#something something dark knight quests

[potassium-pilot]

FFXIVWrite 2023, Prompt 14: Clear

It was another night, and Dia was fast asleep. Dreams began to form and she found herself in the company of Ardbert, a frequent visitor to her dreams since they rejoined, as they sat in a pub that appeared vaguely like the Forgotten Knight.

"All right, what's the plan? Absurd treasure troves? Hunting ridiculously big monsters? Whatever it is, just not another of that card game of yours", Ardbert suggested.

"If only you got to play it with others in life. It makes more sense when you have more than just me as an opponent." She held out her hand to allow an aged parchment to materialize in her hand, unfurling it before laying it on the bar counter. "I'm thinking absurd treasure trove."

"Now we're talking. All right, I know where that is. Let me mark it on my map." He too materialized a map from thin air and marked it with a pen. "Okay, let's go."

The two stood up from their pub seats while the scenery changed around them to become a dungeon opening in a place that looked vaguely like the Twelveswood at night. "Perfect, we're here!"

"Nice short route, too. Onward, then." Ardbert removed his axe from his holster and held it close. "Make the enemies more of a challenge this time, would you?"

"If you're going to complain about it, I'll make them easier."

Ardbert rolled his eyes before he took sight at the pack of gremlins running his way, calling his mother all sorts of profanities and telling him to fuck off. The Hume knocked them all away with ease and ran forward to combat the human skeletons holding swords and lances.

"This all you got? Skeletons and gremlins?" Ardbert complained.

"I'm here for the exploration, not the combat."

Once he disassembled the last skeleton, he took a moment to appreciate the architecture. "I'll admit your design is much better than your enemy generation."

"It's weak enemies or Triple Triad."

"This. I'll pick this every time."

The bones floated away and reformed into a large human skeleton while a gremlin body floated to the top of the neck. A massive skeleton with a gremlin head roared back at Ardbert, gripping a scythe.

"The Grem Reaper", Dia introduced.

"Gods sake", he laughed. It took a moment, but so too did it fall to Ardbert and his axe. "All right, let's see who guards the trove."

She had a stony staircase lead them down to their battle, the walls carved with ornate and intricate designs. When they reached the bottom, small waterfalls adorned the place, glowing lilies floating on the water. The room's lighting remained dark, however, no matter how much Dia tried to brighten it.

"You all right?" Ardbert asked.

"I'm trying to get the reveal to happen, and nothing's working."

A light finally did flicker on, though not at Dia's command. From the darkness stood Meteion, blackened by despair.

"Greetings, you who are my final encounter", she greeted. Her right hand held onto someone else. The light glowed from above to unveil Hermes, still wearing his mask.

He smiled at Dia.

"...you're not doing this on purpose, are you?"

Dia shook her head, gawking in wide-eyed shock. She stood stiff as a board, the only thing moving her shaking jaw. Ardbert tried to move forward to fight them off, only to find that he was stuck in place. "Dia, I can't move!" he struggled to say. "You've got to unclench if you want to get rid of them."

"I don't want to fight them", she whispered.

"What? You've defeated them already. Out there, in reality. One of them was even dragged to hell, remember?"

"I can't do it", she whimpered. "Not again." She could finally take a step backwards, and then another until finally, she had enough control over her faculties that she could turn around and make a full sprint back upstairs.

At the top of the staircase, she bumped straight into something warm that knocked her to her feet. When Dia looked up, Hythlodaeus looked down to her with a smile and a wave.

"Don't worry. I'm a friend, not a foe", he explained calmly. "So are they, in truth."

Hermes, Meteion, and Ardbert ran up the stairs, Ardbert moving past those two to help Dia to her feet.

"They're really not bad eggs, Dia. They worried about you when you ran off", Ardbert told her.

Blue feathers began to reappear across Meteion and Hermes slowly removed his mask to uncover his emerald eyes.

"Why did you run?" asked Hermes.

Dia hesitated. "...I...I was...scared."

"Why? Do you fear us?"

"No. No, I don't fear you. I..."

Hermes approached her. "Yes, our parting was bitter. Regretful, even. But did we not enjoy what we had together?"

"That doesn't justify what you've done."

"Nor do I look to. No, I seek forgiveness from you, Dia."

"What?"

"Please. I need it."

"...y...you're not the real Hermes."

"But I'm very real to you. In fact, you face me every day."

Dia blinked.

"You think of me quite often. When someone calls you a hero, the savior of the star, something like that- you think back to me. Not Hermes, necessarily, but me."

"Dia", Hythlodaeus asked, "What do you think?"

She heard his question. Dia stepped to Hermes and gently took his hands, having put two and two together.

"Give me time", she requested. "I'm just not there yet, but I'm trying. I really am."

"I'll always wait for you. I have no wish to scare you again."

"You're going to scare me for a good long time, no matter what you do." Dia smiled. "Let me take my time with this. I can only offer assurances that I'm trying, but it's the truth. I hope one day, I can face you again."

"I hope so, too." Hermes began to dematerialize as a green aether before slowly drifting away from her.

"What about me?" asked Meteion.

Dia looked down to her and asked, "What do you seek?"

"I want to be your friend."

Dia laughed gently. "Perhaps if you were the real Meteion, this would be a very different discussion. Unfortunately, I need time to figure out how I feel about you, too."

"Will it always be like this?"

"I sincerely hope not."

Meteion bowed her head, then sparkled with light as she transformed into a starbird and flew out of the dungeon and into the forest.

Dia turned to Hythlodaeus and asked, "And you? What do you seek?"

"Something a bit more diverting than the Lifestream. I can't fully partake fully of the effects until your return. It's good to take breaks from delusions every now and again, even if they are your gifts to us."

Dia gasped. "You're the real Hythlo?!"

"As real as one can be when they've returned to the star, anyway. Emet-Selch is a far better mage than I, but thanks to the eternal bond we three shared in the distant past, I can still feel you, in a sense, and had an opportunity I couldn't resist."

Dia smiled. "The dream not to your liking?"

"Far from it. I play a regular part in it. But sometimes, I like to know how you are doing, my new old friend."

Ardbert patted his back. "Thanks for stopping Dia. She froze downstairs and took off."

"Well, as I recall, you requested challenging. I dare not think of anything more formidable than those you would call friends."

"A fair point. Dia, care to tell me what the fuck that was all about?" Ardbert asked.

"I think I need to unpack that a bit too. Let's do it together when we wake up." Dia looked back to Hythlodaeus, who asked, "I know you've made it clear that you do not wish for Hades to visit your dreams, but am I subjected to this?"

"You didn't kill off the only family I ever had, and run several genocidal dictatorships, so I think I'll allow you passage on occasion."

Hythlodaeus grinned. "Thank you! Now, how about we retrieve your treasure?"

Dia brought her gaze to the stairwell. "I don't think I earned it."

"No? What about for your defeat of the all-powerful Grem Reaper?" Hythlodaeus teased.

Dia thought about it for a second. "How about chocolate and a walk around the forest?"

"Genius!"

"Better than staying in here, anyway", Ardbert agreed.

Chocolate bars appeared in everyone's hands, and they walked out of the dungeon into the forest.

[strangelittlestories]

When the knight kissed the princess, and the curse did not lift, it caused some consternation.

“I don’t understand,” the knight said, her brow furrowing like a deep sea trench, “I love you more than I love chivalry, more than I love honour. Being with you makes my heart sing. It makes me feel like there is an order to the heavens. In the music of your voice, I hear the truth of the cosmos reverberated through a thousand harmonious notes.”

“That’s very nice,” replied the princess wearily, her voice a song of sharp hungers, “but I still yearn to consume the hearts of the unworthy, so *something is not right*.”

“If I may interject?” The evil fairy was still lying on the floor, the knight’s cold iron blade in their chest, blood burbling from their mouth. “It sounds like the noble Knight of the Steel Harp is not so much in love with *you* as with how you make *her feel*.”

“How can that be?” the knight asked, “I know what I feel; this love is wound right through the marrow of me. I feel it in my every atom.”

The princess looked at the knight, the dark magic making deep predacious pools of her eyes.

“Sweet knight,” she annunciated carefully around her fangs, “what is it *about me* that you love?”

“I…I love the adventures we have shared. The words we shared as we unravelled the mystery of your curse. The way we went about our journey, how our every step became more and more in sync as we reached our destination. I love how steadfastly you struggled against the foul urges of the fell enchantment upon you.”

The princess gave the knight a look that was equal parts sad and ravenous.

“You love the experience. The journey. You love my *opposition* to that which was done to me.” She closed her eyes. “I will not diminish that. The road we’ve tread means more to me than I can say; it was the whole world, and us the only people in it.”

“But a quest is not a *life*.” The evil fairy smiled despite the lifeblood leaking from their fading shell.

“And though we may love it,” the princess continued, “it is not, itself, love.”

“So what do we do?”

“First, I am going to eat that fairy’s rotten heart.” replied the princess, matter-of-factly, “and then, I suppose, we work out if there’s anything about each other that we actually like?”

“They say love makes your heart beat faster.” The fairy laughed, sickly. “In this case, its absence seems to make you *eat* hearts faster.”

“Oh, shut up.” said the princess.

And everything after that was teeth.

[lightparty-fullparty]

You know, I don't think as a fandom we explore what being a Dragoon WoL means the same way we do like, Dark Knight.

Because the Eye of Nidhogg resonants with the WoL when they met Estinien for the first time. The Eye that (iirc) only 'chooses' very specific kind of peoole for Azure Dragoon - If Estinien and to a lesser degree Alberic is anything to go by. Vengeful, angry people. People who have been hurt and are seeking revenge for it.

Personally, I'm of the headcannon that this is because Nidhogg (able to sense where his eye is and kinda feel things through it? Maybe even see through it) is trying to get those people worked up enough to possess them. Like with Estinien during the DRG 50 duty.

So what does it mean for a WoL who is also a Dragoon? Who has done that series of quests and had the Eye look at them and go:

"Ah yes. You. You too feel hatred and rage and pain enough that you could easily lose yourself over it. You want revenge for something, vengence. You want to make someone or something else hurt just as much as you do right now."

Idk I just think it's interesting and feel like I don't see it very much for WoL meta.

[hargreeves-duncan]

⎯⎯ BEDTIME BICEPS

a/n: @claraswritings posted some pictures talking about luca’s biceps and it inspired me to write a little something for it, so, go check her out❤️

summary: luca comes home after a long night and cuddles up to his girl

warnings: brief mention of alcohol

word count: 1.0k

visual is for vibes only, reader’s appearance is nondescript!

You couldn’t help the way your eyes fluttered in and out of consciousness as you laid in bed.

It was creeping into the early hours of the morning and Luca had yet to come back from a work-do for somebody or other’s birthday.

You had your duvet cuddled up to your neck as you tried to resist the urge to sleep. Just a few minutes longer… he’d be home soon… you could wait it out.

You drifted off again, head seeking out your pillow like a knight on a devoted quest, only to snap awake again at the sound of keys in the door.

You blinked sleepily as you heard the rustle of your 6”2 boyfriend trying - unsuccessfully - to sneak back into the house unnoticed.

A colossal crash sounded from the corridor followed by a string of whispered curses. The shoe rack had fallen over.

“Luca?” you called quietly from bed. The swearing subsided and, a few moments later, footsteps approached the bedroom hesitantly.

Luca poked his head into the room, squinting in the dark, “Darling?”

He made out your open eyes in the dark, blinking back at him. He frowned slightly.

“What are you still doing awake?” he cooed softly, making a beeline for your side.

He perched on the side of the bed, gently rubbing a hand over your cheek as he looked you over, “Thought I told you to sleep and I’d see your pretty face in the morning?”

Your eyelids flickered open and closed, open and closed, tired beyond comprehension and still fighting sleep. You nodded, “Yeah, you said, but I wanted to wait up for you. I couldn’t sleep.”

“I see,” Luca murmured, fingers sliding over your shoulder and beginning to trace a lazy pattern up and down your spine, sending tingles through you.

“Well, I’m home, now,” he said softly, “Do we think we can try and get some sleep?”

You nodded, reaching for his free hand. He held it out to you and you wrapped both hands around it. He smiled fondly at the sight, “You seem very tired.”

“Cause, I am,” you mumbled, pressing your cheek against the mattress, and revellling in his touch and voice both.

“How about…” he purred gently, pulling back slightly, “I go and get you a nice cup of water, and get changed out of these clothes, and then we can cuddle up properly, hm?”

You liked the sound of that. You nodded, rolling over with a yawn.

Luca gave your hip a soft pat and stood again, “Don’t fall asleep on me, darling. I’ll only be a few minutes.”

You grumbled incoherently as he disappeared down the hallway, in search of a water for you.

He returned a few minutes later, as promised, a glass of water in each hand. He was now in only a grey t-shirt and boxer shorts, padding quietly towards you.

“Still with me, gorgeous?” he asked, setting the cups on the nightstand.

You nodded, pulling the blanket back for him, “Quick, get in, before we lose all the heat.”

Luca climbed into bed, pressing himself up behind you, and tucking the covers over you both once more, “I’m in.”

He leaned down to your neck and breathed you in, happy to finally be home.

Your own nose scrunched as you smiled tiredly, “You smell like beer and your fancy cologne.”

“Do I?” he chuckled, pressing a lazy kiss to the back of your neck, “I’m sorry, beautiful.”

“S’fine,” you mumbled, sinking back into him. Before long, you shifted fussily, dissatisfied with your current arrangements.

You pushed up onto your hands, looking at him expectantly, “Shift.”

Luca laughed quietly at your demanding tone, the sound rumbling deep in his chest. He sat back against the headboard and opened his arms for you.

You turned and wormed your way around until you rested your head on his chest.

“There you go,” he said, his bicep curling beneath your head, like a soft pillow, letting you nestle your cheek into his thick arm.

You hummed appreciatively and Luca lent down, pressing a kiss to the top of your head.

You nuzzled closer to it and felt his arm flex subtly around you, tightening his grip on you. You relaxed as you felt him do so.

He noticed the sunken look in your face, exhaustion quickly taking over. He whispered reassuringly, “Close your eyes, gorgeous. I’ve got you.”

His big hand began to run over your head, gently caressing your scalp and moving with a tender touch through your hair.

You sighed against him, the smooth motions of his hands lulling you to sleep, slowly but surely.

You let your face bury into his chest, breathing Luca in and letting him absorb you completely. All the tension seemed to drop from your body.

His arms tightened around you, pulling you inexplicably closer to him and cradling you close to his heart. He kissed the top of your head again.

“Just sleep, darling,” he said, letting his own eyes close as he simply held you, “I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”

The sound of his heartbeat, the gentle strokes of his fingers, the warmth of his body. It all had your eyelids fluttering shut for good.

With a final, soft sigh, you let go. Your body relaxed completely against his, the weight of the day finally lifting as you succumbed to sleep.

Luca stayed awake just a little longer, listening to your steady breathing, a content smile curling on his lips. His arms remained around you, holding you close, making sure that even in your sleep, you never felt alone.

[tritoch]

i know a lot of people (very understandably) dislike the paladin job quests in ffxiv, particularly HW, but i do think it's fun that, now that the pre-ShB MSQ revamp is complete, paladins now have a very cool and thematic in-game storyline that happens without a word being spoken: the development of passage of arms.

none of the below is directly stated in the script, but imo it's a fairly obvious gloss on what the game presents, if you assume a paladin warrior of light. spoilers for all expansions through the end of 6.X.

in the new version of steps of faith, as vishap breaks through each ward protecting ishgard from attack, lucia mounts a final desperate effort to hold him back, with a very familiar looking animation:

but even lucia can't hold back vishap's flame alone, so the temple knights surge forward to assist her. their efforts make the shield visually more powerful and larger. the temple knights here band together in defense of ishgard, and their knightly resolve to protect their home is the difference between victory and defeat.

lucia and the knights do ultimately succeed in defending the last ward, as you have to defeat vishap before their shield falls or you lose.

later in heavensward, obviously, we will get ffxiv's most famous (failed) attempt at blocking something with a shield.

this moment can be read as fairly impactful on the warrior of light's development; as i've noted elsewhere, after the trauma of watching haurchefant bleed out in their arms at level 57, at level 58 paladins learn to channel their magic into healing (and it's called "clemency," or mercy. mercy for whom? who was guilty?), and as someone pointed out on that post, at level 58 dark knights used to get "sole survivor", letting them heal in response to a marked target's death.

for a time, you literally carry haurchefant's shield with you, and 3.3 very much literalizes in genre fashion the idea that even when you are standing alone, your fallen friends stand with you. you don't need to call any allies to stand at your side and raise their shields with you because they are already there, in spirit.

stormblood marks a pretty important turning point in the warrior of light as a combatant, in my opinion, and the text makes this clear in several ways. first, in pretty much all your jobs, you've now far exceeded your trainers and are pioneering new techniques. this is no less true of paladin, which for 60-70 abandons any trainers at all for you to show off your peerless skills in a tournament.

second, stormblood is straight up a story about you getting stronger. at level 61, zenos kicks your ass. at level 70, you kick his ass. why? because you fought and got stronger and developed incredible new techniques and became a one-man army.

for a lot of classes, this story lines up nicely with the big rotation changes or flashy new finishers on the way from 60 to 70. SMN is now busting out bahamut and casting akh morn; RDM gets verflare and verholy; DRG starts harnessing nidhogg's power directly through dragon sight and nastrond.

the tanks are divided in two: warriors and gunbreakers get huge damaging upgrades at 70 in the form of inner release and continuation, each of which lets them hit the same button many times for lots of damage and satisfying animations. paladin and dark knight get more protective abilities; dark knight gets the blackest night, and there's been plenty said about that already by pretty much everyone.

paladins get passage of arms. instead of a relentless new attack (and you get requiescat at 68, which is a way bigger deal for your dps rotation), your big reveal at 70 for zenos in your fight in ala mhigo is a superior way to protect your party, a shield that lets you stand for your allies so they never have to fall for you again. it's lucia's same shield, except you need no allies' shields to reinforce you, proof of your martial prowess and your ability to transcend limits, and perhaps in truth a reminder that you never really stand alone.

in many respects passage of arms should really feel like a paladin signature move to you now if you are playing it at this point, because you should be popping it in pretty much every fight (you are using your mits, right...?). basically every FFXIV fight has at least one big AOE with downtime that warrants passage of arms usage, usually after the mid-fight add phase with slowly filling bar. since that AOE usually drops during downtime, there's no reason not to pop passage of arms (which otherwise restricts your movement and actions), and even on normal, sometimes every little bit counts on a damage check even if it means dropping DPS (thinking here of harrowing hell P10N on release, which was...less consistent for a lot of roulette parties than you might hope).

so from 70 onward, passage of arms is in a sense a paladin warrior of light's signature move, and certainly the one a player gets to most actually enjoy (since if you're using it, you're by necessity not doing anything besides moving your camera and admiring your sick animation). it doesn't have any competition in terms of spectacle until confiteor, and those you're usually throwing out in the middle of movement.

it's such a signature, in fact, that the only other person shown using your one-person version of passage of arms is your greatest admirer, who studied your legend for over a century.

and it's when he fails (should've popped arm's length, bud) that the warrior of light decides they can't let their friends fall for them, and sends them away with the transporter beacon. this is all wrong: you were meant to die for them, not the other way around. yours is the shield that stands between your allies and defeat. it is you who will win this passage of arms and break your opponents lance. and you do.

and then later, when they need to quickly establish zero's domain as a place of fallen grandeur, the home of someone who once believed in heroes but is now a cool and cynical vampire hunter d, what do they use? a decayed statue of someone in the paladin endwalker gear doing the passage of arms animation, of course.

from a visible instantiation of knighthood as a joint effort to defend what is sacred, to a tribute to the fallen friends whose memories stand by you and animate you, to a symbol of the wol's power as emulated by their allies or darkly mirrored in other shards.

not bad for a mit button you hit once per fight and otherwise never think about!

[little-fae-hero]

Linked Universe, The Chosen Hero

My headcanons/aus

Art by Atro

Colored version.

Long talk/Ideas under the cut. Warning for dark themes, sickly appearance and death visions (Note: I may stuff over time but nothing will be delete from the list).

Twilight. Wind. Legend. Hyrule. Four. Time. War. Wild.

Sky (Skyward Sword). Other Nicknames: Hylia’s chosen, Sleepyhead, Cloud, Birdbrain, First knight, Skyloftan.

Titles: Hylia’s Chosen Hero, The Hero Reborn, Hero of Skyloft.

God who has claim over his soul: Hylia

Part of First’s soul: Caring/kindness (biggest piece)

Note: While he is technically called the ‘first hero’ he wasn’t actually the first hero. The first one while saving humanity was wounded, and died. However the first hero was scrapped from history, so by all accounts Sky is the ‘first hero’. He’s also the ‘first hero’ by a time travel and the grandfather paradox.

History:

Link was just a boy on Skyloft, he was in the knights academy along with his best friend Zelda and his rival known as Groose. They are bonded with Loftwings which are considered half of their soul. Link gets a weird dream, is woken up and then has to go looking for his Loftwing, Red. Link eventually finds his Loftwing and wins the race, officially graduating and Zelda gives him her sailcloth.

A tornado pulls Zelda out of the sky, Link tries to help her but it is seemingly useless. When Link wakes up, he’s called by a mystery figure who lures him down to a secret place, where the Goddess sword is located. He meets the spirit in the Goddess Sword, her name is Fi and she was given the task of helping the chosen hero defeat the Demon known as Demise, she offers that if Link takes this adventure he will find Zelda as well.

Eventually during this adventure Link learns the truth, that Zelda is Hylia reborn, that this was a long plan coming and just exactly who he is. Despite everything he still goes after to save her, having to forge the Master Sword to make sure it can actually be strong enough to kill the demon. After facing and killing the demon, Demise uttered a curse, to always be reborn and that the ones with the goddess blood and the hero spirit can never know peace. Link says goodbye to Fi but has to grapple with what he’s learned, he still loves Zelda and his new quest is to settle on the surface and have a family with Zelda for as long as his body will allow.

Death: Happened soon after his second child with Zelda. Suddenly his soul was becoming too much for his body and burned him from the inside out. He died out on a walk, Zelda did her best but couldn’t get his heart to start again.

Interesting stuff/Headcanons:

Link learns about his past and gains memories back after his first temple. He kept trying to push and go forward so Fi had to push him into the water to save him.

Basically his soul was burning up his body.

He does have a slight breakdown after this and is left with a burn scar over his heart.

After the final battle, Sky is lit with lighting scars crawling up his body. Most are seen on his neck, but some hint up to his face.

Sky talked a lot with Fi and really grew to care for her, she was the only person who would talk about the past with him. He still talks to the sword even if he won’t get an answer.

He learns a lot of songs and a lot of stories that he shouldn’t know. He knows history that has been lost to ages and will forever stay lost.

Sky falling asleep isn’t natural, it was a safety measure done by Hylia, to try and keep his soul from burning out like the last hero.

So if he sits down for too long without something to do, he will fall asleep.

He also suffers from visions and dreams about the future. Some are vague but others are not. He knew he was fated to die before Zelda’s hair even turned gray.

The prophetic dreams come from the father of his soul, and his connection to time. Sky has the dreams cause he has the biggest soul piece.

Sky tries to stay on the positive side because 1) it’s in his nature and 2) if he didn’t he probably would have broken down by now.

Sky has come to terms that Zelda isn’t Hylia, she may have some memories but Hylia couldn’t be bound in a mortal form (at least not like in the games), she is just what Hylia thinks are her best parts (you can think like Zelda is a daughter or offshoot of Hylia).

Zelda and Sky both deal with an identity crisis and bond over it. Zelda does try to find ways to stop Sky’s visions from coming true.

He keeps a feather from his Loftwing in his hair, so he can always be connected to Red.

He took up woodworking and whittling to keep himself awake when he sits down.

Unlike the others, he seems to be the only one experiencing the curse, it could be because he has a bigger piece of the original soul.

He can play the harp, specially he still carries around and uses the goddess harp.

He can cook, he just often doesn’t because he would doze off while something was cooking.

Just because Sky is sleeping doesn’t mean he’s resting, so he has bags under his eyes despite the amount of sleeping he does.

The bags combined with his pale skin that never seems to get darker, gives him a gaunt appearance at times.

His visions have also allowed him to see what the others deal with on their adventure (as well as their deaths). He mainly tries to come across as someone you can talk to.

Sky adores birds, he doesn’t understand why all the others seem to hate them.

Sometimes he feels a bitter envy for the other heroes, not knowing their fate, not knowing the burning feeling digs into his chest.

Sky is very protective of Fi and the Master Sword, he doesn’t understand how someone like Time sees it as a curse.

Sky can actually feel/see the other hero’s spirits or the broken part. Sometimes his mind screams at him to do something, but he doesn’t know what. (it’s like a faint greenish glow)

—-

[aventurineswife]

Hello I was watching tangled and I got an idea for a request, what if the reader, who uses a frying pan like Rapunzel, was present during the 2.4 and 2.5 quests and then used it to smack their opponents upside the head from behind, I just thought it'd be funny to see how the characters would react to it.

Frying Pan Saves The Day!

Tags: Feixiao x Reader, Jiaoqiu x Reader, Moze x Reader, Action-Adventure, Humor, Crack Fic Elements, Battle Scenes, Unconventional Weaponry, Found Family Dynamics, Light Angst.

Warnings: Violence, Injuries, Emotional Themes, Mild Language, Comedic Violence, Dark Undertones.

A/N: Thought of adding March and Yunli but I ran out of motivation and ideas 😔😪💔

The battlefield was chaos. The abominations swarmed the Xianzhou Yaoqing like an unrelenting tide, their screeches rising above the clang of steel and the cries of wounded soldiers. Feixiao moved like a whirlwind. Her twin glaives glinted under the dim starlight, slicing through the enemy ranks with an elegance that belied the brutal carnage.

Amid the chaos, you crept through the fray, armed not with a weapon of celestial craftsmanship but an ordinary frying pan. The ridiculousness of it all wasn’t lost on you, but desperate times called for creative measures. You hadn’t intended to be here, but an unfortunate teleportation mishap left you smack in the middle of Feixiao’s mission.

“Stay back!” Feixiao barked at you mid-swing, her eyes narrowing as she cleaved an abomination clean in two. “You’re unarmed!”

“I’m armed!” you shot back, brandishing your frying pan with mock pride.

She glanced at your makeshift weapon and blinked in disbelief. “What—?”

Before she could finish her sentence, one of the creatures lunged at her from behind. Reacting on pure instinct, you swung the frying pan with all your might, the metallic clang resonating through the battlefield. The abomination crumpled to the ground, its grotesque head dented like a crumpled can.

Feixiao stared at you, dumbfounded. “Did you just—?”

“Hit it with a frying pan? Yes. Yes, I did.” you replied smugly, twirling the pan like it was the most natural thing in the world.

For a moment, the great Vanquishing General looked utterly lost for words. Then she threw her head back and laughed—a hearty, genuine laugh that echoed across the battlefield. “You’re either incredibly brave or absurdly foolish. Perhaps both.”

The battle resumed, and you found yourself trailing Feixiao, bonking abominations on the head whenever they got too close. To your surprise, the soldiers began cheering you on, some even mimicking your frying-pan antics with their shields.

When the battle was finally over, Feixiao sheathed her glaives and approached you. “You’re either a lunatic or a genius. Either way, I’m keeping you around,” she declared with a grin. “But next time, I’ll make sure you’re armed with something better than… that.”

“What’s better than a frying pan?” you teased.

“Literally anything,” she deadpanned, though the amused glint in her eye betrayed her true feelings.

The tension in the infirmary was palpable. Jiaoqiu worked tirelessly, his hands moving with practiced precision despite his blindness. His irises, dull and unseeing, remained fixed ahead as he administered his unique "nine-square grid" formula to the wounded.

You stood at his side, offering assistance where you could. The sudden attack on the outpost had left the infirmary understaffed, and you were determined to help in any way possible—even if it meant wielding your trusty frying pan against the incoming threat.

The doors burst open, and a wave of corrupted enemies flooded the room. Jiaoqiu didn’t flinch, his calm demeanor unshaken. “Protect the patients,” he instructed softly, his voice a balm amidst the chaos. “I will continue my work.”

“Got it,” you replied, gripping your frying pan like a knight preparing for battle.

The first abomination to approach you met the flat side of your pan with a resounding clang. It stumbled backward, its grotesque face now sporting a comical dent. You swung again, this time catching another creature on the side of its head. One by one, they fell, and the frying pan became a surprising force of justice.

Jiaoqiu paused mid-preparation, his ears twitching at the sound. “What… is that noise?”

“That, Jiaoqiu, is the sound of justice,” you replied, taking out another abomination with a flourish.

Despite his blindness, you could feel his incredulous stare. “Justice? With a frying pan?”

“Would you prefer I used your cauldron?” you quipped, dodging an incoming strike.

He sighed, though a faint smile tugged at his lips. “Just… don’t break anything valuable.”

When the room was finally clear, you stood amidst the carnage, panting but victorious. Jiaoqiu shook his head, an amused chuckle escaping him. “You have a… unique approach to combat.”

“Hey, whatever works, right?” you replied, twirling the pan triumphantly.

“I suppose,” he said, though his tone carried a hint of admiration. “Still, next time, perhaps consider a weapon that doesn’t double as kitchenware.”

The dimly lit corridor was eerily silent, save for the soft patter of your footsteps and the faint rustle of Moze’s cloak as he moved ahead of you. The Shadow Guard had reluctantly allowed you to accompany him on this mission, though he clearly doubted your usefulness.

“Stay behind me,” he ordered curtly, his eyes scanning the darkness for threats.

You nodded, clutching your frying pan tightly. The Shadow Guard’s somber demeanor made you nervous, but you weren’t about to back down.

As you turned a corner, an enemy leapt from the shadows, its claws aiming for Moze’s throat. He moved with deadly precision, his blade flashing in the dim light. But as he turned to face another attacker, he missed the one creeping up behind him.

“Look out!” you shouted, swinging your frying pan with all your might. The resounding clang echoed through the corridor as the enemy crumpled to the ground.

Moze froze, his eyes widening slightly as he turned to face you. “Did you just…?”

“Save your life? Yes, I did.” you replied, holding the pan aloft like a prized weapon.

He stared at you for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, to your surprise, he smirked. “Impressive. Crude, but effective.”

“Crude? This pan has saved lives today,” you said, mock-offended.

His smirk grew. “Perhaps I underestimated you.”

From that point on, Moze didn’t object when you stayed close, your frying pan at the ready. When the mission was over, he even offered a rare compliment. “You may not be a Shadow Guard, but you’ve proven yourself useful. Though next time, I suggest you invest in a proper weapon.”

“Why? This one’s served me just fine,” you replied with a grin.

He shook his head, a faint chuckle escaping him. “You’re… something else.”

[reveryfics]

Motel

Sam Wilson x Male Reader

Summary: Having just finished a mission, Sam pulls into a motel, problem is there's only one bed.

A/N: The trope of there only being one bed is a classic and I'm surprised I haven't done it yet. Requests open

You sighed, curling into yourself in the passenger seat of Sam's car. Even bundled in your heavy suit, your jacket, and Sam's generously-loaned jacket, a shiver snaked its way down your spine. The chill wasn't just from the late autumn air; it was the kind of bone-deep weariness that only a grueling mission could inflict. Your eyelids felt heavy, each blink a monumental effort. You were running on fumes, fueled by adrenaline and sheer willpower, and all you craved was the sweet oblivion of sleep.

Sam was talking, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through the car. You caught snippets of his words – motel, room, late – but your mind was too foggy to fully process the information. He’d pulled into a dimly lit motel parking lot, the neon vacancy sign casting an eerie glow on the rain-slicked asphalt. You watched him get out of the car, his silhouette disappearing into the office, and a wave of relief washed over you. He was taking care of things, as he always did. A small smile touched your lips. You were lucky to have him.

It wasn't long before Sam returned, a mischievous glint in his eyes and that familiar, heart-melting smile playing on his lips. He flashed a room key, the plastic tag catching the dim light, and gestured for you to follow him. He looked like a knight returning from a quest, bearing the treasure of a warm bed and much-needed rest. You fumbled for your bags in the backseat, your fingers clumsy with exhaustion, and trailed behind him, the gravel crunching beneath your weary feet.

The room, when he finally unlocked it, was small and smelled faintly of stale cigarettes and cheap air freshener. But the sight that greeted you made your heart sink. One bed. A single, double-sized bed that looked barely big enough for Sam, let alone the two of you. "Oh," Sam muttered, his smile faltering slightly as he closed the door behind you. "That's…an issue."

"I'll sleep on the floor," you shrugged, trying to sound nonchalant, though the thought of the hard, unforgiving floor made your back ache in protest. You tossed your bags aside, the thud echoing in the small room, and headed towards the dingy bathroom, the promise of a hot shower a beacon in the darkness of your fatigue.

Sam, ever the gentleman, muttered something about getting more pillows and blankets, a frown creasing his brow. He disappeared again, leaving you alone in the quiet room. You knew what he was thinking, knew he'd insist on taking the floor, and you were already formulating your counter-argument. He returned not even ten minutes later, a small stack of extra bedding in his arms, only to find you already on your knees, busily constructing a makeshift bed on the floor.

"Come on, let me take the floor," Sam insisted, setting the extra pillows and blankets aside. He crossed his arms over his chest, his gaze fixed on you, a mixture of concern and exasperation in his eyes. He knew you, knew your stubbornness, and he braced himself for the inevitable battle of wills.

"You need the bed more than me," you grunted, pulling the thin blanket taut. "Old man," you teased, a playful glint in your tired eyes.

Sam's expression shifted from concern to mock offense, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Oh, I'm the old man? Says you, who couldn't go up two flights of stairs without being winded," he retorted, his voice laced with affection. He was right, of course. The mission had taken its toll, and your stamina was definitely not what it used to be. But you wouldn't give him the satisfaction of admitting it.

"Winded? I'll have you know I could run circles around you," you scoffed, though your lungs protested even the small exertion of arranging the makeshift bed. You puffed out your chest, trying to project an air of confidence you definitely didn't feel.

"Oh, is that so?" Sam raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eyes. He crossed his arms, leaning against the doorframe, a picture of relaxed amusement. "Prove it."

"I would," you retorted, "if I wasn't currently engaged in a highly important mission of floor-bed construction." You tugged at the blanket, trying to smooth out the wrinkles. "Besides," you added, lowering your voice conspiratorially, "you're the one who snores like a chainsaw. I'd never get any sleep."

Sam chuckled, the sound warm and comforting. "I do not snore," he protested, though a sheepish grin betrayed him. "But even if I did, you'd be too tired to notice."

"Oh, I'd notice," you insisted, though the image of Sam snoring did bring a smile to your lips. The thought of sleeping on the floor, however, was less appealing. You sighed, giving in. "Fine. We'll flip for it."

Sam's grin widened. "You're on." He pulled a coin from his pocket, flipping it in the air. "Heads, I take the floor. Tails, you do."

"Deal," you agreed, your eyes glued to the spinning coin. It landed with a soft thud on the carpet. "Tails!" you exclaimed triumphantly, pointing at the coin.

Sam groaned dramatically. "Fine, fine. You win," he conceded, though his smile suggested he wasn't entirely disappointed. He flopped onto the bed, stretching out his long limbs. "But don't blame me if you wake up with a crick in your neck."

You rolled your eyes, grabbing your pillow and settling onto your makeshift bed on the floor. The floor was indeed hard, and your back already ached, but you were too tired to care. You closed your eyes, the sound of Sam shifting on the bed a comforting presence. It wasn't long before sleep claimed you, dragging you down into its warm embrace.

Sam woke up in the middle of the night, his eyes adjusting to the dim light filtering through the curtains. He saw you on the floor, curled into a tight ball, shivering slightly. He watched you for a moment, his expression softening with concern. Without a word, he scooted over in the bed, lifting the sheets. You didn't argue, too sleepy to even register a protest. You crawled in beside him, turning your back to him and shivering. He hesitated for a moment before gently wrapping his arms around you, pulling you close to his chest. "You'd freeze to death down there," he mumbled, his breath warm against your neck.

You grumbled something unintelligible, too tired to fight him. The warmth of his body was comforting, chasing away the chill that had settled in your bones. You snuggled closer to him, your back pressed against his chest, and finally drifted back to sleep, curled up to Sam.

The first rays of dawn crept through the gap in the curtains, painting the room in a soft, golden light. Sam stirred, his eyes fluttering open. He blinked a few times, his gaze landing on you, still nestled against him. A slow smile spread across his face as he remembered the events of the night. He tightened his hold on you for a moment, enjoying the warmth of your body against his.

He chuckled softly, a low rumble in his chest. "Well, that was certainly… intimate," he murmured, his voice laced with amusement. He was about to launch into a full-blown teasing session, probably involving snoring and ice-cold floor dwellers, when you stirred.

Your eyes fluttered open, meeting his. You blinked sleepily, your mind still foggy from the remnants of a dream. You registered the warmth of his arms around you, the closeness of his body, and the lingering remnants of sleep-induced comfort. You also registered the mischievous glint in his eyes, the tell-tale sign that a teasing barrage was imminent. Deciding to nip it in the bud before it even began, you reached up, your hand cupping the side of his face. Before he could utter a single word of his intended jest, you leaned in and kissed him.

It was a soft, lingering kiss, a silent "good morning" that spoke volumes. It wasn’t a passionate, fiery kiss, but rather a gentle, sleepy one, filled with the quiet comfort of shared warmth and the lingering traces of sleep. It was enough to effectively silence him.

Sam's eyes widened slightly in surprise, then softened as he melted into the kiss. His teasing grin vanished, replaced by a look of pure contentment. He closed his eyes, savoring the moment, the lingering taste of your lips.

You broke the kiss gently, your eyelids already feeling heavy again. You snuggled back against him, your head resting on his chest. "Mmm," you mumbled, closing your eyes. "Five more minutes."

Sam chuckled softly, his arm tightening around you. "Of course," he whispered, pressing a light kiss to your forehead. He knew better than to argue. He was quite content to stay right where he was, with you in his arms, the warmth of the morning sun filtering through the curtains. He closed his eyes, drifting back to sleep, the memory of your kiss a sweet, lingering sensation. The teasing could wait. For now, there was only the quiet comfort of shared sleep and the promise of a new day.

[a-dauntless-daffodil]

Chaggie AU where Vaggie is a member of a holy order devoted to slaying monsters. As part of her becoming a holy knight, she must commune with an Angel to be granted their divine power... only something goes wrong with the ritual, and the being that appears before her is none other than the Princess of Hell.

Lute: “Gay?! She’s supposed to be HOLY!”

Adam: “Yeah, hot.”

Lute: “…let. Me. See. That. SuMMOnINg sCRiPTuRE.”

Adam: “Sure thing dude. Here.”

Lute: “This isn’t a holy rite, this is… WRITINGS OF SAPPHO!”

Adam: "Heh, heathen and homoerotic. WLWhoops?"

-

Charlie: “You should really be more careful next time!"

Vaggie: "Uh."

Charlie: "Lot’s of other demons would be thrilled to get yanked into the mortal world without a circle of binding to hold them- especially by someone as cute as you-

Vaggie: "Excuse me?"

Charlie: "And when I say thrilled, I mean in the blood and guts and screaming kinda way, NOT just in the 'can feel hellfire in my cheeks' kinda way. Safe summoning is important!!”

Vaggie: “Why’re you drawing the circle in yourself, then. With your… claws.”

Charlie: “Because you didn’t?” (dusts fire off her hands) “Anyway you should be good now, ask me anything!”

Vaggie: “You’re seriously not taking advantage of being summoned but not bound?"

Charlie: "I'm taking advantage of the view!"

Charlie: (beat)

Charlie: "Of the, mortal world, I am enjoying the pretty scenery."

Vaggie: "It's dark."

Charlie: "I'm enjoying the beautiful knight. Night. Night without a 'K'. Not knight like YOU'RE a knight, not that you aren't beautiful-"

Vaggie: "I'm. What."

Charlie: "The one who should be talking now! Not me. I think I've done enough talking for now. I think I'm good on having said stuff recently. I think I should be quiet for a bit."

Vaggie: (gay) (not immune to adorable ladies) "WHY are you here. You're not, what I expected."

Charlie: “I'm not the usual demon- As hell princess I get first dibs on all summons! After dad anyway.”

Vaggie: (of COURSE she's a princess) “Why answer this one.”

Charlie: “You’re missing an eye? It looks painful?"

Vaggie: "...so?

Charlie: "?? I thought maybe you wanted help with that.”

Vaggie: "It's a penance. You can't help with it."

Charlie: "oh."

Vaggie: “...That’s it? You're not here for anything else?”

Charlie: “….”

Charlie: “You um. You look very cool in that armor.” (cringes) “Awesome.” (cringes more)

Vaggie: “Are you a siren or a succubus or something.”

Charlie: “What!? No! No I’m just, I just think girls are hot! Cool! You look great!! …girls all look great, and you’re a girl, and you…”

Vaggie: “…”

Vaggie: “Do you need any demons slayed?”

Charlie: “Ahaa, no.”

Vaggie: “Holy quests completed?”

Charlie: “No?”

Vaggie: “Are you gonna eat me.”

Charlie: “N-not on the first date- I- OH YOU MEAN ACTUALLY-? No no no! I don’t, I’m, I don’t eat souls. Or people.”

Vaggie: “So what’s the catch here. The price.”

Charlie: “Nothing. I just wanted to help.”

Charlie: “Okay and maaaaybe have a nice conversation for once. Kinda short on them in hell.”

Vaggie: “… is there ANYTHING I can help you with?”

Charlie: “Well I just broke up with-”

Vaggie: “I’ll kill them.”

Charlie: “-and I could really use a date for the ball, I mean! No killing needed!! Dad isn’t going again, mom’s um, busy. And it’ll be a lot less awkward if I already have a dance partner, you know?”

Vaggie: “You want me to find you a dance partner.”

Charlie: “Oh no I, I was hoping- do YOU dance?”

Vaggie: "Me."

Charlie: "If you want to?"

Vaggie: “You’re asking me to go to hell.”

Charlie: “Shit. Right, dumb idea. It’s my home but, yeah. It’s not like anyone enjoys being here.”

Vaggie: (fuck she's cute) (fuck she's SAD)

Vaggie: “No one does? What about you?”

Charlie: “I… just wish the people would be nicer. A place is the people who live there, right?”

Vaggie: “…”

Vaggie: “I’ll come.”

Charlie: “You wha?”

Vaggie: “I’ll come to the dance.”

Charlie: "But- hell! Why-"

Vaggie: "Hell’s a better place than I thought."

Charlie: "You've never even BEEN here!"

Vaggie: "I've met you."

Charlie: ".... I'm not... the usual demon."

Vaggie: "I'll take my chances. I'll need to borrow a dress though. All I have up here is, armor."

Charlie: "I can, I can change that. A dress. N- no problem."

Vaggie: "It's a deal then." (holds out hand) "A dance for a dress?"

Charlie: (takes her hand and shakes it eagerly while bowing) "ITS A DATE!"

Vaggie: (chuckles) "Yeah, I guess that's a better word for it."

Charlie: "And I PROMISE when we dance I WON'T trample your toes with my hooves!"

Vaggie: "... should I just keep the sabatons on?"

Charlie: "I promise to find you a dress that goes good with your armored shoes so your toes don't get trampled on."

Vaggie: "We're gonna be quite the pair, aren't we."

Charlie: "Heheh~"

-

Lute: "WHAT HAPPENED WHY WAS THERE FIRE AND BRIMSTONE INSTEAD OF HOLY LIGHT WHY WERE YOU COMMUNING WITH A FIEND SO LONG IS IT DEAD DID YOU KILL IT???"

Vaggie: "Does taking her heart count?"

Adam: "Whoooo VaGEEE! Totally FUCKED that demon huh!!"

Vaggie: "Mm, not totally sir."

Vaggie: (smiling) (softly to herself) "Not on the first date."

[drenched-in-sunlight]

Honestly, after finding out that most of the bosses are optional except for Messmer (and of course a few others) just makes it even more sad for me. After finding out the Rellena and Gaius are both optional bosses and not Messmer just shows that those two truly don't share the same fate and Messmer was to truly die alone without ever seeing Marika as well.

yeah and you know the even more messed up part? i think when Marika shattered the Elden Ring, she probably thought that Messmer would be safer in LoS 😭😭 they were separated, but at least her firstborn wouldn't be pulled into the power struggle that would tear everything apart in the Lands Between. and it's true. when we get there... Messmer is safe in Shadow Keep.

ppl in LoS has no idea the Elden Ring was shattered, they just thought it was some serious stuff going on in LB. Messmer was dispirited and sounded tired, but he had resigned to the fate of never seeing his Mother again. if we never showed up i think he'd have no problem waiting for a miracle from her forever.

hell, he didn't even give two fucks that Miquella was going there to become a new God and take his old friend as Consort, or Godwyn knights were running around trying to find a body replacement for their Prince. but well, we have to barge into his house and trigger all his anxiety at a same time because we need his Kindling to go stop Miquella. holy hell.

and don't get me wrong, i understand that thematically, both he and Marika get what is due to them. in their quest for revenge they have done truly horrible crimes, and in the end even their love for each other got twisted into a final curse sealing their fates. but all of it is just so tragic. because, yes, the love was there. maybe it could have gone a lot easier for everyone involved if the love hadn't been there, but it was, and now everyone suffers.

and if you think back about the Dark / Abyss theme in DS1, Manus - Father of the Abyss, was once human. he was consumed by the Abyss because his humanity went wild, trying to look for something that he had lost:

"This extraordinary soul is a viscous, lukewarm lump of gentle humanity."

"The will feels envy, or perhaps love, and despite the inevitable trite and tragic ending, the will sees no alternative, and is driven madly towards its target."

it circles back so perfectly to Marika and Messmer's fates that it got me sitting there staring at a wall. jfc. how the hell did Fromsoft do this again?

[goliath-de-senfina-sango]

Mythic Phantom

This is a little something I whipped up over a while thinking about merging the DP and Riordanverse universes together, and I thank @geraldmariaivo for helping me think my way through it. If you want the ao3 version you can find it here, and I hope you enjoy the fic!

Most Underworld Gods felt it when Vlad’s current permanent Portal opened, but they all Felt it when Danny’s accident happened. A child’s death throes is hard to ignore after all. Pantheons world wide decided that was America’s problem, and Hel decided it was Persephone’s problem, and Haides felt it would close on its own. No gate to Khaos can stay open for long after all.

When Ember went globally live, Muses and Music Gods and Hypnos heard the way she sang, called out to the mortals to never be forgotten. Danny and Tucker dealt with her swiftly enough that she was remembered, noted even, but disregarded.

When the Fright Knight’s sword was drawn, many Fear Gods turned toward Amity, but Danny dealt with it swiftly. Most regarded it as an anomaly but Phobos and Deimos sent subordinate spirits to investigate the town and report anything interesting.

Hades and Persephone noted the invasion of Ghost Cops and saw that Danny had it handled in only a few days, which they would count as a quest fulfilled. Clearly, Amity Park was a contained issue, and the Master Bolt had gone missing by now so they have other things to deal with. The House of Life have some reservations but agree.

Then Pariah Dark got out, and the Gods scrambled to do something about that. In only a week however, He was dealt with too.  A closer eye was warranted. By everyone, not just the Observants.

Whoever these agents were, be they half-bloods or spirits or even minor gods, most wouldn’t see Young Blood and thus would fear Danny was losing it too. When he calmed down, they’d sigh in relief. The two future Ghost Villains who show up outside of the do-over would raise alarms at how fast ghosts can progress, but hey, it’s handled.

When the Hellenic spies are pulled back home for safety during the winter solstice, pleasantly surprised by Ghost activity dying down at the same time, Artemis and Luna, Khonshu and more felt something wrong happening as the Ghostwriter possessed the moon to speak.

When Duul Amon returned to the land of the living, the House of Life sent agents to the town, and Tucker Foley was immediately offered magic lessons. His is power over stone and steel, glass and gems, as well as an ear for the voices of machines. Between terrakinesis and technopathy, Tucker’s limits with his staff became only what he understood about technology.

Then entire copies of the Ghost Boy (Prince? King?) appear, attacking him, manipulating him for the elder, but he lets her go free after he’s rescued? Truly fascinating. Psychopomps keep an eye on Elle wherever she goes - she’s always very close to melting after all. The titan army also keep an eye on her, a powerful being both like and unlike the Gods, much the same as a Titan, Giant, or Monster.

Then the Reality Gauntlet is found by a mortal man, a rogue Magician, while the boy is busy trying to stop it and save the world, Lydia is keeping House of Life magicians and even Odin’s Ravens from finding Freakshow, so some Camp Jupiter heroes are being sent on a quest to deal with him. Then he gets the fucking gems and turns the world into a circus for 10 minutes.

Before the Boy tricks him, takes the Gauntlet, resets the world to before his identity was revealed to the world, (though perhaps not quite fooling the memories of Gods, who Are the world) and destroying the Gauntlet and gems in a single blast.

An artifact presumed by the Ghost Investigation Ward to be powerful enough to destroy the Infinite Realms, reduced to molten ash by one burst of power.

What to do about the young Phantom is a matter of discussion during the solstice meeting on Olympus.  Hades is sent to investigate the boy and finds that he is a godling of Kaos Themself, which sparks yet further debate on what to do when Artemis goes missing.

But then the Son of Hades stumbled upon Elmerton and witnessed a duel between Gods firsthand.

Danny Phantom faced off against Vortex, the ghost of all weather and sky and storm gods who had faded over the millennia, all on his own.  Even in defeat, Danny stole half of Vortex’s power, and less than a week later, he defeated the calamity that even two pantheons worth of gods could not.

The Titans would be horrible for humanity as a whole, and the Olympians were bad for half bloods as well.  Danny Phantom, however, could be just what most half bloods were after.  He needed training in mortal form, clearly, but that could be an angle for Nico to use.

[theinquisitxor]

2025 Anticipated Book Releases

I have a number of anticipated book releases for 2025, but not as many as last year I think. Which is kinda good, because I can work on reading what I have on my physical tbr and backlist tbr too. I love new releases, but I need time to read other stuff too!

January:

Breath of the Dragon by Fonda Lee and Shannon Lee (Jan 7th): YA asian fantasy with dragons, featuring a martial arts tournament. I'll read anything by Fonda Lee I think, and this seems fun!

Adrift in Currents Clean and Clear (Wayward Children 10) by Seanan McGuire (Jan 7th): I think this is the last book? I remember reading somewhere that Seanan said it's only going to be 10 books? Either way, I'll cry when it's over.

Motheater by Linda H. Codega (Jan 21st) this seems to be some sort of witchy queer appalachian folklore story, and I am all here for it. I want all the rural gothic vibes please.

Carving Shadows into Gold by Brigid Kemmerer (Jan 28th) I've been waiting for the sequel to Spinning Silver into Stars for a while now, and I'm super excited to finally get this. I might need to reread book 1 in January

February:

Black Woods, Blue Sky by Eowyn Ivey (Feb 4th): I've been waiting for a new Eowyn Ivey book for years, and we're getting a beauty and the best retelling set in Alaska that is literary fiction/magical realism, I couldn't be happier

Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales (Emily Wilde 3) by Heather Fawcett (Feb 11th), one of my most anticipated releases of the year, and the final book to one of my favorite on-going series. A lot of people are excited for this one.

March:

Fable for the End of the World by Ava Reid (March 4th): I'll read everything Ava Reid writes, and this is her first queer dystopian book. The covers are beautiful, and I need to read Lady Macbeth before this comes out!

Oathbound (Legendborn 3) by Tracy Deonn (March 4th) Another one of my most anticipated releases of the year. Legendborn is just fantastic, and I would consider taking the day off of work just to start reading this

Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (March 4th) A mystery thriller set on an island near Antartica, with nature and climate themes like McConagly's other books. I need to read her Once there were wolves before this comes out

May:

The Sun Blessed Prince by Lindsey Byrd (May 1st), this looks like a queer fantasy and characters who have life/death powers. Seems like something I'd be interested in.

The Incandescent by Emily Tesh (May 13th) A queer dark academia book about the director of a magical school.

The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig (May 20th) I wasn't a huge fan of Gillig's other book, but I'm 100% willing to give this a try. A heretic knight and a prophetess must team up to save her missing sisters. The cover is beautiful too.

June:

The Tower of the Tyrant by JT Greathouse (June 19th) This seems like the start of a new epic fantasy about a sorceress going on a quest. I'm interested in this author's other published books too.

A Far Better Thing by HG Parry (June 17th): I'll read anything Parry writes, and this a portal fantasy during the French Revolution.

The Listeners by Maggie Stiefavter (June 3rd), Maggie's first adult book, and historical fiction set in Appalachia during ww2.

Second half of 2025 or Release Date to be determined:

While the Dark Remains by Joanna Ruth Meyer

Hot Wax by ML Rio

Hemlock and Silver by T Kingfisher

A Land So Wide by Erin Craig

Katabasis by RF Kuang

That's all for now! Release dates are susceptible to change, and there will probably be more books I add over the new year. If you comments/thoughts please share them with me!

[strangelittlestories]

The Knights of the Searching Stars were a curious order, in that they did not *physically* go out questing.

Their bodies remained cloistered in the sept, where they slept surrounding by candles and sweet incense smoke. Meanwhile, their spirits - their Errants - scoured the cosmos for the grail.

What they meant by “the grail” exactly was open to debate.

The Head of the Pin sect believed it was a wellspring at the exact point where the big bang spat out existence. The Literalists said it was an actual grail, made by happenstance as the exact right atoms collided in the exact right way at exact right time. The Campbell Clan thought it was something internal, some revelation found through the act of Journeying; the friends made along the way, for example. (No-one liked the Campbell Clan.)

Edith was a Neo-Gnostic - one of the few - and she would tell you, well, I'll let her explain.

“Well, um, we NGs believe that the grail is … kinda like the shadow of creation? By which, I mean, it's the shadow of the shadow world. Which, like, is surely a thing of light? My girlf- I mean, my *mentor* said it was, y'know, the tool that the demiurge used to make the physical world. And that, thusly, it is the bridge between the sphere of bodies and the sphere of transcendence. Then she'd start talking about dark matter a lot.”

“But I think of it as an idea. Like, I suppose, when you have an idea so good that it could be any idea at all, but also couldn't be anything other than what it is? I think it's the one thing in all the worlds that if two different people held it in their hands, then they'd describe it in the exact same way afterwards. Even if you asked them both years afterwards, they'd remember it clear as day. Basically, it's the manifest concept.”

“Oh, and I think it wants to be found. It's just … not ready yet. Shy, maybe? I don't have evidence for that bit. It's just a feeling.”

Edith was looking for the grail in the mouth of a black hole when she heard the voice.

She had just fought a gravity revenant, a strange spiral ghost of some great unknowable thing that the singularity had spaghettified in the past. She patched the wounds to her Errant with rolls of dreams and patches of longing. Then she heard it.

It really was a *voice*. Not an abstracted meaning. Not a thought projected into her mind. It used words and breath and mouth sounds.

“You are from elsewhere.” it said.

Edith nearly jumped out of her psychic skin.

“Uh. Hello?” It took effort to make her spectral mouth make the spectral words. “Who's there?”

“I don't know,” it replied. The voice had a music to it. Crystal chimes muted by thick velvet. “I swallowed a lot of light. Then I was awake. Maybe I am a lot of light?”

“You’re light? Come alive?”

“Maybe. Like you.”

“Like me?”

“You shine very bright. I like it. I like you.”

Edith blushed.

“You’re very kind.” Edith turned, rotating her Errant on the cusp of the hole’s event horizon. “Usually, I don't find anything out here except monsters or echoes or both.”

“What's a monster? Is that what I am?”

“A monster is something that is wicked, even when it has no reason to be.”

“What is wicked? Is that what I am?”

Edith’s soul blushed deeper. She supposed that, when her Errant blushed, it did indeed glow a little.

“I don't know,” she bit her lip, “perhaps we can find out together?”

---

With thanks to Ellie for the character of "Edith - (K)night errant. backwards, bashful, queer."

If you want to submit characers of your own, you can join the Character of the Month Club on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/strangelittlestories

[brittle-doughie]

Can we get a evil Y/N cookie attempting to corrupt White Lily? I have a starter story if that's alright.

The silver domain was filled with merriment and the sugary smell of sweets. In honor of White Lily Cookie taking up the role that Elder Fairy cookie had left behind, The fairy cookies insisted on celebrating. White Lily Cookie was against the idea first Y/N cookie promise to be by her side during the event...And yet, they seem to be absent. Not wanting to disturb the fairies party, White Lily Cookie excused herself to try and locate her closest confidant, clenching her staff tightly as her anxieties let her small quest.

Finding herself wandering the silver the Faerie Library, White Lily Cookie sees a familiar silhouette sitting in a nearby chair and begins to beam almost immediately. She calls out your name while running over to you, but her steps quickly slow as she feels something twisted in the air.

You speaking before White Lily Cookie has the opportunity to ask what's wrong, sympathetic eyes focusing on you as you speak.

Y/N Cookie: “Do you believe freedom is a good thing, White Lily Cookie?” You say in a ominous tone, one that White Lily Cookie rarely ever hears from you, continuing to stare out of a nearby window.

White Lily Cookie: “Huh? of course, Y/N Cookie! Freedom is what allows cookies to be who they are! It allows them to love and create, as well as discover brand new things.” White Lily Cookie's answer was somewhat hesitant, but still filled with as much conviction as it had been the first day she had received her soul jam.

Y/N Cookie “is that truly what you believe? The ultimate conclusion you've come to despite everything you've done?” A slither of malice lingered on those words

White Lily was taking aback at this strange hostility, But before she could begin to question it you continue.

Y/N Cookie: “The haunted blueberry academy, The deal with the legendary red dragon and...Dark enchantress herself. The more and more stories I hear, the more I question if freedom is really a virtue...and not a curse”

White lily Cookie: “Y/N Cookie...I had no idea you felt such a way. You had always been so supportive...I never thought you had such thoughts" her words had begin to shake, So she took in a breath before continuing. "I've done...Many unforgivable things, But the light of freedom allows me to try and repent for my mista-”

Y/N Cookie: “Enough already! All you ancients "heroes" ever do is rely on your virtues, But where is that led you!? All you've done with your "freedom" is destroying!.....How can I trust you, let alone be at your side when everything around you crumbles away?”

Each word was like a sharp knight penetrating White Lily Cookie's heart. She had these thoughts hundreds of times, But have a cookie so close to you say it with such...Hatred. whatever words white Lily may have wanted to use to defend herself, dissolved away in a soggy clump of despair...Could this be his doing?

You finally get up from your seat, the sudden action causing White lily to flinch. You begin to approach the anxious ancient, causing her to step back a few steps as you close the gap and only leave a few feet between the two of you. The damage that your words had done were visible on her face, trying her best not to cry at such heinous words from the cookie she had gotten so close to...You find it strange that you can feel sympathy for a cookie with such godly might, This is the only way to make it to your solution.

Y/N Cookie: “The light of freedom has proven itself to be far too dangerous...I might have a solution” her face of mystery turns to Confucian and you take this as your cue to continue. “Freedom allows cookies like dark enchantress and the beasts to do horrific deeds, for cake monsters to consume other cookies...And for evil to run wild.....But what if...We use the power of your soul jam to establish order?”

White Lily's eyes widen with terror...How could the cookie closest to White Lily suggest such a horrid thing? Taking freedom away from anyone, regardless of how evil they were was...monstrous. This simply had to be the work of Shadow Milk Cookie! M-Maybe she didn't seal the tree as well as she thought she did.

But White Lily will come to a very conflicting realization that, no, Shadow Milk Cookie had no involvement with her cherished friend and their way of thinking, you had simply seen way too many bad things happening to cookies around you in this bid to obtain the power of Soul Jam.

Hollyberry and Dark Cacao Cookie were right, y’know? Wars have started because of Soul Jam and far too many tragedies have occurred to get these “little stones”.

You know White Lily Cookie, you know that she ultimately wants the cookies of the land to be safe and without worry. So can she not see that this plan to bring order with the power of her Soul Jam could ultimately be beneficial in the long term.

White Lily Cookie is free to not consider you her friend anymore or even tell the others about what you’ve said. You stand firm in your beliefs, and nothing was going to change that.

Much to White Lily Cookie’s sorrow. She would hate to have to leave behind a friend she’s known for a long time…

She wishes there was another way. Another way that didn’t involve controlling others, yet also a way to still have you as her friend…

She doesn’t know what to do…

[justbelievinginmagic]

ariadne's thread ⎯ pt. 13: the shadow of the castle.

pairing(s): hyunjin x fem!reader series summary: when tempted by an intoxicating offer by hyunjin the goblin king of the underground, you fight against him to find your own sense of self once more while in his labyrinth. glimpse: you are left alone with only hours left in your quest. turning towards the castle, all you can see is a long stretch of darkness, but all you can feel is a flame in your heart. warnings/tags: inspired by the 1986' movie Labyrinth, follows majority of the movie's plot points with lore divergence, 3rd person POV, use of Y/N, mature, suggestive adult content, faerie lore, world-building, explicit language, canon-typical violence, fighting, battle, uneven power dynamics, blood, injury/burns, toxic relationships, darkness, vague mentions of dissociation kinda, angst, fluff, hurt with comfort, crying, magic, ateez cameo!! (including ateez tidbits if you like them!), Knights!Ateez, word count: 7.6k previous chapter <- -> next chapter series masterlist

Iron-blood dripped into the dirt of the Underground. The streams of sunlight that had trickled through the large sky-lights of the cave’s ceiling dimmed as the dragon’s fire-smoke tumbled out into the beyond. Great plumes of smoke heavied the air, stinging her eyes. The Runner was alone once more with only the sounds of I.N’s mournful wails as her company. Her hand rose to rub at her fire-hot face, scorched by the dragon’s flames. Her hair dripped from the rainfall Hyunjin had called upon the Underground; her clothes were soggied and sticky to her body. The sizzling of the City of the Forgotten was loud even from her embankment, and she couldn’t help but let the flare of concern rattle her bones.

Concern for herself, for the roars of the dragon I.N, for her friends.

Her predicament was beyond her. Her quest was seemingly endless and yet she was running out of time. Adrenaline-rushed, she faced Hyunjin, but, with the sounds of the forgotten crying and the fire embers fizzling, she realized how out of her element she was.

Bravery clung to her bones, but she wasn’t fearless or emotionless. There were folk down there – innocent fae and goblin, perhaps deluded by a false king, but innocent nonetheless – suffering. Han had been manipulated and who knew where he was now? Did Hyunjin have his claws in him too? So many souls are entangled by this kingdom of twisted truths and unwinding unfortune. Jisung, Chris, Changbin… even those she had met and left behind. It all showed a land unfair. She didn’t want their suffering. She didn’t want her friends to face consequences once she left. Would things change once she was gone? Hearing I.N’s regretful roars rumble into sobs, Y/N wished that she could see this world turn to the better.

After all, I.N’s cries were terrible mortal - somewhere she believed he had transformed into nothing but a fae once more, the hollow sobs sounded far more… gentle. It was a genuine sobbing. A heartbreak. Fae and human weren’t so different she thought. She had made it this far and despite their delusion and disillusions, the fae she had met were unhappy with their lives… just as she had been in the Aboveground. The sobs ached her heart, squeezing it like an over-ripened peach. She glanced away from the destruction.

They deserved better.

She felt it in her soul.

There was a reason I.N sought out a tool against Hyunjin.

Hyunjin. His dark eyes burned her compared to the warm ocean she had seen in her fantasy. Because that was all it was. A fantasy. Everything he offers, it was just a fantasy. Everything about this image of a righteous, good-hearted fae king was a fantasy. She sighed out again, the sound coming from deep within her.

Y/N knew that when she started this quest; she knew if she lost, she’d lose something greater than her life Aboveground. Perhaps her sanity she had thought – getting lost into a daydream he could spin. But now, seeing the aftermath of the King’s actions, the Labyrinth, the Challenge, the Underground, she knew this King was cruel – and if not, on purpose, on accident. His own subjects lived in ruins, lived forgotten, lived banished.

They were a moment away from his envy, a moment away from his jealousy. He was a new king – or newer in his reign - if anything could be drawn from the statues, the tiles, the stories. The once Prince of the Underground granted the powers of his defeated father. Despite the years the fae had compared to her mortal years, he wasn’t an ancient being. He was a young fae compared to the previous king – in everything. His actions and decisions proved it. He even swore his victory at every moment like a child crying out they were the winner before a game was finished.

Perhaps they were suited after all. A mortal and a kingling locked in battle.

Turning away from the City of Forgotten, a place she swore to not forget on her journey forward, Y/N thought of the task at hand. Two hours and forty minutes were left according to the magical clock, and the Goblin Castle seemed further than ever. Up on a little hill in the distance, its silhouette had shifted since the last moment she looked towards it. For now, she was looking at it from the backside. A long draping shadow cast over the Labyrinth’s path ahead like the Castle itself had a royal cape. No floating lamps lit the way ahead, dotting the world with flaming stars. Instead, a sea of darkness was ahead.

Shutting her eyes, she tried to ignore everything that hurt – her aching new injuries, her burns, her sore feet, the wet clothes that clung to her skin…

“Y/N!”

She heard her name, a whisper on the wind at first. It was so faint that she almost didn’t believe her ears.

“YYYYY/NNNN!”

Then, there was a loud call, a tad grating. But insistent.

Sir Changbin?!

The Runner’s eyes fluttered open, and she turned to look towards the sound. Sure enough, making their way through remnants of forgotten junk, she could see the shining armor of Sir Changbin and the hulking form of Chris. Looking for her, calling for her.

“Guys?” she let out in surprise, blinking.

Chris was the first one to spot her, nose flaring before his head snapped to capture her in his gaze. The animalistic furrowed brow and bared teeth he sported moments ago disappeared. A bright relieved smile crossed over his face instead as he nudged Changbin who loudly grunted in dramatics before sighting her as well.

“My fairest Lady!” Changbin called out, breaking into a sprint.

Chris joined him but, instead of running, the ground beneath his feet came alive. In a rolling wave of dirt and rock, he rode the earth towards her. In no time, they were in front of her. Together, they engulfed her in a bear-like hug. A grunt escaped her as she was juggled between cave-cool skin and hard metal armor. Their breaths were icy against her burns. Chris’ head nuzzled into the crook of her neck, a strange chuffing sound escaping his throat like a grumble. While he didn’t speak, Changbin did.

“Oh, my Lady! Where did you run off to? We’ve been searching for you!” Changbin exclaimed, helplessly, while squeezing her so tight that she let out a grunt of pain. “Oh, oh, I’m sorry; I’m sorry!”

He softened his hold, leaning back, and smiling at her, kind-heartedly. Chris remaining hugging her, head tucked into her shoulder as his arms shifted to curl around her waist. Like she was some sort of teddy bear. His huffs shook him, a rumble coming from his chest.

Changbin’s eyes widened at the sight of her. His gaze flickered over the wounds on her arms, half blistered over by now before it zeroed in on the dripping blood on her chin.

“Sweetest maiden, you’ve been hurt!” Changbin retorted, pouting concernedly.

Fumbling around his pockets, he withdrew a strangely-pristine white handkerchief to dab at it. His hands went to cup her face with all the chivalry a knight possessed, treating her with respect and dignity.

“I’m alright, I’m alright,” she tried to reassure as he began to fuss over her chin.

As she shifted, Chris let out a whine of sorts, more like a creature’s whine than anything she had heard from him since their first meeting. He hugged her closer as Changbin went to wipe at the blood on her arms next.

“Brother, please, you are getting in the way!” the smaller eventually chattered at Chris who had remained by her side loyally, almost fearful to let her go again. “Can you not see she is injured?”

There was another low whine of disdain, and she saw Chris’ face for the first time since their embrace. Upturned brows, a genuinely heartbroken look, and trembling hands as he pulled away.

“Oh, Chris,” she whispered, softly.

“I was so scared!” he admitted, a fae’s truthful declaration. “What happened, Y/N?”

“I’m okay really,” she tried to reassure them. “There’s no time to explain what happened… we need to--  wait, where is Han?”

In her elation of sighting her friends, she had noticed there was no Jisung. At first, she had thought he lingered slowly behind them – after all she had heard from Hyunjin, she wondered if there was guilt clinging to him. A strange tug of hoping it was and wasn’t so. She didn’t want his guilt but she also wished for his honesty. She had thought they were closer now than before. Even if she knew he was not at fault for his betrayal, she wished he had just told her… something? But she didn’t have time to think of that now as Changbin spoke.

“He disappeared with you!” Changbin insisted. “We’ve been searching for ages!”

Fear struck her stomach. Where could he be? Caught by Hyunjin’s grasp? Did he run off without a word once more? She didn’t know, and she worried about him. He was her friend. Deep down, she knew he cared. His jewel eyes said more than he did.

“It was another of the King’s… of Hyunjin’s tricks. I think Han has been manipulated or captured or worse,” she said before shaking her head softly. Time was ticking, and they were just standing here. “The Challenge is still on. We have to keep going!”

And instead of staying still, feeling the minutes slip away, she began to walk onwards.

“Manipulated? A man on the inside has been compromised?” Changbin exclaimed, dramatically outraged. His lips formed a pout, his brows furrowed.

“I’m not sure – I don’t know. I just know that—Hyunjin played us.”

Chris growled out as he and Changbin followed after her.

Y/N glanced around. Hoping that perhaps Han would be there… It felt like there was something following her. Something tingled the back of her brain. There was a lingering shimmer to her skin in the fleeting candle light of the Labyrinth. It shifted and sparkled like crushed starlight before fading quickly into her being. Changbin’s mouth opened and closed like a fish as his eyes looked up and down her.

“My Lady!” he exclaimed in cautious awe.

She was too busy looking this way and that to clock it as anything more as concern. She pushed aside an old wheel from the path, huffing.

“What is it?” she asked, grunting.

“Where were you?” Changbin asked tentatively, slowly. “Before you arrived in the City of the Forgotten?”

“Somewhere between a dream and a nightmare,” YN snorted out. “Hyunjin thought he could distract me with a fake ball.”

“Huh?” Changbin managed to splutter.

“It was this-this dreamscape,” she clarified. “A distraction.”

It angered her the more she thought of it. Hyunjin used her fantasies to his advantage and made the perfect version of himself – even amongst the debauchery of the ballroom. He was a savior there just as he wanted to be her savior early this night…

No, she’d save herself.  

Y/N shook her head defiantly. She wasn’t going to go down without a fight. If not for herself, for Han, for Chris and Changbin, and for the innocents of the Labyrinth, she’s seen manipulated by this King. Every Runner that had failed. Every Forgotten soul.

Each step forward, she felt like the Castle’s walls were much closer. Like, with each person she was determined to save, the path grew shorter and shorter. In fact… it did. It was like they were breezing past hillsides, covering more land than they had before.

Chris glanced about, watching as the landscape changed from the forgotten remnants of the Forgotten to the sparkling trade routes of old in a fantastical blur of muted colors. He never recalled moving so quickly in the Underground; his gaze settled back on Y/N.

The Labyrinth worked in strange ways; fae worked in even stranger ways.

As they crept forward, the trio passed forgotten dustied, sparkling vargo wagons that sat abandoned on the trail route. The dirt road became uneven with ancient muddied wheel tracks overlapping over and over. Then, the darkness of the shadow of the Castle cast over them. An unnatural dark settled over them, the only source of light was the fractals of magic dusted over the remaining trees, wagons, and rock work they passed. It twinkled just enough to catch her eye, like tiny microscopic stars. They shimmered with a rumble.

“This way.” It whispered.

The magic glinted a path through the shadows – giving them a multi-colored sparkling path.  As if the magic of the Labyrinth were leading them along.

A bell tolled in the distance, clanging out loud and ringing through the air. It reverberated endlessly. Y/N glanced up at the Castle; its silhouette was closer than ever. For the first time since entering the Underground, she could see faintly lit windows within the Castle. Baubles of starlight danced throughout the Castle – like the glass orb that she had seen in the oubliette. It was Hyunjin she knew.

Her stomach curdled at the thought of the Castle; at the thought of facing him in his domain, a domain from here, she could see he manipulated. But, soon, they were so close the grand wall of the Goblin City seemed to climb higher and higher ‘til the peaks of the Goblin Castle’s highest tower was no longer visible. It was just the wall and the unnaturally dark shadow.

Lingering magic twinkled, floating about like light beetles before one by one they too dimmed as they entered into the pure darkness. There was no road, no trees, no wagons left abandoned.

Chris grasped her hand tightly. There was the sound of a sword being unsheathed, schling! Changbin’s hand went to the small of her back. The sound of their footsteps echoed and echoed as if their very own shadows were walking after them.

“Stay close, my Lady,” Changbin warned.

There was a reverb in the void. His voice sizzled through the air, shaking, trembling, growing. It made everything feel strange. Like she was in space.

The further they went into the shadow of the Castle, the sounds echoed into nothingness. It was just Darkness. Their footsteps faded into nothing; their own breaths twisted into silence. In the Shadow of the Castle, there was no living being. No township, no evidence of civilians. Darkness. Magic even dimmed. It felt forevermore.

Somehow, Y/N wasn’t afraid. Even in the shadows, her heart didn’t race. Her breath didn’t catch. She took a deep breath in and felt… invigorated. Her friends’ hands tightened around hers; she wasn’t alone. A breath kissed her face.

The magic whispered in the air,” This way. This way. Don’t fear, Y/N.”

She continued ahead, blindly.

Soon, the footsteps that once echoed rang back into existence. She squeezed Chris’ cool hand. He squeezed back. Her eyes blink, blink, blinked. Darkness remained but she could see faint shapes in the shadows, unmoving and large. Fuzzy grey surrounded them, fizzling and undulating. As they continued onward, the grey faded into a soft blue. The shapes turned into figures, gaining dimension. They were statues guarding a large door.

Monstrous gargoyles, tall as the trolls beneath the Labyrinth, towered at the City’s entrance. Their fanged mouths bit into large glowing-blue lanterns. Buzzing bugs circled dizzily around the glow. The darkness swallowed the hued light; it seemed like the lights were dancing, trembling, shaking. For a moment, she eyed the gargoyles cautiously. Their large grotesque faces of unknown beasts didn’t tremble or speak. Nothing was ever as it seemed here, she wearied. But as they continued onward across the rockwork bridge and past the guardians, she realized they were nothing but stone. No following eyes. No growling warnings. Just… light sources and frightening figures of lore. It felt almost ordinary or perhaps, simply, old.

The large wooden door was ancient looking. With heavied iron decorating its belly, it shimmered metallically in the rolling blue lamp-light.

“Open the doors! Open up!” Changbin crowed out.

“Changbin,” her voice hissed out, almost unfamiliar to her.

“Wah—” he let out, his head swung to look at her. His lone milky eye gleamed even in the darkness.

“We must go quietly… the King doesn’t want us to enter.” She lamented softly. Her tone gentled at his uncertain, kicked pup look.

“Oh,” Changbin whimpered. In the dark light, she could barely see his pout. “I didn’t think of that.”

“We’ve always been welcomed at these gates,” Chris reminded softly. “It’s alright, brother. We must prowl now.”

“Yes, prowl,” he repeated.

In the past, YN would hesitate. She’d wait; she’d question Perhaps she’d eye the gate ahead with wonder and worry. There was an ozone bite in the air, something metallic in the back of her mouth. Taunting.  Yet instead of pausing, she pushed forward. Her hand pressing against the metal-gilded wood. Its chill burnt as she shoved the door open; it creaked as it swung on its hinges.

Inside, there wasn’t much to see. Dirt and brick. Light tumbled lit the space thanks to the ambered-flames of watch towers high above them and the scattering of torches that flickered alive as the door creaked open. Ahead of them was another courtyard of sorts – similar in its simplicity. However, unlike the Gardens and the Labyrinth, there were no shatter brick or dead flora crawling up its walls. Instead, it was clean, empty. Dirt scattered over brick-work and sturdy brick neatly maintained in repeating lines. The walls were high on all sides, too high to scale; large fire pits stood at their peaks for the passing guards to see. And guards did pass – tiny furred creatures with long spears waddled about, lazily – but, when they heard such a creaking from the door, they jumped into action.

“Oh no! Intruders!” A goblin squeaked out.

“Is that the Runner?” Another croaked.

“Goddess Below!”

A loud stumbling was heard; grumbling and gab overlapped one another before clawed footsteps ran off… and then, then goblins were gone atop the barricades.

She paused in her step. Changbin and Chris stopping beside her, defensively.

…

It was uneventful. She expected something more… big. Not just creatures running off in fear.

Glancing over at Chris and Changbin, she watched as the duo steadied themselves. Chris’ fists flexed; he had let go of her hand in the process of the outburst. Changbin’s hand went to his weapon carefully.

A long moment passed. And nothing happened.

Huh.

So, Y/N continued onwards, stepping into the courtyard. The dirt floor was untouched with no foot prints, big or small. The grit crunched beneath her shoes; the ground was hard, no longer the compacted dirt of the Labyrinth or loose sand of the Desert Sea or even the weathered brick roads she had become familiar with. It was solid, hard, structured here.

In the center of the courtyard, a sudden gentle breeze brushed aside dust to reveal a symbol carved into the ground. Walking towards it, she peered at it curiously. Lines carved into a rock-centerpiece. It was too covered still.

“Trust yourself.” The whisper in her ear aided.

Stepping closer, she squatted and reached a hand out, prepared to swipe away the grime to read the signa. As soon as her hand outstretched, the air stilled. Dust rose from the symbol, hauntingly. The grains of dirt trembled about her, levitating as she got closer and closer to the carved symbols. Her hand froze mid-air. The crystalline pieces of sand froze too, stuck in the air in a snapshot of growing tornado.

There was a magnetic tingling through her arm. A wonderous feeling trembling through her as she breathed out. It felt like power; it felt dangerous. Her eyes flashed to the symbol. There was long lines, a circle and triangulation… Blurred beneath the dirt, she couldn’t make out any words but it looked like an hourglass?

“Y/N…” she heard Changbin warn from nearby.

There was a creaking ahead of her, a taunting metal rumble. Her gaze flashed from the symbol to the wall ahead. A lattice portcullis gate laid shut in front of her – their only way into the City, locked. Was this the key?

The signa suddenly glowed tauntingly, whispers of an ancient text encircling the hourglass in the circle. Strange. In this world, she knew clocks were the preferred time-keeping. An hourglass.

“Huh…” she peered closer to try to make out the words while Chan and Changbin took steps on the other sides of the circle, squatting beside her. Together, she tried to read the ancient language encircling the symbol. With every blink, she swore the words rewove to spell out something she could understand. It was no longer an ancient language but it wasn’t English either.

The dust shifted. “ Who…Who—wears the crown…”

Her hand moved once more, reaching out to wipe at the dust when -

“Y/N! Wait!”

A familiar voice shouted out.

“Han?” Y/N glanced over her shoulder, mouth dropping.

“You’re going to get hurt! It’s the symbol of ATEEZ!” he called to her as the door behind them began to close as if sensing his approach. Magic was a funny thing like that. “It’s a battle enchantment ring!”

The door quickened its pace at his words.

“No!” she exclaimed moving from her spot and lunging forward.

Her hand reached out as if she could stop the door from so far away. Han sprinted faster than her vision. He was nothing but a blur of color before the city of the doors to the City shut with a loud mechanical clank.

He huffed barely glancing back at his nifty escape for a moment’s breath; his head panged from the nearby metal’s influence, but that wasn’t what he was focused on. Y/N. Her… His head swiveled to set his sights on her. Before he sprinted towards her, pulling her away from the seal. The dust remained frozen in a spiral, almost like a spotlight over the sign.

“Did you touch it? Get away from it – it’s-“ His hands touched over blood, the damp sticky iron-blood burning his fingertips. His jeweled eyes zoomed in on that. His mouth trembled. “Are you okay? You—”

“I’m okay,” she told him. His panicked breaths only increased. Her hands went to his that held her at arm’s length. “I’m okay.”

In a quickness only fae had, he tugged her close at those words. A crack of his voice pierced his throat. He held her like she’d fade away, reminiscent of Changbin and Chris’ fond embrace not long ago.

“You’re okay; you’re okay,” Han breathed out; breath cold against her ear. He breathed her in before pulling back just a smidge. Blood-shot jeweled eyes met hers.

“You’re really okay?” he clarified.

He was speaking about more than just the bodily wounds, she knew.

“I am.” She reassured even if her body ached. She squeezed him by the middle, tugging him close. “Are you? What happened to you? How’d you find us? How did you know that was—No, no, that doesn’t matter; are you okay?”

Y/N rambled over herself, focusing on the most important thing – his well-being. She pulled back to look him over. Had Hyunjin captured him? Was he under his influence now?

Jisung let out a strangled breath at her words, suddenly, as if all air had been sucked from him. His jeweled eyes looked her up and down, taking in every cut, every bruise, every wound, everything and something shattered. How could she ask about him in this state?

 He began to cry. Diamond tear-drops, sparkling, he fell to his knees in front of her.

“Forgive me,” Jisung pleaded. He took her hand in his. “Keep the jewels. Keep them. I’m so s-sorry.”

His ribs heaved and he swore he felt like the world was falling down as the guilt crashed over him. He had caused this. And she still asked of him? Her pain, her blood-soaked skin, her everything. It was his fault. His fault. His fault. He felt like he was going mad. It was all his fault and her kindness remained. Her blessing, her grace.

He caused this – why did he listen to the king? Why couldn’t he be stronger? He was nothing but a tool- no…

A fool. A King’s fool.

He was weeping openly. His tiny-claws dug into her hand as he sobbed apologies. Chris and Changbin stood beside them, eyes wide and bewildered.

“Lord Han?” Changbin started carefully. His hand outstretched to place itself on the other’s shoulder.

Jisung flinched away. “No. no. I’m not--” he argued out, pushing the other’s hand away. The wild hand then swiped over his wet eyes, wiping at the tears that dripped from his jeweled eyes.

“I’m not his. I’m no Lord. Not to him, never again.”

Jisung’s gaze was frantic as he looked at Changbin, blood-shot eyes locking on his once-friend. Uncertainty bloomed in the air; Changbin’s chest rose and fell with adrenaline. No one had expected this reaction. Jisung’s eyes shifted to look at the goblin’s crest over his chest. Changbin wasn’t free from the Underground, but he was free from one thing – the King. In the name of Magic.

He turned to look up at Y/N. The same Y/N he had berated and mocked and ignored and betrayed. Here he sat knelt at her feet, staring up at her like she was some far-off star only myths spoke of. Kindness dripped from her own face.

“Han,” she reached out again, and he didn’t feel worthy.

“Jisung,” he corrected her, quietly. “I’m Jisung - to you. Forevermore.”

It was an act of trust giving one’s name. She knew that the moment they met, and now it only resonated deep in her chest. Like something snapping into place. He licked his dry lips, big eyes wide on her as he scooted on his knees towards her once more.

“I, Jisung of the Goblin City,” he breathed out. “- will live by the oath to protect you ‘til your last breath – Y/N, Only of Her Name, Runner of the Labyrinth. By the way of Mag—”

Her hand reached out to cover his mouth shut, to stop him.

“Jisung.”

She commanded, and he stopped mid-sentence, mid-oath. He blink, blinked at her.

“I don’t want a protector,” she told him. “I want a friend.” Her head shook at herself as she corrected herself. “I have a friend in you.”

He was silent, upturned brows speaking volumes for him.

“I know what you did,” she admitted. “Hyunjin ratted you out. It’s okay.”

He protested with a soft soggy sound, but she kept her hand clamped tight over his delicate mouth.

“It’s okay,” she reassured. “I know it was him not you. Right?”

He nodded tearfully.

“Everything here is controlled by him – and I don’t want… I don’t want to be like him. I don’t want to control you.” She told him.

His eyes looked down to the hand clamping his mouth shut and she let out a damp chuckle before she removed it. “Sorry.”

“I can’t promise he wont use me against you.” He whispered. “Again… and again. Unless I swear fealty to you.”

Fealty. Such a fantastical word for an ordinary woman.

She let out a soft smile. One that seemed bittersweet. “Later. We have to hurry onwards.”

“No.” Jisung pleaded again, grasping at her hand.

“We don’t have much time. Every second matters now.”

“This matters beyond that,” he insisted. “Please, I want to swear fealty.”

“Jisung.” She whispered, pleading.

“As your friend.” He pushed before licking his lips. “I, Jisung of the Goblin City, swears to be the bestest friend he can be to Y/N, Only of Her Name, Runner of the Labyrinth.”

“That’s all I want,” she told him. “If it is your wish?”

“By the way of Magic, it is said.” he whispered.

The sparkling remnants of magic that always surrounded them, lingering on the stonework, rocks, and what not suddenly trembled, making the whole world shimmer for a moment before the air settled once more. Jisung sniffled, and Y/N urged him to stand, grasping his hands tightly to hoist him up.

He clung to her for a moment, and she let him squeezing him as she took in a steadying breath.

“What a touching display,” an unfamiliar voice crowed out. “I’m all for loyalty, but interrupting a rite of battle… that’s just bad form.”

A wild cackle of a laugh echoed out into the air, a taepyeongso belted out. The frozen-tornado of dust that stood still above the symbol they had momentarily forgotten burst into a raging sandstorm. Outward, it sliced into the air, growing and growing into a blinding mess. The party flinched back, grunting out as they hid their faces.

The loud clanking of mechanical mechanisms clanked and clunked. The nearby walls screeched as an armor slid down over brick. Makeshift slabs of metal, twisted and wrought, slide around the brickwork haphazardly. Like a patchwork quilt, it overlapped into a shield of sorts – some pieces mottled iron, still gleaming silver, while some had turned a rusted sunset orange. The air felt hot, sizzling with a chemical bite. Chris hissed out but did not falter while Jisung grunted and wilted just a smidge at the iron’s proximity, trembling.

The nearby portcullis rose with a creaking aged sound. The sandstorm relented as it rose. The taste of sand heavied in their mouths as it swirled like a fog in the air as eight figures broke through the dust.

The Knights that approached looked fearsome. Some wore armor while others simply wore dark leathers. Metal – iron gilded – embellished their forms. She had only seen Changbin wear iron down here. Yet these fae were dripping in it. One had a sparkling piercing in his lip; another had rows of earrings up and down his faintly-pointed ears. One of the Knights wore heavy layers of iron; its styling reminiscent of the very shields that had tumbled down over the courtyard. He was bulky and clanked lightly, like he was a steampunk robot.

Iron covered them so easily. It was frightening.

“Oh no, it’s ATEEZ,” Jisung whimpered into Y/N’s shoulder.

“ATEEZ?” she repeated.

“They’re the fiercest fighters the King has!”

The Knights came to a stop in a human wall in front of them, blocking them from the now-opened gate facing Y/N and her party. Y/N’s gaze grazed over each and every one of the fae.

The bulkiest seemed to make up the outer edge of the line. The one decked out in armor bore a heavy axe of iron, the hilt twisted and sharp. His eyes seemed hefty as they stared at her. It reminded her of Chris’ rock-heavy gaze. He twirled his weapon in his hands, the metal clunking as it hit his flesh. On the opposite side, a fae man with blood-red hair raised his brows at her when their eyes met, flashing his fanged teeth. Taunting.

There was one – the tallest who stood simply. He did not glare or peacock about or prowl. His hand, covered in a twisted arrangement of metal décor like make-shift brass knuckles of sharp iron, raised to sweep his dark hair from his forehead. He almost smiled at her. Not a smirk, not a growl. A light sweet smile. It baffled her as her gaze flickered to the folk next to him, eager for a fight.

The shortest Knight came to the front of the group. His hand tip-tapped over a cutlass blade’s hilt at his hip, lazily. Tap, tap, tap. He swaggered up to her slowly. His voice rang out in a melodic, sweet tone.

“Hello.” He smiled; it was far from the gentle lopsided quirk of his lips like his fellow Knight. Instead, it was a wicked sugared thing, so sharp it was like the blade at his waist.

“Hello,” Y/N echoed. “May we pass to the Castle?”

One of them chuckled, shaking his head like she was a child; he had a long musket-like weapon slung over his shoulder. His long face sneered with amusement; a flash of a polished iron fang – was his mouth full of metal rather than enamel? - visible as he grimaced a smile.

“No,” the short one said, clearly, smile ever sharp on his soft face. “You and your party may not, Runner.”

“Can they pass without me?” she clarified, nodding to her group.

Words mattered here; she knew that.

“I wouldn’t recommend it,” another Knight chimed.

This one had long blonde hair styled in a messy mullet; he was muscular despite his lithe form. Flashes of his flesh showed through his relatively light armor. Yet the less armored he was, the more dangerous he seemed.  

“You’ve angered the King quite a bit, little human,” another Knight chuffed out, his voice deep and masculine.

He had leather armor with a delicate almost decorative chain-linked iron vest over it. He leveled her an almost lazy gaze as he shifted on his feet, anxiously? Maybe he was just excited for a fight as he shifted his feet, as if stretching his form. His tongue lolled out wickedly, sliding over his fangs, as he kept his gaze on the Runner.

Chris took a step towards the Runner at that - as if he could shield her from the many Knights of ATEEZ’s gazes. He bared his fangs; a Knight with a split-dyed hair, silver on the bottom and black hair on the top, grinned in return. Another Knight shifted his posture animalistically, as if preparing to launch himself at them. Her hand went to push Chan aside gently, giving him a reassuring look. Y/N took a step forward and every figure seemed to step back. As if she were the opposite end of a magnet.  She paused, careful in her movements.

There was a moment of silence; dust grazed the concrete loudly and the Knights froze. The Knight at the forefront took a step forward after a glance to his men; he creaked his neck as he slid the blade out of his holster.

“I don’t want to fight you,” the Runner told them.

“We will fight for you, my Lady,” Changbin proclaimed sincerely – despite this.

The Knight Leader tilted his head. He did not attack; in fact, he seemed far more in control unlike the prowling energy behind him. His Knights were eager for a fight, shifting on their feet. From the corner of her eye, she could feel her own traveling party behind her move anxiously. Jisung’s fingers grazed her hand before she stepped face to face with the Captain of Ateez closer.

He didn’t move this time, neither away or closer. He instead was frozen by her closeness. His head tilted soft. His smile was almost condescending as if her joining him, breaking her own rank, was juvenile. His gaze could dive into her soul, intense and calculating.

“What has the King sent you to do?” she asked.

“We have been ordered to not harm you, Runner,” the Captain reassured. He didn’t tease nor taunt. He did not touch her, not like the wild faeries of Direwoods. Not like their King. There was a hissing sound from within his Knights. Disappointment. She didn’t break their eye contact to look over at his men.

“That was his orders?” she questioned. It seemed oddly simply – do not harm her?

“To some extent – no Runner-blood shall be spilt upon the holy ground of the Goblin City nor shall she enter the City without a fight.”

“What is your name?” she queried after a moment.

His smirk only grew. With pride, she noted.

“Captain Hongjoong of the Knights of Ateez – the Protectors of the Goblin City, fiercest in all the lands,” he introduced. There was no fan-fare, no dramatic bow.

“Protectors of the Goblin City,” she murmured back softly.

Licking her lips, she sought a way out of this– without a battle. 

“I have no quarrel with the City. That is your domain.” the Runner wordplayed. “So, I should be able to pass.”

There was laughter over the Knights. One – with split dyed hair - rallied up beside their Captain. Too casually for it to be proper. His eyes were wild as he licked over his fangs. His arm went to rest on Hongjoong’s shoulder.

“You can’t trick us, human,” he taunted, eyes flashing a magical red gleam.

Another Knight, the one with the musket, went to grab him by his gauntlets to shove him back into line.

“Excuse them,” Hongjoong requested, gentlemanly. “Runner, there is no way for you to defeat us. I can guarantee that. However, we shall do all we can to stop you and your allies.”

No way for her to defeat them… But she didn’t want to defeat them, did she? She wanted to pass them.

“I’m tired of waiting; can’t we start?” It was the same one from before that was shifting back and forth, prowling like a caged tiger.

“Mingi,” Hongjoong sighed. “She’s playing quite nice now; it’d be a shame to jump into a battle unprovoked.”

“Bad form,” the beautiful Knight with dark midnight locks commented to the other warningly, shifting his musket once more to sling it over his shoulders.

“I’m tired of good form – I crave sacrifice.” The one with red hair was the one to breathe out such vigor. He eyed the opposing Sir Changbin.

Her Knight’s face hardened at such threats.

“You shall not harm anyone here,” Changbin warned lowly.

“Touchy, Sir Changbin,” the Knight with split-hair commented. “So far from your post, fair Knight of Magic.”

Changbin took a step forward in defense.

“If they move further forward, my men will have no choice.” Hongjoong warned. His eyes flashed with red, unnaturally.

The Knights of ATEEZ chuckled, magic glistening through their forms as they shifted their weapons – a musket, a broadsword, daggers, an axe, long swords, fists of iron.

“Binnie.” She warned, glancing back.

Y/N refused to make the decision to harm her party, unmoving. Changbin obeyed his Lady, pausing in his own movements. Each one of her friends met her eye from various points in the courtyard. Chris was prowling, hunched and moving more animal like than man already. Changbin had drawn his blade. Even Jisung had his dagger at the ready in his palm.

“You have no choice, Y/N.” Chris said with a hint of despair in his tone. It came out in a gruff growl, as if he was already half-something else. The Beast-Hunter’s instincts were more primal than human at this point. “You have to make it to the Castle.”

“No matter what, Y/N.” Jisung encouraged. “We have your back.”

“Aye,” Changbin agreed, spinning his sword in his hand. “Push forward, fair lady. We shall protect our own and you.”

Four against eight was never a fair fight and yet – the battle still began.

Her footstep daring pass the unspoken boundary made all hell break loose. The Knight shifted forward, not towards her but her companions. It was a blur of figures – fae moved faster than her at times, stronger than a simple human. She shifted and dodged their bulky forms as her friends set upon them. One lunged to try to grasp her in his arms and she broke free, dodging to the side to hear Changbin enter battle.

“We meet again, Sir Changbin,” one of the Knights crowed out, bowing dramatically.

“Always a pleasure, Sir Wooyoung,” Changbin retorted, slashing out at the other in a dramatic whirl of his blade.

The one called Wooyoung cackled out a laugh as he flung himself into battle. Their swords clashed in a kaleidoscope of technicolor sparks. The blonde-haired Knight launched into battle, a dagger of sorts flinging its way towards Changbin. With ease, her friend raised his gauntlet to block it expertly. His eyes locked with his enemies as he swung broadly towards them both.

Chris had leapt in front of Y/N the moment Hongjoong took even a simple step towards her. Hulking muscle hunched over as he glared at the Knight Leader.

“Hello, Hunter,” Hongjoong growled out as Chris jumped towards him to stop the Captain in his tracks.

“Captain,” Chan genuflected.

The sword at Hongjoong’s waist was drawn with flair and Chris wrapped his own chains around his hands, a make-shift weapon better than his own claws in that moment. He swiped his chains as the blade was brought down.

“Go.” Chris growled to Y/N.

Quickly, she listened, dodging around the two fae fighting and ran forward. Jisung swept into her a moment later, pushing her away from a stray blade that was flung towards her. Ducking her under his arm, they spun and circled about the battle on the outreaches of the Knights.

“Get to the Castle,” he encouraged.

A gunshot was heard.

Jisung dodged a bullet, literally. Shoving Y/N towards the door, he flung his own dagger towards the assailant. The tall-elegant man with the musket who had loaded and fired his weapon with ease grappled for Jisung’s dagger, catching it before it sliced through him.

There was clanking and clashing of iron all around. Sparks flew as they screeched against one another. The way they all were able to withstand metal was amazing – but Jisung felt dizzy being around so much iron already. His heart jumped with fear at the thought of a bullet piercing his form. He didn’t have long to worry as he watch Y/N nearly run into a Knight – his blonde hair whipping around him majestically. A whisper of an incantation was on his poutful lips.

“Y/N, move,” Jisung called.

The Runner listened and dodged away from Yeosang’s magical capabilities. Chains had crawled from the ground, looking like the tentacles of a squid as it sought its victim – her.

“Yunho, guard the door!” she heard Hongjoong bite out.

Jisung shoved Yeosang aside with surprising strength as he dodged another sword that sliced through the air.

Changbin swept in, his arm grasping her waist to spin her away from a sword’s slice through the air. The red haired man grinned at her, bulking muscles flexing as his blade crashed into Changbin’s armor.

“Not everything is as it seems, Y/N!” Jisung called from nearby as his leg kicked out to trip, the one who was tall and walking towards the gates. “Think!”

Not all is as it seems. What did he know that she didn’t?

Changbin huffed as he took another blow to his armor, an axe clashed down where she had been. Quickly, Changbin tossed her toward the gates – his weapons raising to protect her. Three knights were upon him now, two upon Chris. One was on the ground, another in battle with Jisung.

Catching her footing against the dusty floor, she ran towards Jisung who was now on the ground, dodging blow after blow. Her hand grasped the Knight’s arm, wrapping around harsh twisted armor. As she pulled him away, the Knight shifted his blade to her. And froze. 

The blade didn’t come closer; it was like a whisper of a threat, but as her wild eyes met the dark-eyes of Mingi she saw something burn red deep in his eyes. Magic. She leaned into the blade; the wild knight’s eyes widening in shock as he pulled back quick. His plump lips pressed and fluttered in anxiety as he stumbled back.  

“They’re can’t hurt me.” She murmured.

They can’t hurt her, but they can hurt her friends…. They’re ordered to stop her… Is the battle only occurring because she is near? If she left, would they leave her friends alone?

Taking a step towards Mingi again, his hand trembled. His blade rose but did not slice or stab.

“Cease, Runner.” He warned in his deep-voice.

She pushed herself into the blade of the Knight. Magic willed, he backed away. They hadnt been trying to harm her she realized – her friends perhaps but never her. Even the spells thrown at her were simple freezing spells. Nothing inherently dangerous.

She wasn’t going to be able to beat them – but she didn’t need to in order to escape. Yunho’s arm grasped hers, the gentle features of his face sullen with a deep frown as he hauled her away from Mingi.

It didn’t last long as Jisung barreled into the Knight, shoving him aside and into Mingi.

“Go, Y/N!” Jisung cried out.

Y/N stumbled from the force watching as Mingi did attack Jisung. Her breath caught as Jisung raised his dagger to block and tried to slice at the other. Yunho lept into battle to support his brother.

“Go now!” Jisung urged.

So, she did. She ran with taunts on her tongue.

“I’m over here!” she called out to the Knights.  

A hiss of anger echoed into the court yard.

“Yeosang!” the Captain called.

A buzz of magic, like popped champagne, whittled through the air. The lattice gate began to close, slow and old as it creaked with rusted cogs to lower it down. Running faster, she pushed forward. The sound of iron armor clanked as they shifted from their battles to focus on the Runner once more. Changbin’s blade sliced and Chris shoved the Captain to the ground with a huffing push.

“Get to the Castle!” Chris cried. “We’ll find you!”

The gate tumbled faster and faster as she sprinted. Before the gate should shut with a deafening clank, she slid beneath it, diving for safety.

And she made it.

Now, separated from her party and the Knight of ATEEZ, she turned to look through the rusted lattice gate.

“Open the gate!” Seonghwa growled upwards. She could hear the goblin guards high above stumble and trip in fear. There was the sound of footsteps above her; dust fluttered from the ceiling at the force.

“The Runer is the focus, not these folk. Capture the Runner – that’s an order,” Hongjoong commanded.

He glanced at Chris who swung his chains to whip at the Captain’s face. There was a glower of pain; his grin one of anger.

“Retreat.” Hongjoong persisted.

“Run, Y/N! GO!”

[nekomanager]

A DEAL WITH THE DEVIL –✦– OIKAWA TOORU

GRAND DEMON KING OIKAWA's one-on-one duel with you escalated to something you didn't expect...inspired by final haikyuu quest! happy halloween 🥂

f!reader, pwp, enemies to lovers, oral, f*ngering, 69, multiple, mindbreak, ahegao, creampie, grand demon king!oikawa

How did things turn out like this? How were his lips on yours while his tongue roamed your mouth so intoxicatingly that you felt heat building up between your thighs? 

News had it that the Grand Demon King Oikawa was eyeing your village. There had been rumors that he was brutal, cold-hearted, and mean. To defend your home, you travelled to settle things with the Grand Demon King through a duel.  

His castle was dimly lit, and you could tell how cold and lonely the place was. The gargoyles were easy to defeat, and it didn’t take you long to reach him in his throne room. Despite the dimness and the eerie ambiance of the place, you were surprised by the Grand Demon King himself.  

Oikawa was...a handsome man. Good thing you had a helmet on which could hide the amused expression on your face. His horns weren’t terrifying. His red eyes even added more appeal. He was magnetic and charismatic; someone you would fantasize kissing. Wait...what were you even thinking? You musn’t be crushing on this man! He’s the Grand Demon King! Was this part of his magic? You shouldn’t give in! 

“Oh, ‘nother knight, huh?” Oikawa quirked a brow up. “I heard of you. You’re Y/N.” He scoffed egotistically. “Easy peas—” 

You rushed in for an attack, “Stay out of my village.” 

He was amazed. He didn’t see that coming especially from someone like you. “What if I want to?” 

“Then, I’ll stop you now.” 

Even with your armor, you appeared quite...frail in comparison with the other knights he defeated, he thought. Ha! Your audacity to fight with him, the Grand Demon King Oikawa, yet he weirdly admired that from you.  

With several exchanges of attacks and a few amount of time, Oikawa oddly felt a special kind of fondness for you. He couldn’t deny...you were the smartest of all the knights he came across with so far, almost outwitting him in some of your advances. He’d keep you as one of his companions in addition to Kuroo and Bokuto. Then it’s time for this fight to be over, ultimately delivering his final blow. 

You fell on your back. The impact shattered your armor into pieces and sent your helmet flying off fully revealing your feminine figure and beautiful face underneath, something very vivid amidst the darkness of his throne room.  

Oikawa’s eyes widened. W-What?! “You-You’re a woman?!” He exclaimed in disbelief.  

“What’s it to you?” You questioned, annoyed. He seemed to be more powerful than you, but your spirit would never waver! You would never accept defeat. 

He turned on his back and held onto his chest. His heart beat so loud. Oh, how could fate be so cruel?  How come he finally met his perfect match but in the form of an enemy?  

Despite the bad rep about him, the Grand Demon King Oikawa’s biggest, deepest and darkest secret was that he’s a hopeless romantic, and right now he could strongly tell you’re his love at first sight. His soulmate. 

“Coward?” You provoked. He shouldn’t turn his back on you. You must settle things before it’s too late. “Are you refusing to fight me because I’m a woman?” 

Oikawa scoffed. “Don’t you ever try me.” 

“So what now?” You dared and he sure felt his dick harden at your admirable bravado. He wanted this to be romantic but you left him with no choice. 

He walked closer to you, and you inhaled sharply. The way he oozed so much appeal was distracting. Bracing yourself, you took on a fighting stance ready to risk your life as you came face-to-face with him. You gulped, he’s attractive and a bit intimidating in a way you couldn’t explain.  

“W-What are you gonna do?” You put on a brave face, but before you could even process it, what happened next was something you didn’t see coming. 

Oikawa had his lips on yours. His hands cupped your face firmly as he dipped his tongue inside your mouth and started massaging yours. Your eyes shut in response. The kiss was making you feel tingly and weak.  

W-What's this? Your head was spiraling and all you wanted to do was to surrender. No- You shouldn’t give in. Holding onto his wrists, you deepened the kiss. If he’s pulling his dirty tricks off, then you’d play even dirtier.  

Oikawa didn’t even cast any magic or release any pheromones and he didn’t have any intention to. He believed in true love. The way you kissed him was enough proof that you’re the love of his life and that urged him to convince you even further. 

Swiftly, Oikawa removed his robe and coat, leaving only a loose white dress shirt. He pulled you in by the waist, letting you know how hard you made him fall for you. You moaned in the kiss as you felt his erection against your stomach. You amped up your game, grinding your body against his and stimulating him even more. He placed a knee in between your legs and rubbed against your pussy. The kiss broke off with the two of you panting, both competing to get each other off first.  

He sucked on the exposed skin of your neck and groped your breast, while you palmed his hard-on and unbuttoned his pants to free and stroke his dick. He groaned and you smiled a little in victory.  

“You seemed to be enjoying me too much,” he said. 

You replied, “I think you’re falling weak for me.” 

Shit! You caught him and he couldn’t let this be one-sided, so he slid his hand underneath your pants and rubbed your pussy. 

“Uh-oh...you’re this wet already.” He whispered against your ear and teased, “How’d you like that?” 

“Sh-Shut up- mhmngh-” your face contorted while his fingers worked like magic. He was caressing your slit so slow that your hips began dancing in the same rhythm. How come...How come he’s making you this lewd? Y-You’re losing! Your mind and will to resist him...you’re losing.  

Your walls were now triggering to shake. You can’t shouldn’t come first! You worked your hands even faster against his tempting length. Oikawa bit his lip, knitted his brows and tilted his head back. Gosh, he’s so fucking near. You're so good, so damn good. He panted heavily and pumped his fingers in and out of your wet cunt harder.   

Your knees buckled, body giving up on the floor. Oikawa removed his top before following and getting on his knees to discard your pants off. 

“What? Don’t tell me you’re done?” He teased. 

“N-No way,” you retaliated, doing the same on his pants. While you’re at it, you laid on your side and headed straight to his hardened shaft. Your mouth swallowing him whole to show that you’re never giving up.  

Oikawa moaned and you spurt a little with how sexy he sounded. He licked his lips at the sight of your dripping pussy. He grabbed your hips closer and lifted a leg up over his face, so he could have better access and began sipping on your arousal.  

You whimpered against his cock. It feels so damn good.  

He’s sliding his tongue against you as he slurped thirstily, while his finger pleased your hole. You matched his efforts as your hand massaged his balls with your tongue swirling around the tip. Your actions encouraged him even more now focused on lapping against your clit and added another finger in to tease your cunt. You shook and sucked him harder and faster.  

The friction of your attacks on each other sizzled, you trembled in his hold with your love juice squirting all over his pretty face and he spurt his cum inside your mouth.  

You came at the same time. It was a tie.  

Rolling on your back, your head spun. You took a glance at Oikawa. Gosh, he’s still hard. So damn hard, big and pretty. You gulped.  

Oikawa saw it…Your eyes...they spelled lust. So much lust that his ego could never feel more inflated it went straight to his cock now standing upright for your viewing pleasure. Your pussy glistened in arousal, and he knew that you still throbbed and wanted more.  

“Can you take all of me?” He challenged. 

You opened your legs wide ready for the final battle. “D-Don’t underestimate me.” 

Oikawa removed your top fully exposing you naked before swiping the tip of his shaft along your entrance. You heaved in anticipation, while he leaned close to you and entered slowly. Your pussy stretched to his size and your mouth gaped as big as his cock.  

His hips moved and you couldn’t help but be a moaning mess beneath him. If he’s like this...you’d be coming first. No, that couldn’t happen! You wrapped your arms around his neck and captured his lips. 

Shit! He almost came when you kissed him. In return, he lifted your ass with his hands and thrust even harder, harder and harder! 

“Mhmn~” you whined, your legs hooking around his waist. “N-nooo~ Can’t...Can’t just let you win~” You couldn’t believe it. The Grand Demon King’s cock was inside you and was stirring you like crazy. 

“So goood, it’s so goood, huh?” He huffed as he attacked, slamming hastily and powerfully deep. 

Oh god. Oh god. It’s so amazing. So terribly amazing. “Oh! O-Oikawa...” 

“Tooru-” He jerked his hips forward. “It’s Tooru!” 

Your back arched and his ass clenched with both of you coming together.  

You’re in disarray; beads of tears decorated the edge of your eyes as you panted. You just came and was shuddering a bit but Tooru continued thrusting. There’s no way he could stop after seeing you be such a beautiful mess for him.  

“Tooru! Tooru!” You cried quite surprised.  

“Y/N! Y/N! I can’t- I can’t get enough of you.” 

“Me too! Me too!” What’s happening? Was this still part of your duel? Were you still even fighting? 

“You can’t let me win...but you...want this, right?” He pulled you both up he’s now bouncing you on his lap. “You want this. You want this cock. You want my cock so badly.” 

You nodded, helplessly. You’re a knight. You came to defend your village, but you ended up coming endlessly and wanting nothing but more that you couldn’t stop yourself from thrusting back.  

“What do you say? I’ll leave your village alone, but you’ll stay with me forever,” he said through gritted teeth as he pounced without restraint. “I’ll fuck you like this forever! You’ll fuck me up ‘til this hard dick you love so much goes limp.” He thrust in deep, and your eyes crossed. He knew! He knew! He’d always be hard around you.  

“Yes! Yes, please! Just take me...Take me away!”  You didn’t know anymore. All you knew was...it's amazing...He’s amazing and no one ever felt this great. “Let me fuc- no defeat you ‘til you can’t go hard anymore!” You rode up and down his length wildly that your tits jiggled everytime. 

Tooru carried you by the waist, slamming his Grand Demon King cock up to destroy you, balls deep inside. “And I’ll fuck you over and over ‘til you can’t stop cumming anymore!” 

Your walls clenched around him as a final blow, squeezing that he shot his load straight into your womb, completely filling you with his love and owning you as his from this day forward. At the same time, your walls caved in, and your body shivered; head tilted back, hearts fully drawn in your eyes in pure pleasure.  

Together, you came again like a perfect pair, catching your breaths as the final battle ended with a win-win deal. 

Gently, Tooru cradled you like a baby on his lap, caressing the side of your face. Your heart fluttered with his gesture. He dipped to give your lips a small peck. Perhaps, this was not so bad at all. Contrary to the rumors, the Grand Demon King was secretly a doting man. “There, there, take a rest for a while, my queen.”  

A smile painted his face as he looked at you so dearly you knew you’d fall for him in no time. 

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