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[ Jaden ]
Jaden was a pirate.
He didn’t care about most people, and frankly was sick of people’s bullshit the other half of the time. In fact, Jaden doesn’t think there was a time he did care. He lived over the Great Sea and was content to do so. He had people who followed him and so what if he was morally grey and a little bit of an asshole. So was everyone else on this godawful server. He didn’t necessarily care for the pirates who followed him, didn’t really care for much of anything— but that was fine, Jaden would rather care too little than too much.
The first time he sees Wemmbu the two of them are on opposite sides, because of course they are. Wemmbu had seemed to be on the opposing sides of everyone he grew to care about— with the sole exception being Eggchan, of course. Everyone knew Eggchan was Wemmbu’s entire world. Egg started out as Wemmbu’s weakness, but quickly became the only thing holding Wemmbu back. Flame had said his Empress wanted them to kill some chungie named Wemmbu. They were going to destroy his empire or whatever. Jaden didn’t really care honestly. At the time, Flame was a good friend and a competent ally. So, Jaden kinda just did whatever he asked. Flame was probably one of the better people he knew at the time. Still an asshole and entirely too wrapped up in himself and his title, but he was good at his core— he cared about honor, loyalty, shit like that. Jaden didn’t give a fuck about any of that— but he respected the fact 9.9/10 times Flame won like that— through pure skill. It was respectable as it was annoying. So sure, he didn’t really care about Flame, but wasn’t about to ruin a friendship over bullshit.
That changed, of course, because Jaden was a pirate, loyal to none. So, for a loyal creature like Flame to be friends with a disloyal creature like Jaden, well it was never meant to be.
This continued, of course, because Jaden hadn’t ever had to be held accountable.
Jaden runs into Wemmbu more and more, but doesn’t think too hard about it. Sure, he’s pretty, but a guy can be pretty and be useless. In fact, those two things are often connected. Wemmbu wasn’t all that noticeable in terms of skill for a while. He was intimidating, sure, and held himself with a sort of pride that should have been laughable. But Jaden learned the other was really good at bluffing. Like unnaturally good at it. So much so that people thought he was good at PVP— even though he was so ass it made Jaden laugh thinking about it.
Especially if those things are connected to a pretty END demon who seems to get himself into more trouble than its worth. No seriously, how does one person get into that much bullshit and survive? Main character shit.
But, the next time he truly understands is when Jaden kills this chungie named Rejoice— okay so in his defense he didn’t kill him but he might have gotten them trapped in an underground civilization rigged with wardens that might have gotten Rejoice killed.
Jaden hadn’t been sure why it had mattered, for all Jaden knew they had just met. Like that month, in the civilization Jaden had trapped them in. Like seriously, it was totally giving background character, and so Jaden wasn’t even sure why it mattered— or why Wemmbu had seemed to hold it against him for so long. Is that what it meant to care? Jaden had never had someone he truly, fully cared about more than himself before. For where Jaden didn’t care, it seemed Wemmbu cared too much.
Rejoice had been a starborn— tall, blonde, dark sclera, and entirely too forgiving for the type of server they were on. He had the kind of kindness that was deep rooted in loss, in the art of war. Something Jaden would see Wemmbu grow into later. Jaden had watched Rejoice die to the wardens, the way he had been surrounded— and yet despite that, the starborn hadn’t been afraid. Jaden had watched the starborn put his sword down, close his eyes, and accept his fate as his limbs were torn apart from his body. Jaden watched the stone stain with the yellow blood of a star that had touched the ground— and because he had not died of natural causes, he would never return home to the stars. He was lost, and that was Jaden’s fault.
And Jaden had not been sorry.
Why should he have been? He didn’t know Rejoice, he didn’t know Loppezz, he didn’t know Egg, he did know Wemmbu— but not like he would.
Jaden didn’t believe in love. It was a stupid, wasteful feeling. He had seen it destroy people.
He had seen Flame’s love for his brother destroy him when Mane betrayed the empire for Wemmbu. He had seen Wemmbu’s love for Egg get them in nasty situations over and over and over again. He had seen Loppezz’s love for her country destroy her self-worth and trust. He had seen Ashswag’s love for Squiddo destroy his resolve, had seen the way his empire fell for her— and sure, there was effort from the outside with Parrot and whoever the self-righteous asshole dragged into his bullshit, but Jaden had seen. Jaden knew. Jaden knew how love corrupted people, had seen how it destroyed people— and would not let himself fall to such niceties, it was not something he could afford. It was not something he wanted.
So it’s only right he eats his words after Wemmbu’s help. Wemmbu, who despite everything, helped Jaden when he needed it. Wemmbu, who despite knowing Jaden took a friend like Rejoice, helped Jaden. So it’s only right that it’s him. It’s only right the first and only person he’s ever felt something for was the same man he had watched grow into something unstoppable. Something mesmerizing.
Wemmbu who wanted a fresh start. Wemmbu who had grown stronger with a mace than Jaden would have ever dared to believe. Wemmbu who was strong and gorgeous and funny and unexpectedly kind. Not kind in the way Rejoice was— it had thorns, it was hard earned. But real, nonetheless. Jaden had watched the way his head went from being falsely held high to lazily held— a sure sign of true strength. He had watched the way he leaned against his mace when he smiled lazily, as if he knew others feared his existence just by breathing. Jaden had heard the rumors, about how he had gained these “nukes” and how he fought by no rules. He fought to win.
And how he had beaten Flamefrags— the great and mighty immortal demon who had lost to no one save Manepear when they were younger. And even now, Manepear could not defeat Flame in most fighting styles. Wemmbu had done what most people thought was impossible.
Then the rumors started. Wemmbu had died. Jaden wasn’t sure why the rumors hurt so much. It wasn’t like he knew Wemmbu, it wasn’t like they were friends. But after Wemmbu had defeated Flame, Jaden figured he’d gloat— he seemed the type. But he died.
So it’s when Wemmbu comes to Jaden’s aid when he has no real reason to, Jaden isn’t sure what to do with that.
“Don’t leak my identity,” Wemmbu had said, his voice had been quiet and threatening, before switching back the voice changer back on. Jaden could tell the other was glaring underneath the invis potion, the gamertag and all hidden as the other wore diamond armor with netherite trims— pretentious if you would have asked Jaden a couple months ago, but seeing it now kinda made Jaden pause for a second. He wasn’t sure why, he wasn’t sure— but Wemmbu is looking up at him from where he is standing on the ground, and Jaden is standing up on one of the balconies, looking down at Wemmbu curiously. Like he couldn’t understand why— and he didn’t because Wemmbu had helped him. He hadn’t needed to do that, and he did.
Wemmbu turned on his heel and left; it wasn’t dramatic, it wasn’t something that demanded attention and yet—
Jaden knew, for the first time, that a part of his heart went with them.
Which is why when he comes across the group of Lawmen around Wemmbu and his friend named Egg, he thinks, there is a vicious amount of anger he can’t explain— but maybe he can. And Jaden cares. He doesn’t care about Egg, or whatever the chungie’s name was, but what he does care about is seeing Wemmbu skinner, and more exhausted than he had ever been. His pale lavender skin is blemished, his beautiful long hair was cut down at the ears, clearly sheared off in punishment. He had dark bruises under his eyes, and was barely standing, keeping Egg protected because selfless, loyal Wemmbu would never let Egg get hurt because of him. And Jaden’s jaw clenched under their mask, eyes narrowed on where Wemmbu stood in what were obviously prison clothes. Wemmbu has his head held high— in a way Jaden hadn’t seen since the other was pretending to be strong and the thought makes Jaden angry.
And Jaden cares.
He cares about what happens to Wemmbu. He cares if Wemmbu is happy. He cares if Wemmbu is safe. He cares. And what a terrifying feeling that is— because it’s the first time he’s ever felt it.
There had only been one person Jaden had ever loved.
And they were right there needing help.
Needing Jaden’s help.
The thought made Jaden move before he could even breathe.
-
Jaden hadn’t thought Flame would be the one to get him out of prison. When he saw the flames consuming the walls, he had grimaced under his mask. He was likely here for Lomedy, and Jaden wondered if he could use it to his advantage. But, if Jaden had to guess, he’d have bet Flame didn’t even know Jaden was the one the Law had captured to keep Wemmbu on a leash. Jaden knew the leash wouldn’t last— nothing could cage Wemmbu for long, if at all. Wemmbu was a free spirit who only loved one thing— and that thing was an angel hybrid named Eggchan.
Or so Jaden thought.
But there was something odd about seeing Wemmbu rush up to Flame before Jaden. Looking over the Nether demon like he hadn’t destroyed the entirety of the chungie guards that Lettuce had thought could keep the great Flamefrags at bay when he wanted something. Lomedy was standing at Jaden’s side, something soft, something sad— something knowing.
Jaden recognized that look. It's the one he was wearing right now.
Jaden looked back and watched as Flame’s hand dropped to Wemmbu’s face, his thumb brushing slightly against the END demon’s pale cheeks, something soft, something loving— something Jaden didn’t even think possible for the so-called immortal demon. Flame doesn’t move as Wemmbu fusses over him— grabbing his forearm, looking for any new scars, any new signs of totem popping. Wemmbu’s eyes were wide and a little panicked, golden and shining as if fighting back tears, and it's as if he thought Flame couldn’t have survived it. And yet, all of them knew for certain he could— so it’s love. And Jaden couldn’t breathe. But, the worst part was the tilted smirk on Flame’s lips— and it isn’t mean, isn’t condescending.
It’s soft.
It’s love.
And for the first time, Jaden understands what it means to long.
Then, after Wemmbu was content that Flame was okay, turns to walk over to Jaden, concern all over his face. But, it’s different. His golden eyes aren’t as panicked, his lip isn’t trembling, his body language relaxed, and Flame’s glare over Wemmbu’s shoulder is something Jaden can feel through the blindfold. Because Jaden had seen it directed at other people and had been on the receiving end of it. But, Jaden doesn’t look at Flame, instead his head is tilted up as Wemmbu finally comes into his frame. All he can do is focus on Wemmbu because if he tried to focus on Flame at all, he’d lose his nerve—
And Wemmbu is taller than Jaden— shorter than Flame and Jaden wonders if that’s why Wemmbu chose Flame— as he’s a demon. All demons are notoriously tall. Jaden’s a creature of the sea, an orca hybrid, a creature who had pillaged and attacked viciously all their life. Jaden hadn’t known love because he had never been given love (but oh what a lie that was. Flame had loved Jaden— not like that, but the point stands. Maybe that’s the reason Wemmbu chose Flame— Flame loved so loyally, so harshly, so fully there was no other choice than but to accept it with open arms), and so Jaden had sat in an unfeeling haze his entire life. Jaden hadn’t cared.
Hadn’t cared till now.
And now he cared so much.
Wemmbu was looking over his body in clear concern, almost ignoring the way Flame was slowly, almost predatorily, making his way over to make sure Jaden knew the thing that seemed to be unsaid. Jaden didn’t need to be told— but he almost wished Wemmbu would tell him. If he heard it from Wemmbu’s lips maybe it would hurt as much— to be told, to be acknowledged. For Wemmbu to recognize that Jaden was real— that Jaden had learned how to care for Wemmbu—
“Jaden, are you okay?” Wemmbu’s voice isn’t as nonchalant as Jaden had heard it in the years he had known him. Jaden tried to not let his flush be seen over his mask, keeping his eyes on Wemmbu and avoiding the growing anger coming from Flame. Wemmbu didn’t even seem to be processing Flame’s growing irritation. Jaden wondered how close they had to be for Wemmbu to not fear Flame’s anger. But if there was someone even close to Flame’s level, it would be Wemmbu. It only made sense. Flame always had always liked attention— and it seemed his latest and greatest drug was Wemmbu’s. Flame would never let you know about this, but he did. He’d deny it to the day he died, actually. But he liked attention— it’s why he had that stupid moniker, the immortal demon, it’s why he seemed to care more about his title than anything else— and why he and Wemmbu worked, probably.
Jaden wondered if they were… was it requited? It looked like it was but— but there was a stupid part of him that held out for hope, that wanted to believe that maybe he could win Wemmbu over, to gain his love, whatever he wanted to give.
“Gods, I’m so glad you’re okay, Jaden,” Wemmbu sighed deeply, looking him up and down, but there was a deep rooted exhaustion weighing on them and Jaden wanted to fix it— be the one who was allowed to fix it, “Are you gonna be okay to fight?” Jaden nodded, glancing back at Flame and tensed, and when Wemmbu followed his line of sight, snapped at Flame; the nickname came off easily, like they had been talking like this for years and Jaden aches, “Flamey, stop. We just talked about this. Jaden helped me out a lot when I was invis. Because someone wouldn’t leave me alone. Jaden, look, we’ll talk after, okay?”
Jaden crossed his arms and nodded, looking back and forth between the two. Because it was so obvious and—
Oh.
Oh.
-
It was even more obvious during the final battle.
Wemmbu and Flame danced around each other like they knew each other’s souls. Where Wemmbu came down with force, Flame matched it with skill. Jaden watched as Flame got swarmed, and could see with the way he reacted with tenseness he thought he was being betrayed— but how he didn’t doubt Wemmbu. Flame, for the first time in his life, trusted. Jaden hadn’t seen Flame blindly trust like that before. Jaden heard Wemmbu tell Flame they should stick together. Saw the way Flame threw himself in between lethal shots that would have injured Wemmbu’s wings even with the protection of a totem. He watched as Wemmbu scolded him before taking out twenty players who were on Flame. He watched as Flame laughed once— loud, real. In a way Jaden had never heard, even when they were at the peak of their friendship.
And suddenly, Jaden understood what people meant when they said “if you love something let it go”. Because Jaden couldn’t bring that genuine joy to the other’s face. He couldn’t make Wemmbu fly like that, panic in his bones, relief on his face as he landed in front of Flame. Even though Wemmbu knew how strong Flame was. The worry was real, telling.
And Jaden didn’t understand.
Flame was the reason Wemmbu had been put in the prison because he had put his stupid title above Wemmbu. Flame had chosen his title over Wemmbu— had it taken Wemmbu being taken for Flame to realize how amazing Wemmbu was? Why did Flame get a second chance when Jaden couldn’t even get one?
And then at the end of it all, Wemmbu jumped into Flame’s arms, let the demon spin them, and place them down, their lips tilted up in that pretty way they did when they were truly happy. Jaden had seen it a couple times when he and Eggchan lived within his empire. How Wemmbu laughed a little too loudly when Egg made some deadpan comments about how he was the “most auraful of them all”. How his lips curled when he talked about his fight with Flame— about how his ego knew no bounds, but how Wemmbu respected him for it. How he got excited talking about fighting with Gambit, about how he opened up about Manepear, about all the things Jaden was never going to forget.
About how Jaden was never meant to be Wemmbu’s— not then, not now, not ever.
But that’s okay. Because to love someone is to let them go, to love someone is to see their happiness and want them to be happy more than you want them for yourself.
So Jaden watched Wemmbu wrap his arms around Flame’s neck, pulling him down into a kiss, watched the way Flame’s arms darted to the END demon’s waist, gripping possessive but oh-so loving and Jaden can feel his heart break in real time because this was the Flame he remembered.
Back when they were friends.
Back before Jaden had chosen himself and Flame had chosen his title.
Flame leans down, a curve on his lips, and kisses Wemmbu back like he’s the very air he breathes and as he does— Jaden swears the air leaves his own lungs.
So Jaden turns, and leaves.
Because that was the strongest thing he could do. It was the only thing he could find himself doing.
And so he left knowing he’d never tell Wemmbu, and that maybe he’d never even speak to Wemmbu again. Because why would Wemmbu need Jaden when he had Flame? Jaden had been outclassed and it’s outrageous because how could Jaden compare to the Flamefrags?
Flamefrags, for all his faults, was loyal and loved harder than anyone knew. He kept it close to his chest, and Jaden knew that Flame didn’t want people knowing— so for Flame to be so willingly showing his affection was huge. Jaden wondered if it was because Wemmbu was able to protect himself so beautifully.
And so Jaden left. He had walked until he found a cliff. He sat at the edge and watched the waves for a while, knowing he would return to his empire soon and return home. He would watch them leave, and would watch them love and maybe someday could be truly happy for them— not just happy Wemmbu was happy, but happy for them as a whole.
But then, someone sat next to him.
Jaden snapped his head up and was a little concerned at himself for not noticing. How did he not— but then, he realized who it was, Lomedy, Flame’s friend, with brown hair that stopped at the top of his neck, with golden eyes that shimmered slightly. Eyes wide and knowing, as it came with being an owl hybrid. His smaller wings sat at his hips, as he couldn’t fly, but was still part avian. He sat down quietly, like he was there to ground himself and Jaden; Jaden wasn’t sure what was worse— Lomedy being here or Wemmbu not being here.
“Lomedy—”
“I know,” his voice is soft, kind, and Jaden is reminded of his worst mistakes; it’s grounding in a way, but also makes him feel like he’s drowning. Jaden doesn’t look at the owl-hybrid, keeping his eyes on the ocean, the waves, and it's more grounding than anything— the waves, the ocean, the familiar feeling of salt and wind, and it brings Jaden back to himself. Lomedy opens up and Jaden isn’t sure why he wants to hear him out, “I wanted to hate him, you know? For everything he did. For the things he did to me. For the words I can’t take back. But maybe that’s what pushed him towards them. And now Flame can’t be mine anymore.”
Ah, Jaden’s thoughts settle, because yes, of course they understand. Jaden doesn’t speak for a moment, letting himself sit in the silence of the other’s confession. Then he raises an arm, and the owl hybrid seems to take this as it is. An offering. Lomedy leans against Jaden, and Jaden doesn’t move. He keeps his arm around Lomedy and they find comfort in each other.
The admissions are quiet, real, just for the two of them.
“I loved him too late,” Jaden’s voice is more raw than he had ever deemed necessary and Jaden doesn’t know why he gifts this to Lomedy.
Lomedy huffs, like it’s something funny, but when his admission comes he knows for sure why Jaden did give him the gift of honesty, “I loved him too early.”
Because they are two souls in mourning of what could have been, but didn’t happen.