LIGHTNING IN MY VEINS ♛;;

[sofiadelacroix]

jpdelacroix‌:

You’re just another devil, your Majesty.

JP’s lips curled, as if he was on the verge of growling or hissing. Silent, he only glared down at the man, unflinching even in the wake of feeling the spit splatter on his chin. They weren’t going to get any more information out of him. Trying to find logic through the cloudy rage of his mind, he also reasoned that there was no little sense in taking Mr. Sierra back to Athos. He was the President, it might be noticed and JP couldn’t afford a stain in his reputation by being seen as exactly what he was: someone unfazed and terribly comfortable with torture.

More importantly, he was angry. 

The idea the second seal had been opened, most likely during the wake of the king and queen’s absence, and the sound of Mr. Sierra’s laughter in response to Sofia’s question finally sent JP over the edge. He grit his teeth and fired the gun. 

The President of Serpentia lay lifeless with a bullet hole adorning the center of his forehead. Blood running down the side of his face, past widened eyes and frozen smirk. His body stopped breathing under the eyes of a vengeful king who watched his victim’s blood run out of the fatal wound as he pocketed his weapon. JP then stood there, wiping the spit from his chin, but not the blood that had splattered onto him from his chest to neck and cheek.

“Love, can you check your phone?” JP asked, voice sounding incredibly tense. He turned around to face her, glaring in the wake of what has just transpired. “What’s on the news in Athos?”

Mr. Sierra’s words seemed to evoke a reaction in the king, one she’d suspected, but not quite on that level. The more Mr. Sierra laughed the more rage built up in her husband, that much she could see from his posture alone. This has gotten fairly personal in no time with them having won, and yet lost. Tensing her jaw, Sofia tried to calm herself. “Go to hell,” she murmured while barely moving her jaw, making them sound almost disgusted. As the gunshot rang in her ear Sofia immediately tensed her muscles and held her breath. Seeing Mr. Sierra’s lifeless body completely fall to the ground should’ve felt like the end of terror and war, yet this felt more like the beginning. 

All this blood, the one on Jean-Pierre, the one oozing out of Mr. Sierra’s head -- she could see why this was such a relief for someone like Jean-Pierre, an ending to his anger, at least she hoped so. While the guards already picked up the bodies, Sofia turned around to check on her phone. Thirty-two missed calls from various people, including her father. “Dad?” she called back immediately and positioned herself a few meters away from Jean-Pierre and anyone else. Holding her hand high up in the air, Sofia slowly let her fingers form into a ball, eventually suffocating the storm outside. She didn’t say one word and only listened. Putting her phone back into her pocket, Sofia turned around, eyes widened in shock. “Mundanes are fighting one another on the streets. Saints remain unharmed. The Four Horsemen have been seen riding through the kingdom. Belle took over for the moment, it’ll be alright.” 

Making her way onto the streets of Serpentia again, Sofia called a few guards towards her. “Check all houses and see if anyone’s in need of help. Take them with us to Athos and question them, offer them food, water and accommodations.” Following her order, Sofia sighed, her breath shaking audibly before addressing her husband “We need to find them and kill them. If Saints will start to lose the same control we’re all done for.”

[katherinemcnamarasource]

It’s okay to have fear - we’re all human, it happens - but in facing your fears, you can really open yourself up to things you never thought possible

[sofiadelacroix]

crimsoncrane‌:

Rosalie was facing away from the pits, her expression lost to the shadows. She seemed oddly distant. Since the grand opening of Seraphim’s gate, people have been flocking towards it like sheep. While that was rather good for business. It wasn’t for entertainment. Soon men began to believe just about anyone could enter the pits and duke it out. They couldn’t. Matches ended in seconds. Men went down in pitiful moments rather than out in blazes of glory. She’d grown rather bored of it. She found more enjoyment in swirling her drink round and round while occasionally running interference. It never hurt to increase someone’s blood flow to elevate their strength, nor did it hurt anyone to practice her techniques mid-battle; to lift the blood from the mats beneath the fighters feet and use it to trip someone, or deliver a jab of pain in another’s side. It was never in the matches that mattered, though. Well, mattered not to her.

Attention is diverted from her drink, and from the pits by onlookers around her, when there is a large shuffling of feet and bodies being packed closer together to clear a pathway. Seems there newly opened doors were in for a royal treat, or a royal pain in the ass. She couldn’t say she was leaning in either direction. She was up for anything that would enliven the morning. It was the voice that rose above the noise, however, that had her twisting in her seat, peering through the moving crowd.

A brilliant flash of red. Or was it gold now? Semantics. Setting her glass down, she perched her chin in the palm of her hand and smiled. A rare, genuine smile. “Well, well, well. And look what the sinners dragged back in.” Shifting one leg on top the other, a toned leg on display through a slit that cuts all the way up, she feigns confusion; squinting her eyes as if she can’t quite believe Sofia would show her face around here again. Dropping her exaggeration act a moment later, though, she tilts her head slightly askew but stilled leaned into the palm of her hand. It’s been a bit of time since they’ve last talked. Does she call her majesty now? Lady Delacroix? My queen? Rosalie scoffs to herself. She was never one for official titles. She settles on what she has always called her: “Sofia.” She taps a nimble finger against her own cheek once, twice, three times, and asks, “what brings you here? His royal highness finally let you out of his grasps to play?” A cage is still a cage, she thinks. Even if you love it. Even if you enjoy being trapped within its warm, warm arms.

Returning to the Seraphim Pit felt more like a trip down memory lane than actual reality. Despite her new status and power, she didn’t necessarily want to use or display it while being in such a familiar environment. They moved aside, let her through until she finally got to Rosalie in her full glory, just as she remembered her friend -- as beautiful and magnificent as always. Green eyes immediately found her personal source of comfort, the woman she used to lean on in times of chaos or defeat. With her head held high, almost as to remind herself not to tilt her head or loosen up her posture, Sofia kept walking towards Rosalie, smiling as a reply. “Forget the Sinners. I’m here for you, and the pit,” she added with an eye roll almost as if the latter addition wasn’t even worth mentioning. It wasn’t, at least for her. The struggle between fulfilling her new duty and returning to the ring was still something she struggled with completely, torn between two worlds, like she always felt, always have felt, ever since she could remember at least. 

She gestured around while analyzing the drastic changes ever since she’d last been in here. Everything looked... better, modern and less thrown together. Seraphim really had made a name for themselves and Sofia wasn’t surprised, simply surprised at how they’d managed to turn this old, dusty barn into a real facility for Saints. “I try to give him some space whenever possible,” she murmured so that only Rosalie could listen. “He doesn’t need protection, at least not all the time, wife or not,” Sofia smirked down at her friend. “Does Henry know? Your affiliation with Seraphim?” Sofia’s eyes wandered from Rosalie to a glass bowl half filled with red, shiny Sinners. “They’re legal now, aren’t they?” the queen tensed her jaw “They must be brilliant for fighting. I guess you have some experience with those?”

[karolina-in-the-wonderland]

[sofiadelacroix]

@jpdelacroix

[sofiadelacroix]

jpdelacroix‌:

JP had never feared the thunder and lightning. Even as a little boy, he watched from out the window as the light shot out in the darkness in a show of power and majesty. By now he was far too used to the booming, crackling sound through his Anchor’s (and now wife’s) company and he didn’t flinch as the sound came down on the building. He was too busy glaring daggers at Mr. Sierra - his mind churning with thoughts and what the man must have meant when he said: They told me. 

He only glanced away briefly at Sofia’s touch and watching her take steps. He resisted the urge to grin when he noted the way Mr. Sierra reacted to that. But the pleasure of watching his wife work was short-lived when his running thoughts came up with the answer. It arose in his mind with the picture of that letter sent on the day of his wedding and the picture of those four - the four who were promising the end of days.

JP’s expression hardened and suddenly unconcealed fury had him flaring his nostrils and gritting his teeth. His dark eyes burned as he stepped forward toward the now lonely President who was taking backward strides with widened, fearful eyes. The man rushed to pick up one of his guard’s guns and pointed it over at the king who already had out his own gun. JP shot at the president’s leg and then his arm - hitting both targets exactly where he wanted because he wasn’t done with this man yet. With Mr Sierra’s shock and his cries of pain as he reached for his shot arm, the weapon fell out of his grasp. JP grabbed him by the throat and slammed him down to the ground.

“WHO ordered you to do this?” The King yelled, looking down at the fallen man and pointing the gun to his forehead. “Was it the Four Horsemen? Who are they?” He clicked his gun twice in warning. “Answer now and you may be spared.” Lie. Sofia behind him would know it was most definitely a lie.

They were residing within Athos, their kingdom, wreaking havoc without showing their faces. Sofia knew they’d cause more trouble, more terror, as time went on, and others like Mr. Sierra were merely puppets in their game. Listening to Mr. Sierra, Sofia couldn’t help herself and shook her head in disbelief. Why’d he trust strangers? Let alone strangers from another country? His hunger for power must’ve reached far over his common sense, creating the imbalance the king and queen had to put back into balance themselves. With his men falling to the ground, his gun pointed towards Jean-Pierre, Sofia almost sent thunderbolts towards the enemy, but stopped herself after hearing gunshots. With too much at stake, Saints might’ve been the better option at neutralizing the threat, but she’d promised Jean-Pierre to be a part, take Mr. Sierra apart all on his own.

Mr. Sierra looked scared, but still managed to grin at the mere mention of the four horsemen. For some reason they’d managed to create a fairly well-managed construct of pawns and informants. Mr. Sierra audibly struggled underneath his grasp, but for some reason he’d gained some confidence and bravery over the last seconds. “I failed to fulfill my part of the deal. There’s no way I’m going to tell you both anything, God’s my judge. You’re just another devil, your Majesty.” he spit in Jean-Pierre’s face, but it was Sofia who immediately put her hand onto his shoulder to let him know she was there for him. The Devil, huh?  Sofia thought -- what a haunting way to describe her husband despite how she, and others, always described him as the sun God. He could play both perfectly if only he was given a reason for it. Sofia didn’t mind either way, she’d love him, no matter what. “If the Apocalypse is real, then we have six more seals to open.” Sofia murmured. “Six? Five,” Mr. Sierra corrected her. The queen immediately tensed her jaw. “The second one’s war. It has been opened?”

[sofiadelacroix]

cindcrking‌:

He clutched her close, feeling the strength of her queenly guise melt away, butter and velvet in his arms in all her softness and vulnerability. It was here that he realized that she – his Sofia, his familiar Sofia, his dear friend, his oldest friend, she who knew him of the gutter and chose to stay – was more open wound than woman. Her fear was palpable; Liam tightened his grip about her, one hand upon her back, fingers playing at her spine, and the other at the nape of her neck, playing in crimson locks. She was afraid. It was rare to see either of them display fear; they had both gotten so good at hiding it. And because of this, he was remiss to release her, remiss to allow her to slip from the precarious comfort of his arms. 

“Of course we have,” he echoed, voice much more quiet than anything he’d let slip forth within the walls of Inferno. Inside, he was loud, he was fire, he was an explosion incarnate. But here, now, gaze falling to watch the vibrant lightning dance like sparks upon her fingertips, he was quiet. He was the street rat, the feral boy born in the gutter – and she was the high-born girl who had noticed him. They were, all at once, children again, hiding in the secret places of the city to swap lightning and fire, to laugh at the tickle of the spark that lifted the hair from the back of their necks. All at once – 

– and then not at all. He stepped back at her request, neglecting to raise his eyes to the sky as lightning crackled overhead. Visage pale, eyes wide, the alley suddenly all too cold; his jaw hung slack for but a moment before grinding tight once more. What she asked of him was a poison, a horrid act. Liam refused to even think of it, to picture what she asked of him now, what she – and he, in truth – knew was an undeniable truth. And yet, though he knew her request to be for the good, he could not temper the pain, the horror, that flashed unbidden across his face in a show of uncharacteristic vulnerability. 

You cannot ask this of me. You can’t. I won’t. I should. 

“You won’t lose control again,” he shook his head, though his voice faltered, “You won’t. I won’t let you.” His hubris, of course, was no match for the lightning at her fingertips; his determination, the king of the gutters, could not stop nature. Liam stepped forth again, fear dissolving into the pit of his stomach as color flooded him once more. He took her face in his hands, holding her tight, perhaps too rough, perhaps too desperate. “You can’t ask me to do that. You just can’t.” 

A small voice in the back of his head rebutted, insisting that – yes – she could. And yes, he would. But to say it would be to lock him into a fate that would leave him alone again, the boy in the gutter. He’d do it. He’d have to. 

His warmth comforted her, but eventually didn’t do enough to prevent her from crying. It felt like she was running away from her true self, with every step she took -- even if it was for love and power. This Sofia, the girlfriend of a prince, just wasn’t the one others described her to as, who she used to be as a teenager. Granted, people change, but not like this. She clung to Liam, her best friend, at least from what she’d heart, what she felt in her heart. They’d always been a rather fearless duo, both supporting the other one’s wild side with the same kind of rage within. Sofia’s hands slowly found their way towards his shoulder blades in which she dug her nails almost as if to hook herself onto him for just a moment longer.

And yet their intimacy had to be interrupted through her powers, lightning clashing against buildings around them, the thunder rumbling in the near distance. His gaze, the shock in his eyes at her request -- it spoke volumes about what he felt for her, what she felt for him. She’d never abandon him and, asking for death by his hands, seemed like such a selfish request she’d longed to turn back time and make it undone. With a soft, yet weak smile Sofia suppressed the thunder, enough for it to clash only every few seconds, not be a wild  rhythm of undeniable strength clashing down onto earth with each second. “’I cannot ask of you to watch over me all the damn way to my demise, Liam. We’re apart from one another, we’re not children anymore. If Jean-Pierre’s asking me to be his queen, I--” Sofia could feel her eyelids twitch slightly, almost as if to press the tears out of her eyes for good and stop the burning. “I will accept. If I lose myself in this power I want you to kill me.” 

She let him grab her with a force that felt a lot like desperation. Sofia instinctively pressed her right hand against his back to pull him closer, followed by her kissing his forehead once, gently. “I killed Saints before, Liam. The street rat I once knew would always protect his family.” She removed her hand from his back and now placed it against the one holding her so tightly. “I forgot who I am, somewhere along the way, with these powers, I want to remember so badly but I can’t,” Sofia sounded weak “I just remember I loved you even though I wasn’t sure of its meaning, but we were close, and now I see myself taking the route of my own destruction and I want you to take the right one.”

[sofiadelacroix]

PB Task 002 -- Sainthood

Sofia has been a Saint for seven years, starting on August 25th 2012. She can control lightning and lightning storms as well as create parts of the weather (like rain due to the storms she creates. Rain, on the other hand, cannot be controlled by her and is merely a side effect of her powers).  Power: Lightning Manipulation Triggered by: Joel Duncan’s impending murder/love Time of Sainthood: seven years

defining characteristics that might’ve triggered her powers were her passion and how she’s jumping from 0 to 100 in no time. She always preferred thunderstorms and her military training as a Mundane helped to control her powers in less than three years.

Origin story under the cut

She ran as fast as possible, back towards Eden, away from the castle and towards the bridge. She’d dreamed of herself, bloodstained, Joel bleeding and on his knees, blood dripping out of his mouth as he tried to breathe and survive. These nightmares had never occurred before, not while Joel shielded every Dreamcatcher from nightmares. They met in dreams almost every day, met despite being miles apart, despite not having seen each other for a day or two. This time, however, Sofia knew something was off. Her dreams were played to her like a movie, less like a lucid dream she could contribute and manipulate like she wanted. “Sofia? Sofia!? Stop running, you have to attend Queen Ophelia’s supper. Sofia!?” her father kept on screaming, but she’d already entered the long bridge connecting Athos to Eden, the island of wonders, a beautiful mixture of paradise and reality. And within? The observatory and its inhabitants.

Arriving at the observatory, Sofia saw some of the Dreamcatchers holding knives – to finish off the king of dreams if their powers failed, apparently. They thought his dreams would exceed everything, even their own powers and the dominance they had over them. Like a tranquilizer he’d so easily manipulated them to be peaceful, but some of them were born for more, or so they thought. “Bad timing for a mundane, Sof.” Aaron turned around, playfully touching the tip of his knife as he turned around, its metal reflected the moonlight “he’s sleeping in today,” Aaron raised an eyebrow, almost to challenge her, to provoke a move from her. She knew of Aaron’s powers, how he was able to easily change his body warmth from extremely hot to extremely cold, ice, everything beyond that. One move and she’d surely fall victim to his powers. “He’s done nothing but protect all of you, all of you as Saints, his family.” The anger inside of her rose with every word. “Sent the others home just minutes ago. I can be pretty convincing if I want to and, huh, so can this little fucker,” Aaron pressed the tip of his knife against Joel’s neck while the others were watching with blank faces, clearly in favor of what happened, but eager to get if over with. “You know the royal family will eventually want to keep us all as soldiers. He’s just– delusional. To think we’re always going to be safe here. Clearly not.” Aaron’s words were filled with clear disgust, something Sofia would’ve never expected from someone like him – yet, as he lifted the knife to fulfill his self-created destiny by killing Joel and creating his own, Sofia started screaming, yelled for them to stop. “Joel, wake up. Come on, wake up. Wake up!” Every vein inside of her tingled, as if multiple nerves inside of her were momentarily paralyzed as if they were asleep. It wouldn’t stop, nor did her anger.

“I will kill you. If you’re going to–” she had to breathe in heavily “if you’re really going to kill him, I will-” abruptly her entire body started to ache “I will kill you.” No response from all five who’d gathered around Joel like in some sort of ritual. The knife cut itself through Joel’s neck, not deep enough to damage his carotid, but enough to make him bleed. Enraged, Sofia could feel tears running down her cheeks, helplessness and anger completely devouring everything within.

Then, a light, a pure, never ending stream of light and the clashing of thunder just above the observatory. The tingling in her veins turned into pure electricity – and lightning released itself, touching everything, except Joel.

Fire, fire everywhere. While the observatory started to burn around them, Sofia couldn’t keep her eyes off of Joel. As all the others tried to attack, more and more lightning bolts left her body, set their clothes on fire, shocked them enough to make their hearts stop. As if in trance Sofia moved towards Joel, shook him, again and again to, hopefully, wake him up.

He slowly opened his eyes with more and more smoke filling the room. “I’m so sorry,” even Sofia didn’t understand what just happened and before she could even explain herself, Joel started breathing heavily upon seeing his friends, dead, their lives taken away by no other than the girl in front of him. Each second forced in another breath, which got heavier as well. His breathing worsened, much of the scenery turned blurry. “I lost control. Please, forgive me, Joel, please, I beg you.”

[sofiadelacroix]

date: August 15th  location: Seraphim Pit @crimsoncrane

After spending years within the Seraphim pit, fighting, patching herself up after each defeat, the numerous times she’d witnessed others fall to their knees in front of her, learning from their mistakes and herself learning from her own mistakes while being beat down. Not an entirely self-taught fighter with military training, Sofia turned out to be one of the most frequent fighters Seraphim ever had, yet, times changed, so did she. 

While some might describe her sudden change as surprising, Sofia found her marriage to the king as being almost like a savior. For as long as she could remember she’d felt hopeless, lost, with Jean-Pierre she finally had someone to hold on to, something she’d always found in fighting -- a warmth, a purpose. Now, with her own reign set into motion, Sofia just had to return to her roots, to the first place she’d found shelter in besides the royal court. These two opposites never matched, but, in Sofia’s heart, meant equally much to her. 

Arriving in Eden, Sofia immediately turned left towards the pit. Many looked at her, surprised as to why she made a return or why she’d return all on her own with no guards in sight. She didn’t particularly return to fight, but rather for a person. Spotting said person within the crowd, the queen waited for others to move before finally arriving at Rosalie. “Hello, beautiful,” Sofia greeted her. Rosalie had always been a Saint and Anchor she could rely on. Her powers were phenomenal, such was her beauty -- if I had to pick a girl-- and all that. “I see the first fights of today have started quite early. Well, with Sinners... who can really blame them?”

[melamemea]

drunken confession.

your muse is drinking with mine and has been given the chance to question my muse anything they want to know. some may be triggering, others won’t. send me a 🍻+ the question you want to ask my muse for a tipsy, drunken ( honest ) answer.

“ what’s holding you back in life ?”

“ is everything alright? ”

“ when did you choose to give up ?”

“ what’s the kinkiest thing you have ever done ?”

“ how many have you slept with ?”

“ what’s your biggest secret ?”

“ do you believe in love ?”

“ what’s the meanest thing you have done ?”

“ what scares you more than anything ?”

“ have you ever considered running away ?”

“ do you love me ?”

“ what’s your dirtiest fantasy ?”

“ who hurt you ?”

“ what made you this way ?”

“ is there anyone special in your life ?”

“ why are you always smiling ?”

“ what lie have you told that hurt someone ?”

“ if you could do anything in world, what would it be ?”

“ who are you, really ?”

“ is there anything you regret ?”

“ what’s your biggest regret ?”

“ tell me about your first kiss ?”

“ what is your deepest, darkest fear ?”

“ is there anyone you regret kissing ?”

“ have you ever cheated, or been cheated on ?”

“ what is the most embarrassing thing in your room ?”

“ who have you loved, but they didn’t love you back ?”

“ is there something you have never told anyone ?”

“ when was the last time you cried ?”

“ how come you keep running away ?”

“ have you ever made someone cry ?”

“ if anything, what makes you hate a person ?”

“ what takes for you to fall in love, trust someone ?”

“ do you believe in true love ?”

“ what have you done that people would judge you most for doing ?”

“ do you regret letting me close ?”

“ is there someone you have a crush on ?”

“ what is the strangest place you have ever had sex ?”

“ tell me your most awkward date story ?”

“ do you ever get scared ?”

“ what do you really think of life ?”

add your own for further development.

[sofiadelacroix]

also for @underworldkiing & @morriganledoux

[sofiadelacroix]

auroraparrino‌:

DATE: August 19th LOCATION: Delacroix Castle, library AVAILABILITY: @sofiadelacroix

People knew her in the castle. Usually Aurora went in and out with hardly a second glance unless it was someone to greet her or ask her for help. That day she was hoping to walk in, quickly pick up the purse she’d left the other day, then walk out without delay. That was not the case.

Everyone seemed a lot more on edge that morning. Staff whispered to one another. Serpentia. Council. I don’t know. Those were all words and phrases she heard in passing. Aurora was curious and ended up taking a detour from the ward towards the quiet, enormous library… somewhere she usually found a quiet, empty place out of everyone’s way and where she might find a relaxing staff member that she could talk to. Aurora made it there but had to push herself to the wall by the entrance when a group of men and women came out unexpectedly. They seemed anxious and on task - none of them even spared her a glance.

Aurora let them pass and walked in to the sight of Sofia lingering by a window, looking more on edge than usual. The Saint gently closed the door as she watched the other across the room. “Sof-” Aurora cleared her throat. This was going to take some getting used to. “Your Majesty…” She greeted. “I know it’s not exactly my place, but is… is something wrong?”

“We must concentrate our powers within Athos, not run after every threat we might hear about. If we run towards them, they might find ways to strike once we’re outnumbered,” her father looked towards the king, her own son-in-law, hoping to be heard, but it was the queen who eventually answered “we won’t need an army. We just need about five other Saints to fully secure the king’s safety -- and myself. I can take them down, General Buchanan. If they want a war they’ll get one. Or send me all by myself,” she said, her jaw tense and her posture a bit stiff. Some murmured while her father seemed to wait for Sofia to retract her conclusion. No, they’d go on as planned. With one glance towards Royce, then to Jean-Pierre, Sofia left the war room before they could even form a plan. If they’d execute her plan -- perfect, if not that’d be on them. She could so easily leave all by herself, but after the doors opened again she saw a determination within Jean-Pierre’s eyes, that immediately signalized he wasn’t going to let her leave all by herself. 

After Jean-Pierre left to prepare for leaving, Sofia was left alone, while simultaneously being around a lot of others -- and through all that noise she clearly heard Aurora’s soft voice calling out to her, snapping her out of her thoughts. “Aurora,” Sofia made a hand gesture, signalizing her to come closer. “I’m sorry, I was dissociating. Wh- what’s going on? No, everything’s fine, I’m just having slept a lot these past couple of days, that’s all.” She tried to apologize with a smile. “Do you have something I could take against that?” Taking her hand, the queen now dragged her along. “Also, have you heard of my brother recently? I haven’t seen him in quite some time and I’m starting to suspect the worst,” she whispered.

[sofiadelacroix]

santanaminx‌:

It had been a while since Sofia had visited the Seraphim Pit, but it was definitely not something that Minx had forgotten. She had needed quite some time before her injuries had disappeared and she was back to full health. Fighting in the Seraphim Pit was usually a thing where she didn’t get injured a lot. But the fight against Sofia had been bloodier than the fights she ever had before over there. They usually ended up in equal fights but that one time she ended up nearly dead, had also be the last time they had met inside the Pit.

Within the Seraphim Pit she went under a different name. She still used Athena there. Santana wasn’t a used name back in the Pit. But Minx had thought that Sofia would still recognise her. And there was no reason why she would beat around the bush and keep that name hidden from her as Sofia had requested a meeting with her.

“It surprises me more that you don’t recognise me than that you wanted to arrange a meeting in the gardens.” Minx wasn’t so sure that she would tell the Queen about her powers. It would be giving away her advantage and that was an advantage that she would usually need around Athos. She basically ignored what Sofia said about being able to confide in the redhead. “Miss Santana equals Athena. The same Athena you fought in the Seraphim Pit quite a few times.”

Several memories of them fighting against each other within the Searphim pit suddenly resurfaced and the name that some cheered on these echoed in her mind. Athena, Athena, Athena! The name Minx Santana and Athena were simply never said together, causing Sofia to think of them as two separate women. In shock, the queen’s mouth was slightly opened, her jaw tense and eyes betraying her completely by showing off her confusion and shock. “How am I supposed to know?” Sofia tried to quickly defend herself. This must’ve been one year ago at least -- and she briefly wondered if they’d met after that. “Then,” she started to relax again “I’m quite familiar with your powers.” with the constant fighting between them, Minx’ entire being was completely known to the other Saint, making all of her previous questions irrelevant. With a sigh, Sofia shook her head, clearly angry at herself for not realizing the similarities. “The last time I saw you I’d almost killed you,” Sofia’s eyes immediately wandered back to Minx. “I’m sorry.”

[sofiadelacroix]

jpdelacroix‌:

His suit immaculate and expression almost completely passive, no one would have thought the king had any intention of fighting in his life had they not seen him on the battlefield of the Banished Province or spotted the gun calmly held in his hand. With another at his waist behind his coat, the king and General of his country was poised to defend himself should the need arise. And how very well his anger and aim was more than polished and prepared. But JP instead contented himself watched the way Sofia effortlessly led the charge and cut their way through the meager defenses with the vengeful force of a Goddess.

‘ — The king and queen of Athos themselves have graced us with their presense. This attack on Serpentian soil is an act of war!’ Mr. Sierra cried out behind his guards, clearly trying his best to sound confident. 

“President Sierra,” JP began. It took a lot of effort not to try to shoot the man and his guards right then. Soon, the king told himself. “— I wish I could saw we’re here on good terms… How unfortunate.” He sighed and paused a moment, watching Sierra past the weak bodies trying to protect him when they were faced against a Saint and JP of all people. “You’re dangerously mistaken if you believe I am a king willing to stand here and hear his intelligence being insulted right in front of him. The wasteful time for small talk and evasion is over. You have begun a war with Athos… you will face the consequences of that.”

“So speak while you can -” He raised a hand, brows also climbing up his forehead. “- but I suggest you choose your words with wisdom and candor, Mr. Sierra.” His tone got darker as he continued speaking and lowered his hand. “My wife and I would like to hear what you thought you’d accomplish with these plans of attack and of war.”

This felt a lot like their first mission together, her first mission as his Anchor. To be close to him, to protect, no, lead armies next to him, felt too good to be true. A soldier and leader to the core, Sofia Buchanan, now Delacroix, belonged into this world, at least that’s what she thought. With her memories partially erased who really knew her former self? Jean-Pierre didn’t, Liam did, and her parents preferred this version, the one with the crown on her head. Right now, she definitely preferred this version as well, rather than the version of herself she didn’t remember at all.   

Especially now after seeing Mr. Sierra hiding behind a bunch of guards, too scared to face them directly. Granted, he was human, unprotected by any Saint since they’d already fled the city. Listening to Jean-Pierre, Sofia tilted her head towards her king and smiled softly. Mr. Sierra, on the other hand, started to breathe heavily, as if he could barely pull through his fear and take a genuine breath of fresh air. His life seemed to fall into pieces right in front of them. “I-” he started “I was promised immeasurable glory and money for this. They told me if I made a move against your crumbling armies, then I’d win and they’d award me with all the power I could’ve ever wanted, like you,” he looked at Jean-Pierre first, then at Sofia. “They told me to take care of the two of you, lure you out of the kingdom while everything else would burn and a new beginning would start. You don’t know what’s about to come, your Majesty.” Mr. Sierra spat. 

With crossed arms Sofia raised the edge of her lip in utter confusion. The thunder started to clash against the very building they stood in. Softly, the queen placed three fingers onto Jean-Pierre’s arm, signalizing him, that she started to charge the thunder within her by emitting soft impulses towards him. Leaving Jean-Pierre’s side, Sofia moved two steps to the left, alarming Mr. Sierra instantly. “Who are they?” Sofia asked “You wouldn’t believe me, anyway,” Mr. Sierra answered with a grin, as if he knew exactly how much the reality would damage both of them. His grin turned into a manic laughter to which Sofia immediately responded with zapping all the guards around them who were meant to protect him. 

“So we know them quite well,” Sofia looked back at Jean-Pierre with a worried look in her eyes. With a sigh Sofia pointed towards Mr. Sierra. “Your turn, honey.”

[illusionscfelise-deactivated202]

Anchor, to Anchor || Elise & Sofia

[sofiadelacroix]

illusionscfelise‌:

Location: The Golden Apple. Date: August 26th, 2019. Time: 1:24 pm.

Darkness was evident, wherever she went. It was different kind of darkness, from the one she was used to, the one induced by the Sinners, or her illusions. This darkness was real, in a way that was terrifying, and she feared for so many people in her life. While she wasn’t necessarily all that good ( after all, no one was pure goodness. Everyone had darkness in them, one way or another ), she didn’t want for the world, for their Kingdom, to fall into such darkness, and despair. Maybe she could help - put a few well mannered illusions, to calm people down and inspire them to battle darkness on their own terms. But, most of all, she feared for her friend, the Queen.

She texted her to meet her for lunch, to leave the politics aside for a few hours. Maybe it would help her to clear her head, to give her a fresh perspective. Elise was delighted when Sofia texted her with time and place of their meeting, and she quickly made reservations for them, and put extra effort to arrive just a minute or two before due time. She entered the restaurant, and found her way towards the table. The Lady of Illusions had barely sat, when her friend arrived, and Elise beamed at her, wide smile stretching her lips at the sight of a fiery haired Queen.

“Thank you for agreeing to this. I know it’s not the most convenient of times, given the situation, but I think you need some time for yourself. And what better way for that, then to meet with an old friend.” She greeted her, her smile wide as she attempted to set a light mood - darker feelings will surely resurface, and sooner, rather than later.

The trip to Serpentia and the following disastrous consequences in Athos left Sofia a bit shaken. The Four Horsemen opened one seal after the other, fulfilling their apparent duty as horsemen by already symbolizing conquest and war on the streets. Famine and death would follow and she couldn’t even imagine the other three. How could someone prepare against them? Almost as if they knew exactly when best to strike, the four horsemen caused Sofia to feel fear, a rare occurrence -- but now stronger than ever. 

She’d appreciated her friend’s text and the meet-up. After days of war she could use some familiar faces, some warmth (not like she didn’t have that in Serpentia) -- Elise was the perfect choice, given her powers and the caring nature she so often displayed. Yet, while Sofia waited for her friend to arrive, she tapped against the glass with her fingers, looked at the multiple guards surrounding her, ignored the people who were staring at her. Actually, she was supposed to show no fear at all, but how could she not? With all of her friends stuck in Athos and herself waging war in another country? Even winning the war felt like a loss given Athos’ latest chaos. 

Finally -- the door opened, immediately jolting Sofia out of her thoughts. With a smile she took her friend’s hand and squeezed it tightly, almost a bit too tight. “You’re well, that’s all what matters to me right now,” her dark red eyebrows were furrowed. “You don’t know I worried I’ve been ever since hearing about the attack,” she clenched her jaw and held Elise’s hand even tighter than before. “The Four Horsmen, right? They are about to start a war if we’re not careful,” Sofia whispered to not alarm all other citizen watching them from afar. “I’m afraid,” she started, gulped before continuing “we might have to actively fight against them, against everyone who’s trying to hurt us.”

[thestandrewknot]

The Bagration Tiara (attributed to J.B. Fossin; c.1810).

[sofiadelacroix]

it’s breaking my heart to see you like this.

Sofia sat in her tent, unable to sleep nor do much with being awake. Stuck between wanting to do something and just wanting to sleep, she started to get frustrated at herself for being almost too scared to sleep, believing that, if she did, she’d just hurt Jean-Pierre again. The lack of sleep took a toll on her behavior, emotional state and ability to focus. If only she could sleep like any other soldier around her, though they probably deserved sleep much more than she did anyway. Lifting her right hand, Sofia tucked some loose strands of red hair behind her ear and immediately looked at Joel after he was visible to her again. Being with him, having him by her side, did help, but for how long would she have to rely on him? It’s breaking my heart to see you like this – Sofia’s eyes widened. “Are you worried about your queen? Or worried about the people of Serpentia? I can assure you we’ll harm no one who wasn’t involved in the coup against us,” Sofia hissed, but immediately lowered her gaze. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to lash out for no reason at all.” Biting her dry lower lip, the queen closed her eyes, basically pressed her eyelid down to control her powers a bit better. “If I sleep again all I see is pain, chaos and destruction. Maybe I deserve these nightmares, but for how long must I endure them?” A question he didn’t have to answer – one which he didn’t answer. In fact, he looked slightly concerned, his jaw tense and his hands held together into fists. “Fine.” Sofia looked at him again, her gaze stronger than before, yet weaker than usual, still completely tired and forlorn “I will serve my sentence, maybe they will stop one day. Just–” Sofia’s voice quivered. “watch over me.”

[sofiadelacroix]

date: August 23rd  location: Serpentia @jpdelacroix

The city burned around them while many children and women ran for their lives. To find a new place somewhere else seemed like the best option, to run away from the corrupt regime they’d lived under for such a long time, probably all their life, surely ever since Saints made their first appearance. The mere mention of them seemed to corrupt Mundanes, something Sofia had witnessed over and over. With thunder clashing above them, many immediately ducked whenever it did, the noise a sign of terror coming their way. Not many guards were guarding them. They stood in a V-position behind them, fanned out, while the king and queen examined the city. They were actively searching for Serpentia’s leaders, those who started the war to begin with. With their Saints either siding with Athos now, leaving with them later on, or those who stood against them already dead, there wasn’t anyone to protect them now. 

Entering the largest building in the center, Sofia saw a bunch of portraits and collections of jewels, diplomas and clips being played on TVs pinned against the walls they were passing. “They’ve made sure to feed their citizen with lies, how clever,” Sofia’s sarcasm didn’t remain unnoticed by some guards which started to laugh to themselves quietly. The queen didn’t pay much attention and walked further through the halls, eventually reaching a set of large doors, opened, inviting them in. Many mundane guards protected Mr. Sierra, Serpentia’s president. “I’m sure you weren’t expecting us to catch up this fast, did you, Mr. Sierra?” Sofia looked towards Jean-Pierre as thunder clashed outside. “He’s all yours.”

[harryshumjjr]

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