#technically not in this chatper but still

[snake-noodles]

Hidden Away - Chapter 3

TW: talk of death, mentions of alcohol, body horror, implied self harm, parasites, spiders, skin trauma. Please tell me if I missed anything

Words: 3961

Read on AO3

On the very top floor, preparations were being made.

It was a very special day. Very special indeed. For once in the longest time, they would be seeing the founder himself. He barely came around, being one of the only ones able to leave this place.

A smiled in the dark room. Smiled as cheerily as he could for an AI programmed without emotions. All for Thomas, he'd remind himself. He knows that Thomas will be upset- but it's okay. He'll get used to it, and he'll learn that A has everything under control. Then the corporation will thrive better than ever! He fills the champagne glasses, despite not being able to drink himself, and sets it down gently. Everything must be perfect. Even though he knows neither of them will drink. Even though he knows they don't agree. Even though he knows this meeting won't last long. Even though he knows that Thomas will be upset. Soon, he'll be able to have everything under his careful control.

The door opens, and the lights come on. A looks over, an uncomfortable smile sitting on his face. Remy, whom he called in, blows his kazoo half heartedly.

Thomas steps in, and is Greatly Confused.

"Greetings, Thomas. It's so good seeing you again." He says, no emotion in his voice. Remy drops his kazoo.

"Heya, daddy-o. I don't know what this celebration is for, but I see alcohol." He smirks. "The others should be here soon."

"... What is happening exactly?" Thomas asks, confusion clear on his face.

"Oh, right. You might think that it's someone's birthday or a celebration of sorts." A hums. "But it's not. Congratulations on your first death in the new team! One more death, and plenty more to come."

A claps, and Remy looks uncomfortable, suddenly not really into the party. Thomas looks pale.

"Do you have to do this every time? Everytime we get a new team, you do this and celebrate the first person to die." Thomas furrows his eyebrows. A blinks.

"I'm simply getting you used to death, sir. It isn't all bad." A clapped his hands, and Remy rushed to leave the room and get back to his team, mumbling something about letting the other sephiras know. The two stare, before A's head snaps back to Thomas unnaturally. "But, enough of that. We have important matters to discuss, after all."

The two sit down, an uncomfortable silence settling over him as Thomas stares at his AI counterpart.

"You do understand why I've called you here, correct?" A states, voice suddenly cold. Thomas nods.

"Yes, I do. And I don't agree with you." He states firmly, a stubborn look across his face.

"It would greatly benefit all of us, sir." A pauses, narrowing his eyes, leaning forward. "Do you want this to fail?"

"Of course not! But-"

" Then you will do as I say ."

Thomas flinches as the cold hand is wrapped tightly around his wrist. He knows that A could easily kill him. Both of them know this. But they know just as well that Thomas could easily dispose of A. They could cause each others demise. And even though they were two sides of the same coin, there was no trust in their relationship. They had to be aware of each other's moves at all times. It was like a dangerous game of chess, and they both had their eyes set for the king.

"I will not." He says, trying not to let his voice waver. It was hard to stand up to A. He's a naturally emotional person. A isn't even human.

A sighs, taking his hand away and folding them on top of each other.

"You will come around eventually. We have no use for these emotions getting in our way… Face it, Thomas. You need me. I can show you the way. We shall thrive." He reaches out to grab Thomas's hand, but he pulls back, standing up.

"No. Not like this. Not with how you're running things."

"Oh? And what are you going to do about it sir?"

"I'll run this place myself."

A's eyes widen, and then he smiles, standing himself. He tilts his head.

"Fine then. I'm glad you've stopped hiding like a coward." He steps forward, straightening Thomas's jacket.

"But I'll show you. You need me, Thomas. Isn't that why you created me?"

He says nothing.

And the game of chess has officially begun.

> Welcome back to Lobotomy Corp, PATTON.

> …

> You have 2 new messages. Would you like to read them?

> NO.

> Understood, I have saved them for later.

Patton sighs, rubbing his aching head. He feels exhaustion, and he glances over at his sleeping roommate. He should be asleep too. He needs to be in tip top shape if he wants to do a good job. He wants to be able to see Virgil. Even though his containment absolutely terrifies him, he doesn't want to leave Virgil. Not ever again does he want to leave him.

It made him sad. Which isn't great since he's supposed to be happy! Happy and cheerful nurse that makes others feel better! He doesn't want to drag anyone down with him.

But… Logan already seems to be going down.

He's never seen Logan scare an abnormality like that before. He's never pulled his weapon on one that didn't even breach containment. And that scared him.

He didn't want to be scared of Logan. He shouldn't be! They're friends, after all. The abnormality seemed terrified. He didn't look like too much of a threat- maybe he didn't mean to affect Logan like that? He doesn't know. He always tries to see the best in everything. Even the abnormalities.

He didn't like seeing the abnormalities locked up. He knows with his position, he's not allowed to say anything about that. It just felt… inhumane. The spaces were so small and cramped. It's no place for anyone to comfortably live.

He hates seeing things in pain. He regularly has to visit a few of them. F-02-44(T) hated itself with a passion, and it reminded him of The Du- Remus. Remus. It always hurt itself, hating how grotesque it looked. Remus is one he also visited frequently. He always managed to somehow hurt himself. Even with the chains wrapped around him that Patton hates looking at. Virgil was the one he visited the most. He didn't need as much treatment as the previous two, but… Patton felt better when he spent time with Virgil. He wants to make up for all the time he didn't when Virgil was still…

Patton shakes his head, laying back in his bed and staring at the ceiling, his roommate's soft snoring filling up the empty air. He felt like there was a hole in his chest. A hole that's been slowly growing ever since he started working here.

He realizes that the plot of his life doesn’t make sense to him anymore- that although he thought he was following the arc of the story, he keeps finding himself immersed in passages he doesn't understand. Like right now. He never would have expected himself to end up in this place.

He longed for his freedom again, after having it thrown out into the wind, watching it leave him while all he can do is stand and wait for death.

He didn't like thinking about that, either. He knows Logan would scold him if he found out, but god he's terrified of dying in this place. He'll never get to see his family again. Maybe his family was small and broken, but now that he's been taken away from it, he realizes how much he really loved them. He knows he loves his family, but being stuck here only made him realize how much he truly cares.

He wishes he could talk to them. To hug them one last time. He doesn't want to die here. At least, he'd like to see them again before dying here. He missed them. He missed them more than he could ever possibly handle.

Everything was perfect for him. Even with his small, struggling family. Things were finally looking up.

It was perfect.

Until it wasn't.

He's grown used to crying silently. He can't be a child here. He can't be immature. So, whenever he cries, he's learned how to suppress his sobs and his hiccups.

He curls up, exhaustion weighing on his body like a heavy blanket. He doesn't remember when he fell asleep.

Morning broke. Or at least he could assume that it's morning. His clock said it was morning. He couldn't be too sure, though. He sighs, rubbing his tired eyes. Nurses had to get up earlier than regular employees so that they wouldn't get in the way of research when treating an abnormality. He was tasked to check on O-01-62(H) once more this morning to make sure he didn't revert back to the state he was in yesterday.

He was a little nervous, he didn't really know about this new abnormality after all. He was still in risk of danger himself. He stands up, stretching out his tired limbs, trying not to wake up his roommate. He just needs to take his meds, get dressed, and be on his way!

Leaving his room, he mentally tries to cheer himself up. He was always down when it was early morning. The only other people out in the hallways were the sephiras, guards, and other nurses. Though the hallways were still sparse. He waves at Remy as he passes by. Remy, despite being on a different team, was the one he saw most often. He never really saw the sephirot for the team he helped with. Nate was his name? Or maybe it was Toby? He's not sure, he can't quite remember.

Once he makes sure he's on the right floor, he double checks his notes before walking down the empty hallway, his footsteps echoing. He trails before stopping at O-01-62(H) . He takes a deep breath, before entering the containment.

Inside laid the serpent. Coiled around himself in such an unnatural, inhuman way that made Patton tense up a little. Upon hearing the door open, his head snaps up and he smiles. Patton smiles back, albeit more nervous.

"Well, if it isn't Nurse Joy." He hisses, slowly standing to his full height. Patton liked to think he was rather tall himself, only just being a few inches shorter than Logan, who was 6'4. He was the perfect dad height, in his opinion. But standing in front of abnormalities makes him feel… tiny. The reptile was tall. Perhaps 6'8? He was only a few inches taller than Logan, he thinks. Not the tallest in the building for sure, but perhaps it was more so his anatomy that added to the unpleasant nervousness Patton was feeling right now.

He smiles awkwardly.

"Hello! Deceit, was it? I was sent to check up on you this morning." He smiles, stepping forward. When the other doesn't make any moves to stop him, he approaches. "Are you feeling okay?"

"Oh, I feel absolutely miserable. I think I might be dying." The snake drones, putting the back of his hand to his head. Patton giggles.

"Very funny! But, I need the truth if you wanna feel better." He puts his hands on his hips, and the two stare at each other.

"Hm…" He hums, leaning down to match Patton's height. He stares for a moment. "I'm fine. I'm sure there are other abnormalities that need help more than I do."

"Well, as long as you're doing okay…!" He hesitates, fiddling with his pen. "Logan doesn't usually act like that… Maybe he's just stressed! He's really a nice person…"

Deceit stares longer, before looking at his long nails, his forked tongue flickering out of his mouth. Patton has to hold himself back from immediately squealing.

"Logan is… Not normal… I know that's rich to hear coming from a freak of nature such as myself." He chuckles darkly, the noise brings a chill down the nurse's spine. "He doesn't seem right in the head. He used to be just like everyone else, I believe… But something happened."

He crosses his arms, two more coming out to tidy his hair and straighten his hat before sinking back into his body. Patton tries to ignore how his stomach twists.

"... I don't know… I'll try talking to him, if I can. He doesn't… do those sorts of things." He frowns, and the abnormality clicks his tongue.

"You're different than the others… I'm sure anyone else would be happy to let the nerd kill me… but you should be going. I'm fine, after all. You're Virgil's little friend, right? Go and bother him instead."

Patton freezes, eyes widened as he looks up at the abnormality. His fingers twitch and he anxiously wets his lips.

"... How do you know about Virgil?" He asks, voice silent. The snake smiles, putting a finger up to his mouth.

"I don't know anything, Patty cake. Move along little lamb, other patients need you more than I do." His eye glows, a brilliant gold that captivated Patton. And without even thinking, Patton turns and leaves the room.

He steps into the hallway, blinking. Was there something he should be worried about? He isn't sure… Well, it's probably not too important, whatever it was! Humming, he decides to check up on Virgil. He felt a bit anxious, walking down his dark hallway, but if it were lightened, Virgil wouldn't be afraid to leave his containment. He sighs, looking up at the door, T-01-43(T) . He braces himself and steps inside.

The containment was illuminated by a single lightbulb, and Virgil would draw to it like a moth to a flame.

He looks up, seeing the long, spindling spider legs. They were bigger than Virgil himself. The were long, and sharp, and twitched uncomfortably. Patton swallows, and the spider looks down. Virgil is so pale now. His eyes are nothing but black. Slowly, he climbs down- his spider legs clumsy and uncertain in the way they move. Patton was scared. He hates that he's scared of Virgil. But he still smiles, anxious.

"Virgil, how are you today?" He asks, stepping forward. Virgil takes a shaky breath, backing up, only to jump when his extra limbs hit the wall.

"Good, g-good. I'm good. I'm fine. Good." He rambles, wringing his hands together and trying to make himself smaller. Patton frowns, taking a step closer.

"Hey, it's okay, kiddo. We'll figure this out… Has it gotten any worse?" He asks quietly, hand hovering over the spider's shoulder, but not touching it.

"I-I don't know… still hurts.. hurts alot. I want to pry them off." He sucks in air through his teeth.

"L-Let's not rip off any limbs!" He laughs nervously. "... Is it okay if I look?"

Virgil hesitates, before nodding. It was hard to put on and take off clothing, but he'd rather die than be shirtless all the time. The backs of all his clothes had large slits in them, keeping them together with two buttons, sort of but not exactly like a hospital gown. Of course, this meant he couldn't wear his jacket anymore, but it was always wrapped around his waist.

Patton slowly unbuttons his black shirt, extremely careful to not touch the protruding spider legs. Once it's off, he frowns.

"... Is it bad? Getting better? I-I can never see it. I-I-I don't- I don't want to see it really- please don't tell me how bad it is-" He breathes heavily and Patton gently pats his shoulder for some sort of comfort.

Besides the very obvious spider limbs, a problem they've been keeping their eye on has been the slowly growing blackness in Virgil's skin. It apparently hurts, but not too much to where it's excruciating. And it all stemmed from the bump in the back of Virgil's neck. The smooth exoskeleton of what used to be another abnormality, burrowed into Virgil's skin. It was a parasite of sorts. And they couldn't remove it. Even touching it made Virgil's stable mindset slip.

But the dark, almost purple color has been spreading slowly.

He's scared that Virgil will be lost completely before he can find a way to reverse this. He's already been slipping into more monstrous tendencies, and even though he isn't used to using his new legs, he's made things that resemble webs. Touching them burn , though. Not to mention how Virgil has started eating.

Patton grimaces, before coming to sit in front of Virgil.

"How's your eyesight?" Patton asks, brushing some hair out of the way of Virgil's eyes.

"... It's getting darker… It's really hard to see… I-Is the light still on? The lights are still bright, right? Patton, I-I don't wanna go blind. It's getting hard to see- I can't- I don't-" Virgil panics, voice slipping for a moment, but Patton grabs his hands carefully.

"You'll be okay. It's gonna be okay. We'll… We'll definitely solve this! I'll make sure to have a brighter light installed… I-Is there anything else I should know?"

Virgil shakes his head, and Patton nods.

"You're not leaving, are you?" He asks, voice quiet and desperate.

"I have to. I promise I'll come back tonight, though. We'll figure this out, okay?" He speaks, voice barely a whisper. He's not sure why he's whispering. Virgil nods, slowly pulling his hands away and folding them on his lap. His legs move, shifting awkwardly in the small room. He looks small. Uncertain. Unsure.

Patton hates leaving him.

But the moment he does leave, he feels exceptionally less anxious, despite the ghost feeling of creepy crawlies all over his skin. He shudders, scratching his arms. He spent more time there than he should have. Now he'll have to check up on Remus later, which didn't sit quite well with him. Even though he'd leave that cell with at least one injury, he hated leaving him to hurt himself.

He hates entering that room, but he's sure Roman has it much worse… seeing his own brother chained down and turned into… that. He frowns, rubbing his wrists.

He needs to speak to Logan, still. What happened yesterday wasn't sitting right with him. Logan wouldn't hurt something that couldn't fight back, right? He wouldn't hurt something that didn't even escape, right? He's not sure. He wants to trust his friend with this. They've been friends for a while now! Logan wouldn't do something like this. He's sure of it.

Still, he's not sure how he'll bring it up to Logan. What if he's dismissive? What if he doesn't care? What if he gets angry? His stomach twists and he frowns. Why is he worrying so much? This will be fine! He just needs to catch Logan when he's not busy!

… Which might take a while.

Patton looks down, seeing that he needs to get to his office in 30 minutes. So he has a little time to maybe grab a drink and something to eat. He can't have much though. He really wishes he could have proper meals, but most of his time is dedicated to his work.

He stops by a vending machine to get food so he won't starve to death. He wants to bake again. He doesn't remember the last time he's baked. But, well, he can't waste his time getting sad about it..! He adjusts his glasses and eats as he walks, hoping to not waste any time. He waves as he walks by some workers he knows, but slows down when he sees three people talking. There's Remy, A, and… someone who looks a lot like A. He blinks, and Remy catches his eye- at least he thinks so. It's hard to tell with the sunglasses.

"Hey, Patton-cake!" He waves with his free hand, the other holding a mug. The other two turn to look, and he suddenly feels very put on the spot. A was… incredibly strict. If he messes up, who knows what will happen.

"Uh, hello! Did you need me?" He asks, walking over.

"Not really, but I thought I should introduce you." He smiles, patting the nurse on the back.

"This is Patton Hart, he's one of the best nurses here. I'm sure it'd help him alot if we, I dunno, got better medical equipment Thomas?" He asks, nudging Patton slightly. Patton freezes up some more. God, it's the founder himself out of all people. He prays that he doesn't die today.

"We do not need-" A speaks up before Thomas holds up a hand.

"We'll look into supplying the doctors with better equipment." He says quickly, never once turning to look at his AI counterpart, who wore a scowl. It was scary seeing the so called emotionless robot upset.

"I-It's really nice meeting you, Mr. Sanders..! Thank you, I should get going I'll do my best!" He says quickly, getting out of there as soon as possible. He hears Remy say something, but he's already in the elevator.

He takes in a deep breath, looking down to see a message from Remy.

> Make sure to get the new medicine from Emmi's office, boo~ ♡

A smile tugged at his lips, and he looks away, glad that no one was upset with him. He lets out a breath, waiting for the elevator. Despite this being a high tech place with alot of cool stuff, the workers were given the short end of the stick. Not like he's allowed to complain.

But, he wonders why Thomas was here. He almost never shows himself, and Patton has never even seen his face until today. Did something happen? Why did he suddenly come back? Is work going to get better or worse now that he's here again?

He isn't sure. A was already incredibly intimidating, and never thought about people's lives. He wondered what Thomas would be like. Thomas is human, right? Surely, he must have better morals compared to something that isn't alive. He gulps, suddenly incredibly nervous. He has a lot to worry about today, huh? At least getting the medicine won't be hard… Emile was kind.

He doesn't want to think about dealing with Remus later. And thinking about talking to Logan is stressing him out a lot more than it should. Not to mention he doesn't even know how many patients he'll get today. This is too stressful for him. He just wants to eat cookies and watch movies. He huffs, and the elevator shakes as its doors open. He steps out, adjusting his glasses.

Guess he won't be eating lunch today.  

In a dark room on the very top floor, a chess piece moves across the board. His eyes glowed in the dark room, the only color on him. A cold, icy blue.

"Are you sure you know what you're doing, sir ?" The word comes out as more of a taunt, venom dripping off of his words.

"Of course. Do you know what you're doing?"

"I do. I always know what I'm doing."

Neither of them speak as a pawn is taken off of the board. It's silent. The slightest of noises could be heard.

They stare at each other, neither daring to look away. Then, the door opens.

"A, you're needed." The AI speaks, and A stands up, putting a hand on Thomas's shoulder.

"Just have faith in me. I will make everything better."

And he leaves without waiting for a response. Thomas sits there, fists clenched.

He walks down the hall, a smile on his face. He will make things better. He will make this corporation thrive. And if he has to play dirty to get there, then so be it. He can play dirty.

Thomas won't even know what hit him.

[mintysugatriggerwarnings]

trigger warnings - revenge is sweet (but your love is sweeter)

please let me know if there is anything i missed! if you have questions about it, please let me know through messenger or though an ask off anon so I can answer privately. this will be updated as the fic is published!

link to the fic on archive

Chapter Warnings (non specific)

Chapter 4: mentioned past character death, mentioned past child and spousal abuse

Chapter 5: hospital scenes, discussing potential life threatening conditions, surgery

Chapter 6: self doubt/low self esteem, mild sexual themes

Chapter 7: mild sexual themes (porn mention), violence, threatening sexual assault, threats, use of “slut” and “whore” in derogatory way, implied past dub/con, cheating

Chapter 8: implied past dub/con, cheating

Chapter 9: touching without consent discussed, implied threat of sexual assault, violence, use of “bitch” as a derogatory term, life threatening situations & discussion of possible death (no death occurs), cancer mention, car accident, hospitals, talking about death, cheating

Chapter 10: nsfw content

Chapter 11: mentioned past minor character death, implied past abuse, (lightly) described past child abuse, blood mention, nsfw content

Chapter 12: violence, mentioned past child abuse (physical and emotional), verbal abuse, homophobia

Chatper 13: violence, blood

Chapter Warnings (specific)

Chapter 4

past character death: Jimin’s mother passed away in a hospital and he reflects on her last moments there. Begins with “His last memory...” and ends with that paragraph

past child and spousal abuse: Jimni’s father was abusive to him and his mother. There is no detailed description but it is mentioned when Jimin is thinking about his parents while he is in the hospital. Begins with “The last time he had been in a hospital...” and ends five paragraphs later

Chapter 5

hospital scenes: the majority of this chapter takes place in a hospital when Jimin visits Yoongi to get treatment for his heart condition

potential life threatening conditions: Yoongi finds out Jimin has pericarditis but before that Jimin wonders if he might die from it

surgery: Jimin gets a minor surgery on his heart

Chapter 6

self doubt/low self esteem: Yoongi second guesses himself and blames himself for the failures of his relationship

mild sexual themes: Minjae attempts to sext Jimin, we don’t read those texts but it’s mentioned and talked about

Chapter 7

mild sexual themes (porn mention): Taehyung and Yoongi talk about porn when thinking of how to mess with Minjae

violence: Jimin’s loan sharks show up and they physically threaten him by slamming him into the wall and kicking him

threatening sexual assault: the loan sharks threaten Jimin that if he doesn’t pay them the money, they expect him to sleep with them in exchange

use of “slut”, “whore,” and “bitch” as derogatory terms: the loan sharks use the first two to address Jimin and Minjae calls him a bitch when he’s upset at something Jimin has done

implied past dub/con: Jimin reflects on his previous dates with his ex’s and how they always end in sex whether he wants it to or not and he usually goes along with it and doesn’t fight, he worries that that’s where the date he is on is going

cheating: Jimin and Jungkook go out on a date despite Jungkook still seeing Minjae

Chapter 8

past dub-con: Jimin implies that in relationships in the past, his consent didn’t matter when having sex and that he didn’t always give it

cheating: Jimin and Jungkook are dating despite Jungkook still seeing Minjae

Chapter 9

touching without consent discussed: Jimin talks about how some of the people at the club touch without permission and try to break the rules and are sometimes successful

implied threat of sexual assault: Jimin’s debt collectors return and even though he pays them, they say it’s not enough. Never explicitly stated that they were going to assault him, but could be read that way so I thought I would add the warning in case. They are unsuccessful as Jimin hits them and runs away

violence: Jimin punches one of the debt collectors in the nose, then he falls on pavement and scrapes his arms. blood mention.

use of “bitch” as a derogatory term: the debt collectors call Jimin a bitch after he punches them

life threatening situations & discussion of possible death (no death occurs): Taehyung’s mom gets in a car accident and is in critical condition in the hospital, she does not die, but they discuss the possibility of it happening. additionally, there is implied death of an unnamed character’s loved one while they are waiting in the hospital

cancer mention: Taehyung’s mother had cancer twice. Not discussed in depth, but mentioned twice

hospitals: last portion of this chapter takes place in a hospital where Taehyung’s mother is being treated

talking about death: Yoongi talks about what it’s like telling people their loved ones have passed away and Taehyung considers what it will be like if that is the news he receives

cheating: Jungkook and Jimin are still seeing each other while Jungkook is technically still with Minjae, and Yoongi thinks about his feelings for Taehyung while still being married to Minjae

Chapter 10

nsfw content: taehyung and yoongi almost have sex

Chapter 11

mentioned past character death & implied past abuse: JK’s mom asks about Jimin’s parents, and he tells her they’ve both passed away and states that he’s better off that way

(lightly) described past child abuse: Jimin opens up to JK and tells him about how his father physically abused him when he was younger. He describes one instance and then confirms JK’s suspicion that it didn’t happen just once. You can easily skip this section and it won’t impact your experience reading this fic. Jungkook will tell a story about how he got one of his scars and then ask Jimin about one of his and lasts for the next 7 paragraphs. Begins with “can I ask about the scar on your ribs?” and finishes with the paragraph starting with “You’re such a strong person...”

description of the abuse he went through: his father was drunk and hit him with a broken beer bottle

it’s not talked about emotionally if that makes sense? it’s just him telling JK what happened, and it’s not a first person flash back! section does not contain Jimin overly thinking about it in his perspective either

blood mention: included in section when Jimin is describing his past abuse

nsfw content: Jimin and JK have sex together in Paris. Section can be skipped easily! When you get to the part where they’re kissing on the balcony the smut begins soon after so just skip to the next page break (where they should be in a bathtub talking!); also, Minaje and Yoongi have sex. Not described in detail and teeeeechnically can be skipped, but you’ll miss a bit of Yoongi’s internal monologue! but if you want to skip it, let me know and I can summarize it. Begins with the part where Yoongi lets Minjae kiss him and ends with the paragraph starting with “Minjae got up after a moment...”

Chapter 12

violence: jimin’s father hits him and physically threatens him, Jungkook’s sister assults Jimin’s father

mentioned past child abuse: this is sort of throughout the chapter in how Jimin is afraid of his father. it features Jimin’s father’s past actions and how him being back brings the memories to the surface again. Every section with Jimin’s father will feature illusions or mentions of this behavior. If you need more detailed info, pls let me know! Sorry this isn’t super descriptive.

verbal abuse: Jimin’s father verbally degrades him by calling him ungrateful, a bitch, a worthless piece of shit, etc.

homophobia: Jimin’s father finds out he’s dating Jungkook and is angry. implied that he calls Jimin slur, but not fully written out; just reads as “f--”; JK’s dad mentions talks about some of the backlash he got for supporting Jungkook’s sexuality

Chapter 13:

violence: Jimin’s father returns and threatens Jungkook with a knife and attempts to kill Jimin, but he is unsuccessful. Jimin’s father sustains a non fatal shot to the leg.

[heartofhryule]

Heart of Wisdom - Chapter 13

WARNINGS: Contains Hyrule Warriors spoilers and story items. I highly recommend playing the game if you haven’t! It’s complete fluff, but fun fluff…. minus Lana.

______________________________________

Heart of Wisdom | Chatper 13 | Courage

Link rode as hard and fast as he had ever in his life pushed poor Epona. She rose to his challenge, and gave no signs of tiring or complaint despite her perspiration and labored breathing. He wasn’t sure, but it felt as though Epona knew, or at the very least understood the need for urgency.

Volga kept up, though at a short distance. Tactically it was sound. If something jumped them on the way, they agreed Link had to keep going. They rode all day and all night across Hyrule Field and into Faron Woods, only stopping when the horses had to. As it stood, they were making good time.

The Woods were quiet, and though there was a trail, they could not go quite as quickly as the field road allowed. Link was agitated, nervous, still very angry. He’d never been angry with Zelda, he’d parsed through those thoughts as the wind rushed by and only the sound of Epona’s hooves beating the ground filled his ears. He was angry with the situation, and murderous towards Ganon. It never got easier - not in this life or any before. The fate of Zelda to live again and again to sacrifice and put her life on the line in order to defeat Darkness chafed him beyond words.

He wanted to end it. For good.

That he could never seem to find a way fueled his anger even more. Times he recalled having the discussion that an end would mean that the cycle would be broken, and he may never get a chance at a real life with Zelda never phased him - she was the Goddess reborn. They were destined to be together. He had faith that whatever the end was when it came, they would be together.

If only it could be without Ganon. Without Darkness, or Demise, or whatever the demon wanted to call himself this time.

They reached the Sacred Grounds by mid morning the next day - having shaved half a day’s ride from the journey with their breakneck pace. However the moment he stepped foot off Epona, Link knew something was wrong.

Holding up a hand for Volga to stop, he crept forward silently, keeping a keen eye out around them. The first wave of moblins that came seemed to have only been on a kind of patrol, but during Link and Volga’s fighting with them, enough noise was made that it served to summon more.

The Sacred grounds were crawling with goblinkin of the North, and it did not take a Sage or Scholar to figure out that Ganon had anticipated this, their journey to reclaim the Master Sword. As Link fought, it was with every ounce of anger he had ever felt. They’d not slept the night before, but neither Hero nor Dragonknight seemed hampered in the least - their mission was dire, now more so than before.

Cutting a path across the ruins, Link could see the entrance to the temple, but knew it would take longer than his stamina might hold to carve a path through the sea of monsters attacking them. It seemed Ganon’s plan was either to have Link succeed and reclaim the sword, releasing the last of the Demon King’s power, or die trying.

Just as he was running out of options for a plan B, the Hero felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up as a blue flash streaked through the air in front of him. “Proxi?” he managed, thinking perhaps it was merely another rare blue fairy, as Proxi had left with Lana to her Sanctum. But the question was answered when 50 or more bobkins were rather suddenly encased in what for all the world looked like a magical glass box, killing them all when it shattered.

From overhead, in the center of the now cleared path landed a familiar figure with blue hair. Lana stood, her book clutched to her side, and turned to nod at Link and Volga. Her normal chipper demeanor was missing and she wore the white robes of the Guardian of time, but she was a welcome aid to the battle.

With Lana’s help, Link and Volga’s spirits were emboldened, and soon enough the majority of the goblinkin lay dead around them, the path to the temple entrance clear. Pausing long enough to catch his breath, Link gave Lana a small smile. “You know, I’m sure there’s some cosmic problem you’re going to have to face for this, but I have never been happier to see you than I am right now.”

Lana blushed and didn’t meet his eyes. It was no secret to anyone that Lana found feelings for the Hero. But she understood his bond to Zelda, to the Goddess she technically served, and had vowed to not interfere. Link also wasn’t going to treat her any differently than his other friends, as he considered her such. Finally looking at him with a wink, she said, “Well I couldn’t leave you guys to clean up my mess now, could I?”

Link gave her a nod and bemused smile and took off, jogging for the temple. Volga however came up behind Lana and rest a hand on her shoulder. “It is good to see you, and not merely in dreams this time.”

She smiled, warmed by his affection and covered her hand in his. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to invade your dreams - I had the stray thought that maybe you could help… and then there you were.”

“Do not apologize,” he assured her kindly, “I am glad you did.”

***

Inside, Link ran full force to the back of the temple where he knew the Sword rest. It seemed none of the goblinkin could make it past the doors - that was something. The last time he’d battled here they had been able to enter under Cia’s magic and it had been a mess.

What was there brought him to a sliding halt and twisted something in his gut, however. The doors to the Sacred Grove were open, Sheikah magic that Zelda had cast to ward them broken, and even the doors themselves seemed cracked in new places.

Not only had Ganon anticipated they would come here, but he had been here.

A cold hand gripped his heart as Link considered this all might have been in Ganon’s plan, and now he was two days from Zelda where Ganon was likely less than one. Moving forward cautiously, he was surprised to find there were no traps, magical or mundane set in the doorway or the grass covered grove - but then why would there be. This was clearly what the Demon King wanted.

Reaching forward, he gripped the hilt of the Master Sword and felt a touch of relief. Like the embrace of an old friend, The Master Sword slipped easily from the stone in his grip, and he held it skyward, feeling the magic course back into it. “Hey, Fi,” he whispered reverently, knowing that somewhere at the core of the steel and divine metals from which it was forged, lay the soul of his once very dear companion. “I know it’s been shorter time than usual between seeing me,” he said, resting the flat of the blade against the other hand, “But I need your help again. Think that will be okay?”

There was of course no response, but the blade sparkled in the noonday light, and he felt it was her way of accepting. “Thanks, Fi,” he added with the last, and sheathed the sword on his back, tucking his other into his belt before turning around. Volga and Lana stood in the doorway, Lana’s hands clutched over her book at her chest, and Volga smirking.

“He knows we’re coming,” Link said striding forward. “He was here. We have to hurry - Zelda is in danger.”

“I can help with that,” Lana said with a nod. “Get the horses and meet me by the Goddess shrine on the east wall.” With that, she turned sharply and darted off.

Volga and Link fetched their horses and did as Lana had asked, coming up the shrine to find Lana’s book floating in the air above her as she cast a spell… and opened a gate. Turning to face them with a sad smile. “I can only get you to the other side of Faron Woods, so you’ll still have a part day’s ride… but I don’t have the Triforce to extend past it.”

“Are you coming with us?” Volga asked, stepping forward.

“I’ll be around,” Lana nodded, face sincere. “You may not see me, but I’ll be helping.”

Link stepped up to the portal, tall as they very wall, and mounted Epona. Looking down with a grateful smirk, he nodded. “Thank you, Lana. I hope we meet again under better circumstances.”

Lana gave him a sad smile, and something told him they probably wouldn’t, since she wasn’t supposed to intervene, but he meant it. “Go,” she said with a tearful smile. “Beat him to our Goddess, yeah?” She didn’t have to tell him twice. Link nodded and urged Epona forward through the portal. With a turn of the stomach and a brief fall later, Epona was running full speed across Hyrule field once more.

On the other side of the portal, Volga turned to look Lana over as she longing watch Link gallop away. “You know, no one blames you.” She turned and looked up to him, her damp eyes now holding the smile on her lips.

“That’s kind, but it’s my fault.”

“Ganon is tricky, powerful, seductive… and it was not you. It was the weak part of you that is gone now.”

She shook her head and looked back after Link who was disappearing over the rise of a hill. “But I… she… has caused so much heartache. I was never supposed to be a part of this.”

Volga looked up as well, knowing he needed to catch up, but feeling this was important. “You cannot regret another’s actions. Only your own.”

“I love him. I regret he ever had to know that.”

“Do you love him, or the idea of him?”

Turning to look back up at him in wonder, Lana didn’t seem to understand. “What’s the difference?”

Volga smirked. “A soul that is reborn eternally when the one who loves him needs him?” Knowing Lana was immortal he looked down to the young looking sorceress. “For someone sworn to spend eternity alone, I could see where the idea might appeal.”

Realizing he’d hit the nail on the head, Lana’s eyes were brimming with tears, and the Dragonknight felt a swell of empathy, reaching out to tug her into a gentle hug despite his armor. “You know, I happen to have the ear of the incarnation of the Goddess and her Chosen Hero. Perhaps… I could find a way to come visit you occasionally.”

Lana wiped her eyes trying not to cry anymore, and gave him a weak laugh. “That you’d even want to means the world, Volga. Thank you.” Giving him a brighter smile now, she stepped back and jerked her head to the portal. “Go. Make sure he wins. And I can’t hold this thing all day…”

With one last smirk, having made up his mind, Volga nodded and mounted his horse, charging through without another word, but vowing silently to petition Hyla, Din, Nayru and Farore all for a way to make sure Lana and her second chance were not left lonely.

Soon enough, he caught up with Link mostly, and after hours of riding, Hyrule Castle was growing larger in the distance.

Catching Link’s attention, he slowed his pace and convinced Link to do the same, despite the Hero’s irritation to do so. “What?” Link said, trying not to snap.

“We need to get closer, but are not yet expected back. Perhaps dawning our disguises will give us an element of surprise.”

“If Ganon is already there…” he said and started moving Epona on again, yet still looked at Volga.

“Then all the more reason for trying to gain surprise, would you not think?” Link blinked and watched his friend a moment trying to cool his head. Considering for a moment, he reached out to take the disguise from the Baron, his thought process being that Zelda would have probably agreed with Volga. He valued the wisdom of his ally, and accepted that perhaps he was not thinking quite as clearly as he should have been.

Dismounting and dawning the disguises that Impa had given them, Link felt a magical charm settle over him with the clothing and grunted in approval. Yes, this was the right option. Nodding to Volga, he remounted Epona and didn’t wait for Volga before taking off again. Soon enough they were riding full speed across Hyrule Field once more, the Master Sword and their identities hidden, while the Hero repeated the mantra in his mind, “Please don’t be too late…”