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mobiusxyearslater · 3 years

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Rekindling (A Sonally Story)

A/N: This whole thing takes place about two years before the whole AU/Your Dork starts off for context. ~Mun @t-vict101

On a cool night in New Mobotropolis, Princess Sally Acorn is walking back to her cottage from the Tommy Turtle Memorial Hospital. She witnessed her friend, Bunnie Rabbot give birth to her firstborn daughter Annabelle. The whirlwind excitement and joy practically drained Sally’s energy, it was time for much-needed rest. She quietly walked along the dirt path still thinking about her new niece, how cute she looked, and how happy Bunnie and Antoine looked. That’s the kind of love that could last lifetimes. Sally starts to wonder if she could feel that way someday. Well, she did at one point, the only person she felt happy with was--

“Hey there Princess! You’re out late!” Sally heard a voice pipe up.

She looked forward to see the source of the cheery voice, well who else could it be? The one and only hero of Mobius, Sonic the Hedgehog, sat there on her porch giving her a soft wave. Sally stared at him for a few moments unsure of what to do. The last time she saw him he was off fighting Doctor Eggman and saving the world once again. That was almost half a year ago. But that was how Sonic was. There was no tying him down after the job was done which led to their romantic relationship being more on and off if anything.

The ironic part was that their last break-up wasn’t because Sonic wasn’t around. It was because Sally was too busy juggling her life between her duties on the council and her duties as leader. Sonic did confront her about it which led to a big fight then eventually they agreed to go their separate ways. There was a twinge of guilt in Sally’s heart because of that and seeing Sonic there acting as if nothing happened. All Sally could do is muster up a small chuckle as she looks at the blue blur.

“Well, you know me. I’m always busy with one thing or another.” she joked as she took a seat next to Sonic, who gave her a chuckle.

“Oh, boy don’t I know it! So what was it this time?” He playfully props his chin in his palm, “Council meetings? Ribbon cutting? Oh! A big speech in front of the entire kingdom?”

Sally gives him a small nudge and shakes her head, “Oh shut up. If you have to know, Bunnie and Antoine just had their baby tonight..”

“What??” Sonic perks up, “Those two have a kid now? Man. I feel like I miss out on a lot.”

Sally chuckles and shakes head, “Well that’s what happens when you’re gone for months on end.”

Sonic chuckles and scratches his head, “Heh. Well, I do come back once in a while though so it’s not all bad.

Sally let out a small chuckle and nod looking out to the moon, “Yeah.. I guess so.”

The two sit in silence just watching the moon. There was a feeling that someone should say something but neither of them did instead soaking in the atmosphere. Somehow, someway, the silence was relaxing for them both. No one brought up the past or having to suffer the awkwardness of reliving the whole thing over again. But there was one burning question that rattled in Sally’s head. Of all places to go in the middle of the night, why hers? Sonic still had his parents, his Uncle Chuck, heck he could just crash at Tails’ place if he really wanted to.

Sally cleared her throat, making Sonic’s ear twitch. “So, you just randomly decided to pop up here?”

Sonic sweats a bit and gives off a nervous chuckle, “I guess I made it too obvious huh?” He looked at her shrugs, “...I guess I just missed you.”

Sally quirks a brow tilting her head, “Is that right?”

Sonic huffs at her tone and tilts his head, “What’s with that tone? I really did miss you.”

Sally chuckles and pats his head, sighing out tiredly, “And I missed you too.”

Still unable to get a read of what she’s thinking, Sonic wags at her at a finger, “...Why do I feel there’s a huge BUT coming up.”

Sally frowns and sighs out, “But… This feels like a pattern..”

Sonic gives her a confused look, “What do you mean..?”

Through her tiredness she starts to pet through the blue hedgehog’s quills, “...This. Us. You leave for a long time then come back saying you missed me. Old feelings come up and we try again. Then…”

Sonic watched Sally as her words tiredly trailed and looked down to the ground. He always loved Sally, that fact is the solid truth, but being committed was a whole different ball game. Thinking about her words more, he started to see the pattern too. Sure his feelings were genuine at the moment but he’s always changing his mind about them. He started to think that maybe Sally wanted more than just part of him. Maybe she needed all of him, just like he wanted all of her. Maybe just maybe, him leaving for months after each attack isn’t fair to her at all.

Sonic huffs out a chuckle and slides his hands behind his head, “...You wanna hear something funny?”

Sally rubs the tired out of her eyes and looks at him, “What’s that..?”

Sonic rubs his nose a bit, “While I was gone I actually dated someone for a small while.”

All Sally could do is huff in response, “So you can here in the middle of the night to tell me about your exes to your ex?”

Sonic nudges her a bit, “Just listen for sec. While I was away, I actually dated Amy for a small bit.”

Sally’s brows perk up hearing the news, “Wow. You actually let up and let her catch you huh?”

Sonic shrugs letting a small chuckle, “I did. I was always running and she was always there. I figured that was something I wanted or something. At least I thought I did.”

His words slowly trailed off as he thought about his time with Amy. The pink hedgehog sure was a spitfire. Wherever Sonic went she gladly went along with him for support. He figured giving her one date wouldn’t hurt. Then it turned into two. Then it turned to something exclusive. Their honeymoon phase was sweet but soon after Amy found herself in a bit of a rut. Hopping from city to city, fighting badniks left and right, she was all in on that no doubt but she wanted something more. At first, she thought Sonic was that solution, but when she had him that feeling never really went away.

Sonic sighs out softly circling his thumb in his palm. “So she dumped me. She said something about traveling around to find her purpose or something.”

Sally stared at the dejected hedgehog and softly petted his head, “You’re number one fan dumped you. That must’ve been a blow to the ol’ ego of yours.”

Sonic stifles a small chuckle letting himself relax under Sally’s touch, “Yeah it was but I get it. It was fine for a while but I guess somewhere down the line. She realized I couldn’t give HER what SHE needed.” He lets out a sigh and looks up at the sky, “...I am proud of her though. Whatever she decides on doing for herself, she’ll be great at it.”

Sally nods in agreement and lets out a small yawn, “Yeah. She’s too determined to let herself fail at anything that’s for sure. She’ll probably be the best.”

Sonic shakes his head and looks at Sally, “Alright, enough about my dating life. What about you? Anyone in your life?”

Sally huffs out a chuckle and shakes her head, “Not really. There have been dates here and there but my busy schedule made it way too difficult to really settle into anything.”

Sonic snickers a bit, “Woo boy don’t I know it--” he stops himself when he watches Sally’s face slowly fall into a frown, “Come on Sal. I don’t blame you for your hectic schedule.”

Sally gives him a look and crosses her arms, “Isn’t that the reason you dumped me the last time?”

And there it was. That sting of awkwardness they worked so hard to avoid has finally come to the forefront. The silence draped over them as they sat there with their thoughts. No one knew what exactly to say at that moment. Sally realized she still had her hand on Sonic’s head and quickly pulled away looking away.

Sonic took a deep breath, “I know I gave you grief about it before. I just thought we could be how we used to be when we were 17.” Sally opened her mouth to say something but Sonic held up his hand. “Which I realized now… It can never be like that. I guess… I was…. I dunno.. Anxious about everything changing. You and Rotor on the council, Bunnie and Ant having a kid, Tails being the next inventor of the century, even Amy…” He takes a deep breath and kicks the dirt a bit, “...Seems like everyone is running this race and I'm dead last.”

Sally hums a bit pondering about his words, “...I guess… You’re feeling everyone is outgrowing you…?”

Sonic’s ear twitches and lets out a small pout leaning his chin in his palm, “....Maybe yeah…”

Sally lets out a small laugh and Sonic gives her a pouty look. She nudges him playfully, “Oh stop. I’m laughing because you’re the hero of Mobius. Everyone loves talking about you and practically wants to BE you.”

Sonic huffs out and crosses his arms, “I KNOW! I know I just… feel like I can do… more… Like I could do more for the world, my family, our friends, even you--”

Sally’s brows perk up at the last part Sonic started to say but cut himself off. It was kinda strange seeing him so vulnerable. Usually, he had a real cocky attitude with everyone and was the brightest in the room. Honestly, this was a side of him that she tried to bring out a lot of the time but he would always brush it off like it was nothing. He seemed almost embarrassed that he was saying all of this out in the open, especially saying it to her.

She softly puts a hand on his shoulder, “...Hey. It’s normal to feel that way. Almost everyone feels that way sometime or another, right?”

Sonic sighs out and looks at her, “Yeah but it’s ME we’re talking about.”

Sally huffs and stands up, “Yeah and I know you better than you think. You’re a guy who takes action. You’re always putting others first before yourself. You’re a hero that inspires everyone to be the best versions of themselves.” She holds out a hand to him, “...Now are you going to stop moping and do something about it?”

Sonic stares at her hand remembering those were the words he said to her years before. He huffs out a chuckle before grasping onto her hand and standing up, “You got me there. And you’re right, like always.”

Sally chuckles and shakes her head, “Of course I am. I’ve known you way too long to be wrong.”

Sonic chuckles a bit and watches her make her way up to her front door. He leans on the porch rail and tilts his head, “So I’m guessing I shouldn’t keep you from your beauty sleep any longer huh princess?”

Sally chuckles and shakes her head turning back to him, “Well that all depends if you’re going to keep me up all night.” She opens the door and gestures inside.

Sonic gives off a snarky chuckle as he walks up the steps stopping in front of her, “Oh ho ho! And what exactly do you mean by that princess?”

Sally rolls her eyes and pushes him inside of the cottage, “I mean you’re sleeping on the couch!”

Sonic pouts and leans back in her hands, “Aw but I could really use a nice big warm bed after months without one!”

Sally shakes her head, “You should’ve gone to your parents then.” She lets out a soft chuckle before shutting the door behind her, “You big dork.”

END

#sonic the hedgehog #sonic au #sonic #archie sonic #archie sonic the hedgehog #archie sonic comics #sonic fanart #sonic fandom #sonic satam #sally acorn #sonsal #sonally #fan fic writing #fan fiction #writing

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artisticestheticreads · 5 years

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Beauty and The Panther

ℕ𝕖𝕨 𝕐𝕠𝕣𝕜 ℂ𝕚𝕥𝕪, ℕ𝕐

“Hey, get back here”, said a female voice. A man in black clothing ran through the crowded street down the stairs of the train station. The woman with her flat-ironed hair in a ponytail and incredible body physique in an all-black combat suit slid her behind down the stair rail and ran after the criminal he has been looking for months. He bumped into a mother and child on his way to jump over the ticket turnstile while she jumped over it.

Before he got completely on the train, she yanked by his hoodie and pulled him to the ground. He withdrew a swiss army knife out his jacket but she kicked it out his hand without hesitation. She grabbed the collar of his top and banged her head against his, causing him to bleed from the forehead. Her brown eyes stared into his and she said “look here jack ass. I am really fucking tired running after you. Get yo ass up and show me where the girls are...NOW!”

Hours later, they arrived at an apartment complex with squad cars and the woman came out with a group of girls. Not just any girls but the girls that were taken from their homes months ago and brought into sex trafficking. The young lady looked at the eight girls and felt pride because she saved another group from being transported overseas. The younger girls went to their families but one. She had kinky hair, dark brown eyes and cute cheeks but those big dow eyes had fear in them. The woman knelt down so she was face to face with the little girl. “What is your name?” The child replied “Erin”; Erin looked to be five years old.

“Hi, Erin. I’m Nyla. We tried contacting someone for you but it seems like...” The little girl looked down the ground and Nyla felt her heartbreak because she too was an orphan. Nyla tucked Erin’s hair behind her ear and said “everything will be okay. I will make sure you find the perfect family who will love you with all their heart. How does that sound?” Erin smiled small before Nyla picked her up as they got to the squad car.

At the office, Miller sat her desk, tapping her notepad. She was in a complete deep thought about her life. She was an orphan child who lost their parents at a young age. Nyla’s mother was murdered during a burglary when she was a bank teller. Her father was fatally ill during her elementary years. Nyla grew up jumping from different places and eventually was put in a school for young ladies down south.

Nyla felt as if she was stuck in the old same rut. Yes, she can run after criminals, was trained in combat and martial arts but she felt like something was missing. Like a piece of her was somewhere she needed to be. If only God above would bless her with a sign. “Miller, the boss wants you in her office. As soon as possible.” She stood from her desk in her all-black pantsuit, oxfords, and hair half up half down. Nyla stood there and eyeballed the plaque on the door. “Margaret Leson”. She took a deep breath and finally knocked softly against the hardwood door. “You may enter”, she heard and once, she opened the door, her eyes fell on a caucasian male with ice grey hair in a navy blue tailored suit.

“Nyla Miller, good to see you,” the mystery man said that made her brow raise up to her superior. Mrs. Leson said “Miller, this is Agent Ross of the CIA. He heard about you and also a proposition for you. Please hear him out.” Nyla placed her hands behind her back and was all ears. “Ms. Miller, as you know, America and the country known as Wakanda are allies and we are looking for a Director for the WPS for their country. Would you be interested in reassigning to Wakanda for your country?”

Holy shit! Is this the sign I was looking for, she asked her self in the head. Nyala cleared her throat before asking “why me? There are plenty of folks here that would be a great fit as well.” Ross nodded with the agreement as he stood in front of her. “Yes, but I truly believe that you will be an amazing fit. You are only thirty years old but your track record is astonishing. I know I would be a tad difficult to leave home but I promise on my last good dollar that you will feel right at home.” Nyla looked him in the eye and held her hand out for him to shake; he kindly accepted. “When do I start?”

The Following Month

Nyla packed her last box as her black cat graced her ankle. “Good morning, Power. Today is the day, boy. A new home and new adventures.” She taped up the box to secure it for flight and lifted Power in her arms, petting him as he purred. She looked around her apartment wearing a white crew neck tee, mom jeans and freshly cleaned converse with her hair in a sloppy pair of French braids. There was a silent knock on the door and Nyla placed down Power inside his carrier.

She opened the door to see a bald woman with a red leather jacket, dark black slim fit bottoms and a pair of red combat boots, gold accessories and a smile. “Hello, I am looking for a Miss Nyla Miller”; her accent was a calm African tone. Nyla nodded and replied. “Hi, you must be Okoye. Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise, dear. Are you ready for our travels back to my homeland.”

Nyla grabbed her jacket and zipped up, grabbing Power. Okoye looked down to see the black. “Beautiful feline. How old is he?” Nyla said “two years.” Okoye smiled and said “well we should get going. The people of Wakanda are waiting for our arrival.” Nyla’s brows became stitched. “Okay, but I have a lot of things to move.” Okoye agreed with “that’s why I brought them.” She whistled and a group of strong men appeared through the hall. Okoye pulled Nyla into the hall to not be in the middle of the trampled by the group. The ladies made their way to their rent a truck and to JFK Airport.

Okoye dropped off the truck before the headed to the airport Starbucks where they both grabbed Venti Mocha Frappuccinos made with almond milk. “So, Nyla. How long have you been with the FBI?” Nyla placed Power’s cage down once the made it inside the “plane”. “I was an intern when I was about nineteen. Eventually finished at the academy to be NYPD but my boss saw my potential and gave me a chance to work with them once I turned twenty-two.” Okoye then asked, “and what about combat training?”

“I was in martial arts at four but then had to leave once my folks passed. On my free time, I worked at a dojo in Brooklyn where the owner taught me all the moves so when I arrived in the academy, they didn’t stand a chance.” Okoye looked out to the window and saw the last piece of luggage being loaded. She looked to the front of the plane and passed her drink to Nyla before heading to the front. Nyal took it from her and looked out into the air on the outside. Sunny with a few clouds. The men all loaded on and took a seat as the seat belt light came on before take off.

Nyla wondered where she went so once the light went off she stood and made her way. She held her ear to the door to hear nothing but when she opened it, Okoye was flying the plane. “You know who to fly?” Okoye smiled back and said, “eh, it’s like driving.” She grabbed the mic and announced, “everyone get ready for transformation.” Nyla looked around to see the plane was indeed changing in the appearance of an unfamiliar spacecraft. So did the outside. Okoye looked over to Nyla’s expression and smiled. “You’ll get used to it.”

ЩΛKΛПDΛ

An Hour Later

Nyla was asleep in the corner on the bench and opened her eyes to see the orange, yellow and red tinted sky. She stood and looked out the wide window with a warm half grin. She looked like a little girl that just arrived at Disneyland her first time. “We have arrived”, Okoye announced and landed the ship. Once they did in front of the palace, Nyla can see a woman with a cream head wrap and matching dress garment next to a younger woman who had box braids and wearing the same shade as the first but in suit pants combo.

The men went off first to start unloading. “Ungayifaka yonke into egumbini lakhe egumbini. Siyabonga, madoda.(You may place everything into her room up in the palace. Thank you, men.)” Okoye and Nyla stood in front of the Queen and the Princess while Nyla handed off Power to one of the men. “Nyla Miller, it is a pleasure to meet you and have the best that New York City has to offer. We heard about all your accomplishments and can not wait to see what you can bring into the WPS beside Okoye”, Queen Mother said but Nyla only heard a few words because she was distracted by the Queen’s beauty.

“Nyla, this Queen Mother, and Princess Shuri. The Royalty of Wakanda. You will meet King T’Challa and Prince N’Jadaka at the meeting in an hour”, Okoye told her and Shuri added “we will also have a welcoming party tomorrow night where you will meet the royal council formally and also a few of the people that we have worked with. A proper welcome and thank you of helping our country.” Nyla smiled and said “it is an honor to be here. I will try my best to help in any way I can.” Okoye smiled and said, “she will do just fine here an I will make sure she is safe.”

“Very good. Make yourself comfortable and be sure to be at the meeting in fifty-eight minutes.” Nyla nodded and made her way to her new place. She saw the men leaving and finally, she entered: it was amazing. The walls were a vibrant purple shade with black, white decor with touches of yellow here and there. She looked down to see Power in his bed and smiled. She petted his ears and looked out to the balcony. Nyla walked out and rested her hands against the dark metal bar above the glass. She looked ten stories down to see how far up she was and looked at the sky. So beautiful, like a painting.

She decided to take a nice, warm shower before the meeting and changed into a new outfit; a pair of black jeans with black heels and a matching turtle neck. She took her hair out of its braids and smoothed it out with a flat iron. She opened the door to see a woman that looked like Okoye but a lighter and in the combat clothing. “Nyla Miller, follow me”; they made their way to the meeting.

Meanwhile, T’Challa sat on his throne watching everyone. N’Jadaka sat on his right in a navy blue suit compared to his with his hair braided back. “Good idea of asking for an African American person for the position, cuz. That way we can trust them more” he whispered to the King making him smile. “It was your idea, N’Jadaka.” The Prince thought about it and said “oh yeah. You right.” Since the incident that happened years ago, they have become brothers and N’Jadaka gained respect for him and trust as well. The Dora Milaje all piled in as Okoye watched from T’Challa’s left.

“Presenting Detective Nyla Miller from New York City.” Everyone stood but T’Challa but he slowly did once he saw her. Her glowy skin, messy chestnut toned bob hair and full lips got his attention. N’Jadaka looked to his cousin and chuckled in his throat. “Everyone may be seated,” Queen Mother said and they did all except for T’Challa. Okoye said “Nyla Miller, age thirty, 5′1, Libra sign, started as an intern for the FBI, trained in martial arts and has captured over fifty of the most wanted criminals for sex trafficking, molestation, rape, and murder. Has yet to have a failed case as well. Knows over five different languages such as English, Spanish, French, Italian and Japanese.”

Nyla Miller stood with her hands against her lower back with a slight smirk. T’Challa’s eyes observed her as he stood there. “Miss Miller, are you aware of your assistance here?” Nyla looked at him and answered. “To protect and serve the country. Just like I have done in my city. I am here to be the best trainer and leader to help the Dora Milaje keep Wakanda unharmed, my King.” T’Challa smiled until he heard one of the male leaders say “Kutheni beyothumela umfazi? Nangabe siqinisekile ukuba uyakwazi ukuyisebenzisa? Ubonakala engafanelekanga kwaye engafanelekiyo. (Why would they send a woman.?Are we sure she can handle it? She seems unfit and unworthy.)” T’Challa was about to say something until what he heard next took him by surprise.

“Ngentlonipho yonke, mnumzana. Kodwa banyula ngenxa yokuba, omnye, ndona mhle kunabo bonke abangamashumi amahlanu ukuba benze umsebenzi ngokugqibeleleyo. Ekubini ngenxa yokuba, njengoko uvile, ndiyakwazi ukuthetha intetho kwaye ndihambe ngokuhamba kwaye ngenxa yokungafumani umntu onamandla okwanele wokusingatha umsebenzi. (With all due respect, sir. But they chose me because, for one, I am the best out of all fifty states to do the job perfectly. Two because, as you heard, I can talk the talk and walk the walk and lastly because they couldn't find a man strong enough to handle the job)”, Nyla said to the leader but still looking at the King. N’Jadaka nodded impressed and said “six. She knows six languages.” Okoye looked to the Prince and softly shook her head.

T’Challa looked to the leader’s face and said “you heard her. I trust this one” making his way back to his seat. “Miss Nyla. I know that you have just landed and Agent Ross informed me that you have been having an eventful month so you can take as much time you need to settle in and make yourself comfortable. As my mother informed you, we will be having a welcoming ceremony for you as well. I have the best tailor in all of Wakanda creating a unique piece for you.” Shuri walked up to Nyal with a box and opened it to a set of kimono beads, placing them on her wrist. “If any of us need you, mainly the King, we will call. If you need anything just speak our names into the mic of the beads and we will answer.”

“Like Siri,” Nyla asked and N’Jadaka replied “exactly.” Queen Mother added “welcome to Wakanda, Nyla.” Nyla smiled making T’Challa grin and said “thank you for being so welcoming. Will that be all for tonight, ma’am?”

“Just get a good night’s sleep, dear. We will see you tomorrow for breakfast.” Nyla nodded and said “good night, everyone” as she walked up to the doors, turned and said “good night, King T’Challa” before shutting the doors. Even though the meeting went on and Nyla was long gone to her place, T’Challa sat on his throne, still thinking about her. She was all he can think about.

The second chapter will be posted soon where things will get more interesting.

𝒯𝒜𝒢𝒢𝐸𝒟 𝐿𝒪𝒱𝐸𝒮

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#t'challa x oc #T'Challa #beauty and the panther fan fic #artisticestheticreads #bp fandom #black panther

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ghostiedoesherbest · 5 years

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Patches - IV

Trigger Warning: talk of abuse and abusive relationships

Of course, all good things must come to an end. Pidge had returned to the castle without her father and she was sad despite rescuing all of the other scientists that had been held captive. Mateo and Lotor had been sitting in the former’s room, enjoying each other’s company as they regalled one another with funny stories from their adventures, unaware of the offer that Zarkon had made to the Paladins in their absence. Lotor was busting his gut over the story Mateo was telling him about he and Lance finding a turtle while they were on vacation in Florida. Lance had always been afraid of turtles for some reason and that fear increased when the turtle had these loud squeaking noises. Lance immediately started screaming which only caused the poor terrified turtle to squeak even louder.

“What happened after that?” Lotor was barely able to wheeze out as he held his sides.

“I went back the next day with some strawberries and I saw that same turtle. I put one in front of it and it ducked into its shell. It took some patience but eventually it came out and started nibbling on it. I was going to leave it there with some strawberries but it started following me but it was so slow that it was pitiful. So, I got permission to take it home and keep it as a pet,” Mateo explained with a wistful smile. “I learned that he was male and named him Toby.”

“How long can these ‘turtles,’ live?” Lotor asked in concern, not knowing how long the human had been in space.

“Well it depends on the species. Small turtles can live for about eighty years and the big ones can live well over a hundred years - I mean deca-phoebs. So chances are, Toby might outlive me,” Mateo chuckled as he scratched his neck. “Lance’s older brother, Luis promised to take care of him since I couldn’t keep him in the barracks with me while I was in the Garrison.”

Lotor was about to delve into the story of how he almost adopted a flesh eating monster that used its cute appearance to lure its prey into a false sense of security when Mateo received a message from Shiro. Lotor watched as Mateo’s smile faded when his eyes scrolled over the holographic text that appeared before him. He turned to the prince with a grim frown, “We’re needed in the control room.”

Lotor quickly sobered and Mateo gave him the time to gather himself before they left his room. The brief walk was filled with tension and Mateo was trying not to show his worry for Lotor as not to worry him as well. There were even more grim faces upon entering the control room. Mateo ignored the glare that was leveled at him and the prince at his side from a certain Altean princess. “What’s going on?” he asked, taking in everyone’s resolute expression.

He crossed his arms when no one answered as he patiently waited for them to answer his question. It was Shiro who finally broke the silence before Mateo could grow impatient. “Pidge wasn’t able to rescue her father but...we know where he is and how to get to him.”

Mateo blinked in surprise, his brow furrowed in confusion as he and Lotor shared puzzled looks, “Then why all the long faces?”

Shiro sighed in exhaustion, “Zarkon has Commander Holt and he’s willing to trade him for Lot -.”

“No.”

“What?!” Pidge shrieked in outrage. “What do you mean no! That’s my dad!”

“And this is Zarkon we’re talking about!” Mateo snapped back. “Do any of you honestly think that he’d actually hold up to his end of the deal even if you did go through with it?”

“What do you mean ‘if?’ This is my dad we’re talking about!” Pidge snarled,

“You have all of my sympathy but we have to think about this objectively. Our goal is to take out Zarkon and someone has to take the throne after him. After the first attempt, I’m pretty sure he gets that and he also understands that Lotor would be able to take over after him. If he gets Lotor then this would have all been for nothing. Zarkon wins because for all we know Lotor is the only Galra willing to work with us outside of the Blades of Marmora.”

“Who -”

“Sh sh sh,” Mateo interrupted Lotor’s inquiry with a finger to his lips, “I’m on a roll here.” He returned his attention to an obstinate Pidge and continued, “We need to have a plan - multiple plans in fact because we can’t trust Zarkon.”

“But we can trust Lotor?” Allura scoffed.

“More than Zarkon that’s for sure,” he retorted.

“What if they’re working together?” Pidge demanded. “What if this is all some big plan to earn our trust and betray us later?”

“Then it’s even more important to keep Lotor out of Zarkon’s hands. I know you want to jump at the chance to have your father back but we need to think this through.”

Shiro put a hand on Pidge’s shoulder, “Mateo is right. We need to be prepared.”

“My father has held the universe in a death grip for millennia, but he sees it slipping from his grasp because of your efforts and because of mine,” Lotor said, hesitantly resting a hand on Mateo’s shoulder to feel grounded. This will be one of the most difficult things that he will ever have to do. “With our forces combined, we would provide the greatest threat Zarkon has ever faced. He knows we could topple his empire, so this is his attempt to tear us apart. But united, we could forge a new path, open doors to new worlds, and crush the tyrannical ways of an old regime.”

“It’s a regime you ran! We can’t listen to him. He just wants to save his own skin! He shouldn’t even be out of his jail cell!”

“If you return me to my father he would surely see to my demise. And with his most legitimate threat to the throne removed he would only grow stronger,” Lotor admitted.

“One less threat to Zarkon and one less threat to us,” Pidge coldly retorted.

Lotor turned his gaze onto Allura and took a step forward to stand in front of Mateo, “Your father, King Alfor, once stood side by side with Zarkon and protected the universe from harm. There was no foe the paladins of old couldn’t defeat. Sadly, that time of peace has been lost, but, together, we can find it once more. Princess, imagine a new generation that could lift the mantle of peace. The children of King Alfor and Emperor Zarkon, you and I, a royal alliance between Altean and Galra.”

Lance grew defensive when he interpreted that as Lotor making a pass at Allura, “How ‘bout we don’t imagine that!”

“Lies! Every word is a lie!” Pidge insisted unwaveringly.

“So suddenly Zarkon speaks the truth?” Mateo asked as he watched the very one sided exchange. “You’re still ignoring the fact that Zarkon is our biggest threat and he’s lining everything up so that either he or someone like him could be on the throne. Do you really think he’ll do as he says and return Commander Holt? You expect the corrupted leader of a ruthless empire that has murdered his friends, crushed civilizations under his heel, and ceaselessly chased us through the universe will honor his word?”

“You think he’ll double cross us,” it wasn’t a question on Shiro’s part.

“I don’t think, I know, Shiro!” Mateo implored.

Lotor nodded in agreement. “I believe he would do anything to rid himself of me and claim the Lions of Voltron.”

Allura’s expression was troubled as she thought over this information, “An alliance with the Galra heir could end the war.”

“What?!” Pidge demanded in outrage.

“It’s not ideal,” Allura said, trying to placate the volatile Green Paladin. “I don’t like trusting the Galra but it could be our best option.”

“No!”

“Pidge think of the lives we could save. Think of the countless worlds we could free,” the princess tried to reason.

“Think of my father!”

Mateo sighed in exasperation and approached the Green Paladin before bringing his fist down onto her head.

“Ow! What the heck Teo!”

Mateo regarded the younger girl with disappointment. “Pidge I don’t want to be that guy but shut your trap and listen. I’m gonna go slow so you can keep up. We’re at war, a war that will never end if we don’t screw this up. If we hand over Lotor everyone else is screwed because Zarkon’s place is secure and even if we did manage to take him down afterwards, the empire would have a power vacuum and we all know how that would turn out. We have the chance to end this war in our lifetime and giving Lotor to Zarkon might tip the scales in his favor in one way or another.”

“You wouldn’t understand, you never even met your dad!”

Lance and Mateo both took in sharp breaths for entirely different reasons. Lance, because he’d seen the murderous look in Mateo’s eyes for a split second and Mateo, to keep himself from throttling the petulant Paladin. He leaned down to glare into her hazel eyes.”I’ll let that go because you’re Lance’s friend,” he said in a deathly quiet tone. “But your voice and wants aren’t the only ones that matter. Hunk, you’ve been quiet. What do you think?”

Hunk flinched, surprised at being addressed. He began to twiddle with his fingers as he tended to do in tense situations, “I don’t know - I mean. If this dude here is on our like he says he is,” he turned to Lotor with uncertainty, “you are saying you’re on our side right? Then, couldn’t he lead the Galra toward peace from the inside like they’ve been saying?”

This was as much as Pidge could take as she rose her voice over Hunk’s, “We are turning him in and getting my dad back. We have Voltron to bring peace to the universe.”

Mateo scoffed, “Voltron is a weapon, not a miracle worker. How long would we have to fight if we turn Lotor in? Months? Years? All because you value your dad’s life over others? How many will die for this Pidge? How much blood are you willing to have on your hands for this?”

“That’s not fair!”

“Life’s not fair,” Mateo snapped at the Paladin’s weak response. “If we do this your way we lose more lives than necessary because of you and you better be ready to live with that because I’m not.”

“That’s enough, both of you,” Shiro scolded, getting between them. “We’re trading Lotor for Commander Holt and that’s final.”

“But Shiro -” Mateo tried to protest, not noticing the way Lotor tensed or how his fists were clenched.

“That’s final, Mateo.” Mateo grit his teeth and glared at everyone in frustration. Lance, Hunk, and Coran avoided his gaze, Allura and Shiro gave him looks of resignation, and Pidge met his gaze head on with one of disdain and anger for not being on her side.

“If you’re gonna send him to his death, then you might as well make him comfortable beforehand,” he grunted, knowing that he was outranked by the Black Paladin. However, he dared anyone to contradict him as he led Lotor away. Lotor followed in silence, unsure what to say about what he’d just witnessed. The tension in Mateo’s back set him on edge, until he stopped and let out a sigh that seemed to make him deflate. “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry for what we’re about to put you through.”

Lotor chuckled in an attempt to reassure him, “I’m honestly surprised that you still defended me as much as you did. Although, I must admit that I didn’t expect the Paladins of Voltron to be so...”

“Impulsive?” Mateo offered him a bitter smile. “Yeah, it’s actually pretty amazing that we’ve survived this long. There’s only so much you can do when you put an insanely powerful super weapon in the hands of children. Someone’s gotta play devil’s advocate and often times that makes you the devil in some eyes.”

Lotor hummed in thought as he continued to follow Mateo, recognizing the hall that they were walking in. Mateo stopped at a door and Lotor was met with the sight of the brunette’s room. Nothing had changed since they had last been there, but Lotor noticed with intrigue that Mateo had a little compartment that went unnoticed before. He watched the human tap that compartment and open it to take out a small touch screen device wrapped up in a long blue wire. Lotor sat on the bed next to Mateo when he absently waved him over while unraveling the wires from the device.

“I don’t know what the Galra have for music, but this always puts me at ease,” Mateo said as he offered Lotor an earpiece.

The Galra prince hesitantly took the earpiece and placed it in his ear. He watched Mateo scroll into a playlist, not recognizing any of the songs written using one of earth’s many languages. Mateo selected a random song and it began to play. Lotor was intrigued by the sound of stringed instruments and high hats filtering through the earth device, and glanced out the corner of his eye to see Mateo leaning back on his arms with eyes closed. His chin was tilted back, baring his vulnerable neck to Lotor as he lost himself in the music. The prince mirrored his position and closed his own eyes, letting the melody and words envelope him and set him adrift.

He felt weightless as the music took him away from his problems and tried to ignore the dread that came from the anticipation of coming back down to them. His eyes fluttered open when the song ended. “What was that song about? The singer sounded like they were in deep despair.”

“That’s because the singer is narrating the life of someone in a really bad relationship. He’s hurting her and lying to her, breaking her heart and then promising to never do it again only to repeat the cycle. She makes an effort not to set him off, thinking its her fault but nothing she does ever works. The one thing she finds solace in is the rain. It’s cooling and comforting for someone coming from such a heated place and it gets her mind off of her situation if only for a few moments.”

“Why is she still with someone that hurts her?”

“Because she loves him, and love can make even the most perceptive people blind sometimes. She wants to leave this man behind and get better but her heart is trapping her with him. She believes that this man loves her as much as she loves him despite the abuse and that’s what keeps her there. In the end, she does end up leaving him to start a new chapter of her life. She’s decided to put herself first because she knows she deserves better. This was one of my mom’s favorite songs,” Mateo sighed, not even flinching at the twinge his heart gave at the mention of her. He’d long gotten used to the ache.

“Why would your mother love such a sad song?” Lotor asked in confusion, the phrasing not lost on him. Sure, he could appreciate the song but in his experience, most people favored more upbeat and joyous music than what he’d just heard.

Mateo chuckled, “You know I asked her the same question and you know what she told me?” Lotor gave him a puzzled look, queueing him to continue. “She told me that this song is a testament to strength. This woman wasn’t some great warrior with a legendary weapon. She was a tired woman who wanted more than to be beaten down by life, but she had the strength to be her own savior. No one came to her rescue because no one was going to come. She had to do the saving on her own and that takes a strength that I don’t know if I’ll ever have if put in her situation.”

Lotor stared off in thought, reminded of certain aspects of his own life, “I suppose I can see where she was coming from.” He returned to his previous position, listening to the next song that had already begun to play while they’d been talking.”

Mateo watched him out of the corner of his eye and made up his mind. He reached into the still open compartment that held his phone. It didn’t take a genius to know what Zarkon would do to Lotor once they hand him over, so he took out the only possession he had that would at least allow the prince to put up a fight. Wordlessly, he slipped it into Lotor’s hand and the prince curled his fingers around it like it was a lifeline. Neither of them said a word as Lotor placed the knife in his boot and they tried not to think about his looming fate. This was the most Mateo would be able to do for Lotor and he hated it. They were supposed to be the good guys, so why were they doing something that felt so damn wrong?

Tag List: @starfaring-princelotor @motheroflittlelions@fandomsoffeelings@done-with-your-shit-shirogane @kirahhhh@legendofcarl @lotor-for-emperor@marvelheaux @yanderemommabean@lotorrential @planet-jumping-warrior

#lotor #prince lotor #prince lotor imagine #voltron #voltron fanfic #Voltron Imagine #emperor lotor #welcome to the lotor deserves better coalition #i hope you can't tell #that pidge got on my nerves this specific episode #have some goddamn empathy girl #the universe doesn't revolve around your problems #smartest #and most insensitive paladin

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