Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

This is not your typical retelling of a story you must have heard before.

If you’re expecting to hear about an Interdimensional War, and that’s all you wanna hear about, then you’re in the wrong place.

However, if you’re willing to hear a new, and the true version of said story, then stick around! 

For this is about the Lancers, a group of heroes from royalty and poverty alive, and how they defeated the Supreme King of Shadows. And this particular story is focused on their three leaders. Specially the last one.

D, the cursed Prince, product of a nefarious deed who will one day prove his mother wrong, and rise above his wretched fate.

Maestra, the flower Princess, the youngest in her family, D’s sister, and the purest spirit of her kingdom, who will one day free the ones who are unable to move on.

And Odd Eyes. Oh, he’s the main character in this story. The youngest Heavenly Dragon, who was once ran away from guilt for the crown Prince’s kidnapping and possession, will lead the Lancers into a battle none will ever forget.

One day, he will unite the darkness and light once more.

-_-

“Well, this doesn’t look too good,” a cloaked figure mused, watching from above a building as Shadow Monsters swarmed the streets. 

You could barely see his face, save for ruby and emerald iris’s set in black sclera, his mouth covered by a blue and orange mask, which matched his jacket and hood, doing a good job to hide his identity. Underneath, he wore a red cotton t-shirt, and cargo pants, along with roller boots- something his big brother made him.

Of course, he was by no means human. If one were to look more closely, they would notice his clawed hands, his long, elegant tail and back spikes, and the horns, covered by the hood.

“Where the hell are the soldiers anyway?” He looked around, then sighed. “Who am I kidding, those idiots can barely get the job done, heavens know why Yugi still has them.”

Fixing his hood, a flash of green and red showing, he jumped down from his ledge, his hand lit with fire, and struck the first monster, burning him to ashes. “One down… a whole horde to go.” 

And, as expected, every single one of the inky creatures noticed one of their own was vanquished, and focused their attention on the new fighter, whose smile was hidden by the cloth on his face. 

“Guess it’s time for a show~!” He sang, spinning on his feet as the shadows rushed at him.

In one of the close houses, a little boy with black markings on his face poked out, looking excited. “Mommy, Mommy! The mystery dragon’s here to save us!”

His mother, with similar marking and hair tied in a bun, pulled her son back. “I know sweetie, let the hero do his job, okay? We can’t get in his way, so no autographs for now.”

“Okay…” he nodded, looking a bit disappointed, but accepted it.

The dragon smiled softly, his sharp hearing picking up the conversation. Then, he snapped back to reality to see the monsters, ready to pounce.

“Well, you all are certainly energetic…” he smirked. “Guess it’s time, TO SWING INTO ACTION!” As he shouted his final statement, he lit his entire body ablaze, the shape of a true dragon appearing behind him, lighting all the shadow demons in his vincinity. If one were to watch the sight, they would only see the spirit Dragon, destroying the ones plauging the Kingdom of Witchcraft.

After a long moment, the flames died down, leaving the streets clean of any monsters, the fire somehow leaving the buildings and citizens unscathed. The cloaked figure smiled proudly as his spirit form roared, fading away until needed once again.

“Well, I could really go for a pastry right now…” he thought aloud, spinning on his heels, rollerblades on. “But which one? There’s always so many good options here…”

“Mr Hero!” A voice caught his attention, and he jumped, not expecting that.

“Welp, guess that can wait,” he sighed, then spun around and knelt down to see the little boy from before. “Why, hello little one!”

“You were so cool out there! Can you teach me that magic trick of yours?” The kid begged, and the cloaked figure giggled.

“Aw, I’m sorry bud, but only Dragonborn’s can do that,” he revealed, but pulled out a little pin and handed it to the child. “What’s your name?”

“My name is Jaro!” He revealed, bouncing on his feet, his white hair in a braid, bouncing to the beat.

“Jaro? That’s a pretty name!” The dragon smiled. “You can call me Odd Eyes, okay?”

“Odd Eyes?” Jaro asked, then understood. “Oh, because of your multicolored eyes?”

“Yup! You’re really smart bud!” Odd Eyes ruffled the kid’s hair, then pointed to the pin. “You see that there? It’s magical.”

“I know it’s magical, I’m a spellcaster, y’know!”

Odd eyes giggled, then continued. “Well, if you ever need me Jaro, just shout my name, and the pin will tell me and I’ll come rescue you.”

“Reeeeaaaally?” Jaro wondered, eyes wide.

“Of course!” Odd Eyes promised, then got up. “Okay, where are you parents?”

“This way!” Jaro pointed to a nearby house, and Odd Eyes led him back to his home, knocking on the door. 

“Jaro, what did I say about using illusions-“ his mother started, then froze as she saw Odd Eyes holding her child’s hand. “I should’ve realized, I’m sorry sir!”

“No problem miss, Jaro here is a bright kid!” Odd Eyes replied, then handed her Jaro. “I gave him a pin- I hope it’s okay!”

“A pin?” She looked down, seeing the rose design, in the center, a little flame and shadow. “Oh honey, it’s totally fine! But I must pay you back for helping-“

“O-Oh, no need miss!” Odd Eyes interrupted, blushing under his mask. “I do have to go anyway, so…”

“Ah, I understand,” the woman nodded with a small smile. “But if you ever need something, you can come here! My name is Erina, by the way.”

“Erina? That’s really pretty!” Odd Eyes gushed, the bowed to the duo. “I’m sorry, but I have to go…”

“Awwww…” Jaro whined as Erina smiled sadly. “We understand young man, take care of yourself!”

“Thanks miss, will do!” He turned and walked out the door, taking care to stay out of sight of the arriving soldiers, weaving through the streets with ease, reaching the outskirts of the Millennium Kingdom. “Wait- I FORGOT TO GET THE PASTRY!” He cried dramatically, comical tears spilling down his face.

“Of course you did,” a voice chuckled, making Odd Eyes jump before relaxing, knowing full well who it was. Turning to the side, he saw a young adult, 18 at most, wearing a black cloak with golden accents, the hood down to reveal his multicolored hair and violet eyes. “Seriously man, every time?”

“Give me a break Yugi,” Odd Eyes groaned, taking off his own hood and mask, revealing his pointed teeth and his tomato like hair, the creamy white horns with orbs protruding from the sides, wearing a pair of orange goggles with a blue star on one of the lenses. “I didn’t want your people to see my face.”

“I know, Yuya” Yugi nodded with a sad smile. “I wish you didn’t feel the need to hide, though.”

Yuya shrugged, summoning a bit of fire, weaving it between his hands. “Well, it’s a lot more fun this way!”

Yugi stared quietly, studying his friend’s face, looking like he wanted to say something, but decided against it. “Atem says hi.”

“That’s nice.”

“And I got a pastry.”

Yuya stopped, then looked at Yugi with pleading eyes, making the latter giggle. “Chill man, I have it, here!” He tossed Yuya a bag, then added. “Share with the others, okay?”

“I know, I will!” He agreed, placing it in one of his many pockets. “So, if anyone asks…”

“It was Odd Eyes, not the runaway prince,” Yugi finished. “I know Yuya, I know.”

“Thanks Yugi, see ya soon!” He turned on his rollerblades, rolling away as Yugi waved farewell.

-_-

“So…” A 19 year old started, watching Yuya through an orb. He had two toned grey hair, shaped like diamonds, with 2 wisps on his head. His black eyes with amethyst iris’s were hidden by red frames, wearing a blue turtleneck, red scarf, and black sweats, held up by a brown belt with pockets. A tail that looked like darkness swished slowly, hidden in the cave that he sat in. “Yuya’s attack was a success.”

“That’s good, right Declan?” His sister, a girl with deer ears, pink hair in pigtails, and sky blue eyes asked. She wore a simple blue jacket and ripped jeans, a pink t-shirt, and steel boots.

“Well, yeah, but…” Declan sighed. “I’m just worried, Zuzu. The King is getting stronger, and we might not be ready.”

“Bullshit!” Zuzu insisted, punching her brother. “We both know we’ll be ready. We’re so close to finding the Gods, we can do this!”

“Zuzu’s right!” Yuya insisted, walking in and taking off his jacket, revealing his back spikes, and the red shirt with orange stripe. “We got this Declan, as long as we have each other!”

Declan smiled, then nodded. “That’s a good point- they won’t expect our army, when the time is right.”

“Just a little longer…” Yuya mused, pulling out a pendant, sky blue with wings, making it dance by swinging it ever so slightly. 

I’ll save you Zarc. Just hold on.

-_-

Chapter Text

“Welll well well…” Yuya perked up as he heard a familiar voice, followed by Zuzu and Declan.

“Not the old crackpot…” Declan muttered under his breath, earning a glare from Zuzu, an exhausted expression on his face. 

Meanwhile, Yuya bowed to the new arrival, wearing the brightest grin. “Hello Sensei!”

“Hi Your Majesty!” Zuzu waved, then stared at Declan expectantly.

“… Hello you piece of shit-“ Declan sighed, but was interrupted.

“DECLAN, BE NICE!” Yuya shouted, a tick mark on his face.

“I’ll be nice to the old geezer when he earns it!” Declan shot back, getting in his friend’s face.

“Every time…” Zuzu groaned, but everyone fell silent as the newcomer giggled, coming into view. He had golden eyes, teal hair, beads on his head, and outfit for a king.

“Now now Zuzu, it’s all right. Yuya, calm down, it’s okay, you know. Though Declan, I am a bit hurt, you know.” He assured the children, who shared looks.

“I don’t really care, King Dartz,” Declan insisted, crossing his arms. “Where’s my sister?”

As if on cue, a little girl with faded purple hair, sharp eyes, sweatpants, hoodie, and wolf ears and tail came in, a smile plastered on her face.

Immediately, Declan softened as Zuzu smiled warmly, Yuya greeting her with a grin. “Hey Riley!”

“Hi! How did the mission go?” She asked, jumping into Declan’s arms as she looked expectantly at Yuya.

“Same as any other,” Declan told her, ruffling her hair as she giggled.

“Well then, I suspect you all should get some sleep, you’re meeting with the other Lancers tomorrow, no?” Dartz asked, turning to leave.

“Yeah, we should sleep,” Zuzu agreed, then eyed her little sister. “Especially you, Riley.”

The wolf spirit pouted, arms crossed. “I’m not a baby Zu! I wanna stay up like Yuya and Dec!”

Declan sighed, getting her attention. “You know all we will be doing is work, work, work, right?” He picked her up by the shoulders and put her on his back, making her squeak in suprise. “Would you wanna fall asleep in bed or on the table?”

Riley seemed to ponder this for a moment before sighing “On the bed…”

“Exactly,” Zuzu intruded, taking her sister from the piggyback ride. “So let’s go to bed, okay? I’ll sing a lullaby for you!”

“Okay…” Riley grumbled as Zuzu led her away, waving goodbye to Dartz, Yuya, and Declan, who waved back.

Once alone, Dartz sighed, getting their attention. “I wish she didn’t follow you that night…”

“I know,” Declan agreed, sitting down on the rocky ground. “But… we can’t do anything now. If they know she was with us… they might use her to bring us back.”

“Yeah…” Yuya nodded solemnly. “We can’t go back home. Not until we defeat him.” He formed his hands into fists, eyes blazing at the thought of the monster who…

“Well then,” Dartz started, actually leaving this time. “I’ll keep playing dumb, just make sure to be careful.”

“We know Sensei,” Yuya called, waving goodbye as Declan nodded curtly. “Goodnight!”

“Goodnight, you little rascals~!” Declan grumbled at that as Yuya elbowed him, Dartz leaving the cave. As soon as the metallic clink of his boots faded away, Yuya sat next to his friend, resting a head on his shoulder.

“Well…” Yuya started. “How was your day?”

“Same as always.” Declan replied. However, it was clear something was on his mind.

“Dec?” Yuya whispered, gaining the shadow spirit’s attention. “What if…” his tail curled around himself, clawed hands hugging himself tightly. “What if we fail?”

Declan stared, then pulled out a locket, looking at the photo inside before making up his mind. “We won’t. Because the creole bastard doesn’t expect us to work together. He expects cowards. He’s not ready for warriors.”

“Yeah, but,” the dragon protested, getting up and pacing around the older boy. “What if we fail? What if I can’t beat him- what if we can’t even find the gods, or their temples? What then?”

Declan stared at Yuya, then got up, confusing his friend, then walked away from him towards the cave entrance. “Dec?”

The cursed spirit stopped for only a moment, not looking back. 

“Hurry up Yuya.”

-_-

“Do you regret coming with me?”

“…? Why would I?”

“I mean, your sisters and Shay must be-“

“Yuya. I will never regret running away to help you.

We’re friends. That will never change. 

So shut up, ‘your majesty,’ and let’s go.”

-_-

Declan knew Yuya was breaking.

He knew it for a while.

He was there when it started, after all.

When the demons showed up, using his best friend to gain the Heir to the Dragon kingdom, then tossed Yuya aside to claim their prize.

Declan hated it. But he knew it broke Yuya. Because he blamed himself for being weak, for letting the demons use him to begin with.

Even if it wasn’t his fault- the poor kid was only 11, for crying out loud! He was supposed to learn about his kingdom and his role, not get used as a bargaining chip!

But now he is 15. 15, and accomplishing far more than anyone in their generation- or for the many generations before.

It didn’t mean he wasn’t scarred from that night. Or that the final round in this twisted game would be one that would test them all, especially him.

But they were ready. They had to be. Or they would all lose

-_-

After a night of gathering data and trying to make sense of it, Yuya had finally fell asleep as the sun started to rise, Declan clocking out at the same time, the former even drooling a bit. Zuzu walked in with a grin, followed by Chris, Dartz’s daughter. She had long brown hair, elegantly combed into 2 neat buns, and sharp eyes that softened at the duo napping. “Finally, those two take a break.”

“You’d think they do this more often,” Zuzu chuckled before rolling her eyes. “Then again, Dec’s a chronic insomniac and Yuya always picks up bad habits from others.”

“Shut up, you little prick,” Declan muttered, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.

“How long did you even sleep for?” Chris asked as Declan raised his index and middle finger. “2?!”

“You need to sleep more, you dumbass,” Zuzu ordered, shoving his head back onto the table.

“The others will be here soon though…” Yuya complained, and the girls shared an exasperated look.

“Fine!” Zuzu huffed, walking up with her hands in her hair, Chris following while laughing in her hands. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you idiots!”

The boys shared a look before breaking into hysterics, Yuya even rolling on the floor as Declan clung to the table for support. After a moment, they calmed down, and got up, each of them taming their appearance a bit.

“Ready Yuu?” Declan moved towards the door, stopping at the entrance. Yuya smiled, putting on his sky blue pendant.

“Ready as I’ll ever be.”