He didn't know when it had started. He didn't even know when he noticed something had started.
But now he couldn't believe how he could have missed it.
The first time he realised it was the time she got jealous about Bertha Jorkins.
Bloody Bertha Jorkins of all people, who he thought was the most annoying person of the whole school. But he couldn't, being Head Boy, deny tutoring her; it was literally part of the job.
Lily knew it too, but she had been too pissed to be reasoned with.
"Lil, love, we were in the library," he tried, holding her hand as she ignored his pleas with narrowed eyes. "There were thousands of people there."
"Right. Because if you were alone, then what would've happened, Potter?"
He knew he had made a mistake the same moment the words left his lips. James didn't need Lily's glare or her pulling her hand from his as she stood up, making him feel smaller than her in his own bedroom.
"So the problem was her? So if had been-"
"Lily. Lily, my love. You know that's not what it is. love you. The only girl who would've made a difference is you."
"Then why were you with her and ditched me?"
"Because I'm Head Boy, Lily. And I told you l'd be tutoring today."
"No, you didn't."
James grinned and held her face between his hands.
"Yes, love, I did. And you were busy. Reading Love and Prejudice. For the seventh time. And ignored me. Again."
Lily narrowed her eyes and freed herself. He knew he'd gotten her. Now all she could do was admit she was wrong.
Then why wasn't she doing it? In fact, she wasn't saying much.
Instead, she undressed.
He expected low words; he got a low blow.
And much, much more.
The next time it happened, both were yelling about Merlin knows what. They had a tendency to yell a bit. Old habits and all that.
It didn't bother James. It actually turned him on a bit; Lily's cheeks always were cherry red and her eyes stood out even more.
He already had a hard time concentrating as the red took over her face. But that time, he lost the will to keep the fight as he saw the red lowering below her neck as she got naked again.
The same happened when they argued about Quidditch practice. And then about him being late for a date. Also when he made a silly joke in a Prefects meeting. Or when she got into a duel against two Death Eater wannabes.
They all ended up the same way: off with her clothes, off with his mind.
To be fair, it was an annoyingly smirking Sirius who pointed it out; he said it was starting to get weird how happier James was getting after arguments with the girlfriend.
It took James a tew seconds to realise it. At first, he doubted it. But when Remus snorted and Peter cackled, he knew he had been played.
He headed to the library at once, found Lily and, with a grin and an apology to Marlene, pulled her along.
"Look, that was rude, James," she started as he looked the door to the abandoned Transfiguration classroom behind them. She had her arms crossed and an eyebrow raised. "I was studying with Marls."
"Have you or have you not been using of your nakedness as a distraction when we argue?" He asked directly.
Lily's defying face turned to an amused one.
"When did you finally realise?" She asked, biting her lower lip to hide her smirk.
He had been played.
"It doesn't matter," he grumbled as his ears got hot. Lily giggled.
"Oh, God. You didn't. Who told you? Marls was with me. Mary?" She guessed. James narrowed his eyes.
"You told people?" His voice had come out thinner than intended.
"Not people. Marls and Mary." She noticed his hesitation. "Oh, God. Who told you?"
"Sirius. But apparently Remus and Peter were on it too. So apparently I was the last to know."
Lily lost the fight to her amusement; she started laughing.
"It's not funny, Evans," he said amidst her merriment. She made her way to him.
"C'mon, Potter. Your best mates caught up to the fact l've been undressing to get you to shut up before you did. It's a little bit funny."
James grumbled again as she kissed his jaw lightly. She backed away and, after locking the door magically this time, started getting naked again.
So perhaps Lily would never lose an argument to him again.
summary: you’re not a fan of haunted houses, but remus convinces you to go with all of your friends.
word count: 1k
warnings: being scared, mention of being chased, mention of a chainsaw, mostly fluff
a/n: happy spooky month everyone! i’ve had this written for like actual years (bc i haven’t written & posted in forever 😭). i’m not going to be writing for hp/maurauders anymore, but i had this one done up and figure i might as well post it. that being said, i hope you like it! Xx
"c'mon guys! hurry up!" james calls back to you and remus who are trailing behind your group of friends.
when you all decided to go to a halloween carnival, you didn't expect you'd be going through a haunted house. you shouldn't have expected anything different though when you were friends with james potter and sirius black - two of the most arguably cliche gryffindors. if there was anything around that required bravery, those two were doing it.
"can't I just wait for the rest of you at the other end?" you question, not big on the idea of jump scares around every corner.
"that's no fun though." lily pouts, looking back at you from where she’s at in the front of the group hanging onto james' arm.
"I’ll be fine. Swear it.”
“But it won’t be as fun without you, will it guys?” She argues, looking around to your friends.
At her argument there’s a resounding cacophony of _“not at all”_s and “c’mon, join us” from the guys and yours and Lily’s friends - Marlene, Dorcas, Alice, and Mary.
“It won’t be that bad, y/n. I swear.” Remus shares, smiling comfortingly as the rest of the group continues ahead, apparently already forgetting about convincing you.
“You’re sure?”
“Positive. If it gets too scary, just hang on to me. I’ll make sure you get out unharmed.” He promises.
With an uncertain sigh, you finally resolve yourself into joining them through the house - not like you had a ton of choice when they all wanted you to join.
~.~
“BOO!” One of the actors yell as they jump out from the shadows of the house, successfully drawing a small scream from your body.
You’re seriously questioning why you let your friends - or more truthfully, remus - talk you into this.
Between the nearly constant jump scares, the occasional drawn out periods of eerie silence to build tension, and the dim lighting that makes it hard to see you’re honestly wondering how you’ll manage the entire house without some form of a panic attack.
“Hey.”
You jump as remus places a hand on your lower back, not expecting anyone to touch you.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.” He shyly smiles, a blush growing on his cheeks even though you can’t tell.
“No, you’re good. I’m just, a little on edge.” You chuckle, trying to take a deep breathe, but jumping as something jumps at you again.
Without a word, you feel remus pulling you into his body, wrapping an arm around your shoulders as if he’s shielding you from the terror.
“Th-thanks.” You mumble, unconsciously burying yourself deeper into his side.
He nods, smiling down at you, feeling his heart ache at how scared you seem. He can’t help but find you adorable, however.
“RAHH” another actor shouts as you pass by them, drawing a small shriek from you.
“Ahhh, I see we’ve got a scaredy cat, huh? Our house a bit too terrifying for you, princess?” You hear the actor taunt.
You shiver in fright, not enjoying the house one bit. Again, you’re not entirely sure why you let yourself be talked into this.
“You’re safe with me, y/n. You’re alright.” Remus soothes, squeezing you slightly in a sort of hug.
~.~
Bolting out of the house as you swear you’re being chased by a murderer with a chainsaw, you’re shocked to find the entire atmosphere outside of the building jovial - including the attitudes of your friends.
While Lily, Alice, and Marlene all look slightly terrified, James and Sirius are laughing.
“Why are you laughing?” You ask incredulously as you try to catch your breath from the combination of sheer terror and physical activity.
“That was fun, wasn’t it?!” James beams, apparently finding the whole experience enjoyable.
“Not particularly.” You huff as remus catches up to you.
“No? What did you think Moony? Was it fun?”
“It was alright. Not sure I’d do it again though.” He answers, casual rubbing your back as you continue to catch your breath.
“Really?! I thought it was amazing.” James laughs, smiling excitedly.
“Of course you did. You love the adrenaline rush from things like this.” Lily comments, having caught her breathe and calmed down a bit.
“True. You liked it though, didn’t you evans?”
You sigh, still trying to calm your heart rate. You can feel your eyes start to water as your parasympathetic system kicks in.
“Hey, you’re safe now. No more scary guys around the corners, yeah?” Remus quietly comforts you.
“Yeah…yeah.”
“Look around, you’re back outside where everyone is having fun. There’s no ghosts, or zombies, or murderers with chainsaws after you out here.”
Nodding as you glance around your surroundings your brain finally starts to realize that your safe, allowing you to finally catch your breath and lower your heart rate.
“Thank you, remus. For comforting me.” You mumble, blushing ever so slightly, the heat burning your cheeks.
“Of course. I’m sorry it wasn’t fun for you . I’m glad you came along with all of us though.” He smiles to which you nod.
“It’s alright. It…wasn’t the worst thing I’ve ever done. It was a lot better with you here though if I’m honest.” You chuckle, your cheeks burning more ferociously.
“Yeah? Well I’m glad? How about we take it easy for a bit and play some games? I heard you say earlier you like that balloon popping one.”
With a smile, you nod in agreement. You’d be very happy to go play some games and maybe win some prizes. That is your favourite part of carnivals after all.
“Hey moony, y/n! What’re you doing?” James calls out, drawing both of your attentions towards him and the rest of the group.
“Think we’re going to check out some of the games, mate. We’ll catch up with you guys later.” Remus replies, slinging an arm around your shoulders as he steers you towards all the game booths.
Even though haunted houses aren’t really your thing, you can’t be mad when it brought you and Remus the slightest bit closer. It’s not like you haven’t had a tiny crush on him for awhile now. If a haunted house is what it took for you to get closer to him, then you’d heavily consider going through one again to get even closer.
p.s. apologies to anyone here who didn’t want to be tagged. the taglist was already here and I didn’t feel like deleting it. no need to let me know if you don’t want to be tagged - i’m discontinuing hp taglists as it is.
Congratulations on 100 followers!!! You deserve many many more <3 I was hoping you could write Painting Remus with "3 - things you didn't say at all" I'm in love with how you write him, thank you for being amazing!
I’m celebrating gaining 100 followers! Click here for the details!
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Hi! I’m glad you liked Painting because I’m taking advantage of your request to write….probably the angstiest thing I’ve ever written. I couldn’t fit in the story because the painter wasn’t there for this moment, but readers of Harry Potter were never given an explanation for what made Remus and Sirius stop trusting each other during the first wizarding war, and I’ve decided that the catalyst for their mistrust in one another was the letter Sirius sent to the painter after death eaters destroyed their muggle family. Sorry if you weren’t looking for angst, but here comes a tall order for it.
I feel like most of my fight scenes have been a little underwhelming, so I hope this one… whelms :D
You had been trying to sleep when you heard the sound of someone apparating. Adrenaline filled you as you jumped up, Sirius's letter in one hand, your wand in the other. Your best guess was that it has been four days since you had apparated into James and Lily's home. You were still wearing the same clothes, as you hadn't had anything else.
It was Remus.
You felt yourself go limp with relief at the sight of him. "Remus-" You breathed, taking a step closer. At first, Remus' expression mirrored yours, but as you stepped close he raised his wand towards you.
"What creature unlocked your door at Hogwarts?" He asked, voice low.
"What?" You drew back, eyes wide.
"Answer me!" Remus hissed, tightening his grip on his wand.
"Um- A, a rabbit? A little jack rabbit on the ring?" Your voice shook. It had been 6 months since you had last seen him but what startled you more was having never seen Remus look so intense. You had never before noticed how easily he could fill a room when utilizing his full height, how much space he could control.
Remus lowered his wand with a relieved sigh. He closed the distance between the two of you and pulled you into a tight embrace. Your mind was a mix of relief and despair, so grateful for the comfort while constantly being reminded of what had happened.
"Where are we going?" You asked, looking up at him.
Remus's face softened momentarily. You felt his hand come up to hold your jaw. He looked into your eyes, frowning slightly, before his gaze fell to the letter in your hand. "What is that?"
"Sirius wrote me." You replied, gripping the letter tighter. "To let me know that I should expect someone soon."
"Sirius?" Remus repeated, his voice hardening. He looked as if he was about to ask something more, but thought better of it and turned to the wall behind him. "Alice, Frank!" He called out, tapping his wand on the wall. "We're ready."
At the tap of Remus' wand, an archway appeared, opening the wall up to the living space you had heard around you the last four days. A man and a woman were on the other side, looking at you with a mix of sternness and sympathy.
"C'mon then-" Alice said, gesturing over to her fireplace. Frank was grabbing a bag of floo powder.
Bewildered, you obliged. "Where-?" You asked again, voice shaking.
"Don't worry." Remus assured, "Peter is going to take you in for now. Alice is going to make sure you get there."
You turned back to Remus, eyes stinging. "You're not coming?"
You noticed that while Remus' expression was stoic, his chest was noticeably rising and falling with his breaths. "No." He started. There was a pause, in which Remus glanced at Alice and Frank while he thought of how to explain. It seemed as if it was becoming harder for Remus to look you in the eyes.
"What Remus means is that we're all doing our best to keep sensitive information known to as few as possible." Frank said in a gentle tone from near the fireplace. Alice nodded encouragingly. "For example, we knew we were protecting someone in that secret room, but we don't know how to access it."
"And I do not know where Peter is, but Alice and Frank do." Remus continued, fighting a tone of guilt in his voice.
You opened your mouth to say something, but before you could Remus gave Alice and Frank a nod and with a sharp popping sound, had disapperated.
-X-
Remus let out a shaky breath as he apparated back into Sirius’ flat. He had always been good at shaking off unpleasant feelings, discomfort, but watching Alice guide you into that fireplace was too much. The expression you’d had, that sadness- and what was worse, surprise. Remus knew that you had wanted him to take you to Peter’s, he knew you were upset to realize that he was hardly involved in helping you. A shudder fell through Remus’ body as he closed his eyes- all he could see was the look of betrayal, of unfamiliarity that had crept into your eyes. That would be burned into his memory forever.
Remus’ throat felt thick and heavy, as if it was going to fall into his stomach. He could feel a sob fighting its way out of him, but Remus bit his lip, tamping it down. Crying, Remus reasoned, would be too much of a release. Better to keep this feeling, better to be marked by it, remember it and use it so this never could happen again.
The fireplace on the other side of the flat flared to life. Remus turned, watching as Sirius stepped through, his heartbeat quickening at the sight of Sirius’ gaunt, sleepless face.
“How’d it go?” Sirius asked, looking at Remus with wide eyes as he dusted off his robes.
“As well as you could expect… thanks to Alice and Frank.” Remus answered, trying to keep his voice even despite the fact that it felt like his neck had been tied into a knot. Sirius sighed heavily, shaking his head.
“I wish I could have been there.” he lamented.
Remus felt his face twitch, his skin suddenly felt so very, very hot. He took a deep, slow, breath and tried to pass it off as a sigh in unison with Sirius’. So, Sirius wished he could have done more? Remus winced as the image of your hand gripping Sirius’ letter flashed in his mind. “I’d say you’ve already done too much, Padfoot.” he answered, forcing himself to stare at the floor as looking at Sirius just made him angrier. In his periphery, Remus could tell that Sirius had turned to stare at him.
“What do you mean?” Sirius asked, plainly confused.
Almost too innocent, Remus thought bitterly. Remus glanced at Sirius’ face, at his wide eyes and the pit of his chest turned into a fire. “That letter?”
Sirius shrugged, his brow drawn together in further confusion. “What about it?”
“Because, Sirius-” he barked, only becoming more irritated by the jump Sirius gave at Remus’ biting tone, “Because you know better than that. It’s a very, very dangerous time and you’ve jeopardized Alice and Frank, you jeopardized me by sending that letter.”
“Oh Mooney-” Sirius started sadly, his shoulders slumped as he took a few steps towards Remus. “But you didn’t see, you weren’t there when James and Lily told The Order what happened. You didn’t see the pain on Lily’s face, as she talked about them losing their entire family and crying on her lap. They’ve been alone, Mooney, they might be safe but they’ve been alone. I couldn’t stand it.”
Sirius held Remus’ gaze for a long moment, his face falling as Remus remained stern. It was true, he hadn’t been there, because he’d been asked to go do what he was always asked to do- find a group of werewolves that hadn’t already pledged themselves to Voldemort. Thinking of that just made Remus feel worse. Seeing what people like him were like-
“You…” Remus sighed and pinched his brow. Was it hard for him to reply because he feared it would sound too harsh, or was it because if he said anything more he might not be able to stop himself from shouting? “You could have completely compromised their safety by sending that letter. You can’t do that, Sirius, you can’t put your friends above the order. Nothing can be more salient than the orders we’re given, nothing! Or you won’t have friends to protect.”
Sirius raised his brows, looking at Remus like he was impressed. He tilted his head, mulling over Remus’ words as if chewing them. The hairs on Remus’ arms rose as his shoulders tensed, like he was preparing to withstand a storm- which, with Sirius’ tongue, might not be too far from reality. Remus swallowed dryly as he watched Sirius’ eyes narrow.
“So you’re frustrated with me.” Sirius clarified, taking a step towards him.
“Very.” Remus nodded. Sirius shook his head- there it was, that sharp smile.
“...I’m having a hard time, Rem.” Sirius said, standing before Remus, eyes glinting.
“Oh yea?”
“Yea…. I’m having a hard time believing this has anything to do with protocols.”
“Well it does.” Remus shrugged. He looked down at Sirius and could feel his jaw ticking as he clenched his teeth. “So you either don’t care about the Order enough to be true to it, or you’re trying to wriggle out of taking accountability.”
“Right.” Sirius smirked, “Perfect, Mooney- It couldn’t have anything to do with the fact that you weren’t there? That we weren’t there? That their family is gone because we didn’t think they would be targeted and that is on us? Because they went to Lily and James and not you? Because I found a way to give them some shred of comfort, of love- and when you got there you were all business?”
Remus felt like he might go blind with rage.
“You don't think it wasn’t hard for me? You think I wouldn’t rather have them with me?” he spat.
Sirius rolled his eyes. “Of course you would rather, Rem. But that’s the problem- it's always a “would” and never a “will” with you. You get all your life’s meaning putting out the fires James and I start. You’re all too comfortable just sitting back and letting people think you’re the sensible, witty one that will smooth over all of our mistakes, but you’re not. You’re the one that’s never taken the first step to do anything, you’re the one watching life fly fucking by as other’s wait for you to catch on.”
“Oh stop this, Sirius.” Remus’ voice shook. “Don’t try to turn this around and make this about relationships. If you can’t handle not seeing them, not sending them letters, then maybe you should just keep away. Just stay away from them.”
“Why, don’t they already have you for that?” Sirius raised an eyebrow, looking bored.
“I’m not kidding, Sirius.” Remus growled, drawing himself up to his full height. He took a step towards him. “You’re endangering them. I don’t want you around if you can’t fucking control yourself.”
He watched Sirius’ eyes fill with a malice Remus had only ever seen at Sirius’ worst- fights with his family, fights with Death Eaters he’d grown up around. Remus’ eyes widened as he stopped a shudder from running down his spine at the effect Sirius’ glare had.
“Do you love them, Remus?” Sirius asked.
“That’s not what this is about-” Remus stammered, shaking his head.
“Do you?”
“Of course I do-”
“Not like how you love James, you ass.” Sirius seethed, pushing his hand against Remus’ chest. “You know what I am asking. It’s sad, you can’t even answer.”
Remus pushed Sirius away forcefully, a cruel satisfaction rang through him as he watched Sirius stumble backwards. “They know I care about them-”
“Bullocks. How the fuck do you fathom that?” Sirius yelled, leaning towards Remus again. “You either have to tell them or show them- YOU haven’t DONE anything!”
Before Remus could register that he had moved, Remus had the collar of Sirius’ robes balled up in his fist. Remus held Sirius before him, a terrible grimace contorting his face.
“Fine.” Sirius snarled, his face transformed sharply, darkening, willful and wild. “Do you know who you’re reminding me of, Remus?” Sirius started, voice loud. “How little Snivelleus would traipse around Lily. Admit it- you’re jealous seeing me be there for them the way you SHOULD BE, because you CAN’T get over yourself being a danger, being a risk. Well now you have no excuse, they’ve handled worse than a werewolf Remus, and you’re still inept. I’m not your problem mate, you are.”
Sirius noticed Remus' hand had flexed into a fist before Remus did. His eyes widened. “What, you’re going to hit me?” he hissed, a sliver of hurt and vulnerability showing through his eyes. His mouth bent to a pained frown.
Remus let go- forcing his hands to relax and fall to his side. Another long silence followed.
“I always hoped for you, Remus.” Sirius said, voice rough. “I knew that you felt you had to hide, but I believed you’d overcome that for the right person, just like you did with us. Now-” Sirius shook his head with disgust, looking at Remus as if he had transformed into a stranger. “They deserve better than this. Better than you.”
Remus’ eyes stung with hot tears. He held his breath, staring at Sirius’ sharp, unloving face.
“I’m not going to have you blame me because you’re too scared to be honest with yourself.” Sirius breathed, his shoulders shook with anger. “You can go hang around that oily twat Snape if that’s the lack of life you want. Get out.”
“Fine-” Remus growled, and with a flick of his wand he glimpsed the last he’d ever see of Sirius’ flat. While Sirius stood, wide eyed, incredulous, and in pain as the world spun and then spun again.
Request: Could you write a James Potter story where they have to fake date for a few weeks and the reader develops feelings and thinks James feels the same but doesn’t? And could you include “I feel stupid. I feel so stupid” or “I let myself get attached and now it’s too late”
A/N: This is my first time wrting for James and only the request made me cry, needless to say I cry writing this. I hope you like it lovely anon, and I hope is not too dramatic. Thank you for requesting! Happy reading, Skittles.
Warnings: Cursing, Angst, my english. Let me know if there is something else. Didn’t proofread so I apologize for any mistake.
Flashbacks are written like this!
"Y/N!"
You snapped your head up, staring at the pile of books in front of you in annoyance as the inevitable unfolded before you.
"Merlin, woman." he said, taking the chair next to you, scraping it against the floor without a care for the library rules, a wide smile always in his face "You are a hard person to find."
You blinked rapidly at him, biting your tongue before deciding you could only fight fire with fire "Don't you have a map to help you with that?"
His smile was quickly erased, shushing sounds coming from him like a hiss as he shot a hand to your mouth "You promised you wouldn't talk about it." he said lowly, taking his hand away from you when you nodded.
"What do you want, James?" you asked with the roll of your eyes, returning to the reading "I'm listening." you told him again when he just stared at you.
"I need a favor." he said flatly. You took a hesitant glance at him; his body was tense, back straight against the chair as his hand played with one another in his lap.
"Figures," you mumbled closing the book "What did you do?" you asked him.
He wrinkled his nose, an offended look in his face "I haven't done anything." he said in a higher voice, leaning against the table "Is what are you going to do for me." he grinned, taking a more relaxed posture on the chair.
"Right," you scoffed, watching him stare at you in deep thought "Well, what is it?!"
He took a deep breath and you prepared yourself for the worst. But not a lifetime could have prepared you for what he said.
"I need you to pretend to be my girlfriend." he blurted out, putting on his most innocent smile as he batted his lashes at you.
"No." you spat, turning to your books again.
"Oh, c'mon." he said dramatically, ignoring the complaints from Madame Ponce and the other students. "I'll give you anything you want. Huh? Money, clothes, books. I'll do your homework." he said, his head laying on top of your open book.
"I wouldn't trust you with my homework even if I was failing all my classes." you pushed his head away from your book, closing it as you stared at him with your arms crossed "Besides, why would you want me to pretend to date you?" you asked, the mere idea sending chills all over your body.
He smiled tightly, playing with the edge of the table "Evans." he mumbled, coughing lightly after and turning to his sides to see no one had heard him.
"You sick bastard," you whispered in disbelief, eyes wide as he shrunk under your hard gaze "You want to make her jealous."
"Only for a while. For her to see what she's missing." he said, his confidence back as fast as it left him "Please Y/N, she would never suspect of you." he said pleadingly with a pout.
"Why me?" you asked "There are plenty of girls who would die for a chance to date you, so why me?"
His eyes felt slightly, a nervous chuckle leaving his lips "Well first because I trust you and you are my friend."
"Debatable, but go on."
"And because it'll be more believable. Everyone knows we went to a few parties together, spent some time together, snogging and all…"
"Okay!" you practically shouted "I get it, okay?"
"Is that a yes?" his eyes slit up, his smile wider than ever.
You sighed, rolling your eyes as you started regretting your choice already "One month, Potter. If it doesn't work you're on your own."
"Yes!" he whispered, punching the air in triumph as he stood up 'You're the best." he mumbled, placing his hand on your shoulder as he grabbed his jacket from the back of the chair and walked away.
You shook your head, returning to your reading "Uh, almost forgot," you heard him from afar before you felt him place a kiss in your cheek, the heat rising to your cheeks as you stared wide-eyed at him "See you at dinner, love" he said, winking at you before he left for good.
You sat there frozen, the transfiguration essay completely forgotten as you caressed your cheek where he had kissed you.
You shrugged, quickly taking all your books and bag and running for the place, completely oblivious to the curious eyes from the girls that sat a few tables away from yours, their giggles and low murmurs quickly spreading all over Hogwarts.
James Potter had gotten himself a girlfriend.
*******************************
Time flies by when you actually focus on the task at hand. You had spent most of the day at your common room, people coming on going as you stayed glued to the same chair. You had proudly finished your transfiguration essay, started the research for potions and found some books that would prove themselves useful in the coming week.
The halls were empty as you walked peacefully through them, enjoying the echo of your steps on the stone walls. Everyone was already at the Great Hall, you could hear the chatting and laughter as you neared the enormous room, that also meant that you could hear the hurried steps of someone running towards you.
You slowed down, considering the option of running the opposite way until you saw black curls and an uncharacteristic nervous smile. You had stopped, waiting for him to catch up with you when he forcefully grabbed your arm and pushed you to an empty classroom.
“What the hell, James?” you hissed, turning to him as he closed the door.
“Did you tell anyone?” he asked out of breath, rolling his eyes at your quizzical look. “That we’re dating?!” he said, more desperate, shaking his hands in the air.
“Fake dating.” you corrected him, and he shushed you again.
“Only we know that,” he pointed at the two of you, running a hand through his hair as he paced “Besides anyone could be listening so keep that to yourself.”
“Why are you so nervous?” you asked him with a frown “Isn’t it good that everyone knows?” you asked, confused, taking a seat in the desk as he slowly started to panic.
“I thought I would have a little more time, you know. Make a big deal out of it. Asking you out and then to be my girlfriend, all that.” he explained, his pacing never faltering.
“James, calm down.” you said softly, reaching your hand to his. He took it and you pulled him to sit next to you. “They just saved you some time, we can always say it was a secret.”
He turned to you with wide eyes, a relieved smile in his face as he nodded “Yeah, that’s a great idea.” he mumbled, cleaning his forehead with the back of his hand “Yeah, okay.” he said more confidently as he jumped from the desk, his breathing even once more.
You did the same, turning to him before you opened the door “Ready lover boy?” you asked, getting a firm nod from him as you got out with him following close behind.
What you weren’t expecting was his hand on your lower back, guiding you to the Great Hall before he wrapped it around your shoulder, his hand hanging loosely at your side. It wasn’t a long walk to the place he usually sat, but it felt like it. All eyes were on you, and they had different energies to them. Some were happy, like they had been waiting for this for a long time and it had finally happened; others were shocked, the low murmurs with both your names hanging in the air as you strolled down to the table; and the last one and the one you were hoping for, angry, jealous, glares burning your skin as you sat down next to him.
“So it’s true, then?” asked Remus with a smile, his eyes meeting yours in amusement “You finally won the heart of our Jamie?”
You laughed, putting your nerves aside and doing what you were gonna be rewarded for “More like he won mine,” you said, looking back at James with a grin “He had been chasing me like a dog, thought maybe he was worth it.” you smiled, getting surprised looks from everyone at the table.
“Has he now?” asked Sirius with a knowing look, staring at James in a silent conversation before he turned to the redhead “Hey Lily, you heard that?”
She met Sirius' eyes with a glare, rolling her eyes “Loud and clear, Sirius.” she mumbled, not even sparing a glance in your or James’ way.
“Yeah well, I got the message loud and clear too, Evans.” said James, with a smug look “I know when to give up on something.”
*******************************
The announcement of your relationship with James went nothing like you had expected. You went from being just another student at Hogwarts to being James Potter girlfriend, captain of the Gryffindor quidditch team and one of the most popular students. Hell, even Mcgonagall got excited when she saw him, with a few exceptions.
“So you got detention?” you asked him as you walked through Hogsmeade holding hands. The cold air blowing through your hair while he pulled you closer to him, his body warmer than you would have expected with only the jacket he wore.
“Maybe,” he said with a breathy laugh “Totally worth it, though. You should have seen their faces when the cauldron exploded.” he said excitedly, almost jumping the last steps to the Honeydukes.
“Oh, I can imagine.” you told him as he opened the door for you “What are we doing here?” you asked him, finding him smiling down at you.
“Pick whatever you want, love.” he said, opening his arms as you took the entire shop in. “Well, go on. You must want something, I know for a fact you love these so we’re taking those with us.” he took a bunch of sugar quills from the shelves, carrying them in his arms as he pulled you with him with his other hand.
You laughed, not knowing what to do or say “James, what are you doing?” you asked, making him stop for a moment.
He turned to you, his eyes widening as he picked up a chocolate frog he handed to you with a funny face “What do you think? Buying treats for my favorite person.” he chuckled.
You didn’t question him as he essentially bought every single candy the store had, you two got out of there with a bag for each one of you.
It was a lovely date, your first one for that matter. A week after the beginning of your little act and he had insisted in taking you out on dates whenever he could. The first one, of course, being to Hogsmeade. After Honeydukes you went to the Three Broomsticks, drinking butterbeers and laughing at every single thing he said. Putting up the act for the prying eyes.
It wasn’t difficult, really. James was actually your friend and you had previously spent time with him and his friends, but the audience made your stomach turn inside of you. You knew the group on the table next to yours were paying attention for every detail they could grasp their hands on, you knew that as more people arrived at the establishment their eyes would fall on you. You felt exposed.
“Hey,” he said softly, grabbing your hand over the table “You okay?” he asked, lowering his head so he could look directly at your eyes.
You nodded your head, smiling over your butterbeer “Just fine.” you lied.
But he wasn’t taking it, he cocked his head to the door, helping you to your feet as he grabbed the bags of your candy. “C’mon.” he murmured on the side of your head before he placed a soft kiss there.
You slowly walked back to the castle, his soothing voice never stopping to tell you about everything he did, for quidditch to pranks. He was an endless source of conversation that you found yourself enjoying, not that you would admit that out loud.
You didn't even pay attention to where he was leading you, the soft soil underneath your feet making you look forward as the Black Lake appeared before your eyes.
"James, there's no one here." you told him as you looked at every possible direction.
He had already sat on the ground, patting the spot next to him "I know," he murmured, pulling you to gin so your head was resting on his shoulder "You didn't look comfortable with everyone looking at you." he said.
He had his hand running up and down your arms, the motion so soothing you almost ignored all the thoughts going wild inside your head. You looked up at him suspiciously, square noting your eyes even if he didn't seem to notice your gaze on him.
"And why do you care?" you asked him, trying to sound playful but your voice betraying you as it came out more like a whisper "You have one goal and it's not my wellbeing."
He laughed, glancing down at you before he kept his eyes in the distance. "You're still my friend." he said softly "And you're helping me, the least I can do is make it more enjoyable for you."
You raised an eyebrow at him, but didn't say anything. You knew the look in his face all too well, it was the same face he made in a particularly difficult quidditch match or whenever he was taking a test; he would frown deeply, wetting his lips every now and then when they weren't in a thin line, he would look a nothing in particular as if he saw something that wasn't there but in reality he was aware of everything around him. He was inside of his own world.
You didn't realize when you ended laying on the grass, your head on his lap as he played with your hair. You had fallen asleep and the only reason you had woken up from the peaceful sleep was because of him poking your cheeks.
"Wake up," he whispered in your ear, smiling down at you when you slowly opened your eyes "There you go, sleeping beauty." he said, helping you sit up.
"Huh?" you asked, rubbing the sleep off your eyes with a yawn "Who's sleeping beauty?"
"I don't know," he admitted with a shrug of his shoulders. "Moony calls Sirius that when he wakes up, thought it fitted you." he said.
He walked you to your dorm room in a comfortable silence after you apologized a thousand times for falling asleep on your date, assuring you it was fine.
"You talk in your sleep."
"No, I don't."
"Yeah, you do. Mainly my name, really." he said, wiggling his eyebrows at you.
He wished you good night, giving you a tight hug before you handed him his bag from Honeydukes.
"Keep it." he said, closing your hand over the handle of the bag. He gave you one last look before he started to walk away, turning a few times to you still there, shaking your head as he ran when Professor McGonagall voice boomed over the halls calling his name.
You sighed, going inside your dorm and placing the bags over the bed. A smile appeared on your face as you pulled a sugar quill, a tiny note written in messy handwriting attached to it.
First week payment.
You laughed, taking a bite out of the candy as you placed the note back inside.
"What in Merlin's name? Did you rob Honeydukes?"
You turned at the sound of your roommate and the door opening "No," you said, a smug smile in your face as you raised an eyebrow to her "My boyfriend bought them for me."
*******************************
The fuss over your relationship with James had dissipated into a common thing that no one questioned. Watching you close to each other, holding hands at the halls or underneath the table, murmuring things into each other's ears provoking a smile or a chuckle from any of you, kisses on the cheeks, forehead or temple as you held each other close. Only the more skeptic would question the longing stares you two shared at any given moment you were forced apart.
“You’re amazing.” you heard James over our shoulder as you sat in the common room, close to the fire with a cup of tea in hand. You raised an eyebrow at him, sipping at your tea.
“Thank you?” you said, placing down the hot cup as he sat next to you in the far too tiny couch. "Don't get me wrong, I am amazing. I just don't get why you of all people would be telling me this."
"Don't be silly." he said, taking your face in his hands as he squeezed your cheeks "Peter heard Lily talking very angrily about you." he whispered with the biggest smile.
Your eyes widening, slowly nodding as he moved his hands from your face so you could talk "Oh, that. Nothing new." you told him, and she pulled slightly from you "Don't tell me you haven't noticed the glares and heard the grunts from her as soon as we appear in the room."
He shook his head and you wanted to laugh, but chose to smile tightly "Oh, Jamie. You are so oblivious." you said patting his cheek softly.
He pouted, looking hurt at you as he took your wrist in his hand "So the last two weeks Lily has been killing you in her head and I knew nothing of it?" he asked in annoyance.
"Pretty much, yes. Although I only noticed this week in potions." you said, capturing his interest as he somehow fitted his body on the couch laying his head on your lap. You sighed, knowing he wanted to hear what you got "I don't know what I was doing but you were staring at me with dowey eyes, and you kept bothering me with something…"
"Nice you pay attention to me," he grumbled. "I was asking you to go see me play this Saturday, you heartless woman." he said with a fake hurt look.
"Right, anyway. Remember how you told me a joke that almost makes me slip because of how hard I was laughing?"
He nodded, taking your hand as he played with your fingers, a smile appearing on his lips as he remembered "Yeah, I had to hold you so you wouldn't drop the cauldron all over yourself." he chuckled, poking your rib where his hand had been that day.
"Well, when I finally calmed down…"
"Hours later if you ask me."
You slapped his hand "Let me finish," you whined, as he mouthed a Sorry and indicated you to go on "Well, when you stop talking nonsense I caught Lily looking at you before she turned with a glare at me."
"Really?" he breathed out like a kid, hiding the excitement in his voice "What did you do?" he asked you.
"I smiled at her and took your hand later." you said proudly, keeping your head high with a smile.
He sat up, crushing you with a hug as he peppered your face with kisses "I told you you were amazing.“ he laughed excitedly. He let go of you, eyes shining as he held up a finger, running up the stairs of the boys room. Minutes later he came back down, a large box in hand with the colors of your house.
He placed it on your lap, sitting next to you as he gave you space. He nudged your arm when you only stared at the box in shock "Open it." he said encouragingly.
With the shake of your head you took the ribbon, undoing the knot slowly. Once you opened it, staring at it "What's this?" you mumbled, pulling a neatly folded sweater in the colors of Gryffindor . Once it was fully out of the box your nose caught the faintest smell, doubtfully bringing it to your face.
"James, this is yours." you said lowly, looking up at him.
He nodded, pulling a scarf of the box as well and wrapping it around your neck "What kind of boyfriend would I be if I didn't give you my sweater? Besides, I wasn't kidding when I asked you to the game." he said.
"I know you weren't," you said back, putting the gifts back in the box "I was planning on going whether you were kidding or not."
"Really?" he said, a little caught off guard "You never go to the games, ever."
You stared back at him as he leaned back on the couch, talking but you had stopped listening. He was right, you never went to see the games. So why were you so sure you were going? Nothing had changed, sure, you were 'dating him' but you still didn't like quidditch, you had more important things to do, why did you want to go?
“I'm gonna put this in my dorm." you said, not even noticing you cut him off mid sentence.
"Sure." he beamed, his face falling a little at the look in your eyes "Hey, are you okay?“ he said, taking your hand before you went away. You gave him a soft nod, gripping his hand before he let you go.
Once at your dorm you closed the door, lighting some candles as you sat with the open box in your bed. It might as well be your birthday, the sweater and scarf not being the only things there. He had included more candies that you could possibly eat, always teasing you because of your sweet tooth. And at the bottom of the box, another note.
Second week payment.
*******************************
The week stretched out like it had never done it before. Your excitement for the quidditch match increased as the day neared, everyone was talking about as they made bets and wore something to support their favorite team.
And you weren't someone to stay behind, whether it was James' sweater or the scarf, you walked the corridors and attended class with a proud air flowing around you. It didn't matter if James was around you or not, you wore the red and golden colors like a brand.
To your luck, Saturday arrived and you were up at the first light. You put a little more effort in your looks, making sure that you were comfortable but looked nice for the big day. James had tried to explain why it was so big and everyone was so excited about it, and even if you didn't understand you were thrilled, your body vibrating with the rush of the people around you.
You got to the Great Hall, the entire team cheering at you walking towards the table as you looked for James with your eyes.
"Mrs. Potter! “ yelled Sirius as soon as his eyes landed on you, a round of whistles and howling sounds erupting from the mouths of the exhilarated team. You tilted your head at him with wide eyes, lowering your head when you felt an arm around you.
"Oi! Shut up, Pads. I'm the only one who gets to make her blush." he stated, saying hello in your ear as he climbed on the bench. "Gentlemen!" he shouted, everyone stopping their activities so they could listen.
"Today is not like any other game we've played in the past. Two things are different today," he said with an almost hungry smile "Those Slytherins have been bragging about their new member, a new seeker. The jewel to their crown they said"
Everyone started booing, their hands around their mouths as they voices boomed all over the room. Your eyes stared in awe at the man up on the chair, yelling and cheering for his team.
"But they don't know that we also have a new jewel in our crown!" he shouted, the murmurs spreading as he gave them a wolfish grin "We got ourselves a luck charm." he said, pointing his hand at you. "This is Y/N's first game! Are we going to make this the best game for her or what!?"
"YEAH!“ they all yelled, the energy in the room turning more and more powerful as they cheered and howled, a pack of lions ready to take on the snakes.
He smiled down at his team, jumping from the bench and landing next to you "Ready?“ he said, looking over your shoulder before he returned his eyes to you "Remus is gonna sit with you during the game, okay?"
You smiled at Remus, who had been there since the beginning of the speech "Cheer for me, love." he whispered, kissing your cheek and running off with the team before you could answer him.
You stood next to Remus, a blissful look in your face as you stated at the place where James had been a second before.
"I don't know what you did to him, but please keep it up." he chuckled, offering his arm as you two walked to the quidditch pitch.
"I'll try my best." you said with a smile, forcing the bitter feeling in your heart away.
The game had begun smoothly, you and Remus had been sitting down and keeping up a nice chat, he was an interesting person, really surprising that he was so close to Sirius and James. Peter. You understood, he reminded you more of him. But as the chat advanced and he let go a little more you saw that he wasn't as innocent as you thought.
But at some point you both lost the string of the conversation, Slytherin scoring their first points. You started yelling and cheering for Gryffindor next to Remus, who more quietly supported his house.
Gryffindor won the game and you clearly had been there to see it. Your hair was a mess, wild from all the jumping and at some point in the game you had discarded the scarf, getting in your way as you followed all the players. It had been a whole experience.
"Come with me." said Remus to you, pulling you through the crowd as the teams were still flying in the air.
"Where are we going?" you laughed.
"The dressing rooms." he said, and there in fact was where he was taking you.
You lowered your head a little when the Slytherin team stormed by your side, almost flattening your entire body to the wall as to avoid their anger. But that didn't last long as Remus pointed a little forward in the corridor and you met the brightest smile ever.
It didn't take long for him to get to you, almost throwing his broom to the ground when he ran to you. His arms went around your waist as he sinned you up in the air, a whole heartedly laugh coming from you before he set you safely on the floor.
He didn't say anything as your hands rested on his chest, looking up to his eyes before he met yours. His mind seemed to be working faster than his body, his eyes shaky looking everywhere before they settled on your lips, crashing his lips to your as he pulled you flat against him.
It took you a second to react, frozen against him before you wrapped your arms around his neck, pulling him closer. The cheering and whistles made him smile as he kissed you more passionately, only stopping by the loud sound of a door.
You looked back a little startled, his fingers on your chin bringing your eyes back to him "Slytherins are bad losers." he breathed out.
*******************************
The third week of tour deal with James was nearing its end and you were dreading the beginning of the final one.
You knew it was wrong, you knew you shouldn't have and you knew that it was doomed since the moment you admitted to yourself that you were falling for James Potter.
You tried everything in your power to ignore the flutter in your chest every time he took your hand in his, no matter where you were, he always had his hand wrapped around your smaller one. You tried to ignore the fly of the butterflies inside you every time he caught you looking at him and smiled, not thinking any of it as he returned to his activities. You tried to fight the blush in your cheeks every time he kissed you, and you tried so hard to ignore the itching in your hands to pull him closer to you every time he kissed you just like he did after the quidditch match.
Nothing worked.
You tried to focus on the things that annoyed you before the bloody deal, his overly loud laughter at things that weren't even that funny, his cocky attitude like he was the best person in the entire world and he knew it, you tried to get mad at him for being so damn charming but you couldn't.
You found yourself smiling at the sound of his laugh, the pure look of happiness in his eyes as he laughed at something one of his friends said. You would stare at him talking about quidditch, potions and transfiguration because he knew what he was talking about and he wasn't shy about, he loved to talk about it but he didn't make you feel like an idiot for not knowing. You couldn't get mad at him for being the charming man he was because that's one of the spells he placed on you, one of the reasons you were slowly falling for him.
And you weren't the only one who noticed.
"Hey, Y/N!" Sirius yelled, jogging to catch up with you at the end of the hall "You have a free period?" he asked, taking your bag from your shoulder.
"Yes…" you said slowly, watching his every move "Sirius, what are you doing?" you asked when he wrapped his arm around your shoulder, your bag resting on his shoulder.
"Walk with me, darling." he said, looking around as he led you upstairs "We're gonna have a little nice chat." he smiled at you.
You had disconnected from every form of reality, suddenly feeling your hands sweaty as you tried to reach for your bag for something to hold onto, but of course he had taken it away from you.
"James is not with me," you mumbled "He is…"
"At quidditch practice." he completed for you, meeting your doe eyes with a grin "Relax, I'm not gonna do anything to you. Actually, I think I am going to help you."
"What?" you whispered, going up the last step at the stairs of the astronomy tower.
He turned with a sigh, holding your shoulders as he stared deep into your eyes "I know you're falling for James." he said gently, a very uncharacteristic tone from him.
"I don't know what you're talking about." you blurted out, cursing yourself for saying it so fast.
"Yeah, you do." he said with a wink "I also happened to know you are fake dating and not the love birds you have everyone believing you are."
You swallowed hard, your voice gone as well as any rational thought you could have.
"Breath Y/N, and listen." he said, blocking the only way out of the top of the astronomy tower that didn't include throwing yourself in the air, which didn't sound so bad at the moment.
"I've never seen him like that before, and I don't think he is pretending anymore."
"Like what?" you dated to ask with a string of voice.
He looked at you intently, finding the words as he carefully phrase it "He seemed very immersed in you, hasn't spoke about Evans in a while." he told you, leaning against the rail of the stairs "It all kind of clicked when he confessed you were only helping him with certain redhead."
You shook your head "No, I don't want to know. “You tried to walk past him without a care if he had your bag or if he called after you, but he was fast, gapping your arm in the first step. You looked up at him with a pleading look "Don't give me hope, Sirius." you whispered, lowering your head as you got out of his grasp.
He let his hand fall at his side, your bag hitting the ground as he did. He could hear the faint sound of you crying as you ran away, being worse than he expected.
As soon as you calmed down a little you washed your face in the girl's bathroom, making sure your eyes didn't look red or puffy as you returned to your dorm.
Your roommates were there, all in one bed chatting before you walked inside. Their eyes were suddenly and all at once in you, their squeals making you giggle lightly as you one of them stood up.
She went to their nightstand, getting a bag from the top and a little box. "James left them for you." she said excitedly handing them to you.
You thanked her, looking down at the bed before you sat with them, putting the bag aside as you already know what they were. Your interest more on the small box that had you and the girls gasping at you opened.
"It is beautiful." exclaimed one of them as they all agreed in low murmurs.
A silver bracelet with a star Chem hanging discreetly from the chain, the light caught on the charm making little flickers shine on your faces.
"Do you want me to put it on?" one offered and you shook your head no, taking the box and walking to the door again.
"Y/N, what about the bag?" they asked you and you stopped at the door, looking back at it .
"Keep them." you said, walking out the door.
Going down the stairs and to your common room you sat in front of the fire, enjoying the warmth it provided to you. You didn't know when you went from enjoying all this situation, from laughing and just being overall happy to feeling it like a burden in your shoulders. The heaviness in your heart as you thought that all of this was with one goal and it wasn't proving your love to you, but proving the love he could give Lily.
And yet Sirius' words resonated in your mind. He was his best friend, he knew him probably better than James knew himself, what if he was right? What if he actually saw something in you that he didn't see in her? Could it be that he might be in the same position as you were?
You took the box and opened it again, the star charm giving you a little spark of hope as you held it up in the light, the tag tied to it making your heart fall once more that day.
You took it between your fingers and pulled it from the bracelet, throwing the piece of parchment to the fire as you saw the words burn.
Third week payment
******************************
The final week of your agreement was coming towards its end, and unlike the previous week this one passed in the blink of an eye. You spent most of it having an internal battle with the part of you that screamed to get every second you could with James before it all ended, to finally say something to him, anything. Give him a clue of how your feelings had changed over the course of the last month, to tell him you might not compare on any level with Lily Evans but you loved him with every beat of your heart.
You spent nights silently crying in your bed when you realized this wasn't a crush, that you didn't think you might like him or that you were falling for him. No, to this point your heart heavied inside your chest with the burning truth that you loved him.
The other part of you fought to get away from him, to run away from his embrace and soft murmurs, to ignore his calls and smiles. To isolate yourself from him as you tried to wash away the love you had for the Gryffindor, but nothing seemed to work.
Gryffindor had been celebrating their victory like no one ever had before, hosting parties in their common room at every chance they got and, of course, your presence was required there.
“There you are!” smiled James at you as you walked through the portrait. Against your better judgement you decided to listen to your heart. This was the night that you would tell him the truth, you would confess your feelings and how you had fallen hard for him the past month.
“Hi” you giggled, letting him engulf you in a hug. You took in his scent, the way his chest vibrated against your face as he kept talking while he held you, the warmth he radiated. Everything you ever wanted.
When you pulled from him he was smiling brightly at you, taking your hand to pull you with him.
“James,” you called, not moving from where you stood “Do you think I could talk to you outside?” you smiled softly at him, a shimmer in your eyes that had him nodding his head in a second.
He muttered something to Sirius who looked past him and in your way, giving you a wink and an encouraging smile.
You led James through the empty corridors, his constant questioning making you stop in one of the windows that faced the courtyard.
You were gathering the courage, having him sit in the windowsill as you pace in front of him, an amused look in his eyes.
"Y/N," he said softly, you looked back at him taking deep breaths as he talked "Before you say anything, I just want to thank you. No one would have ever dared to do this for me."
"Yeah, right." you laughed, relaxing a little. This was James, you had nothing to fear.
"I mean it!" he said back, looking down at his hands "And… well, I believe this past month has changed us both." Your heart started to beat faster, the feeling in your stomach almost unbearable as he kept talking.
"I realized something and I think you have too. We became closer, almost inseparable and I- you have no idea how thankful I am."
"Jamie, I need to tell you something. " You said, frozen in your place as your eyes shakily looked for him. He raised his eyebrows, nodding at you with a smile.
"I love you." you whispered with a smile, going to take his hand before you realized it was limp on yours. Looking up, the smile that decorated his face before was completely gone as he stared blankly at you.
"What?“ he asked, taking his hand slowly from yours. “No, you don’t. You were pretending.” he said nervously “Right?”
Your entire world fell around you when the warmth of his hand left you, you started to feel the castle walls close around you, blocking the air from getting to your lungs as you stepped back, the pain of rejection worse than you could have ever anticipated.
You covered your mouth with one hand, hugging yourself with your other arm as you turned your back on him, fighting the tears that threatened to escape your eyes.
"Oh, Merlin." you sobbed quietly, feeling his hand on your shoulder as you turned to him.
"Y/N…" he said softly but you couldn't face him, the pity in his eyes enough to make the dam in your eyes break.
"I wasn’t pretending, not anymore." you whispered, cleaning the tears as more fell down. He called for you again, his voice more insistent. You purse your lips, turning quickly to see him "But you were, weren't you?" you asked in between silent sobs, your lower lip trembling furiously at his face.
He had his mouth slightly open, looking for the words that never came. Not the ones you so desperately wanted to hear.
"We were both pretending, remember?" he said slowly, never moving from his seat at the railing "We made a deal."
"Forget the fucking deal!" you cried, looking for his eyes but finding nothing "So you're telling me that it meant nothing to you?" you asked, his face lifting form the floor.
He looked sad, broken. Like he was too holding back, his eyes were shakily looking all over your face for a sign that you were just acting, that you hadn't fallen for him.
"All the smiles and the loving words, the kisses and notes. Everything you did and every word was just an act?" you ask in a whisper, his silence worse than a thousand blades coming down on you.
You saw him swallow hardly, finally looking at you "Lily was always there. I thought you noticed." he said lowly, voice barely above a whisper.
You shook your head, kneeling on the floor as you took deep breaths. "I stopped pretending. It felt so real I- I thought, I just thought you would feel the same." you sighed, head hanging low “How could I be so stupid.” you mumbled bitterly “Of course Lily was there, how could I… I feel stupid. I feel so stupid.”
He stared at you, furiously wiping the tears falling down your cheeks as you kept talking through gritted teeth. He was frozen, not knowing what to do or say that could place the smile on your face again, that could dry the tears from your cheeks and stop the trembling of your body.
"I'm sorry." he said after a long moment of silence. You had walked all the way across the hall resting your entire body on the stone wall, looking up at the ceiling. You shook your head, standing up straight and looking out the window, at anything but him.
"It's not your fault. You're right, we had a deal and I knew what I was getting into since that day at the library." you let out a breathy laugh "I let myself get attached and now it's too late." you said, giving him a sad smile before you turned and walked away from him "Goodbye, James."
You blocked everything after that. You didn't hear him call for you or go after you, you weren't even sure if he did. You didn't remember how you got back to your dorm, the door creaking open as you stepped inside. The lights were out, the entire dorm dark with the only source of light coming from the moon. You closed the door behind you not really caring if it made noise, your roommates weren’t there anyway.
You walked to the bathroom, changing into more comfortable clothing and washing your face to try and make the redness around your eyes lessen, feet heavy as you returned to your bed, a soft yet blinding light capturing your attention. Your breath hitched on your throat at the sight, a flat box rested open on top of your bed with a single note sticking up.
You thought you would feel numb fire wouldn’t burn anymore as the rain would not make you cold. You knew what you were risking by telling him everything and the worst thing just happened.
He loved Lily, not you.
You could avoid him, be another ghost at Hogwarts until your heart healed from the broken pieces. All wounds heal with time, right?
But as you neared your bed, reaching your hand slowly to the dark red paper covering the last gift from him your heart shattered.
“You like it?” He whispered in your ear, a smile creeping up on your face as you placed the mirror you were holding back on its place.
“It’s beautiful.” you whispered as you shook your head “But I already have mirrors, it would be idiotic to buy yet another one.”
He hummed as he held it back for you “I don’t know, this one is different.” he whispered, rounding you so he was standing behind you. He moved all your hair over your shoulder, staring at you through the mirror before he placed it down.
“You’re probably right, though,” he said with a grin “Wouldn’t want you to have to see your beauty every morning, must be tiring.”
Your hand closed around the handle of the mirror, lifting slowly as you stared back at your empty eyes. This was the last piece of James Potter in your life, the last thing that you would get from the fantasy you lived the past month.
You might have been able to heal from a broken heart, the cracks of it filling with time and patience. But as you stared longer at the mirror, the more painful the memories became until you couldn’t take it any longer.
Your scream as you threw the mirror against the wall was muffled by the crashing sounds as all the pieces bounced off the wall. Your body collapsed on the floor, never caring about the shattered mirror. All the pain from the cuts on your hands and knees couldn’t be compared to what you were feeling inside, to the stabbing pain as you read the words staring back at you from the floor.
Fourth week payment.
After all, you could always fix a broken heart. But how did you fix a shattered one?
Taehyung x reader | Jungkook x reader | 18+ | two part | smut | swearing
Word: 4.8k
Your friends ask you whether you prefer sugar or spice
Chapter Index
There's a lot to expect when it comes to Taehyung, but you honestly don't know what to expect when it comes to Taehyung. If he claims to be the rougher type, what does he plan on doing? Tie you up? Does he have a paddle? You watched porn last night when you got home. To be more specific you looked up rough sex and what you saw compared to what you see in movies is totally different.
With all this knowledge, you exit your shower, dry yourself and walk into your bedroom where your clothes lay out. You put on your laced underwear and bra before putting on a pair of shorts and a grey tank top. Yesterday you wore a cute and somewhat tight outfit, but today you're wearing something simple. There's no point in wearing something nice if it's going to be immediately removed. Once again you put light make-up on, but this time you apply red lipstick to give your look a little pop to it. Staring at yourself in the mirror, you can't help but feel a little ridiculous having lipstick on, but you don't have time to remove it as your phone chimes.
Making your way towards your bed where your phone charges, you pick it up and check the message you received from Taehyung.
[4:21pm] Tae: Are you on your way?
Sending a quick text, you grab your bag and keys, slip on your shoes and head out the door. Your pace as you head towards your car is quick, almost running like. Trying to slow yourself down, you can't help but feel ridiculous because you're so eager to get to Taehyung and Jungkook's apartment. You're eager to finally see what it's like to have sex with Taehyung. The one with the most body counts compared to the two. You'll just be another number to him, but at least you can say you had sex with him and still remain friends. You're crushing on someone else in the huge friend group you're in.
You stand in front of the apartment door in excitement and fear. You know that the second you knock on the door and enter the apartment, there is no turning back. You're at Tae's every command. With a sigh and no more thinking, you knock on the apartment door and wait.
You're not sure if you're hearing the sound of footsteps making their way towards the door or if it's just the sound of your racing heart that is filling the silence, but as you wait for a few more seconds the door opens. He's wearing a white buttoned up floral shirt with a black coat over it, black dress pants, and a red scarf with white lilies tied around his neck. He looks like he came back from a meeting and decided to throw some fashion into his outfit. He looks like a model. A model that's about to rock your world.
He smiles, biting his lower lip as he eyes you up and down. "Grey," he begins, moving out of the way so you can enter the apartment, "my favorite color." You can feel the heat rise in your cheeks as you enter the building, the door closing behind you and a small click as he locks it. "So how this is going to happen," he starts, making his way into the living room with you following in tow, "is that I have a little surprise for you." He takes a seat on the sofa, arms spread out along the inside back of the sofa, legs spreading just enough. To you he looks like he's waiting for the stripper to come in and perform.
He looks at you for a moment before motioning with his eyes for you to stand in front of the television. You do as instructed, slowly making your way to stand in front of him. "You'll do whatever I say." You open your mouth to protest but he speaks again, "I will let things slide since this is your first time with someone like me." You close your mouth and wait for him to continue. "The safe word is peach. You say the word and I stop. Good so far?" You nod. You don't think you're ready for what he has in store. "I'd like to be called Daddy."
"No." You frown in disgust. He's your friend not your boyfriend or anything that gives him permission to be called such a name.
He only shrugs. "You'll say it one way or another." You wonder if that's a threat or a promise, but you don't have the chance to think further as he settles further into the sofa. "Strip."
You stand frozen, as if you heard him wrong. "What?" you ask, voice wavering just a bit.
"We're starting now, love. Strip," he commands in such a low voice you almost want to throw your clothes off immediately. He stares at you as you slowly remove your top, his eyes dark and lustful. It's like he turned into an animal in such a few short seconds. One second he was his usual, horny self, but when it comes to getting down and dirty he's an animal lying in wait ready to pounce on his prey. You let the shirt fall from your grasp as you unbutton your jean shorts, eyes on him the entire time. You're slightly afraid to break eye contact with him. Taehyung isn't Taehyung anymore, and you do not want to test the waters with him today.
As the shorts fall to the floor you are now standing in front of him in nothing but your undergarments. He eyes you slowly, taking everything in with his lustful gaze. You can see him undressing you fully with his eyes as he licks his lips. With a single motion of his finger, you make your way towards him, your feet almost touching his. He gestures with his head, commanding, "Sit." Slipping off your shoes you straddle him, hands on your lap and waiting for his next order.
His hand reaches for your face, caressing your cheek before moving to the back of your neck and bringing you in for a kiss. Tae's kisses are nothing like Jungkook's. Jungkook kissed you slowly and with love in a way. Taehyung, on the other hand, is kissing you with so much need and want that it takes three seconds for his tongue to enter and explore every inch of your mouth, his hand traveling from your neck down to your thigh while the other reaches for your ass. He grips your skin, his teeth grazing your lower lip.
You've never felt so desperate for something to happen. Maybe a cup of your breast, a pinch at your nipple—hell you want his fingers in you already. While Jungkook gave off this warm and welcoming feeling, Taehyung's entire demeanor is just... commanding. He smacks your ass hard, earning a gasp from you. "Move," he mutters against your lips, his lower region already showing signs of rising. You grind your hips slowly as his lips trail down your neck until it reaches your bra. With one hand, he reaches behind you and unclasps your bra, tossing it somewhere to the side. "I've always wanted to fuck you," he confesses, both hands now cupping your breasts, massaging them as he licks one nipple. "To feel you writhe under me—beg me to fuck the shit out of you."
You can feel the heat grow in your region. You're a switch, but you've never been with a dominate as strong as Taehyung. It's like whatever he says you're ready to do it. "Why haven't you?" you asked, genuinely curious as to why Taehyung, the biggest fuck boy has never once tried to make a move on you.
He chuckles, biting your nipple hard, sucking as you let out a small cry. "You're Y/N," he begins, switching to focus on your other breast, "I don't fuck my friends." You watch him grin, flicking your tip as he adds, "Guess I broke that rule." You can't help but moan as you brush against his member fully erect. "Let's take this to the bedroom." You reluctantly get up, seeing a small wet spot on his pants where his erection is full and big. You can't help but swallow at the thought of how big it actually is. He gets to his feet, removing the scarf around his neck. "Hands out."
Bringing your hands out towards him, Taehyung brings your wrists together and ties them together with the scarf. "Do you..." you trail off, thinking if the question is something you want to ask.
"Do I do this with every person I'm with?" he asks for you, glancing at you as he tightens the knot. "Rarely. You're a special occasion." He spins you in the direction of the hallway. "Bedroom." As you make your way towards his bedroom, you can hear Taehyung call out, "Jungkook's right. You have a nice ass." You can't stop the smile growing on your lips as you come to a stop in front of his bedroom door. Waiting for a few seconds you can hear Tae's footsteps making its way towards you. "Ready?" he asks you, placing his hand on the nob. You nod in sheer excitement and anticipation as he twists the nob and opens the door.
That excitement and anticipation immediately left you as you covered your boobs as best you can. In the room was a person sitting on a chair against the back wall. She has an inexpressive look as she looks at you and Taehyung. "Tae—" He interrupts you.
"Y/N, this is Marie." You look at him as he glances to Marie. "Marie was going to be you if you didn't agree to this. Jungkook would have gotten Gray and I decided to go with Marie," he explains, looking back to you. "Like myself, Marie here is into rough sex. A kink of both of ours is watching."
You put two and two together. "You’re going to have her watch?" You feel horrified at the thought.
"It's really no different to watching porn," he counters. "The difference is that you're watching it in person rather than on a screen."
You shake your head. "This is insane." What is he thinking? Probably nothing but getting you in bed.
"C'mon, Y/N. It's not like she's going to join. She's just going to watch and later tonight she'll have her turn. Isn't that right, love."
You look at the blonde, watching her as she looks you up and down. "You're not my type anyway," she deadpans. You actually feel offended by her comment. You want to say something rude back, but Taehyung speaks again.
"If you're not in, just say the safe word." Looking at him, he only shrugs and waits for your reply. You weigh your options. Go in and discover if you have a kink for people watching, or go home and say Jungkook's vanilla sex is better than Taehyung's. Taehyung. The guy you won't ever have a chance to fuck again if you leave now. You refuse to think of anything else as you enter his bedroom. "Good girl." As Taehyung closes the door behind you, he closes any option for you to leave.
You’re a sheep in a lion's den.
From where Marie is sitting, you realize that she has a clear and good view of the bed. You can feel your heart racing as Taehyung makes his way to the edge of the bed, looking at you expectantly. Taking a small hint of what he wants, you make your way over to him, standing next to him and letting him grab you by your arms and place you in front of him, your back legs pressed against the mattress. With a single push you'll be on the bed, but instead he lets you get on the bed yourself. "Further back," he instructs, and you do as told, moving back more with no help from your hands. Once your feet are at the edge, Taehyung removes his jacket, rolling up the sleeves to his white long sleeved shirt, eyeing you with such an intense look you can feel yourself getting wet.
He gets to his knees, grabbing you by your ankles and pulling you back just enough. There is no time for you to lift your bottom up for him to remove your underwear, he just rips it off you. You gasp in shock. "I saved your bra," he counters, tossing your ripped garment to the side. You can't look at the girl staring at you, and you feel like staring at Taehyung would be weird when she's still staring at you. So, you opt to look up, but what you weren't expecting when you look up is to see a mirror on the ceiling. You can see the entire bed, see the top of Taehyung's head and almost your entire body if it weren't for Tae covering your lower half.
If you look to the left of the mirror, you can see Marie. You can't help but wonder why she likes to watch. Why she likes to sit there and watch to people have sex but not be in the action itself. Maybe she does, but just with one person. Maybe she's the type to watch first, get in the mood and then have sex with whoever is waiting for her. Is she—
You moan as you feel Taehyung latch on to your clit and suck, his tongue flicking between every take. You throw your head back, still seeing yourself in the mirror as you clutch your hands together, his fingers brushing between your inner lips. You want to grab a hold of his sheets, his hair, anything that isn't your hands, but you can't. He tied your hands together tightly, preventing you from even moving them so much that you can free yourself. Another moan as a single finger enters you, slow for a few seconds to get it lubed up before entering a second finger and quickening his pace, curling his fingers and hitting your spot just perfectly.
"Tae—" you choke, arching your back as you close your legs around him, but it doesn't stop him from continuing, his fingers and tongue working its magic. The stars are coming, your hands going to grip what little hair you can, the heat becoming unbearable and ready to explode. "I'm coming," you pant, feeling it coming, but then he stops. He removes his lips from your bud, his fingers from your core and stands up. He smirks down at you, wiping away the juices from his lips. "Why'd you stop?" you whine, looking at him with confusion and anger.
"You're not coming until I say so," he tells you, unbuttoning his shirt. "Head at the end of the bed." As he gets the last button undone, he removes it, letting it fall to the floor. He works on the belt as you sit up and move yourself to the opposite end of the bed, your head close to the edge of the bed. You stare up at him as he unbuckles his belt and unbuttons his pants, leaving him in just his boxers. "I hope you've had practice with your breathing." He slips off his remaining article, his fully erect member revealed in all its glory.
While Taehyung doesn't have the body of a sculpted god like Jungkook, he makes up for it in the girth that is his throbbing penis. While both boys have an almost same size penis, you can just tell that Taehyung could throw you in for a whirlwind of orgasms if he wanted. "Closer." Your eyes travel from his throb to his eyes. "Head needs to be over the edge." You scoot up until your neck is resting on the edge and you're seeing upside down. "There you go, baby." He scoots forward, holding his bulge out towards you. "Open your mouth."
You open your mouth, feeling him enter himself, his staff filling your mouth and continuing to go further in until you almost gag. He pulls out, a hiss escaping past his lips until just the tip is in your mouth. "Suck." You focus on the tip of his erection, remembering the way Jungkook writhed under you when you took control. You want Taehyung to be the same, but as you swirl your tongue and fiddle with the tip, he doesn't look half as desperate as Jungkook was. Taehyung pushes himself back in. You hollow out your cheeks as you feel him at the back of your throat again. "You're so warm, baby girl. I could fuck your dirty little mouth all day." He comes back out and you gasp for air a bit. "I want to come in that mouth and watch you swallow." Back in. Harder. Faster.
He doesn't stop this time. Taehyung continues to mouth fuck you until your eyes water, vision blurs and your gagging loudly. He hits your breasts until they sting and feel warm. He pinches your nipples and pulls until you can no longer feel them. Taehyung does all this while getting you wetter by the minute with his words. He tells you everything he wishes he could do if you were his everyday for whenever he wanted you. His "fuck toy" he calls it. One call and you're there. The orgasms he'd bring you to. The screams the entire complex would hear as he pounds into you. His words fuel you to give him the best orgasm you can as you lie there with your hands tied. As he pulls out, you hum to give him a little more pleasure, and it works as you hear a moan leave his lips.
"Fuck," he growls, thrusting into your mouth as fast as he can. "You are so fucking beautiful." He grunts, holding himself still deep in your mouth, his warm seed filing your mouth. He pulls out, watching you as you swallow before taking in the biggest gasp of air you have been begging for since his penis entered your mouth. You sit up and wipe away the tears that clouded your eyes. You feel his lips on your shoulder, kissing his way up to your neck. You move your head to the side to give him more access as his hands travel to your breasts. He cups them and squeezes as he licks and bites your neck. You let out a sigh, enjoying the feeling of his hands and mouth. His lips travel up to your ear, his lips brushing along your skin. "Are you ready?" You nod in response, closing your eyes as you wait for his instructions. "Marie, love, bring my toys."
Your eyes shoot open and you look back to Taehyung. "Toys?" you ask, the obvious fear in your tone. It's not because you don't know what kind of toys, but it's because he has toys for you.
"Just bought them yesterday," he explains, holding his hand out as Marie hands him a black, heavy looking bag. When she hands it to him, he looks at her like he wants to devour her, and she looks at him with just the same look in her eyes. If you weren't in this room you're pretty sure that they would go at it like wild animals. They say nothing as Marie makes her way back to her chair and Tae's attention is back on you. "All fours."
You comply, struggling as you move your legs back behind you all while trying not to get your legs stuck between Taehyung's sheets. As you finally settle on your arms and knees, your ass facing the sex driven boy behind you, you feel his hands rub against your cheeks. He feels the curves and dips to your ass and thighs as his finger goes up between your inner thighs.
You can feel the hot trail follow as he goes higher and higher until he reaches your lips, his finger brushing along and sending a shiver down your spine. You want his fingers in you again; you want to feel the way he curves his digits and hits your spots just right. You wait in anticipation for his fingers to make its way inside your walls, but they never do. Instead you hear the sound of something vibrating. You listen to the sound, trying to figure out what it is, but you soon discover what the vibrating object is as Taehyung enters it inside you instead of his fingers.
It's big and you hiss at the slight pain before the vibrating dildo is pulled out and then pushed back in. You rest your head against your closed fists, adjusting to a size you're not used to, but with the vibration to the object, your pain is practically replaced by pleasure as you let out a deep breath to keep from moaning. Taehyung takes his time helping you build your pressure compared to earlier when his fingers were rough and fast. What you weren't expecting as you enjoyed the slow pleasure was to hear another vibrating object and for it to be placed on your clit, sending you to a whole new wave of pleasure.
"Ah," you moan, body jerking from the new piece. "Tae."
"It's your turn to move, baby." He keeps the dildo still, waiting for you to move on your own to build your high. So you move forward until it's just the tip inside you before slamming back, Taehyung's grip on the item no longer there. He chuckles. "Eager I see." Once you feel his grip back on the object, you do it again. He keeps his grip tight as you slam into the dildo, moaning loudly as you enjoy the feeling of having two pieces help bring the orgasm you've wanted since sitting on his lap in the living room.
However, once again, Taehyung takes away your moment. Both the vibrator and dildo are no longer in or on your womanhood, leaving you desperate and hornier than ever. You feel the objects fall on the bed beside your legs and of no longer interest. It is only two seconds of feeling empty before you feel something else enter you, a little bigger than the dildo, but ten times better. Taehyung holds onto your waist as he immediately slams into you, causing you to hold still as he thrusts with no patience or ease.
"Taehyung," you cry, clutching onto the sheets as he smacks your ass.
"Fuck, you're tighter than I expected baby girl. You're so warm and wet." He pushes you forward and you're fully on your stomach. He climbs on top, never separating himself from you as he adjusts his legs around you and continues his unpaced thrusts. He places a hand on your neck, keeping you from getting up as he fucks you, the bed banging against the wall. The room is hot and you're sweating more than you've ever had, but none of it matters as you cry in sheer pleasure.
You want him to go faster, deeper than he's already going, but no words are leaving your mouth. Only his name is heard like a mantra as you lose yourself in the madness of it all. "Tae—" As if knowing you're close, Taehyung pulls out, leaving you in need once again. He grabs a hold of your waist pulling you to one side and you comply rolling on to your back. He climbs back onto the bed, grabbing his arousal and lining it with your entrance. He pushes in just the tip, eyes on you clouded with lust as you moan. He pushes in a bit more, earning a gasp from you.
He leans forward, kissing you as he places his hand around your neck. "Please," you beg, looking at him with hungry eyes you know you're wearing.
Taehyung grins, tightening his grip around you and pushes himself all the way in. You whimper, feeling him go deeper than he has before. He exhales, his warm breath hitting your sticky skin. His eyes are shut tight as if he's trying to stop himself from ejaculating already. You clench your walls, feeling his grip around you go tighter. He lets out a low chuckle. "It's not time yet, cupcake." Taehyung adjusts his position so that he's on his knees and his weight isn't on his hands. "Look up and watch me fuck you."
You look up at yourself in the mirror, watching as Taehyung slowly pulls himself out in a tease like manner. All he's done is pound into you, but now he's slow and waiting for the words. The words he's been waiting for since you first entered the apartment, but you're not going to give it to him. He slams into you, earning a choked gasp. He pulls out again, slow, teasing, before slamming back into you once again. You moan as he continues his unpredictable thrusts. One moment he slams into you and pulls out slowly, and the next he's doing the opposite, giving you no time to prepare. You watch from above, his hands wrapped around your neck, your breasts bouncing and sweat dripping from the both of you.
You watch him as he reaches for a red object next to the purple dildo, to which you realize is the vibrator he's been using. It's almost the same size as his hand, but his hand is bigger, covering it almost completely as he brings the vibrator close to your flower. He places it along your clit, the feel of it is like a tongue. He grins down at you. "Ready to break the bed?"
With one click on the vibrator, and his pounding, you're sent to loud moans and legs wanting to close. You grip onto his wrist, the hand that holds your neck tightly as you're driven into another build up of pleasure. He presses the red piece to your clit, pounding harder until the bed is squeaking and thumping hardly against the wall to the point where you can actually feel the bed jump off the floor just a bit.
You look to Marie. You see it in her eyes the lust that she had only for him come back as she watches. You see that she wants to be you right now. To be the one feeling every inch of him. You see it in the way she rubs her thighs together, her hands clutching onto her skirt. You want her to experience what you're going through, too. You want her to feel that pressure building, ready to come and come hard.
You look to Taehyung. "I'm going to come," you cry.
He cocks his head to the side. "Oh are you?"
He pulls the vibrator away, but your grip on his wrist tightens. "No. Please please please. Please let me come."
Taehyung presses the object back onto your bead again. Harder. "Please what?" You're seeing stars. You're close. So close. "Please, what, Y/N," he repeats.
"Please Daddy," you beg with a whimper.
He grins, licking his lower lip as a trail of sweat rolls down the side of his face. "There you go, baby girl."
He tightens his grip around your neck and you're seeing stars as you forget how to breathe. And so, you finally come. You come so hard and with so much pressure that your body shakes aggressively. You don't hear Taehyung curse under his breath, or feel his thrusts go ragged as he comes shortly after. You're too lost in your own high to feel anything.
As everything stills and heavy breathing is the only thing filling the silence, Taehyung releases his grip around your neck, pulling out and you flinch. "Damn, Y/N," he begins, putting the vibrator on the side and getting off the bed, "we actually broke the bed."
You sit up and notice that the top right side of the bed is angled downward. The base of the bed is broken.
You're sitting in the boy's kitchen with your work spread out in front of you. You're tired and in no mood to work on the assignment, but you have to finish it since it's due tomorrow. You hear the sound of footsteps making its way towards you and you let out a sigh as you look up to see Taehyung and Jungkook enter the kitchen.
They stand in front of you. "So, Y/N," Taehyung begins, resting his palms on the table like he did when they first asked you to have sex with them, "which is better? Sugar or spice?"
Jungkook rolls his eyes. "Vanilla or rough sex, Hyung."
"Whatever—which is better?" he questions again, not bothering to listen to the younger boy but more interested in your answer.
You look between the two, remembering the sex you had with the both of them. The feelings you felt with the two of them. You let out a sigh and they're both on edge.
Walls in the color of color plaster the walls around, along with a pattern of a lotus flower. There was a big pool of water in here with several giant lily pads floating above. On the left side of the chamber lay a small waterfall coming out of a statue fish's mouth. The center of the pool had a large statue with a human head on the top.
"This place looks…pretty. Prettier than Skyview & Earth Temple, and that Mining Facility," Fledge said.
The familiar chime of Fi echoed the group's ears as she hovered ahead of them.
"Master's, we are located in The Ancient Cistern. In this Ancient Cistern, purified water is released into the upper area of the facility, while the filtered impurities are processed in the lower area. Analysis suggested you can expect to encounter both fire and magic-wielding monsters. Your current selection of items is survival focus. Suitability to our current location is 75%. You are somewhat prepared for this area, but in the presence of air, land, and aquatic enemies, I suggest you all exercise caution."
"Can you still feel the flames, Pipit?" Link asked.
"Yeah…Up there." Pipit pointed to the center of the ceiling, right above the statue's head.
"Well…That's nice to know. Now we just figure out how to get up there."
"There's a door across from us. Maybe there's a clue in there." Karane pointed to the stone door just at the base of the statue.
The quartet hopped on the giant lily pads leading to the door. The inside of the statue showed a circular stone path on the walls. In the middle is a large gap. There's also a bulb with four large rings on it. Looking above they could see a large pattern of the flower on the ceiling. The bottom of the statue's inside had a pile of bones. An unpleasant feeling grew in Link's gut.
"I'll look down there. You guys stay here," Link told his friends.
Link leaped down to the bottom, using his sailcloth to land safely. The moment he landed, the bones build themselves to a skeleton, putting its head on last revealing another Stalfos. There was something different about this Stalfos Link noticed. It had gold armor instead of the usual grey one. It wore a helmet with some braid attached to it. And it was much bigger than the ones he came across. There were also weird bones across its chest but couldn't make it out due to the gold armor. Pipit cursed at himself as he saw the Stalfos spring to life. Karane & Fledge gave horrified looks at the monster.
"Link?!" Karane yelled out to him.
"What is that?!" Fledge followed.
"It's okay! I got this!" Link assured
"Be careful!" Pipit recalled.
Link had his full attention on the unusual Stalfos. "I've never seen a Stalfos like this. What's the deal with this one, Fi?"
"That is a Stalmaster. This is an elite captain of the undead soldiers, When provoked, it can strike with all of its sword-wielding arms. Must like Stalfos I recommend inflicting damage when the slight gap presents itself as it readies its sword to attack.
The fight itself seem like business as usual for Link when it came to dealing with Stalfos. He would circle the skeleton around, slice at it the moment the opportunity arises, and parry with his shield to get more slices at it. This worked for the first few times before the Stalmaster gave a little surprise. The strange bones unwrapped from its chest, revealing another pair of arms wielding more weapons.
"You gotta be shitting me…" Link muttered before dodging the way of its slice.
His friends meanwhile were equally surprised by the revelation.
"Four arms?! Ah c'mon! That's a little overkill!" Pipit claimed.
"It looks even bigger now." Karane pointed out.
With more arms, it was more difficult for Link to strike. This meant Link had to give his full attention to find the right moment to attack. This had resulted in some close calls yet Link was victorious in striking at it at the right time. Yet after he knocked off the helmet, revealing a red gem in the forehead of the skull it started acting even more aggressive & faster. Such as moving its weapons to block Link's attack at the last minute, or recovering its arms quickly after Link got a few slices at it.
"He looks like he's having a hard time," Fledge spoke fearfully.
"Link, I'm coming down there!" Pipit called out.
"No! I can do this!" Link called back. "It might have more arms but it's still one being."
"Are you sure? That thing looks angry!"
"I'm the best swordsman at the academy, remember?" Link responded playfully, despite his current situation.
The battle continued. The Stalmaster admittedly is difficult to deal with. While its erratic movements make it seem intimidating to others, Link used it to his advantage. He would wait for the moment for the Stalmaster to come at him with all of its weapons at fast movement. Link would hit back with its shield causing all of its arms to fall off which gave Link the chance to hit back. After several minutes of this grueling process, Link took a final slice at the undead soldier. He watched the top half of the skeleton fell apart, while the legs stood around confused by tripping over the skull. The bone poof away in purple smoke. Nearby, bars covering a stone removed themselves.
Link entered the room on the other side where a blue chest lay. The green-clad senior knight went over to the chest to open it. He pulled out an object with a gold handle with strange patterns on it, with a pink & blue rope hanging off of it. Attached to the end of the rope is a strange, glowing sphere of light.
"What's this?"
"You have acquired The Whip, Master." Fi's voice echoed through the sword. "The glowing light at the end of the whip allows you to latch on to various objects. If you see something you can't reach, target it, and snag it with your whip."
With the whip in his hand, Link exited out of the room.
"Everything okay, Link?" Karane's voice from above called to him.
"Yeah, I'm fine."
"Can you find a way back up here?" Fledge said to him.
"I don't see any stairs or ropes."
"I'll teleport myself down there to get you!" Pipit said to him.
Link noticed another of the four-ring bulb. Looking back to it and the whip a sudden thought came into his idea.
"Hold that thought, Pipit! I need to do something first."
"Uh, sure. Go ahead."
Link walked to the four-ring bulb. "Any chance that this can be moved, Fi?"
"The head of this bulb-shaped switch can be rotated, provided you have the correct tool."
"Any chance the whip can be used on it and lead the way up?"
"I analyze a 97% probability that The Whip can accomplish that."
Link readied The Whip in his hand. With one quick movement, the end of The Whip attached itself to one of the wings of the bulb. Link gave a hard tug allowing the bulb switch to rotate several feet before stopping. A large geyser of water appeared behind Link, spewing its way up to the platform above. Link walked into the spewing water, lifting him to the top where his friends were waiting.
"Guess you didn't need my help after all," Pipit commented.
"What is that?" Fledge examined the Whip.
"It's called a Whip. It lets me snag onto objects," Link answered.
"And our ticket up there, I'm hoping," Karane added.
"Definitely."
Link activated the bulb switch on their platform to activate a water geyser allowing him and his friends to the next platform. They reached the large flower pattern to the very top. With a closer inspection, they could see that it was a door. Only one problem: it would not open. They then noticed a contraption with a weird-shaped gap surrounded by petals. Judging by the design it was clear they once again needed a special key to open it.
"Of course…it would've been too easy," Link exhaled a breath as placed his hands on his hips. "Where do we even look?"
"Look for the key that lies beneath the earth." Link turned his head to see Fledge standing in front of a large stone tablet with an inscription. "I think it might be a clue."
"Fi did mention a lower area where impure water goes through," Karane said.
"I did indeed mention that Master Karane," Fi brought up.
"Let's check out the map," Pipit suggested.
Link pulled out his map. The magical qualities of the map reveal a blank lower level in The Ancient Cistern. The center of the lower level had the outline of a large treasure chest.
"Seems like our ticket through here is just underground. We just need to get there somehow," Link said
"There are two other rooms on this level," Pipit brought up. "Maybe one of them may show the way."
Link put away his map and led everyone out of the statue. Back in the main room, they saw a path on the side. Just on the far end, they could make out an archway that would lead to one of the rooms the map suggested. Walking alongside they came across a gap too big to jump across. Hanging above the gap is a large green branch. Gaining an idea. Link used The Whip to snag on the branch. It was successful as he was now dangling above the gap, a large pit below him. Link swung several times, each swing getting closer to the other side before finally jumping for it. Link landed safely
"I made it!"
"You did, but that still leaves the rest of us over here," Karane's voice reached Link's ears.
Link turned to see his friends still stuck on the other side of the gap.
"Oh shoot. I need to figure out how to get you guys across."
"Maybe one of them can hold to you while you swing," Karane suggested.
Fledge took that moment to look down at the pit. It was dark at the bottom with no sign of the ground. "No way I'm dangling over that pit."
"Then do you have any other ideas?"
"Actually…I might," Pipit spoke up. "I have the power to teleport, remember. Maybe I can get all of us across."
"Can you teleport more people?"
"Only One way to find out. Both of you hold my shoulders."
Fledge and Karane places each of their hands-on Pipit's shoulders. His expression filled with concentration before all three of them disappeared in a green flash. They appeared next to Link several seconds later.
"You guys okay?" Link asked.
Fledge shuddered. "It felt…weird. Moving so fast."
"Feels a little dizzy," Karane added.
"You get used to it," Pipit assured.
"Looks like that's one problem solved," Link declared, relieved that he didn't have to do Karane's suggestion.
They continue down the path. Another gap presented itself. Link used The Whip to get across, and Pipit got the rest of the group across. They finally reached the entrance of one of the rooms only for them to run into a problem.
"There are bars are blocking the way! I don't see a switch anywhere." Link exclaimed.
"What do we do now?" Fledge wondered.
"The map showed another room here. Maybe that'll lead us to the key," Karane brought up.
"But I don't see another entryway around here."
Pipit glanced around the surrounding water. He took notice of the small waterfall not too far from them. A dark shape under the waterfall caught his eye. Grasping the water dragon scale around his neck he gained a sudden idea.
"Maybe it's not above ground. Maybe it's underwater."
"You think so?" Link said.
"I see a dark shape under that waterfall over there. Maybe it's a passage to the other room.
"That would make sense. This place is just filled with gallons of water. Anything could be hiding under the surface."
"Let's swim over there to check it out."
The quartet jumped into the water surrounding the statue to swim over to the water. Like Pipit said there's a passage under the waterfall. However, the force of the water had prevented them from swimming through. They quickly spotted a weird switch that was similar to the ones they saw in the Lanayru Mining Facility. Standing on a giant lilypad, Link used the Whip to pull the switch down. Sure enough, the waterfall was turned off. Now that the path is accessible they could now swim through with no issues. They soon surface to the other room they had been seeking.
"Nice thinking, Pipit," Link praised. "Now we can hopefully find a way through."
The quartet started making its way to the other side. Halfway through, however, white, silk-like material shot down from above wrapping Link with it. Pipit pulled Link out of the way as a giant spider with a skull face pattern drops down hanging on a thread.
"T-t-t-t-t-that-that's a h-h-h-huge s-s-spider…" Karane squeaked as she was frozen in fear.
"What kind of spider is that?" Fledge shuddered.
"Skulltula." Link broke free of his confines. "I know how to handle this. Time for a little payback." Link used his Beetle to cut the giant spider from its thread. On the ground slice his sword causing the Skulltula to fly into the air and land on its back exposing a large purple orb. Link performed a fatal blow, killing instantly.
Karane's heavy breathing echoed through the walls. It was enough for Pipit to check on her.
"Are you okay, Karane?"
"I-I'm fine. Sorry for freezing up like that."
"Don't be. I know how much arachnophobia sucks. "
"Are you okay, Link?" Fledge asked his friend.
"I'm fine. I've dealt with a couple of those Skulltula back at Skyview."
"That's good to hear…wait, did you say a couple?"
The room they entered had several large stone platforms scattered around. A deep pool of water lay at the center. Several green Bokoblins greeted them by shooting arrows at them. Pipit got the idea to use Farore's Gale to teleport behind and take them out by surprise. Then with the use of Farore's Gale, and the Whip the quartet transverse their way to another bulb switch, which was guarded by several Deku Babas. Both Link and Pipit took them all down. Pipit was glad that he didn't get bitten by one this time around. Link used The Whip to pull on the bulb. This action resulted in a door opening on the bottom of the pool, creating a whirlpool.
"I'm guessing we have to jump in that?" Pipit guessed.
"Yep." Link confirmed.
All four jumped down into the pool. The whirlpool all pulled them down a pipe big enough to hold one person. The journey was long but they finally were pushed out of the pipe and into a pool only to be pushed by a current into a narrow path. A set of bars in the water blocked the way. This led the group to pile onto each other. After minutes of untangling each other, they pull themselves out of the water.
"Well, that was fun." Pipit said.
"If I have to go through any more whirlpools I'm just going to lose the entire contents in my stomach..." Fledge clenched his stomach.
Link paid no mind to the conversation as he inspected the room they had arrived at. It appeared to be an underground drainage system. Unlike the warm lighting that filled the Ancient Cistern, this area was dark with a malicious purple glow. Something about this place gave him the creeps.
"Where are we?" He heard Karane speak.
"I'm guessing this is the lower level Fi mentioned…"
"Are you okay?"
"Something about this place feels…unsettling."
"Then let's hurry and find a way out."
All four went through the door which revealed a long path with the water canal trailing on the side. They all trek through the underground passage. Each of the four could feel the haunting vibes that this area was giving them. A large gap in the wall with bars blocking them came up next to them. The quartet glanced down to see a dark underground cavern with jagged rocks, all of which had the same unsettling purple glow. Something quickly caught their eye as they gazed into a huge pit that contained piles of bones. Residing in the center of the bone pit was a familiar white treasure chest with the red gem. That meant only one thing.
"Could that be the key down there?" Pipit stated.
Link pulled out his map to confirm it. The lower level, not blank this time, showed them that they were right across from the treasure. "That's it, alright. Looks like we're on the right track."
"You mean we're going to have to go down in that scary-looking cavern?" Fledge shuddered as he spoke.
"We're gonna have to. As long as we stick together we'll get through it."
The quartet resumed their journey until they finally reached the end where they saw another pipe sucking in the water. The jump, getting sucked in immediately into the pipe. They were pushed over a waterfall, back into a new room but definitely back into the overworld of The Ancient Cistern. They looked over to a large stone platform where they saw a familiar set of bars. If they had to guess they were in the room that was intended to be their first choice to explore.
Through exploration, they found their next path leading to the upper levels in the Cistern. With Pipit's Farore's Gale skill they manage to get through the upper part with no issue. It leads them back to the main room of the Cistern where they stumble upon another of the weird branches, though this one is tilted upwards rather than horizontal. Link used the Whip to pull it down. Doing so causes the statue in the middle to go down. After it finally stopped they decided to go inside to investigate. When they got to the bottom floor they noticed it got noticeably darker. Link went over to the door which originally led to the room where he got the Whip. Instead, it took him and his friends to the same underground cavern they glanced through from the drain system. This place looked even more unsettling than the first time.
"This place is just…unpleasant." Link commented.
"Let's just get that darn key and get out of here!" Fledge urged.
"There's a slight problem." Karane had been looking over at the spare map.
"What?' Link said to her.
"The key is right under there." Karane showed the map to everyone. The pointer representing the group had it near the chest, which was now under the statue's feet.
"You're certain?"
"Master Karane is correct. I can detect an object under the statue's feet has the same materials previous special keys had," Fi told them. "I suggest you all search around this area for there may be a path that will lead you to another switch that will allow you to gain access to the key."
"What you're saying is that we're going to have to explore this creepy underground cavern?" Fledge clarified.
"That is correct, Master Fledge."
"I was afraid you would say that."
"It might not be that bad, Fledge. Maybe the worst we'll see is a Keese." Link tried to cheer his friend up.
"I'm not sure about that." Pipit shakily pointed to the direction opposite of them. "L-Look."
Creatures dug their way from below the dirt. They appeared to Bokoblins yet they were something else entirely. These Bokoblins looked very sickly. A large lump covered one of their eyes while the only exposed one had no color. Part of their ribcage was exposed. Their right arms were nothing but bone. Those Bokoblins were horrifying to look at.
"Fi. Can you tell us what's up with our good friends here?" Link requested.
"Those are Cursed Bokoblins. These horrifying Bokoblin reanimates after death. Analysis indicates it fears pure shiny items and will startle at the sight of a sacred shield. It is able to reanimate purely through its hatred of this world…and its attachment to outlandish underpants."
"Anyway, to take these guys out?"
"I can detect heartbeats within them. There's an 85% chance that a Fatal Blow to the chest may finish them off."
"You guys got all that?" All his friends nodded.
Compared to previous Bokoblins, these were…pretty easy to take down. Much like Fi said the Cursed Bokoblins did have an intense fear of their sacred shields. It only worked when they saw it so they all worked to take them out quickly. They were difficult to knock down since they were unbothered by the strikes from their weapons. Only when the Bokoblins were knocked on the ground did the humans have a chance to strike their chest. Karane and Fledge just simply struck them down, while Link and Pipit went the extra while performing Fatal Blows. One of the Cursed Bokoblins jumped on Link. For undead Bokoblin it had a surprisingly strong grip on him. Link managed to shake it off him and performed another Fatal Blow.
"Is that all of them?"
"Looks like it," Pipit answered.
"Good..."
As everyone sheathed their weapons Fledge caught sight of something on the ground. Scattered around the places where several of the Bokoblins were taken out were these small round purple rocks with cracks in the color of magenta. He knelt to pick one up until Link's hand suddenly grabbed his wrist.
"Don't touch that!"
"Why not? You never had a problem with me collecting stuff before."
"Nothing like that. That stuff was in the possession of those Bokoblins. They could've corrupted them for all we know. At least let me ask Fi…" Link glanced back at his sword after a moment. "What is that weird rock thing?"
"That is an Evil Crystal. It is a chunk of pure, crystallized monster malice. Often obtained from monsters who possess the power to curse. If it assures you, Master Link, in this form the crystal cannot harm anyone that touches it."
"Now that's settled, can I have my arm back now, please?" Fledge requested with maybe a small hint of sass. Link let out a quick apology as he released Fledge's wrist. The orange-clad student collects several of the Evil Crystals. "You know, these things do look pretty cool," Fledged commented as gazed at the final crystal before putting it in his pouch.
The group moved through the underground cavern. The more they explored the creepier it became. Fire Keese sleeping on the ceilings of the cave fellow away in packs as soon as the group set foot in their range. The walls of the tunnel were decorated with chains. Some of which had shackles. Some empty, some with bones of the unfortunate souls that got trapped in his Hylia-Forsaken place.
The end of the tunnel brought the group to another section of the caverns. A large pool of strange thick, black, and magenta tar-like substance lay in front of them. As they walked through the only path that allows them to safely cross they could see the true atrociousness materials seen in the pool, along with the many skulls that floated above.
"What exactly is this stuff?" Karane wondered.
"I don't know." Link turned to his sword. "Do you know what this stuff is, Fi?"
Fi didn't respond immediately, which was alarming because she is usually quick to respond. This stuff must be so unnatural if even she didn't answer. Moments of silence later, Fi exited out of the sword, floating alongside her masters as they continued to walk.
"I do not know if this is the exact name but the strange tar is something I believe is called Malice."
"Malice? Like the Evil Crystals?" Fledge questioned.
"Indeed, but unlike the crystals, Malice in this form is 100% fully unsafe to touch. Any contact a living will make with this form of Malice will have their body corrupted. It will either kill them or…do something worse. That is all I know."
"Well let's make sure not to touch that stuff then," Pipit declared.
Link didn't say anything as his mind was deep in thought as he took in the information from Fi. "There's no way this stuff can get out of this place, can it."
"My scans show that though this place had been breached before I detect no sign of malice around the entry points here. I believe Malice cannot escape from here," Fi told him.
"Good…Let's just hope it stays that way." Link couldn't imagine what would happen if even a fraction of this stuff makes it to the overworld of The Surface. It would certainly cause problems for everyone.
To their relief, the trek across the Malice pool came to an end. Fi went back into her sword before the quartet continued. What followed for the next several minutes involved jumping on stone pillars above a chasm, rotating platforms, then moving platforms moving in the opposite direction at very high speeds to which they had to find a switch to get to go in the correct direction. After trial and error, they made it to the other side of the chasm. A bright shine at the top of a small pile of bones. A thin white rope dangled from above.
"Think that's the way out?" Pipit questioned.
Link used her hand to block his eyes from the bright light as she gazed up. "I can see the main room of the chamber."
"Thank Hylia. Now we can get out of this creepy place!" Fledge said eagerly
While his friends gathered around the rope Link glanced around at the piles of bones below their feet. Most of them were Bokoblin bones. A bad feeling crept into his chest.
"You coming, Link?" Pipit spoke to him
"You guys can go first. I'll catch up."
"Okay." Pipit walked over to the rope. Then he noticed Karane on the side. "Uh…Ladies first."
"Oh, thank you Pipit."
Karane started climbing up the rope. Pipit soon to follow. Link waited for Fledge to climb as well. Instead, Fledge just only looks at the rope with an unsure look.
"What's wrong, Fledge. Aren't you eager to get out of here?"
"I am but…I just don't feel comfortable climbing on a really thin rope. It looks like it could break. And I'm not the best at climbing mostly because of my weak grip. What if I fall"
"I'm sure the rope can hold both of us. I'll be right behind you. We'll do this one baby step at a time."
"Really?"
"Really, really."
"Okay. That makes me feel better."
Fledge firmly grabbed onto the rope. Slowly he started climbing up. Link started climbing after him after he managed to climb several feet above the ground.
"Link, how I'm doing?"
"You're doing great, buddy! Just keep climbing, and don't look down!"
Fledge repeated his mantra as he continued to climb. It started annoying Link after a bit but he wouldn't dare say it out loud. As long as it helps Fledge, Link has to suck it up. The pair kept on climbing at a slower pace compared to Pipit & Karane, who had long since made it to the top. Fledge had to reach to grip the rope when he didn't hold tight enough which cause him to slide down on the rope. He did not fall off but his eyes now gazed to the ground below.
"Link! I'm looking down!" Fledge wrapped his arms tightly around the rope. "Oh Goddesses, I don't think I can do this!"
"You're already halfway there! Just keep climbing."
"I-I-I can't! So high up!" Fledge started hyperventilating.
"Fledge…! Fledge!" The orange-clad student glanced down at Link. "Stay calm. Can you take deep breaths?" Fledge gave himself to calm himself before taking several deep breaths. "You good? Okay. Listen to me." Fledge his full attention to his friend. "I need you to keep. I promise I won't let anything happen to you. Okay?"
Fledge gave a small nod. Several seconds of working up the courage Fledge resumed climbing. Link was about to start climbing when he heard shuffling below him. Cursed Bokoblins dug from below the bone piles and, much to Link's horror, started climbing on the rope.
"Oh, Dindammit!"
"Link? What's going on?" He heard Fledge's voice.
"Just climb as fast as you can! And for the love of the Goddesses: Don't. Look. Down!"
Fledge resumed climbing as fast as his arms will allow him. Link had managed to get several feet when he felt something tug his leg. A Cursed Bokoblin had a grip around his leg. How in Hylia's name did those things climb up so quickly Link had no clue. Link used his free leg to kick the undead Bokoblin off. Link almost caught up with Fledge. Despite the boy's efforts, and, Link could see him still struggling climbing. If there weren't undead Bokblins on their trail Link would let him take his time. Somehow Link needed to stall them to give Fledge time. Then he remembered the shield on his back. With one hand holding tightly on the rope, Link used his free one to pull out his Sacred Sheild. The Cursed Bokoblin cowered in fear, stopping itself from climbing. The ones behind it seem to not notice and attempted to climb over it until they cowered in fear of the shield. It came to a point where enough piled over each other they all fell off the rope. Taking this moment of peace Link glanced up and exhales a relieved breath one she saw Fledge made it to the top.
"Hey, Fi?"
"Yes, Master Link?"
"Remind me to thank Faron for these shields the next time we see her."
"Reminder noted."
With that done Link resumed climbing. He was greeted with the warm light of the Ancient Cistern. Waiting for him were all of his friends. Pipit reached an arm out to him.
"You okay Link? We saw the whole thing!" Karane said as Pipit pulled Link out.
"I am. Are you okay, Fledge?"
Fledge nodded his head. "I'm sorry I wasn't fast enough, Link."
"It's okay. We're all okay." Link took several deep breathes. "Any more of things climbing up?"
"They seem to go back under the bones. Safe to say that they gave up," Pipit stated.
"Good. You found the switch?"
"Sure did." Pipit pointed to the branch switch on the wall."
"And we also found this as well." Karane directed them to a stone slab similar to the one seen at the top of the statue.
Return the stone giant to its original form and descend below the earth again along the thread. There you will find the key to the path ahead.
"It was kinda obvious but nice to have confirmation." Link simply commented.
Pulling out The Whip, Link latches the end of it on the switch and tug at it. The statue's head slowly climbed out from below until it finally stopped.
"Okay, now I'll go back down and get the key." Link let out a tired breath.
"I think you should," Karane suggested.
"Hey, it's fine-"
"You've been doing most of the hard work. It won't hurt to take a little break. How about you let one of us get the key."
"Which one of you is willing to go down there then?"
"You can count me out! I'm not going back down there. Plus last time I retrieve one of those keys I was nearly flattened like a pancake," Fledge spoke up immediately.
"Noted, Fledge. Then that just leaves-"
"I'll go." Pipit's voice cut in. All eyes turn to him. "I can teleport so I have the best chance down there."
"Are you sure about this, Pipit?" Karane asks.
"I am. I'll try to be quick." Pipit made his way to the edge leading back down to the underground cavern.
"Wait!" Link stopped him in his tracks. "It'll be dangerous to go alone. You should take this."
Link reached for The Goddess Sword on his back to unsheathe it. He lifted it to Pipit.
"You're lending me your sword?"
"I would be more relaxed if Fi's with you, especially down there."
Pipit slowly reached for the sword. His grip wrapped around the handle of the blade. Link released the grip on his sword allowing Pipit to have it in his care. This was the first time Pipit could fully see the magnificence of the divine weapon.
"It's heavier than it looks. Uh, no offense to you Fi."
"None was taken, Master Pipit."
Pipit unsheathes his sword to hand it over to Link. The Goddess Sword managed to fit into his sword sheath. Pipit made his way down to the rope.o
"You two take care of each other," Link instructed Pipit.
"We will."
"Pipit?" The yellow-clad senior glanced over to Karane who had worried looks. "Be careful."
"I promise. You guys hang tight. I'll be back as soon as I can."
Pipit slid down on the white rope into the darkness below him. His friends watched until he was no longer in his sight.
"I hope he makes it back," Karane said.
"He will," Link affirmed.
Pipit landed back on the piles of bones back in the underground cavern. To his relief, the Cursed Bokoblins that chased Link and Fledge did not appear again.
"Time to make the long trek back."
"That will not be necessary, Master Pipit," Fi spoke to him. "I took the liberty to scan the area around us. Analysis shows that behind the walls lies a secret tunnel. There's a 93% chance that it may be a shortcut."
Pipit pulled out the spare map. The area with the key aligns with the room he currently lies in. He went over to the walls that lead to it. Several minutes of feeling the walls lead him to a section that felt hollower. If he had the Bomb Bag he could have a bomb flower to blow up the wall. But then he got another idea.
"Hey Fi, is it possible I could knock down this wall with my body?"
"My scans do show that the wall has a weak structure. With your weight and height, you should be able to slam into it enough times."
Pipit then gave a hard slam on the wall with the side of his body. A large crack emerges on the wall. That was enough to convince Pipit. He continued the process of slamming into the wall, cracking the bigger with each hit. The final led him to topple onto the ground as the wall finally broke down. Pipit laid on the ground in slight pain. It was short-lived as he realized he was in the tunnel.
"We found it. Ha yes! You're great Fi!"
"Now that we found the shortcut let's proceed to the key and meet back with the others."
Pipit walked through the dark tunnel. It was strangely peacefully quiet in the tunnel. The silence was still uneasy for him to deal with. So Pipit decided to talk to Fi. Something he had been wondering for a while.
"Hey, Fi. Can you come out of the sword?"
Fi's signature chime echoed the air as hovered next to Pipit. "What is it you need, Master Pipit?"
"I just wanted to ask you a random question."
"About what?"
"Were you…always a sword spirit? Like were you something else, like a human?"
Fi can only give a blank look at the senior knight before looking away. Several minutes of awkward silence lingered between the spirit and the human. Pipit seems to conclude that Fi did not intend to answer.
"If you can't answer then forget I even asked-"
"I was human," Fi answered abruptly.
"Oh?"
"I believe I was. My memory of the day Her Grace, Hylia, created me and every day afterward is clear. Everything before I can only see pieces of it."
"What do you remember?"
"I remember a human woman that somewhat resembles me as an impressive warrior. Others I see me next to Her Grace. Then I see a brief image of me badly wounded. I believe that Hylia turned me into a sword spirit to aid Master Link because of my capability as a warrior and to probably save my life, but that is all I can remember. Why did you wish to know who I was before, Master Pipit?"
"I was simply curious. You know a lot of things, and you know a lot of us in the time we've been together but we don't know a lot about you."
"I see…I apologize if you were expecting more."
"It's fine. I just wanted to know a bit about you."
"Technically speaking…you did succeed in that, even if I failed to provide proper information."
Pipit glanced at the spirit as she said that. For the faintest moment, he thought he saw a small smile on his lips.
The pair arrived at the end of the tunnel minutes later. From their vantage point, they could see the white chest no longer covered by the feet of the statue. Fi suggested for Pipit to hurry to collect the key but to be cautious before she went back to the sword. Pipit leaped to the ground below. The white chest resided in the middle of a large pit of even more bones inviting him to open it. Pipit was no fool. The last time he saw a white chest looking easy pickings Fledge almost got crushed by that large boulder in the Earth Temple. Pipit walked cautiously to the chest, the crunching sound of the bones echoed off each step he took. He opened the chest pulling some sort of idol carved out of wood. The shape of the idol reminds him of the statue above.
But before he could admire it anymore, the small platform the white chest elevated up. All of a sudden many Cursed Bokoblins dug up from below. Even better, the statue's feet started to descend to where he was.
"Master Pipit. It would seem that collecting the idol triggered the statute and awakened the Cursed Bokoblins. I analyze that you have about thirty seconds to get out of the pit before we are crushed."
"Shit!"
Pipit glanced around at the scene to see the Bokoblins stalking him. He could make a run for it but it would be risky considering the Bokoblins could grab him just that one did to Link earlier. The senior knight took a glance at the symbol of Farore on his chest as a sudden idea came to his head. He waited until the Bokoblins got close enough to him. When the statue was only fifty above, Pipit decided to do it. He disappeared in the green flash. Seconds later he reappeared close to the ledge. He tossed the idol over before starting climbing the ledge. The senior knight decided to look up once he managed to get to the top. The statute was less than ten feet away from crushing him. Pipit quickly rolled away, grabbing the idol as he did. A Cursed Bokoblin that he did not notice had followed him. It had only got its head over the ledge by the time the statue finally reached the ground, crushing its body.
Pipit laid flat on his back, breathing heavily as he comprehend what had happened moments ago. He looked over to the idol in his to make sure he still had it. A breath of relief escaped his lips, only to be replaced with a small shriek as he saw a Cursed Bokoblin looking at him from the side. Pipit realized it was only the severed head of the undead Bokoblin. The statue must've cut off its head as it fell.
"Ugh, creepy things." Pipit used his foot to shove the severed head away. He stood to his feet, dusting himself off with his free hand. He glanced at the door leading inside of the statue that had almost crushed him minutes ago.
Pipit walked into the statue. Relieved to be finally out of that place. He used the water geysers to get up the platforms rather than teleport, mostly because he wanted to relax a bit. He reached the door leading to the main chamber. His friends were still standing where he left them out. Pipit yelled out to them, waving them down to let them know that he was back. They jumped into the water and swam to where he was.
"Thank Goddess you came back!" Fledge said to him.
"We saw that statue moving all of sudden and we got worried," Karane followed.
"I'm okay guys, and I got the key." Pipit showed them the idol.
"Good you got that and come back safely," Link said. "Did anything happened down there?"
"Not really. It was…relatively peaceful."
"If you say so."
"Now that we got the key we get to those flames!"
"Can I have my sword back before we go?"
"Oh right! Sorry." Pipit unsheathed The Goddess and Link did the same with the sword Pipit had and they both exchanged their weapons. "Fi was good company to have, and helped me out a bit."
"I made a good call then."
With the quartet reunited, they made their way to the top of the statue, this time with the proper key. They placed the key in the hole which showed a flower pattern. The ceiling opened up revealing four bulb switches on the top. After Link used The Whip to pull on the bulbs the statue head ascended to the ceiling of the main chamber. A set of stairs lay in front of the group. At that moment, Pipit clenched his head as he felt the flames' strong aura.
"We're close. Very close."
They all quickly made their way up the stairs. They found themselves in a dark room where a large gold statue with a human head and a red orb on the chest lay at the center surrounded by smaller statues. Metal bars encase the door behind them, trapping the group inside. Pipit let out a groan as he rubbed his head. The flame was definitely on the other side of this room. As his friends tried to comfort them a familiar dark chuckle filled the air.
"Aw, does someone have a headache? I certainly hope this is too much for a big boy like you." Ghirahim was seen casually sitting on top of the statue in the middle of the room. "I must admit you all are certainly persistent..."
"You again?!" Link yelled out irritably as he and his friends all tensed.
"What are you doing here?" Pipit commanded.
Ghirahim rolled his eyes. "I'm not in the right mood to deal with you all today. I'm terribly busy trying to find the clues that will help me revive my master."
"He's just sitting on top of the statue…How is that busy?" Fledge mumbled.
"Your incessant buzzing around my head like some irksome gadfly when I'm THIS busy is…Well, it's making me feel disagreeable."
"Like he ever was agreeable before," Karane mumbled as well.
"But don't worry. I would like to introduce you all to another dear friend of mine. Hopefully, he'll set you all straight unlike poor Scaldera. Ta-ta sky children."
Ghirahim disappeared with the snap of his fingers.
The dark room suddenly lit up. The red orb in the middle of the chest starts moving, pulsing like a heartbeat. The small statues floated to the main one. They took the form of six arms. A weird purple substance filled the statue, connecting the arms to the main statue, turning it into some sort of machine. The arms folded in front of it before they flexed out, with two hands holding throwing axes. It stretches its arms while using the other two to cover the red orb, as its soulless eyes look down at the four knight students. It then uses its hands to slam down but the quartet moves out of the way in time. The giant machine threw the axes towards the group. They took shelter behind the large pillars.
"Mind telling us about this guy, Fi?" Link requested urgently.
"This is Koloktos. This 'Ancient Automation' defends the Ancient Cistern and eliminates intruders. The cursed energy supply Ghirahim provided to this contraption has given it power far beyond its conventional limits. The red-orb shape cores embedded in its torso and arms provided it limited stability and prevented it from falling to pieces."
"Ok, so that red orb on its chest is definitely a weak spot. We just need to hit it enough times."
"Easier said than done especially with six arms guarding it," Karane brought up.
"We just need to get them out of the way...somehow."
"How do you propose that?"
"I think I may know something but it sounds unlikely…" Fledge spoke.
"Any suggestions are welcome right now, Fledge. What do you know?" Link said to him.
"When-When that thing tried to slam us with his arm I saw this red orb where its elbow would be. It had these rings that reminded me of those bulb switches. Maybe we can prompt Koloktos to hit us and use The Whip to pull out its arms."
Pipit suddenly reached into Link's pouch to pull out The Whip before anyone else could say anything else. This certainly caught Link off guard. His bewilderment quickly turn to horror once he saw walking out of the safety of the pillar and into Koloktos' view.
"Pipit! What are you doing?"
"Stay there until I say so." Pipit ran towards the ancient automation, yelling and waving it down to get its attention. "Hey you big rust bucket, over here!" Koloktos slowly turned its head in his direction. "Come on! Try to hit me!"
Koloktos slowly raised one of its arms to slam down at the boy below him. Pipit shows no sign of moving. Then the moment Koloktos arm almost made contact, Pipit warped away in a flash green. This led to the giant mechanical being lodging its arm on the ground. Pipit reappeared right next to the arm. He flung the end of The Whip on the exposed rings on its arm. He successfully pulled out the arm with one hard tug. The rest of the knight students watch as they realize that Pipit was using his ability to trick Koloktos to slam its arms down.
Pipit repeated the process as Kolktos slammed its other arm down only for Pipit to teleport of the way and used The Whip to pull off its arm. The final two free arms covering the red orb were all that's left. Koloktos slammed both of them down at the same time. Pipit quickly used The Whip to pull them both off. Koloktos stood in a daze as its final arms were focused on holding the throwing axes. The red orb on its chest was exposed. Pipit knew it was now or never.
"Link, now! Strike at that orb before it recovers!"
The green-clad hero dash over to the automation. Link sliced at the orb on its chest many times until an unseen force pushed him back. The fallen arms of Koloktos floated back near it, reconnecting back onto the ancient automation. Pipit saw that Koloktos attempting to swipe at Link with the axes in its hands and wrapped both him and himself out of the way. They reappeared right next to an unsettled Karane and Fledge.
"Are you two okay?" Fledge asked.
"We are," Link answered.
"Pipit, are you mad?!" Karane shouted to him frantically. "It could've crushed you!"
"It worked, didn't it?"
"I hate to admit it but he's right. Pipit, keep on doing what you were doing."
"You can count on me, Link."
Pipit noticed the reluctant look in Karane's eyes. She looked as if she didn't want Pipit to go out there. Pipit lifts her chin with his fingers to move her eye level to his. His green eyes look warmly into hers.
"I'll be fine, Karane."
"Just...Just don't yourself killed."
"I'll do my best. Stay out of its sight."
Pipit warped back in Koloktos's view. He decided to continue to have a little bit of fun messing with it.
"Is that the best you can do? I've seen Remlits have better accuracy when it comes to hitting stuff! And I thought you were the protector of The Ancient Cistern!"
Koloktos could only respond by striking him, thus repeating the process of that and Pipit teleporting and pulling its arms out. Then finally with its two arms remaining Pipit once again yelled for Link to strike the orb. Link did so until the same unseen force pushed him back. Koloktos' axes disappeared as he resembled his arms. Koloktos used its newly regained arms to push itself from its confinements on the ground, revealing its legs. Gold bars blocked the red orb on its chest as all six of its arms went to its back.
"That doesn't look good…" Karane muttered as she and Fledge remained their spot.
That exact moment, Koloktos pulled his arms back out revealing all six of his hands being armed with huge curved swords.
"DEFINITELY NOT GOOD!" Fledge exclaimed.
Link and Pipit stood still where they were as they watch in astonishment of Koloktos' new form. The ancient automation stared down at the intruders of its chambers. It then used all three of its arms to slice down the pair but they both managed to move out of the way.
"Any bright ideas?" Pipit said to Link.
Link examined Koloktos' new form, specifically the sword. Something was telling him that he had to get those swords away from the machine. And Koloktos seems to continue to use the same strategy of slamming down on its targets.
"Keep on doing what you were doing," Link instructed Pipit.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. I think I may have an idea. Just make sure it slams its arms on the ground."
Pipit, despite not fully understanding what Link had in mind, did what he instructed. Koloktos got his three arms unlodged from the ground. Pipit of course continues to taunt Koloktos.
"Please! You didn't get close enough that time! Why even Cawlin is a better sword fighter than you!"
The automation slams its arms again. Pipit used the whip to pull all three of its arms out. This of course left the giant swords it was holding. Link gestured to Pipit lure Koloktos away in front of the swords. Once Pipit succeeded in that Link moved close to the sword.
"Do you think we could use this sword against Koloktos, Fi?"
"Although it is quite heavy, you should all be able to wield it, Master."
"Then I know what to do next. Karane, Fledge! Get over here!"
"What do you need," Karane ask as he and Fledge went over to Link.
"I need one of you to lift one of the swords to knock out Koloktos's legs. Then I'll strike those bars. Think you can do that?"
"Of course, Link," Fledge answered.
Link went over to one of the swords to lift it. Fledge attempted to do the same but his lack of strength caused him to struggle to get it up. Karane went over to help lift it up.
"Cut down Koloktos' legs while its back was turned!" Link commanded to the pair.
With the sword in both of their hands, Karane and Fledge dashed over to Koloktos and swipe at its legs. Koloktos fell on the ground unable to move, given the opportunity to swipe at the bars covering the damaged orb. Link managed to get a few cracks on the bars before Koloktos repaired its limbs, and regained its swords. Koloktos then wailed its swords around making it impossible to approach.
"Everyone, get to cover!" Link yelled to his friends.
All four friends hide in different areas of the chamber as Koloktos continue to swipe in its blind fury before eventually calming down. Koloktos searched around the room for the intruders. As it got close to Karane & Fledge's hiding spot Pipit ran towards it.
"You call that sword fighting! That's the sloppiest swordplay I've ever seen!" Pipit yelled out.
Link swore that Koloktos slammed down his swords even harder than before. After Pipit got the arms off, Link signaled Karane and Fledge to the swords as Pipit lured Koloktos away. They repeated the process of the pair cutting down the legs and Link slicing on the bars until they fully broke. Link did not get the chance to slice at the orb only for Koloktos to repair itself. It started wailing its swords around again, leaving everyone to take cover until it calmed down. Pipit managed to get Koloktos only two of the three arms off this time. It then did something unexpected. Koloktos summoned several Cursed Bokolblins right around Link's direction. There was a lot for Link to deal with. Pipit can't go to help him due to Koloktos blocking the way. This just left the other two humans in the room.
"Fledge, go help Link! I got the sword," Karane instructed Fledge.
The orange student went over to his friend while Karane went over to the sword. It was heavier to lift up without Fledge's assistance but she managed. Pipit was busy keeping Kolkotos occupied as she approached the automation's legs. She lifted the sword to prepare to strike.
But then…something unexpected happened.
The remaining arm on Koloktos one side dropped its sword. It turned its body as its metal hand backhanded into Karane causing her to fly onto a nearby pillar. Pipit screamed for her name as he watched her still body lean against the pillar. Koloktos used this opportunity to strike its swords against the pillar near him. The debris fell onto the boy and seemingly buried him. Koloktos then regained his two arms & swords. Link and Fledge watch in horror as they watch Koloktos wipe the floor with the pair of senior knights. They tried to run over to help Karane but Koloktos summoned even more Cursed Bokoblins to prevent them from doing so. With the two occupied and the yellow-clad senior knight nowhere in sight, Koloktos sets its sights on the dazed woman.
Karane slipped out her brief moments of unconsciousness. Her body felt sore all over. Her body is tense with fear as she saw Koloktos towering over her all six of its swords high above. There was no way of this. She was going to die here. Cut down by some ancient mechanical being. She'll never go back to Skyloft, help Zelda, spend time with her friends, talk to her guardian Owlan. She never got to tell Pipit…Karane closed her eyes, prayed to all the Goddesses that it will end quickly and painlessly.
Unbeknownst to her, Pipit managed to avoid the debris. Aside from some scrapes, he was relatively unscathed. He climbed over the remains of the pillar. He saw Link & Fledge cutting down Cursed Bokoblins. Then he saw something that caused him to let out a horror-filled gasp. Koloktos had cornered Karane. There was no escape for her. It lifted its swords to strike her down. Something in him commanded him to protect her. He didn't know how but he had to! Pipit already lost his father, but he would rather die than lose another person he cares about! He ran over until he was close enough to warp between Koloktos and Karane.
"NO!" Was the last thing he shouted as he appeared arms outward as Koloktos slammed their sword down.
Farore's symbol on his chest then brightly lit up. A strong gust of wind blew against the ancient automation. The wind had prevented it from slamming its swords down. Link & Fledge gaped at the sight. Karane opened her eyes to be greeted at the sight of wind coming out from Pipit's own hands. The wind was powerful enough to push Koloktos several feet away, and blow all of the swords out of its hands. The ancient automation gaze at the boy as if it was stunned at the sudden action.
The finally died down once Pipit commanded it swiftly. The yellow-clad knight looked down upon his hands in pure shock at what he had just done. His mind raced as he was trying to figure out what the hell he had just done.
"What-How did I-?"
"Be at ease, Pipit Erhard." A familiar voice echoed in his head which calmed him down.
"Farore!"
"Do you remember when I said that Farore's Gale has other surprises? I think you now know what it is now. I knew you could do it."
Pipit closed his eyes as he took a deep breath as he took in this new information. Much like what happened when he gain the first part of Farore's Gale, knowledge of how to use this ability sprang in his head as if it had always been there.
"Now why not you give our mechanical friend here the same courtesy it gave to your dear friends."
A new sense of determination filled Pipit. A glare glued onto where Koloktos stood felt the same type of anger he gave to his dark counterpart in his trial when he mocked his father. Parts of its gold exterior were blown off exposing the purple substance within but Koloksto still stood strong. Not for much longer as Pipit told himself.
"I was just being nice earlier, but after what you just tried to do to my friend, now you've pissed me off!"
Koloktos, unfazed by Pipit's words, attempted to slam its arm down. Pipit threw a punch in the air where a strong gust of wind blew the metal arm off. One by one Pipit used his power gusts to blow off each of the arms until the only limbs remaining were its legs. Pipit and Koloktos stared each other down for a brief minute before Pipit use his arm to make a slash motion. A horizontal movement of air slices Koloktos legs clean off as efficiently as a sword. Koloktos main body landed on the ground immobile to move.
"LINK!" Pipit yelled over to his brother. "FINISH IT!"
The Hero dashed to Koloktos red orb. Link sliced it down until the orb was fully obliterated. Koloktos then started short-circuiting while letting out a creepy child-like laugher, that creeped the quartet out, as the purple substance that controlled Koloktos oozed out until it exploded with only the gold husk left behind. The metal head of Koloktos rolled over to Pipit. The chamber lit up in a warm light. A door with Farore's symbol glowed at the end of it. Pipit fell to his knees, palms of his laid flat on the floor as he let out labored breaths. The adrenaline that fuel him in taking out Koloktos had drained out and now filled with exhaustion.
"Congratulations, Pipit." Farore's voice echoed in his head. "You have awakened the full potential of Farore's Gale. The power of the wind is now yours to command. I will warn you not to use this part of my essence so hastily for it requires great strength. I trust you know what to do from this point."
"I do…"
"Good luck on this journey, Pipit Erhard. Me and my sisters will be watching you and your friends."
Farore's voice faded away as Pipit remained on the ground. Footsteps echoed from behind him until he felt someone crouch next to him. Turning his head he was met with Karane as his level. Her blue eyes filled with concern.
"Are you okay, Pipit?"
"I should be asking you that. You got backhanded by that thing."
"Nothing that a red potion couldn't fix. I'll be fine…Thank you for saving my life."
"You're welcome."
Karane lowered her. "I guess that's two I owe you now." She felt Pipit's hand on her cheek. His beautiful green eyes looked so warmly at her.
"You don't owe me anything. I'm happy as long as you're okay."
Link watched the pair from a distance. Their faces were close enough to probably kiss. Maybe, Link thought, Pipit would finally confess his feelings for Karane. Maybe they will finally-"
"Pipit! Karane!" Fledge's voice across the chamber as he ran to the pair.
"Dindammit!" Link thought to himself. "So close!"
Of course, Link shouldn't be mad at Fledge since he probably had no clue. Still, it was disappointing. Oh well, maybe next time. Link made his way to his friends. Fledge is currently bombarding Pipit over his newfound ability.
"That was so…wicked! How did you do that?!"
"Farore told me that I awakened Farore's Gale's full potential. I saw Karane in trouble so went to protect her and it just…happened."
"Wow…that's amazing! So you can like…airbend now?"
"If you want to put it that way then yeah, I can." Pipit glanced up to see Link. "Hey, Link."
"Hey. How are you doing?"
"Put it mildly…I think I could use a nap." Pipit deadpanned.
Link let out a chuckle. "A nap does sound nice."
"But first, we need to get you those flames." Pipit pointed to the door with Farore's symbol.
They group transverse through the chamber cluttered with metal. The room on the other side of the door was small with an altar at the end with the familiar crest of the goddess. Above the altarpiece is an even larger symbol of Farore. Link used his Skyward Strike to hit the crest of the goddess.
The symbol on the wall let out a glow, as did the one on Pipit's uniform. The darkroom was suddenly brightened up as large green flames emerged from the altar. It was so bright that the group had to shield their eyes before their vision got accustomed to them. Link raised his sword waiting to see if the flames would do something. Fi instead exited out of the sword in front of the altar. Raising her shawl arms, the flames engulfed her into a large ball of green fire. The ball flew up to the ceiling, then to the wall, and finally right in front of Link. Fi stood in the middle of these flames.
"Raise your sword, Master Link."
Link did what the spirit told him and raised his sword. Fi pushed all the flames into the divine weapon. The force was so strong it almost knocked Link back, with Pipit preventing his fall. Link used his other hand to brace the sword. The last of the flames went into the blade. Link raises the sword skyward as the flames settle in. The sword let out a bright glow. The ricasso of the sword expanded, and the blade was even longer.
"The flames of Farore have improved your sword, making it longer and sharp enough to do twice as much damage," Fi said to him.
Link examined the sword, taking note of the changes. His friends did the same. They all succeed in finding Farore's Flame.
"Wow..." Pipit commented with admiration.
Link swung the sword to get adjusted to the improvements. Just as he sheathed the sword his right hand started tingling. Link and his friends watch as an image of the strange triangle symbol they saw at the Temple of Time glowed on the back of Link's hand. The borrow right of the triangle glowed brightly before it vanished.
"What was that?" Pipit wondered.
"I…I don't know," Link simply answered.
None of them had the chance to speculate further as Fi hovered close. "The sacred flame has purified your blade, enhancing and evolving it. With your sword now enhanced, you are ready to learn a new melody. We should return to the Isle of Songs."
Fi retreated into the sword. With the task now complete the quartet proceeded to exit The Ancient Cistern.
****
They had run into Faron again when they exited the Cistern. The dragon took note of the changes of Link's sword, and Pipit's fully awaken power. Though She was impressed by these changes, she reminded Link that he had yet gained the strength to handle the full power of the sword. Faron firmly told him that he must train himself further and devote wholly to the task at hand.
After Faron left, the quarter returned to the sky. It was almost sunset. That left enough time for them to fly into the Thunderhead to go to the Isle of Songs. They entered the chamber where the goddess crest lay. Link activated it using the Skyward Strike.
A small statue resembling The Goddess State came down from below, this time with the symbol of Nayru. Much like with the previous statue it sang a beautiful melody. Fi once against hovered in front of the statue with a ray of light appearing.
"Master Link, I have important information. When you struck the crest with a Skyward Strike from your sword, a message from the goddess awakened deep within my memory. The goddess intended this message for you, Master. These are her words."
"He who seeks the sacred flames, listen well, for I guide from my palace at the edge of time. Two sacred flames remain. Should you desire to possess them, you must obtain the other sacred gifts. For each trial you overcome, you shall be blessed with another gift. Harness the power of these gifts, and let there be no doubt you shall find yourself standing before the majesty of the sacred flames. Now, I give you another melody. It will serve as a key to unlocking your next trait, which awaits you within the shifting sand of Lanayru Desert."
Link readied himself with the harp as Fi put herself in an elegant pose. Music echoed through the room. Link started playing to the rhythm of the music as Fi started flying around the room, dancing and singing in the same manner as before only this time a blue mist emitted from her.
"Sail the sandy dune
Find the flame of blue…
And so as you pray
Go forth, wisdom guides the way."
Fi flew high in the room as Link continue playing. The area change with him standing in the clouds with his Loftwing flying around, but accompanied by a sky-blue Loftwing instead. He swore that the bluebird had pigtails. He did not get a good enough look as the bird flew away.
"Sail the sandy dune
Find the flame of blue…
And so as you pray
Go forth, wisdom guides the way."
The area went back to normal as Link gazed at the harp.
"The song you just heard is called Nayru's Wisdom," Fi informed Link. "Use this song of knowledge to find the next trial. I have memorized Nayru's Wisdom for you. You can now use dowsing to locate the gate to the next trial. You should set a course to Lanayru Desert as soon as possible."
"Will do." Link told the spirit before took went back to his sword. He turns to his friends. "Let's get back to Skyloft.
His friends made their way out of the chamber. Everyone that is for Karane, who stood into space as if her mind was elsewhere. Pipit quickly noticed her.
"Karane?"
"Huh, what?" Karane snapped out of whatever she was thinking about."
"We're heading back to Skyloft."
"Oh, sorry! I was thinking about something." Karane rushed her way out of the chamber.
Pipit watched the girl with curiosity. The way she acted was just how he was after he heard Farore's Courage. Link seems to have the same idea.
"I acted that way after I heard Farore's Courage. Right before I…Do you think she's…?"
"I don't know…" Link told him. "We'll worry about it tomorrow."
If their theory is correct then they'll find out once they go to Lanayru tomorrow. For now, they decided to return to Skyloft for some deserved rest.
Amy woke up in a cold sweat, Kamilah's pained face etched in her mind.
"What was that?" she thought, trying to catch her breath.
The door opened slowly, quietly. Kamilah crept in gracefully. "Oh," she said surprised. "You're awake."
Amy looked at her, still disoriented.
"Well," said Kamilah. "We're ready to go back to the penthouse...are you okay?"
Kamilah looked at her with concern, noticing the perspiration on her forehead, the distant look to her eyes. Amy was quiet for a moment, just staring at Kamilah.
"Fine," she finally breathed. She stood, following Kamilah out of the room, trying to wrap her head around what she had just seen. It seemed so...real.
"Hey Ames!" shouted Lily, rushing towards her. She plowed into her, knocking both of them to the floor.
Kamilah moved to grab Lily, suddenly realizing it was innocent. She backed up slightly, keeping a close eye.
"Sorry," Lily said giggling. "Still trying to get used to my new body. I'm like, superhuman."
Amy chuckled. "No worries Lil," she said. "I'm just glad to see you, okay. If you hadn't made it..."
Amy began to tear up. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
"Girl," said Lily, fanning at her eyes. "You're gonna make me cry."
"I love you Lil," she said squeezing her.
"I love you too," replied Lily.
Kamilah cleared her throat. "Shall we?"
The three left Raines Corp, headed to Kamilah's penthouse.
---
"Oof!" Lily landed on the floor of the boxing ring, the wind knocked out of her as Kamilah stood over her.
"Again," said Kamilah, stepping back.
"Aw c'mon," said Lily. "I'm tired."
Kamilah rolled her eyes. "Ferals will not let you take a breather," she said, rushing at Lily.
Lily reacted in time, flipping Kamilah over her back. "Good," Kamilah said in mid-air. She shifted, using Lily's body weight and her momentum to turn her and slam her to the ground.
"Oh come on!" shouted Lily. "I did what you showed me!"
"Rule number one," said Kamilah with a smirk. "Expect the unexpected."
Lily kicked herself up off the floor, grumbling. "I'm going to go kick some zombie ass, at least I can control that."
Kamilah chuckled. "5 am tomorrow!"
"Yea, yea," Lily waved her off.
Kamilah grabbed a towel, wiping the sweat from her brow. She sat down, thinking over the last few days. Lily had been progressing well, she had a few growing pains early on but she'd been making leaps and bounds lately.
Her mind shifted to Amy. They hadn't been around each other as much, and she found herself missing the human. When they were together, though, things felt...different. There was this tension between them.
Amy was more withdrawn since they'd turned Lily. Every now and then Kamilah would look up to catch Amy staring at her, a strange look in her eyes. Almost haunted.
It made her uneasy. She knew these things had their toll, and Amy had already been struggling. Maybe she should check on her.
Kamilah went to Amy's room, but she wasn't home. She was turning to leave when she saw the journal. She moved closer, opening the book.
*After Lily, it's hard not to feel like a liability. I don't want to put people at risk, not for me. I'm not worth people's lives.*
Kamilah frowned, turning the page. She gasped when she saw a drawing. It was rough, but she'd recognize his features anywhere.
"Gaius."
How had Amy seen him, how did she know what he looked like?
She stared at his face, an icy feeling settling in her veins. She heard the door open, Amy coming home. She quickly shut the journal and walked out to the living room.
"Welcome home," she said with a smile.
Amy looked at her, eyes wide. "Oh," she said. "Hello."
Kamilah watched as she took off her coat and kicked off her shoes.
"Would you like a glass of wine?" she asked her, noting her frazzled demeanor.
"Sure," said Amy, smiling slightly. "That sounds nice."
Kamilah poured them both a glass and joined her on the couch.
"How was your day?" she asked Amy.
"Long," said Amy, the exhaustion in her voice evident.
"Tell me about it?" she asked her, gently.
Amy looked at Kamilah, surprised that she'd taken an interest.
"Okay," she nodded. She began detailing her day, the ups and downs, Kamilah hanging on her every word.
"I'm sorry today was hard," said Kamilah, touching her arm with her hand. "I know things have been difficult lately, and I certainly haven't helped things. I'm sorry."
Amy looked at Kamilah gently, remembering her alone in that dark room. "It's okay," said Amy. "I'm sorry I've been difficult. I wasn't fair to you."
Kamilah looked into the girl's eyes, the dark expression there. "Amy," she said slowly. "Is there anything you'd like to talk about? You seem like you're struggling, and I'd like to be there for you."
Amy looked at her hands, quiet. Finally she met Kamilah's eyes.
"I'd rather not talk," she said so softly Kamilah thought she misheard her. But Amy was moving closer to her, her eyes dark and blazing with desire.
"Are you--" Kamilah tried to ask if she was sure, but Amy interrupted, her lips crashing against the vampire's.
Kamilah was reminded of that vulnerability she felt when she heard Amy playing, the emotions flapping in her chest like a caged bird. She shifted Amy, dropping her softly to the couch below her and regaining the control she desperately needed.
Kamilah kissed down Amy's neck, her hands exploring her body. Amy moaned beneath her, writhing, an urgency to her movements.
Kamilah took her hands and held them above her head, forcing Amy to look at her, eyes wide.
"I require control in all things," she said coolly, repeating the words she'd said many times before. "That includes the bedroom. Will you relinquish control?"
Amy nodded, swallowing hard.
"Good," said Kamilah. "You will do as I say. We can stop at any time, you just have to ask. I want you to enjoy yourself."
Amy grunted in assent, and Kamilah returned to her, their bodies hot against each other.
Kamilah moved lower. "Spread your legs," she said. Amy complied.
"Good girl," she said with a smile. Amy's heart dropped, her eyes fixed on Kamilah's impeccably white teeth.
learning to be silent (multi) — chapter seven - Roza
[ summary ] : the rostelecom short program begins and ends with tears, a victory and lots of cheek kisses.
[ author's note ] : here we are!! hope you all enjoy and I love the comments and messages, leave them always xx - lily.
AO3 / My Tumblr / (*˘︶˘*).｡*♡
— *.✧
"The pressure is on you to win, to beat Katya on her own turf."
"I know."
Alaska's smile faded as she and Sharon spoke up against the locker room of the Megasport Palace arena. It wasn't even the fact that Katya was in her homeground that stressed Sharon, it definitely wasn't the 13,000 expected to attend another sold out Grand Prix short program. All those factors only played into it, it was that Alaska had officially announced her retirement— after the Olympics it be over with whether she qualified or not.
"You have a silver medal from Skate Canada, you already have a good and secure foundation with the amount of points needed to possibly qualify. I believe in you, don't stress yourself out."
The media attention was horrific, Alaska truthfully had begun to understand what the actual Russian team must've went through just with nationals: let alone a big Grand Prix event in their own home country. Katya seemed utterly unphased by her competition and the idea of having to explain her recent tantrums that promoted her to quit and move to Michigan with Chad. The thing that made it worse was being in a country which didn't allow even the slightest affection between herself and Sharon.
A hug was about all that would suffice unless they were in their hotel room and not being stalked, if they were completely and utterly alone.
Sharon crept behind her to go and talk to Detox who was a bit more focused and well rested compared to yesterday that consisted of crying, riding the metro, showering and eating Russian chocolate until midnight. The blonde tapping on the American's shoulder as she lowered her headphone volume and unzipped her Team USA jacket, prepared for the short program.
"Look at you all nervous and ready."
The voice dimly spoke above the chit chat coming from the early birds already here even before warmups and announcements took place. Alaska nervously turned before seeing Katya wave and sit down beside her. The blonde wore her Russian jacket over the top of her completely stoned white to black ombre costume.
"I am definitely ready, nervous? Not really."
Jesus I'm really that obvious with it?
"Listen, I didn't come to distract you or whatever your coach likes to think— I just wanted to say that I heard about your retirement." The tone in her voice changing to a solemn one. "I will really miss skating with you, you are always a joy to have and I'm happy to be with Chad, she is wonderful, so please if you ever want to visit my hometown or if I can ever come to Los Angeles." Katya grabbed her hands as they interlocked fingers, a small smile pursed across her lips. "I will happily come and eat all your awful junk food!"
Alaska cackled before letting go of her hand and burying her face in her the crook of her neck as she breathed, wanting to reply before Sharon would scooch her away. "You can absolutely stay with me anytime you like, I wish you luck, you'll need it whore."
"Bitch!" She whispered teasingly before the two exchanged high-fives and wished each other the best of luck as Sharon stepped over and gestured Alaska over, a slightly twisted expression across her face. Katya flashed a smirk at Sharon, waving at her old competition before blowing a kiss at Alaska and disappearing to not make Sharon even more tense.
The blonde quickly laced up her skates before skipping over to Detox and Sharon who stood.
"Girls, I love you both so much, we're all close but you're my skaters right now so I'm sorry in advance if I'm harsh or give you a resting bitch face because I am telling you right here and right now, you two make me the most nervous. You're so talented and prepared, I have no doubts in both of you getting on that podium."
The three hugged it out before Sharon grabbed Alaska's wrist and told her to stay back as Detox gasped and yelped running over to their fellow Americans sisters who came to support them + Kameron who would also be competing against them.
"I love you, don't get in your head." She whispered in her ear as Alaska nodded before the two hugged, Sharon kissing her cheek before letting her go off knowing seeing her friends and teammates might cool her down a bit before the tense atmosphere would kick her right in the ass.
"Love you."
The training, retirement, the pressure: it was all beginning to culminate and mix into a recipe for disaster for Alaska who needed to focus on her skating and the Grand Prix and definitely not on her own emotions at the moment.
"Oh you bitch I'm so proud of you! Gold medal! Just one more and you'll join Sasha." Shea's voice spoke as her and Detox embraced, the older skater rolling her eyes as her doubt of beating Katya for the second Grand Prix final spot only thickened. Alaska interjected before Shea gasped and quickly jumped over to hug her other American teammate, the girls feeling the love and support they needed.
"Speaking of Sasha, is she gonna be here? Home country and Katya and all?"
"She is, I'm staying with her."
Detox and Alaska both nodded with a grin staring at each other before Shea waved them off, not in a mood to hear the latest conspiracy theories. They moved aside to completely pummel Roxxxy who could only smile once being utterly crushed in wake of Alaska and Detox's skates and bodies against her own.
"The trio is back!"
"God not that stupid Rolaskatox fuckery from our teenage years, that stuff is done and over and under the shed." Alaska replied bitterly as Detox muffled a snicker, the blue haired skaters eyes bouncing around the arena looking around the seats that were beginning to be filled in all around them. The hysterics quickly fell flat as Detox noticed out of the corner of her eye that there was Brooke and Trinity politely conversing among themselves without a care in the world.
Well fuck my life.
Alaska tugged at Detox's sleeve as she noticed the nerve wrecking expression that was painted across her face. "Let's go warm up real quick before all this shit starts, c'mon."
"Alright…"
— *.✧
"Can I sit?"
Trinity glared up from her phone as Shea and Roxxxy were off getting whatever cheap and awful, greasy mess they offered for food. An initial panic flooded over her once realizing that the person whom asked to sit beside her was none other then of course the previous bronze medalist in France who was always Detox's personal favorite: Brooke Lynn Hytes herself.
"Yeah, of course!" The southern girl quickly slid over her and Shea's bags and made room for the Canadian who waved at the fans who screamed her name from the left corner of the arena. "Congratulations on your medal, you sit very well in qualifying."
The blonde smiled gently, knowing that Trinity had of course meant it as a compliment but the underlying worry of disappointing herself and her country with a possible non-qualification to the Grand Prix final only made the Canadian nod diplomatically. "Thank you, I appreciate the compliment coming from the second greatest American skater I know."
"Oh, I'm guessing I don't really have to ask who is first place in your book?"
"You absolutely could but you already know the answer."
Idly talking amongst themselves the two skaters found themselves completely immersed in peace just mentioning the competition and how they thought all the skaters would fare against one another.
"Who's your money on?"
"Well, I don't like to really pick if I'm being honest." Trinity admitted sheepishly, they should both know that skating podiums can change in two seconds, anyone can make a mistake or worse, fall or have an accident. "Of course I want my girlfriend to win."
"I want Detox or Kameron to win the damn thing. Alaska and Katya are the ones everyone is placing bets on but I believe in my picks."
Trinity laughed, "What? They're your fantasy league?" Brooke hit her shoulder before gripping her arm as the announcer came over the speaker, speaking first in Russian and then translating in English. The competition was to begin soon and the first group would begin warm-up on the ice after.
Shea and Roxxxy joined soon after, passing Trinity down a large soda as she had wished for. Brooke groaned, "How can you drink that? I'm not trying to sound obnoxious I swear."
"If I'm gonna sit here for over three hours guaranteed then I'm gonna need the sugar, trust and believe plus, not like I'm going to the Grand Prix final." Roxxxy high fived her agreeing with the statement before Shea frowned at the response and crossed her arms.
"You never know! The only person for sure going to Italy is Sasha."
"Well, we'll see."
— *.✧
"Next to skate representing the United States, Alaska Honard."
"Рядом кататься на коньках, представляющих Соединенные Штаты, Аляска Хонард."
The blonde adjusted the two buns that sat firmly tied around the top of her head, cracking her wrists before jumping on to the ice and circling around the rink as the announcers had said her name over the speakers. She waved to the fans and blew a kiss in the direction of the American flags feeling a sense of comfort rush down her veins. She knew she needed to win this, she sat with a silver medal from Skate Canada and that certainly was a good talking point but that was the same competition that Katya had no trouble going home with gold.
If she took the gold at home in Rostelecom then it be and her Russian sister both confirmed at the Grand Prix final, the dominance starting strong.
I want that fucking gold medal.
The blonde breathed in subtly before cracking her neck and staring down at the ice beneath her, her reflection staring at the newly zambonied ice. This would be her Grand Prix, win or lose this was the last attempt that would be made for her to get a kick out of opponents.
Silence dimmed across the arena before the opening beats played, Alaska slowly lifting her head and grinning as she threw her hands above her head before jumping and doing a quick spin around the center of the rink before beginning her choreography fully.
This mix of Sweet Dreams was definitely her (and Sharon's) creation and she intended it to be as wild and slick as it sounded, she needed the push and every little chime to be perfect. Alaska jumped across the ice before landing on her back edge and beginning to navigate across the ice, turning and twizzling across the rink as she kicked her leg up.
I traveled the world and the seven seas
Everybody's looking for something,
Some of them want to use you
Some of them want to get used by you
Some of them want to abuse you, some of them want to be abused.
Prepping for her forward takeoff Alaska approached the jump from the left forward inside edge of her skate. She knew her triple axel was one of the best, she always had the perfect amount of jump and height. She felt the music play before letting a beat cue her in, she kicked through with her free leg, jumping and feeling the three and a half rotations before landing smooth on the right back inside edge her skate.
A perfect landing, she continued on besides the ravenous applause from the audience in Russia. Alaska jumped into her sit spin, her head buried as her leg was held straight out before she transitioned into a layback spin, her head and shoulders dropped backwards as she arched her back towards the ice spinning in the center of the ice. Her free leg lifted towards her back and her arms above her body.
Exiting out of the jump she took a narrow breath before grinning and taking in the excited festering audience in her wing, having fun with the choreography that was given to her by Alyssa. She knew she still had more jumps to go, her score needed to have enough juice to even stand a stance against Katya's multiple quads and elevated spins.
The blonde turned before beginning a takeoff from the back inside edge of one foot before rotating four times and landing her quad salchow on the back outside edge of her opposite foot. She let her arms hang out as she turned on herself, smirking at the screams of approval. Alaska quickly grabbed her her free leg as she pulled it to her face at a vertical angle, holding her hands to the blade of her skate as she spun into a perfect I-Spin.
It was all going fine and dandy so far for the American skater who could only hope this would even be enough for Gold, that was all that mattered. Alaska hated sounding like all she cared about was the damn medals but it was what paid her bills and this would be her last chance at a Grand Prix before retirement, so what if she sounded selfish?
I've worked decades for this, I'm not letting anyone stop me unless I fuck up by myself.
She rotated out of the jump after doing a quick triple lutz jump as well as ticking off her Biellmann spin from her program before prepping for the quad flip. It was a jump she had on and off practice with but this program proved that she had to accomplish it either way, her jumps were specifically stacked all throughout to earn her more points.
Everyone knew that it was more points the more jumps were in the second half but that meant putting all your energy near the end, when you were already stressed and tired.
Alaska turned, ready for her quad flip before taking off from the back inside edge of her skate, feeling her four rotations in the air before gravity caught up with her and she landed completely on her hips with a hard crash against the ice, she groaned as she heard the scattered gasps and coherent groans from the audience who was rooting for that perfect program. The blonde quickly stood up before continuing on, secretly destroyed knowing that her second half extra points would only hurt her more in the circumstance.
It only continued to slowly descend into madness as Alaska's quad lutz fell short and she tripped on the execution. She shook her fists as she finished off her skate with a camel spin, her mind wandering and completely out of it. She had managed to make two mistakes in her short program, that would absolutely kill her and so would any possible under rotations in her jumps that she didn't catch.
The music ended with a hard crash as she ended with a scratch spin, extending her arms as she let the applause die out any possible harm she thought to do for herself in the moment. She had completely screwed up her chances, her gold medal was certainly gone today and the free dance could bring up her fortunes if she performed it perfect.
"Representing the United States, Alaska Honard."
"Представляя США, Аляска Хонард."
The blonde waved, biting her tongue as she gave a curious and obviously disappointed drawn back smile to the crowd who still had hope for their soon to be retired legend. Alaska wasn't winning and she knew that everyone, especially Sharon would know that today.
Her skates jumped off the ice before meeting Sharon who looked utterly distraught, "Alaska…" she mumbled aloud before the blonde shook her head through tears, staring at the carpet and walking past her coach and partner unable to speak and not wanting to say a word about her mistakes out on the ice.
Sharon followed behind her to the Kiss & Cry as the two sat, knowing they were unable to talk like a couple in the moment. "I thought until the mistakes it was quite lovely when your head was in it. It was clear you were circling in and out of your own motivation, that's what worried me."
"I don't wanna talk about it, it was awful." Alaska wiped the tears under her eyelids as she blinked upwards to make sure her mascara wouldn't leak or show. The arena silencing once the announcer came over the speaker, ready with Alaska's results.
"The scores please."
It definitely won't be what I wanted so I've already lost.
"Alaska Honard has earned in the short program, a total combined score of 80.21."
Alaska heard the gasps and the silent groans from the audience, the applause attempting to drown out the negativity but the blonde could only put her head in her hands as Sharon tried to whisper encouraging words in her ear. The American sobbed in her own hands, she had completely died on the very event she hoped to rise to. She had never scored that low in her professional career besides some awful national titles but this was a different kind of hurt.
Sharon rubbed her shoulders hopeless, knowing that her partner was utterly destroyed hearing that score, she tried to talk her out of her slump and make her realize that there was still more skaters and an entire long program to go but Alaska's heart wasn't in the right place to hear it yet.
"She is currently in first place."
For the next two and a half minutes.
"Аляска Хонард заработала в короткой программе общий балл 80,21, она на первом месте."
Alaska got up as Sharon yelled for her, she ignored her partner as she bitterly sat on the coaches in first place: ready to be replaced. Her attitude wasn't the greatest but her anger replaced any form of politeness that graced her heart once she heard that damn score.
It was a renewed sense of disappointment in herself.
The worst is yet to come.
— *.✧
The score had dropped and Katya froze in her tracks, feeling her hand grip the wall twice as tight as she waited for her name to be called so she could begin her skate. It was an odd mix of euphoria and disappointment.
Her biggest competition? Knocked down, significantly going into the short and long program.
Her friend? Suffering in her last attempt to be a Grand Prix medalist.
Katya sucked in a deep breath, whispering some kind of prayer in Russian under her skin as she lifted her head and adjusted the tights over her white skates as she stepped out on the ice, slapping her thigh to adjust the tights against her skin before waving to her home crowd who had began to scream and wave their large Russian flags before her name was even officially called.
"Next to skate, representing Russia, Katya Zamolodchikova."
"Рядом катаюсь на коньках, представляя Россию, Катя Замолодчикова!"
The blonde smiled as she frantically waved to all the fans and her closest comrades who sat waiting for her successful short program. Katya's head fiddled with ideas but everything came to a complete standstill mentally once she reached the center of the ice and stood with her arms above her head, closing her eyes as she waited for the music.
She was the favorite, she was expected to be the next person alongside Sasha to qualify: the two Russian stars head to head with two perfect scores in qualifications.
For Russia, for everyone who is doubting me.
The music began and her skates picked up from the ice as she slowly skated towards the left of the rink, turning as she extended her arms over, painstakingly feeling the song before her. It was an emotional song and it was a Russian pop idol so in both sectors she had to impress the judges and her home crowd who all probably had this song streaming on their phones.
Her expression dimmed as her skates glided perfectly across the ice, her leg pulled across and in front of her face as she spun into a perfectly vertical and upright I-Spin. Katya's flexibility knew no bounds so of course her spins and jumps always had the most height and distance, it was great for Grades of Execution. Any leg up she could use against her competitors she would take, it was a game of winning and losing, no matter how dearly she loved some of her competitors.
They could all get drinks and laugh after Katya won this damn gold medal.
The music only built and built as she turned and prepared for her quad salchow. She built up to her takeoff from the back inside edge of one foot before jumping with four rotations in the air before landing on the back outside edge of the opposite foot, perfect. Unphased by the jumps she let the roar of the home crowd feed her energy as she did a few twizzles across the ice, turning into a Biellmann spin as she let her flexibility do the talking.
The applause grew and grew for every element the Russian completed even for something as simple as a layback spin. Her skates turned as she let the music lead her into her take off from the back outside edge of the skating foot, turning four rotations in the air before landing on the back outside edge of the same foot to complete her quad loop. The skater smiled gently as the thunderous applause and screams were beginning to deafen her ears a bit.
They are rooting for you, don't let them down.
She glided across the ice with an arabesque, smiling as she turned on the edge of her skates before completing a quick triple loop, triple toe combination. Triples were easy, it was the quads that would rack you up points and set you apart.
The instrumentals and the music built across the arena as Katya jumped and skated across the ice, on her knees gliding as the singer painfully sung his heart out. Katya had finally convinced her (now) ex coach to let her do the song after much painstaking deliberation and she was beyond happy that she had convinced that asshole to finally have her choice of a song, it was all her program now: new coach or not.
The bridge of the song exploded as Katya got ready to do her quad lutz, entering from her back outside edge before jamming her toe-pick into the ice with four rotations in the air as she landed on the back outside edge of her opposite take off foot. Perfectly on the beat of utter chaos where the song exploded with energy, Katya turning and ignoring the utter pride that was pouring out from the passionate home crowd so she could jump into a triple axel before landing and finally giving a bright smile as she completed all of her jumps.
She caught her her free leg before she brought over the head, still in a laid back position as she spun into a pearl spin. She jumped into a flying sit spin as she turned, her head dazing as she held out her pain for a little longer knowing the program was to end soon and it would all be a success.
The Russian stood as she skated past the judge's table and she made it once again to the center of the ice before bringing her blade of the skate from her free leg backward with one arm while arching her back, creating a circular shape with her body as she completed a doughnut spin.
The final notes were belted before Katya kneeled and held her hands in the air, breathing heavy as she collapsed on the ice with her fists pumping in the air before she licked the ice out of utter want with a laugh escaping her body before she turned on her back and slowly but surely raised her body up.
Her name was called again and she took in the utter madness that was the audience, loving the atmosphere that was built before she skated and took a bow at all the sections of the rink, picking up whatever plushies she could before meeting Chad off the ice who clapped and hugged his new skater.
"That was incredible, I mean incredible."
Katya nodded and laughed, hugging the older blonde coach with a breathless sigh of relief as the two headed to the Kiss & Cry, the Russian waving a small flag that she had hidden stuffed in her tight outfit. "Спасибо за Вашу поддержку!" She yelled at the camera as she leaned into Chad's shoulder utterly exhausted and sweating from head to toe.
The two mumbling between themselves before the announcer came over the speakers and announced the scores were ready for Katya.
"Katya Zamolodchikova has earned in the short program, a total combined score of 99.43 points—"
Katya screamed and jumped up and down before almost slipping on her skate guards, quickly sitting down before standing up and leaving a kiss on the camera, ignoring her lipstick stain as she cried out all of her pride as the arena blatantly responded with screams and cheers of their home country hero.
"She is currently in first place."
Chad laughed as she took the Russian girl in his arms, the older woman tightly hugging his newest and proud skater before she groaned, "I guess that was a pretty good score right?" Chad laughed, nodding heavily.
"Катя Замолодчикова заработала в короткой программе, с общим суммарным счетом 99.43 балла она на первом месте!"
Jesus fuck.
Katya went over to the couches before dropping her stuffed animal a fan had thrown, quickly taking Alaska in her arms as the American's tears dropped onto her shoulders in disbelief. "I'm so proud of you, no matter your score." Alaska sniffled but nodded against her skin before the two exchanged kisses on the cheek and Katya replaced the blonde who had sat in the top spot.
Reaching over she grabbed Alaska's hand and interlocked it with her own, nodding at her as they sat in Gold and Silver medal contention. Exchanging silent looks of hope and wishes towards one another knowing that only three skaters remained after them.
Let's hope that I am still at the top at the end of all this. I licked the fucking ice for this gold medal.
— *.✧
"Well guess I'm not winning."
"Stop doubting yourself so damn hard!"
Kameron rolled her eyes, feeling nothing but stress as Vanessa adjusted the sleeves of her 20s inspired figure skating costume, the red tassels that lined all of the bottom of the dress shaking along with the American who wore them. "Sorry I'm insecure that my biggest competition just scored almost a three digit score in the short program." The Nashville native shook in her own bedazzled EDEA skates as Chad from afar gave a thumbs up, mouthing at her to not stress on the ice.
Don't stress. Please.
I won't, I swear. She mouthed back with empty promise before Vanessa hugged the taller skater, the Puerto Rican girl wishing her luck silently as Kameron handed her the black skate guards she had flicked off before entering the ice and adjusting her tied back auburn hair as the announcer called for her name.
"Next to skate, representing the United States, Kameron Michaels."
"Рядом катаюсь, представляя США, Камерон Майклз!"
All the jokes, all of the torment of her athletic body and her inability to be a beautiful ice princess from the girls at her skate club all built up to this. It was hell in high water before Chad had taken a chance on teenage Kameron who performed decently at sectionals and nationals when she could qualify.
Now here she was, about to compete against some of the best skaters that the world has ever seen. All eyes were on the underdog from Nashville who definitely looked fantastic, Manila knew how to make a great costume but it was all up to her and her program now. Chad took a huge risk bringing her to Michigan with her, now, teammates but she has to stand above the rest and prove she belongs in a division and team with Katya, Trixie— just to name a few.
I belong here, I'm just as good as everyone else, I'll prove it.
Kameron stopped at the center of the ice, back turned as she held her hand above her head waiting for the program music to begin. The light twinkles begun and she turned, snapping to the beat of the dings as she jumped and turned once more, snapping to the beat before the orchestration kicked in. Her body and skates taking off the ice as her emotions channeled into portraying the song, Chad had taken her to Chicago on Broadway once they decided to do Razzle Dazzle for her short specifically so she could get a better feel of the show: so she could channel herself.
Kameron's skates turned as she spun across the ice before turning on her edge, passing the judges table before she took off from the back outside edge her skating foot, turning three rotations in the air, landing on the back outside edge of the same foot before adding a triple toe to her combination and spinning out of the jump as she tried to ignore the pressure from all the applause and cheers towards her accomplished element.
Kameron had only two quad's planned for this program but she hoped that it would be enough to sway her own pride.
The music was building as the chimes continued. Kameron skated into a layback spin before beginning an entrance from her back outside edge, prepping for her first quad before jamming her toe pick and jumping four rotations, landing on the back outside edge of the opposite foot as her own eyes widened with a smile as she landed perfectly.
Keep going Kam, it's just beginning.
Making sure that her expressions matched the confidence and regal charisma of the singer, she turned with a grin as she kicked her leg out before jumping with a split in the air before landing. She turned on her skates as she skated back, waiting for the chords to kick in before she took off from the back inside edge of her foot, rotating four times before she landed on the back outside edge of the opposite foot, arms in front of her as she grinned heavily at both the applause and the fact she managed to complete her second and final quad with such height and speed.
Another triple loop, triple toe combination saw that she was in the clear so far but her mind wandered excessively as she spun to the growing gusto of the song. Would it be enough to even medal? Only two quads?
She changed rotation before going into what was to be her final jump, a triple axel, approaching the jump from the left forward inside edge of her skate, waiting for the key change to kick in before jumping into the air, three and a half rotations before landing on the right back inside edge of her skate.
Successful but Kameron's mind finally daunted on the idea of attempting the quad axel, it had yet to be landed perfectly in any competition, Sasha Velour had come the closest but stumbled on her landing.
It'll only help, even if I fall.
The bridge of the song only built and built as Kameron spun out of her arabesque, snapping to the chimes before taking the same forward approach from the same inside edge of her skate, stepping forward before jumping into the air with four rotations before landing on the right back inside edge of her skate, landing and not falling the next second either.
Her utter shock was mocked by the crowd who thunderously applauded and screamed that the first successful attempt had come from a decently known American who had kept much of her presence away from media and away from the competition. Kameron grinned as she bent back and glided across the ice, her program almost completed with a previously untouched skating move.
Her emotions kicked in as the singing intensified with her skating, her twizzles turning with the lyrics before she jumped on the ice with a sit spin before extending it into an I-Spin, turning her leg up vertical as she held out her open hand as the other held a from grip on her skate.
She took a breath before grinning, jumping to the beat before snapping once more and collapsing on the final beat with her knees bent and her arms above her head for the final time.
Her tears flooded her eyes as she cried, covering her eyes and smiling widely as the audience was on their feet and gave her a standing ovation, previously only given to Katya, a few flowers thrown from the section that harbored a good amount of American flags. Kameron sniffled as she picked up the roses she saw on the ice, turning and bowing to the ground as her mascara ran down her face.
"Representing the United States, Kameron Michaels."
"Представляя США, Камерон Майклс!"
She grabbed the wall as she hopped safely back off the ice before crashing into Chad's chest with sobs. The older woman running down her shoulder, "That was amazing, I'm so proud of you." Kameron cried out a thank you plea before the two proudly walked to the Kiss & Cry, Chad bending over as they sat to clean off Kameron's mascara leak.
"You got it just on your face, it's all good."
Kameron nodded as she blinked, her hands shaking still unable to get over the mad adrenaline rush that had taken her body over during the short program.
I'm good enough, I deserve to be here.
"The scores please."
Chad tightly gripped her hand as Kameron sniffled for the final time, staring at the ground attempting to ignore the cutting pressure that filled her head.
"Kameron Michaels has earned in the short program a total combined score of 92.68, she is currently in second place."
Kameron gasped and covered her mouth as Chad laughed wildly, staring at her in bewilderment as it clicked that there was only one skater left: the worst Kameron would now place would be with a bronze medal.
"Oh my god you did it!" Chad yelled over the applause and cheers as Kameron sniffled into her expensive jacket, breaking down in tears finally feeling that she had risen to the occasion and that she was good enough to be a figure skater.
"Камерон Майклс заработал в короткой программе общий балл 92,68, она в настоящее время находится на втором месте!"
Kameron stood and waved to the arena as she laughed at the screams and the fans who supported her and enjoyed her skate, she sat with a medal in her lap whether it would be bronze or silver. She made her way over to the couches where Katya stood and congratulated her, especially on her quad axel.
"Congrats honey." Alaska whispered as she stood and hugged her fellow American, the blonde knowing she was about to go home without a medal considering the final skater ahead was her own best friend.
"Thank you." She sat in contention for the silver, proud that she accomplished the best short program of her life right when she needed to.
"One more skater." Katya voiced with confidence yet a pinch of nerve, Kameron and Alaska both nodded as their skates tapped against the couches impatient and nervous.
One more skater.
— *.✧
"Last to skate, representing the United States, Detox Sanderson."
"Последний кататься на коньках, представляющий США, Детокс Сандерсон."
Detox grinned as she skated out on the ice, waving to the fans and the patrons: her long skirt draping across her tights as she adjusted the sleeves of her flamenco costume, she had decided from the minute season started that she wanted something sensual and with a more Spanish flair for her program. Sharon worked with her on it and they found this utter madness and incredible work of art for a program complete with lots of creative chances and choreography for the step sequence.
It was different but Detox fancied the idea of something outside of the normal program ideas of skating. The costume definitely put it all together: a long red flowing skirt with the top completely black and intricately detailed with lace and flower designs. Red shoulder details completed the look and so did the red flower that was attached to her hair: it was a real Spanish Flamenco feel and Detox was absolutely living for the drama of it all.
Alaska mentioned she looked like she was lost from Valencia and accidently stumbled into a skating competition and Detox had never heard such a sentiment perfectly describe the look she was going for.
It was a romantic skate, one that was expected to be heard perhaps in a pairs skate or an ice dance: Detox definitely had a partner in mind but she let the music speak for itself, this was a story and a skate she needed to have put on the ice. Having her girlfriend in the arena definitely raised her own nerves of wanting perfection in the program but it also made it twice as easy: she had her motivation and greatest passion watching right in front of her with baited breath.
Detox stood in the center of the ice with one hand down her skirt as she gently kneeled waiting for the music to start, taking in one last breath.
Let's do this.
The guitar began, it's traditional Spanish song being played as Detox rose to the ice, flicking out her skirt with virtue of her hand before gently and slowly spinning out of the center of the ice, lifting her leg and turning on the edge before stopping and raising her hands as the guitar strummed it's full chords. She grinned at the wild cheers before the music began again, her skirt spinning wildly as she twizzled across the ice, clapping along with the music as she flicked out her skirt— if she had the skirt it was gonna be put to good use.
The music played as Detox's head and shoulders dropped backwards, her back arched downwards toward the ice. She then lifted her free leg lifted toward the back, in an attitude position, with the arms held above her body as she executed her layback spin. She turned out before catching sight of her teammates who watched intently but specifically Trinity who was staring at her, biting her lips down in stress. Detox twirled and gave a wink to her girlfriend before continuing on with her choreography, shooting her leg up before jumping in the air and landing on her left skate.
She entered from her back outside edge, getting ready for her first quad before jumping with assistance from her toe pick, rotating in the air four times before landing on the back outside edge of her opposite foot. The crowd cheered and screams ablazed as Detox continued, entering her Biellmann spin with one-foot as she held the other foot extended over and behind her head, forming a teardrop shape with her body.
The music only built with more intensity and passion as Detox exited out of the spin, clapping with the beat at times as she let her face and skirt do all the talking. Her skates turned as she passed the judges table, getting towards the center before she took off from her back inside edge, four rotations and landing on the back outside edge of the opposite foot for her quad flip.
Detox grinned ear to ear as she continued skating trying to take in all the applause and gestures of cheer, running her hand down her hips as she spun before quickly entering in position for another quad, not wanting to waste any time. The American turned before beginning a backward takeoff from the backward inside edge of her skate with four turns in the air before landing on the backward outside edge of the other skate, she cheered for herself as the crowd jumped and cheered for her quad salchow.
Keep going, they haven't seen anything yet.
A triple toe, triple loop combination kept the audience at bay as Detox jumped before gliding across the ice in an Arabesque as she took in the beautiful music. She was definitely impressed the red flower had managed to stay put in her blue hair as she did all of her quads and triple jumps but she knew that Sharon would find a way to make sure it would stay during the program. She had one more quad to go before her impeccable step sequence would start— that was the real highlight, not these damn quads.
She went for the entrance once more from her back outside edge before feeling another four rotations against her gravity before landing once again on the back outside edge of the opposite skate, she laughed to herself as the audience absolutely ate her and her program up to bits. She didn't know if it be enough to beat Katya but she fucking wanted to: for herself and for Alaska.
The music had slowed down a pace, the guitar strumming as Detox moved across the ice in beautiful stature, ignoring everything in her sight and focusing on her program and her girlfriend who was watching with want and desire. The step sequence was meticulously planned, it was a damn level four and the highest solo ladies graded sequence in this entire competition based on pure force. Three months to choreograph and even more months to perfect and practice without tripping over her own skates. The American smiled and took a breath before fanning her skirt and grinning as the music slowly came back together with a loud stir and the tapping of feet.
Let's give them a show.
The tapping began and Detox twizzled, clapping on the second beat as the audience cheered widely. She began with a line of twizzles down the arena before changing into a bracket turn, her one skate transitioning, the curve of her edges rotating her entire body as the other skate still didn't dare touch the ground. She started with a crossed open choctaw from the left forward inside edge of her skate to a right back outside edge, with the right foot placed on the ice slightly in front of the left foot at the turn.
She followed another entry and exit edge as she began her rocker, turning inward on the curve of her entry edge but exiting on a curve in the opposite direction. She turned on her left skate as she jumped into the air before landing on her right skate, skating now towards the center of the ice as she kneeled down and glided across the ice; she held her skirt in her hands before the taps intensified and she exited her step sequence with twizzles, her fists and arms raised as she spun.
The audience screamed and cheered for the American as she jumped and began a forward takeoff and executed a triple axel, the audience utterly lost in sensation as Detox grinned knowing it would be the last jump she'd have to do.
The Flamenco music reached its most intense and Detox entered a scratch spin right at the final chords of intense tapping before spinning out and jumping into the center of the ice. She skated before the chords and guitar strings began to play it's final song as she spun and jumped backward into her final position: on her knee, leg extended from the bag as her arms were raised with final kick at the skirt.
The audience screamed and jumped to its feet, Detox laughed and held her heart to her chest as she put her fingers over her skirt before standing up and bowing to the Rostelecom audience who threw dozens of flowers for her. She grinned and continued to pick up flowers before one hit her head, she rolled her eyes as she glared up and saw her teammates but especially Trinity clapping for her, her eyes red and a kiss towards her girlfriend.
"I love you!" The American yelled without thinking, spinning before bowing once more as she skated away and accepted all the love and applause she could possibly take in.
"Representing the United States, Detox Sanderson!"
"Представляя США, Детокс Сандерсон!"
Detox skated off the ice before Sharon who had been sobbing crashed into the taller skater, their arms wrapped around each others shoulders. Detox had yet to cry but the competition wasn't over, her scores were still to be calculated and announced. Sharon laughed as she sobbed into her skater's shoulder, explicitly proud of her friend and her own skater.
"Fucking Jesus!" She screamed as she hit her shoulder, the two hugging again. Sharon felt an utter sense of relief wander over her body knowing at least one of her skaters had a fighting chance against Katya to get that damn gold medal. "That was so amazing."
"Thank you, thank you." She mumbled as she slipped on her skate guards and stole her Team USA jacket to put on over her costume as they walked to the Kiss & Cry, the final skater today waiting for nothing but a result that would see home country hero win or break the hearts of the Russian home crowd for tonight.
Sharon and Detox held hands as the announcer spoke over the jittery crowd who was still speaking and looking over the footage of Detox's skate being played over.
"Detox Sanderson has earned in the short program, a total combined score of…"
The skater felt Sharon tightly squeeze her hand and bit her tongue as they awaited for that damn score to leave the announcers lips.
"101.61 points—"
Sharon screamed and jumped up as Detox stood, wide eyed and covering her mouth as the entire arena filled with gasps and a few screams: Detox scored as large as Sasha had and had beaten the hero of Russia in the short program. "Oh my god…" Detox mouthed as Sharon jumped and wrapped her arms around the American who began to cry and groan into her coach's shoulder wanting to hide the massive amount of ugly crying underneath.
"You won! You fucking won!" Sharon whispered excitedly as Detox muffled her cries in her hand as she shook her head in disbelief, she was a great skater she knew that but she wasn't used to the feeling of winning against her best friend, against Katya.
"Детокс Сандерсон заработал 101,61 балла и сейчас находится на первом месте!"
Detox ran across to the couches as Alaska stood, now in a disappointing fourth place but the two quickly jumped into eachothers arms in tears. "I won for you, I swear I did." She whispered anxiously shaking as Alaska laughed tearfully, not letting her depression towards her awful score ruin her best friend's winning accomplishment.
"You won for yourself, you won because you worked beyond your limit. Congratulations."
She said as the two hugged before Katya seemed to interrupt, tapping Detox's shoulder before Alaska quietly whisked off knowing she wouldn't have a medal this time.
Detox turned towards Katya who held out her hand, almost as if it was a truce. "One gold medal each of us, now you are ahead, congratulations, you have beat me in my own motherland with your passionate flamenco." The blonde shook hands with the American who's hand ran down her blue hair nervously, Katya grinning and accepting defeat quite wonderfully all things considered.
"There is still the free skate, I hope that we both do well. Congratulations." Katya smiled as they exchanged kisses on the cheek, european mannerisms. Detox nodded before turning towards Kameron who seemed shocked that she had even won a medal.
"You fuck I'm so proud of you!" She whispered as the two interlocked hands, Detox especially happy since she had choreographed her long program that was to be shown soon. Kameron nodded and laughed, the two hugged before a bombardment of media and press seemed to invade Detox's space.
Is this what it feels like to win in Russia? Have your own privacy invaded?
"Detox do you think you'll be able to beat Katya going into the free skate?"
"ты вообще готов к кате?"
"Detox your competition is stiff but your own team mate seemed to back down, do you think Alaska has what it takes to come back?"
She was simply turning a blind eye to the questions, knowing that figure skating changed constantly and one day you were in and the next you were in the absolute pits. Sharon quickly jumped in to the cloud forming and put a protective arm around her shoulder and firmly replied that Detox would only answer questions at the press conference and nothing further.
"Welcome to Russia." She whispered to herself after escaping the harem of reporters.
"It only begins."
— *.✧
A press conference and one medal ceremony later, Detox walked down the walkway with Kameron and Katya: the blue haired skater proudly displaying her gold medal around her neck as they discreetly entered the hotel lobby and quickly ran for the elevator to avoid any media suspect.
Katya pressed the button of the tenth floor before sighing, leaning back on the railway as she stared at her gold and bronze medalist with a silver medal draped around her Team Russia jacket. "So congratulations ladies, I will have fun facing you in the free dance for sure." Her accent cutting through at moments as she announced her reply proudly.
Detox grinned as Kameron nodded, the three winning skaters making idle conversation as the time in the elevator passed. Her fingers gently traced the outline of her gold medal before the elevator hit the tenth floor, buzzing before opening with the tune of a beep. The American waved goodbye as Katya and Kameron walked together to their area of the hotel as Detox paused in front of her hotel room with a sigh.
She slid her keycard before opening the door, shocked and surprised that it was lit up and the tv was playing: she suspiciously opened the door fully before she saw Trinity who's eyes met her own. It was a split second reaction before the southerner jumped off the bed and walked towards Detox who sighed in pure bliss and dropped her duffel bag before meeting in the middle, freeing her hands and grabbing Trinity by her waist and pulling her in to finally kiss her.
After hours of waiting, after hours of competition.Finally.
Trinity draped her arms around her girlfriend's neck as their lips met and the two kissed passionately, fingers interwoven in each other's hair before Detox brought her girlfriend up against the wall with a thud, Trinity jumping up and wrapping her legs around her taller girlfriend's waist as Detox grinned against their lips and supported the weight with her arms before the two separated for air.
"That was a good welcome home." Detox grumbled teasingly as Trinity breathed heavily and rolled her eyes, pulling her by her collar in for another kiss as their lipstick clashed against each other.
Trinity pulled away and took another breath, "Well when you go and win a gold medal in front of me like that." They kissed again, needily groaning and holding onto each other's jackets as their lips did all the talking.
Detox finally dropped Trinity on the bed before smirking and climbing on top of her girlfriend before forgetting she had the medal still on. Trinity's nails traced the ribbon as she held out the medal and blinked with a small smile at the gold medal, at the pure sentiment. "I'm proud of you."
"That program wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for you."
"You're so romantic, when you winked at me I knew you were planning something with that damn program."
Their hands moved around their waists as Detox unzipped her jacket carefully, placing the medal around Trinity's neck as she took her own jacket off. "I think you deserve it since you were what inspired it."
"You're such a fucking idiot. I love you."
The two girls grinned as their hands ran down each other's bodies, Detox sighed against the heavy beating of her chest. "I've been waiting to hear that all day."
"Now you get to hear it all night." Trinity whispered against the skin of her cheek before kissing it, taking the medal off and gently placing it near her duffel before her full attention returned to her girlfriend. Detox smiled as her fingers gently traced her thigh, Trinity's hands running past her blue hair before the skater sighed near her ear.
