#I thought we were just part of a group of mercenaries or something | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

kuamiru · 1 year

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The Golden Child Part II

SAGAU & Impostor AU where the reader is the child of the actual creator.

Warnings: blood, panic attack, mention of suicide.

If you haven't read part 1 yet, you can find it here.

Humidity felt awful. The tall and wet grass gave an uncomfortable sensation every time you walked another step. The tall trees blocked your vision; it was impossible to see what lay beyond the forest. The flora and fauna were drastically different from what you knew in Liyue; no matter how hard you tried, you could not recognize a single animal or plant.

Your eyes were focused on the road ahead, simply watching the dirt below your feet as your mind wandered about the events that led you to this situation. You no longer had any tears to cry, you spent the first hour of your walk weeping and mourning for the life that you lost.

Now, you could only move forward.

The sun that once stood on top of the sky was starting to slowly disappear into the horizon. It wouldn't be long before night arrived, and you had yet to find some sort of civilization to ask for help.

Strange noises managed to snap you out of your thoughts. As you weren't paying attention to your surroundings, you failed to notice three strange persons standing right in front of you, blocking your path. Two buff and strong men and a tall, slim woman looked down at you menacingly. As they bore similar clothes colored red and gold, it was safe to assume that they all were in the same group or clan of some sorts.

You immediately stopped walking and moved your backpack to the front to hug it in your chest as a way to both have a false sense of security and an easier access to the dagger hidden inside.

"So is this it? The shrimp we were tasked to retrieve?" The woman asked as she crossed her arms. You could not see her eyes as they were covered by a red cloth, but it was evident she was raising a brow.

"Watch your mouth." One of the men spoke. "Remember what we were told: safely secure the child and not do anything that could upset them."

So, were these strangers planning to take you? Did they have any connections to that archon that fought your dad? Was that why they were there, to bring you back to Liyue?

Impulsed by your fear, you took one step backward.

The other man seemed to notice this, for he approached you in just one big step. He crouched to look at you in the eyes in an attempt to look less intimidating. It didn't quite work as planned as you just flinched. "Hey it's okay, little one. We won't hurt you. We are here to take you to Lord Sang—"

"Stop right there!"

The man was interrupted by an arrow impacting right in front of his feet, surprising him and making him stand up in alarm. The other two were also alerted and readied their weapons; a bow and two swords were in hand to fight whoever was attacking them.

A young boy descended from the tree on top of you. He landed unscathed in front of you, between the man that previously approached you and your smaller form. His fox-like tail was tense behind him, simulating that of the wild animals when they were alert, ready to strike. His long and fluffy ears twitched at every sound his enemies made, taking advantage of his animal blood to have the advantage on this situation.

"I didn't know Eremites would step so low as to corner a lonely child in the forest." He said, drawing his bow and aiming it at the stranger in front of him. "I'll give you this chance to leave. If you do not, I won't hesitate to throw you out by force."

The group looked at each other. However, none of them put down their weapon.

"Sorry, little forest watcher. We have a job to do." The woman warned.

"We advise you to step aside." The man with the swords said.

Those comments enraged the newcomer. From his point of view, these Eremites were picking on a kid just to rob them. Maybe even something worse.

"Don't say I didn't warn you."

Before you had any time to react, both the fox boy and the three mercenaries started to attack each other. Arrows and strikes started to flow from everywhere, making you crawl to safety behind the thickest tree around. You closed your eyes tightly and covered your ears with your hands. The sound of fighting reminded you of what transpired earlier in The Chasm... It was just like that time when your father and that archon exchanged blows, one determined to get to you and the other to protect you.

It was just the same.

The clashing didn't stop. Your heartbeat increased with each parry that resonated behind your hiding spot. Soon, all you could hear was the thump of your heart hitting your ears, the fight long forgotten as you could not even remember it was happening thanks to the desperation you were starting to feel. Your breathing got out of control, and your chest soon started to hurt, too. If felt as if your heart wanted to devour your whole body and you could do nothing to stop it—

"Breathe, kid. I need you to take a deep inhale and hold your breath for a second before exhaling. Inhale, exhale."

You didn't know who was talking in front of you, their muffled voice barely reached you through the loud thumping in your chest and ears. They repeated the same words over and over again, and soon you started to obey them in hopes of stop hurting. Inhaling, exhaling. It took a few tries, but your breathing soon became more and more stabilized, and your heart wasn't so loud anymore.

The person crouching in front of you breathed a sigh of relief, and you didn't even know you were crying until they wiped a tear escaping from your left eye. Now that you were calmer, you noticed that your vision was also blurry, however, it was also getting better.

"There now, you're alright." The boy in front of you said. His silhouette was now familiar as you recognized the fox-like features in his body. "Feel any better?"

You nodded rather uncertainly. You still felt agitated, but it was certainly better than a minute ago.

"That's good." He smiled. "You're safe now, okay? Those Eremites can't hurt you now."

He took your little arms in his hands and made you release the backpack you were still clinging to. As you let it go, you noticed how red and swollen your hand and fingers were. It seemed that you were grabbing it with too much force.

"I'm sure this was frightening to such a young kid like you... Judging by the way you dress, I assume you're from Liyue, am I wrong?"

You shook your head 'no'. He smiled, content by your response.

"And what about your parents? Are you all merchants? That's why those mercenaries attacked you here in the forest?"

You knew he didn't have any bad intentions and was just asking in hopes of helping you, but it didn't make it hurt any less the mention of your parents. You raised your knees to your chest and hid your face in them. The boy visibly saddened thanks to your action. In his eyes, those Eremites attacked your family in hopes of robbing you and ended up killing your parents when they struggled. He couldn't think of anything else.

"It's okay little one, it's okay now..." He sat beside you and surrounded your shoulders with his left arm. This helped him bring you closer to his body, using his fluffy tail to bring some comfort by gently caressing your back. "You're safe."

The tickling feeling of the hair of his tail going up and down your back brought a positive reaction out of you. It made you involuntarily laugh, and he seemed pleased by this.

"How about you tell me your name, hm?" His kind eyes complemented his soothing smile. You shyly offered your name, and he seemed to shine brightly at the achievement of finally hearing your voice. "That's an absolutely beautiful name! Mine's Tighnari, though I fear it pales in comparison to yours."

You giggled at his words. "But I like your name. It's pretty."

Tighnari ruffled your hair with a laugh. "Well thank you, little one. That's very kind of you."

You were now relaxed, you even had a small smile on your face. This was the perfect opportunity to exit the forest and return to Gandharva Ville; he would think of what to do next once he got you to safety.

He stood up and extended his hand in your direction, helping you stand up once you took it in your smaller hand.

"We'll go to the ville I live, okay? Once we're there, you can get comfortable and tell me everything that happened." He promised. You nodded once more, and, still hugging your backpack with your free arm, you let the young archer guide you through the forest. He started to walk in the opposite direction of where the fight happened, but curiosity got the better of you and turned your head briefly to see what was left of the fight. You barely got to see the three unconscious bodies before the trees blocked your vision.

You were sure you would never be able to see such settlements back in Liyue.

The large trunk of a tree was the base of a little ville hidden in the middle of the forest. The place was filled with forest rangers patrolling the nearby areas, all of them greeting Tighnari once you both appeared right at the entrance.

Being around so many strangers filled you with uneasiness, so naturally, you clung to the only person you knew. Tighnari didn't seem to mind; in fact, it was as if the hold gave him a new surge of energy, for he increased the speed of his walking and returned every greeting with excitement. He even took this opportunity to wrap his tail around your torso.

The road ended in front of a wooden cabin. You stared at it for a moment, thinking about your current situation. Was this okay? This boy certainly promised to help you, he even rescued you from that scary people back in the forest. 'Don't enter a stranger's house' your parent would always tell you...

But did you have any other option right now?

Tighnare looked back at you and offered a gentle smile. "It's okay, I'm with you."

He gently tugged your arm, and you started walking again. You both entered the tiny house, surprised to see a girl already inside, seemingly writing in a notebook while sitting on the desk.

"Collei, I'm back." Tighnari said, and the girl turned to face him once she heard his voice. The big smile on her face quickly morphed into a semblance of pure confusion.

"Oh, who is this?" Collei approached you, kneeling in front of you before offering you a small smile. "Hello little one! My name is Collei. You are not from around here, are you?"

You instinctively hid behind Tighnari. He laughed. "No, they are not. I fear their family might have been a victim of Eremites."

"But I thought Eremites were just mercenaries? Did someone hire them to attack their family?"

He shrugged. He really didn't have a clue. If this child's parents were wealthy or renowned merchants then it would make sense for someone to have a grudge on them.

You slowly revealed yourself from behind the boy. This girl seemed friendly enough.

"Hi Collei." You offered. "Nice to meet you."

Collei gasped. This child was so cute! And so polite, too. She couldn't fight the impulse of hugging you, in just a second you were scooped into her arms and away from the archer, a meter above the ground.

For Tighnari, that small action made him feel like his world was crumbling... Suddenly he felt alone, suffocated, overwhelmed by anguish. The moment he stopped touching the child he swore he could sense his heart breaking in a million pieces.

No, no!

He didn't even realize what he had done until he heard Collei say his name and the pained whimpers of the child. He was grabbing your small arm rather roughly, for he could see the redness of the skin below his hand. Collei was doing her best in trying not to drop you, as he was trying to bring you closer to him not really caring that you were in the arms of another person.

"Ah! Sorry, sorry...!" He excused himself quickly. He let go of you, and guilt was born in his heart when he saw how you gently rubbed the area where he held you.

Collei was staring at him with a worried expression, but Tighnari didn't really care. He looked at the hand that was used to grab you.

He was certain he didn't imagine it. Every second he touched your small frame... he felt full of life, vigor, energy. A newfound euphoria that made him believe he could achieve anything in this world. He could think of the happiest day in his life and how he felt then would never come close to the way you made him feel.

He raised his eyes and his heart dropped when he found yours full of tears. Oh, this was bad! Please, please don't cry! He'd rather kill himself before being the cause of your weeping—

He was just about to drop to the floor and apologize when a forest ranger entered the cabin in a hurry. She was out of breath, as if she had been running from the edge of the forest to here without taking a break.

"Tighnari, we- we have problems!" She said as best as she could. "Eremites! A group of Eremites is attacking Gandharva Ville ad nauseam!"

"What?!" Both Tighnari and Collei exclaimed. They exchanged a glance between each other, a silent form of communication that only they could understand.

"They're here for them..." He gritted his teeth. What could possibly a group of mercenaries want with a little kid?! Even worse, behind them was a mysterious employer... Someone who was adamant about taking this child. Just the thought of it made his blood boil. "Stay here with them! I'll kill those damn Eremites for trying to harm this one!"

The rage in his voice made the girl give a step backward in shock. She has never seen her friend that angry before... no, he wasn't angry; he was furious.

He wasted no second in summoning his bow and following the fellow forest ranger in the fight outside.

Had you heard right? Were the people from the forest back for you? Ah, the thought of it made you feel sick... What did they even want from you? Could they've been sent from those archons to capture you? Was taking the lives of your papa and tata not enough?

You started to move in Collei's arms, demanding to be put down. She obliged your silent request and carefully let you go from her arms. However, the moment she let go, it felt as if someone tore her heart from her chest and crushed it before her eyes. No way, could this be what Tighnari experienced and made him react that way?

She summoned her bow and shouted your name when she saw you run outside to see what was happening.

The entire ville was replete of Eremites clashing weapons with forest rangers and even some forest watchers. The few civilians that lived there tried to escape through secret passages or deserted places, just to be stopped and apprehended by the invaders.

Collei barely had any time to reach you to pull you inside when an Eremite spotted you two. "There! I see the child!"

Tighnari snapped his head from where he was fighting to look at you, every hair of his body standing up with the rage he was feeling. "DON'T YOU DARE!!" He shouted before firing an arrow at his opponent, piercing their stomach without effort. He needed to get to them, he couldn't let these damn Eremites steal you and take with them all the euphoria and joy he felt.

As he started to hop on the stairs to stop a man that was rushing to the cabin, he failed to notice a woman pointing her own bow and arrow right at him. And just as he was about to grab the man, a sharp pain made him stumble and fall as he clutched his side. Crimson flowed from the wound the arrow had made. Fuck, he would need medical help soon.

He shouted your name, trying to see your small from where he was lying. This proved to be futile as the woman who had shot him moved to stand in front of him, between him and the cabin.

Collei managed to pull you back inside just as the man appeared on the entrance. The girl stood protectively in front of you, having drawn her bow as a way to defend both of you. The Eremite, however, didn't move to attack her. He approached you both and didn't seem to be intimidated even when Collei's arrow was pointing at his head.

"You." He said, looking right at you. "We've come for you."

"You'll have to get through me first." Collei warned.

"Oh, please." The man laughed. "We have orders not to kill anybody, but we certainly can use force to take them with us."

She didn't know what to do. This man seemed way stronger than her. Could she even defeat him in a fight?

"Wait, don't- don't hurt her!" You exclaimed behind her form. You clung onto her scarf tightly, terrified of the situation you were in. You could not let any more people be hurt to protect you! You had to be strong; your father and your parent would've wanted you to be brave. "Please stop attacking the ville, they have nothing to do with me..."

"Certainly. If you come with us we can end this without hurting anyone else. What do you say?"

Collei refused fiercely, but you didn't share her thoughts. You nodded and slowly separated from her body to approach the waiting man. This sent Collei in a panic. She tried to grab you by the neck but was promptly stopped by the handle of a polearm hitting her stomach. She instinctively grabbed the area as she fell to the floor, the impact having made her lose her breath.

"Ah, Collei!" You tried to go to her to see if she was okay, but the man managed to pick you up from your clothes and throw you in his shoulder.

"Worry not, little one. We didn't hurt anyone severely. Now let's go, Lord Sangemah Bay is waiting for you."

Wait, Lord Sangemah Bay? That was the person your father wanted you to find. So these people were sent by them to retrieve you? Had you known beforehand, you would've gone with them back in the forest. Without having to hurt anyone here.

The man brought you outside and whistled. The remaining Eremited heed his call and promptly evacuated the ville, the wounded helped by the stronger members.

The man also took off with you still secured in his shoulder, and you barely could hear the shouts of your name coming from the ville as you got farther and farther away.

——————————

Hello! This is a taglist. Should you wish for me to add or remove you, you can ask for it.

Due to the overwhelming support you've given me, I fear I might have forgotten some people who kindly asked to be tagged. If you do not find yourself here, please do tell me. I've saved every username but there's a possibility that I've missed yours when I made the list.

However, I don't know why I can't tag some blogs. I hope this reaches you well.

@cryastre • @someone-with-wild-imagination • @esthelily • @ursinaw • @shizunxie • @meep13r • @clayallor • @yuyuzi-ling • @atsukawolfcat • @yandere-city • @teethmunchertimes • @shinydrakeon15 • @d4ff0d1l14 • @thelonelyarchon • @shadowfoxey • @lunarianillusion • @sarah-saystuff • @scarletttcroww • @insomniackae • @mochicurls21 • @him3ru • @elernity • @d3sperate-enuf • @devils-blackrose • @heather-hutchcroft • @internet-4ngel • @crueldinasty • @yourlocaldrugdealerbutfancy • @almighty-raiden-shogunate • @itz-luna • @kaveh-is-pretty • @yuumaofc • @ratorose • @justlostintheinternet • @angelkazusstuff • @jellidecoffee • @deadflycomputerlogs • @valeriele3 • @no-regrets-just-confusion • @chidouna • @hikaru-exe • @leafanonsforest • @formacoon • @chuuya-brainrot • @fantsyland • @red1sg0n3 • @m3q3kic • @toodledoodl3 • @juuuuuj101010 • @fancyhawk45 • @bre99 • @sucker-for-angst-and-fluff •@bre99

#genshin impact #genshin impact au #sagau #impostor au #genshin impact x reader #child reader #cult au #genshin self aware #platonic yandere #yandere #genshin x reader #platonic yandere x reader #yandere x reader #Tighnari #collei

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issdisgrace · 1 year

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I wish to give you an idea 🪑Teen mercenary reader (who is quite tall) getting saved my MW2 characters, or the other way around. Like, for example, on a mission that doesn't go as planned, a building blows up and one of task force 141/Los Vaqueros gets stuck under the rubble and reader saves them and gets them to their team and helps them out of there. I hope it isn't too much, but I've been just thinking of their reactions to a teen their level. I hope you're taking requests/ideas. Sorry! 🧡

141 & LOS VAQUEROS GETTING SAVED AFTER SHIT FELL ON THEM

WARNINGS: swearing

A/n: I hope you like it. I know it probably isn't exactly what you want, but I tried my brains working a little slow.

ALEJANDRO

Alejandro definitely sees you as a nephew. He admires your maturity and abilities. So when shit hits the fan and he and some members of Los Vaqueros are trapped under the rubble. He starts to pray that he'll make it out. So when you save him after he thought he was as good as dead, he was most definitely shocked. He profusely thanks you.

GAZ

Gaz and you were told to clear a 4 story abandoned compound that was once used by enemy soldiers. We were also tasked with gathering any information that was left behind. The clearing went fine, but Gaz to a wrong step and fell through the floor and into the floor below. A portion of the floor falling down on him. You sprinted to Gaz on the floor below. He couldn’t even process how fast you had come to him. You pushed the rubble off and made sure he was alright. Go through a checklist of things to make sure he was a-okay.

GHOST

Ghost like to challenge you and push you to the limits. You guys had been on recon. When you came face to face with a group of enemy soldiers. 3 of the guys went to Ghost and tried to jump him. 2 went for you and which you quickly took out. You shoot the guys that ghost was rolling around fighting. The two men dropping on Ghost. He sighs and before he can push the body’s off. You take the liberty of doing it yourself and help Simon up. He definitely appreciates you more now as a soldier.

PRICE

Price may or may have not jerry rigged a situation to see how strong and agile you were. He hadn’t expected his little plan to turn south and cause some a part of a building to collapse in. He was just kinda laying their re-thinking his life choice when you swooped in and saved his ass. He was definitely impressed he’ll tell you that, but what he won’t tell you was that his little plan went to shit.

ROACH

Roach never thought he would be laying on the ground a training mats on top of him. He just trying to train not get squished. Before he could push the heavy mats off of him. You sweep in and help. Making sure he’s ok and you’re even nice enough to set up the mats for him. Then you guys end up sparring and Roach walks away from the session with a bigger appreciation for you.

RUDY

Rudy sees you as his baby also he's a low-key mama bear. So when a building literally collapses on you guys. He is less worried about himself and more worried about you. So when you save yourself and him. He is both shocked and proud of you. He knew you had potential, but finally, getting to see your potential in action was something else.

SOAP

Soap is a cool uncle. He loves to cause mayhem with you, but when his mayhem cause you guys to get crushed by a big ass fucking bookshelf. He was shocked. He definitely didn’t expect that to happen. But when you lifted the bookcase and the books off of both of you guys. He was like damn Hercules. I didn’t know you were that fucking strong.

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flowersandbigteeth · 10 months

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I really liked Orion and was wondering if you could write about him kidnapping reader.

(Sfw please)

I've been wanting to do something soft 🥹

Orc (Orion) x fem reader

Word Count: 3k

W: kidnapping, some creepy behavior, light violence, and some kissing, sfw fluff

Find the previous part here

You stretched your shoulders as you glanced at the clock on the wall. It was finally 6 and time to head home from your job as a dental assistant. It had been a long day of coaxing little kids to open their mouths for X-rays and calming the poor children that hated the dentist, but you had some leftover Chinese food in the fridge that you were in a hurry to get home and devour. Unless, of course, you got your usual visitor.

“Hey, (Y/N), I saw you walking home from work the other day,” your boss and one of the pediatric dentists, Aaron, mentioned as the two of you collected your things. “I can give you a ride home if you want.”

Aaron seemed like a nice guy, but you didn’t want to take advantage of his kindness.

“I’m okay,” you said. “I walk home everyday. It’s good for my health.”

He frowned, seeming put out at your refusal.

“Come on, let me drive you,” he pushed. “It’s dangerous for you to walk alone in the evening. I’d feel terrible if something happened to you.”

You gave him a smile and waved away his concerns.

“Really, I’m fine,” you said, but Aaron wasn’t happy with that answer.

“There have been a string of muggings on your street,” he insisted. “Come on, let me give you a ride. I’m just concerned about your safety.”

You were sure you didn’t need a ride, but Aaron seemed insistent and you didn’t want to sour your work relationship by appearing ungrateful for his friendly concern.

“Okay,” you finally agreed, exhausted from a long day and not feeling like fighting with him.

He brightened up at that and seemed giddy to lead you to his car.

Aaron drove an expensive sports car, which he was eager to show off.

“What do you think?” he asked you, demonstrating the heated seats and dynamic driving features.

You had absolutely no interest in cars, so you just nodded politely until he was done and pulled out of the parking lot. He put on some music and you leaned back into the comfortable seat, trying to enjoy the ride. It was nice to be off of your feet after a long day’s work, even though you felt uneasy sitting next to Aaron. You rested your eyes for just a moment but when you opened them, it seemed like Aaron wasn’t going in the direction of your house.

“I think you’re going the wrong way,” you informed him and he gave you an easy smile.

“I know,” he said. “I figured you’d be hungry so I’m taking us to one of my favorite spots.”

You frowned, not sure what to say.

“I really can’t afford to eat out, Aaron,” you said, trying to figure out how to politely turn him down. “I have some leftovers at home…”

He shook your concerns away.

“Don’t worry about it. Dinner’s on me,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to have some time alone with you so we can really talk. We work together, but I feel like I hardly know you.”

His words made your stomach twist. He wanted to have time alone with you? Aaron was good-looking enough, he had blonde hair, blue eyes, and was quite tall, but you weren’t interested in getting to know him beyond casual chatter around the office.

“You really don’t have to do this,” you tried to argue, but he wasn’t listening, instead tapping the steering wheel with his fingers and humming along to the song on the radio.

While your thoughts churned over how to get him to take you home, your phone buzzed.

Where are you?

It was your friend Orion. Since you’d met him out with your friends one night, he’d been coming by a lot. Instead of going out on another tour with the mercenary group he had worked for, he took a private security job in the city and often stopped by your house for coffee or meals.

You had a huge crush on him. Who wouldn’t? He was enormous, with verdant skin and an arm full of sexy tattoos. His face was the picture of rugged masculinity. His jaw had sharp planes and his tusks were white and shiny. Since he wasn’t with the merc group anymore, he’d let his hair grow out a little longer and it was always messy in a way that gave you post-sex hair vibes. You weren’t a particularly good flirt, but you tried your best to show him you were interested with little touches here and there.

It was hard to tell how he felt about you. He was very protective, but he wasn’t pushy like other guys you’d been with. Every time he came over he was incredibly polite. You’d watch movies together or make him dinner, but he never tried to kiss you or touch you more than casually. You were desperate for his kiss, but too shy to make a move. What if he just wanted to be friends? It would be humiliating. Plus he wouldn’t come over anymore if you made things weird and you didn’t want that. You’d gotten used to having dinner with him at least three times a week if he wasn’t working. You’d even started stocking extra food because he ate a lot.

My boss is taking me to dinner.

He didn’t answer right away, instead, you watched the dots showing he was typing flash for a few moments before he finally responded.

Where?

You glanced up at Aaron to find him looking at you.

“Who’s that?” he asked, his thin lips curving into a frown.

“Oh, just a friend,” you replied. “So where are you taking me? I’m starving.”

He seemed pleased you were interested in where you were going and brightened up.

“The Whisk and Ladle,” he said. “It’s a great place. You’ll love it.”

You balked when he said the name.

“Aaron, that’s expensive!” you gasped. “I’m not really dressed for-”

You were still wearing the scrubs you wore to work, printed with little mice wearing sunglasses. You were dressed to work with children, not go to a five-star restaurant. Again, he waved your concerns away.

“Nonsense,” he said. “You always look beautiful. Let me treat you.”

You nodded, quietly, feeling more and more uncomfortable the closer you got to the restaurant. If you’d have been a tougher woman, you’d have made a fuss, demanded he take you home or jump out of the car, but you were worried about losing your job. Money was tight and you didn’t have any savings to float you until you found something else. You needed to make Aaron happy so he wouldn’t find some excuse to get rid of you.

After a few minutes, you texted Orion the name. Some little part of you wished he would come to save you from what was about to be an extremely awkward dinner, but you were sure he’d never do that. From what you knew of him, he was strong but an extremely measured orc. You never saw him upset or out of control.

When you arrived, Aaron was sure to help you out of the car, and as you walked inside he had his hand on your lower back until it slipped down to cup your bottom. Instinctively you took a step away, but he didn’t seem to notice as he spoke with the hostess. Weirdly, he had a reservation, as if he’d planned this date long before he offered to give you a ride home.

You were seated at a pretty table with a white tablecloth and a small centerpiece of roses, which was very pretty but entirely too formal for your liking. Looking over the menu, your mouth fell open at the prices. A Cobb salad was $30!

“Get whatever you like,” Aaron said, smiling at you from across the table, “it’s on me.”

You gave him a tight nod, trying to force a polite smile on your face, but the idea of him spending this much money on you made you uncomfortable. When the waiter arrived, you ordered the cheapest thing available and water. He took your menus, and Aaron turned his attention to you.

“I’m thrilled you decided to join me, (Y/N),” he said as if he hadn’t set all of this up without your knowledge beforehand. “I’ve always admired you. You’re incredibly beautiful.”

“Uh…thanks, I guess,” you murmured, wishing you were anywhere but there.

“Can I tell you a secret?” he asked, leaning in to get closer to you.

“Sure,” you said.

He gave you a conspiratorial smile.

“I always intended on asking you out. That’s why I hired you,” he explained. “I love coming to work every day and seeing you.”

You immediately frowned. While you were sure he intended that to be flattering, it was incredibly creepy. He hadn’t hired you for your experience? He just wanted to date you?

You were thinking of something to say when there was a commotion at the front of the restaurant.

“Sir! You can’t come in without a reservation!” the hostess was yelling and to your surprise, Orion was marching across the dining room looking pissed off. His dark eyes immediately found yours, and you hoped he read the relief in them.

“Orion!” you gasped, looking up at him.

He glanced away, glaring at Aaron.

“Excuse me,” Aaron said, indignant. “You’re interrupting our dinner.”

Orion ignored Aaron and turned his intense gaze back to you. Your heart skipped in your chest, and your cheeks burned. The look in his eyes was a mixture of ravenous hunger and complete outrage.

“Did you agree to this dinner?” he snapped, and your mouth went dry.

Unable to form words, you quickly shook your head with a tight jerk.

“He just brought me here,” you finally managed to squeak out. “I-I wasn’t planning on-”

He cut you off raising a large hand, looking back at Aaron.

“You kidnapped my woman,” he snarled.

Your eyes popped at the words “my woman.” Did Orion consider you his?

Aaron shrank under Orion’s gaze.

“I-I would hardly say kidnapped…” he stammered.

Orion growled.

“Did he touch you?” he asked.

You tried to lie and say he hadn’t, but your face told him something different.

“It was just a little touch,” you peeped when it was obvious he could tell the little shake of your head that you gave him was an untruth.

Before you could finish the last word, Orion clocked Aaron in the jaw with his meaty fist. His chair toppled over and he lay sprawled out on the floor, unconscious.

“Orion!” you squealed again, but he wasn’t listening.

He scooped you up and threw you over his shoulder, marching back out of the restaurant while all the guests watched in shock. The waiters and the hostess jumped out of his way as he passed.

“Orion! What are you doing?” you asked as you bounced on his shoulder.

Instead of answering, his chest rumbled with a deep noise that released butterflies in your stomach.

He opened the passenger door to his truck and carefully set you inside, buckling the seatbelt over your chest before he shut the door. Then he hopped in the driver’s side and peeled out of the parking lot.

You stared at your friend, eyes as big as saucers as he drove through the darkening city.

“Why did you do that?” you questioned. “You could get in big trouble! He might get you arrested!”

He snorted.

“For protecting my mate from her sexually harassing boss? Doubt it.”

You blinked at him. Mate?

There were different rules for the Fairyfolk when it came to mates. They defended them so fiercely a new set of laws had to be drawn up to protect this “cultural difference.” Every human knew not to touch a Fairyfolk’s mate. You shook your head, trying to sort through what was happening.

“Where are we going?” you asked, as he was not going in the direction of your house.

“Home,” he said.

You blinked at him.

“My apartment is the opposite way,” you argued, but he just pinned you with a look.

You drew your brow and crossed your arms, pouting.

“Orion! Why aren’t you talking to me?” you asked.

His face softened, and he twisted his hands on the steering wheel, taking a big breath before he answered you.

“I don’t like that he touched you,” he said. “No one touches you but me. You’re mine.”

Your mouth fell open just a bit before you forced it closed, swallowing a lump in your throat.

“Yours?” you asked and he nodded curtly.

“B-but…you never said…” you stammered.

“Not good with words,” he grunted.

“Oh,” you said, your mouth forming a surprised O shape.

You turned away from him, looking out the front windshield at the darkening city slipping by.

“Where is home?” you asked.

“You’ll see,” was all he would say.

You folded your legs under your body and leaned your head against the window, tired. Your heart was pounding and a slight tremor left you vibrating against the seat. Where could Orion be taking you?

At some point you must have dozed off because when you woke the truck had come to a stop and Orion was opening your door.

“Where are we?” you murmured, your words a bit slurred from sleep.

He unbuckled your seatbelt and took you in his arms.

“Home,” he said.

You peered through the darkness to find you were no longer in the city, but on one of the mountains that surrounded it. Over your shoulder you could see the city lights twinkling in the valley like stars. In front of you there was a beautiful cabin home. It was two stories with full pane glass windows and a wrap-around porch.

“This is where you live?” you gasped.

You’d always assumed Orion had some flat in the city just like yours.

“It is where you live, too,” he corrected.

Your eyes widened on him as he took you up the front steps and unlocked the door.

“I can’t live here!” you argued. “I’m too far away from work!”

He chuckled, a deep rumble in his chest.

“You will not go back to work,” he told you, setting you on the couch and turning his back to you so he could put fuel in the woodstove.

“But…how will I make money?” you asked.

“You don’t need money,” he said. “I have plenty of it.”

“But…but…” you stammered, trying to wrap your head around the situation.

Was Orion claiming you? Did you want to be claimed?

The door of the woodstove clanged shut and he spun around, his smokey eyes on you. He lowered himself to his knees in front of you so you were eye to eye.

“I’m not sure I understand-” you started to say, but were silenced with his lips slanting over yours.

Your whole world swung upside down as he kissed you. Electricity shot down your spine, energy sparkling at the apex of your thighs. You breathed a wispy sigh into his mouth and the large fingers of one hand clutched the nape of your neck, holding you to him. This was the kiss you’d been desperately pining for and it was more than you could have ever imagined.

When he pulled away, he pinned you with his inky gaze.

“You’re mine, got it?” he rumbled.

You whimpered and nodded, your thoughts muddled and his rich, spicy scent filling your lungs. He pulled you to him again, this time his kiss was more hungry and needy. You felt his smooth tusks against your cheek and his stiff tongue licking your bottom lip, wanting entrance. You parted your lips for him, letting him explore. He licked and tasted you while your fingers dared to creep up his chest, feeling the hard planes of muscle underneath his shirt. At your touch, he let out a deep rolling sound.

Though Orion was eager to get your clothes off of you, he knew you were delicate, both inside and out. He adored your soft spirit and vowed never to crush it, so instead of taking you to bed and ravishing you, he rose to get comfortable on the big couch, pulling you into his lap and wrapping his arms around your warm body. He smoothed his large hand over your hair, tucking your head under his chin.

He lamented waiting far too long to claim you, not wanting to frighten you and scare you away, but he couldn’t tolerate some other male hovering around. You belonged to him whether you knew it or not and it was well past time to claim you for his own.

Completely oblivious to these thoughts, you sighed into his chest, listening to the gentle boom of his heartbeat, and feeling like you’d come home.

#monster x girl #orc x reader #monster x reader #x reader #yandere x reader #soft yandere #orc boyfriend #monster romance #monster fluff #male yandere #yandere fluff #yandere romance #monster boyfriend #yandere male #monster lover

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6rookie-writer0110 · 6 months

Text

I don't want to walk anymore alone

Tara Carpenter x Male Reader

Request- Tara Carpenter x male!reader where y/n was stranded on an island for 4 years when he was 12 years old. He had to survive by himself and his parents died. On the island there were mercenaries and y/n had to kill to survive. He came home when he was 16 years old, he came home with scars on his body caused when he was tortured. As well as a bow he used during the island. In the beginning, Tara always kept quiet and never spoke to y/n unless it was necessary.

•

In the third week of college their professor asked them to do a project in pairs and because they sat next to each other they were paired.

You couldn't sleep last night and you barely sleep. You sat up on your bed and sighed, then you look at the time.

“It will be a long day” You mumbled.

You have to get ready for class and you take a shower first. After a while of getting ready, you noticed that you have time to get breakfast. You head to a small cafe shop and you are standing in line, thinking about what to buy.

“You are three dollars short,” the worker said.

“Crap, I thought I had enough” She sighed.

You recognized the vote and it's Tara from your class.

“I will pay for it,” You said.

She turns around and she recognized you.

“Oh, hey Y/n. You don't have to pay for it” Tara said.

“I don't mind and you don't have to pay me back,” You said.

“Thank you,” Tara said.

You ordered your coffee and muffin, you paid for everything. You walk out of the cafe shop and you walk to class while drinking your coffee. You sit in class and start to read the chapter and wait for the professor to arrive. Ten minutes later, Tara arrived to class. She sits next to you and you don't say a word. You don't talk to anyone in class and she always sits next to you.

“Hello everyone. I'm going to pair everyone into groups and the grade will be fifty percent toward your final grade. And everyone has to write five pages on the topic. There are no expectations of working alone and the due is three weeks. Tara Carpenter and Y/n will be working together...” The professor said.

Tara looks at you and you don't say a word to her. Class is over and everyone starts to leave and you start to put your books away. Then Tara stands in front of you and you stare at her.

“We should get lunch so we can go over what to do,” Tara said.

“You pick the place,” You said.

You and Tara leave the classroom together. She takes you to a small Italian place and you paid for the food.

“So... I was thinking we write half then we get together and compare notes,” Tara said.

“We should pick the part we would write first,” You said.

“I noticed you don't talk a lot and I never saw you at parties,” Tara said.

“I don't do well at parties,” You said.

You and Tara share food, you mostly listen to her talk. You walk her back to her dorm room and you meet her friends. She noticed you didn't say much, you said bye then walked away.

“Y/n, wait,” Tara said.

“Yes?” You asked.

“Let me get your phone number so we can stay in touch,” Tara said.

“Sure,” You said.

Tara saved your phone number and you did the same. You walk away and head to your dorm room, you changed clothes and start to study. Unexpectedly you get a text from Tara...

Tara- Y/n?

You- yes?

Tara- just making sure you didn't give me a fake phone number

You- I have no reason to lie

Tara- you are something.

You- ok

She didn't text back because she was busy and you didn't text back either. You got tired of studying for long hours and you barely ate, you start to get ready for bed. But it wasn't a peaceful sleep, you have another nightmare. You jumped out of your sleep and you are breathing hard.

----

During class, you and Tara don't talk to each other. Even outside of class, you and Tara barely text each other. But today, you met Tara at the library and start to work on the project.

“Y/n, I'm having a game night at a friend’s place... Maybe you want to come?” Tara said.

“No, thank you. Look, you can write this part but change a few words,” You said.

You give her the book and show her.

“What other part you would write?” Tara asked.

“Why the Roman Empire Collapsed, but I would go into further details,” You said.

“Okay,” Tara said.

You and Tara continued to work together and help each other. You don't talk about yourself and she noticed. After a while, you walk her back to the dorm room. Her dorm room is across campus and it's nighttime.

“Y/n, you don't have to walk me to my dorm room if you don't want to,” Tara said.

“I don't mind. Plus, I heard on the news ghost face is back and I like to walk” You said.

“Thank you,” Tara said.

She is hoping that Ghostface won't hurt you. She goes into her dorm room and you walk to your dorm room.

---

Tara went to meet a friend Mindy.

“I noticed you talking to Y/n,” Mindy said.

“So?” Tara said.

“You don't know, who he is? Tara come on” Mindy said.

“What are you talking about?” Tara asked.

Mindy went on her phone and googled your family. Mindy starts to show Tara, what happened to you many years ago.

“He was on a boat with his parents, but his parents died and nobody knows how exactly they passed away. He was stranded on an Island when he was twelve but he was found until he was sixteen years old. He did interviews but he wouldn't talk about it so much” Mindy said.

“I had no idea, this happened to him,” Tara said.

“Last year, I had a class with him and he didn't speak to anyone. And he doesn't speak about his past or show off. He just goes to class and back to his dorm room. Once I asked him for a pen and gave it to me and that's it” Mindy said.

“He is my partner and we have to write five pages and other stuff. He is nice to me and he only texts me if I have questions on the project” Tara said.

“I'm not surprised. I have never seen another side of him” Mindy said.

“Me too,” Tara said.

✯ ✯ ✯ ✯

You are at Tara’s dorm room studying together.

“Y/n are you free tonight?” Tara asked.

“Yes,” You said.

“Maybe, you would like to come to a party with me?” Tara asked.

“I’m not much of a people person,” You said.

“I know. But maybe, change your routine for a night and you won't be alone, I will be there” Tara said.

“But, other people will be there,” You said.

“Maybe, think about it? I will send you a text later and let me if you will come” Tara smiled.

“Sure,” You said.

You go to know Tara more. You listen to her talk about her favorite movies, but you didn't know any of the movies she was talking about.

“Next time, we will watch the movies together,” Tara said.

“I guess,” You said unsure.

“I know you will like it” Tara smiled.

Later, you leave and Tara is getting ready for the party. She sent you a text and you start to think about what to write back...

Tara- do you want to come to the party with me?

You- ok...? I will go?

Tara - lol. I will take that. I will pick you up in ten minutes.

What I have done, you thought to yourself. You took a quick shower and started to get dressed. Twenty minutes later, you hear a knock at the door and she is smiling at you.

“Ready to go, Y/n?” Tara asked.

“I guess,” You said.

You leave with Tara. She can sense that you are feeling nervous about the party. You and Tara take the train and is packed, and some people have costumes on. Tara noticed Ghostface and she starts to breathe hard and she doesn't want Ghostface to hurt you.

“Tara? Are you okay?” You asked.

She takes out her inhaler and used it.

“I’m... I'm fine, Y/n” Tara said.

She looks around but doesn't see Ghostface anymore.

Once at the party, Tara introduced you to her friends and you don't say anything. You are starting to feel awkward, you walked away and went to get something to drink. You sit on the couch and watch everyone have fun and talk to each other. You don't try to make a friend and you just drink your soda.

Tara noticed you not talking to anyone. She was going to walk toward you but a friend started to speak with her. You get up and head to the door and Tara goes after you.

“Not having fun?” Tara asked.

“No. I feel out of place, but I will wait for you so I can walk you back to your dorm room” You said.

“Y/n, that's so sweet. I don't want to make you wait for me” Tara said.

“I don’t mind. Have fun and I will come later also I saw a pizza shop open” You said.

“You know what, I'm going with you then we can do something else,” Tara said.

“Are you sure? I'm not a fun person” You said.

“Stop doubting yourself and yes I'm sure,” Tara said.

You and Tara left together and walked toward the pizza shop

----

You and Tara have been working hard on the project. You went to her dorm room to study together but you and Tara started to get tired. You end up falling asleep on her bed and she fell asleep next to you. You are having a nightmare, it feels real to you and you're breathing hard. In the dream, you are being chased and you just killed someone.

Tara starts to wake up and she sees that you are having a nightmare. You are mumbling something that she couldn't understand. She starts to shake your arm to wake you up.

“Y/n, wake up. It's only a dream, wake up” Tara said.

You wake up but grabbed her neck, thinking she is the enemy. You feel her fingernails dig deep into your forearm

“Y/n!” Tara yelled.

You snapped out and you noticed what you did. You let go of her and you start to apologize.

“Tara, I am so sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you, I am so sorry” You repeated over and over.

You get out of bed, you rushed to put your books away.

“Y/n, wait,” Tara said.

You run out of her dorm room before she got a chance to say something. You are still breathing hard and you went straight to your bedroom. You grabbed the water bottle from the mini fridge, you drink it fast. Your shirt got wet and you are breathing hard.

The next day, you sent a text saying sorry. Everyone on campus is feeling scared because Ghostface killed two people. Ghost face, threaten to kill you and she didn't want that to happen. She starts to keep her distance from you.

Today in class, Tara doesn't sit next to you. For the project, she doesn't answer your texts, and you already finished your part of the project. After class, you follow her

“Tara... Tara we can talk?” You asked.

“Leave me alone!” Tara yelled.

You didn't say anything back and you watched her walk away. Tara is hoping that you don't hate her for yelling at you. You are starting to feel bad for what you did to her.

Tara did keep avoiding you. You are keeping your distance from her and you don't say anything to her when you are in class or in the hallway. But Ghostface has killed more people again and Tara is feeling scared but doesn't show it around her friends.

✯ ✯ ✯ ✯

Tara is walking back to her dorm room from Mindy’s dorm room. She noticed Ghostface walk by fast then she stopped. The lights down the hall went out and Tara is feeling scared. Tara ran towards the exit but Ghostface jumped out of the shadow and grabbed her from behind. Tara screamed then she headbutts Ghostface in the face.

Now Ghostface starts to chase Tara. Ghost Face tackled her to the ground, almost being stabbed in the face. She managed to stop the attack with all her force, she screams for help.

“Fuck you!” Tara yelled.

You left a place where you can practice archery. While walking back to your dorm room, you see Ghostface trying to kill Tara. You rapidly get your bow out and then grabbed the arrow. You hit Ghostface in the shoulder then he falls off Tara. Then Ghostface struggled to get up, you start to walk closer to them.

“Y/n,” Tara said.

The second arrow hit Ghostface in the leg and Ghostface is screaming in pain. Tara is breathing hard and she is having an asthma attack. You had to make a choice go after Ghostface or save Tara. You run towards Tara, then you search through her jacket and take out the inhaler. You put it in her mouth and pressed down then you move it away.

“Ghostface is gone,” You said and you keep looking around.

You help her stand up

“Thank you, Y/n,” Tara said.

“I’m taking you to the hospital,” You said.

“No!” Tara yelled.

“I’m not going to leave you alone,” You said.

“Fine. I will stay with you” Tara said.

“Fine,” You said.

Tara follows you to your dorm room then you locked the door. You and Tara sit together on the bed.

“Why are you out late?” Tara asked.

“I was at a place where I can do archery. Why are you out late?” You said.

“I was with a friend until Ghostface attacked me. I had to keep my distance from you because I didn't want Ghostface to hurt you. I'm sorry, Y/n I didn't want to drag you into my problem” Tara said.

“I understand, what you had to do to survive. What happened that night, I had a nightmare I didn't mean to hurt you. It felt real to me” You said.

“I believe you, Y/n. We both did things we are not proud of, I killed before” Tara said.

“You had to do it to survive, Tara. Same way, when I was on the island, I had to kill so I can live for the next day. We have both been through traumatic moments but we are still here” You said.

“Yeah, but my mine won't leave me alone,” Tara said.

“Are we comparing?” You asked.

“I guess. Our lives will never be the same” Tara said.

“It won't,” You said.

She stares into your eyes, then you felt her lips on yours. You start to kiss her back and she gently put her hand on your neck and she doesn't stop kissing you back.

----

Months later... You and Tara have been dating in secret. Tara doesn't want her sister to find out. You and Tara have been opening up to each other, you told her what really happen on the island and you had to kill people. But Tara didn't judge you or made you feel about your past, and Tara told you everything about Ghostface. You still don't show a lot of emotions and you are somewhat affectionate with your girlfriend.

“Y/n, you shouldn't be ashamed of your scars,” Tara said.

You took off your shirt and you have scars all over your body.

“I feel insecure,” You said.

She put her hand on your chest.

“Babe, don't feel insecure. We both have scars that we wish would go away. But like what you said, we had to survive. I still find you attractive with the scars” Tara said.

You were about to kiss her but someone knocked on the door.

“Tara, open it's me, Sam,” Sam said.

Tara starts to panic.

“Hide!” Tara whispered.

“Where?” You asked.

You were about to go to the bathroom but she said no. But she made you hide under the bed but you forgot your shirt on the bed. Tara opened the door and Sam walked in.

“What’s up?” Tara said.

“I came to check up on you. Is this your shirt?” Sam said.

Sam grabbed the shirt off the bed.

“Yeah, it's my new shirt,” Tara said.

“Well, it's an ugly shirt. Let's go out and eat” Sam said.

“Oh okay, yeah” Tara stuttered.

Sam goes to the bathroom and Tara looks under the bed.

“Sorry, babe. But I will make it up to you, I promise” Tara whispered.

“It’s okay. I will hold that against you and my shirt isn't ugly, my girlfriend bought me that shirt” You whispered

“I have a cute boyfriend. I will text you later” Tara whispered

Sam comes out of the bathroom.

“What are you doing?” Sam asked.

“I-I dropped my phone under the bed, but I got it. Let's go out to eat” Tara said.

“Yeah. But I'm not in the mood for pizza” Sam said.

They leave the room and you heard the door close. You wait a few minutes then get out of under the bed. You put your shirt on and you head back to your dorm room.

#tara carpenter x male reader #tara carpenter x reader #tara carpenter imagine #x male reader #male!reader #male reader #scream 6 imagines

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dominoxsquad · 3 months

Text

Ok so. Like I said I’ve been thinking about Kallus and the Lasat Mercenary (who I’m going to be calling LM from now on for ease). This is gonna be SUPER long and a bit rambling but. Come on this thought journey with me.

So it feels like when it comes to LM, the general consensus is that he’s just… a brute. A monster, in some ways. But I couldn’t help wondering about that. Because sure, he could be a massive asshole who just likes killing Imps. But at the same time, he doesn’t have to be.

Here’s what we actually know about LM:

- He was a Mercenary who worked for Saw Gerrera

- He walked through the aftermath of an explosion picking off the people who survived.

- He let Kallus live.

We can assume he caused the explosion too, but since it isn’t confirmed there’s no way to confirm either way. But honestly I don’t think it really matters if he did that part specifically or not.

Let’s start with point 2. This feels like the thing people latch onto for why they think LM is a heartless brute, but… why?

Kallus was at the time of Onderon an ISB Agent being sent on a routine patrol. You’re not going to send out a whole group of intelligence agents to do a routine patrol. He was probably the only one, with the others would be Stormtroopers. Faceless soldiers that maybe Kallus knew at that point, but why would anyone else know them or care? Why would killing Stormtroopers make one a monster? Especially when we see so many others, characters we know and love, kill Stormtroopers and others. Every Star Destroyer or other Imperial ship destroyed is people killed. Not just Stormtroopers but officers too. Hell, even Kallus has, on screen, caused the death of one of his own men at least once. And he framed Lyste for treason, despite knowing he himself would probably be executed if found out.

Adding to the fact Rebels killing Stormtroopers is not odd at all, let’s take into account the explosion. There’s a lot we don’t know about it. Where was Kallus in relation to it? Was he close? Was he farther away? He just was knocked out and came to unable to move. Kallus says the injured never had a chance but… I think that may be truer than he probably thinks. They were Stormtroopers. The Empire didn’t give a shit when Kallus dragged himself back with a broken leg, why would they waste resources on unimportant soldiers?

So imagine. Imagine this lasat walking through the aftermath of the explosion, finishing the job for most of the injured. There’s no connection there. More Stormtrooper the same as all the ones killed before. But then there’s Kallus. Likely the only one with a face visible. The only one with a different uniform. Possibly looking up at him with fear. He’s not just a faceless soldier. He’s a person. And potentially an officer, someone the Empire may care enough about to save. Imagine it being a simple act of mercy, LM not killing Kallus. Imagine it being the same to make the deaths of the rest of the group members quick. But we see that incident through Kallus’s eyes only, which puts it through the lens of an Imperial.

I think something else that impacts how people see LM is the fact he worked for Saw Gerrera. And I say worked because we only know he did so in the past, and don’t even know where LM is or if he’s even alive still. And Gerrera is… a special kind of Intense. But LM was a mercenary. He might not do that much work with Gererra. And even if he did, that could very well have changed after the incident of Onderon. After all, he let Kallus live. He very well could have been on his own from then on.

Now here’s where things split a bit with what ifs. For what happened to LM and what it could be like if he and Kallus ever did meet again. Because what Kallus says on Bahryn is the whole of what we know about this mercenary.

Maybe he still works for Gerrera. Maybe he’s become the kind of person the fandom tends to settle on him being, especially with the fall of Lasan.

But maybe he doesn’t, either of his own choice or because Gerrera didn’t want him around after he let an Imperial live. Maybe he went back to Lasan after leaving Gerrera’s group, fighting and dying during its fall.

And now we get to what I have personally come to adopt as my favorite scenario.

Imagine. LM having left or been cast out of Gerrera’s group and striking out on his own. Doing other mercenary work, maybe trying help people and take out Imps where possible. Imagine him finding out about the fall of Lasan afterwards. Imagine that he ends up with the main Rebellion for whatever reason, and eventually encountering Zeb and Kallus. Kallus being afraid of him but at that point I’m sure he’s sort of found some peace about what happened. It wasn’t personal, no matter how it felt in the moment. Him being afraid, but honest. Telling LM that he had been on Lasan when it fell. That he’d been one of the people fighting. Imagine LM wanting to be angry, but… Kallus wouldn’t have been the only one. Even if he hadn’t been there what difference would it have made with how many people would have been there to clear a whole planet? Besides, Zeb trusts him. Zeb loves him. And Zeb was actually there, fighting for his home, and LM wasn’t. A different kind of survivor’s guilt, knowing again that one person wouldn’t have changed the outcome but at least LM would have been there to fight and die for his family and home. It isn’t easy, the anger is there, but at the same time I feel like there would be almost a sense of catharsis to it. LM meeting the person he showed mercy to years and years ago, finding that despite Kallus being on Lasan during its destruction he eventually did come around and risked everything for the rebellion, and (depending on when they meet) that he was part of the small group that managed to free Lothal from Imperial control. Things that he never could have done if LM had killed him that time.

Just… LM being a normal guy surviving in the galaxy. Full of trauma and guilt but who isn’t at that point. A normal guy who can kill because he thinks it’s helping but also capable of showing mercy. Someone who can find some closure in meeting Kallus but even more so in meeting Zeb. Because those two know what happened on Lasan. And more importantly, Zeb knows about Lira San.

#sorry if this makes no sense #alexsandr kallus #garazeb orrelios

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captain-mj · 1 year

Note

Ooohhh how the general deserved that backhand.

Can we get part two? Maybe shepherd corners graves and price witnesses graves in action? He did say he’d just needs to beat him hard enough. Graves supremacy <3

Maybe price is so in love with graces after he saw him hand shepherds ass to him that he can’t help but bandage his hand and worship him a little bit?

Yeth.... Yeth I can

Part 1

Price followed Graves around after that. He liked to pretend that it was him just watching out for him, but really it was that ever since he had said he'd beat Shepherd into learning, he couldn't take his eyes off him. Not to be a hypocrite, he kept it professional and never touched Graves outside the normal every day brushes a normal person has. Even that was kept to a relative minimum if it could be helped.

Though lately, it really couldn't be helped. Price felt like no matter what he did, they seem to be brushing against each other or pressed right up against each other. Twice during the past week they were stuck right next to each other, Price's chest to Graves's front, on the elevator. Graves would usually lean into him to get away from everyone else and Price had to pretend he was fine and wasn't having a hard time breathing.

Shepherd's behavior escalated and Price was reminded it once again how much of a bitch he was. He continued lingering around Graves and somehow, he ended up with his hand around his back that day. Graves didn't seem to bind, leaning in the smallest bit. Graves had a grin on his face, like a cat who just stole a fish.

A small throwaway comment made by Gaz. "You two look like an old married couple." Quickly had Price pulling away.

"I'm not that old." Graves laughed it off and smiled at Price. He turned back to what they were doing, but Price kept his hands firmly behind his back in a parade style.

Price stepped away from him. Could've only been for a minute. If it wasn't for the fact that it didn't make sense, he would've thought Graves waited until he wasn't around. Shepherd had been rather shameless in his flirting, not particularly caring that he, or anyone for that matter, was right there, but he may have been toning it back. Regardless, whatever happened in those few minutes were lost on Price.

What wasn't lost on him was seeing Graves pummeling him. It wasn't rage or blind fury. It was calculated. He could see the way he made each hit where Shepherd had tried to defend but then left open. A methodical beat down. His body coiled back like a spring before landing the next punch. Something was slightly feral about him that made Price appreciative. Though appreciative of what exactly, he wasn't sure.

Price let it go on a lot longer than he should, but fuck was it satisfying. Graves was a dangerous man. A right bastard at time. But you don't become a commander of an entire mercenary group for no reason.

Shepherd had a lot of blood on him. Unfortunately, it was mostly from his broken nose, not anything else.

He eventually grabbed him, playing up the idea that he had to drag Graves off, even though Graves clearly let him. Didn't even put up a fight. Someone else helped Shepherd to the infirmary.

Graves hung in his arms like a dead weight. He looked incredibly smug, even though his hands were dripping blood.

Price took him to his room. Thanks to his teams... tendencies, he kept bandages and other medical items in his room so they could go to him if for any reason they didn't want to go to medical. Felt smarter than leaving them with nowhere else to go.

Graves stared at him hard until he saw the bandages. He didn't quite relax but there was a quick realization and then his hands were being held out.

Price was gentle. He started with a cloth to wipe away any blood. Most of it was from Shepherd, but several of his knuckles on each hand were split.

"Gonna have to bandage it." He was sure Graves could, but without full use of either of his hands, it would be time-consuming and not as good.

Graves nodded and continued to hold them in front of Price. He winced at the antiseptic. "Stuff is always so cold." Price smiled at him and patted his hands clean again. He slowly wrapped his hand, being as gentle as possible.

Graves was staring at him. Not trying to hide it either. It felt like a weight over him.

"Thank you."

Price just nodded and moved to the next hand. Clean, antiseptic, clean, bandage. An easy thing to remember. He turned back to Graves to talk and they were close. Really close. He could count Graves's eyelashes.

Price glanced at his mouth and Graves noticed, smiling. "You alright, John?"

Price shrugged. "He's going to be so embarrassed. Probably keep his mouth shut about it which is good."

"Why would he be embarrassed?" Graves asked immediately, looking at Price like he had been caught doing something he shouldn't.

"I just mean you're not a soldier." Price quickly tried to explain.

Graves leaned in. "Would you be embarrassed?" He purred it and looked up at him, eyelashes batting.

"No. No, I most certainly wouldn't."

Graves leaned in and Price finished closing the gap. The kiss was soft. There were no fireworks or explosions. It just felt soft. Connection.

"Been waiting for you to do that." Graves admitted when they pulled back.

"I didn't want to come across as creepy." Price sounded sheepish.

Graves laughed and shook his head before leaning back in. They kissed again and Price gently cupped Graves's hands. "You're going to have to be careful. Don't want you to get an infection." He traced the bandaging lightly.

"John, I know how to take care of some split knuckles."

"And yet you let me do it."

"Maybe I just wanted your attention." Graves smiled at him.

Price fought down a blush. "You could just ask next time, love."

Graves visibly froze before turning a gorgeous pink color. "I like when you call me that."

#cod #cod mw2 #call of duty modern warfare #call of duty #call of duty modern warfare ii #Phillip graves #John Price #Captain John Price #Price x Graves #Graves x Price

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traveler-at-heart · 10 months

Text

What we were - Chapter 4

Posting because I’m fed up with the discussion of should Nat be forgiven blah blah, that’s the way the story is, it’s not that deep 🥹 I’m deleting all chapters at the end of the week so I’m just posting for the people who were curious about how the story ends.

The Avengers assembled.

Steve and Bucky haven’t aged, but as you look around, you notice some wrinkles around Wanda’s eyes. Tony has gray hair and a disgruntled look on his face.

Sam is the only one enjoying himself, apparently.

“Cheer up” you say, standing in front of the group.

“Sorry, last time we were all together was to put someone six feet under” Tony mutters. “Yes, well... We have some news about that. Nat?”

The redhead stands next to you, looking at the projected images.

“Helios is an international terrorist organization led by French mercenary Soizic Paire. They have targeted some major cities in the Middle East and Africa. Quickly expanding to Europe and North America”

“Eleanor Bishop has been working with them to cover their operations, setting up fake companies that look like legit businesses”

“So you think Kate was just following her mother?” Wanda says.

“Yes, and Clint tagged along as backup. They didn’t know about Helios until they found Eleanor”

“The Avengers are retired, though” Steve points out. “I’m trying to figure out what we could do about this”

“I spoke to Secretary Renfield” you announce. Tony smirks. “We have clearance to take care of this”

“Who is we?” Tony asks you to clarify.

“Everyone in this room. You’re free to go. Or not. I just thought you’d like to know that we’re doing this. I know we all have lives now and families, so there’s nothing wrong with sitting this one out”

“Well, I’m going,” Bucky says.

“I’m going too,” Wanda nods. Steve and Sam step forward as well.

“Stark?”

“Do you have an ugly beard convention or something on your schedule?” you push him, annoyed.

“Damn, when did she get so mean?” Sam mutters to Natasha.

“I think it’s hot”

Tony snickers and shrugs his shoulders.

“Oh, what the hell. For old time’s sake. But you’re explaining this to Pepper” --

Steve is leading an intense training for everyone. It’s been a while since you spar and the pain in your leg only reminds you that you’re not a 20 something agent on the field.

Still, Natasha is patient and knows how to get you back in shape. Everyone shares a sense of urgency to get on with this. Maybe it’s because Helios could go into hiding if they suspect someone is after them. Part of it is also because you all want to go back to your lives.

Yelena is happy to stay over while you focus entirely on this mission. She’s given herself the title of “cool aunt to the rescue”.

“I’m exhausted” you complain when the first week of training ends.

“Steve was a little pushy today,” Natasha agrees. You’re back home, laying on the couch while Natasha massages your feet.

“Want to relax for a bit?”

“Do we have time?” she smiles and you nod, moving to straddle her lap. You kiss her slowly, her hands cupping your ass as you run yours through her hair.

“We brought pizza-aaaah” Yelena screams. “No, Anya, don’t look!”

“You should knock,” Natasha complains.

“There” Yelena punches the door and you grimace. Bucky just replaced it. “Сучка”

“Aww, aunt Yelena, you should have let me walk in on them. That way I could guilt them into buying me a new laptop”

“Maybe next time, sweetheart” you pat Anya’s shoulder. --

The second week of training is coming to an end, and you think the team might be ready to execute the mission in a couple of days.

You’re reviewing floor plans with Natasha when a video call from Maria comes in. “Director Hill”

“Agent Romanoff... and Romanoff. I have some intel that you’ll want to review. Helios is planning an attack at Oslo”

“This is the first time they target an European city” Natasha looks at you, concerned. “How long do we have, Maria?”

“I’d say a day at most”

You sigh.

“F.R.I.D.A.Y., call everyone. We leave in an hour”

“Good luck, Avengers” Maria disconnects the call. You walk away, thinking about getting changed and prepare the Quinjet.

“Hold on” Natasha asks, pulling you back to the room.

“Nat, can’t this wait?”

“I need... I need to apologize. For everything. I never did”

“You’ll do it when the mission is over” you try to get away from the conversation but she insists.

“I can’t let you leave without telling you that I love you. That you are the best thing that’s ever happened to me. And that... thing with Carol didn’t mean anything. It was just a fucked up way to deal with grief. But it’s still not an excuse. I’m sorry for hurting you”

“Thank you”

“You know, after I moved out I started therapy. For real. And I’m working on everything. I don’t want our family to be apart anymore”

“I’m glad to hear that. Now all you have to do is promise me that you’re not going to risk your life on this mission. Anya needs you and so do I”

“Promise” she nods, resting her forehead against yours.

“Chop, chop” Tony walks in, clapping excitedly. “We got butts to kick”

As everyone gathers around, you look at the empty seat on the Quinjet. Clint loved flying this thing.

Then you remember the archery lessons he gave Anya, the Christmases at the farm with all the kids. Maybe, worrying about Natasha was also a way of not facing your own loss.

A look around the room tells you everyone is thinking about Clint.

“We’ll divide in three” you begin, projecting a scan of the location where Helios is hiding. It’s an abandoned mansion on the border between Norway and Russia. “Tony will disable the communication between the guards on the gates and the towers. Once that happens, Wanda and Sam will disarm them”

“Natasha, Steve, Bucky and I will access via an old tunnel. We’ll wait for you to finish with the outside group. Then, Steve and Natasha will go to retrieve intelligence and locate Soizic while Buck and I deal with the second group of guards”

“We’re not splitting up” Natasha complains.

“Yes, we are. You and Steve work great together. And with my leg, I’m gonna need backup”

Bucky smiles at Natasha but you nudge him.

“Not now, children. By the time Steve and Natasha find Soizic, we should all be able to meet there and deal with him. Questions?”

Tony raises his hand.

“Would anyone like some shawarma after? Or is this more of a pizza type of mission?” “Shawarma’s for alien invasions. This will be a piece of cake” Sam winks at you.

Piece of cake, my ass.

You’ve been here for 10 minutes and everything’s going to shit.

Bucky and you had to split up when a group of Helios’ soldiers found you. You’ve been fighting for fifteen minutes, and although you’ve managed to knock down ten of their people, there are still three guards. One of them is swinging a chain, so you duck and he hits his partner.

This time, he swings to the ground, thinking you’ll go low again. Instead, you throw a punch to the other soldier, and by the time the chain man lifts his arms, it hits the other man in the balls.

“Ouch”

You almost feel sorry for him.

With only chain man left, you prepare your last widow bite. He swings the chain, distracting you from his other hand, and he throws a knife that lands straight to your stomach.

Well, shit.

Ignoring the sting, you push through the pain and wait for his attack to grab one of the guns from his fallen mates. You throw the widow bite to distract him and when he thinks he has you, you shoot him three times.

Down.

“We have a problem” Tony announces over the comms.

“Join the club” you take the knife out, grunting.

“Y/N?” Natasha speaks.

“I’m fine” you lie. “Tony?”

“There’s a record of a device that can launch a missile to Oslo, remotely. And it’s traveling, almost at the edge of the property, isn’t that right, F.R.I.D.A.Y.?”

“Yes, Mr. Stark”

“Probably through the tunnel we came in. I’m the one closest to it. I’ll track it” you say. “Sending Red Wing to guide you” Sam announces.

As you run through the tunnel, the robot joins you, and stops next to a wall.

“Sam, you’re thing is broken” “That can’t be”

“Unless there’s a secret... door” you push the stone and sure enough, it gives in. You walk into a garage full of motorcycles, SUVs and sports cars. There’s a man loading up a small briefcase. You lock eyes and he raises his gun.

“Shit”

As you find cover, Red Wing shoots back.

“Guys, I found Soizic” you inform the team as he drives away. “He’s on a white BMW. I’m in pursuit” you instruct them, finding a motorcycle with the keys still attached.

“We cut their power, so he must be looking for a network to connect and launch the missile. You have to get to him before that” Tony instructs.

“No pressure, right?” you rev the engine, and a second later, the cold air hits you. It feels like tiny needles digging on the skin of your face and exposed knuckles.

Soizic is having trouble with the car, as the roads seem to be frozen. You increase the speed, knowing one wrong turn could be fatal.

“Can this thing knock down trees?” you ask Sam.

“Only once”

“Then make sure it gets it right. Block the road with a tree. That way I can intercept Soizic”

“Copy, Romanoff”

“Me?” Natasha jumps in.

“The other Romanoff” Sam clarifies. “Ten years and we still can’t come up with a system to avoid this”

Red Wing flies past you and Soizic. There’s a curve ahead, with a cliff on the other side. As the tree falls, he realizes there’s nowhere to go so he stops the car, swirling.

You are face to face with the man that killed Clint.

“He could still launch it from your position, Y/N. I’m working on blocking his signal”

“That looks bad” the mercenary points at the bleeding in your abdomen.

“You a doctor?”

“Just a killer. You want this? Is that why you’re here?” He pulls the briefcase close to him. “Are you done?” you make time, asking Tony.

“Not even a little” the man in front of you replies.

“I’m trying,” Tony says.

“We’re on our way as backup” Natasha announces.

It will be too late. You have to get to that briefcase now.

“Just like old times” you mutter, running towards the man. He throws a punch to your stab wound and you double in pain. Before he can make a run for the briefcase, you pull him by the shirt, and he falls to the ground. You bash his head against the car door.

This is your chance.

But the blood loss is making you dizzy.

Soizic laughs, still on the ground.

“You should have retired. Like your friend, Barton” “I’m going to kill you”

“That’s what he said”

Come on, move. Reach for it. Run.

Soizic sprints forward at the same time you do. Instead of racing him for the briefcase, you throw yourself at him. The man realizes a second too late what you’re doing, as you both fall over the cliff on the other side of the road.

The snow softens some of the blows, but you can still feel your ribs breaking and a shooting pain in your arm.

It feels like an eternity until you land, rolling to a frozen surface.

Come on. You can do it.

Detka

Is Nat here? You listen to her voice, she’s so close.

A cracking sound on your back wakes you up.

Natasha is on the comms, asking for your location.

“Down the cliff” you drag yourself, aware that the ice is breaking due to the force of your fall. You will not be able to swim like this.

She asks you something else, but you can’t focus on her words as you feel someone pulling you back.

Fuck, why won’t he die?

Soizic punches you, and you land on your back. His own face is covered in blood and the right arm is twisted in a weird angle.

With the left arm, he’s holding a knife. You stop him mid attack, each one struggling with one arm. The ice keeps cracking, so you begin to kick it. You’d rather risk your chances on the frozen water than let him stab you.

The surface finally gives in and you both fall.

Soizic lets go of the knife as he struggles to swim. Barely floating, you know this will only give you a second to get away.

“For f-fuck’s sake” you stutter as he peaks his head. Just when you think he’s going to drown you, an arrow goes through his head.

What?

You follow the direction of the shot. Natasha.

Smiling weakly, for a second you forget you’re on the brink of freezing to death. She looks at Bucky.

“Hurry up and bring her over”

“Ah, jeez” Bucky complains, diving.

A second later, Wanda lands next to Natasha and envelopes you with her magic, floating out of the water wrapped in red threads.

“Seriously, Romanoff?” Bucky barks, but sprints out of the lake and catches you in the air, carrying you over. “You’re bleeding”

“And freezing” Natasha moves some of the hair on your forehead. She feels so warm even though she’s probably cold as well.

“Let’s get you back to the Quinjet”

“Who taught you to shoot like that?” you ask Natasha. Sam is landing the Quinjet, Red Wing by his side.

“Clint,” she smiles. “They kept his bow and arrow stored away”

“Idiots” Bucky mutters and Natasha laughs. The corner of his mouth does a thing that kind of looks like a smile.

“Hey, the funniest thing happened, Miss Day asked about you” Natasha comments and his smile fades away.

“You told her” he accuses, looking at you. “I promise I didn’t”

“All the Romanoffs are a pain in my ass” “That we are”

“Knock knooock” Yelena calls softly, peeking around the hospital room.

“Now you knock” Natasha opens the door, hugging her daughter. You were rushed to the OR the minute the Quinjet landed and are waking up from the anesthesia, a dopey look in your eyes.

“How are you feeling, seestra?” Yelena approaches the side of the bed. “These drugs are top notch, Yel”

“I can see that. Anya’s here, though, so we might not call drugs a good thing”

“Pfff, it’s fine. Come here, sweetheart” you wave and Anya kisses your cheek. She’s never seen you like this, mainly because you retired from missions when she was six. “Your mom killed a bad guy, it was so cool”

“Hey, we’ll be right back, Anya” Yelena says, dragging Natasha out of the room.

“What’s wrong?” Natasha says.

“So, are you done? Can you move on with your life now?” Yelena scolds her. This is the first time in months that both sisters are alone. “Because you were pretty determined to screw up everything and you wouldn’t let us help, Natalia”

“I’m done. It won’t happen again”

“No, it won’t. Because next time I’m gonna kick your ass. And don’t forget how lucky you are because Y/N forgave everything”

“You knew about...?”

“Barnes told me. We made a group chat to call you mean names” Yelena shrugs her shoulders.

“It’s not a group chat if it’s only the two of you” Natasha grumbles.

“Whatever” the blonde waves, coming back inside.

Your eyes are closed, but you’re still talking, half asleep.

“The first night your Mom and I spent together, I thought she got me pregnant. That’s how good it was, Anya”

The redhead turns around and looks at Natasha with a smile.

“I’m so getting a new laptop now”

“Not so fast, we still have to tell them about the cat” Yelena scratches her neck.

“You adopted a cat?” Natasha yells whispers as you go back to sleep.

“Momma, she is so cute. She’s a black cat and Aunt Yelena named her Liho. Please, we have to keep her”

“A cat would be nice” you mumble, and then start to snore. Natasha can’t help but smile. “It would be nice”, she agrees.

Six months later

Flowers are blooming.

Time keeps passing.

There are days where grief takes over. Healing isn’t linear. But you’re getting there. Natasha looks happy, helping Laura set everything up for the barbecue.

It might seem strange to throw a party instead of a service after a year of Clint’s death. But Laura thought it would be better. To have all of their friends. It was his favorite thing to do once spring came in full swing.

“Hey” Bucky sits down next to you and you move over to make space on the bench. “Fancy meeting you here. Miss Day keeping you busy?”

“Yeah” he blushes, peeling the label off his beer bottle. “I’m meeting Melissa’s parents next week”

“Wow, I’m impressed”

“How’s the leg?” he changes the subject, nodding towards the scar on your thigh.

“Better than ever. What? Jealous you’re not the only one with vibranium in their body?”

“I’ll ask them to attach a machine gun to my arm and that will show you”

“Melissa’s parents will be delighted”

“So is that why you’ve been picking me up from school so much lately?” Anya appears behind you.

“Stop sneaking around” you both say at the same time.

“Hey, come on now” Natasha steps up, hugging Anya. You realize your daughter is getting taller. “She’s a natural”

“Wait until she starts sneaking around to go to parties and see if that’s still fun” you comment and Bucky chuckles.

“Your wife is right”

“She always is” Natasha agrees and you smile.

“Ugh, I’m gonna be sick” Anya walks away and Bucky is quick to follow. “I’ll race you to the house” he says, knowing she’ll never catch up.

“You ok?” you say, as Natasha sits by your side. Part of you has been dreading this day. Even if Natasha has been better and present in your lives, it’s still hard for her to deal with the absence of Clint.

It’s simply not something you get over in a day.

“I miss him” she admits in a shaky voice. You’re happy she’s honest with you.

“I miss him too”

“He’d kick my ass if he could. For all the mistakes I made. The pain I caused you”

“Yeah, he would. And then he’d ask you to make it right and appreciate what you have. And you’ve done that ”

“I love you” she rests her head against your shoulder and you kiss her temple.

“I love you too”

It wasn’t perfect, the life you had. But there was love. And that would be enough

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aita-blorbos · 5 months

Note

*spoilers

AITA for surviving an assassination attempt?

For context, the other month my rival (18M) blackmailed me (17M) and my friends (15-18, F, M, cat) into pulling a heist so he could exonerate us, otherwise he'd be forced to disband our vigilante group. (He was a detective but that's not really relevant rn). Once we did it, though, he had the entire building swatted, absolutely surrounded by what looked like cops from all over the capital, and I had to let myself be arrested and interrogated to give my teammates time to get out of the premises. Of course we knew this was all just a plot on my rival's part to corner me and assassinate me, so we'd hatched an escape plan in advance to get me out. Fast forward a few weeks later, we ran into my rival during a heist on a ship, and he was absolutely, balls to the walls, furious at me. Granted, it was probably a buildup of so many things and this was just the straw that broke the camel's back, but he seemed genuinely pissed that I ruined his lifelong plot and that I 'have things that he doesn't' and 'don't let the bonds of my past hold me back'. But whatever, that's just Tuesday for us. But THEN (this all happened after we fought each other on the ship, so we were both pretty fucking drained) he decided to sacrifice himself to save me and my friends and asked that we complete our heist on his behalf to avenge him.

Like?? Yes, me and my friends would have done the heist regardless, but... I know he'd always been a sore loser - we've fought before, but it was something coy, the two of us had been holding back a little because we were scheming behind each other's backs - when he lost that fight, he'd said he hated me but we both knew that that wasn't the only thing he felt about me. (I also hated him, but we were in love about it. I thought he knew.) And now that he lost this battle, he just decided to... straight up go ahead and die? I'm sorry, did you think it was easy to contrive the entirety of Tokyo's police force and convince a desperate public prosecutor willing to sell people to the devil for one pack of yakisoba that she's capable of righteousness? I know my rival wouldn't have respected me if I had actually ended up dead in that dingy interrogation room anyway, the way I wouldn't have respected him if his initial deal was actually legit and not a coverup for his mercenary job. I survived for him, so why wouldn't he do the same for me? I know he could beat me in the game if he'd just - lived, and started another scheme to end my life, I don't know! It's so unfair.

Anyway, I just needed to get that off my chest, we have more pressing things to do rn. Like killing God. We're killing God on Christmas Eve BTW so if you ever feel like joining us on that, my number's still the same. Or, our online forum is still up. Whichever you'd like.

#aita #am i the asshole #unreality

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godtier · 3 months

Text

so i wasn't gonna make a separate post about this but @sapphire-weapon had a post (that i reblogged a few days ago) in which someone mentioned that they think it was a missed opportunity in RE6 for jake to not have spoken to wesker. i had a p long conversation with sirea about it and my thoughts about that sentiment, but it was also nearly 3 AM my time when that happened so i dunno if i was even articulating my thoughts properly lmao

and yes... this is technically a meta post and i know i said i was gonna do the mmx meta post first... but this one isn't gonna be nearly as long (i hope) and i gotta get the brainworms out before i die

(quick edit note: i reworded the list item below from saying he was "likely a drug addict" to "likely a recreational drug user" because i feel like that better encompasses what i'm trying to get across

(another edit note: i made another post regarding jake's usage of drugs that stemmed from this post! it's marked as mature bc of drug usage, so it won't show up in tag search. if you're interested in that, look here!)

so the idea that wesker being alive in OG RE6 would have brought an opportunity for jake's character is kinda, imo, antithetical to the purpose of jake's character in the first place.

when we meet jake, we know a few things about him, right off the bat:

he's a mercenary

he's likely a recreational drug user or at least heavy/risk-taking user

he doesn't give a fuck about anything but making money

his whole character journey is going from this selfish, money-focused dickhead to someone who actually cares about doing something good, just because it's the right thing to do. at the start, jake refuses to simply give his blood away when sherry mentions needing it for a vaccine. no, he wants a cash payout. 50 million dollery-doos for a pint of his blood. by the end, he lowers the price to a mere 50 dollars. one could argue that was symbolic and he actually didn't care if he was paid or not, but that's neither here nor there.

but why was he like this? because his childhood was shite; his mother was sickly, he had no father figure, and by 15-ish, jake had to learn how to hustle to keep food on the table. and by "hustle" i mean "do a bunch of mercenary work and killing people." and when shit went south with his little group of mercenaries (their entire group was sold out by a heel-turner), jake basically went "fuck alla y'all" and lost all sense of conviction or morals.

during the game, he expresses his bitterness for his father, wesker, pretty clearly. even though his mother still loved wesker, tried to raise jake to respect him despite never knowing him, it didn't matter to jake. he hated that guy. well, really, who doesn't?

we're not gonna talk about excella rn ok

jake's entire character arc is built up around this hatred as well as a subconscious fear of becoming his father. the fear part doesn't show up until later in the story, after he and sherry were captured by the Big Bad's organization. they were both experimented on for several months, during which jake overheard the researchers talking about his father, wesker. this gives jake a sort of "explanation" as to why he is the way he is; he takes the "nature" side of the nature vs nurture argument.

ofc sherry scolds his ass and basically tells him "grow up and take responsibility for your actions."

and here's the thing... this fear, narratively, works just fine without wesker being there.

(since this got obscenely long, pls continue below for the actual explanation lmao)

jake eventually comes to the conclusion that yeah no it's definitely up to him to not become wesker, not his genetics. he does this without wesker being there. that's the entire point of his character journey. in order for an interaction with wesker to even matter or have any sort of impact on jake's character arc, his character arc as a whole would need to change.

see, imo, wesker being there diminishes a lot of the power of that journey. in the game, he isn't there for jake to scream at, to question. all those thoughts in his head that might be circulating around, like why he left his mother, why he did what he did, etc, cannot be answered. this is not a bad thing in a character arc as this is shit that happens to people all the time. people don't always get the answers they may want from family members because those family members are dead. they have to learn to move on without those answers or they have to rely on people who knew that person to fill in the blanks. this is what jake already does in game. he has to rely on sherry, and by a smaller extent, chris, to fill in those blanks for him.

but we as players, observers of the narrative, already know the answers to some of those questions. why wesker did what he did, primarily. anything else is only pertinent to jake and him knowing those answers doesn't change anything for his character arc as it is.

if wesker was there in the game, what would that even add to jake's narrative? a scene where jake yells at his dad? asks him "why did you leave?" when wesker wasn't even aware that he had a kid in the first place? remember: wesker had no fucking idea that he had a child. there would be no reason for wesker to even believe jake in the first place. sure, there could be a scene where he goes "well i'll be damned, ig he really is my misfired chromosome," but... then what? what does that add?

you could argue that wesker could use jake, maybe try to manipulate him into doing shit for his plans, but... that wouldn't work with the way jake's characterization is mapped out. his entire characterization would have to change for this to work in a satisfying way.

jake already hates wesker without ever meeting him. he would not willingly participate in anything wesker offered to him. he already knows that wesker nearly destroyed the world multiple times and had a hand in destroying an entire city. even if jake has no moral compass at the start of the game, by the time he learns about what wesker really did, who he really was, he's already showing that he does have one, it was just dormant up until that point. he's clearly disgusted by what wesker did. what foothold would wesker have that wouldn't immediately result in it just falling flat?

given how wesker is, i could see him perhaps belittling jake, maybe saying "wow you suck for being my spawn," or something during a fight with the intent to rile him up. would that work? no, not narratively nor not in the way jake is characterized. again, jake doesn't want to be like wesker. why would insulting him and saying he's not "as good" as wesker expected him to be motivate jake or even anger him? it shouldn't, because jake doesn't want to be anything like wesker. if anything, it may annoy him, but that's kind of a lame reaction, right?

if anything, the most i could see culminating out of this would be jake standing over wesker after he's defeated again (because it's resident evil and obviously wesker can't win) and having a "wow idk what i was worried about" moment. that's it.

but he doesn't need that. having a scene like that cheapens the weight of him figuring that out himself, without wesker there as "proof."

because the point of his story, of his character arc, is that he figures that out on his own (and with the help of sherry and the events he witnesses) because he has to. he doesn't need wesker there to spoon-feed that to him. he figures that out by working with sherry, by seeing the effects of the C-Virus on everything that it infects. wesker being an abstract entity in his life is enough, because the frustration of not seeing him, not being able to put a bullet in his skull himself, fuels the rest of his journey.

this is where i think that people who make these observations or criticisms (primarily those who think that jake's character would have been improved if wesker was there) need to understand the difference between what's good for a character as a person and what's good for their arc.

interacting with wesker would be good for jake as a person, in that he would no longer need to wonder about it. the answers would be spelled out for him, and he wouldn't have to do any wondering about the what-if. he wouldn't have any doubts left that he'd need to untangle.

but in doing that, it cheapens his arc; it would do more of a disservice to it, imo, than anything else. it would make his journey more formulaic and boring.

it would also clutter up the already cluttered narrative of that game. you have him not only struggling with his heritage, struggling with the fear of becoming his father, struggling with needing to be the "savior" by giving his blood, struggling with his moral compass, but now also struggling with seeing his father for the first time in person?

it makes his arc top-heavy. in that scenario, you could easily replace him with another, completely new character who has zero ties to wesker and the story wouldn't change in any meaningful way. the reason why it works the way to does now is because wesker is already dead. it creates that internal conflict, that internal frustration, that jake has to learn how to deal with since he cannot take that frustration out on his father in-person. he has to make peace with that struggle in other ways.

now, that's not to say there aren't ways that adding wesker into the story of RE6 that don't disrupt that balance. primarily, when it comes to a potential RE6 remake, the writing team can (and hopefully will) rework aspects of the entire game to make the plot more streamlined. this could include adding wesker in and redoing jake's characterization and character arc entirely.

this would be the only way i could see it working out. if jake's entire motivation was changed, his entire backstory was tweaked, then wesker being around could probably work! an interaction between them could be made to make sense and not bog down the rest of the plot as a result.

sirea also mentioned to me in our conversation that adding wesker in to RE6 remake could actually help streamline the plot and i do agree with that. she mentioned that all of the main characters have a tie to wesker in some way, which is absolutely true. having him there would neatly tie their campaigns together in the plotline and make the game as a whole feel less disjointed and messy.

this is especially true when we consider there are 4 fuckin campaigns that all run alongside one another and intersect at random points. it gets so fucking difficult to page through and figure out when certain things happen in the plot. you'll see them happen in order in chris's campaign, for example, then you go start leon's campaign and have to start over again and try to remember what happened at the same time during chris's campaign and so on.

now imagine that not with just two campaigns but four. it gets gross quick. sure, there are parts where the characters run into each other and that helps ground a general timeline in your head, but as far as time elapsed... it's so fuckin hard u guise

there's a reason why it's so hard to summarize the plot of RE6. it's because there is just so much going on in that fucking game.

anyway, that's my rant/sort of meta analysis about why i think wesker didn't need to be in OG RE6 and probably would have made jake's entire arc stupider than it already was

#resident evil #resident evil 6 #jake muller #albert wesker #meta analysis #pls don't look at me i only write posts about characters no one cares about #stay tuned for my meta analysis on HUNK next #(may or may not be serious about that)#(also this post is the epitome of tl;dr)#(u been warned)#text post

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illuminatedquill · 5 months

Text

Sabine Wren & Ezra Bridger

Family's End - and Beginning (Part Two)

Story Summary: Still reeling from the ramifications of her betrayal, Sabine Wren makes the solemn journey to Peridea with Baylan Skoll. The partnership, born out of necessity, begins to yield surprising revelations about her path forward. However, the true test of Sabine's convictions lies ahead in the fateful reunion with Ezra Bridger . . .

Part One here

*Art done by my fantastic friend, Scragon!

Reunion and Heartbreak

"You're awfully quiet for someone in your predicament," observed Baylan Skoll.

Sabine didn't reply; she stood at the cliff's edge where her master, Ahsoka Tano, had fallen. Possibly to her death.

Thanks to me, thought Sabine miserably. I gave Baylan the opening.

It had only been a mere matter of minutes since the fateful duel between Ahsoka and Baylan, yet it feel like years. The skies of Seatos were a slate grey, roiling ominously; brutal gusts of wind streaked through the stone pillars and platform where the map was meant to be used. Below her, the ocean waters frothed and splashed viciously against the rocks.

Would it be a mercy to hit the rocks and die instantly? she wondered. Instead of drowning in the cruel, freezing waters?

They were waiting for the transport from the Eye of Sion to pick them up, due to arrive any minute now. Sabine watched the ocean below, looking for a sign - any sign that Ahsoka had survived . . .

"Sabine?" asked Baylan, gently putting a hand on her shoulder.

Anger spiked in her abruptly; blood boiling, she shook off the mercenary's touch. Whirling on the older man, she said, "Let's get something straight here: I am not your new apprentice."

Baylan arched an eyebrow at her in question. "Oh? And what do you propose instead?"

"Nothing," she seethed. "I'm just using you to find Ezra. You're my ticket to him and nothing else."

Baylan sighed. "I would suggest an alliance of some sort, in the meantime. It would be mutually beneficial to us both."

Sabine narrowed her eyes at him. "How so?"

"First - Morgan will be displeased with your addition to our crew. Someone will need to speak on your behalf otherwise she will command that you be executed on sight."

Oh. Right. Sabine asked, "And what do you get out of this arrangement?"

Baylan considered his answer for a long moment before replying. "I still think you may be of use to me. How, I cannot say. Your actions here today . . . even through the Force, your path ahead is murky."

He leaned forward, his eyes intense. "I sense that your decisions in the days ahead will change a great many things, Sabine Wren."

Sabine felt a foreboding sense of dread at his words but rolled her eyes in response. "Your mysticism doesn't impress me, Baylan. But we have a deal."

A roar came through the rising winds; Sabine turned to look for the source and saw a dark shuttle, wings spread wide like some monstrous bat, descending towards them.

"Good," he said. "Because our transport has arrived."

Baylan proved true to his word and Sabine was not executed on sight. Morgan Elsbeth, Thrawn's associate, looked like she was about to burst a vein in her forehead after a long, intense conversation with the mercenary. She was shorter than Sabine was expecting but the severity of her expression and the quiet confidence that her posture gave off indicated a warrior that was sure of her skills and purpose. The story Ahsoka recounted to her about their first meeting seemed more plausible now that Sabine was meeting the woman in person.

Sabine decided the best course of action was standing off to the side, pretending to be bored, and studying her nails.

Finally, Baylan walked up to her and said, "You may come with us."

"I think I got that," Sabine replied sarcastically. "Considering they're not opening fire on me."

A group of five warriors stood at a distance of ten feet from her, rifles trained carefully. Morgan hissed an order and they lowered their weapons.

"Let's go," commanded the older woman. "We have dallied here long enough already."

As the shuttle lifted into the sky, all passengers aboard, an urgent message came through the transport's communications.

Morgan keyed the comm channel open. "What is it?"

A voice, in heavily accented Basic, came through. "We have a squadron of New Republic fighters approaching the Eye of Sion on our scanners. They are maneuvering into attack formation. "

"What?" asked Morgan incredulously. "Have they opened fire yet?"

"Negative. But they are demanding that we respond to their hails."

Baylan looked to Sabine. "Friends of yours?"

Sabine stepped next to Morgan, looking at the layout for the New Republic fighters being transmitted on the console screen - and felt her stomach twist as she recognized one of the ships instantly. "Have they identified themselves?" she demanded.

It can't be. Please tell me you didn't come here yourself.

"Phoenix Squadron," came the reply. "Led by General Hera Syndulla."

Sabine felt Baylan's gaze and could almost hear the unsaid question being levied at her.

What will you do?

She turned to Morgan. "Let me speak with Hera."

Morgan narrowed her eyes at her in suspicion. Through the Force, Sabine could sense waves of distrust roiling from the woman's aura, like steam from a boiling pot.

"To do what, exactly?" asked Morgan.

"Hera's a friend," Sabine replied tersely. "I can convince her to stand down."

Morgan snorted. "I highly doubt that. Everyone in the galaxy knows General Syndulla doesn't stand down against threats."

"I'm not a threat," Sabine shot back. "Do you want to find Thrawn or not? She'll shoot us all down without a second thought."

Morgan stared at her. "What makes you think we won't shoot her down, Wren?"

Sabine stared back. "If the Eye of Sion had the capability to defend itself, you would have shot away already. You're desperate. It's just one gigantic hyperdrive ring, isn't it? No time to install weapons. Thrawn must be desperate to escape his exile."

She put a sneer into her expression for added emphasis during the last part. Sabine knew this was a desperate gamble - Morgan was already displeased with her presence, she knew - but she couldn't let Hera get hurt.

And besides. She was already gambling with more than just her own life now.

What was one more?

Something in Morgan's cheek twitched viciously. Sabine held her breath.

The warriors around them tensed, clutching at their rifles. Even Baylan, his face normally unreadable, seemed to ready himself for sudden violence. From the corner of her eye, Sabine watched his hand casually drift towards the lightsaber hanging on his belt.

But it worked. Through clenched teeth, Morgan said, "Let her speak."

The tense silence dissipated somewhat in the small space of the transport. Baylan sent her an exasperated look.

"Thanks," Sabine replied. She pushed the button on the comms and reached out to Hera.

Now for the hard part, she thought.

Jacen Syndulla, sitting next to his mother in the cockpit of the Ghost, sat ramrod straight as a new sensation touched his mind.

He focused best as possible in the current situation, walling away the feelings of excitement and anxiety - mostly from his mother - and reached out . . .

His eyes widened as the sensation became familiar: a person. Someone he knew very well.

He turned to his mother and said, "Mom."

Hera didn't turn to look at him, keeping her eyes focused on the gigantic hyperdrive ring ahead of them. She replied tensely, "Not now, Jacen. Carson? Did you see that transport go into the ring?"

Carson Teva, an old veteran of Phoenix Squadron, replied, "I saw it Phoenix Leader. I think they got their cargo."

"They'll be jetting off soon, then." Hera pursed her lips, reviewing their rapidly diminishing options. "Spread out, Phoenix Squadron. I want guns targeted on those engines. If they don't respond to this next hail, then we start blasting away."

"Roger, Phoenix Leader," came the replies from the other pilots. "We'll await your orders."

Jacen reached out and tugged at Hera's sleeve, finally getting her attention. "Mom!"

Hera, blinking at her son, asked, "What is it Jacen?"

"I think Aunt Sabine's on that ship."

Alarm raced through Hera's veins at the statement like ice water. "What? How do you know?"

"I - I felt her. Through the Force. She's there, I'm sure of it!"

Before Hera could process that, a response to her earlier hails came through, at last. She jabbed the button on her console to hear the call, activating the short-range holo-communicator.

The blue light fizzled into a familiar figure. Hera felt her heart drop.

It was Sabine.

"Hey, Hera," she said. She wasn't smiling; not even a sign of a smirk.

And, more importantly, Hera noticed that she wasn't restrained or cuffed in any way.

"Sabine," she said. "What are you doing on that ship? Where's Ahsoka?"

Sabine took a moment before replying, her eyes cast downward. "She . . . won't be joining us."

The young woman looked back up, her eyes taking on a grim look as she continued. "I need you to move your squadron aside, Hera. Stand down."

Hera stared at her. "And why would I do that? Ahsoka told me what they're planning. We can't allow Thrawn to return."

Sabine's eyes flashed with anger. "And what about Ezra? Is he not allowed to come back home?"

The mention of Ezra's name pierced through Hera like a blaster bolt. She felt his absence every day, just like Kanan's. And, yes, there was guilt there, too; guilt that she had abandoned him, just like everyone else who had known and loved him.

Everyone, except for Sabine. Only she had held out hope after all these long years.

Hera took a deep breath and said firmly, "This is bigger than Ezra. Thrawn is a threat to everything we've worked and sacrificed for. You know that, as well as I do."

She leaned forward and added, "This is what Ezra would want. I know that."

Sabine stared defiantly back. "Funny how everyone seems to know what he wants. You speak for him now, Hera? You're his self-appointed representative? Because his message to me - and to me alone - said something else entirely. He wants to come home!"

A call was coming through the console. "It's Carson," said Jacen.

Hera ignored it. "You don't even know he's alive, Sabine. You could be chasing after a ghost, for all we know."

"He survived," Sabine said bitterly. "Thrawn survived, so I'm sure he's doing just fine."

Another call from Carson. "Mom - ", Jacen started to warn.

"Not now, Jacen! Sabine, listen to me - I know what Ezra said in his message to you. He also talked about the importance of making the hard choice. This is one of those choices! Can't you see that?"

Sabine smiled, but it was sad. "I do see that. Which is why I have to do this, Hera. I'm not leaving him out there. Ezra's been waiting too long."

She paused and then said in a toneless voice, "I've come too far to stop now."

Hera felt a chill run through her. "Sabine. Where is Ahsoka?"

Sabine just looked at her. "Move out of the way, Hera. Last warning."

The hologram fizzled out. Hera stared at the holo-communicator, feeling sick.

Jacen jabbed at the call button again and Carson's voice came screaming through.

" - Repeat, Phoenix Leader! Do you copy? The hyperdrive ring is powering up!"

Hera grabbed the yoke, cursing as she returned her attention back to the gigantic vessel in front of them. All of the massive engines were aglow with energy.

"I fell for it," she muttered bitterly. "Like an amateur."

Sabine knew she wouldn't sway Hera from her course.

Her call was a distraction.

Sabine. What have you done?

"Phoenix Squadron! Evasive maneuvers, I repeat, evasive maneuvers!" she shouted into the comms. Beside her, Jacen hurriedly secured his crash harness, his moves practiced and confident.

It was too late. The engines on the massive space ship flared intensely, signaling the incoming jump -

"Chop! Divert power from the engines to front deflector shields, now!"

The astromech grunted in acknowledgement; Hera watched the power meter for the shields on her console begin to rise -

The hyperdrive ring made the jump.

The space around them turned blazing white. Hera could hear the other pilots scream in surprise, some of the voices cutting silent after a few seconds.

She fought to control the yoke, trying desperately to stabilize the Ghost. Jacen was yelling, his voice joining the cacophony of alarms and sirens popping off in the cabin, alerting her to the damage -

After a small eternity, Hera managed to wrestle the freighter into a controlled flight. She turned to her son and asked shakily, "Are you alright, Jacen?"

He nodded and gave her a thumbs up.

Chopper whomped a sour statement. Hera snorted. "Glad to see you're alright too, Chop."

She reached a shaking hand and shut down the alarms trilling throughout the ship. Viewing the flashing lights on the console board, she determined that the freighter wasn't in immediate danger of exploding and could still fly without much issue.

Hera keyed the comms open. "Phoenix Squadron. Anyone still alive out there?"

For a moment, complete silence. Hera felt her stomach sink.

Did I just get everyone killed on this mission?

Then, voices came through. Carson's first. "I'm still here, Phoenix Leader. That was close."

Hera breathed a sigh of relief. Two other pilots also chimed in.

But that was all. A squadron of seven, now reduced to four.

Hera closed her eyes and buried the grief. She needed to focus on the next steps.

"We need to get down to that planet, ASAP," she said out loud. "Figure out what just happened. And, hopefully, find Ahsoka."

If she's still alive, she wondered, remembering Sabine's demeanor when asked.

She turned to Jacen. "Did you get a read on Sabine when you felt her?"

Her son nodded. "What did you feel?" she asked.

Jacen closed his eyes and shuddered. "It felt like watching a candle light start to flicker out," he whispered.

Hera felt a deep chill in her bones at Jacen's words. She spoke into the comms, forcing calm into her voice when she felt none.

"Carson. Put some speed on. I want us down there, now."

"You're awfully quiet for someone in your predicament," observed Baylan.

Sabine grimaced and looked at him. "Don't you have anything else to say?"

She was sitting cross-legged on her bed inside the small room that had been provided for her onboard the Eye of Sion. There was a refresher, a small work-table, and a narrow-bed. It was functional, at least, and the bed was surprisingly comfy; a lot better than other shipboard berths she had been stationed on.

If she squinted a little, Sabine could almost imagine that it was her own room back on the Ghost from long ago. The memory sent a pang of nostalgia - and sadness - through her.

Hera, I hope you're okay. I'm sorry it came to this.

The older man studied her some more and then shrugged. "You haven't given me reason to say anything else to you. Tell me, do you have anyone else in your life left to betray?"

"Yeah, you. If you don't shut up and leave me alone," Sabine growled.

Baylan chuckled. "Duly noted. What are you working on?"

Sabine had de-constructed her broken lightsaber and was working on the parts. But Ahsoka had most of the spare parts on her T-6 shuttle and Sabine had not much else to replace what had been broken. She certainly didn't feel like getting up and asking Morgan or any of the other crew for spare parts, who regarded her with barely repressed hostility.

"Your apprentice broke my lightsaber," she replied, venom in her tone. "I'm trying to fix it."

"Ah, so Shin at least went out with a fight. That's good to hear," he said.

Sabine glanced at him. "You don't seem too saddened over her being dead."

Baylan leaned against the doorway and folded his arms. "Mourning her will not change what has happened. And, besides, I honored her in my own way."

Sabine glared at him. "Ahsoka's not dead. Believe me, she's had harder falls."

He quirked an eyebrow in surprise. "Is that so? That explains your lack of sorrow for her."

She shrugged. "Well, yes. Also, we had a falling out some years ago. It's not the first time she's abruptly disappeared from my life. Won't be the last, either."

"I'll take your word for it," Baylan said. He watched her begin to assemble the lightsaber back together in silence. Pointing the emitter away from her, she pushed the activator.

A few sparks from the emitter but nothing more. The emerald green blade did not emerge.

Frustrated, she threw it back onto the bed.

"The weapon of a Jedi deserves more respect than that," Baylan said.

Hotly, Sabine shot back with, "I didn't ask for a lecture. You are not my master, old man."

Baylan didn't respond to her insult. Instead he offered his hand and asked, "May I see it?"

Sabine stared at him. "You want to help?"

"I am a former Jedi," he pointed out. "I've forgotten more about lightsabers than you have ever learned in your short life, Sabine Wren."

Sabine put a hand on Shin's lightsaber, hanging on her belt, and made sure Baylan saw it. "Don't try anything funny."

Baylan sighed. "I wouldn't dream of it."

Sabine handed her lightsaber to Baylan, watching his every move carefully. But the mercenary simply accepted the broken weapon with a nod and began to study it, running his hands over the repairs she had made.

Finally, he closed his eyes for a moment. Through the Force, Sabine felt him probing the weapon, reaching into the kyber crystal itself. That surprised her; she knew the crystal was a living entity but not in the way that other sentient beings were. Ahsoka hadn't really explained it to her during training.

"What are you doing?" she asked, her suspicion dropped momentarily.

Eyes still closed in focus, Baylan replied, "Communing with the kyber crystal inside the lightsaber. Have you never tried that before?"

Sabine blinked. "Uh. No. I only recently began to use the Force."

"I see. Ahsoka didn't explain any of this to you?"

Old bitter memories and resentment began to rise within her. "No. She didn't really explain much to me about . . . any of this."

"Hmmm. I see. It's a pity she didn't trust you."

Sabine stared at him, the words touching a deep nerve within her. "What do you mean?"

Baylan opened his eyes and said, not unkindly, "Your master was frightened of you. Frightened of your potential - especially after the loss of your family."

How could he know that? How much did he know about her? About Ahsoka?

"You don't know anything about me. Or Ahsoka," Sabine said, but there was no conviction in her words.

Baylan shrugged. "If you say so," he replied. Then he took her lightsaber and pointed the emitter away from him, pushing the activator.

With a satisfying snap-hiss, the green-white blade blazed to existence.

Sabine stood up from the bed immediately, eyes widening at the sight. "It's fixed," she breathed. "How did you do that?"

Baylan shut it down and handed it back to her. "Try it yourself," he said.

She did - but nothing happened.

"I don't understand," she said. "Why won't it work for me?"

Baylan gazed at her steadily. "Because the crystal senses the conflict within you," he said. "It senses your lack of conviction - your indecision - on the path you need to take."

Sabine gripped the lightsaber tightly in her fist. She could hear the metal groan in response. "I am not indecisive. I know what needs to be done," she snarled.

The mercenary shook his head. "The weapon does not lie. Ezra Bridger never hesitated in his choices, no matter how difficult they are. He was never conflicted in what needed to be done."

"I'm not Ezra," Sabine replied angrily. "I'm not even a Jedi!"

Baylan cocked his head at her. "I never said you had to be, Sabine Wren. Only that you need to decide, once and for all, who you want to be. And how you aim to achieve it."

He turned to leave. Sabine said, "Wait."

Baylan paused at the doorway.

"If I'm not supposed to be a Jedi, then what should I do? How do I get the power to save Ezra?" She hated how desperate her voice sounded, the questions coming out as whispered pleas.

He turned to look at her. In the dim lighting, his face was half in shadow; Baylan's eyes were filled with grim knowledge.

"I can teach you. The Jedi were not the only proficient users of the Force. There was another Order. One that existed opposite them."

Sabine knew the name of those who existed on the opposite spectrum of the Jedi. A warning from Ahsoka and Huyang; whispered by those in the shadows; a fairytale nightmare that were told to younglings about those who strayed from the right path and found themselves too deep in the dark, dark forest.

"And are you one of them?" she asked quietly.

Baylan stared at her - and then snorted. "Hardly. The Sith were arrogant fools. See what became of them."

He stepped forward. "But they were right about some things. The only question is how much you are willing to sacrifice for your friend, Ezra Bridger."

I know I can count on you.

"Everything," said Sabine, after a long moment. The word tasted like ash in her mouth.

Baylan nodded and took another step forward.

Behind him, the door slid shut with a quiet hiss.

"Then kneel, Sabine Wren," he said. "And let us begin your lessons."

Twelve hours later, they arrived.

Descending through the grey skies of the new world - called Peridea, a place of dreams and madness according to Baylan (Sabine rolled her eyes at this) - Sabine felt her heart pulse with excitement - and dread.

"The Jedi used to tell tales of this world to the younglings," said Baylan in a hushed tone. "I always thought it to be a fantasy, but to be here and see it in person . . ."

Sabine peeked out of the nearest viewpoint and caught a glimpse of barren wastes and endless stretches of hills and rocks.

"I think I've seen more interesting views in a landfill," she remarked sarcastically.

Baylan threw her an exasperated look. She smirked at him and then settled down into her chair, her thoughts turning to Ezra.

Ezra's here. He's here, I know it. She would be seeing him soon, after so long.

"Steady," Baylan murmured to her, standing close behind in the shuttle. He had picked up on her feelings. "We must stay focused. Ezra is not the only person we're meeting here."

Embarrassed at being caught, Sabine took a few deep breaths and steadied herself. The lessons had been . . . enlightening, to say the least, and she felt more sure of herself and the abilities now offered to her in the Force.

And, yet, the lightsaber still did not respond to her. She sensed that some huge decision was still required to be made before it could be used.

Sabine was not looking forward to that. But that was a problem for the future; she needed to focus in the here and now.

Morgan Elsbeth pointed outside the cockpit window at something in the distance. "There," she said excitedly. "That is where they await."

Sabine saw what she was pointing at: a tall, obsidian grey tower ending with a platform surrounded by three prongs, almost looking like a dark claw reaching out to pluck the stars from the sky. Three figures, robed in red, became more visible as they approached, standing next to each other on the platform.

Baylan peered over her shoulder and grunted derisively.

"What is it?" Sabine asked.

"More witches," he sighed.

"Witches?" The transport shuddered as they landed on the platform. Morgan went out first to speak with the three figures. "Dathomir witches? What are they doing here?'

"Guardians of the power that I seek," replied Baylan. "It's why I'm here."

Sabine frowned at him. "What power is this?"

He looked at her. "The power to end the cycle of war that plagues our galaxy."

"But the war is over," Sabine replied. "That cycle ended, didn't it?"

Baylan shook his head. "How long until another war starts up? Another Empire? Another Republic? It never ends, Sabine. Our galaxy has never ceased it's relentless march towards war. It seems to be our default."

His eyes flashed with grim determination. "But not anymore. I will stop it. I will bring it all to an end."

"And you can do this with that power here?" she asked. "What, you can re-write time with it or something?"

"Not exactly. It's a doorway to a nexus point in the Force. Time doesn't exist there as you and I experience it. But from there, you can go anywhere, anytime."

A doorway. Sabine's eyes widened in recognition.

She remembered Ahsoka telling her about a similar doorway - the same doorway that her and Ezra found long ago on Lothal. The one he used to save Ahsoka from her fate on Malachor.

Could it be the same one? The World Between Worlds?

Sabine snuck a glance at Baylan, wondering if he had caught onto her realization - but he was instead looking at recently returned Morgan.

"You may come out now," she called.

Baylan gestured at Sabine to move out and she followed him out the door onto the platform. A cold wind blew through, whipping the robes of the witches into a frenzy. But they seemed not to notice the bitter chill and only stared at the new company with dark eyes.

As they approached the witches, their eyes seemed to snap to her with intense focus. Sabine put on a brave face but inside she felt mildly disturbed at their sudden interest in her.

"He arrives," said one of the witches.

Morgan looked up at the sky expectantly. Sabine followed her gaze -

And gasped.

An Imperial Star Destroyer with a familiar design painted on the underside of its hull hovered directly above the tower; it's hangar bay positioned perfectly in line with the gigantic structure.

The Chimaera. Thrawn's personal flagship.

Sabine swallowed hard. Baylan, beside her, seemed impressed but made no comment.

The hangar bay lowered directly onto the tower, a perfect fit; now inside the spaceship, Sabine found herself faced with a platoon of stormtroopers - or at least, she thought they were stormtroopers. Upon closer inspection she saw the shattered armor, held together with an unknown golden metal acting as glue and mysterious red cloth wrapped around their limbs. She wondered if it was the same cloth that the witches wore.

And there, in the middle: parting the platoon of stormtroopers as he walked through them like a ship breaking through a sea of ice was Grand Admiral Thrawn.

Sabine felt her lip twist in contempt at the sight of her old foe. Next to him, however, was an unknown figure garbed in dark robes, a dark cloak with a hood thrown over the face. All she could see underneath the hood was the glint of a golden mask worn over the unknown figure's face.

Thrawn walked down a ramp extended from the hangar bay down to the stone platform and greeted the witches.

"Great Mothers, I thank you," he said. "What was once a dream is now on the threshold of becoming a frightening reality for all who dare oppose us."

He walked up to Morgan and bowed deeply to her. She returned the gesture. "Morgan, you have done well."

"Of course, Grand Admiral," she replied, sounding flustered. "I heard the Great Mothers voices across the stars and hastened to do their bidding. I am pleased to see you well."

He nodded. "Yes, quite well." His red gaze turned towards Sabine and Baylan.

Thrawn's mouth curled into a smile. The cloaked figure beside him cocked its head at Sabine; she had the strangest sensation that it recognized her.

She stared back but couldn't see anything from behind that mask.

"Well, well," Thrawn remarked softly. "I see we have guests to this happy reunion."

"We did not see it coming," said the Great Mothers in unison. "It is an unknown quantity."

Thrawn smiled at Sabine. "This 'it' has a name, Great Mothers. How pleasing it is to see a familiar face after so long. How are you, Sabine Wren?"

"It reeks of the Dark Side," interjected the Great Mothers before Sabine could reply. "It is dangerous."

Sabine stared at the witches and gave a cold smile as an answer. The trio narrowed their eyes at her.

Thrawn raised an eyebrow at the statement. "I see much has changed in my time away," he said. "Last I remember, you were on a different path alongside your beloved Jedi friends."

"Where is Ezra?" asked Sabine impatiently. "I'm getting tired of this party."

Thrawn cocked his head at her. "Ah, yes. The desire to be reunited with your long lost friend." He stepped closer to her, his red eyes studying her.

"How that singular focus will reshape the galaxy. You have gambled much on your quest for Ezra Bridger," Thrawn said softly.

She looked at him, scorn ringing in her voice. "You wouldn't understand."

He leaned back, his face unreadable. "Perhaps not."

Thrawn turned back and gestured at the cloaked being that had escorted him onto the platform. "However, who am I to not reward your long journey? You helped me with my cause, so I shall help you with yours, Sabine Wren."

The cloaked figure walked over to them. Sabine again felt that intense feeling emanating from them but couldn't place what it was.

"This is Captain Enoch, the personal head of my guard," Thrawn introduced.

"Hello," Sabine said. "And I care because . . .?"

An evil smile appeared on Thrawn's face. "Oh, you will care, Sabine Wren. Enoch once went by another name before I had him . . . recruited to my cause, shall we say."

His eyes flashed with malice. "You will care so much that you feel as though you will bleed to death because of it."

And he unmasked the cloaked figure.

Sabine choked back a surprised breath, stumbling back a few steps.

Ezra.

It was Ezra Bridger. Her beloved friend. No longer the young, sweet, earnest boy she remembered from youth but older, taller, lankier. The scars on his cheek stood out more than ever on skin that hadn't seen the sun in a long time; his hair was shaggy, unkempt and a scraggly beard had grown on his face. There was a rakish, rogue-like handsome look to this new Ezra - but it was ruined by his eyes.

They were no longer the piercing blue that she had once upon a time secretly adored.

Ezra's eyes looked like supernovas; a fierce, burning amber yellow.

No. No, no. It can't be. Not like this. Not after all this time.

Shaking, Sabine let loose a hysterical sob. "It's you."

Ezra cocked his head at her, his face showing less expression than a stone. "It's me," he replied flatly.

She reached trembling hands towards his face, cupping the sides of his head so gently. "Ezra. Ezra, it's Sabine. It's your Sabine. Don't you recognize me?"

Ezra blinked at her slowly, like a reptile. "Should I? Do you know me?"

"Such a happy reunion," came Thrawn's voice.

Sabine's vision turned red with fury. "What did you do to him?" she asked in a hoarse whisper.

"I turned him into an asset. With the Great Mothers assistance, of course. Your Jedi friend was remarkably resilient towards any attempts to turn him. But, in the end, I had plenty of time to work with."

Thrawn studied them both, his lips curled into a smirk, and continued to speak.

"He has no initiative, to speak of. You have to give him direct, simple orders. But, in terms of brute strength and his Force enhanced abilities, he is an effective enforcer."

Ezra looked at her through burning eyes. "Why are you crying?" he asked. "Is it for me?"

His voice was soft, a huge contrast to his current appearance. His questions were asked like how a child would.

Sabine felt her heart break. She had failed. Ezra was lost.

It was all for nothing.

Something dark and twisted grew through the cracks in her heart. And, once more, she heard that howling in her head, picking up rapidly in volume and intensity.

The beast in her chest pounded incessantly demanding blood. Demanding that the pain it felt be returned, ten-fold. It hurt so much to hold it back; Sabine felt as though it would burst free of her chest if didn't do something.

Her eyes misted over with a crimson fog, blocking out Ezra's face.

With a feral scream, she threw herself at Thrawn. No lightsaber, no Force - just pure, unrestrained rage, twisting her hands into claws to dig into his throat and squeeze until something broke.

"I'LL KILL YOU," she heard herself scream. "KILL YOU FOR WHAT YOU DID TO HIM!"

Someone yanked her back. She felt herself enclosed in a Force-grip and brutally slammed into the stone.

Sabine cried out in frustration - until she saw who it was.

Ezra. He stared down at her, face empty of emotion. His hand was held out to maintain the grip but it shook.

"Ezra," she cried out. "Ezra, please! Let me go!"

She saw his eyebrows furrow in confusion and - for the briefest second - Sabine saw something like recognition flicker in his eyes.

Thrawn stepped into view, peering down at her with satisfaction. "Well done, Enoch."

The recognition died and Ezra became a mute shell once more.

Thrawn said coldly, "Submit. Serve under my command, and I will let you be alongside your beloved friend."

Sabine was beyond reason. Enraged, she whispered a promise to the Grand Admiral.

"You'll be dead before the day is out, Thrawn. I promise you."

The Grand Admiral shook his head in disappointment. "To be expected but still unfortunate."

He looked at Ezra. "Take her below and throw her into a cell, Enoch. Strip her of all weapons and armor. She can rot here for the remainder of her days."

Thrawn turned his red eyes to her for a last time. "This is farewell, Sabine Wren. I'll be sure to look after Bridger, provided his usefulness continues."

"Kill you!" she spat. "Kill you all!"

Ezra placed a hand over her face and commanded, "Sleep now."

His burning eyes in that handsome face was the last image Sabine saw before fading into blackness.

It was three days before anyone came to see her in the cell.

The cell was small, dank, and cold. A meager cot and refresher with little privacy. Food was brought to her in the form of ration bars and a flask of water. She had tried to break out of the cell using the Force but the witches apparently had imbued the cell with inscriptions that suppressed her ability to use it. It would take a great amount of power to break free . . . more than she was capable of, despite her recent progress.

"Hello, Sabine," said Baylan. He didn't come alone; Ezra was beside him, still cloaked in black.

But he didn't wear a mask this time. Sabine ignored Baylan and pressed herself against the cell's bars to look closer at him.

"Ezra," she whispered.

He didn't look at her. "You have five minutes," he said to Baylan. "And then you're needed on top, as promised."

Baylan said, "Of course. And then Thrawn will honor my agreement?"

"Yes," replied Ezra. "Provided you perform as promised and kill Ahsoka Tano."

Sabine's eyes widened in surprise. "Ahsoka? She's here?"

Baylan nodded at her. "She approaches. The Great Mothers sensed her presence some hours ago."

"I told you," Sabine pointed out. "She's hard to kill."

"Indeed she is," Baylan remarked. "But, I've done it before. I'll do it again."

He knelt down and looked sadly at Sabine. "I'm afraid this is where we part ways, Sabine Wren. I am truly sorry that it turned out this way for you."

Sabine just looked at him. "I am, too."

"For what it's worth, not all is lost. I believe your friend Ezra is still in there. He hesitated on that platform. I saw it. If you reach out to him, I suspect he could still be saved."

Sabine mulled that over. "Good-bye, Baylan," she said after a moment.

"Good-bye, Sabine Wren. You were a good student." He turned, nodded to Ezra, and began to leave.

"You'll die just like Shin did," Sabine called out after him.

Baylan paused. Without looking at her, he asked, "And how was that?"

"On your knees," she said.

He turned around and gave her a rueful smile. "You've finally decided, I see. It's a shame it's too late."

Baylan clapped Ezra on the shoulder. "You're a lucky man, Ezra Bridger."

Ezra just stared at him coldly, not comprehending. He gave a sardonic wave and departed.

It was just her and Ezra now. She stared at him and then turned away, unable to bear the pain any longer.

She heard him come to the cell door and kneel down.

"You knew me," he said softly.

Sabine swallowed. "Yes, I did. I knew you."

"What were we? What was I to you?"

She closed her eyes. "Once upon a time, a partner. My closest friend in the whole galaxy."

Something slid through the cell bars. She looked down and saw, with a shock, her armor.

Ezra pointed a gloved hand at her shoulder pauldron. The one with her customized starbird design on it.

"This is yours," he said. Sabine turned to look at him and nodded. "It is. It's my symbol. The starbird."

His burning eyes focused on hers. "I keep seeing it in my dreams," he muttered. "It haunts me. It makes me feel . . . things. It makes me remember impossible memories. Memories of another life."

Sabine gripped the cell bars. "Are you really still in there Ezra?"

"I've been waiting . . . I don't know why. Was it for you?" he asked. His eyes were pleading.

She reached out and stroked his face gently. "It was. I'm sorry it took so long," she said, feeling the tears flow down her cheek.

He leaned into her touch, eyes closed. Then he reached into his cloak and took out two items.

Her lightsaber and Shin's.

Sabine's eyes snapped to his. "Ezra. Are you certain? I thought you were loyal to Thrawn."

"I . . . woke up some time ago. Hid it from him. I feel more awake now that you're here."

"Okay," she whispered. She tried her lightsaber - but it still refused to ignite. Cursing, she hung it on her belt and tested Shin's.

The scarlet blade erupted forth. "Okay, that one still works," she muttered, closing it down after a second.

A plan, she thought. I need a plan.

"Ezra? Can you break the cell doors?"

He shook his head. "Whatever magicks they use here still affects me. I can take care of the guards outside. Lightsabers don't work either. Something in the rock used in the construction disrupts the circuitry."

Sabine nodded. "Okay. I'll figure it out here. Take care of the guards and I'll meet you outside."

Ezra nodded and departed with a swish of his cloak.

Sabine took a deep breath and began to focus, tucking her legs beneath her in a meditative pose.

What are you willing to sacrifice for your friend, Ezra Bridger?

Everything.

She needed Power. Here. Now.

No more hesitation. No more uncertainty.

Gripping her lightsaber through the Force, she gently deconstructed it, revealing the emerald kyber crystal within. She reached into it - and felt it recoil from her, as if sensing what she was about to do.

What she was about to become.

For Ezra.

Shouts and blaster fire began to erupt from outside. She was out of time.

Now or never, she thought grimly.

She began to pour all her thoughts, all her feelings - all the rage, the fear, the despair, the hatred, and, yes, all the love she felt - into the kyber crystal.

Sabine began to bleed it, as Baylan instructed her. It was a dangerous ritual, forcing your will upon the kyber crystal. It was meant to be used in tune with the wielder's feelings; not meant to be dominated by them.

The emerald began to glow brightly - and then dim.

The howling was inside her head. The rage rose in her chest.

The Power began to flow, the Force whipping around her like a storm. The inscriptions in the stone glowed fiercely, attempting to contain her.

But she would not be denied.

The green light began to fade and a new color began to flicker forth in it's place. A red light.

A crimson light.

The kyber crystal was screaming inside her head, fighting back, feeling the light fade but Sabine kept pushing, kept forcing it until she couldn't discern her screams from the emerald's.

And then the world turned red. A pulse of energy blossomed out from the transformed crystal, blowing the cell door wide open. The inscriptions flared once and then faded.

Breathing hard, Sabine re-focused and reassembled the lightsaber with the newly crimson crystal inside.

She held it in the palm of her hand, feeling the cool metal against her sweaty palm. Holding her breath, she pressed the activator.

A blood-red blade emerged with a sinister snap-hiss.

She allowed herself a grim smile. Sabine stared at the crimson blade for a moment longer and then closed it down. With practiced speed, she donned her armor.

Walking outside the holding area, she found Ezra in the hallway with the broken body of stormtroopers littering the ground around him.

She threw Shin's lightsaber at him and he caught it. "Remember how to use this?" she asked.

He turned it on and waved the scarlet blade around experimentally. "I think so," he said slowly.

"What now?" he asked her.

She ignited her own blade in response and turned to the staircase leading up.

Leading to Thrawn. And the way home.

"I made you a promise, Ezra." She held out her hand. After a moment of consideration, he took it. Sabine squeezed his hand affectionately.

"Let's go home," she said softly.

It was her and him against insurmountable odds, once again. Sabine and Ezra.

"Sabine," warned Ezra. She sensed them, thundering down the stairs; a squad of stormtroopers, prepared to unleash blaster fire the moment they had them in their sights.

Sabine turned to Ezra. "Ready?"

He nodded, his eyes burning coldly in anticipation of the violence to come.

The stormtroopers burst into the hallway, expecting to find the two heroes making a final stand.

And instead they found a new nightmare. A nightmare of crimson and scarlet blades, scything through bodies and limbs with brutal efficiency.

When they finished, both of them raced to the top, carving through any resistance in their path.

There, they found Ahsoka dueling against Baylan and Morgan. Her former master was now garbed in white, her pure-white blades dancing against Morgan's sword and Baylan's lightsaber. It was a testament to her strength and experience that she was holding them at bay.

But, in the end, it was a numbers game. Stormtroopers, she noted, were lined around the edges of the platform, rifles at the ready.

Ahsoka wasn't going to win this. She was going to die here.

There was a roar of engines; Sabine looked up to see the Chimaera pulling away, readying its escape.

There was no time. She looked to Ahsoka - and then back at Ezra.

"Ezra," she said. "Get a running start and then Force leap towards the hangar bay."

He gauged the distance and replied, shaking his head, "I can't make that jump."

"You can if I give you a push. Now, hurry up! The longer you wait, the harder this gets."

Ezra looked back at her. "You'll be right behind me?"

Her heart twisted at the pleading look in his eyes. "I promise. Now go! Before it's too late!"

He nodded, took a deep breath, sprinted towards the edge - and then took a flying leap. Sabine waited until his arc began to dip -

And then she shoved both her hands forward in a pushing motion. The Force caught Ezra and propelled him just enough to reach the hangar bay's edge.

Breathing a sigh of relief, she watched him climb up. Once inside, he turned around and shouted, "Sabine! It's your turn now! I'll pull you over!"

Sabine looked at him and shouted, "I'll be there, Ezra! I promise!"

She turned around and found the duel still raging between Ahsoka and her two adversaries. It was now or never.

"Sabine!" His shouts were growing more distant.

Closing her eyes, Sabine made her decision.

She sprinted towards her former master, igniting her blade, and made a slash at Baylan.

The mercenary growled and parried it aside. "I see you've come to keep your promise," he said.

With the pressure from Baylan's attack released thanks to Sabine, Ahsoka was free to fully focus on Morgan. "You got this?" she called to Sabine.

"Yeah, I've got this," Sabine replied.

Morgan, feeling the tide of battle begin to turn, screamed to the stormtroopers. "Open fire on them all! All of them!"

They followed her command and opened fire. Baylan, narrowing his eyes, dodged a blaster bolt and swatted away another. "So, it's to be like that, then," he muttered.

"Truce?" Sabine asked him, parrying away three shots.

"Agreed," Baylan replied. "We can kill each other after sorting through this mess."

Ahsoka's blades were a blur as she joined them in a triangle formation: pure white, crimson, and scarlet blades beating back the storm of blaster fire.

The stormtroopers stood no chance. They crumpled to the ground soon after, their bodies sizzling with holes from the returned shots.

Morgan screamed her frustration and threw herself at Ahsoka in a vain attempt -

The Jedi Knight disarmed her and kicked her to the ground. Morgan struggled to her knees and stared in defiance at Ahsoka.

"Do it," she hissed. "I will never surrender, Jedi."

Ahsoka complied with her wish. The sword and lightsaber slashed across the warrior's chest. Morgan gasped and fell sideways.

Ahsoka sighed, closed down her lightsaber and threw away Morgan's weapon, before turning to look at Baylan.

He held up his hands in a placating gesture. "I have no further quarrel with you, Ahsoka Tano."

She narrowed her eyes at Baylan. "The power you seek here is dangerous, Baylan. You cannot control it."

Baylan sighed, reaching for his lightsaber. "Perhaps I was wrong, then - "

Sabine pressed the hilt of her lightsaber to Baylan's back and then activated it.

The crimson blade burned through his chest, the tip protruding through his sternum. He gasped in shock, the pain driving him to his knees.

Ahsoka's eyes widened at the sight. Before she could protest, Sabine had already stepped in front of the mercenary, crimson blade ablaze. His hands were shaking, poking at the edges of his smoking wound.

He looked up at Sabine, a knowing glint in his eyes. "You kept your promise," he said weakly. "To Ezra. And to me."

"Yes," replied Sabine coldly. "Say hello to Shin for me."

He was still smiling as her blade slashed through his neck.

Before his body hit the ground, Sabine heard the dual snap-hiss of Ahsoka's lightsabers.

She turned around and saw her former master in a ready stance, lightsabers at the ready. Her eyes were sad, regretful.

For a long moment, none of them spoke. Then Sabine gestured at her lightsaber. "Like the new color?"

Ahsoka stared at her. "Oh, Sabine. What have you done?"

"Found my conviction. Seems like you did, too."

"We're both stuck here now. I can help you. We can find a way for you to come back."

"Come back to what?" Sabine asked. "Come back to me being your useless apprentice? Powerless? Afraid?"

"Yes," said Ahsoka.

Sabine's eye twitched. "Really?" she whispered.

"There's always a way back," Ahsoka promised. "And we can find it. Together."

Sabine just stared at her.

And then she looked past her. Snorting, she said, "Looks like Huyang finally got the timing right."

Ahsoka's T-6 shuttle raised over the edge of the tower's peak with a roar of its engines.

Ahsoka activated her comms and said desperately, "Huyang! Get the ship out of here - "

It was too late. Sabine was waiting for the distraction. She grabbed Ahsoka in a Force grip and held her aloft.

Huyang's voice came over the loudspeaker. "Put her down, Lady Wren!"

"Or what?" she shouted. "You'll shoot us both?"

She walked them both to the edge, holding Ahsoka over it. Huyang shouted again, "Drop her!"

Sabine shook her head. "Bad choice of words, Huyang."

She looked to her former master. "Sabine - you can still stop this," Ahsoka said through clenched teeth.

"You'll survive this," Sabine replied. "And I know you'll find a way off this rock. I know what Baylan was looking for. I'm looking for it, too."

Ahsoka's eyes widened at Sabine's words. "I just wanted to get Ezra home, first," Sabine continued. "When you come home, promise you'll find us?"

She was crying. She didn't know why the tears were coming out; after everything she had done, Sabine was surprised that there was anything left to feel regret - to feel remorse.

I'll have to work on that, she thought.

"If I find you," Ahsoka said. "I'll have to stop you."

"Even if that means killing me?" asked Sabine.

"Yes," Ahsoka admitted.

Sabine just looked at her and smiled sadly. "I'm counting on it."

And she released her grip on Ahsoka. Her master fell without another word into the void.

"No!" Huyang cried out. The T-6 shuttle roared to life, passing over head to dive after Ahsoka -

Sabine activated her grapple on her vambrace, the hook attaching to one of the wings. She jerked forward violently, eyes squinted against the rushing wind, as the grapple pulled her closer and closer to the shuttle -

She grabbed on with a yell and began to heave herself towards the hatch. Reaching for the manual release, she opened it and hurled herself inside.

The hatch closed behind her automatically. Igniting her lightsaber, she stumbled towards the cockpit.

Huyang didn't even look at her as she entered. The ship righted itself; outside the viewport, Sabine saw Ahsoka, clinging to the edge of a cliff face, her lightsabers dug deep into the rock.

"She always survives," Huyang remarked.

"Yes," Sabine agreed.

"Sabine," said Huyang, turning to look at her, "I am sorry. For everything."

She just looked at the old droid, memories flooding through her.

"I am not your failure, Huyang," she replied softly.

"I know," said the droid gently. "I hope you find peace on this new path of yours."

Sabine shook her head. "I don't think I will. At least, not for me."

Huyang nodded, taking that in. "I cannot surrender this ship to you."

"I know."

"Then get on with it."

Sabine slashed the droid in half. Staring down at his remains, Sabine shook herself mentally and re-focused. She sat down at the shuttle controls, pushed the engines to full throttle, and began to aim the nose skyward to catch up with the Chimaera.

She felt a sensation in her mind through the Force. It was Ahsoka.

Sabine looked outside the cockpit and found her master staring, her expression somber. Somehow, she knew.

She was too far away to great a proper read on her thoughts but one emotion was felt clearly through their bond.

Sadness.

"Good-bye, Ahsoka," Sabine whispered. And she flew to the stars, leaving her master behind.

(TO BE CONTINUED)

#sabezra #sabine wren #ezra bridger #ezrabine #star wars rebels #star wars #ahsoka show #ahsoka #dark side au #sabezra fanfiction #natasha liu bordizzo #eman esfandi

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ownedbythescribe · 1 year

Text

Kaveh | Under The Glistening Glass

ıllı Synopsis: In a world where there is only cruelty, you bravely put up a face and took your blade. Your trembling visage trudged forward with only one thought, ‘I'm glad I loved you, Kaveh’.

ıllı Genre: Angst, Romance

ıllı Notes: Gender Neutral Reader

ıllı Warning: Blood, Death

ıllı Parts: Behind The Stained Glass (Part 1), Over The Shattered Glass (Other Ending)

ıllı A/N: I had the urge to make two endings for Behind The Stained Glass, and it carried me here! I honestly feel like this should be the ending, but I’m more than happy to see how things would have ended differently.

“Akil, get them away from here. Take the emergency route and meet with the other matra not far from here. Go, now! I’ll handle things from here.” You ordered, clenching the sword in your hand. Before he could retort, you sent a piercing glare his way. Akil begrudgingly followed your order, notifying the mercenaries with them to take out their weapons and proceed outside with caution.

Kaveh noticed the group leaving you without a fight. He protested, but you told him that it was the civilians’ duty to follow the Overseer’s words, especially in their territory. The words he wished to say were stuck in his throat, a strained look in his eyes glaring through yours. A small smile made its way to your lips.

“Do you really think I’ll be taken down that easily? Have some faith in me, won’t you?” You ruefully urged. Kaveh gritted his teeth in frustration. He felt useless to the core, but you were right. You were elected as the Overseer because the Lesser Lord found you qualified. Your abilities and leadership spoke volumes. If Kaveh were to stay, he might end up as a nuisance instead.

The architect reluctantly followed Akil outside. Once they were gone, the Fatui Officer clapped his hand to gain your attention. He praised you for your heroism, but you knew better. They were empty words meant to ridicule you.

“Do you think that they’re safe outside, Overseer? We feel underestimated. Tsk, tsk. Don’t worry. I’ll personally serve you a platter of their heads after this. If you live, that is.” He taunted.

You said nothing. Intensifying the hydro energy in the sword, you dashed toward the man for the kill. He yelped in fear and ordered the Electro Vanguard to send you flying. Dodging the hammer, you kicked the vanguard’s neck and changed your sword back to bow to shoot at the leader. However, the arrows were deflected by an Anemo Boxer before creating a shield. You clicked your tongue in distaste, then focused on your bow to rain hydro arrows down. This distracted the boxer as you aimed to cut him down from behind.

“Idiots! How can you two be down from just measly attacks!?” He roared.

“Regretting your words now?” You scorned. Suddenly, you heard numerous footsteps raging your way. You saw the Fatui and Eremites congregating from the other exit, ready to attack. You grinned.

‘I guess the show is just getting started.’ You immediately kicked the officer down, saving him for last, before slashing the nearby Cicin Mage. An Anemo Eremite followed her from behind, her falcon roaring at you. Changing stance to bow, you immediately charged three hydro arrows and pierced its weak spot. However, seconds after the attack, you were surrounded by mirrors. The trap allowed the Cryo Gunslinger to fire cryo energy at your body. The subzero temperature numbed your fingers, and you knew that you would be iced if you did not do something.

‘I’m glad I grabbed this little one from that treasure hunter.’ You threw a pyro grenade at the Mirror Maiden, dispelling the entrapment. You used the time to charge up three arrows to distract the gunslinger before running to his back to pierce the tank. You applied hydro to his body, and the gas froze him. He dropped like a fly afterward.

It was difficult to take each enemy down, but you managed to dwindle their numbers. They were relentless, so you turned to the officer to cease their attacks. You informed him that the Harbinger, who stationed them in the area, had long abandoned them, but his obstinate belief kept him from making sound decisions. You shook your head before finishing the Electro Cicin Mage behind. The officer panicked and scanned the cave for an item he could use against you. He noticed and used a familiar bottle from the dead Eremite behind him.

“H-Hey! We surrender! I was wrong. You can take us back to Sumeru for trial.” He announced. Everyone was confused by his claim. A Fatui Pyro Gunner refuted his words but was shot down by his scowl. He held out his hand to let you cuff him. Even to you, it was utterly suspicious.

Just as you were about to chain him, he grabbed his dagger and stabbed your abdomen. He did not hit a critical spot, but something about the metal burned your skin. Unconsciously, you pulled it off, and blood trickled down your clothes. It stained the ground red. Your vision and hearing were muddled, but you could hear the officer guffaw in joy.

“You really are stupid! That poison should kill you soon. As for your little friends, they’ll join you soon enough.” He threatened. You heard him order the remaining Fatui and Eremites to chase after the escapees. You could not let him do that, nor did you wish to burden Akil or Cyno with your battles. So, you shakily took your vision and prayed to it.

“Ha… I can’t believe this. I’m sorry, but you’re… not escaping this place alive!” You forced your energy to the ground to create a wave that became lances. It pierced the enemies as screams echoed inside the cave. The attack left a bloodbath in its wake.

Exhaustion enveloped your body. The poison administered to your body was a quick-acting one. Even if you trudge your way to Aaru Village or Caravan Ribat, it would have completely engulfed your system.

“What a… painful way to die.” You huffed, clutching your sides in comfort. It looked like you would not be able to tell Kaveh anything now. Your heart ached at the thought of leaving the people you had known with sad memories, so you took out pieces of paper from your pocket and wrote down your last words. Each intake of oxygen weighed heavy in your chest, and your eyesight started to blur. You tried to finish the letter, but when you reached Kaveh’s, your mind took you back to the happiest moment of your life with him.

It was a typical vacation day for you two, but the sunset at the Sanctuary of Surasthana made you appreciate your lover’s presence more. His smile that day was blinding. The way his eyes creased into crescent moons and how dear the color of crimson pierced your own. He was dazzling, a gemstone of Sumeru. If things did not go awry, you would tell him how precious he was every single day.

‘I’m glad I loved you, Kaveh.’ You thought. Moving to the wall of the cave, you finished your letter to the architect. A contented sigh left your lips as the flames in your heart dwindled. Soon, you let yourself drown in the sea of tranquility.

Cyno arrived too late. The corpses of Fatui and Eremites littered the area, and by the wall, he saw your slumped figure. A smile was etched on your face as if you had been released from the burdens the world forced on your shoulders. His feet carried him to your body. He trembled at the sight of your blood-soaked visage. The moment he caressed your cold cheek, he broke down. Cyno wailed and clutched your body close to him.

“You… promised! Why, (Y/N)!?” He demanded. There was nothing he could do. He was aware of it. You were gone, far from their side.

After an hour of mourning and investigation, he brought back the evidence he needed and your body. He gave the notes to his underlings before moving swiftly to Gandharva Ville. The mercenaries back in Caravan Ribat were astounded by the sight of your passing. Akil even had to leave to compose himself.

Gandharva Ville was hours away from Caravan Ribat, but Cyno paid no heed. All that was running through his mind was to get you to Tighnari and give you a proper burial. He read the letters you desperately wrote, and it struck him how even in your dying moment, you still assured them that everything would be fine. That life would go on. Your kindness knew no bounds.

The General Mahamatra reached the village, almost collapsing if it were not for Tighnari rushing to him. The Forest Watcher was alerted by the metallic smell. He noticed your unmoving figure on Cyno’s arms and knew you were long gone. The tear stains on the general’s cheeks were enough proof. With trembling hands, the fennec fox reached for your cheeks and leaned his forehead in yours.

“You dummy… we did not send you to the desert to die. We sent you there to heal your heart! Why do you have to be so selfless!?” He cried, teeth biting his lips in frustration. Cyno reached for his satchel and gave him your letter. He read through it, and by the end of it, Tighnari was in shambles. Tears cascaded down his cheeks, ears down, whimpering at the loss of a dear friend.

The two carried your body to a special place in the village. It was near a tree where you would drink wine with them after days of hard work. It overlooked Gandharva Ville as well as a portion of Sumeru City. Tighnari even deemed it a perfect place for relaxation. They dug your grave, wiped the blood from your visage, and covered your body in cloth. The fennec fox found it dreadful to bury you, but Cyno placed his hand on his shoulder and squeezed it, hoping it would give him strength. The general knew he would have to order a tombstone in your memory. A special one.

None of the forest rangers interrupted them. Amir informed the others of what happened. He asked to give them space and offer prayers for your safe passage. Many who knew you were devastated by the news. Collei remained in her master’s office, silently crying at the loss of a teacher.

“Sleep well, (Y/N).” Tighnari whispered as he placed a Sumeru rose above your grave. Cyno finished his prayers and turned to the Forest Watcher. He asked how they would inform Kaveh of the news. Tighnari was silent for a moment. Deep in his mind, there was an irrational thought of blaming Kaveh for this incident, for hurting you and ultimately forcing you to stay in the desert. But he knew that they were the ones who suggested the barren lands. You told him in the letter not to blame anyone, but he was still bitter. You loved with all your heart. You sought to understand where Kaveh was coming from. In the end, there was no good ending for the two of you.

“Honestly, I don’t know, Cyno. I don’t want Kaveh anywhere near them, but he deserved to at least know of their passing. I just… I want to be selfish and hurt him. I’m a horrible friend, aren’t I?” He muttered. Cyno stared at your grave. He also did not want to say a thing to the architect. For now, they chose to keep him blind and deaf.

Days later, the Kshahrewar graduate went to look for the General Mahamatra. He wanted to know if you were safe after the encounter with the Fatui. He also hoped he could talk to you about his feelings and reform your relationship. However, the matra told him they could not disclose any information without the general’s permission.

“Where is General Cyno, then? I’d like to speak with him if possible.” He urged. The matras looked at each other solemnly and informed him of his temporary leave. The architect raised an eyebrow at this. Cyno always timed his vacation, inviting them for a game or two by the tavern or the village. He thanked them and went outside to think.

“Hey, is it true that the Overseer passed away on their mission?” A voice from behind murmured. It was followed by a hushed reply, confirming your death. Kaveh turned to them and demanded where they heard it from. They were skeptical and tried to dodge it, but the blond was desperate.

“Knock it off, or we’ll report you to the matra for harassment! Tch. Let’s get out of here.” One of them suggested. Kaveh clutched his case tightly and immediately left for Gandharva Ville. Tighnari would surely know the news, and he believed those buffoons were merely joking. There was no way it was true.

The architect reached the entrance to Gandharva Ville. Most rangers were out for patrol, but the sight of Collei grimly placing a bouquet of Padisarahs in a grave, in your grave, broke him to pieces. Cyno and Tighnari were there too. Anger bubbled up in his stomach. Neither the General Mahamatra nor the Forest Watcher dared to tell him you were gone forever.

“YOU! How dare you!?” It all happened so fast. Kaveh pulled Cyno up and punched him. He demanded why he remained quiet about the incident and was left in the dark when almost all of Sumeru knew you died for a cost. Tighnari struggled to pull the two away from each other. He saw Collei’s terrified face and ordered her to return to his office while they settled this. She was reluctant but followed him nonetheless.

Cyno, on the other hand, wiped the blood from his lips and punched Kaveh’s stomach. He reeled at the pain. Tighnari scolded the man, who only scoffed.

“What rights do you have to know about their passing? Are you their lover? Family? What are you to them, Kaveh?” Cyno sneered, unable to keep his emotions at bay for the first time. Kaveh gritted his teeth in frustration. He might have cut ties with you months ago, but he tried to listen to your words and think about his feelings.

“I tried, Cyno! Every day I ask myself if I did the right thing, if it was right to love another person. I asked people to help me! I tried, Cyno!” He yelled. Cyno was frustrated at this point.

“They did too! They did too… yet, they still lost their heart to you. I won’t apologize for not saying things sooner but understand that we, too, had to grieve. Here, take this. Let’s go, Tighnari.” Cyno uttered, carefully placing the letter you left before him.

Tighnari was unsure if his friend went overboard with his actions, but the pain in his voice was evident to pardon them. He turned to Kaveh and told him that Cyno believed you would heal in the desert, busying yourself with new tasks. However, it proved to be false when all it did was lead you to your death. He blamed himself a little for that.

“But you hurt them too, Kaveh. I don’t want to blame you because they told me not to. They loved you even on their deathbed, can you believe that? Ha… how stupid.” Tighnari left after that.

Kaveh read through your letter. He collapsed on his knees at every word you wrote. He could see how you desperately made it legible. You apologized for everything that happened in your relationship and asked him to be happy with his choices. You also cheekily asked him to give them one last hug to assure them they loved an outstanding man. He completely fell apart, wailing in front of your grave. He did not care if he lost his voice after this. There was no way to see your smile again, hear your teasing remarks, or know how your face would flush at his cheesy lines. There was no way now to restore the relationship he broke with his own hands. He lost you forever.

“I’m sorry… I’m sorry, (Y/N)….”

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#genshin impact #genshin #romance #angst #kaveh #genshin x reader #kaveh x reader

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