#and lotus will just be like smiling and giving a sweet sly little comment on how much of a pretentious asshole he is

[grimsneverendingfuneral]

I’m so obsessed with my characters

[soaringlanddormitory]

Title: The Risks [5/5]

Summary: A supposedly new head of the family quits his role to make his own gang. It was his choice to make, and this was the path he decided to take.

Word Count: 5353

Notes:

This will contain some canon characters and this will also be the longest chapter [I think]!! Also the last chapter for this Yakuza AU story!! I hope you’ll enjoy it and if you read all chapters, I appreciate it a lot and I hope you loved the story as a whole!! <3 <3

Hanako/Lotus belongs to @polar-stars!!

Emile/Canción belongs to @polar-star-dorks!!

Part 1: here! Part 2: here! Part 3: here! Part 4: here! Comments are appreciated, and remember that I love you!!

I hope you enjoyed the first multi-chapter story I wrote !! <3 <3 I love you guys a lot and thank you for sticking with me!

Once the leader of the gang had a couple of drinks with his members, he decided to go upstairs to get some food from the fridge. His eyebrow raised when he heard several violent knocks on the door. Curiosity built up in his veins, and he wanted to check who was behind the door. Was it an enemy who found out their location so easily? He wouldn’t be able to tell unless he turned the knob on the door.

A sly smirk was present on the leader���s face as he carefully approached the door, and one twist of the knob, there was a gun to someone’s head. Before he even spoke, he felt a  sharp knife pressing on his skin, but it wasn’t enough to cause a cute. His eyes widened to see a familiar face... A face he never expected to see in those hours.

“Eizan?”

“No shit, Atitarn.”

The rest of the gang members were waiting for their leader to come back, and they wondered where he was. “Do you think Kaoru was drunk enough to fall on the floor and sleep there?” The person who acted like the oldest member brought up. “I know he wasn’t drunk before he went up, but it could have hit him late.” He was trying to explain what may have happened to him. 

“Possibly.” The planner of the gang shrugged. “I can see him being that kind of person... Getting suddenly drunk out of nowhere. But despite the possibility of that being true...” She raised her finger. “We should still check him up. We wouldn’t know the truth until we check.” She was the first one to get up and start going upstairs and the rest followed.

“If there’s a stranger there, I’d have to bring out my knife... The paralysis one...” The most petite figure brought out a knife, her red eyes perfectly matching her threat. “I wouldn’t let anyone hurt the people I have left. They should perish.” Her voice got rather cold, and normally she didn’t speak like this around them. Her dark demeanor instantly dropped once someone behind her ruffled her hair.

“We should hear what Kaoru has to say first, mi amiga!” He tells her this and he was actually right. “Just because you don’t recognize someone’s face, it doesn’t mean that you should take them down. There is a possibility that he may know the person! He may have never mentioned them to us before.” Emile always knew what words to say, and the girl slowly placed her knife away.

That was an awful first impression.

A man who they never met in their life currently had a knife at their leader’s throat and the person who they were looking for was pointing a gun at the intruder.

Before they started anything, Kaoru had to capture their attention first, especially when one of them was already running to the visitor with a knife at hand. “Calm down, you all.” He started to speak before he placed his gun down. “It’s not someone who should be killed. See?”

Eizan placed the knife away from Kaoru, glaring at him. “If you didn’t point the gun at my head, I wouldn’t move by instinct.” He placed his knife away before crossing his arms.

“Aroon, you should have expected Gaia to act like that.” 

“I know, Lotus.” Kaoru began laughing despite the atmosphere. “I apologize for worrying my one and only gang. It’s my fault.” 

Emile blinked and tried to familiarize the face of the person who just entered. “I’ve never seen you before, but I think it’s best if I remember your face.”

He pushed up his glasses in annoyance before he turned around to Kaoru. “I only came here to talk to you.”

“You enough told me before you came. I and my gang is celebrating the first official mission we completed together.” The gang leader spoke up. “So if you wish to tell me something, please reschedule it to tomorrow. I want to celebrate.”

Eizan was irritated by Kaoru, but he did believe he made a point. Normally, he’d schedule something. But because of the whole suddenness of everything that was going on his side, he didn’t think clearly. “Fine then.” Eizan sighed, showing a sign of anger. “However, you better promise you’ll go to District 9.” He turned around, but before he could place a cigarette in his mouth, someone slapped his hand. “What the fuck-”

“If Canción is around, no one is allowed to smoke.” The girl who was previously holding a knife stated, her eyes half-lidded. “If you can’t obey the rules, get the hell out.”

“So what if I don’t?”

“Are you testing me?

“Eizan.” The person who owned the house suddenly changed the tone of his voice, sounding less playful than usual. “I promise to meet you there as long as you calm down. I wouldn’t want to be mad at this time... Or see you paralyzed. Don’t underestimate her, she beats both our speeds and the tiniest cut can do the worst.” He pulled the girl back. “And Gaia, you too. Calm down.”

He knew that Kaoru was the kind of person to train all his subordinates, but he didn’t know that he’d be able to make their skills meet the maximum potential. “Whatever.” He continued walking away, but before he closed the door, he specified the time. “Be there at 8pm sharp.”

The door closed at their faces and the gang members began eyeing their leader.

“You want to know who he is, huh?”

“He was rather impolite.” Hanako brought up before sighing. “You’ve never brought someone like him before, I never knew you’d have a bond with someone like him.” 

“I... I’m happy that he didn’t smoke inside the room.” Emile began smiling. “I might not know him, but I do think that he’s someone that you consider as important. I can read your eyes... so I’m curious!”

“Never have I ever thought you’d actually have someone visit this secret house of yours besides the gang of Dai Adachi.” Tetsuji stated. “Oh. And your parents. Do you have a history with him?”

“Not interested. I want to slit his throat. That’s all.”

Kaoru stared at each of his members one by one before he walked back to the basement. “I’ll tell you guys tomorrow morning. First, let’s continue celebrating.”

Once the door was locked by Tetsuji, everyone ended up going down to continue having their small little party... even if they had a billion questions in their minds.

“So you’re telling us that you’ve had a gang before us?” Emile was rather shocked when he heard this. “I thought we were your first, but no wonder you’re so experienced! I thought that you were only trained by your family!” A pleasant yet very excited expression was on the face of the male.

“I did. But it was just a temporary thing. The gang was formed so we could bond with each other.” Kaoru answered the questions being thrown at him, and the flashbacks with his old gang made him want to flip a table. “... But trust me, I will prefer you 4 more than them any day.”

“Of course, you will.” Hanako already predicted that he was going to say that. “They seem like the only people who could... piss you off. Even if you do consider them as your friend, they seem like and enemy towards you too by how you told us the story.”

“Yeah. They make me stress the fuck out.” What she said was right. They may have been his friend, his ally, and also they were certainly significant to him- but there were times when he was done with their shit. “Added to that, they don’t have anyone as beautiful as you, Lotus. They could never be as sweet as Canción. They’re not as soft as Gaia. And of course, they can’t beat the dadness of Sukiru.”

A blush was on the cheeks of the first person mentioned, before she placed her palm on your forehead. “Now isn’t the time for flirting.”

“Mi amiga, I think he’s being serious! He actually mentioned that you were the most beautiful person in the world when he was drunk last night.”

Hanako was already asleep by the time when he said that, and her cheeks went darker. She tried to keep her cool and only raised an eyebrow at the drunkard that night.

He gave a sheepish smile before changing the topic. “Anyway, what I truly meant is that none of you can beat your intelligence, if you want my true answer. Seriously. With you all combined, your skills, your abilities- they couldn’t take us down easily. Lotus has the plans, Canción has the words, Sukiru has his hands and Gaia has her knife.” He gestured at his holster. “And I’ve got the guns.”

Kaoru never missed the chance to compliment his members, and he always told them the truth. Every time they showed their potential, he never wished for a better team. “But yes. Going back to topic. Eizan Etsuya and Kuga Terunori were my first gang members, and... if you ever see them, please do not fight with them. That isn’t the best choice. We’re technically... allies with them, you know? Eizan may be a dick, but he surely could be useful. Kuga is a runt, but he can be nice. Try your best to at least tolerate them. You’ve seen Eizan yesterday, but maybe we can meet Kuga another time.”

“Question... Are we supposed to be with you? When you meet him at 8 pm?” Masae suddenly brought up, her head tilting. 

“Yeah, sure. He didn’t tell me I should come alone.” He did have a point there. “Plus, I want it to be a better first meeting... At least better than yesterday. You were all ready to shoot him down.”

“Mi amigo, I was ready to shoot him with command... I thought he was planning something dirty, and after thinking you died yesterday... I can’t help but worry...”

“Canción...” He muttered before lifting his hand to give some pats on his head. “If you say it like that, I feel guilty about yesterday. I wouldn’t die on our first mission together.”

A little smile appeared on the brunet. “I know, but I overthink sometimes.” 

“To be fair, you didn’t do what I told you to do. Once I lost any contact with you, I too, may have panicked.” The person with blue hair began speaking, her eyes drifting to the side. “I thought I may have failed on the first official mission, and I even believed my plan was flawless. I may have wanted to bring out the Swiss Knife you gave me the moment he had the knife at your throat.”

Tetsuji agreed with the other two who spoke. “I may have been the driver, and I wanted to do your command. But I hesitated a lot. If something bad happened to you, I would have placed on my brass knuckles to punch him.”

“I was already ready to slice him. Watch him get paralyzed, then poison him later.” Masae spoke up. “If you didn’t tell me to stop, I would have killed your previous team member. I can’t stand the thought of losing you... Anyone in the gang, actually.”

The room was silent, and suddenly the gang members was surprised with the sight of their leader.

He was crying.

“Oh god! Don’t feel guilty about it, Kao-”

“I’m not crying because of that.” He brought at small laughs before trying to crack up a smile. “I’m just very happy that you were that worried about me... I love you guys a lot, and I thought it wasn’t possible to love you guys more...” 

Suddenly, two other people began tearing up. One of them let their tears flow down, while the other was sniffing. Luckily, Gaia didn’t place her contacts yet.

“I’ve never seen you cry before... this makes me so happy that you showed this side to us!” Emile almost pounced on Kaoru, giving him a tight hug. “Of course we’ll worry about you! We love you so much!”

It was followed by another person jumping to him, and she tried to snuggle between her two friends. “You’re our leader... No, our friend. A close friend. You should have expected us to feel that way...”

Tetsuji tapped the shoulder of Hanako before pointing at the three who were currently hurdling up. “Should we join them?” He didn’t get a verbal response, but the person he was talking to stood up before joining in and he ended up being a part of the hurdle too.

“Damn. I fucking love all of you. I’d die for you.”

“Leader, I think... “I’ll live for you” sounds better.”

After an emotional ride, there was someone calling the landline of the house. The person who picked it up was no other than Hanako. “Hello?”

“Oh! Lotus!” A cheerful tone was on the other side of the phone. “May I talk to your leader, Aroon?”

“Of course.” She replies. “Please hold on for a minute.” He was one of the only people who visited their house often, and his voice was so familiar, even when he was only on the phone. “Kaoru, Isshiki Satoshi wants to talk to you.”

Kaoru lazily went off the couch. “Damn it. Emile was already playing the guitar.” He began walking to the place where the phone was. “Thank you, Hanako.” He thanks his friend before he sat down on a chair. “Hey Isshiki! It’s been a while since you called.” He placed his elbow on top of the desk. “What is it this time? Is anyone bothering you? Should I shoot someone?”

“It isn’t that, Kaoru.” The happiness in his voice was slowly fading. “I want to ask if you’re available at 8 pm.” Wasn’t that the same time he was going to meet Eizan?

“No can do, Sir. I have someone to meet already.” He was unable to mention who it was since Isshiki has never met Eizan before, and he should keep his identity from him. “Can’t mention their name. But may I ask why?”

“I wanted you to meet the person who was protecting me.” Isshiki laughed nervously and suddenly Kaoru almost shouted through the phone.

“What?! Someone’s protecting you now? Wow! Lucky you! They better be great. I thought you only needed me, but apparently I’m wrong.” He laughed, and Isshiki sighed.

“I do think he is. He does mention all the rewards he’s gotten for being great... But maybe we can meet another time! I was also planning to meet Nene that time as well, so we could make sure that the gangs defending us could become allies.”

Kaoru felt a bit disappointed, knowing that he had to still meet up with Eizan. “Aw... What a shame... Maybe I can meet the person tomorrow? I’m sure that I’ll tell my gang to be nice to whoever that is!”

“I’ll also make sure to tell him that he should be nice to everyone in your gang as well!”

“Thanks Isshiki.” 

After a few conversations, he placed the phone down and began stretching. “Man, what a waste of time! I have to meet Eizan instead of Isshiki and the person he’s protecting! He better be good. I don’t want that kind guy to die early.” He went back to his group before sitting on the couch again.

He didn’t expect what was coming at 8 pm.

Kaoru spotted a male with glasses and he instantly shot a bullet near his face. “Greetings, old pal!”

“You idiot! Don’t do that here!” He spat, before twitching. “Not everyone is part of a gang in this place at the moment!”

“Not... everyone?” He looked behind him. “I mean, the people with me are all part of a gang but...” He faced Eizan again before spotting a female figure who he was covering. “Ah. You actually have someone with you for once.” He smiled before skipping to the person. He had a warm smile on his face, but his eyes were closed as he approached her. “Hello, miss! Pleasant to meet you, I’m-”

“Atitarn?”

His eyes popped open when he heard the familiar voice. “... Miss Kinokuni?” He didn’t expect to see her here. He glanced at Eizan for a moment, then back at her. “Wait... Nothing is adding up. Why are you with this dangerous man?”

“You fucking dumb ass.” Eizan placed his two fingers on the bridge of his nose before shaking his head. “Should I really explain what the hell is going on?”

“No, you don’t need to.” The gang leader replied before looking at Hanako. “Lotus, make an intelligent guess.”

“I assume that the woman with him is someone who he has to protect, considering the fact that he said that there was someone who was not part of a gang.” Hanako hit the bull’s eye in just one single guess.

“Oh. Damn. Miss Kinokuni. You trust this man?”

Nene shrugged, before answering his question. “My parents do. So I assume I can trust him.”

“Wait... Weren’t you suppose to meet Isshiki? He said that he’s going to meet you at 8 pm...”

“We were.” Eizan was the one to give his reply before he looked at his watch. “And it’s already 8:03, and they aren’t here yet.”

Kaoru couldn’t guess what was going on, but he backed away before going next to his gang members. “Hey, if any of you notice anything or anyone, please inform me. It’s dangerous when a gang is together, it’s a perfect way to hit two birds in one stone.”

Emile blinked before bringing up a question. “Does something odd count?”

“Yeah. Something dangerous or odd, you can tell me. Did you see something?”

He was staring into an empty space for a moment, but he soon shook his head. “I saw something, but it could be my imagination! I just thought I saw something shining!”

The gang of Kaoru began talking to each other, but after 10 minutes- they all stopped talking.

There was a car that stopped by, and suddenly someone was coming out of it. Kaoru waited to see if it may be someone he knew, or someone he had to shoot. His relaxed the moment he spotted the person who came out.

Nene started squinting at the man who just arrived. “I said 8 pm. Why is it already 8:15?” 

“I’m sorry.” Isshiki laughed nervously before scratching the back of his head. “The person who’s supposed to protect me had something important to do.”

“And where is he now?”

Before Isshiki could make the person who was currently slightly pissed at him for being tardy, he felt an arm wrap around him. “Kaoru?”

“God! What a coincidence! Look, we ended up meeting after all! Now who’s this person that my gang should be nice to?”

Once the engine of the car stopped, a blonde went out of the car before fixing his clothes. “Yo! Yo! The best Yakuza head of the world has arrived!” He posed, giving a very extra appearance. “I’m going to be nice to you because Mister All Smiles told me to-”

“Why the fuck are you here?!”

The person who came out of the care suddenly became quiet, before he replied. “Same goes to you, Greedy Shit!”

Kaoru didn’t even need to look at the person to know who it was. His face immediately paled before turning to Isshiki. “The person protecting you... is he Kuga Terunori?”

Isshiki gave a nod, with a bright smile on his face. “Yes! That is him! How did you know?”

“Oh my fucking god. This is going to end up badly.”

The gang of Kaoru heard the familiar name, and they realized that he was the other person that was part of his first gang. “Leader, are you okay? You’re turning pale.” 

“I’m... dying in the inside, Sukiru. I’m fucking... dying.”

“I promised myself that I’ll never see that fucking glasses of yours again!”

“I told myself that I won’t see a midget in my damn life again!”

“YOU FUCKING BITCH!”

Kaoru began twitching and he tried to keep his cool. “Anyway...” He tried to block out the annoying argument. “Isshiki, Nene... do you want us to be allies with the person who’s currently protecting you?”

“I wasn’t the one who decided this. It was Isshiki.” She eyed the male. “I didn’t even know you were part of the Yakuza. When he said “ally”, I never expected you.” 

“I didn’t know that the people who are protecting us would hates each other this much.” He really didn’t expect this to happen. “But I think if you help in protecting us, that means we have more chances of living. I trust you and your gang.”

Kaoru felt that compliment was sincere, so he only ended up smiling. “Of course you can trust us, isn’t that right?” He glazed at his gang for a moment, and they nodded their heads. “Every person in my gang is amazing and-”

Bang!

“... Kuga. Eizan.” Kaoru turned his head to spot both of his previous members pointing their guns at each other.

“I want to fucking kill you.”

“Aim better then, midget.”

“I missed on purpose, you fuck!”

“Wrong. You’re just horrible in shooting.”

“Says the man who needs glasses!”

Bang!

“At least I’m tall enough to see the fucking target!”

“Excused the fuck ME?!”

Bang!

“Listen up you too...” Kaoru brought out both of his pistols before pointing it at their heads. “If you don’t shut the fuck up, I’ll bring both of you to fucking HELL.” He already snapped. “Both of you should know that we’re not supposed to fucking fight at the moment, and here you are- shooting each other!”

“Oh wow, Stupid Red Clips brought out his gun! This is rare! Wow wow!”

“And what are you going to do, Atitarn?”

He was done with this bullshit. 

He pulled both triggers.

“What the fuck, Aroon?! You shot my suit! I just bought this!”

“You broke my damn suit too. I have other pairs too but is that why you were fucking late?!”

“I was fashionably late, Greedy Shit. You, however-”

“If you two continue to talk, I’ll aim for your skulls. You know I’m good with guns.” Kaoru hissed. “My gang protect both Kinokuni Nene and Isshiki Satoshi ourselves. I don’t need you here.”

“... Tch.”

“Fine then, Aroon.”

It was all quiet. Nene never saw him all angry, neither did Isshiki. The people inside “LA5T 5HOT5″ also were in shock, knowing that their leader was capable of being this angry towards his “friends” to the point of threatening them.

“Good.” He kept his guns inside the holsters. “I hope you both know that we’re supposed to be fucking allies. We’re supposed to help each other protect these two.” He gestured to the two people who he was talking to before he ended up being too pissed. “So we’re not supposed to be at each other’s throats. Trust me, I would rather not deal with you guys being TOGETHER but it is a request from them. And I won’t deny it. They need the best protection.”

Eizan kept his gun away before he sighed. “I know.” He sighed before trying to avoid eye contact with Kuga. 

“Yeah. Well informed about it! Mister All Smiles was the one who suggested it, after all.” 

“We should discuss everything...” Kaoru crossed his arms. “Formally.”

“So we’re all in agreement?” Isshiki began looking around seeing everyone nodding. “That’s great then!”

“Are we free to ask questions to each other since we’re officially allies?” 

“Yes, we are, Canción.”

“Why are Eizan and Kinokuni wearing matching rings? I spotted something shining... and now I know what it is!”

“Good eyes, Canción.” Kaoru smiled before he began freaking out. “Wait... Miss Kinokuni, you’re engaged?!”

“And you’re still alive?”

“WHAT?! NO WAY IN HELL GREEDY SHIT IS ENGAGED BEFORE ME!”

“It was the deal. If I were to get engaged to him, I and my family would be protected, so there will be no further deaths. However, in exchange, we also share money with them. It’s a win-win, but I have to marry him in a year.”

Eizan didn’t talk about it, all he did was sigh. After short moments, he explained further. “I only accepted because it improves the business side of the whole Eizan family.”

“Wrong. You’ll end up falling for her.”

“Excuse me, Atitarn?”

“You’re going to end up fall in love.”

“I won’t.” Eizan disagreed. “I only am with her for the business part. Nothing further.” 

“Let’s have a bet. If you end up actually falling in love with her, you better make me the godfather of your kids.”

“As if that will happen. Sure. If I don’t fall for her, you have to pay me 100 USD.”

“Deal!”

“But yes. I am currently engaged to this woman and I have to protect her with my whole life or the deal is off.” Eizan brought his attention to Nene, who only listened the conversation. “So I have to deal with her for eternity.”

“I don’t really mind, as long as you don’t go overboard with your ways.” Nene looked up at him. “I’ll stop you if you do.”

Kuga was still in too much shock to react properly. “Thank god my family isn’t like that. I’m straight and I don’t want to be engaged with Mister All Smiles.”

“Shut up, midget. No one asked for your opinion.” Eizan glared at the male. “I didn’t want to be engaged with her, but if it’s to get a better reputation inside this Yakuza life of mine, I’ll do it.”

Kaoru laughed a bit, before winking. “Seems like a fair trade. Miss Kinokuni is pretty.” He complimented Nene and she turned her head to look at him.

“Shut up.”

“Come on! I was being nice!” Kaoru sneered. “Eizan may be a bit of a trouble, though. You and him seem to have the opposite kind of morals, but you’ll get through it.”

“I already know that very well.”

“Dang, I can see why you think it’s a possibility of love. Greedy Shit and Woman on her period. Seems like a romantic love story.”

“Die.”

“Oh oops. I’m not dead yet!” Kuga grinned before sticking out his tongue. “Are you disappointed?”

“Please don’t go too far.” Isshiki tried to stop him, and Kuga only pouted. Damn, why did he have to protect such a peace maker? It was no fun at all!

“Since we know... that... Eizan is engaged, and the reasons for it... Why did you protect Isshiki?”

“It’s easy as this. Their family is really hecking rich!” Kuga told them facts about this person. “And this makes him famous! If someone like me, who’s already famous enough, protects this man... Fame will be all around me! I bet that I’ll be the greatest Yakuza member in the world in everyone’s eyes!”

“It’s stupid if you call me greedy when you have an explanation like that.

“You’re greedy for money. I’m just hungry for game. It’s two different things!” Kuga complained. “Sheesh, always trying to look for something to go against me, huh?”

“I’ll just ignore your whole fucking existence.” Eizan began ignoring Kuga, and he wanted to listen to the side of his other previous gang member. “And you, Kaoru? Why are you accepting this?”

“You see, Miss Kinokuni is someone who I knew since middle school, and it’s the same with Isshiki. I knew something like this would happen, and... I’ve worried about them. It’s now my chance to make sure they stay alive.” He explains his side.

“And the rest of your gang?”

“We follow with whatever Aroon has to say, unless it’s morally bad. I don’t see anything wrong with it.” Hanako replied for the gang. “He usually picks the just decision. But personally, I just don’t mind. You all would need a planner after all.”

“Lotus is correct! Not so sure... but I think you might need a negotiator sooner or later! I’m also great in gaining information according to my other gang members!” Emile smiled warmly at them. “Since we’re allies now, I hope I will be a great help!”

“Obviously, you two alone can’t defend both of them all the time. I offer my services as back-up.” Tetsuji explained. “I’ve seen Isshiki enter the house of ours a couple of times, I would miss him if he were to not come back. For Kinokuni, I believe that she should be protected for the sake of my own morality. I wouldn’t let an innocent person die.”

“Whatever Aroon says, I follow.” Masae answered their question before spinning a knife around her hand. “I have no further reasons.” Without any warning, she threw the knife near someone’s face

“You could have hit the damn woman I’m protecting!”

“I wasn’t aiming for her.” Her expression darkened. “People found us.”

There was a single person who dropped on the floor. The knife went exactly on their neck.

Kuga began sighing before preparing his gun. “I wanted to bond with everyone first but here we are.” He wanted to personally get to know the rest of his gang more because of a request, but he had to let that go for a while. “We’re gonna do the same thing as old times, huh?” He hated the fact that he had to team up with the person he despised most and the person he had a large debt to. Isshiki was pulled by the blonde to get closer to him so he can make sure he won’t get shot.

“I guess so. But it doesn’t mean I want to.” Eizan brought Nene behind him.

“I told you, I can manage.”

“Obey me, woman. You’re going to make things harder for me if you stay near me.”

“Hey gang, are you ready?” Kaoru had a grin on his face. “This is the first time we’re going to protect people, I hope you’re alright with this.”

“I’m going to get the car for escape. I’ve already planned ahead if something funny happens.” Hanako was completely ready for any outcome to happen. “Give me 3 minutes, and I’ll be sure to bring the car here.”

“I’m going to distract the enemies while Lotus is at it!” Emile saluted his leader. “I can handle this!”

Tetsuji cracked his knuckles while the girl beside him got her special knives out. “I and Gaia is always prepared, Aroon.”

“Then what are we waiting for? Let’s do this.”

[tarithenurse]

In Defense of Asgard (3/11)

Starring: Loki x fem/Inhuman reader. Warnings: Maybe language

A/N: As usual, sorry about misspelling and grammar, though this is good training for my English :) Feedback appreciated!

...   Reader’s PoV   ...

It had been said as a joke, intended to lighten the mood in the sombre council chamber. Time and time again, [Y/N] had re-evaluated which of her old friends or teammates could be of use, favouring those with experience from space already. Of course, that left only the Guardians of the Galaxy, few of which would be in any fighting condition if the Asgardians or Xandarians managed to track them down before it was too late.

That’s when she’d made the mistake of being sassy, and now she’d been stuck on this cold mining-planet for four days, courtesy of Loki and the Warriors Three, who had set her off under the cover of a snow storm with the promise that they’ll be back in a week, or she can call for Heimdal. At least her husband hadn’t been worried. Having her on Contraxia meant that she was out of harms way of the impending invasion.

‘Might as well ask the Ravagers for help.’ The memory of her own words is echoing through her skull with a mocking tone, clearly audible over the din of the Iron Lotus, a brothel and bar on Contraxia.

She’d spent her time well, fitting in with the questionable types thanks to her disguise and skills. First thing she’d done was get a room, cheap and dirty (and relatively free of rats, which preferred to be closer to the kitchen), but on the very top floor at least. The second part had been easier, all it had required was to by a bottle of booze and mingle, observing anyone who came and went to learn of their affiliations, and whenever one might be connected to the Ravagers, she’d made sure to drop a few hints of a competitor to their business, building up a reputation as a bounty hunter looking for a new job.

Her appearance had helped cement the ruse. Black leather jacket over a ragged, but tight, blood-red top, followed by leather pants and a solid pair of boots that oozed practicality. Of course, no bounty hunter would be complete without an impressive arsenal, although hers mainly favoured blades…save for the one plasma-gun at her hip.

The first few days, she’d stuck to the bar or the shadowy corners with the scurrying vermin, until one day a brawl had made her take refuge in the rafters. There she could balance on the beams unnoticed, perching in the deep-set window over the entrance and gaining unrestricted view of the snow-covered square outside as well as the milling crowd in the joint below her. Sneeper Madame, the owner of the place, hadn’t been pleased to begin with, but on this planet, anything is possible if you have enough gold, and [Y/N] had made sure to buy a new bottle each day too.

Leaning against the cold stone behind her, [Y/N]’s drawing meaningless pattern on the foggy window. She has to try not to look at the empty ring finger, because it only makes her miss Loki more, but flashing something that unique would have been stupid…now it was hanging in a chain around her husband’s neck.

She’s only partially listening to the scratching music and the noise of drunkards below. It’s the usual crowd, consisting of one third miners (or diggers, as some call them), and a third are criminals of various severity. The last third are the love-bots, live whores and a random assortment of low lives trying to get by whichever way they can. At least no gold-skinned haters.

Last time [Y/N] and Loki had been here, the sovereign had run a sort of embassy from one of the backrooms, but Adam had ended that years ago. Too bad he hadn’t finished them all off. I shouldn’t applaud genocide…no matter who it is.

Raising the bottle to her lips, she freezes with the hand in mid-air when she catches the sight of movement out of the corner of the eye. A larger group is making their way across the square, but more importantly, people are moving out of the way for the newcomers. It’s clear who’s the leader of the pack, simply from how he’s carrying himself, despite the many scars and his age (you don’t get that old here, unless you have power). Dressed in black, military style clothing, the only oddity are the stripes of orange that raises over his shoulders as fins, glowing faintly in the perpetual gloom on this planet.

As the group enters, [Y/N] lazily takes another swig of the sweet liquor, feeling it’s burn before negating the effects. Below on the floor, the crowd parts before the man and his entourage, allowing them to saunter towards the bar, accompanied by the growing silence and tension. Keeping a grip on the bottle, [Y/N] shadows them, soundlessly prowling in the shadows up between the rafters. She’s smiling.

Every single alien (some humanoid, some…not) is wearing the flaming badge, most are third or fourth generation, but there are a few from second left. Eyeing the reflection of their leader in the grimy mirror behind the counter, she sees the only badge indicating first generation. A captain. It explains his age and self-confidence. Only the music is playing now, but as the man waves a hand lazily, that too cuts out. He’s tall, solidly build with a square jaw protruding much further than any orthodontist would have appreciated home on Earth. A few strands are still dark, otherwise both the short-cropped hair and eyebrows are light grey, making his small, sleepy eyes appear darker than they are.

Don’t be fooled, [Y/N] can imagine Natasha warning her, like during their many training sessions. This captain might appear dim, but he can’t be if he’s made it to the top of the most competitive crime-syndicate of the last 40 to 50 years.

As if on cue, he leans over the counter to pour himself a drink, calmly but loudly addressing the bartender. “A little birdy told me…” he drawls, “that ya got a pest-problem?”

Pushing one of the many rats in the place out of the way, they both know that’s not what the guest means. “Nuttin’ we can’t handle, Stakar.”

Bingo! The name rings more than just a small bell with [Y/N]. She’s heard about him from Quill before reading up as preparation for this mission. Hunching, the Midgardian studies the people below. She can assume they all are armed, and they have spread out nicely to make room for swinging their weapons.

A subtle nod makes her refocus on the bartender and the face of the Ravager leader reflected in the mirror, a sly smile playing on the lips of the latter before he empties the glass in one go. She’s been made, but that’s okay.

“Sneakin’ up on me normally results ‘n people dyin’.” He’s calmly refilling the glass.

Stopping her bottle with a thumb, she tips elegantly into empty air, flipping around by holding on to the raw edge of the beam so she lands on her feet. The only sound is the softest thud from the heavy boots, and she can’t help but smirk with pride as she straightens up.

“Relax,” an impressive arsenal is pointing at her, so she makes sure to keep the hands away from her own weapons, taking another swig of the burning alcohol, “if I wanted you dead, you’d be dead already.” A soundless scoff is the only answer she gets. “I’m glad you got my message.”

As opposed to the normal grunts in the lower ranks of the space mafia, the leaders know that information is more valuable than a quick show of power by killing someone. Stakar Ogord needs to know more about her before eliminating the potential competition. That’s pretty much the only thing that���s keeping his men from shooting. Glancing around, [Y/N] comes to the conclusion that the term ‘men’ is a generous categorization of some of them. Stakar has finally turned to face her, and she lifts her bottle as a form of salute before downing a quarter of it. Bemused, he returns the gesture, draining his own glass. All around them, the regulars slowly return to their own affairs, clearly bummed at the lack of a show down ending in the death of someone.

Indicating for her to come closer, Stakar’s hoarse voice drops to a normal frequency. “Can’t say there’s been much of a message.”

“You knew someone was asking around about your…associates.” She doesn’t bother staying out of his range, preferring to plant herself on one of the bar stools. “I’m just lucky it was you, that came to investigate.”

“How’d ya figure that?”

Giving him a once over, she figures he’ll need more persuading before believing anything she wants him to hear. “Long story. Let’s just say we have common…acquaintances.”

The Ravager captain glares at her, unsure what to think of her comment while another rat scurries over the bar counter, and it gives her an idea. Quick as a cat, she plucks the rodent up by its tail, calming it down by altering the flow of hormones that would have send it into a state of fight or flight. It settles down in her palm, where it sniffs around before beginning to groom itself.

“I’d much rather we spoke somewhere more…quiet, but I guess you’ve got no reason to trust me.” She’s studying the critter.

“Why should I?” Stakar isn’t showing any emotions. This is fun. “I dunno nothin’, ‘cept ya wantin’ a pay soon.”

Finally locking her eyes with him, [Y/N] makes sure to keep her voice quiet as she drains the poor creature of its life. “I wager you’ve heard of me.”

Tenderly placing the small corpse next to his glass, she turns and walks away leisurely. She’s halfway up the first flight of stairs, when the man gets into gear, signaling for the next two in command to follow him as he hurries after her. Probably something he doesn’t do often.

Not a word is spoken until they are inside the crammed room, one backup outside the door, the other (a Pluvian and first officer) hovering next to [Y/N] where she’s sitting on the bed. As a kind host, she’s offered Stakar the only chair, rickety as it may be.

“Alright. I’ve heard of…someone like ya.” He’s on edge, and she can’t blame him. “What’ya want?”

“Just a friendly chat.” She might be smiling, but it’s a cold smile. The kind that makes the guy next to her grab the weapon a bit tighter. “You see. I remember the allies just as well as the enemies. Thanos on one side with his mix of elves, Sakaarians, Chitauri, Outriders and random scum. We knew the Sovereign wanted to join him, but something kept them back.” Her eyes are violet, but she doesn’t bother hiding it. “If the Titan had won, then the universe would have been fucked to say the least…that would’ve affected you.” Fighting to keep the voice calm, she doesn’t flinch by the mechanical click next to her. “So where…were…you?”

Stakar’s trying to look in control. “The Ravagers aren’t an army.”

“Neither were we. Neither were Quill and his team.” Letting out a small huff, [Y/N] leans back against the wall and takes a swig of the bottle she still has been carrying with her. “I remember him and Kraglin Obfonteri telling tall tales of Yondu Udonta and the other clan leaders. Claiming they’d be on the right side.” As tempting as it is to take out the nervously shaking second in command (his crystalline body reflecting the light from the bare LED hanging from the ceiling), it won’t do her any good. “So where were you?”

The Pluvian is finally catching up on things, his confusion pushing any nerves aside momentarily. “Now eh, wait…hoooold on a minute! Yo’re talking just like eh as if yo were there…” He’s staring unabashed at her body. A body too young to fit anyone from the stories of the Mad Titan’s defeat. “Yo’re too eh young for that!”

“I’m about [Y/A+20], counting by Terran years.”

“Hellbullshit!”

[Y/N]’s unsure of the existence of any such bovine, but it doesn’t matter, and she resorts to challenging the claim with nothing but a deadpan stare.

“That could only be if ya’re…her.” The commander’s words make the man with the rattling weapon step ever so slightly away from [Y/N]. “The…healer.”

He was thinking of another label. “A simple test could prove my claim.”

It’s a silent staring contest between the two parties, overlooked by an increasingly jittery first officer.

“Martinex. Roll up your sleeve and hold out the arm for her.” Stakar has known his second in command since at least one of them was young, and he expects nothing but the full compliance. “And don’t fight her.”

Clearly unhappy, the Pluvian first mate follows the order, baring what would have been soft skin on the lower arm for the woman. Will a knife penetrate the crystals? Flipping out a slim dagger from the sheath hidden on her own arm by the jacket, she studies the surface before admitting with a shrug that she’s unsure if it would be effective. Stakar promises to Martinex’s consternation, that it will.

Fine. With a flip and a jab, [Y/N] buries the blade deep in the silicon crystal, before withdrawing it, releasing a fine flow of quicksilvery blood. A hand and a bit of concentration is all it takes before the smudges of liquid is the only evidence.

“Let’s talk.” Stakar Ogord knows when to listen.