(Y/n) (L/n), the dedicated pupil of a powerful witch and the head student of the beastkeeping track at Hexside, wins a witches duel and is inducted into the esteemed Emperor's Coven where her life changes. But for better? Or for worse?
[The Owl Hous...
"So, you return with nothing? Is this the thanks I get for taking you in?" The Emperor pressed.
The Golden Guard knelt before him and stared at the floor in shame. He'd let the Human get away with the palismen all because he wanted (Y/n) to keep Pip. Now he was in deep shit. How is (Y/n) supposed to keep Pip if she's fucking petrified to stone?! Hunter thought to himself.
"Of course not!" Hunter shot his head up to look at Belos as he replied, "I want to help. And.. if you told me, how wild magic did this to you, I might be able to-"
The Emperor shot a spike in his direction, drawing so close to his face, he heard it slicing a strand of hair off of his face. His body tensed as he tried not to move.
"My apologies. I spoke out of turn. It won't happen again." He unraveled.
"Ugh," The Emperor winced in pain, "These outbursts are painful. And so is watching you fail. I know you can do better, Hunter."
Hunter smiled to himself, I can, I can. He thought to himself. I won't let you down.
So the boy left the throne room. He was grateful that Belos hadn't threatened (Y/n) this time. As he walked down the torchlit halls, he walked past Kikimora.
The demon stared at the boy, shocked. "Golden Guard?" She gasped, "You're-you're alive! I mean, I heard about the crash in Latissa!"
"Luckily, some travelers picked me up out of the wreckage. So I'm actually doing great." He lied quickly, "Looks like you had a rough night though."
Kikimora felt humiliated. She'd just been absolutely obliterated by some stranger in Latissa and now, she's getting teased by the Golden Guard? What a day.
Hunter walked down the hall to (Y/n)'s room, knocking on the door before entering.
(Y/n) laid on her bed with a scout tending to her head to the side.
"Golden Guard," The scout greeted,
"Steve," Hunter greeted back in the same manner.
"I've treated her injuries. She should wake up any time now." Steve said, standing from his place beside (Y/n) and leaving the room.
But the girl was still asleep. She hadn't opened her eyes since the crash.
"I hope you're okay in there, (Y/n)." Hunter muttered as he sat at the edge of her bed, starting to get a bit worried. He placed his hand on (Y/n)'s head and ran it down her face to cup her cheek in his palm.
It was then that he took Pip out of his cloak and allowed the fox to lie next to the girl. The fox laid his head on the bed but quickly perked back up when he heard chirping coming from the window.
"Huh?" Hunter turned to look at the window. It was the red cardinal from Latissa. "Palisman!" He exclaimed, grabbing hold of the wooden bird.
Pip began squeaking and chirping or- doing whatever foxes do when they make noise.
Hunter's grip subconsciously tightened on the bird, causing it to let out a chirp.
"Oh, sorry." Hunter let go of the bird, letting it stand in his lap as he took a seat back on the edge of (Y/n)'s bed. "You shouldn't be here. It'd be bad if Belos saw you."
The bird chirped to the fox who squeaked back in response. 'It would be bad if Belos saw either of us.'
'Ikr'
The cardinal jumped up and turned into a staff before Hunter's eyes. He was shocked, but held the staff close to him.
"Oh! I uh, I wasn't expecting that."
"Is that a palisman?" (Y/n) groaned, mimicking his words from the river as she blinked herself awake.
"You're awake!" Hunter exclaimed happily.
(Y/n) sat up and held her head. "Titan, it feels like I was whacked in the head with a metal pole!"
"I mean, considering how many metal rods were on that ship, I wouldn't rule that out."
"My head is throbbing, Titan!"
"Well then, sit back, lie down and take it easy.." Hunter said, guiding her back onto the bed to lie down again.
Hunter looked at her, seeing a glint of magenta in her eyes.
His reflection.
It was only then that he realized how close their faces had gotten. Hunter realized and froze. But despite being frozen, his face sure felt hot.
(Y/n) smiled and pecked him on the cheek.
Hunter's face was already tomato red, but it had somehow gotten even more red.
"Wh-wh-wha- I- What-" He stammered. His brain was officially turned off. "What was that for-?"
"As a thank you."
"For what?"
"Pip told me what you did in Latissa. He told me you let the human get away with the palismen in exchange for him. Thank you."
Hunter's blushing cheeks did not relent.
"Y-yeah, no problem. Eh heh." Hunter leaned his head down and pressed his lips against her cheek in return.
(Y/n) turned cherry red as she stared at Hunter with stars in her eyes.
"And what was that one for?" She looked up at the boy who hovered over her.
"Uh. As a 'you're welcome'..?" Hunter guessed, trying to hide his tomato of a face.
(Y/n) chuckled and pressed another kiss to his cheek as her lips curled to a smirk,
She pulled away and grinned, "You know, you look rather cute when you're cosplaying a tomato."
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I'd just like to mention this tweet. Please and thank you.
