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emergenciesstory · 4 years

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Set Me Free

for @star-spangled-bingo square: Fatal illness

Summary: Every time you used your powers, it took some of your lifeforce. Unlike a human's lifeforce, yours didn’t regenerate from exercise, eating right, and rest- but you could take it from others. But when the Avengers found you and put you on the path of good, you couldn’t bear to take lifeforce anymore. And when you fell in love with the one Avenger who had an affinity for getting hurt, you had to make one final choice- his life, or yours?

A/N: Not all fatal illnesses are bad. Sometimes, it’s love.

Words: 1981

Pairing: Steve x Reader

_____________________

1943

“Tell me, did they tell you what I do?” You asked from your spot leaning on the wall. You stepped out of the shadows in front of the man, fear registering on his eyes.

“The bringer of death, they call me. Sad really, that’s not actually what I do.” You pulled a chair out and sat backwards on it, untying your cloak as you sat down. “You see, I am strong, powerful, but I do not bring death. That’s Grims job. Great reaper, mind you. I’ve met him on many occasions.”

The man was squirming where he sat, trying to move away from you as you spoke.

“I, however, am dying. I don’t live like you. Your lifeforce regenerates if it can, not that you’d notice. Not that you’ll get a chance to after I’m done.” Your gaze leveled with his, as you focused on the feeling of warmth coming from the ground.

“I don’t like scum like you. You attacked my home, so they sent you to me. You see- taking someone's life force, it can be quite painful for you if I don’t do it slowly like I am now.” You increased the pull, a weak moan of pain escaping from his gagged mouth.

“But the part I truly enjoy is when I let you hang in the balance. Just enough life to know what’s happening, just enough death for Grim to come. Might leave you there and visit an old friend. Don’t worry, you’ll lose your sight from the pain of each and every part of your body shutting down.” you upped the draw more, feeling the buzz of power and youth as it filled you.

“But the true satisfaction is knowing without a trace of lifeforce in you, you’re damned to hell.” You smiled a blood curling Grin. “Enjoy the trip down.”

The last of his force was ripped from him with one quick flick of your hand, a rush of power coming from the ground. You gathered your cloak from the ground, retying it as the door opened, the leader of the Red Room entering with a smile.

“Pity,” you mused, looking up at her with a smile. “I was hoping he’d beg.”

__________

2012

You wandered around the chaos that was New York after battle, slowly taking lifeforce from the deathly wounded. They deserved rest, but you were close to death as well. Cursing yourself for so much power being used, you continued through the wreckage, scrounging as best you could. Stepping out of a subway terminal, you felt a surge of lifeforce stronger than ever.

It’s reading 2000 or more years, that’s not human, and there's multiple.

You glanced around, finally noticing the source. Before you stood two Large men, one in chains, both glowing with the force of Gods. Around them were many individuals with varying levels of force.

Just a bit and I’ll be good. You thought to yourself, focusing on the Gods. Their force was different from that of humans- one year from them was 100 for you, and they wouldn’t miss it. You felt the pull of energy, the warmth filling you softly as to not be detected. You sensed eyes on you and looked up, locking eyes with a familiar redhead. You saw recognition flash softly in her face, and slid back into the rubble.

Once back to the subway system, you ran. Greater than full power thanks to the Gods, time felt as though it slowed as you moved. You turned and glanced behind you, coming face to face with the Redhead again.

“Asha, Stop.” She yelled with power. Why not, nothing she can do to me.

“Natalia, nice to see you again.” You mused. “Tell me, how’s life been since leaving?”

“What are you doing here?” Nat asked, defensive stance positioned.

“I mean you no harm, I took nothing from you or the mortals. Simply helping the dying go peacefully.” You shrugged. “Is that such a crime?”

“Depends, do you still work for them?” Anger laced her voice, not that you blamed her.

“Oh, they wish. I ceased that alliance years ago, about when you graduated I believe. No one has called me Asha since, in fact. I didn’t expect to find someone who would recall that life.”

Nat looked at you skeptically.

“Nat?” A voice rang out from above. You both stood frozen as the group from above came down onto the subway platform. You felt a strange pull from the group, not warm like the pull of lifeforce, but cold like running water washing over you. You stayed out of curiosity, following the pull until it locked with a blonde man in a brown leather jacket.

“Who are you?” The metal suit asked, anger flexed in his voice, Nat making a gesture to stay behind her.

“To leave pasts behind. I mean you and your group no harm.” You said simply, turning to leave. The pull of the water made you face them again, each step more and more difficult to take.

“Would you mind telling us who exactly you are then? Must be powerful to have Nat frozen like this.” The blonde smiled softly, but still on defense. You looked at the group, not really wanting to leave the new pull, but weighing your options.

“Yes, of course. Though I guess you’d like to do it from the Comfort of Shield, hmm? Properly? I’ll come willingly, as long as I’m extended the same courtesy.” You looked between the two men, eyes ending on Natasha. “I promise, no power. Between old friends.”

She nodded, gesturing for you to follow them.

_________

Some years later IDK

“When’s the last time?” Nat asked, tending to your wounds.

“The last time what?”

“Don’t play dumb, y/n. The last time you took a decent amount of lifeforce.” She placed the stitching equipment away.

“Are we counting the practically dead bad guys?” You looked at her, the glare on her face answering your question. “Of course not, well the last time I skimmed years was... two years ago?”

“When you joined us?” She asked.

“Took them from Thor and Loki. About 200 years of our time.” You winced, pulling your shirt back on.

“What are you down to?” She said quietly.

“I’m fine, Nat. Really. Don’t worry about me.” You brushed her off as the door opened, Steve and Bucky coming in.

“Well, that was quite the trip.” Bucky plopped down beside you, pulling his shirt over his head. “Nat, do you mind?” He gestured to a gash on his side, already healing on the ends.

“It’ll be healed in the hour, I’m not wasting my time.” she slapped his side, putting the box back. “If anyone needs me, I’ll be in the shower.”

“Word of advice, don’t need her.” Steve sassed.

“Learned that the hard way, punk?” Bucky teased back, sliding off the table. “I’m going to go and need her.”

“If you die, it’s not our problem.” You mused, laughing as he took off after her.

“Are you okay?” Steve asked, pulling you to the edge of the table into him.

“Better now. It’s just a scratch.” You shrugged, kissing the side of his face.

“Lifeforce?” He looked down at you, eyebrow arched.

“Topped off from those we were shooting at.” you shrugged. “Why is everyone worried about it?”

“Because you’ve been kicking ass.” Steve laughed, kissing you.

“Language, Captain.” You kissed him back softly, enjoying the pull of water. “You’re stuck with me for a long time.” Guilt crept up in you, as Steve pulled you off the table, dragging you towards the commons. You looked down at the meter on your wrist, lighting about a forth of the meter of lifeforce pulsing through you. You smiled as Steve looked back at you; a short amount of time was better than a lifetime without him.

_____

“To the left.” You said in the comms, recalling where the system fail was located. “We get the files, and taking down that room will destroy the entire bunker.”

“Copy. Keep sharp.” Steve’s voice came from beside you and into the Comms.

“Incoming from the North.” Tony rang in from the skies. You and Steve paused.

“Alpha team is a go.” Nat said.

“We never agreed to that team name.” Bucky sassed, likely keeping an eye on her and Clint from the trees.

“Too late Tin Man.” Clint’s voice rang out, arrow flying as the comms cut out.

“Flight team, how’re we looking?” Steve asked, only to be met by static.

“Alpha team, do you need an assist?” He asked, only for more static. He looked back at you, worry on his face.

“Guess they don’t like visitors.” You mused, clicking the Comms off. “Come on. Through here.”

The two of you ventured further, finding the files and wiping the computer.

“It’s too easy.” You muttered, looking around.

“Yes, it was too easy. Nice to see you again Asha.” A man stepped out of the shadows, many other agents following.

“I wish I could say the same.” You sneared, pocketing the drive.

“You won’t be leaving with that.” The man said simply, gesturing the agents beside him towards you. Two took you on in hand to hand, three surrounding Steve. You kept him in your peripherals, the agents being well trained. One kickflip and you heard a snap, before rough hands circled your waist, throwing you into the wall behind you. The world went fuzzy for a moment, pain radiating from your mid back, nothing below it. The agent gave a sickening grin, pointing a gun at your face as he walked up. In a quick motion, and gasp of pain, you shot out a blast, killing him inches from you. You looked at your wrist, the life force meter lower than you had seen it in years.

Wincing, you forced yourself up, using lifeforce pain in each step but needing to help Steve. Steve... He had to be okay. The room seemed a million times bigger, but you caught the flash of his shield flying taking out the agents upon him. You looked to see the masked man, pointing a gun at Steve's back, Steve none the wiser.

“No!” You yelled, channeling everything to a protection spell around him, refracting the bullet to the Man.

Steve felt the surge of energy, shielding his eyes from the blinding light. He opened them, turning to see you lying on the ground.

“Y/n!” He yelled, running and picking you up.

“Steve..” You said weakly, unable to keep the power flowing through you to walk.

“Lifeforce?” He asked, worried, looking you up and down. You shook your head as his hands scooped under you, running out of the facility. “Hold on. Take some from me if you have to.”

You closed your eyes, taking in the feel of his heartbeat. You felt Steve set you down in the jet, but tuned out the voices and movement.

“Hey, Hey... Stay with me Y/n.” Steve said in your ear. “We are all willing to give you some years until we can get Thor back. Please.”

“No.” You said softly. You felt hands on your back moving down, and then nothing.

“Lumbar fracture. It's bad.” Nat said softly. You opened your eyes to see Steve’s worried face.

“It’s not worth taking years to never be full again.” you said softly. Steve went to say something, but you silently shushed him.

“I was born with this power, to take lives and manipulate the years. Some see it as a gift, I call it an illness. But loving you? I’d rather die for saving your ass than any other reason.”

“This isn’t the end.” Steve said, tears rolling down his cheeks.

“No, it’s the beginning of me being free.” You smiled, your vision becoming fuzzy. “I’m sorry, Steve, but your love set me free.”

#ssb2020

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hhemeraa-a · 5 years

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🌟 Xaallo and Sven :'3

Send 🌟 for a headcanon about our muses’ relationship

@xaallo

Myles doesn’t feel strongly about Xaa one way or the other, but finds it very confusing that Xaa seems so incredibly opinionated about him having only met him once. So since Xaa is dead set on disliking Myles, Myles will gladly give him reasons to be nasty to him since that’s how he wants to be so bad -- though the only thing that would stop him from following through with this would be that Rrii is Xaa’s pretend Dad. Myles respects and loves Rrii too much to start down that dark road, so Myles would kill Xaa with unending kindness.

I think they could be decent friends or acquaintances when it comes to work: Xaa can let Myles test new fancy weapons and the like, and Myles can get Xaa some materials he may not easily acquire otherwise. Though the only difficult one here would be Xaa who I can see huffing and hawing that he can do it all on his own. As much as I’d like to see them progress into something that isn’t just pure annoyance, Xaa doesn’t give a lot of give unless a 3rd party is involved and even then, his stubbornness seems to trump most everything.

@hassenmarred

WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT RIGHT??? THAT THESE TWO WOULD BE THE MOST SEXUALLY COMPATIBLE MUSES-- like wow. Kinks? On par. Interests? On par. Everything? pretty on fucking par.

I think one of my favorite things we ever talked about was the wall of dicks, because that hit so many of Myles’ kinks having all of them turned on at once. He doesn’t have to take his clothes off??? He doesn’t have to deal with the mess?? Sven is some where screaming for release??? Myles can watch him squirm and beg?? Like yeah Myles would be in for it later, but for at least 30 minutes or longer, Sven is going to suffer on the ground overstimulated while Myles mean laughs over his lorg heaving body.

They have a surprisingly good balance of switching between them via the Dom/sub categories that I don’t see in a lot of ships. One moment Myles could be stepping on Sven’s balls and calling him A Good Boy and the next Myles is calling for God over his kitchen counter as his eyes roll into the back of his head.

I think one special thing about these two -- because I’m just gushing at this point, there are no real HCs for this ask -- is that Sven is one of two muses that has ever just.... showed up at Myles’ apartment and Myles just sort of accepted it, mainly because he couldn’t do shit about it. That and I’m sure every time Myles attempted to do something about it, the threats just turned them both on and they’d end up fucking on his living room floor for the 4th time.

DESPITE THE FACT THAT Myles was the one to throw out the “let’s just be boyfriends at this point”, it actually takes Myles 4,000% longer to develop any semblance of feelings for Sven -- not that they aren’t there, but he’s not acting on them or acknowledging them or looking at them... He can and prefers relationships with no labels because there are no expectations and no reason to be hurt when things don’t work out. Myles threw out the boyfriend label sort of as a crap shoot stupid idea that he didn’t think would go anywhere, like how amusing would it be that two fuck buddies that don’t even like each other called each other bfs right? lmaoooo

You played yourself Myles. You played yourself hard.

#xxaallo

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peachyjie · 6 years

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Royals and Diamonds || Huang Justin

— Author Note :

Hey, she’s back and settling down once again to write.

Being fair, I really miss writing during my hiatus. I swear I thirst so much to pull my hands and type during my time in the hotel room all alone with just my phone. So, here I am. I dedicate this piece as my comeback from that hiatus, sorry for the long wait guys. Enjoy :)

— Wc : 7K+

— Pairing : Huang Ming Hao - Reader

— Genre : Royal!au + slight!angst + fluff

— Summary : A caretaker and a royal, being faced by their feelings. Where’s the only problem is the question if a royal can ever be together with a lower rank status or not? Will it ever be a sin if such royal decided to dedicate his future by breaking his own royal law?

Huang Ming Hao, Justin Huang. Isn’t it cute to suddenly imagine him being a royal? The next heir to rule on the throne of the Huang Kingdom, the young growing teen who’s growing into a very dashing fine man despite he’s only 15?

To compound Justin Huang in a nutshell will be hard, because his life is too complex to even be put into a small compartment to be concluded. Let’s start from his early days, despite he is the youngest out of the 9 Power Kingdom. This is the early life of Huang Justin, the royal of the Huang Kingdom. The child who’s already destined which path he should take, without any freedom to choose his future as he was forced to be what he is born for.

The Kingdom of Huang, a place or kingdom where the sun shines the brightest. All seasons always warm and cheerful, where the skies stay blue even when a light shower came. The land filled with smiles and cheers, peace and endless love to the royal family.

Justin is born with love and attention, love from both of his royal families and love from his own citizen who celebrated his arrival to the world. He was more than proud to be born and raised as a royal, despite having the packed schedule to study and train and study and train again. He didn’t mind it one bit, he always dreamed for his time to come and lead the Kingdom. He wants to be ready.

He could say that he’s well acquaintance with the other 8 Kingdoms in view. He aspired to be as powerful like a Wang one day, to fight well like the Fan, to negotiate beautifully like a Chen, but not get himself killed like a Cai.

To say it directly, he hated the Cai. He hated their ego, their pride to think they’re the best when everyone knew it’s the Wang without a second glance. But also, because Xukun once broke his train sets when he was like 7 or something and never even apologize to him. Call him petty to hold onto that grudge for 5 years already, he didn’t care.

Huang Justin is also hard-headed, very self-centered and too independent. He doesn’t like being bothered, to be more precise he doesn’t necessarily like being helped or babied. So, when his parents bought him a caretaker when he was 12, he pretty much hated everything about her. He finds her very much too annoying and too bossy, he finds her babying him too much on his studies, he finds her too uptight on his own schedule, and he finds her babying him too much.

He hated you

You weren’t a natural born royal, but you grew up and spend most of your childhood in the Huang’s humble castle grounds. Being the daughter of the most loyal and trustful servant of the king and queen, you already knew where your path lies.

To serve and obey the royal, and you didn’t mind it one bit. You know the simple etiquette for a royal, discipline and polite, and calm. Well you tried to be calm dealing with the lovable prince of Huang. Despite they say he’s already very much very mature for his age, you would say otherwise.

Because you’re not dealing with an actual royal, a mature soon-to-be crowned king.

You were dealing with an actual child

He was only 12 when you first met him, a 4 years gap which wasn’t so bad. You were a teen and he was growing into one, you hope. The thing that irk you was his putrid manner, he literally ignored your whole existence when you came into his life. Like a little prick, he does everything to make your life like hell.

Like Justin explained before, he doesn’t like being babied and being told off to. So, when you came barging into his life, he sees you more of a brick wall that will just interfere with his future plan. Hence making him the most annoying kid in the whole universe.

“That’s not the spoon we use to drink the soup, Prince Huang”, you once said to him. He only stared at you, a visible glint of mischief in his eyes.

“I do what I want”, he said. Purposely he would throw his dining utensils between one another to make those annoying clinking sound, which would surely get him kicked out in a formal dining between the royals dinner or such. So, what did you do? Forcement method, make him learn the hard way.

Oh, you can so conclude he hated you more since then.

Surprisingly, 2 years passed like a swish and you managed to cope up with his antics, tantrums, whatever you want to call it. You could say you lost count on how many headaches you’ve handled, how much pent up emotions you wished you could direct it all out to him, and how amazing you manage to not murder the favorable angel of the Kingdom.

You thought you had to deal with more of his tantrum on the following years, it was until the extent you tried to believe and pray for miracle to happen.

And it did, that miracle is the most lovable, mature, actual human sunshine Chen Li Nong. You could never be more grateful of his existence making a surprise visit to the Huang. Linong literally made the stop to rest at the Huang’s humble home after striking the all time deal with the You Kingdom. Giving you the one and only chance to see Justin being all giddy and less than annoying for the first time in your life.

“Ahh, you must be this child’s caretaker?”, he said. You smiled politely at him and my oh my, he was literally the actual definition of an actual living sunshine. “Linong, Chen Li Nong from the Chen Region”, he introduced himself. “Your stay is our greatest pleasure, Prince Chen”, you said before he was dragged out by Justin to catch up.

Linong stared when they were already in a decent distant from you, he stared at the younger. “I don’t understand you sometimes, Huang”, he said. Justin only scoffed and guided him to the guest room Linong usually occupied when he plays to his kingdom.

Linong slumped down on the bed, feeling the relief to feel an actual mattress instead of velvet cushioned chair. “She’s a beautiful muse, perfect”, Linong said as he faced Justin who’s opening the window to let fresh air in the bedroom.

“She is”, Justin said. A small smile played on the yellow turnip’s face, his eyes glints in wonder. Linong stared at the younger in amusement, he finds his own limbs take place to where the younger is standing. His eyes locked on your figure, who’s chatting aimlessly with one of the servants who’s trimming the bushes. Justin awed a little on the small interaction, which caught Linong in surprise.

“You like her”, Linong stated.

Justin only stared at Linong, his chin resting on his hands which are being held by the windowsill. His eyes locked on Linong’s which is filled with excitement, his was filled with adoration. He pulled up a bigger smile, his cheek slightly tinted.

“I never said I hated her, have I?”

“Well you made it seems like you do”, Linong pointed out. Justin only hummed in approval, the older wasn’t wrong. “I don’t deal with feelings too well, you know this”, he said.

“Ahh, a 14 year old sprouting love”, the sunshine teased. Justin only smiled adoringly, his eyes still glued at you who’s laughing for whatever had happened.

“Who knows, maybe it’s only puppy love or such.”, he said. “But I never hate her, I would never”

*****

You would never know what did Linong do to Justin during his short stay, all you knew the progress happened quickly. Mostly, you assumed Justin was on his puberty mood-swing phase and ended up being the nicest kid when he hits his 15.

He would still annoy you whenever he can, but it wasn’t too much of a hassle. At least he did open up to you, just a slight change but it was better than nothing.

Wearing your usual outfit, a simple white shirt with a pair of black jeans. A small yellow diamond rested itself on your collar, a symbol of the Kingdom’s warmth and color. It was tea time, or more to a sugar spree for the young prince.

He hummed when he caught the scent of the freshly brewed tea, paired with the sound of the fluid gentle flow as it hits the bottom of the porcelain teacup. “Two cubes”, he said in pure excitement on the sight of the cubes. You chuckled and nodded.

“I know”, you said and plumped two in his fair of cup.

Slowly he took the warm cup, sipping it slowly to not burn the tongue of his.

Tea time, in the meaning also as his alone time to relax and forget as he feeds himself away in a sugar rush. You began tidying the table bit by bit, occasionally filling his cup whenever it’s almost empty as he devours the shortcake and scones on his plates.

He would occasionally let out a small sight in content, his lips tugged into what you would call an angelic smile.

Beautiful

“Come with me”, he spoke out suddenly.

Your hands stopped every movement, afraid losing any balance and would ruin the expensive porcelain his family got from England. You stare at him, slight confusion in your eyes.

He smiled, sweet like honey and soft like the clouds.

“To the gala, come with me”, he said. The gala, the annual gala everyone had waited for the entire year. How could you forget such important date, The Cai’s Annual Gala

“Your mother already disapproves this”, you calmly stated. Taking another sweet to put on his plate but he only shook his head as his eyes still locks on yours.

“Your mother already found your own partner, I heard she’s the younger sibling of Prince Fan”, you said mindlessly tidying the plates and cups. You knew this already, he had been bugging you and simply asking you the same question every single time, every single moment. You rejected him all the time, despite the countless rejection for the past month, he still ask you anyways.

“I am not fit for such thing”, you said. He stared at you, a little bit of sad glaze slides in his eyes. You sighed. “I am not a royal, I am not fit to go to such high meeting”, you concluded.

“But, you have me. I am a royal”, he said in a persistent tone. “I have to go with a partner, Y/N. And I can’t go without a partner, where shall my face land?”, he whined.

You smiled a little at his tone, like a small child asking for a candy

“That’s why your mother already found and arrange your meeting with young Princess Fan”, you said as you tried to shut him off. “Go with her, you’ll have fun”, you assured him.

“If it’s not you—“, he trails. His eyes locks at yours, raw and tension mixed in one as his orbs pierced itself on yours. You gulped on the sudden intensity the young royal gave out, a somewhat dominating presence.

“—I’m not going”, he said.

“What nonsense are you playing?!”, you jumped by the sudden shriek whilst he was unbothered. He stares at the intruder in such boring gaze, you thought he would fall asleep in spot.

It wasn’t a joke, or a simple prank to give anyone a heart attack. He didn’t mind going with his caretaker, the only person who knows him despite his torture on her for the past 3 years. He finds himself more comfortable around her, he was able to be himself when she’s around. He’s serious on bringing you to the annual ball, he didn’t care if you’re not a royal. To him, you’re far more worth than a royal. Beautiful and elegant in your own way, intimidating and fierce in an amazing way.

He loves it

“M-My Queen”, you stuttered out as you bowed at his mother, the Queen herself stood in front of you.

“Rise, my child”, she said shortly.

The young prince didn’t do anything, he just stood there watching without even giving a single bow to his own mother. You stare in horror at his etiquette and beg him to not let his ego win. Well, what did you expect? He simply threw his face away from his own mother, the queen to pay interest in those tea leaves that had been stuck on the white surface of the teacup.

His mother didn’t pay any mind towards her son’s attitude, she knew this is one of his petty pest taking over him. You only stared in horror, the amount of odd string being pulled between the Queen herself and her own son who paid no mind to her existence.

“I-I am sorry by his sudden behavior, my Queen”, you splashed the words out in a hurry. The young royal only stared at you in a sad glance, it wasn’t even in your place to protect him.

“What do you want, mother?”, he said.

You swore, you wished you could slap the ego in his voice as it was laced with pure cockiness and a sack of pride. “That’s not a tone to be used when you speak to your mother”, the Queen glared at her own son.

When she turned her head to face yours, you sucked up a breath hoping for the best.

“I would want to have a word to my son, Y/N”, she said. “Privately”, she ended in a press. You nodded and soon took your leave despite the gaze the young royal gave out as a sign for you to stay by his side. But you didn’t pay any mind to his silent plead, it wasn’t your place to be anyway.

When both has seen your silhouette disappeared, shadow swallowed in the far end of the garden’s door, the mother spoke out again.

“It’s the Cai’s Annual Gala, I suppose you knows how we are always invited every year”, she stated. He only grumbled and decided to find other objects to pay his mind on. Either it was the sunny blue skies or the green fresh trees.

“I’m not dumb, I know what this Gala meant to our family”, he said coldly.

“Good”, she smiled proudly. “You’ll be leaving in a week, I’ve arranged your suit and other jewelries for you to be worn in the Gala later on. About your partner, I’ve received the letter from the Fan this morning, such lovely young lady who’s smitten by—"

“I will not go to the gala with the Fan’s sister, mother”, he hissed out. The older female only stared at her son in surprise. “I’m not giving my hand to be held unwillingly by the Fan’s, she’s smitten by another royal and I’m not in place to make such drama”

“Then who do you have in mind?”, she stared at him coldly.

A tug of mischief finds itself on his eyes and mouth, he stare at his mother. “That, I think you know who I have in mind”

“You are not taking your caretaker as your partner to the gala”, she hissed out like venom.

“Then I’m not going”, he said as he stood up from his seat. His mother stared at him in horror, a royal and a low life in the Cai’s gala, stupid.

“What game are you playing against your status and this Kingdom?!”, her hand slammed loudly on the glass table, impacting the other porcelain as it clutters against each other by the sudden force. “You have your responsibility as the next heir, I did not teach you to be such a brat!”

He stared at his own mother in amusement, it had been some time since she let her fury out. But he knew, he was winning.

“I have my own responsibility as a soon-to-be King, I realized that”, he travels out the words slowly. Irking the tone, making it very much spiteful.

“But I also my own rights to choose my own path, mother”, he said.

“NONESENSE!”, she spites back at her son, he didn’t waver a single bit on her tone

“You never raised me to be a true King, mother”, he stared at the Queen coldly. Each words were like venom and knives piercing themselves on his mother. “I was raised by the royal tutor, he who teaches me all the knowledge and responsibility that lies upon me. I was raised by my father, a true king and fighter who fought in many wars as he teaches me how to be strong for myself and for the kingdom. It was a shame he died before I could even properly hold my sword—“, he chuckled

But I was raised by my caretaker the most, she who teaches me etiquette, accompanied me during my self-defense class, who knows not just my schedule but also who I am. You never raised me, you forced me into things I never wanted”

The fury in her eyes poured out a bigger fire in her system, she swung her hand to her son’s face. He knows her antics, before long he stops the sudden force as he held his mother’s hand in place, firmly. A look of disbelief on her face, her mouth gapes open by the sudden action.

“You are not forcing me into your wishes without my consent, mother”, he hissed out. “I am not going to sit down silently as you make plans to a future where I am miserable. I have my own rights to choose where my path lies, as a prince and as a soon-to-be King”, he said as his grip tightened a little on the Queen’s hand.

“You don’t even have anyone to wed to be a King”, she said back

This made him smile, a glint of softness in his once cold gaze. “That’s what you thought”, he said calmly.

“I know my future, from who I shall bring to the gala as I introduced the girl in my hands proudly to the other royal until who I shall marry in the future making her a queen, my queen”

And with that he throws the Queen’s hand from his grip, taking his leave without a single bid of goodbye to his mother.

He wasn’t letting her control him anymore, its not her place. He wasn’t going to live in a life where he’s being controlled against his own will, he wasn’t going to live in a life where he’s far pressed just by a certain status. This time, he’s choosing his life. Who he shall be, his paths, but also who shall take him fully and claim him as theirs.

He knows who going to take that place, he was only reserved for one person and he knows too well he’s going to marry you one day.

At the end of the day, making you his queen

*****

The halter top dress is pretty much very comfortable when it hugs your figure. The golden-yellow colored hue was sure to catch a lot of attention as you passed by, but you chose to pay no mind on it. You stared at your arms linking itself on Justin’s hold, an obvious grin on his face.

“I would never understand how you manage to get this to happen”, you said

His lips tugged into a bigger smile, this time it was more than satisfaction, smug and playful. He clucked his tongue in a playful manner, a hand playing with his waxed hair as he pulls it here and there.

“I get what I want”, he said.

You didn’t know how long did the gala last, but you knew there was more drama being putted in this year’s annual gala. It was amusing going to a royal gala, especially since you’ve never been into one. It struck you like stars when you saw the Wangs with your own two eyes, how they stride in like they own the place.

But you never knew Justin was close with them, or with the princess herself

Occasionally throughout the night you felt the off churns in your system, as if you felt sick. Your gaze wander around the young royal who’s conversing with the female Wang. Tall, lean and strong, very beautiful. You wouldn’t be surprised to see Justin being completely smitten by the other female, everyone is.

But why did it felt like everything is wrong? That the sudden sickness was stuck on your throat as your eyes burn in fury when you see Justin’s arms circled itself around the female Wang to protect her from Prince Cai? It wasn’t possible, you couldn’t possibly be smitten by Justin.

You’re his caretaker, his somewhat tutor. Years passed since you met him, watching him grow to be the royal he stood now. You were proud of him, amaze with his improvements. Why does this seems off to you then? You know him by now, a child but also a royal. It was always between you and him in the Kingdom, taking care of him but also knowing who he truly is. Why now? Seeing Justin conversing to one royal to another royal, you realized you would never stand like him. You found your hand gripped on the champagne glass tight, a harsh weight on your throat.

“Y/N?”

You snapped back from your own trance, gasping quite loud when you saw Linong standing in front of you with an expression of shock and glee.

“Prince Chen”, you blurted out.

“It’s great seeing you here”, he said in much joy. Linong turned around, finding his ways on the large ballroom, trying to find a certain thing or person. “Where’s that child?”, he asked finally.

“With the Wang”, you simply said.

Linong nodded knowingly, he knew Justin is apparently very close with the female Wang. Everyone knows it, it was as if she was his sister from a different family.

You smiled at him, knowing with this you could busy your mind with this odd conversation aside of thinking about the young royal.

“I never thought to see you again”, he suddenly said catching you off guard. Probably noticing the tone and wording, Linong gawped in horror. “I-I’m sorry! That’s not what I meant—I mean—Oh lord Chen Li Nong!!”, he stuttered out in shame.

“No, it’s fine!”, you said back to the flustered royal.

You waited for him to take a deep breath, calming himself in the end. A tinge of pink still on his face, but his smile forever will decorate his face.

“I meant—I never thought I would see you so suddenly in a place like this”, he pointed out. You only laughed softly at him, nodding. “Prince Huang has his own way”, you said.

“I’m sure he does”, Linong said.

“Linong?”, a sudden subtle soft voice called out. Linong turned around slightly, his face contorted into pure joy by the sudden intruder

“Hey, beautiful”, he said softly. It’s like as if everything was so familiar to them already, everything unravel itself as if it was a script. Small hands that found itself circling around Linong’s as he pulls her closer to his side, he smiled to her. The smile with pure adoration and softness

Pure beauty, like a goddess. Delicate and soft like a feather, sweet and beautiful like a flower. The Princess of Lin, the girl who’s smitten for the young Prince Chen. She looked so small and fragile in Linong’s hands, polite and pretty much raised as a true royal.

“Hello”, she greeted. You bowed a little knowingly, a smile on your face. “Evening, Princess”, you said softly.

“This is my childhood friend, Princess Lin from the Lin’s Kingdom”, Linong said as his tone laced with pure pride. “I’ve heard, her beauty does out best the others”, you said teasing the young princess. She only laughed politely and brushed your compliment as she felt shyer than ever. It didn’t took long for her stay, she dashes away as soon as she exchanged some words with Linong, to her brother’s side who’s with his fiancée.

“I heard from Justin beforehand, his mother was forcing him to marry her”, Linong trailed. You grew rigid on the sudden topic, shaking the pressure off you continued. “I’m aware”, you said.

“The Lin’s life isn’t the best”, Linong said as he stared at the other female in a sad gaze. “She lives without any love from her parents, her brother is ruthless and very much cold to everyone. It amazes me to see such royal family exist sometimes”

You only hummed, glancing your way on the young Princess. She smiled wide when she sensed Linong’s gaze on her, giving a small wave which he replied back with a small smile.

You could see Linong truly cared about her, like a lover. His gaze broken knowing what had lied on the young royal’s life, she was broken. You smiled at Linong’s obvious feelings for the other female royal. Linong sighed.

“Congratulation on your marriage”, you said out of the blue. Linong stared at you in shock, soon his face softened up with the sudden future he’s having. He smiled and thanked you, it didn’t took long for his eyes to wander itself back to the young female royal.

He hummed in approval seeing her smile when she’s having a small talk with Prince Fan. “She’s beautiful when she smiles”, Linong said. “She is”, you nodded.

“I wish nothing but happiness for her, an oath to protect that smile on her face”

*****

Nothing was more amazing or annoying than an unplanned visit. Meaning by an unplanned visit, you meant standing in sleep deprived mode at 2AM in the morning in the Wang’s Kingdom. How did this happen, you may ask?

It all started with a lovely gala. Glamorous food on the long buffet table, classical music playing as it fills the giant ballroom, odd conversation between one royal to another, their beloved Prince Cai being smitten by the female Wang in just a night, until him getting into the wrath between the hand of the male Wang.

It’s more amazing to know that everything happened in just a night, then a few days later you’re with Justin in the Wang’s castle witnessing such fight in early morning hue.

You didn’t know how you manage to end up in the Wang’s Kingdom so early, so sudden. Everything happened in a blur. You remembered Justin barging into your chamber, dragging you out as quickly as possible from your own blanket, soon dragging you to the Huang’s royal carriage and off you all go to the Wang’s region.

None know his intention, even Ziyi was surprise when he saw Justin on his front door. When he was asked why he was even there, without sending a proper letter of his arrival. Justin just brushed it off, making himself home at bloody 2AM in the morning.

“Will you just tell me why we are barging in?”, you asked him as you settled your belonging in your designated room with the young royal trailing behind.

“First, We’re not barging in—“, you raised an eyebrow at his statement which he tried to shushed you out. “Ziyi-ge once told me I can come to play whenever I want to”

“At least send him a letter or give me a warning in advance!”, you grumbled out which made Justin shrugs.

“Secondly, I am not missing any chances on seeing that nasty Cai getting his head off”, he said in pure joy. You stare at him judgingly, he did not just admit that.

“He broke my toy train!”, Justin tried to defend. “That was 5 years ago, what’s up with you and your petty arse?! Dear lord, Huang Minghao!”, you said.

You widen your eyes when the realization hits you. A bloody low rank is throwing her frustration out to a royal, the prince who’s ready to be King. The amount of audacity you brought upon yourself to even scream his full name, you could’ve gotten yourself hung dead in a ditch right now, in this bloody place.

“I-I’m sorry, oh my god. This—I am sorry, I let my frustration out. No wait—”, you stuttered out flustered. “This—I shouldn’t have done that. Prince Huang, I’m—"

And his lips are on yours

The sudden action he pulled was enough to make you gasp in pure shock, but who would’ve thought relief and pure joy would laced itself with the shock. Instinctively you closed your eyes to savor the moment, you sighed with content as he hummed in satisfaction.

It didn’t take long before both of you decided to pull away from one another, the feeling of neediness hits both you quicker giving both conflicted thoughts on going on for another kiss. Silence, where the only sounds that accompanied the silence were just both of your breathing.

He stared at you, you stare at him back. Both in softness and relief, but there’s more unsettling conflict in your orbs.

“You don’t know how long I’ve waited to do that”, he said.

Cough, you could only let out an awkward cough. “You’re basically 15, what do you mean by I’ve waited so long to do that”, you scoffed at him.

Justin only shrugged, unbothered than ever. He smile cheekily expecting more things to happen, but you were too flustered to even be near him.

Hence, you came out with the most lame excuse any caretaker could give.

“Get some rest. I’ll make you some tea, Prince Huang”

Justin thought you were just joking, playing with him a little. He thought that simple kiss was able to break you and make you his. A kiss being shared together, mutual feelings. Doesn’t that always works out in fairytales where a prince fall for a girl and he kissed her then they live happily ever after. You must be joking, he thought again.

To his disappointment, you didn’t even try to glance back at his desperate gaze. Swallowed by the soft click of the wooden door, he was faced with a reality that dawned him with nothing but silence.

Making tea at busk of dawn was very much unplanned. You were tired and sleepy, but you still stood unwavering to boil the fresh batch of water to drawn the dried tea leaves.

Thinking back on the sudden kiss you shared with the young prince, you couldn’t help but felt a leap on your heart, accompanied by the slight flush on your cheek. You tried to convince yourself it wasn’t because you’re smitten for the young royal, it was just due to the sudden rise of the temperature in the kitchen.

You sighed, this whole situation will never happen. A royal and his servants, it will never work out. This is like bloody Cinderella all over again, but this time miracle doesn’t happen that easily.

It was till the extent you kept that odd promise or reason to brew him some tea, you manage to do it and finished it. Standing near his room’s door, you were about to knock.

Until voices are visible to your ears

You didn’t mean on trying to peak or steal some wording here and there, especially words that are exchanged between royals. But you didn’t know what stopped your from moving away from his door.

“I heard from the birds that you’re off marrying the Princess from the Fan Region”

“I tried to decline such offer, I have no interest in her”

The lump was on your throat now. How could you forget. Justin is a rising soon-to-be King, a prince who shall be off marrying another royal to continue the Huang’s legacy. He needs a true royal to accompany him, not some pesky servants or caretaker that babies him.

“Then who shall be the lucky lady to be wed by your yellow-haired self then?”

A laugh was heard, despite it was being swallowed by the doors, you could still his voice very clearly.

“I’m only reserved for one, I’m either marrying her or not. But right now, I can’t even grasp if she would say yes if I suddenly propose to her”

And you ran away from his chamber, leaving the freshly brewed tea on the floor, slowly it went cold like your un-ending nightmare.

*****

Morning came easily, you woke up from the most discomforting sleep in your life and dragged yourself to get ready for the day. You barely could even make up your mind that you’re still in the Wang’s manor. Strolling with the young prince on the Wang’s garden, you know what’s being anticipated by the royal. Prince Cai is coming, and he’s about to get killed.

“You’ve been off, was it because of the kiss?”, Justin asked mindlessly.

When you turned around to face him, Justin could clearly see the broken gaze you set upon to be showcased to him.

“W-What’s wrong?”, he asked. Slowly, he tried to get closer but you only shake him off.

“Prince Huang, I just—“, you stuttered out. Great, what an amazing start. He stared at you worriedly but spoke none to bother you.

“Whatever you’re feeling right now, towards me or towards what you are expecting in the future with me, forget it”, you said desperately.

Justin swore his heart plummeted or jumped off a cliff fighting away gravity. You must be playing with him, you couldn’t be serious. In such early morning with a start of a beautiful stroll in the Wang’s garden, you hit him off with a rejection before he could even do anything about his raw feelings

He stared at you coldly, his lips pursed in a thin line.

“Who are you and where do you stand to order such irrational decision on my life?”, he hissed out every single word.

You could feel yourself feeling oddly intimidated, shaken under his dominant behavior instead of his usual playful self.

“You deserve a true royal to be by your side, Prince Huang”, you said. Justin could feel yourself breaking slowly, yet he couldn’t do anything to help you. “I may stand by your side when you became King, but I am not the person who will stay with you to rule like a true royal for eternity. I am not fit to be a Queen”, you manage to whisper it out.

Justin didn’t know what to feel. Confusion on how did you manage to think like this, sorrow to see how a status could impact you and him so much, fury to see you give up on his hope on having a future together with him by forcing him to neglect his own damn feelings.

“You are in no place to command such words on me, Y/N”, he manage to snap. “What I am planning to do is my own path and no one can change it but me, you are in no place to tell me to bloody give up on my feelings towards you!”, he yelled out making you flinch.

He sighed, running a hand on his hair as the action messed up the well combed hair easily with one swift.

“I am not fit for you”, you said. Eyes staring at him, broken. “Just forget about this whole imaginative of yours, Prince Huang. I’m sorry”

He stared at you, blank and cold. His mouth opened to speak and try to object you but no words were exchanged out of his parted lips.

“You’re speaking nonsense”, and he pulled you in the castle ground once again. “Shut up and just enjoy the show”, and you did. You didn’t speak to him any words, you stayed silence even when the tip of a sword was held upon Ziyi’s throat.

*****

Justin is furious, he still is. He finds himself bothered for the whole day, everything irked him. You didn’t even try to talk to him anymore despite what he meant by shut up was pls bloody talk to me I am a desperate lonely bean

He pushed and pull the food on his plate, a wonderful lunch for the 3 royals that had suddenly gathered together. He sighed wishfully.

You were standing by his side, clearly trying to appear unbothered. He stared at Ziyi who’s feeding his raven, The Princess of Luo and Ziyi’s sister who’s hitting off pretty quickly with Xukun despite he almost died on the Wang’s hand.

“Until how long are you planning to ignore me, Y/N?”, Justin spoke out catching everyone’s attention. You were surprised, caught in shock.

“Speak to me, please”, he was pleading now.

“P-Prince Huang—”

Justin had enough, he had just about enough on everything in his life. He was not going to deal with an unwanted marriage that will leave him miserable. He knows he was 15, he knows he was bound to be king when he’s 17. 2 years is what it takes for him to find true happiness, he knows where to find it. The path that lies in front of it, clear like the sea waters in the Chen’s Region. He knows who’s fingers he’s going to put a ring on.

He stared at you, none was glanced towards the others attention that had managed to be grasped by him. He didn’t care. If he’s acting all childish and whiny again, so be it

“Call me by my name”, he said. Almost like he was begging, maybe he was. He had been so desperate to have you for so long. Listening to his name that roll off your tongue so easily was so satisfying and so enduring, he felt his life was completed.

You stayed silence. This is not how you plan on spending the last few days in the Wang’s manor, clearly with Justin’s sudden behavior that’s being showcased towards the other royals on the table.

“Prince-“

“Call me by my name”, he pressed once again. You swallowed down the lump

“Minghao”, he sighed in pure bliss. “Stop your game, it’s not the time for this tantrum”, you snapped back to him. He only smiled, like a child who got praised and awarded with sweets.

“What’s so wrong about a royal who suddenly fell for his servant, his caretaker? What’s so wrong about a royal who suddenly felt the urge to marry the person he loves despite she is in a different status than him?—”

“Princ-“

“I have a name”, Justin brushed off. “Tell me, Y/N”, he said softly. Orbs locks against yours, soft in wonder and anticipation. “Is it a sin for a royal to fell in love with his servant? To want to continue a path with you despite what others might say? Or to imagine a future with you?”

“You’re only 15—“, you tried to fight back

The screeching between the chair and floor was very much loud and distracting, yet the others saw this as a real life drama that’s too good to be true. Justin walked closer to you, closing the distance. His eyes still locked itself on yours, letting you know all the raw emotion that lies beneath him.

“I am far capable, too mature as a 15 year old royal. I am the next King which responsibility had already lies on myself since my father died. A 15 year old child who learns what love is truly is, what a path he wants to choose and who he shall take as his queen”, he said.

“I know I am only 15. But I also know who I want to spend my whole royal life with”, the fangirling shriek from Xukun was heard before a loud slap closed his mouth, which you assume was from the female Wang.

Ziyi’s lips tugged in approval, he does favor Justin since he was young. A true strong royal despite he’s only a small blooming bud of flower. He knows what Justin is capable of, he knows what Justin can do with his own two bare hands. A small child who’s able to control the land and skies, making the waves cowered under his feet.

You were speechless. You tried to speak, fight him but no words were coming out of your lips. Your eyes waver against his, you didn’t know what to do nor what would happen next.

“I don’t care about your status nor your family history lines with the Huang’s. I’ve liked you for so long to even make myself a prick to get your constant attention, why can’t you read those hints?”, he said desperately.

His hand took yours, interlacing his fingers on yours slowly. You sighed feeling the warmth of his gentle touch, he smiled. He knows where your future lies now.

“I’ve fell for you ever since you came into my odd and hectic royal life”, and he lulls you away in a gentle kiss.

You didn’t know what was happening. All you knew was the electricity and butterflies bursting into your system, your eyes closing automatically when his lips lands on yours. Content and home, like it was meant to be.

His hand rest itself on your back whilst the other still held on your hand, not wanting to let go. You felt a cold metal ring slid itself on one of your right ring finger, it tingles a little.

When he pulled away, he stared at you with the most pure satisfaction and adoration within him. He took your hand, raising it as he plant a small gentle feather-like kiss on the ring. The silver band that rest perfectly, tucked between your middle finger and pinky. A yellow diamond rest itself upon the band, shining like the sun.

Justin smiled at you, he was ready for his future. He didn’t mind other obstacle that lies upon him. As long as he has you by his side, he was willing to do anything.

“Rule with me”, his finger twirled a little on the silver band, you felt the sudden tingle on his soft touch.

“Be my Queen for eternity”, he said

“Marry me, Y/N”

#9%#idol producer #nine percent #justin huang #idol producer imagines #idol producer scenarios #nine percent scenarios #nine percent imagines #9% imagines #9% scenarios #9 percent scenarios #9 percent imagines #justin huang scenarios #justin huang imagines #written scenarios

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torestoreamends · 7 years

Text

So I was talking to @the-eighth-story about the French Open, and of course we then ended up discussing Scorpius playing tennis (because that’s just how our brains work), and that got me thinking about Scorpius and sports.

It’s actually quite an interesting thing to think about, character-wise. In the first flying lesson scene he’s the second person (after Rose) to get his broom to go ‘up!’, Umbridge says that the Scorpion King is ‘Wonderfully athletic... Don’t be modest, Scorpius. I’ve seen you on the Quidditch Pitch. There’s rarely a Snitch you don’t catch!’.

And yet, there seems to be some doubt around Scorpius’s abilities. His response to Umbridge’s words range from surprise to pure sarcasm (depending on who’s playing him at the time), and although he later says he thinks he might make the house team eventually, Theo’s Albus’s response to this is to laugh at him.

The point of all this is that I’ve been considering the things he’d be good at and the things he’d be terrible at, because judging by how he behaves, there would definitely be some of both.

There is no way Scorpius is good at anything that requires balance on his own two feet. This is a flaily, awkward kid, who gets tied up in his own robes, regularly seems to fall over (although that’s mostly when Anthony is playing him), and who spends a lot of his time close to the ground (e.g. on top of the train) because it’s easier to balance that way.

However, I imagine he’s excellent at flying. He’s probably been doing it since he was old enough to sit upright. Draco loved Quidditch, and I bet he’d have wanted his son to love it too, so they start Scorpius off with toy and training brooms, and soon he’s zooming around the Manor grounds on the real thing, looking perfectly at home. He clearly has command of a broom, and I can imagine that (apart from books) it was a pretty good way to escape when he was hidden away inside the Manor for so much of his childhood.

I reckon he’s terrible at anything that involves a racquet, or a bat, or really anything that’s an extension of his arm. These things have a tendency to go flying out of his hand the second he tries to swing them. Draco still has nightmares about the time when Scorpius decided he wanted to try being a Beater, and when he went to hit his first Bludger, the bat flew out of his hand and hit him on the head. They spent the morning in St Mungo’s, because Scorpius went all dizzy for a while. He’s banned from ever playing Beater ever again (which he’s really not too upset about).

But he probably has decent hand-eye coordination, you probably have to to be a good Seeker, and that’s his favourite position. He’s a decent Chaser too, but he doesn’t really like the close teamworking of that. He’d rather soar around and enjoy himself in the air for a bit. He loves a game of Hide and Seek, and that’s essentially what being a Seeker is, just with a Snitch. He’s good at spotting things other people don’t see, and he’s light and skinny (and has a really good racing broom) so he can always get to the Snitch faster than anyone else.

I imagine he probably has the occasional disastrous moment, where he forgets to think and just starts flailing at the Snitch or Quaffle, but mostly he’s pretty restrained and doesn’t embarrass himself too much. I like to think that he really does make the Slytherin Quidditch Team one day, and ends up winning the Cup with a spectacular catch. Quidditch hero Scorpius would be beautiful, because it would mean happy Albus, and happy Draco, and all the bullies would be really mad.

Anyway. This is what happens when there’s sports on TV. Sport headcanons and musings.

I’ll leave you with the image of Scorpius and Albus playing tennis together, and Scorpius misses hitting the ball by a mile (it just goes sailing past him after he does a flaily and spectacular dive to reach it), and Albus just collapses onto the grass and laughs until he’s in physical pain. (They probably end up rolling round in the daisy strewn grass together, getting grass stains all over them. Maybe there’s a tickle fight as Scorpius tries to get Albus back for laughing at him, but Scorpius will never win a tickle fight, so I don’t know why he’d bother.)

#Harry Potter and the Cursed Child #Scorbus #Scorpius Malfoy #Albus Severus Potter #HPCC Meta #sort of...#cursedchildnetwork #Anthony Boyle #Keep The Secrets #I actually have no idea what this is #I can't believe I used quotes in this thing #like it's a serious meta post #good lord #someone stop me #I blame Ruth #is this too long not to go under a cut???#read under the cut for Scorbus headcanons and shenanigans...

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shatteredskies042 · 6 years

Text

NaNo Day 7-8: New York

“So, do you think we can get some support here?” Michael asked the blonde, looking around slowly.

“I think I can get some of them to support us: they’re no fans of the angels and they love sticking it to the man whenever they can,” Ally stated, the sidewalk mostly empty in the afternoon. “It’s just up ahead,” she promised him.

As they advanced down the street, Michael spotted familiar building nearby: “I didn’t know this coven was close to the Continental.”

“The Continental?” she asked him curiously.

A wide smile bloomed over his face, “is it possible I know something about the secret underworld that you don’t know?” he teased.

“Maybe,” she huffed.

“The Continental is an embassy of sorts,” he explained. “Some of the finest assassins in the world come here, stay and relax, take jobs and prepare for the same.”

“Sounds volatile,” the blonde remarked.

“No business is conducted on the grounds,” Michael stated. “Safest building in New York. Even if they don’t like you, someone puts a move on you in the lobby, and a couple dozen guns will take that guy down.”

“Sounds like our kind of place,” the blonde smirked, leading him into cover from the rain under the eve of a building. “The witches are dangerous in their own way, and I think it’d be easier to get their support,” she told him, buzzing the intercom near the door. “Plus, they owe me,” she smiled.

“State your name and business,” a voice snapped over the intercom.

“It’s Allyson, I want to talk to the High Council,” she replied.

“And the human with you?”

“Will be coming inside,” Allyson responded, steel entering her voice.

“Allyson, you know the rules.”

“Have I ever been one to play buy them?” she asked, rhetorically. “Look, you can either open up, or we can enter and trash the place. And I think you guys want your deposit back when you find a new home,” Ally noted coldly. She knew what both of them were capable of, as did the witches.

Silence responded, until a loud click came from the door and it swung open. The two stepped inside, before the doors shut behind them. A quartet of black-clad women awaited them, looking at the pair. “Human, I am to relieve you of your weapons. They will be returned to you when you leave.”

Michael narrowed his eyes and shrugged, slowly drawing and clearing his weapon and setting it on a table. His pair of magazines followed, as did his pocketknife and combat knife. He stepped away, looking at the four, well aware he did not need his weapons to cause some damage.

“Is that everything?” they asked in unison, likely some tactic to unnerve him.

“It is. If you want to search me, you’ll probably have to get through her first,” he replied, looking to Allyson.

“No need. Follow us.”

Michael and Allyson did as they were bid, following two of them as the others fell in behind. They were boxed in, decent enough for preparing for an ambush, or ready to rush the pair if they did something uncouth. Michael kept his eyes looking around, and noticed a few figures moving in the shadows around them. Paranoia?

Ally, how many do you pick out following us? He asked her silently.

At least a dozen in side rooms, she replied, her senses far more sensitive that his were. They’re silent, but I can still hear breathing, she told him.

Think they’re scared? He wondered.

Security conscious. Their last coven was brought down from the inside, a witch hunter got inside and distracted them. He died when his comrades burned their home, but I couldn’t tell you how many of them died.

Lots of witches dead? Are they still an effective force? He asked.

They’re not front line troops, Michael, Ally told him as the group entered a wide elevator. We need support, to keep the operators in the fight, and their magic can help give us an offensive edge, she promised. I probably got us a bit of manpower in the lycan clans, I’ve got a group of them flying in from Germany too. They owe me a favor, she explained.

How well trained are they? Michael asked.

Some are ex-military, but almost all of them have weapons training. We can run training at the Farm when they arrive, she mused, but they’re capable fighters. They’ll make a good front line, with your operators behind them.

You’ve been thinking and strategizing, Michael noted, looking over at her with a smile.

This isn’t just my life on the line, she told him, returning the smile. I want as few of our people to die as possible.

Michael echoed the sentiment silently as the gold doors of the elevator slid open, and their escort detail led them towards a pair of wide doors. They were waved to enter the chamber, and the thick doors slid open silently. In passing, Michael noted how thick the doors were, built to survive breach attempts and a whole host of other assaults. Whoever ran their security knew what they were doing.

The room inside was windowless, shadows thrown in all but the very center of the room: Michael could make out chairs, but could not discern which were occupied and which were empty.

“I am sorry, Miss Allyson, the whole High Council could not be here today,” a voice rang out. “You understand, I’m sure.”

“They’re paranoid after what happened in Albany, I understand,” the blonde replied, striding with Michael in tow to the lit space in the center. “I trust they are listening?”

“Some of us are,” an accented voice replied, relayed through speakers. “It is simply not safe for the entire High Council to meet at once, you see.”

“What business do you have here, Allyson?” A present voice asked them from their right.

We’re surrounded, Michael thought, another tactic used to put them off balance. He closed his eyes and breathed steadily, letting Ally handle it.

“A war is coming to my shores. Heaven wants me dead. We intend to defy them,” Ally stated, “we’re putting together an army to confront the angels when they come marching.”

“We have heard,” another voice claimed, “news of the ambush of the American alphas has spread. We assume it is directly related to your mustering activities.”

“You assume correctly,” Ally said. “I know your people are not warriors. However, they can provide our troops the support and an edge to win this battle.”

“Humans, witches, and werewolves fighting together?” A present voice mused, “it sounds like a volatile combination.”

“Possibly, but we will work through any differences.”

“What do we stand to gain from this war, Allyson?” a voice demanded.

“Apart from slapping the faces of the archangels?” Ally replied, “knowing you took a stand and made a difference when it mattered.”

“If we fought for petty victories, why fight?” another asked, “their armies have uncountable numbers, they have been training for longer than any of us can fathom. We cannot win a fight with them, and we will be slaughtered if our involvement is revealed. And what of the political consequences if you do manage to pull out a win?”

Politics? Michael wondered, wondering where that factored into it.

“Politics is something we’ll deal with after,” Ally stated.

“You cannot just stand against the greatest army in the world and expect the world to be no different the day after should you miraculously succeed,” the same voice repeated.

“We are dealing with things one step at a time,” Ally told them, irritation in her voice. “You don’t plan your victory parade before the battle begins.”

“And what of the human you brought here, Allyson. The latest pet of yours dragged into your mess?”

“Why don’t you step forward and say that?” Michael replied, his eyes narrowing and preparing for a fight.

“Violence does not solve all your problems, human,” a voice scolded.

“You’re clearly not using enough then,” he shot back.

“Who even are you, human?”

“My name isn’t important, my actions are.”

“Like what?” one snorted, “what could you have possibly accomplished in your short life?”

Michael smirked, “I don’t suppose any of you enjoyed the Full Moon Ball earlier this year, at Enara Fortress. I had a hand in keeping sure it was safe. The attack on Heaven a few weeks ago, the man who embarrassed the guards there? You’re looking at him. Madame Von Portia, her quest to become a lich? I was there when we destroyed her and her tether to this world. Now, are you going to get off your high horse and get down to business?”

“Why do you never pick the good men, Allyson?” an exasperated female voice asked.

“Because our definitions are different,” the blonde shot back. “He’s the best man I know.”

“Of course he is, you’ve been manipulating his soul for how many centurie-”

“Enough!” Michael shouted. “We’re done here. You’re more interested in your petty dominions and feuds than the real work. You people have made your case clear, all I can ask is that you stay out of our way.” With that, he turned on his heel, with Allyson moving beside him as they walked to the door.

“Or what?” one of them asked.

“Or the destruction of your last coven will be the very least of your tragedies,” Ally promised cryptically.

The doors slid open, and Michael and Ally stepped out and headed straight for the elevator. Accompanied by the quartet that had seen them enter, no one said a word. A pin could be heard falling in the room, and a sudden move would end in combat. They reached the bottom floor, and Michael began to collect his weapons while their guards peered on. As he secreted his extra magazines and knives back on his person, the clicking of many shoes echoed across the floor.

Ally turned to face the approaching group, squaring her stance and narrowing her eyes. A large group of witches strode into the lobby, all looking at the pair.

“Is it true, Allyson?” a blonde at the head of the group asked. “About?” the angel replied.

“You and your boyfriend fighting Heaven,” she clarified.

“We intend to,” she stated as Michael stepped up beside her. “You know that the High Council has withheld their support, Carla?” she told the young witch.

“The Council didn’t want to do anything after our home was destroyed. They saved their skins first, didn’t bother with the rest of us,” she snarled bitterly. Looking her over, Michael could see the raised and reddened scars wrought by fire, matched with the flaming intensity of her eyes.

“Carla Mortoria,” one of the four guards that had escorted Michael and Ally to the Council stated, interposing themselves between the witches and the pair. “The High Council has forbid any witch under their rule to participate in this affair.”

“Just because those old hags don’t want to take a stand doesn’t mean we don’t,” Carla shot back.

“Speak well of your elders,” the guard snapped, “you owe everything to them. We all do.”

“I left my idolization of them at the same place I got these,” she venomously stated, raising her arms to show the horrific burn scars that resided there.

“Going further may be considered treason, Miss Mortoria,” the guards said in unison.

“Speaking the truth is a crime now?” she asked, mock surprised. “I wanted to expect more from the elders, so wise and knowledgeable. Instead I put my trust in those willing to let the rest of us burn to save their own skins, more interested in bickering and controlling their people than leading.”

“Let it be known,” Ally’s voice rang out, stepping forward. “That any witch seeking refuge will be granted it at the Goddess Island Institute. The accommodations aren’t the greatest, but we can work on it,” she promised. “At the very least, you’ll be safe somewhere with people to protect you.”

“Furthermore,” Michael added. “Any witch under our roof is under our protection, and there’s nowhere you can hide if you threaten it.” He turned to look into a camera, that he knew the Council was watching from. “Impede us or threaten any of us in any way, and I will bring this building to the ground.”

The guards turned then, each addressing Michael: “leave, human.”

The look in his eyes was clear as he looked back at them, daring them to try it, instead only met with passive resistance. “Let’s go then,” he announced, heading for the doors. In step behind him fell Allyson, and the group of young witches.

Words: 2,133

Total: 11,565

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