𝗘𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗙𝗟𝗔𝗠𝗘 ─︎ 𝗗𝗥𝗨𝗜𝗚 𝗫 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗥

⇨︎ cнapтer eιgнт ; genocιde

─︎─︎─︎─︎─︎─︎─︎─︎─︎─︎

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[CONTAINS SPOILERS FROM THE ETERNALS]
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1521 AD - TENOCHTITLAN

At the moment, the Eternals were temporarily separated as they rummaged for the last deviants in the forest. Near them, fires continued spreading across the human civilization and smoke mixed in with the atmosphere, muffling the humans' sight and making their breathing become an even more draining task. Each piece of humanity that Y/n truly admired was gone, and the once kind souls she enjoyed interacting with fought savagely as she observed from afar, wandering the woodland alongside Druig. Under her feet, twigs and leaves crunched each stride she took and vines dangled from the monstrous trees that practically prevented her from scrutinizing the constellations.

Hand in hand, like always, the couple remained distracted from everything Phastos was suggesting by the violence occurring not awfully far from them. Both of them shared the same viewpoint in yearning to stop the violence once and for all, to discover another alternative to settle their issues, but Ajak and the rules set would never allow them.

Memories of herself helping children style their hair burst through Y/n's mind, and she wondered when she would have the same intense feeling of humanity again. Weapons, in mortal hands, were dangerous and led to unpredictable events, and Druig couldn't help but scoff, rolling his eyes.

Gunshots echoed in the air, almost as if the sounds were on repeat, and it drowned out the screeches of affliction and pure melancholy. Preparing to use his powers to stop the treacherous war going on, Druig's eyes flickered gold, but, as usual, Ajak reminded him not to.

"We don't interfere in their wars." Ajak urged as she had at various times before, causing Druig to squeeze Y/n's hand tighter, but not enough to hurt her.

"This isn't war," Y/n stated, kneading the back of Druig's palm with her thumb, solacing him.

"It's genocide," Druig added, staring at the humans pulling triggers and bodies tumble onto the ground. Guilt simmered within him. The battle was unnecessary, and it was a battle he could stop. "Their weapons have become too powerful. Maybe it wasn't such a good idea helping them advance, Phastos."

"Technology is a part of their evolutionary process, Druig. It's not exactly something I can stop." Phastos retorted.

"You can't, but I can." Druig declared, exasperation evident in his tone, though it was pushed aside when Thena randomly spoke.

"It's too late," Thena said, bright designs appearing on her face for a second before it vanished. Concerned, Y/n let go of Druig's hand and gradually approached her sister.

"Thena?" Y/n asked, perplexed.

"Everyone is going to die." Thena let out in a monotone voice. An unusual gold circle gleamed in her pupils, soon vanishing as well.

"Thena, are you alright? I know the humans are not exactly thriving right now, but we will find a way-" Y/n comforted before Thena rapidly summoned her weapon, making everyone's brows furrow. Unaware of what was actually transpiring, Y/n continued rationalizing with Thena, an affectionate smile never leaving her lips.

"Thena, you can trust me if-" Y/n asked before being cut off by Thena hastily whirling her weapon around and stabbing her in the stomach twice, her smile ultimately diminishing. Sudden gasps erupted from the group while Druig couldn't speak, eyes wide as he processed what Thena had done. Crimson blood trickled out of his wife's wound, crippling her ability to stand and transmitting her a feeling of dizziness. Weak, Y/n slumped onto the ground with her back against it, breathing heavily.

"Y/n!" Druig shouted, scrambling to help her as Makkari sped Thena away after the out-of-control Eternal injured Sersi and Phastos. Slightly panicking, Druig rushed towards Y/n, feeling multiple emotions hit him all at once. Regarding Ajak and Makkari needing help to control Thena, they all went to assist, knowing Y/n would be safe with Druig and completely healed when Ajak was unoccupied. The faster Ajak helped Thena, the sooner she could help Y/n. Crouching on the terrane beside her, Druig panted, concern devouring him unconditionally. There is an abundance of things Druig could handle, but seeing Y/n get hurt was not one of them.

"Y/n, you better not think you're going anywhere," he uttered, putting pressure on her wound. "You better keep your eyes open, darling."

Y/n chuckled softly before wincing. "As if I would ever leave you, my love."

"Damn it. Where is Ajak?" he exclaimed, impatiently waiting for their leader to return. Both of them didn't know how much time they spent there, and Druig's panic remained prominent. Had it been an hour, twenty minutes, or one minute? He didn't know, and it alarmed him.

"I trust her. She will be back," she assured, gritting her teeth in pain.

"Well, my darling, you sometimes trust people too much." Druig sighed. "Just look what happened to the humans."

"I still have faith in them. I always will," she whispered. "Just like I will always love you."

"Stop talking like you're going to die, idiot," Druig uttered, gently bringing her closer to him.

"Please, I refuse to die like this." Y/n joked. As if on cue, Ajak reappeared with the rest of the Eternals behind her and with Thena in Gilgamesh's arms, and she dashed to heal Y/n's drastic injury. Instant relief invaded Y/n's body as her wound disappeared, and a smile of appreciation tugged at the edges of Druig's mouth. Although he knew that logically Y/n would've been fine, the feeling of her in danger and the thought of her possibly passing away scared him. Normally, nothing scared him. Now, he made sure Y/n was stable before peering down at his blood-smeared palms.

Inside Druig's turbulent mind, another promise was established that day. He promised to protect Y/n, no matter what, because he knew he wouldn't be strong enough to live without her.