《YOU and your companions manage to finish your mission of saving the stars. Now, you arrive on an unknown planet, with politics, revenge, and love all coming ahead. You do your best to survive it all.》
{Xavier: Eulogy of Light / Scientist NON!MC Reader}
(Warnings: Threats, possible violence, trauma. Inspired by Project Hailmary, Iorn Lung, BloodMary ship, and Xavier card.)
[Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4]
Simon puts down the steaming cups on the table, taking a seat beside Dr. Grace. You sit on the other end of the table, head lowered to the ground. "You're sure about this?" Simon asks, and even Ryland has an uneasy look on his face.
"I... Got the supplies, and... I'll visit!" Simon glances at Grace.
The scientist sighs. "I..."
You pick at the long robes; the intricate lining and color were very... Nice. Way too nice and WAY too covered. The only trace of your skin was your face.
You didn't understand this planet's fashions, but you assumed this was probably in season? Even if you looked like a blob of white cloth, if you had a sharpy and some scissors, you could be a sheet ghost.
You missed your more breathable clothing. But the Empress insisted that it would be in your best interest to attend the birthday Ball. She and Xaiver had something planned for the night to cause a stir.
But still... The party was rather dull. Nobles and elites eyed you like a newfound animal, but dared not make contact.
What made the evening more un-enjoyable, was the birthday boy himself.
He kept trying to catch your attention since you arrived with the Empress. His greetings, far too kind as he tried to get you to talk about yourself. You were uncomfortable and remained polite and friendly, keeping your distance. His eyes were a different story; you felt his gaze every time you moved.
You take note of the Empress signaling you, away from the buffet spread as you wander over. The polite smile on your face dampening at the sight of Elder Sioh as he welcomes you in the discussion.
"I heard Your Majesty has met with scholars to review research pertaining to the interstellar Gate."
Elder Sioh states from his seat, while your eyes narrow defensively at how he found such knowledge.
"The Empires finances are already strained. We shouldn't waste resources on such matters."
The Empress merely smiles. "Does the Grand Elder oppose it so strongly because of Prince Xavier? It makes sense, considering he's the crown prince who vanished while exploring the Interstellar Gate."
Sioh freezes, then a wave of grief spreads across his face.
He sighs, "precisely. He was so gifted and principled. If only he were still with us... Alas..."
The Empress stands from her seat, cup raised. "I suppose I choose the perfect gift for your birthday then."
She taps her goblet, and the banquet hall slowly fall silent.
"Grand Elder, look. Who is that?"
The doors opens open, almost all the lights dim as spotlight from the ceiling coverages on the red carpet.
Under the dazzling glow, Xavier slowly steps forward. His gaze is cold and clear, and his sword is at his side.
You take deep breath, a rush of unease crept along your skin. Warm and flushed like the state you were in at his powerful entrance.
The silence stretches as Xavier walks proudly to the table. Sioh's eyes widen. He remains where he is.
"It seems my uncle has forgotten my face."
The Empress speaks. "Xavier isn't dead. He was pulled into the Interstellar Gate. When we found him, he had been in a Slepen Pod for 300 years." The ruler gestures to you as your fingers dig into the fabric unsurely.
The room is chillingly silent. The Empress's passionate announcement doesn't receive a response.
"I guess I've arrived at an inopportune time." His eyes find yours.
Sioh stands from his seat. "Not at all! How could you say that? I'm simply overwhelmed! This is the greatest surprise. Why, it's the best gift in the world!"
With everyone's attention on him, Sioh steps forward with glistening eyes and embraces Xavier.
But the muscles in his cheeks never relax.
The guests' confusion turns into exhilaration. The applause crashes like unending waves against a shore.
The squishy sand digs in between your toes, sitting along the shoreline of the ocean. Your eyes gaze up at the 'sky,' more so at the biodome ceiling. Rocky stands at your side as you try to think. "[Name] wishes to leave? Statement. Told Grace? Statement." "I... Not yet."
Rocky stomps one of his appendages down.
"Why? Question." His musical notes became a somber sound.
"Rocky... I just-"
You blink, the memory fading like fog as you find yourself next to Xavier in your room. The birthday ball has finally finished as the Empress discusses the situation at hand.
Stating that rumors will spread as she questions Xavier about how he escaped the ambush during his expedition.
He talks of someone helping him.
"They sent me silent signals..."
"Yes, if I see the same handwriting again, I might recognize it."
The Empress smiles. "Well, aren't you loyal?"
He must've been searching for a trace of the person who saved him when he was going over the documents of his expedition.
Xavier retorts. "Without that person, I wouldn't be here."
"Have you found them yet?"
"Hmph. Don't forget, I was the one who pulled you out of Deepspace." The Empress replied, a fake pout appearing on her visage. "Half the credit is mine and Dr. [Name ]'s."
"I recall you regretting your decision with a gun pointed at me."
You let out a dry laugh. "Not like your laser sword wasn't pointed at us either."
Xavier reaches out. His slender fingers brush against your wrist as you blink at the action.
"Of course. I couldn't have survived without either of you." He walks towards the Empress, holding out his hand as you try to peek at what he held.
Sitting his hand was a gleaming gemstone, reminiscent of a fallen star.
The Empress slowly takes the jewelry, gently sweeping her hair aside, she fastens the clasp.
"It suits you better than I had imagined." Xavier nods.
The two of you glance at the long sword on his hip. The jewel on its hilt is gone.
"I had a necklace made, and this Celestiding was set into it." Xavier says, his hand now to his side, the other figeting with something hidden in his palm.
"That gemstone represents your status as a prince. Yet you're giving it to me?" The Empress said, surprised.
"I'm no longer a prince."
"Now it's only a keepsake that's accompanied me for years."
Xavier stands beside you once more. You shoot him a knowing look, albeit smug.
"The necklace has nothing to do with our agreement. It's simply a gift for my partner." Moonlight spills across Xavier's face. For a moment, his eyes shine as brightly as the Celestiding.
"It's beautiful. I accept your gift."
Your eyes wander to the necklace, a hint of pride in your heart. Xavier had come a long way.
"Wait, where did you get the money to hire a designer?" The Empress's eyes narrow suspiciously as you now eye him curiously.
Xavier smirks. "Three hundred years ago, I funded several institutes as they researched the Interstellar Gate."
"Now that I've been "revived," they honored the contracts and paid me back. I was one of the founders."
"Whoa... Store credit here is amazing."
"...I won't say you're unable to adapt to modern society again." With that, the royal leaves.
You walk over to your bed, robes still on as you pull at the fabric. Tossing it off as you sigh in relief, Xavier takes a spot on your bed. A small downturn of his lips as he sees you still covered in ANOTHER layer of robes.
You don't notice, far too preoccupied with trying to fight off the second layer.
"I have something for you as well."
"You do?" The third layer remains on as you walk over to him, taking a seat. "I... Don't know... Even with your founder's discount, seems pretty pricey."
"Ah... My own words against me." You lay down, patting the space next to you. He follows suit, his hand finding yours as you feel something wrap around your wrist.
You raise your arm up as little chimes erupt.
An almost cartoonish charm of a fox greets your sight, with a few other charms surrounding the creature. A star, a rose, and a crescent moon, finally a rocket ship.
With courage building in your stomach, you reach over to him, hugging him tightly.
It had been two days after the birthday Ball. Rumors spreading like wildfire about Prince Xavier being back from the dead!
But underneath all this tension and strategy, you find yourself squished in a warm embrace by said Prince. His formal attire is traded for your former fox cardigan and comfy wear. He sleeps soundly on your stomach as you gaze up at the ceiling.
This... Arrangement was new.
You had offered Xavier your room and presence if he ever needed it. He took the offer, but you didn't expect the... Close, companionship the two of you found yourselves in. It wasn't like you disliked it, quite the opposite!
Though, when was the last time Xavier had positive actions towards him. Such as simple as hugging or anything at this point!? No wonder he was cuddly under that uneasiness.
Though Xavier was asleep in a pod for a long time.
Maybe... He just felt safe?
You weren't exactly sure, but the two of you never brought up his actions the day after. Instead, you just let him hug you like a pillow.
His face tilts up to you.
"You always watch me when I sleep."
You look up at the ceiling for a moment.
"Back on my ship, my friend, Rocky, told me and Dr. Grace that we should watch each other sleep."
You nod. "It... Made him feel safe, it's a custom on Erid. We'd just... Watch each other sleep, taking turns." A quiet chortle leaves your throat. "Dr. Grace hated it for a bit, but he got used to it."
"Did it make you feel safe?" Xavier slowly crawls closer, hands on your hips to keep himself upright.
"I... Yeah, it did." You try to breath normally after his actions. Embarrassing yourself was not what you wanted to do tonight!
"What about you?" "As a former heir for the cosmic empire, it was needed. But I often found ways to be by my lonesome."
You recall, much to the Empress irritation.
"You should sleep." You state. "You and the Empress are going to follow Elder Sioh tomorrow. Right?"
Xavier let's out a sigh, the mere name of his uncle agitated him.
"Sorry.. You're trying to relax."
"Tell me about your home."
You tense, his grip starting to become more like a snare.
".. Didn't the Empress show you the Hail Mary logs? Pretty sure I mentioned Earth. Or..-"
"You did. But, I... Wanted to here from you, how.. You felt."
It didn't matter how you felt, you were going on that ship. Ms. Stratt had told you, after her other words of convincing you had failed.
You sit up in alarm, legs pulled up as Xavier stares up at you from between your legs. He cautiously fixes his position as your fingers find their way to your mouth. Biting at the tips as you try to breathe.
Xavier's hand reaches for your wrist to stop you. But you pull away, unease painted over your once sleepy gaze. Recalling the recordings of you and your 'crew', including the documents hidden in the ship's database.
The Empress eyes Xavier as he makes his way to her desk. The woman raised a brow at the blonde. His knack for sneaking was starting to become far too comfortable.
"Xavier-..." She stops when seeing his face.
The look familiar to when they first met, filled with distrust. But this malice was new.
"What are these." "Logs of The Hail Mary Ship. They're confidential, I haven't even put them in the archive system yet."
The Empress sighs, her gaze weary.
"You don't make that choice, Xavier."
"You read it." You state.
Reading over the documents, his eyes widened over the few pieces that stood out to him.
[(NAME) (LASTNAME): HEIGHT ××××, AGE xxxx, FAMILY xxxx]
Your fingers are replaced by your knuckle. Biting down your sob- laugh? You couldn't tell.
Your voice wavers as Xavier placed a comforting hand on your ankle.
"For what?" You asked with a weepy grin. Shaking your head tiredly. "It's not... It doesn't matter, I'm fine. Right? I'm alive."
You say, using your shirt to wipe away the few tears that escaped you. Lips grinning as you try to shake off the tension.
"I got to meet you, the Empress, explore the galaxy! I-"
"You weren't given a choice."
"I was. I just... Choose the wrong answer." A mocking chuckle leaves you.
Xavier tugs at your leg. Pulling you down as he towers over you on the sheets. "Xavier, it doesn't matter anymore-!"
"It should matter!" His soft voice rises as you flinch, pushing at his chest.
A haggard breath leaves you as you keep pushing him away.
You, who welcomed him so easily. Patient, caring, waiting. You, who were sentenced to die by the hands of your HOME. All because...
"Get... Off..." You growl, begging at him to move. "MOVE!" You wail.
"Xavier... Let go!" Ceasing his touch, he watches you shake. Curling into the mattress as you try to calm down. You don't even look at him. You couldn't.
"[Name].. I.. I'm sorry."
Had he.. Always been this reckless? Or had revenge had amplified his own emotional turmoil. Now, he has inflicted pain to you. A pain the two of you grown accustomed, the feeling of loss. The grief of losing everything you knew, Xavier had hoped deep down to never become so cruel.
He gets up, about to leave the room. But, you call him back tiredly.
He listened to your breaths becoming slower. Calm.
"Xavier. I was... I wanted to help. I just... Didn't want to die."
"That's pretty selfish. Right." You add, bitter.
"It is." He agrees as your hands hold onto him.
"No.. No, no, you're not - "-I had many reasons to find that Interstellar Gate, partly, was to flee from my father and Uncle's feud."
"At the cost... My comrades. Their lives were lost because of my choices. Selfish, isn't it?"
You don't say a word, choosing to feel the coolness of the pillow.
"Whether you believe my words, I know... That, I am happy. That you're here. You're alive. That you're with me. For that, I can't help but be grateful to you."
A smile makes its way onto your face.
"Earth is.. Is complicated." You whisper.
"Then make me understand," "It'll take all night, and day."
"You..." Groaning, you shut your eyes.
"How about... This. We'll talk about it after your mission with The Empress. I'll grab some snacks from the kitchen, and then we can hole up in my room for as long you want. Talking about whatever you want, or sleeping. I don't care."
"I'll consider the deal."
"Great, my body can't take any more emotional roller coaster rides right now."
Xavier gets ready to leave.
"... Wanna' here about a book I used to read to my class on Erid?"
"Go ahead." He slowly walks to the chair sitting by the bed. Watching your eyes close once you start the tale.
"Well... It starts off with a guy talking about, "The True Stories of Nature." "
It had been about a day after Xavier and The Empress mission. Not signal or sign of the returning yet.
You've kept yourself busy in your lab.
Unaware of the storm brewing.
The lab doors slide open as a man steps in. You glance away from your writings. Mainly reading about this planets eco-system and comparing it to the ones on Earth.
"Ah.. I've seem to caught you a impromptu time. Miss [Last Name]."
You freeze, slowly looking towards the entrance and exit.
"Hello... Councilmen Sioh."
The man smiles, taking your caution without a care as he now stands in front of you.
"I feel the need to tell you, seeing as you are quite close with her Highness and Prince Xavier..." He says with a sorrowful tone as you grew more weary.
"Her Highness has been missing, we assume it must be due to Prince Xavier. Perhaps jealous or some sort of coup. Rest assured, I will be handling all affairs regarding the empire until Her Highness is... Found."
"...Why are you telling me this?"
"You see... Being quite favored by Prince Xavier. Then your status of hailing from another galaxy and no Empress to guard you either. You are in a non-favorable position."
He was right, you knew that. But it irked you how he tried keeping his "somber" act.
"So I shall take that role, to show the Empire you are no threat."
"No... Thanks." You grit out through your teeth.
Sioh remains calm. "I understand. But I ask... You don't make this difficult."
You grab ahold of beaker, swinging it at him as he moves away. You throw yourself into him, causing him to fall to the ground with your fists swinging.
The guards rush in after, holding you down as Elder Sioh spits. "Damned beast! You wretched!" Your fingers dig at the floor, "shut up! You're a murder! You killed Xaviers family, now him and the Empress! I'm not going to sit back and let you!"
The heel of his boot crushes your hand as you yell.
"Enough! You speak of fallacy! Even if it were true... Who would be left to believe you?"
A needle pierces your flesh as the two men hold you down as you thrash. Screaming in anger, panic as memories fill your vision.
You weakly glance at Dr. Grace as the car drives back to the facility. The drug overtakes your senses as you finally pass out.
The Empress had returned from 'voyage'. Her ship settled on the air dock as guards surrounded her; Elder Sioh welcomed the space sovereign.
"Your Majesty, your absence during these past few days was worrying."
"...I only went out for a short trip. You don't need to make a fuss, Grand Elder."
Sioh shakes his head. Exasperated, he looks at her as if she were a spoiled heiress.
"Your imperial guard captain gave us a confession. Before your disappearance, the last person to see you was Xavier."
Sioh continues: "He stayed in the palace, seduced you, and manipulated you. He wanted to drive a wedge between you and the Assembly of Elders."
The Empress frowns. "...Where's Xavier?"
Sioh answers. "Xavier is wanted for putting the Empress in danger. His whereabouts are unknown."
Using his words, the empress slowly piece together what she had missed.
Xavier and Sioh had already clashed at the military base. Any pretense of peace vanished. After she entered the Interstellar Gate, the Empire had no leader. So, Sioh declared himself the regent just as he did 300 years ago.
"Grand Elder, you and I should talk. I'd like your opinion on something you might be interested in." The Empress replied, an ace up her slevee or... Recorder. The data inside could turn the tide of this power struggle. That's why he rushed to intercept her.
The two of them walk inside the mothership as she pauses at the sight of a lone figure.
Shades of old empire colors were worn around them like a sleeveless gown as they slept. Dressed in jewels and trinkets meant for-...
The Empress breath hitches at the sight of your slumbering form.
"Your Highness, there is much that needs to be discussed."
The Empress scowls at the elder male as the two of them begin.
Tags: @lynketa @whosthought
(OKAY, this was a lot, I really want to post the ending already, I wrote the epilogue before the actual final... Oops. I will say though, I'm curious of what ya'll think. Please leave a comment and reblogs are appreciated! I wanna write for more of the throne of eros banner. I also watched some historical k-drama. So Morality's Tenderness is looking kind of interesting to write for! Anway thanks for reading!)
