ECPLIPSE LAKE

// I JUST REALIZED THAT THEIR EYES ARE SUPPOSED TO BE DARK MAGENTA, NOT DARK BURGUNDY-- GREAAAAAAH //

In the Emporer's Castle, Belos has completely finished creating the portal. Y/n stands at his side before walking forward. She raises what looked like a key, inserting it into the keyhole before it disintegrated in her hand. She gasps softly, outline her gloved and half-healed hands away from what used to be a key.

The machine powers down, making Y/n's pointed ears droop in frustration.

She frowns before she and Belos both hear a soft 'shoo!' noise. "Would you like to see how it works, Hunter?" He asks. Hunter's dark magenta eyes widen in surprise, looking around the corner. "I didn't mean to hide, Emporer Belos." He apologizes quickly. Y/n smiles and waves a bit at her brother.

Belos turns around, allowing Hunter to see the nasty green scar that stretches along his face. "We found every piece of the door. But without the power of the real key, it refuses to open." Informs the eldest in the room.

"I've been trying to replicate it with my magic, but.." Y/n trails off, seeing Hunter's dissapointed frown. She clears her throat.

"Even though my magic is different than yours, it just... doesn't work." She says. Hunter sighs, knowing there wasn't anything he could do to change her mind. "Is.." He begins slowly.

"Is it true that rain doesn't boil in the human realm?" At this, Y/n perks up, always eager to aborsb more info about the human world.

"It is," Answers Belos, making Y/n gleam, "You know I've been there before. Did I ever tell you both that?" He asks. Y/n and Hunter shake their heads, eyes wide with awe.

"The trees there are green. Nights are quiet. I look forward to seeing it again. Were you spying on me just to hear these boring stories?" He asks with a smile.

Hunter looks away at the ground before his gaze returns to Belos. "The operation-- a-at the Knee. Why did you switch me out with Kikimora?" He asks.

"Everyone has a use, Hunter," Says Belos, "Kikimora has her intricate little plans. The scouts carry out orders." He says, walking down while slinging a hand over Hunter's shoulder.

Y/n joins her brother's side, linking her pointer finger with his pinky finger to discreetly reassure the other as they make their way to the door. "And you and Y/n, well, the Titan has big plans for you two, and it would be such a hassle to find a replacement." At this, Y/n's and Hunter's dark magenta eyes widen a bit in surprise.

"So, right now, you can be useful by staying safe in the castle." He says as he escorts Hunter out. Y/n's and Hunter's fingers unlink from each other.

"If this is a punishment for failing my last mission, I swear I can do better!" Hunter pleads.

Y/n frowns before shaking her head, making him fall quiet. "Goodnight, Hunter." Belos bids before shutting the door.

"Y/n. Come. I need you to try again, but let's.." Belos's voice fades as he requests Y/n to fuel yet another key with her magic.

Hunter glares at the floor, unsatisfied before he runs off.

The small dove palismen shuts her eyes with worry, snuggling closer to a slowly draining Y/n under the cloak.

Hunter returns to his sister on the ground, sweat beading on her forehead and blood trailing down her chin. She seems worn out, but he was glad she hadn't come on the mission, since Amity had taken him hostage.

She could've threatened Y/n to make him do what she demanded. I mean, that's what Belos does sometimes-- and Kikimora enjoys threatening to frame Y/n to get Hunter do something annoying sometimes. She was his weakness, but he wouldn't change it for the world.

There's a flash of anger and worry in his eyes, but they fade when Belos looks to him.

Y/n coughs a little harder into her glove, moving to the crook of her elbow when she couldn't stop. "Hunter. Take your sister to your room. You both will need your rest." Requests Belos.

Y/n reaches for Hunter, who lifts her arm around his shoulders and wraps his arm around her back to support her as they walk out.

Y/n exhales. "Hi." She whispers as soon as the door shuts. "Hi." Greets Hunter, hopping her up a little to readjust his grip as they walk off.

The dove and cardinal peer out, chirping softly with concern. She smiles. "We almost got it. We just need a little more--" "Don't you dare." Hunter says sternly.

"Hunter, I'm so close, I promise! With just a little more, I know I can just--" "Y/n." Hunter reiterates, his dark magenta eyes making contact with hers. She looks back down with a soft sigh and cough. "I'm going to help him, just like he's helped us." Y/n says stubbornly.

Hunter looks up and sighs.

There was nothing he could do about it to make her change her mind.

He needs to go back and give this key to his Uncle.

[A little short, but like I said, Y/n is barely out on the field due to her inability to use magic. It'll all be worth it in the end <3.]