&

⸢𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓⸥ • ⸢𝐑𝐔𝐋𝐄𝐒 & 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒⸥ • ⸢𝐓𝐀𝐆 𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓⸥

— 𝐊𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐌 𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐌 ⸢🦦⸥

When he meets your mother

Getting him to say Nakakapagpabagabag

— 𝐉𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐋 𝐕𝐈𝐏𝐄𝐑 ⸢🐍⸥

When you're demonic royalty

Serpentine Warning pt1 :: FIC

— 𝐕𝐈𝐋 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐄𝐍𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐓 ⸢👑⸥

When he meets your mother

Getting him to say Nakakapagpabagabag

Red, White & Black :: FIC

— 𝐑𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐇𝐔𝐍𝐓 ⸢🏹⸥

Red, White & Black :: FIC

When you're demonic royalty

— 𝐄𝐏𝐄𝐋 𝐅𝐄𝐋𝐌𝐈𝐄𝐑 ⸢🍎⸥

When you're a reaper

When you're a child of Mother Miranda

When you're a Mom Friend

When he gives familial love

— 𝐈𝐃𝐈𝐀 𝐒𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐃 ⸢🔥⸥

When he meets your mother

Getting him to say Nakakapagpabagabag

— 𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐇𝐎 𝐒𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐃 ⸢🤖⸥

When he winds up in your world

When you're demonic royalty

hi!! hope ur having a good day today <33 was wondering if I can order some platonic savanaclaw boys (or the first year gang) acting all parental/brotherly towards a yuu/reader who's markedly younger?? i was thinking around 10~12 mayb??

⸢ Found Family ⸥

Other notes ➽ Gosh my heart TwT, though since you didn’t specify whether you wanted this in fic format or headcanons I went with a mix of both! But please specify next time what format you’d like thank you!/NM. Raise a glass to us touch starved peeps 🍷

Featured Characters ➽ Ace, Deuce, Jack, Epel & Sebek 

Trigger Warnings ➽ Implied injury and negligence.

Summary ➽ When you receive familial love from NRC’s twisted students.

Ace as a younger brother himself found your presence to be an opportunity to experiment. More specifically— he wanted to know what it felt to tease and bond with a younger sibling the same way his own brother did. He did seem to enjoy messing with Ace so maybe he'll learn from you?

Remember your first meeting with him at the statues? He may have laughed at your betrayed expression after calling you a dummy; but he did attempt in making it up to you using a few comedic tricks he picked up.

Coin behind the ear trick? Pick a card? Just a few magic trick phrases and your attention is on Ace-nii whether it's out of curiosity or annoyance. But he did have to admit learning these sleight of hand tricks from his old man paid off.

The Heartslabyul red head could tell from a mile away how you seemed adamant on getting something from him. In hopes of messing with you for a bit the first year hooked an arm around your neck before giving a hard noogie to your shorter figure.

"Hey my hair!-" "You'll fix it again squirt, now— what's got you marching in here like a queen's guard.?"

If your annoyed expression was subtle before it grew evident after he bursted into fits of cakles, the offense on your honor didn't go unconsidered but your request was nothing but amusing to him. At this point you were close to deeming this confrontation fruitless but before you could sigh and turn the other way, Ace threw you a pack of playing cards.

"Look, you said you wanted to learn some stuff from yours truly, right~? Well let's find us a better place then 😌."

A grin crept on your face sending a sense of satisfaction to the first year. Maybe being a big bro wasn't so bad after all? With an amused chuckle he pulled you towards the direction of the garden.

"Your hands are a bit small for most sleight of hand skills— but I've got a few spare tricks bearable for a kid like ya!" "Oi I'm still growing !"

Deuce wasn't sure at first, the protective nature he bared whenever you came into concern was simultaneously foreign yet familiar. If he had to compare its something akin to his former delinquent brotherhood bond but in your case— it was more precious for lack of a better term.

It's funny seeing you two believe in the same urban myths, sometimes it becomes a game among the first year gang who'd discover the truth first, your or Deuce? (Epel has a winning streak-)

He's the type to protect any teenage dream you have going on, you want to be a celebrity? He'll be your number one fan, you want to be a great inventor? He's willing to bestow whatever he knew to a future field expert like you! Deuce-nii may not be the best at helping academically but life lessons are something he's never short of.

It was a conflict he couldn't prevent, no matter how bad he felt for you fighting for his honor. Maybe his fighting spirit started rubbing off of you the more you stick by his side; that's bad... should he start lessening his time with you? He doesn't wanna be a bad influence after all-

"Deuce?" "Ah- sorry, does it still hurt?"

You two were at Ramshackle's foyer patching up eachother after he intervened a festering fight between you and some scarabia brats. He didn't even know whether to feel touched or worried when you revealed why you threw the first punch despite knowing how wrong it is to resort to violence. Maybe he really was a bad influence-

"My honor is mine to defend- g-got that? Look it's admirable that you well... stood up for a brother but I want ya to leave the hits to me." You're too young to delve into that side of life, he thinks.

The frown anchoring your lips sent a twinge of guilt to the spade marked first year, great was he being too hard now? How does Trey-senpai make it look so easy lecturing juniors- Lost in what to do he simply let his body slouch, leaning into your frame before allowing one arm to wrap around you in some tired side hug manner.

"We have eachother's backs right? Hah 😅, when I was your age I might've done worse things than just sending an uppercut at some entitled bastards. We both have a long way to go huh..."

The slow nod was enough to earn a bruised close eyed smile from Deuce. "Let's just wait it out, I don't think I can physically take Dorm leader's lecture tonight... But— that doesn't mean we're not owing up to our mistakes ok!?"

Jack was practically experienced, to the point it came naturally for him to subconsciously send a glare or two at those who gave the youngest student the stink eye.

He told himself repeatedly that he'll just aid you from afar but after the events of the second arc well- he wasn't sure whether leaving you to the adeuce duo was wise. Hence your roster of big brothers grew by one when he let you ride on his wolf form (after much convincing of course).

The more rational part of him honestly felt concerned over your psyche, to be taken from your home no matter how good or bad must've done a number on your thoughts, right? He never brings it up for the sake of your current stability but he does try to sniff out signs if he can.

The beastman's expression was stuck between confused and indifferent. How did he end up walking to class with you on his shoulders?

"You're so tall and you're only 16? Is it because you're a beastman? Or- a guy? What do you eat? Can you eat vegetables?"

One question after the other; and the fact that you were resting your chin on his head meant that all your questions were directly broadcasted to his hearing. It wasn't like he disliked your curiosity, sometimes he encouraged it! After all truth can be reaped from a curious mind's persistence. It was his assurance that it'd take more than a few jabs to break your moral spirit. If Jack was brutally honest you were a bunny in the jungle.

"A mix of both, maybe if you listen to proffesor Crewel's lectures you'll get a better gist."

He was half joking but a vibration wavered his head's senses when you sighed in defeat. An annoyed groan followed not long after before your talkative streak was boiled down into a hopeless inquirer.

"He's scary and that thing he carries looks like a pet weapon... aren't you scared of him, Jack?" You're a kid of course you'd come to that sort of conclusion, shaking his head Jack rolled his eyes before uttering a reply.

"You said it yourself right? I'm big for my age so what's a beast gonna do." Childish logic it may, he saw it effective when your state became that of satisfaction. Your hum of agreement letting the wolf rest his worries.

Epel didn't get why you stayed there, did you even have a choice? He felt like RSA could've accommodated you better seeing as how friendly their students are. But the more you hung out with the first year gang the more backbone you began to express in your aura.

As a ruffian kid himself he got along with you pretty good! Except maybe the first time you met but it wasn't like you could critique his singing when you're barely above the nursery rhyme category-

Something you two tend to bond over are road trips! The conversations surrounding the topic can go on and on until Vil has to interrupt lest it reaches nightfall, it wasn't wise to keep you both up after all.

A bottle of apple juice sat on the balcony of the dorm whilst your shorter self sipped happily on your own beverage. The lilac haired male was on another rant regarding the sights of Harveston rendering his drink abandoned whilst his hands moved in all sorts of mannerisms; just so that he can emphasize the value he holds on his home town. A place he's sure you'd like to visit seeing as how bright your gaze was watching his explanation.

"If we went there after exams we'd make it in time for harvest season! There's lots and lots of apples there with different sizes and colors!"

"Would their juice also taste different ?"

"Yeah 😄! Not only that- the folks are gonna like ya, that much I can bet!"

He shared Jack's concerns over your wellbeing, this whole time the only adult you've come into respects is the staff but with your predicament, maybe a more domestic scene of people would help you better. His folks may be on the more traditional end of the spectrum but hey- who doesn't like old folk!

"They won't force me to work would they 😰?" Epel bets ten maddol that you got the idea from Ace but his sigh was left unnoticed, the first year shook his head in a dramatic manner hoping to at least get you in better spirits for this tentative plan.

"So what? I ain't letting that happen- and even if it well- did, I'd be with ya picking apples from dawn till dusk! We can make it a game where the winner gets all the pick >:D"

Your competitiveness flared even if you tried hiding it by suddenly drinking your juice faster. Epel clenched his fist in silent victory, perhaps you staying in NRC was alright.

Sebek was the most unexpected member of your found family, it was hard calling him a brother. Wayward uncle somehow fits him more but no one would dare bring up the idea in both his or your presence.

After Jack, he's actually the most diligent in helping your academics. At first it was simply him wanting to show the young master that he's competent enough to aid the cherished child of man; Lilia however doesn't miss the genuine proud smile he wears whenever you perfect a practice sheet.

The old fae concluded that sebek was projecting in a way, a young soul in pursuit for learning but unlike him who was faced with double standards due to his human blood, you had people looking after your progress. Waiting to cheer your success.

The diasomnia student felt appalled by the others, their cheeky grins when he told them he'd be tutoring you on selected days felt belittling as if they won some unspoken battle. How preposterous! He thought.

"For a still developing human you catch on quick, as expected of the young master though! Only the finest catch his gaze." Everyone around him knew how eager Sebek was to be the subject of Malleus' astonishment, but that desire for recognition was currently a fleeting afterthought. The determination in your eyes was enough to urge the green haired male to move on to the next topic.

"You sly human— think you can trick me into overworking you? If I didn't know any better it'd seem you're trying to sabotage my relationship with the young master by framing me!" Despite his exaggerated accusations, his actions were more endearing, as endearing as Sebek can be of course. He passed you some chocolate milk and fish crackers, a childish iteration of his own favorite meal consisting of Salmon Carpaccio. It's too early for supper but you need energy if you want to keep with his subconsciously placed expectation. Even with his eccentric assistance you can't help but to appreciate his diligence.

"Heh think what you want Seb 0w0. Though you can always say if you're tired of me—" "Cease the foolish thought! And let you disappoint the young master? I'll have you know I've gone too far to just give up."

As blunt as his answer was there was an irk in his psyche, the way you worded it could've been interpreted as having a history of being given up on...

"No matter what measly tricks you pull, know that I'm not backing down, human! Prepare yourself because I'll make sure even the young master would praise you!" And by then, maybe Sebek can be proud of himself to.

Tag list :: @luvielle @sherbet-shark @citirusu

⸢𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓⸥ • ⸢𝐑𝐔𝐋𝐄𝐒 & 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒⸥ • ⸢𝐓𝐀𝐆 𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓⸥

HCs ::

The Brothers with a Childish MC

The brothers with a teenage MC’s guardian demon

The brothers with a DID MC

The avatar of Pride and your touch

The Brothers with a promise keeper MC

Massage mishaps

The brothers when you’re doubting

The Brothers meeting FiloMC’s befriended Anitos

The brothers with a Filipino MC debuting

The brothers with a Detective MC

Filipino MC in Seductive Speech craft Class

Filipino MC HCs

FICS ::

[The Snapping]

[Midnight Lamenting]

[Realization Before Reconciliation]

[No Spider Lilies • The Snapping S2]

Mammon’s Royal Flush (Mammon X Reader)

⸢𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓⸥ • ⸢𝐑𝐔𝐋𝐄𝐒 & 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒⸥ • ⸢𝐓𝐀𝐆 𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓⸥

— 𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐔𝐒 𝐃𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐀 ⸢🐲⸥

When he meets your mother

When you're a sculptor

Getting him to say Nakakapagpabagabag

— 𝐋𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐀 𝐕𝐀𝐍𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐄 ⸢🦇⸥

When you're demonic royalty

— 𝐒𝐈𝐋𝐕𝐄𝐑 ⸢⚔️⸥

TBA

— 𝐒𝐄𝐁𝐄𝐊 𝐙𝐈𝐆𝐕𝐎𝐋𝐓 ⸢⚡️⸥

When you're a reaper

When you're a child of Mother Miranda

When you're a Mom Friend

When he gives familial love

— 𝐃𝐈𝐑𝐄 𝐂𝐑𝐎𝐖𝐋𝐄𝐘 ⸢🪶⸥

TBA

— 𝐌𝐎𝐙𝐔𝐒 𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐈𝐍 ⸢🐈‍⬛️⸥

TBA

— 𝐃𝐈𝐕𝐔𝐒 𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐖𝐄𝐋 ⸢🐾⸥

When you're an aspiring designer

— 𝐀𝐒𝐇𝐓𝐎𝐍 𝐕𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐀𝐒 ⸢💪⸥

When he winds up in your world

— 𝐒𝐀𝐌 ⸢💀⸥

When he winds up in your world

— 𝐘𝐔𝐔𝐊𝐄𝐍 ⸢✊️⸥

TBA

— 𝐂𝐇𝐄'𝐍𝐘𝐀 ⸢🐈⸥

TBA

— 𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐄 ⸢🧜‍♂️⸥

TBA

— 𝐍𝐄𝐈𝐆𝐄 ⸢🍏⸥

TBA

I forgot to post this 🤡 《✒️》

• Red, White, & Black •

Another personal project because I've fallen back into the hole of Vocaloid TwT. This song fic is based off of Genealogy of Red, White and Black but with a few twists!

Summary ➽ NRC hosts a school based play for the amusement of students and staff alike. You're tasked to act out a peculiar tale with Pomefiore's Dorm Leader and Vice Dorm Leader. However it seems the audience are in for a bloody ride.

Other notes ➽ (Not necessarily an X Reader but it can be taken as such!) The song implies a feminine protagonist but reader is kept ambiguous/Gender neutral

Word Count ➽ 4.8k words (without the pasted lyrics of the song)

Trigger Warnings ➽ Depictions of Killing/Genocide, Blood and bruises, unnatural hanging, Implications of Necrophilia (nothing explicitly graphic, not smut at all). Keep in mind they're only acting a partially dark story.

La tua bellezza è un crimine

Compensa per il crimine in forma chiamò la morte….

The ivory pamphlet in your hand had likely passed between many others before you, as suggested by the faint thumb smears on the margins. But that wasn't what caught your attention- rather the embellished print of text dead center. The day started as odd thanks to the idle whispers that circulated the corridors; this wasn’t too new but you noticed the increase in attention whenever a Pomefiore student passed by. You could’ve sworn you heard something along the lines of “Stage fright” not too long ago— then your curiosity was met with the presence of the self-proclaimed love hunter. 

“ —And that’s when a giddy writer from our dorm proposed his ‘Royal of Snow’ story as a playwright to Roi Du Poisson~! Come to think of it…”

There was little to no space between you and Rook’s face when he took a sharp step forward, studying your expression like a specimen meant to be unraveled.

“Trickster, don’t you need a bit of extra credit?”

That’s how you winded up with the lead role, you had little to no say in the matter; not because Rook forced you (maybe that was the second reason) but because you knew deep down that he was correct, and seeing as you had nothing to lose you reluctantly agreed to participate. Ok perhaps that was a white lie you only had your dignity and pride on the line but the more you read the story and by extension the script— it dawned on you why Vil seemed comfortable in letting you have the role. 

That accidental meeting became a daily meet-up with the Pomefiore heads, days turned to weeks and weeks turned to a few months. Eventually came the day you all stood behind a grand crimson curtain, you couldn’t help but fidget with the fabric of your attire. Shaking your head to snap out of trance a sharp inhale was taken.

The curtains rose and now it's up to you.

“I want a child white as snow that's fallingred as the blood we bleed and black as ebony”Such were the words the woman said in prayerSoon, she would hold the girl the heavens gave her

In the far lands where both spring and summer can cascade down the prosperous kingdom, was a regal king who had an only son. This king cherished his child deeply and as such he can’t help but worry over how the boy would fare should the day come that the heavens whisk him away. On a humble summer afternoon, he asked his son what partner he’d like to have in life. His son was a blunt yet simple boy so one can only picture the king’s reaction when the crown prince delightfully answered;

“Someone as fair as me! Gentle like snowdrops, sweet as the red apples we snack on, and a will as stern as ebony!”

The criteria left the king restless for a few nights. How was he supposed to satisfy the young heir? Day in and out he skimmed through the identities of every royal he knew, for months his search felt fruitless… until he caught wind of a young heir, your brilliance reached this warm kingdom and in turn, brought you a meeting with its solemn king. The golden-haired prince had no qualms in welcoming your presence;  your radiance was unique in a way that the prince thought was ethereal. You weren’t human in his amethyst gaze.

“I raise a toast to the engagement between The Golden Heir and The Royal of Snow!”

Now, many years have passed since that fated day

But it would seem that things are going astray Here, where the light can't reach the shadows under

“Evil” was taking root and growing stronger

Those echoes of champagne glasses clinking sounded a decade ago, it’s been so long and the blooming hope in your chest had long softened— radiance only growing more by the days. Ever since your engagement to this warm prince you moved within the lush kingdom in order to get a better understanding of your supposed soon-to-be land. Your presence was revered by his people and he used to find comfort in it, but if one were to turn their gaze away from the Royal of Snow, you’d see a growing rust on the Golden Heir’s expression. The recent years pricked intrusive thoughts into his heart, an impending fear that despite being this kingdom’s future king, you’d have more influence than him. Whether it was influence on jurisdiction or the masses’ admiration, it left a bittersweet aftertaste on his tongue every time you’d give a kiss of affection to your fiance.

He was a good actor, even when the taste of love grew acetous, he never failed to keep his image in the public eye; fully aware of what may ensue should he act against their long inscribed relationship. Perhaps this was why it took him a few years to act on his authority, but what can the hunter do when the future king threatens to hold his family against him? The poor man couldn’t risk it, especially not with a task as easy as delivering your unconscious body into the Ash Grey Woods.

Aah…. And the hand that reached out, seeking aid 

-- It was quickly brushed away

Searching for what all the hurt and confusion couldn't explain

-- Clouded in disdain!

Aah, and with every minute ripening

-- Poison seeping deeper into me

Unhappy jealousy, enmity, ever sharpening...

--Love slowly changes to insanity!

His orders were clear cut, agenda untouched by the slightest flaw for his foresight entailed a perfect crime. But it seemed your influence on the people is already rooted deeply when he saw your figure descend the grand staircase, for a moment he would have mistaken your visage for that of a ghost out for vengeance, but when your drowsy words snapped him out his train of thought it was then that the Golden Heir realized his dear hunter failed. He’ll deal with the traitor another time—

“Love? Are you alright? You’ve been out of bed a lo-”

Why were you awake? You should’ve been knocked out by now with the dose of medicine he gave you at supper. Surely someone as caring as you didn’t waste his precious gift? It was one question after the other, a spiral of frustration instilled into his gaze turning it redder by the second. A single step forward from you garnered a single step backward from him. Your persistent self didn’t see the change of heart on his face within the moonless halls of the palace. As careful as you were, it didn't ease the seething impulse from the Golden Heir. Your hand reaching to touch his cheek made it worse.

Let go of the hope you hold onto

There’s only my own hateful hue

There is not a trace of so-called love

A sharp sting spread on your left cheek, the physical pain and the scornful gaze your fiance gave you were fighting for responsibility over your aching heart. The shock was enough to warrant panic on your end, it was a bit too sudden and your body was putting out one hypothesis after the other, did you do something wrong? Was this really your fiance of ten years who gave you nothing but warm love?

“Love, wh-” “Pathetic… and yet people put you on a higher pedestal than I.”

The confusion went after your head, rendering both mind and heart uneasy whilst your figure stumbled backward out of caution. Not exactly hopeful in receiving even more unexplainable pain from the very man you were to bind in marital union a few months from now. There was a hopeful part in your heart begging for assurance, this was surely an act! Perhaps he was drunk? The more it begged the more it sought a reason behind the Golden Heir’s glare. It was void of any love you came to know from him, the otherwise affectionate fiance you learned to love over the years. It wasn’t as if you fell at first sight, in fact, you were against moving so suddenly from your cooler climate to this foreign kingdom and that’s merely on top of the pressure you received from your sweet mother and father. They saw the proposal from this  kingdom’s king as an opportunity to prosper your native land by uniting with the lush kingdom. In the past decade you both saw each other’s highs and lows— looking back were you truly foolish for thinking you finally understood him? You weren’t aiming to be his pillar of support nor vice versa you wanted to be enough to stand as equals with the ever-warm heir. This innocent desire was precisely why you worked harder than demanded by the court, you wanted to share the burden with him in childish hope that he’d share yours as well, in recent years this was the fantasy you thought you were living in.

I take the string that connects us in red With a cruel smile,

I cut away the thread

Your “beauty” is but a crime in this world 

So repent! Her own fate will incarcerate the girl

What started as a string of inaudible curses became a heated confession laced with resentment. That string of displeasure tripped you from your usual brilliance, mind still in a stasis of desperation for an answer. The red string of love you thought you two finally tied on your fingers became a rope that suffocated you from the inside out. It didn’t help how tired you already were from the late hour. You weren’t usually this weak, was it something you consumed earlier? There didn’t seem to be anything wrong with your dinner earlier—

“You’d think as the foreign heir to the throne you’d be second to everyone’s thoughts over the royal family… Tsk- reduced to being the Royal of Snow’s fortunate husband. Tell me, since when did you start bewitching the masses to your whim?”

You handled diplomatic exchange as eloquently as possible, taking on the Golden Heir’s tasks to not exhaust his spirit just before he steps onto that regal throne. You worked rigorously to keep your reputation stable and reliable, enough to maintain authority without relying solely on being his fiance or as this kingdom’s future ruler. You didn’t want to be a burden, a disappointment. But this confrontation easily demolished your now ruined perception.

 “Tell me…were you hoping to gain authority over a kingdom bigger than your measly land?”

Everything hurt it didn’t matter whether it was the red mark on your soft skin or the words that sent a stinging surge in your heart, that’s what he thought of your unrelenting effort? A ploy for power over his promised kingdom? He didn’t see you as an ally, far from it, you were a rival, and truth be told you can’t help but take the blame. This misunderstanding was your fault and it was difficult talking to a mind who didn’t seek your truth, it demanded an answer that fits its twisted narrative. It wasn’t as if you could speak anyways… your throat was hoarse and the best you could let out was choked denial.

I bear the blame of unjustified claims

As I burn in the fire that’s fueled by hate

The color that's dripping from my chest

Is the color you gave to me that day bestowed in red

Right, your voice was not of use as of now, but your body urged you to move and as such your single step backward became your sprint’s start. Clad in nothing but a dress shirt and loose scarlet bottoms it didn’t bother you when you shakily grabbed for one of the maid’s old cloak. You knew what he was capable of and your mind told you to head for your parents, rushing to the stables for your trusted steed; a white stallion reacted to your sudden presence albeit confused about your invitation for a ride. With silent beckoning, you two began setting off for the northern planes. Having to pass through the cold woods irked your confidence but nevertheless, onwards you went. You weren’t exactly sure which offered more relief, the haunting scene before you or the confinements of that palace you fled from? The way his actions became a crimson distrust still burned in your memory.

Lost in thought even among the thick fog— neither you nor your steed noticed the steep formation, and one misfortune after the other you crashed at the bottom landform, trusted horse agitated and fleeing despite your cries for the white stallion to come back. The scowl on your face became a melancholic withdrawal, opting to get your bearings first before attempting to find your horse. Dusting off the dirt from your thighs a sudden snap in the dead air caught your attention, head shot towards the direction of the precise noise. The hopeful part of you thought it was your steed having a change of heart but the farther you squinted the more you could make out the faint silhouette of a man. As if the fog finally showed mercy it slowly began to disperse, it was here that the forest-eyed man relished  in your moonlit expression.

“How…fortunate for us to cross paths, ma fleur de glace…”

Skin, oh so pale, like the snow in winter

Lips, bloody red, it makes me want to kiss her

Beauty so stunning I could not behold it

One look at her had pierced me like a bullet

You never tore your gaze away even if you desperately wanted to, it was odd actually. He seemed familiar yet you couldn’t pinpoint from where. The man’s breathing was as clear as day despite the late hour, ragged yet consistent in its own right. A hoarse chuckle spilled from the male’s chapped lips, taking another step towards you with a giddy glint in his gaze.

“Fate is smiling down on us ma fleur de glace… It was bound to happen after so much misfortune~”

You can’t help but shudder yet you still did your best in standing your ground, utilizing whatever experience you had over the years staying at the palace. Eccentric guests weren’t unheard of yet your mind had finally clicked just where you know this pale blonde man. Or should you say, prince… What did he even mean by misfortune? Don’t tell me word of your quarrel with the Golden Heir had already spread? You thought.

“Your highness!... of the south western Hinterlands? I’m astonished to find you in a place like this…” Keep calm, keep calm. It was easier said than done seeing how intense his gaze was over your figure, had you been none the wiser you would’ve lost eye contact the moment he called you by whatever endearing nickname he addressed you with. You disliked your situation if you were being completely honest, a far cry from the forest-eyed prince’s glee. The way he removed his gloves sent a bad feeling in your chest, he reached out his right in a slow innocent manner, yet the way he did so entailed a more cynical ploy; not wanting to be rude to the only other human being within a hundred-mile radius you gulped and gently reached to accept his “friendly handshake”. You wanted it to be swift and over but his hold on your hand only tightened the moment you tried pulling away, not once did he remove his observant eye away from your reluctant expression.

After I ran away into the forest

I came upon a single man in the midst

The look inside his eyes was kind of creepy….

All I could see from him was “lust” to take me

At this point in time that bad feeling turned into a sharp surge of uneasiness, borderline fear and anxiety dwindled into one disgusting ache of your heart. The slow irregular rise and fall of your chest didn’t go unseen under the prince’s gaze, in fact, there’s not a single movement of your body that didn’t engrain itself into his mind. You were the widely praised Royal of Snow said to rule with the admirable Golden Heir and all these years he’s always thought how unreachable you’d be to the Hinterland native. Someone as innocently radiant as you held power that was different from other royals, your charms didn’t rely on how you looked either, a sweet and caring personality mixed well with your wise foresight. He’s only ever been able to witness your brilliance from views afar in diplomatic meetings or the tales he’d hear from this young farmer boy who happily sung praises in your regard.

The forest-eyed prince wasn’t a fool, a good predator knew when to go in for prey. For so long you were untouchable to him, a powerful flower that grew against the snow’s cruelty. Every single day he can only imagine what it’d be like to touch those unreal petals that blossomed from your radiance. The way he went quiet irked you in every sense, gulping and voice coming out by bits. “Prince, please let go—”

Aa, have my wishes finally come to life?

-- Then he grabs my hand so tight

If only I could preserve this moment for the rest of time

-- I can’t leave his side!

Aah… Even if you hate me in the end

-- His derision fills my chest with dread

Still, all I want is to take everything ‘til your last breath...

-- Could he be wishing to make love to Death?!

The tight grip he had on your wrist started to hurt two-fold, and the odd smile on his face grew into a crazed grin that finally warned you in red signals; this is beyond the line of respect and formality. A grunt and gasp from your end somehow became amusing to the pale blonde prince. You turned your head away from him in a desperate attempt to call for your steed once again, desperately hoping the white stallion was around the perimeter to sense your distress amidst the light fog but to no avail. Your desperation to escape gave him the perfect exposure to your neck. How unfortunate indeed… But you were struggling so much, he felt offended YET now that the chance presented itself. He’ll do everything to keep this moment forever. 

I take ahold of your warm, slender neck

And my fingers are cold against your pretty flesh

Your “beauty” is but a crime in this world

So allow me to take repenance from the wretched girl!

I bear the blame of unjustified claims

As I’m forced to bring comfort to a man that I hate

The color of searing pain inside is the color you gave to me that day bestowed in white

His bare hand reached for the base of your neck, calloused thumb pressing harder in the exact middle. Despite the evident lust, it was obvious he wasn’t just aiming for you to faint- far from it with how persistent he was in his hold. The Ash Grey Woods echoed with his pleasured cackles; losing the princely facade the moment you began showing signs of fatigue. The longer you struggled the more you saw white— it wasn’t anything like the comforting snow of your home kingdom, it was the pure ivory one would greet when coming into contact with death. You were inhumanely endearing to everyone around you! Are you even human at all? How can an unexplainable figurehead walk among the unfitting and yet manage to walk about the day as if beholding your presence wasn’t a grave sin. No no no you were far better off returning to where you belong, he thought. Among the heavens with the celestial beings who can come remotely close to your pure soul. This principle repeated in his head like some mantra meant to be made real.

The forest-eyed prince found nothing but absolute pleasure in his current act, undeniably going off from your near-dead body. He’d be lying if he said he didn’t dream of this day every night when he’s alone in his palace quarters, to feel your lifeless body under his touch was like an addicting thought that gave him the highest form of euphoria. That’s it- you were stained, a pleasant snow field stained by incoherent colors that came from so many people yet no one bothered helping your unfortunate self; nevertheless he was there to save you! To free you of your misery, to deliver your ethereal self back into the plane far from the living. But his selfless act deserves a reward does it not? No hunter nor hero has their righteous deeds unrewarded, to him he’s saving you the trouble of thinking of a reward. And he wanted nothing more but to unravel you then and there.

Tears had pricked in the corners of your eyes, rolling back to the back of your head the more he deprived you of precious air. You were barely registering your surroundings to the point where you can’t even show protest when he ripped off your tattered cloak exposing your loose attire. Even when you were on your last string of consciousness you could faintly feel his calloused palm on your clothed waist. Beyond that was just a cruel darkness engulfing your shattered hope. It was as if you were sitting in nothing but a void where neither light nor mercy can reach you. The blurry image of your hands reaching for your face played in a mirror like scene. Your tears of frustration shaking your subconscious mind to its fragile core, rendering that mirror in the dark disturbed until it fell over with an ear piercing noise.

The love that I had always craved

--- Wasn’t given, turned away

The hand I thought would keep me safe

--- Led her to a heinous fate

It took no less than a day to have your humble life ripped from your clutches, the broken mirror scattered in your subconscious plane, each pathetic shard playing a detested scene in your life as if moving your fall from grace. It was far beyond the spectrum of unfairness, your fiance’s wish grew colder than winter. You were so tired but you still wanted to look back, where and when did it all go wrong? What has become of your work over the years, all because of an ambitious dream from childhood? All you asked for was mutual love and respect. From him and your parents, how would the northern king and queen react? Knowing their precious child has been reduced to some wasted husk meant to embody what judging eyes deemed the absolute truth.

And that unwarranted freedom, that prince had no right to force it on you yet here you were limp and unable to do anything against his advancements. Had you been more careful could you have avoided him? Had you been less ambitious to improve yourself… could you have avoided his idolization? The Hinterlands were a neighboring kingdom from the lush lands. They were supposed to be allies to the Golden Heir and by extension you his fiance. What hope do you even have in using that excuse now… the man who was supposed to act as support became your second downfall. The rest of those shards displayed other memories in another point of view, some showing your happy thoughts as cruel manifestations. Others depicted the northern King and Queen's disappointment, the rest was simply history taunting to repeat itself if you stayed here in this state.

What they all expect from me

--- repent your sin of beauty

Time and time again it was all because of a beauty they deem you possess, a sweet partner? A filial child? An ethereal figurehead? Your hands closed on your face tighter, not wanting to witness those mirror scenes even for a split second. You’ve had enough revelations for one day and you knee deep down that if you were to take more it won’t be the mirror that’ll be shattering next. Why is it that you should repent for something that stemmed from outside expectation? It’s so cruel, wicked even. It’s always been from them! You did nothing wrong, right? Your intentions have always been for the greater good, why did everything make you feel like it’s your fault? Fine, this repentance was already taken unwillingly, what else should you do?

Barely holding onto life

--- No one thought she would survive…

You weren’t even aware how long it's been, the sky painted itself a daunting gray as opposed to the cerulean skies outside this forest. Your figure slowly but surely limped aimlessly, there was light in the distance amidst the cruel darkness. You had to tilt your head in order to look between your fallen bangs, there was a small cottage-like structure. If you’d had another misfortune here then you didn’t pay mind for what’s one more? 

*knock* *knock*

Sunrise arrived and yet the warmth within the small building suddenly went ablaze, the smoke somehow reaching a certain heir’s eye from the confinements of his palace. Echoes of wood and metal screeching against the ash-fallen dirt littered the smoke-filled woods. The pungent burnt smell rendered the Ash Grey Woods unassailable even for investigation. That was the last instance of misfortune ever since your leave. Had everyone listened to the witches of fortune… they would’ve known it was a warning of an incoming disaster.

I take the string that had bound us in red

Though it’s broken, I hold it closely to my chest

Without the words for the pain in my heart

I will throw it away now, and tear it all apart

Your "corpse" laid cold and bare dead center of the wooden flooring, all the more emphasized by the lone spotlight pure as white as if mocking your character's loss of hope. It was an artificial ambition falling into despair. The audience varied in their reactions, some pitying your character some agreed with the two cruel princes of how naive the royal of snow was. for two seconds you remained, and it only took those two seconds to pull a few ropes behind the valley of backdrops and curtains. The scene instantly changed into a red-borne field with your silhouette now standing up in bitter pride alongside seven other figures. In your hand was what looked to be a forged blade intricately carved with embossed patterns further emphasized by what the audience can only assume as fake blood.

…drip, drip, drop…

To the audience they didn't find those seven faceless shadows as significant as your current state, the Royal of Snow was naïve, yes. But they have never shied

away from life’s cruelties have they? It only took some time before they gave a proper reason for every forced repenting they received. The field was littered with unrecognizable faces and among them was a white haired beastman dragging what looked to be a roped blonde with their eyes blindfolded, “bruises” blooming beautifully along his bare chest and torso as a tattered dress shirt pathetically clung on to his rolled sleeves. One of the faceless figures took their staff to remove the man’s blindfold only to reveal yet another scornful glare from an amethyst gaze.

“Don’t look at me like that, love. It's rather rude of you to glare at your new monarch”

The ruined Golden Heir spat on your boots, growling against the beastman’s clutches as if he was the one who had animalistic blood in him. The more he struggled the more his lavender tipped hair draped over the sides of his face. “You shameless weed- aCK-”

The staff wielding silhouette stepped forward to reveal bright crimson eyes staring him down in fake bloodlust, using the elongated weapon to carefully tip the ruined heir upwards by the chin; forcing him to meet your mocking glare. “Coming from the Golden Heir, it doesn’t have any edge. Hah…”

Your wrapped arm slowly pointed to behind you, revealing the Hinterland Prince’s 'corpse' hanging upside down by the foot, rope tied to a naked oak tree void of any sign of life, whether it's the figure or the large bark structure it didn’t matter to the audience nor to the bonded heir at your feet. “You two were never really close, yes? I see no need in your shock, my dear”

The broken pieces of love that are left

Will turn into a sword that will give me my revenge

To you who have always wished for my end

I swear, I will lead you to an all-consuming death!

He was unable to move, even when you had precisely cut the binding ropes on his wrists and ankles. Since when did you learn to wield a blade? You've usually been withdrawn, keeping your battlefield within the zones of high society. Was that why you easily took over the lands without much suspicion? “I should’ve served you poison that night…”

His seething statement induced a dry chuckle of amusement on your end. “But you didn’t, and that's your mistake. You know I'm quite amused by how easily you two took everything from me…” 

You gestured between him and the upside-down 'corpse' hanging behind you, looking down on the golden-haired man in such a natural manner it made the audience wonder whether you were still acting at this point in time. “Neither of you managed to finish the job, it made your efforts fall in vain… ah, but I’ve always been kind haven't I…?”

You kneeled down on one knee, staring eye to eye with the resentful heir, a mere short distance between your faces. Someone in the audience had to restrain their seatmate from yelling anything inappropriate such as ‘kiss already’ and thankfully they did. The tension you and your co-star formed was enough to be on the silver screen, all these thoughts of praise snapped short when you resumed your scene. “Sins so clear as snow… distaste as crimson as your blood…”

As if to emphasize your point you let a finger catch the dripping blood from the side of his face, manner agonizingly slow as your growing smile. “Casket as stern as ebony”

Your sword-holding hand skillfully dug into his torso, reeling forward before a garnet pool of ‘blood’ began forming on the stage’s floorboard. Your visage turned back to look at the seven figures along with the audience, your expression a far cry from your dreamy wistful gaze in the beginning. The remaining characters who counted as alive kneeled before your figure. Before a happily ever after could be instilled you drew back your arm and hurled it upwards to the rope that held back the front curtains, a sharp cut was heard penetrating the air by extension the wooden pillar of the stage; the lights in the auditorium went dim for a moment before turning on again to reveal the velvet curtains down. Announcing the end of this play.

I’ll take the blame of unjustified claims

As I rise in the fire that’s fueled by hate

What's blooming now in my heart, at last...

Is the color you gave to me that day bestowed in black

The relief that washed over you was shared by your co-stars, a round of enthusiastic chatter sounding in the stage wings finally marked the end of your month-long endeavors. You had to help Rook down from his tied position while Jack carefully untied the knots of the ropes. “Magnifique~! You did a splendid job playing hero and villain Trickster-” “Hunt-senpai get down first please- ah- AH” 

Vil witnessed the disastrous lump of bodies at the base of the prop tree, he can only click his tongue in exasperation still trying to wipe off the fake bruises and blood staining his skin. It’ll take a good week before his skin can return to its top-tier condition but oh well all ended nicely it seems. He looked back to where you were, he'd be lying if he said he wasn't proud of your effort for this rather dark performance. You had potential in the acting industry and the way you portrayed the wronged hero’s revenge? It was Beauté 100 as Rook would put it. Any other critique he had to give can be delivered another time, this was a time for celebrating after all.

The Pomefiore Dorm Leader managed to get rid of most of the makeup, he was about to approach your spot but a unique sound caught his attention; Vil looked left and right but he couldn’t see the source of that echoing  sound, odd since… The SFX team had already unplugged their systems.

...Did he hear leaking?

...

Taglist :: @citirusu @sherbet-shark @luvielle