randomwriter5000

[randomwriter5000]

The Chimera: Part Six

Pairing: Nicodeme Savoy x OC (Can be read as Nicodeme Savoy x Reader) Warnings: Accuracies and inaccuracies about the 1920s, Use of Google translation, Fluff, Throwing up, and Not subtle flirting Word Count: 3,655

Summary: The California Chimera. Born with a genetic abnormality causing her face to be split down the middle. Not only an oddity, but a source of fear for many as she is a notorious gun for hire across the United States. After a near death experience and the death of most of her family, Chimera now goes to the bustling town of St. Louis on a job. Used to other cats eyes looking at her in disgust and fear a new reaction catches her eye. A pair of cats that look at her with curiosity and wonder. One of them being Nicodeme Savoy. Could she be biting off more than she can chew with the Louisianan?

Part Six: Feliz Cumpleaños

Chapter Summary: After a explosion a sweet treat is sometimes needed.

The skyscrapers of New York lived up to their name. These buildings were filled with cats working or living out their lives. On the top floor of any tall building, a cat could look over the city and admire the bay in the distance. If a cat was fortunate, they could probably see the Statue of Liberty holding the torch. Glen admired the view of the city that was now a city of lights as the moon hung high in the sky.

Sipping his bourbon, he heard his door open. “Sir, you have a call from Chimera. It is urgent.”

The tabby nodded. “Put it through.” He picked up the phone. “Chimera-“

“Dat not me,” A recognizable Louisianian accent hit the cats’ ears. “Yer’ Wraith?”

The dark tabby froze at the voice of the tomcat on the other line. “What did you do to my sister?”

“Nothin’ she is a bit hurt. She hit her head pretty hard after dat explosion,” The knocking sound caused Nico to turn. “Cher-ow!” He laughed as a thud could be heard on the other line.

“Nico, stay outside,” Chimera hissed as the slamming sound of a door radiated through the phone. “Glen, are you there?”

Relief washed over Glen upon hearing the voice of his sister. “Who was that?”

“That’s not important now,” Chimera growled, leaning on the payphone door while her face twisted in pain. “Before I forget, The Red Snake seems to be spreading a photo of what you look like.”

A silence could be felt. “How?”

“He had a photo from when I proved myself a sniper.”

“I guess it was inevitable… Do you know the people who had the photo?”

“The cats' name was Micheal Jones. He owned a hunting business. By the interior, I should have expected there was more than meets the eye,” Chimera sighed, holding back the acid building up in the back of her throat. “He is dead, but who knows how many others know.”

Some scribbling should be heard on the other line. ���I’ll take care of it. You focus on getting better.”

“Yes,” Chimera agreed quickly as cold sweat spread across her body. “Love you.”

“Love you too.”

Throwing the phone, the payphone door swung open and she let out any contents left in her body. Her body shook as she looked over her shoulders to see the siblings looking concerned. Chimera shook her head as a haze began to take over the cat’s body.

With the morning sun rising above the Grand Maribel Hotel, the beams began to pour into the hotel room. Awakening the hungover cats, reminding others of the money they lost, or even not waking cats as they were sound asleep. One of these cats was Chimera. She slept soundly in the luxurious suites at the top, her body bundled by surrounding blankets. The room was clearly lived in, with clothes on the floor and weapons scattered, but none of her own.

After the sun had officially risen, a groan left the cat as her oddly colored eyes blinked to take in the morning sun. Her eyes darted around, causing her body to jerk up, only to be hit by a sudden pressure in the skull. Holding her head, she felt the stitches behind her lengthy hair, keeping the deep cut closed. She took a breath and looked around the room as quickly as her head would allow. Nothing was recognizable, not even the clothes she was wearing. Which meant two things, she definitely went to a doctor, which she didn’t remember, and she had no weapons.

She swung her legs over the bed with small movements and rushed to the pistol on the dresser. It wasn’t hers, but the revolver was immediately recognizable. Combined with the clothes on the floor that weren’t hers, even her foggy brain could piece together where she was. Taking the pistol, she opened the door slowly.

Taking a step into the hallway, she immediately paused. Looking at the floor, she rubbed her eyes from the sleep lingering and shook her head. Perhaps she was seeing things. Looking back up, there was indeed a chicken in the hallway. “What the hell did they give me?”

Walking down the hallway with the chicken, she carefully scanned the area and the drums along the wall. Small yet bright lights were hung from the ceiling, along with fabric and a giant alligator skull that clicked with the other bones. As she looked at the colorful red peppers on the wall, she made it to the living room. It seemed her nerves were on edge as she saw Nico sleeping on the couch without a care.

Cautiously walking around the couch, she looked around the open living area. The walls were decorated with various skulls, pictures, and masks. The table had cards and a couple of spicy red peppers across it.

“Wat ya doin up cher? Ya should be restin’.” Turning, she watched as Nico smiled up at her, glancing at the revolver in her paw. “Not going out shootin’.”

“Where are my things?” She kept the weapon down.

He motioned to the bag on a decorative vanity. Rushing over, Chimera ripped it open to reveal her weapons, journal, clothes, and even the medication the doctor seems to have prescribed. “Thank you,” A relieved breath left the cat as she put the gun on the coffee table. “Apologies for the hostility. I can never be too careful.”

“Still tink I’m a threat, cher? I’m hurt.” He smirked, only making Chimera roll her eyes despite the sharp pain in the center of her head. “Ya good, cher? Y’gave us quite a scare last night.”

She froze, gripping her knife. “What happened last night?”

“Ya don’t remember?” Chimera shook her head. “Ya’ hit yer’ head pretty hard after dat explosion. After shootin’, the guy y’tried to walk home until you passed out. Me and Seraphine took ya to our doctor. After getting checked out you were desperate for a payphone, so you made a call-“

“-A call?” Chimera immediately turned her eyes widened despite the pain in her head radiating through. “To who?”

“Yer’ brother, I tink. It was a New York number. You smacked me before I could talk to ‘im.”

A sigh left the cat as the memories began to flood back into her mind. “I remember now…” She dragged looking up at the ceiling with its lights and clothes. “I'm sorry for what happened. I told you I’m not good luck.”

Moving his body, Nico motioned for her to sit as she looked down at the painkillers. “I wouldn’t say dat cher.”

“How do you think that?” Her voice was sullen as she took a breath before taking the painkillers down quickly. “There was a massive explosion that split my head open and put you two in the line of fire.”

Nicos’ ear twitches. “They had dat dynamite dere already. The second we broke in, the whole place could have exploded, but due to yer plannin’ we were able to control the situation-“

“Exactly cher. With dat plannin’ and takin’ out dose men tryin’ to run, it could have exploded with us in it,” Seraphine appeared out of nowhere. “Y’were also able to survive dat. I’d tink dats lucky,” She mentioned to the stitches underneath her hair.”

Chuckling, Chimera looked up at Seraphine, whose long, flowing hair framed her face. “You two know how to compliment someone, don’t you?” She smiled, looking up as she put on her coat. She loaded her pockets back up with the weapons.

She sighed, feeling the painkillers begin their job, as she looked at her journal while the siblings spoke amongst themselves. Chimera's eyes widened as she realized what was in her appointments. “Thank you for looking after me, but I have some business to attend to today,” She got up quickly, the pain not worn on her face.

“Ya’ sure, cher?” Seraphine leaned on the couch. “Y’can hang ‘round with us. We can use yer luck and fun for our Fete tonight.”

Chucking Chimera stood up, taking the clothes out of the bag. “I’m sure you two will have enough fun without me. Where I’m going is boring.”

“I doubt that,” Nico smirked. “I bet I can find some entertainment in it.”

Narrowing her eyes, a similar smirk appeared on Chimeras' face. “Then how about you be my chauffeur for the day Mr. Savoy?”

Nico leaned against a light pole along the sidewalk as he brought a cigarette to his lips. Occasionally gave a flirtatious smile to a cat passing by. The sides of the streets were lined with cars as cats went in and out of stores gathering food for the ensuing week. Standing outside a local bait and tackle store, he saw Chimera talking to a Japanese Bobtail through the window. As Chimera went to the cashier, the bobtail glared at the tomcat before returning to the conversation.

He sighed, taking in the cigarette before the bell jingle had him look over to see Chimera walking out of a store with a bag. While the bobtail disappeared into a crowd of other cats. “Find whatcha’ need, cher?” He smiled, pushing himself off the pole.

“Of course,” Chimera hopped into the passenger side.

Putting out his cigarette, Nico smirked as he got into the expensive Ford. Starting up the engine, he began to drive. The crisp chill in the air had Chimera close her eyes in enjoyment as it flowed through her hair and fur. Letting her paw run through the wind, she let it fall once the car came to a stop sign. Looking to her side, Nico smiled as he drove smoothly down the street, enjoying the car. A chuckle left her lips as she stared back at the various shops on the road.

“What were ya’ talkin’ about with her?” He broke the silence. “She was starin’ at me like I’d kill her.”

A small chuckle escaped the oddly colored cat as she contoured to look out to the road. “We were just talking about some properties. Boring stuff,” She sighed, only for Nico to laugh. “What?”

“Dat why she was glarin’ at me? Upset with you runnin' around with a stray from da bayou?”

“That’s kind of how Ryu looks, believe me,” Chimeras’ eyes caught a phone booth. “Stop here. I got a call to make.”

The Ford was pulled off to the side of the road. After gathering her journal, chimera hopped out of the car and walked into the phone booth. Closing the door behind her, she began dialing a New York number. The dial tone was quickly replaced by the bubby voice of a reactionist. “How may I direct you?”

“This is Chimera.”

“One moment.”

Only a couple seconds passed before Glens’ voice made an appearance. “Good to hear you are alive.”

“You know that not much can take down the mighty Chimera.” She chuckled, leaning against the payphone wall. “They are taken care of?”

“Yes, they are,” Glen straightened the paper on his desk. “We were able to take many of the red snake's men right at the border, basically paralyzing him.”

“That’s good.”

“Now that’s settled. How did your talk with Ryu go?”

Chimera chuckled, looking out to her car. “Great, the properties are making quite a bit of money already. Citrus is quite a big business in California,” A proud smile spread across her face. “I think I’m going to see if I can put that boat Dad had to good use for some fishing.”

“That would be a good idea… Ryu is knowledgeable, so she can help you with that,” Chimera’s ears twitched as she sensed the distracted tone in his voice. “Oh, enjoy your birthday. I believe Yaya and Yayo have something for you at the park?”

The cat sighed. “Yeah, walking around the park will help my head.”

“How are you feeling? That cat that called me said you got thrown into a wall by dynamite.”

Chucking, Chimera leaned against the door, rubbing the stitches on her head. “Honestly, I feel a lot better. Nico told me last night I was, meaning I passed the worst.”

“Nico… is that man you're working with? Nicodeme Savoy, from New Orleans, correct?” He spoke as if we were reading off a file.

“Yeah, he is a good guy,” She tried to brush off her brother, huffing as she looked at the tomcat outside the car, looking out to the tall buildings in the distance. “I’m going to take these worms to Yayo if you have nothing else.”

“Alright, give them my love.”

“I will. Love you.”

“Love you too,”

Chimera left the booth after hanging up the phone, only for Nico to turn with an ear twitch. “Didn’t take long?”

“No,” She shook her head, opening her journal and crossing out several names. “Only Forest Park left, Monsieur Chauffeur before this morning adventure ends.”

He laughed as they got into the car. “Not borin’ at tal’ cher.”

“If I didn’t know you better, I’d say you only did this to drive my car.”

“And if I did?”

“I’d ask if it was worth it.”

“Escortin’ around a jolie dame while drivin’ a nice car?” He smirked to himself as he turned down the street. “Yeah, it was.”

“I’m sure it was flirt.” She shoved his shoulder slightly as she opened the compartment in the side of the car.

Before she could grab what she needed, thick Cuban cigars tumbled out. “I didn’t know ya smoke, cher?”

“I don’t…” She looked at the cigars with a sad look. “You want them?”

He smiled and looked at the thick brown rolled-up cigars. “They nice, ya sure?”

“Yeah,” She nodded. “Take it as reimbursement for driving me around.”

A few minutes passed before the pair of cats exited the car. The blue ford sat across from Forest Park. The fresh air blowing through the lush scenery cleared the cat's head. The two walked along the paths and took in the numerous golf areas and museums while police rode around on tall horses. The pair paused once Chimeria spotted an older cat fiddling with a fishing pole. In the shade, an older calico sat on her chair, reading her book peacefully.

Walking up to the elderly cats, Chimera announced herself loudly. “Hola, Yayo and Yaya,” The elderly cat smiled gleefully. “Te compr�� un cebo,” {1} She leaned over the elderly tabby, who took the bag quickly.

“Gracias mija,” The tomcat smiled, opening the box to see plenty of wriggling worms. However, he quickly paused, and his smile turned into a frown. “Quién es el hombre?” {2}

Looking over her shoulder, Chimera watched Nico happily chatted away with her grandmother. “Ayudándome con el trabajo.” {3}

“Hm…” The older cat grumbled as he reluctantly went back to his pole.

“Feliz Cumpleaños!” {4} Yaya cheerfully held out a cake to Chimera.

“Yaya, you didn’t have to,” She hugged the older cat

“I wanted to,” The cat smiled, looking over at Nico, who smiled. “Go have a little picnic with your friend. I didn’t make you a small cake. Please, young man, have her relax.”

“Will do. Come on, Cher,” Nico smiled, already walking off towards the pathway.

“Hey, wait!” Chimera shouted, jogging after the tomcat.

The older cat smiled, watching her granddaughter talking to the tomcat and smiling. “We need to call Glen when we get home,” The older tomcats’ voice spoke up. “She doesn’t need to be messing around with men.”

“Carlos! Let young love be!” His wife sat back in her chair.

“Who said anything about love?” Carlos gasped.

The two elderly cats' bickering was free entertainment for any cat passing. Chimera and Nico continued down a trail. She noted how there were plenty of cats in the park. Children were playing, and groups of college kids stretched out the weekend as long as possible. No one noticed a Japanese bobtail trailing behind the pair of cats.

“Why didn’t ya tell me it was ya birthday, cher?” Nico laid comfortably on the grass as Chimera admired the Art Museum in the distance. “I could have bought you somethin’ special.”

“You chauffeured me around. That is enough,” Chimera chuckled before finally opening the box.

The distinctive scent of chocolate filled the air, making the Chimeras’ ears perk up in happiness while her tail swished happily. She took the plate and revealed the intricately decorated chocolate cake to Nico. The only item that wasn't a brown color was the candles on top, making her stop and pat her sides.

The sound of a lighter made her look up to see Nico with a lighter in hand. “Need a light cher?”

“Yes, then I’m officially 24.” She set the cake for him to light.

Once the wax candles were lit, Nico sat up with a smile. “Faire un vœu.” {5}

As she looked out to the river, they were near. A smile spread across her face before taking a breath and blowing out the candle. “Whatcha wish for?”

“It won't come true if I tell you,” She countered with a laugh as she began cutting the cake into slices. “You want a taste?”

“Why not cher?” Nico shrugged, taking a plate of cake. “I have to make a good impression on yer’ grandma.”

Despite the chill, the cake and pleasant conversation warmed the cats. The conversation ranged from fishing to weapons to childhoods. Despite the two growing up in different areas of the country and contrasting financial situations, the two could unexpectedly find some common ground... mainly about catching animals.

“I remember when a shark stole my bass and nearly took me overboard because I kept holding the pole,” Nico laughed at the image of a tiny kitten attempting to fight a shark. “I didn’t know I was supposed to let go!”

“I'll top dat,” He countered. “I used to catch snappin’ turtles in da bayou.”

Chimeras' oddly colored eyes widened as she swallowed the cake stuffed into her cheeks. “You would just catch snapping turtles for the heck of it?”

“Yeah, cher! I had to eat somethin’.” He motioned to his prominent muscles. “Dose tings have a lot of meat.”

“I got a better one,” Chimera shook her head, licking the chocolate of her thumb. “There is a desert called the Mojave Desert. Nothing out there, but we would train out there. We would find scorpions the size of dinner plates, and they would chase us. They were mean! Anyways, we would eat those.”

“Yer comparin’ a snappin’ turtle to a tiny scorpion.” He cooed, putting his fingers together in exasperation.

“When you’re twelve and see this thing move faster than you expect, it is jarring,” Chimera argued.

“Why were ya out der?”

Chimera scrapped her fork along the plate to get the last bits of chocolate lingering. “The Brothers of Peril train us in different climates if we are sent to hot areas,” She explained. “How to get water, how working at night is better, how to avoid the wildlife, things like that.”

“Dat sounds like a nice school.”

Her curiosity was peaked. “Did you go to school?”

“Does it look like I did, cher?”

“You’re not an idiot.” Chimeria seemed adamant. “If we are going to nitpick, I never went to conventional school.”

He chuckled. A silence crept up to the pair as Chimeria put the small plate into the box. “I'm still sorry for last night. Despite all that happened, I really shouldn’t have yelled like that. It was not your fault.”

Nico paused. “Then what was last night ‘bout then?”

Chimeria paused, thinking about the information she could give the tomcat. “I can't really tell you everything that is going on, but some cats that I am on bad terms with. Since I've gotten here, it seems they are also after my brother and me.” She took a bite of the rich cake. “Still, I shouldn’t have yelled at you two.”

 “Nah cher,” He took another bite. “We jus’ worried bout ya’”

“That’s still no excuse for how I acted. You two are actually pretty lovely despite your reputation. Then again, I guess you got practice with Mordecai.”

“Dats true,” He chuckled, finishing the cake. “Still, cher, don’t worry ‘bout it.”

“You sure?” Nico nodded. “I really do owe you.”

The tomcat paused and chuckled as he put the plate in the box. “I can think of one thing.”

“What is it? I go on a date with you?”

“Why not?” Chimera paused. Her whole body seemed to freeze as she scanned Nico's face for a joke. Until he laughed. “I already know your answer, cher. Don’t worry.”

She thought, staring out to the art museum before muttering. “Screw it,” She huffed, turning to the tomcat lazily lying on the grass. “Where do you want to go?”

“Ya serious cher?” Nicos’ yellow eyes turned to her. “I thought ya said it takes an act of god?”

“That’s what that cake was,” She teased. “Where do you want to go?”

Nico chuckled, pulling himself up to face her. “Well, dat would depend on when yer’ free, cher.”

“Tomorrow is-“ The sound of the crushing of the underbrush had her ears swivel. “Did you hear that?”

Looking where her head had turned, Nico chuckled. “Ya more paranoid than Mordecai.”

“Unlike Mordecai, I have a lot more reasons for my paranoia,” She said blandly, staring at the tree until a squirrel appeared and ran across some leaves. Only for Nico to chuckle and for her to glare in response. “However, I guess there is a reason why we get along to an extent.”

“Tomorrow cher?”

“That’s good.” Chimeras' eyes were laced with mischievous as her tail swished happily.

Not too far away from the cats was a Japanese bobtail cat whose eyes narrowed in suspicion as she observed the pair of cats talked about a date and time.

{1} I bought you bait {2} Who is the man? {3} Helping me with work {4} Happy Birthday {5} Make a wish

[randomwriter5000]

The Chimera: Part Five

Pairing: Nicodeme Savoy x OC (Can be read as Nicodeme Savoy x Reader) Warnings: Accuracies and inaccuracies about the 1920s, Angst, Unhealthy coping mechanisms, Violence, Injuries, Explosions Word Count: 2,931

Summary: The California Chimera. Born with a genetic abnormality causing her face to be split down the middle. Not only an oddity, but a source of fear for many as she is a notorious gun for hire across the United States. After a near death experience and the death of most of her family, Chimera now goes to the bustling town of St. Louis on a job. Used to other cats eyes looking at her in disgust and fear a new reaction catches her eye. A pair of cats that look at her with curiosity and wonder. One of them being Nicodeme Savoy. Could she be biting off more than she can chew with the Louisianan?

Part Five: I See Fire

Chapter Summary: Fire isn't something to play with. Unless you want to get hurt.

Despite St. Louis being a bustling city full of cars, suburbs, and industrial heartland, there were places where a cat could find peace. The forests, parks, and, most notably, cemeteries were a place for such relaxation. With the nonexistence of the nagging noise of engines and cats, anyone could take in nature. The nature ranged from the small cottontail rabbit running in a burrow to the swift deer running across the meadow.

On the outskirts of the city, a lonesome cemetery stood. However, the crunch and cracking of roots could be heard. An oddly colored cat stomped her foot on a shovel, huffing as she threw the dirt over her head. Hearing the recognizable thump of wood, she looked above the ditch to see Nico toss the shovel to the side and look at her with a smirk.

“I win, cher,” He tightened the bandages around his paws. “Now, where to take you?”

Chimeras’ ear pinned themed back as she pouted. “You cheated! Yours has to be shallower!” She jumped out of the grave and stomped through the mud and into the pit. The hole was clearly shallower, barely reaching her waist, while others had come up to her shoulders. “Point proven!”

“Never took ya’ for a sore loser.” Nico patted her head only to make her take a breath to control the red spreading across her face. With a proud smile across his face, Nico purred. “Well, cher, how sho- Seraphine!”

A crowbar had been tossed at Nico, narrowing missing Chimera. “Get dat liquor in da car!” She barked before rolling her eyes and walking back into the car.

Walking out of the pit, Chimera gripped the shove and returned to work. Each strike to the dirt was an attempt to wipe her face from the blush. Only ten minutes passed, and her crowbar finally cracked the grave open, but the red on her face remained prominent. Shaking her head, she gripped the coffin and dragged it out.

“Ready for da last, mon ami?” Seraphine asked as Nico walked over, tossing his emptied coffin into the lake.

“The last job of the night?” She clarified, watching Nico pull the full coffin and load the alcohol into the car. “Extremely, I have a couple…things to do tomorrow,” She dragged, rolling her neck from the nonextant stress.

Laughing could be heard from the older savoy sibling. “I thought we were goin’ on a date, cher?”

“That doesn’t count. That grave was shallow,” Chimeria growled, her ears twitching in annoyance.

“What will it take then, cher?” Nico seemed genuinely curious.

Leaning onto the car as Nico gripped the final bottles, Chimeria thought about the interesting question. “An act of God, or a lot of money?” She shrugged, looking up at the moon shining in the jet-black sky. “I'm not even sure that will work,” A chuckle left her as she counted the bottles stacked in the back.

“I can be persuasive, cher, as y’know,” Nico flirted, closing the lid.

Opening the door to the backseat, Cimeria smirked before jumping into the back of the car. “And I can be notoriously stubborn.”

The trio finally got into the car. Once the engine roared, Chimeria pulled off her glove with her teeth, her other paw reaching into her coat pocket for a leather journal. The leather was clearly worn through the years, yet the spine was fully intact. Chimera pulled out a pencil before writing down the number of alcohol in the back.

“Writin’ back there, cher?” Nico looked in the rearview mirror.

“Just making sure I got everything…” She dragged, tapping her fingers against the leather. “50 bottles…” She spoke to no one.

Getting up from her seat, Seraphine stared at the oddly colored cat. “Tell me somethin’, cher,” Seraphine leaned towards Chimera. “Why don’t y’tell yer’ real names to anyone? ”

“Mainly for tradition and safety,” Chimera answered.

Bored at the answer, Seraphine sat back in her seat, pulling out her knife to sharpen. “How do ya get into this business?” Nico asked. “Can ya’ jus’ walk in?”

Chimera laughed. “You two are awfully curious,” She pointed out but continued. “You are either born into it like I was. Otherwise, you must know someone, marry into it, or you’re the rare people who get in on their own merit.”

“What ‘bout ya’ parents?” Seraphines’ tall ears perked up as she handed a cigarette to Nico.

“My mother was born into it. My father got in on his merits and then married my mom,” She spoke curtly as she opened her journal. “We are dropping off the bottles, right?”

“Oui, we will be there soon,” Nico confirmed.

 It didn’t take long to return to the city. The closer they got to the town, the more common car engines, streetlights, and tall buildings were. The alcohol was quickly dropped off to another group of Mr. Sweets guys. After sharing goodbyes, The trio was in the car heading down towards the business center of St Louis. Chimeria looked down at her journal and began to look at the names in the book. Multiple from the previous weeks, but only one without a line struck through it.

“Alright, the last person is…Ah Monsieur Jones,” Chimera read in the back seat. “So how do you two usually handle these where we need to tie the guy up for information?”

Seraphne chuckled, taking the cigarette out of her mouth. “Mordecai usually does all dat,”

“We do da fun part, Cher,” Nico grinned, looking at her through the rearview mirror.

“I do not want to be Mordecai for a day,” She grumbled sarcastically. “That would be very imprudent.” She mimicked the deadpanned tone of the tuxedo perfectly.

Seraphine let out a cackling laugh. “You sound jus’ like ‘im!” She turned to face the smaller cat. “How did ya meet ‘im?”

Leaning her head onto the leather headrest, Chimera couldn't help but let out a loud laugh. “Now that was a fun day. My parents had a business in St. Louis and promoted the Brothers of Peril to Atlas May. When Mordecai saw me, I thought he would have a heart attack. The first words he said to me were, ‘The asymmetry of my face made him want to die.’ One of the better insults I should say is,” She is mocking the deadpanned tone used by the tuxedo. “After that, I worked with him, and I guess we developed a mutual respect for each other.”

“Course’ he can’t see da luck,” Seraphine rolled her eyes, waving her hand in the air dismissively. “Plenty of people can’t see it, but we can Cher.”

Chimera's ears twitched in annoyance at the word luck as she looked over Jones's name etched into the paper. “Perhaps you're just not afraid because there is nothing different between me and a normal cat.”

“Dat ain't true,” Seraphine argued sternly. “Yer’ riddled with luck and power. The best part is dat y’know how to use it. Dats why Nico asked da fat man for ya’ to be with us.”

“Aw, how sweet that it wasn’t just to ask me on a date,” Chimera smirked as Nico shrugged.

A laugh escaped Chimera as she looked out of the car's window to the streetlights exposing the dark streets. After another conversation, the trio laughed as if they were old friends. However, the joyful laughter died as they caught sight of the business of Mr. Jones. Parking the car down the alleyway behind the company building.

Chimera was the first to hop out as she scanned the area. The building was two stories tall. Peeking into the window, she saw cats inside working despite the late hour. If there were fewer cats, she would break down the door. Her ears twitched as she looked over her shoulder to see the siblings grabbing their weapons. As she walked back, the siblings seemed eager to charge in guns blazing, literally and figuratively.

“We shouldn’t break the doors down.” Chimera looked up at the building, seeing a fire escape. “But I have a plan for us to both have fun.”

“Alright,” Chimera spoke to no one as she was hidden behind a tower of crates as she loaded her rifle. “Here goes nothing.”

Steading the scope, she aimed and took a breath. Her gun was aimed at the giant chandelier hanging off the ceiling of the grand room by a skinny cord. Chimera then pulled the trigger, causing the chandelier to crash down to the floor. Dozens of gunmen surrounded the destroyed light while others went to investigate. One of them, Mr. Jones, the target. The group was so focused on investigating they didn’t notice a grey cat click her shotgun.

A barrage of bullets loaded themselves into the cats surrounding the chandelier. Seraphine's recognizable laugh echoed through the business as shots missed her, and nearly every gunman was down. With her scope, Chimera took out a few stragglers who ran to the doors but didn't realize that they were jammed from the outside. Passing her view was Mr. Jones, running to his office. Only to be cut off by a solid punch to the face from Nico. Chimera chuckled before coming out of her hiding spot.

 Nico had quickly subdued the man and tied him to a chair. Looking at Seraphine, who had a Cheshire cat grin as she reloaded his gun, Chimera spoke. “What do you think? Was my plan good?”

“Yer a breath of fresh air compared to Peekon!” She smiled, slinging her gun back on her hip.

“I'm glad you liked it. I never get to be extravagant like this,”  Chimera gazed at the shattered chandelier.

A grunt was heard as she turned her head to see Nico smirking. “There will be plenty of fun things with us, cher,” Nico promised.

As she opened her mouth, Chimera's ears swiveled at the thudding from upstairs. “I'll get them. You two can have the pleasure of interrogating him.” The oddly colored cat smiled at the siblings before jogging up the stairs.

Hearing constant shuffling from the office down the hall told her someone was there. Yet, the cat was still careful as she gripped her pistol tightly. The shuffling suddenly stopped, her body as her ears stood straight for noise. A sudden creak had her dash out of the way of a door that swung open to reveal a gunman. Two quick shots were all it took until the door behind her opened, hitting her in the side. Hissing, Chimera shot blindly into the wooden door, hearing a yell of pain. Spinning to the front of the door, she pulled the trigger.

With both gunmen dead, Chimera groaned, rubbing her side that the oak door had slammed into her. Turning her oddly colored eyes to the door at the end of the hallway, she marched to the door.  Leaning her ear on the office door, she took a breath and gave one hard kick to the doorknob. Before stepping into the office, she was immediately met by someone throwing a box of documents and papers at her face. Chimera pulled out her gun and shot the cat in the knee. Growling, she ripped his weapons away from him. While the cat sobbed on the ground, Chimera uncharacteristically froze.

Her eyes were wide, her posture stiff, and her breathing paused. Among the dozens of papers that had floated all over the floor, Chimera grabbed a medium-sized picture. The distinctive cat in the foreground was a younger Chimera with a broad smile holding up a first-place ribbon while a rifle was slung on her shoulder. While a dozen other cats were around her. However, a cat with its face circled was who they were clearly after, with the name ‘The Wraith’ written on top.

Pulling out her gun, she gripped the man's collar. “How the hell did you get this picture?”

“I-I-“ She shot him in the leg. “Where!”

“Jones! He knows! I swear I don’t-“ A gunshot landed in his skull before Chimera stomped out of the room.

Jogging down the stairs, Chimera saw that the siblings seemed pleased with themselves. Nico turned to see Chimera. “Hey Cher, we got-“

“Let me have him,” She gripped the photo tightly as she marched up to the tied-up cat.

“What ya-“ Before Nico could finish, he got his answer. Chimera gripped a tire iron and struck Jones in the knee.

Chimera gripped his face to stare at her as he yelled in pain. “Where the hell did you get this picture?!” She shoved the picture in his face.

“I found it-”

Hitting his knee against she hissed. “Lie to me again. I'm taking that leg off. Now, where the hell did you get this picture,” She repeated slowly, her eyes filled with anger. “Only two people in the world have this picture, and you are not one of them!”

“Chimera-“ Nico tried to interrupt.

“Shut the hell up, Nico!” She hissed, her eyes slit and fur flared. “Where the hell is he?” She gripped the cat's collar. “I will make your life hell if you don’t tell me.”

The sudden sound of a shotgun caused her to turn her head. Looking over her shoulder, she could see a couple of people Nico and Seraphine were taking care of. Before she could reach for her gun, a sudden punch to the face set her backward. Holding her jaw, she watched the target dash out of his chair and run.

“Get back here!” She roared, dashing off to the man.

With a pistol in hand, she chased him up the stairs, around a corner, and into a room. Only for Chimera's feet to freeze at the smell of gasoline. Her eyes were as round as golf balls, and her heart began to pound in her chest. The target dumped gasoline all over the room, where boxes of dynamite were stacked up neatly. Holding up a match, he dropped flame. The flames were uncontrollable as the fire swallowed the room and the dangerous boxes.

“Chimera-“ Nico turned the corner but was met by the frantic eyes of Chimera.

“RUN!” She screamed, grabbing Nico and running in the opposite direction at full speed.

“What da hell is going on?!” He barked, chasing Chimera as she rushed down the stairs as if she saw a ghost.

“Dynamite!” She looked to her side to see Seraphine loading her gun. “Seraphine! Get out!” She yelled, the terror in her voice evident. Not hesitating, Seraphine ran out of the building alongside the two cats.

The sudden and defining explosion threw the trio of cats, mainly Chimera, into a brick wall. Her ears rang as she felt the cold asphalt beneath her paws. Every noise was muffled except her pounding heart. Her eyes stung from the smoke as flames engulfed the warehouse. Her whole body shook as she stared at the fire. Looking down at her gun, she shakily pulled herself up. Her eyes scanned the area in the distance. The target was making a run for it. The shaking stopped as a deep breath was taken as she aimed. Then she pulled the trigger, and a bullet lodged into their back.

With a slight limp, Chimera stomped on the back of the scrambling cat. “How did you get that photo,” She spoke slowly and darkly. “If you don’t, I will throw you into the fire.”

“He gave it to me to identify your brother!” He attempted to scramble away.

“Who is he!?” She roared, stomping on his back.

“The Red Snake!” He admitted. “No one knows what the Wraith looks like and-“ A bullet landed in his head.

“And nobody will,” Chimera continued to shoot the lifeless body until the magazine was empty.

Her eyes were blown wide and black as night with adrenaline as she panted for air. A chill ran down her spine at the feeling of eyes on her. The pounding in her heart changed from adrenaline-laced panic to fear.

“You're fine, you’re alive. No emotion, not sadness, no fear,” Chimera muttered as she attempted to take breaths. However, her heart was still pounding, her hands shook, and her pupils were blown wide. “You're fine, you’re alive. No emotion, not sadness, no fear.”

“Mon ami-“ Seraphine's paw brushed her shoulder.

“I’m fine!” Chimera barked, walking away from the body. “We-we have the information now we can leave,” She began walking towards the car as her body continued to shake.

Nico blocked her path. “Hey, cher-

“I'm fine,” She grumbled, feeling the blood dripping down her forehead. “That explosion…” She whispered.

“We need to get ya to the hospital,” The tomcat tried to reason. “Dat John guy-“

“No!” She barked, but her ears immediately pinned themselves back, realizing how loud she was. “He-he isn’t there. I-I…” She attempted to run her hand through her hair only to hit the deep cut in her skull.

The siblings looked at each other as Chimera leaned on the alley’s wall. “I-Im going home,” She began to fast walk down the alleyway with the bit of adrenaline left in her body.

“Chimera!” Nico shouted along with Seraphine, who was quick enough to jump in front of the agile cat.

Seraphine joined her brother with a concerned expression. “Mon ami are you-“

“Get the hell out of my way!” She screamed, causing the siblings' eyes to widen. “Don’t act like you know me! Don’t act like you care about me! Leave me alone!” Her head pounded as she yelled. The stabbing pain in her skull overwhelmed her senses as she fell to her knees.

Authors Note: Ah... angst. Don't worry it will be balanced with some fluff soon.

[randomwriter5000]

The Chimera: Part Four

Pairing: Nicodeme Savoy x OC (Can be read as Nicodeme Savoy x Reader) Warnings: Accuracies and inaccuracies about the 1920s, use of Google Translate, Inaccuracies about gambling, and General sadness. Word Count: 3,763

Summary: The California Chimera. Born with a genetic abnormality causing her face to be split down the middle. Not only an oddity, but a source of fear for many as she is a notorious gun for hire across the United States. After a near death experience and the death of most of her family, Chimera now goes to the bustling town of St. Louis on a job. Used to other cats eyes looking at her in disgust and fear a new reaction catches her eye. A pair of cats that look at her with curiosity and wonder. One of them being Nicodeme Savoy. Could she be biting off more than she can chew with the Louisianan?

Part Four: Good Luck?

Summary: Perhaps it is time to have fun and ask questions.

“Goddammit!” Chimera heaved a large case into her blue car. “Why is gin so heavy?” She muttered to herself, attempting to regain the air in her lungs.  

Two weeks had passed since Nico got stabbed. Despite the expectation that she would have left St. Louis after that, Mr. Sweet gave her job after job. This was abnormal, yet Chimera couldn’t pass up easy money. Digging up a grave or two, getting some alcohol, and driving it back wasn’t too hard for the gun for hire. However, in Chimera’s head, this would be her last job unless Mr. Sweet gave her a contract.

In The Brothers of Peril, a gun for hire could be taken under a contract if the company owner wanted that person to work for them for an extended period. However, they tended to be hard to get because higher-ups of The Brothers of Peril had to approve the gun for higher working for that specific company. Other reasons for the contracts being hard to get included the higher-ups not wanting their members to be stuck or having a conflict of interest.

Closing the door, Chimera looked at the grave before tossing the shovel into the passenger side. Turning on the engine, she drove onto the dirt road. Before long, The Maribel Hotel was in the distance. Instead of the fancy front entrance of the hotel, Chimera drove her car into the alley and then into the back entrance. As her cars’ headlights came into view, a couple of other cats turned to look. Unbrothered, she pulled up beside them, turned off the engine, and exited the car.

The tallest had a cigarette in his mouth as he motioned for the other two to gather the cases from her car. “What did you get this time?”

“Three graves. Giving a total of 50 Bottles of gin and 20 bottles of Vodka,” She brushed off some gathered dirt on her pant legs. “Where’s my payment?” Her eyes narrowed as her money wasn’t in their hands like the past couple of weeks.

“Mr. Sweet has it,” The older grey cat dropped the cigarette to the ground before snuffing it out. “He wants to talk to you.”

Her eyes narrowed. “About what?”

“Ask him that,” The cat shrugged, pulling out a crate of gin.

Taking a breath, Chimera walked up the concrete steps and took the back way to get to the luxurious office of Mr. Sweet. After a single knock, she was let in. With the quick glace she could take, she noted a piece of thick paper on the desk and a stack of cash. Cautiously walking into the chilling room, she sat down across from the golden cat. Taking the money into her paws, she counted the bills, ensuring she was paid correctly.

“How did it go?”

“Great until I didn’t see my money in your guy’s hands. What did you want to talk about?” Her eyes briefly glanced at the paper, seeing a familiar signature. Setting down the money, she looked at the form and saw the signature ‘Glen Balsamo.’ “When did you contact my brother?”

“The paperwork came in today,” He explained, lighting his cigar. “I’d like to offer you a year contract to work for me exclusively.” He pulled out a fountain pen from his coat pocket.

Her eyes narrowed at the contract as she read it over. The rules and specifications were simple and in line with the Brothers of Peril, yet she had numerous questions.  “You understand that you are buying my loyalty for a duration, correct?”

“Correct,” He nodded.

Her head tilted. “That means I will leave when you can’t afford me.” Mr. Sweet nodded once again. “What is your game? You have plenty of skilled fighters; Mordecai and Nico are some of them. Why would you pick someone who is part of the BP? And why did you pick me?”

“You are an unsuspecting force. You have multiple skills that my men don’t have. You speak four languages, have no problems with killing, and your reputation precedes you.” He motioned towards her.

Her ears twitched as her oddly colored eyes narrowed. “I feel there is more to that.”

Mr. Sweet smiled, tapping the cigar. “Does it really matter if I’m paying you?

“No, however, I’m allowed to do my due diligence,” She shot, looking over the contract again for any loopholes.

The contract was fair, and her brothers’ signatures boosted the legitimacy of the contract. “So, what is your answer?”

Reaching into her coat, she slowly pulled out her own fountain pen. Looking over the paper, she signed on the dotted line. “What is my next assignment?”

“Could you have at least given me a heads-up Glen?” Chimera hissed into the payphone. “You got me a good deal, sure, but what if I wanted to go somewhere else?”

On the other end, Glen sighed, rubbing his dark brown tabby fur. “Remember I called Yaya last week? Telling you to call me as soon as possible?”

‘Dammit,’ Chimera cursed internally. “I got busy-“ She was quickly cut off.

“Look, John told me how you want to go after the Red Snake,” He began. “He is in Canada. He isn’t coming back for a while.”

“That son of a-“

“He is looking out for you,” Her brothers' voice broke. “I can’t have a repeat of what he did to our family. You remember how you almost died in my arms?”

Her paw rubbed her shoulder unconsciously. “Glen, I was there when he killed Nick and Ben. You don’t have to remind me. I want justice. I want him to beg for his life when I stab him in the lung,” Fury and tears built in the cats’ eyes.  

“I can’t lose you!” The desperation and sadness in the cats’ voice sounded through the phone like an alarm, causing the female cats' ears to go flat against her head. “You’ve been pulling away. Everyone sees it. I know you will go rogue if you’re given the opportunity.” Her brother's voice broke even more as she could feel the tears pouring down her cheeks. “Please just stay there in St. Louis until we devise a plan. I promise we will get revenge on Mom and Dad's graves, just not now.”

Feeling her own tears run down her face, she sobbed, falling onto the phone booth floor.  “Please don’t cry,” Glen gave a tearful laugh. “I’d hate for people to see the mighty Chimera crying.”

“I’m sure they would also be surprised to see the Wraith crying too,” Chimera retorted, wiping her tears, then looked down at her feet.

A silence grew between the siblings. “I know these couple years have been rough. I miss them more than any words can express, but life continues on, and they wouldn’t want to see you like this,” His voice cracked. “They would want to see the girl who found joy in life despite being serious in the business. I’m not saying we need to forget about them, but we must carry on for them.”

She nodded to the phone as her tail curled around her for comfort. “Is that the same speech you gave at the funeral?” She laughed along with Glen.

“Sometimes we need to hear things twice,” He retorted as some shuffling was heard on his end. “Isn’t it midnight in St. Louis?” Glen shot.

“Isn’t it one in the morning in New York?” She retorted.

“God, you are a little shit,” He chuckled. “I love you little sister,”

“I love you too,” Chimera tearfully smiled as she hung up the phone.

Pushing herself from the phone booth floor, Chimera walked out into the crisp Missouri air and sat on the curb. The chill of the air ran through her fur as her eyes stared down at her boots. Occasionally picking and rubbing at the scuffs on the leather. The logic in her head was in a heated battle with the looming storm cloud of revenge. However, she knew that her brother was right. If she died, she would leave her last brother alone because of her selfish desires. There was also no guarantee she could find The Red Snake if she went alone. Then, the scary question snuck in.

What if she felt no change when he died? What if that looming cloud lingered? What if it never went away?Sighing, Chimera wiped the last bits of her salty tears stinging her eyes. Looking up at the night sky decorated with its crescent moon and shining stars, she took a deep breath.

“What am I supposed to do?” She muttered, looking up at the sky, only for everything to stay in place. Chimera looked down at the asphalt and laughed. “What the hell am I doing?”

“Sittin’ outside,” A voice spoke. With her knife in hand and fur flared, Chimera spun around fast enough to give anyone whiplash. Only for Nico to come into her vision

A cackling laugh escaped Nico as he walked forward. “Da hell, Cher? I thought dat you couldn’t be snuck up on?” His charming smile reluctantly made the cat relax.

The oddly colored flared fur of the cat went down as she turned back to stare out into the road. “I am normal, believe it or not,” She answered, putting her knife back into her coat. “What are you doing out here?”

“Gettin’ some fresh air,” He walked beside the cat that continued to look out to the street, occasionally picking at her boot. “Gets quite stuffy in there,” He motioned to the hotel.

“I can imagine,” Chimera answered, watching him light a cigarette underneath the street lamp. “What did you hear?”

Chuckling, Nico looked down at the shorter cat. “Worried I overheared somethin’?”

“If you did, I’d have to kill you,” She smiled playfully.

“I’d love to see dat, Cher,” He smiled, puffing the cigarette. “Nothin’ much ‘xpect you talkin’ to yourself,”

Her eyes narrowed, not feeling any lie buried within the answer. “I guess I don’t have to kill you then,” She huffed, getting up from the stiff concrete. “I should get going before I fall asleep in the frigid cold,” She stretched out her arms as she walked towards the alleyway.

“Let me ask one thing, Cher,” Looking over her shoulder, Chimera waited as she watched Nico lean on the street pole. “Can I buy you a drink? Jus’ one.”

She couldn’t help but laugh as she shook her head. “Still haven’t gotten your eyes checked, huh?” Her whole body turned to face him, showing off the soft smile that overtook her face. Looking at the doors, she shrugged to herself. “You mind getting me some vodka, Nico?”

His smile spread into a smirk, pushing himself from the light pole. “Not at all, cher,” He motioned for her to follow into the hotel and the speakeasy below.

Walking towards the elegantly decorated marigold doors, they were quickly opened to Nico and Chimera as they strode right in. Despite coming into the speakeasy on her first day upon arriving in St Louis, she never looked around much. Now, she could finally take in the decor and the multiple gambling tables. Then, there was the music that played on the stage. Jazz flowed through the speakeasy while the illicit alcohol encouraged the cats to spend at the tables. Despite her gazing, she followed Nico to the bar.

Instantly, she could see a bottle of clear vodka on the shelf. “Can I get some vodka?” She pointed at the fresh bottle, calling her name.

“Sure can,” The friendly bartender smiled, taking out a glass, ice, a bottle of vodka, and juices. “What juice do you-“

“None,” She answered quickly, taking the glass and waiting for him to pour.

“Just the vodka?” The bartender looked at her with a confused expression. “No ice?”

“None,” She started at the glass filled with the potent liquid. “Thank you,”

Nico ordered his bourbon and paid while Chimera turned to face the sea of people. Bringing the glass to her lips, she tipped her head back and downed the whole drink.  Her eyes closed before letting out a peaceful sigh as her long, thin tail curled happily. The pure alcohol was already flooding her veins and brain.

“Happy cher?” Her ear twitched as she could feel Nicos' presence beside her.

Opening her eyes, she saw the taller cat with his drink while giving her another. “I only drink as a reward for a completed job,” She explained, taking the vodka. “It always tastes better when someone else pays.”

Nico grinned as he leaned on the column. “I’ll buy you plenty more then,” He flirted.

She looked at his relaxed body and leaned back on the column. “Then you’re going to be paying for a lot then,” She hinted, watching him tilt his head. “I’m staying here for a year, so you’ll see more of me and many more completed jobs.”

“It still is a pleasure to be seein’ ya more,” Nico purred.

Shaking her head, she turned to the sea of people. “Not sure if it will be a pleasure for everyone else,” She motioned to a couple patrons looking at her in fear. “People with good eyes usually react that way,” A teasing tone could be heard in her voice.

Nico looked over to where she motioned and shrugged. “Or they see somethin’ they can’t control.”

Curious, her head tilted as she played with the rim of her still-filled glass. “Never heard a compliment like that. Let alone a compliment about this,” She referred to her split. “You are really something else, Mr. Savoy.”

“Makin’ me feel old. What happened to Nico, Cher?”

Shrugging, the cat tilted her head back, downing the drink. “Habit, I guess. People who bought me drinks were usually older,” She handed the glass to a waiter walking around the ballroom. “I guess you are older than me now that I think of it.”

His eyes narrowed before taking one last gulp from his own drink. “How old am I?”

“Twenty-seven,” She answered without hesitation. “You were born late July 1900 in New Orleans, Louisiana.”

“The hell…” His eyes widened as he waved at the bartender. “You really do yer’ research.”

“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t,” She answered as a waiter placed another shot glass into her paws.

Another drink also reached the grey tomcat. “How old are you then?” He asked.

She smiled, picking at a chip in the third shot glass. “Guess,” She raised her drink up confidently.

He stared, watching her mischievous smile. “23”

The cat choked on the alcohol in the back of her throat, and her fur spiked as she coughed. “Damn,” She coughed up the last of the alcohol. “How did you figure that one out?”

Nico laughed as he gave a shrug. “Justa’ guess, cher.”

“Damn,” Chimera laughed, wiping her mouth. “Well, I guess you’re not completely right. Once my birthday passes, then I will be 24.”

“When’s dat?” He handed off his empty glass to the waiter. “Want another?”

“No, I’ve had enough,” She raised her paw. “As for my birthday… you guessed my age. I think you can guess my birthday.”

A silence came over the pair as Nico took out a package of cigarettes and joined Chimera in her people-watching. The occasional banter between the two would lead to the two laughing as if they were old friends. However, the banter usually ended with Chimera playfully rolling her eyes at Nico’s flirting and shooting him down. Then, a particular cat caught her eye. It was Seraphine at the blackjack table, seemingly reminding her of something.

“Since I will probably be working with you more, can I ask you something?” Chimera looked up at Nico, who nodded, taking the cigarette from his mouth. “Why did you try to touch my split when we first met?”

Nico blew out the smoke into already smoke-filled air. “Luck,”

“Do you also believe that have nine lives?”  He looked down at her perplexed, only for Chimera to return to her people-watching. “You’re from Louisiana. My grandma told me how a religion down there believes I’m good luck, or at least good to be around.”

Turning back to the sea of cats, Nico nodded. “It’s true.”

“Really?” She looked up at him in surprise. “I thought she was trying to make me feel better. I guess I’m swimming in compliments today,” She jested, pushing herself off the column. “Well, I’m going to take my leave. Thank you for the drinks.”

“Yer’ not even goin’ gamble, cher?” He gestured to the tables. “We can put that good luck to the test.”

Looking towards the blackjack tables, she shook her head. “I’m not good luck,” A familiar pain ran down her back, making her rub her shoulder. “Far from it, actually.”

“Worried yer’ gonna lose?” She could already feel the smirk across his face.

“Oh no,” She laughed, facing the taller cat. “I just don’t make bets I can’t win,”

 “So, yer afraid to lose.” He tempted the shorter cat as he walked past Chimera and toward the numerous tables

Her eyes followed the tomcat as he strode over and sat at the blackjack table beside his sister. Taking one step towards the exit, she stalled, hearing cats laugh. Seraphine had seemed to win the large pile in the middle of the table. The doorway was wide open, yet she turned on her heel and walked over to the blackjack table. Her ears twitched as she took a seat beside two other players. The looks of nervousness were evident as she gave money to the dealer.

Seraphine looked up and watched Chimera gather her chips from the dealer. “Y’finally decided to play with us, cher?” The excitement was evident in her voice.

“You can thank your brother for that,” She retorted as Nico smiled playfully, rolling a chip in his paws.

“First time playing Madam?” The dealer asked.

She shook her head. “No,”

After everyone got their chips, she leaned back in the chair and observed with one paw on her chips and the other rubbing her lips. The dealer started to hand out the cards to the six cats at the table. Her brain started using probability to figure out what the dealer had. As if an invisible mouse jumped onto the table, Chimerias’ eyes darted around the table.

The dance of winning, losing, small, and bug bets lasted an hour. Chimera only made small bets, only ever losing a dollar every so often. In contrast, the Savoy siblings were heavy hitters. After several small bets and finally doubling her money, she instantly pushed all her chips forward.

“Goin’ all in, cher?” Nico pointed out how most of her chips were on the green table.

Chimera shrugged, waiting for the dealer to draw their cards. She had a 20, and based on everyone else hands, no one could beat hers. Her body relaxed as she watched the dealer reveal their number 23, over 21, meaning she had won.

The dealer collected the chips and slid them to the female cat. “You’re quite lucky,” The dealer smiled as Chimera rolled her eyes at the compliment.

Nico chuckled as he nudged his sister. “Not lucky,” Chimeras’ eyes narrowed as she growled, collecting the chips before getting up from the table. “I’m going to cash out.”

Counting the chips in her arms as she walked to the checkout, the recognizable accent was behind her. “Told ya’” She turned to see Nico with a smile across his face. While Seraphine gathered her winnings.

“What?” She asked, walking up to a cat to cash out.

“You are good luck,” He answered, leaning against the wall, watching Seraphine walk over with her winnings.

Rolling her eyes, she glared at Nico. “Your sister won a bit. Luck had nothing to do with it,” She thanked the woman as she gave her money. “You can somewhat predict people’s hands if you just count the cards.”

Nico smiled, watching his sister go to the other cat to cash out. “Yer’ sneaky, but dat don’t work every time.” He countered.

Her eyes narrowed at the unrelenting tomcat. “Okay, fine, I have a tiny bit of luck. Happy?”

“Dats a good thin’ cher,” Seraphine said with a laugh, with the cash in hand. “Especially in dis business,” She leaned on the column with her brother.

Counting the bills, Chimera shook her head. “Depends on your definition of luck,” She countered, looking up at the siblings before glancing at her watch. It was past midnight. “Merci pour cette soirée amusante. {1} However, I should get going. I have to talk to someone,” Running her paw through her messy hair, she looked towards the doorway.

“Quite late out for meetin’ someone, ain’t it?” Nico teased.

Chimera looked at the tomcat with a baffled expression. “Nico, do you remember how I knocked you on the floor of an alleyway?”

He playfully shrugged. “Remind me?”

“Well,” Chimera walked over with her hands visible, having no weapons. “You are quite handsome. It would be a shame to bruise up this face,” She reached up to brush the side of his face.

“Well-“ Nico was immediately cut off by Chimera wrapping her leg around his and pushing him, effectively tripping him.

“I think I won,” Chimera looked down at the shocked tomcat with a smirk. “And that wasn’t luck, that-”

“Unprofessional.” The deadpan voice had her look over her shoulder to see Mordecai. “Do you not realize how dirty that carpet is?”

Chimera laughed as she offered Nico a hand. “No, please tell me,” Chimera sighed as she pulled Nico up from the ‘unhygienic’ floor. “Can I talk to you through? We are working together tomorrow, and I’d like to have a plan,” She glided over to the tuxedo cat, who gave her a raised eyebrow.

“What are you talking about?” His green eyes narrowed at her. “You’re working with those two.”

Turning her head, she could see the siblings smile. “I am-?”

“If you are going to flirt openly in public, at least go to another area,” Mordecai waved her off, walking past the smaller cat towards Asa Sweets' office. “Don’t be imprudent.”

“Once you stop being impassive,” Chimeria countered.

The tuxedo only rolled his eyes before walking away into the crowd of cats, continuing to gamble and drink the night away. “Well,” Chimeria turned to face the siblings with smirks displayed on their faces. “Should I assume the plan for tomorrow is no plan?”

Nico chuckled. “Dats part of da fun, cher”

{1} Thank you for a fun evening

[randomwriter5000]

The Chimera: Part Three

Pairing: Nicodeme Savoy x OC (Can be read as Nicodeme Savoy x Reader) Warnings: Accuracies and inaccuracies about the 1920s, Nico getting stitched up, a needle, and use of Google Translate. Word Count: 2,529

Summary: The California Chimera. Born with a genetic abnormality causing her face to be split down the middle. Not only an oddity, but a source of fear for many as she is a notorious gun for hire across the United States. After a near death experience and the death of most of her family, Chimera now goes to the bustling town of St. Louis on a job. Used to other cats eyes looking at her in disgust and fear a new reaction catches her eye. A pair of cats that look at her with curiosity and wonder. One of them being Nicodeme Savoy. Could she be biting off more than she can chew with the Louisianan?

Part Three: Goin' to church

Chapter Summary: With Nico getting seeing the doctor Chimera goes off to confirm some suspicions

A laugh escaped Nico. “Prayin’ isn’t goin’ to help dis.”

Chimera's eyes scanned the streets before she Slammed down on the gas pedal again. “There is a doctor I know. I have cash on me, so you’ll be well taken care of.” With one paw on the steering wheel, she took a stack of bills out of a hidden compartment in the glove compartment with the other.

“What is he? A priest?” Nico laughed, glancing at the thick stack of five-dollar bills.

“Exactly,” Chimera blew through a stop sign before turning down a residential area. The heavy breath next to her made her eyes widen. “Hey, don’t pass out on me!” She slapped his shoulder. “Keep talking! What do you like to do?”

Readjusting himself, Nico’s eyebrows knitted together in slight pain. Yet, his smile was still constant. “Sleepin’ and eatin’ is quite nice.”

A small chuckle escaped the smaller cat as she turned again. “Come on, anything else?” Her smile was strained with nervousness. “Got anyone?”

“Nah,” He shook from the laughter escaping him. “I’m not built for dat.”

“Yeah, me either,” She admitted, scanning the streets. Seeing that they still had a distance to go, Her ears twitched in unease. “What do you like to eat?”

“Fish,” He grumbled. “Cajun.”

“Haven’t had that. It would help if you lived so that you can give me that,” A snicker escaped the taller cats’ mouth before turning down an alley. The car bumped along the bumpy road, aggravating the wound even more. “Sorry,”

Despite the night sky's darkness on the town, the white brick that lined a tall standing church shined. However, Chimera quickly turned into the back of the white church. Stopping the car suddenly in front of what looked like the church's maintenance building. Based on how much smaller it was. Leaving the keys in the ignition, she pulled the parking brake. Jumping out of the car into the chilly air, she helped the tomcat out, who was now relying entirely on her for support.

Banging on the door, Chimera shouted. “John! Mors certa, hora incerta!” {1}

“I heard!” An older Abyssinian cat opened the door and rushed her in. “Get him on the bed. I’ll get everything ready. What happened to him?”

“He was stabbed. He lost a bit of blood.” Chimera explained.

“I can see that,” the Abyssinian remarked.

She didn’t hear any witty remarks from Nico as she got him on the bed. Looking at his face, she could see how he was fighting unconsciousness. “Nico, look at me,” Chimera grabbed his face. “John is going to take care of you, alright?”

Nico laughed as the doctor came over with his tools ready to operate. “You actin’ like I’m dyin’ cher,” He bantered.

“The only thing keeping you alive is the fact that you kept the knife in. The second we take that out, you’ll bleed like a stuck pig,” John turned with gloves on his paws and quickly injected the cat with a needle.

“What’s dat?” He growled, but the injection had already gotten in.

 “To take the edge off.” The older cat answered, putting the needle back into the bag

Nicos' eyes had already begun to close. What felt like minutes was an hour as Chimeras' eyes observed as John took out the scalpel. The blood did begin to gush out like a river. Yet, John quickly stopped the bleeding and stitched the rest up. Nico barely reacted, occasionally moving his head to look around but not coordinated enough to stand.

“How is he?” She spoke up.

“The guy twisted the knife when he stabbed him. That is what caused so much bleeding. However, he is lucky it wasn’t worse,” The Abyssinian spoke, finishing the stitches. “He will be sore however he could be good to return to the Brothers of Peril.”

“He isn’t part of the BP,” Chimera corrected, walking over to see the damage. Her ears went down slightly. It was nowhere near as bad as she thought. Had she overreacted? “How long until he wakes up?”

“An hour,” John answered, looking at the sound-asleep cat, occasionally mumbling incoherently.

She nodded, walking to the door. “I have a few things to take care of,” She opened the door, and the iron smell of blood escaping was refreshing as the midnight wind went through her fur. “I’ll be back soon.”

“What about-“ Before the bronze-colored cat would finish, a stack of bills was tossed at him. His bright yellow eyes widened at the thick stack. “What else do you want?”

“Make sure he doesn’t die for one,” She spoke, looking at her watch. “Also, I need you to see where the Red Snake is.”

The Abyssinian guessed. “You were attacked by them?”

“Not necessary. However, I have a hunch. The last words of my target were that a little birdie told him I was there. That leaves two options: the Brothers of Peril or the Red Snake. I know who I’m putting my money on,” She explained, kicking the loose gravel in front of the shed.

“Are you-“

“Yes,” The black side of her face turned to face him. The jet-black fur blended into the night sky above, leaving only an amber-yellow eye filled with anger. “If he is here. I’m finishing this even if it kills me.”

“Shall I contact Glen?”

“Not now,” She turned back towards the still-running car. “When Nico wakes up, just tell him to rest until I return.”

Peering around the corner, Chimera noted the general lack of gunmen or other cats. Despite this, the eerie silence had the cat on edge. She continued her way to the all-familiar warehouse. Carefully opening the squeaky door, she dashed to the control room, where the glass and blood had yet to be cleaned. Looking around the corners, there were no unsuspecting cats or noises. Huffing, Chimera got up from the floor and began looking through the desk.

She quickly tossed random receipts and tax forms until she found what she sought. A letter torn open with a wax stamp of a red snake barely hanging on. Pulling out the letter, her eyes narrowed as she watched the handwriting tell the target how she was working with Marigold and was after him. However, there was no mention of Nico, making it clear who was the real target.

A sudden movement from the closet made her spin around with a pistol in hand, only for a rat to scurry out and into the warehouse area. Then her ears perked up, tucking the letter into her coat. She began walking towards the closet with her pistol still in hand. Looking around the corner, she noticed that the package was still untouched. It was a good-sized suitcase. Bending down to get leverage, Chimera began to lift, only to realize how heavy it was.

“What the hell is even in here?” She scowled at the bag. After several attempts, she could finally lift and carry the suitcase to the car. Occasionally taking in her surroundings.

Hearing the familiar sound of glass clinking together after shoving the suitcase into the car. Curiosity got the best of her as she unzipped the bag to reveal the stacks of gin tucked neatly into the suitcase. “That explains it,” She rolled her eyes before sipping it back up.

Hopping into her blue car, she sighed, starting up the engine. Driving out of the alley, she leaned her head into her paw, suppressing the rising yawn. Her oddly colored eyes were red from the lack of sleep. However, they were still alert as she looked at the streets. Her eyes widened, seeing a payphone with no one behind her. She lightly hit the brake. Pulling out a paper from the glove box, it had a New York number signed by Glen with the comment ‘call me anytime.’

Shaking her head, Chimera shoved the paper back into the glove box and continued down the lonely streets. A couple minutes passed as she drove the familiar roads back to the white church. This time, going over the bumps carefully. Pulling up near the shed, she hopped out, rubbing her eyes from the sleep gathering. Standing in front of the rickety door, she knocked.

“Mors certa, hora incerta” {1}

Blinking, Nicos' yellow eyes looked around. His head felt as if it had been overtaken by alcohol. Feeling his side, he could feel the heavy bandages and wound underneath that was tender to the touch. Pushing himself up, he rubbed his face from sleep.

“Good, you’re alive,” A deep voice spoke. Turning, Nico could see the tall Abyssinian with his back to him. “Chimera will be back soon.”

“What you give me?” Nico groaned, shaking his head from the drugs.

“A sedative, it helps with blood loss. Your stitches can come out in a week, but if you insist on working, attempt to take it easy,” John spoke as he put a couple of papers into a file. “However, my protest will probably fall on deaf ears if you are anything like Chimera.”

A chuckle came from the injured cat. “Dat her real name?

Johns’ yellow eyes rolled. “Yes, a parent named their child Chimera, which in most religions is considered a demon,” He walked over to the injured cat, looking closely into his eyes. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out some pills. “Looks like the drugs are wearing off. Take some painkillers.”

Not protesting, Nico took the pills and water. “What are you?”

“I’m a priest,” He began sitting on a chair, looking at the clock in the corner of the dusty room.

“A doctor priest?”

Huffing, the Abyssinians glared at the window. “What are you getting at?”

“Straight to point, huh?”

The cat leaned forward on the chair. “I’d rather us not run around in circles as you try to figure out how I am involved or who I am.”

“Well,” Nico groaned, adjusting himself to sit up. “Who are ya then?”

“I’m a retired gun for hire for the Brothers of Peril who had an incline to the medical field. I was also a mentor for them for a time.” The words rolled off his tongue. “I’m also the person you have to thank for living.”

Nicos' ears twitched at the seriousness of the older cat. Funny enough, he kind of reminded him of Mordecai. “Well, thank you, mon ami. How shall I pay you?”

Johns’ eyes narrowed. “Chimera already took care of that,” He looked out the window and began muttering. “I guess I can’t take all the credit. Chimera did get you here alive, which always helps. Tell me, Mr. Savoy. I have heard of your reputation. Why were you working with Chimera?”

Nico looked down at the wound as the painkillers began to work. “Justa’ coincidence,” He answered. However, the older cat didn’t seem pleased with the answer as he pulled a knife out. “Goin’ to kill me? I was planin’ on gettin’ the package, and she knocked me off of my feet,” He elaborated as the doctor twirled a knife in his hand.

The Abyssinian continued as he looked down at the sliver blade. “You don’t find it suspicious that you were shot at and stabbed?”

“Part of de job,” Nico shrugged before lights poured into the shed from the outside.

The Abyssinian got up and walked to the door. “Your savior is back,” He grumbled.

“Mors certa, hora incerta,” Spoke as the door opened quickly to reveal John with his knife. She took a glance at Nico in the background with his typical smirk. “Thank you for keeping him alive and not gutting him.”

“Took all I had,” He allowed the female cat in as she walked over to Nico.

“How are you feeling?”

“Wonderful Cher,” He smiled, taking note of the Abyssinians’ tail swishing around angrily.

Looking back at the older cat behind her, Chimera rolled her eyes. “Good. Where can I take you back to?” Holding out her hand for him to take.

He groaned as he got up from the mattress. “The Maribel Hotel,” He answered. “Thanks doc, for stitchin’ me up,” He waved at the Abyssinian as Chimera guided him to the car.

“Esperarte,” John spoke with narrowed eyes. “Necesito hablar contigo,” His golden eyes bore into Chimeras different colored ones. {2}

“Porque?” Chimeras' head tilted as Nico looked between the two unknowingly. “El no habla Espanol.” {3}

Turning away, the older cat muttered. “Ven aca,” Walking back into the maintenance building, the cat motioned for Chimera to follow him. {4}

The sound of a lighter made her look over her shoulder to see Nico liting as ciergate. “I’ll be back. You can look at the package in the back,” She motioned to the backseat, only for Nico to look at her confused. “Take it as a thank you for shooting that guy,” She chuckled, closing the door behind her.

Walking back into the small maintenance building, Chimera approached the makeshift desk. “Did you already find out some information?”

“Somewhat,” He started pulling out a couple files of burglaries and under-the-counter deals. “The Red Cnake is in Canada,” he handed her a file.

Groaning, Chimera took the file. “Are you sure?”

“My source is good,” He answered, noticing the narrowed eyes of the younger cat. “However, my source also said he will be awhile until he returns.”

“How long is awhile?” She coaxed.

“A year”

Chimera tucked the file into her coat before rubbing her head. “Thank you, John,” Despite the frustration in her voice, she smiled at the older cat.

Feeling another set of eyes on her, she looked out the window to see Nico on the passenger side, who gave her a cheeky smile. Nothing could help the smile that formed on her face. “If that is all, I’ll be off.”

As she turned, John spoke up. “What do you think of him?” John asked while his amber eyes squinted at the grey cat.

“Nico?” She looked at John. “Good fighter, pretty funny, and doesn’t run away in fear when he sees me, so that’s nice,” She answered broadly, only for the older cat to laugh.

The Abyssinians' eyes looked at Chimera. “It is good to have friends, especially after the year we’ve had,” A somber tone overtook the shed. “However, I insist that you watch your back. Things are changing at a fast pace.”

“I know,” Chimera nodded, walking to the door. “I’ll see you around, Crimson,”

Laughing, John got up. “I’m retired. That name is the past.”

“Still can’t forget my mentor’s name,” She smiled softly before opening the door and walking to the car.

“Good talk with the doc?” Nicos’ demeanor seemed to return as he put out his cigarette.

Chimera suppressed her yawn as she hopped into the drivers' side. “Yeah,” She nodded pulling the blue ford out of the church parking lot and began driving. “Everything good in the package?”

“Yeah,” He hung his arm out to the chilly air. “Now, will you let me buy you a drink, cher?”

She could see his smug expression from the corner of her eye, only making her chuckle. “Once you get your eyes checked.”

{1} Death is certain, its hour is uncertain {2} Wait…I need to talk to you {3} Why?... He doesn’t speak Spanish {4} Come here

[randomwriter5000]

The Chimera: Part Two

Pairing: Nicodeme Savoy x OC (Can be read as Nicodeme Savoy x Reader) Warnings: Violence, PTSD, Nightmares, Unhealthy coping mechanisms, accuracies and inaccuracies about the 1920s, Nico getting stabbed, and use of Google Translate. Word Count: 3,511

Summary: The California Chimera. Born with a genetic abnormality causing her face to be split down the middle. Not only an oddity, but a source of fear for many as she is a notorious gun for hire across the United States. After a near death experience and the death of most of her family, Chimera now goes to the bustling town of St. Louis on a job. Used to other cats eyes looking at her in disgust and fear a new reaction catches her eye. A pair of cats that look at her with curiosity and wonder. One of them being Nicodeme Savoy. Could she be biting off more than she can chew with the Louisianan?

Part Two: I'm so sorry

Chapter Summary: The demons of the past can haunt you no matter what.

On the outskirts of the city, large brick houses lined the street. A distinctive blue ford sat parked near the curb of one of the taller houses. One of the smaller windows of the house had an orange glow. Inside, Chimera yawned as she looked down at her watch. It was three in the morning. Rubbing the brown tabby side of her face, she groaned, looking around the small room.

Despite its size, it was decorated with large oak furniture, some small knickknacks, and a single painting of a flower shop above the bed. Sighing, Chimera laid her head on the desk, suppressing a yawn as she continued to read. A single light illuminated the small room, revealing the scribbled handwriting on the papers.

 Peter Hill, Johnathan Pope, and Colin Moore were the names her half-lidded eyes glazed over. All of them were indebted to Asa Sweet. This meant a simple intimidation for the first two. However, a message needed to be sent to the third due to his communication with a prohibition officer. Any information about the prohibition officer would be handy for Asa. Meaning extra money in her pocket.

Despite her determination, Chimeras' eyes had grown heavy, and the paper in her hand had floated to the floor. Tiny snores came from the cat's mouth as sleep overcame her. Yet what was on the other side wasn’t the peaceful sleep she longed for.

Blinking, a fog somehow rolled into the room. Looking around, she noticed the mist coming from under the door leading to the hallway. Walking to the door, Chimera held her gun to her side and opened the door. Her head tilted in confusion as its creaky hinges revealed a warehouse. Seeing no enemies, she walked through. Once her whole body was through, the door slammed shut. Her differently colored eyes widened. Shaking her head rapidly, she dashed back to the door and pulled at the handle.

Pushing, turning, kicking, and hitting the knob did nothing to open the door. Then, a horsed voice caused a chill to run down to the tip of her tail. “You can’t escape where you were supposed to die,”

Turning, a cat with short fur with a similar coloration as the tabby side of her face was standing with a gun. However, half of his body was burned to a crisp, and the tips of his fur were ablaze. “Nick…” She gasped, backing up, trying to get away.

“How dare you leave me to die?” Nick growled, his single green eyes glaring at her.

Pulling out her gun, Chimera aimed. “I didn’t want-“

“How dare you let me get shot!?” Another cat appeared near Chimera.

This cat had bright amber eyes, the same tabby coloration except a few shades darker. His whole chest was riddled with bullet holes, with a couple bullet holes in his head that poured blood down his face. Running away, Chimera pulled out her gun and shot at the thin warehouse windows, but no bullets came out. Frantically pulling the trigger multiple times, she threw the weapon in frustration. Turning back to the two mortally wounded cats she broke down into ears.

“I’m sorry, Nick,” The cat cried, shoving her paws into her lengthy hair, matching her odd coloration. “I’m sorry Ben, I’m so sorry,” She sobbed tearfully, gazing back at the two mangled cats.

“That isn’t enough,” Bens’ distorted voice only made her cry harder as she scrambled to escape.

Only to run into a pair of cats. A female calico with amber eyes whose body was littered with tire tracks, with a single bullet to the head. While the other was a tomcat with a repeating brown tabby coloration. No injuries were evident except the single bullet hole in the head. “This is your curse as a Chimera,” The male tabby spoke, pulling out a gun.

“Mommy, Daddy, no!” She shouted, running away only to be tripped by Nick.

Attempting to escape, she looked up to see Nick with his gun aimed at her. “Times up,”

“No!” She screamed as the gunshot went off right into her chest.

Jolting awake, Chimera gasped as the air from her lungs seemed to escape her. The sudden jolt had her tumbling out of the wooden chair. A loud thud reverberated throughout the room as she scrambled on the floor. Chimeras' eyes darted around the room as her claws dug into the wooden flooring. Her head jerked to the papers on the floor as she panted frantically for air. Despite the familiarity, the feeling of death plagued her mind as she looked down at the nonexistent wound on her chest. Minutes passed, staring off into space, only for a knock to make her jump.

“Mija,” A woman's soft voice spoke. “Are you awake?”

“Y-yes, Yaya!”  Chimera scrambled to get up. “I’ll be down soon,” Gathering the papers quickly, she rubbed her watery eyes. “Your fine, your fine. No crying. You're fine, you’re alive. There is no reason for sadness.” She muttered, shoving the papers into the file.

Spinning, she caught herself in the full-length mirror attached to the oak dresser. Her hair was an unruly mess, and her clothes were wrinkled. Walking over to the oak dresser, she pulled out a pair of work pants and a shirt. Shoving her feet into the boots, she brushed out her long hair before securing it tightly on her head. Taking a breath, she took the coat off the rack and slipped into it. Keeping her head down as she walked into the hallway, she secured her weapons. The hallway was decorated with numerous pictures of the cats that plagued her dreams.

Shuffling down the stairs, the smell of eggs filled the air. Looking up from Chimera boots, she turned the corner with excitement. The older calico smiled as she set out two plates of food across from each other. “Hola, Mija,” The calico smiled, putting a single rose in a vase in the middle of the table. “I made a couple omelets.”

The younger cat's shoulders relaxed ever so slightly. “Gracias, Yaya,” Chimera smiled, hugging the elderly cat before sitting across from her with the file beside her. “Donde esta Yayo?” {1}

“Oh, you know him and his retirement fishing,” She laughed. “You should join him. You were always good at catching fish.” She smiled until a thought popped into her head. “Oh! He wanted me to tell you to talk to Father John and give him those weapons.”

Chimera nodded as she was already scarfing down the omelet. “Okay.”

A silence came over the two as they ate. However, the older woman was determined to start another conversation. “You met with Mr. Sweet last night, right?”

“Yes, polite man,” Chimera curtly explained until she grinned. “Clearly has a sweet tooth from the candies on his desk.”

The older calico laughed as her yellow eyes looked out to the front yard to the blue ford. “He has always had one,” Turning back, she took note of the file. “What do you need to do?”

Opening the file, Chimera pushed it towards Yaya. “Intimidation and an example. Pretty simple. I’ve already figured that the first two will be easy to intimidate. The third is pretty easy to find. I should be done by the end of the week. Then we will see what happens.”

Putting on her glasses, the cat read the documents carefully. “How do you plan to intimidate them?”

“They are devoted Catholics. Seeing me will probably be enough,” She motioned, her face split seemingly as a joke. “I got some other methods through. They are prominent members of their communities, and I’m sure they wouldn’t want their private affairs exposed.”

Nodding, she took off her glasses and handed the file back. “It will be fine,” The older calico returned to the omelet. Looking down at her half-eaten food, Chimera sighed as she could see her face on the porcelain. “What is it, Mija?”

“Did you ever think I was cursed at any moment in my life?” Chimera looked up with her tired eyes. “Everything that-“

“No,” Yaya answered immediately. “You are a normal child. The great books might say that you aren’t, but they were written by men, and men make plenty of mistakes. No matter what those great books say or what the people say. You are not cursed.”

Pushing her eggs, Chimera was unconvinced as she chuckled. “I'm 23. I'm not a kid anymore.”

“Many close-minded people will think you are cursed, but never let them win by thinking that,” Yaya continued until she looked at her granddaughter's face. “You know… in many cultures, you are seen as a blessing. I heard people in Louisiana they believe Chimera cats are blessings.”

Her ears perked up. “Louisiana?”

“Yes, some people believe in a religion that says that you are good luck and a blessing to anyone you are around,” The older cat chirped as she got up from the table and shuffled to the sink. “There is also a saying that you have nine lives.”

Chimera chuckled, forcing down the last bite of the omelet into her uneasy stomach. “I didn’t know more people believe in that nine lives superstition,” She added as she got up and helped the dishes into the sink. “Wait, how do you know this, Yaya?”

“Oh! You learn a lot when you’re a bookkeeper, Mija!” Yaya smiled, taking the plate from her granddaughter.

Chuckling, Chimera walked over to the table and gathered the papers. “I’ll probably be out late, Yaya. Please don’t stay up,” She spoke, tucking the documents into her coat and walking to the front door. “I’m off-“

“Wait,” Yaya spoke up, hurrying over to the door. “Are you really okay, Mija?”

Chimeras' ears twitched. “What do you mean?”

“You know I heard the thud upstairs,” She began, her voice laced with concern. “I know it has been hard after Nickolaus and Benjamin-“

“I’m fine!” Chimera hissed abruptly. Instantly, her ears went back in fear. “I’m sorry, Yaya. I’m just tired… but that is no reason for curtness. I promise to get more sleep after I get these jobs done.”

A sigh left the older calico. “Fine…” The grandmother dragged, unconvinced. “Dinner will be in the fridge when you get home.”

“Gracias, te amo,” Chimera waved with a fake smile as she walked out to the blue ford.

The older cat smiled back, watching her granddaughter hop into the car and drove off. The engine roared as she went down the street. Chimera claws dug into the steering wheel. The dark leather was already worn from numerous other claw indentations.

“You're fine, you’re alive. There is no reason for sadness.” She spoke to no one, as her claw dug deeper into the leather as she drove.

“Please, please just take the money,” A dusty brown cat cried, cowering in the corner as a looming figure counted multiple bills. “Just let me live, please.”

Rolling her different colored eyes, Chimera tucked the money into a suitcase neatly. “Do you really believe that I can send you to hell?” She asked seriously, closing the suitcase.

“Y-you broke into my place of business, disabled all my weapons, and could overpower me easily! I have no choice but to think you’re a demon!” He shouted fearfully. “You all know all the sins I committed!”

Chimera let out a long sigh as she rubbed her split and muttered to herself. “People are way too gullible,” Taking the suitcase and slinging her rifle over her shoulder, she began to walk out of the room. “Watch your back, Mr. Pope,” She smiled. The black side of her face caused an eerie chill to run down the man's back as he continued to sob.

Dashing out of the building, Chimera took twists and curves around the building before arriving at her car. Tossing the suitcase into the back, she took out a journal and crossed out the name with a pen while also writing down the money earned. Only one more was left. Closing the journal and tucking it into the seat, she started the engine.

With the calming sound of the engine filling the streets, Chimera looked up at the moon hanging high in the air. “Yaya is probably worried,” She spoke to no one as she fiddled with the worn leather.  

Chimera carefully turned into the industrial heart of St Louis. It was the perfect hideout, filled with warehouses, factories, and dozens of alleyways. Unless you were being followed by mercenaries, who were paid to kill you. After backing into a tight alleyway, Chimera got out and carefully started walking toward the factory.

From some subtle info she had gotten a day ago, the man was meeting with the prohibition agent tonight in this factory. She could get that bonus if she could eavesdrop and then make an example of that man. Nodding to herself, the warehouse was in sight. However, a noise made her stop and dash to the safety of an alley.

With her tail stilled, every step she made was deliberate and careful until she got around the corner and saw a cat. Her ears perked as she saw the tomcat. He was around 6 feet, muscled, but she couldn’t make out his face. Their ears twitched, signaling they heard her. Hiding once again, she prepared for her fight. She listened as the person came closer and closer. Then she lunged. Knocking out his gun, she disarmed him.

Despite the apparent size difference, Chimera could skillfully toss the man on the floor. “State-“ She cut herself off by seeing the familiar yellow eyes. “Nico?”

“Why, hello there, cher,” A smirk splayed across his face. “Y’caught me quite off guard there.”

Sheathing her claws, she let go of his arm only to look down at him perplexed. “What are you-“ The noise of a door opening caused her to immediately slap her hand over Nicos' mouth and listen carefully.

“Where is this officer? I thought you said he would be here by now,”

“He will be here.”

“…Are you sure this is the right thing? Marigold has been good to us.”

“We don’t have any other choice,” The man hissed as the door was shut, signaling they walked back into the warehouse.

‘There are at least two, a witness who can be tied. I’ll just wait for the officer,’ She thought, her eyes staring out into space, causing Nico to look at her with a head tilt. “What are you here for?” She whispered, snapping out of her thoughts and holding her hand for him to take.

Smiling as she helped pull him up, he readjusted the wraps on his arms. “I’m here to gather a package,”

“Package?” She prodded. “Are you sure? Because someone I need to make an example out of is here,”

“Aw, you worried ‘bout me?” He chuckled as he casually took his gun back from her.

His carefree attitude seemed to baffle the oddly colored cat. “There’s something wrong, Nico,” She insisted as an uneasy feeling ran through her spine.

Shrugging, the grey cat led the way toward the door. “I’ll be safe with y‘round.”

“I’m not some magic charm-“ She huffed, rubbing her split. “Never mind, where exactly is your package?”

“Top floor. Control room,” Nico pointed to the room above them.

Her ear twitched in thought as she inspected the window. “That’s where the meeting is for who I need…” She muttered, watching the light illuminating the control room flicker. “Let’s work together.”

“Well, that would be a pleasure,” He remarked as Chimera slowly opened the door and prepared for what was ahead.

Perhaps she had underestimated the nonchalant cat. The two had gotten to the control room without a scratch or alerting anyone. Nico had reached the package while Chimera had her ear pressed against the door, gathering information from the prohibition officer and the target. As she took some notes on her notepad, she would occasionally look over at Nico, who would give either a thumbs up or a gun motion.

Fighting the urge to smile, she continued to write down notes. A couple of minutes passed as she could hear the officer take his leave. She could see him drive off through the single window while her target stayed in the room. She quietly opened the door with barbed wire garrote in hand and stepped carefully. Only for the target to quickly turn with a gun trained on her.

“I knew you were here,” He began keeping his gun trained on her. Attempting to circle, the cat barked at Chimera. “Don’t even think of running.”

She paused before standing up straighter. “I thought someone like you would have done your research. I have never left a job unfinished. That means this only ends with one of us living,” She continued to circle. “Or are you giving me a higher price?”

The cat laughed as he now had his back turned to the closet. “Does that really happen?”

“Occasionally,” She sighed, watching as the closet door opened slowly by Nico. “How did you know I was here?”

“A little birdy told me,” he answered as Nico got ready with a stranglehold.

Her eyes narrowed in annoyance. “Please, be more specific.”

“Like I-“ Nico quickly got the cat in a stranglehold. Rushing over, Chimera jabbed the cat's arm, effectively disarming him and taking away his only weapon.

Before shooting the man in the stomach, the thundering sound of heavy footsteps had her ears stand straight. Spinning around, another gunman had rushed over. She aimed and shot the man with only two shots. A sudden grunt of pain caused her to whip her head back around. Strands of her multicolored hair came undone from its bun. The target had somehow pushed Nico off. Without a second thought, Chimera shot the target in the head. Her job was complete. Now, it's time to escape.

She dropped the gun to the floor and glanced at the significantly taller cat. “Nico-shit,” Her eyes widened, watching the blood seep into his white shirt from the knife. “Do not pull that out.” She ordered and looked at the knife lodged in his stomach.

Before getting a better look, a gunshot rang out, shattering the windows in the office. Ducking behind the desk for cover. Laughing, Nico pulled out his pistol in an attempt to shoot.

“Get down!” Chimera yanked him down as he continued holding his side.

“I can handle-“

“What are you going to do?” She interrupted, getting her rifle in hand. “Your sultry accent and handsome face aren’t going to help here,” Chimera chided as she moved to the corner.

A snicker left the injured cat’s mouth. “Handsome?”

Seemingly not listening, Chimera peered the corner and thought up a plan. A bullet whizzed past her face. Undeterred, she took aim and fired. The man fell to the ground. Using the scope, she watched as more people were appearing. As the scope focused, she noted more people coming into the building. Peering to her right side, she saw the door ready to run out and into the alleyway.

“Nico, can you run?” She looked at the cat, who still displayed a smile.

“Yeah,” He nodded, already getting up, the pain seemingly not affecting him.

She led the way down the alleyway, pulling him along. “We are going to take my car. No complaining.” She decided as she scanned the area. “My car isn’t far.”

Looking back, she could hear a commotion, causing her to pull Nico along faster. The relief she felt seeing the blue car was indescribable. After putting Nico on the passenger side, she ran to the driver's side. However, her pace was halted by her face being slammed into the glass. Twisting her body, she was able to elbow the cat. Freeing her from their hold on her head. Unknown to Chimera, they were swift enough to slam her into the alleyway's brick wall.

One of the cat’s hands was on her throat, pin-like claws dug into her fur. While the other held a knife, attempting to lodge it into her neck. Both of Chimera’s hands were occupied, trying not to get her throat clawed or cut open. Unleashing her claws, hoping she could draw blood, her nails only caught the rugged leather clothing.

Then, that familiar accent appeared. “I got ‘im!” A man holding the oddly colored cat turned only to meet a gunshot to the forehead.

Coughing, Chimera looked up to see Nico with a strained smile as he returned to holding his side. “I guess my sultry voice helps for somethin’.”

Jumping into the car, she started up the engine. “I guess it’s not just for you getting women,” she muttered, the dry humor rolling off her tongue like a series of numbers.

The car roared down the alleyway as she slammed on the gas pedal and ended up on the road. Her eyes scanned the streets, seemingly already following a plan.

“Where we goin’?” Nico hissed, applying pressure to the wound.

“We’re going to church.”

{1} Thank you, Grandma. Where is Grandpa?

Side note: Yaya and Yayo are the names that Chimera calls her grandmother and grandfather.

[randomwriter5000]

The Chimera: Part One

Pairing: Nicodeme Savoy x OC (Can be read as Nicodeme Savoy x Reader) Warnings: Violence, accuracies and inaccuracies about the 1920s, gambling, drinking, and use of Google Translate. Word Count: 1,965

Summary: The California Chimera. Born with a genetic abnormality causing her face to be split down the middle. Not only an oddity, but a source of fear for many as she is a notorious gun for hire across the United States. After a near death experience and the death of most of her family, Chimera now goes to the bustling town of St. Louis on a job. Used to other cats eyes looking at her in disgust and fear a new reaction catches her eye. A pair of cats that look at her with curiosity and wonder. One of them being Nicodeme Savoy. Could she be biting off more than she can chew with the Louisianan?

Part One: Could I buy you a drink, Cher?

Chapter Summary: This job should be a easy said and done. That's what they said...

St Louis Missouri, in the heart of America, the city attracted people from far and wide. From the successful businessmen of the decade to the average tomcat looking for a better life, cats came far and wide met and lived in the city. A blue ford drove down the long, empty freeway with the moon high in the night sky. Tapping the wheel, the cat looked down at a map on her lap. Black ink circled the Maribel Hotel. The high-class hotel doubled as a speakeasy for anyone who knew the password to get in.

Looking back up at the road, her nails fiddled with the paper of a single Marigold Flower bright as the sun. Eventually getting off the seemingly never-ending freeway, the car drove down busier roads. Until she could see the ‘Maribel Hotel’ sign. The shiny coat of paint wasn’t what caught the attention of the patrons outside of the Maribel Hotel. The cat driving caught the most attention. With long flowing hair, the cat’s face was far from ordinary. The right side of her face was one of a standard dusty brown tabby with a green eye. Yet, on the left was a black cat with a single yellow eye.

Parking between two other expensive cars, she turned off the engine. Swinging the door open her heavy leather boots hit the asphalt, revealing her attire. Readjusting her coat to cover the gun holstered on her side and knife on the other. An attendant apprehensively stepped towards the cat, only for her to walk to him and stuff his pocket with ten dollars.

“I’ll only be here for twenty minutes,” She spoke, passing him as her oddly colored eyes scanned the area.

She casually gilded to the large double doors without looking at the attendant. Her boots thumped as she walked down a staircase towards another highly decorated door. Whispers could be heard as she held up the paper with a marigold flower, only for the attendants to hurriedly open the door.

The smell of smoke mixed with alcohol and lively jazz filled the air. Yes, this was the speakeasy. The cats’ eyes didn’t linger as she approached the high roller roulette table. Passing the guard without a care, the golden cat with green eyes looked up at her with raised eyebrows as she walked in.

Letting out a bellowing laugh, waving the guard off. The cat took a puff of his cigar. “You’re not afraid people will attack you, Chimera?”

“I think they’re more afraid of me, Mr. Sweet,” She looked at the surrounding patrons, who were indeed scared based on their ears tucked flat onto the skull. “Catholic?” Her head tilted, pointing at one of the frightened patrons, who nodded. “Figured.”  

Looking down at the chips, she picked one up and tapped it. “Now, you want to lose to me, or do you want to talk business?”

He chuckled, getting up from his seat followed by two, what could be assumed, bodyguards. Following behind the three, she took in the scenery as they guided her down a hallway. Everything had marigolds someplace. The carpet was decorated with marigold flowers. The wallpaper had marigold flowers with some leaves surrounding him. Pausing outside a heavy wooden door, also decorated with marigolds, the door was quickly opened for them to walk in. Asa Sweet took his seat on a red plush chair while Chimera sat across, not even a hint of fear on her face as she watched the cat tap his cigar.

“What is your real name?” He asked, the glow from the cigar lighting up his eyes.

“None of your concern,” She answered quickly.

Asa let out a bellowing laugh. “I see why you and Mordecai like each other,” He smiled, putting the cigar between his fingers. “I’m sure you were already informed that you’ll be dealing with a couple people who have been a real thorn in my side.” He spoke while taking out a file.

Taking the file, she looked at the content. “You’re not going after Lackadaisy?” She spoke, reading over the file and confirming the information. “I’m surprised. I heard how a couple of kids were able to escape Mordecai.”

“They're not much younger than you,” Her ear twitched as her eyes looked up at him curiously, only for him to chuckle. “You’re what 21? 20?”

A smile spread across the face of the Chimera. “Again, none of your concern,” She looked back at the file. “This is all?”

“That’s all the information that my men have gathered,” He confirmed as his bodyguard leaned down to his ear and began to whisper.

Her ears perked up as she could hear the whispered conversation. His workers were coming. “I’ll be taking my leave then. Get your money ready for the end of the week,” She stood from the comfy chair and walked to the door, only for the guard to give her an odd look as her single yellow eye looked at him. “The Brothers of Peril, thank you for your business.” The dark side of her face was only viable to Asa as the single eye bared into him.

“Pleasure is all mine,” He smiled joyfully.

Stepping out, she tucked the file into her coat. Used to the constant high temperatures of the West Coast, the cat hadn’t gotten used to the chill in the Missouri air. Taking out her knife and putting her hands into her pockets, she fiddled with the sharp blade as her eyes stared into the distance as she devised a plan. Until a familiar tuxedo cat turned the corner. The Chimeras' ears perked up as he caught a glance of her. Her mouth couldn’t help but smile as his eyes twitched angrily. Marching over, Chimera couldn’t help but laugh as he reached for his holster.

“Don’t worry, I’m not after you, Mordecai,” She stood before the taller cat. “Lackadaisy can’t afford to hire us anymore,” Glancing at the two taller cats behind him, her eyes narrowed slightly as the duo seemed to stare at her.

Their gaze wasn’t in fear. The reaction she was used. It wasn’t disgust, the second most common reaction. Curiosity, it seemed to be, a rare sight to see from people.

Mordecai readjusted his glasses. “What are you doing here then?”

“Asa has hired The Brothers of Peril for a couple jobs. Perhaps I’ll see you around,” Her ear turned as she heard the two chatted amongst themselves.

They were speaking another language. Some of the words Chimera could decipher were French, but it was nowhere close to the traditional French she knew. Mordecai seemed to notice the swivel in her ears. “Don’t even bother trying to understand them,” He scoffed, walking off towards Asa’s office.

Turning to look at the duo, her brain scanned every language. It wasn’t French. However, some of the words were the same. Meaning a language that was derived from French. Based on their accents, they were from the south, leaving only Creole. She stared at the duo for a few seconds before she spoke.

“Creole?” She shot, watching their faces turn on a dime. She reached out her hand. “Chimera, pleasure.”

The woman shook her hand. “Sarafine,”

“Nico,” The Louisianan drawl that rolled off their tongues made her ears ever so slightly twitch with interest.  

“Nice to put faces to the Savoy siblings,” Chimera looked between the two, seeing the siblings’ similarities, however, her eyes narrowed as Nico came closer.  

“Is that…?” Nico reached out, his paw reaching for her forehead where the split met.

Gripping his paw, she twisted it painfully, her eyes narrowed as she hissed. “I do not care for-“

“Miss!” She heads whipped to see the attendant from earlier fearfully walk up to her. “A-are you the one with a blue ford? People would like to talk to you,” He awkwardly asked.

She already knew what they meant. “Shit,” She let go of Nico and dashed outside.

Slipping through the crowds of people like a fish in water, it only took her a few seconds to make it out to the front of the building. Breathing in the chilly night hair, she immediately spotted the problem. Two cats were leaning on her car, clearly unfriendly based on the guns shining from the moonlight at their sides. As she walked towards the two men, Chimeras' differently colored eyes were focused on a pin on their collars. A red snake.

“Well…” She walked towards them, her hands in her pockets where her knife was ready. “What a desperate attempt at a threat.”

Two guns were pulled, yet she didn’t seem scared as she walked forward. “Red snake sent us.” One of the men spoke.

Looking at her car and back at the cat, she questioned. “What do you have in mind?”

“How about we go for a rid-“ As he opened the door, Chimera slammed the door on his arm.

Letting out a scream, she grabbed his gun and threw it at the other, attempting to aim. Holding his nose, she took out her knife and struck him against his temple. Effectively knocking the cat out, hearing a click, her ear turned, looking over her shoulder to see the man had escaped the snare trap on his arm and charged at Chimera with a tire iron. Expertly dodging, she used the knife to trip him into her car, dropping the tire iron.

She took the weapon and hit him in the knee and shoulder. A distinct crack sounded through the street before dropping it. “Tell that damn snake that we will kill him if he keeps this up,” She growled, slamming his head into the car, leaving a mark. “And this,” She slammed the man's head into the car one last time before allowing him to slump to the ground. “-is for denting my car,” then a final hit to a temple rendered the man unconscious.

Standing up straight, the cat panted, looking down at the damage. Chimeras’ heart raced as she allowed the blade to escape the flip knife. “No…” She muttered to herself, looking up at the starry night sky. “Not now-“

“That is some damn fine fightin’!” The familiar Louisianan drawl made her head dart to her side to see Sarafine and Nico.

Her eyes did little to hide the shock as she panted. “Thank you,” She muttered, leaning over the bodies to gather the weapons they had on them.

She could hear footsteps approaching as she dragged the weapons behind her. Tossing the guns into the backseat, she kept a close hand on the tire iron. Closing the door, she turned to see Nico leaning on the blue ford with a charming smile. Her eyes narrowed while her head tilted in confusion.

“Could I buy you a drink, Cher?”

She laughed, passing the taller cat. “You need to get some glasses,” She walked to her driver’s side, where Nico leaned through her passenger side window, as his sister was behind him with a similar smile. “It was a pleasure to meet the both of you. However, I have to get to work,” She calmly spoke as she started the engine.

“Au revoir, mon ami,” Sarafine smiled. {1}

Chimera smiled, shifting the car. “Au revoir, prends soin de toi,” She turned, backing up the car onto the road and off into the darkness. {2}

The eldest sibling watched until something, more correctly, someone, hit him in the head. “Da hell is wrong with ya?! Touchin a Chimera like dat!?”

“It just happened!” Nico growled, only for his sisters' eyes to sharpen. “Oh, come on, you wanted to talk to her too!”

Rolling her eyes at her brother, she looked where the car had driven off into the night. “Maitre Carrefour seems to have given us a gift.”

{1} Goodbye, my friend {2} Goodbye, take care of yourself