I am curious about the luck dragon properties. Maybe the other children of the rainbow gain small traits of being part luck dragon for example they always get the perfect hand in Uno against most people or always know what side teh coin will flip just that the dragon hatchings have such high luck by nature of them being basically mini luck dragons. They have it more than the rest of the rainbow.
The Royal Clutch are the luckiest of the Rainbow due to their inherent Dragon genes amplifying their Lucky genes.
The rest of the Rainbow is also uncanny in how lucky they are, though they are not as inherently Lucky as the Clutch. It's the rainy season and Leona's cubs want to play outside? The clouds are clearing and suddenly it is nice and sunny. Azul installed an extra security lock with pick-proof pins? Those Cecelia girls are escaping with relative ease. Vil's chicks really want to go out with their father? Well, now Vil is trying to figure out how the four of them managed to slip into his bag without him noticing (and Grandpa Eric is having a full-blown meltdown trying to find them).
Any game of luck played by the Rainbow is suddenly won regardless of who they play (excepting each other). The Rainbow playing against one another typically result in evening out the playing field. The Royal Clutch typically win even against the rest of the Rainbow. All of them lose playing against the Human.
this is the second piece of fanart I’ve made for this person because their au is just *chefs kiss*. Go check it out if you haven’t already, it’s incredible
@herecomesthebloodlover I made a meme drawing of the tie between epel and jamil in the poll for the Humans Are Extinct series by @kiame-sama. The designs are all by her!
@kiame-sama it's free to use for any of your stories!
When you decided to make art and designs of your OC for an AU
Yeah, I just had to draw my MC (Mason Yang) for the Humans are Extinct AU by @kiame-sama, including her OC Kida. Btw this AU is intended for 18+ audiences, so be warned.
Facts about them and some changes that makes them distinct from OG Mason
-They’re Lao-American
-They’re based on Milo Thatch from (you guessed it) Atlantis the Lost Empire
-AFAB, identifies as Genderqueer and uses they/them pronouns but is fine with any pronoun other people use
-Their parents are dead from a car accident when they were a kid, ended up being taken care of their Uncle Theodore Thacker and sometimes their dad’s side of the family
-Due to the death of their parents, they shut themselves out of their peers and have to be homeschooled until summer camp and high school
-LOVES history thanks to their uncle, even researching mythology, cryptozoology, and so on
-They’re a 22 year old university student, their major is history but they also studied Psychology
-Their birthday is Augest 31st, a Virgo
-Unlike OG Mason who used to have a crush on Lisbeth Graham (twst version of Lisa McGrath), this version of them actually dated Lisbeth during summer vacation at age 12, mainly because kid them has a soft spot for goths and other people who dresses alternatively, especially if they match their freak. Both of them broke up during Mason’s freshman year of university, but are still on good terms and are friends.
-Remember when I say they like people who matches their freak? Let’s just say that they have a bit of a terato kink
-The crystal necklace that OG Mason would usually wear is omitted from this version, and instead replaced by the collar used to track them. The earrings get to stay though, they are a wearable memento of their dead mother.
-Amateur driver
-Has messy hair and is slightly longer
-Awkward af, curious, smart, cautious
-Owns a cat named Fluffy before being isekaied and adopted Grim
-Their song is A Driving Rain in Darkness by Sheena Ringo
“I have some questions for you and you are not leaving this city until they are answered”
Humans Are Extinct (Yandere!TWST x Fem!Reader) Monster AU pt 87
(Azul is timid about his Mer-form due to the way he was teased as a child for his weight. It is very common for Cecaelia to be heavier set, especially as children. Azul is often not considered pretty by mer-standards, as Azul has what are considered "boring" colors. His silver hair and black octopus body are better suited for more abyssal creatures and not as suited for costal creatures like most of those in the Coral Kingdom. Azul's mother is a wealthy and intelligent woman, but she came to the Coral Kingdom from an abyssal Kingdom, so her colors- and subsequently Azul's colors- reflect that.)
Warnings; yandere, yandere behavior, multiple yandere, platonic and romantic yandere, competing yandere, fem reader, monster AU, mention of impending trial, hurt/comfort, cuddling, stress, Various Merfolk, Dragon, Hellcat, Shinigami, Selkie
~~~~
Finally, your rather long day was finally coming to a close as you and your guards- with the addition of Rielle- made it back to the Coral Palace. The sheer overwhelming number of sea-creatures you got to see was impressive. Your bag being weighed down by unique shells of all shapes and colors was also a nice addition to your time spent under the sea.
Most of the Merfolk were respectful enough of your space and didn't often intrude, but there were still plenty of them who decided that your guards becoming aggressive to them was worth the chance of getting to talk to you. Come the end of the day, more than a dozen Merfolk had to be driven away by Rielle or your guards due to this increased interest. Despite their obvious affections towards you in how they followed you around, they weren't interested in pushing their luck too far. You were still a protected species among Merfolk.
"Welcome back, all of you! I trust your day in the Kingdom was a peaceful one?"
The gentle voice of Rielle's mother chimed out, clearly awaiting the return of you and your guards. Her anxieties were visible to you and you knew why she had worded her question the way she did. It was no secret that many of the monsters you encountered during your time in Twisted Wonderland had been less than pleasant. It reflected poorly on your hosting country whenever you were attacked or targeted.
Queen Athenia knew that she needed to do everything in her power to please and protect you while you were in her Kingdom. She didn't want a political crisis, especially given the fact that so many countries have already vowed to protect you. The Coral Kingdom itself was deeply proud of their history regarding the Mermaid Princess who fell in love with a Human man and even gave up her voice to stay with her beloved. There was already political tension due to Erikír's behavior towards you, she could not afford any greater strain.
"Yes, it was. The reefs are so colorful here, as are the fish that call those reefs home. It's always nice to have a few souvenirs as well."
You held up your bag, clinking pleasantly with the sound of shells. It was clear she was relieved that you were doing so well in the Kingdom, silently thankful that Rielle was such a good Prince. At least she could rely on one of her sons to behave and show they weren't all awful creatures.
Queen Athenia had long given up on Erikír, his temper and cruelty beyond what she or her King had been able to handle. Rielle was a different matter. Where Erikír had been more interested in causing discomfort and chasing after his fellow merfry, Rielle had been more interested in books and learning about life above the waves. If anyone was going to prove to you that not all Merfolk were like Erikír, it would be Rielle.
"Wonderful! Dinner has already been prepared for you this evening. Have you ever had food prepared within a deep-sea volcano?"
~•§•~
Malleus was beside himself with worry, enough so that the sky was a dark churning mass of clouds and shadow. The only reason a storm had not broken out was because the Dragon worried it would sweep away your Kit. He was still refusing to contact you, almost delusional in his constant repetition that Grim was fine and they would find him any second now.
The three of them- Malleus, Sebek, and Silver- had searched the island top-to-bottom in their frantic attempts at finding the little feline you loved so deeply. How could he have just wandered off like that? He knew that you had a target on your back which extended to him having a target on him for any poachers looking to get at you. Why would the little feline just wander away with no regard to the others or for the fact that he could be in very real danger without Malleus at his side?
"Could there possibly be somewhere we haven't checked? Somewhere we haven't looked into? He couldn't have just disappeared!"
"Don't you think Lord Malleus has thought about that, Silver? He's Lord Malleus! If anyone can find the little cat-beast our Lady (Y/n) loves so much, it is Lord Malleus!"
Malleus wasn't even listening to them, instead he was looking out towards the island and reaching out with his magic to find any trace of the beast. Magic- no matter how little there was- left a trace behind that could be sensed. It was not as refined as tracking an animal based on scent or physical signs left behind, but it was better than just taking a stab in the dark. Even if Grim had somehow left the island, he would have still left behind a magical trace that would lead the Dragon to his general location.
The faintest thread of bright blue mana was left lingering in the air around the nest and Malleus was keen to follow wherever it led. Tracing Mana is no easy feat and is mostly hit or miss depending on how attuned one was to that Mana, but Malleus was determined. He would find Grim one way or another. He would sooner run himself into the ground looking for Grim than he would admit to you he lost the little feline.
It was during this search that Malleus sensed the presence of the troublesome toddler nearby. Based on the Mana trail left behind, Grim had not gone particularly far from where he began. If anything, it seemed the little Hellcat had merely toddled away to the nearby Shinigami for comfort and company.
Malleus was furious.
All this time he had spent in a blind panic, racing forth to try and find the little feline you adored, and all this time he was safe with the Shinigami. Malleus had even poked his head into the cluster of rooms the many Shinigami occupied to ask about the feline and he had been told Grim was not there. They had some serious explaining to do when Malleus got to them and he was not keen to take any answer other than the truth.
Usually the Dragon could tell when others were being truthful with him- having tasted sweet lies on your tongue before- but he got no such sense from the Shinigami. Malleus could quite literally taste the lies others spun, usually tasting bitter and sour on his forked tongue. Perhaps non-living beings like Shinigami had a different taste to their lies.
Your lies had an incredibly different taste to them. The lies you spun were sweet like candy, and cooling on the tongue the way medicines soothed an ache. Malleus loved the taste of your lies.
These Shinigami were different. He didn't like that he couldn't taste deceit on them or their words. That meant they could lie to him and potentially get away with such a heinous act. The Dragon did not like being lied to by the likes of them.
With a deep and rumbling snarl, Malleus turned on his heel to stalk back towards the Shinigami. If they did not offer explanation in a timely manner, he would become vicious until they explained just what exactly they were trying to do. Your Kit was not free to be grabbed by just anyone and he refused to let little Grim be taken out from under him the same way the morning had played out.
He was demanding answers and willing to kill to get them.
"Yes, young Malleus?"
The Elder didn't even look up as he issued his greeting, staring at what looked like data points spread out on a graph. This lack of acknowledgement set a deep anger bubbling in the Dragon's stomach as he approached. On first glance, there seemed to be no indication of Grim anywhere and it set a deep anger in the Dragon's chest. The Kit had to be with the elder, there was no other option or explanation. Hades had to have Grim.
"Where is he?"
"If you mean young Grim, he is currently occupied."
"Where?"
The Elder paused at the heated tone, well aware that the Dragon was in a poor mindset and was temperamental. What was even worse was the fact that you were not present to pacify and soothe the beast that snarled angrily at him. Hades didn't want to disappoint you by starting a fight with the Dragon, but he had been the one originally to take the little Kit from the nest.
It was both a test and for research purposes.
Malleus was being tested on how he responded to potentially failing a task you had assigned to him. Grim was being studied for the impact you and your absence had on the young Hellcat. Most research into the addictive qualities of Humans had been done with species that were susceptible to the addiction. Grim was not one of those creatures.
Hades watched the Dragon for a long moment before he slowly moved his shawl, revealing the peacefully sleeping feline. Grim was curled up on the lap of the ancient Elder Shinigami, his little paws covering his eyes as the shroud was moved away from him. The Kit was clean, well fed, and clearly peacefully sleeping.
"He is resting."
"He was not yours to take."
The soft growl from the Dragon was easily overlooked and ignored by the elder as nerves. It would make sense that Malleus was so angry and distraught when one of his treasures had been taken away. Grim was as much a treasure to Malleus as you were, especially given the fact that you and Grim were a package deal.
"And yet, it took you this long to approach me about his location."
"Are you insinuating that I hesitated too long to confront you?"
"Less confronting, more asking for assistance. You know Shinigami are attuned to Hellcats in a way that many other species are not, yet you insisted on spending your day searching on your own. When the Little One goes missing, will you show the same hesitance?"
"When? Not if?"
"It is an inevitability. The world craves the very Treasure you hold dearest to your heart. He is a target to try and get to her. When they go missing- and one of them will certainly go missing- your inaction and inability to request assistance can very well be their deaths."
Malleus stood in glowering silence, his green acidic eyes burning with anger as he stared at the ancient male. The intense presence of the Dragon in such a sour mood began to wake Grim, the small Kit letting out a tiny squeak as he woke. His fur was messed up from the way he slept on it, his whiskers slightly bent.
"Did Papa Tsuno come find me?"
As soon as his one good eye landed on the Dragon, a wide and crooked smile pulled at his little face. It was obvious that the Kit was thrilled to see Malleus as he held his little paws up to the Dragon. Malleus picked him up as Grim happily snuggled into his chest, purring as if he had been given something sweet or some kind of gift.
"I knew you would come to find me, Papa Tsuno! Papa Hades said you wouldn't, but I told him he was wrong! You promised Mama you would take care of me, and you never break promises!"
Malleus smiled at this, nuzzling against the little feline that happily cuddled down into his arms. For as angry as Malleus was with the Elder Shinigami, he couldn't possibly be angry at sweet little Grim. The cuddly feline had been his champion against the doubts of the Elder after all, and that counted for something.
"Of course not. I did promise you and your Mama that I would keep you safe or tear up the world to find you."
~•§•~
You vaguely wondered how Malleus was getting on with Grim. It still made your chest hurt to think about the way Grim sobbed when you left, reaching his little paws out to hold you even as you departed. He was just a child and as a child, he didn't fully understand why he had to be left behind.
You were currently tossing and turning in the giant clam bed in your room. No matter what way you were laying, it felt like your hair was constantly in your face due to the water. Everything felt uncomfortable. You had mostly managed to nod off before due to just being tired, now you felt incredibly uncomfortable. After yet another position change and another heaved sigh, it was your companion who spoke up.
"You alright, Puppy?"
"Can't sleep."
"Want to talk about it?"
"No. Yes? I don't know."
Divus got up, in his Humanoid form now as he calmly swam over to you, settling on the clam bed next to you. Theoretically, you should be just fine sleeping in the bed, but something was keeping you awake. From either the discomfort of the water surrounding you or the mental anguish that kept you up most nights, sleep was a fleeting fallacy.
"What's got your brain working overtime?"
"Everything? Grim crying hurt way more than I thought it would. A man is going to die because of me- not that he doesn't deserve it after everything he has done- but it still sucks. No matter what I do or where I go, I have a constant guillotine hanging over me. I didn't ask for any of this! I didn't want any of this! I want home... MY home... not some dorm everyone and their mother can wander through. I am guilty of the crime of living and even then, that's not enough for some people! I just... I'm just tired... I'm so tired but I can't sleep."
Divus watched you for a moment, his eyes deep and expressive as he regarded your tired form. Anyone would be exhausted if they were in your position. You were overworked and held to such a high standard you barely had time to relax. Within less than a year, you were taken somewhere far from home, given a toddler to raise, put directly into a political position of power with multiple countries, belittled, treated like an expensive pet, and still expected to have your sanity. He's genuinely surprised you haven't lashed out or tried to flee due to everything going on in your life.
"Come here."
"What?"
"Come here. You have spent long enough feeling this way as someone else's caretaker and emotional regulator. You've spent enough time being everyone's Mama, now it is time for you to be the baby and let those who care about you take care of you. So get over here, and let me take care of you, you sweet and wonderful little Pup."
He didn't wait for you to decide to crawl over to him. Instead, the Selkie used the weightlessness of water to pull you over and into his lap, his arms cuddling and holding you as you pressed your cheek into his chest. Your face nuzzled into his Selkie Coat and you let out the long sigh you didn't know you had been holding. Divus was warm and gentle as he cuddled you into him, humming to you and letting you curl into his hold.
Maybe you did need this?
Either way, the Selkie was not about to let you go and he was not about to let you wallow in your distress. The gentle way he hummed as he rocked you and snuggled you had your eyelids drooping. It became all too much to keep your eyes open or even try to struggle against the relaxing pull of sleep that clawed at your mind. Even the ever present hum of consciousness faded into the background as you went limp, feeling the warmth of the Seal that had taken such a comforting role in your life.
You barely fought the pull of rest as the world faded away from you, even the soft humming of the Selkie bleeding into darkness.
Humans Are Extinct (Yandere!TWST x Fem!Reader) Monster AU pt 84
(Prince Rielle is the younger twin brother of Erikír. He came from the same clutch of eggs- none of their siblings survived to adulthood- not a twin egg like Jade and Floyd. Despite this, Rielle has a personality opposite to Erikír. He is quiet, soft spoken, gentle, and generally kind, unlike his brother who is none of those things. Where Erikír bullied others, Rielle tried to befriend them. He is appalled that his brother tried to Kidnap the Human and seeks to apologize through acts of service.)
Warnings; monster au, yandere, fem reader, yandere behavior, multiple yandere, platonic and romantic yandere, competing yandere, ocean, obsessed merfolk, Hellcat, Dragon, Shinigami, Kelpie, Merfolk, mention of other species.
~~~~
You looked at the group that had gathered, even noticing that the Royal Sword Academy students had also arrived. It was as if everyone were now in an arms race to try and gain just an ounce of your attention. It always had been like that, but this was more intense ever since you began to take on prospective mates.
Now you were to announce who would be coming with you to the Coral Sea. There were going to be more than a few hurt feelings.
"You all know why you're here, and I don't think it needs to be rehashed. There is only two things I want to preface this situation with. The first is this; Grim will not be joining me. I have been informed that he is too young to take a water breathing potion and I refuse to let him get hurt because of this nonsense situation. The second is that I will be breaking the first rule of taking guards with me; I intend to choose a Vice-Housewarden and a Housewarden from the same dorm."
This caused a bit of a stir among the males as they all glanced at one another curiously. Many had inklings about who would be selected to attend, but hearing you say this only solidified it in the minds of others. Naturally, this wasn't all you wanted to say, but it was certainly what most of them focused on.
"I also want any of those I selected to tell me if salt-water is a problem for you. I don't want you in pain while we are there, and I would rather you not come if it is going to hurt you. Is this understood?"
Though the males nodded, you didn't believe them for even a second. You knew how these males worked and you knew they would not pass up a moment with you outside of Night Raven College if it was presented to them. Especially since you weren't going to have Grim with you, as the Kit was the biggest deterrent for the males to attempt to woo you. They knew they needed to befriend Grim before you would allow them near, but this was a golden opportunity to be by your side without the young feline with you.
None of them could afford to miss such a golden opportunity.
"Those I have chosen to bring with me are as follows; Azul, Jade, Floyd, Trey, and Cater. I understand Trey and Cater may need an additional potion as they are fresh-water and not salt-water creatures."
You let your words hang for a moment and that tell-tale rumble of thunder let you know Malleus was displeased. In truth, you decided to leave Malleus off of that list for a reason. Malleus had been the only one- other than Grim- who had come with you to each and every visit to other locations. Grim was staying in Night Raven College because he was so young, you wanted Malleus to stay and keep Grim company. The Kit was already so attached to Malleus, it could only bring him comfort to have the Dragon with him while you are gone.
"Tsuno," you gave gentle warning to the Dragon who hissed in response, "either you tell me what's wrong or we have to go have a chat one on one about this."
"Why are you not taking me with you? I am your strongest guard and mate, you need my protection!"
"Where I agree you are the strongest of those I have selected, I need you here with Grim. He is vulnerable and can be easily targeted when I am not around. He finds comfort in you and I want him to be comfortable while I am gone. Can I trust you with this task, or are you unable to perform what I am asking of you?"
This made Malleus go quiet, the thunder also dying down as the Dragon growled in frustration. Though your reasoning made sense to him, he was not keen to be away from your side. He was more concerned about how the locals in the Coral Sea would react to your presence. Humans were well adored by most Merfolk on top of being considered extremely beautiful among those in the sea.
"If I may," Divus spoke up, smoothing down his pelt as he stood, "I am of a mind with Mr. Draconia. Merfolk are rather... keen... in their interests when it comes to Humans. Though he may be rather untamed, I would feel better if you took him along, or at least choose more guards."
"Fine," you shrugged, "you are coming with, and so is Lilia. Unless anyone else has a suggestion as to why they should go as well, that should be enough guards."
A calm and unsteady silence fell over the group as they either sat proudly at being selected or desperately trying to think of something to say. Malleus and Grim were not coming with you? If ever there were a chance to win your attention and affection, it was now.
Some hesitated due to simple elemental conflict. Rollo desperately wanted to go with you but he would be smothered instantly in the ocean. Fire and water typically didn't mix very well. He didn't have the energy and strength to maintain a magic barrier around himself to stay ignited in the ocean.
Cater was pleased but knew he had to gather quite a bit of plant-life from the lake before you all departed. The increased flora in his water form would help him form a barrier to filter out the ocean salt and keep his core of lake water contained. He would also need to take a potion to help him maintain the barrier around his form. Whatever it took, Cater would gladly do it to earn your forgiveness.
Jade could feel his excitement rising, finally having one foot forward with you. That teasing taste of your affection meant the world to him and he hungered for more. He could easily convince Azul and Floyd to share with him, it was the others who would prove themselves to be difficult. The Eel was not blind to potential hidden meaning from you among this selection. This was more of an execution than a fair fight and he knew Floyd was absolutely salivating at the prospect of ripping the Prince to pieces.
Floyd was absolutely vibrating in his seat, his lips pulled into a wide and near homicidal smile. How he had longed throughout his childhood to kill that Mahi Mahi, now he had a chance to savor the blood in the water. Not only could he savage the Prince, he could do it all for his precious little Shrimpy. Maybe he can earn himself another kiss, or- better yet- infinite kisses as your mate. He's certain you would look precious in his grasp, laying in his arms as he covers you in little bites and kisses!
Grim cuddled into your arms, whining and wanting as much time as he could get with you. He had refused to release your arms or part from you for even a second ever since he learned you had to leave him behind. Now you had less than a few hours to cuddle the Hellcat and give him comfort before you left for who knows how long. You needed to sell the idea of staying with Malleus to Grim as much as you had to convince Malleus to stay.
~•§•~
Grim was still refusing to let go of you, even as you stood in front of the mirror and waited for the Elder Shinigami to finalize your potion. It wouldn't do you any good to drown the moment you arrived in the ocean. Apparently the potion also helped with pressure, as that much water was sure to be heavy and difficult to move around in. It was while you waited that Grim was becoming more and more distressed.
Malleus stood by your side, equally displeased that you were going somewhere without him and only vaguely allowing it because of Lilia. That Bat in question was thrilled to bits to get the chance to travel around with you, going to places he hasn't seen for a very long time. He did spend centuries trying to get Malleus to hatch and he visited many places looking for that answer. Now he got to have time with you out in the world, seeing the sights and enjoying all the things around him.
"Here you are, Little One. I have examined the prepared elixir. It will allow you to breathe beneath the waves for eight days. I also have a secondary potion prepared in case you feel like your current one is wearing off too quickly. Young Divus assures me he will also be keeping a close eye on you."
You accepted the potion and tried to swallow it down quickly, wanting it to be actively working before you submerged yourself into this Kingdom. While the Elder observed you drink the potion, he was fiddling with something in his hands. It looked like an upgraded version of your collar. You figured you couldn't stay without that thing for long and you knew it would have to return to its place around your neck.
"Just in case."
The Elder assured you and you allowed him to put it back on you, noticing the feel was even less noticeable than it had been initially. As the third incarnation of your collar, it was the most refined and lightweight. The original wing motiff caried on in what was now a beautiful black collar that almost looked like lace without the itchy feel. The front of the collar held a familiar theme as the crown the elder Shinigami wore, the metallic skull apparent in the center. No doubt that metal locket held most of the electrical components and remained sealed so no water could enter.
Malleus was also quick to notice the collar's return as he summoned the Magestone from your pocket. No matter where you went or if you thought you left it behind, that Magestone stubbornly stayed by your side. Now it was being affixed once more to your collar, an ever present reminder that you could call on Malleus- even oceans away- and he would respond.
Grim was in tears as you handed him off to Malleus, allowing the Dragon to take the Kit who sobbed into his chest. Where it hurt to part from Grim, he would die if you just let him come with. It was all for good reason.
You would be entering with Trey who was already standing fully prepared next to the mirror. He had been fashioned a rather lightweight and intricate saddle upon his back, the make of it clearly better suited to his aquatic form. Even still, you knew the others wanted you to be able to escape quickly should the need arise, and even Floyd struggled to keep pace with the Kelpie. Trey could go even faster than that when he needed to, so he would go out of his way to keep you safe.
"Mama!"
You paused, giving little Grim a gentle kiss on his forehead as he whined in the arms of Malleus and held your face with his little paws. He was so distraught about you leaving, but there was literally nothing you could do to take him with you. Leaving Grim behind was a needed evil despite how much it upset the both of you.
Grim cried as you pulled away and it almost tore your heart to pieces to hear the little feline so upset. The pain in your chest only felt stronger as you approached Trey, allowing the Kelpie to pull you up on his back. Malleus was busy holding the feline to his chest and cuddling him as he watched you with sorrow filled eyes.
"Ready to go, Shrimpy?"
Floyd was already wound and had been since you announced he would be coming with you. The simple fact that you would be in the ocean with him only amping up his desire and intensity. He could finally show you what a good hunter he was and show you how comforting he could be in the chilly ocean. All he had to do was prove to you what was already true in his mind; you two belonged together.
"Ready."
Floyd went first, then Jade, then Azul. The others began to file in and pass through the mirror into the ocean that lay beyond. You were tense as you watched each one disappear from view before Trey was trotting up to the mirror. He could feel you were tense in the way your legs squeezed his sides, the feeling not unpleasant but worrying as he knew you were distressed. Even the sound of little Grim crying set your anxieties high before Trey began his gentle walking gait into the mirror.
"It's okay, Grim, I'll be back before you know it."
Your words were lost to the rippling of the mirror as you disappeared into the shimmering silver surface. Coming out on the other side was rather uncomfortable, as the sudden feeling of moisture surrounded you. It felt almost difficult to breathe as you tried to adjust to this new sensation of water surrounding you.
On top of the odd sensation, you realized countless eyes were trained on you. Trey had already undergone his transformation into his aquatic form in between entering the mirror and being put out in the ocean. The white coat of the Kelpie was a deep green as his fur seemed to almost become scales against his hide. His pale green mane darkened as the ocean currents- gentle and light across your figure- tossed his hair around his head. Ahead of you, the three Merfolk you were most familiar with were holding back to ensure you and Trey made it to them safely.
The near constant chatter and murmur of those around you came to a low hum as countless Merfolk fawned over you. Some seemed absolutely enamored by your presence, acting like bashful school-girls whenever you glanced in their direction. Others seemed awestruck like fans seeing their idols for the first time. All around the general behavior of the onlookers was one of unbridled affection and curiosity.
Trey didn't pay the crowd any mind as he moved forward, reaching the others rather quickly as they formed somewhat of a protective ring around you. Though the Merfolk didn't seem keen to swarm you, they weren't going to take any chances.
Ahead of your group, made out of a beautiful variety of corals, was no doubt the palace of the Coral Kingdom. The natural looking structure comprised of countless corals that almost seemed like a giant reef among the faint light from above. This Kingdom was somewhere in the Twilight Zone of their ocean and- though the water had a chill to it- light was at least able to penetrate into the surrounding area. Visibility was lower than you expected, but luckily you had chosen a group of aquatic beings plus Lilia to accompany you.
A group of rather intimidating and large Mermen met your group, all of them decorated in armors and clearly ready for a fight. They moved around your group like a buffer of guards as they lead you towards the palace. Waiting outside of that palace was a group of surprisingly lovely royals.
The first was a Mermaid who had a bright green tail and similarly colored scales, her red hair framing her face and shoulders as she smiled at you. The second was a rather large Merman who had much darker coloration than the female, his chest broad and his dark scales seeming even darker in the low light. The third was an almost frighteningly familiar Merman with red hair, green scales, and vivid blue eyes.
Upon seeing the third member of the group, you gripped tightly to Trey's upper waist, almost hiding behind the Kelpie as your stress rose up. At first glance, it looked like the third Merfolk was Erikír, but upon closer inspection you realized that this was not the beast who frequented your nightmares. This was someone you had not met before, even if he looked incredibly similar.
Trey came to a stop in front of the group, carefully helping you off of his back as you tried to find some kind of equilibrium in the water. Thankfully, it seemed that potion allowed you to somewhat feel like you are above water, letting you settle on the ocean floor. Your presence and simple appearance seemed to soothe the royals who gazed at you with what could be seen as unbridled affection. Honestly, you had expected them to be angry, seeing as you had accused their son of such a heinous act. Apparently these royals were more fond of you than they were of their son.
"Welcome to our humble Kingdom, dear and esteemed (Y/n). I am Queen Athenia, and as Queen of this oceanic realm, I do hope you find comfort in our humble world beneath the waves. It has been quite a while since we have had a Human in our waters and- though we wish the circumstances were better- we are thrilled to have you here."
The woman spoke first, her tone and voice musical to your ears as she swam forward to greet you. Though her approach put your guards on edge, none of them moved to stop her from clasping one of your hands with both of hers. She felt colder than you expect and she seemed to revel in your warmth as she cradled your hand against her body.
You had somewhat expected her to not have breasts like the fish she resembled, but instead she had a pair of rather shapely breasts that were covered in sea-shells. Perhaps she was the one who had more Human blood than the others and it showed in her physiology. Still, an array of pearls and gemstones seemed to adorn her form as her ear-fins were decorated in flashy scales from other fish.
"We understand your prior experience with our son was not a pleasant one, and we hope you know we do not support his actions. Erikír had always been a rather rough individual, we hope you can find it in you to not admonish all of our Kingdom for his poor behavior."
The male spoke, his voice a deep and rumbling baritone that you could feel through the rippling water around you like a soundwave. His voice was less musical and more of a growl when compared to the woman, his eyes dark and clearly inhuman. It was clear to see now that he had not a drop of Human blood in his cold body as he took his place by his Queen.
"I also apologize for my twin brother's behavior," the one that looked most like Erikír swam forward to you but kept a respectable distance, "he... has always struggled with being told 'no' and taking that as an answer. I hope you and I can get along better than your interactions with him."
Queen Athenia smiled almost sadly at this supposed brother of Erikír before she looked at you. There was the sorrow of a mother who had long given up shining deep in her eyes, but she was determined to keep it as hidden as possible. They were waiting for your response.
"Thank you all for the warm greeting, hopefully this whole event will fall behind us and make way for a more peaceful future."
"I couldn't agree more," Queen Athenia hummed, pushing the younger male forward, "Prince Rielle will show you all to your rooms. We Merfolk don't often wear clothing as most land species do, but it would be in poor taste for us to not gift you something. Your outfits are in your rooms. I do hope they are to your liking."
You took this as being dismissed, the young Merman- Rielle- quickly leading the way with your group following behind. Floyd and Jade were eager to help you keep up, the Prince far more swift in the water than you were. Trey had no issue keeping up and you halfway considered pulling yourself into place on his back.
The palace was beautiful as the halls seemed to be decorated in all manner of sea life. From anemone to various corals, even to sea urchins, the entire palace seemed to be alive in some way. Even the Prince- as he darted through halls and occasionally glanced back to ensure you were keeping up with him- seemed to have a kind of bioluminescence in the darkness.
Jade and Floyd were practically glowing within the darker corridors, the natural bioluminescence of the flora around you helping maintain visibility despite the low light. Even Azul seemed to have a gentle glow along his tentacles, all of which had been freed from the confines of clothing once he entered the ocean. The twins also removed their adornments, seeming much more comfortable without clothing hanging from their forms as they moved about freely in the water.
"I am truly sorry about Erikír, you know."
Rielle spoke softly as he led you through the halls, finally slowing to a pace that you could keep up with on your own. His red hair almost looked green beneath the waves, as water often blocked out certain colors if you went deep enough and the darkness added to the illusion. Even his bright blue eyes seemed to shimmer in the darkness of the ocean.
"He was never really an overly kind person, but even I didn't think he would try to kidnap you for his own desires... When the time comes to choose his combatants, I have a request of you. But enough of that for now, I just hope you enjoy the clothing we made for you. Clothing is a little abnormal for my people, seeing as it causes drag in the water, but we did try very hard to make something comfortable and lightweight enough for you."
The Merman stopped at a group of doors, gesturing to them as he turned to smile at you. For as similar as he seemed to Erikír, there was a kind of gentle and sweet behavior from the Prince that was unlike his brother. Rielle seemed smaller, less aggressive and entitled. His lithe form more like his mother than his father as he smiled at you. Even his teeth seemed less pointed than the fangs Erikír had prior to his Overblot.
"I'll let you all get settled in. The battle isn't for a few days and I am sure you want to see the Kingdom while you are here. Feel free to explore as you wish, but do keep your guards close. I would love to say the Kingdom is a safe place for you, but some may not mind their manners and your space if they are given the chance. You are absolutely divinely beautiful to us, after all. I would hate to see you hurt by anyone in the Kingdom."
It was them Floyd interjected, his sardonic grin clearly showing off his sharp teeth to the smaller Merman. Both twins were grinning as they circled around you, making a clear barrier between you and the prince. Neither of the males were keen to back down and it was clear Azul was taking the role of your only official prospective mate present rather seriously.
"Thank you, you may go. We can find you if we need you, which we won't."
"Azul," you scolded gently, noticing the way the Octopus had almost wrapped you up in his tentacles, "don't be so rude. Thank you, Prince Rielle, despite what these three may say, I do appreciate your help. If you are free this afternoon, I am happy to see the sights of the Kingdom with you."
This made Rielle smile excitedly, seeming like you had given him a grand gift. With a cheerful nod the Merman swam off, leaving you and your guards around the cluster of doors. As you entered the room, you were met with a lovely dress and several strings of pearls. There was even what looked like a crown with jewels on the lovely shimmering metals.
As you dressed yourself in the long flowing material, you found it was extremely lightweight and almost gave the illusion of tentacles. Not even the weight of the water seemed to create drag on the garment as you observed yourself in the mirror. Thankfully the males knew better than to enter the room while you were dressing and you appreciated the moment of distance between them.
Despite how nice Rielle seemed, you were not going to let your guard down until you were certain he was safe. He was the brother of Erikír after all and you wanted to ensure you stayed safe no matter how sweet this Prince seemed to behave. At least you had your own chosen champions of Floyd and Jade, knowing the twins wanted to sink their fangs into the arrogant Prince who dare make you uncomfortable.
You could only hope that this would be an uneventful trip and that Grim was doing well at home.
~•§•~
"I WANT MAMA!"
"I'm sorry Grim, it's going to be a few days until-"
"I WANT MAMA BACK, NOW!"
Malleus sighed, holding the toddler aged Hellcat on his hip as the little feline fussed and cried. He had not stopped crying since you left. It was going to be a painfully long stretch until you returned safely.
"How about this; you and I can keep an eye on her while she is gone, so we know she is safe."
Grim slowly stopped crying, rubbing his little eyes and staring up at the Dragon who held him. He was clearly curious and confused as to how he could see you when you were so far away from him.
"H-How?"
"Let me show you what that Magestone she wears can do."
