#febuwhump no 26

[fletcherwilbury]

@febuwhump Day 26: "Help Them!"

Warning for Physical violence, physical abuse, verbal abuse, illness, pneumonia, injury, broken bones

[luci-in-trenchcoats]

Febuwhump - Day 26

Pairing: Endverse!Dean x daughter!reader

Prompt: "Help them"

Warnings: language, apocalypse, big angst vibes

A/N: So this one got away from me and didn't end up being a drabble (more like 2K). Whoops!

_________

Your dad hadn’t been in a good mood since you got up. You didn’t exactly blame him. You were going outside the compound for the first time since you’d been born. Well. They took you on occasional hiking trips around the place in school and dad had insisted you be in the Rangers program so you’d probably been outside more than most other eighteen year olds there. But you’d always been close. The high compound walls visible. A few armed guys from security with the group. Never more than a ten minute walk away.

Today though? Today you were starting your job and that meant going outside of the walls, far outside of them.

“You don’t have to do this you know.” You finished tying your work boots and stood up, your dad frowning from the small kitchenette in your shared cabin. “Be a Ranger.”

“You’re the one that put me in that after-school program in the first place,” you said, shrugging into your hooded jacket. You frowned, his face blank. “Nothing to say?”

“I did that so you’d have more survival skills, not join them. You’re too damn smart to risk your neck. We need you to help run this place when the rest of us get too old to. Croats I can handle but other communities? It’s going to be an issue someday. We fucking need someone with a level head to negotiate-”

“You’re a Ranger and on the council so clearly I can do both,” you said, going to the ladder that led to the loft. He sighed, leaving you to climb up and grab your pistol from beside your bed along with your backpack. When you dropped down, he was right beside the ladder. “Dad. Every other kid I graduated with has been working their job for months. My job is being a Ranger and you cannot stop me anymore.”

You shoved your pistol in your thigh holster, slung your bag over your shoulders and took off for the door.

Two hours later you were still fuming. Your dad decided he just had to go on your first run. Sure, it was standard to have more experienced team members out with new Rangers their first few months on the job, but your dad? 

“Alright, everyone,” said your team lead for the day, motioning to the group of eight of you when you slipped out of the two vehicles. “I know we’ve picked over this area pretty good in the past but we’re looking for raw materials, things we might have skipped over in the past. Shingles, nails, plumbing equipment. Home maintenance items. Groups of four and we’ll reconvene at the vehicles in an hour. Stay sharp.”

You headed towards the group leader when your dad’s hand caught your arm. You huffed but didn’t want to make a scene in front of your new co-workers. Besides an annoying amount of staring, he let you work and pile items into a cart, making a few trips back to the cars where the team leader was organizing everything.

“Shit, where’d you find tires in a hardware store?” he asked.

“The forklift,” you said, earning an eyebrow raise. 

“That is the out of the box thinking that I like,” he said just as you heard a loud crash. You both turned with guns drawn, seeing no less than eight Croats rush into the store. “Fucking hell.”

You both rushed forward, taking out the two stragglers in the back but six made it inside where the others weren’t expecting it. Loud, angry shouting came from in the store as you rushed in, shots firing off. 

On the right you saw a large group of Croats and your people, your dad’s shout coming from the far left. You felt the group leader turn to go left with you but you grabbed his arm.

“Help them!” you shouted. “I got this.”

“Do not do anything stupid,” he said, letting you go and breaking off to help the others. You cleared the aisles as fast as you could before you saw your dad on the ground, a Croat on top of him. A loud shot rang out from your weapon and the Croat went limp, your dad panting hard. His eyes flashed wide as he shouted, a great force shoving you to the ground. Snarling in your ear told you it was a Croat on top of you, your gun going flying across the floor. He scrambled to grab it, another Croat rushing around the corner and going for him. He must have fired off a whole clip while you tried to get the damn Croat on your back off.

Finally, you managed to grab your switchblade from your backpocket, swinging wildly and slicing something on the creature. You spun when it faltered, stabbing the knife into it’s side, searing pain rippling through your arm. You stabbed again, this time in the neck, the thing going limp as something grabbed your hood and yanked you backwards.

“Get off!” you screamed, the grip suddenly gone, a hand pressing a finger to your lips. You caught your breath as your dad scanned the area, the shooting dying down. 

“Winchesters! You good?” shouted the team leader from the other side of the store. He relaxed briefly.

“We’re in one piece!” he called out. He sighed, grabbing his own gun from the ground before turning around to hand yours back.

“Thanks,” you said, taking it from him, his eyes wide. “I know you’re pissed I came in to save you but…”

Your gaze traveled down to where his laid, to the red bite mark on your exposed forearm where it pulsated in pain. Your gaze flickered back up, his head shaking.

“No,” he whispered, still shaking it. “No.”

“S’okay,” you said quietly, strangely calm despite the fact in a few hours you’d be just like one of those things. He just stared and you offered him a smile. “Dad, it’s alright. Just don’t let me turn into a Croat. Please.”

“I can’t…” he trailed off as footsteps approached. He yanked your sleeve down hard over your wound, giving you a stern look. “Keep your mouth shut.”

“Hey,” said the team leader, coming down the main aisle. “You guys hurt?”

“We’re fine,” said your dad, pulling you to your feet. 

“Let’s get the gear and get out of here,” he said. 

“I’d like to keep one of the cars and Y/N out a bit longer, get her a little more used to the outside world one on one.” Your team leader pursed his lips but nodded.

“Just be back before dark. It’s not always like this Y/N. You did good today,” he said, smiling before he headed back for the others.

“What are you doing?” you whispered, your dad, grabbing your bicep. “Dad-”

“Later.”

After twenty minutes, you were alone with the car, packed full of supplies you had a feeling your dad never intended to bring back to the compound.

“Dad. What are you doing?” you asked. He ignored you, instead pushing up your jacket sleeve and taking his med pack out of his bag. “It’s a damn Croat bite. You can’t patch-”

“You weren’t supposed to die!” he shouted, glaring at you with tears in his eyes. He tore open the pack roughly, dabbing the wound with an alcohol soaked cotton ball before gently wrapping it in gauze. 

You slowly took your hand away, squeezing the thrumming flesh with your other hand. He packed up silently, slamming a fist on the hood when he finished.

“You should have left me,” he grit out. “You should have let me die.”

“Ranger or not, I wasn’t going to let you get ripped apart by that thing. I got bit, okay? I got bit. Now we can either spend my last two sane hours fighting or we can spend it together before you get in this fucking car and go back home.”

He was silent, giving the far off treeline a death stare. 

“Why didn’t you tell them?” you asked quietly.

“They’d have killed you. It’s protocol.” He slammed his fists again, turning his anger on you. “You know I can’t be changed. You fucking know about Lucifer and what he did to me. I am safe from this bullshit so my whole life can be one long torture fest but you? You-”

“Dad.” You grabbed his hands, the fight leaving him. “Today’s my last day and I don’t want to spend it arguing. Please can we just…I don’t want to die in a fucking hardware store parking lot. Can we just go somewhere? Somewhere nice?”

“Okay. We can do that.”

The car ride was silent, your bite itchy under your skin as he drove. It took nearly thirty minutes but eventually he pulled off the road to drive through some trees, coming to a stop. 

“Can you walk?” he asked. You hummed, following out and through some kind of hiking park or something. Certainly not one you’d been to before. It only took ten or so minutes before you came to the top of a trail, a wide expanse looking out at the valley below, full of orange and red leaves.

“Wow,” you said. He guided you to take a seat on the ground, his body nestling in behind yours. “It’s so pretty up here.”

“I always thought I’d take you camping up here one day when you were old enough.” His chin rested on the top of your head, his breathing hard behind you. “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s not your fault.” You were quiet for a few minutes, enjoying the breeze on your face. “Promise you’ll go back tonight after it happens. Promise you won’t do anything stupid.”

But he didn’t answer, only kissed the top of your head. “Daddy, please don’t…”

“I don’t want you to worry about what happens after.” But he refused to make that promise. 

“Dad.”

“Just sit with me, baby girl,” he said quietly, voice cracking. “Just let me have one more hour with you.”

“Okay,” you whispered. “Okay, dad.”

_________

[serickswrites]

Board

Warnings: captivity, restraint, torture, forced to watch, drowning, water torture, waterboarding

Team Leader screamed their frustration as they tugged uselessly on their restraints. They had been trying fruitlessly to break free of the cuffs that kept them standing at the far wall. Whumper had restrained them such that they couldn't sit and that they couldn't turn away from the out of reach center of the room. Turn away from everything they saw. Turn away from Smallest Teammate.

Smallest Teammate was sputtering and gasping from the tilted over chair, their hair just brushing the dirty ground, their face obscured by the filthy towel Whumper had slapped them with. They had initially tolerated the water torture with minimal crying. But all of their hard won strength and courage failed after Whumper had relentlessly continued the torture.

Team Leader had lost track of how long Whumper had been at it with Smallest Teammate. Had lost track of how long they listened to Smallest Teammate choke and gasp around the water being poured on their face. Had lost track of everything because they couldn't break free.

"I think that'll do for now, don't you think?" Whumper said as they let Smallest Teammate's chair drop the last few inches to the floor. Smallest Teammate let out a wordless shriek as they fell. They continued to shriek and sob as Whumper left the room.

"Smallest Teammate," Team Leader called, desperately trying to catch their attention. "Smallest Teammate."

But Smallest Teammate didn't reply. They continued to sob as they lay on the floor.

"You have to help them," Team Leader said hoping that the rest of the team could hear them through the broken communicator. Their headset had long broken, but they hoped that somehow the microphone and ability to transmit hadn't been damaged. Because they needed help. They needed the team to come and help them. They needed the team to come and save Smallest Teammate before Whumper graduated from simulating drowning to actually drowning Smallest Teammate.

"Please," Team Leader begged one more time, "if you can hear me, please come help them. I need you to come help them."

[kybercrystals94]

Brave

Read here on Ao3!

Febuwhump 2024 | Day 26 | Prompt 26: “Help them.”

Rated: G | Words: 428 | Summary: Omega has to be brave for her little brothers. [Character Focus: Omega]

She tries. She tries so hard to keep the tears from falling, to keep her breath even. But another hiccuping sob makes her guardian cast her a disapproving glance.

“Omega,” Nala Se scolds, “either compose yourself or I will have you removed.”

Omega’s fingers curl into tight fists, but she keeps them pressed at her sides. “I don’t want them to go,” she dares to say, voice small.

The Kaminoan sighs, a long hiss of air. “We’ve been over this countless times, Omega. The experimental units cannot stay in the lab. They are not your pets. Their purpose is not to provide you with companionship. They are weapons. They are soldiers.”

“They are my brothers!” Omega protests. “Please, let me go with them. I can help them!”

“You can do nothing for them, Omega,” Nala Se says. “You are not like them, and they are not like you. Now, if you cannot keep your emotions in check, I will have you escorted from the room and you will not say goodbye.”

Omega knows she means it. If Nala Se is anything, she is true to her word. Omega has to be brave for her brothers, she has to tell them goodbye. That she’ll find them again. Even if they won’t understand or remember. Omega will. That’s what matters right now.

“I’ll be better,” Omega says bravely.

After a slow and critical stare, Nala Se grants Omega two minutes to give her final goodbyes to the little ones she has helped cultivate since their tubes. Because of their enhancements, they were allowed to be raised to some extent by “natborn standards,” whatever that means. The four toddlers are strapped into their transportation cart, their large dark eyes watching Omega as she approaches.

“It’s okay,” she tells them, rubbing a fist over her eyes to erase the tears that linger on her lashes. “We’re going to be okay. We will be apart for a while, but I promise…” She glances to where Nala Se is across the room, then Omega leans in and whispers, “I’ll find you again.”

The little 99 with enhanced senses reaches out to her with pudgy hands, wanting to be picked up. Omega shakes her head. “I can’t,” she whispers, letting him wrap tiny fingers around hers. “I’m sorry.”

When the lab assistant comes to push the cart away, the tiny clones begin to cry.

But Omega doesn’t cry as she watches them go. She has to be brave. Because she will find them again.

And she will help them.

No matter what Nala Se says.

END

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[silvrash-797]

@ajscico The long-awaited conclusion to the Time/Fierce Deity arc! This one has a song to go with it, too - Healing Termina by Theophany

Night's dark grasp (pt 3)

Day 26: "help them"

Part 1 | Part 2

Read on ao3

Twilight had taken second watch for the night, opting to patrol as Wolfie until it was time to switch with Hyrule. So far it had been a quiet night, no nightmares or restless sleep for anyone. He was on his second long loop around camp when something shifted in the woods. A sense of rage erupted from the far side of camp, blinding in its intensity, driving Twilight to his belly in fear, whimpering. The feeling soon retreated, and Twilight stood on shaky legs, carefully sniffing the air.

That can’t be good. Twilight loped back to camp to check on everyone. Wind was curled up in Warriors' scarf, Sky and Four nearby. Wild was on his side near Twilight’s bedroll, sleeping peacefully for once. Hyrule was clinging to Legend's arm, both of their faces screwed up like they were having a nightmare. And Time was…

Where was Time?

Dread filled his belly as he sniffed around Time's abandoned bedroll. No sign of a struggle, but that sharp scent of rage burned in his nostrils, heading off in a direct path out into the woods, leading towards the abandoned temple they had been tasked to clear out.

He immediately shifted back to Hylian, tucking his shadow crystal under his tunic as he began the frankly terrifying task of waking up a bunch of traumatized heroes in the middle of the night. He started with Sky and Wind, as they were usually the least stab-happy of the bunch. With a quick, “Time's missing, get everyone up,” they helped wake the others, and soon the Chain – sans Time – was gathered around, ready to hear what Twilight had to say.

Once everyone was settled, Warriors was quick to take charge. “What’s going on Rancher? Wind says Time's missing?”

“I was out on patrol as Wolfie when I felt an intense energy shift coming from camp. I couldn’t move for a minute, but when I could I came right back here.”

“I think I felt that, too,” Hyrule interrupted. “I thought it was just a nightmare, but it felt like a rampaging hinox was crushing me.”

Legend scoffed his agreement, wincing at the memory. “Same here.”

Twilight nodded. As two of the most magically sensitive members of the Chain, it made sense that they would have picked up on the feeling.

“When I got back, he was gone and a scent trail led from his bedroll towards the temple. The scent was Time's, but…it was…off. Raw. Furious.”

The Chain looked at each other in shock. Time never got angry.

Wind broke the silence. “So…we’re going after him, right?”

Warriors gave him a small smile and pulled him into a hug. “Of course, kiddo. There wasn’t any question.” He turned to the rest of the heroes. “Pack up, everyone. We leave in 10 minutes.”

-----

Twilight, as Wolfie, led the chain through the forest, tension mounting within each hero at the path of destruction woven through the foliage. Twilight grew even more concerned when the trail they were following began to intermingle with the ever-growing scent of monsters. Worse, they smelled infected. I hope Time's okay.

When the Chain arrived at the temple’s entrance, they gawked at the destruction before them. Black blood was everywhere, and there were gouges in the temple walls, as if some great sword had been sent to desecrate the place.

Twilight shifted back to Hylian, and the heroes all gathered around Warriors who looked concerned and…resigned?

Wars took a deep breath and let it out entirely before shifting to Captain mode. “I have an idea of what happened to Time, and I don’t like it. Twilight, take Wind, Sky and Legend, follow Time's trail. The rest of us will check out the rest of the temple, clear any monsters we find.”

“Not gonna give us a hint, Cap?” Legend asked.

Wars sighed again. “Just…be careful, please. I’m hoping the only reason I’m sending Sky with you is for the Master Sword, not his reputation as a Godslayer.”

…That’s not terrifyingly cryptic, Twilight thought as he shifted back to Wolfie. Immediately the mingling scents of Furious-Time and terrified monsters assailed his senses and he sneezed, wincing at the tang in the air.

Sky looked down at him in concern. “You gonna be okay, Twi?”

Twilight huffed out a breath and nodded, leading the way further into the temple.

The four of them met no resistance, monstrous or otherwise, as they made their way through, although Twilight could sense the trepidation growing in each of the other heroes. Before long they were standing in front of a large, ornately carved door.

Legend eyed it for a moment, then smirked. “Well, that just screams boss room, doesn’t it?”

The comment drained some of the tension among the group. Wind and Sky chuckled, and Twilight managed a wolfish laugh before shifting back.

Twilight rubbed at his nose, trying to clear it. “He’s definitely through there, him and a lot of monsters.”

That caused a pause in the group. Sky finally broke the silence. “What do we think happened? Should we make a plan?”

“What do we know?” Wind asked.

Legend began listing points off on his fingers. “Time disappeared in the middle of the night. He’s angry. There hasn’t been a single monster in this goddess-forsaken temple, except apparently here in the boss room. Did I miss anything?”

“Wars chose us specifically to find Time,” Twilight reminded him.

“Oh, right. The protégé, the Godslayer, the Veteran, and the kid.”

“I’m not a kid, Lege!” Wind protested. “For your information, I know why Wars was worried about needing a Godslayer.”

Legend blinked at him, nonplussed. “You do?”

“Yes, I do. In the War of Eras, Kid Time had a really powerful mask he would use to help turn the tides of a battle if things were going wrong – the Fierce Deity’s mask.

“I thought he’d gotten rid of it, since I haven’t seen it even when we’ve had really tough battles, but…” Wind paused, swallowed, “something might have gone wrong.”

“I’ve heard of the Fierce Deity,” Legend said, “even got to play around with his sword for a bit on one of my adventures…wonderful.”

He pinched the bridge of his nose and blew out a hard breath. “So, if I’m understanding right, there’s a high chance Time's been, what, possessed by this Deity?”

“Unfortunately that is what it sounds like,” Sky grimaced. “So, a plan?”

Twilight shook his head. “There’s still a lot we don’t know. Be ready for a fight; we’ll have to play it by ear once we see what we’re dealing with. Whatever’s happening, we need to help him…help them.”

Everyone nodded in agreement and readied their weapons, then Twilight pushed the door open.

Once the four heroes were through, the door slammed shut behind them. Each flinched and glanced back in turn, but no bars fell across the door. A swift glance around the room alleviated some concerns and brought others to the fore.

The only sign monsters had ever been in the room was the thick scent of blood in the air and the dark, bloody puddles across the tile floor. Across the room, a tall figure in heavy plate armor stood with his back to the heroes.

Twilight cleared his throat and took a few steps towards the figure. “Old Man?” he called. “Time, is that you?”

The voice that responded was similar to Time's, but it was deeper, louder, with intense emotion simmering below the surface. “The Hero of Time sleeps, young Hero of Twilight. I am all that remains.”

The Deity turned its face to the heroes, and Twilight took a step back as blank, emotionless eyes stared right through him, glowing with unearthly light under a shock of white hair. “Why have you come? The infected threat has been nullified. You are no longer needed. Return to your rest.”

“Yeah, that’s the thing,” Legend drawled, voice projecting strength and confidence. “We woke up to find our leader gone, we’re just here to bring him back to camp with us.”

Wind stepped forward. “C'mon Fierce, let him go, please?”

The blank gaze turned to Wind who, to his credit, did not take a step back at the intensity contained within. “Hero of Winds. It has been a while since we met…But your pleas are useless. I have escaped the confines of the mask. I alone control this body. The Hero of Time sleeps, and I will ensure that he cannot take it from me.”

The Fierce Deity drew its double helix blade, but made no move to attack. “Your request is denied. Leave now, and I will not harm you.”

Twilight looked between the other heroes and saw the same determination in their eyes that burned in his heart. The Wolf surged inside him, and he bared his teeth at the Deity. “We’re not leaving without Time.”

“Then you will not leave at all.”

With speed and grace belied by its height and bulk, the Deity moved to strike. Sky intercepted the swipe aimed at Twilight's head, bracing himself against the strength of the blow.

“Twi!” he gasped as he pushed the Deity back. “Fi didn’t burn me – she doesn’t recognize him as a hero!” Sky parried another strike. “I’ll keep him occupied – go help them figure out a way to get Time back!”

Twilight nodded and made a beeline to the younger heroes. They were already deep in discussion, although they both kept one eye on the fight unfolding before them.

“Rancher, I have a crazy idea and it’s your fault.”

“Lege, I – what? What do you mean my fault?”

Legend, filled with nervous energy, shifted from foot to foot as he explained. “Before we opened the door you said we’d have to play it by ear. The Deity told us twice that Time was sleeping.” He paused, thinking.

“…And…?” Twilight prompted.

“…And I happen to know a song that can wake dreamers, and an ocarina to play it on. The problem is separating them once Time's awake…”

“This is basically a curse, right?” Twilight asked. “The Master Sword should be able to handle separating them – that must’ve been what Wars meant by sending the Master Sword with us.”

Wind was filled with the same nervous energy as Legend, fidgeting with his necklace as he watched Sky and the Deity circle each other. “But Fierce said he escaped the confines of the mask, so there’s nothing physical to anchor his spirit to.”

Legend thought for a bit longer, then pulled out his ice rod. He shot a thick stream at the Fierce Deity, temporarily freezing him in place. “Sky!” he shouted, “Get over here!”

Sky came, bouncing on the balls of his feet as he watched the Deity slowly free itself. “What's the plan, guys?”

“The Vet knows a song he thinks can wake Time. We need the Master Sword and something to anchor the Deity’s spirit to.” Twilight explained. A thought came to him. “You don’t happen to have a carving on you that you’re okay parting with, do you?”

Sky stilled for a long moment, staring. Eventually, he pulled what looked like a half-finished cutting board from his pack. “I was working on this for Wild, but cutting boards are pretty easy to carve in the scheme of things.”

Twilight took it in hand as Legend shot another stream of ice at the Deity. It was bigger than Time's masks usually were, but it would suffice. He handed it to Wind. “You’re in charge of this. Keep it safe, okay?” He turned back to Legend. “Give me your ice rod – I’ll try to keep him in place while you work. This is going to take all of us.”

Twilight took Sky's arm. “The moment we get confirmation that Time's awake, we need the Master Sword to seal the Deity's spirit in the wood. Do you think she can handle it?”

Sky grasped the sword’s hilt with both hands and closed his eyes. It flared brightly for a moment before a gentle chime rang from the metal. Sky opened his eyes and nodded. “She’s ready.”

“Then let’s get Time back.” Legend wasted no time in pulling his ocarina from his pack. He raised the instrument to his lips, beginning to play a lilting, haunting melody.

The moment the notes sounded, the Deity roared, fighting harder to free itself. Twilight sent another stream of ice its way, silently apologizing to Time for the cold. Sky hovered close by, ready to fight if the Deity escaped.

As the last notes of Legend's song echoed through the room, the Deity stilled, frozen in mind as well as body.

Twilight watched its face anxiously. “Come on, Old Man. Come back to us,” he whispered.

A shudder rocked the Deity's frame. Color flickered in its left eye, resolving into a familiar deep blue iris. Its mouth opened.

The voice that emerged was weak but immensely familiar. Time’s voice. “Pup,” he whispered, “help…”

Powerful relief washed over Twilight, and he grinned as he shouted, “Now, Sky!”

Sky held the flat of the blade to the right side of the Deity's face, keeping it steady as it worked to pull the Deity from Time's mind and body. Time's eye, tired, terrified, pained, stayed fixed on Twilight through the process.

Slowly, the armor vanished piece by piece, the light blue tunic fading to Time's cream undershirt. Golden blond hair replaced the white. The markings on the left side of Time's face disappeared as the otherworldly glow faded from the right eye before it shut of its own accord.

In just a few eternal minutes, the Deity was gone, and Time stood, trembling, before them.

Legend shot a gentle blast of heat from his fire rod to melt the ice, and Time collapsed. Twilight caught him before he could hit the floor, pulling off his pelt to wrap around the freezing hero. Time shivered, panting, in his hold.

They watched Sky as he took the Master Sword to Wind and placed its tip to the cutting board in the Sailor's hands. Waves of blue, white and gold rolled off the blade as the Fierce Deity was channeled into the heart of the wood, until a bright flash of light caused each hero to close their eyes.

When they opened them, the colorful waves had stopped, the sword was still, and a tiny Triforce had been branded into the wood, surrounded by the chevron and stripes of the Deity's marks.

Time heaved a deep sigh then looked at the four heroes surrounding him. Gratitude shone from his eye. “Thank you,” he whispered. “Thank you for freeing me.”

Twilight returned the look with a watery smile, pulling the older hero into a tight embrace. “You’re welcome,” he whispered back.

[hurtmyfavsthanks]

Febuwhump Day 26: "Help them,"

Content warning: attempted murder, stockholm syndrome-esque language, stab wound

“We have to help them!” Whumpee’s eyes were wide with terror. Their far too thin frame trembled with the emotion as they sat kneeled before the bleeding body. Blood pooled around them, staining Whumpee’s pants a dark, deep red. Their eyes, brining with unshed tears, were locked with Caretaker.

Caretaker couldn’t understand any of it. They didn’t understand the fear in Whumpee’s eyes. They didn’t understand why they were pressing their hands into that bleeding, fatal wound, trying to save a person who deserved death more than anyone.

They didn’t understand why Whumpee was kneeling at Whumper’s body, trying to save them.

Whumper was still alive. Their chest rose with gasping, pained breath, blood trickling from the corner of their lips. The wound in their stomach – a deep cut from Caretaker’s knife, one they’d hoped had hit something vital – poured blood over Whumpee’s fingers.

They could have finished the job before going to find Whumpee. They should have, but a spiteful part of them had whispered to keep them alive. To allow them to suffer, because they deserved it for everything they’d done. They’d thought Whumpee would feel the same.

“Whumpee, what are you talking about?” Caretaker asked, baffled.

“They’re going to die!'' There was panic in Whumpee’s voice, raw and utterly misplaced. “I don’t know how to stop it–and I can’t just let them die!”

“Why the hell not?” The evidence of Whumper’s crimes were still clear on Whumpee’s skin. How thin they’d become, how bruises and scares covered anything not hidden away under their clothing. One look at Whumpee, and Caretaker knew Whumper deserved it. “It’s self defense, nobody will blame us for it!”

Whumpee only shook their head, putting more pressure on the wound.

“Why do you want to save them?!” Caretaker shouted. They hated the way it made Whumpee flinch. But they couldn’t help but yell, not now.

Whumpee dropped their gaze, teeth worrying at their bottom lip. “I just…they have other people–um, somewhere else, not here, I–I mean,” Their words were stuttering, hesitant, as if they were afraid of Caretaker. “Nobody will find them if Whumper dies now, so…”

They trailed off, falling silent. They wouldn’t meet Caretaker’s gaze.

“They’re lying,” a voice, croaking and frail, gave voice to what Caretaker was thinking. Whumpee flinched like they’d been hit.

A laugh, high pitched and manic, broke from Whumper’s lips. Their eyes had opened to slits, ignoring Whumpee’s considered stare to lock with Caretaker’s eyes.

“They're lying,” Whumper repeated. They sounded delirious with pain, and yet their words struck with enough force to kill. Whumper smiled, their teeth red with blood. “It's because they’ve realized they’re nothing without me. They need me. They love me–,”

A pained, hacking cough silenced them. Blood dripped from their lips, and Whumpee’s hand rushed to wipe it away. It made Caretaker sick.

Whumpee's eyes didn't leave Whumper, but Caretaker saw them squeeze shut, something like shame in their expression.

They remained kneeling, head bowed, begging for the life of a monster.

“Please.” Whumpee’s voice was barely a whisper. And Caretaker, for all the anger and hate in their heart, couldn’t deny that plea.

They’d kill Whumper. Kill them for what they’d done to Whumpee’s body, to their mind. Tear them apart and give them a fraction of the agony they’d inflicted. They’d make Whumper regret being born.

But not today.

Today, on shaking legs, with a heart that was falling apart in their chest, Caretaker went to find something to slow the bleeding.

[psychologeek]

Fentonic 2024, Day 26: Solitude / Mask

FEBUWHUMP 2024, ALT 9: lightning strike

Not Broken (just bent) - continue

Jazz:

There's a mask on her face. Invisible, yet consistent.

There's a mask on her face. Made of the tiny neurons by the cheeks and the eyes and the half-tone in her voice letting you know that she really cares about you.

There's a mask on her face that she can't let go.

Sometimes, when she's alone in her room, she dreams about pulling it off. Dreaming about letting herself grab and pull and tear it all apart.

Sometimes, when she's alone in the wash room, she scrub her face hard enough to bruise. Hard enough to pop small blood vessels, exposing the raw flesh to the air.

Sometimes she dreams about standing on a hill, in the middle of a storm, arms full of scratches. Dreaming of a wind, loud enough to hide her screams and take the words out of her mouth and directly at the sky, as she dare it to strike her with a lightning-

(Sometimes she wake up in the morning, again. Red eyes and a child in her arms and nothing else matters.)

Yet she get ready for the day, putting on her uniform and colour her face with warpaint: makeup and mascara and lipstick.

It's always another day, another fight.

And she's not going to give up now.

[theshiaxartist]

:3c

Wanna help me make a Jak and Daxter Tarot deck?

You can also vote on a big Jak and Daxter related poll!

[skyward-floored]

Febuwhump day 26 - forced to choose

I fell asleep while writing this BUT I FINISHED IT THIS MORNING so here it is a day late 😓 and Cloud once again suffers agbdfhkkddhv

This is ambiguously canon since Cloud doesn’t reunite with his Zelda quite like this, but these are all sort of hypothetical anyway so whatevs. This one is also a teeny bitsy bit heavier than some of them have been so warning for blood and injury and stuff.

Cloud is skyward sword Link, and Sprite is ocarina of time/Majora’s mask.

Courage of ages explanation

————————————————————

Cloud tore through Faron woods with the others running alongside him, blood roaring in his ears as he ignored how tired he was getting.

Please let us get there in time please let her be okay please—

They’d stumbled across a plan by the Yiga on accident, a loose-lipped footsoldier spilling a scheme to kidnap Cloud’s Zelda and hold her captive. They hadn’t gotten the reasoning out of the soldier, but Cloud didn’t even bother waiting around to try and figure it out. That was his wife they were going to kidnap, and he’d sworn to himself he would never let that happen again.

And he knew Zelda could handle herself, he truly did, but she couldn’t have expected the Yiga, there was no way she could know they were coming and they’d catch her completely unawares.

Please let her be okay—

They finally burst into the sealed temple, and Cloud looked around the room, his breath leaving him as he met the startled eyes of his wife.

Who was tied up and had a blade held to her neck.

“Link!” Zelda gasped as he looked at her, shock and relief in her voice. “Link you’re okay, I—”

“Silence,” the yiga holding his weapon to her neck growled. He turned to the other soldiers next to him, and began whispering, but still loud enough that the heroes could hear him. “We have what we came for. Get her out of here before the heroes interfe—“

Slate shot an arrow directly through the man’s wrist before he even finished speaking.

The soldier yelled and the heroes surged forward, a wave of yiga meeting them. The entire room broke into a fight, the whistle of arrows a background to the sharp clashing of swords as Cloud leapt into the fray. He tried to see where Zelda was, but there were too many people in his way, too many enemies blocking him. So Cloud continued to slowly work his way over to where he’d last seen her, trying to steady the fear in his chest.

He tried to help any of the other Links he passed in the fights they were engaged in, but every single one of them waved him forward, yelling that he needed to get to Zelda. Even the ones that were obviously struggling.

And then a cry suddenly cut through all the other noises echoing in the temple, the sound thick with pain.

Cloud felt his heart stop.

He’d recognize that voice anywhere.

He burst into entirely reckless moves, shoving his way past anyone who tried to stop him. He refused to let himself be deterred, steps speeding even faster towards where he’d last seen his wife. Another cry rang out, but it was a child’s voice this time, and Cloud saw Era snap his head up in a panicked way from across the room.

A blademaster jumped into front of him, but Cloud only took a few seconds to take him down, hacking at the cultist with little remorse. The man disappeared in a flurry of paper, and Cloud finally came into view of Zelda.

Who was lying prone on the ground, Sprite fallen beside her.

Cloud felt his stomach drop out, and he bolted to their sides, falling to his knees and pulling Zelda up into his arms. The clothes she’d been wearing had an ugly red stain beginning to spread across them, and Cloud felt ice clench around his heart.

“Zelda,” he said frantically, cupping her cheek as she breathed in a pained breath. “Zelda how bad is it?”

“I-It’s okay,” she breathed, clutching his hand when it slipped into hers. “It’s okay, it’s not too...”

She trailed off and looked over at Sprite, watching as Era ran to his side and began frantically digging in his pack.

“He saved me,” Zelda said softly, looking back at Cloud. “He jumped... in front of me after I was hit, I would... would have been hit again if he h-hadn’t...”

“Zelda, easy, just breathe, please,” Cloud murmured, trying to keep his panic down. “We need a fairy over here!” he cried as loudly as he could.

“Make that two,” Era said from nearby, voice tense as he ran a soothing hand through Sprite’s hair. The smaller hero flinched, and Era’s face went even darker. “Hibiscus! Get over here, we need you!”

The Hero of Legend joined them a few moments later, looking harried as he dodged an arrow.

“Sorry, Brownie’s unconscious and Windy got nicked with an arrow, and I was trying to fight— sweet Nayru,” he gasped, looking between Cloud and Era. He dropped down between them, doing a quick look over Zelda before doing the same to Sprite.

“What happened?” he asked in dismay, and Zelda shifted a little where Cloud was holding her.

“Those men decided if they... couldn’t have me, then nobody could...” she said in a slightly strained voice, and Cloud held her more tightly. “Took me by surprise... and after I was... hit, they were g-going to finish me, but your friend tried to fight them off... and took a h-hit meant for me...”

Hibiscus dug through his pack as Zelda explained, but his face grew dark as his search for supplies came up empty. He yelled behind him if anyone had a fairy, and Cloud dragged his gaze away from Zelda for just a second.

The fight around them was winding down, most of the yiga fleeing the scene once they realized their plan had been foiled. A few stubborn ones were still fighting, but Slate’s arrows were doing a good job of picking them off, and any hero that wasn’t dealing with an injury or a fight was digging through their bags.

The last soldier disappeared a few moments later, and the heroes clustered around Zelda and Sprite, faces horrified as they realized what had happened.

Hibiscus went around to check for healing supplies, seeing what everyone had left, but it didn’t take him long. When he returned, all he had cupped in his hand was a single bottled fairy. Cloud and Era stared, and Hibiscus shook his head.

“This is all we have,” he said quietly.

The room was silent for a few long moments, and then Cloud snapped his head back at where the Links were watching the scene unfold in horror.

“Sometimes there’s fairies in the woods in the back, you might be able to find one, go,” he snapped.

Almost everyone bolted out the back of the temple, and Cloud was left to look between Zelda and Sprite, both rasping weakly for breath.

“You’ll be fine Zelda,” Cloud murmured, pressing a kiss to her hand, ignoring the bit of blood on her fingers. “You’ll be okay. They’ll find another fairy and you’ll both be fine.”

“Link...” Zelda said quietly, and he met her eyes. “Give... give the fairy to hi...”

Zelda breathed in a gasp and stiffened, screwing her eyes shut before dragging them back open.

“Give... give it to him,” she bit out.

“No.”

Cloud and Zelda both looked at Sprite, curled in on himself in Era’s arms as a steadily growing stain of red spread out across his tunic.

“Don’t...” Sprite whispered, then shuddered a bit. “Let Ze... have her...”

His eyes flickered, but he forced them open, sucking in a shaking breath.

“Give her the fairy,” he whispered.

Cloud stared at him in dismay. “Sprite we can’t just...”

“You know one fairy won’t b-be... enough for us both...” Sprite murmured, his voice still tight with pain. “Let Z-Zelda... have her.”

“We can’t just let you die,” Cloud whispered, and Sprite smirked, then coughed.

“‘M not gonna die,” he whispered, blood trickling out of the corner of his mouth. “Give it ‘t her.”

“No, we can wait a few more minutes, okay?” Era said sharply, still putting pressure on the wound. “Give the others some time to find another fairy, you’ll both be fine. We don’t need to choose.”

“Don’t have time...” Sprite whispered, closing his eyes. “She needs it more.”

“He does,” Zelda stressed, meeting Cloud’s eyes again. “Link he’s...”

“You both need it!” Cloud shouted, and knew his hands were shaking as he squeezed Zelda’s. “And the fairy won’t be enough for both of you, we can’t...”

Zelda smiled at him just a little, and Cloud looked at her through the tears that were starting to gather in the corner of his eyes.

“Please Zelda, hold on,” he whispered. “Hold on for me, please, I can’t lose you again.”

She didn’t respond other than squeezing his hand, and the room went quiet.

Cloud looked over at Era, equally frantic but hiding it better as he cradled Sprite tightly in his arms. He was holding a cloth to the injury Sprite had sustained, and Cloud looked down at the younger hero, looking unusually small in Era’s hold.

Sprite looked back at him, meeting his eyes as blood trickled down his face, and the younger boy gave him a rare smile.

“You won’t,” he whispered.

Then Sprite snatched the bottled fairy off of the ground, popping the cork and throwing the bottle to land right next to Zelda.

“Sprite!” Era cried out, the fairy flitting from the bottle and immediately spinning around her.

Pink sparkles drifted across Zelda’s middle, the little fairy spinning in rather tight circles as she healed the injury below. Zelda let out a small sigh of relief as she finished, and the fairy jingled weakly, obviously exhausted as she fluttered away. Zelda then sat up a little in Cloud’s arms, and he felt relief hit him at the sight of her bright blue eyes, looking tired, but no longer in any sort of pain.

But his relief was short-lived as he looked over at Era and Sprite.

Throwing the bottle had obviously used the last of the younger’s strength, and he’d fallen limp in Era’s arms, eyes closed.

“Sprite,” Era said in a frantic voice, any steel he’d conjured up rapidly disappearing. “Sprite, don’t do this to me, stay awake.”

Cloud felt a sharp wave of grief hit him as Era clutched at Sprite, the normally vibrant boy in his arms lying eerily still. A small breath wheezed through his lips, but that was the only sign he was still alive at all, blood still leaking from his side.

“Wait,” Zelda said softly, and Cloud looked back at her, a light shining in her eyes.

Zelda reached out towards Sprite, faint light flickering around her fingertips and a glow in her eyes, and Cloud was suddenly reminded that his wife wasn’t exactly mortal.

He quickly helped her move closer to Sprite, and she took his small hand in her own, Era watching with tired acceptance already in his eyes. The light grew just a little as Zelda’s brow creased, and Cloud and Era stayed silent, not wanting to break her concentration.

After several agonizingly long moments, she finally drew back, a smile on her lips.

“I bought him some time,” Zelda said softly, her eyelids drooping. “Not much, but enough... for the others to find another fairy. He’ll be okay until then.”

She let out an exhausted sigh, and Cloud drew her into an embrace, leftover terror at what they’d almost lost making him feel dizzy.

“Thank you,” Era said, voice filled with utter relief. Sprite twitched just a little in his arms, and Era closed his eyes and slowly exhaled. “Thank you so much.”

Zelda nodded at him, then looked back over at Cloud, relief in her gaze.

“You had me worried sick sleepyhead,” she said with a smile, and Cloud finally kissed her, entirely uncaring of who was watching.

They drew back after what didn’t feel nearly long enough, and Cloud gently pressed his forehead against hers, their hands clasped.

“I’m so sorry,“ he whispered. “If it had been up to me I never would have left.”

“I know it wasn’t your fault, I could sense dark magic around the day you disappeared,” she replied softly, squeezing his hands. “I’m just glad you’re okay. I missed you, Link.”

Cloud held her close, breathing in her perfume and ignoring the smell of blood that still tinged the air, ignoring how close she and Sprite had been to dying, and ignoring the terror that still lingered in his heart that he’d been too late.

“I missed you too,” he whispered, and pressed a kiss to her hair, overwhelmed with relief.

[arecaceae175]

Febuwhump Day 26: Alt. 1: Rope Burns (Hyrule)

AO3 link. Warnings: blood, injury, loss of consciousness, graphic descriptions of violence

Continuation of Knife Wound (Sky) and Presumed Dead (Hyrule). The final part of this storyline will come tomorrow, so stay tuned!

@wildsage00 WOO here we are. This is completely unedited, like not even a solid read through. I'll come back and edit tomorrow probably, but for now I hope it's good!

Part 3/5. Part 1. Part 2. Part 4. Part 5.

After seemingly endless hours of following Hyrule’s trail, they finally reached a building. It was half underground and covered in vines. It was not easy to spot. 

It was even harder to figure out how to get inside. Sky felt like they were wasting precious minutes and was ready to go along with Wild’ plan of ‘bomb it until we get inside,’ but Warriors insisted they keep the element of surprise. Somewhere deep inside his mind Sky knew that was the right call, but every second that passed by made his anxiety spike even further. 

Four was the one to find the way inside. He didn’t admit how he did it, but he opened a hidden door from the inside. Without a word, they all rushed in. They were silent save for the clanking of their armor and swords, but even that was dampened by strategically placed cloths. 

Twilight remained in his wolf form to follow Hyrule’s scent. Sky could feel the distress rolling off him in waves. Twilight’s nose was scrunched like there was an overwhelming smell. Sky refused to entertain the implications of that thought.

A scream ripped through the air. Sky flinched violently, barely resisting the urge to clamp his hands over his ears. Once the initial shock went down, Sky realized exactly what he had heard. That was Hyrule’s scream. 

That was Hyrule screaming in pain. 

Sky broke into a sprint. He vaguely heard Warriors hiss his name, but Sky didn’t stop. His chest heaved as he sprinted down the hall until he reached a wooden door. He could hear monsters’ yells and cheers loudly through the door. 

Sky had enough presence of mind left to wait for backup. Wild, Legend, and Twilight were just barely behind him, and as soon as they caught up Sky burst through the door. 

There were dozens of monsters crowded into the room. Sky didn’t recognize any of them, but he could tell they were the strongest of their type. There were countless weapons leaning against the walls, but only the ones in the center of the room were holding any. 

A large stone slab was elevated in the center of the room. Sky could barely see through the thick crowd of monsters, but he could make out Hyrule’s upper body tied to the table. There were ropes around both arms pulling them taut towards the corners of the slab. Another rope was tied tightly around his neck, digging deep into his skin. Hyrule’s eyes were closed, his skin was pale, and his head was lolled to the side. 

Underneath the table, a large basin caught the blood dripping from Hyrule’s wounds. 

Sky saw red.

The spell of silence was broken by six arrows flying in quick succession. The three monsters closest to Hyrule were his with two arrows each, one in the eye and one in the throat. Blood spurted wildly, coating in red the little unblemished skin Hyrule had left.

Sky yelled and leapt into the crowd. The world slowed around him, and all that there was became him and his sword. He swung with deadly accuracy. He never missed, and nothing ever got close enough to hit him. 

Somewhere in the back of his mind, Sky registered his side flaring in pain, and his lungs heaving to keep up. He pushed the pain down and ignored any other sensations. Hyrule needed him, and he wouldn’t let his brother down again. 

The battle passed in a blur of blood and guts and metal striking bone. Sky tore through the crowd of monsters until he was by Hyrule’s side. Sky forced himself to look away long enough to survey his surroundings. The others had joined and were quickly taking down the horde, thinning it from the inside out. Wild was on a perch on the wall taking down any stray monsters that got too close to Hyrule. 

Sky released a breath and turned to Hyrule, just as he heard Legend reach his side. Sky grabbed Hyrule’s wrist to check the pulse as he cast a glance over Hyrule’s body to assess the damage. For the first time since they arrived, Sky’s hands faltered.

Hyrule was a mess. He had multiple stab wounds in his thighs and shoulders, and long, deep cuts across his abdomen. His shirt had been completely ripped off and his pants were in shreds. Although Sky could feel a pulse, Hyrule’s skin was pale and cold. He breathed in shuttering gasps, and his pulse was far too erratic to be sustained for long.

Before Sky could work through the fog in his thoughts, Legend’s voice cut in. “Get the ropes,” he ordered. 

His sharp tone cut into Sky’s mind and spurred him back into action. Hesitation wouldn’t help, and Sky would not allow himself to be too slow to save someone. Not again. 

Sky didn’t bother pulling out a smaller knife; he sliced through the ropes with the Master Sword. He cut the ropes around Hyrule’s arms and neck, then sheathed the sword and carefully untangled them. The ropes left deep gashes in Hyrule’s skin. Sky felt himself muttering near-silent apologies as he pulled the ropes away and the wounds oozed fresh blood. 

It was blood Hyrule didn’t have left to lose. As soon as the thought crossed his mind, Legend was by his side again. He had two red potions in hand. He thrust one at Sky, which Sky had to fumble to grasp in time, and quickly uncorked the other bottle. 

Legend lifted Hyrule’s head with gentle hands and let the potion trickle into his throat. Sky massaged Hyrule’s throat until he swallowed. They kept at it until Hyrule had gotten down two full health potions. The wounds on his abdomen and thighs began to stitch themselves back together. It would be enough to get them to safety, but Hyrule would need proper medical care to recover from this.

Sky tore his focus from Hyrule and glanced around the room. The battle was still raging. More monsters were flooding into the room from side corridors. The other heroes were keeping them at bay, but the battle was not going to be over anytime soon. 

Sky turned back to Hyrule and carefully, carefully lifted the smaller hero into his arms. Hyrule flinched and whimpered, the first movement they’d seen since his earlier scream. Sky felt the noise slice through his heart. 

��We have to go,” Sky said. Legend nodded, determination glinting in his eyes. 

“I’ll cover you,” Legend said. He quickly glanced around the room and saw Four fighting close by. 

“Smithy! We need you with us,” Legend yelled. As soon as Four felled his monster, Legend broke away towards Warriors and Time. “We’re getting ‘Rulie out of here! Meet back at camp!”  

“Go!” Warriors yelled, not even turning to reply as he sliced clean through a monster’s throat. 

Legend ran back to Sky’s side, fire rod drawn and ready. Four dashed ahead, easily clearing a path. Sky clutched Hyrule closer to his chest, feeling Hyrule’s uneven breaths on his neck. Sky ducked his head down to whisper in Hyrule’s ear. 

“We’re here,” Sky said. “We’re getting you out.” 

[fanfictasia]

Read onChapters: 1/1 Fandom: Star Wars - All Media Types, Star Wars: The Bad Batch (Cartoon) Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Hunter & Omega (Star Wars: The Bad Batch), Hunter & Wrecker (Star Wars: The Bad Batch), CT-21-0408 | CT-1409 | Echo & Hunter & Omega & Tech & Wrecker (Star Wars: The Bad Batch) Characters: Clone Trooper Hunter (Star Wars), Omega (Star Wars: The Bad Batch), Clone Trooper Tech (Star Wars), Clone Trooper Wrecker (Star Wars), CT-21-0408 | CT-1409 | Echo Additional Tags: Whump, Hunter Needs A Hug (Star Wars: The Bad Batch), Omega Needs a Hug (Star Wars: The Bad Batch), Everyone Needs A Hug, and a nap, Parental Hunter (Star Wars: The Bad Batch), Protective Tech (Star Wars: The Bad Batch), POV Hunter (Star Wars: The Bad Batch), Family, Febuwhump, Febuwhump 2024, Prompt: "Help Them"

Summary:

Hunter is used to seeing his brothers hurt. He's used to being hurt, and he never liked it, but he never saw anything wrong with it, either. They're soldiers. It happens. Omega doesn't see it that way, though.

Read on: 

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/14331670/1/Febuwhump-Day-Twenty-Six-Help-Them

https://www.wattpad.com/1425950505-the-bad-batch-one-shot-collection-febuwhump-day

[baubeautyandthegeek]

The Wings Of A Dove - Tamerlane Usher/Verna

A/N: Day 26 for @febuwhump again. GIF made for me by @whoreofthecottage

 “Help… them.” Tamerlane’s voice cracks, her eyes filling with tears. “Aunt Mad is a wild bitch but she loves us, deep down… Cami just wanted love and didn’t know how to… process…. Victorine and Victorine… she’s… she’s complex but she loves us, she does…” A pause a breath then softer… “Morrie… Morrie should never have been at that club. We can… can change it, right?” Verna sighs, tucks Tamerlane closer and dries her eyes gently. The woman is barely saved, her sweet Dove, but she knows she has to try. “The deal…” “You pushed for Aunt Mad, you admit that yourself and Daddy… Daddy was always greedy. Kill him, hell, wipe him from the timeline but save them…” “Make a deal…” A pause, a breath then. “Save them…. And I’m yours. Completely. Always. I’ll give up all chance of another life, outside being your Dove.” “Would that even be a sacrifice?” “Maybe not but… it’s a deal.” Verna smiles softly into soft copper hair. “Fine, my Dove… you have a deal.”

[keldrakey]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Red White & Royal Blue - Casey McQuiston, Red White & Royal Blue (2023) Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Alex Claremont-Diaz/Henry Fox-Mountchristen-Windsor Characters: Alex Claremont-Diaz, Henry Fox-Mountchristen-Windsor, June Claremont-Diaz, Nora Holleran Additional Tags: Febuwhump 2024, "Help them", Explosions, ceiling collapse, Trapped, Self sacrificing Alex Claremont-Diaz, Alex Claremont-Diaz Whump, Broken Bones, Impalement, mentioned - Freeform, Blood and Injury, Concussions, Anxious Henry Fox-Mountchristen-Windsor, Post-Canon, Supportive Henry Fox-Mountchristen-Windsor, Good Significant Other Henry Fox-Mountchristen-Windsor, Injury Recovery, Angst with a Happy Ending Series: Part 24 of Febuwhump 2024 Summary:

Caught in the midst of a building explosion, Alex sacrifices his safety to ensure June, Nora and Henry get out first

[serickswrites]

Make Your Choice

Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5

Warnings: captivity, restraints, torture, electrocution

Whumper was inches from Team Leader’s face. Team Leader could see every pore, every flaw in Whumper’s face. Including the vein that was bulging at their temple. Including the leaf of spinach stuck in their teeth. 

But there was nothing Team Leader could do. They were so restrained that it was amazing they didn’t implode, the chains around their body were so tight. They were so tired. So broken. So weary. Whumper had been at them for hours for many days. Hours of pain and suffering. All while their team watched. 

And now Whumper was inches from their face and Team Leader wanted nothing more than to head butt Whumper and wipe the smug grin off Whumper’s face. But they couldn’t. So they sat and listened. 

“I’m thinking of making a change, Team Leader. See that car battery over there? That’s what is in store next for you. Unless you choose someone else.”

“What?” Team Leader wasn’t sure if their ears were working properly. Whumper had been beating them for days. Maybe something else was off. 

“Pick from your team and I’ll give you a break. Won’t touch you again in fact. But make your choice wisely Team Leader. Who do you think will last longest against the car battery?”

Team Leader could hear their team struggling in their own chains. Could hear their grumbles of protest. Team Leader didn’t think they could endure much longer. But they couldn’t do this to any of their team. Couldn’t live with themself if they were forced to watch one of the team be tortured just so they could take a break. 

“Pick me! Me!” Teammate Two’s soft voice came. 

“Or me. Please. Me!” Teammate One’s deep baritone was louder. 

But the one that stood out most of all was Smallest Teammate’s. “Please. I volunteer. Hurt me. Hurt me. Let them all go and you can have me.”

Team Leader closed their eyes at Smallest Teammate’s begging. Smallest Teammate would do anything to keep Team Leader safe. To keep the team safe. Which is why they had to make this choice. “Me. I choose me.”

“Not an option I can accept. Sorry.” Whumper stalked over to where the team was bound. “Will it be the big one?” They stopped by Teammate One. “The quiet one?” They stood behind Teammate Two. “Or the precious one?” As they stopped behind Smallest Teammate, Team Leader tried to school their features to be flat. 

“Make your choice, Team Leader. Or I’ll make it for you.” Whumper began to card their fingers through Smallest Teammate’s hair. Smallest Teammate gave a small nod to Team Leader. 

“LEAVE THEM ALONE! I SAID ME!” Team Leader roared. They couldn’t let Whumper hurt any of the team. 

Whumper’s lips twisted into a grin. “The precious one it is then.”

As Team Leader screamed their protests, Whumper hooked up Smallest Teammate to the car battery, probes attached to their chest in various places. “I think you made a good choice, Team Leader. Look how cute they are. How long do you think they’ll last?”

“ME! ME! I CHOOSE ME!” Team Leader strained as much as their weary body could against the chains. 

“And you made a wrong choice.” Whumper said as they flipped the dial on. 

Smallest Teammate clamped their mouth shut as their body jerked and danced from the electricity coursing through their veins. They wouldn’t give Whumper the satisfaction. Wouldn’t let Team Leader hear how much it hurt. 

“Tough nut to crack I see, “ Whumper smiled again, “let’s see how you like this.” They cranked the dial all the way up. 

Smallest Teammate let out a blood-curdling scream as their world exploded into fiery pain and then they fell silent, their body still jerking and spasming in the chains. Their chin lolled to their chest, head moving on their limp neck with each movement. 

“LET THEM GO!” Team Leader roared. 

“Oh, I will. When I’m good and ready, Team Leader.” Whumper glanced down at Smallest Teammate, their gaze softening. “Though, who knows what shape they’ll be in then.”

[lokiswife-dark-fox-queen]

Febuwhump Day 26

@sapphira-mydnyte @gigglingtigger @vbecker10 @lokisgoodgirl @thediktatortot @lokiwhoreera @hawthornecat

[silvrash-797]

Here's the art I did for my most recent Febuwhump chapter, Night's dark grasp (pt 3)