(I Have Never Written Animals, So Here I Go With My First Snippet! I Always Thought There Was Way Too

(I have never written animals, so here I go with my first snippet! 😁 I always thought there was way too less phobia-whump, so please enjoy.😄 Also, can anyone guess the dog breed?🙈)

❗(TW: Panic Attack, Severe Cynophobia, Humiliation, Blood)❗

#10 - Beg

"Fuck, get this thing off me!!", [Hero] screeched, trying to push themself further into the cold stonewall behind them.

"Goddamnit, [Villain]!!", they sobbed, eyes searching frantically for something like mercy in [Villains] face.

[Villain] just looked at them with raised eyebrows and was seemingly not the slightest bit interested in whistling their companion back. [Hero] grew desperate. "Get it off!!"

The amorphous shadow growled, ready to attack whenever it got the deadly command. "Get it fucking off, [Villain]!!"

[Hero] hated dogs.

German ones in particular.

The one in front of them was only held by the thin leash in [Villains] hand and pulled heavily into their direction. It would shred [Hero] into pieces, if their enemy let go. They just knew that.

[Villain] looked unimpressed. They made one step towards [Hero], who whimpered from fear. "I will, when you talk."

Desperately, [Hero] turned their face, blinking away the tears that started to rise in their eyes. The dog pulled ever so strongly.

"I can't talk!! I don't have anything!! I-"

Barking. Saliva. Teeth.

[Hero] squealed. They were gonna faint.

"Out!"

And it was quiet. The only thing audible was [Heros] heavy breathing. They sank against the wall with shaking legs; cold sweat was covering their ashened face.

[Villain] looked at [Hero] with a strange kind of fascination. "Your record says that you have a problem with dogs, but I never knew it was this severe.", they said, eyeing their enemy with a calculating curiosity.

[Hero] said nothing. Apart from the fear, the hot feeling of mortification rose in their chest.

They knew it wasn't rational.

Even though the fleabag [Villain] brought was a realistic thread, they shouldn't be standing there with quivering legs and tearing eyes.

[Hero] could handle worse forms of torture. All of them painful and degrading, but they could stand it. They could always stand it.

But dogs...

"You were attacked by one as a child, right?", [Villain] drawled and grinned when [Heros] eyes lowered in shame. "Funny that something so silly can drive you nuts now..."

[Villain] snickered and lightly pulled on the leash. "Up!" A deep growl emitted from the dark mutt that obeyed instantly. [Hero] could not avoid the cold shudder that ran down their spine.

"To be honest, [Hero], I didn't think you were such a wimp!", [Villain] mocked. The criminal saw the impact of their words in [Heros] abashed face and continued with a nasty smile: "For real, how did you even get so far in your fucking job? Probably slept yourself up, huh?"

"Fuck off...", [Hero] hissed and balled their fists. They felt the heat creeping up their cheeks. A huge clumb formed in their throat, making them want to vomit.

It wasn't rational.

It wasn't fucking rational.

[Hero] was strong.

Had the abilities to finish this in less than a minute.

Shouldn't even bother about [Villain] and their grilling, should've just turned and left this fucking situation.

It didn't work.

Didn't work because of those teeth viciously gleaming in front of them.

Paralizing.

[Villain] grinned and looked at their watch leisurely, unfazed by the trembling human in front of them. "You know, even though I love chatting with you, I need to hurry. My boss wants that info really bad."

[Hero] shook their head wordlessly. They had nothing. They couldn't talk, even if they wanted to.

The criminal ignored them.

"And also...", [Villain] casted a look towards their dog and looked back to [Hero] with a wolfish grin, "...she's getting hungry."

It was visible how [Hero] tried to collect themself. To force themself to keep calm despite [Villains] teasing and the growling of their companion.

[Villain] saw [Heros] fight for control, even though they were loosing more of it with every passing second.

"Well...", the criminal drawled and gestured towards the dog, "I guess we have a solution to that..."

They let go of the leash.

[Heros] eyes widened.

"[Villain], don't-!!"

"Sick'em!"

Brown-black fur was flashing into the light and [Hero] jerked up their hands with a desperate scream.

"NO!!"

The monster sank its' sharp teeth into [Heros] forearm. Crimson blood.

They violently tried to shake it off, but it didn't let go.

Wouldn't give up its' prey.

"Call it back, [Villain]!!"

It bit down again.

"Call it back!!!"

Oh god, it would kill them, if [Villain] didn't do something!

It would tear them apart.

Oh god, their arm.

"[Villain], do-" [Hero] choked on the words.

Docked tail.

Sharp teeth.

They couldn't think straight.

Listed dog.

Dangerous.

Their brain filled with black mist.

Couldn't breathe.

They were going to suffocate.

[Villains], voice, ringing in their ears: "Tell me what I want to hear."

Had nothing.

Gone in the abyss.

"I-I c-an't, I-"

No air.

They were suffocating.

Didn't [Villain] see that they were fucking suffocating?

[Hero] only shook their head. They couldn't breathe. There was no air around to fill their lungs with. Underwater.

A cold hand harshly grabbed their collar, pulling them up. "Calm down, you useless piece of shit!"

[Hero] yelped, when [Villains] fist connected with their ribcage. The crack was clearly audible.

"It's not that hard to talk, you fuckin' wussy!"

They dumped them on the ground.

Cold concrete. The smell of trash and piss in the run-down part of the city no one would search [Hero] in. Dirt that mixed with [Heros] own tears.

...And [Villains] voice, sharp as a knife.

They couldn't take it.

Couldn't take [Villain] standing nearby, as they gasped for the air that didn't seem to enter their lungs. Couldn't take it when [Villain] knelt down and grabbed their face with a cruel grin.

Where was the dog?

[Villain] only gave a chilly laugh.

"I sent her away." Then, sneering: "I can get her back if you want."

[Hero] frantically shook their head.

"I don't have anything!", they wheezed against the hands that had grabbed their wet cheeks. "Please, I don't have anything!"

An awfully triumphant grin formed on the criminals face. They pulled [Hero] closer.

"Huh...? What was that word?", [Villain] crooned in an almost gentle tone of voice.

Only now, [Hero] noticed what they just had said. Blood shot up their face.

"Say it again for me, come on. Or do you want one more round..?", [Villain] purred.

[Hero] sobbed.

No.

No more.

They couldn't take more.

Eventually, the need for survival pushed away the last bit of dignity inside of them, when they whispered:

"I-... P-please don't get it back... Please, [Villain]..."

The criminal pondered for a moment before shrugging their shoulders with a wide grin. "Hm. I guess you really are as useless as you claim. Still... Hearing you beg was worth the shot."

They stood up and gave [Hero] a last painful kick in their stomach.

"Tell me, does your team know what a sissy you are?"

[Hero] remained quiet.

The words hurt.

Hurt more than the kick, the broken rib or the arm.

Hurt, because they were true.

"If you were one of my henchmen, I would've killed you for being such a disgrace. You're lucky that your team is pitiful enough to keep you..."

[Villain] turned to leave, stepping out of the alley and whistling to get the dog. A last aspersion to put the boot in:

"Your weakness is really disgusting... You're pathetic, [Hero]."

[Villain] was long gone when [Hero] finally got up. Cold wind blew on their wet cheeks and their shaking body. Only too slowly, they managed to stop the wheezing. Took too long to get aware of their surroundings.

They were safe.

They were safe now.

With a pang, [Villains] voice echoed through their head:

You're pathetic, [Hero].

They let out a dry sob.

[Villain] was right.

It was true.

It was true and [Hero] knew it.

...They knew it wasn't rational.

(#6 is for @annalisemarlene56 who sent me the very first request for this blog! Thank you so much, I hope you enjoy! 💕)

#6 - Captured

“Let go of me, you fucking bastards!!”, [Hero] snarled, struggling heavily against the firm grip of the two strangers that dragged them out of their flat.

What was happening here? Had they been found?

[Hero] glanced up towards their kidnappers. They were pushing them through the stairway without any emotion on their faces. As if things like this were part of an everyday-job. “Listen:”, they tried to reason, “I don’t have any money or rich family members to blackmail. I can barely afford my own apartment! So please let me go!!”

“We don’t care about your money.”, one of them stated bluntly. [Hero] looked at them again and noticed the really expensive-looking suits that both of their abductors wore.

Yeah, money seemed to be one of the last things these guys had to care about.

They were pushed through the door and towards a parking lot, farther away from the streets. “H-Hey…”, [Hero] began, gulping. “You don’t have to do this…You know, I have a good friend who can help you to get out of this kind of business and-”

[Hero] flinched when one of their captors pulled out a gun. “You say one more word and I’ll shoot you right here.”, they menaced and looked [Hero] dead in the eye. “You want that?”

Numbly, [Hero] shook their head, quivering hands lifted in the air. Their abductor gestured with the gun. “Move.”

After some minutes of walking, the group approached a big car in the far back. They stopped in front of the vehicle.

“Get in.”, one of the captors commanded.

[Heros] face ashened. “What?”

The lackey lifted the gun: “I said: Get in.”

Without farther protest, [Hero] obeyed. It was senseless to fight. Neither had they a weapon nor an opportunity to flee. Preparing themself for the worst, they softly opened the back door and took in a deep breath before entering the vehicle.

The first thing [Hero] noticed was the cleansiness of the obviously new car. Unintentionally, they thought about their own vehicle in which the rests of their two-weeks-ago-trip to McDonalds were still rotting on the backseats.

For a brief moment, [Hero] nearly felt amused by the comparison, but a smooth voice catapulted them back to reality:

“Please put on your seatbelt.”

They jerked around and met a face too familiar from crime reports and mugshots: [Villain].

Dressed in fancy clothing and jewellery.

…Weren’t they supposed to be in prison?

[Hero] was too baffled to understand the order, so the nationally wanted criminal repeated it for them: “Please put on your seatbelt.” [Villains] voice was polite and steady, not in any way how [Hero] imagined it.

Numbly, their fingers fumbled for the cold piece of metal on their left side, plugging it into the clip shakingly.

“Thank you, safety is important.”, [Villain] stated and turned to the driver. “Let’s go.”

[Heros] head spinned. They were getting captured. They were getting captured by one of the most delinquent individuals in the world and had no idea what to do. Even as the car started, the only thing [Hero] could do was stare at [Villain], who seemed to be the only one enjoying this situation.

“So…”, the criminals voice oozed into [Heros] mind, “First of all, let me thank you for your cooperation. I hope, my people were not too harsh to you?”

[Hero] looked at them dumbly.

What kind of sick game was this?

They tried to read anything from [Villains] smug features, but there was nothing.

[Hero] ignored their captors question. “Why am I here?”, they asked instead, trying to collect themself.

“…Are you… Are you going to kill me?”

To their surprise, [Villain] raised their eyebrows and let out a little snicker. “Kill you? Oh no.”, they laughed, “If I wanted to see you dead I wouldn’t have bothered to get you here.”

“What the hell do you want then?!”, [Hero] asked currishly. They’ve had enough of this fucking guessing game.

[Villain] just smiled and held out their hand: “To be honest: I need your help, [Hero]. You are on my radar since a fairly long time now and the powers you posess are beyond everything I have ever seen.”

[Hero] stared at them in utter disbelief.

…How did they know about their powers?

“Aw, don’t look at me like that! You know what I am talking about.”, [Villain] stated cheerfully, still extending their hand. “No false modesty!”

So, they had been found. And of all things by a varmint like [Villain]. [Hero] glanced out of the tinted window, past their captors head. They had not even tried to remember the route the car was taking. Shit.

Unimpressed by [Heros] silence, [Villain] kept looking at them with this unnerving friendlieness. When it was clear that [Hero] wouldn’t answer, [Villain] just shrugged and put down their neglected hand: “You are not good at taking compliments, huh?”

“Just tell me what you want.”

[Villains] smile grew wider. “Well...” They made a dramatic pause. “You are the key… To help me defeat [Supervillain]!”

…

What?

“Come on, a little more enthusiasm, please!”

[Hero] shook their head, face expressionless. “I won’t help you.”

What did they even think?

Strangely enough, [Villain] looked at them with a pityful sympathy. “Sorry, but I think you will.”, they said. The confident tone made [Hero] frown.

“If you know my abilities as good as you claim, you will also know, that you can’t force me to help you with your craving for power.”, [Hero] replied. They grew irritated with their captors strange serenity.

[Villain] gave them an ominous smile. There was something sinister in their eyes that [Hero] hadn’t noticed before. “I can force everybody to help me with my craving for power.”

Before [Hero] could say anything, [Villain] grabbed them by the neck and harshly pulled them towards their face. [Hero] yelped in surprise.

“You will be working for me sooner than you think, my friend.”, [Villain] murmured. “I have the resources to make you my lackey in less than a week.”

[Hero] could not surpress a shudder. “L-Let go of me!”, they hissed, turning their head away. “I won’t do this! Not for you!”

[Villain] removed their hand, leaning back into their seat. “We’ll see soon enough.”

A really bad feeling started rising in [Heros] chest. They shifted uncomfortably, forcing themself to look away from their captor.

Even though they tried to resist it, [Villains] words echoed through their head.

‘I have the resources to make you my lackey in less than a week.’

[Hero] clenched their fists.

No. They would not help them. Never.

They would be strong enough for everything [Villain] had in store for them.

Wouldn’t they?

(The post many people were waiting for! 😄 This time, I even managed to do it somehow close to Christmas, so I hope this snippet lifts your spirits for the cold season! 🥳🖤 You can find the link to part one underneath! 💫)

#7 - Cold (part 2)

(❗TW: Mentioned past torture❗)

[Hero] was fairly sure they had comitted at least a sub-category of high treason, when they had picked up [Villain] from the snowy streets.

God.

They would betray the internal law, their colleagues and - that was by far the worst factor - their boss, if they followed through with their impulsive plan. [Hero] could only imagine the turmoil that was about to happen, if anyone found out that they were coddling up one of the most wanted criminals in their cheap apartment; not to achieve anything business-related, but to save their fucking life.

Well, there certainly was no return now. [Hero] had made their decision and now they would face the consequences of it.

In for a penny, in for a pound, they say.

"Oh, man...", [Hero] sighed and took a look at their unexpected guest:

[Villain] was still unconscious. After passing out in the streets, their breathing had become even more shallow than it had been before. It wasn't surprising, though: Three of their ribs had been broken and now failed to stabilize their lungs. With their lack of medical equipment, [Hero] could only hope that there was no internal bleeding. Luckily, the other wounds were not as severe: Either small lacerations, bruises or frostbites. [Villains] nose was a different story, but it wasn't as urgent and also not something [Hero] could handle without professional help.

What worried them most, was the hypothermia.

They had not dared to move their nemesis too much after carrying them into their flat, not willing to risk that [Villains] cold blood spread even further into their ragged body. Cautiously, [Hero] had cut off the criminals' outfit (which looked like it was worth more than [Hero] made in a month) to wrap them in every single blanket they could find.

[Hero] had tried to look away when they had removed the clammy clothes: It was wrong to invade [Villains] privacy like this, even if it was necessary to get access to the wounds. It also didn't help that their enemies' body was fucking covered with scars: [Hero] had tried to shake off the nasty question of how many they had inflicted there by themself, but they were not quite successful.

Either me or my boss..., [Hero] had thought and cringed.

They'd finished the procedure as fast as possible. [Hero] couldn't afford questioning their occupational choices right now.

Not while bandaging my fucking enemy.

After that, they waited. For what exactly, they weren't even sure. For an idea to get themself out of this mess? For [Villain] to wake up and laugh at their enormous stupidity? Only heaven knew.

Agitatedly, they threw a second glance at their nemesis. Still sleeping.

[Hero] rubbed their temples. It was very likely that [Villain] survived. They had been adressable when [Hero] found them and had no severe internal injuries. The attackers probably thought that making the criminal immobile and leaving them in the snow would be enough to do the job.

What the hell was even wrong with people?

Just shooting [Villain] would've been more merciful and (ironically) far more effective. [Hero] snorted without a trail of humor in their laughter. The cruelty of their attackers had been [Villains] luck - and [Heros] possible downfall.

Fuck.

[Hero] wasn't stupid enough to think that this situation was going to end well, no matter the possible outcome: Either [Villain] would attack and kill them on the spot after waking up or they would get caught for betraying [Company].

I surely hope it's the first one., [Hero] thought and snorted cynically. [Company] had never been known for patience with traitors, let alone mercy.

God... They really had dug their own grave.

To divert themself from the depressing defeatism that was occupying their mind, [Hero] checked their flat for more blankets. Focusing on the predictable present was far more comforting than worrying about their already damned future. When they passed a window, [Hero] got caught by the mesmerizing sight outside: The twinkling lights of the city were completely covered by a heavy coat of snow by now.

They clutched the blanket in their hands.

If [Hero] had left [Villain], they would be dead by now. Lost in the cold and only found after the blizzard had finally vanished. Without wanting to, [Hero] shuddered at the thought of frozen blue limbs, hidden underneath a merciless cover of ice.

They turned to look at [Villain] again: If it wasn't for the bruises and the criminals' unnatural wheezing, one could think they were simply asleep. The warm light made them look just like every other ordinary person. Like one of [Heros] friends, maybe, staying over for the weekend...

[Hero] shook their head.

What the fuck?

It sure as hell wasn't like that.

[Villain] was a criminal who had scarcely cheated death, because [Hero] had been in the right place at the right time. Because they had been too fucking soft to do what would've been expected from them.

At least, that's what their boss would say.

Killing is a part of your duty, whether you like it or not., they would say, This scum isn't worth saving.

But in the moment [Hero] had decided to carry their nemesis home, they had also decided, that no, the idea of human lives having a variety in their holistic worth was not something they could accept as a virtue.

Because [Villains] life was a life, after all.

And because killing wasn't a fucking virtue.

[Hero] sighed.

...

Hell, they didn't even hate [Villain] the way they were supposed to. Even though arrogant and sharp-tongued, their nemesis had never inflicted unnecessary pain upon the innocents that weren't their targets. [Villain] was a criminal and possibly dangerous, but they weren't sadistic.

"They probably have a smaller body count than [Company].", they thought and didn't quite know how to feel about that.

[Hero] jumped violently, when all of a sudden, a hoarse voice behind them rose to a whisper:

"Where- Where am I...?"

Oh, fucking hell.

Fucking hell.

Slowly, [Hero] turned around.

[Villain] was looking at them from across the room, gaze still dazed.

"Um... In my apartment.", [Hero] said after staring at their foes' pale face for a little too long. They nervously cleared their throat.

Why the fuck were they already awake?

"I- I found you."

[Villain] didn't answer. It was visible how much the aftermath of their condition must've ached: The criminal was pale as a ghost and trembled heavily beneath the sheets.

It only took [Villain] a few seconds to recognize their saviours' features: "You're... You're [Hero].", they breathed, eyes going wide.

"Yeah... Yeah, it's me.", [Hero] answered and awkwardly scratched their neck, "...What a coincidence, right?"

The criminal stiffened. A tense atmosphere unfurled itself the whole room and [Heros] heart sank even further into their boots.

This had been a bad idea.

"Well, just start then.", [Villain] murmured after a few moments of silence had passed. The criminals' voice sounded too weak to match the contempt it was filled with.

"Start..?", [Hero] repeated with a frown.

"What the fuck should I start?"

[Villain] refused to look at them.

"Stop the shitty games. What does [Company] want to know, huh?", they asked lowly and [Hero] could see them grow tenser with every passing second (were they shaking?).

[Hero] shook their head in visible confusion.

"What..- What makes you think of [Company] right now? I don't-"

Oh...

Oh god.

Grave realization hit them, when [Hero] finally comprehended [Villains] words. The way their enemies' body had instinctly reacted after finding out [Heros] identity. How [Villains] gaze had become hollow after seeing who was standing in front of them.

Dissociating.

They think I'm gonna question them.

"I- [Villain], it's not like that!", [Hero] said, too baffled to hide the shock in their voice, "You were attacked, so I picked you up to bring you somewhere safe!"

"Being with your kind isn't safe...", [Villain] answered with an unnervingly blank gaze.

[Hero] scratched their neck. Fuck, they hadn't even thought about how damn threathening all of this would obviously be. [Villain] had found themself in a foreign environment, had awfully painful injuries and the first thing they saw after regaining consciousness was the face of their fucking enemy. Of course, they had instantly gone into a fight-flight response.

"Look...", [Hero] started lamely, not even sure what they could say to possibly fix this, "It's really cold outside and you would've frozen to death, if I had left you. All the hospitals are closed and- Yeah, whatever, you're in my apartment now. I'm not going to hurt you or anything, I'm going to give you some meds and painkillers to better your condition and then you can leave, okay?"

[Hero] cringed internally, when they looked into [Villains] alarmed face. God, this really rang hollow.

"Look, I won't... I won't torture you, [Villain]. I'll just patch you up and you can go."

The criminal visibly needed time to process this information. Their eyes wandered through [Heros] shabby flat and eventually stopped on their saviour again. Their gaze was clear enough to make [Hero] wonder how they managed to stay so alert despite the pain they must've been in.

Practice makes perfect., [Hero] thought somberly and couldn't wrestle down a certain amount of self-contempt at their own notion: [Villain] had probably developed their survival skills underneath the hands of the very people [Hero] was working for.

The good people, as they assured themself.

"You... saved me...?", [Villain] asked.

[Hero] sighed.

"Yes. I saved you."

"Why... Why the fuck would you do that?"

Besides the deep exhaustion that seemed to creep into their eyes, [Villain] looked honestly confused. A seldom sight in their otherwise confident features.

[Hero] kneaded their hands. Vocalizing this wasn't exactly soothing the unease they felt about the whole thing.

"You know...", they started, "It simply felt wrong to let you die... So I helped you."

[Villain] scoffed in disbelief.

"What, like the good samaritan that you are?"

"More like the stupid idiot who just saved your fucking life, asshole!", [Hero] shouted and glared at their patient, who looked equally belligerent.

"Okay,", they tried again after internally counting to ten, "I know how this sounds. Blame it on the fact that I'm stupid or that it's fucking Christmas, but I couldn't stand the thought of leaving you to die out there." [Hero] pressed their lips together. "It would've been wrong and so I saved you. That's the best answer you're gonna get."

The last words came out with a bitterness that was acrid enough to shift something in [Villains] expression.

"I know you have every reason to think that this is some kind of trap.", [Hero] said firmly without breaking eye contact, "Honestly, it probably should be one. But I wouldn't have made you tea and wrapped you in the blankets that my mom knitted me last year, if I wanted to capture or torture you, [Villain]. You're not my prisoner."

Their nemesis didn't answer, but to [Heros] surprise, the openly hostile expression on their face was fading just the slightest bit. [Villain] didn't exactly look calmer, but... Weary. Weary and dead tired. [Hero] guessed that despite the dubious enviroment they had found themself in, their foe was simply too exhausted to stay alert for much longer; especially, if they had the slight but hopeful chance of temporary safety. Besides, [Villain] was too hurt to do anything right now, even if [Hero] would've had foul intentions.

[Villain] closed their eyes and let their head softly fall back onto the pillow. [Hero] thought they were already asleep again, when the criminal suddenly mumbled: "You must either think really high of me or really low about the people you're working for..."

[Heros] brow furrowed in confusion.

"What do you mean?"

Their enemy pondered a little. "Everyone who's in your field would've left me. Should have left me. It's anticipatory obedience. With this...", [Villain] sloppily gestured around, "You betray everything your shitty organisation stands for. You will be killed for this... Provided that you're telling the truth, of course."

"I am telling the truth!", [Hero] snapped, more irritated by [Villains] distrust than the rest of their baleful forecast.

The criminal smiled. "Then you are as good as dead."

"Well, thank you, [Villain], that's fucking reassuring."

"Must be either because you don't like the way your business works... Or because you've grown really fond of me..."

The smile on [Villains] bruised features grew a little bit wider. "Personally, I think it's the last one."

[Hero] rolled their eyes. "Shut the hell up...", they grumbled without any venom behind the words.

They turned their head to look out of the window again. The snow was still falling.

Oh, man...

Only a few hours ago, [Heros] only problem had been internally debating if they wanted to visit a Christmas Market. Now, they were actively risking their career, their reputation and - according to [Villains] more than convincing assumption - their very life, if someone found out about this.

"What am I supposed to do now, huh...?", [Hero] asked despondently and turned to face their guest. [Villain], however, had placidly drifted off into the depths of sleep again, leaving them alone with the chaos of their own confusing thoughts.

God...

What kind of mess had they gotten themself into?

(This one is for @saidainabook! 🖤 To be honest, I struggled for a fairly long time to come up with something for your request, but here we go! 😄 I’ve split the snippet because I’m still missing a few pieces for an ending I feel satisfied with, so maybe the title might seem a bit confusing for now. 😅 Anyhow, please enjoy the first part! 😊🖤)

(❗TW: Explicit Language, Explicit Physical Violence, Loss of trust❗)

#8 - Sacrifice (pt. 1)

Dusk. The day ended with glistening streaks of ruby and amber, bathing everything in a grave erythrean light. The firmament looked like a painting created by someone who never saw the dark sides of life; never got to know that after day and dusk the only thing that followed was darkness.

Someone who knew nothing about anger, fear, disappointment or loss. About emptiness. Hatred.

About betrayal…

They were sitting in front of [Villains] estate. [Hero] had slung their arm around [Villains] shoulder and mumbled sweet nothings into the other ones’ ear. Both were watching the last light of the dying sun that slowly sank beyond the horizon.

It would have looked like a tawdry love scene, if [Villain] wasn’t behaving so passive: The criminal did not move, their darkened eyes remained firmly on the ground. Even when [Hero] playfully nudged them and placed a warm hand on their back, [Villain] stayed still.

It had been only a few days since they found out.

A few days since [Villain] knew that their lover was playing a foul game: Apparently,[Hero] was a turncoat. Spied for the scurvy assholes that tried to hunt them down since the very first moment their relationship had started.

It were only a few days to ruin everything that had ever mattered to [Villain].

Only by accident, one of their observers had seen [Hero] with [Sidekick]. Talking amiably. Exchanging information.

When they’d told their boss, [Villains] first reflex was to rip their minions’ throat out: ‘What do you mean, you saw them together?!’, they had hissed, their anxious spy firmly pinned against a wall. 'You think this is a joke?!’

How could they even say something like that? [Hero] was with them now. They had abandoned their old life and all of their self-righteous friends. [Hero] had chosen them.

[Villain] had nearly suffocated their lackey before coming to their senses. 'Where did you see them?’, they had asked, calmer this time. 'Show me.’

And so, things had taken their course.

The only reason [Villain] had listened in the first place was the sheer ridiculousness of the accusation: [Hero], a fink. Hah. They were their lover and nothing else.

But then, reality had painfully dawned on [Villains] utopia and all the little things that seemed to be so meaningless before suddenly moved into the cold light of [Heros] surveillance: Their lovers’ absence, their excuses and their oh-so-many questions. The childish innocence of their relationship was gone in a second, just as [Villains] trust.

“That can’t be true, right..?”, [Villain] had asked [Henchman] just after seeing [Hero] and [Sidekick] talk with their own two eyes.

“They… They love me!”

But [Hero] hadn’t loved them.

Not for a single moment.

Slowly, [Villain] had to realize that [Hero] never was the kind, tolerant and sympathetic enthusiast they portrayed themself as: They were a hard-bitten spy, ready to go to any lenghts to harm [Villain] and their doings.

Well, [Hero] had succeeded.

They knew everything about [Villains] plans. About their base, their subordinates and anything else that could be relevant to take them down. Only because [Villain] was dumb enough to fall for [Heros] bullshit. Dumb enough to fall in love with their fucking nemesis.

[Villain] could only scoff at their own idiocity. Their blindness. They were too naïve, always had been. And [Hero] had unhesistantly used that.

Had used them like a damn toy; utilized their feelings to crusade against the entity of their fucking existence. It was humiliating, threatening and enraging, but above all it was painful.

So damn painful.

Even though [Heros] lie had been more than predictable, it hurt. It hurt so fucking much and that was the thing [Villain] hated the most about this situation.

They hated it, because they shouldn’t be bothered. [Villain] was supposed to be calm and collected, already planning ahead the next steps to down this arrant infiltration. Instead, they were like a love-struck and heartbroken teenager, only because they had been stupid enough to believe every single lie [Hero] told them:

I will stay with you, [Villain].

You are so important to me.

I love you.

Those words… Nothing had given them more peace in their entire life.

[Villain] knew that deep down, their soul had begged for those gestures of love, affection and kindness. Endearment that was a death sentence in the violent world they grew up in.

“Between asphalt and steel is no place for kindness.’, one of their old bosses always used to say. 'Emotions make you vulnerable. And vulnerability makes you a target.’

It was true. It was true and [Villain] hadn’t listened. They had given up their common sense to feel safe in an enviroment that had never given them safety.

To feel like they were wanted by someone. Belonged somewhere.

What a fatal mistake.

Before [Hero], [Villain] had always acted on the words of their boss: No matter what they did, they never allowed themself to feel pity or remorse. They had blackmailed, assaulted, tortured and even killed others and hadn’t cared. They’d been ruthless. They had epitomized criminal efficiency.

For their own survival, [Villain] had locked up anything that would’ve hindered them to become the perfect and error-free tool: Things like sympathy, altruism and kindness had been rotting so long in the depths of their soul that [Villain] had even started to believe those things had stopped existing inside of them.

It was [Hero] who came and proved them wrong. [Hero] who had convinced [Villain] that it was okay to show others mercy and kindness. Simply, because they did the same for [Villain].

Slowly, they had started to see their world from a different perspective. [Villain] had opened up, because [Hero] connected with them with reality. Made them feel whole for the first time in their life. Understood. Accepted.

…Hell, it sounded so stupid, but even loved.

[Villain] would’ve done everything to keep this feeling. They would’ve quit their crimes, spent their money to charity, apologised to everyone they had ever wronged. Hell, they would’ve even sold their fucking mansion, if [Hero] had told them to.

They only had to ask and [Villain] would’ve done everything.

But [Hero] hadn’t asked.

They’d never wanted [Villain] to become better. They had lured them into the trap of false safety and trust only to benefit from their credulity, not to make them a better person.

[Hero] had been a ghost light.

A light that was ceasing more with every minute, making space for the usual gloom in [Villains] soul. Their anger.

Slowly, they turned around. It was already difficult to make out [Heros] face in the crimson sunset.

[Villain] shook off the hand that was stroking their back the entire time. A soft kiss was placed on their neck, followed by the words that had once meant the world for them:

"I love you so much.”

Hah.

They balled their fists.

[Hero].

Why shouldn’t they just kill them? Kill their useless friends and everyone they had ever loved. Show [Hero] what it meant to be fucking hurt like this.

“[Villain]…?”

“I heard you.”, they answered and avoided to look into [Heros] seemingly aggrieved face.

Why should they keep playing this shitty game? Why should they keep making themself a fucking joke?

Hands ran down their arms, taking their own fingers and pressing them gently. It felt like acid. “What is it, [Villain]?”

Quit the fucking masquerade.

“You don’t mean it.”, they said, voice filled with an emptiness that made [Hero] look abashed with false confusion. After a short moment of hesistance, they cupped the criminals’ cheek. [Villain] stiffened distinctly.

“What are you saying? Why shouldn’t I?”, [Hero] smiled and caressed their tense face with their thumb. “You are the best thing that has ever happened to me.”

Fucking lies.

Sharply, [Villain] turned their head away. It was visible that [Hero] was starting to become irritated.

“What’s wrong with you today?”

[Villain] stood up. They needed the space, couldn’t bear [Heros] presence anymore. Every touch was pure mockery, every word so fucking humiliating.

Their back was turned towards [Hero], who stared at them with an atrabilious incomprehension.

“Huh? What’s wrong, [Villain]?”

“…Just answer me one thing, [Hero].”, they said almost quietly, trying their hardest to keep their voice from breaking. “Would you ever have told me?”

“Told you what?”

[Villain] turned around. Their face was blank.

“That you used the relationship to spy on me.”

“That I- What..” It was visible how the meaning of the words sank into [Heros] mind. How their eyes widened as they looked into [Villains] cold features, hardened from the anger.

Grave realization, followed by fear.

“[V-Villain], I-”

Before [Hero] could say anything else, [Villain] had already slammed a hard punch into their face.

#5 - Recorded

[Sidekick] frowned when they looked at the tape they found in the doorway this morning. It was wrapped in blank paper, no notes or mailing adress added. Just an old cassette, already rewinded to be watched.

“What even…”, they murmured to themselfes, slowly turning the VHS video in their hands as they were sitting over a steaming cup of coffee. Was this some kind of commercial? A new and creative way to advertise?

They decided to take closer look at the video later. It was probably just some silly gimmick or a joke from one of their teammembers.

Right now, [Sidekick] had business to do.

They rose and shuffled to their phone. After dialing the number they could recite in their sleep by now, they waited for [Hero] to pick up. It was a call of importance: Just the day before, their boss had managed to collect useful information about [Villains] whereabouts, which may have been the biggest success since they had started hunting them down. They only needed to make up a plan and the thing would be off the table tomorrow.

Seconds passed and [Sidekick] impatiently tapped their foot on the floor. [Hero] hadn’t picked up yet. Normally, they were really fast on the telephone, but today seemed to be different.

[Sidekick] hung up and tried again after a couple of minutes. Still, nothing.

“Come on! We agreed to phone at this time!”, they murmured into the reciever, slightly annoyed already. What was so difficult about being punctual? [Sidekick] strolled around in their apartment, still waiting for their boss to answer.

They hung up again. What a prat.

Well, [Sidekick] thought defiantly, if [Hero] had the nerves to keep them waiting, they could also niggle around for some time and let them wait for their call. Such a game could be played by two.

But what was to do? They looked around, eyes landing on the video tape.

…Better than nothing.

They pushed it into their old recorder, already thinking about the tongue-lashing they were going to give [Hero], if they dared to complain about the delay of their planning session. [Sidekick] scoffed, shaking their head. How could someone be so frowsy?

The tape whired in the VCR, only producing a static contact noise for a few moments. Then, there was a picture:

A sparsely illuminated room, only offering concrete walls and a chair that stood in the middle.

What the-

[Sidekick] had not even time to be confused. After a couple of seconds had passed, someone started speaking, lightly tapping on the camera a few times: “Test. Test. Alright, we seem to be recording! Bring them in!”

Although [Sidekick] knew that tone instantly, they couldn’t classify it in the first moment. Only when two people dragged someone towards the chair and chained them on it, they were able to recognize the smug voice: [Villain]!

The delay of the telephone conference with [Hero] was forgotten instantly.

What had [Villain] in mind?

When [Sidekicks] gaze wandered to the person tied on the chair, their stomach turned violently. The captive was badly injured, head hanging lowly between their slumped shoulders. Barely concious.

The floor was covered in blood and vomit.

“You sadistic asshole…”, [Sidekick] murmured.

With unhurried steps, [Villain] entered the picure. When they stood directly in front of the camera, they flashed [Sidekick] an amiable smile, sending chills down their spine.

“I heard you guys were looking for me?”

[Villains] voice was far too mild for a situation like this. When the person on the chair noticed their captors presence, they struggled violently against the chains. [Villain] didn’t even blink.

How could someone be so cold?

“I have the information from a good source, you know? You guys are going to hunt me down in the next couple days…”

They started pacing around thoughtfully and casted a pityful glance into the camera. The pity did not reach their eyes.

“…I am sorry to tell you that this plan will come to nothing.”

After circling the room, [Villain] placed themself closely behind their captive, putting both hands comradely on their shoulders.

“My special guest here will ensure it.”

They grabbed them by the neck and whispered something inaudible into their ear. [Sidekick] saw the heavy shudder that ran through the abused body.

This sick bastard.

[Villain] hummed and a menacing smile appeared on their features as they kept on caressing their now shaking victim.

“They will keep your silly team quiet for a long time…”, [Villain] murmured and suddenly grabbed a fist full of their convicts hair, yanking their head up harshly.

“…Won’t you?”

[Sidekicks] eyes widened in sheer horror, as the dull light finally revealed the face of [Villains] captive:

“[H…Hero]?”

(This prompt spooked around in my head for a really long time. 🤣 I know the season does not quite fit, but compassion and the spirit of Christmas are always valid, no matter the time of the year! 🌲 Please enjoy! 🖤)

#7 - Cold

[Hero] walked through the snowy streets, trying to take in everything that their eyes registered. The change in weather had been so sudden that no one in the city had taken precautions against the surprising winter. Only one week ago, the news had reported about “A surpassingly long term of really mild temperatures” for this autumn.

…How far that was away right now.

They looked down to the ground. It must have been already five inches. And it continued steadily. No busses, trains or taxis would drive this evening, maybe not even tomorrow. The whole city was astonied.

Rationally, [Hero] had every reason to be pessimistic about that. Everything was chaotic, locomotion was limited and their flat was isolated like shit eversince, allowing the freezing air to creep directly inside of their home.

Still, it felt peaceful. It seemed like everything was set into slow motion. The usual stress was muted by the tons of frozen water that sailed down the sky, making everything quiet.

[Hero] wondered when they had seen snow the last time. It must’ve been years. They didn’t know they had missed it so much.

Maybe, [Hero] mused in their thoughts, they would even go to one of the Christmas markets tomorrow, just for the feeling of it.

Their eyes glid over the white alleys and a silent smile appeared on their features. Yes, they would go. They would go and enjoy themself. Take a break from their busy job and let their soul rest for some time.

They took a few more turns and just decided to go home, when they noticed something strange.

A shadow, only a few feet ahead of them. [Hero] approached with slow steps and frowned.

Their eyes widened when they recognized what the bulky umbrage in the white snow was: A person. Not moving and in a curled up position.

“Hey!”, [Hero] called, hastily making their way towards them, “Hey, are you alright?” They kneeled next to the figure and gently shook them by the shoulder.

“Are you conscious? It’s far too cold here to-”

The words got stuck in their throat, when they turned the stranger around and the shadows revealed who was laying in front of them:

[Villain]. Bloody and bruised.

[Hero] took in a sharp breath, instantly jerking away from the criminal. Their hand glid automatically to the place where their weapon would normally be, but there was nothing. They must have left it at home. Shit.

They looked around frantically.

Was this a trap?

Were [Villains] henchmen still here?

“D-Don’t worry…I-I’m alone…”, a faint voice murmured. It belonged to [Villain].

[Hero] looked down. Their actual nemesis had turned their head around, hazy eyes looking at them in a disoriented manner.

“A-Are you.. M-my guardian Angel…?”

Now that the lights shone onto them, [Hero] noticed the bruises that were covering [Villains] pale face. Their nose was broken too. All around were footprints and crimson splatters in the shuffled snow.

Paying closer attention, [Hero] also saw the little shudders that ran through [Villains] maltreated body.

How long had they lain here?

“[Villain], what-…What has happened to you…?”, [Hero] asked hesistantly, still scanning the street for unwelcome attackers.

The criminal simpered blearily. [Hero] had never seen them smile, only grinning and sneering. Like this, [Villain] nearly looked like a decent human being. “I-I… didn’t t-take care… of m-myself…”, they murmured. They looked up to [Hero] with misty eyes. “..w-was s-so..stupid…”

[Hero] was astonished. Did [Villain] even know who was kneeling in front of them?

They looked around once again. It could be such a perfect way to lure them into their enemies claws. No one was approaching the streets and the snow would silence any kind of fight or action. They would be gone within a second.

[Villain] just had to make them feel pitiful enough to forget their cover.

But what if it was not a trap?

[Hero] was at loss. They could not just flee and let [Villain] be perished by the cold. They would never forgive themself, if there was even the slightest chance that their enemy was actually in danger.

All the time, [Villain] kept their mellow gaze on them, their fluttering eyelids already sprencled with frost.

“Goddamnit.”, [Hero] chuntered. Their voice filled with frustration. “Why didn’t I go home one alley ealier?”

They were caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. But they had to do something.

Swallowing their fear (and probably all of their common sense), [Hero] decided to take a closer look at [Villains] state. They cautiously approached their nemesis and gently pushed a hand into the collar of their shirt, still looking out for any attacks.

[Villains] skin was terribly cold. [Hero] gulped when they found the pulse: Far too low. “Can this be true..?”, [Hero] questioned themself before removing their fingers carefully.

Was [Villain] really howering between life and death?

“T-they.. attacked m-me..”, [Heros] nemesis breathed suddenly. Their gaze told [Hero] that they were only moments away from falling unconscious. “I c-can’t m-mo..ve.. m-my legs… i-i’m..s-so col…d..” [Villains] eyes flickered and finally, their head sank down onto the pavement.

Oh god… This really wasn’t staged.

What the hell should they do now? Nobody would be able to take [Villain] prisoner in this snowstorm. Nobody-

Suddenly, [Hero] froze. No one knew that they were here. No one knew that [Villain] was here.

The realization of the perfidious plan slowly perlocated through [Heros] mind: Someone had attacked and purposely dumped [Villain] here to let them die a slow and lonely death. The weather was perfect to avoid unwanted spectators and killed everyone who stayed too long within only a few hours. [Villain] had been made immobile and was left without any chance for rescue.

There was only one unforeseeable factor that could still cross that plan: [Hero].

What were the odds that someone else would find [Villain] in time? All the way through the streets, [Hero] hadn’t seen a soul. It was a tight time slot, exclusively open for them. [Hero] shuddered.

The choice about their enemies’ life laid in their hands.

Looking down, they noticed that [Villain] had stopped shivering. Their skin was slowly starting to turn blue.

One more hour and they were dead.

[Hero] had to make a decision. Now.

…Rationally, [Hero] knew that they should just leave them.

No one would suspect a thing. Hell, authorities would even be glad, if [Villain] was gone. There wouldn’t be any further investigations that could damage [Heros] reputation and mark them as a criminal. They would be save and sound.

Also, if [Hero] saved them, everything [Villain] did in the future would automatically redound upon them. No matter if other people knew it or not, [Hero] would be at least partially responsible for [Villains] crimes.

They had to think about leaving them here.

But [Villain] was a human being. They were a person. A fucking criminal, a pain in the ass and an arrogant slug, but still: A person.

[Villain] was just as human as [Hero] and their team were.

God, what should they do? Wasn’t [Hero] on the good side? Shouldn’t they help others whenever it was possible? Even when the person in misery was [Villain]?

“[Villain]. Who robs, blackmails and threatens other people. Who brings nothing but trouble. You really think they are worth saving?”, a sharp voice in [Heros] head asked. It sounded just like the one of their boss. “They are trash, nothing more.”

“Trash…”, [Hero] echoed silently.

Yes, that’s what [Villain] was for their company. Not a person: Trash. A disruptive factor.

Taking a decision, [Hero] turned away and took a few steps.

It was true. They had to leave them. Everyone would be better off without [Villain]. Everyone would be safer.

…This was the right thing to do.

…But…

“Goddamn it!”, [Hero] cursed and shook their head, hastily walking back to [Villain].

No. They couldn’t do it.

They couldn’t fucking do it.

Never would they forgive themself, if they extradited someone to death. Maybe their bosses were like that, but [Hero] wasn’t. They couldn’t just let someone die because it was easier. Or because that person was in the way. Because they didn’t conform [Heros] moral standards.

They didn’t care if it was weakness, but [Hero] was not like this.

They couldn’t let [Villain] die.

They just couldn’t.

Crouching down again, [Hero] moved closer towards their enemy and tried to sit them up. [Hero] took off their own coat and wrapped it tightly around [Villains] chilled body.

They would help them.

[Hero] wouldn’t let their enemy die in the snow.

When they lifted them up, [Villain] murmured something inaudible before their head fell down onto their saviors chest. Half-dried blood smeared into [Heros] shirt.

They gulped nervously. Doubts, anxiety and guilt were rising up in their chest.

This was insane… This was so fucking insane.

“Don’t make me regret this!”, [Hero] hissed to their foe before struggling up their feet.

“Don’t make me fucking regret this!”