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“You got eyes on AR?”
Krampus scanned the surrounding landscape from his spot up a tree. Nearly all of the constellations and even a few apostles were scattered throughout the large forest made specifically for the game they were playing.
Which was just tag.
Oh sure, Lunda had tried to dress it up in frilly words and pretty flowers but they all knew what it was. The last world had been a lot more…stressful than any of them originally thought it’d be. Of course there were numerous occasions they’d believed their chances of winning against a world’s old gods were slim, but that didn’t change the fact it felt bad.
So Lunda suggested a game to calm all their frayed nerves. Because an entire pantheon’s worth of stressed out constellations was a recipe for disaster. Even with Nebula as the leader.
Hence, tag.
They’d laid out some extra rules to keep it from getting stale. If you tag someone that person can’t turn around and tag you back, you have to verbally say tag to tag someone while making physical contact, there were teams and whoever’s team was tagged the least won, and no magic or weapons (this was an entirely Hegemonia based rule implemented after Richard was speared in the side by her.)
Krampus doesn’t think he’s ever heard Eldar chew someone out so thoroughly before.
Either way, Krampus was in a team with Redmars and Solongos. AR was the last person tagged according to Sanctuary. Solongos was hidden in a thick bush underneath his tree while Redmars was…somewhere. Not with them anyhow.
“No, but Hegemonia is approaching from the east,” Krampus nodded despite the fact Solongos wouldn’t be able to see him. Out of the corner of his eye he spotted a flash of black cutting through the green and browns of the forest. He leapt onto another tree right as a flutter of black lace darted out from the underbrush.
AR wasn’t aiming for him or Solongos though. She was gunning for a constellation who was unfortunately distracted by her teammate.
“What do you mean he left. We all agreed to meet up once he was free of his tag!” Hegemonia demanded as Ovenwave shrugged. Krampus had to give it to her, despite visibly cowering she wasn’t one to take Hegemonia’s attitude lying down.
This was especially obvious in that she chose to remain silent about AR’s presence until the very last second.
“Um, Hegemonia you might want to look out…”
“Look out? Unless it’s that bastard Chistka there’s nothing for me to look out for—“ Hegemonia stumbled as AR barreled right into her. Krampus could just barely hear a “Tag” being muttered before Hegemonia’s entire body began glowing as Sanctuary gave a cheerful jingle.
[Player Hegemonia was tagged ‘It’]
Hegemonia stopped glowing once the announcement ended and turned to level a glare at AR. Said constellation merely inclined her head as she straightened up. Commenting calmly, “better get chasing Hegemonia.”
AR ran off before Hegemonia could pummel her into the ground.
“Hegemonia? Seriously? AR’s so cruel,” Solongos whimpered from his bush. Krampus shushed him as he watched Hegemonia say a few more things to Ovenwave before she turned. Scanning the area for any potential target.
Of course that exact moment was when Nebula decided to walk into the area with his two teammates following him. They probably thought this section of the forest would be empty considering most of the other teams seemed to be located near the far side of the forest.
Krampus saw the exact moment Hegemonia locked eyes with Nebula. A wicked grin more akin to a snarl spread across her face as she began sprinting towards him. Nebula reacted instantly, spinning on his heels and running back the way he came from. Forcing Bolt and Jang-Wan to dive out of the way. In the blink of an eye both Nebula and Hegemonia were gone.
“…so, how long do you think it’ll take before she catches Nebula?”
“I don’t know and I don’t want to find out. Let’s get out of here before he gets caught,” sliding down from the tree he watched Solongos shake his fur out before they ran towards the bottom section of the forest. Hegemonia being It was bad enough but Nebula?
Krampus shuddered as he recalled Eldar’s scream after being ambushed and tagged during the third round.
Yeah no, he was going to get as much distance between him and Nebula as possible. The guy somehow made tag into a horror game whenever he was It. Hegemonia was at least a monster that you could expect to be constantly behind you- Nebula just straight up jumped on you like a spider hiding on a web!
“I wonder where Redmars ran off to,” Solongos muttered beside him. Grass crunching under his hooves as they walked.
“Wherever he is, I hope he’s far from Hegemonia and Nebula.”
———
“Nebula!”
“Shouting my name won’t make me slow down,” Nebula said serenely. As if he wasn’t currently sprinting through the forest with the literal being of war gunning for him. He looked so relaxed it made Hegemonia’s blood boil. How does this bastard look so content while being actively chased?!
“You bastard- I’m not trying to get you to slow down! I’m going to tag you properly without any help!”
“Really? Well, catch me if you can then,” Nebula jeered and oh did his tone make her push herself to her limits. Or rather, the limits set by the game’s rules. (If any of them used their full constellation powers they’d probably have turned the forest to ash and dust by now).
Her lip curled back into a fierce snarl. Boots digging into the dirt with a force that threatened to crush anything in her way. She felt like a wild animal. Mindlessly chasing after her prey. A hunting dog and the sly cat that always seemed to slip from between her jaws. Not this time though, Hegemonia told herself, this time I’m going to catch him.
She was going to force Nebula to pay back every teasing look he sent her way. Every mocking remark where he’d gotten the upper hand in something and simply couldn’t hold back the urge to rub it in her face. Oh yes, he was usually the ‘civil’ one between the two of them- but that’s because he was a two faced liar.
Nebula was an absolute bastard, but he was an interesting bastard.
It wasn’t a surprise to anybody that Hegemonia didn’t have much of a life outside of The Lost World. None of them had any attachments to Earth and Hegemonia was no exception.
Her days, much like her fellow constellations, consisted of simply existing.
Wake up, go to work, get off work, and then play The Lost World until she passes out at her desk. Hegemonia didn’t exactly have friends considering her personality. She knew even here as a constellation she was someone many people saw as…difficult to be around. Something she’d accepted long before her time on Avartin.
It was better now though, some of the constellations she could reasonably call herself friends with. Even then, she’d never been close with anyone.
Not in the way she was with Nebula.
Nebula took a sharp turn and Hegemonia narrowed her eyes. He’s aiming for the stream, she realized. He was probably going to try and throw her off somehow then. Fine, two can play at that game Nebula.
The shimmering stream entered her field of vision as Nebula jumped. Not across it though, to the side. Angled in a way that had him skidding just along the edges of its bank. He was probably hoping for her to take the bait and leap across.
Unfortunately for him, she wouldn’t be fooled so easily.
Hegemonia mirrored his sharp turn and launched herself at him. Throwing herself bodily at him hard enough that they both tumbled towards and into the flowing brook. The cold water soaking into their clothes as they finally came to a stop.
I caught him, Hegemonia thought with a frantic sort of wonder before shaking herself internally. Of course I did! I’m amazing! Hah, suck on that Nebula!
A weak groan under her reminded Hegemonia of the fact she had just tackled Nebula into a stream and was currently still on top of him. She scrambled to pull herself up quickly, rough rocks digging into her knees and the palm of her hands. Damnit Sanctuary, Hegemonia cursed, you really couldn’t have put smooth stones at the bottom of the stream?
Whatever.
Hegemonia stared at her downed target. It wasn’t uncommon for the constellations to change outfits whenever they wanted. Especially considering the fact they only really needed to look the part whenever they appeared while world conquering (she does not care if that sounds more cruel then it actually is. It’s fun saying they go around conquering worlds rather than freeing them of old arrogant gods with more grey hairs than her late grandparents).
All that to say, Nebula wasn’t currently in his usual black cloak. The mesmerizing moth-shaped space cape (as RD often called it) was put away. His hood was missing as was his iconic buffalo skull mask. Leaving him in his black robe, dress, thing.
Listen, there’s only so many times she could listen to AR talk about some obscure fashion thing before she tuned it all out and forgot about it. So what if she didn’t actually pay attention any of the times it was probably mentioned what Nebula was wearing. Those conversations were boring.
Where was she? Oh right, Hegemonia was currently on top of Nebula. Staring at his uncovered face.
Nebula was looking at her with a slight furrow to his brow. He wasn’t anything remarkable, really. When you live around constellations like Eldar for a good few centuries you tend to see most faces as unremarkable in comparison.
And yet her heart skipped a beat. Hegemonia didn’t even have a heart anymore and yet it felt fit to leap out of her chest. Sure she’s felt this way before around Nebula but never so intensely.
Her continued staring must’ve disturbed him because his mouth pressed into a small frown.
“Is there something wrong with my face?”
Yes, Hegemonia thought blankly, it’s the fact that someone like you shouldn’t be allowed to have a cute face. Or a face that could reasonably be argued as pretty. Good features should be banned on any individuals named ‘Nebula’ actually.
Hegemonia felt her chest give another annoying flutter and oh fuck. Those were definitely not normal thoughts to have about her fellow constellation.
Because that was definitely all Nebula was to her.
A completely innocent rival.
The only person who could truly challenge her- understand her.
The butterflies were back in her stomach, fluttering around like some annoying spell Nebula must’ve cursed her with because there was no way she lov- no, nope, she wasn’t going to think those thoughts because she did not like Nebula.
All she had to do was say the word tag.
Hegemonia opened her mouth. Closed it. Opened it again. Closed it again.
Why. Can’t. She. Say. Anything.
“Hegemonia?” Nebula murmured and the way he said it, firm but still challenging. Not worried, that wasn’t how their dynamic worked. He said it in a way that poked at her pride, agitated her, made her want to bare her teeth and bite back at the perceived insult.
Because their relationship was built on Hegemonia clawing at him, digging in her fangs and talons in a brutal attempt to best her opponent. Nebula rebuffing her attempts, dancing away from her strikes, meeting her blows head on with a grin and a tease on his lips that promised to make her blood sing at the challenge. Make her whole being feel warm and full of life.
Nebula was the only one who had ever made her feel alive. The thrum of battle, bloodshed- something she knew intimately after centuries as War. The way a sword slid through flesh, bone against blade, the hum of blood being spilled. All of it dulled in comparison to the thrill she got whenever she faced Nebula.
Hegemonia wanted to best him. To be able to have him kneel in front of her. Completely and utterly defeated. And yet in the back of her mind, something that’s been quietly stirring for some time now, told her she longed for something much more than that grand victory.
Something Hegemonia could attain right now if she were brave enough to. Determined enough.
And okay, maybe she did like him. Really, truly, desperately liked him. Part of her wanted to get up and run, as fast and as far as she possibly could from this awkward situation she felt uncomfortably unprepared for.
But Hegemonia had never been one for cowardice. And she wasn’t about to start now.
She hooked two fingers under his chin, tilting his head up just so as their gazes locked. Hegemonia noted the slight shimmer of his skin, inhuman, holy. Divine. Something they all were. She knew her own body ran hot, hotter than was possible for a human. That sometimes her hair flickered like a flame. Her breath coming out in puffs of dark smoke. Nebula was no different as she traced the faint smattering of stars across his face with her eyes. Like freckles, only fainter and more beautiful.
Hegemonia leaned in, stopping just shy of her goal as she waited for Nebula’s confirmation. Giving him the chance to pull away. In case she misread the looks they shared, the thrill they both seemed to get when fighting, the way her chest fluttered not just with the song of a worthy opponent but of something more. Something greater.
Nebula inclined his head, a barely there tilt that made something in her purr with delight.
Hegemonia kissed him.
Soft, that’s the first thing she noticed. Nebula’s lips were soft. Inviting her to press closer, to snake her hand behind him to hold the back of his head. Her fingers carding through his damp hair with a far gentler touch than she’d ever thought possible for someone like herself.
It felt like dancing. Like fighting. Like the moment when she realized she’d won a battle. Bright and warm and not perfect, no, far from it perhaps- but it was hers, theirs.
The second thing she noticed was the fact he was trembling. Feeling a bolt of irrational worry, Hegemonia pulled back and searched his face for any discomfort. Thankfully finding none. Instead she was greeted to the sight of Nebula- the grand Master of the Hall of Myriad Stars -blushing.
It was painfully endearing.
Hegemonia couldn’t help the mocking grin that spread across her face, “embarrassed?”
Nebula glared at her. Wow, Hegemonia thought gleefully, that’s the strongest reaction I’ve gotten out of him in weeks. I should kiss him more often if that’s all it takes to get a rise out of the guy.
Her thoughts stalled as she realized, rather abruptly, that she could kiss him again.
“What’s with that look- mmphhff—” Nebula’s question was smothered as she kissed him again. Smiling against his lips as he pressed closer with a disgruntled huff. It was adorable how flustered he got at something as simple as kissing. Sure, she didn’t exactly have much of a love life to speak of before or after Avartin but she had still tried.
Not that Hegemonia had much interest in those things until now.
Nebula pulled back with a gasp, which was silly because they didn’t need to breathe anymore. Hegemonia raised an eyebrow at him as Nebula turned away while covering the bottom half of his face with his hand. His blushing had only gotten worse as he glared at her. It was a pretty weak one too. She’s seen Ovenwave give more intimidating glares than that.
“That’s…enough, don’t you think?”
“I don’t know,” Hegemonia teased. “I think I want to continue a bit longer before deciding.”
Ah, his face was red now. Which was cute. She felt giddy because of all the things she expected to be better than him at- love was not one of them. An utterly foreign battlefield for the both of them sure, but so far it was looking like one she would triumph over him in easily.
“Just hurry up and tag me already.”
“I don’t know, I’m still not convinced that was enough.”
“Hegemonia—”
She leaned in closer just to watch Nebula squirm, which was something she never thought she’d see the confident constellation do. He was always so infuriatingly perfect all the time. This was a completely new and rather welcome change.
Unfortunately their little scuffle was interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching their position.
“—saw Chistka and Redmars making out.”
“Really? I thought they hated each othe—“ whatever was going to be said next was cut off by a very high pitched shriek.
Both their heads turned to the side where Jang-Wan and Lunda were standing. Lunda had both her hands over her mouth and was probably the one who screamed. Jang-Wan just looked at them with disgust painted across her features.
“…ew,” no one asked you to be here, Hegemonia grumped in her mind. Unconsciously tightening her fists which resulted in Nebula grunting as his hair was pulled a little. Whoops.
Eh, Nebula could probably deal with losing a few hairs. He’ll be fine.
They all stared at each other for a long moment before Lunda seemed to get over her shock and shot them both a mischievous look that reeked of ‘I’m about to do something you’re both going to hate’.
She summoned a window and the distinct sound of a photo being taken echoed through the forest.
Hegemonia seethed.
“You little- Get back here Lunda!” scampering off like the inferior rat she was, Lunda shot through the woods and disappeared in a blur of white and black. Jang-Wan was snickering as she stumbled and ran after Harmony. The distant echo of her laughter rang out a minute later.
Then it was just her and Nebula again.
“Well that couldn’t have gone worse,” Hegemonia grumbled and glanced down at Nebula, who looked the closest to mortified she’d ever seen him. Idiot, she thought with far more fondness than she was comfortable with.
“RD could’ve been the one to find us.”
“I mean, I guess that’s true.”
“They would’ve been insufferable about it,” Nebula chuckled softly as he moved to sit up. Hegemonia stood and offered a hand towards him, pulling him onto his feet. Only then did she notice how soaked they both were. Ugh, now I’m cold, Hegemonia groused as she eyed the small droplets clinging to Nebula hair. It should be illegal to still look good after being tackled into a freaking stream. Pretty bastard.
Hegemonia hated- loathed how affectionate she sounded. Even if it was in the privacy of her own mind.
“I’m going to go hunt that little wretch down,” Hegemonia hissed. Nebula hummed.
“As long as you don’t make a mess.”
“Whatever,” Hegemonia huffed. Before she set off towards her target though she turned back towards Nebula, ignoring his confused look as she took a step closer. “One more thing before I go.”
Hegemonia kissed him.
“Tag,” Hegemonia whispered against his lips as Nebula began glowing. Sanctuary trilled cheerfully as he sputtered. Eyes wide and face returning to that entertaining shade of red from earlier as she pulled back with a smirk. “Caught you fair and square didn’t I?”
[Player Nebula was tagged ‘It’]