°Seraphim

Collection Incomplete

I'm back but with Fluff™

Belos creates the Reader, who is a Grimwalker, as he may need them for the Day of Unity. He originally plans to just pawn them off on Kikimora or Lilith to raise, as he believes himself to be too important for such a task, only to find himself falling in love with then when he picks them up and holds them for the first time after they're "born".

A person of taste I see. Fluff it is.

~~~

The ingridents took him far too long to collect and you were such a troublesome one to make. Staring at the various diagrams he had up from old books along with his own notes he frowns. The others hadn't nearly been this hard but he supposed practice made perfect and Hunter your "brother" hadn't been an easy task either. It didn't help that the ingridents were once plentiful and now had become scarce. Four hundred years of over use would do that he supposed.

With chalk staining his hands from the alchemy circle he drew and other ungodly ingridents for this spell staining his clothes from the chopping and measuring he'd done, he was impatient for this process to be over. Tired from fighting his curse he wishes for the fitless rest he usually succumbed too.

Tapping impatiently as he waits for the spell circle to finish and bind the ingridents together a sharp pain goes through his palm and fingers. Ignoring it blaming the curse, he watches this ritual he'd done a million times before be performed again and hums taking note of how the fire was a different color. Noticing the pain again he pauses before glancing at his hand. Holding it up his glove had been cut making him spew several curses.

Some of his own blood might have been mixed in making this experiment essentially a failure. Precision was key and extra ingridents often had unattended side effects. Deciding to wait it out, too see what abomination would be created the fire darkens hardening the clay as the ingredients begin to fuse inside. Stone becomes bone and wood becomes flesh as clay holds everything together. The beating organs created themselves first before being joined by bones that eventually are covered by muscle and skin.

The fire fades and Philip grabs a blanket he'd brought to wrap you up in. After all GrimWalker or not you were still sustepible to the cold as a baby.

You cry before the others which surprises him briefly before he becomes annoyed. He supposed that wasn't grounds for making another grimwalker, tearing you apart to take the ingridents back and restart just yet. But he wondered why you weren't silent like the others. Only ash remains and there you are in the center of the circle, a crying wailing baby.

At least you seemed healthy.

"Oh hush now." He scolds as he picks you up wiping the ash from your skin before putting the blanket around you. His gloved hand gently brushes your face dusting the last bit of ash away and just like that you stop crying.

Holding you close, cradling you to his chest he pauses as you blindly reach out for him. Frowning at you, simply rocking you to keep you quiet you don't seem to notice his annoyance. Or more likely in your baby like brain can't comprehend that he doenst want you. You were a means to an end, that was all.

You babel eyes still closed as your hands reach out for him and he wonders how long until he sees the magenta color that all GrimWalkers shared. He tilts your head this way and that waiting for your eyes to open but it simply makes you giggle as if he was playing some sort of game. Sighing he goes back to rocking you.

"What a little Beasty you are." He hums before chuckling amused. His brother had always been the same way, fussy unless Philip or his mother held him. Odd since you were made from a late witch he admired rather than his dearly departed brother. Well a mix of them and apparently him as well if the cut had anything to say about it. "Well you won't be my problem soon, will you?" He questions and you giggle making a smile creep up on his lips.

Shaking his head he turns towards the door. Lilith was waiting outside like he instructed. He knew she'd be a good enough den mother and that she'd take care of you since he had other matters to attend too. As far as witches went she was loyal and she was smart. She would give you those same traits. Kikimora had been an option but she did not strike him as the family type and he needed someone more stable. He needed you to grow up happy and healthy after all. Well healthy at least.

Hearing a yawn he pauses mid step and looks down at you. You had opened your eyes and what a surprise. His blue stared right back up at him. As he observed you in shock you simply giggled again before reaching up.

He shifts his hand to brush your hair back to get a closer look but before he can, you latch your tiny fist around his finger. Giggling as your other hand goes to your mouth to chew he blinks back tears.

Well than. Seems you weren't going anywhere after all.

"... I shall call you (Y/N)..." He whispers the name of an old friend long gone before shifting you closer to him. He wraps his cloak around the two of you too keep out the cold. As he walks out the door he nods to Lilith who bows. Tossing her a list from his pocket of what you'd need she rushed off to obey his orders not noticing the tiny bundle he had hidden in his arms.

Smiling down at you once she left nuzzling you softly he hums as you continue to bable still holding on to his finger.

You weren't going anywhere. You were staying right here with him.

every meal is russian roulette

Context: During ElseWhere and Elsewhen Reader falls into a different time pool than Lilith/Luz. While trying to find their friends Philip sees them and is reminded of his old student/apprentice from earth. Believing his old student has been Reincarnated he deludes himself into thinking God has sent them to him for him to save. When they return In present Day he will do anything to get them back, he's lost them once. It will not happen again.

T/W: Yandere behaviors, Belos being Belos, cannon events involving death/arson, fighting/yelling, chase scene, sleep spell, magical drugging maybe, Reader is kind of clueless and that gets them in trouble

~~~

Wind blowing in the light breeze you smiled at the warm day, enjoying the sun and sand. Humming as you trailed behind Lilith and Luz on the Boiling Isle's shores, you dipped your bare feet into the soft sand and followed the two adventurers. As Lilith pointed at a map Luz nodded before looking back at you. You waved at her and she smiled before you all continued forward.

You were all searching for the supposed time pools Eda and Lilith made a map too as children.

Titans blood had apparently been the missing ingredient to find them and Luz was willing to give some up off of Amity's glove if it meant finding the author. You weren't sure if these time pools were real but an adventure on Lilith's birthday after seeing her old mentor (who was a jerk) sounded exactly like what the "bad girl historian" needed right now.

"Lilith! Luz!" Starting to fall a little behind and trying to get their attention to catch up, you suddenly pause reaching for a pretty half buried shell. You knew Lilith liked collecting them and since you hadn't found the pools yet you thought it might lift her spirits. Stumbling on a rock while bending over to grab the shell your foot slips and you fall through the sand.

Groaning but holding the scalloped sea shell close you look around dazed, still processing what just happened. It was still a sunny day but something seemed a bit off. Sitting in the sand with your legs sprawled out you blinked as you processed what just happened. Reaching down your hand passed through the sand and pulling it back you realized this is what you had been looking for. You had just fallen through one of the Time Pools! Quickly getting up after sanding yourself off you tuck the seashell away excited to give it to Lilith now that you knew she'd be in a better mood.

"Hello? Guys!" You call out but get no answer.

The beach seemed abandoned but on closer observation, two pairs of boot prints led away from the shore and towards the woods. Not sure when you had landed and now without your shoes you look at the boot prints and think maybe they belong to Lilith and Luz. After all they're about the same size as your friends and the two women had been ahead of you so logically if they had gone through the pools as well they may have arrived minutes or even hours before you giving them a headstart to explore. Unsure of what else to do you start to explore the area following the prints.

Heading towards the red forest you hummed looking back at the sandy shore. Shaking your head, you knew that they had to be around here somewhere and just got a large head start since they went through first. Now how far back did you go...? You'd need to go through a town to know. Or find a fellow traveler.

As time passed and you followed the prints, the sand underfoot slowly turned to dirt and grass before eventually becoming snow. You hadn't passed anyone on your travels but maybe everyone was at home working. Shivering as a harsh breeze whipped past, you pulled your thin jacket closer realizing you had to be around the knees with how cold it was. This couldn't be the toes you hadn't walked that far. But you were surprised you hadn't passed a settlement or town, you must be further back than you thought.

With no other plan and nowhere to go except forward you found yourself wandering through a frozen meadow before you saw a town in the distance. Finally some answers! Heading towards it believing Lilith and Luz would be there you stopped and held out your hand. Black snow...?

Eyes widening you looked up in disbelief. Ash and snow mixed together as they fell from the sky and walking closer to the town a soft silence filled the air.

Pulling your jacket closer feeling numb from the cold your eyes were wide as you took in the damage. It almost felt disrespectful to be here, disrupting the peace with your presence. Your feet crunched softly against the fallen snow and a soft hiss could be heard all around you from fresh embers dying out. The smell of smoke was fresh and thick as well but the area was clearly recently abandoned. No one seemed to stick around to fight the fire which surprised you. You didn't hear humming so it couldn't be fire bees. What could drive everyone off like this?

Shivering at the towns atmosphere as well as the temperature you ignore the numbness in your feet as you continue forward. They had to be around here somewhere, even with a head start they couldn't have gotten too far away right? And their boot prints, you're pretty sure they lead here. So far this was the only place you'd come across even if it was abandoned.

"Lilith... Luz?" You call out before standing in the center of the ruins spinning to try and take everything in, searching for any signs of them. The boot prints had long since disappeared so you were on your own in your search. As smoke blew around you catching on the wind you frowned wishing you could fix all of this. Your hair and clothes were pulled at and stepping forward as if following the breeze your foot hits something. Hissing at the impact before bending down to see what it was you hit you paused.

Fingers reaching out to touch the burnt carvings you recognize it as apart of a gazebo from Liliths studies on Deadwardian Architecture. Taking a moment to stare at the broken scenery around you, you get an idea. Spinning across the snow and ice you start to create circles. Smiling you outstretch your arms, extending your hands readying your powers for the spell your thinking of. Clapping your hands together you close your eyes and focus on the picture in your head, the drawings and pictures Lilith had shown you. Construction magic wasn't something you were amazing at but while you were here you might as well try and help. You're sure it's what Luz would do and Lilith would kill you if you didn't do everything in your power to preserve such beautiful craftsmanship.

Fixing the charred gazebo with a flourish you smile seeing the fresh white and cream roses now winding around the terrace. A little of your plant track studies mixing into the construction you supposed. Green leaves added some color to the white and black wasteland giving you hope new life could thrive here. Satisfied with your finished product, the fixed structure stood out amongst everything else. Deciding to get to work you wander the ruins continuing to search for your friends as you fix little things here and there. You wonder what could have happened to cause this disaster but try not to dwell.

"Lilith? Luz!" You call again the smoke starting to clear as gentle winds carry it away. The overwhelming smell was also starting to fade as you grew more plants, using them to help stabilize your rebuilt structures. Once an abandoned ghost town the place was looking a little better with your assistance and you hummed wishing you could do more. Shaking your head needing to focus on finding your friends you found your voice getting louder as you grew more desperate. While you knew you should stay on the down low you were getting worried about them. About how much time you all had left to get back.

Standing in place fidgeting nervously, plants bloom at your feet. The magic flowing through you making you feel warm despite the harsh cold. Rubbing your hands up and down your arms you swallow nervously. If all else fails you should just go back right? Just because you got separated didn't mean they did, right? You realize none of you actually came up with a plan in case this happened and you're not sure what to do.

"There is no one left here. Everyone either left or perished in the hellfire blaze that consumed this place." Jumping you almost scream at the sudden voice. Turning quickly your eyes widen as you see a man standing under a broken arch in what you think is preachers clothing. His robes of gold and white reminding you of a traveling nomad.

He stiffens seeing your face and you both stare at each other observing the other. His shock wears off soon enough and his hand shifts, reaching out he touches one of the roses you'd grown seeming curious as he brushes the petals with his fingertips before he focused back on you.

Outside of his preacher garb he was wearing a wooden mask painted gold. Feeling uneasy as you stared at it, it all too similarly resembled Emperor Beloses current golden mask.

Stumbling back in shock you bumped into something making you lose your footing. Falling to the ground as you slipped on ice you groaned. The ice bit into your hands freezing your palms just like your feet, the snow painfully cold against your skin. Suddenly on high alert as a large shadow loomed over you you kick back slipping on the ice. You look up worried about an ambush but pause as you saw... the golden guard? A golden guard? Observing their clothing with a curious squint of your eyes, taking in the familiar mask you noted the puffed out collar around their neck and the corset which was different than the military chest plate Hunter always wore.

So this couldn't be Hunter, the outfit was too different and this time was way before him. So the question remained when did these time pools send you? Where were you now? And who were these Belos and Golden Guard look alikes?

"Are you lost?" The preacher questions softly and you swallow as he steps closer tilting his head to observe you. His masks horns cast a shadow over the snow as he did so making you nervous.

"I'm sorry. Let me help you." The golden guard states holding out his hand for you. You're hesitant to let either of them help you but not wanting to be rude or offend either of them you nod.

Accepting his help the man carefully pulls you to your feet, using one hand to pull you up while the other latches onto your waist to keep you steady. His leather gloves digs into your skin as he holds just a little too tightly, his mask covering any facial expression he may be making. As you bring your hand back and pull away you can feel his grip tightening before he looks at your face and finally let's go. You notice his shoulders tense as you back away and start to feel uncomfortable. They are close, too close for comfort.

As the preacher steps closer trying to close the distance you notice the staff he uses. The Golden design with a red orb and white wing on the side is similar to the one that the Emperor has in the present day. His voice was also eerily familiar but... that couldn't be possible could it? You don't remember Belos ever wearing such clothes. But he also started ruling before you were born. However these buildings had to be well over fifty years, how old could your Emperor be? Shaking off the coincidence you feel yourself shiver as the cold really starts to set in.

"... Lost?" You question softly before glancing around the ghost town. Puffs of white left your mouth as it began to set in how cold it was. Your roses and other plants as well as remade structures filled the space but it was still a very broken and abandoned place, your magic being a simple kindness and not a true restoration.

You supposed from an outsiders perspective you did look a little lost. Wearing strange clothes without shoes wandering around snowy ruins and calling out too what must appear to be lost souls. All while you played with your magic to keep yourself warm.

"Where are your parents little one? Why are you alone?" The Belos look alike suddenly questions as he steps forward again and your face scrunches up as you step back. You were not that little. But you were alone.

"Little?" You bite back a snarky comment before frowning, eyes darting over the various crumbled structures. You have no idea who this Golden guard was but you knew that this past Belos look alike had to be dangerous. You had to get away from both of them before you changed history or became a tragic part of it.

Swallowing as you take another step back you wonder why they're hanging around these smoldering Ruins anyways. Shaking your head you can't think of that and you can't stay for much longer. You don't want to accidentally change the past or get stuck in it. Lilith warned you about interfering with time and explained you all needed to be very careful with what you said and did. Your little restoration suddenly felt like a terrible mistake as your mouth went dry.

"... No I'm not lost." You say softly to answer the man's earlier question. "Although maybe a little confused." In the history books you never remembered a fire quit like this. You never read about a ruin town. Maybe before you left they could explain when and where you were, maybe you could distract them with questions. Have them give you a time period before you ran off so you could do some research once you were back in the present.

Reaching your hand out it touches a post delicately, staining your palm and fingertips with ash. A little periwinkle is curled in a crack of the wood and is there still trying to bloom despite the flames that tried to kill it. Smiling softly you rotate your hand giving it the extra strength it needs to grow. As it winds up the pole the two men both stop to observe the simple spell. The Belos look alike gripped his staff tightly and seemed stiff but you couldn't tell what either of them were feeling because of the masks. Their body language too hard to decipher. "What happened here...?" You question softly as you pull away and stare at the strangers, not taking your eyes off them for a moment.

"You didn't hear? It was all the fault of evil Wild witches! Wild magic is dangerous." The Preacher chimes in quickly. You hum wondering if he believed in his own lies as you looked for any open exits.

"Dangerous?" You question trying to keep him talking. Glancing at the periwinkles you'd just grown you don't see any obvious escape routes. You didn't want to fight them as you didn't know their magical capability and you were feeling tired from your earlier spells. Swallowing nervously you noticed during your talk you'd almost been cornered by the both of them. It was concerning to say the least but they seemed calm now. If you kept them talking your sure it'd be fine.

"Yes they're a Blight to magic users everywhere. A danger to society." Humming you take in the words but don't believe them. Perhaps in the wrong hands magic could be deadly like this man and present day Belos described but the common witch wasn't vindictive or cruel. Maybe Boscha or Bria being special outliers. Magic was a tool and any tool could be taken and used for evil. But in the right hands it could also do great acts of good. "I suppose that relates to how one looks at magic and what they've seen it used for." You remark gently before pausing as you spot a shadow.

Looking towards the sky you bite your lip, the tide would be up in a few hours and the pools would be gone. You needed to go and with no obvious exits you hoped they'd just let you pass without trouble.

Spinning your hand once more, two beautiful calla Lilies as white as the snow falling from the sky appeared in your palm. "Thankyou for your time." Giving the flowers to the Golden Guard he holds them confused before tilting his head at the Preacher. The Preacher nods and as you try and creep away the Golden Guard reaches out for you.

"Which way is your home we should escort you! It's dangerous out here after all." The Golden Guard blurts out quickly after the man nods to him but your already inching further and further away from them.

"No don't. I'm close, I'm fine!" You state still backing up as they both take a step closer. "If I were you I'd find shelter for the night, it's getting dark and Beasts in these parts aren't friendly after dark." Waving to not appear rude, you duck behind a broken down wall before you begin to run faster than you've ever ran.

...

Heaving in air speeding through the woods you don't know how long you'd been running for but with the sun getting ever closer to the horizon you had to hurry. Signing in relief seeing patches of sand appear you take a deep breath trying to quell your burning lungs. You were almost there.

Filled with a new sense of determination you begin to push yourself. Jumping over roots and bushes avoiding scratchy red leaves as you ducked under low hanging branches and thorny plants you keep going. You were almost to the pools, you were so close to home.

Thinking you were safe having ditched the strange man and his golden guard miles ago you paused as your head began to spin. Breathing deeper thinking you just didn't have enough air the feeling persisted. Shaking it off trying to focus you blinked rapidly as your eyesight started getting blurry. You could feel your thoughts becoming unfocused and jumbled. As your hand brushed against a tree for support your heart stops feeling that your hand is numb. Dread fills you and beginning to feel nervous as you try to stay alert even as everything around you began to become disorientating. Spinning looking for the source of your drowsiness you only see the trees around you.

Groaning as your surroundings begin to spin, your vision dots and you can't stop yourself from falling. Confused as your body goes limp against your command, your eyes flutter before strong arms wrap around you catching you.

"Uncle I have them." Vaguely hearing someone speak you open your mouth to respond but nothing comes out. You can only let out a soft pathetic sounding whine.

"You did good, now let's get them home." Eyes fluttering as you try to stay awake a groan escapes your lips. Holding up a hand to ready a spell, you try to circle your wrist but are unable too. As the person shifts you in their grip your wrist and arm fall to your side. Leaning into the chest listening to footsteps stomp against the ground as you're carried away, you realize you never should have followed those boot prints.

Before you can think too deeply on that a soft red light fills your vision and you suddenly feel even more exhausted. Despite your unease and your want to stay awake, everything fades to black as you go limp in the Golden Guards arms.

...

Waking up something felt off.

Groaning you didn't remember falling asleep. Had Lilith and Luz taken you back to the Owlhouse? Shifting slightly your eyes scruntched up as you began to stir. What happened? You were going to the Pools, you were going home but then... Eyes opening in alarm you never remembered stepping through the portal. All you could remember was getting near the shore. Your hands bunch in the sheets beneath you as you try and force yourself to wake up. Head ringing you close your eyes body completely stiff. You briefly remember falling and being caught and some sort of red light. But if you were spelled into unconsciousness... that had to be hours ago. Even the weakest spells lasted a long time.

"... is it really them?" A voice asks softly, a deep yearning in their tone despite barely being above a whisper. Stiffening your fingers twitch as you begin to wake yourself up. Another voice chuckles and you strain to listen to the conversation despite your initial fear.

"God has sent us a gift, we must not question it. Clearly our hard work is paying off." One praises and your nose crinkles. God? Like that person Luz mentioned from back home? Like your version of the Titan? But that had to mean... Belos. This wasn't some look alike, this was really Belos. But how what that possible? This had to be at least two hundred maybe three hundred years ago?

Terrified it took everything in you not to start crying as you heard the voices get louder. As they came closer you bit down on your tongue to not make any noise. You were numb but awake and wiggling your toes you were more than ready to run.

You realized they had followed you so they could take you when you let your guard down. But... but why? Why would Belos do this? You'd never met him in the present why was his past self fascinated with you? And a gift? Why had he called you a gift? A gift from God??? Did they plan on killing you? Using you as an example of what wild witches could do?

"But they're a witch..." The first voice says softly and you hear an inquisitive hum and shuffling. Keeping your eyes closed you can only try and stay lax as they approach your "sleeping" form.

"Perhaps God has sent us one to save than. Ironic they would become a witch in another life after being accused of being one in the past, but perhaps this is God's way of giving them a way to protect themselves. Magic is disgusting but useful in its own right. If need be we can also... purify them. Cleanse their magic." Belos says softly. Laying a hand on your head to smooth down your hair you can't help but flinch.

The men shift and your hands bunch around the sheets tightly as you get ready to use your magic and run.

"(Y/N)...?" The man questioned and you stiffened slightly feeling his hand touch your hair again. "(Y/N) Are you awake?" The man you now knew was Belos questioned and every part of that question made fear flood your veins. As your heart hammered in your chest you felt your hands begin to heat up.

How did he know your name? You never gave them your name when you spoke earlier. You don't even know present day Belos, how does the past Belos know you? A million questions begin going through your head and you know you don't have much time. "(Y/N)... (Y/N) It's alright. You're safe now. I'm-" A bright flash goes off in his face temporarily blinding him as you take off. You hear his staff clatter to the floor and yelling as he too falls to the ground.

"Uncle!" Ignoring you in favor of helping Belos you don't stick around long to question why Belos was ancient or why he has multiple golden guards and why they all seemed to refer to him as Uncle.

Your legs feel like lead and your lungs heave for air as you pass by bits and pieces of Beloses grand plan. Diagrams and papers with the scribblings of a mad man. But you can't stop. Making it outside their fortress you refuse to stop. You needed to go faster. You needed to get out of here and back to the shore.

"(Y/N)! (Y/N) Please! It's okay! I know your confused child but we mean you no harm! We just want to help you!" Pausing for just a moment your heart stopped at seeing the sky. As the Golden Guard tried to grab your arm you yanked yourself away and beelined for the trees. You had no idea where you were but you didn't care, as long as you got away from them.

It had gotten so dark, how had it gotten so dark? How long had you been out? Where even were you? This place was unfamiliar to you and shivering as you dash through the forest it's colder than the town. As white puffs of air leave your mouth you look every which way confused.

Not caring as you feel them getting closer you start to run faster.

"(Y/N) Come back child!!! You said so yourself it's unsafe! There are beasts! Deceivers! Let us take care of you! Let us help you! We can save you!" Belos calls out into the night but you don't stop and you don't respond. You wouldn't be tricked again. You just needed to run. Run and never look back.

...

Finally making it back to the shore you begin to look around frantically. The sun was setting and the tide was so close, too close. Hissing at the hot steam your head goes in both directions hoping to find your way home. Running out as close to the boiling water as you dare you begin to search for the pool home or even a pool away from here. You could feel they were close, too close, and closing in. Starting to shake as adrenaline pumped through your veins making your chest hurt you closed your eyes reaching for your throbbing head. Tripping as you stumble you cry out before you feel yourself falling.

Landing safely on the other side your fingers dig into the sand relieved to escape. Screaming in surprise and kicking backwards to avoid the incoming tide you see your discarded shoes from earlier get swept out to sea.

Laying back in the sand now far enough from the water you begin to laugh. Home. You were home...

...

Belos touched the Boiling Shores sand. You'd just been in his grasp, how could he have lost you again? Hissing as a bit of water touched his hand he glared at the accursed acid that surrounded this island. Backing up he continues to glare at the sea, angry that it took you from him. Holding one of the calla Lily's you had given to his guard in his unburned hand, he stared at the petals before staring at where you'd just been.

"You'd rather throw yourself into the Boiling Sea than let me save you..." He whispers clutching the flower over his heart. "How confused you must have been. How tormented." He knew it would've been hard to adjust to his ideals. But eventually you would believe that leaving your family for him and the Golden guard was for the best and you'd learn to hate magic as much as they did. He knows you would've come around eventually, you were always so good that way.

"Uncle?" His GrimWalker questions and he hums as he stands up backing away from the water. Turning towards his creation ready to make the trek back home he pauses as they hold something out to him. "... They had this on them when we captured them, it seemed harmless enough but just incase I held onto it." The Golden Guard states quickly and Philip just nods, he couldn't believe their luck.

The item in their hand was a soul shell otherwise known as a seeker shell. To the untrained eye it was a simple scallop, but in truth it was a powerful magical object. Something that took in the memories of its previous holder and was bound to them for life before it imprinted on another. Often used as an item for Oracles, well trained magic users could see each other's lives through these shells and share thoughts or stories when seperated. Taking off his mask and bringing his eye to the shell's flat surface he wanted to witness their final moments and hear his apprentices thoughts about him. Stiffening as current footage begins to filter in he realizes they're not dead. Simply teleported.

But the land they were in. It was the Boiling Isles but different. Time had passed quickly for you. Centuries even, he could feel it.

He didn't care how long it would take. He would find you again and he would bring you home.

"(Y/N) We will meet again."

~~~

Flinching as Belos goes to kill you and your friends you all you pause as you hear a soft clink. It echoes throughout the cave and then there's silence. Unnerving silence.

... Are you dead?

"Darius?" You question hopefully, thinking maybe it's his scythe and he'd come in to save you. That he'd gotten away from the Draining Spell but as you open your eyes you're confused to see a small child holding Beloses weapon. They smile at you and don't seem at all strained as they hold the edge of the blade between their fingertips.

"Whatcha playing?" The child questions curiously as he stares at all of you. Partially hidden by your friends as Willow and Gus had pushed you behind them when Belos attacked, you start shaking unsure of how to react to this situation. This multi colored child smiled innocently, the bells on his slippers jangling as he shifted slightly to stand on his tip toes to try and see you and the others better. Ducking as he scared you he hummed focusing on everyone else instead. You were all pretty badly hurt, blood, cuts, scrapes, and bruises covering your body after the fight with the guards and then Belos. Hugging deeply processing what just happened you peak from behind Willow.

Hunter was holding on, sick from his insignia as his magic was slowly being drained out of him. But you were all alive. All thanks to this... Sun and Moon kid?

His yellow eyes focus on you for a moment having caught the way you ducked and then peaked out again but thankfully Belos draws his attention away from you. You weren't sure why you were relieved but from the reactions of all your friends just staring at the small child you felt your fear was validated.

"Collector..." Philip murmurs as he begins to step back. Collector turns slowly tilting his head as he stares at Belos. "You're free... just as promised." He tries to lie through his teeth but Collector narrows his eyes as he frowns.

"As promised? I remember someone throwing me off a bridge." He hums before a hand goes to tap at his chin. "I'm not angry though!" He states cheerily. "Say you wanna play tag?" Circling his hand Philip was pulled incredibly close to the Collector, both beings now nose to nose. He smiled at him with a mischievous grin before malice flashed in his eyes. "I'm it." Tapping Beloses head the creature he'd become goes flying before it splatters against the cave wall.

You stare in shock hand covering your mouth to keep from screaming as you watched his dripping corpse. Everyone is in shock processing what just happened before you all focus on the Collector who simply giggles at his little "game".

"Too slow." He chirps before turning around to look at all of you. "You guys look slow too, do you need a head start?" He questions holding out his finger as he slowly walks towards all of you. Squeezing Willows shoulders worried the girls eyes glow green. As she shifts her arm to move to attack Collector stops walking, his hands dropping to his side as he once again focuses his eyes on you.

"(Y/N)...?" He questions squinting. Not knowing why or how he knows your name your eyes widen as everyone turns to look at you. "It is you! It is you!" Flinging his hand Willow, Gus, and Hunter are thrown aside as he runs at you. Reaching for them worried before holding out your arms in defense you grunt as they're pinned down to your sides. Opening your eyes confused on why your not feeling any pain or why your not dead yet the Collector kid was hugging you tightly. "I missed you, I missed you!!!" He states happily before pulling away. Holding your hands in his, he smiles swinging them around. "Well aren't you gonna say something to your soulmate?" He demands when you don't immediatley respond to his affection.

"... I... my what?" You squeak out confused as you look to the others for help. Willow and Gus were still on the ground but they were okay. Hunter was leaning against both of them getting sicker from the Draining Spell as Amity and Luz just stared, everyone not sure what to do next.

"Hey why are you paying attention to them? Look at me!" He demands and you do, afraid of what this Collector guy might do if you don't listen. "Better!" He chirps before he jumps up to nuzzle his face against yours. You notice he's floating and aren't sure how to react as your mind races to process all of this.

"I... I don't understand. Your... your soulmate? Who are you?" You finally choke out trying to get some answers. Collector hums floating backwards a bit before he taps his head inquisitively.

"Oh you lost your memory huh? That's okay I can fix that! But let's fix you first!" Snapping his fingers you watch in awe as all your injuries disappear. Relief floods your body as the pain goes away and after your healed your clothes change to match his. You now wore an outfit with carefully embroidered suns and moons, large loopy sleeves, and slippers and a night cap to match him. He smiles clapping his hands as you look at yourself confused wondering how he did that. "Now you look the part! Memories should come later but Uhhhhh... short version of the really long boring story? Basically I'm your eternal playmate!!! Starbornes like you and me we have someone who's meant to be ours forever! We'll play games, have fun, and never ever ever leave each other! We'll be the bestest friends!" He proclaims loudly as he jumps higher into the air, floating above your head. You watch this action still processing everything before swallowing nervously.

"I'm not a..." You start confused but Collector shakes his head silencing you. He swoops down and grabs your hand before going back to float higher again. He clearly wants you to come with him.

"No but you will be!" He chirps making you stiffen. "Why so scared? Aren't you happy to see me? I am to see you! It's been so l o n g. I've waited an eternity for you!!!" Yanking you upwards you cry out as you begin floating with him. You feel weightless and Collector smiles as he circles you clearly proud of his magic. "Oh we'll have so much fun you and I!" As he goes to pull you away from everyone you pause trying to dig your feet into... air? You're not sure how to stop him from dragging you away but you need to think fast.

"I need you to do something for me first. We're soulmates right?" You question and stopping he looks at you with wide confused eyes before he nods a giant smile on his face.

"Of course! What do you want, I can make it happen! Anything! Everything! Pinkie swear!!!" He promises holding out his pinkie. Looking towards Hunter and seeing the golden lines get deeper you turn towards the hole in the cave showing the Draining Spell. "That! You helped Belos with that right? The Day of Unity? I need you to stop it! Stop it now! I'm begging you." You state pointing at the damage being done. You could see the magic being drained away from everyone pulled towards the moon and from how it was affecting Hunter who didn't even have magic, it must be killing everyone else.

Collector hums thinking it over before he glances at you. "Then we can play?" He questions tilting his head. You nod frantically and his smile widens.

"Alright!" Taking your hand and helping you back to the ground you stumble but make it, your weight coming back as you step forwards to watch the spell. He stares at the black moon and the Draining Spell before he puts his fingers to his eyes like binoculars. You watch his pupils expand and he moves his head back and forth observing the effects of the spell.

"Can you help?" You plead gripping his arm tightly.

"Hmmmm..." Humming he nods before turning towards you. "Pinkie swear to me that after I help you, you'll never leave me?" He questions holding his pinkie out.

"Collector please. You have to stop it now. We can talk after." You demand but he shakes his head.

"Pinkie swear." He responds with a soft smile holding out his pinkie. Looking at his pinkie than the Draining Spell you start to shake. Hearing Hunter groan in the background as a painful wave hits him you close your eyes.

"(Y/N) don't-" Luz warns but you're desperate.

"Okay okay!" Linking your pinkie to Collectors you feel tears drip down your face as a surge of magic passes through you. Like a witch's eternal vow. "I pinkie swear Collector! I pinkie swear I'll never leave you!" You state.

"Good!" He chirps. "Okay let's get this party started!" Clapping and rubbing his hands together he nods at the moon. Placing his finger over the moon he flicks his wrist moving it.

"... What...?" Watching in relief as the spell stops your body suddenly goes stiff as you realize with dawning horror you're now bound to this powerful being forever. A being who just moved a celestial body like it was nothing...

"Okay done! Time to play! Time to play!" He cheers pulling on you. As you feel yourself once again becoming weightless you scramble to touch the ground. "I bet the more we play, the more you remember! So we need to play so many different games!!! What games do you like? I love tag! I bet you do too! After all were soulmates we must have so much in common!" He hums before he starts to drag you off.

"Wait. Wait!" You beg. Your friends were still injured and you don't know where he was taking you! Your family, your friends, all those injured people! You couldn't just leave them. You needed to make sure they were okay, you needed to make sure everyone survived.

"(Y/N) No!" Grabbing your hand you stare at Luz terrified. Tears begin to drip down your face as you hold her hand. Collector frowns clearly displeased.

"You promised! You promised! You promised!" He states stomping his foot as he yanks on your hand harder.

"Collector please I will play with you! Forever and ever but my friends! My family! I need to make sure they're okay, I need-" You beg but he starts throwing a tantrum and you feel your friends losing their grip as they struggle to hold on.

"(Y/N)!" Amity calls out nails digging into your arm.

"No no no no no! That wasn't the deal! You don't need them! You have me!" As Luz holds onto your hand Amity does the same. Then Gus and Willow. And eventually Hunter.

"(Y/N) Hold on, there has to be another way!" Willow begs.

"We got you. Don't let go!" Gus adds ready to throw a spell at the Collector.

"Collector!" You beg but he doesn't listen. As your hand slips from your friends you feel yourself being lifted higher.

"(Y/N) Please-" Hunter begs you but Collectors is stronger than all of you.

"I did what you asked, now it's your turn!" Giggling Collector holds your hand tightly before giving one more pull finally dragging you away. As you float higher your friends get smaller and smaller and the Day of Unity arena gets farther and farther. You feel tears leave your eyes when you can't hear them anymore.

T/W: Yandere behaviors, Belos being Belos, cannon events involving death/arson, fighting/yelling, chase scene, sleep spell, magical drugging maybe, Reader is kind of clueless and that gets them in trouble

~~~

Wind blowing in the light breeze you smiled at the warm day, enjoying the sun and sand. Humming as you trailed behind Lilith and Luz on the Boiling Isle's shores, you dipped your bare feet into the soft sand and followed the two adventurers. As Lilith pointed at a map Luz nodded before looking back at you. You waved at her and she smiled before you all continued forward.

You were all searching for the supposed time pools Eda and Lilith made a map too as children.

Titans blood had apparently been the missing ingredient to find them and Luz was willing to give some up off of Amity's glove if it meant finding the author. You weren't sure if these time pools were real but an adventure on Lilith's birthday after seeing her old mentor (who was a jerk) sounded exactly like what the "bad girl historian" needed right now.

"Lilith! Luz!" Starting to fall a little behind and trying to get their attention to catch up, you suddenly pause reaching for a pretty half buried shell. You knew Lilith liked collecting them and since you hadn't found the pools yet you thought it might lift her spirits. Stumbling on a rock while bending over to grab the shell your foot slips and you fall through the sand.

Groaning but holding the scalloped sea shell close you look around dazed, still processing what just happened. It was still a sunny day but something seemed a bit off. Sitting in the sand with your legs sprawled out you blinked as you processed what just happened. Reaching down your hand passed through the sand and pulling it back you realized this is what you had been looking for. You had just fallen through one of the Time Pools! Quickly getting up after sanding yourself off you tuck the seashell away excited to give it to Lilith now that you knew she'd be in a better mood.

"Hello? Guys!" You call out but get no answer.

The beach seemed abandoned but on closer observation, two pairs of boot prints led away from the shore and towards the woods. Not sure when you had landed and now without your shoes you look at the boot prints and think maybe they belong to Lilith and Luz. After all they're about the same size as your friends and the two women had been ahead of you so logically if they had gone through the pools as well they may have arrived minutes or even hours before you giving them a headstart to explore. Unsure of what else to do you start to explore the area following the prints.

Heading towards the red forest you hummed looking back at the sandy shore. Shaking your head, you knew that they had to be around here somewhere and just got a large head start since they went through first. Now how far back did you go...? You'd need to go through a town to know. Or find a fellow traveler.

As time passed and you followed the prints, the sand underfoot slowly turned to dirt and grass before eventually becoming snow. You hadn't passed anyone on your travels but maybe everyone was at home working. Shivering as a harsh breeze whipped past, you pulled your thin jacket closer realizing you had to be around the knees with how cold it was. This couldn't be the toes you hadn't walked that far. But you were surprised you hadn't passed a settlement or town, you must be further back than you thought.

With no other plan and nowhere to go except forward you found yourself wandering through a frozen meadow before you saw a town in the distance. Finally some answers! Heading towards it believing Lilith and Luz would be there you stopped and held out your hand. Black snow...?

Eyes widening you looked up in disbelief. Ash and snow mixed together as they fell from the sky and walking closer to the town a soft silence filled the air.

Pulling your jacket closer feeling numb from the cold your eyes were wide as you took in the damage. It almost felt disrespectful to be here, disrupting the peace with your presence. Your feet crunched softly against the fallen snow and a soft hiss could be heard all around you from fresh embers dying out. The smell of smoke was fresh and thick as well but the area was clearly recently abandoned. No one seemed to stick around to fight the fire which surprised you. You didn't hear humming so it couldn't be fire bees. What could drive everyone off like this?

Shivering at the towns atmosphere as well as the temperature you ignore the numbness in your feet as you continue forward. They had to be around here somewhere, even with a head start they couldn't have gotten too far away right? And their boot prints, you're pretty sure they lead here. So far this was the only place you'd come across even if it was abandoned.

"Lilith... Luz?" You call out before standing in the center of the ruins spinning to try and take everything in, searching for any signs of them. The boot prints had long since disappeared so you were on your own in your search. As smoke blew around you catching on the wind you frowned wishing you could fix all of this. Your hair and clothes were pulled at and stepping forward as if following the breeze your foot hits something. Hissing at the impact before bending down to see what it was you hit you paused.

Fingers reaching out to touch the burnt carvings you recognize it as apart of a gazebo from Liliths studies on Deadwardian Architecture. Taking a moment to stare at the broken scenery around you, you get an idea. Spinning across the snow and ice you start to create circles. Smiling you outstretch your arms, extending your hands readying your powers for the spell your thinking of. Clapping your hands together you close your eyes and focus on the picture in your head, the drawings and pictures Lilith had shown you. Construction magic wasn't something you were amazing at but while you were here you might as well try and help. You're sure it's what Luz would do and Lilith would kill you if you didn't do everything in your power to preserve such beautiful craftsmanship.

Fixing the charred gazebo with a flourish you smile seeing the fresh white and cream roses now winding around the terrace. A little of your plant track studies mixing into the construction you supposed. Green leaves added some color to the white and black wasteland giving you hope new life could thrive here. Satisfied with your finished product, the fixed structure stood out amongst everything else. Deciding to get to work you wander the ruins continuing to search for your friends as you fix little things here and there. You wonder what could have happened to cause this disaster but try not to dwell.

"Lilith? Luz!" You call again the smoke starting to clear as gentle winds carry it away. The overwhelming smell was also starting to fade as you grew more plants, using them to help stabilize your rebuilt structures. Once an abandoned ghost town the place was looking a little better with your assistance and you hummed wishing you could do more. Shaking your head needing to focus on finding your friends you found your voice getting louder as you grew more desperate. While you knew you should stay on the down low you were getting worried about them. About how much time you all had left to get back.

Standing in place fidgeting nervously, plants bloom at your feet. The magic flowing through you making you feel warm despite the harsh cold. Rubbing your hands up and down your arms you swallow nervously. If all else fails you should just go back right? Just because you got separated didn't mean they did, right? You realize none of you actually came up with a plan in case this happened and you're not sure what to do.

"There is no one left here. Everyone either left or perished in the hellfire blaze that consumed this place." Jumping you almost scream at the sudden voice. Turning quickly your eyes widen as you see a man standing under a broken arch in what you think is preachers clothing. His robes of gold and white reminding you of a traveling nomad.

He stiffens seeing your face and you both stare at each other observing the other. His shock wears off soon enough and his hand shifts, reaching out he touches one of the roses you'd grown seeming curious as he brushes the petals with his fingertips before he focused back on you.

Outside of his preacher garb he was wearing a wooden mask painted gold. Feeling uneasy as you stared at it, it all too similarly resembled Emperor Beloses current golden mask.

Stumbling back in shock you bumped into something making you lose your footing. Falling to the ground as you slipped on ice you groaned. The ice bit into your hands freezing your palms just like your feet, the snow painfully cold against your skin. Suddenly on high alert as a large shadow loomed over you you kick back slipping on the ice. You look up worried about an ambush but pause as you saw... the golden guard? A golden guard? Observing their clothing with a curious squint of your eyes, taking in the familiar mask you noted the puffed out collar around their neck and the corset which was different than the military chest plate Hunter always wore.

So this couldn't be Hunter, the outfit was too different and this time was way before him. So the question remained when did these time pools send you? Where were you now? And who were these Belos and Golden Guard look alikes?

"Are you lost?" The preacher questions softly and you swallow as he steps closer tilting his head to observe you. His masks horns cast a shadow over the snow as he did so making you nervous.

"I'm sorry. Let me help you." The golden guard states holding out his hand for you. You're hesitant to let either of them help you but not wanting to be rude or offend either of them you nod.

Accepting his help the man carefully pulls you to your feet, using one hand to pull you up while the other latches onto your waist to keep you steady. His leather gloves digs into your skin as he holds just a little too tightly, his mask covering any facial expression he may be making. As you bring your hand back and pull away you can feel his grip tightening before he looks at your face and finally let's go. You notice his shoulders tense as you back away and start to feel uncomfortable. They are close, too close for comfort.

As the preacher steps closer trying to close the distance you notice the staff he uses. The Golden design with a red orb and white wing on the side is similar to the one that the Emperor has in the present day. His voice was also eerily familiar but... that couldn't be possible could it? You don't remember Belos ever wearing such clothes. But he also started ruling before you were born. However these buildings had to be well over fifty years, how old could your Emperor be? Shaking off the coincidence you feel yourself shiver as the cold really starts to set in.

"... Lost?" You question softly before glancing around the ghost town. Puffs of white left your mouth as it began to set in how cold it was. Your roses and other plants as well as remade structures filled the space but it was still a very broken and abandoned place, your magic being a simple kindness and not a true restoration.

You supposed from an outsiders perspective you did look a little lost. Wearing strange clothes without shoes wandering around snowy ruins and calling out too what must appear to be lost souls. All while you played with your magic to keep yourself warm.

"Where are your parents little one? Why are you alone?" The Belos look alike suddenly questions as he steps forward again and your face scrunches up as you step back. You were not that little. But you were alone.

"Little?" You bite back a snarky comment before frowning, eyes darting over the various crumbled structures. You have no idea who this Golden guard was but you knew that this past Belos look alike had to be dangerous. You had to get away from both of them before you changed history or became a tragic part of it.

Swallowing as you take another step back you wonder why they're hanging around these smoldering Ruins anyways. Shaking your head you can't think of that and you can't stay for much longer. You don't want to accidentally change the past or get stuck in it. Lilith warned you about interfering with time and explained you all needed to be very careful with what you said and did. Your little restoration suddenly felt like a terrible mistake as your mouth went dry.

"... No I'm not lost." You say softly to answer the man's earlier question. "Although maybe a little confused." In the history books you never remembered a fire quit like this. You never read about a ruin town. Maybe before you left they could explain when and where you were, maybe you could distract them with questions. Have them give you a time period before you ran off so you could do some research once you were back in the present.

Reaching your hand out it touches a post delicately, staining your palm and fingertips with ash. A little periwinkle is curled in a crack of the wood and is there still trying to bloom despite the flames that tried to kill it. Smiling softly you rotate your hand giving it the extra strength it needs to grow. As it winds up the pole the two men both stop to observe the simple spell. The Belos look alike gripped his staff tightly and seemed stiff but you couldn't tell what either of them were feeling because of the masks. Their body language too hard to decipher. "What happened here...?" You question softly as you pull away and stare at the strangers, not taking your eyes off them for a moment.

"You didn't hear? It was all the fault of evil Wild witches! Wild magic is dangerous." The Preacher chimes in quickly. You hum wondering if he believed in his own lies as you looked for any open exits.

"Dangerous?" You question trying to keep him talking. Glancing at the periwinkles you'd just grown you don't see any obvious escape routes. You didn't want to fight them as you didn't know their magical capability and you were feeling tired from your earlier spells. Swallowing nervously you noticed during your talk you'd almost been cornered by the both of them. It was concerning to say the least but they seemed calm now. If you kept them talking your sure it'd be fine.

"Yes they're a Blight to magic users everywhere. A danger to society." Humming you take in the words but don't believe them. Perhaps in the wrong hands magic could be deadly like this man and present day Belos described but the common witch wasn't vindictive or cruel. Maybe Boscha or Bria being special outliers. Magic was a tool and any tool could be taken and used for evil. But in the right hands it could also do great acts of good. "I suppose that relates to how one looks at magic and what they've seen it used for." You remark gently before pausing as you spot a shadow.

Looking towards the sky you bite your lip, the tide would be up in a few hours and the pools would be gone. You needed to go and with no obvious exits you hoped they'd just let you pass without trouble.

Spinning your hand once more, two beautiful calla Lilies as white as the snow falling from the sky appeared in your palm. "Thankyou for your time." Giving the flowers to the Golden Guard he holds them confused before tilting his head at the Preacher. The Preacher nods and as you try and creep away the Golden Guard reaches out for you.

"Which way is your home we should escort you! It's dangerous out here after all." The Golden Guard blurts out quickly after the man nods to him but your already inching further and further away from them.

"No don't. I'm close, I'm fine!" You state still backing up as they both take a step closer. "If I were you I'd find shelter for the night, it's getting dark and Beasts in these parts aren't friendly after dark." Waving to not appear rude, you duck behind a broken down wall before you begin to run faster than you've ever ran.

...

Heaving in air speeding through the woods you don't know how long you'd been running for but with the sun getting ever closer to the horizon you had to hurry. Signing in relief seeing patches of sand appear you take a deep breath trying to quell your burning lungs. You were almost there.

Filled with a new sense of determination you begin to push yourself. Jumping over roots and bushes avoiding scratchy red leaves as you ducked under low hanging branches and thorny plants you keep going. You were almost to the pools, you were so close to home.

Thinking you were safe having ditched the strange man and his golden guard miles ago you paused as your head began to spin. Breathing deeper thinking you just didn't have enough air the feeling persisted. Shaking it off trying to focus you blinked rapidly as your eyesight started getting blurry. You could feel your thoughts becoming unfocused and jumbled. As your hand brushed against a tree for support your heart stops feeling that your hand is numb. Dread fills you and beginning to feel nervous as you try to stay alert even as everything around you began to become disorientating. Spinning looking for the source of your drowsiness you only see the trees around you.

Groaning as your surroundings begin to spin, your vision dots and you can't stop yourself from falling. Confused as your body goes limp against your command, your eyes flutter before strong arms wrap around you catching you.

"Uncle I have them." Vaguely hearing someone speak you open your mouth to respond but nothing comes out. You can only let out a soft pathetic sounding whine.

"You did good, now let's get them home." Eyes fluttering as you try to stay awake a groan escapes your lips. Holding up a hand to ready a spell, you try to circle your wrist but are unable too. As the person shifts you in their grip your wrist and arm fall to your side. Leaning into the chest listening to footsteps stomp against the ground as you're carried away, you realize you never should have followed those boot prints.

Before you can think too deeply on that a soft red light fills your vision and you suddenly feel even more exhausted. Despite your unease and your want to stay awake, everything fades to black as you go limp in the Golden Guards arms.

...

Waking up something felt off.

Groaning you didn't remember falling asleep. Had Lilith and Luz taken you back to the Owlhouse? Shifting slightly your eyes scruntched up as you began to stir. What happened? You were going to the Pools, you were going home but then... Eyes opening in alarm you never remembered stepping through the portal. All you could remember was getting near the shore. Your hands bunch in the sheets beneath you as you try and force yourself to wake up. Head ringing you close your eyes body completely stiff. You briefly remember falling and being caught and some sort of red light. But if you were spelled into unconsciousness... that had to be hours ago. Even the weakest spells lasted a long time.

"... is it really them?" A voice asks softly, a deep yearning in their tone despite barely being above a whisper. Stiffening your fingers twitch as you begin to wake yourself up. Another voice chuckles and you strain to listen to the conversation despite your initial fear.

"God has sent us a gift, we must not question it. Clearly our hard work is paying off." One praises and your nose crinkles. God? Like that person Luz mentioned from back home? Like your version of the Titan? But that had to mean... Belos. This wasn't some look alike, this was really Belos. But how what that possible? This had to be at least two hundred maybe three hundred years ago?

Terrified it took everything in you not to start crying as you heard the voices get louder. As they came closer you bit down on your tongue to not make any noise. You were numb but awake and wiggling your toes you were more than ready to run.

You realized they had followed you so they could take you when you let your guard down. But... but why? Why would Belos do this? You'd never met him in the present why was his past self fascinated with you? And a gift? Why had he called you a gift? A gift from God??? Did they plan on killing you? Using you as an example of what wild witches could do?

"But they're a witch..." The first voice says softly and you hear an inquisitive hum and shuffling. Keeping your eyes closed you can only try and stay lax as they approach your "sleeping" form.

"Perhaps God has sent us one to save than. Ironic they would become a witch in another life after being accused of being one in the past, but perhaps this is God's way of giving them a way to protect themselves. Magic is disgusting but useful in its own right. If need be we can also... purify them. Cleanse their magic." Belos says softly. Laying a hand on your head to smooth down your hair you can't help but flinch.

The men shift and your hands bunch around the sheets tightly as you get ready to use your magic and run.

"(Y/N)...?" The man questioned and you stiffened slightly feeling his hand touch your hair again. "(Y/N) Are you awake?" The man you now knew was Belos questioned and every part of that question made fear flood your veins. As your heart hammered in your chest you felt your hands begin to heat up.

How did he know your name? You never gave them your name when you spoke earlier. You don't even know present day Belos, how does the past Belos know you? A million questions begin going through your head and you know you don't have much time. "(Y/N)... (Y/N) It's alright. You're safe now. I'm-" A bright flash goes off in his face temporarily blinding him as you take off. You hear his staff clatter to the floor and yelling as he too falls to the ground.

"Uncle!" Ignoring you in favor of helping Belos you don't stick around long to question why Belos was ancient or why he has multiple golden guards and why they all seemed to refer to him as Uncle.

Your legs feel like lead and your lungs heave for air as you pass by bits and pieces of Beloses grand plan. Diagrams and papers with the scribblings of a mad man. But you can't stop. Making it outside their fortress you refuse to stop. You needed to go faster. You needed to get out of here and back to the shore.

"(Y/N)! (Y/N) Please! It's okay! I know your confused child but we mean you no harm! We just want to help you!" Pausing for just a moment your heart stopped at seeing the sky. As the Golden Guard tried to grab your arm you yanked yourself away and beelined for the trees. You had no idea where you were but you didn't care, as long as you got away from them.

It had gotten so dark, how had it gotten so dark? How long had you been out? Where even were you? This place was unfamiliar to you and shivering as you dash through the forest it's colder than the town. As white puffs of air leave your mouth you look every which way confused.

Not caring as you feel them getting closer you start to run faster.

"(Y/N) Come back child!!! You said so yourself it's unsafe! There are beasts! Deceivers! Let us take care of you! Let us help you! We can save you!" Belos calls out into the night but you don't stop and you don't respond. You wouldn't be tricked again. You just needed to run. Run and never look back.

...

Finally making it back to the shore you begin to look around frantically. The sun was setting and the tide was so close, too close. Hissing at the hot steam your head goes in both directions hoping to find your way home. Running out as close to the boiling water as you dare you begin to search for the pool home or even a pool away from here. You could feel they were close, too close, and closing in. Starting to shake as adrenaline pumped through your veins making your chest hurt you closed your eyes reaching for your throbbing head. Tripping as you stumble you cry out before you feel yourself falling.

Landing safely on the other side your fingers dig into the sand relieved to escape. Screaming in surprise and kicking backwards to avoid the incoming tide you see your discarded shoes from earlier get swept out to sea.

Laying back in the sand now far enough from the water you begin to laugh. Home. You were home...

...

Belos touched the Boiling Shores sand. You'd just been in his grasp, how could he have lost you again? Hissing as a bit of water touched his hand he glared at the accursed acid that surrounded this island. Backing up he continues to glare at the sea, angry that it took you from him. Holding one of the calla Lily's you had given to his guard in his unburned hand, he stared at the petals before staring at where you'd just been.

"You'd rather throw yourself into the Boiling Sea than let me save you..." He whispers clutching the flower over his heart. "How confused you must have been. How tormented." He knew it would've been hard to adjust to his ideals. But eventually you would believe that leaving your family for him and the Golden guard was for the best and you'd learn to hate magic as much as they did. He knows you would've come around eventually, you were always so good that way.

"Uncle?" His GrimWalker questions and he hums as he stands up backing away from the water. Turning towards his creation ready to make the trek back home he pauses as they hold something out to him. "... They had this on them when we captured them, it seemed harmless enough but just incase I held onto it." The Golden Guard states quickly and Philip just nods, he couldn't believe their luck.

The item in their hand was a soul shell otherwise known as a seeker shell. To the untrained eye it was a simple scallop, but in truth it was a powerful magical object. Something that took in the memories of its previous holder and was bound to them for life before it imprinted on another. Often used as an item for Oracles, well trained magic users could see each other's lives through these shells and share thoughts or stories when seperated. Taking off his mask and bringing his eye to the shell's flat surface he wanted to witness their final moments and hear his apprentices thoughts about him. Stiffening as current footage begins to filter in he realizes they're not dead. Simply teleported.

But the land they were in. It was the Boiling Isles but different. Time had passed quickly for you. Centuries even, he could feel it.

He didn't care how long it would take. He would find you again and he would bring you home.

"(Y/N) We will meet again."