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The boiling isles sky was painted violets, reds, and blues, each colour beautifully melting with one another. The clouds softly swayed away, while its stars shone through its fog. Along with its warm atmosphere, it would have been the perfect time for a bat to fly in it. But instead, the bat was pulled down by her legs and was shoved into a cage.
Well, at least that’s what this arranged marriage felt like.
Just a few hours ago Luz was married off to her enemy’s nephew, officially damning her to this horrid palace. She wanted to protest this unholy matrimony and craved to escape to somewhere she felt safe. The girl’s heart ached for her friends, her home, her mother! But the sad reality was that even if there was a way to escape, she couldn’t go through with it. She remembers the reason why she was trapped in this prison.
Luz Noceda was in disbelief over what had just happened. A simple mission to get information about what happened to her mentor’s partner quickly went haywire as she was caught. Punches, kicks, and glyphs were thrown but despite her best efforts, the young witch was taken down and thrown into the dungeon. The fugitive was jailed for breaking in, other crimes that dealt with wild witchcraft, and obtaining empire secrets despite her not being able to discover anything yet.
The prisoner had been sitting uncomfortably on dirty concrete for hours. Hands and legs were bound by tight rope as a way to prevent freedom. Her untreated wounds were constantly meant by the freezing breeze of the cell, sending icy chills to her body. The girl’s body wanted a nice soft place to lay, wishing to lie down forever. And hunger plagued her stomach, but not her thoughts.
She was staring at the stone wall, thinking about a means to escape. All of the glyphs she spent hours working on were taken and burned in front of her eyes. Her hands and legs being tied up did not help at all. This was going to be a hard one, but she was positive that everything would turn out fine. It has to, right?
It took a few minutes but a plan eventually came to her. The human was revising her plan to make sure it would work when a guard came to her cell.
“Human witch, I have news from Emperor Belos about what to do with your presence.” the guard states. “He has a proposition for you.” He continued.
“A proposition? I’m not making any deals with HIM!” Luz spat angrily, still remembering her last encounter with the old man.
“I’m afraid you would have to take this deal.” The man said nervously.
Her eyebrow arched at that comment.
He pulled out a scroll and started to read, “After long thought, Emperor Belos has decided to arrange a marriage between the human and the Golden guard. In exchange for her hand in marriage, she would be granted a pardon from imprisonment and the owl house would be pardoned from their crimes.”
Her eyes widened at what was being told to her. Luz’s mind was racing. M-Marriage? What! Why? She was only sixteen, too young to be involved in this type of stuff. The girl had a whole future ahead of her, becoming the witch she always dreamed of being. Being a child bride was definitely not a part of that.
This? Marriage? This was the proposition Belos created. This was his big scheme? Being aware of how the emperor unmercifully treated wild witches like her and Eda, Luz understood that this was not a deal to take lightly, regardless of how appealing the pardons sounded.
Eda and King would never let her exchange her hand for their freedom or any deep desire they had. Well perhaps King would trade her for some plushies but then again he’s only eight years old.
Nevertheless, even though it seemed tempting, it was too risky of a marriage.
And out of everyone to be married to, why him?
Still remembering the events of eclipse lake, Luz felt a wave of sullenness. Anger rose at the thought of him hurting her friends and taking her only means of returning home. He was deemed as an annoying brat that only served the emperor.
But a wave of sadness came to the memories of the boy she met that one night. He, Hunter, was more than that when they talked. There seemed to be a glimmer of hope hidden in his eyes, this little light that seemed to be desperately reaching out to learn and do what was considered forbidden.
That boy who she saved. The one who saved her life.
Perhaps that’s why his actions at eclipse lake angered her so much.
Luz shook her head to rid thoughts of him. This was not the time to be reflecting on complicated emotions. She has to bury any strange feelings she had for Hunter; this was Belos’ plan and that screamed nothing but danger. This marriage was not going to go through. So what if they jailed her? The girl will find a way to escape and everything will be fine. She was about to protest when the guard spoke up.
“And if she declines this offer, the human will be petrified for her crimes of trespassing, obtaining empire secrets, practicing wild witchcraft, and other crimes she has been found guilty of.”
“Additionally, as a consequence of declining, the owl lady and her accomplices will be hunted down and punished severely along with her.”
Luz knew what severely meant. The delicate heart of the human completely sank to her stomach. No. Not Eda, not King! Not her friends! They shouldn’t get hurt because of her actions. Luz already felt like a burden to them, she couldn’t let their lives be cut short! The girl wouldn’t live with herself if that were to occur. But would she be willing to accept a marriage to her enemy? Living with the people who hurt her friends the most? Either choice will hurt her friends.
But only one of them will keep them alive.
Luz sighed in defeat, hanging her head down low. “I accept the marriage proposal.”
And so now she lies in this uncomfortable bed, staring at the ceiling in silk pyjamas that felt too expensive to wear on her skin. Meanwhile, the golden guard, her husband - man, that feels weird to say- was awkwardly laying down beside her, in awkward silence.
Probably because it is currently the dreaded wedding night now. That type of night where a couple just starts kissing and starts too... Ahhhh!- Luz did not need to have that mental image at this moment. She groaned and hid her face in her hands. Reminder, all of this awkwardness was for her dear friends.
Luz didn’t know how long they were in silence. It was probably a few minutes, but it felt like hours. She looked over at the blonde beside her. He was facing away from her, breathing slowly, perhaps trying to ignore her existence. She doesn’t blame him though. Neither of them wanted this. Well, she assumed he didn’t. After all, why would he ever want to be with her? Especially after their last meeting before this. Both were forced to bind their futures together against their will.
Now Luz will never experience real love, to have that special moment where she realizes they’re the one. Every detail of the wedding plans her younger self constantly daydreamed of were demolished. The family heirloom she was owed was far away from her reach. The vision of her friends being there, friends she’s been waiting to meet her whole life… was ripped away.
Perhaps she could have seen this coming. Every time Noceda was close to having something good in her life, every time she was working hard for excellence, something wrong always happened. With her school work, attempts to make friends, attempts to make her mother proud, her father-
Luz felt tears welling up but quickly whipped them away. No, no she can’t be thinking about that stuff right now. She couldn’t let anyone in this palace see her as weak, couldn’t let them think she was easy to defeat. Long ago she made a promise to the Clawthones that she will keep her head up no matter what. Luz Noceda is strong and doesn’t fail her friends. No matter what shit this emperor and his minions try to do after this night, it won’t get to her. It won’t, it can’t!
She looked over her shoulder to see the man lying next to her. Luz analyzed the pink scar cut deeply into his cheek, wondering what caused it. Could it be from a mission or… from here?
Luz remembered their first real conversations in Latisa. The blonde seemed to be very cynical at the thought of figuring out his own future. Perhaps just like her, he saw this place as a prison as well.
She recalls Amity’s retelling of the events of eclipse lake, the details of how much desperation he had to the point he almost dug himself into a grave. Despite what he did, Luz couldn’t help but empathize with him. Digging his own grave? What kind of environment is this place to make him this broken?
Will they try to break her too? What will happen if they do manage to break her?
Will the coven attempt to brainwash her into fearing wild magic like him?
Will she be turned into a child soldier who feels crushed by the world they know, like the man beside her? Her husband’s tired eyes were evidence of how cruel they are. How much potential torture will she be put through for them to find some value in her? How long will this impending nightmare last?
Luz couldn’t hold it anymore, and let a few tears fall. She tried to be optimistic, but is too tired to keep going anymore.
What in the world did she get herself into? This stupid dream of becoming a witch was a mistake. She should have left when was given the chance. It hurts to think that when she made so many friends but thinking of the consequences that appeared after stepping through that door, she couldn’t help but feel that way. Perhaps her mother was right in not wanting her to stay in the isles. Because look at what she’s gotten herself into now! She felt so stupid, so small, and wished she had never left at all. And Luz doesn’t know how she’s gonna live with it for the rest of her life.
Her mom, her poor mother will most likely never see her again for the rest of her life. Just like how both of them will never see Dad ever again.
What would he think of her now?
The human began to hyperventilate. It was too much. All of this was overwhelming. She desperately desired to wake herself up from this nightmare. It felt like she was in a flood of too many thoughts and drowning in it.
You’re doomed here forever
It’s too much.
You betrayed your friends
It’s painful.
She deserves a better daughter than you
Make it stop.
Make it stop.
MAKE IT STOP!
The girl didn’t realize she was drenched in tears until a hand gently touched her trembling shoulder.
“A-are you okay?” said a mellow voice.
Luz flinched at the touch and his hand was quickly removed. She turned around and was met with soft magenta eyes. His face was riddled with concern, breathing anxiously while a shaking hand was still semi reached out in case he was given a chance to touch her again. He was definitely not used to this whole comfort thing.
Luz nervously whipped her tears away, he couldn’t see her like this. “I-I’m okay” she answered with a dry throat.
“No you’re not,” he said back.
The sixteen-year-old looked back at him frustrated. Of course she was not well, things were going haywire, and didn’t need Mr. Know-it-all to tell her that. Yes it was unfair to feel anger at him despite empathizing with him. But Seeing him, the golden guard, the person representing this stupid coven just reminds her of everything she lost and she snapped, “Well of course I’m not! Unlike you, I’m upset about this arrangement!”
“And you think I’m happy about this?!” He responded harshly, causing Luz to be taken aback.
“Do you honestly think I like having every decision of my life being made, without anyone asking how I felt?” he yelled with a heavy breath. His breath became rapid when realizing what he said.
It was as if someone was standing behind him, and his mood quickly changed. “No, no no, I shouldn’t be saying that- forget it!” he shook his head as he dismissed his previous comments. “It doesn’t matter how I feel.” He sighed. “I-I guess it’s better to be given something than having nothing at all, even if you don’t want it” The golden guard mumbled while looking down at his lap. “I-I just don’t want to lose anything”
The girl clenched her hands, not knowing how to feel. She just watched as he blinked and had the gears turning in his head. The boy looked up to her with softness in his eyes, “I’m sorry human, I’m sorry you lost everything”.
It felt like that moment when he told her his name. Nothing but sincerity and humanity locked in the body of someone who was completely broken.
“Luz”
“Huh?”
“Luz. My name is Luz Noceda, Hunter”
Hunter smiled, “That’s a um, that's a pretty name.”
“Thank you!” she said with half a smile. “But um, I guess I now have to change the Noceda part to whatever you have” Luz said while playing with her thumbs. The compliment helped a tiny bit to calm her down.
“Oh, um yeah that’s true” He frowned, being reminded by their situation. “Too bad I don’t have one.” Hunter jokes, trying to lighten the atmosphere for her sake.
“What? How!” Luz was surprised by the random fact. “Then what am I? Mrs. Blank? Or is your name just Hunter x Hunter?” the young witch asked with confusion.
He lightly chuckled at her joke, “I guess I just have to make one up now.”
Luz sat up straight with confidence “Well then, Mr. No-name”-she booped his nose-“May I suggest Mr. Noceda for your consideration?” The girl said with a playful smirk. He grinned and nodded.
She cleared up her throat. “Luz and Hunter '' perfectly impersonating the marriage officiant’s posh accent, Hunter’s straight face began to crack.
“I now pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Noceda!” Luz said with giggles interrupting her impersonation. Her laughter was contagious as Hunter joined in her glee. Both of them temporarily forgetting the gravity of their situation and blissfully making fun of it.
Then just as Luz's mind always did, a mischievous idea popped into her mind.
“You may now kiss the bride!” she cheerfully yelled and slings her arms around his neck while pursuing her lips to him.
Now Hunter has seen terrifying monsters. He has horror! HE HAS SEEN THE UNHOLY MAGGOTS WHICH FEAST IN THEE DARK RECESSES OF THE HUMAN SOUL! But nothing has prepared him for Luz jokingly trying to kiss him, as he was blushing redder than Flapjack’s feathers.
An additional explanation for the burning in his cheeks was that he never kissed anyone before. Even at his own wedding, he was not permitted to kiss his own bride, since physical affection was considered an improper thing to do in public.
As if time slowed down, Hunter looked at her face and for the first time really paid attention to it. Her skin was a lovely shade of almond. Eyes closed with long lashes accompanied with a galaxy of freckles he could probably make a consolation out of. Her natural hair had delicate curls that lay on her shoulders. And below where a petite nose laid, there were her pursed lips, covered in a gorgeous coat of scarlet.
Huh, she really was beautiful wasn’t she?
In the past, he must have been too busy putting out her fire glyphs from his shoulder to notice. He always considered her strange and naïve, but he would never downplay her intelligence in glyphs.
Every time they interacted in their fights, he would watch in amazement from the way she moved and fought. Seeing the gears turn in her head as she came up with her next move was quite a sight to see. Hunter would never forget the determination in Luz’s eyes as she saved those palismen. Never had he felt so… comfortable, then when he was with her on that day. Despite being enemies, Hunter would never want to see her hurt.
There was this little feeling when it came to her, but he wasn’t sure how to describe it.
Hunter took an extra look at her lips. His hands slowly rose up, reaching towards her cheeks. It wouldn't be bad to indulge in a little affection, right? Hunter’s face slowly came close to hers. He could kiss her as a fun surprise to her little joke, correct? After all, they were married.
But it wasn’t a marriage they consented to.
No. She didn’t consent to it.
Although an arranged marriage does seem like a plan Belos would come up with, it was actually Hunter’s idea. It was a spur-of-the-moment kind of deal.
The golden guard was eavesdropping on the guards talking about the latest prisoner to be thrown into the dungeon. That’s when he learned the news of her capture. There were talks of her being potentially jailed for life or killed for her past crimes.
Hunter didn’t understand why but his heart began to race. He couldn’t let that happen. Sure she was annoying and their last conversation was quite explosive, but never would he wish death upon her. Titan! He even fought Kikimora, willingly letting her escape and disappointing his uncle, just for her.
He had to do something.
The teen ran and entered the room where Kikimora and Belos were in the middle of a meeting. Kikimora was furious by his disturbance.
Belos spoke up, “What are you doing here? You were not summoned to the meeting.” Belos clenched his staff.
Hunter took a step back and gulped. “I-I was informed about the human’s capture by one of the guards.”
Belos gave him a skeptical look. “And that’s all you came here for, young man? You have better not come here to shout about what you’ve been informed about.” the emperor spoke in a tense tone.
His heart raced and was starting to breathe heavily inside his mask.
“No, no of course not my lord. I came here because I think there would be a better use of the human than simply disposing of her” he said nervously.
“Then tell me what exact idea you have? It better be good.”
Hunter had to think quickly. He needed to think of a plan that would keep Luz alive and safe while being something that Belos would approve of. A proposal that would benefit both of them. A proposal... Wait, that's it!
“What if you can arrange a marriage between me and her?” He said.
“Excuse me?” Belos asked, sounding disgusted by the question.
The golden guard quickly took a step back, preparing for his uncle’s discipline.
“A marriage! If I marry her, I can form a bond with her and eventually manipulate her into giving us information about the human realm and whatever she knows about the owl lady’s door. She won’t trust you, but she will trust me.” He explained. “She can inform us of whatever future plans those wild witches have and we can foil them.”
“We can also manipulate her into leaving that disgusting wild magic and turn her into a strong soldier for the coven. She’s a strong fighter, and if we can steer her into the correct path she can take down all of those who wronged you.” He continued.
“Additionally..” he paused, having anxiety about what he was about to say. “I-If her and I, ever managed to have a-a child, we can raise them to be a strong warrior to serve you and the titan, my lord.” Hunter felt disgusted with himself. Both of them were way too young to have children. But knowing his uncle, he would want to get anything out of both of them that could be seen as useful. However, Hunter would never force Luz to do anything she didn’t want to do.
“And that’s my proposal.” The teenager stated and waited for his uncle’s response.
The emperor pondered on his chair. Resting his chin on his hand as he thought over the proposal his nephew made. The emperor sat in silence for what felt like hours as reviewed the pros and cons of this potential arrangement.
“Hmm.. your proposal is not that bad golden guard.” answered the emperor.
Kikimora protested. “WHAT?! My lord, I don’t think this plan that involves that disgusting human will benefit yo-”
“SILENCE!” Belos shouted.
“I apologize, my lord,'' Kikimora said as she bowed to Belos.
The emperor stood up from his chair and spoke. “I suppose since you’re 18 years old, it is time for you to be wed. Obtaining a bride that could help us serve the titan would very much please him.”
Belos turned Hunter, walked over to him and put a hand on his shoulder.
“Golden guard, even though I have a few doubts about this plan of yours, I can’t help but be intrigued by it. Perhaps I will give it a year to see how this plays out.”
His hand held Hunter’s shoulder tighter. “You better make this marriage idea work.”
“I will. I promise my lord.” Hunter responded.
Emperor Belos, took his hand off his shoulder and started to walk back to his throne. Hunter let out a sigh of relief.
“And, if it doesn’t work, she won’t be the only one to pay for it. Understand?”
“I understand.”
There was some discussion about what they would do for a quick wedding ceremony, and soon he was dismissed. As soon as Hunter left the room a huge wave of guilt washed over him.
He ran to his room and shut the door as Flapjack flew out of his cape. The bird was chirping at him, trying to calm him from his panic attack.
What has he done?
His hands dropped and his face moved away.
Hunter remembers her tears when they were finally alone together. He doomed her to a lonely life. No friends, family or love. A life where she would be used and abused until that spark inside of her will fade out. In a ‘home’ where her firstborn would be taken from her to be made into a soldier. Living with people who want to hunt down the rest of her previous household. It was a nightmare for someone like her.
This is the fate that was set for her and it was his fault.
The memory of the first time he failed her flashes through his mind.
“I thought you might be a good guy”
“But I guess that was just wishful thinking”
“You’re not my friend”
“You’re just the golden guard”
Just like she said, he would always be the golden guard to her. A person who would never be good in her eyes. Especially if she finds out the real reason why she’s stuck here.
This feeling that he had should be locked away as she will clearly never reciprocate. His uncle would constantly say that to earn love, you must deserve it. And he didn’t deserve it. Not after what he has done to her. Didn’t deserve her kindness, her jokes, her love, nothing.
“Luz stop!” Hunter yelled as he tried to shove her away.
“Aww.. come on. Are you shy?” she laughs, oblivious to his internal discourse.
“LUZ PLEASE STOP!” Hunter yelled, making her take a step back.
Silence rang loud in the room. Only sounds of breathing were audible. Both were a little shocked at his cry.
“I-I’m sorry, I was just-” she stuttered
No no no! She shouldn’t be the one to apologize! He should! Hunter felt so much guilt.
He stopped her rambling by holding her soft face in his hands. “No! Don’t apologize, please don’t!” he told her.
He looked into her bright brown eyes and noticed the red veins in her Sclera.
Seeing her cry earlier tore his heart. He was the reason she shed those tears. It was his fault for losing everything. This felt worse than disappointing his uncle. She was innocent and he hurt her.
He was the worthless monster his uncle was always disappointed in.
Hunter began to crumble under the weight of his thoughts and started to cry. His hands shook and fell down to Luz’s arms and gripped them tightly. Even though he felt he didn’t earn her touch, his body craved to hold something while he broke down.
“I’m so sorry Luz, I’m so sorry! P-please, forgive me!” He cried in her arms. Hunter felt anxious crying his pleas to her, scared at how she would respond. His apologies to his uncle never ended well.
“Luz…I know you don’t want this and neither do I..but I don’t do this uncle will hurt you...I’m sorry…” The sobbing boy explained to her.
Hunter then felt a hand soothe his hair.
“I know…” The girl stated.
She kept playing with his hair as he kept crying. The action slowly helped both of them to relax a little.
“I know it was you who came up with the deal,” she said.
Hunter, drenched in tears, looked up at her, shocked at her revelation. He thought Luz didn’t know. “B-But how?” He questioned her.
Luz gave him a gentle look and smile.
She was already a bit suspicious at the thought of Belos wanting her to be a part of his family. But Hunter’s apologetic attitude seemed to be a bit strange to her as if all of this was his fault. And that’s when it clicked for her.
“The way you looked at me when you first apologized.” she explained. “You looked so broken, so guilt-ridden, nothing but sincerity and humanity… just like when you saved me the first time.”
Hunter listened with great attention to her words.
“And that’s when I knew that this marriage was your way of saving me again wasn’t it?” She asked him.
He quietly nodded in response.
“Even though you try to hide it from everyone, I know who you were back at Latista, someone who craves to learn wild magic, who deep down doesn’t want to commit these horrible acts.” She said, “A boy who I know would face danger to save me.” Luz continued. “You are not the villain Hunter, you once held my hand.” She reminded him of the moment when they bought the flowers and their hands accidentally locked together.
Luz recalled liking the touch. Well, she actually liked quite a lot when it came to him. For starters, he looked like the hot yet vulnerable upperclassman that she always fantasized about. He was a huge nerd when it came to glyphs just like her, which is a high level for her friends to reach. Hunter was an outcast just like her, both of them confused of what their futures held. As well he was powerless just like her, something no one else in the isles has connected with her about. And deep down she knew he was kind and actually cared for her. Despite the bad things he has done in the past, she can’t get herself to hate him. Those moments of peace between them felt like something great, she never felt like this with anyone before.
Despite being opposites, no one else understood her like he did that night.
Right now they’re both broken people looking for comfort and love.
And well… Luz would have to admit that deep down, she loved him.
Oh titan this girl knew everything about him, didn’t she? Her words were right and they comforted him. Just like her, he’s just a kid who would do anything to protect what they cared for. And that was this human that for once in life made him feel safe when they first talked in Latista.
This human witch was probably destined to be his weakness. Luz Noceda, the girl who can easily defeat the great golden guard with only words. She consumed all his time, with how much he would think of her. And whenever he would think he’s right, she would come and strip away his pride. The girl was his foil and he wouldn’t have it any other way.
That was when Hunter finally figured out what this strange feeling he had was called.
He loved her.
Luz held up his head in her hands, making them look at each other at the same height. Both of their cheeks were stained with tears. But they couldn’t help but smile at each other.
Luz caressed his scar with her thumb and Hunter smiled, very comforted by the touch. They looked at each other with sadness and happiness. The girl looked at his lips and knew what she needed to do.
Luz slowly pulled his face to hers, he didn’t resist and instead closed his eyes as she did.
Their lips met in a soft kiss and melted in each other's touch. This was both their first kiss so it was a little awkward, not knowing how to move their lips. But eventually little by little, they managed to deepen the kiss. Luz wrapped her arms around Hunter’s shoulders, he put his arms around her waist, pulling her closer to him. They both hold each other tightly as if they’re scared the other would leave when let go. They kissed each other until they needed air.
Both of them looked at each other, very breathless and gasping for air. The teens looked at each other red in the face.
Luz interrupted the awkward staredown by hugging him tightly and burying her face in his chest. “Promise me, you’ll never let them hurt me. Promise you will stay with me?” She asked him.
“I promise,” he said while rubbing her back.
“I promise to do the same for you, in sickness and in health.”
“I know you will.” he smiled at her words.
They both held each other tightly, uncertain of what their futures together as husband and wife will hold. But they both smile at the fact that despite being forced to marry each other, at least it was someone they now knew they loved.