The library was quiet in a way that Dom found annoying. The empty silence and hushed voices to soft, too gentle for him to find comfort in. He didn't like gentle, didn't like anything that didn't scream intensity. For Dominic, things were only real so long as they were intense. This place felt like a ghost.
Despite the distaste for the silent rows of boos that lined up like soldiers, Dominic did enjoy a good read. Thus, forcing him into the dreaded place of quieditude.
He lazily walked the history aisle, his fingers grazing each spine as if they were throats. He was searching for the right one to grasp.
People found his taste in literature surprising, but if you thought about it, looked past the fact that they were archives of the past, you could see the appeal to him. they were tales of murder, violence, and calculation. All things inwhich Dominic was partial to. They couldn't be fiction though. No, fiction carried too many false ideas— fantasies of scenarios that didn't quite match probability.
Dominic walked with footsteps too loud, a clear statement of his consideration for others. He was looking for something in particular— The Battle of Stalingrad: A study in endurance.
He had read it once, years ago and a few lines in it had been haunting him lately. There was something about the survival— irrationality, brutality, inevitability. He found he understood these things well.
As his gaze lifted from the books, his eyes scanning his surroundings out of habit, his eyes stilled at the desk.For a moment, Dominic thought his eyes were playing tricks on him, but no—that half predatory stillness, the jawline, the way a mans eyes tracked movement as if it were something to be measured closely. There was no mistaking this man for a librarian.
"Oz?" Amusement saturated his voice, a smile that seemed too wide spreading across his face. He took a step closer, eyes focused on those of the other. "No shit."
There was a silence that followed, though short it carried the weight of two men who had once killed together, shared silence in the presence of apilled blood. "Whatcha doing behind a library counter?" He said with a nod, his arm resting on the counter but his eyes were sharp, assessing. It only took a few seconds for him to notice Oz was not sitting in a chair, but a wheelchair. A whistle lingered on his lips. "Well, hell." The words left him heavy with a dark amusement."Guess someone finally got you, huh?"
Dominic shook his head. "Just hope it took more than a bullet to put you on your ass." For a long moment Dominic just stood there, the only thing between them the dusty light that filtered through the tall windows. Dominic tapped his knuckle on the desk once. "Good to know you're still breathing, though. I thought someone finished you off. Looks like they tried."
"Move--" AJ hissed as he shouldered his way through the crowded Ministry atrium and ignored muffled shouts from behind the elevator doors he just managed to squeeze through. Jumping several steps at a time he rolled a bit at the bottom of the stairs and into the wizarding street. As he rounded a corner he slowed his pace to match the person beside them and pushed his hair out of his eyes. "Hey," AJ muttered, grabbing them by their elbow and stepping closer as if he'd been there all along. "Do me a favor?"
When the demon king opens up [Oz Anniversary card story]
When the demon king opens up
Chapter 1
Akira: Well then, I’ve finished organizing the documents, so I’ll go for some tea…
Akira: Gyaa!
Akira: W-what is that sound!? Did lightning strike nearb—Bradley!? Are you alright?
Bradley: That hurts…! Oi, Mithra, don’t drag me into this!
Akira: (….The sound that seems like lightning, coupled with Bradley and Mithra….w-what if….)
Oz: <<Vox Nox>>
Mithra: <<Arthim>>
Akira: (I knew it! Everyone’s with their magical instruments, so this troublesome situation is..)
Oz: Do you truly believe you can wound me with that level of magic?
Mithra: Huh? Normally, if something is this close when I apply my magic, not even dust should remain.
Bradley. Aren’t you the one who said we should aim to attack Oz while he’s conducting lessons for the Central wizards? Please do something about this.
Bradley: But you were the one who went and pounced on him before those lessons started! Damn it, <<Adono….>>!
Oz: <<Vox Nox>>
Bradley, Mithra: ?!
Akira: Both of them disappeared…?!
Oz: Before they cause any more trouble, I teleported them some distance away.
Riquet: Ah, Oz, there you are! Mr Sage is here too. It’s time for our lessons to start.
Cain: I heard a loud noise, did something happen?
Arthur: It’s as if lightning struck…..
Oz: No, it’s just your imagination.
Akira: (He deceived them so boldly…..)
Cain: Really? Well, as long as no one got hurt….huh?
Akira: Ah, it rained so suddenly. The sky also got cloudy…
Riquet: Ah! The sheets we hanged with Rutile and the others are still outside. We must take them in…
Arthur: That’s hard on you. I’ll lend a hand…
Oz: ….<<Vox Nox>>
Riquet: The rain stopped….! Thank you very much, Oz. Now the laundry will not get wet.
Cain: To think that you can change even the weather to your will, you’re amazing, Oz! The rain’s all cleared up too.
Oz: It was just a hindrance to our lessons. Now, let’s begin.
Arthur: As expected of Sir Oz! We’ll be in your care today too.
Akira: (For Oz to calmly use such powerful magic to change the weather after that fight….as expected, Oz is truly a strong wizard.)
---
Shylock: Welcome, Sir Sage.
Akira: Good evening, Shylock. I came to return the glass I borrowed the other day. It looks like Oz and Figaro are here today.
Figaro: Hey, Sir Sage. Why don’t you join us for a drink? We’re in the middle of bragging about our students. Right, Oz?
Oz: Bragging was not my intention. You only spoke as you pleased.
Figaro: Don’t be so cold. Tell me what happens next. What did Arthur and Riquet do again during today’s lesson?
Akira: (Now that I think about it…..)
(When speaking to Figaro, it seems like Oz shows a side of himself that is slightly different compared to the persona he normally presents to us.)
(Rather than letting his guard down, their long history with each other allows him to freely acts as he likes.)
Figaro: Ah, yes. Have you heard of that matter before, Sir Sage?
Akira: That matter?
Chapter 2
Figaro: I heard from Riquet that the Central wizards will be visiting Granvelle castle tomorrow.
Lately, it seems that a section of that castle has been open to the public during weekends. Might that be why he’s showing interest?
Akira: Now that you mention it, until now, it’s rare to be able to walk around the castle and sightsee in your own leisure.
Oz: In the past, when Arthur spoke of it during one of our lessons, Riquet expressed interest.
In a few days, it is said that we’ll be invited to the castle for the ceremony, hence his decision.
Akira: Really? So that’s why! Will you be joining them too, Oz?
Oz: No, I will not.
Figaro: Why? This is a rare chance, you should go together with the Central wizards.
Akira: That’s true. I think Oz going will make them happy.
Oz: I decline. If you are interested, how about you join them instead.
Akira: ….me?
---
Person of the castle: Dear all, it is with pleasure that I invite you to Granvelle Castle. Sir Arthur, welcome back – you’ve been sorely missed.
Akira: Hello, thank you for attending to us.
Arthur: I extend my gratitude in attending to us today. Please entrust me with the task of giving them a tour of the castle.
Person of the castle: Understood. After you conclude your sightseeing, we’ve prepared tea and sweets procured from a famous confectionery in the kingdom.
Riquet: Wow….! Sir Sage, they said sweets!
Akira: You can look forward to it, Riquet.
Riquet: Yes! Since it’s a special chance, I wish Oz came together with us, though.
This time, no matter how many times we tried to invite him, he did not agree! Honestly….
Arthur: It is unfortunate, but Sir Oz must have his reasons.
Cain: You bet. Next time, let’s ask him earlier so we all can go together.
Person of the castle: Is that so…….That person is not present today. That is gratifying to hear…
Riquet: ….? Why are you so fearful? Oz is not scary.
Arthur: I concur, Sir Oz is extremely kind and wonderful.
Person of the castle: I beg to differ, but Oz is the demon king of the legends…..
Akira: (It is true that Oz is such a powerful wizard that he could bend the weather to his will, and it seems that there are numerous menacing legends about him….)
It’s alright, there is more to him than just being a fearsome wizard.
Cain: Yeah, he’s a strong fellow, but he’s not as scary as stories say.
Riquet: Right! He even helped us change the weather yesterday so the sheets will not get wet…
Cain: Also, thanks to his lessons, we got to learn much more magic!
Arthur: On days when duties prevent me from returning to the wizards’ residence, Sir Oz will quietly come to check up on me.
Person of the castle: I-is that so…? He is quite different from the Oz I’ve imagined….
Arthur: I understand this might be a little difficult to take in. However, I hope you will come to understand just how wonderful Sir Oz is.
Chapter 3
After a round of sightseeing in the castle, I went out to the balcony for some fresh air.
Akira: (I’m glad that person seemed to show interest in Oz. If only Oz came together with us….)
In the sunset that colored the castle surroundings, a large bird that looked like a crow with black wings and red eyes flew by.
Akira: (Coming here reminds me of that incident with the flying shadow**. That time, was it this balcony that Oz and I jumped down from?)
(Immersing myself in my emotions, I leaned against the parapet and stared at the castle grounds. Suddenly, a strong gust of wind made me stagger).
Akira: Wha….
Oz: It’s dangerous.
I could hear a familiar voice close by. There, Oz was supporting my body.
Akira: Huh, Oz? Why are you here?
Upon my question, Oz averted his face, looking embarrassed. His side profile reminded me of the black wings and the red eyes of the bird from just now.
Akira: Oz, were you the bird that was flying just now…?
Oz: …Figaro and the twins said that I’m always difficult to invite into things, so I should sometimes join you on my own will.
You too, said something similar last night, didn’t you.
Akira: Oz….
(As I thought, the Oz who shows consideration to us like this is more than just a fearsome wizard).
Oz: What is your business here?
Akira: The others wanted to explore the castle or greet their acquaintances, so I came here to look at the sunset.
And then, I remembered about Oz and I jumping down from this place, during the flying shadow incident.
I thought I was going to die then and there, but thanks to you regaining your use of magic, we managed to defeat the flying shadow.
Oz: ...I was only able to use my magic because you entrusted your powers to me.
If you had not placed your trust in me, the outcome would have differed greatly. …I offer my thanks.
Akira: ….!
No, it’s me who should be thanking you. You trusted in me, so I was able to trust you.
Thank you for that, Oz. I’ll continue to count on you.
In the sunset, we shared a smile. Just then, I heard the voices of Arthur and the others from within the castle.
Arthur: Sir Sage, where do you happen to be? Upon Cain’s invitation, we are about to sneak out into the city. Would you like to come with us?
Akira: Yes, definitely! That’s right, Oz, let’s go together.
Oz: Night draws nigh. Before I lose the ability to use magic, I should return to the wizards’ residence….
Akira: If that is so, may I ask you to draw upon my power? If so, we can return together with the others…if that is alright?
Oz: ….
If Akira wishes so.
Akira: Yes!
With eyes that seemed like they were narrowing in resignation, I pulled Oz’s hand and walked towards the Central wizards.
I looked forward to the night that’s approaching.
---
** refers to theトビカゲリ that appears in the main story. I’m not very sure how to translate this, so any suggestions are appreciated!
He was giddy with nervous energy, but he was a little good at keeping that down below. He could instead focus on his date - well, could it be called that anymore, really? It was Christmas dinner. It just happened to be in a gay bar. Not that it looked anything like normal, and Sonder couldn't help but be a tiny bit disappointed. He wanted to grind, dammit! But it was a little easier this way, he supposed. A little less heated. Less pressure. He kept giving Oz heavy hooded looks between conversing casually with Piper and occasionally Maeko. They seemed to be a fun bunch, and Sonder was feeling incredibly comfortable. "Should we hit the London clubs after this?" He suggested, giving the corner of a grin in Oz's direction as he did. "I want to go dancing! I didn't get dressed and look this hot for roast potatoes."
As agreed upon, Dylan showed up at the penthouse early morning, having forced herself out of bed. She’d been a late sleeper lately, a far cry from her insomnia just a month earlier; Dylan was finding that her sleep patterns were entangled heavily with her conscience. Hands pocketed in her hoodie, she found Oz cooking breakfast. “Hey.”
