Febuwhump Day 13: Forced To Hurt A Loved One

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.

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 11: Fever

Fandom: Star Wars

Timeline: The Bad Batch

"Skyguy I don't feel so well" Ahsoka complained.

    Anakin turned around to face Ahsoka. She looked ill. "Let's get you checked out."

    The two walked to the medical bay on The Resolute. It wasn't too busy and Ahsoka was seen immediately.

    The droid confirmed that the padawan was indeed sick. She had a high fever of 101. Ahsoka was prescribed an antibiotic and rest. Of course with the coming mission she didn't want to rest. As the commander of the 501st she didn't feel it was right to abandon them right before battle.

    Anakin walked with his sister back to her quarters. He opened the door with the force and entered. The room consisted of a bed and a nightstand that had drawers. There is where she kept her extra clothes. The Togruta's lightsabers rested on top of the nightstand.

    Sitting down Ahsoka argued about how she needed to help in the fight. "Master it wouldn't be fair if I didn't fight. The men fight when they feel under the weather why can't I?"

    "Snips" Anakin sighed. "Barely any of the men say when they feel sick. Now lay down."

    Ahsoka complied. Of course she was stubborn about this. Anakin remembered being the same way with Obi-wan. When he wasn't much older than Ahsoka, maybe 14 or 15, the two had a mission to protect a world leader who was wanted by a rather large gang. Anakin had started to feel ill on their way and complained to Obi-wan, the same way Ahsoka had. Once on the planet Anakin was checked out by a member of the leaders medical staff. He was indeed ill and Obi-wan tried his best to help him rest. Anakin was sure he had to help. The mission was a mess but a success.

    The girl's master looked down at her. "I'll be right back." He stood and walked to find a rag and some warm water.

    When he returned Ahsoka was nowhere to be found. Anakin sighed and started looking for her.

    As the ship approached the planet below, Anakin finally made it to the clones barracks. There she was.

    Rex was sitting upright in his bunk. Ahsoka had wandered to the barracks and Rex had gotten her to lay down. Her head rested in his lap and he was rubbing her back.

    Anakin looked relieved to find her, better yet that she was resting. "How'd you get her to lay down?"

    "I just said come here and opened my arms. She came right to me."

    The general shook his head.

    "Anakin she's got a fever. Feels pretty bad." Rex dropped the formicalities, after all they weren't taking general to captain. They were just two brothers concerned about their little sister.

    "It was 101 when I got her checked out."

    "Wow." Rex looked down at the sleeping girl and softly smiled, "I feel bad. I'm gonna have to move her when we land."

   "As long as you're slow it should be fine."

    "Yeah." Rex rested his head against the wall behind him. Anakin sat on the floor near the two and leaned against the wall. The cool metal was somewhat comforting.

    When the ship would in orbit everyone started to get ready. For some this would be their last mission, for others their first. Ahsoka woke as Rex moved beneath her. "Huh? Are we here?" She said weakly.

    "Yeah kid, we're here. You're staying on this ship okay?"

    "But I have too -"

    Anakin interrupted her, "no you don't. It'll be fine if you stay here okay. We got it."

    "Stupid fever, giving me away" Ahsoka grumbled. She sat up and watched the concern rise in the others eyes. It was nice to see how much they cared about her. Realizing her being on the field would only worry them, she laid back down.

    The commander had been convinced she had to go, she had to fight with the others. Now she could see it clearer. They'd be okay. She needed the break anyway. Sure she had to get sick to know it but now she knew.

    Ahsoka was right. Anakin and Rex returned to her relatively unharmed. This battle luckily didn't have many casualties. In a few days the padawan was back at her masters side, both of them causing havoc and training.

(I really gotta catch up on these. Wish me luck.)

Sometimes I think about Hunter's scar/his ear and wonder what happened. Healing magic exists so why does he have a scar. Viny says "now I'm scarred emotionally" after healing herself so healing magic doesn't leave scars. My personal theory is of he fails or didn't do something well enough he's not allowed to get his injuries healed. It's Belos so it wouldn't surprise me. I think this would go for the other golden guards as well.

One day when Darius was younger he walked into his mentor's house/wherever he lived and saw him rapping some injuries and asked why he didn't just get them healed. The golden guard (has the fandom given him a nickname yet?) didn't want to say the real reason so he just said it was to much of a hassle and didn't want to waste anyone's time. Darius tried to tell him it would be no issue and that's what healers we're there but in the end he didn't press that matter. Hunter later gives the same response when he's asked. Darius still thinks about that sometimes.

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.