A/N: I've been thinking a lot about the apocalypse AU idea, and this title spurred something in me, so thank you, Bunny! Tis a bit on the angster side. 😅
In this world, if you couldn't use a gun you were as good as dead.
Fifteen years ago a calamity struck the world and poisoned the air. Breathe it in, and you lose your humanity. Doomed to wander the land, lost and angry.
That's why they destroy things, the Elders told your generation. That's why you kill on sight. They don't see you as kin anymore, they see you as a threat.
Aim for the core, and aim true. There's a crack in that crystalized skin; one the energized bullets can push through to end it.
The Elders always talked about the Before, too. Before a time of gas masks and bustling cities instead of townships in sealed, dilapidating buildings.
But you didn't know any different. Born after the catastrophe, your life had always been that of polluted air and monsters. A weapon in your hand much too young, your mother would say, but a necessity.
Your father was the one that taught you how to shoot. There was a place, in the basement, where people could practice. Where lessons were taught to those ten and above.
Every Saturday (they all ran together for you, but the Elders were insistent on keeping track), you would trudge down to the basement with him and practice on old cans and bottles.
The first time you shot, you squeezed your eyes shut, jumping at the echo and how it seemed to ring through your whole body. The lesson had stopped immediately, as your father turned you toward him.
"No, my Blessing, your eyes must stay open. If you close them, it is more likely you miss, and they will attack you. Eyes wide open, Blessing. Try again."
When you were thirteen, you were allowed to join your first scavenging trip. Still small for your age, it was easy for you to slip in and out of places most adults couldn't go. Find the last of many items within this shells of what once was.
It was the first time you saw a Wanderer up close. It was made up of odd angles; crystals had grown irregularly across it's body. There were no features you could even relate to a human; no clear facial features. The parts you thought were arms were too long for it's body, ending in points it wielded like weapons.
But there, in the center, a lighter area, fighting for freedom - the soul, now crystalized into the core of this being.
You cried.
When asked why later, you said it was because you were so upset these souls were stuck here and unable to rest. Your mother worried you were too gentle for this world. Your father was determined to prove her wrong.
You joined him for all his scavenges and trades after that day. Improved your aim with every Wanderer appearance. Learned the prayer for the damned for those mid transition that had to be put to rest.
Two years later you world changed in the worst way.
There was an underlying smell that had appeared in the afternoon. Convinced it may have been due to your workout, you had showered. Yet it persisted.
Your friends had laughed at you, saying that the outside was stuck in your nose due to all the trips you were a part of.
Your mother had brushed away your worries with a wave of her hand. "There's no problem with the filtration systems. We would have been notified."
But your father...your father looked at you curiously as you begged to sleep in your mask. Handed it over despite a glare from your mother. Eyed his a moment too long before turning in for the night.
You had woken to a bang, a roar of pain, and then another bang. Scrambling out of bed, you slammed your feet into your boots, racing toward the living room of the cooped apartment. Your father was leaving his room, tripping over his feet, shadow strange on the wall.
Flicking on the light, your breath caught - a strange sound in your mask, as the light revealed the truth. His right eye had already been taken by dark crystals, slipping upward into his hair line. The same side hand and arm starting to sprout them as well.
With a groan of pain, he dropped to his knees - the gun he had clutched sliding to your feet.
"Mom?" It was a question you already knew the answer to. Confirmed with a shake of his head.
He let out a painful cry as crystals seemed to sprout from his shoulder blades with a sickening cracking sound. "My Blessing," he wheezed, "Please. You must do this for me."
Tears burned hot from your eyes and falling around the seam of your mask. "Don't make me. Please, please don't make me do this."
"Blessing, I no longer have control over my arm. You must. Now. Before I lose myself."
With a cry that bordered on a scream, you picked up the weapon, still shaking your head. Not like this. Gods, no, not like this.
Hands positioning into a natural hold, another gasp choked through as you worked to steady yourself, heartbeats rapid in your own ears.
With a shaky breath, you let the prayer fall from your lips, barely heard over the sickening development of the man in front of you.
"May you return to the cosmos, and be renewed in a better life."
"Eyes wide open, Blessing."
You slammed them shut.
Refusing to see this moment. Refusing to have that be the last memory.
The thump and silence was confirmation enough of your success, and, slowly, you opened your eyes once more. Took in the scene before you.
And then you fell, hard, to your knees, and screamed.
It took a day and a half to clear out the township. You sat, uselessly, against a pillar on the first floor, debating what to do next. Dehydration would kill you before anything else, but it wasn't safe to take off your mask.
You needed to make it to one of the townships you traded with, but that was half a day's drive at most, if you were lucky.
A bitter laugh escaped you. Would this be your end, too? Gods, you were so tired.
At some point you had begun to doze, woken to the sound of footsteps. Of a door lock being smashed free, of muffled voices. Voices you didn't recognize.
"There are protocores everywhere. What the hell? People just don't leave these out."
"They do if they don't know what they can do."
"Where is the filtration system? We should see what we can bring back from it."
"Busted," you breathed, voice barely above a whisper.
Unaware anyone heard you until someone knelt next to you. A gentle hand pulling your chin to the left. Eyelids heavy, you forced them open to find a pair of violet irises watching you.
The brows above them jumped in surprised. "You're alive."
"Barely."
He immediately began to pat over your clothes. "No crystals - you're the only one left?"
A nod.
The boy, he couldn't've been much older than you, tilted his head, furrowing his brow in realization. "You're the only one left," he repeated.
Again, you nodded.
"Did you...did you clean out all of them? By yourself?"
You nodded, a tightness in your throat making it hard to breathe. No tears fell; you had ran out hours ago.
He turned, speaking to someone out of your line of sight. You grunted as he started to pull you up onto your feet.
"Come on, ya pipsqueak. Up you go." An arm wrapped around your back, slipping under the pack on your back for a better grip, and under your arm to steady you. The other reached down to grab the rifle he had set down when inspecting you.
Confused, you leaned into him slightly as he lead you to the door they had entered from. "What - what are you doing?"
"Gunna bring you to meet the Captain, and then we'll bring you back with us. Can't just leave you here."
You scoffed. "You could."
He shook his brown hair, and something like a laugh rumbled through him. You could feel it where your side pressed into his. "You're right. I could, but I don't want to. Doesn't feel right."
"And bringing in stranger to your township does?"
He was quiet for a moment, before pushing open the door and leading you outside. "I have a good feeling about you," he said. "And, besides, if you can take down Wanderers like that all by yourself, we could definitely use you."
Eyes blinking rapidly at the sudden burst of brightness, you raised your hand to shield your eyes.
"You're meant to do something big, Pipsqueak. I can feel it in my bones."
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Created by @thechaoticarchivist . DO NOT REPOST STORIES!
Reblogs and comments are always welcome ♥
Love and Deepspace Master List
FANDOM: LOVE AND DEEPSPACE | CHARACTERS: CALEB, MC, JOSEPHINE
It had been only a few days earlier. Josephine had brought him home, gently but firmly, into this warm, unfamiliar house. He stood defiantly in the entryway, refusing to step further inside, his small fists clenched, his mistrust palpable.
"You don't have to trust me yet," Josephine had said softly, watching him carefully. "But you need a name. You aren't a number anymore."
The boy glared sharply, his voice edged with suspicion. "Why should I trust you?"
"I understand why you don't," Josephine replied gently, sadness shadowing her voice. "I know what I've done. I know it's unforgivable. But I promise, from now on, you're safe here."
He scoffed bitterly, heart pounding with anger and fear. "I don't need your promises."
Josephine hesitated, then took a breath. "I found her."
The brunette froze, his heart skipping painfully. "Who?"
"The girl. 001. She's here, safe. I brought her home first. She doesn't remember anything. She doesn't remember you."
His throat tightened sharply, a wave of relief and grief washing over him. He steadied himself, refusing to show vulnerability.
"Caleb," he finally said, voice firm, defiant. "My name is Caleb."
Josephine studied him gently, sensing layers beneath his choice. "Caleb?"
He looked away, voice softening just slightly. "When we first met... in the lab... they took her apple plush. It was named Caleb. She cried for it. I stayed with her until she stopped."
He remembered everything.
He remembered the first day he met her - small and trembling, crying quietly in a corner of the lab because they'd taken something precious from her. An apple plush she'd whispered to him, her voice shaking as she curled into herself, was named Caleb. It had been her comfort, her solace, stolen away by indifferent hands. How she had hiccuped through silent sobs, whispering how she had just wanted something soft to hold.
He’d crouched beside her that day, awkwardly, unsure how to ease her pain. He hadn't known comfort himself, but something in her tears had reached deep within him. He had stayed, silently, by her side until the tears dried and let her hold him instead.
She didn’t remember now.
But Caleb did.
Josephine’s gaze softened, nodding slowly. "And your surname?" She wouldn’t force him to take on hers - because she already knew he would refuse.
He hesitated briefly, remembering another quiet moment stolen between harsh tests and sterile walls, a conversation she'd since forgotten, where she'd whispered her love for warmth, sunlight, and summer.
"Xia," he said finally, the name a quiet promise. "Xia Caleb."
Josephine nodded and waited patiently, keeping her distance. "You don't have to stand there forever," she said softly, cautiously and tried again. "You're safe here."
Caleb turned away slightly. Promises were meaningless. But just as he contemplated stepping back out into the cold night, a small, hesitant voice drifted from the hallway.
"Who are you?"
He turned sharply, gaze landing on a small figure standing cautiously at the edge of the hall. Her eyes were wide, hesitant, innocent - too innocent for someone who’d endured the same sterile, unforgiving lab as he had.
An ache coiled tightly in his chest. "It's alright if you forgot I’ll remind you," he heard himself say, softer now, protective instinct overriding bitterness. "I'm Caleb. I'll always be by your side."
The kitchen smelled like warmth and safety - foreign scents that set Caleb’s nerves on edge. He sat rigidly at the table, hands clenched tightly in his lap, waiting for this soft illusion to shatter around him.
It wasn't a scent Caleb recognized. Too foreign, too soft, too far removed from the sterile white walls and the sharp, metallic tang of laboratories.
It made him uneasy.
Everything about this place, this house, this woman - it was all too different.
Too much like a lie.
Across from him, the girl swung her legs gently, her eyes bright but distant, tracing invisible shapes on the worn wooden surface. He heard echoes from their old conversations every time he looked at her - how she’d told him once, in a fleeting moment between experiments, that she liked the shape of apples, the taste, the bright red color - warm, like something that had never existed in the labs otherwise. Apples were the only sweet thing that they were allowed. She’d liked the red sweet ones, while he liked the green sour apples.
Josephine set a steaming cup of something in front of him, the quiet clink of porcelain jarring against his tense silence. He didn't touch it. His hands remained folded in his lap, shoulders stiff, body coiled tight as if expecting the walls to collapse at any second.
Clearing her throat softly, the woman hesitantly broke the fragile stillness. “I thought we could talk about your name today.”
The girl tilted her head slightly, noticing that she was the one being addressed, confusion flickering softly in her eyes. “My name?”
Josephine nodded gently. “You should have a name of your own. The shelter I found you at couldn’t provide me with one.”
Caleb watched his friend blink slowly, her brow furrowing as if the idea was foreign - something just beyond her grasp. Because, of course it was.
Caleb remained perfectly still, heart tightening. The only name he had ever known was 001, besides the ones he gave her when she forgot again, and again, and again.
Josephine’s eyes drifted toward her, her expression gentle, careful not to overwhelm. “Perhaps something pretty like Lian or Yun-”
But before his friend could respond, Caleb's voice cut through sharply. “She should choose for herself.”
Josephine’s gaze flickered toward him, softening in quiet, painful understanding.
Like she knew.
Like she knew exactly why he had spoken, why he had interrupted.
She had never been allowed to make choices.
Not in the labs.
Not about what happened to her.
And she didn’t even know it.
But Caleb did.
So he wouldn’t let anyone - not even Josephine, not even now - take that from her.
Caleb looked away, unable to bear it. The girl glanced at him, surprise reflected clearly in her wide eyes. She hesitated, fingertips tracing uncertain patterns over the tabletop as she searched through the fragmented puzzle of her memories. Something shifted subtly in her expression, quiet recognition, softening her features.
Finally, the girl spoke, her voice soft but certain. "Mei."
Josephine blinked softly, curiosity warming her expression. "Mei? That's a lovely name. Why did you choose it?"
Mei hesitated briefly, eyes drifting down to her lap. "At the shelter... there was a woman. She asked me where my parents were. I didn't know. Then she gave me a teddy bear and said it belonged to her daughter, Mei, who wouldn't come back. I… I think I want to keep her name. So that her kindness isn't forgotten."
Josephine’s smile softened, eyes glistening gently. "That's beautiful. And your surname?"
This time Mei lifted her eyes hopefully. "Can I keep yours?"
The woman’s breath caught softly, warmth filling her gaze. "Of course. Then it's Zhāng Mei."
"Zhāng Mei," Mei echoed, smiling faintly and testing the name on her tongue, letting it settle into something real.
Caleb watched silently, standing just beyond the edges of this tender exchange, feeling separate from it. He remembered everything she didn't - the labs, the needles, the cold detachment. And he remembered her, small and trembling, crying softly over a stolen apple plush named Caleb.
His jaw tightened. He had already made his choice earlier, alone, in a quiet confrontation with this woman he still couldn't fully trust.
A silent promise to always protect the warmth Mei cherished, even if she couldn’t yet remember why.
But then Mei turned toward him, curiosity lighting her expression as she took in the unfamiliar weight of his presence.
"What is your surname?" she asked, tilting her head. She studied him, as if trying to fit him into the empty spaces of her fragmented memory. He could tell she wasn’t sure what to make of him yet.
“Xia”, he told her unblinkingly, which made her smile before she replied. “Caleb Xia … I like that name.”
So, in a rare moment of lightness, he smirked slightly and nodded toward the fruit basket on the table.
"Want to see something cool?"
Mei blinked, confused, but nodded anyway.
With a small flick of his fingers, an apple lifted from the basket, defying gravity as it floated effortlessly through the air. Mei’s lips parted in awe. Caleb let the fruit hover for a beat before, with a subtle twist of his wrist, it split cleanly into slices, the pieces suspending in midair before drifting softly onto the table in front of her.
Mei’s eyes widened. "Whoa," she whispered, wonder flickering to life in her expression.
Caleb slid one of the slices toward her, amusement tugging faintly at his lips. "You like apples, don’t you?"
Mei hesitated, then reached for the slice, grinning as she took a bite. "Yeah," she mumbled through the fruit. "I think I do."
Caleb let out a quiet chuckle, a rare, genuine sound.
Josephine watched the small exchange, something knowing in her gaze.
And for the first time in a long time, something in Caleb's chest eased - not entirely, but just enough.
He would make her remember someday …
One apple at a time.
MC’s Headcanon Name – Mei (张梅 / Zhāng Méi)
Why "Mei"?
Using "Mei" instead of "MC" helps with immersion. The name comes from "Mei mei" (妹妹), meaning "younger sister," fitting the dynamic with Caleb and Zayne.
💡 Symbolism of Mei:
- Plum blossoms bloom in winter, representing strength through adversity - a perfect parallel for MC’s struggles and rebirth. Resilience, beauty, and perseverance.
- "Mei" can also mean bright, growth, and transformation, aligning with her reincarnation themes.
- May, the 5th month, is associated with transition, high Yang energy, and new beginnings, mirroring her journey through time.
- Since many Asian-Americans adopt an English version of their name, Mei could also go by 'Maye' - a Westernized variation that still retains the essence of her original name while blending seamlessly into an English-speaking environment.
Combined Meaning: 张梅 (Zhāng Méi)
- "The resilient plum blossom that stretches toward the sky."
- A warrior’s name with a poetic yet strong balance.
- Suggests a character who is both determined and graceful, with a past that has shaped her but not broken her.
- The duality of precision (张) and emotional depth (梅) makes her someone who fights for what she believes in but retains a core of quiet strength and perseverance.
More Name Analyses Content
- The Meaning Behind Their Names (Tumblr)
- The English Surname Variations (Reddit)
*Crawls out of the void* I still live… *drops post and crawls back into the void*
Jester
You are always eager for cuddles and Jester is just as eager to return them, sometimes the two of you smiling goofily at each other while trying to see who can squeeze the other the tightest (usually Jester wins, but you get a victory every now and again). Other times you both just snuggle together, enjoying the moment of relief from adventuring.
On days when you’re usual enthusiastic attitude is nothing but a distant memory, so to speak, is when extra special cuddles are needed the most. Jester will sit with you, slowly bringing you closer to her as a way of asking if you were okay with it. When you lean in accepting the hug she’ll pull you onto her lap and hum a tune her just like her mother used to while gently petting down your hair in a comforting way, this usually leads to you falling asleep to which Jester will give a kiss to the top of your head.
Nott/Veth
It’s not that you don’t like cuddles, it’s just you’re not used to them, especially when you first met Nott. She was very understanding of this and took the time to help ease you into the feeling. Even now after all this time you’re still slightly hesitant about it but defiantly more eager to curl up next to her for some R&R.
There are days where even though your past is behind you and you’re a brand new halfling, you still feel like that icky runt of a goblin you used to be. Veth is quick to catch you when you’re like this and jumps right into mom mode, letting you curl into her for extra comfort while she makes sure you know that despite everything she still loves you for who you are. Her comfort and reassurance always helps ease your frantic mind.
Caleb
You love hugs and cuddles, Caleb does not, or at the very least he’s not the most open to them. There were two great ways to get them from him though, the most common was to steal Frumpkin as a substitute, the cat purring and rubbing against you while you happily snuggled into his soft fur. The other way was when Caleb polymorphs into an animal, giving you the chance to still snuggle into warm and fluffy fur while also enjoying Caleb’s company (he’s also extra protective of you like this but shhh, that’s a secret 🤫).
The rare off days where you’re the one feeling down are different. At first Caleb just lets Frumpkin handle it, after all the fey cat has helped him through many tough spots. With time and the more Caleb opens up he’ll approach you himself, offering to read stories to you or use Dancing Lights as that’s your favourite spell and especially the way he shifts the glowing orbs around easily helps brighten your mood once again.
Caduceus
Who were you if not usually soft and gentle, figuratively and literally, so naturally you’re always one to enjoy a comforting cuddle and Caduceus is always happy to share a cuddle with you. You’ll sit together and lean your head against his chest, smiling up at him while he contently smiles back, most of the time you’ll have a nice warm cup of tea to go with it, just adding that much more to the comfortable atmosphere between you.
It happens more often then you’d like where your thoughts will sour your mood, locking you in the past and spiralling into what if scenarios. A gentle hand on your shoulder pulls you away from it, and a comforting squeeze fulling brings you back to reality where Caduceus is waiting with a fresh pot of chamomile tea for the both of you. You don’t say much as you sip on your beverage, you don’t have to, he understands you need that space for yourself. He’ll offer you reassurance while you snuggle into his side, wrapping his arm around you that, in a way, helps protect you from those sour thoughts coming back.
Fjord
You’re not one to jump at an opportunity for cuddles but you don’t mind them either. Fjord would argue you actually very much enjoy cuddles, but it’s usually when you’re sleepy but feel too stubborn to fall asleep right away. There are multiple times you’d force yourself to stay awake so you don’t miss something important with the Nein, only for you to curl up against Fjord and end up passing out anyways. He doesn’t mind in the slightest, he likes that you feel safe enough with him to fall asleep.
When you’re having a bad day you’re not exactly willing to say something right away, you’ve gotten better at it over time but there are still days when you just get really quiet and standoffish with everyone. Fjord will almost immediately catch on to what’s happening and check on you, if you need a bit of space but don’t want to be alone, he’ll sit with you until you’re feeling better, if you’re looking for some comfort Fjord will happily lift you into his arms and hold you in a safe and secure grip until you’re back to your usual self again.
Beau
You’re indifferent when it comes to something like cuddles, you don’t hate them but you don’t care much about them either. What you usually do is give Beau a gentle punch to her arm as a sign of affection, she’ll do the same back at ya and you both call it a day.
It’s rare but there are days were you just feel down, your mind almost forcing you to wonder if you were ever good enough for anyone, you usually try to take your mind off it by distracting yourself with training. It’s not long for Beau to notice you’re quiet and sad demeanour, she’ll get you to sit next to her when you take a quick break, wrap an arm around your shoulder and gently pull you into her side. Depending on how upset you are will depend on if you’ll get Beau to also draw small designs on your arm too, defiantly helps you feel better after some time.
Yasha
You’re not the most open to touch, maybe the occasional hug here and there but you don’t initiate it. It’s not that you don’t like them, you’re just so used to keeping your distance with people that you almost feel a bit uncomfortable with it. Yasha doesn’t mind this, of course, she’s about the same when it comes to hugs and cuddles but with time and lots of patience you’re both more open to it, you still don’t seek it out for yourself though.
More often then not you’re caught up in your thoughts, part of you wanting to seek out Yasha for a bit of comfort but the other part of you doesn’t always know how to go about it. Thankfully Yasha has become very good at reading your emotions and is understanding when you need to work things out for yourself, she knows you’ll come to her when you’re ready and even though you fumble through your words she’ll wait for you to finish explaining yourself before offering you the comfort you’re looking for.
Molly
You love cuddles, simple as that. Someone wants hug, you’re happy to offer. There are times you take a running start towards Molly, making him drop whatever he might be doing at the time to catch you when you jump at him for a quick cuddle before letting him finish what he’s doing. It never bothers him when you “sneak attack” him like that, he finds it fun and great for keeping himself aware of his surroundings, win-win all around.
The literal second your emotions get you down Molly notices, your usual upbeat attitude suddenly disappearing never sits well with him. It’s one of those rare times where the Nein, aside from Yasha, will see Molly’s softer, more caring side show itself. The normally eccentric tiefling now calmly and quietly holding you, brushing a hand through your hair to soothe away the bad thoughts that dare tired to enter your brain.
Hi, I’ve been obsessed with your writing for a while, and I was wondering if you would write a final part to Far From Home where the reader goes to Tal’Dorei with Allura and the rest of the Mighty Nein after the events at Cognouza and finds Vox Machina again?
Oooooo~ I hadn’t thought about those fics in a while. You are absolutely right, a reunion must be had!
If anyone’s in need of a refresher here’s Part 1 and Part 2
Far From Home (Finale)
Vox Machina/Mighty Nein & Child!Reader
It’s been quite some time since your time travelling escapade, and at least month since your finale battle in Cognouza, the world may not know what you’ve all accomplished but you sure did. As a way to help wind down and move to the next chapter in your lives Allura had invited you all to come to a party in Tal’Dorei, it was possibly a way to share stories and make new connections. Either way you were super excited to go, only feeling a little bummed out when Caduceus said he wouldn’t be joining, only to perk up again as the both of you agreed that you’d tell him all about it once you got back.
Thanks to Caleb’s photographic memory he was able to construct a teleportation circle right to Allura’s tower, of course being sure to have Jester send a message to her in advance as to not shock the woman with an unexpected visit. With things set up and everyone ready Caleb casts the spell and you all step through the portal. The first thing you do is run up to one of the windows and look outside, last time you were here with the Nein you didn’t get the chance to see the city and you’ve been curious. Thanks to the height of the tower you got a good view of the whole city, finally getting to see just how beautiful it looked, defiantly a stark difference to burning and broken buildings. Then you saw it, a short distance from the city stood a lone fortress, the one you were sure was where you followed those other adventurers to safety.
“(Y/n).” Kingsley’s voice pulls you from your thoughts. “Come on, you’re supposed to be my resident know it all. Are you really going to stare into dreamland and leave me to my own devices?” He playfully questions.
“You’d leave to your own devices even if I was paying attention.” You retaliate with a soft punch to his leg, he feigns being hurt by the “attack” making you both start laughing. Looking back to the others you notice Allura now preparing another spell, guess this party wasn’t being held in Emon. Another trip through a portal and you were somewhere completely new.
“Welcome to Whitestone Castle.” This woman looked too fancy to be a simple attendant. “You must be the Mighty Nein, Allura’s told us a bit about you, my name’s Vesper, if you would please follow me to the grand hall.” She then leads everyone to where the party was held. Of course Caleb, Beau and Fjord had their fair share of questions along the way.
“Are you okay? You look a little, umm… nervous.” Yasha asks with concern, pulling in your attention.
“Huh? Oh, uhhhh, yeah I’m okay. Just looking at everything.” You reply.
“Okay, if you need me to carry you just ask.” She gives you a pat on the head. She did technically have a point, you were feeling a little nervous, after all those adventurers you met, Vox Machina you now recalled, could be here. Although would that actually matter, sure those memories are still fresh in your mind but for them it’s been years, did they even remember you? Honestly you didn’t think so, you didn’t do much during your stay in the past and defiantly nothing noteworthy to be remembered by, it wouldn’t be surprising if you did meet them and they saw you as just some kid at the party.
You could hear the chattering of party goers before stepping into the main hall. No one wastes any time splitting up and conversing with others. Beau doing what she does best getting intel with Yasha close beside her, Caleb’s still chatting with Allura and Kima, Jester was trying to convince Fjord to dance with her, Veth doing about the same with Yeza, Kingsley had just disappeared from view entirely hopefully not getting into too much trouble. Unsure what to do yourself you settled for the easy choice of going to the snack table, however as you approached you can’t help but notice the bear just sitting casually next to it. Switching gears you walk up to the bear, trying to remember his name.
“Trek… no. Tricky… no, that doesn’t sound right either.” You mumble, getting the bears attention. He lifts his head and sniffs the air, tilting his head curiously at you before leaning a little closer and puffing air in your face, making you giggle and refresh your memory. “Trinket!” You say proudly, as if understanding you he nods, relaxing his head and letting you pet him. While petting him you catch sight of a beautiful half-elf with antlers resting on her head, you recognized her, she was the one you thought was a princess… Keyleth, that was her name. You weren’t sure how you should say hello to her, still wondering if she remembered you. Shaking you head to clear your thoughts you take a breath and just go for it.
“Excuse me?” You tug lightly on her dress to get her attention. “Are you a princess?” It was a strange icebreaker, but it was the first thing you’d asked her when you first met, a part of you thinking that maybe it’ll refresh her memory. She turns and looks at you about to say something, but when her eyes meet yours she pauses, a surprised look on her face.
“I-It’s you.” She practically whispers, the recognition in her voice makes you tilt your head in confusion, did she actually remember? You had hope they would but didn’t actually expect them to.
“You… you remember me?” You ask, wanting solid confirmation. This makes her smile as she nods, kneeling down to match with your height.
“I do! Wait… come with me a minute, the others have to see this.” She gets up and offers you her hand, after a moment of hesitation you place your hand in hers and let her guide you to where two familiar gnomes were talking to a goliath, Pike, Scanlan and Grog as you recalled. “Guys! Guys! Look who came to visit.” She calls for them.
“Uhhh, hi.” You greet awkwardly, not entirely sure what to say.
“Hello tiny child.” Grog greets back.
“Uhh, sup kid.” Scanlan looks at you as if trying to recall something.
“Hello… Hold on a second, you look… familiar.” Pike takes a good long look at you, her eyes then brighten up in recognition. “Wait! You’re the child that came from the future, or well present now. It was (y/n), right?”
“Yeah! I didn’t think you guys would remember me.” You say still a little shocked.
“Remember who?” Grog asks confused, so he didn’t remember but that seemed reasonable anyways.
“Don’t worry yourself about it big guy.” Pike pats his arm.
“Oh yeah!” Scanlan perks up. “I remember now! Your the one who said you saw my name on a book once.” You give a nod and he smiles brighter. “Well I’m glad to say you spoke correctly because I do indeed have a book. One minute!” With that he disappears into the crowd as two others approach.
“What’s all the commotion about?”
“Percy, you owe me 50 gold.” Pike lightly jabs him, a smug look on her face.
“For what exactly?” He raises a curious eyebrow at her. Pike gestures to where you’re standing, his eyes widening in shock. “What…? It-it can’t be.” The words slip out in a near whisper.
“You’re Percy, right? You’re the one who said I was making up I was from the future.” He stares at you dumbfounded, the half-elf with him kneels down to your level.
“Do you remember who I am?” She asks, an expectant look on her face. You think about it for a moment, before giving her a smile and nod.
“Your Vex! You own that really nice bear, Trinket!” You say happily, she chuckles at your enthusiasm.
“Yes, he is a very loveable companion isn’t he.” She replies.
“Umm…” You look around at all of them, feeling like something was missing, or someone. “Wasn’t there one more with you? He looked a lot like you.” You question, Vex’s expression drops.
“That’s a long story little one, but he’s… no longer with us…” She trails off saddened making you frown.
“Oh,” you stare at your feet and fidget with your fingers. “I’m sorry. I know how that feels...” You also trail off in reminiscence. Vex places a hand on your shoulder both in comfort and reassurance, you softly smile back. “Oh!” You suddenly realize something. “I wanna ask something.” They all give you a nod to continue. “Okay, ummm… Why do you remember me? It was super long ago for you guys, I thought you’d just forget.”
“Well you see-“
“(Y/n)! There you are, we were wondering where you ran off to.” Before they could answer they’re interrupted by Caleb walking over, joined soon after by the others in your group.
“Ah! I assume you’re the ones this child belongs to?” Percy asks quizzically.
“We apologize for their wandering, didn’t mean to interrupt your evening.” Fjord scratches the back of his neck nervously.
“No need, we’ve been enjoying their company and reminiscing a little.” Keyleth pipes up, getting some confused looks from the Nein.
“I’m back! Found what I was looking for!” Scanlan makes a sudden reappearance. “Here ya go!” He hands you a book. “It’s a personally sighted copy of my book. I don’t know if you ever got around to reading it after our previous meeting so now you have a copy of your own and bragging rights to all your friends that the author personally gave it to you.” Scanlan says proudly.
“Hold on. Reminisce? Previous meeting? (Y/n), what have you been up to?” Beau looks at you with a curious but firmly expression.
“Allow us to explain.” Vex steps in catching everyone’s attention. “You see about 20 years or so ago we were under attack by a powerful group of dragons calling themselves the Chroma Conclave. It was shortly after the initial attack on Emon that we found a lost, self proclaimed time traveller.” You look away slightly sheepish.
“At the time we weren’t fully aware of this, but we did know they braved the possibility of the dragons detection to save a comrade and friend of ours.” Percy adds. “And when they did tell us, some didn’t exactly believe their words, brushing it off as childish make believe.”
“We were able to send them home, unsure if it was actually the future or just across the world.” Pike gives you a knowing smile. “Either way, they left us with something vital from that point onward.” Now they really had your attention, wondering just what you could’ve left behind in your short time with them. Keyleth kneels next to you again, a bright look in her eyes.
“You gave us hope.” She says.
“Hope?” You question, utterly confused. “How? I didn’t do anything.”
“That’s where you’re wrong, dear.” Vex jumps in again. “Despite some of us still being sceptical,” she gives a quick glance at Percy, “the idea of someone from the future, a child no less, looking as well and even cheerful as they were in those hard times, well… it gave us that extra drive to see that future come to light.”
“It wasn’t just the dragons either.” Keyleth speaks up again. “After the Conclaves defeat there were still times where victory felt so far out of reach that I almost believed it was hopeless but then, remembering how you smiled when you asked if I was a princess reignited why we needed to keep fighting.”
“Not to mention, I couldn’t just hear how I’d made a fantastic book in the future only to not write it, that’s absurd! I had to see it come to light.” Scanlan flourishes with a dramatic pose, this gets a light laugh from the rest of Vox Machina.
“I remember that day.” Caleb says after they quiet down. “It was supposed to be a spell for gaining a long rest without much time passing, at the time it was still in development and my… colleague and I lost control of it. I know (y/n) told us as much as they could, but still, I never would’ve guessed this to be the result.”
“Well, I’d like to thank you for such an odd mishap. Who knows how different things could’ve turned out for us if they hadn’t appeared.” Pike thanks. You’re an embarrassed mess, even after all this time you still weren’t exactly used to so much attention, at least not to this degree. You never thought your mere presents all those years ago would affect such a big piece of history… but then again if they hadn’t achieved victory in the first place how different could things have that you wouldn’t have been thrown into the past to spark this hope… it was starting to hurt your brain too much to think about. (paradoxes baby’s!)
“Look at you!” You’re pulled away from your thoughts by Jester picking you up. “Being a brave hero all by yourself.” She twirls you around before squishing you against her and giving little bunny kisses, the both of you giggling as a result.
“You never told me you were a time traveller!” Kingsley says shocked, stealing you away from Jester. “Tell me everything.” With another laugh you start to recount your adventure with him.
“They’re a special kid.” Vex says, watching you happily chatting with Kingsley, Jester and Veth. “You should proud.”
“Oh trust us, we know.” Beau says, glancing over at you, you wave at at all of them.
It’s been about half a year since part 1 came out… I figure I could at least make this my last post before the new year
Jester
You weren’t sure where you were, one second you were fighting, then you felt something very painful and then just as quickly the pain’s gone but now you’re somewhere you’ve never been before.
“Hello? Anyone there?” You ask, there’s a small flash and suddenly you’re staring up at the Traveler. Your eyes sparkling at the deity.
“There you are, I was worried I wouldn’t reach you in time.” He sounded relieved, which confused you a little, you’ve never heard the Traveler sound so… melancholy before.
“In time for what?” You ask innocently. He shakes his head and lifts you into his arms, carrying you somewhere. You vision suddenly flashes white and the next thing you hear is harsh sobbing.
It takes you a second but you manage to creak open your eyes, once you do you see that Jester is the source of the sobbing, eyes squeezed shut as she presses her hands against your chest. Slowly piecing together what happened your own eyes water a little, and with a shaky hand you raise it up and place it on her cheek, making her jump a little at the sudden contact.
“Mama, please don’t cry, I don’t like seeing you sad.” You say with a slight scratch in your voice, this only seems to make her cry harder but more so with tears of joy.
“You’re okay! You’re okay! I was so scared I lost you.” She bawls as she plants kisses all over your face and hugs you tight to her chest. You lean into her embrace as a few of your own tears well up. “You’re okay now. Everything’s going to be okay. I’ve got you, I’ve got you.” Jester murmurs, holding you close.
Veth
You felt panicked, you didn’t know where you were or what was happening, the last thing you could remember was taking a hit for Luc… oh... Thankfully for you there isn’t much time to think about what had just happened as a soft light enters your vision beckoning you towards it, but you hesitate unsure if you really should go towards it or not. You hear muffled voices on the other side, they sounded panicked and desperate, which got you curious as you step closer. Still muffled but it sounded like Veth’s voice… and Luc’s… and Yeza’s… they were all begging for you to come back, to them. You reach toward the light and your vision blanks.
You cough and gasp as you suddenly spring awake, staring at the lava lake before getting tackled to the ground with a yelp. You look at your brother clinging to you, a look of guilt on his face.
“I’m sorry, I’m so so so sorry. I just wanted to be brave like you and mom.” He blurts out. You don’t really know how to react, but try to help him feel better by patting his back and looking to Veth for help. She just walks over and wraps her arms around the both of you, littering kisses all over your face. Yeza joins in on the other side, resting his head on yours with a shaky but relieved sigh.
This moment, this one moment with them is what finally made it click in your mind that you really did belong. That despite who you are or who you were, they were your family, and nothing was going to change that.
Caleb
Why did everything go dark? Why was everything so quiet? You didn’t like this, you didn’t want to be here, wherever here was, you just wanted to go home. As if hearing your wish, soft light breaks the darkness, you didn’t know what it was but light was usually a good sign so you make your way towards it. The closer you got the brighter the light became and you could hear faint muffled voices on the other side, you couldn’t tell what was being said but whoever was talking sounded scared and sad. You reach out to the light the brightness consuming you for a second before fading to a softer tone, and your body felt sore.
The second you’re able to open your eyes you see Caleb hunched over, gripping at himself so tightly his knuckles were turning white. Concerned for him, you reach over and tap his shoulder to see what’s wrong, the second you do he immediately snaps his head in your direction letting you see just how much of a mess he was.
“Caleb?” Your voice came out scratchy and felt as sore as your body. “Are-are you okay? What’s wrong?” He doesn’t respond right away, just places a hand on your cheek and soon his eyes well up and start spilling tears. You don’t remember ever seeing Caleb cry like this before, or at all, so you try to help wipe his tears away like he always does for you.
“No, don’t.” He stops you, pulling you close enough to press his head against your chest. “Please just… just let me listen to your heartbeat for a minute.” You were still a bit confused but don’t question it further, instead wrapping your arms around him as best you could and let him take as much time needed to calm down.
Caduceus
It feels like you’re dreaming seeing your family happily waving you over to join them. You hesitate to move, this didn’t feel right, your mother looks at you curiously before walking to you instead, stopping a few feet away.
“I…” You weren’t sure what to say, taking a second to try and place this odd feeling. “I don’t think I’m supposed be here.” The words slipped out as if you weren’t even the one saying them. Your mother looks past you a second, her expression soften, a knowing look on her face.
“No, you’re not. It’s far too soon for you to join us, he needs you more right now.” She gives you a loving smile and hug before walking back to her original place next to your father. You give a teary smile as you slowly turn around, your eyes then widen in awe at the sight of the Wildmother standing in front of you, her own smile mirroring your mothers as she beckons you over. When you approach her she kneels down and takes you into her arms, her embrace as warm and comforting as a summer morning.
“Can… can I go home now?” You ask innocently, you hear a soft hum come from her as she nods. She places a kiss upon your forehead, your vision turning white for a moment.
The first thing you feel is teardrops falling on your cheeks, your eyes fluttering open in reaction where you see is a tearful Caduceus looking back at you in shock that quickly turns to relief, pressing a gentle kiss to your temple while holding you close. No words were exchanged in this moment as no words were needed for either of you to express your joy and relief to each other.
Fjord
You lay on your back drifting in nothingness, it didn’t feel real, shouldn’t you be in pain? After all you were just stabbed. You don’t have long to ponder on this as a soft light starts to take over your vision, vines gently wrap around you and for just a second you see the image of a woman before you, then the light engulfs your vision entirely turning everything white.
You sit up quickly with a gasp, part of you feeling slightly panicked from the sudden shift from nothing back to being on the ship, someone’s arms were wrapped around you, keeping you from moving too far.
“It’s alright (y/n), it’s going to be alright. Just breath.” You follow their instructions and once you calm yourself enough you look up to see Caduceus smile back at you. “Hey, welcome back.” This was confirmation enough from him for you to fully piece together what happened, you decide to lean into him as you continue to catch your breathe. You aren’t sure how long it is but eventually you hear the sound of water splashing and people stepping onto the deck. Caduceus then helps you onto your feet, once stabilized you look over and see the rest of the Nein drying or brushing themselves off, Fjord looks your direction and stops everything he’s doing a look of pure relief on his face.
“(Y/n)!” He rushes to you and scoops you up in his arms, holding you close and places kisses onto your temples. “I’m so glad you’re alright, don’t ever scare me like that again.” His voice shakes a little as he says this. You’re able to get the strength to hug him back, nuzzling into his neck as you finally allow yourself to cry. Of course not everything was sunshine and rainbows yet, you still had the Tombtakers and Aeor to deal with, for now though you and Fjord just savoured this reunion.
Beau (this one became longer then I originally intended)
Where were you? What happened? Did you die? So many questions raced through your mind but as quickly as they appeared they disappeared when a bright light shimmers through the nothingness. Briefly you catch a glimpse at the figure before you’re pulled back into reality with a gasp. Looking over at Jester who offers as positive a smile as she can.
“Hi.” She greets. You just manage a wave at her before looking around, things still looked pretty rough for everyone, unfortunately your head was still a little dizzy so you couldn’t fully focus on what was happening. You can’t even take a minute to collect yourself before Beau rushes over to you.
“(Y/n)! Are you feeling alright?” Beau kneels down and tries to check on you but you wave her off.
“I’m fine thanks to Jester.” You simply say.
“Good, because we’re not done yet. This time I need you to stay as far from Lucien as possible.” She instructs, you stare at her as if she just went insane.
“How am I supposed to help if I’m nowhere near the battle?” You question.
“Your not the one who’s going to battle this time.” Beau says sternly.
“Are you kidding me?”
“No, I’m not. I need you to stay out of this one, got it.”
“But we need as much help as w-”
“(Y/n) for once, please just stay out of this!” Despite the insanity all around you, Beau’s outburst has you pausing. You’ve never heard her sound so desperate like this before, finally noticing the tears welling up in her eyes. “I can’t- I can’t lose you again, okay. So please… just stay out of this.” You never thought you’d see a day where Beauregard of all people would beg for something.
“I-” There was a lot going through your mind you wanted to say, but could only manage one word before letting Beau re-enter the fight. “Okay.”
Yasha
It was dark, it was lonely, you were scared. You knew what happed to you and you felt awful because of it. You thought you were being so careful, yet apparently you just weren’t careful enough.
“No need to look so blue, little one.” You hear a woman’s voice speak, looking around you until you see someone you don’t recognize approach. You stare at her wearily, she just offers a soft smile. “May I sit with you?” She asks. After a moment you nod, scooting over as if to make room for her to join you. You sit in silence with the woman for what feels like a long time before she finally speaks again. “I wanted to thank you.”
“Th-thank me? Why?” You ask in a hushed voice.
“For helping bring light back into Yasha’s life. Just you being with her has helped her more then you or she could ever know. Because of you, the weight she bears on herself has grown lighter, I couldn’t thank you enough for all you’ve done for her.” The woman replies with a content smile.
“Wait! Are you-” Before you can finish a warm light starts to engulf your body. The woman looks to you, her smile never wavering.
“Please, look after her for me, won’t you?” Is the last thing you hear her say before everything turns white.
When you’re able to open your eyes again you find yourself laying in your bed at the Xhorhaus, and after a second to focus yourself you realize that someone was gently gripping your hand. You’re not surprised when you turn to see a dozed off Yasha is the culprit, giving her hand three firm squeezes stirs her from her sleep. She looks at you with wide eyes before they soften to tearful relief and your pulled into her lap for a hug, words were never her forte but this hug alone conveyed enough and you easily return the gesture. For moment while the two of you embraced it almost felt like another pair of arms had joined, wrapping around the two of you.
Molly
You didn’t know where you were and that terrifies you, to try and help yourself calm down you take some deep breaths while humming a calm tune to yourself. It helps and not long after there’s light cutting through the darkness, wasting no time you hurry towards it, everything turning white the closer you get.
When you open your eyes again and manage to sit yourself up you don’t see anyone around but do find a cup of water resting on the nightstand next to you. You gulp down the water, helping relive some of the soreness that lingered in your throat, as you finish your drink the door opens and Jester steps into the room.
“(Hey, you!)You’re finally awake!” She beams. Jester goes on to ask how you are as well as a few other questions before you ask a question of your own.
“Where’s Molly?” You look at her worried, her expression drops at this.
“He’s in the room down the hall.” She pauses a second before adding. “He’s been really quiet since everything happened.” You nod and shuffle out of the bed, letting Jester guide you to where Molly was hiding himself away.
You knock on the door and wait, when there’s no answer you slowly open the door and peek inside the room. There you see Molly sitting with his back to the door, hands tightly gripping at his head, the whole atmosphere in the room feeling… off, you just couldn’t pinpoint why. Stepping in farther you notice something you’ve never seen before, the eye tattoo on Molly’s neck almost looked like it was giving off a glow.
“Molly?” You felt concerned, having never seen him look this distressed before. Your voice makes him perk up, the odd atmosphere from earlier completely disappearing when he turns to stare at you. You’re about to ask him if he’s okay but in the blink of an eye he’s kneeling next to you and wrapping you in his arms tightly.
“Don’t you dare ever do that to me again.” He near sobs, not even bothering to try and mask his emotions away. You end up shedding tears of your own, overwhelmed with your own emotions over everything that happened as you hug him back just as tightly.
OMG I JUST HAD THE BEST ANGST IDEA! For the mighty nein (if you aren't already working on something similar) how would they react to their kid dying for the first time, like full on revivify ! Sorry this just came to my mind
I apologize in advance if some of these were bad, this was a harder one to write, but… At long last it’s finished! This has got to be the most requested thing I’ve ever gotten…… Hope you guys enjoy 😈
A Terrible Fate
Child of the Nein (Mighty Nein & Child!Reader)
Warning: child death (this is not a light matter)
Jester
Jester's never fully experienced what it’s like to lose someone she was close to, and you being a child made her believe you were near invincible. After all who would hurt a child so badly? However that false fantasy would soon be shattered right in front of her…
You had been struck down by a powerful attack from the enemy and while Jester was extremely concerned, she didn’t think too much on it when she runs over to you. She attempts to cast a quick Cure Wounds spell on you so she can focus on taking down the enemy again but when it doesn’t work her concern slowly melts into fear.
“No, nonono. Cmon, why isn’t it working? Get up, (y/n), please get up.” Her voice cracks as she gently tries shaking you awake, but you give no reaction. Her breathing gets heavier as she becomes more desperate, shaking your body just a little harder to get some form of a reaction out of you… still nothing, and now dread seeps in when she feels for your pulse or rather lack of one, that’s when it all comes crashing down.
A cry unlike any the Nein had heard left her as she clings to your broken body. Fuelled by sorrow and anger she aims an attack to the one who did this to you, vision too blurred by tears to see the image of the Traveler looming menacingly above her, face obscured to hide any expressions as the Guiding Bolt finds its mark and kills them. The rest of the Nein had made quick work finishing off the rest of the attackers, when they all look back they see Jester cradling your body close to her’s.
“It’s okay now, momma’s got you.” She whispers, voice cracking again as she knows you can’t hear her. Remembering the haversack, she quickly opens it and starts frantically rummaging around until she found a diamond. Practically ripping the jewel out of the bag she presses it against where your heart is, praying she didn’t exhaust all her magic and can still save you…
To be continued…
Veth
Everything felt like a blur, fire elementals attacking, the charge of energy, the fiery blast, Marion’s scream…
Veth ran over as soon as she could to see if her children were alright, seeing Marion holding onto Luc who was shaking like a leaf, tears streaming down his face. Hearing his mother’s approach he looks at her and starts crying harder.
“Mom!” He cries through hiccups. “I-I didn’t mean to…” He whimpers.
“It’s alright, it’s alright. Didn’t mean to what?” Veth tries to console her son but concern grows stronger now that she realizes you’re not sitting next to him.
“I t-t-tried to m-move but I-I-I can’t-t… th-they ju-just ju-umped in front-front of me.” He stutters out through sobs and hiccups. Veth froze when she finally saw your body laying in front of the two, badly burned and still as a statue. That’s when it all clicked in for her, tears welling in her eyes. A scream filled with sorrow and rage rips from her throat as she takes aim on the fire elemental. Her only thoughts being the sooner they finish this thing off the better chance they still have to bring you back…
To be continued…
Caleb
It happened so fast it didn’t even register in Caleb’s mind right away, finding himself walking almost mindlessly over to where you were now laying on the ground. It was a long moment of just staring, seeing the singe marks on your side, the small bit of blood dribbling out of your mouth… your lack of breathing…
It all registered at once and now Caleb was hyperaware of everything, catching the attacker out of the corner of his eye and making a dash after them without much thought, leaving the rest of the Nein to deal with the remaining enemies. They were fast but using his self made Produce Flames spell he was able to strike them and send them tumbling to the ground. When he was close enough is when he saw it, those unmistakable marks of a Volstrucker, this was done on purpose, and it makes something within him snap.
Before any words can be spoken Caleb strikes the Volstrucker with a Fire Bolt, a harrowing scream coming from them as they’re set a blaze. He unleashes another and another, over and over, vision border lining red with his fury as he continues he’s onslaught of spells (for any Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood fans, just think Roy Mustang vs Envy). It’s not until Fjord runs over and has to pin Caleb’s arms down to urge him stop.
“Let me go! They deserve this for what they’ve done!” He thrashes against his friend as he’s pulled away from the charred remains of the Volstrucker. When your motionless figure enters his vision again does some minor clarity return, rushing to your side and collapsing to the ground with a cry as he cradles your body in his arms.
“Mein Kleiner, bitte komm zurück zu mir. Bitte. Es tut mir leid Es tut mir leid Es tut mir leid…”
To be continued…
Caduceus
For one to meet their demise isn’t unusual or new to Caduceus, he’s been surrounded by death all his life, but when it’s yours that meets a sudden end he’s almost ready to rethink everything…
The sight in front of him doesn’t feel real at first, more like a terrible nightmare through hazy vision but when reality snaps into place he realizes that it isn’t hazy because of some dream, it’s hazy from tears. It’s not common for people to see him cry or angered but the rest of the Nein were in for a frightful sight when the sorrowful look on his face quickly shifts to fury.
Striking his staff to the ground Caduceus gives a silent order to his spirit guardians, the spectral beetles closing in, swarming the attacker. Screams of terror ring across the area before fading into nothing the beetles dissipating into nothing leaving a bare skeleton behind. Not even paying any mind to what just happened, Caduceus hurry’s over to where your body laid still, kneeling down and carefully cradling you in his arms.
He moved slowly and gently, as if any harsh movements might cause you to shatter to pieces in the blink of an eye. The rest of the Nein gather around, Jester quickly shuffling through her bag in search of a diamond. When she retrieves one Caduceus holds out his hand, understanding what he wants to do Jester hands him the diamond. He prays quietly to the Wildmother to as he begins the spell.
“Please… wake up. Open your eyes… it’s not your time yet.” He mutters, well, more like pleads as he starts shedding tears he tried so hard to hold back…
To be continued…
Fjord
“Darling, we have business elsewhere.” Avantica says, her eyes swaying slightly away from Fjord’s and onto you when she adds. “I told you this wasn’t over.” As if the battle wasn’t chaotic enough already, now with the Cloven Crystal rolling around and Avantica back from the dead things got even worse…
He regrets the fog cover, he really regrets putting up the fog cover, it obscured the enemies field of vision sure but it also obscured his allies vision if they weren’t close to him. You were not close to him, amongst all the chaos happening he’d lost sight of where you were. Everyone tried to surround Avantica, keep her from getting away but one quick Dimension Door and she was out of their grasp. A faint gasp caught Fjords ear, looking over the world seemed to suddenly move in slow motion when he sees you teetering near the edge of the ship, the curved blade of Avantica’s dagger plunged right through your chest. A wicked smile on her face as she pulls out the dagger and retreats, the force behind it causing your body to fall limply into the frozen waters below.
Panic, anguish, rage, sorrow, so may emotions were running through Fjords head as he runs to the edge of the ship and dives into the water without a second thought. He swims down as fast as possible reaching out to grab your arm, as your body drifts down. When he breaches the surface again he lets out the cry he was holding in, alerting the Nein to his whereabouts. After a short debate on what to do next, Caduceus agreed to stay behind and watch over you while the others went after Avantica.
“Wildmother please… bring them back to me.” Fjord mutters before he and Yasha make a dive into the water…
To be continued…
Beau (there’s like one swear word, it’s Beau I couldn’t help it)
It’s the final showdown, all or nothing and anything could go… or anyone…
The fight was tense, but Beau had to push down any exhaustion that was trying to creep up, they had to stop Lucien once and for all and with that thought in mind goes in for another attack. He laughs, she hit him hard and he laughs, it’s unnerving to say the least especially since he wasn’t even looking at her. When realization reaches her it’s already too late, she sees catches your shocked expression, eyes wide but all too quickly grow dull and lifeless as you plummet to the ground.
For a moment she feels paralyzed, staring down at your lifeless form, still staring blankly into nothingness. Her body shakes, hands balling into fists, breathing getting heavier through clenched teeth that they might just shatter from the friction. This was the last straw, sure she wanted her friend back but no one messes with her child and expects to get away with it unscathed… an eye for an eye as they say.
“You bastard! You’ll pay for this!!” A scream of pure fury erupts from Beau as she charges for Lucien with a renewed vigour for vengeance…
To be continued…
Yasha
You’ve had so many close calls before that at first it felt like this was just another one of those moments. When she drew nearer to you, seeing the large gash in your neck, your form unmoving to even try and slow the blood flow…
This wasn’t happening, it couldn’t be. She can’t lose another person she loves so dearly, not now, not after everything she’s done to keep you safe. Yasha easily threw herself into a rage with a scream holding so much fury, fear and sorrow behind it. Her tears blurred her vision as she recklessly swings for the one responsible for taking you away from her.
Honestly there wasn’t much of a battle after you fell, Yasha easily cut down the remaining enemies with little issue. When she sobers up again she practically throws her weapon to the side as she rushes over to where you body still laid, ignoring the blood that covers her when she scoops you into her arms.
“No no, please no… I can’t lose another… I can’t lose you too. Please… I’d give anything…” She sobs to herself as she tightly grasps your broken body, praying for a miracle…
To be continued…
Molly
First they bring to life the near unkillable Laughing Hand, then they turned Yasha against everyone, now it’s revealed that Lorenzo was still alive and kicking. Everyone thought he was dead, but it seemed the Chained Oblivion had other plans. This was not fairing well for Molly, and things were only going to get worse…
They had to retreat, there was no debate to that, but with 3 formidable foes on their tails it was not an easy task. It was a mad dash to the exit but something felt off to Molly, like something was missing. He dared himself to look back, and a terrifyingly familiar sight greeted him. You were caught in Lorenzo’s grasp, the oni laughing at your feeble attempts to break free. Skidding to a stop, Molly makes a beeline towards you. Everything feels too slow, Lorenzo shifting his gaze to stare Molly down, the wicked smirk that etches on his face… the sickening sound of breaking bones.
No, this… this was a joke, right? You’re just putting up an act to fool them… right? Your body collapses to the ground with a thud. Luckily speed was on his side, Molly snatching you up and just making it out of the room before the door finally seals itself again. His breathing was heavy as he looks down at you, wanting to ignore how cold you felt in his arms.
“Come on kiddo, get up. You’re okay… you’re-divines don’t do this to me now…” For once words failed him, fumbling over himself the more reality set in. “It’s not fair, why’d it have to…” His voice trails off as sobs racked through his body while he held your lifeless form in his arms. “IT SHOULD’VE BEEN ME!” He cries, holding your body tighter, begging whatever deities were listening to bring you back…
Hello! Can I request a Vox machina and Mighty Nein child reader where the reader gets killed and revived? Thank you!!
Hi! Thank you so so much for the suggestion, not gonna lie it was a bit tricky to write because it’s a tough subject to nail… also I may have cried a little making this, but after looking through the tears at the results I’d say it turned out pretty good 😁
No, I will not apologize for the length… Enjoy!
Dancing with Death
Vox Machina, Mighty Nein & Child!Reader
Warnings: Death (I mean it’s in the ask and title so it should be obvious, I guess), may get a slight bit graphic
Vox Machina
Go in, investigate, kill some demons, get out. That’s what you were supposed to do, sure you knew it wasn’t going to be the easiest task but you didn’t expect to see Vecna himself make an appearance. The twisted archlich taunted the party as you all fight off the demons as best as possible while simultaneously thinking of a way to escape. Too focused on not getting hit you didn’t see the devious look that crossed his features when his sights set on you. You fight off enemies as best as your abilities would let you until you find yourself face to face with Vecna, a icy chill running through you as he stared you down. That icy chill becomes more literal when he grabs you by the neck and lifts you into the air, you gasp in shock as you dangle helplessly, still struggling to free yourself, his grip only getting tighter, slowly cutting off your air intake. Everything was going hazing from your lack of oxygen, you felt the cold touch of his hand around your neck, the pain increasing from said cold, you heard what sounded like distant screams or maybe cries of your name, you weren’t entirely sure, there was a sudden pop in your neck alongside a brief second of sharp pain then… nothing.
You find yourself sitting somewhere dark, legs brought up to your chest as you hug them closer to you. Looking around this darkness stretched on and on, with no end in sight. Where were you? What just happened? You felt very confused until you saw the only other figure with you in this dark void. A tall, slender feminine figure stands before you, a dark cloak flowing down her shoulders and a simple porcelain mask covering her face, a hauntingly beautiful sight to say the least. You tilt your head to the side as you stare up at her, trying to wrap your head around what was going on and why she seemed familiar. To your surprise she copies you and tilts her own head to the side, although hers was more subtle, you then tilt your head to the other side and again she copies you, earning a small giggle out of you.
"Wow, you’re really pretty." You, finally finding words, say without much thought, you mind still not fully grasping the situation at hand. She lets out a soft hum of acknowledgment and gives a small bow to you before straightening herself upright again. At this point it’s starting to click why she was familiar, your eyes widening in realization at just who you were talking to. "Wait… you’re the Raven Queen. Does-does that mean I’m dead?" You stare up at her for some sort of confirmation, but the porcelain mask she wore didn’t really help give you any clues.
"Life can be so short and unfair, never caring if they be young, old, good or evil when facing the reality that is death." You blink at her words, it felt like there was some meaning to them but you couldn’t place your finger on what.
"Is-is that a yes?" You ask hoping for a more straightforward answer. She lets out another hum and reaches down to pick you up in a fluid motion, shifting to help smooth back some of your hair the second you were secure in her arms. Her touch was cold yet oddly calming to you as she begins to glide her way across the empty landscape that surrounded you both, you wonder if she was taking you to the afterlife, then she stops. You look at her confused but something else quickly captures your attention, a bright light cutting through the darkness. You couldn’t make direct eye contact but you tried your best to, hearing faint voices emitting through it, you couldn’t make out any words but the voices sounded desperate, pleading. You look up at the Raven Queen and, even through the mask, you could feel her own gaze set on you. You stare at her with curious eyes and once again tilt your head to the side in an almost silent question, as before she copies your action and traces the side of your face, tucking back any loose hair you may have had.
"Sweet little bird," she starts making you perk up, that was what Vax and Keyleth would call you as a nickname. "It is not your time quite yet, you have much more to accomplish in this life and foes whose souls shall be brought to me by your hand." You couldn’t tell if she was trying to be uplifting or something, but you did find some encouragement in her words. She leans closer to you and the cool feeling of her mask presses against your forehead as if in a gentle kiss before your vision turns white…
You open your eyes staring up at the ceiling of your room in Greyskull Keep, you just sit there staring into space for a while until you adjust yourself to sit up. Strangely enough you feel something wrapped in one of your hands, slowly opening it to find a single ravens feather resting in your palm, you examine it a moment before breaking into a cough, a strange sensation in your neck like there was a hand still around it. The sound of your door opening makes you look over to see Pike enter the room and hurry over to you, she helps steady you to your feet, giving a little extra healing to make the feeling in your neck go away and hugs you tightly, you happily return the hug, stashing the feather into your pocket. The two of you make your way around the keep to the dining room where the others were waiting, the instant they all see you you're swept up into hugs and apologies from all of them.
"(Y/n)! You’re awake!" "How are you feeling?" "I’m so sorry we couldn’t get to you in time." "We were so scared, we thought we might not be able to save you." These alongside many other comments were sent your way as you just happily snuggle into each one of their individual embraces. Keyleth and Vex both clung to you tightly doing very little to hold back their tears of joy. Grog easily scooped you up into his arms, being careful not to crush you and just happy to see that you were back on your feet, even if he protested to being worried. Percy and Scanlan both played it neutral, giving you pats on the shoulder or back, Scanlan making a comment that he knew everything would be alright because Pike was amazing at her job, but you could see the relief in their eyes for your well being. Then there was Vax, like the others he was very much happy and relieved that you were alright, wrapping you up in a tight embrace but there was also this faint look of knowing in his eyes when he stared at you. You offer all of them a bright smile before looking back up at the rouge, pulling out the feather to show him. He looks at it a moment, his expression softening a little more as gently weaves it into your hair. You’re about to say something when Percy speaks up, suggesting everyone goes out for the evening to finally unwind and celebrate your recovery. Quick and happy to agree you all head out to Emon, because there was only one thing on your mind now… you were absolutely famished.
Mighty Nein
Being in a group of adventurers was a risky bet to take, one you took with a smile. It would be fun they said, you’ll get to see new places they said, nothing could possibly go wrong you thought. For the most part it was true, but facing off against a coven of sea hags wasn’t proving to be the most fun to you. Well in fashion for the Nein, it would seem, things only got worse before they’d get better, one of the hags activating an orb-like object summoning a water elemental to the battle. The water elemental lunges at you, sweeping you up in its torrent to keep you from escaping, you only had enough time to take in a quick gasp of air before you’re trapped in the creature. You try to flail your arms to break free of the creatures hold to no avail, it’s not long before you start to have a hard time holding your breath. In a desperate last attempt you try reaching out to grab hold of anything nearby that you could use to pull yourself free, it was a futile attempt, your arms not even breaking past the creatures watery body. Your lungs begged for air and without meaning to you release your breath and take in a water, it burned your throat and lungs when you tried to cough it out only taking more in. Everything around you started to fade away, it was like the elemental itself didn’t exist either, only you and this moment, you couldn't escape and you didn’t know where everyone else was. It was lonely and you were terrified… then the pain disappeared, your vision was still dark but it didn’t hurt to breathe anymore.
You weren’t too sure what was going on, you couldn’t move or at very least you chose not to move and looked every which direction to see if there was anything or anyone else with you. Finding nothing you shakily rise to your feet and slowly move forward in this dark abyss.
"Hello! Is anyone there? Caduceus? Jester? Anyone?" You call out into the darkness hoping for an answer… no response. You keep calling for anyone from the Nein in hopes that someone would answer you, though it felt as though your voice was just swallowed up and reaching nowhere. "Is anyone there?" You repeat feebly. "Please, I don’t wanna be alone." You sniffle and tremble a little, tears pricking the corners of your eyes. A soft light breaks the darkness around you and a feminine figure appears before you. Her hair long and wild, cascading down her shoulders like a waterfall well complimented by the vines and flowers growing among it, a warm motherly smile upon her face.
A comforting breeze, feeling like that of a warm hug, blows around you and words, unspoken aloud but still heard form in your mind. "My sweet child, do not fear, you have never been alone." The words were soft and gentle, easing away your fear and bringing a sense of comfort to you as you stare up at the woman. She gently lifts you into her arms, moving so fluidly you almost don’t realize it until you’re face to face with the deity. Curiously you reach a hand out and touch the various flowers in her hair, a small giggle coming from you at the feeling.
"Your hair's really soft and the flowers a very pretty." You compliment, she hums in response, taking one of the flowers out of her hair and tucking it behind your ear. You carefully place a hand on the flower and smile at her, all the fear you held earlier finally disappearing.
"It is not quite yet your time to rejoin the earth," once again you don’t quite see her lips move but hear a voice carried in the soft breeze she emits. "Your family still needs you, my child. Go. Learn. Grow." Her words brought comfort but you had no idea what she was saying, honestly you still weren’t quite sure what had happened or who she was. She parts her lips and blows air into you, your vision turning white for a moment before you find yourself coughing up some water, feeling some pain in your chest as a result.
"Easy, easy. It’s alright, you’re gonna be okay." You rub your eyes before peeking them open to see Caduceus staring down at you with a relived smile. That’s when it clicked into your head what happened, but before you can make a comment another voice jumps in.
"Oh my gosh, (y/n)! We were so scared when we saw you in that nasty water guy." Jester effortlessly scoops you up into her arms and twirls around, a few tears having fallen at her relief.
"I wouldn’t say I was scared, just… worried." Beau comments, though her voice wavered slightly. Jester places you down and you’re immediately tackled into another hug by Nott. No comment from her, just being held in a tight embrace only a mother could give. When she finally lets go Fjord kneels down to your height and gently rubs your back, having been in a similar experience before he knows how you felt and almost looked guilty for it. You place a hand on his cheek and offer him a closed eye smile, he returns the smile before standing up again. Yasha now kneeling down and taking her turn to wrap you in her arms. You could feel the slight tremble in her body as she held you close, whispering something so quiet you wondered if she was even speaking at all.
Something soft butting at your leg pulled you from your thoughts, looking down at Frumpkin the cat gently butts it’s head against your leg again before rubbing his body against it with a soft purr. You pick up the cat, cuddling him a bit before looking around for his owner, spotting Caleb leaning against the wall his hands covering his face as he draws in deep breaths. You walk over to him and tug at his coat until he looks at you, you then hold up Frumpkin for him. He bends down and takes the cat from you, letting the fey rest on his shoulders then reaches over and gives you a pat on the head. It wasn’t much but you gave him A for effort.
"Alright, I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m done standing around in here." Beau speaks up again, making you realize you were still in the creepy sea cave where the coven once resided.
"I second that!" You say, it coming out more hoarse then you’d like. A few more voices of agreement later and your all making your way back out of the cave and towards your ship.
THE MIGHTY NEIN GOING TRICK OR TREATING WITH THEIR KIDS AND MAYHEM OCCURS WHICH IS TOTALLY NOT THEIR FAULT! PFFFF!
Chaos? With the Mighty Nein? Never…
Tirck or Treat
Child of the Nein (Mighty Nein & Child Reader)
This is set post-campaign so… semi-spoilers?
Jester
If there was one thing you loved about this holiday, besides the free candy, it was the different pranks you could pull off. Grab some eggs and lay waste to an annoying nobleman's house, or better yet dress up or disguise yourself and scare the living daylights out of others. That is exactly what you set out to do, you and Jester easily using some paint to write messages on walls and simply causing chaos around Nicodranas. Fjord tried to keep you in check but it was pretty obvious there would be no stopping the two of you, especially when you gave him a near heart attack jumping out from around the corner looking like a ghost. The evening was well spent, playing keep away from those you pranked as well as guards, and if you were careful enough not to get caught you were still able to go around a get free candy, easily being spoiled by your grandparent at the Lavish Chateau. Finally when the day came to an end you would spend the night going through all your goodies at either the Lavish Chateau or aboard the Nein Heroz, all while recalling your actions to your favourite archfey/god who was sipping away at the drink in his hand and munching on some of his own "free" candy while listening amused by your tales.
Veth
A night where you could go out dressed up as whoever or whatever you wanted, demand for free stuff and then get said stuff without question? Sign you up this instant! No longer having to worry about things like the end of the world and just getting to spend time with your new family was also a bonus. You and Luc eager to go out and collect as many treats as possible, unfortunately you had to wait until Veth and Yeza were ready to take you both but once you were out and about there was no stopping you. The thing is, unlike Veth you had been a goblin from birth, so a lot of those traits still stuck with you after your transformation, including an itching of greed. Luckily for you, you now had a new partner in crime in your brother, the two of you sneaking away from your parents to… indulge in more of the festivities, and by indulge of course we mean the two of you managed to steal candy from other children. You two may have also broke into someone’s house because you heard they had giant cookies and wanted them all for yourselves, no big deal or anything. To say your parents were worried is an understatement, they were freaking out when they realized the two of you snuck off on your own. To make a long story short, when you were finally located it was by the town guard, you and Luc held the biggest and proudest smiles on your faces as the guards dangled you both in front of your parents. Veth was admittedly impressed but you were both still grounded for a week. Best night of your life.
Caleb
One part of you wanted to use Polymorph to have the best "costume" the other part knew doing so would give you the intelligence of the animal you’d change into, but that still wasn’t going to stop you from trying. Caleb was in a near panic trying to dispel the wolf form you had decided to turn yourself into, but you were being extra slippery from his grasp, your mind in that state thinking he wanted to play a game of chase. Two more familiar faces appeared during your little chase, Astrid and Eodwulf trying to corner you so they could also attempt to dispel your polymorph, again try is the keyword here as you manage to find an escape route before they’re close enough to stop you. People were backing out of your way as you dart around the streets, your original objective having been completely lost to you by now. The town guard were called which only put Caleb farther into a panic (my goodness you wild child, how dare you make your father worry so much) now needing to get to you before they did. You finally skidded to a stop in front of an elven man who looked familiar yet didn’t all at once, a simple wave of his hand and your back to being yourself again with a dark blush of embarrassment. Caleb was beyond relieved to see you were okay, being calmed by a disguised Essek, he still had to tell you off for your irresponsibility with your magic. You also weren’t allowed to use spells without supervision for a good while, stating that you weren’t adventuring anymore so things would be a little different now. You sigh in defeat, knowing he was right, although on the plus side since no one really knew you were the culprit you were still allowed to go around and collect your candy under the watchful eye of the adults, this time no Polymorph for you.
Caduceus
Living in the grove you didn’t go out much to celebrate these little traditions, and there was nothing wrong with that, after all a graveyard could provide all the spooky happenings one would expect this time of year. Caduceus did make some baked goods for you as well, hearing from Jester a bit about the traditions she adored so much, not wanting you to be completely left out. You and Clarabelle were playing around, you using your Wildshape abilities for added entertainment as she'd try to catch you while being a squirrel or small bird, when you were both called back to the temple. Being greeted by your grandparents telling you Caduceus had something waiting for you, heading over you greet him in a hug before marvelling at the plate of sweets meant for you. Being the kind soul you are you happily shared some with the family, but still kept a good amount for yourself. It was a calm and pleasant evening, a warm wind blowing by like a comforting hug as the day came to a close.
Fjord
You were excited, Fjord was reluctant. He wanted you to enjoy yourself but as we all know he isn’t the biggest fan of spooky things. Still he’d tough it out for you, besides it probably wasn’t so bad and you had Jester to accompany you as well, making for some extra fun. A tiefling, half-orc and half-elven child walking the streets, you three sounded like the start to a bad joke, course this "joke" took a wild turn when some random kid thought it’d be funny to try and scare you and some of the other kids. The last thing they were expecting was your fast reflexes in the fight or flight response, you easily choosing fight and ending up holding your weapon at the kids neck. They ran off in tears, calling for their mama and dada while you now had a crowd of other kids awing at your talent. Things calmed a little afterwards but of course that kid had to come waltzing back, and of course they just so happened to also be the head of the guards kid. Lets just say it ended up being a mad dash back to the boat to avoid any heat on your tails for a while, at least you had fun and you still had your candy.
Beau
You were a little torn on what to do, on one hand you could go out and get your free candy, on the other you could stay back and help sniff out any traitors or corruption. You choose candy, unfortunately Beau couldn’t come because she was knee deep in paperwork making you slightly rethink your choice, however fortunately you still had Yasha who was willing to go out with you. After getting ready and some extra reassurance from Beau that she was fine and wanted her two favourite people to enjoy themselves, you were off. It started off normal and fine but somehow, by one means or another, gathering candy turned into betting to see who could beat you in a fight and win the jackpot of sweets (some kids got cocky and you put them in their place real fast). One would wonder where the parents are in this situation, and while some mothers and fathers were opposed, ushering their kids away, others were surprisingly on board with this. After all you weren’t being lethal, a bloody nose at worst, the way to win was to pin someone down for 10 seconds. It was going great, until the guard had to get involved and break the whole thing up, those worried parents earlier being such killjoys. You came home on Yasha’s shoulder with a bruised eye, bags of candy, a proud smile and a story Beau found to be very entertaining.
Yasha
To be completely honest, this was more so Beau’s idea. Although what she'd all told you about this little tradition did seem interesting to you, why not give it a shot. Having some free time the three of you set off to the streets, Beau telling you all the ins and outs of what people would do for the holiday. A lot of it didn't make much sense to you but others seemed to enjoy it and it was kinda fun getting all dressed up in a costume. You being an Assimar we’re able to add a bit of an extra wow factor you yourself with your special ability, shocking some and scaring others with your appearance when you did. Of course with your natural ability came some slight property damage to the streets, but at least you put on a cool show before having to flee from any angered guards or civilians. You spent the rest of the evening back home in the garden with Yasha while Beau got back to work, the two of you happily tending to the different plants and maybe snacking on a few of the bugs you managed to catch.
Molly
A free chance to scare people, plus free candy!? You'd have to be crazy to think the two of you wouldn’t relish in this tradition, sometimes going a little over the top. Who could blame you though, put you both together in the right situation and it’s bound to turn into show of sorts. One of your favourite things to do was tell the other kids scary tales, by the end of which Molly would pop out scaring them all, you both laughing and savouring in the stacks of candy the others would leave behind in their panic. You’d happily indulge in as much candy as you could before having to make a run for it to avoid any angry parents coming after you. Rinse and repeat in a different area of the city and soon enough you're off, hiding out at Beau and Yasha's place for cover, easily sharing your large bounty of candy with them while telling each other scary stories. All in all it was good, and no one got arrested this time.
Alternative:
Kingsley
It was kinda hilarious how you had to teach him about this tradition… again, he was fascinated by the idea of course and agreed to go along with you, though it really wouldn’t have taken much convincing anyways. You kept it pretty simple, and by simple we of course mean you dressed up multiple different times to get as much candy and sweets and possible from the same houses. Kingsley very much taking a liking to the scaring aspect of the holiday, maybe too big of a liking, using his naturally intimidating looks to really rile up people. It started with the ship crew, the two of you getting a great laugh when you made Fjord nearly jump overboard, Jester chuckling in the background. Unfortunately, one wrong step and he was suddenly in the hands of the guards, so of course you put on your little childish charms, with some bardic magic for extra help and talked them into letting him out. You laugh as the two of you exit the jail when he comments how he doesn’t regret a thing and would absolutely do it again.
