#(and we slid backwards down and rear ended a parked vehicle)

[sunkentowers]

Me, stressed at work and also Star Trek fandom adjacent. (Knows just enough to get myself into trouble probably) thinking thoughts:

Who does the QC checks on the equipment? What do maintained cycles look like? Are there like, official, official incident reports? And not just the Captian's log? Who backups the data? Does staff receive emails regarding SOP updates that they have to acknowledge? I'm pretty sure there's some sort of safety committee on board, who have to review reports and wow their lives must be so exciting. (: |)

Anyway, get paperworked*

*or data filed, or whatever.

[whatisthiswritingthing]

Jealous - Tierna Davidson X Reader

Prompt: Hi! I really love your writing so much. I was wondering if maybe you could write a fic where the reader and Tierna are best friends and R visits T while she’s with the national team. Maybe T gets jealous when the rest of the team or another player gives R attention?

Tierna aggressively slammed her cleats back into her bag, determinedly not looking to the other side of the field where Y/N was talking to some of the staff.

“You alright T?” Alyssa asked the defender, watching her throw her balled up socks into her bag too.

“Peachy,” she grumbled, slamming her bag down and zipping it up.

Tierna took a glance towards her best friend, watching as she made the staff all laugh at something she said, one of the trainers squeezing Y/N’s bicep. The defender rolled her eyes, standing and storming towards the group, trying to release her anger and force a smile on her face.

“Hey Tier,” Y/N shifted her whole attention to Tierna when she approached, bringing a genuine smile to the defender’s face.

“Hey Y/N, ready for lunch?”

“You bet!” Y/N smiled, turning to the group of staff, “great meeting you guys, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Tierna gave her a strange look as they began to walk to Y/N’s car. Tierna had introduced Y/N to the team the night before, inviting her to supper, with her charismatic personality she hit it off with everyone. Players and staff stealing majority of Y/N’s attention the rest of the night, inviting her to watch the practice the next day.

“So, where we going for lunch?” Rose pushed between the two of them as they walked through the parking lot, she gripped Y/N’s hand, dramatically swinging their arms, Y/N chuckled at the midfielder.

“What do you feel like Tier?” Y/N looked over to her friend.

“Anything you want Y/N,” Tierna pulled away from Rose slightly.

“I could go for some Chipotle,” Sonnett jogged up, throwing an arm around Y/N’s shoulder.

“Uhh sure,” Y/N creased her eyebrows, “Tierna had suggested some local place, but Chipotle works too. I didn’t realize you were coming with us.”

“Of course we are,” Lindsey pushed Sonnett out of the way, causing her to begin to walk backwards, both blondes smiling.

“Shot gun!” Rose let go of Y/N’s hand, pushing Sonnett out of the way and running towards the cars.

“You don’t even know what car is hers,” Tierna mumbled, Y/N smiling, watching the rest of the soccer players gently shove each other in attempt to figure out what car is Y/N’s.

“We’ll keep it a secret and you can have shotgun,” Y/N grinned, nudging her shoulder against her friend. Both laughing as the three pointed to different vehicles, looking back hoping for confirmation, running to different ones when there was no reaction.

The friends managed to get to the car before the trio did, Tierna slipping into the passenger seat.

“I called shotgun!” Rose pouted as she was pushed into the middle, sandwiched in by Horan and Sonnett, each smiling proudly.

As much as Tierna wanted to be alone with her friend, she couldn’t argue that being with Y/N was infectious and didn’t blame a single person for wanting to spend as much time with the woman as they could.

Tierna rolled her eyes, jaw clenching when Sonnett slid into the chair Y/N tried to pull out for her. Y/N giggled and slid into the chair next to her, tugging Tierna’s sleeve forcing her to sit next to her before anyone else could. The defender groaned when the restaurant door opened, and more player filed into the room.

For the entire meal, the players all monopolizing Y/N’s attention. Tierna became more irritated as the meal went on, her time was limited with her best friend, but since she had been introduced to the team, she hadn’t gotten any time with her friend. She had only introduced Y/N so she could have more time with her while still in camp.

Players all asked Y/N questions, drawing her into conversation, Y/N smoothly entertaining everyone, asking equal questions in return, giving them the chance to talk about themselves too.

Y/N tried to talk to Tierna in between conversations with players, sensing her growing irritation, stretching her arm out to rest on the back of the defenders chair, squeezing her shoulder.

“So, Y/L/N, how does the boyfriend feel about you hanging out with this motley crew for a few days?” Pinoe asked from the far end of the table.

“Ahh no boyfriend, so probably good?” Y/N chuckled.

“Alright, how does the girlfriend feel about it?” Ashlyn asked from next to her.

“Nope, no girlfriend either,” she shrugged, casting a shy glance to the defender next to her, none of the players noticing, all focused on the new information.

“You’re single?” Kelley clarified with a smirk, nudging a few of the younger players around her.

“As pringle,” Y/N grinned, laughing at her own joke, “single as a pringle, get it? It rhymes,” she clarified when she saw all the confused faces, awkwardly giggling to herself. Her smile grew when she finally heard Tierna let out a genuine laugh all meal.

“They’re trying to figure out if you’re gay and worth hitting on,” Tierna leaned over and whispered into Y/N’s ear, her smile dropping slightly.

“Oh,” Y/N blushed, biting her lip she fidgeted with her fingers.

“So whatcha say? Worth hitting on?” Kristie smirked from across the table, Sonnett leaning forward with her. Pinoe and Ashlyn watching intently from the end, everyone else listening for the answer.

“Oh, uhh, I guess?” Y/N looked shyly around the table, “I don’t really know?” she looked briefly to Tierna again, blush deepening.

“How do you not know?” Kristie leaned froward, waggling her eyebrows

“I just, uhh, do? People don’t really hit on me,” she shrugged again, hoping the conversation would be over soon.

“Alright guys, I think that’s enough, she’s not going to come back if you keep this up,” Christen stepped in, seeing how uncomfortable Y/N and Tierna were.

Tierna mouthed thank-you to the midfielder, Y/N smiling gratefully with a nod.

“T is oblivious that Y/N is single because she’s in love with her,” Tobin leaned over to Christen, whispering in her ear.

“Nope!” Ali giggled from the other side of Christen.

“And Y/N doesn’t see that Tierna is jealous of everyone giving her attention?” Ashlyn added from the across the table.

“Nope,” Pinoe said loudly, gaining the attention of the team, she just smiled and wiggled her fingers in a wave.

Conversation gradually resumed, several of the players trying to encourage flirty banter with Y/N now. Y/N oblivious to the flirting, continued to talk with everyone at the table.

Lunch came to a close, the veterans ushering the players out, reminding them of practice that afternoon practice in a couple hours.

Tierna was quiet the ride back to the hotel, staring blankly out the window in the back seat, Sonnett having won the race for shotgun on the way out.

Y/N glanced in the rear-view mirror while she drove, hoping to figure out what was wrong with her best friend. She bit her lip when Tierna let out a sigh, she didn’t have any idea why she was so upset; Tierna had been so excited to invite Y/N to camp when it was in her city.

“Are you coming to practice later?” Rose asked from the middle seat as they pulled into the hotel, the other two blondes waiting hopefully for the response.

“Oh uhh, not sure,” Y/N turned fully in her set once she parked, watching Tierna for some kind of reaction, “I don’t think so,” she followed up with the defender didn’t react.

Tierna looked quickly to Y/N, her eyes sad while they stared at each other.

“Ahh come on!” Lindsey shook Y/N shoulders over the driver seat.

“I really don’t want to overstay my welcome,” Y/N broke the staring contest, tapping her fingers ion the steering wheel.

Tierna didn’t know what else to say, but quietly got out of the back seat. The other soccer players following behind.

“Y/N is awesome T! Why haven’t you brought her around more?” Sonnett squeezed Tierna’s bicep as they walked through the hotel lobby, “any chance you could I could get her number? Or do you think she would take mine?” the blonde seemed a little nervous.

“Uhh I don’t know Son, maybe, I’ll talk to her,” she shrugged noncommittally.

“You rock T!” the blonde defender skipped ahead, giving a small fist pump.  

“Tierna!”

Tierna turned quickly to the hotel entrance, Y/N walking towards her. She tilted her head to the side, confused, “Y/N?”

“Is everything alright Tier? Are you okay?” Y/N reached out, gripping Tierna’s hand, running her thumb along the knuckles. Eyes soft while she watched her best friend.

“Yea, of course,” Tierna squeezed her hand back, trying to give her a reassuring smile.

“You were so quiet at lunch. Do you want me to leave? Did I overstep with the team? Or you?” Y/N looked so worried.

“No, definitely not,” she shook her head, “Sonnett even just asked me for your number,” she motioned vaguely behind her to where the blonde had walked, “so yea, theres that, yours if you want it.”

“Oh uh, I’m not worried about that. I’m worried about you,” Y/N squeezed her hand again, trying to make eye contact with Tierna.

“I’m fine, really,” Tierna tried to reassure, pulling out her phone.

“What are you doing?” Y/N asked, eyebrows creasing at the sudden change.

“Getting you Sonnetts number,” she wouldn’t look up, focused on her phone.

“Damit Tierna, I don’t want anyones number, I want you!” Y/N pulled the phone from Tierna’s hand.

Tierna brought her eyes up to watch Y/N, waiting to see what else she would.

“I don’t care if the whole team asks me out, I just want to be with you. I didn’t plan to spend the week with your team, I planned to spend it with you,” Y/N tapped a finger to the center of Tierna’s chest.

“What?”

“She likes you,” Ali smiled as she walked past.

Tierna looked between the defender and her friend, Y/N nodding along, smiling.

“Tierna was pouting because she was jealous,” Christen added as she walked in behind as well.

“I wasn’t pouting,” Tierna stuttered out, blushing.

“But you were jealous?” Y/N asked hopefully.

Terna bit her lip and nodded along.

“I like you Tier, I have for a while, I was just too much of a wuss to ask you out,” Y/N blushed, looking away.

Y/N began to pull her hand away when Tierna started laughing at her. Tierna tightened her grip, stopping the movement, “me too Y/N. It killed me watching everyone fawn over you the last two day.”

Tierna let out a relieved sigh when Y/N stopped pulling away, both instead starting pull each other into a hug.

“What do we do now?” Tierna hesitated to ask as they pulled away.

“I don’t know, I think we start by not talking about it in the middle of hotel lobby,” Y/N giggled, both of them looking around to see most of the team watching, “but uhh, after that, I don’t know. I think we go on a date? Not much really has to change I don’t think.”

“No, I don’t think so,” Tierna agreed, nodding along, “how about dinner on my day off in a couple days? You can still hang around with the team if you want, but I want to be able to do this right,” her confidence growing the more she spoke.

“I want to do it right too,” Y/N smiled back, “now go break the news to Sonnett. I’ll see you later.”

The pair hugged one last time, both smiling wife before pulling away, Y/N leaving the hotel.

[skylarmoon71]

Bumblebee x Reader (Transformers)- Chapter 4

“Did I oversleep again?”

You squint, raising your head from your pillow. You almost jumped at the sight of the Autobot sitting in your room.

“B-Bee!”

You covered your mouth when you realized how loudly you said that. Running to the door, you locked it before turning back to him.

“W-What are you doing, how did you even get in with no one seeing.”

Looking out the open window, you realized it was still pretty dark. You just sighed. He was sitting with his legs pulled to a side. Because of his size, and the lack of room, there wasn’t much space for him to spread out.

“I missed you sport.” you couldn't be mad after he said that. It was only a weekend and he was already lonely.

“I’m surprised Sam never notices when you sneak away. Then again he’s probably used to it by now.”

Bumblebee was just sitting attentively, looking at you with those curious blue eyes. Now that he was just staring at you, it made you a little self conscious. You hadn’t exactly prepared for his arrival. All you had on was a tank top and a pair of shorts. You tugged at the shirt, looking down at your feet nervously.

“(Y/N).” you looked up at the sound of his call. He held out his hand for you. Stepping forward a bit hesitant, you took his hand. He guided you to the spot right between his legs, and you followed, sitting down. With your back to his chest, you tried to keep your eyes forward. Your nerves were on end.

“Bee you...when did you get your voice fixed?” you needed to make some type of conversation to keep your mind occupied, that seemed like the best topic. He sounded so different when he said your name, with no help from the radio it appeared.

“Ratchet has been helping me, do you like it?” you nod, turning slightly to look up at him.

“Mhmm, it suits you.” He sounded like a regular teenager. Yet still slightly mature.

“I’ve been learning a lot of things while you’ve been away (Y/N).” you raised a brow.

“Really, like what ?”

“Like the way humans interpret things compared to us. On cybertron we form bonds through our spark. It connects us. “ He pointed to his chest.

“Physically, we don’t have a heart, so there are still a few parts that I’m trying to understand. Like pain, pleasure..” you swallowed. Was it just you or did he say that part pretty seductively.

“O-Oh, well that’s r-really cool Bee.”

Why were you getting so worked up, you were imagining things. There’s no way that Bumblebee was trying to come unto you. That was ridiculous.

“Can I ask you a question (Y/N)?”

“Yeah sure, hit me.”

“Can I touch you?” you almost choked.

“T-T-Touch me!”

His hand came down, metal fingers resting on your knee. You were so small compared to him. The thought of him touching your body didn’t scare you, more like it excited you. That’s what sort of scared you.

“Are you afraid of me?”

“N-No of course not, it’s just that I-I...well I..” you stammered, not sure how to phrase it.

“You’ve never been touched by anyone.” your cheeks burned. You weren’t sure how to deal with your embarrassment, so you just buried your face into his chest plates, nodding slowly. A deep chuckle echoed throughout the room, and hell it was definitely the sexist thing you’d ever heard.

“There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. I’m kind of relieved. Lately just being with you doesn't seem like enough. I can't stop thinking about you. Your eyes, hair, lips..” His tone sends you into a small stir. It's so entrancing.

“Bee..”

Where did this side of him come from?

“Yes.” you gripped at his arm. Closing your eyes.

“Y-You can.”

“I can, what?” He was obviously teasing.

“Touch me. I want you to touch me Bee..” His engine reeved slightly.

The hand that reached down and slid between your thighs had your head spinning. Your fingers were digging into the metal of his hand as you tried to remain calm. You whimpered slightly. With your already lacking clothing, you could feel everything. His fingers were cold, but the moment it touched your most sensitive area, your entire body set aflame. Bumblebee was watching, studying every little sound you made, quick breath you took. He was getting pretty heated himself. Your breathless expression was so arousing. He wanted more, needed more. His free hand groped your chest softly and you moaned out his name.

“This is incredible.” He whispers. You were shaking in pleasure with every stroke of his hand to your core. You bit down on your lip, trying to stifle your moans.

“It’s okay, you don’t have to keep it in (Y/N), I want to hear you. Does it feel good?”

It felt amazing. If only you could put that into words. You settle for a half nod.

“I love you like this (Y/N), you’re so submissive it’s adorable.”

Another helpless whimper left your lips as you bucked.

“Bee...Bee..Bee!”

You gasped, rolling unto the floor with a thud.

Looking up, your eyes were wide.

“N-No way…” you did not just do that.

“Oh shit.”

You had a wet dream, about Bumblebee.

“I’m screwed. “

That you were.

~~~~~

Waking up the next morning was a struggle. You twisted and turned in bed, and at the end, you only managed to get two hours of sleep. The blaring alarm clock on your dresser made you groan, rolling over.

“I really hate school.” This was the worst way to start Monday morning. Standing up begrudgingly, you started your morning routine, dreading what was about to await you.

~~~~

“What’s got you so cranky.” you turned to your friend, opening your eyes a bit wider and she just started laughing. “You look like you haven’t slept in weeks, what happened?”

“Had a weird dream.” There was no way you were going to tell her you had a sexual dream about your alien robot friend who you were hopelessly crushing on.

“Stop watching those crime shows before you go to sleep. I keep telling you but you never listen."

If only she knew.

With a long sigh, you gripped your bag, pulling it over your shoulder. At least school was over. You barely made it through the first period. If not for the nap you took at lunch, you would have been out the rest of the day. Walking in step with your friend, your eyes drifted to the yellow vehicle parked outside your school.

“Hey (Y/N)!”

The window rolled down, and Sam grinned at you. Mikaela was in the passenger seat, wearing a smile of her own.

“Hey guys what’s up?”

The both of you went to different high schools, so it wasn’t unusual for him to stop by every now and then.

“Bee was getting a bit impatient, so I decided to just come pick you up.” Your heart skipped. Your friend nudge your hand with a smile, in which you returned with an eye roll.

“See you later (Y/N)~” She really did remind you of your mother sometimes. You waved her off, opening the door as you slid into the seat. The door closed and Sam pulled off. The conversation was light, you added in a word every now and then just to let them know you were invested, but your mind was elsewhere. You slumped a little in the seat. Just staying awake in class was a challenge. You were exhausted.

“Can I touch you (Y/N)..”

Your eyes flew open. You couldn’t even close your eyes anymore. You folded your hands on your lap, trying to steady your breath.

“Don’t make a scene, calm down, calm down.”

“You alright back there?” Sam watched you from the rear view mirror. Mikaela turned, and you were positive she noticed the flush in your cheeks. “I...I..” you couldn’t even speak properly.

“It's a girl problem isn’t it?” Mikaela interrupted. You were confused for a second, but the look she sent you, you knew she understood what was happening somehow.

“Y-Yeah, these cramps are torture.” Sam grimaced. “Enough said. Bee, step on it.” He didn’t even question it. You smiled at Mikaela appreciatively, mouthing your thanks.

The ride went by faster, and when you stepped out of the car, Mikaela followed. “I’m gonna help (Y/N) Sam.” He nodded. “Do what you gotta do.” You could tell he just didn’t want the details. It was funny how childish he was when it came to that stuff. She kissed him goodbye.

“B-Bye Bee.” you mumbled.

“Later.” you didn’t need to be a genius to know he was disappointed. He was obviously looking forward to spending the evening with you. All that was running through your mind, there was no chance that would happen. You could barely survive a car ride, you weren’t sure you could sit through a conversation with him without those images flashing in your head. Opening your front door, you headed straight for your room, Mikaela behind you trailing silently. Inside your room felt like your own little safe space, and the moment you dropped your bag, she was watching you with a smirk.

“Okay spill, tell me everything.”

“W-What do you mean?”

“Don’t play dumb, you were blushing in the car, and I’m one hundred percent sure it wasn’t because of Sam. “

So she did realize. You were honestly praying she would assume you were crushing on Sam.

“Would you believe me if I said he’s kind of cute?”

She looked unimpressed. “Nice try, now spill. “

You fell backwards on the bed covering your face.

Mikaela’s face lit up. “Oh my goodness you have a thing for Bumblebee!”

“Shhh not so loudly!” you almost fell off the bed for the second time that day.

“You have to tell him, I can tell him if you want.”

“No! No one’s saying anything especially after that dream I had.”

Shit.

“Oh..my goodness.” Mikaela mouthed. You groaned.

“You had a dirty dream about him!!”

“AHHH!! Would you keep your voice down woman!!”

There was a whole lot of talking after that. The biggest reason behind your fear of anyone finding out was more because you thought they would judge you. Bumblebee was a robot, yet to you he just felt so human like that you barely paid mind to the rough exterior. He didn’t even have a beating heart, but he held the power to make yours go into overdrive with just a look. You were hopelessly in love with him.

How would you hide that?

[harringtonheartache]

Daybreak | Part Ten

Part Eleven

Pairing: Steve Harrington x Lab Escapee! Reader?

Summary: Part ten of this fic. Steve and Nine deserve a day off, and-

Word Count: 2,500 +

Warning(s): cussing

Steve woke up first that next morning, may it be due to the sting in his ankle or the sun through his curtains. He had kept to his side of the bed respectfully, and Nine almost did too. She still lied on her back, face hiding slightly as her head had fallen against Steve’s shoulder; it was as if she had been trying to keep awake on a long car ride and leaned to her right for a pillow. Had he been considering any other options before noticing this, they were dropped. Steve decided to stay where he was—stiffly—as not to budge her awake by moving. He could have easily slid from her side without disturbance, but he told himself that simple consideration was the reason he stayed put. 

The simple consideration lasted another ten or fifteen minutes before it was no longer needed. Nine woke up leisurely, and pulled herself from Steve once realizing her error. Nothing too intimate; it was not as if she were resting on top of his arm, but still personal enough to sting her with mild embarrassment. She sat up slowly and turned back to look at him. “How’s your ankle?”.

Steve inhaled sharply and opened his mouth, but his voice was still raspy when he spoke. “Uh, not bad. Still hurts, but I’m sure it will feel better soon”. He smeared his words together a little in his morning haze. 

The two had found themselves downstairs, Steve shuffling behind Nine in an attempt to save her from seeing his limp. The kitchen table was more suitable for a breakfast spread, this time prepared by Nine who insisted he sit down. Two ibuprofen twirled against the hardwood as Steve shook them from the bottle. 

Across from one another at the table, Nine sat with one leg folded underneath her. “What about you?” Steve asked. She looked up. The toast in her hand lingered in the air, giving the butter a chance to melt into it a little more. She didn’t have to speak for him to read her loss for understanding. 

“How are you feeling? Since yesterday?” he asked simply; like she was supposed to know what he was talking about but not harshly enough to make her feel dumb that she didn’t. 

“Good,” there was a short pause. “Recovered,” she recited it like a status. Steve couldn’t decide if he wanted to pry. He’ll have a bite of fruit, first. 

A phone call stopped him from stuttering another question. He hopped to the wall-mounted phone to cease the ringing. Dustin wasn’t kidding about “first thing in the morning,” and he was angry that Steve wasn’t the one dialing him. After three minutes, Dustin seemed to be convinced of the group’s wellness and Steve had earned them the day off by making a proclamation of a one-day break to recover and “think things over”. The kid on the other end of the call was just as eager to stay in after last night. 

Back at the table, he took his pills with the glass of water Nine had served him. “I was thinking,” he began a discussion he was hesitant to bring to breakfast. It may be more of a lunchtime conversation, in the hours past morning. “I know I told Dustin that we were staying in today, but I think we should go back”. The call redirected his thinking, and he lost the question he was going to repeat before it interrupted. 

His new topic of conversation did not offer anything charming, and it was not something Nine expected to come from Steve of all people. She gave him an unspoken response again, and he continued his talk. “Not deep into the woods, but I want to drive by. I mean, something like that - whatever it was - couldn’t have just disappeared, right? There has to be some indication of what happened last night”. 

“Yeah, there is. It’s your ankle”.

The chewing stilled from both of them. 

“I just think we should take a look… from the road.” Steve talked, his hands sliding across the table with explanatory gesturing. “We’ll be safe, we don’t even have to get out of the car. I won’t even stop it.” 

Nine began chewing again, this time on her lip.

“After what you did to it, it won’t be there anymore - that’s if it’s still out there. And if it is, we need to be one step ahead of it. Will can’t fend off that monster if it retreated to the upside down.”

He was talking more than he was eating, and his toast was getting cold. The conversation was too, Nine still silent across the table from him. Steve’s hands finally stilled, pausing with his suspended speech. Nine counted the seeds in the strawberry that sat in the bowl in front of her. She was counting things that could go wrong, too.

“How are you going to drive?” She started her train of (reasonable) excuses. “What about your leg?” Her fingers left streaks in the condensation of her water glass. The ice inside of it was melting promptly.

“It’s my left leg, I don’t even need it to drive. Plus the forest isn’t far from here.” he threw in the second part, logic telling him that if Nine could get them from the woods to his house without a license, he could do the same thing with a beat up leg. She was quiet again. Steve started to feel bad, as if he spoiled their morning. He knew it was a PM conversation. Nine looked up, forfeiting her refusal of eye contact. His eyes stopped her as they had last night; something lost within them seemed consistently capable of overpowering her personal will. She let herself drift off for a moment, thinking back to last night when they had last convinced her of something she was adamantly against believing. To be back in bed again; lost under the covers and creeping a little closer to Steve’s warmth once she was sure he was asleep. 

“Just driving by?” her fingernail scratched at the palm of her hand underneath the table. 

“Just driving by,” Steve said, his hands lifting from the table, wrists still against the wood as he offered a miniature signal of surrender. 

-

Nine was dressed differently now, clothes still from Steve’s personal wardrobe. She had graduated from a tee to a sweatshirt, and pulling the sleeves down over her hands was a nice perk of the upgrade. She balled the fabric in her palms; it felt safe, like the outside world couldn’t get in. The green gym shorts she was gifted had been suggestively short on Steve, but they hit her thighs at a comfortable length; still short but not enough so to urge her to request pants. Her hand crept out of her sleeve to scratch at the Hawkins P.E. lettering painted in white on the corner of the pant leg. She soon abandoned this to peer out the window of the car instead. 

Steve was driving faster than Nine had been last night, actually hitting the speed limit at a smooth thirty-five mph. Slowing as he approached a stop sign, he stole a glance at Nine. He decided to keep his eyes on her when the car fully stopped. “Hey, we’ll be okay. Not even getting out of the car, remember? This hunk of steel will keep us safe,” he said, drumming his hands on the steering wheel as he referenced his car’s muscle. She smiled at his spirit. 

Steve pressed lightly on the breaks again as he neared the spot that they had parked last night. If you were looking for them, you could still see the smeared impressions from their shoes in the mud. He gazed into the forest, but there wasn’t much he was able to see beyond the trees. Their footprints were all that were there to suggest last night had really happened. He turned back to the road, almost feeling defeated, but his heart jumped at the person who appeared before his car. Nine gasped quietly as Steve flinched, and he broke his promise when he stopped the car abruptly. 

Neither one of them spoke, but they looked to each other's eyes. Both sets were wide and panicked. Nine knew who was positioned in front of them, and Steve caught on quickly. The Hawkins’ Lab van now caught his eye in the trees a distance ahead of where he was stopped. The white exterior acted as a canvas against the green leaves surrounding it. The vehicle’s presence seemed to taunt them. 

A few more men advanced from the treeline, and one arose to peer into Nine’s window. She had jolted backwards as she turned to face him, and knocked into Steve behind her. She stayed pressing herself back towards his side of the car. Her hands retreated back into her sweatshirt, but she still did not feel safe. 

Steve, contemplating running over a number of men, fidgeted with the gear stick. He turned around sharply to reverse, but slammed the car to another halt when a fourth man threw his hands down on the trunk. The car was thrown into park. The doors were not locked, and Steve leaned over Nine viciously to hit the manual lock on her side first. He fell forward when the car door was ripped open though, and scrambled backwards, trying to grab a hold of Nine’s arm in any attempt to win the impending tug-of-war. 

Nine threw her right arm up to push the man backwards (telekinetically, of course) but nothing happened. She yelped when the figure used this as an offering and gripped her forearm forcefully. Steve’s tight grasp was worthless up against the man whose arm was double in size, and his pale hold only tugged him further over the center console when Nine was torn from the car. She kicked her feet, willing her nose to bleed at the late appearance of her powers, but it was all in vain. Since having her in their possession, the men seemed uninterested with Steve who was abandoned in the car. Watching through the windshield, he pushed himself from the passenger-side floor. He jerked the handle of his car door and spilled himself out onto the pavement. A second one of his promises was broken. 

Nine was now held by both arms, and her legs were still kicking as they dragged through the pebbles on the old road. She was facing Steve, arms pulled sorely behind her back, shouting oppositions and thrashing forward. He called her name but it bounced off the rear doors of the tall van as they were launched shut. Her kicking feet sounded bitter ringing against the inside of the aluminum van. 

-

Steve’s hands were rattling against his steering wheel as he followed displeasing far behind the white van. He was going well over thirty-five now. Peeling around a right-hand turn, the vehicle in front of him became a weak cloud in the distance. He sped up again, but hastily threw his foot down on the breaks when an uninvolved car showed itself at a four-way stop. The driver eyed him as they slowly proceeded through the stop sign. Steve was breathing heavily in his seat, arms still shot out stiffly in front of him with his hands tightly around the wheel. The van was too far gone now. He dropped his grip angrily and sat at the empty stop sign. His hands balled into fists in his lap as he tried to stop their shaking. Fear had partnered with shock and taken over his ability to form a sensible thought. Rapidly blinking, he attempted to suppress the irrefutable desire to cry. Tears met his cheeks anyway. The guilt he had stolen from Nine last night burned his chest as it was adopted fully as his own. His car sat at the stop sign for another five minutes. 

-

Steve had driven home; it felt wrong to him but remained his only logical option. Had his parents walked in the door right now, everything would be seemingly normal. No undisclosed guest to hide under the bed. They didn’t arrive though, and Steve stood in the doorway of his house that felt painfully devoid. He staggered over to the couch, his car keys falling from his hand to the floor with a harsh smack when he sat. His hands, now empty, found his face; palms against his eyes, head thrown forward. The silent house was combated with the screaming dialogue running through Steve’s head. It felt to him like it was being yelled out loud, but nothing echoed through the hallways. You should have known not to go back there sprung off the walls around him. 

He looked up and settled his eyes on the kitchen. Nine’s glass of water still sat on the table, the ice cubes now fully melted. He had a minute to consider the sight before the phone cut into his thoughts. It rang loudly, just like it had this morning, but he jumped this time. On the fourth ring Steve finally dragged himself up to answer it. 

“I didn’t want to bother you, but I felt the need to remind you to change the bandages on your ankle. You’re changing the bandages, right Steve?”

Steve pushed the microphone up away from his mouth, but the speaker was still to his ear. He sighed shakily, reaching for the bridge of his nose. His eyes were shut, trying to block out his strident thoughts. 

“Steve? You picked up the phone, just answer me. You’re changing the bandages, right?”

He didn’t want to answer, entertaining the idea of hanging up to be alone with his shame. The phone would just ring again. “She’s gone, Dustin”. His words fell against the phone speaker as he dragged it back to his mouth.

“What? Nine? Gone? Li- like Will gone? What do you mean?” Dustin’s voice was loud enough to be heard through the phone without needing to press an ear to it. Steve pulled away from the heated volume, wincing. 

He didn’t want to explain the situation, knowing it would just make that guilt sear with more heat. He still wanted to hang up. “She- she’s fucking gone. The lab got her and it’s my fucking fault.”

“Okay, wait. What happened? It can’t be your fault, Steve.” 

“No, I’m a goddamn idiot. We went back to the woods - where we were last night - to look for clues, remains, I don’t know. It was fucking stupid. I made her go back there. She didn’t want to.” The last sentence came out horse, like it was made true by admission. 

“You went-” Dustin stopped himself, realizing that his words would sound accusatory. It took him a second to continue. “They just grabbed her? And took her back to the lab? Well then we have to go fucking get her!” 

Steve’s unoccupied left hand rose to grip his right wrist. He wrung the skin brutally. “How the hell are we supposed to do that, Dustin?” His tone was passive. “Break into the lab that she could only escape because she has super powers?” The voice was still weak, but his conclusion came out with sting. 

“Well what else are we supposed to do, wait for her to escape again? No, we’re going to go get her.”  

-

Tag List: Tag List: @ggclarissa @hyp-oh-critical @orchideax @we-are-band-sexuals @cpt-lamby @l0ve-0f-my-life @girlyisthatweirdkid  @easyvtohat @ireallylikerugby @used-avocado​ @kwyloz​ @itzpikapie​ @samwise-babeyy​

[dragongirl642]

Sunstreaker/Sideswipe x human!female!reader (bayverse) part 5

Recap:

Once he was calm, we hurried to collect the Allspark. That humming in my chest, just kept getting stronger and now it was accompanied by a sense of urgency from Starblaze but also this feeling of awesome power.

One thought crossed my mind. 'I got a bad feeling about this.'

-------------------------------------Recap end------------------------------------

I was riding an ATV following the transport units. My speciality is mobile battle. The modified ATV's two sub-automatic machine guns being my best friends in battle. Closely following my cousin's truck, I could clearly see Lennox sat in front of me, through the open back of the vehicle. He was briefing the unit on possible hostiles and giving the oh-so-positive, 'it's better to live to fight another day, than die doing a heroic stunt that gets you killed' kind of speech.

The Allspark and Sam were riding with Bumblebee up ahead. We were heading to Mission City; whilst there it should be easier to contact the copters and get the hell out of the Decepticon's reach. Keller agreed with the idea, so here we were.

Starblaze and the twins sent me encouraging pulses over our bond. 'Wait...I can feel the twins now too...must be a Gaian thing.'

I was busy watching William until I heard the roar of engines ahead. Holding the handlebars of my ATV steady, I twisted to look behind me. A blue Peterbuilt semi-trailer truck with flame decals (Optimus Prime), a silver Modified Pontiac Solstice GXP (Jazz), a black Modified GMC Topkick C4500 (Ironhide) and a Yellow Hummer H2 Search and Rescue SUV (Ratchet) were coming the other way. The songs bursting out of Bee's radio signalling that these were the other Autobots. They passed us and I heard the squeal of tires as they made u-turns at breakneck speed. 'But then again they don't have necks to break in that form'. They began gaining on us from behind.

My ATV's inbuilt radio crackled, orders to fall back and hold the rear; I complied. I slowed and allowed them to pass me. William threw me a thumbs up from the back of his truck, I sent back a small wave. We continued in this formation, Mission city in our sights.

As we joined the main highway, civilian cars either side. I heard metallic clicking behind me. Yet again I twisted to look and wished I hadn't. 'Scrap'. I faced forward and hit the throttle. Shooting forward just in time to avoid the metallic fist that came down were I had been moments before. I powered forward passed the Semi as it transformed into a tall, powerful looking Autobot. 'The red and blue really suit him'. He began skating and turned back to face the threat. I weaved my way through the other Autobots and came up behind Lennox. He looked at me as I jokingly called, "Definitely a Decepticon...get ready to have some fun", as I flicked the switch on my ATV's dash to power up my guns. The blur of motion as the chambers spun and set, hitting home. One recruit went completely white. 'Hope he doesn't throw up...too late...that's gonna be a mess to clean up later'.

We made it to the city. The communication with the Nellis Air Force base lifting spirits; help was on the way. The first transport units sending out fire teams to clear buildings and set up sniper points. The Autobots transformed and we spread out. I parked further up the street with my guns pointed towards the highway. The whine of an F-22 Raptor was heard. 'Thank God they're here...wait that was too quick, something's wrong'. I opened my mouth to call my cousin just as smoke flares were sent up. The Raptor changing course, heading straight for our position. I set my guns, plotting its trajectory. Good thing too...it was a Decepticon. The Black Autobot, Ironhide, called a name; "Starscream". Bumblebee and Ironhide picked up a truck as the jet transformed into a grey Seeler, 'seekey, seekser, oh...seeker I think it was'. Ironhide ordering everyone to "fall back". Starscream shot at them and the resulting explosion almost blinded me. My battle goggles tinting automatically. As the smoke cleared I could see that Bumblebee had been decapitated. Ironhide had been blasted backwards so poor Bee took the brunt of the shot.

Starscream stood over him, ready to give the finishing blow. Ironhide was coming around and the other Autobots were already springing into action, but an idea came to me, 'stupid but brilliant, as they say'.

I gunned the throttle, shooting forward at speed. I opened fire. Bullets distracting the seeker as I did one of those idiotic heroic stunts Lennox was talking about. Using a crushed car as a ramp, I leapt with my ATV, straight for the astonished Starscream. Knuckles white with the effort it took to stay seated as the wheels of my ATV struck his faceplate. I kept the throttle on as they gave him tyre burn. Also sending me into a backwards flip. 'This was not part of the plan'. Starscream fell back and holding his face transformed and flew off while I held on for dear life to my ATV. Thankfully it landed right way up, so I wasn't about to be a (y/n) pancake yet. But the resounding crack upon impact wasn't the most reassuring sound in the world.

Lennox sending me the radio version of an angry face. I just sent him back the radio version of a wink face. 'You gotta have a sense of humour in this job, otherwise I would've gone mad years ago'.

The sounds of battle crashed around me as I gunned the throttle once more. The familiar feeling of adrenaline filled me as I differed to my training, the battlefield becoming a blur.

I was moving, running, ducking through showers of bullets and firing my second sub-automatic machine gun, (I'd taken them off the ATV when it was scrapped by a Decepticon bullet shower). Just as I was about to turn a blast of wind rushed past, accompanied by a figure, 'no make that two'. The silver Autobot, Jazz, was being carried off by Megatron. The huge 'and I mean HUGE' scary looking leader of the Decepticons. Jazz was fighting bravely but I could already tell he was going to die. You would have to be able to fly to rescue him. 'WAIT A MINUTE'.

I ran for the building they were heading towards. Dropping my gun, I performed the transformation sequence as I ran. "Gaian fusion, partner up!" The transformation was quicker this time, maybe because I was in the middle of a battle.

With a powerful downthrust of my wings I was airborne and heading for the two mechs.

"You want a piece of me", I could hear Jazz's taunts. I raised my bow and drew back the string a glowing arrow taking form. It was growing the longer I held the bow taught, but I didn't give it time to grow. I let loose just as Megatron began to reply, "No I want..." The arrow hit his left servo. He yelled in pain and dropped Jazz, grabbing his injured servo with his good hand. On reflex I dived. My fingers finding the grooves in his armour, I took hold, and beat my wings furiously to slow us down. It worked and I deposited him on the floor. Floating before him I gave a quick nod before spotting my cousin over his shoulder.

Mouth agape, all surprised, he was quite the sight. Staring at me like I'd just turned into a 'wait'. The comic picture was broken by the sight of an injured brawl returning to his feet and aiming his gun for Lennox's unprotected back. I swooped forward. Shield at the ready I blocked the incoming fire. Ironhide, Ratchet and Jazz rushing back in to re-engage.

"How?...What?...When?...WHAT?" Lennox was spluttering and gaping like a fish. I composed myself, ready to tell him everything when he honestly surprised me. "You know what, tell me after we don't die" and he ran off.

The blur of battle setting in once more...this time though...I fought using my powers. Slash and parry, let loose a volley of small arrows, block, shield at the ready and begin again.

Startled once more out of my trance, by an almighty crash and the audible cracks of something very important. Glancing over my shoulder, Megatron is standing there, Optimus injured, sitting in a small pile of rubble, leaning against a damaged building and Sam running for his life. All the nearby soldier's radios crackled to life, Lennox's voice sounding from all around. #(y/n)...protect Sam#

I took the order to heart. 'So sweet of him to include me though' I thought, and vaulted over several cars to run beside the teen; along with Ironhide and Ratchet. Sam threw me an incredulous look but kept running. A Decepticon made a swing for him, raising my shield up to block the attack we slid under the blade. We kept running. The pounding in my ears almost drowning out the sound of Starscream engaging our two Autobot protectors.

A thump crashed behind, "Give me the cube boy!" Megatron was chasing us, 'well that's just fragging great now isn't it'. We didn't see the SUV till it was too late. I pushed Sam ahead, he fell and dropped the cube. A wave of power being discharged, hitting me and several machines; bringing them to life and causing general mayhem. While I dropped to a knee in pain. Heat flaring within my chest. The feeling of a sparkbeat began, then failed, then began again.

"Go Sam" I choked out before collapsing.

He ran on, darting into a relatively undamaged building. I lay there, wings twitching and body wracked by painful spasms. Images flashing through my mind, a planet wracked by war, a desperate plan, a secret, a void, "You will do my will"...and a dark voice. "They will never follow you brother". I watched helpless as two vast beings fought. Then the one who spoke last held out a hand, 13 pinpricks of light appeared and formed into, what I recognised, as cybertronians.

"Behold my Primes, they will be your undoing brother unless you turn back from this foolish path, return...please". The last part almost a whisper.

"NEVER!" The dark voice ringing in the void. It hurt.

A flash and the dark voice screamed, in pain and anger...slowly it faded, drifting away, swallowed by the void. I felt that kinder presence turn to me, "What you have seen young one, learn from it. You have felt the power of the Allspark and carry part of it within you, use it wisely." I felt myself being dragged away.

"Wait...what do you mean?" I called but no answer came. I was falling into a dark all-consuming abyss. Then a small spot of light appeared. I recognised it before it spoke. "Come back...partner" Starblaze. I followed and the light grew enveloping me.

I opened my eyes. I was lying on the ground, cheek pressed to the hard asphalt. Just in time to see my cousin perform another one of those heroic stunts'...on a motorcycle no less'.

Blackout fell and I slowly sat up. A headache slowly fading. 'When you're in the middle of a battle, you're not supposed to black out and hope for the best.' Silently berating myself, I stumbled to my feet, a cascading waterfall of dust and rubble falling of my body. 

Swaying I summoned my bow. Pulling back the string and taking aim. I could feel the F-22 raptor pilots panicking above as Starscream appeared in their midst. Lennox and the ground forces fired on Megatron, so did the remaining raptors. They were trying to expose his spark, but though he fell back there was still the protective layer of his spark chamber to contend with. 

I released the arrow. It struck home, burning through the final protective layer. Megatron howled in pain, Optimus using that moment to strike him. Grappling the two titans almost crushed Sam. I saw Optimus's dermas move but I didn't hear what he said. Nevertheless, Sam thrust his hands upwards, pushing the Allspark into Megatron's spark. Another white hot flare built in my chest and Megatron's spark shone and pulsed erratically. The Allspark burning up. Eventually it went dark and Megatron fell to the road, offline.

I ran over to Lennox, out of the corner of my eye, spotting Sam pick something up from the ground. He looked at me with a smile. I was not prepared to be picked up and spun like some doll by an over energised cousin. 'He's still in a battle high...great' I internally rolled my eyes.

When he put me down, he gave me a look up and down. I cocked my hips, giggled and gave a spin to show off my new look. My wings buffeted his face and he promptly sneezed. 'Who said I don't have a childish side'. The other members of the unit were looking at me in awe. One cheeky lad at the back even wolf-whistled.

"Ok, now I've seen it, is there any way to unsee it" he stated.

I performed the motions while calling "Power down" and with a flash of light I was back in uniform.

I watched as the Autobots and Sam gathered around Prime for a speech. I just smiled and turned back to my cousin. Opening my mouth to speak and finally explain my whole crazy story when I felt a tug within my heart.

Starblaze exuding waves of calm while the twins were frantically asking me whether I was ok. I responded yes and then their alt-modes just rolled, all calm like, out of a nearby alley and transformed.

With panicked yells everyone raised their weapons at the newcomers. "Whoa, hold your fire, hold your fire!" I called running in front of everyone, arms raised in the classic I-am-defending-this-person position. Lennox marched, like two steps, over to me, "Who are these guys?" He then studied me up and down, noting how I was calm and obviously protecting the trio, he rolled his weight onto his back foot and leisurely said, "Friends of yours?"

'How does he stay so calm?' I questioned in my head. I gestured behind me, "This is Starblaze, my Gaian partner and his siblings, the twins, Starocean and Starwave. I'll explain later Cousin..." I put on the most sweet voice I could, "I have something I need to discuss with dear Starblaze here." now I turned to Starblaze, "AND WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN, I'VE BEEN FIGHTING FOR MY LIFE AND YOU'VE BEEN CHILLIN' IN AN ALLEY THIS WHOLE TIME!" I was going into rant mode. "YOU COULD HAVE DECIDED TO HELP AT ANY MOMENT BUT NO..." Starblaze raised a hand for silence, cutting me off mid-rant.

He just looked at me, completely unimpressed, and said, "You're a competent fighter, I said we would come if you were in danger, you weren't. You are still alive are you not?"

'Oh that just takes the cake' I geared up for a real rant, I could feel my face going red as blood rushed to it. Some of the other soldiers, having realised these were friends, wore broad grins on their faces, just waiting for the show to begin.

"Should we run", said Starwave. "Probably" replied his twin and they slowly backed off hands raised, leaving their older brother to face his partner's fury.

Of course they didn't get off that easy,

.

.

.

The Autobots had noticed the new arrivals.

[darkmindsthinktwistedthoughts]

Devil’s own Luck pt17

Warning : Mobstyling warlords, strong language

Masterlist

---

Chapter 17 – The Penny Drops

– Bang –

The shot echoed over the outside space. Every man moved on instinct to take cover, not giving any thought to who or where they would end up. Using the Azuki groups cars as shields the men tried to take stock of the situation.

Taking in turns to glance up or around the vehicles, like human meerkats, to try to figure out where the bullets were coming from.  

“What the Hell?” Yukimura ducked his head just in time to avoid a bullet as it bounced off the metal of the car above him.

“You can say that again.” Mitsunari had sunk to the ground next to him covering his ears.

“Was this you’re doing?” Yukimura shot an angry glare towards the Azuki cartel in general.

“Does it look like we are any less of a God damn target than you?” Ieyasu had already slipped the safety off his gun and was blindly shooting a covering fire back in the general direction of where he thought the bullets were coming from as he tried to keep his head raised enough to gain some perspective on the situation.

“Of course, it wasn’t us.” Hideyoshi was doing the same whilst also trying to make sure that no one got injured as they attempted to figure out where they were being targeted from.

“It isn’t us either.” Sasuke had laid out a couple of clips on the ground by his leg ready to reload as fast as possible and was shooting towards the tree line that had enough cover to hide someone in it without drawing attention.

“So, who?” Yukimura said almost under his breath as he avoided more ricocheting bullets and chipped paint.

“Kennyo.” Nobunaga stated full of certainty.

“He wouldn’t he’s…” Shingen began to try to defend his old friend. The air in his lungs was squeezing and his breathing was more laboured than it should have been. The cacophony of gun fire around him should have been loud and clear but seemed duller somehow in his current state.

“A friend? Someone you trust?” Nobunaga had a cold smile on his face as he replied. He was using two guns at once firing like Sasuke at the tree line but also further towards another set of trees a little past a flowerbed to the east.

“What are you talking about? What does the ex-chief inspector have to do with this?” Yukimura grumbled hopelessly lost.

“Your Boss has been in contact with him.” Masamune piped up as he moved alongside Kenshin and Sasuke.

“Huh?” Yukimura’s eyes turned to Shingen searching him, wanting to be told it wasn’t true. He had never liked Kennyo he tolerated him because his boss was ‘friends’ with him but after the whole firing thing the man had lost it and Yuki had warned Shingen not to trust him he had hoped he would listen to him, obviously he was wrong.

“We found out from the guy at the charity event that tried to assassinate Nobunaga. Kennyo has been working with Shingen.” Mitsunari shifted to one knee and was bent around the rear bumper of one of the cars trying to read the terrain more.

“Yes, working with not trying to fucking kill me.” Shingen said as he was firing back towards something that caught his eye. A flare from a gun in the dark. There you are.

“Can you be sure of that?... would you bet your life?” Nobunaga leaned back on the panel of the car as he reloaded. “Shingen we all came here for talks, peaceful talks. I am a man of my word I had no intention of opening fire on you.”

“We were the same.” Shingen bent low again pushing against the car with his back as his face contorted slightly trying to suppress the pain coursing through his body. Willing his lungs to keep breathing, and not showing a weakness to anyone. Clenching his teeth, he rose again and took aim.

“So that only leaves one other person and clearly he has lost the ability to discern between friend and enemy… maybe he never saw the difference to start with.” Nobunaga’s words caused Shingen to momentarily loose focus.

– Bang, Bang –

“Argh!” Shingen’s pained cry as he fell backwards made them all pause and take notice. He had been hit twice once in his shoulder and arm. Thick dark blood was seeping out of the holes and he dropped his gun on the ground as he clamped his other hand over his injured arm.

“Shingen!” Yukimura moved fast to his side and was already ripping off his jacket trying to push it to Shingen’s shoulder to stem the flow of blood.

“It’s ok Yuki.” Shingen tried to smile but it was a grimace. The colour of his skin was already pale trying to fight off the pain in his chest but now with two holes in him he looked grey.

“Ok? OK? You’ve just been bloody shot!” Yukimura was frantic as he looked at the man who had been like a second father to him prone on the floor next to him.

“It does rather appear we are at a disadvantage.” Sasuke had spotted where some of the bullets were coming from just like the others had by now. It wasn’t exactly their first rodeo they all had experience in picking out gunmen.  

“Disadvantage? Who do you think you’re talking about?” Masamune laughed happily.

“Exactly Sasuke don’t do making assumptions.” Kenshin was shoulder to shoulder with Masamune both seemed to be taking turns in making bullets arch and trying to score points in some unspoken game.

“So, what’s the plan?” Ieyasu turned to look at the others.

“Take the others guys out ASAP, not get shot and return to base as fast as possible before the officials turn up.” Masamune quickly replied.

“That sounds good any idea how?” Sasuke looked at the one-eyed man with a hint of admiration at his ability to stay so calm in this situation.

“Not a damn clue but it’s gonna be fun working it out.” Masamune dropped back down and took more clips from his jacket pushing one into his gun with a click.

“Oh great… just great… why do I always get stuck covering your stupid reckless bloody ass?” Ieyasu was momentarily wide eyed at Masa but quickly hid it and rolled his eyes.

“Just lucky I guess. Come on Yasu.” Masa shouted over his shoulder as he broke cover and slid over the bonnet of the car and went running towards the trees.

“Sasuke we’re going too.” Kenshin who had paused after reloading to look towards Shingen now turned towards his right-hand man.

“Do you really think this is a good idea?” Sasuke pushed his glasses back on his face as he looked at his trigger-happy boss. Who was clearly enjoying himself despite the circumstances.

“Would you rather sit here like a fish in a barrel?” Kenshin said as he darted towards the tree line in the opposite direction to Masamune.

“Point taken.” Shoving his clips into his pockets Sasuke tightened his grip on his weapon.

“We’ll stay here until you can get the fire drawn away and then get one of the cars out so we can get back to base and treat Shingen’s wounds.” Nobunaga said to Sasuke as the man nodded in understanding before he took off in hot pursuit of Kenshin.

“What? Like I’m going to trust you to do that. I’m staying too.” Yukimura angrily glared at Nobunaga giving all the orders.

“I wouldn’t expect any different from a loyal dog like you Yukimura.” Hideyoshi moved to the opposite side of Shingen and took off his own jacket to put over the man who was now shaking in mild shock.

“One more comment like that Monkey boy and you won’t have to worry about Kennyo I’ll shoot you myself.” Yukimura couldn’t help lashing out he was falling apart with worry.

“Yuki calm down. We have an accord don’t go getting all hot headed and blowing it.” Shingen was struggling to speak it felt like a boulder had been put on top of him weight of it dragging him down into darkness. The colours around him were fading and all he could do was look at the young man and see the pain in his eyes. Oh, Yuki I never wanted to see that look on your face… forgive me.

“Mitsunari quickest route back to base that avoids maximum number of cameras.” Nobunaga shot the question to Mitsunari after glancing at the weakening Shingen.

“On it Sir.” Mitsunari closed his eyes and was mentally running streets and numbers through his head.

“Where is Mitsuhide? He’s never around when you damn well need him.” Hideyoshi spat out the question he had wanted to say since the whole thing started.

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that Hideyoshi.” Nobunaga looked towards his friend before returning to firing.

---

Her head was pounding like someone had put a jack hammer inside it when she woke up. At least she thought she was awake, her eyes couldn’t quite focus and the lighting was so bright she had to blink hard to see anything.

There wasn’t really anything to see it looked like she had been left somewhere and was surrounded by… were they shipping containers? Where am I? She tried to sit up but that was a struggle in itself her hands and ankles were bound tight and as soon as she realised that she had already slumped back on her side. She felt detached from her own body her head was all fogged up.

Dejected at her own lack of ability she resigned herself to lay there and wait for whatever was going to happen to start because right now her hands were literally tied. In her hazy consciousness she heard footsteps and a clink of something moving towards her. A pair of men’s shoes stopped in front of her face and the shiny metal tip of what she imagined to be a cane came into view.

“It appears you have finally woken up.”

---

As soon as the first shot was fired he had moved from his hiding place and was edging his way slowly to where he had seen the reflection from the scope. His feet picking out the ground beneath them with barely a noise. If I can just get close enough then I can put an end to this poorly instigated plan.

The park had clusters of trees left from when it was once a small wooded area. They were old and dense in places perfect for a sniper to lay hidden and undisturbed. Mitsuhide slid his hand into his jacket and took out two weapons. One was his gun it already had the safety off and the other was his dart gun. He strapped the latter to his wrist so that he didn’t have to worry about it not being accessible as he held his gun drawn in towards his chest and moved like a creeping shadow from tree to tree.

The sound of gunfire and the smell of the gun powder was getting stronger he was close. Mitsuhide took a deep long breath and filled his lungs with the smell, the slightly rotting decay of the damp earth under his feet, the fresh over tones of the metallic weapon working its way like an incontrollable elixir drugging his system making his pulse race.

With dilated pupils he finally set eyes on the lone gunman he had been hunting for.

– Hiss, crackle, hiss –

The out of place electronic sound came from a police radio near the man’s shoulder. He paused in his assault to fiddle with it and after a few seconds a hushed voice came from the black box.

“Confirmed target is acquired, the main branch will be moving soon so when you can get yourself out of there. Repeat we have the girl.”

Girl? A dreadful shudder ran up his spine as he let the voice on the radio go silent. A burning rage started build in his gut as he fixed his eyes on the man who was starting to dismantle his rifle. Mitsuhide pushed himself hard back into the shadow of the closet tree and waited patiently. He wanted to take his time he wanted to draw out the suffering, if anyone hurt her he wanted them to suffer for it an he wanted to be the one to cause the pain of retribution to course through their very bones before his eyes.

His mouth was watering as the gunman passed just close enough to him and Mitsuhide shot out one hand covered the man’s mouth and push his free hand hard into the unsuspecting victim’s neck. A small dart that was loaded released and remained planted in the muscles twitching as the blood flow pulsed under the man’s skin.

The Gunman went limp but his eyes were alert and wide as Mitsuhide held him in place. Mitsuhide released his hand from the man’s mouth and turned him to face him he wanted to see the terror in his eyes. A maniacal feral grin spread across Mitsuhide’s face his Yellow eyes appeared to be nearly black.

“Just what I was looking for… I needed a new toy.”

---

[ecotone99]

[FA] [UR] The Idol - Episode 1 of Eternal Payment Serial Season 2

pdf link at the bottom for whoever wants to download.

​

The tires screeched and slid violently around on the asphalt. I spun the steering wheel hard to the left to avoid a dumpster and make the turn down a side street. The last thing I needed to do was make a wrong turn and end up in a cul-de-sac or a dead-end or something. Getting cornered with a pack of pissed off warlocks on my tail would be bad news. “I hate this city,” I murmured to myself and stomped on my car’s gas pedal.

Technically it wasn’t my car. It was Jonathan’s black Impala, but he had been missing since we took down my witch of an aunt. I meant that literally. My aunt was a witch, not the devious and evil kind, but the blast you with spells kind. Actually, thinking about it, she was totally the devious and evil kind too. Either way, Jonathan was an angel, but him being probably the worst angel ever created, he spent more time in trouble up in the heavens than down here, so I stole his car.

I felt a little guilty about some of the extra dings and scratches that had appeared since he left, but I needed the wheels. Besides, that part of my guilty conscience was in the minor leagues compared to some of my other character flaws.

A big gray SUV made the corner I had just pulled away from. It didn’t have the turning radius the Impala had and had plowed into the dumpster sideways. I looked in my rearview mirror and saw the whole passenger-side door dented and scratched up. “That’ll probably make them so much happier with me,” I mumbled again.

This dialogue wasn’t just because I was batshit crazy. I mean, I was crazy, being held hostage in Hell for a few months did that to a person, but I was used to having conversations with myself before that. I had a demon sharing my head with me. “You’re going to have to do better than that, Beth. They’re gaining on you. Let me out,” I said although the words came from my demon.

“Shut up,” I growled and spun the Impala to the right and down another side street to break my pursuer’s line of sight.

A second car packed full of angry warlocks waited for me on this street. Somehow they had managed to flank me. I briefly wondered how many red lights they had blown through to get far enough ahead of me to make the turns needed to face me down here. This one wasn’t an SUV. It was a BMW with a sunroof which it opened as the driver floored the car in my direction. The street wasn’t wide enough to go around them. They were trying to box me in.

Instead of playing chicken, I threw the manual transmission in reverse and pumped the clutch down and up as my other foot slammed down onto the gas. Pumping the clutch that fast should have killed the engine easily, but the reason I liked Jonathan’s Impala so much is that he had somehow managed to enchant the thing never to die, oh, and it only needed gas every six months or so. The angel was an idiot most of the time, which got him into some major league hot water, but occasionally he had a good idea.

The BMW kept coming at me, and a warlock popped his head up from the sunroof and started waving his hands in some mystical gestures that were sure to make me have a terrible day. Since I hadn’t made it very far down the street, I rolled down the passenger side window and ripped the wheel around to the right while still moving backward. The twist put me into a backslide to the left.

The SUV with the busted door appeared in my rearview mirror again, and it was getting way too close for comfort. The ninety-degree reverse turn put me going in the right direction on the previous street and lined up a shot through my lowered passenger window towards the oncoming BMW. I picked up my bright blue painted sub-compact pistol and fired three rounds at the BMW’s tires.

I slammed the Impala back into first and then just as quickly shifted up to second and third as I tore off. I didn’t stick around to see if I had hit my target on the BMW. I knew I did. Those bullets were super expensive because of the enchantments on them. They didn’t miss whatever target the shooter desired as long as there was even a slim possibility they could hit. They were my lucky rounds. I only had a few more, but they were worth the price. I always kept a magazine of them on hand for just this kind of situation. This kind of situation seemed to happen a lot more to me than I thought was fair.

“Well, you do put yourself into these predicaments — no one to blame but yourself. Let me out, and I’ll get you out of it,” my demon suggested.

“I thought I told you to shut your trap.”

The SUV was still on my back bumper. I had to do something about that, but I couldn’t risk knocking my ride out of the fight either. This pack of warlocks had more resources out there, and I couldn’t afford to get caught with my pants down in the Atlanta suburbs. The car was the best chance I had to get out of town undetected. That was the glory of the city; there were a whole bunch of small highways into and out of town. I just needed to get to the loop and out of these stupid suburbs.

The windows on the SUV lowered, and rifle barrels poked out. “Oh, shit.”

“I can’t let you die. I’m in here too, remember. Let me out. I’ll take these assholes,” the demon pleaded.

“Not a chance,” I replied and kicked the Impala into a series of swerves as the warlocks opened up with the rifles. I heard several dings of the jerks putting holes in my back bumper and trunk.

“But Beth,” it said, this time mentally since I was concentrating on driving too hard to speak.

I turned out onto a two-lane street with a grass median in the middle. I hopped the curb and went over the median. There were a few cars on the other side, and I knew if they kept their speed, I’d be fine, but the SUV would lose momentum going around them. The curb cut my speed, and the suspension groaned, but the plan worked. The SUV had to drive in the grassy middle for three seconds more before they found an opening and cut over to me. Those seconds gave me enough time to weave back into traffic going the wrong way.

Horns blared at me, and I saw a pair of police cars idling at a gas station. Both kicked their lights on and came to life as I passed. I knew this main road would take me straight to the highway, but I wouldn’t make it with both the police and the warlocks on my ass. I had to figure something else out.

I weaved around a sedan and flew through a red light going the wrong way. Luckily it wasn’t a super busy intersection, and I made it. However, the police noticed my pursuing SUV still had its rifle barrels pointed in my direction. The police shouted over their loudspeaker, ordering the SUV to pull over. Of course, the warlocks ignored it and kept firing at me.

I turned and cut across a gravel parking lot and hopped another curb. The SUV attempted to follow me, but one of the police cars decided they had enough of the gunfire and tapped the SUV’s rear right fender just as it hit the gravel. It spun out and caught an abnormally large rock which kicked up and put a hole in the police car’s windshield. I grimaced, hoping they were alright. The SUV couldn’t correct its spin in time and overcompensated. The momentum carried it up and over its side, and it slid on its driver’s side about fifty feet, digging a deep furrow into the parking lot. The second police car pulled up next to it, and I lost sight of them as I continued.

I heard the third vehicle before I saw it. That was because it was roaring like my demon trying to claw its way out. Flares of green light splattered on the street in front of my car. They immediately dug deep potholes as an acid ate away at the asphalt. The car then came out of a side street and pulled up beside me, matching my speed.

One of the warlocks leaned out the window. “Give us back the idol,” he screamed over the wind. I flipped him the bird and smiled. “Have it your way,” he said and fired one of the acidic green blobs at the Impala. I figured he would do something like that. People don’t tend to take kindly to rude gestures after you’ve stolen something from them. Besides, that idol was locked in the trunk. How did he figure I would give it back to him even if I wanted to. I definitely wasn’t going to pull over and hand it to them. The whole stupid group would probably chop me into pieces.

The acid blob sailed clear over the top of my hood as I slammed both of my feet on the brake pedal. I had made it to my getaway spot. Maybe that wasn’t the right word. It was more of a hideaway or a bolt hole. It was a small pocket dimension I had set up the day before, just in case I needed to keep a low profile on my way out of town. There was a tear, in reality, one block east of here. It was only detectable by practitioners, but even though they could sense it, they couldn’t open it without the pendant I had used to create it. In a way, it was locked. Lucky me, I had the foresight to put the entrance and exit in different locations, so even if they monitored this one, they wouldn’t see me come out. The exit was right next to an entrance ramp to the highway out of town.

I cranked the wheel around and fished the pendant out of the glove box. With a word and a slight push of power, I opened the dimension, and the Impala sailed inside. I stopped the car and closed the opening before the warlocks could follow me in. Using my power left me slightly nauseous. My demon tried to force itself out every single time my mental defenses weakened, and using my power to open and close the portal definitely weakened my defenses, at least momentarily.

My aunt, Katarina Glostiva, was a nasty piece of work. Although she wasn’t able to cause any more trouble now, I was still dealing with the fallout of her insanity and ambition. I would be dealing with it for the rest of my life. Auntie Kat, in all her infinite wisdom, decided to trap a demon, but she didn’t have any vessel handy to hold onto it. So she used me instead. When I figured out what was happening to me, naturally, I went ape shit. We had a huge argument where I demanded she banish the demon and that I never wanted it. I had asked auntie Kat for power like hers back when I was young enough and naive enough not to understand how that power came to be. She took that as consent even years later when I was in college.

Most people got pretty regular college experiences like hating boring classes, going to a couple of parties, and getting way too trashed on some disgusting punch. I didn’t have anything like that kind of luck. My best friend, Violet, tried to get me to open up and share some of the baggage I had carried around, but when I told her, she couldn’t relate. Auntie Kat wasn’t someone an average person could comprehend. Don’t get me wrong, Violet had thought I was crazy for a good while there, but after I showed her some of the cool magic I could do, her demeanor changed.

College had started to work out my sophomore year. I did the whole party thing that my classmates had gotten out of their system the year before, and Violet had decided on a journalism major. She had been spurred on by her eagerness to learn all about the magical underbelly of society. Just as I was getting into the swing of things for the first time in my life- and right when I had my back turned- Katarina enspelled my mind and scrambled my brain before dumping me in prison in Hell. She had wanted the demon to finish me off, and then it could have complete control of my body. Her plans changed with the shifting winds, and when she saw an opportunity, she sent Jonathan to break me out and tried to repair our relationship so she could continue to manipulate me. It didn’t take, but now I was picking up the pieces.

I got my defenses back under control just in time as my phone rang. I wasn’t on the material plane. That meant if my phone were ringing, it would have to have been someone calling who could send me a message even here. That could only be a few people. “Beth Rastin, speaking,” I said as I picked up the line.

#

“Beth,” the voice said, smooth as silk on the other end of the line. “I assume you have the idol?”

“Yeah. I just picked it up. Where would you like me to deliver it?” I asked. The person on the other side was not one to keep waiting, and the sooner I got rid of the thing, the better off I’d feel. There was sickening dark magic emanating from it so strong I could feel it from the front seat. The warlocks used it to conduct their more advanced magics. It was the kind of rituals that a person couldn’t manage by themselves. Somehow over a few decades, the idol had become stained with the residual magic from uncountable spells.

“It is a dark artifact. I will secure it once it is cleansed. I’ll text you the address,” Patterson said.

“How big of a deal is this idol anyway?” I asked.

“It’s not that important. It was more useful because it scrambled the warlock’s bigger workings. It should slow them down enough for us to get a squad over there to lock down any nefarious plans they’ve got,” the angel replied.

“You’re angels. Why can’t you go immediately?”

Patterson scoffed on the other end of the line. “We’ve got a million cases piling up that outclass this one. It would have been a bigger problem if the warlocks kept the idol, but now we can afford to let it ride a little longer while the teams take care of the more dangerous and pressing matters.”

“I bet you and Jonathan could have taken care of it,” I said. I knew it was mean, but I was tired, and my demon loved it when I was exhausted. It got to force a little of its vileness through the cracks in my defenses.

“I’m stuck working the phones and riding the desk, and you know it, Beth,” Patterson said. I had hoped she would slip up and mention something useful after the jab, but she was careful as always.

“Are you bringing a kit, or do you want me to pick one up?” I asked. Patterson was Jonathan’s old partner, and even though I could tell she knew exactly what was going on with him up in heaven, she refused to tell me anything. That had put a severe strain on our relationship. She didn’t think I should be privy to Angelic business, especially since I had a demon straining against me. Although I knew she had a point, I also didn’t think it was fair for her to keep me in the dark. I wanted to know what was going on with Jonathan because if the Angel Corps sided against him, they were probably going to come after me too. I would like some warning if that were to happen, and Patterson was holding out on me. She told me her bosses tied her hands about it, but ever since that conversation, our friendship was in murky waters.

Don’t get me wrong, Jonathan was a friend, but he was also an angel. He’d be fine. I had to look after myself because I was much less immortal than he was. I didn’t get extra chances and new bodies every time a monster blew me to bits. The beast just blew me to bits. It occurred to me that Patterson shouldn’t even be letting me help in the small ways I had been, but it helped ease my guilty conscience about a large number of the side effects of my aunt’s dark plans. The thought that she was even doing that much for me- while stonewalling me about anything else- frustrated me even more. Minor retrievals be dammed. It would take me a long time to tip the scales back in my favor doing small-time stuff like that. I couldn’t risk doing anything major league, or my demon might break free and make an appearance. That would undo everything I’d been working towards and then some.

“I’ll bring the kit,” Patterson replied and hung up on me.

I stared down at my phone for a second after she was gone. “What a bitch,” my demon said, and I couldn’t help but agree. The phone dinged again as a text came in. It looked like I had quite the drive ahead; I was off to New Orleans.

​

Hope you enjoyed the first episode from this serial I'm starting. Please let me know what you thought in the comments. It really helps drive the story.

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