Febuwhump Day 7: Forced To Watch

Febuwhump Day 7: Forced to watch

Fandom: Star Wars

Timeline: The Bad Batch

Warning: graphics depictions of violence

Hunter had been sitting in an empty room for a while now. The cold metal cuffed his wrist like tight bracelets. Short chains attached him to the wall. The mans knees ache and his legs felt numb and cold from sitting on them. He wished to move but he wore a matching set of anklets that kept his feet to the floor.

    The batch had been contacted by Rex to extract one of his clone contacts from the empire. Chex had been found out and he wasn't able to pick him up. The batch complied and left for Coruscant. They were able to grab him but Hunter had been separated from his family and cornered. He instructed them to leave and they reluctantly obeyed.

    "We gotta stop leaving people behind" Echo spoke. He had joined them for the mission and would now help with freeing his younger brother. "I'll contact Rex and let him know what happened."

    Omega uncomfortably shifted "Echo's right."

    Tech turned to the girl, "we couldn't have done anything Omega. We had to leave for our safety and for Chex's."

    "I'm sure Hunter's fine!" Wrecker chimed in. "He probably would have yelled at us had we gone to get him anyway!"

    That was true. Everyone at that point knew Hunter held the others life before his. That seemed to be a trait most clones had, most Jedi too.

    "I didn't mean to cause such a problem for y'all. Sorry." Chex held his hands behind his back, rubbing his fingers together nervously.

    "Na it's fine!" Wrecker slammed his hand on the regs back.

    "Your brother got captured! I can help you get him back if you need?"

    Tech sighed and turned around to face the others "We will be fine. It's not safe for you to go back to Coruscant and it would be a shame if we rescued you just for you to die." With that Tech turned back to piloting the ship.

    Chex opened his mouth to argue but decided he could convince them anyway.

    Crosshair walked into the room that held his former sargent.

    "Hello Crosshair."

    "You're working with the rebels I see" he began. "Such a shame."

    "Only this once" he stated. This wasn't true, they were working for Rex but no matter how hard Hunter might try the sniper wouldn't believe him.

    "I knew you couldn't stay out of trouble." Crosshair antagonized.

    "So why am I alive? Don't you kill traitors?"

    "I need information, I just have to wait a little longer."

    "Longer? What are you waiting for? You have your vibro-knife and I'm sure you can find other methods around here." Hunter pressed, hoping to take Cross off guard. It wasn't that he really minded not being tortured but the sooner it began the sooner it was over. He'd hoped Crosshair wouldn't do that to him but you don't always get what you hoped for, do you.

    "No amount of physical torment will get you to talk." This stuck fear into Hunter and the soldier saw it. No matter how hard his brother may try to hide it, his eyes betrayed him. "I just need the rest of your squad."

    "Crosshair what are you gonna do to them?" His voice wavered.

    "You'll just have to see." Hate, that's all Hunter heard in his brother's voice. He misses the slight caring sound that Crosshair's voice used to be laced with when he was with them. The door closed and Hunter was once more alone with his cruel mind.

    Crosshair was right, of course the batch came back for Hunter. They dropped Chex and Omega off with Rex. Rex didn't mind babysitting for he knew how dangerous infiltrating the empire was and didn't want the kid to get hurt. Omega attempted to argue but was shut down quickly by the harsh reality of the situation. The three 'adults' rushed back to Coruscant. They fell right into Crosshair's uncaring hands.

    Crosshair forced Tech into the cell Hunter occupied. He pushed the mercenary to he's knees in front of Hunter. Stepping on the others legs Crosshair placed two strong, half circle magnets over Tech's ankles and activated them.

    Attempting to free himself Tech tried to pull his leg up. He came to the conclusion that only Wrecker would be able to lift the magnets.

    "Tech" Hunter assessed his brother to find any injuries. He began to breathe again when he saw he was uninjured. "Where's-" Tech cut him off.

    "I'm not sure. I only know where Omega is and she's safe off world."

    Hunter sighed in relief. Now he just had to figure out how to get the others to safety.

    Crosshair pulled his vibro-knife out and stared into Hunter's eyes. "I'll give you one chance before I harm him."

    Hunter looked at Tech. Tech of course shook his head no. The leader looked back to Crosshair who sighed and stepped behind Tech. The clone prepared himself for the burning pain that came with knives. The knife easily slid over the victim's chest. He gasped and looked away from Hunter.

    Both understood what was happening, the batch had been trained to withstand large amounts of pain. Out of the two, Hunter had the bigger heart and would break before Tech would.

    "Hunter." Tech looked back up at him. Hunter met his eyes. "Don't tell him anything."

    Hunter nodded. From their it only got worse. Crosshair knew how to inflict unbearable pain. It used to work in their favor. None of them ever thought their brother could hurt them the way he hurt strangers. Now they seemed to be strangers with memories.

    The knife wasn't the only method of torment Crosshair had brought. Electricity would course though the mans body. Hunter could do nothing other than watch as his brother tore apart his other brother. As he continued Hunter started to fight against the chains. Despite to get help Tech he pulled and pulled, tiring himself. Warm blood ran over his hands from his wrist. Hunter didn't even know.

    Tech's screams shattered Hunter's heart. He would open his mouth to speak but Tech would stop him with a look or verbally if he could. He knew what was coming for him if this continued but he also knew the empire could never know that Rex was alive.

   Hunter once more opened his mouth. "No" Tech breathed. "It won't matter anyway." He struggled to speak but he knew he had to tell Hunter. "I'll... die anyway." Tech's voice was always sort of monotone. Hearing so much emotion and pain slip though his mouth scared them both. 

    Crosshair spoke over Tech's sobs and Hunter's soft crying, "you like taking Tech, you always have." He moved from his position next to Tech to behind him. Hunter fought the chains harder, not that he hasn't been fighting as hard as he could.

    Crosshair took the knife to a little bit under Tech's right tear duct and angled it at around seven o'clock. He slowly dragged the knife down until it retched the bottom of his face. The wound ran over his lips making it difficult but not impossible to speak.

    Tech's head was spinning, it had been for a while. The wounds he has received could not hurt him as much as the hopeless feeling that came with them. He hated that Hunter must be feeling the same way. Forced to watch as he slowly died, unable to help him. Somewhere in Hunter's brain he needed to protect them.

    "Tech!" Hunter had been calling for his brother for almost a minute now. Crosshair rose the knife again. "Wait" Hunter yelled. He looked at Tech who looked out of it. His breathing had become labored and blood ran down his face and body. "I'll tell you just please stop, you're gonna kill him!"

    The leaders broken screams pleased Crosshair. He'd won. "Go on."

    "Omega's" Tech coughed "with" his voice drifted. The clone used his last bit of energy trying to keep his little sister safe. He collapsed.

    "Tech!" Hunter stared at his brother helplessly.

    Crosshair kicked Tech to the side and kneeled down in front of Hunter. He grabbed his face and forced him to look him to the eyes, "look what you've done." He hissed.

    "No." Hunter whispered. "Is he?"

    "He is and it's your fault."

    The soft cry became a full sob. He was forced to watch his brother die. He couldn't save him. That helpless feeling made him sick.

    Crosshair stood and walked out the door, leaving Hunter to deal with his mind once more.

    Rex, Omega, and Chex knew something wasn't right. When Phee and Cid agreed they decided to contact Trevor, another informant of Rex's. Soon after the five would depart from Ord Mentell.

    Arriving the group located the brothers and snuck to break them out. Finding the cell block they stopped Infront of Wreckers cell. Omega went to open the door but Rex reached out his arm out, stopping her. "Be careful, I'm not sure what we're gonna find." Cautiously Omega opened the door.

    Wrecker looked up at his found family and smiled, "good to see ya!"

    "Not so loud!" Cid whisper yelled.   

    "Wrecker!" Omega ran to the large man and hugged him.

    "Hey kid" he spoke softly. "Let's go get the others."

    Walking down the hall the band kept the same cautiousness as before when opening the door. When Echo greeted them with a thankful smile, Rex let himself relax a little. Yes he cared for all of them but none of them fought beside him as long as Echo had. The two were close and Rex wasn't sure what he'd do if he lost Echo again.

    Now seven the group quickly moved to the cell Tech was supposed to occupy. Opening the door to not find him scared them.

    "Where's Tech? He's supposed to be here." Omega turned back to Rex. Rex looked at the adults, all assuming the worst.

    Echo kneeled down to Omega, resting a hand on her little shoulder. "I'm sure we'll find him." The group walked to Hunter's cell and paused. Phee pushed the combination into the panel and the door slid open.

    Inside Hunter leaned against the wall softly crying. Tech rested on the cold floor. The noise startled the leader and he looked up.

    Rushing into the room Omega ran to Hunter to release him of the heavy chains. The others spread across the room as Echo dropped to check on Tech. As eyes landed to Tech feelings rose. Anger, sadness, fear, everything.

    As soon as Hunter was free he attended to stand. His numb legs failed him and he collapsed. Phee caught him and gently placed him back on the ground. "Careful dark and broody, take your time. You're safe." Her soft voice took Hunter off guard and he leaned into her.

    "He wasn't. I failed him Phee. I could have saved him and now-" He couldn't say it.

    Phee ran her hands over his head and looked to the others. Was brown eyes dead?

    Echo checked Tech for a pulse. "He's got a pulse! It's weak but it's there!"

    Hunter quickly sat up and looked over to the others "Crosshair told me" he smiled softly"he's okay?"

    "Far from okay but yeah he's definitely alive." Cid shook her head.

    "It'll take more than that to kill Tech! He's too stubborn to die!" Wrecker walked over to Tech and picked him up, "now let's get out of here!"

    Hunter tried to stand again, some feeling in his legs had returned but he still wobbled. "Here" Phee grabbed the sergeant, "I gotta."

    The team made their way out of the cell block. Once outside the building Phhe set Hunter down. "Thanks." The clone felt somewhat embarrassed by Phee carrying him the whole way out but being close to someone was nice. He tried to get her to set him down a few times but she wouldn't budge.

    The group ran to the Marauder and headed back to Ord Mantell. Tech would be fine. When he'd wake up Hunter apologized profusely. Of course Tech wasn't even upset. He would have to get used to the mark across his face but that was miner. It would always remind Hunter of his failure to protect his brother. For Tech it was a reminder of the monster Crosshair had become.

    Hunter always hated that helpless feeling when he could help anyone, he always would. Being forced to watch what he thought was his brother's demise stayed with him, hunting his dreams forever.

Febuwhump Day 9: Voice loss.

Fandom: Star Wars

Timeline: The Bad Batch

Screaming. Hunter had been doing a lot of that. His voice had become hoarse and his throat throbbed. Some imperial soldiers had brought him in. Since then the torture had been endless. They wanted information on the rebels. No matter how many times Hunter said he didn't know they just kept harming him. The interrogator also wanted the location of the rest of the batch. Hunter knew that; Echo was with Rex and the rest of them were on Ord Mantell, But that he would never tell.

    Soon the hoarse yelling became no noise at all. Hunter continued attempting to tell the clone that he didn't know. Nothing came out. "What, cat got your tongue or something?" Crank antagonized.

    Hunter had asked for the soldier's name when he had entered, hoping the gesture would help him out a little and because asking a clone for their name was meaningful; well to most of them. Though Crank had seemed pleasantly surprised it was no use.

    The mercenary opened him mouth to argue but just closed it again.

    The door slid open to reveal Crosshair. "Hello Hunter" he hissed. Then the clone actually looked at his brother. Hunter saw the surprise and worry in his eyes for a brief second.

    'hello Crosshair' Hunter mouthed. The sniper was able to read lips, his mutation helped him immensely with this.

    "Use your voice Hunter."

    'I can't.'

    "Why?" Crosshair whispered low enough for only his brother to hear.

    'Maybe Cross still cares after all' Hunter though. "Screaming took it."

    Crosshair turned to the reg, "You do know we can't use him if he can't speak right? Idiot. I'll take care of him."

    Crank shrugged and left the room.

    It hurt Crosshair to see Hunter like this. The man was bloody and bruised. He'd seen him like this before but that was when he was on his side. Now he was on the side hurting him.

    "I'll find you something for your throat." Crosshair softened.

    Crosshair was never really outwardly kind. It meant a lot to Hunter knowing despite everything; despite every time they left him, the fact that in his eyes they betrayed him, for not trusting him; that Crosshair still cared.

    The door closed and Hunter was alone. For the first time he assessed his injuries. They consisted of deep cuts, colorful bruises, burn marks from electricity, broken bones, and his raw throat. His throat burned. He needed to be able to speak, how else could he lead his family? How could he comfort them or protect them? He couldn't warn them of harm if he couldn't speak. The rest of the injuries didn't really concern him, just the voice loss.

    Crosshair would come back later with a cup of tea. How he managed to obtain the tea confused Hunter but he was thankful. His wrists were freed and he shakingly grabbed the cup. Giving his brother a nod to thank him he took a sip. It was somehow his favorite. This made the man smile. The gesture helped his heart more than it helped his throat.

    Footsteps. Familiar footsteps. The door opened and the batch spilled into the room. Surprisingly blaster fire did not follow. "We're here too... Ummm what?" Wrecker stood bewildered.

    The scene unraveling in front of him was certainly far from expected. Crosshair was helping Hunter. He sat beside Hunter with his hand slightly under the cup, ready to grab it if it fell.

    Echo still held his gun to the soldier. The others had lowered theirs. "Are you sure that's not poisoned." Echo was suspicious and for good reason. Crosshair was an imperial soldier after all. Crosshair gave Echo a death glare.

    Hunter looked past Crosshair and nodded, signaling Echo to lower his weapon. He complied.

    "We need to get out of here. It won't be long before the empire notices we are here." Tech said.

    Hunter tried to stand. His legs gave out on him and he started to fell. Crosshair caught him and lowered him back to the ground. "Wrecker come here" but of course no sound came out.

    "Hunter I think you forgot something there" Omega joked.

    Crosshair had sat beside Hunter once more. "He can't talk."

    "Why not?" Wrecker respond.

    "Likely the torture. Your vocal cords can only handle so much stress before you cannot talk. He should be fine." Tech answered.

    Omega looked worried. Hunter gave her a soft smile which calmed he fears slightly. Wrecker walked over to his injured brother and picked him up. Hunter winced.

    "Sorry." Wrecker had nothing to apologize for and he knew it. However it made him feel a little bit better about any necessary pain he caused.

    "Do you hear anyone?" Echo asked. Hunter shook his head and turned to face Crosshair. He pulled his arm out and offered his hand to Crosshair. He looked tempted. "No. My place is here, your place should be here."

    "We don't see eye to eye on that." Wrecker sighed, "we miss you though."

    "We can't fight for something we don't believe in." Echo spoke. Crosshair nodded.

    "If you ever need us try to let us know okay?" Omega hugged her brother, and then they left.

    Crosshair grabbed the tea cup from the floor and softly smiled. He made the right choice letting them leave over and over. Maybe he'd let them take him one day.

Febuwhump Day 13: Forced to Hurt a Loved One

Fandom: Star Wars

Timeline: The Bad Batch

Simple supply runs could never be simple. Ever since the empire had found out they were alive it seemed all they did was run. The worst part was having to look out for Crosshair's precise shots. 

    The city was beautiful; the large buildings loomed over the small people, the sunset covered in gorgeous reds, pinks, purples, and oranges. The clouds reflected the colors perfectly. The street was busy with a variety of different people walking about their business.

    Hunter heard the sniper running on the roofs as the five of them ran on the pavement below. Crosshair wouldn't shoot them unless he had a good shot. If he shot a civilian he'd be a murderer, not that he wasn't already but still.

The chase was nearing the end of the city limits. A small clearing was in front of them. If they entered that clearing none of them would ever leave it.

    "Any ideas Hunter?" Echo ran beside him.

    "We need to stay in the city" he stared. "He's gotta come down here before we can do much against him. He'll get frustrated, just give it time."

    It didn't take long before Crosshair proved Hunter right. He knew what his targets were doing. He lived with them for most of his life so he knew how they thought. He'd play into their game and he would win. He had to.

    The batch came to a stop when Hunter confirmed Crosshair had left the roof. "Alright, split up. Everyone get to the Marauder, I'll try to get Crosshair off our tail." The others nodded. Tech and Omega stayed together while the other two went off on their own.

    The plan didn't work. Echo ended up being Crosshair's prey first. The two raced through the streets. Hunter tried to find Crosshair. He knew Echo could handle himself but something didn't feel right.

    Turning the corner Echo relieved it was a dead end. He pulled his blaster but it was quickly shot out of his hand. He looked down at it briefly then back to Crosshair. "I'll give you one chance Echo, come back with me or die."

    The cyborg stared at Crosshair. No matter what he wouldn't join the empire. He hated it with every fiber of his being, it would go against everything he believed in. He'd have to stall. One of his siblings had to be close right?

    "What's so great about the empire?" Echo knew that he was in dangerous territory by asking but he was already in danger so did that really matter. Maybe he could help Crosshair see a little clearer.

    Crosshair gave no answer. He crept forward. Hunter turned the corner. He made no sudden movements. Neither knew he was there. He heard the movement of the guns trigger. It wasn't fast. It was like Crosshair was hesitant to kill his brother. Sure Echo and Crosshair hadn't been together for all that long but with Echo it was impossible to dislike him. He grew on everyone quickly.

    Hunter knew the sound right before the gun would go off. He'd heard it too many times, the slight sound the trigger made as it inched back that no one else would hear. This time a shot wouldn't follow, at least not from his gun.

    Hunter shot Crosshair in the left shoulder. He hated it but he had to. Shooting the man he grew up with, his brother hurt him deeply. Corsshair leaving had hurt him deeply. There was no time to change the setting to stun. Echo would've died and Hunter would just have to live with his decision.

    Crosshair fell to the ground with a yelp. Echo ran up and slid the gun away from the imperial. Crosshair sat up and looked at Hunter. A mix of physical and mental pain was reflected on his face.

    Hunter ran over to his brother and kneeled down. He wasn't sure how to help him or if Crosshair would even let him but he had to try. Echo seemed to be on the same page.

    "Get away from me" Crosshair hissed. Echo moved, Hunter didn't.

    "No."

    "You shot me." The man had a fair point.

    "I had too. You didn't leave me a choice." Frustration and concern laced Hunter's voice. 

    The three heard other clones approaching their location. "Hunter we gotta go." Echo stood behind his brother.

    Hunter sighed and got up. He started walking the exit of the alley. He stopped and looked back, trying to decide what to do. Crosshair looked angry. Despite everything he nodded, signaling for Hunter to leave.

    Hunter nodded and left. With everyone now on the Marauder they left the planet, the mission a success.

    Hunter got lost in his thoughts. They'd left Crosshair behind again. He felt terrible. His brother would never see him the same. He had every right to hate him. He had to shoot him and he just hoped Crosshair would see it that way eventually.

Star Wars artists can you PLEASE draw Crosshair with cheese and vodka? I can explain.

Febuwhump day 3: Muzzled

Fandom: Star Wars

Timeline: The Bad Batch

Warning: Character death

(I'm so proud of this story lol. Please enjoy.)

Hunter woke up in a cold, dark room. Looking around he noted the room was empty other than him. His wrist met with metal as he tried to pull them up. He was sitting on his knees, both his ankles and wrist cuffed. A tight cloth was tied around his head, tucked into his mouth to stop him from speaking. Trying to move the chains kept him against the wall.

    He tried to recount what had happened to lead him to this. He remembered being separated from the rest of the batch on their last mission. The planet was freezing cold and it started to take its toll on him. Walking through the woods he would be found by Crosshair who would stun him.

    Hunter wondered why Cross hadn't just killed him. Crosshair wanted him dead, he wanted all of them dead.

    Hours passed before light spilled into the room as the door opened. Hunter looked up to see his brother. "Hello Hunter." Crosshair said coldly.

    Hunter attempted to greet the soldier but was once again reminded of the cloth that restrained him from speaking.

    Crosshair chuckled "what's wrong, cat got your tongue?" He hissed.

    Hunter rolled his eyes.

    "Don't get too comfortable Hunter. Soon you'll see." Crosshair moved to the upper corner of the room.

    Hunter wondered what that could possibly mean. His question was answered soon after as he heard familiar voices taking of how to free their brother. Hunter panicked and looked at Crosshair. He was the bait.

    Crosshair grabbed one of his vibro-knifes from his armor. Hunter relieved whoever walked through that door first would have no chance to see what was waiting for them. It was a perfect plan.

    Hunter frantically tried to free himself from the chains. He desperately tried to remove the gag from his mouth. He could hear the footsteps of his family running closer to the cell he occupied. The beeping of the combination to the door scared him. He wished the batch would have just left him instead of falling for Crosshair's trap.

    The door opened. Tech walked through the door first followed by Echo. The other two stayed outside to guard the room. Little did they know the danger was already inside.

    Hunter tried desperately to alert his brothers of Crosshair. His muffled screams were heard but not understood until Crosshair's knife submerged in Tech upper back. Tech fell to the floor. Hunter shrieked, Echo gasped and took a step back as Omega and Wrecker took their eyes off the hall. All relieved what had happened. Crosshair had killed Tech. Crosshair had killed their brother, his brother in what he would say is in the name of the empire.

    Crosshair had no remorse. He stepped closer to Echo who had fallen to the floor in disbelief. He knew Tech was dead but needed to prove it to himself in some way. Echo couldn't lose another brother. Not after so maybe. Hunter continued screaming into the cloth, both to warn the others and from the sheer pain of losing his brother to one of their own.

    Wrecker would attack Crosshair while Omega would run to Tech and Echo. Echo shook Tech trying to wake him. He couldn't grasp the fact that Tech would never wake again. Like his other brothers he would forever rest, never to be bothered by the pain of the real world again.

    Crosshair jabed the knife towards Wrecker. Wrecker moved to the left to avoid injury. This unfortunately opened Crosshair to new possibilities. He slung the knife towards Echo. More attempted warnings ignored. Echo however would move on his own to stand and be hit in the lower back. This would force him right back on his knees.

    The suppressed screaming hadn't ceased. Attempting to warn the batch, trying to get them to leave. Hearing soldiers coming closer and closer. Though no one understood him, he pleaded to his family to leave him. Even if they did understand him they wouldn't. That's the way they were or at least were now.

Wrecker slammed Crosshair into the wall "Omega try to free Hunter!"

The girl moved from where she was comforting Echo over to Hunter. As to not scare her he finally let his voice rest.

"Hold on Hunter" she spoke softly. Gently untying the gag she pulled it away from his face.

"Leave, soldiers, hall" Hunter stuttered out, his throat horse and in pain.

"Hunter, we aren't gonna just leave you here." She fiddled with Hunters chains, attempting to free him.

"Please, no one else needs to die here." He begged her.

Omega's heart broke. No matter what they did Hunter always tried to look out for them. He couldn't let it be the other way. It was like if he didn't find a way to save them, no matter the cost, he would fail them. "Wrecker" the blonde began, "can you come get these chains off Hunter?" Omega's voice sounded calm. Hunter knew she wasn't, he knew it was for him. His heart shattered as he realized the position she was put in, the position that didn't allow her to be a child.

"You need to leave, please." Hunter looked at Wrecker as he walked over to him. "They're coming."

"We aren't going to leave you." Wrecker kneeled down and pulled the chains out of the wall and floor.

Echo had begun to attempt to fight Crosshair.

Picking up Hunter, Wrecker kneeled down to Tech. "I got them both, let's go!"

Echo moved from where he was and waited until the others were out of the room before rushing out. He would close the door before Crosshair would get the chance to leave.

The team would hardly escape. Back on the Marauder the family attempted to stay together, all just barely holding themselves in one piece.

After a while everyone was physically stable. Now they were left with three adults, one child, and a body. Cid would pity them and give them some time. None of them weren't sure how much time they really could take or how to properly handle the sharp grief that came with losing Tech.

Hunter rubbed the part of his face the gag had been. If only he could have told them, if only that cursed cloth hadn't been there.

@febuwhump

Febuwhump day 5: That's gonna scar

Fandom: Miraculous Ladybug

Time: Monarch times

Warning violence

"Akuma attack, akuma attack" Adrien's phone buzzed.

    "I just got home" Adrien sighed. The boy transformed into his superhero persona and leaped through his window.

    "Hello Ml'lady" the cat greeted.

    "Hello Kitty Cat."

    The akumatized victim had been turned into a colorful monster. They had long sharp claws, lizard-like eyes, and scales. The two heroes would begin their fight to free the civilian from Monarch's grasp.

    The teens were quite quick to free the victim. The citizen thanked the two profusely and ran off.

    "Hello heros" A menaceing voice spoke from behind them.

    "Hello" Cat Noir turned around to meet the mans eyes "Monarch."

    The villain spared no time for fancy speechs. He knew that neither had much time before they transformed back and planned to use this to his advantage.

    Now the hero's understood their time limit and tried to come up with a plan. One of them would leave while the other feed their magic companion.

    "Ml'lady you first. I'll hold him at bay."

    "You sure kitty?"

    "Yep."

    With that Ladybug made her way to the nearby alley.

    "Just you and me Monarch" Cat Noir hissed.

    With no words the two began to fight. Of course the villain attempted to get past to Ladybug but as Cat Noir said he kept him at bay.

    Monarch activated the dragon miraculous and reached for the sword. Yes he could get past him with wind dragon or he could have used voyage but decided he wanted to fight the boy instead.

    Reacting to the sword being drawled, Cat Noir snatched his poll from his back. A short fight would insue. The poll slipped through his hands as the sword hit it harshly. Right after the sword sliced into the child's chest. Screaming he grabbed his chest and fell to the ground.

    Ladybug who had only been gone for a minute rushed back to the scene. The guardian rushed to her friend, grabbing the poll on her way to deflect what would have been a killing blow to her partner.

    Adrien assessed the injury. It went from his left shoulder to just above his elbow on his right side. He attempted to put pressure on the wound. He knew how to fix injuries like this and had before except this one was much worse. It would need stitches but how could he get the help he needed without reliving his identity?

    Adrien's ring blinked, one minute remaining, possibly less. The girl grabbed her loved one as gently as she could at the time and took him to the alley she had been in. "You're gonna be okay" she tried to reassure him.

    "Yeah. Take care of Monarch, I'll be here. I'm about to transfrom anyway." Cat Noir spoke softly. Ladybug nodded and left. Tears slid down his face as he tried to remain calm. He knew one thing, that was gonna scar.

    Detransforming, Adrien pulled himself against the brick wall closest to him.

    "Kid!" Plagg yelled.

    "I'm alright" Adrien breathed. "Cloth.. find." The pain started to regenerate more as his adrenaline wore off.

    "Yeah I'm working on it." With that the kwami left, leaveing the human alone. What was he supposed to do about the wound? He placed his hands on the gash, trying to keep his blood from spilling to much. The pain scared him. He had never felt such sharp pain before.

    How did he explain to his father? The father who would never let him outside again. He would lock him up forever, never to feel like sunlight again.

    Even if he could hide the wound the pain would give him away. He could bear all the other damage done to his body over the year he'd been a hero, all the scratches and bruises, even a broken finger he claimed to have been a dumb accident. He hid all of those practically perfectly but how could he hide this? Even then the scar would betray him eventually, telling everyone who he was.

    He looked down at his hands covered in his blood. He supposed it was better than someone else's. Adrien's breathing had begun to quicken and his head was spinning. He hoped Plagg would be back soon.

    Adrien heard Ladybug call upon her lucky charm. He worried about her more than he would like to admit.

    Plagg had rushed into a nearby store, careful to avoid the fight taking place not too far away. Looking for the medical supplies he stumbled upon the cheese. Of course that would have to wait until his favorite holder was safe. Once he found the medical aisle he grabbed as much as his little self could.

    Adrien could barely stay awake now. He prayed that Ladybug or Plagg would be quick. Time passes and Plagg would come back. He slowly unwrapped the gauges and bandages and pressed them to the bloody mess that was his chest.

    Ladybug ran into the alleyway with her eyes to the ground. "Cat Noir" she stated "are you okay?" Her voice was laced with concern. The spotted hero kneeled down to her cat. She put her arms out for him to take to his wound. Shaking he pulled her hands to his chest. From there she proceeded to press her hands to the wound. Adrien winced. "Sorry." Ladybug quickly responded to him.

    "Don't-" Adrien  stuttered "apologies."

    "You need help I can't give kitty."

    "My identity. I can't"

    "I have a mask you can wear."

    "Medical history."

    Ladybug sighed "you're right...."

    There was no more time to wait. Ladybug grabbed her bug phone and called for help. She explained they can't learn of his identity and tried to figure out how to prevent them from knowing. The operator reassured her that the EMT's would do their best. After thanking the person on the phone she hung up.

    "Plagg" he pulsed "claws out."

    "What are you-"

    He pulled his body down and into her lap. He was scared and needed the comfort, the reassurance everything would be alright. Ladybug played with his soft hair as the two waited.

    Adrien knew whatever was next he would be okay. The slash would heal and one day be a scar he could be proud of. Of course it wouldn't stay that way as it would become a painful reminder of the monster who would kill a child, the monster who was his father.