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missbumbleb33 · 2 years ago

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Unforeseen and Unconditional Sacrifices: Chapter 4, Matthew 5:39

Previous Chapter

Sarang was actually prepared when she greeted the agents at the usual ungodly hour. She waved nonchalantly in her brown teddy coat, offering them a tray of water and chickpea snacks. They refused in silence as usual, though she couldn’t help but grin at their bewildered expressions that peeked through their hardened exterior.

Truth be told, 47 was the one that had shared the intel about her upcoming meeting with the ICA.

“You’ve been hanging out with me quite often, Reaper. Really, don’t you have anything else to do? Your job, for example?” She teased. They had attended a photo exhibit showcasing a friend of hers that day. She always appreciated their art, though she wasn’t sure how to feel about photos composed entirely of literal walls. Her definition of ‘important events’ had gotten comfortable, to say the least.

“It’s my responsibility as who I am, therefore I'm already doing my job by being here.” He answered, his arctic eyes staring at anything but the framed works. “My associates are hoping to see you soon. Perhaps this meeting will influence how often we interact in the future.”

“Oh.” She was somewhat relieved she had her mask on. “Well, we can still be friends in that case, can’t we?” She asked quietly, maintaining a smile.

“I’m content with this relationship.” He responded curtly. “You should be, too.”

That was the last time she saw the particular individual as ‘Reaper’. When she arrived back at the facility, he was accompanying Diana as who he was all along.

Man, it’s still weird just looking at her… She thought, burying the reemerging reminiscence away.

“ Interluarit , Diana, Agent 47.” She greeted, filtering through her memory for basic Greenlandic phrases.

A look of confusion, then irritated realization crossed the Diana's face. “Did you two talk to her?” The handler asked sharply to the agents, to which Sarang waved off.

“I just guessed where this place is based on flight duration and climate. None of their fault.” She explained quickly. “Caffeine is one heck of a drug, really.” She laughed.

Diana paused for a moment, before talking.

“That’s... rather impressive.”

“I was homeschooled for the majority of my childhood. My mother was a bit of a jack of all trades, and learning under her was always a privilege.”

Thanks, Momma.

They sauntered through the dimly lit hall, the echoes of their footsteps ringing against the metal walls and pipes.

“It’s quite peculiar that your curriculum would include Greenlandic. Did you have a specialized education growing up?”

Sarang shook her head.

“Well, not quite. My mother was had conversational skills in certain Indigenous languages like Arapaho and Lunaape, and she taught me some basic phrases as well.” She shrugged. “I’ve always enjoyed connecting with people of diverse backgrounds, even if our communication isn’t perfect.”

“That’s good news for us, then.” Diana responded, opening the door to a room Sarang didn’t recognize. If it weren’t for the firearms showcased in glass displays on the walls, she would’ve mistook the area as a regular conference room. The handler gestured for her to sit down.

She slid over a manila folder towards her.

“The ICA has taken note of your various connections to the global elite and its affiliated organizations. We’d like to recruit you as an intel provider.” Diana smiled formally, to which Sarang reciprocated.

She pushed the folder back towards her.

“Nope. Thanks for the offer, though.”

The already quiet room hushed into silence.

“You… do understand what the repercussions are, correct?”

All the rifles in the room seemed to suddenly point at the playwright. She gulped, closing her eyes to ease her anxiety. The meeting room reverted back to its original form, with the guns remaining inside the walls of glass as if nothing had happened.

“I respect you and Agent 47 both as people. But I can’t respect what this organization stands for. Death brought by another human can never be justified. That sort of force of nature is out of anyone's control." Sarang stood up. "If you must disagree, so be it." She began sauntering towards the exit, the ICA symbol glaring at her in its shiny visage. Her eyes trailed down to its motto.

Merces Letifer. Lethal trade.

"An eye for an eye and the world goes blind. I hope you guys have the market in control."

She left the two of them alone.

Despite her quick march back towards the helicopter, her thoughts were clear like an unscathed lagoon. Stress disoriented other people, but miraculously for her it acted like a spell. Her mind cleared of any doubt or worries, and as long as she had a goal in track she operated like a machine. The icy wind whipped her face, but she continued to charge through, her focus too fixated to notice the brisk footsteps following behind her.

"C'mon, business is over. Let's go." She gestured for the agents to mount the vehicle. "Or would you rather me fly this thing by myself? I'm sure the boss would appreciate another asset going to waste." Regretted words tumbled from her lips like compost poured from a bucket. The agents glanced at each other warily, before looking back towards her. Or at least, something in the same direction. Before long, they hoisted themselves up the helicopter, before helping her as well.

The young woman snapped on the headset and slammed the metal door closed. Out of the corner of her eye she caught the hitman watching her departure, his stoic expression exposing no hint as of what her soon fate will be.

She scowled, before turning away to face the other side.

The rest of her day moved on rather quickly. Too antsy for a nap, she filled the hours doing her regular errands. Walk the dog, declutter the house, fix something to eat with whatever’s in the fridge, among everything else part of her routine. She wrote a couple of individual scenes, though nothing entirely satisfactory came out of them. Her brain was knotted all over. It wasn't like she was thinking of death, per se. She was more concerned with what may happen afterwards. She had her wills scattered around the estate: some simple notes she wrote over the course of her life whenever she thought of what may happen when she was beyond this world, signed by the people who came and went as guests of her home. She fell onto the futon beside the window. Matilda licked her hand, wanting to cuddle, to which she obliged as she lifted the dog up onto her lap.

“You’re getting pretty pudgy, aren’t you?” She murmured, gently pinching the rolls of fat that appeared across her stomach.

“I’m not sure what I’d do on the day you leave me. I don’t know if it would be any better now that it’s the other way around. Hopefully your godmother will have settled down by then, you’re really in no shape for all that traveling.” She booped her nose, smiling wistfully.

When the woman was a young girl, she was always adamant about walking on pavement. She had learned about the quiet lives that existed in plants, and didn’t want to kill the imaginary souls that existed in each blade of grass by stepping on them. One summer day, while prancing on her home’s driveway, she tripped and fell onto the lawn. She immediately crawled back onto the blacktop, crying and wailing so loud she couldn’t feel the skin on her knees getting grilled against the heated asphalt.

“MOMMA!”

Her mother rushed outside, and only to laugh when listening to her daughter’s woes.

“Oh, love…” She chuckled, wiping her tears away. “The grass won’t die when you step on it, don’t worry.”

“But I’ll still be hurting it!”

“The grass is stronger and tougher than you think. There’s no need for excessive carefulness when they don’t need it in the first place.” She gently took her hand, guiding her into a slow circle around the front yard. The girl’s footsteps were hesitant. The blades tickled her ankle with each step, and the feeling was foreign to her.

“You know, the grass wasn’t always like this. It only became like what we see right now after millions and millions of years, learning how to be stronger against different kinds of troubles. People are the same, too. The pain we experience now will turn into muscle later.”

“But what about dying?”

“Hm?”

“It hurts to die. And if we’re dead, we can’t have any muscle.”

“That’s true… Well, that’s why we should try to learn and grow as much as we can while we live. That way when we die, we die as someone who lived a fulfilled life.”

The girl didn’t quite understand what that meant, but followed along.

“So… does that mean hurting will actually help a person? With having a fulfilled life?”

“No no. We should always treat each other with kindness. Pain will appear in life naturally. It's an... uncontrollable force of nature. We should never force it onto others. Even on ourselves. Pain, or death, should never be brought by another person.” She explained. “What we should always be doing is helping people as go through their struggles. Help them up into the light as a changed person.”

She thought about her mother’s lessons often, nowadays. Her memories, coupled with Matilda’s snoring, became her lullaby as she fell asleep.

She awoke with quiet taps against her window. She groaned as she opened her eyes, her blurry sight instantly caught by the familiar hitman’s indomitable stare.

“Oh my gosh!” She choked on her words, nearly falling off the couch from surprise. Matilda fell from her lap, and though dazed, shook her body before hopping onto the futon again.

Sarang whipped her head towards the window, her face flushed from embarrassment. 47 was nowhere to be found, though her alarm subsided as she heard a knock at the door. She collected herself, before getting up to meet her fate.

“...What?” She glowered slightly at the agent. He appeared deadpan as ever.

“I urge you to reconsider.”

The gun in his holster winked under the outdoor lamp.

She sighed.

“Come in, we can talk about this over some tea.”

Minutes later, the two had situated themselves at the kitchen table, each with a canned ice tea in front of them (the agent kept his unopened, whereas the playwright nursed hers close towards her). They were left over from the funeral reception, and though meant to be poured into a glass, Sarang never offered the option. They sat in silence, engaging in a strange, futile staring contest.

“The ICA doesn’t seem to be the type of organization to give out second chances so frivolously.”

“You’ve been given more than second chances. I believe you understand that.”

The atmosphere was thin and tense, like piano wire.

“All I know about Providence is that Lawrence was part of it. My only connection to it was him, and now he’s dead. I don’t have sensitive information on the global elite, either.” She said, “You and Diana are barking up the wrong tree, here.”

“Not until we learned something about you. Angel is only a legacy of your stardom. Daisy Bennett is a forgotten entity to Providence. Sarang Hope is a connection to someone who had abandoned their shadow. Dawn Hope. Are you familiar with her past at all?”

She slammed her palm against the tabletop. Her reddening hand formed a tight fist.

“Don’t-” She let out a shaky breath. “I only know a fraction of Providence’s capabilities. My mother would never be affiliated with them.”

“She adopted you when you were two, and died when you turned 13. You never had a chance to know her beyond just a maternal figure in those 11 years.” He slid a folder towards her with a sticky note label.

The Goldfield dynasty.

Sarang flipped through the pages, skimming through the blocks of text.

“Christian fundamentalists, cult of personality, human trafficking rings…” The more she read, the more she wanted to vomit. A profile of her mother’s younger self appeared at the next page, though not under the name she was familiar with.

Elizabeth Goldfield.

“...Why was she hiding all of this from me?”

“And now you have the chance to find out about this part of her, beyond the stack of documents.” He cracked his can open. “We don’t know how deep they go, at least not as of yet. We hope to find that out with you.”

She stared at him with what seemed like hope. She desperately clamored for some sense of rationality.

“I-I can’t help an assassination take place, no matter who or what this is.”

“Taking down Providence isn’t a job for the ICA. Think of it as an independent project.” He raised the drink, offering a toast.

“A project you can step out of once you’ve gotten what you want.”

She held her head down, closing her eyes and pursing her lips.

What if I was right all along? Maybe she’s not- She forbade herself from finishing the sentence. She released a sharp exhale from her nostrils, before facing forward.

She raised her can, and struck it against his.

Next Chapter

#hitman fanfic #hitman agent 47 #uus fanfic #diana burnwood

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sassooda · 3 years ago

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Worlds Away JJK AU / Chapter 37 - Destined for Greatness

w/c - 7,731

Suguru has been lying in bed for hours now as his mind wanders through his past and imagines different scenarios for the future. He sighs as he tosses and turns for the thousandth time, facing away from his door while his gaze takes to his new quarters that are viewable from this angle. This is by far the cheeriest room he has ever called his own. The walls are a warm yellow, the floors of solid hardened red clay and all of the matching furniture a light wood. His eyes take to the closed curtains with long thick white drapes, ‘This is so fucking annoying…’, he mumbles knowing there’s not even a window behind it, there’s no way for there to be when you’re underground. Sitting up now with aggravation, he reaches over to the bedside table and places the bowl of water he was using the night before, back into his lap. He wants to check in on Elska’s surroundings although he knows other Titers are tasked with the enemy’s usual surveillance. Before activating his technique though, he hesitates due to anxiety, ‘What the fuck am I going to do when we take her? What the fuck will she do?’. He hears footsteps approaching his door and knows Genghis must have already finished with most of the arrangements.

“Little one! Time to wake up!”. Genghis calls out in an eager voice. He stops and smiles when he sees that Getou is already awake and asks, “Aren’t you excited about today?”. He looks over the worrisome Suguru who’s vexation is transparent. The golden sheets drape along his body and slide from his bare skin whenever he moves under them.

Getou grumbles and turns his head, “I don’t think what I’m feeling is excitement…”. He keeps looking at the curtains that hide lies while wondering if he’s much different. ‘Will I have to subdue her when she lashes out? Am I going to have to hurt her when she resists?’. He’s had no qualms with doing so in the past but feels an incredible amount of pressure regarding it now. ‘Could we…like each other?’.

Genghis chuckles and ignores Suguru’s reluctant attitude while looking around the room, “This is definitely much more suitable! Did you really put in a request for a giant tub though?” He’s poking fun at his pupil but he was also puzzled by that. Genghis thinks the brighter room will serve them both well psychologically. ‘Not too shabby for being done at the last minute.’.

Embarrassed by the question, Getou submerges deeper into his bad mood and bed before retorting, “It’s for me. I’m tall.”. He was certainly not about to admit that it was for Elska, thinking she really must love them judging by how insane Naoya acted about it when the Zenin originally designed the first room where she was held. Suguru is aware that her reaction may be hostile overall and is dreading these coming days because of it so he hopes having one may ease her nerves. He doesn’t know that tub is Naoya’s thing.

Genghis isn’t really satisfied with that answer but continues on, “I’ve gathered the most adept offensive fighters we have to offer.” Knowing the Titer’s abilities are incredible but lack in the area of traditional combat, selecting the most capable available would be crucial. “I believe you’ll quite enjoy my plan…”. His teeth show in this smile now, he’s more than willing to share his enthusiasm.

Suguru finally turns to his mentor, interested. “Do tell me what you’ve concocted.”.

Genghis lights up, “So as we were discussing, we need to restrict their actions. We will make our move in a public setting but you’ll still be able to have your fun...we will have to harm innocents but I assume that’s not what troubles you.” He grins maniacally, “Mr. Satoru Gojo’s presence will be requested before the Elders here in a few and his curiosity will assure he attends.”. Genghis sighs, “I was worried Gojo might want to kill all of them but I brought in two special people to mediate our fictitious ambitions.”. He chuckles, “The silver shaman has no idea what’s in store for him.”.

Getou smirks at the thought of Gojo having the rug pulled from beneath him, “So we’re planning on having to deal with Toji, Zenin and Choso…aside from her today?” Genghis nods to his question but a heaviness forms in Suguru’s chest when he thinks about having to kill Choso. He’s still not on board with that completely and figures he’ll try his best to protect the hybrid in the midst of confusion. ‘Not him too.”. Getou wishes to find a way to bring the hybrid back to his side.

Genghis claps his hands, causing his yellow robes to flutter, “You better get up and get ready! I’m about to meet with our team. I believe your first sweetheart will be amongst them.”, he chuckles for the drama but honestly loathes that woman.

“Lidia?”, Getou stiffens immediately as that did not help his motivation. “She’s fucking crazy Master Genghis, I don’t want to be anywhere near her!”. Suguru takes his head to his hands as a few memories of her dependency and inhumane behavior flood him. ‘Psychotic bitch.’. Lidia always chased after Suguru when they were younger and at some point this wore on him as before he knew it, she was claiming them to be betrothed. She was obsessed with his destiny, his calling for the clan and would worship him in the most toxic ways due to it. Her need to be the only one in Getou’s life caused her to mutilate young women amongst Suguru’s outer circle out of spite and jealousy. Their time together did not last long as it quickly became a violent pairing, ending with him crushing her ribs under his usual technique. Suguru sighs, “She’s is not going to help me obtain another woman…”. He shudders recalling how after healing, she was back to throwing herself at him as if nothing happened. ‘Fucking…crazy…’.

Genghis hides his sneer, knowing full and well the history of the two. “On the contrary, she requested this assignment.”. He notices Suguru’s growing frustration and wishes he could explain exactly why he’s doing what he’s doing but instead says, “I’ve seen many outcomes for this and although they may have varied, I can assure you Lidia will serve a great purpose here.”. Little does Getou know, Lidia will be the proof offered to show Elska she will be cared for while in the Titer compound.

Suguru is skeptical to believe this and shows it through his expression as he rises from the bed and says, “Women are the bane of my existence…”. He stretches in his black briefs and cracks his neck while thinking something foreboding was eating at him. ‘I’m probably going to have to expose my other techniques now.’.

“You’re about to receive the most powerful wife in the world…and yet, you complain.”, Genghis teases as he’d probably be nervous too if the roles were reversed. He watches Suguru don a black robe, clearly showing signs of stress so he walks up to him and puts his jokes aside, “This is going to work out, little one, one way or another.”, and pulls Getou’s head down to plant a fatherly kiss to the top of it. After sharing the rare moment, he bows and leaves Suguru to his morning routine.

Getou watches him quietly walk out of the room with conflicting emotions. Genghis is the only man he’s ever looked up to, the only other human that ever offered genuine affection. Ever since Suguru was reunited with his mentor though, something has felt off or perhaps he’s just seems more purposeful. He’s not sure if this odd feeling is because of his own unstable emotions that threatened to derail his purpose of revenge or if there’s another reason but he can’t ignore it either way. He trusts that his mentor is still worthy of his respect and recognition though and finds his returning welcomed regardless. ‘All of those years…’, he wonders where Genghis spent his time and exactly why. ‘Did they really keep him away to simply foster my hatred for Gojo?’. He knows that doesn’t really make sense.

Genghis is turning a hall leading to stairs to take him upward. He sees two of the recruited Titers waiting for him outside of the designated meeting area at the top, smiles and nears them. The first one he shakes hands with is Sain Khun. The 32-year-old Titer was a remarkable martial artists and hunter. His rare eyes are more grey than blue and stand in contrast to his long black hair that he wears down. Sain is one of the handful of Titers that learned to channel their metaphysical natured abilities into to combative techniques but usually stays out of the political fray of the clan. ‘A fine young man.”. Before he’s able to address the handsome Titer, the second of the pairing cuts in.

“Master Genghis, I have more questions about this woman.”. Lidia shamelessly exudes her opinion of the situation and demands attention. She receives a sharp look from the clan’s head that only fuels her suspicions. “Are we certain she’s the best pairing for Master Getou?”.

“Miss Lidia, you look lovely today…”, Genghis takes her hand and kisses it, ignoring her inquires. He continues to smile until she speaks up again. ‘She never ceases.’.

“Can we trust that her intentions for Master Getou are ones we can stand by?”. Lidia shakes her long curly red hair that dances down her arms. Her green eyes narrowed still, she waits for an answer. “She’s not even human. What if she uses her powers to manipulate his biology as well?”. Her foot taps impatiently against the now softer ground, ‘I’ll fucking kill that bitch if she even looks at him wrong!’.

Genghis has already grown tired of catering to Lidia’s neediness in the short time they’ve come to know each other but understands she’s vital. “And what of your own intentions?”, he confidently questions her as he doesn’t need an answer. He already knows and is glad to see her heart hasn’t wavered from its possessive ways.

Sain feels forced as this greet was supposed to be simple. He cares not of Lidia’s unhealthy interest for Suguru and even with his instincts crying against Genghis, feels badly for the man. He decides to enter the conversation in hopes to shut it down. “Lusting Lidia, it’s time to get on with the meeting.”, and grabs her arm, leading her through the door where the rest of the selected wait.

Genghis takes a moment to center himself, ‘I understand your resentment little one…’. This quick exchange between them wasn’t the worst he’s suffered from the woman but he still cannot stand to be around her. He chuckles and whispers to himself, “But if she were any less obsessed, this wouldn’t work.”, and then enters the room with the rest as they lay out their plans.

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Elska is looking around at the busy street as they occasionally bump into passing people. “My prince, are you sure it’s around here?” She’s never been to this part of the city before and is feeling anxious by the crowd. The sun is out but a chilling breeze catches them every so often. Her mind is heavy and plagued with questions but doesn’t want to dampen Naoya’s mission for the day.

Naoya stops near the edge of the wide sidewalk and pulls out his phone, “I’m positive!”, while checking the map to make sure he could stand by those words. ‘Where is it?’. His brow creases as he studies the screen.

Toji huffs, “We’ve been walking forever.” He’s abnormally agitated but also hates crowds and is pinning the fault on being dragged out into one. He looks at Elska who’s eyes happen to meet his and feels his tension release ever so slightly as the wind blows her black V-cut dress along her knees. All of them are dressed up more than usual since Naoya begged for them to eat at one of his favorite restaurants. He sees Elska eyeing him in a way that foretells she finds his black pants and squeezing button up suiting and it makes him feel like he could deal with the clothed restriction for a while longer.

“It says we’re close!”, Naoya points to the map on his phone pridefully. It’s been a few years since he was on this side of the city and a lot has changed. He’s becoming frustrated with not knowing how much time they’ll have before Gojo returns, wanting to enjoy some normalcy. ‘I just want to treat her to nice meal!’ He turns to Elska and takes her hand, “Baby, I promise it will be worth it. I’m talking…food fit for a princess.”, when she giggles, he does too, being happy to see that she isn’t wanting to turn around. He looks to Toji now, “Want me to find you a walker?”, and snickers as the giant narrows his eyes before continuing ahead.

Elska feels Naoya’s finger lace into hers as they resume walking, with Toji on her left. She’s trying to be cheerful today, wanting to appreciate the time she’s spending with them but her mind keeps leading her into thought. The night before, Toji stopped her from feeding and although she was aware of why and understood the risks Satoru spoke about, she tried to proceed anyway. There were a weird few minutes where she could only focus on drinking from her beloved and flailed wildly as he restrained her. ‘Why did it feel like I wanted the Titer energy too?’. She thinks to hold Toji’s hand as well in this moment but stops herself as she doesn’t want to draw unnecessary attention to the three of them. ‘He looked so concerned all while I couldn’t even stop…”. The ancestral voice advised her to feed. Her heart aches as she knows this was out of character and extremely selfish when they didn’t know how it could affect her. The one thing keeping her afloat in this matter is how Toji held her after she snapped out it, how he seemed to understand without saying that she didn’t mean to.

Toji lets Naoya and Elska get a step ahead of him so he can keep his eyes on her. After their last outing, he’s remaining highly aware of their surroundings and is watching for anything suspicious. He sees Naoya in his dark grey slacks and black dress shirt, leaning down to talk to her as they maneuver through the groups of families and friends, keeping her close. ‘Is she really, ok?’. Toji recalls how she struggled against him the night before. Gojo tried to rush to the bed after seeing her reaction but Toji was also wanting to shield her from him. Her eyes changed, showing the dashes of his green while she clawed at his arms and flashed her fangs with a glare. Toji knew that wasn’t his Elska but didn’t want to make her apprehensive, so he hid her the best he could from Satoru until they reverted. He heard something from within while this was all occurring, a voice that he swears communicated for him to feed his master. ‘Is that even possible? What the fuck was that?’. He rubs his bicep after feeling a sharp pain run through his arm.

Naoya leads them to a building that has loud club music playing inside, the base being noticeable from where they stand. He looks up and scrunches his face, “What the fuck is this?”. He checks his watch that bares 1:39 and is further confused by the daytime club scene. ‘I’ve failed.’. Toji can be heard groaning so he orients himself to face them both, “It was right here!!”. He takes in Elska’s kind smile as she’s clearly not going to make him feel bad for being wrong. Not knowing what to do to save their lunch adventure he stands there awkwardly to think but hears Elska say, “Well let’s enjoy a drink while we look up somewhere else nearby!”. He smiles at her ability to always find a silver lining and follows behind her up the ramp that leads inside.

As they walk through the room on the first floor, Toji feels this intense wave wash over him. Music is drowning out most other sounds but the way the bass pulses through him allows him to feel alive. The stench of cigarettes, sweat and alcohol sting his senses while they find a seat at the bar. Once sitting, he can smell Elska’s perfume when she whips her hair behind her shoulders, exposing her neck to which causes him to stir in the stool. Naoya hands out drink menus from them all but Toji doesn’t even look at it, knowing his order already and wanting it immediately. He feels ready to pounce but is cautiously calming himself as he knows this is not the place, ‘I am NOT Gojo…’. When she crosses her legs he feels the sting in his arm again, bringing his mood back to a wavering position.

“I’m thinking a red…’, Elska states loud enough to be heard while looking over the wine menu. Naoya smiles to her words as he announces his choice of Mojito. “That’s why you’re so sweet!”, she jokes vaguely in regards to his actual taste. She places a hand on Toji’s right knee before turning to him and feels him jump. Her voice now concerned, “Did I scare you!?”. She giggles until she sees the intensity in his eyes, wondering why he’s exuding so much right then. Her breath was held in her throat as she waited for his eyes to glow, knowing that would not be good for where they are. They never do though and she eventually resumes respiration as he places his own large hand over hers. ‘What was that?’. She now swivels her head around the large room, taking in all of the day drinkers on the dance floor and seated randomly about.

The bartender takes their orders with a smile and begins to serve them up right there. He recommended a red for Elska that he swears was his personal favorite and proudly waited for the approving sip. When she stated its palatability, he then left to attend other customers while Toji stared him down menacingly. ‘That’s a brave man to be flirting right in front of us.’.

Naoya sips his drink while eyeing Toji chug his whiskey on the rocks. “Slow down old man, we still have to go somewhere to eat!”, he laughs at the eyeroll he receives and notices Elska drinking pretty quickly as well. “Baby, what’s on your mind?”, he knows something is bothering her and wonders if they’re both just nervous after the last Titer attack. ‘Maybe I can convince her to dance it away!’, he thinks as he imagines himself twirling her under the disco ball. He just wants her to have a good day.

After finshing her glass already, she sets it down and tells Naoya, “I’m fine, I promise! I just really have to pee!”. He chuckles and adjusts himself so she has more room to slide off the stool. She announces that she’ll be right back before searching the walls for signs indicating the direction she should take. A drunken man bumps into her shortly after leaving the bar and can feel Toji increase his presence so she turns around to show that she’s fine. The whole room was lively except for Toji’s motionless staring. ‘I better be fast before he loses his shit.’.

“She shouldn’t be alone.” Toji followed her with his eyes as she turned a corner down a hall. He’s worried about her and has this familiar unyielding need to be in her vicinity. It’s almost as if he knows something is about to happen. “I’m going to wait for her, watch the drinks.”. He hears Naoya protest with grief but faces him and says, “Boy, why don’t you find us a place to eat since we’re out here because of you.”, and places a hand on Naoya’s shoulder as he goes to walk past to counter the aggression in his voice. “Order another round too will ya?”.

Elska stands up in the stall and flushes but doesn’t leave. She’s feeling like Toji’s eyes were trying to tell her something minutes ago but she can’t figure it out. All she knows is that it was sexy. She opens the latched door to wash and dry her hands but takes in her reflection in the mirror and thinks, ‘Life is so much crazier now…’, but smiles to herself knowing she had fantastic support from everyone. The door pushes open abruptly behind her and she gasps in startlement before realizing that it was Toji himself. “TOJI! What if there are others in here?!”. She can tell by his focus though that it didn’t matter anyway.

“Doll…” he mutters as he locks the door behind him. He sees that she was caught off guard when she asks what he was doing in there but he just walks closer until he’s inches away. “I need…”, he lifts her up so she can wrap her legs around his waist and supports her weight with his right arm. “I need you.”, he whispers while dragging the tip of his nose along her collar bone, watching her skin change pigment from his glowing eyes. Her hands are roaming through his hair and he moans to the sensation of her nails against his scalp. “Right now.”. He nearly growls as he sinks her into his groin from above.

“Toji…”, she was right about his prior intensity but can’t find it in her heart to stop him as he begins kissing the crook of her neck. The music can be heard through the walls along with idle chatter and it all serves as a reminder for where they’re at. She thinks of her pheromones and instantly pulls herself out of their beautiful trance. She whispers, “We shouldn’t do this here, my beloved.”, and frowns as he lifts his head to meet eyes. “I can’t release them here, it’ll be a disaster…”.

He agrees that they shouldn’t have sex and nods with a grunt but that’s not truly what brought him in lady’s room to begin with. Feeling his fangs form he shows them to her and happily takes in her reaction as she smiles and moves her hair while saying, “Oh! ok…but we have to be quick!”. He squeezes her cheek with his right hand that supporting her rear and drags his teeth across the skin of her neck. “I just need to taste you.”, he wantonly groans before biting down. She gasps to his intrusion and grips his hair as he begins to suckle. His own whimpers could be heard between his gulps, loving every drop he’s being given as he deciphers her soul and feelings. Her flavor, now that he’s not as overloaded by the information, is reminiscent of the aroma born from a field of flowers. Each time he swallows more of her blood, his overall restlessness fades while her squirming increases.

Elska cradles his head into her while melting in the master’s ecstasy flowing through her. Her eyes are closed as she bites her lip and attempts to muffle her sounds. “My beloved…”, she whimpers to him while her fingers stroke through his hair. His hypertonicity dwindles as she feels his left hand travel up her back, resting a grip on the nape of her neck. “I love you, my beloved Toji…”, and gasps in desperation as she can sense his own, wanting to assure him of his importance. Those same fingers now dance along her clavicle as he brings them over the wounds to close them while panting into her neck. He leaves his face buried there, adorning the area with his lips slowly as he she can tell he’s gathering himself. “Do you feel better?” She caresses his temple and cheek hoping that he did, feeling terrible that she didn’t recognize or even sense his disposition sooner. When he lifts his head to look at her again, she feels the need to lock her lips to his as they both exhale in a gratified union. She moves the hair out of his eyes and kisses his forehead before he gently puts her back down, him looking refreshed with a bashful grin.

He grabs a paper towel from the dispenser and wets it. In the mirror he can see Elska’s loving eyes watching him and the scar on the corner of his lips bends pleasantly. While wiping away any evidence, he shyly adds, “I love you too, doll.”, the words still seeming unreal. After discarding the bloodied paper towel, he takes up her hands in his own, “I’m sorry for following you in here, I just…I really needed to do that.”. He’s still uneasy by how compelling the desire was. “I felt like I wouldn’t get another chance.”. He sees the concern on her face and doesn’t want to worry her, “It was just time for me to feed doll, everything is ok.”. Her hand sails upwards to hold his cheek and leans into it. ‘I have to keep her safe.’.

Naoya is watching the condensation accumulate on his glass and is now feeling nervous as he checks his watch again. ‘Where are they?!’, he swings around in the stool to check the room and feels an incredible wave of relief as he finds Toji and Elska making their way back to the bar. After they sit he asks, “Did you guys go to the bathroom at the dorms or what?”, but picks up on the weird laughs he receives from them. ‘He wouldn’t have tried something sly, would he?’, and squints his eyes at Toji. ‘He looks way better though.’, and decides to let it go as he’s sure even a quickie couldn’t be that quick. “Baby…”, Naoya slides his phone over in front of them as he finishes his second Mojito, “I’ve only been here once but they have beautiful seating along the water!”. He cackles, “…and it’s only about half a mile away by foot…”.

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Gojo is quickly walking through the whited-out halls with Choso following. He speaks without looking, “Choso, when we get in there…I have to warn you, you’re not expected.”. Gojo heard Choso stop in place so he turns around to see him. “You’re with me though so it’s fine! If they say anything to you, just ignore them. I will do the talking.”, and waves for the being to hurry.

“I…I don’t understand why I’m here with you and not everyone else…”. Choso is familiar with the Elders but can’t ignore the fact that he used to work for them where as he’s now on the opposing side. ‘Is this a good idea?’. He was expecting Gojo to sulk and whine to being called in today and is puzzled by how thrilled he seems.

Gojo jumps up to click his heels to the side before saying, “I don’t trust these cunts and I’m almost positive this is a trap of some sort…”. He notices Choso’s eyes widen with confusion so he continues, “If they’re trying to distract me from Elska, they fail if you’re there using your technique to watch her for me!”, his smug grin appears, “This way I’ll know the moment something happens.”. He’s sure the Elders have called him away in order to create an opportunity but has a mind to flip their plans upside down with this small act of rebellion. “I can never remember where to go! This shit all looks the same…it’s creepy.”.

Choso sighs but tries to keep up with Gojo’s quickened pace. The bright lighting overhead is blinding and causing him discomfort as he prefers darker places. He doesn’t know what to make of Gojo’s explanation but figures he’s along for the ride at this point anyways. “Do you think they’d even admit to what they’re doing?”. Choso understands the amount of secrecy the surrounds the Elder’s goals and is sure that he’s not even fully aware of their intentions.

“Yes. I will make sure they do.”, Satoru’s words are eerie but his expression is still delighted. “These fuckers have messed with us for long enough. They’re cowards, Choso and the things they want to do to my love are unacceptable.”. Gojo is certain that none of the others would have condoned what he’s thinking he’ll have to do which is why he said nothing before leaving. “They need to leave her alone and how can I call myself the strongest if I can’t protect her from these witless skin bags?”. Satoru at least wanted to inform Nanami of his meeting but hasn’t been able to reach the fellow shaman yet. ‘Did they get to him too?’. Gojo is certain that something happened with Shoko but was waiting to see how things played out. ‘As long as she’s fine, I know she can handle it.’, but worries about Nanami’s reaction if he’s already discovered this too.

‘What is he going to do?’, Choso feels like something big is about to happen, something that cannot be taken back. The unnerving pressure in his gut hints that whatever it is, it’s not good. “Itadori and the others are still on standby but isn’t it odd that they haven’t been given any missions?”. They pass more rooms before Satoru finally stops. Choso watches the silver shaman’s expression change to lethally cold one before straightening himself with resolve, and knows he should do the same. ‘I guess I have to just trust him…’, the thought not sitting comfortably at all.

Gojo quietly speaks, “Remember, don’t mind them, they’re not worth the stress. You do not serve them any longer.”, and places a reassuring hand on the hybrids shoulder. He’s impressed when he looks over the being, seeing that his previous nervousness has been cast away and replaced by a collected ensemble. ‘I’m pretty sure I’m right about him.’, and feels poised in the dark nature that lurks beneath Choso’s kindness. Turning back to the door, Gojo kicks it open fiercely before entering. “WHAT’S UP FUCKERS?!”.

Three people sit along one side of a long white table, seeming prepared aside from the sudden commotion. The first is a representative of the Kamo clan, a new middle-aged face Satoru has never seen draped in dark red robes. The second is a Zenin, the bought errand man known better as “Peaches” for a less known reason. Gojo knew him rather well from his childhood and all of the clan events he was forced to attend. The third, however, catches Satoru by complete surprise and angers him. The woman sitting as a representative for his own clan is none other than his mother.

Gojo seethes with white knuckled fists, “What the fuck are you doing here?”, as old anguish resurfaces between the two. Satoru hasn’t been home in years and purposefully. He was sure if he stayed any longer, he’d annihilate his own family.

The Kamo rep scoffs, “Yes… well hello to you too Satoru Gojo. We could ask you the same.” He points to Choso, “Isn’t that Kamo property?”. The hybrid and Gojo fail to give him the time of day, causing tension.

Gojo never takes his eyes off of his mother while waiting in silence as Choso dutifully ignores them. His eyes darken, “I asked you a fucking question you miserable old whore.”. He feels the urge to gather a technique but calms himself with his better judgement.

His mother speaks, “That is no way to talk to the woman who raised you!”, she laughs in a haughty way but brings her dramatics to a close, “Why else would I be here? You can’t be left to just do whatever you please…”. She tilts her nose up and displays her notion that she is untouchable.

Peaches shifts in his chair, “You have something that needs to be returned to the Zenin’s. Master Naoya was promised her hand.”. He’s honestly terrified of Gojo but would never allow this to show. Satoru darts stormy eyes in his direction and he feels a chill race down his spine.

“Let’s just be frank about it. You want Elska.”. Gojo voice is calm, almost lighthearted. He brings his gaze back to his mother, feeling a little better about the situation knowing he’s going to handle more business than he expected today. “Choso, please start now.”. Gojo doesn’t have to look since he can feel Choso’s energy gathering to form the window. He watches the representatives lean to figure out what the hybrid is up to and laughs out loud. “My friend here”, He scowls at the Kamo man, “is going to observe Elska while we meet.”. He winks to Peaches, “She’s with Naoya right now for your information…Toji too.”.

Gojo’s mother bursts into hyaena laughter, threatening to rupture the unsuspecting eardrums of the others. “You think you have it all figured out, don’t you? Such a pitiful child.”. Her long white hair waves in the air as she jerks her head to see Peaches’s perplexed expression. “Don’t believe him just because he speaks it…trust me…”, and folds her arms while thinking of how many more beatings her son should have to experience when younger.

Peaches clears his throat and tries to save face, “Surely this is some kind of joke. Master Naoya loathes your very existence Satoru.”. He’s now chuckling to himself having felt it was a test of some sort, “Are we not on better terms than that of your games?”. He’s now sure it was a lie.

Gojo regrets that Peaches is here today but is unable to overlook the fact that the old goat is in cahoots with this situation. ‘It can’t be helped!’. He turns to Choso now for the first time since they walked into the room and is reassured that nothing bad is happening. Now facing Peaches again, “You know… Zenin and I got off on the wrong foot.” He grins, “But now we have threesomes!”, loving the shock that plasters everyone’s face. The Kamo man choked on his own saliva to the mention. Gojo looks at his mother, “Don’t be upset just because no one wants to fuck you. It can’t be helped when your cunt leaks venom.”.

Choso sits motionlessly as he listens to the meeting unfold, completely flabbergasted by Satoru’s way of speaking. ‘What did his mother do to him to make him hate her so much?’, he hesitates to explore the options in his mind as he can only imagine. Aside from that though, Choso has never witnessed such a display of blatant disrespect to the higher ups and is completely unnerved by the silver shamans ever changing composure. ‘What is he planning to do?’, the ominous feelings he’s experiencing from this are only growing at this point.

Peaches is red with embarrassment, “HE WOULD NEVER DO THAT!”, and allows his anger on the matter to spill over. The representative huffs relentlessly to the accusations and feels disgraced for his ears being exposed to such vile talk. When expecting to see an angry Gojo, he’s further confused by the smile that meets him instead.

Gojo runs his finger along the table as he casually saunters in front of each of them. “If you three decide to get rowdy…I’ll have to kill you.”. He basks in the glares and especially enjoys his mother’s fear as she knew he was not playing around. Once they become settled he says to her, “You being here makes you my enemy, mommy. How long have you been involved?”. She starts to swat his question away with a scoff but everyone leaps out of their skin when Satoru yells, “HOW FUCKING LONG?!”. He increases his presence tenfold and watches the representatives writhe in distress before him.

She says nothing.

The Kamo rep is sweating bullets as he’s only heard the tales of horrors committed at the hand of Gojo. ‘Genghis said nothing about this hostility.”, he thinks to himself as he comprehends that he’s bitten off more than he could chew. He’s afraid to peel his eyes away from the powerful shaman making inquiring demands but also wants to flee the room. ‘This guy is even crazier in person!’.

Gojo takes a deep breath and exhales dramatically, “Well…this is going nowhere…”, and summons energy into his hand as he aims it at the Kamo representative. The nameless man cries out in fear and studders in his breathing. Gojo notices Choso jump to his feet but the being doesn’t say anything. Only when the defeated female voice utters, “3 years.”, does he quell his attack. He thinks about that answer for a moment before acknowledging her again. ‘That’s strange.’. Looming across from her he now asks, “I’d already had my love for some time before that, why did you join them to conspire against me at that point? Don’t make me blow this poor guy’s skull open…”, he warns of his lack of patience.

His mother sulks in her seat having her hands tied about the questioning, “I thought she was a passing infatuation at first, like all of the others but you completely neglected your responsibilities of being an heir because of that wretch.” She’s met with unforgiving eyes and wishes she was able to smack the audacity out of him but has learned the hard way about his response to abuse. “She is not yours Satoru and you jeopardize the entire balance of the clans with your actions of keeping her.”. Out of the corner of her eye she sees Peaches nod in support and feels reaffirmed by it.

Gojo slips a wild laugh and slaps the table, “She is mine though. I voyaged worlds away to find her. I went to incredible lengths to bring her back…”, he sighs while resting his hands on his hips. “You do know, mom, these Titers that have you in their pocket…they were going to use her to assassinate me.”. The atmosphere of the room deteriorates at the mention of the Titer clan. Its obvious that they were left unaware to Gojo having knowledge of the group’s silent partner.

His mother jumps from her seat and screams, “AND THEY SHOULD HAVE SUCCEEDED!”. All of the hatred she’s ever felt for her son sears the air around them, her chest feeling lighter for the honesty but heavier for the fear. “You were destined for greatness but even with your gifts, something is wrong with you! How you ever came out of me? I will never know…”. She feels she must stand her ground or else the structure they’ve served their entire lives will crumble. “You’re evil. You always have been.”.

Choso is still watching Naoya, Toji and Elska but can’t help but be distracted by the darkness exuding Gojo. ‘What is going on here?’, he doesn’t understand how this is official business and even finds himself feeling defensive over Satoru. ‘That woman is appalling.’, he thinks as he considers Gojo’s upbringing and decides there’s more to the man than he ever considered. He looks back to the window after surmising that none of the representatives would attack. Choso becomes rattled when the window shows Toji drinking from Elska in a cramped bathroom, ‘I can’t believe the lighting permits this, it must be dim.’, He temporarily becomes fixated with Toji’s fangs anchored into her as she quietly moans. He’s not seen anyone but her feed before. ‘So, his bite feels good to her as well?’. He brushes his lap as if to tell it, “Knock it off”, but his attention is soon stolen by Peaches’s mention of Elska.

“If you don’t return Elska Oda then this will be seen as an act of aggression Satoru, please…don’t do thi-…” Peaches can no longer speak as Gojo grips hit throat and is thrown into a fit of fright.

“I kind of liked you…I was use to you at least…but if you ask me that one more time, I will break your fucking neck.” Gojo feels his face twitch as he squeezes the old man’s beard into his throat, “You guys are fucking with me today and I don’t appreciate it.”. Never letting go, he turns to his mother but also glances at the petrified Kamo rep, “I do not give a single flying fuck about the clans, I couldn’t care less of your archaic ways and I am never going to surrender my Elska.”. As Peaches reaches a critical point of needing air, Gojo clamps his fingers deeper, “I left my love’s side today to be here because of your guys’ little fucking Titer friends. That is what we will discuss.”.

Gojo’s mother rushes to pull her son’s hand away but right as she’s reaching out, Satoru releases Peaches. She watches the old man heave and choke uncontrollably and shoots hateful eyes. “How dare you lay a hand on him? Do you fear nothing?”, she thinks to threaten with her husband but knows that the apple didn’t fall far from the tree so it’s likely useless.

Satoru smirks while studying Peaches inability to regain his breath, “I crushed his trachea a bit, he’s going to need medical attention soon.”. He watches the Kamo man stand up in disbelief and warns, “My mother is right about one thing, I do not fear you or your influence.”, and smiles approvingly as the man takes his seat again hesitantly.

“You psychotic little freak!”, his mother cries out in disgust, “We need to get him to a doctor!”. She feels herself fill with anxiety as she was not expecting him to go this far. “Let us take him!”.

Satoru hisses quietly, “If you guys weren’t so dead set in dicking me around then this wouldn’t have happened. No one leaves until I get some answers.”. He strolls around the table, loving how terrified the Kamo representative became when he was close. He yanks up the suffocating Peaches and throws him back into his chair, “Have some fucking dignity…I thought better of you.”. When Peaches makes eye contact, he can see the dread wash over the man, knowing their dynamic has changed forever.

The Kamo man speaks up sheepishly, “Wh…What is it that you want to know?”. He’s all for handing over the required information as he clearly cares about his life more than the others. Satoru’s expression softens as the other two representatives hang their mouths open, not expecting him to fold so easily. Gojo states, “Everything.”, which causes the rep to tense up as he doesn’t know where to begin. He hastily blurts out, “Suguru Getou inherited ancient techniques as well. The Titers are planning on taking the girl for themselves to ensure their supremacy.” He inhales sharply, “The head of their clan met his end by the hands of your company, they want to repay by being rid of you as you are their final target. You’re still too strong because of your infinity, so the girl’s fate was determined the moment you were born.”.

“You… weak imbecile…”, Gojo’s mother retaliates to the sensitive information by pushing Peaches backwards causing him to fall to the ground and thrash violently. Without so much as a second thought, she gathers energy into her hand and expels it at the Kamo man’s mouth. The representative dons his own matching blood as his brain matter exits the back of his head, decorating the white surroundings behind him. Only a cavernous jagged hole remains where the words escaped him only seconds prior. His body slumps over the table as he leaks his remaining essence into a pool that shortly forms a dripping pattern to the white tiled floor.

Choso defensively stands as the black tattoo on his faces begins to wave. “Satoru…”, is all he says while watching Gojo’s mother now strain to lift the blue tinted and gasping Peaches back upright his seat. ‘His mother is just as rash…’. Choso waits for a few moments longer but is eager to gauge Gojo when their eyes finally meet. ‘Why does he look so satisfied?’, he questions himself as he’s met with that smug smile. The Zenin man’s eyes look like they may pop out of his head but Choso can still make out the man’s reaction to his own presence. He hears Gojo say, “Everything is alright Choso, don’t worry. Just watch them.”, but the being is unable to simply sit with ease at this time. ‘How is this alright?’.

“And you wonder where I get it from?”, Gojo is irritated that the only man that was willing to talk is now dead but he’s also able to take the information to heart because of how his mother reacted. ‘So all of this really is because of me…’, he thinks of Elska with a heavy heart knowing all that she’s been through, even before he got his hands on her was his fault. ‘My love…I will make this right.’.

Gojo’s mother now sits back down, wondering if she went too far and gave away their hand. Peaches struggles to speak next to her but she can make out that he’s trying to question the fidelity of the Kamo’s last words. She sighs, “Look Peaches, I like you but I’m siding with Genghis.”. Peaches gurgles himself into a purple hue as he still cannot breathe or talk properly. She understands that Peaches was completely ignorant to the Titer’s planned betrayal to the Zenins and calm says, “They’re not wanting to eliminate other clans, they’re just going to help guide us to this proposed peace, don’t worry so much.”.

Peaches can only think of Master Naoya who he feels is in grave danger after hearing this information. ‘I…he has to know…Master Na…he needs to be made aware!’. He thinks to grab his phone but he wouldn’t be able to relay the information, nor is he fast enough to text it. Peaches chokes in his stress and can tell his body is slowly shutting down after being deprived oxygen and feels completely hopeless about his predicament. When his heavy eyes meet Gojo’s he freezes in apprehension while listening intently.

Satoru sighs dramatically with growing anticipation, “Now…where were we?”.

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guiltydumpling · 4 years ago

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The Guard: Chapter 3

[KUVIRA X READER ROYAL AU]

Summary: “I called you all here to announce that we have a guest arriving sometime later today. Princess Y/N of the Kingdom of Elysian” The people in the throne room looked at one another confusingly. “Their palace was under sieged and the king had to send the princess away to keep her safe from any assassination attempts. Their kingdom has done a lot for us and has proven to be great allies for generations. She’s come a long way and has been traveling for a week, I expect nothing less than for all of you to treat her as you do a member of the royal family and to attend to everything and anything, she might ask for… This poor child has already been through too much.” There was silence in the throne room for a while, as they let the information sink in. “Dismissed.”

A/N: Hi beautiful beings <3 This chapter has mature content (i.e. masturbation and sexual thoughts) so please don’t proceed if that makes you feel uncomfortable !!

P.S. I hope you are all enjoying the story as much as I am and I can’t wait to post the next chapters cause thing’s are gonna get interesting... and sad. According to my outline there’s about 4 more chapters left for this short story and I am exciteeeeedd

Word Count: 5.2k

A month goes by and each day you start to become more okay. You received a letter from your father two weeks ago and he assured you that things were slowly getting better and that you would be home soon enough. That letter was enough to comfort you for the next days to come while you in were Zaofu.

Meanwhile, since that night in your chambers, you and Kuvira grew to become incredibly close. You finally convinced her to start reading the book you recommended her which she reluctantly did after over a month of you suggesting it. It became a routine of yours to watch her spar every morning with the twins or train the new recruits. She was a natural leader and everyday you admired her more and more. Occasionally you would bring a paper and a pencil to sketch her. She noticed you drawing her one time and you told her you just wanted to “practice” which she obviously didn’t buy but didn’t bring it up again. You enjoyed watching Kuvira in her element.

Some nights, she would join you for drinks in your chambers with Zhu Li and other nights it was just the two of you. You would be lying if you’d say that you didn’t prefer the latter. You talked about anything and everything. You didn’t have much of an interesting life and you were always excited to hear about Kuvira’s adventure and experiences as the Captain of the Guard. Everyday you fought the urge to do something you might regret with her and your self-control was getting weaker each day. Suck it up. You would say to yourself.

Before Avatar Korra left, Opal was able to convince Suyin to let her train with the Avatar and the rest of the new air benders in the mainland. Tears of joy nearly fell from your eyes when Opal was saying goodbye to you. You rooted for her so much and you were overwhelmed with pride when she chose to follow a different path rather than what was originally laid out for her.

What you would give to be able to forge your own path. But you didn’t have that luxury. Not anymore. Not since your sister’s death and the siege on Elysian. You had a duty to your people and to your father now.

You spent most of your afternoons in the library with Kuvira or in the garden with the Empress. You never knew your mother, so you were always eager to spend time with Suyin and have conversations you wished you had growing up. You really only had Zhu Li to talk to about things on your mind and it was comforting to know that Suyin was there too.

You were surprised to learn that your mother was born and raised in Zaofu. She was one of Suyin’s ladies and that she was originally supposed to marry your father to strengthen your kingdom’s alliance. You never knew this story and you never thought to ask about how your father met your mother. You always assumed it was like any other royal union. Early engagement and marriage. But this was so much more than that.

“Your mother was my best friend. And at the time of my engagement I was in love with somebody else. An architect.” She starts

“Emperor Bataar?” you ask, and she nods in confirmation. You were walking along the garden, collecting flowers to send to Opal along with many gifts from the Empress.

“While your father was here to court me, I would ask your mother to always cover for me so I can sneak out to secretly see Bataar. And along the way, your mother and your father got along really well. Not that I minded, in fact, I was happy for them. Your father talked to me about our marriage and we both agreed that neither of us wanted it. We ended up becoming good friends instead and I gave him permission to court your mother while I proceeded to marry the man I truly loved.” She explains and you nodded fully invested in the tale, urging for her continue. “Your father and I married separately but happily, and we knew that we owed it to each other. We loved one another not romantically but as people who we were thankful to have in our lives. After that, we didn’t need the marriage to strengthen the alliance anymore. Because we knew that no matter what, we would do whatever we can to be of service to each other.” The empress finishes as she picks the last flower for her arrangement. “Thank you for telling me this your majesty.” You say with soft smile.

~ ~ ~

You were playing the piano in the library while Kuvira sat on the couch reading the book you told her to read while humming lazily to the tune you were playing. “Her majesty told me about how my parents met” you say after you stop playing and Kuvira looks up from her book. “Did you know that my father and the empress were supposed to get married?” you continued and Kuvira raises her brows in surprise “No, I did not” she answers. “Neither did I” you say with amusement

“You would have been the princess of Zaofu” Kuvira suggested

“Or I probably would have never existed at all” You retort and Kuvira shakes her head

“Well then thank the spirits above that they did not end up marrying one another” she says as she goes back to reading her book. You cocked your head to the side in confusion. “Why is that?” You ask Kuvira and she looks up from her book once more. She takes a moment to respond. “A world without you would be bleak. Not really a world worth living in if you ask me.” She says in a serious tone before going back to her book once more.

Heat rushes through your body and you fought the urge to smile. Kuvira did this a lot. She would compliment you or say sweet things to you so passively that you sometimes wondered if she knew how this, how she affected you.

You went back to playing the piano.

~ ~ ~

You just got out of bed when Kuvira walks into your chambers with morning tea for you and Zhu Li and you two thank her. “Are you training anybody today Vee?” you ask Kuvira as you take sip from the delicious tea while Zhu Li brushes your hair. “Nope, not today princess” and you frown slightly.

As inappropriate as it was, seeing Kuvira breathing heavily and sweating was the highlight of your day. If you couldn’t touch her, the least you could do was look at her. And it wasn’t like you were harming her or anything, you just needed to be entertained.

“Why princess? You had something in mind?” Kuvira asks and you thought about it for a while before an idea struck you.

“I was wondering if you could train me” you suggested and Kuvira raises an eyebrow at you. “You want me to train you?” she asks just to make sure she heard you right and you nod your head with a hum

“I’ve always wanted to learn how to fight, just in case a noble decides to piss me off” you say jokingly and Kuvira laughs “Fine. The nobles would most probably deserve it anyway” Kuvira jokes along and Zhu Li joins in on the laughter.

You were now on the training ground and you had on black bottoms that were made of spandex that hugged your legs perfectly along with a tank top similar to Kuvira’s, except yours was a deep red. Kuvira on the other hand, was in her usual training clothes.

“Okay so first thing’s first you’re going to have to learn defense before you can go offense” She explains to you. “Why can’t I do offense?” you ask “Well mainly because defense is more practical for somebody of your status and judging by your eagerness to learn, you’ll most likely start picking fights with random people all over the palace” she says with a playful look and you mischievously smile “just the nobles” you answer and earning a chuckle from Kuvira

The training started and you noticed that Kuvira wasn’t training you like she would train other newcomers. First of all, she was too gentle. She would pretend to do offensive techniques on you so that you can practice the application of the new defense move you learned, and you easily won everytime and it bothered you.

After she complimented you once you tried to do another defensive technique, you had enough. “Stop it” you say seriously, and she looks at you in confusion. “I’m sorry?” she asked “Stop giving me the special treatment. I know how you train people, and this is not it.” You say as you turn to her to meet her deep green eyes and her features harden. “You want me to order you around?” she asks and your stomach flutters. Something about the thought of her “ordering you around” was incredibly intriguing and hot. So, you nod. She looks at you for few more seconds before she speaks “okay then”

Moments later and Kuvira didn’t hold back in “ordering you around”.

“Tighter” she says as you grabbed a hold of her wrist in an attempt to stop it from coming at you. “Harder” as you try to fight against its force. “Stop” she says, and you do. “Horse stance” she demands, and you comply.

You stare straight ahead and Kuvira circles you, closely observing as she tries to look for something to correct. “your form is right, but you can be easily knocked over. The point of this is for you to be able to withstand force.” She explains and you nod. She kneels in front of you just enough for head to be leveled with your hips “look at me” she says, and you do.

Kuvira kneeling in front of you in that top with sweat dripping from her neck to her chest was a sight you might never be able to rid your memory of. She put both of her palms on either side your thighs and squeezes them, causing your heart to raise. “I need you to tense these up for me” and you do. “harder” she says, and you comply. She smiles at you before saying “good”

Kuvira slowly gets up without breaking eye contact and she was directly in front of you now. Her face and her body just inches away and your breath hitched when you felt her place both her hands on your waist. She dragged one hand to your abdomen to press it. “Now I need you to tighten this for me” she says. For me. At this point she can ask you to jump off a cliff for her and you might probably do it.

She is still looking directly at you, “I want you to think of something that gets your body to tense up. Anything at all” She tells you and you furrow your brows in confusion “what do you mean” you ask “What gets you riled up? What gets your body to react and stiffen?” she explains, and your mind flies to images of Kuvira immediately.

“Close your eyes and picture it, something that will get your body to physically react” she suggests, and you do. You close your eyes and picture things that might get you to tense up. Kuvira.

Her hands all over your body. Tracing kisses all over your neck to your collarbones then down your chest. One hand holding you by the waist and the other squeezing your breast. You think about her pushing your dress up to grab your thighs. Fingers inching slowly towards your heat to tease you as you feel her heavy breathing. You think about her pressing her middle and ring finger against your heat over your underwear and moves it agonizingly slow that your knees would buckle from arousal. You think about her wanting you. Pleasing you.

Naturally, your body stiffens. “Very good princess” Kuvira whispers in your ear. The thoughts running through your head along with your proximity with Kuvira was beginning to be too much for you to handle. You feel warmth pooling at your center and your breathing was starting to become heavier. Suck it up. You thought to yourself. “Open your eyes. You can relax now.” She demands and you follow standing up right once more. You see a faint smile playing on her lips. Her lips. “I want this much tension in your body everytime we train. Got it princess?” She tells you and you simply nod unable to form words, still feeling flustered.

“How does it feel?” She asks you and you had to hum, indicating for her to repeat the question because your mind was still elsewhere. After she repeats the question you think for a moment. All you felt right now was desire and frustration from not being able to do anything about your desire. What do you feel?

“I feel… tired” you manage to say, and she nods her head in agreement. “We can continue another day. You should freshen up now. I’ll take you back to your chambers” she offers, and you shake your head no. “It’s okay I can head back there myself. Why don’t you go freshen up as well and I’ll see you after lunch?” you suggest, and she hesitates for a moment before agreeing. You turn to leave, and you feel your head start to spin. Was it from training or arousal? You will never know.

You reach your chambers and thankfully Zhu Li was already there tidying things up and does a curtsy when she sees you. You smile at her and you plopped yourself down on the couch not wanting to ruin the bed she just fixed. You close your eyes for a moment, and you feel Zhu Li’s eyes on you and as expected, you open your eyes to see her sitting across from you.

“Can I ask you a question?” you say to Zhu Li and she nods. You bite your lip feeling a little bit embarrassed by the question you want to ask but if anyone can help you it would be no other than Zhu LI. “How do you find… other women?” you ask her

“How do I find other women… physically or emotionally?” she asks, and you answer with “both”. “Well your highness, I think they’re really beautiful. All unique in their own way. As for emotionally… I guess I admire them, mostly women who are good in combat. Or outspoken.” She answers and you shake your head.

“That’s it? You don’t think about them… or try to not think about them at all? Or maybe wonder if… they might… think about you too?” you say, your voice trailing off and Zhu Li raises a brow at you. “You mean Kuvira?” she asks, and your eyes widen in surprise “What?! Where for spirits sake did you get that idea?!” you ask trying to not sound defensive but obviously failing.

“I’ve known you since you were a child your highness. I know you’re reserved and most of the time untrusting. But with Kuvira… You’re always glowing around her. I’ve never seen you more comfortable with anybody else since your sister” She explains “Not to mention that your face gets red after every single compliment she gives you” she playfully adds, and you bury your face to your hands in embarrassment. There was no point in hiding it now.

You let out a frustrated groan. “I don’t know what to do Zhu Li” you say as you look back up at her. “What do I do?”

“As a friend… I would advise you to follow your heart. Cliché, but that’s the only way to be happy. And you deserve to be happy.” She says and you smile at her. “But as a royal subject, I would advise you to think about it carefully. At the end of the day, you are still an heir. The only heir at that. And although things have been more progressive since the Avatar admitted her love for Ms.Sato, it is still not generally accepted. Especially for people with your title. A title that requires heirs and a title that would require you to marry not for love, but for power and security.” She explains and you nod your head in understanding. You already knew these things. Which is why you never acted on your urges before because it would just be pointless. But it felt a lot more real now that it was somebody else who was saying these things to you. The stakes felt heavier. “Whatever you decide to do, I will support you. But I beg you… think about it” Zhu Li adds, and you nod your head once more. “Thank you for speaking your mind Zhu Li. I can always count on you to tell me the what I need to hear” you say before standing up. “Shall I draw you a bath?” Zhu Li asks, and you say yes.

You touch the water to check the temperature. Deciding it’s warm enough you start to disrobe before soaking in the bath. You exhale loudly as you let the warm water ease your muscles. I’m definitely going to feel this tomorrow. While scrubbing off the sweat and dirt on your body, your mind starts to replay the events this morning. You recall the feeling of Kuvira’s breath tickling your ear and her hands on your waist. The image of her on her knees in front of you, breathing heavily and glistening with sweat. You feel the warmth between your legs once more and you press them together to try to alleviate the sharp tingle.

You try to ignore the sensation between your legs as you proceed to rinse the lather off your body before you submerge yourself deeper into the bath. It was still tingling. Letting out an exasperated sigh, “fuck” you whisper to yourself and you close your eyes.

You remember your conversation earlier with Zhu Li about your desire to pursue Kuvira being impractical. You knew it was. But is it so bad that you want her anyway? Nobody will ever know right? How bad you want to feel her lips against your own. How you want to entangle your fingers through her thick hair. How you want her to kiss you all over your body. To feel her fingers there.

You peeked at the door to check if it was locked and with a shameful blush, you slipped a hand between your legs. I might as well get something out of this you thought. Your one hand rubbed against your sex in slow circles and you gasped when you started to increase your pacing. You dragged your free hand across your body to massage your left breast imagining it was Kuvira’s instead and you couldn’t help but let out soft moan escape your lips.

Your legs were starting to shake, and you slipped your middle and ring finger in and you had to bite on your lip to keep yourself from making anymore noise. Your fingers pumped in and out and you bring your other hand from your left breast to press against your clit. As you fingered yourself, along the way you pumped deep enough to find your sweet spot and your eyes widened. “Yes…” you moaned as you continued to pump your fingers making sure that you were hitting the right spot, but your body demanded more.

You increase your pace and you lifted your hips to rock them and match the rhythm of your fingers while your other hand continued to rub your clit. This time you didn’t bother to stop yourself from making noise anymore. “Fuck, Kuvira” you moaned, and you felt yourself clenching around your fingers. You were so close.

You put your hips back down and instead lifted your legs to rest it on either side of the tub, comfortably spreading your legs apart. You continued to pump your fingers and your hand moved to your neck, putting enough pressure to limit your air supply and this turned you on even more. Your mind replaced the hand around your neck with Kuvira’s as she whispered dirty things in your ear. “I want you to come for me princess” You imagine, practically hearing her voice. “Yes… oh fuck yes…” you moaned as you shut your eyes and your body starts to shake as you reach your climax and you had to bite your lip to keep you from screaming Kuvira’s name. You couldn’t help but let a string of moans slip from your mouth and occasionally Kuvira’s name as you continued to slowly pump your fingers, letting yourself ride your orgasm out.

Finally pulling your fingers out, you rinse them in water, and you emerge your body from the bath, your legs still shaking slightly. You patted yourself dry before draining the water from your tub. You turned to see yourself in the mirror and your cheeks and lips were more pigmented than they usually were which you admittedly kind of liked. It made you look very relaxed and problem free which for a moment back there, you were. And you knew in your heart no matter how much it embarrassed you, that whatever you just did, would not be the last time.

~ ~ ~

Two weeks go by and you were practically touching yourself to the thought of Kuvira every chance you got. It was starting to become a problem. Especially since Kuvira was really comfortable around you as well which meant more touches, more jokes, flirty lines, and innuendos. You hated yourself for it. You felt icky.

It wasn’t your first time touching yourself of course, it was just your first time touching yourself with someone in mind. You already knew she had similar feelings for you, but you doubt it was as strong as yours. And who knows, maybe it was just her being intoxicated that one night that led her to almost kiss you.

You had moments with Kuvira where she would intentionally let her touch linger a while longer than necessary and you just know that she knows how much it drives you wild. She would chuckle at you whenever she would catch you staring at her or whenever she’d witness you blush from one of her comments about you. It was as if she wants you to want her, and it was extremely frustrating.

Your combat training continued a few more sessions before you had to stop because she needed to train newcomers and you would be lying if you said you weren’t disappointed. You tried giving her a lesson in archery once only to have Kuvira realize in that moment that she hated the sport, which you didn’t really quite understand if she really thought it wasn’t for her or if she just didn’t like the way you thought her in that one session. You were hoping for the former.

You were now situated on the couch in your chambers outlining a sketch of Kuvira from the training this morning. Moments later and you were drawing her arms. I wonder how it would feel wrapped around me. You blush and move on to her hands, her fingers. Those long and strong fingers must feel good pressed against me. And you feel the familiar warmth pooling between your legs, and you stop drawing. “Why the fuck am I like this?” You ask yourself quietly before placing the sketchbook down and slowly spread your legs comfortably on the couch.

You let out a deep sigh before undoing your night robe to expose your naked body. You lightly twist your nipples in between you thumb and your index before sliding your hand between your legs. You let out a soft moan when you start rubbing slow circles against your heat and you let your head fall on the couch, relishing the sensation. You close your eyes and your mind replaces your hand with Kuvira’s like you would usually do.

You start to rock your hips against your hand, and you increase your pace. “Spirits… fuck…” you moaned. You felt your hand starting to slip from your clit because of how wet you were, and this turned you on even more. You kept the fast pace and your legs were now starting to shake. You let go of your breast and gripped the side of the couch to release some of the tension you were building up in your body. You were so close to the edge and you were breathing so heavily now.

Knock knock

Your eyes snap open and you immediately get up from the couch to look over at the door. “Who is it?” you yelled with a hint of annoyance hoping they would get the memo and leave.

Knock knock

You huffed in frustration and secured your robe around your body in an attempt to look somewhat presentable. You stood up from the couch and walked over to the door to open it and you were surprised when you see Kuvira standing there with an unreadable expression. She was still in her uniform, but without the metal armor.

“I finished your book” she says, and your eyes widen in surprise

“That’s um… great?” you answered not quite sure why she had to come all this way at this hour to tell you that. “How’d you find it?” you ask

“I think it’s stupid.” She answers and you were taken back, “excuse me?” you ask somewhat offended. “May I come in?” she asks, and you let her.

You close the door behind you and Kuvira start to pace back and forth before she stops to lock eyes with you.

“Why would you make me read this? You told me it was a story of courage!” She says, frustration laced in her tone. “It is!” you answered back starting to feel annoyance amidst the confusion. “No, it isn’t! They both die in the end because of their stupidity and greed, Romeo should have just stayed away from Juliet in the first place!” she explained, and you were still confused as to why this affected her so much.

“Romeo loved Juliet. And for him, it didn’t matter if their families were never going to accept them because he was willing to risk everything just for her and her for him” You try to explain calmly, not wanting to rile Kuvira even more which seemed to work because Kuvira’s features softened. She walks towards you and stops when she was only a foot away from you. She stares into your eyes for a while before letting out a sigh.

“Do you really believe that?” she asks in a low voice. And you understand now. She was referring to the two of you. You nod, unable to form words at the moment.

“It doesn’t make sense Y/N” she says and your heart flutters when you hear your name fall from her mouth. She’s only every called you “your highness” or “princess” despite giving her the permission to call you by your name. Now she’s used it, and all you want to do is to hear her say your name over and over.

“What’s the point in pursuing someone if you both know that it will never work? That no matter how much you love one another; you just aren’t meant for each other. What do you do when all you want is to hold somebody in your arms and tell that person how you truly feel, only to have to let that person go at the end? What happens then?” She explains and your heart is now beating out of your chest. You try to fight the tears that are welling in your eyes and you don’t break eye contact with Kuvira.

“I don’t know… But isn’t better to live a life knowing love than not at all?” you start. You walk towards Kuvira. She doesn’t move so you take this as a sign to continue walking closer. You gather all your courage and you bring your hand up to her face, neither of you daring to break eye contact. Naturally, she leans into your touch and brings a hand up to put on top of yours and her other hand snaking around your waist to pull you closer. “Sometimes you have to stop thinking about the future. Why should it be such a sin to be selfish from time to time? To take what we want?” you continue. “What do you want?” she asks.

Kuvira’s eyes shifted from your lips and back to your eyes. You knew what she wanted to do, and you wanted her to do it. It’s been over a month of self-control, tension and denial and you were exhausted. You worried about what is expected from you all your life that you never really knew what you wanted. Only that you wanted to meet those expectations. But right now, with Kuvira right in front of you, you were never sure about wanting something in your life than you were at this moment. You wanted Kuvira.

She was the only person to ever make you feel so comfortable and secure. You never liked being vulnerable around other people, but everything was just so easy with Kuvira. Everything felt so natural, so right. You were absolutely nothing alike and you complemented each other so perfectly. You loved how she never tried to impress you or never hesitated to call you out unlike most of the people in your life. She was genuine and honest, and spirits was she everything you never knew you needed.

“I want you” you finally admit. And Kuvira gives you a soft smile. “yeah?” she asks “yeah” you confirm returning Kuvira’s smile and no longer able to wait, finally, you put your free hand on other side of her cheek and you pull her in for a kiss, closing the gap between you and she places both her hands around your waist to pull you even closer.

It was everything you ever imagined and more. Your stomach was filled with butterflies and the feeling of her lips against your own was something you never thought you’d experience. Her lips were soft even when pressed hard against yours and you decide to wrap your arm around her neck wanting to feel even closer.

Kuvira pulls away first and you were both breathing so heavily now. She presses her forehead against yours, “you have no idea how long I’ve been wanting to do this with you” she whispers, and you smile at her.

If you only knew what I’ve been up to the past weeks. You thought

She pulls you in for another deep kiss.

#kuvira x reader #female reader #kuvira #the legend of korra #TLOK #lok #avatar #fanfic #royal au

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liddolwhynot2000 · 4 years ago

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Decisions Of a Capricorn

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Summary: Levi Ackerman woke up one fine morning. In the past. Shit.

Genre: Angst, lets-change-shit, drama, liddol romance (Levixhappiness)

Pairings: Levi/Original Female Character, Levi/Petra

Warning: Manga spoilers

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Chapter 1. Chapter 2

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Chapter 3: Brace

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Summary: Capricorns can be naturally pessimistic. They already expect unfortunate things to happen in life, so they take them in a stride.

Alternatively, Levi braces himself for the worst and is pleasantly suprised.

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Telling his squad had gone better then he thought it would. His special ops members took the news it in a stride, immediately launching into a discussion of what they needed to do now and how to utilize this information best. Eren, as expected of his 15 year old version, was befuddled.

Levi wondered how someone so innocent looking transformed into a complete monster in such short time.

His squad had lived up to his expectations, easily concluding that they need to keep this information to themselves for now. Eld, ever the natural born leader, took the lead and suggested that they need to learn to work with Eren. So that they aren't caught off guard on the bare minimum skill level they can expect from the traitor.

Gunther was the one who brought up the possibility of facing the armoured titan, and even though Levi was sure they wouldn't have to face that particular beast yet, he still agreed with their suggestions of carrying some fire arms. Thunder spears didn't exist yet, which meant that grenades and canons would be their best shot.

Eren had tried to voice out his own suggestion, that he wanted to train his skill set too. He felt that he needex to improve in some areas, and although Levi bitterly recalled how much Eren had improved without help in another life, he had to agree with the brat.

His squad, however, didn't share the same opinion and immediately began to shut Eren down.

'Eren, your job is to trust us. We expect you to leave it all to us and transform as an absolute last resort!'

'Yeah, you brat, don't get cocky. The only way you'll fight is if we somehow di-'

Olou had bitten his tounge and cut himself off before Levi could. Levi had then interrupted before Eld and Gunther could throw in their two cents.

'Eren is the main target, what will all of you do if Eren is somehow dragged away you from you and has to fight for himself? We need to prepare this brat for everything, especially how to fight in his titan form.'

They had all shut up, but he could tell it was only because of Eren's presence. They wouldn't be caught dead speaking speak out against their superior, especially in front of Eren. Levi had taken advantage of that little fact.

'We'll get back to this in a while-- Eren it's time for you to transform. Four eyes is here'

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It went just like last time, Eren wasn't able to transform. He sat in front of Levi, looking just as despondent he had the last time. He didn't walk away from Eren like last time, instead having chosen to stick close to the brat. Some things still needed to happen, and Levi was just waiting for that inevitable explosion.

When Eren accidentally transformed this time, he immediately took out his blades and points them at his team, not at all surprised that they had already drawn their blades.

They would always be talented little brats, but they had a long way to go..

'Captain-'

'Put down your blades Petra.'

'Captain get away from Eren-Please-'

It had continued on, with the brats arguing in favour of heatedly questioning Eren and his motives, while he had ferociously stood by the him. It was a part of the plan really-he knew that Eren would be fine no matter what. He just hoped that, at least this time around, the brat would take his taking a stand for him like this into consideration before he decided to launch a mass genocide on his own.

'Shut up and obey.'

His team had faltered, and then slowly lowered their swords as he began to speak.

'Do you have any other titan shifters?'

They all looked confused. Only Olou managed to speak croak out a strangled no. Levi pointed at Eren, who was panicking alot less since Levi had begun to speak in his favour.

'You see this dumbass? He's our only shot. There's no replacement for him. All of you can be replaced, Erwin can be replaced, Hange can be replaced. Despite your silly admiration of me, I could easily drop dead and be replaced too.-'

His squad had looked scandalised at the thought of their beloved captain being anything remotely close to being replaceable. Then again, none of them had experienced Mikasa and her unnatural strength yet.

'We need him. He doesn't need us. Understand that none of you can afford to point your blades at him without my orders. The next time you do so, I will be your opponent.'

Eld and Gunther had looked nervous, Olou had visibly begun to sweat and Petra had looked at him a little strangely. However, they all seemed to understand the point he wanted to make. '

'Am I clear?

They all nodded

'Yes Sir!'

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He had made sure to still have that chat with Eren, to make him understand his squads actions. He knew Eren trusted him a little more this time around-his showing support toward him like this had likely changed his opinion of him, if only a little. Levi was banking on that, hopefully he could push the kid in the right direction.

He had gone to his room after Hange had explained Eren's transformation and his squad had shown support towards Eren by biting their hands. A filthy act, but he supposed in this case he would allow it. Not that it stopped him from ordering them to go sanitise their hands and not come near him for a while.

He had even made his tea on his own, unwilling to let them touch them with their germ infected hands. Petra had looked at him oddly when he had told her he would do it on his own, almost like a kicked puppy.

He sat in bed, tea long finished and mind occupied.

He had been somewhat productive so far, managing to manipulate Erwin into changing the plan to capture the female titan. His squad was well in the loop, and likely making several plans to take on a titan shifter. Eren was beginning to look at him with more trust, something he hoped would blossom more.

There was still too much to figure out though. And since Levi had resolved to not let Erwin in on the plan, he was now drowning in things he needed to figure out. How Erwin managed to sort through so much crap was beyond him.

Some things, he had already figured out. Others were still being debated upon.

When it came to Historia, he would injure her tommorow, to the point she wouldn't be able make it to the expedition. She would likely try to jail him for it after taking the crown, but he figured he could call it vacation time from work and enjoy the silence. Those brats were too loud anyways.

He knew that Rod Reiss might come after her sooner after hearing that she had been injured, so he would have an old friend keep an eye out for her. It was an aquantince from the underground, one of the few he could trust, that had managed to crawl their way to the surface too. He was strong and capable-and very good at hiding when he needed to.

Only Levi had ever been able to find him- and since he knew Kenny Ackerman wouldn't be used yet, he felt it was the best way to keep her safe.

He had also decided that he would have to kill Kenny. He had contemplated recruiting the old bastard, but Kenny was too much of a gamble. The type only Erwin would take on trying to recruit. And while it would be feasible to drop hints about his mentor in the underground to the Commander, he wasn't sure the Survey Corps could handle a mission like that. Their attention needed to be on capturing shifters and getting Historia to the crown.

Maybe Erwin could risk something like that, but this time it would be his deicison. Kenny, despite his conflicting feelings towards him, had to be eliminated. He just couldn't chance their opposition having someone like that on their side, and wasn't confident enough that they could get him to jump ship.

The rest he was still a little muddled on. He was reasonably sure he could draw Ymir to their side, especially if he told her about how Historia would be queen soon. But the girl wasn't dumb, she would also be able to tell that Historia would have a part time job as child breeder, and might even try to leave with her then.

It pained him to do so, but he couldn't save Historia from that fate. He could, however try his damned hardest that her children wouldn't be turned into shifters.

The other shifters left him feeling conflicted. They needed the Colossal titan, he would be their mass weapon against other nations. The moment he could, he would get the serum and feed Bertolts titan to one of their soldiers. There would be no compromising on that, no matter how much he wished he could lure the kid to their side instead and spare him from that painful death. He just didn't know the kid enough to ensure he could win him over.

As for Reiner, Levi recalled the young man who had stepped up to stop Eren. He recognised that he was stuck in a tough place, but again, he would have to harden his heart. He had to keep his side as safe as possible, even if it meant taking away the armoured titan.

A part of him still hoped that he could get the kid to join him though, he would definitely try for it.

As for Zeke and Pieck, who had likely already arrived on the island, they would be dealt promptly. Zeke would need to be restrained and hidden away in a deep tunnel, while the cart titan would be given to someone else.

He would, unfortunately, have to allow Zeke to turn Ragako Village into titans. But he figured not everyone needed to be turned for it, he could at least get the children out of there. Connie's mother had been key in figuring out the truth about titans, and so he would have to sacrifice her. But Connie's siblings would at least live this time around.

More of his cormades would survive the attack too, having less titans to deal with. He was hoping that Mike and his squad would get out of it alive and not be dealt the same unfortunate fate they had suffered through before.

When it came to Annie, however, Levi already knew what to do. If all went well, he was more then sure that the Female Titan would be fighting for the Island soon enough.

His plans regarding the shifters were a big gamble on his part, since it was all relying on one thing specifically.

Getting the titan serum from the Royal government.

But Levi was a thief at heart, a man who knew how to get things no one wanted to give, to find them in the shadiest corner, completely undetected. Worst comes, he would easily infiltrate. Their security was crap anyways.

He would know. It wouldn't be the first time he had stolen something from those bastards anyways.

Levi laid down, covering himself with a blanket. He thought of one last thing before he allowed sleep to overcome him.

It was dumb of Marley to send six of their shifters to the Island, and all at the same time too. Because Levi had no intention of letting any of them go back home, not this time around.

____________________________________

In all his years of living, Levi had gotten used to being surprised. He had gone through surprise attacks, friends turning into foes, getting punched by the Queen and even time travelled. Yet had taken it all in a stride.

He had expected that half his plans would fail, that he would end up losing his squad anyways, that Annie would escape this time too. But here they were, sitting in the mess hall, post expedition, and very much alive.

Erwin had informed more squads about the traitor, although thankfully Reiner and his squad hadn't been told. Most of them had understood that they likely wouldn't be able to take on the threat, and their squad leaders had made sure to have them engage very litte. They had tactfully allowed the Female Titan to pass through the formation, thus leading her to Eren. More lives had been saved this time around, much to his pleasure.

They had gone through the same plan, trapping her in the forest. Erwin had stood by and watched as the female titan glared at him. Beside him had stood soldier with black hair, wearing a hoodie. Their face had been hidden, but everyone had called that soldier captain Levi. It had made Annie think she was safe, that when she called titans to her and left to go after squad Levi, Humanity's Strongest wouldn't come after her until she accomplished her mission.

It was only when she reached the squad and made to slice at Gunther that she realise that she had been duped. The sight of Humanity's Strongest blocking her blade with his own had caused her to sweat.

Things had gotten on easily then, she hadn't been much match for him. And his squad had taken double their usual measures, going as far as to throw explosives at her before he could carve her out of the nape. Eren had watched it all in awe, thankfully the brat hadn't needed to transform this time around.

His expression had quickly changed to shock and betrayal once he spotted his comrade sealed in a crystal. Levi wasn't suprised that she had sealed herself like that this time too, he had been counting on it actually.

Levi snapped out of his thoughts and pushed his now empty tray away. He decided it was the perfect time to put his plan into action.

He needed to pay Annie Leonhart a visit.

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A/N: Heyooo. Here's chapter 3! Any guesses how Levi is getting Annie on their side?

Sorry I don't post much, but I swear things have been ridiculously busy. Uni life, housework, and my mom is sick too :(

#AOT #Snk #Attack on titan #Manga spoliers #Levi deserves happiness #More people will live in this #Time travel #Let's change shit #Isayama won't let them be happy so I will #Levi ackerman #Levi aot

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kiwiimmellon134 · 4 years ago

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ONE LAST TIME

(not my gif!)

summary — in which the resistance’s best fights try and recruit one of the galaxy’s deadliest creature resulting in an unwanted reunion.

word count — 2k words

paring(s) — vampire hunter!poe dameron x fem!vampire!reader

warning(s) — blood, violence, and angst

notes — this vampire au is heavily based on the vampire diaries so this is gonna follow a lot of the supernatural lore of the show. and my first fic on this app, be gentle

Being a vampire wasn’t exactly your cup of tea when it first happened. But the longer you were a vampire, the more you got used to it and the more you embraced it. You were turned by Emperor Palptine himself, the first vampire.

You were the granddaughter of a Sith Lord and it was why Palpatine turned you in the first place. You were a member of the Original Bloodline, the first line of vampires.

The Sith vampires became power hungry and started a war that lasted one thousand years, and is still being fought till now. It began with the Empire, led by your grandmother and Anakin Skywalker.

But then, Luke Skywalker destroyed the Empire’s weapon, seemingly ending the war. Until the First Order rose under you and Kylo Ren.

The First Order had allies among the vampire species. They made sure to make allies with the most deadly creatures in the galaxy. Although, the Resistance had an alliance with the werewolves. Meanwhile, the witches were neutral. The playing field was even since a werewolf bite was toxin and dangerous to vampires.

You had left the First Order a while ago. You finally saw the evils the First Order was doing and left. You snuck away in the middle of the night. You were an ally the Resistance wanted.

General Leia Organa sent her best vampire hunter, Poe Dameron, and his two closest friends, Finn and Rey, to find a new ally for the Resistance. They ended up on a planet named Vela, in hopes of finding this new ally.

"Where did Leia say to search?" Rey asked as the trio walked down the street that was suspiciously empty.

"Here," Poe said, leading them to a bar. Poe, Finn, and Rey entered the bar and were met with a bloody dead body. "Gross," Finn said softly.

They turned into the main room of the bar and saw the horror that waited for them. Blood splattered on the walls and floor, bodies were scattered along the bar and there were some dismembered limbs as well.

Poe looked over at the broomstick resting against the wall. Poe snapped a piece of the broomstick off to make a stake. He only knew about one creature that could create this kind of mess.

Rey swallowed down the distaste in her mouth and felt sick to her stomach. "Holy shit," Rey whispered.

There, in the center of it all, was you, feeding on a dead body with her back facing the trio. You released the man's neck with a snarl and the man's head fell onto the ground with a disgusting thud. You turned around with blood-red eyes and grey veins trickling down from your eyes.

Your mouth and chin were covered in blood. "You've got to be kidding me," Poe commented.

Your eyes turned back to normal and she sighed. "You've got to be kidding me." You said. "Haven't seen you around here in a long time," You added.

"Been busy," Poe answered.

"You know her?" Finn asked.

"I dated her." Finn and Rey turned their heads to look at him, "You what?" Rey asked.

"It's a long story," Poe replied. "It was your typical forbidden romance," You interjected, "Vampire," You pointed to yourself, "Vampire hunter." You pointed to Poe.

"And don't forget the fact you're a manipulative bitch," Poe added.

"Ouch," You put her hand over her heart, "Did my betrayal hurt you that much?"

You met Poe when you were still with the First Order. You found out he was a vampire hunter not long after you met and you came clean about being a vampire to him.

You both tried to make it work. You really did. But you came from opposite sides of the war. Kylo found out about your relationship with him and gave you a choice.

You chose the First Order, which broke your heart but you wanted to stay on the First Order’s good side.

"Okay, who is she?" Rey asked softly.

You introduced yourself to them, "And I come from the Original bloodline. And I'm a Ripper." You explained, "You know what that means?"

When you were met with silence, you answered your own question. "It means I literally can't stop feeding until I tear your head off," You explained, your eyes slowly shifting back to red.

Rey and Finn slowly moved behind Poe since he was the only one relaxed in this situation. "I need to talk to her alone," Poe whispered back to his two friends.

"What?" Finn asked, "Did you not hear what she just said? She will kill you."

"She can't kill me even if she wanted to," Poe replied. He looked at you with a small smirk, "Not unless she wants to deal with me for the rest of her life."

"Don't remind me," You rolled her eyes.

"Let's just say I have supernatural immunity. Go wait outside. This won't take long." Poe said. Rey and Finn hesitantly nodded and left the bar. They were glad to get out of the bar though, it smelt ridiculously bad.

"And what exactly are you planning on doing with that?" You asked, looking down at the stake in his hand, "You think you can kill me? I'm two hundred years older than you."

"I can take you."

You laughed softly, shaking her head slightly. "When did you turn it off? Your humanity?" Poe asked. He knew you wouldn't do it unless you didn't care, if you didn't feel.

"Two years ago." You answered, "I just need to get on human blood. Get off of that rabbit diet my uncle put me on and get back to my roots." Poe glanced down at the floor for a quick moment. Two years ago? You broke up two years ago. Poe looked back up at you.

"General Leia thinks you'll make a good ally to the Resistance. I don't know why since you're the same selfish vampire I've always known." There was a time when Poe really believed you could do good. That you weren’t the same as your family that was currently trying to take over the galaxy.

Just like there was a time where you believed you could change. You wanted to change. For him.

Your face fell for a moment. Just a quick moment as you processed his words. Then, your face hardened again and you replied, "Fucking hell, I lie to you once and you won't let me live it down."

"You could've killed me," Poe argued.

"Yeah, well, I didn't. You know that stupid curse got in the way. Believe me, if the curse didn't exist, I would've torn you apart... And you know it." The Hunter's curse was the only thing stopping vampires such as you from killing hunters like Poe.

If a vampire killed a hunter, the spirit of the hunter would torment the vampire relentlessly for the end of time. Or if the vampire drove a stake through their own heart.

You wiped her chin with the back of your hand and sighed softly. "So, why are you here?" You asked, "You miss me?" You smirked.

"No, I don't," Poe replied, "The Resistance needs your help. We're just asking for some assistance. Then, once the war is over, you can go back to murdering people aimlessly."

"I'm not gonna help you. I like my little neutral alliance. It's... strangely peaceful. I get to kill whoever I want without caring if they're on your side of the First Order's side. And it's not like anyone could come after me. I'm a Sith vampire. I have as much supernatural immunity as you." You rambled.

You took a couple of steps closer to Poe and looked down at his neck, hearing his heartbeat.

You looked up into his eyes and licked your lips.

"Yeah... Thing is... I'm not necessarily asking." Poe said softly. Before you could process what he said, Poe grabbed your throat and slammed your back on a tabletop, holding you down by your neck. He brought up his other hand and stabbed the stake in your chest, causing you to yell in pain.

"Two more inches and I pierce your heart," Poe said, twisting the stake slightly in his hand. You groaned in pain. "So what's it gonna be?" Poe asked.

"God, you're hot..." You whispered softly. You put your hand on his wrist causing his hand to tighten ever so slightly around your throat. "When did you get so hot...?" Poe slowly drove the stake further in her chest, you winced in pain.

"Don't flirt with me."

Your eyes flicked down to the stake and back up at Poe. "You wouldn't..." You argued, "If you did, my entire bloodline would come after you."

"Not like they could kill me," Poe retorted.

"You think the curse is gonna stop them?" You asked, wincing in pain again, "You fuck with one of the Originals and the others will kill you. Curse or not. Besides... You care about me too much to kill me."

Poe leaned down and whispered in your ear, "I couldn't care less about you. Gotta be honest, I might even hate you. So, it looks like our little love story ends here."

You tightened your grip on his wrist and twisted it, pulling his hand off of your neck and a loud snap echoed through the bar. Poe shouted in pain, which alerted Rey and Finn outside, and you kicked him off of her. You pulled the stake out of your heart and got off of the table, the wound already healing.

You grabbed his throat, like what he did to you, and stabbed the stake in his gut, expertly missing everything important. "You hate me?" You asked as Poe groaned from the pain, "That sounds like the beginning of a love story, Poe. Not the end of one." You heard the bar doors open and the footsteps of Rey and Finn coming.

You let go of Poe and used her vampire speed to leave the room before Rey and Finn came into the bar. "Poe!" Finn shouted as he and Rey rushed to Poe's side.

"She doesn't want to help," Poe winced.

"We noticed." Rey retorted.

Poe was fine after a long period of rest. You disappeared again, flying under the First Order's and the Resistance's radar. But Poe's seen the messes she left behind, the amount of people you killed made Poe second guess his belief that you could be good.

The war ended after many more months of fighting. The Resistance didn't need your help to win, but you still would've been a powerful enemy against the First Order. A lot of the vampires went into hiding and the galaxy finally felt peace.

Currently, Poe was back on Yavin IV, his home planet, tending to his x-wing with BB-8 beside him. BB-8 let out an alarmed beep, making Poe turn around. Lingering in the shadows was a figure Poe knew all too well.

"What the hell are you doing here?" He asked. You stepped out from the overhead shadow and into the light, "I heard the war's over." Poe looked at BB-8, not saying anything. BB-8 turned and rolled away from you two.

"What do you want?" Poe asked.

"I wanted to see you," You replied. "I've been thinking about—"

"—Save it. I don't want to play your games." Poe interrupted.

"Us," You finished her sentence anyways, "I've been thinking about us."

"There is no more 'us'. Not after everything." Poe pointed at you and took one large stride closer to you, "You did this to us."

"And you're right. I know what I did..." You trailed off. Poe could hear the softness in your voice, something was different from the last time they spoke in that bar. "I just... I'm sorry." You spoke softly.

"You turned your humanity back on, didn't you?" Poe asked.

"And I'm off human blood," You continued, "I stopped killing." Poe knew that statement was true, the killings dropped immensely toward the end of the war. You did stop killing.

"Just... Give me another chance. Don't give up on me... please." You pleaded.

"Tell me you didn't come here with the expectation that I would take you back just because you can feel emotions again." You frowned and glanced down.

"I just wanted to see you," You replied, "One last time..." You whispered.

"What does that mean?" Poe questioned.

"I'm..." You trailed off, stumbling slightly because your knees gave out from under you. Poe quickly threw out his arms and caught you before you could hit the ground.

"What’s going on?" Poe asked.

"Some werewolves jumped me a couple days ago..." You explained softly. You grabbed your jacket sleeve and slowly rolled it up your forearm, exposing the infected bite. Poe stared down at the bite mark, shocked.

"Heh... I'm dying..." You chuckled lightly, smiling weakly. Poe reached down and picked up your legs, carrying you bridal style.

"What're you—"

"—Shh."

Poe carried you back to his house and laid you down on his couch in the living room. Poe crouched down beside you and you shifted, getting comfortable.

"Poe..." You muttered.

"Just relax," Poe replied. Poe gently reached up and tucked a strand of your hair behind your ear.

"I know... You hate me," You began softly, "And that's fine. But I..." You gently put your hand on his cheek, "I love you, Poe. I always have."

He mumbled your name, then used his hand to lower yours.

"What I felt was real... And I hope what you felt was real too... I just want to ask you one thing." You continued.

"What is it?" Poe asked softly.

"You know no vampire has survived a werewolf bite. And you know how painful a bite is in its final stages... I just want you to..." You stopped, taking deep breaths.

"You're asking me to kill you?" Poe asked.

"You didn't seem to have a problem with it at the bar..." You replied, "Please... I wouldn't have it any other way." Poe looked down in deep thought.

"There's no way around this. I'm not gonna live..." You laughed slightly, trying to lighten the mood, "This... This is where our love story ends." Despite the weak smile on your face, tears escaped your eyes.

Poe felt tears prick his eyes, "What about your family?"

"I don't even know where they are..." You answered. "Just do this one thing for me..."

Poe remained silent and stood up. "I'll be right back. Try and rest," He said softly. Poe walked away from you, thinking about his options.

He didn't have many. Let you suffer from the werewolf bite or... just put you out of her misery now. There was no cure for a werewolf bite. You were going to die.

Poe entered his room, feeling a heavy weight on his heart. He didn't want to admit it out loud but he did care about her. Deep down. He did.

Poe pulled out a duffle bag from underneath his bed and unzipped it. He reached inside and pulled out a stake. Poe exited his room and headed back toward you.

Poe gently lifted up your upper body and slipped on the couch under you, resting you back on his chest, putting the stake on the coffee table in front of the couch.

"Hey," Poe said softly, "I'm here. Just breathe."

You slowly looked up at him, "I can't believe I'm about to die with the entire galaxy thinking I'm a monster... Including you," You said.

"You're not a monster. I spent a long time blaming you for what happened between us. I'm sorry. You deserve peace." Poe said, his voice shaking slightly. Your gaze fell and she saw the stake sitting on the table

"Look at me," Poe mumbled, grabbing your chin and turning your head back up to him.

"Careful. I might think you actually care about me." You joked, your breaths getting shallower and shallower.

"Maybe I do." Poe replied, keeping his voice quiet and soft. Poe moved his hand to grab the stake from the table. Your eyes followed his movements.

"Hey, look at me," Poe said, seeing you look away. You gazed back up at him, "Just keep your eyes on me, yeah? Just look at me. Nothing else." You nodded again.

Poe brought the tip of the stake to your chest with shaky hands and then felt your hand on his, telling him that it's okay. "Don't forget me, okay?" You asked softly.

"I won't..." Poe answered, "I'll never forget you." Poe said softly, tears building in his eyes.

You nodded, tears falling down your face. You could feel him moving his hand back. "Wait," You whispered, using your hand to stop his hand, "Tell me you love me... Even if it's a lie. Please..."

"I love you." Poe replied with a shaky tone. Those words brought you a strange sense of peace. You finally felt peace. You leaned your head against his chest and closed your eyes. Poe pulled his hand back slightly and then stabbed your heart.

You gasped and Poe finally let the tears fall. Poe rested his chin on top of your head. Poe looked down and watched your body turn a dark grey color. You were desiccating. You were dead.

Poe sighed defeatedly and planted a kiss on top of your head. "I love you." Poe repeated quietly.

my one tag lol : @damndamer0n

#poe dameron x reader #poe dameron #star wars #poe dameron x you #writing

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lunchador · 4 years ago

Note

I am trying to be normal levels of excited right now bc I had no idea you were so far in DA:O (i forget tumblr exists oops) so now I'm just!!! 8)))))) so thrilled you liked it I wanna know everything & I'm definitely gonna finish scrolling through what you already posted but!!! i wanna ask about your ending i Do Not See It anywhere and I'm curious wrt loghain & hazel (please tell me she survived 😭😭)

Bro, some shit happened.

While I’m pretty sure no one is like “Wow Raspa really had spiraled down into DA, I’m now interested in playing”, spoilers I guess??

SO MANY CHOICES AT THE END OF THE GAME

Let me tell you, I had a plan.

The second I learned of Alistair being bastard son of a King and had the potential to be the next one, I knew in my heart, we had to break up for PLOT reasons. I knew he’d be a genuine one, and while my characters backstory was she was eager to be in a position of leadership back when she was daughter of an Arl, she realized she liked being a soldier on the road helping people so she definitely would not want to be Queen, she’s never been elegant and did not want the attention.

So we get to the awkward moment I knew was coming. I convinced Anora to enter a political marriage with my boyfriend. Awkward. I talk Alistair into it, he breaks up with me. Ouch.

LOGHAIN. Man, I said FUCK THAT GUY. He ain’t my homie. I’ve grown very proud to be a grey warden and fuck him for trying to taint them. So, I beheaded him. In retrospect, pretty shitty for your future husband/kings current girlfriend to kill your dad after she just asked you to go into this political tie to keep your royal status idk. Maybe it would have been more just to make Loghain be someone who serves for the greater good after everything he pulled.

Riordan drops the bomb that a grey warden has to kill the Archdemon and that grey warden has to die. GREAT. I decide, He offers himself to do it after I state i will sacrifice myself and I go ok I guess he has a point he’s much older and doesn’t have much longer.

Morrigan puts her offer on the table. She needs Alistair to dump a creampie in her. Awkward cuz I didn’t work on her relationship enough (idk she hated me) so I’m like, ah, you want me to ask my boyfriend who you hate and who hates you to fuck you? I tell myself I can’t do it, not because I’m jealous and the only girl for him, but because I just bullied him into a marriage and now I’m gonna push him to have sex with a woman he despises on my behalf? Literally what the fuck from his perspective. My friends chewed me out for this, said I should have let Alistair “give her that soup can dick”. Alistair’s soupcan dick is now a reoccuring joke.

Riordan dies. Just fuckin dropped by the Archdemon. Did I fuck up or does that happen regardless?

So there goes plan A. And I’m thinking, fuck it, I had a good run. We are going to pull some Fallout 3 ending bullshit. I will die to save everyone

E X C E P T

Alistair, who JUST dumped me mind you, tells me he’s not going to let me sacrifice myself, not while he has the opportunity to stop it, cuz the stupid bitch loves me.

I watch in fucking horror as my video game boyfriend, the only person Hazel has ever had feelings for, leaps up and sacrifices himself, mostly on my behalf, because this fucker who wanted nothing more in his life was to have a family who loves him, and he said he wasn’t ready to be king, so instead he’s throwing it all away to protect the one person he’s loved.

So, true to me as a person and my usual experience in video games, I royally fucked up.

So yeah, Hazel survives. But, it sucks.

The canon ending I got: Alistair died on my behalf, Hazel continues on with the grey wardens with Zevran and Oghren on her side. The canon ending I wanted: Alistair Marries Anora and every meeting between future King Alistair and little ol’ Hazel are painful as hell full of yearning and full of what ifs til the end of their days. The ending I heavily considered: Alistair becoming king and Hazel being his consensual side piece. But Anora mentioned yet another husband who had other women behind her back and i felt guilty.

The ways I fucked up: Didn’t ‘harden’ Alistair, whatever the fuck that means. I should have recruited Loghain and used him as the sacrifice. Got Riordan killed? Again, not sure if that’s automatic or me. I guess I could have let Alistair do cummies inside Morrigan but GOD would he be fine knowing he has a bastard son whos a fucking hellspawn, literally?????? oh my god.

I am very pleased with the overall lore and writing of this game and how decisions genuinely feel like they’ve got weight. I do wish I took more time with the game (i didn’t get to do several companion quests and i wanna know more lore).

Also I didn’t save I guess?? At the end of the game? Idk, it only showed me my save from before the archdemon battle and wouldn’t let me load my Origins file onto 2. So HAHA BITCH, ALISTAIR LIVES. My friends are ripping on me to go with Alistair being dead because the fun of all 3 games is having your decisions cross over but FUCK THAT.

#wow this ended up being a lot #but at the same time #its literally just covering like 3 decisions LMFAO #and this is the condensed version #i am super sorry to anyone who follows me here #and my personal twit #where i've been splitting all my shitposting #dragon age #hazel

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elydraws · 5 years ago

Text

Twist of Fate

03│ 悪役のリーグ

pairing: dabi x oc

genre: angst, action, dramatic, lemon (maybe future smut)

word count: 3.8k

masterlist

part 3/? <previous next>

warnings: none for this chapter

author’s note: the next chapters will serve as an introduction and presentation of the characters and timeline!

as I have already warned in the presentation chapter this is a translation of my original fanfiction (written in my language), so I hope there are no big mistakes, however I wanted to try to write it in english hoping it won't make your eyes bleed. （；´д｀）ゞ

forgive me if there is any mistake, I am not very good at translating, so if you have any suggestions about it, it is absolutely welcome.(｡･∀･)ﾉﾞ

"Heroes and villains both thrive on violence, but we're still categorized.

"You're good." "You're evil."

That's how it is!! Symbol of peace? Hah!!

In the end you're just a tool for violence,

made to keep us down!

And violence only breeds more violence."

┈┈┈┈․° ☣ °․┈┈┈┈ 03 悪役のリーグ (the league of villains)

THE HEEL OF TWICE'S BOOTS REFLECTED ON THE ASPHALT, WHILE UNMEI'S LOW GYMNASTIC SHOES MOVED SILENTLY, CRUSHING SOME PUDDLE ON THE SIDEWALK.

They had headed east after the old Shu kiosk.

Their shadows stretched sinister and lonely, illuminated by street lamps and lights coming from the windows of the buildings.

Unmei squeezed into her jacket. She closed the zip under her neck, trying to shelter from the breeze that had risen now that the night was late. Inside her pocket Umbra had curled against her hand, giving some relief with the warmth of his small body.

She could feel her heart pounding frantically against her palm, ready to rise to her aid if needed.

"Good boy," she murmured, scratching his back with the nail of the index finger.

A choked peep came from the pocket.

The dull and dry popping of Twice's boots faded. Unmei looked up, noting that the man had stopped in front of a building.

It was less illuminated than the two buildings in the middle of which it was stuck, a gray shadow between the shining structures of the district. The walls were white and smooth concrete, without the large windows that instead characterized many of the activities that surrounded it.

It seemed abandoned.

The window shutters were lowered and locked, although the cartels were on.

There was no distinctive sign except for the lighted signboards bearing the word 'BAR' to testify the vague memory of what remained of that place.

Next to the stairs, which were to lead to what was to be an entrance door, were the mark of signs removed. That place must have been disused for a while now.

"Here we are," Twice proudly declared, spreading his arms, giving the shoulders to what should have been the headquarters. Every attention of the masked man was concentrated on her, waiting for a verdict. It was clear that the expectations were already high, given the pride with which he flaunted that place.

Unmei continued to study the structure, a raised eyebrow, looking for something nice to say.

"Well?" Twice insisted, this time, his voice cracked in an uncertain note, "Nothing to say?"

The girl stared at him in the empty pale sockets of the mask, shrugging. "At least there will be drinks," she finally declared, returning to stare at the stairs in front of them illuminated by a lamp that kept buzzing.

"This is the spirit!" Twice rejoiced by lifting his thumb and winking at her, ignoring her total indifference

"A Whiskey Sour for me!" the man's harsher counterpart ordered to no one.

"We shouldn't be drinking at work ..." Twice scolded himself in a low voice, frowning.

Unmei raised a corner of her mouth, preceding his companion still intent on discussing with himself, "Your friend has good taste ..." she commented, referring to the more borderline personality.

"We are not friends," corrected Twice's deepest voice. The man followed her with his eyes before seeing her climb the first steps without him "... HEY!" cried the same voice, pointing at her.

The man threw himself forward, running to precede her. "Unmei-chan, wait!" he ordered, blocking the way with his figure, lifting his limbs and shaking them so she could not continue further.

Unmei crossed her arms over her chest, annoyed, "What is it? I wasn't invited?" she asked, raising her chin and peering suspiciously at the masked man.

"Who taught you education?! That monster in your pocket?!" the more aggressive personality broke out before Twice regained control, scratching the back of his neck from above the fabric of the suit.

"Of course, yes! But see, some of us are not friendly with the new arrivals," he admitted, joining the index fingers. "Let me introduce you, and you will see that everything will be great!" he assured her by straightening his back and gesturing for her to follow him.

Unmei snorted, exasperated, accepting the situation recruiting.

By now, she had agreed to meet them; it might as well be on their terms. They had to protect themselves after the attack on the USJ to make sure they weren't discovered, so she could make them happy too.

If she didn't like what they told her, she could still turn on her heels and leave.

Unmei settled behind Twice, while one of the hands covered by the man's spandex suit raised to knock on the door. It was thick and hardened, judging by the dull noise of his knuckles against it. A square stained glass window covered with a metallic grid was the only break in the green petroleum steel. The glass was darkened, impossible to peer through.

Without wait for an answer inside, Twice's fingers tightened on the handle.

With a dry 'click,' the door opened.

Although the external conditions suggested that the structure had been abandoned for a while now, the door hinges did not squeak when it rotated on them.

"Konnichiwaaaa!"

"I WAS BACK CHILDREN!"

Unmei peered over Twice's shoulder. The environment inside did not seem as scruffy as it hinted from outside.

The walls were red brick, recently cleaned. The walls were bare, devoid of any decoration, unlike the more popular bars in the center. Some tables were piled up in the corners, forgotten and unused. Shreds of a solitary All Might poster were stuck on the wall in front of her.

To her right, instead, the bricks had been replaced by a mirror along its entire length. Its surface was opaque, a sign that it must have been there for a long time. Distorted and clumsy, the shapes of various bottles placed on wooden shelves reflected on it.

The lights on the ceiling were reflected on the dark colored glass, drawing colorful drawings on the roof.

The air was heavy, and the smell of wax recently passed on the counter, and the parquet, mixed with the pungent smell of alcohol and smoke.

But Unmei's attention was soon diverted from the environment. Her eyes focused on the two figures inside the room.

The tallest and most singular, she was intent on polishing a glass with a rag behind the massive wooden counter in the center of the room. Even Umbra moved curiously to peek over the edge of the pocket. The girl presses her palm against his head to force him to stay where he was.

She could understand his impatience after all that curious creature remembered much Umbra in appearance.

He was tall and slender, but other than his build was impossible to distinguish any features. He was made of shadow, like Umbra, but unlike the little creature hidden inside his jacket, the man behind the counter did not have a well-defined shape.

The contours of his figure were changeable and inconsistent as smoke, although his profile recalled that of a man, there was not much else in common.

He had no mouth, no nose, no ears. His eyes were gilded empty triangles suspended above the purple smoke.

The only solid consistency in his body was what looked like a metal collar, the edges of which protruded from the hem of his shirt "Welcome Back Twice ...". His voice was calm, slightly distorted, but low and somehow quiet and reassuring despite his appearance, "I see we have guests," he continued putting down his glass and turning his attention to the other man sitting on one of the stools in front of the counter.

He was much more anonymous than the companion in front of him, and his presence for a moment went unnoticed.

He was a boy, or at least, so Unmei imagined judging by the clothing much more casual and informal than the smoky man.

Behind the seated figure, the screen of a television stuck on the same channel illuminated its shape, making it difficult to see a few more details, if not the sharp profile under the bush of long silver hair.

The man sitting on the stool did not move, his head continued to remain bowed, his gaze fixed on the half-full glass he held in his hands.

"So you're... Lady Hazard, aren't you?" Although his voice was clearly that of a young man, there was something strange about his shuffling tone.

Every word rasped against the throat, shriveling on itself as if it were to fall into a thousand pieces at any moment.

A shiver ran through Unmei in hearing his Villain Name pronounced by that man.

Twice stepped aside slightly, allowing the other two presents to be able to observe her better, and Unmei wished he hadn't.

Despite having been invited as a guest to discuss business, those two men in front of her - especially the boy - were instilling some annoyance in her.

Involuntarily, she shifted the weight from one leg to the other, leaving her unease uncovered. Each nerve inside her body vibrated, taut as the string of a violin.

The boy sitting on the stool finally moved, chuckling, "What a disappointment ... I was expecting something more."

"It's not nice ..." Twice murmured, pitting his head between his shoulders.

Unmei clenched her fists, tense at her sides, wounded in pride. "I didn't come here to be offended," she declared frowning. "You were the ones looking for me; this shows how much my skills speak for me more than can do the appearance."

"Shigaraki, it's not nice to talk like that to a guest," the human-made of fog reproached him before turning to her. "Forgive his ways. I am Kurogiri, and he is Shigaraki Tomura. Your presence honors us," he declared, bowing his head in a nod.

The boy who answered Shigaraki's name snorted, like a child, "Speak for yourself Kurogiri," insisted him letting go of the glass to stretch his arm on the counter and grab something beyond the girl's gaze.

Unmei thinned her eyelids. What's wrong with him?

"She doesn't seem to be anything special. She looks exactly what she is: a frightened and inexperienced girl," Tomura continued, bringing the object he had grabbed to his face, Unmei's eyes widened finally recognizing what Shigaraki was settling on his face.

A movement of disgust made her stomach turn upside down.

A hand.

It was a damned hand that he was using as if it were a mask.

When Shigaraki finally turned, Unmei couldn't recognize any physiognomy behind the object clawed on the boy's face like some frightening beast. Between the long, heavy gray curls and the withered fingers of that disgusting ornament, the only thing she could distinguish was his crimson iris fixed on her.

Unmei had to suppress the instinct to turn around and run away.

Now that her eyes had crossed that blood-red orbit, she would have preferred that Tomura had continued to drink his drink, without ever looking back at her.

He's disturbing.

"Oh, that's where you're wrong, Tomura" a third voice, much more familiar, came from behind her.

When Unmei turned, the girl's lips tightened in a hard line in recognizing the man who had remained hidden until then in the half-light of the door still half-open.

"Giran ..." Unmei spat, focusing her attention on the newcomer. "You are a bastard. I should have imagined that your paw was there," she accused him, clenching her fists in a grip so tight that the knuckles whitened.

The man came out of the shadows, closing the door with one hand and lighting the cigarette he held between his lips with the other. That slimy toothless smile didn't waver.

Giran was one of the busiest brokers in the city. If you needed work, you could turn to him, for a small percentage, of course. His contacts extended far more than he boasted of showing up to even some agencies for Heroes. If he had the chance, he would have sold his mother for a reasonable price or the right tip.

Unmei had always had qualms about trusting him, but often, she had no other choice. Much of the well-paid jobs passed through him, and the man's resources were almost endless.

Not to mention the assembly of her "official" thief outfit.

Like Villain, and the rest of ordinary citizens, Unmei was not allowed to buy many of the accessories or technologies that were instead in the public domain for those who had Heroes Licences. Giran, on the other hand, had set up a real black market for costumes and gadgets otherwise unattainable for any ordinary mortal. The prices were very salty.

It was no wonder that the League of Villains knew her identity: Giran must have given that information as he managed the sale and purchase of his beloved accessories.

"You sold me," hissed the girl, showing the tips of the canines from under her lips.

Giran took a shot of his cigarette, opening a button on his shirt. Under it, the gold chain that he wore shone when his figure advanced up to under one of the lamps, stopping in front of her.

Unmei would have liked to erase that arrogant smile from his face with a punch and maybe even blow some more teeth out of him.

Giran looked at her from the height of his stature, blowing the cigarette smoke that came out of his mouth when he chuckled smugly "What a bad word 'sold'" he mocked her, his eyes shone smart behind the round lenses of his glasses " have I always done your good Unmei? You know, you are my favorite client, " his voice softened, caressing her ears like honey, but only the taste of gall remained in Unmei's mouth.

With an angry gesture, she chased away the cloud of smoke in front of her, taking a step forward.

"Every word a disgusting lie," she pressed the index finger of her right hand against the man's chest, prodding where he should have had the heart.

In Giran's case, there was probably only one empty cavity there.

"I saw an occasion," the man justified by shrugging his shoulders as he passed her. Still, nothing in him made her believe that there was repentance in those words. "And you should thank me, this work could give you more satisfaction than you have ever dealt with from your previous thefts" he continued going to sit on one of the stools behind Tomura " n the end as you see, I did nothing but think of you" he defended himself pointing to her with the cigarette he was holding in his fingers "so what you should say is 'Thanks Giran, how thoughtful you are,' " said the man, barely stifling a laugh.

"Mr. Giran was kind enough to give us your name," Kurogiri intruded, placing one of his hands made of smoke on his chest "our organization has a specific need, and you seem to have the right ... skills to help us reach our target."

Unmei raised her eyebrows, "What need?"

Tomura got up from the stool, moving forward, his hands tucked into the pockets of his black trousers. Even his way of walking, with the shoulders hunched in on himself, shouted at her to be wary of him "We have to get hold of some information" Shigaraki cut short "Also there would be some projects that even Giran can't get his hands on "

Unmei stared at the man over Shigaraki's shoulder. "Strange ... I thought your filthy fingers went everywhere," a corner of her mouth twisted with the disgust with which she said those words.

"Not as far as I wish, apparently," the broker admitted, taking another shot from the cigarette.

"And this is where you, Unmei-chan, come into play!" Twice squeaked behind her, placing a hand on her shoulder.

The irises of the girl moved on the fingers of the masked man above the jacket, without losing sight of the other three men inside the room. "Don't touch me," she hissed, completely forgetting how friendly he had been until a few minutes before.

She felt trapped and could not help but blame herself, and whoever had brought her to the wolf's den for this.

Twice's hand went away as if electrocuted "What a bitch..." muttered the most aggressive voice.

"And why should I accept?" Unmei's question cut through the air, dry and decisive. Eyelids reduced to cracks.

Shigaraki began scratching his neck nervously "You're stubborn, eh?" he snapped his tongue, annoyed "And yet you more than all the others should understand our goal."

Unmei's lips tightened in a hard-line "What do you know about it?" she inquired without bothering to hide the irritation in her voice.

She was beginning to dislike how many things he knew about her.

Shigaraki laughed, spreading his arms "I can see through you, Unmei Nakano" for a moment, to Unmei it seemed that Tomura's orbit shone bright red, a crimson flame in the twilight "I know what it feels like when society turned away, too busy to bear in the reflected light of what they call 'Heroes'" he stepped forward as his voice increased in intensity, filling the room with his words like a feverish rant "the same Heroes who only see their selfish interests, regardless of who tramples or on the bones of who rise."

Unmei stared at him, unable to look away and felt naked in front of him, stripped of any secret.

Taking advantage of her lack of objections, Tomura continued, despite the covered face, the girl could almost manage to imagine a cruel smile widening under the hand that covered the boy's face in front of her.

A heavy silence had fallen in the room. Not even Twice's dual personality dared to counteract those words.

"But we can stop this havoc that is taking place. We can destroy the world to build a new one. A better one," Shigaraki reached out to her.

Inside the pocket of her jacket, Umbra moved.

"Tomura!" Kurogiri shouted, stretching one of his gaseous limbs in their direction, ready to intervene.

Behind him, Twice squeaked in disgust at seeing the shadow of the little creature take advantage of the twilight of the room to resume its normal appearance and size. Umbra reached behind the girl, transforming into a humanoid whose stature far exceeded that of those present. In comparison, despite being tall, Unmei appeared to be a little girl.

Umbra's limb came between her and Shigaraki, offering her a shield behind which to shelter while the other arm surrounded her shoulders, inviting her to stand back.

Tomura's hand stopped in midair. He turned his wrist, showing her palm and fingers outstretched in a silent and harmless invitation.

Unmei felt the gaze of those present on her, ready to intervene if the situation had somehow precipitated.

Umbra's grip tightened on her shoulders. The girl looked down at Shigaraki's outstretched hand before lifting a corner of the mouth.

"Your words are beautiful," she admitted, lifting her fingers to caress Umbra's arm that surrounded her neck, reassuring him. The shadow creature's skin was smooth, chewy, and pleasantly warm—a pleasantly comforting sensation.

The shadow giant looked away from Shigaraki, lowering him on her.

Compared to its pocket-sized features, the life-size movements of Umbra were slower and more cumbersome, and its sharp chirps turned into cavernous guttural rhombuses. The creature made one of those low sounds, tilting its head to one side in a silent request.

Unmei smiled at him, looking up at him, then nodded, that gesture was enough and Umbra returned small and harmless on her shoulder, peering at the scene in the waves of the girl's long hair.

Kurogiri's shoulders lowered, relieved, as he returned to clean the glass in front of him. But his gaze never left the spot where the little creature had disappeared.

Even Giran returned to breathe, emitting another cloud of smoke from his mouth.

"A new world ..." Unmei summed up under her breath, bringing the index finger to her lips, delighted by the idea, "and what do you think you are doing with the Heroes? Do you think they would let you do such a thing?"

"We will not leave him any other choice," Shigaraki grinned "we will take everything away from them as they did to us" this time, his voice was low, only for Unmei to hear "we will repay them with the same coin."

To her ears, those promises were sweet and inviting, but tremendously difficult to achieve.

Almost reading in her thought, Shigaraki continued to enchant her with his words "A life spent in hiding is a rather degrading existence, don't you think? You live with difficulty in the shadows while whoever did this to you basks in cotton wool, tell me Unmei, how does it feel?"

Unmei's eyes fixed on Tomura's crimson orbit, her lips narrowed, and her eyebrows frowned. The girl's fingers tightened on her palms to the point of having her nails stuck in the skin.

There was no need to say anything else.

She read the understanding in Shigaraki's eye "Was it worth it? Surviving to lead such a life... is a waste of energy. You could use the possibility that was given to you, Unmei. You could fight with us and take back what has been taken away from you" his face was now so close that she could feel his breath, cold and sharp, on the cheek and the ear "Join us Unmei, and we could give you all that your heart most want."

Something inside her moved, writhing on itself.

A jolt ran through her entire spine.

He was offering her what she had never dared to hope for.

She had always believed it impossible to be able to achieve what the night, in her disgusting motel room, crouched in the arms of Umbra, only dared to dream.

That world ruled by heroes and their laws had taken everything away from her: her mother, her brother, her home, her future, her life.

And now she could take revenge for all that had been taken away from her.

It was too ambitious and grand project for her alone to carry out, and by now, she had surrendered to the evidence and that miserable existence in which she could only hope for one thing: to survive. It was only possible on one condition, abandoning that insane idea of revenge that kept her awake reliving night after night all the events of that damned day.

Those same flames that had engulfed all her hopes would now burn that society to the bone.

What an irony.

Unmei smiled "Tomura Shigaraki ... you certainly know how to woo a woman" she teased him by taking a step away, the purple irises shone under her eyelashes when she blinked "You and the League of Villains have my services" she twined fingers and palms in front of the face, tilting her head, electrified "When do we start?"

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iatethepomegranate · 5 years ago

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Homecoming Chapter 25

Masterlist

Pairing: DickTiger

Rating: Teen (this chapter)

Length: 3.3k

Summary: Tiger gets his communicator and an existential crisis. Dick gets a phone call. They also carpool into the city for a debrief and an appointment.

Notes: Can someone other than me please post in the DickTiger omg I’m trying to keep a weekly schedule but it looks like I’m taking over

Warnings: anxiety, allusions to the torture

****

Chapter 25

“Here you go.” Tim passed Tiger an earpiece. “All yours.”

“I still can’t believe Bruce literally offered to give you one,” said Stephanie. “Is he okay?”

Tiger looked at Dick. “Well? Is he okay?”

Dick snorted, which had always been oddly endearing. “I mean, he’s being nice which is always weird but I’m pretty sure he’s fine.”

Tiger pressed the earpiece into place. Tim passed him a wrist computer disguised as a watch, which he used to tune the communicator to his first Spyral frequency.

“Dick asked nicely,” Jason said. “Of course he gave it to you.”

“I didn’t actually ask Bruce to give Tiger a communicator,” Dick corrected. “I just insisted we include Helena.”

“Same thing.”

“And I wasn’t fucking nice about it.”

Jason laughed. Dick glared. No one took him seriously.

“It’s cute when he tries to be serious,” said Stephanie.

“No, it is laughable,” said Damian.

Tiger left Dick to the mercy of his siblings and stepped into the hallway. He called Helena, who answered immediately.

“There you are. I was wondering if you’d forgotten about me.”

“You are a hard woman to forget,” Tiger replied.

“Aw, is Dick teaching you how to charm a lady?”

“Do you find him charming? I do not.”

“You’re fooling nobody,” Helena replied.

Tiger resisted the temptation to retort. “I have arranged a meeting with Checkmate next Thursday at thirteen hundred hours in Gotham City.”

“During the day? Huh.”

“Which means most of my current associates will not be available to provide backup.”

“So you’re asking me? I’m flattered.”

“Helena.”

“Relax. I’m available. I’ll get in touch with your people and arrange logistics.”

“My people?”

“Your boyfriend’s people. His father specifically.”

“I knew that.”

“No, you didn’t.” Helena chuckled. “I’ll see you on Thursday.” She ended the call.

Tiger leaned against the wall behind him. He did not know how he felt about returning to Checkmate, only that it caused an unpleasant jittering sensation in his stomach.

Actually, he did know how he felt about it: awful.

Tiger had not been a standard agent for years. Now that his undercover mission was over, he did not feel a need to return to the way things had been before.

Even though his hands shook whenever he touched a gun and he hadn’t had a good night’s rest in so long he’d lost count, he would not trade that for a return to life before the Spyral mission. The realisation felt strange. Losing the ability to take orders and carry them out, no questions asked, no sleep lost… it felt like he’d lost a part of himself. A part of his identity.

And yet…

If he compared how he felt now to how he’d felt before going undercover…

Strange.

He was happier now. In an odd way. Checkmate had recruited him from Afghanistan when he was barely eighteen. He’d been old enough to fight, old enough to have a fearsome reputation, and yet…

He’d been so young.

So confused.

He was still confused today, but about different things. Perhaps confusion was a part of who he was. Well, at least that hadn’t changed, even if the source of his confusion had.

The young Tiger King of Kandahar had hidden his confusion, his uncertainty, behind fighting. There had always been someone to defend, or someone to punish. He’d taken the name given to him for his deeds in the place of his birth and fashioned it into a mask. Armour. That title became his identity. It still was, but in a different way.

The name Tiger felt like a comfortable old coat these days, worn in all the right places. The original occasion for which he’d first donned it had ceased to matter many wears ago. It was his, and that was enough. Somewhere along the line, it had stopped being a barrier and started being him.

In fact, it felt less like an old coat and more like his own skin. He owed some of that to Checkmate, but most of it had changed because he had changed.

In many respects, Spyral was equally as responsible… if not more so.

His feelings were beginning to make more sense. Checkmate felt like a step backwards. The Tiger who’d joined Checkmate was not the same Tiger who was set to return.

Given the emotional state he’d been in when he’d volunteered to infiltrate Spyral, that was an improvement. It felt strange calling post-traumatic stress an improvement.

Well, in reality, it wasn’t his trauma that had changed him. That had simply come along for the ride, as Dick might say.

Tiger had grown up quickly, but only now was he finding true maturity. He’d felt so worldly when he’d joined Checkmate. Perhaps that was youth. Perhaps it was fighting the Taliban from a young age. Perhaps both.

In truth, he’d known very little. In many respects, he felt he knew less now.

“Hey,” Dick poked his head out the door. “You’ve been gone a while. Everything okay?”

Tiger nodded. “I was thinking.”

Dick joined him at the wall. “Oh?”

“Do you find that as you grow older, you know less?”

“Abso-fucking-lutely.”

“Do you think it is normal?”

“Yeah, I do.” Dick leaned his head on Tiger’s shoulder. Tiger held very still so he wouldn’t move. “We’re getting wise in our old age, T.”

Tiger couldn’t hold back a laugh; he found it harder to control these days, especially when Dick knew how to get under his skin. “Yes, you do look very old.”

“Yeah, and you’re about to collapse into dust yourself.”

“Well, my joints make noises they never used to make. Perhaps that time is almost upon me.”

“Or you could just stop getting your ass kicked every few weeks. I’ve heard good health keeps you young.”

“I would not know.”

Dick laughed, sliding his hand into Tiger’s. “Anyway. What brought this on?”

“I was thinking about Checkmate. I was barely eighteen when they recruited me in Afghanistan.”

“And I bet you thought you knew everything.”

“To be fair, I had repelled my fair share of Taliban attacks.”

“Okay, that’s pretty impressive. Some cockiness is to be expected.”

“I may also have wrestled a tiger.”

“Shit. Really?”

“You will never know if I’m telling the truth.”

“You bastard,” Dick murmured.

“I volunteered for the Spyral mission,” Tiger said. He hadn’t set out to share that information, but maybe he’d needed to say it. He’d had few opportunities to talk about it with anyone.

Dick looked up at him; there was some kind of tension behind his eyes that made Tiger suspect he would have another migraine soon. “Sounds like there’s a story there.”

“Not much of one. I was well-respected in Checkmate, but I wanted to get away.”

“So you volunteered for a deep cover mission. Naturally. Why did you want to get away?”

That wasn’t something Tiger liked to think about. He already regretted opening his mouth. He wondered if his reason was still with Checkmate, or whether things had changed there as well.

Dick took the hint. “Ah, well. Story for another time? I’m a great listener.”

“I know.”

***

The worst of the migraine had passed, but Dick still winced whenever he saw too much light. Or heard anything louder than a whisper. Tiger was elsewhere; Dick didn’t like anyone seeing him like this, even if he could tolerate another person’s presence when the pain was at its worst.

He sat on the bed in the dark, slowly sipping a glass of water. Tension still bunched in his muscles; he’d learned from experience that it wouldn’t go away properly until he found the strength to move around and stretch. For now, though, he’d just have to deal.

His phone vibrated, which set his teeth on edge. Tim had messed with the settings so the backlight didn’t hurt as much when he looked at the screen, but he still had to do it quickly. It was Kory.

She didn’t call very often. He picked up right away and put the phone on speaker so he could keep it away from his aching head.

“Hello?”

“Dick?”

“The one and only.”

Kory let out a breath. “Oh, X’Hal. It’s true. You’re back.”

“Back and better than ever,” Dick said dryly; he wasn’t sure she’d pick up on the sarcasm, but he guessed it didn’t really matter. “Jason run his mouth?”

“Who else?”

“Good point.”

“You sound tired. Are you okay?”

“It’s been a long few months. I’ll be fine.” A phone conversation wasn’t the ideal platform to hash out what exactly had been going on and why he sounded half-dead. “How are you doing?”

“I’m well.”

“Seen Roy lately?”

Starfire chuckled. “Yes. He just left.”

“Tell him I say hi next time you see him… which I’m sure will be soon.”

“Dick…”

“I’m not mad, Kory. We’ve both moved on. Go forth, be merry.”

“You say the strangest things.”

“You talk to Jason on the regular. I think your opinion of strange is a bit skewed.”

“You’re probably right.” Kory hummed softly. “Jason says you’re living with your family again.”

“Yeah, some stuff went down on the tail end of my mission. Needed to find my feet.”

“Yes, your mission.” Kory’s voice hardened. “The mission where you faked your death.”

Dick sighed; he should’ve expected this. “I’m sorry I put you through that. Just because I needed to be dead in the eyes of the public didn’t mean I needed to be dead to the people I care about.”

“I’m glad you’ve realised that.” She still sounded pissed. That was valid.

“You ever find yourself in Gotham?” Dick asked. “We should talk properly. Face to face.”

“I might be in the neighbourhood next week. To visit Jason.”

“And if we happen to bump into each other, that’ll be a happy coincidence.”

“Yes.”

“Text me the details. When you have them.”

“I will.”

“And I’ll give the big guy some warning so he doesn’t get mad about metahumans in the city again.”

Kory laughed. “Is he always like that?”

“Oh, yeah. I’ll see you later.”

They said their goodbyes and hung up. Dick set the phone aside and pressed his fingers into his temples. It had been easy enough to block out the pain while talking to Kory, but now it was coming back with a vengeance.

Still, he was glad for the phone call. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen Kory. And the last time she’d seen him was at his funeral. Not exactly conducive to conversation.

It would be good to see her. He still loved her, in a way, but the need to have her to himself had long since dissipated. Enough time had passed that he could genuinely be happy for her when she saw other people.

Yeah. Now was a good time to clear the air between them. If things went well, maybe she’d like to meet Tiger.

***

The day to visit Checkmate came before Tiger was prepared for it. Even the morning prayer had done little to soothe his nerves.

It didn’t help that Dick was coming off another migraine. He made it to breakfast with Tiger, but neither of them had much of an appetite. Tiger had told Dick to go back to bed several times, but he refused.

“Good news,” Dick said quietly, picking at the fruit salad Alfred had made. “We’re carpooling today.”

“This is the first I am hearing of it.”

“Only got confirmed last night,” Dick said. “I’m seeing a specialist in Gotham, so Alfred’s driving both of us into the city. We’ll drop you off first.”

“Are you sure you are up to this?”

“The sunglasses aren’t just for decoration.” Dick patted his shirt pocket. “I’ll manage.”

Tiger had to admit having Dick close for the journey made him feel better. He stopped protesting.

“Does this specialist know what they are doing?” Damian said, stabbing a waffle with his usual fervour.

“It’s the same guy who stopped my head exploding on a near-nightly basis,” Tim replied. “He’s legit.”

“Your migraines are a result of inferior genetics, Drake, not a torture machine.”

Tim looked up at the ceiling and took a deep breath. “Thanks.”

Damian eyed him for a moment longer, until he evidently decided Tim was not going to react the way he wanted him to. Then Dick caught his eye and raised an eyebrow.

Damian scowled. “I apologise, Drake.”

“Sure.” Tim said absent-mindedly, more focused on his coffee.

“Anyway…” Dick finally picked up some pineapple on his fork. “I don’t know if the specialist can help, but I’m willing to give it a shot. At this point, I’ll try anything.”

Dick looked exhausted. Tiger knew for a fact he was, in fact, as tired as he looked. Neither of them had slept well last night. Dick was abstaining from coffee and Tiger did not need caffeine shakes, so there was no respite on the horizon.

Once it was time to leave, they’d both managed to choke down some breakfast. Cassandra had gone ahead to meet Helena; they would remain near the building but would not enter unless absolutely necessary. Tiger did not need an extra set of eyes over his shoulder. He would be under enough scrutiny already.

He was grateful they would be close by if needed, however.

Dick still flinched in the sunlight, but he appeared to shake it off. They sat together in the back of the car while Alfred drove.

“Should you require an earlier pickup than anticipated, sir,” said Alfred, “call me and I will come. Should you lose access to your phone, I use the family’s communication frequency. Master Dick, if you would…?”

“Sure.” Dick held out his palm. Tiger dropped the communicator in his hand. Dick pressed a few buttons on his watch, frowning. Or perhaps squinting. After a moment, the communicator beeped softly and Dick handed it back.

Tiger put it in his ear. “I may need to surrender my devices.”

Dick made a pulling motion from his watch and a dim holographic display grew from it. He pressed a few holographic keys and then held his wrist close to Tiger.

“Give it a few words.”

“Hello, watch.” Tiger grimaced. “I feel ridiculous.”

The watched beeped and Dick pulled back. “That was enough. Okay, you should be able to program any communicator to patch you into our frequency. You’ll be asked to give voice confirmation. If something really bad happens, which I doubt it will, it’ll also work on all cell phones, Gotham payphones and some kitchen appliances.”

“What?”

“Wayne Enterprises gets everywhere, babe.”

Tiger would never get used to that nickname, but at least it was a pleasant feeling. He still did not feel ready when Alfred parked the car near the nondescript office building that housed Checkmate’s Gotham outpost.

Dick kissed his cheek. “You’ll be okay. We won’t be far. And Cass and Helena will be on hand if something weird happens. Which it probably won’t.”

“Yes, very comforting.”

“Oh, hush.” Dick squeezed both his hands. “You just did them a massive favour. As far as I’m concerned, the least they can do is listen to you about Bannon.”

That name always felt like a lance through his stomach. He nodded silently and slid out of the car.

As they drove off, Dick blew him a kiss out the window. Tiger tried to burn that image into his mind. He could use some encouragement once he was inside.

He approached the glass doors. They slid open for him. He stepped through, heart pounding in his throat.

He paused in the lobby. Breathed. The lobby itself was deliberately dull and sterile. Not the kind of place someone would walk into by accident. Unless they were trying to escape a murderer, Tiger supposed.

The woman at the front desk was a stranger, probably a newer agent who joined after Tiger had gone undercover. She seemed to recognise him anyway and waved him through the next set of doors. Here, things became more interesting.

A security guard passed Tiger a plastic tub. He put his communicator, watch and phone inside. Then he removed his shoes and placed them on the conveyor belt.

“We’ll need to confiscate your electronics,” the guard said. “You’ll get them back when you leave.”

Tiger passed through a body scanner and retrieved his shoes on the other side. He was almost certain Bruce had hidden a tracker on him, but it was clearly disguised enough or of such little consequence that security did not feel the need to search and destroy.

Another receptionist was seated behind another desk, this time close to a pair of grey elevators. “Welcome back, Bishop Five,” he said, stamping a barcode onto the back of Tiger’s hand. “You’re needed on level ten. Have a nice day.”

Tiger stepped into the elevator and tapped the back of his hand against the card reader. Level ten selected itself and the doors sealed him in the elevator.

Tiger fell into parade rest. He shut his eyes and took deep, slow breaths. He had never been to the Gotham City branch of Checkmate before, so it was unlikely he would run into many people who knew him. Maxwell Lord was probably here, and perhaps Amanda Waller, but anyone else? No.

The doors let out a ding and slid open. Tiger stepped out, feeling calmer. He had no reason to feel anxious. He had done his job. All he needed to do was report in and give his recommendations.

And possibly attend an evaluation, which he would likely fail. Then again, it was more likely they would schedule it for another day. If all went to plan, he would not be here for long.

Tiger started down the hallway. The barcode on his wrist would automatically open the correct door once he reached it, and this place was linear. He could do this. Everything would be fine. He had nothing to—

A door up ahead slid open. An agent stepped into the hallway. They locked eyes, and recognition sparked between them.

“Eimal,” Tiger breathed.

“Tiger.” Eimal’s face broke into an uneasy smile. The man was handsome as ever… his dark, intelligent eyes; his nose slightly crooked from being broken one too many times; his thick, black hair…

This was exactly who Tiger had not wanted to see.

Eimal’s smile relaxed, just a small amount. “It’s good to see you.”

Tiger couldn’t answer. He suddenly felt much younger, in the throes of heartbreak once again. That was a dangerous feeling. He made rash decisions when he felt like this. He had to breathe. Had to control it. This feeling was nothing more than the ghost of a relationship long since dead.

He swallowed. “I did not expect to see you here.”

“Lord thought you might like to see a friendly face.” Eimal’s smile turned pained. “I had hoped enough time had passed that…”

Tiger did not know how to respond. He often felt clumsy and slow around Eimal. The man was a few years older and, he’d once believed, much wiser. He had joined Checkmate before Tiger and had been among the first to welcome him. Meeting another Pashtun had helped keep the homesickness at bay for them both.

“The past is the past,” Tiger finally said, hoping he sounded firm. He did not feel firm. He felt like the ground would soon crumble beneath him.

A flash of hurt appeared in Eimal’s eyes, but it was gone so quickly Tiger might have imagined it. “Well, it was good to see you. Don’t keep Lord waiting.” He gestured to the door at the end of the hall.

“Thank you.” Tiger didn’t know what else to say. Eimal stepped aside to let him pass. Tiger felt like he was walking through water. When he turned back, Eimal was gone.

#dicktiger #tiger king of kandahar #dick grayson #grayson comic #fanfiction #my fics #homecoming dicktiger fic

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stillthewordgirl · 5 years ago

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LOT/CaptainCanary fic: (I Don’t Believe in) Destiny (ch. 7 of 11)

Leonard Snart is back, finally pulled from the timestream where he's spent the last four years. But he wasn't alone, and the repercussions of that will echo through the Legends, the Time Bureau, and beyond.

And maybe, just maybe, they'll bring everything around full circle.

Can also be read here on AO3 or here on FF.net

Ch. Seven: Each Time We Turn a New Corner

Going right to the Vanishing Point didn’t seem really feasible, given that they don’t know what Druce and the bureau are up to now, but staying at the Refuge longer isn’t really something Sara wants to do either. After some thought and a team discussion, she decides to put the ship down in 1892 Siberia, in a remote and uninhabited location where they should be undisturbed, at least long enough to go over plans and see if anyone’s made a move on the Vanishing Point yet.

They’ve used the location before, when they’ve needed a breather, but although the Time Bureau—in the persons of Ava and Gary, anyway—knows about it, Sara figures it’s not likely anyone will be looking for them there at the moment.

Which is why it’s a surprise when Ava steps out of a time courier portal right in front of Sara and Leonard when they’re nearly to their quarters.

The other woman’s eyes widen when she sees Sara. “Oh, thank god.” She squeezes her eyes shut a moment in apparent relief, seemingly not even registering Leonard yet. “When the Waverider blinked back into existence, we found things had reset and we could track you again...I didn’t know what had happened, if you were all righy...”

Back into existence? Reset? Sara can’t help wondering, but there’s no time for that now—because Ava’s spotted Leonard.

Her crook’s gone into full nonchalance mode, although Sara can see still see telltale signs of tension in the way he holds himself and the lines around his eyes. He has the new cold gun he’d fabricated with Gideon at his side, but Sara’s very relieved to see that he’s not in a drawing position. Yet

Ava’s eyes widen just a trifle more and then narrow. For several long seconds, the two just study each other—Sara holding her breath—until Leonard decides to be polite. (Or to be an asshole, depending on how you look at it. Maybe it’s both.)

“Hey,” he drawls, in that “I am a wonder of reasonableness” tone Sara’s heard him use before, usually to people he’s unsure about or not too fond of. “You must be Ms. Sharpe.” A pause, while Sara closes her eyes and sighs inwardly. “Leonard Snart. We haven’t had a chance to meet.”

Given that Sara herself had “met” Leonard again while he was running for his life in Ava’s own Time Bureau, Ava’s clearly not sure how to take that. She looks down at the hand Leonard extends to her, then glances over at Sara, her expression clearly saying, “Is this guy for real?”

And Sara can’t help it. She can’t restrain a smirk, because Leonard’s just so…Leonard…and she’s missed that, even if she feels a little bad for poor Ava, confronted with it in such precipitous circumstances.

It’s the wrong thing to do.

Ava’s face goes blank, and Sara realizes immediately that she’s taken it the wrong way, as if Sara is making fun of her—although Sara hadn’t meant it that way at all. She opens her mouth to say so even as Ava draws herself up, eyes going steely, a defensive posture Sara knows well.

Ava and Leonard do have more in common than they’d ever realize.

“Leonard Snart,” the bureau director says in a clipped tone, “I'm taking you back to the Time Bureau, there to...”

But Leonard’s eyes have gone cold now, too, and he’s tensed in a way that puts Sara on edge. He draws himself up too, and Sara can just see the “you and what army?” in his expression.

Sara steps between them swiftly, already regretting her brief lapse. “Wait,” she says. “Ava, you need to know…”

“I know enough,” her former lover cuts in stiffly, glancing at her. “Why do you think…”

Leonard clears his throat then, and at first, Sara could kick him. Then she sees the look in his eyes and the way he’s edging backward.

Leonard never runs away from a fight. But apparently, for Sara, he’s willing to take himself out of this fray for now.

“Gonna go get some fresh air,” he says quietly, eyes on her. “All right?”

Ava tenses, but Sara nods, holding his gaze. “Might want to wear the parka,” she says just as quietly. “Gets cold here.”

He nods…and with one more opaque glance at Ava, turns and walks away, back down the corridor. Sara lets out a breath as Ava simply stares after him, then turns her gaze back at Sara—who nods quickly at the doorway.

“Let’s take this into private, OK?” she says. “Please?’

Ava hesitates, but gives her a jerky nod, following her into her quarters.

Sara regrets it nearly immediately, though. Leonard’s regular presence here is now unmistakable, really, from the black clothing folded neatly on a chair to the faint scent of sandalwood—not something Sara personally favors, though she definitely likes it on him—in the air. Ava isn’t unobservant, either. She takes a quick glance around, then focuses on Sara with an expression that’s trying not to be betrayed.

“Seriously, Sara?” she manages. “The crook?”

It’s hard not to get defensive, especially with everything Sara knows. But: “That’s beside the point,” she says, trying to sound matter of fact. “It is, Ava.” She hesitates. “Why are you trusting Druce over me? We might not…be together anymore, but I wouldn’t lie to you. He’s working against you in your own bureau!”

But the betrayal is still there. Ava shakes her head. “My job is to do what’s best for the timeline, Sara,” she says starkly. “And he’s offering the chance to make a difference, more than…more than I’ve been able to do so far. And you’re protecting a criminal and a murderer…hell, you’re sleeping with him!” She shakes her head violently, taking a step back. “I shouldn’t have come here, not without backup.”

Sara follows her, her heart hurting. “Ava…” She takes a deep breath. “It’s not so simple. It’s really, really not.”

And then, faced with the look in Ava’s eyes, she makes a decision, immediate and instinctive.

And prays she’s not making a mistake.

“Listen to me,” Sara tells her intently, telling to convey every bit of sincerity she has. “We’ll be at the ruins of the Vanishing Point in a week. Do you hear me? We’re not…not going to lie down and take this, but we have to be there too, and…Ava, you have a choice to make. Please. Please make the right one.”

Ava draws in a breath, and the two women stare at each other.

But then Ava’s expression hardens again. She taps her time courier, takes a deep breath, and steps into the portal.

Sara feels tears well up as she goes.

Leonard saunters back in about a half-hour later, looking a bit more ruffled than Sara expects. Still, she breathes a sigh of relief at his presence—until she catches a better look at his bemused expression, and registers that he’s not wearing the parka after all.

“Where’d you get that jacket?” she asks, leaning against the wall, studying the blue leather coat, which seems both familiar and not.

“Stole it.” Leonard stops in front of her, studying her in return.

“In Siberia?”

“Kind of an unexpectedly long story. The director?”

“Back at the Time Bureau, presumably.” Sara takes a deep breath. “I hope I didn’t make a big mistake. But…I couldn’t…I told her…”

Her voice trails off. And then Leonard, with his usual brand of unexpected sincerity, steps forward, not quite holding out his arms but obviously inviting her into them.

Sara takes the invite. She wraps her arms around him and rests her head on his shoulder, feeling the tears spill over.

And Leonard holds her, as long as she needs it.

Gideon, with many surprised apologies, makes sure that the Time Bureau can’t track them once again, and the Legends take themselves off to another “safe” time and place—Salvation, though not a time they’ve been there before and enough outside the town to stay away from trouble and temptation.

At least, Sara hopes so. (She’s threatened Ray with bodily harm if he decides to go play sheriff again.)

Then she calls a team meeting.

“You told her?”

Charlie sounds appalled, and Sara really can’t blame her. She rubs a hand over her face with a deep sigh, then opens her eyes again to meet the gazes of her team. No one looks quite betrayed, thank god—she doesn’t think she could take that right now—but there’s both confusion and uncertainty on a few faces. John is, as always, hard to read, Mick is stony-faced, and Leonard—who already knew about this—is typically cool.

“We need Druce to be there, after all. To meet Leonard, so we can set this whole thing in motion,” Sara says, knowing that she still sounds like she’s trying to convince herself. “And this way, they probably won’t be chasing us around, trying to arrest him.”

The shapeshifter swears again, but Ray’s nodding. “This gives us a measure of control,” he says, looking around. “Right? I mean, sure, now they know when we’re getting there, but it’s not like Druce can start without Snart.” He looks at Leonard. “Right?”

Leonard shrugs. “Far as I know.”

“But they could set a trap,” Nora points out, sounding a bit reluctant. “Couldn’t they? Shoot us down when we arrive?”

Zari raises her hand. “I’m against that, for the record.”

“Not without risking something they need.” Mick finally speaks up. He doesn’t sound happy, but Sara’s relieved to see that he apparently sees what she’s getting at. “Time Bastards need Snart alive.”

Nate winces at the epithet. “It’s not the whole bureau, though...right?” he asks. “We figure that Druce just recruited the other 11 original Time Masters from there?”

“Yes, Dr. Heywood,” Gideon chimes in. She’s part of the ship at the moment, the better to keep an eye on things outside and to study both charts of the area around the Vanishing Point and the temporal theory that might come into play in this whole mess. “Though we don’t know how much Druce has persuaded others to buy into his plan.” She pauses. “A lot will depend on that.”

Sara reluctantly speaks up again. “I still don’t think Ava’s happy about any of it,” she says quietly. “Giving her this as a good-faith gesture, it might make a difference. And Druce might have his 11, but that doesn’t mean Ava can’t keep the rest of the bureau.”

John chuckles. It’s not a particularly nice noise, and Sara narrows her eyes at him as he leans back in a jumpseat.

“Don’t matter,” he says, taking a cigarette out of his pocket. “Jealousy’s a driving force of the human race, love.” He points at Leonard with the cig. “And far as she’s concerned, you’ve replaced her with someone Druce is telling her is the bad guy. Sometimes we hear what we want to hear, especially where hearts are concerned.”

“The breakup was mutual.” It’s humiliating to have her love life dragged out on the bridge like this. No matter what else has happened on the bridge recently.

“Don’t matter.”

“No, it doesn’t.” Leonard’s voice is cold all of a sudden, and John blinks at him as the crook stalks over to Sara’s side. “What does matter is how we’re going to play this. We need a plan.”

Mick snorts, but it’s amused. “Predictable,” he mutters, and Leonard tosses him a smirk. Then he looks back at Sara.

“Captain,” he says, and there’s no irony or snark in the word at all. “What are you thinking?”

Sara gazes around the room, then back at him. “Well,” she says. “Let’s lay out what we know...”

She’s a good captain.

Leonard watches as Sara handles each of the current Legends perfectly, getting different ideas and bits and pieces of knowledge, putting them all together in the tapestry of a plan. As with the team he remembers, they all have different areas of expertise—some expected, some not.

Heywood’s a historian, but he also has inside knowledge of the bureau. Zari has wind powers, but she’s also a hacker with a keen knowledge of all kinds of tech. Raymond’s got a brain when he cares to use it, and he’s full of odd bits of facts and random shit.

Mick occasionally volunteers something he recalls from his time as Chronos. Charlie’s a magical creature (weird thought), but her grasp of human nature, for all that, is sometimes better than the humans’. Nora’s a magic user, but she’s had an interesting look at other elements of the supernatural as well.

Constantine’s the resident smartass now. Leonard wonders what that makes him.

“So,” Mick says, eventually, “we get there, to the Vanishing Point...or its wreck, anyway.” He looks at Leonard. “Snart slips off to try an’ get into the Oculus wellspring building without anyone seeing him, while we kick up a lotta fuss outside, distract the Time Bastards.”

Nate gives him a look. “Druce’s people,” he corrects.

“Whatever.” Mick continues. “When he gets in there, he either waits for Druce or meets him there. Druce tries to kill ‘im, but Snart does some time mumbo-jumbo and pulls everything outta whack, back to when the star there blew up.” He pauses. “Which doesn’t sound real safe.”

“It isn’t,” Leonard tells him a bit tersely. He remembers the power surging around him at the wellspring. He’s still not sure how he survived long enough to get knocked into the timestream.

Raymond clears his throat. “I think the idea’s that the supernova’s contained, right there, by the wellspring device. Druce will have it back in place, because controlling it is kind of the whole idea.”

“OK, Haircut. And then Snart takes them into the timestream, kicks Druce’s ass and breaks time.”

“No!” Sara, Raymond, and Heywood say in unison before looking sheepishly at each other. Leonard, remembering what Mick had told him about the Legends breaking time and everything that had come of that, can’t blame them.

Mick rolls his eyes. “Fine. ‘Breaks the chain.’” He frowns. “So, is there an Oculus then or not?”

“There would be, wouldn’t there?” Zari says slowly. “And you said Mary Xavier said that wasn’t a bad thing. But no Time Masters. So who makes sure it’s not misused?”

For a moment, the Legends just look at each other.

Leonard actually does have thoughts on that, but he’s not quite ready to share them, not even with Sara. He thinks back to his spell in the timestream, and the things he may have imagined and the things he might not have, and he keeps his peace.

Mick swears. “I ain’t staying on that rock any longer than I have to,” he says definitively. “Spent too long there already.”

Sara sighs. “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.” She looks at Leonard. “An awful lot of that is up to you,” she says. “Throwing everything ‘outta whack,’ taking Druce into the timestream. You up for that?”

He gives her the truth. “No idea. Time Lady there said it came down to willpower.” He pauses, letting a little arrogance into his voice. “If that’s all it is, I’ve got this.”

Heywood makes a slightly disparaging noise. “You’re a crook,” he says with faint disbelief as Leonard glances at him. “Isn’t that the opposite of willpower? The easy path?”

Sara bristles a little, but Mick laughs. “Easy? You’ve never been on one of Snart’s heists, Pretty,” he advises.

Raymond surges to Leonard’s defense too, somewhat to his surprise. “This is the guy who saved us all at one point or another,” he says staunchly to his skeptical friend, getting his feet and crossing the room to the crook. “You should have seen the shot he made in Salvation.” The scientist slings an arm over Leonard’s shoulders, a familiarity that leaves him bemused. “Hey! We could go show them...”

“No,” Sara cuts in as Leonard manages to smoothly duck out from under the arm. “No one’s going into town. I know what happens when we go into town.” She looks at Leonard again, though. “Seriously, though. You have no idea how to...do that?”

He shrugs. Nora, unexpectedly, is the one who speaks up. “I...we might be able to help with that,” she says, looking at Constantine, who shrugs as well. “Manipulating energy is kind of what magic is all about, after all.” She gives Leonard a tentative smile. “Can you feel it? The temporal energy around you?”

It’s a hard thing to answer. “Sort of. I think.” He hesitates. “I have to concentrate on it.”

Nora nods encouragingly—and Sara nods with relief.

“Nora, John,” she says, “see how you can help Leonard with this...temporal energy thing. Mick, Ray, Gideon, Zari, we’re going to look at what we know about the Oculus and see what we can figure out about it. Nate, take what Mick’s told us and see if you might be able to learn more about which members of the bureau went to Druce’s side. Charlie...well, help anywhere you think you can help and please don’t get into trouble.”

There are murmurs of agreement (and something rude from Charlie), and Sara nods again.

“All right,” she says, looking around. “Go, team.”

#I don't believe in destiny #captain canary #sara x leonard #lot fic #legends of tomorrow

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mysterylover123 · 7 years ago

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Attack on Titan: Levi [ISTP]

MYSTERYLOVER123 NOTE: Originally submitted to Funky MBTI in Fiction; however, Charity doesn’t allow Anime typings, so I forward them to my own blog and publish them here. Enjoy, AoT fans!

WARNING! SPOILERS AHEAD (for Attack on Titan anime Seasons 1 & 2, Levi’s backstory OVAs, and character interviews)! In order to write the best profile I could, I used some of the specific details that led me to type Levi as I have. Please do not read this if you don’t want to be spoiled. Also, I use “Scouts” instead of “Survey Corps” (SC) in this analysis. I hope that doesn’t bug anyone too much!

UNOFFICIAL TYPING BY: luminousglorygrace

Introverted Thinking (Ti): Levi believes, and acts based upon, the things that make the most logical sense to him. While he is physically talented, he doesn’t jump without looking, so to speak, as much as an Se dominant character might (such as Eren, an ESFP). Levi’s words and actions at Eren’s court hearing (season 1) reveal his use of Ti. He says that he personally believes that pain is the best tool for discipline. Not that pain is objectively the best tool, not that he recommends all leaders implement a system of pain for discipline, but that he, personally, thinks pain is effective, and so he uses it to demonstrate his ability to control Eren. He also plays a role in convincing the military police members, and the judge, that he and Erwin are correct in taking Eren under the Scouts’ wing by laying out the inconsistency of the MP’s thoughts. In the scene, Levi is beating Eren, and the MP leader tells him to stop because he fears Eren will get angry and turn into a titan. Levi points out how ridiculous that concern is. In essence, he says to the MPs, “you’re here telling us that you will torture Levi, but I’m currently torturing him, and you’re afraid? That makes no sense. It proves that I can handle him, that the Scouts can handle him, and that the MPs can’t.” (Not a direct quote, I am paraphrasing). Ti users value consistency and accuracy of thought, so Levi’s actions in the court room are classic for skilled Ti users.

We also get a small window into Levi’s inner-musings when he tells Eren (while running from the female titan in season 1), that he often wonders whether it’s better to trust oneself and one’s own skills or to trust and count on capable teammates. Looking beyond his words, this tells us that Levi’s thoughts have an undertone of “what makes the most sense to me? What is the right choice for a successful result?” Not so much for a moral/ethical reason (it’s not “which choice makes me a good person,” or “which choice is morally correct”) like an Fi user might consider. Instead, Levi wants to understand which action would produce the most successful outcome (beating the enemy, preserving life). We know that he lost his dearest childhood friends in the past because he chose to trust them (OVAs), and now he is constantly wondering what the best course of action is when faced with the same choice (trust or work alone).

In the character interviews (please see link below), Dot Pyxis says that Levi “seems to dislike the inherent irrationality of this world.” Ti users are definitely frustrated by the irrationality they see in the world. Finally, and this is a bit stereotypical, Levi is more of a reserved, introspective guy, which further suggests he’s an ISTP versus an ESTP.

Extroverted Sensing (Se): Levi is known as Humanity’s Strongest (or Greatest) Soldier. His combat skills are unmatched, and everyone deeply respects his talent. He has a clear perception of the environment around him and of his own body, so he is able to act quickly (and with deadly precision) in battle. For example, he moves so fast fighting the female titan (season 1) that she is unable to harden her skin in time to defend herself. In the OVAs, we see Levi’s unique style of holding his blades. At first, he is criticized for it, but he is aware of his body, and he can feel that holding the blades the way he wants will work for him. In the end, because of how he holds the blades, he can perform his cool spinning-slice technique. Levi is also great in crisis situations because he is in tune with his surroundings. When Eren accidentally turns into a titan, Levi is able to stay calm, get in front of Eren, and tell everyone to stand down. When his squad asks him why they should be calm he says something like “I have a feeling.” It’s almost like he can sense that Eren doesn’t mean any harm, and it’s probably because he hears Eren’s panicked breathing, hears his confused exclamations, sees him trembling, etc, while his squad is so panicked that it’s hard for them to notice how Eren is responding to his titan form. Finally, Levi seems to delight in physical sensation. He enjoys the taste of black tea (so much so that he wants to open a tea shop if he lives long enough and the world around him is safe), he likes to be in clean spaces, and he likes the feel of flying through the air with ODM.

Introverted Intuition (Ni): Part of why Levi’s battle skills are so incredible is because of his tertiary Ni. He has a good sense of what will happen next in a battle, so he can act quicker than others can. His speed in a fight is due to a combination of his physical ability and his ability to understand what his opponent will do next—he can move his body quickly, he is in tune with the world around him, and his quick perceptions of the world add up to him knowing what will happen next. He can move and attack based on what his opponent will soon do, not just what they are doing in the moment. My favorite example of this is during his battle with the female titan after he loses his squad (season 1). He knows that his spin technique is one of his best, so he prepares the necessary grip (Ti; this is my strength, it’s pretty special, she may not be ready for it, it makes sense to me to use this move). We see that his eyes are razor-focused on her running form, taking in every detail of her movements via Se. All of those Se impressions tell him when she’ll punch (Ni), and, before she’s even finished throwing her punch (Ni again, acting on something that isn’t fully realized in the real world), he’s already spin-slicing up her arm (Se). A really cool TiSeNi moment and a nice example of how an auxiliary Se user’s perceiving functions interact.

Extraverted Feeling (Fe): It’s clear that, underneath it all, Levi is a bit of a softie. When the Scouts are retreating to the wall, and Erwin makes it clear that the troops are to outrun the titans chasing them (season 1), no matter the cost, Levi tells the soldiers in the back to dump the bodies with a heavy heart. He even tries to ease their guilt by saying “we’ve had to leave bodies before.” He could’ve given them a strictly logical argument, like “it’s the only way we’ll move fast enough,” but he understands the pain it will cause, and he cares about his peers, so he tries to soften the command. There is also profound hurt in his eyes when he sees Petra’s body being thrown off of the cart, and he is openly stricken when the troops return to the wall, and Petra’s father talks about the fact that she likely wanted to marry Levi. Levi also gives one of the soldiers (Dieter) a wing patch to remember a fallen friend. When Levi gives Dieter the patch, Levi hints that he also keeps patches as proof that his friends once lived. Dieter is moved to tears by the heartfelt gesture. At multiple points in both season 1 and 2, when Levi talks to Erwin, Levi is openly regretful about the amount of lives that have to be lost for the cause (whereas Erwin is much more stoic about the fact that they have to do whatever it takes and sacrifice as many lives as it takes). In the OVA, Levi rampages against the titan that killed his friends, while screaming from the emotional pain, and, once he’s killed the titan, he openly weeps. Finally, for further proof of Fe being in Levi’s stack, I read a few “character interviews” going around on tumblr, and in those interviews both Erwin and Dot Pyxis talk about Levi actually being a warm and considerate person who helps bring positive emotions to the troops. Here are the relevant quotes from those interviews:

Part 1 (Erwin’s comments. Source:http://yusenki.tumblr.com/post/141836483282/au-smartpass-erwin-levi-close-up-interview)

Erwin (E): …Alright. Starting with Levi…I think he is excellent at shouldering important duties. With the title “Humanity’s Strongest” as part of the SC, our reputations have also been elevated. On the battlefield, he has also faithfully completed the tasks I have assigned to him. Despite his warmhearted nature, I’ve asked him to carry out some cruel missions…

Journalist (J): Is Captain Levi very…”warmhearted?”

E: You’ve already interviewed his subordinates, right? Then you must have heard just how much they trust their captain.

J: Indeed. I even heard the same thing from new recruits who are not from his squad.

E: He just has a rude attitude…but he cherishes his comrades’ life more than anyone else. His reputation cannot be established based on strength alone, Humans can subconsciously detect how much concern others have for them… and when they notice this kindness, it inspires power…That is something that I can’t do.

J: But I don’t think Commander Erwin is not trusted by your subordinates.

E: As the commander of SC… As the person who stands on the frontlines of humanity’s battle, I must make countless decisions that risk my soldiers’ lives. Of course, I’m able to do that because of their trust…However, I wouldn’t hesitate to make those sacrifices when we’re under dire circumstances.

J: Is it all for the sake of humanity’s future?

E: Yes. However, if I stand alone in this authoritative position, I wouldn’t be able to maintain the SC. Because he’s at my side, the SC soldiers are able to fight heroically. Levi and I’s positions cannot be exchanged.

Part 2 (Pyxis’ comments. Source:http://yusenki.tumblr.com/post/131152292543/levi-close-up-report-part-two)

Pixis (P): I have thoroughly checked Levi’s interview… Well, I think this is enough. Above all, as long as the better facets of his personality are being shown on the article, it’ll do.

Journalist: What can you say about his personality?

P: He might look violent and impolite but fundamentally he doesn’t hate humans. He seems to dislike the inherent irrationality of this world and that is why he doesn’t want to leave the memory of hurting someone…You can see that he’s full of consideration when he’s talking about his comrades. Those young soldiers subconsciously feel it and that’s why they are following him.

NOTES/Final thoughts: I know that this was long (and that this section is also long lol), so thanks for reading! I really love Levi’s character, and I think he’s a great example of a relatively balanced ISTP. I wanted to get this right! Again, this typing is based on Seasons 1 & 2 of the Attack on Titan anime, Levi’s 2 backstory OVAs, and the character interviews I found on tumblr. I do not read the manga, and those who do may have a different view of Levi!

I have seen a few people argue that Levi is an INTJ. While I certainly respect different opinions (the guy is a fictional character after all!), I admit that I’m confused by those who think Levi is an INTJ. Levi is first and foremost an extraordinary fighter. While INTJs do have Se in their stack, I argue that Levi is such an incredible fighter because Se is high in his stack. Also, when we look at why Levi is so valued by his teammates, and even why a lot of real-life fans love him, it’s because of his fighting prowess and calm demeanor…not so much because of his ability to lead the army, create high-quality battle plans, see courses of action that others can’t see, etc. In fact, I believe it’s Erwin, not Levi, who possesses the latter characteristics. I don’t see a lot of evidence of Levi having a driving, central goal, that guides his life work and motivates him to do long range planning, and I don’t see him noticing or passionately seeking some sort of truth about the world (traits we might associate with Ni users). I also don’t see him focusing on project completion or system implementation (some kind of structured, real-world manifestation of his ideas), nor do I see him trying to get others to do things in a way that he deems objectively correct (traits we might associate with a Te user). For example, Erwin really values establishing a plan of action and making sure everyone follows orders and sticks to the plan. Levi, on the other hand, is more flexible. For example, when Eren is debating whether or not he should turn into a titan to fight the female titan (season 1), Levi basically says “do it or don’t do it. Neither choice is wrong. It’s up to you.” This suggests use of the more individualistic Ti. In the same situation, we might expect Erwin to say “this is the order. Follow it,” using the more directive Te.

I believe that Erwin is the XNTJ (I haven’t thought about E versus I for him). Levi believes in Erwin’s competence and leadership abilities, so he willingly follows Erwin’s orders. After the female titan escapes (by calling other titans to devour her body; season 1), Erwin instructs Levi to replenish his supplies. Levi says that this doesn’t make sense to him (he essentially says, “we need to hurry, and I have enough to get back”). But Erwin, who is thinking several steps ahead of everyone else and preparing for the female titan to reemerge, tells Levi to follow orders and replenish. Levi listens because he trusts Erwin’s vision and plans.

Also, when the Scouts are retreating after the failed attempt to catch the female titan (season 1), 2 titans start chasing the group. Levi says to Erwin (roughly) “I don’t see any trees or buildings. We can’t fight them.” Erwin responds by saying something like “it’ll be faster to keep moving to the wall,” and Levi follows Erwin’s orders. To me this is a nice, albeit quick, interaction of TiSe (Levi) and TeNi (or NiTe; Erwin). Levi says, “here’s what I’m seeing, and here’s what I think does/does not make sense.” Erwin says, “our goal right now is to survive, because if we lose too many people we can’t continue pursuing the overarching goal of learning the truth about titans. In order to survive right now, we will take this action. Objectively, it is the best. Follow my lead.” Again, Levi listens.

Finally, in his backstory OVAs, Levi says something like: “this guy [Erwin] sees things that I can’t see [hinting at Erwin’s use of Ni], and I think he’s onto something, so I’m going to follow him.” Erwin is also the one with the clear goal of learning the truth about titans and saving humanity. He thinks of innovative ways to pursue his goal, he expects people to follow his orders, and he is willing to make difficult decisions and sacrifices to achieve this goal (qualities that speak to TeNi or NiTe). People look to Erwin to feel secure about plans and the direction of the Scouts’ work, whereas they seem to rely on Levi to be level-headed and victorious in combat (and to show them moments of tender camaraderie like the ones I described above). That’s all folks! I can’t wait for season 3 =)!

#c: istp #ISTP #m: istp #attack on titan #mbti #levi ackerman #submission #anime mbti

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hollandroos · 7 years ago

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Vice | Bucky Barnes Imagine

Request: I was wondering if you could do a Bucky x reader where the reader also has a metal arm because her family decided to experiment on her and they left her like that and when she meets Bucky for the first time she feels like she’s not alone for the First time in years, if you could do something like that love.

Words: 1450

You had always hated your metal arm. It was the thing that made you different to everybody else. The thing that made parents stare in horror and drag their kids as far away from you as they could. To you, it was a sign of the past you so desperately wanted to forget.

The metal prosthetic was the cause of years of experimenting and torture, it was the proof and cause of your trauma to say the least. From Night terrors to panic attacks to emotional outbursts. You felt damaged beyond repair.

You wanted to forget all of the days spent being experimented on, starved, beat, degraded by the people you’d once called family. But it was burned into your brain.

Your mum, the person that was meant to love you no matter what had been more interested in finding out exactly how you could do the things that you could than raising you.

Your father, a scientist more interested in finding out exactly where in your DNA the ‘mutation’ had originally occurred so he could try with all his might to change it. He simply couldn’t help the fact that he wanted a ‘normal’ daughter.

You’d hide it under long sleeves and gloves but even if it wasn’t in sight, you knew it was there. Just waiting for the moment you’d pull away the cover and glare holes into the metal. No one else knew how much you despised the prosthetic. In fact others dared to call it badass and ‘different in a good way’.

It was not badass, it was horrific and it surely wasn’t ‘different in a good way’. It was different in possibly the worst way.

You had always been good at keeping your head down, whether it was to stay out of trouble or just to stay invisible, it happened to be your shield in a way.

You hadn’t meet Bucky or Steve yet, only joining the team after the apparent Civil War. Though you still didn’t know much of the events that occured, no one really did and they all prefered to keep their mouths shut about it.

No one had told you much about either of them, all you knew was that Steve was America’s hero and everything about him being a criminal, not true.

Bucky on the other hand, you knew nothing. Considering being hidden your whole life and only recently joining the Avengers your knowledge about the outside world was very little.

But now, as you stood with the team in front of both Bucky and Steve, you couldn’t help but stare at the one thing that connected you to Bucky, the metal arm. With your mouth agape and eyes wide in shock. Bucky noticed, his face instantly hardening as he clenched his fists. Not out of anger but embarrassment.

Just like you, Bucky despised his prosthetic arm. Though he didn’t keep the weapon hidden, seeing no point in concealing something that was going to be there on display forever.

Everyone said their hellos and welcome backs to the pair, leaving you to stand at the back. Your mind was racing a hundred miles an hour.

Soon enough everyone had welcomed the two back and the attention was on you, the new recruit.

“Captain, Soldier, this is Y/N” Tony introduces you, extending an arm. “This girl can turn a sane person mental in seconds”

Everyone turns to stare at you, some with warm smiles and some with confused faces. With your mind racing faster than you could handle, eyes directed on you and heartbeat erratic you say the first thing that comes to mind.

“Y-your arm” You point out, fiddling with the glove that covered yours. Bucky didn’t seem to notice your nervous habit, though he noticed your eyes trained on his arm.

Sam nudges you, snapping you out of your trance and you notice Tony staring in slight amusement, Steve seemed like he was trying to figure you out and Nat shaking her head.

“I’m sorry!” You blurt. “God i’m sorry, that sounded so rude” You realised that just like you, Bucky was probably insecure about his arm.

You were sure your cheeks went as red as a tomato.

“It’s okay doll, most people are shocked at first” Bucky brushes you off.

He was still trying to work you out, much like Steve. Unlike the other Avengers you seemed to prefer to stay out of the crowd, voice down and head low.

You step forward, reaching your covered hand out before quickly shoving it behind your back and switching to the flesh hand. “Y/N L/N, aka Vice”

“Bucky Barnes, Winter Soldier”

4 o'clock on the dot. Everyone would be up for training in two hours.

Your mind in a way was like it clocked, it never stopped. When it did- in those few moments of sleep you received, a nightmare came along with it.

Not any old nightmare either. A soul crushing one. One that’d leave you staring into space for hours and hours on end. It was a cycle really. A painful one.

The nightmare that had woken you this time involved a memory you were sure you’d never forget. It was the day your father’s experiments went too far, resulting in you losing as arm.

Now that you were awake, you couldn’t stop thinking about Bucky. Not him exactly, partially yes but mostly the arm. Did he feel as much grief as you did? Had he had a horrible, traumatising experiment too?

With an exasperated sigh, you climb out of bed and trudge down the hallway in nothing but your PJS, not worrying about any of the other Avengers seeing you at this hour.

Though Tony was most definitely up, he was most likely tinkering.

You end up seated at one of the barstools, cup of ice cold water in hand though you really only watched the ice swim around in the water.

“Mind if Join you?”

If you were more awake you would’ve jumped at the sudden voice, instead you just look up and nod, Bucky takes a seat at the stool next to you.

“I fell” You look at Bucky, confused for a moment before he continues. “HYDRA. They amputated my arm and gave me this thing.” He nods towards the metal and you hum.

Your heart aches and you realize that just like you, he went through something completely unforgettable.

“I was hidden and experimented on by my father” You speak, speaking the words so clearly considering it’s your first time really telling someone, besides Tony.

This was the first time the two of you had talked properly and you already found yourself opening up to the soldier, possibly because for the first time since you’d joined the team you saw someone that truly did understand that the piece of metal where your left arm should be was not a battle scar, but a weapon. One that you would get rid of in an instant if possible.

Bucky grumbles. “Bastard” He mutters, making you let out a small snort of laughter at his choice of words.

“Same goes” You push the drink away, no longer feeling fascinated by the ice but instead Bucky. “Were you awake when it happened?”

He nods. “I was. It was 70 years ago but even now I can remember every cut, every stitch”

You grimace. “I broke through 3 pairs of restraints in the process, should’ve broken more”

You could remember the pain as if it was yesterday. Every blood curdling scream that passed your lips, every hacking cough, all the damn tears. None of it was worth it.

“Is that why we’re here with the Avengers? To save it from people like the ones that hurt us?” Bucky laughs sickly, his face hardening with hatred. Not towards you, but the ones that caused harm.

“The world doesn’t deserve people like Tony, Nat, Bruce, even us”

The world was filled with hatred, Admittedly too much for the Avengers to fix. But you could surely try, to prove that even if there was an unhealthy amount of hatred, there was still good.

#avengers #marvel #mcu #Bucky Barnes #bucky barnes fanfic #bucky barnes imagines #bucky barnes smut #bucky barnes fluf #bucky barns x reader #bucky barns fanfiction #Winter Soldier #winter soldier fanfic #winter soldior imagine

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historiasreign-blog · 6 years ago

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King

I hated ch. 107 so much that I had to write this. I would rather Historia never have to marry a man, but this is how I’m going to justify it. If I didn’t write this, I was going to drop the series. Didn’t proofread it so sorry for the typos.

_*_

“I don’t understand why we need to be here for this,” Eren repeated, for what must’ve been the fifth time that day, as they entered the palace. “I still think there must be another way!”

“This isn’t a decision for one person to make. As officers in the Survey Corps, we all need to make sure that the person we choose is trustworthy. They will, after all, be privy to top military secrets,” Armin reminded as he, Mikasa and Eren followed their captains into a room with a long table.

Mikasa was silent but kept her eyes on Eren. Eren heard Armin’s words but could not register the sense in them. He had refused multiple times to even be here today, but for whatever reason, Hange insisted that he not be absent.

The three of them took their places along a wall. As soon as Eren had entered the room, Mikasa noted, his eyes immediately searched and landed on her, the young, blonde female amidst a sea of balding, aging men.

Historia sat by herself at one head of the table. Her hair in its typical chignon, adorned in her royal jacket, she at first glance appeared no different than usual.

To Eren, however, she couldn’t be any less of the Historia he knew. Her eyes were half-lidded. She gave only a polite smile to the high ranking officers taking their seats on one side of the table. She paid no attention to the man seated solo at the other side of the table, opposite of the military officers.

Eren’s eyes went to him next, his stare hardening. So this is who they chose…

He wasn’t an awful-looking man, Eren thought. Perhaps somewhere in his early twenties, broad shoulders, friendly smile, with light-colored hair just like Historia’s. His suit was crisp and its high quality fabric was evident to everyone in the room, not that that was a surprise. Eren was told that this man, Alpert Bucy, was the heir to a massive fabric company in the capital. In fact, his family’s fabric mills provided the materials for the royal garments.

He came from a well-off family, was the proper age, was single, and belonged to one of the few families that were deemed trustworthy enough to keep their positions after Historia took the crown. He seemed perfect.

He also couldn’t take his eyes off of Historia, Eren dryly noted.

“Do you know why you’ve been invited here?” Levi started the discussions without much delay, directing his question straight at Alpert.

“I…uhh…” Alpert stuttered a little at Levi’s tone. Levi tried, but he could hardly keep his voice from sounding interrogating when this was meant to be more of an inviting conversation.

“I’ve been told you are searching for a husband for Her Majesty,” Alpert stammered out, nervously scratching his neck as his eyes somewhat boldly looked to the side to catch Historia’s eyes. Historia met his gaze briefly before taking a sip from her tea.

“Do you accept?” Levi was, once again, not in the mood for small talk.

“I—of course!” Once again, Alpert looked at Historia and gave her a nervous smile, one Historia did not return.

Eren stayed quiet, but his muscles tensed.

“B-but…” Alpert looked away from Historia and at the officers sitting across from him. “I do have a question…”

“Yes, we encourage those!” Hange exclaimed happily, trying to be the buffer to Levi’s terse ways. “Please, ask away!”

Alpert gulped. “I heard…well, I was told directly by the Fordyce family that you originally approached them for the position of being King…”

They’ve already tried recruiting others…?! Eren thought.

“I know you told them something that forced them to say no, and they signed a confidentiality statement so that could not tell me what it was…But…” Alpert once again looked at Historia, “Is there something I should know?”

The military officers looked at each other. They all knew they made the mistake of informing the Fordyce family of the plan to have Historia inherit the Beast and ultimately have any children from the marriage shorten their lives and do the same thing. That family, small as it was already, was not interested in having its single son be king for merely thirteen years before Historia would die. He would hardly be marketable to another young lady as a title-less widower! The military officers were hoping not to make the same mistake here.

“This information should be disclosed to anyone we are considering before they make their decision,” Historia spoke, looking ahead at nobody.

“I guess it can’t be helped,” Levi muttered. More loudly, “For reasons we cannot tell you, in a matter of a couple of years, the Queen will become the Beast Titan.”

Alpert’s eyes widened. “The Beast Titan…?”

“It’s a 60-meter tall monkey titan. Once she becomes this Titan, she can revert back to her human form whenever she wants, but she will only live for thirteen years after gaining this power.”

“So we won’t have very many years together?” Alpert asked.

Exactly, Eren thought, eyes lowering.

“Correct! But you’ll still be King Consort during this time!” Hange reminded, trying to assuage the situation.

“In addition,” Historia cut in, “The Beast Titan will only be passed onto royal family members, so when my thirteen years have passed, one of our children will take on its power.”

“Will they also only live for thirteen years?” Alpert asked, now glancing at the entire room.

“After they inherit the Beast, yes, so your eldest child will likely live to the age of 26 years, give or take,” Levi concluded. “Any further questions?”

Alpert was visibly shaken as he looked down, “Uhh…uhh…”

“Will I still get to be King even after Her Majesty dies?” he asked the room.

“That’s what you just asked?!” Eren cried, now stepping forward. “You just heard that your wife and children will become monsters and die and all you care about is what type of power you’ll have?! You don’t care at all about the lives of these people who will be in your life? Are you heartless?!”

“Eren, calm down—” Armin tried to grab his arm, but Eren shook him off.

“Eren, this isn’t the place,” Mikasa reminded, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. While Eren didn’t shake her off, his eyes remained glaring at Alpert.

“None of you in this room understand the sacrifice you’re asking Historia to make. The least you could do is find an idiot who pretends to care about her!”

Historia looked to the side, closing her eyes a second too long to fight away a tear she could feel forming.

Levi stared at Hange. Why did we bring him here?!

I thought it’d be too dangerous to do this behind his back, Hange pleaded with her look, now clearly regretting her decision.

_*_

“Who would agree to such a marriage?” Alpert had asked right before he had left the palace, declining the marriage offer. He had, of course, been forced to sign a very legal document stating that he and family could face capital punishment if any of the information was released to the public. Eren and co., were now waiting outside of the room while the higher officers discussed their next plans with Historia.

“There are very few appropriate families left with sons the proper age,” Pixis reminded after Alpert had left. “We have nearly no options left.”

“That idiot brought up a good point, though,” Levi mused, thinking back to Eren’s outburst. “Perhaps we should choose someone who understands the gravity of the situation but understands that this is for the greater good of our people. It won’t be a marriage for them as much of a duty.”

“That would be someone from one of the military branches, even the Survey Corps,” Pixis thought aloud.

“Historia,” Pixis started, “Is there anyone you think could fit this role well? Anyone who you’ve encountered who can handle this assignment?”

Hange’s eye widened as she stared at Pixis and then to Historia, knowing—no—fearing what Historia would say next.

Historia’s lips parted for a second before she spoke.

“I need to speak with Eren.”

_*_

Eren followed Historia to the gardens. The two of them were alone out here, and all he had been told was that she requested a meeting with him. It was clear to Eren that she was going to reprimand him for talking out of turn, but she had to understand that he was coming from a place of concern, mostly, and partially, anger that everyone was so adamant on following through on this component of Zeke’s plan.

Historia sat down on a stone bench. Eren remained standing.

“Eren, do you know why I’ve asked you here?” she asked, eyes still as dull as they had been all day.

“I do, but Historia, that man was a complete tool! How could you marry someone who was doing this out of such selfish motivations—”

“When you’re told your wife will die, and that your children will die, as well, don’t you think you have the right to be selfish?” Historia asked. “It’s normal to ask for what you will benefit from in a marriage like this.”

“No, it’s normal for you to be selfish!” Eren replied. “They don’t know what it’s like to be a titan, and they’re asking you to become one and make your children into one, when we still haven’t looked into all possible situations. We don’t know if there’s a way out of this that doesn’t require you to do this!”

“Until we know for sure that there isn’t another way, we have to act as if this is our only path.” Historia now stood. Eren couldn’t even look at her, he was so angry. Why wasn’t anybody thinking logically?

Eren only looked down when he felt Historia’s hands on his.

“Allow me to be selfish, Eren,” Historia asked.

“Hist…”

“Will you be the father of my children, Eren?”

_*_

Eren and Historia entered the room together sometime later. Eren was now looking down; Historia looked the same.

“What did you decide, Eren?” Levi asked. Mikasa and Armin looked up, unaware that Eren went to talk to Historia to “decide” something.

“Eren agreed. You may start making arrangements for the wedding.” That was all Historia needed to say as she quickly turned on her heel and left the room, her guards following behind her.

“Eren, what?” Armin asked, standing up. “You’ll be the one to marry Historia?”

“Eren!” It was Mikasa’s cry that caused all eyes to turn to her.

“It’s for the best,” Eren said, his eyes meeting Armin’s.

“No, I won’t accept this!” Mikasa ran to Eren. He gave her the same, questioning look he had given her so many times in the past. She wanted to punch him. She wanted to hug him. She wanted to kill him. How could he have ever agreed to something like this? What was he thinking?

“What’s wrong, Mikasa?” Eren quipped, infuriating the Ackerman even more.

Mikasa would get Eren to change his mind later.

“Historia!” Mikasa ran into the hallway, easily catching up with the petite blonde and her guards. Her arms immediately aimed for the back of Historia’s coat, but the guards stopped her before she could actually touch her.

“Don’t touch her!” Historia cried, and the guards immediately released her.

“You think I’ll allow this?” Mikasa’s voice was low, threatening…no…threatened. “How could you even think to ask Eren?! I’ll never let you get away with this!”

“Mikasa…” Historia’s eyes were lowered under her bangs, “I know what Eren is to you. I know how you feel.”

“Then how can you—” Mikasa’s voice was suddenly uncharacteristically high, pupils shrinking to dots against the white of her eyes. Her fists clenched. Historia was well aware Mikasa could kill her with one punch alone right now.

“—I was once told that I do selfless things with selfish reasons. Perhaps this is one of these situations. Forgive me, Mikasa.”

With that, Historia once again turned around, leaving Mikasa alone in the hallway.

“Be well,” she said over her head, turning her head to the side to look back at her momentarily.

Perhaps in any other situation, actually, yes, in any other situation, Mikasa truly would’ve killed Historia on the spot. It would’ve been nothing for her to snap Historia’s little body like a twig, making it so that no man could ever give her a child.

However, as she saw Historia’s face when she turned around, there were tears.

Historia didn’t want this. She never did, but perhaps, Mikasa realized, Historia thought there was a way to salvage this shitstorm with Eren as a guiding light.

_*_

“We should check on Mikasa,” Armin said worriedly, looking at the door she had just run out of. “Eren, didn’t you think of Mikasa when you made your decision?”

“Huh? But what does this have to do with her?” Eren asked.

“She cares about you, Eren!” Armin cried. Levi took this as a moment to interrupt with his own thoughts on this matter.

“At first I was completely against Historia’s suggestion to use you,” Levi directed at Eren. “You hardly have any of the poise required for this role, but then I realized with this, I get to control you even more. Don’t mess this up.”

Hange sat at the table, only having looked up when Historia first made her announcement. She twiddled her thumbs. How could this end well?

Suddenly there was a loud crash heard outside of the room. It sounded akin to a herd of titans approaching, only much closer.

Eren, Armin, Levi, Hange and the rest of the officers ran outside, ready to jump into battle any second. Expecting to see a humanoid monster, they did find a monster, just not one they were expecting.

Mikasa stood, panting, in the middle of the hallway. She stood in a pile of debris as she had just punched the wall in front of her, leaving a massive crack and exposing much of the underlying brick.

“Your hands are bleeding, Mikasa!” Eren said as he came up to her. “They could be broken!” He tried to grab her hands and examine them, but Mikasa pulled her hand away.

“Eren,” Mikasa completely ignored what he said, “Are you really going to marry Historia?”

“…” Eren was taken aback. “Isn’t that’s what best for everybody in this situation?”

Her breathing getting heavier, Mikasa collapsed on her legs.

“Mikasa, take care of yourself!” Armin was immediately at her side. Eren kneeled in front of her, once again worrying about her hands and wondering what would possess her to do such damage to the wall.

“My hands will be fine,” Mikasa said, so low she wasn’t sure she was coherent, but Armin heard her words, and her tone, perfectly.

But another part of you will never heal, Armin thought as his eyes softened for her.

Eren…how could you?!

_*_

Eren and Historia were married a few months later, just as the Queen had turned eighteen. The ceremony took place in a small church in Wall Sina. Only the highest-ranking officers and some of the members of the 104th were invited.

Historia wore a simple white gown that revealed her shoulders. Her hair was in its usual bun with a few large strands left out in the front of her face, which was hidden by a veil. Eren wore a coat similar to the one he’d wear whenever he visited the palace, only this time it was black and did not have the Survey Corps Wings on it.

“Do you think there’ll be a feast?” Sasha asked Connie from one of the rows.

“Shut up, this isn’t the time to ask those things!” Connie whispered nervously as his eyes went to the back of Mikasa’s head, sitting just a row ahead of him.

Jean sat beside Mikasa. She kept her eyes glued to the ceremony, but Jean couldn’t stop staring at Mikasa. Eren is truly the stupidest man in the world…!

Eren kneeled before Historia. Historia picked up a crown off of a ceremonious pillow and placed it on his head, her eyes as dull as ever as she carried out these actions.

Historia, Eren thought, I was hoping since you asked me to be the one with you here that you wouldn’t look like that on this day…

“Will you be the father of my children, Eren?”

Eren was left speechless. Historia continued. “I know I have no right to ask you this. I know how opposed to this plan you are, so it is very unfair of me to place you in this situation…But I cannot think of anyone who would know this situation better than you.”

“But Historia, then the children’d we’d have…”

“Heh,” Historia smiled bitterly to herself, “It’s expected, I suppose. Everyone despises this plan more once they realize it’s their children that would be sacrificed.”

“No, that’s not it,” Eren said, moving his hands from Historia’s grasp to place them on her shoulders. “I’ll do it, I’ll accept.”

Historia’s eyes widened. “Eren…!”

“But until we’re absolutely out of time, I will keep fighting. I won’t let you or our children sacrifice yourselves until we’ve run out of options. That’s my promise!”

As Eren stood, now King Consort, with his Queen, he couldn’t help but glance at his new bride.

Historia, I know I have no right to think this…I know you never wanted this and asked me out of obligation…but I’m happy you asked me…

_*_

“There’s something I want to bring up to you,” Hange said to Eren just an hour later at the reception.

Eren looked over his shoulder and saw Historia sitting at the main table in this small garden adjacent to the church. Zackley was currently congratulating her. She was just out of earshot, and Hange had made sure of that.

“I don’t expect this kind of behavior from Historia, but I know I have no choice but to warn you, Eren.”

“What’re you talking about, Hange?”

“At first I wasn’t sure why you agreed so easily, in fact I racked my brain that entire night trying to figure it out! But then I realized the answer was right in front of me: who better to stop this plan from coming to fruition than the man charged with making it happen in the first place!”

“What you’re saying makes no sense.” Eren wasn’t in the mood for word games right now. “How is this a warning?”

“It makes perfect sense, actually. If you agreed to marry Historia in the hopes that you wouldn’t let her have any children to pass on the Beast to, then know that we still have Historia who’s already agreed to inherit the Beast. But if Historia doesn’t have a child or isn’t ready to have a child by the time Zeke Yeager is ready to pass on his titan…there are always…other…men we can make Historia have ‘relations’ with should that need arise.” It finally sounded like the warning it was.

“Don’t put us into a position where we have to make that awkward decision, Eren,” Hange said as she placed a hand on his shoulder, though she suddenly tensed when she saw the look Eren gave her.

“You’re the last person who gets to talk about hard decisions.” With a quick swat, Hange’s hand was off his body and Eren turned to meet his new bride.

_*_

The thought of never sleeping with Historia had crossed his mind and he had even discussed this with Historia before the wedding. In this way, they could never have children. Though that idea was quickly nipped in the bud as they both realized, as Hange confirmed, that they would simply make Historia a broodmare for another male if they didn’t conceive quickly enough.

On their wedding night, Historia sat with Eren facing her on her—er, their—bed. Her wedding gown poofed around her. Her legs were crossed under her.

“Let me try something,” Historia offered, slowly pulling off one of her gloves which had remained on all day. Eren watched as she took her ungloved hand and took one of his hands. She crossed their fingers together, and pressed their hands together.

“Frieda, not you, too! Frieda tell me, WHY WON’T YOU STOP THE TITANS?!” Suddenly Eren was seeing the image of Rod Reiss staring at him and screaming at him.

No! Eren cried, shutting his eyes as if that would somehow stop his brain from seeing these memories. Why can’t I just enjoy my time with Historia without these things?! Go away!

“Go away!” Eren cried, and Eren wasn’t sure if it was his own mental strength, the fact that he was touching a royal, his founding titan problems or some combination of all three, but the second he wished them away, the memories vanished.

When he opened his eyes, his hand was still in Historia’s.

Historia smiled, though it was a small one, at Eren’s new advancement. She was wondering if he’d be able to control these memories. “Come on, Eren,” she suggested, bringing her face close to his. Eren obliged.

_*_

“Marley still hasn’t been able to conquer the Mid-East Allied Forces,” Yelena explained a few months later. “The warriors have so far been used in every major defeat Marley has had in this war, but the Mid-East Allied Forces have developed weapons that may be strong enough to defeat Titans.”

“Huh? Strong enough to defeat Titans?” Hange was shocked. How could other nations be so advanced??

“Is it possible that Zeke could be killed in the battlefield with this new equipment?” Eren asked. Levi glared at Eren. He knew very well he was supposed to stay silent in these Marley matters around the “Volunteer Soldiers”.

Mikasa, sitting beside Eren, gave Eren a knowing look. It was obvious why he’d ask that.

“From what we’ve been told, it would be difficult given the durability of the Beast, but certainly not impossible, especially with the Armored and Jaws reported on the battlefield.”

Everyone in the room went silent for a second.

“We can’t afford to lose Zeke in the war. He needs to return here for the Rumbling. Isn’t there anyway we can intercept this war and retrieve him?”

“Eren, what’re you saying?” Mikasa spoke. “We can’t enter a war with other nations needlessly.”

“We can’t risk exposing ourselves to the war like that, least of all, send you,” Levi explained.

“We also don’t have the technology for defending ourselves against those nations,” Armin reminded. “Even if we made the haste decision of entering, how could we even fight? The technology Hizuru has given us has certainly been an advancement, but nothing close to what the other nations have developed…!”

“Zeke is aware that he must return before the end of his thirteen years. He will be here in time to pass on the Beast,” Onyankapon reassured, but this worried Eren even more.

That’s not fast enough…!

“He is holding up his end of the bargain.” Levi threw a sideways glance at Eren. “You still need to hold up yours, Eren.”

Eren clenched his fists under the table.

_*_

It was just a handful of weeks later that Historia woke suddenly in the middle of the night. She had previously been sleeping perfectly well, Eren collapsed on the other side of the bed.

Her sudden jumping off the bed startled Eren, who watched as she ran into the adjacent bathroom.

“Tori?” He called out as he likewise went to the bathroom.

He saw Historia leaning over their sink, vomit dripping off her mouth.

“No…!” Historia cried, her hands shaking as she looked at the emesis on her hands.

The royal doctor, later that day, was able to draw some blood from Historia and confirmed the pregnancy with new tests that Hizuru had shown them.

As the doctor left their bedroom after giving the two the news, Eren was practically seething.

“Things aren’t happening fast enough! We need Zeke here now to do this!” He ran a nervous hand through his hair.

“There is still over a year left,” Historia reminded Eren. “Our little one will be here before then, too.”

“This should all happen before you give birth. If we wait until Zeke’s done, you still have to inherit the Beast!” He reminded.

Historia sighed, sitting down at her bed and placing a hand over her stomach as she shut her eyes tightly. “I’ve always agreed to inheriting it…but if we can avoid this happening to our child—”

“No, our plan is that neither of you have to take on this burden, Tori,” Eren reminded sharply. “I have to take action now.”

“Eren, how?” Historia cried. “You can’t stop Marley’s war! They have their own titans trying to do that and failing. They’ve been failing for four years!”

“I don’t need to stop the war; I just need my half-brother.” Eren walked over to one of the wall-spanning windows in the room, looking out at the Eastern sky.

Historia gave Eren a sharp look as she joined him at the window.

“Eren, you cannot go out there! It’s a suicide mission! If you’re discovered…!”

“You know it’s what I have to do!” Eren turned to his wife, grabbing her shoulders. “We can’t sit here on our asses while others choose this burden for us!”

“I chose this burden!” Historia reminded. “And we are their leaders, Eren! We cannot break their trust like this!”

“It’s not about trust anymore, Historia,” Eren snapped back. “It’s about unnecessarily letting the future generations get involved in a fight that we can end now!”

Eren’s grip on Historia’s shoulders tightened. “If we win, we live. If we lose, we die. If you don’t fight, you can’t win, Historia, so we have to fight, and fight.”

Historia shook her head. “I suppose even if I forbid you from going, you wouldn’t stop?”

Eren released her and turned her back to her. “Too much and not enough has happened for us to stop here.”

“I have to head to the harbor,” Eren thought aloud, looking once again at the window. “If I can reach Yelena and the other soldiers without Levi or Hange there, maybe they can find a way to get me to Zeke unnoticed.”

It was now Historia who had her fists clenched. She kept losing the ones she loved to that awful land across the ocean.

“Eren,” Historia breathed, her blue eyes looking at him icily.

“Come back alive to this place!”

_*_

It was months later that Historia even heard word of what was happening in that god-awful place across the sea.

She had been reading documents at her table in the study when Pixis had entered the room without warning, very unlike him.

“Historia,” He said, his eyes stern. The blonde royal could feel the palpitations arise in her chest.

“What is it? Did you receive word about Eren?”

“Eren sent a letter to the Survey Corps. He and Zeke Yeager are planning on ending Marley in a most disastrous way.”

“What’re they planning?” Historia stood, relieved that Eren had sent a letter (he was alive!), but just as anxious. She placed a hand over her gravid abdomen.

“I will brief you personally on the way.”

“Where are we going, Pixis?” Historia was annoyed at all these questions she had to keep asking. “I need answers now!”

“Eren plans on making an enemy of the entire world. We need you to move to a safehouse now.” Pixis held his hand out to the door. “It’s best if we get you there as soon as possible. Eren and Zeke are going to end Marley within the next forty-eight hours if their information is legitimate.”

Historia looked out at the setting sun she could see from her massive windows.

“Nothing is ending,” she mused sadly, “This nightmare will go on for years to come.”

_*_

#erekuri #erehisu #eren x historia #eren yeager #historia reiss #krista lenz #snk #snk 107 #snk spoilers #im so sorry mikasa #shingeki no kyojin #attack on titan

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