Original story based on this wonderful post by @underdog-arts
“I still don’t understand,” Roman whined as he stumbled after the lanky wizard. Honestly, he shouldn’t be going along with this at all. He should be at home, in his cozy four poster bed, under a giant mound of blankets, not picking twigs out of his ruined locks, and no doubt catching fleas from the mongrel in his arms. However, the situation being as it was, he wasn’t quite sure which way home was… or if it was even still standing.
“Perhaps if I explain it again?” Logan offered, ducking under a low hanging branch before holding it up politely for the other man. He may be a witch but Roman had to give him props for his manners.
“No, no. Just…” Roman huffed with a shake of his head, “can you just summarize?”
“Of course, Your Majesty,” Logan nodded. “Virgil and I are young witches. As such, we are required to draw our power from a single source; that source usually being another person. Typically, this other person needs to be a powerful magic user as well, though there are exceptions. Whenever a young witch finds their source, in this case our Lord Noname-”
“Still think that is a horrible name,” Roman grumbled under his breath as Logan continued.
“We are bound to him. Each binding is different. For some, it is nothing more than companionship; a mutual bond with equal gain and loss. For others, it is eternal servitude. In Virgil’s case it is the latter.” Logan explained once more, his frown deepening.
“And you are bound to this Noname guy too?” Roman added, still trying to follow.
“Yes… and no,” Logan sighed, “It is quite complicated. I was once bound to Noname as well, but he quickly grew tired of me. You see, each witch has their own…” he seemed as if he were searching for the correct word, “Talent.” he supplied. “An area of expertise that they excel at. Virgil is a master of physical manipulation. I-”
“Can read minds!” Roman interjected excitedly.
“Well, in the most simplistic sense, yes, but I can do far more than that. If I concentrate, I am able to see worlds you have never even attempted to dream of. Places where no man has set foot.” Logan couldn’t help but smile as he explained these visions, his heart beginning to race with elation. “I can see the past and the future, each mingling with one another. I can see stars that are millions of galaxies away, or beasts that crawl far beneath our feet.”
“Wait…” Roman hummed, brows furrowing in confusion. “What is a galaxy?” The question earned a soft sad huff from the witch who simply shook his head and continued on.
“Never mind. I apologize, I seem to have gotten off topic. Where was I…” he mumbled softly. “Ah, yes: the connection Virgil and I share. Noname wished to use my gift for his own gain. When I refused, punishment ensued. Eventually, after a few years he seemed to have given up hope that I would break. As punishment, he cut off the constant supply of magic I received from him. Unfortunately, once a witch has had a taste of power, they will fade without it.”
“What do you mean, fade?” Roman pressed.
“They will die, Your Majesty. Quite quickly, at that,” Logan provided.
“Oh…. So… What happened then?”
“As I tried to explain before-” Logan offered.
“Not in English,” Roman grumbled under his breath, though if the witch noticed, he gave no indication.
“Virgil, who had been apprenticing with Noname’s brethren, had found me. Naturally, I attempted to latch onto him as a source. He was not too thrilled at the idea, but slowly came around. You see, he was as eager as I was to get away from our bindings, so eventually he agreed. However, the new bond had unfortunate, and unforeseen, consequences. Virgil’s bond with Lord Noname weakened down to a trickle, which meant that there was not enough magical energy to keep both of our human forms alive and well.” The witch averted his gaze in shame as they continued on. “If I had known…” he paused before shaking his head. “It doesn’t matter. Knowing that we would both perish if we stayed too long in our human forms, I cursed Virgil to take the appearance of the animal that most resembles his personality while I remained human.”
“So… he has the personality of a… badger?” Roman asked arching a brow as he lifted the creature in his arms high enough to examine.
“It is a Procyon Raccoon,” Logan corrected with a huff.
“Whatever,” The Prince shrugged. “That still doesn’t explain the whole cat thing.”
“It would be cruel to curse someone that had just saved my life in such a way,” Logan pointed out, “So, I cursed myself as well. Only one of us may be human at any given time, lest we both die.”
“That sounds like a pretty rough existence,” Roman admitted, hugging the still snoring Virgil to his chest.
“I will admit it is not easy,” Logan confessed. “It is also the reason we are here. We must find new sources if we are to return to the natural order of things.”
“And you think you can find them here? Why?” Roman asked curiously.
“Because I have seen it,” Logan answered vaguely. “My visions are cryptic, but they are usually correct. We will both find a new source for our powers here in these woods. I just… need time to figure out what that-”
A roar echoed through the trees, sending droves of birds startling into the air and the still shirtless witch hunching low in the brush. Roman followed a moment later, unsure of what else to do.
“What the hell was mmph!” he began to snap, just to have Logan’s hand clamp over his mouth. These two witches may be telling the truth about saving him, but they sure didn’t have any concept of respect.
“Sssh! We’re close.” Logan whispered softly, removing his hand slowly.
“Close to what?” Roman hissed back.
“Come on,” Logan urged, inching towards the large vine covered rock face a good ten meters out.
“Listen,” Roman began to complain as he followed the witch, “I get that you’re on a whole quest thing, but I have a entire kingdom I have to worry ab-”
“Roman, you really need to be quiet.” Logan interrupted.
“Don’t tell me to be quiet you no good, sorr- AH!” Roman snapped, dropping the raccoon in his hands with a loud cry. “It bit me!”
Virgil plopped on the ground, scrambling to his feet in a hurry. He turned a vicious eye onto the prince and hissed mercilessly at him, saliva dripping from his jowls. Roman reared back in sudden terror of the small monster before him, holding his injured hand to his chest.
“Virgil,” Logan called softly. He bent low enough to place an upturned hand on the ground, cloak falling open to reveal his still bare chest. The raccoon glanced briefly at his partner, hackles still raised, before shooting another hiss at the prince. He then promptly scampered over to the tall man, using his arm as a ramp to clammer into the backpack.
“I asked him to carry you,” Logan clarified. A small hiss sounded from the bag as two beady eyes seemed to glow just under the flap of the now bulging leather.
“That thing needs to be muzzled,” Roman growled as he shot Virgil a glare of his own.
“Virgil!” Logan snapped in a harsh whisper. There had obviously been some telepathic exchange between the two men that Roman obviously wasn’t privy to. “Manners!”
“What did he say?” Roman pressed, his curiosity overpowering his fear as he moved closer.
“Nothing that warrants repea-.” Logan started to sigh before another roar interrupted him.
For a moment, the grey and black fur of Virgil’s snout appeared over Logan’s shoulder, whiskers twitching as he sniffed the air. His small claws fisted against the hood of the cloak wrapped around Logan’s shoulders, giving a snarling growl in response to the monstrous cry.
The sound was not the only thing that pulled their attention this time. Smoke began to billow farther down the cliff face where a large string of fire burst from a cave mouth, torching everything within a stone’s throw from the entrance. In the next moment, Virgil was gone, as quickly as he had appeared. He was back in his bag to hide, vastly aware of his suddenly meager stature.
Roman’s heart raced, his fear of the bitey minuscule monster that was now nestled against Logan’s back all but forgotten. He had something much larger to worry about now… and apparently it knew that they were there.
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Summary: Virgil Baker is a young wizard who despite his creepy aesthetic does not approve of the way his older brother Logan is going behind their parents backs to see his vampire boyfriend Patton.
Check out more of my writing at @hiddendreamerwriting!
October Prompt #18: Fang
(Check my reblog for links to the previous parts and the taglist)
“There you are.” Virgil looked annoyed, in the middle of a game of finger football with Thomas. The two were flicking a folded-up napkin back and forth across the counter. Still no other customers in sight, although Logan noted that could also be due to the fact his brother had ‘helpfully’ turned the sign from Open to Closed, likely in an attempt to avoid dealing with actual people.
“They are vampires.” Logan explained, flipping the sign and walking back towards his post.
“Wait…like actual vampires?” Thomas looked nervous. “I thought that was just a theme.”
“It’s a cover.” Logan began to tie his apron. “Don’t look so nervous, Thomas.”
“I’m just a big fan of keeping my blood inside my body.” Thomas gulped.
“Invest in a garlic necklace and you should be fine.” Logan shrugged.
“Wait, so how’d you figure it out?” Virgil leaned forwards, suddenly very eager to hear what his brother had to say. “Did you see jars of blood? Did they bite someone right in front of you?”
“Patton told me.” Logan answered, pulling out the dough he had abandoned before. Virgil and Thomas shared a look, both knowing how unhelpful Logan could be with giving information.
“And Patton is…?” Virgil waved him on to continue.
“A…friend.” Logan paused for just a moment too long. “As well as the owner’s son.”
Virgil’s eyes widened, recognizing Logan’s mannerisms. “Oh my god. You’re dating the competition.”
“I am not-“
“Then what’s that slip of paper in your pocket?” Virgil squinted.
Logan was quiet a moment. “…his phone number.”
Virgil let out a groan. “Seriously, the one guy you finally fall for and it’s our rival’s vampire son? What the hell, Logan?”
“He seems to act contrary to the stereotypes.” Logan insisted. “I am approaching this with a scientific curiosity only.”
“Yeah yeah, whatever you say.” Virgil rolled his eyes. “Keep telling yourself that when you come home with a bunch of love bites.”
Virgil seriously couldn’t believe it. The longer things went on, the more Logan’s secret relationship became a pain in his neck, pun intended. Logan would duck out of the evening shifts early, likely sneaking off to somewhere cool like a graveyard or something to hang out with his weirdly preppy boyfriend. Weren’t vampires supposed to be goth? Virgil hadn’t met the guy, but just staring out his bedroom window Virgil was surprised to see so many colors. It seemed counter-intuitive to the whole bloodsucking monster thing.
There was another problem with Logan’s relationship. Virgil had to repeatedly lie about knowing anything to their parents, and he had to cover more and more as Logan began to get more reckless with his secrecy. It was driving Virgil insane, and definitely affecting his already lousy magic studies more than ever.
“So why don’t you just tell your parents?” Thomas suggested, listening to Virgil moan on and on over the phone.
“I can’t, Thomas.” Virgil insisted, laying his head over the edge of the bed so that the cool night breeze wafted through his hair, courtesy of the open window. “He’s…. he’s actually happy for once, you know? I’ve never seen Logan so much as take a second look at a boy, but he talks about Patton like he’s the center of his universe or something.” Virgil made a gagging noise. “It’s disgusting.”
“Mhmm.” Thomas made an unimpressed noise.
“...what?” Virgil raised a judgmental eyebrow, hoping it came across in his tone since Thomas couldn’t see him.
“I’ve seen the way you were hitting up the exchange student in art class.” Thomas teased. “The hot British one?”
Immediately Virgil turned a bright shade of red. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He lied.
“Oh really?” Thomas showed no signs of stopping. “Is that why you two were exchanging notes all class?”
“I- that was just flirting!” A flustered Virgil argued.
“Virgil Baker has never flirted in his life.” Thomas’ statement made Virgil snort in resigned agreement. Human socialization had never been his strong suit. “You’re head over heels for this boy. And you’re only talking to me right now because you don’t have his number yet.”
“That’s not true.” Virgil argued. “You’re my best friend, I wouldn’t choose you over a guy.”
“And how do you know you won’t go as gaga in love as your brother?” Thomas argued right back, though he didn’t sound very annoyed, instead endearingly exasperated.
“Because I’m talking to you right now.” Virgil fiddled with his sleeve, biting his lip. “...and I already have his number.”
“You do not.” Thomas gasped. “Virgil! Why didn’t you tell me? Wait hang up- call him! Have his children!”
“That’s not how any of this works.” Virgil chuckled.
Virgil’s smile faded, attitude turning melancholy as he thought back to Roman’s evening radio silence. “Besides, I can’t. He said he was too busy tonight.” He glanced out the window, staring up at the stars. It was then that Virgil’s attention was diverted from his singleness to a dash of movement outside his window. A little shape flitted across the glow of the full moon, a small shadow in the darkness of night. Actually… the longer Virgil looked, the shadow seemed to be getting...closer?
Virgil had only just enough time to recognize the shape was a bat before it was swooping into his bedroom and transforming into a fully grown vampire. Virgil yelped, startled into falling completely off his bed and dropping the phone.
“My fangs! Look, they grew in!” The vampire loomed over Virgil, proudly showing off his razorous fangs what felt like inches from Virgil’s face. Virgil gulped, turning as pale as the stranger in fright. The vampire seemed to realize his error, giving an awkward chuckle and backing up so that Virgil could breathe again and see the figure’s face.
“Oopsies, wrong window.” The vamp gave an awkward chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. Virgil looked him over, taking in the way the man was dressed in khakis and a polo. Not exactly intimidating. Definitely preppy, more like a puppy than a predator.
“...I’m hoping you’re Patton?” Virgil said warily.
“The one and only!” Patton stuck out his hand, but Virgil didn’t bother to shake it. Instead he continued to look Patton over, full on judging his brother’s boyfriend. Even past the fangs, Virgil had to wonder- what did Logan see in this guy? It was hard to imagine Patton as any more than a flower child, and that just didn’t fit his older brother’s serious demeanor in the slightest.
“Are you going to kill me?” Virgil asked, though he sounded far too casual about the question.
“What? No!” Patton quickly shook his head. “No no no, I would never. I’m not that sort of vampire.”
Virgil gave an understanding nod. “Tonight was no good for me anyways.”
Patton cleared his throat, looking a bit uncomfortable as he slowly lowered his hand back down. “...You must be Virgil. It’s a pleasure to meet you, kiddo.”
Virgil frowned, not liking the demeaning nickname even if Patton could be hundreds of years old, if not older. “Logan’s door is first on your left.” Virgil jabbed his thumb towards his bedroom door, eager to get the vamp out of his hair so he could continue to bitch about said vamp over the phone.
“Oh, okay.” Patton gave Virgil an encouraging smile, heading to the door. “Well, see you around then, kiddo!”
Virgil rolled his eyes, picking up the phone again. He wondered how much Thomas had overheard. “You’ll be interested to know I’m not dead.”
“Yeah, ah, what was that??” A nervous Thomas asked, clearly worried for his safety.
“Just got a heart attack.” Virgil shrugged. “Also finally met Patton. Dude crashed through the window.”
“Aren’t you about a billion floors up?” Thomas sounded skeptical.
“Give or take. But he’s a magic bat, Thomas.” Virgil reminded him. Honestly, he really couldn’t see how Logan put up with all of that- Roman might be energetic, but at least he was normal.
Original story based on this wonderful post by @underdog-arts
Roman stepped forward as soon as Virgil stilled, bending low to scoop him up into his arms.
He recalled the first time he had held the man,well, raccoon, at the time.
To think he had actually been worried about rabies...
He pulled Virgil’s unconscious human form against his chest before turning to address the two men next to him. Patton and Logan still looked so concerned.
“It’ll be fine,” Roman chuckled. “Come on, I’ll show you.”
He took another step forward. An ethereal archway appeared, curved polished stone towering over them.
The god paused, gaze shifting towards the two men who had started all this, Noname and Remus.
“You two as well,” he growled, causing them to pause in their whispered discussion.
Noname hesitated as he glanced between his lover and the deity, obviously trying to figure a way out of this.
“R-Roman...” he chuckled nervously, “Surely we can talk about this. Perhaps we can come to an agr-”
“No,” Roman replied flatly, Noname’s voice suddenly dying in his throat. “You can come willingly, or I can force you to. The choice is yours.”
Noname hesitated for a moment, obviously nervous at the reappearance of the prince. Remus leaned in toward his lover, whispering something in his ear. Noname glanced at him before nodding and following after Roman.
Patton moved to follow, pulled to a stop by the hand that suddenly appeared on his arm.
“I’m not so sure about this,” Logan breathed, concern dripping from his voice.
“I’m sure it’s fine, Lo,” Patton tried to reassure, offering one of his signature smiles.
“Well, I’m not! How are we sure that this really is Roman?” Logan pointed out. “What if this is another trick. What if-”
“Wow, you really are paranoid,” Remus chuckled as he approached.
“No one asked you!” Logan snapped glaring at the mustached man.
“Logan!” Patton chided. “Don’t be rude!”
The witch hesitated, glancing between the two men before dropping his hands.
“My apologies,” he grumbled like a scorned child, glaring at Roman’s look-alike.
“Don’t worry, Teach,” Remus teased as he brushed past. “I’m sure a god won’t mind you disrespecting his brother.”
The words made the witch tense further.
“Come on, Lo,” Patton chuckled as he moved to follow Remus. “What do we have to lose?”
Both men disappeared, leaving the witch to stare after them with his own reservations.
Logane sighed softly, the memory of Patton’s death weighing heavily on his heart.
“I could lose you...”
……………………………………………….
The white expanse of Roman’s domain stretched out before him as his boots clicked against the non-existent floor.
He hadn't realized he had missed this place so much. Though he supposed, you couldn’t miss something you didn’t remember.
An ornate slab of gold, encrusted with purple and green jewels materialized before him as he began to lower Virgil atop it, pausing halfway.
“No… That’s not right,” he hummed. A brief moment passed before a large fur cloth appeared across the top, pillows scattered among it.
“Perfect.”
He lay Virgil atop them slowly to make sure he was comfortable, his tattered and stained clothing suddenly repaired and clean, before straightening.
“I won’t be long, Stormcloud, ” Roman reassured, brushing back the witch’s dark locks. “Try and get some rest...”
…………………………………………………………………
“Logan?” Patton called, voice echoing through the empty whiteness.
No answer came.
Was he alone?
“Remus?” he attempted once more, glancing down at the clothes he now wore. His original outfit was crisp with cleanliness, blood and tears now gone.
He didn’t like the idea that he was the only being in this never ending expanse. He felt so lonely. The worst part was that he didn’t even have his bond with Logan to keep him company.
“Roman?!” he called desperately.
“I’m here, Patton,” Roman’s kind voice came, startling the smaller man and causing Patton to spin on his heel to face him.
“Thank the gods,” Patton breathed in relief before realizing what he said. “I mean… uh… Thank… you I guess,” he chuckled nervously.
Roman gave a small laugh at the man’s unease.
“Relax, Patticake,” Roman teased lightly. “I’m the same charming and extremely handsome man you know and love. I just have all of my memories and power back now.”
Patton hesitated, eyes downcast as he shifted from one foot to the other.
“Right,” he breathed softly, “Of course…”
“I think I get it,” Roman chuckled before opening his arms wide.
Patton didn’t even hesitate, expression brightening instantly as he launched himself into the larger man’s arms.
Roman wrapped him up in a giant hug, squeezing the dragon until Patton could barely breathe, sending the small puffball into a fit of giggles.
“I was so worried about you, Kiddo,” he managed as he was set back on his feet.
“Me?! You died!” Roman laughed in return.
“So did you!” Patton accused, causing Roman to pause.
“Point made,” he chuckled before the amusement faded. “Listen, Pat… I’m… I’m so-”
“You don’t have to say anything,” Patton interrupted, “I’m the one that got in the way and I don’t regret a thing!”
“Still… Patton-”
“No sir!” Patton interrupted once more. “I won’t have any of it!”
The world around them suddenly shimmered and shifted until the white dimmed into the large sitting room that Patton had brought Logan to when they had first met. Patton’s sitting room.
The dragon glanced around, taking in the sight with wide eyes.
“Are we-” he mumbled, moving to touch one of the blankets still folded neatly on the arm of his chair.
“No,” Roman answered, understanding the unspoken question. “We’re still in my domain. I just thought this might be a bit more comfortable for you while we talk,” he explained.
“How did you know?” Patton whispered in awe.
“I’m a god, Pat,” Roman gently reminded. “If it exists, I pretty much know about it. Past, future, here, there, doesn’t matter.”
It wasn’t often Patton was humbled in such a way. He was so used to being the most powerful being in the room. It was a bit strange now that he wasn’t, and he wasn’t quite sure how he was supposed to be acting. He just hoped Roman would forgive him for any missteps.
Patton gave a small nod, moving to allow his fingers to brush against all his familiar possessions.
It felt like it had been so long since he had been there, waiting for Logan… Waiting for everything to start… and now, now it was over.
“What about the others?” Patton asked, “Logan, Remus, Virgil-”
“They’re all fine,” Roman reassured, moving to sink down onto the sofa, lounging across the countless pillows as if he belonged there. “Logan and I are having a similar discussion at the moment. Remus is yelling at me that he’s bored and Virgil is resting.”
“Wow! You can talk to them all at once?” Patton breathed in awe, sinking down into the chair across from the god.
“Yup!” Romen grinned “Pretty cool, huh?”
The smaller man fell silent for a moment.
“So… Why are we all here anyways?” he asked softly.
“Well,” Roman huffed, adjusting himself to sit more properly in the approximation of Patton’s cave. “I owe you and Logan a debt for everything you did for me and I would like to repay it.”
“Aw! You don’t have to do anything like that, Kiddo!” Patton chuckled, waving away his words. “We were happy to help!”
“Still, I would feel better if-”
“You gave us our lives back! That’s good enough-”
“Patton!” Roman said with amusement cutting the dragon off. “I want to.”
“Oh…” Patton giggled, flushing slightly, cheeks matching the color of his new hair color. “I guess if it would make you happy, I won’t argue.”
“Good!” Roman chuckled. “Now, what is it that you want… really want in life…”
The dragon hesitated a moment as he thought about it, a minute detail in their conversation suddenly apparent to him.
“You didn’t mention my brother,” Patton pointed out.
“What?”
“My brother. You mentioned Lo and Virge and even Remus, but you didn’t mention my brother.” the smaller man confirmed “What are you planning to do with him?”
……………………………………………………………………………………………
“You’re late,” Roman huffed as Logan finally stepped through the archway. “Then again, I guess if anyone would be suspicious, it would be you, Teach.”
Logan glanced up at the obviously amused man before him, before taking in the white void around them.
“Where am I?” He mumbled before he realized he and Roman were alone. “Where is Patton?!” he demanded, panic rising.
“Relax, Logan,” Roman laughed, giving him a soft pat on the shoulder. The action caused the witch to tense out of habit, the pain it usually caused nowhere to be found. “Patton is fine, I promise. He’s here, in another space. We’re having the same discussion you and I are… Well… close to it anyways.” Roman shrugged as he began to walk.
“I don’t… I don’t understand,” Logan admitted as he fell into step next to the man.
Roman gestured towards himself. “I’m a god… remember,” he teased lightly.
“So you say,” Logan huffed as sceptical as ever, making Roman laugh again.
“You’re always so serious,” the god mused as the white began to fade into deep blues and blacks, stars flickering into existence around them. “It’s something I’ve always liked about you, even when I passed as a human.”
Logan’s gaze shifted to the countless galaxies around them, his breath caught in his throat at the beauty of it all. He could make out so many of the countless stars he had only ever been able to view from a distance. There was Kaus Media… And over there was Chertan… and in the distance, past the rest, just barely visible from where they stood was Procyon…
“I don’t know where I would be without you,” Roman admitted. “Or where Virgil would be for that matter.”
The mention of the other witch’s name had Logan snapping back into focus.
“Where is he?” he asked. “Is he alright? Can I see him?”
“Whoa! Slow your roll there, Pocket Protector,” Roman teased.The nickname causing Logan a great deal of confusion. Why did a pocket need a protector? Before the witch could ask, Roman continued. “Virgil is fine, just like everyone else. He just needs some rest. You’ll see him soon enough. For now, we have other matters to attend.”
“Like the reason we’re all here?” Logan asked, with a suspicious glance.
“Ha! You’re so… Debby Do-too-much,” the god teased. “Take it easy for once, Microsoft Nerd! I just want to show my appreciation for everything you’ve done.”
“By kidnapping everyone into an alternate dimension and separating us all?” Logan asked flatly, causing the other man to hesitate. He didn’t bother to address the additional nickname he obviously didn’t understand.
“A valid point,” Roman conceded with a click of his tongue. “But I thought that our discussion might be a bit too personal for the others to hear…”
……………………………………………………………………….
“Give me one good reason why I should not smite you where you stand?!” Roman snapped as he appeared before Noname, taking hold of the man’s shirt and dragging him up right. “You dragged me to Earth, imprisoned me, tried to ciphon off my powers, and if that weren’t enough, you attempted to murder the man I love!” Roman accused as he watched the dragon’s mouth flap uselessly. “You deserve a worse fate than death! How do you plead?!”
“No! Wait!” Noname cried, his voice suddenly returned from his panic. “I can explain!”
“Then start!” Roman demanded giving him a shove.
“I had no other choice!” the man pleaded, cowering before the god. “I needed your power to go back and save someone!”
“Who?” Roman questioned flatly, obviously sceptical.
“My Mother…” Noname admitted, voice cracking with heartbreak.
…………………………………………………….
“It’s true,” Patton acknowledged, nodding in response to Roman’s question. “Our mother died giving birth and our father blamed him for his loss,” Patton whispered, his blue gaze lowering as he recounted the sad tale. “Father resented him, tried to kill him more than once, even refused to give him a name. It was horrible to watch growing up, but so much worse for my baby brother”
“So, that’s why he goes by Noname,” Roman acknowledged, earning another nod.
“I tried to protect him,” Patton continued. “Took the majority of the beatings, stole food for him when he was left to starve. When he was old enough, I packed up our things and we ran away.”
“It sounds like you care a great deal for him,” Roman whispered, studying the smaller man.
“I do!” Patton nodded eagerly. “He’s the only family I have! We tried to take shelter with the humans, you see… but… Well…”
“Humans can be cruel,” Roman acknowledged, trying to comfort the dragon as he caught sight of the tears welling up in his eyes. The people of the village stealing their supplies as Virgil bled out in his arms, still as jarring as it had been the day it happened.
“We jumped from town to town,” Patton whispered, “living off scraps and scrounging what we could, doing our best to hide what we were from the people around us and from our past. Eventually, news of our father’s death reached us. We were finally free. Free to come out of hiding. Free to actually live the life we were meant to.”
“So… What happened?” Roman pressed.
“Well, Brother had grown resentful of humans and dragons alike. He hated what we were,” Patton explained. “Said he had found a way to fix everything. I didn’t believe him, at first,” Patton sighed, sounding remorseful. “He was just a wyrmling back then. Still, it was good to see him find something he was passionate about. I just… I never thought that it would lead to… to…” the dragon’s breath hitched.
“It’s alright Patton,” Roman reassured, moving to offer another blanket to add to the mountain Patton was currently curled under.
“I… I think I know what I want to ask for…” Patton admitted, glancing up at the god.
…………………………………………………………..
“BOOOORRRREEEDDD!” Remus yelled into the nothingness for the tenth time.
“You’ve been here for less than five minutes!” Roman huffed, appearing next to him.
“Is that all?” Remus sighed. “It feels like eternity!”
“For the love of-” Roman growled. “You are such a drama queen!”
“Nuh uh!” Remus counted.
“Uh huh!” Roman huffed.
“Nuh uh!”
“UGH! You are so lucky we have the same dad or I would totally strangle you right now,” Roman growled.
“It’s not my fault he left you with all the brawn and me with all the brains,” Remus shrugged, making Roman scrub a hand down his face in annoyance. “What? It’s true! Besides, you’re obviously the favorite…. So, powerful and responsible! Gross,” Remus grumbled with a roll of his eyes.
“I can’t believe we’re related,” Roman huffed under his breath. “Listen, I just wanted to say thank you for-”
“I know,” Remus shrugged, earning another annoyed growl from his brother.
“Would you let me finish?!”
“Nope!” Remus grinned. “You’re going to offer me something as payment and I already know what I want.”
“Thank all that is holy!” Roman sighed,“Then just tell me so I don’t have to put up with you any more…”
………………………………………………….
“Come on, Sleeping Beauty,” Roman whispered softly as he sank down next to Virgil, brushing the witch’s dark locks out of his eyes. “It’s time to wake up.”
Virgil shifted, curling more firmly into the pillows beneath him, tugging his blanket tighter around himself.
“Everyone’s waiting on you, Stormcloud,” Roman chuckled, unable to keep a smile from his lips as he watched the witch’s brows furrow in annoyance.
“Piss off, Princey.” the rough voice came, still dripping with sleep.
“Rude!” Roman gasped in feigned offense. “And after everything I’ve done for you?!”
The witch gave no reply, content to drift back off.
“If you don’t get up, I’m telling Patton what really happened to those cookies he stashed at the bottom of his pack,” Roman warned, causing the witch to bolt upright.
“You wouldn’t dare!” Virgil accused, before pausing at the sight of the prince.
Roman’s grin only broadened as he waited for Virgil’s sluggish mind to catch up to what had transpired.
“I’m dead,” Virgil stated, matter of factly.
“Nope,” Roman laughed with a shake of his head.
“You’re dead,” Virgil offered instead. “And I’m just stuck in some weird waking dream.”
“Wrong again,” Roman teased.
“Then what the FUCK is going on?!” the witch demanded.
Roman shifted, moving to take the smaller man’s hand in his before meeting his purple gaze once more.
“It’s a lot to explain,” Roman offered softly.
“Well, it's a good thing you like the sound of your own voice, Princey,” Virgil scoffed, “‘Cause you’re not getting off that easily.”
Another chuckle escaped the god as he shook his head. How could anyone make him laugh the way Virgil did?
“Alright, but don’t say I didn’t warn you,” Roman replied. “I’m not sure if your badger sized brain can handl-”
“I’m not a badger and you know it!” Virgil snapped. “You prick!” he added, giving him a playful smack.
…………………………………………………………………….
Logan stepped out of the arch, shoulders stiff as he anxiously searched for-
“Logan!” Patton called, giving no other warning before jumping into the taller man’s arms, “There you are! I was starting to worry.” the dragon admitted as he squeezed the witch uncomfortably tight.
Logan’s own arms wrapped around the man’s smaller form, burying his face into his pink locks and breathing him in. The smell of campfires and mulled sweets would never cease to comfort him.
“My apologies, Patton,” Logan breathed as they pulled apart. “Roman and I had a few things to discuss.”
“That we did,” Roman called from where he suddenly appeared a few paces away, letting go of the man he held by the scruff of the neck. Noname dropped onto his knees next to the god, glaring down at the ground before him.
“Brother!” Patton cried, rushing to the scarred man’s side to make sure he was alright.
“Don’t worry, Patton,” Roman reassured. “I haven’t harmed him.”
Nonamed pulled away from his older brother as if disgusted, though it was difficult to tell if it was with himself or with Patton.
“H-he’s….” Patton stuttered, in awe, already sensing the change.
“Only human now, yes,” Roman clarified. “You and Remus both pleaded for his life. I couldn’t in good conscience kill him, but I certainly wasn’t willing to allow him to keep his powers.”
“R-Roman,” Patton whimpered, tears filling his eyes as he stared up at his friend. “Thank you!”
Logan shifted closer to the god, lifting a hand to rest on Roman’s broad shoulder.
“Yes, thank you,” he mumbled as well.
“Careful, you’re going to give him an even bigger head than he already has,” Virgil’s voice came, his amusement obvious as he suddenly stepped into existence next to Roman.
“Virgil!” Patton called out in surprise, straightening and dancing from foot to foot in excitement. “Can I hug you?”
“Um-”
“I’m going to hug you now!”
“Don’t hug me. I’m sc-Oof!” Virgil barely got the words out before Patton was glued to his side. “Great,” he huffed indignantly.
Logan glanced up at the other witch, hesitant for only a moment before he moved closer wrapping his own arms around Virgil, causing the dark haired man to tense.
Logan never hugged him.
Logan never hugged anyone…
Virgil hesitantly lifted a hand to pat Logan awkwardly on his head before untangling himself from the two men.
Roman couldn’t help but give an amused smile, earning yet another glare from his lover.
“Not a fucking word,” Virgil warned as he straightened his cloak around himself.
“I wasn’t going to say anything,” Roman defended.
“Liar,” Virgil huffed.
“I’m so glad you’re okay, Kiddo,” Patton breathed, already pressed into Logan’s side. “You had us real worried there for a minute.”
“Says the guy that jumped in front of a sword!” Virgil accused.
“I stand by my choices!” Patton retorted.
“All of this aside,” Logan interrupted, pulling the groups attention, “What happens now?” he asked curiously.
“Well…” Roman considered for a moment. “I suppose whatever you’d like,” he shrugged. “Noname is powerless. As we speak, Remus is gathering up all the individuals he had bonded with and starting to rebuild the fortress. Noname is to stay in my brother’s care, helping everyone here and in the surrounding areas,” Roman explained. “As for you Logan, you and Patton are free to go where you wish. You have your own source now. You will never be required to bond to another being again. You can live your life to the fullest.”
“Thank you, Roman,” Logan whispered, smiling up at his friend. “Thank you for everything.”
“What is it, Patton?” Virgil asked, sensing the man’s uneased.
“Oh!” the dragon squeaked, forcing a smile on his lips. “Nothing! Nothing at all!”
The dragon contemplated what Roman’s words meant.
Did that mean Logan didn’t need him anymore?
Now that their bond wasn’t a requirement did that mean Logan was through with him?
Would Patton be alone again?
“Perhaps, now would be a good time to share your gift Logan,” Roman offered with a knowing smile.
Logan tensed as he was called out, a flush darking his cheeks.
“R-right… Of course,” he acknowledged, digging into his vest pocket. “I um… I just…”
Patton stared up at him curiously.
“Is everything okay, Lo?” he asked softly, reaching out to rest a hand on his arm, hoping to reassure him.
The action only made Logan tense further.
“Y-yes… Everything is fine I just… Well…” he mumbled, still fumbling in his pocket.
“Cat got your tongue, Kiddo?” Patton teased, grin widening.
The joke earned a snort from the muscular god, although Virgil gave him an elbow to the ribs before Roman could comment.
“Got it!” Logan exclaimed, producing a small silver ring, matching the one he now wore on his index finger.
Patton’s brows furrowed in confusion as Logan offered it out.
“Patton, I’m not…very adequate with these sorts of things… I suppose that is more your area of expertise… What I mean to say is… Well… ” the witch stuttered, “you’re... you are my… my guiding star if you will… My very own Procyon… Of course, I understand if you regret the bond we-”
“Do you regret our bond?” Patton rushed in confusion.
“What?! No!” Logan rushed in shock. “That wasn’t what I- That is to say-”
“Oh for fuck’s sake,” Virgil huffed in annoyance, “This is too painful to watch. He’s asking if you want to bond with him again, Patton,” the other witch clarified.
“Oh,” Patton blinked in surprise before it really dawned on him. “OH!!” he repeated, his smile appearing once more hidden behind his hands currently raised to his mouth in surprise.
“YES! I DO!” the diminutive dragon exclaimed, “Of course I do, silly!”
The tension in Logan’s shoulders washed away as he breathed a sigh of relief and extended a hand, requesting for Patton’s.
The dragon’s hand shot to Logan’s without hesitation, allowing the witch to slide the ring onto his finger, their bond instantly reestablishing itself.
Both men’s affection washed through them, increasing the intensity of the sensation as Logan pulled the smaller man into his arms, bending low to press his lips to Patton’s, warmth enveloping them. Logan could taste cinnamon and chilis, the sensation burning his skin as he kissed the smaller man with as much passion as he could muster, hands tangling in his unnaturally pink curls.
“Now, the bond is a bit different than your last one,” Roman explained as the two embraced. “You’ll be able to control the amount of emoti-”
“Ro,” Virgil interrupted, nodding towards the two, obviously too engrossed in one another to pay the god any attention. “Maybe we should give them a minute?”
“Oh,” Roman mumbled before nodding. “You’re probably right,” he acknowledged, turning and offering an arm out to his partner.
Virgil accepted the offered limb, falling in step next to him.
“I usually am,” Virgil shrugged as they walked. “Question, if we’re bonded does that make me a god too?”
“Technically, yes,” Roman admitted.
“Oh! Wait until I tell Remy! They’re going to freak!” Virgil laughed, excitedly.
“Speaking of… Do I really have to make a deal with-”
“Yes,” Virgil replied flatly as they began to fade back out of existence.
“But Stormcl-”
“You’re not getting out of this, Roman. Deal with it!”
“Whatever you say, Ser Virgil…”
“Oh, put a sock in it, Roman!”
“My dearest Procyon?”
“Don’t make me hurt you…”
A breeze blew through the courtyard as the two deities vanished, causing the black smoke tendrils still rising from the embers of the fallen tree to swirl in its wake. The smoke dissipated slowly as it rose closer to the brightening sky overlooking the crumbling fortress, the source of so much destruction.
Still, life seems to always find a way to raise from the ashes, to plant seeds where forests were laid to waste, to grow new ideas where there once were none, to coax the good out of even the worst. Life would always persevere as long as there is a bit of kindness to nurture it.
“Time is something we’re wasting!” Virgil grumbled from where he sat under a nearby tree. He pulled the blanket tighter around himself as he watched the other two.
“We’ll be wasting more of it if you don’t stop whining,” Patton shot back with a glare before turning back to his partner.
Logan sat, legs crossed, on the ashy ground, hands resting on his knees, eyes closed as he focused on his breathing. He could hear Patton shift closer, could feel their bond transfer the dragon’s confidence, so different from his own.
“All you have to do is reach out, visualize,” Patton urged.
“Patton,” Logan sighed softly, cracking an eye open to look at him, “Maybe we should try quiet?” Logan offered, causing the dragon to pause before giving an embarrassed chuckle.
“Right, sorry.” Patton nodded, falling silent as Logan tried to return to his meditative state.
It had been a long while since he had had a vision, since he and Patton met in fact. That of course, was not a vision he wished to dwell on in their current situation. Still, he had to acknowledge the fact that the vision still hadn’t come to fruition, which did not bode well for any of them.
“Ugh! This is hopeless!” Virgil spat, lifting the corner of the blanket to cover his mouth as he coughed.
“Virgil!” Patton grumbled in response.
Logan could hear the other witch move to stand, causing Patton to do the same.
“Relax,” Virgil huffed, “I’m just going to scout around a bit while you do…. Whatever.”
“I’ll go with you,” Patton urgered, stepping around his partner.
Logan could feel the dragon’s worry without seeing it on his face. He was fairly certain that if allowed, Patton wouldn’t let the smaller witch out of his sight for more than an instant. Virgil was far too fragile in his current state.
“Fine,” Virgil growled after a moment. “Whatever!”
A moment later, Logan felt the intensity of Patton’s emotions begin to fade as the dragon got further and further away. Finally, silence fell around him.
Even with the others gone, Logan was still apprehensive. Before Patton, Logan had only been able to see up until he met the dragon and everything beyond that was static. Patton was just too powerful! He blocked out everything else.
The dragon did have a point though. If he and Logan now shared the same power, then there was no reason Logan shouldn’t be able to have a vision. There was no power gap and therefore nothing to block him. Hypothetically, it could be accurate, but Logan wasn’t quite so convinced.
The seer tensed as realization struck him. Then again, if his lack of visions were due to the involvement of the dragon, then perhaps he could look towards something the dragon is not a part of.
Logan took another deep breath, pulling Patton’s magical energy through him. He took another inhale, centering himself before starting.
Dark blues and blacks swirled around him, reminding him far too much of the night sky as Logan stepped forward. His gentle foot falls made no sound as he collided with the translucent floor beneath him.
He knew this place…
Lights shifted around him. They appeared to be some sort of star system. Logan knew the patterns.The stars swirled around him, a small loving smile playing on his lips as he reached out for one, causing it to glow brightly.
“Hello, Procyon,” Logan whispered softly, unable to keep the smile from his lips. He lifted his other hand, caressing the star fondly before glancing about his sanctum. “Last time I was here, I had the privilege of sharing you with Patton,” he mumbled, glancing back at the star in his hands. “I believe he has grown quite fond of you. Though, he does seem quite generous in his affections to just about everything,” Logan laughed before pulling away.
“Um… Logan?” Patton’s voice came, making the man give a small start as he turned on his heel.
“Patton?” Logan mumbled, brows furrowed in confusion as he eyed the man before him.
Patton appeared saddened by something as he clung to the blanket in his arms.
The dragon hesitated. “Roman looks cold,” he commented.
Logan’s confusion spiked for a moment before realization hit and he couldn’t help but get a small chuckle as Patton glanced away.
“I just… don’t think it’d be a good idea if I did it,” the dragon replied to some unheard comment.
Logan took a step closer, examining the smaller man’s form. He should have spotted the lack of pink in the man’s curls immediately, though he supposed he was far too surprised by his presence to really pay attention.
“C-could you… Could you maybe…” the dragon continued making Logan soften a bit more.
The witch reached out to brush a loose curl behind the dragon’s ear before caressing his cheek. It was a memory. A fond one. Patton had been so worried that Roman hated him and Logan had somehow managed to comfort him.
Patton moved as if to hold out the blanket he carried before he suddenly disappeared.
Disappointment washed through the witch at the loss, but he didn’t bother dwelling on it. He needed to continue on.
He moved further into the swirling blacks and blues, searching for something that would signal his visions. Anything to give them a clue as to-
His boot landed on the soft blades of grass suddenly beneath his feet.
“Of course,” Patton chuckled. Logan’s gaze shot to the small silhouette of the man stretched out beneath the stars. “I’ve never met anyone with so much knowledge about what’s out there. I’ve always wondered about it. How could I not?” He turned to the small specks that littered the sky. “They’re the only things that stay the same no matter how old I get.”
Logan paused. Surely he could spare a moment, just a brief minute, to appreciate the scene before him.
“I don’t remember,” Patton answered the unspoken question from, what felt like ages ago, never pulling his gaze from the stars. “I lost count a long time ago. Why try and figure it out now?”
Logan didn’t need to see Patton’s face to remember the pain he saw there. He still didn’t understand how someone so wonderful could have experienced so much pain without turning cynical.
The image faded, Logan’s disappointment returning.
They had been through quite a lot since they had met in that large cave. Logan had gone from not even realizing the dragon existed to being unable to picture his life without him. Patton was everything to him. He was his guiding light. His very own Procyon.
“So far, we’ve only found you and Patton,” Virgil’s voice came, pulling the seer from his thoughts. “Which means we need to keep going. If we can’t find this ‘source’, we’ll never be able to remain human or return home to face that bastard!” The words echoed around him, causing the witch to turn in a circle searching for the other witch.
“You mean this Noname, guy?” Roman asked, appearing on the floor a few meters off. “He sounds pretty awful.”
“You have no idea,” Virgil replied, appearing next to him.
This wasn’t Logan’s memory. That was good! It meant that he was getting closer to where he needed to be. He didn’t hesitate to move on, not wanting to invade Virgil’s privacy.
“Logan’s different,” Virgil’s voice came, “As a seer, Logan can see the truth; the future truth and the present truth…”
Logan picked up the pace.
“A half-dragon-half-witch that is also a queen?!” Roman suddenly appeared before the seer. Logan paid no mind, jogging through the image without hesitation.
He kept moving. He needed to get to the end.
“Virgil!” Roman’s voice cried out as the smaller witch appeared, eyes wide in shock as he stared down at the knife in his torso.
Logan paused, heart sinking.
The smaller witch collapsed, the prince suddenly at his side trying to save him. Roman’s first few words fell of deaf ears as Logan watched in horror, regret cementing his feet.
He should have been there for his friend. He should have stayed with him instead of spending so much time with Patton.
He watched Roman remove the knife, despite the fact that it would only worsen Virgil’s condition.
Why hadn’t Logan gone with him! He could have protected him!
“Hey…” Virgil’s weak voice came, finally pulling Logan from his panic. “It’s okay… It’s all good. Ah!... Princey…. Gonna take more… more than…”
Logan wiped the tears from his eyes. He didn’t have time for this!
He forced himself onwards, refusing to look back.
It was an old injury. He needed to focus on the injuries that were to come, not the ones from his past. If Logan didn’t find answers soon, then Virgil wouldn’t need to worry about any wounds at all. He’d be far beyond them.
The clash of metal on metal pulled Logan from his thoughts, causing him to glance up, gaze searching.
“Damn it!” Roman’s rough voice came as he appeared before the witch. The usually well kept prince was a horrific mess. His sandy locks were plastered to his forehead with sweat and… was that blood?
Roman yanked his sword back from the soldier on the end of it, suddenly materializing and dropping to the floor.
“Homuncli,” Logan breathed in relief. Roman was covered in Red clay.
He watched the prince stumble back, leaning against the wall as he tried to catch his breath. His usually white shirt was caked in the same red dust as everything else. He looked beaten and worn with large bags under his swollen eyes, lip spit, body bruised.
Roman ripped one of his torn sleeves further, managing to collect a large bit of cloth and pressing it against his opposite shoulder. The fabric quickly darkened with the actual blood Logan had missed, the color blending with the clay.
Roman was in bad shape. He wouldn’t be able to keep fighting much longer. Still, Logan watched the man push from the wall and stumble onwards.
Concealment no longer mattered. They needed to get to Roman as quickly as possible. If they were lucky they’d be able to get in and get out fast enough that Noname wouldn’t have enough time to actually react.
It appeared Logan had no choice but to agree to Virgil’s plan.
…………………………………….
Everything hurt.
Despite it all, it was a welcomed feeling. If he was in pain, then it would be difficult for Roman to fall unconscious, which meant he could keep moving. If he was in pain then he was alive. If he was alive then he could still save Virgil… he hoped.
The prince pushed onwards, stumbling down another hallway. No guards this time. Good.
Remy had been right, the place was an absolute maze. He was lucky they were on his side for more reason than-
“Roman?”
The prince tensed, forcing his sword up, ready to attack as he wheeled around.
“Holy dickcheese, Roman,” Remus breathed in surprise, stepping over another disposed soldier, mace resting on his shoulder. “You look like the dog’s fucktoy.”
“Don’t come any closer,” Roman warned, trying to look as threatening as possible despite his wounded state.
“Roman,” Remus sighed, taking another step.
“I’m serious!” Roman snapped, taking a step back.
Remus didn’t seem to pay any mind as he continued forward, starting to close the distance between them.
“What are you going to do, Ro? Kill me?” Remus mocked as he finally reached the other man.
Roman swung, the motion forcing air from his lungs at the pain it caused.
Remus didn’t hesitate to lift his own weapon, bringing the mace up to strike against the sword. The force of the blow reverberated down the blade, shaking Roman to the core and causing him to cry out, dropping it and throwing him off balance.
His twin moved quickly, dropping low and twisting to wrap an arm around his brother’s waist, steading him with one hand, the mace still in the other.
“What are you doing?!” Roman spat, trying to shove against the other man’s hold.
“What does it look like?” Remus growled in return, “I’m keeping your dumbass from collapsing.”
“I will die before I go back to the dungeons!” Roman yelled, still trying to wiggle out of his hold. “You’ll have to kill me!”
“Ugh!” Remus groaned, letting go and allowing the prince to collapse onto the floor in a very undignified manner. “You’re such a moron! I’m not taking you to the dungeon you dingus!”
Roman groaned, curling in on himself as everything screamed in protest at the impact of his body hitting the floor.
“Y-you’re not?” he breathed after a moment, glancing up at the other man.
“No, you idiot,” Remus scoffed. “I came to help, but if we’re going to get out of here, then you need to get that fatass up and keep that trap shut!”
“W-why?” Roman breathed, moving to use the wall to help him stand.
“Because you talk way too fucking much and its really annoy-”
“No!” Roman snapped. “Why are you helping me?”
“Oh,” Remus blinked before giving a sly grin. “I told you. You’re my bro…. And you’re an idiot. Somebody has gotta look after you. You obviously can’t do it yourself. Besides, what’s an older brother for?” he asked, offering out a hand.
“There is no way you’re older!” Roman argued, hesitating a moment before accepting the offered support. “We’re supposed to be twins.”
Remus considered the words for a moment, moving to pull Roman’s arm over his shoulder and making the prince groan from the action.
“You’re probably right,” Remus shrugged. “But I’m still older.”
“Whatever,” Roman grumbled, breath hitching as he tried to keep his breathing level. “Let’s just go before I change my mind.”
“So bossy,” Remus grumbled, but complied. He supported the weight of his larger twin as they headed down another corridor.
Original story based on this wonderful post by @underdog-arts
TW: Major Character Death, blood and cursing.
The blackness ebbed away slowly...
Patton’s brows furrowed. Why did Roman look so shocked? Patton always liked it better when he smiled. Roman had the third best smile among them. The first was Logan and then followed closely by Virgil,mainly because he didn’t show it often. Either way, Patton definitely liked Roman’s smile.
He should definitely tell him this.
Patton opened his mouth to do just that, but the only sound that escaped him was a gurgled cough as blood ran down his chin.
Roman’s horrified gaze lifted from the hilt of his sword.
Patton’s knees gave out.
He fell, body leaning forward.
The hilt of the sword struck first, the polished pommel catching in the dirt, embedding the blade further inside him.
Patton’s gaze lowered to the intruding metal, a hand lifting to touch the shining material.
Huh…
That’s right… He’d been stabbed….
He had expected it to hurt more….
………………………………………………………………………….
“NO!” Noname cried, turning to catch sight of his brother collapsing.
His gaze lifted towards the prince, the anger and pain of his loss swirling inside him.
“What have you done?!” he demanded voice raising as his words shifted into a monstrous roar. “I’ll kill you, myself! You bastard!!!”
Scales began protruding from Noname’s skin. The yellow of his gloves tearing away to reveal the same sickly color beneath him as Noname shifted into the oversized reptilian creature.
Unlike his brother’s dragon form, Noname was sleek and snakelike, muscles expanding and retracting to allow him to move. His wings extended out of the middle of his back, large white feathers covering the thin membrane that Roman had seen on Patton’s.
The dragon twisted in on himself, his movements far too quick for the prince to have time to react. The beast’s tail whipped around, smacking Roman across his midsection and sending him flying.
The prince’s body struck one of the remaining walls, the impact causing a loud thud before he crumbled unmoving to the ground.
“Roman!” Remus cried, already rushing to his side.
………………………………………………………………………….
Virgil could smell the earthy scent of freshly bruised grass.
Everything hurt.
All he wanted to do was go back to sleep.
No. He needed to open his eyes.
He needed to help...
Slowly, he forced open his gaze, eyes slitting just enough that he could peer through his lashes.
Light flickered before him...
The fire must still be going...
He could hear someone yelling?
Noname?
Why did he sound so pained?
Had they won?
“What have you done?!” he heard the vile man cry. “I’ll kill you, myself! You bastard!!!”
Who was he talking to?
Did it matter?
He had to get up...
He had to help fight...
He forced his eyes open wider, groaning at the amount of energy it took. He shifted, his hands moving to brace under his shoulders before pushing and...
He collapsed once more, muscles weak and giving out.
“Roman!” Remus cried.
Virgil’s gaze shot up just in time to watch as the prince smacked against a wall, the impact hard enough to send dust raining down as he fell to the ground below.
“Ro-” Virgil tried to call out, voice cut off by his own hacking cough.
He had to get to him...
He had to save him...
He braced himself once more…
...he took a breath….
...then another….
He shoved against the earth beneath him, crying out in pain as he shifted into a kneel.
….another breath...
...two mor-
A pained cry!
…………………………………………………………..
Logan couldn’t move.
He couldn’t breathe.
The pain was too much.
Slowly, however, ever so slowly it began to fade.
He didn’t hesitate to push to his feet as Patton collapsed, praying they would move faster...
He had to get to him...
He had to save him...
A cold feeling slipped through the bond. It was like he was slowly marching into a lake during early spring when the water hadn’t quite turned yet.
His toes were icy, but the rest of him was still warming in the sun.
The events unfolding around the two men were distant as Logan slid to a halt, gaze shifting frantically, hands lifted as he tried to figure out how to help.
“There you are…” Patton breathed weakly, offering a small smile, lips painted the deepest red.
“P-patton,” Logan stuttered, trying to blink back tears as he tried to pull power from the man. “Y-you shouldn’t talk. I’m going to fix this! Everything’s going to be okay-”
The usually abundant power flickered briefly before disintegrating.
He tried again.
Nothing.
Patton’s power was as unstable as he was, both quickly dying.
The witch tried again.
“DAMNIT!” he snapped, slamming his fist against the ground painfully.
“I’m sorry,” Patton attempted, giving another small gurgling cough. “I’m so s-sorry, Lo-lo. I-”
“Shh shh…” Logan hushed, forcing his anger away and lifting his hands to the other man’s cheeks. “It’s okay, Patton. It’s okay…” he lied, the tears starting to fall without his consent.
Silence fell between them for a moment as Patton’s usually piercing blue gaze grew foggier.
“Hey!” Logan demanded. “Hey! Stay with me!”
Patton gave a small wheeze the witch assumed was supposed to be a laugh.
“Two w…” the dragon began, breath hitching for a moment. “Two weeks… Six and a half days.”
“What?” Logan mumbled, wiping away his tears.
“Two w-”
“Two weeks and six and half days, yes?” the witch rushed, causing the dragon to incline his head, a motion Logan assumed was a nod. “I don’t understand.”
“I… I forgot how old I was…” Patton explained, confusing the witch further.
“Patton-”
“I.. forgot… because it didn’t matter,” the dragon continued, He shifted, his gaze sluggish, palm turning outwards. Logan’s eyes followed the movement before he quickly placed his hand in the smaller man’s.
“I still don’t understand, Patton,” Logan repeated, voice cracking.
“-days!” Logan laughed wetly, finally realizing the significance behind the words.“Two weeks, six days, fourteen hours, and approximately fifteen minutes, judging from the position of the moon.” The witch’s tears returned as he reduced all their moments, all of their banter, all of their bickering, all of their laughter into the inadequate measurement of time.
Patton’s smile blossomed as he stared vaguely down at their intertwined hands.
Logan could feel him slipping.
The cold had gone, replaced by…
nothing.
Their bond was no longer there to annoy him, to make him feel all those unwanted emotions. The only feeling he had left was the emptiness of his sudden solitude.
It was just him again.
“Tell me…” Patton began in a hoarse whisper. “Tell me about the baby and its brother again… I-I… I can’t see it…. I can’t see the stars…” his voice began to sound panicked. “Logan… I can’t see the sky!”
“S-shh!” Logan urged, breath hitching in a small gasp as he failed to control his tears. “It’s okay… It's okay, P-Pat… I’ll be your eyes,” he reassured, his other hand dropping to sandwich Patton’s between them. He shifted to sit next to him, glancing at his face once more, and trying to imagine it how it usually was…. Always smiling…full of life… not this cold pale blankness now adorning his usually soft features.
He turned his face upwards.
“L-Lo?” Patton asked.
“I’m still here!” Logan reassured with a sniffle. “Can you feel me? Feel our bond?”
“You… You feel…” Patton whispered. “Happy.”
A broken sob escaped the witch.
Patton couldn’t feel his depression…. That was good.
“That’s because I am…” Logan lied. “I’m so happy I get to tell you about all my favorite things,” he reassured.
He waited for a response, but none came.
He could feel the numbness still there, still on the other side of their bond, but it was closing in.
Patton was fading fast.
“T-the sky… The sky is a bit cloudy tonight,” Logan began, gaze turned upwards. “B-but if you… if you look t-toward the constellation of Canis Minor,” he managed, giving a small sniffle before continuing.
The numbness drew closer.
He pressed closer against his dying partner, leaning a cheek against the top of Patton’s soft pink curls. Yet another one of Logan’s mistakes.
Patton smelled of campfire and mulled sweets, just as he had that night so long ago.
“N-nestled next to the constellations of…” another sob escaped Logan.
The darkness was closing in on him.
The bond was snapping.
Patton was already gone.
“Of Cancer a-and Gemini,” Logan went on, his sobs intensifying.
Death closing in on him.
“The brighter star is Procyon A, which is a spectral class.”
He felt dizzy.
“Which means… which means it’s a … it’s a baby star…” he cried, barely managing the words.
“T-though the human eye can not perceive it….”
His tears stopped.
Why had they stopped?
“There is a white dwarf… just beyond Procyon A, known as Procyon B…”
His voice was soft…
Barely a whisper…
“A..” he fought to keep his eyes open. “A tiny b-baby friend for…”
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Original story based on this wonderful post by @underdog-arts
Patton glanced up at the beautiful swirling black and blues above him in the small clearing. He hadn’t realized just how much he had missed the night sky when he was cooped up in his usual cave. Despite his immense power, Patton knew it was best to stay hidden, to keep away from humanity. Not all of the human race was as accepting as Logan had been. They just weren’t ready for someone as different as he was, and unfortunately, Roman proved that was still the case.. Even so, he wished humanity could be kinder, if not for himself, then at the very least for Logan and Virgil’s sake.
“I know you’re there,” Patton called softly, a smile turning his lips up in amusement. “I can sense magical auras, silly.”
Logan hesitantly stepped out from behind the large oak, giving an embarrassed flush as he moved forward. He had awoken to the dying fire, becoming concerned when he discovered Patton’s small pallet empty of his sleeping form.
Seeing the dragon alone in the middle of the switchgrass had Logan pausing. The pale moonlight painted Patton’s soft features as he peered up at the endless sky. It was perhaps the most beautiful thing that the witch had ever had the privilege to witness. Patton seemed almost fragile in the gentle glow, the world around him so peaceful as the stars shined in the reflection of his eyes. Logan was fairly certain he would have been content to remain in the shadows, admiring the dragon from afar, for the rest of his days.
“I apologize, I did not intend to disturb you,” Logan admitted.
“Don’t worry about it, Kiddo. I’m always happy to have company,” Patton grinned as he peered up at Logan, patting the ground next to him. “I’m surprised you’re not asleep like the others.”
Logan moved to sink down next to him, adjusting the cloak around his shoulders carefully so as to avoid it brushing against his back. “I don’t sleep well most nights,” he admitted softly, but chose not to elaborate for fear of causing the ancient creature undue stress. “When I woke up and you were not there, I began to worry something might have happened to you.”
Patton’s eyes grew wide as he glanced up at the lanky man next to him. Logan was worried about him? He supposed that the worry itself wasn’t surprising; Logan was such a kindhearted person and he cared so much for others. No, what was surprising was that Logan knew what Patton was, how much power he held within him, and he still worried about him. It was, well, it was extremely sweet.
The dragon couldn’t help but give a small giddy giggle at the admission, causing the redness in Logan’s cheeks to darken as he rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment.
“I meant no offense, I assure you,” Logan mumbled as he averted his gaze.
“Oh no! No offense taken!” Patton chuckled. “It's just so nice of you to be concerned about me. I guess it’s just not something I’m used to.”
Silence fell between them as Patton’s attention turned back to the sky above them. Logan’s eyes wandered back to the other man’s features, still glowing gently in the moonlight. Logan doubted he would ever grow use to the sight before him and took a moment to try and commit Patton’s image to memory.
“Which one is it?” Patton asked softly, eyes still upturned.
“Hm?” Logan hummed in confusion, pulling himself from his thoughts.
“The star,” Patton explained, glancing at the witch next to him with another soft smile that made Logan’s chest tighten almost unpleasantly with the force of an emotion he couldn’t name, “the one from the vision. Which star is it?”
It took a few seconds for Logan’s thoughts to catch up to his heart. “Oh, you mean Procyon?” he asked softly, gaze moving to glance up at the night sky as well. They didn’t look quite as bright as they always had to him; sparkling with the light of a thousand futures, the dreams that had yet to come true, the wishes of those who had passed and would come again. No, their beauty was dull in comparison to the light of the man next to him.
“That's the one!” Patton chirped excitedly, his large eyes gazing up in wonder. The look pulled Logan’s attention back to his face, causing his breath to hitch.
“Y-you really want to know?” Logan managed, stuttering slightly in astonishment.
“Well, yeah. I think it’s really interesting,” the dragon offered, glancing at the witch once more, his genuine smile still in place.
“You do?” Logan was awestruck, unable to process the new information Patton was providing. No one had ever shown interest in the things he was passionate about.
“Of course,” Patton chuckled. “I’ve never met anyone with so much knowledge about what’s out there. I’ve always wondered about it. How could I not?” He turned to the small specks that littered the sky once more. “They’re the only things that stay the same no matter how old I get.”
Logan felt as if his heart seized. He knew Patton was older than he could have guessed, but he had never realized just how lonely that kind of existence could be. Patton had no doubt made countless friends throughout his lifetime, his personality was far too bright not to have, but how many of them were mortal? How many had he had to watch die, unable to protect them? How many had he had to mourn?
“Forgive me for such a rude question, Patton; but, how old are you?” Logan asked curiously, studying the man’s upturned face for a reaction.
Attempting to hide his pain, a small twitch of an eyebrow was the dragon’s only tell. Logan managed to catch the look, but just barely. He wasn’t quite sure what to make of it, however. It could have been discomfort or sorrow, annoyance or amusement; he couldn’t be sure which.
“I don’t remember,” Patton answered honestly, never pulling his gaze from the stars. “I lost count a long time ago. Why try and figure it out now?”
Logan stared at him. He wasn’t sure what to make of the answer. Despite Patton’s ability to hide behind his cheery composure, Logan didn’t need magic to tell him that the powerful being was hurting.
Unsure if he was making an appropriate assumption in a moment like this, Logan shifted closer until their knees brushed against one another. He could feel the warmth of the dragon coming off in waves, heating his side pleasantly as he lifted his arm, inviting Patton in.
Patton, unlike his human counterpart, had no reservations whatsoever. The smaller humanoid leaned in immediately to snuggle against Logan’s side, careful not to touch his injured back. His smile broadened at the gesture, giving a contented sigh as Logan wrapped an arm around his waist.
They sat there for a few minutes, content in the silence that surrounded them as they stared up at the stars above. Logan’s mind wandered to their journey and the uncertainties they still faced. What would happen when they found what they were looking for?
Furthermore, why had Patton decided to join them to begin with? Was it curiosity? Would he leave when all was said and done? Did he find these little mortals amusing?
There were far too many variables that Logan didn’t understand when it came to the dragon. Similarly, there were far too many questions when it came Roman. Why was he growing so close to Virgil and how could they possibly avoid his death? There was so much that didn’t add up, the witch wasn’t sure what to do with all the data. For now, however, it was best to let it be and enjoy the night sky.
“There,” Logan explained, pointed to a small section of sky, “is the constellation of Canis Minor,” he whispered softly, leaning his cheek against the top of Patton’s soft curls. The smell of campfire and mulled sweets that was so uniquely Patton, filled Logan’s senses, almost making him dizzy. “Nestled next to the constellations of Cancer and Gemini. The brighter star is Procyon A, which is a spectral class. It suggests that Procyon A is evolving into a subgiant that has nearly fused its hydrogen core into helium, after which it will expand as the nuclear reactions move outside the core. As it expands, Procyon will swell to a maximum of one hundred fifty times its current diameter. Of course this will occur over the course of ten to one hundred million years.”
Patton gasped. “It’s still growing?! You mean it’s a baby star?!” he chittered, tilting his head against Logan’s chest to peer up at the witch.
“I suppose that is an adequate description yes,” Logan offered, face warming at just how close they were, which had nothing to do with Patton’s natural body heat.
“Well, that's just so gosh darn cute I don’t know what to do about it!” the monstrously powerful man admitted cheerily. Logan couldn’t help but give a small snort of amusement before turning back to his explanation. His heart was racing, pounding against his ribs uncontrollably. So much so that Logan was concerned Patton might notice. No one had ever bothered to listen to his factoids about the stars or encouraged his passion for them. Even Virgil seemed to merely suffer silently through his constant ramblings. It was so strange. It was so new. It was so… Patton.
“Though the human eye can not perceive it without the assistance of some very advanced machinery, there is a white dwarf just beyond Procyon A,” he pointed towards the section of the sky once more, “known as Procyon B. It is very difficult to-” Patton’s shocked gasp had the witch instantly on edge. Had he said something wrong?
“The baby has another tiny little baby friend?!” Patton cried excitedly, instantly washing away Logan’s fears. “That’s so sweet! It’s like he has a brother! Oh, Logan!! That’s so wholesome and sweet and cute and nice and beautiful!”
Logan couldn’t help but give a soft smile at how adorable the other man was.
“I suppose you could claim that, yes,” the witch didn’t have the heart to point out that stars did not have feelings, therefore could not experience the friendly bond Patton seemed to devise for the two. He certainly was not going to argue with what could be the most powerful creature on the planet.
“Oh that's so wonderful!” the smaller man cried as he threw his arms around Logan’s neck tackling him in a stifling embrace. Unfortunately, Logan hissed in surprise, the hold brushing against a few of the gashes on his shoulders and the new weight throwing him off balance.
The two toppled to the ground. Logan shifted, trying to shield Patton from the damp grass beneath them. His efforts proved to be effective, however, as he pulled Patton against his chest, the witch landed on his back, a cry of pain escaping from between his lips as the white hot tendrils of agony washed through him.
Patton scrambled off him as quickly as he could. “Oh no! Logan I’m so sorry! I forgot!” the usually soft sweetness in his voice replaced with shame and worry.
Logan lifted a hand to wave off the words, unable to speak as he worked through the anguish that throbbed throughout his being. His soul screamed inside the prison that was his body, the paranormal wounds far more deep-seated than the visible lashes that marred his skin. He groaned as he shifted to his side, curling into a small ball, trying not to allow the tears in his eyes to fall.
For a panicked moment, Patton remained still, guilt already eating away at him. He was so starved for physical attention he hadn’t even thought about the repercussions. He should help. He needed to help. Patton reached out a hand, resting it gently against Logan’s arm, causing the witch to give a small shudder in response.
“I still can’t heal them, but maybe I can help,” he offered in a soft whisper. The dragon shifted closer, his free hand moving to hover over Logan’s exposed back, just above the wounds so as not to touch them. Logan briefly thought to protest, the pain far too much for him to piece together a coherent sentence in response.
Patton’s eyes closed as he took a deep breath. It wouldn’t do much good if he messed up the spell due to his nerves. He took another inhale. As he exhaled, his tension seemed to drift weightlessly from his shoulders like the small coils of smoke that rose from him.
A low hum escaped him, the sound reverberating throughout his body and echoing outwards. It had been some time since he had used druidic healing magic, but it had always been one of his favorite methods after all.
The pitch of his voice shifted, growing higher as he weaved the magical force within him around his wrist. The trickle of magic ebbed and flowed as he pushed and pulled, adjusting the melody of his droning with each twist and turn. Logan could feel the cold touch of the tapestry Patton was creating, shivering slightly as it fell over him like an icy blanket in the midst of summer.
The hot embers of pain began to cool, sizzling out against the cold as Patton’s humming seemed to wash through the lanky witch. Logan’s body began to relax as he allowed his eyes to close, soaking in the sound of Patton’s rumbling voice. Even in such a setting, the dragon sounded beautiful. All of Logan’s cares seemed to drift away like a bad dream he couldn’t seem to remember. The aches and pains of the day were gone, replaced with a delicious sense of peace.
The humming began to subside, Patton pulling his hand back with a small smile.
“There,” he nodded, obviously satisfied with his work. “It’s not much, but it should last for the next hour or so,” he explained, moving around Logan and lowering himself to the ground as well, facing the other man. “Is it better?”
Logan cracked an eye open, taking in the sight of Patton laying across from him, soft curls drooping into his eyes angelically. The witch couldn’t find it in himself to give a coherent reply. He wasn’t sure if he was actually feeling as good as he thought, or if it was simply euphoria from the lack of pain. Regardless, he had no doubt that even if he were in pain, the sight before him would cure his aching.
He gave a soft sigh in response to Patton’s question, hoping that would suffice as he shifted to reach for the smaller man. He was suddenly far more tired than he had been a moment before. Patton didn’t hesitate to accept the outstretched hand. The complicated magic having drained him a bit as well. He entwined his fingers with the witch’s, clinging to the touch.
“Why don’t you get some sleep, Kiddo,” Patton suggested softly, rubbing his thumb in circles against the back of Logan's hand. “I’ll watch over you.”
“Thank you,” Logan whispered softly, exhaustion lacing his words. He let his eyes close, content to drift off with a small smile on his lips at the knowledge that Patton would be there when his eyes opened again.
Original story based on this wonderful post by @underdog-arts
Remus glanced over his shoulder at the small form, huddled against the wall. He felt bad for the witch, he really did. The poor man had been through a lot.
“Remus!” Noname called, causing Remus’ gaze to snap forwards once more.
The giant serpentine dragon began to unfurl from around the two dead men at its center, revealing the two corpses now laid side by side.
The dragon slowly began shrinking until the man Remus knew and loved stood before him.
“Remus…” Noname repeated , this time the name a broken whisper. “Patton… Patton is…”
Remus’s expression softened at the look of pain in the dragon’s eyes. He supposed that it wasn’t too much of a surprise that Noname was hurting. In battle, there were no real survivors. No one came out unscathed.
The dragon staggered forward as Remus held out his arms to embrace him. Noname didn’t hesitate. He collapsed into Remus’s arms and dropped to his knees, clinging to the man holding him as he buried his face in his chest.
……………………………………………………………………
Virgil shivered. The wind brushed against his damp clothes, sending chills up his body.
This wasn’t how everything was supposed to go. He wasn’t supposed to be the last one alive. He was supposed to be the one that died. Roman was supposed to be safe. Patton and Logan were supposed to live happily ever after together.
This wasn’t how it was supposed to be!
This was all his fault.
He should have never ran from the prince.
He should have never dragged Logan and Patton here. He should have come alone. They could have avoided all of this.
It didn’t really matter now. He could feel himself fading. It wouldn’t be much longer…
………………………………………………………………………
Logan remembered the cold...
He hated the cold...
He remembered the stars and the cloudy sky...
Why had they been so important?
He also remembered blood.
So much blood-
“Lo?”
“Patton!” the witch cried, shooting up into a seated position.
“Whoa there, Kiddo!” a cheery voice cooed from directly next to him.
Logan glanced at Patton, currently smiling down on him from where he knelt at his side. His grin so broad and bright it was almost blinding.
“Y-you were…” Logan stuttered, eyes wide as his brain tried to catch up with everything. “You had…”
“Died?” the dragon asked with a tilt of his head. “Well, the only thing ‘dyed’ about me now is my hair,” he teased.
“But I saw it!” Logan protested, scrambling to his knees, reaching for Patton’s face. He needed to make sure he was real. “I felt it. Patton you-”
“I know,” Patton reassured, his smile fading. “It’s okay, Lo. Everything is okay, now.”
Logan tried not to allow Patton’s soft tone to soothe him, but despite everything, his breathing slowed to a casual pace.
His gaze lowered, taking in the sight of Patton’s stained and torn shirt.
“You’re alright?” Logan asked. Just to be completely certain, he pressed a hand against the smooth expanse of the smaller man’s chest.
Patton’s smile returned as he nodded, and the realization struck the witch.
He couldn’t feel their bond!
He couldn’t feel Patton’s emotional state!
His tension returned.
How was any of this possible?!
“Patton!” Noname cried suddenly, his arms wrapping around his older but significantly smaller brother’s waist and yanking him off the ground.
Patton gave a small giggling yelp as he was smothered into an embrace.
Logan jumped to his feet, fear spiking.
Noname was still there? He had to find a weapon! He needed to protect-
A hand slapped against Logan’s back, causing him to give a small cry of surprise as he braced against the pain that was sure to come.
Nothing.
Shock washed through him.
His wounds…
“Relax, Professor Know-it-all,” Remus grinned, appearing next to him, hand still on his shoulder, “Let them have this moment.”
Logan stared at the Roman look-alike, who was also covered in blood.
What the hell was going on?!
Were they all dead?
Was this the after life?
This couldn’t be heaven…
Not if Noname were here.
Then again, Hell wasn’t an option if Patton’s beautiful laughter was any indication.
“Don’t you ever do that again!” he heard the man of his nightmares demand.
“What, save your life?” Patton teased, peering up at Noname’s scarred face.
“I mean die, you ass!” Noname snapped, suddenly pulling away to straighten his suit. His expression turned neutral, trying to hide the fact that he had just acted so childishly and that he had been crying only moments earlier.
“Aw! You were worried about me!” Patton accused.
“I was not!” the man snapped before turning to his lover. “Remus!” he demanded, making Remus jump. “Seize the feline and if Virgil is alive, him as well.”
Remus hesitated. “D, I don’t think that-”
“Now, you wait just a minute, young man!” Patton chidded, a scowl scrunching his feature. The look was odd on someone as soft as Patton, his new hair color making it all the more out of place.
“You’re not our father and I didn’t ask your opinion,” Noname replied flatly. “You’re lucky I don’t kill them both where they stand after everything they’ve done!”
“Wait,” Logan breathed. “If Virgil is alive?!” the witch demanded, turning to Remus, who still stood unsure of himself at the order.
“Where is he?” Logan pressed.
Remus glanced between Logan and Noname.
“Where is he?!” Logan demanded again.
“He’s not in the best of-”
“Take me to him!” Logan demanded.
It didn’t matter how or why they were alive at the moment.
He couldn’t lose Virgil.
“Take it easy, Teach,” a familiar voice came, causing Logan to turn on his heels. “He’s going to be fine.”
“Roman!” Patton cried in excitement, “You’re alright!”
“Well, not exactly,” Roman huffed in amusement, glancing over the smaller man’s shoulder at the dragon’s younger, but taller brother.
Noname stared at the prince, obviously tense and uneasy.
“But I will be,” Roman reassured with a small smile, “Come on, we’ve got a witch to badger!” The prince paused a moment when no one responded.
“Not my best… But hey, I just died. Cut me some slack.”
………………………………………………..
“Virgil?” Logan’ soft voice came, causing the smaller witch’s gaze to lift slowly.
“L-lo?” Virgil asked weakly. He lay leaning against the wall, body too exhausted to move.
“I’m here, Virgil,” Logan nodded. “How do you feel?”
“Tired,” the smaller witch answered. “But that means… That means I’m not dead yet, right?”
Logan nodded.
“Then how… how are you…”
“I don’t know, Virgil,” Logan admitted with a shake of his head. “I honestly don’t know, but that’s not important. We need to get you bonded before you-”
“No,” Virgil refused.
“What? What are you talking about? You’ll die if-”
“I said no,” Virgil repeated.
“Virgil, be reasonable,” Logan pleaded, shifting closer.
“Logan,” the smaller man huffed. “You have Pat. You did it. You got out… I don’t want to burden anyone… Roman is… Roman… he…” his breath hitched as he tried not to think about what he had done. “I don’t think I would be okay without him.”
“Wow!” Roman’s bolstering voice boomed from over Logan’s shoulder. “And I thought I was dramatic.”
The sound pulled Logan’s attention, the lanky witch glancing over his shoulder at the prince who currently stood a few paces away. Unlike the other members of his party, the prince stood tall, hair perfectly manicured, clothes in pristine condition.
“Lo?” Virgil breathed, brows furrowed in confusion. “I… I can see R-roman.” he whispered in awe. “I must be hallucinating.”
“No,” Logan clarified, moving out of the prince’s way as he approached. “I see him too,” the witch clarified.
“Relax, Stormcloud” Roman chuckled, bending to offer a hand out to Virgil. “It’s really me. In the flesh… In a manner of speaking.”
Logan couldn’t help but look toward the body of the original Roman lying only a few feet away.
Virgil didn’t notice the other witch’s backwards glance. He only saw the man he loved before him as he lifted a shaky hand to place it in this Roman’s palm.
Warmth washed through him.
It felt like a hot bath after a night's walk in cold rain.
Virgil sighed in pleasure.
Then the power came.
He gave a cry as it blew through him, wave upon wave of a raging storm breaking him apart and putting him back together again.
Logan rushed to help brace Virgil’s thrashing form. “What are you doing, Roman?!”
“Creating a bond,” Roman answered simply.
“You’re killing him!” Logan spat in return, trying to force their hands apart, but to no avail.
“No Logan,” Roman argued, giving the witch a flat glare. “I’m saving him.”
Logan’s brows furrowed as he stared up at his friend, the air around him seeming to grow more dense by the second.
It couldn’t be…
Logan had to be imagining it…
Roman’s eyes softened as turned from the lanky man and stared into his love’s violet gaze.
“No one said bonding with a god would be pleasant,” he said, “but Virgil is strong. He’ll survive.”
Original story based on this wonderful post by @underdog-arts
Logan grunted as he tried to shove the large boulder out of their way. They had made it through the gateway easily enough, but found their path blocked, trapping them inside the large hollow tree they had come out in.
“It won’t budge,” the witch grumbled, moving to glance back at the others.
“May I?” Patton’s soft voice called as he crawled closer.
“Please,” Logan nodded.
Patton shot his partner a sly smile before resting a hand on the large stone and moving it aside with ease, crawling out into the humid air.
Logan and Virgil stared after him in awe for a moment before the smaller witch cleared his throat.
“What do you mean?” the lanky witch asked, obviously confused.
“I’m just saying,” Virgil chuckled. “If I were you I’d be doing my damnedest not to get in a fight with that one,” he teased before crawling out after him.
Logan gave his own small huff of amusement. Patton was unbelievably strong, and it was true that Logan forgot that sometimes, but the man was also unequivocally kind. He would never harm Logan, even if he had somehow managed to anger him beyond belief. Still, perhaps it would be best to refrain from testing that particular belief.
Logan quickly followed after the two, pushing to his feet once he was clear of the decomposing stump.
“Lo,” Virgil called, his tone pained. Something was wrong. “Come look,” the smaller witch called, motioning his friend towards the edge of the small precipice they stood upon.
Logan frowned, inching forwards to glance at the valley below, heart sinking.
“W-why would he do this?” Patton whispered, sounding as if he were on the verge of tears.
The large valley before them was painted black from charred remains of burned trees and brush. Half ravaged carcasses of large animals littered the now dead valley, the smaller ones no doubt drug away by smaller scavengers long ago. In the center of it all was a massive stone structure, obviously built to withstand a large scale attack. A building both Virgil and Logan knew quite well.
Patton’s horror mixed with Logan’s dread, causing his stomach to churn as he reached for the dragon, resting a hand at the small of his back and pulling him into an embrace.
The wounds on his back protested as Logan wrapped his arms around Patton’s small form, causing the smaller man’s breath to hitch, but he didn’t protest.
“He was looking for someone,” Virgil commented, fist clenched at his side. “Probably thought he’d smoke them out or kill them.”
“That’s horrible,” Patton breathed, shifting to turn his head from where it was buried in Logan’s chest to glance at the other witch. “Who do you think he was after?”
“Judging from the amount of decay,” Logan commented, before Virgil could speak up. “And the regrowth, I would conclude that he was after Virgil and myself.”
“Regrowth?” Patton asked, pulling away just enough to peer up at the witch.
Logan nodded, stepping closer to the edge, Patton still tucked under his arms as he nodded towards the bottom of their small cliff.
Patton shifted to glance below, pink hair ruffling with the wind as he caught sight of the tiny green sprouts that littered the ash covered floor. The small man gave a tiny gasp as he broke into a grin.
“It’s already regrowing!” he cheered, bouncing slightly. Logan tightened his hold on the dragon, suddenly worried he might fall, even as he felt Patton’s excitement wash through him.
“Yes,” Logan acknowledged, pulling him back a bit. “It will take countless years before it is restored to the state that it had been but it will regrow.”
“Logan!” Patton squealed peering up at him once more, eyes wide with awe. “That's so amazing!”
Logan couldn’t help but give a small chuckle. “I am merely stating a fact. I don’t see how-”
“Save it for the bedroom,” Virgil huffed shooting the two a glare, “We’ve got to figure out how to get down there without being seen.”
“Right,” Patton nodded, pulling out of Logan’s grasp. “Sorry.”
“Any ideas?” Logan asked, glancing at the other witch.
“Fastest way would be a straight shot,” Virgil admitted, frowning as he studied the landscape.
“That is accurate,” Logan acknowledged. “However, it would also be the most efficient way to be discovered.”
“Also true,” Virgil huffed, the action sending him into another one of his coughing fits.
“Why don’t you sit down, Kiddo?” Patton urged, hurrying to his side. “Just until we figure out-”
“You can use an invisibility charm!” Virgil offered, voice raspy as he waved Patton away, gaze moving to Logan.
“What?” The lanky witch blinked in surprise. “That would be quite reckless, given my current capabilities.”
“So?” Virgil shrugged, glancing down at the red liquid that now stained the palm of his hand. He shoved the evidence of his worsening condition in his pocket before the others could see. “We need to get there and we need to do it fast and unseen. That is the most convenient way.”
“Convenient, yes,” Logan agreed, “But it is also dangerous. I do not have the control needed to-”
“Well, get it!” the smaller witch snapped. “We don’t have a lot of time and I’m going with or without the charm!” he added before moving to start, heading down the other side of the small cliff.
“Virg-” Logan began, moving to go after him.
Patton reached out for his partner, taking hold of his elbow. “Logan, wait,” the dragon urged, pulling the man to a stop. “Maybe he’s right.”
“Patton!” Logan huffed, “You saw what happens when I attempt even the smallest forms of magic! How can you-”
“Slow down,” Patton huffed. “Just breathe. I have an idea.”
……………………………………………………………………..
Roman stumbled forward, shoulder slamming into the stone corner of the next corridor just in time to catch sight of two of the guards on the other end collapse. Remy stepped out of the shadows, practically materializing behind them.
“Ugh, it is way too bright out here,” they grumbled, before snapping their fingers and causing the majority of the candles, held in evenly spaced sconces along the walls, to flicker and die. Roman glanced up at the dimming lights. A single candle flickered down each hall, lighting the corridors just enough for the prince to see.
“Hurry up,” Remy urged, fading into the shadows once more. “Take the next left,” their voice came from somewhere next to him. “I will take care of the men there, but I’m starting to fade. I can’t keep this up much longer. Do you remember everything I’ve told you?”
Roman gave a weak nod, taking a moment to gather himself before pushing off the wall and limping forward.
“Good,” Remy’s voice seemed to echo towards him. “And remember, after you save Virgil, come back and see me. We have things to discuss.”
“I still don’t-” the prince stumbled as he headed for the fallen guards, barely managing to keep upright. He paused, glancing down at their unconscious forms.“Don’t understand how I’m supposed to save him. What’s wrong with him? You haven’t told me anything,” he grumbled, bending to pull one of their swords from its sheath. The sharpened steel pulled on his arm, causing him to give a small groan as pain shot through his chest. He wouldn’t be too skilled in a brawl with a cracked rib and injured leg but he would at least have something.
His gaze landed on the shield a few feet away and moved to collect it as well.
“I’d love to fill you in on all the juicy deetz, Doll,” Remy’s voice came sounding far more exhausted than they had a moment ago. “But I promised the bestie I wouldn’t. He says it's too dangerous for you to know yet. Just around this corner now, then take a right.”
Roman complied, rolling his eyes. He was tired of everyone keeping things from him. Logan, Patton, then Virgil, and now Remy. He had tried to be understanding, but this was getting ridiculous!
“You really think-”
“Watch it!” Remy cried as a guard swung his shield as the prince rounded another corner.
Roman barely managed to bring his own shield up, grateful he had paused to collect it and the sword on his hip after their first run in. The clash of metal on metal reverberated down the prince’s arm, making him grind his teeth before he lifted his sword to embed in the other man’s torso.
The man coughed, sending blood splattering against Roman’s bruised face before he slid off the sharpened metal and onto the cold stone floor with a thud. Horror struck the prince as he sank to his knees, dropping his stained sword next to him as he scrambled to apply pressure to the other man’s wound.
“Shit!” the prince cursed, knees slipping in the blood that pooled around him as he tried to apply more pressure. “No, no, no… Come on… Come on…” he begged frantically.
“Stop,” Remy’s voice demanded, suddenly loud in his ear. “We have to keep moving.”
The prince glanced up at the suddenly towering figure. “I can’t leave him to die!”
“Roman, look at him,” the baku ordered. The prince hesitated, tears threatening to fall as he continued to apply pressure.
“N-no, I can’t!”
“Roman! Look!” Remy tried again, taking hold of his chin just as they had before and forcing him to glance downwards.
Roman’s breath hitched, the red liquid covering his arms almost to the elbows. There was so much blood! How could there be so much-
No… No… It was too thick to be blood. The prince lifted his hand slowly, fingers shaking as they glinted off the dim light of the candle above them.
“Mud?” he whispered softly, confusion furrowing his brows. “How-”
“They’re homuncli,” Remy explained, taking the prince’s arm and dragging him to his feet. “They’re made of red clay and water.”
“All of them?” Roman asked as the baku hurriedly dragged him forwards.
“Yup,” Remy answered simply. “Their shell is created and then a soul is pulled from the afterlife and trapped inside.”
“That’s horrible!” Roman breathed, his sluggish brain starting to catch up. “Are they suffering?”
“Not really,” the baku shrugged, “As far as I can tell they don’t really feel anything. The only real people here are Noname’s personal guards and staff, not including the ones he uses for other dirty deeds.”
“Thank the gods!” Roman breathed, shoulders slumping with the relief that he hadn’t really killed anyone.
“I wouldn’t be thanking them just yet, Sweetcheeks,” Remy scoffed, finally letting him go. “You’ve still got a long way to go,” they pointed out. “Do you remember what I told you?”
“Yeah,” Roman nodded. “Keep to the shadows and avoid any big rooms if I can.”
“Good, ‘cause you’re on your own from here.”
“What?!” Roman pressed, his anxiety spiking once more.
“I told you I was fading,” Remy pointed out. “And if Ser Clay-for-brains is any indication,, I’m more drained then I thought.”
“But, what if-”
“You’ll be fine!” Remy scoffed. “Just keep your shield up to protect that handsome face and tell Virgil I said hi.”
Roman nodded slowly. “Thank you, Remy.”
“I’d say it’s not a problem,” the baku chuckled playfully, “but it was and you owe me bigs, bae! Just remember that when everything is over.”
“I will,” Roman reassured. “I give you my word as a prince.”
“Guurl!” Remy laughed. “That doesn’t mean a dip to me, but I appreciate the sentiment. Now, get going! You have a damsel that needs rescuing.”
“Right!” Roman nodded, taking another deep breath before hobbling onwards, elbow tucked in as he supported his shield, his broken rib throbbing painfully.
