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Main fics

The Missing Piece - Complete Ghoap x reader. 24 chapters. 85k+ words.

These Violent Delights - Ongoing Poly141 x reader, a/b/o AU. Multiple works.

Cross My Heart - Ongoing Poly141 x reader. 14 chapter 50k+ words

Blood And Flame - Ongoing Poly 141 x Reader, Fourth Wing Crossover. Multiple works.

As Above, So Below - Ongoing John Price x Reader. 22 chapters 80k+ words

The End and Beginning of Us - Ongoing Ghoap x reader, omegaverse, post apocalyptic. 1 chapter 7k words

Shorts, minifics, more..

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Main fics

A Day That Never Comes - Ongoing Gustave x reader, Lune x Sciel. 7 chapters, 20k+ words.

Roses Dont Know When They're Dead - Ongoing IRL/Original Verso x reader. 12 chapters, 25k+ words.

Shorts, minifics, more...

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You hear footsteps approaching you, people swearing and panting voices. Your hand shakes as it moves down to feel the blood pooling out your side. You need to move, you should move many the hunters are coming to finish you off.

You muster what energy you can, involuntarily crying out as you drag your half transformed body away from the incoming hunters.

"this way, I swear it."

"Swear a lot of things with that mouth, Johnny."

You pull your body again, one hand on your stomach as blood pools between you fingers. The other digs into the ground, dirt getting stuck under your nails.

Lightning lights up the forest and you see figures illuminated between the trees. You forget all your survival skills and scream.

The sound is barely human, a mix of shreaking and braying in terror. Hairs rise on your skin, your ears - still deer ears - flick towards the noise of the people approaching you. Your tail and spine tense and with one more surge of adrenaline you pull yourself up against a tree stump.

The rain is falling harder now, more lighting flashes across the sky.

This is it, this is the end. You close your eyes tipping your head back and looking up at the tree tops swaying in the wind. Cool drops of water splash onto your face.

"Over here!" A male voice shouts over the torrential rain.

"No, please." You whisper as the last of your energy fades and your vision swims. Whoever is coming towards you has lights. You bring a hand up to shield your vision but it falls immediately. You slump against the fallen tree.

"Shite." Someone bends down in front of you. A warm hand lands on your shoulder still half covered in fur.

"Its going to be okay. You're safe." You can't even fight your captors as the man in front of you presses his hand on yours. You let yours fall, feeling empty as a rush of blood exits the wound on your stomach.

"Si, bring the first aid kit!" The man shouts dropping his torch to press another hand over your wound.

"Stay with us, lass." Your head lulls to the side and your look out into the forest as its lit up by more lightning. Hands grip your face.

Its fitting really, you were out here to punish yourself, you deserve tis fate. The stranger brings his face to yours, you see his crystal blue eyes shine against the orange torch light.

You smile up at him letting your body relax.

"Thank you." You murmur. You dont listen to his protests as dark spots flash across your vision and everything slowly fades to black.

...

There is no white light only pain.

Unbelievable, unbearable pain. The type that had you screaming so loud you run out of breath and your throat goes hoarce.

You feel like you're floating, drifting through an endless plane. There is no light and no noise apart from one voice. One kind strangely familiar voice telling you - no - begging you to keep going.

'keep breathing'

'we got you'

'I'm so sorry.'

You believe it, the voice pulling you closer towards something, you're not quite sure what. You want to be there though, you want to reach this place, a place of comfort and warmth.

"I'm coming." You promise the voice. "I'm coming."

...

There is still a rumble of distant thunder when you wake.

Rain falls against a window and as you open your eyes. The sun is not up yet and the only light in the room is a single bedside light. Your body throbs with pain as you turn to look up at the glass of water sat next to the lamp.

You're suddenly aware of hour dry your throat is. You reach out with a shaking hand to pick up the water, as soon as your fingers brush the glass it tips faling off the bedside table and onto the floor.

You barely have time to react before the door to the room opens. Panic grips you, you need to get away from this person, the people who hurt you.

Your body throbs in pain as you bring your legs up to your chest with a wince.

"Easy. Easy, lass." His hands are outstretched, his body language is open and calm. "We're not going to hurt you."

You should be dead. You remember the blood, thunder rumbles again and your doe ears flick to the window. A hand slips down your body to your stomach where there is a fresh bandage.

Your breathing picks up.

You shouldn't be here. You should be dead.

You look up at the man again, there is someone behind him, a taller bigger man with scars littered across his face.

"I'm sorry we shot you. We didn't think there would be anyone out there, especially not a shifter.

"I-" you pause not wanting to admit why you were really out there.

Maybe it would be better for everyone of you just died.

"its okay." The shorter man says moving closer to the bed. "I'm Johnny, this is Simon." He gestures at the man behind him.

"You're safe here. We patched you up, the bullet went straight through you." He smiles and takes another step towards you, you pull your knees closer to your chest.

"The shock seems to have haulted your transformation processes, we gave you some painkillers hopefully that should help." He has an accent you can't quite place.

"Come out when you're ready." The man behind him - Simon says.

All you can do is nod as Johnny smiles at you one more time before reluctantly follows Simon out the room.

...

Coffee is the first thing you smell as you wander out the bedroom and towards the kitchen.

Your senses are still hightened as if you were fully transformed. Each step hurts and sweat drips down your neck whatever pain relief they have given you its not enough.

As soon as Johnny sees you he pulls out the chair at the head of the table and you tentatively sit down. On the other end of the table is Simon looking at you over a mug of coffee.

"Would you like anything to drink?" Johnny asks.

"Water." You reply. You tried transforming back but you can't, the last few little changes such as your ears and tail won't go away no matter how hard you try.

Johnny places a glass of water down in front of you and you flinch, he backs up slowly with a soft smile on his lips.

"Whats your name?" He asks as he sits down. You dont want him to know your name, or what you were doing so deep in the forest so late. You look past them and see the first few rays of sunrise break through the dark storm clouds.

Thunder rumbles and your wound throbs. You bite down on the inside of your cheek and blood fills your mouth. You deserve this.

You grip your glass as your body starts to shake. You look over to see Simon lower his gaze, his scars sending shivers down your spine.

"Doe." You reply eventually. Thats what he would call you, thats what he branded you with. The three letter word you have been attached to. You shift uncomfortably the brand in your lover back is dwarfed by the pain in your side.

Thats what you were doing out so late, running from the person you thought loved you.

"Your real name." Johnny asks gently taking one of your hands. You look up into the same crystal blue eyes that kept you going, the shining blue beacons that kept you going.

You lower your head and it makes you dizzy.

"He called me Doe." You repeat, the brand on your lower back burns. You're wearing different clothes, a long top that is clearly too big for you and a pair of shorts. They would have seen the fresh burn as they patched you up.

"Who's he?" Simon asks in a low voice. You feel panic rise in you, your chest hurts as your force yourself to take a deep breath.

"No one." You say gripping your glass so tight you're scared it will shatter in your hands. Your heart is pounding, its making you lightheded and as you bring your hand to your forehead a chair scrapes.

Next thing you know you're falling out the chair and into someones arms.

"We've got you." Its Simon, his accent is different but his voice is equally as calm and soft. "Rest now, sweet thing. We've got you."

You focus on the deep caramel of his eyes as consciousness slips away from you.

___

Simon lifts your unconscious body up against his chest as Johnny comes over placing a cool damp cloth on your forhead.

"Who do you think he is?" Johnny asks, his mind turning back to the brand on your lower back. Doe, the name of the species you shift to, its no better then branding you as a woman.

"I don't know." Simon says as he moves back to the bedroom. "But we'll find him."

"We have to apologise, we shot her."

"We had no idea who she was." Simon says placing you in the bed then pulling the covers over your pale form. Johnny walks around him and bends down by your head stroking your ears.

"I promise we'll fix this lass." Johnny says taking over from Simon. For a few moments neither of them says anything.

"I'll stay with her." Johnny says as you mumble something. A hand lands on his shoulder.

"We'll stay with her. She needs us, its the least we can do." Johnny smiles stroking your face and resting his head next to yours.

"It's the lest we can do."

“I think it would be best to talk about it together. You don’t have to agree to anything though. She’s gone through heats alone before, she can do it again.” Piper says.

“We can figure it out, I’ll talk to her too - make sure she knows she can talk to us.” John explains drumming his fingers on his desk.

“Once you’re in heat with her your instincts will take over and you’ll be able to knot her. Once she’s satisfied you can get some rest.” He can tell she’s trying to put him at ease but he’s not sure if it’s helping.

“Knotting?” He asks.

“One of the physical changes males go through.” She says, John sees her cheeks start to heat.

“Yeah, that's obvious.” John says, piper smiles shifting in her chair.

“I would recommend spending sometime getting to know your new anatomy.” She recommends. He hums leaning back in his chair. “Your body will know what to do, and she’s had plenty of heats before.”

“With someone?” He asks raising an eyebrow. She sighs. “You need to be honest with us.”

“The Professor. He would invite his patrons to be with her during her heat.” She lowers her head. He smells her guilt in the air, he clenches his jaw. It makes him feel sick, and Piper was part of it.

“And you let it happen?” He asks not bothering to hide the venom in his voice. She sighs again but doesn’t lower her head this time.

“I know. I tried.” She pauses like she can’t find the words. “I tried to make it as comfortable as possible for her.”

“Comfortable?” He spits. “You let her get raped, I don’t even want to imagine what else you and Hale were up to. How is the report going?”

“I’m working on it.” She says quietly.

“It’s important we know what she’s been through so we can help.” John says leaning back in his chair. Dr. Montgomery nods.

“Thank you for helping her.” She says.

“We don’t exactly have a choice.” It sounds more harsh then he means. He’s not mad at anyone other then Hale and Piper. They hurt you, they’ve kept you trapped for years over half your life in a bunker experimenting on you. No one deserves that, especially not you. The smell of strawberry fills his nose again.

He remembers what you looked like when they found you. You were so small, curled up in the corner of a dark and damp room. You looked terrified, you couldn’t even speak to them, when Kyle carried you out into the sunlight he still remembers how your face lit up and how pale you looked.

He remembers the smell the most, harsh, new and so strong it made his head pound. He knows now it was your scent, it had a pull on him when he watched you in the medical bay at the base he remembers the draw or wanting to be by your side. He never even realised how long he stood there watching you until his legs started to ache and Laswell came to find him.

He sighs and rubs his temple. Piper suffles in her chair, he knows he’s kept her here for longer then he needs to, she should be working on the cure.

“Thank you, for helping us. We’ll make sure she’s safe here and when her heat comes we’ll work it out.” He says standing up, she does the same and he walks around the desk to show her out. “Please try to be as thorough and honest in the report.”

“I will. It might just take me a few days.” She says.

“That’s okay.” He says and reaches over to open the door, he watches as she looks down the corridor towards your room and your locked door. You’re upset and John can smell the lingering scent of mint it makes him sad too. He waits for Piper to leave and hears the front door of the barracks close.

He locks his door, Piper did say to get used to his new body although the only real change he’s experiencing the new budge at the base of his cock which is apparently his knot. He sighs his hand pulls on his belt buckle as he goes over to sit down on the small sofa in his office.

He takes his cock in his hand pressing his fingers over the base and feeling the lump that has now formed. It feels good, sensitive, it sends a shiver up this spine and he leans back further into the couch. He can smell you, strawberries and cherries fill his nose. There’s something else too, harsh it stings back of his nose.

He shuffles his pants down slightly trying to organise all the information he’s been given over the last 24 hours. Everything feels like a rush of emotions and new feelings, new scents things he has never experienced before.

Mint, cool and grounding. You’re upset, he’s not sure how he knows that but he does. He presses around the base of his cock one more time before hearing a door open. He quickly tucks himself away and heads to the door. He can smell you, he flares his nostrils breathing you in you smell amazing. Like nothing he could ever describe, it’s like the smell invades his mind filling his lungs and making his body relax.

He hears you in the kitchenette, when he hears the tap he walks out his office and around the corner. His breath catches in his throat as he sees your cheeks still raw from the crying. He feels horrible, maybe they shouldn't have lied to you but no one knew you were going to overhear them.

He doesn’t want to spook you so he starts with something easy. “How are you feeling?”

“Fine.” He can hear the shake in your voice. He can hear the pain.

“We were going to tell you, Dr. Montgomery thought you should get settled in first.” He says as you place the glass in the sink. The smell of mint fills his nose again.

“It’s okay, I’m sorry I acted the way I did.” He can hear the guilt in your voice, he watches the way you look away from him almost like you expect him to shout at you. You’re not used to having someone who doesn’t shout at you, especially a man.

“Don’t be silly, come on I have something for you.” He says turning back to his office. He hears you following and he picks up the pile of blankets and pillows he had prepared for you. “Dr. Montgomery said you might want to nest.”

He watches you tentatively step into his office, he almost wants to tell you it’s okay. This is a safe place. They’re going to make it as comfortable for you as possible.

“Thank you.” Your voice is quiet as you take the pile and run your hand over the soft fabric. The mint in the air is replaced with your scent again, John knows it’s going to linger in his office and he couldn’t be happier for it.

“If you want some space from her I can keep her busy.” John says, maybe some space form all the people who were in the bunker would be good for you.

“We’re bonded, if I’m away from her for too long I get moody, sad, lonely.” John sighs, he understands. Now that they’re bonded too he can’t help but feel a pull to you like nothing he’s ever felt before. It’s an overwhelming urge to be near you and protect you, he wants to pull you into his arms and hold you until you feel better.

“If there is anything else you need you just have to ask.” He offers reaching out to squeeze the top of your arm. You feel so soft under his hand, his body is screaming for more, more contact he drops his hand as you tense at the prolonged contact. “You should get some rest, it’s late and we have a lot to do tomorrow.”

Tomorrow they’re going to have a meeting with Dr. Montgomery about your heat, there John will learn more about how to help you through your heat. He’s nervous about it, sex for a few days non-stop sounds exhausting but it should be easy according to Piper. You turn to head back for the office door and he fights every urge in his body to press his hand on the small of your back.

“John,” you pause. “Do you think we could go for a walk in the forest?” He smiles letting out a breath, he gives up pressing his hand gently on your lower back and guiding you out the door. It feels like he can feel a pulse of electricity down his arm and through his body, the strong scent of cherries fills his nose.

“Maybe, I’ll see what I can work out.” He says, he doesn’t want to promise anything but he can’t help loving how your eyes light up at the sound of going outside into nature. You probably haven’t been outside in years according to Dr. Montgomery. You smile at him and it’s the kind of smile that makes dimples appear in your cheeks and your face flush.

You turn and walk down the corridor to your room. John wants to join you, or at least just wait with you and watch you fall asleep. He shakes the thought away, you need your space, you’re not his you’re a person. Regardless of all these new emotions he has to make sure you have your independence something you have never had.

He still waits though until you’ve gone into your room and closed the door before slipping into his bedroom. He could get drunk off your scent, he fills his head and lungs and he lets himself give into it for a few moments and leans back against his bedroom door, his body reacts to you goosebumps rise on his skin and he goes over to his bed kicking off his boots and pulling his top off over his head.

His hand travels down his chest and he cups his cock through his boxers. His nose stings as he takes a long breath breathing you in. His hand travels down his body but he stops himself. He could really get to know his anatomy right now but he feels like he’s breaking your trust, he gives himself a squeeze, that’s all he gets, then lets go.

Christ, he’s barely known you for 48 hours but if this is anything like your heat he has no idea how he’s going to keep up. You might just be the death of him.

Chapter 2 - next bonus

Main fics

The Missing Piece - Complete Ghoap x reader. 24 chapters. 85k+ words.

These Violent Delights - Ongoing Poly141 x reader, a/b/o AU. Multiple works.

Cross My Heart - Ongoing Poly141 x reader. Enemies to lovers. 14 chapter 40k+ words

Blood and Flame - Ongoing Poly 141 x Reader, Fourth Wing Crossover. Multiple works.

As Above, So Below - Ongoing John Price x Reader. 22 chapters 80k+ words

The End and Beginning of Us - Ongoing Ghoap x reader, omegaverse, post apocalyptic. 1 chapter 7k words

Special Delivery Service - Ongoing/on hold Simon x reader. 16 chapters. 73k+ words.

Unwavering Series - Re-writing/on hold Simon x OC(medic), multiple works.

Mini-fics

Sub Ala Angeli - Ghoap x reader CW: fallen angel, religon This Is Going To Hurt - Poly 141 x reader CW: kidnapped reader, torture Cross My Heart - Poly 141 x reader CW: enemies to lovers, war On a Wing and a Prayer - Poly 141 x reader CW: falsely accused reader, torture Learning To Survive - Johnny x Simon CW: Injury recovery, PTSD, mental health As Above, So Below -John Price x reader CW: POW John, post-war, torture Something Wicked This Way Comes - Ghoap x reader CW: Magic, death, medieval AU

Freaky Friday

all xfem!reader Brat taming - Poly 141 Cockwarming, Part 2 - Poly 141 The soldier next door, Part 2, Part 3 - John Price double penetration - Ghoap 141 on leave - Poly 141 somnophilia - Johnny voyeurism and exhibitionism, Part 2, part 3 - poly 141

One shots/ Shorts

The Letter - Ghoap Kidnapped, Part 2 - John Price x reader Work Party, Part 2 - Poly 141 x reader Break in - John Price x reader Safehouse - Simon 'Ghost' Riley x John Price MIA - Ghost x Price + poly 141 Homecoming, Part 2 - Johnny 'Soap' MacTavish x reader x Ghost Broken and Bruised - Simon x Johnny

NikPrice week 2025 NikPrice week 2026 Fluffy Ficlit Fall Auction Day

“There is always a place for you here.” She says he can see the sadness on her face, the longing for him to just accept his friend's offer and live a different life. One where he is free to do as he pleases. 

“Navarre is all they have known, it’s their home.” Artemus replies. Niral leans forward in her chair, he can see the pleading on her face and it almost breaks his heart.

“They could have a normal life here. Your daughter would make an amazing flier.” She sighs. “You could continue your work and change the continent.” 

“It’s not my legacy.” He says shifting uncomfortably, hoping she’ll drop the topic. They have this talk every other month when he comes by for tea. Only this time might be his last, he lets the tea cup clank against the saucer breaking the tension between them. He eyes the stack of reports on her desk. She’s always been surrounded by books and papers, always behind on her reading and reports. 

“How have the attacks on the border been?”

“It’s graduation season, the new riders from Basgiath are all eager to bloody their dragon's teeth.” She sighs leaning back in the chair. Artemus can see that she’s annoyed he’s changed the subject. “Our supply lines have been disrupted, we’re working on it.” 

“What news from the Capital?” “Most of the same. The Queen keeps up her attacks along the border giving the riders plenty to keep them busy.” He can hear the resentment in her voice. They’ve been sacrificing flier cadets for months to keep the military bolstered but it’s not enough. 

“Attacking supply routes is only going to rile up Navarre even more. You should petition the queen to reinforce the borders instead. Let the dragons come to us, over their wards.” Artemus says. 

“Maybe you’re right but I am just a headmistress, as the queen likes to remind me.” Niral sighs and gets to her feet going over to the cabinet and pulling out a bottle of Poromielish wine. 

“If we’re going to talk politics I need something stronger. She brings over two glasses, she places one down in front of him and he sits up straight looking back over at the stack of reports. “When will you be back?”

“I don’t know.” He accepts the wine, drinking it down to stem some of the irritation rising in him. “With my daughter going to Basgiath there will be more eyes on us. It’s not practical for-” 

“When have you ever cared about practicality?” She scoffs sitting back down in her chair and taking a long drink. “I never asked for you to be practical, you’re good at what you do. It would be a shame to lose another smuggler.” 

Artemus sighs and takes another drink. “I’m giving you a warning. It's the least I can do.” She scoffs, shaking her head. 

“When does she start?” 

“October, in three months.” She sighs, pressing her lips together and rolling the glass in her hand. 

“I have a family who cannot wait, a woman in desperate need of medical help we cannot provide.” She waits for a second before opening a locked drawer and handing him the mastiff and handing it to him. He takes it and looks over the information, a family of three: a husband, wife and child.

“I will take them, send them to Eliana.” He finishes his glass then stands up and shoves the letter into his pocket. Niral stands with him watching as he shrugs on his fliers jacket and picks up his gloves and goggles. She walks around the table and over to him, he pauses as she buttons up the final button of his jacket.

“Come back, Artemus. I do wish to meet your daughter one day.” She presses a quick kiss on his cheek. “And give my love to Katlyn.” 

___

It’s late evening when Artemus finally makes it to his sister's house. She comes to the doorway as he flies over, Thera screeches at her as they land at the bottom of the walled garden. Eliana smiles at him as she makes it to them. 

“Are you staying for dinner?” She asks as he pets Thera’s neck. He pulls his flight goggles down around his neck and starts to take off his brown leather flight gloves. 

“If there is any going.” He replies and Thera chirps nudging him with her beak. Eliana dries her hands on her apron before scratching behind one of Thera’s ears. 

“She knows where I like it better than you do.” Thera teases and Artemus chuckles before him and his sister head towards her house. 

“She’s missed you.” Artemus says as they make it up the steps, he looks back to see his gryphon head into the half ruined house. There used to be two other families living here, they both moved after a wyvern attack destroyed their homes. Artemus only managed to get back in time to save his sister's house and he’s always regretted that. 

“How was your flight back?” She asks as he sits down at the table, his nose fills with the smell of fresh bread and pie. 

“Good, the wind was on our side.”

“And how is General Ilan?” 

“She’s coping. The attacks on the border have been getting worse and wyverns have been causing problems inland she cant-” He stops as Eliana places a plate down in front of him with a sigh. He knows she hates politics, she just wants to know how her friend is doing. “She’s fine.” 

“She’s always fine.” Eliana sighs then sits down with her own plate. Artemus says grace before they both dig into their food. 

“When are you going back?” She asks, by back she means home but Eliana will never call Narve his home. 

“Late tonight, I’m taking a family over with me too.” He says looking up at the clock on the wall. “They should be here in a few hours.” Eliana nods. 

“This is the last one for a while.” He says. She looks sad. 

“I worry about you when you’re over there. If they found out you were smuggling they’d have your head.” She says, he nods and smiles at her. 

“So I won’t get caught.” 

…

When it’s dark and he’s a few glasses of wine deep he makes his way over to the abandoned and ruined house Thera sleeps in. When he opens the door she lifts her head and gets to her feet. He walks over to her and wraps his arms around her neck. 

“How are you?” 

“I’m fine.” She chirps, nuzzling Artemus who scratches behind her ears, he hums following the side of her face and down to her chin. 

“We have one more family to take over the border, then we can rest.” 

“For how long?” Artemus hums again, he laces his fingers through her thick feathers. She’ll be maulting soon, getting her winter coat before the harsh winters in the mountains. 

“For a little while, at least until spring.” He replies and sits down on the pile of hay and Thera sits in front of him keeping close. 

“Do you remember the night she was born?” He asks out loud before taking a swig of his waterskin. Thera tips her head to the side. 

“Your daughter?” He nods. 

“It was snowing. The worst storm we’d seen in centuries they said. The midwife couldn’t get up from the village to our house. Katlyn laboured all night, when the sun came up that's when it was over.” He smiles, taking another swig of the wine-filled skin. “You stayed the whole night, hidden in the stable with a horse.”

“It was too dangerous to fly back.” Thera replies, Artemus nods. 

“Do you remember when I bought her to you? Only a few hours old. She was so perfect.” 

“I remember.” Thera chirps happily. 

“She’s kind and stubborn like her mother. And she’s adventurous, brave and level headed. I regret it was the only time you got to see her, but it was for the best she didn’t know about your existence, or my history with Poromiel.” Artemus says, he sighs choosing his next words carefully.

 “I would like to form a blood bond.” 

Thera chirps and tenses, Artemus reaches out to stroke her. 

“I know it’s rarely done but I want her to be your flier. If anything should happen to me.” 

“What would happen to you?”

“We do dangerous work. There is always a risk.” Artemus drops off the haybale and down to his knees making Thera look down at him. He produces a knife, it shines in the moonlight Thera watches as he presses the blade to the palm of his hand.

He hesitates for a second before dragging it down his hand leaving a streak of blood. Thera lowers her head sniffing at the blood before leaning back on her legs. She raises one of her paws, extending her claw and digging it into her other palm drawing blood. Artemus smiles as Thera raises her paw and he presses his palm against hers. 

Artemus can feel the energy change, magic fills the air and he feels it pulse through them both. Thera chirps lowering her paw and stands up, Artemus follows then wraps his arms around her neck. 

“She’s going to make a great flier.” Artemus says. 

Thera chirps. “She’ll never be as good as you.” Artemus breaks from the hug stroking the side of her face. 

“No, she’ll be better.” 

___ 

“Dad!” Your voice is as cheerful as ever as you meet him at the bottom of your garden. Your mother probably sent you out for more herbs, he can already smell the food from here. The family following behind him stops as you rush over wrapping your arms around him. 

“Ah, my daughter. How I have missed you.” He picks you up in his arms squeezing you tight before putting you back down. The sun is only just cresting over the mountains making the small hamlet below look like it’s on fire. 

“You’ve been gone for longer than we expected.” She says and looks behind Artemus to see the group of people. “More family friends?”

“They’re desperate for food, and maybe somewhere to rest. It’s been a long trek over the mountains.” He says with a smile. You nod and turn back to rush into the house calling for your mother. Artemus turns to look at the tired family. 

“We will rest here, it’s safe.” He smiles then looks back up to the mountains. Thera is hiding somewhere in the mountains. She has always guided him over the mountains safely, she has never let him down. Storm clouds fill the sky, he hears rumbling in the distance then leads the family over to the stables. 

When he makes it into the house the smell of fresh bread and herbs hits his nose. You smile at him then slip back out the front door. When you close it behind you, your mother finaly turns. 

“You were gone for almost a month.” She sighs leaning against the sink. Artemus doesn’t care how much trouble he's going to be in, he’s just glad to see her and he smiles as he walks over to her.

“What happened to your hand?” She asks, ever the observant healer. 

“I cut it. Don’t worry it was a clean blade.” 

“There is no such thing as a clean blade.” She sighs. “I will apply some slave later, to stave off an infection.” 

“I’ve missed you.” He says, wrapping his arm around his wife's waist. Her resolve melts against him and she kisses him one of her hands travels up to his face and she traces his jaw breaking from the kiss and looking deep into his eyes. 

“I have missed you too. You said this was going to be the last time.” 

“And it is, I promise.” His hand presses on the small of her back. “When she goes to Basgiath, that is what I promised.” 

Kaitlyn nods. “You should speak to her. Soon she won’t be here.” 

“I will.” He presses a kiss on her forehead. “First, let's eat. It’s been a long journey.” 

…

It’s midday when the storm finally makes it over the mountains and the sky is filled with dark clouds. Your father finds you collecting eggs as the family he’s smuggling gets some rest in the old stables. 

“You look older.” Artemus says as he approaches you. You chuckle closing the pen door and turning. 

“You too.” He smiles following as you head back towards the house.

“Do you think I’m making the right choice?” You ask, suddenly stopping in your tracks. Artemus looks up at the sky thinking about his next words carefully.  

“About leaving?” He asks probing for more information. 

“About Basgiath.” You look up at the skies with him. 

“I think it’s a good choice.” 

“I don’t want to go to war.” 

“It’s a good job we’re not at war then.” He smiles trying to put you at ease. Thunder rumbles in the distance and lightning flashes over the mountains. “I think you’re making the choice that's best for you.” 

“I don’t want to be like mum, spending half my life stuck in the same hospital with the same routine. I want to get out there and do something, make a difference.” He feels proud as he watches you look over at him with determination on your face. He goes over and rests his hands on the top of your arms. 

“You are going to do amazing things.” He moves his hands up to cup your face and presses a kiss on your forehead. “You’re going to change the continent one day.” 

You chuckle. “I don’t think I’m that good. I just want to help. I want to help you one day, with your family friends.” Artemus drops your face and sighs, there is no way in hell you’ll be allowed to help with that. It’s far too dangerous. 

“We can talk about it when you graduate.” He says. Wrapping his arm around your shoulder and leading you back towards the house. He only manages to take a step before a familiar screech fills the air. He stops and so do you turning to look towards the direction of the noise. 

“Is that a-” You pause to gasp. “Is that a gryphon?” Artemus’ jaw tenses as Thera flies at full speed towards the garden. She shouldn’t be doing this, she should never give herself away unless. Fear grips at him. 

“Wyverns!” Thera says as she lands in the garden and screeches so loud you jump away. 

“Easy.” He walks towards her holding his hand out but keeping one hand on you. 

“Wyverns and venin there-” She doesn’t get time to finish the words as a roar fills the sky bouncing off the mountains. Artemus looks up while your eyes are still fixated on Thera, he sees the flash of blue. The storm, it’s not natural he can feel the magic in it now. 

“Go!” He says, trying to hide the fear in his voice as the family he’s smuggling comes out of the stable. 

“Whats happening?” You ask.

“Go inside with your mother.” He orders, you nod blindly and drop the eggs turning for the door but it’s too late. There’s a roar that shakes the ground and a wyvern dives for the house. Blue fire spews out of its mouth setting alight the roof in an instance. You scream rushing towards the building but he holds you back as your mother comes out of the house screaming. 

She trips on the path and Artemus finally lets you go so you can be with her. He turns to Thera just as the next wyvern makes a pass. 

“Protect them!” He says, she cries out launching into the sky then landing next to you and your mother. The wyvern roars and the child with the family starts to cry as the storm seems to change, Artemus goes over to the family, the father trying to shield the mother and his daughter from the torrential downpour. 

“We need to get to safely.” He says but he’s not sure what to do or where to go. He looks up and stills as he takes in his surroundings, above them are two circling wyverns, the storm clouds seem to have dropped to touch the earth like a thick gray fog encircling their home. 

Energy fills the air, the wyverns roar and Thera cries out flapping her wings. Atremus is not sure what to do, it’s like he’s been trapped. 

“Look out!” Thera cries, it happens so quick. An icicle shoots out of the fog and drives straight into the neck of the husband he’s smuggling. It’s like everything suddenly goes silent, Artemus watches for one heartbeat, then another. Then an ear piercing scream fills the air. 

“To your right!” Thera shouts again and he dodges just in time for an icicle to whizz past his head and explodes against the house. Another one is launched this time slamming into the chest of the mother. The screaming stops. 

“NO!” Artemus roars as he launches at the little girl. He has to save her but just as he is about to reach her a red hot pain irrupts in his side. He cries out and drops to his knees. 

“Dad!” He hears you shout. He hopes you’re not watching as a third and final icicle silences the screaming child. A shiver runs through Artemus, then rage. He cries out in anguish as he gets to his feet feeling where the pain is, he’s been struck in the side. 

“Artemus!” The venin calls stepping out of the clouds with his arms spread. Artemus steps towards him as Thera paces behind you and Kaitlyn, both you and your mother on your knees sobbing. 

“What do you want!?” He calls over the thunder and torrential rain. 

“You. Come with us and we will leave your family alone!” He replies, Artemus scoffs. 

“You just destroyed my home! Killed innocent people, why would I do anything you say?” He spits. The venin smiles and an icicle forms in his hand. 

“Last chance.” The venin shouts. Artemus looks back at his wife and you, huddled together with Thera behind you both. 

“Never.” He shouts, turning back to the venin. He stands proud and defiant in his choice. The venin tips his head to the side, spinning the spike of ice in his hand before launching it directly into Artemus’ chest. 

Artemus has never heard you scream, not like this, not with such horror in your voice. He looks down at his chest seeing the icicle turn blood red, he collapses to his knees and feels hands grip him laying him flat. The venin stalks over as Thera lands with a thud between him and the venin flaring her wings and screaming in his face. 

The venin laughs and it sounds like it reverberates off the fog. “Leave the mother and daughter.” He bellows as a wyvern lands next to him and Thera backs up, her wings still streached as she screeches. “Dystroy the hamlet. We did what we came here for.” 

“Dad!” Your voice fills his ears, he can feel hands press around his chest. He’s let everyone down, he’s let the whole hamlet down. He looks between his wife and you. Kaitlyn presses around the icicle and he winces. 

“Da- dad look at me.” You’re strangely calm, grabbing his hand and squeezing as your mother looks around his wounds. He knows it’s too late though. The fog and clouds around the house start to lift and the screams from the hamlet below begin. 

This is his fault, he led the venin here, he knew they were after him but he didn’t think they meant to kill him. He looks up into your eyes, he has to change this. If there is one thing he can do in his dying moments is save you. 

“What was that? Why did the dragons attack us?” You ask, he can see the pleading in, you want answers and you’ll never stop looking. He turns to look at his wife and reaches out for her hand. She nods knowingly then walks around to stand behind you.

“Mum, whats going on?” You ask as she bends down behind you.

“It’s okay, it’s all going to be okay.” She sniffles and pulls you into her arms. Thera walks around to Artemus’s other side whining and licking at the blood and the melting icicle.

“It’s okay, girl. We had a good run.” He says with a smile. 

“Mum?” You whisper as he pulls his hand out of yours and reaches up to touch your face. 

“I love you so much and I need you to be brave for me.” He says through a ragged breath bringing his hand up to your temple. You nod and he gives you a reassuring smile. His fingers are blooded but he needs to do this. You’ll spend the rest of your life hating Poromiel but you’ll be safe. He closes his eyes and reaches for Thera’s power. She cries out a pained groan, she’s mourning you and you don’t even know her yet. 

He closes his eyes hearing your protests as his wife, your mother holds you so Artemus can do his job. His fingers tingle as Thera’s power travels through him, he sees your mind like a maze. He hates it, he hates invading your mind like this. You’re his daughter he should just stop but then he would be putting you both at risk. 

He finds the memories you’ve just created, he starts to syphon them away before they plant themselves deeper into your mind. You squirm letting out a deep groan as he pulls at the memories in your mind, he hears Thera come over to him and she lays down by his body nudging him with her beak. 

He smiles and reaches over with his free hand to scratch above her nose. She whines again resting her head over his body. He focuses on changing the memories from the attack to gryphons instead of wyverns and venin. You shuffle again and his wife has to hold you tighter as he finishes up drawing more power from Thera.

“It hurts.” You sob, it breaks his heart.

“It’ll be over soon.” He assures you, keeping his voice as calm as possible. He opens his eyes as he finishes pulling out the rest of your memories, your eyes roll back in your head and you collapse against your mothers arms. 

“Sh- She won’t remember.” He feels his energy fading and reaches over to stroke Thera properly who chips and turns so she can look in his eyes. “I’m sorry.” 

“I understand.” Kaitlyn says stroking the top of your head, tears rolling down her face. He reaches up to brush one away leaving a smear of blood. 

“I love you, Kaitlyn. I always have.” He says. She sobs holding you closer before leaning over to press a kiss on his lips. He can taste her tears, he can feel her shaky movements. When she breaks from the kiss he can see the pain on her face, the tears drowning her eyes. “I always loved your eyes, like sapphires.”

He coughs and blood spits out his mouth, Katlyn cups his face as he strokes Thera’s neck. He turns to look at her. 

“Go home to Eliana, she’ll keep you safe.” He says. 

“I don’t want to lose you.” She replies and blinks. 

“My daughter needs you.”

“How will she know what to do if she can’t remember me?” She asks, he hums brushing up to her ears where he knows she likes it and she leans into his touch. 

“She’ll know. I know she will.” He says then turns back to his wife and you unconscious in her arms. His vision begins to swim and he can’t blink it away, he reaches for your hand picking it up and squeezing it. 

“Keep her safe.” He says. 

“I will join you in the next life, love.” She replies, brushing hair behind his ear. Artemus manages to smile, his eyes flicking down to you one last time before the last of his life leaves him. Thera raises her head, her feathers covered in blood. Katlyn sobs, tears rolling down her face as she reaches for Artemus’ hand squeezing it in yours. 

Thera chirps sadly nudging Artemus one more time to no avail. She throws her head up, spreading her wings and crying out a painful screech. She launches into the sky leaving her dead flier alone with his wife and you, someone who will one day mount her, until then she mourns.

___

Black spots flash around his vision as water fills his mouth and escapes down his windpipe. He can’t breathe and his chest aches. He makes one last frantic reach for the surface, his fingers breaking through and feeling the wind as his body gives in. 

Massive claws wrap around Kyle as Tahpe grabs him out the water. 

“Kyle!” John shouts out loud and in his head to no response. Car roars and follows Tahpe as he flies to the cliff and lands gently putting Kyle down. John slips off Tahpe’s side as Car lands looking down at Kyle’s unconscious body. John rushes over his hands finding Kyle’s pale face. 

“C’mon, Kyle. Don’t do this to me.” John pleads, pressing his ear against his nose and hearing his breathing and looks up at Kyle's dragon and nods.

“Major!” Someone shouts and John turns to look at soldiers rushing towards him. He wants to shoo them away, but he needs a medic. He needs you. 

“I need a medic. Is there any news from my team?” John snaps as the lead soldier stops and salutes him. 

“News from Major Graves.” John takes the piece of paper off him and reads it. He skips past the pleasantries and reads what's important. It’s over, they managed to hold the front and cut off the oncoming venin. It seems like the back up from The Barrens was smaller than they anticipated. Or more likely this fight isn’t over and there is more to come. 

John looks up at Thape then back down at Kyle watching his chest rise and fall. A medic runs over, a healer dressed in pale blue, a strip of white adorned with a red cross. She reminds John of you, only instead of riding into battle on dragon back she looks terrified. Car growls at her, lowering his head behind John. 

“He fell into the water.” John says gesturing for her to come over. 

“H-how long was he under?” She asks bending down on the other side of Kyle as more healers come over.

“A couple of minutes.” John stands up. He needs to know what is going on with Johnny, Simon and you. You could be deep in the mountains stuck and dying. He shivers at the thought. “His dragon will take him back to The Riorson House.” 

“Where are you going?” She asks as John rushes over to mount Tahpe.

“To find my team.” He calls back. 

“Major Price! Major Graves requests your assistance!” The soldier shouts up to him. John huffs in frustration grabbing Thape’s pommels. 

“Major Graves will wait. No more of my team will be injured today!” And before the soldier has time to respond, Tahpe launches into the air. 

“Ayzelunth and Oarsirias say the mountain pass is clear.” Tahpe says. 

“Can they communicate with their riders?” John asks. 

“No, they are still out of range.” 

“We will have no more accidents today.” 

“You lead me.” Thape roars. “We will not fail today.” 

___

You’re still holding Simon’s face when the rumbling starts behind you. This cave in is not going to hold, and you have no idea if there will be venin waiting on the other side. Simon can move the stones again but that would mean having to use more power from the earth. You watch him blink as the red ring around his irises contrasts with the caramel brown. 

“Never-” You choke on the words. “Never do that again.”

“We’re alive.” He says as a matter of fact. You scoff and turn to Johnny whose eyes are closed now. You rush over to him and bend down by his side pressing your fingers into his neck. He’s alive, he’s breathing just unconscious. You have no idea what kind of injuries he has from the explosion but he clearly needs help. 

“We need to get out of here.” You say standing back up to look at Simon. He nods and sheaths his sword before walking over to the pile of rubble. 

“It’ll take hours to dig through this rubble.” He says. “I could-” 

“No!” You snap, shaking your head. 

“It’s the only way we’re getting out of here.” He says, you know he’s right. You turn back to Johnny, you don’t want to watch Simon lose any more of his humanity.

“Johnny.” You gently shake him, he mumbles moaning and gripping his arm, now you know where his pain is – or at least some of it. “Johnny, look at me.” He slowly blinks, opening his strained eyes. His head lulls and you catch it holding it straight. 

“Look at me” You chase his eyeline. He looks devastated and in pain. “Where does it hurt?” He presses on his stomach. You follow his hand pressing down, he winces and you feel around for anything out of the ordinary. You turn to look at Simon as you hear rubble move and see the path being cleared, the stone moving to Simon’s touch. 

“He. Did it didn’t he?” Johnny asks so quietly you almost miss it. “Power from the earth.” You look down and wipe a tear away with your thumb, he looks at you with wide eyes and you nod. Johnny squeezes his eyes closed and you press your forehead against his, giving you each a second to breathe. 

“It’s clear.” You break from Johnny turning to look at Simon who has drawn his sword again pointing it to the now cleared tunnel. You hook your arm around Johnny throwing his arm over your shoulders helping him to his feet with a groan. Simon comes over to help you but you bat him away taking the majority of Johnny’s weight on you. 

“No, you need to defend us. I can handle this.” You hitch Johnny again and start to walk. Johnny groans, you have no idea how he’s even going to mount his dragon. You start down the tunnels trying to see if there are any parts you recognise, the blast has caused significant damage and it feels like the whole place could come tumbling down in a minute. 

You don’t think you’ve ever seen a mountain fall. 

You take another step forward and your foot kicks something. You stop and look down at a body, pale face and white hair crushed under the cave in. You swallow hard and continue. Simon stops at the top of the tunnel cross section. 

“Stay here, let me scout ahead.” Simon says it makes you jump and Johnny moans, you nod and close your mouth. There is little light in the tunnel and what mage lights are left flicker on the broken floor. 

“Help.” The voice is so faint you almost miss it but it echoes off the barren walls and you turn with Johnny to see a venin with half his body pinned under the rubble. You feel bile rise in your throat at the sight of him. Even if you could move the rubble with the extent of his injuries he wouldn’t survive for long. 

You should leave him to die. His kind are out there fighting to take over the region, you’re defending it his fight is over, one less venin to kill. Something twists in your stomach though and you find yourself lowering Johnny against the wall. You swing your bag around to your front and open it reaching for your water skin. 

You walk over to him, his face and hair is covered in dust. You kneel down by his head, slipping your hand around the back and helping him hold it up. He looks up at you with red ringed eyes and opens his mouth as you press the skin to his lips. He drinks eagerly, you let him have as much as he wants, you hear steps behind you and turn to see Simon standing at the cross, he looks between you and Johnny. 

You let the man's head fall back down then stand closing the top of your waterskin. 

“I took an oath. To help all those in need.” You say, he nods and lowers his sword. 

“I know the way out.” You nod, closing your back back up and swinging it back behind you. He helps you pick up Johnny and you wrap your arm around him letting Simon let go and walk ahead of you. The tunnels feel like they go on forever, it feels like you’re going deeper into the cave. It’s only when you see the first light of the sun and feel your connection restored with Ayze that you know it’s over. 

“Healer, are you okay?” She asks. 

“I am, Johnny is injured.” You reply, you can’t help smiling as her voice fills your head. You squint as you make it into the clearing, the scars of fighting are everywhere. Dead bodies and weapons from both sides, the stench of blood fills the air as Ayze and Oarsirias land. Lundra circles above and you look down at Johnny, his eyes are barely open and he looks deathly pale. 

“She’s mad I got hurt.” He says with a scoff. “She should be mad at me, I was the one who made the shield.” You look up at the deep red dragon as she comes in to land between Ayze and Oarsirias. You help Johnny walk over to her, at least he seems to have perked up a little. You and Simon help him mount Lundra, she whines as he winces and cries out in pain. As soon as he’s in his seat she raises up and launches into the sky. 

You’re holding your breath as she flies over the mountains and send up a silent prayer that Johnny stays in his seat on the trip back to The Riorson House. You turn to look at Simon trying to walk towards Oarsirias but she steps away from him and he pauses. 

“Oarsirias.” He reaches out for her but she turns her head away from him. You don’t think you’ve ever seen a dragon look disgusted before but that's what you feel. Simon sighs and walks around to mount her, she doesn’t lower herself for him. 

You walk over to him and he turns as thunder rumbles in the distance, you rest your hand on his back and he turns to look at you. 

“She won’t speak to me.” 

“She will. You’re her rider.” You reply looking deep in his eyes for a hint of red but there is nothing, his eyes just shine golden looking darker with the paint around his eyes. You nod and force a smile, he turns and steps up onto her back leg. A roar fills the sky and you look up to see Tahpe and his battlescared wings block the sun before they turn into land. 

Ayze moves to let him and you walk up to them. 

“Where’s Soap?” John asks immediately and slides off Tahpe’s back. 

“He was injured, Laundra has taken him back for medical treatment.” You say. “Where is Kyle?” You look around for Car but you don’t see him. 

“He fell.” Your heart stops and you gasp. You reach out for him in your mind and hit a wall. “He’s also at The Riorson House for treatment.” 

“Is- is he okay?” You ask, you should have been there. You should have been there to catch him. 

“He’s okay, we’ll know more when we get back.” You nod, you still have to make it back there and who knows if there will be more fighting on the way. Your heart is still pounding in your chest as you mount Ayze. Johnny and Kyle are both injured but you’re safe and so are John and Simon. 

Well, somewhat safe. You look over at Simon on the back of a still transformed Oarsirias. You will fix this, no matter what you’re going to save the man you love.  

…

As you land horns blow and bells ring signifying your victory. It doesn't feel like a victory, you look over as Oarsirias lands with a pained groan. You feel her pain, you feel it physically deep in your bones and your hand goes to rub your abdomen. 

“It has begun.” Ayze says and flies off before you even get a chance to turn properly. 

“What has begun?” You ask. 

“Her labor.” You turn to look at Tahpe and John, Tahpe’s head is lowered and John runs his hand down his massive jaw. He whispers something at him before stepping back and letting his dragon launch into the sky, which he does with a roar following after Ayze. 

“You okay?” Simon asks as he comes up next to you, you’re still rubbing your abdomen. 

“Oarsirias.” You say. 

Ulices comes out to greet you, you and John walk past him. “Fen wants to debrief right away.” 

“We have injured, we will make sure they’re okay first.” John turns on his heels. 

“Lieutenant MacTavish is in surgery-” 

“Surgery?” You interrupt him. 

“They said he had some internal damage.” He explains, you scoff that could mean anything. 

“What about Garrick?” John asks. 

“He remains unconscious but stable.” Ulices says then gestures for the entrance. “If you please Major.” Simon comes up to stand next to you, you can’t help looking into his eyes but there isn’t a hint of red in them. You follow John and Ulices into the assembly room where you’re met with clapping and pats on the back. 

Everything about this feels hollow. 

You hear someone talking, shouting. John holds his hand out for you to stop.

“-I had to defend this province alone!” Fen slams his fist on the table, everyone in the room goes quiet. You tense and feel Simon beside you tense too. No one says anything and all eyes are on Fen as he stands. 

“I will be traveling to Calldyr City to speak with the King, maybe then I can convince him to come to our aid in the future. This is no longer a problem he can ignore.”

“Human politics.” Ayze grumbles. 

“How is Oarsirias?” 

“Her labor will be long.” 

“Is it because she has transformed? She should be at The Vale.” 

“She is safe here.” 

Major Graves bursts into the room and everyone turns to look at him as he strides over to John. 

“You were supposed to be my back up!” He snaps, you’re taken aback by his anger but at least its not directed at you. 

“My team needed me in the mountains.” John explains and Graves scoffs. 

“I needed you on the battlefield!” 

“Okay, easy now. We won.” Ulices says getting between John and Graves. 

“What the hell happened in that mountain!” Graves snaps. It feels like all the air has been sucked out your lungs, you look at Simon not sure what to say. 

“We destroyed their dragon forge.” Simon says, sounding unbothered. There are gasps and murmurs around the room Graves looks between you both.

“I heard rumors.” Graves says. 

“What kind of rumors?” John steps in, your blood runs cold, no one knows, Graves can’t know. 

“Rumors about magic.” 

“Be very careful about the implications you’re making.” John says, getting up in his face. “They might be your last.” His hand moves to the dagger on his hip. 

“I can assure you, Major, the only magic used was through our dragon's signet’s.” Simon says in a cool but authoritative tone slicing through some of the tension in the air. Everyone is on edge even though the battle has been won. 

“Major Price and his team fought bravely just as Shadow Wing did.” Ulices says as John takes a step away from Graves. “We should discuss casualties.” 

“Shadow Wing took twenty-eight casualties and four deaths.” Graves starts. You clench your jaw, it's more than you expected. “We held the Medaro Pass strong, there were no civilian casualties. Only venin and wyverns.” 

“Did we lose any dragons?” Mairi asks. You look over at Fen leaning over the table. 

“No, only men.” 

“And your unit, John?” Fen asks. 

“We took two casualties. No losses.” John says, Fen’s fist slams the table again. 

“What about the infantry units? Do we have preliminary numbers?” Ulices goes to open his mouth when the door to the room flies open. 

“Wyverns! Spotted over the mountains!” The soldier says. You and Simon are already rushing to the door when you put your hand out to stop him. 

“Oarsirias is in labor, Tahpe is with her, they can’t fly.” You remind them. 

“Tahpe says he’s ready.” 

“John.” You plead with him, tipping your head to the side. If he gets hurt he’ll leave Oarsirias alone. 

“I am coming.” Ayze says. He nods and Graves pushes past you. 

“Shadow wing is still coming back from the Pass. Toilra is ready to fly.” You nod at him, you never knew the name of Graves’ dragon. Dragons roar and you rush out of the building to the front courtyard as Ayze and Toilra land. Graves’ red looks tiny compared to Ayze, you have no idea what you were ever worried about.

You’re exhausted but you can hear the wyverns crying in the distance and you need to get in the sky and take them out. Graves mounts his dragon with ease, calling out orders to his shadows as you climb up Ayze’s side. 

“Let’s go, medic!” He shouts at you as he launches. You huff and get into your seat watching Graves and his dragon fly off, Ayze blows smoke out her nose then follows him. You can see dark clouds over the mountains, a bad omen? More venin on their way? 

“A storm.” Ayze says, then flares her nostrils. You feel a sense of calm wash over you then your head snaps up as three wyvern fly through the clouds, glowing blue. You can’t communicate with Graves the way you can with the others but their dragons can. 

“He said we could have the biggest one.” Ayze says, you smile and grip onto her tighter. Ayze senses your excitement and heads towards the larger of the three flying above the rest. Graves distracts the other two as you get closer and closer to the wyvern, you’re so close you can see its blue organs pulsing through its chest. 

You just need to get a little closer.

“Fire!” You cry out. Flames roar out of Ayze’s mouth engulfing the wyverns in fire. It screeches as it scorches then explodes into a thick puff of blue mist. 

“Where is the venin?!” You ask Ayze even though you know she’s keeping track of the wyverns more. As another one approaches she throws her wings out, stalling in the air and wrapping her claws around the wyvern before digging her teeth into its neck. It bellows making you want to press your hands over your ears before it’s over. 

You look down to the ground as thick clouds roll in, you see infantry making their way back towards the camps and Ath. Graves and Toilra fly over you, attacking another wyvern. There is only one left, one chance to find the venin. You follow the blue threads looking between the mountains as Ayze circles above. 

“There!” You point as you see them disappearing to a clearing. Graves must see it too because he dives towards it. Ayze follows, leaving the wyvern and going straight for the source. You squint as you see the figure with his arms still thrown up in the air, he has dark hair and skin. Your stomach drops. Erik wouldn’t have fought in the main battle, his role was to get Berwyn out of their stronghold. 

You watch as Graves lands, he doesn’t even bother dismounting his dragon as the venin drops his arms and the wyvern disappears like it never existed in the first place. You clutch Ayze tighter as you watch the venin back up, he looks more and more like Erik the closer you get. 

“It is not him, kind one.” Ayze says, snapping you out of your head just as Toilra opens his mouth and burns the venin. 

…

When you make it back to The Riorson House Simon is waiting for you at the door. The sun is setting and his white mask is lit up in shades of orange. You slide down Ayze’s side and pat her leg as you walk over to him. 

“How is Oarsirias?” You ask.

“It has ended.”

“She has an egg?”

“It will need to be taken back to The Vale, the hatching grounds here are too warm.” Ayze says, you smile as you reach Simon.

“We found the Venin, Graves took it out.” You say finally pulling off your flight gloves.

“Good.” He turns as you walk inside.

“Where is John?” You ask frowning. 

“He went to the medical wing.” You nod and follow him down the halls. You haven’t seen the gryphons yet. 

“Simon.” You walk up to him reaching out for his arm. He shrugs you off and you’re not sure what to do. 

“How’s Johnny?” He asks. You sigh and look up at the medical board.

“Still in surgery.” 

“I should be with them. We both should.” He turns to leave but you stop him. 

“Have you spoken to John?” You ask. He hesitates then shakes his head. 

“Simon.” You tut and shake yours. 

“He doesn’t have to know. As far as he’s aware we got out of those tunnels without magic.” 

“No, he needs to know. He should know.” You say, you move to stand in front of him and look up into his eyes. “He’s your partner, my partner and he has a right to know.” 

“It’ll kill him.”

“Not if he hears it from you and there’s a good chance when Johnny wakes up he’ll tell John.” You sigh, it’s like he’s not getting it. “He needs to hear it from you.” 

Simon sighs and you look up into his eyes. There is not a hint of red, but you can see the pain in them. He regrets it, you know that for sure. 

“Is Oarsirias still not talking to you?” You ask, lowering your head. He lets out a long sigh. 

“Is she talking to you?” He counters. You reach out for her down your bond but there is nothing just a door blocking you. 

“No. She was in labor, she’s probably resting.” You reply, you feel Ayze her bond has been strengthened, probably to make up for the lack of Oarsirias. She doesn’t agree with what he did, none of the dragons do but for her it’s more painful, the dragons channeling power through you is an incredible gift, a privilege and an honor. Using magic from the earth is like spitting in your dragon's face. They’re all mad, but especially Oarsirias. 

“She’ll come around.” You say trying to offer him some little comfort. 

“I don’t think she will.”

“Dragons are stubborn.” You say, he hums and turns to walk away and you let him go this time. 

“Will she ever talk to him again?”

“It is up to her.” Ayze says. 

“He saved our lives.” 

“And in return he lost his.” 

…

When you make it to Kyle’s private room it is already dark out. 

“He’s still sleeping.” John says as you make it to the end of the bed. You see him squeeze Kyle’s hand as you pick up his folder. You look over it, he has pneumonia it makes you swallow hard. He had water in his lungs, you should have been there. You should have been there to catch him. You sigh, putting the folder back then walk around and stand next to John. You wrap your arm around his shoulders and he leans against you. Kyle looks pale but rested, a gash on his arm has been patched up, the only thing covering him is the bedding. 

“How is Simon?” John asks.

“He’s okay. He’s worried about Johnny and Kyle.” It’s partly true. 

“He seems distracted.” John says, you squeeze him.  

“We all are.” You reply and sit down in the chair next to him resting your hand on his thigh. 

“They said there was water in his lungs.” John says. 

“Pneumonia.” You say. “The water is out of his lungs but he’ll take a few weeks to recover.” 

“How’s John?” 

“In surgery, he should be out in an hour or so.” You say squeezing his thigh. 

“I let them down, I let you all down.” John says and hangs his head. 

“No, you didn’t. We had a plan and it worked. We destroyed their dragon forge. We dealt a blow they’re never going to recover from.” You turn to look at him. “We did it, John. The plan worked.” 

“And look what it cost us.” He says, you see moisture gather in his eyes as he squeezes Kyle’s hand again. There is a knock on the door and you both turn to see a nurse with a bucket walk in. She stops short and looks between you both. 

“It’s time for his wash.” She says, you get to your feet and take the bucket and sponge from her. 

“I can do it.” You say. She nods and leaves, for a brief moment you wish you were still in blue. You look down at your black riders leathers, your chest is still covered in throwing knives. Your sword and hatchet are at your side. The only thing that reminds you you were once one of them is the bag on your back. 

You turn back to John and Kyle and walk over to the bed. John shuffles as you kneel down on the opposite side and pull the covers down his chest. There’s fresh bruising, you put the bucket down and squeeze the sponge. 

“Once my father told me that healers are the true warriors.” You say as you start to wash Kyle with the damp sponge. “I always wanted to be a healer but I never wanted to be involved in a war. I joined Basgiath to help people, to make a change just as my father did with his smuggling.” You pick up Kyle's arm gently whip down the underside before putting it back down again. 

“When did you figure out about your fathers smuggling?” John asks. You look up at him, there are tears still in his eyes. 

“Once there was this kid with a broken leg. A compound fracture – a bone was sticking out his leg. No one in our village was a healer, the nearest help was a military base. We couldn’t go there without the Navarren soldiers knowing who they were.” You pause as you move down Kyle’s chest. “My mother tried her best but none of her training or tinctures were enough. I was with him until he died.” You stop and look up at John who just looks sad. 

“He died in pain from an infection he picked up trying to flee a life of torment and there was nothing anyone could do.” You say dunking the sponge back into the water. “My father told me that they were distant friends of the family but I knew different. Maybe it was the way my mother looked at my father the next morning, like he’d failed.” 

“It was the last family he smuggled before he died. When I swore the oath, the Code of Chricton before the Gods, I made a promise that I would heal everyone I could. No matter who they are or where they came from.”

“I’m sorry.” John says. 

“It’s okay, I grew up that day.” You say force a smile, as you do Kyle groans, your attention immediately turns to him and you stop patting his chest. He coughs and wheezes, John sits forward in his chair and helps Kyle sit up. You pull the duvet back over him, covering him to his navel. 

“Easy, Kyle.” You say as he wheezes again. You turn and offer him some water.

“Wha- what happened?” He asks, his voice is raspy. He accepts the water and drinks it slowly. 

“You fell, into the ocean. Tahpe got you out but not quick enough.” John explains. 

“Where are we?” 

“The Riorson house.” You say rubbing his arm. He looks over at you and smiles. 

“Did you do it?” He asks. 

You nod. “We did it.” 

___

The next morning you finally get to see Rhea. Her and the other gryphons who stayed were responsible for moving the injured between the battlefield and Aretia. Today when she walks in riders black, all of them do. It was done to distinguish them in case the fliers who abandoned their post came back. 

You still can’t believe they willingly chose to leave and join the venin, even after giving them a home when Cliffsbane fell. They betrayed your trust and worst their home, all for the false lies venin pump into their head. 

“What was it like on the front lines?” She asks, looping her arm with yours and leaning in close. 

“I was inside their stronghold.” You remind her. 

“But still, you got to be where the action is.” She sounds excited to hear stories but everything makes you think of Simon and the sacrifice he made. 

“It was all pretty uneventful.” You lie, you can tell she wants more but doesn’t push the subject. 

“How is general Ilan?” You ask moving the topic along. 

“Her ankle is broken, she was pretty upset she had to sit out and let Nikolai take charge.”

“It’s better than causing permanent damage.” You reply automatically. She hums and leads you into the mess hall which is mostly empty this time of day. Craven, his boyfriend and the rest of Rhea’s squad are sat at one of the tables. 

“How the hell do you wear these things?” Craven says as you approach pulling on the collar of his top. 

“With pride.” You almost spit back at him. He sighs and gets back to looking at the playing cards in his hands. Luckily none of the fliers were lost and they all did a good job re-enforcing the defence around Aretia that was mostly provided by cadets alone. 

“The vests are heavy, Tira was complaining about the extra weight.” Craven’s boyfriend says. Rhea hits him over the back of the head. 

“Those vests save lives. We’re at war, remember.” Everyone chuckles as he rubs the back of his head. 

“What about you medic? How was it storming the enemy stronghold?” You’re about to open your mouth to reply when you hear steps and a dissatisfied huff behind you. 

“Shouldn’t you all be in debrief meetings?” Graves asks. Hairs stand up on the back of your neck as you turn to see him with two riders flanking him. 

“We’ve been in meetings since we came back yesterday.” Rhea says. “Besides, we've already debriefed and written our reports.”

“It’s a good learning experience to see the way we do things after a battle.” 

“Rest and recuperation after a battle is also important, isn't that right, medic?” Rhea asks, matching Graves’ stance. You clench your jaw before nodding. 

“I’ll be keeping an eye on you.” He says before turning on his heels and walking out the mess. You shouldn’t be bothered by him, Shadow Wing helped you win the battle, you just don’t trust him. He’s friends with Varrish and he’s been deceitful in the past. 

“His dragon knows.” Ayze says. 

“But he doesn’t. He would have arrested us by now.” You say. 

“He could be waiting for proof.” Ayze says and a shiver runs up your spine. You don’t like the thought of anyone outside of 141 knowing. 

“There has to be something we can do. A way to reverse what he’s done, a cure.” You say. 

“There is no cure for the dark ones.”

“But Simon’s not corrupt. He doesn’t want to destroy the continent, he just wants to survive." You say, your fathers books talked a little about the venin. You should go back to them with new eyes, you’re not looking for a way to fix the wardstone now. You need a cure for venin. “I need to find a cure, Simon deserves to be saved.” 

Ayze growls, you know she’s not happy with the idea but Simon is her daughter's rider, she’ll do what she can to keep her safe. 

You excuse yourself from the fliers and their celebrations and spend the rest of the day holding up in the wardstone room with your fathers research behind a warded door where you won't be bothered. Your fathers letters talk a lot about the venin, how to spot them and how to kill them. In his diaries he talks about what little he knows about them. 

Most of his knowledge comes from stories, legends passed down from generation to generation, most of which are banned in Navarre. 

When you finally pull your head out from your notes it’s dark out. You decide to go to the library and collect the books you want to read for tomorrow before going to bed. Fen has some banned and collectors books, you might be able to find some information there. 

The halls of The Riorson house are quiet when you make it up to the lobby, everyone is resting after the battle. The only place still abuzz with activity is the medical wing. You always loved night shifts in the hospital, the energy always felt so much different. It was like you really were standing on the vale between life and death. 

You shake the thought away as you make it to the library picking up one of the mage lights so you can see down the dark rows of bookcases. Once you have what you need you head back to the wardstone room. 

As you turn a corner you crash into someone dropping all the books and falling to your knees. When you look up you see Graves looking down at you with a raised eyebrow, the hair stands up on the back of your neck as he crosses his arms. 

“Sorry.” You mumble picking the books up. 

“It’s late, what are you doing?” He asks. 

“Someone has to find out how to activate the wardstone.” You say. He hums and bends down to pick up one of the books you’ve missed. 

“History of Venin. Cliffsbane Academy.” He says, you snatch it off him. 

“I have to try everything.” You say wanting to remove yourself from this situation. “Good night, major.” 

“I heard about the tunnel collapsing.” He says suddenly, he steps closer to you and you tense. “We have someone who can see through things.” 

“I thought you were fighting at the bottom of the pass?” You ask frowning. 

“We were.” He tips his head to the side. You want to be here even less, you step around him. He grabs your arm and you freeze, almost dropping your books again. He presses his mouth next to your ear. 

“We both know Oarsirias was out of range. Ayze too, else you would have shielded that cave in.” He says in a low voice. You feel a pit form in your stomach and Ayze growls.

“Tell him to unhand you.” You pull your arm out his grip and he lets you go standing back up again, he has a wicked smile on his face. 

“Good luck with activating the wardstone, medic.” He says before turning down the corridor and leaving. Your heart feels like it’s going to burst out of your chest. You rush back to the ward room and throw the books in with your fathers diaries before heading upstairs to find Simon. 

John is still with Kyle and Johnny still hasn’t woken up from his surgery. You should be with him, you all should but you need to talk to Simon. You find him smoking on the balcony outside your room. You feel a sense of urgency rush through you and go over to him pulling him to turn to you. 

“Graves knows.” You hiss at Simon, he frowns for a second. 

“Graves knows what?” He asks. 

“About you.” You snap at him. He looks relieved, you almost want to slap him. 

“He doesn’t know. He has no idea.” Simon says with a sigh and turns to look back out over the city. 

“But if he does-”

“He doesn’t. Even if he suspected no one would believe him without proof.” You shiver and look out over the city with him. Fireworks are going off in the distance and the sound of distant cheering reaches you. People are out celebrating the fact that they’re not going to die today. You managed to hold off the threat for now, but if John’s right then venin from The Barrens could still be on their way. 

“He could go to Basgiath and try to tell General Sorrengail again.” 

“And what's she going to do? Petition to have one of the best units in Navarre taken out of the sky.” Simon scoffs. 

“You seem pretty confident, he said he has someone who can see through things. He saw the collapse in the mountain.” You explain feeling heat rush to your cheeks. Sorrengail is not your general anymore General Shepherd is, you answer to him and John. 

“Let him think what he wants. He’s not going to do anything without proof.” He says pressing the butt of his cigarette out on the balcony. 

“You need to tell John.” You say quietly, quickly looking behind you to make sure you’re alone. Simon sighs then turns to look at you. You see the deep golden of his eyes, you’re still looking for any sign of the red you saw in the mountain.

“Don’t look at me like that.” He says quietly, looking away from you. You feel guilty as you look back out over the city. The storm that threatened to break yesterday never did and the air feels charged. 

“Sorry.”  

“Thats what I’m worried about, him looking at me like that. Searching my face for signs I’ve changed already.” He sighs and you feel sorry for him, you want to reach out and touch him but you don’t instead gripping the balcony. 

“He saved me. When I was at my worst he came into my life and offered me a different path.” He pauses but you let him keep talking. “I’ve betrayed him becoming like this, becoming something we’ve vowed to destroy. He’s going to hate me." 

“He’s not going to hate you.” Simon scoffs and leans down to rest his forearms on the railing. 

“He loves you Simon, we all do. Do you think I stopped loving you because of this? I’m not going to leave you, none of us are. And I’m going to find a cure.” 

“There is no cure for this.” 

“You don’t know that.” You say and reach over for his hand, he lets you rest your hand on top of his. 

“I’ll talk to him tomorrow, we have a patrol together.”

“I promise you it’s going to be okay, Simon.” 

He sighs again. “I hope so.” 

___

The next morning when you wake Simon and John are already gone. It feels weird waking alone in the room, Johnny and Kyle are still in the hospital wing and you have plans to spend the whole day there today. You need to take your mind off the wardstone for a while besides Johnny’s more lucid now and you should be spending time with him. 

You’re almost at the medical wing when someone calls your name. You spin on your heels looking for the source. 

“Medic.” You see a rider standing at the end of a corridor. You raise an eyebrow at him. “Someone is here to see you.”

You feel even more confused but follow him anyway. He leads you to a room, when you step inside you gasp. 

“Mum?” She’s sitting at a table drinking a glass of water. “What are you doing here?”

“You look pale, sit down.”  She says, you swallow hard and go over to the table. She offers you a glass which you accept, drinking the contents to stem your nerves, still shocked she’s even here in the first place.

“I have-” She looks nervous and clears her throat before continuing. “I have something to tell you.” Your nerves only get worse but you sit down, what could she probably hope to tell you. 

“What is it?” You ask refilling both your glasses. 

“There is a secret I've been keeping from you.” She says nervously. You frown at her then you hear steps come into the room and you turn to see your father. You gasp and get to your feet. 

“I’m sorry we had to keep it a secret.” You turn back to your mother shocked, you’re not sure what to say. He’s alive, you look back at your father, you almost want to pinch yourself. Maybe this is a dream and you really did die in that tunnel. 

“Dad?” You ask, feeling tears fall down your face. 

“Hello, sweetheart.” He says, it’s a voice you haven’t heard in years. It’s just how you remember, low and comforting, before you can stop yourself you rush over to him and hug him. His arms wrap around you, you can feel him, hear the beat of his heart. He’s really real, he’s really here. He smells of ink and parchment paper. 

“I’m sorry we had to keep it a secret.” He says. You don’t care, he’s alive. 

“Why?” You ask him breaking from the hug so you can look at his face. Suddenly you remember Thera and guilt wells inside you. “It was safer for you. People were after me.” He says. 

“Venin?” You ask, he frowns then chuckles. 

“Yes. How much do you know about them?” 

“I-” You hesitate. Your father could help you, now he’s here you can make sense of the works he wrote. If you can find a cure before anyone finding out you could save Simon. “I’m looking for a cure.” 

“A cure, for venin? Why?” He asks, sounding intrigued. 

“There has to be a cure.” You say hanging your head, his fingers come up and he tips your head up to look at him. 

“What is it?” He asks, he looks worried you never want your father to be worried. You trust him, and your mother even if they kept his death a secret. “I want to help you.”

“Simon. He is my partner. He’s turning to venin.” You say, the words feel heavy and you look up at him with a pleading in your eyes. You’re waiting for a response but he just pulls you back into a hug. You feel secure in his arms, you remember him holding you as a child. You remember being a happy family and now he’s alive maybe you’ll be able to get that again. 

“I’ve missed you.” You say. He squeezes you tighter. You break from the hug and turn to your mother who smiles at you then looks grim as she sits back down taking a sip of water. You feel dread wash over you, something’s wrong. The adrenaline of seeing your father again has faded. When you look back it’s not your father standing there holding you it’s Graves. You gasp and step back, suddenly your mouth fills with water and you feel sick. You taste something earthy and turn to look at your mother who’s sitting with her head down. 

You’ve been tricked. Of course your father’s not alive, you saw him die. 

“Ayze?” You ask, nothing. You look at the jug of water. You step away from Graves as two Shadow Wing Riders step into the room. 

“Arrest her.” Graves says.

“No!” You cry out but you’re trapped. You look at your mother as the riders move closer to you. “How could you!” Tears stream down your face, you can’t believe this is happening. You’re so stupid. 

“Mother! How could you!” Tears stream down your face as you look at Graves a man who pretended to be your dead father just moments ago. You don’t even fight when two of the riders come around you and grab your hands, shackling them in front of you. You look at your mother patting her nose with a hanky. 

You wonder if she cries for you or her dead husband even if it was an illusion she got to see him one more time. “I will never forgive you!” You scream at her as you’re led out the room with Graves leading. People turn and look at you, they whisper, you wonder if any of them knew what was going on. What if Simon knew, or John, any of them. The thought makes you feel sick and you swallow hard, keeping yourself stoic, you won’t look weak, not now not ever. 

Ayze lands on the courtyard walls as you’re led out to the waiting carriage. Graves looks up at her and she roars at you both. You wish you could communicate with her. She can’t intervene, as much as she wants to, justice has to run its course. She looks down at you with sad eyes as you’re pushed into the back of a wagon. You hear her roar again and look out the door as Graves’ dragon circles above. 

“We have the lieutenants." A rider sighs, they have Johnny and Kyle and they’re both injured they won’t be able to fight back. You let them all get trapped because you couldn’t keep your mouth shut because for a few seconds you wanted to believe it was real. 

“What is it? Speak up?” Graves snaps. 

“We can’t find the captain or the major.” You feel a sense of relief, maybe they’ve got away. 

“Find them and remember your orders are to kill Simon Riley.” Your heart sinks at the order. Of course they want Simon dead. 

“Their dragons are missing too.” 

“Fuck.” Graves says and you can hear the irritation in his voice. “Go, get scouts up in the air, if they make it over the border we’ll lose them” You hope they’re at Velmorin by now, you hope they’re safe somewhere they can hide. You see Johnny and Kyle being bought out the front door. Johnny is being carried while Kyle walks next to him. 

This is all your fault, you’ve got Simon killed, you’ve all been arrested and all because you believed your mother. 

“You better get comfortable medic, it’s a long trip to Calldyr City.” Graves smiles at you then slams the waggon door closed. 

You did this, this is your fault. You deserve everything that's coming. You betrayed the people you love and now they’re being hunted. You did this and they should never forgive you, you just hope Simon and John managed to get over the border. 

“I love you all, each and every one of you. Amari, keep them safe, please make sure they live. If I do nothing more in this life I need to know they’re okay.” You plead to the queen of gods. It’s almost like you can hear her in your mind. 

You did this, you deserve this and whatever comes you will spend the rest of your life making up for your mistake.

“What’s Kupala Night?” He asks quietly, Nik chuckles then pats him on the back. 

“Summer solstice!” Nik chimes, from down the garden John hears shrieking and looks over to a river seeing men carrying women over their shoulders and dropping them into the water. He smiles at Nik before being pulled by the elderly woman over to a table were food is being prepared. He looks behind him quickly to see Nik hug his mother. 

As the sun sets and a bonfire is lit John helps the elderly woman he has come to know as Nik’s grandmother folding dumplings. She works expertly filling them and closing them with such ease she can do 10 for every one John manages to finish. He listens to her talk even though he only understands a little Russian, his eyes finding Nik every opportunity he gets. 

Nik watches John try his best to interact with his family and it does something to him. He’s so enamored by his lover before he can stop himself he walks up to John and drags him away from his pratling grandmother who was offering John sour cream and pirozhki. 

“I need to borrow John.” He says to his grandmother who also tries to get Nikolai to sit down and help her as she moves on to plating the bread and herring. John frowns as Nik leads him into the Dacha through the kitchen with women still preparing the feast, Nik checks the corridor and stairs before dragging John up them and into the bathroom. 

“What's up?” John asks, watching as Nik closes and locks the door but instead of replying he just cups John’s face and kisses him. John closes his eyes and melts into the kiss, the vodka he’s been drinking has gone straight to his head, warming his body. Nikolai’s hands pull John’s hips closer to him and drags his half hard cock against Johns. 

“Nik-” 

“John.” Nikolai says feverishly pressing his tongue back in John’s mouth. John runs his hands up Nik’s chest resting his palms over his biceps. 

“Your family is here.” John says as Nik moves down his neck. 

“I know, we’ll be quick. I just need you.” Nikolai is almost begging. John can’t say no, not when Nik is touching him like this, not when his hands are all over his body and his mouth is sucking on his neck. 

“Okay.” John relents and Nik drops to his knees in an instant, his hands reaching for John’s belt and the fly of his jeans. John leans back against the bathroom sink letting Nik pull his jeans and boxers down just enough to free his cock. John moans as Nik presses his hands down John’s cock rubbing his thumb over the tip. 

“Christ.” John breathes as Nik wets his lips then presses his mouth around John's cock making his whole body shake. 

“Shh, malýsh.” Nik says as he circles his tongue around the head of his cock. John bites his cheek stifling a moan as Nik takes him all the way to the hilt and John hits the back of his throat. He laces his fingers through Nik’s hair pushing him down even further and tipping his head back at Nik’s little gags. 

John lets him move his head again as he hears the sound of footsteps up the stairs. Nik doesn’t stop though in fact he speeds up. John jumps as the door handle is twisted. He looks down at Nik who just looks up at him with a cheeky grin on his face and John’s cock still in his mouth. John’s hand comes down to cup Nik’s face and he leans into the palm. 

The door handle twists again and then there’s a knock and someone asking something in Russian. Nik rolls his eyes then sighs, taking his mouth off John but keeping his hand’s pumping his hard length. The wet sound of sex fills the air as Nik calls something back and John bites down hard on the inside of his cheek. 

John’s holding his breath as he hears the footsteps retreat from the bathroom. 

“Who was that?” He asks quietly.

“My mother.” Nik says with a smile. “Now put your cock back in my mouth.”

John doesn’t hesitate pressing his tip against Nik’s lips before he opens his mouth taking him again. This time it's sloppy and needy, whatever Nik’s mother said it’s made him pick up the pace. John bites down on his fist so he doesn’t moan too loud leaning back against the sink as Nik presses his nose against John’s abdomen. 

Nik moans for him, a long slow moan that makes John’s cock jump in his mouth. Nik looks up at him with knowing eyes, John’s close and Nik is ready. It may be one of John’s favourite views, his lover on his knees with his cock in his mouth. He grips Nik’s hair harder and presses his mouth all the way down as he comes. 

Panting John squeezes his eyes closed coming down off the high, his whole body vibrating with pleasure. He has no idea how Nik does it but he does it so well.  When Nik stands back up he kisses John long and slow mapping out his mouth with his tongue. 

“My mother has already asked about grandkids.” 

John chuckles. “Maybe one day.” Nik raises an eyebrow. 

“Really, you mean it?” John kisses him again. 

“I could live this life, simple, away from the world.” John says, it makes Nik’s smile grow. 

“I love you, John.” John smiles and embraces Nik who holds him tight. 

“I love you too, now, let's get back before my babushka throws us into the river.”

“Martin Hall, got picked up by a nomad clan a few days ago. They caught him trespassing on their camp and thought he was a threat.”

“What clan?” Simon asks, interrupting John. 

“The Raffen’s.” 

“While they were questioning him they took a data shard, client wants it back.” John says as the bartender brings him another whisky on the rocks. Simon takes the shard out and tries to hand it to John who waves his hand away. 

“I’ll have to bring Johnny.” Simon says, John nods taking a sip of his drink. 

“Bring who you like, pay’s still the same.” John shrugs.

“What about extraction?” Simon asks, leaning back against the sofa. 

“I can help with that. I’ll get you a chopper but don’t expect anything fancy.”

Simon scoffs. “I never do.” 

…

Summer means the heat in the Badlands is stifling. Dust and sand swirls as Nik brings in the chopper to land. John leans out the door looking around for any sign of Simon or Johnny, maybe they’re still held up, this is the rendezvous point though. 

John sighs rubbing his shoulder then running his hand up his neck to press against his shard port. He needs to get it checked out. It's been irritating him for days now, he just never has the time. 

“Got a good ripper you could see about that.” Nikolai says.

“I’m good.” John replies looking into the front of the chopper at him. Nik looks cheerful and is clearly not affected by the heat as he flicks a switch on his console and the noise from the engine changes. Nikolai used to be a scav, almost every ripper he knows used to be one too. Ex-scav rippers are not always known for being gentle. 

“Well, if you change your mind let me know. She’s good I promise.” NIk chuckles. John smiles at him then turns as he hears the rumble of bikes in the distance and sees a trail of sand and dust heading towards the chopper. 

“There here.” John announces and Nik nods, turning his attention back to the controls. John squints bringing his hand up to shield his eyes from the hot sun and zooms his vision to see them tearing across the wasteland. Only he doesn’t see two people, he sees three.

“What the hell.”

“What?” Nik asks but John doesn’t get time to respond as the bikes make it to the chopper. John watches as Simon steps off the bike and grabs the third person by his arm and pulls him over. He looks like he’s seen better days, there’s a massive gash on his forehead and his clothes are caked in a thick layer of dust. 

“Who’s that?” John asks helping Simon get him into the chopper. Simon opens his mouth to speak when a deep droning noise fills the air. Everyone looks up just as they’ve managed to get the mystery man into the chopper. 

“Shit!” John calls as he sees the massive drones cutting across the same path Johnny and Simon took to get to the chopper. 

“We need to move, there are more incoming!” Nik calls. Johnny and Simon climb in and Nik has only just managed to make it off the ground when the sounds of bullets ring out. Nik curses in Russian and the chopper jolts before picking up speed and flying away. It drones continue to follow though, John can’t stick his head out and risk looking at them while they’re actively firing. 

Simon has bent down by a laptop and he plugs himself in muttering to himself about something. Clearly the job didn’t go as planned. Suddenly the chopper drops in altitude so quickly that John’s stomach drops.

“NIK!” John screams as they barrel towards the ground. “MacTavish, make yourself useful and get on that gun!”

“You never said anything about Militech!” Nikolai shouts back as flairs fire out the chopper. Nik straightens out and they start to climb again. John hears the explosion of one of the drones. Militech? What do they have to do with all this and why are they after them? 

“Ghost?” John asks, looking at Simon typing on a laptop.

“Working on it.” He replies. “Their ICE is thick.” 

“I can help.” The man they came out with says, flicking his eyes between John and Simon. 

“Who are you?” John asks, raising his weapon at the man, he stays in place holding one hand up, the other grabbing onto anything he can while the chopper turns again. 

“He said he was just some guy!” Johnny shouts over the fire of the mounted weapon, there’s the sound of scraping metal and a crash as another drone is shot out the sky. 

“John! We’re reaching the border!” Nikolai says, John turns to look out the front of the chopper, he can see the red hologram of the city limit lit up by a haze of dust and sand. If they go past they’ll be shot down. 

“Got it!” Simon announces and John leans out the chopper just in time to see the last two drones drop out the sky. 

“Militech will be on us, we need to lay low for a while!” John shouts over the roar of the engine. 

“I know a place.” Nik says, John turns to him and sees a smile on his face. 

…

“What is this place?” Johnny asks as they all hop out the chopper outside of what looks like an abandoned factory deep in the badlands. 

“Used to be an old scav chop house. It’s been abandoned for years.” Nik shrugs as he jumps out last closing the doors and activating the camo screen. “No one should bother us for the night.” 

John nods and they all walk into the surprisingly still furnished factory. John can see the scars the scavs have left behind and it makes a chill run up his spine. Johnny and Simon have untied the man now and sit him down on a chair. John’s still angry though. If he knew this job was going to involve militech he would have done things differently. 

“What the hell is on this shard?” John asks annoyed, Simon hands him it and he slots it in behind his ear. He waits a few seconds for it to be scanned before he sees the data flood his vision. 

“Fuck. This a black market sales shard. It’s all stolen militech equipment.” John takes the shard out, handing it to Simon who does the same swearing as he sees the same thing John was just looking at. He turns his attention back to the man and Johnny steps closer. 

“What did The Raffen’s want with you?”

“They wanted me to crack the shard, find out where the stash was being held.” He explains. It makes sense and John hums. Now the question is was that really militech after them or just someone with militech drones. Simon unslots the shard and hands it back to John. 

“Could you do it?” John asks him. The man nods. 

“I just didn’t get time to finish before you rescued me.” “Good.” John hands the shard back to Simon. “Find the stash, seems like the job’s not over yet.” John turns on his heels and heads for the door. When he makes it outside the sun has already set, he can see Night City’s lights and holograms in the distance lighting up the sky in unnatural shades of colour. 

He sees the shimmer of Nik’s chopper hidden from most people by the camo covering. 

He walks around in frustration looking for something to take his anger out on. He spots a bottle kicking it with a grunt before hearing the door he just left out close behind him. He turns quickly to see Nik then sighs. He doesn’t really want to talk to anyone right now but at least it’s Nik and not Simon. 

“Easy, John. It’s not your fault.” Nik says, stepping up next to him. 

“I booked the gig, I’m responsible for their safety.” John says, he feels the weight of the guilt. Simon could have died, they all could have died. Nik reaches out and grabs John’s arm, Nik turns to face him. His hand runs up John’s arm, Nik looks sympathetic at him. John barely even has time to register Nik pulling him closer, his hands running up to John’s shoulders. 

John’s hands find Nik’s waist and he squeezes, pressing his fingers into the soft flesh. 

“It’s not your fault, John.” Nik says his eyes flicking down to John’s lips, he’s not thinking, his mind for once is blank all he can imagine is Nik’s lips on his and he doesn’t have to imagine much longer. Within a second Nik is kissing him. For a brief few seconds there is no militech, no shard or dodgy job. Just Nikolai and him standing in the warm summer breeze. 

John closes his eyes and sinks into the kiss. Nik presses his tongue into John’s mouth his fingers ghost over his shard slot then he cups John’s face tilting it up slightly so he can kiss him deeper. Their tongues drag against each other and Nik moans in John’s mouth who feverishly laps him up. John doesn’t want it to end, he wants to stay in this perfect moment with Nik but he breaks from the kiss pressing his forehead against Johns. 

“It’s not your fault, malýsh.” Nik says in a low voice. “You have access to my chopper. Why don’t you go lie down, I’ll send Johnny to get you when they’ve cracked the shard.” John sighs, he could use a rest. Before he can regret it he nods, pulling his forehead away from Nik. 

“Join me.” John says suddenly. Nik smiles and grabs John’s hand. 

“Okay, but only because you asked kaptain.”