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But it's so powerful! Who is speaking? What do they want? Who is lucky? WHY are they lucky? :O So much mystery! The last sentence I wrote well...you can probably guess where it's from ;)

"Stop fighting me!”

Thanks for the tag @scarletfish8eta! @whumpsmith @overdoseofanimation @writinglittlepains your turn! xx

Writing game: post the last sentence you wrote and tag a person for each word

Tagged by @bibliophilea!

Original post was getting long so you can see it here.

Wow I haven’t written in a while. The most recent was a comic, so you’re getting the last line of that comic.

You’re making this more difficult for me.

Nice and short! Uhhh who should I tag. One for each word? Oh boy.

Let’s tag @imakemywings @tundra-tiger @misstooni @thedreadblog @prydoniantrash @astatia-ghast @jackdaw-sprite

If any of y’all have been tagged already, feel free to ignore!

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Huge congrats buddy! Thanks so much for being on this journey with me. So glad we could support each other throughout! Go check out their work, it's amazing and deserves love and attention xx

Whumpay 2025

Prompts and rules

Day 1 - Used as a Weapon Day 2 - Hostage Situation Day 3 - Crucifixion Day 4 - Toxic Relationship Day 5 - Incapable of Disobeying Day 6 - Muzzled

Day 7 - Psychic Link Day 8 - Immortality Day 9 - Magic Overuse Day 10 - Loss of Power Day 11 - Truth Serum Day 12 - Aftermath of Possession

Day 13 - Allergic Reaction Day 14 - Flu/Fever Day 15 - Forgetting to Eat Day 16 - Tonsillitis Day 17 - Financial Trouble Day 18 - Falling Out

Day 19 - "Don't make me choose." Day 20 - "Let them go!" Day 21 - "They'll be fine... Right?" Day 22 - "I've got you." Day 23 - "Please don't leave me." Day 24 - "I don't want to scare you, but..." "You're hurting me!" (Alt)

Day 25 - Character Death Day 26 - Funeral Day 27 - Resurrection Day 28 - Grief Day 29 - Time Loop Day 30 - Mistaken For Dead Day 31 - Self-Sacrifice

Other masterlists:

Medwhump May 2024 AI-less Whumptober 2024

Main account

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With the successful completion of Whumpay and a request to group work into Masterlists, I have finally decided to do just that for both Whumptober2024 and Whumpay2025. The links are all below to access each piece. I hope you all enjoy and thank you so much for the support x

Whumpay 2025 Master List (completed each prompt, no alternates, including collab pieces with friends :))

Day 1: Used as a Weapon

Day 2: Hostage Situation

Day 3: Crucifixion

Day 4: Toxic Relationship

Day 5: Incapable of Disobeying

Day 6: Muzzled

Day 7: Psychic Link

Day 8: Immortality

Day 9: Magic Overuse

Day 10: Loss of Power

Day 11: Truth Serum

Day 12: Aftermath of Possession

Day 13: Allergic Reaction

Day 14: Fever

Day 15: Forgetting to Eat

Day 16: Tonsillitis

Day 17: Financial Trouble

Day 18: Falling Out

Day 19: "Don't make me choose!"

Day 20: "Let them go!"

Day 21: "They'll be fine...right?"

Day 22: "I've got you."

Day 23: "Please don't leave me."

Day 24: "I don't want to scare you, but..."

Day 25: Character Death

Day 26: Funeral

Day 27: Resurrection

Day 28: Grief

Day 29: Time Loop

Day 30: Mistaken for Dead

Day 31: Self-Sacrifice

Whumptober 2024 Master List

(I took an extra challenge to use only quotation prompts for some added bonus. It was definitely a challenge haha :D Also including some collab pieces with friends :) ) Day 1: "If you cry we'll go easy on you."

Day 2: "Don't move. You'll be okay."

Day 3: "It's not your fault."

Day 4: "You're a monster."

Day 5: "I can't take this anymore."

Day 6: "I'm the only one who can do this."

Day 7: "Hold on, we're going to have to improvise."

Day 8: "You look so much prettier this way."

Day 9: "You look pretty pale."

Day 10: "You don't need to earn this."

Day 11: "Why would you even say that?! (Truth Serum)

Day 12: "Can you feel me? I'm right here."

Day 13: "Take me instead."

Day 14: "See if you can follow my finger with your eyes."

Day 15: "Don't break down on me yet."

Day 16: "You always make everything worse!" (Alt. prompt)

Day 17: "Why did I even think you cared?"

Day 18: "Everyone will end up despising you." (Mind Control)

Day 19: "I wish I could get you back."

Day 20: "I am absolutely not qualified for this shit."

Day 21: "This will make you feel better, okay?"

Day 22: "Do not look away."

Day 23: "Hey?! Stay with me, okay?!"

Day 24: "It's normal that you need more time."

Day 25: "How could you?!" (Betrayal)

Day 26: "This is going to sting."

Day 27: "Well, there's a first for everything."

Day 28: "I didn't think the wound was that bad..."

Day 29: "Everybody will know you're mine."

Day 30: "You're not making sense."

Day 31: "You need to get out of here!"

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Whumpay Day 31: Self-Sacrifice

And with this...I. Have. Successfully. Completed. Whumpay 2025 YAAAAAAAY! (Now time to flop and rest my wrists haha) Thank you so so much to everyone for their kind words, support, follows, comments and just taking the time to look at my little scribbles. Congrats to everyone who got through Whumpay this year, including the amazing @whumpsmith-participates (their work is AMAZING you won't be disappointed!) xx For now, I hope you enjoy the final entry for this challenge ^^ T/W: Gunshot injury, self-sacrifice, character death

“Ash!”

I don’t even see the shot coming – not before he’s already diving in front of me. Scarlet spatters my face before he drops to the ground in front of me.

“No!”

My knees slam into the ground next to him. The first thing I see is the red. One single patch that exponentially grows within seconds, staining the front of his black jacket. His breathing is already more rapid as I place my burning hands over the wound. “L-Lev, hold on! You’re gonna be fine, just—STOP!”

The essence shield falters slightly in front of us as I force myself to keep it up, protecting him from further damage. Other voices and footsteps quickly join us. My arms buckle. My nose continues to drip. My friend coughs beneath me but I can’t lose focus, not for one second. Chameleon – the one who took the shot – and I stare each other down through the translucent green, until I finally let it blast her backwards and into the wall. The world spins from that simple effort. Across from me, the others force Chameleon against the ground, but I have no idea what they’re saying to her. I don’t even care.

“Nngh…A-Ash…”

Levi coughs again. A horrible gurgling sound ripples through his throat. Crimson dribbles from his chin. Everything else behind me becomes a vague hum.

“Lev you—i-it’s okay, we’ll fix it! We’ll—”

“S-sorry I – hnngh – wasn’t fast — hnngh — e-enough…”

He breathes in sharply, teeth clenched to forcibly suppress the pain. His wide eyes meet mine, even as I hold down on the expanding stain with all of my strength to stop it. “I-it’s okay…A-Ash—”

“No I—I can heal it! Y-you’ll be fine! Just let me—”

“Ash…”

A hand rests on my shoulder. I already know who it is. I already know what the tone of her voice means. My response is to just press down even harder, green blending with the red. I ignore Levi’s strained cry. I ignore her words. I just keep pressing down, watching as green leaps over my bloody fingers—

“Ash you can’t—”

“Boost me up – p-please, just give me another surge.”

The empath’s fingers shake a little against my shoulder. I don’t feel anything. Not the usual spark of renewed energy – nothing at all. “What are you waiting for? Help me – now!”

She barely even flinches as I snap at her, my hold on Levi not budging for a second. “Please! I can’t—”

“P-promise me you’ll get– hnngh – them all – out…T-tell Zeke…M-Mom…th-that I—”

“N-no, you can tell them! And the others!  W-we’ll get them out together – y-you and me – and then—th-then you can see your—”

“Th-thanks…bro…”

Through my quickly blurring vision, I catch a single tear trail down his cheek. His words come out in a breathy whisper. My hands – warm and sticky with the quickly congealing red – keep holding on.

“L-Lev—”

“I’ve got him.”

Our second healer appears next to me, resting one of his hands on my own bloodied one. “You guys keep going.”

“N-no, I can’t leave—”

“I’ll stay with him until you get back, but—”

“You can heal him — y-you can heal him even if I can’t, right?”

Of course he can! That power-suppressing collar doesn’t work! It’s broken, it has to be—

“I-I’ll try.”

His words come out faintly, almost like a whisper as he gently pries my bloody hands away from the wound, “But you need to go now, before the guards catch up.”

…I don’t want to leave. I can’t leave, but the other two are already pulling me to my feet and directing me away. I crane my neck over my shoulder, calling back to my friend. 

“I-I’ll be right back, Lev!”

I don’t hear his response. I’m not even sure if he responds at all.

He’ll be fine. He’ll be fine, right?

…

…

...I already know we’re too late by the time we get back. I can tell by the look on the healer’s face. I can tell by the subtle shake of his head and the unnatural stillness of my friend’s body. The absence of shallow breathing. His face – eyes closed, lips slightly parted, the former traces of blood all cleaned up from his skin.

He’s gone.

“N-no…”

That one single whisper is all I can get out. The tears come slowly, rolling down my cheeks as I stare at him. His face flashes before my eyes. The leader at Lormill, the one who looked out for me, who died for me – who suffered so—

“I’m so sorry, Ash…”

My fingers tighten around the empath’s hand in response as the tears continue to crawl free. A few blurry faces hover next to me. Lips move, forming words. I barely catch any of them.

Lev’s gone. He’s dead – and he’s not coming—

“Ash, where are you?”

A voice crackles over my com-link — Al’s voice. “We’re waiting at the bridge!”

…he’s not coming back.

Taking a shaky inhale, I reach for my com-link.

“W-we’re on our way, Glow. Just…s-stay safe, okay?”

Silence falls upon our group as I stare back at him again. I get about ten seconds of uninterrupted silence, before it finally gets interrupted.

“Ash...we need to go.”

Tears still rolling down my cheeks, I give them a harsh swipe away and reluctantly nod.

“...I know.”

...

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Whumpay Day 30: Mistaken for Dead

T/W: Paralysed, mistaken for dead, loved ones grieving, body bag Evan / Frostbringer belongs to the awesome @illustriousshadow whilst Eclipse / Xander belongs to @whumpsmith xx

“FROSTBRINGER!” 

Distant voices cry out my name. I can just about hear them through the constant ringing in my ears. My vision remains blurred as I peer around the site, now littered with rock and debris. The explosion had been violent. I’m…not even sure how many of us made it out, but obviously some of us did. With a groan, I try to move – but I can’t.

Huh…?

Not a single one of my muscles twitches in response. I can’t even blink. My eyes water painfully as I try to move something – but I can’t. I can’t even open my mouth to cry out. I can’t work my powers. I can’t make a single icicle.

It’s as if I’m...paralysed.

“N-no — NO!”

Blurred colours flash in front of my weakened vision. Purple and black. Green and grey—

“EVAN!”

More voices calling my name. They belong to my sidekicks. The group I had set out with in the first place. 

At least they made it—

“No – Kinetica let go of me! Let go of me!”

“He’s gone, Eclipse!”

I hear the tears in Cassie’s voice, accompanied by Xander’s furious cries. “E-Evan’s gone. He’s dead.”

My eyes would widen if they could.

What? …no — no, I’m not! I—

“B-but…no…that’s not…NO!”

More cries. More tears. I try to give them a sign – anything – to tell them I’m alive – but I can’t. I can’t do a single thing other than breathe. From where they’re standing…I probably do look like I’m dead.

But I’m not – they’ll see. They have to—

“W-we need to go.”

Wait, don’t—!

“We can’t leave him—!”

“This place will be swarming with agents soon! He wouldn’t want us to get ourselves caught!” 

My breaths come out shallower, faster. The only thing I can control.

Guys, I’m alive! I’m right here!

“I…nnngh…”

I hear the guilt in their voices, gradually getting more distant. “W-we’re sorry, Evan!”

After the faint sound of sobbing…there’s silence. Nothing else besides the odd movement of a rock.

They’re gone.

No…no!

Desperation fills me. A helpless yell ripples in my throat, but it won’t come loose.

Guys, come back! I’m not dead!

No one comes. I’m left to lie there – paralysed amongst the rubble – completely at the mercy of the elements. Minutes drag by. I still can’t move. I can’t do anything but wait for something to happen. Gradually as I lie there, things start to become clear.

No one’s coming for me.

In the distance, I catch a vague unsettling sound.

Engines.

The soft revs are soon followed up by advanced footsteps. Heavy booted footsteps kicking aside rocks as they grow louder and louder. They can only belong to the superiors of this facility.

The very people we set out to stop.

Closer and closer. Louder and louder. My body still won’t cooperate. All I can manage is a weak groan from my throat.

They can’t take me like this. Not like this…

I brace myself as the footsteps stop above me, staring down at my motionless barely moving form. I can twitch my fingers now, but that’s it.

If they think I’m dead, then no one will even try to rescue me—

“Is that one of them?”

I try not to flinch at their barking voices.

“Looks like it. We’ll run the database and see if we get a match.”

“Good. You two – bring him with us.”

“But isn’t he—”

“Doesn’t matter. Dead or alive, he’ll still be useful to us.”

I suddenly want to throw up.

What the heck is that supposed to—

“Yes, boss.”

The two grunts descend into the pit. Other than the faintest twitch, there’s nothing I can do to stop them. I remain completely helpless to do anything as they drag me out, all the way to one of their trucks. They even pull out a black leather body bag. My eyes widen ever so slightly in terror.

No – God no! Please!

I can’t verbalise my pleas. All I can do is stare at them as they force me inside and slowly do up the zip. The last streams of light are harshly cut out, leaving me trapped in the dark. The tiniest whimper leaves my lips as I remain locked in place like a statue. All I can do is hope that my usual function returns by the time we get to wherever the heck we’re going. Otherwise…I’m dead.

For real.

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Whumpay Day 29: Time Loop

I'm beginning to flag a bit now so this one was pretty tricky :') T/W: Time loop, torture, electrocution, supervillain, forced-to-relive Eclipse and Ghost belong to @whumpsmith whilst Frostbringer and Circuit belong to @illustriousshadow x

Tick tick tick tick tick

“MMGH!”

Agonised cries rip through the air – our friends’ cries. The voltage from the machine – the exact same one that each of them are tightly strapped to – begins to crank up at an alarming rate. Hot white sparks fly across its surface, sending searing impulses rippling through their bodies. Their chilling shrieks send nausea spiking through me.

“We’re running out of time!”

Frostbringer’s strident yell immediately gets my attention. “Kinetica, Eclipse – shut it down! Borealis – with me!”

“Got it!”

I instantly run alongside Eclipse. Neither of us waste a single second as we tear across the room. The pained cries continue from behind us. Another one joins them – Eclipse’s – as a paralysing shock runs through him.

“Clipse, are you—?!”

“Nngh – f-fine,” he forces out through clenched teeth, “D-don’t worry about me, we gotta stop that machine!”

He’s right. No time to waste. Snatching up his hand, I tug him along after me, being a lot more careful to avoid any other shocks this time. A couple more traps do slow us down – as you’d expect from your average supervillain’s lair – but we finally make it to the other side, stopping in front of the panel.

“H-hold on!”

It feels like a lot to ask, especially seeing how much they’re all suffering in that horrible thing. Circuit writhes from the pain, his body convulsing with the electric shocks like a distorted puppet. Ghost whimpers through the liberal layers of tape over his mouth, pulling and straining against the leather straps binding him. Even Cheng – normally so stoic faced – stares back at us with wide eyes over his gag, jolting as the painful currents seep through his body. Drowning out the tirade of muffled cries, the two of us focus on the panel.

“It’s this button, right?!” “Looks like it – give it a push!”

“YAGH!”

Frostbringer and Borealis run at the supervillain, both attacking him in sync. It’s the perfect distraction we need. My hand rises into the air—

“You thought it would be that easy?”

Our eyes shoot back towards Tempus. Frostbringer and Borealis are on the ground at his feet – and a glowing vortex is now beginning to surround him.

What is he—?! “Kinetica! The button! NOW!”

Trembling, my hand smashes down towards it—

“Better luck next time!”

The vortex suddenly expands. A blinding light fills the entire space. Reality feels as if it’s being ripped apart. I grope desperately for Eclipse’s hand, my head threatening to split open as all of our screams combine into one.

What the heck is going—

“MMGH!”

Agonised cries rip through the air – our friends’ cries. My eyes snap open. Somehow I’m…on the other side of the room again?

What the—

“We’re running out of time!” 

Frostbringer yells out again, the same instructions as before. “Kinetica, Eclipse – shut it down! Borealis – with me!”

“Got it!”

I blink, startled, attempting to process what just happened.

I swear we just did all this—

“Kinetica, come on!”

Eclipse is just ahead of me. His dark hair brushes his neck as he runs. I scramble to keep up with him, gasping as the traps start to activate again.

The shock!

I tug him away just in time before that same paralysing shock forks down towards the ground. Both of us keep running, unscathed.

“Th-thanks!”

He might get away unharmed, but it confirms my dreaded conclusion.

We’re in a time loop—

“Hold on!”

He’s the one that yells it this time. The entire time all three of them continue crying out, jerking, twitching in a torturous dance. Going through the same pain once again, just as before – major deja-vu—

“YAGH!”

Frostbringer and Borealis run at the supervillain as before. I move for the button—

“You thought it would be that easy?”

The vortex begins to swirl—

No! NO!

The world tears itself apart – and the process repeats.

…again. …and again.

…and again.

...

“MMGH!”

I can’t help the tears rolling down my cheeks. Neither can I help the exhaustion crippling each of my muscles, the heaviness in my chest, the pain of having to go through exactly the same events for the last god knows how many times now. No matter what we do, we’re not fast enough. I’m the only one who seems to realise what’s going on. Now I see Tempus’s game – and unless we stop it, we’re doomed to just keep doing the same. Running, failing, listening to our friends’ tortured screams over and over and—

“We’re running out of—”

“I know!” I snap, already yanking Eclipse with me, “We’ll get the panel – you get Tempus! Hurry!”

Leaving him stunned with no explanation, we keep running, flawlessly avoiding all of the traps – since I know exactly where they are by now – and dragging Eclipse with me.

No matter how quickly we get there he’s always one step ahead – I have to stop him first!

Taking a deep breath, I tear my gaze away from the panel – drowning out the tormented screams behind us – and lock my sights onto Tempus. With all my concentration, my telekinesis succeeds in lifting him off the ground, slamming him into the wall.

“Kinetica what are you—”

“Just trust me! Get to that panel! Now!” I yell, Frostbringer and Borealis hurrying to join me. “Tempus, give it up! It’s over—”

“But at what cost? Your friends’ lives?” he leers, “Whilst you’re busy trying to stop me, they won’t survive the next shock.”

His words succeed in rattling me temporarily, eyes widening. However, it’s just enough time for Tempus to recover, already forming another vortex in his—

Not this time!

Throwing myself at him, the vortex dissolves. I might have the upper hand temporarily, but he’s a lot stronger than me and I can’t hold him down forever with my own skinny form. “Eclipse – now!”

Tempus throws me off him. My back collides with the wall and I crumple down with a winded gasp. The vortex grows once again – before being shattered into tiny icicles. 

“Looks like your time is up!” Frostbringer growls, into his ear, slamming him into the ground.

The supervillain struggles and bucks, but he’s useless against our leader. Soon a dull whirring fills the room. The sparks vanish and the machine shuts down.

“No – NO!”

Tempus hollers in rage, making one last move for freedom – only to receive a sharp punch to the head for his troubles.

“The only time he’s getting now is jail time,” Borealis adds with an indignant huff, dusting off their hands before running over to join Eclipse. “Whew, I’m beat. That felt like it went on forever!”

Not quite, Ralis.

“W-well, at least it’s over now,” I agree, running my hands across my temples, “Come on, the others—”

“On it.”

The two of us hurry over to join the others, immediately moving to free our winded friends. They’re all barely conscious, but thankfully alive. In the end – despite Tempus’s time-loop designed to trap us – we made it.

Just in time.

[dr-abitat-blog]

Whumpay Day 28: Grief

T/W: Loss of a friend, grief, grieving, depression, post-captivity, survivor's guilt Dr Slade belongs to the wonderful @whumpsmith

You would think being free would make you happy.

That after so long locked away from the world, being forced to live a lie and question your own reality, that you’d be glad. That after having to endure so much suffering and so much pain day in and day out for the last god knows how long, you’d think you’d finally feel some sense of relief, right?

…but I don’t.

I don’t know if I ever will.

Because every day out here – every day of so-called ‘normality’ – is a harsh reminder of the truth.

I made it out – they didn’t.

Everything I am experiencing now – they never will. They will never get that chance ever again.

It should have been them.

They should have survived. They should have made it out. I should have tried harder. I should have saved them. No matter what, I should have done something to give them that chance.

And now…they’re gone.

They’re never coming back.

That’s the hardest truth to accept – because I still see them. Almost every night, they’re there. Just as brave and optimistic as ever, smiling and laughing as we run hand in hand together, free. Just like we should have been. Just two normal teenagers, laughing, hanging out, doing ‘normal’ teenage things. 

It’s more nightmares than dreams – but when those moments come, those moments where I forget the truth, where they’re by my side again, both of us running through arcades or camping out under the stars – the stars they had loved so much – it almost feels…real. 

…it’s those moments that make me want to stay asleep forever.

Waking up means accepting the truth. Going out and living means accepting the truth. I just…can’t bring myself to do that. No matter how hard I try, or others try for me, I just can’t.

I already know what that is: Denial -- the second stage of grief.

Crrrrk.

I almost miss the quiet creaking of the door. Soft footsteps follow, stopping just in front of me. He doesn’t say anything. Neither do I. All I do is tighten my hold on the little plush fox, its fur damp from where I pressed my face into it earlier. I pull my knees further into my chest, staring at…pretty much nothing. 

“...can I get you anything?”

His voice sounds tired. My new guardian stands helplessly, watching as I slowly shake my head.

“Not hungry,” I murmur into the fox’s fur.

I haven’t eaten properly in days.

I’ve been wearing the same outfit for the past forty eight hours.

I haven’t showered in over a week.

I haven’t even really set foot outside the apartment since we arrived here two weeks ago.

And I don’t care. 

…but I should – because I promised them.

I promised them I would try. That I would work harder, that I would learn to better control my powers so that I could actually help people.

...I just can’t do it. Not yet.

“...I miss them too, lad.”

Slowly, I raise my face to look at him. Silently, my new guardian drops down onto my bed, glancing over the scattered pictures from my polaroid camera. “I know how hard it is…but they wouldn’t want you hurting yourself like this.”

“...maybe I deserve it.”

“What are you saying—”

“I lived. Al lived. They didn’t. I should have saved them.”

Silent tears begin stinging my eyes. I’m amazed I have any left to shed at this point. “It’s my fault they—”

“Oi, none of that.”

He sends me a firm glance. “There was nothing you or anyone could have done. You did everything you could, but sometimes…it’s just fate.”

“...i-it’s not fair.”

More tears slip free. Dr Slade hesitates for a moment, before gently resting his hand on mine. His fingers are soft, partially stroking the fuzzy fox along with me. 

“Ah know, lad,” he murmurs, lightly brushing my hand, “Ah know.”

I choke back a pathetic sob, squeezing my eyes shut as another guilty thought rushes through me. 

“A-and Al…I’ve just completely abandoned him. I-I—”

“He’s tougher than you think,” he interrupts quietly, “Aiden’s looking out for him – just as we’re looking out for you too, Lightbug.”

I can’t even thank him. I just incline my head silently in response. “Do you…want to talk about any of it?”

Wordlessly, I shake my head. Rather than pressurise me to speak, Dr Slade just nods in understanding. “That’s arite. We can just…sit quietly for now. I just don’t want you to be alone right now, after all you’ve been through.”

Sniffing, I don’t protest. In mutual agreement, we both sit there in silence on my bed, my guardian’s hand on mine, listening to the faint ticking of the clock as the two of us rest against each other.

...

[dr-abitat-blog]

Whumpay Day 27: Resurrection

T/W: Open-heart surgery, medical procedure details, CPR, blood, brought-back-from-death

Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

…no.

My head jerks up towards the monitor connected to my twin’s body. A single flat trace runs across the screen. No peaks. No activity. Nothing.

No no no nonono, this—this isn’t happening! Not real, not real, not—!

“A-Al…?”

My brother is completely unresponsive – strapped down to the surgical table, chest carved wide open, red blending with the orange disinfectant, his non-beating heart completely exposed. Tubes and wires lie discarded around him, the procedure long-since abandoned. His eyes are closed, as if he’s sleeping, the oxygen mask still resting over his face, dried tears on his red cheeks.

There’s no movement. Nothing at all.

He’s already gone.

“AL!”

His name tears free in an anguished wail. Audible ugly sobs leave me. Tears blind my eyes as I stare back at that blurred flatline, the one that means he’s—

No – no he’s not — not yet!

Clenching my teeth in defiance, I thrust my hand into the bloody cavity and literally grab his heart. Warmth pools around my hands. The strong coppery scent makes me almost gag as the substance seeps between my fingers, coating them with crimson. 

“Stay with me, Al!” 

My fingers begin to squeeze. They tighten around the cardiac chambers before releasing, then following again. Green essence leaks out of my palms, leaching into his cardiac muscle as I begin rhythmically pumping his heart, forcing it to keep beating.

One – and two – and three – and four —!

Each contraction is in sync. Regular, controlled, seamless. I can barely see what I’m doing. Nausea ripples through my throat. My head starts to spin from the rush of heat. None of it is good. None of it is right – but this is the only chance I have of saving him.

If I even can save him.

“C-come on, Al! Come on! Don’t you dare leave me!”

With a determined cry, I keep up the rhythm. My fingers continue squeezing blood around his heart. The essence continues flowing in, slowly but surely restoring blood flow. Tears drip from  my cheeks into his exposed viscera. My fingers tremble as they continue pumping, the blood congealing further with every squeeze.

—twenty-six – twenty-seven – twenty-eight – twenty-nine — thirty!

I rip the oxygen mask from his face and deliver two rescue breaths, watching as his lungs literally inflate before my eyes. The adrenaline is the only thing that stops me from throwing up.

Keep going – keep going!

Without a second to pause, I’m straight back in his chest, squeezing and pumping to repeat the whole process. I feel like I’m doing it forever. Standing over my brother’s dead body, desperately squeezing his heart to get the blood flow back, to bring him back.

But it’s not enough.

I’m NOT giving up!

Growling, I jump back in there for the dozenth time. Keeping the rhythm is becoming harder. My grip is loosening. It’s exhausting. Hope gradually leaves me, dripping away until only one despairing reality remains.

He’s gone. Al’s gone. He’s already—

Beep — beep — beep —

I throw my head back. The monitor is beeping. Slow drawn out beeps that gradually begin picking up again into a regular rhythm. Eyes widening, I loosen my grip around my brother’s heart, watching as it…starts to beat again. Not by me squeezing it, but by itself. Green dances around the tissue, flowing through his vessels, restoring speed and function to his cardiac tissue. Panting, I stare down at it, blinking several times to make sure I’m not imagining it.

His heart — it’s actually…working?

I’m extremely wary for the first minute or so, but it continues to work, steadily growing stronger with each passing second, restored from both the contractions and my own healing essence—

“Nngh…”

Air leaves his lips. I move closer, feeling it tickling against my cheek. Then his eyes begin to flicker, trying to open. Another groan leaves his form.

“Y-you’re back…”

My whisper barely rouses him. A small sob of relief slips free, soon joined by the growing cries of the other supers within the rescue party. I don’t even care for the blood on my hands as I stroke his hair to comfort him. Both of my hands quiver. “I-it’s okay. We’re okay you—y-you’re gonna be fine, Al. Y-you’re gonna be fine.”

Sucking in a breath, I call out to alert them. “H-he’s in here! Get a medical team! H-hurry!”

I’m practically pushed aside by the other figures running into the room. I recognise our dads among them, both of them immediately rushing to help Al. Multiple bodies surround him but I can’t see what they’re doing. Probably trying to fix up his chest. I take that time to stagger back against the wall, sinking down to the ground.

He was this close to Death – heck, he’d literally died – and somehow…somehow I had saved him. I’d brought him back – resurrected him.

Like a phoenix.

With the danger gone, everything finally hits me. I can’t hold it back any longer.

Another sob leaves me – and I promptly throw up.

[dr-abitat-blog]

Whumpay Day 26: Funeral

T/W: Character death, loss of a wife, loss of a parent, funeral themes, farewell, loved ones grieving

There is no easy way of explaining death to a child.

It is a cruel and upsetting topic, especially for one so young to hear, let alone understand. To tell him that his mother – his beautiful loving mother – will never awaken from her sleep is something I simply can’t bring myself to tell him.

Instead, I opt for a simpler analogy.

“Mommy…with the stars?”

Our son stares up at me with his teary brown eyes – eyes that so closely mirror his mother’s.

“Yes, my boy,” I murmur quietly, running a hand through his short blonde strand, “She’s not in pain anymore – and she’ll always be looking down on us, especially you.”

“...I miss Mommy.”

“...I-I do too – but she wouldn’t want us to be sad.”

I reach down, gently squeezing his hand. The other bearers are already in position. “Go and wait with Auntie Fern. I’ll be with you shortly.”

I give his hair a small ruffle, watching him seek out his godmother before I take my rightful place beside my wife’s coffin. Draped across the top are streams of brilliant yellow flowers, vibrant and full of life. The same yellow as the one item of clothing she had wanted each of us to wear in her memory – from my own yellow handkerchief, to our son’s golden yellow tie. She had always adored that colour, stating that it instantly made her feel happy. Looking at it at this moment, I have no idea what she had meant. 

Looking at it now, all I feel is a heavy sadness.

The music begins to play – The Lark Ascending, by Vaughan Williams. One that I had chosen personally for its beautiful symbolism, for she had ascended just like one. Lyndon steps up beside me. We share a single solemn nod before beginning to carry her inside the room. Even the sun has come out for her today, shining down on the scene as we move in one direction. I can feel the faces on us and it takes every effort to keep a straight face, to bear with it for her sake until we gently lay her down. Then I take my rightful seat at the front, beside my son. He immediately nuzzles into my dark jacket. I move my arm around him, unable to tear my eyes away from the collection of portraits and pictures placed up in her memory. Just looking at each of them is like reliving each precious moment: Dancing under the stars on our wedding night. Drifting across the rivers in Venice. Our first pictures with our son. Of course we took pictures after that, but I know she would prefer me not to remember her like that. She would prefer us to remember her in her flawless, youthful and healthy state. Not the wheelchair, or the feeding tube, or her weak emaciated form in her final weeks. 

No, I would not remember my wife like that.

I feel as though I am only half present during the event. Words are exchanged. Hymns are sung. I’ve never been a man of God, but Maria believed, so I will honour that. The eulogies begin. Tributes are exchanged in celebration of her life. Her wonderful achievements, her kind-hearted soul and spirit, her devotion to me, her tenderness and selflessness as a mother. Such beautiful words spoken from the heart from colleagues and friends. Even Lyndon and Fern – our closest friends and our son’s godparents – manage to speak up. I had genuinely tried to prepare a few words, my own heartfelt farewell to my darling Maria, but the right words…they evaded me. Torn papers and scribbled drafts had been the only result, accompanied with raw anguished tears. If I stood up there now, I would likely fall to pieces. But essentially, it all comes down to one cruel conclusion.

I had failed to save her.

I had promised her I would buy her time, that I would find a cure, that I would ease her suffering. In the end…I had failed to keep any of those promises.

“Daddy sad?”

It’s only at my child’s nudge that I notice the wetness on my cheeks. I quickly smear them away, holding him closer against me. Lyndon notices from behind, his voice hushed.

“Viktor?”

“...I-I’m fine.”

Taking a deep breath, I manage to keep it together until the end. Until the moment we commit her body to the ground. Gathered by her grave, we say our final farewells. My son – dressed in his smart shirt – carefully places a sunflower on her coffin, sniffling.

“B-bye, Mommy.”

…I almost break down at that, but I have to keep strong, for his sake.

“...rest in peace, mein liebe.”

I feel a warm breeze against my cheek as I step back, watching as her coffin disappears under the earth. The procession begins to fade, one by one, until it’s just the four of us left standing by her grave.

“...you did everything you could for her, Viktor.”

Fern rests a hand on my shoulder. “And she knows that more than anyone.”

All I can do is close my eyes in response, remaining silent until they leave me alone to grieve. Alone with my own thoughts – and the inevitable questions.

Is there a life after death? Or is this it? Is she truly just…gone?

More tears start to slip free as I peer down at her headstone, reading the elegant engraved scrawl.

MARIA VOSS-WOLFE

24th April 1992 - 16th May 2028 Beloved mother, wife and researcher

Her wings were ready, even if our hearts were not

Fly high, mein liebe. …she’s gone. 

My wife is gone and she is never coming back.

It’s just us now. Just me and my son.

We’ll be fine, darling. I promise. I’ll do everything I can for our boy.

My hands tighten by my sides. There and then, I make my vow. My promise. One I will keep. No matter what.

...I won’t let anything happen to him.

[dr-abitat-blog]

Whumpay Day 25: Character Death

T/W: Exactly what it says on the tin...also another character death, superpowers, collapsing facility, impalement. Piper / Stormchaser and Ryan all belong to the amazing @whumpsmith

It wasn’t supposed to end like this.

We had come here to save him. 

We had barely made our way past security. We had scarcely managed to overwhelm the dozens of armed agents swarming the whole facility. The two of us had made it all the way to the interrogation chambers to liberate him, to bring him to safety, nurture him back to health, reunite him with his bonds and his child.

…but it was too little too late. In truth…his fate was sealed the moment they had found out about his role as a mole, accompanied by his loyalty to the resistance. The Elements had clearly had other plans for him. His only comfort had been to lay eyes on us again before he passed away in our arms.

Why?

That one question resonates through my mind even as I stare back at our friend's lifeless form beneath us. The complete lack of chest movement or air leaving his bleeding lips. Dried tinges of red soaking into his green strands and his former nursing scrubs. Wide dilated eyes, staring back. No other signs of life are present.

He is gone.

“...Piper.”

My wife stays crouched next to his body. She half cradles him, strained sobs leaving her trembling figure. Already I can feel the wind changing direction around us, steadily brewing in intensity. She doesn’t move from him, even as I crouch down to join her, firmly grasping her shoulder. I swallow, forcing the words out in as steady a tone as I can manage. “Love, we need to go.”

“No I—I-I’m not leaving him—!”

“We have to,” I emphasise, tugging her up, “More guards are coming – do not let his sacrifice be in vain!”

She tugs and fights against me of course. I barely manage to hold onto her, my strong arms wrapped tightly around her as I drag her away from the scene, anguished cries of fury echoing around us. Tears still on her face, we run. More guards attempt to stop us, but both of us are ready – and the death of our dear friend only serves as extra fuel to the fire – literally, in my case.

“YAGH!”

I am merciless. Burning hot flames billow through the corridors. Combined with Piper’s vicious winds, the end result is a blazing tornado that tears through the building. Our rage and grief drives us on as we clear a path, taking down the enemy right where they stand. Voices crackle in my ear through our com-links. Most of the received words are distorted at best.

“S-Stormchaser — Blaze — update!”

I can hear both the desperation and devastation in Evan’s voice. All of them seem to have received my earlier announcement of Ryan’s…sacrifice.

“We’re – nngh! – forcing our way out!” I yell back, sending another agent violently flying into the wall, “The facility is crawling with agents!”

The corridors twist and turn. I lose track of the way out. Everything seems a surreal blur. Just as surreal as the dark hooded figure standing several feet ahead, staring at me. 

The same one I had seen shortly after Ryan had passed over.

Could it be—

His appearance distracts me long enough for the agent to almost make a successful hit. Somehow I manage to avoid it, hurrying down the next corridor. Heat ripples around us as our powers continue to rage throughout the facility. Whilst certainly a beneficial weapon against our enemies, it isn’t doing the nearby foundations any favours. 

“PIPER!”

Giant slabs of concrete collide with the spot where she once stood. Similar slabs begin to rain down on top of us. Dust and debris fills the air, forming choking clouds of minute matter. Metal groans in protest as support structures begin to loosen. Holes are torn through walls, their infrastructure being laid to waste. It’s just another added danger that we’re up against. 

“S-Saturn—!”

“This way! We have to get out of here! NOW!”

Gunfire fills the corridor. A bullet sinks into my calf. I clench my teeth to suppress the pain, forcing myself on, dragging my bond behind me.

“B-Blaze? Blaze, what’s going on?!”

My sister’s frantic tearful voice cries in my ear over the line. “A-are you and Storm—”

“Facility unstable – Frostbringer, stay back! Don’t move in until it’s—”

I trail off, locking eyes with the hooded figure once again. A chill runs through my body. 

This…cannot be a coincidence…

It’s within that exact moment that more gunfire sounds out. Piper shrieks aloud as one hits her, gusts of wind tearing through the corridor. With a livid roar of fury I charge at her assailants, sending all of them backwards with smouldering tongues of fire. My feet stumble backwards, my calf searing in pain, but I bite through it for my bond’s sake. Up ahead, I can see the welcoming shafts of daylight, guiding us towards the exit.

We can’t be far now! Just one more push and then we’ll—

An ominous creaking sounds from above. I see Piper just ahead of me, winded from her injury. Then I see the ceiling above her, beginning to collapse.

“NO!”

My muscles move on instinct. I throw myself on top of her, shielding her body with my own. Time slows down. Within that moment, everything becomes a distant haze.  Piper’s horrified scream. The sound of my own heart pounding in my chest. The crushing weight collapsing on my shoulders. The sudden warmth pooling through my shirt.

And then…the pain.

“Sa—urn—! SA—URN!”

I feel her hands tearing me away, dragging me out with all of her strength. Those same hands immediately move towards my chest, towards the rapidly growing red. What began as a searing fire of agony quickly fades to a dull throbbing. The taste of copper fills my throat, bubbling out of my mouth and dribbling down my chin. My chest rises in quick shallow movements. I struggle to breathe, choking on my own blood. Already my vision is beginning to blur over, but not enough to stop me from seeing it.

The rusted metal pole penetrating through my chest.

“No—NO!”

Her cries sound far away. Scarlet seeps into her hands as she forces them down around the pole. Trying to stop the blood flow. Her lips form words, but I can barely make them out. My own attempt at forming words only results in strained choking gasps.

“Hnngh — P-Pi — hhngh!”

I don’t even attempt to move the pole. I just grope for her hands and hold onto them. I try to focus on her – only on her – as she scrabbles desperately at the penetrating wound. With what little strength I have left, I give my head a small shake.

Because we both know what’s happening. 

“Sattie?!—Talk—me—SATTIE!”

The sound of my little sister screaming my name hurts more than the pain.

“Hnnk…s-sorr—ry — S-Sin…Pi—hnngh…”

My voice is leaving me. The world is fading. Everything is just a blur of colour now, but I still feel her hands. I still feel her cradling me, against the breeze around us. I feel her tears spilling onto me.

“Don’t—leave—can’t—River—needs—you!”

“You’ll – be – hnngh — f-fine…”

I tighten my hold on her hand, choking. “End — th-this — y-you…have to…”

There is so much I want to say – that I have to say – but the dark spots are already beginning to creep in.

I’m sorry I have to go.

The Elements are calling me back.

It’s alright. I’ll be alright.

My lips try to form the words, but they won’t let me. The words I can’t say are left as silent thoughts, the last things that cross my mind as my grip on her hand loosens.

I will always…love...you.

A feeling of numbing calmness washes over me – and then I am looking down at myself, at my own still bloody body, still cradled against my wife’s chest. The hooded figure from before – Death, I now realise – extends his hand for me to take. By his side is Ryan, just as I remember him, back before…all of this. Both of us exchange a single sad smile.

They’ll be fine.

With one last glance back, I reach out and accept his hand. 

It’s time for us to go.

...

[dr-abitat-blog]

Whumpay Day 24: "I don't want to scare you, but..."

T/W: Kidnapping, bound and gagged, supervillains, dangerous rhymes. Lyall / March and Hatter both belong to @whumpsmith x

Crrrrrrk

The doors slowly open. Sharing a glance with Lyall, we move quietly through the entrance and into the abandoned factory – the exact location mentioned on the kidnapper’s note. I ignore the prickling in my fingers as I let my essence spread across my hand, providing us some light in the darkness. 

“We move in. Slowly.”

I can’t help but wrinkle my nose as we press further inside, having to smother my face in my arm to suppress a violent sneeze. Dust covers the old conveyor belts, coating the walls and all the abandoned machines. Pattering sounds along the floors. Probably just a rat…hopefully. “You good?” Lyall whispers, trying to sound braver than he probably feels right now.

“Mmm. You?" “Yeah, a little dust never killed anyone.”

He quickly checks his watch. I immediately notice him tensing. "What?" Lyall grits his teeth.

"I don’t want to scare you, but--"

"Are we out of time?!"

“Not yet...just under five minutes left.”

Crap.

“O-okay – time to pick up the pace,” I whisper, “Find Al and Kris. Get them out and get us out.”

“Sounds like a plan. Let’s go.”

Further and further in we go. Our footsteps echo around the silent warehouse. Both of us are on edge, tense and alert at the slightest sound. Thankfully it’s just another rat – until we make out the two very familiar voices yelling out from nearby. My eyes widen. “They’re up ahead! Come on”

Not wasting a second, Lyall and I hurry forwards. The scene ahead gradually brightens from the single spotlight shining down on the platform, allowing us to make out their restrained forms from our current distance.  I have to cover my mouth to keep myself from calling out to them. Lyall inhales sharply next to me, but also manages to keep his silence – mostly.

“O-Oh God…”

“YMMGH WNNGH GMM WNNGH WNNGH THMMGH!” 

I immediately recognise my brother’s voice, even though his fierce hollers are muffled by the brightly coloured handkerchief tightly tied over his lower face, a creepy curved smile inked on in permanent black marker. He’s definitely not giving up without a fight, pulling viciously at the ropes keeping his arms tightly bound behind his back, his limbs strung together and forced into a kneeling position. In his squirming, his red pyjama shirt rises up, exposing a little of his stomach.

“Lmmm  umm gffo!” 

Krissy sits right behind him. They’re putting up the occasional struggle, but otherwise don’t seem too keen on hurting themselves. Just like Al, they’re also gagged with a few bold patterned handkerchiefs, creepy drawn-on smile included. They stubbornly shake their head, no amount of struggling able to loosen the tight knot keeping their gag snugly secured behind their blonde hair. Again, they’re tightly bound in matching ropes to Al, the two of them also having been connected together by further ropes keeping them back to back, although the coarse material is less kind on their legs given the frilled blue shorts they chose to wear to match their short sleeved lilac fox shirt. 

“We’ve gotta get them down from there,” Lyall growls quietly under his breath, “Any ideas, Light?” 

I grit my teeth tightly, flexing my fingers.

“I think we should—”

“Hush hush, little fox~ Don’t you want to stay for tea~?”

Both of us flinch at the chillingly familiar voice of a certain renown supervillain. “It won’t be long until the rest of our guests join us — if they care about you of course~”

A figure in a distinctive top hat waltzes over to Krissy, crouching by them and playing with their hair a little, ignoring their discomforted growl. The identity of their kidnapper instantly becomes clear.

The Mad Hatter. “Why such sad faces? Tea time is meant to be a time for smiles~ Or do I need to make you smile? With pretty red smiles~?”

I can feel Lyall tensing slightly beside me, clearly remembering the last time he was held by the Hatter. I give his hand a quick squeeze and take a few deep breaths myself as we plan our next move.

Right now, he seems too occupied with his current ‘party guests’...which gives us a valuable advantage – and the clock is still ticking.

My mind made up – we strike.

“YAAGH!”

Our attacks knock him right back. We definitely do surprise him, but he recovers quickly enough.

“Ahhh fiiiinally! You made it to the party, little heroes! Come and join your friends for tea time~ We have many fuuuuun games to play~”

Yeah, I’ll pass on that one.

“We did everything you told us to, Hatter! Now let them go!” “Ammgh! Lmmgh!”

Al and Krissy try to call down to us, struggling harder against their restraints. Hatter merely laughs in response, before lunging back at us, a steely knife glinting in his hand. Both of us dodge it, attempting to utilise our powers to overwhelm him. The essence noose tightens around his throat, leaving him unable to do anything as we instantly hurry towards the platform. However, as we near it, both of them start shaking their heads, insistently trying to make their voices heard through their gags, looking suddenly…panicked. “Nmmm!” “Iff mm trfff!”

“H-hang on! We’ll get you out of—” “Aheheheheeheeheeheee~”

We freeze as Hatter randomly starts…laughing. Uneasiness seeps through me.

Something’s not right. In fact…it did seem a little too easy to beat him…

“You don’t want to stay to plaaaay~? That’s a shame…my other guest would loooove you to~”

“Other…guest?” I repeat, swallowing, “Who is—”

“Oh dear, what a twist! The little heroes did hope~ But they fell right into our trap - and became tightly bound with rope~”

A second voice sings out from the darkness – one we both recognise all too well. One that belongs to a powerful poet, whose rhymes become reality—

Wait—crap! I try to pull Lyall away, but we’re too late to avoid the snaking animated ropes already hurtling towards us. I instantly let my essence fly, trying to jump and dodge the wriggling entities. I’m able to burn a few of the ends with my essence. Lyall’s able to avoid tripping on their coils. We fight with everything we have to stop the ropes from ensnaring our bodies –- struggling, burning, writhing, kicking, flailing—

“Gnngh! Nghaaa!” 

My legs are already laced together from ankle to shin, above and below the knees, whilst more ropes start winding around my chest, fixing my arms to my sides and constricting my breathing. It almost triggers a panic attack, especially as I see Lyall struggling against them just as fiercely. “S-Stop it! Get off! Get OFF! LIGHT!” “March!” His valiant efforts only get rewarded by further ropes winding around his limbs, each knot tying itself painfully tight as they restrain us further and further. Elbows lashed together. Wrists crossed and fixed in place. Unable to even separate our legs. I do make a little headway using my essence to burn through some of them – until that same voice rings out, the sound of a scratching pen accompanying it. “And just before the bong of the fourth hour

The little heroes found themselves lost without power~”

At that uttered syllable, my essence retracts back into my body. I can’t make any more, no matter how hard I try.

Not good! 

The ropes return with a vicious vengeance. They don’t stop even after securing our upper limbs, snaking up our necks towards our faces. “S-Sonnet! Stop this no—mmgh!” My teeth bite into one of the unpleasant tasting ropes as it slips between my teeth, tightening around the back of my head. Other ropes quickly join it, forming a painful rope gag that already chafes my lips. It doesn’t quite hold back my desperate hollers. “We did what you said!” Lyall calls out, twisting his neck to avoid the ropes, “Now let them go! Let us g–gnnngh!”

A tirade of muffled grunts soon follows. Through my watery gaze I notice the ropes cruelly forcing themselves between Lyall’s lips, wrapping around and around his head just like mine. Our brave expressions start to slip as panic begins to take over.

I-In…Mind. Over. The. Matter…H-Hold…

My attempt at grounding is only semi-successful, especially as Hatter stalks towards us, finally free from my essence. “Not quite so rebellious now, are you, little rabbit~?” He sneers, tilting Lyall’s face up whilst tauntingly waving the knife, savouring his hushed whimper, “I think I will have a lot of fun with you~”

Then it’s my turn. I try to pull my head from his grip, but he’s too strong. “And you…ohoho…I can have so much fun with aaall that fear locked deep in your mind~”

At that chilling threat, he lets go of me. Al and Krissy resume their valiant struggles and protests again. 

“GMMGH AWNNGH FRMM THMM!”

My twin thrashes against his ropes as he snarls furiously at our captors. Krissy vainly struggles behind him, attempting to plead for our release. Naturally our captors don’t listen. Sonnet merely chuckles coldly, stepping up to join Hatter as he recites his next words.

“Well little heroes, you played your part well.

How will this end? Only time will tell.

For an even greater challenge awaits.

One that will determine your very fates.

We said we’d give you a chance – it’s a promise to keep.

But before we begin, I’m afraid you must…sleep.”

And just like that, the darkness completely takes over us.

[dr-abitat-blog]

Whumpay Day 23: "Please don't leave me."

T/W: Car crash, blood, injury, telekinesis Marnie and Iggy belong to the lovely @whumpsmith x

KRRRRSHHHHHH

……….

A persistent constant ringing rips through my head. It resonates through my left ear, morphing into a distorted wail. Besides that overpowering sound, everything else around me is muffled, as though I’m trapped under murky water. Voices are unintelligible. I vaguely pick out something that resembles a scream. The pounding throbbing of my heart soon joins the chaotic chorus blaring through my head. Images are warped and blurred, indistinguishable. It’s as if the world has been turned on its head.

W-what…?

 Every little move elicits a strained sounding cry from my throat. Other sensations gradually start to become clearer: a sharp metallic taste soaking into my lips, dripping down the front of my face.. Something warm and sticky soaking into my short dark hair. Multiple tiny daggers jabbing into my limbs. Slowly, my hand weakly moves to brush them off. Just that simple act makes me wince in pain.

W-what’s going on…?

The blur continues, spreading out as far as the eye can see. It soon becomes apparent why.

My glasses. I…can’t see…

Disadvantaged, I have no choice but to probe my way through this surreal foggy world. My fingers tremble as I desperately grope around me, feeling around. Something bites into me. I grit my teeth, forcing myself to keep going, all whilst that same horrible ringing continues to screech through my head. One ear is completely deafened. The other takes in everything else.

Come…on…

My fingers soon brush against smooth plastic. Instinctively, I click it down, suddenly releasing the pressure from across my chest.

Seat belt…

Groaning, I groggily attempt to move out of the current cramped confines of…wherever we are.

Wait…seatbelt…car…

Flashes shoot in front of me. 

Car ride. Marnie. Crash. Screaming. Marnie—

My eyes instantly widen.

“M-Mar…nie…?”

My voice sounds pathetic. Coughing, I try to move a little closer, my body shivering from the shock. Through the haze, I make out tiny shards of what I assume to be glass hovering in mid-air, suspended in the back of the wreckage. “M-Marnie!”

“Nngh…C-Cass…”

Th-there—!

“I-I’m — nngh — c-coming—!”

Biting through the pain, I crawl across to where the passenger seat is. More glass crunches against my palms as I move. It takes every effort not to scream. “M-Mar—nie—!”

A haze of pink and red soon comes into my vision. At the same time a semi-relieved sob slips from my lips. Without my glasses, there is no way I can see how injured she is, but at least she’s—

“C-Cass—o-oh — nngh — God…!”

Her pained sob almost makes my heart shatter. Shaking, I unclip her seatbelt, reaching for her face, holding it in my bleeding hands.

“M-Marnie…w-where are you—”

“M-my leg—! I-I can’t move!”

Her exclamation is followed up with another pitiful cry. There’s no way to get a proper look right now, but for her to be in this much pain, unable to move—

Sh-she’s trapped…

“H-hold on, honey, I — nngh — I-I’ll get you out! L-let me just—”

“Please don’t leave me.”

Her words come out in a strained sob. “P-please, Cass. I-I’m scared…”

Fighting tears myself, I give her hand a tight squeeze, forcing my voice to soften.

“I-I’m not going anywhere, honey I promise. I-I’m just going to check on our brothers, okay?”

She hiccups, but nods in understanding. Turning around, I finally spot the motionless form in the driver’s seat. Horrified, I reach for what I think is his shoulder, noticing the inflated airbag compressing his face. “I-Iggy?”

…nothing. No response. Not even a groan. “N-no no no…”

Finding his neck, I press my fingers against it, feeling for a pulse. I wait…and wait…

P-please, Iggy…p-please don’t be—

A single small vibration against my finger. Another follows, then another.

P-pulse — h-he has a pulse! Oh good, we’re all — C-Casey! 

Ignoring the other levitating fragments around me, I jerk my head towards the backseat, only just hearing the small pitiful whimpering. “C-Case—!”

“C-Cass — nnngha — h-help me!”

His voice wavers, any trace of playfulness long-gone. Hot tears starting to crawl down my face, I scramble over to him as fast as I can. My knee passes over the cracked screen of his console, finding his blurred shivering form held fast against the seatbelt. Red once again joins it. My fingers frantically follow the source, soon finding a sharp metallic shard lodged in his shoulder — and probably a broken rib or two.

N-no—!

“I-It — gnngh — h-hurts!” he sobs, his shaking hands grabbing onto my navy lace shirt, “C-Cass — i-it really hurts—!”

“I-I know, Case, I know. I-I’m here, it’s going to be okay—!”

I cup his face to try and comfort him. My hands soon become soaked, streaking blood across his face. The second I try to move him, he screams in agony, immediately making me drop him. “O-oh God, I’m sorry! I’m so sorry—-”

“M-Mom!” he shrieks, sobbing, “I-I want Mommy and Mama! P-please, Cass! I-I’m scared—!”

“I-I know, I want Mommy and Mama too,” I whisper, more tears filling my eyes, “L-let’s all be brave together okay, Case? You’re doing so well…I-I’m so proud of you and I love you so much — M-Marnie, hold on, don’t try to move that leg!”

“Nngh…C-Cass…I-Is — ngh — I-Iggy?”

“Unconscious,” I breathe, “W-we were — nngh — i-in a crash…”

What…happened to the other car?

The thought briefly crosses my mind — even in this state — before it gets drowned out by my little brother’s terrified bawling and Marnie’s excruciating sobs.

N-need…to get…out.

The blur continues, my lack of vision barely helping my strategy as I attempt to grope through the dented wreckage of Iggy’s car. The metal closes in around me, like an alloy cage seeking to compress us, trapping us in here forever. Breathing fast, I try to make sense of proper direction, grabbing what I think is the door handle. My heeled boots kick at it with as much strength as I can muster. …it doesn’t budge.

W-what?

I try again — and again — and again and again until my legs are screaming in pain. Panic builds, crushing my chest. I start to feel light-hearted, the shock not helping.

Trapped…w-we’re trapped.

My own helpless cries soon join those of my brother and my girlfriend. Everything remains upside down as I pull and strike as hard as I can against the interior of the vehicle. No door opens. No escape.

C-come on — come ON!

“H-help us! A-any — nggh —one!”

No response sounds from the outside world. I feel another sob choking me. “HELP US! SOMEONE!”

Nothing. The longer we wait — the worse the outcome for the others. Especially Iggy—-

W-what do I do? What do I DO?! C-can’t I do SOMETHING?!

With that thought, I grab hold of the door again, peering at the blocked metal. Something is blocking the door.

R-remove it! I-I have to remove it—!

As near-impossible as it is…it’s our best shot. Taking a deep breath, I focus all my attention on the obstructing metal. I hold out my hands. They quiver in front of me, fingers dyed in dripping scarlet—

L-lighter than air — l-lighter than—nngh — air!

Every ounce of concentration is thrown into that manoeuvre. Eventually, I’m rewarded with the vaguest creak. I try the door again — nothing.

C-calm down, Cass. J-just calm down — you’re the sidekick leader, aren’t you? ACT like it!

Mentally admonishing myself, I strain my brain yet again, expanding every bit of mental energy into that one door. With the learned mantra rippling through my mind, I push — and push—

Crrrrrrr—-

Push — p-push — 

Crrrrrrr

PUSH!

I yell. I screech until my throat is sore. With one final agonising wave, the door practically flies off of its hinges. Without wasting a second, I crawl out on all fours, blinded by the sunlight beating down from above. Falling onto my front from exhaustion, I roll onto my back, taking in the horrific scene. I don’t need stupid glasses to see the extent of the wreckage — what had quickly become our prison. Warped blue metal, a barely recognisable mess, turned completely on its head. Even from here I can hear Casey’s screams, Marnie yelling her brother’s name, shrieking my name—

“M-Marnie, hold on—!”

Choking, I scramble to the other side of the vehicle, barely acknowledging the sudden hubbub growing around me, as well as the distant blaring of sirens, flashing of red and blue in the background. With some coaxing, I manage to half-drag Casey with me to the safety of the outside. He clings to my arm the whole time, gasping in pain. “I-I need to get Marnie. C-Case, hang on — h-help will be here soon, just — nngh — don’t move!” 

As he responds with a vague whimper of understanding, I crawl to the other side to try and help my girlfriend. With the same intensity and focus, I wrench the other door off its hinges and 

I drag myself over to her. “H-hang on, honey. Help is on the way — s-stay awake, just please stay awake!”

She just sniffles weakly in response, clenching her teeth through the pain. Despite feeling like I’m ready to pass out, I force myself to keep going. Bit by bit it loosens, until it’s just enough for me to be able to drag my girlfriend out of there, sobbing and shaking against me. I half-cradle her in response, taking a moment to catch my breath, right as the vehicle is instantly surrounded by emergency services. As they descend on us, I can only force out a single word. 

“H-help.”

[dr-abitat-blog]

Whumpay Day 22: "I've got you."

T/W: Captivity, imprisonment, implied medical procedures, sedation, drugged, reunion, test subject.

This could essentially be the follow-on from Ash's POV to my Whumptober Day 1 prompt from last year ;)

Turning around the corner, my feet skid to a halt in front of the final cell. Right next to the panel is that telling red triangle, alongside the bold imprint of the letter H.

This has to be it!

“Glow, give me a hand!”

Together, we combine our essence to break the panel. It erupts in violent sparks before our eyes, overriding the mechanism keeping the door locked. We immediately scramble towards the entrance, not even waiting for the door to fully open before squeezing inside. Sharp gasps instantly escape us.

“K-Kris!”

Hurrying across the cell, Al and I approach the single bed that holds them. Oddly enough it’s just them in this cell. No other beds. No other subjects. Just their still pale form, unresponsive. My eyes frantically search for chest movement, relaxing only when I see the gentle falling motion of their ribs. Their eyes are partially closed, looking almost…peaceful, if they actually were sleeping. I have a strong suspicion the IV tube connected to the cannula in their arm has something to do with that fact, keeping them in a blissfully sedated state, drugged up and compliant.

“Kris…can you hear us?”

Krissy doesn’t respond, other than to take a few deep breaths through the oxygen mask resting over their face. A soft whimper of distress barely makes it past the constricting material. I also catch the thin rubber tube snaking down their nose, taped in place to their cheek. 

It’s hard not to gag at the memory of an identical tube being shoved down my own nose.

“Y-you’re okay, you’re okay…”

I gently stroke their blonde hair – fanned around their face like a halo – before reaching for the IV and clamping off the tube. “We’re going to get you out of here, Kris. Glow, help me get the straps off.”

Bit by bit, we slowly unfasten each of the straps binding them to the bed. The first strap around their right wrist comes undone. Their other wrist-strap follows. Al grunts as he frees their ankles, tossing each strap aside as we work to free our friend.

“What’s this?”

My eyes follow the clear tube connected to a small bag by the bed. Given their immobile state, I already have a very good idea where that tube goes.

“J-just uh, keep getting off the straps. We’ll deal with that later.” 

The next strap around their chest is harder to get off, especially from how much my fingers are quivering at that revelation.

And yet the other subjects weren’t given so many interventions for—huh?

A soft groan comes from Krissy’s figure. Their eyes flutter open, squinting around them with a whimper. “Shhh, it’s okay. We’re right here, Kris. Take your time. I-it’s okay.”

I slip the mask off their face, leaning into their field of vision so that they can clearly see me. Slowly, they begin to regain their senses. Their glazed eyes gradually take in their prison, widening in fear. A cry escapes them as they attempt to sit up, almost immediately flopping back down again. “Easy—got you.”

My arms steady them in position, preventing them from falling off the bed. I lock eyes with them, repeating in a softer tone. “I’ve got you.”

 Al soon joins me, his expression softening with concern.

“You okay, Kris?”

Krissy blinks groggily back at us, taking a few shaky breaths as they come out of their drugged state.

“Nngh…wh-wha…?”

“It’s alright. You’re safe. Y-you’re going to be okay.”

I feel myself tearing up a little at their current vacant expression. “Kris…do you remember us?”

Krissy blinks again. Their eyes move between me and Al. For a moment they just sit there, staring, as if mustering all of their mental energy to recall that one detail. Then, their eyes slowly start to widen.

“...Ash? …Al?”

They shake their head with a distressed cry. “N-no, you…you’re not…really here. I’m just…dreaming again…”

Their faint sob tears at my heart. “Y-you’re not real…you’re…y-you’re not—”

“We are here, Kris — we’re right here!”

Tearing up, I rest my hands on their own, causing them to flinch – until I gingerly rest their hands on my own face. “H-here — feel that. Does that feel real to you?”

Krissy’s fingers grope weakly around my face. Their cool fingers tickle my cheeks, palms almost caressing my face as they feel my flesh and warmth.

“...A-Ash?”

Tears shine in their eyes. Their hands move down to my neck, tracing the inactive collar, then my shoulders. “Y-you came back…nngh…”

“Shhh, it’s alright. W-we’re gonna be okay now.”

Our arms slowly embrace each other, first Kris, then Al. Our foreheads press together as we remain in that position. All three of us hold each other in silence, other than the odd relieved sniffle and exhausted sob from Krissy. I’m almost terrified to let go of them both, in case it shatters the current illusion.

Yeah, we’re gonna be okay...

[dr-abitat-blog]

Whumpay Day 21: "They'll be fine...right?"

I know I'm quite a few days behind but hoping to catch up and get as far as I can x Dr Slade belongs to the brilliant @whumpsmith T/W: Injury, chase scene, attempted healing, 'has-to-get-worse-before-it-gets-better'

“Hold on, it’s gonna be one bumpy ride!”

That’s the only warning we get before he slams on the gas. With a violent rev, the van floors ahead, gaining distance from our relentless pursuers.

“Bloody hell,” Dr Slade curses, holding onto the side, “Speed limits are a thing, you know!” 

Krissy and I slump against the wall, holding on for dear life, although my friend’s pained grimacing isn’t lost on me. 

“Are you okay, Kris?” “Y-yeah, I’m fine. Nothing to worry about.”

Naturally, their lie is utterly transparent. 

“How’s your leg, lad – really?”  

“Um…”

Krissy hesitates for a moment, still trying to keep a brave face as our older companion checks the makeshift bandage I’d tied earlier after freeing their leg from that trap, “F-fine, it hurts and I can barely walk on—gnngha!”

They cry out as he tries to move their leg. He immediately winces. 

“Aye, that’s not good – and the wound is quite deep.”

Definitely not good.

“They’ll be fine…right?”

“... they should be, but ideally we need to clean and close it as soon as we can. The last thing we need is it getting infected. You should be able to help with that.”

“...me?” I repeat, wondering if I misheard.

“You’re a sanitatem, remember?” he adds, his gaze firmly fixed in my direction, “That means your powers have healing potential—”

“B-but I’ve never used them for that before! I have no idea how it works!”

Images of burning green fire and red raw skin flash before my eyes. I give my head a hard shake, fear growing along with the prickles already coursing through my nerves. “What if I hurt them, or—”

“If we wait too long, it could make things worse. Time isn’t on our side, Lightbug. You need to try.”

His eyes meet mine, serious. “And there will come a time when you need to use your powers for this purpose. Trust me, there’s no better time to learn than now!”

“But—!” “Listen to me, lad! The first thing you need to do is calm yourself down.”

“Y-you really expect me to be calm right now?!”

The question comes out in a disbelieving shout. Dr Slade raises an eyebrow, but doesn’t comment otherwise. A small murmur from Krissy quickly gets my attention.

“I-it’s okay, Ash. Just try it – better than nothing.”

“K-Kris—”

“I trust you.”

Their declaration shocks me. Not a second of hesitation is there as their teary eyes meet mine. Even through the pain they send me a small smile. “S-so don’t hold back, got it?”

They trust me – more than I trust myself.

“I…o-okay. Calm. Just…be calm.”

“Aye. Take some deep breaths. Use that mantra thing you told me, ‘Mind equals the Matter?’”

“‘Mind Over The Matter’,” I correct him quietly, drawing in a deep breath. 

I can feel both of their eyes on me as I start to slow my breathing.

Mind. Over. The. Matter — In — Mind. Over. The. Matter — out.

Slowly, the calmness washes over me. The prickling becomes less intense. My heart settles in my chest.

“Good. Now hold your hand over the wound and let the energy flow inside it.”

Even though I am a little calmer, the nerves still bite at me, especially the very real ‘what if’ possibility of making things worse. 

I can do this. I can do this…

Ignoring Krissy’s pained murmurs, I gently wrap my hand over their bloody calf. Panic spikes in me again as I release the mental barrier holding back my essence, trying to ignore the sticky warmth against my fingers. Green soon licks across them, seeping into the wound from all directions. My eyes widen a little as I watch.

Is that—

“AGH!”

Krissy’s pained yell immediately breaks the concentration. The essence flows faster, burning their leg and eliciting a sound crossed between a sob and a shriek, attempting to pull their limb away. They half kick me in response.

“Lad, stop—Ash!”

 With a horrified cry I pull away, watching the flames leap from my trembling palms. “O-Oh Go—sorry! I-I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry—”

“You almost had it, just try a—”

“I can’t do this!”

“You can—”

“I CAN’T!”

 The essence burns my hands, eliciting a few pained cries of my own. Gnashing my teeth through the pain, I feel my breathing picking up, especially at the stunned expressions on Dr Slade and Krissy’s faces. Another tiny sob escapes me. “...I-I’m sorry, I just—”

“No, it’s understandable. You’re just kids at the end of the day. Bloody hell…”

He swipes a hand through his hair, sighing deeply. “Just try again. Krissy, I know it hurts, it has to get worse before it gets better. Can you try to bear it a little longer?”

“I-I’ll try,” they answer bravely, holding back a sniffle, “Y-you got this, Ash.”

I’m honestly terrified to try again. I really am — but Krissy is counting on me, so is Dr Slade.

Be brave, Ash. Be brave.

Taking a few more deep breaths, I move back over to Krissy, trying to stop my hand shaking as I grasp their calf again.

“Keep your focus. Unless I tell you to pull away, you don’t stop, arite?”

“A-alright.”

Inhaling, I ensure my palm is pressed against the exposed tissue before letting the essence out. The prickles sting and burn. I fight back every growing wave of panic as Krissy cries out again in pain. My other hand suddenly finds itself reaching for their own. “Squeeze my hand,” I instruct them quietly, lifting my head up to meet their eyes, “Squeeze it as tight as you can, alright?”

“M-mhmm…”

Their fingers soon close around mine, giving them a small grateful squeeze and attempting to clench their teeth together to hold back their continued cries. Needless to say, trying to use my powers in this way for the first time whilst in the back of a fast-moving vehicle engaged in an epic chase sequence is not the best environment to be doing this, but Dr Slade is right. I know he is. That’s why I don’t stop. I force my concentration to remain firmly on Krissy, on the essence.

Mind. Over. The. Matter…th-that’s it—!

“Th-that’s it — you’re doing great, Kris. You’re doing great—”

“B-burns—Burns!”

A horrible sounding yowl rips from their throat as they almost crush my hand. Tears crawl down their cheeks, soon mirrored on my own face as they start to sob.

“D-Dr Slade—”

“Keep going. It’s starting to work—you’re both doing so well—!”

I don’t feel like I’m doing well. Not when Krissy is sitting there, crying and shaking against me as I attempt to ‘heal’ them. Not when I know that I’m the one responsible for their pain. Through my teary gaze, I lift my hand slightly to get a better look at the damage. Their lower leg stares back at me, raw with underlying layers of subcutaneous fat exposed. Scarlet still stains their skin. My own fingers are now dyed in red. Somehow, I manage to keep from hurling at the sight of it, let alone the distinct metallic smell. However, I do notice that the amount of blood compared to before is considerably…less.

Does that mean—is it really working?!

Invigorated by that fact, I resume my full focus. It’s exhausting, but for Krissy’s sake I don’t budge. Even with the tears and pained whimpers, I keep going. Dr Slade sits beside us the whole time, one hand holding onto Krissy’s free arm — for both support and to stop them from trying to rip my hand off their leg— 

“Hold on, Starchild. Just a little longer—”

“A-Ash—how much—it—nghaaaa!”

They quickly stuff their free hand in their mouth, half-biting down on it to control the pain with a muted sob. 

“I-I know, I know it hurts — scream, cry, crush my whole hand, whatever you have to do!”

Their eyes remain tightly screwed shut as they almost cut off the circulation in my hand. I  continue to let the essence spread through their calf, slowly but surely reknitting precious fibres back together to reduce the depth of their wound. 

 “S-stmmgh—plmmgh STMMGH!”

I can tell exactly what they’re pleading with me – and I can’t do it, not yet. 

Come on, faster! Faster! 

The truck continues to jostle and jerk us around, but we keep going, as painful and difficult as it is. Another strained sob. Another crushing squeeze of my hand. I almost sob with them, hating the sound of them in pain. It feels as if we’ve been going at it forever, until I feel a familiar warmth starting to tickle my nose, dripping down onto my lip.

Blood—

“That’s enough now. Pull away, Lightbug.”

“But I — nngh — haven’t finished—”

“It doesn’t matter. Pull away.”

“Nngh…”

Something in his tone sends a shudder through me. Releasing their leg, I quickly pull my hand back. My hands are still a little bloody from their injury. I barely take in the blood spotting from my nose, peering through the haze at Krissy’s exhausted shaking form. At the same time, Dr Slade, squeezes their shoulder, inspecting their leg himself.

“It’s definitely not as deep as it was,” he murmurs, ripping some fresh material from his own shirt, “It’s arite, Starchild. It’s over. Let me just wrap it up.”

As he secures the fresh temporary dressing over their wound, I finally gather the will to address them as they sit there panting, a few tears still trailing down their face.

“I-I’m sorry, Kris. I’m so sorry you—”

“N-no…y-you did…what you had to…nngh…”

They slowly raise their head, meeting my face with a teary exhausted expression. “I-it just stings now. Burning…n-not so bad.”

“G-good…come here, no need to cry now...”

They cough for a moment, peering back at me tearily as I use my own cardigan sleeve to dry the tears on their cheeks

“Nngh…Ash. I…y-you’re crying too…a-and your nose—”

“I’m fine.”

The tears remain wet on my cheeks, but I just brush them away with my other sleeve. “I-I’m just glad you’re okay, Kris.”

“Y-yeah…although you…you guys definitely owe me first pick…o-on sandwiches tonight.”

Their comment brings the ghost of a smile to my face. Even after all of that, they’re still able to crack a joke.

“Heh…I think that’s fair.”

[dr-abitat-blog]

Sorry guys, I'm not feeling very well and I've got a busy weekend coming up so I'm taking a temporary hiatus from Whumpay :( I know it will put me like 4 days behind by the time I get back to it, but I've got a lighter week next week so I'll catch up quickly enough and just use the current time to brainstorm and recover mentally. Don't worry though, I'm determined to see the month through to the end!

Thanks for all the likes and lovely comments so far and see you soon ^^ xx

[dr-abitat-blog]

Chaos Trio I love you soooo :'( There's just something about bad end AUs that is so hnnngh, you so cooked with this one, I love them so much, Adam babyyy :'( x

Day 20 - "Let them go!"

CW: vampire whumper, vampire whumpee, multiple whumpees, newly turned vampire, manhandling, handgag, mind control (ish), forced to obey

Stupid fucking idiots.

Adam grit his teeth, wincing as he accidentally sliced open his lip again. How long would it take to get used to these damn fangs? Never mind that, he had better things to worry about. He glared at his so-called "master," wanting to tear his throat out, but being unable to, as if he was held back by invisible shackles whenever the thought of hurting him crossed his mind.

It had been on his mind this whole time, really. But right now the feeling was stronger than ever. Because right now, it wasn't just his life at stake, but that of his closest friends as well.

"Let them go!"

"And why ever would I do that?"

Adam hissed in frustration. He was touched that his friends came to save him. A couple hours too late, yes, but they still came. Unfortunately, it was just the two of them, and while Eclipse and Borealis were a powerful duo, they (apparently) weren't powerful enough to take on a 1000's years old elder vampire.

And his 500 years old slave.

And his newly-turned servant.

Adam didn't want to fight his friends, but the bond between a vampire and its sire made it so that he literally had no choice. Once an order was given it had to be carried out, no matter what. So unfortunately, Adam got to test his newfound powers on his two closest friends, as he had a personal hand in their defeat.

Borealis was pinned down by Ian—The 500 years old slave—Arms twisted painfully on their back. They were still bleeding where Adam had bitten them during the fight, getting his first taste of blood.

Eclipse was being held by the master, Lord Gethin, himself, his attempts to pull free from his grip looking weak in comparison to the elder vampire's strength.

Gethin had shown only one mercy: He had ordered Ian and Adam not to kill the two young heroes, but Adam suspected he was just drawing out the inevitable. He seemed to get off on making everyone around him miserable, especially the ones he'd already enthralled.

"Remember, Adam..." Gethin said, "when I asked you which one of your friends you'd want to keep as a pet?"

"...Yes, Master," Adam said with as much disdain as he could muster, "I also remember telling you I'd choose none of them, because I don't see myself as better than them."

"Well, if you still refuse choose..." Gethin said, tearing off Eclipse's mask and tearing open his jacket, "You shall feed from them."

"Don't touch mmmph!"

Eclipse tried to protest, but was subsequently silenced when Gethin clamped his hand over his mouth. Eclipse tried to pull his hand away, but he was still no match for the vampire's strength. And when he started probing his mind...Eclipse was defenceless.

Expose yourself...

Eclipse's struggle ceased as he sagged against the elder vampire and pulled at his torn jacket to bare his throat. Borealis picked up their struggle in Eclipse's stead, trying to buck Ian off of them, even if they were also painfully outmatched.

"E-Eclipse! Snap out of it! I-Ian please, let me go!"

"Silence him," Gethin simply said, to which Ian promptly put his hand over Borealis' mouth to at least muffle their protests.

"Leave them alone!" Adam pleaded, "J-just let them go, you don't need them! You already got what you wanted!"

"Silence, Adam," Gethin coolly said, "come here and feed from him."

Adam shook with rage, unable to stop himself as he stepped forward. He hated that he had to do this. He hated having no control over his own actions just because one old bastard told him to do something. At least Eclipse was calm under his spell. Maybe it wouldn't hurt while he was....

"Lmm gmmh— Ah! Adam stop!"

Borealis managed to pull their head free, but their efforts were in vain. The order had already been given. Adam stood in front of Eclipse, feeling put off by the blank look on his face, yet still wrapping his arms around him and putting his mouth on the side of his neck before biting down.

"Mmmgh!"

Eclipse cried into Gethin's hand as Adam bit him, beginning to struggle again as if the spell had been broken, but Adam was already drinking. He couldn't stop even as Eclipse tried to push him off, even as Borealis pleaded for him to stop until Ian managed to silence them again.

All Adam could do was glare up at Gethin, sickened by his sly grin.

"Good boy, Adam~ Drink your fill..."

@whumpay

Adam belongs to @illustriousshadow Borealis belongs to @dr-abitat-blog

Masterlist Main account

This is an alt ending. In the actual series of events, Eclipse and Borealis showed up with a bunch of other heroes and sidekicks — Still too late because Adam became a vampire, but at least no one else died :3

[dr-abitat-blog]

Whumpay Day 20: "Let them go!"

Another tiring day, please excuse me if this isn't up to my usual par haha. T/W: Kidnapping, bound and gagged, multiple whumpees, dog-catchers Faline is a precious sweetheart and belongs to @whumpsmith. Notably she's a bit younger and more inexperienced here, but boy will she make up for it later :O x

“Nngha!”

My head slams into the ground. Something presses down on me, a pressure forcing me flat into the floor. A cold vice grip locks around my arms, yanking them viciously behind my back. I squirm frantically against the fuzzy fibres of the plush carpet, attempting to kick out with my legs despite the sharp pain digging into my back—

“Quit your struggling, sigma!”

Another hand shoves my head down against the ground, holding it there as they finish snapping the familiar whirring restraint tightly around my wrists. Gritting my teeth and pinned down, all I can do is try to take in the sideways world around me. My eyes dart around the small living room room, searching for my friends amongst the chaos. 

“N-no! Don’t do this!”

My watery gaze follows Faline’s pitiful cries, finally picking her out against the two guards hauling her to her feet. My friend’s brown glassy eyes quickly meet mine, glistening with tears, her face pale with terror as she tugs at the identical pair of cuffs keeping her hands locked behind her back. I try to mouth…something to her, but a sudden yank on my hair drags my head backwards, forcing me to lose her again. Nonetheless I can still hear her, alongside her frightened struggles as the hands finally wrestle me up from the ground. “S-stop it! You’re hurting him—!” “Quiet, missy!” one of them snaps, tugging on her ponytail, “You’ll keep your mouth shut if you know what’s good for you.”

I expect her to shrink back in response, but instead she sends him a watery glare. I’m about to speak up in protest myself when a familiar cry of distress interrupts me. My head jerks in his direction, eyes widening in horror. 

“Z-Zyron!”

“Zy!”

“Flnngh! Ammgh!”

Our new friend stares back at us, his eyes flickering a stormy grey as the catchers drag him over to us. He thrashes his head fiercely, his own dark hair falling into his face as he attempts to holler through the sturdy leather muzzle cruelly buckled over his mouth, the straps chafing his mocha skin. In combination with the power-suppressing cuffs, his siren powers are essentially useless. Despite the more rapid rate of his breathing, he keeps a brave expression on his face.

…I can only hope my own expression looks just as convincing.

“Three sigmas secured – ready for transport back to base, sir.”

“Good job. Just hurry it up before the mom gets back. It’d be a shame to have to take her out.”

Zyron hisses threateningly at the mention of his mom. The thought of anything happening to her – to Sandra – who had shown us nothing but kindness ever since Zyron had brought us here… it makes me want to throw up.

“Alright, let’s get ‘em in the back. The doc will be glad to—”

“W-wait!”

I hate how shaky my voice sounds right now, even as two of the catchers tighten their grip on my arms. “He only cares about me! They have nothing to do with—” “Shut him up, Rawlings.”

His command sends a shuddering running through me, prompting me to pick up my struggles, fighting to make my pleas heard.

“N-no! Let them go! Let them gmmffo!”

I cough violently as the rolled up rag is roughly shoved between my teeth mid-yell, pinching against my cheeks painfully. Even as the catcher attempts to knot it viciously behind my head I continue viciously jerking around, tears stinging my eyes. “Fllnnn! Zrrnn!”

“A-Ash! No! No, plmmmf!” Her plea morphs into a muted sob of distress. Her catcher gives a sadistic smirk.

“Heh, that’s better. The dogs are all nice and quiet now.”

Faline just whimpers frightfully, her cheeks already wet as a similar rag is cinched tightly between her lips to silence her. In retaliation Zyron growls through his gag, bristling and yanking against his captors as all three of us are shoved out the door. My form brushes against Faline’s as we’re herded away. I attempt to try and reach for her hand to comfort her, but a sudden choking sensation around my neck halts my efforts. I choke.

“Get moving, sigma!”

The catcher tugs forcefully on the pole connected to the thin wire looped around my throat, forcing me to stumble in his direction to avoid being choked every step of the way. A flicker over my shoulder reveals Faline and Zyron being dragged about on similar poles by the dogcatchers until all three of us are inside the cramped interior of their truck. The wires are finally removed from our necks and we’re thrown to the cold metal ground. I get a last glance of the unnaturally bright sun behind us before the door slams shut, locking us in. Zyron immediately sits up, dragging himself towards Faline’s trembling figure. I waste no time in following him, trying not to cry myself at her heart-wrenching muffled sobs as the three of us press together. Our foreheads rest against each other, offering the smallest sense of comfort and unity even as the vehicle roars to life. 

We’ll be okay. I promise.

…that’s what I want to say, but we all know that would be a lie. I can’t lie right now.

So instead, I just stay tightly pressed against them, waiting until the dreaded moment when we’ll inevitably be forced apart...

...