Sooo... can Dee become even smaller? 👀 maybe like a pocket dragon!
[Image Description: Panel 1- Remus, in Roman’s costume, hugs Dee from the side, grinning. “Can you?!” he exclaims. Dee glares forward, arms limp in front of him with a “sigh...” Panel 2- Remus smiles broadly as he looks down at Dee who stands in his hand as a dragon, about the size of a cat. Remus gasps. Dee says “There. This is as small as I can get.” End ID]
Dee: ...Well, as small as I get in my draconian form, that is.
Am I the only one who’s absolutely obsessed with Dragon!Deceit? Like imagine all the sides just assumed he’s a snake ‘cause of all his reptilian features, but it turns out he’s actually a dragon... and Deceit just rolled with it like the liar he is.
Patton and Dolos were average roommates, they get along fairly well. Both paid rent on time and had their own family and friends.
Patton was human, his friends being a warlock named Logan and another human named Roman.
Dolos was a humanoid dragon, his friends were a human named Remus (Roman's twin brother) and a Boogeyman named Remy (Turns out there are many Boogeyman and women and neutrals yea the name sucks but they're still voting on a new one).
All met each other and can tolerate the other's presence.
The group meets all kinds of monsters, except for Dridders. Not because they are said to be man-eaters or good at hiding, it's because Patton is afraid of Spiders.
Dolos' head popped up at the sound of Patton screaming, and the dragonoid quickly got out of bed to run to the peppy guys room.
Greenish and red immediately zoned in on the tiny trembling figure on the floor.
A dridder child.
Teen Dridders can grow up to eighteen feet tall, while adults are usually much taller. But babies are incredibly small.
Dolos approached slowly and scooped the spider child up, "Where are your parents? Dridders don't usually let their babies away from their nest."
Patton froze as he was edging out of his room, and reluctantly looked at the kid.
The child itself was in an oversized, to him, hoodie with purple patches. His spider half looked to be standard black with six hind legs.
"hoomans hurt mama an burn our nest. Don't know where dada is."
Dolos hummed, his tail swished thoughtfully. He didn't like leaving kids to fend for themselves if he can help it, but who would take the child?
Roman believes in the man-eaters thing, Remus is...Remus, Remy is a disaster, and Logan might test on the poor kid.
Patton is afraid of him so that's a no for him-
"Are..are you going to keep him?" Patton's voice squeaked out.
Dolos looked back at the child, who had curled up in the bend of his fingers. Then back to his slowly approaching roommate, "I mean, anyone else would kill him."
Patton flinched at that, "Yeah, I mean he is cute..."
"Also an orphan, but Patton you would be terrified and I don't want to lock him up in my room like a prisoner." Dolos felt his chest heat up.
Patton learned early on that Dolos' type of Dragon never let harm come to children, so his instincts were flaring up.
But it's combating with his loyalty for Patton himself, and the kid really was a cutie.
"Only until we find a place for him!"
====One Year Later====
Roman watched in stricken awe as Patton played with the tiny Dridder, it took a while for him to get used to the little guy crawling around.
Remus was absolutely taken with him, and for some reason he hasn't tried anything other than becoming a practice board when he started climbing.
Logan tried to ask questions but the kid didn't know himself, and took to teaching him to read and write.
Remy actually thinks the kid is adorable.
But for some reason, he was afraid of Roman. And for the life of him he couldn't figure out why!
Dolos is a Dragon and the biggest out of everyone even his human form, Remy...well he doesn't know yet, Remus is a lunatic even around him, Patton is terrified of Spiders and can become unpredictable when startled, and Logan is cold and calculating.
In his musing he almost missed the tiny Dridder approach him nervously.
He watched as the kid gathered his courage, "W-Why don't you like me?"
Roman blinked, "I thought you didn't like me..."
The kid lifted up his hand for a handshake, "I'm Virgil!"
"Roman Prince, at your service." Roman gave him the gentlest handshake.
"Are you and Remus really Princes?"
A chuckle filled the room as Dolos grinned at his "son".
Original story based on this wonderful post by @underdog-arts
Roman stepped forward as soon as Virgil stilled, bending low to scoop him up into his arms.
He recalled the first time he had held the man,well, raccoon, at the time.
To think he had actually been worried about rabies...
He pulled Virgil’s unconscious human form against his chest before turning to address the two men next to him. Patton and Logan still looked so concerned.
“It’ll be fine,” Roman chuckled. “Come on, I’ll show you.”
He took another step forward. An ethereal archway appeared, curved polished stone towering over them.
The god paused, gaze shifting towards the two men who had started all this, Noname and Remus.
“You two as well,” he growled, causing them to pause in their whispered discussion.
Noname hesitated as he glanced between his lover and the deity, obviously trying to figure a way out of this.
“R-Roman...” he chuckled nervously, “Surely we can talk about this. Perhaps we can come to an agr-”
“No,” Roman replied flatly, Noname’s voice suddenly dying in his throat. “You can come willingly, or I can force you to. The choice is yours.”
Noname hesitated for a moment, obviously nervous at the reappearance of the prince. Remus leaned in toward his lover, whispering something in his ear. Noname glanced at him before nodding and following after Roman.
Patton moved to follow, pulled to a stop by the hand that suddenly appeared on his arm.
“I’m not so sure about this,” Logan breathed, concern dripping from his voice.
“I’m sure it’s fine, Lo,” Patton tried to reassure, offering one of his signature smiles.
“Well, I’m not! How are we sure that this really is Roman?” Logan pointed out. “What if this is another trick. What if-”
“Wow, you really are paranoid,” Remus chuckled as he approached.
“No one asked you!” Logan snapped glaring at the mustached man.
“Logan!” Patton chided. “Don’t be rude!”
The witch hesitated, glancing between the two men before dropping his hands.
“My apologies,” he grumbled like a scorned child, glaring at Roman’s look-alike.
“Don’t worry, Teach,” Remus teased as he brushed past. “I’m sure a god won’t mind you disrespecting his brother.”
The words made the witch tense further.
“Come on, Lo,” Patton chuckled as he moved to follow Remus. “What do we have to lose?”
Both men disappeared, leaving the witch to stare after them with his own reservations.
Logane sighed softly, the memory of Patton’s death weighing heavily on his heart.
“I could lose you...”
……………………………………………….
The white expanse of Roman’s domain stretched out before him as his boots clicked against the non-existent floor.
He hadn't realized he had missed this place so much. Though he supposed, you couldn’t miss something you didn’t remember.
An ornate slab of gold, encrusted with purple and green jewels materialized before him as he began to lower Virgil atop it, pausing halfway.
“No… That’s not right,” he hummed. A brief moment passed before a large fur cloth appeared across the top, pillows scattered among it.
“Perfect.”
He lay Virgil atop them slowly to make sure he was comfortable, his tattered and stained clothing suddenly repaired and clean, before straightening.
“I won’t be long, Stormcloud, ” Roman reassured, brushing back the witch’s dark locks. “Try and get some rest...”
…………………………………………………………………
“Logan?” Patton called, voice echoing through the empty whiteness.
No answer came.
Was he alone?
“Remus?” he attempted once more, glancing down at the clothes he now wore. His original outfit was crisp with cleanliness, blood and tears now gone.
He didn’t like the idea that he was the only being in this never ending expanse. He felt so lonely. The worst part was that he didn’t even have his bond with Logan to keep him company.
“Roman?!” he called desperately.
“I’m here, Patton,” Roman’s kind voice came, startling the smaller man and causing Patton to spin on his heel to face him.
“Thank the gods,” Patton breathed in relief before realizing what he said. “I mean… uh… Thank… you I guess,” he chuckled nervously.
Roman gave a small laugh at the man’s unease.
“Relax, Patticake,” Roman teased lightly. “I’m the same charming and extremely handsome man you know and love. I just have all of my memories and power back now.”
Patton hesitated, eyes downcast as he shifted from one foot to the other.
“Right,” he breathed softly, “Of course…”
“I think I get it,” Roman chuckled before opening his arms wide.
Patton didn’t even hesitate, expression brightening instantly as he launched himself into the larger man’s arms.
Roman wrapped him up in a giant hug, squeezing the dragon until Patton could barely breathe, sending the small puffball into a fit of giggles.
“I was so worried about you, Kiddo,” he managed as he was set back on his feet.
“Me?! You died!” Roman laughed in return.
“So did you!” Patton accused, causing Roman to pause.
“Point made,” he chuckled before the amusement faded. “Listen, Pat… I’m… I’m so-”
“You don’t have to say anything,” Patton interrupted, “I’m the one that got in the way and I don’t regret a thing!”
“Still… Patton-”
“No sir!” Patton interrupted once more. “I won’t have any of it!”
The world around them suddenly shimmered and shifted until the white dimmed into the large sitting room that Patton had brought Logan to when they had first met. Patton’s sitting room.
The dragon glanced around, taking in the sight with wide eyes.
“Are we-” he mumbled, moving to touch one of the blankets still folded neatly on the arm of his chair.
“No,” Roman answered, understanding the unspoken question. “We’re still in my domain. I just thought this might be a bit more comfortable for you while we talk,” he explained.
“How did you know?” Patton whispered in awe.
“I’m a god, Pat,” Roman gently reminded. “If it exists, I pretty much know about it. Past, future, here, there, doesn’t matter.”
It wasn’t often Patton was humbled in such a way. He was so used to being the most powerful being in the room. It was a bit strange now that he wasn’t, and he wasn’t quite sure how he was supposed to be acting. He just hoped Roman would forgive him for any missteps.
Patton gave a small nod, moving to allow his fingers to brush against all his familiar possessions.
It felt like it had been so long since he had been there, waiting for Logan… Waiting for everything to start… and now, now it was over.
“What about the others?” Patton asked, “Logan, Remus, Virgil-”
“They’re all fine,” Roman reassured, moving to sink down onto the sofa, lounging across the countless pillows as if he belonged there. “Logan and I are having a similar discussion at the moment. Remus is yelling at me that he’s bored and Virgil is resting.”
“Wow! You can talk to them all at once?” Patton breathed in awe, sinking down into the chair across from the god.
“Yup!” Romen grinned “Pretty cool, huh?”
The smaller man fell silent for a moment.
“So… Why are we all here anyways?” he asked softly.
“Well,” Roman huffed, adjusting himself to sit more properly in the approximation of Patton’s cave. “I owe you and Logan a debt for everything you did for me and I would like to repay it.”
“Aw! You don’t have to do anything like that, Kiddo!” Patton chuckled, waving away his words. “We were happy to help!”
“Still, I would feel better if-”
“You gave us our lives back! That’s good enough-”
“Patton!” Roman said with amusement cutting the dragon off. “I want to.”
“Oh…” Patton giggled, flushing slightly, cheeks matching the color of his new hair color. “I guess if it would make you happy, I won’t argue.”
“Good!” Roman chuckled. “Now, what is it that you want… really want in life…”
The dragon hesitated a moment as he thought about it, a minute detail in their conversation suddenly apparent to him.
“You didn’t mention my brother,” Patton pointed out.
“What?”
“My brother. You mentioned Lo and Virge and even Remus, but you didn’t mention my brother.” the smaller man confirmed “What are you planning to do with him?”
……………………………………………………………………………………………
“You’re late,” Roman huffed as Logan finally stepped through the archway. “Then again, I guess if anyone would be suspicious, it would be you, Teach.”
Logan glanced up at the obviously amused man before him, before taking in the white void around them.
“Where am I?” He mumbled before he realized he and Roman were alone. “Where is Patton?!” he demanded, panic rising.
“Relax, Logan,” Roman laughed, giving him a soft pat on the shoulder. The action caused the witch to tense out of habit, the pain it usually caused nowhere to be found. “Patton is fine, I promise. He’s here, in another space. We’re having the same discussion you and I are… Well… close to it anyways.” Roman shrugged as he began to walk.
“I don’t… I don’t understand,” Logan admitted as he fell into step next to the man.
Roman gestured towards himself. “I’m a god… remember,” he teased lightly.
“So you say,” Logan huffed as sceptical as ever, making Roman laugh again.
“You’re always so serious,” the god mused as the white began to fade into deep blues and blacks, stars flickering into existence around them. “It’s something I’ve always liked about you, even when I passed as a human.”
Logan’s gaze shifted to the countless galaxies around them, his breath caught in his throat at the beauty of it all. He could make out so many of the countless stars he had only ever been able to view from a distance. There was Kaus Media… And over there was Chertan… and in the distance, past the rest, just barely visible from where they stood was Procyon…
“I don’t know where I would be without you,” Roman admitted. “Or where Virgil would be for that matter.”
The mention of the other witch’s name had Logan snapping back into focus.
“Where is he?” he asked. “Is he alright? Can I see him?”
“Whoa! Slow your roll there, Pocket Protector,” Roman teased.The nickname causing Logan a great deal of confusion. Why did a pocket need a protector? Before the witch could ask, Roman continued. “Virgil is fine, just like everyone else. He just needs some rest. You’ll see him soon enough. For now, we have other matters to attend.”
“Like the reason we’re all here?” Logan asked, with a suspicious glance.
“Ha! You’re so… Debby Do-too-much,” the god teased. “Take it easy for once, Microsoft Nerd! I just want to show my appreciation for everything you’ve done.”
“By kidnapping everyone into an alternate dimension and separating us all?” Logan asked flatly, causing the other man to hesitate. He didn’t bother to address the additional nickname he obviously didn’t understand.
“A valid point,” Roman conceded with a click of his tongue. “But I thought that our discussion might be a bit too personal for the others to hear…”
……………………………………………………………………….
“Give me one good reason why I should not smite you where you stand?!” Roman snapped as he appeared before Noname, taking hold of the man’s shirt and dragging him up right. “You dragged me to Earth, imprisoned me, tried to ciphon off my powers, and if that weren’t enough, you attempted to murder the man I love!” Roman accused as he watched the dragon’s mouth flap uselessly. “You deserve a worse fate than death! How do you plead?!”
“No! Wait!” Noname cried, his voice suddenly returned from his panic. “I can explain!”
“Then start!” Roman demanded giving him a shove.
“I had no other choice!” the man pleaded, cowering before the god. “I needed your power to go back and save someone!”
“Who?” Roman questioned flatly, obviously sceptical.
“My Mother…” Noname admitted, voice cracking with heartbreak.
…………………………………………………….
“It’s true,” Patton acknowledged, nodding in response to Roman’s question. “Our mother died giving birth and our father blamed him for his loss,” Patton whispered, his blue gaze lowering as he recounted the sad tale. “Father resented him, tried to kill him more than once, even refused to give him a name. It was horrible to watch growing up, but so much worse for my baby brother”
“So, that’s why he goes by Noname,” Roman acknowledged, earning another nod.
“I tried to protect him,” Patton continued. “Took the majority of the beatings, stole food for him when he was left to starve. When he was old enough, I packed up our things and we ran away.”
“It sounds like you care a great deal for him,” Roman whispered, studying the smaller man.
“I do!” Patton nodded eagerly. “He’s the only family I have! We tried to take shelter with the humans, you see… but… Well…”
“Humans can be cruel,” Roman acknowledged, trying to comfort the dragon as he caught sight of the tears welling up in his eyes. The people of the village stealing their supplies as Virgil bled out in his arms, still as jarring as it had been the day it happened.
“We jumped from town to town,” Patton whispered, “living off scraps and scrounging what we could, doing our best to hide what we were from the people around us and from our past. Eventually, news of our father’s death reached us. We were finally free. Free to come out of hiding. Free to actually live the life we were meant to.”
“So… What happened?” Roman pressed.
“Well, Brother had grown resentful of humans and dragons alike. He hated what we were,” Patton explained. “Said he had found a way to fix everything. I didn’t believe him, at first,” Patton sighed, sounding remorseful. “He was just a wyrmling back then. Still, it was good to see him find something he was passionate about. I just… I never thought that it would lead to… to…” the dragon’s breath hitched.
“It’s alright Patton,” Roman reassured, moving to offer another blanket to add to the mountain Patton was currently curled under.
“I… I think I know what I want to ask for…” Patton admitted, glancing up at the god.
…………………………………………………………..
“BOOOORRRREEEDDD!” Remus yelled into the nothingness for the tenth time.
“You’ve been here for less than five minutes!” Roman huffed, appearing next to him.
“Is that all?” Remus sighed. “It feels like eternity!”
“For the love of-” Roman growled. “You are such a drama queen!”
“Nuh uh!” Remus counted.
“Uh huh!” Roman huffed.
“Nuh uh!”
“UGH! You are so lucky we have the same dad or I would totally strangle you right now,” Roman growled.
“It’s not my fault he left you with all the brawn and me with all the brains,” Remus shrugged, making Roman scrub a hand down his face in annoyance. “What? It’s true! Besides, you’re obviously the favorite…. So, powerful and responsible! Gross,” Remus grumbled with a roll of his eyes.
“I can’t believe we’re related,” Roman huffed under his breath. “Listen, I just wanted to say thank you for-”
“I know,” Remus shrugged, earning another annoyed growl from his brother.
“Would you let me finish?!”
“Nope!” Remus grinned. “You’re going to offer me something as payment and I already know what I want.”
“Thank all that is holy!” Roman sighed,“Then just tell me so I don’t have to put up with you any more…”
………………………………………………….
“Come on, Sleeping Beauty,” Roman whispered softly as he sank down next to Virgil, brushing the witch’s dark locks out of his eyes. “It’s time to wake up.”
Virgil shifted, curling more firmly into the pillows beneath him, tugging his blanket tighter around himself.
“Everyone’s waiting on you, Stormcloud,” Roman chuckled, unable to keep a smile from his lips as he watched the witch’s brows furrow in annoyance.
“Piss off, Princey.” the rough voice came, still dripping with sleep.
“Rude!” Roman gasped in feigned offense. “And after everything I’ve done for you?!”
The witch gave no reply, content to drift back off.
“If you don’t get up, I’m telling Patton what really happened to those cookies he stashed at the bottom of his pack,” Roman warned, causing the witch to bolt upright.
“You wouldn’t dare!” Virgil accused, before pausing at the sight of the prince.
Roman’s grin only broadened as he waited for Virgil’s sluggish mind to catch up to what had transpired.
“I’m dead,” Virgil stated, matter of factly.
“Nope,” Roman laughed with a shake of his head.
“You’re dead,” Virgil offered instead. “And I’m just stuck in some weird waking dream.”
“Wrong again,” Roman teased.
“Then what the FUCK is going on?!” the witch demanded.
Roman shifted, moving to take the smaller man’s hand in his before meeting his purple gaze once more.
“It’s a lot to explain,” Roman offered softly.
“Well, it's a good thing you like the sound of your own voice, Princey,” Virgil scoffed, “‘Cause you’re not getting off that easily.”
Another chuckle escaped the god as he shook his head. How could anyone make him laugh the way Virgil did?
“Alright, but don’t say I didn’t warn you,” Roman replied. “I’m not sure if your badger sized brain can handl-”
“I’m not a badger and you know it!” Virgil snapped. “You prick!” he added, giving him a playful smack.
…………………………………………………………………….
Logan stepped out of the arch, shoulders stiff as he anxiously searched for-
“Logan!” Patton called, giving no other warning before jumping into the taller man’s arms, “There you are! I was starting to worry.” the dragon admitted as he squeezed the witch uncomfortably tight.
Logan’s own arms wrapped around the man’s smaller form, burying his face into his pink locks and breathing him in. The smell of campfires and mulled sweets would never cease to comfort him.
“My apologies, Patton,” Logan breathed as they pulled apart. “Roman and I had a few things to discuss.”
“That we did,” Roman called from where he suddenly appeared a few paces away, letting go of the man he held by the scruff of the neck. Noname dropped onto his knees next to the god, glaring down at the ground before him.
“Brother!” Patton cried, rushing to the scarred man’s side to make sure he was alright.
“Don’t worry, Patton,” Roman reassured. “I haven’t harmed him.”
Nonamed pulled away from his older brother as if disgusted, though it was difficult to tell if it was with himself or with Patton.
“H-he’s….” Patton stuttered, in awe, already sensing the change.
“Only human now, yes,” Roman clarified. “You and Remus both pleaded for his life. I couldn’t in good conscience kill him, but I certainly wasn’t willing to allow him to keep his powers.”
“R-Roman,” Patton whimpered, tears filling his eyes as he stared up at his friend. “Thank you!”
Logan shifted closer to the god, lifting a hand to rest on Roman’s broad shoulder.
“Yes, thank you,” he mumbled as well.
“Careful, you’re going to give him an even bigger head than he already has,” Virgil’s voice came, his amusement obvious as he suddenly stepped into existence next to Roman.
“Virgil!” Patton called out in surprise, straightening and dancing from foot to foot in excitement. “Can I hug you?”
“Um-”
“I’m going to hug you now!”
“Don’t hug me. I’m sc-Oof!” Virgil barely got the words out before Patton was glued to his side. “Great,” he huffed indignantly.
Logan glanced up at the other witch, hesitant for only a moment before he moved closer wrapping his own arms around Virgil, causing the dark haired man to tense.
Logan never hugged him.
Logan never hugged anyone…
Virgil hesitantly lifted a hand to pat Logan awkwardly on his head before untangling himself from the two men.
Roman couldn’t help but give an amused smile, earning yet another glare from his lover.
“Not a fucking word,” Virgil warned as he straightened his cloak around himself.
“I wasn’t going to say anything,” Roman defended.
“Liar,” Virgil huffed.
“I’m so glad you’re okay, Kiddo,” Patton breathed, already pressed into Logan’s side. “You had us real worried there for a minute.”
“Says the guy that jumped in front of a sword!” Virgil accused.
“I stand by my choices!” Patton retorted.
“All of this aside,” Logan interrupted, pulling the groups attention, “What happens now?” he asked curiously.
“Well…” Roman considered for a moment. “I suppose whatever you’d like,” he shrugged. “Noname is powerless. As we speak, Remus is gathering up all the individuals he had bonded with and starting to rebuild the fortress. Noname is to stay in my brother’s care, helping everyone here and in the surrounding areas,” Roman explained. “As for you Logan, you and Patton are free to go where you wish. You have your own source now. You will never be required to bond to another being again. You can live your life to the fullest.”
“Thank you, Roman,” Logan whispered, smiling up at his friend. “Thank you for everything.”
“What is it, Patton?” Virgil asked, sensing the man’s uneased.
“Oh!” the dragon squeaked, forcing a smile on his lips. “Nothing! Nothing at all!”
The dragon contemplated what Roman’s words meant.
Did that mean Logan didn’t need him anymore?
Now that their bond wasn’t a requirement did that mean Logan was through with him?
Would Patton be alone again?
“Perhaps, now would be a good time to share your gift Logan,” Roman offered with a knowing smile.
Logan tensed as he was called out, a flush darking his cheeks.
“R-right… Of course,” he acknowledged, digging into his vest pocket. “I um… I just…”
Patton stared up at him curiously.
“Is everything okay, Lo?” he asked softly, reaching out to rest a hand on his arm, hoping to reassure him.
The action only made Logan tense further.
“Y-yes… Everything is fine I just… Well…” he mumbled, still fumbling in his pocket.
“Cat got your tongue, Kiddo?” Patton teased, grin widening.
The joke earned a snort from the muscular god, although Virgil gave him an elbow to the ribs before Roman could comment.
“Got it!” Logan exclaimed, producing a small silver ring, matching the one he now wore on his index finger.
Patton’s brows furrowed in confusion as Logan offered it out.
“Patton, I’m not…very adequate with these sorts of things… I suppose that is more your area of expertise… What I mean to say is… Well… ” the witch stuttered, “you’re... you are my… my guiding star if you will… My very own Procyon… Of course, I understand if you regret the bond we-”
“Do you regret our bond?” Patton rushed in confusion.
“What?! No!” Logan rushed in shock. “That wasn’t what I- That is to say-”
“Oh for fuck’s sake,” Virgil huffed in annoyance, “This is too painful to watch. He’s asking if you want to bond with him again, Patton,” the other witch clarified.
“Oh,” Patton blinked in surprise before it really dawned on him. “OH!!” he repeated, his smile appearing once more hidden behind his hands currently raised to his mouth in surprise.
“YES! I DO!” the diminutive dragon exclaimed, “Of course I do, silly!”
The tension in Logan’s shoulders washed away as he breathed a sigh of relief and extended a hand, requesting for Patton’s.
The dragon’s hand shot to Logan’s without hesitation, allowing the witch to slide the ring onto his finger, their bond instantly reestablishing itself.
Both men’s affection washed through them, increasing the intensity of the sensation as Logan pulled the smaller man into his arms, bending low to press his lips to Patton’s, warmth enveloping them. Logan could taste cinnamon and chilis, the sensation burning his skin as he kissed the smaller man with as much passion as he could muster, hands tangling in his unnaturally pink curls.
“Now, the bond is a bit different than your last one,” Roman explained as the two embraced. “You’ll be able to control the amount of emoti-”
“Ro,” Virgil interrupted, nodding towards the two, obviously too engrossed in one another to pay the god any attention. “Maybe we should give them a minute?”
“Oh,” Roman mumbled before nodding. “You’re probably right,” he acknowledged, turning and offering an arm out to his partner.
Virgil accepted the offered limb, falling in step next to him.
“I usually am,” Virgil shrugged as they walked. “Question, if we’re bonded does that make me a god too?”
“Technically, yes,” Roman admitted.
“Oh! Wait until I tell Remy! They’re going to freak!” Virgil laughed, excitedly.
“Speaking of… Do I really have to make a deal with-”
“Yes,” Virgil replied flatly as they began to fade back out of existence.
“But Stormcl-”
“You’re not getting out of this, Roman. Deal with it!”
“Whatever you say, Ser Virgil…”
“Oh, put a sock in it, Roman!”
“My dearest Procyon?”
“Don’t make me hurt you…”
A breeze blew through the courtyard as the two deities vanished, causing the black smoke tendrils still rising from the embers of the fallen tree to swirl in its wake. The smoke dissipated slowly as it rose closer to the brightening sky overlooking the crumbling fortress, the source of so much destruction.
Still, life seems to always find a way to raise from the ashes, to plant seeds where forests were laid to waste, to grow new ideas where there once were none, to coax the good out of even the worst. Life would always persevere as long as there is a bit of kindness to nurture it.
