Work Text:
Striding forwards with purpose, Ophelia Dusk rounded the corner, slamming open the door to the mess hall. Disregarding the glares she got after she’d made everyone jump, her eyes scanned the room for the two royals she was seeking. Looking at the far right corner, she found them. With as bright as Lord Ryoma’s armor, and with as vibrant of a tone as Lady Azura’s hair was, the royal couple was hard to miss.
“Hark! The dark sorceress has arrived before His and Her Majesty!” Ophelia declared, her voice echoing off the walls as she closed in on the royal’s table. Looking up from their lunch, the Hoshidan monarchs gave their approaching company small smiles.
“Hello, Ophelia. How may we help you?” Lady Azura queried, setting down her spoon and threading her fingers together. Swallowing his bite, Ryoma gave a nod of recognition to Ophelia, signaling for her to continue. Chosen One she would one day be, the mage recognized she must retain some form of etiquette with royalty.
“I desire the knowledge that will aid me on my quest! Secrets only the Lord of the Maelstrom and the Lady of the Lake would know! Ophelia Dusk must know of her prince’s palate- that of which is not known to the common folk!” The queen gave an amused smile, whereas her husband was still processing what he just heard. With the way Ophelia and Shiro were headed, the heroine knew Lord Ryoma would eventually catch on. It was just tiring in the meanwhile to watch him try and understand. The qualms of being the universe’s heroine, Ophelia mused.
Tilting his head, Lord Ryoma still seemed to be lost- and to a degree, so was Lady Azura. “Ah, Ophelia. If you would please speak plainly.” Oh, the unchosen. How Ophelia pitied the both of them. But if it was for her prince, perhaps she could abide.
“I would desire the information on things Shir- Prince Shiro likes.” A blush started to creep to Ophelia’s cheeks. “The treasured day of Valentine’s is approaching, and I would like to get him something- especially something special.” The sorceress could feel the heat taking over her face full force now, the couple in front of her sweetly amused.
While she and Shiro had been together for a few months now, that was not to say she still quite knew of anything that would truly be meaningful to the prince. Of course, she knew of his love for adventure, weaponry, food. But she wanted to get him something really special- for their first Valentine’s day together, it had to be something great.
If anyone knew of what would be more impactful to Shiro, it would have to be his parents.
Lady Azura brought a finger to her lips, a moment of contemplation on her face.
“He certainly enjoys anything that reminds him of those close, or things that remind him of others.” Lady Azura hummed. Lord Ryoma nodded, eyes lost in thought. “Yes…I think his favorite gift I’d ever given him was my father’s button.” The king rumbled. The ghost of a playful smile etched onto his lips as his eyes tracked to the pendant on her neck. “You must mean quite a lot to him, for Shiro to have given you that.”
Ophelia smiled sheepishly, fingers finding the jade swirl. After Shiro had given it to her, the mage had placed it on an old necklace chain and wore it everywhere.
“O-Oh, yes, milord.” Ophelia answered, knowing her face was probably nearing the shade of her hair. The mage bit her lip. While she had been given an answer, Ophelia would be lying if she didn’t say she was a bit disappointed. With such a reply, her idea of what to get her boyfriend was still quite vague.
Sensing the girl was still lost, Lady Azura chimed back in. “Is there something that means alot between you two? If it wasn’t any trouble to give it away, I’m sure he’d love something like that.”
“Hm, yes. Shiro has told me about some of the things that brought you two together. Something about stones…?” Lord Ryoma added.
Something between the two of them? Hm…Ophelia tapped her foot in thought. Something about stones…? AH-!
“Oh yes! You are brilliant!” Ophelia cheered, her voice resounding once again. Unable to help herself, Ophelia launched herself forwards, wrapping the queen in a hug. Lady Azura gave a small chortle, reaching her hand to pat Ophelia’s arm.
“No problem. We’re always happy to help.” The songstress replied, unable to hide her grin as the mage made her way around and enveloped her husband. Lord Ryoma grunted in reply, but still had a warm smile on his features.
Leaping up, Ophelia turned towards the door. She didn’t leave, not before calling back to the Hoshidan royal couple to thank them once more.
“The Abyssal Heroine sings praise of gratitude! Ophelia Dusk is ever in your debt!” She cried out, striking a pose before leaving the mess hall.
Watching the door click shut, the royal couple could only chortle.
“How…” Ryoma trailed.
“Interesting?” Azura tried, a small giggle escaping her.
“Indeed.” Ryoma huffed, lips turned upwards in good humor. “Now”, Ryoma raised up from the bench, extending his hand, “may I have a stroll?”
Azura tilted her head, amusement gleaming in her eyes. “Of course.”
Ophelia skipped back to her tent, crimson locks flopping with each stride. As she pulled back the flap, the mage could make out her mother’s form, Selena’s long pigtails undone as she brushed her hair. Hearing the canvas move, the mercenary’s eyes darted to the entrance, lips curling into a smirk when she saw her daughter.
“What’s got you so peppy?” She asked Ophelia, brow raised. While her words were sharp, they had no venom, the sorceress not batting an eye as she made her way over to her nightstand.
“I seek my Jetblood Dracocrystal, Mother! It will be a legendary gift for my prince of the dawn!” At the end of her words, Ophelia struck another pose, fingers obstructing her face. Selena rolled her eyes.
“How romantic.” She quipped, tone dripping with friendly sarcasm.
“You jest Mother, but that great stone holds so much value! It was the thread that linked our fates! The object destined to join me and Shiro!” Ophelia planted a hand over her forehead and her heart, dramatically swooning.
Gods, she’s just as bad as Mother… Selena thought. Maybe even worse, with the Odin-speech adage. Just so long as she didn’t start reading any stupid books on seduction, the mercenary would let her daughter be. That, and one-upping her, of course. She watched as her daughter scoured through her nightstand, growing concerned as Ophelia’s face became pale.
“Hey, you alright?” The mercenary’s daughter had gone suspiciously quiet.
“...Not..” Ophelia muttered, Selena not catching some of her words.
“What was that? Speak up a little, will you?” Selena asked, getting up off her bed to stand by Ophelia.
“It’s NOT HERE!” Ophelia screeched, a look of panic sweeping over her features.
“What, your rock?” Selena asked, a little taken back by her daughter’s fright. Selena must’ve insulted some star or something, because the alarm from before had become replaced with annoyance.
“Firstly, Mother, it’s a crystal- a stone if we’re being generous. And second, yes! It’s not here! How am I supposed to give my boyfriend such a special gift if it isn’t here?!”
“Well, just get another one then.” Selena resolved. It couldn’t be that hard to find, especially with the onyx mine outside. Ophelia’s eye twitched.
“Something of such worth cannot be replaced so easily, Mother. I thought a Chosen One like you would understand, but perhaps I was mistaken.” Ophelia snapped, annoyance on her features. Now was one of the instances one could see the mage’s resemblance to her mother- a cocked brow and biting tone.
“Okay then, let’s retrace your steps. And don’t speak like that to me, that’s rude, Ophelia.” Selena said, despite knowing how ironic her statement was.
“Ah, I suppose your right as always, Mother. I'm sorry. But I checked two nights ago! I placed it in my nightstand, and haven’t been to commune with the stars since! I don’t know why it’s not-” Something flashed in Ophelia’s eyes, her lip curling in irritation once again, only to be replaced with a chilling calmness for the girl. Raising her brow, the mercenary gave her daughter a look.
“Actually Mother, I think I have an inkling on where it may be. Excuse me.” Giving Selena a quick hug, Ophelia spun on her heel, making her way out of the tent.
“I’ve got you now, beast! You’ve been sentenced by I, Odin Dark, into the pits of the Netherrealm!” Odin flashed an exaggerated pose, thrusting out the heel of his hand to the corner of the courtyard, banishing some imaginary foe. Still carrying on his performance, the mage turned, only to be met with the sight of an irritable Ophelia. Spurned by his monologue, the former prince of Ylisse sidled up to his daughter and faced the corner once more. Back to back, Odin readied the final line to kill the imaginary beast with his daughter.
Arching his arm, he cried,”And now with another of my chosen blood, the maiden Ophelia Dusk and the sorcerer Odin Dark shall annihilate you!” As if giving the honors, Odin added, “FINISH HIM!”
He looked over his shoulder, waiting to see what Ophelia would come up with.
Instead of getting the ‘whoosh’ and ‘bang’ he normally expected, Ophelia merely glared at her father, Odin feeling a chill run down his spine. She really is her mother’s child , he thought.
“Er, Ophelia, the demon cannot be sealed until you say something, daughter dear.” Odin added, watching as Ophelia placed her hands on her hips. Shutting his tome, the mage turned fully to face his child, confusion written on his features.
“Ophelia?”
“Father.” The girl said curtly, the sharpness of her tone making Odin flinch.
“Is there something I can do for you? Is something wrong?” Odin tried, mentally going through what could possibly be upsetting his daughter. Fatherly instincts took over as his mind considered the High Prince. If the prince had so much laid a hand-
“Yes. Where is my Jetblood Dracocrystal?” Ah.
“Ah, daughter. You scared me! I had thought it was something quite dire!” Odin fished into the pouch on his hip, pulling out the dark gem. It’s seemingly depthless darkness was mesmerizing.
Eyes flashing between her father and the stone in his hand, Ophelia snatched it out of his hold.
“It IS quite dire, Father! How dare you suggest it be otherwise! And you took my crystal! Without asking! ” At this rate, Ophelia was building up a good anger.
“Er, yes…I apologize, Ophelia. I was just so enamored by its otherworldly presence- its shade of the blackest nights! But I am sorry, daughter. That was wrong of me. If I can do anything to make it up, I will. Taking your Jetblood Dracocrystal was not something a hero of fate should do. ” Odin rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment.
Sighing, Ophelia pursed her lips. “I suppose I will accept your apology- anything less would be unbecoming of a Chosen One.” Odin perked up a little. “But-” Odin froze, unsure of what was to come. “You can make it up to me by purchasing me a new dress.” A playful grin covered Ophelia’s face as she winked. Odin sighed. Just like her mother…
“I’ve been looking at one in town-” Something Odin could only call ‘love-sick’ covered Ophelia’s face,”I was hoping to wear it on my next date with Shiro.”
Odin couldn’t help but grimace. It wasn’t that the prince was bad- far from it really, but being a father, Odin was somewhat naturally bound to be protective of his daughter, especially in the ring of dating. That, and knowing how alike Ophelia’s shopping tastes were to Selena’s… the mage could only say goodbye to his next paycheck. Looks like he’d have to put in some extra duties for Lord Leo.
“Alright, alright. Let me get my wallet and we’ll head out.”
Standing in front of the records hall, Ophelia played with a lock of her hair nervously. In a few minutes, Shiro would be done getting ready, and meet up with her for their date. Looking at the small gift bag in her hands, the heroine gave a nervous smile. Within it, the Dracocrystal was sleeping soundly, waiting to be given to its master’s love. Well, that’s what Ophelia chalked it up to be.
She couldn’t help but spin a little, watching as her skirt swayed with her. A knowing grin covered her face, a small laugh leaving her. She could still remember her father hissing ‘by Lord Sigurd’s blade!’ at the price tag on the dress. Perhaps that would also teach him to not dig through her stuff. Wrapped up in her amusement, Ophelia was unaware of the arrival of her boyfriend.
“‘Pheli-ah.” Shiro hummed, wrapping his arms from behind her. She gave a short squeal of delight turning to face him, feeling a sudden flush of heat rise to her cheeks.
“You look great, by the way.” He added, and Ophelia was inclined to say the same to him. She managed to spurt out a ‘thanks’ before taking in the prince’s attire.
While Shiro always looked handsome, it was evident he’d put some effort into his appearance today. A gold and red kimono, with a dragonfly print decorating the fabric. Not a single wrinkle in sight, something unusual for the prince. Even some of the wild cowlicks in his hair had been tamed. Ophelia couldn’t stop the snort leaving her lips. His mother probably goaded him into cleaning up.
While he raised an amused brow, Ophelia couldn’t help but notice the package tucked under his arm. It had a decent size to it, perking the mage’s interest.
“Man, and here I thought you were looking at me.” Shiro teased, noticing how Ophelia’s eyes had tracked to the gift. She floundered for a minute before getting out her wink-and-smirk, a weapon she's inherited from her mother.
“Can I not take in both the majesty of the unknown object, and my prince?” She replied, smirking at the rise of color to Shiro’s face. The royal gave a chuff of laughter as he let Ophelia wrap an arm around his.
“Okay, that was one of your better ones.”
Sticking her tongue out playfully, she gave him a light nudge.
“So, where are we going? What does my Prince of the Dawn have in store for us today?”
Her boyfriend gave a smirk. “Mess hall, then out for a walk by the pearl spring.”
She leaned into him, Shiro shortening his stride so she could match his. They walked in comfortable silence, Ophelia feeling her heart hammering. Would he enjoy the gift? Would he treasure it like she hoped he would? The possibilities made her palms sweat.
After she’d gotten back from the market with her father, Ophelia had excitedly found the king and queen of Hoshido once more, displaying her gift for their oldest son. The couple had smiled, stating that they thought Shiro would be delighted. Having their ‘seal of approval’ had to mean something, right?
“‘Phelia? Hey, you alright?” Shiro’s voice brought her out of her thoughts. They’d made it to the mess hall, Shiro moving to hold the door open for his girlfriend. As his fingers pried the door open, she assured him.
“Oh, yes! I was just thinking about my gift for you!” Before she stepped into the building, she held up the small gift bag in front of the prince. His eyes widened in excitement and surprise.
“Aw, for me? You’re the best, ‘Phelia.” He praised, following behind her as they found a table. Getting seated, the couple could smell the delectable scents coming from the kitchen- Mozu was cooking tonight, so there was no doubt dinner would be excellent.
Writing their order down on a ticket, Shiro got back up and dropped the paper by the food window. In the time he was gone, Ophelia eyed the mystery package her boyfriend had brought. With its decent size and seeming weight, the mage couldn’t help but feel a twinge of worry as she eyed her own gift for him.
Maybe her mother was right? What if he still saw it as a rock? He’d called it that until they’d started dating- whose to say he still didn’t think of it that way? Ophelia bit her lip. Maybe she she made a mistake-
“I’m back!” Shiro announced to his girlfriend, reseating himself across from her. “Mozu said that she has to make a fresh batch of stew, so we’ll just be hanging out for a bit.”
Ophelia snapped herself out of her thoughts- if the Dracocrystal had brought them together, it surely had the power to be just as enchanting as whatever Shiro had bought.
“So I was thinking,” Shiro started, bending over to grab his gift,”we give each other our presents now. Well, I am, at least. You don’t have to if you don’t wanna.” The prince gave a laugh. “Like my dad, I’m not so good about waiting for things. I want to see you open your gift ASAP.”
“Oh, that’s a splendid idea!” It truly was- the anticipation would surely kill her if she waited any longer. Who knew that giving a Valentine’s gift to her boyfriend would be so much more nerve wracking than sealing a demon, or slaying a beast?
“Here.” Shiro stated, sliding his package across the table.
Grabbing the edges of the wrapping, Ophelia moved it closer to her. Her fingers pulled at the somewhat haphazardly tied bow, the sides falling away as she began to rip the paper. As the wrapping came away, she could only let out a sharp squeal of glee, startling the other patrons of the mess hall once more.
“This tome! I’ve had my eye on it for ages!” She bubbled, running her fingers over the textured cover of the Lightning volume in her hands. She could already feel the strength of the magic within, just waiting to be used. Many foul creatures of the wastes would fall to the storm in Ophelia Dusk’s hands. She’d had the tome on her wishlist ever since the armory had gotten the book in stock, but army wages were not enough for her to splurge.
After flipping through a few pages and admiring the script, Ophelia placed her gift to the side, fingers nimbly grabbing the bag next to her. She handed it over to Shiro, silently taking in a nervous breath as he began to open his present.
After he’d taken out some of the crumpled gift paper, he paused, some of his light blue hair flopping to the side as his head tilted. He stayed silent, studying the gem at the bottom of the bag in curiosity, wondering where’d he’d seen it before- or rather, if he was looking at what he thought he was.
“...’Phelia?” He asked after a painstaking silence.
“Y-Yes…?” Oh gods, he was disappointed, wasn’t he? Ah, she knew she shou-
“Is this what I think it is? …Your Jetblood Dracogem?” Ignoring the slight error that Shiro made with its title, Ophelia nodded. With her confirmation, one of the biggest grins she’d ever seen stretched across his features, warm as the sun. He pulled the crystal out of the bag, eyeing it fondly. He gave an even warmer laugh.
“You really want to give me this? After everything we went through to find it, I figured it would be strapped at your side.”
Ophelia smiled. “I’m more sure than anything, Shiro. With your gift of the jade button, it’s only fair you have something so special to me.” Her fingers found said button once again, a smile falling on her features.
She didn’t even think it was possible, but Shiro’s smile only got bigger.
“Thank you, ‘Phelia. This means a lot to me.” The prince got up from his seat, coming to wrap his arms around the sorceress. She reciprocated his hug, taking in the soft scent of rain that followed him everywhere. He gave a kiss to her forehead, Ophelia giggling.
“Ugh! Get a room, you two!” A voice teased, the couple turning to meet the image of both their sets of parents, Selena smirking. Both children blushed, earning a laugh from their seniors.
As Shiro gave an embarrassed huff as his mother laughed, Ophelia couldn’t help but feel a light in the depths of her dark maiden’s heart. It seemed once again, the escapade with the Jetblood Dracocrystal had brought them closer.
As always, it seemed the fair finger of fate knew best.