Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

*7 years after the fall of Insomnia, 3 years until the chosen king returns May 16th 2018/ 763 ME*

Drautos laid beside Megan in the early morning hours; it had been 7 years since the fall of Insomnia.normally by that time he had already gotten dressed and left to his own bed. He took a deep breath and looked over at the sleeping woman, their night activity had lasted longer than it usually did. Perhaps it was because her mind was filled with remembering the past, those 7 years ago when Insomnia fell and she lost her second home. 

All because of an action he and Niflheim had done, surprised she had shown him so much mercy after all these years, after countless arguments and holding the younger woman every time she began to destroy things so she could hurt him instead. Use her anger against him, with permission, but while he let her do that, he also watched over her two children, at the time when he met them the eldest, Avery was 8 and the youngest, Rosealina was 6. 

It didn’t take long for the children to start calling him dad, only because he assumed he was allowed to stay or Megan meant what she said; she felt it’d be more tortuous if he were to stay alive and live in her realm. He couldn’t say that taking her to bed every so often was bad at all, it normally went she asked him to do it and he’d say yes, what is done is done and they go to their own beds.

That night was different, she asked him to just stay by her for that night. Declaring that it would only be that night. She was probably right, she always showed her distaste towards the man and their relationship wasn’t the healthiest, especially as her coping mechanism was asking Drautos into her bed and they’d do what they usually did.

Drautos slowly got up from the bed and got dressed and walked out the room before turning and looking at her. She had made a groan hearing him get up but she turned on her side and reached her arm forward sounding disappointed as she couldn’t feel Drautos under her arm. Drautos sighed and walked over and grabbed her arm and got close to her ear.

“I’m going to make breakfast Megan. Come down when you’re awake ok?” He used his free hand and gently caressed her face.

He stood up and walked downstairs, Rose was trying to make eggs, Avery was standing by her and watching her to make sure she didn’t burn the house down. They both looked up, Rose smiling brightly.

“Heya dad!” Her head was forced to turn to the pan by Avery.

“Watch out before you burn yourself dear sister.” Avery scolded her, his white werewolf ears twitched slightly. “Also we have like…10 minutes before we gotta leave so hurry up, I’m hungry and have a guard club after school.”

“Be patient, shadow boy.” She scolded as well finishing the eggs and made a couple egg sandwiches for them both.

Avery glared out of her, not out of real anger or annoyance but one of he just wanted food, and was really hungry. He took the sandwich and it felt in meer seconds it was gone, Rose looked at him blankly before taking a bite of her sandwich.

“We gotta go dad- seeya after school…do we have more training today?” Avery asked, looking at Drautos.

“You? No. Rose? Oh yes, she really needs to train today.

Rose groaned and began to walk towards the door grabbing her bag, “You nearly broke her last time!” The her she spoke of was her weapon, it was a scythe but also a gun…in the simplest of words.

“She was fine, after John fixed her up.” Avery responded, opening the front door, “Come on let dad do what he needs to do.”

Rose begrudgingly followed her brother out the door and closed it behind her and the two headed for the bus stop. Drautos looked around the kitchen rummaging through the pantry, grabbing bread, some sugar and cinnamon, and going to the fridge for eggs, milk, and bacon. He began to make breakfast after putting on an apron, one that the kids had made for them a few years prior for father’s day. He put on quiet music as he cooked, not wanting to disturb Megan.

Megan soon walked down as he finished up cooking. She looked at the food letting out a hum of appreciation before grabbing a piece of bacon and eating it. Her hair lately had been turning white. When he saw her when she was 20 she only had a strip of white now that she was 32 a majority of her hair was white. She looked up at him before looking away.

“So last night…one time thing?” She mumbled softly.

“That all depends on you Megan.” He shrugged as he served up the food and handed her a plate, “I got dishes today, you working again?”

“Ah yeah, just meeting with my uncle, said he wanted to meet with me which is strange but I don’t care to question that tyrant.” She took the plate and leaned against the kitchen counter as she began to eat. “I love when you make french toast…it’s so good.” 

“Thank you.” He took his plate and ate as well, “Don’t you feel something is…off?” He raised an eyebrow.

“I mean…Norah came here recently if that’s what you meant?”

“No no she’s been here since 2016 anyway, it’s…nevermind just eat I’m sure you have to go soon. I was wondering if you would mind if I took you to dinner tonight? On me of course.”

She smirked slightly, “Never gonna turn down someone paying for me to eat with them. Sure but who’ll take care of the kids?”

“They’re old enough they could just stab or shoot the intruders.” He said half jokingly but also, not jokingly. The children were not to be messed with even though they were young they had started training at the age of 8 years old. They had 7 years of training under their belt and knew how to defend themselves.

Megan nodded, she finished eating before looking at him one last time before heading upstairs and changing into her day clothes. She had her hair up in a ponytail as she left the house, Drautos was left alone; left to do the chores that needed to be done that day.

A few hours later, Zane Ro’meave was calling him, what did that man want? A bad taste had been left in his house after finding out the man had abused the child name Kirby that he had taken in after he had watched his father be killed by the Shadow Lord. But the two still had a deal, one of which no one else knew.

“Drautos.” 

“It’s Megan, look at the tv.” Zane spoke rather frantically.

Drautos made a face of confusion before grabbing the remote and turned on the tv, his eyes widening as he saw Megan on screen, wearing a dress she had not otherwise worn ever in her life. Megan had her hands clasped together as she looked over at the crowd she stood in front of.

Ashton Megan Evans is here to deliver a speech to the people of Niflheim on the request of King Notch Reynolds. The reporter started, the woman had consented to the speech earlier this morning and people gathered excitedly to hear the woman’s words of wisdom as daughter of Aera Valkrum.

Megan began to speak, opening her mouth as if the words came naturally to her.

“People of Niflheim, I am here today, standing in front of you all, as once upon a time my mother had led a rebellion against this kingdom. I look to recreate that, as an act of defiance, I do not hide the fact that I dislike my uncle and his actions. The king is a fool, and I, Megan Evans will do anything I can to guarantee freedom for all of Ru’aun, not just Niflheim and not just the potential kingdom of O’krana. I swear as the daughter of the goddess of healing, I will do this. Free us from the oppression of his majesty.” She let a smile shine through, Notch who stood near had a face of clear anger and annoyance. His face twisting.

“Megan…”Drautos mumbled still on the phone but his eyes were fixed on the screen, staring at it like it was the only thing that mattered.

People in the crowd began to cheer, “I promise this time of darkness is temporary, and if we are patient and have hope…if we hold onto our dreams, we will succeed and we will be stronger than ever, we will win this…bless you all.” She nodded her head towards the people.

Shortly after, she was grabbed and seemed to be taken inside. She didn’t fight it, was that meeting what Notch had planned? Take Megan and have her do a speech in his favor? As if she would speak kindly of that man she was always outspoken. Drautos stood up from the couch and looked down at his phone.

“I’m going to get her.” He hung up before Zane could respond, seeing as they only had one car, he grabbed his sword and bolted towards the castle. The one that looked like the citadel, that reminded him of all the sins he had committed, of all the pain and suffering he had caused, a place he disliked being around because it reminded him of what he shouldn’t have done.

He ran, even when his legs began to feel like they were on fire he couldn’t stop. He needed to make sure she was safe. Make sure she made it home that night, to see her children, to see the day tomorrow. He couldn’t betray her trust, he had promised her shortly after he arrived there that he’d protect her and the children and he refused to betray her, unless he was forced to. He would protect her even if meant turning to another side but that wouldn’t happen now or ever, he got closer to the castle bobbing and weaving around the groups of people that were still there.

He spotted Luche and ran over grabbing him by his shirt, “Where is Megan? Do you know?” he asked in a calm manner but his face was painted in panic.

“No, unfortunately no. Only the captain and Notch knows. I’m sure Puffy will tell you where they put the princess. She’s safe either way.” Luche responded. “Notch knows what you’ll do if she is harmed and I would hate to see this kingdom destroyed.” He said the last part sarcastically.

Drautos nodded, letting him go and walking up the stairs pushing past guards and walking inside and began to wander the halls, looking for any sign of Puffy or miraculously find Megan. The halls weren’t busy that day, the occasional guard didn’t give him a second look, not bothered to realize a man like him was in there. Puffy was standing outside a door she looked up at him, her eyes widened.

“Drautos?” She raised an eyebrow, “Oh by the six…” She muttered.

“Where’s Megan?” He demanded.

“In here…look I can’t let you take her just yet.” She said, lowering her voice.

“What?” His face was enraged, “What do you mean not yet?” He began to raise his voice.

“I can’t just let her go, the king will get mad at me. He’s mad at Caligo still for voicing in the Final Fantasy 15 game. What do you think he’ll do to me if he finds out that I just let you take Megan?” She raised an eyebrow.

“But she’s.” He let out a groan, “She’s her own person she shouldn’t be trapped like a caged princess.”

“That’s ironic coming from you Drautos.” Puffy crossed her arms.

Drautos inhaled sharply and looked away, “So what. You want me to fight you. Defeat you so I can save her?” 

“Pretty much. Look I won’t even really try.” She spoke, drawing her weapon, Drautos followed suit looking at her with doubt.

The two got into position before both charging at each other, Puffy clearly had let her guard down but in reality she didn’t need to as Drautos slashed at her using a hand to grab her throw her down and she landed on her stomach letting out a gasp of pain as she hit the ground hard knocked out.

“You really didn’t need to go easy on me.” He stated, “Thank you…” He went to the door finding it was already unlocked, he opened the door and saw Megan sitting by the window staring out longingly.

“I have no interest in speaking to you, Notch.”

Drautos chuckled softly and began to walk over to her, “Good thing I’m not him. Now am I?” He put a hand on his hip.

Megan looked up and turned her head to look at him, “Drautos you…came?” She was clearly taken aback.

He nodded, “Would you rather be locked up here? I don’t think you’d fair well- oof .” He was suddenly hugged tightly by Megan who just held onto him tight.

“Thank you…” She muttered, “I just want to go.” She grumbled.

“Of course, princess.” He spoke softly.

“Thought you only called me that in bed.”

“Megan…let’s keep that talk at home.” He said a light blush coming to his face.

The two left the room and Megan led him to a secret passage one the ex-prince named Rylan had found when he was younger the only other person who knew about it was Herobrine. Who hadn’t been in that passageway since he was a young boy, before the attack of the Shadow King. Now it was rather dusty and filled with cobwebs, it was rather dark as the two didn’t have anything to light up the secret way.

*two years later, one year before the chosen king returns May 1st 2020/765 ME*

Megan was at her sister, Katelyn and Zane’s estate, she was in the ballroom-like area. She had come there purely because of boredom, Drautos, now Captain Drautos once more was working and Herobrine, her father now King of O’krana forced her to take an off day to relax as lately the stress of potential treaty signing between Niflheim and O’krana loomed over her head deeply. She practiced her steps for a slow dance, humming as she listened to the music through her headphones.

She moved through the steps slowly, occasionally twirling until she felt an unfamiliar presence she looked up and towards the entrance way seeing Ravus, but he didn’t feel like Ravus, it was a dark aura, even though Ravus was a shadow knight now, his aura didn’t feel like that. She tilted her head.

“Ravus, what are you doing here? I thought you were still working…”

“It’s been awhile, hasn’t it. Right, Ashton?” 

Her eyes widened, Ravus hadn’t called her that since they met and she promptly and albeit perhaps rudely told him that she preferred Megan and that he better remember it or else. She was aggressive at the time, but that’s how the young commander was now, as a 34 year old she was calmer, as calm as she can get anyway until this moment.

“Who the hell are you?” She glared. “An agent sent by the demon warlock? Or…” The gears began to turn in her head, who else could switch their appearance and be able to speak unlike the imps. “ Adagium. ” Ardyn Lucis Caelum.

He let out a low chuckle before turning to his normal appearance, “Please princess, call me by my real name. I’m sure you know it. Being a goddess I’m sure you know my proper name.”

“Why the hell are you here?” This felt similar, in the not good way, like the fight against Ardyn and Regis. The DLC she had seen when her children played the game, that bastard. She summoned her weapon.

“You look exactly like your mother, Aera correct? Funny she has the name of my dead fiancee I wonder why she has that name, perhaps she chose it? She is the same age as my Aera.” He began to move closer to the young woman.

Megan kept her weapon at the ready, refusing to look away from him. Ardyn kept a smile upon his face, sickening to see, frowning as he saw she would not be giving up easily, he let out a sigh rolling his eyes. Summoning his weapon as well, the red blade glimmered as the sunlight came into the room.

“Fine, if you wish to be that way…then so be it princess.” He thrusted his hand forward royal arms charging at her.

Megan attempted a dodge but winced in pain as she felt her body be cut by multiple weapons, she wouldn’t back down. She couldn’t not when potentially people depended on her, not when Drautos still needed her, her kids; no, their kids. She needed to make sure Rose and Avery had both parents, she couldn’t die here. She’d come back yes but who knows how long she’d be gone. She couldn’t risk it, not here, not now.

She quickly regained composure and ran towards Ardyn, their swords clashing together the shrieking of the blade rang loud in her ears, she stepped back and swung her sword cutting Ardyn’s arm, watching as the cut regenerated almost instantly, while her own wounds were slow to regenerate. She growled lowly and went for another hit but not before he got her side. She winced in pain but kept attacking, blood hitting the floor, but it was only her blood. 

Ardyn found the opportunity to hit her once more but before he could she had teleported to the other side of the room. Pulling her phone out and dialing Katelyn immediately who was no doubt teaching a class, she waited quickly trying to figure out the next part of her plan. When Katelyn picked up she started to talk.

“Ardyn is here. At the mansion someone needs to come. I can't fight him. I’m fucking screwed and I don’t want to die here. He wants you Katelyn I-” She winced in pain as she felt a hit on her back.

“Oh I don’t intend to kill you, what fun would be in that, Ashton?” He asked, raising an eyebrow.

“My name is Megan!” She yelled dropping the phone on the ground, hitting once more with her sword soon their weapons connecting again. 

She didn’t know when it happened but she was on the ground breathing heavily weakened. She was going to die wasn’t she? Alone, due to a man who had nothing left to lose anymore, she felt tears rise to her eyes which left as soon as she felt him kick her side, letting out a cry of pain she looked up at him, her eyes filled with hatred and regret.

“Come on, where is your dear sister? Thought she would be here the instant she heard my name come out of your mouth.” He kicked her once more, making her grunt in pain. Like he did with Regis. He dug his foot into her stomach making her groan in pain. Until she stopped moving.

“Oh dear…not again. I keep underestimating my strength, it seems.” He spoke as he bent down and picked up her limp hand and dropped it, “Well she’s not dead that’s for sure but she is rather close…”

He stood up raising his sword but not before he heard metallic footsteps running towards him along with two other pairs of footsteps. As he turned he smirked seeing the new and improved General Glauca, rushing at him letting out a cry raising his sword. 

“Stay away from her!” He yelled out as he ran towards him before the Ardyn side stepped away ten feet.

Zane and Katelyn had followed closely behind, once Ardyn was away from Megan the two ran to her side and immediately used a potion forcing the passed out woman to drink it. Katelyn held her up as Zane poured the potion down her throat. Mumbling words to her, Glauca was enraged, upon seeing Ardyn all he saw was red. He didn’t second guess his attacks, just swung at the man.

“I truly didn’t mean to offend.” Ardyn spoke with faux hurt. “I simply wanted to meet her sister and she attacked. Is it such a crime that I attacked back?”

“No more lies!” He growled and swung at Ardyn missing, Ardyn was suddenly up on a balcony overlooking the ballroom.

“It was nice seeing you all, it really was…but I’m afraid this is more than I anticipated…pleased to meet you Princesses. Wonderful to see you once more General Glauca and suppose it’s nice to meet you High Priest Zane.”

Glauca went to throw his sword at Ardyn of which by the time his sword made it up there, the starscourge incarnate had disappeared. He let out a sigh and touched where a watch would be and he was back to his normal Drautos state. He ran over to Megan who was starting to come to.

“Megan, are you hurt?” he asked, “Please be ok…” He muttered, “I don’t want to lose my second in command.” He held her close as Katelyn let her go and stepped away with Zane to give the two space.

“Yeah…but Katelyn poured that potion down my throat so I should be ok…you care about me a lot really.”

“Of course I do, you idiot.” He sighed, “You…helped me see the error of my ways. As cliche as that sounds, I do truly care for you.” He whispered.

Megan smiled slightly at him, occasionally showing pain in her face for a few moments. Drautos held her, staying silent, Katelyn and Zane left the room staying close in case the old fool had tried to come back to mess with Megan once more.

Megan eventually reached up to his face and pulled his head in close, their lips connecting. Drautos made a sound of surprise but didn’t pull away. He deepened the kiss wrapping his arms tighter around her, a few moments later he pulled away their faces bright red.

“Megan…”

“Thank you for saving me again…my captain in shining armor.” She giggled softly, wincing in pain. “Fuck he did a number on me didn’t he.”

“It appears he did…let’s get back home I’ll get the kids today. Or they can walk home. I don't need you doing something stupid and hurting yourself…”

Megan nodded in agreement and let Drautos pick her up, the two were taken home by Zane. Megan leaned into Drautos, slowly falling asleep when he wrapped an arm around her, Zane looked in the front mirror and smiled as he saw the two being comfortable. He stayed silent, dropping them at her house. He looked out the window making sure the two got inside safe, Drautos turned to Zane.

“Thanks old man. Keep off that bad leg or I may have to call you Regis.” He joked.

“Oh screw you, wait…you’re older than me!” Zane looked offended, “Gods you’re annoying. Be safe…both of you.”

“You’ve grown soft Zane.”

“So have you Drautos.”

Drautos nodded, “I know. See you later.” He got into the house.

The rest of the day was spent laying in bed with Megan, getting things for her or helping her go places when she needed to, and to tell the kids they needed to walk home that day. Who knew that was the last few weeks of peace before the treaty signing. Drautos had been keeping calm recently even though he had been planning with the captain of Niflheim’s guard on how to bring down the kingdom. He’d suggested the same plan that was used during the fall of Insomnia; this time it was just to weaken Notch, the kingdom wouldn’t be brought down as easily as Lucis.

He kissed Megan's head and that night fell asleep peacefully, knowing that this time they would indeed have a brighter future. One free of tyrants and free of oppression so that the people he now cared about could have freedom. Now he fought for people, not his home for that is gone, his home is wherever Megan is; that is where his loyalties lie and will continue to lie.

Chapter Text

*August 29th, 768 ME 2 years after the death of King Noctis Lucis Caelum, Year 12 of Norah Lucis Caelum’s reign* 

She was in Niflheim for her birthday, the place where it all started. Her life, her first steps, words, experiments, pain, things she can’t even remember now as a 32-year-old whether she genuinely forgot or it was lodged so far in the back of her head it would never see the light of day. She was in her room, it had been untouched even after all this time, walking into the bathroom staring at the mirror that still was shattered, staring down at her hands that were scarred from that event along with parts on her arms.

“That was some crazy shit back then…I acted like a child at 20 years old…arguably I still act like one. Maybe I’ll never grow up. I’m a queen and still struggle to lead the people…what would Regis say or…” She didn’t dare finish her sentence.

She left the room, walking around the desolate halls of Zegnautus Keep. 

“Well dad, you’ll be happy to know that there's an heir to the Niflheim Empire and that is Solara, or we call her Sol or rather lately Empress Sol. She recently decided to take up that mantle, I personally hope she does well, she’s a smart kid.” She spoke aloud, in the very empty keep. “12th year of me being officially queen technically or is it year two since Noct was king for a day or so. I have yet to decide on that.”

She let out a shaky sigh, feeling tears rise to her eyes, “I miss you two, y’know? Why’d the gods have to take you both from me? Why didn’t Noct let me take his place? I certainly would be happier and Lucis would have a true ruler. I mean doesn’t this mean there is still Starscourge? I’m the last one to have it, ever? Yet, the gods won't let me have my ever so wanted death. I have no one. I feel zero connections with his friends…but perhaps that’s because I chased them away because I…I fucked up.” She admitted out loud.“Not even Ignis stayed. I’m no better than you. Which makes sense because I am you after all, right?”

She had made it to the old laboratory of old man Verstael Besithia, she shuddered at the lack of everything she knew 12 years ago. Suddenly memories flood her eyes, the good, the bad, and the worst of it all. She sighed, wiping her eyes, tears were useless at this point, no one would be there to dry them only herself, could she even do that? Or would a poor citizen of her kingdom fall victim to her daemonification? Would it have been better for her to stay there for the rest of her days? To exile herself and make sure no one is harmed, to make sure no one has to deal with the worst ruler in the line of Lucis. 

She really wasn’t meant to be happy, was she, was her purpose to live life on this star and do whatever she was told by the gods and just obey like her father did. It was the only way he could die but who could kill her in this world? No one. Part of this time anyway, maybe history was doomed to repeat, she remembered a silly little game roleplay she watched, the anarchist of the server told a story of a man who had saved his people yet he was exiled and branded as a monster.

“Good things don’t happen to heroes. That’s what I should’ve learned a long time ago.” 

She blinked and suddenly was on the top of Zegnautus Keep, the snow had long since vanished after the dawn returned. She looked down at the bare ground, the sun had changed positions in the sky, did she lose track of time again? Is it her brain protecting her once more, not the best place to take her then.

She felt her legs buckle beneath her and she hit the ground catching herself with her arms on her knees. She stayed down on the ground, feeling her breath quicken anger rising up in her. Letting out a daemonic cry of anguish, heartbreak, and just wanting to leave. Miasma surrounded her, the sclera turning black with pure scourge dripping down her face. She didn’t even recognize her scream as her own, as everything turned black.

When she opened her eyes she was in that damned beyond, even though the crystal was no more it didn’t keep Bahamut from speaking to the young woman. She looked up at him, face twisted in confusion. Which slowly turned into anger, she clenched her fists.

“Why am I here? What is the purpose of this? Why am I still alive? I doubt you need a Lucis Caelum. So why the hells am I alive? Is it to be some sort of plaything for you? Huh!” She asked but got no answer, “Answer me damnit! I want some sort of answer!”

Norah Lucis Caelum, you still have not figured out your calling.

“Why must I play the guessing game? You mean my calling isn’t to live in this hell? To watch everyone I love and care about leave me? Then what is it? Please tell because I fucking give up. I just wish for death, I have been since I was a child. Since I was ten-years-old, only to find out I’m immortal that there is no way to kill me. You know how sick that is of you ?” She growled lowly, “I know you can. Just kill me. Do it! Give me the death I have been craving for 22 years” She begged shouting, “I am so very tired.” She looked down, “Give me some purpose at least, not a worthless queen of a worthless kingdom.” 

Bahamut stared at her eerily quiet. So be it. He spoke curtly, suddenly a chokingly light surrounded her, letting out sudden gasps for breath. It felt like she was drowning but without water and then suddenly it had gone dark momentarily, when she opened her eyes she was in a field of wheat. Noctis was leaning against a tree, one that during the days where he was in the crystal they spoke together, it had been what, 2 years since they had spoken in that little area.

She looked at Noctis, “Noct…guess you want to talk about how much of a failed queen I am right? How I bring shame to…the bloodline how I am a terrible person for pushing away everyone.” She muttered sitting down.

“No, not really, it’s just how life is y’know? It’s…never been good for you I mean remember when you were sent to that one world and you told me you were being forced to marry some king? You didn’t even like him at all.”

“It was to stop a war…” She mumbled, “It didn’t even really work out.”

“So, you were just given a bad batch of cards like that one game you forced me to play…um.”

“Yu-gi-oh!” Norah finished.

“Yeah that game, I was really bad at that one…” He chuckled softly but stopped when he saw she wasn’t laughing or even smiling for that matter, “Besides I bet the guy’s don’t really hate you. I can watch them up here basically, they're worried for you…”

“If they were truly worried they wouldn’t have distanced themselves so much. They could’ve tried…I take medicine like my therapist and psychiatrist have tried to have me on. They don’t work…”

“Norah, do you even remember to take them all the time? You barely remembered to eat back when we were younger, I doubt you took them like you should.”

Norah grumbled, Noctis was right, as he usually was about those kinds of things. “They didn’t work…”

“How long did you take them?”

“A week…”

“And in that week…?
“It was the best I could function in a long time but I was still a mess. I’m just a monster Noctis, that's all it is.”

Noctis rolled his eyes, “Well I don’t think you’re a monster…” They heard the bells toll loudly, “Guess this is goodbye again, for now anyway.” He smiled at her.

“Right, bye.” She watched as she faded from the world, and then she was falling. She screamed as she wasn’t falling like she usually did, her phasing that she had wasn’t working. 

She felt the wind passing through her red-wine hair, panicking, wait she wanted to die. Maybe this was her- Then she hit the ground, her landing was softened by landing on a person. Her screaming had stopped, and she groaned as she tried to get up.

“Oh shit.” She grumbled softly, “Oh fuck I fell on someone. Uh…” She studied the person she had fallen on, it was a young man? She couldn’t tell how old he was, only that he was much taller than her- except she felt taller? She studied her body, exploring her face, her ears, were pointed? The hells? Was she an elf or something? She looked back at the boy, he had what appeared to be horns…and scales? Over various parts of his body.

“I hope I didn’t kill him…” She kneeled over him and he opened his eyes, they both screamed, he went to sit up which hit her in the head making her fall backwards holding her head.

“What the fuck!” She yelped, “I am so sorry- I fell on you and I was worried I killed you.” She held out her hand helping him up, “I’m uh Norah…and you are…?”

“Fugetsu…why did you fall out of the sky?” He asked confused, maybe more confused than her.

“Ah that’s…what I’m asking myself really.” She rubbed her neck. “Sorry again for landing on you…do you have any idea where I can get back to um Lucis?” She asked.

“Lucis? We don’t have…anywhere like that around here.” He shook his head, still confused.

Norah sighed and nodded. She looked at him, before suddenly she passed out, Noctis was very right about her forgetting to eat.

When she woke up, she was on a bed, and a towel was on her head, Fugetsu was near her walking around the room silently. Thinking she was still asleep, when he turned he saw her.

“You’re awake! You were burning up, so I brought you inside, you looked…terrible. And I thought you weren’t going to make it. I got you some food so if you’re hungry…” He motioned to the bowl of food.

Norah looked at him hesitantly, then looked at the food and then back at him before she began to eat the food. She didn’t really seem to chew the food or anything, just appearing to swallow it once it hit her mouth. She finished it and set the bowl down, she probably shouldn’t have accepted food from a random stranger she just fell on. But, how could it hurt?

“Thank you Fugetsu…that’s very kind of you.” She smiled, not realizing the tears that were falling down her face at that point.

Chapter Text

*October 31st, 2014, 759 ME 3 years after the fall of Insomnia*

It was her 12th birthday, Dante came in the house with her form trick or treating, she had all the candy one girl could want. For halloween night anyway, she ran inside setting down her cardboard sword and maneuvering gear she had spent much of her free time working on. She had dressed up as a character from Attack on Titan, she had started watching it earlier that same year, she declared it was her favorite anime, and well it was the first one she had watched. Dante wasn’t sure if he liked how gory it was, but all that really mattered was his daughter was happy.

“Hey Danielle come on, eat some birthday cake, Katelyn and Zane brought it over.”

“Cake? And Candy? This is the best birthday ever!” She yelled out and went over to the table. Dante had lit the candles and she stared at it eyes wide, before this year she hadn’t had a birthday cake, for reasons she didn’t really know.

She didn’t notice the sad look Dante gave her as he put his hands on her shoulders, urging her to blow out her candle. She did and soon began to eat the cake, Dante ate as well soon it was time for the long awaited presents.

            Danielle closed her eyes covering them while Dante had gone to the other room.

             “So, since you’re getting older, and you’ve been doing well in sword training I thought…you would enjoy something new. Open your eyes.” He held out in front of her, a pair of swords that were silver, “These were mine when I was training to be a guard…I don’t know if you ever want to be a guard but I think you’re ready for the real thing…”

               Danielle looked at the swords gently, taking them, “Thank you dad!” She hugged him tight after setting the swords to the side, Dante hugged back blinking away the tears that formed in his eyes “This is the best gift ever! I’m not going to be a guard…I will protect the people without the aid of a king! I wanna be my own person…like you!”

                “That’s good sweetie.” Dante ruffled her long blue hair.

                 That was the last good day.

                  Eventually it was time for bed, Danielle got ready and laid down. She was tired from all the candy and the excitement that was her birthday. She had fallen asleep almost immediately, Dante silently walked in, with a shaky hand he rested it upon her head and kissed the top of it. Before he began to walk out of the room.

                   “I’m sorry…may you forgive me…Danielle this is to protect you. I cannot let him take you from me.” He muttered softly and he left the house to gods know where…

                   When Danielle awoke she went to her fathers room, as she always did in the morning when she woke up but didn’t even see any sign it had been slept in at all the night before. She walked around the house calling for her dad but with no response, had he truly abandoned her? What did she do? Was she a bad kid? Why did he leave now, why didn’t he send her to go to someone.

                    She felt anger rise in her throat, before letting out a cry of anger as she suddenly kicked the walk. “Dad!” She called out one last time, “This isn’t funny!” She looked at the table and saw a note running over to it hopeful she opened it.

                      I’m sorry, I cannot tell you why I left but I needed to. For your safety. Go-

                     She had begun to rip up the rest of the note before she finished reading it, she felt so many emotions coursing through her it was overwhelming so many new feelings, thoughts, and questions. She stayed in the house for a few days until food was scarce and people started coming around because the house was ‘abandoned’ she heard them say. She couldn’t stay, she had to run to find a safe place…she ran to the castle with just her swords. She knew better than to trust the king, her dad…no Dante had taught her the king was nothing but trouble, a tyrant.

                      This was the one exception she knew there were…jobs protected by the king if you were young enough and he approved of it, the main ones included…Human trafficking…ew no, most people would never do that job, pays the best but against almost everyone’s morals around not the king though. Clearly.…Assassins guild. That sounds fine being paid to kill the next best thing due to how deadly it can be for the person killing…Thieves Guild pays good if you steal good things but that's more work.

                     She walked into the throne room, getting an audience with the king. She had dried her tears and looked at him, she knew she should bow, but something deep inside told her not to. To just get this over with so she can find a place to call home. She took a deep breath.

                      “I wish to join the assassin’s guild.” She spoke, “I’m…asking for you to allow me to do that.”

                       The king, Notch looked at her as he sat on the throne staring, realizing she was Dante’s child. A small smirk tugged at one side of his lips. “But of course…I can do that for you but why would you want to? You seem so…young.”

                        “My father left.” She spoke simply.

                       “Very well…what is your name young one?”

                         “Danielle.” Soon they discussed the terms and she agreed, luckily being a child she could leave whenever she wanted with no repercussions. 

                          Soon a man walked in and walked over to Danielle. He was a nice looking man, he began to study her, taking note of her dual wielding blades. He put a hand to his chin and nodded.

                         “You seem good enough…I will train you and you’ll become the best assassin ever but what should you be known as surely not Danielle in case you wish to live a normal life…gods you are such a quiet little one.” He began to walk around her thinking, “The silent assassin. Plain but you can make a great name for yourself I’m sure.” He smiled

~December 25th, 2016/ 761 ME~

                        Danielle was taken under her mentor’s wing where she learned how to kill people effectively. Over the next two years she lost most emotions, or felt she did. And was apathetic to the people’s lives she ended, she felt anger in her heart at her father however. But, she couldn’t think about it if she was working all the time to earn her keep at the guild. But when it was 2016 she was excited waiting for the game she was wanting to play, Final Fantasy XV she had snuck a book inside recently that was telling about the history of Eos. She was very intrigued by it all, but most books on the topic had been banned by ~2003. The day she got the game she had put it on her xbox, it was the only one but everyone enjoyed just watching her play.

                         Recently she had just finished playing the game, she was full of emotions and had found a favorite character. Ardyn, in a way she idolized him, except the man he actually is, terrified her although she wouldn’t admit it. Currently she was alone in the guild of the area she was at, surprisingly. She was reading more of the history of Eos, humming softly to herself as she had gotten to the part where Verstael Besithia had gotten a hold of Adagium. Also, during the past two years she had adopted being silent most of the time except for her mentor and a certain friend. Anyone else she either wrote down or used sign language, people just learned how to sign as it was quicker than her writing it down.

                      The room however, felt eerily quiet until she heard footsteps behind her, she slowly closed the book and stood up turning around to face Ardyn Lucis Caelum. Her suddenly jumped in pace as she quickly drew her swords, she glared not speaking, she may have idolized him in game but in real life he could kill her if he really wanted to, and that fucking terrifed her. She held her swords up at the ready.

                    Ardyn let out a dramatic sigh, “My my so defensive. I wasn’t even thinking about hurting you. Ah but are you thinking about hurting me? Or perhaps you want to be me?” He raised an eyebrow curiously laughing as he saw her snarl, “Oh you are just so cautious and scared it's adorable.”

                    “Well you are Ardyn…” she muttered, “You are dangerous…but then again so am I. But I could never beat you and you know that if you wanted to hurt or daemonify me you would’ve done so when my back was turned…”

                  “Then why are your swords still up?” He questioned as he began to walk towards her slowly, “If you know what I could do.”

“Well, you’re also fairly unpredictable or I am currently dealing with major paranoia and you’re just an image conjured up by my mind from a lack of sleep…” She muttered the last bit under her breath.

Ardyn stopped and stared in the other’s eyes, his amber colored eyes boring into her deep blue eyes, there was anger, pain, and loneliness in her eyes, a girl who had clearly lost all she held close, rather recently as well. A girl forced to take on a job because if she didn’t she’d either be in a system she’d probably age out of or go work for the king. Neither had clearly been appealing to the girl. Did she not have people who also cared for her? Or did she find them traitors for the reason as to why she lost whoever she did lose.

“If you don’t mind, why did you choose a life like this?” Ardyn asked, “Wouldn’t you rather have a much more peaceful life?” He watched as she lowered her weapons with caution.

“Because I had no other option, my father left. My mother is gods knows where…and the people I know probably didn’t notice that I left, they don’t ever talk to my father or I often. Only for my birthday since it lands on the stupidest holiday of the year.” Anger plagued her voice as she spat out the word holiday, she glared at Ardyn, “Now, I’d appreciate it if you had left. Please.” Her voice cracked, her face may have been portrayed as being rather emotionless but when she did speak which was rare, it was full of emotion, all the pain that she held inside due which never saw the light of day behind her mask.

Ardyn let out a sigh and held up his hands, “Fine. But, I feel this won’t be our only meeting, Danielle the Silent Assassin. Fare well.” 

He seemed to disappear, Danielle stood still looking around the room, before putting her swords away, letting out a sigh of relief, feeling as if she could breathe once more. She went to her room, which she shared with another person and laid down after setting her swords to the side, she looked up at the ceiling, putting her arms above her head.

She began to ponder what the hell just happened, a conversation that was so quick but felt like it had taken ages to get on with. For the man to end up not doing anything at all in the end, he just left when she asked. Did he see something in her? Too bad she was too damn tired to even care at that moment really, but the last sentence. Would she see him again? What even was his purpose in coming to this world?

She let out a small grunt as she felt something hit her stomach, she looked down and saw a stuffed animal. She gasped seeing it was a cat and hugged it tightly, looking over to her roommate and current best friend Lyla. She smiled slightly and nodded towards her, signing a simple “thank you,” along with; “ merry christmas, I got you some candy while I was out.”

“Aw thanks girl, You didn’t need to. That’s sweet…literally I will enjoy it very well. Want some?”

Danielle shook her head, “ Too sweet. Not my thing.”

“Ah alright, I’ll save you a few pieces just in case. Hey finish that Final Fantasy XV game yet? Badass right? Who do you like best?

Danielle nodded, “ Ardyn. ” She shrugged casually.

“Him? Well, you certainly have a taste in characters, make sense actually you do like Neo from RWBY. So it all checks out, personally I like Aranea, she’s so cool, I wanna be like her one day, after I turn 18, hey wanna join me?”

Danielle stared at her, “You know I don’t hold loyalties at all so it’s a maybe.”

“You hurt me-” She put a hand to her chest in fake hurt and Danielle just laughed at her before laying back down and closing her eyes. “Night.”

~October 30th, 2018/ 763 ME 7 years after the fall of Insomnia~
Danielle and her friends: Kirby, Alice, Zaney, Belle, Garrett, Grace, Evany, Katie, and Kate, had just saved Emma, their friend who had been forced for months on end to research ancient books for a shadow knight who had possessed Alison Ro’meave. It was a whole ordeal that took place, in the end to make it simple, they won, and the shadow knight, Alissanda or Ali, was taken into official custody of the Ro’meaves to be watched over to be hopefully brough to good.

Emma had also met Zane Ro’meave, the man who killed her father and inadvertently killed her mother. But she had set that aside and afraid of hiding, deciding she wanted to befriend him. They were now all at the Ro’meave mansion, in the ballroom-like room, everyone having set up bed rolls so they could sleep like one huge slumber party even though the day was drawing near.

Danielle snuck outside, life had changed for her a lot, she escaped the assassin’s guild and was taken in by her uncle Gene. She had begun to be more talkative but still preferred interaction through her signing. Zaney had learned how to read sign language as they had met online a year prior to her being taken in so he had already known her for a decent amount of time. But, she made it a habit to speak vocally. Recently, she had cut her hair, bob length but she was able to put her hair into two buns, which was how she currently likes them.

She looked around, looking at the sun beginning to rise in the distance, she heard footsteps approaching her, not taking any interest in who was coming towards her she stayed looking in the direction. She noticed the slightly flowy clothing, the smell of wood and slight stench of daemons.

“It’s been awhile hasn’t it. And you’ve seem to have turned your life around. And you’ve cut your hair? Wow you’ve surely changed. Miss Danielle.”

“Mmm…Ardyn surprised you’re still around.” She muttered softly, “What are you doing here?”

“It is such a lovely morning isn’t it? I heard the chancellor of Niflheim is speaking soon. It would be nice to listen to Miss Izunia’s speech, hmm? I wonder what she has to say.” He replied.

“Norah hasn’t spoken to me in months, not since I stopped going to the castle, Ardyn.” She spoke plainly, “So I have no clue what she’s going to speak about. Probably about the fact that Notch is letting Herobrine have a kingdom…He’s looking for war.”

“What an astute observation. So your little oracle friend?”

“She doesn’t have a clue.” She turned towards him, “So don’t try to start shit. Alright? We would like our oracle alive.”

“Tch, you act like I would want to hurt her, and here I thought you knew me.” A smirk formed on his lips, pulling at the ends of his lips.

“You are the same man who stabbed Lady Lunafreya are you not?” She raised an eyebrow, “I may idolize your character, and I know what kinda person that makes me. I don’t hide it. But, I idolize your character. Not you as a real person. Got it?” She glared at him.

“Oh, I hear you loud and clear, but I’m afraid you may not be totally truthful about what you say.”

She rolled her eyes, “Whatever, I’m changing or well, trying to. I can’t act like a kid anymore.” She crossed her arms, “So what if I tell a little white lie? In the end it won’t matter if I end up a better person than expected.” 

Ardyn let out a chuckle, Danielle just let out a huff of annoyance quickly turning away and began to walk away back to the house. Her arms crossed in front of her chest as the cool air finally began to chill her body, snow had begun to fall once more as she walked through the already ankle deep snow.

When she turned to check behind her the man had already disappeared. She rolled her eyes and made it back inside, Zane and Emma were chatting together; probably explaining her whole life story up until the time they properly met. Danielle tilted her head, Oracles had bad luck, she stared at Emma wondering what was so different about her when her Mother Emmalyn hadn’t even known she was an oracle so Emma never had that chance of finding out. She laid on her bedroll after kicking off her boots, she fell asleep nearly immediately dozing off into her sleep, until she was woken up by young Kaiya, who was currently 4 years old pulling at her hands wanting her to get up to play.

“Dang it Kaiya…it’s too early…” She grumbled

“But Uncle Drautos is here and he brought Donuts.” She said pouting, having some jelly on her nose from a donut she had eaten already.

“Donuts ey?” Danielle sighed, “Damnit Drautos…he knows how to get us all up at one time. Fine, fine. Then we can play. Little brat.” She poked her nose, getting up and then being dragged to a table that had been set up which indeed had donuts on it. Then again the little one couldn’t lie for any reason.

She enjoyed the donuts with her friends and then immediate training with Drautos…always a catch with that man. But, this time they had Emma join them officially, using her potion filled balls. She helped them against Drautos’ strength, Danielle used her agility to attack him finding sneaky ways to attack him. 

After their intense training they relaxed for the day, playing games inside, eventually Tommy joined in Kirby invited him over after their training was over, the slightly younger boy brought extra light and joy into the room, eventually convincing everyone someone should play Final Fantasy XV, mostly the Episode Prompto DLC which Danielle gladly obliged to doing.

Chapter Text

~November 1st 2018~

Emma was taking her annual trip to Phoenix Drop, although it had been 15 years since anyone inhabited it, after Shad had cursed everyone into going forward in time essentially. The town had been crumbling for years never seeming to get better, she walked through the roads taking her first stop at her parents house. 

**

Emmalyn and Kenmur had their lives ended criminally short. Her father died at the hands of Zane Ro’meave and her mother died in a foolish attempt to bring Kenmur back. Zane had told her she couldn’t bring him back, and he was right. She couldn’t and in the end it cost her life, leaving Zane to decide the fate of a baby girl who was only 3 months old. He wanted to kill her but at the last second he saw something in her eyes that made him change his mind, and he left her at a random person’s doorstep.

Or He thought it was random. General Ivy. She had been stationed in Ru’aun in that area during that time and was very surprised to see a baby with purple eyes and blonde hair at her door. She took her in, not like she had a choice. Perhaps the child could be a useful asset to the king. But, Ivy eventually fled the army and had become a target of the king that not even hiding underneath the king's noses helped. Luckily the last attack had been when Emma was 8 and Ivy’s biological daughter Evany, was 6.

**

Emma sighed as she looked around the house walking into a room that clearly was supposed to be for a baby.

“Jeez…” She muttered, “They were ready…they knew and then she was…” She shook her head, “At least Zane has changed for the better- I hope…” Her fingers traced the intricate carving of the crib.

She looked at the books still scattered, time felt frozen as if the day her mother was kidnapped had just barely happened. She felt something zap through her however, shaking off the feeling quickly leaving the house. She walked around the old village taking her time as she walked through.

She closed her eyes remembering the conversation she and Zane had on the night of her rescue from Ali.

***

She had walked over to him after everything was said and done. Ali was in restraints until she had calmed down. She stared at him, her eyes boring into his, it was an uncomfortable feeling for both of them. Zane wanted to look away but he couldn't, her violet eyes reminded him so much of Emmalyn.

“It’s been what. 17 years since you saw me last? Since you…left me on my mom’s well, Ivy’s doorstep?’

“Yeah-” He nodded, “Emma…I know you probably won’t forgive me but I am truly sorry for the pain I had caused your parents and inadvertently you-” He gasped as she hugged him tightly.

“I already forgive you Zane…” She whispered. “I never hated you…nor feared you. Staying hidden was purely because I wanted to wait until you were actually wanting to change. And I think you do so…if I may ask. Can I help you?”

Zane looked at her his eyes softening as he looked at her speechless, he stared at her, “Yeah- sure. I think…I’m ready for Katelyn. Since a certain someone won’t let me marry her until I clean up my act.”

“Can’t have a shitty person marry my sister.” Kirby said from a distance, “So yes. Please change and then you can marry her.” He smiled brightly.

“Eugh…fine I’ll change. Wait so for the series…who’s been voicing…Emmalyn and Kim?”

Emma smiled, “Yours truly.” She did a quick bow. “Mom’s voice isn’t that different from mine.”

“I can see that now-”

“Hey you two- It’s freezing and we wanna go home.” Kirby yelled out.

Snow had begun to fall, it wasn’t unusual for it to snow around that time, Emma and Zane laughed. They all quickly decided it was time for a massive sleepover at Zane’s place. As Alice, Zaney, Alice, Alison, Kirby and now Ali lived there. They all headed there Kirby fell asleep in the front seat, Zane glanced over at the sleeping child smiling. Then realizing he felt his mask wasn’t even on his face. 

“Hey- which one of you took my mask off?’

“Emma-”

“Hey you look less threatening that way. Besides, it's hard to read your expressions. Just try it, Zane.”

Zane grunted and drove home shaking his head slightly.

***

She walked into the forest area quickly stopping as she heard branches break, she hid behind a tree grabbing a spherical ball from her bag and holding it up, she peered out and saw a handsome man with blonde hair and blue eyes he appeared to only maybe be in his 30s. He wore an outfit that was oddly familiar. The colors mostly being red and black with the metal looking parts seeming to protect him from potential harm. She looked at the gloves that encompassed half his arm and she gasped going back behind the tree.

Pulling out her phone she quickly dialed Ravus.

Emma? What’s wrong? You never call.

“Shit sorry wrong number, maybe you’re good to call actually…I don’t know, but Uh Besithia is here.”

Say that again? I don’t think I heard you correctly…Verstael Besithia? A man who honestly seemed deader than I was.

“Yes- Don’t tell Norah. Not yet, let me…call Kirby.”

You have my word. Click.

She sighed and peered out from the tree but Besithia was no longer there, her face contorted in confusion. Until she turned to face him who was standing right behind her she yelped impulsively throwing the sphere and it hit a tree seeming to freeze it. Besithia quickly turned to look at it, a smile tugging at his lips as he saw the new sight.

“That is marvelous- what is this?” He walked over to the tree and touched the ice covering the tree bark.

“You don’t even care I almost froze you…” She muttered, “Definitely the old man…” She pushed herself up off the ground, “Hey.” She spoke watching as he turned, “Verstael Besithia right?”

“Indeed, and you are?” He asked.

“Emma, Emma Scholaris.” She looked at him, “how the fuck are you alive…on all accounts you should be dead…You made yourself into…The Immortalis- how are you here?!” She grabbed onto his shoulders the two looking at each other awkwardly before she stepped away clearing her throat, “Apologies.”

“It’s fine but, if I’ll be honest I don’t know how I’m here I saw a snake eyed man and-”

“Gods dammit…not again.” She cursed under her breath putting a hand to her forehead, “We need to get you out of here…” She grumbled, “I can come back at a later date.”

“What exactly were you doing here?”

“Ah, visiting my parents grave.”

“But, you seem so…young.”

“Yeah well, dad died before I was born and mom died trying to bring him back when I was like 3 months old.” She shrugged, “Shit happens.” She began to walk and Besithia followed close behind.

“Your son is here. Tommy? If you even remember him…”

His head perked up, “Tommy? He’s here?” He smiled, “So he’s alive?”

“Yes. And a shadow knight.” She muttered.

“That’s splendid!”

“No.” She said bluntly, “It’s not. You were unable to complete the ritual which caused him so much pain. He was barely here for a day before Philza and Wilbur rushed him to Shad to make him complete the ritual so that the 6 year old boy would stop crying in pain.”

Besithia became silent for a few seconds. Seeming to contemplate his past actions. “Yes but, I did it to pursue a better understanding of this world. I know many things already thanks to that research. Some things may have gone wrong but it was all for the better.”

Emma stared at him, seeing her vision turn red then felt the painful stinging in her hand and Besithia with his hand to his cheek looking at her with a face of shock. She breathed heavily, tears prickling the corners of her eyes, shaking her head as she looked at him she quickly turned. Whether he followed or not she didn’t care he could get himself killed for all she cared at that point.

She heard him walking behind her, keeping his mouth shut, looking around at the area around as he walked. Emma stared down at her hand, feeling a pit in her stomach she held her hand close to her body. Eventually making it to the main city of Niflheim, as they walked through the streets they heard the whispers of people around them as they walked.

They whispered about the man that was walking behind Emma talking about how he must’ve been a cosplayer. But they had no clue who he was cosplaying. If they knew they wouldn’t be too happy probably. She cursed under her breath and quickly went into a shop grabbing his arm. She looked around grabbing some clothes.

“Try these on. We’re attracting too much attention.” She shoved them into his arms and motioned to the dressing rooms.

“Right- of course.” He went in and tried on the clothes coming out in a tshirt and jeans and regular shoes.

“Alright…looks fine actually. You look your age.”

“Thank you- I guess?” he went changing into what he had worn before, Emma paid for the clothes and made him change into his new clothes stuffing what she could into a shopping bag.

Emma looked at him, “Sorry…for slapping you.”

“While that was very un-oracle like…I understand why you did it.” He said as they began to walk again.

“Un-oracle like- I’m not an oracle.” She shook her head.

“Ah- I read a book of prophecies for this world, it said you’re an oracle- just like your mother.”

“My mom was never an oracle…jeez did you hit your head when you arrived old man? Look, let's just…get to where my friend lives.” 

Besithia looked at her, cocking an eyebrow but sighed softly as he followed looking around the bustling city. Thousands of people in one city, thousands of people ignorant of the man who ruled the kingdom.

Besithia stayed close fearing if he strayed away he would get lost, but taking notes in his head of the places that reminded him of Insomnia. The irony of a place being so similar to a fallen kingdom but named Niflheim. He sighed softly rubbing his forehead looking up at the bright sun in the sky. Until he heard a familiar voice.

“Hey Emma!” A woman running towards them her red-wine hair had gotten darker since he had seen her last. Had she been turning people?

“Norah- hey! Long time no see Chancellor.” She laughed softly.

“Where’s the old man?”

“Heh- Ravus…told you…”

“I made him- but yeah he did.” She crossed her arms, “So?”

Emma stepped aside motioning towards him, Besithia looked at her a gasp escaping his voice, unable to speak as he stared at her. Norah’s mouth dropped open as she looked at him. Stepping slightly before she went towards him and looked into his eyes.

“Old man…” She cleared her throat and looked around, “We should go somewhere more private…my apartment is nearby come on.” She turned and began to walk, quickly leading them into a lavish apartment building. When they got to her apartment she quickly pulled Besithia into a tight hug.

“How are you here?” She asked with disbelief in her voice.

“Demon Warlock.” Emma interrupted 

“Michael? Of course…” She groaned, “You know, he has to get tired of Herobrine tearing him a new one. One day.”

“Well that day is for sure not today.” Emma sighed softly, “But, he’s here now…should Tommy know? Wouldn’t that make him scared?”

“He already had his mental breakdown earlier this year. I think he’ll be fine. Angry possibly. But, he does have a right to know. Who knows maybe he’ll set him straight.”

Emma nodded a bit, “You mean if Tommy doesn’t shoot him?”

“Tubbo has the gun, I think the old man will be fine.”

Besithia looked between the two of them before sitting on the couch letting out a sound of satisfaction as he sat on the comfortable material. He looked up at the ceiling ignoring the fact they were talking about him as if he wasn’t there. He looked over at the tv and what it was playing, he looked towards the kitchen and saw Ardyn casually standing by the bar.

“Ardyn?” Besithia tilted his head.

“What-” Norah turned and faced Ardyn, scowling as she met his eyes, pulling Emma behind her. “What the hell Ardyn.”

“Felt a disturbance and wanted to make sure you didn’t cause it though if you did I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t proud…after all you did-”

“Shut it.” She hissed, glaring at him, “I told you to not come back.” She stepped bac pushing Emma back as well.

Ardyn had his signature smile on his face, ever one for theatrics he did a deep bow. When he looked up he was staring directly at Emma.

“I just wanted to commend the little oracle for her findings of Besithia. How he was so missed. Right, Norah?”

“Why do you two keep calling me an oracle? I’m not an oracle! I don’t know who you think I am…but I’m not an oracle!”

Norah looked back at her face full of shock, “You don’t know…oh by the six…” She muttered, “Emma…you are an Oracle…why do you think you were able to read those texts?” She bit her lip and quickly dragged Emma and Besithia to her room before shoving them inside and closing the door.

“Norah! WAIT.” Emma tried to open the door but no luck. “Dammit! NORAH.” She yelled out. “Open the door!” She stepped back before slamming herself into the door with a loud thunk and she fell back onto the floor.
Besithia gulped, “This isn’t good…I’ve never seen Norah feel this threatened by Ardyn. I fear his intentions for us aren’t good.”

“Well he does have a track record for killing Oracles and convincing you to do crazy things…” She sighed, “Damn it and we can’t help if she is in trouble. 

The sound of things breaking could be heard, the thudding of what seemed to be maybe furniture falling. Emma’s heaving breathing as she pulled her sword from it’s sheath in case she needed but, she just as quickly sheathed it, eventually after one last yelp clearly from Norah it was silent. The door opened, Norah stood in front of them and with a sigh of relief she walked towards them.

“Thank the gods…my father left. But I got some good punches on him.” She smiled.

Emma looked at her, “Yeah I bet you did. Say, remember when we had that plan to defeat Ardyn that you said would be flawless?” She said, hiding a smirk that started to form on her lips.

Norah seemed a tad shocked, before regaining composure, “Ah yes of course. That plan we made…last week, yes?”

Emma looked her up and down tilting her head from side to side shaking her head. “Gods you’re fucking pathetic Ardyn.”

‘Norah’ Grunted in pain as she was stabbed with a dagger hidden in Emma’s shirt sleeve. quickly turning back to Ardyn, “How did you-”

“I am a terrible liar. But you were so hurt that your clone would actually make a plan to take you down. Correct?” She smirked, “If you had been watching us like you claimed weeks ago. You would’ve known that Norah hasn’t been in proper contact with us for months because of that shitty tyrant.” She stepped bag rubbing her dagger on a rag looking at the starscourge ridden blood. She threw it into the trash.

Ardyn stared at her, his wound had already closed up but he couldn’t believe she had the audacity to stab him. He looked into her eyes, however after a few minutes flinching away, she didn’t even have the same eye color as her yet she reminded her of Aera. Emma moved past Ardyn and went over to a passed out Norah on the ground she knelt down and pulled a potion from her bag and poured it in Norah's mouth.

Norah slowly woke up, “What…happened?”

“Ardyn.”

“Right- Oh that fucking tasted nasty…”

“Most potions taste nasty here…they aren’t soda imbued with magicks here.” She explained softly.

Ardyn looked at the two and huffed, “Is that all? Nothing else? No witty comeback? Or anything? Just insulting me?’

“I only said the truth.” Emma looked up at him, “Why don’t you leave? You certainly aren’t helping with anything.”

Ardyn scoffed, “Of course. Lady Emilia.” He seemed to spat her name out and bowed as he then left.

“It’s not…Emilia anymore…” She rolled her eyes.

She looked over at Besithia who looked around, “Well…wanna stay for dinner?” Norah asked casually, “I was gonna order some take out.”

“Yeah, sure…why not. You fine with that Besithia?”

Besithia walked over to Norah and hugged her tightly, the two didn’t exchange words. Norah quietly letting out a sob and then proceeds to drag Emma into the hug. The three stayed in the hug until Emma eventually pulled away letting the two talk before she ordered food for them all.

“I’m an oracle huh? Sweet…” She laughed softly.

Chapter Text

???, 991 (Minecraftia before the curse.)

John sighed softly as he sat in a tree looking over his notes humming softly, until a rock hit his shoes he looked down raising an eyebrow.

“Hey magicks boy. Get down here.” Adam called out to him.

“It’s alchemy- you uneducated bully.” He jumped down from tree, the two glaring at each other before they burst out into laughter, “By the six- how’re you? It’s been a few weeks old friend.”

It really has, how does it feel to finally be out of that hell hole they call school?”

“Good, but I feel bad, Ara still has 1 more to go…”

“Ah, she can protect herself.” Cody spoke walking over to the two, a sword strapped on his back, “My little sister has always been able to protect herself. Besides, they wouldn’t bully her if they knew who her elder brother was.” Cody smiled brightly.

Ara and Cody were from a noble family who was close to the king, which secured jobs for both once they graduated, Cody had decided to become a guard for Notch, Ara still was deciding what she wanted to do. She had been trained by Cody but something about Notch had always set her off as to avoid him…

Ara walked over and stood next to him, looking up as he put a hand on her head.

“Besides, not like she can do much, she is a woman after all- they don’t have many leadership qual-” He groaned in pain as the 17 year old punched him in the groin falling to his knees as he grasped his lower region through his pants.

“Want to say that again dear brother? ”

“No- I'll take it back…” He hissed, “Sorry sister-”

“You better be.” She crossed her arms, “I’ll be like the heroes in those stories.” She smiled, “With the cool armor too! I’ll be better than you Cody.”

He just groaned in response and eventually stood up, “So, John you and Lex have that deal with Notch?”

“Yeah, we’ll be his inventors and researchers of all thing alchemy…or the proper saying is now science.” He explained, “Lex actually is trying to research about beings form the nether.”

“Shadow Knights? Isn’t that dangerous?”

“Yes, but it’s what the king has requested.”

“Sounds like Besithia…” Ara muttered under her breath.

“Who?” John tilted his head.

“It’s a man from the stories our godfather Ren tells her.” Cody spoke plainly.

Ara glared at Cody, “They’re not stories. They’re true!” She shook her head.

Cody waved her away, Ara stayed in place, the two often butted heads especially in these sorts of situations. John and Adam looked at each other before shrugging and the two went off on their own way to do what they needed to do. John examines the local fauna and Adam goes back to the castle with Cody. Ara stayed behind and walked over to John and sat underneath a tree.

John eventually noticed her, smiling he grabbed a flower and handed it to her. “Convallaria majalis…lily of the valley. It’s native to this area.”

She nodded and sniffed it, “It smells sweet-”

“Yeah.” he smiled, “It’s one of my favorites actually.” he explained before explaining the other smaller details of the flower. 

Ara gladly listened, she enjoyed being around the man, he always acted so nice to her. He never treated her less than him; yet, he never treated her more than him either. They were simply equals, in a world that treated people so unequal for seemingly no reason. He rested his hand atop of hers and they turned and stared into each other’s eyes.

“So…Besithia tell me about him or anything about him. I’ll listen.”

Ara blushed slightly, looking away, “You always listen…heh.” She nodded, “Verstael Besithia is currently Research Chief of Niflheim in Eos.” She smiled, “Eos is another realm, godfather doesn’t know how this information came to ours but it did and it’s terrifying yet so amazing!” She cleared her throat, “But, he’s tasked with like y’know finding things for the empire that could be of use. In 721 ME. Which is 973 in our world he had found Adagium. Aka. Ardyn Lucis Caelum.”

“Ardyn-?” His eyes widened, “I had seen him in a dream…I think…Continue Ara.”

“Right- he helped change the way they turned daemons…daemons are people who have been turned thanks to starscourge which is a disease in that world. They use daemons as a way of making soldiers that don't need to worry about the lives of humans. Since they don’t need to eat or sleep they were the best thing to happen in Niflheim. The superior soldier.” She looked down as if trying to figure out what else to say.

“5 years ago, Ardyn got into Insomnia, during the founder king celebration and cause destruction upon the Kingdom. He turned so many innocent people into daemons.”

“...seriously? What sick bastard does that sorta thing?”

“A man of no consequence of course.” A voice spoke from afar. 

The two stood up to look over at the man who stood away from them, John pushed Ara behind him and the two began to back up, Ara peaked out from behind him and her eyes widened. Ardyn, how did he even get there? Why was he there? Reaching for her lance before she stopped herself.

“We gotta run…John…please. We can’t fight him.”

“Ah- right…3…2…1…go Ara!” He pushed her as he turned and the two quickly began to run.

They knew the forest like the back of their hand, but would that be enough to lose Ardyn. Perhaps not. The two ran, neither looking back, Ara who had been faster was up ahead of John. 

“Ara get to Adam, Cody, and Rowan!” He ordered, “You know where they are.”

“Don’t you dare leave me!”

“Wouldn’t dream of it, Lady A!” He followed behind but watched as she ran faster away, soon making it to the guard academy.

John stopped by the tree panting heavily, he grumbled to himself, pulling a potion from his pocket and drinking it, ignoring the bitter taste it left in his mouth. He looked up at the sky, night was coming quickly. There have been more mysterious monster sightings recently, no doubt thanks to their very unwelcome guest.

Ardyn soon walked past him but quickly turned around seemingly to look for John, John smirked slightly, the potion had worked. It was meant to hide whoever drank it from people, useful for hiding or secret attacks. He quickly reached into his pockets and pulled a dagger, he wasn’t one for fighting but he was one for acting…and act he indeed does. “Hyah!” He slashed at the unsuspecting man.

“What- gah you pest…where are you?” Ardyn mused, his arm bled for only a few seconds but in those few seconds John looked at the blood that was dark as midnight.

John took off running but unfortunately the potion effects wore off at that exact moment. He felt his body hit the ground as Ardyn had come at him with inhuman speeds. He grunted as he hit the ground with his arm behind his back he tried to move but found he essentially couldn't. 

“You really thought you could get away from me. Hmmm? It was noble of you to help, what was her name? Ara? Yes, her. A noble of this world I assume?”

“Don’t you dare speak her name, you monster.” His head was shoved further into the dirt.

He looked up and saw one of Ardyn’s hands engulfed with a purple like smoke. He shook his head slightly, not like this…that purple smoke seemed no good. He couldn’t die. Not like this…

“Hey!” A voice came and then a flurry of footsteps followed suddenly the weight coming off his back. Ardyn had backed away as Adam ran at the man sword in hand.

“Stay away from my friend.” His white hair fell around his shoulders as he stared at Ardyn face full of fury. “The only one who gets to beat him up is his friends and you are no friend.”

Ardyn smirked and suddenly everything had gone black.

~Sometime in 2014. Start of filming and voice acting for Kingsglaive and Final Fantasy XV. 23 years after the Ardyn Incident. 3 years after the fall of Insomnia.~

John being in his house preparing to go and film with the rest of the cast for the Kingsglaive movie. Looking over the script as he sipped on his coffee, he looked over at his ringing cell phone. He sighed, it was too early for people to be calling him already especially when it wasn’t science related nor someone he recognized.

“Yes?” He spoke as he answered the phone.

“We found him- we found Rylan…he’s badly injured. I found his number on his phone and you seem trustworthy- he’s badly injured.” It was the voice of a young woman, one he didn’t recognize.

In the background he heard groans of pain. “I don’t know where you’re at, but head to the lab on the eastern side of Niflheim…” He quickly stood up, grabbing his car keys.

“Yes- of course I know where that is. Thank you…thank you.” She hung up.

He raced to his lab, surely going over the speed limit but who was to tell him what to do at those early hours in the morning. His heart was racing, Rylan had been exiled by Notch for the past few weeks and many Niflheim guards had been sent to assassinate the poor man. He hit the steering wheel, his body getting warmer as he dwelled on the thoughts, how could a king do this to his own son. Perhaps he found out the boy was to be voicing Noctis in Final Fantasy XV and was more than unhappy with that. Or perhaps this had happened before, with Notch’s first son Sylas who was exiled around that same age 2,000 years ago.

He let out a shaky sigh, calming himself down as he drove through the streets of the kingdom he had been part of since he was a young boy. The kingdom he watched got worse every year. The kingdom that became more and more like the empire the longer he stayed. Sure he and Lex didn’t help, with their experiments and inventions that were used to further the king's corrupt plans. He and Lex were far from saints, and further from being the victims they willingly let it happen. But is it so willing if their families and their own lives were threatened?

If anything were to happen to his child because of his actions…he would never forgive himself. If anything were to happen to his grand creation well, he wouldn’t know what to do at that point. He had created him out of all the hopes and dreams he had…figuratively of course. The boy was created to be similar to an enderman…while being human? Suppose it’s always hard to explain.

He made his way towards the front seeing the 3 people at the door, a woman he presumed was the one he had spoken to, A man with long brown hair, and Rylan. He rushed over to open the door. Rylan is writhing in pain still. John clenched his jaw and led them inside guiding them to a room where Rylan was laid on the bed. An arrow lodged in his shoulder, his breathing was quick, luckily the wound was far from fatal. With correct treatment he wouldn’t be dying anytime soon.

“Get him something to bite down on. I need to pull the arrow and pour this potion onto him.” He states going around the lab room grabbing a potion and walking over.

The woman looked around quickly pulling out a scar and held it to Rylan’s mouth and made him bite onto it. Rylan looked at them all shaking his head as John put his hand on the arrow.

“Rylan, it’ll be fine, just bite hard on that scarf and you’ll be fine. Just…calm down. Breathe kid.” he watched as Rylan took a deep breath before pulling out that arrow.

Rylan squirmed in pain, as he poured the potion on the wound quickly, “It’s ok…it’s done…rest.” Rylan slowly calmed down, his breathing softening, tears streaming down his face as he closed his eyes.

“And he’s asleep…always works.” he turned to the other’s “Mind telling me your names? You two certainly don’t seem to be from this region…and I mean that in no offense.”

“None taken, I am May, May Deeliah.” She smiled.

“I’m Aaron…advisor to Ruler Eret.”

“Ah, pleased to meet you both. I am John- wait…you two are from Tu’la?”

“Yes, we’re actually here temporarily for well…Final Fantasy XV.”

“Who do you voice? If you can say.”

“Lunafreya Nox Fleuret and he will voice Ignis Scientia.”

He looked at the two of them, smiling, “And I’ll be Regis Lucis Caelum.”

“Seriously?” May looked amazed, “That’s so freaking cool- A royal scientist acting as king who’d imagine.”

“I don’t need to imagine my role…I do that job everyday.” Aaron muttered under his breath.

“Yeah yeah- hey I like being a badass princess. I think she's a badass anyway.” May laughed, “Besides I think I already look a bit like her.”

“Yes, but you certainly act nothing like her- you are a general after all…wait who’s taken your place?”

“Techno…duh. Took a bit to convince that old blood god to take over for a few years.”

Aaron sighed softly shaking his head, “He was in retirement-”

“And I took him out of it…he was my mentor after all when I was little, he knew how much something like this means for me. I’ll be forever grateful to him.”

John leaned against the wall and seemed to think to himself before pulling out his phone, seeming to be messaging someone. Occasionally looking at the two people who were quietly chatting amongst themselves as Rylan laid on the bed breathing softly. Most likely getting some well deserved sleep…

~day of Recording~

John looked around the room, it was mostly void of many materials besides camera and the equipment they would need to film. He turned and saw a man with white hair, tilting his head. He felt so familiar but that friend was long gone. The only person who came back from that time was Ara, and she was reborn as a Shadow Knight. 

The man looked at him, his face brightening and he ran over, “Hey! It’s been so long!” He smiled, “It’s me…you have to remember me.”

“I…you remind me of an old friend but he died- he was killed by Ardyn…”

The man looked at him and frowned, “Yes, but then he was deemed worthy by Shad. Just like Ara.” He grabbed his hands, “Sorry I was trapped…but I’m here now! Didn’t miss me too much, right Magicks boy?” He smiled.

“Oh my Irene it is you…it is you and you never change.” he hugged him tightly. The other hugged back just as tight. The two never exchanged more words during the warm embrace. 23 years and just like that, they were reunited once more, two best friends; brothers forever. They would never be separated, not until John’s death which hopefully wouldn’t be for many years to come.

“So, who’re you in this movie? I assume you are part of it.”

“Iedolas Aldercapt.” He shrugged slightly.

“...Of course.” he laughed putting a hand to his head, “Oh that’s funny- you’re gonna pull a gun out on me?”

“Duh. You’ll never see it coming.”

“I…It’s in the script also how are you so young looking?”

“...I’m a shadow knight…did…Ara never educate you properly on shadow knights?”

“...No.”

“...Ara!” Adam called out

“Whaaat?” She yelled back

“You incompetent shadow knight! You forgot to tell him about shadow knights?!” he yelled though obviously not too serious about it.

“Hey- Don’t yell, I'm sensitive!”

“But you’re yelling??”

“Um…screw you!” She disappeared into the shadows.

Adam sighed softly and looked at John, “Ready to be enemies old man?”

“Of course. Old man.” he chuckled and looked up at the ceiling, before they finally started to film.

Chapter Text

Norah Lucis Caelum Valkyrie Izunia

Age: 15

Location: Insomnia, Lucis 

Norah sighed as her aching body finally had reached Insomnia, the Crown City. She had to have been traveling for quite some time. It had been 5 days since she caught a dropship that she had ever graciously been given. Her feet dragged groaning as she looked at the border patrol.

She looked around to find a way to enter without being questioned. Mentioning she was from Niflheim would surely end in being taken in for questioning. She sighed, her powers couldn’t fail on her now. Or they could; either way she would have to get close enough to move past the border. She held her head up as she walked with a purpose.

She refused to make eye contact with who seemed to be the main man of the whole patrol. She glanced at him making note of how he looks like a pompous ass. She took a deep breath as she got closer and as the man was about to speak to her; she seemed to flash forward past the border and bolted for the city. Even though the highway was long she could forsure use her ability as long as she needed or as long as her endurance allowed.

She heard yelling and reports from radios behind her. She groaned and made it a decent distance before she had to stop, her mana as Besithia called it wasn’t as much in supply as Ardyn’s. Oh how annoying was it?

Extremely.

She eventually resumed her run to Insomnia eventually making it to the main city and bolting down an alleyway to hide. Panting as she slid down the wall sitting on the ground. She looked up at the highrise buildings that surrounded her; she pulled out her phone and messaged Ravus.

Norah: Made it

Ravus: Are you sure this is safe for you? Do you even have anywhere to go at night?

Norah: Uh, didn’t think of that lol, just wanted to get out of that hellhole. It got worse after Ciel left :/ I was hoping I could find him here.

Ravus: I cannot protect you anymore. This was dangerous for me to allow.

Norah: I know Ravus.

Ravus: Do you?

Norah stared at the text, of course she knew it was dangerous if she were caught it would have led to Ravus’ probable death and her eternal punishment of being grounded. Forever. Not a fairytale ending in the slightest. She sighed and set her phone back in her pocket, she had nothing and currently was nothing. She heard her phone buzz and she groaned, pulling it out of her pocket.

Adagium: Had enough fun little daemon? Ready to come back?

Norah: Nah, think I’ll stay better for everyone yeah?

Adagium: Norah.

She groaned and shoved her phone back in her pocket and waited for the guards to pass. She had managed to get yen in order to pay around the city.

After waiting a few hours she stood up, walking out of the alley. She made her way to a clothing shop and looked at the prices. Groaning at the high price of everything, at this point she’d only be able to buy clothes. At least she didn’t need to eat, but she certainly liked the taste. She bought a change of clothes, a t-shirt, pants, socks, shoes and everything a person could need. She also bought a bag, and wouldn't feel right to leave her clothes on the ground after discarding them.

“Thank you!” She smiled as she got her items and ran out of the store and back into the alley where she quickly changed. Putting her old clothes into the bag and began to walk around, surely she couldn’t be recognized as easily. Lucian guards weren’t always the brightest.

She walked out, her hands in her pockets and she walked down the streets looking amazed at the sights that Insomnia had to offer. It was much brighter and more lively than the empire ever could be. Life in the empire was not only boring but mundane; from what she heard anyway, she had never been allowed to leave often if at all.

The smell of the local cafe immediately hit her nose, her stomach growling. She sighed, “Alright…can’t promise I can buy anything, that the store bled me dry already…” She walked into the bakery and looked around at the display case, the delicious array of pastries. Savory. Sweet. Salty. You name it, they have it and it was surprisingly affordable.

“Ah- can I get a…egg tart?” She tilted her head, “That sounds yummy.”

“Of course, and can we offer you a drink? We have a special right now: buy one pastry and get a drink for 200 yen.” The young woman smiled at her.

“Oh sure, um just whatever you would recommend. I’m fine with anything you can surprise me with.” 

The young woman nodded, “I hear you loud and clear, miss. That’ll be 500 yen.”

“Right-” She pulled out her money and paid. 

She stood to the side and waited for her food and drink to come out. She casually scrolled on her phone as she waited. Until her order came out, she walked over seeing the delectable egg tart and a drink that had a light brown color to it. She thanked the woman and sat down with her items. She sipped on the drink. Coffee. Normally to her, it was undrinkable, so bitter even with milk added. She preferred tea. But this was sweet, perhaps some brown sugar was used.

She smiled and took a bite of the flaky egg tart. Its savory taste worked well with the sweet, hot coffee. She looked down at her phone again taking her sweet time, not like she had anywhere to go at the moment. She looked out the window at people passing by even the occasional guard. She soon finished up her coffee and food, and quickly made her way out of the cafe.

However, she was almost immediately spotted by a guard. She heard a distinct hey! She bolted down the street going into a large crowd of people. Quickly, being lost in the sea she slowed herself down to a walking speed, being cautious as she walked. She put her hands in her pockets as she walked.

At least I’m much less destructive than my father when he was in this city. 

She sighed softly as she broke off from the crowd and went down another alleyway, she noticed an officer sitting against the building. She gasped softly and pressed her back to the shadowy part of the wall. Trying to sneak back the way she came, the person quickly noticed her and reached for her.

Norah quickly phased forward, jumping onto a garbage can in a cat-like manor before quickly jumping up the rooftop above. Never getting used to the feel that her body was being quickly dissipated so it could move easily. With it suddenly being put back together again. She didn’t stop running, running from rooftop to rooftop.

After multiple hours she quickly made it back down to the ground level, it was night so surely there were less guards. Or so she thought. She wasn’t paying attention until she bumped smack into one of the crownsguard. She stumbled back and before she could turn to run her arm was grabbed. She cursed under her breath. As she attempted to pull her arm back she couldn’t loosen it, it would be worse for her to kick the man's leg.

“Hey let go! I didn’t do anything.” She grumbled.

“You’re not in trouble.” He started, “But, you will be taken to the Citadel for questioning. I will let you go if you comply. Don’t make this harder on yourself than it has to be.”

She looked at him, his face. He looked familiar. Oh that’s right he’s Clarus Amicitia. She had read about him briefly a long time ago. She gave him a curt nod and he let go. She looked at her arm and sighed. She didn’t run. She was taken to the citadel and was made to wait in the waiting room outside the throne room.

She had her hands folded in her lap, her leg shaking as she waited to be seen by King Regis no doubt. Her phone and all other belongings had been confiscated for the time being. So she couldn’t do anything else but wait…and wait. It had probably been only 30 minutes before she was called in to follow Clarus to a different room? Well that was different than what she thought.

It seemed to be more so a private office, Regis’s office. She looked around before noticing Regis. She bowed and looked back up at him. He didn’t seem upset, or mad that she had caused a minor uproar among the guards. He motioned for her to take a seat and she did.

“Norah.” He spoke softly.

“It’s been awhile, your majesty.” She laughed softly, “7 years correct?”

“So it has.” He smiled as he looked at her, she hadn’t changed much aside from the normal growing a child does,

The two talked, Regis asking the questions and the nervous Norah answering best she could. She also eventually began to explain who exactly Ardyn was in the amount that she could. Explaining it was Ardyn who had attacked Regis and the crown city all those years ago. She also explained she didn’t know what she would do in Insomnia as most people most likely wouldn’t want to hire a 15-year-old to work. Nor rent an apartment to one.

Regis seemed very understanding. Listening to her intently.

“Would you like to continue your schooling here Miss Norah? And if yes, what year were you?”

“I never went to school. I taught myself how to write and do basic math, however, politics have been the most apparent in my life.” She explained, “I don’t know if it would be a good idea for me to enroll in school.”

“That is no issue. You can be tested to see your skill level and you can be assigned a tutor and enrolled in school.”

Norah nodded, “Of course…”She seemed to think about it for a few minutes before nodding once more, “I like the sound of that.” She smiled slightly.

Regis nodded, and they began to discuss the steps that would lead up to her enrolling in high school. It was obvious she would have no special privileges but she would have plenty of resources. Including a safe home, she would be assigned to living with Clarus Amicitia and his family. Norah thanked the king for his kindness before she was sent off with Gladiolus who came to pick the young woman up.

“So, you’re from Niflheim?” He asked as they walked to his home.

“Mmm…I’d rather not speak about it.” She grumbled.

“Ah- I see sorry, Norah right?”

Norah sighed softly and crossed her arms as she walked, making it obvious she didn’t want to talk. She was exhausted, more than just irritated and missing her friends. While it was better for her to escape she couldn’t help but feel lonely. Gladiolus sighed.

“I’m Gladio.” He spoke, looking at her one last time realizing she wouldn’t budge. 

They made it to the house and Gladio showed her to a spare room, he informed her he would be checking in on her often to make sure she didn’t escape. She rolled her eyes and closed the door, realizing she still didn’t have her items. She groaned and flopped onto the bed, closing her eyes and letting sleep overtake her.

A few days later, she had done a test and apparently she was at the year level that she should be for her age. She would start school in the next few days but for now, she went to Noct’s apartment being taken by Ignis. She looked out the window at the passing city.

“What’s Noct like? Haven’t seen him since we were 8.”

“He’s…probably much different than when you first met him, miss Norah.”

“Hey four-eyes, just call me Norah or Nor. Not like I’m royalty or anything noble.” She laughed softly looking down at her phone.

“Well, you are the chancellor's daughter, so you do have some sort of power-”

“Yeah, well here, I’m just Norah Valkyrie Izunia. My father is a terrible man in a terrible empire. I’d like to be differentiated from that please and thank you.”

Ignis sighed and nodded, not deciding if she was worse at attitude or if Noct was. The two seemed to never be predictable in the slightest. Norah often being defensive or the sweetest person ever and Noct well, he was certainly Noctis. They soon arrived at the apartments after greeting the security and making their way up to Noctis’s floor. When Noct answered the door and saw Norah he stopped, eyes widening.

“Norah-” He pulled her in for a hug, the girl hugged back tightly.

“Hey Noct…been too long man.”

“Yeah.” He looked down a bit, “So you escaped Niflheim?”

“Duh- you think they would let me come to Lucis willingly? And Alone?”

“Fair point.”

They all went inside, Norah explained all the boring politics she had learned in Niflheim. Most of it wasn’t new to anyone there however, but she seemed to shy away from anything to do with Ardyn. She’d rather talk about how Ravus and Loqi were doing or asking about if any of them had seen Ciel.

“Yes, he was recently taken in by Cor Leonis.” Ignis explained, “For the past 3 months actually if I remember.”

“Seriously?” She laughed, “Loqi is gonna be pissed. He made Cor his like nemesis, I bet Cor doesn’t even know who he is!” 

Noctis smiled slightly, “Really? Wait, isn't Loqi your age- is he even part of the Niflheim military?”

“Yeah, but he’s already a commander, thanks to his family lineage.” She shrugged.

“And Ciel?”

“He was grounded and beaten too much by Caligo to ever really do much.”

“Caligo?”

Norah explained who Caligo Ulldor was, the cruel man. Who only caused his son a lot of pain and suffering at every little mistake. He said it was to make Ciel a strong man; they always thought he was projecting. Ciel did look like his father when he was much younger. Noctis looked at her with a look of sadness, even if he didn’t explicitly show it, he felt terrible for how some of the people were treated.

“You and Ciel really got treated like garbage, Norah.”

“Eh shit happen Noct.” She smiled a bit, “We can’t help it but now we’re here. Oh! I’m going to school soon. We’ll be classmates! Same class actually.”

“Seriously? That’s awesome!”

“Yeah.” She smiled even brighter, “I am so ready to start my new life. Living with the Amicitia’s, gonna go to school. Hopefully get a badass job when I’m older. Things are looking up!” She pointed to the ceiling in a dramatic way.

***

Norah had been in the citadel, waiting for Clarus to come out of a meeting with the king, the other members were there too but she couldn’t care for them. She sighed softly, she wasn’t trusted to be alone but Gladio was working and couldn’t watch her and Iris was…actually Norah didn’t know where she was but she was 5 years younger so it didn’t matter.

She looked over at the large doors, they were all aware she was Ardyn’s daughter, so it wouldn’t hurt to peek right? There was currently no one in the large room with her, she walked over to the large double doors and peaked inside making sure not to make any noise. They seemed to be discussing matters relating to the wall. She listened in until she was grabbed by a crownsguard. She yelped.

All eyes turned towards the commotion. She saw Clarus sigh and she looked down at the ground. The guard began to speak about how he saw her spying, and that she must be spying for Niflheim. Which couldn’t be farther from the truth.

“Stand down, she is no harm to anyone here. If she was, she very well could have injured you. She is not a girl to mess with.” Clarus spoke up, “While she has no place here she does no harm.”

“If I may ask, Norah. Why did you peek in?” Regis asked.

“Well, I was honestly bored just waiting out there alone with no one to talk to. I just got curious. But, It’s no excuse for prying into a conversation I am not a part of so I sincerely apologize.” She bowed.

“Accountability. That’s a good trait of a leader.” Regis replied as he looked at her, “You said you were well versed in politics, yes?”

“Yes, your majesty.” She stood up straight, “Why do you ask?”

“Seeing as you are from Niflheim, perhaps you would be able to help in certain situations dealing with the empire. In case anything were to happen that would require your assistance.”

Norah’s eyes lit up, “Really?” 

The guard was now long gone, and she closed the door and began to walk over to the large table.

“I would honestly be honored- but would I only be doing things concerning Niflheim?”

“We can talk about it more after this meeting is adjourned if you so wish, Miss, Izunia.” Regis nodded slightly towards her.

“For now you can stand by me. So I may keep a close eye on you.” Clarus spoke after.

“Right- of course. Yes sir.” She walked over and stood by him.

The meeting continued like usual, here Norah finally realized Ignis was there and she smiled in his direction. She faced forward arms crossed in front of her body. She listened intently, occasionally looking around. Soon the meeting came to a close and she talked to Ignis for a few minutes.

“Your personality certainly changes based on the setting.” Ignis said rather bluntly.

“Eh, I’ve always been like that.” She giggled, “Tell Noct I said hey alright?”

“Of course Norah.” He nodded before leaving.

She waited for everyone to leave before she and Regis walked back to his office. Clarus had to go off to do something but technically, she was still being watched and not alone. She sat down on the chair and looked at Regis. She had a million thoughts rushing through her head.

“You won’t be allowed to do much work until you’re out of high school. But you can still help with other important but still rather small things. I believe it would help for you to attend meetings and perhaps do a public speech here and there. The public would love to hear a person of their generation speak.”

“You really think so? Even though I’m from Niflheim and Adagium ’s daughter?”

“Yes, of course they only know you’re from Niflheim but you have the potential to be a great woman. But, I have something else I’d like to speak to you about. Regarding the prophecy.”

Her stomach dropped, that was a topic she wished she didn’t have to think about. Noct would have to die in order to rid the world of eternal darkness. What would happen after? Would Regis still be there? Surely not if it’s only supposed to be done by the chosen king which means two things: Regis has to die or Regis steps down as king.

Both possibilities weren’t to her liking. But, rulers of the past never lived long lives due to the ring. She looked down, her face turning to sorrow. She looked back up at him, meeting eyes. She wanted to speak, but she couldn’t get the courage to ask. She didn’t want to hear the answer. It wouldn’t be good. But, she had to ask regardless.

“What of it?”

“Seeing as your father is Adagium that would make you both Lucis Caelum correct?” He asked.

“Yes your majesty. Why do you ask?”

“If anything were to happen to me and Noctis. I would ask that you take over as queen.”

Her eyes widened, that was something she definitely didn’t want to think about. She felt her heart race at the implication. Noct would die either way so she would become queen anyway…right? Or could there be another way. She looked at him, her mouth agape. She shook her head slightly.

“I’m not…I can't, I'm not a leader. I know politics. Not ruling. I would send Lucis into an even worse state if something bad were to happen before I-”

“Norah. I wouldn’t ask this of you if I didn’t believe you were able. You understand? If anything were to happen, you need to take up the mantle.”

Norah stared at him, that was a lot to ask from a 15 year old. Especially one that’s the daughter of a man from over 2000 years ago. Could she do it? Or would she end up failing everyone in the process. Or maybe just maybe it would never come to pass. She looked at him, conflicting emotions enveloping her.

“You’re sure Niflheim is going to do something bad aren’t you…that’s gonna cause your death.” She clenched her fists, “Well screw that. I’m gonna protect you so you don’t die! You hear me old man?” She spoke out, surprised by the way she spoke to Regis. “I’ll protect you as much as I can. I will represent you if you need it.”

Regis looked at her, noticing the fire in her eyes, the determination, the tenacity. That he hadn’t seen in a person in a long time. Not like that anyway. He smiled as he looked at her.

“Norah, you may try. But if the time comes, think about it. I believe you to be a better person than what you think you are…now I think we’ve discussed things enough today. Rest and I will have Clarus give you your assignment when it comes, yes?”

“Of course your majesty.” She nodded before bowing, “Take care.” She stood and left the room.

She walked out and went home with Clarus. Taking a nap as they rode home, sitting around made her tired for sure. She let out soft breaths as she slept, Clarus looked over and smiled. She had been a good person since coming to Insomnia, despite her rocky beginning. She would be an even better speaker to the people. Maybe one day even a queen…if it came down to it. But for now she was a 15 year old girl attending school, without worries of the horrors of her old home. She was finally safe. Safe from it all.

Chapter Text

~November 2021, about a month since defeating Bahamut and ending the long night~

Norah waited in an alleyway in Niflheim, she was pacing back and forth waiting for a certain person. Her arms crossed over her stomach. She wanted to throw up, she swore she  could at any moment. She hadn’t seen him since that night, so they stopped the prophecy by some miracle. Noctis and Ardyn are still alive. She was too, but at this point she wished herself dead if she were able.

No one had to sacrifice their life. That ring…it worked in its beautiful and mysterious way thanks to Emma giving it to Ardyn before he had gone into the beyond to defeat Bahamut himself. That ring that Aera– no Angelica. (Right she reverted back to her name that she was given at birth.) had given her, was a life saver. There was no greater thanks she could give that daughter of the demon warlock.

But, even if she could mend the relationship, how could she do it when she was under such a tight watch by Notch. She shouldn’t have gotten into this mess. She could’ve lived peacefully in the forest. Nay, instead she opened a can of worms that would surely never be closed. Not until that bastard was dead and oh how she wanted him gone. She had been warned, but she didn’t listen. For once, her father was right. The one time she should’ve listened to the mad fool. She didn’t.

I’ll be what they want. I’ll be heartless .

Was what she had declared so many years ago, in Lucis. They wanted a monster so she was one. But never towards the people who truly cared for her still. They understood why she was the way she is. Hopefully this time will be no different.

She turned and met eyes with Noctis. The two ran at each other hugging tight. Noctis hair was still rather wild, it seems he was taking time getting used to this new life. He had spent most of his time probably talking with Lunafreya. Norah smiled at him.

“Noct.”

“Nor.” he smiled slightly before frowning, “Why did you call me here? Why are we meeting in an alleyway?”

“It’s the safest place right now.”

Noctis’s confusion didn’t disappear from his face, “Why don’t you leave the king? Go to O’krana, or come back to Lucis even. There can be a place for you there.”

Norah looked at him and shook her head, she had to explain. Now or Never. She opened her mouth but no words came out, would he even understand? She had done so much bad all because she worked for the corrupt king.

“I can’t.” Is all she said. Her first mistake.

“You can’t- of course you can Norah. You still have your abilities right? Just fight him.” He looked her in the eyes.

“It’s not that simple Noctis.” her face flushed red. 

“Do you like working for him or something?”

“No!” She spoke out, “I hate him.”

Noctis looked at her his face twisting into even more confusion then mild annoyance. He looked around slightly.

“Are you just his lapdog?” He asked, bluntly now, “I don’t see why if you hate him, why work for him?”

“I’m not his damned lapdog Noctis.” Her eyebrows furrowed, “I fucked up.”

“I don’t believe you.” He grumbled, crossing his arms, “Surely nothing bad will happen if you leave.”

Childish. How could he still be like this after spending 10 years in that damned crystal. He was mature in many ways now but when it came to this. This moment, her heart felt like it was breaking. Again. She got closer to him.

“Noctis. I said I am not his lapdog. But if you don’t want to believe me. Fine. That’s fine.” She clenched her teeth together as she said the last line.

“You’re turning into what Ardyn was like.” Noctis spoke, “I don’t want to see you turn into him-”

Norah suddenly slapped him. She didn’t even realize she had done it. But, she did. She turned away only glancing back with a glaring look. Before maneuvering up the building, the feeling used to make her feel sick. But now, it felt calming to let herself use her abilities that had felt forced upon her. Of course it was a mistake. How could he understand, he didn’t exactly give her much time to tell the full story.

She heard him call after her but she ignored him running and phasing from rooftop to rooftop. Until she had made it back to the castle, landing on her balcony she jumped down onto the ground kicking off her shoes. 

She heard the door begin to open to her room. She looked up seeing Ardyn, her breathing quickened. She bit her lip.

“Father. Leave.” She said in a demanding tone.

“Norah. We need to talk.”

“I said, Leave so leave.” She had been turned away from him.

How hard was it to listen to her? It felt like no one could or would listen to her. Typical. She heard his steps getting closer to her. She quickly turned on her heel to face him. The black miasma of scourge dripped down her face. A sign she was too far gone to be comforted.

“I SAID LEAVE DAMNIT YOU USELESS OLD MAN” She yelled, walking over and she began to push him out of the room.

This seemed to shock Ardyn but his face remained neutral, He turned seemingly to say one last thing but she had slammed the door in his face. She waited to hear him walk away, but he didn’t. He stayed in front of the door. She leaned against the door and began to slide down to the ground. Letting sobs rip from her throat. She couldn’t stop the tears form falling. The tears that mixed with the miasma. Looking at her hands as she wiped away the quickly falling tears. 

“Norah…we will save you.” Ardyn spoke softly, “I just…wanted to say that…I love you kiddo. I don’t tell you that much. But I do care for you Norah.” He began to walk away, or rather with his few abilities he seemed to leave the way he always did. Disappearing without a trace.

She rammed her fist into the floor and let out a gut wrenching scream. A scream most likely heard throughout that wing of the castle. She let out all the emotions that she had been holding back for so, so long. The emotions she was too scared to allow herself. The emotions that had turned into an explosion of emotions. She had bottled them up for so long. She didn’t even know what she had done.

***

Noctis sighed as he made it back to the group. He looked at Lunafreya and shook his head. He looked down and tried to explain what happened. He of course admitted he probably should have let her talk. He looked over as he saw a less than pleased Ravus.

What now? Noctis could’ve sworn the two of them were finally on good terms now. Especially after the whole Ardyn killed Ravus as Ravus was trying to find Noctis to give him Regis’s sword.

“Noctis what did you say to Norah?” Ravus demanded, “Because she told me she was going to explain everything. Ardyn just came back saying she had yelled at him to get out, and her face was dripping with miasma. What in the gods name happen?”

“I called her Notch’s lapdog. And said she was like how Ardyn used to be.” He grumbled.

Ravus took a deep breath using every ounce of will to knock out Noctis. Or kill him. Whichever came first. He stared at him eyes filled with fury. Noctis looked at him confused on what he was going to say next.

Ravus shook his head, “She’s not his lapdog you dolt. Notch can use us against her. He can hurt any of us. KILL any of us. Anything, so she can remain working for him. She is doing it to protect us. Thought you would’ve changed some in these 10 years.” He gritted his teeth. “That was probably the last time any of us will hear from her for who knows how long. And you did something idiotic.” 

“I didn’t know any of that! No one had told me anything. Let me remind you. I’ve been here less than everyone else.” Noctis explained, “How was I supposed to know Ravus? Seems typical of you to jump to conclusions and make up things. Like you did back in Lucis 22 years ago.”

“Why you-” As Ravus seemed to start drawing his sword 

Noctis drew his, the two were ready to fight, but Gladio wasn’t around at the moment to protect Noctis from Ravus’ blade but would he even need protection now? Suddenly he and Ravus were entangled in a binding like cloth and was pulled down onto the ground. Drautos walked forward with his tight around Ravus. Avery with his around Noctis.

“Enough.” Drautos spoke, “You two. Back off. Now.” He growled.

Avery kept his hold tight as Noctis struggled, Ravus didn’t; He knew when he had lost. He looked down at the ground. Lunafreya watched mouth agape slightly, it had all happened too fast. Ardyn walked over, a frown on his face which replaced his usual cocky smile.

“Of course, trying to kill each other- again. Wonder when this first happened.” Ardyn grumbled. 

Ravus growled, his eyes, unlike his usual heterochromia they both were pure red. Quickly he broke free from his restraints sending Drautos stumbling back. His attired had changed into red armor. The kind shadow knights wear when transformed but with a prosthetic. His sword was similar to that of your average Shadow Knight as well. Avery gasped and quickly pulled Noctis back albeit roughly.

“Megan!” Drautos called out.

Megan was quickly behind Ravus hitting him in the back of the head with the hilt of her sword causing him to fall down to the ground. Knocked out and back to his usual clothing. Megan gently tapped Ravus, he was out for now. She let out a small sigh and wiped her forehead of the dirt that had managed to have been kicked up.

“Take Ravus inside. Have Vylad on standby for when he wakes up, Avery.”

“Yes Ma’am.” he walked over after freeing Noctis and picked up Ravus muttering, “Dang he’s actually kinda heavy…must be the prosthetic.”

“And you. Noctis.” Norah walked over to him, “Meet me in our office. Drautos, Ardyn, and I will speak to you shortly, your majesty.”

“Right.” He began to walk off.

Drautos looked at Megan, “Well isn’t this eventful.” He spoke plainly.

“Suppose so ey? Everyone still seems to be on edge especially with Norah being trapped essentially. We all miss her. I understand that but…”

Drautos looked at her, raising an eyebrow, following her gaze. She was looking at Ardyn. Or possibly the land past him. Even though O’krana officially had it’s freedom from Niflheim everything still felt off.

“But what?”

“Call me stupid but, I think its for the best she stays away. Until we figure out a way to stop Notch’s reign of terror. I was thinking…if one day we do take him down…what if Ardyn…takes over?”

“He’ll never agree, but if he does agree, sure.” Drautos responded, “But no. I don’t think you’re stupid for that opinion. Honestly may be our best bet.” he turned and grabbed her hands lifting them up to his lips gently kissing them, “We will save her in due time. Just like we did with Emily.”

“Right- of course.” Megan smiled slightly, “Lets get going. Come on Ardyn. Our office now, please.”

“Of course, High Deputy Commander and Captain.” Ardyn spoke, “Just, go on ahead I suppose. I insist.”

Megan sighed and began to walk away with Drautos. 

“Don’t take too long! We’re needing a serious talk with Noctis!”

***

The four of them sat in Megan and Drautos’ office, Noctis was looking down, shame filling his face. Feeling the regret of accusing Norah of something that sounded more than impossible. No use in beating himself up at that point. Only thing he can do now is move forward with life.

Ardyn sighed softly, “Seeing as Norah failed to deliver her message, suppose I’ll have to say it. She wanted to tell you about why she works with Notch. Originally it was her running against Zane Ro’meave. She won naturally, she is a wonderful leader after all. She gets it from me.” he said, however not in his humorous way. “Shortly after Notch showed his true colors and she was trapped, in 2018 is when it all began to go downhill. She was busy doing everything Notch wanted because if she didn’t”

Ardyn took a nearly dramatic pause, “He would’ve killed most of the people she cared about.”

Noctis looked up at Ardyn in shock, “What- are you serious?” 

“Very, so she’s been playing the part of the obedient Chancellor of Niflheim. The most rebellious thing she’s done is get Kirby out of here when the treaty ceremony between O’krana and Niflheim went south.” He looked away, “Also, aiding in Captain Puffy and Drautos’s plan of Insomnia 2.0 O’krana version but as a way to fight Notch.”

Noctis put a hand to cover his mouth. He had no idea, no idea what Norah had done for everyone in Ru’aun. He clenched his other fist, angry at himself again. 

“We need to get her back.”

“In due time. This is no game. We aren’t playing for petty prizes, these are real people. Noctis.” Drautos reminded him, “Norah is strong.”

“Besides if we play our cards wrong she may be the one ending up dead. I’d rather have her alive. Albeit for potentially selfish reasons she is my clone. My daughter.”

“Isn’t she immortal? How could she die?” Noctis asked, confused as ever.

“Well, in this world. Immortals like Notch can kill immortals, like Norah and a lot of people we know. They will come back sure but it takes time. Understand?” Ardyn spoke, like an adult to a child.

“Yeah.” he nodded, “So we have to wait?”

Megan sighed and nodded, it wasn’t the favorite plan of anyone but in order to keep Norah safe it was what they must do. For it would most likely be weeks and weeks until they were able to retrieve her safely with no repercussions. Norah would have to exhaust herself for days and days playing the part of a faithful dog loyal to her master.

They would have to worry, and watch her on the news, her eyes lifeless as ever. Heavy bags as if she hadn’t slept for days, seeming to be on autopilot. She would never be the same Norah she was when she first arrived.

She would never be the same Norah like in Eos, that Norah was weak and most certainly gone. The days of her childhood had been long gone, even before she was legally an adult in her own right. She was always meant to play the part of the victim. Or maybe Martyr is most like it. 

She felt herself dying everyday, even though she couldn’t truly die. She had little hope that she would ever end the cycle of endless suffering. Not even the closest of people she was able to be around could help her. She was alone. Working herself to the bone for a man who she despised more than her father. A man who could never be redeemed. A man of Somnus’s ilk. Although…Somnus was much better in many ways. At least he felt remorse for the hell he put Ardyn through.

But all she knew now was the fact she would not be safe. She couldn’t be not when a tyrant sat the throne. She would have her revenge for the pain and suffering Notch Reynolds had put her through. There would be no remorse for what she planned…she didn’t care if she had to tear apart his kingdom bit by bit. She would show him there is regret to be shown. Especially when you anger someone of the Lucis Caelum bloodline.

Chapter Text

~Early 2012~

Ravus looked down at his new prosthetic arm, one that had been made by one of the royal scientists. John, he said his name was. The man oddly sounded similar to Regis but he didn’t ask anything about it. It would most likely be a fairly weird thing to say. He turned his arm, it wasn’t anything too special but arguably better than his old one. At least it wasn’t made with magitek technology.

He looked up as he walked through the streets of Niflheim, the cold winter days were definitely there. Snow covering the ground, the clouds above threatening to snow again. He pulled down his sweater sleeve humming as he walked, greeting the people who greeted him as he made his way towards his apartment. 

The king of Niflheim had ever so graciously given him an apartment as long as the white haired man worked for him. Of course Ravus would rather be in a proper house than on the cold streets. He looked around and noticed a cafe.

“I could go for some coffee…” he muttered under his breath and walked towards the building, until he bumped into someone, “My apologies I wasn’t watching- Ardyn. What.” he stepped back instinctively raising his arm in front of him, “Why are you here?”
Ravus glared at him, how did he even know about this place? How did he get here? He also began to think about Norah, was she also here? Was she ok? He shook his head and looked at Ardyn expectantly waiting for an answer.

“Well, I should ask the same about you. Don’t worry. I’m not here to kill you. I’m just…visiting. Why don’t we talk in the cafe, hmm?” The red-wine haired man suggested, and Ravus begrudgingly agreed.

The two walked in and sat down to order drinks and Ravus was the first to tell his story of how he even managed to come back to life.

~*~

Ravus stood in a black void like area looking around confused. Not knowing where he was in the slightest, all he knew is he was still missing an arm. Perhaps it was better than being a daemon. A mindless daemon controlled by an equally bad monster. He strained out a hello, but no response. His body was feeling weak that was for sure but he wouldn’t lay down and…die? He was already dead however, right? He shuddered and turned and saw a man with tanned skin, black hair and red eyes. He looked at him tilting his head slightly.

“Who…are…you?” He asked.

“I’m the Shadow Lord. And you?” he asked, seemingly interested in the man who stood in front of him.

“Ravus, Ravus Nox Fleuret. What is this place? If I may ask.”

“Limbo, you must be from Eos…that is oddly peculiar. You’re dead but why are you here? Surely you should be dead in your world and not in this one.” He looked him down and began to circle around him. “I will give you…a choice in the matter. I can give you a second chance in life. But if, and only if you allow me to turn you into a Shadow Knight. You will not be forced to work for me of course, that isn’t for me to decide as you are from a different world. But. I cannot send you back to Eos. If you refuse you’ll be stuck in Limbo, fated to fade…but you’ll be at peace.” he looked at him with a form of sorrow in his eyes.

Ravus stared at him, “What is a Shadow knight? Or will i just have to go through letting you turn me into one in order to find out.”

“I don’t enjoy explaining things like that, I admit. I’d rather you give me your choice.”

Ravus looked towards the ground, contemplating his options, turn into a shadow knight or be gone forever. What was a life without his sister however, although there was a chance he could see Norah again. A chance to help Noctis, a chance to better the world. A chance to stop Ardyn once and for all.

He looked up at Shad with determination in his eyes, “I’ll become a shadow knight and bear whatever burden that comes with it.” he declared.

Shad nodded and reached a hand for him, touching his head, “Then a shadow knight you shall be…I do hope you’ll make it through the ritual.”

Then everything was darkness, nothing. When he awoke there was a searing pain ripping through his body. Clenching his teeth together, resisting the urge to scream out in pain. His body felt like it was on fire, he tried to move his arm and realized it was chained to a table. He let out a small cry however, quickly biting it back.

He let out a gasp, tears rising to his eyes…was this what it was like to be a shadow knight? What even was one. What was he turning into? Who would he be after this? He just wanted the pain to stop. He turned his head seeing a different man, one with also black hair but with eyes blue as the sky. The man stared at him.

“So you’re the new guy…Ravus was it? Megan talked about you a lot. Although that was what, 12 odd years ago? It was right after the invasion of Fentestala Manor I believe. I’m Gene by the way.”

He looked at him and through the pain. He spoke. “You know…Megan?”

“One of our commanders from the age of 12 to 16. Wonderful fighter.” He sighed softly, “I don’t blame her for running when she did. Apparently she has two brats now.” He smiled a bit.

“What of Katelyn-” He looked at him, “Where is she? Is she ok?”

Gene looked at him and sighed softly but nodded, he began to tell him about Katelyn and how she had ran away with a man (more like a boy with too much power) at the age of 17, the 19 year old she ran away with was a traitor and left with something of importance to the shadow lord, also known as Shad. But, she had 3 children with the ex high priest of O’khasis.

“She was 17- that had to have been less than a year after the attack then…” Ravus winced in pain, “What even is a shadow knight…” he asked, “Your Shadow Lord didn’t exactly explain.” 

“Well…a shadow knight is ah how do I explain this to you…you’re essentially reborn but into well…a demon of the night? I guess.” he shrugged, “What you’re feeling right now is your soul burning inside out.”

“Like a daemon but more sentient?” He moved up his arm ignoring the sound that the chain made.

“Yeah, you could say that. Look, get some rest and it’ll be over. Survive this and you’ll be one of us.” he smiled and began to back away and left.

Ravus felt himself lose consciousness once more and when he awoke he was in a cell. He groaned and looked around confused, he looked up meeting eyes with Shad. He didn’t feel any different, except maybe the urge to kill? That was odd.

“You survived. That’s good.” Shad spoke monotone.

“And I can leave?”

“If you want. I have no reason to hold onto shadow knights like you.”

“You could’ve told me it was going to hurt like that. I think being a daemon was better at that moment…” Ravus stood up shakily, leaning against the wall, he looked into a window and saw his reflection, his left eye red and his right it’s usual blue. 

He sighed softly blinking and looking at his missing arm…oh how he missed having both arms. He began to walk leaving the cell, Shad being kind enough to show him how to leave and so he did, and went to the overworld, a world he had no clue what be in store for him.

~*~

“So. I told you my story. How long have you known of this world?” He raised an eyebrow.

“Oh for a good amount of time I suppose 8 years?” He sighed softly, “It’s beautiful isn’t it? Even though this world is full of hatred…or perhaps that’s a plus.” Ardyn smirked slightly, sipping on his tea.

“Yes, this world's distaste for anyone who is different has been very…evident. At least in Niflheim. I don’t know much outside of Ru’aun. But, I know Niflheim dislikes anyone who is a shadow knight.”

“Yet you’re working for the king? What a shock, seems history likes to turn on itself. Serving for Niflheim once more.”

Ravus grumbled and sipped on his coffee wincing at the sweetness, perhaps Nana had gone too sugar heavy on his drink once more. Or it was his fault for ordering a mocha with too much sugar one time. Whatever it was, he'd enjoy it. He took another sip closing his eyes, he heard the door open, his eyes open Ardyn had mysteriously disappeared. He turned to see who walked in. He nearly dropped his cup, mouth wide open.

The woman looked over and stared at him, “Holy Shit…Ravus?” She looked him up and down, “You’re here and-” She frowned sniffing the air, “A shadow knight…”

“You can tell? How can you tell? It’s been so long, Megan.”

“I can…sense beings from the nether…” She ran over and hugged him tightly, “Haven’t seen you in months…why…why are you here?”

“Long story honestly I’d rather not get into.” he laughed softly, “Join me for coffee?”

“I can’t I uh…I was grabbing coffee for Drautos and I before we went out shopping and whatever. Real busy.”

Ravus looked at her blankly, trying to understand what she had just said about Drautos. He knew him as Glauca but that was aside the point. He had so many other questions.

“I didn’t know you were into older men-”
Megan’s face flushed bright red, “Gods no- we aren’t a thing I just…put it plainly healed him from near death and now he’s living with me. He’s also helping take care of my children.”

“Like a partner.” He shrinks back seeing her glare at him, “Ok ok sorry- It was good to see you though Megan, tell Katelyn I said hello…if you can.”

Megan nodded. Ravus stood up waving goodbye to Nana before leaving with his coffee and continued his short journey to his apartment. When he got home he closed the door and slid down it, setting down the cup. He groaned softly covering his face with his hands, feeling the cold metal of his left hand on his face compared to his warmer right one. Which was still rather human of course.

This was a mess he certainly hadn’t thought about. At least he knew Megan was safe, and presumably Katelyn as well. He leaned his head back on the door.

“Who else is here that I don’t expect to see? I know Caligo is…Commander in this world as well. I wish he stayed dead.” He declared aloud. Scoffing as he stood up. Bending down to pick up his cup with his left hand however his grip failed him and he dropped it back on the ground. However nothing spilled.

“I have to get used to this arm…I won’t let what happened last time happen again. I swear it.” He clenched his fist and looked up towards the mirror. Noting the single fang he had in his mouth as he opened it. “Huh, weird…Gene should’ve explained this better…anyone could’ve but no that’d be tooooo easy.” he growled.

“My personality seems to have changed as well…more impulsive unfortunately…I wonder if Lunafreya can come back as one of these…things.” 

~2016~

Ravus had been dragged to a bar by his Captain, named Puffy who insisted he take some time off and go with her. He’d rather sit inside watching tv or sleeping or going to John for questions. He sighed as he looked around, Puffy handed him a drink and he sipped on it wincing from the burning feel in his throat. Despite being a monster he still felt a lot. Even 5 years later.

“Is Norah at least going to come? I know as Chancellor she’s very busy but, she’s my friend.”

“I can’t get her to become non-chancellor Norah. You think I could drag her here? Well I did.” Puffy motioned to Norah who was dancing with Rylan and May, the respective voice actors for the game Final Fantasy XV. 

He smiled at May, she reminded him so much of Lunafreya except she was also very much her own person with her own life and personality much different from that of his late sister. May was also a general. A woman of power in the opposing kingdom of Tu’la. Rylan was the ex-prince of Niflheim, unfortunately exiled by his sorry excuse of a father, Notch. King of Niflheim.

Rylan was picky like Noctis but he also was kind…and held a grudge against Herobrine which in turn meant he had a grudge against Kirby. Ravus couldn’t exactly judge or blame him…but in a way he knew what it was like.

Rylan was angry because his father disowned him for seemingly no reason. But that wasn’t Herobrine’s fault. Notch was just a power hungry man. Ravus sighed and began to walk over to the small group. He smiled at Norah.

“Hey Nor.”

“Huh- Ravus!” She hugged him, “It’s great to see you.” She smiled, “Puffy said you were coming so that’s the only reason I’m here.” she laughed softly.

Ravus chuckled, “That’s good you’re happy. So how have you been fairing lately?”

“Pretty well surprisingly, I do miss the guys though.” She looked away shrugging slightly.

Ravus nodded slightly, he put a hand on her shoulder. It was a gentle touch, while they weren’t a thing and hadn’t been for five years; he was still kind to her comforting her when she needed it most.

“Especially Ignis? I see the way you light up when you speak of him. He’s a good man.”

She blushed, “Yeah, especially Ignis.” She smiled, “I hope I’ll see them soon…Though, I don’t think they’ll be too happy with the choices I made.”

“No, probably not. But, you’re doing what you need to survive. As am I.” He gave her a reassuring smile, “I did the same all those years ago and I will continue to do so even here. So we can aid our true calling.”

Norah nodded slightly and took a sip of her alcoholic drink once more. Tears formed in her eyes but it wasn’t from the alcohol. She looked down, biting her lip, lifting her hand to cover part of her face as she seemingly tried to stop tears from falling. She took a larger glug from her beverage.

Ravus sighed softly and looked away from her feeling a knot in his stomach, weren’t shadow knights not supposed to have emotions like these? Perhaps he was still more human than he’d like to believe or perhaps…memories from when he was a daemon popped up in his head. Perhaps, being part of the oracle bloodline left a little bit of humanity when it comes to being dead or reborn as a beast.

He looked up, seeing the beautiful sky through the skylights, a smile reappearing on his face as the moon shone brightly, lighting up the darkened bar. He was suddenly pulled onto the dance floor by May, Kingdom Dance had come on and well, May wouldn’t take a no from him on dancing. He couldn’t stifle the laugh that came from his mouth at the fast paced movement of the dance. He eventually saw Norah, whose face was red whether from the alcohol or the tears she had cried he couldn’t tell.

By the end of the dance he ended up holding hands with a woman whom he didn’t know. He smiled and politely bowed to her.

She looked at her, “By the Six…” She muttered softly, raising a hand up, “Ravus…”
Ravus looked confused, by the fact she looked similar to Lunafreya but so so different. “Who…are you?” He stepped back, he knew she wasn’t a threat but he couldn’t help but feel his heart race out of fear this was an impersonator of somesort. 

“The First Oracle…Aera Mirus Fleuret.”

Chapter Text

It couldn’t have been long after her death but it was…strange. She looked around noticing she was in a house of some kind, this wasn’t what she expected death to be like. She had been there for…a few months? Maybe weeks or even years. The sun didn’t rise nor set if there even was a sun it was just bright.

She looked down at the cup of tea, it was always there for her in the morning with no explanation. She hadn’t asked who made it. If she could, she would. She heard a grunt and looked up to see a man with brown hair and white eyes leaning against the doorway. He stared at her looking her up and down.

“Sorry…I um…was sent here I guess. Until I heal enough to be able to go back to my world.” He explained sheepishly.

“Oh- Please sit, there’s tea if you wish…I would say my thanks to whoever made it but alas I cannot.” She smiled motioning to a free seat at the table.

“That would be my father, he’s one of the gods of this world.” he chuckled, “Thank you, what is your name by the way? I’m Herobrine.”

“Aera.” She spoke softly.

The man’s eyes widened as he looked at her, he sat down and a saddened look fell upon his face. Aera didn’t look up at him, but the sorrow in his ace was obvious.

“I see…I won’t press it further but, I am sorry for whatever happened.”

Aera looked up at him and smiled, “It’s alright now. I’m fine with whatever the fates have in store. I just…wish my lover was here but alas he’s in exile…” She shook her head, “I should have never told Somnus…” She muttered under her breath.

The two sat in silence drinking tea, Herobrine eventually stood up to make more. He stood in the kitchen rummaging around the cabinets and grabbed some bread. Summoning a knife he began to cut some into pieces. He watched over the kettle keeping the fire lit. He soon brought over fresh tea and bread.

“I know we’re dead, but food and drink is always comforting, no?” He chuckled softly.

Aera nodded and grabbed a piece of bread and took a bite out of it, the two stayed silent once more. Sitting in each other’s presence enjoying the food. Herobrine leaned back.

“My fiancee, she had to go into hiding before I met her. She named herself after you.” He chuckled, “She looks up to you, although you two are the same age.”

“How old are you?” She asked.

“30. She’s 28.”

“Who…who killed you or how did you die?” Aera asked although not knowing whether or not she overstepped a boundary.

Herobrine seemed to think whether or not he could answer that question before he let out a small sigh.

“My brother, elder brother to be exact. I was chosen to be king and…I thought he was fine with it but after I had a talk with two of my friends he invited me for a drink and well. I guess it was poisoned. See in this world, if you’re immortal the only people who can kill you are immortals so I’ll probably only be here for a max of a few years…but yeah he got jealous I suppose. So now he’s king of my kingdom.” He leaned back

Aera looked at him mouth agape, “What are you going to do about it?”

“Be in hiding. My brother doesn’t know about it…I plan on taking up residence in the nether…to keep watch on a certain enemy.”

“So I’ll be…alone?” She looked up at him. “Again?”

“I- well…” he sighed, “Perhaps I can speak to my father…”

“I’d like that.” She smiled slightly.

“Good so…shall we discuss what I’ll ask him?”

Aera nodded and the two began to discuss the details of what would happen once Herobrine was able to leave and do whatever he wanted. They made a plan but when the time came, it was denied…but, his father did promise she would leave one day and that if she had patience and faith in him then she could make it. She could one day live on the surface free to do whatever she pleased.

~Spring 2003~

Aera waited…and waited…aaaand waited until one day. She woke up in the forest, the grass under her skin felt soft, the smell of a new spring day. She stood up brushing off her clothing. She wore the same clothes when she had been killed by Somnus, but they were clean and all that was left was a scar.

She sighed softly, “Alive…after all this time. In an entirely different realm as well. Well, at least during those years she had a few others to talk to. Divine warriors. They had called themselves except there was only 4 despite there supposed to be 6. She went over the names in her head: Irene, Enki, Esmund, Shad, Menphia and Kul’zak.

Irene had disappeared for a reason none of them knew and Shad…well his soul was locked away in the nether. But, the men refused to tell her the story and would shut down Menphia whenever she tried to explain what happened. Something told her Esmund, Enki, and Kul’zak were the cause of Shad’s downfall. Namely Esmund. He gave off a feeling that made her feel like she was speaking to Somnus.

She began to walk through the forest and saw a…city? She hadn’t seen one like that ever. She walked in and looked around, guards were everywhere. She noticed some people stare at her. Suppose her clothing was fairly…unusual for this new era.

She bumped into a man, “Ah I am so sorry-” she looked at him.

The black hair man glared at her, his right eye covered with hair, “It’s fine. Just…watch where you’re going.” 

“Right uh- actually I need some help. I'm new here and I…well new to this era I suppose.” She started to mutter under her breath.

The man looked at her confusion in his eye as his mouth was covered by his mask, “What’s your name?” 

“Aera, Aera Mirus Fleuret.”

The man stepped back, “What- You’re supposed to be dead. Like 2000 years ago dead.” He glared, “You’re lying right? I dislike liars…Don’t you know who I am?”

“To be frank no. But judging by your reaction…I should know who?”

“I-” He groaned, “Great…someone from another world first Ardyn now her, who else? Somnus?” He shook his head, “I’m sure…my fiancee will understand if I allow you to stay at our residence for a bit so we can figure out what to do with you. Follow me.” He began to walk expecting the woman to follow him.

“Wait- Ardyn is here?” She looked shocked and quickly walked after him.

The man didn’t speak and just walked briskly. The only thoughts in her head were about Ardyn. Would she see him? What would she say to him…could she say anything after what she did? She was the cause of his downfall. That’s what she told herself. 

She followed him, she didn’t even know his name, although from his looks. Perhaps he was the infamous Zane Ro’meave, high priest of O’khasis. Though this didn’t look like the place it should’ve been. It also looked much newer than what had been described to her. She looked at the man and finally spoke up.

“What’s your name? Only fair since you know mine.”

“Zane. Zane Ro’meave.” he spoke bluntly.

“And where are we exactly?”

“Niflheim. It’s a kingdom in the region of Ru’aun. The king here is Notch…I would advise not speaking to him he is more trouble than it’s worth.”

Aera nodded and walked getting closer to him now that he slowed down. She looked up at him studying his face. The way he walked was in a sort of limping way as if he was injured but due to pride or being used to it, he didn’t notice.

“I would have to say that is…ironic for you to say, Zane Ro’meave.”

“Ah so you know of my past sins, suppose that is good to know eh oracle?”

Aera’s face flushed slightly and she looked away, “Just Aera.” She muttered softly.

Zane looked at her confused but nodded and they made the walk to his house. Greeted by a very pregnant woman holding a girl who couldn’t have been older than 2. She looked at the two, her eyes widened and she stepped aside. She began to ask questions about her, pulling the young girl away as she reached for the new woman’s necklace.

“I’ve seen you in my dreams…but oh by the six how are you here? This is…what?” She set down the toddler who toddled over to Zane.

Zane picked up the young girl and kissed her head asking her about how her day with mommy was etc. Average questions a parent would ask a young child. He held her tightly. Or rather she wrapped her arms around his neck and wouldn’t let go. Aera smiled softly at the two, she always imagined the man would always be cruel. Maybe some people had a secret sweet side they hid.

Aera sat down on the couch and talked with katelyn.

“What’s her name? Your daughter.”

“Alison.” Katelyn smiled a bit, “She’s a good kid and excited to meet her new baby siblings.”

“Aw that’s great I always loved children.” Aera smiled brightly, “We had discussed if one day we had children well…we’d name a girl Norah. We were so sure we’d have a child that was a girl.”

“Norah-” Katelyn repeated, “That…huh.” Katelyn nodded slightly, “Norah is a beautiful name.”

“When I heard…Ardyn had a clone made from him and it was a girl named Norah…I was surprised at first. I didn;t realize it stuck with him for two millenia.”

“You’d be surprised…I know Norah, well when I met her two years ago. She’s a good kid. She should be what…11 or somewhere around there. She’s 8 years younger than I am.” She shrugged.

Aera looked at her puzzled, it had felt so much sooner that she had found the news that a baby girl had been made from Ardyn. That girl was now older than she realized. Aera sighed softly and leaned back.

Zane soon walked into the room with Alison, he had gone into the kitchen and made small finger sandwiches for everyone. He set it down on the coffee table. Grunting in response when Aera thanked him. He grabbed one and handed it to the young girl. Alison took it into her hand and took a bite. It was a kind of meat with cucumber and some sort of sauce that Aera couldn’t put a finger on what it was.

“You know, you’re not as bad as the stories say Zane.” Aera spoke up, “Although forgive me if I’m wrong.”

“I suppose I’ve tamed myself down a bit…I am a father after all. A tired one at that…but,” he looked at Katelyn, “I wouldn’t trade it for the world.” He lifted his mask down slightly before taking a bite and putting it back up.

Aera giggled softly and nodded in understanding before frowning softly. This. This was the life she wanted so desperately with Ardyn. Living in peace. But no, life never works how you want it to in the end. But, maybe now she could have a better start.

~October 2016~

The wedding between Aphmau and Aaron was in full swing, Aera had been invited by Katelyn and Zane. Of course with permission from both bride and groom. She wore a modest light blue dress, it had been loaned to her for the party as she didn’t have much clothing that wasn’t white. She smiled as she sat down at a table talking to friends of the people there.

She listened into conversations not talking much unless she was asked for input, but she turned and noticed a young woman with red-wine hair standing somewhat awkwardly in a corner. The young woman hadn’t been in Ru’aun long but she was already known as the New Chancellor of King Notch. She looked around and noticed Aera, her eyes widened and she stepped back.

Aera stood up excusing herself away and walked over. She began to make her way over to the young woman who looked around mildly panicking on the outside. But inside she must’ve been having a full blown panic on how she would respond to the woman walking towards her.

“Hello.” Aera greeted.

“Aera…” She looked at her shocked.

“Norah, right? That’s your name…Ardyn’s daughter?” Aera asked.

Norah nodded, “Well, clone but daughter…clone…what’s the difference?” She rubbed her arm, “This is incredible…hard for me.”

Aera sighed, She feared this would happen. Norah freezing up and getting nervous, just like how Ardyn would sometimes get. Norah gripped the sides of her red dress, her hair had been put up into a bun but with part of her hair being undone.

“How old are you?”

“25. Not that old honestly if you ask me.” She chuckled nervously, “Thought it was rude to ask a woman's age-”

“Sorry- I just didn’t know.”

“Why don’t we chat somewhere else-” She suggested. 

Aera nodded and they went off to the side and for the rest of the night they talked. Laughed. Even cried a bit. Talking about many things. Although Ardyn was watching from afar…he didn’t know the woman that his child spoke to was his ex-fiancee and he wouldn’t know. At least not for a long, long time.

Aera by the end of the party went home and flopped into bed. Her own apartment, own small job. Although voicing herself would pay alright as well. It was fairly rough as it was similar to how she truly felt about her assumed betrayal of Ardyn.

Aera sighed softly, “Oh my Irene…” She muttered, “That was…rough and I just said oh my Irene. This world is rubbing off on me.” She grumbled into her pillow, “For better or worse? I cannot tell.” She rolled onto her back.

“If the people aren’t allowed to worship their goddess why are they able to say it though? I really don’t understand that crazy king…I cannot decide whether he’s better or worse than Somnus…Suppose they’re the same…Somnus at least regrets what he does. I think. Now I’m talking to myself…” She grabbed her phone and checked it, “I have work in the morning- I HAVE WORK IN THE MORNING?!” She threw it to the side and let out a groan.

She got up and washed off her body taking great care around the scar being gentle as even after still so long it would get irritated if she was too rough with it. After her shower she fell into bed and fell into deep slumber, going to her dream world where she sat and talked with the Divine Warriors. Until she had to wake up and work at the coffee shop, where she worked with a boss who had raven hair and bright red eyes. She was a kind woman despite her intimidating appearance.

Chapter Text

~ Fall 2003 Rowan Guillaume Age- 30 May Guillaume Age- 12~

The sound of a girl yelping as she was knocked to the ground by her older brother was heard by everyone around the training area. May had started training, she had to in order to prove herself to her parents. Just like her older brother did. She wanted to be like him one day or perhaps even better. He was a commander after all, there were higher parts of the military she could achieve. More so after being thrusted into a more modern world where she won’t have as high of a chance of dying due to stupid reasons.

Although Tu’la had pulled out of Ru’aun, they were still very much a powerful nation. The unexpected curse of being put into a newer land just threw everything off. But she was still being a kid most of the time so she didn’t bother to learn the effects it had on their kingdom.

“May. Get up.” Her older brother, Rowan spoke, “You said you wanted to protect the king one day, yes? You have to be ready by training. So. Get up.” he kicked the side of her foot as she laid on the ground.

“Rowan…I’ll be ready soon enough. Besides, I can't even join officially until I’m 18.” She protested as she began to stand, legs shaking as they had been training since dawn and it was mid day now.

Her legs were screaming at her to rest. The rest of her body screamed to eat something or to drink water. Rowan didn’t even look like he had started to break a sweat. His white hair was pulled into a ponytail to keep it out of the way. Although if she looked close enough his hair did seem more wet than it usually did when styled.

Rowan looked at her and let out a sigh and got into position. Seems he wouldn’t be letting up. Not anytime soon. May hesitantly got into a stance although sloppy but that could’ve been due to the fact she was in pain. She groaned a bit and began to run at the older. He simply stepped to the side and hit the middle of her back causing her to hit the ground once more eating pavement. 

“We need to be ready. You need to be ready. You may have to defend yourself one day. What if I’m not here? What if there’s no one to protect you? Oh let’s not forget. We’re shadow knights. We have to be careful with our temper. You’ve already nearly turned 12 times in the hours we’ve been training. Is that not dangerous to you?” Rowan spoke up, holding out a hand to her.

“I…” She stood up looking away, “I didn’t think of it that way…but can we at least take a break? We’ve been training since 5 am and mama said we need to be home today-”

Rowan’s eyes widened, he clearly forgot about the coronation of Eret the adopted son of king of Tu’la. Could you say adopted? More like he was taken from Herobrine 18 years ago and now he was becoming a king of his own small kingdom. The 19 year old would be a ruler, trusted and well. May already had her eyes set on protecting the prince, soon to be king originally from the nether.

He cursed under his breath and began to run, May followed after him. Trying to keep up although their height difference made it nearly impossible. He had to be in his formal guard attire and May had to have her dress and hair done. He turned to see her falling behind, he quickly stopped and scooped her up and ran back home.

“Sorry mom! We were training and lost track.” Rowan apologized.

“It’s fine- you two get some food in and then get ready. Quickly you both need a shower you smell terrible.” Their mother spoke, handing them both plates of food.

“Yes mama.” May sat down and quickly ate

“Yes ma’am.” Rowan did the same but was looking at a letter on the table. “Mom, what’s this?” He pointed to it.

“Hmm? Your father must’ve left it.” She shrugged slightly. 

Rowan picked up the note and began to read it, his mouth opening more as he read from it. It was a letter from someone who…was planning to interrupt the coronation. He quickly pocketed the letter, his face pale.

May had noticed his face paling but she didn’t ask about it. If she asked she would be met with either silence or he would say that it wasn’t her business. Even though it had to deal with their father…it had to be really bad and worrying. She finished eating and went upstairs to get bathed and dressed.

Rowan did the same shortly after, styling his hair in the mirror after he had dried it. He sighed softly as he looked at his scar ridden chest. Gently tracing them, the big one in the middle…he wouldn’t forget that night…it had only been...2 years? Since Zane Ro’meave had destroyed the village. The village Rowan had been in command of. He was the only surviving Tulian Guard. That moment horrified him, he hadn’t expected the attack…He played dead, even as he heard the man's horrifying laughter.

People say the monster settled down and now has 2 children. Poor kids. Poor fiancee. Rumors also say the mother was Katelyn. Who happened to be the twin of Eret. Perhaps they were both too kind to the people they should despise.

“The gods must be on my side…” he muttered under his breath, he put his hands together in a prayer-like way and closed his eyes.

 “O Esmund…protect my family and the new king. Give me the strength to do what I must in order to stop the traitors.” He opened his eyes taking in a deep breath before he went and put on his formal guard uniform.

He walked downstairs and looked at May. he smiled slightly, “You look so nice. For once.” He patted her head.

“Hey- What’s that supposed to mean?!” She exclaimed, “I always look nice!”

“You dress like how I used to.” He crossed his arms, “Not saying you can’t…but I made it look better.”

She swung back her leg in an obvious attempt to kick her brother but their mother looked in her direction and she lowered her leg rolling her eyes, “Whatever…lets go! Dad’s already there!” She ran out of the house.

He quickly followed, and they got into the car along with their mother and made their way to the place where the new kingdom would be. He sighed softly and leaned against the window looking out the window. May was talking about what she could do once she was a guard for Eret.

Rowan began to think about the books he had been reading lately. Niflheim, an Empire in Eos. Lately it has been rising more with magiteknology. Using daemons in creating soldiers. He wondered if one day one of the nations would do the same although maybe with…shadow souls. He shuddered at the thought. He thought about the new info.

Niflheim had invaded Tenebrae. The mother of Lunafreya and Ravus had been killed but no sources say why she died. He could only assume she was trying to protect one of her children. Oracles clearly had bad luck in that world. May was the same age as Noctis…which is weird to think about. He didn’t even know Noctis. Why did he make the correlation? 

Eventually they arrived, he escorted his sister and mother to their places and spoke with them for a few before he went to his station. He looked around watching out for any suspicious behavior but all he saw was a nervous prince waiting to be crowned as king. Why would anyone plot to kill a 19 year old who barely knew his own origins. Who was scared as everyone else for the change that was about to happen.

Eret noticed Rowan and gave him a warm smile. Rowan chose to not smile back. He instead looked away. 

Soon the event started, the priest spoke. Did all the usual coronation thing. Eret repeating the phrases spoke to him about how he’d be a right and just ruler. The usual, but right as the crown was about to be put onto his head. Rowan saw out of the corner of his eye his father and a man begin to pull their weapons from their sheath.

“NO!” Rowan yelled out pulling his blade from his and ran towards the two.

The two men began to move towards Eret running quick but Rowan’s blade was quicker. One stab. Through the strange man’s chest, the second stab went through his father’s stomach. He looked at the man in the eyes, eyes filled with anger, betrayal, and hatred.

“Why.” Rowan muttered, “Why, you.” He whispered before pulling his blade from the mans chest.

Screams were heard but Eret looked at Rowan, “Thank you…Ro. I could’ve…died.” he put a hand to his chest, “Thank you for saving me.” He whispered.

Rowan turned and looked at his mother and May, both looked horrified even if it wasn’t at him. His eyes were red. And forever red they would be. Immortality was more of a curse than a blessing. He had killed someone he cared about so much. Now he would be left with the permanent reminder of his actions, although he saved someone. He would be a shadow knight who is alive forever.

He stared out at the crowd and quickly ran, he ran off through the city, out the gates and into the forest. The snow was already thick although it was early fall. He ran…and ran. He ran until he had made it to a meeting place. One that he and an old friend would visit. But that friend was gone and had been for quite some time. Lost his life in a battle.

He shuddered thinking of that, seeing the man's brown curls stuck to his forehead thanks to the blood. He remembered the blood that had come from his mouth. The blood from his fatal wound that couldn’t be healed in time. He remembered his brown eyes, his parents were more than just devastated. If the stories were true they once already had a son like him, long long ago. 

He sat on the roof and looked up at the stars as the moon rose higher into the sky. He let out a shaky breath seeing his breath in the crisp air. He held back a scream. He felt so much hitting his heart at that moment. He felt like a monster although he knew he had saved Eret it felt…wrong.

He didn’t hear as footsteps came behind and someone sat beside him. He turned and jumped as he saw a man with brown curls and red eyes sat by him. But he had the same round glasses he always wore. He looked at him mouth agape.

“Wil-” He started.

The man pulled out a box of cigarettes and grabbed one and put it to his mouth, grabbing a lighter. He lit it. A smirk was on his face as he took a puff. He still didn’t speak to the older.

The two sat in silence for a few minutes until the brown haired man offered the cigarette to the other. Rowan sighed and took a puff of it. He looked up at the stars and leaned on his shoulder.

“Thanks Wilbur.” He muttered softly.

“You did something good today. More than I can ever do.” He laughed softly.

“You're a shadow knight.” Rowan’s voice hoarse, He looked over at him, “Your eyes are read…who…who did you kill?”

Wilbur looked away, taking the cigarette back as the other handed it to him. He seemed to be trying to find the right words. I mean they both had clearly killed people they held dear to them.

“She wasn’t a wife or anything but she gave birth to our son…which I do not have said son I gave him away. Which is fine. He won’t remember me and I will never see him.” He spoke quickly.

“Oh…Wilbur I’m…I’m sorry.” He whispered, “Shit…guess we’ve both lost people we loved…”

Wilbur sighed but quickly turned his attention to Rowan as he broke out crying. His body shaking, his breathing quickening and turned into hyperventilating. Wilbur quickly wrapped his arms around him and held him against him. Quietly shushing him. The two sat there as the younger rocked him back a bit. The attempts to calm him weren't working although Wilbur had to pause as to not let his cigarette ashes get onto either of them.

“I’m a monster…May…the way she looked at me…she…she was horrified…I should’ve told her but I couldn't…like I had to lie to her about the age she could join the Tu’la military…I tried to protect her but it seems everything goes wrong. Y’know?” he laughed hysterically.

Wilbur held him tighter, “Shut up…you’re not a monster. You didn’t kill someone you love in a fit of rage all because your father called you a monster. Called you terrible things…” he gritted his teeth and took a deep breath.

“Wilbur I can’t go back home…I don’t know if I can.” he muttered.

“We can stay here like when we were younger and escaping from training.” He whispered.

“You’re five years younger yet you somehow got me to follow you here…and we just talked and I helped you become the best guard at 15 years old.” He sighed, “I feel like a monster…”

Wilbur shrugged, “I don’t know man, you’re pretty great. I doubt May thinks youre the monster. She probably thinks your father is.”

Rowan leaned back into the snow stretching his legs. Wilbur followed suit. Slipping down sunglasses as he did so. The two became silent once more. Enjoying each other’s company. They sat like that most of the night just looking up at the moon and stars. He closed his eyes and when he fell asleep he saw Shiva, the Glacian. That was odd…but she looked so enchanting and beautiful. 

Rowan smiled at the goddess. He was happy to see such a perfect woman. But, then he remembered her story…perhaps she wasn’t so different from Irene and Ifrit wasn’t so different from Shad. They all had tragic stories…Two women’s lovers going berserk because of the actions of a person or group of people. So for the good of humanity they had to defeat their love. 

It felt both happy and sad…he hoped both groups could one day get a happy ending with whomever. But life isn’t a fairy tale. He knows that and has known that for quite some time now. He remembered the story he had of Ardyn and Aera. Another tragedy that had been hidden for so long. 

In his sleep he had been tossing and turning so Wilbur brought him inside, laying him on the cot and watching as he slept. Making sure he was well protected and that no one would come after the newly immortal shadow knight.

~Fall 2023~

“I need to stop cosplaying as men with blonde hair-” Rowan laughed as he dressed up as Dion Lesage from Final Fantasy XVI 

Wilbur scoffed, “Alright. Mr. I voice Ravus who has white hair. Not blonde.” He corrected smugly.

Rowan stuck his tongue out at him. “Hey do I need to remind you that you essentially wrote your old asshole self into the Dream SMP? Hmm? Mr. I made Revivebur to resemble when I was a mean immortal shadow knight. Now you’re a very soft Shadow Knight.”

Schlatt laughed in the background but in response the two men yelled, “Shut up Niff!”

Rowan smiled slightly and looked at Wilbur, the two had been close still. Even throughout the past 20 years. Their friendship had never faltered. The now 50 and 45 year old having a life they deserved. Rowan was general of an army and Wilbur was a history teacher in the kingdom of Nilfheim. 

The past few years had been hard yes. But that is because war had broken out between O’krana and Niflheim in a treaty signing gone wrong. Bahamut had to be stopped from destroying BOTH worlds. Notch was finally overthrown and killed. His death only lasted a few months. Technoblade died in 2022, but as he was a god too…he also came back later in the year. Ardyn became king of Niflheim. In 2023 everything became much more tame.

Kirby’s 20th birthday came which brought, his celebration crowning of becoming king of Niflheim. Oh can’t forget the marriage between him and Ardyn. The news that Rylan and May would be the future rulers of O’krana amazed him.

He never expected his younger sister to ever become queen…but he would be there the day for when she would. Whenever that may be. He will always hold loyalties for Tu’la but he could never miss a life changing event regarding his sister.

Rowan’s parts of his adult life (around ffxv)

Being a voice actor for Ravus (Ravus also voices himself)

Meeting the VA For Aldercapt, who is also a shadow knight…and looks way younger even though they are the same age. (One became immortal when he was 18 and Rowan became immortal at 30)

The Phoenix Alliance Island was used as a part of Altissia for festivals

Caligo actually being a decent person for once.

May voicing Lunafreya made voice acting for both of them very natural as they are actually siblings…so it made sense to him.

Rowan had helped keep Rylan from being killed by Niflheim soldiers when the ex-prince was exiled by his father Notch.

He enjoyed learning more about Ru’aun as he wasn’t able to do much when he was assigned there when Tu’la invaded Ru’aun and he had to go be commander.

Group picture of all the VA for the Niflheim Characters which consisted of:

Caligo, Rowan (Ravus), Ravus, May (Luna), Ara (Aranea), Lex (Verstael Besithia), Adam (Iedolas Aldercapt), Nedra (Ardyn) Ironically he was chancellor of Niflheim (Kingdom), Levi (Loqi).

Talking to Norah when she wasn’t doing Chancellor things.

Recreating scenes from FFXV but out of costume. It was quite entertaining.

Chapter Text

~998/Minecraftia 5 years before the curse~ (References to Before the Release)

Wilbur stood against a tree, 21 years old. A shadow knight. An immortal shadow knight. A monster who cut down his lover in a fit of rage over something that had nothing to do with him. Leaving him alone with his newborn child…the newborn child he gave up. How could he look at his child and not think about Sally. He didn’t mean to kill her. But he did, now he had a horrid reminder. His eyes are forever red.

All because he was angry at being himself. A shadow knight. He hated the fact he died. Some days he wished he had stayed dead. Especially after what he just did. He held a cigarette in his hand. He let out a small sigh as he took a drag from it. He looked up at the night time sky. He was alone. Having gotten into an argument with his father over the lack of control he had. He left before he could destroy anything.

I don’t even recognize my son anymore, Wilbur. Who are you?

Good question. Even he didn’t know. He was still trying to figure that out. Maybe one day.

He snapped his head towards the bushes. Hearing a sound come from them. He reached for his sword. Ready if someone were to attack him. Confusion filling his face as a man with red-wine hair and amber eyes appeared. He wore clothing that was hardly fitting for the warm summer weather. Even if it was cooler in Tu’la it was still quite warm. He relaxed looking at the man who honestly looked rather confused.

“Ah. You there. Might you tell me where I am?” The older man asked.

The young man took a second before he answered, “Oh uh, you’re near Havas. Capital of Tu’la.” 

“Ah I see. Thank you, what is your name?” He asked.

“Wilbur. Wilbur Soot.” He responded, “Who are you? Since you are near my home after all.”

“You can call me Ardyn.” He smiled slightly, he was rather flamboyant in how he acted. His eccentricity reminded Wilbur of the texts he read recently.

He blinked, before his eyes widened. Oh. This was the guy he had read about recently. He went to move for his sword again. Chancellor Ardyn Izunia also known as Ardyn Lucis Caelum. Notes he read said he had a child. One made mostly from his own DNA although she was a girl. What use would he need for a clone of himself? 

“Ardyn Lucis Caelum. Why are you here?”

“Ah Haven’t heard anyone say that name in a loooong time.” He shook his head, “Fear not, I have no interest in messing with your world.” He spoke, although he wasn’t exactly known to show his true intentions.

“Oh uh. Good, otherwise I’d have to beat your ass.” He stubbed out his cigarette. “Nice meeting you.” He leaned against the tree once more. “Still didn’t exactly answer my question.”

He seemed more relaxed, maybe a bit too trusting that this man wasn’t going to try to destroy him. What else did he have to lose? Not like it really mattered. Ardyn looked at him and simply shrugged.

“Wanted to visit. I have been since I found out I could travel here. Ru’aun is a wonderful region. Tu’la is beautiful. What can I say?”

Wilbur nodded and slumped against the tree and sat down. Motioning for Ardyn to join him if he so wished. He did. The two sat talking about the realm. Wilbur talks about living his first 19 years as a normal man. As normal as you can get when both parents are gods. Ardyn listened intently. For once not having any other motivation behind listening to him. Finding it amusing as he learned about Shadow Knights. That explains Ara and Adam seemingly coming back from the dead. By the time Ardyn had seen Adam, his eyes were red. 

Wilbur explained to get the red eyes permanently then you’d need to kill someone you care about; Such as a lord for example. Or a handful of innocent people. Who Adam killed was a mystery to the red haired man. He didn’t exactly care for the then 18 year old guard he had killed. Although, now he was intrigued. Though, he did feel bad for Wilbur. It must’ve been hard to harm a loved one. Wilbur looked up at the sky.

“I miss my parents. But, I messed up.” He smiled slightly, “I’m fucked in the head. Maybe I’m just a monster meant to do bad. That’s what our ‘creator’ intended us to be.” Creator meaning Shad the Destroyer’s father. The original Shadow King. 

Ardyn looked at him slightly confused. Although he knew the meaning. Leaning back against the tree he closed his eyes, the cool breeze feeling nice. The two now sat in silence. but it wasn’t the kind of awkward silence. It was peaceful. Almost natural. As if they were friends. Despite the fact that they had just met so it was too early to say they were. Perhaps Wilbur would turn against Ardyn. Everyone did or feared him enough to stand by him. Wilbur didn’t seem to be that type though. He seemed very fearless, maybe already tired of having a second chance at life.

Forever immortal. Arguably he was already on that path due to his father being an angel of death and his mother a goddess of death. He was still part of the Tu’la military but for obvious reasons…he was taking a break. He had nowhere to go anyway, everyone feared him. Shadow knights were considered monsters after all. Creatures of the night that aren’t dead; but, aren’t alive either. Not all of them were terrible. More than lately they were proven to be opposite. Especially the Guillaume Family. The General Lienoal, his wife Sylvonna and two children; Rowan and May were all shadow knights. The youngest was as sweet as can be, Rowan was a wonderful soldier and Wilbur’s best friend. Lienoal and Sylvonna were turned when they died at just 18 years old.

They escaped the nether and had two children later while still being 18 years old, currently the children were 25 and 7 years old. Despite their large age gap they were like best friends…as much as they could be. Still having their differences especially with their 18 year age gap. So much had changed in those years. But, Rowan cared for the younger, remembering to set time when he could to make a great impression on his sister. Hoping that one day there would be peace. As childish as it sounds, it would be nice for it to happen.

But, for now. The king wanted all members of the Jury of Nine from Ru’aun. Wilbur had no idea why and neither did Rowan. Wilbur wasn’t going. Not yet anyway. They were planning an invasion for the next day. Soon Ru’aun would be theirs. Or so they all hoped. Wilbur didn’t care either way. It was useless to him personally. There would be unneeded bloodshed. Something he truly hated. He looked at Ardyn and smiled, something about him was oddly calming. Maybe they weren’t too different from each other. Though, Wilbur never wanted revenge for his death. He was killed by a traitor. An unfortunate way to die, but nothing he could do about it now. Likely, the man who killed him had already been executed.

He just needed to find a new purpose in life. Technoblade already left the military…after the whole disaster with the shadow souls. He couldn’t blame Techno for not wanting to have anything else to deal with that way of life. He had been more and more against the government lately. Wilbur never heard him talk about it in front of him. But, the pink haired man often talked about his opinions to the black winged man. Philza was always a great listener. 

“I think this is the beginning of a great friendship. Old man.” Wilbur spoke, crossing his arms behind his head. Closing his eyes, falling asleep against the tree.

“We will see.” The older man spoke looking up at the night sky, watching as the dawn began to come. Taking a deep breath he stood up and walked away from the shadow knight. 

They would talk often, keeping each other company in an otherwise very. VERY lonely world. 

~12 years later 2010/755 ME)~

Wilbur walked to a lonely park with a blonde-haired boy. Tommy, who was Verstael Besithia’s son. Few weeks prior they had saved the six year old. Who’s real age was a mystery as the evil bastard had seemingly frozen the boy while he researched shadow knights. He eventually unfrozen the boy and attempted to turn him into one…but Wilbur and Philza had saved the young boy. The ritual was not complete as Besithia hadn’t done it correctly. the young child was in pain to the point they had to bring him to Shad. Now at 6 years old, he was a shadow knight. A pain that a kid should never go through.

Gods that punch felt so satisfying. He deserved it. Wilbur smiled at the young child. They got to the playground.

“Go on Tommy. Go crazy, have some fun.”

“Ok Wilby!” The child spoke smiling as he ran to the playground and ran around going on all the toys.

Wilbur sat on a bench taking out a pack of cigarettes. Still not the best thing but. What else did he have to do? He watched Tommy, watching to make sure he didn’t get himself hurt. Wincing when he saw Tommy face plant on the ground. But before he could make sure he was ok, the young child threw up a thumbs up. He got up looking perfectly fine. Not a single scratch. Perks of being a shadow knight is regeneration. 

He leaned back nodding. Watching as he went to the top of the playtoy. Wilbur saw someone sit next to him. Ardyn, he smiled slightly.

“Hey old man.” Wilbur spoke casually.

“Did Tommy call you Wilby? That seems awfully cute.”

“Psh. Wilbur is harder for him to say, so I let him call me that.” He shrugged offering his cigarette to Ardyn, but as usual he declined. He didn’t have his usual smile.

“Something wrong?”

“My dad and Technoblade are talking. Tommy is from your world, but…he reminds Technoblade of well. I guess a ‘past’ Tommy from his past. I already told you that story.”

“About the young king Wilbur and even younger prince Tommy. Yes I do remember. How has Tommy been doing here?” He raised an eyebrow.

But then hearing Tommy yelling his name he turned his attention to the boy suddenly jumping onto him and hugging him tightly. The old man gave him a slight hug, affection clearly not something he was used to at all. Even with children although he seemed to be looking at Tommy with a genuine look of care.

“Ardyn.” Tommy smiled, “Hiya!”

“Hello Tommy.” He set him down next to him. “Do you like it here?”

“It’s been so cool, Wilby promised to get me ice cream…have you had ice cream? I haven’t…”

“I do believe I’ve had the sweet treat before, yes. I’m sure you’ll love it.” He tapped the boy on the nose.

Tommy giggled before getting off the bench and ran back to whatever he was doing. Wilbur looked over at Ardyn. There were some things he simply didn’t understand. Ardyn had a child, er clone. But everytime he talked about her, it seemed like a chore. Like she was a disappointment and would always be one. But when it came to a child that wasn’t his own, he acted kind. Always patient. Suppose that was the difference, it wasn’t his.

Wilbur sighed softly, turning back. He then remembered the party that night. He didn’t exactly have anyone to go with. Wouldn’t hurt to invite Ardyn. He turned to the old man.

“Hey there’s this party tonight at the castle. Wanna join? Preferably if you change your clothes at least. This won’t be a date. Duh. I just wanna show I still have friends.”

“Why I’d be honored. I will surely dress my best I suppose.” he chuckled, “I have no complaints. We are friends after all.” 

Wilbur nodded, after letting Tommy play for an hour he called for him to come over. Their next mission: Try Ice Cream before giving him back to his parents to watch their sugar filled child. Ardyn came along, apparently most people didn’t know what Ardyn looked like. They did comment on how mysterious and weird he looked. Ardyn ignored them, he liked the way he dressed. 

The three got to the ice cream shop, both adults helped the younger pick out a flavor. Tommy was happy with eyes as wide as his ice cream as it was handed to him. Wilbur sat down with his cone. He had chosen vanilla with sprinkles. It was simple. He liked simple things. Ardyn had gotten the same, he didn’t need to eat but he knew Tommy would insist he wanted Ice cream. The child was very persuasive after all.

As expected Tommy devoured the ice cream quickly. Which shortly came after was a huge tummy ache. Wilbur held back his laughter and Ardyn didn’t hide his smile nor his encouragement for next time that the boy should slow down. The ice cream wouldn’t go anywhere. Tommy nodded, understanding. Wilbur soon finished and picked up the child. Ardyn waved them goodbye and well…disappeared in his usual fashion. Wilbur walked the young child home, excited for the dance. He’d have someone to talk to.

***

Wilbur was ready as he walked into the ballroom he noticed Ardyn. Still dressed in his usual clothes. Oh well, no one would care. The two talked about simple things. Hell they even danced. People watched them, they knew it even if they were trying to hide it….it was a bit obvious. Wilbur allowed Ardyn to lead, each finding their footing as for half of a song it felt like they were fighting for the lead.

After the song was over, a man who didn’t look much older than Wilbur walked over. He had white hair and while not exactly looking like Ravus, he certainly sounded like him. Which was confusing to Ardyn nonetheless. 

“Wilbur- so nice to see you.”

“Great to see you too, General.” Wilbur teased, “How does it feel to be officially taking over your father’s job?”
“Feels like four years too late. Quite literally.” The man's eyes were red. He must’ve been the friend Wilbur talked about.

The one who had killed his own father in order to protect King Eret of a smaller kingdom. The two burst out into laughter, a girl, around 19 ran over. Her looks were uncanny to Lady Lunafreya of Tenebrae. Although younger.

“Rowan, you left me behind! Mama said to keep an eye on me.” She whined.

“You’re complaining? Normally you want me to not keep an eye on you. Jeez you 16 year olds cannot make up your mind.” The elder sibling crossed his arms. A small smirk on his face.

“Eh- you bring that up now?” She looked away and looked up at Ardyn, she looked at him in surprise as if she knew who he was. But she didn’t say anything. She just looked up at Rowan in annoyance. “Stupid.” She kicked his leg.

He yelped in pain and watched as she ran off. Not making it far before she tripped and fell in her dress. She wasn’t used to dresses and he knew that. He shook his head and waved off to Ardyn and Wilbur before he walked over and helped her up before smacking her head. To which she protested but seemed to threaten her with extra training if she didn’t calm down. That changed her attitude quickly.

Extra training meant training with THE BLADE according to Wilbur. The blade being Technoblade. Ardyn did find that name familiar. Where he had heard it from was unknown to him however. The two spent the last of the night dancing and drinking wine. Whatever happened after was honestly a mystery to Wilbur.

~2020/ 765 ME~

Wilbur stood next to Ardyn as they stood in a forest near old O’khasis. Wilbur leaned against the tree adjusting his sunglasses.

“I think I’m gonna miss you when you die. You were fun to be friends with. But, soon Noctis will be back and well kill you. According to the prophecy anyway.” He crossed his arms. Usually good at hiding his emotions, he genuinely would miss him.

“Really? You will. That feels quite touching Wilbur.” Ardyn laughed softly as he stood in the shade. 

“Norah…will miss you too. I know she doesn’t like you much. But, you’re her dad. She really cares for you.”

“Niflheim lost, yet she doesn’t seem to be happy.”

Wilbur hated when Ardyn changed the subject, guess he didn’t want to believe that Norah actually was ok-ish with him.

“Notch has her all cooped up. Under his control. But hey, I’m sure her friends will find a way to free this kingdom of his reign. I hope so. Before Technoblade takes it into his own hands.” Wilbur laughed.

Ardyn nodded slightly frowning. He leaned against the tree and sat down. Wilbur sat by him. Leaning on him, closing his eyes as well. He could feel himself slipping into sleep, Ardyn wouldn’t sleep but he would probably stay until the sun got too close for his liking. Wilbur let out a small sigh, wanting to enjoy this temporary peace. Ardyn looked over at Wilbur, even after over 20 years, they had been decent friends. 

The two enjoyed each other’s company no matter what happened. No matter what they did, however horrid. They didn’t judge each other. Maybe Wilbur was just as bad as he was. Although Ardyn did what he did in the name of revenge…he just wanted rest. To be free from his curse. He closed his eyes, hearing Wilbur uttered words.

I’ll never be alone with you around. Thank you, Ardyn Lucis Caelum.

Chapter Text

The sound of windows being broken sounded loud in Audra’s ears. She knew it was coming, but not this soon. She rushed over to her desk grabbing two sealed envelopes and a star necklace. She closed her eyes kissing the necklace. Tears were already streaming down her cheeks. She turned and rushed to her baby’s room.

It had only been a few weeks since she lost her husband and in return, their song lost a father. She knew the king would soon come for her and the child as well. It was unfortunate but, things happen. She looked at her child who was sound asleep in his crib, holding back a sob, she gently picked up the child. She looked at his sleeping face. So peaceful, did he even know who his father was? Did 5 month old babies pay attention to that? She didn’t know, but now certainly wasn’t the time to ponder that question. She held the boy tight, swaddling him tight in a blanket with the letter D embroidered onto it. She muttered words under her breath as she looked around. Tucking the letters into the blanket.

She walked down to the basement, she laid him in a basket. She bit her lip as she stared at him. He began to stir, when he opened his eyes his brown eyes bore into her own. She stopped, her heart aching. Did she really want to send him away? What was she without her last bit of family? Would he even end up where she hoped he would? She did not know, suppose she just had to pray that the gods will protect him from wherever. Oh, if only the king hadn’t become so corrupt. If only he was the righteous young king he once was 30 years ago. He was kind, willing to change, and was a just ruler.

Now in his older age, although the same age as Audra. He was cold, cruel, and callous. Unfeeling, killing people he saw fit to be killed for whatever reason. That’s why she was in this mess. Being a powerful magic user was important, to have one in your hands would make you invincible. Even though she had run away from her village she was found rather quickly. Of course she couldn’t be free for long. People related to the king were always watched so closely.

She began to sing a lullaby, hoping it would get the baby boy to fall asleep. She picked him up and rocked him, even as she heard the soldier's footsteps draw closer. She kissed his head, she pulled away. Watching his eyes close again. She sighed in relief. She set him back down and began to chant and incantation one that would send him to another world. Far far away from the king. She didn’t care where in that world. Just anywhere, where someone would care for him. Be kind and teach him how to be kind.

Gridania, Limsa Lomnisa, Ul’dah, Garlemald. It didn’t matter, not really. Anywhere would be better than here. She sighed softly once she saw the basket disappear. She still refused to cry out. She wanted to scream, moving a hand to her stomach, she felt she barely had any time with him. He did spend nine months inside her womb. Only five months in this cruel, yet beautiful world. 

“My son, I have nothing I can give. But this chance that you may live. I pray we'll meet again. If it is meant to be.”

She looked down hearing the door be busted open, she looked back, a smile on her face as tears streamed down her face.

“He’s not here. You have lost. He is safe.” She whispered softly, “He is where the king cannot reach him.” She laughed softly. 

The captain of the royal guard grabbed her roughly. Pulling her up, she was taken to the king. She looked down, avoiding his eyes, she couldn’t look at her father. She wanted to lash out at him with murderous rage. But she couldn’t do anything. She bit back her tongue, she was foolish for running and now she was paying for it. Perhaps with her life?

“Aurda, where is your son? You will tell me now.”

“Could be Gridiania, or…maybe Ishgard. Either way, no one can get there. It matters not, I used the last bit of the aetheryte ticket that I still had to send him there.” She smirked slightly, “He is somewhere safe now. Somewhere where you cannot take him.” 

The king glared at the young woman. She now looked up at him, them meeting eyes. Her heart pounding in her chest as she saw him clearly debating on what he should do to her. Her punishment, for running from the kingdom with her child. Evading orders by the king. If she had just a bit more, she could’ve gone with her son. But she knew it would be better for him to grow up without her, and hope that one day. Maybe one day, they could meet again.

“Take the princess to her room. Watch her all the time. Make sure she doesn’t escape and get started on finding a way to Eorzea. Now.” he demanded.

She was grabbed once more and dragged to her old room. Being pushed in, her legs weak from losing adrenaline; she collapsed. She looked back as the door slammed closed and she heard it lock. She let out a gut wrenching cry heard across the entirety of the castle. 

Dante, luckily, was found by a Miqo’te. Her name was Yuhki, she was on her way out of Gridania when she found the child. Who had just woken up as she walked over, babbling. The first thing she noticed was the note. Her eyes widened as she read it. Just having met the baby she already felt the urge to help him. She was the Warrior of Light after all. 

She brought the baby home and explained everything to Estinien. Can’t forget the important detail that she is PREGNANT as well. What a handful it will be to raise three children, what can go wrong? How chaotic can that be? Find out, maybe one day!

Chapter Text

Je m'appelle Ara Beaufort, je suis originaire de Tu'la. Je suis arrivé ici quand j'avais cinq ans. Quand j'ai eu dix-sept ans, j'ai été assassiné par Ardyn Lucis Caelum et transformé en chevalier de l'ombre. Pendant des années, j'ai travaillé pour vous. Un tyran. Mais récemment, j'ai donné ma démission à la chancelière de Niflheim Norah Izunia. C'est au revoir à votre règne de tyrannie. J'espère que vous êtes prêt à affronter l'enfer que nous allons déclencher. Pour la douleur et la discrimination que vous avez causées à mes camarades chevaliers de l'ombre.

(I am Ara Beaufort, I hail from Tu'la. I came here when I was five years old. When I turned seventeen, I was murdered by Ardyn Lucis Caelum and turned into a shadow knight. For years I've worked for you. A tyrant. But recently I gave my resignation to the chancellor of Niflheim Norah Izunia. This is goodbye from your reign of tyranny. I hope you are prepared for the hell we are to unleash. For the pain and discrimination you have caused my fellow shadow knights.)

I voice Aranea Highwind in the game Final Fantasy XV . But, you know that by now. She and I are alike in many ways. We are both mercenaries. We care about the people around us. We leave when we know we are no longer needed, when we’re fed up with how an empire or kingdom treats us. Goodbye. Tyrant King.

I’m Cody Beaufort. Eldest brother of house Beaufort. Since being in this kingdom, I know that Ara and I had taken peace for granted when we were younger. Until I joined the royal guard and her death, I didn’t understand how terrible it was out there. When Tu’la attacked Ru’aun. We exhausted all of our resources because you ordered us to. A lot of people died because of that. A lot of good people. I have less to say than my sister. But, I will say I detest how you treat Shadow knights. While allowing Shadow Knights to fight for you if you deem them ‘strong enough’ to be here. Such as my sister, Ravus, and Adam. You’re so blind to everything. I am glad we will have a new king. Any ruler is better than you.

I voice Clarus Amicitia. I cannot say he and I are similar, I tried to stand by you. But, despite the Beaufort family being close to the Reynolds, I never considered you a friend. Unlike Clarus, I will not stand by you until the end. I’d rather stand by someone such as Ardyn. Or even Iedolas Aldercapt. You are a monster.

Royal Scientist and inventor John. I’ve been working for you since I was 18. Maybe even younger. I cannot say it’s been a pleasure. The projects you forced Lex and I to take on, were horrendous. For example, trying to recreate MTs. But, with shadow souls? You truly were asking for your kingdom to fall. Maybe we should have done that. Maybe we should have listened to you. Then you would realize trying to be like the Empire would have dire consequences. But, we weren’t willing to possibly die to show that. We have people we care for.

I voice Regis Lucis Caelum. It was an honor to voice-act him, I made a lot of friends and made your son. Rylan. Feel like he had a father who cared for him. Him voicing Noctis was one of the best things I had experienced. If only you were a father to him like you should have. If only you hadn’t tried to exile him and then have him executed. Maybe this situation would have never happened. Maybe if you had been a just ruler, or better yet. If Herobrine stayed the rightful ruler, all of this pain and suffering wouldn’t have happened. I already had one person I loved taken from me. I was lucky she was brought back as a Shadow Knight, even if our relationship was not meant to be. I hope Ardyn will accept becoming the king of Niflheim. I will gladly be a scientist under his rule as he has shown improvement lately. Unfortunately, it took this long.

I’m Lex. I don’t have anything truly special to say except to say that I voice Verstael Besithia. I am the inventor and scientist/head researcher for the kingdom. You are an idiot for demanding that John and I essentially recreate Magitek soldiers. That would cause more destruction than good. We don’t need to be this strong, this powerful. I understand I’m a crazy old man. But I know we don’t need that much power especially when one day it will turn on us. As of this time, Ardyn Lucis Caelum has accepted the crown. Wherever you are, I hope you got what you wanted. Now we have a king who I trust more than you. How sad is it that I can trust the man who murdered one of my friends? You are a joke.

Hey. I’m Adam. I wasn’t under your rule very long since I spent 20 years working for Shad. But in the nine-ish years I worked for you. I hated it. I hated it all, the things you forced us to do. The people you made us murder. The innocents. I know I’m not much better, Shad wasn’t much better. But he had a purpose. A goal. I only left because I became bored following a man who lost his way, I wanted to choose my own fate. Of course that didn’t happen when I went to work for you but oh well. Maybe now, I will have a real chance.

I voice Emperor Iedolas Aldercapt. It was honestly quite funny to voice a man not only older but, due to when I died and had turned into a full shadow knight. I still look similar to when I was killed at 18. So imagine someone who looks like an 18 year old voice, someone who had to be I don’t know…in his 70’s? I cannot relate to him much. I am honestly quite the opposite. Of course, then I looked like I was in my 20’s so now I’m closer to looking like maybe my 30’s. Obviously, I’m going to look nothing like him. I am also the furthest thing from a corrupt leader. Also, at least Aldercapt is a chill old man. Just don’t trust him to bake…fires happen.

Chapter Text

Song to go with Somnus and Ardyn talking: My Star- FFXVI
~Late 2023~
Ardyn sat in a cell, which wasn't the first time he was trapped. But it wasn’t easier the second time. At least he hadn’t had weapons stabbed into him and he wasn’t chained up above the ground. But the feeling of hopelessness was there once more. He looked up towards the cold ceiling of his prison. It had happened all too fast.
The Shadow King’s return. The capture of the Kingdom of Niflheim. His kingdom. Their kingdom was in shackles because of no one's fault. It was only a matter of time before that monster had broken free from his hellish prison. He gritted his teeth, he had Irene’s powers, he should’ve been able to fight against him. What went wrong?
As he pondered, Somnus was in the cell next to him, he had been caught up in the mess. So he was captured as well, safe to say he was far from being pleased about this situation.
“Is this what it was like when I exiled you, brother?”
“Angelguard was darker. I was also chained and had weapons so…to answer your question. Yes and no.” He sighed, “I hope Kirby is alright up there. He’s not allowed to see me. I’m not allowed to see him.”
“You just got married to him a few months ago and have already been forced apart.” Somnus chuckled, “At least you got to be with him before this all happened.”
“If you could see me you would see I am glaring at you.” Ardyn announced before letting out a soft chuckle before his face became serious.
The lack of any guards or visitors from anyone was unnerving. Food magically appeared or it seemed to, they did sleep for most of the days as they had nothing else to do, at least they had a small window where they could see outside and whether it was day or night. Not even a deck of cards or a book or anything to keep them preoccupied.
Ardyn leaned his head back against the cool bars. Thoughts came to him, thoughts that reminded him of those stupid videos. They weren't stupid but it made him think of their situation. At least he wouldn’t be turned into a relic although perhaps that would have been a blessing. But, anytime he was here was nothing to him. He spent 2,000 years in a stone prison.
But even so, it couldn’t keep his brain quiet, the feelings he felt. He took a deep breath and opened his mouth but no words came from it. He heard footsteps draw near and he turned his head, rage engulfed him as he saw Michael. The Demon Warlock. That bastard.
“You monster. You caused all of this. You freed him. Didn’t you?” He accused standing up fists clenched.
“Hah. I did no such thing. I told Aera he would come back yet for whatever reason…she told no one. Seems she’s betrayed you. Again.” The man cackled.
He lied. Every word that came from his mouth. If he had truly told Aera that then she would have warned someone immediately. She didn’t keep secrets. She couldn’t. She had promised that she would tell him the truth from then on. He glared at him.
“What about Kirby?”
“Well, he would’ve known…if he had just freed me. Then maybe this could’ve been prevented. But don’t worry, he is fine. We haven’t touched a single hair on his head.” He reassured him, “The king even said maybe he could visit you…I advised against it of course. Lest we give him hope. You understand right?”
Ardyn refused to respond. His lips tightened into a thin line. Holding in his rage. Holding his composure best he could. Somnus peaked out his cell to see the horrid man better, he hadn’t seen Michael often. Luckily he was in his human form as opposed to his demon warlock form.
“Anyway. That’s all I wanted to say, maybe if you didn’t struggle then you would be up there with your beloved. Or maybe you’d be dead. His Majesty does view you as a threat. Always has. Always will. At least here you’re like a dog, forgotten and betrayed.” He turned to walk away.
“You can’t leave us here!” Somnus called out, “We are royalty, we deserve better treatment.”
Michael only laughed at Somnus’s words and disappeared from sight, Ardyn sat down defeated and leaned against the wall once more. No hope, Kirby, how was he faring. He had to be bored or lonely, or just anything. How was his husband? Was he being treated correctly? Had that monster laid a hand on him. Even if Michael said he hadn’t what was keeping him from lying about something such as that.
“Did I make a mistake?” He spoke out, “In allowing them to keep me alive.”
Somnus looked up, “What? Why would you ask a question like that?”
Ardyn shrugged slightly, “Since I’ve been allowed to live. So much good has happened but then…this happened, history feels like it’s repeating. It always repeats.”
Somnus sighed softly, “No. No mistake has been made, Ardyn. History is bound to repeat here and in Eos. It’s just the…fate of our worlds as unfortunate as it sounds. As you’ve said, so much good has come from it. You found love again.” he smiled, “You make people happy, you renewed your relationship with Norah, Aera, our sister and me.”
Somnus brought up a fair point, he had the opportunity to redeem his relationships with the people he wanted to care about. The people he now truly cared about. He had Kirby, he had his own kingdom, even after he had decided against ruling, he tried and now he had been happier at least until…this all happened. Darkness engulfed this area of Niflheim. Who’s to say it wouldn’t expand all of the realm.
Would it leach into Eos? Was his original home in danger of falling to darkness once more.
“Have you seen Mystreet? Did they show it to you? Norah’s obsessed with Minecraft Diaries and Mystreet.”
“Just finished it recently, yes.” The younger confirmed.
“You remember the conversation between Derek and Agent R. Their last conversation before Derek was turned into a relic.”
Somnus looked down, “You don’t think…”
“If anything happens. Look after Kirby. Make sure he’s ok. Protect him. You hear me? As your king. Protect the second king of Niflheim.”
Somnus’s head snapped up, “Ardyn.”
“Somnus.”
“Yes brother…I will look after him.” Somnus looked down solemnly.
“Thank you. I’m sorry to bring it up but, if he sees me as a threat then. I fear he’ll find some way to be rid of me. He doesn’t know where Irene and Herobrine are…I hope he never will find out. Bad enough he has Kirby.”
“Kirby is strong. He has Tyrian. He will also protect him. He knows how to handle the Shadow King, Tyrian was his consort remember?”
“I…actually forgot.” He sighed softly and looked up, “I am oh so tired.” He closed his eyes.

Chapter Text

Norah turned to Noctis; it was one last night. One last night she’d ever see him. It had been two years since she had last seen him alive. Now by some miracle or perhaps curse, he was here. As if it was an entirely different Noct. Before Luna had fallen by Ardyn’s blade, before the long night. Before Norah was ever crowned queen, before his and Ardyn’s death. She smiled at him as he looked up at the sky and closed his eyes, he didn’t seem to know who she was truly. In some way she hoped it had been a cold cruel joke.

            “Remember when we met?” Noctis suddenly spoke up, “We were eight. You had been staying with Queen Sylva, Luna, and Ravus.”

            Norah looked up startled that he mentioned it, this entire time acting like they had just met when he knew it was her. Did he know the entire time? Or did he finally connect the dots? Or was there another reason? She let out a small sigh as she looked away.

            “And then Niflheim invaded, and I was forced back to the Empire. We didn’t see each other until we were 15.” She spoke softly.

            She remembered that grim memory as if it happened yesterday. Perhaps that was due to not talking about it with her therapist properly when she had one. She always kicked herself for being to stubborn to make people listen about her own issues when she allowed everyone else to talk about theirs. Even now that was something she struggled with.

            Noctis nodded, “You obviously aren’t the Norah I personally know. For one you look a bit older. How old are you?”

            “Rude to ask a woman her age,” she joked, “But I’m 32.”

            “Wow. That is much older than I thought.”

            “A lot of shit happened since we were 20.” She looked up at the sky, “A lot of stuff you aren’t allowed to know about until it happens. I’m just so glad to see you again.” She whispered.

            Noctis sighed softly as he closed his eyes again, still the same man she knew. The same friend who sacrificed his life so the people could have light brought back to the world. A man who accepted his role despite losing the love of his life. But this one hadn’t lost her yet, Luna was still alive; for now, anyway. Soon the day would come when he’d fight Leviathan and Lunafreya would be cut down with a single stab from a dagger.

            Her body already weakened from communing to the gods. Being an oracle was a dangerous job. Most of the women having very, very unhappy endings. This timeline would be no different, but she couldn’t tell him that lest she mess up whatever happens when you fuck up the timeline. She could only think about how unhappy she was. How unhappy she always was back then, sure she wasn’t much better here. But she did have her good moments, despite starting to develop a crush for a man who she’d swore she would hate forever. As long as she lived.

            “Do you still like Ravus?” he asked, “Clear as day back home.”

            “Heh, I always will like Ravus. But for certain reasons he and I are not together. I have moved on in my life.” She spoke solemnly, “Another man at the moment has caught my eye. But you have not met him.”

            “Someone from the empire here?”

            “Yes and no. He no longer…really associates with them for reasons…” She blushed, “But I don’t like him like that.” She scowled, “He’s good to mess around with. Y’know how I am.”

            “Mhmm.” He laughed.

            Norah laughed too but got closer and bent down grabbing a flower she handed to him. Or rather she put it in his hair above his ear.

            “When the world falls down around you, and hope is lost, when you find yourself alone, amid a lightless place, look to the distance. Know that I am there, and that I watch over you always.” She smiled at him, in a vain attempt to hide the tears in her eyes she repeated the words that Lunafreya would say to him. She turned away from her breath shaky as she looked at Cid. Eyes full of tears. “Maybe, one day our paths will cross once more. Farewell, Prince Noctis.” She turned back to him and bowed to him.

            “Yeah. I’ll see you again. I promise.” He got into the Regalia and waved to them all before driving through the portal Garuda had created.

            As he disappeared through it and the portal too was gone; she dropped to her knees and a heart wrenching sob escaped her throat. Her grief had come back, flooding her body all at once. She didn’t know what to do with all the emotions she felt, she was grateful to have one last adventure with the man who was once her best friend. But now, she hadn’t wanted it to end. Believing she had moved past her grief only to be proven wrong on this simple adventure.

            She clenched the dirt beneath her hands. Cid walked over gently rubbing her back until she became calm enough to head back. Where she could properly rest, sleep. All she wanted was to sleep. She got back and flopped on her bed and curled up, Cerberus appearing and rubbing against her and fell asleep drying her tears nearly immediately. The hurt that reminded her despite all that she did, she was no step closer to going back to Eos. Even if she wanted to…one day. Just maybe one day she’d be back…if the people would accept her.

            She didn’t leave on the best of terms, she hadn’t been a good queen. Despite being hailed as a hero here. She believed she didn’t deserve the title even now; she believed herself to be just the same as the Ascian’s she fought or as bad as the Garlean Empire. Maybe she was. Maybe she wasn’t she was after all just a woman trying to help people the way she knew how to. With justice and kindness.

            Maybe that was all she needed to do. Maybe that was the best way of handling things. Maybe she’d allow herself to love others, herself even. Maybe this was the push she needed to learn to be kind to herself. Maybe, things would change.

Chapter Text

~Fall 2003~

            The three main Shadow Knights of the area; Ara, Adam, and Zenix. One had been turned long before the other two, he had betrayed someone who was like a brother, or that’s what Garroth thought. Of course, life was so much crueler. The other two died to a man who wasn’t even from their world; Ardyn Lucis Caelum. Since that day 13 years ago he hadn’t been seen. They hadn’t thought of that as until recently, Adam and Zenix had been stuck in the nether while Ara had some sort of freedom, although she had turned to a life of…well thieving. It worked for her; she didn’t want to work for some foolish king who didn’t know how to properly rule. That was until Shad got her back into his grasp temporarily of course. She was back to being her own woman now.

            She hadn’t the courage to face John, surely, he’d be ashamed of how his two friends acted now. Often, they fought and killed to get their money, or it had been they killed for some extra freedom from the Nether.

            Adam stared out the window of the shared house ignoring the wailing coming from Zenix’s baby boy, Zack. He had shown shadow knight traits from the start of birth which wasn’t surprising, but they hadn’t ever seen it before. Ara was pacing gazing over at Zenix who had been napping, going between the nether and overworld apparently was so exhausting. She scoffed and walked into the bedroom picking up the baby boy.

            “Shh…calm down. Auntie Ara’s here.” She muttered softly, “Its ok baby boy. You hungry? I bought formula.” She smiled reaching over to the table using her power to carefully warm up the bottle before feeding the young kid.

            “Sorry, thought your dad was gonna do something.” She whispered, “I can’t take care of you forever.”

            “Hey, Ara. I need you to go to a meeting, Nedra found out we’re alive and he wants us at some shadow knight meeting, guess it’s where the important ones have a secret meeting behind his majesty’s back.” Adam spoke walking into the room.

            “And why can’t you go?”

            “Someone needs to watch the kid, besides Nedra is your god father after all. Maybe it’ll be nice to see him again.”

            Ara sighed softly, nodding begrudgingly watching Adam walk back out. She finished up with the child before setting him back down and walked into the living room where Adam held out a microphone as she stared at it confused as to what the device was, he walked over turning her around and clipping it to an inconspicuous part of her outfit.

            “While I won’t be going, I do want to listen in. Good luck.”

            “Always something.” she muttered.

            “Hmm?”

            “Nothing, guess I should get going. Don’t let the kid die or anything.” Adjusting her jacket, she walked past him opening the door. She stopped in the doorway as if she felt like this was all a bad idea.

            Not like she could argue, he was as stubborn as ever, more so than when he was a teen. It was worse now, but she couldn’t complain. She enjoyed how stubborn he was to stand his ground, he was also kind when he wanted to be which was…rare outside of the keep. She winced at the sight of the bright sun assaulting her face. Reminding her of the harsh reality that she hadn’t left the house in a few days. She looked up towards the sun covering most of her face this time. The sun pleasantly warm, appropriate for autumn weather. She looked at the map she had been given, it was basic although she knew where it was. She had been in that office so many times when she was younger, spending hours reading her godfather’s books. The books that held so much knowledge, knowledge that most people were afraid of. Not him, and certainly not her. Even if she was more of a fighter, she was book smart as well.

            She let out a soft hum, how was the old man doing anyway. It really had been too long since she had seen him last, how much had he changed, she knew she had changed a lot, but perhaps he was the same old man. Grumpy but caring towards the people he cared about. She pulled her jacket tighter as she eventually neared the building. It certainly looked the same, but something felt off. Shaking it off as she continued, knocking the password that Adam had so ever carefully scribbled down. She had it long memorized however, old man never changed it. The door opened peering behind it and she saw no one had actually opened it, to her knowledge anyway.

            The hall smelled like the smoke from plethora of cigars he had undoubtedly smoked without care. It was a nasty habit of him but one she was well used to when she was alive. She sighed her heels clicked across the tiled floor as she made her way down to the meeting hall, there was already talking. Great. Talk. She listened in before rolling her eyes, casual banter. Of course, with the hint of discussion of the real issue; Notch. The king. The man with the most power in all of Ru’aun. Ever since Tu’la had finally retreated back to their nation since Shad had graciously sent EVERYONE into the future.

            She still wasn’t used to it, all this technology was overwhelming. The bright lights overstimulated, the microphone even felt too much to her brain. New era, new Tech. Lovely. She peered in and to her dismay she saw someone, that if she walked in there, it truly would have been too soon for another interaction.

            Ardyn Lucis Caelum. She clenched her hands into tight fists. However quickly reminding herself to not jump into action. She would get their justice one day, justice for the pain, for their deaths. Sometimes she wished he had turned them into daemons then at least they wouldn’t have been brought back to life as these soulless monster who still had some sort of humanity. That felt more painful, knowing you truly aren’t you. You aren’t dead but you’re also not alive. Maybe it made them the same as a daemon but with more autonomy.

            Maybe, in another lifetime she would have gotten her fairy tale ending. Not meeting her end at the age of 17 by a huge ass sword. 17 years of life gone in an instant in an attempt to protect the people she loved, she couldn’t even do that. The horror they must’ve witnessed.

            She looked around, Tyrian was there, oldest Shadow knight they all knew. One of the original to the shadow king. Consort, suppose no love story is perfect. Laurance, having only recently left to attempt a better life as he had his first child. He was glaring at Ardyn.

            She had been friends with him at one time, with Meteli being so close to the once tiny kingdom of Niflheim it was no surprise she was friends. She remembered the day Sasha died, Adam hated all the people that had gone to the nether. Especially Kenmur. He understood what truly happened now, but a 12 year old could not understand such a complicated situation at that time. Not at that age. Not when he had lost a part of him.

            Apparently both Sasha and Adam had taste for dying in shitty ways.

            Nedra was sitting down, Tyrian next to him. She sighed, “might as well go in. She barged in, “Hey, sorry I’m late. I was told a bit too late about this meeting.” She smiled brightly.

            “A-Ara.” Nedra looked like he had just seen a ghost as he looked at her.

            “My- what a turn of events.” Ardyn muttered smirking to himself, “Why, how lovely it is to see you again Ara Beaufort. It has been too long.”

            She snorted and rolled her eyes. “I would say it’s been too soon. Ardyn Lucis Caelum.”

            Nedra cleared his throat looking between the two. As the tension was great; but a meeting still needed to happen. Ara turned towards him resting a hand on her hip, her face contorted in a look of displacement. As to if it was due to Ardyn’s presence or Nedra’s clearing of his throat to actually attempt the start of the meeting. She took her seat and leaned back, resting her feet on the table. Nedra sighed softly, Tyrian opening his mouth to undoubtedly comment on the young woman’s strange behavior, but Nedra raised a hand signaling him to remain silent.

            Tyrian’s eyebrows furrowed but kept held his tongue. Nedra stood up and looked around seeing everyone was now silent.

            “We’re here on the business regarding how to move forward now that we are in the new modern era. We, as shadow knights, have been pushed further down the food chain that has been forced upon us. Unfortunately, Notch in recent years has been seeing us as more threats than good. I fear in leading years it could cause a drop in the population of people just trying to live peacefully, any suggestions on how we should solve this?”

            Ara raised her hand, confidently with a smirk on her face. Her thought process had changed drastically from her time in the nether. Her time as a pawn of Shad even if it truly wasn’t for too terribly long. She hated being in the Nether and Shad had grown tired hearing her complain often. Giving her the choice to leave was the best thing. Even if he told her she would grow to regret it. In which she did not, she was able to grow as an individual, for the most part.

            Gone were the days of her innocent thinking, mercy was no longer part of her vocabulary, thinking only of herself or what would help Adam and perhaps Zenix the most. The person she was the most selfless for was the young baby, that Zenix was rather careless with, so she didn’t have much choice in that matter. She morals against harm coming to any children regardless of who they are or where they come from. That was something she had declared shortly after being reborn as a knight of shadows.

            Nedra sighed softly and motioned for her to speak.

            “Rebel, it’s the easiest solution. Show him we aren’t weak. He can’t push us around.” She stood up.

            “That would be unwise Ara, if we were to fail then we would undoubtedly be eradicated or be ran out of Ru’aun. Whichever comes first.”

            She scoffed, “Lack of backbone. Shad said you and the other older shadow knights lacked that. I doubted him, but apparently that was one of the things he was correct about.” She crossed her arms, “And what if none of that happened?”

            “I do not wish harm upon our fellow men. It would be a huge loss on both sides.”
            Scowling she laughed and stood up onto the table walking towards him slowly, “That’s ironic coming from the Chancellor of the nation who loves war. Also, how is that coming from a shadow knight. We have an innate lust for blood. That’s why the calling exists thats-“

            “I do not wish for any more Aera’s to die. To some man who believes that death is the answer to everything.” Nedra interrupted face beginning to redden.

            Ara laughed seeing his face and glancing at Ardyn’s face which had a twinge of discomfort hearing the name Aera. Her smile quickly faded, looking Nedra up and down she teleported off the table back at her seat. Nodding slightly, she disagreed but a part of her knew he was right. It didn’t feel like it had been so long since the death of the fiancée to Herobrine had died. She discreetly counted on her fingers how many years it had been.

            His youngest daughter was what, 16 now? A few months ago, she had escaped the nether, now roaming around Ru’aun. Working for the horrid King. The rumor was that the teenager was pregnant and wanted to escape to have her child somewhere it wouldn’t be corrupted by her father or Shad. 14, it had been 14 years since the death of Aera Valkrum. She remembered hearing the news when she was 15, how heartbroken she felt, the hope she had that Shadow Knights would be free entirely was gone. Her friends would never know true freedom. The gratitude she felt to be born human.

            Now, she was on the other side. Facing discrimination for something she couldn’t control, would Cody recognize her? Or was she just a shell of her former self, that 17 year old was gone forever, right? Shaking her head, to get rid of those looming thoughts. She looked up.

            “What if more Shadow Knights get involved with the king, the military to be exact. We attack from the inside. It may take a long, long time, but it would guarantee our victory and eventual freedom.”

            “Now that, may be obtainable.” Tyrian cut in, “As I say as Nedra and I are already close with the king, me purely because I’ve been there since the war of the Magi. As much as I dislike being around him.”

            Ara nodded slightly, “I’ll become a mercenary. Offer up my services.”

            “You know that may trap you.”

            “It will trap me either way, might as well get paid well for it, besides whoever pays most gets my true loyalty.” She smiled, “So come on, why the hell not?”

            Nedra chuckled softly, “There’s the Ara I knew. Alright, if you insist, I give you full permission.”

            “Thank you.” She stood up and walked out of the room, meeting was practically over anyway.

            Looking down at her hand she noticed a letter in her hand. Addressed to her, Adam and Zenix. It was an invite to a masquerade, tilting her head she shrugged and made her way back home. Setting it down on the table she plopped on the couch and let out a dramatic sigh.

            “Hey if you’ll join Notch I might as well join, what about you Zenix?” Adam turned toward the shadow knight who held his child for once.

            “Psh couldn’t pay me enough to deal with him. I’m good.” He sighed softly, “Yo Ara what was that letter?”

            “Invite to a masquerade. Your attendance will be required.”

            “Fun…” he muttered leaning back. Starting to doze off despite the child in his hands.

Chapter Text

~Fall 2011 Age: 37 Ara Beaufort 20 years since death~

            Ara sat at a table by herself while Adam and Zenix were off doing their own thing. Sipping on a glass of wine, the annual ball was not something she looked forward to, but it was routine. Gazing down towards her torso the scar on her side was more noticeable this time. She had forgotten to ask Cadenza for a piece of fabric to cover herself up if she felt uncomfortable with such open skin. She tsked and leaned back unaware of the stranger who was walking over to her.

            The strange man, with red-wine hair and a much simpler outfit walked up to the table. She gazed up slightly and looked up at the man with a gasp. No, he wasn’t a stranger. He was an enemy. A killer. The cause of her death. Ardyn Lucis Caelum.

            “All by your lonesome?” He asked.

            “Zenix and Adam are somewhere around so no. Just taking a seat. By myself. Like I enjoy.” She raised her cup before taking another sip, staring at Ardyn’s hand as he extended it to her.

            Her gaze hardened as she looked at the hand, but he kept it held out. He was adamant on wanting a dance. Or was it more?

            “I only wish to speak, Miss Beaufort. A dance perhaps?”

            She gave a simple nod and grabbed his hand, leading her to the dance floor. Her hands resting in his as the music started out gently. A caring gesture, but she knew his gentle hands were all but false. A gesture to lure people into false trust, she would not be so easily tricked by him. Even if this was innocent enough. They step back, their steps quick and turned into a spin in an elegant and seemingly cat and mouse kind of way. Even if they were touching each other’s bodies already. Behind her the tips of his fingers trailed up her arms, she was quick to turn and face him.

            Her face reddened, Adam watching from afar grew jealous of the man that was so close to her. If only he had realized who was dancing with Ara.

            “Shadow Knights, still beings of great mystery to me. Perhaps you could enlighten me as Ravus knows not much about his new form.” His hand had a firm hold on her back as he led her in the sensual dance.

            “Well, if I remember correctly, you did kill Ravus.” Turn and dip, he brought her back up slowly, “And as you said, New Form. He was just turned not too long ago. He cannot even control himself.”

            “Oh, struggle with control? How fascinating.”

            “Hmph for now.”

            “What’s his name again, Vylad Ro’meave? He helps those that cannot control their murderous desires, correct?”
            She nodded slightly, backing away from Ardyn before he led the dance once more. Pulling her close, Ara wrapping an arm around his back as they turned around on the dance floor, people watching them from afar. The elegance from her and the handsome stranger.

            “But who helped you?” His voice soft, “Or had you allowed those feelings to flow free. Is that why you killed all those people? And then you got bored?” His forehead against hers as he asked.

            “I think you already have your answer, all correct but the last part. I knew if I kept going down the path I would become a monster. Someone like you.” She smiled, “That was enough incentive for me to stop listening to my lords demands.”

            Ardyn chuckled softly and pulled away, twirling her before they resumed their previous arrangement of steps. The music had quickened once more, and it turned into Ara attempting to lead but of course Ardyn refused. His grip tightening, Ara scoffed softly. Of course, it couldn’t be that easy, it never was. The dagger hidden on her thigh was beginning to chafe at her skin. Curse her for tightening it too much.

            But you never know when you might need it.

            “Ah a monster you say? You wound me.” He chuckled softly, “But with you saying that, I have…noticed some people missing in attendance that were supposed to be here. Lord Isaac and his wife, Lady Penelope. How interesting.”

            “Perhaps, I am enslaved to a different man now, the tyrant who sits on a throne that never belonged to him in the first place. Maybe I had no choice.”

            “But you are a woman of such power.” He caressed her cheek gently.

            She looked away, as the lights dimmed to almost nothing but red in some spots. She had found this to be a perfect moment to attempt to make him hurt. Reaching under her dress in an instant dagger in hand she made the motion to stab the man in front of her but suddenly they were in a dance of darkness. He grabbed the wrist with the knife as she struggled to get free, no one had ever been able to resist her. Everyone had been weaker.

            Not him, even after 20 years he was still so, so much stronger. She could never compare to him, yet anyway. Her struggle to at least graze him seemed all for not, as he kept a tight handling on her body, her wrist. It was painful, but she needed to ignore it, she was immortal now, he couldn’t kill her. But that didn’t mean he couldn’t hurt her.

            She resisted the urge to yell everything she wanted to say towards him. Every swear word she knew, everything she wanted to say she hated about him, about how he took everything from her. The last year of childhood, the chance of being a normal soldier, a normal person.

            Maybe, just maybe it could’ve been worse, maybe she could’ve been turned into a daemon.

            Then she would have no autonomy, she wouldn’t even know at least that she was a monster. That she was different. Here she was discriminated against, the only thing protecting her recently was the fact she was a mercenary for the great king of Niflheim. She was something only because of him, because she listened to a man who refused to dirty his own hands after the last time.

            Aera Valkrum. Her life lost. Because of an elder brother who refused to give up his thrown to one who could better lead. Now she and her friends were following a fool. Better yet recently with Caligo’s appearance they had even more reason to be upset over how the military was being ran. In less than a few weeks he was commander. Fantastic.

            Ardyn dipped her as the lights returned and the sound of metal clattering to the ground was all that was heard as the music stopped. Her breathing heavy, her feet barely touching the ground. Relying on Ardyn to not drop her, he lowered her face towards her ear and whispered.

            “That was adorable, but I don’t think you want blood to be shed here.” He smiled and pulled up up, raising her hand and kissed it, “Until next time, Miss Mercenary.” He spoke before seemingly disappearing into nothing.

            “Damn it.” She walked back to the table and sat down after grabbing her weapon back. Adam and Zenix sat there.

            Zenix leaned against his hand fighting sleep and Adam stared at her eyes full of jealousy and worry.

            “Who was that?”

            “Oh, only the man who mercilessly stabbed us those 20 some odd years ago. He just wanted to ask some questions.” She sighed, “Get me a drink? Please Adam.”

            Adam sighed softly and nodded, before walking off. Leaving Ara to think about what had just happened to her. The feelings she felt. She hated him, Ardyn. She gritted her teeth and looked down hating to wake up Zenix who had so obviously just fallen asleep.

            Ravus walked over and sat by her, having seen everything, he looked at her as if asking her if she was alright without having to say anything. She smiled at him and put a thumbs up, it wouldn’t bother her. She wouldn’t let it, but she knew how much he despised the man as well.

            Adam came over with a few drinks and put them on the table, he held up his glass.

            “To this new era.” He spoke, as their glasses clinked together in unison.

            The burning liquid went down her throat, staring at the empty glass she began to think of a life if none of that had happened. If she hadn’t died, maybe it would have been a less exciting life. Or maybe she was fated to die anyway. Shit happens. Especially in this fucked up kingdom.