E | Completed | 70k | Alternate Canon | The Darkling/Nikolai Lantsov

hi! i dunno if your requests are still open but if they are i was wondering if you could write headcanons for dr strange and/or tony with a male so whos sorta like a eldritch god/horror? if not i understand but thanks anyways(:

Marvel x eldritch horror male reader

  How did you know non-human reader fics were one of my favorites?

I sprinkled in some Steven Grant cuz I am obsessed with him, even though I haven’t watched the show yet, hope that’s okay lmao. I don’t know much about DID so I tried not to mention it much, and used what I know, so hopefully its alright.

I loosely based the readers main appearance of an oc of mine who is something like an eldritch horror themselves ^^

 I may have gotten carried away, but enjoy anyways.

Tony Stark

-          You meet when Tony is trapped in space with Nebula. You were just floating through space like always, taking in the sights and whatnot when you saw the ship and felt living organisms inside. One of them feels near death though, so you worry.

-          You haven’t interacted with many humans in your eternal life, so you panic and slither your everchanging form into the ship towards the dying being. Feeling around you with your smoke like mass, and using your abilities you can tell he is dying from lack of oxygen, so you make some.

-          He’s still falling unconscious, but not dying this time. So, you grace his mind just enough to get an impression, and take the form he would find most pleasing to look at. You end up taking him into your now only two arms, and holding him as he rests.

-          Things pass like in the movie, except you easily reverse what Thanos did and take the stones away from the ugly grape and fling him into the void.

-          Now that the threat is gone you grow close to Tony, and take great interest in human culture. You could learn it all immediately if you pleased, but having Tony show you and explain it made what would be your heart warm up.

-          In the beginning Tony, and all his companions, thought you were some type of alien that took human form, like the Skrull. So, it was kinda awkward to explain that you weren’t just that, you were what they called an eldritch horror.

-          Tony needed some time to come to terms with it, especially the fact that you were far beyond science. But after a while he seemed to just accept it, giving up that he couldn’t ever figure you out. Though he does try to at times still.

-          The two of you start dating, and it takes some time to get used too, mainly for Tony. You grow more comfortable letting your human go and just being more yourself. Though you keep your form mainly human.

-          You help out the Avengers at times, but mainly leave it to the heroes to go save the world. Though you will swoop in if they’re in life threatening danger.

-          You pick up cooking, though it isn’t very successful in the beginning, but tony seems to be very supportive, though he isn’t that happiest to be the taste tester as some of the dishes he swears are cursed.

-          You get better over time though.

-          The relationship is announced to the public, and you have to keep your human form when out and about for obvious reasons. The world is led to believe you have shadow based powers and have lived alone for most of your life, which makes up for you not understanding many parts of society just yet.

Stephen Strange

-          You meet when Stephen is doing magic work, maybe he has to cross over to the shadow between realities or universes to collect something or fight someone. He catches your attention by entering your domain, which normally no one can enter.

-          You keep your attention of the cloaked man, as he moves through your darkness with ease that surprises even you. His cloak flinches back when you reach a shadow up to pull on it, which confirms that it is alive.

-          The magic-user walks around your domain for a long time looking for what he’s after, but can’t seem to find head nor tail in the eternal darkness. You feel what’s almost akin to pity, like what you feel when you see a kitten stumble and fall. So, collecting a tiny part of your mass, you take a human-like shape.

-          The shape is like if you took shadows and dark mass and shoved it into a human shaped mold. You hadn’t really met humans before and you didn’t want to dig through his mind, so you took the next best option.

-          Stephen gets ready to fight when you appear, but when it becomes obvious, you’re friendly he tells you why he’s there and what he’s after. You offer to help him which he hesitates with at first, but ends up accepting. With little work of your powers, you’ve moved the two of you to what he needed

-          The two of you fall into talks, you mainly asking questions which he only seems to answer out of politeness as this is your realm, but as time passes, he becomes more friendly. He’s on edge around you in the beginning, but it lessens up.

-          When he leaves you vow to visit him regularly, which you then do. You pull apart the curtains of reality and step into whatever room he’s in, and as time passes you start to take a more human form as you learn about them. Though you keep certain features about yourself, like having more than two arms and smoke-like clouds rising from you at times, though Stephen doesn’t seem to mind at all.

-          The sorcerer grows to really apricate your company, and he treats you much warmer as time passes.

-          You dating is never really said in words, at some point you just start staying with him for longer, you start holding each other and kissing. Its only when Wong tells you to take your sucking faces somewhere else it clicks for the both of you.

-          Your relationship continues as normal, doing sorcery things, reading books, traveling places. Though now there’s more physical affection.

-          Stephen is very interested in the special brand of magic you use, though you explain it isn’t magic and just more you are bending reality to your will. He’s still very interested though.

-          He takes time off from being sorcerer supreme to spend time together, the two of you especially like traveling to other planets or alike to explore or go on holiday.

Steven Grant (Marc and Jake too i guess)

-          Unsurprisingly you meet Steven because of moon knight business. You first spotted him when he entered the afterlight as it is partly your domain, but before you could interact with him, he left again. You’re intrigued by the man, so you keep one of your many million eyes on him.

-          You let small parts of yourself start to slither into the human realm by poking holes in the fabric that is reality. Normally you would just have shoved a chunk of yourself out there, but the god that follows Steven around would notice immediately. Not that you couldn’t win with ease if the god wanted to fight, but you didn’t feel like it.

-          You had planned to grace over his mind for a shape when he slept, but he so rarely did. It made the small part of yourself you had put under his bed jolt as he got right back up, after he had gone to sleep. Flexing your abilities, you figured out there were not one, not two, but three people in the body, one of them being Steven.

-          Now you have always been an eternal everchanging being, so it didn’t weird you out or anything, you simply noted down for later to pay attention to who was fronting and that was it.

-          Weeks pass like this, and you’re comfortable just watching and observing. That is until Steven apparently gains control of the body in the middle of a battle. He’s lost and doesn’t even realize he’s in a fight until he almost gets punched.

-          Steven appears not to be much of a fighter, but you stay still until one of the people he was fighting pulls out a gun, which you now know is a weapon. You collect all the small shadows you’ve had cross over and mash them together to take form. You take a human form, the only thing showing you’re less than human nature are your eyes, which turn pitch black.

-          You make quick work of the goons, going as far as to crush the gun in your hand and flinging the people across the street and into a dumpster.

-          The god that follows Steven around immediately gets confrontational and curses at you and wants you gone, but you ignore him to crouch down to Steven and ask if he’s alright, lifting a smoke covered hand, where the smoke slithers around and seems to heal whatever bruises and cuts he has.

-          It takes some explaining and calming Steven down to explain who and what you are, and why you are there. He blushes when you explain how you found him so interesting and sweet you couldn’t help but want to stick around.

-          Khonsu seems to stop his cursing and threats when he figures out you are far beyond even his level of power, though the two of you don’t seem to realize. You don’t even notice when he seems to leave, giving you major side-eye.

-          One thing leads to the next and you’re spending a lot of time together, though its just you and Steven since you leave when you notice the other two fronting. You don’t want to make them uncomfortable or anything, and you and Steven thought that since Marc and Jake kept a lot of secrets in the past from him, its okay until you two know each other more.

-          When you start officially dating you end up introducing yourself to Marc and Jake, who both seem quite uneasy with you, but when they hear how you and Steven talk about each other they begrudgingly agree.

-          They won’t admit it, but they start to like you too, and get red in the face when you compliment them or hug them.

-          You and Steven talk about his interests for hours, and you can tell him many things that Khonsu doesn’t know or hasn’t told him, you even go as far as to tell him about how you have your own realm and alike. You visit it at some point, though there isn’t much to see as its just darkness and void.

-          Steven helps you learn the ways of the human world, though he struggles with it himself too, so you lean on each other for support. Though most days it can become quite a lot and you’ll just go home and cuddle in bed until Steven falls asleep and either Marc or Jake takes over, the man blushing when they realize they’re in your arms.

No Spoilers (Avengers X Reader)

Characters: Avengers X Reader

Universe: Marvel, Avengers

Warnings: Spoilers of AOU

SET BEFORE AOU

Request: If you would be so kind I would like a Avengers x reader (around teenage) request where the reader from our universe gets dropped into the avengers.

It’s not the first time the Avengers have seen a portal from another dimension. But it was the first time that a person has fell through and then have it shut.

At first they thought you were a possible threat, but quickly realised by the fact that you were in your pyjamas and looking at them in disbelief that you weren’t a threat.

Keep reading

Heroic.

No Spoilers Pt 2 (Avengers X Reader)

Characters: Avengers X Reader

Universe: Marvel, Avengers

Warnings: Spoilers to AOU

NOTE: I couldn’t find a way to interpret everything the request wanted, so I changed a few parts, but it follows the main request x

Request: Hi could part 2 of no spoilers be the reader is working with Bruce and they get attacked and get captured by Loki and other villains and The villains think that they are spy. But the reader freaks out about the villan

It had been a few weeks since you had been thrown into the world of the Avengers, and while little progress was being made in getting you home despite their best efforts. You knew they were trying, so you didn’t push them too hard, and instead tried to enjoy your time here.

Keep reading

Currently Writing + Story Ideas in the Works + Story Masterlist

Currently Writing + Future Ideas (Last Updated August 29, 2023) This is what I am currently working on: ~Now:  ~Next: Yone story Story Ideas I have partially written or have ideas for: ~Elias Bouchard (Magnus Archives) (first chapter up on ao3, next update time unknown) ~Merman story, inspired partially by The Little Mermaid 2 (OC’s name is Aquilon)  ~Piers Nivans (Resident Evil 6) chaptered story   ~Seto Kaiba (Yugioh) chaptered story ~Swan Princess-inspired original story (OC’s name is Elliot) ~Sylvain (Fire Emblem 3 Houses) one-shot (this idea may be a long shot now) Here is my tumblr story masterlist! Please let me know if any links don’t work!

League of Legends

Sett - Tangling with the Boss, Tangling with the Boss 2, Tangling with the Lifeguard (Pool Party Sett) Spirit Blossom Thresh - The Silver Path Sylas - Spellbound Shackles Talon - Behind the Blade’s Shadow Viego - Lost Love’s Ruination Zed - Truth in Darkness

Fire Emblem

Ashe - Return to You Dimitri - About Time Lif - The Last Hope of a Fallen Prince

DC

Nightwing - In the Light

Hello :D, could I request some headcanons of Aurelion Sol , Pantheon and Aphelios with a S/o who is a omnipotent Deity

Sure thing! They ended up turning into headcanons about how I thought the relationships would go from the start 😁

Aphelios, Aurelion Sol, Pantheon x Deity!Reader Headcanons

Aphelios

Upon first meeting you, Aphelios would never have believed that you would be a deity. Why would someone so powerful be aimlessly wandering around Mount Targon? Of course to him, you had the heavenly look, an ethereal beauty that he had never seen before, but it didn't change the fact that you looked defenceless. He only believed when Alune told him how she had seen your nurturing presence in the spirit realm, and that you were to be trusted

There was tension when you refused to completely aid Aphelios in the conflict between the Lunari and Solari. You could literally change the course of this war, stomp the Solari with a mere wave of the hand, but you wouldn't, you said it wasn’t your right. All that you promised him was the safety of him and Alune which Aphelios learned to be extremely grateful for

The amount of times you've dragged Aphelios out of the spirit realm have become uncountable. Knowing that you had his back, Aphelios took riskier missions and made bolder moves. It only stopped when Alune chided him, saying, “Do you think a god would be impressed by a fool that constantly gets himself killed?” right in front of your face. Aphelios had never been so embarrassed

You confessed to him that you would like something more between you and thus, your romantic relationship started. You’ll have to be the one to make the first move. No matter how infatuated Aphelios was with you, he'd never confess to you, he believed it was out of his place to confess a romantic love to a deity

Truth be told, Aphelios is insecure about your relationship. You could literally have anyone in the entire cosmos yet you chose to stay by his side. Do you truly consider him a lover or simply one of many assets in the universe to entertain your immortal life? Surely you'd tire of him sooner or later, there were probably plenty of individuals – mortal, even – who were far more fascinating than him

Your relationship has become a ticking time bomb. For now it’s okay but Aphelios is aware there may be a time where your interests collide with his faith of the moon. And that is one secret he has hidden from Alune, when the time comes to choose between you and the moon, he shall follow you

Aurelion Sol

The two of you have known each other since the creation of time itself. Throughout the eons of existing, the two of you have certainly had your fights and quarrels. What gods wouldn't? Existing for so long without any drama would be incredibly boring so the two of you would start drama amongst yourselves

But as the gods started taking interest in smaller, mortal matters, they started taking sides. The little quarrels and arguments turned more serious until they became wars that split space itself apart. It was then and there that you and Aurelion Sol realised just how important you found each other, sharing a bond that goes beyond human comprehension

Knowing how confident the god is, Aurelion Sol really wouldn't tolerate having anyone else other than a fellow god by his side. Anyone or anything less and he'd simply be unimpressed, you are the only one that can make him feel true awe

When he was bound by the mortals to Mount Targon, the hardest thing was being away from you. You were so close yet so far, he knew you were doing all you can to help him but the damned mortals had managed to find a way to even outdo your powers

Finally freed by his mortal restraints, you were the one to calm Aurelion Sol down as he desperately wanted to seek revenge against the mortals, tearing Mount Targon – and possibly all of Runeterra – to shreds. You reminded him that that was not true balance, and that the both of you were above the level of mortals, and so he should not act as violently as them

You have become the peace to his chaos as the both of you find the balance in making Runeterra become a place of peace once again, and to strip the mortals of their godly powers

Pantheon

At first the two of you did not get along in the slightest. Pantheon had sworn war on all that he considered too powerful for their own good, be it Darkin, Ascended or Aspect. And now he comes into contact with a god? You must've been asking for whatever the immortal equivalent of a death wish is

Your first meeting was one meant for the history books. A mere human standing up against a deity, with nothing but the will to fight guiding him. He fought you again and again, refusing to budge. Every fight he learnt more about your abilities, how powerful and immortal you were

Everything came to a head when he finally challenged you with the call, “Kill me, if you are truly such a god!” But you simply refused, saying it was not your business to disrupt the natural order. It was then Pantheon realised his drive for revenge was not meant for you. You may have the power to destroy, but you had the power to create. You maintained balance, much like him

He surrendered, kneeling at your feet. He then swore that he would fight in your best interests, to maintain balance of the universe. In reality, it didn't change his goals; the Darkin, Ascended and Aspects were what disrupted Runeterra and sending it to ruins, they were the ones that disrupted balance but his purpose still felt much greater now. It was not petty revenge, but to aid a deity

It took a decent amount of time time until Pantheon admitted his love for you. He believed it would be foolish for a literal god to value him any more than an asset, an ally or friend at best. But when you passingly said that he was special to you, Pantheon did the most daunting a soldier ever could. He confessed to you and you accepted

Pantheon's heart soars whenever you call him, “My champion”. It is an honour to represent and act on behalf of a god as nurturing and good natured as you. He has sworn in his heart to be by your side for all of eternity, to offer all his services and anything he can do to help aid in your quest of balancing the universe

In Another Life

Masterlist

Pairing: Aleksander Morozova x Alternate Universe!Reader

Summary: When the making at the heart of the world steals you from your own universe and drops you into the fictional country of Ravka you’re thoroughly bewildered. But this is an opportunity for you to right every wrong - and hopefully save one life in particular.

Word Count: 60.5K - COMPLETED

My Masterlist • Series Playlist

Read on AO3 HERE

Part One

One moment you’re going about your usual day, the next you’re in Ravka - the fictional country in a fictional universe. When you realise that the story you know by heart hasn’t even begun, there’s only one person you can think of going to.

Part Two

After a restless night of sleep, you wake with too many thoughts in your mind. The contents of the General’s war table provide an ample distraction, and soon the man himself joins you.

Part Three

You and Aleksander journey to Kribirsk, where everything starts to become real for you, as your plan is finally set in motion.

Part Four

Accompanied by your new recruits, you and Aleksander return to the Little Palace, and soon settle into a comfortable routine. But nothing ever stays the same for long.

Part Five

Alina is presented to the king as the sun summoner, and from that point onwards you and Aleksander become increasing busy - and apart.

Part Six

An unexpected visitor arrives with some good news, and Aleksander makes a earth-shattering discovery.

Bonus Scene

As your first interaction with Baghra occurs, a wounded Aleksander returns from a mission, and you have no chance to ponder over her opinion of you.

Part Seven

The search for the stag takes your group north into Fjerda, but it’s after you return to Os Alta that a surprising event occurs.

Part Eight

The Winter Fete goes smoothly, a perfect evening followed by a foiled assassination. A few days later, you and Aleksander journey into the Fold.

Part Nine

After a dramatic arrival into West Ravka, your group travels to Os Kervo, and you recruit a pirate privateer to join you in the search for the sea whip.

Part Ten

The hunt for the sea whip has begun, but a number of obstacles stand in your way, demanding more from you than you ever thought possible.

Part Eleven

Your near death experience has taken a toll on you, which forces Aleksander to come to a realisation.

Part Twelve

A successful return to Ravka prompts you to share warnings of the future with Aleksander, and a new (but not unfamiliar) character invites himself into your schemes.

Part Thirteen

Slowly the pieces of your plan for the Fold come into place, but thoughts and fears of the future continue to haunt you.

Part Fourteen

Ravka’s seat of power changes, and Aleksander makes a discovery that sends you both north in search of his sister.

Part Fifteen

As Alina is about to bring down the Fold, Aleksander suggests a theory that lifts your hopes.

Part Sixteen

Together, you and Aleksander journey to the monastery of Sankt Feliks. To mend the tear at the making, a sacrifice from one of you is required.

Part Seventeen

With the remains of the Fold vanquished, the people celebrate. Together, you and Aleksander work to establish peace in Ravka and a safe haven for your Grisha.

Bonus Scene

Alternate Ending

Until I Found You - IAL (Aleksander’s Version)

Aleksander isn’t expecting to find love in this lifetime, that is until you arrive. - A collection of scenes from In Another Life from Aleksander’s perspective, as well as a bonus scene.

-

Post-In Another Life

Future Uncertainty

Lingering insecurities rear their head now that everything has been resolved, and Aleksander encourages you to share your fears. (set mid-part seventeen)

The General’s Crown

In an attempt to escape the attention of being a living saint, you retreat into the fields and create flowers for the local children. It isn’t long before your husband finds you.

Christmas Eve

Its your second Christmas in Ravka, your first with the country at peace and Aleksander as your husband. Together, you have the perfect Christmas Eve.

The New Year

It’s New Years Eve, and the first time you’re celebrating with Aleksander as your husband.

What the Future Holds

Immortality suits you well, and your new life with Aleksander is better than you ever could have imagined.

Drabble promp for OC of my Darkling’s Son Adryk Prompt: An act of Merzost that goes wrong for both

How could he have pushed him this far? Or perhaps it was not him alone, although he seemed to be the greatest influence over his son. A summoner of light born into a dark realm, a consequence of true love. He had been surprised to see the light and not a shadow summoner like himself, but Adryk had only seen disappointment hidden in his features. He was an outcast in the Dark Realm, not trusted by his own sister, not able to control the dark like his mother and unable to wield shadows like his Father. He chased those with light to their disapproval, their warnings of not trusting those with light but that only made him feel as if his own family hadn’t trusted him either. He was different, an heir to the Darkling with nothing to show for it. How badly he wanted to be like his Father only to discover again and again that he never would be. He had grown sick of it. He had learned through stories that his Father was capable of changing fate, of doing the impossible through the use of a strange magic. One that he had always forbid him to learn or speak about. Upon a wave of fury and desperation he raided his father’s study, tossed books and items aside until he came across the forbidden books of his uncle that had taught him everything. It was all true, the strange magic did exist and it had a name. Merzost. He knew nothing of the magic but if anyone could fix him his father could. With the book clutched in hand he storms across the palace ground until he comes across his father near the forest. He throws the journal at his feet, watching as his Father’s dark eyes fall upon it. “Do it.” He demands. “Take the light from me!” Aleksander furrows his brow at the book then looks up at his son, he was surprised by the sudden plea and the journal. Though perhaps he shouldn’t be surprised. He sighs and lifts the book into his hand. “It’s too dangerous..” He begins, only stopped by Adryk snapping the book from his fingers and tossing it aside. “Yet its not too dangerous when you want something. Was it too dangerous when you stole Hades powers? Or those of others who have crossed you here?! Take them!” His hands ball into fists as tears well in his eyes. “I want to be like you, I want to be the heir you wanted.” He pauses for a moment to glance away. “Or I don’t want to be at all.” He whispers softly. Aleksander freezes as his eyes fall upon his son, seeing his desperation only reminded him of his own actions in the past. The risks he would take when he too was desperate. It hurt him to know he had helped to push him to this point. “Adryk it’s not like that. You are the son that I want, no matter what.” Adryk was quick to clasp his hands, gazing up at him with plea in his eyes. “This is what I want. And if you truly want to prove you care about me then just give me the one thing I want. I just want to be like you.” He finishes in a hushed voice. “My own sister doesn’t even like m-.” “Adryk.” His voice was stern as it cut him off. “I don’t want to hurt you and your sister is just a lot of talk.” He eases Adryks hands from his own with a sigh but the boy was adamant. Adryk shakes with frustration as he lifts the journal, brandishing it to him. “I know of this now and if you don’t do it then I will.” His voice was filled with hesitation, fear even but he was like his father more than he thought. For he would stop at nothing if he wanted something bad enough. The Darkling knew this and the fear of his son using Merzost left him with little choice. “Put that down.” He says softly as he steps towards Adryk. “If it’s what you want…I’ll do it.” It would be better for him to perform it than his son. Better to drain his own reserves then risk harm befalling him. “You want to be like me..” He guides him deeper into the forest. “You already are.” He pauses near a vine with large black thorns, kneeling to pluck a couple free. Adryk had touches of Shadow, been able to slightly manipulate it. Perhaps he could make that stronger. He had sealed the power of others in these thorns already with little problem, perhaps it would not be so difficult to make his son happy. “I’ll do this, only if you swear never to enact Merzost yourself. Adryk, promise me.” His voice was full of demand but he answers with a firm nod. “I promise.” “Then come..” He waits for Adryk to come near and pricks the tip of thorn into his skin, he hisses but upon his fathers instruction he holds it there. Aleks knew Fiona would kill him for this, but he also knew that she just wanted their son to be happy. The incantations begin to blur in the Darkling’s head, the dark veins forming across his skin as the magic begins to take from him. With a cry he shoves the other thorn into his own arm, blood spilling across his skin and the grounds at their feet as he reaches across to firmly grasp the one in his sons arm. The wind stirs around them in a furious roar as light pours forth from the cut in his arm, flooding out into the air around them. If felt as if his very soul was leaving him in that moment. The Darkling continues to incite and shadows emerge from the thorn in his arm, winding through the air and connecting to the other. The Darkness begins to fill the void where the light once was, faster and faster the pull stronger and more vicious. He would have let go but he found his hand stuck as the powers roared between them in a painful draw and pull. To take in that much power at once was disorienting, even painful for Adryk as he bares his teeth against the burn of the pain. It all happened too fast, Merzost had a mind of his own. Ears deafened by the roar of power in the winds that surrounded them, the Darkling’s senses began to dim. Heart racing as the magic pulled from him and just before fainting he collapses to the ground the same moment that his son does. All falls into silence and stillness around them, both thorns shattered into pieces. If they had not collected anything then what… The Darkling looks down as the black lines begin to fade from his skin, an arm bracing himself against the ground as he kneels. Merzost always weakened him but he felt much weaker than before. Adryk seemed to be completely unconscious as he crawls quickly over him. “Adryk.” He says, concern in his voice as he reaches to shake his shoulder. A familiar feeling floods him, an ache as he feels the power under his own sons skin. His power. With a gasp he quickly lets him go, falling back as he glances to his own fingers, his own fears realized. He tries to call the shadows, tries to summon the darkness but there is no answer. Everything he ever was, was no longer there and all that power of ages past had slipped inside his son. That all consuming power and shadow. How would it affect him to have so much? He wouldn’t know until he woke up and greater yet. How would it affect himself to have so little? Fear consumes his dark eyes as he tries to summon once more, feel a touch of any power. Light dances across his fingertips, but only briefly before it fizzles out completely. With a cry of frustration he slams his hand upon the ground, finger clawing into the earth as the weakness of being drained overtakes him. The only way to heal from it gone as he collapses into exhaustion beside his son.

Our Sanctuary

Aleksander Morozova x Reader (Family AU)

The Darkling x Sun Summoner!Wife!Reader

Summary: Meet the Morozova family.

Sequel: Weeds Amongst Flowers

Warnings: None

Word Count: 2.0K

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It was a well-known fact that the leader of the Second Army, General Kirigan, was a dark, ambitious and powerful Grisha in all of the lands. He was feared and hated far and wide but the Grisha respected and lived to serve him. To the world, he was the Shadow Summoner, the Black General, but behind the safe enclosure of the Little Palace he was the savior of Grisha, Ravka’s hope, a son, and most importantly two titles he cherished; a husband and a father.

Within the walls of the Little Palace, a pair of small feet ran through the halls leaving a small resounding echo at each step. The halls were empty aside from the paintings, portraits, vases, and other antiquities aligning the hall. The owner of said feet giggled out of joy and cheer but most of all excitement. The little one was excited to explore the Little Palace on his own without any supervision. He was running, jumping, sliding, and screaming in pure giddiness as his imagination took over him. With his little mind preoccupied, without taking notice of his surroundings, the little one accidentally took a bump to a hard but dark ‘obstacle’. He would have fallen had the ‘obstacle’ not caught him and gently set him back on his tiny feet. Said ‘obstacle’ knelt down before the little one with eyes as dark as the night sky but filled with love and pride.

“And what mischief has my little warrior been up to?” said the dark ‘obstacle’ or rather General. The little one looked towards the man with eyes mirroring his own, and replied back with a giggle, “Papa, I was looking for you…I wanted to find you…but couldn’t find you, so I went to make a game of my own.”

“Really,” Aleksander mused then smiled at his beloved son, “and what sort of game was it that managed to draw you away from your mother?” The General playfully taunted his son which made the boy blush in embarrassment and looked down in guilt. “I’m sorry papa… I only left cause mama wasn’t feeling too good and then I thought papa makes mama happy, why not bring papa?” The General gave a soft smile at his boy, he was aware of his wife’s condition. She had been feeling unwell lately and he’s been reluctant to leave her be but she managed to coerce him to commit his duty as the General…besides she wouldn’t be alone…she had Genya and her son.

“Let’s head back to your mother, Aleksei, she’s probably worried,” Aleksander consoled his son as he lifted him in his arms to carry at his side. And they set off to their private chambers whilst talking. Aleksei, a sweet and simple name yet fitting for him. Their son indeed lives up to his name since he believes it’s his duty to defend and protect his family just like his papa taught him. His father always told him that he had an important job now and that was to look after his mother. That was something that Aleksei could never deny nor turn down, for his mother was his entire world. She helped raise him, bathe him, fed him, and love him, and so on. She did everything and Aleksander has never felt more proud having a beautiful wife and wonderful mother to his child.

“Mama has been looking different lately…she’s also been going to the bathroom a lot…” Aleksei said worriedly. “Your mother is just having morning illness. She is now carrying a baby. Could be a boy or a girl. What would you like? A brother? Or a sister?” The General turned to him to hear his answer.

“A brother! So that we could play together and hunt down monsters!” The little boy shouted in excitement.

“And what if you had a sister?”

“I would have liked a brother but sister is nice, I would be the one to protect her! She would be the princess and me, the greatest warrior in all of Ravka!”

The General smiled at that. He knew without a doubt that his first child would do amazing as a big brother to his sibling(s). He had raised him well. Throughout their walk, they had passed by other Grisha and servants. They gave a slight bow to the darkling in greeting as he walked by them and he, in turn, nodded back at them. Aleksei, being a young child he was, and 4 years old, just gave them a sweet smile and small wave which caused them to smile at him. The boy was a darling among the occupants of the Little Palace, in fact, he was also seen as their hope for a better future as he descended from two of the strongest and greatest Summoners. His father, the Shadow Summoner, and his mother, the Sun Summoner.

They had now finally reached the main doors leading to their private quarters. In their private quarters consisted of some bedrooms, the war room, dining room, and their own bathrooms. Just like the darkling preferred. Aleksander put his son to the floor and followed after the boy as he ran to his parents' room.

“Mama!” Aleksei shouted in delight as he burst through the room darting straight to the large bed.

(Name) formed a soft smile on her face as she turned her head towards the source of the most precious sound that nothing else could ever compare. She saw as her son climbed her and her husband’s lavish bed, and crawl towards her. She then reached forward and grabbed her little boy and sat him on her lap, careful not to squish the precious swell of her belly that carried another love of hers and Aleksander’s.

“Now where did you go off to, little gremlin?” (Name) chuckled as she held her son’s soft cheeks between her hands and gave him butterfly kisses all over his sweet cherub face. Aleksei laughed at the sweet but ticklish affection he received from his mama. One thing Aleksei loved more than anything was being in his mother’s arms and receiving those butterfly kisses.

The boy was laughing out of fun and joy while his father watched the scene from the bedroom door out of pure adoration. Here right in front of him was his entire world, his entire everything. His wife, his son, and his unborn second child. Aleksander never imagined settling down and having his own family but that all changed since (Name) came.

His dear wife (Name), how she had changed him for the better and had given him the greatest gifts in the world. (Name) had miraculously wedged deep into his heart and left a huge imprint. She was his biggest support through all of his endeavors and it would remain so. Side by side they had fought together against the forces of Fjerda and Shu Han for years. And now, both he and (Name) now hold an important objective; protecting their family. Ever since (Name) was pregnant with their first child, she and Aleksander had worked hard to keep their son a secret but the King was adamant that they announce the birth of their child should the pregnancy ever be a success.

Apparently, some nosy maids had managed to pass on the word to the Queen about the Sun Summoner’s situation. This did not sit well for the General and (Name) as they worried for the welfare of their child. They had hoped for a more secure and secretive life but when word got out, there would be no doubt that their enemies would dare try to target their family. Aleksander or rather as the public knows him as General Kirigan managed to sway the King’s interests in announcing his child’s birth and to leave it be for the sake of their protection. The pregnancy was not easy since it was obviously (Name)’s first time. 9 months later, she and her husband were blessed with a beautiful son. Their son bore a striking resemblance to his father; thick dark hair, eyes as dark as the night, and his father’s nose. But one thing he gained from his mother were her soft supple lips. A true beauty they had brought into their world. (Name) and Aleksander believed their son would do great things. In this harsh world, with its fill of wars, poverty, famine, and death, both parents have one light that helps shine away all that is negative, and that is their family.

As the Sun Summoner coddled her sweet little boy, Aleksander stepped forward and went around the bed to sit by his angelic wife’s side. “How have you been feeling? Aleksei says you’ve been visiting the bathroom a lot this morning,” he asked worried as he reached out to hold one of his wife’s soft hands, but (Name) smiled at him in assurance, “I’m fine, the baby is just very active…keeps playing with my organs,” she looked down at her round belly hidden by her white lace nightgown. Aleksei also looked at the bump in wonder and leaned his head to lie on his mother’s belly with both hands beside his head as if laying on a pillow.

“I can feel them, mama,” Aleksei said excitedly.

“That’s because they know you’re there. They can hear you, you know. Would you like to tell them something?” His mother softly told him.

Her son scrunched his cute little face in thought, trying to figure out what he could tell his baby sibling.

“Umm…Oh, I know. Hello, baby brother or sister, it’s your big brother. I can’t wait to see you. We’ve been waiting for you for a looong time, so better hurry! We’re going to play all sorts of games…I’ll even share all my toys with you….I love you,” their son then gave a hug to his mother’s belly. (Name)’s eyes watered slightly at the heart-warming message her son made to their unborn sibling and she knew deep down that her children would be alright.

Aleksander was proud to be raising a caring and loving son, and he would continue doing so. His children will never go through the same challenges as their parents did, never will they suffer nor struggle in their lives. He would do everything in his power to protect his wife and children from their enemies.

His wife, (Name), looked to her husband by her side and asked, “Has Aleksei shown signs of any abilities he may possess?” Aleksander stares back at her and answers, “I believe Aleksei has something to show you…”

Her husband then turned his son, “Aleksei, won’t you show your mother your surprise?”

Aleksei gave a big smile and nodded in excitement. He moved a bit further from his mother with his tiny bum sat on the bed, he then raised both his palms and had them facing one another. His face squinted in concentration as he tried to conjure or rather summon his power at the palm of his hands. “Don’t try too hard, Aleksei, just let it flow and it will come,” His father encouraged him as he couldn’t keep a smile off his face. (Name) looked closely at her son’s hands and her eyes widened. There she saw it. A small black mist swirling between his palms, like a little dark storm.

“I did it, papa! Look! I’m just like you! What do you think mama?!” their son bounced on the bed in delight, laughing at his amazing accomplishment. (Name) smiled and clapped her hands applauding her little boy’s ability. “I’m so proud of you, Aleksei,” she told him happily, “Just like your papa.”

‘I’m gonna be just like papa! I want to be just like papa! Strong, smart, tall, and everything else!”

Aleksander’s eyes watered slightly but held them back. He reached to pick up his son and cradled him to his chest. “You’re going to do even greater things, my lapushka,” he spoke softly on his son’s head as he gave a kiss on his black hair. “Your mother and I are so proud of you. And we love you so much. Remember that.”

“I love you, papa. I love you, mama.” the boy told his beloved papa as his eyes shut slowly, exhausted.

Aleksander and (Name) looked at their sleeping miracle out of pure love and adoration.

This is what they were fighting for. Everything they worked hard for, was for Aleksei and their little unborn bean.

This was their paradise.

This was their sanctuary.

𝓛ong ago, an order of monastic knights slew the vile gods of the old world, using esoteric powers granted by the moon and sun.

𝓝ow the world has grown dark and violent, as those selfsame deities prepare their return—challenged only by the light of the eclipse."