#using pain as a substitute for what he lacks?? yes sir

[signanothername]

Self preservation?? Your honor, he doesn’t give a single flying fuck

He thrives on pain, cause he might not be able to feel emotions but he can at least feel broken bones

Also headcanon time:

Error can’t really control Killer even if he got hold of his soul, in fact, Killer soul can somehow cut Error’s strings and free itself from their hold like they’re nothing (Error’s very frustrated by that it drives him crazy how Nightmare can easily manipulate Killer’s soul yet he can’t)

[lilxberry]

I Watched You Die} 6 - Natasha Romanoff

Synopsis;

Someone from Natashas’ past makes the most of unsuspected arrivals and begins to cause issues, not only for her, just everyone they come into contact with. HYDRA uses them as a simple puppet and Natasha believes that maybe, just maybe, she could get them back to her in the way she remembers.

Warnings: Language. Fighting. Terrible writing (this chapter was terrible.)

Words: 3,123

Pairings: Natasha Romanoff x Reader (female reader) (super soldier reader) (HYDRA reader)

(A/N: There’s some time jumps that aren’t stated but it’s still relatively easy to follow in that sense. Also, this chapter is more so a filler but nonetheless is related to the story.)

(A/N 2: Strucker and interactions with him are in German and a small interaction with Wanda is in Slovak as a substitute for Sokovian. There is some Russian in this but it’s quite easy to distinguish between the languages’ used.)

< Chapter 5    Chapter 7 >

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Her head throbbed and her neck was stiff and pained from its lolled position it had been in hours on end. Even with her head tilted forward and down towards the hard floor beneath her, the light felt harsh against her eyes, a stinging, burning sensation appearing each time she cracks an eye open.

“Ah, I hope you slept well, Miss Romanoff.”

The familiarity in the voice caused Natasha to tense and she willed her eyes to open and remain as such. Raising her head, her eyes automatically lock on to the figure before her in which everyone believed was dead.

“How are you here?”

The man chuckled and began to take steps towards the tied up red head, his hands folded together behind his back, a smug look etched into his features. “It is quite incredible the technology we have within this day and age, yes?”

Her features twisted up into a sneer, glaring at the one of the few notorious HYDRA leaders they, the Avengers, had come to face. “Why can’t people just stay dead?”

Strucker rounded her body leaving her to look at the room they held her within; bland in colour but crowded with technology. “I believe you’re also not referring to only me now, are you?” He clicks his tongue. “Yes, Y/N. Our best asset yet. The twins were exceptional, yes and the winter soldier was successful until recent years, but Y/N is our best creation.”

His German accent is thick as the words pass into her ears and registers his words, but his next sentence as he leans down to whisper right beside her head makes her blood run cold. “Finding her on the brink of death was undoubtfully wonderful, on our part at least.”

The man chuckled as he straightened himself back out, standing to his full height before rounding her seated position once more to stand before her. “How are our previous assets, anyways? The updates Ghost gives are quite minimal in unnecessary data.”

Silence. Strucker tsked at her lack of response and spun on heel, taking one, two, three steps forward before coming to a standstill. “I suppose you’d like to know why we have you hear,” he called over his shoulder to her. When he was met with silence once more, he continued.

“S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Avengers have certainly been a right ganz schlimmer, a large spanner in our works. We run smoothly when you and your little friends keep out of our business. Perfectly running machinery. So, we’re simply removing the issue with our operation. You.” (Fucking pain.)

Slow and intimidating were his steps as he little by little made his way over towards a board of panels which, much like every other piece of technology was surrounded by people in off-white lab coats. His fingers danced over the multiple of buttons that littered the deck of the panel.

“You may not think so yourself but, we believe you are the strongest of your little band of heroes. No, not physically. Mentally? Yes. We also believe, if we break you, the rest of the team will surely follow in crumbling down.”

His eyes linger on one spot in particular on the panel, his finger hovering over it. “Now you’re also wondering why I’m electing to tell you all this. The answer is simple, really.” He pushes down on a button, resulting in the chair that Natasha is strapped to, to recline backwards, much like a chair in a barbers’, before laying her flat.

“You’re stuck here.”

Natashas’ head looks from left to right in a frantic manner as Strucker steps away from the lengthy panel of buttons and stalks towards her, his boots quietly squeaking against the cold, smooth floor of the room.

Above her is some form of machinery she could best describe as terrifying in appearance, harsh glinting metal and a mass of wires. Movement to both her left and right signify to her that people are beginning to close in on her and surround her. Panic rises in her body further as someone steps closer to her head holding what she believed was a mouth guard; something she’ll be biting down on.

She shakes her head in a desperate attempt to avoid the object but with no such luck. Someone had violently grasped her jaw in a bruising grip and forced the guard into her mouth. Strucker leans over her laying form and the evil grin on his face is purely sickening.

“Have you ever felt 450 volts of electricity surged through your body before? No? Oh, don’t worry. IT should be over before you know it.” He pulls back, making Natasha follow his with her eyes. Her protests are muffled by the guard in her mouth. “But, please, be mindful when it comes to the convulsions that follow. You wouldn’t like to break a bone, surely.”

Strucker walks towards yet another panel, this time with AMP and voltage gages along with other gages she couldn’t quite make out from her position. He places his hand atop a dial and nods his head once to one of the many people scuttling around the room. She feels something be attached to each temple and it reminds her strongly of the old school, brutal electroshock therapy that doctors used to dole out.

“Shall we move this along and see how long it takes until you break?”

Natasha spots your body stood stiff and squared near the door at the foot of the room, features lacking any show of emotion. Her eyes widened, and she desperately hoped that her eyes asked what she couldn’t.

‘Help me.’

Your being, unmoving and unchanged, is the last thing she sees before searing hot pain shots through her body. She bites down on the guard and releases and ear-piercing scream around it as her whole-body tenses and her back arches up, fists clenched tightly, and toes curled.

Her body falls limp for a short moment before the process repeats, over and over. Like an unending, destructive cycle.

_______________

The team had tirelessly put in every effort to find the missing ex-assassin. When Natasha had taken too long to return to the others, Clint did what was asked of him. He waited until the end of the following day when she had left before telling the others.

With no sightings and no communication from the Avenger, they were at a lost.

4 days had passed, coming close to 5, with no such luck in finding Natasha. Every member of the close-knit team had put in hours and hours on end into locating her; everything had been fruitless. The team had chewed out the archer for not mentioning anything sooner than he had but he had argued that he valued his word and believed Natsha would be fine, that she could look after herself.

They couldn’t argue with him on that.

“I’ve got nothing. We haven’t found shit and it’s been what? 4 days since anyone had last seen her?”

Their hopes in finding her were dwindling quickly, its rate in decrease sped up after the three-day mark. Stark groaned and leant back in his chair, pinching the bridge of his nose tightly between his pointer finger and thumb.

“Honestly, I blame Fury for making us use phones that I can’t hack. We’d find her a lot fucking faster if I could just get into it.”

“Language,” Steve muttered before releasing a lengthy sigh. As he went to open his mouth to respond, Tony perked up, this time looking extremely more optimistic than previous.

“HOLY SHIT!” He spun his chair to face the computer on the desk and began to rapid begin typing. The others watched him with scepticism before slowly moving to crowd the billionaire.

“You wanna explain to the class, Stark?”

“You know how I never listen to Fury?” He heard a collective of hums in agreement before continuing. “Well, when I was encrypting the phones we all use, I may have purposefully left out my location cloaking software.”

“So, you’re saying you can ping her location and you failed to mention this?!” Wanda exclaimed.

“One, ouch. Don’t scream in my ear like a damn banshee, Matilda. Two, I forgot. It’s not like we actually use it.”

The team watched in anticipation as Tonys’ fingers continued to rapidly tap at the keyboard. Moments pass by with bated breaths before a small red dot appears on a map that pops up. They stare at the bright red dot in a prolonged silence before Steve straightens out with a hardened face.

“Let’s move.”

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“I don’t understand. Why San Fransico?”

The statement from Sam was what each of them wanted to voice but none did. Each step through the city was following that damn pinged location. The day before it had been in Washington, the day before that was Oklahoma.

They could be tracking a ghost trail for all they knew, certainly with how quickly the location seemed to switch between states so quickly.

“F.R.I.D.A.Y. Update.”

“Location has remained the same. The Railway Museum is just one block away, sir.”

Tony rolls his shoulders before turning to look towards those who walk with him. He and Steve share a look, already knowing that this is more than likely a trap or mislead.

“Only a few of us will enter. Everyone else is going to surround the building, cover each possible exit. Buck, I want you with me, Sam and Wanda. Clint, you think you can take to a nearby building keep an eye on the roof and the main entrance?”

Clint nodded as Steve doled out orders for the group to follow. With the archers’ non-verbal confirmation, the captain continued.

“Thor, I want you to take the West side of the building with Banner. Pietro, you take East. Stark, I want you to take the back with Vision.” Everyone nods followed by them splitting off in the direction of the respective positions.

Dressed as civilians was helpful with entering the museum; they turned no heads when entering the building. The four inside had separated themselves, hoping to search the interior in record time rather than they be grouped up together.

The comms the team had donned before splitting ways crackled before Tony’s voice sounded through into each team members’ ear. “I’ve had F.R.I.D.A.Y. put the location on each of your phones, make it easier for you guys to know if you’re closing in.”

Simultaneously, Steve, Sam, Wanda and Bucky pull out their smartphones and allow the screen to open up correctly, a simple map of the interior showing a blinking red dot in the centre of the building.

The small team inside opposed to those outside slowly close in to the centre of the museum, covering all sides.

Adrenaline begins to heighten as they inch their way closer and closer. Emotions are running high and minds are swirling with possibilities and before they knew it, they surround the exhibit at the very middle of the building.

A large group being led by some guide moves on with their tour and reveals a lone person still stood there; hood up and phone in hand. Steve glances down at the phone in his own hand and sure enough, the dot hasn’t moved.

This is what they’ve been chasing.

With their head down, both Sam and Bucky who face their front can’t identify who holds the phone, Natashas’ phone.

Between the four, a look was shared and with a nod of their head in the figure’s direction, they begin to slowly close in once more. Wanda, Sam and Bucky slow to a stop, only a short distance away as Steve continues to stalk closer and with a few more steps, he’s stood behind the figure.

He reaches an arm out and clamps his hand down on their shoulder which begins to shake slightly as the person laughs quietly. The person slowly raises their head with a shit eating grin on their face and both Sam and Bucky tense, their jaws clenching, teeth grinding.

Wanda freezes up along with them as the figure slowly turns to face Steve; easily catching a glimpse herself.

“At ease, солдат,” your voice rasps. (Soldier.)

You hand moves quickly to clamp on to the blondes’ wrist and before he could react, you bring your head forward in a quick, whip-like motion, slamming it into his nose; a satisfying crunch is heard and blood already beginning to trickle out.

Twisting his arm, you land a hard kick to his ribs and send him back, him falling to the floor with quite the thud, even sliding across the floor a good foot or two. The others had quickly reacted, Sam and Bucky charging over towards you.

You alternate between the two as they dole out a choreographed offensive; punches, kicks, full body hits. The two had been going a solid minute and had done zero damage, even with Steve standing himself back up on to his feet and charging at you himself.

Wanda had dealt with the screaming and panicked public from the first sign of retaliation, giving firm orders to leave the building and to get a safe distance.

The second the first of the civilians exited the building in a rushed and yelling fashion, the team was on high alert.

“Someone talk to us,” Clint crackled through the comms, his sights down the length of the arrow he already has notched and ready to release.

“It’s Y/N.” Just that simple statement made the whole team know exactly what was currently going down. “They had Natashas’ phone. HYDRA put us on a wild goose chase.”

The grunts from Steve, Sam and Bucky brought Wanda’s head back into the fight at hand. The three were being easily overpowered by just yourself and she’s unsure how to proceed. With quick thinking, she uses her powers to push her teammates aside and away from you, the swirl of red like mist dancing around her fingers.

Your attention snaps from the three that had been thrown away from you to the little witch who stood off to the side. You roll your shoulders and smirk before stomping your way over to her aggressively.

You feel your movements slowly become restricted and it’s harder and harder to move forward. Wanda, with a struggle, brings to down to your knees before you could reach her and all you could do it look up at her with a devious smirk.

Tongue peeking out between your lips, you wet them and trail your eyes up and down the length of her body and the action makes her sick to your stomach. “Som ohromená, princezná.” (I’m impressed, princess.)

She takes step towards you, slow, precise, and what she hoped was menacing. “Where’s Natasha?” she spat between her teeth.

You chuckle darkly and shake her head, noticing how she lacked to remember to keep her distance. “You’re in no position to ask questions, little witch.” With perseverance, your left arm shoots forward, grasping her wrist much like you had done with the caps. Shocked, the moment forces Wanda to lose concertation and drops her magical hold on you.

You swipe at the opportunity and raise to your full height, towering over the Sokovian and delivering a hard right hook to the girl, knocking her unconscious the moment your fist made contact with her jaw.

Turning, you look at the trio of men who look at an unconscious Wanda by your feet with wide and worried eyes. You smirk once more as you pull Natasha’s phone from your pocket and wave it slightly before tossing it in their direction. “Keep it. I’m done with it.”

You take small steps backwards away from the four before turning tail and running, closer and closer to the back entrance.

“She’s heading to you guys at the back,” Steve rushes out, struggling to come to a stand and give chase.

“Understood, capsicle.” Tony and Vison both prepare themselves for your arrival, to burst through the doors and go into combat just like the four inside had done. But they waited and waited and waited. Nothing. “Uh, no sign of her. Anyone got eyes on the slippery bastard?” Stark reaches out to the others.

Sam and Bucky left Americas’ sweetheart and Scarlet Witch with the intentions of cheeking the inside of the building, running around the whole of the museum as the team converse.

“Nothing here.”

“Nope.”

“No clue.”

“Nada.”

“Zilch.”

The team’s response came in like clockwork and the entire team felt baffled. Where did you disappear to?

“So, she just evaporated? What the fuck? Are you sure no one has eyes on her?”

“Look,” Steve started. “As much as I want to find them and get some answers, we gotta focus on Wanda. She’s down.” He was kneeling beside her unconscious form and like a lightbulb being lit from a switch, Pietro was right beside his sister on the opposite side of Steve, absolute panic and concern shifting through his eyes.

Steve hears a sigh through the comms followed by Banners’ voice. “Let’s get back. It’s clear they’ve disappeared somehow, and we should focus on Maximoff right now.”

Steve shakes his head and moves to stand, Pietro already holding his twin in his arms. “Let’s go, team.”

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“Wie ich sehe, können wir ihr Telefon nicht länger als Ablenkung für sie benutzen,” Strucker spoke as his back was turned to you, hands folded behind his back, looking at the painting hung on the wall with disinterest. (I see we can no longer use her phone as a distraction for them.)

“Sie werden sie nicht finden können, auch wenn wir sie nicht mehr auf Gänsejagd führen, Sir,” you respond, you own hands folded behind your back. Your eyes are trained on his form as he slowly turns to face you, casually rounded the desk to stand before you. (They won't be able to find her even if we no longer lead them on such wild goose chases', sir.)

“Hoffentlich nicht, Soldat. Es liegt an Ihnen, wenn sie sie finden.” His eyes look you up and down subtly, scrutinising you before turning away from you and striding over towards his desk. “Es ist jetzt zu heiß für dich, Ghost. Zu viele Leute werden dich nach deinem kleinen öffentlichen Stunt erkennen. Du sollst in der Einrichtung bleiben. Sie bewachen Romanoff und begleiten sie zum und vom Labor. Verstanden?” (They better not, soldier. It will be on your head if they are to find her.) (There's too much heat on you now, Ghost. Too many people will recognise you after your little public stunt. You are to stay within the facility. You will guard Romanoff and escort her to and from the lab. Understood?)

“Verstanden.” (Understood.)

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THIS WAS SO BAD LMAO

I just needed a filler honestly so, this will do for the time being

If you want to be added to the taglist lemme know

Anywho, I hope you enjoy

As always, constructive criticism and requests are welcomed and greatly appreciated :D

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Marvel taglist:

@thanossexual​ @iwazoomingouttahere​ @xxxtwilightaxelxxx​ 

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‘I Watched You Die’ taglist:

@diaryoflife @username23345 @drpepperobsessed @fayhar @d14n4ol @srtamercurio @gabbygabbie @lostandsearching @afuckingshituniverse @thea13sworld @nelouath8 @navs-bhat @pistachiomilk3 @peggycarter-steverogers @b-5by5 @trikruismybitch @anxiousgoldengirl @when-wolves-howl @whitelotus00 @anxiousgoldengirl @daniescady @unexpected-character @lgtftchan @mitch-cabello1097 @wlwfanfictionss @gottacamz​

(Those whose @ is in bold, I could not tag unfortunately.)

[inu-jiru]

Tomoe, The Eastern Tigress - Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven - Hougen’s Cruelty

The blizzard raged on that night. Inside the shed, Gin, John, and Akame had finished their meal and were fast asleep. Akame’s ear would flick occasionally; ninja dogs were light sleepers, their ears trained to pick up sounds of danger even while sleeping. Before it’d reached midnight, the Kishu’s ears picked up the faintest sound of paws walking through the snow. Akame was awake almost instantly.

“Gin,” he barked. “John.”

“Mmmph...” John grunted as he stirred. He flashed the Kishu an annoyed glare. “What the fuck, Akame...?”

“Something’s not right,” Akame explained. Padding towards the windows of the shed, he glanced out. As he feared, the small structure was surrounded by a small army of dogs. “We’re surrounded...!” 

Gin and John immediately felt more awake at that news. They stood up, joining Akame at the window. It was just as he said. Neither of them could even count just how many dogs were standing there, partially obscured by the snow. Two dogs approached the shed, a Borzoi, like Reika had described, and what had to be the largest Great Dane they’d ever seen. 

“They’re in there, sir!” the Borzoi was saying. “They’ve got nowhere to run to!”

“That big guy...” John muttered, his fur bristling. “It’s obvious he’s the leader, but something about him rubs me the wrong way. He’s not like that Nero guy...”

“It could be Hougen,” Gin suggested. “I didn’t think he’d find us so quickly...”

“Heh...” John licked his chops. “Then we’ll just have to take him out right here and now. I’ll crush him easily.”

“It won’t be that simple, John,” said Akame, though John was already padding up to a hole in the roof of the shed and jumping out. “John!”

John ignored Akame’s warning as he stepped onto the snow-covered roof. Adrenaline was pumping through his veins as the Dane’s eyes locked onto him. The Shepherd showed no fear; his body was already lowered into an offensive position.

“Yo,” the Dane yelled as he came to a stop. “I hear you three are the top dogs of Ohu. Is that true?”

“Who’s askin’?” John shot back.

“I am,” the Dane replied boldly. “Now answer the question: are you three Ohu’s top dogs?”

“Tell me who you are first, and maybe I’ll consider answering.” The air grew tense as the two males challenged each other, neither showing signs of backing down. Gin and Akame joined their friend on the roof.

“What do you want from us?” Gin asked with a firm voice. The Dane’s eyes wandered over to the Akita, his jowls stretching back into a smile.

“Aha...” he cooed. “That tora-ge fur...those scars...you’re definitely Gin.”

“And you’re Hougen, I presume?” Gin refused to show any signs of fear. If this was Hougen, as he assumed, then Gin knew that any display of weakness would be preyed upon. That’s the sort of male Hougen was, according to what the trio had learned in the past six months. The Dane chuckled at Gin’s confidence, before slowly turning and squatting over the snow. John’s eyes widened.

“What the...?” he said in alarm. The Great Dane’s followers gasped as they watched their leader force out a lump of fecal matter. With one final grunt, it fell out onto the snow. The Dane sneered up at the three leaders.

“I’ll tell you what,” he barked slyly. “How’s about a deal? That mouthy Shepherd eats my shit, and maybe I’ll tell you if I’m Hougen or not.”

“You disgusting piece of shit!” Rage filled John’s body. “Someone as filthy as you can only be Hougen! I don’t need to eat shit to prove that!”

“How childish...” Akame grunted, also disgusted by Hougen’s lack of decency. “But John...don’t buy into his games. He’s only trying to embarrass us.”

“I know that...!” The Shepherd snapped. “Grrr...! What do we do then!?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” Hougen interrupted. “Surrender and make things easy for me. It’s inevitable that I’ll take over Ohu, so why not give in while you can? Gehehe...” As the male spoke, Gin whispered to his companions.

“We need to make a run for it,” he said. “If a dog gets in your way, take them down, but we need to focus on leaving.”

“I’m not a fan of running away...” John grunted. 

“I know,” replied Gin. “But we need the rest of the army to know what’s coming. If we die here, who’ll warn our families about Hougen?”

John didn’t respond, but Gin already knew the answer. He looked at Akame, and the Kishu nodded to him. The plan was set. Together, the three dogs leapt from the roof and onto the ground below. Hougen perked.

“Oho? So you’ve decided to welcome death after all? Well, in that case...” Hougen lifted his head, shouting aloud. “All of you! Rip ‘em apart!”

A fierce battle cry filled the air as Hougen’s army advanced on the three males. As Gin commanded, John and Akame didn’t focus on trying to take anyone out if they could avoid it. They slipped under pouncing dogs and kicked away any fool that got too close. Some of Hougen’s males would try to attack all at once, latching onto the fleeing dogs in an attempt to slow them down.

“Hrah!” Gin jumped into the air as dogs clung to his body. He landed on his back, crushing them beneath his weight.

“Gyaaaaaah!” A dog cried out as John slashed his throat. Akame, meanwhile, stepped on the heads of several dogs like stepping stones. Out of the corner of his eye, he searched to see of Hougen was anywhere nearby. Oddly enough, the Dane was nowhere to be found.

“Akame!”

The ganin turned his attention over to Gin. The Akita stood nearby, panting as he struggled against a swarm of attacks. Looking over at him, Gin ordered:

“Use your shinobi techniques! Escape while you can and head to Ohu!”

“Uh...?” Akame gasped. “Are you sure, Gin?”

“Yes...!” Gin brought down a paw on an enemy’s head, knocking him unconscious. “One of us needs to warn Ohu! John and I’ll keep distracting them. You go!”

“Yeah, Akame!” agreed John from afar as he knocked away a few soldiers from his body. “We’ve got this!”

Akame grunted in dismay. Though it was a reasonable plan, it just didn’t sit right with the male to leave behind the comrades he’d respected and saw as his family. Still...Gin was his leader, first and foremost; Akame couldn’t refuse his command. Closing his eyes and gritting his teeth, Akame forced himself onward. 

“Gin...! John...!” Akame performed a great leap over the last of the dogs, making his way to the nearest gathering of trees and climbing his way up. He felt a tear stream down his face. “Please...don’t die!”

“That’s enough, you bastards!” 

The battle came to a sudden halt as Hougen spoke. John and Gin paused, bracing themselves as Hougen reappeared in front of them. Rocket’s brother, Missile, was hanging onto a squirming dog. Gin’s maw fell open in shock.

“Reika!”

Both Ohu males stared in dismay as the unfortunate female was brought before them, whimpering and sobbing as Missile’s fangs threatened to tear into the side of her neck. Hougen looked at her, smirking, before returning his gaze to Gin and John.

“I don’t have any mercy, so...” Hougen paused to chuckle sadistically. “Keep resisting if you want. Just know that this cutie dies if you do.”

“Boss...!” Reika cried. “I’m so sorry! They ambushed me! Please...don’t stop fighting on my account...!”

“How low can you get, you bastard!?” a furious John roared.

“Shut up!” Hougen snapped. “As long as I win, it doesn’t matter what tricks I have to use, gyahahaha!” As Hougen laughed, his followers began biting Reika’s legs and belly. She screamed in pain. Gin shook his head, his ears flattening against his head.

“Stop...!” he begged. “Just stop! Let her go, Hougen!” The Dane flashed a toothy grin at Gin. Finally, everything was falling into place. Raising his head again, he howled to his soldiers:

“This is it, boys! Take them down!”

Gin and John watched, bracing themselves, as Hougen’s males grew closer and closer...

Two days had passed since Kaibutsu’s death. As Jerome had said, the humans returned to Futago Pass once more to retrieve the monster’s body. The Ohu soldiers had gathered at the near the base of the waterfall, watching as Kaibutsu’s body was airlifted away, never to be seen again. Jerome made sure to stay out of sight, still feeling great shame over how he’d failed to die alongside his comrades. If his masters believed him to be dead, then so be it.

Once the humans were gone and peace settled over the Pass, the remaining members of Ohu attempted to continue living as they did before. As of now, there were only 29 dogs. The Dog Paradise, once lively and filled with dogs, was eerily quiet. Dogs who’d died and not been laid to rest were given burials; a lengthy task, but no one complained. Inside Gajou, a large chamber had been created due to the cave-in, one big enough for everyone to gather inside and sleep during the night. 

The evening of the second day came quickly. Tomoe sat in front of Gajou, looking up at the darkening sky with a look of content on her face. It’d been so long since she could properly gaze at the stars. 

“Hello there, youngster,” a voice called to her. Looking over her shoulder, Tomoe saw Ben padding up to her. She smiled.

“Oh hey, Uncle Ben,” Tomoe chirped. “I thought you’d gone to sleep already.”

“Not yet.” The large male took a seat. “Had something on my mind.”

“Mmm?”

“Gin, John and Akame have been gone all this time...” Ben’s blind eyes looked towards the sky. “And no one can be sure when they’re coming back exactly. We don’t have the substitutes anymore, so we need someone to fill in.”

“I thought you were already doing that, Uncle,” Tomoe said, cocking a brow.

“You could say that,” replied Ben. “But, really, I only took up the job because I used to be Ohu’s General back when Riki was alive. I plan on going back into retirement now that things have calmed down. And who better to take my place than John’s own daughter?”

“Eh...!?” Tomoe stood up, staring, wide-eyed, at the old male. “You want me to lead Ohu!?”

“Hoho...calm down, youngster. You won’t be leading by yourself. Your father’s the new General these days, so you’ll be filling in for him. Meanwhile, Gin’s role will be filled by Weed.” Ben then glanced back, making a beckoning motion with his head. “Come on out, you two.”

As if on cue, Weed and Jerome appeared from the entrance of Gajou. Tomoe stared at them intensely, her eyes narrowing.

Oh, great... she thought sarcastically. The pipsqueak and his new lap dog... In all honesty, Tomoe wasn’t exactly sure why Weed rubbed her the wrong way. Jerome was a different story; his cold demeanor and odd obsession with Weed was obnoxious to her. The puppy, however, hadn’t really done anything to her, aside from getting singled out because he was Gin’s son. Perhaps that was the main reason. A petty one, maybe, but a reason nonetheless. Tomoe kept those negative thoughts to herself as the Akita mix and the Shepherd joined the conversation.

“Mr. Ben talked it over with us already,” Weed said. “He thinks I should fill in as Boss until my father returns to Ohu.”

“I’ve offered to act as his advisor,” Jerome added. “It’s the least I can do. Weed offered me a new purpose, and this one seemed the most appropriate.” It took all of Tomoe’s willpower not to roll her eyes. “Consider me as your number three until that Akame fellow returns.”

“I know both you and Weed are young,” Ben said to Tomoe. “But long ago, Gin proved to me that even a child could do great things. If you feel any doubts, you just need to talk to us. You won’t have to be alone, Tomoe.”

“Mmph...” the young bitch murmured as she thought it over. “Just until Dad comes back, huh...? Well...alright. I’ll do it, Uncle.”

“I’m glad,” said Ben with a calm smile. He stood up, yawning. “Alright. I’ll go and settle down for now. You youngsters don’t stay up too late, hmm?” 

Ben slowly made his way back into Gajou, his nose and ears guiding him. Weed, Tomoe, and Jerome were left alone, all of them silent. The mountain winds blew about, ruffling their coats. After a moment of silence between the three of them, Weed decided to speak. 

“I don’t think we’ve officially met,” he said with a grin. “I’m Weed.”

“So I’ve heard,” replied Tomoe coolly. Jerome watched her closely, listening to the tones in her voice and examining the emotions in her eyes. “The name’s Tomoe.”

“I’m sure we’ll make a great team,” Weed said, his tail swishing. 

“If you say so.” The female lazily ran a tongue over her paw.

“Hmm? What’s the matter? Don’t you think so?”

Tomoe didn’t respond at first. Glancing at Jerome, she could see the clear distaste in his eyes. She snorted. She wouldn’t apologize for not falling head over heels for a puppy she barely knew.

“I never said I didn’t,” she finally said. “I’m just not sure if you’re actually ready for this, kid.”

“He’s ready,” Jerome cut in. His voice seemed almost defensive. Tomoe scrunched her muzzle. “Don’t worry about him. Like I said before, I’ll be his advisor. The Veterans have given their approval already. Of course, if you also need assistance, I’d be happy to oblige.”

“I’ll be fine,” Tomoe assured bluntly. “I’d like to figure things out for myself, if you don’t mind.”

“Mmph,” was Jerome’s reply. Weed looked between the two Shepherds. He could tell there was some tension in the air. Quickly, he spoke up.

“Maybe tomorrow we can organize a big hunt with the rest of the army?” he suggested. “It could be--”

“WEED!”

The three dogs perked their ears at the sound of GB’s voice. Looking towards the woods, they could see the Setter emerging, printing towards Gajou.

“Come quickly!” he shouted. “It’s Akame! Akame’s here! Tomoe, you come too!”

“Uh...!?” Tomoe gasped. “If Akame’s here...”

“Father must be back!” an ecstatic Weed cried. Hastily, he rushed to meet GB, Jerome following behind him. Tomoe, however, didn’t see so certain that all was well. She couldn’t explain it, but there was a bad feeling deep in her gut. Something wasn’t right. Tomoe rushed to catch up with the other dogs, and together they ran to the base of the Pass. When they arrived, they could see Ken, Kagetora, Harutora and Nobutora already there, surrounding a familiar, white Kishu who was lying in a thin layer of snow.

“Uncle Akame!” shouted Tomoe. The other dogs looked up, seeing GB, Weed, Jerome and Tomoe approaching. 

“Ah, there they are, sir,” Ken said, looking back at the ganin. “Weed and Tomoe.”

Akame looked up, his eyes widening at the two youngsters. When he looked at Weed, he momentarily believed that he had fallen into the past, and that a younger Gin was approaching him. The resemblance between Weed and Gin was uncanny; one would never even guess that the puppy had Kishu blood. Akame then looked up at Tomoe. When he last saw her, she was about the size of Weed, maybe a bit bigger. Now, she was a young adult adorning scars of battle. Her resemblance to John was 100% the same, but it was definitely close.  

“Uncle...!” Kagetora whispered in awe. Akame snapped back into reality, feeling the wetness of tears on his cheeks.

“If only your fathers were here to see you both...” The ganin whispered softly.

“Where are they, Mr. Akame?” Weed asked, looking around. “Didn’t they come with you?”

“I...” Akame paused, biting his lip. “I’m afraid that Gin and John are in terrible danger...”

Everyone was taken aback. The air had suddenly gotten chillier as Akame’s words sank in. Danger? What sort of danger!?

“What’s happened to my father!?” exclaimed Weed. He stepped closer to the Kishu. “Tell me, Akame!”

“Give him space, damn it...!” Tomoe snapped, forcing the puppy away with a paw. Her voice quivered, something that neither the Kais nor Ken had ever heard from Tomoe before. She wasn’t the type to scare easily. It was obvious that whatever had happened to John was causing her great distress. Regardless of this, Weed narrowed his eyes at the female.

“We’ve been investigating a series of rumors and violent pack takeovers in the Southern Alps,” Akame explained. “We found out about a male named Hougen and his plans to take over Ohu...”

“What!?” Harutora exclaimed.

“We were on our way back, but...” Akame continued. “Hougen ambushed us...! Gin told me to escape and warn everyone.”

“They’re not dead, are they?” asked Tomoe quickly.

“I doubt it,” the Kishu assured. “Gin and John are strong males. A couple of common dogs won’t be enough to kill them. If anything, Hougen’s probably going to hold them prisoner.”

“We can’t just stand around here then...!” said Kagetora. He looked to Weed. “Weed! We need to go and rescue them right now!”

“But...” Weed murmured in uncertainty. Tomoe snarled.

“What do you mean “but”?” she spat.  “All that talk about meeting Gin and you’re hesitating?” Jerome stepped towards Tomoe, uttering a low, warning growl. Tomoe ignored him.

“It’s not like that!” Weed defended himself. “Ohu only has 29 soldiers now! How can we leave the Paradise!?”

“29 soldiers!?” Akame echoed, unable to believe his ears. 

“Unfortunately, we lost most of the Ohu soldiers due to an attack from a monster,” Ken was quick to explain. “It’s a long story...Weed has a point, though, Tomoe. If this Hougen guy wants to take over Ohu, leaving the Paradise without dogs would be foolish.”

“Let’s discuss this later,” Nobutora spoke up. “Please...Mr. Akame needs to rest.”

Everyone had to agree. For Akame’s sake, they’d stopped arguing. Easing the Kishu onto his back, Ken led the group back towards the stronghold. Little did they know, their entire conversation had been watched. 

Hiding in the shadows, taking in every word, was Rocket. 

[promisedangel]

Fresh Meat: Confinement- Chapter 5

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Chapter 5- Ironic Punishments

Chara sat in silent contemplation. They clutched their locket tightly with the fear it would disappear if they let go. Their eyes were puffy and red from their tears, reduced to trickles from their eyes. As more and more time passed, the dread of their situation began to sink in. Their anger towards Gaster subsided only slightly, but they felt it would return when he did. They grasped the locket tightly, I will never forgive him, Chara swore to themselves.

Chara relaxed their grip around the locket. Their eyes drifted towards it. Memories of their month with the Dreemurrs flooded back to them. The smell of Toriel’s freshly cooked meals, made with her love. The touch of Asgore while they trained or finally embraced him. The sights they saw with Asriel. The rainbow mist. The lake view. The barrier. The Last Corridor.

Their happy memories faded, almost ripped away from them as the memory of their first trip to the golden hall surfaced. The first time Chara had noticed, and successfully avoided, Gaster. Their memory turned to all the times Gaster came knocking on the Dreemurrs’ door. The time he pulled Asriel and themselves away. The fight in Snowdin Forest. Chara shook. Their breath became heavy. They curled in on themselves tightly. They didn’t want to think about it anymore.

A sudden knock pierced through Chara’s thoughts. Chara gasped sharply, startled. Chara heard Alphys’s voice through the door, “It’s ok! It’s just me, Chara!” Chara relaxed only slightly. They kept one hand on their locket just in case. They saw the bottom of the door lift upwards as Alphys slid a new tray under their door. This time it held a mushroom stew and a glass of water. Alphys spoke kindly, “I brought dinner. I… I would have come earlier but… I… I tried to speak to Dr. Gaster about why he made you see the trial…” Chara replied, their voice hoarse, “He has done more than that.” Alphys fidgeted with her fingers nervously, “Y-Yeah…”

Chara sat still. They made no attempt to go towards the tray of food. Alphys noticed the tray hadn’t moved. She spoke in concern, “Are you okay? You really should eat.” Chara shook their head, “I am not hungry.” Alphys groaned, “Please, Chara, I told you yesterday starving isn’t fun.” Chara sighed. They stood. Alphys could hear the noise of their steps against the stone floor. She sighed in relief. Chara kneeled down before they grasped the edge of the tray. They pushed the tray back under the door and quickly closed the compartment it used. Alphys facepalmed and groaned, “Chara…” Chara spoke bluntly, “I lost my appetite. You can thank him for that.” Alphys sighed and picked up the tray, “I told him that this was going to come back and bite us… but… he didn’t listen. Maybe now he’ll listen.” Chara stood up and went towards their bed, “He will not listen.” Alphys spoke calmly, “Well… I have proof that it was a bad idea. He may be… abrasive… but he is a monster of science. I’m sure he’ll listen.” Chara sighed as they settled into bed once more. Alphys hesitated, but soon left quietly with the tray.

Alphys took the tray deep into the lab on a path to Gaster’s office. Before she could reach his office, however, she noticed something had changed about the area. A new scent hung in the air of the hallway. She paused. This scent was familiar; distant, but familiar. She took a deep breath, her eyes closed instinctually. She knew this smell. Her eyes shot open at the realization. Blood. Pure human blood. Her mouth watered. Her feet began to move without her will. She dropped the tray. It clattered to the floor behind her. The glass broke, and the bowl fractured. It spilled the soup far. Alphys knew of the spill, but her focus was on the scent of blood. Every inch of her body drew her closer and closer to the source of the scent. She turned down the hall a few times and she came to a door. The scent was strongest there. She could tell that the source was just beyond. She grasped the door knob and tried to turn it. The door was locked. Normally, Alphys would turn away, but her instincts begged her to find a way in. She tried to pull and push at the door. It didn’t work. Before she could do anything else, a voice rung behind her, “What are you doing?” Alphys gasped. She turned sharply to the source of the noise. It was Gaster. He held some semblance of the scent of blood. Alphys stammered before she noticed the scent of blood once more. Alphys began to go back into her trance as her words faded into strange noises. Gaster raised a brow at the lack of a response. It took him a moment for him to realize what had happened. He sighed and rubbed his temples lightly. He spoke with resign, “Of course. You wandered here because of the blood.”

He kept a calm expression before he slapped Alphys sharply across the face. Alphys groaned and blinked as she held her reddened cheek. Gaster spoke calmly with his hands behind his back, “Have you returned to your senses?” Alphys paused before she fully realized her situation. She blushed heavily, “I- I’m so sorry, sir! I smelled- I mean, I didn’t-“ Gaster raised a hand calmly to shush Alphys. Alphys complied and quieted immediately. Gaster spoke calmly, “Not to worry, I knew you would find this room eventually. I did not think it would be so soon.” Alphys curled in slightly, “What… is it?” Gaster looked towards the door, “I am creating the substitute in this room.” Alphys calmed slightly. She held a guilty look in her eyes, “Oh… so the smell was…” Gaster nodded, “The human’s blood. Correct.”

Alphys frowned for a moment. Gaster gave a small smile as he calmly explained, “Do not worry, as the human’s caretaker you are one of the very few monsters who are guaranteed a supply of the substitute. I cannot have you wildly attacking it, after all.” Alphys fidgeted with her hands, “Well… Thank you… but…um…” Gaster raised a brow, “Did something happen?” Gaster narrowed his eyes, “Or are we going to continue that conversation from earlier?” Alphys sighed, “Chara- the human, I mean, they… they refused to eat. They said… that they lost their appetite because of the trial...” Gaster sighed, “I see.”

He paused. He held his chin as he began to mull over options in silence. A small smirk curled on his face. He let the hand that held his chin go aloft as he spoke, “If it doesn’t want to eat, then why should we feed it?” Alphys’s eyes widened. She protested immediately, “S-sir! But that would-“ Gaster frowned and rolled his eye sockets as he interrupted Alphys, “I do not mean permanently, obviously. It shouldn’t take long for the human to realize how much of a hell starvation is. A single day should do. I will tell you when you can resume making its meals.” Alphys curled up slightly. Her tone became submissive, “I-I don’t mean to question you… but… are you sure this is the only way? They’re just a kid after all-“ Gaster interrupted her sharply. His voice filled with venom, “An unfortunately intelligent one. Did you know how it gave me this new scar? I only let my guard down for one second and it tried to split my skull with a knife!” Alphys looked at the scar for a moment before her gaze drifted away, “I… I suspected… but I didn’t think-“ Gaster interrupted her once more. He spoke firmly, “And that is why you must be careful around the human. Remember, Alphys; humans are our food, but they also managed to trap us in this mountain. You cannot let your guard down. You cannot sympathize with its words. Even a child can be intelligent, given the right circumstances. Especially if it believes its survival is at stake.” Alphys frowned deeply as Gaster continued, “Humanity has forgotten it is not the top of the food chain. We have no choice but to teach the human that fact by any means necessary. Do I make myself clear?’ Alphys sighed and hugged herself lightly, “Yes, sir…”

Gaster spoke calmly, “Good. I would suggest you get some rest. Have you finished the physical report yet?” Alphys perked up and nodded, “F-for the most part! I just need to do some format editing and it’ll be done!” Gaster replied, “Then have it on my desk tomorrow before noon.” Alphys slouched, “Yes, sir.” Alphys began to walk away in disappointment. Her boss had barely listened to her. To add insult to injury, he gave her an order counter to what she wanted. She turned back briefly. Her boss was no longer there. He must be back in that room, she thought. She turned forward with a sigh, “I’m sorry, Chara…”

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chara had no idea when they fell asleep. They didn’t know if they slept at all. Alphys did not return to them that night. Chara assumed that Gaster had not listened to her. Just as they suspected.

The sound of their empty stomach woke them to full conciousness. They groaned and sat up in bed. What time was it? Chara decided to find out. They stood and waited for the dull pain in their feet to subside. They wandered over to the door and kneeled down. No tray was nearby. They slowly went to open the lower opening of the door. No one was there. The lights of the hallway were on, however. Chara closed their eyes and focused on their hearing. Nothing other than the hum of the hallway lights. No distant footsteps. No hushed voices. Nothing.

An idea flashed through Chara’s mind. They held the section of door open. They pushed it against the outside of their room as far as it could go. They lowered themselves onto their stomach and peeked their head out. They struggled somewhat but was able to fit their head if it was sideways. They reached their other arm out and placed it on the wall next to the door. They began to push against the door and the wall. Chara felt stuck on their shoulders. They struggled to push themselves through the opening. They felt the wood of the door scrape against their shoulders bit by bit. Just a little more, Chara thought.

They relaxed in their struggle. They took a few deep breaths, they forgot to breathe in their struggles. Just as they readied themselves for another push, Chara heard distant footsteps. Chara instinctually gasped. They hurried to push themselves back inside their room. They succeeded with little effort. In their rush, they let go of the part of the door they held up. It lightly smacked against their head. Chara grunted before they quickly held the compartment open and then slowly closed it as they fully returned to the room. They gave a sigh of relief.

The footsteps grew closer and closer. Chara relaxed slightly. It must be Alphys, Chara thought. Despite their protests yesterday, their hunger returned to them. They had to apologize to Alphys. They stepped back as the set of footsteps settled in front of the door. Their eyes drifted down to the compartment. Yet, something was different. There was no knock on the door. The compartment did not lift and reveal a tray. Instead, the lock clicked open. A chill ran down Chara’s spine. So far, only one being has opened their door.

As they feared, the first to greet them for the day was Gaster. The second Gaster saw Chara, his eyes lit up and Chara was still. Chara saw they were encased by Gaster’s magic, a grip on their very soul. A scowl grew across Chara’s face as they attempted to struggle against Gaster’s magic to no avail. The door opened fully. Gaster’s expression was neutral. Gaster spoke bluntly, “You will follow me, or I will force you to follow. Your choice.” Chara growled, “I remember what happened last time you made me cooperate.” Gaster raised a ‘brow’ at Chara, “I’ll take that as a no.”

Chara was lifted into the air. Gaster turned and slowly exited the room. Chara seemed to float behind him and move along at his pace. Gaster spoke off-handedly, “If you still fear more death awaits you, then you have nothing to fear for at least five decades. Of course, if any monster other than Alphys or myself get near you, then you would see death one more time.” Chara narrowed their eyes, “Where is Alphys? I thought you ordered her to be my ‘caretaker’.” Gaster gave a light chuckle, “She told me you refused your meal last night. Therefore, I have given her the day off from your care.” Chara’s eyes widened. Before they could speak, their stomach growled loud enough for Gaster to hear. Chara immediately curled in on themselves and held their stomach. They blushed and pouted, embarrassed. Gaster turned back slightly as he walked. He smirked, “That is a mere taste of the hell monsterkind has endured. Refuse a meal again and it will not be just one day. On continuous attempts, I will order Alphys to shove food down your throat if I have to.” A chill ran up Chara’s spine. Fear flashed onto Chara’s gaze for a moment. Gaster turned forward with a satisfied grin.

The rest of the walk was in silence. Gaster soon stopped at a door and swiftly opened it. Chara recognized it; the same room Gaster brought them to with Asriel. Chara instinctually clutched their locket. Dread began to well in the pit of their gut. Gaster closed the door behind them before he floated Chara to the island table with restraints. His orange eye began to glow just as bright as his blue. Both his eyes narrowed. He seemed to grunt with some exertion as two sets of hands appeared around Chara and began to strap their legs, arms, chest, and head to the table. Chara’s eyes widened in shock, “You can still use that magic?” Gaster spoke with venom in his voice, “With great restraint, thanks to you.” As soon as Chara’s restraints were tightened, Gaster released his magic. He let out a few deep breaths and held the right side of his head along the scar. He stood there for a moment to recoup. After a large sigh, Gaster stood tall. He approached the machines on the side of the room, all covered in white sheets. He pulled the sheet off of one that had wheels. It was a bulky machine, tall and rectangular. One side of the machine held a screen could move to decent degrees. Out of the other side a long, thin stretch of metal and cables jutted from the machine. The end of this metal limb was a laser apparatus of sorts. Chara looked at the machine, pangs of fear in their voice, “What is that?” Gaster spoke calmly, “This is a soul scanning device. Since monster bodies are made of magic, it is easy to discern our condition by examining our souls.” Gaster spoke in a neutral tone as gently pushed the machine to the side of the table, “It’s rather old. And since you are human I will no doubt have to make adjustments, but I only need a basic scan to begin my research. This should not take long.”

Gaster set the machine squarely next to the table. He pointed the laser apparatus towards Chara’s chest began to flip a few switches and press a few buttons on the machine. A soft hum began to emanate from the machine as it started up. Gaster held a large switch and slowly lowered it part of the way. The laser hummed to life and fired at Chara’s chest right below their locket. Chara cringed, looked away, and closed their eyes. They were powerless to stop the beam. They felt a pressure on their chest where the laser was constantly fired at. Surprised, Chara peeked one eye open. A light formed on their chest and formed a red, upright heart. They heard Gaster let out a curious sound, “Strange, it is not registering the soul… I should be able to get basic reading from this level…” Gaster lowered the lever a few more notches. The laser hummed and became more intense. The pressure on Chara’s chest increased. The pressure began to pin their chest firmly against the table. Chara felt uncomfortable and began to squirm slightly. Their squirms barely mattered, as the restraints made them barely able to move. Gaster quickly noticed Chara’s squirms. He turned his attention towards Chara. A smirk curled on his face, “Uncomfortable? Get used to it. As long as your soul is not damaged, whatever pain this machine will bring you is what you deserve.” Chara glared at Gaster. Gaster’s expression normalized as he turned back towards the screen. He frowned at the results on the screen. He grumbled, “Only a faint reading… Not enough for it to collect any data. I suppose I will have to adjust it more than I thought.”

Gaster once more lowered the lever a few notches. The lever was almost fully lowered. The beam increased in intensity. Chara’s eyes widened; the pressure had crossed the line to pain. For a moment the pain seemed to ring throughout Chara’s entire being. Chara let out a yelp. They struggled against the beam. Their breaths became shallow and quick under the struggle of the beam. Gaster gave a satisfied smirk as he focused on the screen, “There it is.” He frowned as he examined the data now slowly coming on screen, “Interesting. Your physical matter seems to protect against the beam. I will have to find a way to circumvent that. Otherwise I will never be able to examine your soul in close detail.” Chara grit their teeth and closed their eyes. They couldn’t escape the pain. It seemed to well at the center of their chest. They tried to stand against the pain. They puffed their chest out slightly. Nothing seemed to work. The machine began to beep quickly and deeply. Gaster let out a grunt of annoyance, “Your resisting is corrupting the data. It appears for now I will have to use the machine’s maximum capabilities.”

Gaster lowered the lever as far as it could go. The machine whirred before the beam increased to its fullest intensity. The pain in Chara’s chest increased. They began to whine and whimper. They struggled against their restraints. They let out a whimper of, “It hurts…” Gaster chuckled, “If you didn’t resist, it wouldn’t have to.” He focused on the data now streaming onto the screen, “I will have the data I need in a few short minutes. Try to endure the pain until then.” A few tears peaked from Chara’s eyes. The pain started to spread throughout their chest. Their whines and whimpers began to escalate to cries of pain. The pain reached their limbs. Their head. The pain encompassed their entire being. Chara began to loudly cry out in pain. Gaster sighed and turned his gaze towards Chara, “It cannot possibly hurt that-“

In that instant, a new pain triggered throughout Chara’s entire being. They felt as though their body had been harshly cleaved in twain. The pain rung throughout all of Chara’s body. Chara screamed out. Tears streamed from their eyes. Gaster’s eyes widened in fear. His eyes lit up, focused at one point in Chara’s chest; Chara’s soul. Chara couldn’t see it in their trashes, but Gaster noticed it; a thin crack formed on Chara’s soul. The crack started from the top right to just past the center of the soul. Gaster gasped in shock. He quickly stammered out, “No!” He quickly flipped the lever upwards all the way. The beam whirred down until it stopped completely. The image of Chara’s soul faded from Chara’s view. However, Gaster could still clearly see it, crack and all. He gritted his teeth as his eyes returned to normal, “Damnit. I was a fool.”

Chara’s screams and cries of pain quieted quickly. Their eyes fluttered closed. Their body slumped and relaxed on the table, no longer tightened against the restraints. Gaster’s panic increased. He quickly checked Chara’s pulse and breath. Their breath normalized. Their pulse was still fast, but it began to slow. Gaster sighed in relief, “Only unconscious. Still… I was reckless.” Gaster began to slowly loosen Chara’s restraints. They noticed Chara’s wrists in particular had marks on them from their struggles. Gaster continued to chastise himself as he took off the last restraints, “I will have to completely redesign the laser apparatus altogether. I cannot let this crack expand.” Gaster went to use his blue magic on Chara’s soul. He hesitated, his eyes returned to his normal white. He groaned, “No. I cannot risk it.”

He slowly picked Chara up and began to carry them over his shoulder. Chara groaned as their body settled from the gentle toss. Gaster quickly teleported back in front of Chara’s room. He entered as Chara’s eyes began to flutter open. They grunted; their pain still present but dulled. Gaster gently placed Chara on their bed before he exited the room and closed the door behind him.

Chara woke to full consciousness a few minutes later. Small pangs of pain still rang throughout their body. They curled in on themselves. They began to weep. The memory of the pain made them quake. Their mind was flooded with fear. They clutched their locket tightly. They spoke quietly to themselves, “I have to get out of here.”

An excerpt from the journal of Dr. W. D. Gaster

I’ve made a terrible mistake. Today, I had planned on beginning research on the human’s soul. However, my grossly negligent oversight and incompatible equipment has caused the unthinkable; the human’s soul has cracked. I immediately shut down the soul scanning machine and sequestered the human in its quarters. Ironically, such a machine is the only way I can assess the damage. The entire machine will have to be redesigned to scan the human’s soul, and even then, I will have to take extra care from now on. The crack is small and thin, but until such time I can fully assess the damage, I will have to restrain my use of blue magic on the human’s soul. I do not know what this will do to the human, and I highly doubt it can be healed. I will have to focus on the machine in the time being. Designing its new quarters will have to wait.

[bennguintweets]

One Shot: It Ain’t Easy Being Wheezy

Requested by anon: “older dusty asthma attack imagine??”

“Alright, boys, bring it in!” Dusty’s basketball coach called to his team after the buzzer signaled the end of warm-ups. The boys circled around their coach, waiting for him to begin his pregame motivational speech. Dusty looked into the crowd while his coach spoke, seeing his family sitting in their usual front row spot.

“Jamie, he’s looking. Wave so he knows we’re here.” Tyler said while waving his hand in the air to get their son’s attention.

“I’m pretty sure he knows we’re here, Ty. We sit here every game.” Jamie said. He wasn’t one to ever draw attention to himself, so fortunately for Dusty, he only had one dad who would embarrass him this way.

Dusty rolled his eyes when he saw his dad making a scene to get his attention, and reluctantly waved back to get him to stop.

“Yup, he definitely knows we’re here.” Jamie chuckled and shook his head.

“Well he does now thanks to me.” Tyler said, giving Jamie a little eye roll at his lack of help. He turned his head in the direction of the gym doors when he saw a glimpse of his daughter’s blonde hair out of the corner of his eye.

“We send her to get popcorn, and she comes back with her boy.” Tyler chuckled and shook his head.

“What’s he doing here?” Jamie asked. He didn’t mean for it to come off so rudely, because he really liked Peyton, but he still preferred his baby girl to be single.

“Jamie.” Tyler scolded, giving his thigh a little tap with the back of his hand. “Be nice.”

“Here’s your popcorn.” Riley hummed and handed it over to her dad.

“Thank you. Hi, Peyton.” Tyler smiled.

“Hello, Mr. Seguin. Hello Mr. Benn.” Peyton smiled softly before sitting next to Riley in the stands.

“Peyton.” Jamie nodded curtly at him in response. He didn’t want the boy to lose his fear of him, because that would mean Peyton was too comfortable with his daughter, and Jamie would have none of that.

“Seriously? Not even a ‘hi’ Jamie?” Tyler said, not impressed with his husband’s greeting.

“Oh, look. Game’s about to start.” Jamie gasped and pointed to the court in hopes to turn Tyler’s attention off of him.

“You’re the worst.” Tyler chuckled before grabbing a handful of popcorn.

“Hey! Right here, right here!” Dusty called to his teammate and clapped his hands to signal he wanted the ball. After the ball landed in his hands right on cue, Dusty knew he needed to get a shot off before the shot clock ran out. He saw an opposing jersey running his way, and when the player got close enough, Dusty spun around him before darting towards the basket.

“Right, left, up!” Dusty thought to himself while his body followed his mind’s command.

Swish

“Thatta boy, Dusty!” Dusty heard his dad cheer from the stands after he scored the basket.

“Get back on defense!” The coach shouted to his team as soon as their opponents took possession of the ball. Dusty jogged back to the other side of the court, waiting for them to attack back. He quickly looked up at the scoreboard to check the remaining time in the half.

 10 seconds

After quickly turning his attention back to the player dribbling his way, Dusty winced slightly at the sharp pain in his head. He tried to shake off the pain as best as he could, but when he tried to stop his opponent from getting past him, he couldn’t muster up the strength or the speed to keep him from driving to the basket.

“Don’t go in, don’t go in.” Dusty prayed in his mind, but it was no use. The ball sailed through the net just as the buzzer rang, giving the other team a two-point lead going into the half. He knew his coach was going to be pissed, as he hated going into the second half trailing the other team. It didn’t matter if they were only down by a point, he hated when his team had to dig themselves out of a hole. Dusty followed his teammates to the bench, and tried not to make eye contact with his coach, even though he felt the man glaring at him.

“Why didn’t you let him charge you?” Dusty’s coach asked sternly. “That would’ve saved us a basket.”

“I’m sorry, coach. I wasn’t thinking.” Dusty sighed, even though that wasn’t the truth. He knew he was supposed to set up the other guy for a charging foul, but he was worried about falling with the sudden pain in his head. It was increasingly getting stronger, and he had no idea what was causing it.

“Well you need to start thinking. Do I need to substitute someone in for you who can think?”

“No, sir.”

“Then prove me wrong.”

“Yes, sir.” Dusty sighed and continued on his way to the bench. He took a few calming breaths before sipping his water slowly. He didn’t want to make his headache any worse by guzzling his water. After what felt like five seconds, the buzzer rang again, signaling the players to get back onto the court for the start of the third quarter.

“Shit!” Dusty groaned and rubbed his forehead at the shooting pain the obnoxious sound caused.

“Dude, are you okay?” Dusty’s teammate asked when he saw him in distress.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” Dusty lied and stood up before making his way back onto the court. He hoped by telling himself that the pain would somehow go away. If not, he was in trouble.

“Players, are you ready?” The ref asked while getting ready to do the tip-off. Once everyone was good to begin, the ref blew his whistle, and tossed the ball in the air. Dusty’s teammate tipped the ball straight back to him, and he caught it with ease. He began dribbling down the court, trying to set up a play, but he suddenly felt a tightening sensation in his airways.

“Pick up the pace, Dusty! Come on!” He heard his coach yell from the bench. He didn’t want to disobey his coach, so he started dribbling as fast as he could. As he drew nearer towards the basket, his sight became fuzzy, and the pain in his head dropped down to the middle of his chest. Right before he was about to throw the ball up for a shot, Dusty’s feet gave out, causing him to drop to his hands and knees.

“Dusty!” He heard the faint sound of his dad’s voice coming from the stands. Within an instant, the game had stopped, the gym was silent, and people were surrounding Dusty like a dog on a bone. Dusty grabbed his chest and began panting heavily, trying to find a spot on the floor to focus on, so he could control his breathing.

“Back up, back up! Give him some space!” The ref said while clearing the players out of the way. Once everyone stepped away, he suddenly felt someone drop to their knees at his side.

“Dusty, what’s wrong?” He recognized the voice as his coach’s. Dusty just panted in response, as he couldn’t formulate words. Even if he could talk, he didn’t want it to be with his coach at the moment. He just wanted his dads to make this pain go away.

“Tyler, Jamie!” The coach called to them and waved them over. Dusty felt his dads’ presence at his side in a matter of seconds, which sent a calming wave over him, as they would know what to do just by the look on his face.

“Baby, what happened? Asthma attack?” Tyler asked while rubbing Dusty’s back soothingly to relax his son. Dusty tried to answer his dad, but it only came out as wheezing, so he just nodded his head instead.

“You think you can walk to the bench?” Jamie asked him. Dusty nodded again.

“Okay, let’s stand up. Nice and easy.” Jamie hummed and placed both of his hands at Dusty’s underarms to make sure he had him securely.

“One, two, three.” Tyler said and helped Jamie stand him up. Once Dusty was up, Jamie and Tyler slowly walked him back to the bench. Dusty’s cheeks grew warm in embarrassment at the sound of cheers from people in the stands, as he just now realized hundreds of people witnessed him having an asthma attack in the middle of the game.

“Where’s your inhaler?” Tyler asked, pulling Dusty from his thoughts.

“B-Bag.” Dusty said while Jamie helped him sit down in the last chair on the bench. Tyler grabbed Dusty’s bag from behind the bench, and fished the inhaler out before holding it up to his son’s mouth.

“Deep breath in.” He instructed. Dusty held up a shaky hand and placed it over Tyler’s to get a better grip on his inhaler. Once he was ready, he pressed his finger down over the trigger and breathed in slowly while the medicine filled his airway.

“Good boy. Hold it.” Tyler hummed and rubbed Dusty’s back with his free hand while he held his breath in the upper part of his chest. He knew Dusty hated it when his dad babied him in public, but he couldn’t help it in this situation. Seeing his son collapse on the court like that made Tyler sick to his stomach. He hoped he would never have to witness that ever again, his heart simply couldn’t take it.

“Okay, breathe out.” Tyler hummed after the ten seconds were up. Dusty slowly let out his breath and immediately felt his airways open up again. He was so relieved he could breathe normally again. He’s lived with asthma his whole life, but there was no way he could ever get used to the feeling of not being able to breathe. It was terrifying.

“Better?” Jamie asked, seeing his son relax his shoulders.

“Yeah.” Dusty sighed. “M’good.”

“You scared the shit out of me, Dustin.” Tyler sighed and stroked his son’s sweaty bangs off of his forehead.

“Sorry.” Dusty said before taking a couple more calming breaths. “Wasn’t fun for me e-either.”

“I know, baby. Just relax, okay? It’s over, but you still need to focus on your breathing.”

“M’okay. Can I go back in now?” Dusty asked, looking up at his dad with big eyes. Tyler’s heart nearly broke at the sight of his son.

“No, you may not. You’re done for the day.” Tyler knew Dusty would be upset with him for making him sit, but he would not jeopardize his son’s health for a game.

“But Da-“

“Dusty, it’s not up for discussion.” Jamie said seriously. Dusty frowned and hung his head, feeling like he let his team down. If they lost, it would one hundred percent be his fault.

“Stupid lungs, why do you have to ruin everything?” Dusty thought to himself.  

“Baby, don’t get upset.” Tyler frowned and sat next to his son.

“It’s not fair.” Dusty pouted, and rested his head on his dad’s shoulder.

“What’s not fair, bub?”

“That I suck at breathing.” Dusty said seriously. Tyler couldn’t help but chuckle softly at his son’s description of his disease. However, Dusty didn’t appreciate his dad finding humor in this, as he was still annoyed that he couldn’t play.

“I know it’s not fair, but all we can do is accept it and roll with it okay?”

“Kay.” Dusty sighed.

“And even though you can’t be on the court helping your team, you can support them from here.”

“Will you stay here with me?” Dusty asked his dad sweetly. He could use his dad’s comfort for a little while longer, and he wanted him to be there just in case another attack came. Tyler smiled at his son and pulled him closer to his side.

“Always.”

[beapositiveimpact]

Lights And Shadows (pt 3)

In a small dark apartment just down the peninsula from the city, a woman is rolling over onto her side under her pale blue blanket. She silently looks toward the foot of the bed where there is an older man, in his 60s, getting dressed. After he puts his shoes on, he reaches into his pocket and pulls a wad of twenty dollar bills out and puts them on the dresser. "As usual, that was real nice, Shauna. Don't sleep the day away. I don't know if I can see you next week as my wife's nosey mother will be visiting with us for a few days. But I'll get ahold of you before the holidays start up." And he walks out the door, back to his boring suburban life, leaving Shauna to her very different life, full of self discovery and frustrating johns. Shauna sits up and looks towards the door for a moment and then at the cash for services rendered. She wraps the blanket around her and gets up to make a fresh pot of coffee on the electric burner that substitutes for a stove. "Not if I get money for airfare to get out of this town first." She counts the cash to herself, "Damn, barely enough for rent for this little cave and a lunch special at the burger joint." She let's out a low sigh while glancing out the window, "Looks like more rain." She wipes a tear, trades the blanket for her pink terry cloth robe then pours herself a cup of strong black coffee and starts her day. Another day, another dollar or less. It's a good thing that Jimmy is a natural at sales, his commissions more than make up for lack of hours on the sales floor. It doesn't hurt that even on his worse days, he can put aside the pain in his personal life and turn on the charm. When he was in school, his aspirations were to be a famous jazz musician. His room was always cluttered with keyboards, guitars, percussion instruments, whatever he could get his hands on that made music. During his senior year in college, money was really tight and he had to slowly sell each instrument and a month before graduation he was offered a sales position in a higher end shoe department at a clothing store near Union Square. It was only a matter of time before he was talked into working at Macy's on Union Square. He always enjoyed talking about fashion to women. Most of his friends growing up have been the girls of the neighborhood. Plus, he was tired of living on macaroni and cheese and tuna. Since then, he's become one of the top sellers in the department. The floor of the store is mostly designer and trendy women's clothing and his department is on the opposite end of purses so he can easily watch the women who come in from their tourist busses or over from downtown, or Pacific Heights, to shop for a specific outfit or two. Well, a girl has to have the right shoes for the occasion and Jimmy is just the one to sell the ideal pair and then point them in the direction of the perfect accessories. This encourages his coworkers in nearby departments to send him customers just as often. One of the salesmen in an adjoining department, selling the higher end trendy, is Blake. Jimmy and Blake never talk much. They're cordial and often send a customer to the other to get something that matches perfectly. Blake is maybe a year or two younger than Jimmy. He has wavy hair like Jimmy's but lighter, a dirty blonde, and cut very short on the sides. The single big wave he keeps long in front swoops down to almost touch his round tortoise shell glasses. They frame pale greenish-gray eyes that are complimented by his round boyish cheeks and big, bright smile that always has a hint of mischief. As Jimmy is bagging up some of the more expensive pairs of pumps, in three colors, for a stylish woman in her 50s, Blake quietly walks into Jimmy's department. She's dressed in a navy pinstriped blazer and skirt with an ivory colored silk dress shirt and a modest length pearl necklace with a tear-shaped opal hanging from it. Her shoulder length hair that has just a hint of gray is styled reminiscent of Mary Tyler Moore. The woman is clearly an executive from the financial district. Blake overhears the conversation between Jimmy and his appreciative customer. "Thanks for visiting us again and I know you're going to love those. The heel might look a little high but the shoe is so well made you won't feel any bit uneasy. And if you need any stretching to soften the leather on the red pair before your event don't hesitate to bring them by." "Oh Jimmy, you're such a dear. What would us old socialites do without you? Are you sure you can't meet my niece when she's in town in December? I just know the two of you would get along fine. Maybe you can take her to one of those AIDS dance-athons that you've told me about in the past. You do still go to those?" "Well, it's been a while since I've been to one. I've been taking a little break from things lately. Besides Mrs. Masden, you know I can't date a customer. Macy's wouldn't approve. But thank you so much." " I understand how we have to all dance to the tune of our employees. Mine definitely do. Even when it's a silly policy. And as for taking a break from things, don't take too long. The world needs your kind heart and big smile. Anyways, thank you again and I'll let you know how the burgundy ones work for the reception next week. I'm sure I'll be in at least one more time before the holiday madness starts. Till next we meet darling boy." "Yes, let me know, thank you. And don't behave yourself." As Blake comes up from behind, "Oh, Blake, you're off already? It's only 9." "I won a bet with a coworker so he's covering my last hour. I was watching you work that last one. Boy, am I glad you like it in shoes." "That's Mrs. Masden. She's a regular. By day, she runs a job agency downtown. By night, she's a busy Pacific Heights socialite. I think she holds two dinner parties a week, and always for some big cause or another." "What was that about her niece?" "Apparently, her niece, who is studying to be a doctor in the east coast, is coming to visit and Mrs. Masden is trying to fix us up." "For what? I mean, you're not nearly as nelly as most of the queens around here but she can tell you're queer, right?" "No idea. And thanks for reaffirming my masculinity." "Sure, anytime Mister. So, what are you doing tonight after your shift? I was going to Tower Records for the new Cocteau Twins compilation. Maybe you can join me at Cafe Flor for some wine and check it out together." "Umm..." "Come on, how long have we been working practically right next to each other and never hung out?" "I appreciate the offer, I do. But times are a little tough for me right now. And, besides, shouldn't you be going home to your boyfriend?" "He's the one that suggested I should get to know you. And, besides, he is busy with work this weekend." "Oh, I didn't know you guys were in an open relationship." "Yes, it's something we do so we don't get too needy with each other." " I guess that makes sense. If it works for you two." "So, see you around 10:00? Its not anything serious that I'm asking you out to. Let's just hang out, have a few drinks, talk music..." "Well, I did promise someone that I'd get out more. Okay. I'll try to finish up and get out of here a little early. It's been a little slow with the rain so that shouldn't be too hard." "It's never too hard for me." "What?" "Nothing. See you at the Cafe. If you do get there before 10, poke into Tower. I might still be in either the Goth section or the Classical section if I lose track of time. And I usually do." "I know how that is. I do it all the time in music stores and bookstores. Sure, I'll see you around that time." Jimmy gives a little wave to Blake as he walks towards the door and a group of trendy teenaged girls wander into his department. "Well, this will take up the next hour," he mumbles to himself before he turns back around, smiles and approaches them. An hour later, Jimmy is in the Castro and rushing in the rain over to Tower Records. Just as he's about to pass the entrance to Cafe Flor, Blake jumps out in front of him. Jimmy, who hates being late and is rushing, doesn't even notice him until he bumps into him. "Oops, sorry sir. Oh, it's you." Blake gives him a quick hug. "That's okay. You can bump into me anytime you like." "Haha. Were you waiting long? I got busy right after you left and could barely get them to leave to close up on time." "I've just been here long enough to get a glass of their merlot. It's not the greatest but it's not horrible. Want to try a glass? Or are you a beer and pretzels kind of guy?" Blake leads Jimmy over to one of the tables on the side of the cafe that is covered but away from the more crowded tables. "This is my favorite spot in the the city for people watching. Let me buy this round." "Thanks, they have a nice sangria. I tried it when Drew and I came here once," as he's setting his backpack down on the wooden bench alongside the glass front of the cafe and takes off his wet jacket and baseball cap. "And, if we get to a second round, it's on me." Sitting in that narrow section with the little row of white marble cafe tables between two windows overlooking Market Street, Blake and Jimmy start to talk about the day at work and the customers and coworkers. Then, Blake reaches into his leather shoulder bag and takes out his Walkman and the new cd he just purchased. He waves it in front of Jimmy's face a little, unwraps it eagerly and pops it into the player. "You must hear this," as he hands a pair of small headphones, that are little more than a flat curved wire between two round foam cushions, to Jimmy. "I give you the honors of hearing this first." "Don't you want to hear it too?" "It's a compilation of their imports and I have most of it. Besides I want to hear what you think of them. You have heard of the Cocteau Twins, right?" Jimmy puts on the small headphones as Blake presses the play button. The music starts with a drum machine and a guitar strumming very simple chords. A voice starts singing and Jimmy doesn't know what to make of this ethereal singer. The woman is singing in a soprano that floats over the instruments. And he doesn't have the vaguest idea what language she's singing in. But it's as if her voice is one more instrument in this new wave-ish space waltz. "I don't want to sound stupid but what language is she singing in?" "Who knows. I think she makes it up as she goes. What do you think?" "It's like nothing I've ever heard before. But I like it. There's something otherworldly and all so romantic about it." Nice description. People either love them obsessively or hate them. My partner hates that he can't understand what she's singing about. He wants words that he can sing along to. I think it's all of that Motown and r&b that he grew up listening to. He prefers that I play them on my headphones or when he's not home." "Really? It sounds like great music to make out to." "Think so? Maybe we can try that out later?" "Wow, you're incorrigible." "And you're irresistible." "Blake, it's only been a few months since I lost Drew. I'm not ready for anything heavy. I don't even know if I'll ever be." "Jimmy, you sweet boy, I'm not looking for anything more than a new friend and maybe a little action once in a while. I love my partner and I'd never leave him, not even for someone as adorable as you. But we rarely have sex so I'm free to get my needs met with other people. I hope that's not weird for you." "No. It's different. But it's not weird." They sit silently for a moment. Then Blake puts the earplugs back on Jimmy's head. "You keep listening and I'll go get you that sangria." "Thanks," Jimmy says as Blake gets up and starts walking toward the entrance. Jimmy hits play and thinks to himself as the singer starts up in her strange non-language, "Well, this is very different and maybe that's what I need. Something very different." When Blake returns with the sangria and another merlot for himself, they share the earplugs and listen to the rest of the Cocteau Twins. They also listen to a few bits and pieces from other CDs that Blake pulls out of his shoulder bag. "Want one of my designer cigarettes?" Blake asks as he pulls a silver antique cigarette case out. "They're very smooth." "I rarely smoke but sure, I'll try one." For another hour they sit under the awning, protected from the steady heavy downpour of rain that rarely happens in San Francisco, huddled together smoking, trying each other's drinks and listening to music. "So," Blake finally says, " tell me about yourself. Where did you grow up? What brought you to this wonderful city? How old were you when you came out?" "I'm from here. Grew up in the Mission." "Darling, no one is from here." I am. I grew up in the Mission with an aunt and about seven other kids that she raised. I guess I came out when I was twelve but I don't know if I was ever in the closet. There were so many people in the house that no one really noticed me or cared. I usually did what I wanted to as long as I got good grades and was home in time for dinner." "Lucky you. I'm an only child from an overly-protective fundamentalist mom. I moved here from Denver as soon as I was old enough to get away, the day after my eighteenth birthday. I had my first gay experience on the back of that bus that brought me here. Dear old Mother still doesn't know, or want to know, I'm not sure which is more accurate." "You never told her?" "I have tried. I've brought up the subject a few times but each time she changes the topic of conversation. I mention Gary and she will only refer to him as my roommate. I think she's decided to go the grave thinking that her boy will someday meet a nice Christian girl and make lots of green-eyed masculine babies. Hey, want to go back to your place and fuck?" Jimmy chokes on the sip of sangria he just took, "What? Wow. Uh, well, I don't know." "Come on. I'm not talking about a lifetime commitment. We won't have to pick out matching drapes in the morning. Just a nice night of escaping in sweaty passion between two horny young men." "It's a really nice offer and I do think you're attractive but..." "But nothing. You look like you haven't gotten laid in ages." "Feels like years. But...I'm not sure about this." "Why you're practically a virgin again. We won't do anything you won't enjoy." "It would be nice to cuddle with someone a little but maybe next time." "Okay, I'll let you off this time. But not forever. I've watched you from my department too long."