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he needs to count his fucking days
#clenching my teeth and getting myself through the late captain pierce if it kills me#townes talks !#alan and i are fist fighting#mash#mashposting#m*a*s*h#mash 4077#mashblr#hawkeye pierce#hawkeye
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Heya!! Kip here! The @memorabiliazine preorders have just shipped, which means we can share our pieces now! I wrote this piece back in February, after theorizing about the presence of Robbie's Telescope being present in the Royal Tech Lab in Age of Calamity. So without further a do, here be my little essay/fic on some old ruins, or more specifically, its:
Cause of Destruction
The storm had come too late. Thankfully, it was all devastated.
She continued to run from the screaming.
The Sheikah woman headed for the hills, brittle trees littering the eastern side of the Lindor mountain side. If she hurried, she could meet up with the others who had—
A distant crack of thunder melded with the collapse of stone; she makes the mistake of glancing back.
In the greater horizon, the shadow of Hyrule Castle looms over a conquered dusk. A shrill cry—something between a roar and a whine—escapes from the cloudy malice beast that enshrouds the Hylian monument. But that was just the backdrop, the canvas for contrast. Closer still, in the billowing grass of North Hyrule Plain, the stormy winds cut through fog and smoke like a dagger.
In the opened wound, the faint silhouette of a building glows.
Blue.
Blue.
Blue.
She keeps running.
The color might have at one point been appealing—the symbol of the Royals, the pleasant hue that cloaked a perfect morning. But tonight it just haunted her...chased her...reminded her of the terrible deed that was done.
A horse came over the hills.
“HEY!” a man shouted, mounted on a grey horse. “MA’AM! HALT, PLEASE!”
Crap. She sucked in a breath through her teeth, clutched her limp, burned arm, and kept moving. I just need to reach the trees.
But the chase seemed over before it had even started. When she had first started running from the blue, some wandering captain had stopped her to ask what was wrong. There was a strange kindness in his striking eyes, a forgein concept in this land now stricken with grief, death, and paranoia. In her haste—and possibly shame of what she had done—she had just pushed the captain away and fled. Very inconspicuous…good job me.
Now it seems he had found her again. Any other day she might have commended him for his kindness in checking with some random Sheikah, during the end of the world no less.
But tonight, well...there’s a sliver of her that might have preferred death.
The woman tripped on a divet in the earth, crashing down on one of her badly burned legs, and hissed at the pain. The rain had muddied the path, and was staining her once white clothes a disgusting marron. The pounding of hooves grew closer, until they halted right next to her ears.
A pair of leather boots crashed into the mud.
“Ma’am, don’t get up. You’re injured. Please.”
The clang of metal armour accompanies the voice. Oh he was a captain alright, equipped well for the apocalypse. His metalspear and armour adorned in—
She looks up.
Blue.
A slight frown.
The man tries to help her to her feet, watching to not clutch on the wounds on her right side. “Whatcha doing all the way out here? The nearest settlement is a ways away.” The captain lifts up one of her arms, and his eyes widen just a bit. “Dammit...those burns look bad. We might getcha some aid...there’s a laboratory place nearby that I’m heading by, just due east and—”
“...Lab?” The woman can’t help but wonder aloud. No...you idiot, you can’t be serious.
The captain smiles again. “See now, that’s why I was so eager to catch your attention. You’re running in the wrong direction.” He points in the direction she was running towards. “Up where you’re going is just mountains. There’s a fancy smancy lab a bit south that could help patch you up better than—”
“If you head to that lab, you’ll die.” She lets the words linger for a moment. “Unless, of course, that was the desired plan for the evening.” The woman laughs to herself, but the sound is empty and dry.
He frowns. “...What?”
She’s silent, gears turning in her head. Goddess...how do I say this without—
She points east, the rain pattering on her outstretched sleeve. “Tell me, Captain. What do you see over there?”
The man pauses, his face contort with confusion. He follows her hand and stares at the blue.
“...North Hyrule Plain. Some building glowing blue over there…I’m assuming that’s the techno-wizz from the L—”
“Lab, yes. That would be the Royal Ancient Lab. Though I’m afraid it’s not glowing from ‘techno-wizz’ or anything of that sort, dear captain.”
She crosses her arms, turning to look away from the blue and hugging her knees. “It’s currently burning to the ground.”
An ugly pause, as the man seems to take a moment to digest this. He flickers his gaze between the Sheikah and the distant blue building.
“I-It’s...It’s raining though—”
“Blue flame, I’m afraid, is a bit more resistant. Plus, it’s been burning long before the storm came through.”
“What...I…” The captain sits next to her, plopping into the mud in disbelief. “I was really thinking that...why would…”
He turns to her, his eyes are stormy grey, with faint specks of blue, like embers. The captain’s tone is gravely serious. “Miss, why was that lab destroyed?”
The question catches her off guard. Her jaw’s clenched, but she breaks their staring contest and hides her surprise with a shrug. “Same reason as every other disaster today. Calamity Ganon destroyed it.”
There’s a crack of thunder, and the ground shudders at her lie.
“...No.” the man mumbles.
“Look, I know it’s a lot to process—”
“No, I mean,” he stands, hand reaching for his back, “that’s not what actually happened, is it ma’am?”
Crap. The Sheikah holds her hands in the air. “If this is about me shoving you earlier, I was just a bit—”
“Aw now don’tcha worry about that, I took no personal offense.” He scratches the blond stubble on his chin.
“Now the thing that I do find some mighty fine offense to, is the fact that there’s a good lick of a chance that I’m currently speaking to an arsonist traitor.”
There’s a BOOM, and in the distance, another large piece of the Royal Lab collapses into the earth. The blue grows brighter.
“Me? What in the name of Hylia are you—”
“Let’s not play dumb, ma’am. Trust me, I’m a sucker for some pleasantries and small talk, though I’m afraid addressing the fact that you burned down the nearest safe haven for miles is gonna take priority here.”
The Sheikah woman just fumes, attempting to get up in the captain’s face. “How DARE you accuse me of—”
She’s cut off by the shing of metal cutting through air. The captain twirls the spear on his back and points the end right at her neck, resting just below her chin. She scowls, but puts her hands in the air.
“You just don’t understan—”
“That’s a mighty fine torch you got there��” He clicks his tongue.
Both hands grip his spear steady, ready to pierce flesh at any moment. The captain gestures with a wink to the torch attached to her waist. It seems to still smolder slightly with faint blue embers.
The captain looks between the torch, and the blue fire in the horizon.
“Yes, a mighty fine torch indeed.” He presses the spear tip a bit further forward.
“And it’s glowing a familiar color.”
Cause of Destruction
An Analysis of the Destruction of the Royal Ancient Lab
By Dr. J Kippers
(But please, Kippers was my father, call me Kip)
So heroes are a thing, huh? Who’da thunk it! One minute, I’m continuing my travels, studying some cool rocks and bricks in Hyrule Field. Then the next, a giant malice pig appears and fights some teenage boy wielding a glowing stick. I definitely wasn’t cowering behind the ruins of a garrison bathroom while that all happened, and I definitely was doing some cool badass fighting moves with my...pen, to help that knight and save the world and stuff. Makes for a pretty cool story, yeah? HA, Traysi would kill for it…
But enough of my daring, slightly exaggerated, exploits. It’s been a few weeks since the world’s settled down from the Calamity’s defeat, which means I had prime time to settle back into my hometown, and put my years of travel and research to paper!
I spent the majority of my life studying the history of Hyrule as it fell to the Calamity 100 years ago...and with the world now revitalizing, it’s just prime time to get myself out there! Research wise, that is!
At first, I didn’t really know what to write, cause WOW there’s just so many topics to choose from. Plus there’s a lot on the line here, gotta make a good impression for whatever new kingdom that Princess Zelda’s got planned. She seems the scholarly type, yeah? I’m thinking I could snag some Hyrule history teach’ position at a rebuilt university or something… Princess has got an awful lot of focus on the reconstruction of different village ruins. Which is fair, cause who better to know how to rebuild these places than the people who were alive to see them in their prime!
And you see, that’s where my journey of knowledge began! People with first hand knowledge of the events of distant past are alive? OH a historian’s dream…my soul swells in happiness. Plus, I also got my researcher brain a-tingling. My dad’s friend’s cousin’s neighbor’s grandma’s dog’s breeder knew Dr. Robbie back in the day, so Sheikah tech is basically in my blood.
With these passions rejuvenated I had my goal! Publish some revolutionary new theory that combined my awesome knowledge for history, archeology, and tech! And what better place to see that than, (duh) the Royal Ancient Lab Ruins.
Now, there doesn’t seem to be much in these ruins…it’s absolutely barren. No weapons or treasures to be seen. Just your run-of-the-mill ruined ruins, destroyed long ago by the Calamity. And that was the end of the story.
At least that’s what I thought until I did a little more digging. See, as I was doing some additional research, I stumbled upon this old history/research book stored in the Kakariko archive. I have no idea where it came from...it’s titled...C-Caa...Creation? Creating? Creating a...Cham...it’s kinda faded and hard to read. But anyhow, this weird little history book was written by some guy named “Nine-tendons.” If someone out there has a copy feel free to hit me up, but for today’s sake title and author don’t really matter. The point is, one of the quotes in that book describes the ruins like this:
Royal Ancient Lab Ruins
It is thought that these ruins represent the ancient relic research facility that was under the direct rule of Hyrule Castle, but only the outer walls remain. There is no trace of the building’s interior, let alone any research materials.
The thoroughness of its destruction feels intentional. [Page 396, Cr_ating a Champ___, Nint__do.]
Now I’m not too familiar with the work of whoever Mr. Nin-Ten-doves is, but I strangely trust their word on the topic wholeheartedly. Call it a feeling from the divine if you must, but they’re right! It seems so much more obvious in hindsight.
My adventures into the other various ruins across Hyrule always gave me something to work with. The world is just crafted for exploration. Old treasure chests, weird rocks with a tiny talking tree fairy underneath. Hell, even a monster or two was always happy to inhabit even the smallest of ruins I’ve entered. Yet, there is absolutely nothing of prominence to be seen at the ruins of the Royal Ancient Lab. And I’ve double, triple, and quintuple-checked!
Why are there no rusted weapons...or treasures...or any records or evidence of anything, other than some crude stone walls and a rock? That kind of destruction is just unnecessarily absolute, even for the Calamity.
According to detailed drawings/notes I have in my records of Historical Works during the Age of Calamity (HW AOC for short), the Royal Ancient Lab was nearly three stories tall, with a royal blue ceiling, complete with a basement level, and an upper telescope! With even the smallest of structures (like simple ranch and village ruins) still standing today with plenty of artifacts, why is as great a structure as the Royal Lab so desolate?
Intentional, intentional, intentional...that word ran through my head for days, weeks, months even. Why would the Royal Ancient Lab be destroyed intentionally? Did the Calamity see it as that major a threat? No, that wouldn’t make sense, the movements of Calamity Ganon that day clearly show his intention to use the Sheikah power against the people of Hyrule. An Ancient Lab would be a major benefit, if anything…
So, surprising as it may be, the current prime suspect for the destruction of this lab would actually be…
The Sheikah just glares. “Well...what gave it away?
He shrugged his shoulders with a half smile. “Deductive reasoning, with a hint of some good ol’ luck perhaps.”
“Listen, I know this looks bad, but you have to understand—”
“Oh I understand quite well alright.” The captain gives a wink. “I try to be humble, but Mama always did say I was the smartest cookie she knew.”
He rests the end of his spear on her collarbone, the threat clearly still present, but it gives him the freedom to pace and wipe rain for his soaked blonde hair.
“See I know that Calamity Ganon’s corrupted every bit of Sheikah tech from here to Lurelin. I know that he’s been targeting Hylian settlements. ‘Seen it myself when some monsters and Guardians destroyed my regiment and post at Maritta Exchange, just a bit north from here. I know that the only reason the other settlements, like the Rito and Zora, are still standing is because Ganon’s focusing all his forces on finding and killing the Hylian Champion and the princess. And finally I know that because of that, there is not a Guardian or monster around for many a mile. I mean, just lookie over there.”
The woman turns her head, and sure enough, the plains are barren of all life. No movement of machine or beast or person.
“And now my assumption was—and do pardon me if my monologue is redundant to your traitor ears—that the nearest place of safety would be this royal laboratory of technology. It’s Sheikah run, so it wouldn’t be immediately targeted. Plus the last thing the Calamity would want is for his personal army of destruction to be...well, destroyed. Ifs I was them evil cloud demon thing, I woulda wanted the lab with all my corrupted techno babble soldiers to be kept in peak condition. However…”
The captain turns to the right, staring at the blazing blue building in the distance. “...That does not seem to be the case.”
The Sheikah opens her mouth to speak, but he holds up the spear again. “Now I’m thinking, the only reason someone would go about destroying that lab, would perhaps be to kill some people, no?”
“We didn’t—”
“Getting rid of the people who could possibly reverse the Guardian corruption...now I suppose that might be a good evil plan.”
“It was for the be—”
“Ma’am I’m all about looking on the bright side of things, but,” the captain flicks his head in the direction of the blue, “This ain’t exactly the light a’ hope I was wanting.”
“Maybe not, but—”
“So,who are ya? Yiga?”
“No, it’s—”
“Solo treason then. You getting revenge on someone ‘round here? A noble? The King? Or perhaps you’re just the sadistic type with the whole—”
“NO!”
The outburst surprises the both of them, and he hold the spear to ner neck firmly. Another crack of thunder reminds them of the silence that’s endured. The Sheikah finally sighs.
“Perhaps by definition I am an arsonist and a traitor, but for one thing, I wasn’t alone.”
The man’s eyes shine curiously, but she continues.
“I will gladly die alongside them, as my actions have only been for the benefit of Hyrule.”
The rain’s tempo quickens as she gets on her feet, but the captain doesn’t strike. She stares him down, eyes hidden behind strands of white hair.
“My name is Atsuko, a devoted researcher at the Royal Lab, and you may kill me if you think it just.”
Ok, now I know what you’re all thinking. You’re thinking “Kip! Why are you writing this official research paper like some drunken bar rant? How the hell are you gonna get noticed at this rate?” or “Kip! The hell are you thinking?? Sheikah destroying the Ancient Lab makes absolutely no sense?!”
So to that I say, firstly, uhhh you’re welcome for not being a boring posh, snobby lecturer.(Learned to value a personality over fancy words; lessons my granddad).
As for the latter, you are quite wrong my dear friend, quite wrong indeed. It makes an absolute butt-load of sense, and I’m gonna prove it was them, here and now! I mean that’s...kinda the whole point of an essay, yeah?
My fellow archeology, history, and tech lovers, not only do I know who is responsible for the Royal Lab’s destruction, but I know the true reason why and how! Let us start at the beginning!
What exactly is the lab, and what was its purpose? Well, as the name implies, it was a Sheikah-run laboratory under the hand of the royal family that researched and experimented with Ancient technology. Again, looking at references in HW AOC, I can place not only Guardian models and Ancient weaponry at the lab, but also the existence of blue flame lamps that seemingly powered the facility.
As we all know, it’s tough to mess around with Ancient parts without blue flame, which is the prime energy source for the Ancient Sheikah. Such are the existence of today’s Hateno and Akkala tech labs, located near blue flame furnaces. However! This brings into question exactly why the Royal Lab was constructed where it was…
There are only three places in all of Hyrule with natural blue flame deposits, or otherwise called “Ancient Furnaces.” That would be in Hateno, Akkala, and within Hyrule Castle itself. So why is the Royal Tech Lab so far from these Ancient Furnaces?
To answer this question, might I direct your attention towards explosions. That’s right folks, I’m talking bombs! (Please take this moment to imagine me creating an accompanying explosive sound effect with my mouth)
Some time ago, as I was analyzing the blue flame lamps in Deep Akkala, I ran into that hero of legend face to face! Nice guy, quiet and charming type. Smelled strangely like apples and burnt guts.
Long story short, I traded my entire supply of Hot-Footed Frogs and arrows for a chance to mess with his Sheikah Slate for a bit.
So during that brief period of research, I discovered that while Sheikah tech is usually well controlled—with bomb runes only going off on command by the push of a button—there is an exception! Bomb runes instantly react with blue flame, just one touch and they’ll instantly explode! Try it out yourself! Er, well. Ok, maybe not. Don’t do that, legally I’m not responsible. Plus, it’s not like any of you folk out there have access to bomb runes or a Sheikah Slate that you can play around and test it out for yourself like it’s some virtual game that you can switch around in your hands.
Bomb runes are giant bundles of compact Sheikah tech. When in contact with a pure blue flame, they go boom. The process with the Sheikah Slate must simplify this process with a remote button, but as I’ve discovered, the process can be hastened by chucking a torch around.
I call this phenomenon of blue flame reacting destructively with Sheikah technology a “blue combustion!” I’m creative, I know.
I imagine, any experimentation with weapons that harness, compress, or just generally mess with Sheikah tech and lasers, must be conducted in an environment that prevents blue combustion. You don’t want pure blue flame touching stuff. Otherwise you go kaboom.
Now I couldn’t get a hold of Dr. Robbie or Director Purah myself, something about how they “don’t know who the heck” I am, and “you’re trespassing please get off it’s private property,” or something of the sort, I’m not really sure. But even without their testimonies, you’ll notice that their large tech labs are constructed a distance away from the actual Ancient Furnace. They aren’t right beside it. If they were, you risk losing a limb to a blue combustion. That is also why blue flame lamps exist: to stagger the distance between the flames. And thus is why the Royal Lab isn’t nearby an Ancient Furnace.
Yet even so, the distance the Royal Lab has from an Ancient Furnace might still stump you, because even compared to the Akkala and Hateno labs, it is very very far. But here’s the kicker, my dear curious readers and poor editor, the reason for this extreme distance is because during its prime, the Royal Ancient Lab housed a large portion of the Guardian army and weaponry. It needed more distance because its contents accumulated a much larger space. I can prove this not only by descriptions shown in HW AOC, but also by notes/drawings shown in the archive called the Backgrounds of Technological Wonders, or BOTW for short.
Both these sources show that while Guardians were tested and stationed in Hyrule Castle, the number of Guardians at the castle was probably only in the one hundred mark or less. Now that may seem like a lot, but remember, hundreds of Guardians were dug up, as especially shown in the famous Sheikah tapestry of 10,000 years ago. Arguably even thousands, considering that tapestry is a simplification.
So if we can only account for only a portion of the Guardian population at Hyrule Castle, where are the rest? Scattered across different garrisons perhaps, sure. But they’d mainly be in the facility where each of the Guardians were constructed and given power, the place full of the most talented Sheikah researchers, a location that would still be in decent proximity, but still a safe distance from the castle should an emergency arise: the Royal Ancient Tech Lab. That’s where most of Guardians are.
Now, why is this important? Why did I just spend a few paragraphs talking about blue flames and Guardians and locations when this is about the lab’s destruction and demise?
It’s because this is my sure fire way to prove to you that the Calamity did not destroy the Royal Lab.
The Royal Ancient Lab was constructed specifically to create the best Guardians and technology to beat the Calamity with.
It would have been constructed specifically to avoid any fatal blue combustion accidents.
And it sure as hell wouldn’t have been purposefully destroyed by the Calamity, the one entity who would benefit from its existence.
The lab was decimated by a blue combustion, no question. There isn’t anything as powerful as it that could destroy a place so completely. And now knowing the factors surrounding the lab itself, we know that if it was destroyed by a combustion, it was not because of an accident.
It could only have been done purposefully, by the only people who would know the Royal Lab’s weaknesses.
It could only have been brought down by the Sheikah researchers.
So now, the questions of exactly how and why remain.
The captain just stands and ponders.
“Ma’am, I must confess that I don’t find the science of the destruction nearly as interesting as exactly what made you decide to do it.”
“It’s like I said,” Atsuko clutches her burned arm, “It wasn’t just me. Really, now, you’re too kind to give me so much credit.”
The spear end moves closer to her neck. “Alright alright alright, sorry, pal. Look I have no idea if you’re even believing all this right now, but you have to trust me that our actions were of the best intentions.”
The captain smirks. “Do tell?”
According to BOTW, the Ancient Arrow was developed by Dr. Robbie as one of the most powerful means of combating the Calamity itself. In fact, according to research I’ve found in that CAC book by Mint-en-do, I can place the exact time for the development of this weapon, which I can use to glean information about it’s properties.
Ancient Arrow
Perhaps forty or fifty years after the day of the Great Calamity Robbie, the lead Guardian researcher, created the first weapon that was effective against the mechanical monsters: the ancient arrow... Flames come out from the burner like bit [of the Ancient Arrow] and form a blade. [Page 388 and 178, Cr_ating a Champ___, Nint__do.]
The arrow instantly vaporizes whatever it comes into contact with, tearing apart the subject by the molecule, and sending them to non-existence. The description of the weapon implies that it is the pure energy of a blue flame, and built quite differently than other Sheikah weapons.
And the difference definitely shows. I’ve handled a few of these puppies myself, and let me tell you, they get the job done. While an Ancient sword or axe will certainly do some damage, a single Ancient Arrow can take out a Guardian, or even a Lynel in one hit. I heard that they could even do major damage to Dark Beast Ganon itself!
Now, why do I bring this up? Because this Ancient Arrow proves that the Sheikah 100 years ago knew about the dangers of blue combustion.
An Ancient Arrow is clearly the result of intensive research into blue combustion, it is literally a pure blue flame on a stick pumped up with some Ancient Tech. It vaporizes whatever matter it touches and it ceases to exist.
Hmm...would be a fine explanation as to why the nearly three stories worth of stone and ceiling in the Royal Lab no longer can be found.
And why wasn’t the Ancient Arrow developed sooner? It’s because no one thought to purposefully cause an event that would destroy everything until they were forced to on the actual day of the Calamity. It’s because it took even the most brilliant of scientists half a century to even contain a feat of destruction into a single arrowtip? Yes...when you lay out the facts like that, it seems to make sense on the timeline.
Ah, but I’m getting ahead of myself. Back to the question of “why?” Let me rewind to an earlier point. Where are the thousands of Guardians in Hyrule?
Yes, a good hundred or so could be found in Hyrule Castle, and the majority were in the Royal Ancient Lab. But today, where are they? Records in BOTW cite only 157 Guardian remains in all of Hyrule. 157. How? That’s impossible. Witnesses and notes in HW AOC prove that much, much more existed. And what’s more is that we know that the majority of those Guardians were at the Royal Lab, but there are no Guardians, active or otherwise, to be found there. There is nothing.
It’s almost as if all those Guardians were vaporized, they ceased to exist one day.
And you know what.
They did.
(Please take this time to imagine me winking)
There’s some theme or metaphor here about the Royal Ancient Lab, constructed in the blues of the Royal family, ironically being destroyed by the blue combustion—but what do I look like, a writer? Find your own secret to life, here’s the blunt of it.
The Sheikah knew about the dangers a blue combustion could do, but on the day of the Calamity, they used that knowledge for the better. Seeing the corrupted Guardians in the distant castle, it is my belief that the researchers there purposefully brought the blue flames—that they had so carefully separated outside in the lanterns—in contact with Ancient Technology. Things not only went kaboom, but the actual matter ceased to exist. A giant Ancient Arrow.
Thousands of Guardians, hundreds of blades and weapons, and honestly, probably even lives, were gone in an instant. The only remains of the carnage would be the aftermath of blue flames that spread across the remains of the outer walls.
The Sheikah did this because it would save the most lives. That’s hundreds and thousands of Guardians and machines that wouldn’t fall into Ganon’s clutches, hundreds of souls saved. Did you know that today Hyrule Ridge, the home of the Royal Lab, has zero Guardians? Did you know that the lands near it, Hebra and Tabantha, have the lowest Guardian sightings in all of Hyrule? Even less than the Gerudo Desert. And I cite this all based on my hours of research and facts laid out by BOTW, HW AOC, and the divine work by Mr. Nin-ten-do
But even beyond that, how do I know, in absolute 600% certainty that the Sheikah were in complete control of this destruction? How am I so sure that the Sheikah that day had fully planned the intentional obliviation of their lab?
It’s because...I lied earlier.
There is actually one relic that survived. One little monument of the Royal Ancient Lab Ruins. One object giving physical proof of this theory.
One artifact that would have been impossible to preserve if the Sheikah hadn’t planned it all. I mentioned it briefly before, if you paid attention. Yes! This object is present in both the Royal Lab, and a tech lab of today. You could see it for yourself, if you pay a visit to my dad’s friend’s cousin’s neighbor’s grandma’s dog’s breeder’s Sheikah researcher pal...
“Dr. Robbie’s telescope.” Atsuko pointed to the scattered trees in upper Lindor, “Some other scientists took it up there to preserve it. It’s the only reason we were able to see the initial Guardian corrupting in the distant castle, and how we were able to adapt to the situation and act so quickly.”
The captain glanced at the western mountain. “So you were running up there to meet with them?”
“The wilderness is pretty safe at the moment. And we’re hoping eventually we could take the telescope to another lab where we could possibly continue research. I mean just today from the combustion, Dr. Robbie had this idea for some fancy Sheikah dagger to kill Guardians.”
Silence.
“OK listen, that’s...that’s all I’ve got. You can head up there and confirm the story, or just kill me now, take your pick. Waiting for judgement here.”
More silence. The rain falls harder.
“...I’m—”
“You can call me Cian.” The captain does a little bow. “Captain Cian Kippers, at your leisure.”
Atsuko raises an eyebrow. “Like the color—?”
“Sp-Spelled differently! There’s an “i” in there, and perhaps it’s ironic to the situation, but I figured if we’re gonna be traveling up there together you should have the courtesy of knowing my name.”
She just sputters for a moment. “So...you—”
“I trust your heart—I like to think I’m good with character—and I believe you’re a good person doing your best in the world. As unfortunate as circumstances may have been.” He twirls his spear before fitting it on his back. Cian extends a hand to her which she takes. “People like that are getting rarer by the hour, so I don’t think I should be adding to the death count.”
“So…” she gets on her feet, cocking her head, “You...you believe me then?”
He chuckles. “Well, I didn’t kill you did I?”
Atsuko laughs quietly. “Your mistake…”
“...No.” Cian places a reassuring hand on her shoulder and smiles, as if to say that somehow everything was gonna be alright.
“My intention.”
#Memorabilia zine#botw zine#botw theory#botw fanfiction#botw#breath of the wild#legend of zelda botw#loz botw
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Ryokuryuu’s Lifeline
Part 6: Pain
Your back collided harshly with cold stone as the officers tossed you around in the alley. Just like you predicted, it didn't take long for them to find you. They always hunted for unsuspecting women and children wandering around late at night.
Tch, what kind of sick person prays on innocent people...
You wiped your mouth with the back of your hand, the skin coming away spotted with scarlet. Snarling, you launched yourself at the closest officer, and he fell down with a surprised shout. The other pulled you off of him, fist making contact with your jaw, almost knocking you out.
You blinked as the world around you spun.
Here we go...
Then, it all faded to black.
///
"Whatever it comes down to, I'll be right there with you. I promise."
Your determined voice pulsed through Yona's mind as she trekked up the hill to where her comrades were for the night, recalling what you had said to her the night Captain Gi-gan drew up the initial battle plans. Jae-ha had nodded off, and you both were exchanging hushed whispers, careful not to catch the attention of a certain hovering Thunder Beast. When you had first proposed the idea of going in undercover without telling anyone, she immediately was against it.
Yona didn't know what Yang Kum-ji had done to you personally, but she definitely didn't want to give him an opportunity to repeat it. You hastily rationalized your idea, knowing you didn't have a lot of time before Jae-ha woke up. The conversations the crew was engaged in rose in volume above yours, effectively concealing it from curious ears.
"I'm ready to face him. I've been running, but not anymore. If I can save one person from the fate that Jae-ha saved me from, then I'm going to do it."
Your tone left no room for argument, and Yona didn't have to ask to know that you didn't tell Jae-ha or the captain any of this. She would tell them tomorrow so that they would at least know about it before they started the infiltration.
Maybe they could dissuade you.
She glanced up to see Hak's dark figure leaning against the cliff. Yona stepped past him, but didn't get very far. She let out a shriek as he slammed her against the rock, pinning her with his arms on either side of her head.
"What can I do..." Yona looked up to see Hak's normally clear, cobalt eyes had darkened to obsidian. "...to stop you?"
"Hak..." Yona murmured.
"Do you know how dangerous it is to go to Kum-ji's place? You just did something reckless, didn't you?!" He shouted, gritting his teeth as he remembered the despair that filled him when Yona and the others were trapped in a cave in at Seiryuu's village.
He leaned his face into her shoulder, hoping to hide the fear in his eyes. "Sometimes... I want to tie you down."
Yona couldn't ignore his words as her heart shook, "Hak! M-Move aside!"
He didn't budge, despite her best attempts to create some kind distance between them and retain some of her usual color in her face. Eventually, she sighed and relented.
She needed him to hear her reasons for doing this, just like you had explained yours to her. "I used to think Kouka was an abundant country. I thought it was a country where people smiled and there was no conflict just like my father desired."
Yona paused, taking a second to formulate her thoughts into words. "But, the land of the Fire Tribe and Awa port haven't changed since my father's reign. Responsibility for the Fire Tribe and this town being the way they are also lies with me."
"Hak," He pulled back slightly to stare directly into her eyes, but Yona brushed off how her heart stuttered, intent on finishing. "Let me go. I am going to fight."
Her violet eyes burned with searing fire, and he let her pass, watching as the princess walked the rest of the way back towards camp. His heart was beating so violently, and he feared it would beat right out of his chest.
"Tsk, even though I said I absolutely don't want her to go... I'm shaking with... excitement? I want to see the princess..." Hak grinned, eyes glowing with unspoken pride. "End this successfully."
He sat up in alarm as an anguished scream pierced the silent night air. Kija, Shin-ah, Yoon and Yona burst from the forest, startling Hak even more.
"What was that?!" Yona cried out as Kija panted beside her. It was obvious that he was the only one who had been asleep.
Shin-ah pointed to the pirate ship, "Ryokuryuu..."
They tore through the night, reaching the docks in record time.
"What's going on?!" Hak demanded, eyes widening as they landed on Jae-ha's shaking form, clutching a crumpled piece of paper in his hands and Captain Gi-gan glared at them.
"Shouldn't you know?" The captain retorted savagely.
Kija was bewildered. "What?"
Yona carefully went to Jae-ha's side, easing the paper from his grip and unfolding it.
She almost dropped it.
Scrawled in blurry ink, she made out the message.
Jae-ha,
I'm sorry, but I've got to do this. It's selfish for me to hide while others take on the same fate that you spared me from so long ago. I have to do my part too. Yona inspired me, but please don't be angry with her. She did know, I asked her not to tell you. I understand I'm a coward for not telling you this in person, I was afraid I'd lose my resolve if I faced you. I know you'll probably hate me after this, but I want to save them. I'll do anything to save them from the pain that Kum-ji will inflict on them. There was so much I wanted to say to you... I'm sorry I couldn't. Know that you meant everything to me, Jae-ha.
-Y/N
P.S. Keep a lookout for metallic green attached to a mast, Captain Gi-gan. That will indicate which ship Kum-ji is on. I'm sorry I left without saying goodbye, but perhaps Yona will be a better replacement for me. Thank you for all the lessons that you've taught me. I will treasure it forever.
"You idiot," Yona lifted her head as she heard Captain Gi-gan scoff brokenly. "As if anyone could ever replace you."
Jae-ha's violent sobs racked his body, shattering Yona's heart. He was bent over, head pressed against the wood, darkening it as endless tears fell from his eyes.
"I-I'm so sorry, Jae-ha!" Yona let out a cry, the reality of what you had done setting in, and the pain crashed over her in waves. She reached out to him, but Hak grabbed her by the arm, shoving her behind him protectively. There was no telling what the distraught Ryokuryuu would do in this state.
Je-ha didn't seem to hear Yona, all he could think about was you.
How he failed you.
How he couldn't keep you safe.
You went back, did you not care about him at all?
You meant everything to me, Jae-ha....
His body trembled as your soft voice echoed in his head, and he cried harder, teeth nearly cracking underneath the pressure as his jaw clenched in agony.
Why?
Why did you do this to him?
Didn't you know how much it would hurt him?
"Jae-ha..." He faintly heard Captain Gi-gan's voice, but it seemed so far away. No one was there to calm him down.
You were gone.
Would he ever see you again?
"Jae-ha." Her voice was clearer this time.
"Y/N..." Looking up, Jae-ha thought he saw your concerned face, but as his vision cleared, he saw the captain peering down at him worriedly, unmistakable sadness etched in her eyes.
She wrapped her arms around him, embracing him tightly as Jae-ha sobbed into her shoulder for what seemed like hours until he finally stopped and she released him.
The deck was empty, he had no idea when everyone had left, but he was grateful for their absence for once.
"Jae-ha, we'll get her back." Captain Gi-gan stated fiercely.
His eyes were swimming with grief, regret and a whirlwind of other emotions she couldn't identify and the captain knew it was only a matter of time before he spiraled out of control. You were the only one who could keep him successfully grounded, just like he did for you, and as much as she despised the way you went about things, she understood why.
After all you had been through, there was no way you would be able to convince her, let alone Jae-ha, to let you go back to the man who had kept you chained to an alleyway.
Captain Gi-gan begrudgingly acknowledged the rationality in your plan, but that didn't mean she agreed with it.
There was a very high chance you wouldn't make it out alive and that was a possibility she was not willing to entertain.
Yona and Yoon were supposed to leave the day of the exchange taking place with the Kai Empire, which was scheduled to be tomorrow. By being there a whole 24 hours more than them, there was no telling what state you would be in once they found you.
If they found you.
"We're going to get her back." She reminded him firmly, just as much for his sake as it was for her. "Jae-ha, you've got to fight for her."
That snapped something inside of him, and in a heartbeat, he was on his feet, a murderous look in his eyes. Fury blazed from within him and threatened to scorch any living thing that got too close.
"Captain," Green hair obscured her view of his eyes, but if she was able to see it, she would see the unhinged anger and desperation flashing in them. "I might not be able to hold myself back this time. I am going to kill him and anyone else who gets in my way." He warned.
She sighed, "She wouldn't want us to do that, but I'm not sure I can hold back either."
They had taken you away from her again, even if you went willingly to stop them.
Yang Kum-ji was going to pay for the girls that he had stolen from their homes, but he was going to pay a million times over if he so much as breathed on you.
Y/N... Captain Gi-gan closed her eyes in unusual desperation as Jae-ha stomped below deck, presumably to take his anger out on something. The normally calm and collected captain was gone and in her place was a worried and brokenhearted mother.
Hold on. We're coming.
#akatsukinoyona#yona of the dawn#manga#anime#series#fanfiction#fluff#angst#jaeha#jaeha x reader#hak#yoon#yona#kija#shinah#green dragon#ryokuryuu#ryokuryuuslifeline#awa#pirates#captain gigan#yona of the dawn fanfiction
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Because of you - Bucky Barnes x Reader
Part 1
Words: 3663
Summary: Bucky and Y/N have hated each other since the day Y/N stepped her foot into the Avengers. On an upcoming mission including Hydra, both Y/N and Bucky are forced to stay in the mansion for different reasons. Or maybe their reasons have more in common than they once thought...
Masterlist
“No. No. No you can’t leave me with him!” “It’s only one mission, Y/N.” “That’s what I’m saying! A COMPLETE mission! Who knows how long you’ll be gone for!” ”You’re acting like an idiot. Calm your tits, it’s not like you’re forced to be in his presence.” I closed my mouth and rolled my eyes as far as I possibly could. How was I supposed to spend hours alone with James Barnes? How was ANYONE able to live with his attitude and ego? “Look, we’ll be back before you know it. Just... don’t kill each other.” I scoffed and crossed my arms over my chest. “We’ll see about that.” Natasha narrowed her eyes into me and shook her head in an inappropriate way and exited the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I clenched my fists and immediately threw a punch into nearest furniture with a loud scream. The glass vase collided with the floor and shattered all over the floor with a loud crash. Although, I didn’t care. Nothing could explain my rage towards the incident that was about to happen. Me and James, alone. Me and Satan, alone. I let out a frustrated groan and gave my couch a good kick before I was interrupted by a presence. “Wow, wow, wow fire pants! What’s going on? You’re going to tear the house apart.” With gritted teeth, I turned my head towards the front door to my apartment. In the doorframe stood none other than captain America himself. His upper body was leaning against the wall as his puppy eyes scanned my every move. “Nothing. Don’t worry about it, Steve.” I hissed and gently caressed my fist that was throbbing from the impact with the broken vase that was shattered in the floor. He sighed and stepped into the apartment. “It doesn’t seem like nothing to me.” Steve muttered and sat down on the couch, enough distance to comfort you in any way needed, but far enough not to be hit. “Well it is nothing! It’s nothing that go on a mission without me, which is the third time in a row by the way, it’s nothing that you are the one behind it all and it’s DEFINITELY nothing that I’m stuck here alone with HIM!” Steve sat completely still. He didn’t dare to move a muscle just in case I would go into instant kill mode, which usually happened rarely, but lately appeared on a daily basis. Carefully, he leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. “There is a reason to why you and Bucky are left behind. Fury suspects Hydra to be behind the case. I know it’s just a minor quest, but you know that you and Buck are the most vulnerable. There is no denial; you are strong, but not strong enough to go up against Hydra. And you are aware to why we can’t send him.” Steve said and gave me the well known daddy voice- If he gave you the speech, you were in trouble or just very depressed. “I know why you won’t send him, but why me? I am strong enough, Steve. I can handle myself. I know I’m young, but that doesn’t mean I’m weaker than anyone else on the team.” I defended and sat down on the couch with a thud. “You’re not capable of enough and you aren’t experienced. Please let this one go. We will be back before you know it. I promise you’ll comply the next one.” And with that Steve stood up and exited the room, leaving you all alone once again. “Fucking shit...”
”Alright! No fighting while we’re gone, got it?” Steve said and crossed his arms over his chest as he looked at me and James. The two of us stood at least 3 meters apart, both mirroring the same frown of annoyance. “Can’t promise anything, Rogers.” I muttered under my breath and shot Bucky a disgusted expression. He rolled his eyes and let his arms rest on his hips. “Y/L/N, I’m warning you. Screw this up, and I’ll ban you from the next 50 missions.” Bucky let out a loud laugh and tilted his head back in joy. “That goes for you too, Buck.” Steve said and pointed an index finger at his childhood friend. As if on cue Bucky stopped and glared at Steve with an irritated expression. “But Steve—“ “I don’t wanna hear it! Get along and everyone will be satisfied, me more than anyone!” And with that Steve turned around and left the building together with everyone, except me and Bucky. An awkward silence filled the room as the two of us stared at the door. The loud bang from it shutting created a beeping sound in my ears. Within a few seconds the feeling of home was replaced by a feeling of envy and disgust. I rolled my eyes and turned my heel, looking at Bucky who was already gazing me. “What?” I asked with an attitude and began walking away towards my room on the second floor. Bucky didn’t answer, but shrugged his shoulders and turned around to get to his room.
The loud banging noise of bass and heavy guitars filled the house and made the walls vibrate. The frames around my room kept on jumping back and forth and threatened to fall at any second. I put down the pen in my hand and closed my eyes harshly. The group had been away for 2 hours and I was already tired of Bucky. The second we had parted he had gone into his room, which is right beneath mine, and plugged in his phone to his ginormous speakers. I was trying to write my daily rapport, but there was no way I was able to get it done if Bucky kept blaring his stupid music. “That’s it.” I pushed the chair back and made my way out of the apartment and down the stairs. The closer I got to his room, the louder the music got and it made my heart flicker inside my chest. *Bang, bang, bang* “Bucky!” I yelled as I banged my small fists against the door of his apartment. A few seconds went by, but the music was still blasting the speakers. I growled to myself and fisted my hands once again. *BANG, BANG, BANG* “JAMES BARNES!” Still nothing. “Fuck this.” I grabbed the door knob forcefully and pushed the door open. There, in the corner, was Bucky at a desk, his back facing me as he was looking down on his computer. My hands immediately covered my ears as the music was even louder in here. The tune of “through the fire and flames” hit like thunder against my eardrums and I cringed hard. Bucky didn’t seem to care though. His head gently bumping to the beat of the music as he tapped away on the computer. Normally I would sneak up and ask whoever was annoying me to turn the music down, but since it was Bucky I couldn’t care less. I walked over to him with forceful steps and placed a harsh hand on his shoulder. What happened next was unexpected. Without even turning around, he grabbed me by the wrist and flipped me over. With a loud thud I landed on the ground with a heavy weight on top of me and a sharp blade to my stomach. “BUCKY!” “Y/N?” Bucky immediately pulled away from my body, dropped the knife and paused the music. I used my palms to push myself up on my feet again. “WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING?! I COULD’VE KILLED YA!” Bucky yelled and waved his arms all over the place as his veins started to pop out. “Would you calm your fucking tits?” “No! Y/N, I was about to fucking stab you! Don’t ever sneak up on me like that!” “Okay, to my offence; I DID NOT SNEAK! Actually, I did the opposite, but since you were blaring your stupid hardcore rock music you didn’t hear, you stupid ass!” Bucky glared at me with a horrific expression. His eyes were piercing through mine and his jaw kept on clenching and unclenching. There was something about this side of Bucky that was new to you. “Get the fuck out before I stab you on purpose.” And with that he picked up the knife, put it in his belt again and turned around to continue his research on the computer. Over his shoulder you saw the words ”Hydra” before he shut down the site, turning the screen black. It was my que to get out of the room with my mouth in a thin, thin line. What was he investigating? The mission? Hydra over all? I didn’t know, but I wanted to. It was clear that Bucky wanted to get involved since no one wanted revenge on Hydra as much as Bucky Barnes. Although, I felt like it was none of my business. Every singel fucker on this planet knew about Bucky’s history with Hydra, so it would be unwise to interrupt his horrifically glorious throwback...
With a heavy sigh I put the last plate on it’s shelf and closed the cabinet. I hadn’t seen Bucky since our small encounter and honestly it was the best 3 hours of my life. Obviously he was mad and that made me mad, so it was for the best. I put my hands down the sink and pulled out the drain to get rid of the dirty water from doing dishes. Everything in the kitchen was clean at the moment. It wasn’t like I had OCD or anything, but it felt nice to get my mind off of things by doing dirty work. I was just about to turn around to go to my room when a tall frame walked up beside me. Bucky’s hair was wet and the water was slowly dripping down his back, leaving stains on his blue t-shirt. A light sound of guitars were heard from his earphones that was distancing him from me. There was no use to speak to him at the moment. Not only because he wouldn’t be hearing a thing, but his stupid anger issues and temper were an accurate problem. I simply rolled my eyes and leaned my back against the counter behind me. “Move.” Bucky mumbled very quietly and grabbed one of the frying pans I had just cleaned. Thinking he was singing along to whatever he was listening to, I didn’t move, but pulled out the phone from my jeans pocket. “Are you deaf? I said move!” Bucky suddenly burst out making me stare at him, surprised. He reached up and removed the earphones from his ears and glared at me with a stern look. “What’s your problem, dude?” I responded and crossed my arms over my chest. Bucky’s eyes had went from blue to black in a split second. “MY problem? What’s YOUR problem? You’ve been up my ass since the troop left!” He screamed and turned his body towards me and stepped closer. “You have such anger issues, dude.” I mumbled and rolled my eyes, just about to take a step forward when his body blocked me. “If you know I have troubles controlling my anger, why do you keep trigger me?” “I’m not triggering you!” “You’re doing it right now!” Bucky’s veins started to pop out on his neck and on his forehead. I had never seen Bucky during his winter-soldier days, but I bet he acted somewhat like this during the time. It was actually intimidating. “I was literally not doing anything.” “You’re talking back to me. Every fucking day you comment on everything around you, mostly me, and it fucking bugs the hell out of me.” Bucky raised his voice and put his hands on either side of me as he leaned forward to prove a point. “Oh please! I do it to everyone! It’s not my fault you’re a sensitive crybaby. And by the way, it’s who I am and I can’t change it just because you’re not pleased. Suck it up dude.” I said and rolled my eyes which made him grip the edge of the counter harshly. A faint sound of wood breaking widened my eyes as I looked to my right to see his metal fingers dig into the counter, leaving marks. “You have no idea what kind of effect you have on me.” His fingers let go of the counter with a metallic sound that echoed through the kitchen. With forceful steps he marched away from me and left me alone in the kitchen, stunned and angry. “Rogers, you owe me. Big time.” I mumbled to myself and ran my fingers through my deep brown hair with a sigh.
“Nat, you don’t understand! You have to come home right now!” “We weren’t able to download all trackers and files today. We’re forced to spend a nights or two to make sure the job is done. You’ll manage a day or two, won’t you?” “NO! Nat, you’ve been gone for 12 hours and we have already tried to kill each other at least 40 times! Fuck, he held a knife to my stomach and made imprints on the counters in the kitchen!” I yelled into the phone and grabbed the roots of my hair forcefully as I threw myself on the bed. “A knife? You two are acting so fucking stupid! You can’t let him— Hang on... Steve is giving me this weird ass stare... I’m assuming he wants to- STEVE give it ba—“ “Y/N? What’s going on?” The deep husky voice of Captain Rogers filled my ears and I closed my eyes as a thousand curse words rambled through my head. “Hi Steve, how’s the mission I wasn’t assembled to comply?” A heavy sigh was heard on the other side of the line followed by a quiet groan. “Seriously, what are you and Buck up to? Natasha mentioned a knife. I’m worried. Bucky is still easily affected by Hydra.” “He’s a little sensitive bitch—“ “He’s got the winter soldier’s blood in his veins, Y/N. Please, don’t trigger him to unleash anything on you.” I rolled my eyes and sat up in bed . “If he’s bitching towards me, you’d be god damn right to think I’ll bitch back, Steve. Winter soldier or not, I don’t care! I’m not afraid of him!” “We’ll be back in a few days. If I find out that you did ANYTHING to mess this up, you might be banned from the team for good.” “Wha— STEVE!” “Goodbye Y/N.” *Beeeeeep* Without procrastinating what had just happened, I threw the phone across the room and out the door to my bedroom. With a loud crash the phone collided with the wall, probably breaking terribly. Although, I didn’t care. Instead, I groaned loudly and closed my eyes shut in frustration. “What the fuck are you doing?” My head shot towards the door my phone had flown through. Bucky stood leaning against the doorframe, just like Steve used to do, with his arms crossed over his chest. His hair was by now dry and was wrapped inside a man bun, that didn’t look to shabby. “What do you want?” I mumbled, not having the energy to argue with him for the third time today. “We’ll, I kinda heard you scream and I thought— I just thought I’d see what was up.” Bucky’s face was relaxed with a hint of confusion or worry. “Ehm... It’s none of your concern.” I simply answered and pulled my knees towards my chest and hugged them lightly. He squinted a bit and tilted his head. “Not buying it, but whatever. At least I tried not being an asshole.” He turned around and began walking out of my apartment when something strange and unexpected happened. “Wait!” I expressed and swung my legs over the edge of my bed and began walking towards the door. Right when I was about to corner it, Bucky’s surprised head appeared behind the frame. “S-sorry.” I mumbled and frowned, not quiet knowing what to say. What do you say to a person whose guts you’ve hated for as long as you can remember? “T-thank you for checking up on me, but I’m fine.” “Didn’t sound like you were fine. I mean, you were yelling on the nicest guy in the mansion.” Bucky simply answered and ran his palm over his neck. I low key rolled my eyes and turned around towards my bed. The cool air made the hair on my legs stand up as I was only wearing pyjamas shorts. I pulled the covers off of the bed and sat down on the bed. “Just— If you need anything, I’m alwa—“ “Bucky what are you doing?” Suddenly he shut his mouth and looked at me with a questioning expression. “What do you mean?” “I mean, what the fuck are you talking about? You’re not a nice guy, so why do you suddenly act like you care?” Bucky presses his lips together, creating a thin line as he frowned at me, either in confusion or anger; I wasn’t sure what. I braided my arms over my chest and held my chin high. “This just fucking shows that you don’t know me at all.” “Maybe I don’t want to.” “Maybe I don’t want you to.” “Well, obviously you do, since you brought it up.” Bucky clenched his jaw in anger as the veins low key started to appear on his neck and arm once again, which was kinda hot, not gonna lie. His nostrils kept on widening and relaxing faster and faster, showing that his pulse was getting higher. Did I hit a soft spot? “I couldn’t care less about you or your opinions. At least I can tell Steve that I actually tried, apart from someone.” “Yo, listen here—“ “I’m going to join the assemble tomorrow. I’m leaving at dawn. I just wanted you to know. Within a second Bucky had left the room and was by now heading towards my front door. What? He was asked to join the quest against HYDRA?! Aw hell nah. I sprinted off the bed and out the room as if I was on fire. My feet almost slipped in the floor as I turned around the corner to catch up with the super soldier. Once I saw his back walking down the hallway I yelled after him. “Bucky! Stop!” He turned around without making an expression and simply just stared me down. His tall frame was still trying to recover from the stressful impact earlier. “Why are you joining them? Who—who called you? Did Steve—“ “No one called me, Y/N.” Bucky interrupted me and my mouth was currently forming the letter O in surprise. “Oh...” “No one understands that Hydra is my area and that I am connected to them. I have to be there. I have to revenge what they did to me by being apart of their ultimate fall, once and for all. I will never be satisfied if I’m not apart of that.” He said and basically exposed himself to me, the girl he’s hated for so long. “But no one understands. No one understands how much every mission that includes Hydra means to me. Not even Steve who was there when—“ “I understand, Bucky.” He stopped talking and looked at me with a confused expression. His eyebrows were frowned as he waited for an explanation. “I-I understand. I me-mean... I understand what it’s like to be held back from doing what you want. What you have to do. What you’re designated to do.” “Which is?” “Taking down Hydra for good? Isn’t it?” Bucky rolled his eyes and looked at me with a tired expression. He sighed deeply and crossed his arms over his chest. “For once, I’m not talking about me.” He mumbled and relaxed his face. I raised an eyebrow and looked at him confused. “Not about you?” “I thought it was obvious... I’m talking about you, asshole.” “Me?” “You.” I took a deep breath and looked down on my feet. Honestly, it was quite an embarrassment that Steve hardly ever let me join the assemble. He thought I was weak and vulnerable. This had been going on for months and no matter how hard I trained, I was never good enough for anything, according to him. Of course it was never Steve’s intention to make me feel insecure, but that was how you constantly felt. “It’s stupid.” I mumbled and turned around to get to my room once again. Bucky placed his hand on my shoulder and forced me to turn back and face him again. “It’s not. Tell me.” I sighed and bit my lower lip. His eyes scanned my every feature and nodded his head, encouraging me to speak up. “I... I feel like I’m not good enough to be an avenger. And the worst part is that it’s not just a feeling, but a statement. Ever wondered why I’m always in the mansion? Yeah, Steve doesn’t let me get out.” “Why?” “He says I’m not ready and that I’m not experienced enough. I don’t have the physical strength like you do and I’m the weak link.” Bucky stayed silenced and let me talk until I had nothing more to say. His expression turned more and more genuine each second. He was listening closely and carefully. Which was odd. “Bucky, what am I even doing here?” I finished and exhaled deeply with a shaky voice. Bucky licked his button lip and sighed. “You’re not supposed to be here.” “Alright, you don’t have to be so harsh-“ “I’m not supposed to be here either. We are supposed to be with the team, bring down Hydra. That way, we both get what we are designated for.” Bucky said and smirked at me. “Pack your bags. We leave in 15 minutes.”
#avengers#avengers infinity war#marvel#marvel avengers#avengers x reader#avengers x you#marvel imagine#avengers imagine#infinity war x reader#bucky barnes#bucky barnes imagine#bucky barnes x you#buckybarnes#winter soldier x reader#winter soldier imagine#wintersoldier#hydra#steverogers#captainamerica#steve rogers imagine#steve rogers x reader#angst#imagine angst#imagine love hate#love hate
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Fata Morgana
Here is a preview of the WinterIron I’m working on. Full chapter should be uploaded on Ao3 by the 31st.
People will lie. There is no avoiding that. Nod on cue and politely smile. Think nothing of it. People will lie. When to be cautious, is not at a lie, but at a deflection. Those that distract with blinding smile or a song or an extravagant gesture. Be wary. Fae will bait you away with desires and dreams. Spirited away. Never to return. Be wary.
At least that’s what Ma would say. On loud nights, when the men of Brooklyn would gather to drink and sing. Loud to chase away dark idealizations. She would cuddle him close. Whisper stories of beautiful people who lead good Catholics astray. Of heroes that braved enchanted towers and won against seduction.
Of course, that memory could have been its own seductive dream. Memory was a tricky beast even for the day-to-day people. Having your brain cooked sunny side up by Hydra doesn’t improve things either. Not that anyone thinks it would. Late night television is not selling electroshocks as the cure for old age memory loss.
So Bucky was on the fence about his current situation. Did Tony Stark really kidnap him? If anyone were crazy enough to abduct the Winter Soldier, Stark would be on that list. Well, in his humble opinion. Crazy people never seem to think things through, either. Take, for example, Bucky’s bindings. Rope couldn’t stop an assassin. The Winter Soldier is a super assassin. Rope was cake on a silver platter of escape.
Escape. Right. The hero always struggles to escape. But he has lived far too long to be considered a hero. Heroes hope for humanity’s salvation. Not eternal sleep.
“Boss, I think the Princess is awake.”
Princess?! Oh, that was close. A slight twitch might go unnoticed but slamming his fists against the floor would not.
“Are you sure?”
Something jabs him twice in the shoulder. By some mercy, it was the shoulder attached to the meat arm. Even so, it’s still a jab into sensitive squish parts. But his body remains still. Thank Hydra for unparallel pain tolerance. Ha!
“Friday. How do you tell if a possum is playing dead?”
“It depends on the possum, I think.” A static hum consumes the quiet of the room. “You could draw something unflattering on his forehead.”
“Oh, love it.”
Something pops, and the stick of non-drinkable alcohol tickles his nose. Stark wouldn’t? Would he? Fuck crazy people and their unpredictable tendencies.
“Is this necessary? Couldn’t you just kill me? No reason to desecrate my body.” Bucky slams his hands between himself and the red marker. A wall to protect him from whatever Stark wanted to draw on his face. Probably something worse than the standard dick drawing.
Stark’s eyes trail from Bucky to the marker. A marker that’s only an inch from Bucky’s face. Then pouts. A full pout only found in cartoons with sings birds and large reflective eyes. Seriously. What is so exciting about drawing on a tired man’s face? Or putting starfish magnets on his metal arm?
“We're not going to kill you, Barnes.”
Bucky shifts his eyes around the room. Empty except for the crazy rich man with a marker and himself. No woman, he can’t help but imagine as a redhead. Stark does not voice a comment or give any indication of the location of the third human. In the security office? Remaining far away from Hydra’s favorite killing machine. Perhaps, some who isn’t crazy.
“Right now.”
Stark continues to fiddle with the marker refusing to put the damn thing done. To give up the grand opportunity to use Bucky’s forehead as paper. Not even the quality stuff. No, the scraps an artist uses to doodle.
“Has anyone told you that you resemble a depressing sandwich? And despite what the fire department may tell you, or Pepper for that matter. I know what I'm talking about. I have made my share of depressing sandwiches. Mostly, with mustard.” Stark makes a sweeping motion with the marker- still uncapped. “I tired honey dijon once because a random website told me too. I must say, I prefer mustard.”
The marker jumps up and twirls with the rhythm of Stark’s words in complete sync. A remarkable feat considering he had forgotten all about said writing utensil. Or that’s what Bucky hopes. He’s nice like that.
“What does food have to do with any of this?”
The marker is finally capped, and Stark frowns. Yet doesn’t say a thing. Did Bucky actually say anything? He is far too used to keeping any thought to himself. Stark dropped the marker. Bucky grabs it, just to make sure, while Stark turns away. More silence. Hardly illuminating to what the rats running Stark’s crazy brain thinks.
For a single heartbeat, Stark stilled between one step and the next. In that one thump of his heart, Stark stand between two thoughts. Is he turning his back on a weapon or a monster? Hydra handlers were quick to dismiss the Asset as a simple weapon. Yet he was required to present a gun to the handler if they were alone. As protection from a monster. Which will Stark choose?
Bucky doesn’t expect an answer. Doesn’t get one either. Stark simple takes his next step then another. Until he completely leaves Bucky’s line of sight.
Free from the ropes, and, as far as he can tell, alone in an empty meeting room. Bucky plots. Or at least takes another look around. There is a large table and a lot of chairs. Too many chairs. And windows blacked out. Standard stuff for the business life.
Except.
“Please, remain inside the room.”
The voice. Again. He does not like voices without bodies. There is nothing to stab if there is no body. “Do I have a reason to leave?”
“To destroy. As is your nature.”
“Is that why you will be deactivating and destroying me? For my sins? Or for Stark’s grudge?”
“I think justice is more appropriate. Don’t you, Barnes?”
“Is it just me or did this whole room get several degrees more depressing?” Stark returned holding a plate that looks like a mini Captain America shield with two sandwiches. Another was between his teeth. Already half eaten. He blinks, nose twitching and the sandwich disappears with the last bite. “Are you having a showdown with My AI?” The plate is held high even as Stark tilts his head to the side. “You shouldn’t. She cheats.”
{Comment about AI}
“I do not. I am a proper lady.”
“That cheats and starts fights with cyborgs.”
“I didn’t start anything. But I will finish it.”
Friday, as Stark called the ceiling, ends the sentence with enough implied judgment to anchor an entire fleet of ships. During a heavy storm. But Bucky didn’t start shit. No matter how the ceiling paints it.
Well…
There was the whole thing with Steve.
“I made you depressing sandwiches.” Stark shoves the plate into Bucky’s personal bubble. It is presented with the same pride a child presents a gift to their mother. “There is mustard and tomatoes. Salami. Maybe. The evidence is uncertain.”
Well, the sandwiches look innocent enough sitting on the mini shield. The bread is white with seeds. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Just different. There is definitely the strong fatty smell of salami. More of a last meal than what Hydra would offer. Looks good, too.
Taking the food incites Stark to grin, small but bright, like a star off in the distance. How easy it would be for Stark’s blinding smiles to hide all sorts of grime. Pierce could disarm anyone with a smile as well, even Fury.
Stark gave him a sandwich at least.
“Now, according to personal experience, it’s time for the evil monologue. The fun part.”
Bucky takes a bite. Otherwise, etiquette would dictate that he respond. And Stark has a crazy sparkle in his eyes. Never respond to the crazy. That and silence is easy. Nodding is easy. People usually just continue when he nods.
“Right! So last night or the prior evening or something. Not important. What is important is that a waking dream gave me an idea. And no it wasn’t a dream. I was definitely awake. Dreams usually have someone screaming.” Stark’s hand smacks the notion away. “Nor was I hallucinating. You can’t trust hallucinations. But this is a good idea. A genius idea!” His other hand shoots straight into the air.
“What idea?” The fucking moron asks. You’d never figure Buck’s been around for hundred years. He knew not to engage the crazy. Bucky blames the second sandwich. Didn’t get into his mouth fast enough. Fucker.
Stark is too crazy to catch Bucky’s mental stumble. But the AI. The AI is judging him. Judging and laughing it up. Silently. Like a dick. Dick.
“Revenge! Because what else can I do? It’s either this or a time machine. And I promise I was going to go with the time machine. But Pepper vetoed that. Which fair. No one wants me running around in the time stream. I wouldn’t be able to help myself even knowing I’d probably fuck it up.”
Stark flexes his right hand. He stops to stare at the fingers curling and uncurling, grasping for something. “I keep having that same dream. It only got worse after. Zombie Steve with the shield. Blaming me. For fucking up. Not doing enough. Always saying the wrong thing. I work and go to therapy. But the dreams remain. The bodies piling up.” His eyes slide shut. One last time those fingers curl then clench tight.
“So I kidnapped you.” Stark spreads his arms out wide. “Part of it was panic. Rhodey may have destroyed the ancient technology that might have been a mobile phone. Hard to say, archeology isn’t my strong suit. Whatever. I do know he dropped it down the Mariana Trench. But I would be surprised if it survived. And Steve.”
The stars vanish from his eyes. His arms are slammed from the air by gravity. “No, it’s Rogers now. Rogers.” Stark’s mumbling to himself now. His audience forgot.
Because what? Bucky’s just chopped liver. Not the intend audience. Fuck that. He’ll just be stupid and blame it on Hydra. Hydra played happy sack with electricity and his brain. He has earned at least using them as an excuse.
“Why would ‘Pepper’ nix the time machine?”
Bucky could actually see Stark remember he had an audience. His eyes blinking and tilting. His gaze landing on Bucky. And the ‘oh’ formed on his lips. Like prose on a page in a fairytale book for children.
“I told you.”
“Yeah, I got that. But there is no way you could build a time machine that goes back in time. Pretty sure Einstein nixed that.”
“I could.”
Sure. Maybe if he had another hundred years or so. But Bucky ain’t holding his breath.
This whole thing is a farce. Like Stark’s the only one hunted by ghosts. Everyone’s got nightmares. Bucky’s got seventy years to fuel his phantoms and shadows. World War 2. Hydra. The Red Room. But he fucking buries it. Right next to the bodies. Smiles and grins instead. Fucking telling stories from the 1930’s he isn’t sure he remembers or read in Rogers’ file. Writing broken dreams in journals that switch from Russian to English to Italian to German.
And for fucking what. To be used against Stevie. Again. “I refuse.” And fuck him.
“Okay.” Stark nods. Takes back the plate, gripping it to his chest. Takes a step back. Grins and bows. A grand gesture indicating the open door. A showman’s bow ending the play, waiting for the curtains to fall. But for all it’s supposed glam it’s dull. All the color that made Stark shine shut away. With a delicate slam. Something that might even go unnoticed.
Again there is that silent laughter. Mocking him.
But sunlight is pushing itself inside. Bucky follows the light out. Stark had been right. The room was depressing. The blinding hallway wasn’t much better.
Bucky wants his goggles.
#winteriron#Iron Man#Winter Solider#Avengers#tony stark#Bucky Barnes#bucky x tony#fanfic#ao3fic#My writing#my stuff
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Busy people. (businessmen AU)
The sun's rays easily penetrated through the closed window, lying on the floor of the room like a warm and bright carpet. The summer morning came into the city. Outside have roared the sounds of the streets: engines and horns of cars, the steps and voices of people hurrying somewhere and bird's chirping.
In the middle of the small room of the penthouse stood a man. A short red-haired boy with freckles on a snub nose and a wide smile concentrated on a dark green tie, while standing opposite of a large mirror in a ornate frame. He was already wearing a baggy jacket, neatly pressed pants and a small flattened hat with a long brim. All, that was on him was shining with different shades of green, except for the old white-blue sneakers.
Any resident of the city knows this clumsy-looking boy as the famous Wander Helper. A successful young businessman, explorer and philanthropist. The head of the company" Wander`s Industries " and, according to popular forecasts, the next mayor of the Universe city. He won the hearts of people with his kindness and motto: "Never hurts to help." And today, Wonder was supposed to give a speech to the voters.
- What are you doing there? - someone knocked at the door persistently, and a husky female voice said: - I wait here for already half an hour. You said you were ready!
- I'm ready! Just give me... A minute... - Wander`s fingers helplessly fumbled with the tie, trying to tighten it around his skinny neck.
- You can`t tie your tie again. - a sigh came from behind the door.
- N-no! It's okay... Just a little bit...
Suddenly the door opened and on the threshold appeared a tall woman in a black bodyguard suit. Her crimson hair was sticking up on her head in different directions, gradually moving in a long blue braid, which ended with a crimson tail.
- Thank You, Sylvia!.. - smiled Wander, when she bent down to tie the errant piece of fabric. - But as you can see, I could handle myself.
- Like that time you almost strangled yourself? - warmly threw out a laugh Silvia.
Few years ago this strong girl was a mercenary. Her close relationship with the mafia was no secret to anyone. It wasn't until Sylvia've received an assignment to kidnap the president of "Wander`s Industries". High pay, easy work, one hundred percent success. How it all went wrong is unknown, but Wander went back home with a new best friend. Sylvia got a job as his bodyguard to, as she put it,"defend this naive goody child."
Soon a neatly knotted tie went under the jacket andh the climbed into a helpfully opened door of a white car with tinted windows (which in secret was called "orbble"). Sylvia sat behind the wheel: - We are almost late.
- Which means we are not late yet! - shrugged red with a smile. - I just can't wait to see Haty!
- I do not understand you, - frowned the girl, turning on the busy highway. - The guy is ready to kill you on a spot, and cling to him. He's your enemy!
- Enemy? Pfft. What do you mean? We are rivals, but not enemies - waved Wander. - Haty's interesting. I'd really like to be friends with him. By the way, do you remember Peeps?
- Annoying one-eyed secretary? - Sylvia gritted her teeth .
- Well... You could say that... I know you'd love to meet him! - quickly found the right words president.
- I'd love to punch him in the eye, - retorted the girl, nervously twisting the wheel.
While the car with the logo "Wander`s Industries" on the hood is racing through the streets of the city, in a glass skyscraper with the inscription "Haters Corp." on it happens an interesting scene. In a spacious room with several bookcases and a crystal chandelier on the ceiling, the door opened, and a short man wearing a black suit, red shoes and gloves entered the formed passage. While opening the door, he mechanically straightened tightening his neck tie and cleaned a small red emblem of lightning on his chest. The left eye of the stranger was covered with a eyepatchwith In his hands he was clutching a folder with some papers in it.
- Mister Hater, sir? - little squeakily said the one-eyed, turning towards the large oak lesk with a leather chair behind it. Due to the high backs of the expensive furniture he could not even see the top of the head of the one who sat there.
- Sir? - slightly louder has called the one-eyed. - Sir!
Suddenly, the stranger heard the sound, which was easily spreading through the office. Easily recognizable sound... The man sighed, shook his head and walked over to the chair, spun it sharply, turning to himself. In the chair, his head back, the man has slept. He was bald and so thin that his parchment-white skin seemed to be stretched over his skull. Flat nose of the director of the company " Haters Corp." was so loud that his assistant was surprised that he didn't hear that in the hallway.
- Sir! Wake up! Siiiiir!!! - with all the might of his lungs shouted one-eyed.
- What?! - Hater jumped in is chair and focused his sunken eyes at the interrupter of his sleep. - Peepers? Why are you yelling in my ear?
- Sir, it's time for you to meet the voters. And you are asleep! - Peepers was clearly pissed off.
- Don`t be so dramatic. - waved Hater waved at him, got up from the chair and stretched so that his bony hands crunched: - Ugh... I worked all night tonight. Didn`t get any sleep at all. - he scratched his clean-shaven chin.
- Oh, sir! - Peepers' eye filled up with tears of joy. - Did you prepare your own speech?
- Me? Nooo. It's your job! - Hater chuckled, shaking crumbs from his red and black coat and new smoothly ironed pants. Luckily for Peepers, silk tie with company logo and patent leather boots were clean.
- I invented a supplement to the uniform of our employees, - Hater nodded at the piece of paper lying on the table.
Ran it with eyes, Pipers in a rage slammed the sheet back on the oak surface: - Helmets?! Are you kidding me?!!
- This one is for you, - the head of the company pointed to the biggest picture.
- Why?! We work in the company, not in the army! Helmets are no use to us! You think it's not enough when you tried to call our employees "watchdogs"?!
- Remember last week's incident? - continued Hater not listening to him . - Bill received a concussion during the experiment. If it had a helmet on him...
- That was two years ago! That employee`s name is Harry! And he didn't have a concussion, he had a sprained arm! He fell on his way to the office!!! Now he is healthy as an ox!
- And where is the difference? Helmets are a good thing anyways.
- And a very stupid thing - muttered Peepers, but Hater obviously heard him, because suddenly the assistant was pierced by the discharge current. - Aw!
A Hater showed him a shocker with an evil grin : - Don't piss me off, Peepers. Better not. And it will set Captain Tim on you. Right, Captain Tim?
From behind the table, viciously growling, looked out the black dog with razor sharp teeth and a foaming mouth.
Swallowing nervously, Peeper took a step back: - Anyway, sir, we should go. Wander must be already in place.
- Wander... - Haters fists clenched. - Oh, how I hate that ever-smiling red-haired jerk! He always stands in my way! Go, Peepers! It must be time to arrive at the site before him!
Of course, they didn't arrive there earlier. When the driver drove Hater and Peepers to the building where the debate was about to take place, Wander and Sylvia, who had frozen behind him, were already standing on the podium. When he noticed his rival, who was doubled up in hater just because of only one glance at him, the director of "Wonders Industries" warmly waved to him. When the head of the "Hater Corp." stood close to him, Wander leaned to him so that he would be the envied of any circus acrobat and whispered: "Good luck!"
Hater crouched even more, his hand reached for the shocker in an inner pocket of his jacket. Fortunately for his careless rival, he was stopped by Peeper.
- I'll deal with this, sir. - he whispered through teeth, standing up behind him. After a few seconds he and Sylvia began to viciously drill each other's noses, apparently trying to ignite the opponent with a fire stare.
The transformation has begun. Wander was expressed, with a smile on the pleasant freckled face. His speech flowed like a melody. Hater, who rushed from extreme to extreme, spoke emotionally, forcing the listener to penetrate, understand, feel the same as he feels.
Behind candidates in mayors there was a fierce fight of two assistants. Peepers secretly tried to push the Wander from the stage, but Sylvia noticed his attempts and now gently choked him with her blue hair, trying not to distract her friend from his speech.
Suddenly the light in the room went out and the microphones got disconnected. Large wooden doors swung open, and in marched six humanoid robots. They stood on both sides of the walkway leading to the podium. From nowhere, a beam of spotlight illuminated the female figure, gliding into the hall. The woman was dressed in an elegant black dress, beautifully enveloping her thin waist. White short hair falling on the eyes. Under the deathly silence of the hall, the woman walked past the robots, took the microphone and said with a cold smile: - My name is Dominator. I'm head of the "Dominator Group" labs. And I'm going to be mayor of this town and conquer it!
Behind startled Peepers and Sylvia flew up in the air a sea of sparks. The blackout did not last long. But these sudden flashes of fire and hot sparks started the panicking the audience. All time, rushed to the exit of the building. And only two just stood there, staring glances at his new rival. Wonder, whose eyes were full of delight of meeting with a potential new friend. And Hater, a frozen pole, as if petrified, staring angrily at the laughing girl.
Looking at this oil painting, Peepers and Sylvia sighed, knowing that their relative peace in the end. So everyone will have to give their best to beat two opponents. Assistants knowingly looked at each other and in a sudden burst of identical feeling of self-pity shook hands. Chaos began to gain momentum.
#my fanfiction#wander over yonder#wander#sylvia the zbornak#lord hater#commander peepers#my translation#it`s easier when you get used to it#au
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Dodger: Continuation (14) - Conclusion
Author’s note: Sorry, this is a long one and I don’t normally like posting more than one per day, but I couldn’t help myself. I’m rather proud of it. I think I included every trope in the book. It’s like watching an old black and white movie. It appears I love tropes. Well, so be it. I like what I like, and, though it’s long, I think it’s very satisfying. (There’s bound to be a dirty joke in there somewhere.) Eventually I’ll add more images to these too.
The next minutes were the longest of Dodger's life. For a while, it was easy going. The two at the end of the rope even helping as much as they could, swimming with their feeble bodies. She felt Yellow-Eye's efforts behind her as the rope would loosen at his thrusts. But then she felt vibrations along it. She was mercifully unable to see anything behind her in the darkness, and didn't even try. Her muscles began to tire but she felt the water speeding past and she would not relent. The vibrations became stronger, then became tugging. Then it felt like she was actively pulling against them and she was afraid they were no longer moving fast enough. But she heeded the words of Yellow-Eyes and kept going.
Finally, the vibrations subsided and then were gone. She still felt Yellow-Eyes behind her, but now she was towing inert bodies. She knew they didn't have long to live, and she pushed through the aching of her muscles. But it was taking too long. She was sure of it. She didn't know if the little torch could possibly be still burning ahead, but her eyes strained to see it. On and on she kept swimming until it seemed she must be out into the river by now. Yet the touch of the stone walls beside her told her otherwise. Too slow. Too long. Her burden was surely dead by now. But Yellow-Eyes was still back there, and he wasn't giving up. She had no choice. If they were dead, they were dead. Nothing could help that now. All she could do was to keep going.
Then, hours after she had entered the water, she saw a glimmer ahead. Her tail was knotting up and her arms felt like they were being pulled off, but she found renewed strength at the flickering light. Then, without warning, it was above her. She surfaced with Yellow-Eyes right behind her. She felt she couldn't even struggle up to the shelf, but a strong push on her backside sent her up and over. She didn't exactly help Yellow-Eyes out, but she at least gave him an anchor to pull himself up with, but then they both hauled on the rope with all the strength they had left, and two bodies came into view.
They hauled them onto the shelf as quickly as they could and Yellow-Eyes ripped the tape from Veronica while Dodger did the same for Grey. Veronica started gasping for breath, though still unconscious. Grey lay still as death.
Without lips, Dodger had to use her hands to form a seal between her mouth and the inert Khajiit's. Veronica was coming around though so Yellow-Eyes left her to help Dodger, each taking turns trying to breath life back into Grey. Suddenly the Khajiit coughed and inhaled. Dodger spared a second to look at Yellow-Eyes in relief, before resuming their resuscitation until the cat was clearly breathing on her own.
"Good work," said a voice, "but it was pointless."
Dodger spun around. The first thing she saw was Veronica, wobbly but holding onto a man who stood a few paces away.
"Johan?" Yellow-Eyes asked, incredulous.
"Hello Kem," said the man, a crossbow loaded in his hands and a quarrel of bolts at his back. He had it leveled at Yellow-Eyes but swung it to Dodger.
"Stay down, both of you. You were supposed to get caught you know. You were going to be killed while escaping. But this works too." he warned while Veronica was finding her feet. She was trying to say something between gasps.
"What in hell are you doing Johan? We got her out!"
"You sure did, you stupid lizard. You helped a convicted murderer escape the Imperial prison. Congratulations."
Veronica said something then, now standing on her own but bent over gasping. Johan handed her a second crossbow.
"What... the fuck... are you... waiting for?" she asked, drawing in a deep breath.
Johan turned to her, the confidence earlier fading. "But... I can't just..."
"SHOOT THEM!" She screamed, but before her words could register, Yellow-Eyes had launched himself at Johan.
Veronica was weak but rapidly gaining strength. Johan hadn't enough time to turn, but she did, though badly aimed. The bolt from her crossbow took Yellow-Eyes through his right leg and he went down with an agonized screech, inhuman and feral.
Johan started to say something when a blur shot past Dodger. A grey blur. “Assassin!” it hissed as it streaked towards the pair. They had barely any time to react before a raging mass of talons and fangs were upon them. But Grey made a fatal mistake. She attacked Veronica, whose crossbow was empty, instead of Johan. His bolt pierced her through the heart and she fell without a twitch, her life ended instantly.
Dodger was too stunned to do anything. She was having trouble comprehending what she was seeing, but then in a flash it all came to her.
"YELLOW-EYES! VERONICA IS THE PENIS!"
But her fellow Argonian was writhing in pain from the bolt still lodged halfway through his leg. He could do nothing. “And she was the assassin,” he groaned through clenched teeth.
"It's not like in books," Dodger thought as she looked from him to look back at Veronica. She saw Veronica take a bolt from Johan's quarrel and lazily put it back into her bow.
Dodger held her hands out, as if in supplication. "But, he told me you saved his life!"
"Useful tool," she said in a heartless voice, blood streaming from wounds Grey had inflicted. "But his usefulness is over. Only him and Grey knew about the assassination. And you, now. It's time to clean up the loose ends. Goodnight Dodger."
Dodger thought desperately for some word, some action that would stop this, but she was too confused and too tired. She looked at the eyes of the woman she'd once thought was beautiful. The blood from myriad scratches wasn't what ruined her beauty though. It was the cold, dead eyes. She hadn't noticed those before. Now it was too late.
And then Veronica's head exploded.
A figure stepped forward, clad in a long black coat. It held an odd wand in one hand.
"Please, ‘Johan’, drop the crossbow before I have to waste more magic."
"Briarbird?! What..."
"Perhaps you didn't understand my words? Take a look at your lover. Not a good look for her. You will look little better, I assure you."
The crossbow hit the ground.
"Now then, ‘Johan’... or perhaps I should call you Mr. Torval? Let me tell you what you are going to do. You are going to leave here. You are going to go back to your place on the governing council, and you will await your instructions. You will not report this to your friend, the Captain of the guard. You will shortly find out that he is already dead anyway. And you will not leave the city. All your activities concerning the late holder of your post in the Council are duly recorded and await publication at any time we deem fit. Any attempt to leave will result in your immediate execution by members of, let's say, a higher power. Do you understand all of this Mr. Torval? No. Don't speak. Just nod your head. Yes... just like that. You may leave us now."
The man Dodger knew as 'Johan' turned to go, but then the High Elf Briarbird interrupted.
"Wait one moment. I believe you have some coin you were going to give to your friend in the Imperial prison, no? Be a dear and drop it."
Johan didn't protest. It landed with a thud on Veronica's body.
"Thank you, you may go," Briarbird said, waving him on to where Johan opened a hidden doorway in the rough rock face of the cave. Another high elf stood within and followed him as the door swung shut, sword drawn.
"And now, Mr. Kem. Or is it Yellow-Eyes? No... I think your name is... let me see if I can pronounce it correctly. Jeetum-Ze Calus, correct?" Briarbird asked, putting away his weapon.
Yellow-Eyes nodded through clenched teeth. The High Elf approached him drew a long, vicious blade, a blade mercifully quick, that flashed and sliced the bolt in two cleanly.
"Pull that out, would you child?" he asked Dodger, who complied without question.
Her friend let out a muffled screech as she drew the the bolt out, and blood began trickling from the wound. But Dodger then noticed the red vial Briarbird had left beside him and she poured it down Yellow-Eye's throat. Immediately the Argonian recovered his wits and his leg began to heal.
"Anyway," Briarbird continued, "you will have some questions, no doubt. In time you'll figure them out on your own. I've little time to waste on you. But you may be comforted to know that your headless assassin here was using a charm on you. Johan as well for that matter. Note that the body you see before you doesn't look quiet so enticing as it once did. Well... I mean, regardless of the head. We cannot blame you totally for your actions. But really, 'Knock Three Then One'? 'Two then Two?' Mr. Calus, you are strictly amateur hour. Do us both a favor won't you? When you recover at Luther's inn, please leave this city. And, for your own health, do not return. It would be awkward."
Yellow-Eyes nodded.
"Good. Well then, I bid you adieu. You may dispose of that gold as you will."
Dodger debated if she should speak up, but found she had to, if only to understand where she stood with this agent of... of something larger than the governing council anyway.
"Sir?"
Briarbird turned back to her, disdain and impatience in his every pore. "Yes, waif?"
"What about me?"
"You? Why would I care about you? Do whatever you want. You are of no concern to me nor those I work for."
Dodger turned to the recovering Yellow-Eyes, smiling even with the gore of Veronica so nearby at the reprieve.
"Oh, waif. You may be interested to know, your friends are waiting for you by the tree you so unfashionably swung from recently."
"Kitty too?! She didn't leave?"
"The one you know as 'Kitty' remains. And it appears your male acquaintance has left the abode of his parent. Permanently I believe. I suggest they could use your help. We don't need more valueless riff-raff wandering the city, after all. And now, I have much, much more important matters to attend to."
With that, Briarbird stepped towards the hidden door, opened it, and was gone.
Dodger helped Yellow-Eyes to his feet. She grabbed the bag of gold Johan had dropped on the way, but when they got to the hidden doorway, they found it locked. They had to leave the cave the same way they had entered, out to the river. Though tired, the warm morning sun was already turning hot as they stepped onto the river bank and started towards the city. Dodger opened the bag and her eyes sparkled looking at the gold within.
"Keep it," Yellow-Eyes told her. "You're going to need it more than me if you're going to stay here. Just... here... let me have a couple for the inn. There, that should be enough for all we owe and a few more days besides."
"Thank you, Yellow-Eyes!" Dodger said.
"If you like, you can come back to the Marsh with me of course, but I suspect you won’t," Yellow-Eyes offered, though they both knew she wasn't going back there.
"I... think I'll stay here, if it's all the same to you. I've got some ideas, and a book to write."
"Are you going to join the Thieves Guild? That coin won’t last forever."
Dodger laughed and shook her head. "Oh no! No way! I'm not cut out for the criminal life, Yellow-Eyes. It's just too much... effort! Lies, secrets, prison. No thanks, I think I'll just write about it instead from now on."
"Good thinking," Yellow-Eyes agreed.
"But, one question... why 'Yellow-Eyes'? What does that mean?"
The big Argonian looked to be on the verge of answering her, but then he smiled - something she hadn't seen him do in a long, long time. "Come visit me in the Marsh and I'll tell you."
But Dodger had already turned away from him. Over the hill, she saw a tree by the river in the distance. Two figures were there, one in the water, the other she saw jump off an overhanging limb. That one had a tail.
"Yellow-Eyes? I'm not going back with you to Luther's. I'll visit you tomorrow. But... can I have that rope?"
#prequel adventure#prequel-adventure#porcupine dodger#porcupine-dodger#fanfiction#argonian#khajiit#the elder scrolls
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