NEW CHAPTER OF WHERE SHADOWS TOUCH!!! SPEAK OF A ZOLDYCK AND HE SHALL APPEAR (illumi x oc fanfic)
"Illumi stood diligently beside Silva and donned a mask of perfection to represent not just his House, but his father. It wasn’t only his demeanor that held the air of a future patriarch, but his appearance was an ode to the current one as well. Illumi’s hair unnaturally spiked above his shoulders in a vast array of directions and gleamed a bold platinum blonde—like the color of lightning striking earth—while his eyes were a brilliant shade of deep blue with slits for irises. His lips were fuller, his jaw was sharper, and his gaze was lethal if one dared to stare at him for too long. It was a handsome face, and in short, a perfect one. He modeled his new face after Silva."
Illumi has shapeshifting nen abilities and often wears disguises that are different than his real appearance. To hide himself in plainsight, to continuously practice his abilities, to trick others, or a combination of all three. When every Assassin House was called to a mandatory meeting at the lychgate, Illumi changed his face to resemble Silva's. It partly comes from Illumi's admiration for his father and yearning for his praise (fluffing Silva's ego is one way to do it!) but the older he's getting, the more he realizes there's other things that might be worth chasing.
This chapter marks the beginning of Illumi and Silva's unhealthy and conditional 'give and take' relationship, but also Silva's possesive control and influence over Illumi's life. Silva Zoldyck---an emotionally detached, narcisistic, egotistical, and manipulative father---sees Illumi as an extension of himself, more as his property rather than a child with his own thoughts, feelings, and desires. He also gains a sense of power and superiority by maintaining this rigid hierarchy over his family by having a son who serves him, obeys him, and quietly follows orders like one of his dogs. Controlling Illumi's life, and maintaining that unequal distrubution of power through force, fear, and abuse, makes Silva feel powerful. But Illumi is becoming older, stronger, learning more about himself and, worst of all, beginning to resist Silva in small ways, either through snidely talking back and lying and sneaking out when no one's watching. Illumi's pursuit of independence threatens Silva's rule over him.
Illumi knows he is being suffocated, he knows Silva is overbearing. And Illumi's resistence leads to resentment, which will ultimately lead to rebellion. But Silva also loves Illumi, and at times will be kind and loving and give things to his son that makes Illumi feel truly appreciated and seen. It's how Silva maintains control---give and take. And so, Illumi is ultimately caught in a vicious cycle, harboring conflicted feelings of loving and hating his father.
FANFIC ON AO3: WHERE SHADOWS TOUCH: [LINK]
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