Chapter Text
Lord Vanquisher stood proudly over his slain enemy, lance in hand as his subjects celebrated their victory in the name of Raymanthia. Together with his comrades, they’ve conquered over the barbarians and brought peace to the land.
The king stepped forward, his citizens slowly silencing in his presence. Arms
raised, he drawled the attention of those around him. “My people. We’ve done it.” He paused to catch the eyes of those closest. “As of today, we have come together as a kingdom and not only held back our enemy…but we’ve wrought destruction upon them!”
The shouts that rang through the crowd was enough to deafen his ears, louder even than his own roaring thoughts and pounding heart. “We. Are. VICTORIOUS!”
The Lord turned as his knight clasped his shoulder, her smile wide and eyes fierce. “You’ve done it, my Lord. The kingdom of Raymanthia will finally rest easy this night over your victory.”
Though it was difficult to hear over the roar of the crowd, he reached up and clasped her hand. “‘We’ve done it, Ruby. A king cannot stand victorious alone. I will not take credit alone, for it was the bravery and strength of my knights that lead to this outcome.”
She smiled before taking her place with the other in their celebration. As he started to follow and join his citizens, a sound drawn the Lord’s attention. Over the cheers of his subjects, the shouts of his men, something was calling his name.
Not his title, or his honorifics.
“...”
His true name, one he hasn’t heard spoken in years. One that could not be heard by anyone or the spell would be broken. The Lord couldn’t allow anyone to hear the name he’s cast aside. He was the King. The Lord Vanquisher, Conqueror of Realms. Loved and Respected by all.
He searched in vain through the crowd in hopes to find the source, but the voice seemed to be everywhere.
“...”
Panic began to fill his mind; knowing that if anyone were to hear the voice, hear his name, everything that he’s worked for, would be gone.
He almost drew his weapon on his men as one clasped his arm. “What’s wrong, my Lord?” Thurman inquired, likely noticing his distress. “Do you sense something amiss?”
The Lord couldn’t allow his panic to spread, so he smiled and waved the other off. “No reason for concern, my friend. I’m simply weary from battle.”
The knight nodded in understanding. “It has been a tiring war, It’s only natural to be weary. But now It’s the time to be with your people. This day will be celebrated for generations.
...
The voice rang through his air, driving fear through his heart. If his people were to discover his true identity, the spell he’s worked so hard to cast would be broken.
...k.
No...nonoNONONO!!! This can’t be happening!
Suddenly, the Lord was thrown to the ground by a force he couldn’t see. Air ripped from his lungs, his very flesh feeling as though it was being torn from the inside out. The world itself began distort as cracks filled the sky.
...ck!
“...uck!” His knights were beginning to panic, but there voices sounded so far away.
The Lord cursed the voice surrounding him. “Why are you tormenting me? I’ve finally saved my kingdom.”
“Well, your kingdoms gonna have to celebrate without you, your Lordship. I’m not dealing with the gorgon again, so get yo’ ass up. Did you pull another all-nighter?”
Chuck barely spared his friend a glance from the floor before pulling the blanket over his head, deciding that it wasn’t worth it. “Did you have to flip my bed over? I’m sure there was a less violent way to wake me up.”
Dutch held out his hand, helping him up, chuckling as he fixed his futon. “You didn’t take too well to my method last time. You really need to fix your sleeping habits.”
Chuck threw his arms in the air as he left the room. “Dumping cold water on someone unceremoniously at five in the morning is not a good way either. Couldn’t you just wake me up like a normal person? It was just rude.”
His friend paused, lips pursed before twitching into a smirk. “So if it was ceremonious…”
“It’s too early for this, is there coffee? Please tell me there’s coffee. What’re you doing up this early, anyway? Weren’t you up earlier with a commission”
“There’s always coffee.” Dutch made his way back to his own room. “Watch out for Roth, she was hangin’ outside your door. She’s in a mood.” He paused, a slight scowl on his face. “Texas woke me up sometime after 2 to talk about the dream he had. Something about metal dragons and laser, I don’t know. I kinda tuned him out five minutes in. As for that commission, I’m making progress, just not feelin’ it right now.”
Dutch’s dog, a female miniature dachshund, was probably the saddest looking dog he’s ever seen. His friend found her at a shelter a few years ago, her previous owners not wanting to take care of her after she had lost her back legs in some freak accident and had instantly fell in love. Building her a fancy wheelchair and ramps around his parents home, and again when he moved out into his own apartment.
Roth was spoiled, but that was okay. She deserved it.
Chuck learned when he moved in with his friend that he had trained her well. Able to assist Dutch with his projects, such as recognizing and fetching tools on command. He stooped down and patted the dog’s side upon finding her nesting in a pile of clothes outside his door. “Hey, buddy.”
“Roth’s gonna hide your clothes again if you keep forgetting to do your laundry. And I’m gonna let her. They’ll be Roth’s clothes.”
“That’s just mean.”
Dutch snorted, leaning against Chucks doorway. “Just get in the shower and get ready, I’ll give ya a lift. You’re runnin’ late enough as it is.”
He groaned as he made his way to the bathroom. “Remember, you are the one who took my alarm clock to make art.” He didn’t really miss it, anyway. The thing was so old, he was surprised that he hadn’t asked Dutch sooner if he could do anything with it.
Dutch pointed a finger at him, having taken Chuck’s spot by Roth, eyes narrowed. “I hear that sass, young man. Don’t be dissing my masterpiece.”
Neither could hold up the seriousness up for long as a snort escaped the blond, leading to both of them doubling over in laughter. At least he knew, that when school started to stress him out, he’d at least have Dutch back at their shitty little apartment to cheer him up.
~~~Page Break~~~
Someone’s in my spot…
All Chuck wanted to do was go to class, let his breakfast turn into regret and go on with his day. But some jerk had gone and taken his seat. And not just someone. Some guy with a busted lip and a bruised eye - and while somehow still being stupidly attractive, probably has no business being in an AP class...
Great, I’m starting to sound like Ruby.
He was overreacting.
It wasn’t a huge deal that someone got here first and just happened to pick his usual spot in class, no point in making a scene over it. He wasn’t going to threaten the guy or kick the desk away in some weird bout of bitterness.
“Uhh, hello?”
Chuck flinched. Shit. Stop staring at the guy, you weirdo. “Oh, sorry. Just didn’t expect anyone to be here already.”
The teen chuckled a bit, running a hand through his hair. “Yeah, uh i didn’t want to get lost finding out where my classes were so I came a little early.” He pushed his chair back and held out his hand. “ My name’s Mike.”
He stared at Mike’s hand in confusion, wondering what teenager nowadays introduced themselves with handshakes. “Chuck.”
“It’s nice to meet you. Hope we can be friends.”
“Eh..heh, yeeeah.” Shit.
If Mike was nonplussed by his lackluster response, he didn’t let on. He just sat back down in his seat and pulled out a book from the bag that had been tucked under his chair.
I guess he can have my spot, for today.