#will get more of raon's pov in the future

[wordsvomit101]

13. Chilled Romance

(1 year after the death of Mr. and Mrs. Lee)

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm glow over the snow-covered slopes of Elysian Gangchon Ski. The air was crisp and cold, with a light breeze that carried the scent of pine trees. The ski lifts were buzzing with activity as skiers and snowboarders, clad in brightly colored jackets and helmets, zipped past, making their way up the mountain. The snow glistened like a million tiny diamonds, reflecting the sunlight and creating a dazzling spectacle.

The crowd was a mix of families, couples, and friends. Children bundled up in snowsuits dashed about, their faces flushed with excitement. Young adults showed off their latest tricks on the slopes, while older couples enjoyed a leisurely day on the mountain.

The snow-covered trees formed a white forest that stretched as far as the eye could see, with distant mountains dusted in snow providing a picturesque backdrop for the ski resort.

Amidst this vibrant tapestry, Minhyeok and Raon stood out in their matching cobalt blue snowsuits. Minhyeok's brother had already disappeared into the more challenging terrain of the snowboarding course, his reserved attitude thrown to the wind as pure excitement lit up his face.

"Be careful out there, Hyunwoo!" their mom called after his brother as he took off.

Minhyeok's parents glided across the white expanse on their snowboards, wrapped snugly in layers of warm clothing. Effortlessly and with grace, they navigated the slopes at a leisurely pace, their movements synchronized as if they were performing a delicate dance. Despite the wintry chill, their faces glowed with comfortable peace as they kept a watchful eye on their children's progress. Engrossed in conversation, they appeared completely at ease, their quiet laughter mingling with the crisp mountain air. Their demeanor exuded a sense of quiet romance, as if they were on a private date in a bustling crowd, engrossed in each other's company. Their striking appearance, a blend of style and sophistication, caught the attention of onlookers who couldn't help but turn their heads to admire the scene unfolding before them.

Minhyeok was busy giving Raon a snowboarding lesson, guiding her through the basics. While Minhyeok and his family were seasoned snowboarders, Raon was a first-timer, her movements tentative as she struggled to maintain her balance.

"Okay, Raon, first things first, find your balance," Minhyeok instructed, his voice calm and reassuring. "Imagine you're standing on a surfboard on snow." He demonstrated by shifting his weight smoothly from side to side, gliding effortlessly on his board.

Raon nodded nervously, feeling the weight of the snowboard beneath her feet. "Alright, got it. But this feels way different than surfing, and you know I'm not good at that either!" Her expression betrayed her uncertainty, and Minhyeok was convinced she probably already wanted to retreat to their hotel room and bury herself in bed again.

Not about to let her give up, Minhyeok replied cheerfully, "Yeah, it's a bit different, but you've got this!" He gestured for her to mimic his movements. "Now, try shifting your weight from side to side. That's it, nice and easy," he praised as she clumsily replicated him. Her efforts were endearing, reminding him of how his Eomma had taught him.

Taking a deep breath, Raon attempted to follow Minhyeok's next instructions. With each movement, Minhyeok gently guided her, his hands hovering near her waist to offer support. But as she shifted her weight, she couldn't help but wobble precariously and let out a yelp.

"Whoa, whoa! Easy there!" Minhyeok steadied her gently, his touch light yet firm. "Don't worry, it's all part of the learning process. I would've already smothered my face into the snow by now when I was like you, so you're doing great!" He tried to cheer her up and get closer to her just in case. "Try to relax and go with the flow, okay?"

Raon's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and she frowned. "Easier said than done... Sorry, you don't have to—" Before she could finish, Minhyeok gave her his most pitiful eyes and pout, a trick he had learned she was somehow weak to. "... Ah... Haha! I mean, I'm willing to give it another shot!" She laughed nervously and looked away from him. He snickered as he saw her red ears but kept it to himself, knowing she would actually throw him down if he called her out on it.

"Hehe, that's the spirit! Let's try again, shall we?"

With Minhyeok's encouragement, Raon made another attempt, this time more cautiously. However, maintaining her balance proved to be a challenge. Minhyeok moved alongside her, mirroring her movements with ease as he provided gentle guidance and patient corrections.

"This is ridiculous," Raon said, struggling to stay upright as she occasionally held onto his shoulder. "Min, how do you make it look so easy?"

"Well, you could say I'm just naturally talented," Minhyeok replied, his tone dramatically reassuring. He laughed when he received a slap on his right shoulder, continuing to demonstrate the proper technique. "But honestly, you just need time and more practice. Take it easy; it's for fun, after all."

Raon let out a frustrated sigh. "But I feel like I'm never going to get it right!... Maybe I should just stick to building snowmen."

"Hey, don't give up just yet!" Minhyeok encouraged, recalling something she had said during a theater play they went to last month with their friends. Flashing her a grin, he added, "Who knows? Once you get there, you might be the one to carry me if an accident happens." He didn't know why she was so interested in making the female characters in her writing the more dominant ones in the relationships or being the "man" in it, but if it was her preference, he wouldn't question it too much. It was unexpectedly beneficial right now when he glanced at Raon's face and saw her excited and blooming expression as if she were promised her favorite book by Santa.

Trying to hide her eagerness, she tentatively asked, "You think so?" Her eyes widened, and her grin grew. It was cute, so he answered, "Yes, so let's try again, okay?"

With that, vigor returned to Raon as her entire body seemed energized just by the thought of guiding him. She proudly nodded. "Alright, fine. But if I faceplant in the snow one more time, I'm calling it quits!"

Minhyeok chuckled and gave her another promise. "Great! Now, let's try that turning technique again. Remember, lean into it and trust your instincts. I'll make you hot chocolate with cream later."

"Deal!" she replied, speeding up and then wobbling again as he caught up to her.

With Minhyeok's guidance, Raon made another attempt at turning. Once again, she stumbled and nearly fell. Minhyeok swiftly moved to catch her, his movements fluid and precise, before helping her regain her balance.

However, Raon's perseverance finally paid off after 2 hours. With each attempt, her movements became more fluid, and her balance more stable. She managed to conquer the slopes one turn at a time, leaning into the curves with confidence as her body responded instinctively to the rhythm of the mountain.

Minhyeok's gaze lingered upon Raon with fondness, noting her newfound fluidity with each descent. A bright smile radiated across both of their faces, unaware of its pleasant effect upon the hearts of the onlookers.

"Look at you go, Raon!" Minhyeok cheered, his voice ringing out against the snowy expanse. "You're a natural!"

Raon beamed with joy at his words as she carved another turn, her confidence soaring with each passing moment, a smug smile upon her lips and feeling the moment.

'She probably feels like those main characters in comics and anime. Cute,' Minhyeok thought to himself.

"Again?" he called out.

"Again!" her once downbeat voice now full of energy.

As they reached the top of the slope and prepared to disembark from the chairlift, Minhyeok's snowboard suddenly hit a small bump in the snow, causing him to lose his balance. He stumbled forward, his arms windmilling as he struggled to stay upright, about to fall back when he felt an arm hugging his waist from behind.

"Geez, look who's the clumsy one between us now?"

As he peered up into Raon's countenance, he could hear his own heartbeat pounding thunderously within his ears. Her lips were curved into a mischievous yet haughty smirk, while her gaze held an odd weightiness as she peered down at him. There was an undeniable attraction to her features, an almost handsome quality that added an intriguing layer to her action... Oh.

'Oh, so this is what she means,' Minhyeok thought to himself.

In a burst of laughter, Raon grabbed onto Minhyeok's arm to steady him and prevent him from falling. Her grip was firm as she started to guide him safely down the path. She looked back at him mischievously. "Hold onto me, my lady. Can't have you eating snow on your way down."

He blinked his wide eyes and could feel the heat rise up to his cheeks. The cold air around them was a stark contrast to the warmth of his embarrassment.

"Mm," Minhyeok murmured quietly, then held onto her hand tighter, looking down at their jointed hands and letting his silence convey his feelings as he blushed. Surprised when she didn't hear his retort, he also didn't know why she continued the silence when she looked back at him.

"..."

"...?"

"D-Do you not like it?" her nervous voice broke the tense stillness between them. She tried to peer up at his face, her own scrunched up in a mixture of worry and anticipation, her height around the same as his so she had to bend a little bit.

"No, no, it- it's not that," Minhyeok stammered, feeling even more silly and flustered by the revelation he had just made. His face turned a shade of crimson that would rival those fresh tomatoes his Eomma bought at the supermarket. His cheeks burned, and his heart pounded like a drum in his chest.

"I... I like it," Minhyeok murmured quietly, his voice almost lost in the crisp mountain air.

Raon's eyes widened in confusion as she looked at him, her cheeks now flushed with a rosy hue, perhaps from the cold. "What?" she asked, her tone laced with surprise.

Minhyeok's gaze briefly met hers before he quickly averted his eyes, a shy smile playing at the corners of his lips. "It's nothing! Let's go back. Come on!" he exclaimed, reaching out to take her hand as they glided back down the slope together.

"Huh? Hey! What did you mean by that?!" Raon protested, her voice carrying a mixture of curiosity and exasperation as she tried to keep up with his pace. But Minhyeok only laughed in response. "Really, it's nothing," his gaze fixed ahead as they made their way down.

"I just thought about making hot chocolate for us, that's all."

"Really? Yay! - Wait, don't change the subject here!" Raon exclaimed, her cheeks flushing with a mixture of excitement before realization hit her, and she looked back at him in annoyance. Yet, she couldn't help but smile despite his attempt to divert her attention. The biting cold of winter seemed to melt away as laughter bubbled from Minhyeok's lips, his eyes dancing with amusement as they navigated the snowy slopes together.

'Let's hope she doesn't pound me too much for an answer this movie night,' Minhyeok thought to himself, a grin playing on his lips.

✎﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏

End Notes:

Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort is a popular ski resort located in Chuncheon, South Korea. It offers a variety of slopes suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, from beginners to advanced. The resort features modern facilities, including ski lifts, rental equipment, and accommodations. Additionally, it boasts picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and offers various amenities such as restaurants, cafes, and shops. Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort is known for its convenient location near Seoul, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike during the winter season.

[tired-reader-writer]

I was re-listening to the AU playlist (thankfully my headache doesn't seem to be preventing me from music tonight) and I felt the urge to ramble about stuff sooooo. Lyric highlights, a brief aside on why I might've chosen a particular song, that kind of stuff! I won't be breaking down entire songs, though.

If y'all wish to listen along as you read this... inordinately long post... Here's the link to the playlist:

“If these newly sprouted feelings resound in your heart, I can stay by your side and protect you, right?”

-

“Holding up the light I erase my hesitations

What I wanted to give you was a future

I scream out my grief, holding onto crying nights”

— Oath Sign, by LiSA

Ain't this just so fucking Shapur in Wolfsong?

“Even if I lose, even if I fail

I have no choice but to keep living

No matter how many times I fall

I have something to protect”

-

“This is the path I choose, the only path given”

— Kamado Tanjirou no Uta, by Nakagawa Nami, covered by Raon Lee

Pretty much the theme of the AU. They didn't choose this world, but they have to live in it. And protect what they can, while they're at it.

“Can you still smile even after seeing the real world?”

-

“A spiral song clears the way for one willful hope”

-

“You don't know how reckless you are

You make me blue”

-

“Whisper your name again

Then restart it right away

Oh my bitter color ardour wander

Gotta feel it undercover”

— Avid, by Mizuki and Hiroyuki Sawano

Of Ayunnen and Kashi's POVs as they're befriended by Shapur, though the final highlight was from Shapur's POV.

“The moon moves on

Death rides on

The raven flies in the evening”

-

“Long is the journey

Long are the paths to go

Long-lasting is the longing of men, if this is to be”

— Máninn Líður, by SKÁLD

Aaaaaand the massacre happens. They're dead. Grief enters the scene.

“Within this neverending rain

No longer am I afraid of yesterday

The future that had lost you

Had just begun”

-

“The cruel sky shines upon

Both what was lost

And what will never change”

— Aria, by Kalafina

The neverending rain both for the literal rain that bookended the chapter but also the metaphorical rain of grief that will follow the characters for years to come.

“You who are crying, you who are lonely

It is you who is right, it is you who is human”

-

“Dreams you want to fulfill, dreams that you can't reach

They themselves turn into dreams, into hope, and that's how people live on, right?”

-

“Thank you to the miracle

That we were able to meet

Even in a dirty and ugly world

Even like this”

— My Song, by GirlDeMo(Angel Beats) uhhh I haven't tracked down the irl singer who sang this, SORRY 😭

I chose this track primarily for Farangis. Imagine a young Farangis, struck with grief of losing her parents, ostracized by everyone else in the temple out of jealousy, and the first highlight is a reassurance that she has a right to cry, that she's human because of it.

The second highlight is more abstracted from her, more about hope in general.

The third comes right back to Farangis, she feels grateful to have met the clan and expanded her horizons, even in a shitty world like this. It's what draws Ranna/Ashaya to her, as well.

“Tears spill for the days you cannot return to The sky above burns crimson”

-

“Here, fulfill the ancient vow O night, break to dawn!”

-

“As if piercing a passing doubt Nock your arrow to your bow, release it far, far away”

-

“You, don't forget Your dream of seeing the burning end of the skies Those fragments will surely awaken, waiting”

— Akatsuki, by Shikata Akiko, covered by Shannon

Mostly just for these lines

Ancient vows and dawn arriving, it kinda sounds like a prophecy, doesn't it?

“Where it's covered in all the colored lights

Where runaways are running the night

Impossible comes true It's taking over you”

-

“Colossal we come renegades in the ring

Where the lost get found in the crown of the circus king!”

— The Greatest Show, by The Greatest Showman Cast

Mostly for these lines about runaways and renegades lol

Also the song has immaculate Kazai vibes

And shenanigans

“Sticking it out, letting you down

Making it right”

-

“Seasons, they will change

Life will make you grow

Dreams will make you cry, cry, cry

Everything is temporary

Everything will slide

Love will never die, die, die”

-

“Some nights, I think of you

Reliving the past, wishing it'd last

Wishing and dreaming”

-

“Death can make you hard, hard, hard”

— Birds, by Imagine Dragons

The POV of those who remain.

“I met you

And had a dream that would never come true”

-

“Wanting to protect you

I reached out

And embraced you with my still trembling fingers”

-

“All we can do is keep on living

Until we lose all our strength

We'll keep shouting helplessly”

-

“The proof that I was here

Is still there, in your eyes”

-

“Crying, screaming, and even as we vanish

We are alive

We are here”

— Sprinter, by Kalafina

Themes of the story, pov of the survivors, the desire to protect, etc!

And from a people that kept being erased over and over, a declaration that they still exist.

No but really, the song is really good.

“In the silence of a world wearing a veil of misty rain Suddenly, I saw how cold the face of truth could be”

-

“What else shall we let go To live our lives the only way we knew The birds are soaring in the sky So high above us all, we who cannot fly We dragged our wounds behind us And kept walking on”

-

“Through the emptiest of nights, ones that freeze you to your bones If we stay together closely, we will see the morning light What is the reason why, we can't stop this chain of hurt How much longer will we relive the past, the same memories?”

-

“Unlike the birds that soar the sky We have no wings, and though we won't learn to fly We stand above the earth now And keep walking on”

— flowers, by Hana Hope (English version)

Almost copy-pasted the entire song here

It's a song about humanity. It makes me so damn emotional.

Keep walking on. Share the warmth. Stay close together. Hey why do we keep hurting each other?

Themes very relevant to Wolfsong.

“For what reason

Have I been engulfed by flames?

I have been captured by fear

For such a long time

Now these flames will never extinguish!”

— The Star Knows, by Hoshimi Junna (Revue Starlight anime), I don't know who the irl vocalist is

HILMES SONG.

MOST OF THE SONG IS VERY HILMES.

“Now I'm fighting this war

Since the day of the fall

I've been desperately holding on to it all

But I'm lost

I'm so damn lost”

-

“Oh I wish it was over

And I wish you were here

Still I'm hoping that somehow—”

-

“As I'm lying awake

I'm still hearing their cries”

-

“And I'm wondering why

I still fight in this life

Cause I've lost all my faith

In this damn bitter strife”

— Shot In The Dark, by Within Temptation

I know this song doesn't fit Saam's vibes but. Hear me out.

The first parts just scream of him after the siege of Ecbatana, yeah?

Though the part about losing faith reads more Kubard, tbh

“As I paint a crimson artwork on the ground

With every piercing sound another worthless soul lies dead

Until my hands are dyed a brilliant red”

-

“Destroy them all (destroy them all)

I can't stop

No, I cannot stop

This need inside of me for more destruction

Powerless, powerless

So fragile is humanity

Cause in the end (in the end)

They're nothing except useless puppets

‘What's the reason for our creation?’

Hey, I'm asking you

So what do you say?”

-

“Cause here we draw the line

And every single thing is defined (black or white)

The very moment we were given our names

Our roles have been pre-ordained

When I snap my finger

None will remain”

— Karakuri Burst, English cover lyrics by SirHamnet

Ranna/Ashaya and Hilmes duet. On hindsight Hilmes' parts need quite a bit of stretching, buuuut he is dubbed “The Prince of Justice” by the Master in canon so someone who's trying to rid Pars of “evil” could fit right in. Ashaya is lashing out, destroying everything in their path, and sees nothing worth saving in this wretched society. Hilmes is caught up on the birthright stuff (our roles have been pre-ordained) sooo. Yeah.

“Why'd you make my voice stutter?

Why do truths never matter?

Why'd you curse me with ‘You're a natural-born genius’?

Endless inferno (inferno)”

-

“If you wanted me to live

If you wanted me to forgive

If you wanted to pretend like we're civilized humans—”

-

“Why don't deaths end my torture?

Why don't anyone feel my hurt?

Why do we crown our most violent to be champions?”

— In Hell We Live Lament, by Mili

Could be Araya, could be Ashaya. Wounded by the world, questioning it.

“And besides in the mean, mean time

I'm just dreaming of tearing you apart”

-

“I just gotta get you out the cage

I'm a young lover's rage

God I need a spark to ignite”

-

“My childhood spat back out the monster that you see”

— Light Em Up (My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark), by Fall Out Boy

Kazai and Ranna/Ashaya's song. Their feral tendencies coming to the forefront!

“As long as we're together

I will believe

There's a continuation for our destiny”

-

“When we were small

We made a single precious promise

I will not give up

I will recreate it

I wanted to see you”

— Starlight, by Aijou Karen and Kagura Hikari (Revue Starlight anime)

Not gonna lie this song is on thin ice despite how much I love it.

I initially kinda wanted it to be a song for Ashaya and Alfarīd— in the case that they did meet in their younger years, but now I'm not so sure.

On second glance it oddly reads as Daryun and Narsus????

Do with that what you will.

“What will I embrace

As I discard in the shadow of desire

This ideal of mine, drenched in pain?

It feels like another world, but this is the truth

With these stained hands I will protect you”

-

“What have I lost

As my awakened heart

Betrays yesterday's justice?”

-

“Now I'll brandish my glittering dream in the darkness

So that it will shine upon our overlapping lives

With the strength I have chosen

I will reach the place I believe is paradise

The hope that is our bond

Is connecting us to the future

Let us overcome our unhealing sorrow

My full emotions, unafraid of being broken

Are simply waiting for dawn to come”

— Another Heaven, by earthmind

Shapur's song. His and Kazai's, moreso Shapur's for the lines about discarding the ideals he once had.

The song is from the perspective of a protagonist who lets go of his heroic ideals and his dream of becoming a hero, in favor of saving the woman he loves. A song from the story of a sword finally becoming human.

This is Shapur's resolve settling, having decided what it is that he wishes to protect.

“Finally breaking, so where are you now?

It's been such a long time that I've tried to live without

I'm suffocating, I need you to breathe!

So pull me up, pull me out

Before I am buried beneath!”

-

“Thought I was climbing out

But it's dragging me down

What's hidden here with me

Thought I was alone

But it pulls me deeper now

I can't escape!”

— Buried Beneath, by Red

Gurgin's song in this AU, imo. Thought he was sticking it to the society that hurt him and killed his brother by joining Team Zahhak, only to realize much later down the line (after unwillingly staying in Gorgan for a while) that... they were only dragging him down. Maybe he's calling out to his brother.

“Test my will, test my heart

Tell me how the odd's gonna stack, huh?

Y'all go hard, I go smart

How's it working out for y'all in the back, huh?

I've seen that frustration

Been crossed and told no

And I've come back, unshaken”

-

“I can't fall back, I came too far

Hold myself up and love my scars”

-

“I don't fold up and I don't bow

I don't roll over, I don't know how”

— Lost In The Echo, by Linkin Park

Mostly vibes, but I felt this captured Gurgin's kinda haughty attitude, lmao.

“An existence that was born in the city

Seeming stronger than anyone else

Now we can only imagine our cursed and doomed future”

-

“Running and falling

Embracing these wounds that won't heal

For this moment the world has been waiting for”

-

“Drowned in the weakness of my inner self

I don't even know what mask (face) I should wear now anymore

So won't you give me an answer?”

-

“I know that it may look ugly and pathetic

But this is who I am right now

A corpse that cannot become anything, so go ahead and laugh”

— Kaikai Kitan, by Eve, covered by Raon Lee

Hilmes, fresh out of the haunted-forced-redemption-temple :D

“The pain layers upon itself and becomes shackles

I have no time to be crying

The helpless night and the the disheartened morning

They keep passing over and over

And what was left of the cruelly broken hope

Was a wavering light”

-

“The justice someone's wielding hurts so much

Even if someone's crying

It will hurt my heart again

Even if there are scars behind every single truth

I have no choice but to simply—

Forgive them all”

— Untitled world, by ReoNa

Areyan/Arslan's song in the AU, after he's been rescued from Ecbatana.

“I will change reality itself

Even if the truth I find is harsh and cruel

The world is filled with disasters

Time to tame the sins, change our fate”

-

“The rocky castle is starting to shake, it's finally time to decide

Whether to repair or rebuild, a choice must be made”

— Vivid Vice, by Who-ya Extended, covered by Raon Lee

Song for a redeemed Hilmes.

“It's a scream that my body alone cannot contain”

-

“I have a heart that trembles

Only when I touch your hand”

-

“It's fine even if it's foolish

It's fine even if it's ugly

There where lies beyond righteousness

I want to hold your hand”

— Suzume, by RADWIMPS ft. Toaka

Song of a redeemed Gurgin who is in love with Isfan.

“A world where nobody hurts each other

May be a baseless optimism

But even so, I want to try betting on it”

-

“Anger and grief get passed

From person to person in the blink of an eye

They create enemies that don't even exist

And thus ignite the call to fight”

— Yakodou, by Sakamoto Maaya

The song's not particularly dedicated to any one character, really, it's more of an all-compassing song

ALL THE MENTIONS OF BELLS

Think of it as a song before the final showdown against Zahhak.

“As I carry irreparable shadows

The promised place is where flowers bloom

With no care for sin or love

There goes spring

The shining light

Is simply dazzling in the sky

Please do not forgive me

I want to be broken, I want to be reborn

I will laugh by your side”

— Haru wa Yuku, by Aimer

The ending song of the finale in a movie trilogy, this one carries a tone of finality. And the lyrics felt fitting for a Hilmes near or at the hypothetical ending of the story.

The rest of the song could be echoed for other characters, but yeah.

And that concludes most of the songs in the playlist!

Rapid-fire round for the ones I didn't cover:

Soleil: roughly has the tone of a tale being retold— a martyr who gave too much and then died— the song that inspired Araya, a mythological figure for the clan.

Lostbelt title theme: an instrumental, to set the tone for a grand story— though I initially envisioned it panning over the long-gone ancient island, where the clan was said to have originated from, the island where Araya died

Noh Chant: Kaykhusraw's betrayal, Iumaka's death

Dance of the Spirit: clan vibes, especially kinda sorta Kazai in a ceremonial setting?

Moonsong: Ayunnen's song

Parent's Feelings: the somber tone of the castle after the massacre.

girls, dance, staircase: the vibes of a quiet morning

Yuki no Hitohira: more of the somber grief.

Rain: The entire song is just so clan-coded

Wolf Blood: Isfan and Kashi, need I say more?

Crucible: Ashaya/Ranna character song

The Nights: Kazai vibes. The line “Think of me if ever you're afraid” makes me go soft.

Homeland: the castle and Shapur's lands as they grow with the clan's presence, the feeling of being home

Garden: joyful tone setter

Yakety Sax: SHENANIGANS

It's My Day: fun tune, an energetic morning

朝市にて: Ecbatana before shit goes horribly wrong

Sulcus: Areyan's brainstorming song during the siege and Lusitanian occupation

Chaotic Battle: Ashaya's battle theme

Shura Fire: Alfarīd's battle song

Spirit of the Wild: Kazai's song

Sediment: Team Zahhak vibes

Silhouette: Team Zahhak vibes

Deep Darkness: the haunted temple Hilmes gets trapped in

Hitogashima Ballad: seems to be a children's song/lullaby, the vibes fit Araya The Younger (not the mythological one, Kaykhusraw's son he killed and wiped off of history), a ghost Hilmes encounters in the haunted temple

Nijamena: I could not for the life of me find translated lyrics so it's on here for the supremely epic vibes

Fate/Apocrypha: preparing for the final showdown vibes, has a mystical air to it soooo

FGO's Grand Battle Theme: HERE COMES THE FINAL SHOWDOWN BABY

The Last of the Starks: Team Gorgan aka Shapur's family and the clan at the end of everything kinda vibes

Labyrinth: Hilmes leads a ceremony to apologize to those Kaykhusraw had betrayed and murdered, put the spirits at ease, held where the haunted temple is.

@innerchorus Since you were interested, here ya go!

[salaapaoo]

I just read His Brothers keeper and it was sooooo good and now I'm on a lcf/tcf rampage and need more reccomendations. Would you be able to reccomend some the more angsty the better :D

Ooh!!! Hmmm ... Big think....

Shadows in the dark by Luciel (SoulStuckInSomeday)

**this one may be really triggering. Make sure to read the tags beforehand! It's kind of like... Krs wakes up in Cale's body and has to relive memories, but there's a major blank and he's going through his diary to remember?? It involves SA, so please be aware before reading!!

**also includes suicide ideation

24,928 words, 8/11 chapters

Fire and Ashes by Cakeoholic

This one is from Raon's pov of before his rescue !! Very interesting, I enjoyed it a lot!! There hasn't been too many fics that try to show this as much ?? Or maybe I haven't really found them?

4,669 words, 1/1 chapters

When somebody needs you by lostintheclouds321

If you're looking for a longer fic!! This one is Eruhaben/Cale in a more modern world? But they're both basically fated to die and it's mentioned p early on (terminal illness, etc). It's rly fun to watch Cale deteriorate !!

23,457 words, 2/2 chapters

The heir of blood by Thursdays

This!! This one is by the same author as his brothers keeper! But this fic is about Hong and his past and his abilities! Hong whump!!!

**may be triggering because it includes self harm

6,940 words, 1/1 chapters

Familia ante omnia by shadowlancer_95

This one is if things went differently in that fight against dorph and sayeru >:) if you enjoy Cale whump and blood then this one might be for you!!

10,153 words, 2/2 chapters

I don't know if I should miss you, but I know I never cared by corvidaes

This is Vicross' pov on memories from when Cale was younger :0 !! I'm honestly really weak for their relationship/bond and I wish there were more fics similar to this!

2,008 words, 1/1 chapters

Overcoming the past by unknown_writer_fan

This one!! I really loved! I feel like it doesn't get too much attention or interraction because there aren't a lot of tags on it? But it's a kid fic where they find a mirror and it has this ability to show people their past selves. They're all intrigued and looking, but when Cale goes in front of it, it shatters and you get krs !! So it's about their interractions w him and learning about his past :D I'm WEAK for the deaged fics ... We need more!!

27,220 words, 11/11 chapters

Really good at being good at goodbyes by ferret_in_a_lake

This one hasn't updated in a while, but !! Very interesting concept! I look forward to when the author makes a come back w it!! Basically, it's if everyone died except Cale and the kids and god of death sends them back in time to fix it !! Parental Eruhaben!!!

*the author does have a note saying that they might not update or finish this though

13,276 words, 1/? chapters

This time around by thisisvee

This is probably one of my top faves that I look forward to them updating the most!! It updated yesterday and I screamed fjdkfkd

But it's basically, krs wakes up as Cale Henituse's son and you see Cale from his pov!! Cale is .. misunderstood (imo), and each chapter you find out more and more about why he behaves a certain way and hidden trauma!!

**references to SA, there's some memories?? I'd say past grooming?? Cale's getting better though!! Make sure to read the tags .

I really love this one because of the way the bond between Eytan (this is krs' new name) and Cale!!

42,730 words, 19/? chapters

For my past, a tribute from your future self by chatartic_chaos

This one is if Cale is sent to the future!! But he wakes up .. in a coffin, and how the others react!!

12,606 words, 6/? chapters

Dive deep (too deep) by cywscross

This one is about Cale's ability, record, and how he overuses it sometimes and it triggers a response >:)

5,445 words, 1/1 chapters

Poison in my veins (sacrifice in my bones) by cywscross

THIS !!! THIS ONE IS A MUST READ!! this one is if Cale gets poisoned and it specifically targets people w ancient powers!!! UUUGHH THE WHUMP!!!! IT HURT SO GOOD!!!!!!! I think you should just.. dive right in. Get hurt.

13,045 words, 1/1 chapters

Big shoes (little footprints) by hurricanelights

This is another deaged Cale fic where they get lil krs!! I gotta reread it but from what I remember it was smth like everyone knows him for being a certain way (strong, giving, resilient, etc) but they learn of his past where he was smaller, weaker, and he what he went through!!

70,659 words, 17/17 chapters

Rebirthia=protocol/. by mishamoonberry

THIS ONE IS IF CALES HEART STOPS BEATING EVERY TIME HE USES AN ANCIENT POWER!!!!! DELICIOUS!!!! AAHHGHHHHH!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAGHHGHHHHH!!!!!! Just go... Go read it.

22,752 words, 1/1 chapters

Peace? ㅋㅋㅋ aka Kim Rok Soo's Chaotic Past Reaction by redcosmos

Eheheje just as the title says!! Reaction fic to his past >:)

6,545 words, 4/10 chapters

Bastards by kariselverrie

This one is if ogcale was brought back to the past, but at the same time, krs is transmitigated in as his twin brother !!

35,912 words, 16/? chapters

Meteor showers by mini_asteroid

This one... Honestly hurt my feelings. Its kinda like... Raon goes out on an adventure, but he forgets how quick time passes.

2,863 words, 1/1 chapters

Dandelion's latibule by senaria

This... UuYgGGhh this one is if Cale loses everyone and goes back in time to fix it, but tries to keep a distance... uuuUUGghhh. It harmed me!!!

41,432 words, 17/? chapters

The ghost in the well by commandercale

This one is if things went wrong and Cale died, but then he wakes up as tboah cale !! Except he's a ghost stuck in a well.

**it can be triggering?? Because there's some scenes that reference his torture and I'm p sure his corpse is mentioned a bit ??

14,582 words, 10/10 chapters

Kim rok soo's guide to survival by pendwelling

This one !! I love this one a lot! It's kinda like if krs is put into Choi Han's shoes ??? As in he wakes up in the forest >:)

I love his interractions w lil ogcale!! And the meeting between him and the Molran's!!

This one hasn't updated in a while, but I am patiently waiting !!!

25,761 words, 4/? chapters

In accordance by pheenick

This!!! Ughhh!!! This one is if ogcale was a regressor and he's trying to change things, and sometimes he doesn't. I loved seeing him lose hope!!! Hmm a comparison... This is kind of like kagerou project - heat haze days !!! He dies and it restarts in the same spot and no one else remembers!!! UUUGGHHH!!!! LOVE

19,301 words, 2/2 chapters

And haha... Maybe.. you can check out my stuff ..? 🫣

Puppy teeth is abt Ron and Vicross having to watch ogcale lose himself in his own grief ?? There's a follow up fic called 00:00 !!

You're still a traitor is from basen's pov of his relationship w ogcale!! He resents him, but he loves him.

With a passing rain is w Cale and the kids and they make some memories !! :D

Wow... 24 recommendations ... Oop

But if anyone else has some recs, feel free to drop them in the replies or smth!!