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jinlizz-dragondrama · 1 year ago

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Sunshine Happy Times

Chapter 12

Shredder has been revived, and we're doomed. After Draxum is expelled from the dark armor, it is revealed to us by my dads that they only used him because of his strong mystic power. Geez harsh... serves him right, though. I try to sit up from my lying position on a wooden bench, but my body screams at me to stay still. I want to get my hands on the Yokai that almost broke my body and spirit. But the cowardly snake slithered his way through a portal that Cass opened.

"YOU RESSURECTED SHREDDER WITHOUT ME!" Cass shouts, annoyed that she was left out again.

"I wanna say I'm prepared, but my chattering teeth won't let me," Donnie says while shaking like a leaf.

Cass, Papa Brutus, and Papa Lui chant "Shred" over and over. But this did not please the Shredder, and it began chasing them. In a blind rage, it threw them onto the ground like a drumstick on drums.

The gang goes in for the attack but is swatted away like flies. Wanting to help protect my family, I attempted again to get up, but the pain was too much, and I passed out. When I open my eyes, I see Shredder make his way toward Splinter, Leo, and April I take off running to them but by the time I reach them purple lightning surrounds it as it almost makes contact with Leo and disappears.

Wiping the sweat off my brow, I finally realize why I'm not in pain anymore. My body is highlighted by a bright white light...

"Am I dead?" I say slightly freaking out and hyperventilating.

Looking over at my body, I rush over and see that my body is still breathing. Donnie and the gang make their way over to me. While Donnie picks me up, princess-style, they discuss what just happened, and I just follow.

"This is so weird being outside of my body like this. Maybe there is a scientific explanation for this.....I'll ask Donnie about his hypothesis when I get back...if I get back into my body." As I'm talking to myself, I walk through Leo, which causes him to shiver and look around for the cause of it.

From the corner of my eye, I see something move through the darkness. I quickly rush over to it, but all I see is a figure wearing a dark cloak and hood making its way to the exit, a smaller cloaked figure follows after. Moving myself forward to follow, I ended up getting pulled back to where my body was but not sucked back into it.

"Guess I can't wander too far away from my body." I sigh and begrudgingly follow the gang.

Donnie wrist tech goes off signaling trouble, rushing to the city down to April's old job Alberto's. Shredder is going to town destroying everything it could get its claws on. Donnie places me a safe distance away from the fight before attacking. Wanting to protect them, I try summoning my powers, which causes my flesh body to wince and whine quietly, but nothing happens. Again, the Shredder goes in for the attack but disappears. Something catches my eye once more, but outside the restaurant's door, I rush outside to see what it is, again nothing there but the sound of a cape flapping in the wind.

Returning inside, Mikey predicts that 15 minutes from now, it will return, but somewhere else. Donnie, being the one for science and data collecting, scoffs at the very idea of getting to that conclusion from two data hypotheses. But it is quickly retracted when the prediction comes true. We're now inside a museum, and once again, I try to use my powers or move my flesh body.

"This could be the end, fellas," Mikey says as he hides in his shell

"I wish I spent more time with my TV....and maybe paid more attention to my grandpa's stories on how to defeat the shredder." Splints say regretfully

I roll my eyes at that but quickly run to hold onto Donnie while he's holding onto me protectively. Closing my eyes to not see our fate and praying, that nothing happens.

"If I live, I'll confess that I-" I open my eyes when nothing happens.

Again, the Shredder disappears, and once more, I see a cloaked figure. It's standing on a dinosaur bone exhibit. Smiling down at me, I can't see their faces, but the smile from the second figure seems familiar. I'm pulled back from my daze by everyone collectively releasing the breaths they were holding. Donnie loosens his tight grip on me and looks down at me while moving a piece of hair out of my face.

"OK, what do we have?" Raph asks. Mikey raises his hand with an idea

"Good ideas first," Raph corrects, and Mikey slowly lowers his hand.

It's decided unanimously....*cough cough* that Leo and Splinter will convince Big Mama to help us in stopping Shredder.

This allows Donnie to bring me to the Lair to check on my injuries. While the machine is scanning me, his mind starts to wander.

Donnie POV

"Ugh...." sighing heavily and pulling the palms of his hands down his face.

Flashbacks of my scream echo in his head. Not even his tinkering on an invention helps distract his racing mind. So he resorts to scanning all of New York for the possible location Splinter will appear in.

The scan is complete, showing a few broken bones, deep bruising, and a few muscle tears. He enhances the scanning to see how severe the damage is. Soon, he can see that something strange is happening. The muscle tears are slowly being sewn back together, an excess amount of calcium is produced, patching up the broken bits of bone, and the bruising is slowly disappearing.

"This is impossible. The human body isn't able to simply fix itself," He says in disbelief

He starts to write on a whiteboard the possible causes of this. S.H.E.L.L.D.O.N hovers in and hits the scanner magnifier.

"Come take a look at this."

Donnie starts to spiral a bit when he starts scribbling on the whiteboard but snaps out of it when S.H.E.L.L.D.O.N gets his attention. He looks at the magnifier and sees purple pulsing sticky goo that's slowly pulling the tears together.

"Ah, but of course..." He says while evil laughing, embarrassed, and throwing a small grenade that blows up the whiteboard, getting rid of his data.

"This is an amazing scientific discovery...I must do research"

S.H.E.L.L.D.O.N gives him a look and a single sweat droplet slide from Donnie's brow as he chuckles awkwardly.

"Of course, I'll require Aqua's permission before proceeding." He sits back in his computer chair in front of the computer and starts to tap away on the keyboard on the newfound research.

Aqua POV

While this is all unfolding, I watch my body being scanned and look as the microscope records my body healing itself.

"This is so trippy but cool. I'll let Donnie do his evil science stuff to figure out exactly what is causing this. But for now, what were those two figures?

Before I could think of possible suspects, I jumped a bit when an alarm sounded on Donnie's wrist.

"Mikey, Raph, April, let's move, I've located Shredder at the docks," Donnie shouts into his wrist communicator while grabbing his tech bo.

While he rushes out of his lab, looking back at me and S.H.E.L.L.D.O.N

"Keep an eye on her, please...son," He says tenderly, and the gang rushes out of the lair.

S.H.E.L.L.D.O.N nods and turns his attention to me. Not having anything to do, I sit on the ground and start meditating.

"Concentrate, calm your mind, feel your powers as an extension of yourself..."

"Who, who said that?" I open my eyes startled, S.H.E.L.L.D.O.N doesn't seem to have heard anything, I look around the room just in case, and sitting back down I start to meditate again.

A flash of the gang running past me like a hologram or illusion. Opening my eyes not seeing anything. As I close my eyes and start to relax a bit another projection appears, crackling static surrounds me, and I can barely make out what they are saying.

"Concentrate...." the voice whispers again, taking a deep breath in and slowly releasing it. My shoulders relax and the tension I had I'm my body slowly ebbs away.

"Relax your mind" turning off my brain to think of nothing

"Feel your powers as an extension of yourself" I open my eyes and I start watching a scene unfold as the boys have got Shredder subdued by... tickling him...oh boy. But some party-goers on a huge boat light some fireworks and it draws the attention of Shredder like a bug to a bug zapper.

The tickling was no longer distracting and it took off like a deranged bat from hell. Donnie and Raph take off after it, while Mikey tosses a whole boat at him. My jaw drops open and the brothers are in awe of their little bro that Donnie flies face first into a metal bar.

Donnie jumps in front of the shredder blocking his path.

"All my tech is standing by, and I mean all of my tech."

Back at the lair, all his tech gets the command to come to him and soon they surround the mad scientist.

I start to concentrate again and my eyes glow purple, the ground starts to shake under Donnie like a mini earthquake. Creating water-bending tentacles and green vines they sharply protrude from the ground at the ready of my movements.

A shocked look plastures on Donnie's face but it turns into a shit-eating grin. He points his tech bo at Shredder and says smugly while all his tech attacks.

"Eat science!"

I bend tentacles and vines to attack as well, I get in a few food hits but it doesn't seem to phase him. All of Donnie's tech either bounces off or gets smashed upon contact with the armor.

"Sad face emoji" Donnie tears a bit and tries to escape with his battle shell but it's torn to pieces by the Shredder. In a last-ditch effort, he throws a hankie to stun the armor but it works for a few seconds as he shreds it to pieces. But while he was distracted I saw April get the crane ready to attack. So I pin Shredder down and April comes in clutch hitting the armor and sending him flying into metal storage crates. Poor Donnie gets K.O.'d by his tech bo. It only made it angry and chased after the fireworks and soon disappeared again.

"What is taking Leo and Dad so long?" Mikey says exasperated while his kusari-fundo is on fire on top of his head.

"Who knows, Leo probably talked his way into Big Mama's dungeon" Raph retorts.

"Uh guys anybody notice that whole situation," April says while pointing to my vines

"It can't be, Y/N's vines...could it?" Mikey questions

Donnie limps over to them, I wrap a vine around his finger. Taking a couple of calming breaths I imagine what my body looked like from my body shape, my height, hair length, facial structure, and clothes. I transform my water tentacles into a water copy of my form.

"Wow this is so cool," I say excitedly and look over at everyone

"Holy truffle Mac n cheese, Y/N!" Donnie shouts

"I come to you from the grave," I say in a ghost voice

"You're dead, say it ain't so!" Mikey says Sadly as he throws his arms onto me

No, no Mikey I'm not dead. It's kind of hard to explain.....but" I look up and see Donnie hastily taking notes

"Well I guess you can say a part of my soul is outside of my body while it heals, but I can't be too far away from my body so I used my "soul body" to concentrate and use my powers and to create this form you see before you," I say while shrugging NY shoulders

"How can you say that so casually, you've never been able to do this prior. What gives?" Donnie questions

"OK you're gonna think I'm crazy"

"Already do", April says in a joking manner

"You know you love me!" I made a heart sign with my hands and she reciprocated

"Well it's like someone else was talking in my head, like how you hear your voice when you think but someone else was speaking to me instead of telling me what to do"

"What did the voice sound like?" Mikey asks

"I don't know I've never heard it before so I can't place who it may be but strange things have been happening. While I was knocked out my spirit form was able to follow you guys around but at each location, the Shredder appeared I saw two figures in the darkness. They don't seem to be hostile, then again they didn't do much but run away before I could get a good view of them."

Everyone starts to think of their conclusions on who the mysterious figure could be but we decided to pursue the Shredder before he destroys something. Donnie grabs my hand and I hold onto him tightly, even though I'm using a water form it feels like touching jello but solid enough to hold onto stuff but liquid enough to have things go through me if need be.

We find ourselves in an alleyway in the pouring rain. Donnie inputted the coordinates of each location where the Shredder appeared.

"After inputting the coordinates of the XYZ D for Donnie's axis, I've calculated that this is the site of our final resting spot...I mean go, team." Donnie says casually.

A portal opens, and we start to freak out a bit thinking the shredder has decided to pop up here, but out falls Splinter and Leo steps out confidently. He is holding some sort of thorny circular artifact.

"It's about time you got here, we've been getting our buttons kicked since you left us high and dry," Raph says exasperated

"High and dry, come one dudes. When I said you got this I meant that. Look I bet the only reason why you're here is because Donnie inputted coordinates blah blah blah blah. Mikey razed his taze, April finally used her crane license and Raoh is gonna put it all together in a plan to defeat that lead head with this mystic collar. Oh, and Aqua.....wait what Aqua!!

Giving a small wave and smile I walk over to him and giggle.

"Couldn't predict this now huh, I found a new ability of mine. Water formation is pretty cool" I say while dabbing

Leo blushes a bit and stutters out, "Nah, w-what no...I predicted...some of...possibly...maybe... ugh fine you got me. Quickly recovering himself he goes back to his cocky attitude "Nice moves kid, gotta show how you did it sometimes"

Donnie grits his teeth and clenches his tech bo til his hands turn white.

"Sorry a magician never reveals their secrets," I say smugly while winking

Out of nowhere, Shredder appears as feral as ever, and the plan goes into effect, Mikey activates his kusari-fundo to flame up which distracts him, Donnie tosses his handkerchief, Raph tickles Shredder while I hold it down with my tree vines, Leo comes in hot with the collar and attaches it to the armor. A big explosion of neon pinkish purple goes off and the spirit of the armor is sealed in the collar.

Big Mama comes out of the darkness imprisoning the armor.

"Woah, what an epic three days of nonstop fighting" April shouts victorious

Everyone passes out except Master Splinter and me.

I wish I could say it was a pleasure seeing you again, my sassy sugar badger" He whispers the last bit in her ear. Big Mama blushes and I look on in shock, folding my arms and smiling fondly. Splinter pushes the passed-out gang through a manhole and we make our way to the lair. When we arrive I help bandage everyone up and place them in their respective rooms.

"A new ability I see," Splinter says, I shrug a bit but smile nonetheless.

"You've come a long way, I'm so proud" He walks to his room

When I reach the medbay, I sit next to my still-healing body, concentrating my water form splashed to the ground and my spirit goes back into my body. Opening my eyes I groan as I slowly sit up. Walking into my room, I slowly sit on my bed, lying my head on my pillow I hear a crunch of paper. Lifting my head, I reach under the pillow to find a small note.

It read, Want answers? Meet me at Central Park alone tomorrow...

#rottmnt #rottmnt donatello #rottmnt x reader #rottmnt fanfiction #rise donatello #rise donnie #rise of the tmnt #donnie x reader

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felixcloud6288 · 1 year ago

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Fullmetal Alchemist Chapter 48

Heist 3 is a success, but everything quickly falls apart.

Hawkeye shows off her marksman skills. She managed to shoot Scar while driving a vehicle to a skidding stop.

Lin nearly threw his back out lifting Gluttony.

If the fight with Scar had background music attached to it, Ed and Al's dramatic speech as they prepare to defeat Scar would be accompanied by a crescendo followed by off-tune tuba note when May interrupts everything and helps Scar escape.

Something seems off about Wrath's expression when he sees Hawkeye and Lin traveling together.

It's like he's excited to realize Roy has some connection to the foreigners who he caught hunting the Homunculi.

After it's first mention in chapter 32, we finally see a demonstration of Xingese Alchemy being used for healing purposes. May mentions that she can't heal where the "flow of power" in the human body can't reach, nor can she grow back limbs. So that means she can't give Ed a new arm nor heal Havoc's spine.

And now that everything's calmed down, Scar takes a moment to reflect on what happened with Winry.

Not really sure how Xiao Mei got separated from May Chang. She probably got lost in the smokescreen.

Al tosses Xiao Mei into his armor in the next scene.

Scenes like the one where Winry is sharing a drink with Bradley are so much better due to us knowing he's actually Wrath. We see Ed and Al walk into the room that Winry is in, then turn the page and see Wrath. If you didn't worry the first time you read it, then you've somehow skipped every scene every scene he's been in. We'd spent the last few chapters watching him hunt down Lin and Lan Fan like a monster. Then he suddenly appears in what is supposed to be a calm scene. And even though he takes his leave and tells Ed to take care of Winry, we're left with a sense of unease that Ed and Al are completely oblivious to.

Winry had Ed's jacket in her lap during that scene but when they're all traveling to the hotel, the jacket vanishes. No one is carrying it and Ed is never seen wearing it again.

Winry gets a call from Garfiel and all the clients she's helped since taking on an apprenticeship with him. They all reaffirm what Ed told her. She is someone who saves lives, just like her parents. And there are people waiting for her help.

Meanwhile, Havoc is doing what he can to stay fit despite his condition. He's accepted that he won't be able to stay in the military, and plans to find some other way to help support his team. They're waiting for him to catch up.

Ed promises that he won't make Winry cry again, except out of happiness. And she glimpses his back one last time before the train leaves.

Xiao Mei popped out of Al's armor when Roy picks them up. He's even petting her.

Roy picks up Ed, Al, and Dr. Knox in a new car since Scar destroyed the old one. I have no idea what happened to the one Hawkeye stole commandeered in chapter 45. She drove it into the fight to pick up Lin and Gluttony, but it's nowhere to be seen later.

Also not sure where Lin go the new shirt and jacket. Roy's wearing the same shirt and jacket so maybe Roy has some extra clothes lying around that house just in case.

Roy and Lin's discussion confirms this is the first time they've actually met despite working together for the Heist. I guess this means Roy didn't intend to involve Lin in the Super Heist and Lin decided to inform Al and join in for his own reasons.

There's a jacket laid over Lan Fan's bed. It appears to be the one Dr. Knox was wearing.

During their post-Heist 3 briefings, Lin reveals how he caught a WAY bigger fish than expected when he discovered Bradley was a Homunculus. Roy's eyes did that thing when he got that bit of info.

But things start to fall apart when everyone starts arguing over what to do next since they all have their own separate ideas of what to do with Gluttony. And then things literally fall apart when he breaks free and begins to rampage.

Poor Dr. Knox is another normal person being dragged into the shenanigans and uncovering grand conspiracies, just like Maria and Danny. He has nothing to do with any of this and now he's privy to the existence of the Homunculi and he gets to find out that the President is a Homunculus. And now the poor guy is caught up having to deal with Gluttony going on a rampage.

back

#fullmetal alchemist #fullmetal alchemist reread

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goodieghosty · 3 years ago

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Godsides au shenanigans cuz I said so

The two who adjust most quickly to having to wear modern clothing are Virgil and Patton. Roman, though excited about the idea, was distraught to learn that it wasn't exactly common for regular ppl to walk down the street in something you'd see during fashion week. Broke his lil heart.

Meanwhile Virgil will never be going back to armor or his robes ever again, which Logan absolutely loathes "Virgil this is a very important event, put on your ceremonial robes." Virgil, in his new Jack Skellington onsie that Thomas got him "No."

Remus tried to forgo clothes altogether because "well we used to do it a l l the time-" he does not understand.

Roman, crying when he sees a plushie of a unicorn "Is this where they all went?!" Remus, who had forced many of them into the sea to make Narwhals after one of their many spats "oh nooooooo, how tragic."

Logan going into incredible detail whenever someone asks him about a historical event. And then immediately being told that's not what happened. "Oh? My apologies, were you there as well-" and Thomas having to drag him away like "Hahahah he's uh-just really getting into character! He's in a play!"

Janus starting Twitter wars and living for it

Janus bringing in every single snake he finds and Thomas having a heart attack whenever he finds one. "Thomas these are my messengers, don't frighten them."

Virgil's human disguise having only one actually physical arm and the other just phases through anything or anyone that isn't another god. Someone threw something his way and he goes to catch it with that hand and to avoid an awkward situation Roman took it upon himself and got nailed in the face. "... You literally could have just caught that." "I saved you and this is the thanks I get." "It was a foam ball."

To avoid Virgil having to touch anything with that hand, one of the other gods hold it. And for soooome reason it always falls to Roman. It's totally not because everyone but Roman knows he has a major crush on him

Patton spots one(1) person littering and takes personal offense to it-Thomas has to convince him not to ruin their day for a candy wrapper. Definitely has to teach Patton not everything is black and white. That being said if they see anyone kick a puppy then that person is absolutely getting major karma.

Remus would have a blast trying to create things with his own hands. He makes, the oddest friendship bracelets. "Remus are these real teeth?" "Wouldn't you like to know."

Logan and Remus really like brainstorming together to make new species, especially in the deep sea. Roman has long since relinquished creative rights over the ocean to his brother a long time ago

Virgil-as gods do-getting jealous of a mortal that Roman has taken a fancy to and getting super pouty which just, makes his powers go whack for a bit and it won't stop storming for however long he's sulking "I'm fine! Leave me alone!" Poor Thomas, with his umbrella "Virgil it was bone dry a second ago-you are Not fine!"

Janus straight up just eating a bird that Patton and Thomas had j u s t nursed back to health "... did... you you two want that?" Patton would make him hack it up so he could bring the poor traumatized thing back to life

Thomas just keeps coming up with new excuses every time someone asks about one of the "strange men"

Thomas needs a vacation in this au

#godsides au #sanders sides

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wanderinginksplot · 3 years ago

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Rex + Engineer!Reader

This is the prequel to the Rex + Blanket Fort + Kisses one-shot found here on my masterlist. As this is a prequel to that story, you don't need to have read it for this to make sense. And as you could probably tell from the picture, this takes place during the Onderon arc.

Rex x gn!reader: intended to be early romance, but could be read as platonic.

Word Count: a bit more than 3,400

Warnings: canon-typical violence, including spoilers for the Onderon arc (S 5, E 2-5) of Star Wars: The Clone Wars

---

"And Captain Rex will train everyone in the encampment on basic combat skills and maneuvers," General Skywalker announced.

You didn't pay overly much attention to that. The general was younger than you had anticipated, but he was clearly used to combat and had the kind of authority usually honed through commanding large groups of soldiers. Still, you knew his order didn't apply to you and moved to slip away from the area. Your schematics needed a lot more work before the rebels could attack without bringing buildings down.

"And where are you running off to?" a muscular man with light hair asked, stepping into your path.

You gave a tight smile. "Classified, sorry."

The man nodded toward the general. "General Skywalker says everyone needs combat training."

"Oh, not me," you reassured him. "I'm a contracted engineer, not one of the Rebels. I'm just here to make sure they destroy as little of the infrastructure as possible while they take back control."

"And do you live in the encampment?" he asked.

You narrowed your eyes at him, feeling sure this was a trap. Eventually, you gave a short nod.

"Then you'll be training with me," he said firmly. "Captain Rex, 501st Legion."

You reluctantly shook the hand he offered and introduced yourself, finishing with, "-but I'm strictly an engineer."

"We're worried that this isn't likely to end without one or several attacks on this encampment," the captain told you. "A few hours of training could save your life."

"And a few hours of work on the city's schematics could save the lives of countless civilians," you argued. Sending that he would continue trying to convince you, you shook your head. "The Gerrera siblings are the ones who hired me. I'll let them make the final choice."

"And I'll leave it to the Generals," Captain Rex agreed.

Clearly not taking chances, he marched off toward where Steela Gerrera and Lux Bonteri were talking with Generals Skywalker and Kenobi, as well as a Togrutan female you vaguely remembered as being a commander.

"Generals, Commander," Captain Rex greeted with a crisp salute. You rolled your eyes. Soldiers. "We were hoping you could settle a difference of opinion."

"A difference of opinion?" General Kenobi repeated with a frown.

"What opinion would that be, Rex?" General Skywalker asked.

The captain explained the situation while you stood in silence. Steela met your gaze at several points during the conversation, looking concerned each time.

"We're only here to train the rebels," General Skywalker said after Captain Rex had finished talking. "Not anyone else."

"All of us are rebels," Steela argued, ignoring your signals that you didn't want training at all. "Just by being here in opposition to the Separatist forces, we are all considered a threat to their power."

"A contracted employee is different than someone who joined your cause because they believe in it," the commander countered, wrinkling her nose. "We aren't offering training to mercenaries."

"We're talking about an engineer, not someone hired to perform assassinations," Lux contributed. "What could it hurt?"

"Generals, Commander," Rex said, his quiet voice somehow drawing their attention. "I think every member of the rebel group needs to be trained. I think it's important."

"Rex…" General Kenobi sighed, but Skywalker interrupted before he could expand on his thoughts.

"I trust Rex's instincts," he told the older general. "If he thinks everyone needs to be trained, we'll make it happen."

You made a frustrated noise before you could stop yourself. "I don't need training. I'm an engineer. I don't work in combat situations."

"That's the thing about combat," Skywalker said with a shrug. "You don't always have to look for it. Sometimes, it comes to you. Especially in wartime."

The group split up immediately afterward, seemingly having come to an agreement. You followed Steela, determined to make your case and get back to your schematics.

"Steela, you know I'm not here for fighting," you said, jogging to catch up to the young woman who had hired you. "It isn't part of my contract."

"It isn't, you're right," she agreed. "But I would think carefully before I turned down a chance to learn such a valuable skill considering how dangerous the galaxy is right now. Surely this could be helpful as a freelancer traveling the universe alone?"

You didn't have an immediate answer to that. Steela clearly noticed, nodding solemnly at you before turning away. "The choice is yours to make."

You gritted your teeth, but your feet refused to move from the spot. To your left was the strategic tent and your unfinished set of schematics. To the right, the Jedi were helping the rebels set up some kind of training ring.

"Well?" a voice prompted. You already recognized it as belonging to Rex.

You stood still for a beat longer before giving a loud and heartfelt groan as you turned toward the freshly constructed training ring.

---

You were bad at fighting.

It wasn't really a shock to you. You had never been particularly graceful or good on your feet. That was why engineering had been such a draw - all mental work, almost no physical.

Rex, to his credit, turned out to be a surprisingly good teacher. He had kept everyone basically together as they learned new skills and practiced as a group. Still, he was determined that you would learn to defend yourself and here you were, fighting to shoot targets in the dying light, long after everyone else had scattered.

"I'm sorry," you apologized yet again as you missed. You were half an hour into intensive shooting lessons with Rex and you had yet to hit a single target.

"You don't need to apologize," he assured. "We'll just keep working until you get it down."

"I don't know if I can," you admitted, lowering the heavily modified blaster pistol until it was resting on the table in front of you. "We're losing the light and it's a bad idea to illuminate any more of the jungle than we have to."

"That's true," Rex agreed, rubbing at his neck while he studied the unharmed target. After a moment, he took the blaster pistol from your hands and holstered it at his side, then removed the holster belt as well.

You nodded sympathetically, hoping you could call it a night and put in a few hours of work on your schematics so the day wouldn't be a total waste.

Rex sighed, removing the subtly armored jacket he had been wearing during that day's training. "I guess we'll… we'll just have to switch to something less impacted by visibility."

"Wait, what?" you had time to ask before the stoic captain flat-out tackled you.

You were aware enough to know that Captain Rex had twisted to take part of the impact himself, but you still hit the ground hard enough to knock the breath from your lungs. In that moment of hollow gasping, Rex had pushed you onto your stomach and pinned your hands behind your back.

"The first rule of unarmed conflict is that you can't let anyone surprise you." Rex paused for a moment. "Actually, that's the first rule of any kind of conflict."

"Is the second rule that you shouldn't suffocate your sparring partner?" you croaked out, turning your head slightly so your face wasn't actively being pressed into the dirt anymore.

Rex laughed. It was the first time you had heard anything other than firm orders from him and you paused. It was a nice laugh. You were forced to gather your thoughts a moment later as he released you and helped you to your feet.

"You probably won't see a lot of hand-to-hand fighting with droids, but the armies aren't capable of anything beyond following orders. The armies are commanded by sentients, and those sentients are often closer to the armies than you would think."

"I have no intention of going after Grievous without a weapon," you joked. "Preferably more than one."

"You should stay away from Grievous no matter how many weapons you have," Rex advised. "But this is good to know, anyway."

"Actually, I agree with that," you said, surprising you both. "I'm a freelancer. Anything that helps me defend myself in a potentially hostile situation is a good thing."

"Okay, let's work on your hits, then," Rex suggested.

What followed was two full hours of unarmed combat practice. Rex was always the target, letting you throw punches and kicks against his open palms. When he realized that you were pulling your strikes because you were afraid to hurt him, he found a padded guard among the assortment of equipment the Republic had sent along.

Eventually, though, you were panting and bone-tired. Rex seemed to realize that without you saying anything.

"One last set of strikes and you're done for the night," Rex told you. It was the most beautiful thing anyone had ever said to you.

But as you punched, Rex moved the guard you had been aiming for. You shot him a look, but he only held the guard up, wiggling it slightly. You set up again, but Rex pulled away at the last second, dodging your fist to bop you on the shoulder with the guard.

"What are you doing?" you asked, exasperated. "You said this was the last set."

"It is. Or, it will be as soon as you actually manage to make contact."

You grimaced at him. This time, when he twisted the guard away, you turned with it. You were focused on keeping your footwork correct and your hit strong. You never even saw him move his foot between your ankles, but with a light tug, you were on the ground again.

"Seriously?" you asked from your spot in the dirt.

Rex laughed again, and this time, you didn't enjoy the sound at all. "Do you think your opponents are going to stand there and let you hit them? They're going to fight dirty - they always do. You just need to-"

As it happens, you never did learn what you needed to do. Rex had stepped too close, and your engineering experience told you that his ankles were at an angle that made him vulnerable to a hit. You kicked his ankle lightly, barely making contact, but it was enough to send one of his feet careening against the other. Rex stumbled, failed to regain his balance, and fell.

All of this was done on instinct and you felt as surprised as Rex looked when he landed on his butt in the dirt next to you.

"Good job," he said, breathless but sincere.

"Thanks," you accepted with a grin. "Does that mean I surprised you?"

"Not a bit," he denied, deflating your ego a bit. "I knew you were capable of it. You're an engineer. Engineers like angles and math. That's all combat is, adjusted for whatever you think the other side is going to do."

"Wait, that's… that's a really good point," you mused slowly. "Can I see your pistol again?"

Rex didn't move. "If you shoot me, you'll surprise me in the wrong way."

You snorted. "I'm not planning on shooting you, Captain. I just want to test how the application of math might help me."

After eyeing you for a moment, Rex stood in an enviably graceful motion and hauled you to your feet as well. Wordlessly, he handed you one of his blaster pistols. He had warned you before you began shooting that he had made numerous alterations to them, but you were still surprised by the weight of the weapon in your hand.

This time, instead of relying on instinct - point, aim, shoot - you worked to apply some logic. When you were sure about your angle, you squeezed the hyper-sensitive trigger and watched the resulting beam of weaponized light hit the target.

It wasn't a perfect shot, of course. Math couldn't fix everything. Still, you had hit the target and you cheered aloud, echoed by Rex's congratulations behind you. You had the presence of mind to set the pistol down before you turned, then Rex was grasping your forearm in the odd way warriors shook hands.

"Great job!" he told you warmly. "You're getting better."

"Thanks," you accepted, trying to vocalize your gratitude. You probably could have been offended by the tone of surprise in his voice, but you chose to overlook it.

"Now we just have to dial in your aim and get you comfortable with firing at moving targets, especially during chaotic situations."

Despite your best efforts, you felt your expression fall at that. Rex laughed again. When had he gotten so cheerful? "I'm kidding. That can be done tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" you repeated doubtfully.

Rex folded his arms across his chest and stared at you steadily. "In one session, you've gone from unable to shoot a gun or throw a punch to knocking me down and hitting a target. If you can keep that pace of improvement, you'll be a force to be reckoned with."

"Or at least be able to stop clients who try to cop a feel," you added.

Despite his darkening expression, Rex's tone was unconcerned. "I'm sure you could break the hand of any di'kut dumb enough to try it now. With some training, you'd be able to tear that hand off completely."

And so you continued to train with Rex after everyone else had finished learning to disable tanks and other intense activities. During the day, you finalized schematics, studying holoimages of Onderon’s capital city of Iziz. Your goal was to record your best guesses for the most and least structurally-sound sections of the city.

The dedication the rebels showed for the safety of the Onderonian people was a big reason you had agreed to take this job. Despite what the Jedi seemed to think, you weren't actually a mercenary. You chose your jobs very carefully, and if something didn't match your morals, you would respectfully decline.

Between schematic work in the day and training at night, your time with the rebels flew past. Captain Rex continued to be patient and helpful as you worked to master the combat moves he taught you - ones decidedly more focused on self-defense than the moves he taught the rebels. The first day you had beaten him in a grappling situation, he had beamed up at you with dirt on his face and told you how far you had progressed. The squeezing of your heart at the praise warned that it was probably good that the captain and both Jedi generals were withdrawing from Onderon shortly, leaving Commander Tano to assist with the remaining rebel efforts.

Despite your determination to stay out of the conflict, you had eventually been forced into it when the Separatist armies had attacked the rebel base. One of the rebels you had known by appearance if not by name had been hit by blaster fire before he could use the rocket launcher held in his hands. He had held it up to you, begging with his eyes that you take out the ship that had fired on him before it could do more damage.

You had accepted, and the ship was a roiling ball of flame before you could make yourself nervous about shooting anything other than Rex’s now-familiar blasters. You tossed aside the rocket launcher and found a discarded blaster. From that point until the combat had ended, thoughts of schematics or building solidity were gone from your head. You were as much a part of the rebel group as anyone else, and you watched with the same horror as Steela Gerrera fell to her death, despite the best efforts of Commander Tano.

The funeral was lovely. Onderonians didn’t believe in mourning for their dead. Instead, they truly celebrated all that the departed had done to create a better society… and Steela had done a great deal.

When things had ended, you were sitting on a raised set of stairs overlooking the ceremonial area. The dais holding Steela’s cloth-draped casket was filled with people far too important for you to bother. You were glad to see Saw speaking with King Dendup. After he had handed you the agreed-upon payment for your services - despite your many attempts to refuse the credits - Saw had left, ignoring the sympathy you tried to offer. He needed to speak with someone, and if that someone was the man he and Steela had worked so hard to save, so much the better.

“Nice ceremony, huh?” someone asked from behind you, and you twisted a bit to find General Skywalker standing there with Captain Rex beside him.

You nodded, but you could feel that it was a half-hearted motion. “Steela was so young. She had a lot of promise.”

“She died fulfilling the mission she set out to finish,” Captain Rex countered. “She knew the risks and thought Dendup was worth it. Her choices were her own. All we can do is respect them.”

With a joyless smile, you said, “Doesn’t make it any easier.”

“It never does,” General Skywalker admitted, sitting next to you. Rex’s comlink chimed and he stepped a respectful distance away before answering it.

Skywalker sat beside you in silence for a while. Normally, you would speak first just for sake of politeness, but you weren’t feeling that generous. You let the silence linger while you watched the activity on the dais.

“Have you ever thought about using your talents for the Republic?” the general asked eventually.

“I thought I was a soulless mercenary?” you asked before you could think better of it.

“And I thought you didn’t work in combat situations,” Skywalker countered. “But I’ve seen the battlefield recordings. You handled yourself well.”

You glanced over at him in surprise. “Are you trying to contract me on as a soldier?”

“Force, no,” he denied quickly. “As an engineer. I sent samples of your work to a friend of mine who works as an engineer in the private sector and they were impressed. The GAR is struggling to find good engineers comfortable working in combat. The pay is a bit lower than you’re used to, but it’s steady work.”

Ah, he had cut straight to the heart of your problem with freelancing. The fight to survive between jobs meant that anything extra you were making was eaten up by the time you were hired on again. And your morals meant that jobs weren’t nearly as frequent as you would like them to be. But being in constant combat… Yes, you had survived this time, but that didn’t mean you were rushing to repeat the experience.

You grimaced. “I appreciate the offer, really, but I don’t know if it’s for me. Combat engineering isn’t really my specialty.”

“I think you’re selling yourself short,” General Skywalker told you seriously. “I’ve seen samples of your past work, and a lot of it is on worlds that have a lot of fighting. I’m sure you know that none of your structures have sustained extreme damage, no matter how much combat was happening around them. That’s an impressive record.”

“You researched me?” you asked, feeling a little stunned.

“Well, the Republic likes to know who they’re hiring. But honestly, I’m not the one who did the research,” Skywalker said, looking past you. You followed his gaze to Rex, who was suddenly very intently looking at his comlink. With a mischievous grin, the general added, “I think my captain has taken a liking to you.”

You fought back a grin, turning away from the captain, and your eyes fell on Steela’s casket once more. Suddenly, keeping a straight face wasn’t as much of a struggle. “If I said yes, what would my official job duties be?”

“You would oversee a group of construction experts - both civilian and enlisted - using maps and satellite footage to find the best possible choices for locations to build bases, bridges, or other structures to help us complete campaigns,” he answered easily. “Preferably, to win campaigns, but that’s more on us than you.”

“And would I work with your group?”

“The 501st?” Skywalker asked, sounding surprised. “I’m not sure, but probably. We’re a planetary landing battalion, so we always need someone who has the knowledge of places to build. You might have to stay behind on some planets to supervise base construction, but you could always catch back up with us. Is that something you would want?”

“Yes,” you said firmly. “If I did agree to that-”

“I’m no good at negotiations,” he interrupted with a self-deprecating smile. “You speak clearly about what you want and I’ll do what I can.”

“I’ll work for the Republic,” you said, feeling the nerves twist in your belly. “If you can make sure I’m permanently attached to the 501st.”

“Deal,” General Skywalker accepted immediately, holding his hand out for you to shake. “Welcome to the 501st.”

---

A/N - I assure you that there is no timeline of any sort happening in my writing, so don't think too hard about where this should fit into the narrative. It won't end well.

Thanks for reading!

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Taglist: @imabeautifulbutterfly

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#star wars #star wars the clone wars #star wars fanfiction #sw tcw fic #tcw rex #captain rex #rex #rex x reader #rex x you #star wars fic

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ackermans-freedom-inc · 3 years ago

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Hihihi 😏 Suz you better gear up and wear you cringe-armor because this is the absolute cringe ive written 5 shots of caffeine induced megamind 😂😂😂 anyways heres the gist:

Scout head doctor love erwin secretly and had a drinking night with hange and things got crazy so everyone is dead drunk BUT scout doctor is MESSY DRUNK and wrote a love letter confession/ list of rants about our dearest commander eyebrows because shes so over it and so done and then slammed said letter down erwins desk INFRONT OF HIM WITH TEARS AND CRAZY HAIR and went back to sleep. Its messy do whatever suzzy i believe in you powers to rule the world i wuv you so much kiss kiss sending kisses

- bruh sis fam anon (wink wonk😉😏)

Eyebrows,

Fuck you big time! How dare you exist but can't be mine. Why is it so hard to love you? Yes, I love you but I'm tired. How many years has it been? 5 years? I've been secretly pinning and loving you for 5 fucking years. But I'm tired of just keeping everything in my chest its suffocating! I need to let it out! Its what Hange said! I should let you know and and and I don't know what would happen next hence the letter from your secret admirer. A cowardly move, I know.

Shit. I should have listened to my subconcious. Step away, it said. That too handsome is too much trouble so don't look. Keep yourself away or you'll just be hurt. To always keep a distance because no matter how much I love you, no matter or however or whatever I do, we can't be together, my feelings cannot simply be reciprocated in the way I want it too because I damn know that you are a man of something beyond me, a man with purpose in pursuit and I don't want to be the reason why you give it all up or be a hindrance in your life. Yeah. That's the reason I kept silent, up until now, though this is a secret letter so its not counted. Childish as it may sound and yes it is, you won't know who I am and I'm not telling you who I am.

I wish I know the hows of how will I stay away when you just shine and I'm a moth so attracted to your flames? Poetic, yeah right you've destroyed other men for me. You're all I see, the weird witty smart tall handsome blonde gentleman so how will other compare to you? How will I keep my distance when your such an idiot too? A self-sacrificing idiot that laughs at things normal people usually don't laugh at that I find cute and lovable. Oh so much an idiot that I worry to death about you too. Running to you immediately to fuss about your injuries and your health and your frowning eyebrows and dejected downcasted eyes like an idiot. I worry and worry and worry about you all the damn time I bite my nails, now my hands are ugly compared to those ladies you dances with in Wall Sina. Oh those women I hate them. They flock around you giggling and trying so hard just to make you look their way. All the cleavage and hourglass hips they show to catch your attention. I hate them for their surface shallow feelings towards you like they don't care for what you fight for and I hated you for entertaining them even though you hate it. I know you hate it. I gues I can read you just fine. How? Oh that I know how. I just know were to look. I look at your warm hands that's known hardwork. You tap your pointer when you're deep in thought, you clenched your hands tight when you don't like what you hear, and they shake when you're... afraid? Scared? Unsure?

I'm sorry Erwin. I'm so sorry for my feelings and this supposed letter of undying love confession that just became a list of things I hate. You don't deserve them. I mean you deserve to be love and that I love you so so much but you surely don't deserve the result of my jealousy.

I don't know if you're aware of the times when I clean your wounds with alcohol that stings so much you wince when I could have just used betadine or something else that doesn't sting just because I was petty with jealousy of memories of seeing you dancing with someone. Your hands on their waist and their hands on your nape, playing with your hair. I'm sorry for that alcohol.

I don't know if you've noticed that I make you take prescribed medicines that leaves the most bitter taste in your mouth when I could have just offered the one that doesn't have taste at all just because I'm petty and bitter and salty of that marriage offer you once turned down. Im sorry for the medicines.

I'm sorry for switching your black tea to chamomile tea so you could sleep and rest a little bit but that got you neck deep on your paperworks. Fuck those paperworks, hate them. It took away hours of the times should have been spent together. What am I saying. We're not together.

I'm sorry for bringing trouble in the scouts too. I just can't let it pass by when those MP's talk shit about you, and about the scouts so I punched them and that got you reprimanded. You didn't even punished me for it. I'm sorry.

I'm sorry for a lot of things Erwin but I'm not sorry for slapping you awake from your rumbling selfhate about yourself being the devil. You are not, Erwin. You're not even selfish. Every person have dreams and its all normal. It just so happens yours coincide and agree with humanity's victory. You are not evil so don't hate yourself for sacrificing your soldiers lives for humanity because you didn't. Every soldier knows the consequences in being a scout and they still chose to fight and fighting a war is not a straight path of rainbows and flowers. Its a rocky gruesome, bloody and violent path. And for someone who claim to have given up their own humanity to lead the scouts, you sure hate yourself too much and is aching with bleeding heart for every soldier you lose. Please don't hate yourself too much. You can choose to reject me but never hate yourself my sweet darling love. That's the most I hate, seeing you beat yourself up for things you can't help.

I love you Erwin and I wish to be together with you for the rest of our lives no matter how short the time we have left. I love you and I give you my heart as useless as it may but I hope it can bring you happiness no matter how small it is.

Loving you all these years from a distance, Your Secret Admirer.

Dear Doc,

Judging by the way my head is pounding, and your letter, you had much more to drink after I tried to stop you last night. You even signed the letter as a "Secret admirer" when you were the one who slapped the letter down on my desk.

Perhaps you will allow me to take care of you for once, to prick you with a much needed IV for fluids and fuss until your headache subsides.

Hanji often asks why I got to you instead of the other doctors, ones that they say have more experience, a gentler hand. But I find myself gravitating to you as you do me. The bitter pills, the sting of the alcohol, funnily, they all remind me of you. Without the sting or bitter taste, I do not get the joy of your company, your banter, your jokes.

I will apologize as the dances you hate so much will not end. You know how important it is for funding. The facetime I need to put in with the higher ups gets us gear, food, supplies. The ladies are the same every year, I may have been charmed by their advances years ago, but now, all I see is you. It is funny, I can hear your snarky comments in my head as they giggle and paw at my arm. You have indeed ruined me for anyone else as well.

You do not fall over yourself over me, a breath of fresh air. You are not afraid to make me work for it, and work for it I shall. You know me well, my scars even better. I look forward to getting to know your tells as you know mine. All I know is that you are not to be trifled with.

I will make my way to the med bay to see you. Perhaps we can talk more, and discuss things further. Perhaps, next time there is a ball, I will have the honour of a Doctor accompanying me?

Yours,

Erwin

Valentines Day Event

#erwin x reader #suz.writes.#Valentines Day Event 2022 #suz's inbox #sender - bruhsisfam anon #PLS ENJOY QQ

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hyakki59 · 4 years ago

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Eren Jaegar - Feels like home

(I don't own the picture)

Imagine the world of Attack on Titan, but the attack of Colossal and Armor Titan never happened when Eren was a kid. Actually the walls never broke. Eren grown up in peaceful times and also never did the injection to cause him to be a titan. So he wasn't having the 'Titan Shifter' power.

Eren was a young adult now and he had met you. You two were together and had the opportunity to know each other under serene circumstances. Each of you had grown up into the nature. Of course, you were inside the walls but inside of walls were many places like the countryside.

So, going to the main point, one day, you, Eren and his father were supposed to go and collect woods and also to cut some of them, so you could carry them. In other words, you were about to help them out. Jaegar family was also going to let you stay at their home for the night after the work.

It was a cold winter, that's why the three of you were going to gather woods so it would be possible for the family to light a fire for the fireplace. Generally, fire was useful, because with it anyone could cook and also could heat water for the bath. So, going back to the story, the three of you were working the most of the day.

You had axes with you and seeing Eren cutting woods with an ax was 👌. What I mean is that he was having his sleeves rolled up till his elbows and he was also having his long hair in a bun. I don't know, seeing a well-built man doing a work like this, his body and muscles moving, is not a nice view? Change my mind.

On the other hand, you were carrying some woods in order to put them in the carriage that you had with you. While you were walking with the woods on your hands you were staring at Eren. Eren did for a second a pause to wipe the sweat from his forehead, while he was also heavy breathing. He noticed you staring and looked at you giving you a big smile.

When he smiled at you, that startled you a little because you thought that he catched you staring. You shook your head, gave Eren a small smile and continued your work.

The hours passed and the night was reaching out the sky. The three of you stopped your work and took the way of returning. Grisha was up to the horse and you and Eren were sitting on the carriage. You were all really tired.

Once you returned to their home, all of you prepared the table for dinner. Carla had made a hot soup, suitable for the cold night. The four of you enjoyed the dinner around the table. After you finished your food, you and Eren helped with the dishes.

"I heated the water, it's ready for the bath. Now, Y/N will go to take a bath, ladies first."

Carla announced to the two of you, who were washing the dishes together.

"What I pity I can't join you"

Eren whispered to your ear by coming close to you. Heat rose to your cheeks. You didn't say anything, just looked at him sidely and with sly eyes. And that's how it happened, you did a bath first and then headed to Eren's room.

While you were entering the room, Eren was lighting the cuddle near his bed with a matche at the same time. When Eren turned his head towards you he looked at you stunned. You were wearing a nightgown and having your hair down. You were so cute and beautiful in Eren's eyes. After he admired you, he approached you and shoved his face between your neck and shoulders while he rested his arms to your waist. You too rested an arm on his chest. He did a motion with his head, his nose caressed your skin

"Mm, you smell so nice, baby"

He said to you and you giggled. At the same time, he lowered his arms resting them at your butt cheeks. He gave a kiss at your skin where he nuzzled

"So soft"

He added and squeezed your butt cheeks. Your eyes widen from the sudden squeeze. Eren leant back, having a smirk on his face, and he looked you up and down. His eyes fell on your chest

"What? No bra for the night?"

He said pinching very lightly the side of your one boob.

"Heyyy!"

You said hiding your chest with your arms

"Of course not! It's impossible to sleep with it!"

You said that like you were complaining but you were also saying it with a playful tone.

"Hmm, I like the idea of it"

Eren told you raising his eyebrows with the 'hmm' he said and he was also having a sly-playful look.

"Now, I'm gonna take a bath, I won't be late. Lay on the bed and wait for me."

He said winking at you. You smiled shyly at him and headed towards the bed while he left. You shoved yourself under the blankets and covered yourself, having a smile on your face. You got yourself comfortable and your body started to relax. You were so tired because of the day, that it was like the bed was dragging you down. Your eyes were closing.

It didn't took long for Eren to return from his bath. Once he entered in, he headed immediately to his bed where you were lying. He also shoved himself under the blankets, his body approaching you. His one arm rested on your waist and he leant to your ear

"Are you sleeping sweetheart?"

He asked you. You had indeed closed your eyes but hadn't really fallen asleep.

"Hm? You here?"

You said trying to come to your senses from your almost sleeping state. You turned yourself so you could face him. Eren had already placed his head to the pillow.

"Got tired, baby?"

He asked you caressing you from your hip to your waist

"Mm"

You nodded

"You?"

You asked him too

"I'm okay"

He answered smiling, but the truth is that he was tired too, his eyes were dropping. You looked each other observing your faces and then your faces got closer. Both of you kissed each other stimultaneously, giving a slow kiss and long at the same time. It was the first time in the day that you gave each other a normal kiss. Only one kiss wasn't enough though, you continued to kiss each other with closed eyes, and each kiss was having more passion. When you both took apart Eren took a deep breath

"So bad, we can't do anything further today"

Eren said rubbing your butt cheek with his arm. Actually, you couldn't do anything because his parents were in the next room. And when you and Eren were having sex, the word 'gentle' wasn't in his dictionary, but only the word 'wild'. It wasn't an appropriate time for you to get nasty.

"Let's better sleep"

You added. And that wasn't difficult to do, because you were both very exhausted. While you were both closing your eyes, you shivered because of the cold air. Eren noticed that

"Are you cold?"

He asked

"Come closer"

He said and you both got even closer to each other. Your head was under his chin and Eren's arm wrapped around you, he also wrapped his one leg with yours. Eren's eyelashes dropped, his mouth slightly open. You on the other hand didn't close your eyes immediately. With your finger you caressed gently his chest, which was going up and down because of the breathing. You were thinking how your day was.

"Eren.."

You suddenly said

"Wha..?"

Eren asked you, he was almost sleeping

"It was really nice today"

You said to Eren.

"Mm"

Eren just said, himself going back to sleep. You then turned a little your head up trying to look at him as much as you could, because you where under his chin, and started caressing with the back of your fingers his jawline. You were able to feel his short beard that was starting to grow. Then you stopped

"Eren.."

You said for one more time

"Wha do ya wan..."

He said sleepily with his eyes closed. You wanted to say to him 'I love you' but it was too cliché, but you said it inside of you. You never added something else, because you fell asleep in Eren's hug. Eren was left with a question mark in his head, what was that that you were going to say? He neither said something else, because he fell asleep too. You were sleeping so peacefully inside Eren's arms, that was really feeling like home.

#aot character x reader #aot fanfiction #attack on titan fanfiction #shingeki no kyoujin fanfiction #eren x reader #eren jaegar x reader #eren fanfiction

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the-hoarse-bard · 3 years ago

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We emerged from the bunker by moonlight. Veronica looked like she was about ready to give the door guard her power fist straight through his skull. We headed back to Caesar's tent. It was time to deal with Benny properly.

Caesar was waiting up for me to return, "I felt the ground shake a while ago. I'll take it that means you did your job." Good, I didn't even need to lie to him, "There are rewards for doing as I command. Today your reward is vengeance. You get to decide how Benny dies. Go to Benny, and tell him what you decide. My praetorians will carry out what you choose, unless you'd rather do it yourself." I looked over at Benny and asked, "I suppose I can't say I'd rather let him live?" Caesar scoffed, "You need to work on your bloodlust. We won't speak again until Benny is dead. Walk away if you want, but if you do, he's going up on a cross. You'd still be making a choice."

I walked up to Benny, and he asked, "So baby, what did you find down there?" I told him, "Hundreds of Securitrons, all upgraded now, just like Yes Man told me to do." He shook his head in disbelief, "So, the old man had a whole army on layaway? Clever player. Just imagine Baldie's face when those securitrons come pouring out. I'd pay to have that bronzed... So, now it's all up to you and Yes Man. Make Vegas a town I would've been proud of, baby. Let it swing."

I told Benny, "So... Caesar says I get to decide how you'll die." Benny suddenly looked serious, "I see. And how's that gonna happen?" I thought for a moment, before saying, "What do you say we finally get a fair fight? One on one, no tricks, no traps." Benny smiled, "Machetes at twenty paces, huh? Alright then, I accept. You're a class act, baby. Don't go thinking that means I'm gonna go easy on you, though." With that, Benny was stood up and escorted out the tent, with me following close behind.

Benny was first into the arena. I had been outfitted with special ceremonial armor by the praetorians. Benny was still in his suit, smoking on the other end of the arena. He noticed me and took one long drag before tossing the butt to the ground, "Welp. It's been a long, winding road, baby. Looks like we're finally at the end of it."

Benny made the first move, rushing me with speed I hadn't expected of someone dressed like he was. I clashed my blade against his. He'd clearly only used smaller blades before, I threw him off easy. I counterattacked, giving him a slice across the cheek. Benny cursed, and swung his machete at me backhanded, catching me off guard and leaving a nasty gash in the breast plate I was wearing. In response, I tackled him with my full weight, knocking him to the ground, his machete skittering to the other side of the arena.

Benny looked up at me shocked, his nose bleeding, "Do it baby. It's all I deserve doing what I'd done. Just know that what I did wasn't personal against you." I nodded, "I know. It's just business." I raised the machete up and struck down on Benny's neck, severing his head. The legionaries watching us cheered.

After the deed was done, I noticed something had fallen out of the inner pocket of Benny's jacket. A beautifully ornamented gold-plated pistol, the pearl grips decorated with an image of Saint Marry. I checked the magazine. It was full. He'd managed to hide it from the Legion. Maybe he'd been planning to shoot his way out if he'd won. Maybe he'd been planning to give me a second helping with it. A joker to the end. I took his jacket with me as well as the gun. I'd find something to do with them that was much more respectful than whatever the Legion had planned.

#story post #fallout new vegas #Will #benny gecko #caesar's legion

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sophi-s · 4 years ago

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Silent Vigil

By: sophi-s

Fandom: Darksiders video games

Words: 7,102

Characters: Abaddon, Astarte,

Warnings: Blood and gore, Graphic descriptions of violence, poisoning

Summary:

Life of a soldier in war is often dangerous. Every day may be the last. Even for the most skilled warriors. When a simple mission goes awry, Astarte realises how vulnerable her young and foolish heart truly made her.

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Another day of the never-ending war was slowly coming to an end in a cold, distant world, far away from Heaven's borders. In a snowstorm that came alongside dusk one could barely make out the well hidden shapes of tents in a makeshift camp the wandering squadron of angels had set up quite some time ago. The thick silence was only disturbed by wailing of the wind that brought to mind a sorrowful cry of a lone wolf. Heavy patches of snow were resting on top of the tents, hiding the amber glass underneath a thick white blanket.

Out of one of the smaller ones, a hooded figure emerges, wrapped up in a heavy winter coat with fur sewn into the edges. Their wings were folded back and tucked underneath the warm fabric to shield them from the ceaseless barrage of cold snowflakes and the ungodly cold. Wading knee-deep in snow, they swiftly cross the entirety of the camp like a spectre and step into the largest tent in the middle of it. Once inside, the hood is pulled back to reveal a head of dense platinum blonde hair falling around a smooth face of a female with brilliant white eyes flashing with determination of a warrior she is. Even when hidden from the elements and chilling winds, her breath was turning into white puffs slowly dissipating once they emerged from her parted lips.

Astarte brushes off the snow that still somehow managed to accumulate on her shoulders during her short walk and looks at another angel standing hunched above a map on a tabletop. But even bent over and not wearing his battle armor, he was of quite imposing height and stature. She smiles to herself sadly when he doesn't even notice her arrival and keeps grumbling something under his breath, still focused on the map. Unsurprisingly, he was still busying himself with strategizing. Astarte didn't know how long he'd been here without rest but she could bet her right hand he hadn't left ever since he dismissed her and the rest of his soldiers a couple of hours before. Part of her was actually glad that he is the one in charge and not she. Being a leader is a difficult and often tiresome task. Still, it doesn't mean she shouldn't support her general in his efforts. She's his lieutenant after all. That's her duty. And even if it wasn't, she would do so nonetheless as even her heart demanded her to be with him when he needs her. And in this moment he looked like he could use assistance.

"My Lord."

She greeted him, earning a glance of his piercing eyes, as cold as steel and as blue as the clear winter sky - hidden above their heads by thick, grey clouds - from underneath a crisp white fringe falling over his face. But the moment he realised it was her, the chill in his gaze faded and made place for warmth as a weary smile pulled at his mouth.

"No one is here, Astarte. There's no need for formality."

He replied and let his eyes linger on her for a couple more seconds before lowering them to the map between his hands resting on the table. Coming around it, Astarte stood beside him and looked at the plans under his careful scrutiny. They hadn't changed much from when she'd seen them last as he asked her to show what she'd learned and explain them to others. And this in itself was mildly concerning.

"Is there some kind of a problem, Abaddon?"

The archangel in question sighed and scratched the back of his neck, not taking his eyes off the map. After about a century under his command, Astarte knew Abaddon well enough to recognise apprehension in his mannerisms. He doesn't do that very often but when he does, usually a good reason exists. Leaning against the table as well, Astarte scans the entirety of the map to try and find the thing that made her commander and possibly future partner so uneasy. Unsuccessfully. There didn't seem to be a thing that should cause him distress. It was common knowledge in the White City that Abaddon was rather… paranoid to put it lightly. And in moments like this, it shows. Astarte didn't mind that but maybe now he's nervous just for the heck of it again.

"Not at all. And that's what doesn't seem right."

Astarte raised her eyebrow and looked up at him in confusion as he rubbed his chin thoughtfully before pointing at the map marked with small scribbled out notes in certain places with his whole hand.

"Look at it. There's nothing wrong with it! We've been after this artifact for months now and finally we - by a pure coincidence - find out about a group of demons which stumbled upon its location and is about to attempt retrieval? It's going way too smoothly for my taste. It can't be this easy.."

With a hum of affirmation, Astarte glanced down at the plan of the ruins, where the powerful demonic blade was supposedly hidden, again. The structure sat below the level of the terrain, two entrances and no other way out. A perfect place to ambush someone going in or out. About five days ago, a scouting party managed to capture a demon which tried to save its skin by revealing the location of the enchanted sword and the plan of its brethren who wished to get to it before Heaven does. The demon still perished but the information stayed. And at first it couldn't make Abaddon happier. Taking her and a group of thirty angels, the General of Heaven set out to intercept the demons and take over the artifact to make sure they don't use it against the White City. Now however, he seemed rather… frustrated, judging by the way he was drumming his fingers against the table. By now, they liquidated about half a dozen scouts and each provided at least some scraps of information they could put together to make a more or less clear image of their future task. For once, Astarte began to understand his concerns. There must be a catch. The question is "where?".

"You suspect some kind of a trick but if the artifact is really there, it's unacceptable to just leave it…"

"Exactly!"

Abaddon answered with a note of annoyance in his voice, still staring at the plan as though it had slighted him somehow. In a warrior's life nothing is ever easy. Astarte understood his doubts. Sometimes no words were needed to be spoken between them to reach this understanding. And that's why they were such a good team. All this really was going way too easily and it wasn't a surprise that he was so tense that the air around him seemed to turn heavy. She frowned, unhappy that this was one of those rare moments when she really wanted to help Abaddon but didn't know how. She despised this feeling. Unsure what else she could do, Astarte laid her hand on top of his, to at least try and offer him some semblance of peace of mind he needed.

"Standing here and glaring at the map won't make any difference. Try to rest."

With his eyebrows still furrowed in a worried frown, Abaddon shifted his hand under hers and curled his fingers around it.

"I am not sure if I can."

He murmured with resignation, failing to meet her eye. Now Astarte had no doubts as to how tired he really was. Abaddon rarely ever sounds like that. But true enough, if this unease stays with him, he might not be able to rest properly. That was just him. Utterly devoted to Heaven's cause, almost always putting duty on the first place. But right behind it, and often shifting places with it, was her. All it takes is the right word or the right touch. Letting go of his hand, Astarte rested her palm on his right cheek and leaned in to lightly brush her lips against his temple. His scowl immediately softened, his bushy eyebrows wandered slightly up his tattooed forehead and a corner of his mouth quirked upwards in a smile. Works almost every time..

Snapping his attention away from the blasted map, the archangel turned to Astarte with a sigh. He does that way too often when he feels uncertain. Still, this heaviness seemed to leave the atmosphere, a sign that she managed to fulfill the purpose she came here with, when she reached out to him and ghosted her fingertips against his cheek, simultaneously making him lean into her palm fondly. Moments later, Abaddon took her hand, lifted it to his mouth and pressed his warm lips to her knuckles red from the cold surrounding them. Looking at her with half-lidded, cerulean eyes, he met her gaze with that lively twinkle to them she knew so well from every time they had a moment together. She recognised that look. In spite of herself, Astarte smiled. Usually, she didn't really mind the open signs of affection when they were alone but they were in the middle of a frozen desert and on a very important mission.

"Abaddon, this really isn't the right time."

Astarte murmured as she put a hand on his mouth to stop him from proceeding when he began to inch closer to her, earning a slightly annoyed scowl from her Commander. She is his second-in-command and so her duty is to make sure he doesn't forget himself. But the thing is, Abaddon is one of the most stubborn creatures she'd known in all of Creation. The lengths he would go to get what he wants…

"May I remind you that you started it?"

He teased with a smirk clearly audible in the tone of his voice, making Astarte roll her eyes. She did, true, but they should stay focused on their task. There will be time for this once they accomplish what they came to this frozen hellhole for in the first place. Though, on the other hand… Ah, what's the point anyway? Astarte decided she will let him have this one if it helps him find peace tonight. I will have to relearn to stand up to him again… She thought as she lowered her hand right into his waiting palm.

The following kiss didn't surprise Astarte but still made her delightfully lightheaded. As it always does. Every next contact wasn't as exciting as the first one but still was sending the world around her spinning. Their romance was a badly kept secret, almost everyone in the White City knows by now, but it didn't feel any less thrilling than if they were actually secretly doing something forbidden. It wasn't uncommon for a general to be in relationship with his or her lieutenant.

"You too need your rest, Astarte. I'll need you to stay sharp tomorrow."

He breathed once he gave her her lips back far too soon and sadly Astarte knew he was right. Even if no deceit awaits them in those ruins, they all have to be on high alert. There's no joking around with demons. One of the first lessons Abaddon had taught her, back when she was still an overconfident and daring private who thought she could best anyone, him included.

"Very well. Goodnight to you, Abaddon."

"And to you, my love."

He offered as she pulled her hood up and walked out into the snowstorm to find a way back to her own tent, even though the cold made a small and quiet thought that "it would be much warmer if they stayed together and he surely wouldn't mind it" crawl its way into her head. There's no time for distractions. A difficult task awaits them tomorrow and they have to stay vigilant no matter what. The time will come after they succeed. Failure is out of question.

The Hellguard marched out of the camp before the first morning light. Time is of the essence and so they decided to waste none of it. Using the cover of the winter forest and the falling snowflakes, the angels quickly moved on foot not to draw the attention of demons which may be hiding somewhere around. Besides, flying was nigh impossible with the harsh, arctic wind tugging at them from every direction. Abaddon ordered to split the group to three, leaving one under the lead of Astarte, while he took the other two along.

It took an hour or so to arrive at the designated place. Indeed, the old ruins of a demonic outpost were half-concealed by nearby hills, the wilderness and by any plant life that has long crept inside. Built in a low spot, the structure was dark and ominous, radiating with sinister aura that could give creeps to even the bravest warriors. A dark presence lingered in the air, making this place seem even more grim and threatening. Astarte sneered slightly, a little at the freezing air seeping through her clothes and armor into her very bones, and a little at the discouraging atmosphere of this wretched place. The sooner they get this done with, the better.

Angels spread out and took their places to simultaneously have a good view of the ruins and good hiding spots from which one group could see the other two. With a silent sigh, Astarte frowned down at the ruins below her, constantly on alert for any movement. One minute passed. Two.. Five. Twenty. Nothing. Not a single soul. If the demons are truly inside then they are taking their sweet time. Just grand... She thought, already losing feeling in her toes and fingers. Wind kept wailing, the only sound that could be heard in this God-forsaken place.

Glancing about, Astarte furrowed her eyebrows. Something didn't feel right. There were no tracks of demonic clawed feet in over three mile radius, though it could be easily explained by demons using the Fallen which are capable of flight. But it didn't make her feel easier. No sounds, no signs of life. No wonder, what sane creature aside from a frost dragon would willingly make its home in this frozen landscape? The lack of any activity whatsoever also wasn't that strange when she thought about it. The wretched cowards can be hiding inside and waiting for the moody weather to calm down.

Still, a strange, unpleasant feeling was starting to rise in Astarte's gut. As though someone was… watching her. Just to double check, she scanned her surroundings in search of the source of this sensation. Nothing. Maybe paranoia is contagious? She chuckled inwardly. Her eyes fell onto Abaddon on the other side of the outpost, barely visible over the snow alongside his group. He wasn't looking at her, fully focused on his task. Of course. Why would he look at her now? This was something she shouldn't do either. Not when she should be on the lookout for their quarry.

However, just when Astarte was about to look back down, something in the distance caught her eye. For a brief second, she was absolutely certain she'd seen something that looked a lot like a tail swinging from a tree a couple of feet behind the other squad. A century or so ago, she would've ignored it, dismissed as her imagination. But it seems that paranoia really is contagious. And Abaddon taught her better than that. Astarte squinted at the object of her interest to try and make out more details. And her heart dropped to her heels.

Attached to what turned out to have been an actual tail, was a body of a slender demon coated in white fur, also dressed in white. To blend into the surroundings. Her experience told her. To her concern, once she noticed the first one, she suddenly started to spot more of them. All around. Stalking towards the unsuspecting angels focused on watching the ruins and something was telling her that the same was happening behind her own back. And that's when she felt a spike of dread jolt down her throat. The demon she initially spotted in the tree was holding something that looked a bit like a crossbow. And aiming at Abaddon's head from behind.

A realisation hit her that instead of the attackers, the Hellguard quickly turned into the attacked. Abaddon was right. This was trap! No clue how, but he knew. He has no idea, he won't notice the demon in time! She had to warn him somehow! To Hell with cover. Without a second thought, Astarte sprung up to her feet from where she was lying on her stomach half buried under the snow, sending a cloud of whiteness flying as she flared her rune-inscribed wings and yelled as loudly as her throat allowed her to before her vocal cords gave up.

"AMBUSH!!! "

In this very moment something heavy impacted with her back with a vicious roar, almost sending her toppling over the ledge. Were it not for her strength and the fact that she successfully avoided being surprised, Astarte stood her ground supporting herself with her spear to spare herself a painful fall just as her companions jumped out of their hiding spots to answer the demons with a counterattack. One of the younger angels under her command struck and killed the demon that pounced at her, one of the camouflaged white fiends she saw as she turned around, as bolts began to whizz through the air and screams of shocked angels intertwined with frustrated screeches of the Hellspawn.

Thanks to her quick reaction, the Hellguard swiftly entered defensive formations to face the ambushers. With a battle cry upon her lips, Astarte impaled one demon while her comrades were taking down others, trying to dodge or deflect the bolts. Why are they using crossbows? She wondered in spite of herself. Unfortunately, it wasn't the best time to ponder over their questionable choice of weapons. The dying demon on the end of her spear in its last act pulled itself further down the blade and almost onto the hilt, and desperately swung with its talons, tearing through her left arm before she could push it off.

With a pained sneer, Astarte tossed the now dead demon back at its brethren as she ordered her group to shift to offensive. The blood began to stain the spotless white snow in deep scarlet as more demons and, unfortunately, angels fell. But… something was unusual here. A second passed, two, three… and Abaddon was nowhere to be seen. Astarte doesn't get wounded often but when she does, it takes barely a beat for her commander to pretty much materialize out of thin air somewhere nearby to protect her, even if it is but a minor injury like this one. This time something was different. He most likely has problems of his own. She figured and led the charge against the fiendish warriors.

Oddly enough, the moment their ambush didn't work out, demons started to retreat as there was nothing more for them to achieve aside from losing more of their stealthy, lightly armored soldiers. And so, they fled just as quietly as they appeared, vanishing between the trees and in the snow.

Once the battle had ended, Astarte looked over the remaining angels. Previously she had ten. Now only five of them were unharmed while two more carried more or less serious wounds from blades and claws, often having crossbow bolts stuck in their armor. The other three… Astarte turned her gaze down and removed her helmet as her uninjured brethren did the same to pay respect to the fallen. She was well used to death but still. They were her brothers at arms. Angels she trusted and respected. After a moment, Astarte placed her headpiece back where it belonged and gripping her bleeding arm, she gave orders to her squad.

"Regroup. We need to evaluate the losses."

Taking a short flight, Astarte and the soldiers under her temporary command rejoined others. The Hellguard were still startled and disoriented, looking about in search of more attackers. Fortunately, to no avail. Astarte too was looking for something. Or rather someone when she couldn't see him anywhere at first. But barely seconds later she saw him. Sitting on the ground against a rock with two unnerved soldiers beside him, breathing heavily and unevenly, ashen face… He was keeping his hand over his chest. And sticking out from between his thumb and forefinger was.. Her eyes widened with fear…

A crossbow bolt.

Everything around Astarte halted as claws of horror, even colder than the snow and ice around her, got a hold of her heart which started to quiver in her chest. The demon still did manage to get Abaddon. Her warning came too late. And the bolt seemed to have been constructed in a way that made it very durable. The sharp projectile punched through Abaddon's breastplate without greater problems and now was stuck in his body.

"Abaddon!"

When she could move, she immediately rushed over to him, still unable to believe what had happened, and oblivious to her own injury fell to her knees beside him. Despite the pain that was apparently visible in his grimace, Abaddon turned his blue eyes at her with a frantic gleam in them.

"It… was a trap. I- I knew it! Astarte…"

He was interrupted by a harsh cough which caused blood to trickle out of the corner of his mouth. Talking clearly wasn't coming easily to him. Why would it, when he had a sharp bolt buried into his chest? Any incoming words were halted by Astarte putting her hand over his bloodied lips.

"Save your breath, my Lord."

She said, trying to keep her head cool despite the mounting panic in her throat, and took her eyes off his face to examine the wound. With his armor still on it was hard to determine the full extent of the damage but with how the bolt was positioned, Astarte could only imagine it may have punctured his left lung or damaged some vital blood vessels and she couldn't even extract it without risking causing further damage. Even as small as the wound was, it was dangerously near his heart that was surely pounding in his chest like crazy. The fact that there was barely any blood aside from that spilling steadily past his lips was hardly comforting. It could mean there's a much more severe internal bleeding. Hopefully not. Whether he likes it or not - which he most likely doesn't with how stubborn he is - Abaddon needed the help of a healer and needed it immediately.

"We have to move. There might be more of them nearby."

The Hellguard listened to Astarte without a moment of hesitation. She was the second in line to the position of a leader and Abaddon didn't seem like he was going to give orders any time soon. Astarte carefully pulled him up to his feet and hauled his arm over her own shoulders while other angels were gathering up those severely wounded and deceased in preparation to leave. As she was expecting, Abaddon grumbled in protest.

"I… can walk…"

"It doesn't mean you should."

With that, Astarte cut him off and it looked like he was not in the mood to argue with her. Neither did he have strength for it. The Hellguard moved out and left the cursed ruins behind. There was no doubt in Astarte's mind that there was no artifact here. This was just a bluff. A successful one unfortunately..

Even though there was hardly an hour of steady march between the ruins and their camp, for Astarte it felt like an eternity. With each laboured breath next to her ear and the weight of the injured archangel leaning against her shoulder slowly increasing, her agitation grew. But true enough, Abaddon did mostly walk on his own. At first. Not even fifteen minutes later, he was starting to get more sluggish and a faint tint of unhealthy green shaded his otherwise colorless face that should be tanned in warm tones. Still, he kept going. Until about half an hour later he stumbled, even though he was still supported by Astarte.

"I don't… I can't feel… my wings…"

He mumbled more to himself than anyone else, successfully getting his lieutenant's attention. True to his word, his wings were limply dragging behind him, motionless. And once she noticed that the light in his eyes had already faded and he's moments from slipping into unconsciousness, the panic returned. Her heart was hammering against her ribcage in despair. He was dying. She cannot lose him. Not him. Everyone but him.

"No… no, Abaddon! Don't fall asleep!"

She called desperately, making all of the angels to look back at them both with non hidden fright. Two Storm Heralds even rushed over to help as she held her commander who was very quickly losing his grip on life. With how heavy he was, Astarte had no other choice than to lower him to the ground. And she could feel how unnaturally warm under her hands his skin was. The camp is so close… He can't give up now! He can't… Just a little longer..

Don't close your eyes…

But despite her silent plea, her efforts to keep his head up and pull him back up… he did. His eyelids slipped closed, he ferociously fought to keep them opened but in vain. Even though Astarte was beginning to feel the shaking of her hands, she called to others.

"Help me get him up! We need to act quickly!"

The rest of the path to the campsite was a haze. Astarte remembered it like through a mist that clouded her senses and she wasn't even sure how and when she found herself in her own tent with Maral, an angel who was like a little sister to her, tending to the claw marks on her shoulder. Luckily, Maral herself wasn't injured in any way and she was the one to inform Astarte of the whole situation. Eight dead and ten injured in total. No artifact in sight. Not a very cheering perspective.. However, Astarte was only half paying attention to what Maral was saying. Her thoughts were elsewhere. In Abaddon's personal tent where he was brought to be taken care of about an hour ago. She was tapping her foot impatiently as Maral was getting her arm disinfected and wrapped up in bandages since there were only three healers in camp and two of them were injured too while the third one tended to the General.

"There. It should be mostly-... Hey! Where are you going?"

Astarte didn't really hear the call. After Maral was done with her wounds, she immediately stood up and walked out, heading to her General's tent, not caring about the cold anymore. Only one thought accompanied her on the way to her destination. Please, be alive... And please, stay that way... In the entrance she bumped into the aforementioned healer.

"Suriel. How is he?"

Judging by the grim expression Suriel bore, Astarte could tell she wasn't going to like what he was about to say. Of all angels, Astarte is rarely frightened. But this was one of those rare moments and she was glad she had her armor removed, because without a doubt it would clatter loudly, considering how much she was shaking. Don't tell me it's what I think it is.. She begged. Not a single part of her being was prepared to accept the fact that her beloved could be…

"He lives."

Not even the mightiest creature in the Universe could've stopped the loud exhale of relief that left Astarte the moment the news was revealed to her. However, it turned out she was too quick to rejoice.

"But he isn't well. The bolt.. although it did get to his lung that's not the main concern."

True enough, breathing isn't vital for angels to survive, though such an injury is rather inconvenient and if not healed properly can cause trouble in the future. But hearing that the punctured lung isn't the main concern immediately sent Astarte's heart back into frenzy before it could fully calm its pace.

"It was poisoned."

"Poisoned..?"

She echoed, already feeling increasingly dizzy from all this. Blessed Creator, please, let this chaos finally end... Of course the demons would poison their weapons! The fact why they were using crossbows became much clearer now. They lured the Hellguard out to try and take down its leaders. Bastards. Honestly, Astarte could consider herself lucky that she wasn't hit with one of the poisoned projectiles because without a shadow of a doubt she was one of the main targets as well.

"One of the killed demons had a vial of antidote in a knapsack but… the venom spread around his system very quickly. It will help. But that's all I could do. Lord Abaddon will have to battle the poison on his own until someone more experienced arrives."

It wasn't surprising that someone has already gone to the White City to call for help and deliver a report from the unsuccessful operation. Astarte could only hope either Abaddon will pull through or someone will get here to help him on time.

"Can I… see him?"

Suriel nodded. Astarte waited no longer and hesitantly peered inside of the tent. The sight that greeted her made her feel like her heart fell to pieces. No one had to say it out loud for her to realise that she wasn't ready for what awaited her. On a cot under coverlets in the far end of the tent, was him. Abaddon. Her beloved.. And he looked like a corpse. Still, unmoving, pallid skin… his eyelids and lips were in a blueish-purple hue. A blood-soaked bandage was wrapped around his chest and a wet piece of folded cloth rested on his forehead. Droplets of sweat were rolling down his face, shining in the gloom like crystals, as he heaved in shallow breaths.

Biting down on her lower lip, Astarte walked up to the cot and sat down on a stool beside it. Beside her love and light. The light that was now struggling to keep burning, fighting the deadly poison coursing through his veins. Up this close, she could plainly see how unwell he really was.

Abaddon was always the strongest of the heavenly warriors. Unbreakable. Someone Astarte looked up to ever since he quite literally took her under his wing when Malahidael couldn't deal with her overconfidence and lack of respect. Those were ones of her most cherished memories.. And now? It seemed all it would take was so much as sneezing in his direction to send his soul plummeting into the Well. Seeing him like this.. weak, broken and vulnerable… it made Astarte feel small and insignificant.

A choked huff that slipped past Abaddon's chapped lips as his whole body shivered violently, did very little to calm Astarte down. Her heart sank, corners of her mouth sagged sadly, when his eyelids twitched and his upper lip peeled back to reveal his teeth. Hesitantly, she reached out to him and ran her fingers through his white hair as he kept thrashing about in his feverish sleep and muttering.

"To- to me, Hellguard... As- Astarte… where are you..?"

"I'm here. And I'm not going anywhere…"

She whispered and leaned down to place a kiss to his trembling lips. Not going anywhere. Gently brushing her fingers against his cheek, hot like fire, she kept talking to him softly until his shivers eased and he fell into a much deeper and calmer sleep. She wasn't going to leave him. Not now. Not when he needs her the most. Not when she needs him..

For the next three days or so there was no change whatsoever. Abaddon kept drifting in and out of consciousness, delirious with scorching fever - sometimes weakly calling Astarte's name - and barely aware of anything happening around him. And he wasn't getting better. Astarte stayed at his side, silent and hopeful. His lieutenant hadn't moved from her place even if either Maral or someone else came over and proposed to change her in her shift so that Astarte may rest, to which the answer was "I'm not going to be able to sleep anyway.". She was helping with changing bandages and making sure the cloth on his forehead remains cool. The latter part was rather frustrating as the water in the basin next to the cot kept freezing over and with her nerves already in shreds Astarte barely held back from angrily lobbing it across the tent.

All the time she spent at Abaddon's side she was begging him to wake up, open his eyes and look at her. And every time he was shifting from uneasy delirium to numb unconsciousness she died a little bit inside out of fear that this time his heart may have given up.

"This has to be a nightmare…"

She once muttered to herself clutching Abaddon's motionless hand which felt like heated in a fire, hoping in vain that his grip will tighten any second now.

"And this is my fault.."

No words were able to put her mind at ease. The blame was rightfully on her, even though no one told her outright "It's because of you. You've failed him." She just convinced herself that it's the truth. Her duty was to protect Abaddon when he wasn't able to do so on his own. And despite Suriel, Maral and many others saying that it's a good thing she reacted so quickly, because were it not for her warning it could've ended much worse, the overwhelming feeling of guilt still remained.

And after those three days of emotional torment none other than the archangel Raphael arrived at the camp, carrying a message from the Council of Angels, ordering those injured who can be safely moved to return to the City. Without any exceptions. And that meant Astarte as well. But her Commander was to stay at the camp until he's cleansed of the vile venom threatening his life since there was a risk he would not survive this journey.

Astarte knew that she's leaving Abaddon in good hands. If anyone could help him, it would be the head healer of the White City. Still, she felt guilty for being forced to abandon him. Alongside a group of wounded angels, she left for her home with a heavy heart. All she could do was wait, harboring a feeling she found absolutely horrible. Helplessness. Wanting to act, feeling the need to, but being incapable of doing so. She should be with him, not hiding behind the White Gates! This was her duty. She swore to stand beside him no matter what. And now, the Council of Angels made her break this vow.

The next few days Astarte spent living in a lucid dream. A nightmare to be more accurate. Praying for Abaddon to pull through. She found herself often staring into the void, thinking. She missed his voice, his reassuring presence. His touch… Where is he? Is he alright? He has to be… Doesn't he? Of course he does! He's been through much worse more than once already. One bolt, even coated in noxious substance can't be enough to put him down. Unless… This was the thought that kept torturing Astarte. This "unless". After all, she'd seen how bad it was. How even with the antitoxin her Commander seemed to continue to slip away. Whatever the demons used, it must've been a truly horrendous poison..

When a week of solitude has gone by, reality started to sink in. It was taking too long already. Abaddon should've been healed by now. His absence could only mean… No! Raphael wouldn't fail. It's impossible! He can't be dead. Can he…? And even if so, the word about the demise of Abaddon of all people should have already been spread around the White City. But instead.. nothing. No news. Silence. Eventually, in this uncertainty and lack of any signs from anyone who remained at the camp, Astarte slowly started to believe, even though her heart screamed in denial. Sitting on the side of her bed in her home, she stared at her own boots, seconds ticked by, each lasting way longer than it should. What if he is gone? What is she going to do?

The Council will name her the next leader of the Hellguard without a doubt. All of Abaddon's responsibilities will be passed down to her. Maybe she will be able to forget if she keeps herself busy? She should've known that falling in love was a bad idea. Both she and Abaddon are warriors. Even with their unmatched skill, it was only a matter of time before one of them fell. But what could she do about it? He taught her so much, gave her all his knowledge and even offered his own heart that remained cold and stern for anyone but her. This last gift she could not reject as her own soul yearned to be close to him after everything he'd done for her. She couldn't win with it. Even though she tried her best once. Before she knew what he felt. Before… everything. She missed those times when Abaddon was no one else to her than her Commander perfectly capable of kicking her butt in any sparring to make sure she stays in line...

A quiet sound of opening doors caught her attention and made her head snap up. It was so sudden and unexpected that she felt a jolt of fear in her stomach. But with this fear came a shy ray of hope. Only one angel in the entire City walked into her house without knocking and only because she said he doesn't have to because he'd always be welcome. A rustle of feathers as a pair of wings beat once, a barely audible thud right behind the door to her bedroom. The doorknob moved. Slowly turned around and soon in the crack of the door, a pair of familiar blue lights appeared. Her heart hastened and her eyes grew wide like saucers. Could it… be true? Her hopes faded soon enough when she realised that it was probably just Azrael coming again to try and console her and her imagination is merely playing tricks on her. But the voice she heard seconds later made her heart skip a beat.

"Astarte?"

Still rather pale and swaying lightly on his legs, his eyes dull and devoid of their shine, Abaddon stepped into her room with relief painted across his face once he saw her before him. Words couldn't describe what was happening in her head at this moment. On the one hand she was absolutely ecstatic. He's alive. He hasn't left her despite the gravity of his recent condition. But on the other hand, she felt angry. Where was he all this time? Why was he keeping her in the dark? Not even a word when she was here already mourning and thinking how she should tackle becoming a leader all of the sudden. Jumping up to her feet, Astarte rushed over to him, closing the distance in one beat of her wings, just as he opened his arms in a welcoming gesture. Only to retract in shock once her palm loudly met his face, leaving a stinging sensation in its wake. However, Abaddon didn't have time to react in any way aside from looking at Astarte with disbelief before she threw her arms around his neck and tugged him down into a kiss.

"You are giving mixed signals."

He chuckled, oblivious to the red handprint forming on his cheek once Astarte pulled away to glare daggers at him.

"I thought I lost you! Again! Don't ever do that to me!"

She yelled at him, respect towards superiors be damned. In all of her life she'd never been so scared. She remembered one time when Abaddon did get severely wounded but he quickly got out of this. Now it was three times as bad. Back then she could've at least stayed with him. Astarte didn't feel sorry for that slap to the face, the bastard had it coming for a long time now. And it seemed that he was well aware he deserved that one.

"Forgive me. I'll do my best never to let something like that happen again. Is there a way to make up for it?"

Angels don't cry. It's not like they aren't fully equipped to do so, they just… don't. Especially warriors. It doesn't suit a warrior to cry. If they do however, for good reasons. And Astarte felt she was on the verge of snapping, her vision turned misty as tears were forcing its way into her eyes. But no. She refused to fall apart, especially in front of her Commander. Looking up at him and fighting the tremble in her voice, she answered so quietly it might seem she didn't really meant to say that out loud. But he did hear it.

"Stay with me… And don't let go.."

His hands came up to her cheeks and he looked her deep in the eye with a soft smile on his face. The first tear had fallen once he pressed his forehead against hers and sighed contentedly before fully closing the distance and laying his lips on hers.

"Here, tonight.. your wish is my command."

He replied and encased her in a comforting embrace, holding her head against his chest as though to show her he's still here. And the steady heartbeat below her ear made her cry out in relief. If she's dreaming, then she doesn't want to ever wake up again. No.. this heartbeat felt far too real.

Perhaps it would've been seen as improper, but she had to make sure. Astarte reached out with her shaking hand to him and Abaddon didn't stop her as she peeled back the collar of his tunic to expose the bandage still concealing the wound he suffered from recently. Her hand carefully rested over it. He felt real. It was no dream. The nightmare has come to an end. He's here. Safe.. For this short moment, they both are.

For once in the ceaseless conflict between Heaven and Hell, Astarte could feel at peace and so could he. Just to seek reassurance, she placed the pads of her fingers on his throat to feel his pulse. To feel that he's truly with her, alive, holding her close, folding his wings around her.. and that this night he isn't going anywhere.

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Idk, I just wanted to draw something and this happened in turn 😆

Also, I can't draw Astarte's face to save my life 😂

It's weird, I know, but I wanted to do something for Valentines. Back into the cringe abyss I go.

#darksiders #darksiders genesis #fan art #darksiders abaddon #darksiders astarte #abaddon #astarte #demons #my art #fan fiction #my fic #my writing #I wrote it three times 😂#yikes #cringe

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