#i was BEAMING when his movie design was altered even if it was slightly

[moeatsushi]

i am on my knees begging for studio pierrot to never take away atsushi's upwards bangs it's all we have .

[focusonkayjay]

Wildly Wealthy Koreans (4); inspired by Crazy Rich Asians

Pairing: Jungkook x (f.) Reader

Genre/Tags: photographer/ filmmaker! jungkook, rich girl/ fashion designer! reader, established relationship, angst, fluff, smut

Series summary: When you invite your boyfriend, Jungkook, to accompany you to your brother's wedding in your hometown, Daegu, he’s overjoyed, eager to meet your family and experience a side of your life you’ve never shared with him. However, once he uncovers the truth about who you really are, he’s unable to grasp the full extent of your reality. The situation becomes even more complicated when a certain someone makes him feel profoundly unwelcome, leaving him to question not only your world, but also his place in it.

Disclaimer: This series is heavily inspired by the movie Crazy Rich Asians, with the storyline closely following the original film's plot. However, I wanted to reimagine it as a fanfiction, where Jungkook and OC take center stage as the main protagonists. While I’ve kept the core elements and themes from the movie, I’ve added my own touches here and there, such as altering certain character dynamics and incorporating a few original settings. Some scenes are directly inspired by the movie, and I’ve worked to recreate them in a way that it hopefully resonates with the fans of the movie. Hope you enjoy!!

Word Count: 10.8k+

Chapter Warnings: protected sex, fingering.

part 4

The morning sun softly filters through the curtains, casting a warm, golden hue across your room as you and Jungkook begin your preparations for the long day ahead of you guys.

The slight weight of last night still gnaws at Jungkook, but he tries not to think about it as he gets ready and for now, the focus shifts to the excitement of exploring Daegu with your brother, Taehyung and his fiancée, Miyeon.

You, on the other hand, are positively beaming, your excitement palpable as you finish drying your hair. Wrapped in your lilac satin bathrobe, fresh from the shower, you stand in front of the bathroom mirror, observing yourself.

As you focus on your skincare routine, you sense Jungkook entering the bathroom. His presence is familiar, warm, and comforting, but it always has the power to make your heart skip a beat.

His arms slide around your waist, pulling you gently against his chest. You feel his chin resting in the curve of your neck, his breath warm and steady against your skin. The closeness never fails to make your pulse quicken.

“I’m so excited.” you say, your voice light, almost giddy as you continue applying your moisturizer. Your movements are slow and fluid, the soft scent of your skincare products mixing with the feeling of him being so close. "Me too." he mutters. His chest presses against your back, the beat of his heart a soothing rhythm that matches yours.

Jungkook’s lips suddenly trail soft, lingering kisses along your neck, the sensation making you giggle as it tickles your skin. Your breath catches, but you can’t help leaning into him, offering him more access as his kisses grow gentler, more tender. You close your eyes for a moment, letting the warmth of his affection wash over you.

“You smell so good.” Jungkook murmurs against your skin, his voice low and intimate, as if it’s a secret meant only for you to hear. His words send a shiver down your spine, and despite the playful nature of his kiss, there’s a sincerity in his tone that makes your heart swell.

The rhythm of his kisses slows, each one lingering a little longer, pressing not just against your skin but deeper into your thoughts, leaving a warmth that seems to settle in your chest. As his lips part from your neck, he rests his chin on your shoulder again, his breath brushing against your collarbone.

Jungkook’s gaze shifts to the mirror, his dark eyes tracing the gentle curves of your face, the way your lips curl slightly as you focus on your skincare. There’s something tender in the way he observes you, as if he’s capturing this moment to keep forever.

A smile tugs at his lips, small but genuine, and he unconsciously pulls you closer, his arms tightening around your waist as though anchoring himself to you.

“You’re so beautiful.” he says softly. His voice carries a depth that makes you pause, meeting his eyes in the mirror. Your cheeks warm under his affectionate gaze, and you feel the weight of his emotions in those simple words, grounding you in his embrace.

You smile back at him through the reflection, reaching up to touch one of his hands around your waist. “You make me feel beautiful.” you reply, your voice just as soft, your heart swelling at how easy it feels to be vulnerable with him.

Soon enough, you and Jungkook finish getting ready, both opting for outfits that exude comfort yet style. You’re wearing a white midi dress, paired with a baby pink cardigan to keep you warm. Your hair falls naturally, framing your face, and your minimal accessories, a simple necklace and a pair of stud earrings.

Jungkook, on the other hand, is effortlessly cool in a pair of loose, distressed jeans and an oversized black T-shirt that drapes perfectly over his frame. The subtle graphic design on the shirt adds a hint of personality without being overwhelming, and the short sleeves expose the tattoos that snake up his arm. Paired with clean sneakers and his usual easygoing aura, he looks like he’s stepped out of a fashion editorial without even trying.

He's also carrying his camera, ready to capture every moment of the day. The thought of exploring Daegu, experiencing new adventures, and creating memories fills him with excitement. He wants to immortalize these moments, knowing they’ll be treasures he can revisit and cherish in the future.

As you lead Jungkook out of the house, the driveway comes into view, and you immediately spot Taehyung and Miyeon waiting in a sleek, open-top jeep. Its bold matte black finish gleams under the morning sun, and the large off-road tires give it an adventurous, rugged look.

Taehyung and Miyeon hoot in unison as soon as they spot you, their cheerful voices cutting through the stillness of the morning. They wave enthusiastically, their energy infectiously bright. Jungkook notices how different they appear compared to last night’s formal elegance.

Gone are the sharp suits and graceful gowns. Today, Taehyung sports a relaxed look with a sage green patterned short-sleeve shirt unbuttoned over a white tank top, paired with loose cargo pants and casual sandals. Miyeon is radiant in a flowy floral sundress, her hair pulled back into a carefree ponytail, and oversized sunglasses resting on her nose.

Their smiles are wider, their laughter lighter, and there’s an undeniable air of freedom around them, as if they’ve shed the polished sophistication of the previous evening and embraced their truest, most vibrant selves. Jungkook can’t help but admire the stark contrast, realizing that behind the poised personas they wore last night lies a carefree couple who revel in the simple joys of life.

“Finally!!!” Taehyung calls out, grinning mischievously as he leans against the driver's seat. “We were starting to think you two were going to keep us waiting all day!”

Miyeon laughs, waving you over. “Come on, we have so much to do today." she says. Jungkook chuckles softly, glancing at you. “They seem... a lot different from yesterday.”

You smile, squeezing his hand. “This is their true form.” you reply, as the both of you giggle, approaching the jeep. You open the door to the back seat and slide in while Jungkook takes his seat next to you.

As the jeep rumbles to life, Taehyung adjusts his sunglasses and gives the steering wheel a playful spin, earning an exaggerated eyeroll from Miyeon. You settle comfortably into the back seat, Jungkook’s hand resting warmly in yours.

“So, what’s the itinerary for today?” you ask, leaning forward slightly, your curiosity piqued as the jeep hums down the driveway and into the city.

Miyeon turns to glance at you, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Oh, we’ve got a packed day planned, so I hope you two are ready!” she begins, her enthusiasm almost contagious.

“First, we’re heading to the Daegu Art Museum. They’ve got this incredible contemporary art exhibit on display right now, and I thought it’d be the perfect way to ease into the day.”

Taehyung cuts in with a grin, momentarily looking at her before turning his attention back to the road. “And there’s this cute little café right next door with pastries that are chef’s kiss. I’ve been daydreaming about their croissants all week.” he smiles.

Miyeon rolls her eyes playfully. “Of course, someone’s more excited about the food than the art.” Jungkook chuckles from beside you, his camera resting on his lap as he mentally prepares to capture the day’s highlights.

“After that...” Miyeon continues, her voice lifting with anticipation, “We’re heading to the aquarium. Jungkook, you’re going to love it there. They’ve got an interactive touch pool where you can pet rays, and the jellyfish exhibit? It’s like stepping into a... dream.”

“That sounds amazing... wow.” Jungkook murmurs, already envisioning the tranquil glow of jellyfish floating gracefully in their tanks.

Miyeon’s excitement peaks. “And it only gets better!” she exclaims, turning in her seat to face you both. “Next stop, E-World theme park. And...you’ll love this, Jungkook.. we’re renting school uniforms! The three of us used to do that a lot when we were in university.” Her bright grin is met with yours and Taehyung's knowing laugh.

Jungkook raises an eyebrow, intrigued. “School uniforms? At a theme park?” The concept is new to him, and he leans forward, curious.

“Yes!” Taehyung interjects, a broad grin lighting up his face. “It’s a thing here... makes us feel like carefree high schoolers again. It’s silly, but it’s so much fun.”

“It might sound cheesy...” you chime in, nudging Jungkook gently, “But trust me, it’s an experience. And, you’ll look adorable.” you wink. His shy smile in response sends warmth through you. “Well then, I guess I’ll have to trust you on that one.” he teases.

“After the theme park...” Miyeon continues. “We’re heading to this restaurant nearby that my uncle owns. They make the best bibimbap you’ll ever have.”

“Oh my god, I’ve missed that place!” you exclaim, recalling how you and Miyeon used to frequent it after school, sharing plates of gimbap and dumplings while gossiping about your days.

“And for the grand finale...” Taehyung announces with a sense of pride. “We’re heading to the beach. Our family’s beach house is right there, so we’ll end the day by the water, watch the sunset, and stay the night.”

Your eyes widen in delight at the mention of the beach house, fond memories flooding back. “Oh my god, that sounds perfect. It’s been ages since I’ve been to the beach house.”

Miyeon beams, her excitement matching yours. “Right? Remember how you, me and Tae used to play hide and seek with your cousins, Joon and Jin??”

You nod, a warmth spreading through your chest as you think back to those carefree weekends, the sound of laughter mingling with the rhythmic crash of the waves. “And do you remember that one time Taehyung threw that huge party while we were in high school? Your parents found all the alcohol bottles the next morning and grounded him for a week!” Miyeon adds, bursting into laughter and clutching her stomach as the memory plays out vividly in her mind.

“Oh my god, yes! That was legendary! I still remember his face when mom stormed into the house holding that bottle of vodka he had hidden by the fire place like it was some evidence from a crime scene.” you recall, laughing.

Taehyung groans dramatically, shaking his head as a sheepish grin creeps across his face. “Okay, in my defense, I didn’t think mom and dad would be back until the next week! And besides, it wasn’t even my idea to bring alcohol... it was Joon’s!”

“Sure sure, blame it on Joon.” you tease, smirking at him. “But you were the one who decided to stash some bottles right under the deck where dad always went to smoke... you were basically digging your own grave.” you say and Miyeon agrees.

Taehyung chuckles, running a hand through his hair. “Yeah, okay, that part was my bad. Slightly tragic at the time, but looking back... it is kind of funny.” he says, fixing his sunglasses on the bridge of his nose as he continues driving.

“Kind of?” Miyeon echoes, wiping a tear from her eye as her laughter subsides. “Baby, it was hilarious. The best part was you spending the entire week sulking while your mom made you clean the house from top to bottom.”

Jungkook, quietly listening to the exchange, grins at the camaraderie between you all. “Sounds like the beach house has a ton of memories.”

“Oh, you’ve got no idea.” you say with a laugh, squeezing Jungkook’s hand. “We went there, literally any chance we got. Sometimes just our family or sometimes with our cousins or some of our friends." you explain. "But I’m sure by tonight... you’ll have your own stories to add to the mix.” you add, grinning.

Taehyung glances at the rearview mirror, catching Jungkook’s amused expression. “Just as long as you don’t stash anything under the deck, you’ll be fine.” he jokes, earning a fresh wave of laughter from everyone.

Jungkook leans back, his gaze shifting between you and the cheerful couple up front. “Well, I can't wait.” he says, his smile growing as he turns to look at you. You grin, leaning closer to him. “I can’t wait either!” you say, shimmying your shoulders playfully. Jungkook laughs, finding your energy irresistibly endearing.

The day unfolds with Taehyung expertly navigating the bustling streets of Daegu, the morning sun casting a warm glow over the cityscape.

There’s an air of anticipation in the jeep, laughter spilling freely as Miyeon teases Taehyung about his questionable sense of direction, which he adamantly defends. Jungkook, seated beside you, fiddles with his camera, his fingers itching to start documenting the day.

At the Daegu Art Museum, the group is immediately immersed in the tranquil beauty of the exhibits. The contemporary collection is striking, each piece inviting interpretation. Jungkook, however, finds himself more captivated by the group than the art.

His camera clicks softly as he captures a candid shot of Miyeon leaning against Taehyung, her expression alight with curiosity as he dramatically interprets an abstract painting. Another snap catches you standing near a minimalist sculpture, your head tilted in quiet contemplation, the sunlight streaming through the museum’s large windows creating a halo around you.

“Caught you.” he whispers with a playful smirk when you notice the camera pointed at you. You roll your eyes but smile, leaning slightly into his frame as he snaps another shot.

The visit ends with a trip to the café that Taehyung had mentioned, the aroma of freshly baked pastries beckoning them inside. Taehyung gleefully orders a tray full of treats, and Jungkook doesn’t hold back either, his plate stacked with croissants, tarts, and a rich chocolate éclair.

“This is heaven.” he mutters through a mouthful, his eyes gleaming with delight. You nudge him with a laugh as he reaches for yet another pastry, his appetite seemingly endless.

The aquarium is a stark but enchanting contrast to the museum. As they step into the dimly lit space, Jungkook is immediately drawn to the serene beauty of the jellyfish exhibit. The creatures drift gracefully in glowing tanks, their delicate forms illuminated in hues of blue and pink.

“They look like they’re floating in space.” he murmurs, his camera raised to capture the ethereal scene. His voice carries a quiet reverence that makes you smile.

Miyeon and Taehyung are already at the touch pool, their laughter ringing out as they tentatively pet a ray gliding beneath their fingers. You drag Jungkook over, and though he hesitates at first, his cautious touch quickly turns into an exhilarated laugh when the ray’s smooth skin brushes against his hand. “I think it likes you.” you tease, earning a playful nudge from him.

The E-World Theme Park is next, and the group wastes no time renting school uniforms to fully embrace the whimsical spirit of the day. In the changing room, Jungkook adjusts the blazer over his crisp white shirt, feeling both amused and oddly nostalgic.

When you step out in your uniform, a pleated skirt, a neatly tucked blouse, and a navy ribbon tie, his breath catches for a moment. You twirl with a grin, the skirt flaring slightly, and he can’t help but think about how adorable you must have looked back in your high school days.

“Is this how you looked back then?” he asks softly, his gaze warm. You laugh, tugging playfully at the hem of your skirt. “Something like this, but way less put together.” Jungkook smiles, his eyes lingering on you. “You look... perfect.” he admits.

Taehyung bursts out of the dressing room, dramatically flipping his blazer like a cape. “We’re officially high schoolers again! Let’s relive our glory days!” he exclaims and Miyeon playfully rolls her eyes once she spots her man acting like a child.

The park is a whirlwind of excitement. The four of you tackle roller coasters, shrieking as they plummet down steep drops, and Taehyung wins a giant stuffed bear at a ring toss game, which Miyeon promptly claims as hers.

Jungkook’s camera is always ready, snapping a shot of you mid-laugh on the bumper cars, Miyeon feeding Taehyung a piece of cotton candy, and even a self-timer group photo with everyone posing cutely in front of the carousel.

Soon you find yourselves near the ferris wheel. You and Jungkook share a gondola, the city sprawling below bathed in the bright sunlight. He turns his camera to you, capturing a candid shot as you gaze out at the view, your hair gently tousled by the breeze.

When you notice, you nudge his arm with a teasing smile. “Caught me again?” you ask. He grins, lowering the camera. “Couldn’t help it. You’re just... breathtaking.”

//

Once you guys reach the beach after a hearty lunch at the restaurant Miyeon's uncle owned, the sound of the waves is rhythmic and soothing, the orange sun hovering over the ocean casting its reflection across the water like a painting come to life. The moment feels surreal, the kind of serenity that makes you want to pause time.

After some playful banter and fooling around on the shore, Taehyung claps his hands together. “Let me grab a few blankets so we can sit and watch the sunset.” he suggests. “I’ll help!” you chime, skipping after him towards the beach house that isn't far away from the beach, the two of you leaving Miyeon and Jungkook alone by the water.

Jungkook stands barefoot on the cool sand, the tiny grains rough but grounding beneath his feet, anchoring him to this serene moment. His camera dangles loosely around his neck, as he holds it, contemplating whether to capture this stunning view or let it remain untouched, a memory etched only in his mind.

Beside him, Miyeon hugs her arms around herself, the salty ocean breeze tousling her hair as it carries the faint scent of the sea. “So... how was your day?” she asks, her voice breaking the tranquil silence. Her tone is casual, but there’s a softness to it, a genuine curiosity.

Jungkook tears his gaze from the horizon to glance at her. There’s a faint smile tugging at his lips, one that reaches his eyes. “It was... amazing.” he replies, his voice low and sincere. “More than just amazing.”

Miyeon nods thoughtfully, a knowing smile gracing her face. She looks back at the waves, the way they lap against the shore in a rhythmic pattern. After a brief pause, she turns to him again, her expression gentle but serious. “I’m so glad Y/N has someone like you by her side.” she says, her words careful and heartfelt.

Jungkook blinks, caught off guard by the sudden depth of the conversation. A warmth spreads through his chest, not unlike the glow of the setting sun. “That means a lot.” he murmurs, his voice steady but laced with emotion.

“Honestly... it’s been a long time since I’ve seen her like this.” Miyeon continues, her voice tinged with a quiet fondness. “So free, so happy, so... content. You know, I’ve known her for years, seen her navigate through various relationships. She’s been with guys who were kind, others who weren’t so kind... but none of them... none of them... made her smile the way like you do.”

Jungkook feels his heart clench, her words landing heavily yet sweetly. A soft, almost bashful smile curves his lips. “She makes me feel the same way.” he admits. “Like I’ve found something I didn’t even know I was looking for.”

Miyeon watches him closely, her gaze assessing but kind. “I know this world... like this society... her family... they might feel a bit... different to you.” she says after a moment, her tone shifting slightly. “It’s not always easy. The way things work around here, the way people talk... there’s gossip, judgement, expectations, a lot of noise. It can be overwhelming.”

Jungkook tilts his head, his brows knitting together slightly as he absorbs her words.

“But...” Miyeon continues, her voice softer now, her smile reassuring, “I hope you hang in there. It’s going to be hard sometimes. It might even feel like too much. But in the end, it’ll all be worth it, because I know Y/N thinks the world of you. And... I can see why.”

Her words settle over him like the ocean breeze, warm and steadying. Jungkook looks at her, his gaze earnest. “Thank you.” he says quietly, his voice carrying the weight of his gratitude. “For saying that. For trusting me with her. I promise I’ll do everything I can to make her happy... always.”

Miyeon’s smile widens, and there’s a twinkle of approval in her eyes. “That’s all I needed to hear.”

For a moment, they stand there in companionable silence, both of them gazing out at the horizon as the sun sinks lower, dipping closer to the water. There’s an unspoken understanding between them now, a connection forged in their shared care for the same person. It’s not just words... they both feel the gravity of this conversation, the weight of the promises Jungkook silently makes to himself as much as to Miyeon.

And in that golden, fleeting moment, Jungkook lets out a small breath, feeling more resolute than ever, his heart full as he watches the scenery in front of him.

"We're hereeee!" you sing cheerfully, your voice carrying over the rhythmic crashing of the waves as you approach Jungkook with a soft blanket draped over your arms. Taehyung trails behind you, balancing another blanket and a small basket filled with snacks.

Together, the two of you spread the blankets across the cool sand, smoothing out any wrinkles as the orange hues of the setting sun paint the world in warm, dreamy tones.

The four of you settle down together, side by side, with the endless expanse of the ocean stretching before you. The sight is breathtaking as the sun dips lower, casting golden ripples across the water, while the breeze carries the faint scent of salt and the distant call of seabirds. It’s as if the world itself has paused to revel in the beauty of the moment.

“This is... incredible.” Jungkook murmurs, his voice low, almost reverent. He sits with his knees drawn up, his arms resting casually atop them, his eyes glued to the horizon. He looks peaceful, his sharp features softened by the warm light.

“I knew you’d love it.” you say, leaning slightly into him, feeling the calm settle deep into your bones as your head rests against his shoulder. “The sunsets here never disappoint.”

The laughter is easy, and the conversation flows effortlessly as the sun continues its descent. Time seems to stretch and condense all at once, and before long, the golden hues fade into dusky pinks and soft purples, the first stars twinkling faintly above.

When darkness finally settles over the beach, the four of you decide it’s time to head inside. With the blankets folded and snacks tucked back into the basket, you rise to your feet. Jungkook brushes the sand off his jeans, his gaze lingering on the ocean for just a moment longer before turning to follow the group.

As you approach the beach house, Jungkook slows his steps, his eyes widening slightly as he takes in the sight before him. The mansion stands tall and proud, its sleek white facade glowing faintly under the moonlight.

Floor-to-ceiling windows offer glimpses of the warm, inviting interiors, while the soft hum of ocean waves behind, adds a touch of serenity to its grandeur. It’s luxurious yet somehow intimate, a perfect blend of opulence and comfort.

“This place is... wow.” Jungkook mutters, his voice tinged with awe. “It’s home.” Taehyung says with a shrug as he steps ahead to unlock the front door. “Well, our getaway home.”

“Show-off.” Miyeon teases, bumping his shoulder as they step inside. Jungkook chuckles with you as the two of you walk in as well.

“Anyways... I’m gonna be cooking!” Taehyung announces as he kicks off his shoes and strides towards the huge open kitchen. Miyeon raises an eyebrow, following him. “Cooking? Or burning down the house? Let’s be honest here.”

“Excuse me.” Taehyung counters, dramatically placing a hand on his chest. “I am a man of culinary talent. You’re about to witness greatness.”

“Oh, I’m terrified.” she deadpans, but there’s a playful glint in her eyes as she moves to help him anyway. You watch them for a moment, a smile tugging at your lips. Then, turning to Jungkook, you grab his hand. “We’ll go freshen up.” you say, tugging him towards the staircase.

Jungkook follows without protest, his gaze flitting between the elegant interior decor... polished wood floors, soft, ambient lighting, and walls adorned with tasteful artwork and family photos. “This place feels like it belongs in a magazine.” he murmurs as you lead him upstairs.

“It’s nice, right?” you reply with a grin, pushing open the door to one of the guest rooms. The room is cozy yet sophisticated, with large windows offering a stunning view of the moonlit ocean. You turn to face him, your smile softening. “Make yourself at home. This is going to be our room for tonight.”

Jungkook sets his camera down, his eyes scanning the space before settling on you. “It’s perfect.” he says simply, and the warmth in his tone makes your heart flutter. “Yes.” you agree with a smile, grabbing a towel from a nearby closet. “Now, go freshen up. You’ve got sand everywhere.” you say. He chuckles, shaking his head as he grabs the towel and presses a swift kiss on your cheek. “Yes, ma’am.”

Once both of you finish freshening up, you head downstairs hand in hand, the light hum of voices and clattering utensils drawing you towards the kitchen. The moment you step inside, however, you can’t help but gape at the chaotic sight before you. Flour dusts the countertops, vegetable peels are scattered across the cutting board, and an unwashed pot sits precariously in the sink.

"Tae..." you groan, running a hand through your hair. “What on earth happened here?” you ask, looking around with wide eyes. Taehyung spins around, a sheepish grin plastered on his face as he holds up a spatula like a weapon of defense. “Creative process.” he declares with an exaggerated flourish.

Miyeon stands beside him with her arms crossed and an unimpressed look on her face. “He calls it cooking. I call it disaster art.” She says, shaking her head. Jungkook chuckles beside you, stepping further into the kitchen. “Looks like you need some backup.” he laughs.

Despite the mess, Taehyung manages to pull it all together with everyone’s help. Miyeon takes over the salad, Jungkook expertly handles grilling the bread and meat, and you focus on setting the table. Laughter fills the air as Taehyung insists his sauce recipe is “family famous" while Miyeon claims she’s never once seen him use it before.

Eventually, the chaos subsides, and the kitchen smells divine. You all step back to admire the dishes laid out on the table... steaming pasta, a crisp garden salad, grilled meat, garlic bread and a bottle of red wine that Taehyung proudly uncorks. The dining room is just as dreamy as the rest of the beach house, with large windows framing the ocean in the distance.

Dinner begins, and the atmosphere is light and cheerful. Conversation flows effortlessly, with Miyeon and Taehyung throwing playful jabs at each other, their chemistry contagious. Jungkook, usually guarded in such settings, surprises you by opening up more than you’d expected.

He talks about his life in New York, recounting funny anecdotes about his university days and how Yoongi had been his unlikely but steadfast guide and best friend back then.

“And then...” Jungkook says, chuckling as he leans back in his chair. “Yoongi told me to ditch the midterm and come to his band’s underground gig. That was the first time I ever heard him rap live and he was fucking incredible.”

“Damn.. Yoongi sure is one of a kind.” you say, smiling at him as he speaks. His enthusiasm is infectious, and your heart swells as you watch him completely at ease.

As the night progresses, the conversation shifts. Taehyung leans back, swirling the last bit of wine in his glass. “By the way, my cousins and friends are hosting this insane cruise party for my bachelor party next week. You should totally come, Jungkook.”

Miyeon nods enthusiastically. “Oh my god, yes and I’ll be taking Y/N and my girls to Jeju island for my bachelorette party on the same day. So, you two will have to separate for a while, but trust me Jungkook, you're gonna have an amazing time.”

Jungkook looks at you, his gaze steady but searching, like he’s silently asking for reassurance. The kindness and warmth radiating from Taehyung and Miyeon overwhelms him, though not unpleasantly so. You give his hand a gentle squeeze under the table, your fingers intertwined. Your soft smile is all the encouragement he needs.

He returns the smile, his dimples peeking through as he turns to the couple. “That sounds amazing... I'll definitely come along, thank you so much for inviting me.” he says earnestly.

//

The wine bottle sits empty on the table, and the laughter that once echoed through the house has softened into a cozy silence. The night carries a palpable sense of contentment, the kind that comes after hours of connection, shared stories, and easy companionship.

As Taehyung and Miyeon bid you goodnight, their faces glowing with joy, you watch them disappear into their room, their quiet murmurs fading into the background.

Jungkook’s hand finds its way to the small of your back as you turn towards the staircase, his touch steadying you a bit. You glance up at him, your eyes meeting his, and you can’t help but smile... a tired, genuine smile that speaks of how full your heart feels. He mirrors it and together you begin your ascent to the guest room.

The house is quiet now, save for the occasional creak of the wooden stairs and the distant whisper of the ocean beyond the windows. You’re a little light-headed, not quite from the wine but from the overwhelming warmth of the day. Each step feels like you’re carrying the weight of the happiness you’ve collected, and it’s a weight you don’t mind at all.

Jungkook keeps his pace slow, matching yours as if sensing your dazed state. “You good?” he murmurs, his voice soft and low in the stillness. “More than good.” you reply, your words slightly slurred with exhaustion but laced with sincerity. “Today was… perfect.”

“Yeah, it really was.” he agrees, his lips curving into a small smile as he watches you. There’s something tender in his gaze, something that feels like home.

Reaching your room, you push the door open and immediately throw yourself onto the bed, sprawling out with an exaggerated sigh of relief. “Finally.” you mumble, arms spread wide as if you’re trying to take up the entire mattress.

Jungkook closes the door behind him, watching you with a fond smile that slowly morphs into mischief. “You look way too comfortable.” he teases.

Before you can even respond, he lunges forward, jumping onto the bed with enough force to make the mattress bounce. You yelp in surprise, laughter spilling out of you as his weight settles over you, warm and solid.

He rests his head on your chest, nuzzling closer like a content cat. The gesture is so tender and unguarded that your laughter softens into a smile, your fingers instinctively finding their way to his hair.

“You’re such a baby.” you mutter, running your fingers through his soft, dark strands and gently patting his head. “And you’re my favorite pillow.” he mumbles, his voice muffled against your shirt.

The room is dimly lit, the sound of the ocean faintly audible through one of the open windows. The cool breeze carries the salty scent of the sea, but all you can focus on is the warmth radiating from Jungkook as he clings to you. His arms wrap snugly under your waist, and you feel his breaths even out as he starts to relax, his day catching up to him.

“You’re heavy.” you complain half-heartedly, though there’s no real protest in your tone. “I’m perfectly comfortable.” he retorts, looking up at you with a playful pout. “Plus, you’re the one who hugged me first.” You laugh softly, shaking your head as you lean forward and peck his lips. “Fine, I’ll allow it.”

He chuckles softly, the sound rumbling against your chest as he rests his head back against you. The room falls into a peaceful silence, the kind that only comes when two souls are completely at ease with one another. As you bask in each other’s warmth, Jungkook suddenly breaks the quiet, his voice gentle. “So… bachelor party, huh?”

You smile, continuing to run your fingers through his hair in soothing strokes. “Mhmmm.” you hum. “I guess the guys have something chill planned for the cruise.” you add.

Jungkook lifts his head again, resting his chin on your chest to look at you with skeptical amusement. “Chill? Baby, your definition of chill might just be very different from mine. I’m imagining a massive, over-the-top cruise with a DJ, crazy lights, and maybe even fireworks.” he teases, his grin boyish.

You laugh, the sound bubbling out as you shake your head. “Okay, fine, it might be a little extravagant. But seriously, if you feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed, you don’t have to go. I can always stay back with you. I really don’t mind.”

At this, Jungkook slowly lifts himself with his elbows, looking down at you. His gaze is filled with a mixture of gratitude and fondness, making your heart squeeze. “No, baby.” he says softly but firmly, his voice filled with conviction.

“Never. I’m so glad your brother invited me. Honestly, I was nervous, especially yesterday. I kept overthinking that he might not like me or think I wasn’t good enough for you. But Taehyung and Miyeon? They’ve both been so kind, so welcoming. It sure is… overwhelming, but in the best way possible.” He pauses, his fingers reaching out to softly brush your hair away from your face. “I’m honestly so happy to be here. With them... and especially with you.”

Your chest tightens with emotion, the sincerity in his voice wrapping around you like a blanket. “I’m glad.” you whisper, reaching up to cup his face, your thumb brushing over the curve of his chin. “Because... I can tell they love you already. And so do I.”

Jungkook leans down, pressing a tender kiss to your forehead, his lips lingering as if to seal the moment. “I love you too.” he murmurs softly against your skin, the warmth of his words wrapping around you like a blanket.

As he slowly pulls away, your gaze meets his, the world fading until all that exists are his deep, expressive eyes. Your attention flickers to his lips, a spark igniting within you. Gently, your fingers trail to the nape of his neck, tugging him closer with a quiet urgency. Closing the space between you, you press a soft, lingering kiss to his lips, the moment steeped in tenderness and unspoken emotion.

Jungkook loses himself in the kiss, a content sigh escaping his lips as he presses closer, his body melting against yours. His weight feels comforting, as if he belongs right there in your embrace. Your arms instinctively wrap around him, holding him close.

The kiss deepens naturally, his lips moving in perfect rhythm with yours, filled with affection and desire. When his tongue softly brushes against your lips, seeking entrance, you welcome him, the intimacy drawing you both deeper into the moment. His touch is gentle yet electrifying, every movement a testament to the connection you share.

His hand finds your waist, fingers pressing gently as he continues kissing you with fervor. When you pull away for a brief moment, both of you catching your breath, Jungkook's gaze lingers on you. He takes in the sight of your dazed state... your swollen lips, your flushed cheeks, and the way your chest rises and falls with each breath.

A soft smirk plays on his lips as he shifts his weight. Still keeping you beneath him, he sits back on his knees and, in one smooth motion, pulls off his shirt, tossing it to the floor. The sight leaves you momentarily speechless. The soft glow of the room highlights every curve and dip of his toned torso, his skin kissed by faint shadows.

Your eyes can’t help but follow the intricate trail of tattoos that snake down his shoulder and arm, each detail drawing you in further. No matter how many times you see him like this, you always think his body is literal art, raw and captivating, and you feel the warmth rise in your cheeks as you bite your lip at the sight. The playful glint in his eyes suggests he notices your reaction, and it only makes your heart race faster.

He shifts, getting off you with an effortless grace as he begins slipping out of his pants. The sound of fabric rustling fills the room, and you take it as your cue to rise from the bed and start undressing yourself as well.

Once you’re completely bare, Jungkook’s eyes roam over your form, his gaze darkening with raw admiration and longing. You can feel the intensity in the way he looks at you, like you’re the only thing that exists in this moment. The faint rise and fall of his chest mirrors the rhythm of your own unsteady breaths.

The way your eyes meet his, vulnerable yet filled with desire, sends a shiver down his spine. He lets out a low, shaky breath, his lips curving into the faintest of smiles, almost reverent.

Stepping closer to the bed, each step laden with anticipation, Jungkook’s eyes never leave yours. He climbs onto the mattress with fluid grace, his presence overwhelming in the most intoxicating way. Hovering over you, he gently urges you to lean back until you’re resting against the soft sheets. His body settles perfectly between your legs, the weight of him sending your senses into overdrive.

You’re enveloped by his warmth, the firm press of his chest against your breasts, igniting a slow burn that spreads through you. He captures your lips in a kiss that’s deeper this time... hot, messy, and unrestrained. The languid slide of his tongue against yours sends shivers down your spine, the intensity of it leaving no room for anything else but the two of you and this moment.

Letting go of your lips, he trails a path of kisses down from the curve of your throat, over the slope of your chest until he reaches the swell of your breasts. He claims them as his with suckling and teasing bites, eliciting a soft moan from you. A flush blooms over your skin from the sensation, making you tingle all the way to your toes.

He lavishes the same attention to your other breast, teasing and marking you as you squirm under him, the friction of his body between your thighs sending hot sparks through your nerves. As he hears the sounds that escape you, his lips return to yours, like he misses them.

He kisses you deeper, his tongue sweeping and curling against yours as you run your hands up the taut muscles of his back and into his hair. Your fingertips thread through his silky strands, pulling gently at the roots.

Jungkook lets out a low growl against your lips, the vibrations of it sending another rush of arousal to your core. He rolls his hips slowly, grinding against you, the hard length of his shaft pressing against your wet folds. The sweet pressure of it makes you arch against him, moaning into his mouth.

You feel so alive, the pleasure of his touch making your body sing. Every brush of his fingers, every sweep of his tongue, every press of his lips sets your nerves on fire.

You’re hyperaware of him, in the way his muscles tense beneath your hands, the way his hips rock against yours, the way he groans against your mouth as he grinds between your legs. You know the moment he reaches his limits when his kisses turn desperate and rough, his body trembling with the effort to keep himself from taking you right then.

You feel like you’re melting into him, your body molding into his, fitting against him like the missing piece of a puzzle. His hands map every inch of your body, his fingertips tracing your skin with reverence, making you shiver beneath his touch. His chest heaves against yours, his breaths growing harsher with every kiss, with every shift of his hips.

And then Jungkook pulls you up suddenly, and you find yourself straddling him as he settles back on the mattress. Your hands slide down his chest, over the hills and valleys of his torso, his muscles jumping under your fingertips. Your fingers dance down the length of his abs to wrap around his hardened length.

Jungkook groans at the feel of your hand around him, his hips jerking up as you softly stroke his member, your lips still melting with his. His arms circle around your back to support you, one hand resting against your nape as they reach your hair at the back of your head, tilting you to deepen the kiss, his fingers digging into your scalp.

You break away from the kiss, panting heavily, and he trails his lips down the column of your throat. He licks and kisses the sensitive skin over your pulse, murmuring sweet nothings that you can't quite decipher at the moment.

Your hands continue to stroke his shaft, and his hips buck up against your touch, seeking more. Your eyes open slowly as you enjoy the sensation, and as you tilt your head back, your gaze falls upon the enormous floor to ceiling windows by the wall.

As you observe the scene ahead, you watch the inky blackness of the night sky stretching above the endless expanse of the ocean that glimmers like diamonds under the light of the moon. The sight of it makes something stir in you, and you bite your lips as an idea sparks up in your mind.

"Kook…" you manage to mumble softly, as your breath hitches at the feel of his teeth nipping at your skin. He's too immersed in what he's doing to hear you. You call out for him again, louder this time. "Kook…" you say and he hums against your skin, still marking you.

"Fuck me… fuck me against the windows." You breathe out, your words low and sultry, husky with arousal. Jungkook's eyes snap to yours, his pupils blown wide. He sucks in a sharp breath, his nostrils flaring. "Fuck…" he mutters as his hips thrust up hard into your hand as he hears your request, struggling to regain his control.

He's quick to move, though, catching you off guard as he flips you onto the mattress with ease, your back now pressed against the soft sheets again. The sudden shift leaves you breathless, your hands slipping away from him in surprise.

His gaze is steady, his movements purposeful as he leans over the edge of the bed. Reaching for the discarded pants on the floor, he retrieves his wallet from the pocket. The rustle of fabric fills the quiet room as he pulls out a condom, his eyes flicking back to you. The intensity in his expression makes your heart race, a mix of tenderness and raw desire that has your pulse thrumming in anticipation.

You watch him with rapt attention, the way his fingers move with ease as he slides the condom onto his length. He's hard, his dick a deliciously heavy weight in his hands as he looks back up at you, the tip of him glistening.

Once he's done, he reaches for you, a small smirk on his lips as your eyes widen, wondering what he's about to do. Your heart leaps into your throat as he lifts you with ease, your legs wrapping automatically around his waist to keep yourself secure.

The feeling of his hands on your bare skin makes you shiver, goosebumps peppering your flesh. His grip tightens on you, fingers digging into your thighs as you wrap your arms around the back of his neck.

You're barely settled before he moves, swift and silent as he crosses the room with you in his arms. The cold glass against your back makes you gasp, your eyes wide as Jungkook presses his lips against yours.

You arch into him, pressing yourself as close as possible as you meet his kisses with fervent eagerness, your lips opening up for his tongue to slide in. You moan into the kiss, your hips rocking gently against him. Jungkook groans in response, the vibrations of the sound against your mouth sending shivers down your spine.

You're so lost in the feeling of his mouth against yours that you barely feel him let go of your thighs before your feet hit the floor. He holds you for a moment, making sure you're steady.

A whimper escapes your mouth when he lets go of you entirely, but the feeling is short-lived. The chill of the glass against your skin makes you gasp as Jungkook swiftly turns you against the window, your breasts pressing against the glass as your head tilts to the side.

He presses his chest against your back as he dips his head to trail wet kisses on your shoulder, his lips warm against your skin, and you moan softly, pushing yourself against him, dying to feel more of him. You hear him chuckle before his teeth nips the sensitive spot below your ear, sending shivers coursing through you. His hands skim over your stomach and hips before one slides between your legs, his warm palm pressing against your wet folds.

You moan, pushing back against him, rubbing yourself against his erection with your ass as his hand continues to press against you. Your own fingers curl against the glass, your mind hazy with the feeling of him like this.

Jungkook's other hand slides around your torso, teasing the underside of your breast with his fingertips before slipping underneath. He cups you gently in his palm, his thumb flicking against your nipple, sending a wave of pleasure through you.

"Kook…" you murmur, the sensation driving you insane. He groans softly, the sound vibrating against the back of your neck. You can feel the heat of his mouth on your skin as he trails it lower to your shoulder and your back. His teeth nip against your skin, and his hand presses harder against your wetness, the pressure sending ripples through your body.

You arch into his touch, your body so desperate for him as you feel him move his fingers against your core. He spreads you apart with his fingers, his palm still pressed against your clit.

You're so wet that you can feel your juices slightly dripping down your inner thighs as he moves his fingers against you, pressing and rubbing in slow circles. He teases you with leisure movements, your gasps filling the room as he massages you.

"I love how wet you get for me." He whispers into your ear and you moan in response, feeling him push you harder against the window. The feeling of his hot breath against your skin and the coldness of the glass, sends a shiver through your body as his other hand grips your breast harder, thumb flicking over your nipple once more.

His other hand continues to rub against your swollen clit, sending waves of pleasure through your body with each passing second. He gradually presses a finger against your opening, your legs trembling at the feeling before he carefully pushes it inside. You gasp as his finger slides deeper into you, your body tightening around him instinctively.

He hums softly, as he feels you throw your head back against his shoulder while he starts to move his finger, pumping it in and out of you. Your fingers curl harder against the glass as you arch into his touch, pushing against his hand with your hips. You let out a soft moan as his thumb rubs against your clit, sending shivers through you.

"Baby..." you pant, your head resting against the window again, your breath misting on the glass as he moves faster, his digits spreading you apart to slide deeper inside you as he pushes in two more fingers. You feel the cold glass on your breasts and stomach, and the heat of his body against your back. His hand on your waist tightens, his fingers digging into you as he slides his fingers into you again and again, his thumb violently rubbing against your swollen clit.

Your legs tremble as your orgasm approaches, hitting you like a tsunami as you struggle to stand straight. He chuckles from behind you and carefully pulls his fingers out as your head drops against the cold glass once more. "Look at me…" he whispers as he turns you around to face him, your chest still heaving as you struggle to catch your breath. His eyes run over your flushed face, your flushed cheeks and quivering lips.

"You're... so perfect." He coos as he reaches out to brush your hair away from your sweaty forehead. He gazes down at your swollen lips and kisses them softly, feeling you lean into him, your hands running over his arms as you rest them on his shoulders. He runs his hands down your torso and lifts you up, catching you by the thighs and making your legs wrap around his waist again.

You gasp, feeling his hot length pressing against you. His eyes darken as he looks up at you, watching you bite your lip, your nails digging harder into his skin. "Fuck… " He murmurs softly as he pulls you closer, his cock pressing against your entrance. You bite your lip, whimpering at the feeling, your heart pounding in your chest as you feel him rubbing it against you.

His fingers grip your waist tighter, pushing you back against the glass. Your breath hitches as he uses the opportunity to slide into you, instantly groaning at the feeling of you around him. "Oh..." he moans, closing his eyes as he takes a few seconds to enjoy the warmth around his length.

He holds you there for a moment, before opening his eyes again. They flick to yours, watching as he pushes himself deeper into you, feeling you moan at the way he stretches you out. "This what you wanted baby?" He whispers against your lips as he begins moving himself in and out of you, his pace gradually increasing.

Your back squeakily rubs against the window as he fucks you, your moans uncontrollable. You try to hold yourself back, worried Taehyung and Miyeon might hear you from downstairs, but the way he's making you feel right now doesn't let you think straight.

"This... This is what you wanted baby? For me to... for me to fuck you against these... these windows?" you hear him ask between thrusts as he slams himself into you over and over again, each time harder than the last.

You nod, closing your eyes as you try to catch your breath when he picks up his pace. "I... I love you... fuck." he grunts, catching your lips in a messy kiss as his hand expertly reaches between you, rubbing at your clit in quick circles.

The sensation is utterly overwhelming, pleasure surging through your veins in ways you never imagined possible. Every touch, every movement, every way he claims you as his feels almost otherworldly... a divine symphony of passion and connection.

Your head spins, a haze of ecstasy clouding your thoughts as you surrender completely to the moment. You let the bliss wash over you, allowing it to consume every part of you, leaving no room for anything but the pure, unbridled intensity of him inside you.

He suddenly moves away from the windows, his gaze locked on yours while his member still resides inside you. The cool sheets meet your back as he lays you down on the edge of the bed. Continuing his thrusts, you feel his length twitch inside you, indicating that he's very close.

Your fingers curl tightly around the sheets beside you as a wave of pleasure washes over you, your body responding instinctively to his. Jungkook groans deeply, his voice raw and breathless, the sound igniting something primal within you.

His movements become more erratic, each thrust deeper and harder, the intensity building between you. The rhythmic sound of your bodies meeting fills the room, as both of you chase your highs.

Your second orgasm washes over you just like the waves crashing against the shore outside and you clench around his length, sending him over the edge as he feels his release spill into the condom between thrusts.

A loud gasp escapes his lips as he falls on top of you once he's done chasing his high, breathing heavily as he basks in the lingering euphoria. His body feels warm and weightless, every nerve still alive with the aftershocks of pleasure. He carefully pulls out of you, shifting his body to lay on the bed, right beside you.

The room is quiet except for the soft sound of your mingled breaths, a serene stillness settling over the both of you. "That was..." you breathe out, your voice laced with exhaustion and lingering bliss, your gaze fixed on the ceiling.

"Amazing." he finishes for you, a soft, contented smile gracing his lips as he turns his head to look at you. His dark eyes hold a glimmer of affection and satisfaction, his arm instinctively reaching to hold you. He pulls you closer as you turn your head to meet his gaze, a small, sleepy smile tugging at your lips. "You're amazing." you murmur, your voice filled with sincerity.

He chuckles softly, the sound low and warm, his voice carrying a tenderness that makes your chest ache in the best way. Leaning forward, he presses a gentle kiss to your forehead. "You’re not so bad yourself." he teases.

You chuckle in response, the sound light as you inch closer to him, your body naturally seeking his warmth. He shifts slightly, propping himself up just enough to reach for the blanket at the edge of the bed. With careful movements, he drapes the warm fabric over the two of you, cocooning you both in its comforting embrace.

Settling back down, Jungkook pulls you even closer, his arm wrapping securely around your waist as he buries his face in the crook of your neck. The warmth of his breath fans against your skin, and he inhales deeply, letting out a contented sigh.

To be in your arms like this, to hold you so intimately, to be able to make love to you so passionately... it all fills him with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. He feels blessed, as though the universe conspired to bring him to this very beautiful moment.

"I love you so much." he confesses softly, his voice low and raw with emotion. He presses a series of tender kisses along your collarbone, each one a silent vow of his affection. You smile, your heart swelling as your head sinks further into the soft pillow. Gently, you run your fingers through his hair, patting the back of his head with affection. "I love you too." you reply.

Jungkook hums softly at your response, a sound filled with pure contentment, as his eyes flutter close. His grip around your waist tightens just slightly, as if even in his sleep, he doesn’t want to let you go. You smile at the gesture, your fingers lazily tracing circles on his back, the steady rhythm of his breathing lulling you into serenity.

“Goodnight, love.” you whisper, though you’re not sure if he’s awake enough to hear. He mumbles something incoherent in response, his lips brushing your collarbone, and you chuckle softly, planting a kiss on his hair. And just like that, wrapped in his warmth, with the weight of his love holding you close, your eyes finally drift shut.

//

“I’m gonna miss you.” Jungkook pouts, gently swaying you in his arms, his hands resting securely on your waist. The playful pout on his lips tugs at your heart, knowing you’ll be apart for two whole days.

“I’m gonna miss you too.” you reply softly, meeting his gaze. Around you, the bustling port hums with energy... men laughing, luggage being hauled onto the cruise ship, and the distant rhythm of waves lapping against the dock. The cruise ship towers above, its sheer size making Jungkook shift nervously.

“That thing is... massive.” he mutters, glancing up at the ship. “I don’t think I’m ready for whatever madness Taehyung has planned.” he says. You chuckle, reaching up to tuck a strand of hair behind his ear. “You’ll survive, babe. Just... don’t let Tae drag you into anything too crazy.” you tease.

Jungkook smirks, leaning in close so his lips graze your ear. “Only if you promise not to out-party me in Jeju.” he says. “Deal.” you laugh, nudging his chest lightly. His dark eyes sparkle, a mix of amusement and longing in them, as he pulls you even closer.

“But seriously…” Jungkook murmurs, his tone softening as his thumb gently brushes over your waist. “Text me as soon as you land, okay? And make sure to send me lots of pictures… especially…” He pauses, leaning in close to your ear, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper.

“Especially in that pink bikini.” he says, a cheeky grin spreading across his face. You burst into laughter, playfully swatting his shoulder. “Kook…” you say, your tone half-amused, half-scolding.

“What?” he feigns innocence, shrugging his shoulders as he holds you. “I’m serious, okay? Two days without seeing you is way too long, so I’ll need something to look at.” he says, puckering his lips. You roll your eyes, a smile tugging at your lips. “You’re ridiculous.” you reply, shaking your head. “And you love me for it.” he counters with a wink, pulling you closer once again.

Suddenly, a man’s voice cuts through the moment, booming over the bustling port. “Everyone, please assemble by the dock and begin boarding the cruise!”

You sigh softly, glancing back at Jungkook. “Looks like you need to go.” you say, your voice tinged with a mix of reluctance and understanding. He nods, his lips pressing into a small pout before pulling you into a warm hug.

The embrace is tight, his arms lingering around you as if he doesn’t want to let go. “Have fun, baby.” you murmur, patting his back gently. He hums in response, holding you for a few more seconds before finally pulling away.

As he starts to follow the group heading towards the dock, he turns back briefly, waving at you with that bright, boyish smile that never fails to melt your heart. “Love you!” he calls out, his voice carrying over the commotion.

Before you can even respond, he’s already turned around, disappearing into the crowd, leaving you with a fond smile on your lips and a tiny bit of emptiness because you miss him already.

//

The thumping bass of the music reverberates through the air, blending with the excited chatter of random people. The scene on the cruise is wild. An elaborate DJ setup blares upbeat tracks while men mingle with women dressed in swimsuits that leave little to the imagination. Some of them might even be strippers hired to amp up the party’s extravagance.

Jungkook sits at the bar, nursing a drink in his hand. The cool breeze from the open ocean tousles his hair as he gazes out at the endless expanse of water. It feels surreal, almost like the cruise is floating in the middle of nowhere. For a moment, he lets himself get lost in the stillness of the horizon... a stark contrast to the chaos of the party behind him.

“Crazy party, huh?” a voice breaks through his thoughts, pulling his attention back. Jungkook turns, his brow furrowing slightly at the sight of an unfamiliar man standing nearby. He raises his eyebrows, silently prompting the stranger to introduce himself.

The man catches the hint, letting out a soft laugh as he steps closer. “Oh, I’m Wooyoung, by the way. We haven’t met before, but you’re Y/N’s boyfriend, right?” He extends a hand towards Jungkook, his expression friendly yet curious.

Jungkook’s brows knit slightly as he takes in Wooyoung’s easygoing demeanor. The man seems unbothered, almost too casual, and it only adds to Jungkook’s confusion. Slowly, he accepts Wooyoung’s handshake, his grip firm but cautious.

“Uh, yeah, I’m Jungkook... but how did you know that?” he asks, his voice edged with curiosity. The question lingers in the air as he watches for any hint of malice in Wooyoung’s expression.

Wooyoung chuckles, releasing Jungkook’s hand and leaning casually against the bar. “Well... word travels fast around here.” he explains with a slight shrug. “You’re a photographer in New York, right? I heard a few people talking about you earlier.”

Jungkook wets his lips, his tongue briefly brushing over his piercing as he processes the information. Gossiping wasn’t entirely unexpected, especially after that tea ceremony. He figures it isn’t anything unusual, but there’s still a twinge of discomfort at being a topic of conversation among people he hasn’t even met and doesn't even know.

"Right..." Jungkook mutters, his gaze drifting over the bustling scene before him as he takes another sip of his drink. The sharp, familiar burn of the alcohol doesn't quite mask the unease brewing inside him.

Wooyoung, ever the picture of confidence, flashes a grin before turning to order himself a drink. As the minutes tick by, Jungkook watches him carefully, feeling the weight of the silence between them. "So, you're Taehyung's friend?" he finally asks, his voice betraying a hint of curiosity. Wooyoung nods, an easygoing smile playing on his lips.

"Sort of." he replies replies, his voice casual, almost nonchalant. "But I’m actually closer to his cousin, Seokjin."

Jungkook nods, absorbing the information, but the conversation quickly takes a turn. Wooyoung shifts in his seat, his posture relaxed, yet there's something in his tone that makes Jungkook wary. "So... Y/n's family... they're something different, huh?" Wooyoung remarks, a subtle glint of amusement in his eyes.

Jungkook’s expression shifts slightly as a faint, almost involuntary smile tugs at the corners of his lips. There’s something about the way Wooyoung said it, as if he’s probing, testing. "Yeah... I guess." Jungkook replies, unsure of where exactly this is going.

"But honestly..." Wooyoung suddenly says. "I didn’t really... expect this." he adds, his voice trailing off. Jungkook tilts his head, confused. "Expect what?" he asks, feeling the unease in his chest grow.

“Well, you know...” Wooyoung begins, his eyes glinting as he speaks. “Y/n bringing home a guy all the way from New York... A photographer, at that." He pauses dramatically, letting the words sink in, then adds with a smirk. "I honestly thought her parents would marry her off to some trust fund kid or... some corporate heir. You know, the usual path."

Jungkook’s lips press together in a tight line, his pulse quickening as the words hang heavy in the air. As if sensing the change in the atmosphere, Wooyoung shifts in his seat, nonchalantly accepting his drink from the bartender. He takes a sip, his eyes flicking back to Jungkook.

"Like, Taehyung and Miyeon... well, that was inevitable." Wooyoung continues, his tone now more reflective, like he’s letting his thoughts wander. "Y/n and Miyeon were childhood friends, and Miyeon’s family owns this insane billion-dollar restaurant chain. So... I guess that's how they were very accepting of this marriage. I just didn’t expect Y/n to settle for something so... unconventional."

The words, laced with a certain insinuation, seem to linger in the air, thick with meaning. Jungkook's fingers tighten around his glass, the quiet tension palpable. Wooyoung’s casual demeanor doesn’t help the weight of the conversation, and Jungkook can feel the undercurrent of judgment, whether intentional or not. Still, he stays quiet, his gaze never leaving Wooyoung’s face.

"Unconventional." Jungkook repeats, his voice low, almost as if he’s contemplating the very word.

Wooyoung takes a slow sip from his drink, his gaze shifting to the ocean before settling back on Jungkook. "Yeah, like..." he begins, his tone carrying an edge of amusement. "Especially after how her mom was crazy about wanting us to get married three years ago."

The words hit Jungkook like a sharp gust of wind. His head snaps towards Wooyoung, disbelief etched across his face. "What?" he questions, his voice tinged with confusion, as though he had misheard.

Wooyoung leans back slightly, as if savoring the moment. "Yeah." he continues, his smirk deepening. "Her mom wanted her to settle down here, thought I was a 'suitable match,' you know? But Y/n was just so... hellbent on moving to New York to pursue her... fashion designer dreams or whatever."

Jungkook’s grip on his glass tightens, his mind racing to process the information but he already hates the tone of this man. "Wait... so you and Y/n were... supposed to get married?" he questions, the words coming out slower, like he’s trying to wrap his head around the idea.

Wooyoung chuckles, the sound low and deliberate, dripping with satisfaction, like this is exactly the reaction he was aiming for. "Yeah." he replies smoothly, swirling the liquid in his glass, his gaze never leaving Jungkook as if savoring the moment. He takes another slow sip, the pause calculated to build tension, before finally turning back to Jungkook with a look of feigned innocence.

"She didn’t tell you this?"

<- part 3 // part 5->

series masterlist

taglist: @mirinaeii @taetaecatboy @tsukiesimp @lovingkoalaface @taekrve @jaytheatiny @loverofannabeth @jaerisdiction @whoa-jo @parkinglot-nights @reneeblack6230

[ilovemybirdy]

When Heartbeats Collide Chapter 1

Kairi, a budding pop star is out of luck when her music producer suddenly has to take a leave of absence. But an up and coming producer by the name of Sora could be just what she needs to finish her album (and spice up her life).

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Chapter 1: A New Partnership

“Click, tap tap, click.” the sounds of my laptop echoed in the small studio room. Often times, I liked to coop up in here whenever inspiration struck; and last night I had been fortunate enough to strike a gold mine of it. I had been re-watching sleeping beauty for the millionth time and upon this particular re-watch the movie had made me think about the implications of love at first sight. Or I guess, in her case love at first sleep. I thought that it might be an interesting metaphor to talk about love from a dream like state of mind or perspective. I wanted to emulate an airy sound and make the listener feel like they were up in the clouds listening to angels.

I had finished the first verse, the chorus, and had settled on doing the song in Bflat minor. As I hummed potential melodies to myself, a sudden knock interrupted my thoughts.

“Come in!” I called. The door clicked open and my assistant Selphie entered.

“Hey Kairi! How’s the song writing going today?” she asked. She gently smiled at me and walked over.

“Well… I’m having trouble thinking of a bridge and a second verse, but other than that I’m making good progress.”

“I’m glad to hear it!” she exclaimed. “I know you’ve been having writer’s block lately, so it’s great you finally un-stuck yourself. Unfortunately, you’ll have to finish working on this later; your meeting starts in 10.” She checked her watch and gave me an apologetic look. I glanced at the time on my phone: 11:50PM. Right on the dot, as Selphie always was.  

“Oh fun,” I groaned. “My favorite part of the month.”

“That’s why I brought you your favorite: iced caramel coffee with a shot of espresso and extra creamer!” I had been so absorbed in my work that I hadn’t yet noticed the coffee in her hand. “I also got you one of those overpriced snack boxes at Papoubucks because I know you forget to eat when you go into these creative frenzies. Seriously! You’ve been in here for hours.” The time had really flown by; we had gotten here around 8 and it was already noon now.

“Thanks Selph. I swear, I don’t know what I’d do without you sometimes.”

“Probably starve to death and go into cardiac arrest from caffeine withdrawal.”

We erupted into a fit of giggles at the snide remark. As I took a much, much needed sip of coffee (my insomnia had been particularly bad lately) Selphie helped me pack up my belongings. On the walk to the conference room I began explaining my new song to her.

“Have you decided on a name yet?” she asked.

“Some contenders I have are dreamy, cloud, and maybe rem? You know, the stage of sleep you have dreams in. Or at least that’s what web MD said.”

“I never like looking up medical problems on there, it just always tells me that I have cancer and that I’m going to die or that I’m pregnant,” she chortled. “Out of those names though I think I like rem the best.”

“Selphie, you’re supposed to take the advice from websites like that with a grain of salt.” I giggled, before continuing. “But yeah, I think I’ll go with rem; it has more meaning behind it than the other names.”

“Look sometimes I get curious and can’t resist looking my symptoms up! Anyway, it sounds like you’re making a really sweet love song! It’s a pretty interesting concept too. I’m sure I’ll love it when you’re done with it.”

Our conversation came to a halt as we arrived at the conference room. We took our seats in the black leather chairs, and unpacked our belongings as members of my team arrived. Selphie readied a pen and notebook to record important points from the meeting. Glancing up, I saw my manager Aqua make her entrance. We made eye contact and she smiled warmly at me; I grinned back. She always wore suits, but today she was sporting a slightly more casual outfit: a navy button up shirt tucked into a pair of black jeans. Her black heels clicked on the tiles and I noticed that she had her sleeves rolled up; probably due to the recent heatwaves. Destiny Islands was famous for having the highest temperatures out of all the worlds, especially during summer.

The rest of my team followed suit behind Aqua: Olette (the head of my PR team), Xion (head of my marketing team), and Marluxia (performance coordinator).  Olette was donning a flowing orange sundress with wedge sandals, Xion was wearing a sleek grey suit, and Marluxia was sporting a pink polo shirt with jeans. Aqua briefly scanned the room to make sure all members of my team were accounted for before starting.

“Alright guys let’s get started. I know I want to take my lunch break just as much as you all,” Aqua said. The room filled with soft laughter at the cheeky comment.

“First things first, let’s check in with you Kairi. How much progress have you made on your album since our last update?”

“Well…” I fidgeted with my pen as I skimmed over my notes. “I have about 5 songs that I finished writing lyrics for. I’m in the process of finish a 6thsong right now. How much time do I have left before the album has to be finalized?”

Aqua paused for a moment and glanced at her laptop.

“I met with Mickey, the head of the department and he said he’d like to have it finalized by September so… that gives you about 4 more months. He also said you needed to have at least 10 songs on the album, if not more.”

“That’s cutting a little bit short but as long as I have Pence to help me finish writing it should be okay. Is he going to be back soon?”

“Well… about that. Pence’s younger brother finally found a kidney donor.”

“Really?! That’s great!” I smiled and clasped my hands. They had been waiting for 6 months at this point. I sighed in relief, things would finally be okay for Pence’s family again.

“I know!” Aqua beamed back at me. “However, because of that he’s decided to take a leave of absence to help out his family back in Twilight Town. Which unfortunately means we have no music producer for you for a while.  However, no need to fear manager Aqua is here! I’ve already recruited some local producers to replace Pence in the meantime. If you don’t click with any, I can always look for more candidates, but it would be easier if you chose one of them for convivence’s sake. I’ll email you their resumes and sample songs for you to look over later. I even took the liberty to schedule interviews with them for this evening so we can get the ball rolling ASAP.”

My anxiety began to flare up at the prospect of interviewing strangers. Writing music was such an emotional and personal process for me; not to mention with someone completely new. Pence had helped me write some of my greatest radio hits and I trusted him so much. It was going to be difficult having to go without him this time.

“Thanks, Aqua, I’ll look over them during lunch. When are the interviews?” I responded, trying to mask the shakiness in my voice. I hid my hands under the table as they shook.

“I have 3 candidates; interviews start at 3PM with 30 minute time blocks for each candidate. Don’t worry, you’ll get out of here no later than 5 today. And with that out of the way, let’s move on to the next topic!”

Chatter broke out into the room and I began munching on my snack. Olette and Selphie discussed some modeling opportunity for ‘Destiny’ magazine, but I was barely paying attention. I breathed slowly, trying to calm down from the anxiety eating away at me until Olette interjected.

“Hey Kairi, have you heard of the Radiant Garden Met Gala? Yuffie is one of the fashion designers for this year; I met her at a networking conference last week. Apparently, she’s a big fan of yours and asked if she could have the honor of designing for you!” She pushed a stray hair behind her ear as she beamed at me excitedly.

The Met Gala was one of the biggest annual fashion events throughout all the worlds. While I never really cared for the press at big events, getting dressed up and admiring all of the designer’s hard work was my favorite thing about red carpet events.

“I’d love to attend, Selphie do I have room in my schedule for it?”

“Mmmmm…” she paused as she flipped through her planner, “Yeah! It is cutting it a bit close to your performance for the Island’s summer fest but definitely doable. Olette, can you give me Yuffie’s email so that I can coordinate the consultation and fitting?”

Olette nodded and began typing away at her laptop. Xion then stepped up to show some new merch designs for the team to look over on the projector. Aqua and I approved some, and requested alterations on others for her team to work on. Marluxia and Selphie then discussed some future performance dates. By the time the meeting was finished, my coffee and snack box were no more. Everyone fled out of the room saying their goodbyes quickly, excited for lunch.

“Hey Kairi, what are you in the mood for? Why don’t you go prepare for those interviews while I go pick up lunch?” Selphie asked.

“How about comfort food? Maybe some pad thai from that Asian place on Shinjitsu street?” I desperately needed something to calm my nerves with how on edge I felt.

“Oh, I love their orange chicken! I’ll head out now, be back in a flash! I wanna take a look at those resumes too when I get back. A new producer, how exciting!” she squealed. Grabbing her purse, she dashed out the door. I quickly packed up and headed back to my studio room. Once there, I made myself comfortable at the desk and pulled up my email.

Hey sweetheart!

Here are the 3 candidates I’ve picked out for you: Hayner, Seifer , and Sora. The first two have worked with some of my other artists I manage, and Sora was a recommendation from Xion herself. Apparently, they went to college together and he works with some of her other merchandise clients. As a reminder, interviews start at 3PM! I’ve told them to just meet you in your studio. Good luck and remember to check in with me tomorrow.

Sincerely,

Aqua

Artist Manager at Destiny Island Records

Deciding it was best to just go in order, I clicked on the first file titled ‘hayner.docx’. Previous artists he’d worked with included big names like Yuna and Paine. Yuna was well known for fast paced hip hop EDM songs and Paine did a lot of alternative rock. At least he was multifaceted, but neither genre was exactly my cup of tea. I clicked on the links to the sample songs listed but was only slightly impressed.

Then, I pulled up Seifer’s resume. Apparently, he’d been behind some of the top hits lately; many that I knew and enjoyed. I didn’t even need to take a listen to the samples; I knew the songs already. However, his style didn’t fit the vibe I was trying to go for on this album.  It was way too… club music-y and sexual. Before I even got a chance to look at the last candidate, Selphie waltzed in.

           “Kairi! I’m back!” the plastic bags crinkled loudly as she set them down on the table. She handed me my food and started to dig into hers before barraging me with questions.

           “So, have you looked at the resumes yet? What do you think so far?”

           “I’ve only looked at two. I’m not particularly interested in Hayner and Seifer is a maybe. I haven’t had a chance to look at this ‘Sora’ guy yet though.” I turned my laptop to her.

           “Wow the first two guys seem pretty accomplished! What’s wrong with the Hayner guy?”

           “His style doesn’t really fit with my vision for this album. I’m also not a punk or rock singer.”

           “Oh, I guess that’s true. Why is Seifer a maybe?”

           “I feel like he has a good track record for making hit singles, but that’s the only reason I’m considering him.”

           “You don’t need a producer to make hits! You have some of the best, no, thebest vocals I’ve ever heard. Don’t go with him just because you think he’s the technically correct choice. Why don’t we take a look at the last guy tog-e-herfmmf?”

           “After I finish my lunch. And Selphie, I love you but please don’t talk with your mouth full of food.”

           “Hey!” she pouted, and her face made me burst into a fit of giggles.

           Selphie scarfed down her lunch in 2 minutes while I ate my pad thai at a reasonable pace. She may have looked tiny and ladylike on the outside, but the girl was a monster when it came to food. There was a reason she didn’t do dinner dates on the first date; I’ve never met anyone with a more bottomless stomach than her.

           “Kairiiiii, I’m trying to be patient but you’re taking so long to eat! Can I just start looking at the Sora guy now?”

           I rolled my eyes. “It’s not my fault you eat at the speed of light. Are you sure you’re human?”

           She smacked my shoulder lightly and pouted.

           “Sorry, sorry. Yeah go ahead. Once Selphie had finished skimming the written portion, she played one of the sample songs. The song was soft and gentle, and a beautiful tenor voice sang over it.

           Don’t get me wrong I love you

           But does that mean I have to meet, your father

           When we are older, you’ll understand what I meant when I said no

           I don’t think, life is quite that simple

I was hooked. It was exactly the tone I was looking for with the added bonus of meaningful lyrics. Selphie noticed my eyes widen and sniggered.

           “There’s more sample songs listed, I’m assuming you want to hear the rest?”            “Yes please.” I immediately answered. She giggled once more at my eagerness.

           A sanctuary, my sanctuary, yeah

           Where fears and lies melt away

           Music in time

           I need more affection than you know

           What’s left of me, what’s left of me

The first song had been a bit more upbeat but this one sounded heavenly and dreamy… which is exactly what I had wanted for the song I was working on this morning. I quickly scarfed down the rest of my food before beckoning Selphie to give the laptop back.

           “Quite the eager beaver we have here huh?”

           “Shut up. I just happen to like these samples okay?”

I wiped my hands off on a napkin before scrolling back to the top of the resume. He had only worked with lesser known artists, and only had two years in the industry under his belt. Experience or not, it was obvious the guy was gifted. I absolutely needed to meet this man.

[themostcleverandwittyname]

Curiosity Saved the Cat

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(Jumin x MC)(Saeran x MC)

Summary:

MC is fairly happy after Jumin proposes to her, however, her curiosity leads her to contact the hacker that started it all.

Chapter 3: Coffee and Cookies

Chapter 3 on AO3

Multitasking was a skill that Myung had considered one of her best. She was currently holding two cups of coffee and a bag of treats, balancing her phone between her ear and shoulder, and attempting to punch in the key code for the apartment door. Nearly letting her phone slip, she used her elbow to open and push the door open. Everything was so perfectly balanced and held secure in her arms that she was certain she wouldn’t drop anything. She had gotten there early so that she wouldn’t be taken by surprise and perhaps organize her thoughts before she began to hire the hacker.

Of course, nothing ever goes as planned and the brunette leaped from her skin when she turned to see something sitting at the dining room table. A squeak escaped her throat and her phone and the take out bag hit the floor.

“Fuckin’...ass” She muttered to herself, truly the pinnacle of her eloquent speech. The best first impression she could have hoped for. She bent down to pick up her device and the bag, painfully aware that the figure was staring at her. She held her phone in her hand and set everything down onto the mahogany table, trying to avoid looking at the person who sat silently.

“Oh, I just left the cafe. I’ll let you go now. Have a good day at work and I’ll see you later.” Myung stated quickly to her fiance, now freely holding the phone to her ear, “ Love ya, bye” She hung up quickly hoping to avoid arousing Jumin’s suspicions that she was hiding something from him. It probably wasn’t the best idea to abruptly hang up like that.

She now allowed herself to fully take in the appearance of the mysterious hacker. Dyed curly pink and white hair framed the man’s face. Misty green eyes peeked from behind a black mask that concealed the lower half of his face. His attire gave off a dangerous vibe, leather jacket falling off one shoulder to reveal a tattoo with a simplistic design. It reminded her of tribal tattoos that she had researched in art school. He had a bold red tank top and a humorously large spiked leather cuff on his arm. She would have been amused if the situation was different and if she wasn’t really frightened and nervous. He had a threatening aura that made her feel extremely vulnerable. His eyes never left her and he waited patiently for her to begin talking to him. He seemed to be rather relaxed as his slouched posture indicated.

Myung eased down into the chair never taking her eyes off of the man before her, anticipating some kind of malicious action if she looked away. After taking a seat and staring at him like a deer caught in headlights, she cleared her throat trying to organize herself.

“I brought you coffee.” she spoke finally, breaking the silence and attempting to alleviate the tension, “The one that has a blue marker on the top is yours and the one with the red marker is mine.” she tried not to let her voice show that she was terrified. She had to act bold and confident to show him that she could handle the situation. She couldn’t allow him to think she was vulnerable.

His gaze shifted down and he studied the two cups of coffee on the table, small wafts of steam steadily rising up and dissipating into the air. The scent of the coffee only slightly overpowered the musty smell of the unused apartment.

“What if I want the one with the red lid? Would you give it to me?” Instant goosebumps. The voice modulator that she assumed he was wearing in his mask caught her off guard. She tried to register what he had said through the altered voice. It resembled nails on a chalkboard and the screams of a hundred burning orphans. Maybe it wasn’t that bad, but Myung did not like it. The man asked this, she realized, because he thought that she was trying to trick him into drinking something harmful. She, in fact, was doing this to prevent any slight of hand drugs being put into her drink.

“Um...It doesn’t matter what color really. They’re just there for cautionary measures. I’ve watched too many movies to be unwise about drinks.” She nervously laughed to herself. He reached his arm out to grab the coffee. He pulled it to him and studied the red lid before as if he had never had coffee.

“Oh, and if you don’t mind me asking,” she began, “...could you maybe take that mask off? I would rather see my new client’s face.” the brunette made herself smile. “Before I forget, I also have cookies here to eat with your coffee.” Myung gestured to the take-out bag. The man laughed through the mask, the sound not doing anything to help her nerves. What was funny? The hacker leaned forward out of his relaxed position and he now felt twice as threatening. His long fingers reached up to remove the fabric from his face, pulling it down around his neck. His lips were curled into a grin creating small dimples on his cheeks. He was familiar in a strange way. Like deja vu, she felt as though she had seen him before.

“Does the mask really scare you? Or were you really excited to see my face?” He asked in his natural voice, punctuating his sentence in a chuckle. Was he flirting or just further trying to make her uncomfortable. She went with the latter.

“Ha, um, you just can’t drink coffee with that mask on.” she noticed the untouched coffee and tried to mess with him just as he was with her. She wasn’t going to let him make her even more nervous. “God, don’t let it get cold. I nearly fell trying not to drop that in the hallway.” The man hesitantly took a sip of the coffee. She hoped he liked the caramel in the bottom of the cup because it cost her extra.

“I have to give it to you, you’re a clever girl for color coding the lids. You don’t trust me, do you?” Myung shrugged in response to this. He raised his eyebrows and then asked, “Why did you think you can hire me if you don’t trust me?” Fair point. She may as well have just told him that she was desperate and he was the only other chance she had, but her response was not very specific. She wanted to see how he responded in order to gauge how much to offer him and if he would help her like she hoped.

“Ya know, people will do anything for money.” she said nonchalantly. He took another sip of the coffee and eyed the cookie bag.

“What exactly are you wanting to hire me for? Are you done with the lies of the RFA?” His dull eyes pierced hers, bitterness seeping into his tone. He had guessed it.

“Yes… well, not exactly the RFA as a whole. I want to know what two of the members are hiding from the rest and I thought that you would be perfect for helping me uncover it.” she slid him the bag of cookies and gave a sarcastic smile “What do ya say? I can offer you any amount.” Again, he burst out into a fit of laughs. Bitter, knowing laughs as if he knew something she didn’t. As if he was expecting this.

“Let me guess the members? Luciel and that dreaded V?” Bingo! She was surprised that he knew who she was talking about. She slowly nodded and he gave her a proud smile. “What if I told you that I don’t want money to help you?” he drew out his words, adding emphasis. What did he mean? So all of this is over a grudge?

“If you don’t want money, then what do you want?” she asked cautiously, fearing the answer. She took a sip of her coffee to calm her nerves. He leaned forward over the table, lifting from his seat slightly and balancing on his arms. His serious expression and his focus had trained on her and it made her want to shrink back.

“What I want is way more precious than money. I want enlightenment for everyone, for you. You’re too nice and clever a girl to be among liars like the RFA. If you come with me, I’ll tell you all that you need to know and you’ll be free of the RFA and finally be happy.” He gave a toothy grin and tilted his head slightly. This was wrong. Did he think she was completely against the RFA?

“I...I actually don’t want to leave the RFA. I want to know these things to make the RFA better. Besides, Jumin is in the RFA and I don’t want to disappoint him with leaving. It’ll be kinda hard to do that anyways.” she stated, trying to get the facts straight before he started getting the wrong idea. He narrowed his eyes and his grin vanished sending chills up her back.

“What I want to give you is better than the RFA. I want to take you to the Magenta. Don’t you get it?” He almost growled, obviously angry with her previous answer. The Magenta? Was it some sort of amusement park?

“Why not just tell me what you know? That would be better for me.” she offered, smiling awkwardly. “I’m not going with you anywhere. I don’t trust you.” She was honest and noticed a flash of anger in his misty eyes.

“It’s sad to hear that. I want you to trust me, I really do. What choice do I have?” he asked a mock question, standing up. He offered his hand over the table and his other hand was in his jacket pocket.

“I’ll tell you what I know anyways. Deal?” He smiled, his eyes crinkling up. Finally, he gets it. This may not be so bad after all. She stood and moved the chair back slightly.

“Ah, I’m glad you’re helping me anyways. Thank you,” She beamed, happy for the agreement. She shook his hand firmly, however, his grip was way more tight than her own.

Before she had realized the mistake she had made, he yanked her arm forcefully. The force of the pull lurched her over the small table and closer to him. In the chaos, she had not even felt the needle pierce her skin and she only registered what had occurred when she saw the hand that had been in his jacket pocket holding an empty syringe. She was completely appalled and was at a loss on how to react to what had unfolded.

He released the grip on her hand and she stumbled back speechless, her hand finding its way to her neck. They both focused on each other, waiting for the other to act. They both stayed like that until a familiar ringtone sounded in the breathy silence. She felt her heart start to beat again and her muscles began to grow numb. Stay calm, this was her chance. Don’t pass out. She quickly grabbed the phone and had milliseconds to read the caller ID before the deranged man snatched phone away. He threw it across the living room and it landed with a thud but wasn’t silenced. With her only means of contact gone and her time running out before whatever was in that syringe began to work, Myung panicked.

She froze. She froze in shock, fright, anger; she didn’t really know or understand. All she could understand was that her breathing became labored and she felt as if she was falling.

She was falling.

The man caught her in her fall, jerking her wrist painfully to keep her from hitting the ground. Her mind slowed and her thoughts blurred. She felt as though the world around her was fizzing as if the air was static on a radio station. Her senses faded as the last thing she felt was arms lifting her.

“Rest well. You’ll be in paradise when you wake up.”

The last thing that she felt before everything went away was regret. Regret that she will have left Jumin to wonder what happened. To wonder if she had left him and why...

Why she had not answered his phone call.

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[iliketowrite1996]

Royal Wedding Series: Engagement Party- T’Challa x Reader

The Engagement Party

TRIGGER WARNING: Mentions of Cyberbullying, no actual bullying though. Mentions of insecurity.

    ‘’Oooo, Miss Y/L/N! That ring!,’’ Blessing, a young girl who is the sopranos for your fourteen to sixteen year olds looks at your ring.

    ‘’It is beautiful!,’’ Efua, now twelve, beams up at you, tossing her box braids over her shoulder, ‘’Please! Tell us the story!’’

    It has been nearly a week since T’Challa proposed, and the first time that you showed the ring to your students. They had been asking you for details, and you promised that, if they got all of their work done and did not play around too much in rehearsals, you'd take some time off at the end of the day on Friday to tell them the story.

    Much to their delight, the day had finally come.

    ‘’Yes, please!.’’ more of the children demand playfully, their grins enticing you to delay the start of practice a bit.

    ‘’Alright,’’ you laugh, ‘’Then, it’s straight onto rehearsal for the end of the year concert, alright? So, it started off as an ordinary Saturday…’’

    Three hours later, you are done with the rehearsal, and the students are filing out one by one, making their way home and chit chatting with each other.

    ‘’Miss Y/L/N, may I walk with you,’’ Efua asks, grinning at you.

    ‘’Of course, Efua.’’

    In all honesty, you were on your way to the palace. T’Challa promised that your parents would be here in the evening and you wanted to get changed a bit before you see them.

    ‘’Miss Y/L/N,’’ you hear a familiar voice behind you as you finished packing your bag for the weekend.

    You look over to see none other than Ayo and Kya, a Dora Milaje warrior in training.

    ‘’Ayo, Kya, hello. Um, this is my student, Efua,’’ you gesture to her, but she is staring at the warrior women in front of her in awe.

    ‘’My future Queen,’’ Ayo gives you the salute, which you return ,’’We are here to escort you to the palace.’’

    ‘’I was on my way there now. Is everything alright? Have my parents arrived early?,’’ you ask, and Ayo is quick to reassure you.

    ‘’When you are queen, you will have one of us with you at all times. T’Challa thought it to be best if you begin this now so that it will be an easier transition when you do become Queen.’’

    ‘’Miss Y/L/N, you know the Dora Milaje. That is so cool,’’ Efua finally speaks.

    ‘’Indeed,’’ you smile down at her, ‘’I will be with you both in a moment.’’

‘’I understand if you can not walk me home,’’ Efua tells you as she watches the woman leave, ‘’But I think I want to change my mind about what I want to be.’’

‘’Oh you don’t want to be a journalist and a pilot,’’ you question, knowing how much she loves to write and loves to fly and how it has taken her forever to come to the conclusion she’d just have to do both, ‘’What do you want to be then?’’

‘’A Dora Milaje.’’

‘’My love, you look absolutely amazing,’’ T’Challa grabs your waist and presses a tender kiss to your lips.

‘’So do you. I like this on you,’’ you notice that he’s wearing a white jacket instead of his usual black one, and it just makes his skin look even more breathtakingly radiant.

Could he be any more beautiful?

‘’I adore this outfit on you,’’ he looks down at the Green jumpsuit with a skirt that Shuri had selected, ‘’And those heels… I thought you did not like heels.’’

‘’I do not, but these are very comfortable. Shuri designed them. They don’t make that click-clacking noise I hate.’’

‘’Did she call them ‘Sneakers’,’’ T’Challa raises an eyebrow, and you look at him confused.

‘’Yes, how did you know?’’

‘’Wild guess, beautiful. I Can't wait until I can be alone with you later. The Black Panther, finally alone with his beautiful wife.’’

‘’So do I take on a super cool, crime fighting alter ego as well,’’ I ask ,and he laughs.

‘’Yes,’’ he answers ,’’If you would like to do so. After all you and I, we are equals. Though I would ;like to maintain some traditional customs, if you feel like you have the need to help save the world and protect Wakanda, then go for it.’’

He is so loving.

Yes, you have your moments. You don’t always see eye-to-eye, and you’ve had small arguments and one huge fight. However, he has never made you feel like you were inferior. He knew you were battling your own insecurities, he knew the way some people judge your relationship, knew the heated conversations you've over hears when making your daily walk to work. While many people were accepting, there were a few that were not. There always where. Now, with the announcement of your engagement to the world, the hate comments had begun to flood in from every direction.

Not that you told him that. He had enough on his mind with policies and such, and protecting Wakanda. You can take care of yourself, and you’ll tell him if it is truly unbearable.

‘’Y/N…,’’ T’Challa begins, looking past you, ‘’You know that my mother adores you. As does Shuri. I just want to know what the plan will be if your parents do not like me.’’

That shocks you, because how could anyone not like him?

‘’Why would you ask that?’’

‘’It is a possibility. I am well aware of my own flaws, and I know that others are, too. I know that your family means a great deal to yo, and it is important to you that we get along, so it is important to me as well.’’

There are very few moments when he shows you his insecurities, that the Black Panther is still human.

‘’Listen to me,’’ you take his face in your hands, ‘’I love you, alright? We will get through this dinner, and they will love you. We will go and exchange pleasantries with your friends and associates and then we will go back to your room and watch movies, but really we will kiss because I have to get up early tomorrow, as do you.’’

He chuckles then, thanking you and holding your hands and leaning his forehead against yours.

‘’Thank you, my love.’’

It never occurs to you that he gets insecure. Physically, she looks impeccable. He is also sweet, soulful, intelligent. He is the ultimate package.

But he is human, he does receive hate, he does have insecurities and cracks in his armor.

Vibranium may protect him physically, but not emotionally.

And that is where you come in.

You are brought out of your deep thoughts by T’Challa pressing sweet kisses to your shoulder, his warm lips pressing against your skin.

‘’Ew, save this for the bedroom,’’ Shuri whines as she enters, dressed in a strapless purple dress.

‘’Hmmm, I think that she is right. Maybe we could retire early this evening.’’

‘’Gross, T’Challa,’’ she deadpans, taking your hand and pulling you away, ‘’Come on, big sister. I want to ask you some things before your parents arrive.’’

    ‘’Where are you taking my fiance’?’’

    ‘’To talk smack about you,’’ she blows her brother a playful kiss, and you laugh along with him as you two scoot down the halls.

    ‘’So what did you really want to know,’’ you ask as she links her arm through yours

‘’Well,’’ Shuri begins, ‘’I want you to know that I really do appreciate you and see you as a sister. You make T’Challa happy and he makes you happy. And that’s all I want for my brother.’’

    She’s being uncharacteristically sweet until…

    ‘’Plus you are the only person in this palace who likes Vines as much as I do and will roast T’Challa with me.’’

    There she is.

    ‘’And you are like the big sister I have always wanted. Mother adores you and I am sure that Baba would have as well. And now that you are going to officially be apart of the family…’’

    She opens her bedroom door to reveal Ramonda, who is holding a beautiful necklace with a jade jewel in the middle, ‘’That it is time that you were given some family apparel.’’

    She steps forward, placing the necklace on you and adjusting it, ‘’You look beautiful, my daughter.’’

    ‘’Are you both trying to make me cry,’’ you ask, tears starting to form, ‘’That’s not fair.’’

    ‘’Get used to it. T’Challa is going to write the mushiest vows of all time, and he’s gonna be all like ‘’I love you sooo much, my love’.’’

    ‘’He really does,’’ Ramonda nods with a  fond smile ,’’You Are simply taking the next step in your journey.’’

    Yup. Here come the tears.

Not too much longer later, you find yourself in the foyer, and your parents are being escorted in by Kya and Okoye.

    ‘’Y/L/N,’’ your mother practically squeals, rising over to pull you into a hug as your dad does the same.

    ‘’Mom, dad,’’ you sigh, breathing in the scent of them, the scent of a home that you have not known for a while now.

    ‘’Sweetheart, we have missed you so much,’’ your mother sings, the presses a kiss to your forehead.

    ‘’I have missed both of you as well. Please, let me introduce you to everyone.’’

    T’Challa steps forward then, extending his hand, shaking your parents’ hands one at a time ,’’Hello, it is nice to meet you. I am T’Challa.’’

    ‘’Well, we have heard a lot about you. Thank you for putting us up at that wonderful resort! It was so nice to get in and take a nap before arriving here. You are very generous,,’’ your mother practically gauges, ‘’Y/N is right, you are also very handsome!’’

    ‘’Mother!’’

    ‘’It is nice to finally meet you,’’ your dad says then, and Ramonda and Shuri Step forward as well, making their introductions.,’’ T’Challa loops your arm through his then, ‘’We’d better get going. Our guests have arrived.’’

    The party is in full swing by the time you get three, people dancing, and eating and drinking while waiting for you and T’Challa to arrive.

    You meet leaders of the other tribes, including M’Baku. T’Challa seems to have slightly mended his friendship with W’Kabi, but he still keeps his distance. Your parents get to know T’Challa and Shuri and Ramonda, and soon your mother is dancing with Shuri and Ramonda and your dad are having an animated conversation.

    You love them and can not wait to spend the day tomorrow showing them your beautiful new home, but right now, you are exhausted.

    Still, you smile through dinner, laugh with M’Baku and Shuri as they playfully tease T’Challa, dance with your parents and catch up on the happenings at home and arrange for them to fly back for the wedding.

    It is not until after dinner, when you're considering convincing T’Challa to take you back to his room so you can watch movies together.

    Okay, fine, and make out too.

That is when you see a familiar face, one you recognized on the news with T’Challa shortly after you moved here, but never really seemed to see again. Not in person t least. You’d spoken to her on the phone with T’Challa, as he said he wanted you to meet another important woman in his life. You’d video chatted a few times as well, but this is the first time. Of course she is here today. T’Challa had said that it was a possibility, but unlikely. That she was busy, hadn’t talked to him in months.

The one woman that T’Challa would gladly leave behind in his life if it meant that you would be happy and secure in your

And here she is- this graceful, brave, intelligent beauty that you have heard about before. One who you harbor no ill-will towards, anyone who seems rather indifferent to you as well.

Because the only thing that you have in common is the one that is standing in front of you right now, staring at you with heart eyes.

‘’My king,’’ the woman smiles genuinely, and you see T’Challa freeze before turning away to face her.

‘’Nakia… hi.’’

Disclaimer: These characters belong totheir respective owners. I own nothing in Marvel.

Note: I absolutely adore Nakia and she will not be painted in a negative light, but she will be used to force T’Challa and the reader to have a conversation that they have both been avoiding.

[oswednesday]

redoing rose’s team before the last of the gym leaders is def a dessert before dinner sort of thing

(ability: heavy metal, moves: heavy slam, flying drop, gravity, fissure)

(so there’s only one battle for him, as far as i want to do rn? ill come up with some kind of Post Game plot but idk yet, i reaaaally loved the setting and the music of this battle what if i spent this whole post just gushing about it?)

(this pkmn design Hard Core reminds me of the game i cant remember, i almost want to use the shiny form cause it fits a pkmn setting better? imo, ill end up tweaking it a bit, i Know turner has played that game whose name i cant recall)

(but big GOD when rose is like ill show you a move thatll (something gloating but not too over top) i cant remember the exact line, it was like, the same way youd show someone a cool pic of your dog only you have a god complex it obliterated my brain cells to make way for horny cells and then hits you with that gmax like ughhhhhhh wish tht was me,)

(they didnt really do anything interesting with this pkmn outside  of the gmax and the heavy slam heavy metal, a lot of the attack dexs feel the samey in this gen cause they axed sooo many moves???)

(oh he gigbigs this bad boy up and uses that move, you know whats up)

(ability: stance change, moves: king’s shield, scared sword, aerial ace, shadow sneak)

(i know ive said this A Bunch but out of any battle this was the one that felt the most like, pain from being stuck in a 20 year old battle simulator, the moves, the banter, the setting, the so so excellent villain song uuugh)

(i like the idea of like even if you missed every clue and were just she/him/thembo on main about the plot youd be like OH THE FINAL FORM OF THOSE SWORD DUDE) 

(i wonder why they never give plot characters shinies even when it makes like, sense? this is literally rose’s sexy sexy palette)

(type: grass/fighting)

(ability: queenly majesty, moves: trop kick, high jump kick, mega kick, endeavor)

(they gave him like random uggos that were just steel like you think a man that Fine is using a ferrothorn??????????????????????? give him shiny ferrothorn at least, its also his palette a bit)

(also sorta wild this thing didnt get turned into grass/fighting? i might turn it into one in the emulator)

(ability: huge power, moves: iron head, vise grip, crunch, poison fang)

(i wasnt sure about this one? but its like elegant, plant looking The Deceiver and steel type so at the same time it seems really obvious? so idk why im like hmm about it)

(ability: light weight, moves: steel beam, flash canon, breaking swipe, metal burst)

(i CANNOT BELIEVE!! they gave one of the gym leaders this and not had this be rose’s like big signature hitter like kidoking or sm shit lik!!!!e!!!!!! man of steel! literal tower! rose tower! sky scrappers!! the FUTURE ughhhhh!!!)

(looking at its g max move it feels like it really was designed for rose, omg what happened?)

(anyway he Also dyamax’s this thing, cause every, like miss o, this blows the remainder of the power so the power plant is on back up generators for the rest of the time? or something? probably something dangerous like a core reactor thing? ill have to look up power plant stuff, wow,,,doing this for you,,,rose)

(type: grass/steel)

(ability: technician, moves: bullet seed, bullet punch, seed bomb, magnet bomb)

(another i cant believe he didnt have it, also,,,,a  type update, like his extra fancy hotel has roselia in designs all over the place! budew sitting on counters! and he wouldnt be rocking one? shame shame SHAME on whoever picked his team out!!)

(ill probs keep the purple rose red tho)

(this team is so flammable but i think cause rose isnt a competitive battler par say that its less like, immersion breaking,  also people probs just lose to him like on purpose all the time, i think he can tell but he never points it out, making battle where you go all out on him something that really moves him)

(making the air be like high altitude so fire attacks do 30% less damage and might just not work, treated more like a miss than say attract so stuff that never misses will land)

-----

battle 2

(dragon/????)

(ability: darkest night: as long as eternatus remains in eteramax form, no pokemon on the field can alter their form through dymax, mega stones or abilities, as long as eternatus enteramax is on the field sunny day and moves that induce harsh sunlight will not take effect; the air becomes noxious air and increases poison damage every turn eternatus remains on the field)

(WILD that they didnt gameifiy how this pkmn behaves and just threw pressure on it sdfgh???)

(also sorry for writing that like a yugioh card, idk how any emulator will deal with that and i might have to rpg the results go with whatever is most narratively interesting, or just set stuff manually and increase as i go? idk!)

(it major feels that somewhere Way early on in the development they stopped designing it as a game and started to do like, a pkmn movie you can slightly interact with, like because nothing is recreateable unlike say darkrai who does have bad dreams ability, this was majorly thinking about how it look in a 3d setting and less how it would function as a monster in a game settin which!!!!

its bonkers cause we LITERALLY just had ultra beasts!!!!!)

(like this is such a step back in game design But i totally get and love what they were trying to do, so going with that, lets give this thot some moves)

(moves: acid rain-??? effect: causes multiple weather effects at once [ link ]

super glitch-???  Defying natural law, this attack increases the users hp beyond all limitations, as punishment this user is frozen, burn and poisoned [ link ]

symbiosis eject button-??? forces the target’s held item to take effect twice, if no item is held the first or second time or if the effect cannot take effect, the target faints if hit [ link ]

zzazz-??? the user explodes damaging everything around it including themselves, if the user faints while using this move, its hp is replenished [ link ] )

[frustratedcastingdirector]

This article is a perfect example of the kind of expectations those of us who were blown away by Mark Ruffalo’s performance in “You Can Count on Me” had for him and his career.  Those expectations are still there for many of us, waiting to be fulfilled by directors willing to take a chance on Ruffalo, and willing to push him to his limits. - Jamaica (FrustratedCastingDirector)

Becoming a Thoughtful Woman's Idea of A Leading Man Part 1

By CATHY HORYN NOV. 9, 2003

On a cloudless day between the rains this summer, Mark Ruffalo, the 35-year-old actor, took his John Deere tractor out of the barn and began to clear brush on his 50 acres in Sullivan County, not far from where the Delaware River runs between New York and Pennsylvania. He had on jeans and a faded blue shirt that flapped around his thin torso, and his hair was still damp from a swim in the pond that lies at the foot of a grassy hill and a short walk from his two-story Swiss chalet-style house. A patio umbrella and several weathered lawn chairs were set up along the edge, and there was a dock with a wooden diving board that Ruffalo and his younger brother, Scott, a hairdresser in Beverly Hills, built last summer. When the brothers were growing up in Kenosha, Wis., they built many tree houses in the woods near their family's house -- Scott guesses they built one every 10 feet -- and they called themselves the Foresters. Two years ago, when Mark was recovering from surgery to remove a benign tumor in his brain, and thinking that his film career had ended just as it was taking off with his widely praised performance in ''You Can Count on Me,'' he designed the large sleeping porch at the back of the house. Constructed from hemlock, with open beams, it has double-high screened windows, many comfortable old chairs and beds and a closeness with the outdoors.

As Ruffalo positioned the tractor on the far end of the pond, his wife of four years, Sunrise Coigney, a lithe, attractive French woman in a bikini and a straw hat, sat on a blanket near the dock with their 2-year-old son, Keen. Her father, Joel Coigney, who was visiting from Los Angeles, had spent the morning policing the grounds with a chain saw and now joined Ruffalo on the hill. In a moment of perception that took in their voices, the water and the valley below, you couldn't help thinking that Ruffalo had everything he needed here and that there was no place he'd rather be than here.

It was also the perfect place to observe Mark Ruffalo the actor, for few performers possess their characters with more natural grace. Not only does Ruffalo make it look easy, he also manages to access emotions with a freedom unavailable to many of his better-known contemporaries, making him closer to the older generation of actors -- especially the young Brando -- for whom anger or sexual tension could often be registered with astonishing stillness. That Ruffalo has appeared in only a handful of big-budget films, usually in supporting roles that have limited him to playing the same type of emotionally conflicted men -- and thus kept his real powers under wraps -- has not prevented him from being noticed by first-rate directors like Jane Campion. But after the release of Campion's heated sexual drama, ''In the Cut,'' co-starring Meg Ryan, followed soon by films in which he stars with Jim Carrey and Tom Cruise, Ruffalo is certain to find a wider audience.

''In the Cut'' is based on the novel by Susanna Moore, and despite its problems as a film, Ruffalo, as a New York City homicide detective named Malloy, stands out. On every level his performance is a major turn-on, and maybe because, for the first time, we are seeing him as a man -- without conflicts, without boyish tics. In a bedroom scene early in the movie (slightly altered by the censors from the director's version), Ruffalo takes Ryan's character, Frannie, on such a bend, using every word and orifice available to him, that many female moviegoers will most likely regard their own mates with mild disappointment.

Given Ruffalo's previous screen roles, Campion admits he wasn't an obvious choice to play Malloy, who looks at every woman as a potential score. But, she says, ''the thing that interested me about his character in 'You Can Count on Me' was that he was such a flake-off, a loser, yet he was riveting. You couldn't stop watching him.'' In ''In the Cut,'' which takes its name from street slang for sexual intercourse, his presence is so commanding that it can make you forget the film's flaws, notably its jarring end. ''I think it's incontestable now that he has brought to life a different quality of performance,'' Campion says. ''And not like Pacino, or De Niro or Keitel, who have each opened up a new way to think about performance. Mark is a visionary with his work.''

Ruffalo seems genuinely surprised by her comments when I see him in Sullivan County. By then, we are fairly along in our conversation, so I am used to his way of speaking. He does more than look you in the eye. He quickly establishes intimacy by allowing himself to lower his guard. Many actors will let you know, directly or indirectly, that they have nothing riding on the outcome of a situation. But Ruffalo has no such obstructions. He is lightning present in the conversation. And though he has little in common with the characters he has played, if he is close to one of them, it is Malloy. Like him, Ruffalo doesn't hide his manliness under a bushel.

''I don't know what to say about that, babe,'' he says when I tell him what Campion said. He laughs, and his eyes glow with warmth. ''That's flattering. I mean, what do you say? Thank you, thank you, Jane Campion.''

While Ruffalo readily cites Brando as one of his two greatest influences (the other is Marcello Mastroianni, of whom he says, ''It's the whole package of Marcello -- the great life in an art form''), he seems uncomfortable being compared with a legend. Kenneth Lonergan, who directed Ruffalo in ''You Can Count on Me,'' says he should relax. ''First of all, he looks a teeny bit like Brando,'' Lonergan says. ''And I'm sure he can't mind too much if people compare him to one of the greatest American actors of the last 50 years.'' Ruffalo does bear a resemblance to the young Brando, especially around the mouth, but the real point of reference, Lonergan says, is how specific Ruffalo's performances are and how freely he enters and remains in the moment. ''He's sort of an open channel to his characters,'' he says.

The question is why we haven't seen more of Ruffalo before. He began acting in 1989 in small theater productions in Los Angeles. His parents, a painting contractor and a beautician, had moved Mark and his three siblings (he has two younger sisters) from Kenosha to Virginia Beach, Va., where Mark would become a state wrestling champion in high school, and then to San Diego, where his parents separated. After an aimless period spent mostly surfing, Ruffalo enrolled in the Stella Adler Academy, where Benicio Del Toro was a star pupil. He remembers Del Toro giving a monologue based on the song ''Light My Fire'': ''He was so sexy and had so much charisma, I thought, I'll never be that.''

In those years, Ruffalo says, ''it was all about urban for me.'' He lived in rough neighborhoods like Alvarado and Sixth, in downtown Los Angeles. But as much as he hankered for that kind of experience, and brings a similar instinct to his work, he is no fan of Method. ''Two things have happened to acting in America,'' he says. ''One is that actors think they have to live the character, which is a huge mistake. Because what they do is put the character on top of themselves and thereby kill anything spontaneous. The other is that someone introduced the idea that less is more, so that actors stopped doing anything at all. They just say the words.''

By the mid-90's, Ruffalo had appeared in some 30 plays, earning good notices. But Los Angeles theater, at its best, is not Broadway, or even Off Broadway, as Ruffalo discovered when he arrived in New York for the first time. ''I thought, I'm a swan, not a duck,'' he says. ''What am I doing in Los Angeles? I don't belong there.'' In 1996, after a decade in California, Ruffalo made his New York stage debut in Lonergan's ''This Is Our Youth.'' ''He did one play in New York,'' says his friend the actor Christopher Thornton, ''and it changed his life.'' It wasn't the only change. On a Monday during the play's run, he took his savings, about $10,000, and made a down payment on a house in Sullivan County.

Another explanation for Ruffalo's belated recognition involves the vagaries of Hollywood casting. Ruffalo estimates that before he landed the part of Terry in ''You Can Count on Me,'' opposite Laura Linney, he went on 800 film and television auditions. This is probably not a Hollywood record for rejection, though Ruffalo gives it some comic perspective when I observe that George Clooney remained under the noses of casting directors for years before someone realized what a leading man he was. ''If George Clooney was under their noses, then I was, like, under their knees,'' he says with a laugh. For all his dead-ending, Ruffalo sounds remarkably unembittered when he adds, ''In Hollywood, none of those people can make a decision. They can only say no. I'd go to casting directors, and they'd say, 'You are the best actor of your generation, but -- you just haven't grown into your face yet, your face hasn't grown into your soul.' I had insane things like that said to me all the time. 'You are one of the greatest actors I have ever seen, but -- .' I'd get this great feedback, but I could never get a job.''

Still another explanation is that, in the summer of 2001, as he was finishing ''The Last Castle,'' a prison movie starring Robert Redford, the brain tumor was diagnosed. He underwent a 10-hour operation, complicated by an allergic reaction to the anesthesia, and spent the rest of the year recovering in New York and Sullivan County. His wife, whom he met in 1997 when she was an actress, had just given birth to their son, and as Coigney told me, ''You don't expect a year into a marriage -- through sickness and health -- for sickness to come upon you so quickly. It's been quite a journey.'' He experienced facial paralysis, memory lapses and, perhaps worst of all, a complete loss of confidence. ''I had stopped worrying -- I just believed that my career was over,'' he says. ''No one would take a meeting with me or anything. I was damaged goods, babe. That's what was in the back of my mind, damaged goods. Can't fit the American-male leading hero. A hero does not have a brain tumor.''

It was in this vulnerable, if fully recovered, state that Ruffalo first met Jane Campion in Los Angeles to discuss the part of Detective Malloy.

Anyone who has read Susanna Moore's 1995 novel has no trouble recognizing its difficulties as a movie. For one thing, ''In the Cut'' deals with female grief and loneliness -- specifically, that of a smart, emotionally walled-off writing teacher whose obsession with language serves as a rendering of her engulfed spirit; she's so aware of the shape of her consciousness that she could diagram it like a sentence. And for another, you don't really buy the sexual liaison with the cop, which develops as he investigates a gruesome murder in her neighborhood. As Moore herself says: ''The book is a little cold, a little nasty, a little flippant. It's about language and ideas. And it's not about love. It's about violence. But Jane found a way to make it about love.''

Ruffalo says he had serious doubts going into his meeting with Campion about his ability to play Malloy. ''I had read the script a couple of days before, and I thought, I don't even know where to begin with this guy,'' he says. ''I know he's just a man, he's such a man. But I had never played that kind of guy, and it just terrified me. I thought, I'm the wrong actor for this part.'' Who did he think was right? ''Sean Penn or Russell Crowe -- tough guys, you know. Guys who were really closer to Malloy than me.'' Indeed, as Moore conceived him, Malloy is actually a composite of four or five New York policemen she met while writing her book. She says: ''They were worldly, tough, a little bit over the hill. Much less pure than Mark. They were corrupt emotionally and, in some cases, corrupt professionally.'' In her mind, she saw ''an older Tommy Lee Jones, puffy eyes, a little flabby. Mark was quite an unexpected choice.''

At the end of the three-hour meeting, Campion, who had seen several big-name actors, offered the part to Ruffalo. ''We just clicked,'' he says. ''Jane's ideas about the script were well formed, but she was confident and experienced enough as a director to allow a discussion to take place. A lot of our differences about the character were just semantics.'' Despite his trepidations, he says, ''I had never come to a part so consciously aware of what we were after, down to specifics like what Malloy did when he woke up in the morning.''

One thing that may have allowed Ruffalo to reach Malloy is his penchant for severe self-criticism. Christopher Thornton says: ''He attacks himself harder than anyone. In 'In the Cut,' he used those worries and fears. Everything that Mark was going through I'm sure in some way fueled that performance.'' During rehearsals, when he was still unused to Campion's intensity -- ''She's out there, man,'' he says. ''It's a contained chaos'' -- Ruffalo went home and got drunk. ''Jane and I had some bristling experiences in the beginning,'' he says. ''There's an enormous allowance for people to be wrong in her presence, even her. But the great thing about her is she's not invested with being right.

''So I was wasted drunk, really depressed, and I set up the video camera,'' he continues. ''I was, like, I don't know what I'm doing, I'm totally lost. . . . A couple of days later I was logging something from the tape and I saw it -- I saw Malloy, a shadow of Malloy. My tearing apart and hitting rock bottom was kind of like the birth of him.''

In the genre of police movies, Ruffalo's portrayal of Malloy seems startlingly realistic -- how you imagine detectives to stand and smoke and put their hands in their pockets but rarely do in the movies. There is a scene quite early in the film, when Frannie encounters Malloy and his partner, Rodriguez (Nick Damici), in a bar, that is almost unbearable to watch for its vulgarity. Ruffalo doesn't just talk in the unholy language of cops; he projects the psychological dynamic in keeping emotions at a distance. Campion, ever alert to the tiniest sign of weakness in Malloy, occasionally caught him, he says, reverting to old habits. ''She would say: 'You see that thing you're doing right there? Don't do that in this movie. Don't nod your head. No apologies, Mark. This character does not apologize. Straightforward stillness.' She made me aware of things. Who calls you on your stuff?''

The film's reviews have been mixed (though Ruffalo has been held out as its strongest element), but critics and box-office results aside, no one knows better than Ruffalo what the film -- and Campion -- have done for him. ''What I do in the next 5, 10 years will be mostly based on my choices,'' he told me. ''And it starts now. It wasn't after 'You Can Count on Me.' '' He's at work this fall as an undercover agent in Michael Mann's thriller ''Collateral,'' with Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx, about a killer who lures a cabby on a shooting spree. Next year, he'll appear in ''Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,'' a comedy written by Charlie Kaufman and starring Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet, in which Ruffalo plays a lab technician operating a memory-erasing machine. ''It was sort of a chance to play light and stupid,'' he says with a laugh, adding, ''Jane'll kill me when she sees it.'' On Campion's advice, he also did John Curran's drama ''We Don't Live Here Anymore,'' with Naomi Watts and Laura Dern, about the divisive nature of marriage. And sometime next spring, he'll direct Thornton in a dark comedy called ''Sympathy for Delicious,'' from a screenplay Thornton wrote, about a self-centered paraplegic who acquires the gift of healing but can't heal himself. ''He basically starts Healapalooza, where he's healing people in the mosh pit,'' Ruffalo says. ''It's kind of an allegory about fame.''

You sense that Ruffalo has used his craft profitably enough over the last decade not to feel he has to make up for lost time. He turned down the role of Brick in the current Broadway revival of ''Cat on a Hot Tin Roof'' in order to return to L.A., where his wife has opened a store with a friend to sell jewelry and decorative objects. And Scott Ruffalo notes with pride and dismay that his movie-star brother still drives around in a white 1974 Volkswagen camper. ''He loves that thing,'' Scott says, adding, ''There's almost this essence of obliviousness going on around him.''

I know what he means. During my visit to Sullivan County, I casually mention that Ruffalo is probably not yet in a position to think about massive fame. He looks at me critically and smiles. ''When will I ever think about that?'' he says. ''What will my thoughts possibly be?''

Still, the rest of us can't help watching. Susanna Moore told me recently that female friends of hers are already having dreams about him. ''Isn't it interesting,'' she muses, ''to be witness to someone who is absolutely on the edge of being hurtled into a greater and, in some ways, less lovely world? He's going to be a very important actor. He's just now tipping into fame and riches and women chasing him. I think he'll be O.K.''

[sherwoodmark85-blog]

City Life 2008 On Heavy steam.

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[psychicdan]

A Cyber Trooper, Corporal Blair Rayner, reflects on his time in Magnus's military and his comradery with his friends in Squad Zeta. But, Blair and his friends find themselves in peril as they have been ordered by the Magnus Protectorate to stop their greatest foe: Samurai Jack.

Samurai Jack: Renegade Samurai

Rating M for graphic depictions, language, violence and suggestive themes.

Warning:

The following is a work of fanfiction and is not intentionally connected to real world places, events, or people, nor intended to copy others’ work. Samurai Jack is the work of Genndy Tartakovsky, his team and affiliated studios and companies. This is solely fanfiction for fun and not profit.

Note: I was going to do the first chapter of the Arc 1 finale, but then this idea came to mind, and I had to this before then for maximum effect. Enjoy!

Chapter X: A Soldier’s Cause

           Corporal Blair Rayner woke up to the sounds of the early morning wake-up call. “Come on, move it you wimps! Unless you want to triple morning routine, get your asses out of bed!” shouted the sergeant. Groans could be heard all around. “Ugh, el cabrón… can’t he find something else to be pissed about?” said Conrado.

           “Aw, come on Conrad. You know it’s just the Sarge’s way of saying he loves us, right?” Gil joked nearby. “Well, each to their own, but if this is how he reciprocates, the sergeant can kindly kiss my arse.” Sam remarked. “Careful, if he heard that, he’d flail you alive.” Gil warned. “You brought it up.” Sam retorted.

           Blair chuckled a bit at his team’s chagrin. “Come on, let’s get ready and in uniform before he pops another vein or circuit.” brought up the Corporal. They all hit the showers. Though Blair was of a slightly higher rank, he got on well with the privates in his squad. The only mood killer was the sergeant.

           “So, how do those new muscle weave implants feel, Conrad?” Sam asked. “Mm, felt a bit numb for a while, but I’m used to them. Still think a little workout wouldn’t hurt the llorón (crybaby). Ah well, better give up on a lost cause.” Conrad said about a certain private. “Hey, I don’t need to be jacked up to kick ass, okay?” Gil retorted. “Maybe not, but at least we’ll survive the sergeant’s tirade. It was nice knowing you Gil.” Sam sarcastically lamented.

           “Yeah whatever Sam. Speaking of which, are the new optic enhancements alright?” Gil asked. “Oh yes, my sight is practically 20-20 now, and includes all the visual interface tech. If these weren’t exclusively military issue, glasses would be a thing of the past.” Sam remarked. “Oh Dios Mio, Sam with specs. Would have killed to see him like that.”. The two white and one Hispanic Latino men laughed to themselves.

           The corporal gave a wry smile before looking down at his own black skin. Interlaced into it, no, interlaced into his flesh were circuit linings with several plugins and nodes. If he saw his face in the mirror, he would see the same linings on his face and ocular artificial lenses in his eyes, the same ones Sam was boasting about.

           The most concentrated area of technology was in his back, and in his neck was a particular node and plug. Gil kept joking for a week that they should have taken the blue pill. That movie joke got old fast. It was where all the processing and sensory information for his cybernetic implants were done, and allows for link ups to Cyber Armor and other military interface technology.

           Corporal Blair Rayner was a Cyber Trooper serving in the Magnus Protectorate’s army. He and the three privates were part of Zeta Squad in the 3rd platoon of a company in the army. Right now, it was just morning routine before they geared up for patrol. The platoon was just spread out to keep the area safe.

They finished drying and began putting on their uniforms and Cyber Armor. Blair felt his senses stimulated as usual when he connected the armor to his interface. It was complete when he put the helmet on. Magnus Protectorate Cybernetic Infantry Interface Online. Servite Magnus et Pax(Serve Magnus and the Peace), Trooper.

           At this point, Blair found the heads up notice as noteworthy as the sky being blue. He just unconsciously accepted it, easy that way. He liked seeing the new recruits freak out every time they put on the armor though. Reminded him of how unfamiliar with being a cyborg soldier he used to be.

           “About time you finished getting your soft asses in uniform. Look alive people, especially you Gil.” remarked Sergeant Calisle. “(Yawns) Yeah yeah, whatever Sarge.” Gil dismissed. The yawn sounded weird considering the mechanized effect his helmet’s voice filter had.

           The Sergeant looked down at Gil. Somehow, his anger beamed through the eye lenses. “Gil, I think we had this conversation before. If I like you, you can call me Sarge, but guess what? I DON’T LIKE YOU, DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!”. “Y-yes sir!” Gil said, standing at attention. “Sorry, what did you say, clown? I thought I told you not to whimper, and you’re whimpering!” the sergeant screamed. “SIR YES SIR!” Gil screamed out in the expected affirmation.            “Alright then, Corporal, take the two APCs and the privates on patrol, and report by 1200. Understood?” the sergeant said to Blair. “Understood sir.”.

…

A few years back.

           Blair was a private back then, working law enforcement detail in one of the commercial cities. Though there was some action in the cities, it was typical crime such as robbery. Sometimes maintaining the military police felt like a waste. It was even more dull as this city was not only deep in Protectorate territory, but was one of the cities near Nova Sanctum, so safety was kind of perpetual.

           As a new private, Blair caught on that he was just a body with a gun and some armor to make people feel safe, a decoration. Well, it pays, he thought. He had been born to intellectuals, his mother a writer and his father a doctor. His mother had suffered a terminal illness when Blair was in the middle of college studies, and no matter what Blairs father did, even conceding the case to doctors better than him, his mother still died.

           His mother was actually a talented best-selling writer, and so took to paying Blair’s tuition while his father tended to other financial needs. Without her, Blair’s father had his hands tied, and Blair now needed to fund his academic ventures by himself.

           That’s when he noticed that the Magnus Protectorate was offering tuition payments, and he accepted. He understood there were risks, so he took the training seriously. He imagined doing dangerous assignments, like putting down Abominable breakouts and other mutants, putting a stop to mercenaries and terrorists, or even joining the space fleet to secure the interplanetary borders.

           Instead, the daily action he saw was giving directions and helping those in need cross the street. Though he wouldn’t normally demean kind gestures, he was worried the hazard here was utter boredom. Well, aside from that, no death and dismemberment at least.

           “Hello, officer? Are you still alive in there?” said a voice. Blair stuttered awake, embarrassed he was caught half-asleep on the job. “Sorry, sergeant! I’ll get back to it and…oh, uh, sorry about that. What can I do for you, civilian?” Blair inquired.

           As his senses focused from his earlier stupor, Blair looked at the person who woke him. She was a young woman with bright skin, long amber hair, and tender complexion. For a second, her appearance made Blair look flustered. Good thing he was wearing the helmet.

           The young woman put her hands to her sides in frustration. “Hmph, good to know the military police have the right initiative. Sleeping soldiers are a great deterrent for crime rates.” she said in critical sarcasm. Great, first the sergeant, then the other privates, and now civilians. I’m not cut out for the military.

           “Ahem, sorry you had to see that ma’am. Rest assured, the Magnus Protectorate stands ready to defend you.” Blair said in prompt. The woman just laughed at that. “What was that? Is that what they tell you to tell us?”. Blair sighed. “Yes ma’am.”. They even put the strict guidelines manual into his armor’s computer system. What he just said was a direct quote for how to respond to citizens, as he was still memorizing everything.

           “Hey, enough with the “ma’am” crap. We’re both people, aren’t we? My name’s Elena, what’s yours?” she asked. “Private Blair Rayner, ma’…Miss, uh, Elena.”.

           She smiled at that. “Well, it’s a start. Alright, “Mister Blair”, let me know when your off duty so we can sit down and eat.”.

…

           Why did I agree to this?! Blair was sitting down with the woman from earlier, Elena Harking. Right now, his face was cramped, as he had not much experience dealing with the opposite sex, or even other people in general, because he had involved himself in either academics or, more recently, military work.

           “You gonna take that bucket off your head or what?” she said. “It’s not a…! Oh, fine.” he agreed reluctantly. He hated being called a “bucket head”, and hated the armor designers even more.

           “Don’t sound so upset, I actually want to see your face when we talk. Besides, can you actually eat through that?” she inquired. “No, but one of the other privates tried. Sergeant was yelling at him for messing up military property.” Blair responded.

           Elena chuckled. “Seriously? Oh God, how nuts was he to…whoa.”. By now, Blair finished disengaging the link up and removed his helmet. His face, altered by the circuitry and implants left from the standard surgery, was now exposed. Elena stared inquisitively for a bit.

           Blair sighed. Back at the campus, his college peers gave him similar looks. He could hear the nasty comments behind his back. “Cyborg bastard”, “techno freak”, “damn bucket head”, and several other derogatory terms. For all the respect garnered by the Magnus Protectorate, the people would rather have the faces of its soldiers confined in helmets.

           “Alright, go ahead, say it.” Blair said, prepared to hear the worst. Elena blinked in surprise. “Say what? Am I supposed to be astounded or something?”. she said bewildered. Blair was caught off guard by that comment, usually expecting some form of aversion. “Huh?” he asked.

           “Oh, come on, I’m not gonna praise you just for showing me your face.” she said. “Praise…wait, you don’t think I’m a hideous freak?” he asked. She was caught off guard by how unusual that was. “Where did that come from?! I’d say your face is pretty solid, I just thought it looked interesting. Don’t get to see the face of a Cyber Trooper often, I mean.”.

           “Most people who do call us freaks and want to spit at us.” Blair said in dejection. “Yikes, that’s, uh, kind of extreme. Well, you look like a good person to me. Maybe a few extra fancy pieces, but a good person. So, what’s your story?”.

           They talked over for the next two hours. Blair explained that he was using the tuition he was earning in the military to help get through his academics, and had taken to engineering. Coincidentally, they both went to the same college, but Elena was a legal major.

She envied Blair, as her father served in the army and she wanted to follow. Problem was, most women weren’t compatible with the cyber implants, and no one made custom versions that could be standard issue like what the men use. Some were compatible, but the success ratio was practically 1 to 10. Women who enlisted were accepted, but most who weren’t compatible for a cyber format were sent to a secret military project. They never come back.

Unfortunately, Elena was not compatible for the operation. She thought to enlist anyway, but her father got desperate and stopped her. He never explained why, but she said he seemed…afraid. Disappointed, she decided to serve and protect law and order by taking legal classes to be an attorney or prosecutor. She was still undecided on the specifics, but she was liking things so far.

“So…want to meet up gain at campus?” she asked. “Um, sure, that sounds great.” then private Blair Rayner said. “Cool, see ya.” she said as she waved goodbye.

…

           Blair was a bit tense. He would feel much better if he was in Cyber Armor, or at least regular military fatigues. Instead, he was in casual clothing, no different from civilians aside from his apparent implants, holding hands with a young woman his age.

           A date. 20th one, to be exact, but this one was more public than the rest. Blair enjoyed each one, but his training did not prepare him for the unknowns of romantic relationships. It just happened, as he and Elena became less formal, mostly on her part. If left on his own, Blair would have likely still talked in procedure.

           It was always hardest in the beginning, but Blair could later loosen up somehow and enjoy it for what it was. But there was a problem. 20th date. 20th date and Blair didn’t know what to do. Was he meant to advance? Was he meant to do something special? Is there some hidden context? Damn it, he thought, picking up encoded messages was easier than this.

           There was also how he was so casual in public, which exposed his “modifications”. The people looked either uncomfortable or disgusted. “Hey.” said a voice next to him. Elena grabbed his face and directed his sight at her. “Forget them. This is just us, okay? Besides, they don’t have a damn clue what’s going on, so anything they say is crap. So, don’t let it ruin our date, that’s an order. Understood?”.

           “Understood, ma’am.” he joked. “Hey.” she said back. They chuckled as they were heading to a local fair in an amusement park. They began enjoying the various festivities. Minigames, food stands, amusement rides. Blair didn’t like the roller coaster, but he felt just a bit braver with Elena. The hardened soldier encouraged by the civilian, he would kick himself if it wasn’t for the fact that he knew Elena was special.

           They continued meandering through the crowd. “Um, Elena, listen, I’ve been thinking.” Blair said. “Yeah?” she turned back. “I was wondering…if, after this, well…” he stuttered. He thought, but it wasn’t so much a plan so much as a runaway train of flustered thoughts. Unfortunately, the train came to a crash due to bad circumstance.

           “Alright, Magnus lovers, get down on your knees or die!”. Shots rang though the fair as civilians scattered here and there brought out weapons. They shot down innocents to make a point, and already began herding others. “Quick, get down and follow me!” Blair said to Elena. They began making their way to one of the exit corners before one of the terrorist tried stopping him.

           “Hey, back off bastard, or you lady friend gets, what the hel-GAHH!”. Blair rushed up to the terrorist, grabbed his firing arm before he could react, slugged him in the face, then shot him down as he grabbed the rifle. Even without Cyber Armor, Cyber Troopers had cybernetic implants and inner weaves that made them stronger, faster, and could even process faster than regular humans. It was only slightly better, and would do little against more experienced opponents, but it was enough.

           Guy’s reaction time was sloppy. He should have been prepared to fire on sight, not that I’m complaining. “Alright, Elena, I need you to listen carefully. I want you to stay here and call the city’s Civil Enforcement emergency line. Get a person immediately and tell them we have a D-22. That’s for terrorists assaulting civilians in a public area and holding them hostage. 10 targets, dozens of hostages. Tell them where we are and they’ll send a strike team. Just stay low until then.”.

           “Okay, but what are you going to do?” she asked, fearing the worst. Blair looked back at her with reassurance. “My job, and my job doesn’t tolerate terrorism.”. Blair finished grabbing ammunition and a knife off the fallen terrorist and went off.

           He looked around. Seemed the terrorists were still herding the civilians. He spotted their handiwork, several civilians gunned down for effect, including a father and his son and daughter. This fair was a civilian function, purely recreational, unguarded and held no strategic value. These were definitely terrorists, just looking to make a fanatical showing and make hell for hell’s sake.

           He spotted the herded citizens ahead. “You damn Magnus worshippers. You parade in this city of filth, of glorified vanity to a false god, a sinful man you have deified. You will all be our message to the Damned Protector, that his protection is all lies, that he can safeguard no one! Through your deaths, we will be free from his grasp!” shouted the ringleader.

           While the ringleader was spouting his fanaticism, Rayner had stabbed two of the terrorists overlooking the crowd without drawing attention. He made his way to a third, then a fourth. Good, six left. Now where the hell is that strike force?!

           The ringleader pointed to a small girl. One of the terrorists went and grabbed her, bringing her to center as she screamed. Her parents tried to rescue her, but the terrorists sent warning shots and the other civilians stopped them.

           “What about you, little girl? Why don’t we make you the first of many bloodied lives on Magnus’s hands? A message for all that he can’t even save one little girl.” the ringleader said as he smiled sickeningly, the girl crying for her life.

           “Don’t shoot her! If you’re going to kill anyone, then kill me damn it!”. Blair didn’t even think it through. He just knew he couldn’t stand that. His blood was boiling now, wanting to gun down the terrorist. But if he did that, the girl and several other civilians would be shot. He was at a disadvantage, his only hope to distract them long enough for the strike team to arrive and make a move.

           The ringleader stopped and eyed Blair. “Ah, what have we here? One of Magnus’s cyborg monsters, a soulless tool that only knows to kill for its master. And without armor, showing all how disgusting it is. Come over here, abomination, and toss that aside.”.

           Blair held a look of contempt, but did as he was told, throwing the weapon to the ringleader as he walked. He made it to the ringleader. “On your knees, filth.”. Blair gritted his teeth and clenched his fists, wanting to kill the man with one punch. He felt like he could do that now, with all his anger. But knowing the civilians were still at gunpoint, his body buckled down in resistance and knelt down.

           POW! Blair was punched right across the face, followed by three more punches of the same variety. Despite the blood that came, Blair looked at the ringleader defiantly. He didn’t like that, and punched down to the head and sending Blair face first into the ground.

Blair was repeatedly kicked again and again, trying to stifle his pained cries to limit the civilians’ panic and to not give the ringleader the satisfaction. The ringleader placed his foot on the side of Blair’s face.

“Do you see this?! These are Magnus’s swords and guns, sworn to protect you! But what good are they?! Look at it, beaten and bloody, though I am surprised there’s any blood at all. It’s pathetic. It cannot save you, it cannot even save itself.” the ringleader proclaimed as he held the gun to Blair’s head ready to pull the trigger.

“Gugh…” gurgled one of the terrorists as they fell dead. No, not one, five terrorists fell dead, bullet wounds in their heads. About damn time. “Wh-what the hell is going on?!” shouted the ringleader as he looked on. Big mistake.

Blair got up and wrestled the gun away from the ringleader. The ringleader resisted, Blair headbutted his as the terrorist got knocked. BANG! Blair shot the terrorist right through the heart…if he had one, anyway. The terrorist gave one last look of wicked contempt before falling dead.

“Secure area, move, move!”. Cyber Troopers stormed in, setting up perimeter and tending to the civilians. “It’s okay, you’re all safe now.” a soldier said to the girl and family from earlier.

“Blair!” Elena screamed. “Elena…” he said in relief. He was glad she was safe. He wasn’t out of harm’s way though, as he got slapped in the face. “Ugh, easy Elena, I…mm.” Blair was interrupted by a tearful kiss from Elena.

Their lips parted as Elena looked at Blair with tears and anger. “Damn it, Blair, do you know how scarred I was?! I was about to charge in myself to save you, you dumbass!”. Blair felt all the fear and pain he must have put Elena through, and now felt remorse.

“Sorry, Elena. I’m glad you didn’t do that though, so I won’t do that again, I promise.”.

…

The Present.

           Blair looked up from the photo of him and Elena as Sam was driving the APC. It had been a few years since that day, when he was given commendations and a medal for his service. He had completed a round of service and his academic career, but continued to serve for various reasons, mainly because that day made him realize how important his job was.

           But there was another reason. “Ooh, Corporal, you thinking of your special someone?” teased Gil. “Hey, cut it out payaso(clown). Unlike you, the guy is serious.” Conrado retaliated. “Not to pry, but how are things between you and her? It can be tough for people to carry a relationship in this line of work is all.” Sam inquired.

           Blair gave a wry smile. “Well, I’m still trying to think of the delivery but…” with that Blair pulled out of his pocket a small container. He flipped it open, revealing a modest yet delicate ring.

           “No way!”, “¡Felicidades(Congratulations)!”, “Good man!” they all cheered. “Okay, okay, easy now. Still have to give it to her, alright? I’m thinking when I get next leave, I’ll take her on a trip to Nova Sanctum, and give it to her when we’re either touring the Citadel or the Grand Gardens. Lots of venues and opportunities, so it’s hard to decide. Besides, I need to make money for the wedding and stuff.” said Blair.

           “Oh, so that’s why you’re still here playing soldier? Easier ways to pay the bills man. Seriously though, I thought we all had a tight bond.” Gil lamented sarcastically. “Eh, I could have just gone and done engineering, but I would have felt bad. Someone has to stop you yahoos from getting your asses killed. I’m looking at you, Gil.” Blair joked.

           “Yes, the sergeant alone would chew up and spit out Gil, wouldn’t he?” Sam joined in, with Conrado nodding. Gil sulked at that. “Well, it may be a bit soon, but why don’t we get drinks to celebrate?” Conrado suggested. “Sure, I could go for that. Gotta wait until these patrols are done though.” Blair agreed.

           “Why are they even having us do patrol here though? I mean, this is like nowhere.” said Gil. He wasn’t the only one to complain about that. Normally, the platoon patrolled near Outlands areas, putting down mutants and bandits. But this was just wilderness and roads deep in Protectorate territory. The only buildings around was their encampment and a few old war ruins. At best, the most lethal thing they would run into was a bear.

           Despite that, the first lieutenant had been ordered to station the platoon here. It would be easy to think it was punishment, but nothing had been done to deserve it, and they had been scattered and doing patrols for the past week. It was like they were on lookout, but for what?

           Suddenly, static came through on their internal comms. “Heads up everyone. This is Zeta Squad, can you repeat?” Blair asked. The signal clarified, and they recognized it was Sergeant Calisle. “Zeta Squad, return to base immediately. This goes for all other squads, the lieutenant has called an emergency meeting. I repeat, return to base for meeting. Over.” said the sergeant. “Copy that, over.” Blair affirmed.

           “Guess we’ll have to save the drinks for later.” Blair said as he signaled Sam to turn the APCs around, the other team of privates following behind them.

…

           “So, what do think all the fuss is about?” Gil asked. “Stuff it Gil, Lieutenant Gregor is about to speak.” Sam told him. Indeed, the Lieutenant came out unmasked. Everyone in the platoon wasn’t wearing their helmets currently, as they were only worn really for active duty like patrol.

           “Troopers, listen up. You’ve all been wondering why we’ve been stationed in an area of little note. It’s been necessary to simply call this a routine patrol, but in actuality, this has been a lookout assignment, and scouts have determined our target is heading through this area. The target is Samurai Jack.”.

           That got a few murmurs going. “Whoa, the Renegade Samurai, huh?” Conrado spoke. “I heard he took down three Inquisitors and a platoon. Scary stuff.” Gil joined in. “Well, for our sakes, let’s hope the rumors are exaggerated. We’re a platoon, you know.” remarked Sam.

           “Focus men!” commanded the first lieutenant. The Cyber Troopers quieted down and assumed attention. “Disregard all exaggerated rumors about the target, but do not underestimate him either. He is a dangerous insurgent, but still only one man, and can and will be terminated with lethal force.”.

           “The target is accompanied by three other accomplices, all armed and dangerous. You are to shoot on sight. I won’t lie, this will be dangerous. The Samurai’s list of confirmed kills is now in the hundreds. However, combat data from these fallen troops have suggested he may be disadvantaged by tactic and superior numbers. Review such data after the meeting. Now, here is the plan.”.

           “The road the Samurai is travelling will be rigged with explosives. He will likely survive through. Gamma squad will make the first move, attempting to assassinate the target through long range. Should that fail, then Gamma, Epsilon, and Delta will team up to form a joint strike force and overwhelm the enemy.”.

           “Should target be able to resist, we will drive him towards this area.” The area displayed on the holographic area map was a decaying military training base, defunct after the war. “Once we have him there, Theta and Zeta will take positions with the rest of the squads and we will flush him out. If necessary, we will bring down the whole structure. By bullet or rubble, this renegade dies tonight.”.

           “The target arrives at this area in approximately three hours. Move out and head to position. Review data until we confirm target presence and begin operation. Understood?” asked the first lieutenant.

           “Sir yes sir!” announced the whole platoon.

…

           Blair was observing the data, watching the recordings of fallen Cyber Troopers. Common to them all was the vain shooting at a white robed Samurai before the recording ended with a slash from a katana.

           “GAHH! Seriously, what’s with this guy? It’s like guns are useless against a sword, what messed up reality is that?” Gil asked. “I’m more perplexed as to how that sword deflects fire. Even if it’s a well-toned steel alloy, we’re using BX-90 riffles. At this point, the charged bullets should have shattered it by now.” Sam remarked.

           Somewhere between regular ballistic ammo and energy-based weaponry, the Cyber Trooper standard issue BX-90 riffle charged bullets as they accelerated with a destructive energy to increase their damage. With all safety parameters off, it could well punch through regular armor, so a katana really should be in pieces from that.

           “It’s more his martial arts that concern me. That sword’s just an application for his combat style. Otherwise, all the other soldiers would have shot him dead by now. He moves with tenacity and no hesitation, and all his movements seem professional. Could this guy have been special forces?” Blair asked.

           “Nah, this one fight with the platoon shows no cybernetics on him. He’s a regular human, but he is a badass.” Conrado remarked.

           This was getting a bit tense. Everyone heard of all the crime reports, but common to them all was that no Cyber Trooper that faced Samurai Jack lived to tell the tale. It seemed like an abstract thing before, just an urban rumor. But now that they were about to face him themselves, everyone in the squad felt grim.

           “Hey, common, the lieutenant has a plan, remember. Hell, we don’t have to do a thing, since the other squads are throwing explosives and snipers at the guy. So chill, okay?” Gil reassured. “That’s a nice attitude to have, before fighting a mass murderer.” Sam remarked.

           “Enough. We don’t know exactly what will happen. What we do know is that this renegade is dangerous, he is not alone, and he likely won’t go down quietly. Just follow the plan seriously, and hopefully we make it out alive. Got it guys?” asked Blair.

           “Got it.” they all affirmed.

           “Well, glad you know how to get those jackasses in order, corporal. I’ll stick to the new bloods here and- wait, what? Eyes front, enemy sighted!” Sergeant Calisle ordered, receiving note from the other squads.

           Squatting down from a hillside, all the troopers in Squad Zeta looked from their vantage point to the road. The could see a rough four-wheeled car running though the road bellow. Just a few dozen meters more and…

           BOOM! For a minute, the soldiers just sat and stared at the flaming desolation. They weren’t about to celebrate, no, they were waiting, prepared for a sign from the enemy.

           The enemy vehicle drove though the smoke and fire, hardly scratched. Somehow, the drivers seemed to detect the explosive and drove skillfully enough to stay out of the force of the blast.

           But the plan didn’t seem dashed yet. People came out, four of them, looking to inspect the explosion. Seemed they wanted to see who was behind the attack. Wait, is that…? Blair thought. Yes, it was. Gamma Squad confirmed it through their sniper scopes. Standing in their sights, out in the open in white garb, was Samurai Jack.

           The snipers kept cool, not wanting to mess up the shot. One had a clear shot, a bullseye right on the Samurai’s forehead. “Firing!” the snipers said as they let loose. The bullets raced towards their targets, meters away.

But, somehow, one of the secondary targets, the traitor designated “Ashi”, became alarmed and screamed something. All the targets ducked and covered at the last minute, evading the precise strike. The assassination attempt failed.

Worse, the main target looked in their direction, and Blair somehow felt he was looking directly at them. “Main target is still alive, our positions are compromised! Switch to next phase! Gamma, Epsilon, and Delta, move in before target escapes!” commanded the First Lieutenant.

The other squads affirmed, moving into positions and preparing to charge. Blair knew what would happen. Epsilon and Delta would block the vehicle’s approach and Gamma would reconnect to attack from the other side. Fire would be focused on the main target, the secondary targets eliminated once he was. A simple but effective plan, yet…

“This is Lieutanant Gregor, myself and Theta are standing by with Zeta, all other squads engage.” said the lieutenant on the comm radio. “Copy that Lieutenant, Delta is moving in from other side and engaging target now, over.” said the Delta sergeant. “Copy, Gamma. Epsilon is arriving to assist, over.” said the Epsilon sergeant. “Gamma arriving from previous position, ready to cut off target, over.” said the Gamma sergeant.

Shortly after that, gunfire and explosions could be heard from no too far away. That was expected, but then they could hear all kinds of comm chatter, most of it distressed. “GAHH!”, “Bastards, take this!”, “They know how to put up a fight!”, “Oh God!”, “AHHH!”.

Lieutenant Gregor got concerned, and tried rising the sergeants. “Epsilon, Delta, Gamma, give me updates, do you copy?!”. After a few tense seconds of static, an answer came in. “L-lieutenant, this is Private Bryson from Gamma, we’re taking serious losses by the enemy and need support now!”.

“Private, where is your lieutenant, over?” asked First Lieutenant Gregor. “He-He’s dead, sir! The target left the vehicle that took on Epsilon and Delta and engaged my squad! All squads are at less than 50% now! We’re not gonna make it, we need…oh shit, he’s coming right at me, please send…!” ZZZT.

Everyone fell silent as the private’s dying plea turned to static. “Damn it! Theta, you’re coming with me. We’re going to jump that son of a bitch before he gets the rest. Zeta, follow behind at a distance. If we can’t put him down or force him into the trap point, you be the ones to catch him off guard.” commanded the First Lieutenant.

“Yes sir!” affirmed both squads. Theta and the First Lieutenant down in an APC. Blair and the rest of Zeta made preparations to follow. Despite how quickly the Lieutenant adapted though, Blair couldn’t help the ominous feelings dredging up within him. Only a few minutes, and it already sounded like the joint attack failed. Resistance was expected, but such casualties so soon? Just who, or rather what, was this Samurai Jack?

He decided to not dwell on the matter as Sergeant Calisle drove them down from the lookout point and on to the road where the action was. It was then they heard more comm static. “This is Zeta, come in, over.” inquired the sergeant. “Zeta, get over here quick! Situation’s gone to shit! Gamma got shredded by that bastard and it looks like we lost Epsilon too! Delta got in the APC and drove off the enemy’s vehicle support, and we managed make that Samurai bastard run for it. Pursuing target to trap point, but I don’t think we can take him ourselves. Move in to provide support, over!” said Lieutenant Gregor.

“Copy that, over.” replied Sergeant Calisle. “Alright boys, let’s get over there and…”, “Whoa, stop the APC for a sec, sarge!” replied Gil. “Only because I’m gonna kick your ass for…” the sergeant stopped reprimanding as he saw what Gil was talking about.

Everyone got out to see the devastation. It was a real fight, one that ended badly for the Cyber Troopers. From one end was the remains of Epsilon and Delta. Epsilon’s APC was just flaming scrap, blown to pieces by a missile or rocket. They didn’t even know the enemy had that. They could see that the bodies lying there either had gunshot wounds or cuts, lethal from a glance.

Even if they thought some lived, a quick link up to their Cyber Armor and scanners had shown the results. “Vital scans show…no survivors.” Blair responded after his helmet’s optics did their work. They turned to the other side, which was somehow worse.

Sure, a Cyber Trooper’s most common cause of death in battle was by gunshot or explosive, except when fighting things like Abominables. But it would take fighting those monsters to make it worse than this. Cyber Troopers, cut, slashed, butchered, all with such clear and lethal wounds, as though a single stroke was sufficient to do the damage.

The human cyborgs all had such open and ghastly wounds, exposing their internal circuitry in their flesh as blood began to pool. One of the young privates from the other half of the squad, all rookies, took as helmet in a hurry to vomit on the spot. “S-sorry…” he said exasperated.

“H-help me…” cried a weak voice. “Over there!” cried out Blair as he ran to the voice. He saw it was a private down on the ground, clutching desperately at his shoulder. No, he was clutching where his arm used to be. But it was no good, his Cyber Armor’s gray and black was stained with streaks of his red blood, lying in a puddle of it. It was amazing he was still alive now.

“What’s your name, Private?” asked the Corporal. “St…Stan Bryson, sir.” replied the Private who warned the Lieutenant earlier. Blair nodded, needing the Private to collect himself so he could relay what occurred. “What happened here, Bryson?” Blair asked.

“We…we thought we had him. At first that car was pinned, couldn’t fight back. But then it fired a damn missile and took out most of Epsilon! Then that bastard jumped out.  I swear I though he was flying, didn’t even fire till it was too late. The Samurai got in close and cut us like butter.”.

“I tried contacting the Lieutenant, but then the renegade butchered my arm, and left me to die! He just tried walking away, then the Lieutenant and Theta Squad got the drop on him. I…I think the other renegades got chased by Delta, and the Samurai was being pushed by Theta towards the trap point, but…” the Private trailed off.

“But…I think it was a trap. That Samurai bastard ran away too soon, same for that car. I think he wants to turn the ambush against us, I, ugh…” Bryson groaned as his strength bled on the ground. “P-please, you gotta help the Lieutenant, just tell him to-to, get the hell away. That Samurai, he’ll kill him, he’ll…”.

With that, Bryson fully collapsed on the ground, unmoving. Blair’s scanner read “Deceased”. It was then they all heard an explosion in the direction of the other APC. “Delta Squad, do you copy? Come in Delta, over!” Blair asked over the comm, only to get static. Seems as though they lost Delta Squad too.

“Sh-shit, we gotta get out of here!” cried out one of the young privates. He looked like he was going to make a run for it, before being backhanded by Sergeant Calisle. “Listen to me, you goddamn son of a bitch. We are not running and we are not hiding. We’re gonna find Lieutenant Gregor and help him out of this shitstorm, understand?!”.

“Screw that! Look around, Theta is as good as dead! I thought this would be basic Protectorate patrol, just marginal danger! I never signed up to take on… whatever the hell this is!” retorted another young private. That earned him a punch right to the side of his head. Even though he wore a helmet, the private was dazed by that.

“Listen up, you pansy-assed school boys! This kind of shit is why we are here, why the whole Magnus Protectorate exists in the first place! What do you think keeps people, like you, your family and friends, your whole damn community safe from this?” the sergeant asked. He then pointed to the fallen Bryson.

“Soldiers like him. Bryson risked his life for a cause, the cause. He could have run away, abandoned his whole squad to save his own ass. Instead, he stayed here and radioed for help. It cost him his life, damn it.”.

“You think our Lord Protector stopped the war by crying in the corner? No, he had enough of that shit and got it done! Better yet, he led a whole damn army! Every single one of them risked their lives like Bryson, dying for the cause. Do you know what the hell that bloody cause is?”.

“To serve Magnus and the Peace, sir.” Blair spoke up. “I’m glad you understand, Corporal. These crybabies should follow you for a day.” the sergeant said proudly.

“That’s more than a popup or a salute. It’s a principle, a virtue. Magnus stands for the preservation of this world, it’s first and last line of defense. By definition, so do we. What kind of defender of peace are you if you leave behind your own comrades when you can do something? Soldiers like Bryson die so that the peace so many died for continues.”.

“If we let bastards like that Samurai Jack loose, nobody’s safe. You know what’s worse? Bryson will have died for nothing. Gamma, Epsilon, and Delta will have died for nothing. Every soldier who was killed by that Samurai will have died for nothing. Your job, your duty, is to make it all worth something.”.

“So then, what is our cause?” asked the sergeant. “To serve Magnus and the Peace, sir!” shouted the whole squad, not just the young privates. “And how are we going to do that tonight?” asked the sergeant. “By stopping the Samurai and saving the Lieutenant, sir!” shouted the squad. “God damn right. Now get back in the APC and let’s double time it!”.

…

           Zeta Squad finally arrived at the old military base. Whatever Near End War faction owned this place in the past, they had been long gone, the base stripped and demilitarized long ago. It was a skeleton of whatever powerhouse it once was.

           “No sign of Theta or the Samurai. We split in two. Corporal, take your crew and head that way. I’ll stick with these guys so they don’t wet themselves. If you spot the Lieutenant or the enemy, contact us immediately.” Sergeant Calisle ordered.

           “Got it. Stay safe, Sergeant.” Blair warned. “Watch you own ass too, Corporal.” the sergeant said back. Blair’s team engaged their night vision as well as turning on their rifle’s search lights. They even had thermal imaging, so if anything sizeable came into range, they would see it. It was not seeing any sign of the Lieutenant’s team or the Samurai that was making them all tense though.

           “Hold it, I’m picking up some signals. About half a dozen.” Blair said. It didn’t look good though. They were all huddled together, but they were collapsed, and some of the signals’ temperatures were dropping. “Let’s move!” shouted the Corporal.

           They rushed towards the area of thermal imaging, and when they got their and turned it off, their fears were realized. “Damn, Theta didn’t make it.” lamented the Corporal. All around were the bodies of the Cyber Troopers of Theta Squad. Some had taken gunshot wounds, but most had been cut apart.

           Lying at the center was First Lieutenant Gregor, cause of death was a clear slash through the chest. “I’m sorry, Lieutenant Gregor. We weren’t fast enough.” Blair mourned. “Sergeant, this is Corporal Rayner. I’m sorry sir, but we didn’t arrive in time, all of Theta Squad, including the Lieutenant, is dead, over.”.

           “What?! I…I see. Then try to get back to the entrance, we’ll, huh?!”. The communication turned to static, causing Blair and the others alarm. “Quick, we have to get to his direction and find his location!” Blair ordered. They all began running while searching for their sergeant’s location signal, Blair trying to raise up comms again.

“Sergeant, what is your status, answer!” Blair shouted. “The Samurai just appeared, just stood there till we fired! Just like that, he went at us! I’m trying to keep him off the boys but, UGH! Damn it, just die you mother-”. With that, the comm went static. “Sergeant, sergeant?! Sergeant Calisle?!” shouted Blair.

Blair couldn’t get an answer, only try to maintain course as they zeroed in on the battle. They could only hear the sound of gunfire and a sword slashing before it all went silent.

Blair and his team arrived at a terrible scene. Gripping a smoking BX-90 rifle was the slumped corpse of Sergeant Calisle. Surrounding him were the bodies of the young privates. They were all barely of age to enlist, had hardly seen action. Even so, it seemed they made a valiant attempt to defend the sergeant when he was defending them, as their forms indicated brave resistance to the end. Seems the sergeant got the principle through to them.

“D-damn it. He was the meanest hardass I knew. Sometimes I really thought someone pissed in his orange juice to make him so mad. But you know, he always got this squad going and looked out for everyone, you know? Thanks, Sergeant.” said Gil.

Their moment of solace was interrupted by a rustle from behind. Blair was the only one who picked it up. He fired behind, catching the startled silhouette of a robed figure who dodged the fire and into the dark.

“Damn it! Everyone, cover all corners!” Blair ordered. The four of them formed a tight square, covering all directions as they watched for the Samurai. Having to trn off thermal imaging because of all the bodies, Blair noticed movement from the corner in his enhance vion.

He fired, the dark being lit as the energized bullets turned to sparks against the movements of a sword. The figure got in close, and Blair barely pulled out his combat blade in time to prevent the sword from reaching his neck. Conrado screamed as he punched right at the figure, not wanting to fire and hit Blair by accident.

But the shadow cloaked figure managed to block it with a single hand, before jabbing Conrado multiple times in the gut, bringing the Cyber Trooper to his knees. Before the figure went any farther, Sam went in with a side arm and combat blade, blocking the shadowy Samurai’s sword before trying to shoot him down.

But the enemy anticipated this, twisting Gil’s arm to make him drop his pistol. He was kicked down as their assailant tried to run from the scene, but Gil wasn’t having that. Gil fired his rifle at the figure, who jumped back to avoid the fire. The assailant had enough of this. He took out his own sidearm, a pistol, firing multiple shots at the Cyber Troopers.

“MOVE! Blair shouted. He barely dodged the energy laced bullets, but Gil wasn’t so fortunate. A bullet came right to his head, one the helmet couldn’t block. But it wasn’t him who would die from that.

“SAM!” Gil shouted. Sam noticed the bullet’s trajectory and pushed Gil out of the way, but by sheer misfortune, it hit him in the throat. “(Coughs violently), y-you damn bloke. Always figure you’d have been the death of me. (Coughs violently) Don’t…take it so personally though. But… if you happen to see the Samurai, get in a few shots for me before you leave, alright? Wake me up when we’re all at Blair’s…”.

With that, Sam went limp, and his helmet’s optics went dark. Gil just knelt there, wordless, no bad jokes or anything, like the humor died with Sam. The figure in the corridor had stopped, as though troubled.

Gil looked up at it, and beneath his helmet, his eyes held desperation and bloodlust. “Gil, amigo, don’t.”. But before Conrado could even restrain him, Gil picked up both his own and Sam’s BX-90 rifles and charges. No plan, no coordination, just rage and poorly controlled bullets.

The figure became on guard as Gil screamed while firing the hail of bullets. He wasn’t thinking at all really, he just wanted the renegade dead. The figure did as he had to, running and dodging the chaotic bullets with ease before slicing through Gil’s throat. Gil stopped there, vengeance unfulfilled, before coming to his knees and then collapsing.

The shadowed, robed figure stared at them, as though waiting for a move. Neither Blair nor Conrado knew what it meant, but they had to assume the worst: they would die when they made their move.

Conrado sighed. “Sorry, hombre(man), but I don’t think I’m making it to your boda(wedding). Make it there for the rest of us, okay?” requested Conrado. “Wait, what are you…?” Blair asked, before Conrado sent a volley of gunfire at the enemy. For extra assurance, Conrado took out a grenade and pressed a button.

“Move it, now!” Conrado shouted as he charged at the robed figure. Blair didn’t have time to argue, just ran the opposite way, towards the exit. But he realized that Conrado was not going to make it. Conrado even made sure of that, as when Blair made it out, an explosion went off behind him, collapsing the building and sending Blair helmet first into the ground.

Blair got up and looked behind. He knew that wasn’t just an attempt to take out the Samurai with him. Conrado knew that Blair could never choose to abandon his friends, to leave what they died for. That’s why he made that choice for him. Conrado died so Blair could live up to what Conrado asked, what they all wanted for Blair.

He knew what Sam was going to say, and he knew what Conrado asked, but this was too much. He collapsed to his knees, his hands gripping the ground in emotional pain. In that old base for a war long over, all his friends, his whole squad, just died.

“What the hell do you want?” Blair asked in venomous anger. Behind him, he somehow felt that presence. It wasn’t cybernetic sensors or regular hearing, he just somehow knew, in that moment of anguish. He turned, facing the being he hated most, the one responsible for killing his whole platoon in one night. There stood Samurai Jack.

Blair was only mildly surprised as he got a closer look. He didn’t get such good details from the record data, the vantage point, or the dark corridor, but this current meeting contrasted with today’s impression.

After a night of seeing all his friends slaughtered, Blair thought he might as well have been fighting a demon, a being of pure malice. Instead, he saw a man. He was indeed a Samurai, traditional gi, katana, some light armor, and fair skinned eastern features.

The man somehow exerted both an aura that was stern yet gentle at the same time, as well as simple yet refined. He could tell the man could be extremely dangerous if needed, but was not exerting any hostility. That did not help Blair’s though. After tonight and that experience with the terrorist, Blair knew humans could be real demons, the worst kind.

“I would just like to take a moment to talk.” said Jack. “Hmph, a little late for that. Or is it easy to make your point when everyone else is dead?” Blair retorted. Jack kept calm in the face of that hostility and proceeded.

“Your forces have been relentless. Your people take hostility as their first path without warning, never giving me a chance. What you saw was the actions that followed their decisions.” Jack stated.

“Oh, so suddenly we’re in the wrong? It’s my fault everyone died? Everyone deserved to die because they wanted to stop a renegade from committing more violence?” Blair voiced.

“That’s not what I-” Jack said, “So you think we should have just given up? What we’ve sworn to do, give up something bigger than ourselves.” Blair questioned.

“You do not understand, Magnus has blinded-” said Jack . “Oh, so Magnus is to blame, and I don’t know what I’m doing? Unbelievable.” Blair said. He decided he needed to prove a point to this ignorant enemy.

Blair undid his helmet’s hookup and took it off. Jack became surprised at what he saw. Right now, he wasn’t really shocked by the circuitry in Blair’s face, but rather by how human his face was. Jack had known all this time the Cyber Troopers were humans turned into cyborgs, but their armor and helmets seemed to limit their perceivable humanity.

But now that he looked into the face of the enemy, Jack saw past the militarized regime and could perceive full humanity in Blair. The anger in Blair’s modified eyes was not malicious, but rather a desire for justice, the same Jack experienced numerous times. He could tell from Blair’s face and expression that he not a mindless drone, a fooled follower, or a villain.

No, Blair was a good person, fighting for his own beliefs and doing what he saw was right. In many ways, he was the same as Jack. When Jack realized that, it shocked and pained him.

“What, you think I’m some abomination? Or are you surprised to see a person under all this armor?” Blair asked, sensing Jack’s turmoil. “I…” Jack tried to speak, but couldn’t find the words.

“Just so you know, they were all people, people you killed. They had names too. Private Stan Bryson, Lieutenant Gregor, Sergeant Calisle. The last three you killed were Sam, Gil, and Conrado. They were…they were my friends.” Blair said with sorrow.

Jack realized the awful thing he had done to this man, making him witness his friends being slaughtered. He wanted badly to apologize, but the words got stuck in his throat. He knew that just saying “sorry” would be a terrible insult.

“You want to know what they all died for, Samurai? Blind devotion to the Lord Protector? Hatred for his enemies?  It’s nothing like that.” Blair made clear.

“Before you killed him, my sergeant made our salute clear, “Serve Magnus and the Peace”. You probably think that’s doctrine. It’s not, it’s a cause. Magnus led and sacrificed a lot to end the war for a principle, one we fight for now. When we fight to protect, we do it to safeguard and serve those around us.”.

“It’s different for everyone, but we all fight to protect what we all hold dear, including each other. When you kill one of us, that hurts the rest of us, but doesn’t stop us. Do you know why? Because we have to make those deaths mean something. Why did we keep chasing you? Because we couldn’t let everyone else’s sacrifices go to waste, that’s why!” Blair shouted.

Jack had always assumed that when the Cyber Troopers came after him again and again, they were misled, or had malice moving them. Instead, this man was showing him the Cyber Troopers did have honor. If that was so though, what about him?

“You know why I’m speaking to you know instead of trying to shoot you? It’s not because I’m abandoning the cause. Before this whole thing, I…I told my friends I was going to propose… to the person I love most. They all wanted to come, but that changed when you showed up.”.

“They all died in there, but they gave me a chance. I took it, not for myself, not even for her. It was for them. I want to make their deaths mean something, I want to tell them that I did it. If it wasn’t for that…”.

“I’d try to kill you right now. So then, are you here to kill me?” Blair asked.

Jack felt shocked by that, wondering why Blair would think he was here for that. But as he was the man to kill almost everyone Blair came to care about, he realized how easy it was to seem the monster.

“No. There has been…more, far more than enough bloodshed tonight.” Jack concluded. “Knowing you, there will be a lot more before you’re done.” Blair said with condescension. Jack couldn’t deny the reality of that statement.

“One more thing. You spoke of the names of your comrades, and you know mine, but I do not know yours. What is your name, warrior?” Jack asked.

“Corporal Blair Rayner.” Blair responded. “Very well then, Corporal. When you have made you friends’ sacrifice meant something, I will face you again, if you wish..” Jack stated as he began walking away. “Yeah, we’ll see.”.

Author Notes: Ha! You all thought I gave up or died, didn’t you, admit it! No, it’s just that with summer ending and work piling up again, I got a bit busy and had less time for writing. You were expecting the beginning of that Arc finale, huh? You know, seeing a certain Scot again? Funny thing, I was halfway through writing that chapter when this one came to mind. And for the tone of this arc, this chapter had to go here, so I just had to write it.

           References were Fallout 2 and The Matrix, if you spotted them.

           The main thing I wanted to clarify is that even though they’re cybernetic, Jack’s enemies in this story are human, they’re people. I remember from one of Genndy’s interviews about Season 5 that the Daughters of Aku were supposed to represent how people could be programmed like robots. Hell, Jack even comments on it in Episode 4.

           The Cyber Troopers are a more literal take on that, cyborg soldiers that, for aesthetic, have that futuristic feel from Jack fighting robots while making them more lifelike. In deeper context, they show how a person can be literally transformed into part of a machine, all the Troopers formatted and mechanized for the autocracy they serve.

           But, in this part anyway, the Cyber Troopers are still mostly human, and the metaphorical “programming” is not as strong as for the Daughters of Aku. They’re each a person, just doing their duty and following what they believe. To them, the Magnus Protectorate is their society and affects their social and personal lives like any society.

           They all have friends, family, and loved ones. When I wrote Jack killing off the platoon in this chapter, I had to write it in a way where it was self-defense, but the soldiers are not exactly in the wrong either, something that was not easy and a bit vague.

           Why I did this was to convey all the difficult emotions Blair and his friends go through when they see Jack doing this. They can’t just mindlessly charge in like beetle drones, of course they don’t want to die. But it’s Jack’s choice to resist and strike down the Cyber Troopers that moves them to keep trying to stop him. Comradery is a real and powerful thing.

           I’m glad I came up with that dialogue about “the cause”, because this whole chapter is basically saying “Hey, we’re not exactly the bad guys”, and this really gives justification and humanity to the Cyber Troopers. They’re still the enemy, but it kind of gives purpose to both the soldiers and the Magnus Protectorate, something I’ve been struggling to establish. I think this laid some real groundwork for that.

           Now then, Blair. This chapter drew inspiration from SJ favorite “ The Tale of X9”. So yeah, this story was going to have a sad ending. All of Blair’s friends were personalized only to die in the end. Cold, I know, but then it wouldn’t have such impact.

Explaining his background and love interest was to help really give Blair ground as this chapter’s protagonist and give him something worth fighting for. I was rather uncomfortable with the whole “domestic terrorist” situation, we do live in tumultuous times. So, I’m sorry if that bit was a bit too personal for some of you, just want to get that out there.

Blair was designed to be an understood and willing protagonist in this chapter. He’s not Samurai Jack, but that’s what helped make him worthwhile. He knows the Samurai is more dangerous than him, of course he’s scared. But he’s willing to fight for his friends and beliefs, even if that means facing bad situations. I didn’t intend him to be similar to Jack in this way, but I’m glad it turned out that way. He’s not exactly the same as Jack, but he’s definitely his own person.

If you were suspecting after the wedding ring thing that Blair would die, then I have to confess. In the end, Blair was going to be the last person to die. In my head, I kept seeing Blair engage in a fight with Jack, firing off bullets and taking cover to keep Jack at bay. It was going to be similar to X-9’s fight.

It would end with Blair collapsing from a stab wound, his helmet broken and Jack looking down to see his enemy was a person. Blair would hold his picture of Elena and himself and apologize to her, before he collapsed dead. And Jack would know what that meant.

But, I couldn’t do it. Not because I “chickened out”, exactly. I changed it not for Blair or Elena, but for Blair’s friends. These chapters take their own direction after they get going, and I’m cool with that. Where this one went was Blair’s friends trying to hold off Jack so Blair could escape and make it back to Elena.

After all that talk of making sacrifices worth something, anything, this chapter wasn’t going to let me kill off Blair. He had to live, he had to make it. Not for himself, or Elena, but to make their deaths mean something. In a way, keeping that promise and being the sole survivor is more of an emotional gut punch than the original ending, huh?

I know, I like to ramble. Just saying Chapter XI, the beginning of the Arc finale, is on the way, look forward to it!

[psychicdan]

Samurai Jack: Renegade Samurai

Rating M for graphic depictions, language, violence and suggestive themes.

Warning:

The following is a work of fanfiction and is not intentionally connected to real world places, events, or people, nor intended to copy others’ work. Samurai Jack is the work of Genndy Tartakovsky, his team and affiliated studios and companies. This is solely fanfiction for fun and not profit.

Note: I was going to do the first chapter of the Arc 1 finale, but then this idea came to mind, and I had to this before then for maximum effect. Enjoy!

Chapter X: A Soldier’s Cause

           Corporal Blair Rayner woke up to the sounds of the early morning wake-up call. “Come on, move it you wimps! Unless you want to triple morning routine, get your asses out of bed!” shouted the sergeant. Groans could be heard all around. “Ugh, el cabrón… can’t he find something else to be pissed about?” said Conrado.

           “Aw, come on Conrad. You know it’s just the Sarge’s way of saying he loves us, right?” Gil joked nearby. “Well, each to their own, but if this is how he reciprocates, the sergeant can kindly kiss my arse.” Sam remarked. “Careful, if he heard that, he’d flail you alive.” Gil warned. “You brought it up.” Sam retorted.

           Blair chuckled a bit at his team’s chagrin. “Come on, let’s get ready and in uniform before he pops another vein or circuit.” brought up the Corporal. They all hit the showers. Though Blair was of a slightly higher rank, he got on well with the privates in his squad. The only mood killer was the sergeant.

           “So, how do those new muscle weave implants feel, Conrad?” Sam asked. “Mm, felt a bit numb for a while, but I’m used to them. Still think a little workout wouldn’t hurt the llorón (crybaby). Ah well, better give up on a lost cause.” Conrad said about a certain private. “Hey, I don’t need to be jacked up to kick ass, okay?” Gil retorted. “Maybe not, but at least we’ll survive the sergeant’s tirade. It was nice knowing you Gil.” Sam sarcastically lamented.

           “Yeah whatever Sam. Speaking of which, are the new optic enhancements alright?” Gil asked. “Oh yes, my sight is practically 20-20 now, and includes all the visual interface tech. If these weren’t exclusively military issue, glasses would be a thing of the past.” Sam remarked. “Oh Dios Mio, Sam with specs. Would have killed to see him like that.”. The two white and one Hispanic Latino men laughed to themselves.

           The corporal gave a wry smile before looking down at his own black skin. Interlaced into it, no, interlaced into his flesh were circuit linings with several plugins and nodes. If he saw his face in the mirror, he would see the same linings on his face and ocular artificial lenses in his eyes, the same ones Sam was boasting about.

           The most concentrated area of technology was in his back, and in his neck was a particular node and plug. Gil kept joking for a week that they should have taken the blue pill. That movie joke got old fast. It was where all the processing and sensory information for his cybernetic implants were done, and allows for link ups to Cyber Armor and other military interface technology.

           Corporal Blair Rayner was a Cyber Trooper serving in the Magnus Protectorate’s army. He and the three privates were part of Zeta Squad in the 3rd platoon of a company in the army. Right now, it was just morning routine before they geared up for patrol. The platoon was just spread out to keep the area safe.

They finished drying and began putting on their uniforms and Cyber Armor. Blair felt his senses stimulated as usual when he connected the armor to his interface. It was complete when he put the helmet on. Magnus Protectorate Cybernetic Infantry Interface Online. Servite Magnus et Pax(Serve Magnus and the Peace), Trooper.

           At this point, Blair found the heads up notice as noteworthy as the sky being blue. He just unconsciously accepted it, easy that way. He liked seeing the new recruits freak out every time they put on the armor though. Reminded him of how unfamiliar with being a cyborg soldier he used to be.

           “About time you finished getting your soft asses in uniform. Look alive people, especially you Gil.” remarked Sergeant Calisle. “(Yawns) Yeah yeah, whatever Sarge.” Gil dismissed. The yawn sounded weird considering the mechanized effect his helmet’s voice filter had.

           The Sergeant looked down at Gil. Somehow, his anger beamed through the eye lenses. “Gil, I think we had this conversation before. If I like you, you can call me Sarge, but guess what? I DON’T LIKE YOU, DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!”. “Y-yes sir!” Gil said, standing at attention. “Sorry, what did you say, clown? I thought I told you not to whimper, and you’re whimpering!” the sergeant screamed. “SIR YES SIR!” Gil screamed out in the expected affirmation.            “Alright then, Corporal, take the two APCs and the privates on patrol, and report by 1200. Understood?” the sergeant said to Blair. “Understood sir.”.

…

A few years back.

           Blair was a private back then, working law enforcement detail in one of the commercial cities. Though there was some action in the cities, it was typical crime such as robbery. Sometimes maintaining the military police felt like a waste. It was even more dull as this city was not only deep in Protectorate territory, but was one of the cities near Nova Sanctum, so safety was kind of perpetual.

           As a new private, Blair caught on that he was just a body with a gun and some armor to make people feel safe, a decoration. Well, it pays, he thought. He had been born to intellectuals, his mother a writer and his father a doctor. His mother had suffered a terminal illness when Blair was in the middle of college studies, and no matter what Blairs father did, even conceding the case to doctors better than him, his mother still died.

           His mother was actually a talented best-selling writer, and so took to paying Blair’s tuition while his father tended to other financial needs. Without her, Blair’s father had his hands tied, and Blair now needed to fund his academic ventures by himself.

           That’s when he noticed that the Magnus Protectorate was offering tuition payments, and he accepted. He understood there were risks, so he took the training seriously. He imagined doing dangerous assignments, like putting down Abominable breakouts and other mutants, putting a stop to mercenaries and terrorists, or even joining the space fleet to secure the interplanetary borders.

           Instead, the daily action he saw was giving directions and helping those in need cross the street. Though he wouldn’t normally demean kind gestures, he was worried the hazard here was utter boredom. Well, aside from that, no death and dismemberment at least.

           “Hello, officer? Are you still alive in there?” said a voice. Blair stuttered awake, embarrassed he was caught half-asleep on the job. “Sorry, sergeant! I’ll get back to it and…oh, uh, sorry about that. What can I do for you, civilian?” Blair inquired.

           As his senses focused from his earlier stupor, Blair looked at the person who woke him. She was a young woman with bright skin, long amber hair, and tender complexion. For a second, her appearance made Blair look flustered. Good thing he was wearing the helmet.

           The young woman put her hands to her sides in frustration. “Hmph, good to know the military police have the right initiative. Sleeping soldiers are a great deterrent for crime rates.” she said in critical sarcasm. Great, first the sergeant, then the other privates, and now civilians. I’m not cut out for the military.

           “Ahem, sorry you had to see that ma’am. Rest assured, the Magnus Protectorate stands ready to defend you.” Blair said in prompt. The woman just laughed at that. “What was that? Is that what they tell you to tell us?”. Blair sighed. “Yes ma’am.”. They even put the strict guidelines manual into his armor’s computer system. What he just said was a direct quote for how to respond to citizens, as he was still memorizing everything.

           “Hey, enough with the “ma’am” crap. We’re both people, aren’t we? My name’s Elena, what’s yours?” she asked. “Private Blair Rayner, ma’…Miss, uh, Elena.”.

           She smiled at that. “Well, it’s a start. Alright, “Mister Blair”, let me know when your off duty so we can sit down and eat.”.

…

           Why did I agree to this?! Blair was sitting down with the woman from earlier, Elena Harking. Right now, his face was cramped, as he had not much experience dealing with the opposite sex, or even other people in general, because he had involved himself in either academics or, more recently, military work.

           “You gonna take that bucket off your head or what?” she said. “It’s not a…! Oh, fine.” he agreed reluctantly. He hated being called a “bucket head”, and hated the armor designers even more.

           “Don’t sound so upset, I actually want to see your face when we talk. Besides, can you actually eat through that?” she inquired. “No, but one of the other privates tried. Sergeant was yelling at him for messing up military property.” Blair responded.

           Elena chuckled. “Seriously? Oh God, how nuts was he to…whoa.”. By now, Blair finished disengaging the link up and removed his helmet. His face, altered by the circuitry and implants left from the standard surgery, was now exposed. Elena stared inquisitively for a bit.

           Blair sighed. Back at the campus, his college peers gave him similar looks. He could hear the nasty comments behind his back. “Cyborg bastard”, “techno freak”, “damn bucket head”, and several other derogatory terms. For all the respect garnered by the Magnus Protectorate, the people would rather have the faces of its soldiers confined in helmets.

           “Alright, go ahead, say it.” Blair said, prepared to hear the worst. Elena blinked in surprise. “Say what? Am I supposed to be astounded or something?”. she said bewildered. Blair was caught off guard by that comment, usually expecting some form of aversion. “Huh?” he asked.

           “Oh, come on, I’m not gonna praise you just for showing me your face.” she said. “Praise…wait, you don’t think I’m a hideous freak?” he asked. She was caught off guard by how unusual that was. “Where did that come from?! I’d say your face is pretty solid, I just thought it looked interesting. Don’t get to see the face of a Cyber Trooper often, I mean.”.

           “Most people who do call us freaks and want to spit at us.” Blair said in dejection. “Yikes, that’s, uh, kind of extreme. Well, you look like a good person to me. Maybe a few extra fancy pieces, but a good person. So, what’s your story?”.

           They talked over for the next two hours. Blair explained that he was using the tuition he was earning in the military to help get through his academics, and had taken to engineering. Coincidentally, they both went to the same college, but Elena was a legal major.

She envied Blair, as her father served in the army and she wanted to follow. Problem was, most women weren’t compatible with the cyber implants, and no one made custom versions that could be standard issue like what the men use. Some were compatible, but the success ratio was practically 1 to 10. Women who enlisted were accepted, but most who weren’t compatible for a cyber format were sent to a secret military project. They never come back.

Unfortunately, Elena was not compatible for the operation. She thought to enlist anyway, but her father got desperate and stopped her. He never explained why, but she said he seemed…afraid. Disappointed, she decided to serve and protect law and order by taking legal classes to be an attorney or prosecutor. She was still undecided on the specifics, but she was liking things so far.

“So…want to meet up gain at campus?” she asked. “Um, sure, that sounds great.” then private Blair Rayner said. “Cool, see ya.” she said as she waved goodbye.

…

           Blair was a bit tense. He would feel much better if he was in Cyber Armor, or at least regular military fatigues. Instead, he was in casual clothing, no different from civilians aside from his apparent implants, holding hands with a young woman his age.

           A date. 20th one, to be exact, but this one was more public than the rest. Blair enjoyed each one, but his training did not prepare him for the unknowns of romantic relationships. It just happened, as he and Elena became less formal, mostly on her part. If left on his own, Blair would have likely still talked in procedure.

           It was always hardest in the beginning, but Blair could later loosen up somehow and enjoy it for what it was. But there was a problem. 20th date. 20th date and Blair didn’t know what to do. Was he meant to advance? Was he meant to do something special? Is there some hidden context? Damn it, he thought, picking up encoded messages was easier than this.

           There was also how he was so casual in public, which exposed his “modifications”. The people looked either uncomfortable or disgusted. “Hey.” said a voice next to him. Elena grabbed his face and directed his sight at her. “Forget them. This is just us, okay? Besides, they don’t have a damn clue what’s going on, so anything they say is crap. So, don’t let it ruin our date, that’s an order. Understood?”.

           “Understood, ma’am.” he joked. “Hey.” she said back. They chuckled as they were heading to a local fair in an amusement park. They began enjoying the various festivities. Minigames, food stands, amusement rides. Blair didn’t like the roller coaster, but he felt just a bit braver with Elena. The hardened soldier encouraged by the civilian, he would kick himself if it wasn’t for the fact that he knew Elena was special.

           They continued meandering through the crowd. “Um, Elena, listen, I’ve been thinking.” Blair said. “Yeah?” she turned back. “I was wondering…if, after this, well…” he stuttered. He thought, but it wasn’t so much a plan so much as a runaway train of flustered thoughts. Unfortunately, the train came to a crash due to bad circumstance.

           “Alright, Magnus lovers, get down on your knees or die!”. Shots rang though the fair as civilians scattered here and there brought out weapons. They shot down innocents to make a point, and already began herding others. “Quick, get down and follow me!” Blair said to Elena. They began making their way to one of the exit corners before one of the terrorist tried stopping him.

           “Hey, back off bastard, or you lady friend gets, what the hel-GAHH!”. Blair rushed up to the terrorist, grabbed his firing arm before he could react, slugged him in the face, then shot him down as he grabbed the rifle. Even without Cyber Armor, Cyber Troopers had cybernetic implants and inner weaves that made them stronger, faster, and could even process faster than regular humans. It was only slightly better, and would do little against more experienced opponents, but it was enough.

           Guy’s reaction time was sloppy. He should have been prepared to fire on sight, not that I’m complaining. “Alright, Elena, I need you to listen carefully. I want you to stay here and call the city’s Civil Enforcement emergency line. Get a person immediately and tell them we have a D-22. That’s for terrorists assaulting civilians in a public area and holding them hostage. 10 targets, dozens of hostages. Tell them where we are and they’ll send a strike team. Just stay low until then.”.

           “Okay, but what are you going to do?” she asked, fearing the worst. Blair looked back at her with reassurance. “My job, and my job doesn’t tolerate terrorism.”. Blair finished grabbing ammunition and a knife off the fallen terrorist and went off.

           He looked around. Seemed the terrorists were still herding the civilians. He spotted their handiwork, several civilians gunned down for effect, including a father and his son and daughter. This fair was a civilian function, purely recreational, unguarded and held no strategic value. These were definitely terrorists, just looking to make a fanatical showing and make hell for hell’s sake.

           He spotted the herded citizens ahead. “You damn Magnus worshippers. You parade in this city of filth, of glorified vanity to a false god, a sinful man you have deified. You will all be our message to the Damned Protector, that his protection is all lies, that he can safeguard no one! Through your deaths, we will be free from his grasp!” shouted the ringleader.

           While the ringleader was spouting his fanaticism, Rayner had stabbed two of the terrorists overlooking the crowd without drawing attention. He made his way to a third, then a fourth. Good, six left. Now where the hell is that strike force?!

           The ringleader pointed to a small girl. One of the terrorists went and grabbed her, bringing her to center as she screamed. Her parents tried to rescue her, but the terrorists sent warning shots and the other civilians stopped them.

           “What about you, little girl? Why don’t we make you the first of many bloodied lives on Magnus’s hands? A message for all that he can’t even save one little girl.” the ringleader said as he smiled sickeningly, the girl crying for her life.

           “Don’t shoot her! If you’re going to kill anyone, then kill me damn it!”. Blair didn’t even think it through. He just knew he couldn’t stand that. His blood was boiling now, wanting to gun down the terrorist. But if he did that, the girl and several other civilians would be shot. He was at a disadvantage, his only hope to distract them long enough for the strike team to arrive and make a move.

           The ringleader stopped and eyed Blair. “Ah, what have we here? One of Magnus’s cyborg monsters, a soulless tool that only knows to kill for its master. And without armor, showing all how disgusting it is. Come over here, abomination, and toss that aside.”.

           Blair held a look of contempt, but did as he was told, throwing the weapon to the ringleader as he walked. He made it to the ringleader. “On your knees, filth.”. Blair gritted his teeth and clenched his fists, wanting to kill the man with one punch. He felt like he could do that now, with all his anger. But knowing the civilians were still at gunpoint, his body buckled down in resistance and knelt down.

           POW! Blair was punched right across the face, followed by three more punches of the same variety. Despite the blood that came, Blair looked at the ringleader defiantly. He didn’t like that, and punched down to the head and sending Blair face first into the ground.

Blair was repeatedly kicked again and again, trying to stifle his pained cries to limit the civilians’ panic and to not give the ringleader the satisfaction. The ringleader placed his foot on the side of Blair’s face.

“Do you see this?! These are Magnus’s swords and guns, sworn to protect you! But what good are they?! Look at it, beaten and bloody, though I am surprised there’s any blood at all. It’s pathetic. It cannot save you, it cannot even save itself.” the ringleader proclaimed as he held the gun to Blair’s head ready to pull the trigger.

“Gugh…” gurgled one of the terrorists as they fell dead. No, not one, five terrorists fell dead, bullet wounds in their heads. About damn time. “Wh-what the hell is going on?!” shouted the ringleader as he looked on. Big mistake.

Blair got up and wrestled the gun away from the ringleader. The ringleader resisted, Blair headbutted his as the terrorist got knocked. BANG! Blair shot the terrorist right through the heart…if he had one, anyway. The terrorist gave one last look of wicked contempt before falling dead.

“Secure area, move, move!”. Cyber Troopers stormed in, setting up perimeter and tending to the civilians. “It’s okay, you’re all safe now.” a soldier said to the girl and family from earlier.

“Blair!” Elena screamed. “Elena…” he said in relief. He was glad she was safe. He wasn’t out of harm’s way though, as he got slapped in the face. “Ugh, easy Elena, I…mm.” Blair was interrupted by a tearful kiss from Elena.

Their lips parted as Elena looked at Blair with tears and anger. “Damn it, Blair, do you know how scarred I was?! I was about to charge in myself to save you, you dumbass!”. Blair felt all the fear and pain he must have put Elena through, and now felt remorse.

“Sorry, Elena. I’m glad you didn’t do that though, so I won’t do that again, I promise.”.

…

The Present.

           Blair looked up from the photo of him and Elena as Sam was driving the APC. It had been a few years since that day, when he was given commendations and a medal for his service. He had completed a round of service and his academic career, but continued to serve for various reasons, mainly because that day made him realize how important his job was.

           But there was another reason. “Ooh, Corporal, you thinking of your special someone?” teased Gil. “Hey, cut it out payaso(clown). Unlike you, the guy is serious.” Conrado retaliated. “Not to pry, but how are things between you and her? It can be tough for people to carry a relationship in this line of work is all.” Sam inquired.

           Blair gave a wry smile. “Well, I’m still trying to think of the delivery but…” with that Blair pulled out of his pocket a small container. He flipped it open, revealing a modest yet delicate ring.

           “No way!”, “¡Felicidades(Congratulations)!”, “Good man!” they all cheered. “Okay, okay, easy now. Still have to give it to her, alright? I’m thinking when I get next leave, I’ll take her on a trip to Nova Sanctum, and give it to her when we’re either touring the Citadel or the Grand Gardens. Lots of venues and opportunities, so it’s hard to decide. Besides, I need to make money for the wedding and stuff.” said Blair.

           “Oh, so that’s why you’re still here playing soldier? Easier ways to pay the bills man. Seriously though, I thought we all had a tight bond.” Gil lamented sarcastically. “Eh, I could have just gone and done engineering, but I would have felt bad. Someone has to stop you yahoos from getting your asses killed. I’m looking at you, Gil.” Blair joked.

           “Yes, the sergeant alone would chew up and spit out Gil, wouldn’t he?” Sam joined in, with Conrado nodding. Gil sulked at that. “Well, it may be a bit soon, but why don’t we get drinks to celebrate?” Conrado suggested. “Sure, I could go for that. Gotta wait until these patrols are done though.” Blair agreed.

           “Why are they even having us do patrol here though? I mean, this is like nowhere.” said Gil. He wasn’t the only one to complain about that. Normally, the platoon patrolled near Outlands areas, putting down mutants and bandits. But this was just wilderness and roads deep in Protectorate territory. The only buildings around was their encampment and a few old war ruins. At best, the most lethal thing they would run into was a bear.

           Despite that, the first lieutenant had been ordered to station the platoon here. It would be easy to think it was punishment, but nothing had been done to deserve it, and they had been scattered and doing patrols for the past week. It was like they were on lookout, but for what?

           Suddenly, static came through on their internal comms. “Heads up everyone. This is Zeta Squad, can you repeat?” Blair asked. The signal clarified, and they recognized it was Sergeant Calisle. “Zeta Squad, return to base immediately. This goes for all other squads, the lieutenant has called an emergency meeting. I repeat, return to base for meeting. Over.” said the sergeant. “Copy that, over.” Blair affirmed.

           “Guess we’ll have to save the drinks for later.” Blair said as he signaled Sam to turn the APCs around, the other team of privates following behind them.

…

           “So, what do think all the fuss is about?” Gil asked. “Stuff it Gil, Lieutenant Gregor is about to speak.” Sam told him. Indeed, the Lieutenant came out unmasked. Everyone in the platoon wasn’t wearing their helmets currently, as they were only worn really for active duty like patrol.

           “Troopers, listen up. You’ve all been wondering why we’ve been stationed in an area of little note. It’s been necessary to simply call this a routine patrol, but in actuality, this has been a lookout assignment, and scouts have determined our target is heading through this area. The target is Samurai Jack.”.

           That got a few murmurs going. “Whoa, the Renegade Samurai, huh?” Conrado spoke. “I heard he took down three Inquisitors and a platoon. Scary stuff.” Gil joined in. “Well, for our sakes, let’s hope the rumors are exaggerated. We’re a platoon, you know.” remarked Sam.

           “Focus men!” commanded the first lieutenant. The Cyber Troopers quieted down and assumed attention. “Disregard all exaggerated rumors about the target, but do not underestimate him either. He is a dangerous insurgent, but still only one man, and can and will be terminated with lethal force.”.

           “The target is accompanied by three other accomplices, all armed and dangerous. You are to shoot on sight. I won’t lie, this will be dangerous. The Samurai’s list of confirmed kills is now in the hundreds. However, combat data from these fallen troops have suggested he may be disadvantaged by tactic and superior numbers. Review such data after the meeting. Now, here is the plan.”.

           “The road the Samurai is travelling will be rigged with explosives. He will likely survive through. Gamma squad will make the first move, attempting to assassinate the target through long range. Should that fail, then Gamma, Epsilon, and Delta will team up to form a joint strike force and overwhelm the enemy.”.

           “Should target be able to resist, we will drive him towards this area.” The area displayed on the holographic area map was a decaying military training base, defunct after the war. “Once we have him there, Theta and Zeta will take positions with the rest of the squads and we will flush him out. If necessary, we will bring down the whole structure. By bullet or rubble, this renegade dies tonight.”.

           “The target arrives at this area in approximately three hours. Move out and head to position. Review data until we confirm target presence and begin operation. Understood?” asked the first lieutenant.

           “Sir yes sir!” announced the whole platoon.

…

           Blair was observing the data, watching the recordings of fallen Cyber Troopers. Common to them all was the vain shooting at a white robed Samurai before the recording ended with a slash from a katana.

           “GAHH! Seriously, what’s with this guy? It’s like guns are useless against a sword, what messed up reality is that?” Gil asked. “I’m more perplexed as to how that sword deflects fire. Even if it’s a well-toned steel alloy, we’re using BX-90 riffles. At this point, the charged bullets should have shattered it by now.” Sam remarked.

           Somewhere between regular ballistic ammo and energy-based weaponry, the Cyber Trooper standard issue BX-90 riffle charged bullets as they accelerated with a destructive energy to increase their damage. With all safety parameters off, it could well punch through regular armor, so a katana really should be in pieces from that.

           “It’s more his martial arts that concern me. That sword’s just an application for his combat style. Otherwise, all the other soldiers would have shot him dead by now. He moves with tenacity and no hesitation, and all his movements seem professional. Could this guy have been special forces?” Blair asked.

           “Nah, this one fight with the platoon shows no cybernetics on him. He’s a regular human, but he is a badass.” Conrado remarked.

           This was getting a bit tense. Everyone heard of all the crime reports, but common to them all was that no Cyber Trooper that faced Samurai Jack lived to tell the tale. It seemed like an abstract thing before, just an urban rumor. But now that they were about to face him themselves, everyone in the squad felt grim.

           “Hey, common, the lieutenant has a plan, remember. Hell, we don’t have to do a thing, since the other squads are throwing explosives and snipers at the guy. So chill, okay?” Gil reassured. “That’s a nice attitude to have, before fighting a mass murderer.” Sam remarked.

           “Enough. We don’t know exactly what will happen. What we do know is that this renegade is dangerous, he is not alone, and he likely won’t go down quietly. Just follow the plan seriously, and hopefully we make it out alive. Got it guys?” asked Blair.

           “Got it.” they all affirmed.

           “Well, glad you know how to get those jackasses in order, corporal. I’ll stick to the new bloods here and- wait, what? Eyes front, enemy sighted!” Sergeant Calisle ordered, receiving note from the other squads.

           Squatting down from a hillside, all the troopers in Squad Zeta looked from their vantage point to the road. The could see a rough four-wheeled car running though the road bellow. Just a few dozen meters more and…

           BOOM! For a minute, the soldiers just sat and stared at the flaming desolation. They weren’t about to celebrate, no, they were waiting, prepared for a sign from the enemy.

           The enemy vehicle drove though the smoke and fire, hardly scratched. Somehow, the drivers seemed to detect the explosive and drove skillfully enough to stay out of the force of the blast.

           But the plan didn’t seem dashed yet. People came out, four of them, looking to inspect the explosion. Seemed they wanted to see who was behind the attack. Wait, is that…? Blair thought. Yes, it was. Gamma Squad confirmed it through their sniper scopes. Standing in their sights, out in the open in white garb, was Samurai Jack.

           The snipers kept cool, not wanting to mess up the shot. One had a clear shot, a bullseye right on the Samurai’s forehead. “Firing!” the snipers said as they let loose. The bullets raced towards their targets, meters away.

But, somehow, one of the secondary targets, the traitor designated “Ashi”, became alarmed and screamed something. All the targets ducked and covered at the last minute, evading the precise strike. The assassination attempt failed.

Worse, the main target looked in their direction, and Blair somehow felt he was looking directly at them. “Main target is still alive, our positions are compromised! Switch to next phase! Gamma, Epsilon, and Delta, move in before target escapes!” commanded the First Lieutenant.

The other squads affirmed, moving into positions and preparing to charge. Blair knew what would happen. Epsilon and Delta would block the vehicle’s approach and Gamma would reconnect to attack from the other side. Fire would be focused on the main target, the secondary targets eliminated once he was. A simple but effective plan, yet…

“This is Lieutanant Gregor, myself and Theta are standing by with Zeta, all other squads engage.” said the lieutenant on the comm radio. “Copy that Lieutenant, Delta is moving in from other side and engaging target now, over.” said the Delta sergeant. “Copy, Gamma. Epsilon is arriving to assist, over.” said the Epsilon sergeant. “Gamma arriving from previous position, ready to cut off target, over.” said the Gamma sergeant.

Shortly after that, gunfire and explosions could be heard from no too far away. That was expected, but then they could hear all kinds of comm chatter, most of it distressed. “GAHH!”, “Bastards, take this!”, “They know how to put up a fight!”, “Oh God!”, “AHHH!”.

Lieutenant Gregor got concerned, and tried rising the sergeants. “Epsilon, Delta, Gamma, give me updates, do you copy?!”. After a few tense seconds of static, an answer came in. “L-lieutenant, this is Private Bryson from Gamma, we’re taking serious losses by the enemy and need support now!”.

“Private, where is your lieutenant, over?” asked First Lieutenant Gregor. “He-He’s dead, sir! The target left the vehicle that took on Epsilon and Delta and engaged my squad! All squads are at less than 50% now! We’re not gonna make it, we need…oh shit, he’s coming right at me, please send…!” ZZZT.

Everyone fell silent as the private’s dying plea turned to static. “Damn it! Theta, you’re coming with me. We’re going to jump that son of a bitch before he gets the rest. Zeta, follow behind at a distance. If we can’t put him down or force him into the trap point, you be the ones to catch him off guard.” commanded the First Lieutenant.

“Yes sir!” affirmed both squads. Theta and the First Lieutenant down in an APC. Blair and the rest of Zeta made preparations to follow. Despite how quickly the Lieutenant adapted though, Blair couldn’t help the ominous feelings dredging up within him. Only a few minutes, and it already sounded like the joint attack failed. Resistance was expected, but such casualties so soon? Just who, or rather what, was this Samurai Jack?

He decided to not dwell on the matter as Sergeant Calisle drove them down from the lookout point and on to the road where the action was. It was then they heard more comm static. “This is Zeta, come in, over.” inquired the sergeant. “Zeta, get over here quick! Situation’s gone to shit! Gamma got shredded by that bastard and it looks like we lost Epsilon too! Delta got in the APC and drove off the enemy’s vehicle support, and we managed make that Samurai bastard run for it. Pursuing target to trap point, but I don’t think we can take him ourselves. Move in to provide support, over!” said Lieutenant Gregor.

“Copy that, over.” replied Sergeant Calisle. “Alright boys, let’s get over there and…”, “Whoa, stop the APC for a sec, sarge!” replied Gil. “Only because I’m gonna kick your ass for…” the sergeant stopped reprimanding as he saw what Gil was talking about.

Everyone got out to see the devastation. It was a real fight, one that ended badly for the Cyber Troopers. From one end was the remains of Epsilon and Delta. Epsilon’s APC was just flaming scrap, blown to pieces by a missile or rocket. They didn’t even know the enemy had that. They could see that the bodies lying there either had gunshot wounds or cuts, lethal from a glance.

Even if they thought some lived, a quick link up to their Cyber Armor and scanners had shown the results. “Vital scans show…no survivors.” Blair responded after his helmet’s optics did their work. They turned to the other side, which was somehow worse.

Sure, a Cyber Trooper’s most common cause of death in battle was by gunshot or explosive, except when fighting things like Abominables. But it would take fighting those monsters to make it worse than this. Cyber Troopers, cut, slashed, butchered, all with such clear and lethal wounds, as though a single stroke was sufficient to do the damage.

The human cyborgs all had such open and ghastly wounds, exposing their internal circuitry in their flesh as blood began to pool. One of the young privates from the other half of the squad, all rookies, took as helmet in a hurry to vomit on the spot. “S-sorry…” he said exasperated.

“H-help me…” cried a weak voice. “Over there!” cried out Blair as he ran to the voice. He saw it was a private down on the ground, clutching desperately at his shoulder. No, he was clutching where his arm used to be. But it was no good, his Cyber Armor’s gray and black was stained with streaks of his red blood, lying in a puddle of it. It was amazing he was still alive now.

“What’s your name, Private?” asked the Corporal. “St…Stan Bryson, sir.” replied the Private who warned the Lieutenant earlier. Blair nodded, needing the Private to collect himself so he could relay what occurred. “What happened here, Bryson?” Blair asked.

“We…we thought we had him. At first that car was pinned, couldn’t fight back. But then it fired a damn missile and took out most of Epsilon! Then that bastard jumped out.  I swear I though he was flying, didn’t even fire till it was too late. The Samurai got in close and cut us like butter.”.

“I tried contacting the Lieutenant, but then the renegade butchered my arm, and left me to die! He just tried walking away, then the Lieutenant and Theta Squad got the drop on him. I…I think the other renegades got chased by Delta, and the Samurai was being pushed by Theta towards the trap point, but…” the Private trailed off.

“But…I think it was a trap. That Samurai bastard ran away too soon, same for that car. I think he wants to turn the ambush against us, I, ugh…” Bryson groaned as his strength bled on the ground. “P-please, you gotta help the Lieutenant, just tell him to-to, get the hell away. That Samurai, he’ll kill him, he’ll…”.

With that, Bryson fully collapsed on the ground, unmoving. Blair’s scanner read “Deceased”. It was then they all heard an explosion in the direction of the other APC. “Delta Squad, do you copy? Come in Delta, over!” Blair asked over the comm, only to get static. Seems as though they lost Delta Squad too.

“Sh-shit, we gotta get out of here!” cried out one of the young privates. He looked like he was going to make a run for it, before being backhanded by Sergeant Calisle. “Listen to me, you goddamn son of a bitch. We are not running and we are not hiding. We’re gonna find Lieutenant Gregor and help him out of this shitstorm, understand?!”.

“Screw that! Look around, Theta is as good as dead! I thought this would be basic Protectorate patrol, just marginal danger! I never signed up to take on… whatever the hell this is!” retorted another young private. That earned him a punch right to the side of his head. Even though he wore a helmet, the private was dazed by that.

“Listen up, you pansy-assed school boys! This kind of shit is why we are here, why the whole Magnus Protectorate exists in the first place! What do you think keeps people, like you, your family and friends, your whole damn community safe from this?” the sergeant asked. He then pointed to the fallen Bryson.

“Soldiers like him. Bryson risked his life for a cause, the cause. He could have run away, abandoned his whole squad to save his own ass. Instead, he stayed here and radioed for help. It cost him his life, damn it.”.

“You think our Lord Protector stopped the war by crying in the corner? No, he had enough of that shit and got it done! Better yet, he led a whole damn army! Every single one of them risked their lives like Bryson, dying for the cause. Do you know what the hell that bloody cause is?”.

“To serve Magnus and the Peace, sir.” Blair spoke up. “I’m glad you understand, Corporal. These crybabies should follow you for a day.” the sergeant said proudly.

“That’s more than a popup or a salute. It’s a principle, a virtue. Magnus stands for the preservation of this world, it’s first and last line of defense. By definition, so do we. What kind of defender of peace are you if you leave behind your own comrades when you can do something? Soldiers like Bryson die so that the peace so many died for continues.”.

“If we let bastards like that Samurai Jack loose, nobody’s safe. You know what’s worse? Bryson will have died for nothing. Gamma, Epsilon, and Delta will have died for nothing. Every soldier who was killed by that Samurai will have died for nothing. Your job, your duty, is to make it all worth something.”.

“So then, what is our cause?” asked the sergeant. “To serve Magnus and the Peace, sir!” shouted the whole squad, not just the young privates. “And how are we going to do that tonight?” asked the sergeant. “By stopping the Samurai and saving the Lieutenant, sir!” shouted the squad. “God damn right. Now get back in the APC and let’s double time it!”.

…

           Zeta Squad finally arrived at the old military base. Whatever Near End War faction owned this place in the past, they had been long gone, the base stripped and demilitarized long ago. It was a skeleton of whatever powerhouse it once was.

           “No sign of Theta or the Samurai. We split in two. Corporal, take your crew and head that way. I’ll stick with these guys so they don’t wet themselves. If you spot the Lieutenant or the enemy, contact us immediately.” Sergeant Calisle ordered.

           “Got it. Stay safe, Sergeant.” Blair warned. “Watch you own ass too, Corporal.” the sergeant said back. Blair’s team engaged their night vision as well as turning on their rifle’s search lights. They even had thermal imaging, so if anything sizeable came into range, they would see it. It was not seeing any sign of the Lieutenant’s team or the Samurai that was making them all tense though.

           “Hold it, I’m picking up some signals. About half a dozen.” Blair said. It didn’t look good though. They were all huddled together, but they were collapsed, and some of the signals’ temperatures were dropping. “Let’s move!” shouted the Corporal.

           They rushed towards the area of thermal imaging, and when they got their and turned it off, their fears were realized. “Damn, Theta didn’t make it.” lamented the Corporal. All around were the bodies of the Cyber Troopers of Theta Squad. Some had taken gunshot wounds, but most had been cut apart.

           Lying at the center was First Lieutenant Gregor, cause of death was a clear slash through the chest. “I’m sorry, Lieutenant Gregor. We weren’t fast enough.” Blair mourned. “Sergeant, this is Corporal Rayner. I’m sorry sir, but we didn’t arrive in time, all of Theta Squad, including the Lieutenant, is dead, over.”.

           “What?! I…I see. Then try to get back to the entrance, we’ll, huh?!”. The communication turned to static, causing Blair and the others alarm. “Quick, we have to get to his direction and find his location!” Blair ordered. They all began running while searching for their sergeant’s location signal, Blair trying to raise up comms again.

“Sergeant, what is your status, answer!” Blair shouted. “The Samurai just appeared, just stood there till we fired! Just like that, he went at us! I’m trying to keep him off the boys but, UGH! Damn it, just die you mother-”. With that, the comm went static. “Sergeant, sergeant?! Sergeant Calisle?!” shouted Blair.

Blair couldn’t get an answer, only try to maintain course as they zeroed in on the battle. They could only hear the sound of gunfire and a sword slashing before it all went silent.

Blair and his team arrived at a terrible scene. Gripping a smoking BX-90 rifle was the slumped corpse of Sergeant Calisle. Surrounding him were the bodies of the young privates. They were all barely of age to enlist, had hardly seen action. Even so, it seemed they made a valiant attempt to defend the sergeant when he was defending them, as their forms indicated brave resistance to the end. Seems the sergeant got the principle through to them.

“D-damn it. He was the meanest hardass I knew. Sometimes I really thought someone pissed in his orange juice to make him so mad. But you know, he always got this squad going and looked out for everyone, you know? Thanks, Sergeant.” said Gil.

Their moment of solace was interrupted by a rustle from behind. Blair was the only one who picked it up. He fired behind, catching the startled silhouette of a robed figure who dodged the fire and into the dark.

“Damn it! Everyone, cover all corners!” Blair ordered. The four of them formed a tight square, covering all directions as they watched for the Samurai. Having to trn off thermal imaging because of all the bodies, Blair noticed movement from the corner in his enhance vion.

He fired, the dark being lit as the energized bullets turned to sparks against the movements of a sword. The figure got in close, and Blair barely pulled out his combat blade in time to prevent the sword from reaching his neck. Conrado screamed as he punched right at the figure, not wanting to fire and hit Blair by accident.

But the shadow cloaked figure managed to block it with a single hand, before jabbing Conrado multiple times in the gut, bringing the Cyber Trooper to his knees. Before the figure went any farther, Sam went in with a side arm and combat blade, blocking the shadowy Samurai’s sword before trying to shoot him down.

But the enemy anticipated this, twisting Gil’s arm to make him drop his pistol. He was kicked down as their assailant tried to run from the scene, but Gil wasn’t having that. Gil fired his rifle at the figure, who jumped back to avoid the fire. The assailant had enough of this. He took out his own sidearm, a pistol, firing multiple shots at the Cyber Troopers.

“MOVE! Blair shouted. He barely dodged the energy laced bullets, but Gil wasn’t so fortunate. A bullet came right to his head, one the helmet couldn’t block. But it wasn’t him who would die from that.

“SAM!” Gil shouted. Sam noticed the bullet’s trajectory and pushed Gil out of the way, but by sheer misfortune, it hit him in the throat. “(Coughs violently), y-you damn bloke. Always figure you’d have been the death of me. (Coughs violently) Don’t…take it so personally though. But… if you happen to see the Samurai, get in a few shots for me before you leave, alright? Wake me up when we’re all at Blair’s…”.

With that, Sam went limp, and his helmet’s optics went dark. Gil just knelt there, wordless, no bad jokes or anything, like the humor died with Sam. The figure in the corridor had stopped, as though troubled.

Gil looked up at it, and beneath his helmet, his eyes held desperation and bloodlust. “Gil, amigo, don’t.”. But before Conrado could even restrain him, Gil picked up both his own and Sam’s BX-90 rifles and charges. No plan, no coordination, just rage and poorly controlled bullets.

The figure became on guard as Gil screamed while firing the hail of bullets. He wasn’t thinking at all really, he just wanted the renegade dead. The figure did as he had to, running and dodging the chaotic bullets with ease before slicing through Gil’s throat. Gil stopped there, vengeance unfulfilled, before coming to his knees and then collapsing.

The shadowed, robed figure stared at them, as though waiting for a move. Neither Blair nor Conrado knew what it meant, but they had to assume the worst: they would die when they made their move.

Conrado sighed. “Sorry, hombre(man), but I don’t think I’m making it to your boda(wedding). Make it there for the rest of us, okay?” requested Conrado. “Wait, what are you…?” Blair asked, before Conrado sent a volley of gunfire at the enemy. For extra assurance, Conrado took out a grenade and pressed a button.

“Move it, now!” Conrado shouted as he charged at the robed figure. Blair didn’t have time to argue, just ran the opposite way, towards the exit. But he realized that Conrado was not going to make it. Conrado even made sure of that, as when Blair made it out, an explosion went off behind him, collapsing the building and sending Blair helmet first into the ground.

Blair got up and looked behind. He knew that wasn’t just an attempt to take out the Samurai with him. Conrado knew that Blair could never choose to abandon his friends, to leave what they died for. That’s why he made that choice for him. Conrado died so Blair could live up to what Conrado asked, what they all wanted for Blair.

He knew what Sam was going to say, and he knew what Conrado asked, but this was too much. He collapsed to his knees, his hands gripping the ground in emotional pain. In that old base for a war long over, all his friends, his whole squad, just died.

“What the hell do you want?” Blair asked in venomous anger. Behind him, he somehow felt that presence. It wasn’t cybernetic sensors or regular hearing, he just somehow knew, in that moment of anguish. He turned, facing the being he hated most, the one responsible for killing his whole platoon in one night. There stood Samurai Jack.

Blair was only mildly surprised as he got a closer look. He didn’t get such good details from the record data, the vantage point, or the dark corridor, but this current meeting contrasted with today’s impression.

After a night of seeing all his friends slaughtered, Blair thought he might as well have been fighting a demon, a being of pure malice. Instead, he saw a man. He was indeed a Samurai, traditional gi, katana, some light armor, and fair skinned eastern features.

The man somehow exerted both an aura that was stern yet gentle at the same time, as well as simple yet refined. He could tell the man could be extremely dangerous if needed, but was not exerting any hostility. That did not help Blair’s though. After tonight and that experience with the terrorist, Blair knew humans could be real demons, the worst kind.

“I would just like to take a moment to talk.” said Jack. “Hmph, a little late for that. Or is it easy to make your point when everyone else is dead?” Blair retorted. Jack kept calm in the face of that hostility and proceeded.

“Your forces have been relentless. Your people take hostility as their first path without warning, never giving me a chance. What you saw was the actions that followed their decisions.” Jack stated.

“Oh, so suddenly we’re in the wrong? It’s my fault everyone died? Everyone deserved to die because they wanted to stop a renegade from committing more violence?” Blair voiced.

“That’s not what I-” Jack said, “So you think we should have just given up? What we’ve sworn to do, give up something bigger than ourselves.” Blair questioned.

“You do not understand, Magnus has blinded-” said Jack . “Oh, so Magnus is to blame, and I don’t know what I’m doing? Unbelievable.” Blair said. He decided he needed to prove a point to this ignorant enemy.

Blair undid his helmet’s hookup and took it off. Jack became surprised at what he saw. Right now, he wasn’t really shocked by the circuitry in Blair’s face, but rather by how human his face was. Jack had known all this time the Cyber Troopers were humans turned into cyborgs, but their armor and helmets seemed to limit their perceivable humanity.

But now that he looked into the face of the enemy, Jack saw past the militarized regime and could perceive full humanity in Blair. The anger in Blair’s modified eyes was not malicious, but rather a desire for justice, the same Jack experienced numerous times. He could tell from Blair’s face and expression that he not a mindless drone, a fooled follower, or a villain.

No, Blair was a good person, fighting for his own beliefs and doing what he saw was right. In many ways, he was the same as Jack. When Jack realized that, it shocked and pained him.

“What, you think I’m some abomination? Or are you surprised to see a person under all this armor?” Blair asked, sensing Jack’s turmoil. “I…” Jack tried to speak, but couldn’t find the words.

“Just so you know, they were all people, people you killed. They had names too. Private Stan Bryson, Lieutenant Gregor, Sergeant Calisle. The last three you killed were Sam, Gil, and Conrado. They were…they were my friends.” Blair said with sorrow.

Jack realized the awful thing he had done to this man, making him witness his friends being slaughtered. He wanted badly to apologize, but the words got stuck in his throat. He knew that just saying “sorry” would be a terrible insult.

“You want to know what they all died for, Samurai? Blind devotion to the Lord Protector? Hatred for his enemies?  It’s nothing like that.” Blair made clear.

“Before you killed him, my sergeant made our salute clear, “Serve Magnus and the Peace”. You probably think that’s doctrine. It’s not, it’s a cause. Magnus led and sacrificed a lot to end the war for a principle, one we fight for now. When we fight to protect, we do it to safeguard and serve those around us.”.

“It’s different for everyone, but we all fight to protect what we all hold dear, including each other. When you kill one of us, that hurts the rest of us, but doesn’t stop us. Do you know why? Because we have to make those deaths mean something. Why did we keep chasing you? Because we couldn’t let everyone else’s sacrifices go to waste, that’s why!” Blair shouted.

Jack had always assumed that when the Cyber Troopers came after him again and again, they were misled, or had malice moving them. Instead, this man was showing him the Cyber Troopers did have honor. If that was so though, what about him?

“You know why I’m speaking to you know instead of trying to shoot you? It’s not because I’m abandoning the cause. Before this whole thing, I…I told my friends I was going to propose… to the person I love most. They all wanted to come, but that changed when you showed up.”.

“They all died in there, but they gave me a chance. I took it, not for myself, not even for her. It was for them. I want to make their deaths mean something, I want to tell them that I did it. If it wasn’t for that…”.

“I’d try to kill you right now. So then, are you here to kill me?” Blair asked.

Jack felt shocked by that, wondering why Blair would think he was here for that. But as he was the man to kill almost everyone Blair came to care about, he realized how easy it was to seem the monster.

“No. There has been…more, far more than enough bloodshed tonight.” Jack concluded. “Knowing you, there will be a lot more before you’re done.” Blair said with condescension. Jack couldn’t deny the reality of that statement.

“One more thing. You spoke of the names of your comrades, and you know mine, but I do not know yours. What is your name, warrior?” Jack asked.

“Corporal Blair Rayner.” Blair responded. “Very well then, Corporal. When you have made you friends’ sacrifice meant something, I will face you again, if you wish..” Jack stated as he began walking away. “Yeah, we’ll see.”.

Author Notes: Ha! You all thought I gave up or died, didn’t you, admit it! No, it’s just that with summer ending and work piling up again, I got a bit busy and had less time for writing. You were expecting the beginning of that Arc finale, huh? You know, seeing a certain Scot again? Funny thing, I was halfway through writing that chapter when this one came to mind. And for the tone of this arc, this chapter had to go here, so I just had to write it.

           References were Fallout 2 and The Matrix, if you spotted them.

           The main thing I wanted to clarify is that even though they’re cybernetic, Jack’s enemies in this story are human, they’re people. I remember from one of Genndy’s interviews about Season 5 that the Daughters of Aku were supposed to represent how people could be programmed like robots. Hell, Jack even comments on it in Episode 4.

           The Cyber Troopers are a more literal take on that, cyborg soldiers that, for aesthetic, have that futuristic feel from Jack fighting robots while making them more lifelike. In deeper context, they show how a person can be literally transformed into part of a machine, all the Troopers formatted and mechanized for the autocracy they serve.

           But, in this part anyway, the Cyber Troopers are still mostly human, and the metaphorical “programming” is not as strong as for the Daughters of Aku. They’re each a person, just doing their duty and following what they believe. To them, the Magnus Protectorate is their society and affects their social and personal lives like any society.

           They all have friends, family, and loved ones. When I wrote Jack killing off the platoon in this chapter, I had to write it in a way where it was self-defense, but the soldiers are not exactly in the wrong either, something that was not easy and a bit vague.

           Why I did this was to convey all the difficult emotions Blair and his friends go through when they see Jack doing this. They can’t just mindlessly charge in like beetle drones, of course they don’t want to die. But it’s Jack’s choice to resist and strike down the Cyber Troopers that moves them to keep trying to stop him. Comradery is a real and powerful thing.

           I’m glad I came up with that dialogue about “the cause”, because this whole chapter is basically saying “Hey, we’re not exactly the bad guys”, and this really gives justification and humanity to the Cyber Troopers. They’re still the enemy, but it kind of gives purpose to both the soldiers and the Magnus Protectorate, something I’ve been struggling to establish. I think this laid some real groundwork for that.

           Now then, Blair. This chapter drew inspiration from SJ favorite “ The Tale of X9”. So yeah, this story was going to have a sad ending. All of Blair’s friends were personalized only to die in the end. Cold, I know, but then it wouldn’t have such impact.

Explaining his background and love interest was to help really give Blair ground as this chapter’s protagonist and give him something worth fighting for. I was rather uncomfortable with the whole “domestic terrorist” situation, we do live in tumultuous times. So, I’m sorry if that bit was a bit too personal for some of you, just want to get that out there.

Blair was designed to be an understood and willing protagonist in this chapter. He’s not Samurai Jack, but that’s what helped make him worthwhile. He knows the Samurai is more dangerous than him, of course he’s scared. But he’s willing to fight for his friends and beliefs, even if that means facing bad situations. I didn’t intend him to be similar to Jack in this way, but I’m glad it turned out that way. He’s not exactly the same as Jack, but he’s definitely his own person.

If you were suspecting after the wedding ring thing that Blair would die, then I have to confess. In the end, Blair was going to be the last person to die. In my head, I kept seeing Blair engage in a fight with Jack, firing off bullets and taking cover to keep Jack at bay. It was going to be similar to X-9’s fight.

It would end with Blair collapsing from a stab wound, his helmet broken and Jack looking down to see his enemy was a person. Blair would hold his picture of Elena and himself and apologize to her, before he collapsed dead. And Jack would know what that meant.

But, I couldn’t do it. Not because I “chickened out”, exactly. I changed it not for Blair or Elena, but for Blair’s friends. These chapters take their own direction after they get going, and I’m cool with that. Where this one went was Blair’s friends trying to hold off Jack so Blair could escape and make it back to Elena.

After all that talk of making sacrifices worth something, anything, this chapter wasn’t going to let me kill off Blair. He had to live, he had to make it. Not for himself, or Elena, but to make their deaths mean something. In a way, keeping that promise and being the sole survivor is more of an emotional gut punch than the original ending, huh?

I know, I like to ramble. Just saying Chapter XI, the beginning of the Arc finale, is on the way, look forward to it!