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ALIENSTAGE x HSR AU.

Pairings: Agynaxa (Aglaea, Anaxa).

Hyacipher (Hyacine, Cipher.)

Phaidei (Phainon, Mydei.)

Cylens (Cyrene, Hysilens.)

Summary: The Titans enjoy a show put on by humans, the ones they call their successors. They use performance for entertainment, but with a little twist.

…

Welcome to Okhema Garden! The performers are preparing for a show like none other. The audience will gather round for a never ending show. Romance, Performance, and Drama. And the first round is ready to begin…

Cyrene versus Hysilens.

The lights appear, the crowd of Titans are watching. Cyrene has always been a favorite, just like Aglaea.

Cyrene had studied dances from romance stories, and she always desired to narrate one. But this is not a happy story.

——

Inside the bathtub prior to the performance…

Hysilens argues with Cyrene, “And then what? If you get shot first, it means you will scream. I have practiced the trajectory of where it will land. It won’t hurt me.”

“You practiced with sharp objects,” Cyrene counters, equally stressed and frustrated. “But that bullet will still hurt, can you take it without screaming? Practice is different from the real thing.”

“Cyrene. You know the reality of this world. We’re merely a show of entertainment but once we die, we can’t come back.”

Cyrene was aware, Hysilens was right. But neither girl wanted to lose the other. The world would be nothing without them being together. But Cyrene was aware that the Titans did not care.

“Cyrene, I love you, but one of us has to die.” Hysilens caressed Cyrene’s cheek.

This may be the last time, so why end on a sour note?

One final kiss is shared before the performance.

——

And now on stage, Hysilens smiles at Cyrene, sweat drops from her forehead. Hysilens is tired and unable to keep up. Cyrene doesn’t need to use her advantage of dancing, the Titans have already decided.

The scoreboard flickers.

86 | 87.

Cyrene wins.

Bang!

Hysilens falls onto her knees before she finally collapses in front of Cyrene, her blood splattered on the pink haired girl’s cheek.

The first round came to a close, but at the cost of Cyrene’s energy and the girl who cared about love did not smile again.

“…My universe…” Cyrene whispers.

ིྀ︵︵︵ ₊ 𖧁𓏲 ₊ ︵︵︵ ིྀㅤ

“Won’t you open your eyes sister? I’ll give anything, just please…”

“Anaxagoras, my dear opponent for this round. You might make a good dance partner.” Aglaea’s accent cut through the thoughts of the past.

Anaxagoras thought of his sister and her lifeless body in his arms. He had almost thought of the Titan of Reason, Cerces, the woman who said he would be a good fit for a successor.

“A good dance partner? Why would we dance?”

“Do you know what has never been done before on this stage? Being so good that we tie, and then neither of us dies.” Aglaea holds her hand out mid performance.

Aglaea’s score was already at 60, while Anaxagoras was at 59. If the two were impressive enough to tie…

He grabs her hand and twirls her around. “Successor of Romance…if we make it through alive, I will follow you anywhere.”

A promise he never would have made before.

The garden takes everyone you love, but he gave it a chance.

90 | 90.

A tie, evenly.

The Titans are not disappointed surprisingly, they let this slide, only because Cerces convinces them that this is fun in its own right.

ིྀ︵︵︵ ₊ 𖧁𓏲 ₊ ︵︵︵ ིྀㅤ

Cyrene versus Cipher.

A new round began. The Successor of Time, versus the Successor of Trickery.

The performance was already becoming a boring show, so Cipher took it upon herself to bring the entertainment, she used her ability to turn into Hysilens, and mimicked Hysilens’s movement. It was enough to distract Cyrene, the pink haired girl’s voice faltered. She could hardly focus.

Cipher danced with Cyrene just like that, confident that Cyrene would lose.

But Cipher didn’t count for retaliation from Cyrene, who landed a few punches, crashing out from Cipher using Cyrene’s dead girlfriend as a tactic to win.

The fight was broken up, and the result on the scoreboard flickered with Cipher’s win, but it also marked Cyrene as missing.

ིྀ︵︵︵ ₊ 𖧁𓏲 ₊ ︵︵︵ ིྀㅤ

Mydeimos won his previous round, but he was a little disappointed when finding out his next opponent was Phainon. The man who loved Cyrene, the successor of Time. Phainon would never like a successor of Strife, not him.

He put on such a confident performance at first, but in the middle…he decided to help Phainon win. It was a terrible plan, but he knew he could not live with himself if he won. Yes, what would Cyrene think? Would she be kind to Mydeimos then?

He tossed the microphone on the ground, and took the few steps to get to Phainon. Mydeimos gently touched Phainon’s face, then pulled him closer. The first and only kiss that Mydeimos would give.

Phainon did try to fight it, but that didn’t last long.

89 | 70.

It took three shots to kill Mydeimos when he lost.

HyuLuka x First Date.

Set in: Off The Record AU.

@alnstgiftexchange

Gift: @rosatea

This whole idea was Hyuna’s. It was a day after they finished the ending round, which was mostly surrounding Luka and Till. This was where they were supposed to pull off the plot twist that Till was alive, just mute at the end, and the first appearance of the clones. The children on the set had fun playing the clones.

They preferred Till and Ivan’s company over Luka’s so while Ivan was telling random stuff to the children, Hyuna approached Luka to invite him. “You look bored, we should get some coffee.”

So they ended up alone together at the nearest cafe. Hyuna quite literally got coffee, she took bitter stuff well with only a hint of creamer and milk. Luka on the other hand, he just poured it in.

“Geez, you trying to go into a sugar coma?”

“…I’d rather do that than swallow it bitter. How can you stand that?” Luka took a sip of the coffee, it was finally in his liking.

“Ha! You want to crash after our date?”

Luka was not expecting that word from Hyuna’s mouth. He spat the coffee back into the cup before having a whole coughing fit.

The other people around them were staring, like invested when they shouldn’t be, staring. Luka was quite embarrassed. Hyuna though, just simply grinning while watching Luka try to compose himself right now.

“Hyu–“

“Come on Luka, you really didn’t notice my intentions?” She cut off him about to call her name. “How much more obvious can I be? I asked you out.”

Luka truly was embarrassed. And perhaps foolish, because how could he not understand her intentions towards him?

He knew that he had feelings for her, but for them to be returned like this was new to him. He was seriously falling harder because of her confidence to say that a date is what she invited him to, clearly she was past the friendship stage. “A date…if you want to call this a date, then I will too.”

“So, you’ll come to the arcade too right? A date isn’t complete without some prizes!”

“Sure. While we’re at it, I want to get a lot of prizes.”

They both had the same goal.

The night went on with the two of them. Hyuna was more good at the shooter games or throwing stuff, Luka was better at the claw-machines.

By the time the arcade was closing, their arms were stuffed. They’d have to figure out where to put everything.

Hyuna extended an invitation to her house just to keep Luka by her side. He fell for it right away, gladly accepting the invitation.

“What a perfect ending for a date! My house.”

Hyuna was the official tour guide, Luka was the ready to learn visitor.

She spread out her arms wide to show off the space of her house. “This much room. I could probably fit so many people!” She told Luka. He had enthusiastically nodded at her words, it didn’t matter what the exact count was to him.

Hyuna’s whole house was spacious, not just her room, which is where she led Luka too. She had a huge collection of card decks, and board games. Throughout her years, she kept every single game that interested her.

Luka piled all the arcade stuff in a corner. “This is going to become a tradition.”

Hyuna laughs. “You mean arcade dates? You volunteering for more already?”

“Yes I am.”

“Good, cause this was only the first date of many.”

Hyuna then made a mischievous grin. “Hey Luka? Don’t you think something is missing? That’s right, the first date ends up with something important.”

Luka had faced her, that’s when he noticed that she was in his view completely, super close. And then, he felt a plushy sensation, which he realized was softer than the stuffed animals he won by himself with his own efforts. Hyuna’s lips, softer than he had imagined them to be. Yes, he envisioned this moment, he just didn’t think he would be beat to it.

A/N: second divider: @uzmacchiato.

How long has it been now? Fate must be playing a cruel trick on him.

He stood with his arms crossed, waiting for another order. He is a loyal man, only because there is no other choice. Lilias hates traitors, and he used to be such a soft boy that Lilias deemed him incapable of betrayal. She chose him as a representative. And the bonus? He was part of the Harrison line that stood by the side of the Perlutia line. Safe to say Lilias is the type to make excuses if only to keep Violet from leaving.

The scar was a reminder of not being able to leave. Lilias was already set off by the fact that Violet said that he would not become a Perland Raider or keep up with the Harrison name. And he had gotten distracted in a duel with Lilias, making an opening for Lilias’ sword to poke at his right eye. It caused the scar he has now, it’s just all black and less noticeable if the enemy is far away.

Lilias was truly selfish for that, but he was still persuaded to follow her because they had been friends once. Her orders were absolute. He could follow them with not much struggle. Unlike a certain commander who was loyal but could betray Lilias shall he feel like it.

“You want me to get involved with the modeling industry? To what…protect Straze from the Perland rebels?” Violet asked to be sure. After all, he really hated when that commander was chosen for things that he could have been chosen for.

“Exactly.”

“Alright, as you wish it Lilias.” He still calls her by name even after everything.

This was the first time that Violet had left Perland. He used to dream of leaving, yet when Lilias caused that scar, he soon gave up on the thought. He was a little excited about being permitted to leave.

He took his mission seriously, especially if it involves traitors.

He wandered the streets of the area, until a certain image had caught his eye.

‘Blooming Lily, new show coming soon.’

He had never heard of that name before, then again- he was a nobleman, so he should know a lot of things. The sign caught his eye because of the person on it. He did not know who she was, but she was stunning.

“Look at you, staring at a new and upcoming model.” An orange haired girl appeared at his side. “I saw her on her debut, maybe she might become worth my time.”

“You have quite an opinion, Bellona. You don’t speak to people first, what’s your goal?”

Violet had some knowledge at least.

Bellona closed her black fan with a faint snap! and then fully faced Violet. “Oh good, you know who I am, I consider not knowing my name a very stupid thing. How can you not know the name of a famous model? Well, I suppose I could make an exception sometimes.”

“So, why are you here?”

“I saw you staring at that model. Are you curious about her? I have observed her since she became my opponent in the show.”

“…Yes.” He replied, “I am curious about her.”

“Wonderful! Then let me tell you things. Firstly, her name is Luluca, her designer Lilibet sought her out first.

Nextly, Blooming Lily’s designs are somewhat outdated, old trends that the designer wants to make popular again. But they do look pretty good on Luluca’s figure.

Oh, and one more thing, she isn’t just an elegant model, she’s pretty tough in personality. She could be seen as arrogant if she’s not careful, though I suppose most of the top models are.”

Bellona simply finishes explaining a few things, smiling when speaking of a model’s arrogance. She really doesn’t mind showing this side of her, it seems to Violet.

His curiosity was instantly satisfied though, so maybe hearing her out wasn’t terrible.

It was also true that he had one more question…

And it was “Why did you observe her when you usually don’t observe opponents?”

“…That would be because I was curious about her. No one else interests me.”

“You’re saying that people are boring…understandable.” Violet didn’t quite like people either. But Bellona- she might be a decent person after all.

Since the debut, Athanasia and Jeanette were helping the maids of Ruby palace move to Anastacius’ place. Athanasia could not take the idea of parting with her maids, especially Lily.

Jeanette, Anastacius, and Athanasia were having tea outside in the garden. Nothing was wrong at first. Then, Athanasia started coughing. It did not stop, so her family was concerned.

Then, blood dripped from her mouth to her right hand and on her pink dress. It was the same one she received from Anastacius, replacing it wasn’t the issue of course, it was just that it was a gift. She was ruining her first gift.

“Athy!” Jeanette hugged her from behind, holding her close that it was so warm.

Her life only begun, she can’t die yet.

“Get a physician!” Anastacius had never been so worried about anyone.

– I’m not even your real daughter…but you really…care about me?…

– Can we become a real family if I live?

She wishes that was possible as her world goes dark.

***

Jeanette was waiting patiently for her sister to wake up.

A creature…a black wolf was accompanying Jeanette.

“How strange. You only appeared when sister became like this. You must be part of her.”

But the wolf kept Jeanette company, so she couldn’t be sad. If this creature really was with her sister, won’t Athy miss it?

When Athanasia opened her eyes, Jeanette was there. She held the wolf up. “Look, this wolf was with you the whole time. I think he’s yours.”

“…Mine?”

“Father said that you experienced a mana explosion, so your magic has awakened. Sister has magic!”

Athanasia was confused, but Jeanette was happy for her. “Sister is quite special. The Empire doesn’t have many magicians including ones in the Royal Family.”

“…I see. I did not know I would awaken magic. And this wolf really is proof of my magic. I name you…Raven.”

“Oh my, Sister comes up with the best names.”

Jeanette claps her hands.

The two sisters have thus been taking care of Raven together. Having told Anastacius, he said, ‘If you get stronger, this beast will get stronger too.’

Prev: Angel.

Chapter 14: Debut

Months later, it was finally the time of Athanasia’s debut.

The maids and Felix still had no idea where Athanasia had gone off too.

“Now announcing Claude de Alger Obelia. The Emperor is here to witness the debut of Athanasia de Alger Obelia.”

And it was witnessed alright.

Along with the unannounced return of former Emperor Anastacius.

“…What is he doing here?”

“I…I do not know your majesty! No one knew he was still around.”

Anastacius saw no point in disguising himself as he had nothing to hide. He simply outstretched his hand and danced with Athanasia. The first dance at debuts were the most important.

***

“…Is that…father and sister?”

Jeanette had been in the crowd, and when she saw Athanasia with Anastacius, she was in awe. She had never seen such a scene.

Ijekiel was next to Jeanette, staring just as much. “…Yes. It must be. My father was right, something interesting happened today.”

“Sister is quite beautiful. Do you want to dance with her next?” Jeanette offered it, because she was not so oblivious like how many treat her.

She was actually happy Ijekiel was interested in her sister. Ijekiel never seemed interested in romance, but Jeanette adored it. Even after being taken in by Roger Alpheus, Jeanette’s go to book always was a soft and sweet love story. Roger was so sure that Jeanette would beat Ijekiel in finding an interest. Yet, Jeanette was witnessing Ijekiel’s first interest in person.

She giggles. “You did not say no! Go ask.” She was encouraging it. Ijekiel was someone she really cared about, so seeing him happy was enough for her.

“…Huh? Should I?”

He was already being shoved into Athanasia’s direction.

Jeanette reached out her hand to Anastacius. “Father! Dance with me next.”

Anastacius and Jeanette’s dance attracted much attention too.

“Did you hear that? Isn’t she Claude’s daughter?” “She couldn’t be! That Athanasia is Claude’s daughter…”

“The former Emperor is the father of both of them it seems…He has two heirs now. He should be on the throne again.”

The attention switched to Ijekiel and Athanasia’s dance.

“What a pair! Do you think they are close?” “I hope so! They fit perfectly.”

“How adorable, our princess and the Duke’s son.”

“Ijekiel Alpheus has never held an interest right? The first time is always a good time.” “He looks a lot like Duke Roger…” “Ah I remember, what was the name of the Duke’s wife?” “She was Inez Francis, she was a lower noble.” “She still exists! She’s not dead or anything. Just overseas.”

“Lady Inez was the only one for the Duke. Looks like the young Duke found his one.” “Oho! You must be right, look at their faces! It is so sweet.”

Usually a noble’s gossip can become so negative and violent, but right now it was as sweet as the breeze. Everyone was enjoying Athanasia’s debut, and even more so- they knew who she was despite rumors of abandonment.

*** “So Lady Angel, would you meet with Jeanette?”

Ijekiel asked Athanasia to meet Jeanette. Now everyone was believing they were sisters, so she had to act like it.

– She’s as nice as the novel said.

“Sister, let’s be friends forever.” She grabbed Athanasia’s hands as soon as she saw her.

Athanasia doesn’t need to ever worry, it feels like that anyway. “…Yes, forever. Jettie, you are my sister and best friend.”

“…Jettie? Is that…a nickname for me?! Thank you sister!”

Prev: Felix’s Favor.

Chapter 13: Angel

A few days later, Athanasia disappeared from the Ruby palace, leaving the maids frantically searching everywhere. They didn’t want to alert the Emperor despite the doubt he would even care if she was missing.

But Athanasia herself landed right on top of the original male lead of The Lovely Princess. Ijekiel Alpheus, son of Duke Roger Alpheus. The Duke favored the female lead too, and took her in, resulting in the male lead falling for her.

So what was with that starry eyed expression that the male lead was giving Athanasia? Those golden eyes were in awe for sure.

“…Sorry, I have no idea why I fell like that.” She scrambled to get up, but the male lead was still staring at her.

“…An Angel? Was that magic?”

“I don’t have any magic! Truly…! Just a coincidence.”

Athanasia was not used to being called anything good, that’s why she wished Ijekiel would stop calling her Angel like that.

– Stealing the male lead is not part of my plan!

She did a small curtsy, a very polite gesture, just to show she was not clueless about etiquette. “I am…” She hesitated. She probably shouldn’t introduce herself to Ijekiel just yet. “Uh, just passing through! I’m going to return home.”

And then again, she disappeared.

Ijekiel was momentarily disappointed before hoping to see her again.

“Oof!”

Athanasia face planted on the ground, at least it was more grass and not hard. She would have wounded her face.

“…Huh? What are you doing here? A kid in my place…I didn’t permit it.”

Athanasia did not recognize the voice, she simply looked up. Blonde hair, jewel blue eyes, this man was Claude’s older brother and the former Emperor — Anastacius de Alger Obelia. She believed he was already dead, but it seems he was simply isolated. She gets back up onto her feet and brushes her dress off.

– My father is Claude, this man is merely my uncle…but what use would I have for calling Claude my father? He threw the original Athanasia away, he ignored me when I was in his garden. I won’t have the chance to win him over.

It was difficult to be unreadable. She mustn’t expose her thoughts on her face.

If she can’t win over Claude, why not make use of the brother?

Maybe the Emperor position could be given back to Anastacius.

“Papa?” She played innocent fairly well, and she was mainly doing it to survive.

“I’m not your…”

“Hmm? Papa?” She made her eyes as sparkly as possible, surely the former Emperor would be won over by this cute pleading.

– You know I’m your niece, but you can’t tell a child that!

“…Yes, that’s right. I am your father. So, come have some desserts and tea.”

– Aha! Athy’s charm is still effective.

She followed Anastacius.

“Your dress got all dirty…so I will replace it.”

Athanasia wondered if he even knew what to choose for a child.

– Come to think of it…Athanasia and the female lead are not really sisters, but cousins. Jeanette’s mother was supposed to be with Claude, but cheated on him with his brother. I don’t know why uncle would even go along with that…but I might figure it out if I observe him.

“How about a pink dress? It just suits you.”

– Pink? Like the lady fairy I saw in my dream? Huh, he’s not completely terrible after all.

“Athy likes pink a lot! I’ll accept it.”

Athanasia got changed in another room and joined Anastacius for tea and dessert.

– Hm? He also has this flavor of tea? It’s a Siadonna tea, how does he have it?

“Athy likes this tea the most. How did you know?”

Anastacius did not answer for a moment. He stared at her the same way Felix once did. Like recalling a familiar bittersweet memory. “Just a haunch. I was hoping my assumptions were correct.” He also took a sip of the tea once that expression went back to normal. “It is called Lippe tea. It’s from the neighboring Siadonna. The Princess of Siadonna liked this tea.”

***

“I want to tell you that I love Claude, I do, but he is willing to sacrifice our child for me to live! Instead of encouraging me, he simply tells me to choose him and life over our child. Please Anastacius, if you meet my child, do not treat them the same way. Their life means a lot to me, I want them to be happy. Will you promise me if you meet them that you will love them for me?”

“Diana…”

– She had every right to be angry at Claude. My brother was truly in love, but he should never tell his lover to leave behind the child that should be proof of love.

– Diana entrusted me to care for her child, though I was never chosen by her. I intended to keep that promise. I’m merely Athanasia’s uncle, but I will do everything in my power to give her the love that Claude is failing to give.

– I cannot replace him, my mother would probably be angry at that. The thought that I cannot best Claude and become everything he is.

– I still remember her grabbing my shoulders, telling me to become Emperor no matter what.

“You must! If you do not become Emperor, then I will not think of what will come next! Lucia’s son is younger than you, so become the rightful heir.”

– She was only satisfied when I succeeded.

Anastacius stares at the tea inside his cup. It was truly useless to recall the past, it was over.

His mother and Claude’s mother are dead, Diana is dead, Penelope Judith- his lover- dead.

Come to think of it, they all were much more ruder to him before dying. Especially Penelope.

“You don’t understand a thing! I have been trying to tell you.”

And right after her death, her sister Rosalia Judith visited.

“…I am not a good person. I pushed my sister to be this. What I dabbled in was for my own gains. I’m truly selfish.”

He remembers looking Rosalia in the eyes and asking that question.

“What did you do?”

Rosalia did not respond. And thus, Anastacius has been thinking about it the whole time.

He sliced a piece of cake for Athanasia.

– Children like sweets. Maybe just watching her enjoy it will ease my mind. Perhaps I am losing my sanity.

“Is it good?” He asks her.

“Papa knows exactly what Athy likes! It’s amazing.”

He wasn’t so sure about knowing everything, but thankfully he knew some things.

“We should go back to the Ruby palace.”

“hmm…does Athy have to?”

He didn’t want it either, but…

MAIN LIST.

”Princess, should I get you more tea?”

The knight was sitting across from the young Athanasia, sipping from a white tea cup decorated with purple flowers. The flavor of tea reminded Felix of something important, a friend of a friend who loved this flavor. He was most curious about how the little princess acquired it.

But the princess was young and innocent, so maybe she was unaware of certain things. Claude clearly never said anything.

“Hehe, doesn’t it taste like flowers blooming in your mouth?”

He stares, as if looking at another person. Which to be fair, it felt like he was.

“It’s supposed to taste like flowers blooming in your mouth, or at least that’s how my family in Siadonna puts it. It’s ridiculous really, huh Felix? There’s no way it tastes like that.”

The blonde woman’s smile was bright like the sun, and she spoke as if her family’s words were silly, but her tone was clearly fond. He remembers her face clear as day, and that’s the moment he realizes…this princess is her daughter, through and through. Even if the princess has those jewel blue eyes that make her an Obelia.

“…Like flowers blooming in your mouth…? Is that what you taste Princess?”

Athanasia nods, she doesn’t know how to explain it. “It’s a weird description right? But it really tastes like that.”

Felix agrees, “Yes, it does. I always wondered what that would taste like, but I taste it now.”

That ache haunted him, and surely it haunted Claude more. The woman was a dancer from Siadonna, and Claude loved her.

So why would his majesty toss out the daughter of that woman? It’s because he tried to forget her, and erased every trace so she would disappear from his mind.

Felix knew this truth more than anyone.

“…Princess, should we go for a walk? The weather is nice. You should not be stuck in one place for too long.”

He only suggested a walk because he was feeling a bit of pain in his chest. The woman Claude loved was Felix’s friend.

”Hmm, Athy has always been here, so I’m used to it! But a walk with Sir Felix sounds nice. Just be sure to return Athy, Lily would be angry if you didn’t.”

Lily.

Or Lilian York, as Felix knew. Lilian was also friends with the princess’s mother. And perhaps Felix…

Also had someone he loved.

“Yes, I won’t anger her…” Felix was embarrassed to hear those words. Sometimes the princess felt more mature than she led on. But Felix didn’t want to question her. When she is ready, someday she will tell him things, and never hold back any secrets. For now, the knight had made his own vow of protection, because Athanasia needed it regardless of her maturity. “So, what is it like in the Ruby palace?”

“Athy hears lots of fairytales, and eats chocolate.”

Felix was relieved that Athanasia at least had some positives for her life here. He had been the one to worry ever since he heard the princess was here.

“Your majesty, are you really leaving her there?”

Felix couldn’t reason with Claude for anything.

He tried but it wasn’t enough.

Main List.

Chapter 11: Belonging.

After the rite, Keira was still distant from Cosette, it was like proving her place did not help at all.

But Cosette still wanted to try, she just wanted her siblings to love and care for her as much as the Grand Duke seems to.

She was visiting the palace library, maybe a hint or two would reach her.

“How long have you been here?”

The crown prince was speaking to Cosette. She knows him, she knew him for a long time. They grew up together because her uncle wanted to be in the prince’s good graces.

Lucky enough Cosette and Michael are close enough to be considered friends.

“Not long, your highness. I am just trying to find a book on winning people over.”

“I don’t think you need a book for that.”

Cosette did not believe that. If she had not needed help, she and her siblings would be close by now.

“You must be worried about something else if you came to the Imperial Library.

So Lady Cosette, would you tell me your worries like before?”

He waited very patiently.

Divider credit: @uzmacchiato

CW: Blood & Injury, Doomed Relationships, Character Death, Angst, Terrible men, Ships. (Warnings across works.)

Chapter Index.

The Sun Deity blessed a small little family, and the twin brothers grew up to have special abilities. Yoriichi had the powers of the sun, Michikatsu had the powers of the moon.

Their mother Akeno loved and adored them.

Akeno didn’t have a present or a kind husband unfortunately. She always took the hits and protected her sons. For that, Michikatsu started to desire strength. He hated their father and could never comprehend why Yoriichi was still being nice to that man.

Michikatsu started to drift away from his brother. He trained by himself. He once heard that his twin brother went to the mountains and befriended a couple. He was a bit envious. It seemed so easy for people to like Yoriichi.

***

“Come along with me Yoriichi, I can make you strong, and there will be more people soon enough.”

A man offers his hand to Yoriichi. He doesn’t understand. Why him? He doesn’t yet take the man’s hand. He is really undecided. Plus, what of his friends Sumiyoshi and Suyako? They just had their daughter Sumire, and Yoriichi promised to visit. Not to mention that Uta would be there. Uta..Yoriichi wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. She is carrying their child after all. He can’t even think of leaving her alone.

“I’m sorry, but there are people I cannot leave.” His answer was final, there should have been no changing his mind.

“Then what if you bring them with you?”

And this was all it took for him to decide that he will do that.

“Alright.” He accepts it.

This is the beginning.

…

Demons were created by the King, the first Demon- Kaguya Ubuyashiki. How unfortunate that he could not rid himself of his illness completely. Instead, he changed so much in personality, and became a brand new creature.

The thing was, he still loved his family, he only cared about them. So he turned his wife Amane, and all of their children. He wanted to keep them forever by his side.

The first demon he turned was Yoriichi Tsugikuni. Yoriichi became his first uppermoon. From then on, many demons were created until the world was filled with an irreversible change.

Kaguya’s second uppermoon was Gyomei Himejima. The third was Tengen Uzui. The fourth was Obanai Iguro. The fifth was Sanemi Shinazugawa, the Wind Hashira’s son. The sixth was Shinobu Kocho.

Kaguya’s first lowermoon was Giyuu Tomioka. The second was Mitsuri Kanroji. The third was Kanae Kocho. The fourth and fifth were the Tokito twins Muichiro and Yuichiro.

They were the important ranks.

On the other side of things…Muzan Kubujitsi was collecting strong humans in his own organization to defeat the demons.

He had named them the Hashira. His members consisted of…

Michikatsu Tsugikuni, the Moon Hashira. Hakuji, the Martial Arts Hashira. Douma, the Ice Hashira. Kotoha Hashibara, the Beast Hashira. Shinjuro Rengoku, the Flame Hashira. Shizu Shinazugawa, the Wind Hashira. Managi, code name Gyokko, the Art Hashira. Hantengu, the Emotion Hashira. Nakime, the Resonance Hashira. Ume, the Ribbon Hashira. And Gyutaro, the Poison Hashira.

Prev: Zeke’s 13th Birthday.

Chapter 10: Weinberg & Edinburgh CW: Near death experience mentioned, attempted assassination, forbidden friendship.

A/N: A bit longer but not it’s not an ender (which I tend to make season enders longer or the actual end of the fic longer).

Cosette had been trying hard to figure out why her two siblings did not make any effort to get close to her. Sure, her appearance was sudden, but after that, she just didn’t understand.

They never stayed in the same room when she approached. They didn’t eat dinner with her either. She sat alone in the dining room, until the Grand Duke came into the room. Cosette heard that Ludwig usually eats alone in his office, not today. Today he was sitting across from her at the dining table. He was a quiet man, but he spoke one time to her, “That really is your name?”

“…Yes your grace, my name is Cosette.”

Her confirmation was important. The expression on the Grand Duke’s face told her so. He didn’t look like that at the birthday banquet, because he has a resting cold face.

“Rowena told me once that she would name her daughter Cosette.”

She was paying attention when her mother was mentioned for she knew only the things her uncle told her about her mother. Cosette never got to meet her mother.

Ludwig continues speaking, “She said it was a secret for me, because she was embarrassed. Planning names early was something that made her nervous.”

“Mother told you my name ahead of time?”

“…Yes.”

“What if I was a boy?” Cosette asked.

“Your name would have been Christian.”

She somehow felt happy and sad at the same time. She wished she didn’t have to learn this from Ludwig and not her own mother, but she was also grateful that he told her. She heard things about Ludwig, that he was a cold man, scary and not very into conversation. She was lucky he even accepted her into his house.

She did something very risky, she had given him a hug after he finished speaking. Ludwig did not push her away, surprisingly. No, he accepted it and even hugged her back, just more hesitant. She was happy.

——

*** ”It is a very stupid idea.”

“Shut up.” Erez said.

Inside the magic tower was Erez Shore, son to the viscount and viscountess, and of course older brother to Daphne Shore. The magic tower belonged to him, who was the only one in the Shore family to awaken magic. Well, his magic was mostly thanks to almost drowning and contracting a demon, which was the only speaking to him and telling him how his ideas are stupid or terrible, sometimes even both.

When Erez was five, the incident happened. He had heard someone speak to him, but he was just a foolish kid who was able to be persuaded into this contract. He owes the demon now. The demon on the other hand, was just interested in how Erez would awaken, and how Erez would pay him back. “You know I’m right little magician, you shouldn’t try to talk to that girl now. Such a vulnerable state, especially since she met Ragibach’s contractor.”

Erez stopped sorting through the book. Ragibach was another demon, one that was hated and considered a traitor to the demon realm, Yurr- the demon Erez has a contract with now- mentioned that woman a few times. She was referred to as ‘that woman’ by Yurr most of the time. “I’m sorry, what?”

“Oh you didn’t hear? Cosette and that girl are sisters, half sisters might I add. They come from houses that hate each other, and Ragibach has a contract with Cosette’s mother. Can you imagine how that girl would react to find out her half sister has a contract with a demon?”

Erez gave Yurr a look. This one was communicating annoyance and being absolutely done with Yurr’s attitude. “You’re seriously trying to enjoy a fight between siblings?”

“I am a demon.”

“Right, yeah…a demon who has serious gambling issues and the desire to win. Typical. Just don’t mess up Keira’s life because of it.”

Yurr argues, “That’s a tough order little magician.”

But the demon didn’t say much else with that amused expression of his.

——

*** Cosette took a step inside her great aunt’s house. This was the first visit, but she was still nervous. Johanna was still the Saint of Beatrix. Cosette wanted to make a good impression.

The woman was older, but not someone who could be deceived.

“My name is Cosette Weinberg,” she begun with her introduction. Then she explains, “I’m here because I need to know how to dispel the doubts of the people. I am the Grand Duke’s daughter as much as Keira is, I deserve this chance.”

Johanna considered Cosette’s words which was hopefully a good thing. Cosette did her best to keep a strong expression.

“If you want to prove yourself without manifesting, then you should perform this rite with Keira.”

Johanna’s answer seemed simple enough. However, Cosette has one single concern.

“But…She is not speaking to me right now, how do I begin to do something so sacred with her?”

“She would want confirmation by this, so trust me.” Johanna answers Cosette’s concern.

“Alright, I will.”

Days passed and the day of the rite came. This was a tradition in the Parvis family too. The Goddess would send a divine beast to care for, one Parvis sister would care for the divine beast, one would look after a relic, and they would each make their own prayers at the end of the days.

Keira finished a bit early, leaving it to just Cosette. She finally chose the words she wanted the most in her prayer to the Goddess. Cosette made sure the feathered quill was in its holder when she was done.

The people of the temple were kind to both girls, even though the Grand Duke had not announced anything about Cosette yet. The people of the temple believed in being kind to all their visitors, especially those part of Johanna’s family. They made sure to tell Cosette more information about this tradition, the rules, and how even some prayer inspirations that she could use to find ideas for her own prayer. All those tips were used.

“Are you finished lady Cosette? It is almost closing time.”

“…One more line.” She replies.

…

Last and final day of this tradition. The two girls were ready.

Keira had gone first because she finished first.

“I ask the water goddess for all truths to be found out one day, and that we learn more about ourselves each day. And I wish that she would be a witness to my promise of change. Praise the goddess.”

Cosette goes second, her nerves were completely gone.

“I ask the water goddess to believe that I am doing my best to fit in the Parvis family. I wish to be a Parvis that my family is proud of, and to get along with all of them. I promise to be patient so that this moment comes as the goddess sees fit. Praise the goddess.”

The two girls bow down and then the rite ends. The people of the temple are proud of them both.

Fallen Land x Runaway Fighter: Ch.1

Ch.2

Ch.3

Ch.4

Okay but what do you mean Luciella in the playable version of Rhianna and Luciella is not real anymore?

because she died- she died in the new story!

What do you mean Severin (head of Velen whom Rhianna and Luciella call mom) betrayed the whole group by telling Rhianna and Luciella to kill every dang member of Velen. What do you mean she promised the twins she would grant their wishes in exchange for literally targeting EVERY member. What do you mean Severin calls Rhianna disgusting?

Also I wanna mention that Severin kept calling Rhianna by Luciella’s name, when Severin kills Luciella.

I think it’s because Luciella was starting to doubt Severin, because Velen has some rules (which one is to never question the orders and just get them done) but Luciella was slowly questioning things.

The twins went to hunt the number 2 best assassin (referred as Mr. Serious by the twins) and he begins to make Luciella have doubts, but Rhianna lands the killing blow on him instead of hearing him out (Luciella requested it by saying “maybe we should hear some more”). They return home to Severin who calls them one by one to “grant their wishes”. Luciella says that Rhianna can go first, and then Luciella goes.

While Luciella is telling Severin her wish (to go on a trip with Severin and Rhianna- mind you Luciella and Rhianna were trapped in a basement going hungry and not seeing the light for a long time until they passed Velen’s test- they became assassins at a young age) people appear and surround Rhianna. They say Luciella is gone. She starts losing it, refusing that her twin is gone.

…Rhianna proceeded to go back to Severin’s room and finds a bloody Luciella and pays no attention to anything else. Rhianna is breaking down and saying “This is just a disgusting and horrible nightmare” (there was the fact that you could envision the mental breakdown because the text was wiggling and blending together so you can tell they were showing her going insane over Luciella’s death.)

Luciella said she was always watching Rhianna’s back :(

So Luciella dies and goes back to the cult (Kayron is the boss of this cult) she said she’ll do anything to get Luciella back.

Rhianna passes a trial and believes she has her sister back, BUT based on the fact that Severin was only acknowledging Rhianna, LUCIELLA COULD NOT BE SEEN.

So it feels like Luciella did not come back from the dead, she’s just rebuilt from Rhianna’s memories.

I’m sobbing.

Luciella isn’t real :(

I’m trying to beat corrupted Severin so I can fish the stor. (Been stuck on her for two days LEMME SEE THE REST OF THE LORE BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN ANGSTY AS HECK)

I love these two.

Anyway based on the story Rhianna is basically a follower of Dark Priest Kayron because screw Severin. (Rhianna offered to make the Velen that Severin dreamed of hence the boss fight).

I THOUGHT SEVERIN WAS GONNA BE A DECENT MOTHER FIGURE BUT SMILEGATE LOVES THEIR ANGST AS MUCH AS HOYOVERSE AGHH!

Couldn’t even let the new moonlight hero be happy.

”The top model Roana has gone missing. So we announce our new rankings for today’s show. Our current top model is Bellona Moune of Myungwol, who was formerly rank two. Speaking of rank two, we have Armin of Bad Cat! Granddaughter of the CEO of Armiku Company that sells all the best jewelry in our area. We currently do not have anyone in rank three. And as always, thank you for all participation.”

“Tch. I don’t know who any of those people are.” Luluca complained. The tv was on the news channel, talking about the modeling industry which she has no interest in. She and Roana, the announced missing model were childhood friends who promised to be model and designer.

But Roana joined a company under a man named Straze and was never seen again.

Luluca was working part-time at a convenience store that no one stops by at. Well, people do stop by, Luluca just scares them off if she hates their attitude. She was annoyed she had to scavenge for money these days. No design school accepted her, her whole dreams went down the drain. This industry is tough for people.

Her boss was not even a decent man either but Luluca is tough enough to handle it.

“Did you scare off another customer? I’ll definitely fire you later today.”

“…No you won’t. I’m the only one who can get customers to come.” She mutters.

“What was that?”

“Nothing.” She answered.

Oh her boss knew that she had said something, he knew the words she said, but he never acts on firing her. She doubts that he ever will because she is good at her job.

“You better bring in a trustworthy co-worker!”

Luluca might be able to do that. She did make another friend. “You got it boss.”

The news channel had gone from reporting about models to something else that she was not interested in around this time, so she turned off the tv.

Things would have been much better if she had Roana to rely on.

But the first time she heard the news…

“Listen lady, you can’t get here.”

“But I am her childhood friend.”

The police says sarcastically, “Sure, and I am a personal bodyguard.”

“Listen here, I can tell you things about Roana that you don’t know! I can prove that I know her personally.”

Luluca tried to get by a police man, but he didn’t believe a word she said, because Roana never got Luluca involved in the modeling industry. But she was desperate to see Roana’s house again, she held up a key. “Look! I even have a key to her house! Only friends would have this.”

“You have a key?” The policeman was stunned and had finally believed Luluca’s words.

Then another girl showed up. “I’m friends with Roana too, can we borrow her house?” She holds up another key, same shape and color as the one Luluca was holding.

He let the two girls inside. Lilibet was the other, she introduced herself to Luluca and made a simple offer, “Become my model.”

The designer and model go together, and Lilibet was a designer with no model.

“My company is called “Blooming Lily”, and I need someone as a model. You’re perfect, and we both know Roana.”

Luluca refused at first, but thinking back on that moment now–

It wasn’t bad at all. If Luluca had accepted right away, they could have gotten along better.

Luluca debuted as Blooming Lily’s model.

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔:･

Crinkle

“Blooming Lily?”

The apparently missing model, Roana, was reading a newspaper. It was about Luluca’s debut. Yes, she happy for her friend, but she doesn’t want Luluca to have a different designer.

Roana studied as both a model and designer under her designer, Straze. Although, she was doing more than just following his methods of designing.

“If you crush that paper any harder, you won’t be able to see her face.”

Roana gasped. Straze was right. She immediately flattened it on the table and began fixing it. “That’s not good, I need to see her!”

She didn’t care how she sounded, she just wanted to see Luluca because she couldn’t return just yet.

“There are people rebelling from a neighboring country and your first thought is to check in with how your friend is doing…”

“Straze! She is important! I promise I will fight those rebels later.”

Somehow, she was a really good fighter, that’s why he believed her. He also believed her because he thought of her as someone special. They loved each other.

“Those rebels are close, guess I need to speak with the leader herself.”

Roana glances at Straze, her curiosity overtaking her previous emotions. “Which country is this?”

“Perland.”

“Ah, so your contact is Lilias?”

Straze confirms, “Precisely.”

He pressed the digits, he was going to call her. “Lilias. I need you to send a soldier or two that you trust, the rebels of your country are coming to where I am.”

“You got it. I’ll send you Violet. Just look for a dark haired man with long blackish scar across his right eye.” Lilias answers on the other end.

Rinak had never seen a beautiful girl before, until she meets Skinneri’s friend who is also an Heir with the Guardian named Zeaon.

Main Masterlist: I Dream of You, Almost Every Night.

Prev – Prologue || Next - Chapter 2: Victorika.

Hanien did not care that Rinak was stealing from a rich man. That man locked her up for so long that she became weakened, unable to leave because she had no Heir. If Rinak had not come, what would have become of this Guardian? Hanien was aware that Ras Elclare would miss her. The Guardians also adored Diche’s creation.

“Rinak. Where are you going today?”

“Hanien, I need you to keep Robin busy while I shop around Lefundos.”

Hanien could do the simple things Rinak asked for.

The markets were Rinak’s favorite places to go. Along the way, she sees another girl, talking to a guy about health.

“I’ll heal you so leave it to me.” The girl sounded like some basic novel heroine. Rinak almost passed by, but the girl spoke again, “My name is Ruele Destina, but you can call me Ruele good sir. I am Destina’s Soul Weaver, the successor of beasts and light.”

Ruele? As in…Skinneri’s other friend, Ruele? Rinak found herself chiming in, “You’re Ruele?”

“Ah, you must be Rinak. Skinneri told me that you really adore my rabbit fortune cookies. I hoped we would meet so that I can give you more.”

“So you…are the other friend she mentioned.” Suddenly, Rinak’s previous thought made her feel guilty and she decided she wasn’t going to think of it. No one would know anyway.

“Yes, it seems like Neri likes talking about you to me.”

Rinak was suddenly self-conscious, she was a thief after all. “…What does she say about me?”

“She said that you’re very clumsy.” Ruele said.

CherryJuice chilling in Heartslabyul while the others can hear the music switching over and over. Like imagine if the other dorms heard it too (like the music carrying from dorm to dorm).

@cherryjuiceweek26

A/N: No long fic this time.

Of course we have to start with Heartslabyul, because that’s where the music is at.

Riddle:

He has absolutely no idea why those two won’t just pick one song and agree to it! Like has being in his dorm taught them nothing about peace and order?! As the song switches again, he shouts, “IF YOU DO NOT CHOOSE THEN IT IS OFF WITH YOUR–“ The music was immediately turned off completely…boo.

Trey:

It’s actually funny to him that the song lyrics keep getting cut off because of the constant song switching. Instead of getting annoyed though, he just vibes. Having music on while he baked is fun, even if the song keeps changing midway through.

Cater:

He’s already recording the combo of the switching songs. “#Multi-soundtrack. Let’s go, we vibe.” He also makes up some random dances while recording.

Leona:

He doesn’t know why the heck the music keeps switching. He’s the second one who says, “Make up yer mind already.” Cause like Riddle, he finds it super annoying.

Ruggie:

Doesn’t care. He honestly finds himself wondering what song is coming next and when it will end. He’s just trying to win bets he made with other dorm members. “So this should be the next song.” Well, he better be right or those 50 thaumarks aren’t his.

Jack:

Honestly confused. Like what are Ace and Deuce doing in there?

Azul:

He thinks they’re idiots, but at least the music taste is decent.

Jade + Floyd:

They’re both amused really. The only difference is that Floyd is actually dancing along to the songs.

Kalim:

Not a thought in his head, just vibes. He too, is dancing along to the music, he thinks the way it switches makes it much more fun.

Jamil:

Used to this chaos (unfortunately). He got dragged into dancing five minutes ago.

Vil:

Wishes those two would just pick something because he can barely concentrate on anything else. He has the urge to tell Ace and Deuce “Honestly, you two are breaking my concentration, pick one song or turn it off.”

Rook:

…Already left Pomefiore to go to Heartslabyul and enjoy the lovely music up close and personal.

Epel:

Idiots, that’s what he thinks they are. But he also finds it unfair, they should have invited him. He could put on a good track!

Idia:

Honestly, this is the first time he has not had a panic attack over something. He first decided to ignore the music coming from Heartslabyul, but then, he bargained with himself and said, “Background OST is part of the game” and decided this is fine.

Ortho:

He honestly hoped he could add some songs to the track and hear it fully without the switching.

Malleus:

Honestly invested because he has never heard that music before and is trying to commit every song to memory to look them up later.

Lilia:

Amused by how funny the song switching is. He doesn’t mind the fact that he has to hear it because of the thin walls. No, he actually likes hearing the different songs.

Silver:

Already fell asleep five songs ago. Of course he was curious about them when he was awake.

Sebek:

He claimed that this had nothing to do with him and easily went back to his training.

”Oi, Deuce, that song is stupid. Just listen to this one.” He pressed the button on the radio.

Deuce was about to switch the song again, but Ace already had a new tactic. He grabs Deuce’s wrist.

“Don’t change it. If you try, I’ll…kiss you.”

“…What?”

“What?” Ace mocks Deuce’s confusion. “You heard me.” He said.

“Wanna be your muse” ᰔᩚ

Merry had paint on her face as usual, she truly gets it on her face a lot. Such is the life of an artist.

Her tail curls so cutely as she focuses only on the painting in front of her. She was just about to make another stroke of red when you came into her room. The chameleon’s curled tail swapped from yellow to red and then back in a very quick moment. “Oh…?! I was just finishing up…” She was really embarrassed that she was lost in her painting.

You had really seen some development in her, she was less startled and didn’t try to blend in or disappear this time. Much better than the first meeting where she accidentally made people assume she was a ghost. Her paintings got more attraction too!

“Hm? Do you…want to paint something on my work?” Merry offers up the paintbrush. She doesn’t let her works be touched by other ‘Family’ or ‘Fellows’– but she trusts you wholeheartedly.

When you take the brush from her hand, she actually smiles fully this time, and says, “Paint whatever you want!”

And somehow it ends up being her, which makes the work more gorgeous.