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darlingbudsofrae · 3 years

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Neil Josten Appreciation Post

Foxes Appreciation Series : 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6 || 7 || 8 || 9 || 10 ||

Alright, let’s just start this by addressing the big elephant in the room: everyone loves Neil Josten. EVERYONE.

If you don’t, you’re lying.

Okay, first up- I’m glad this is getting addressed more on AFTG tumblr but Neil is literally so much smarter than the fandom gives him credit for.

Like yes, he’s a little dumdum on the social aspect of things (you could argue he kind of has a low EQ but also not really, I would argue that later)

but that doesn’t dismiss that he is smart af and that he can kill you and make it look natural if he wants.

For example, he literally outrun and hid from the mafia for years. Like, that in itself is an obvious point but we often forget that he did this at a very young age.

Like, he was presumably what? 16?? (when Mary kicked the bucket?) And kid was already playing hide and seek pretty well with a freaking mafia.

He does not get enough credit for this.

The survival skills it takes- the mental strength to survive as a runaway and technically he’s also homeless- at freaking 16, that’s just insane.

Also, let’s not mention the fact that it takes skills to forge official papers and all that.

We also do not talk enough about Neil and how he freaking have to relearn an entirely new position just to play exy.

I don’t think most remember that he’s actually a backliner, but have to play as a striker because it was the only available position in that local high school he attended in Millport, and that was how Kevin saw him so he was recruited as a striker.

We also additionally do not talk enough about how Kevin “literal and figurative Son of Exy” Day found potential for court in Neil “I’m a backliner but I’m playing striker because it’s the only thing available and I’m an exy junkie” Josten who only played it for like a year or less.

Like yeah, Kevin said he needs more training but it’s not even Neil’s official position.

The talent on this man- I cannot, he is such an icon.

Aside from his great survival skills and being literally great at picking things up- he’s also like freaking academically smart.

Like that also doesn’t get enough credit- I mean, he does math for fun.

Frankly, I think if you did Kumon or if you had an awesome teacher you could also do math for fun (I know I did) but this should be noted with the fact that he didn’t have proper schooling.

He went on a run at a really young age so there is no way he received formal education.

Which means he is naturally like really smart.

He’s also a polyglot. And the languages he has under his belt are all freaking difficult to learn- like, no kidding: French, German, and he can assumingly speak intermediate Spanish, and we don’t even have an idea if this is all the languages he can speak.

Also, he and Andrew learns how to speak Russian, right? Like, that’s crazy.

The brain on this man and the power that he has- my son, I am so proud.

I mean, for all we know- there’s more than that and the fact that he’s like 18 at TFC screams supremacy.

This is where I argue about his EQ but Neil is crazy perceptive.

It took him like freaking 3 seconds to figure out the team dynamics the foxes have, and how to work against it.

He later figured out how to make it all mesh together.

Like the way he do things isn’t conventional but reading him analyze his team despite his lack of empathy really makes me shudder.

Like, this kid is so freaking smart. I remember reading his thought process for the very first time and being like, okay- I definitely did not think about that.

The main problem with his EQ though is that he doesn’t know how to process positive stuff when he’s involved, but when he’s the outsider- his perspective is so amazing.

Like again, he kind of lacks empathy but the way he understands things and is just so sharp is just noteworthy.

I’d argue he doesn’t understand social cues and “modern teen things” but he isn’t so completely clueless on the social aspect in general as to not manipulate an entire team of misfits with issues to work together.

He’s literally the key to unity in AFTG. Even Dan says so.

Also, the way he puts things into play- like he’s a master manipulator, and I love that for him.

We do not talk enough about manipulative Neil, like I just really love manipulative characters in general so much- especially if they’re just owning it.

I mean, he freaking manipulated Andrew and Aaron into therapy. Kind of evil but also wow. (just a sidenote, please don’t force people into therapy lol)

Going completely dark for a second, Neil also has a freaking high pain tolerance.

The amount of horrible things he went through in the books were just so sad and the fact that he just kind of moves on from it? That’s just completely oh my gods.

My poor summer child, even if you can kill me at any given time, let me just hug you for a second with consent.

Everyone also gives shit about Neil’s fashion choices and granted it is said he kind of bags the homeless looks but the fact that he values utility above all else-

Yes, we stan a resourceful king.

Lowkey though, am I the only one who appreciate Neil’s average style?

Speaking of style- I love the way Neil narrates. Like, the way he doesn’t give much attention to how the character looks- it’s just so realistic?

Because if I’m talking to a person in real life, there is no way I am noting how his blue polo makes him kind of casual but clean-cut and how his brown eyes is as warm as my morning coffee. Like, who even does that?

The thing with Neil’s narration is that it’s just so authentic- like it easily engages the readers and the way he gives importance to every thing the same way, it really makes it easier for the reader to discern things objectively, y’know what I mean?

He just has that quality in a main character and narrator- he’s laidback and sarcastic but not trying too hard, and he’s just really easy to love.

Like, I normally don’t like narrators/main characters in books because I favor a side character more or just because they’re annoying, but Neil Josten is legit lovable.

At the same time, he’s also a really well-written character. Like, for all the technicalities I point out in AFTG, Neil is an asshole. He’s not perfect and I don’t 100% love everything that he does and I love that.

He’s a flawed character but he gives you something to root for- and I just really want to appreciate his characterization for a second. Most books make their characters’ flaws not even their fault to put a check to the flawed character but at the same time still have that perfect character. Eeww, no- give me real flaws to work with.

He’s one of the realest protagonists I ever read.

Like people give him shit for wanting to hide but also choosing to play a nationwide-discerned sport on an infamous collegiate team but for me it’s kind of realistic.

Because I think we, as human beings, also do things we love too much regardless of logic. I don’t know, like it’s kind of funny the way Neil is written but I honestly didn’t see him joining Palmetto as a loophole.

Like, just think of all those successful people who hid their identities via pseudonym or other necessary means to do things they weren’t expected to do or weren’t allowed to do.

For me, his character was really just looking for excuses to play his favorite sport a second longer and if anything, that’s just kind of sad.

But also, his dedication and love to exy is really admirable- like I never understood it but the way he literally does everything to stay on the court for a second longer just makes me want to root for him.

On a random note, Neil may not have an eidetic memory like Andrew’s but the way he memorize most phone numbers by heart?

Bruh, I don’t even have my phone number memorized and I freaking have it for two years now.

He also memorizes every twists and turns at every trip, every exits at a room he enters, and most people’s tics upon the first meeting, and other things and that’s just crazy perceptive but also really crazy on another level.

Also, we don’t get much ace/demi representation and out of the few I’ve consumed, demi Neil Josten validates me. He’s legit my favorite character that belongs in the ace spec in books.

I just really love Neil’s character so much- he’s just so amazing.

One thing I always appreciate about Neil Josten is that while he’s not a total angel (sadly), the way he loves the foxes- like he legit tried to mend the team and make sure everyone is going to be okay before walking straight to his death- like I’m with Andrew on this one, what a fucking martyr. Why are you like this and why am I crying?

Neil Josten is by all means not soft, that much is established, but the way he’s just still as precious and must be protected at all costs-

"You know, I get it," Neil said. "Being raised as a superstar must be really, really difficult for you. Always a commodity, never a human being, not a single person in your family thinking you're worth a damn off the court—yeah, sounds rough. Kevin and I talk about your intricate and endless daddy issues all the time."

I love him, your honor- where can I file this adoption papers and do I have anything else to sign?

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phantaloon-books · 3 years

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I was rereading the iconic reunion at baltimore and this came to me and I can't not write it (even though I have a half finished chapter waiting to be written for a fic for a whole different fandom but who cares right)

in which neil regrets realizes that the feds were on to something when they talked about witness protection program. brace yourselves, it's angst time bby. please bear with me, I don't write stuff like this, content and format wise.

so everyone knows what goes down in baltimore. everyone knows that famous college exy striker for the foxes neil josten has been the son of the butcher of baltimore all along, and that smth happened after he was kidnapped and tortured that resulted in the butcher and some associates to be killed. everyone knows that neil walked out alive, injured but alive. so when a few weeks, months later, associates of the butcher start getting raided and taken in custody, everyone knows exactly who opened his little mouth and revealed everything he knows (bc there's literally no one else who could know this stuff and would be willing to share with the fucking feds, no one has a death wish)

It's a slow process. It starts with the feeling of not being safe, which is ridiculous, because he hasn't been quite as safe as he is right now, with the foxes, his family, and most importantly with Andrew. They're on summer break, technically speaking, even if they're at campus for practice because they gotta train the new foxes. They're barely doing anything than hanging out together and training, but still Neil can't shake the feeling that something is wrong, that someone is watching him, but he doesn't say anything, because it doesn't make sense, he's just being paranoid, there's no need to panic.

Neil can swear he's being watched. He feels the dread whenever he's out of the dorm, when he's out running, when they go out to eat something, when they go to the mall, on their way to practice, at Eden's. But when he looks around there's no one looking, it's been weeks and nothing has happened, he hasn't seen anyone.

Neil can tell Andrew is growing suspicious of the way he checks out a place, the way his eyes trace every corner, every exit, because he's starting to fall back in old habits, and he knows Andrew hates it. But Andrew doesn't ask, he knows that Neil will speak when he feels ready, so he lets it go, even if he can't quite let got of the worry clawing at his heart.

But everything keeps going normally, things are fine, everything is fine fine fine. Neil doesn't talk about it, but it's fine really. Until it's not fine at all, but it's also too late to talk now because his head is fuzzy and throbbing, and he feels like he might throw up and he feels pain even if he's not sure where the pain is coming from. But he can't do anything now, he can't tell Andrew how he's been feeling dread for weeks, because a man whose name he doesn't even know but whose face is awfully familiar is standing right in front of him where he lies on the floor, and the situation is also awfully familiar.

Stop being a martyr. Oh Andrew would kill him. If Neil gets out of this alive, Andrew will kill him, because he left again. He didn't want to, he really didn't. He was out on a run while Andrew was in therapy with Bee and Aaron, a couple miles away from fox tower, when a car pulled up right in front of him, two men wearing hoods and sunglasses stepping out and standing in front of him. He came to a halt, trying his best to keep calm because who the hell were these men and what did they want and for fucks sake can this just stop? It would have been smart to turn around and try to get back to the tower but he can't ever keep his mouth shut can he?

"Look I don't know who you are, I don't care what you want, but you're in my way, so move away if you know what's best." He intended to go for more sarcastic, but he was doing his best not to panic, so that had to do.

"You're coming with us, get in the car, or we'll do this the hard way." Their voices said they wouldn't hesitate, but Neil laughed anyway, that smile he knew was the Butcher's resting on his lips. Anything to make the men leave. He opened his mouth and then- "The Minyard twins are at Dr. Dobson's office. Reynolds, Walker, and Wilds are at the mall. Hemmick, Boyd and Day are in the dorms. The newbies are at the dorms as well. Come with us the easy way and we'll let them walk out of their respective places alive, Nathaniel."

And he was fucked. Of course he hadn't been safe, he would never be safe. In fact no one he cared about would ever be safe. He should have known better. But he wasn't going to let the foxes be harmed.

"How do I know you won't kill them anyway?" The snark was gone, the smile vanished. His face was blank and dangerous, because he'd done this before. "I don't even know who you are, you're obviously not the big guys, and I don't remember seeing your faces."

"We don't want to attract unnecessary attention. All we care about is you. If you come, you spare us all the trouble. As for who we are, let's just say someone is pissed at the piece of shit that ruined everything."

"The Butcher's friends then. I can't argue with that, it's a habit of mine to fuck up. Ichirou won't be too happy if something happened." He played his strongest card but fuck it. The Moriyamas owed him protection, Ichirou himself had made a deal with him.

"The moment they turned their backs to the Wesninski and made a deal with Hatford, those Japanese shits mean nothing to us." These were desperate men apparently. If the Moriyamas were nothing, the FBI was even less. "Time is running Nathaniel, decide. You or them?"

Andrew would kill him, but they'd talked about it before. Neil had told Andrew. If it means losing you, then no. He would not put himself first. Hell, he'd told the others before, the Foxes were all he had, he wasn't going to risk them for himself, not for anything. He needed to keep them safe.

So now he's lying on the cold wooden floor of some house or shed or whatever, drowsy from whatever they drugged him with once he got in the car, and in pain after being beaten for the last hour or so. He didn't bother asking the man (who is obviously in charge and sent the two men) for a name, and honestly he still doesn't plan to. What was the point of that anyway? He just looks up at the cold brown eyes of the man standing over him, Neil's face as neutral as he could keep it despite the fear of not making it out alive threatening to pull him under. The man just stares at him, calculative eyes and cruel smile, and Neil can't take it.

"What, so you're just gonna stand there? I have better shit to do." He hears the slur in his voice, wonders if it's just the drugs or something else. A concussion is likely. He's met with silence, so he closes his eyes and lays his head down. Fuck he's tired of these situations. He truly will never be safe, no one will-

"You know, I was expecting so much more from you Nathaniel," the man says with a laugh, "I was told that you'd put up a fight, I thought this would be fun. They said you'd beg for your precious life, but you haven't even made an effort."

Whoever his source was, they definitely do not know Neil, or Nathaniel for that matter. Not only is he not going to risk the men hurting the others, but he isn't going to fight, not against so many of them, not when running would be more likely to get him out alive. He isn't going to let them know that. "First go fuck yourself, and second, this isn't remotely close to entertaining to what I've been through, maybe if it was more interesting."

What does Andrew say? Regret is worthless? It seems right, because he can't find regret in what he said, even if his face is a bloody mess (what's new?) and his body shakes with shivers, after his head is held underwater so many times. No, he doesn't regret it. Instead he finds himself laughing a hollow thing.

"Y'know at least others have had a point, this time it's just for the fun of it, and it's not being much fun." His voice cracks a couple times, hoarse from coughing up water.

"You're right though, it is for fun. You cost me absolutely everything Nathaniel. Did you know the feds and the Moriyamas have been after us for months? Hunting us like we're rabbits, all because you decided to be a dipshit and open your mouth. You should be dead. You should have died ten years ago, back in March, anytime. All your existence caused us is trouble. And ratting us to the feds wasn't enough was it? No you told Ichirou all of the Butcher's men were loose ends, too." The man took a deep breath, composing himself. "So yes Nathaniel, this is for fun. This is payback, you've cost many lives, this is retribution for speaking, and I'm gonna enjoy seeing you have fun for as long as I can."

At some point, after hours, he's left alone in the dark, in the cold. He knows he’s in pain. He’s pretty sure his arm is broken, and so are several ribs. He knows he should be in a lot of pain, but he's just numb. Regret is worthless. Because even if he feels even worse than how he felt last winter at Evermore, he doesn’t regret it. He can’t be sure the guy’s men were truly going to kill the Foxes, but he doesn’t regret coming here to make sure the others don’t suffer more than they already have because of him. He wonders if Andrew will forgive him. He didn’t leave proof that he didn’t want to leave this time. Would Andrew think he left them - him? God, he hopes not. Would Andrew look for Neil or leave it thinking that Neil wanted to leave?

It doesn’t really matter, though. Neil is so tired. This time isn’t like when he was on the run or when he went to Evermore or when Lola took him. While with the Ravens, Kevin knew he was there at least, if anything were to happen, a person would know where to look somehow. At Baltimore, several people knew the most likely place to find him; Uncle Stewart, the Hatfords, Kevin again. He has no idea of where he is, or who took him, and no one knows he’s been taken in the first place. No one will ever find him.

Maybe it’s better that way, he thinks. No one will have to deal with the burden of him or his disappearance or his death, because no one will know. The simple thing would be to assume he ran. He hopes they assume he ran. Maybe they’ll be hurt, but haven’t they been expecting him to run? They won’t make it to championships without him considering Jack is an awful striker, but Kevin will manage. Andrew - Andrew is the one who expects him to run the most, maybe he’ll take it nicely. Neil hopes he takes it nicely. Guilt blossoms among the nothingness in his chest, but he can’t take it back, and he doesn’t want to. It’s better this way. No one will find him, but that’s fine. He wonders what the Moriyamas will do. He doesn’t want to think about that. He thinks of Andrew, the kisses, the care, the love, the nights spent together. Thank you, you were amazing. He wishes he could tell him how much he cares one last time. He feels something wet slip down his face. He can’t tell if it’s water, blood or tears. He sighs. He thinks of Andrew, and his eyes slip close.

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ambrial-blog · 3 years

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Striker’s tail wraps around Blitzo’s mid-section pulling him closer. (The Blitzo pony blinks in confusion one minute he was talking to Stolas: An Ares’ Goeita pony who was shamelessly flirting with him.

The next, he was staring into the blazing yellow eyes of peach-skinned wild Pony. His tail is rattling, Striker is in heat.

His Older Brother (The Moxie Pony) had drilled into Blitzo two things at young age Never, and I mean Never go near a pony while they are in heat. And Never mingle with the wild and untamed ones they are ruthless- and can’t take no for an answer.

. Striker was both of them: Untamed, taking what he wants regardless of anyone else. (The Snake pony hissed evilly cornering the Blitzo Pony (Nuzzling his cutie mark- forcing Blitzo to roll onto his back. his holves stepping on his small bat-wings. His cowboy hat shading his face as he dips down nipping at Blitzo’s neck. He has his skull choker in his mouth. making pleased chortling sounds.

The Blitzo Pony stares up his hooves curl into Striker’s red bandanna as he tries to push against his chest. His ruby red eyes shine as an apple drops onto Striker’s head.

Stolas is circling them flapping his wings. Striker pushes Blitzo against the wall so that he can’t escape. Blitzo manages to wiggle out but before he could make his escape Striker lays on top of him. Hissing at the small Ares’ Goeita that was fluttering about.

“Go get Moxie! cries Blitzo from underneath. But Stolas enraged doesn’t seem to hear him as Striker laughs at him from the shade of the tree.

“Did I take something precious from you” and what is that miniature going to do? talk me to death?” Go over what’s right and wrong, and ask me out of the goodness of his heart to give back his son.” Striker rolls his eyes laughing as Blitzo sticks his head out.

Stolas! Blitzo cries trying to escape.

“No one has broken you in yet, Blitzy it must be my lucky day”

“I am looking forward to putting my scent all over you, little one- one day you’ll be in heat too. Becoming an exceptional a superior specimen like myself and when its time I’ll enjoy making you mine”

Standing up, so Blitzo stood underneath him, brushing his face against Blitzo’s. he take a lasso that is resting on a fence. Blitzo backs away no longer seeing Stolas in the sky.

Blitzo trotted backwards, trapped within the corral. His ruby red blood-wings flapping at his side. but before he could make an escape the lasso lands around his neck. Striker snickers twisting the rope.

A blood-curdling scream echoes from Blitzo’s mouth. as a bright red horse with a black flowing mane- appears over the horizon along with a medium Ivory white sized pony with golden eyes: set ablaze.

Millie tares down the field followed by Moxie and Stolas. Striker is dragging Blitzo towards the open corral doors. His eyes glowing as Stolas attacks Striker swooping in low.

To Be continued.

#Hellvua Boss #My little Pony #Spirit #AU #Striker Pony #Blitzo Pony #Cutie mark #Stolas Pony #Millie Pony #Moxie Pony #Fanfiction

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g-on-ef · 3 years

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For the Son of Lilith Striker AU, seeing as Lilith named her daughter Charlotte, Striker's real name is probably something as cute and/or formal, fitting of a gentleman, like Anthony, William or something

Ohh William and Charlotte I love it !!!

Also the interaction when they find out his real name

Lilith: William my precious boy !!!

I.M.P: *looks at Striker as their queen wraps her arms around him*

Blitz: Your real name is William?"

Striker: *glaring at his boyfriend* say that name again and you'll be sleeping on the couch from now on

#answers asked #anonymous #anon #striker x blitzo #blitzo helluva boss #striker helluva boss #helluva blitzo #helluva boss striker #lilith hazbin hotel

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wu-sisyphus-gang · 3 years

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Motion Sickness Chapter 85

pq pq pq pq pq pq pq pq pq pq pq pq pq pq pq pq pq pq

"What can you give me about Hill and her huntresses?" Ironwood asked me as we walked briskly up to his office.

"Fiona has some sort of matter absorption semblance. Evidently she can put a plane in her pocket and walk away. It's Striker ranged and probably limited to non-living things, I'm speculating on that bit. Still, it's supposed to be fairly wicked. May has the invisibility field. It's got a decent radius and it's mobile. It fucked with one of my own operations once. Sabotaged me. Then there's Joanna. She's got super strength, classic Brute," I informed him. "You want me here for this? I've had a run one with them before."

"You'll be with me," he affirmed. He swung the doors open to his office and he sat down at his desk.

I took to a corner by the window. I folded my arms. My sword hilt extended over my head.

"Their weapons?" Ironwood asked me.

"These crossbow staves. Probably modifiable with dust rounds. Except Hill. She's got a crossbow with blades on either side. My man described it as like a fan or an accordian."

"Your man?"

"A union leader down in Mantle. That's how he worked with Hill. You want the details?"

He shook his head. He steepled his hands before him and we waited. Penny came skipping into the room. She saw me, smiled, and waved at me. I grinned back at her and nodded.

"Oh are we acting brooding? I'll do my best." She imitated me by the far side of the long window.

"I don't need to act. I am brooding," I laughed back. "But yeah. A little."

"Hill should be up any minute."

"Good. I was getting tired of looking relaxed."

"I'm glad you two get along," Ironwood mumbled. "It bodes well. For you in particular, Strife."

"Eh, it's mostly Ruby." I kicked my foot around, rolling out my left ankle.

"Don't say that. I thought we were friends."

"We are, Penny. I'm trying to brood, though."

"I see…"

Hill pushed her way into the room with a small smile. She took me and Penny in. She had Fiona with her and another woman I recognized as Joanna Greenleaf from a photo.

Fiona nudged Hill. "That's him. Cloud Strife. The killer mercenary."

Hill glanced at me. "I've heard a bit about you, done some nasty business in my town. What? You working for Ironwood now?"

"For the foreseeable future. Judge ordered. You could probably find out about it. Given your seat," Ironwood returned from behind his steepled fingers.

"You give up the merc life?" She asked. Her question directed at me.

"For now," I answered.

"You're a dangerous man, Strife, I'd be glad to hear you're playing for the good guys. If that's what's going on here."

"It sort of is. You fucked with my operation. Don't think I don't know."

"I did nothing illegal. Nothing anybody could prove at any rate." She showed her teeth. I liked her. "Not like you and Taurus."

"You heard anything about him?" I wondered. "I have a blood score to settle with the bastard."

"Not a peep. He's been laying low. Like I thought you and your illusionist were. Color me surprised to find you standing beside the General. Right beside the protector of Mantle after the shit you pulled."

Maybe this was why Ironwood wanted me here. To divert her focus. I doubted he wanted me for moral support. He wanted me on as a distraction. So I'd be as distracting as possible.

"Those charges were dropped," Penny said.

"You hear that?" I asked. "It's like I never did it."

"But you did do it," Fiona spat. "You killed people."

"Interesting way you phrased that," Hill said with a hand raised at Fiona beside her.

"I only killed other criminals." I shrugged. "And I got time served with a hefty fine."

"Meaningless to someone like you," Hill countered.

"Not meaningless. Just the best I could have hoped for."

"But are you reformed? Do you serve Atlas and Mantle well?" Robyn wondered.

"To the very best of my ability, I protect the people now."

"Will you swear by it?" Hill held out her hand.

"Sure. I'll promise." I took her hand. Purple flowed over my hand as I took hers and it wreathed both of us. "What do you want me to say?" I asked. Words could be very particular.

"That you serve as a guardian to the people, now."

"I serve as a guardian to the people now." I echoed. I technically did before too. Her aura flashed green. It must have registered as true because she reclined looking satisfied.

"Now that that's settled we can get down to business. When will the new tower be ready for launch?"

"Classified. You shouldn't even know about the tower," Ironwood returned.

"But I do. And this will go smoother if we work together, General. I can vote in your favor or I can vote against you at every turn. I can even raise a vote of no confidence."

The General grimaced. I think that he hoped I'd buy him more time before the nitty-gritty.

Robyn leaned over his desk and spread her palms on it. Hunching over on him.

"What's it gonna be, General? I can do worse besides. I can petition to have your council seat taken away. How long will your precious tower take to get completed then. Work with me. I just want to talk."

"You want to talk for now."

"That's right," Hill returned. "I might change my mind based on what I hear, too." At least she was open and clear about it. The value of her prizing honesty.

"The launch is two months out." Ironwood stated.

He stood up and towered over Hill with her slumping over the desk. She recoiled back and stretched to her full height. It was still nowhere near the General and closer to me though she was tall for a woman.

"All of our attention has been on raising the tower and restoring communications between the kingdoms."

"Even though Mantle suffers," she murmured.

I thought about saying something like 'Mantle always suffers' but I kept my mouth shut. It wasn't the time. Never let be said I couldn't be diplomatic.

"Some sacrifices have had to be made to get things done but we're in the final stretch now. No going back."

"I want things to get better for Mantle, General. And fast."

"I'm working as fast as I can," Ironwood vowed.

"I want you to slow down the launch of it means things can get better for Mantle. Diverting both supplies and huntsmen."

"That isn't practical."

"Practical be damned. Mantle always bears the lion's share of the suffering for Atlas. All for it's floating neighbor. You want me to not vote against you at every turn so this project gets completed? You're going to have to make concessions. That means voting my way on minimum wage increases and miner safety standards. Even if those safety standards set back your little project."

Ironwood sighed. It sounded like she had him in a corner.

"We are so close." He grunted. He sounded frustrated and exasperated. "So close to getting this project done. For everybody's benefit."

"Well it just got further away. One way or another. Not one more miner will die for this or anything else. They matter to me. What's it gonna be, James?"

"Friends call me James. You can call me Ironwood or General."

"Petty," she clicked her tongue. She had him in a vice though. She'd be petty and slow down the project too. She was a woman of her word. No one with a semblance like that wouldn't be.

"It sounds like I've got little choice. Just know that once my project is complete I won't back down so easily anymore."

"I'm counting on it, General," she turned on a clicking heel and left. Her tour de force departed with her.

"Sorry. I tried but she wasn't going to be distracted. Not by me and not by Penny."

Ironwood groaned. "The launch just got set back a month. Minimum. And if I start capitulating now who knows when it will end."

"She's a woman of her word. So you've got that going for you."

"At least it wasn't Jacque Schnee," Penny chipped in brightly. "This election could have gone much worse. She's willing to work with you if you work with her."

My scroll chirped. I pulled it out of my pocket.

"Strife. Who’s this?"

"Aurum. I've got a hit on your lady friend. She's here. She's threatening me. She demanded my information. She was asking the same sort of questions you were. I need to know what that's about now."

"You don't. I'll be there."

"My life is on the line! She immolated my men!"

"Try and hold her there. I'm coming. Let's get lucky and kill her."

"Sorry Cloud but I have got to do what I got to do to protect my business."

"Just hold her. I'm on my way."

I cut the connection.

"Something important?" Ironwood asked.

"I got a hit on Cinder. She's about to burn one of my contacts to death. I need to get there."

Ironwood nodded. "Do you need reinforcements? I'll call Ace Ops."

"Better call Team RWBY too and put them on standby with Qrow. She's at The Den."

"I'm sending Penny with you."

"Let's go Penny." I said with a nod by the door. "You and I will fly there."

pq pq pq pq pq pq pq pq pq pq pq pq pq pq pq pq pq pq

Penny and I swooped down on The Den. "You take her accomplices. Let me worry about Cinder."

"Do you believe that you can defeat her?"

"We're about to find out." Let’s hope that sounded confident.

I bust in the door to find the club empty and quiet. The lack of music and the distant smell of inhalants gave the place a void like feeling. It was strangely empty and lacking.

"Sorry Cloud. It's nothing personal. Just business, you understand." It was Aurum's voice coming from the top floor above me. "She forced me. You get it."

There was the clink of glass heels on the floor above us and Cinder Fall came into view.

"You," she purred. "Jaune Arc was it? I owe you for when last we met." Her one eye glowed like embers.

"It was. Not anymore. It's Cloud now."

"A change in name will mean little to my mistress. You're her son."

"Hardly. She didn't raise me," I shot back. I drew the broadsword from over my shoulder. I gripped the enormous handle beneath the titanic cross guard the shield helped form.

"She has bade me not kill you and your sisters have a certain fury I would dread but whatever happens happens," she sung. She spread her fingers and a flame grew across them. "You would have had me last time if not for my maiden powers. Powers which have doubled. I'm sure you are aware. And you've been spying for me. Through this rabble but you've been on the look out nonetheless."

She made Aurum call me, then. Aurum dashed out the exit, trying to keep his life intact and escaping while we were both distracted. Cinder set a trap for me. Sustrai stepped out from behind Cinder with Black in tow. I watched and my vision faded as Sustrai narrowed her eyes at me. She was trying to use her semblance on me.

I shouted at Penny and I watched a blurring kaleidoscope fly up to them and slash out at Emerald with ten floating blades appendages. My vision snapped back into focus and in perfect time for me to see Cinder descending on me with flames pouring from her feet to aid her assault. As she flew she left fire behind on the glass dance floor. I met a strike from her similarly glass weapons and stuttered back a step on the dance floor.

I activated my semblance and brought my weapon around to match her. I drew an electric crystal from my pocket. I crushed it in my palm and sent a thunderbolt at her. She blocked it by crossing her weapons and her one eye flared at me with the power of the maidens. She gestured and a half dozen fireballs floated into place before her. She blew gently. Like she was blowing a kiss at me, I didn’t catch it, and I was forced to dance out of the way of the fireballs.

I went through them. I rolled and floated towards her through the conflagration. I stabbed my sword downward and tore up glass as I pushed it screeching across the dance floor towards her. She met my strike with both her weapons crossed.

Then she struck out at me in high, low, high fashion, alternating each blade. She twirled with the motion and I was forced on the defensive, blocking each one of her attacks. I never let her truly get close to me with the enormous blade between us.

She waved her palm and a flare shot up inside the tight room towards me. I couldn't be sure how Penny was doing against her two opponents because I was too focused on Cinder.

I blocked her and seesawed my weapon down on her. Sparks flew from her glass weapons from where my Titania edge but down into them.

"I'm going to kill you this time. We'll see how my Mother takes that," I whispered. I spoke softly as I threatened her. As I made my vow.

Lightning ran up her weapons and into my arms. It made me tremble in pain for a moment before she pushed me off of her and kicked me in my exposed chest. Then she flew at me.

"Aren't you quite the little rebel. Doing what makes mommy mad?" She laughed at that.

"Oh I'll piss her right the fuck off. Can't imagine she was happy I didn't bring the relic to her."

She pointed her sword at me and there was a kazzap of lightning. I blocked it on the edge of my weapon but she just swung her weapon around her body again. A trail of fire emanating from it and growing larger until she whipped a lash of red hot blaze right at my head.

I rolled again and came up thrusting at her, forcing her to block. She swung at me with one of her glass weapons but at the far range of my weapon I was too distant and she miscalculated.

She dropped into a crouch and pointed both her weapons at me and there was another mighty kazizzle of electricity. I jumped over it and brought my weapon down on her head in a move that forced her to block with both of her own. It shattered the dance floor around us for yards and yards. All the way to the edge near the bar.

"You're right of course. She was most displeased. She will punish you for it given the opportunity. I think not, however. You will die here."

She waved her hand and a gale picked up. All the glass from the once smooth and now shattered dance floor flew up from it. She gestured at me and I hunkered behind the wide edge of my weapon and weathered the storm of glass pellets. Some struck into my aura and chipped it away. I held firm against the wind.

Blue light still licked at my body but it seemed like my semblance would not be enough. I couldn't imagine spending it and then being forced to fight her without it. If I spent it, when I spent it, it would have to be for the kill. I could use it for no other purpose. And it would probably have to be the Octa slash. No other attack would do enough damage in a single go to take her down except maybe a Finishing Touch.

I'd hardly touched her. Hadn't touched her, I realized.

When the gale broke down she hit me hard with both flaming feet. Not as hard as Penny had with a similar move but hard enough to send me stumbling back. Next she delivered three lighting fast diagonal slashes to my torso. She ripped away massive chunks of my aura.

Then she thrust forward and I blocked to the side. Her weapon buried in my personal soul based force field to the hilt right next to my head. She still managed to rip away a chunk of blue light from my body.

Things were seriously not good. Her magic was too much for me and her competence with a blade in each hand was nothing to scoff at.

I kicked her back. A move that caught her in the gut. Then I swung my blade towards her head in a massive strike that she caught with both her weapons. Making yet another 'x' shape. It seemed to be her go to in order to block against my titanic sword.

I screamed and flew at her. Closing the little distance between us with a shoulder check that knocked her to the ground.

I danced at her, flowing like water as she caught herself on one hand and tried to cartwheel back but I chased her roll now that she was out of position. Now that she was in serious disadvantage and close to me I made to capitalize on it.

I caught up to her and hit her once vertically diagonally downward and to the right. Then I reversed and came diagonally up and to the left. Then I can back down on her diagonally and from the right once more in a staggering triple hit. The kind I'd seen do twenty-five percent or more of Ruby's aura when I wasn't Limit Broken. When I wasn't Limitless.

I didn't spend the charge on it but I did shout, a scream left my lips as I performed the move with exertion. It flung her back and into one of the bars and into the wall in a shattering of glass and bottles.

She flew out of the hole in the wall and through the crevice her body had left in the bar. A trail of flame coming behind her and at her feet. I flew to meet her and where we struck the ground rippled like it was made of liquid for a moment before elasticity caught up with it and it shattered.

I was taller than her. I was conventionally stronger, too. Especially while Limit Break was active and I slowly lowered my weapon down onto her while her back twisted from trying to match me in the crater on the floor.

She kicked my leg at the hip but I only grunted and took it. I took one hand off my blade and backhanded her hard with my knuckles. Then I slid forward a step and reversed my hand and grabbed her by the throat and picked her up into the air. I pulled her in and kneed her in the stomach hard enough to make spittle fly from her lips.

Then Mercury came flying and kicked me in the back. Then he shot me in the back with both of his boot guns.

I twisted to my feet again on a pocket of air. He was breathing hard. So was Cinder where I'd knocked the wind out of her.

I wasn't much better and now that they were alone Emerald let out a scream where Penny slammed her hard into a wall.

"Ma'am…" Mercury trailed.

"Save Emerald," Cinder hissed.

Then I gambled. I dashed forward like I was going to hit Cinder. Then I spent Limit on a thrust but not at her. I thrust up and into Mercury's aura and then into his chest in a crackle of violet energy.

Blood flew from his lips as I speared him. Penny had done enough work for this to pay off and from the sounds of things she'd defeat Emerald too.

"No," Cinder whispered. The battle was out of her favor.

"Yes!" I roared. The edge was ours now.

I watched as Emerald plucked herself from the wall and fell to her knees. A tear on her face as we all saw Mercury slide onto my six foot blade.

"Emerald! Get us out of here!" Cinder called.

I swung my sword and Mercury flopped off the blade. He was already dead. I flexed and started charging my next semblance. With slow promise I stood and began the charge. Soon.

"Emerald!" Cinder barked. I was assaulted with a massive illusion. Penny was too from the way she stepped back in shock on the second floor. A gigantic image of my Mother rose from the twisted glass and roared.

Cinder burned a hole in the wall and grabbed Emerald's sobbing form and fled. I was too shocked by the cyclopean vision of my Mother to move.

"Cloud!" Penny called to me distantly. I fell to my knees before the image of my Mother and held my hands up like I was expecting an attack, I fumbled my sword with dumb hands. My brain burned and my mind was ajar.

Mother…

I thought. And despite that I knew it was an illusion. Despite the distance between us I heard her answer.

“My son…”

"No…" I whimpered.

“Yes…”

The voice seethed.

“Yes… you belong to me… I am your mistress…”

I could feel her shadow on the corner of my mind. She twisted into me and trapped me between agonies I knew weren't true.

"Cloud are you alright?"

The massive image of my Mother faded. But she lingered on my brain. A growing pressure. I howled in pain. She raked at my body and I convulsed.

"Cloud, it wasn't real."

"She's in my… my… my…" I stuttered like a broken record player. Then I started to froth at the mouth. I seized on the broken dance floor.

“My son… my precious son…”

"Oh my gods!" I heard Penny cry. "Don't worry, Cloud, help is on the way!"

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-WG

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sonofanumbranwitch · 3 years

Text

P5S Seven Heavenly Virtues PT.4. Shuzo Ubukata and The Jail of Diligence.

Now Ubukata is a interesting case, because he is a non-character. Like he only exists literally to provide exposition and nothing else. Dude doesn’t even get a character sprite. So a lot of this is being built from the ground up. So for the purposes of this project I’ll be using this image of Doctor Hojo from Final Fantasy VII to represent Shuzo “Zadkiel” Ubukata.

But this also give me the opportunity to address one of my bigger complaints about Strikers. The first few Jails tie directly to of the Phantom Thieves. Alice to Ann, Ango to Yusuke, and Mariko to Haru. But after that the theme just stops. And it didn’t have to so I’ll be tying the next Jails more thematically to the remaining thieves.

The next major change is this is now a full scale Jail, with Prison Keeps and everything. The next two Jails are noticeably scaled down, and while I imagine this was for budget reasons, we’ll now be expanding theme to have all the bell and whistle their predecessors had. Shuzo Ubukata’s Jail is still the lab he conducted his experiments on but now it covers the whole island. Think original Arkham Asylum vibes.

The cores of the Prison Keeps are the tape recorders we found in the original game, and they give us a lot of the same exposition they did before. Only now we’re told that a lot of the cognitive pscience research being done is built off the work of Wakaba Ishiki, Futaba’s mother.

Futaba is, of course, distraught that her mother’s work is being used again for nefarious purposes and is more determined to get to the bottom of this Jail. The tapes talk more about Ubukata and his relationship to Wakaba. How they had been research partners a long time ago and had worked on delving into cognitive pscience together. But that changed when Ubukata began to think her work was starting to slack because of “the time she wasted on her brat” as he puts it.

Ubukata was obsessed with his work. He’d work from sunrise to long hours of the night researching and running experiments. He was later recruited by Maddice to run the experiments on their EMMA program. As his jail developed he began to experiment on his own staff. He used the Jail to force them and the islanders to work relentlessly for him, to the point they would pass out from over exhaustion.

When the thieves finally reach his Trauma Cell, they see memories of the official from Maddice, particularly konoe, pushing Ubukata for fast results for EMMA. He threw himself so deep into his work, never once resting, until finally his body gave out resulting in a heart attack. The thieves are confused because doesn’t this mean that Ubukata is dead, and so how can he have a Jail?

They reach the Birdcage and there is a man they can only assume is Ubukata. He commends them on the effort it must have taken for them to reach his cage. And they have a lot of questions such as what’s going on with EMMA and how he’s still alive after they saw him die in his Trauma Cell.

“But I’m not alive you see.”

“What?”

“I did die from that heart attack. However thanks to my research I was able to save my consciousness within my Jail. I suppose you could say, I’m the closet thing to a ghost there can be in this world.”

Naturally Makoto hates this and freaks out a little. But the doctor continues.

“I threw my heart and soul into my research. And see the fruits I’ve reaped. Functional Immortality, control over the simple minds on this island. I am practically a God here. My work has paid off in droves. Oh if only Wakaba Isshiki could see me now.”

“Keep my mom’s name out of your mouth!”

“You’re mom? Could it be, you’re that brat Wakaba wasted her time with?”

“What are you even talking about?”

“Wakaba was one of the leading experts in cognitive pscience. But all that change when she had you. Suddenly it was all “my daughter” this and “my child” that. Bah! All she did was waste time that could have gone into her research.”

Sophie than gets involved, calling out Ubukata’s cruelness. Ubukata takes an interest in Sophie and begins to probe her about her existence, similar to the voice in the original version.

“What a fascinating piece of tech. Tell me what is your primary function?”

“ I am humanity’s companion.”

“Humanity’s companion? Is that some kind of joke? What point could there be in such a meaningless function. Clearly you are just a subpar version of my precious EMMA. A outdated model like yourself is utterly worthless.”

“I am… worthless?”

Then we get the iconic scene of Ryuji losing it on the prick and finally dropping the f-bomb. Since we’re bringing more focus onto Futaba for this Jail we’re bringing her in as well.

“You insult me, you insult my mom, and you insult my friend! We’ve all worked hard to here. You have no right to say any of this you son of bitch!”

Lastly we get the boss form taking on the form of Sapienta from Bayonetta

Ubakata defeated fades away and Futaba ruminates again on her mother and the work she did.

“Mom really could have done a lot of amazing things with her research. I used to blame myself for all the things she never got to do. I’ll always wonder what she could have done if she had only had the chance to finish that research. Maybe if I hadn’t been around, she might have found out. But I know she would tell me I was being stupid for thinking like that. She loved her research and her work. But she did her best to make time to rest and spend time with the thing she loved most in the world. Me.”

#persona 5 #persona 5 strikers #p5s #akira kurusu #ren amamiya #p5 protagonist #p5 joker #ryuji sakamoto #ann takamaki #yusuke kitagawa #makoto niijima #futaba sakura #haru okumura #shuzo ubukata #seven heavenly virtues

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nekojitachan · 4 years

Text

I’ve forgotten what part this is now. Six? Seven? Anyway, more of the Raven!Andrew soulmate AU.

Last part can be found here.

Ah, mention of someone going through drug withdrawals...

*******

“So, with all the games in, it’s pretty easy to figure out which teams are in the top four of each district,” Nathaniel proclaimed as he peeled his clementine. “Well, if you’re good at math.”

“You’re a freak of nature,” Jean grumbled, much as he did every time Nathaniel brought up his talent for mathematics.

“Oh, so you don’t want me to help you study for that Trig final?” Neil grinned when his partner tossed his own clementine at the smart-ass. “As I was saying, it’s pretty easy to figure out who’s in the top four. Naturally, we’re in the lead for the northeastern district and overall in the division.”

“What a surprise,” Andrew drawled as he pushed his empty plate aside and tried not to stare when his soulmate licked a drop of juice from his right thumb.

Tried not to.

“Hmm, yes, I’m sure no one will be shocked when Tetsuji announces that fact this Saturday at the banquet. Nor will anyone be surprised when they find out that the Trojans are in first place for the southwestern district.” He seemed to be staring straight at Jean as he said that, while his partner was intently focused on aligning his chopstick a certain way on his food tray.

Jean cleared his throat before he spoke. “They are the second-best team in the division.”

“Yes, and their new captain is very talented.”

“He’s… not too bad.”

Andrew suspected that he was missing something – at least until he caught the way Jean’s right hand rubbed over the soulmate mark hidden beneath the sleeve of his shirt; he remembered the backliner telling him that his soulmate played Exy, too. Andrew clicked his tongue as he reached over to steal a slice of Nathaniel’s fruit, which prompted a pout from his own soulmate that wasn’t adorable at all. “Is he as much an asshole as ours?” he asked in French.

“Ple-ah, come on.” A slight flush colored Nathaniel’s cheekbones as he caught himself in time; he’d noticed that Andrew didn’t care for the word ‘please’ and so avoided it in any language he spoke. “He’s a Trojan. He probably doesn’t even know how to spell the word, he’s so good.” He wrinkled his upturned nose at the end as if saying something foul.

“Which is why you’ll never be a Trojan, you little demon,” Jean told his partner.

“I never wanted to be,” Nathaniel declared as he threw a piece of clementine peel across the table.

Andrew propped his chin up on his left palm as he watched the partners squabble, partially distracted as he recalled the Trojan’s captain and starting striker: Jeremy Knox. Hmm, not too bad, though much too smiley for his tastes.

The bickering only stopped when it was time for the team to report for afternoon practice; even with the semester all but over, Tetsuji wasn’t easing up on the Ravens, oh no. Andrew had already been warned that the next semester would be brutal as the Ravens defended their title yet again. He’d deal with the stupidity of the whole ‘must win’ mentality after winter break; first he had to suffer through a little thing like withdrawal, considering that he was headed to some rehab clinic on Wednesday, after his last final.

(On one hand, he got out of the winter banquet. On the other hand, he’d probably be puking his guts out Saturday night. He still preferred skipping the stupid banquet.)

They’d just finished a scrimmage when Riko and Kevin returned from Baltimore, Riko appearing tired and his dark eyes red-rimmed, while Kevin was nervous and wouldn’t look Tetsuji in the eye. Tetsuji said something harsh to them in Japanese that made Nathaniel shift on the bench and Jean mutter in French, then ordered them onto the court for the final scrimmage – against each other.

Andrew didn’t need to be psychic to know it wasn’t going to end well.

“Another bad game last night?” he asked in German.

“They nearly lost,” Nathaniel answered as he watched the disaster unfold. “Kev… was unusually unfocused.”

Kevin Day, Kayleigh Day’s son, raised on Exy and in the Nest, who was one of the best strikers ever (all right, Andrew agreed with his soulmate that the arrogant, tall bastard was the best, not that he’d ever tell Nat that) was ‘unfocused’? Hmm, somehow Andrew suspected that it had to do with the growing rumors that Kevin was holding back because of Riko (was held back because of Riko). Someone took their #2 status a bit too much to heart.

Or they knew how vicious someone could be if they believed their precious status as #1 was threatened….

Not that Andrew gave a shit (he didn’t give a shit about much in general), but a certain soulmate watched on with a stiffening back and clenched fists as Riko, Federov and Johnson slammed Kevin around, as they tripped him up and knocked him down, jabbed the butt of their racquets into his padded ribs while Tetsuji turned a blind eye to it all.

The scrimmage finally ended with Riko’s ‘team’ winning by six points and Kevin on his knees gasping for air; Tetsuji nodded in approval at his smug prick of a nephew. Right away, Nathaniel was on his feet, his blue eyes bright with righteous indignation and cheeks flushed with anger, and actually got a couple steps away from the bench before Andrew realized that the idiot was about to cause a world of trouble.

He managed a word or two of Japanese before Andrew charged forward, grabbed his fool of a soulmate by the waist and heaved him over his shoulder (thankful that Nathaniel was on the lean side). “What the- put me down!”

“Ah, ah, sweetpea, practice is over and now you’re mine.” He nodded to Tetsuji, who gave him that ‘you’re a bug unworthy of my attention’ gaze and smacked Nathaniel’s ass to make him stop squirming. “I told you that you have to listen to what I say, time to reinforce the lessons.” That seemed to prevent Riko from going all ‘king’ on them for disrupting what was technically the last two minutes of practice; the prick laughed and called out suggestions for how Andrew could punish Nathaniel, while Kevin appeared grateful to have the attention turned away from him.

Jean gave Andrew an intent look as he headed for the Nest, but a slight nod from Andrew made him relax; he had to have worried about the trouble Nathaniel was about to drag him into, yet he still wanted to make sure that his partner wasn’t going to be harmed. Andrew would call him a fool, too, but he knew that Jean also considered Kevin a friend.

Scratch that, Jean was indeed a fool.

He smacked Nathaniel’s pert ass again (no, don’t think that) and got a fresh spate of insults for his troubles (in Japanese, of course, since he didn’t know the language – Nathaniel wasn’t a total idiot). Andrew bypassed the locker room and kept on until he found an unlocked door to a suitably uncluttered storage closet (just a few ladders and boxes of lightbulbs); he dumped a squirming Nathaniel onto his feet (more or less) and locked the door behind them.

Nathaniel (as always) was quick to regain his footing; he pulled his disheveled jersey down to cover the bare slip of abdomen then pushed back the damp auburn curls falling onto his flushed face as he glared at Andrew. “What the hell are you thinking?”

Andrew leaned against the locked door as he gazed at his furious soulmate (dammit, did Nathaniel have to look even more gorgeous when he was angry?) “I don’t know,” he drawled as he folded his arms across his chest. “That I was preventing you from doing something stupid enough to earn both you and Jean a bad enough beating that you wouldn’t be able to get out of bed tomorrow? Hmm?”

Mention of his partner made Nathaniel jerk back and then duck his head, the fire in him slowly sputtering out; Andrew would feel bad about that except that he didn’t believe in guilt and that everything he’d said was the truth. “I… dammit, I was trying to protect Kevin,” he said in a quieter voice, the heat of anger all but gone.

“Kevin is a big boy,” Andrew repeated for the fifty-eighth time. “Worry about yourself and Jean.” And him, because he wouldn’t allow Nathaniel to be such a suicidal fool.

Especially when he’d soon be gone for a couple weeks.

Nathaniel was quiet for a moment as he nibbled on his full bottom lip before he shrugged. “But… never mind.” His expression became closed off as he edged toward the other side of the closet, as far away from Andrew as possible.

Over the course of the semester, they had… well, they had grown comfortable in each other’s presence, had let down their guards somewhat. They were able to be close to each other, to spend the night in the same room and actually rest, to have their little jokes, to tease each other… but they still had their secrets, didn’t they? Andrew got most of his knowledge about his soulmate from Jean and others, while Nathaniel… well, he hadn’t told Nathaniel too much, had he?

He clicked his tongue as he dropped his arms to his sides. “Look, why don’t we try something new? You tell me something true, something you’re willing to give up, and I’ll tell you a truth in return.” He gazed at his soulmate steadily, as if he hadn’t offered something so ridiculous, something so… so intimate and… and… and ridiculous.

Yet after a few seconds, Nathaniel smiled and nodded. “Okay. So, uhm, who goes first?”

Andrew slumped against the wall for some reason and let out a slow breath. “You can ask first.”

“Okay.” Nathaniel did more of the lip nibbling thing (which did not help considering that they were enclosed in a small space and Andrew wanted to reach out to pull his soulmate close and- not helping) before he spoke. “Why did you agree to go off to rehab over winter break?”

Oh. Okay, that wasn’t bad. “Because I was put on the drugs against my will, they don’t do shit for me except jerk my emotions around, so I’ll jump at a chance to get off them early.” His grin widened even more as he flashed his hands in the air in a ‘ta-da’ manner. “I know I’m so much fun this way, but hyper Andrew is going bye-bye.”

“I… like you better without them. The drugs. Uhm.” Nathaniel ducked his head again, but not before Andrew caught a hint of blush on his cheeks. “So, your turn?”

Andrew shoved his hands behind his back before he did something stupid (like stroke his fingers over those warm cheeks). “Why are willing to get into so much trouble for Kevin?” Why did he try to step in for someone he barely talked to- was it because they shared the same ugly tattoo?

“Ah.” Nathaniel looked at him again, his expression thoughtful. “You… you’ve only been here a few months,” he said as he toyed with the hem of his Ravens’ jersey. “When I first came here, Riko wasn’t so bad and Kev helped me out a lot, showed me what to do and not to do.”

“Did he get you to keep your mouth shut?”

The slight, amused smile which always made something warm spark inside of Andrew’s chest curled on Nathaniel’s lips at the improbable question. “He tried, but….” Nathaniel gave a one shoulder shrug. “It was the three of us for a while, and then Jean showed up. Even then, all of us were young enough that Riko didn’t pull away entirely, not for another year or two.” His smile faded as he recalled the past. “Then he became determined to make us know our place, to show us the difference between heirs and belongings.” He gave an unconscious rub along his abdomen, which was littered with knife scars.

“Kev still talked to us and tried to help, but the partner bond with Riko gradually grew tighter and he didn’t have much free time to spare. That would have been fine, but the last year or two… well, you’ve seen it,” Nathaniel said as he gazed at Andrew. “Riko treats Kev more like a threat than a partner and brother.”

“So you think you owe it to him to try to defend him?”

Nathaniel shrugged again. “He stepped in for me in the past.”

Andrew slowly reached out to tug on his soulmate’s jersey. “Does Riko take a knife to him if he fights back? Give him to Federov as a treat?” He hated to bring that up, but he’d learned that Nathaniel was so damn stubborn and willing to martyr himself for those he considered friends.

(That wasn’t familiar at all.)

There was a flash of hurt in those pretty blue eyes for a moment, but Nathaniel didn’t bat his hand away. “No, nothing so permanent for Kevin, unless you count the emotional damage.”

Count on Riko to cover all his options when it came to abuse; Kevin could appear arrogant and confident as hell in front of a camera or out in public, but Andrew had to admit that anymore, he was a quiet presence around his partner when at the Nest.

“Then don’t rush to his defense and give Riko an excuse to hurt another person,” Andrew said as he tugged on his soulmate’s jersey again. “You’re supposed to have some brains, use them for once.” He clicked his tongue then let go.

Nathaniel narrowed his eyes as he straightened his jersey. “And did you think things through when you hauled me into here?”

Andrew was the one to shrug that time. “We’re soulmates and everyone thinks we’re screwing around, sweetpea. I’m sure they’ve ‘figured out’ what we’re up to, and it’s not talking.”

“Well then, we better leave now because I’m sure they expect you to be done by now, hasenfürzchen,” Nathaniel purred as he mussed his hair. “Even with a round two.”

That… Andrew didn’t know what surprised him more, his new nickname (what the hell) or that his soulmate was going along with his little joke. “Don’t forget to limp,” he advised as he unlocked the door. “You know, since I’m so big.”

“Something of yours is certainly huge and needs cut down to size,” Nathaniel muttered as he stomped out into the hall; Andrew noticed that Jean was waiting for his partner, along with a few sniggering Ravens. He ignored them as he went to change out of his Exy gear and shower, only pausing when he spotted Aaron in the red-painted hallway along the way to the locker room.

His twin should be almost done with his shift as Tetsuji’s work study assistant, running errands and doing a bunch of menial office tasks on the weekend. As surly as he’d been when it had started, he soon settled into the job, probably aware of how the experience would reflect well on him when he applied for medical school.

(That and Nicky most likely had given him an earful when he found out about him almost being kicked out of Edgar Allan.)

Aaron had, no big surprise, ignored Andrew at first, but gradually got over his latest fit of temper – especially when he learned that Andrew would spend the winter break coming off his court-ordered medication.

At first, Aaron had yelled at him for leaving him stuck with visiting Nicky and Erik in Germany by himself, in having to put up with the ‘disgusting, love-sick idiots’ all the time. Then he got on Andrew about finding a ‘cheap’ excuse to get out of giving any presents that year. Finally, he sneered and called him a wimp for going the ‘posh clinic route’ for rehab.

Andrew gave him the finger each time and walked away.

That day, Aaron nodded at him, a slight frown on his face. “Didn’t practice end a bit ago?”

“Had to talk to someone about some stuff,” Andrew said as he tugged on his jersey, eager to get out of his sweat-soaked gear.

“Oh.” Aaron glanced at the stack of envelopes in his arms as if considering something before he huffed. “Everything set for your pampered rock star rehab?”

Andrew rolled his eyes as he gave his brother the finger. “Yes.”

Aaron looked as if he was struggling not to smile (or drop some of the envelopes). “Let’s hope they don’t mix you up with one of the patients in there for a psych evaluation. We’ll never see you again, then.”

“Fuck off,” Andrew told him without any heat. “And bring back the good chocolates with the alcohol in them.”

“Sure I will, they’ll just all be for me,” Aaron taunted as he walked away.

Why couldn’t Andrew be an only child?

Why couldn’t he have a ‘get out of mass homicide’ card; when he joined Nathaniel and Jean in the dining hall, Federov, Johnson and several other assholes let out loud catcalls over their ‘quickie’. Andrew took one look at the too-blank look on his soulmate’s face then the barely suppressed delight on Jean’s and inwardly sighed. “I’m not a big fish.” Nor was he a rabbit.

Nathaniel eyed him up and down as if mentally deciding how best to fillet him. “Not gonna stop me from removing your spine in one piece while you’re still breathing.”

“Guess you didn’t do a good job, did you?” Jean taunted before he sipped his green tea. “Need to work on your stamina, yes?”

“Fuck you,” Andrew said with a wide grin as he eyed his yet again healthy (meaning bland and disgusting) dinner.

“I thought you got it all out of your system for the day.”

“Enough,” Nathaniel called out as he snatched the green apple from Andrew’s tray (he was more than welcome to have it, especially if it got him to stop threatening bodily harm). “Or I’ll gut you both.”

Andrew and Jean snorted at the threat, but focused on eating (choking down their food) regardless. As soon as they were done, they went to the backliners’ room to study for their upcoming finals; Andrew’s were crammed into the next three days, while Jean and Nathaniel had the rest of the week. Normally, Andrew wasn’t concerned about his grades, but the Ravens had to maintain a certain GPA as part of their ‘perfect’ image. Even Nathaniel, who was still in high school and taking online classes (and was expected to pursue a pro career, just like Jean), couldn’t let his grades slip past a certain point.

The next couple days were a busy blur for Andrew, were rushing from one final to the next amidst practices and study sessions. Despite the hectic schedule, he did make the time to reinforce an important fact with a few Ravens such as Federov: he would only be gone for a short while, and at no point during his absence should they dare assume that Nathaniel was fair game. There were some dented lockers, broken noses and black eyes by the time he was done reminding the bastards of that fact, but everyone could still play Exy so Riko and Tetsuji couldn’t bitch (too much).

“I don’t know why they let you get away with it and not me,” Nathaniel grumbled while he watched Andrew pack a duffel bag with a few personal items; he’d finished his last final that morning and would be driven to the rehab clinic in another ten minutes by Akagi.

“Because I’m universally adored.” Andrew narrowed his eyes and batted aside the pair of socks he’d just dropped into the bag which his soulmate had picked up and thrown at him. “Not nice. See, that’s why they don’t let you get away with shit.”

“I think you’re being checked in for your lying problem.” Nathaniel sat perched on the edge of Andrew’s bed, his expression guarded.

“What lying problem?” When Nathaniel didn’t say anything, Andrew zipped the bag closed and dared to reach out to lift his soulmate’s chin to make their eyes meet. “I don’t lie to you.” Not about anything important.

Nathaniel was quiet for a few seconds, then he nibbled on his bottom lip as doubt clouded his pale eyes. “You are coming back, aren’t you?”

“Yes,” Andrew breathed out as he stroked his thumb along his soulmate’s tattooed cheek (he wanted to stroke it along that abused full lip, to pull Nathaniel toward him and- no, not yet). “How could I possibly live without the wonderful tofu dinners here?”

That made Nathaniel smile. “See, there you go, lying again.”

Andrew grinned as he (reluctantly) let go then grabbed his bag. “Don’t do anything too stupid while I’m gone, sweetpea.”

“Hey! What makes you think I’m going to do anything stupid at all?”

Andrew merely hummed as he left his room, which made Nathaniel growl in such an adorable manner.

His soulmate caught up and walked beside him as he went to find Akagi. “So, uhm, are you going to tell me what really A/B/O means before you go?” Nathaniel asked, his expression hopeful.

“Absolutely badass optometrists,” Andrew ‘lied’, and inwardly delighted over the insults his soulmate hurled at him; he savored the image of Nathaniel with flushed cheeks and bright eyes, certain it would make the next couple weeks bearable.

While the Mountain Springs Restorative Clinic (‘restorative’, what a joke) looked very nice with its (now dormant) gardens, water fountains, ponds and other features which probably appealed to a more select clientele, Andrew (as expected) spent most of his visit miserable as hell as he went through a sped-up detox program, withdrawing from a drug in a fraction of the time as normally recommended.

He didn’t care if it felt as if he’d thrown up his entire digestive system at least four times, that his bones had turned into molten glass, that acid ate through his nerves and insects had set up a colony inside his head… he just wanted the damn drug gone. The first day he woke up and didn’t feel a need to take a new dose made all the suffering worthwhile (even if he felt like utter shit otherwise).

Upon his release after the new year, he was weak as hell, clean, minus ten pounds and instructed not to participate in practice for a week. Akagi didn’t say anything to him as he climbed into the black SUV, just gave him a polite nod in acknowledgement, and off they went on the almost thirty-minute drive back to Edgar Allan. He found himself anxious to return to campus, which he told himself had more to do with leaving the clinic behind and not because he was worried about a certain smart-mouthed soulmate.

Andrew powered back on his phone to check his messages, which were mostly from Aaron and Nicky, wishing him a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year (and a couple ‘you still alive?’ texts). Toward the end, there was one from Aaron asking ‘wtf is going on with ur team?’, which didn’t make any sense.

Then Andrew got to the text from Ben, which basically said that Nathaniel was all right. Something cold jolted through him as he pulled up the search browser and typed in ‘EA Ravens’: among the top returned results were several articles about Kevin Day being injured in a skiing accident while on vacation with Riko Moriyama.

(There was no use in pretending that he wasn’t concerned as hell about Nathaniel anymore.)

*******

No, I wouldn’t subject Andrew to Proust (I think a couple people were worried about that) - this Andrew is basically on Riko’s ‘good side’ right now so there wasn’t a need. Also, not quite emotionless Andrew off the drugs (he’s not entirely unaffected) since he gets off them a bit earlier, has less trauma while on them (no Drake or Proust) and there’s Nathaniel/his soulmate there.

I think that’s it? There’s probably just a few more parts left to this.

#the real thing fic #aftg #andreil soulmate au

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speeding-fox · 3 years

Text

Sorabon Flies Solo?! A Lesson in Heroing! (Part 1 of 3)

~~~~

Plot Synopsis: Sorabon gets Porukabon hurt during a battle with one of the Neo Musketeers' Biidaroids, and refuses to hold himself accountable. After getting grounded, he storms off and claims he's flying solo for now on. His strong desire to be a hero gets him corrupted. Will he snap out of it and learn his lesson, or will he join the dark side?

Author's Note: The "~~" signify a scene change, and the "--" signify another perspective of the same scene.

~~~~

It was a nice day, the birdrons are chirping, that was until an explosion from Tyrantula's evil tree Biidaroid's fruit bomb emanated through the area. The Neo Musketeers had stolen someone's precious family heirloom, believing it held some kind of power, luckily Jr. BiidaCops Sora, Tiiru, Tosukana, and Polka were there and transformed to foil their latest scheme. The team agreed that two would handle the Biidaroid while two would handle the Devilish siblings, however, Sora had other plans.

While Tiiru and Tosukana fought Lucifer, Polka and Sora battled the Biidaroid, but everytime Polka tried to land a punch, Sora swooped in with an aerial kick to it's side, knocking it down, and nearly getting hit by Polka's attack, Polka just barely stopped his punch before he hit him. "What the- Dude! Why did you do that?! I would have punched you!"

Sora pretty much ignored what Polka just said and turned to tell him. "Not to worry, Porukabon, I got this!" He then went back to fighting.

"Apparently you care more about being the hero than almost getting punched in the face." Polka grumbled sarcastically before joining back in on the fight.

As their battle with the Biidaroid went on, whenever Polka tried to land a hit, Sora kept getting in his way, and barely avoided hitting him each time, causing his frustration to grow each time. "Sorabon will you KNOCK IT OFF?!"

He wasn't sure if Sora even heard him as he was too busy battling the Biidaroid, but then he flies a little ways away, so Polka thought he did hear him, and he was letting him finish off the weakened tree robot. "Huh, I guess he did hear me. I guess I can do my signature move!"

Polka backs up a ways away himself, then covers himself in electricity. "Electric-" He then charges at it like a lightning bolt. "CHARGE!"

It seemed like he had this battle in the bag, but right as he was about to run into it, a charged shot came from the direction Sora flew off to, hit them both, and caused a big explosion. Polka screams, and the now burnt remains of the tree Biidaroid flew to Lucifer's direction, Tuscan-Dragon and Tenacious-Tealer barely notice and get out of the way in time, Tyrantula wasn't as lucky, once the remains crash into him, they explode and knock Lucifer into his siblings' aircraft and cause them to explode in turn, and sent them blasting off again.

The item they tried to steal fell from the sky, Sora manages to catch it before it hit the ground, then holds it up while doing a fist-pump. "Another one for the hero team!"

~~~~

"Here you go, sir! Got it back safe and sound!" Sora handed the stolen item back to the owner.

"Oh thank you so much!" The owner takes his item back and shakes Sora's hand. "This is a treasured family heirloom! I don't know if I would have the heart to tell my family it was stolen!"

Sora lets go of his hand to give him a wink and a thumbs up. "All in a hero's days work! If you need help again, you know who to call!"

"Thanks again!" The item's owner leaves.

"Now to check on the others." Sora did so, and it didn't take him long to find his friends. Tosukana and Tiiru are helping an injured Polka out of the wreckage of Bolt-Striker. "Whoa, Bolt-Striker got really messed up." He commented when he saw how bad it looked.

"Yeah, because YOU messed it up!" Polka bellowed as he pointed at him.

"Me?" Sora pointed at himself. "You sure it wasn't the Biidaroid?"

"NO, YOU FREAKING SHOT AT ME!" Polka screamed as his stomped his left foot, then winced and nearly stubbled when his left leg gave out, there was a noticeable red mark on the leg.

"You should've called out to him before firing that charged shot Sorabon!" Tosukana scolded him as he helps Polka back up and wraps Polka's arm around his shoulder to provide support.

"Well, he should've known I was gonna fire a charged shot with how well I was doing. He shouldn't have gotten in the way." Sora says nonchalantly.

"You're saying it's MY fault that YOU didn't give me any WARNING?!" Polka yelled, fuming that Sora is not holding himself accountable.

"Hey, at least the bad guys were stopped and the item was returned to its owner, that should amount to something, right?" Sora received glares in response.

"Yes, but not at the expense of your friends. The fact you don't see anything wrong with what you did is concerning." Tosukana chided, then turned to Tiiru. "Tiirubon, may you help get Bolt-Striker back to Graybon Hakase's lab?"

Tiiru nodded. "On it." They transform back into Tenacious-Tealer's mecha form and lift up the wrecked Bolt-Striker.

Tosukana turns back to Sora. "We're telling your dad about this."

Sora shrugged. "Go ahead, but we know he's gonna agree with me."

~~~~

At Graybon's Lab, Shiro was walking by the base's entrance carrying some paperwork when the automatic doors slide open, and Sora ran in before they close. "Oh, hey there, champ!" He sets the paperwork down on a nearby counter and approaches his son. "Did you do some good bad guy butt-kicking?"

"Yep! Sure did!" Sora exclaimed. "And the item they tried to take was returned to its rightful owner!"

"Awesome!" He pats his son on the head. "Great job as always, kiddo!"

Sora was reveling in his dad's praisal of him. Making his father proud always brought him great joy, as he wants to follow in his footsteps. He was beaming with pride.

Shiro looks towards the door, then to Sora. "Say, Sora, where are your friends?"

As if on cue the automatic doors open once again, and Tosukana is helping Polka in. "Oh my gosh!" Seeing the state Polka is in, Shiro rushed over. "Are you alright, Porukabon?! What happened?!"

"Sora happened!" Polka shouted, giving Sora a glare.

"Huh?" Shiro glanced to Sora, who shrugged, then glanced back to the two. "What did Sora do?"

"We'll explain once we meet Tiirubon at the lab." Tosukana answered.

"The lab?" Shiro looked back at Sora, giving him a questioning look. "Sorabon, just what did you do?"

Oh no, Sora knows that when his dad speaks in that tone, he's in some kind of trouble, but he isn't too worried about it. Once Sora explains his side, surely his dad will understand, right?"

~~~~

"HOLY MACKEREL!" Shiro shouts upon seeing how badly damaged Bolt-Striker was. Tiiru, untransformed, was laying flat on the ground, panting from having to lift the mecha to get it here, even if they were in mecha form to get it here, it was still strenuous work for them, and Tosukana was patching up Polka on a nearby bench.

"With damages like these, it's going to take extensive repairing before it can be functional again, desu." Aobon clarified.

"How long will it take?" Shiro inquired.

"In scientific terms, awhile, desu." Ao answered.

Polka groaned loudly. "Are you KIDDING ME?! Grrr, godDAMMIT!"

"Porukabon watch your language." Shiro scolded firmly.

"And take it easy." Tosukana added before going back to bandaging Polka's arm.

"Sorry." Polka grumbled, then sighed exasperatedly. "This is so stupid! My mech shouldn't have to get fixed because of freaking Sora not bothering to tell me to get out of the way!"

"Hey, it's not my fault you got caught in the shot's way!" Sora stated.

"It's not my fault you didn't bother fu- freaking tell me to, oh I don't freaking know, MOVE OUT OF THE FREAKING WAY SO I COULDN'T HAVE GOTTEN HURT!" Polka fumed.

"Alright, enough!" Shiro shouted, stopping the two's arguing. "Obviously, I don't know the full story, so before I jump to conclusions, I need to hear both sides to piece the story together." He gestured to Sora. "Sorabon, tell me your side."

"Gladly." Sora clears his throat. [*Imagine crudely drawn imagery that depicts Sora's interpretation of what happened.*] "I was busy fighting the Neo Dorketeers to try and get back the item they stole, and one of them made a Biidaroid. I fought it hard, when I was going to finish it off, Porukabon decided to try and defeat it when he got caught in the blast of my charge shot, but in the end I defeated the Dorketeers and sent them blasting off again, and returned the stolen item to it's owner. The End." [*end of imagery*]

"You know that's not entirely what happened!" Polka yelled. "We were trying to fight them together, but you kept getting in the way, and I was trying to get the item back when you freaking blew me up along with them and the Biidaroid!" He tries to stand up to yell some more, but is pulled back down to the seat by Tosukana, which was probably for the better good anyway. "First the butting when we're trying to help, then freaking wrecking me and Bolt-Striker and almost killing me, and now you trying to claim all the credit!"

"I did most of the work for you guys, besides, it shouldn't matter anyway, the bad guys got foiled, and the fight is done. Stopping bad guys is all a part of heroing!" Sora exclaimed pridefully.

"That may be true, but that's only one part of "heroing," another part is teamwork." Tosukana stated.

"And, oh I don't know, making sure you DON'T attack your friends?!" Polka chimed in.

Sora lifts his arms to behind his head and turns away. "You getting in the way isn't my fault. Sometimes being a hero means taking risks, and besides, you guys saw how well I handled myself. I could probably do this hero thing solo, since clearly none of you are appreciative of my heroic efforts."

Tosukana and Tiiru gasped at this response, while Polka looked as if he wanted to punch him. "Well I never-!" Tiiru said a moment before Polka screamed. "ARE YOU SERIOUS?! Is your ego THAT far up your a- butt?! Get your head out of there too while you're at it!"

"Why you-" Sora began, but got cut off by his dad.

"Okay, I heard enough!" Shiro shouted, making the kids go silent. He gazed to the damaged mech in the vehicle bay, then to Sora, and sighed. "Sorabon..." He stepped over to him, then puts a hand on his shoulder. "I don't want to do this, but..." He paused, then locked eyes with Sora, having a look of disappointment on his face. "You're grounded."

Sora was silent, staring at his dad as he processed the words he just said. "Wh... What..?" He uttered quietly.

"Sora, heroes hold themselves accountable for their mishaps, but here, you seem to be doing the opposite of that." Shiro removed his arm as Sora took a step back.

"What are you saying..?" Sora questioned.

"This is too serious of a mishap to let it slide. You apparently still have stuff to learn to be a proper hero, so until you humble up and own up to your mistake and apologize, I'm taking your privilege of using Sky-Soarer away."

"What?! No! You can't do that!" Sora felt betrayed that his own dad would do this to him. "I'm a hero! You can't take away the one thing that helps me hero!"

"Being a hero doesn't mean you're exempt from punishment, and you're not responsible enough to keep that privilege right now." He holds his hand out. "Give me your card."

"..." Sora takes out his card, stares at it for some time, then holds it away. "No!"

"Sora, give it." Shiro told him firmly.

"I said no!" Sora snapped.

"Sorabon, if you don't give it to me right now, you're going to be in more trouble." He firmly stated.

"NO! I won't let you take Sky-Soarer away from me!" Sora makes a break for his mech as hot tears rolled down his face.

"Sorabon!" Shiro chases after him. "Aobon, initiate lockdown!"

"Got it!" Aobon presses a button that activates the lockdown sequence, alarms begin to blare.

Sora hops into Sky-Soarer before Shiro catches up to him and takes off, Shiro hops onto Crys-Whiter to catch up to him before he escapes. "Sorabon, stop this this instant!"

"I'm not letting you take Sky-Soarer away! Since nobody appreciates the stuff I do, I don't need anybody, and I don't need you!" He floors it, and manages to escape right before the hatch closes.

Shiro slows down and skids Crys-Whiter to a halt so he doesn't crash into the closed hatch. "Sora, you're in so much trouble when you get home!" He muttered intensely.

The sliding doors open, and in walks Gray holding a bunch of snacks in his arms. "Hello everyone, is there anything I missed?"

Everyone stared at him in disbelief until Polka answered. "A whole lockdown alarm apparently."

~~~~

[In the sky above the wooded area]

"Dang it! How could my own dad betray me like this?! I can't believe him! Well screw him, screw everyone! I don't them! I don't need anyone! I can do everything by myself!" Sora fumed to himself.

Little did he know, he was being watched through one of Dark Desire's dark powers (the power to see the biidaman she feels rage from). "Poor little hero, betrayed by your own family and friends, how upsetting." She makes the image before her dissipate, then chuckles. "Not to worry though, young one, I can grant you what you need to be the hero you desire to be."

~~~~

[In Biida Park]

Sora takes a deep breath, then sighs as he's laying on the grass near the edge of a pond, staring up at the sky that's as blue as him. He tried searching around the city for anyone to help or bad guys to be stopped, but none of that seemed to be happening, not right now anyway, surely someone is gonna need his help soon enough, even a helping a nekoron down from a tree will suffice, anything to relieve this boredom. He almost wished the Devil siblings would start trouble again, just to have something to do. He sure wished he could go back home and get his handheld consoles, but there's no way he's risking getting Sky-Soarer getting taken away. He groaned. "Uggggh, sooooo booooored."

He sat up, and started playing with his reflection on the water, making his reflection warble and distort. "This is so lame. Nobody needs help, and no bad guys needing to get their butt-kicked, nobody needs a hero right now." He sighed once again. "Not even a nekoron needs my help. Being bored is lame."

In the shadows of the nearby trees, he was being spied on by Dark Desire, she chuckled softly as she put on a disguise. "The little one sure seems bored. He could use someone to talk to." She lifts up a picnic basket that contains a slice of seemingly ordinary chocolate cake. "And maybe a little treat." She giggled darkly, then emerged from the shadows and approached to the bored boy.

Sora kept messing around with his reflection until he saw someone else within it. "Huh?" He turned to the guest to find a pretty looking blue-violet lady with raven hair, a nice dress, and holding an average picnic basket. Something felt off about this lady, but he couldn't think of why she was giving him a weird vibe, she looked totally normal. Maybe it's the boredom getting to his head. "Oh, hey."

"Hello little one." She spoke softly. "Are you lost?"

"Nah, not really. I'm just chilling here, by myself, and bored out of my mind." He replied.

"I see. Hold on, aren't you perhaps Sorabon?" She inquired.

"Um, yeah. You know who I am?" Sora questioned as he scratched his head.

"Of course I do! I've heard so many good things about you!" She exclaimed.

Hearing that did cheer Sora up a bit. He puts his hands on his hips and speaks proudly. "Heh, I don't see how you wouldn't have heard about me. I am a great hero after all." He then frowned, folded his arms, glanced aside, and grumbles. "My dad and friends don't think so though..."

"They don't? Why not?" She asks.

Sora began ranting and gesturing wildly. "Because I "apparently" blew up Porukabon! It wasn't even my fault! He got in the way of my charged shot, now my dad wants to take my heroing privileges away by taking away my main heroing tool, Sky-Soarer even though I stopped the bad guys! It's so lame!"

"Oh my, they don't sound like they're appreciative of you efforts." She stated.

"I know!" Sora shouted before folding his arms and grumbled.

"Hmm." She pretends to be in thought. "If they don't appreciate what you do for them, maybe you should start doing hero stuff on your own."

"That's what I'm planning." He gazed back to his reflection in the water. "But there's literally no trouble going on in the city right now."

She puts a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sure someone is going to need a hand soon enough." She spoke reassuringly.

A stomach growling can be heard, making Sora blush alittle and pat his stomach. "Ah ha, sorry, I haven't had lunch yet."

She opens her picnic basket, then takes out the slice of cake to offer it to Sora. "I have some leftover chocolate cake from earlier, do you want it?"

Sora perks upon seeing the cake. "Do I want it?! Of course I do!" He eagerly takes the cake and scarfs the whole thing down. "Mmmm!" He cleans off the frosting and crumbs stuck to his fingers. "That was really good! Thank you!"

"Glad you like it, Sorabon." She says while smiling.

It wasn't long after eating the cake that Sora began feeling strange. "Why am I feeling weird?" He held his sides as his stomach started to hurt. "I'm not feeling so good..." He groaned as his head started to hurt too, and winces as he kneels into a fetal position. "What was in that cake?! It must've been expired or something!"

Dark Desire grinned as her plan worked, and it went so smoothly. She knew Sora was too much of a goody-two-shoes to try and corrupt him on her own, but knew what to say to get him riled up, the cake slice imbued with one of her Hearts of Darkness just provided the assurance of corrupting him easily.

Sora can feel his mind getting clouded, and his anger growing, he had no idea what was happening to him, but he was powerless to stop it. Soon enough, the pain died down, and he went silent.

"My dear Sorabon, may you look at me please?" She asked in a sickly sweet voice.

Without objection, Sora removes his hands from his sides to lift himself up and meet her gaze, his eyes are a dark purple and lacked shine, and his biidama had changed to purple as well. He stared at her with an angry blank stare. "Good boy. Now, you said you desire to be a hero, yes?"

He nods. "Yes ma'am..." He answered monotonously.

"And you want to do it solo, yes?" She inquired.

Sora nods once more. "Yes ma'am..."

"I can help you achieve your desire," She rests a hand under his chin. "but you have to listen to what I say, understand?"

He nods one more time. "Yes ma'am..."

She chuckles. "Good."

~~~~

[Meanwhile...]

Tiiru, Tosukana, and Polka and their mechs (Polka in the Biida-Dolphin) had met up outside the lab. Each of them had split up in search of Sora after the base's lockdown lifted, while Shiro stayed behind to… let off steam.

"Any sign of him?" Tosukana asks the two.

"Nope, even checked the outskirts, didn't find 'im." Polka answered.

"I checked at his favorite restaurant, Factory of Cake, and I didn't even find him there." Tiiru filled in, then lifted up a plate with a green slice of cake on it. "I did find this tasty Matcha Cheesecake though!" They use a spoon to scoop some up and put it in their mouth. "Mmm! So good!"

Polka facepalms, then, in true anime fashion, he's comically leaning through the Biida-Dolphin's window practically phasing through it, flailing his arms and yelling at Tiiru. "Tiirubon, we were supposed to be looking for Sorabon, not munching on delectables!"

Tiiru shrunk in their seat as he shouted at them. "Aaah! Sorry! I got hungry!"

He stops flailing to hold a hand under his chin. "I do have a question though. Do they sell Lemon Cheesecake there?"

Tiiru blinks. "Um, yes..?"

Polka pulls out a notepad and writes something down. "Oooh, remind me to go there later."

"Focus you two!" Tosukana shouted, his head has gotten comically large, startling the both of them.

"GAH!" They both yelp.

"We searched all around the city, and none of us found a trace of him!" Tosukana expression softens. "This is not usual of him to simply vanish."

"Ya don't think he left the city?" Polka questioned, back within the Biida-Dolphin.

"Biida City is Sorabon's home, he wouldn't just leave the city where he's comfortable." Tiiru states.

"Tiirubon's right." Tosukana confirmed. "Sorabon wouldn't leave Biida City behind without a reason, and he did say he swears he will protect the city once he became an official Jr. Cop."

"Yeah, I guess that's true, but even still," Polka raises a clenched fist. "he better not've left the city, I still have a bone to pick with him!"

The three's telecommunication devices go off. "Shirobon-san's calling us." Tosukana told aloud.

"We can read, Captain Obvious." Polka said sarcastically before Shiro showed up on the three's telecom screens.

"Have you three found him yet?" Shiro asked in a firm voice.

"Depends if you are done fuming." Polka quipped, rather annoyed.

"No sir, no luck. We checked everywhere, even at his favorite places, but didn't find him. He didn't even show up on our radars." Tosukana told him.

Shiro expression softens. "You couldn't find him..?" He gazes downward. "But how..? He never strays too far from the city..." The base's alarms start going off. "What the- the city's being attacked?! This isn't the time for this!" He groans. "Kids, one of the Neo Musketeers is attacking downtown, you need to stop them!"

Polka groans. "Again?!"

"But what about Sorabon?!" Tosukana questioned.

After a brief pause, a thought comes to Shiro. "Don't worry about him, knowing him, I strongly believe he's going to be there to try and stop them! If he does show up, try to convince him to come home once everything's taken care of!"

Tosukana nodded. "Roger that, sir!"

"Who's Roger?" Tiiru questioned.

"It means got it, understood, etc., not a person, Ti. Didn't ya hear your dad say it before?" Polka affirmed.

"Ohhhhh. Now that I think about it, yes I did." Tiiru responded.

"Guys, we need to go!" Tosukana ordered.

"Oh! Right!" Polka and Tiiru say in unison.

"Good luck you three!" Shiro then disappears from the telecom screen, and the three take off to the city. Shiro sighs. "And please bring Sora home..."

~~~~

[Downtown Biida City]

Tyrantula indiscriminately fires off shots every which way, damaging nearby buildings and watches the people running away in fear. "Hahahaaa!" Lucifer cackled. "That's right! Run! Run like the scared little bugs you are!"

"Stop right there, Loserfer!" Hearing the voice, Lucifer turned in time to see the transformed Sky-Soarer land nearby, then pointed at him. "I won't let you keep causing harm to these innocent people!"

"If it isn't the little hero." Lucifer mocked. "Where are you little comrades, hmm?"

"I'm taking you on solo! I don't need anyone's help to defeat you again!" Sora proclaimed.

"Really?" Lucifer scoffs. "Tsk, I'd like to see you try, Pipsqueak!"

Sora charges up his shot, then immediately fires it. "DOUBLE WIND SHOOT!" Two strong gusts of wind shoot from the Biida Cannons.

Lucifer had not expected his charged shots to take so little time. He has no time to even try getting away as he is swiftly swept up by the gusts of wind and gets blown up into the sky. "NOT AGAAAAAIN!" He screamed until he disappeared.

The citizens cheered over Sora's victory. By the time Tosukana, Tiiru, and Polka arrived at the scene (Tosukana and Tiiru having transformed in advance to prepare for the battle), the threat was already dealt with.

"The problem's already taken care of?" Tiiru asked, bewildered.

"Meh, whatever, at least we found Sorabon." Polka states before calling out to him once the group was close enough. "Hey, Sorabon!"

The moment he heard his voice, Sky-Soarer turned his head, gave the three a glare, then flew off, surprising the three. "What the- Hey! Get back here!" Polka yelled as the trio took off after him.

"Sorabon, Sorabon! Please slow down, Sorabon!" Tosukana called out as the group caught up to him, surrounding him in a triangle formation.

Sora growled as he glanced at them one at a time. "Stop following me!"

"We just want to talk!" Tiiru spoke up.

"We don't need to talk, and I don't need you guys!" Sora snarled, then zoomed away very quickly, the speed of his boost caused the trio to spin out uncontrollably. They all screamed as they spun like frisbees until they crashed to the ground.

They all groan. After a bit, the driver's side door of the Biida-Dolphin opens, and Polka helps himself out with a crutch, coughing as the air bag that deployed upon crashing knocked the wind out of him. "That *cough* air bag knocked the air out of me. *cough* At least I didn't get hurt anymore than I already am." He stares up at the sky to see Sky-Soarer zooming away overhead. "Grr, that little PUNK!" He stomps his foot with his good leg. "When I get ahold of him, I'm going to give him a piece of my GODDAMN MIND!"

Tuscan-Dragon sits up and rubs head. "Polka, language please."

Polka grumbled and looked aside. "Sorry."

Tosukana sighs. "At this rate, we can't catch up to him."

"What do you suppose we do now?" Polka asked.

"I guess we just head back to base and figure out our next course of action." Tosukana suggested.

Polka shrugs. "I don't see any other option at this point." He turns to Tiiru. "What do you think, Ti-" He stops when he sees Tenacious-Tealer stuck half-way into the ground, kicking their legs around fruitlessly to free themself as Tiiru's muffled shouting is heard from underground. Sweat drops appear on the duo's heads.

Tuscan-Dragon stands up and goes to help pull them out. "I'll get them out."

~~~~

[Back at the base]

"So you found him, but he got away..." Shiro summed up after getting told what happened.

"Unfortunately. We told him we just wanted to talk, but he didn't want to listen." Tosukana said solemnly

"AND he then he made us spin out and crash after telling us he doesn't need us! The little jerk!" Polka added.

"He did that, huh..?" Shiro sighs. "I'm sorry kids, this is my fault. I shouldn't have grounded him."

"It's not your fault, Shirobon-san." Tosukana reassured.

"Yeah, Sora's just actin' like a privileged rich brat." Polka turned to Tiiru. "No offense, Tiirubon."

"None taken..." They say while giving him the side-eye.

"Anyway, you were doing the right thing as a parent, Sorabon was being full of himself, he needed to be knocked down a peg." Tosukana reassured once more. "If I acted like that, my mom would've done the same thing."

"Oh I know she would've." Shiro muttered to himself while looking aside, knowing exactly how Akabon is. He shifted his gaze back to the three. "The next time there's an attack, I'm coming along with you three. Sorabon really needs a talking to."

"Oh man you have no idea." Polka whispered to himself.

The alarms start going off. "Well speak of the devil!" Shiro rushes to the monitor and turns it on.

"Another attack already?!" Tiiru shouts.

"Yes! The Menacing-Moth is attacking near the coastal area of the city!" Shiro turns to the three. "Sorabon's likely going to come try and stop them! Let's go!"

"Yes sir!" The kids shout in unison.

~~~~

[Near the City's Coast]

Shiro and the others rush to the scene, all (except Polka) are transformed for battle, but like before, by the time they arrive, everything was taken care of.

"Huh?" Shiro utters as he and the rest of the group slow to a halt near a crowd.

Tiiru blinks. "Again? Already?"

"He works fast, I'll give him that," Polka admitted. "but he's still a jerk."

"Look over there." Tuscan-Dragon pointed to the middle of the crowd to a short biidaman wearing a cool looking jacket and sunglasses getting interviewed by Newsbon, and squints for a better look. "Is that..."

"Sorabon??" Shiro utters in disbelief.

"That's Sorabon?" Polka questioned.

"What is he wearing?!" Tiiru comments. "That jacket with those sunglasses? He thinks they make him look cool, but they look so tacky!"

Polka spoke in a "seriously?" tone. "Ti, commenting on what he's wearing shouldn't be your main concern right now..."

Shiro transforms back to normal and gets off his mech. "Regardless, we need to talk to him, come on." Shiro starts walking through the crowd, the remaining three land nearby, Tiiru and Tosukana transform back as well, help Polka out of the Biida-Dolphin, then follow suit.

----

"Another swift victory from our hero, Sorabon!" Newsbon announced to the camera. "He managed stop not one, but two of those Devilish troublemakers with quick ease!"

Sora stood proudly. "Heh, it was no problem. All in a hero's days work."

He holds the mic out for Sora. "Say Sorabon, would you mind telling us your secret to a speedy victory?"

"It would be my pleasure, Newsbon." Sora takes the mic from his hand, right as Shiro and the others make it through the crowd, and now they can see him more clearly. "A hero like me normally wouldn't tell their secrets, but I will say this: I realized I was being held back, and after leaving those that were a lame burden on my shoulders, I've gotten so much stronger! It was like night and day! I should have flown solo a long time ago!"

The four got understandably upset when they heard him say that. Tiiru, Tosukana, and Polka spoke one after another, going up in volume after the other. "Did he just call us-" "-a lame burden-" "-on HIS shoulders?!" Polka clenched his fists and growled. "Why that little..."

"Alright, that is enough!" Shiro announced and approaches Sora, the rest of the group following suit.

When Sora heard his voice, he turned and gave him a glare, then turned to Newsbon. "Sorry Newsy, but I'm gonna have to cut this interview short." He then turned to the camera. "Stop rolling." He tries walking away after handing the mic back to Newsbon.

"Oh no you don't!" Shiro grabs him by the wrist. "You're not going anywhere this time!"

"Hey!" He tries to free himself from his grip. "Let go of me!"

"No, we're going home this instant!" He starts dragging Sora to the Biida-Dolphin as he resists. "Once we get back, you are in so much trouble, young man!"

"No! I'm not. Going. BACK!" He manages to yank himself free from Shiro's grip, but he did so so hard, his sunglasses flew off his face. Immediately, he went to go pick them up, and found one of the lens had cracked. Sora turned to his father, giving him the most hateful glare he could make, and spoke darkly. "Look what you've DONE!"

His son giving him that glare took Shiro aback, never has he seen Sora glare at him with such venom in his eyes, same with his voice. He couldn't think of what to say back.

"You RUINED THEM!" Sora bellowed.

"They looked tacky anyway." Chimed Tiiru.

"Ti, shut up!" Polka whispered harshly.

"Sorabon, what's gotten into you?!" Shiro finally snapped back. "I understand you're upset over getting grounded, but this behavior is not acceptable!"

"So what?! I don't need your approval!" He retorted. "And this is not just about getting grounded, this is about you threatening to take away my only tool that can allow me to be a hero and stop bad guys!"

"There's more to being a hero than just stopping bad guys, Sora! Heroes also work together with their allies and make sure they don't get hit by friendly fire, and they hold themselves accountable if they attack an ally by accident! I wasn't going to take Sky-Soarer away for no reason, I was taking it away due to you not doing what I just explained! Since you refuse to take responsibility, you're not going to get it back until you realize what you did was not acceptable!" Lectured Shiro.

The more his dad went on and on, the more and more furious Sora got. He shouldn't have to take responsibility for something Polka did! It's his own freaking fault he got in his way! When he said Sora wasn't going to be getting Sky-Soarer back until he realized he was in the wrong, he heard enough, and screamed. "SHUT. UUUUUP!!!"

Everyone is stunned into silence until Sora continued. "I'VE HAD ENOUGH OF YOU TELLING ME I'M IN THE WRONG! I ALREADY TOLD YOU, I DON'T NEED YOU!" He looks Shiro right in the eyes as he said this last thing. "I HATE YOU! YOU LOT DO ME A FAVOR, AND STAY OUT OF MY WAY!" With that Sora storms off, leaving Shiro standing there, quiet.

"H-Hey! Sorabon!" Tosukana called after him.

"Get your freaking butt back here you little b-!" Polka gets stopped by Shiro.

"Let him go..." He told softly.

"What? But Shirobon-san, he's getting away!" Polka tried to argue, but Shiro didn't look at him, instead, he turned around, and started heading back to Crys-Whiter with his head lowered. "Shirobon-san..?"

He stopped to glance at the three. "We're heading back to the base. There isn't much more we can do now..." He continued on his way.

Polka, Tosukana, and Tiiru watch him sulk away, then they all look at eachother, sharing the same concerned look, and follow him after a moment of silence. The crowd of people that watched the scene unfold all dispersed, and went about their day to move on from the awkwardness.

~~~~

#I had to split this into 3 parts because it's so long. This is the longest story I've written so far.#Fox's Characters #Fox's Writings #Bomberman #Bakugaiden #Shirobon #Aobon #Graybon Hakase #Bakugaiden Next Gen.#Sorabon #Porukabon (Polka)#Tosukana Akabon (Tucker)#Tiirubon #Neo Musketeers #Lucifer #Dandylion #Dark Desire

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msjr0119 · 5 years

Text

Cordonian Wags

Introduction

In a world full of Professional footballers and their demanding wives- can their football team nicknamed the ‘Cordonian Apples’ succeed? An American female physiotherapist joins the club. Will this cause issues with the footballers wives?

*This series is based on The Royal Romance characters who belong to Pixelberry- AU Plot switch*

Disclaimer- Mention of drug use!

I’d like to thank @pedudley for being such a superstar supporting me, listening to me ramble on with ideas about this series prior to posting - you’re amazing babe! 😘🥰

Tags: @annekebbphotography @burnsoslow @drakesensworld @ladyangel70 @kingliam2019 @bbrandy2002 @butindeed @bascmve01 @drakewalker04 @pedudley @captain-kingliamsqueen @duchessemersynwalker @insideamirage @of-course-i-went-to-hartfeld @kozabaji @texaskitten30 @ibldw-main @kimmiedoo5 @nikkis1983 @dangerouseggseagleartisan @gnatbrain @walker7519 @lodberg @cmestrella @hopefulmoonobject @addictedtodrakefanfic @angi15h @liamxs-world @rafasgirl23415 @notoriouscs @yukinagato2012

*******

Riley Brooks, a sports physiotherapist- closely worked with football teams in UK. Born and raised in New York, she decided to spread her wings and study in England, when her parents had passed away. Her first job after graduating was with Manchester City- this is where she met her husband, the clubs striker Xavier López. Scrutinising job opportunities for physios, she decided to take the risk and accept the job in a completely new country. There were plenty of opportunities within the UK but she needed a fresh start.

Riley arrived in Cordonia - the little unheard of country that provided breathtaking views. It was like stepping into a fairytale. The blue sea was crystal clear- that you could see the fish swimming without taking much notice. The scattered hills provided a stunning landscape. The country itself was clean throughout and provided a friendly atmosphere.

Arriving at the Applewood Stadium, she contemplated what she was actually doing. Was she crazy? Possibly. If I don’t try- I’ll live to regret for not trying. The stadium was tiny in comparison to what she was used to. The contract she was due to sign was only for the new season. She had spoken to the teams coach, Bertrand Beaumont over the phone. Today was the day she was meeting him in person as well as the chairman Constantine Rhys. Pulling up to the security gate, she showed her ID - the security guard knew that they were expecting her and had offered to escort her to the chairman’s office once she had parked up.

****

Leo Rhys snuck into his house at 5am, still intoxicated. He knew his wife Madeleine would berate him the second she laid eyes on him. Stumbling around, he lost his balance and went flying into the expensive large vase. Laughing to himself on the floor, he knew he was going to be in dog house- yet again. Madeleine walked into the grand hallway- her arms folded, and her eyes narrowed providing daggers at her husband.

“And where the hell have you been? You have training soon!” She snapped- knowing full well that he will have been at the strip club again.

“Oh Maddy. You know what I do. I hate you. I do these things to live because quite frankly you irritate the fuck out of me!”

Madeline stormed off. She had only married him due to his status in the team - the captain. People called her a gold digger, she was and she didn’t care. She knew what she wanted and she cunningly got it.

Sneaking off to her bathroom, she created three identical fine lines before she snorted the white powder. You need sex to live darling, I need this to try and forget all the scandals you cause.

*****

Drake Walker rolled over in the king sized bed- reaching out for his girlfriend Kiara. However she wasn’t next to him. When they first began courting it was amazing. They were known as the perfect couple- ‘couple goals’. Kiara was very career minded and an independent woman. Their relationship had ‘fizzled out’ since she had began her new job- she was multilingual and worked as a translator for a local law firm. She wasn’t the usual type of footballers wife, she earned her own money. There had been suspicions by the press that Kiara had been unfaithful to Drake - these accusations constantly jeopardised her career. His friends and sister had advised him to end his relationship with her. Deep down he wanted to- but he felt like wasn’t worthy for anyone, so just accepted their failing relationship that was full of lies and deceit.

“Ki? Where are you?”

“Sorry. I went to work.”

“But it’s 6am!”

“Early start Drake. I’ll see you later, I don’t know what time?”

“Kiara have you forgotten? It’s the first day of training and the pre season party tonight!”

“Oh...good luck honey. I don’t know if I’ll be able to make the party. Have a good time.”

“Okay. Love you.”

“See ya.”

Drake just sighed after the phone call. Recently he kept making excuses up for Kiara’s absence- much to the annoyance and frustration of his friends. Tonight was going to be deja vu - ‘Drake Walker the mug’.

*****

Liam Rhys and his wife Olivia, were sat in their sun lounge having a light breakfast. Olivia was frustrated with Liam- he had been offered a transfer to Real Madrid last season but wanted to stay loyal to his home country and his family. Threatening to divorce him didn’t even make him reconsider his decision.

“I see that your brother is in the papers again.” Olivia snarled, whilst flicking through the papers.

“Liv, don’t start.”

“Why he is still the captain I will never understand. If anything he should be on the bench! He is an embarrassment to this club.”

“Love, that he may be. But it’s Leo. He’s always been the same. Maddy puts up with him - forgives him every time.”

“You deserve to be the captain Liam. You work the hardest out of all those plebs.”

Liam shook his head. He didn’t want all that responsibility of being the captain. No matter how much of a poor husband his brother was- he was a successful striker.

*****

Zeke and Penelope were the only couple in the club who had a family. They had two beautiful girls. Before training began, he always wanted to spend quality time with his daughters - taking them out for a rides on their ponies. Family time was precious.

“Go on Emma! Go on Emily! You girls are doing amazing!” Zeke shouted proudly to his daughters.

“They have definitely improved with their riding skills.” Penelope said, snuggling into her husbands embrace.

“I could watch them all day. Did you manage to get a sitter for tonight?”

“Yes, Amber offered to look after the girls and the poodles. She will be here at 5pm. Are you glad to be going back to training?”

“What do you think? I’d rather spend time with my family and our animals. I need to check Sterling’s leg before I go- he was limping a bit. Hence why Emily is riding Lady instead.”

“You really should have become a vet instead of a footballer darling. Well, good luck. I’ll see you later on.”

*****

Maxwell Beaumont, the coaches younger brother felt pressure at every match. He was the teams goalkeeper, his best friend Hana supported him, and socialised with the teams Wags. Their friendship had blossomed over the years, secretly into something more- both of them denied it when their relationship was questioned.

“Hey. Are you ready for the first training session? I’ve brought you some breakfast.”

“Thank you- you’re the best! And don’t remind me...Bertrand has been drilling it in my mind to be punctual. To concentrate and to not embarrass him.”

“Max I believe in you. What will be will be eh?”

“Yep.... I wonder how much trouble Leo is in this morning? He’s in the papers again.”

“This is why I always advise you to not go out with him- he’s a bad influence.”

“Hana, I go out with him to drink- not to do the rest of the activities he chooses. And we know why I go out drinking with him. To stop speculations about our relationship.”

*****

Bertrand was waiting in the chairman’s office along with the chairman Constantine and his wife Regina. They were all nervous about meeting their new physio. They had interviewed her over the phone and fell in love with her ambition. Would the men accept a female physio? Would they retaliate? The club had no choice- there wasn’t much interest in the position. The other interested candidates qualifications and experience didn’t compare to what Riley had. They didn’t want to tell the team straight away, in case she rejected the offer last minute. There was a slight knock on the door. Bertrand stood up to answer, and greeted her with a friendly smile.

“Hello. You must be Riley. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

“You are correct. Nice to meet you Mr Beaumont.”

“Welcome to Cordonia, Mrs López.”

“Thank you, Sir. Your country is absolutely beautiful. But please call me Miss Brooks. Myself and my husband have separated.”

“I do apologise- I don’t know how you must be feeling? But we are thrilled to welcome you to our club. Bertrand has the contract ready for you to sign. Then we will take you on a tour of the stadium- the team aren’t due for training for another hour. We thought you’d like to accompany us to the pre season party tonight and we will formally introduce you to everyone?”

“Oh. I was hoping to have an early night. To be prepared for tomorrow. I need the players to fill out some medical forms so I know what I’m working with.”

“I like a woman who is determined and prepared- I knew you was the perfect candidate for the role. But there’s no need to rush into your role. Our first match isn’t for another week. And we would like you to enjoy yourself too.”

“Okay, I’ll come tonight. Just let me know the time. I’ll do some preparation after the tour.”

******

The men each showed up to training. Bertrand was smiling - they all looked at him bewildered. He never smiled, he was strict with them all- even the chairman’s sons.

“Welcome back gentlemen. I’ve got a good feeling about this new season. We will just have a quick session today as we all need to get ready for the annual pre season party - and the chairman wants to introduce you all to someone later....Right let’s get to it.”

Riley stood, watching in the background- trying not to gain attention. She wanted to view how they played as a team. Hoping that there wouldn’t be too many injuries whilst she was in Cordonia. On the tour, Bertrand showed her pictures of the men and explained their positions- whilst watching them train she figured out who was who.

“Hi. You must be Riley.”

Riley jumped before turning around to see a mystery brunette smiling at her softly- whilst holding a toddler in her arms.

“Erm. Yes. Nice to meet you...?”

“Sorry! My manners. My name is Savannah Beaumont- Bertrand’s wife. Drake Walker is my brother. I hear that you are from the States? Myself and Drake are American too- on our mothers side. I hope you’ll settle in just fine. They aren’t a bad bunch really.” Is she kidding? I’ve been watching them for ten minutes and already their egos are getting the best of them and they are already arguing.

“No offence Savannah, but I know you are lying about them not being a bad bunch. I know how footballers minds work. I’m married to one myself. Yes, I grew up in New York but I moved to the UK where I studied and later worked in Manchester.”

“Oh. I didn’t know you were married- I suppose the wedding ring gives it away huh?” Riley twiddled her rings with her thumb before laughing nervously.

“I won’t be married for much longer. We have separated- I started the ball rolling with the divorce before I left. That is why I came here when the opportunity came up. A fresh start.”

“I’m sorry to hear that Riley. If you ever need anyone to talk to I’m here.”

“Thank you. But I’m only here to do a job. Then when the season is up- I’ll move on. I’m going to go to my flat, I’ve seen enough. I’ll see you at the party?”

“Yes, you will. See you later.”

Just this brief conversation, made Savannah’s mind work overtime. She believed that Riley was intelligent, she was beautiful. She couldn’t suss out why she would be separated- she didn’t want to elaborate on the situation and seem nosey.

*****

Drake pulled Liam to the side after noticing his sister talking to a stranger, whilst they were stretching. Savannah wasn’t one to socialise with people she didn’t know.

“Who’s Sav talking to?”

“I don’t know? Why? She’s probably one of Leo’s flings. You know how they all come and stalk him after he uses them. She’s gorgeous- don’t tell Liv I said that. She would stab me - quite literally!”

“I doubt Savannah would be acting so calm with one of your brothers flings Li. If Bertrand asks where I am- just tell him that Sav needed me.”

Drake ambled over to where his sister was - she was content sat under the tree with his nephew, Bartie. The mystery woman had disappeared, like a ghost. Taking his top off, he wiped the sweat off his forehead.

“Hey Sav.”

Savannah was playing with her son, not noticing the figure appear beside her. Feeling like she had a mini heart attack- she was ready to throttle her brother.

“Drake! You scared me! Your brother in law will go berserk if you’re not training.”

“So? Who was you talking to?”

“Why do you ask?” She smirked.

“Just curious. Liam assumed she is one of Leo’s flings.”

“Incorrect. You’ll see her tonight.”

“Why?”

“It’s a surprise, I’ll see you and Kiara at the party.”

“It’ll just be me. She’s erm... she’s...”

“Cheating on you Drake. You always seem to make excuses up for her. Since she started that job nobody has seen her- the press have snapped pictures of her with mystery men. You deserve better, big brother.”

“They are her colleagues, Sav!”

“Oh really? What’s the excuse going to be tonight Drake? I love you, I just want you to be happy.”

Savannah held her brother in a tight hug. She walked away furious with Kiara’s actions.

#theroyalromance #choices trr #riley brooks #drakewalker #maxwell beaumont #olivia nevrakis #hanalee #bertrand beaumont #trr constantine #trr regina #savannah walker #liam rhys #leo rhys #trr kiara #trr madeleine

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