a moment just as his lips were about to touch hers. Doubt ran through his mind, wondering if he truly was the one she loved, the one worthy to wake her from her slumber. He knew the answer laid before him, closing his eyes he placed his lips over hers. He savored the softness of her lips, how it complemented the rest of her being so well. He didn’t linger, not feeling right to kiss her for longer than moment when she was like this. He sat down by her side and awaited the possibility of her waking.

“Do you think he is the one?” Mei questioned; her doubt was clear in her tone as she wrung her hands together as she waited to see if (Name) would wake.

“Did you not see the way he looked at her?” Nejire countered, slipping an arm through Mei’s as she clung to her side as she watched with bated breath “Or how she looked when she talked about him? The love that was ever present in her eyes?”

“He killed Midnight for goodness’s sake!” Mina exclaimed, her shoulders tense and she kept her eyes on the pair before her “He destroyed an embodiment of evil for her! If that is not love, I don’t what is!”

Inasa sighed, his head hung low as the moments passed by so excruciatingly slow. She had not moved, not showed a sign of waking after their kiss. It made his heart sink thinking that she would not wake and that he would not longer see all the wonderful things he adored about her. He brought a hand up to his eyes, trying to contain the overcoming sadness that was being brought forth.

(Names)’s eyelids felt so heavy as she struggled to open her eyes as if the action were so foreign and new to her being like she had never done it before countless times. But they finally opened, her gaze going towards the man who awoke her; a small smile forming on her face as she moved her hand sluggishly over to his. Grasping it gently and letting out a small giggle as she saw him snap his attention back towards her.

He couldn’t help it as lunged forward and gather her in his arms. Holding tight, but too tightly as to hurt her, his emotions getting the better of him as he cried tears of joy. She let him, knowing he must have fought hard to see her once again. She waited a minute before slowly pulling away from his embrace, but not far, as she brought a hand to gingerly cup his face that was littered with little scratches; smiling wider as he leaned into her touch instantly.

“I knew it would be you. You were all I could dream of.” She admitted, tenderly wiping the tears from his face. Brining her other hand up to do the same to the other side.

“And you were all that kept me strong. Wanting to see you once again is what kept me going.” Inasa whispered, bringing his hands up to hold her hands in his.

He leaned forward to capture her lips into another kiss, this one more passionate than the original that woke her. Delighting in her bashful response as she shyly kissed him, gently pulling his face closer as she did so. He pulled her body closer to his, not wanting to waste another moment being apart from her but before he could deepen this kiss fully a bright light surprised them; causing them to quickly part from one another. They looked towards the window, where the light had come from, to see that fireworks were covering the now blue sky with beautiful colours. The fanfare, the cheering of the now awakened crowds that waited for their princess, was back in full swing.

“I suppose they’re waiting for us.” She giggled, bashfully ducking her head to hide the blush that was spreading across her cheeks “Should we go see them?”

“Yes,” Inasa agreed, gripping her chin gently to bring it back up so he may meet her gaze once more “We should see them and dance and sing and join in their merriment. As we should celebrate finding each other once more, my love.”

“Your love?” She giggled scooting herself closer, enjoy his warmth.

“Yes! My love, my dream, my bride!” Inasa cheered, taking hold of her in his arms once again as he stood. Chuckling as she clung to him tightly from the sudden movement “Besides, it's not good for a Prince to arrive late to such a celebration."

(Name)’s eyes widened as she gazed at his face. The smile so large and infectious as he started bounding out of the room and down the stairs. He was the prince? The man she was betrothed to? Her smile began to match his as she snuggled herself deeper into his grasp, giggling as he sped up his pace. What a blessed thing fate was to the two of them. Truly they were destined to be together. The romances she read were nothing compared to how she felt when she was in his arms, to be by his side, to watch him smile.

Inasa set her down before they entered the great hall. The walked hand in hand as the approached the King and Queen, bowing before them. They merely laughed, coming towards their daughter, and holding tightly to her in an embrace they waited eighteen years for. While the other King, Inasa’s father shook his head in disbelief as his son’s current state; all disheveled. A small on his face proving he was not angry at the young man.

“Oh, how I love happy endings?” Nejire cried out, wiping away a tear of joy that was escaping her eye “Don’t you?”

“Of course, I could not have asked for anything better for our dear, sweet (Name)!” Mina agreed, hugging the blue woman that hovered beside her in joy, pulling Mei along with her.

“Let us hope fate continues to bless that pair!” Mei smiled, waving her wand to allow sparkling golden light to glitter around the room where they all gathered.

They all watched as the Prince took hold of the Princesses hand once more and guided her to the dance floor. They danced once more, just as filled with love and laughter as they did when they first met; like they did once upon a dream. As he pulled her close once more, gazing into her eyes that looked at him with such adornment he couldn’t help but seal his lips over hers again. Letting all in the room know that she was the woman he loved.

And they lived happily ever after.

[misssolitudesmusicblog]

My Music for April 2022

Hello Tumblr,

Welcome back to my monthly music blog. As I reflect on April I think about how quickly it went by, and how it felt like a blur. Either way I am so thankful for all the time spent well with my friends & family. I love my people so much and thank them from the bottom of my heart for being alive and living among me. April’s music was all over the place but I must say what a big influence the music we shared had over me this month. So let’s dive into it. Here is the link for April’s music:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2zjzwNN6Sdk8Vwmm6oQlBY?si=49102c5b82234ec3

Starting at number 

30: Futura Free by Frank Ocean 

“ I'll keep quiet and let you run your phone bill up I know you love to talk I ain't on your schedule I ain't on no schedule I ain't had me a job since 2009 I ain't on no sales floor You say I'm changin' on you I feel like Selena, they wanna murder a nigga Murder me like Selena You must ain't get the memo I don't cut bitches no more But your bitch my exception “

29: Empathy by Ab-Soul, Alori Joh, JaVonte

“ Lady if you would just give me the time You could just leave all your problems behind You got a past, but that's in the past And we all know that, you can't press rewind I understand, we're all human I lend you a hand, if you wanted mine Pamper you and stand for you The man to, make everything rightI guess things ain't going as well as you expected But baby don't stress it, I hope you learned a lesson Empathy... Empathy... Empathy... Empathy... “

28: I. Flight of the Navigator by Childish Gambino

“ I had a dream I had a dream I was flying over islands There were so many pretty people So many pretty faces I talked to some birds I fell in love again And none of this ever ended Everything just kept going, and going and going And even when you laughed, when you cried And even when you were sad you were really happy Because you were here And I got to meet every star, every planet Everything that made me And we all kissed And became the same “

27: I Don't Wanna Feel No More by reggie

“ Sometimes I feel good in my chest, but I I can never get that to my head Sometimes I feel good in my bed, get up And I don't feel good no moreThe streets said "you don't need meds" My mama said "you just need prayer"

I need what they give you at the dentist I don't wanna feel no more (No more)'Cause I don't wanna feel no more (No more) 'Cause I don't wanna feel no more (No more) “

26: Shit I’m Dreaming by Peter Cat Recording Co.

“ I'm dreaming AgainJust fuck over all those fools And you'll be winning again “

25: LAY U DOWN//SEXY by Baro Sura

“ {Baro} On my mind won't you slide through (Girl you're dripping' gold) And when you're mine I'll remind you (Just so that you know) Baby Baby Baby I Want to Lay you down Oh Baby baby baby I want to Lay you down Lay you down “

24: On Top by The Killers

“ The day is breaking, we're still here Your body's shaking and it's clear You really need it, so let go And let me feed it, but you know That I've been down across a road or two But now I've found the velvet sun That shines on me and you In the back, ah-ho, I can't crack We're on top It's just a shimmy and a shake, ah-ho I can't fake, we're on top, we're on top “

23: honey baby (SPOILED!) by Kali Uchis 

“ I love the way he treat me, love the way he touch me Love the way he feed me like I got the munchies Love it even when I try to act like I don't Love the way he said I can get whatever I want He respect my time and damn, he wanna spoil me Treat me like a queen, he know this pussy royalty Compliment my style and say you love my energy Hope this lasts a while and you never turn an enemy “

22: Cherry by Lana Del Rey

“ Darlin', darlin', darlin' I fall to pieces when I'm with you, I fall to pieces (bitch) My cherries and wine, rosemary and thyme And all of my peaches (are ruined, bitch)My rose garden dreams, set on fire by fiends And all my black beaches (are ruined) My celluloid scenes are torn at the seams And I fall to pieces (bitch) I fall to pieces when I'm with you “

21: Falling Faster by Blackwater Holylight

20: MDIII by Blackwater Holylight

19: Awaken by Big Wild

18: Orange Evening by DWIG

17: Don’t Dance by Anthony Green

“ And I don't dance The world around me spins like a tornado In your arms You are the only thing I want I don't dance The world around me spins like a tornado When you come It's like nothing I've ever felt “

16: Right Outside by Anthony Green ft. Chino Moreno

“ What did you ever see in me? You know that diamond ring will set you free. While you are waiting for that dream...I'll be waitin' in the morning when you're coming to your senses. Don't keep tellin' me you didn't mean it just to make me stay. How did it get so far away? How did it get so far? “

15: Mnemophobia by Brainstory

14: Misty Morning by Travis Bretzer

13: Didn’t I by Darondo

12: Care by Freak Slug

“ I don't get why you don't wanna Show me show me Show me that you care I don't get why you don't wanna I want us to be more than just good friends “

11: Be Mine by Amandla Stenberg

“ I don't wanna kid around like a man who's dying Grinning at the end, wondering if you'll always be mine Be mine I don't wanna spite God with my given fear I just want euphoria the more you're here You're here “

10: Ninna Ninna - Lullaby by Unspecified 

It seemed long ago that I recently watched the Sopranos on HBO, I was late to the show and despite what people said about the ending I still watched it. I ended up liking the show and happen to find this song in one of the episodes and added to my music for April. 

9: Parlayin (On a Saturday) by Vade One, The Red Handed Collective

Shout out to Super Venz for showing me this cool ass jam

8: TRUST FUND BABY by Amaarae

7: I like him by Princess Nokia 

I happen to come across this jam when I was watching the Coachella Live on Youtube and thought this song was amazing and her energy on stage even move magical. 

6: Plan B by Megan Thee Stallion

OMG Megan Thee Stallion did it again with another banger. This jam gives me Biggie & Lil Kim vibes. 

5: THE BLUES by Vince Staples 

“ Know you say you wish me well But I really doubt it Who really 'bout it? Can't wait to see And if I don't come home tonight Just pray for me “

4: Sensitivity by Worn-Tin

“ Meet me in the backseat Tell me that you love me Please just be so caring to know that I'm here Know your limitations Before things start to fade and Never let me know, please just be kind Tell me when you're angry Rocking you so gently I just need to know, know that you are mine Borderline neurotic Seamless and psychotic I get so exhausted from hums and some ringsAll my sensitivity Never let it get to me Grabs me like a cavity Brings me to a tragedy Show me hospitality Sorry for the fantasy I just want to know you for a long, long timeTreat me like a brother Climb under the covers You always think and wonder if you love him He treats you with perfection I guess it's more complex than Things that make my head spin all of the time “

3: Love Yourself by Rome Fortune, Toro y Moi

2: Maybe This Will Be the One by Anthony Green

I haven’t had a song transcend and take me to another dimension in awhile but this song did it for me. It was euphoric and I was happy and grateful to have been able to experienced it.   

1: Pretty by Coco & Clair Clair, Okthxbb

Well that concludes my music for April...thank you all for tuning in and I sign out with this: the unexpected connections we make might not last, yet stay with us forever

[peakywitch]

Cassiopeia - John Shelby

Warnings: mentions of blood, war, curse word...the normal!  

A/N: changed John’s kids name! also, it’ll be revised through these days, tell me if you see any mistakes! <3 

word count: 2.3k

my masterlist

The small footsteps of two mischievous children were heard throughout the house. It was very early, the sun was still down. The two opposing hands of the children were intertwined, guiding each other through the labyrinth into which the house was transformed when the moon rose. The old wood under their feet creaked with every step, which alerted his not-so-asleep father.

"What if he hits us?" Ben asked nervously.

"James has been telling you stories, right?"

The boy nodded sadly at his sister's question. His friend was frequently punished severely, but at the Shelby household, it was different.

"Don't worry, it's for a good cause. Besides, dad would never hit us." Winnie smiled, trying to see his brother's eyes in the dark.

A good cause? John thought, what would be so important to speak in the moonlight? He knew what his two kids were up to, but he stayed in bed, still being able to listen to the two of them talk. He wasn't going to get up, not until the sun comes up at least.

"Dad?" asked the voice of the girl, with a low and still voice "Are you awake?"

John turned his face on the pillow, seeing two heads - one with braids and one with blond hair, both disheveled - appear through the door. What the hell were Winnie and Ben doing up at such an early hour?

A sleepy voice invited them to climb onto the bed with them, Ben accepted immediately, almost jumping on his father. Winnie just sat on the end of the bed, watching John hug Ben.

"What are you two doing up so early?" he asked, as he gently combed his son's hair

"It’s Emma’s and Lottie’s birthday on Monday." Winnie whispered, not wanting to wake the smaller Shelbys sleeping in the next room.

"Yes, I know", he smiled "six years ... I don't understand where those six years have gone." He smiled wistfully. But even so, that smile showed a pride that was not visible in the moonlight.

"And we thought about whether we could bake a cake." Ben smiled.

John's eyes went to the boy's sugar-craving gaze. Then he saw her smile, which had a small window.

"So the good cause is cake, huh?" He smiled, giving Winnie a sense that his plan to be quiet had failed.

But even with a defeat, the girl smiled, as her hand traveled through the braid that John had awkwardly made.

“It's already Saturday, you don't have school. Why don't they go back to sleep? he asked, after a chat of flavors, colours and fillings.

Winnie nodded as she listened to Ben, who had been snoring from the beginning of the conversation.

"Aunt Pol, I need a favor." John asked, as he played with the toothpick between his lips.

Polly tore her eyes away from the journal for a few short seconds, seeing her nephew's pleading look. When she read the newspaper again, she spoke:

“I'll take care of the children today, John. But since you are always..."

"Actually, uh... the girls turn 6 on Monday, and I wanted to ask you if you could bake them a cake?" the doubt and confusion in John's voice led her aunt to laugh.

"When in your bloody life have you seen me bake a cake, huh?" she asked, putting the paper aside and taking the last sip of her tea.

"Yeah, well," he laughed, "I don't lose anything by trying, do I?"

Between a nostalgic chat about how they were six years ago, Polly remembered in an instant, interrupting John:

"Y/N!"

Polly's exclamation shook John's comfort, her screams were always sending him to the Calvary.

"Y/N?" he asked.

The name burned on the tip of his tongue and in the back of his head, unable to remember who it was. He had known a nurse of that name, but it couldn't be because some enemies had killed her in front of him.

“Do you remember Karl's cake? That delicacy of chocolate, hazelnut and caramel?” his aunt answered with a question, trying to enliven the memory.

How could he forget that cake.

The cake was soft as a cloud, the chocolate intense and the caramel had a few notes of salt that made your tongue dance. John had never tasted a better cake than that. Also, he had eaten three servings. Faced with the memory, he laughed:

"How could I forget the stomach ache that lasted for two days, ey?" Polly grinned "Never such a beautiful pain."

They both laughed.

John's feet were constantly changing position. He was alone in a neighboring town from Small Heath, an hour away from his home. The address Polly had given him must be wrong since it was not a bakery; it was a simple English house. It had some rose bushes in the small front garden and a bird feeder in a vibrant little lemon tree. The aesthetics of the home were out of tune with John in an extraordinary way. The striking difference between the green of the home and the black of his clothes made him feel like an outcast.

Somewhat uncomfortable and hesitant, he headed for the door. It was then that he could hear the subtle violin that came from the house, also a piano. The atmosphere was so mellow, it almost completely calmed John's nerves. With the piano in the background, he knocked on the door. The music did not stop. From what he knew, the music that was playing came from a gramophone.

A woman in her forties opened the door for him, her blonde hair was down and her eyes were tired, but still had a smile from ear to ear.

"Yes?" she asked, without moving her smile.

"Good afternoon, ma'am" smiled John, taking off his hat "I'm looking for Mrs. Y/N ..."

Mrs? John asked himself, since when did he say he was looking for a Mrs?

The woman called out the name, and within seconds an old woman appeared in front of him.

"Are you Y/N?" asked John.

"So it is, dear." The lady's smile denoted fatigue but a strange feeling of youth.

Uncharacteristically shy, John explained his situation.

"Oh, great, great!" He smiled, and invited him in.

The lady, without asking much, sat the unknown gangster on a pink sofa with flowers and black wooden armrests. John could observe that the music came from a phonograph, it had been almost twenty years since he had seen one, they were not so common anymore.

After a few moments of inspecting the curious and cozy house from that old-fashioned sofa, the lady appeared with two aprons: both pink, with ruffles and embroidery.

"Very good," the lady smiled, "put this on and Y/N is coming."

The old woman did not give Shelby time to complain, leaving him in the company of a pink apron, totally striking.

Polly, what the fuck have you gotten me into?

John walked nervously through the dining room, cooking classes? I'd had enough of Polly's teachings on how to make soup, there was no way I could bake a cake. Less than less, two.

"Are you ready, Mr.?"

The voice... the voice is different.

John turned around, seeing how a girl appeared in front of him.

"And you are?" he asked, holding out his hand.

"I am Y/N."

John was mixing a thick brown mixture, while Y/N a white. The image of the man in a suit, with a chocolate stain on his shirt, made Y/N smile every time she saw him. He had steadfastly refused to wear something as ridiculous and flashy as that pink apron, but he had been persuaded to cook the cake.

"So everyone who wants a cake... comes and has to do it too?" John asked, finishing beating.

"Yes."

"So, my sister Ada...?"

“I end up with her egg-filled apron, but yeah. The cake was made by her with my help. "

John stopped beating, glancing sideways at the baker's smile. He knew that smile, but still not the woman who wore it.

While the cake was baking, they both talked about life, war, music. Sorting things out amid animated chatter, John tried to caress her arms with his. The moles on her arms reminded him of stars.

"You remind me of war." He said, without thinking once.

The look of the young woman was a complete poem.

"You're not good with compliments, are you John?" the girl asked, trying to add laughter to the situation, uncomfortable.

"Hell, I didn't mean that, I..." a chill ran through his body, what the fuck did he just say?

"Do not worry." She smiled, finishing cleaning.

“When I was on the Somme,” John began, “when I was on the Somme I couldn't think of anything other than the smell of blood. I couldn't hear anything other than screams, in a thousand and one languages, be it prayers or calls for help. The sun burned my forehead ... I remember feeling the infinite beads of sweat that dried on my neck. But at night, when death rested and war ceased, he looked at the stars. The sweat of the day made me feel like I was dying of cold in the cruel and dark French trenches. I prayed i would come home safe and sound, or at least alive. And the smell and the screams continued, until i found Cassiopeia in the sky. Then the smell would stop, the screaming too. My body was flooded with the aroma of bread that my mother made, and a lullaby sounded in my head that I heard my aunt sing. "

Y/N's eyes were attentive to every word, unconsciously shedding tears. The boy approached her arm, and slowly traced the W that was seen on her skin. His index finger joined each mole, and he touched the stars of the Samarin sky. He felt that peace, he felt that song and he felt different.

After that, they kissed. It was a bearable kiss, momentary and fleeting but brilliant, like a star. It gave them both that feeling you get on New Year’s: that feeling that, although it is still the same, you have a new opportunity. A fresh start.

“This is how looking up the stars felt.” Said John, while his nose was touching hers.

“How?” Y/n asked.

Both of their eyes were still closed. Their breathing was slow and peaceful.

John couldn’t answer; he felt everything crumble inside of him. Slowly, the disgusting smell of blood was flooding his head again.

“Is the cake ready?” he asked pulling away from her, making the girl sadden.

“Uh…yes, we just have to write their names with icing and it’ll be ready to be eaten.”

Her eyes were trying to connect with his, but he was observing the kitchen anxiously, avoiding her eyes. They both knew that John was evading her, but he didn’t know how she felt.

He left her in the kitchen to finish her work, as he washed the batter off of his hands in the little bathroom. It didn’t matter how many times he used soap, he still saw the red dots of blood on his hands. He felt the dirt under his nails, and the sweat drops on his back were always burning and itching, no matter how many showers he took.

When he left the bathroom, five minutes later, he saw the girl getting ready to write his daughters’ names on both cakes.

With a professional smile on her face, she asked for the names.

“Emma and Charlotte.” he smiled, tiredly.

As he put his coat on again, he watched the girl write both names in pink icing. She had a little bit of her tongue out, and was frowning. John couldn’t help but smile, not realizing how peaceful he was feeling.

One minute after he put on his cap on his the pocket of his coat, the baker gave him two white boxes.

“I really hope you learned something today.” She said with a smile, he smiled back.

“This” he said, giving her money “I believe is yours…”

He was giving her eight quids. Her eyes opened with astonishment.

“It’s two pounds each cake, John. Four in total.”

“Take ‘em, really.” He said, still insisting.

“John, I will accept five, and that’s it.” She said back, trying to act tough. Jesus, eight pounds sounded bloody amazing.

“I compared you to war, c’mon. Take them all.” He insisted agin.

“Six, and if you insist again I will give you both cakes as gifts.” She smiles, feeling the victory in her plan.

John smiled, he couldn’t believe how hard headed she was. He looked away, and let out a little laugh before looking at her, directly in the yes.

“Six it is.”

And when she saw the smile on John’s face, she felt like it was all good again, just like before and during the kiss. Boy was she wrong.

“You know…” the man started “I shouldn’t have kissed you, I’m so sorry…m’ wife, well…”

Y/N’s stiffened, her blood became ice. Every cell in her body fell numb.

“Oh…” she said.

John didn’t say a word. Neither did her.

She helped him load the cakes in his car, but the again. None of them said good bye. He took off, having given the girl two quids more.

He paid for the kiss, she though, not because he was sorry of what he said.

That night, she felt as dirty as John felt. The kiss was burning her lips, her consciousness, every inch of her body. She scrubbed her body even harder in the tub, tears were building up in her eyes.

But John,  on the other hand, felt peace every time he remembered the kiss. He was in bed, trying to sleep, trying to forget the war on his head. He thought of the kiss, of that bloody kiss that made him tremble and feel nervous again. He tried to understand what it felt, he tried every adjective. He found one, two hours after thinking non-stop about the girl he met that day:

Hope.

The kiss tasted like hope.

taglist: open

@a-golden-sunflower-vol-6

@fifty-shadesof-tommyshelby

@stydia-4-ever

[miraculous786]

The Protector’s End

Masterlist

"The paparazzi are going to have a field day with this."

Dick turned to who had spoken, only to see Tim holding a camera out to capture what was in front of him. There, only a few metres opposite them both, were three teens, all with their eyes closed as an indication of their slumber.

They were on a wide wooden bench, and were positioned in such a way that had Marinette laying across both Damian and Felix's laps as they also leaned on one another by the shoulders.

Tim clicked a quick photo. His older brother watched as he began to type something out on his phone.

"What are you doing?"

"Making a Tweet."

"Wait, really?" he asked. "I don't think Baby Bird would want us to out his relationship like that."

Jason snorted from behind them. "What relationship? As far as they're aware, theirs is completely platonic."

"...Seriously? But, but they cuddle all day! There's no way they could be that oblivious."

"Oh, they are."

The siblings all tilted their heads down to Adrien, who had dryly commented the words. His features had an expression that could best be described as done with the world.

"Hey, squirt. How's it going?"

"Great!" the model enthused. "Aunt Selina and Bruce are talking about some French partnership, and so I decided to come here instead."

Dick gained a nervous look. "Oh, really? Geez, that sounds boring. So boring, in fact, that there is no need to wonder which French company they're gonna expose after partnering up with them!"

"Way to be subtle, Dickiebird," Jason muttered. "It's not as if he's gonna believ-"

"Yeah, you're right - I never liked business stuff in the first place either. Anyway, I'm gonna go call Kagami and see if she wants to hang out. Later, guys!"

"Later!" the oldest there bid. "And make sure to be home by six!"

"Okay!"

They all watched him stroll out of sight, before turning to face each other. Dick groaned, "Ugh, I hate Gabriel Agreste..."

"That makes two of us."

Marinette's eyes glimmered in amusement as she watched the boys rush to act like they weren't startled by her presence. Behind her, Damian and Felix were stood with blank looks.

"I know what you're planning~" she recited in a sing-song tone.

"W-What? As if you do, Pixie! It, it was supposed to be a secret!"

"Well..." the baker drawled, hand poised at her chin. "I want in."

Jason blinked. "What?"

"You heard me. I want in to smash Gabriel Agreste to the ground for hurting Adrien."

"Mari, are you sure?" Dick quizzed, then elaborated, "Cause what we're going to do will probably hurt Adrien a lot. I don't want him to blame you for anything."

"Listen, guys," she began to explain. "We're doing what's best for him. I mean, if I was living under the same roof as a terrorist, I would want to get out of there as fast as possible. Wouldn't you?"

There was a chorus of nods.

"Besides...me and Adrien have already talked about suing Gabriel for child neglect, but couldn't get around to it. He was deadset on it, trust me. I'm sure if he learnt that we're exposing him just like he planned to before, he wouldn't be mad."

"Yeah, but...outing his own father as Hawk Moth too? Surely the backlash would hurt him a lot, right?"

Marinette scoffed. "Backlash? Please, as if there'll be anyone left to hurt my Kitty after me and a few other vigilantes have dealt with them."

"Great minds think alike, Pixie-Pop," Jason piped up with a grin.

Damian rolled his eyes at the joke, yet blushed when Felix give him a silent, knowing look.

"Oh, Tim, I forgot to tell you something! I've started making the suit that you commissioned a few days ago."

She was met with silence.

"Tim?"

He didn't lose his wide eyes or shocked face. He only mumbled something beneath his breath.

"What?"

"Adrien's meeting up with someone..." he repeated again at a quiet pitch.

"Yeah..." Dick agreed, confused. "And...?"

"Adrien's meeting up with a girl..."

There was a moment without anyone speaking.

"What?"

"Timbers, call Bruce to be quick signing those adoption papers, now!"

"Guys, nO-"

They ignored Marinette's protests, and instead sped off with their phones out, leaving her to sigh in frustration. However, the two chuckles and arms that wrapped around her waist and shoulders made her squeak and blush, annoyance completely forgotten.

~*~*~

"Adrien, stoooooopp..." Marinette whined.

The blond's only response was to hug her tighter, and increase the volume of his purrs. They could be heard all around them, and soon became the only noise in the room.

"You deserve some rest after that fight, Bug."

"No," she denied with a pout. "I want to celebrate with everyone else."

Adrien let out a sigh. He closed his eyes and rumbled again, yet this time let the purrs out in strong waves that made his friend's eyelids relax. She weakly attempted to push him back, but he simply chuckled and placed her hand to the side.

"I hate you," she mumbled, just before drifting off into slumber.

"I love you too~"

He grinned as he watched her breathing settle, then glanced to the door leading out. With a smile, he settled a few soft blankets over her form - which she cuddled into contentedly - and made his way to the exit.

"Is she sleeping?"

"Yup."

"...I assumed that you were bluffing about having a method of getting her to rest."

"Nope. The purrs work every time."

Damian rose a brow, choosing to nod instead of questioning his judgement. "Her class is estimated to come within the next few minutes. I suggest we make our way down now."

The teen reached out to hold Felix's hand, as he sauntered to the elevator at the end of the hallway. They were currently in the Mayor's hotel, thanks to the wealth and money of Bruce Wayne himself.

"Hey...can I ask you guys a question?" Adrien asked, just as he pressed the button leading to the ground floor.

Two heads nodded at him to carry on.

"Your nicknames are 'Star' and 'Moon', right?" he started, not noticing them flush slightly. "Why isn't Marinette called something like 'Sun' or 'Sunshine'?"

Felix's lips twitched up. "Marinette herself went against the idea because of you, Adrien. She told us that she viewed you as the Sun, and that no one could compare."

The elevator dinged, breaking him out of his thoughts as metal doors slid open. The sight in front of him made him groan.

Dozens of reporters were crowded about the hotel lobby, microphones out and notepads drawn. Cameras were pointed at not only them but the entrance of the place, where a group of classmates suddenly entered.

Alya, who had been the first to come in, made eye contact with the couple ahead. She watched in confusion as people swarmed about them both, though particularly around the one with black hair.

Felix held an arm out, that soon became intertwined with Damian's.

"Ready to avenge, my Star?"

Damian's mouth twisted into a small grin. "Anything for you and our Angel, my Moon."

The crowd went wild.

~*~*~

And we’ve reached the end! :D Thank you to @freshbark for creating the request that started this all!

@thestressmademedoit  @moonystars14 @northernbluetongue @luciferge @ranger-gothamite @toodaloo-kangaroo @freshbark @drama-queen-supreme @gwennex @captainmac6 @virgil-is-a-cutie @aurordraws @maribat-is-lifeblood @megawhitleycalderonpaganus @hauntedwintersweets @emo-elaine13 @bleeding-heart-romantic @write-for-your-life2 @palvine-of-the-alvins @schrodingers25 @mariae2900 @vivilakitty @thyladyanput @2sunchild2 @kittyanonymity @bee-wrecker @soupfilledboots @queenmj10 @i-will-be-your-ace @darkthunder1589 @silvergold-swirl​

[a-libra-writes]

A Dragon’s Fire - Daenerys x Red Priestess!Reader

heyo! this was requested by an anon who originally wanted an assassin w fire magic, and i compromised w a red priestess who was an assassin but decided not to hurt dany (bc that seems neat!) but ive been in the shit this week so ... i wrote something fluffy instead. I know, im a big fail, lol. I hope yall enjoy it anyway

Summary: Dany has a big gay crush. That’s it, that’s the fic

“Is she everything you hoped for?”

Y/N did not answer the man behind her. She focused on the flames in front of her, dancing in the brazier into familiar shapes. She had seen them for many years. It’s why she was chosen by the priests, and since the red comet fell from the sky, they whispered if she listened close. Here, in the dragon queen’s palace, she could hear the fire inside the dragons. 

The bear knight’s metal armor and annoyed tone was not enough to distract her. Y/N reached her hand into the fire, it shaped into a dragon that sat in her palm. She didn’t feel the fire, but her red silk sleeve was burning. 

Jorah disliked her silence, but he disliked many things about Y/N. When he first saw her fire tricks, he thought they were illusions, but the heat of them said otherwise. Then there was the first time she set upon Drogon…

He suppressed his shiver and set that memory aside. “The khaleesi wants to see you.”

Y/N closed her palm, and the dragon slivered out, flying back into the brazier. The flames glowed blue for just a fraction of a second. She waved her hand over them, and the fire smothered itself. Smoke rose out of the hot coals, but those too began to rapidly cool. 

She wondered if the knight was still unsettled by her magic. Even the khaleesi had moments of awe and uneasiness, although she was fond of watching. Y/N stood, her silk robes gently scraping the marble floor. Jorah was already walking away, and she made no effort to run to catch up to him. She knew where Daenerys was.

The chambers Daenerys set aside for her council was well-lit and had an impressive, engraved table at the center of it. Its legs used to be harpies made of carved marble and ivory, but she had them removed for dragons made of onyx and rubies. Y/N liked the change, and how they glittered in the light. Perhaps she was biased - her own ruby hung around her neck, although it was far larger and smoother than any gemstone Daenerys had seen before.

The girl’s purple eyes lit up as Y/N entered the room. Y/N couldn’t help but return the sentiment, giving her khaleesi a smile. She was pleased there was no one else in the council room. “You wished to see me, khaleesi?”

“Yes. Jorah, you may leave us.”

Jorah didn’t protest, but he did shoot Y/N a look before he left the room and closed the doors. Y/N noticed there were no Unsullied in the chambers, either.

“I talked to him about what he said the other day,” Daenerys said after a moment of silence. “Ser Barristan, as well. They don’t … In the Seven Kingdoms, your sort of magic is seen as a dream. Unreal.”

“As unreal as dragons?” Y/N tilted her head, and Daenerys tried not to focus on how her hair slid across her bare shoulders. When Y/N first entered her service, she wore modest robes that covered nearly every inch of her. Since then she had adopted a more elegant, free style, at Daenerys’ subtle suggestion. She was pleased with the result. 

Daenerys set her thoughts straight. “True. The reason I called you here was to locate Rhaegal. I haven’t seen him flying overhead in some time.”

“Nor have I.” Y/N touched the ruby that dangled by her collarbone. It was held with a simple gold chain, and anyone could have missed the way it seemed to flicker. It could have been a trick of the light, but Dany knew otherwise. “Would you like me to find him?”

Of course Y/N knew how to do that. She knew how to start and stop fire, how to dream about it, how to see into it. It was only logic that she could find it. She once told Daenerys that the dragons were beings of fire, swirling and living heat. She looked at them like …

… Well, not how others looked at them. It was hard to puzzle out Y/N’s expressions and thoughts. You could ask her something directly, and she’d have some sort of strange answer, or she’d just stay quiet. Daenerys could tell when Y/N was thinking something over, at least. Her pretty eyes would lower, and she’d touch that ruby - was it hot to the touch? It seemed like it - and she would be gone. Sometimes she stayed very still for hours, staring into fire, or staring into nothing.

But she’d always have an answer eventually.

Daenerys’ knights warned against Y/N’s counsel, telling her not to listen too closely to the words of a strange woman of a strange religion. Even Missandei had commented on the followers of Rhllor’s intent to convert King Robert and other places, and the strange magics they could possess. They warned her as if she did not know how to think for herself.

It upset her, but Y/N took such words in stride. She often seemed to know what others thought and said about her, and she did little to stop it. Missandei had warmed to her, Ser Barristan did not think she was any real threat, but Ser Jorah remained unconvinced and wary. Grey Worm did not like talk of magic or priests, but he had no real ill thought of Y/N, and Daario liked to ask her all sorts of ridiculous questions for his own amusement. 

“I have found him, khaleesi.”

Daenerys couldn’t believe her thoughts had drifted again. Y/N often had that effect on her. “Where? Can we ride to him?”

“We could. He is in no danger, he is simply occupied with…” A soft smile came to Y/N’s red lips. “Something he has not seen before. That’s why he’s been away.”

“What could possibly interest him for that long? He’s been gone for days.”

“Shall we find out, your grace?”

Ser Barristan and Ser Jorah would warm her against this, ask her to take one of them or the Unsullied on the trip. Grey Worm would ask to escort them, Missandei would worry and send guards after them anyway. Daario would want to come along. Daenerys looked to the open, blue sky. There was still plenty of sun left.

“Let’s be quick,” She said, already giddy even if they hadn’t stepped a foot outside of the palace yet. “Missandei will keep them busy. Do you want to share my horse?”

Y/N was not an adept rider, but she still said, “That is alright, khaleesi. I can ride my own.”

Daenerys tried not to feel disappointed.

The danger outside the protective walls of Meereen was real, but Daenerys comforted herself with the fact that Drogon and Viserion often flew about these hills, and no one had seen them leave. Y/N said it would not take long, that they’d return toward the end of sunset.

Why do I keep believing her? Daenerys asked herself. She glanced aside, watching the woman reposition her reins. Her normally serene facade was broken everytime she rode a horse. She was not afraid of the creatures, but she had only recently learned to ride, and the beasts weren’t always fond of her.

“If you keep moving like that, you’ll make him nervous,” Daenerys said. “There’s no need to clutch the reins so tightly, either.”

Y/N nodded, and tried to relax her posture. Luckily, she picked an agreeable horse. Daenerys recalled the saddle sores and aches she received when she learned to ride. Her handmaidens gave her a balm to ease the pain. Maybe she could find that for Y/N.

I’ll ask someone to deliver it to her. I couldn’t give it to her myself - no, who says I can’t? But what would she think…

It was hard to tell exactly what Y/N was thinking, but sometimes she slipped, like now. Her brows were slightly furrowed as she righted her posture, and once she was satisfied with it, she kept glancing down at the ground, or at the horse’s ears. Y/N pet his soft neck, then slowly reached up to scratch between his ears. She jerked her hand back as her horse shook his head and made an annoyed sound.

“He didn’t like that,” Daenerys laughed, and it was adorable how Y/N gently laughed, too. She was usually so subdued, so quiet, so … what Daenerys used to be. 

“But his ears are so cute,” Y/N went back to petting his neck, which he much preferred. “Doesn’t it make you think of a cat.”

“No, not at all.” 

“Not even a little? There were some strays I’d feed at the temple. Their ears would twitch when I came by. They could smell the food in my pockets.”

Sometimes Y/N would speak of the temple she grew up in, or the other Free Cities she had travelled to, the friends she had known. Perhaps if she showed this side to the others, they would trust her more, but Daenerys was happy to have it to herself. 

The grass thinned and made way for rocky hills and in the distance, orange and yellow canyons. The sun was beginning its descent, and soon the sky would match those oranges and yellows. Y/N stopped her horse. 

“We can walk from here. Do you hear him?”

Daenerys stopped her own horse and listened. There was the slightest breeze, some distant bird calling, the sound of her horse’s nicker and … 

She shook her head. “If he’s close, we would have heard him by now.”

Y/N dismounted with some inelegance, but she fixed her clothes and just smiled. “Maybe you will when we get closer.”

They tied the horses to one of the few trees in the dry area, and Daenerys followed Y/N’s lead. 

It could be a trap. She could have men waiting there, or there could have been someone following us …

The thought was fleeting, and Daenerys fell in beside her. They both changed to more practical clothing, but Y/N still had a shimmering red cloak tied around her shoulders. As they walked, Daenerys began to hear something strange. It was faint, but as they came closer…

“Water?” She looked at Y/N.

Y/N’s sweet lips curled upward. She often smelled of smoke and spice, and Daenerys wondered if she tasted that way, too. 

They came to the edge of a small canyon, which could be better described as a deep ravine. Water glistened at the bottom of it, and more importantly, the deep green scales of her dear Rhaegal. He lifted his wings high and water spilled on his back.

“What is he doing?” Daenerys asked, but she was answered just a moment later. Water spewed up from the ground in a huge geyser, all at once, and Rhaegal happily opened his mouth and snapped at it. The water fell in thick droplets all around the dragon, the ravine and the two of them.

Y/N pulled her red hood over her head. Daenerys wiped her brow. “You didn’t tell me to pack a hood.”

���Apologies, khaleesi.” Y/N giggled. She peered downward. “If we’re steady, we can walk down to him.”

Rhaegal’s long tail lazily swung back and forth in the water. He was resting, and it only submerged his arms and legs, but he was content. Daenerys noticed all the charred bones scattered around the ravine. She wondered how much was in the water. Her feet found stability, and she carefully followed a natural, steadying path downward. Y/N was just ahead, although she wasn’t as confident in her descent.

They came to a small landing and had to stop there. The rest of the way was simply too steep. Rhaegal seemed to just notice them then, and Daenerys’ heart swelled as her child lifted his head and gazed at her with his sharp eyes. They weren’t merely brown, but bronze, with all the steadiness and strength that metal held. She touched his nose and muzzle, marvelling at how much he had grown. 

His eyes quickly flashed toward Y/N, and Daenerys felt his growl vibrate underneath her hand. She frowned and quickly said, “No.”

She remembered Y/N’s first encounter with Drogon. That was also the day she had taken the strange, beautiful priestess into her court.

Just like with Drogon, Y/N showed no fear. She stepped forward, but she didn’t make an attempt to touch the dragon. She lowered her hood, and Rhaegal’s long, black pupil tightened.

Daenerys felt the heat of his breath as he snorted through his nose. She tensed, forcing herself to stay calm as she repeated her order. “No.”

The geyser blew again, and Daenerys didn’t flinch. Rhaegal watched it rise in the air, then pulled away from his mother to open his jaws at the water again. His black teeth glittered in the setting sun.

Daenerys looked to Y/N. The priestess was so calm and steady, so unaffected … except Dany caught how her shoulders sagged in relief.

“He isn’t like Drogon,” Daenerys said, remembering that day. “He wouldn’t have hurt you.”

Y/N replied simply. “Drogon did not hurt me.” 

Had you been any other woman, he would have killed you. Except ... 

It took days for the servants to remove the char marks on the marble, and some of the melted pillars were still being repaired. Daenerys was half tempted to leave them like that, as a warning to any potential enemies, but it was unsettling to think it may have been Y/N that was burned away.

Except, she didn’t. Her red robes and long hair did, but her necklace and body remained unharmed. Daenerys and her court watched as the fire arced around her, singing away everything but skin and metal, and that ruby she never removed. Y/N looked Drogon straight in the eyes, even as they were obscured by his fire. 

His temper always was the worst. She had done nothing but approach Daenerys too quickly. Jorah was the one who pulled her back behind one of the pillars, and Daenerys remembered how the heat licked her arms as it tried to reach around the marble. Daario had pulled Missandei to cover behind the other pillar. 

Drogon almost never came to the palace, he always wanted to be in the sky, yet he came down on that day. And when the fire cleared and the floor was charred black except for a small circle … He stood back, and Y/N still looked at him. She only trembled slightly. 

She isn’t any other woman.

The geyser blew again, and rained down upon them. The water’s heat didn’t bother her, but all the dust from the ride was stuck to her skin, and the water didn’t clean it off. She had dust in her hair, too, and probably some stray pieces of grass. 

She smiled. It had been some time since she was properly dirty after a ride, and she looked forward to a perfumed bath and brushing her hair when she got back. Daenerys glanced to Y/N, who was occupied with watching Rhaegal. She also had dirt on her cheeks and neck, and some in her hair, and maybe if she wanted a bath afterward, too…

Daenerys reached forward and tried to rub some of the dirt off her cheeks. It didn’t work, but Y/N’s pretty eyes went wide. She didn’t pull away. “Khaleesi?”

Daenerys stepped forward, gently moving her palm so she had Y/N’s whole cheek. Just as she thought - as she dreamed? - the priestess’ skin was flushed and warmer than anyone she’d touched before. 

“You can say my name,” Daenerys said. She tried to tease, but her beating heart and their closeness made her breath catch. She thought Y/N was wearing color on her lips, but perhaps they just always looked like that? 

“Daenerys.” Y/N tried it out, and the dragon queen felt like a girl again, feeling her heart soar at hearing her name on those lips. She leaned in, bringing Y/N closer to her. Their foreheads brushed, and the warmth between them turned to heat.

A piercing roar broke through the sky, and cut straight between them. Daenerys recognized the sound at once, and it distracted her as Y/N jumped away. The woman’s cheeks were as red as her cloak.

Above them, Viserion broke through the clouds and bellowed down at his brother. The first cry was for Daenerys, and the second was probably a command for Rhaegal to move aside. The green dragon made room for his brother, and the water reached the top of the ravine as Viserion splashed straight into it. Y/N pulled Daenerys back before the muddy water could splash all over them.

Daenerys was far too overheated and flustered, and the sight of her children amusing themselves only gave her a little relief. At least Rhaegal was alright. 

Y/N had pulled her hood back down, and it was a shame. At least her lips were still visible through the shadow, although looking wasn’t as good as tasting.

“We’ve been gone for a long time. Let’s ride back.” Daenerys led the way out of the ravine. Y/N said nothing until they were back to the horses, who were understandably spooked from the dragon that flew overhead not fifteen minutes ago. Y/N held her horse’s reins and tried to soothe it, and Daenerys helped, touching the priestess’ hands perhaps more than was needed. 

Y/N didn’t pull away, and that gave Daenerys the courage to kiss her cheek. The soft dyed linen brushed her own cheek, and she caught a whiff of perfume.

The priestess giggled, and it was a better relief than the breeze that was slowly blowing across the hills. “Please, Daenerys. I’m covered in dust.”

“I am, too. Let’s wash up when we ride back - together?”

She caught Y/N’s bright eyes under the hood, and they sparkled as she blushed and tugged the hood further down. “Yes, that would be lovely.”

So it was decided. By the time they reached the gates of Meereen and entered the Great Pyramid, Y/N had dropped her hood and her easy, serene face had returned. She disregarded the suspicious looks, she gave an easy nod to Missandei, who returned a tentative smile. As far as anyone knew, Y/N’s mind was wrapped in her usual visions and prayers.

Until Daenerys brushed her dirty hair aside and smiled at her, then Y/N’s cheeks blushed and her eyes widened in that adorable way. She let the khaleesi take her hand, entwine their fingers, and guide her to the great baths. Y/N’s red cloak fluttered behind her, drawing attention to them. Some Unsullied guards probably saw, and surely others, but Daenerys didn’t care. 

She’s like fire, and I am a dragon - how could she bring any harm to me?

[ashenburst]

Posting some angst that I wrote. I'm not sure if it will end up in the final version of my book as this is a side character's POV. My best friend wants to skin me alive because of what I'm doing to my characters, ESPECIALLY Athanasius (the star of this chapter/oneshot), so, if you'd like some sort of Nietzschean, Dostoyevsky-ish sort of energy combined with a wounded man whose life has been nothing but exploitation... take this!

tw: gore, bugs being yuck, religious themes/trauma, heavy depression

word count: 1692, unedited because #yolo

Athanasius tugged at the hem of his shirt. The blood, well crusted, defied his movements. Elbowing it like mad, he barely managed to take it off and throw it by his side, where it lay together with the top of his uniform, discarded by the roots of an old oak. All of the clothes, drenched in a deep red. One swift yearning blew his mind, that of murder, of all of Agglomeration’s uniforms coated in metallic death. But no hatred, no hope could go that length. Nothing his soul could sustain. Not anymore.

Birds and waters and insects all sang, ignorant. Remaining in his stained breeches, he staggered close to the river and its white shore, agony greeting every movement. Flies tickled their way into half-open wounds, the stinging slits crossing his body. Sweat and blood curled his chest’s hairs with some black bugs dangling. So many flew around. Everyone had use of him.

He’d contemplated leaving himself in the state of bloodbath, and run for help in any community, feigning amnesia. The sheer horror of his appearance could not be trapped; whispers of it would run amok only to be seized by the worst of ears, those deaf to him.

Rocks of the riverbank wriggled beneath his boots. He dropped on his knees, pain shrieking once they dislocated. He held his head high. Cold hands contrasted on sun-heated stones. The Sun burnt through his quivering eyelids.

He could run. Would they find him? They would love to. He would kill to quench that love. He already had. Disappointed he was to see it insatiable.

But he could run. Where to? Aurun’s bank had his funds, but entering the city meant sure doom. The rest of the world was his destination. At least, parts of it without the Agglomeration.

And he could run. Scramble to some dreary town, then harbor. Stowaway his life until Onogea. He absolutely could. He had knowledge, he had strength, he had power.

His fingers dug into the rocks. The stone cracked under his weakness. One deep sigh to commemorate it all over again, and he choked on himself. He coughed up deep red mucus, spraying blood and its clots over round, white rocks. His hand rose, fingertips shaking like a naked twig on the wind. He coughed again, and blood squirted over his already dirty palm. So much filth. He’d long grown accustomed.

Then why was there hope? That inside and outside, all of that grunge could be cleansed? Because, he still had power. Despicably interwoven with all of his thoughts and feelings and so much absence of both. He had it, and he was abused for it, and he abused it. And he had it. And he pounded his fist against that aching chest, spewing darkness into broad daylight, scarring the nature with his own wounds, bleeding with the Devil’s compassion, and he had it. Even the Devil wept for him. Even the Devil pitied him. Yet he had it.

He huffed a fly outside his nostril. Something stuck at the back of his throat, clogging the air. He hawked, discharging even more bloody mucus, now onto himself. Stained saliva swayed from his lips. He brushed it away with the back of his palm. In his lap, red rolled, young blood over old. He separated his legs to have it smudge all the way to the ground. Kneecaps scorched as he scraped them over rocks. Wherever they dug, blood trailed, two crescents set in stone.

To be unclasped. To be a stain elsewhere. This world made it seem too simple, lovingly palpable. But he was not bound to it, and in navigating the philosophical, he reached the inevitable: responsibility would set him free. He held pseudohistoric texts that hollered so, and pseudohistory was of angelic origin, therefore applicable to him. He could recall the tremble in his fists while reading it, mind screaming and shattering with the consolation, “It would be over. You’ve understood. It would be over.” But it wasn’t. Same questions yielded same answers, and these were not meant for man. He had come to know Hell by fulfilling all wisdom.

If someone could question him for once!

He whimpered, back arching him down. Another surge of wet coughs.

In the corner of his foggy vision, he spotted a plant unusually brown, leaves writhed. His head rolled to his shoulder to gaze at it properly. It was easy to care for the inhuman. None of it was evil. But to understand? Invincibly difficult.

He raised his hand. It trembled so fucking much, but it did the job, reached the plant. Wisps ignited at his fingertips, shaky too as they glided towards the leaf, erasing blight from it, rendering it a green slate. He gave it one stroke. “There…” he croaked like the ravens of September, no bird to caw back. Why would anyone, indeed, ever even murmur back? To tangibly, blatantly forlorn he. If anew, perhaps he could be fine.

It was no hope, he reminded himself – he remembered how it once felt. It was yet another stumble into the unknown, an experimental circumstance, to see if he could, somehow, appease the referential frame up above and renounce it. He cursed under his breath. It was never enough, and they? They never should’ve made themselves known. Mankind did not need them. Mankind never wanted right. There was no right! He gasped at the Heavens. Why would they ever impose themselves, if there was no truth?! Never to reply!

But who was he, to have his wisdom pacified? Forever the staple of cruelty, a child. Neglected all over again.

Flies ravaged the inside of his mouth. He spat some, others he coughed away. Another, behind the gums, he had to scoop with his tongue, and only then dribble it out. Useless troubles for a meaningful man. Cosmic irony, overlapping the entirety of his life.

He dragged himself up to the coastline. By the water’s clarity, by its estimated location, he knew this was not one of Aurun’s five rivers. It could be Rulde. Downstream, it would lead him to Szenevod. It didn’t truly matter.

His palms drowned in the river’s cold. The rest of his body above it, he could listen and stare at the steams. The reflection was expected, a face mauled with emotion and encrusted with gore. He hated the truth inside it: he was the saint. He would be eternalized on murals, his mantle the sunlight, his cohort the flora, his mouth bloody obscene, but the heart, the pastors would claim, the heart pure and so profoundly tortured! And they would assure fervently: the greater the suffering, the greater the Heaven’s lodge. He wouldn’t even bother to tell them the great truth that living for the afterlife could only give Hell, and he already held it, and no Heaven was worth the misery.

He was the saint, beloved only at a distance. He would’ve kissed that saint, if only he had known how to love him. He was, after all, right beneath him, gaping back with barren ambers. He could not hope for this man. There was nobody and nothing in the eighteen years of his existence that ever nursed his soul. Why keep going, if it could only get worse? He had made one fatal mistake, only recently. He licked sweet hope only for it to burn bitter, for one could not be defined without the other. He didn’t have to know nor to realize, for it had always been an axiom surer than the Sun. Him, a fool for ignoring the one truth he found, denying the axiom it supported, and finally, aching after the plainest of swindles.

Constantin, you did not care.

He could no longer care either. But he could cry. By all means, he could. Tears were harmless. He wasn’t. He did.

What would you do if you saw me like this?

He stared at himself through dreary eyes. Tears swelled in the blood’s mud, warmth draping over his face, uncomfortably coating it, suffocating the skin. He never got the answer. It wasn’t meant for him. And he squealed all of his helplessness for the world to ignore.

He hacked between sobs, hair and insects sticking into his mouth. Droplets and patches of blood gracefully dispersed beneath him, and he kept adding onto the red, throat itching to puke every violent sob, every harsh whine. It clenched so hard, gagged him, threatened to empty the bowels. He couldn’t breathe, for he couldn’t reach for air, and so no sound escaped his wet lips parted in a mute cry. Bile dripped from it, sour to taste. It had always been ugly, to what end? There was nothing to let out. Nostrils flared, he thought he calmed, once he pieced together that thought. Yet, in the dread of peace, he found it in him to scream like mad, drool and tears carried by the river.

Why? He didn’t have to. Nobody would hear. The river flowed on, the nature lapped at his body to nourish itself with his blood, tears, and agony. The usual. There never was a divine interference but to plague, and there never was an ear that heard unless it willed to. And he was so accursedly aware of it! And he wailed despite all of it! Him, foolish him!

Have him punished, someone! Tender hooves trampling him into dust and bones. Please! The same death he could not prevent! The same moment his power abandoned him, when he needed it most, when his heart shredded and when he came back to discover – death! His lifelong accomplice! He pleaded! Flies devour all of his rot! Rocks hammer all of bones! Waters bloat every muscle! Punish him!

“Please…” he begged for the umpteenth time, the mantra of his life, the disease of his death. “I’m not…” His hand slipped, gave out, and the water slapped him.

Indifferent, he dropped into the torrents to carry him anywhere. The waters silenced everything, mercy for once. If his anguish ever held any merit, he’d waste it all on one desire: never to bless this world with another Chosen One.

[arcadianstuff]

School rivals p.t 6

Next chapter is up !! Hope you enjoy

—————————-

To caught up in their own argument, your family didn’t notice you slip away from the living room whilst Toby and Claire were being distracted by the fight unfolding before them.

So quietly, you scampered out of the house, regretting not changing your clothes as you stepped out into the cold morning air. Finally, the sun had begun to rise bathing the world in her glorious golden glow. It made Douxie's eyes gleam as he turned to look up at you with an unexpectedly angry expression, his eyebrows furrowed and eyes gleaming with fury.

Hesitantly, you took a few steps towards him, stopping a metre in front of him. A lone bird swept up to the sky, as the two of you stared at each other on the street. Nobody else was up and about yet, the silence deafening. Desperate to say something or anything you went to speak, only for Douxie to completely lose his shit.

"I can’t believe you. I-I seriously can’t undertand what the fuck you think you were doing ?!" His voice rose in volume, going from a hateful whisper to angry shouts. He struggled to contain his fury any longer. From the moment his eyes had fallen on your returned form, he’d been both overwhelmed with happiness and anger. Part of him wanted to scream at you and the other just wanted to reach out and touch you, to make sure you were real.

"D-douxie.." you began to whisper, reaching out a hand which he only swatted away, the gesture stinging not only physically but mentally. His glare pierced right through to your soul. You’d seen him annoyed before, angry maybe. But never furious. Not like this.

Inside of you, you felt your own patience shortening. Much like a candle being lit a sudden burst of anger came over you.

"You know what ! I saved you and my brother so you could at least be grateful for that ! You selfish piece of shit !" The distance between you closed, as you grabbed the collar of his jacket and practically shoved your face into his. His own hands came up to your shoulders, and the two of you glared at each other with such hatred and emotion it felt like you were on fire.

"Grateful ? Grateful ?" He let out a bitter laugh, the sound causing your blood to boil. How dare he laugh at the fact you sacrificed your life for him ? The absolute prick ! His dark eyes bore into yours as he spat his words out, the venom coating them laid thick.

"You’re so ducking stupid sometimes (Y/n). Always so impulsive and hard headed. Didn’t you think what it would be like for me ? Or for Jim ? Huh ? If you’d died !" His voice tore through the street, the birds in the nearby streets scared into the air at the volume of his shouting. A flock of crows fled to the air, their dark forms contrasting with the soft glow of the pale sky.

"I-I...we would’ve all died. Better it was just me than all three of us ! I’d not regret what I did ! I’m not sorry !" Your faces were centimetres apart as you screamed back, voice cracking as you felt your emotions beginning to drown you.

"It wouldn’t have been better ! I-it W-wouldn’t.." Douxie’s voice was hoarse as he choked out his last words, the screaming having left his throat raw. The tears that had been threatening to burst all night finally started to tumble out of his dark eyes, spilling down his cheeks that were red with anger.

The man finally broke, letting out a soft sob as he collapsed into your arms, the gesture catching you a little by surprise.

"I don’t know what I would’ve done if you hadn’t come back...I can’t.." he mumbled into your hair, which was beginning to dampen as his tears stained the locks. You buried your head into his neck. The hug was somehow so right, it didn’t matter that you hated each other, it didn’t matter that he despised you and you loathed him. The hug felt natural.

You couldn’t quite hear his last words, muffled by your shoulder.

"Douxie what did you say ?" You whispered soothingly, anger vanished at the sight of the first test. A part of you was still furious at his reaction, but a greater part of you was singing at the feeling of being in his arms.

"I-I need you here (Y/n). Don’t ever do that again." He spoke with so much sincerity, and pulled away to look straight into your eyes. You found it quite overwhelming.

Hesitating for a second, you didn’t bother to think twice and leant up, cupping his cheek as you placed a soft kiss to it. The gesture was short lived but had a profound effect on him as his cheeks instantly pinked. It was a little salty from the tears but you were too embarrassed to care.

"I promise I won’t Douxie." Your voice was soft, he’d never heard you speak so gently before. The two of you normally argued, berated each other, joked or insulted the other. This was different, not bad just different. He kinda liked it.

For a moment, you two stood there, basked in the morning sunlight as it trickled through the trees and onto the pavement. He reached out tentatively and took your hand, smiling a little as you squeezed his. He’d been dreading asking this next question, because honestly it was just to good to be true that you’d managed to survive. If he asked how, he was afraid the miracle would be ruined. There’d be some horrifying revelation. Or he was secretly afraid he was getting his hopes up, and they’d be shattered. Because he knew of only one wizard with the power to cheat death.

"I need to ask (Y/n)." The sudden shift in atmosphere has you on edge a little, his words serious and cold. "How did you survive ?"

———————————-

"It was weird. One moment I was experiencing the worst pain of my life and the next I awoke in this place...this other world." Your words had everybody on the edge of their seats, as they listened to you. Jim and you had made the gang breakfast, and they were sitting around the dining table as you spoke. You sat at the head of the table with a plate of untouched pancakes in front of you.

Blinky and Aaargh had come back to join you after visiting troll market to make sure that Bellroc and Skrael were checked on. They wanted to be sure the two were dead. There was also the issue of the resurrected gumm-gumms.

Jim was sat closest to you, his eyes widening at your words. No one dared to interrupt, curious and saddened.

"It was quite pretty, everything seemed to glow a little. It was like heaven. Maybe it actually was," you chuckled a little at your words, though a bit bitterly, "This man was there. At the time I didn’t realise it, but I’m pretty sure it was Merlin."

The whole room gasped at that, displeased expression crossing your family’s faces. Toby's usually happy expression faltered masked with the same anger that had twisted Claire’s pretty face. Even the two trolls looked agitated, Aargh in particular. It was only Douxie and Archie who appeared shocked, even a little hopeful.

"Actually he..he had a message for you Douxie." You looked at the boy to your right, who nearly spat his orange juice back into the cup at your words. You would’ve laughed if not for the severity of the situation.

"He wanted me to tell you that he’s proud of you, that he wishes he had more time to watch you grow into the man you are today." As you delivered the wizards message, a crestfallen expression had Douxie fighting back tears, the only reason why he wasn’t crying was because he was surrounded by people. Claire patted her teachers back sympathetically, knowing how much the man mattered to Douxie.

You hated yourself for the next thing you had to say, wishing you wouldn’t have to ruin the atmosphere like this. It hurt to have to burden your family with more bad news.

"That’s not all...he also gave me a warning. There’s something coming, he didn’t say what, just that it was evil and...he seemed afraid." At your words, a chorus of grumbles and gasp echoed in the room.

"Of course he doesn’t give any damn details." Jim grumbled, shaking his head at the cryptic wizard he disabled throughly.

"He did give me one piece of advice. Actually this is what I need to know about. Mum did dad have English heritage ?" Your question had the ginger woman pursing her lips as she thought hard for a second.

"I think so on his mother’s side, why dear ?" You sighed at her confirmation.

"Well apparently, we’re descended from Arthur Pendragon, who’s apparently a real fucking person but I shouldn’t be surprised.” Whereas you were just incredulous at this point the others erupted with a mix excitement and disbelief.

"Dude that’s so cool ! Jimbo you’re royalty !" Toby clapped his friend on the back, his best friend not quite as excited to be related to such an awful king. The man had tried to kill him once for gods sake.

"B-but I couldn’t remove Excalibur ? How can we be related to him ?" Jim didn’t undertand how the sword in the stone wouldn’t budge for him if he was directly related to Arthur. It made no sense, unless...

"No way..."he breathed out watching as a grim smile graced your lips.

"Yep. He’s given me instruction to retrieve the blade. He says we’ll need it to win the war that’s coming.." you sunk back into your chair, looking sadly at the untouched pancakes that were soggy from the syrup.

Only a week ago you’d been a normal girl, ready to move away from cramped home town and explore the world. You had big dreams and hopes, a desire to see everything and experience all the world had to offer. Soccer captain, A* student, part time waitress turned magical being with a great great great great like a hundred more great grandfather who was a king. Fucking spectacular. How had your brother lived these two lives simultaneously and so well ? You had to applaud him for that.

"Well it’s clear, Miss (Y/n), though Merlin can be a tricky character sometimes, he’s clearly warning us and if he believes you should wield the sword then you should." Blinky spoke up, a contemplative expression on his face. There were dark times ahead of them and it had the old troll worried. He only hoped they could prepare themselves in time.

"No !" Out of nowhere Douxie’s voice burst forth, rattling the table as he stood up abruptly from the chair.

Everybody paused to stare at him at his outburst, a mixture of confused and worried expressions in their faces. You in particular looked at him with confusion.

"I mean...it’s not safe. The sword is bad luck. Look at what happens to the last guy who wielded it." Calming down he slumped back down into his seat, hands clenching into fists so tightly that his knuckles turned white.

He wanted to trust Merlín, he really did and he knew should but seriously ? You’d only known about this world for like a week had been kidnapped, enslaved and then died. Now you were talking about wielding a sword and leading them into war. So yeah he was a little against it.

“Guys, we all know how well...difficult Merlín can be. You know I’m not the biggest fan of him, but if he’s warning us about a war then we need to prepare for it.” To your surprise Jim was the one who came to your defence. Honestly you’d expected him to react similarly to Douxie, refusing to let you go and fight.

It was nice to see your little brother defend you.

“Jim’s right. We’ve done this before and we’ll do it again. Together we can win.” Claire stood next to him, linking hands with him and sharing a smile.

There was a chorus of cheers from the people around you even your mum smiled at you in support. However Douxie still looked conflicted, the tension vivible in his shoulders.

“Come on Casperan. Don’t lose it on me now.” You tried to joke, squeezing his shoulder sympathetically. The man gazed from your hand on his shoulder to your reassuring eyes and felt his resolve falter.

“Okay, just don’t die on me again love.” He placed a hand over the one on his shoulder and felt himself relax at the warmth of your touch.

“Well then Ms. (Y/n) let’s go get Exaclibur !” Blinky chuckled as he spoke, glad to see everyone in a good mood as he spoke. It had been a difficult couple of days but now there looked like there was light at the end of the tunnel.

“Umm sorry to burst your bubble you guys. But you have school in like an hour. And no I can’t send in another note sorry kiddos.” Barbara’s words shattered the excited atmosphere and a chorus of groans left the younger teenagers.

You however smirked at Douxie, a mischievous glint in your eyes.

“You ever been on a motorcycle?”

———————

Tell me if you want a part seven !! Hope you enjoyed

[katetheworm]

Naud Bui Amarth

Note: Since I really like this story and I kinda hinted at it before, I’m gonna post it here... if you see other sites (quotev, ao3, and wattpad) with this same story under the name “katethedork”, that is, in fact, still me. I had kept them separate because of personal reasons, but I frankly don’t care anymore lol. Reblogs, hearts, comments, and any questions on this are welcome! (picture is what Cefrey looks like)

Summary: Bound by Fate. Cefrey Stormwind. Cefrey the Green. She was known by many names, but none truly told of who she was. Cefrey was gifted, yes, in the ways of magic. Different than the wizards, and not as strong, her magic still helped her and her friends on many occasions. Her friends... a ragtag group of nine unlikely fellows all there to aid a small hobbit on his quest. Their fate, unknown, and yet... there was one thing she was sure about. This feeling that engulfed her whenever she was near him. He had to have felt it too. Right?

Pairing: Aragorn x Original Female Character/Reader

Word Count: 4,113

Part One (Part Two : Part Three : Part Four ; Part Five)

The path ahead will be a perilous one. Filled with danger, betrayal, hurt. But you must always remember that lifelong friendships are made when one's life is at stake. Even the occasional romance can be bloomed in the darkest of times. 

Fate is a fickle thing. It can be rewritten by the people it tries to ensnare, but it will always be there. Bringing people together, tearing them apart. Forcing an innocent mind to be corrupted, and the strongest of hearts to be broken. 

Most do not understand fate. Not their own, not others, not the world’s. And yet they always try to. They try to hold onto the fact that their life is in their own hands. When in reality it is in their minds that their true power over fate lies. It is not something physical that can be tied down. It is a mirage in the desert. An illusion cast by a magician. You can see it. But never truly grasp it. A fact many try to ignore

Why is it then, that you believe in what fate has in store for you, that you merely follow where it takes you without a second thought? 

Cefrey Stormwind. Cefrey the Green. Cefrey.

You may be able to control the chaos, the wild, around you. But fate, the very thing you truly have faith in, will forever connect you to the one you believe you cannot have.

~~~

The forest sang with each gale of wind that brushed past the many green leaves and branches of each tree. The birds and little forest creatures joined in harmony, adding to the orchestra of the wild. This beautiful area of nature was home to all sorts of living beings. All with their own sense of self and purpose. It was truly a wonder to behold. 

Not only were the speaking creatures in this forest, but also the mute ones, their colors vibrant against the many shades of green around them. Purples and blues and oranges, along with greens of every variation, could be seen in this part of the woods, including one made of fabric instead of vegetation. The blonde girl, with her bright green eyes that seemed to change with each passing moment, twirled through the open patch of the forest, a wide smile on her face as she listened to the sounds around her. 

With a light bounce in her step, Cefrey walked across the flower-filled field, breathing in the warm air as the sun rose to its peak. Her green dress swirled behind her, flowers and grass brushing against it. In her hand rested a small wicker basket, filled to the brim with herbs and flowers she picked along the way. Curled dark blonde hair pinned to the side with a simple broach kept it out of her face. Cefrey hated to cut her hair but also hated it when it got in her face. A small dilemma, to be sure, but one that was fixed quite easily. 

She seemed entirely carefree in this state, even when darkness loomed on the horizon. Some would say it was foolish to be that optimistic, others would envy her ability to see the light wherever she could. But both would be wrong in their assumptions. Cefrey was quite aware of the doom that seeped into each and every crack and crevice of this world. She knew that it was coming and it was coming fast. And yet she believed to live in the present. To enjoy life’s greatest -- and albeit smallest -- pleasures. 

If only it could last just a bit longer.

A low hum sounded through the air, stopping the girl from her waltz through the greens. She sighed heavily, knowing full well that it wouldn’t do her any good to ignore the call of a friend. It was a good thing the best herbs for her project were found near Hobbiton, else Cefrey would be feeling a lot more anger towards the old wizard. 

After pinpointing exactly where the call came from, the blonde made her way towards a small hobbit hole with a green-painted door. Gandalf had better have a good reason for calling her towards the small village. He knew how much she hated being around people. They always asked her questions. Too many questions. Cefrey knew they meant no harm but the constant poking and prodding at her could get rather tiring. 

She brushed her hair out of her face as she reached the entrance to the many small homes built in the sides of hills, the sun slowly setting across the horizon. If the people who lived there weren’t so curious and frankly rude, she would actually enjoy going there every once in a while. Unfortunately, hobbits were curious. Especially when it came to someone new and potentially dangerous. They needed to loosen up a bit, in her opinion. Not to say all hobbits were impolite. Just most.

Ignoring the judgmental stares from the many halflings both outside and inside their homes, Cefrey carried on her way, the small basket in her hand swinging from side to side with each step. Cefrey the Green, was what most called her. Though she was no wizard by any means of the imagination. No, wizards needed a physical object for their power, usually a staff. Cefrey, on the other hand, had no need for such an object. Instead, the magic was a part of her. It dwelled inside her, boiling over if she couldn’t control it. It took her many years to maintain the worst of it, with the help of a certain gray wizard. That was one of the reasons some assumed she was a wizard; she could be seen with Gandalf the Gray more often than with any other person. People thought she was his apprentice of sorts, but in reality, he was merely a mentor, and a friend. 

The low humming grew louder as she walked up the small hill towards the round green door. She raised her free hand and knocked twice on the pained wood, the sound finally stopped once she hit the door. Cefrey heard soft footfalls walk through the tunnels until they reached the door and swung it open. Before her stood a short fellow, probably a few inches under four feet. His curly, dark brown hair reached just above her waist, and his face was quite young looking with bright blue eyes, but knowing how hobbits aged slower than men, the blonde knew he was much older than he seemed. He was wearing traveling clothes along with a walking stick. Strange, she thought, hobbits weren't known for traveling. Well, all except one, she supposed.

The hobbit stared at her wide-eyed, perhaps he had never seen a human lady, or perhaps he merely hadn’t expected her. Before he could say anything, a familiar face popped up behind him. Weathered skin framed by a long white beard and a floppy gray hat was a face Cefrey could never forget.

“Gandalf! You old coot, you called me all the way here and didn't have the decency to open the door yourself?” She teased the old wizard while shaking her head, a small smile on her freckled face. 

The wizard chuckled at his friend’s banter and told the hobbit to let her inside. “Now, now, Cefrey, no need to be rude in front of your host.”

She looked back to the hobbit next to her and smiled down at him. “You must be Frodo Baggins. I never got the pleasure of meeting you, but your uncle and I go way back.”

“You knew my uncle?” The shocked look on Frodo’s face was quite adorable.

“Of course! I’m not even surprised he hadn’t told you about me.” She bowed deeply, almost theatrically before introducing herself. “I am Cefrey. Some know me as Cefrey the Green, but there’s no need to use that old title.”

Frodo nodded his head, happy to have met another of Bilbo’s old friends. Gandalf cleared his throat from beside them and gestured for them to sit at the table. The blonde set her basket down and clasped her hands in front of her. 

“So, my dear friend, why is it that you called me here?”

The wizard’s usually warm countenance soured to one of distaste. “I am afraid it is not for simple pleasantries, dear. No, in fact, there are some pressing matters we must attend to.” He tilted his head towards the golden ring on the table and a dark foreboding feeling fell over Cefrey. She knew exactly what that ring was.

“Ah… I see. Pressing matters indeed…” She trailed off, waiting for Gandalf to continue.

“I must travel away for a brief time, but I do not wish Frodo to be alone during his journey.”

Frodo furrowed his brows. “You mean you won't be going with me?”

Gandalf shook his head, a deep frown beneath his beard. “No, Frodo, I cannot. However, I believe Cefrey here can keep you safe while I am away.” He looked at the blonde. “If that is something you will agree to, of course.”

Cefrey took a deep breath, mulling over what her friend asked her. She knew Gandalf would never ask her if it wasn’t truly important. And judging by the object they would be carrying, this task was incredibly vital. 

But before she could give her friend an answer, Gandalf stood quickly and ran over to the windows grabbing his staff on the way. The blonde turned to see what the old wizard was up to and saw the flowers outside the window rustling. She laughed quietly to herself as Gandalf hauled an unfortunate young hobbit up onto the table, a harsh glint in the wizard’s eyes. 

“Confound it all! Samwise Gamgee, have you been eavesdropping?” The anger in his voice was loud and clear and yet Cefrey merely smiled at the confrontation. He always did get ahead of himself. 

The hobbit put his hands in front of him in surrender and apologised to the wizard. Cefrey leaned back in her chair and watched the scene in front of her, clearly amused. Gandalf, being the resourceful man he was, enlisted the young Sam to be another one of Frodo’s companions. He then turned back to you and awaited your response to his previous proposition.

She shrugged her shoulders and stood up, eyeing the two hobbits, then the wizard. “To Bree? That’s not too far. And I have some business there anyway. Some company on a journey has never hurt anyone, right?” Trying to lighten the mood, she smiled at the halflings, though they all knew the trek to Bree would not be as carefree as Cefrey made it out to be. 

Gandalf let out a relieved sigh at her words, knowing the two hobbits would be much safer with Cefrey. “Thank you, my friend. I would never ask anything of you that you did not agree to.”

“I know, Gandalf. Don’t worry about me. I’m sure I can take care of these two.”

.

Not so far away, a cloaked rider dashed across the green plains. A sword strapped to his back and many other objects tied to the saddle of the horse he sat upon. The wind whipped past him, allowing a glimpse of dark hair and gray eyes to be seen. This rider felt something within him grow as he grew closer to his destination. He knew not what it was inside him, but he also knew that feelings such as that should be kept under close scrutiny.

The horse galloped on the soft ground, her breath heaving after each step. Her strong muscles kept the rider atop her back from falling off and made it so he was able to stay on the road for long periods of time. Light brown hair clashed horribly with the dark cloth the rider donned. But without the many layers of black clothing, he would be spotted straight away. Hiding in plain sight was one of his strong suits.

Seeing the sun sink lower into the clouds, the rider spotted a nice area to camp for the night. Making a quick fire and giving his horse a much needed bucket of water and a few apples, the man took off his hood, revealing more of his rugged features. Long, dark hair hung to his shoulders, seeming dirty and unkempt along with the messy stubble along his jaw. Dark gray eyes peered knowingly at his surroundings. The way his jaw was set and the way his eyes flicked towards each and every shadow showed just how well versed this rider was in surviving the wilderness. 

A sharp pang made its way to his heart and he grimaced at the feeling. Something was causing this to happen to him, something he couldn’t see. The man knew from years of experience that this was no normal pain. He couldn’t even say if it was magical. It felt as if something was pulling at him. Pulling him towards something. What that thing was, he did now know. The most he could say was that it was different. Different than anything he had encountered before. However, because of this, he could do nothing to stop it.

Thankfully, after a few minutes of rest, the pain faded until it was gone again. Though the rider knew that it was not gone for good. There was something about the way it made him feel that told him it would keep coming back. 

He sighed and looked at the setting sun. He watched the myriad of colors in the sky as they reflected on the clouds and the trees. Something was brewing in Middle Earth. And even though he knew not what it was, Aragorn knew he was a part of it. 

.

Gandalf led the trio into the woods where he departed from them, saying his business brought him elsewhere, to the head of his Order, but he would meet with them at the Prancing Pony. They said their goodbyes and Cefrey nodded in understanding to the old wizard. She swore she would keep the hobbits safe on their journey to Bree, and keep them safe she would. 

Frodo and Sam noticed that the green dressed girl did not carry any bags with her. The only thing she put on was a short brown cloak with a hood. They didn’t even see where she got it from. Frodo thought Cefrey was incredibly interesting and that she must have had plenty of thrilling stories to tell, especially if she was friends with his uncle. Sam, on the other hand, refused to take an eye off the strange woman. There was something about her that made him skeptical of her allegiance. He had heard of the tales the other hobbits told of her. Cefrey the Green, just as much of a trouble maker as Gandalf, though twice as strange.

Cefrey took the lead of the group and walked through the forest and fields as if she had lived in them her whole life. Sam called out to her, he had to know at least one thing, “So, Miss Cefrey, are you like Gandalf?”

The blonde chuckled at the hobbit’s inquiry. “Quite a broad question, Samwise.” She leaped over a large boulder effortlessly, her hair, tied in a loose bun, flopped behind her. “In some ways, I am very similar to dear old Gandalf. In others, I am almost the exact opposite. Which way are you referring to?”

Not entirely expecting that kind of answer, Sam flushed slightly before responding. “Well, I suppose what I mean to ask is whether you’re a wizard or not. I mean, people call you Cefrey the Green, and Gandalf is Gandalf the Gray, so…”

“So you assume that since I wear green and have a title like Gandalf’s I must be a wizard?” She continued walking while contemplating the hobbit’s question. “To answer that, Samwise, I must say that I am not a wizard. No, wizards have staffs and pointy hats. I have neither.” Before Sam could interject, Cefrey continued. “However, some call me a mage or a sorceress, but that does not mean I cannot use magic like dear old Gandalf. It merely works differently than the five old wizards’ does. Their magic is channeled through themselves and their staff. Mine is just a part of me. It flows through me just as my blood does. And that allows me to do this!” With a quick snap of her fingers, a small burst of light and thunder showered in front of the hobbit for a split second before disappearing completely.

She laughed loudly at the expression worn on Sam’s face; pure shock mixed with a bit of fear. Frodo was surprised for a bit as well but soon joined in with her laughter. While Sam just stood there for a moment before shooting a small glare at the blonde.

“That was entirely uncalled for, Miss Cefrey!”

She stopped laughing and apologised to the halfling. “Sorry, Samwise, but you did ask if I was a wizard, I just demonstrated that I wasn’t.” 

The next few hours of their trek consisted of Frodo and Sam asking Cefrey many questions. She obliged them albeit reluctantly since that was one of her biggest pet peeves, people asking her unnecessary questions. However, these two hobbits seemed a lot nicer than most folks she met, so she wasn’t as annoyed as she would have been normally. 

During their walk through the woods and fields and streams, Cefrey began to feel a hard pain in her chest. It was strange. She didn’t fall and hit herself on a rock, she never touched any poisonous plants, and yet this pain just deepened the more she walked on. Like some unknown force was taking her heart and squeezing it. She made no indication to her companions that she was hurting, she managed to hide it quite well in fact, but it still made her face twist in pain. 

Thankfully, after a few moments, the pain receded and went away as if it was never there. Curious and slightly frustrated that she could not figure out what it was, Cefrey ignored the odd pain and stored it in the back of her mind to think about later. At least, that was what she tried to do before she was rudely shoved to the ground by two sprinting halflings. 

One stood up and got a good look at the trio before a wide smile went across his face. “Frodo! Merry, it’s Frodo Baggins!”

The other hobbit eyed the one in question and also smiled. “Hello, Frodo.” He turned to face the sorceress and his smile never left. “And hello to you too, lady!”

Cefrey nodded her head to the two troublesome hobbits. She saw the many vegetables laying around them and shook her head. Her theory that they had stolen said crops was proven as a loud and angry voice boomed through the cornfield and a scythe was seen waving over the tall stalks. 

Without another word, the duo ran away with their arms still full of stolen goods as barking was heard closing in on their position. The blonde shook her head at the sight but ran after them nonetheless. The four halflings fell on top of one another while Cefrey landed gracefully on her feet on the dirt road, not a single drop of dirt on her simple green gown. The road…

Fearing the worst and having it accompanied by the shrill shriek of the very thing she dreaded, Cefrey called out to her companions and the newly added ones, “Get off the road!”

Grabbing onto Sam as he was arguing with the other two hobbits over a pile of mushrooms, she hurriedly hid him and herself under a large root beside the road. She hushed them all and tried to quiet her own breathing. She would have normally put a protective barrier around them, but knowing what was chasing them, she knew it would only draw its attention even more. 

A darkness fell over the mage, making it hard to breathe, to see, to keep her power at bay. No! She shook off the feeling of helplessness, of despair, and strengthened her resolve. She would not have this, this thing overtake her and destroy years of patience that allowed her to control herself and the power within her. She breathed slowly, feeling her control come back and her calm to take over. The darkness receded to the corners of her vision, but it was still there. Why…

With a sharp turn of her head, she glanced at Frodo beside her and her eyes widened at the sight. He was struggling to breathe, to maintain control of his body. Cefrey quickly grabbed his hands in hers and muttered a quiet incantation under her breath, bringing the light back to them. 

Thankfully, one of the hobbits threw a mushroom across the road, causing the creature to whip its head around and follow the new sound. The darkness finally left and Frodo regained himself, his breathing returning to normal. Cefrey let out a sigh of relief and stood up, brushing the dirt off her dress and helping the other hobbits to their feet. 

She granted them a very short respite before glancing around, looking for any sign of the creature. The woods seemed to close in around her and the mage ushered the halflings to keep going. “Come on, we have to continue moving.”

The urgency in her voice and the fearsome ordeal they went through with the black rider was enough to get the four of them moving as fast as they could. Cefrey led them through the woods, a couple of feet ahead of the others, her eyes switching between the trees, making sure they didn’t run into the rider again. She barely heard the hobbits speak to one another, her mind still racing until it was yet again consumed by the overbearing blackness.

She breathed in sharply, “Get down!”

The loud shriek of the black rider tore through the forest, almost deafening the group of five. It reared its horse above them, looking, searching for them. For the ring. Frodo told his cousins in a hushed tone that he and Sam had to leave, they had to get out of the Shire. 

Merry nodded his head, an idea coming to mind. “Right… Buckleberry Ferry… Follow me!”

The five stood up and quickly started running through the trees, avoiding branches and rocks along the way. Cefrey took the rear, wanting to keep an eye on the four halflings but also not knowing the way to this Ferry. Her strides were longer, but she managed to slow down enough to make sure they stayed in front of her and in her line of sight. Without warning, another rider burst through the trees in front of them, giving yet another high pitched wail from under its hood. Three of the hobbits ran past it towards the river while Frodo got trapped weaving in and out of the pitch-black horse. 

The mage grabbed his hand and pulled him with her to the ferry, not giving a second glance to the many riders behind them. She saw the ferry begin to move away from the dock and pushed the young ring bearer ahead of her while she stood her ground. Frodo continued running as Cefrey put her hands in front of her, a deep look of concentration on her pale face. 

Time seemed to slow around her, the riders’ steeds whinnied at the girl before them as the hobbits yelled at her and Frodo to get on the raft. A sudden bright flash of light erupted from Cefrey’s outstretched hands, blinding the riders and giving her and Frodo enough time to jump onto the ferry. She collapsed onto the small wooden boat, exhausted and frankly frightened at the determination the riders showed. This ring was more powerful than she originally believed. 

The four hobbits stood over her tired form, some parts of them in awe at what they just witnessed, other parts in deep worry at the sight of her seemingly sickened body. Frodo shooed them away and told Merry to get them to Bree as fast as possible. He knelt beside his companion and held her hand, squeezing it gently. 

“You can rest now, Cefrey. We’ll wake you once we get to the next crossing.”

She smiled tiredly at the young halfling, his kindness, and compassion a trait to be envied. With an almost nonexistent nod of her head, the sorceress slowly drifted into sleep.