vigilante24ish

[vigilante24ish]

A Thorn By Thy Side

Agatha Harkness X Fem!Reader

Summary:

Your parents were seasoned Shield Agents who perished in the line of duty when you were younger. They left you at their place, and Shield quickly recruited, trained and perfected you into one of their best agents.

Following in their footsteps, the mission was easy enough for you; the percentage of your successes few could match. So, it was not a surprise when Director Fury entrusted you with a team to capture a very dangerous target... the Succubus Witch Agatha Harkness.

Or

A short story in which Agatha eventually develops a personal interest in you after realising why you are so difficult to get rid of.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

[vigilante24ish]

A Thorn By Thy Side

Agatha Harkness x Fem!Reader

Word Count: 2728

Chapter 2:

The attack met your hands, and you had to dig your heels into the ground to prevent it from sending you on your back once again.

Your arms burned from the inside out, and the sensation made you want to rip your sleeves off and throw them into the cool water. However, you fought through it.

Successful, you lowered your hands and went for the attack.

Agatha Harkness might have magic, but she lacked any kind of physical training, making her your exact opposite and giving you a small window to actually take her down.

The Purple Witch quickly used her magic to get up, now intrigued by the way you blocked her attack without much of an effort. She tried to blast you again, but you slid on your knees, passing beneath her attack as you recharged your little gadget.

Now closer, you shoot two spider bites at her, successfully finding her neck as the small volts of electricity pass through her body. It annoyed her more than it harmed her but it gave you an opening to land a strong left hook against her cheek, sending her stumbling back.

The attack shocked Agatha, who brought a finger to the corner of her lips only to spot blood that had slowly started to escape. No human had ever bloodied her before, not by a simple physical attack.

She narrowed her eyes on your panting form, trying to understand what kind of tricks you were using. Something within her system, within her magic core, tingled; the presence of foreign magic close by.

She suspected it must be coming from you, though she could not see nor truly pinpoint it. If you were a witch, you certainly did not know it, or you had been masking your magic so that even she was fooled.

An impossible task, Agatha thought as she started to send one blast after the other.

You could block her attacks, but you would eventually get tired. And as hell, she was not going to let you come near her again. One punch was humiliating enough, and that would be all you were allowed to get from this fight.

Each blast of magic met resistance from you, your hands doing their best to block and redirect the magic to the side, keeping you unharmed. However, the force of each blast kept pushing you back, making it harder for you to regain a stable footing or try to find an opening and come closer to Agatha.

Agatha, who grew tired of your refusal to fall down or even die, chose to change the rules of this battle. There was no need to waste her precious and hard-earned magic on a pitiful creature like you, not when there were other ways to get you.

Purple smoke enveloped her form, quickly making her disappear from where she once stood.

Panting, you started to slowly turn circles around yourself, trying to listen and predict where Agatha’s next blast would come.

Eventually, one did come, and by instinct alone, you jumped to the side to avoid it. It left you open for a few seconds, and that proved to be your fatal mistake as you felt something wrap around your neck.

Purple thin cord of magic pressed against your windpipe, the handler pulling you back and slowly cutting your breath intake. You tried to fight it, to find a small opening and slip at least a finger beneath, but your attempts were futile.

Before you knew it, Agatha gave a sharp pull and took you with her. Unable to fight it, you felt your body being yanked back before your head slammed on a hard rock, your consciousness quickly fading as the last thing you saw was Agatha’s purple dress in your fading field of vision.

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When you woke up, the first thing you felt was an annoying ringing in your ear. A sharp pain coming from your right temple reminded you that you were still alive, and slowly, you forced your eyes open.

As your vision cleared and your senses tuned in, you slowly started to realize where you were.

You were not in that clearing, for that you were certain. A quick look at your surroundings made you suspect that you were in some sort of rocky basement if your eyes were not mistaken.

You tried to move, only then to realize your limbs were not responding. Finally, you dared to look down and saw purple binds of magic wrapped around your arms and legs, keeping them behind your back while a similar force was levitating you mid-air.

“Look who is awake,” Agatha’s voice drew your attention and tried to find the source of it, a futile attempt to look above your shoulder as she entered the underground room.

“Where am I?” you asked, voice hoarse after the time you were unconscious.

“You have never been to a witch’s lair before?” she questioned as she slowly walked to be in front of you, in her arms, a bunny.

You looked at the bunny, not expecting an evil witch said to be responsible for all those catastrophes to actually have a pet, let alone a bunny of all kinds. “Should have?” you snapped back, getting annoyed by her little questions.

Your arms were getting sore, and so were your legs. Your head was killing you, and you would like to know why the fuck you were alive and, apparently, her prisoner.

“Considering your little show of skills...” she started, petting the bunny, but her blue eyes were locked on your form. “Now, how did you do it? How did you block my attack like that?”

Confusion appeared on your face as you started to realize why she had kept you alive so far. The issue was that you needed an answer to give her. Yet again, you wouldn’t tell her so easily even if you did.

The first attempt to hopefully earn time and maybe potential freedom was to try and play it more clueless than you actually were. “I have no idea what you are talking about.”

Agatha tilted her head to the side, watching your every move, every breath and every muscle twitch as you tried to lie to her. “Oh, but you do. What you did, that wasn’t someone testing it for the first time,” she argued as she let the bunny down and walked closer to you. Long fingers grabbed your chin and forced you to keep your attention on her. “Now, I will ask one last time. How did you do it?”

You did not dare to look away, both out of stubbornness and pride. You did try to yank your head back and free your chin from her grip, but you found how quickly she tightened her grip, to the point you were sure bruises would form if she continued.

“I told you. I don’t know,” You spat at her, narrowing your eyes, passively challenging her to let you go and face you properly.

A wiser person would think twice about using such a tone when they are a prisoner of a powerful witch. A wiser person would try to work with their kidnapper or have even freaked out by the fact that they were suspended by magical bonds.

Unfortunately for you, wisdom was not something you were given credit for. Stubbornness, now that’s more like it. Though, in your defence, considering how many times you had been attacked, kidnapped and even tortured, this was a regular Tuesday for you.

Agatha did not seem to like your answers, either because she did not believe you or because she was not a patient person. Her blue eyes scanned your face, thinking of ways she could make you confess soon.

That was until she spotted something; a little ink mark, barely visible beneath your blouse, wisely positioned close to your collarbone. Her fingers moved from your chin down your neck, making you shiver at the invasion.

Your muscle stiffened in response as her fingers went beneath your blouse and you tried to pull back, only to be reminded that you were completely at her mercy; unable to do anything but watch.

“What are you...” your voice grew weaker, and you felt betrayed by your own body once you realized your heart was beating faster, reacting to her touch as if you had not been with someone in years.

Technically, it had been a few months since your last short-lived relationship, but that was not the point.

Agatha removed her fingers, only to grab and lower your blouse to the point your cleavage was exposed; yet her blue eyes did not stay too focused on your chest, but rather what existed above it.

A thought clicked into her mind, and you swore you saw a glimmer of light in her blue eyes, her tempting lips forming a smirk.

“Perhaps you do not know, but your body does.”

You looked at her, confused, until you saw the purple magic coming alive between her fingers. In seconds, cold air hit your skin, and the sleeves of your jacket and blouse were literally ripped off.

You suppressed a shiver at the sudden change of temperature and the fact that you suddenly were a little more exposed to her roaming gaze. You kept your chin up, trying not to let her see how you felt, trying not to let her understand how empty your confidence was in such situations.

“Well, well... you are full of surprises, aren’t you, hon?” she questioned, her eyes travelling up and down your one arm and then the next.

Familiar to her, symbols had been inked into your skin since you were a child, tattoos that you never understood what they meant but never truly questioned. They had been with you for as long as you could remember, the only physical thing left to you by your parents.

In your mind, they looked cool and yet deep down you felt there was something more behind them. Your suspicions started to pay off as you went to more and more missions, as you encountered all kinds of threats, magic and not.

No true answers were ever given, though... until now.

“Now, this explains so many things,” Agatha continued after noticing how silent you went. “You have no idea what those things are, do you, cupcake?”

The nickname felt unnecessary, though you quickly came to realize it was kind of her thing. She loved calling people anything but their real names, refusing to give them that satisfaction or even respect.

“Do I look like I do?” you snapped back again, getting tired of her monologue.

“Grumpy, aren’t we?” she rhetorically asked. “What you have on your arms are runes. Specifically, protection and shielding ones. It was why you were not taken down by my magic. Those pestering symbols on your skin protected you.”

Blinking slowly, you tried to play it surprised, but you failed. Deep down, you knew and made a connection of a similar nature about those symbols. It was why Fury had specifically asked you to try and capture Agatha, only for him to underestimate how willing she was to play dirty.

It was not just Agatha’s mind that was working on scenarios and coming up with ideas at that moment. It was also yours and a risky enough plan formed in your mind, one that might not pay as well as you expected but it was better than remaining a prisoner.

“I don’t need them. Release me, and I will show you,” you said, trying to target her ego and her pride.

You were rather good at reading people, a skill you developed over the years as an agent and even during your academy years. You had already started to read Agatha, and you simply had to play your cards right.

As you expected, the challenge within you was what had drawn Agatha’s interest in the first place. Your snarky remarks, your ability to just get up despite the hits, and your stupid bravery in facing her even when you lost the first battle were what made you interested in her eyes.

Fully confident in her abilities, now that she had started to figure you out, Agatha obliged. With a single move of her hand, a little twirl mid-air, your binds were gone, and your face planted on the rocky floor.

Your arms and knees felt sore from the forceful landing; your weight did not help, but you fought beyond the pain as you started to get up. If those runes did protect you from her magic, at least the blasts, you could take her down, but you had to be mindful of any more tricks.

Agatha eyed you carefully, placing one nail between her teeth. “Well, show me,” she ordered.

You took a step forward and readied yourself, her blue eyes following your every move. At the last second, you bolted for what you saw were stairs leading up, intending to escape her and call for help.

Agatha could take down a few agents, but she had exposed herself and her threat level, and Shield had more than enough capable forces to actually take her down.

Your legs pushed you towards the stairs, arms frantically swaying back and forth as you felt your heart beating inside your head. You stretched one leg, ready to place it on the step, when you felt the attack.

Agatha had blasted you with her magic, and you felt it this time. The force tossed you against the stairs, and it was a miracle that you did not hit your head for a second time. Your body burned from her magic, and your guts twisted as you felt her readying for another attack.

Gathering all your willpower, you pushed your body to the side, nearly missing another magical blast that would have pinned you to the ground.

You looked at Agatha as she attacked you again, and you brought your hands forward like before, attempting to block it. Only that you felt no protection this time, and the blast knocked you against the rocky wall.

A third blast pinned you there before you felt her magic wrapping around your body, pinning your hands by your sides. Panting, you looked at your capture only to feel her magic tossing you to the side.

One wall, second wall; you groaned as you felt the rough impact, and you found it a miracle that your bones were intact. Bruises would sure form, and you swore a few fresh cuts had found their way on your skin, droplets of blood slowly escaping.

“I... I don’t get it,” you breathed out as she slowly brought you back to the centre. “What did you do to me?”

She had just said those runes on your body would protect you from her magic and then they didn’t?

Agatha was amused by your confusion and lack of knowledge as her magic pulled you closer to her. With her free hand, she motioned you to look around you, and it was then you noticed glowing purple symbols similar to some of the ones tattooed on your body.

“In a given space, only a witch who cast the runes can use her magic. In here, your pesky little protection runes are useless against my magic,” she explained smugly. “I wondered how you did not notice before; then again, you are not as smart as you portray yourself to be.”

Her insult did not settle well with you, and you glared at her with all the anger and hatred you could muster. It seemed to only delight her, finding no true threat in you, not at that moment. “You do not know me,” you said through your teeth, wishing for her to pull you just a tad closer so you could smack your forehead against her nose.

As if reading your mind, Agatha smirked and kept you at a safe distance, yet close enough so she could grab your chin again. Like a prized animal at a fair, she inspected you once again, pleased with her latest toy.

“I do not, but I do intend to find out,” she commented, licking her lips slowly. “Get ready, pet. You and I will spend some quality time together.”

[vigilante24ish]

A Thorn By Thy Side

Agatha Harkness x Fem!Reader

[A/N] - This story sounded better in my mind. Yet again, I might be a harsh critic of myself. So, I will let you all decide if you like it and if I will continue.

Summary:

Your parents were seasoned Shield Agents who perished in the line of duty when you were younger. They left you at their place, and Shield quickly recruited, trained and perfected you into one of their best agents. Following in their footsteps, the mission was easy enough for you; the percentage of your successes few could match. So, it was not a surprise when Director Fury entrusted you with a team to capture a very dangerous target... the Succubus Witch Agatha Harkness. Or A short story in which Agatha eventually develops a personal interest in you after realising why you are so difficult to get rid of.

Word Count: 2548

Chapter 1:

The Shield HQ was rather busy that particular day, with many agents being called back from their missions or short vacations to focus on more important issues. After the last terrorist attack on New York, the world was on edge and rightfully so.

It was one thing to handle internal threats, human to human and something completely different when you had to handle extraterrestrial beings and, apparently, gods. One would think with the newly formed Avengers, things would quickly turn back to normal, but they were also busy with different kinds of missions to handle.

You had grabbed the past few days that the focus was on the Avengers to get some alone time, something rare in your line of duty. Yet that alone time had brought you back to the only place you knew and dared to call home.

Being an orphan was tough, and being the orphan child of seasoned, skilled agents was tougher. Back then, you did not understand why they took risks and ended up leaving you all alone, but today, you understand.

As you stared at the memorial dedicated to all fallen agents, you could not help but let your eyes remain longer on the engraved names of your parents. The marble structure reflected your reflection, and you wondered what they would think of you, seeing you following their footsteps with the same insanity and dedication they apparently had.

Sometimes, when the lobby emptied, you would come and faintly talk to them, for there was no true grave and no bodies for you to see. That particular day, you just felt like visiting them, even if no words would be exchanged.

The sound of footsteps against the tile floor caught your attention, eyes narrowing faintly as you focused on their speed. Despite the people passing around you, your training allowed you to detect certain pairs you had been told to always look out for.

This pair was heavy, long strides that emitted confidence, and you knew of only one person walking in such a way. Your suspicions were proven correct when you heard a male voice close by.

“Thought I would find you here.”

You did not turn to face the visitor, their dark-skinned reflection visible on the marble memorial. “Director Fury,” you greeted him. “Am I becoming that predictable?”

“To some of us, you are. Don’t think of it as a bad thing. Makes it less of a hustle to find when I need you,” he responded, not commenting on your lack of eye contact. “I have a mission for you.”

Now that he had captured your interest, you finally graced him by turning to face him. Your gazes locked. “So soon?”

It was not long since you had come from a rather dangerous mission in Russia, tasked with infiltrating a Hydra Terrorist Cell. The mission was a success, but it cost you men and many days of life. Not to mention, you came more than once close to joining your parents on that grim memorial.

“This cannot wait any longer. Follow me,” he said and started to walk, knowing too well you would follow him without him having to repeat everything.

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When you entered his office, you remained standing while you got comfortable on his director's chair behind the desk. He tapped something on the holographic screen, and the information was projected up, allowing you to see it in detail.

You took notice of a woman, her face popping up in different pictures across different times; no sign of ageing, and you doubted all those women were just descendants of one another. Your attention went to different articles and secret memos, all around big catastrophes that had taken place in the last century.

“We have been monitoring unusual cases long before the New York invasion. Just in case it was Hydra trying to mess up again,” Fury started to explain, tapping a few things on the pad. “What we found recently was the fact that all big catastrophes had one thing in common; this woman, Agatha Harkness.”

You took a few steps closer, fingers stretching as you tried to read the ever-shifting articles. You frowned as you realized what situation your director was discussing.

The Twin Towers, Chornobyl, the Gas Explosion in 1966... even the Titanic was listed.

“Are we sure this is the same woman? How can she even be responsible for all of those events?” you asked, adverting your attention to the dark-skinned man.

“She has been spotted in every single one, and I know she is behind it. So, unless she is some sort of Grim Reaper waiting to do her job, I say she had been causing them.”

Your next question sounded dumb even in your head, but over the years, you had developed the skill of not really caring and simply speaking what you wanted. “Do we know why?”

“If you ask me, I say she has some sadistic motive, or she simply enjoys causing chaos and death. Wouldn’t be the first one,” Fury said as he pressed something,g and all the holograms disappeared. “But in order to make sure, we need to capture and interrogate her. Perhaps stop her from causing yet another mess with hundreds of casualties.”

“I understand. But why ask me and not someone else? Why not the Avengers?”

“The Avengers are busy as we speak, and I am not sending you there alone. You will take a small team and go capture this bitch before it's too late.”

“Yeah, but why me?” you asked again, not liking how he avoided your question in the first place.

Fury leaned forward, his face as serious as it could get. “Because if words are true, Agatha Harkness falls under the category of a Witch.”

That new piece of information made you part your lips in surprise, not expecting such an answer. Yet, you found no further comments or questions; Fury’s answer was more than enough for you at the moment.

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It was a small team consisting of five agents in total, including you. You had worked with them quite a few times before, and you knew each other well enough for the mission to go smoothly.

The plan was simple.

Agatha had been also associated with quite a few missing person reports, women who allegedly followed her in search of a mystical road and never returned. So, what better way to approach and isolate her than by arranging a meeting with an interested-to-the-road woman.

The meeting would occur in a small forested area, away from the nearest little town, to ensure no casualties or curious passersby. Fury wanted this to be done silently and quickly, to capture and leave.

You waited for a while in a small clearing, hands in the pockets of your civilian clothing. Your team had been camouflaged and positioned close by, tranquiliser darts and nets ready to be used upon being given the command.

At last, you felt you were no longer alone, and you adverted your gaze towards the source of crushed leaves, getting a first close look at the famous Agatha Harkness. You inhaled faintly, realizing that the pictures taken of her did her little to no justice regarding her beauty.

The thick, slightly curled dark brown hair, those pink lips, and you could not even start talking about her piercing blue eyes.

If she truly did look like this, it was no wonder women willingly trusted and followed her blindly to their dooms.

“You are alone,” Agatha pointed out, clearly unhappy. “Where are the others?”

You had managed to fake an invite, informing you had other women interested in the Road; which was perhaps what had made her come in the first place.

“They are a little bit late. They should arrive soon,” you skilfully lied, offering a charming smile to throw away any suspicions she might have started to form about you.

Agatha did not truly like the answer. She was not a big fan of having her plans changed, even though she could easily improvise in worst-case scenarios.

“Is that so?” the witch questioned, taking a few confident steps towards you.

Unbeknown to her, this was what you wanted as she openly became an easier target for your team.

Your hand lazily moved towards your head, pushing a few strands behind your ears as your skilful fingers pressed on the little earpiece hidden there. “Fire.”

The order did not have to be repeated as your team made their move, guns up and aim stable. The first wave came for Agatha fast, tranquillized darts aimed for her neck and face, intended to bring her down without much of a fight.

Of course, Agatha was not a novice witch, and it was not the first time someone had tried to sneakily attack her. Her purple magic came alive and quickly stopped the little darts in mid-air, preventing them from harming her. She narrowed her blue eyes, and with a wave of her hands, she sent those pesky darts back to their senders, forcing the hidden agents to move to avoid getting hit.

At the same time, you pulled your sleeve up and exposed the little gadget wrapped around your wrist. Blue light glowed, and you steadied your aim before shooting a few thin projectiles packed with enough electricity to stunt a simple human with ease.

That little accessory had been a prototype, a gift from Natasha after you two spent a few months as prisoners. Your teamwork made it possible not only to escape but eventually take down your original target. Admiring your courage and your skill, she agreed and helped you get a prototype version of her spider bites, a gift that had saved your life more than once in a mission.

Agatha similarly used her magic, blocking your little attempt to take her down, only to see you smirking and giving yet another order. Before she could comprehend or prepare herself, you started shooting again, keeping her busy until it was too late.

A heavy net came from her blind side, the weighted edges pinning her to the ground as the steel cables that formed it pressed her down.

You smirked in satisfaction and covered your little gadget as your team started to walk carefully towards the trapped target, guns up and aimed at her.

“Call Fury, tell him the mission was a success,” you ordered one of the agents, one hand on your waist.

Agatha started to cackle, for a moment truly reminding you of those children's stories about evil witches who pursued children.

“Oh, how cute. You really think it would be so easy to take me down, hon?” she asked, fully confident despite being trapped by the net.

Before you could order the electricity to begin, you watched with wide eyes as Agatha dissolved into purple smoke and disappeared from where she was originally trapped.

“What?” you exclaimed, quickly looking around as her cackle echoed across the quiet clearing. “Keep your guards up. Change to stun bullets, now!”

Agatha appeared in the same purple smoke, right behind an agent. One hand was placed on her shoulder and the other on his head. His eyes changed to purple as she easily influenced his weak mind, ordering him to lift his gun and aim at his comrades.

The first shot grabbed your attention, a female agent close by falling unconscious on the ground; the stunt bullet glowing faintly as it paralyzed her nervous and mobility system.

“Agent, stand down!” you ordered even though you doubted your words would pass through, not after spotting his usual brown eyes having changed to a bright purple. “Stand down!”

Realizing this would get you nowhere, you prepare and shoot two spider bites at him, just as another agent shot him with the same stunt bullet. The hypnotized agent attacked as well, taking down his comrade before succumbing to the combined attacks.

“Oh, this is pathetic,” Agatha comments as you spot her leaning against a tree. “I mean, I had been attacked before, but this... so pathetic.”

Your eyes blaze with anger, and you dare to pull the gun you had hidden in your back pant pocket. “Orders say to get you alive, not unharmed,” you say and remove the safety. “Last chance, Harkness. Come at peace or come bloodied.”

Agatha laughed at your brave words, finding your attempt to sound threatening both stupid and adorable. What she did not know was that you were simply buying time for your last team member to make his move.

Before Agatha knew it, she felt the sharp pain on her back as the stunt bullet threatened to bring her down, having failed to spot the silent agent standing two feet behind her. He was ready to attack her again, ensuring she would go down, but the Witch had other plans in mind.

The stunt bullet did pack quite a punch, and if she was a normal, weak human, she knew she would be on the ground by now. But she was Agatha Harkness, one of the most powerful witches to ever leave, and no stupid invention would take her down.

Deciding to put an end to this, Agatha’s eyes flashed purple with magic, and all it took was one swing of her hand for her magic to attack the agent from point-blank range. The force was strong enough to send him back, his body crashing against a tree, his neck breaking upon impact.

You watched with wide eyes at the attack, and by instinct alone, you started to shoot, only for the same purple magic to block your bullets.

“Haven’t you learnt anything so far?” Agatha questioned. “Let me give you a quick reminder.”

You saw the gathered amount of her purple magic heading your way, concentrated into a blast that crashed against your chest and stole the air from your lungs. The force sent you flying back, the ground rough against your landing, pieces of dirt scratching your clothes.

That blast should have killed you or knocked you down, yet you could still feel your heart pumping and your brain working. Your fingers twitched, and you could hear Agatha’s footsteps through half-open eyelids as she approached you.

When she was close enough to inspect if you had perished like you had to, you opened your eyes and went for the attack. You brought your legs, and with newfound energy, you kicked the side of her knees, causing her to fall to the ground rather ungracefully.

You crawled back, and once you had enough space and time, you jumped on your legs, wiping some dirt from the corner of your lips. Your chest heaved faintly as adrenaline finally rushed through your veins... veins that seemed to have grown paler against your skin.

“How?” Agatha exclaimed as she pushed her thick locks out of the way, her dark-painted fingers catching your attention. “Never mind, that!”

Another blast of purple magic was thrown your way, but this time, you were prepared. Bringing your hands up, you formed an X that protected your face and neck.

Chapter 2

[vigilante24ish]

🌙 Moon Phases 🌙

Agatha Harkness X Fem!Reader

Word Count: 3923

[A/N]—Let it be known that this is my very first angst, so I apologize if it's not that good. I did try to do justice to Rio's character and not make her too much of an OOC.

Dedicated to: @blackiron11 & @yelenablshop

Finale III - part 3/3 (Rio x Reader Ending):

The little cottage in the woods was a welcoming change. You were not ready to return to your little apartment, not when Agatha’s loss was still fresh in your heart. Thankfully for you, Rio had a little place that you had been to more than a few times and nights included.

You did not speak to her or eat, and she realized you needed your time. After all, you had been as close to Agatha as her, if not more. Having work to do, she left you alone for a few hours, taking that time as involuntary help on what to do next with you and her feelings of pain about Agatha.

Your favourite place has always been the roof, whether that would be in your little house or any tall place in general. Being closer to the night sky and the moon always offered you comfort, and the change of view helped your mind think better and clearer.

Even though the moon would take hours to come up to the sky and offer you some comfort, you still had the sun. The warm rays felt odd against your skin, for they could not penetrate the cold you felt coming from your heart, the empty spot Agatha had left with her passing.

Taking a deep breath, you tried to calm your racing mind and not think more of that deadly kiss and Agatha’s body slowly decomposing in front of your very own eyes. You hugged your knees and closed your eyes, trying to think of something... anything other than your lover.

Suddenly, you felt that you were no longer alone. Lifting your head slowly, you wondered if Rio had chosen to return a little earlier than you expected. When you did not sense her right away, you grew suspicious, and you dared to look around you, checking the rest of the roof.

As you almost glanced behind you, something appeared in your vision and into your personal space.

“Boo!” a female voice said, startling you to the point that you moved back.

However, because you were already so close to the roof's edge, you lost your balance and fell off. Thankfully for you, your powers saved you from a harsh landing and then levitated you up, ready to face the intruder who dared to do this to you.

When you finally faced them, your eyes grew double in size. The intruder was not an enemy nor some random magical being—they were...

“Hello, sugar!” Agatha said, her familiar voice unmatched by anything.

You placed your feet by the edge of the roof and could not help but stare at your deceased lover. They were not exactly deceased this time, for they had become a ghost! Translucent and with white hair, only the face remained the same. Even the clothing had changed, somehow fitting her more than her usual witchy attire.

Words got stuck at the back of your throat, seeing her alive and just... there! You wanted to rush and hug her, to kiss her, but also to blast her with your magic. She had taken a ridiculous risk and acted upon selfish thoughts that she masked under the guidance of a selfless sacrifice...

You mourned for her, you felt your heart breaking into pieces, and yet here she was; damn proud she was a ghost.

In a moment of spontaneous anger, you slapped her or at least tried, for your hand passed through them, leaving your skin feeling a deadly cold that made you shiver.

Yet the move was enough to pass your point.

Agatha’s smirk faded from her face when she realized just how pissed off you were. It was not just your attempt to slap her that made her realize that, but also the way tears prickled at the edge of your eyes, a combination of pain, anger and joy bubbling inside of you.

“Sugar...” she called you, this time, her tone gentler.

“You...” your lip trembled faintly. “How? I saw you... I... saw you dying... and you are...”

“A ghost, yes,” she confirmed, her tone holding rather pride about her achievement. Before she could say anything else, you interrupted her.

“Did you know?” you dared to ask. “Did you know this would happen to you?”

Agatha parted her lips but did not reply to you immediately. Seeing you on the verge of tears, your white magic flickering in your arms as you were too emotionally unstable to control it broke her already dead heart.

“I didn’t. It was a... calculated risk.”

You snapped, and a blast of white magic passed through her. The intensity of your magic actually made her feel the energy left behind by your attack, but it did not truly harm her.

“A calculated risk?!” you spat, tears slowly escaping despite your best efforts to hold them back. “I thought you died!” you raised your voice. “I saw you die! Right in front of my very own eyes, you offered your soul to Rio! You left me mourn you just to tell me you would return...”

The older witch had always been more selfish, even when you were part of her life. Often, her selfish thoughts and plans changed when your well-being was in the way or when she knew both could gain something more.

When she approached Rio for that final kiss, Agatha truly did not know if she would manage to remain as a ghost. She was fully prepared to die there, for at least you and Billy would be free, and Rio would no longer haunt any of you.

When she managed to come back as a ghost, she thought you would be happy, for she could still be with you. She could eventually learn to touch more physical items and you with enough practice and concentration.

Yet she never thought of how you would feel in both cases, to stand and watch as everything unfolded before your eyes. She never thought how deeply her death would affect you, even after spending years away from one another, even after Agatha had a son with another woman.

At that moment, Agatha wanted to hug you, comfort you the way she used to when you were younger, keep you in her arms, kiss your head, then your nose, and then peck your lips as you lay in her arms.

She couldn’t though, for she had yet to learn how to do that in her new form.

“I am sorry, Y/N,” she said honestly. “I never meant to harm you, especially this way.”

Your white magic started to weaken as you focused on your rapid breathing, shoulders shaking from silent sobs as you processed what she said. “Then why did you?” you whispered.

“Because there was no other choice.”

“There is always a choice!” you argued, your voice getting louder and yet cracking. “We would have found a choice... we...”

Agatha sympathized with you. “We would do what, Y/N?” she asked, her tone a little stricter as she tried to make you think more like an adult, not a child. “Would we fight until we were all on the ground, bleeding and drained? Or would you let Rio take Billy because you have already proven you wouldn’t?” Her words harmed you like a knife in your heart. You parted your lips to argue, but she continued. “There was no other way, sugar and deep down, you know it. Rio got me, and she let you two go. The fact that I am a Ghost is more positive than negative.”

You glanced at the roof tiles beneath your feet, focusing on the little green stems between the tile gaps. Her words made sense, and you hated to admit she was right, for, in the end, few choices were left.

One way or another, Rio would get what she wanted.

And as much as you wanted to argue, to say you could have taken their place... you knew you lied to yourself. Rio would never take you, even if you voluntarily gave up your soul to her. Even if you dared to cut your veins at that moment and bleed to death, she would still go for Billy or Agatha.

“But why must this be the only solution? When we reached the end... we made progress...” you held back a sob, your throat closing faintly. “We would be together.”

Agatha floated closer, her hand itching to touch your face and cup your cheek. She tried but stopped before letting her translucent hand pass through your face. However, the fact that she was right in front of you and you could not touch one another only made your heart break into more pieces.

You thought, This is unfair. Then you looked at her, finding her just as beautiful and attractive as always, even with white hair.

“I know, sugar,” she comforted you with a sad smile. “But this is not the end, you know... I am still here, free, and I can assure you, I am having quite the fun annoying little maximoff.”

You frowned. “Billy? He knows you are a ghost?”

She nodded. “Yes, though he was definitely less happy to see me.”

“I wonder why,” you replied sarcastically, a weak smile slowly forming. “So, what will you do now? I doubt you will remain around.”

“I wish I could, Sugar, but we both know I cannot.”

She didn’t have to mention Rio by name to know she was the reason why Agatha could not stay with you.

“Then I can come with you; we can travel, " you suggested, hope warming you from within at the idea that there is still a chance for you to be with Agatha.

Her soft, sad smile was the reply you feared to get, even before her lips started moving. “We know this is not possible, sugar. Not now, at least.” Her fingers stopped inches away from touching you, yet her supernatural energy was faintly sensible to you. A little comfort was the only thing she could offer you. “Your path is no longer alongside mine. You should stay... stay with Rio. She needs you as much as you need her.”

You felt your eyes getting misty. “What about you?” your voice cracked.

“I will help Billy find his brother for a change.” She confessed, making you blink slowly. “What can I say? I warmed up to that annoying kid. Plus, I can’t let him do it alone; he will mess up all the hard work we did in getting his brother a body.”

Her tone and how she both complimented and commented about Billy made you crack a weak smile. Ghost or not, she was still the same Agatha you knew and had fallen in love with when you were a mere teenager.

“What about him getting you a body? If he is the son of the scarlet witch, he could.” You suggested.

She smiled gently. “Perhaps, with the right motivation and training.” Her fingers came closer to your cheek to make her presence a little more sensible to you. “Will see with time. But for now, we must focus on finding his loud brother.”

You nodded, subconsciously leaning against her fingers; not caring about the dark cold they made you feel when they passed through your skin. This was the best you could get from Agatha in this form; this was the closest thing you could get in actually touching her.

“So, is this a goodbye?” you dared to ask.

“Temporarily. When have our goodbyes ever been permanent?”

You smiled. “We always found one another.” You added, making her nod.

“And we will, again. I promise you that.” She leaned forward in an attempt to try and place a literal ghost kiss on your forehead.

You closed your eyes, trying hard to focus on any feeling coming from it, memorizing every second of that moment... and you did. It would never be like the real one, the physical warm one, but it was still there—a sign that Agatha was slowly getting better at handling her ghost form.

Perhaps by the next time you two would meet, she would be able to be more physical with you, even if she was no longer the warm touch you had learnt to yearn for.

She would still be your Agatha, and you would be her Sugar.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The sun had started to set, and you had taken the time to make peace with what you had discovered and the fact that you did not know when you would see Agatha again.

You found that the nearby river helped with that once you mastered the courage to actually leave the rooftop. You did not know for how long you sat by the base of a willow, eyes locked on the shimmering waters, but you knew it was long enough for the sun to set slowly.

Feeling the cold breeze, you pulled your white cloak tighter around your body but refused to move. It was all so peaceful, from the sound of the river slowly making its way to the faint owls filling the nights. A few fireflies had started to show up as the sky above you darkened.

“You will get cold,” a familiar voice said from behind you, a new presence suddenly entering your radar.

Yet you did not react the same way you did with Agatha, for you quickly picked up Rio’s familiar present. Perhaps it helped that she was always so blended in with nature; nothing of her truly made her feel threatened or standing out... unless she wanted to.

“I will go inside in a little bit, " you replied, your eyes never leaving the crystal waters as they started to reflect the faint light, the new moon just a few days away.

Your reply did not seem to please Rio, for you felt her body pressed against yours. Long legs moved to each side, pressing you slightly closer and trapping you. Her arms moved to wrap around your waist, her chest pressed on your back, and she rested her chin on your shoulder.

This move was not new to you, for she had repeated it a few times, especially after you had recklessly spent hours outside staring and silently talking to the moon above. She never interrupted, but she refused to let you do it alone.

Thus, she would always perk herself up in a similar position, ensuring you would have both support and external warmth, though the latter was not really working considering her nature and how cold she always was.

The thought, though, truly made everything matter, and you appreciated it each time, never turning it down.

She did not have to speak or do anything, so I know you appreciated her attempt. She also knew you were not so keen on talking, at least not immediately, so you did not.

“How do you feel, baby girl?” she asked, one hand gently brushing through your hair while the other remained hooked around your waist.

You took a moment to answer, debating whether you should even mention Ghost Agatha. You were curious to see if Rio knew or how she could react. The thought did not remain for long in your mind; you quickly dismissed it.

“I... I don’t know...” you whispered.

You did not lie to her, for you truly did not know how exactly you felt at that moment. Your emotions were suddenly too complex, intertwined, and volatile to make sense of.

A heavy sigh left your lips as you leaned back, pressing your body against hers. She welcomed your move, pulling you as close as possible.

You chose to close your eyes for a moment, letting your mind focus on anything but your thoughts and emotions. You tried to focus on Rio’s body pressed against yours, your magic vibrating to the same frequency as hers, awakening the more she remained so close to you.

Her scent, while earthly, always stood out against the environment; it was always the one thing you could smell and target when she was around you. At first, that scent was odd to you, but the more you spent time in her presence, the more you learnt to recognise and love this scent.

Rio's Scent.

As you both stayed there, you were reminded of all the times you had been in the same or similar position. You were reminded of how often Rio would be your supporting pillar and your companion and how common it felt to you—how natural it felt to be in her embrace.

Opening your eyes slowly, something seemed to click in your mind. The last puzzle pieces finally found their places, completing the picture.

You might have lost Agatha, but you had yet to lose Rio. She was still present, physically capable of being there for you... like she had always been the last few decades, if not more. How often had you felt her presence, watching you from afar, long before the two of you met?

Far too long, you concluded. And she is still here.

You slowly moved forward, and at first, you felt Rio’s hand holding resistance, her grip firm around your waist. But when you started to twist your torso, trying to turn and see her better, she let you go.

“What is it?” Rio asked you, trying to decipher your latest mood.

Your switches and the impulsive actions you sometimes took were what she truly enjoyed about you, adding a little bit of spice to everything.

New moods and thoughts, different than usual actions... little mysteries and puzzles that challenged her to solve, evolve and improvise each time.

You did not give her an answer; instead, you moved your body more, twisting and turning until you had a better view of her beautiful face. One hand was lifted to cup her cheek. The different body temperatures between you were sensible by both parties.

Rio tilted her head faintly, pressing her cheek more against your warm hand; a subconscious move as she felt the powerful attraction caused to her by your magic, that still tingled when your skin’s touched; something that no one else could ever cause.

“Rio,” you breathed out her name slowly and deeply.

Her dark brown eyes darkened by your tone, for she swore she could hear the faint beg hiding behind. She placed her hand on top of yours, staring deep into your piercing eyes.

“Tell me what you want,” she ordered, her fingers faintly trying to curl around yours while her legs pressed against your torso, keeping you trapped there.

The answer to her commanding passive question came before you could process it.

“You.”

Without another word, you leaned forward and placed your lips against hers, your free hand grabbing her thigh. Your eyes closed, and you did not try to hide your need for this kiss, this contact, or the earthly taste of Rio’s lips.

Rio did not hesitate to return the action, moving forward to deepen and properly claim the kiss, her head pushing yours back. Like a starved woman, she attacked your lips the way she had back at the cabin, her arms pulling you even closer as if trying to make you one with her... and you wished you could be.

You parted your lips more, letting her take control as you willingly submitted to her. Your mind went hazy at that moment; your thoughts were silenced, and you chased after that as well.

The hand on her thigh squeezed when you felt her teeth pulling at your bottom lip once again. Your fingers pressed into her flesh to the point a faint bruising would form, and you knew that had your nails been longer, they would have drawn blood.

Yet this move held you stable, offering you a weak way of trying to remain and not fully melt into her arms. You failed because she took that move as a welcoming challenge and bit on your bottom lip until you both felt the metallic taste of blood shared between your tongues.

“Mmmm!” The kiss muffled any noises or words you tried to let out, and you pulled back only after your lungs started to burn.

She let you in, but she also wasted no time pushing you, gently moving you until your back met the tall grass you both had been sitting on. She pressed your hands next to your head, her skilled long fingers interlocking with yours.

“Rio,” you called her out, staring at her as she hovered above your laying form. Her eyes were dark with desire, something that both made you wish to obey and intensified by testing the waters.

“You did not answer me, baby girl. What do you want?” she asked, clearly wishing to hear you say it first.

You might have initiated the first move, but that was not enough. She needed you to say it, beg for it; you could even try to demand it but she needed to truly sense it before she would give it to you.

Your lips parted, the thin trail of blood entering your mouth, but that was the least of your concerns. As you regained your breathing, you could not help but stare at her whole her. The beauty she exuded without effort, the danger and thrill her dark brown eyes held... the masterful fingers that could dig deeper and more skilled than anyone else’s.

At that moment, perhaps it was your aching heart in need of some comfort or a sign from the universe itself, but you finally had a clear head to see what you still possessed... and wanted.

“You,” you whispered, your courage growing along with the rising heat between your legs. “I want you, Rio. All of you, now and forever.”

Rio was taken aback momentarily, for no one had ever spoken such words to her, not even Agatha. Were you anyone else, she would have laughed at the obvious lie, but she knew you were telling the truth.

The need to be with her, twist and bend and melt until your souls intertwined, was something she could practically smell on you, let alone sense by how more vibrant your magic core was, reacting with her presence, like two halves of a whole.

“Then you will have me,” she finally answered, lowering her head and bringing it closer to you. “As you always meant to.”

This time she kissed you first, pressing your head more against the ground as she sucked on your faintly bruised and bitten lip, causing fresh blood to flow into her mouth, but that only excited and motivated her more.

Her legs straddled your waist, and she pressed her body more on you without adding too much weight. Her hair tickled your cheek faintly as one hand let yours go and started to roam your body, following a well-memorized map invisibly existing on your skin.

At that moment, as you felt her slowly admiring you with her touch, marking your kiss with her teeth, and whispering your name by your ear, you truly felt your heart beating again, beating for someone, again... beating for her.

[vigilante24ish]

Is there anyway you can do a part 4 ending of Moon Phases? Like where we die instead and come back as a ghost? It could be like a Agatha x Rio x reader. Doesn’t have to include smut at the end either. I’m just curious how Agatha’s expression and feelings would be if we died and came back as a ghost

Hmm, that's an interesting idea.

I might try to do that, though I give no promises how soon it might be ready. Need to see how I can plan such turn of events.

[vigilante24ish]

🌙 Moon Phases 🌙 Agatha Harkness X Fem!Reader

Word Count: 1971 Dedicated to: @blackiron11 & @yelenablshop

Finale III - part 2/3 (Rio x Reader ending)

Agatha barely spared him a look, for she knew she could not keep the facade if she saw that annoying but rather persuading puppy face he had. God, he and his mother had that in common, among many other things.

“What?” you exclaimed, finally in tune with everything.

You had been awfully quiet, watching the mental debate between Agatha and Billy. You hated how powerless you were once again, but if any of those two dared to offer themselves, you swore you would fight until Rio had no choice but to kill you.

And then Agatha dropped that bomb... one you should have seen coming.

But considering the other sides she dared to show Billy and even the coven, sides that you had to fight for to see... you thought perhaps all those centuries had changed her. Perhaps she had come to terms with everything.

Yet it seemed she had just made another deal behind your back. Another selfless deal to save her skin and potentially yours, but that was not the point.

“You heard him. The Boy. As promised,” Agatha continued as she walked further away. “Now, let Y/N go and put my yard back.”

The vines holding you hostage released you, and red lines and thorn wounds were evident on your exposed skin, but that was the least of your concerns. You got up, your legs feeling weak from the restricted blow flow, and your body was in desperate need of a rest, but you would bother with that later.

“Agatha... I thought...” Billy said, his voice turning into a whisper, and he tried hard not to lose the last little spark of hope he had within.

He really thought Agatha had changed, that she was a different person. She had shown him a different side of her. Then, why did she act that way all of a sudden?

Was it all a fluke? Just a big plan she had formed from the beginning?

Agatha turned a fake smile on her lips. “What can I say? I am a coven-less witch.” She repeated his words. “Come along, pet. We have things to do.”

She looked at you and then turned to walk away, expecting you would follow her without a second thought. After all, that’s what you often did, and you had made it clear in the last trial that you would be with her until the end.

Well, this was clearly not the end, but she still needed you with her.

You looked at her, walking away like she always did. Like all the other times, she walked away from you after being turned down. All the other times you had chosen to stay back...

This was your chance to change that. This was your chance to be with her for good, to not let her wander the world around.

You took one step and then another, glancing at Rio first. She did not seem surprised by the events, although you swore she was disappointed she could not have fun with you anymore.

She would find ways, though.

You dared look at Billy, seeing his defeated expression that made your heart crack and slowly crumble into a dozen pieces. He was so done with betrayal and selfishness, so defeated by the way Agatha gave him away.

Any light or hope he used to have in his dark eyes was gone, and he was slowly becoming an empty husk, waiting for death to finally take him.

At least his mortal parents would finally be able to grieve in peace, not having to worry when the memory of their son would return. At least Tommy was alive, and he would have a second chance. At least he would reunite with his supposed parents, maybe even Sparky.

“Come along, Y/N!” Agatha called your name when she suspected you were taking your sweet time.

Honestly, you could grieve and hate her later. Now, she truly wanted to just leave Rio and this place behind.

Once and for all.

“No,” you exclaimed as you placed both feet on the ground.

“No?” Agatha repeated as she turned halfway, stealing you a suspicious look.

“I am not letting him take her, Agatha,” you argued. “I was not there for Little Nicky, but I will be there for Billy. “

Your words cut deep into the hearts of both Agatha and Rio, who had different views of their son’s passing.

Rio glanced down momentarily, still hating how Nicky’s death had pushed her and Agatha away after everything. She understood why you chose to take that stand with Billy, and she was certain you would have stubbornly done the same had you been present when Rio came for her son.

Yet again, you had always been the more open-minded between you and Agatha, especially when it came to natural laws and sacred orders that were the foundations of this universe and all the others.

Agatha, on the other hand, felt her throat closing momentarily at the mention of her dead son. The scar he left on her heart had been reopened after the last trial, and the fact that Billy reminded her of Nicky so much was not helping. And now, you chose to stand and try to change things... you really had bad timing.

Billy parted his lips in silent surprise, not expecting you to stubbornly stay by his side. Honestly, he was happy there was someone who still wished him to be around and fight for him. However, he did not want you to get hurt more than you already were. No matter your powers or sudden boost, you were clearly no match for Rio, who had not even broken a sweat.

However, one thing seemed to only fit into some of this... Nicky.

The son of Rio and Agatha, the one no one knew what happened to...why was he brought up now?

A crazy theory popped into his mind, and he turned his focus fully on Agatha, who was hesitating to leave you behind. It took him a strain, but in the end, he managed to get access to her mind, even if it was limited.

‘Agatha!’ he called out her name mentally, the street light nearby flickering passively due to the aura of his power. ‘Is this what happened to Nicky?’

If you mention that Nicholas had wounded her heart, Billy actually crashed it. Memories of her sweet boy got awoken in her mind, threatening to take control and make her drop the mask she had chosen to wear once again.

And as she fought against her emotions, something replayed in her mind... something you had told her not long ago.

"I don't think he will ever judge you, Ags. He loved you too much,"

Perhaps you were right. Perhaps it was time for her to face her fears, the skeletons in her closet.

Before she would do that, though, she decided to take one last risk. No matter what, she would accept your hate after it; she would accept your anger and anything you would throw at her.

But this was the only way for everyone to get what they wanted, the only way to end this once and for all.

And so, Agatha started to march towards Rio, confident as ever. Rio so openly and quickly approached for the hug, obediently yearning for Agatha’s touch after all those years of being kept away and blamed for things she could not control.

The kiss that followed was one that Rio would never forget, and neither would you... not when you spotted the green veins growing across Agatha’s cheeks or the tears threatening to escape Rio’s eyes.

“No... no, no. Agatha!” you shouted, calling her name as you tried to make your way there.

Whether she heard you or not, it was too late to change things. She could already feel the change; Rio’s invading powers were doing their job as they should have all those years ago. Even when she stopped absorbing them, she focused on the last kiss she would have with her.

A kiss also shows that she forgave Rio for everything that happened to Nicky.

She wished she could have kissed you one last time, but she would face the end, knowing you were safe and in good hands.

Your shouts and cries echoed above the winds, your wails of pain and grief being heard across the different houses surrounding you, making the residents wonder what kind of deity was harmed that night.

You rushed towards the couple, tripping more than once from exhaustion and shock. You could not lose Agatha, not after everything you two had been through... not after making up for all the times you stayed behind and let her go on her own.

Yet it was too late. Agatha started to levitate up, a peaceful look on her face, as Rio’s powers gently lowered her to the ground, laying her on the green grass.

You were about to catch her, try to use your magic to heal her, but a pair of arms stopped you.

Rio grabbed you by the waist, holding you back from making a fatal mistake. This was Agatha’s choice and her time was up, there was no saving... no second chances.

“No! NO!” You tried to fight her grip in a desperate attempt, tears running down your cheeks in a never-ending stream. Your white magic went crazy, trying to blast Rio off and resonate with the sudden loss and pain you felt deep in your heart.

Yet Rio remained firm and standing, ignoring the burning sensation your magic caused on her, for she knew she had to keep holding you and let your grief... just as she did, a last tear escaping as purple flowers and mushrooms of different kinds started to grow where Agatha’s body was decomposing.

Your shouts turned into whispers and pleas before you were only left with sobs. You stopped channelling your magic, letting it die along with your broken heart as you held on to Rio for dear life. You buried your tear-stained face on her side, unable to stare at the body of your lover who was no longer there.

Your shoulders shook, and it was one thing Rio never wished to ever sense, your sobs the one thing she never wished to hear... for at that time, her black heart was breaking into pieces.

She mourned the loss of Agatha, the lover that made her truly feel. She would not see her again, for she had promised not to come for her when she would die. And she shared your grief, feeling invisible pain at seeing you so heartbroken and defeated, even though it was an inevitable thing that would come one day.

The sound of steps against the grass reminded you that Billy was still there, utterly crushed by what he had witnessed. Agatha’s selfless sacrifice, her rotting corpse, your pleas and begs... he thought the Road had scarred him, the hex folding... but they were nothing compared to this.

He approached with hesitant steps, still not believing that Agatha was gone or that the patch of purple flowers and mushrooms was her. He wanted to comfort you, offer you a hug, and just try to be there, though he could not do anything to change the situation.

He halted when Rio turned her head to face him, the bottom half of her face just a skeleton.

“You can go,” her deep voice echoed, magically sent out without the need to move her skeleton jaw.

Billy hesitated, glancing at your weeping form. “What about-“

“I will take care of her. Her path is with me.”

Part 3/3

[vigilante24ish]

🌙 Moon Phases 🌙

Agatha Harkness X Fem!Reader

Word Count: 2148

Dedicated to: @blackiron11 & @yelenablshop

Finale III - part 1/3 (Rio x Reader Ending):

Time seemed to slow down as you used your full body to push Agatha out of harm's way. You saw the knife coming closer and closer, giving you little space or time to defend yourself.

You felt like closing your eyes, but you did not. You were ready to accept whatever injury would come next, but it never came.

Rio's reflexes were as sharp as you expected. The moment she saw you in harm's way, she used every single ounce of pure mental strength to stop herself and the knife from harming you, for she would never forgive herself if something happened to you.

You watched with wide eyes, the sharp point of the knife inches away from piercing your heart; a rather fatal wound.

Yet your magic was still going crazy, and your instincts to protect yourself and Agatha were taking over. Before you knew it, you had blasted Rio from point-blank range and sent her flying back.

"Rio...! ..." you exclaimed, seeing her tossed back into the half-ruined house, her body crashing through an already broken window.

Your eyes were wide, and you parted your lips, speechless at what you had done. Sure, you had been attacking her before, but it was mostly defensive, just helping keep the balance in the battle, and never with the intention of hurting her.

But this one...

You knew she was fine, but it did not help ease the guilt or the shock from actually causing her harm.

"That was one hell of an attack, Sugar," Agatha said as she regained her footing.

"I..."

Before you could find an excuse or comment anything on it, green magic hit you right on the chest. The force knocked the air out of your lungs and sent you on your back.

Gasping for air, you barely registered the small shards of glass piercing through your clothes or the bruises that would be formed later due to the hurtful landing.

"Y/N!" Agatha shouted in surprise and fear.

A manic laughter echoed across the area, carried by the winds and matching the flashing sky above. Rio, fully unharmed, walked out of the house as if she had never been attacked.

Her laughter made your hair stand on end as you lifted your head and struggled to stand up.

"Oh, I always knew you had it in you, baby girl!" she exclaimed, a rather unsettling smile on her black-painted lips. Now we are truly talking!"

Rio had always talked of the power you had been gifted, the raw moon magic running through your veins. The very same magic you always saw as a curse, she saw as a blessing.

You were unique and meant for much more if only you had stopped holding back. And now, finally, you were taking the first step and tapping into your real potential.

"Stay away from her, Rio. It's me you want," Agatha said defensively as she moved to stand between you and her ex.

She went for the attack, trying to keep Rio away and give you time to recover. She had her powers back; she didn't need you risking your life to protect her.

Purple and Green flashed in a beautiful but deadly battle as the two lovers attacked, doing their best to disarm and stop the other.

You grabbed the chance to turn on your stomach and get up, glass shards piercing your exposed skin, but the acute pain was only motivating you to get up.

Suddenly, Agatha was forced to protect herself from a rather powerful attack. She managed to block it partially, but she still felt the hit, sending her on her back; the familiar metallic taste of blood was sensed in her mouth.

"No!" You shouted, hands glowing white with magic.

You unleashed a powerful blast, but someone else joined simultaneously. Your combined efforts were enough to knock Rio off her feet.

Your head wiped to the left, eyeing the greenhouse. You saw Billy rushing towards the two of you, worried about the wounded Agatha.

Grabbing the chance, you pushed yourself up and rushed forward, doing your best to draw Rio's attacks away from Agatha and Billy.

Your white magic quickly countered Rio's green one, the forces making you take a step back, but you remained standing.

You hesitated to attack Rio again, for in the end, you did not want to harm her; you just hoped you could tire her off until she gave up this manhunt for Billy and Agatha.

Unfortunately for you, Rio was not so keen on dropping her mission. And unlike you, she didn't mind harming you with her magic, for she could always heal you.

You blocked another attack. "Just give up, Rio! Let them be!" You shouted, hoping you could do something and change her mind.

But she was too stubborn. "It's Agatha or the kid. You don't have to be part of this." Rio replied in a serious tone.

"You know I can't stand down." You gathered your white magic, concentrating it in your arms as you got ready. "I am done watching from the sidelines!"

Her magic went for the attack, and you quickly unleashed yours, letting the two polar and ancient powers meet in the middle. The green and black combined with your white created an ethereal spectacle for Agatha and Billy as you continued.

Long gone was the silent girl you portrayed yourself as, the witch hesitant and afraid of her powers.

Now, you were standing strong... powerful. Your white magic glowed alive around you as you kept countering every attack from Rio, giving it your all with sheer stubbornness that few could truly match.

And it was that stubbornness that Rio adored but hated, especially when you refused to back down or listen to your already tired body. You were not used to all that power; you unleashed it without control, and it was slowly taking a toll on you.

Deciding to end this, Rio chose to change her plan of attack.

As you recovered from her last magical blast, she conjured her lovely vines and knocked you off your feet, the sneaky slithery plants wrapping around your feet, keeping you where you stood.

You tried to use your magic like before, to try and burn them, but a blast from Rio threatened to truly harm you.

“Don’t interfere. I will deal with you later,” she said with a rather serious look, one you had rarely seen considering her wilder and more upbeat personality with a dark sense of humour.

You looked at her, still on your knees and she would be lying if she said she did not enjoy the sight.

You knew that if you tried to free yourself, Rio would blast you again, and you could not protect yourself and fight the vines at the same time. She had truly and rather smartly cornered you, leaving you with literally no choice but to obey.

With you out of the way, Rio turned to the other two, who bravely chose to stay while they could have left you alone to battle for them.

Agatha was helped up by Billy, spitting the blood that had gathered in her mouth. She could still go for a few more rounds, but it would not last. Seeing you in that tired, bound state did not help her decide.

As usual, Billy joined and offered a possible solution to yet another of Agatha’s problems.

“This will never end. It's me she wants,” he started, looking at your trapped kneeling form. “Let her take me.”

You had been kind to him since day one, patient and welcoming, along with Alice. He failed to protect Alice during the trial, but he was not going to fail you as well; he was not going to fail Agatha.

He did not manage to take a step before thin fingers snaked themselves around his forearm, holding him back. He turned to look at the owner of those fingers, seeing a defeated Agatha.

“No, it should be me.” She said, her tone weak as was her spirit.

Billy had just started to live properly, to unlock his powers, and he had so much life ahead of him. There were so many things he could do, even more than Wanda. Billy could do the things Nicky never managed to do, and Agatha would not let him throw it all away.

And then there was you...

How many times had you put your life on the line for her? How often did you tiptoe between your two sides just because she asked you to?

Even after all those centuries and even those questionable days, she left you behind... you remained there for her. You kept opening your door and even agreed to join the Road for the second time, even though you had barely survived the first time.

All because of her.

And here you were now, wounded and tired, ready to fight until you collapsed and all for Agatha...

Billy realized why Agatha was saying those words, his gaze softening. People could call Agatha many things, but at that moment, it was evident to him that heartless was not one of them. She had spent centuries avoiding death, and yet here she was, ready to sacrifice her life for a boy she knew so little time and a lover she never appreciated as much as she should.

“You are not that bad,” the teenage boy said, fearing his voice would crack if he dared to speak more.

He really did not wish to lose either you or her. Agatha could be a pain in the ass, but he had learnt to accept her, to consider her part of his family. Plus, she helped him get Tommy a body, again breaking Rio’s rules.

His words seemed to strike Agatha deeper than any wound ever could, and her heart started to ache with every beat. When was the last time someone had told her that? When was the last time someone didn’t see her for the villain they thought she was?

Her fingers gently caressed Billy’s cheek, and for a moment, she got flashes of her little boy. Little Nicky, who, despite everything, never saw Agatha as evil.

“You must be the first to say that,” she whispered, giving him a thankful look.

If she was meant to die on the spot, at least she knew it was the right thing; for a change. And she knew, that someone other than you, did not think of her as bad.

Of course, coming to that decision was one thing but actually doing it... that was an entire other thing on its own.

She hesitated to approach Rio, who seemed to have understood what was going on. Agatha was not ready to say goodbye, was not ready to face Nicky after using his innocent song to steal powers from witches long after his passing.

Billy saw the hesitation and took a step forward.

“Take me,” he said, his voice hiding his conflicted feelings.

He had died once, sort of. It sure was not a nice or an easy thing but he could pass through it again. He had to. For in the end, it was him that did not belong amongst the living. It was him that that had stolen a body and continued on, when he should have long died.

And at that moment, something clicked in Agatha’s mind.

“I can deliver him to you,” Agatha had told Rio right after escaping, thanks to Lilia���s noble sacrifice. “I can get him to the finish line and deliver him to you.”

Rio was now intrigued, for Agatha’s deals were always interesting in how they were played. “In exchange for...?”

“You will let me go. I want you to stop making my life hell.”

“What about Y/N?” Rio asked, testing the waters and trying to see where Agatha truly stood with her feelings for you.

“Oh, please. You have no interest in her,” Agatha pointed out. “You don’t want her in harm’s way. You do not want her here. So, I hand you the boy, and you let me and Y/N alone for good.”

With everything going on, Agatha had almost forgotten about that little deal. Back then, she had mostly suggested it as an idea, but in the end, she truly did not have the heart to make it through.

But now... perhaps that idea could become true.

Perhaps this was her final chance to actually be free from all of this. Her final chance to actually be free and live her life with you, her powers back, and no annoying Maximmoff kid messing everything up.

“You heard him, take him!” She said above the winds, surprising everyone; especially Billy.

[vigilante24ish]

The gays just keep winning ✨

[vigilante24ish]

The Redhead of the Sea (Jack Sparrow x Fem!OC)

Chapter 6:

Meeting Tent, Port Royal - Day

After the pirates left, a lot had to be done. While cleaning the city and burying the dead was one thing, James Norrington was more focused on something else: the kidnapping of his fiance.

Once he had heard the news, he wasted no time in having a tent lifted and summoning two of his best men under his command. A map was spread on the wooden table, and the three of them discussed it, hoping to find where the ship had taken Elizabeth or at least where it was heading.

While some obvious answers existed, James wished to cover all of them before he set sail. This would also give the sailors time to prepare the ship, the gunpowder, the provisions to be loaded, and so on.

The Governor was not so far away, pacing up and down like a caged animal. His hands were behind his back, and his face was filled with worry. He had no clue about his daughter's well-being.

At least Artemis was safe, according to the servants, although he had yet to see her. Knowing her, though, he would not be surprised if she was somewhere in the city or with that blacksmith boy she favoured hanging around with.

Either way, his mind focused more on Elizabeth, who had been taken just like that.

What kind of Father fails to protect his own daughter?

Suddenly, Will approached them with Artemis walking by his side.

The Blacksmith boy was furious and holding a small hand axe. He did not bother with any formalities and headed straight for the Commodore.

"They have taken. They have taken Elizabeth," Will stated, his anger flaring at just seeing the so-called 'fiance' standing there and doing nothing to help Elizabeth.

"Mr Murtogg, Mr Mullroy, remove this man and Artemis," James said without even giving them more than a simple glance.

He wasn't surprised to see Artemis dirty and dressed like a man with a sword around her waist. She was fierce as far as he knew her and a fighter, far from a lady of a wealthy society. He was also aware of her past, training, and sharp tongue.

In his eyes, she failed many high society standards, but she was under the Governor's protection, and he was powerless to do or say anything.

The two soldiers tried to grab them, but Will slipped away, and Artemis elbowed Mulroy in the stomach, making it clear to the soldier that he would get hit again if he dared to lay a single hand on her.

She was not a helpless lady to just grab and pull around.

No, she was far from it.

"We have to hunt them down; we must save her," Artemis and Will said simultaneously, both fuelled with adrenaline and thoughts of just getting on a ship and going after them.

"And where do you propose we start?" the governor asked, but not before looking disappointed at Artemis's involvement and clothing. Once James had formed a plan, he would make sure to talk with her about her 'hobbies'. "If any of you have any information considering my daughter, please share it."

Will looked down and Artemis bit her bottom lip. The old man was right; they had no information about where those pirates could have taken her. Seeing that they had no response, he went back to his pacing.

"That Jack Sparrow... He talked about the Black Pearl," Mulroy said out of the blue and broke the silence.

"Mentioned it, it is more what he did" Murtogg corrected.

"Ask him where it is. Make a deal with him, he will lead us to it" Will suggested and Artemis let out a sigh.

It was certain they wouldn't accept that idea. It was smart, she would admit that, but the people around them would prefer to shoot themselves than ever make a deal with a Pirate.

She didn't blame them. Had the circumstances been different, she would most likely have taken their side but now...Elizabeth was taken and she knew that their way wouldn't bear any fruits.

"No... " the Commodore let out a heavy sigh. "The pirates who invaded this fort left Sparrow locked in his cell ergo... they are not his allies"

Artemis looked at Norrington as he spoke.

Did they leave him in his cell? Well, that black man did say they came for Elizabeth's medallion, but why not free him? Then again, pirates do hold grudges against each other. Maybe Sparrow shared a past with them, Artemis thought, and she was snapped back from her thoughts when Will slammed his hatchet on the wooden table and the map on it as well.

"That's not good enough!" he shouted.

"Mr Turner," James said as he pulled off the hatchet and walked around the table towards the duo. You are not a military man; you are not a sailor. You are a blacksmith, and this is not the moment for rash decisions." He stopped in front of them before he grabbed Will by the back of the neck, pushing him to the side and whispering something to him.

Well, I am a sailor and can beat the ass of your Military without breaking a sweat. Will can too, Artemis replied sarcastically in her mind.

Now, she knew it was not the right moment to get into a fight. She needed to play her cards right to succeed in her newly formed plan. "Come on, Will," she said as she grabbed his forearm and dragged him away.

"What?"

"You should listen to Artemis. Surprisingly, she is smarter than you," James said. The redhead glared as the man turned to walk back to the table with the map.

"Come", she hissed and pulled him away with force.

Will was confused but listened as he was half-dragged away from the others. He was released once they were far away and immediately noticed her face. "Wait. I know that face. You have a plan," he pointed out.

"You bet right I do," she said with full determination as she looked around to ensure no one would overhear them.

"What is it?"

"We will make a deal with a pirate."

[vigilante24ish]

The Redhead of the Sea (Jack Sparrow x Fem!OC)

Chapter 5:

Artemis was walking the rather deserted and silent cobbled paths of Port Royal. While a woman on her own should be afraid of any drunk man, Artemis was not.

She was armed, dangerous, and always more than happy to land a punch or two to those who deserved it. The crew always used to joke that her temper matched the unique shade of her hair, which was ironic since both her parents were very peaceful and calm individuals.

As she walked down the familiar paths, she could not help but shiver faintly. While it was not cold outside, she felt something dark existing in the air around her.

Her guts turned once again, similarly to how they did in the morning, and that was what made her stop. Looking around her, she noticed an unusually strong wind blowing against them, and mysterious black clouds could be seen heading for the island.

Strong wind...?...black clouds?

Her eyes widened, and the hair at the back of her neck stood on end as if something was telling her that bad things were coming. She ran deeper into the city but was forced to a halt as she noticed two pirates who were about to stab a wounded soldier.

"Hey, ugly and uglier!" she shouted without thinking and drawing their attention, saving the soldier from being killed.

One was short and bald, and the other was taller with a goofy expression.

"He called you uglier," the tall said and laughed.

"No, I am sure he meant you. You are uglier than I am," the shorter one argued, suddenly offended.

"No, I am not."

"Yes, you are."

"No, I am not."

"Yes, you are."

As the two kept arguing, she motioned for the wounded shoulder to run, and he did without a second thought; he did not seem to recognise her, nor did he try to play it a hero and stay with her.

Instead, he rushed to safety and left her alone with the two odd men.

"Hey, the man is getting away," the taller said, finally snapping away from the small argument.

"Forget him. He is not what we are looking for," the shorter said and looked at Artemis. "However, we can play with this one."

"Sorry, I do not like games," she said with a serious look, not once intimidated by them as she pulled her sword out.

"Oh, look at that Raggeti. She is armed," the short and bald one said, mocking her.

"So are we Pintel" Raggeti said as he pulled out his own sword, his friend doing the same.

With that, the two men raised their swords and charged.

Pintel attacked from the right and Raggeti from the left. Artemis jumped high, and the front flipped as the two pulled their swords away so as not to stab each other. They ended up colliding with each other.

She quickly swiped the legs from beneath them and watched them land on the floor on their back.

A groan escaped their lips as she raised her sword and was ready to end it without hesitation, only for another sword to block it. Looking up, she came face to face with a tall and muscular black guy.

"Bo' sun, right on time," Pintel said as he and his friend managed to stand up.

Artemis pulled her sword back and took a big step as she eyed the shirtless pirate. He was exotic, quite tall, and had a very good body, so she would give him that. However, his eyes told her he was not as stupid as the other two and was way more dangerous. She would have to be careful.

"You two go for the medallion. I will take care of her," the man said in a deep voice.

Medallion? Artemis repeated in her mind, and her single eye widened with realization. Elizabeth!

She saw the two pirates running toward her house and was about to run after them when Bo'sun blocked her way.

"You will go nowhere," he said in his deep voice that somehow seemed to match both his appearance and his demeanour.

However, Artemis would not let him or anyone stop her from defending her younger sister.

"We will see about that," she said as she attempted to slice his neck, but he blocked the hit and then pushed her back with ease.

Getting into a better position with legs apart and knees bent, she braced herself and blocked the hit the Pirate had aimed for her head. In seconds, the two of them were locked into a sword fight.

Both sides were equally matched. Artemis found herself being pushed back, only to push her opponent back once she found an opening.

This is getting me nowhere. I need... to protect... Elizabeth!

The scream in her mind strengthened her as the wind intensified. Narrowing her single eye that glowed with determination and internal fire, she pushed the man's sword up and quickly stabbed his chest in one quick hit.

The blade came from the other side, and then she pulled it back. He was not the first man she had killed, and while it had been too long, right now, she did not care.

He was a pirate, but above all, he was an obstacle, preventing her from going to Elizabeth. She expected the man to collapse, but he stood looking at her.

Confused, her eyebrows frowned, and on cue, the dark clouds that covered the moon were pushed away by the wind. As the moon lit the area around them, her breath caught in her throat as the man in front of her was now nothing more than a standing and moving skeleton.

Moving! She escaped her shock and blocked his hit in time by keeping her sword horizontally.

"What are you?" she exclaimed, overcoming the initial shock as the man kept applying pressure.

She received no reply, and with a graceful move, she managed to push the sword to the side, and he missed her head by inches. As the man was bent forward by the move, she raised her knee and connected it with his skull, specifically where his nose was supposed to be.

That seemed to shock him, so she grabbed the chance to run away and quickly headed towards the main house.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Governor's House, Port Royal

"Elizabeth!" Artemis shouted as she barged through the already open door and noticed the unconscious butler. "Elizabeth!" she shouted again as she climbed up the stairs, two at a time and barged into her empty room.

"They took her. Those two pirates, they took her!" a voice said, and Artemis turned fast. Only to see a shaken Mary by the corner, hugging herself in an attempt to offer some comfort.

"No...No!" Artemis shouted as she exited the house and ran back to the city as fast as she could.

Her lungs burnt, and her legs ached, but she didn't stop. She kept running, but it was too late; the sun had already started to rise, and the town was a mess. People were lying around, soldiers were stabbed to death, and the ship was nowhere to be found.

She came to a halt, taking fast breaths as she looked around. Her anger rose and covered her sadness as she realized she had let Pirates once again ruin her life.

The knuckles on her hand turned white as she kept holding the sword with all her might, to the point the weapon was shaking from the lethal grip. No, she couldn't have failed. She couldn't have lost another person she considered family to pirates.

As she was internally fighting, trying to control her emotions and her thoughts, which raged like a wild winter storm, she heard a groan.

Turning her head and searching for the source, she spotted Will on the floor in an alley.

He was holding his head with one hand and was slowly coming to his senses. He had been hit at the back of the head by a pirate and had been knocked unconscious for the rest of the invasion, only waking up now with a killing migraine.

"Will!" she shouted his name and rushed to his side.

"Artemis...what happened...the pirates..." he asked as he tried to focus, his head killing him.

"They are gone. And they took Elizabeth with them."

Chapter 6

[vigilante24ish]

The Redhead of the Sea (Jack Sparrow x Fem!OC)

Chapter 4:

"You two. Quickly home," the governor said, snapping the two women from their trance.

Artemis then wished she wasn't trapped in that dress so she could also go after the man. Her adrenaline was still high, and she felt the need to do something that would be much more than those soldiers could ever do.

As they walked to a carriage, she smiled as she remembered the words from Harry, her sword-fighting instructor from her past.

Artemis was on a ship, around the age of 6, and holding a wooden sword. A tall, broad man with black hair and eyes stood across from her, holding a bigger wooden sword. He attacked slowly, and the redhead quickly tried to defend against his hits.

She managed to block them, but the difference in height and power quickly made her stumble back and fall on her rear. Shaking her head, she stood up in seconds and wiped her brown pants before looking at the man.

"You improve on the blocking part. However, if you want to stand against brutal force, you need to have a better stance" Artemis took the stance she had learnt, and the man attacked again. She managed to hold her ground better this time, but he quickly hit her wooden sword away. "Good"

"Not good. I lost," the little girl whined, clearly not liking losing.

"Well, you held much longer than a Royal Navy Soldier," the man said as he pulled the sword back.

"Are they truly that bad?" she asked, tilting her head to the side.

He nodded his head."The worst. They are terrible when it comes to real fighting. You should see their aim with a gun, even worse", he joked and laughed as he bent one knee to be closer to her.

"If they are that bad, why are they in the Royal Navy?" little Artemis asked as the man touched her head.

"Well, I do ask myself that question all the time. Maybe one day you will be able to figure it out," he said and smiled at her. And when you do, let me know as well. Do we have a deal, little red?" he asked, using the nickname every sailor on the ship had for her.

Artemis nodded her head a few times. "It is a deal. You will be the first to tell when I discover the secret!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Artemis' Room, Governor's House - Port Royal - Early Nightfall

That small memory of hers triggered a few more, leaving the redhead spending the rest of her day with her mind in the clouds.

By night's fall, she was rather tired mentally and even homesick. She missed Harry and all the men she had known while growing up, who had taught her pretty much everything she knew about many subjects.

That promise was still in her mind, but she knew even if she had the answer, she would only be able to tell Harry once her time on earth was long due. That did not mean she did not have her theories on the subject. Theories he wished he could share with him and the rest of the crew.

A heavy sigh left her lips as she ensured the covers were up to her neck. Sometimes memories sucked, for they ruined her mood and messed up with her emotions, leaving her trapped with anger, loneliness and even the need for revenge.

Artemis did not move even when her maid placed the little capped shover with coals underneath her mattress to keep her warm during the cold nights. However, she did manage to smile at the maid. "Thank you, Mary."

"My pleasure, Lady Artemis. You need it after such a day," Mary said, taking her leave and allowing the redhead to remain with her thoughts.

Surprisingly, her little flashbacks ended when the famous pirate from before entered her mind. She let a silent groan, unable to make her mind stop as it replayed their little meet-up just a few hours prior.

"Yeah," she said, and her mind returned to the same Pirate.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Artemis was lying on the bed, letting the hour pass while thinking about the famous pirate she had just met. The more she thought of the encounter, the more she hated to admit that she found him attractive in his own, unique way.

However, it was his dark deep brown eyes that had gotten her attention, for they were filled with so much sadness and pain but also kindness.

Artemis wasn't sure if it was even possible for a pirate and she found herself slightly curious about him. She took a deep breath and got control over her thoughts, before glancing at the clock by the wall.

She was mentally counting the passing minutes and when she was certain that enough time had passed, she wasted no time to push the covers off her body.

Unlike some nights, she had long changed from her nightdress to a more practical outfit. A simple white poet shirt and tight black pants, while her tall black boots were hidden beneath her bed.

After wearing them, she pulled a simple sheath with a sword from the same hiding place. Artemis always thought of it as a miracle how she managed to hide those things without the maids finding out.

She gently caressed the sheathed sword as it was placed upon her lap, a small, sad smile on her lips. This was the sword belonging to her late father, and sadly, it was the only thing left to her from the family she once had but had forever lost in a cruel twist of fate.

Strapping the sword with a brown leather belt, she tied her hair in a high ponytail with a black ribbon and, as usual, left a few to cover her right eye.

She tiptoed to the door and opened it slightly, heading popping out first. Seeing that the area was clear, she walked out and gently closed the door before silently walking and entering Elizabeth's room.

Her adopted younger sister was dressed in her white nightgown and was looking from the window. However, upon hearing her bedroom door opening; Elizabeth turned her head towards the latest visitor.

"Artemis... you are going again?" she asked once she spotted the redhead's outfit.

"Yeah. I want to check up on him and I am sure he will want to take out his anger.

This he was none other than their friend William Turner; mostly known to them as Will. He worked as a blacksmith...better say assistant of a blacksmith. The man who ran the shop was Mr Brown and everyone thought that he was one of the best. In reality, though, he was a man who drank himself to sleep and all the great swords were Will's creation.

The same young man also practised sword fighting in his free time. Artemis had been his teacher all those years.

However, she would give it to him. He kept practising nonstop and even invented moves and tricks of his own, but Artemis had done the same. She would smuggle herself out of the house on free nights and go for a small spar with him.

However, today, she heard the news that Mr Brown had caught Jack and that Will was found with a sword in hand. It didn't take a genius to understand that Will had fought the Pirate but was never congratulated.

A spar would help him take out his anger, which he had on such occasions, but also might help her learn more about the mysterious pirate that refused to leave her mind.

"Are you okay?" Artemis asked her adopted sister, seeing that distant look on her face.

Elizabeth was younger by almost 5 years, and Artemis always felt the need to protect her and keep her safe. Ever since they were children, she had always looked after her, and after they ended up living together, they came even closer.

"Yeah, are you okay?" she asked, remembering how Jack had held her hostage.

"I had crazier adventures in my life," she admitted, trying to calm her down and smiling at her. "I promise I will be back soon."

"Be careful out there."

"Oh, Liz, it is there that needs to be careful of me," she joked, using the nickname she had for her since they were kids.

"Very well then. Don't kill anyone," she joked back, a smile finally forming.

"No promises."

The two girls laughed, and Artemis opened the window. She gracefully jumped on a nearby tree branch and held it there for dear life before wrapping her legs around it as well.

Once secure, she started to slither down the tree before jumping and landing safely on the ground. She saluted Elizabeth and headed towards the city and the blacksmith shop.

Chapter 5

[vigilante24ish]

The Redhead of the Sea (Jack Sparrow x Fem!OC)

Summary:

Artemis Hazelstone Swann was the daughter of a merchant and was later adopted by the governor of Port Royal, Weatherby Swann. Her life had been simply the best, as she travelled the seas with her father and enjoyed the best thing in the world, freedom. However, a terrible accident takes everything from her and imprisons her to a boring life in Port Royal. When her best friend and adopted sister, Elizabeth, is taken by pirates, she and her best friend, Will Turner, make a deal with the notorious pirate Jack Sparrow.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

[vigilante24ish]

The Redhead of the Sea (Jack Sparrow x Fem!OC)

Chapter 3:

Harbour, Port Royal - Day

When Jack Sparrow set foot on Port Royal for the first time, he would have never imagined that he would have to dive into the cold waters of the sea to save a young lady soon after. He had just dragged her out of the water, and with the help of two stupid soldiers, he placed her on the wooden platform of the pier.

"She is not breathing," one of the two guards stated, earning an eye-roll from the pirate.

Before he could try to give her some kiss of life or try to find a way to help her, Jack heard a new voice shouting from a distance. "It's the corset!" the voice said, making the three men turn their heads towards the source of it, only to see a red-haired woman running their way. "Take off the corset!"

Jack didn't need to be told twice before trying his best to untie the knots, but his actions were in vain. Whoever tied those knots should get a job on a ship, he thought with mild annoyance as he was humiliated by a few strings of cloth.

It was embarrassing for him, a sailor with years of experience on deck, to struggle with some corset knots.

The redhead woman finally managed to reach them, only to see the unknown man failing with the knots while the two familiar soldiers just standing there; watching. 

Ironically, both soldiers had swords and could have helped, but apparently, they were not the smartest among the hundreds of men wearing fancy uniforms.

"Unbelievable" the woman muttered as she quickly knelt next to the pirate; surprising him.

She grabbed the breast knife, surprising the men, who stared for a moment too long at the place she had just taken the knife out from. She paid them no mind as she did her best to cut the strings that were killing her adopted sister.

Jack would have helped, but he was too shocked by the young lass beside him. Her bright red hair seemed to be the orange of flames under the once again visible sun, while her eye was the most beautiful blue Jack had ever seen.

One look at it, and his mind immediately drifted to the sea, his eternal love. For a moment, he wondered how someone could have eyes like that, but his attention quickly went to the white eye patch and the tip of a scar that was barely visible beneath it.

Who would harm such a face, and why?

His mind was desperate to solve this mystery, but he was snapped back to reality by someone's coughs. He looked down only to see the blond lass coughing water while the red-haired woman was patting her back. Her small dagger was hidden once again with the expertise of a thief.

"I would have never thought of that," the other soldier said, drawing their attention.

"You haven't been to Tortuga, mate," Jack replied while secretly admitting that the knife idea was a good one and wondering if any other women carried those. Of course, suddenly, he found that it was not the best idea, considering his luck with women.

He pulled a face but focused on the present when his eyes landed on the golden medallion the almost-drowned woman wore. "Where did you get that?"

Suddenly, before he could get his answers, two new and more serious soldiers grabbed him from behind while others marched towards them. Governor Swann and Commodore Norrington quickly made their way towards the two girls.

"Elizabeth!" the two said as they helped the ladies stand on their feet and pulled them away from the pirate.

The Governor quickly removed his jacket and covered his only daughter, who was soaking wet. 

On the other hand, Artemis had the chance to fully take notice of the man who had saved her adopted sister. Upon recognising what he truly was, she could not help but narrow her single visible eye as bitter memories of her past threatened to resurface in her mind. 

Pirate, she thought in her mind.

She would recognize one from miles away, thanks to her experiences and travels. Pirates were those who had robbed her of everything she ever had, and now she had one of them standing in front of her.

Weren't the facts that were witnesses and that he had saved Elizabeth, Artemis would have attacked and stabbed the man in front of her without a moment of hesitation.

"Shoot him", the Governor suddenly ordered as he eyed the pirate cautiously.

"Father!" Elizabeth scolded him and turned to the younger man and, ironically, her fiance. "Commodore, do you intend to kill my rescuer?"

Artemis bit her bottom lip, not liking the idea of the man living, but then again, he did save her adopted sister. It was only fair not to execute him, at least. Letting him go was another thing that would have to be discussed.

"She has a point. Elizabeth wouldn't be here if it weren't for that man," she said through her teeth, taking her sister's side.

She didn't want to take his side, but she was raised to be just and fair. Her late father had tried hard to bestow those qualities upon her, and she did her best to honour them.

James looked between the two women and nodded as the soldiers lowered their swords. He did the same with his and sheathed it back to its case.

Jack silently thanked the two women and noticed that one was looking at him with fascination but the other with hatred. Artemis stood beside Elizabeth and blocked his view of her, her single eye narrowing slightly.

"I believe thanks are in order," the Commodore said, extending his hand to the pirate. The man slowly shook it, but he was pulled forward by the man in the wig. Pulling his sleeve up slightly, James exposed the 'P' branded on his wrist. "Had a brush with the East Indian Trading Company, did we? Pirate"

"Hang him", the Governor ordered once he realised what the man truly was.

"Keep your guns on him, men. Gillette, fetch some irons," Norrington ordered, pulling the man's sleeve even higher to expose a sparrow tattoo. "Well, well...Jack Sparrow, isn't it?"

"Captain Jack Sparrow, if you please, sir,"

Jack Sparrow? Artemis frowned her eyebrows as she tried to recall if she had heard that name before. For some reason, it sounded familiar but she couldn't pinpoint from where exactly.

"Well, I do not see your ship...Captain."

"I am on the market, as it were."

"He said he had come to commandeer one," Murtogg, one of the two soldiers who were with him from the beginning, said.

"I told you he was telling the truth. These are his, sir," Mulroy said right after and grabbed the things that belonged to the Pirate.

An old brown and worn-out hat, a gun, a compass and a sword. James grabbed the gun first and inspected it. "No additional shot, no powder," he stated. He gave it back to the soldier and grabbed the compass. "A compass that doesn't point north"

Artemis tilted her head slightly as she noticed the circles inside the compass moving clockwise and reverse for no apparent reason. Something was odd about that compass; she could feel it. James pulled the sword slightly out of its sheath and smirked as he inspected the cheap metal before sheathing it again.

"And I half expected it to be made of wood", he joked. "You are, without a doubt, the worst pirate I have ever heard of."

"But you have heard of me," Jack said and the redhead blinked.

Does this guy think this is a game? Can't he see how serious this situation is?

James didn't seem to like Jack at all, but he quickly grabbed his forearm and started to pull him away. Elizabeth wasn't about to let it happen.

"Commodore, I really must protest," she said as she followed them.

"Careful, lieutenant," Norrington said, handing the pirate to the soldier, who started to put the iron shackles around him.

"Pirate or not, this man saved my life", she continued as she stood before the Pirate and eyed the young man.

"One good deed is not enough to redeem a man of a lifetime of wickedness"

"Though it seems enough to condemn him" Jack added.

"Indeed," Artemis said before James could, and she grabbed Elizabeth by the arm, pulling her back as the two exchanged places. "And saving your life or not, this man has been asking for it with his actions. Liking it or not, he is to be hanged."

"Artemis, you wouldn't let an innocent man get hanged"

"He is not innocent", she hissed back at her.

Elizabeth had known Artemis since they were children. She knew her hatred for Pirates, but she still believed that this man should be left to walk free. Pirate or not, he had saved her life.

"Finally," Jack said out of the blue and wrapped the chains that connected his suckles around Artemis' neck, pulling her against him.

"Artemis!" her sister exclaimed in surprise, fear visible in her brown eyes as she did not expect the man, who had just saved her, to kill her sister just like that.

"Don't shoot!" Commodore shouted right after Elizabeth as the men raised their guns at the duo.

"I do not know why you hate me so much, but sooner or later, you will warm up to me," Jack whispered to Artemis' ear as she struggled, but he pulled with a little more force than he wanted. He didn't want to hurt the redhead; it wasn't him to hurt others like that. He would give it to her, though; she was not afraid. "Commodore Norrington, my effects, please... and my hat."

"No, don't. Just shoot both of us already," Artemis shouted back, and the men looked hesitant to obey the adopted daughter of the Governor.

"Artemis!" the man and her guardian said in disbelief at what he was listening to. "Don't you dare shoot unless given command!"

"Don't fight me, Lassie. Play nice, and both of us will walk out of here alive," he whispered to her ear as she struggled to move her head away from him. "Commodore," he said out loud as he noticed that the man was hesitant.

James was left with no choice. He would not mind letting her at his mercy, for the redhead had been a thorn by his side since she was a child.

However, he knew he could not do that because 1) Elizabeth would never forgive him, and 2) The Governor did outrank him at that moment, and he could not really be seen as bad in front of his father-in-law. Could he now?

In the end, he was forced to take what Jack had requested from a soldier and hold them in his arms while turning to face Artemis and Jack.

"Artemis, wasn't it?" Jack whispered in her ear once again.

"It's Miss Hazelstone to you," she hissed back as she glared at him from the corner of her visible eye.

"Miss Hazelstone, if you would be so kind. Come, come, dear, we don't have all day," Jack reminded her as James handed her the belongings. The Pirate was quick to spin her, so she faced him. His hands were once again around her neck, now the chain pressuring the back of it, making sure she wouldn't try to do anything. "Now, if you would be very kind," he continued, managing to take a proper look at her.

The bang that covered her hair had been moved to the side slightly, exposing more of the white eye patch on her left eye. Then, the visible eye with a shade of blue rivalled the sea itself. Artemis glared at him as she placed the hat on his head, making sure to use more force than necessary. Then, it was the belt, which she had to embrace and wrap around his waist.

Jack had leaned forward and rested his head on her shoulder during that short time, taking in the scent of her red hair and giving a wicked smile to the two men. Then, he returned to his original position as Artemis buckled the belt.

"Easy on the goods, darling," he said, and a smirk found its way on her lips as she pulled much harder, causing the man to slightly flinch.

"What goods?" she said, raising her head to look at him, their faces inches apart.

"Feisty, aren't we? Well, love, sticks and stones. I saved your friend's life, so now you save mine. We are square" With those words, he turned her once again and held the chains against her neck but also the gun close to her head as he took a few steps back.

"Gentlemen, my ladies", he started, looking at Elizabeth and then at Artemis. "You will always remember this as the day that you almost caught... Captain, Jack... Sparrow" With the last words leaving his lips, he released the redhead and pushed her forward as he started to run the other way.

The Governor caught her before she could fall forward. They all turned to look back at the soldiers attacked.

However, Jack was one step ahead. He grabbed a rope and kicked a mechanism, causing the rope to be pulled up along with him.

At the same time, a canon was falling as it was tied by the other end of the rope that the Pirate used to help himself escape. The canon fell on the docks and broke the wood with its weight, creating a hole.

The soldiers didn't manage to stop, and some of them fell straight into the water. The rest looked up as Jack was hanging from the rope and was spinning reverse clockwise while the wooden structure supported him.

"Now, will you shoot him?" the Governor asked as Artemis turned her body to better see the weird and surprisingly lucky Pirate.

"Open fire!" James ordered, and the men started to shoot but missed each one of them.

The redhead rolled her eyes, and if she hadn't been held by the arm by Elizabeth and her father, she would have grabbed one of the guns from those aimless soldiers and shot the man down on her own.

Finally, Jack landed on another wooden beam and let go of the rope.

"On his heels!" the Commodore shouted, and along with his soldiers, he rushed to catch up with Jack, who had used a rope to slip down and then ran away as fast as his legs could carry him.

Chapter 3

[vigilante24ish]

The Redhead of The Sea (Jack Sparrow x Fem!OC)

Chapter 2:

She joined Elizabeth in the carriage and sat beside her while the older man sat across from them. The door closed, and not even a second later, the carriage started to move.

"How many times must I tell you to call me Elizabeth?" Artemis whispered and mocked her sister, keeping her voice low and her lips close to her sister's ear.

"What? But is the truth" her adopted sister spoke back, her tone lowered to ensure her father would not hear them.

"Yet you expected Will, of all people, to start acting friendly, especially with your father around?"

"Well..." When Elizabeth had nothing to say and argue, she pouted. "Stop scolding me!" she complained, having no comeback to her words before they both giggled.

Their hushed tones and even giggles had drawn the attention of the older man, who had raised both of them since they were little kids. "What are you two giggling and talking about?" he dared ask, although deep down, he suspected what answer he would get.

"Oh, you know, father, women things", Elizabeth replied, causing the old man to roll his eyes.

Being a single father and raising a daughter was hard enough; now, he has two of them at the most notorious of ages. He stayed quiet and focused on his thoughts and responsibilities, allowing the two women to continue their whispered conversation.

"Not my fault that you are such a fish, but you have to admit I am right," Artemis continued, keeping her voice low.

"Yeah, perhaps... Anyway, what are you going to do about that mysterious suitor? You still haven't told me his name."

At the mention of that man, her mood changed, and her smile disappeared. She suppressed a shiver, some rather unpleasant memories flashing into her mind, but she hid everything behind the 'mask' she chose to wear. "And I am not going to because he doesn't matter to me."

"He might be the only one, though," Elizabeth reminded her, considering her older adopted sister was running out of options.

She did not want to see her unhappy or with someone who would not appreciate her, but she had to pressure her. They did not have the privileges and freedom they wished for, and her father could only do so much, especially for the redhead. She was the proper age of 22, and most of her peers, if not almost all, were already married and with children.

Her options were already limited due to her...background but also her 'disability'. With each passing year, those options kept being reduced, and if she dared not be matched with anyone, she would be the laughing stock of the town, whether she was the Governor's adopted daughter.

"Yeah, but my guts are telling me that this man is rotten eggs and nothing more," Artemis said as an excuse, not wanting to go into any more details.

Everything else was personal, and she did not wish to burden her little sister with more unnecessary drama and stress. Not when the teenager already had enough on her plate and would have even more once the proposal took place.

"I can understand you, but I don't think we will have much choice. We can't stay unmarried forever."

"I know, and unless something extraordinary happens, you and I will end up spending our lives as Ladies of the House," Artemis said with disgust before turning her attention outside of the window.

If there was one thing she hated, it was her freedom to be taken away. Only a little of it had been left for a short time. The moment she would agree to the proposal and marry, she would end up trapped in her worst nightmare. Leaving out a sigh, she noticed a sea eagle passing by, and her mind returned to her trips and adventures.

Before the accident, before the world that she knew crumbled into pieces.

Unknown to her though, her adventures were far from over.

All that was required was some faith and, of course, rum!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The ceremony started rather soon after the two sisters arrived, and it was not long before the man of honour, James Norrington was officially Commodore. However, the celebrations had just begun, and our two heroines couldn't be in any worse place. Under the hot sun and with the asphyxiating corsets, they were trying their best to breathe while fanning themselves like crazy.

"I don't think I will be able to stay conscious for long" Artemis complained as bids of sweat were visible on her forehead.

"Me neither" Elizabeth replied, in the same situation as her sister.

"I have an idea!" the redhead suddenly said as she started to look around and when she found the area clear; she put her hand into her bra and pulled out a small dagger!

"Is that a dagger?!" her sister exclaimed, surprised, her voice coming a little louder than she expected.

Artemis placed her free hand over the mouth of the younger woman to stop her before looking around to check if anyone had heard them. "A breast dagger", she corrected her.

She then pulled her hand back and tried her best to find those pestering corset strings before trying her best to use the little blade and cut them. It took a few tries, but after much work, she was successful. She could not cut all of them, but a few did help regulate her breathing.

She took a deep breath, and a smile formed on her face as she was finally able to breathe properly. She turned her attention to her sister and motioned for her to turn around so she could free her. However, before the two of them could move, they heard footsteps. Panicking, Artemis quickly put the dagger between her breasts and started fanning herself while saying, 'Nothing is happening here.'

"Elizabeth, may I have a word with you?" a deep voice said. The two girls came face to face with James Norrington, who had extended his hand for her to take.

"Of course," the brunette quickly replied and accepted his hand while ignoring the shocked woman, who looked at him in disbelief.

As her fiance gently took her away, Elizabeth turned her head and silently mouthed an apology to her sister. Artemis, of course, said nothing but could not help but sense that odd sensation deep within her guts.

Something had been wrong since she had woken up, but she had chosen not to focus on it. Having no one else to talk to or anything else to do left her with no choice but to acknowledge it.

A few minutes passed, and Elizabeth had yet to return.

This could be normal any other day, but Artemis started to feel uneasy. Her guts were telling her to move,e and almost out of her control, she started to walk with no specific target in mind. She had a very bad feeling,g and it only seemed to intensify as she kept walking. Eventually, close to the pier, she took notice of something falling from high and landing straight into the sparkling blue waters of the Caribbean.

Then, James' voice was heard and it made Artemis' blood run cold.

"Elizabeth!" 

Without losing any second, Artemis picked up her dress and made her way towards the harbour, ignoring the suspicious strong wind that had started or how her stomach had turned to the point she was sure she would puke if she dared to stand still.

Chapter 3

[vigilante24ish]

The Redhead of the Sea (Jack Sparrow X Fem!OC)

Summary:

Artemis Hazelstone Swann was the daughter of a merchant and was adopted by the governor of Port Royal, Weatherby Swann.

Her life had been simply the best, as she travelled the seas with her father and enjoyed the best thing in the world, freedom. However, a terrible accident takes everything from her and imprisons her to a boring life in Port Royal.

When her best friend and adopted sister, Elizabeth, is taken by pirates, she and her best friend, Will Turner, make a deal with the notorious pirate Jack Sparrow.

Chapter 1:

Port Royal, Governor's House - Morning

The House of the famous Governor of Port Royal was a building few could truly not notice. Its many rooms, expensive design, and garden stood out against the simplest and often poorest houses of the local island residents. Governor Wetherby Swan was a kind man known for his good work as Governor and his two beautiful daughters. One was adopted, but sometimes, he could not tell which of the two girls was the wildest.

It was an early morning for a very important day, that his adopted daughter was having trouble sleeping once again. 

Dark curtains kept the morning sun rays out and allowed the room to remain as dark as possible, especially when one lived in such a tropical climate. The resident's sleep, however, did not last for long. A few knocks on the closed door made the redhead slowly wake up, but she did not attempt to move from the warm covers of her bed.

She could hear her visitor's footsteps, knowing full well that her maid had come to wake her up.

She managed to do just that by pulling the curtains to the side and allowing the morning sun to shine directly on the sleeping redhead woman. Her reaction was a low hiss and then a groan before she was forced to turn her body and head in hopes of getting back to sleep.

"Lady Artemis, please wake up. It is a special day today, and the Governor has already brought you a gift," the maid said, turning her body to face the second 'lady' of the household.

The woman sighed and pushed the covers off before raising her body to sit. Bright red hair was flying almost everywhere, and long bangs covered almost her whole face.

"What gift?" she asked with faint grogginess, a product of sleep. She started to push her hair out of her way and yawn as her maid brought forward the so-called 'gift'.

It was yet another fancy dress in nice blue with a white accessory she did not recognise but took notice of the endless strings left and right. Knowing too well that she would win something by commenting, she chose to say something else. 

"Where is he, anyway?" she asked, talking about the man who had taken her in after she lost her original family.

"He said he would check on Miss Swan first and wishes you to meet him at her room."

The redhead sighed before standing up and heading towards the changing curtain at the side of her room. She stretched her body, feeling bones popping, which offered her a small, nice relief while she mentally prepared herself for the tedious routine that she should have been used to by now.

The maid quickly helped her get rid of her simple white nightgown and then helped her with the dress.

At first, Artemis did not fully focus on what her maid was doing, merely following her instructions as she was helped into the fancy prison of multiple expensive fabrics sewn together. Yet, her trail of thoughts was interrupted when she felt someone pulling her back, followed by a rather sharp pain forming in her chest. Her breathing was reduced out of the blue, and her eyes opened wide while a yelp of surprise escaped her lips.

She held on to a nearby chair for support, needing a moment to catch her breath, although that was a challenge in itself with whatever was restricting it in the first place. She managed to look above her shoulder and focus on her maid, who was holding the strings of some sort of bodice responsible for this new uncomfortable feeling.

"What... is that thing?" she asked as she tried her best to breathe.

"It is a corset, my lady. The fanciest thing in London; all women of high status wear it."

"Well, then, when those high-status women start falling like flies, we will see how many people fancy it," she replied as the woman finished tying the strings.

The maid didn't reply to her snarky comment; she was used to them by now. She simply pushed the young woman to sit on the chair as she started making her hair. She would always compliment her about the unique colour and push her to take better care of them, saying how many men would love it. However, Artemis only truly cared a little about it and was not in the mood to spend hours looking after them. If it was up to her, a simple brushing would be more than enough.

However, while she remained under the governor's care, she had to give up on her hopes of free hair and allow the assigned maid to style it according to each occasion.

After some time and a lot of patience, she was handed a small mirror. The fierce main was braided and pulled into a bun, with a layer of hair falling gracefully on her back, stopping a little after her shoulder in natural curls. Only a bang was loose, framing her face and covering her left eye.

"Thank you, Mary", she replied as she stood up, grabbed the white eye patch from her nightstand next to her bed and quickly put it above her left eye before tying it to the back of her head.

She had done it so many times over the years that she needed no help anymore. The maid never commented on it or offered to help, having been cleared from day one that the eye patch and the story behind it were off-limits.

Once Artemis was finished, she fixed the hair to ensure it covered her little personal accessory, and no one could truly see it unless they tried hard enough. She did not care about it, but the men of higher class and society did, and the Governor had advised her to hide it as much as possible to have a chance to attract a man to be her suitor.

"Of course, Lady Artemis," Mary said and bowed before exiting the room.

Artemis sighed, adjusted the matching small hat on her head, grabbed her blue fan and quickly placed something inside the dress, between her female upper parts, before exiting the room. She tried her best to ignore the pain from the corset and headed towards the door next to hers, which was wide open.

"Well, women in London must have learnt how not to breathe!" a voice said from the room, and Artemis chuckled slightly before entering.

The room, similar to hers only with white curtains, was occupied by three people: a young woman with beautiful blond hair that was curly at the edge and gently brown eyes, her maid who was behind the changing panel, and the governor of Port Royal, who was dressed in a fancy outfit accompanied by the white wig many men of his status wore at that era.

"Or they have already died from the lack of it," the redhead said, earning laughter from the woman behind the changing panel.

The Governor, hearing her voice, turned to face her, and a smile formed on his lips. Seeing her all ladylike and proper, he said, "Artemis, you look beautiful." 

"Thank you, governor," she replied with as much mannerism as she could muster so early in the morning. She even bowed her head in respect and gratitude, not truly mattering what she thought of the dress. It was a gift, and the man in front of her had already done more than enough.

"Now, now ladies... Come along; we don't want to be late."

"We will be down in a second, Father," the blond said, and the Governor rolled his eyes before making his way towards the stairs, leaving the two girls alone.

As the man exited the room, the 17-year-old woman walked away from the changing panel. She was dressed in a similar dress in gold and crème, with her brown hair in a high ponytail, covered mostly by the hat.

"Ready, Ms Elizabeth Norrington?" Artemis joked, only to earn a punch in the forearm from the younger girl.

The maid smiled slightly before exiting the room, leaving the two women alone. Artemis did not even flinch at the hit and kept an amused smirk on her face, her single blue eye passively challenging the younger woman.

"You know it's not funny" Elizabeth replied before grabbing her matching fan and exiting her room, head held high.

Artemis couldn't help but let out a sigh and shake her head. She smiled faintly and quickly joined her before they started to climb down the stairs. Her blue eye quickly connected with the ones of a young, attractive man with brown hair and gentle brown eyes standing at the entrance; the governor standing next to him.

"Will!" Elizabeth exclaimed once she spotted him and raised her speed, not caring what her father had always said about how a lady was supposed to be walking down the stairs gracefully.

Artemis simply smiled and watched her, as she took her time to climb down. 

"I had a dream about you... About the day we met," Elizabeth said as she finally stopped in front of the young man.

"I doubt it, Ms Swann."

"How many times must I tell you to call me Elizabeth?"

"One more, Ms Swann," Will said, not hesitating even once as her father was standing not so far away from them.

"Now, now, Elizabeth... Be thankful that this man has manners. However, our carriage is here, and it is time for us to depart," the Governor said before exiting the house, and Elizabeth was hot on his trail.

By then, Artemis had reached them, and she came to a halt next to Will. "Nicely done", Artemis joked as she slapped the back of his head in a friendly manner, already knowing the boy since both were little kids.

Of course, he did not react to her sarcasm or to the hit. Of course, that did not mean he would ignore the redhead he had long befriended all those years ago. "That hurt, you know," he exclaimed with a fake hurt expression, which amused the redhead.

Before she could say anything else, someone called her name.

"Artemis!" the Governor's voice was heard, and the red-haired woman rolled her eyes before starting to walk towards the carriage. "See you later, Will," she bid goodbye to her friend.

Chapter 2

[vigilante24ish]

Masterlist

[A/N] - A list of stories I have written across the ages, multiple fandoms. (Currently being moved from other websites to this one. Post will be constantly updated).

Agatha Harkness:

Moon Phases (Agatha Harkness X Fem!Reader)

Ghosts of Agatha's Past (Detective Agatha Harkness x FBI Rio Vidal)

A Thorn By Thy Side (Agatha Harkness x Fem!Reader)

Jack Sparrow:

The Redhead of the Sea (Jack Sparrow x Fem!OC)

[vigilante24ish]

Ghosts of Agatha's Past

Paring: Detective!Agatha Harkness X FBI Agent!Rio Vidal

Modern AU Police Two-Chapter Short

Warnings: Mentions of Blood, Murder, Kidnapping, Child Loss, Angst/Hurt/Comfort

Chapter 2/2

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Agatha’s House - A Few Hours After the Killer’s Death

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Now clean, and with the case closed, Detective Agatha had retreated for the rest of the day or what was left of it. The blood on her face and hands had been scrubbed away, the blood-soaked clothes were thrown into the washing machine, and a bottle of wine was placed on the wooden coffee table.

Half of it had already been consumed, and Agatha refilled the wine glass each time she emptied it.

Agatha sighed heavily and placed the almost empty glass on the table before leaning back on the couch. Her hands went to a locket she always wore, a brooch with the triple goddess. She opened it, blue eyes landing on the picture on the right: a young boy looking at the camera, giving a bright, toothy smile.

Tears prickled at her eyes, two fingers gently caressing the picture with care, heart aching at the familiar sight that now existed within her memory. Her mind replayed the day that picture had been taken, the bright smile and giggles following after the picture was taken.

It felt so long ago, and Agatha swore that with each passing day, that memory felt as if it was fading more and more. She didn’t want to think about that or the loss, and so she moved to grab the wine glass once again.

A few knocks on her door stopped her fingers inches away from the glass, her eyes darting to the locked wooden door. When the knocking was repeated, she let out a defeated sigh and stood up, intending to give the unwanted visitor a piece of her mind.

She wiped the tears, threatening to escape.

However, when the door was opened, Agatha was surprised to see Rio standing there, a plastic bag with Chinese takeaway in one hand and a case of beers in the other.

“Rio,” Agatha exclaimed, not expecting the FBI agent to knock on her door, especially so late at night.

With the case closed, the Detective actually expected her to be on her way back to Washington.

“Hungry?” Rio asked, lifting the plastic bag faintly.

Agatha looked at it and then at the FBI agent, not surprised. In the past, Rio had shown up a few times with food, but that was after successfully closing a case. This time, though, Agatha did not feel successful.

How could she after everything? How could she, after still feeling the weight of the dead young boy lying in her arms, his blood being absorbed by her clothes? Her silent sobs as she tried to save him even though it was too late...

She took a deep breath, not letting her mind wander down that rabbit hole again. “Not really,” she replied to Rio.

Of course, the FBI agent did not believe her.

Truthfully, Agatha was not in the mood to see anyone, especially when she knew comments were expected sooner or later. After all, Agatha had almost risked the mission and her life going after the killer alone, and Rio was definitely not happy.

In previous cases, she had made it clear that she took no joy when Agatha acted recklessly and broke the rules. Plus, Rio had grown tired of how many times she had to cover Agatha and ensure she kept her job, talking about special treatment.

“I also brought this,” she showed the beers, passively signalling to Agatha that she was not going to leave her alone.

In the end, the Detective knew she had no choice and thus stepped aside and allowed the FBI agent to walk in.

Rio did. The house was familiar to her by now, and one could even say she knew it by heart based on the nights she had spent there, even if they were short stays. Her brown eyes took notice of the wine bottle, and the glass left forgotten on the coffee table.

Agatha caught where her sight was locked and moved silently to remove them, returning them to the kitchen just as Rio left the takeaway on the table. She was tossed a cap opener for the beer bottles, and Rio popped up two before passing one to Agatha.

Now settled, the Detective had taken the couch, manspreading without a single care. Rio, on the other hand, had chosen the master armchair; her stance was far more serious and dominant compared to Agatha’s.

As they started to dig into the food, Rio grabbed the chance to try to open a conversation topic while also exposing some of her cards about this unexpected late-night visit.

“Agatha, how are you?” she asked as she drank some beer to help push the food down. “After, well... everything.”

The detective took a moment longer to answer. “I am fine.” She replied and drank some beer, the bitter taste mixing with the spices left from her food.

Of course, Rio once again did not believe Agatha, and it was clear on her face. She doubted Agatha was okay, not after seeing her distant look and how quick she was to leave the precinct when so many other times people fought with her so she could go home for once.

Despite their past activities, Rio never truly learnt a lot about Agatha, not from her anyway. The detective was an airtight sealed box, the key to open it long lost at the bottom of the Seven Seas. Any information one got about her was simply what Agatha had chosen to share, never anything more personal.

Now, Rio could have asked some of the other cops, but she knew they were not going to speak. Feds were never welcomed in smaller cities, especially when they were meant to take over a case that the local police failed to close in time.

In the end, Rio’s curiosity won, and she selfishly used her resources to dig up Agatha’s personal file. This is why she had been rather strict with Agatha during this case and was furious when the detective chose to act on her own, falling for the killer's bait, thinking she could outsmart him.

In the end, surprisingly, she did, but a child was dead; Agatha was left traumatized by it, even though she did not show it.

A few minutes passed, and neither of the two really talked as they ate and drank their beer. It was clear that Agatha was not so keen on speaking and was trying to give Rio some intended silence, hoping this would be enough to make her leave.

Unfortunately for her, Rio was rather stubborn and had some ulterior motives as well, which meant she was not going to let Agatha win by trying to be silent. Rio thrived in silence, and deep down, Agatha knew that.

“I will be back in a few,” Agatha suddenly said as she stood up and headed for the bathroom down the hall, leaving Rio alone in the living room.

Once she heard the door closing, Rio left her beer on the table and got up. Her eyes darted towards the stairs, and she walked towards them before daring to climb them. She had done so before, but only to go to Agatha’s bedroom.

This time, though, she planned to try and find some answers on her own, grabbing the chance that Agatha was occupied. This was her last chance to do so, and she was all about it, risks included and damned.

She stopped in front of a closed door, one that Agatha had countless times said was forbidden to enter and always guarded harder than anything else.

Rio turned the brash knob and gently pushed the door, revealing it was unlocked. The wooden door creaked faintly, and the hallway light illuminated the dark, uninhabited room.

Inside, everything had been left untouched, frozen in time.

The bed of a young boy, its covers clean and nicely placed. There were bunnies on it, matching the pillowcase. A bunny teddy bear was placed carefully, resting next to the pillow as if the owner would come and find it soon.

Toys had been neatly placed to one side, and a drawing of a young child decorated some of the walls. The drawings depicted two smiling sticky figures, with the words ‘mom’ and ‘me’ written above them.

Rio noticed framed pictures, a peak of a hidden life, when Agatha Harkness actually smiled.

A hidden life when Agatha Harkness was not alone in this world. The young boy was smiling, a pure ray of sunshine who was always in his mother's arms.

The sight was heart-warming but also heart-wrenching, for Rio knew the truth behind it; the information she had found on Agatha now made more sense.

She was so caught up in the moment that Rio did not hear the bathroom door open until it was late.

“You shouldn’t have done that.” Agatha’s cold voice was heard a single second before the door was forced shut, the banging sound echoing in the silent room.

“Agatha... I—“ Rio wanted to apologize and explain herself, but the detective was not willing to listen.

“You were leaving,” Agatha interrupted, pain and anger visible in her blue eyes as she fought the need to become more violent with the intruder. “I want you out of my house, now!”

Rio took a few steps back but did not walk away or respect Agatha’s wishes to leave—not before she said her part.

She looked at the grieving detective, seeing through the cold, fake mask she wore for everyone, especially when feeling vulnerable.

“Agatha, I understand.” She said, and before Agatha could comment, she continued. “Now, I understand why you acted so recklessly with the call and did not see the trap.” Her tone was soft, trying to show the detective that she was not a threat and was not there to mock her.

Yet her words did not seem to bypass Agatha's fortified walls around her heart. Her eyes turned cold and threatening. “You could never understand.” Agatha spat. “You are not a mother.”

Those words should have hurt Rio, or at least that was what Agatha was hoping for, but the FBI agent was not so easily affected. In the end, Rio knew that Agatha was right.

Rio was not a mother and doubted she would ever be, but she knew the loss of someone you care about. She could never relate to the pain of a mother losing their child, but she could offer her sympathy and comfort. No one deserved to pass this pain alone or be reminded of the loss in such sadistic ways.

“I am not, but I know you do not have to pass it alone, Agatha.”

The agent took a few steps closer, eyes locked with Agatha’s. The gaze was softer, the voice more comforting, and Agatha knew deep down that Rio was being honest.

She still wished to kick her out of the house, close the door right on her face, and then just return, reminiscing about the past. She didn’t, though. The hand she wished to use to push her away remained frozen by her side.

Agatha fought hard to keep the mask on, but she could feel it slipping. The walls she had spent years building were slowly crumbling away. Perhaps it was the time and the beer, perhaps the emotional turmoil suffocating her... or perhaps it was because Rio was not a stranger to her.

She sighed in defeat, her snarl fading and her gaze dropping faintly. A part of her wished to turn and face the closed door, but her body remained rooted on the spot.

“That boy...that I did not manage to save today...” Agatha started, her voice weak, fearing to hear herself retail the story loudly. “He was the same age as my son when I lost him.”

Rio remained silent, her head tilted faintly to the side. She knew Agatha needed her time to unlock that chest and bring back that haunted memory, and she did not pressure her.

“I...He, he was sick. There was no cure. In his last moments... I comforted him. I did not let him leave feeling alone...” her voice cracked. “I didn’t manage to save him... none of them...”

Her mind replayed vividly that haunting memory; all the years that passed did nothing to numb the pain it was causing her.

It was a memory she would never forget... one she often saw in her nightmares when the ghosts of her past chose to haunt her for their personal amusement.

She would never forget how rainy that day was as if the Earth itself was already weeping because of the little angel's death.

Little Nicky was coughing, his skin a worrisome pale, and his fever refused to back down. Agatha had dressed him in the warmest clothing and even wrapped him with his favourite blanket, the drawn rabbits being what had made him want it in the first place.

They sat on his bed like they had for the past few nights. Agatha’s back rested against the pillow, her legs spread, and her little boy sat in between. He kept coughing, his body burning up from the fever.

“Mamma...” he said in a hoarse, weak voice. “Can... can you sing... about the road?”

The Withes Road was a funny little song the two of them invented, a little thing just for them. On good and sunny days, they would sing it while walking towards the market or while Agatha was baking and he was trying to help her.

“There's a road that’s wild and wicked, winding through the wood. Where all that's wrong is right, and all that's bad is good...” Agatha sang softly, her hands holding her son tightly, gently rubbing and comforting.

She continued to sing, her voice soothing a tired Nicky, his eyelids feeling heavier and heavier. He could imagine the road, every colour and detail coming alive in his mind, and he was walking that path, feeling peaceful and strong.

Eventually, Little Nicky stopped breathing, his body limp and pressed against Agatha. His face showed he was at peace, forever trapped in a beautiful dream that made him happy.

Agatha could not hold back the tear, her hands shaking faintly as she tried to contain her sobs, realizing her little boy was gone.

For his sake... for his last wish, she continued the song, only that her heart changed it faintly.

“...I have always known this road is cruel and wild. I buried my own heart here with you, my child. If one is gone, we carry on, but every mile I go, with every bend beyond the end, your mother loves you so...” she kissed his temple gently, her cheeks stained with never-ending tears as Little Nicky left her and took her heart with.

Agatha had not realized she had been so lost in the memory until she felt a warm hand cupping her cheek. Blinking slowly, she held back any tears and focused on Rio, whose own heart was breaking at the pain Agatha had to live through... at the loss she had to suffer, all alone.

“I am sorry, Agatha. I never meant to bring back that pain,” she whispered, her apology and tone sweet, her moves caring and comforting. She offered a gentle smile. “I have not met him, but I know he would be proud of you. He would be proud of the hero his mama is and what she does every day.”

The words made her part her lips faintly so she could take a proper breath, finding surprising comfort in the idea. All those hours, she felt like she had failed her son by losing that little boy by not protecting him like she should.

But that may not be the case. Maybe Nicky would still believe in her, and he always did, even when she struggled to close some cases. He was always her biggest fan, the supporting column in her life...

As Agatha’s heart beat slowly, she registered how closer Rio had come to comfort her. It was not foreign to them to come this close, to have moments of care between them, but it had been too long, and Agatha, for most of the current time, did not wish for anything physical.

Yet, the more she felt Rio’s warm hand and the more she was reminded of how fast her heart could beat while with her, Agatha found herself leaning in, gently placing her lips on Rio’s, initiating a kiss.

The move was welcomed by the FBI agent, whose free hand cupped Agatha’s other cheek, pulling her close. She let Agatha take the lead, taking comfort from their kiss as she also savoured each moment she could hold her in her arms, not sure when she would be able to do that again.

Rio’s thumbs wiped any tears that Agatha failed to hold back. Her lips moved in sync, and their bodies pressed closer together.

After a few moments, they gently pulled back to regain their breathing. They did not step away, and Rio did not remove her hands, feeling that Agatha wanted them there, for, at the end of the day, Rio was the only one truly allowed to touch her.

“Thank you, my love,” Agatha whispered, her hands placed on top of Rio’s. She received no immediate reply, and both simply memorized every detail of this unique moment when no walls stood between them. “When is your flight back home?”

The FBI agent did not expect that question, especially after such a heartfelt confession. She did suspect the reason behind it but she knew she would get answers, only if she answered first.

“I was supposed to travel tonight, but I cancelled it,” Rio confessed, earning a surprised look from Agatha. “I had this feeling that I was needed more here.”

In a moment of spontaneous feelings and actions, Agatha pulled Rio for a much-needed hug. Both hands wrapped around Rio’s shoulders, keeping her body pressed against hers while she buried her face in the crook of Rio’s neck, her scent offering comfort.

Of course, Rio did not turn her down, nor did she stand there like a statue. Her hands tightly wrapped around Agatha, squeezing in a way that told the detective... that she was not alone and she was not going to be left alone, either.

Taking a few deep breaths, Agatha let her beating heart slow down, her chest aching less despite having brought up Nicky’s death just a few minutes ago.

“If you want to, you can stay here tonight.” She whispered, not daring to pull away... not yet.

Rio smiled, and even though Agatha could not see it, somehow she knew she sensed it. “Okay," she agreed. I will stay—for as long as you need me to.”