Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The city was alive, a bustling sea of lights and noise, even in the dead of night. But to you, all that mattered was the quiet that awaited you by the harbor. You often came here to clear your head after long days at the dojo, training tirelessly to protect those who couldn’t protect themselves. This was your calling.

Tonight, however, the air felt… different.

As you leaned against a lamppost, breathing in the salty scent of the sea, a strange sensation washed over you. It was like fire and ice, prickling your skin and sending a shiver down your spine. You turned instinctively, scanning the shadows.

And then, you saw him.

Standing on the pier, illuminated by a flickering streetlight, was a man unlike any you’d ever encountered. His skin seemed split in two – one half crimson red, the other an icy blue. Draped in a white toga that flowed with a strange, unearthly grace, he was both terrifying and magnificent.

His gaze met yours, piercing blue and golden eyes studying you with an intensity that made your heart pound. This was Gill, the enigmatic and feared leader of the Secret Society. You’d heard stories of him, whispered tales of a man who wielded fire and ice, who claimed to be the very incarnation of balance.

“What is it that brings you here, warrior?” His voice was rich, smooth, carrying an odd warmth, yet cutting through the chill of the night like a blade.

You took a cautious step forward, every instinct screaming at you to stay back, to avoid getting too close to this dangerous man. Yet there was a magnetic pull, as if some invisible force was drawing you closer.

“I could ask the same of you,” you replied, keeping your voice steady. “It’s not often I see mysterious figures lurking by the pier in the middle of the night.”

Gill’s lips curled into a slight smile, a strange, almost serene expression. “I find solace in the quiet of the night, away from the prying eyes of the world.” His gaze dropped, and for a brief moment, you caught a flicker of something else beneath the calm – weariness, perhaps. A hint of something almost… human.

You took another step closer, emboldened by his response. “Are you always this poetic, or is this just for my benefit?”

His smile widened, his eyes flashing with a glimmer of amusement. “You’re bold,” he said, inclining his head. “Few would dare speak so lightly in my presence.”

“I’m not like most people,” you replied, keeping your eyes fixed on his. “I’ve heard a lot about you, Gill. About your… beliefs. The balance you seek.”

He nodded, his expression once more becoming unreadable. “Balance is the essence of all things. Life and death, warmth and cold, light and darkness. They are all part of a greater whole.”

Your pulse quickened as he took a step closer, the air around him shifting with a strange, almost hypnotic energy. You could feel the warmth of fire on one side of him, the chill of ice on the other. It was overwhelming, yet somehow… captivating.

“Tell me,” he said, his voice softer now, almost curious. “What is it you seek in this life, warrior?”

The question caught you off guard. You hadn’t expected him to care about your ambitions, your dreams. “I… I want to protect people. To make the world a little safer.”

He studied you in silence for a moment, his gaze intense. “A noble goal,” he murmured. “But strength alone is not enough. True power lies in understanding the balance within oneself.”

You frowned, his words striking a chord. “What do you mean?”

“To fight only for one side is to live half a life. When you can accept both the light and the darkness within, then you will find your true power.” His voice held a strange conviction, a belief that resonated with something deep within you.

Without warning, he extended his hand toward you, his palm hovering inches from your chest. You could feel the energy radiating from him – heat and cold, life and death, intertwined in a delicate balance.

“Would you like to see?” he asked, his tone a whisper.

Your heart pounded as you met his gaze, your mind racing. This was dangerous, stepping into the unknown with a man like Gill. But there was a part of you – a small, rebellious part – that was drawn to him, intrigued by his words, by his vision of balance.

“Yes,” you replied, surprising even yourself.

Gill’s hand moved closer, and you felt a wave of energy course through you. It was overwhelming, a clash of fire and ice, of light and darkness. You gasped, feeling as if every part of you was being laid bare, exposed to the elements.

At that moment, you glimpsed something beyond yourself – a vision of power, of balance, of strength tempered with wisdom. It was fleeting, like a wisp of smoke, yet it left an indelible mark.

When he finally lowered his hand, you staggered back, breathless, feeling as though you’d just glimpsed a piece of yourself you’d never known.

Gill watched you, his expression unreadable. “You see now,” he said softly. “The path to true strength is not in denying one’s darkness, but in embracing it alongside the light.”

You nodded, still shaken, but grateful. “Thank you… for showing me.”

He gave a small, almost imperceptible nod. “Your journey has only begun, warrior. Embrace the balance, and you may yet find the strength you seek.”

With that, he turned, his toga billowing in the night breeze, and began to walk away, leaving you alone by the harbor, changed, awakened, and filled with a newfound understanding.

As you watched his figure disappear into the night, you couldn’t help but wonder if this was the last you’d see of him. Somehow, you doubted it...

Chapter Text

Weeks passed since that fateful night by the harbor. Every time you trained, every punch and kick, every movement, you could feel it – the subtle shift inside you. The energy Gill had awakened had changed you, left you seeing the world through a different lens. Shadows seemed less daunting, and light more precious. The concept of balance resonated deeply, becoming a part of you in ways you never thought possible.

But despite this newfound clarity, there was one thing you couldn’t shake: a lingering thought of him.

No one could know you sought out the leader of the Secret Society. Friends and mentors would try to warn you away, would misunderstand the allure of his teachings, the pull of his strength, of him. You tried to dismiss the feelings that surfaced when you thought of his gaze, of the quiet, unshakable confidence he carried.

And yet, you had to see him again.

When you finally found him, it was at a secluded cliffside temple, a place nearly hidden by ancient trees and crumbling stone. It was serene, bathed in the orange hues of dusk, and there, standing before the setting sun, was Gill.

“Back so soon?” His voice cut through the quiet, smooth as silk. He didn’t turn to face you, but somehow, you felt he’d been expecting you.

You took a steadying breath, walking up to stand beside him. “I came to learn,” you said, your voice more confident than you felt. “I want you to teach me, to help me reach that balance you spoke of.”

Gill finally looked at you, his dual-colored eyes capturing yours with a steady, almost hypnotic gaze. “You would take that risk?” he asked, a hint of something deeper flickering across his face. “Becoming my disciple is no easy path. It demands sacrifice… and loyalty.”

Your heartbeat quickened at the intensity in his voice. “I’m willing to do what it takes. I want to understand this power within me, to use it for something greater.”

Gill was silent, considering you, his eyes tracing over your face as if searching for any doubt. And then, almost imperceptibly, his lips curved into a slight smile. “Very well,” he said softly, turning to face you fully. “But know that this path is unlike any you’ve walked before.”

“I know.” You held his gaze, feeling as though he could see into the depths of your soul, could read the unspoken promises you were making.

“Then,” he said, his voice low, “your training begins now.”

Without warning, Gill extended a hand, and you felt that familiar wave of opposing forces – fire and ice, warmth and cold – all coursing toward you. But this time, instead of standing still, you stepped forward, reaching out and clasping his hand in yours.

A surge of energy burst between you, stronger and more intense than before. You gasped, feeling the force swirl around you, binding you together in a tempest of elements. You could feel his strength, his warmth, and his darkness mingling with your own, a strange intimacy in the power exchange.

Gill’s grip on your hand tightened, his expression unreadable. “Do you feel that?” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. “The merging of light and shadow. That is the balance I seek.”

You nodded, captivated by the closeness, by the way his presence seemed to envelop you. “It’s… incredible,” you whispered, your voice laced with awe. The thrill of power mingled with something else, something more profound. Standing this close, you felt vulnerable yet empowered, as if you were being laid bare before him.

For a long moment, neither of you moved, locked in that shared energy, and the silence grew heavy with something unsaid. Then, slowly, Gill released your hand, though his eyes lingered on yours, an unspoken connection hanging between you.

“Your dedication is admirable,” he said, his voice soft. “Most would fear this path, but you… you face it willingly.”

“Is that… unexpected?” you asked, catching your breath.

Gill shook his head slightly, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. “Perhaps not. You have a strength I rarely encounter. And that strength may one day surpass even my own, if you embrace it fully.”

The notion felt impossible, yet thrilling. You could feel a warmth rise in your chest at his words, the subtle praise igniting something you didn’t want to admit to. “Then I’ll prove myself,” you replied, meeting his gaze with renewed determination. “To you… and to myself.”

For the next several hours, Gill led you through the temple’s training grounds, guiding you in techniques that went beyond any combat training you’d ever known. His movements were fluid, graceful, a perfect fusion of force and finesse, and as you tried to mirror him, you could feel the balance he spoke of, an elusive power lying just beyond your reach.

The hours melted away until, finally, dusk settled into night. The moon cast a silver glow over the temple as you leaned against a pillar, catching your breath.

Gill stood a few steps away, watching you, his expression unreadable. “You’ve done well,” he murmured, a faint note of admiration in his tone. “Better than most.”

You felt your cheeks flush slightly, and you turned to him, smiling. “It’s because I have a good teacher.”

He took a step closer, and you felt the air grow heavier, charged with an undercurrent you couldn’t ignore. “Strength recognizes strength,” he said quietly, his gaze steady. “You have the potential to be great, but greatness comes at a cost.”

“What cost?” you asked, your voice barely above a whisper.

His eyes held yours, the fire and ice within them reflecting the duality he embodied. “A life of balance can be a lonely one,” Gill said, his voice laced with something almost vulnerable. “Few understand the path… the isolation that comes with true power.”

You hesitated, feeling a strange ache in your chest at his words. “But it doesn’t have to be lonely,” you said, stepping closer. “Maybe… maybe you don’t have to walk it alone.”

Gill's eyes softened, and for a moment, you saw a flicker of something tender, something human. He reached out with his hand, brushing a stray strand of hair from your face. His touch was warm, contrasting the chill of the night air, and you felt your heart skip a beat.

“Perhaps,” he said softly, his fingers lingering for a second longer than necessary. “But that choice… it comes with risks.”

“I’m willing to take them,” you replied, surprising yourself with the honesty in your voice. “If it means walking this path with someone who understands, someone who sees the world as I do now.”

Gill's gaze held yours, a silent agreement passing between you. “Then we will walk this path together,” he murmured, his hand drifting to rest on your shoulder, the warmth of his touch sending a shiver down your spine. “But remember – balance is not just power. It is also restraint.”

You nodded, feeling a quiet thrill at the promise in his words, the unspoken bond that now connected you both. “I understand.”

With one last lingering look, Gill stepped back, the night air cool as he removed his hand. “Your training will continue at dawn,” he said, his voice once more calm, steady. But as he turned to leave, you caught a faint smile on his lips, a glimpse of the connection that bound you, a promise of the journey ahead.

And as you watched him disappear into the shadows, you knew that this path – dangerous and unknown as it was – was now yours to walk.

Chapter Text

Months slipped by in a blur, each day filled with grueling training, late nights, and the quiet, powerful presence of Gill. You could feel his teachings deepening in you, reshaping you into someone new – someone more complete. You grew stronger, your senses sharper, your control over the forces within you becoming more precise. Every time you channeled both fire and ice, every time you fought to maintain that perfect balance, it felt like reaching into the unknown, daring yourself to match his vision.

And every time you succeeded, you could see it in Gill's eyes – that glint of pride, that faint smile reserved only for you.

Still, no one else knew of this path you’d chosen. Your sensei and your fellow students remained in the dark, unaware of the nights you spent training in secret, honing skills they couldn’t understand. To them, you were simply improving, pushing harder in your practice, growing stronger by sheer will. They didn’t realize that the strength you wielded came from something far greater than they could see.

Tonight, as you met Gill at the temple under the moon’s cool glow, you sensed a shift in him, something deeper than his usual composed demeanor. He watched you with an intensity you could feel in the air between you, like the calm before a storm.

“You’ve exceeded every expectation,” he said, his voice warm, almost reverent. “Few would have reached this level of mastery so quickly… if at all.”

A thrill ran through you at his praise, a warmth blossoming in your chest that had little to do with the fire you controlled. “It’s because of your guidance,” you replied, voice soft. “Without you, I never would have discovered this part of myself.”

Gill took a step closer, his gaze unwavering, piercing in its focus. “Guidance is one thing. But dedication – that is something only you could bring. You’ve proven yourself to me, time and again.”

You held his gaze, feeling a spark between you, unspoken and undeniable. “Then… does this mean I’ve earned my place by your side?”

For a moment, his face softened, his dual-colored eyes reflecting a depth of feeling he rarely allowed himself to show. “Indeed,” he murmured, his hand reaching out to brush against your cheek, his fingers warm against your skin. “You have become more than a disciple, more than an apprentice. You’ve become… my equal.”

Gill's words hung in the air, heavy with meaning, and your heart skipped a beat. You wanted to say something, to express the depth of what you felt, but words felt insignificant compared to the emotions surging through you.

Gill’s hand drifted to the back of your neck, his touch gentle yet commanding. He tilted your head up to meet his gaze, his face mere inches from yours, his eyes searching yours as though seeking something unspoken.

“Would you,” he began, his voice barely a whisper, “stand beside me, not as my disciple, but as my partner?”

Your breath caught, and a quiet shiver ran through you. He’d spoken of unity before, of the balance between light and shadow, of sharing power. But this… this felt like something far more intimate, a bond that went beyond mere training.

“Yes,” you replied, your voice steady, though your heart raced. “I would stand with you, Gill. Wherever this path leads.”

A faint smile curved his lips, a tenderness in his expression that you hadn’t seen before. His hand lingered on your cheek, his thumb brushing your skin in a way that made your pulse quicken. “Then let this be our vow,” he murmured. “To bring balance to a world in chaos. To stand together… always.”

The words felt like a promise, binding you to him in a way deeper than you’d thought possible. And as you gazed into his eyes, you felt a yearning, a pull that had been there all along, yet had only now surfaced. You moved closer, closing the distance between you until you could feel the warmth of his breath against your skin.

Slowly, almost as if giving you a final moment to pull away, he leaned in, his gaze flickering down to your lips. And then, with a gentleness that surprised you, he kissed you. It was warm, steady, filled with a restrained intensity that made your knees weak.

You kissed him back, your hands finding their way to his shoulders, feeling the strength and warmth of him beneath your fingertips. The world around you seemed to fade, the temple, the moonlight, everything disappearing until there was only him, only the quiet hum of power that thrummed between you.

When you finally pulled back, breathless, he held you close, his hand resting on the small of your back, his forehead leaning against yours. “Your power… your dedication… It is rare to find one with both strength and devotion,” he murmured, his voice laced with admiration. “You have become someone extraordinary, Y/N. More than I could have imagined.”

You smiled, savoring the way he said your name, the warmth in his voice. “Then let me help you spread your message. Let me be by your side in more than just spirit.”

Gill nodded, his gaze fierce yet soft. “Together, we will bring balance to a world lost in chaos. With you beside me, our message will be undeniable.” His hand drifted down to intertwine with yours, his fingers warm and strong around yours.

A faint blush rose to your cheeks as you realized the implications of his words. You could feel his silent promise, the weight of his offer – not just as a partner in his mission, but something deeper, something that went beyond words. And though you couldn’t tell anyone, not yet, you knew this was a path you were willing to keep secret, even if it meant hiding the truth from those closest to you.

“You are the balance I sought,” he whispered, his voice almost reverent. “In your light, I find the path I once thought impossible.”

A warmth spread through you, filling you with a sense of belonging, of purpose. For the first time, you felt whole, your light tempered by his darkness, his shadow softened by your glow.

“And you,” you murmured, tightening your hold on his hand, “are the strength I needed to find within myself.”

For a while, you simply stood there together, the quiet of the temple broken only by the distant sound of the waves crashing against the cliffs. The moon cast its silvery glow over you both, illuminating his face, his serene expression softened in the light.

As dawn approached, you knew you’d have to leave, to return to your life, your friends, the dojo where no one knew what you’d become. But as you turned to go, he pulled you close, his gaze full of quiet promise.

“Until we meet again,” Gill said softly, his voice laced with a warmth that felt like home.

And as you disappeared into the shadows, a part of you lingered, bound to him, to the balance you shared, to the promise of a future that was yours alone to keep.

Chapter Text

The moon was high above as you approached the temple, the air tinged with anticipation as the familiar silhouette of Gill came into view. There was something different about him tonight – a tension that seemed to ripple through his usually composed presence. His face was partially shadowed by the temple’s columns, but his gaze softened as he caught sight of you, his expression melting into something warmer, deeper.

“Y/N,” Gill murmured, his voice like a low hum, pulling you into his aura with just that simple greeting.

You stepped closer, feeling the pull between you intensify. Over the months, you had grown accustomed to the subtle exchange between you – the glances that lingered too long, the touches that seemed to convey more than mere instruction. Yet tonight, you sensed he was holding back something weighty, something that troubled him.

“Is everything alright?” you asked, reaching out to place a hand gently on his arm.

Gill looked down at where your hand rested, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “You’ve come to know me well,” he replied. “More than anyone else, perhaps.”

There was something in his voice, a vulnerability that you hadn’t heard before. He paused, and you waited, sensing that he needed time to find the right words.

Finally, he spoke, his gaze drifting past you to the shadows of the temple grounds. “My brother, Urien… he has ambitions beyond his station. He believes that the world should submit to his rule – a vision corrupted by ego, one that defies the balance I strive to uphold.”

His words were heavy, each one laced with a frustration that bordered on sorrow. You squeezed his arm gently, a silent offer of support, and he continued.

“Urien was once my greatest ally, my most trusted confidant. But over time, he became… consumed. His lust for power, for recognition, has taken him far from the ideals we once shared.” Gill’s eyes met yours again, a flicker of vulnerability beneath the surface. “He wishes to overthrow me, to reshape the world in his own image, no matter the cost.”

You felt a surge of anger on his behalf, the thought of Urien’s betrayal cutting deeply. But you steadied yourself, grounding your emotions, and met his gaze with unwavering determination.

“Gill,” you said softly, your voice carrying a strength that surprised even you. “No matter what Urien plans, no matter the dangers ahead, I’ll stand by your side. Whatever may come, I’ll protect the balance we’ve worked for… and protect you.”

Gill reached for your hand, holding it between his own, his touch radiating warmth that traveled straight to your heart. “Your loyalty means more to me than I can express, Y/N. You’re the only one I can trust to understand – not just my vision, but the responsibility that comes with it.”

His thumb traced small circles over your knuckles, his gaze intense, appreciative. It was rare to see him like this, unguarded, vulnerable, showing a part of himself he’d hidden from the world. In that moment, you felt a deep bond between you, a connection forged by shared ideals and strengthened by something more – something neither of you had spoken aloud but had felt growing with each passing day.

“Urien’s ambition is a flame that burns too fiercely,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “A fire without balance… dangerous, consuming. Yet, here you are, a perfect balance of fire and ice, steady, unwavering.”

You smiled, feeling the warmth of his words settle within you. “Then let me be the one to balance your fire, to help hold back the chaos. I’ll be your anchor, Gill.”

He held your hand tighter, his expression shifting to something more profound, his eyes searching yours as if finding an answer he’d long sought. “You are more than my disciple, Y/N. In you, I see… a partner, a force as unyielding as the vision I hold. I may be the one to set this path, but you… you give it meaning.”

For a moment, you could only stare at him, struck by the raw intensity in his gaze. Slowly, he leaned closer, his face mere inches from yours, and you felt the air between you grow charged, a tension sparking that you could no longer ignore. His hand rose to cradle your face, his thumb brushing gently against your cheek.

“You have become so much more to me than I anticipated,” he murmured, his voice low, reverent. “More than I dared to hope for.”

Your breath caught, and you leaned into his touch, feeling his warmth seep into your skin. He was close now, his lips just a breath away from yours. There was a silent understanding between you, an acknowledgment of something unspoken yet deeply felt.

When he kissed you, it was slow, deliberate, a claiming that felt like a promise. His hand slid around to the back of your neck, pulling you closer, deepening the kiss as though pouring his unspoken words into you. You responded with equal fervor, feeling a sense of belonging, of purpose, in his arms. For a moment, the world disappeared, leaving only the two of you in the quiet stillness of the temple.

When you finally pulled back, breathless, he rested his forehead against yours, his voice soft. “Together, we’ll face whatever comes. With you by my side, there is nothing I cannot overcome.”

You smiled, your resolve solidified. “Then let’s bring this vision to life, Gill. For the world, for the balance… and for us.”

Gill's gaze held yours, and you could see the depth of his gratitude, his admiration, and something else – something tender and profound that words could never capture.

“Yes, Y/N. For us.”

Chapter Text

The temple lay shrouded in the early morning mist, its columns casting elongated shadows that stretched across the courtyard. The air was still, save for the faint rustling of trees as you entered, determination pulsing through you. Gill awaited you in the center of the temple, his imposing presence softened by the dim light of dawn. As you approached, he observed you with a guarded expression, sensing your newfound intensity.

"Y/N," he began, his voice a low rumble that conveyed both concern and curiosity, "are you certain about this? Today’s training will be... challenging, more so than you’ve known."

You nodded firmly, meeting his gaze with unwavering resolve. "Yes. If Urien truly plans to overthrow you, I want to be ready. I want to protect everything we've worked for – and I need to be strong enough to stand beside you when that time comes."

A flicker of surprise softened his eyes, followed by a quiet admiration that he couldn’t quite hide. He gave a single nod, though hesitation lingered. "Very well," he said, his voice tinged with resignation. "But remember, I will push you – I cannot afford to hold back."

With a nod, you took your stance, feeling the first ripple of energy between you. In one fluid motion, he charged forward, his strikes precise and unyielding, testing your endurance with a ferocity he had previously tempered. You met him blow for blow, the sheer intensity forcing you to push past limits you hadn’t yet known. The air buzzed with the clash of your movements, every strike a silent conversation of trust, strength, and mutual respect.

The hours wore on, each movement leaving you both gasping for breath, but you pressed on, fueled by his presence, his encouragement, and the thought of protecting him. Finally, he stepped back, his breathing labored as he regarded you with a new light in his eyes.

"You’ve surpassed every expectation," he murmured, his voice reverent, almost awestruck. "Your determination… it’s rare to find someone so unbreakable."

You smiled, brushing away a bead of sweat. "It’s because I believe in what you’re trying to achieve. You’re fighting for balance, and I’ll be there with you every step of the way."

His gaze softened, and without warning, he took your hand, his touch sending a wave of warmth through you. "Y/N, your loyalty... I don’t deserve it, yet here you are, willing to give everything." His hand lingered, his thumb tracing gentle circles on your skin as he held your gaze. "You inspire me."

You felt your heart skip as he drew closer, his voice lowering to a murmur. "In a world filled with shadows, you are a light I did not expect."

A comfortable silence settled between you, and he gestured for you to sit beside him. You sank to the floor, side-by-side, feeling the warmth of his presence as he relaxed for the first time. "It’s not often I can trust someone entirely," he admitted. "My duty weighs heavily, and I’ve been betrayed before... by those closest to me." His expression darkened, but he glanced at you, his face softening once more. "But you – you give me a reason to keep going."

A quiet resolve filled you. "Gill, no matter what happens, I’ll stand by you. I chose this path for myself, and I’ll follow it to the end."

His hand slid to yours once more, and he held it, the gesture filled with unspoken emotion. "Then, with you by my side, I believe we can withstand whatever lies ahead."

As you both sat in the stillness, the world beyond the temple faded. His eyes lingered on yours, and he leaned forward slightly, the line between duty and something deeper blurring with each passing second.

---

But as the two of you shared this quiet moment, a figure lurked in the shadows beyond, hidden in the darkness just outside the temple’s pillars. Urien’s eyes narrowed, his face contorted with anger and disdain as he watched the two of you. He had always despised Gill’s calm, his sense of duty – and now, seeing his brother connect so deeply with someone else only fueled his hatred.

Turning away, Urien disappeared into the night, the seeds of betrayal taking root in his heart as he plotted his next move against the brother who had always overshadowed him.