Aqua Utopia｜海の底で記憶を紡ぐ
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Masterlist
This Wasn't in the Hunter's Manual
Hunter's Manual
Taglist
Prologue: A whole new world
Chapter 1: A short time in the sphere
Chapter 2: The Ground
Chapter 3: The Hunter
Chapter 4: A kid with Gloves
Chapter 5: Another side
Chapter 6: Settling in
Chapter 7: Break through
Chapter 8: A talk
Chapter 9: Hold tight
Chapter 10: Chill day
Chapter 11: Magic
Chapter 11 Extra
Chapter 12: Rudo's first mission
Chapter 13: Well, I'm fucked
Chapter 14: Close one
Chapter 15:
Chapter 14: Close one
Enjin x Isekai Supernatural Reader
A/N: I really don't say this enough but thank you everyone who have supported me and this story! It really means a lot to me!
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But stepping closer to the group, Enjin could feel the tension. Something is wrong. Enjin quickly walks up behind you, whispering to you, “What’s going on?” Your frown deepens, fist tightens as you catch him up to speed on Amo’s past.
Enjin could feel his body literally recoil in disgust. But that would certainly explain why Amo is the way she is. Her child-like room, her skimpy clothes, her desire for love.
“Then, two people came to the tower. They were the ones who took Mister’s boots and gave them to Amo. They said they suited me better.” Amo gently caresses her boots as she retells her story.
“One walked up to the window and sprouted wings. Big white, shiny wings. It was so pretty. They were angels, like the ones from the stories.”
…Angels?
Enjin looks back at you. If that implication did anything to you, you didn’t show it. Angels, you said they were the best bet to get you back to your world.
Something stirred inside him.
“So uh. I just wanted to apolo—” Rudo is cut off by Follo. “Rudo! Where’ve you been? She was telling us everything. Like—Everything. You’re gonna want to let her finish first” He explains to Rudo. Good idea honestly, she’s on a roll now so let’s not break that.
Amo continues to tell her story. How for once, she defied her Mister, keeping his boots for her own. How they fought over them. How she pushed him off. Good riddance. But also, poor Amo. To suddenly be in a world alone like that, with no clue of the outside world. No wonder she’s still cooped up in this tower.
“The angel came back, flying high in the sky. But there was only one that time.” She picks up a rock and begins etching into the floor. “You know, I didn’t expect her to tell us about the angel. Or telling us her life story.” Gris comments.
“You poor dear, you’ve been through so much.” Tomme empathizes with her. “Any theories on what her angel actually is? I mean it’s gotta be a Sphererite right?” Follo opens the floor to ideas. “Perhaps a Giver with the power to grow wings?” Zanka chips in.
“Or it’s nothing. She’s clearly mentally unstable. She might’ve imagined the whole thing.” Tamsy dismissed the Angel idea. You shake your head, “No way. That was a fundamental moment in her life. She won’t forget it that easily. Besides, where would the angels go if not fly? Fall to their death?”
“But the real question is, if real, how do angels cross the border?” Riyo asks the most important question. Amo hums in thought, “They fly with their wings?” Yeah, that’s not helpful. “Do you remember where the angel landed?” Riyo tries to ask again. “Past where Amo could see.” Amo continues dragging the rock across the ground, deepening the lines.
“That doesn't help us at all.” Zanka sighs. “Hey Amo, how long ago was it that you saw the angel?” Enjin asks. “A month ago. Maybe?” Bingo. “Now that is interesting. That's right around when Rudo made his glorious descent.” You and Enjin share a look. Could Rudo be connected to this angel somehow?
Amo leans back, taking a look at the drawing she etched into the ground. A hooded face with a stitched mask and big teeth. The wings on the back signifying that is the angel she saw. There was another smaller hooded mask with many rings depicting their eyes and mouth, probably the partner she mentioned.
Rudo walks up to the drawing, scoffing when he recognises them, “You asshole. Okay, so that’s where you ran to. All the way down to the ground. And you even had a friend with you. Good to know.” Rudo mutters to himself. So the angels do have something to do with Rudo. Rudo takes a deep breath.
Bloodlust. Enjin can feel it radiating off Rudo
Rudo exhales into a manic grin.
“You smile like Amo does. You and Amo. We’re the same. Your gloves made your heart human just like Amo’s boots did. We can feel our missing pieces. Our things go well with people who are like that.” Amo snaps him out of his episode.
“There’s a hole inside us that seems too big to ever be able to get filled again. But our things have enough to fill the holes. In you and Amo’s hearts. Amo knows because she’s gotten back the feelings humans are supposed to have. But becoming human made Amo understand some things she never understood.” Tears fall freely, the weight of reality finally being released from her tears.
“Like how what Mister was doing to he wasn’t really love. That she’s lonely. And now she doesn't want to be lonely anymore. She wants to be with someone, wants to be wanted.” Her voice cracks as she comes to terms with herself.
“But she’s too scared to leave her walled garden. So she waited, hoping for people to come and find her. Waiting to make friends with people who came to her garden. But it never went how Amo hoped it would. Even this time.” Enjin glanced around at the wreckage and thought how maybe things could have been avoided.
“You came back to say you’re sorry to Amo right? You don’t have to do that. You did what Amo did first. Not just Amo, it’s everyone. We only use our hands when we want to hurt somebody. And that’s why nothing ever changes.” She looks up into the broken ceilings.
Rudo crunches down in front of her, “Then…Let’s try and be different.” He offers her a hand. “We can learn to use our hands to help others. To connect. I still don’t know how, but maybe we could work on it together.”
You and Enjin share a proud smile. Rudo has definitely come a long way. Amo lets out a breath in disbelief, “You’re already doing it.” Amo accepts his hand. Their voices lowered as they continued to chat.
Enjin feels a tug on his jacket. Looking down, he sees you pointing to a quiet corner, “Can I steal you for a sec?” Of course you can. What kind of question is that? In fact, please do it more. “Yeah, of course.” Enjin replied instead.
You and him walk to a quiet corner, one that was hidden in the shadow but still allowed you to have a clear view of the group happily chatting with Amo. “So, this angel biz, Think this is your angel friend?” Enjin leans against the wall, grabbing a cigarette.
You do the same, leaning against the wall beside him with your arms crossed, “No. The wings of angels from my world are more hidden and figurative. If Amo actually saw an angel from my world, her eyes would have been turned to mush and her brian would follow soon after.”
The feeling is gone.
“Yeesh. How do you see them then?” He lights his cigarette and takes a drag. “They must possess a human vessel to communicate with us. And the person must also consent to being used as a vessel.”
“So a consent asking, nicer, and more powerful demon?”
“Basically, yeah.”
You frown, “But I’m not sure this angel is nice. Rudo recognised the angel drawing, the spike in bloodlust was obvious. The angel was probably the one who killed Rudo’s dad.” Enjin exhales and taps off the ash, “Which then begs the question of why. What business does an angel have with some random kid’s dad? Unless it had to do with the series the raiders were talking about.”
“Could it be to collect all the series pieces in one place? For whatever reason, Rudo had his gloves in the Sphere so they needed a way to get Rudo to the ground. But that would mean this angle is also familiar with the judicial system up in the Sphere.” You place a hand on your chin, your thumb rubbing and pulling against the bottom lip.
Your lips…Enjin wonders if they’re soft, or maybe chapped with how dry the air is. I wonder how kissing her would feel—
NO.
Enjin shakes his head furiously, now is not the time!
“You good?” You look at him quizzingly. “Yeah! I’m fine! Totally fine!” …Smooth.
“Anyways. Moving on from the angel talk. I don’t want Tamsy in our missions anymore.” That catches his attention. Right, he wanted to ask you about that, but now, maybe he knows the answer. “Yeah of course. I’ll talk to Semiu about it.” Enjin nods.
You turn to glance at him, “You’re not going to ask why?” Enjin shrugs, taking another drag, “I trust you. Besides, he does seem more ruthless than usual. I'm just amazed you caught on faster than me.”
“Soulless.”
“Huh?”
“Tamsy. It’s as if he’s soulless. I mean he’s always been a little soulless to me since we’ve met. Just little things, so I pushed it aside as my paranoia. Today just proves it though.” You explain to him. Enjin hums in thought, “Okay. What makes you say that though? Never thought soulless as a way to describe Tamsy.”
“Because I’ve dealt with a soulless Sam before and it’s not fun. He would gladly throw me and Dean to the monsters if it meant achieving his goal. Just like how Tamsy was quick to injure our teammates just to distract Amo. If it weren’t for Remlin’s spells…” Your nails dig into your arms.
Enjin takes the last drag before stomping out the cigarette. He gets the gist. “Alright. No more Tamsy. I’ll pull some strings with Semiu to make it happen.” You grip losses as you drop your arms to the side, “...Thank you. Really. I just want the kids to be safe”
“Of course. You and me both.” he gives your shoulder a light tap with the back of his hand. His fingers twitch. Should I? I mean, her hand is right there—
“Let’s get going. We’ve spent enough time here already.” You push off the wall with your feet, walking back to the group. Enjin lets out a disappointed sigh at the missed opportunity but his gaze softens as he watches your figure.
Man, she’s incredible.
…
Ugh, what is he going to do with his feelings?
Enjin pushes off the wall, following behind you. You give two crips claps, letting it echo in the room, “Alright people. The sun is setting, we better get moving soon.” You turn to Amo who is downcasted at your announcement. “Are you coming with us Amo? I’m sure there’s space in the Jeep for you.”
Amo eyes brighten at your offer but she stays quiet, thinking for a moment, “Amo isn’t quite ready to say goodbye to this place yet.” She twiddles her thumb nervously. You simply nod, fishing into your bag for something.
You pull out a familiar red tube. Gently grabbing her hand in yours, you clip the choker around her wrist, making it a bracelet. You and Amo traded blood with your chokers, locking her as a new contact, “There. Now you can contact us anytime. Whenever you’re ready, just give us a call.”
“Wait, me too!” Rudo does the same, not wanting to lose contact with his new friend so fast. Amo’s eyes turned glossy, touched by your act. You wipe away her tears, “You’re not alone anymore. We’re just a call away.”
Amo pulls you into a hug, burying her face into your chest, “Thank you so much. Amo really appreciates this.” You return the hug, patting her hair, “No problem, kid.” Enjin’s eyes narrow into a glare. How Amo seems to snuggle right up into your chest.
Amo meets his gaze, giving him a smug grin. His eye twitches, that brat knew what she was doing! Enjin walks up to the both of you, pulling you away from Amo by the collar, “Alright, that’s enough touchy touchies. Come on, we’re burning daylight.”
Amo pouts, holding you back by the lapels of your jacket, “No! Amo bets you’re just jealous because you’ve never been hugged by a woman! You big meanie!”
“Hahh? I’ve totally gotten a lot of hugs from women! Probably more than you!”
“Really? Amo doesn’t think so with your stinky attitude! Blehh”
“Stinky attitude—why you little—”
He feels arms wrap around his waist. A gentle warmth enveloping his body. His heart sped up, practically about to jump out of his chest as the smell of your shampoo wafts just under his nose.
The warmth disappears too soon. “There. Even people with stinky attitudes deserve hugs Amo. Now, are we done here? You said we’re burning daylight.” You pull away, walking back to the group as you lead them outside of the tower.
Enjin is frozen in place. He could feel the heat creeping up his neck, building up to his face. He buries his face in his hands as steam practically bursts from his ears. Rudo looks at him with a grimace, “Dude, it was just a hug.”
“You shut up!” Enjin snaps back at him, stomping his way to follow behind you, leaving Rudo and Amo behind. He quickly puts on his full mask to hide his flustered state as he meets back with the group outside.
You are in the front of the group, finger wagging as you do a head count. Soon, Amo and Rudo also come out, Amo staying by the stairs. “You’re really not coming?” Rudo asks her one last time.
“Yup. Amo has some things to work on before she’s ready to leave. But she’d still like for Rudo to come visit sometime.” She raises a hand to scratch her cheek, showing off the new bracelet she’s got. Rudo lifts his own choker, understanding what she meant, “Sure thing.”
“Alright enough yapping.” Enjin calls out to Rudo. “I’ll come by again some time Amo!” Tomme enthusiastically waves to the girl. “Remember, call us if you need anything. And I mean ANYTHING.” You give your own wave goodbye to the girl.
“See you later.” Rudo finally says goodbye, meeting up with the rest of the group. You led the group through Penta, navigating all the way back to your vehicles. Riyo was the first to hop on your bike, calling dibs immediately. Enjin lets out a groan, accepting that the next time he probably gets to ride with you is without the kids around.
Enjin drives the rest in the jeep, deciding to go slower than usual as some of the Cleaners start to doze off. “Well, we still don’t know how to cross the damn border. But I’d still consider this a victory.”
Enjin began to debrief “We’ve confirmed that there are people out there who can cross the border. And found another Vital Instrument that’s just like Rudo’s.” Zanka pipes in, “You mean that series the raiders mentioned? You think that emblem means that the boots are part of the series too?”
Enjin shrugs, “It’s possible.” He checks the side mirror, making sure you’re still following behind him. Enjin thinks back to the angel business. That feeling he felt when Amo mentioned angels, he recognises it now.
It was fear.
Fear that you would be taken away so soon. Fear that he would lose the chance to tell you how he feels. Fear he might never see you again.
He watches you through the side mirror, how you seem to be animatedly chatting with Riyo.
But not today. Today, he still gets to see you in his world.
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Chapter 13: Well, I'm fucked
Enjin x Isekai Supernatural Reader
A/N: Episodes 11 and 12 are together in this chapter, firstly because it felt awkward to stop in the middle of the Amo fight but also, I wanted to write "the scene". Anyways, enjoy!
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“This way~ This way~” the girl—Amo—sings and sways as she leads the group. “See? We’re here.” She stops in front of a tall tower. Enijn cranes his neck, eyes trailing up the tower that disappears into the clouds. He scratches the back of his head, “That is one big probable death trap.”
Zanka adds in, “You know, when we first saw it in the distance, I definitely didn’t expect this thing to be her home.” You fold your arms, asking sarcastically, “What are the bets her room is at the top and we’re gonna get pushed off?” Tomme begins scribbling in her note pad again, “Finding a structure like this so deep in No Man’s Land is just unprecedented. I’ll need to record this.”
“This way! Come along! Amo says you can enter.” Amo opens the doors to the tower, inviting them in. The group entered the eerily dark tower where they were greeted with a chined up door. That’s not a good sign. “I’ll be honest, I don’t like the look of any of this.” Gris whispers under his breath.
“It’s not all messy. Amo’s room is much much nicer. Come on! I’ll show you.” She begins to ascent the spiral stairs. Although suspicious, the group reluctantly followed. “One more thing. Take off your masks pretty please?” She suddenly stops.
“I promise, the stinky stuff outside can’t make it in here, so you don’t need them. Besides, it's nice to see the faces of who you’re talking to.” She turns around to face us with a small smile, “And it’s nice to be nice.”
Everyone contemplated for a moment. Would it really be wise to take off their masks? “Lets go to your room first then we can take them off. It’s awkward to take them off on the stairs here.” You propose to the girl. She pouts, “You promise?”
You nod, “We promise. Besides, I'm sure your room has better lighting so you would see us more clearly.” Amo beams at that before continuing up the stairs, “I guess you’re right!” You and Enjin share a look.
Better not make her angry.
The group continues up the stairs, being led into a room where clothes, plushies and trash were strewed around. Where’d she get all this stuff in the middle of a desert? The back wall of the room is broken in, letting natural light shine through. Amo sits on a white pedestal in the middle of the room, “Now, you can take off your masks!” Everyone hesitates.
You were the first to remove your mask, storing them into your bag. Enjin follows next, trusting your instinct, and soon, everyone takes off their masks. Amo gasps and squeals in awe after seeing our faces, “So handsome! So spicy! So hunky! You look so good! Why hide your faces?”
“It’s to protect ourselves. This is a No Man’s Land after all. Pollution isn’t good for the skin.” You are the one to answer her. Tomme examines the room for a second, before remembering she should note things down, “Right. Girl lives at the top of Penta tower. Room interior is…surprisingly whimsical.” Gris doesn’t agree, “Stop recording this.” He hissed at her.
Now that there is better lighting, Enjin eyes her boots as she clicks her knees together. Four circles in a triangle, one big ring above it. It’s the same as Rudo’s glove. Her boots must be part of the series the raiders were talking about. He catches your gaze, nodding to her boots. You glance down, then back at him. Good, you’ve noticed too.
You’re seeing this too?
Yeah. Let’s not mess things up.
“I’ll start! What made you wanna come see Amo?” She rests her elbows on her knees, propping her head up with her hands. Rudo looks back to you and Enjin for confirmation. Enjin gives him an encouraging nod. Go on, you’re leading this conversation.
Rudo steps up, “We’ve heard that you’ve seen some people travel between the Sphere and the Ground. We want to talk to one of those people. Can you point us in a direction—”
“My turn again! Let's talk about the kinds of boys and girls we like!” Amo cuts him off. “Amo only likes people who have strong smells cause smells are the best! They can even make bad faces good. Amo likes your smells but…” She sniffed the air for a moment, “The one that Amo likes most of all is the big man.”
Amo gives the group an unsettling grin. Big man probably refers to Delmon. “What…the hell? That’s a bad smile.” Even Rudo was taken aback by it. This might be too weird for Rudo to handle right now.
Enjin places a hand on Rudo’s shoulder, taking over the conversation, "That's nice but…is this gonna get us what we want or no?” Enjin asks the girl. “Amo doesn’t know what you mean.” She plays dense, tilting her head to sell the act. Or maybe she’s really just that clueless.
“We came for info on how to get to the Sphere, not a sleepover. Now I’ll break out my onesie if it's the cost of said info. So is it?” Enjin lays it out clearly to her. “Is it? Why would you say that?” she whispers.
“Why would you say that? Why would you say that? Why would you say that?Why would you say that?Why would you say that?Whywould yousaythat?Whywouldyou say that?Whywouldyousay that?Whywouldyousay that?Whywouldyousaythat?Whywouldyousaythat?Whywouldyousaythat?”
“YOU SAID YOU CAME TO TALK TO AMO! YOU DID! SO THEN WHY? Why don’t you sound like it? Why do you sound like someone who wants to USE AMO? THAT'S SO WEIRD! WHY DO THAT!?” Ah, so she’s that type of crazy. Amo continues to screech and spiral.
“Great…Not liking this.” Enjin rubs his chin as Amo spirals deeper into insanity. “Want me to take over?” You ask from beside him as you pull Rudo further back into the group. “Nah, I’ve got this.” Enjin casually waves you off. You nod, backing down.
“Just say you came to see Amo! It would’ve been better! EVEN IF IT WAS A LIE!” Amo tugs and pulls at her hair. “Yeah…Sorry. How ‘bout I try and rephrase.” Enjin thinks for a moment.
“Hey girl, how you doin?”
Smack!
Enjin clutches the back of his head from the harsh slap you delivered.
“WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOU CREEP!?” Amo screeches, jumping down from her pedestal. “Amo thinks you smell ugly!” Enjin lets out a sigh, “Hold up…” he thinks his words through. He can feel you tugging his sleeve, “Enjin, don’t mess this up even more!” you hissed at him.
He ignores you, “No, screw it. I’m gonna be real honest for a sec. You gotta cover up cause I can’t think with my head right now.” Enjin barely glances over her skimpy clothes. He feels hands wrapping around his throat.
He immediately fights your fingers threatening to crush his wind pipe, “I’m gonna kill you.” you seeth. “Cover up? You think it’s Amo’s fault you like Amo’s clothes too much? Out of everyone so far, you are the worst kind of worse.” Amo scoffs. You turn to her, still trying to strangle him, “Please don’t listen to him, he’s an idiot.”
“We’re breaking up.” Looks like she’s not listening at all as her boots glow orange.
You pull away from him, bracing for an attack.
Enjin does the same as her power intensifies, “You don’t get the chance to be friends with Amo.” She declares.
Enjin clicks his tongue, “Tsk. Honestly, I should have known it would go this way.” You snap at him, “You think!? I thought we agreed to not make her angry!”
“Could you deal with them please? Thank you big man.” Amo gives a sinister grin.
Enjin looks back at Delmon, seeing him point his hose at him.
Shit.
Delmon activates his Vital Instrument, dousing him with water. Right, Delmon’s power increases the water content in something. Right now, he’s probably bloated like a balloon. Enjin’s vision goes blurry as he coughs up the excess water before collapsing.
He feels someone catching him before he meets the ground. Someone warm, probably you. You did warn him.
Enjin comes back to consciousness after a while. Seems like Remlin’s spell worked. He can hear a commotion going on, probably the group fighting Amo. He feels a weight on his face. Cracking his eyes open, he sees you and Tomme hovering over him with your masks on. Mask, that’s probably what the weight is.
You roll him on his side away from the fight. You lean over, patting his back so he could cough out the excess water. Or so it seems. He feels your breath tickle his ear, “Amo’s power involves smell, making you hallucinate Amo as your loved one and increasing the compulsion to protect them—i.e. Her.”
“She has everyone but Zanka, Tomme, Gris and Tamsy under her control.” You roll him back, letting him see how Tamsy has all the mind controlled Cleaners wrapped in the yard of his Vital Instrument.
Your eyes narrow into a glare as Tamsy’s yarn digs into their skins, “As effective as it is, I don’t like how much force he’s using.” You mutter under your breath. Enjin eyes the scene as Tamsy spins everyone into a ball of yarn. He can vaguely hear Zanka and Tamsy conversing with each other.
“Tomme! (Y/N)!” Gris runs up to them. Well, time to play dead again. Enjin closes his eyes, letting the conversation play out. “Thank goodness you’ve got your mask on. I was worried. How’s Enjin holding up?” Gris asks the two.
You make a show of checking his vitals, pressing two fingers to his pulse line on his neck. It skips a bit. “Stable for now but we need to monitor him closely.” He feels a weight on his chest, “I can’t tell if there’s fluid in his lungs.” He feels the vibration from your voice on his chest.
Were you laying your head on him? His heart beats faster. No! You’re gonna hear that! He feels the weight being lifted off. He quells the disappointment he feels from the loss of contact. “Alright. We better get him to the med team as soon as possible.” Gris suggests.
“Amo’s not supposed to be hurting! Let me go. It hurts! Meanie. Meaniemeaniemeaie. Mean! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HELP MEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!” Enjin could hear Amo screeching. Damn that girl’s got lungs.
“YOU THINK THIS CAN HOLD ME? HOLD ME? THEN YOU’VE GOT ANOTHER THING COMING! CAUSE I AM GONNA GET OUT. I’M GONNA RIP OFF YOUR ARMS. THEN I’LL KILL THE SHIT OUT OF EVERY LAST ONE OF YOU!” Enjin could hear Delmon and the rest struggling against their restraints. Seems like they’re still under her spell.
“Tamsy! Release them now! TAMSY!” He hears you order, desperation turns to anger. Then the wind picks up and he hears concrete breaking. Shooting up, Enjin sees the mind controlled Cleaners being spun like a drill, crashing down multiple stories below.
“Yo Tamsy…What the hell man? That was way too far!” Zanka is holding on to the edge of the floor with the help of his Lovely Assistaff. You and Enjin scramble to the edge, peering down at the injured Cleaners all bleeding out. You grit your teeth particularly hard when you see a steel rod coming out of Rudo.
Tamsy and Zanka jump down to the injured Cleaners. You and Enjin don’t follow, you still had a crazy girl to deal with after all.
Enjin places a hand on your shoulder. “(Y/N)—”
“Remlin’s spell. I know. They’re fine. But that still doesn’t make it right.
“AH-HA! YOU SEE? THAT’S WHAT YOU GET! This always happens whenever people don’t just talk with Amo like Amo wants.” Amo squeals, lying close to the edge on her stomach, peering over the injured Cleaners.
“They show Amo all their sides, even the ones they try hard to hide away. And now all your friends are gonna die because you’re a meanie stinky face! Amo wonders if you were ever really friends at all! Ha ha ha!” She taunts, bursting out to laughter.
You clench your fist, “I don’t know who I want to punch more. Tamsy or the girl.” Enjin rests a hand over your clenched fist, unfurling them so your nails don’t dig too hard into your skin. He rubs his thumb over your palm, causing you to turn to him.
Let me deal with this. I won’t screw up again.
Your face is unreadable. But you give him a nod.
You better not.
Enjin lets go of your hand and quietly sneaks behind Amo. Enjin peers over her shoulder, seeing everyone’s wounds are starting to close up, “Seems like not dying is the new hotness right now. Just remember, I did it first.”
He grabs one of her boots holding them up as she looks back in surprise, “This mine now by the way. That’s not up for discussion.” Enjin holds the boot higher to examine them. “You know what really ticks me off? The absolute insanity of wearing shoes but only one sock.”
“What the—That’s nasty. You were going barefoot in boots?” He turns back to Amo who just has her dogs out. Finally realising the situation, Amo scrambles to get her boot back which Enjin only holds higher out of her reach, “That’s not yours! That belongs to Amo! Give it back! You can’t have it!” She screeches in his face.
Enjin grabs her arm, holding her down easily. She’s not that powerful without her Vital Instrument. “Slow your roll, little one.” Enjin only criticises. “Give it! You’re stinking it up and making it lose Amo’s special person smell!” She growls.
“Special person’s smell?” Curious and stupid, Enjin pulls down his mask a little, taking a sniff of the boot. “AaUGh! HOly shit that's nasty!” Enjin wheezes out. “It’s a boot. What did you think they would smell like? Flowers?” Your eyes crinkle in disgust and judgment.
“Don’t sniff it you creep!” Amo snaps at him. “Yeah, ya fucking creep.” You go up to them, standing next to Amo. “Are you on my side or hers?.” Enjin pouts. You only roll your eyes at him. Amo continues to squeal and whine, pushing against him to reach for her boot.
“Look, I’ll give it back but only if you flip off your ability first.” Enjin compromises. Amo deflates at that, not struggling against him anymore, “Amo can’t use her power with just one. So no one will protect Amo now.”
Enjin looks over her shoulders at the other Cleaners, seeing how they don’t seem to be attacking Zanka and Tamsy. “Alright. Then we’ll go down and meet the rest first. Once everyone has their mask on, we’ll give you back your boot.” You suggest, guiding Amo down to the first floor where everyone fell.
Once all the Cleaners have gathered and put on their masks, you and Enjin stand in front of Amo. “Last call to put on your masks kids.” Enjin turns around surveying the group making sure everyone has their mask on. Once he was satisfied, he holds out the boot to Amo, “M’lady”
Amo snatches the boot from his hand and puts it back on. “Hey, so what are we doing with her? Fact is, if we leave her here and someone else finds her, people are gonna die. She’s our problem now.” Zanka asks his leaders.
Enjin scratches the back of his neck, “Hmm…It’s her instrument. Without it, she’s just an average young woman with a not so average upbringing. Though I don’t have it in me to take something that clearly means a lot to her.”
You nod, “Even with all the pain she’s caused, her mental state is akin to a child. It would be best if we come to a diplomatic solu—”
“This is so stupid! Amo’s house is completely ruined. It’s ugly and it makes Amo sick. It’s the worst. It’s all your fault! You should be feeling worse than sick!” Amo complains. The amount of rage from the Cleaners is palpable. It's amazing how restrained they are even after what they just went through.
“The hell is wrong with you? Keep talking!” Zanka threatens.
Clank.
Rudo has taken off his mask, silently walking forward to Amo. “Rudo?” Zanka calls out to him. You and Enjin quietly watch. What is the kid up to this time?
“Ah-haha! Somebody took their mask off. Miss Amo’s smell? All you have to do is ask and Amo will share more with you.”
WHAM!
Blood sprays from Amo’s nose as Rudo’s fist connects with her face. Everyone takes a step back in surprise.
WHAM! BAM! SQUELCH!
Punch after punch, Rudo isn’t stopping anytime soon. You and Enjin pull him back away from the mutilated girl while Gris steps in front, blocking him from the girl. “Rudo! Hey, easy! You need to calm the hell down!” You and Enjin hold him back as tight as you could against his struggle.
Rudo shrugs you two off, panting from the rage or exhaustion, maybe both who knows? “You crossed a line. We know how to cancel her ability. She’s not a threat anymore. The fight is over, you understand?” Gris lectures the boy.
“And besides, she’s a girl.” Gris adds on. Rudo grits his teeth, “That’s bullshit! Just because she’s a girl I’m supposed to forget what she did? I can't be angry if she’s helpless? She gets away with what she did because you say it’s over? No screw that.”
“That is not what I said! And nothing justifies beating someone who can’t fight back!” Gris yells back as tension rises. “Powerless my ass! She’s a Giver! And don’t tell me she can’t fight back after nearly killing us all! She just looks helpless. But inside she’s laughing at us. She played with us like dolls because that's all we are to her! She deserves a hell of a lot more than I gave her” Rudo snaps back, not afraid to say his opinion.
Enjin listens closely. He understands his rage, it’s not so different from yours afterall. Really like brother like sister. “You’re not wrong Rudo. If that’s how you feel, that’s totally understandable.” You crouch in front of Rudo, meeting his downcasted eyes..
“But, do you know how to get the info from her? Cause I don’t” Enjin continues. Rudo’s eyes widened in realization, slowly turning to Enjin as his face turned to pure horror and fear. Enjin lets out a sigh and wraps an arm around Rudo’s shoulders, “Why don’t we find somewhere—not here—to talk it out.”
Enjin begins to lead Rudo somewhere more private, giving you a quick look. You nod, granting him permission to handle this alone. You probably needed to stay so you could patch up Amo anyway. He sees you by the bloodied girl, rummaging your bag to pull out bandages as he closes the door behind them.
They sit on the stairs just outside of the room. Rudo hugs his knees, burying himself deeper into the cocoon he’s made. Enjin just sits beside him in silence. Scratches his neck. Then back to silence.
“Why aren't you yelling at me?” Rudo cautiously asks, antsy from the prolonged silence. “Well…” Enjin thinks for a moment, “Nah. It’s pretty clear you’ve realised you messed up. You got emotional which is understandable—and forgot everything else. Which is also understandable.” he lets out a sigh.
“...I felt too much, like I did in the Sphere. I just had to take everything, no matter what people said or did, I had to hold my temper and endure it. But when they threw me away, I realised I couldn’t do it anymore. If I kept holding it all in, I’d die.” Rudo buries his head deeper into his arms, closing his eyes tight.
“I thought that was enough and I was passed it. But I’m not. I’m still the same angry idiot. I thought I’d learn to be better. But I still did what I always do and let the darkness well up in me. Until someone got hurt.” Rudo's voice cracks with emotion but Enjin just lets him continue.
“So much crap has happened but nothing’s changed. It doesn’t matter if I’m in the Sphere or on the Ground. Whenever I think I’ve grown it’s just me lying to myself. I’m just a piece of shit!” Rudo goes hard on himself, fully hiding his face in shame with his arms.
“I like hot chicks. Like, really hot chicks.”
“Huh?” Rudo looks up at Enjin confused.
“Smart ones. With all their curves in the right places. And the stupid capacity for forgiving me.” Enjin thinks back of his past relationships. The girls he’s like. Ones in skimpy red dresses. Ones with nice perfume. Ones that can hold their alcohol. Ones that are Cleaners. Ones that have a gun and knife.
“Heh. I love them so damn much. But when we start getting into complicated needs of others, that's where I start struggling. And y’know? No woman, hot or not, wants to hear that. Not being able to navigate that stuff is a personal failing of mine.” He remembers the tears, the anger, the desperation. The pain he caused to those girls.
“So like all adults, I still have things I need to grow out of. The thing of it is, realizing when you slipped up is kinda all you need to grow from it. Not that it’s easy. I had to be brought face to face with my faults for me to finally see ‘em.” He remembers how you went off on him after a nasty breakup with some chick that landed with a slapped cheek. The embarrassment he felt. The warmth in his chest as you hold an ice pack on his cheek.
“You were cool enough to spot yours on your own. Know what that means? We’re golden baby! Cause we got nowhere else to go but up. What do you say? You ready to go apologise?” Enjin asks Rudo.
Rudo stays silent for a moment, absorbing his words, “Huh?”
“Then, you like (Y/N)? Like, romantically?”
…
Pfft—”What? Where did you get that from?” Enjin chuckles at his assumption.
“I know she's really attractive. She used to have a lot of suitors back in the Sphere.”
…
“She’s smart. Taught me all I know and more about fixing and fighting.”
…
“And she’s also really forgiving. The amount of times I’ve gotten in trouble and she’s forgiven me is uncountable.”
…
Holy shit he’s right.
Enjin's eyes widened in realization. Is this why he’s been feeling all weird around you? Because he likes you?
Oh he’s doomed, there’s no way he can bag a chick like you. You’re too good to settle for his bum ass. But there is no harm in trying right? No, he could lose you forever. But maybe you could still be friends? That would be so awkward! But—agh, he also won’t survive if find you another guy to be your boyfriend! Are you even looking for a boyfriend now?
Enjin tugs and ruffles his hair, feeling like his head is going to melt—scratch that—like his whole body is aflamed. “Why would you say that—no, actually thank you for making me realise my feelings. But what am I supposed to do with them now?” He buries his face in his hands.
“So…you like my sister?”
“Yes, I like your sister!”
Rudo stares at him for a moment before giving him a thumbs up, “Good luck.” Enjin’s eye twitches. He pinches Rudo’s cheeks, stretching them as Rudo winces, “Good luck? This is your fault! You got to help me woo your sister.”
Rudo pushes his hands away, rubbing his cheeks, “But I don’t know anything about girls or romance.” Enjin crosses his arms, “But you know your sister right?” Rudo hesitantly nods, “...Yeah.”
“Then that’s good enough for me!”
Rudo goes silent as he thinks it though.
“...You won’t hurt her, right Enjin?”
Enjin eyes soften. It’s admirable to see Rudo want to protect you for a change. Enjin crouches down in front of him, “Never. If I ever do, you can beat me into oblivion.”
Rudo nods, accepting his answer, “Okay. I think I’m ready to apologize now.” Rudo stands up, heading back to the door. He looks back, waiting for Enjin. Enjin stands up with a groan and walks over, pushing the door open for them.
They both walk back into the room. Amo seems to have been excellently patched up, no doubt from your handy work. Enjin’s gaze trails to your figure and up to your face. You took off your mask. Did you seem prettier than he remembers?
Fuck.
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Chapter 12: Rudo's first mission
Enjin x Isekai Supernatural Reader
A/N: You are not wrong, I changed the title of the chapter. Also, I just read chapter 168. Amazing as always, but it's killing me that Enjin's status is still not clear.
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🌂
Enjin rolls his neck with a groan, getting out the kinks from sleeping weirdly. The bed was too small for his liking, all his tossing and turning somehow ended with his head almost hanging off the edge of the bed.
Enjin heads to the dining area where you and Rudo already seemed to be helping yourselves to breakfast. Well, Rudo certainly was, judging by how fast he’s scarfing down those pancakes. You eat at a more moderate pace, making sure to pat Rudo on the back every so often he chokes.
“Well, aren't you two bright and early.” Enjin greets, taking a seat beside you. You turn to him, swallowing your food before speaking, “I wanted to see if Remlin’s up for some spellcasting today. You joining?” You stab a piece of pancake with your fork and take a bite.
Enjin picks up another fork, stealing a piece from you, “Of course. I also want to check up on the kid, see how they’re feeling as the new spellcaster.” He quickly plops the piece in his mouth before you could fight back. You swat away his hand when he goes back for seconds, “Get your own pancakes!”
“Yeah old man, get your own pancakes!” Rudo tries to defend you but it’s muffled by how full his mouth is.
“Don’t talk with your mouth full, it's gross!”
“I’m not that old!”
Rudo tilts his head confused. He swallows his food before asking, "Aren't you like—fourty or something?” Enjin’s jaw drops at his assumption, “Fourty!? I’m twenty-eight you brat!” Even you seem confused, “Rudo, what makes you think Enjin’s fourty?”
“You’re like thirty-eight right? I assume Enjin is older than you by a few years.” Rudo answers. This time Enjin turns to you shocked, “Thirty-eight!? You don’t look any older than me!” You cover your face with a hand, “So this is what it’s about. You didn’t have to remind me.”
You drag your hand down your face, “Yes. Mentally I’m thirty-eight, but physically, I’m closer to twenty-seven—twenty-eight ish. For some reason, when I entered this world, my body regressed by a decade.”
“No wonder you seem more mature, it’s literally cause you’re old.” Enjin recalls back to all the times your maturity has shown, how you’re more responsible, more wise, more emotionally grounded.
“Are you asking to die?”
“No ma’am. I’m sorry.”
You shake your head, “Whatever, it’s fine. Let’s all just agree that I’m twenty-seven. No need to remind me how old I actually am.” You take a few more bites of your pancake but pause again when you notice how Rudo’s face was coated with syrup.
You let out a sigh, grabbing a napkin to wipe his face. You hold his face still with a hand while you wipe off the sticky syrup and cribs while Rudo grumbles. Since you were distracted, Enjin took the chance to swipe a whole pancake this time, stuffing it in his mouth.
“Hey! You—Enjin!”
After breakfast, the three of you head to the Mayor’s house. You knock on the door and wait for a response. Opening the door, the Mayor greets you, “(Y/N), Enjin. I guess it’s finally time for you to get your spells drawn.”
You give the Mayor a nod in greeting. “If it’s not too much trouble. If Remlin’s up for tagging all the Cleaners today, I’ll call the rest down here.” The Mayor steps aside to let them in, “Of course. The kid seems to be in high spirits today.”
The Mayor leads you to a door knocking on it before entering, “Remlin, you’ve got visitors.” Entering the bedroom slash studio, you and Rudo admire the drawings hung on the walls. Enjin peeks out from behind the Mayor, eyes finding the kid who was drawing before they interrupted, “Hey kid, remember me?”
“Oh, you’re that Cleaner dude.” Remlin’s eyes lit up with recognition. Cleaner dude? Enjin eye twitches. You come up behind him, pushing him back slightly with a hand, “Right. We’re the Cleaners and we plan to go on a dangerous mission soon. There are ten of us in total. Think you can tag all of us today?”
Remlin gives a nod and thumbs up, “You got it boss lady!” You nod before giving Enjin a pat on the shoulder, catching his attention, “I’ll go call the others. Zanka—sorry, did I wake you up?” You walk off to a quiet corner to finish your choker call.
Enjin take the liberty to sit on the couch beside the Mayor, watching as Remlin props themselves on the coffee table in front of them. Remlin then smirks, waving a hand over to Rudo, “Hey you, take a seat.” They point to the space in front of them.
Rudo hesitates, but does as they say, sitting in front of Remlin with his back to them. “No, turn around dummy. I’m gonna draw it on your face.” Remlin huffs. “Huh? Why does it have to be on my face?” Rudo questions, only turning his head to look back.
“Because it’s an art spell. It’s stronger the more visible it is.” Remlin reasons. It’s not but Enjin’s not gonna tell Rudo that. “I guess that makes sense.” Rudo mumbles under his breath before fully turning around to face the kid. Can’t believe he actually bought that.
Remlin lets out a proud huff after making Rudo look like a clown. Rudo seethes at the joke he’s been made into, brown twitching with irritation. “So, tell me what you want to wear, cause you’re up next.” Remlin turns to Enjin.
“Hey. Hey! You think this is funny you jerk!?” Rudo points to his painted face. “Uh…yeah… Ah-hahaha!” Remlin only laughs in his face. “Keep laughing and I’ll mess up your face!” Rudo threatens but it’s clear Remlin can’t take him seriously with the clown face on.
Enjin gives the Mayor a glance, “Got a theory on what makes a good candidate for spellcasters I want to run by you. They all got the same type of crazy.” The Mayor responds with the defeated tone, “The word you’re looking for is whimsy and you may be right.” You come back with an amused smile as you hand Rudo a towel to wipe off the paint.
Remlin slaps their knee, “Okay, name’s Remlin. As spellcaster I can’t wait to—I can’t wait!” Rudo glares at Remlin over the towel, “To what?” Rudo dares as he wipes his face clean. “So what number spellcaster are you on now?” Enjin asks the Mayor.
“I think Remlin’s the sixth.” The Mayor guesses. “You’re not sure?” Enjin probes further. “The spellcasters recorded their histories through art, so there’s a lot that’s left up to interpretation.” The Mayor explains.
“Huh, okay cool. That’s definitely good to know. So I just found out that my powers don’t work on people if I draw on them without getting their consent.” Remlin swings their legs as they explain. “It’s probably like when I draw on walls and stuff that’s outside of town. I need to get their permission. I mean if it’s not cool to draw on a wall without permission, then it’s really really not cool to do that to a person, right?”
“Huh. That’s the same with Gob too right?” You turn to Enjin to confirm. He nods, “Right. Is it because spellcasters inherit the same abilities?” He turns back to the Mayor. “Historically, they’ve had similar, if not the same powers. Though I’ve heard there’ve been subtle differences between them.” The Mayor answers.
Enjin rubs his chin in thought, “That’s weird since you’d expect their powers to reflect how different they are from each other. A Giver’s power are shaped by all the random that makes them them. So what’s up with spellcasters? Is it something to do with the Vital Instrument—”
“Bro, you’re thinking too hard.” Remlin cuts him off, “Our powers turn out the same cause we’re all about making sure whatever we draw feels fun. We’ll sneak balloons into a stressful scene, or flowers into an epic battle. We always play around with meaning, intentionally or just to mess around.”
Remlin raises their pen, “Freedom and fun! I’m pretty sure that’s why Gob and the other spellcasters were picked for the job. And that's what I’ll look for in who I pick, cause It’s cool!” Huh, yeah I don’t get it. “Oh I get it. You all end up with similar powers because you all think the same way yeah?” Enjin theorises.
“Whaaaaat? That’s just stupid. How can we think alike if we draw whatever we want? We don’t even draw the same stuff the same way.” Remlin immediately brushes off his theory. “Uh...erh…Ahhh!?” Enjin’s mind basically explodes, not understanding a thing at all.
“Trust me, it’s not worth it. Trying to make sense of what an artist says is only gonna scramble your brain.” The Mayor shakes him, trying to bring him back to reality. Then he feels a weight on his head. Looking up, he sees you patting his head, “Don’t think too hard on it. It's magic and magic don’t need logic.”
Enjin feels the heat creeping up his neck, causing him to look away. He rubs the back of his neck, hoping to calm, or at least hide the redness.
Remlin, now more ready to be serious, instructs Rudo to take off his top and show them his bare back. “Guessing you want the “make one nasty hit survivable” special, yeah?” Remlin uncaps their Vital Instrument. “Let’s make some magic!”
The Pen glows orange before revealing a—
TATTOO GUN!?
“Woah! What are you doing? That’s forever.” Enjin steps in before Remlin could touch Rudo with the tattoo gun. You also pull Rudo back slightly from the wiring machine. “Remlin please, you need to take this seriously—wait what?” the Mayor does a double take on what Remlin is holding.
“I don’t—I thought your instrument turned into a brush when you used it. How is it a tattoo gun?” The Mayor recalls. Remlin holds up the tattoo gun, “I had a cool idea for a tattoo and then this just happened. You can’t do everything with the same tool right?”
“I’m about to lose my damn mind. First you cast spells, and now you can make your tool into anything you want it to be? You can’t do that! It ain’t natural!” Enjin exclaims. You sigh at all the commotion he’s making but focuses on Remlin, “Maybe something not permanent?”
Remlin lets out a huff, “Okay fine. I won’t do anything permanent. Just remember to keep it dry so it doesn’t wash off. All right then, second try.” Remlin turns the tattoo gun back into a pen. Remlin gives Rudo a smug grin, “If you would be so kind. May I doodle all over your back?”
“You know, I think the kid’s kinda growing on me.” Enjin accepts his defeat.
Eventually, everyone got their turn to be drawn on. The Cleaners along with the Mayor and Remlin, all make their way to the gate of Canvas town
“Thanks for everything Mr Mayor, Remlin.” Enjin and the Mayor lead the group. “You’re most welcome. And sorry for the run around and everything earlier. Though the kid made up for it. It’s not easy drawing spells on ten people.” The Mayor and Enjin turn around to see Remlin sleepily swaying behind them. You’re behind the kid, helping to guide them to not bump into anyone.
“And what a good job you did with those spells. Appreciate it.” Enjin praises. “No prob.” Remlin wheezes out, too tired for anything proper. As they approach the gate where they left their vehicles, riff and raff seem to have not left.
They jumped up when they spotted Remlin, “Wait! Are you nuts Mr Mayor? You can’t let The Pen get passed on to some no name scrub!” riff interjected. “There’s no way they’re worthy! I bet they stole it from Gob’s corpse!” raff added on.
Riff and raff push against the invisible wall, “I know they’re not a better artist than me because I won the Perfect Art Contest! People were counting on me to be the next spellcaster! Why else would someone like me come out…” Enjin drones out the rest of raff’s narcissistic rambling.
“Shut your mouth!” There it is. The Mayor isn’t the Mayor for nothing, “That shit stain attitude is exactly why you two can’t even get past the front gate! This city’s for artists, not posers who only care about fame, got it!? Now get lost or I’ll smack the ugly off you! Don’t believe me? Then stick around!”
Riff and raff walk away in defeat.
“That ends today’s lesson. Whatever you do, don’t piss off the Mayor.” Enjin smirks. “Zanka? Come on, you’re riding with me today.” Enjin turns to you who was already walking to your bike, “Hey wait! No fair!” Enjin whines, watching as Zanka happily jog up to you.
Enjin pulls up the jeep in front of the Mayor and Remlin, winding down his window, “It’s been fun, but duty calls. Son;t be popping anymore blood vessels okay?” Enjin rests an arm outside the window. “I’m sorry” The Mayor looks down embarrassed, “Or maybe just avoid the front gate Mr Mayor?” Remlin teases.
“Hey um. That was cool what you did for Gob. The send off.” Rudo compliments. “I know! See you around when I’m drawing at Cleaner HQ.” Remlin gives Rudo a bright smile. Enjin drives off. “Don’t die!” He watches the side mirror as the Mayor and Remlin wave them goodbye. He also makes sure your bike is not far behind, watching you wave back over Zanka before focusing on the road.
“So we’re heading back to HQ aren't we?” Rudo leans against the door, looking out the window. “Yep. Gotta grab your full face before we plow into danger.” Enjin considers for a moment, “But first, we got a quick stop. Thought we’d pick you up a little something on the way home.”
Enjin makes a turn away from HQ. In the rear view mirror, he watches you drive straight ahead before realising he made a turn. You make a big turn to catch up with him, driving up to the driver’s window. You make some hand gestures.
What’s going on?
Enjin grins and gives a thumbs up.
Just trust me.
Your shoulders sag in what he assumes is a sigh before you slow down to drive behind him.
Enjin drives out to an old worn down warehouse where he knows there’s a butt load of trash lying around. He gets out of the car with Rudo. You stop beside the jeep, hopping off your bike. You made a gesture to Zanka before jogging up to the boys. “What’s going on?” You take off your mask.
Enjin just walks into the warehouse, leading the way. Rudo shrugs, “Enjin said he wanted to grab something for me.” The broken down roof lights up the mountain of trash, “Woah, is that...for me?” Rudo’s eyes gleam as his hands twitch in anticipation.
Enjin closes his eyes with pride “Never hurts to be prepared. So you’re gonna take some time to pick whatever’s singing sweet nothings to ya. We’re far from any polluted zones so you don’t have to worry about—” He feels a tug on his sleeve.
“I don’t think he’s worried about anything right now. Not sure he’s even thinking straight.” You point at Rudo who’s already getting his claws deep into the trash almost with maniacal glee. “Knew I’d see his feral side one day.” Enjin grins.
After Rudo stocked up on some goodies, under your strict regulation,
“No Rudo, you can’t bring the mini fridge."
“Aww come on!”
“Don’t even think about touching that microwave.”
Everyone made it to HQ where they were greeted by an excited August. “It’s done! Yo! Finnito! Cause it’s done! It’s freaking done! It’s A MASTERPIECE!"
“The hell?” Rudo mutters under his breath. “Hey, please ignore this fool. Welcome back yall.” Semiu peeks out from behind August. “Sorry to hear about Gob’s passing. We just got word. So sad. Lot of people—”
“Your face is~ ready~” August twirls and makes a grand gesture. “Thanks August. Keep up the good work.” You flatly thank the eccentric man, “Rudo, this is the artist who makes all our gear. August this is Rudo. Get this, he’s apparently finished working on your full face.” Enjin flatly introduces the two.
“Yoooou bet them cheeks it’s finished! And with picture perfect measurements. The fit is fittin’ and we didn’t have to meet up at all cause I got his measurements while he slept! And that’s not all! It’s just for you. Enjin, (Y/N) and Semiu told me ‘bout cha so it’s got cha swagger!” August dances around as he explains.
“Wait, back up. While I slept? You snuck in my room?” Rudo tries to wrap his head around what August is saying, “I know! I really lucked out with you not locking your room.” August giggles. “You creepy piece of shit!” Rudo recoils from August.
“Do Sphererites not lock their doors or something?” Enjin ruffles Rudo’s hair. “Not condoning it but I’m impressed he caught Rudo sleeping, cause let me tell you, he doesn’t get much of it.” Riyo comments. “Oh yeah? How do you know that?” Zanka narrows his eyes with suspicion. “Riyo, please don’t tell me you’re climbing through windows again.” You cross your arms at the girl.
“Brother stop!” Eishia runs up to August, holding one of his hands down. “What’s up momma’s second best?” August greets her. “August, you’re doing it again. You need to stop, please. You’re making everyone uncomfortable—”
“Whaat? Can’t hear you!” he leans over Eishia, practically crushing her. The siblings tussled for a while longer before you had enough, “August, the full face please.” You hold out a hand to him, “Right! Here you go! Also, would you you like to model for a new—”
“Sorry, we’ve got a mission to do.” You turn down the boy, giving Rudo the briefcase with his face mask before heading for the elevators. Everyone quickly follows behind, wanting to get away from the sibling mayhem.
The elevator door slid open to the dark garage, letting everyone enter and make their way to the jeeps. “Okay what is with Grounders and shouting everything all the damn time.” Rudo comments. You’re one to talk. Enjin stops in his tracks when he realises something, “Rudo, hold up. Let me see your choker for a quick second.”
Rudo unclips his choker and holds it out. Understanding what’s happening, everyone draws out blood in their own way. Some like you and Riyo, use your weapons, Others like Enjin and Zanka, bite.
Rudo is obviously taken aback by what is happening, “The hell are you doing?” Enjin held out his now cut thumb, “Well come on, let me see that choker.” Everyone presses their thumb against Rudo’s choker, letting the blood seep in. “There you go. See? Not so bad. Weird? Sure. But now your choker’s all set up. They’re pretty much like phones but only people you’ve traded blood with.”
Rudo looks up from his choker with understanding, “So that’s why everyone on the Ground is wearing one. I was kind of wondering about that.” Riyo sucks the blood off from her thumb with a pop, “Yup, that’s right. And now we can say that we’ve all bled for each other.”
“So don’t be afraid to reach out. For real.” Follo smiles. “Cool.” Rudo clips back on his choker, adjusting it to sit right. “Anyhoo,” Enjin stands in front of Rudo with an “innocent” smile, “it’s time for you to open yourself up to the group.” Rudo is now terrified for his life.
You and Enjin head to your respective vehicles. “Zanka, you’re with me.” As you pass Zanka, you place a hand on his shoulder, pulling him with you to your bike. Rudo speaks up confused, “Isn’t it my turn?”
You stop in your tracks, turning around to him, “You need to get familiar with your new teammates. Being stuck in a cramped space for hours is a good way to do so.” You shoot him a thumbs up. Enjin smiles down at him, ruffling his hair, “Looks like you’re stuck with me.” Rudo grumbles but doesn’t argue, getting into the car.
Enjin begins driving out of the garage, “Okay! Our hunt for the No Man’s Land lady starts right now.” Enjin eyes Rudo from the rear view mirror, “So Rudo, you don’t think you might have over done it with the trash? You know we’ve got to walk at some point. I mean you could try and bring it all but we’re just gonna laugh at you.” The rattling of trash could be heard from the trunk after every bump in the road.
“It’s all mostly back ups.” Rudo answers. Enjin nods at his response, “Being extra prepared for your second trip into No Man’s Land. Good, cause trouble’s on the way. Be ready for anything.” They drove until they could see the red sand in the distance. They stop just on the outskirts of the No Man’s Land, parking their vehicles under a rock shelter.
Enjin looks around at the shelter before turning to you, “Think this will hold?” You were by the walls, feeling and banging against the wall, “Seem’s so. But let's try to finish this quickly anyway.” You turn back to the group, “Alright everyone, mask up. We’re going in.”
Rudo opens the briefcase, revealing his red and yellow mask. He takes the mask and puts it on.
It falls off.
Again.
And again.
And again.
And—Oh you’re going up to help him now. You take the mask in his hand, tuning it over and pointing at the locking mechanism, “See this? It goes here. Push it until you hear like a hissing noise.” you point to his normal gas mask, before handing him back the full face.
Rudo finally puts it on correctly, showing off his new mask. “Looking badass.” Enjin compliments before turning to the red savana. “Low the desert No Man’s Land, Penta.” He lets out a huff, “Groovy.”
Tamsy was the first to jump down, pinching some sand and examining it as it slips from his fingers, “Interesting, It’s not sand. It’s finely worn waste.” You mutter under your breath, “Isn’t that literally just sand?” Enjin couldn't comment further as a rumble could be heard.
In the distance, smoke clouds could be seen slithering closer as the rumbling grew louder. “Oh, look. The welcoming party’s here.” Enjin sighs, “Okay people, witness report said the woman lives somewhere further in. Make sure you don’t fall behind Rudo.” he turns to the hooded kid who walked up to the ledge, “Wasn’t planning on it.”
Enjin eyes Rudo’s gloves, “Excited to see what 3R’s gonna do to those beasties. Let's go find us a woman.” You turn to Enjin, probably giving him a look under your mask, “Phrasing Enjin. Phrasing.”
Rudo hops in, sliding down a sand dune landing in front of a Trash beast. Or multiple. Stingers erupt from the ground as scorpion like Trash beasts dug out. You and Enjin observe from a safe distance, making sure no Trash beasts get anywhere near Tomme as she takes notes. You turn to the kids, “Well? Get to ass kicking.”
Riyo excitedly jumps in, transforming her scissors into The Ripper and going crazy on the Trash beasts. Zanka was more composed and analytical with his Lovely Assistaff, fending off hits with precision. Clouds of sand are kicked up, making it difficult to see but you keep your eyes on the kids.
More scorpions start to come out, sneakily beginning to surround Zanka as he fights one off. You lightly hit Enjin’s arm to catch his attention, “Go help him. You’re better with groups.” You point out to Zanka. Enjin lets out a groan which only led to him earning a harder slap, “Ow. Okay, okay.”
Enjin launches himself in the air, and opens Umbreaker to glide. He lines himself up before closing and pointing Umbreaker down wards. Umbreaker spins as he dives down, “Octa-Shredder!” Enjin crashes down with a burst of power, splitting the ground eight ways and taking out the scorpions.
With nice timing, Riyo lands behind him. As the sands starts to clear, he can make out the shape of another scorpion through the clouds, “Huh? Now that’s just rude man.” Enjin gets up, resting Umbreaker over his shoulder, “Okay brat. You’re up.”
Rudo dashes from the smoke up to the scorpion. He swiftly dodges an attack and pulls out a battered keyboard, transforming it. He presses some keys and they come to life, flying forward and slamming into the scorpion.
As the smoke clears, the words “asshole” could be seen engraved into the scorpion. You really need to teach the kid more words. Rudo drops the keyboard as it turns to dust, it’s purpose having been fulfilled. Enjin turns to you, seeing you standing over three dead scorpions, Sam shining in your hands.
The wind begins to pick up. Enjin opens Umbreaker again to shield him from the flying sand, “There sure are a lot of those crawlies creeping around here.” Enjin crouches down, swiping his hand through the sand “For them to come out of the ground like that, I’m thinking there’s a whole lot more buried underneath this sand-not-sand—sand—or whatever you want to call it.”
It only took a few swipes to reveal a radio underneath. Yeah, there’s definately a bunch of trash buried down there. You regroup with the three, crouching down to him with cloth, “Can we not touch the maybe toxic sand willy nilly?” You grab Enjin’s hand, wiping his hand clean with the cloth. Enjin’s heart stutters at the contact but he doesn’t pull away, just letting you do your thing.
“Tomme!” Enjin turns to Gris who was scolding Tomme. “You can’t be doing your record keeping duties while we’re in active combat. What were you thinking!” Gris reprimands the supporter. She scratches her head with a sigh, “I guess I wasn’t. But if I waited, I might have forgotten something. Besides, (Y/N) was there to protect me.”
You pocket your cloth and turn back, giving Tomme a thumbs up, “Just keep doing your thing girl.” She gives one back while Gris groans. “And I knew you wouldn’t let anything happen. I mean, it’s your job to protect the record keeper and you’re really good at it.” She tells Gris.
“I can’t protect you from lack of self-preservation.” Gris groans. You stand up and approach the two, “Hey it’s fine Gris. We have more than enough Givers right now. I won’t let anything happen to Tomme, you know it.” Enjin watches as you walk away. He looks down at his now clean hand, flexing his fingers.
He could still feel the warmth from your hand.
“Oh yes. Of course that's it. I know why you’re here. You came to see Amo, so Amo came to see you.”
An unfamiliar voice breaks his trance. He stands up, hand on Umbreaker. A girl in skimpy clothing approaches Rudo, Delmon and Tamsy.“That’s unsettling. Alright, any ideas on how long she’s been there?” Tamsy asks. “I know the sand makes it hard to see but I didn’t even notice her approaching us.” Delmon adds on.
Team Akuta walks up to Rudo, “Anyone else get the feeling our expedition just got a whole lot shorter?” Enjin sarcastically asks. “But there’s no way it’s this easy.” Zanka rebuts. “I don’t know, she doesn't seem like she wants to make things hard for us. Maybe we ask her for directions and go from there.” Enjin suggests.
Riyo immediately takes the opportunity, raising a hand, “Heey! Sup girl? You the one who's seen people traveling between the Sphere and the Ground?” You hold down her arm, “Manners. Also, don’t just go asking random people that.”
The girl raises her hand, mimicking Riyo, “Yes ma’am.” Riyo turns to you with a proud tone, “Asked and answered. The woman we’ve been looking for just found us.” Enjin scratches his neck, “Weird. Guess My luck doesn’t hate me today.”
“Maybe it does and she’s luring you into her trap to feed you to a Trash beast.” You give Enjin a nudge. Enjin looks down at you, “Must you always be so pessimistic?” You tilt your head up at him slightly, “It’s called caution. Stranger danger, remember?"
“Either way, let’s go over there and say—” Enjin is cut off by a cough. The girl covers her mouth with her hand as she coughs, “Sorry, it’s so stinky. And the air here hurts. Can we go and talk some place nice like Amo’s house? The air’s good there so you won’t need a mask.” She coughs some more.
“If she knows about the masks, why isn’t she wearing one?” Zanka is right to be skeptical over the invitation. The girl begins to beg “It’s not that far, promise. Come on…please?” Riyo tugs on Enjin’s sleeve, “Enjin, let me sort this out. I’ll go with her and see what’s what.”
“Absolutely not.” You interject immediately, “We go together. We outnumber her by a lot. If things go south, it’ll be better to have me or Enjin take her on.” You add on. Riyo whines. “Come on, I’m good to handle this.” Enjin hums, “Nah, I’m the best at throwing punches.”
Well, he did say punches, not water.
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Chapter 11 Extra
Enjin x Isekai Supernatural Reader
A/N: Just a little scene I wanted to add, didn't know how to, scrapped, then brought back. Just a short scene before the next episode. Chapter 12 is on the way dw.
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🌂
Everyone got themselves situated in the hotel they were staying at. While Canvas Town mourns and celebrates, the Cleaners aren't going to get their tags anytime soon with all the festivities. Everyone checked in for the night, most already sound asleep.
Not Enjin though.
Enjin stubs out the cigarette bud on the sidewalk and throws it in a bin. He stands up with a groan, stretching out the cramped muscles from sitting so long. He walks back into the hotel, planning to finally go to bed.
“Stay still.”
“They itch.”
“Well, don’t scratch it.”
Seems like he’s not the only one up.
The door to the toilets was left wide open, letting Enjin peek inside to see who it was. You and Rudo stood by the sinks, one was plugged and filled with water. You pat dry Rudo’s hands with a towel. Rudo’s red—almost black hands. No wonder the kid's instrument is his gloves.
You pull out a roll of bandages and begin wrapping his arms. It was quiet, a comfortable silence that didn’t need to be filled, just the sound of the bandage rustling was enough.
“Hey (Y/N), what were those colorful things Remlin exploded in the sky? You seemed really happy watching them.” Rudo was the first to break the silence. You give Rudo a smile, “They are called fireworks. They are often used in celebrations because of how loud and flashy they are.”
Your eyes soften and glaze over, “I’ve only seen fireworks once, back in my world when I was a kid. Probably around your age. There was a famous celebration called the fourth of July. My family usually didn’t celebrate, we didn’t have time to.”
“But that day, my brother managed to sneak us fireworks to play with. I remember being so happy to see them, because for once, I really got to be a kid. Even if it was just for that day.” Your smile turns into something bitter sweet.
Enjin doesn’t like that kind of smile. He prefers the one you wore when watching the fireworks. Maybe he should take you to see more.
You quickly wipe it off, focusing back on Rudo’s bandages. You snip, tape and start on the second arm. “I thought about dad. When watching the fireworks.” Rudo doesn’t look up, just focuses on the bandage circling his arm. You pause for a moment but continue, “Is it because of what Remlin said? About Gob not being able to enjoy the afterlife if we’re all sulking.”
Rudo nods. You think for a moment before speaking, “Your dad loved you, very much. And you love him. That’s why you’re so adamant on getting revenge.” You finish bandaging his arms and hold his hands, “But you can’t let that consume you.”
You crouch down to meet his gaze, “At the end of the day, you’re still his kid, and he would always wish for happiness for his son. So as important as revenge is to you, don’t forget to have fun every once in a while.”
Rudo’s eyes gloss over with tears but he tackles you into a hug to hide them, “I miss him.” You wrap your arms around him tight, rubbing circles into his back, “I know kid. I know.”
Enjin backed away from the doorway quietly, slipping into the shadows and past back to his room. Seems like you got it handled.
Enjin closes the door to his room, leaning back on the door with a sigh. He pulls out the anti-possession necklace you’ve made for him, holding the tiny charm in the palm of his hand.
Each wish you have to for your world, something in him churns and aches.
He closes his hand around the charm, letting the metal dig into his palm.
He hopes he’s strong enough when the time comes.
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Chapter 11: Magic
Enjin x Isekai Supernatural Reader
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Skreeeeeee
Skreeeeeee
Skreeeeeee
Enjin stands outside your door where he can hear the faint sounds coming from. Only in a loose shirt and some sweats, he scratches his stomach and lets out a yawn. It’s 4am, what could you possibly be up to so late? He raises a hand and knocks twice. When the sound stops, he takes it as his cue to enter.
“Sorry. Did I wake you up?” You are sitting at your desk, piles of scrap metal and tools scattered around. Your desk lamp was the only thing lighting the room, revealing your similar outfit, a loose shirt and shorts. Enjin lets out another yawn, scratching the back of his head, “That’s one way to put it. What are you doing so late anyways? We have to go out tomorrow, remember?” He closes the door behind him before approaching your desk.
You hold up a charm, a metal sun with a star in the middle. It gleams in the dim light as you tread a string though it. Enjin tilts his head, "What's that you’re making?” You grab both ends of the long string, “Anti-possession charm. If there are any more demons in this world, this would protect you from being possessed.”
Right. Raiders and Trash beasts aren't the only thing he has to look out for. Now with bits of your world seeping though, who knows what other monsters are out there. You hold out the string to him, “Would you prefer it as a necklace or a bracelet?” He doesn’t think too much about it, “Necklace I guess.” He bends down to your level.
You scoot closer to him, measuring the size of the string. His eyes drift to yours, how you’re focused on making sure the necklace is the right length.
His breath hitches as you move closer to tie the string. He could feel your breath fan his face, smell the crisp scent of your shampoo, feel your touch graze the back of his neck.
Everything was pulled away when you moved back after tying the string. You turn back to your desk, cutting off the excess and adjusting the knot.
Enjin was frozen for a moment before he abruptly straightened up. He turns away from you, rubbing a hand over his flustered face.
What the hell was that?
You hold out the completed necklace to him, “Here, keep it on you at all times. When you eat, sleep, shit, never take it off.” You hum, “Well, I guess take it off when you shower. I don’t want it to rust or break.” Enjin quickly regains his composure, putting on the necklace, “So? What about you? Don’t you need one as well?” he asks.
You tug at the collar of your shirt, exposing the left side of your chest where a tattoo of the charm sits just below your collar bone, “Of course I have one.” Enjin could feel the heat creep up on his neck again. Luckily you turned back to your desk, organising bits of scrap.
“If it works as a tattoo, why don’t I just get one instead?” Enjin asks, wanting a distraction from his recent behavior. “I like your tattoos as they are, I don’t want to ruin them. Besides, I plan to give them to the kids too and I need an excuse for them to wear it. Something like team good luck or protection charm.” You explain to him.
Enjin could feel something in his chest fluttering at your words. Was it the compliment? Your care for the kids? Both? Either way, something is wrong with him—that, he knows.
Enjin pushes everything aside. There are more pressing matters to talk about and he can’t be distracted. “Speaking of protection, is there anything else from your world we should be concerned about?” Enjin sits on your bed behind you, watching you go back to make another charm.
“So far we’ve only seen a demon slip through into this world. I hope that’s all we’ll be dealing with but I’m prepared if there are other monsters.” You speak between cuts of metal. Enjin lets out a hum, closing his eyes and falling back into your bed. “But not all things from my world are bad. I wouldn’t complain if an angel slips though. They’re certainly more informative than low level demons.” You add on.
Enjin opens one eye, looking at you back, “Angels exist too? Like wings and purity and all that jazz?” You look back over your shoulder, giving him a short glance, “Demons exist, why not angels too? In fact, I’m friends with an angel as well.”
That got him to sit up, “You are?” You nod, “Castiel, or Cas for short. He’s helped me and my brothers many times. Hopefully he can help me get some answers in this world too.” You let out a sigh, scratching your head, “But knowing my brothers, he's probably too busy saving them from another near death situation."
“Sounds like a good guy. Hopefully he slips though then.” He says this.
But deep down.
He hopes they never come to his world.
Because that would mean you go back to yours.
When the morning comes, you and Enjin are ready for the day. You meet up with Gris and Follo, all heading to the same destination, August’s workshop. “You think he’s done with Rudo’s full mask yet?” Gris asks the group.
Everyone stood outside the metal doors where they could hear muffled rock music and strange noises coming from inside. Slowly, Enjin opens the door to peek inside, the rest squeezing to catch a look. Scattered drawings, materials, and a crazy August dancing and “singing” to the music. “Yeah… He’s gonna be awhile”
You and Enjin split up from the supporters, waving them goodbye as they head to prepare for their mission. You and Enjin on the other hand, head over to the reception area where Rudo was already waiting with Arkha and Semiu.
You tell them about August’s…enthusiasm. “He’s uh…in the zone huh? At least now you’ve got some time to finish prepping. I suspect Rudo’s full face will be done once you’re back and ready to go.” Boss was behind the desk with Semiu.
“I have a full face? The hell is that?” Rudo turns to you and Enjiin. “It’s something we gotta wear when we go into a No Man’s Land. You saw mine when I first saved your skinny butt, remember?” Enjin digs through his bag, pulling out his full mask to show Rudo. “Oh, that’s what that is.” Rudo understands.
“The Cleaners has a good designer that makes all our uniforms and full faces. Unfortunately, he doesn’t do well under pressure so we just let him work at his own pace.” You explain to Rudo. “Zanka tried to rush him once and almost got himself a new hole.” Enjin added with a laugh.
“Quirks aside, our artist is good people. And while he works, you’ve got a thing to get. Nothing fancy, just a little magic.” Boss pipes in. Rudo is understandably confused at his words. “Nobody knows what will go down in a No Man’s Land. Step on the wrong piece of trash? You’re done. It’s no joke how easy it is to become Trash beast food in there.” Semiu emphasises with her hands.
Semui rests her elbows on her desk, supporting her head with one hand, “So we want y'all protected before you get eaten. We work with a Cleaner who handles that for us. But, he’s gotta draw on ya.”
“He what?” Rudo blurts out. “It’s how his powers work. It’ll probably look like the tags he’s put up around HQ. He’s always coming and going. Haven’t seen him in awhile though.” Semiu explains, “Which sucks because now we gotta drive out to go see him.” Enjin butts in with a groan.
“But why does that suck? Where does this guy even live?” Rudo turns back to Enjin. Enjin lets out a huff, “Where all wild things live—”
“Canvas Town!” You exclaim with excitement. Enjin let out an amused chuckle at your behavior. “But, before we head out. Say hi to the team for this deadly fact finding expedition.” Enjin turns to the group that just arrived. “Ain’t they something?”
“From Akuta, we’ve got your buddy Zanka, the lovely Riyo, the amazing (Y/N), and of course, yours truly. From Eager, we’ve got Delmon and also Tamsy. And from our supporters, we've got Gris, Follo and Tomme.” Enjin introduces.
“Usually, you want to have a team of five supporters. But since we’re going to a No Man’s Land, for safety, we’re minimising our supporters and maximising our Givers.” You add on, explaining the chosen team member. Your smile drops slightly when you spot Tamsy. Enjin takes note of that, making a mental reminder to ask you about it.
Delmon approaches Rudo’s tiny figure, looming over him. “RUDO! YOUR LIFE STORY BROKE MY HEART! TO THINK ANYONE COULD BE SO CRUEL TO ONE OF THEIR OWN! THE HELL YOUR PEOPLE PUT YOU THROUGH IS UNFORGIVABLE! IT'S ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO MEET PASSIONATE PEOPLE LIKE YOU! YOU SIR ARE EAGER MATERIAL!”
“Take a breath Delmon. Don’t forget, Enjin recruited him. That automatically makes him Akuta.” Tamsy cuts him off, placing a hand on Rudo’s shoulder and pulling him close “Pay him no mind. He’s just a passionate person, like you. He’s right though, it’s always a pleasure meeting passionate people.”
“Speaking of passion.” You place a hand on Rudo’s other shoulder, pulling him to you instead. “Let’s let Mr. Passion do his thing.” Enjin butts in before Tamsy could say anything, letting you pull Rudo further from Tamsy, “Delmon, you're up.” Enjin points to Delmon. Zanka puts on his ear plugs and steps back.
“ALRIGHT LETS GOOOOOO! IT’S TIME TO CLEAN UP!” Rudo takes a step back in surprise at Delmon’s outburst.
“LISTEN WELL COMRADES! THOUGH THE ROCKY ROAD AHEAD HIDES MANY DANGERS, DO NOT FEAR! BECAUSE WE ARE THE CLEANERS! AND CLEANERS NEVER FALUNTEEEEEEEEERRRRRRR!”
“Yeah!”
“ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHH”
“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH”
Overwhelmed by the screaming, Rudo can’t help but join in too.
“Ahh…aghh…AHHHHHHHHHHHH”
Entering the garage, everyone stares at the single jeep available. “So…how are we doing this?” Riyo questions.
You walk off, heading to where your bike is parked, “I’m taking my bike. No way am I squeezing with all of you.” Riyo perks up, jogging to catch up “I call dibs on riding with you!” Enjin sputters, “What? Wait, hold on! You can’t do that!” He grabs Riyo’s collar, stopping her.
“Yes I can! You got to ride with her last time! It's my turn!” Riyo fights back, pushing Enjin’s face away as he pulls her jacket to stop her. “Enjin.” You call out from your bike, making both of them pause, “She’s right. Riyo is riding with me this time.”
Enjin deflates in defeat as Riyo happily skips over to you and hops on your bike. She gives Enjin one last smug grin before turning to you as you instruct her on what to do. Enjin grumbles as she rubs salt into the wound. “Enjin, come on. You’re driving.” Gris calls out from the jeep. Enjin drags his feet over, hopping in the driver's seat.
He checks in the side mirrors, seeing you and Riyo ready with your masks. You gesture to him to go first, indicating that you’ll follow behind. He gives a thumbs up out of the window before winding it back up and turning on the ignition.
The ride to Canvas Town is surprisingly silent, though he guesses everyone already exhausted their energy screaming earlier. He occasionally checks the mirrors, making sure you and Riyo are close behind. He clicks his tongue as he sees you showing off another trick on your bike to Riyo. That should have been him. He drives through a tight alley, almost knocking into two people who were graffitiing on a wall.
“Hey dirt bag! Watch where you’re going! You’re messing up my lines!”
“And you nearly killed us!”
“My bad!” Enjin yells out a half hearted apology, continuing his drive. They drive closer to the giant crater where the dome of Canvas Town sits. Enjin carefully drove down the slopes and to the entrance of the town. Everyone gets out of the car, some—Rudo— took the time to admire the dome that protects the town.
Vroom!
“Woo-hoo!”
You and Riyo drop down from the sky, having driven off the ledge of a slope. Your bike skids to a stop beside his jeep. “That was amazing!” Riyo hops off first, taking off her mask. Enjin lets out a scoff, mumbling under his breath, “Show off.”
“What was that?” You take off your mask, looking directly at him.
“Nothing!”
You kick down your stand and meet up with him. The group approaches the entrance where two men were already standing. One of the men stepped back, rubbing his head, “Ow, damn. The hell was that?” The man looks up at the gaping entrance.
“Uh, what are you talking about?” his partner asks him. “Well—this—something weird is going on. It looks open but it’s like something’s blocking me.” the man explains. His partner scoffs, “You got to be bullshit—” his partner walks into an invisible wall.
Looks like they’re up to no good.
“See? There’s something there.” They feel the invisible wall, not being able to pass through.
Well, it ain’t our problem.
Enjin and the group walked through the entrance with ease. Rudo hangs back, not exactly sure what is happening. “Ignore the idiots outside. Just come on in. Unless you’ve got some funny business planned that is. Otherwise, you’re golden.” Enjin calls out to Rudo.
You go back to the mouth of the gates, holding out a hand to Rudo. Rudo jogs up to the entrance, giving the men a look before passing through and grabbing your hand. The group goes deeper into Canvas Town. Your eyes sparkle with quiet awe as you glance around at all the new graffiti. Your hand, that is still interlaced with Rudo’s, lightly swings.
“Whoa, what is this?” Rudo, much like you, is taking in his surroundings with awe. “The words you’re looking for are “so sick”.” Riyo responds. “A lot of people on the ground are artists and need something to put their art on. Unfortunately not many appreciate art.” You give him a proper answer.
“Legend has it, Canvas Town was founded to give creative types somewhere to scratch their art itch however they wanted.” Enjin adds on. “It gets more painted every time I’m here. This place sure loves living up to its name.” Zanka comments. “Corvus told me once that back in the day, people used to call it “The City of Art”.” Riyo gives some trivia. “Looks like you’ve got some paint on you, Delmon.” Tamsy points out. “HUH?”
“So wait, are we here just to see art?” Rudo looks up at you. Enjin looks over his shoulder to address him, “No. We’re here to see a certain someone who makes art. The Cleaner’s artist associate. Remember?” Enjin turns back to the front, “He’s gotta tag us up, cause we’re gonna need all the protection we can get.”
“How does that even work?” Rudo tilts his head. Enjin groans, “Uh—agh, you had to ask.” you let out a giggle, stopping in front of a graffiti wall, “Much like how we put Anima into our Vital Instruments, the artist does the same except it's powerful enough to bring effects to life.” You put a hand on the wall, “If he thinks hard enough, say “make this wall indestructible.” That thought transfers to his art and makes that effect real. Get it?”
Enjin nods at your explanation, “It’s pretty much like that. Remember the gate? How was something keeping those two dipsticks out? Well that’s because our Giver friend drew the spell, "don't let no punks who wanna start something inside the city” all along the outside wall, keeping out the riffraff” he gives the most recent example.
“Such a long spell name. You couldn’t have come up with something better?” You gave him a look. He ignores it, going back to leading the group, “And now riff and raff’s nasty plans will never come together.”
“Sounds like his power is just whatever he wants.” Rudo gathers from what he understands. Enjin tries to correct him “Yeah, kinda. Thing is, it’s not his. His instrument’s a rare breed. It’s actually been handed down—HGM!” Something runs straight into him. A kid falls back from the force.
“Whoa, sorry. You okay?” Enjin asks them. The kid turns back to him, tears in their eyes.
“Huh?”
The kid wipes their tears and runs past them.
Enjin is frozen in place.
“You know, you made the kid cry.” Riyo says. “Huhh?” Enjin splutters, still not coming to terms on what has happened. “Enjin made a kid cry!” Riyo teases him. You give him a disappointed frown. “No! I just—shit” he tries to defend himself. Don’t look at me like that!
“I wasn’t expecting you all to get here so soon.” A voice speaks up from behind Enjin. Turning around, he sees the mayor, “He-heyyy, Mr Mayor. What a surprise.” Enjin hopes the mayor didn’t see what happened earlier, that would ruin his rep.
Enjin clears his throat as he approaches the mayor, “Thought we might find you in your house like usual. We were just about to go hit up Gob. Know where he’s hanging out today?”
“So you haven't heard. Gob’s no longer with us. He died this morning”
Enjin stands by the bed where a white cloth covers his body. No tears. Just a sense of…loss. “What happened?” he asks the mayor.
“Pollution poisoning. Gob was compelled to follow his inspiration wherever it led. And more than once it led him straight into a polluted zone. I’m sure he went maskless more often than not.” The mayor explained. You stand beside Enjin, grabbing a hold of his hand. He gives it a squeeze. I’m okay.
The mayor continues, “He’d get so wrapped up in his art, he’d forget. I reminded him. Time and again I’ve told that fool to wear his mask.” Enjin drops to his knees to pay his respects. You do the same, letting your hand fall from his grasp to clasp them together. You close your eyes and bow your head.
Praying, he thinks it’s called. You told him that’s what people from your world do when someone passes. Enjin closes his eyes and bows his head. He doesn’t pray, and he won’t pretend to know how. But he’ll still give his respects in the ways he does know.
“I’m sorry Enjin. This isn’t how I wanted anyone to find out about him.” The mayor apologises, “It’s fine. It’s not like there is a good way to know.” Enjin rasps out, voice heavy. “You really shouldn’t let this bother you. It’s a rather boring cause of death here.” Enjin could hear Tamsy say behind him. Looking back, he sees Tamsy looking at Rudo who seems to also be grieving over Gob.
How could he say that? A death is still a loss of life. Even the kid has more empathy than him.
Is this why you don’t like Tamsy?
Enjin stands up, offering you a hand to help you up as well. “You should know, Gob had a successor picked out for a while.” The mayor pulls out The Pen. “It’s a small relief that his Vital Instrument will be passed on. It’s how it works. The user chooses who will inherit it. Don’t know if there is any rhyme or reason to who they choose. Maybe it’s just about skill. I like to think it’s something deeper than all that.” The mayor fiddles with The Pen.
“Regardless, once it’s been passed on, The Pen awakens the inheritor's powers as a Giver and they become the spellcaster of Canvas Town, with all the responsibilities that come with it.” The mayor looks up at the child crying across from him, the same child that bumped into Enjin “I’m sorry, I should’ve introduced you by now. This is Remlin Tysark, the artist Gob appointed to become the next spellcaster.”
“They’re quite exceptional. Being chosen to inherit this pen is proof of that fact. It’s just—I’m not sure it’s wise. The spellcaster is very much the voice of Canvas Town. It seems unfair to place such immense pressure on someone so young.” The mayor reveals his struggle. It’s understandable, being the spellcaster is no easy job and to dump it on a kid would be stripping their future life.
“Not to mention inheriting such power. It’s backwards. The time and care it takes to become a Giver prepares you for it. But not every Giver had that kind of preparation. Long as you have the potential, you can become a Giver. You just need to touch a Vital Instrument.” Follo explains to Rudo.
“Granted the instrument needs to be of high enough quality. Zanka says that aptitude plays a part when it’s still just gaining power without understanding.” Follo eyes Rudo’s gloves. “Heavy new things aside, a Vital Instrument that can be passed on isn’t exactly common” Tamsy adds on. Follo agrees, “That’s true.”
The mayor apologizes to Enjin again, “Sorry man. I know you’re busy, but you may have to wait awhile for your spells.” Enjin turns to him, reassuring him, “You focus on you and yours now. We’re not in any rush.” You place a comforting hand on his shoulder, “Gob deserves to be grieved properly. Take all the time you need.”
The mayor gives you and Enjin an appreciative nod, “Gob meant a lot to us all, but for Remlin, they were thick as thieves. Family. Such a tragedy. And so sudden.” The mayor bites his lips, suppressing a sob. He covers his face with a hand, “Gob brought us so much joy and now he’s gone. And it feels like joy is too.”
“He loved making art, whether by request, or just for him. I’m not an artist. I don’t see the world in the way they do. That’s why I became the mayor of Canvas Town. To protect those who see wonder all around them.” The mayor reminisced.
“I get it. Gob would just appear at HQ and tag wherever he wanted with whatever he wanted. Then he’d dipped to go tag up something else. Always smiling like he got away with something. Think I’ll miss that the most.” Enjin does the same, remembering the free spirit of Gob.
“Speaking of dipping, we probably shouldn’t bother you any longer.” You tell the mayor. The mayor sniffles, wiping his tears, “Alright. Again, I'm sorry.” You pat his back, comforting him, “Don’t be. Things happen and it's unfortunate he had to go so soon. We’ll pick things back up when you’re ready.”
Enjin turns to the kid opposite him, giving them a comforting smile, “Bye Remlin. See you around.” Remlin doesn't answer but he takes no offence to that, “We’ll hang out another day. Till then.” He promises.
…
“I’M DONEEEE!” Remlin shot up, surprising you, Enjin and the mayor.
Remlin sniffles—no, more like inhaling back their snot—and wiping their tears, “I’m so done. Screw this! No more crap vibes!” Remlin jumps in front of the mayor, shocking him enough to fall back. Luckily, Enjin was already behind and ready to catch the old man, lowering him gently to the ground.
“Let’s party.” Remlin declares with a smile. The mayor can only gape at them like a fish, not sure what to make of Remlin’s sudden mood change. Remlin easily snatches up The Pen from the mayor and bolts out of the room. Enjin and the mayor share a confused look before following after the kid.
The group followed the kid to the roof where they were placing spray paint cans in a circle. “Uh, Remlin?” the mayor calls out to the kid. “I had this thought. Gob dying hurts something fierce, and everything sucks. But he’s got an afterlife to live. He can’t get his freak on while we’re crying. So I’m done.”
Remlin uncaps The Pen and stands up, pen raised high, “Ya’ll ready for this?”
Power surges into a beautiful orange glow as The Pen transforms into a brush. Remlin draws something on the ground, activating the paint cans into fireworks.
Balls of fire shoot up into the sky, exploding into brilliant colors. “LET'S PARTY!”
You gasp up at the sky in awe, laughing along with the celebration. Enjin’s gaze follows your figure, how your body twirls and turns to admire the show from all angles. Canvas Town has got back the vibrancy it temporarily lost.
“I’m truly sorry Enjin. It looks like you still won’t be getting your spells for a while.” Enjin’s gaze is pulled away when the mayor apologises yet again. This time, it's not laced with as much sorrow as before. “I figured. I mean, this is Canvas Town. The city of freedom and joy.”
“Enjin! Look at the fucking fireworks! They’re so pretty, and cool and—holy shit!” You laugh as colors dance across the sky. Enjin’s gaze softens, admiring how the colors shift and change across your face, how the joy is so clear in your eyes.
“Yeah. They’re really pretty.”
But he wasn’t looking at the sky.
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Chapter 10: Chill day
Enjin x Isekai Supernatural Reader
A/N: I forgot how dialog heavy ep 8 is. This chapter is 5.2k words and I debated splitting it into two chapter but I wanted each chapter to follow an episode of the anime. Anyways, probably no second chapter this week either and this is not proof read so if you see any mistakes, feel free to comment. I wanted to quickly post this tonight because I have a full shift at work tomorrow.
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🌂
It took no time for everyone to drive back to HQ, you and Enjin being the first to arrive with your bike. You slow the bike to a stop the moment you enter the garage, quickly kicking up the stand and hopping off. You take off your masks and turn to him, “I need to go set up the trauma bay for Gris when they get here.” You head to the elevator.
Enjin nods, hopping off the bike and taking off his masks, “Of course. You go do your thing. I’ll write up the report for Semiu.” Enjin grabs Umbreaker from the storage box before jogging to catch up to you.
You cross your arms, leaning against the wall, “Also, could you look out for Rudo when he gets here? He seemed to be blaming himself for what happened to Gris.” Enjin gives a teasing grin, “Gee, I wonder where he got that from.” You give him a scowl, muttering under your breath, “...Shut up.”
“Seriously though.” His grin drops, “ You’re still not blaming yourself for what happened right?” You go quiet at that, averting your gaze to the ground. Enjin lets out a sigh. Yeah, he thought so. “I was the one that suggested Zanka in the first place. And so what? The raiders were a bit tougher than we thought, no biggie.” He shrugs.
You snap back to him, “No biggie? Enjin—” He cuts you off before you could spiral, “Zanka got stronger from fighting them. And I hear that Rudo managed to get his Vital Instrument to work properly from that fight. But most importantly…” He meets your gaze, “Everyone is alive.”
You frown, “But still…” Enjin rests a hand on your shoulder, “Sure, things could have gone sideways. But it didn’t. So we take that chance and learn and we don't let it happen again.” You close your eyes and let out a breath, bringing a hand over the one on your shoulder.
You give his hand a squeeze before letting go as the elevator comes to a stop, “Thanks. For, you know… not leaving me.” As if he could ever. Enjin shoots you a grin, “You’re my partner, where you go, I go.”
You head your separate ways, you to the infirmary and Enjin to the reception. Enjin gives Semiu a wave as he approaches her desk, “Yo, Semiu.” He greets her before propping himself on her desk. Semiu lets out a sigh at his behaviour but doesn’t look away from her computer, “I got the report from Zanka on his mission. And I’m glad everyone’s alive, but what about you? What happened on your mission?”
Enjin looks around, making sure the coast is clear before leaning down to her level. His voice is lowered, knowing that this can’t get out to the rest of the cleaners, “Buckle up, cause I’m about to sound batshit crazy.”
Semiu takes off her glasses, pinching the bridge of her nose, “You weren’t kidding. Are you sure this is right?” Enjin explained everything that happened with the demon. The only thing he left out was your talk after. You trusted him with your past, so it stays between you and him.
Enjin lets out a huff, “Of course I’m right! I was right there.” he hops off her desk, dusting off his coat, “Anyways, I’ll write up a proper report on it later. But you know this can’t go with the others right?” He looks over his shoulder. Semiu is just as serious as he is, “Of course. Who do you think I am?”
Semiu rests her elbow on her desk, using her palm to prop her head up, “Though I am concerned. First Rudo, now (Y/N). Things are getting weird around here. And I don’t like it.” Enjin frowns. She’s right, things have been getting weirder since Rudo came to the Ground. But regardless, “We’ll deal with it when the time comes. Just like we always do.”
Enjin makes his way out of the reception area. The rest should be back by now and he has to find Rudo. He did say he’ll look out for him. Enjin wanders around HQ to find Rudo. His room, the mass hall, the common room. Looking out a window to the courtyard is where he sees the mop of white and black hair.
Enjin heads down, seeing Rudo already moping on a bench. He rests Umbreaker by the bench before taking a seat beside him. He rests his arms on the back rest and crosses his legs, “Damn, your sulking game’s top tier. I’m jealous.” No answer.
“Oh, I heard you figured out how to use your instrument so congrats on the breakthrough. Those ain’t easy. I’m betting the old boss man—”
“Shut up!” Rudo snaps, “Stop trying to cheer me up okay? They got Gris because of me. All I could do was watch it happen just like with my dad.” Ah, so that’s where it’s coming from. Rudo continues, “Thought it’d be better here—I’d be better. But I thought that I’d changed, and I was moving forward, but I can’t stop screwing it all up. Is this just how it's gonna be till the day I die?”
“Damn it!” Rudo curses. Enjin turns to Rudo, facing him better, “Gris isn’t your baggage, okay? He made his own choices knowing all the risks. He didn’t protect you because of anything you did or didn’t do. He did it because like you, he cares about objects and people equally.” Enjin stands up from the bench, grabbing Umbreaker.
I mean, the kid clearly needed the pep talk.
Still, messing with the kid a little wouldn't hurt.
“Let's go pay our respects. You coming or what?” He glanced back at Rudo for a moment. He continues his way to the infirmary once he hears Rudo’s footsteps jogging up behind him.
Enjin holds the door, letting Rudo into the infirmary first. You were standing by a bed with your back to them. You look back over your shoulder at the noise of the door, “Oh, that’s fast.” You fully turn around with a clipboard, revealing Gris already sitting up. Looks like he’s awake.
Rudo sputters at the sight. Gris smiles, “There’s the man who's just awakened his power. Good on ya.” He gives Rudo a thumbs up, “Glad to see you bounce back.” Rudo gasps in disbelief, rubbing his eyes to see if it’s real.
“I thought—you died.” Rudo sputtered. Tomme raises a hand, patting Rudo’s hair affectionately. Enjin snickered, doing the same, “That’s cute, you were down in the dumps because you thought Gris died saving you from freaky dreadlocks man. You precious little softie you.”
Rudo growls in embarrassment. “Don’t count me out so quickly man. I’m not kneeling over just yet.” Gris comments. Rudo finally had enough, pushing away the hands patting him and pointing at Gris, “Come on! Can you blame me? You took a claw to the chest, that’s not something people usually walk away from!”
“Ouch.” Enjin clutches the back of his head as he feels the smack from your clipboard. He turns to you who has a hand on your hip while waving the clipboard, “Which also begs the question of why Rudo still thought Gris died. We’ve got a superb medical team after all.” Enjin lets out a nervous chuckle. Busted.
Gris nods, turning to you and Eishia, “Though most of the credit from my recovery goes to these…” Gris trails off when he sees you subtly pointing at Eishia. He lets out an amused huff, fully turning to Eishia, “This incredible little lady.” Gris corrects himself.
You walk around the bed to stand by Eishia’s side. You gesture to her with a hand, “This is Eishia Stilza, our only Giver with healing powers.” Eishia bows her head bashfully, “It’s really not that big a deal. I’m usually just around not doing anything. Except for today.” She says quietly.
“She’s also about as shy as Zanka is fussy.” Enjin explains after seeing Rudo’s dead look. “Eishia” Gris calls out to her, “I wouldn’t even be here right now if it weren’t for you. That’s something to be proud of.” You give her a thumbs up, quietly supporting her.
“Follo, chin up. Come on, don’t sulk in the corner, you’re part of this too. If you hadn't gotten me stable and clear of the fight, I wouldn’t have made it home.” Gris calls out to the supporter. “But—” You cut Follo off, “You did well. You acted calmly and swiftly, buying us critical time for Eishia to do her work.”
Gris nods, “Don’t beat yourself up because you’re not a Giver yet. It’ll happen, just takes time.” Follo sniffles before launching himself on the bed, sobbing into the covers, “Stop being so nice!” Gris turns back to Rudo, “And thank you. You were truly incredible out there. That raider was a nasty piece of work but you and Zanka kept him in check. Now that’s teamwork.”
“And please, don’t worry about the talisman. I’m just happy something I cared for was useful to someone else. That’s what gives something worth in my eyes.” Gris reassures Rudo. Rudo frowns, but eventually accepts what happened, “Yeah, make sense. And Gris, I’m really glad you didn’t get killed.”
“On that note, I think it’s safe to assume that this won’t be the last fight the raiders pick with us.” Enjin speaks up, changing the topic. “And that changes things. We’ll probably scrap with more than Trash beasts in the future. On the bright side, we’ve learned ourselves something new.” Enjin gives Rudo a grin.
“One of the raiders mentioned “crossing the border.” That phrase alone all but confirmed they’ve been doing research into the sphere.” A deep voice comes from behind him. Turning around, Enjin confirms the owner of the voice. “Enjin?” Rudo asks, confused. “Hey Boss.” Enjin greets.
Rudo turns around alarmed, staring at the boss with awe. “It is a pleasure to finally meet you Rudo. Sorry I was absent when you first got to HQ.” Arkha approaches Rudo, towering over him. “Ah, where are my manners? My name’s Arkha Corvus, and I lead the Cleaners. Heard you wanted to see me.” He leans back, giving Rudo space.
“Wha? Oh! Yes I did Sir.” Rudo answered surprisingly respectfully. “Well, as it happens, I wanted to see you too. I’ve been told you plan to leave as soon as you got what you wanted from us. I’m afraid that’s reason enough to let you go.” Arkha closes his eyes.
“However, in your short time here, you’ve seen the good in our mission and my people. You’ve even risked your life for them. Just like someone else we know.” He shoots you a look. “And to be a hundred percent clear, you have access to a power that can contribute immensely to our cause. So welcome to our band of weirdos.”
“I, Arkha Corvus, officially accept you as our newest Cleaner.” Arkha turns around, “Come with me to my office. I’ve got new clothes and info to give you.” He begins walking out of the room. Rudo turns back to Enjin, then to you, flicking between you and him. You and Enjin give him a nod, encouraging the boy.
Rudo jogs to catch up with the Arkha, following him to his office. You walk up to Enjin, watching Rudo disappear down the hall before letting out a quiet breath, “Well that settles that. Let’s check with Semiu. The Boss probably already gave her our next mission.” Enjin nods, wrapping an arm around your shoulders, “Sure, lets. By the way…”
Enjin leans in close to whisper in your ear, “Good job today fixing Gris up. You deserve some praise too.”
You lean back with a shiver, covering your ear, “Don’t do that.” Enjin backs up with a grin, noticing the heat creeping up your neck. It’s not often he gets you flustered.
You quickly get your next mission from Semiu, find the woman who lives out in No Man’s Land to learn more about the border. Sounds simple enough. Afterwards, you head to the Boss’s office to pick up Rudo. “I wonder how creative August got with his uniform.” You hum. “I’m sure he made him look badass.” Enjin knocks on the door twice before opening it.
“My man! Knew you’d wear the ever loving hell out of your cleaner’s uniform. You look ready to take on the world.” Enjin praises, digging Rudo’s new look. “It suits you.” You approach Rudo, adjusting the hood to sit symmetrically.
…
It didn’t take long before Rudo was storming out of HQ, dragging Follo along who was trying to hold him back, “Just calm the hell down! You’ll go see the woman in No Man’s Land but it’s not gonna be today!” Follo plants his feet down but it does little to stop the boy’s march.
“Damn! You’re strong!” Follo complains. Enjin was steadily following behind them, waiting for either Rudo to come to his senses or tire out.
“Screw waiting! If she can help me get back to the Sphere then, I’m not just gonna sit on my ass!” Rudo grunts with each step. Then—
Swish!
Thunk!
A small pebble came flying past him, hitting Rudo square in the head, causing him to flinch. All the boys looked back to see you strolling up to them, “Calm down, Rudo. If it was that easy, why do you think I’m still here?” You stop by Enjin’s side.
Enjin backs you up, “She’s right. Besides this isn’t something you can run into half-cocked and expect good things to happen. Your destination is the center of No Man’s Land. Remember what that's like?”
You raise a hand, listing off with your fingers, “Do you know how to get there? Do you have enough food or water? Do you even have the proper equipment? You don’t even know what you can do. You’re just gonna get yourself killed.”
Rudo looks back confused, “What do you mean “know what I can do "?" Enjin explains to him, “You’ve found your power’s on off switch—which is awesome—but beyond that, you know diddly squat about it. And if you’re ignorant of your strengths, limits and whatnot, so is your team.”
Rudo stands up straight, letting Follo slide to the ground. He turns back to face you and Enjin, “Hold up, are you saying that you’re gonna come with me?” You walk up to Rudo, ruffling his hair, “Of course we are.” Enjin turns around, adding to your comment, “We gotta. Soloing in No Man’s Land is suicide.”
“Besides, a Cleaner’s job is just as much about researching Trash beasts and where they pop up as it is about taking them out.” Enjin continues “There’s a lot we can learn from going into a No Man’s Land. But we’ve gotta be smart about it on top of watching out for raiders.”
Rudo perks up, “Oh that’s right. Hey, why is it that raiders like that masochist guy can become Givers like us?” You chimed in, “Anyone can be a Giver. It doesn’t matter if you’re good or bad. Not like there’s really such a thing anyways.”
Enjin nods, adding on, “Plenty of seemingly good people treat their objects like shit. And plenty of seemingly bad people treat them as precious. Morality is irrelevant. It’s what you give to something that makes a Giver.” he begins to walk back to HQ, “Now, that’s not gonna win you a lot of people’s respect of course. It’s gonna make them call you "Co-dependent” and other delightful words”
He hears you following him behind. You hum “Not like you can blame them. Obsession, especially over an object, is just weird.” Enjin turns to you, “Yeah, so I’d imagine we look pretty weird to most folks.” he lets out a chuckle.
“Not for nothing, but I suggest a chill day. Gotta catch our breaths between the non stop action.” Enjin suggests, holding the doors to HQ open for you. “You just want to slack off.” You comment, giving him a knowing look as you pass him. He pouts at that, “Aw, come on. We deserve a break.” The door closes behind them, leaving the two boys behind them.
You and Enjin head to the common room. Bro, already lounging on the couch, turns towards the door and greets you and Enjin with a wave, “Hey, (Y/N), Enjin.” You and Enjin sit on the opposite couch, greeting him as well. Bro takes out a deck of cards, waving the box, “You guys up for a game?”
You pick at the sweets platter, taking a bite out of a cookie, “Are we placing bets on this?” Enjin immediately shakes his head, “No! The last time we played with money you nearly milked me dry!” You click your tongue, “Tch, stingy.” Bro lets out a laugh before shuffling and dealing the cards, “Let’s do Old Maid then. No money involved.”
You three played a few games, tossing pairs, passing jokers. “Game.” You toss down your last pair, clearing your hand while both Enjin and Bro still have a good handful of cards. “I swear, you’re cheating. I just don’t know how.” Enjin narrows his eyes at you. You give him a smirk, “No one likes a sore loser.”
Then, something tugs at your jacket. Looking down, you see Dear sucking on his pacifier. He points over to the kids table where some paper and crayon lay scattered around. You look at the table then back at Dear with a smile, “You want me to draw with you?” Dear nods. He lets go of your jacket and goes back to the kids table.
“Looks like I’m wanted elsewhere boys.” You stand up, joining Dear by the table. Since the stool was too small for you, you settled with sitting on the ground as you doodled with Dear. Enjin watches you for a moment. How your eyes narrow with focus on a simple doodle. How you immediately break that focus when Dear asks you to draw something for him.
“Enjin.”
“Enjin!” Enjin snaps back to Bro who is holding his cards out. Right, it’s his turn. Enjin hastily picks out a card.
Damn, it was the joker.
After a few rounds, barely making a dent in their hands, Riyo and Rudo entered the common room. Rudo kneels in front of the sweets tray, gawking at it. “The Cleaners sometimes buy from this group called the Vianders. And sometimes they hook us up with the good stuff.” Riyo explains to him.
“Hey brat. Come to get your sugar on?” Enjin asks. Riyo turns to him, “Yup. Says he’s never had sweets.” He picks at his cards, organizing them, “Not sure how it is in the Sphere, but down here desserts are vice of choice for most everyone.” He tosses down a pair. “So, moderation and all that crap.”
“All this rich people's food, just out for anybody to take!” Rudo restraints himself from grabbing everything at once. “Pollution makes it hard to grow anything down here. Folks do what they can—which isn’t that much—but our friends, the Vianders, have been collecting Givers who specialise in cooking.” Enjin explains.
He leans back with an arm slung over the couch, “Now thanks to them, the Ground’s probably got more tasty treats floating around than you guys floating up there.” Riyo slides beside him on the table, “Help yourself.” She beckons the boy. Rudo nervously picks up a pink macaroon, hesitating for a second before taking a bite.
“AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH”
Rudo begins greedily gobbling up the rest of the treats, “The hell is this? It’s like heaven in my mouth!” Riyo smiles at the monster she’s created, “This is exactly how I was hoping it’d go.” Enjin scoffs, "Addiction much?” but Rudo only continues to stuff his face with more treats.
“Ease up man. Check yourself before you wreck yourself.” Enjin scolds when he realises Rudo is not stopping anytime soon. Enjin’s attention shifts to the footsteps that approach Rudo.
Dear looms over Rudo’s kneeling figure silently.
Staring.
Judging.
You go back to your spot beside Enjin, wanting to see how it plays out.
Rudo looks at Dear, then to the sweets tray. He looks down at the lollipop in his hand before reluctantly offering it to Dear, “Here. Take it.” His hand trembles, not wanting to part from the sweet.
Dear snatches the lollipop out of his hand, plucks out his pacifier, and bites down.
Dear offers Rudo a hand with a smug huff.
“The hell is this spoiled brat’s problem?” Rudo points to Dear, looking at you and Enjin expectantly. “You need to calm down.” Enjin deadpans. “Dear!” Bro grabs a hold of Dear’s collar, pulling him down to the couch beside him, “So sorry.” Bro apologies.
You wave a hand dismissing his apology, “Nah, it’s no big deal.” You get up from your seat and round to Rudo’s side. You ruffle his hair, “Besides, Rudo should be the one apologizing. You’re hogging all the sweets and calling people names for wanting some as well.” Rudo looks down embarrassed, muttering his own apology.
You shoot him a proud smile before turning back to Bro. Bro nods, accepting Rudo’s apology. He stands from his seat, dragging Dear with him, “Well, we should get going soon. We have a mission to complete.” You nod, waving goodbye to him and Dear, “Be safe out there.” Bro gives an appreciative smile as Dear waves back.
Everyone says their goodbyes to Bro and Dear, only leaving Team Akuta in the common room. Enjin turns to you “Oh, right. We have that thing to prepare for that thing.” You tilt your head, “That thing?” Enjin subtly points to Rudo who has gone back to chowing down on the sweets, “You know. “That” thing.”
You light up with realisation, “Ohhh,” before glaring at him, “Why couldn’t you just say it clearly?” Riyo looks between you and Enjin, “What thing? Can I join?” Enjin lets out a huff, standing up from his seat, “Sure, lets go.”
You give Rudo one last head pat and a warning before following him, “Don’t eat all the sweets.” You, Enjin and Riyo exit the common room, leaving the boy to eat to his heart’s content. “You got a lot to make up for after what you did to Rudo, young lady.” Enjin lightly scolds the girl as he leads the way down the halls.
“Okay, I didn't expect that it'd go down like that. Besides, I think it’s good that he’s found something he likes.” Riyo defends herself. “Yeah, but couldn’t you have picked something besides sweets? Rudo’s gonna get diabetes before he makes it back to the Sphere.” You let out a sigh, dreading the future of Rudo’s health.
Riyo turns to you, “Right, you’re from the Sphere too right? How come you didn’t act like Rudo after eating sweets?” She asks curiously.
Because you’ve had them before.
Back in your world.
Is the correct answer if Riyo knew.
You mused, “Well I guess it’s because I prefer bigger sweets. Like pie or cake.” Enjin snickers, “Don’t let that fool you. She cried when she first had a hamburger.” You smack his arms as his snicker turns to a full cackle, “I did not!”
“Did too!”
“Did not!”
Enjin wraps an arm over your shoulder, pulling you in, “Aw, it's okay to cry over a burger. It was probably the first good food you had in what? Years?” You grumble but don’t argue back knowing he’s right to some extent.
Eventually, Team Akuta gathers around the courtyard. Enjin on the bench with you leaning on his side with Riyo leaning on your side. Zanka and Rudo are in the middle with Rudo straining himself to activate his power on a knife.
“Huh? Need me to bleed out?” Zanka asks sarcastically. “Ohoho, this is hilarious! My man got so high on sweets he’s having performance issues! Pfft—” Enjin laughs. You slap Enjin’s thigh, “Don’t be mean.” You reprimand but that doesn't stop the giggles.
“Though we were here to gauge your powers today, not the long term effects of an all sugar diet. Glad you’ve got a neck again though.” Riyo teases Rudo, leading Enjin to let out a full burst of laughter. “Not you too.” You groan, raking a hand through your hair, “It’s okay Rudo. This is what training is for.”
Rudo stares down the knife in his hand as the laughter subsides. Eventually Zanka lets out a sigh, knocking the floor with his stuff once. “You’ve got a thing about fixing up stuff other people have thrown out, right?” He raises a hand to his chin, “Who we are as people help define our Giver powers.”
“So then, you fix things. But you can’t fix something that isn’t broken.” Zanka concludes. You nod, proud that Zanka came to the same analysis as you and Enjin. You pull out a bag of trash, dumping it down in the middle of the courtyard. Enjin and Riyo join you, standing behind Rudo.
“Grab whatever speaks to you and try again.” Zanka instructs. Rudo crouches down and digs through his options. It didn't take long for him to pick a battered triangle. Rudo holds it out and injects Anima into the object, turning it into a sharp weapon.
Everyone gasps in surprise. “It…worked.” Rudo seemed surprised himself. “Give it up for Zanka and his keen insight. Excellent job. Couldn’t have done it better.” Enjin praises. Zanka smiles at the praise but quickly regains his composure. “We mediocre folks gotta think about this stuff more than natural talents. It’s why our brains are so much more developed.”
“Thanks Zanka.” Rudo thanks him but Zanka groans in response, “Shut up before you give me a reason to slap you.” You, Enjin and Riyo exchange knowing grins. “Now make another one. Don’t just stare at them man. Get to it.” Zanka orders.
Rudo crouches down again and picks a new object.
A teapot. “That answers that.”
A doll. “Come on seriously!”
“Ohh…” Enjin scratches the back of his head, slowly collating the extent of Rudo’s power. Zanka begins to complain, “Such a cheater how come—”
Spat!
Rudo falls back from the intense force of his nosebleed. You crouch beside Rudo, holding a napkin to his nose to stop the bleeding. Enjin crouches on the other side of him to examine him, “And thar he blows.” Riyo follows him, crouching down as well.
“Thought so. He uses his instrument one too many times and he starts gushing.” Enjin explains. “That sucks.” Riyo comments. “The quality of those gloves has gotta be insane to do that to his body.” Enjin notes. Rudo sits up with a groan with your help, “The what?”
Enjin holds up Umbreaker to demonstrate, “As we’ve explained time and TLC are what make a Vital Instrument. The more you give, the more seasoning.” He points Umbreaker to Rudo and opens it, resting it on his shoulder. “And the more seasoning, the better. That’s called improving its quality.”
You nod, “Higher quality generally means more power. But it’s not the only factor for strength. A Giver’s experiences, personality, outlook and such, all help determine the abilities of a Vital Instrument.” You adjust the napkin as Rudo tries to get up on his feet. But he stops, just staring at the trash turned weapons.
“Hey, why is it that whatever I make into a weapon gets destroyed? And why did the ones I just made seem like they’re fine? I can even switch between them and they’re all staying in one piece. Is there a time limit on what I make?” Rudo begins to spiral. He’s probably recalling back to when he destroyed Gris’s talisman.
Riyo stands up straight, getting Rudo’s attention, “I don’t think it’s that dark.” She crosses her arms, “It might just be because they’re done. Purpose fulfilled. Your power, it’s about second chances.” She begins to explain. “You take the stuff people have tossed aside and you bring out its full and unbridled worth right?”
“So when you recycle stuff, you give it a chance to finally fulfill its true purpose. Which is very rad.” Riyo compliments. “Its purpose…I think you’re right. Gris’s talisman only fell apart once Rudo felt like he was safe.” Zanka agrees. You and Enjin share a smile, the children are learning.
“It would appear we’ve discovered a very important part about your power, Rudo.” Enjin stands up, closing Umbreaker before offering you a hand. You dab off the last bit of blood from Rudo’s nose before accepting his hand, letting him pull you up. “Recyling. You see the abandoned potential of broken things and manifest it. Once they’re fulfilled, you lay them to rest.” Enjin summerised. “Sound’s about right. Good eye Riyo.” You give her a pat on the back.
“Turns out you didn’t break Gris’s talisman. Or anything else you’ve transformed for that matter. You let objects discarded too soon, go out in a blaze of glory” Enjin nods, satisfied with his words. Rudo stares at his glove, absorbing the meaning behind Enjin’s words.
“Here’s what I wanna know, what’s this series crap? Purple guy said something about it before he dipped. That mean anything to you?” Riyo questions Rudo, her hands now on her hips. “Hm? No, not really. I guess that means there are more instruments like them out there. But why?” Rudo wonders.
“Have you even named them yet?” Riyo asks. Rudo looks up confused, “Uh, my gloves?” Riyo confirms, “Yeah. When you love something, you name it. Makes more than just a thing.” Rudo holds his gloves closer, bewildered “I can’t believe I’ve never thought about that.” Enjin lets out a huff, “Well I don’t think you’re gonna find a name by gawking at them.”
You raise a hand, “Well, to be fair, I’ve never thought about it either.”
…
“HUHHHHHH?”
“You didn’t name your Vital Instruments?” Zanka exclaims. Enjin is puzzled, “Aren't Colt and Angle the names?” You pull out both weapons, transforming them, “No, that’s the type of the weapon. The Colt is a type of gun just like the Angel Blade is a type of dagger. It’s like calling Riyo’s Ripper “giant scissors” instead.” You explain to them.
“Then, do you have a name for them?” Riyo asks. You hum, thinking through your options.
“Sam.” You hold up the Angel Blade.
“Dean.” You hold up the Colt.
Enjin’s gaze linger on the weapons. Your name isn’t etched on them. Weird.
Then again, neither Tamsy’s nor that freak Jabber’s had names on them either. Maybe you’re just stronger than you let on. Or maybe it’s something to do with the fact that you’re from another world.
You transform your weapons back, sheathing and holstering them away. Riyo hums, “Why those names?”
You give her a smile, “I don’t know. I think it suits them.”
Enjin recalls back to your talk. Sam and Dean Winchester. Your brothers and arguably the two most important people from your world. Now you hold them close as your treasures, something to remember them by.
Enjin slings an arm over your shoulders, guiding you back to HQ, “I think those are fine names.” he turns back to look at Rudo, “Marinate on some ideas a little. There’s no rush to name your gloves.” He gives the children a wave as he brings you further away from them.
“Now, why is Sam the knife and Dean the gun? Why not the other way round?” Enjin asks.
“Dean’s the loud one and Sam’s the demon dagger because…well, it's a long story.
“I’ve got time.”
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Chapter 9: Hold tight
Enjin x Isekai Supernatural Reader
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“Zanka’s team was ambushed by raiders. They need help now!”
You move fast, shoving everything back into the storage box. You clip on your full mask and hop on your bike. Enjin follows immediately, locking Umbreaker away before pulling on his full mask.
He hops onto the bike behind you, arms locking around your waist, without hesitation this time. You can’t afford it.
You kick the stand and speed off. Enjin tightens his grip, you’re going way faster than before. “I’ve already sent the medics along with Riyo, Delmon and Tamsy for back up.” You could vaguely hear the crackle of Semiu’s voice over the loud rev of the engine. “Copy, we’ll rendezvous with them there.” You respond before the line cuts.
You push the gas harder, going faster. This wasn’t the controlled speeding from earlier. This was raw urgency. “Slow down! We won’t be any use to them if we crash!” Enjin calls out after the bike slams down from another hill jump.
“I called it! It was a trap yet I still let Zanka go!” You yelled back. Enjin frowns at that. He rests his head on your shoulder, making sure his words are heard loud and clear, “It’s WE! WE made the decision to let Zanka handle that mission. Don’t go taking all the blame now!” You stay quiet. He hopes that got through to you.
You quickly rode into the dilapidated town, skidding to a stop just beside Riyo. You kick the stand down and pull off your full mask, “What’s the SitRep?” you ask Riyo as you get off the bike. Enjin follows suit, taking off his own mask and facing the other Givers.
“We know they’re around here somewhere but there are too many buildings. Tomme and the others are still coming back from the nearby town.” Riyo replies. Enjin nods, “Then we just take out the buildings. Level this whole town if we have to. Our main priority is to find Zanka and his team.” he orders, getting nods from all the other Givers.
So the destruction begins. One by one, each building was sliced, smashed, squeezed and blasted into oblivion. “Hey! I got something over here!” Enjin could hear your voice call out in the distance. Everyone quickly regrouped, surrounding the massive hole in the ground you found.
Riyo perched herself on a fallen pillar, foot hooked into one of the ring handles of The Ripper. Everyone else stood behind Enjin while you walked up to his side, “Think they’re down there?” You ask him.
Your question was answered as a figure jumps out of the hole, “What’s up? We were in a building just a second ago.” A boy in purple, mumbled under his breath. He was holding a person—Rudo—over his shoulders. The boy turns to Riyo who points a finger gun at him, “Found you.”
Enjin takes the chance, stabbing the tip of his umbrella into the boy’s abdomen. The boy drops Rudo as he’s flung back into a wall. You quickly catch him before he hits the ground, “Rudo? You okay?” you pat him down, searching for injuries.
Enjin focuses on the raider. “Me oh me oh my. You guys made a real mess” He rests his umbrella over his shoulder, “Looks like you could use a serious cleaning." He spots you from the corner of his eye, dragging Rudo’s limp body further behind them before you start patching him up.
Enjin eyes the giant hold in the ground, “So your plan was to lure our people into some random sub basement. One you at least knew was deep enough to cut off their choker comms.” He seethes, “Then you wait, spring your trap and ambush them while they can’t call for back up. That’s just as cliche as it gets, man.”
“Thankfully Tomme and the others found a phone in the town nearby. Otherwise you would’ve missed out on my ugly mug” Enjin glares at the raider. “Enjin wait, he clearly didn’t take Rudo without a fight. It might be too late for Gris and the others.” Tomme bows her head in fear.
Enjin rests a hand on her shoulder, “No way in hell. Those guys won’t break so easily. Though, they probably need help, so you best get on that.” Enjin reassures her. Tomme meets his gaze giving him a determined nod.
“Yoooo” The raider lets out a shaky breath, “Ya’ll look like you could really mess me up” Enjin gives a final nod to Tomme. The medics and supporters rush into the basement immediately, leaving only the Givers behind.
The raider, although beaten up and bloody, was still grinning for some reason—
Is he another demon?
Enjin raises his guard higher now. He already had a taste first hand how dangerous demons are. Your supplies are back in the storage box, he wouldn’t be able to take a demon down without them.
“Here I am, barely standing, vulnerable. And yall looking at me like something you flushed down the toilet.” The raider shakily sits up. Enjin braces for his next move.
“Carefull now, I can only get so erect!”
…
Maybe this guy is just a freak.
A collective groan of disgust rippled through the group, “Dude, is this what you’ve been dealing with this whole time? I can see why you’re just lying there.” Enjin turns to Rudo who is now twitching.
“Hey man, you’re looking better than I expected. Good on ya.” Riyo approaches you and Rudo with the Ripper on her shoulders. “The hell he is. The poor kid can barely even breathe right now.” Tamsy comments. “That ratty bum rag! He hurt a member of our team. And that, is unforgivable.” Delmon growls. “IT'S UNFORGIVABLE!”
“Would you please shut your mouth!” Tamsy snaps at Delmon. You let out a sigh but stay focused on wrapping the bandage around Rudo’s waist. “The point is, we’ve got some questions that you’re gonna answer” Enjin points Umbreaker at the raider.
“But first off, you really think you could mess with the cleaners and just run back to whatever dank hole you came from?” Enjin scowled.
“Oh don’t stop! Now tell me how you’re gonna lock me up forever while I start cooking up some wild jail break ideas that’ll satisfy my itches.” The raider stood up, wobbling slightly, “Sadly that's as far as it’ll go. I’ve got orders to follow. And they were very explicit about bringing Rudo back with me.”
“But for real, I just wanna piss ya’ll off by high-tailing it.” He raises a hand
“But even with me knocking on death’s door, that ain’t happening.” His hands glow purple as he activates his Vital Instrument.
“Cause I can’t go back until I do what I was told! MAN THIS SUCKS SO HARD!” The glow disappears, turning his hands into claws.
Then—
Hands wrap around his waist, stopping him. The raider seemed surprised as well, “You little—” he was about to curse before his partner cut him off, “Jabber, let’s go. Time’s up.” His partner pulls him back. Jabber retorts, “Let go of me Cthoni! I ain’t done yet! I just said I can’t leave without Rudo!”
“No. It’s over. Besides, the goon squad’s in the way. So we’re leaving.” Cthoni insists. Enjin lowers Umbreaker at that.
What the hell. What’d she pop out of?
Enjin thought, not having seen or sensed her at all. Jabber snaps at her, “No! I’m not! The game’s not over! I ain’t about to leave right when it’s getting good! So you best back off and leave me be-”
“Jabber, when I headed out, the boss was smiling.” The boy became eerily quiet. Cthoni began to twitch—No, strain. She was trying to hold him back. Were they about to fight?
“Well, would you look at that? It got super late all of a sudden.” Jabber gives a maniacal grin. Creepy as hell, but they actually seemed to be retreating. “I’d hate to cut and run, but I gotta scurry home. You understand. Sowwy.” He mocks, stepping aside to reveal… a manhole?
The hole was swirling with blue and yellow, almost like a portal. So that's where she came from. “Hold up, is that a manhole?” Riyo seems to realise as well. “Yo Rudo, you got some pretty good game for a worn out, foul mouth, butt hurt, ratchety shortstack Sphereite.” Oh damn.
“Oh wait, my boy’s probably gonna keep him in lala land for a minute. You can just tell him I said bye when he gets up.” Jabber waves before turning to leave. “Where do you think you’re going? Asshole?” Rudo grunts as he tries to get up.
You steady him carefully, making sure not to disturb the bandage. “This isn’t—Ugh—This isn’t over.” Rudo winces. “Hey, don’t push it.” you scold him, adjusting your grip so Rudo is able to see Jabber instead of the floor.
“Oh. You’re still awake after that jab I snuck past you my guy?” Jabber turns back surprised. “I’m gonna make you pay. I’m gonna make what you did to Gris look like a papercut. Until I do, this isn’t over!” Rudo threatens
“The hell you are! You can’t even look at him without my help!” You fumed. Jabber just laughs, “I love that fight in you, you know that? But you better listen to yo mama. Maybe next time…” He trails off, his eyes trailing to Rudo…’s Glove? He exclaims, “You’ve got an object from that series too?”
Series?
“Who would’ve thunk? That’s straight up crazy! Oh man, the boss is gonna be so happy when I tell him.” Jabber approaches the manhole portal Cthoni already went through. “I really gotta head out now. Next time. Next time I’m gonna come better prepared to leave you in tow.” He steps into the portal, letting it swallow him.
“Be sure to take good care of those things till then. Can’t wait to play~” He fully sinks into the portal and the manhole cover floats to cover it. The cover distorts and swirls before disappearing. “Okay…” Riyo says slowly.
Same girl, same.
“Hey! Over here!” Enjin hears Tomme call out. Turning around, he can see the group of medics and supporters exiting a stairwell. “Zanka!” You shot up but paused. Your gaze drifts between Zanka and Rudo.
Enjin rests a hand on your shoulder, “Go. I’ve got Rudo.” You hold his gaze for a moment. You can trust him. He hopes. You nod, passing Rudo’s limp body to him before running over to Zanka. He watches as you immediately sling Zanka’s arm over your shoulder, taking over the exhausted supporter beside him.
Enjin smiles at the sight for a moment before slinging Rudo over his shoulder, causing the boy to let out a wheeze, “Come on, let’s get you checked out.” Enjin meets up with the other medics, discussing with them their next course of action.
Gris was in critical shape and needed immediate attention. Until Eishia stabilizes his condition, they are not moving anytime soon. You rest Zanka against a wall, letting him slowly slide down to sit on the ground. Enjin comes up beside you with Rudo, plopping him beside Zanka.
“Don’t just drop Rudo!” you chastise Enjin who only shoots you a careless grin. You turn back towards the boys, “Looks like that raider gave you two a simple paralytic. Just wait out the effects and you should be fine.”
You crouch down beside the boys, rummaging through your bag, “I’ll be taking blood samples though. Just in case there’s something else.” You pull out a med kit from your bag, grabbing a needle. The boys obediently extended their arms.
Well, more like awkwardly nudging their arm forward. They tried their best with the paralytic still in their veins. Seeing as you’ve got the boys covered, Enjin takes a look around, “I’ll set up a parameter. Make sure those raiders don’t come back.” You only give him a nod, more focused on drawing blood from Zanka.
Enjin takes first watch. Then Riyo. Then Delmon. By the time it’s Tamsy’s turn, Rudo has full function of his body again. “Gris, Gris!” Rudo manages to make his way over to the stretcher Gris is on.
You and Eishia managed to stop the bleeding, but Gris had still lost a dangerous amount of blood. The large gash on his side is gonna take a while to fully heal. Rudo kneels besides Gris, “Sorry, I was gonna give your talisman back. But I wrecked it.”
“Ru-do. I’ve put lots of care into it.” Gris wheezed. “But if it helped. Even in the smallest way, good. Then it was all worth it.” He gives Rudo a weak smile. “You did good today, Rudo.” Gris praises before falling unconscious again. You press two fingers to the side of his neck before nodding to the medics, “Let’s get him back to HQ.”
Everyone heads back to their respective jeeps. You and Enjin returned to your bike, being the last few to leave. “You think Gris is gonna pull through?” Enjin asks as he pulls on his full mask. You nod, “Gris is strong.” You secure your mask over your face. “Besides, Eishia has better resources back at HQ to fix him right up.”
“Think I can drive this time?” Enjin asks hopefully. You stare at him for a moment, “No.” and swing your leg over the bike, taking hold of the handles. Enjin grumbles under his mask but climbs behind you anyway. You kick up the stand and jerk the bike forward, causing Enjin to crash into your back.
He wraps his arms around your waist instinctively as you set off for HQ.
Well, I guess being the backpacker ain’t so bad.
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Chapter 8: A talk
Enjin x Isekai Supernatural Reader
A/N: A bit late but I had a writers block trying to figure out how to write all the scenes properly. Next week probably will only have one chapter release, I need time over the weekend for school work :(
Spoilers: Minor Supernatural spoilers for season 1 and 2 but not too detailed. Enjin name drop.
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The man—or demon stirs awake, groggily looking down at his restraints. He lets out a chuckle, “You think this is going to hold me—” The smile dropped from his face as he looked at the devil’s trap on the ground.
You step up, just outside the trap, “Bet you haven’t seen a devil’s trap in ages.” The demon flicks his gaze to you, eyes turning black again. “A hunter? I didn’t know you assholes were here too.” You scoff, “I could say the same. Which begs the question, who— or what brought your sorry ass into this world?”
The demon sneers, “I don’t have to tell you shit.” You grab the jug, pouring it down on the demon. He screams in agony, steam rising from his skin, as if he was being cooked alive. “Wrong answer. Try again.” You stop for a moment, holding the jug.
“Fuck you” The demon spat. You grab his face, squishing his cheeks to force his mouth open as you pour the water down his throat. He thrashes and squirms, screams coming out in gargles through the water. “You’re luckyI don’t have salt. But I’m resourceful. There are a hundred other ways I can get you to talk.”
You take a step back, placing down the jug and taking out your knife instead. You show off the knife to the demon, “You know what this is.” The blade goes to his throat, barely grazing the skin. “You know what this could do.”
Enjin activates Umbreaker, pointing the sharp metal tip to your back. The golden glow in his eyes and Umbreaker flickering. He knows this is wrong. The cleaners don’t kill people.
But this? This is worse. You should never be on the other end of Umbreaker.
The demon laughs when he spots Enjin, “Hah! You’re so fucked!” You calmly look back at him, “Enjin.” His hand trembles.
“This ain’t right.”
“Enjin.”
His resolve cracks.
“Just remember, I’m not hurting the person it’s possessing.”
This was harder than he thought. He didn’t realise it could get this extreme. No wonder you asked him to get out.
Every instinct in him screams to stop you. To pull you away. To choose what is right.
But you said his name— and that’s enough
So he loosens his grip on Umbreaker and stands down. Umbreaker turns back to its passive form.
And he stays.
The demon looks at him confused, “Wait— what are you doing? She’s the enemy!” Now it was Enjin’s turn to be confused. He was beating the shit out of him just minutes ago, in what way was he an ally to him?
You grab the demon by his jaw, redirecting his attention to you, “Yellow Eyes is dead. Has been for a while. No one is going to save you.” You adjust the grip to your knife. “So I’ll ask again, how did you get here?”
The demon scoffs with a slow grin, “You wouldn’t dare. You run with the Winchesters and their whole shtick is saving people.” Yellow Eyes? Winchesters? Enjin was even more lost now.
You step back from the demon. “You’re right. But I wonder where you’ll go when I exorcise you. Will you go to hell in this world? Will you just… die?” The demon’s grin fell and he began to struggle against his restraints. You walk out of the circle.
Then you begin to speak, “Exorcizamus te, omnis immundus spiritus…” Enjin completely lost you but whatever you were doing seems to be working. The demon groans and thrashes as you continue, each sound becoming more agonizing than the last. Enjin has seen weird things in his life. But this? This might take the cake.
“tibi facias libertate servire, te rogamus, audi nos!” When you finished, black smoke came gushing out from the demon’s mouth. It moved erratically, like it was alive. Like it was trying to escape but there seemed to be an invisible wall. Looks like the Devil’s Trap is working.
Then— lighting. As if the smoke became a storm cloud. You and Enjin raise a hand to shield your eyes from the bright light.
Crack!
A blinding flash splits through the room— and the black smoke vanishes instantly.
Then silence, only the echo of thunder.
“Was that supposed to happen?” Enjin drops his hand, turning to you. You let out a breath, “No, not really. They usually just get sucked into the ground.” You make a sinking gesture with your hand.
The demon— or man now, lets out a gasp. “Right, you're alive.” You rush back into the circle, cutting the restraints off the man, “Don’t just stand there!” You call back to Enjin. “Oh!” He moves quickly, helping you remove the rope.
It took awhile to orient the man again but you handled it like a pro. A few questions, some food and water, and the man was fit enough to walk. Enjin leans against your bike, watching you in the distance waving the man off after giving him an extra mask and directing him to the closest city. You walk back over to Enjin, letting out a breath.
“Is he gonna be okay?” Enjin asks. You shrug, leaning beside him, “Traumatised but, he’ll live.” You sit in silence, absorbing what has happened in the past few hours. Enjin fiddles with the handle of Unbreaker, “Look, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have pointed Umbreaker at you—”
“Enjin, it’s fine.” You cut him off.
“It’s not—”
You raise a hand, stopping him, “I’m… I’m not a good person. I’ve hurt, tortured, killed. It’s part of being a hunter. But some sick part of me enjoys it.” You look down, playing with your fingers as you try to find the words. “I’ve tried living a normal-ish life— back in the sphere. But honestly? I’ve never been happier than down here. To shoot and stab something again— even if it's Trash beasts— felt so… freeing.”
“I understand if you don’t want me—”
“No. Never.” Enjin grabs your hands firmly.
“You are a good person. Hell, the best I know.” His grip tightens around your hands. “(Y/N), you are my partner, my right hand, my friend. Nothing’s changing that.”
You bit your lip, eyes turning glassy.
“...Even if I kill someone?”
“Girl, that bitch probably had it coming. I’ll even help you hide the body.”
That managed to crack a laugh from you. Enjin couldn’t help but smile. That’s what your laugh does to him. His hands move up, cupping your face in his hands as he wipes the stray tears away, “You’re not getting rid of me that easy. Besides, I’ve accepted Riyo, why wouldn’t I accept you?”
“Riyo is a child. I’m a grown ass adult.” You sniffle, gently pushing his hands down, but not letting go. “Tomato, to-mah-to.” Enjin shrugs. He stands by you, never letting go as you regain your composure.
“Hey, um. I was hoping you would explain some things to me. Firstly— Yellow Eyes?” Enjin hesitantly asks. He knows it’s probably sensitive but since you’re in the middle of nowhere, it’s the perfect place to talk more about your world.
“Yellow Eyes. Oh, where do I begin?” You rake a hand through your hair. “You don’t have to talk about it now if you don’t want to.” Enjin reassures you. You shake your head, “No. I pulled you into this mess, the least I could do is explain.”
You bite your lip before explaining, “Yellow Eyes was a… unique demon. Instead of black he had— well glowing yellow eyes.” Enjin doesn’t interrupt, just listening. You continued, crossing your arms, “He was stronger than most demons. Terrorised my family for years. We managed to kill him but not before he was able to unleash chaos into my world.”
“Is that why at first you flinched when me or Semiu used our powers? Cause it makes our eyes glow yellow?” Enjin asks. You turn to him, meeting his gaze, “...Yeah. I used to spike your drinks and Semiu’s with Holy water. Just to make sure you weren’t him.” Enjin raised his brows, “You did? I’ve never noticed.”
“You should. Could’ve easily poisoned you.”
“Would you?” Enjin tilts his head.
“No.” You instantly replied, shaking your head.
Enjin slings an arm over your shoulders, “Then I have nothing to worry about.” He pulls you in, resting his cheek on your head, “And Winchesters?” That immediately brought a smile to your face, “My brothers. Sam and Dean Winchester.”
Enjin lifts his head, looking at you with a frown, “I thought your last name is Singer?” You nod, “It is.” Well that certainly clears up everything. You let out an amused huff, “My dad and Mr Winchester were close. He would often drop his sons at my dad’s place before going on a hunt.”
“We grew up together, from playing games to hunting monsters. We might not be blood but… we’re still family.” your smile never leaves. This is probably the longest you’ve smiled, and Enjin basks in its presence.
“Do you… miss them?” Enjin hesitantly asks.
“Of course.”
“Would you go back? If you could.”
This time, you pause, “...I don’t know.”
You lean into Enjin, resting your head on his chest, “Back in my world, I had to constantly be on the run. From demons, monsters— the law.” you take a moment. “Here, I don’t have to run anymore. I get to live a life with you. With Zanka, Riyo.. now Rudo too. And I like it. I like this life. More than my old one. …But I don’t belong here.”
“Don’t say that.” Enjin stops you. “Your place is here. With us. …WIth me.” He tightens his grip around you, “If you want it to be.” He rests his cheek back on your head. “...Thank you.” You lean on him. You sit in silence, absorbing his words, organising your thoughts, who knows? You just have that look when you have a lot on your mind.
After a while, Enjin pulls back slightly, taking out his pack of cigarettes. He hasn’t smoked one today and he thinks he deserves it. Enjin holds a stick between lips, lighting it and taking a deep breath. He exhales the smoke. He should tell you, shouldn’t he? He’s learned so much about you today. It’s only right.
“My name is not really Enjin.”
You turn to him curiously, “No? What is it then?” Enjin takes a breath.
“Endoareilychima Illastsalli Machiada Leotrago Sphidi Pharjin.”
You blink owlishly at him,
“...Did you just put a curse on me?”
“Hey! It’s my name!”
“I’m sorry, you lit up incense and said a hex— How was I supposed to know?”
“Incense? It's a cigarette!” Enjin laughs in disbelief.
“And I’ve used a cartoon mat as a seance table cloth to summon a ghost! Technicalities don’t matter!” Your shoulders raise defensively.
You both share a laugh. He doesn't know how you do it. Making something that has hurt him all his life hurt less. “So is Enjin just the shortened version?” You inquire. Enjin takes a moment to calm down before answering, “A man gave it to me. Said it meant “Someone who connects others” in an ancient language.”
You let out a hum, “Well, he’s not wrong. I guess it does mean that.” Enjin turns to you, “What do you mean?” You crouch down and grab a stick, “Back in my world, we have a language called Japanese.” You begin writing in the dirt. “Zanka, for example, has a Japanese sounding name. Especially his last name.”
残価 二軸
Zanka Nijiku
“This is how you write it.” You point with the stick. Enjin crouches beside you, arms resting on his thighs, “What does it mean?” You turn to him, “Literally? Leftover value. But depending on the context…” You begin drawing something besides the name, “It can mean blooming flower.” the drawing turns out to be a flower. Enjin lets out a huff, “How fitting.”
You begin writing in the dirt again, “Your name probably refers to En No Hito. It means connector of people. If you read it literally.”
縁の人
En No Hito
You cross out the middle word and bring the other two words together, “No is just a connector word like of, so we can take that out. And Hito can also be read as Jin. Put them together…”
縁人
Enjin
“You get Enjin. Connect people” You say with a smile.
You say his name carefully this time. Like it matters. Like he matters. He hopes it does. Enjin takes a puff, taking in the revelation that his name actually means something, “I’ve tried researching it before. Never found anything. Turns out the old man wasn't bullshitting me after all.”
“Well, now you know. And I like it. Enjin.” You turn to him. He likes how you say his name. How you say it with warmth and pride. Enjin was a name that had meaning. Now, you’ve confirmed that meaning and it only strengthens his resolve.
The familiar ringing slices through the silence. Enjin raises a hand to his choker, answering the call, “This better be good.”
“Enjin! (Y/N)!” Semiu's voice crackles through sharply. Anxious— borderline panic,
“Zanka’s team was ambushed by raiders. They need help now!”
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Chapter 7: Break through
Enjin x Isekai Supernatural Reader
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“Enjin! Get your ass up!”
Your fist pounds on his door. He groans, burying his head deeper into his pillow, “It’s too early…” He whines. His door is kicked open anyways. “Get your lazy ass up. Semiu says she’s got something for us.” You’re already heading to the closet, pulling out one of his favourite red shirts.
Enjin groggily sits up, rubbing his face. “How do you have so much spunk this early?” He barely manages to catch the clothes you throw at him. You turn around, mouth open as if to speak before you pause.
Your gaze trails down.
Then up again.
“Why are you shirtless?”
Oh, right. “It was hot last night.” He shrugs. Your gaze lingers on his body, tracing the ink trails. He leans back on his hands with a slow smirk, “Enjoying the view?”
You scoff, throwing his jacket in his face, “I was admiring Gob's work. Not you.” He lets out a chuckle, pulling down the jacket. He watches you as you bustle around his room, helping him pack his bag. He almost misses it with how fast you’re moving— the faint blush creeping up your ears.
But something else catches his eye. “Did you sleep last night?” You stop your packing. “I'm fine.”
“(Y/N)...”
“Look, I had an extra shot of espresso. I'm totally fine.”
Enjin sighs. He knows your stubborn ass won’t budge. “Fine but after the mission, you’re taking a fat nap.” You wave him off, leaving his room to give him some privacy, “Yeah, yeah, just get dressed.”
“I mean it!”
“Byeeeee.”
The door shuts. Enjin lets out a breath, dragging a hand through his hair before getting up. Well, time to get ready. The sooner they finish the mission, the faster you can crash.
He checks his equipment one more time, making sure he has everything else you missed. He grabs Umbreaker and leaves for the reception area where he sees you with Semiu mid conversation. “Yo! What did I miss?” Enjin approaches you, leaning against the desk.
“Good, you’re here.” Semiu slides a report towards him, “We got a call. Merchant claims they were attacked by a Trash beast while they were traversing a polluted zone.” You take the report and skim through it, “...Okay? What’s that gotta do with us?”
Semiu pushes up her glasses, "Here's the interesting bit. They said their “precious cargo” was stolen by the Trash beast.”
“Precious cargo being a living breathing Sphereite.”
That got our attention. Having one living Sphereite was already a miracle but another so fast?
“And we are supposed to help retrieve this cargo?” Enjin raised a brow. You cross your arms, “I dunno about this. Sounds like a trap to me.” Semiu takes back the report, storing it into a drawer, “Either way, you’re not going on that mission.”
Enjin mumbles, “Then why tell us about it?”
Semiu types something into her computer, “I’ve done some digging on the Giver Trash beast situation.” Both of you stood up straighter. “Word is, there’s a Giver out there who could control Trash beasts. Used to terrorise cities with them but one day just disappeared. Poof.”
She pulls out a series of photos, grainy, overanalysed, covered with arrows and circles. “There have been many reports of them being sighted in a rural village down south but take it with a grain of salt. No one knows the true identity of this Giver. Each report is different. Man, women, who knows what.”
“So we could just be chasing a ghost story." Enjin picks up one of the photos squinting at it. Semiu shrugs. “It’s a start.” You pick up a few pictures yourself, comparing them with each other, “Well, ghost hunting is my specialty.” You glance back up “But who will take the previous mission?”
“That’s what I was going to ask. Who do you want to send in your place?” Semiu crosses her arms. “Isn’t it obvious? Duh, Zanka.” Enjin answers instinctively. You nod at his choice, “Yeah, he’s probably the most capable for this.” Semiu types something else into her computer, “Alright, I’ll go alert him and get a team running.”
You turn to Enjin, “I need to go grab a few more things. You should probably grab your full face mask and an extra tank. Who knows how long we’ll be out. Meet you at the Garage?” He gives you a two finger salute and a yes ma’am before heading back to his room. He quickly gathers what he needs and heads to the garage.
Exiting the elevator to the garage, he's met by the sound of metal tinkering. Approaching the sound, he sees you crouched by a slick black motorcycle, installing some sort of storage box. He lets out a low whistle, “When did you get this beauty?” Your gaze flicks up to him for a moment before focusing back on your bike.
“I built her.”
His jaw drops.
“You— huhhh?” He knew you could fix cars. Probably fixed more than half the cars in the garage, saving the Cleaners a lot on repairs. In fact, you fixed a bunch of things around HQ. Zanka’s lamp, Riyo’s chair. But building a bike? Just how smart are you?
You store your tools and go to put away the tool box. He creeps closer to the bike, hands hovering just above the shiny metal, reverently admiring your work. He perks up at your steps, “We’re taking this baby with us right?” He couldn’t hide the excitement building up. You knock against the storage box, “That’s what this is for. You should be able to fit Unbreaker in it.”
He pauses, holding Umbreaker.
This wasn’t something he handed off lightly.
But it’s you.
He slots it into the storage box without a second thought.
He takes a look into the box, noting how you also had a jug of water and some snacks. Seems like you're really prepared.
You hold out your bag which he takes and automatically,clipping it to his waist, mirroring his own bag. You lean down, locking the box with Umbreaker secured inside. “Put on your full mask.” you slip yours on. He follows, waiting patiently for your next instruction.
You swing your leg over and kick up the stand, “Get on and hold tight.” He sits behind you—
Wait.
Where the hell was he supposed to hold?
His hands awkwardly hoover by your waist. He’s only ever touched you on your shoulders and up. Occasionally on the small of your back to guide you, but never… this. He carefully settle his hands on your waist. Not holding, just placed. Barely any pressure.
You glance back over your shoulder.
Then grab his arm and pull him forward,
He crashes into your back, instincts kicking in as he wraps his arms around your waist to stable himself. You pat his arm once— as if to lock them in place— before turning the ignition and riding out of the garage.
Ba-dump! Ba-dump!
His grip tightens slightly.
It's just the nerves.
Has to be.
You drove fast, but not reckless. Enough to get his adrenaline pumping but also not enough to crash into things like he would. It took shorter than he expected to reach the village. Or maybe it was because he was so out of it.
You rode deeper into the village. It was completely desolate. Abandoned. Where was everybody? You pull to a stop a few feet away from the marked house and pat his arm. Right, he was still holding you. Enjin quickly releases his grip around your waist, letting you get off the bike and kick your stand up. You take off your full mask and gas mask, taking a sniff of the air.
“That’s weird. This place is empty yet the air is still clean” You hold out your hand. He passes you back your bag. You stash both masks into your bag and clip it to your waist. Enjin does the same, “You think our guy is still making this place habitable?”
You scan the village before focusing back on the house, “Someone is. Otherwise this place would have been wiped off the map by now.” You unlock the storage box and hand Umbreaker back to him. Enjin rests the umbrella on his shoulder as you draw your gun, checking your magazine. Then you move in. He follows close behind.
You enter first, making sure to clear every corner as you go deeper into the house. Enjin might look relaxed, but he's just as alert as you are, eyes tracking every shadow. The house was too quiet.
You step into a living room, or what looks to be one. Enjin flicks a light switch. The bulb struggles to flicker on, eventually managing to stay lit with a loud buzz. “Looks like there’s—”
A blur slams into you. You hit the ground hard.
A flash of silver— a knife raised above you.
Enjin moves instantly.
HIs boot connects with the attacker’s side, sending him flying off you.
The person— the man staggers back to his feet with a sinister grin. You’re up in a second, your gun trained on him.
The man raises his knife again—
Then he blinks.
What the fuck?
His eyes turned completely black.
“Ah, shit.” You curse.
The man lunges forward. The fight is fast. Brutal. But something is not right.
“How the fuck is he still standing?” Enjin grit his teeth. He’s been beaten, shoved, thrown, and yet— not a single bruise. Not a Giver, Not a Raider, So what the hell—
The man laughs maniacally, “Already getting tired? You humans are always so— AGHH!” Steam erupts from his back.
“Ain't no way you're going into an evil monologue right now.” you stand behind him, arm extended with a flask in hand.
Before he can recover, you drive your fist into his jaw.
He drops to the ground, limp.
Enjin lets out a breath, “What was that?” You don’t answer him, just move. You pull a chair closer and lift the guy up, sitting him into the chair as best as you could. You pull out a roll of rope from your bag, tying the guy to the chair. “Hey, wait. What are you doing?” Enjin grabs your wrist, pausing your motion.
“Enjin, I need you to go grab the jug in the storage box.” You order him. You were fully serious, something he hasn’t seen much. The last time you sounded like this, he was nearly crushed by a Trash beast. “(Y/N)... what the hell is happening?”
You pull your hand back, continuing to tie the man up, “I’ll explain later— just… go get the jug.” You focus solely on retraining the man, making sure the rope is tight. Enjin frowns “I don’t get it— Just tell me what's going on.”
“Enjin please!”
That made him pause.
There was something in your eyes. Not hesitation. Not doubt. It’s something he’s never seen in you before.
And it feels wrong.
“...Just trust me.”
Enjin hesitates, jaw tightening but—
He trusts you.
“You better explain everything.”
So he goes back out, grabbing the water jug from the storage box as you’ve asked.
When he gets back, he sees something had been spray painted on the ground. A large circle with a star inside and symbols in the space outside the star. You drag the chair holding the man inside the circle, placing him in the middle of the star.
Enjin approaches the circle. “Don’t.” you push him back before he could step inside the circle. “Whatever you do, don’t go into the circle.” You grab the jug from his hands and open the cap. From your bag, you pull out a charm— a beaded necklace with a cross but one line is elongated. You mutter under your breath before dropping the necklace into the jug.
The jug settles just outside the circle. “What’s going on (Y/N)?” Enjin asks once more. You glance at the man, then to him, “That’s not a person.” You exhale slowly. “It’s a demon. Something from my world.”
“...Demon? Like the ones from stories? Hell and all that?” Enjin frowns, trying to make sense of your words.
“Yeah.” You rub a hand over your face. “Uh, they can possess people. Use them as hosts.” You point to the man, “Black eyes. That’s how you spot them.” You raise your flask and nod to the jug, “Holy water burns them. Hurts like hell.”
Enjin gestures to the ritual circle, “And…this?”
You scratch the back of your neck, “Uh, devil’s trap. Keeps them powerless and contained.”
You sigh, “...As far as I know, demons don't exist in your world.” Your voice tightens slightly. “Which means this thing slipped through. Probably the same way I did.” You explain. “ I don’t get it. What does that mean?” Enjin furrows his brow.
You hesitate, just for a second.
“It means there might be a way back to my world."
…Oh
He should be happy right?
So why does his chest feel so tight?
You cross your arms “Look Enjin, I need you outside when I—”
“What? No.”
You blink, “Enjin—”
“No, I'm staying.” His voice hardens. “I’m not leaving you alone in here.
You let out a sigh, “You don’t just interrogate a demon like normal people. You need to use force.” Your grip tightens around your flask. “...And it’s not going to be pretty.” Your gaze flicks to him, “...You won’t be able to look at me the same.”
He still, just for a moment.
“...Tch.”
He doesn't move, “I’m staying.”
Your shoulders sag in defeat.
“Just remember, I’m not hurting the person it’s possessing.”
The man stirs awake.
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Chapter 6: Settling in
Enjin x Isekai Supernatural Reader
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“Welcome to cleaner HQ.” You hopped out of the car, stretching your arms above your head. Enjin’s gaze lingered for a second on your figure as you stretched. Then a second longer. Then— huh? He quickly snapped forward. What was he doing? He shook his head, following Zanka and Riyo who walked ahead.
Entering the reception area, Zanka and Riyo leave first, “Keep taking care of those locks for me, kay?” Riyo bids Rudo a wave before walking off, leaving you, him and Rudo. And the two flies that keep bothering him but Enjin doesn’t think too much about it.
“Rudo, come over and say hi to Semiu. Receptionist extraordinaire.” Enjin introduces her, standing by her desk with you on the other side. Rudo approaches the desk, slotting himself in between the two of you. “She always gives the new guys a once over. You see, she’s got this ability—”
Shing!
Semiu thrusts her fork at Rudo, just inches away from his face. The two flies around Rudo crumble to pieces, the fork piercing through both of them at the same time. “Mister Natural. It’s nice to meet you in the flesh.” She greets him, setting down the fork.
“Enjin got me up to speed on everything. So I know all about you. Where you’re from, your potential, all of it. But I still need to see it for myself.” Semiu gently holds her glasses, preparing to activate her power. “Those glasses are her Vital Instrument. They amp up her kinetic vision. Even let her see what people are made of when she locks in on them.” Enjin explains as she activates her power.
Semiu gasps and freezes for a moment. But it was a moment too long. “What’s wrong?” You call out to her, snapping her back, “Oh—uh. Sorry ‘bout that.” Semiu gathers her thoughts, clasping her hands together. “Physically speaking, he’s in excellent shape so we don’t have to build him from the ground up. And he’s got a good relationship with his Vital Instrument. That said, seems his use of it is shoddy at best.”
Semiu looks between you and Enjin, “he’s going to need some work before he can draw on his power at will.” She concludes. “Is that all?” You prod at her. So you noticed as well. “Not quite…”
“How’d you get boo boo on the back of your neck?”
Enjin snickers as you let out a sigh. “For real? No wonder that fly liked you! My man’s a real boo boo playa!” He bursts out in laughter. “I wasn’t playing with it, jerk!” Rudo snapped back. “Appreciate you, Semiu. I'm gonna take him to say hi to the boss now.” He regains his composure and leads Rudo to the boss’s office. “And a long bath too.” You grimace when you see the small spot on the back of Rudo’s neck.
“Fun.” Semiu goes back to reading her magazine. You and Enjin share a look with each other— then glance back at Semiu. She definitely saw something else. You two don’t push it now though— if it mattered right now, she would have said it.
Walking down the halls, Enjin elaborated more on the cleaners, “If you count all the combatants, sentinels and supporters— which you should— there are about a hundred Cleaners. But with danger around every corner, you gotta spread out. So it’s rare for everyone to be home at the same time. You up for shaking some hands real quick?” Enjin asks.
“Like all of them?” Rudo looks up at Enjin. “Not all. Most are probably out on missions anyway.” You cut in, letting Enjin steer towards a detour to the common room. He opens the doors, “This will only take—”
The whole room was packed.
Nevermind
You shut the door for him, “Maybe another time.” You usher the both of them back on the path to the boss’s office. “Is there going to be a party or something?” You whisper to Enjin. He shrugs, “Beats me. I also thought everyone was out today.” he whispers back.
You three stop outside the gilded door of the boss’s office. “And here we have the boss’s room.” Enjin introduces. “Look I’ll be cool but I'm asking—” Rudo tries to walk but you and Enjin stop him with a hand on each shoulder.
“Oh no you don’t.”
“Rudo, wait”
“Take a breath, cause your face says “I’m about to go scream at a guy till I get some answers.”” Enjin pulls Rudo back. “Enjin!” you scold him. “What? I’m right.” He complains but quickly turns back to Rudo. “Allow me to refresh your memory first. Info is a prime commodity that doesn't come cheap. Tell him you’ll work for him in exchange, or no one’s getting what they want.” He could feel your glare. You definitely know exactly what he’s doing.
You tap on Rudo’s shoulder, getting his attention, “Also, don’t ask about the boss’s instrument. We told you about ours to teach you about Givers. And don’t ask anyone else about it because no one knows.” You warn him. “Not what it is, or what it does. We don’t care. None of us Cleaners follow the boss cause we’re scared or weak.” Enjin adds on.
“It’s cause we want to. Power can’t win that kind of trust.”
Rudo steels himself, feeling the weight of yours and Enjin’s words. He probably has a better idea what the boss is like now. Rudo lets out a breath before pushing open the door. He pauses at the doorway. You and Enjin lean in to see what made him stop.
It was empty.
“The hell?” Enjin mutters. “Oh, did I not tell you?” Semiu’s voice cuts from behind. “The boss is away on business right now. He won’t be back for a while.” Turning back, Enjin sees Semiu with her arms crossed. “Say what? Gone? Really?” Rudo seems taken aback by the news.
“Damn, that sucks. Well, that’s that. Can’t be helped.” Enjin sighs, “Got some bad news for you bud, turns out the boss isn’t here.” Enjin scratches the back of his head with a teasing smile. You smack him upside the head as Rudo snaps, “Yeah I heard! So what do I do now?”
“Do we have an ETA on his return?” You ask Semiu who only shrugs. “Of course. Right after I gave the new guy my spiel about trust and all that kind of crap” Enjin grumbles under his breath. “Looks like you’re gonna be sitting on your hands for a bit, Rudo.” Enjin tells him.
“You could do that. Or you can tag along and watch me work?” Riyo pops her head around the corner. “You can’t officially join until the boss gets back and gives the okay. Come be my trainee for the day? Get an up close and personal look at the job. It’ll be fun.” Riyo offers, walking up to Rudo.
“And, it's a chance to get to know each other better, right?” Riyo leans into his personal space, making him quake with nerves. You gently push Riyo back, letting Rudo breathe. “Don’t kill him before the job.” There she is. He almost missed that switch.
Everyone heads back to the receptionist for Riyo to receive her mission. Semiu takes out a map and unrolls it on the table. “This will be more or less basic maintenance. A town near the polluted zone reported that small trash beasts have been approaching their barricade lately. They don’t want to take any chances so they’re asking us for a cleaning.” Semiu gives them the lowdown.
“What’s a polluted zone?” Rudo asks. Semiu raised a brow, “Enjin, (Y/N), what all haven’t you told him?” You furrow your brows, probably trying to recall what you taught him. “We’ve told him plenty. We’ve just been using words he could wrap his head around.” Enjin answers for you. It seemed to have lit up the memory in you as you mumbled, “...Right, I did do that.”
“Breathing in toxins never ends well. And you could become dangerously ill very fast, and in a No Man’s Land you’ve got about 15 minutes before you die without one.” Semiu warns him. “We good now?” Riyo asks, ready to set off on her mission.
Semiu grumbles. “Okay, gonna need you to forget everything these imbeciles said.” Enjin lets out a huff “Rude.” while you whine, “Hey…Friendly fire…” Semiu drones on. Something about polluted zones and No Man Lands, all of which he already told Rudo, just in different terms. He’s only brought back when Semiu asks, “Speaking of, what were you doing out there anyway?”
You also turn to look at him. He gives an innocent grin, “Can’t a man stretch his legs? Last I heard we could.” Semiu scoffs, “That’s your excuse?” He only shrugs in reply. “Grand idiocy aside. Remember to wear a gas mask whenever you’re in any polluted zones.” Semiu turns back to Rudo, fishing for a spare mask to give him.
Semiu nods, “The supporters should be ready in the garage, go meet them there.” Before Rudo is able to take a step, you stop him. He looks at you quizzingly as you crouch down in front of him, “Don’t do anything stupid out here. It shouldn’t be dangerous so keep your mask on and watch from afar. If anything happens, run to Riyo, she’ll handle you.”
You ruffle his hair which made him grumble, “Yeah, yeah. I know.” Rudo waves you off before jogging to catch up with Riyo. You stay crouched, watching him leave just until he disappears around the corner. Enjin comes up to your side, lightly bumping you with his leg, “Wanna grab a drink?” You let out a groan, “Yes please.” He offers you a hand, pulling you up to your feet.
You both head to the common room where the bar had more finer options. Enjin pours you something a little stronger than your usual, sliding the glass over to you. You grab it, downing it in one go. “Hey— easy there. If you’re gonna be like this, I'm cutting you off now.” Enjin reaches for the glass, lowering it back to the counter.
He watches you for a moment, seeing if you would follow as he says. When you remain unresponsive, he refills your cup and pours one for himself. You stare at the amber liquid before rubbing your face with a groan, “What am I even doing?”
Enjin lights a cigarette, taking a puff before reassuring you, “He’s your brother who you haven’t seen in like what? Four years?” He balances the cigarette in his hand, leaning his elbow on the counter and resting his head in his hand. “He was dropped in No Man’s Land, just recovered from toxic inhalation and was just sent out on a mission. Of course you’re worried.”
He grabs his glass by the rim, taking a sip. “But he has Riyo and the supporters. You know how competent they are.” He watches you as you take a slow sip. “What I’m more worried about is you.” You freeze, lips just barely grazing the glass.
He doesn’t break his gaze, taking every micro expression you give, “You’ve just found out your father figure from the Sphere is dead and you’re acting like it didn’t hit you at all.” You carefully place down your glass. His hand reaches out for yours, totally encapsulating it. He feels you clench your fist from beneath his hand, “It’s not about me right now. Rudo needs my suppo—”
“Then who is going to support you?” You look taken aback by his words. How long has it been since someone cared for you?
You shake your head, “I’m fine.”
“No, you’re not.”
Your gaze hardens, “I am—”
Enjin exhales softly, guiding your head to rest on his shoulder. His fingers tangle in your hair, playing with the strands, “It’s okay to mourn. You don’t always have to stand strong. Especially with me.”
He hears you let out a breath.
Then a sniffle.
Then warmth seeping into his jacket as you bury your face in his shoulder.
He doesn’t look. Doesn’t need to.
He just holds you. Hides you from the world until you’re ready again.
Eventually, your body stops shaking and relaxes into his hold.
“...Thank you. For that.” You slowly rise back up, wiping your tears. But you don’t pull your hand away. He squeezes it, “That’s what I’m here for.” You both settle into an easy chatter. You tell him more about Rudo’s dad—how he taught you how to read and write. He listens. Doesn’t interrupt. And bit by bit, he learns more of you from your time in the sphere.
The calm lingers.
Then your chokers ring.
“Enjin, (Y/N), you there?” Semiu’s voice crackles through the choker. You look out the window and he follows your gaze. The sky outside is now dark. Have you really been talking for that long?
You respond, “We’re here. What’s up?” You give Enjin a look, Semiu usually doesn’t call this late. “I need you two to come down here. Preferably now.” Semiu replies. “We’re on our way.” You end the call before standing up from your seat.
Your expression slips back into that familiar shield. So quick. “Come on, let’s go see what Semiu wants.” Enjin stands up with an exasperated groan before following you as you lead the way to the reception area.
There at the reception desk, Semiu was staring down at something. As they approach, he spots what she's studying— a broken box cutter. “Whatcha got there?” Enjin asks. “Riyo had to break this in order to kill a Trash beast.” She looks up at him. Enjin frowns at that news. “Now, I’m definitely not blind— this looks like a Vital Instrument." She gestures to the box cutter.
“Has anything like this happened before?” You ask her, picking up the box cutter to examine it. “No, not at all, which is all the more concerning.” Semiu crosses her arms. Enjin leans against the desk, facing you, “What do you think?”
You let out a hum, “Based on my experience… Either someone has enough Anima and power to transfer enough of it into an object and create Trash beasts or —”
You place back down the blade, “Something is corrupting Givers and making them turn into Trash beasts.”
Enjin and Semiu share a look, both options suck.”I suggest further investigation for this. As much as I hope for option one, we can’t rule out other possibilities. Especially if it puts the Givers at risk.” You catch their attention again. Enjin nods, agreeing with you, “We should bring it up with the boss when he gets back. Maybe he knows something.”
You all come to an agreement, you and Enjin would secretly investigate the matter first. He didn’t want to involve others yet. Not unless he has to.
“Oh, right. Don’t forget to stop by Rudo’s welcome party.” Semiu reminds him. He glances at you who was already looking at him in confusion. Seeing that, Semiu answers your question, “Riyo is hosting a “Welcome to the Ground” party for Rudo. Everyone just wanted an excuse to eat and drink honestly.”
He nods at that. He can’t blame them. You both bid Semiu a wave goodbye before heading to the mess hall together where Rudo’s party is presumably held. He opens the door for you, seeing the party in full swing. Rudo and Gris seemed to be talking in a quiet corner.
What are they doing so far from the party? Well, time to make them join in. “Maaann. Kill me.” Enjin groans, going deadweight on Rudo. “Come on man! Get off!” Rudo protested against the weight. Enjin turns to him, “What’s with you dude? How come there isn’t food all over your face?” He ruffles his hair.
“Yeah man, come on. Nobody's saving you a plate just cause this is your party. So you know. Eat.” Riyo insists, stuffing a piece of steak in her mouth. “She’s inhaled half the spread already.” Zanka comments. You come up behind them, hands full with five plates full of food, “Let her enjoy the food, she needs it to grow stronger anyways.” You hand Riyo a plate. “You too Zanka. Eat up.” You hand him a plate which he hastily caught.
Enjin couldn’t help the smile that crept up, watching you care for the kids like it came naturally to you. You turn to look at Rudo and Gris, “So, are we staying in this depressing corner, or actually joining the party?” You turn your heel, walking to an empty table closer to the heart of the party. Riyo and Zanka follow you dutifully. “Come on, let’s join them. Seems like (Y/N) saved you a plate.” Gris stands and Enjin follows. Slowly, Rudo does as well.
Everyone finds their spot, eating the food you provided. As usual, you managed to get all their favourites.
Suddenly, the music amps up.
Everyone cheers as they realize who it was.
Seeing Rudo’s curious look, Enjin places a hand on his shoulder. "Ever see a genius at work? Well. you’re about to. Guys like Gob get something in their head and there is no stopping until it’s out.” They watch as Gob goes crazy with his spray paint on the wall.
“Seriously dude some of us are trying to eat here!” “And your paint stinks!” “At least crack open a window!” Some of the other cleaners hackle at Gob
Enjin balances a cigarette to his lips, taking his lighter to light it.
Click.
Damn it. Looks like it’s out of juice.
Suddenly, there was a light in front of him. He turns to see your hand holding the lighter. He accepts the light, igniting his cigarette. You click it off and twirl it between your fingers before pocketing it. Now where did you learn to do that?
“I thought you didn’t smoke?” He takes a puff of his cigarette. You flick your gaze to him, “I don’t.” he looks confused, “Then why do you have a lighter?”
“I use it to burn bodies.”
Huh?
“Back in my world, not now!” You urgently whispered to him, which he barely catches over the loud music. That does little to answer his question. “Back in my world, to get rid of ghosts, you had to salt and burn the bones or bodies of them. I just carry one out of habit now.” You properly explain, leaning in to whisper it in his ear.
“You’re into some freaky stuff princess.” Enjin gives you a teasing smirk. “It was my job!” You snapped back. He lets out a chuckle before turning back to Gob, “You’ve been hanging out a lot.” He calls out to Gob.
“Yeah, trying to find the right wall for this sick piece I got.” Gob answers, switching his can for a different color. Enjin lets out a huff, “You do you boo. Hey, no turds! I mean it!” he warns Gob. “Yes please. As stylistic as your turds are Gob, I don't want to see one every time I eat.” You back him up.
Gob uncaps his pen, “Sorry I don’t make promises I can’t keep.” He chuckles, adding what are hopefully the final touches to the new piece.
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Thoughts
I've been writing a lot of Enjin POV and I like writing it but what do you guys want? More Reader POV or should I continue with Enjin POV?
POVs
Keep Enjin POV
More Reader POV
Also, chapter 6 is scheduled for later today (for me) and will be out in a few hours!!
Chapter 5: Another side
Enjin x Isekai Supernatural Reader
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Obviously, Enjin had to take the boy to a clinic. He inhaled lots of the toxic fumes in No Man’s Land, and that needed to be cured asap. On the way, he decided to hit up his favourite person.
“Are you dying?” your voice rings in his ear from his choker. Enjin lets out a chuckle, “Unfortunately for you sweetheart, I am still very much alive. I am, however, at Alice’s clinic. You think you can swing by to pick me up?” He asks.
“Alice’s clinic? You injured?” If he listens closely, which he does, he could hear the tinge of concern in your voice. “Nah. Not a scratch to me but I did find someone in No Man’s Land. I think you’ll like to meet him. Kid’s a natural Giver.”
“Thinking of bringing him in—What do you think?”
“Why are you asking me? You’re the leader.”
“Yeah, but I like to hear your thoughts.”
He could hear you let out an exasperated sigh, “Let me meet the guy and I’ll let you know.” He grins. “Great! I’ll talk to you later. If we finish before you get here, we’ll probably head down to the diner. The one you like.” He tells you. You hum in confirmation, “Alright. Save me a milkshake.” The line cuts before he could get another word in.
He lets out a scoff, who do you think he is? Of course he’s buying you a milkshake.
After escorting Rudo into the clinic, Alice was quick to get to work. Alice takes off the boy’s jacket and makes him lie down on the cot so she could properly examine him. Enjin scoots over where the jacket was thrown, swiping it and stuffing it into his bag. The kid’s not gonna need it anymore anyway.
Afterwards, Enjin sits down on a spare chair to make another call. “Enjin, rare for me to hear from you. What's going on?” Zanka responds. Good, that means he’s probably done with his mission. “I came across a natural” Enjin answers.
“Huh? What do you mean you “came across a natural"?”
“Just that. Guy fell into my lap back in No Man’s Land. And one should note, it turns out he’s got powers. The “haven't seen that before” kind to boot.” Enjin explains, “Obviously I had to convince him to join up with us. So, you two have a play date after I’m done here. See you then.” He ends the call before Zanka protests.
“Hey! I never said anything about joining your gang of weirdos!” The boy protests from his spot on the cot. “It’s cute you think you’ve got other options. The last person who fought against me gave in pretty quickly.” Enjin tries to convince. “Oh shut up! I’ve told you I gotta get back up to th—”
“YOU’RE LUCKY TO BE ALIVE KIDDO.”
“Back up old man!”
“ONLY REAL IDIOTS GO WONDERING IN NO MAN”S LAND. COUPLE MORE HUFFS OF THAT AIR AND I’D BE CALLING YOU A DEAD IDIOT RIGHT NOW! AND YOU NEARLY GOT SOLD FOR PARTS AFTER GETTING KIDNAPPED!” Alice walks over to her desk before turning back to the kid while pointing back at Enjin.
“TALK ABOUT SOME ROTTEN LUCK! YOU BETTER THANK THAT NICE MAN FOR KEEPING YOU TOGETHER!”
Enjin couldn’t help the taunting smile, “Doctors orders, little boy.” He meets the boy’s glare before watching it contort to fear as Alice approaches him again. “AND FIX YOUR FACE BUMNUGGET! TREATMENT’S ALL FINISH, NOW GIVE MONEY AND GET THE HELL OUT!”
“AND WHAT’D I SAY? I’M A WO—”
The kid closes the door, before turning to Enjin. “Thanks for that. You know, paying. But seriously, all I’m after is information. I don’t have time to go trash hunting. Or whatever it is—”
“You’re still not getting it squirt. Those kidnappers weren't unique in how they felt about Sphereites.” Enjin cuts him off. He starts walking out of the alley, expecting the kid to follow. “You’re free to ask around about getting back to the sphere, but you’re screwed if they find out who you are.” The lighter steps behind him, tells him he was right.
“Look, here’s whatcha gotta let sink in. This’s just isn’t the kind where stuff like info comes without a cost. Now, shut up and stay close.” Enjin opens the door to exit the alley, entering back into the city.
Enjin brings the kid to the diner, ordering two burger sets with water and a milkshake. Enjin leans back in his chair, watching the kid devour his burger, just like someone else he knows. “Oh damn, someone had the munchies. I mean it figures cause you ‘bout and barf inside out thanks to all that garbage you gobbled up.”
Enjin takes out a cigarette, balancing it with his lips. “So, assuming your name’s not brat or kid…”
“Rudo?” Your voice cuts through from behind.
The kid freezes. The burger slips through his fingers and plops back onto the tray.
At first he stares— like you’ll disappear if he blinks.
“(Y/N)?” he calls out, uncertain. Like he’s not sure you’re real.
Then, he bolts forward.
The impact nearly knocks you off balance. His arms wrap tight around you, clutching the fabric of your jacket.
You steady yourself, bring your hands to hold him just as tight.
“I—I thought you…” the kid tries to speak but the words get stuck. Instead, he just buries his head deeper into your jacket. His shoulders tremble, breath hitching.
You don’t say anything at first. Just holding him, grounding him. Or maybe yourself.
“Hey…” When you do speak, your voice is softer than Enjin’s ever heard.
“It's okay. I’m okay.” You pull back, just enough to look at him, wiping his tears away with your thumb.
“Chin up, okay? I need you to finish that burger and not barf it back out because you started crying.” Your voice was calm, soothing, bringing the kid back to reality.
The kid nodded, breath still shaky— but slowing down. “We’ll talk later. I want to know everything, but first, finish your food.” You usher the kid back to his seat.
Once the kid settles back into his seat, Enjin waits for him to pick his burger back up before finally speaking. “You know him?” He asks, looking up at you as you pull another chair to sit with them. Enjin pushes the milkshake over to you. “This is Rudo. His dad took care of me in the Sphere. I consider him like my brother.” You accept the milkshake, moving the straw closer.
“Rudo. Huh, good name. And an even better coincidence.” Enjin lights his cigarette. Brother huh? He balances the cigarette between his fingers. Before he could exhale the smoke, you lightly push his head away, making him face the wall, “Don’t blow it to him.” you warn him. He releases the smoke with a quiet huff.
Huh.
He’s seen you with kids before— Zanka, Riyo, even Team Child. You were patient. Understanding. Grounding.
But this? This is different.
You were softer, protective even.
His gaze lingers on Rudo. Seems like there is a whole other side to you he’s never seen. And somehow the brat was the lucky one to see it.
Enjin puts on a smile though, “Alright, time for your first Ground life crash course.” He takes a spoon of sauce, pouring it into the water to help Rudo visualise, “Here in the ground, trash ain’t all that builds up. Emotions, or Anima, do the same thing. Now sometimes, Anima converts into energy. Which is a whole grab bag of fun consequences.”
You hold the cherry from your milkshake in front of him. He takes the fruit, knowing you don’t like them and plops it into his mouth, biting it off the stem.
“The creation of Trash beasts for example. You’ve probably seen one since Enjin brought you from No Man’s Land and might notice that they attack humans on sight. They usually stick to dump areas but occasionally they come and attack the cities.” You continue for him as he chews the fruit.
“Why not just stay in cities and beef up the defenses?” Rudo asks once he finished his food. “Because human nature says that things go bad if we stay cooped up too long.” Enjin answers. Rudo looks downcast at his plate, “Yeah… that tracks.” You and Enjin share a look. Something happened to him, possibly worse than what happened to you.
“Killing trash beasts is the difficult bit because of their core. It's made up of concentrated Anima which means normal weapons won’t kill it.” You continue the lesson, hoping to distract him and bring him back. “You need specialty items, like your gloves.” Enjin points out, making Rudo observe his gloves with curiosity.
“It’s a lot like the knife a chef faithfully cleans and sharpens. Or the trusty pen a writer always keeps at their side. It’s simple, with TLC and time, Anima will inhabit any object and that's when they become something else.” Enjin brings up Umbreaker and you pull out your dagger, letting it transform into the Angel blade form.
“We call them treasures, but here, they're called Vital Instruments. You need Anima to beat Anima that's why Vital Instruments work on Trash beast.” You let Rudo see the blade before transforming it back to the dagger. “But what makes a Vital Instrument a Vital Instrument is someone who can draw out its power.” Enjin adds on, hanging Umbreaker on the edge of the table.
“And I just happened to be one of those someones. That what you’re saying?” Rudo confirms. “We all are kid. And there ain’t that many of us around. We’re Givers.” Enjin takes in another puff, making sure to face away when blowing out the smoke. “Now, here’s my pitch.” Enjin leans in with his arm on the table.
You let out a sigh beside him “Enjin.” He stops you with a finger, “Now, now, just drink your milkshake and hear me out.” He grabs the cup, lifting it to your face and pushing the straw to your lips. You roll your eyes and take the cup from him, taking a sip as you listen.
“The Cleaners are a gang of Trash beast exterminators, and we need all the Givers we can get.” Enjin offers to Rudo. “That’s why you want me. So that’s the deal right? I say yes and you tell me how to get to the sphere?” Rudo confirms the offer.
Enjin could already feel the heat of your glare. He shifts uncomfortably before leaning back, “Um, yeah, I’m gonna be real with ya. I don’t know the vaguest whiff of an idea of how to get you back up there.” he admits.
Rudo is taken aback, “Then why the hell would you make me think that you did!?”
“Because I wanted you to be receptive to my pitch.”
“Because he’s a manipulative bitch.”
You say at the same time. Enjin’s hand flies to his chest dramatically, “Ow, how could you say that?” Rudo wasn't distracted however, slamming his hands on the table, “You—” Enjin holds the cigarette and turns to Rudo, but it seems like you’re faster. You grab his cheeks and tilt his head back, forcing the smoke upwards instead of Rudo’s face.
His eyes track you as you lean over him, forcing yourself up from your seat. He watches you glare down at him, “I told you, no blowing smoke at the children.” He only gives you a cheeky grin through his squished cheeks.
He swats your hand away, making you back off and sit back down in your seat. “I may be a dead end, but my boss keeps up to date. Probably knows a thing about a thing.” Enjin reassures Rudo but it just seems to give him a headache, “So now I’ve gotta meet your boss to maybe learn how to get back?” Rudo groans. You let out a hum, “The boss might. It’s been a while since I talked to him.” You back him up.
“New topic? Who gave you those gloves?” Enjin changes the topic wanting to know more about the kid. “My dad did. They were a gift. And now they’re…They’re all I have to remember him.”
You freeze beside him.
Enjin noises. The way your hands stilled— gaze dropped slightly.
You probably caught on to the meaning of his words.
Enjin exhales, giving you a sympathetic glance.
He focuses back on Rudo, knowing you won’t like the pity he feels, “I’m sorry. To both of you. He must have been a really damn good one considering how well you take care of those busted up things.” He puts out his cigarette. “You’ve got to put your whole heart into whatever you care about. It’s a simple concept but most people can’t do it. It’s clear those gloves your daddy gave ya, got soul.” Enjin gives a smile, not teasing this time.
“So keep putting your heart into ‘em”
Rudo purses his lips, trying to keep them from trembling but Enjin can see it. He gets it. He’s seen in you before. The way you look at your weapons.
The squeaking sound from his choker interrupts the moment.
Enjin stands up from his seat and offers you a hand, pulling you up when you take it. “Uh, oh. Well, that’s my pitch. Your turn to think it over. And while you’re doing that I’ll—” Rudo called out to him, cutting him off, “Um, thanks for, you know. Everything. I owe you one.”
Enjin throws a bag of coins over to Rudo which he catches, "That's for you to do whatever while we’re gone. And be sure to pace yourself.” Rudo looked at the bag, stunned. “No way. You sure about this?” He looks back up at Enjin for confirmation. “Oh, yeah. Totally. I made a serious killing off of selling your old Sphereite clothes. It’s how I covered your treatment and lunch. You don’t have to thank me or anything. Charity is its own reward.” Enjin waves him off.
He placed a hand on the small of your back, guiding you back to the parking lot. This time, you don’t shrug it off. …Huh.
Looks like he’s finally getting somewhere. Or maybe— His gaze briefly flicks back to Rudo. —The kid shortened you up.
Right on cue— “Get back here so I can kick your ass!” Rudo exploded. “Hey I just thought you’d not like to get harassed or killed because of your threads. Sides, you’re only pissed cause I told you.” Enjin gives him a lazy backhand wave, no remorse whatsoever. “This part of your pitch too? You dirt muncher!” Rudo yells. “Yup. Anyway, I’m off to meet with your trainer. So sit tight okay?” He instructs the boy.
“Where was my money when you sold my jacket?” you ask as you walk. His arm raise to drape over your shoulders instead, “Whatt? Weren’t all the times I treated you enough to pay it back?” Enjin pouts. “I want my money.” You insist. “You already scammed me off all my money in poker.” he pokes your cheek. You swat his hand away, “It’s called hustling. And it’s not my fault you keep falling for it.”
“So you admit to scamming me.”
“I hustled you.”
As you arrive at the car, you detach from his hold, standing in front of him. “Okay, but serious talk. What are Rudo's powers?” You cross your arms, leaning back in the car. Enjin scratches the back of his neck, “From what I saw? It seems like anything he touches can turn into a Vital Instrument.”
You stay quiet, thinking for a moment, “And you want him to join the Cleaners?” You ask, arms tightening around you like a barrier. Usually you were indifferent. With Riyo and Zanka, you were passive, logical.
Now? You hesitate.
Enjin grasps your biceps, grounding you in his reassurance, “I get it. He's your brother— you’re worried.” His voice softens, just a little. “But I can tell the kid’s hella strong.” He brings a hand to ruffle your hair, “Sides, he’s got Riyo, Zanka, me— and most importantly, you watching out for him.
You grumble as he messes with your hair, easily holding you back as you try to reach up and do the same to him. “Fucking telephone pole.” You curse under your breath, giving up and going round to the passenger seat. “Now I’ve got to fix my hair!” you complain.
Enjin lets out a chuckle as he enters the driver’s seat, “You look cute either way.” He compliments. You let out a huff, using the rear view mirror to fix your hair as Enjin turns the ignition, “Easy for you to say. You can actually see.” You style your hair back to its original look, making sure it’s out of your eyes.
Enjin drives back to where you left Rudo, making sure to drive relatively smooth so you could fix your hair properly. He slows down as Rudo comes into view, squatting on the roadside. “Hey Hey! So you two best friends yet or what?” Enjin takes a closer look at Zanka who was lying beside Rudo on a pile of trash. Looks like Zanka’s been through some horrors.
Enjin drives through the city with the two boys in the back. The car was unusually silent, especially when he thought the two personalities would collide and make noise. He stops when a knocked over cart blocks the road. Seeing as there is nothing to do but wait for the merchants to pick up their goods and move, he asks the boys “So, what happened with you two?”
It doesn't take much prompting as Zanka retells the story. Enjin could hear his voice slowly disappear into pained groans of embarrassment while Rudo seems to become even more horrified as the story continues and realization of what he has done hits him.
Enjin couldn’t help but burst out in laughter. Even you couldn’t help yourself. You may be covering your mouth but he can see those shoulders shaking! “You’re killing me! You guys bonded over a doo doo duel? That is truly priceless.” Even you let a snicker escape with that one.
“Zanka’s the closest the ground gets to making a spoiled rich kid. And you flung diarrhea at him!” Enjin lets out a second round of laughter. In the rearview mirror, Zanka looks like he wants to disappear, hiding his face from the world. To save him from more torture, Enjin tries to compose himself. “Oh man. Well it wasn’t the most dignified first meeting but hey, you got a good story out of it so that’s something.”
“As far as trainers go, Zanka’s the best we got at controlling Vital Instruments, believe me. You’re in good hands with him.” He knew that would wipe off all the embarrassment. “He’s right. Zanka’s probably the best shot for you to learn how to use your gloves properly.” You back him up. Now that will definitely boost his spirits.
“Riyo, you want to say hi or are you just going to keep sleeping?” You call out. Taking a closer look into the rear view mirror, he could see the familiar boots kicked up on the middle seats he didn’t notice before. “Oh hey. Didn’t see you back there Riyo. Whatsup?” He greets her. He didn’t see her at all. In fact, where did she come from? And how did you know?
Riyo sits us, “Got curious about the new guy. Your name is Rudo right?” she crosses her arms over the back rest, leaning in. “Uh, yeah.” Rudo nervously replied. Riyo reaches for strands of the boy’s hair, feeling and playing with it, “I’m so jealous of your hair. Did you dye it yourself or what? Ah, nevermind, this is way too soft to be dyed.” Oh, it seems like Rudo short-circuited.
The merchants quickly move out of the way once they’re done, "Buckle up. Time to get rolling.” Enjin warns them, before stepping on the gas. “To Cleaner HQ. Our home sweet home.”
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This Wasn't in the Hunter's Manual Taglist
I've realized that I didn't officially open the taglist, I've just been adding people who asked.
Anyway, since updates will be slower, if you want to be tagged in the upcoming chapters, please like or comment on this post!
Chapter 4: A kid with Gloves
Enjin x Isekai Supernatural Reader
A/N: So just to let you guys know, updates will be slower starting now. The only reason why I could churn out the first 3 chapters so fast was because I already had them sitting in my google doc for awhile. But now with school reopening and me realizing I need to lock in, yeah... updates will be slower now. I'll try to keep to a schedule but we'll see.
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Crash!
His umbrella opens up to form a shield, protecting you from the large bear trash beast. “You alright princess?” He looks over his shoulder to see your Angel blade slice through another trash beast, “Eyes up front!” you scold him.
Enjin lets out an amused huff as he spins his Umbreaker, letting it easily shred the trash beast apart. He could hear Gris calling out to them as he threw the limp bodies of smaller trash beasts towards them.
Enjin watches as you pull out your pistol, it glows before transforming into the Colt. One handedly, you shoot the bodies out of the sky before it crashes into them, letting the dust fall around you.
“Look’s like that’s the last of ‘em.” Enjin closes his Umbreaker, letting it revert back to the normal umbrella. He watches as the Colt reverts back into your pistol before you holster the weapon. Even after nearly four years it never ceases to amaze him how lucky he was to come across such a talented giver.
Swish!
Your blade narrowly misses him as it flies past and kills another trash beast behind him. you stand up straight from your throwing position, pushing back the stray hairs in your face, “Maybe you should get your eyes checked.” you quipped.
…
Yeah, that's my partner.
He shoots you a grin, wrapping an arm around your shoulders to pull you in, “That’s why I have you!” You side eye him before your gaze shifts to his arm.
You wait.
He doesn’t move.
You let out a sigh before shrugging off his arm. “Zanka! You done yet?” You call out to the staff wielding teen. “Yes! All clear!” Zanka responds, jogging up to you. You look behind him to see his work, nodding, “Good work. Seems like you’re getting stronger.” You give him a pat on the shoulder before continuing back to the town wall, “Alright, pack it up. We’re done here.”
“Yes ma’am!” the supporters respond. Enjin’s gaze stays on Zanka who seems to be beaming at the praise. Zanka’s hand reverently touches the spot where you pat him. Enjin’s eyes narrowed, not quite a glare but more of a pout. Where was his praise and pat on the back?
Everyone packs up into the jeep, you in the driver’s seat because you still don’t trust Enjin enough to drive. Now, usually he would join you in the passenger seat but he stays outside the car, “I’m heading to Mono. I’ve got some stuff to do so go ahead without me.” He tells you.
You rest an arm on the open window, leaning out to face him better, “The No Man’s Land? You got your full face?” You ask him. He pats his bag, “Got it right here.” You let out a hum. “Alright. I’ll drop off Zanka for his solo mission. If you need a ride or anything, you know how to call me.” You start the ignition, letting the car rumble to life. Enjin gives you a playful two finger salute.
Before winding up the window, you meet his gaze one more time, “Stay safe.” You tell him. “Aww you do care about me.” Enjin teases. You click your tongue before winding up the window completely, ending the conversation. He watches you as you drive off into the distance with the other cleaners.
Stay safe.
You hide it well, behind those walls of yours. But it doesn’t fool him, he knew you cared. Even if you suck at showing it. Enjin can’t help the grin tugging on his lips as he reaches into his bag.
Of course he will.
Who else is gonna keep you company?
He puts on the white helmet, making sure everything is clipped into place before setting off to No Man’s Land.
Usually no one in their right mind would set foot anywhere a No Man’s Land. Then again Enjin is not right in his mind. You gotta have a few screws loose to be a Giver. Enjin finds himself a nice tower of trash to sit on, taking in the peaceful atmosphere. If it wasn’t for the high levels of pollution, it would have been a nice place to stay.
Enjin opens his umbrella, using it to cover and hide him from any trash beast that might be around. He took out his binoculars, observing and surveying the land around him. Suddenly, something knocks against his umbrella shade, disrupting the peace. He hears the clinking of something metal, probably a can, as it bounces off his umbrella and drops joins the other trash.
Suddenly, as two trash beasts closed in on him, there was a red flash.
He turns over where the can came from, using his binoculars to take a closer look, “Huh. What’s that boy doing?” He watches a small figure of white bounces around, fighting off three massive trash beasts. He didn’t seem to be winning.
Boom!
The two trash beasts exploded, leaving them to crumble back into inanimate trash.
Oh?
Enjin makes the trek to where he last saw the boy. As a cleaner, he should probably help him out. Just as he trekked over another mountain of trash, the boy came flying down to his feet, Enjin’s umbrella just nicely shading his upper half. Enjin tilts his head as he observes the boy, he’s banged up but most importantly, his clothes looked like yours when you first arrived. A Sphereite. The boy coughs, letting blood dribble from his mouth.
Right, he should fix that first.
Enjin lifts the boy up by the collar, before kicking him in the back. The boy collapses, coughing up more blood. “Damn it! That hurts!” The boy rasps. Good, that means his airway is clear. He lifts the boy by his collar again, pressing an extra mask firmly over his nose and mouth and strapping it on him. Releasing the boy, Enjin walks in front of him and closes his umbrella.
“Thanks. So hey, are you from around here or something?” The boy asks. Enjin looks over his shoulder at him, he’s being too loud. “Is it like this everywhere? What the hell was that giant trash monster?” The boy continues to ask. This is not good.
Enjin turns around to face him, making a zipping motion, “Zip it up alright?” He whispers. The boy blinks at him clueless, “At least tell me what this place even is!” The boy begs. Enjin repeats the same motion, “What part of zip it are you not getting?” He keeps his voice low but frustration was starting to bubble.
“Hey I just woke up here after being tossed into the pit! I don’t know anything! Are we even above ground right now?” The boy exclaims, gradually getting louder. No, he needs to stay quiet “You got eyes, don't cha? We need to stay quiet so shut up.”
“Stop whispering you freak! I can’t understand a word you’re saying!”
“Shut. The. HELL UP.”
Ah fuck it.
“FOR THE RECORD WE’RE ABOVE GROUND YOU IDIOT!”
“Huh”
“THIS PLACE IS ONE OF THE MANY TOXIC DUMPS YOU SPHEREITES CREATED! WHICH I WOULD HAVE TOLD YOU EVENTUALLY BUT YOU COULDN’T ZIP YOUR DAMN LIPS!”
“Now we got old hungry hungry coming for us.” Enjin points to the trash beast he knows is behind them, probably regenerating as they speak.
“That thing’s a trash beast. The monsters made of trash. Trash beasts. How do we take one down? Well not with any ordinary weapon. And in case it wasn’t obvious yet, THEY REACT TO SOUND! That’s what I was trying to keep my voice down instead of barking my HEAD OFF LIKE A MORON. I know the trash beast around here are exceptionally nasty and I wasn’t feeling like tangling with them today. So thanks for that you mouthy ignorant little shit blossom. You got me yelling and I’m not a loud guy!”
He points his umbrella at the boy, letting it glow with Anima and transform into his Umbreaker. He spins open Umbreaker’s shade, letting out a sigh, “Man it felt good to yell all that out. Alrighty though. Let's clean up this mess.” He rests Umbreaker on his shoulders.
As a trash beast approaches them, Enjin holds out Umbreaker, letting it spin and shred the trash beast apart. He swings Umbreaker to rest on his shoulders, protecting him from any falling debris. Looking up, Enjin sees the large army of trash beasts, “Guess we drew a crowd.”
The trash beasts charge forward. Enjin snaps Umbreaker shut and readies himself.
Launching forward, he clears the army easily, slashing and piercing through them.
He jumps off the last minion, opening his Umbreaker to slowly glide down.
Now it’s just the big boy.
Something bubbles up in the throat of the trash beast.
Purple toxic sludge.
The trash beast launches the toxic waste at him.
He’s still in the air but it can’t be helped.
He brings down Umbreaker, using it as a shield and spins the shade, breaking and redirecting the sludge.
The sludge explodes behind him.
His feet touch the ground and he gears up again, swinging the excess sludge off his Umbreaker before launching back at the trash beast.
Jumps onto the trash beast head and uses it to jump higher.
Umbreaker opens and he glides, adjusting his trajectory.
He hugs the handle, and giving Umbreaker more Anima to grow bigger.
“Umbreaker: Octa-shredder.”
He pierces through the beast, leaving eight marks following the ribs of Umbreaker from the strength of the impact. He stops off, letting Umbreaker turn back to its passive form before approaching the boy. “Hey kid, blink twice if you’re dead.”
“Who or what the hell are you?” the boy groans. Enjin reaches to turn the dial on the side of his helmet, releasing the pressure so he could take the helmet off. “The name’s Enjin.” He take off his gas mask. “And I’m just a humble cleaner.”
…
“HUargk.” Enjin gags and coughs, quickly putting back on his gas mask. “Why’d you make me take my mask off asshole? This air is way too nasty.” He complains but guesses the boy wasn’t listening as he collapses unconscious.
Enjin sighs, well he can’t just leave him. Not when he has those gloves.
The boy is special.
Enjin puts back on his helmet and finds anything he could use to help move the boy. A loose chain, nice. He drags the unconscious boy around for a while. Reaching a relatively safe spot, he uses his binoculars to find a way out. Are those trucks? Oh, it’s those kind of people.
“Wait, what the hell is this?” The boy spurs away, rattling the chains he tied around him. “Oh hey, enjoy your nap?” Enjin asks him. “What are you trying to do with me shit head?” The boy insults. “First, it's Enjin. Second, that’s not how you talk to someone who saved your life brat.” He continues to drag the boy along.
“You saved me? Is that why you put me in chains!? How messed up are you!?” The boy struggles against his binds. “Just enough to bring along an unconscious stranger with me.” Enjin sarcastically replies. “Let me go you deranged asshole! I don’t have time for this! I’ve gotta get back up to the city!” That causes Enjin to pause.
“Oof, yeah sorry. That’s not possible.” Enjin leans over the boy, “The place, the “city”, we call it the sphere.” He looks up into the cloud covered sky, “Aaand it never stays in one place for too long. Also kinda hard to get to “the sky” from here,” He explains to the boy.
“There are other factors too but I don’t wanna beat the point to death.” Enjin continues to drag the boy. “The lesson here is, hush up cause for now, you’re stuck here.”
“Screw your lesson.” Enjin pauses again. “And screw your factors. Nothing is going to stop me from going back. Besides, you’ve said it yourself, I'm only stuck for now. That means you know something right? Tell me, how do I get back up to the sphere?”
“Tell me everything. About this world, those monsters and that weird power of yours! I have to know! I need to know it all! Cause when I get back, I’m taking all the shit from this place and beating those shit heads to death! And I’m not gonna shut up until you tell me what you know.”
Enjin throws off his helmet.
“Man, when that mouth of yours gets going it doesn’t stop, does it? If you’re that desperate for an education, fine. I’ll show you the kind of place the ground is.”
Enjin picks back up his helmet and holds it under his arm. He continues to drag the boy, ignoring all his cries and struggles. Once they arrive at a gas station outside the No Man’s Land, he throws the boy down. “What the hell?” The boy stands on his knees, looking around. “Good luck. And remember, learning is fun.” Enjin gives the boy a two finger salute before walking off.
“Wait! Where are you going? You haven't told me anything yet! Hey!” He could hear the boy call out to him, but he continued walking. He treks to the top of the cliff overlooking the gas station.
He keeps his eye on the kid as the men get out of the trucks. They excitedly threw off their gas mask, approaching the boy with curiosity.
Naturally these guys chained him to their truck. These scum bags, willing to even hurt a kid.
Enjin shifts to a different spot, having a clearer view of the boy in the truck. As much as this is a test, he doesn’t want the kid to actually get hurt of course. He can’t hear what the men are telling the boy but he’s sure they are explaining everything the boy wanted to know.
Then, the leader drops a pile of food waste in front of the kid, forcing it into his mouth. Enjin grips Umbreaker tighter, that’s probably too much.
Just as Enjin was about to glide down to save the boy, again, the leader suddenly stumbles back, gripping his hand in agony. From what he could see, the flesh was ripped from his index and middle finder, leaving just the bone. He grabs his binoculars to see into the dark truck, seeing the boy lean down and eat more from the pile of food waste.
Gross dude.
Then
Red.
The chains are broken as powerful red Anima shoots from the boy, causing even the trash around him to levitate.
“Now that’s what I call a show.” Enjin lets out a huff, putting down his binoculars now that the boy is out of the truck. “Once again my instincts are right on the money.” He watches as the boy grabs the chain, making it glow red with Anima.
The brat can give life to objects and draw out their power. Just like us.
A Giver.
The chains become spiked. Now in weapon form, the boy uses it like a whip, causing dust to fly up.
One of the men knocked away the chain, but the boy grabs a tire instead.
Just like the chain, it glows red.
“Oh hell yeah!”
And just like the chain, it becomes a weapon.
“Using multiple objects are you kidding me!?” Enjin couldn’t help the excitement he felt. The only other person he knew capable of using more than one Vital Instrument was (Y/N). Damn, Sphereites are on another level!
The kid easily beats up all the guys, leaving just the leader left. That was probably enough for now. Enjin opens Umbreaker, letting him glide down safely as he approaches the kid. He grabs onto the kids wrist, stopping him from beating the leader into a pulp with the tire.
“Whoa there boy. Easy, easy, easy, easy. You’ve made your point okay?” The items around them stopped levitating meaning the kid turned off his power. But that also means he drops a brick onto the leader’s head. Ooo, that’s going to hurt. Well, he doesn’t care.
“Oh. Um, Enjin?” The boy looks at Enjin, confused. Maybe even a little scared.
“Yes?” He asked the boy. Enjin watches as the chains and tire he used disintegrates to dust.
“What did I just do?” The boy stares down at his gloves. Enjin watches as a trail of blood leaks from the boy’s nose. “And there’s the backlash. Yeah, that kind of power will do that.” Enjin comments, bringing attention to the boy’s bloodied nose. The boy quickly wipes it away with his sleeve.
“But you’ll be okay. I’m sorry for abandoning you like a jerk but I had to make sure that you were the real deal. Congrats, you are.” Enjin apologises and explains. “And I’ve got a deal. I can tell you everything and in exchange, you come work with us. The cleaners need exceptional people like you.” Enjin offers a hand.
…
“...Yeah no.”
Well, doesn’t that sound familiar.
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Taglist: @rubyninja1 @riyousjin
Chapter 3: The Hunter
Enjin x Isekai Supernatural Reader
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🌂
After you finish your meal, Enjin leads you back to his jeep. Opening the passenger door like the gentleman he is. "After you." He gives an exaggerated bow. You hop in with a scoff but buckle up anyway. Enjin rounds the jeep to the driver's side, turning the ignition.
Enjin begins your drive to Cleaner's HQ. He watches you from the corner of his eye. How you take in the wasteland around them, how your eyes gleam with curiosity, how your lips part in awe. His grip tightened around the wheel. Yes you're pretty but he needed to focus. The rest of the drive was smooth.
...
Yeah right.
Enjin drives like a maniac, there is no such thing as smooth. "Do you not have a driving license!?" You screamed as the car drove off another small cliff, gripping onto anything you could. "No! What's that?" He laughs like nothing as he swerves to avoid a telephone pole. "I'm going to die!"
They made it to HQ safe and sound.
Minus the fact that you look like your heart is about to jump out of your chest. "I've been through some reckless driving, but you take the cake." You tried to speak between breaths. "Thanks!" Enjin shoots her a grin. "That's not a compliment!" you snapped. He lets out a laugh, opening the doors to HQ, "You coming or what?"
Both of you entered the reception area. He observes as you look around the room, your gaze lingering on the paintings that decorate the walls. "Oh, now who's this fine lady?" Semiu speaks up from her seat, her head leaning on her hand as her gaze slowly rakes you up and down. Can't blame her, Enjin did the exact same thing.
"Thanks. But sorry, I don't swing that way. You look hot though." You shoot back a compliment to Semiu. "What? Where's my compliment?" Enjin pouts, you only throw him a glare, "You don't deserve one. Not after that awful driving." You sneered. "Don't worry boo I gotchu. Thanks for being honest." Semiu adjusts her glasses.
Enjin lets out a huff but decides to not dwell on it too much, he calls your name, "This is Semiu, our receptionist. She always gives the newcomers a look over." he explains to you how Semiu's Vital Instrument works. "Just stand there and look pretty princess and let Semiu do her thing." Enjin gives her a smirk.
Semiu activates her Vital Instrument, making her glasses and eyes glow yellow. He watches closely as you flinch. It was small, barely noticeable if he wasn't watching you so close. He remembers you tensing up when their eyes met as well. It's something about yellow eyes that puts you on guard.
Semiu shoots up from her seat, knocking her chair back. The look of fear and unease was clear on her face. Enjin grips the handle of Umbreaker tighter. Semiu doesn't get scared easily, whatever she saw spooked her real bad. "Who— no what are you?" Semiu asked her. You let out a hum, scratching the back of your neck, "So you really can see everything. Is there a more private place we could talk? I would rather not have this be out in the open."
Enjin and Semiu share a glance before Semiu gestured down the hall, "The boss's office is the most private place. We can talk there with him." You let out an unsure hum before giving in, "I guess one more person is alright. Lead the way."
Semiu walks first before you follow and Enjin follows behind, sandwiching you in the middle. Only the sound of your shoes could be heard as you walked to the boss's office. Enjin wonders what Semiu saw, he hoped it wasn't too bad, he still wants you on his team. His eyes drift across your figure from the back, what made Semiu so scared? Did it have something to do with your apprehension for yellow eyes?
When they finally reach the boss's office, Semiu knocks twice, waiting for an answer before opening the door. Inside revealed Arkha Corvus, the leader of the cleaners, "Now, what brings you to my office?" Greeting the boss, Enjin and Semiu quickly caught him up to speed.
Corvus led them to the couch in his office, letting everyone have a more comfortable space to talk, Enjin to the left, Semiu to the right and boss in the middle. You sat opposite them behind the coffee table on a stool. "Is this the most private place to talk and the most trustworthy people?" You ask, leaning forward to rest your elbows on your knees. "I can guarantee you this is the most secure room and I trust these people with my life." Corvus assures you.
...
"You're what!?" Enjin spluttered. "Sure. Shout more, let everyone hear." You roll your eyes. You explain your story, how you're a hunter, your weapons and how you got stuck in their world. So not only are you a Sphereite, but a completely different being in total.
It was a lot to take in but it also explained a lot of things. How you managed to get a gun, how you fight so well and a lot more things. Enjin notes Semius' gaze, like she wants to ask more but holds back. Looks like there's still more to learn about you. But maybe another day. After swearing secrecy to protect your identity, Corvus dubbed you as a new cleaner under Team Akuta.
After exiting the office, Semiu gives a goodbye, heading back to the reception, leaving only you and Enjin. "Let's get you a uniform first. We got a super talented kid who can hook you up with some new threads but he makes' em at his own pace so it will probably take awhile to make." Enjin suggested. You nod, following him silently as he leads the way down various hallways.
The silence wasn't awkward. Not tense or forced, just present. But Enjin can't help himself.
"So that explains it."
You glance at him, "Explains what?"
"Why you're out of this world."
"...Come up with a better one."
"Come on! That was solid."
They reach August's room which Enjin enters without knocking. "Yo August, we got a new member I need you to work your magic on." He watches as the white haired teen shot up with excitement. As expected, August starts loudly shouting random things, most of which Enjin himself couldn't catch. He watched with an amused grin as you grimaced at August's loud and eccentric behaviour.
After taking measurements and taking down some notes, August pushed both of them out, slamming the door behind them. You rub your ears, probably trying to ease the pain from that much shouting. "Right! Now your room!" Enjin perks up.
"Which is conveniently next to mine!"
"Now you're just doing this on purpose."
"Whattt I would never."
Enjin opens the door to your new room, letting you enter and explore. He watches as you observe your new sleeping quarters, from what you told him, it should be better than what you're used to. "Everything you need should be here. The bathroom is yours to use and the closet should have some extra clothes for you. Go wash up and I'll come get you for dinner." Enjin gives you some time to explore and get used to your new room.
After receiving a nod from you, confirming you heard him, he closes the door and enters his room next door. He gently places Umbreaker on the desk before shrugging off his coat and bags. He cracks the only window open, sitting by the windowsill as he takes out his pack of cigarettes. He holds a stick between his lips, lighting it up and breathing in the nicotine.
The smoke curls around him as he exhales. His eyes trail to the wall that separates you both. He wonders how you could survive falling between two different worlds. First from your own world to the sphere. And just as you were getting used to life up there, you fell again to the ground. You're strong, he admits that. And he's not just talking about your Vital Instrument.
Enjin quickly finishes his smoke, extinguishing it on the windowsill before throwing it in the ash tray on his desk. He stretches his body, letting the stiff muscles loosen up. His arms drop to the side. He reaches into his cabinet to take out a towel, throwing it over his shoulder. Well, he should wash up as well.
After a much needed shower, Enjin rakes through his semi dried hair, detangling the knots. He looks at his reflection in the mirror, changed to a large baggy black shirt and some grey sweats, he adjusts the stray hair strands poking out, making sure he's presentable. He shoots himself a confident grin before exiting his room and knocking on yours.
He waited for an answer but none came. "(Y/N)? You in there?" He knocks once more before turning the knob to enter your room. Opening the door showed the room to be empty but not untouched. The blankets were rumpled, clothes tossed over the chair on the desk and closet raided. Enjin doesn't panic, you probably went to take a bath like he did. He cleans up the room for you, folding the blanket and storing the clothes you didn't pick back into the closet.
Once satisfied, Enjin leaves the room, closing the door behind him as he sets out to find you. He immediately heads to the repetition area to ask the one person that knows everything, "Yo Semiu! Have you seen where (Y/N) went?" He asks the woman. Semiu doesn't look up, eyes still focused on her magazine but she points down a hallway, "She went to the garage."
Garage? He would have guessed you were in the dining room with how hungry you were before. He doesn't think too much of it, heading to the garage to fetch you. He takes the elevator down, leaning against the wall as he thinks of what to do for your welcome party. Technically a party is not needed but, it's always nice to let loose. Speaking of which, he lights another cigarette just as the elevator stops. The doors softly squeak open, letting him enter the garage. He walks in, looking between cars to find you.
Clank
He looks up, in the far back corner of the room he spots you stepping back from a jeep with its hood up. It's the broken down car, one the cleaners have been meaning to get fixed for a while now but never really found the time. You place a tool back in the toolbox before grabbing a cloth to wipe your hands. "Alright, try it now." You call out to another cleaner, a supporter, who enters the car. They turn the ignition and the car roars to life.
Enjin couldn't help but be surprised, mechanic was not something he expected from you. Seems like he's barely scrapping the surface with you and there is still lots more to learn. "Damn, I haven't seen this baby operational for a while and you managed to fix her up no problem." He lets out a low whistle.
You glanced up at him before going back to the car, acknowledging his presence. "It's nothing. It's just a simple fix." You wave off his complement. The supporter turns off the ignition and climbs out, thanking you. "No problem. You should probably change the fluids though. It's probably hella nasty down there." You close the hood, giving the car a pat before meeting up with him.
He nudges you with his elbow as you make your way back to the elevator. He leans down, listing out with his fingers "You can shoot, you can fix cars. Anything else up your sleeves?"
"Trauma."
"Guess we got that in common."
Enjin presses the button in the elevator to the main area, "So, you've seen the garage, where do you want to check out next?"
...
It was late. After giving you a tour of HQ and a small welcome party, everyone headed back to their rooms to sleep. Or in Enjin's case, try to. He stares at the ceiling, hoping sleep would come for him soon but nothing. He turns to his side and closes his eyes, hoping that will help but his ears perk up at the sound of a door opening and closing. His eyes open towards the sound, where your room was. Now what could you be doing up this late?
Enjin quietly opens his own door, peeking out into the hallway. He sees your figure at the end, walking further. Quietly, he slips out of his room, following you. He finds you in the mass hall over by the bar, raiding the refrigerator. He leans against the doorway, "Couldn't sleep?"
You don't answer him, just raise a beer bottle to him, "Want one?" you offer. He shrugs, walking closer to the bar and takes a seat, "Sure. Why not?" You walk back round to the seats with two bottles, passing him one. "You got an opener?" Enjin accepts the bottle. You give him a confused look, placing the cap at the edge of the table before slamming down on the bottle, popping the cap off. "Woah!" He watches as the cap flies off, "How did you do that?" he asks.
You take a sip from your beer before teaching him. "Line the cap at the edge of the table at an angle." You instruct him. He does as you say, looking up for confirmation. "Like this?" You grab his hand holding the bottle, adjusting the angle. Your hands were soft and warm despite holding a cold bottle just moments before. Your hands leave him faster than he would have liked. "Now just smack down on it." you gesture with your own hand.
He tries once, twice, pop. "I did it!" He proudly raises his now opened bottle. You do the same, lightly knocking your bottle against his, "Good job." You give him a small smile. He could feel something in his stomach flutter not just from your praise but also the first smile he's ever seen on you. He thought you looked even prettier with a smile.
Your smile was quickly hidden behind your bottle as you took another sip. He does the same, feeling the light buzz from the alcohol. His finger taps against the glass of the bottle, carefully selecting his words. "Do you wanna talk?" His voice lowers into something more serious, no teasing, no flirting, just...listening. "Talk?" you let out a humorless scoff before taking another sip.
You set the beer down before taking out your gun. You quietly observe it as it transforms to the other version of it. There was something in your gaze, like you had a million thoughts in your mind. "Back in my world, this gun is called the Colt. It's known to be able to kill any— well most monsters." You start to explain your Vital Instrument, your fingers trace the intricate engravings on it.
"Many people died for this." Oh. "And now I can just...make it? It feels like some kind of sick joke." You scoff as you transform the Colt back to the gun, leaving it on the table as you take another sip of beer. Enjin takes a moment to properly think of his words, this is dangerous territory he's entered. But he still wants to find out more.
"The more time and care in a Vital Instrument, the higher the quality. But Vital Instruments are also based off their user. Maybe it's not about the gun itself. Maybe... it's just the best one you know.."
"But who knows? Your situation is too weird to pinpoint the exact cause." Enjin shrugs. "Either way... you got it now." He meets your gaze, "This time, you can use it to save people." He takes a sip of his beer, satisfied with his word choice. You take a moment to soak in his words, "Huh, who knew you could be so wise."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Enjin lets out a huff. This is what he gets for comforting someone? You run a hand down your face, almost seeming embarrassed, "I'm saying— You know what? Nevermind, I shouldn't dump my problems on to you." Enjin watches you for a moment. He wants to know more— wants to understand what burdens you.
But perhaps another day. When you're ready.
"...Yeah, well." Enjin lets out a breath, sifting in his seat, "I forgot to give this to you earlier." he fishes out the red choker from his pocket. He slides it over to you which causes you to tilt your head to observe it.
Cute.
"What is it?" You reach out to it, playing with the clasp. "It's a choker. They're like phones but it only works with people you've traded blood with." He explains, raising a thumb to his teeth and biting down, letting a droplet of blood out.
He presses his thumb against the choker, letting it soak the blood. "There, now you can contact me anytime." He brings a hand back to his lips, licking off the blood. You examine the choker as it absorbs the blood, "Huh, so even down here there's blood magic." you mumbles to yourself, finally putting it on when you were satisfied with your observation.
Enjin leans in closer to you, tilting his head to expose his own choker, "Now my turn." He gives you a smug grin. You let out a tired sigh, taking out your dagger and cutting your thumb on the tip. You let the blood pool before reaching for his choker. You lean in close, closer than he thought you would.
His breath hitched as you rested your hand against his neck, feeling your fingers wrap around his neck before your thumb pressed against his choker. He recovers quickly , slapping on a smirk to cover his slip up, "If you wanted to touch me you could've just asked." You let out a scoff, holding the dagger to him. It was a good distance away, not meant to be threatening. "Don't push it." Suddenly the dagger glowed, revealing a long silver blade instead.
"YOU CAN USE TWO!?"
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Outfit Sheet
Obviously you don't have to use this outfit, this is just an example. You can imagine the base shirt and pants however you want but the weapons, holsters, jacket and bag stays.
You can see how heavily this was inspired by RE4 Leon. I like to imagine back then, August was still experimenting with style so (Y/N) and Enjin have simple and similar uniforms.
Taglist: @rubyninja1 @riyousjin
Chapter 2: The Ground
Enjin x Isekai Supernatural Reader
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🗡️
Letting out a groan, you peel your eyes open, staring at the cloudy sky, "Well, this isn't hell." You mumble under your breath. Sitting up, you take in your surroundings, but unfortunately the first thing you take in is the foul smell of garbage. You quickly covered your nose, trying to block out the smell. Standing up from the pile of garbage that seemed to have cushioned your fall, you adjusted your footing to not slip.
You were somehow alive, a fact you would look into later. Patting yourself down, you note that you still had your gun and dagger with you. Observing the surrounding wasteland, you could only see mountains of trash. You raise your shirt to cover your nose, holding it in place as a mask for now. "Well, nothing to do but explore." You talk to yourself, listing out your next tasks.
Deciding on a direction, you start your walk, trying to find anything that could help you. It took a while but you managed to spot some kind of structure that looks like a wall of metal plates. Squinting your eyes to see further, you could make out the silhouette of a person outside the wall. Without many options, you approach the building and person. As you got closer, you could see the person was a tall, blond male, surrounding him was dust, almost like ash.
"Hey! Excuse me!" You called out to the man. It seems to have worked, as he turns to look at you. The man tilts his head curiously at you, but your attention shifts to behind him. A shape emerges from the dust behind him; it looks like a bull except it was made out of trash?
The bull charges up, ready to ram into the man. "Watch out!" You call out to him. It's a familiar motion, even if it hasn't been used in 4 years.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Down goes the bull.
You let out a huff as the adrenaline winds down. Checking your magazine, you click your tongue. 7 bullets left. You shouldn't waste so much ammo. With only a limited supply, you're going to need it if there are more of those things around. You turn your attention back to the man who was now crouched beside the trash bull.
You walk up to him, "Hey, you okay?" You analyse his appearance, he doesn't seem to be injured which was good. "I'm fine, sweetheart. Quite a shot you got there." The man rises and turns to you.
Creak
You take a step back as you notice the trash bull trying to rise up again. Raising your gun, you take aim to prepare for it.
"Unfortunately, normal weapons don't work on trash beasts." The man says. The umbrella in his hand suddenly glows gold, transforming into a sharper and reinforced version of an umbrella. He uses it to stab the bull, quickly putting it down. You watch as the bull slowly disintegrates into dust, just like the surrounding dust.
You look back at the man, taking a better look at him. Blond hair with an undercut slicked back, revealing a scar on the left side of his head. Your gaze linger on the scar for a moment. Not many proudly show their scars. Your eyes meet his..
Golden eyes.
Your body tenses up on instinct before you remember. The demon is dead. These are not the same acid yellow the demon had. Even so, he also studies you, something you're not used to.
The black gas mask he has on covers the rest of his face, with a pipe connecting to probably a tank inside his bag. It makes him harder to read, to tell if he's a friend or foe. Your gaze drifts lower.
A loose dark red shirt that allows the tattoos beneath to peek through. The red and black ink curls across his skin in intricate patterns, like art on a canvas. You can see the tattoos cover all the way down his arms and hands with what you thought were rings were actually just more ink.
Baggy pants and combat boots, along with an umbrella that can turn into a weapon, tell you he's definitely some kind of fighter. Maybe he is this world's version of a hunter. Your grip tightens around your gun.
If he is a hunter, you definitely can't let your guard down. Unlike Regto or Rudo, this guy is armed and ready to fight if needed.
As you were analyzing him, you didn't notice another beast hidden in the dust behind you.
"Behind you!" The man calls out, rushing behind me with his umbrella open, like a shield. The bull rams into the umbrella, pushing you both back.
Even if it does nothing, you raise your gun and take aim on instinct.
If only you had the Colt, maybe then you could kill the beast since it kills anything.
As if God heard your prayer, which you know is not true because he's a bitch, your gun suddenly transformed into the Colt.
No time to think about it, you fired a shot at the bull. It lights up red, cracks spider webbing from the bullet wound before dimming and disintegrating to dust.
The man lets out a low whistle "Now that's interesting." You watch with awe as his umbrella turns back into the beaten and worn-down version it was before, the handle wrapped with tape while the actual umbrella has a mismatched pattern of stickers and stitches.
"Trash beast? That's what you call those things? Also, what the hell just happened?" You ask the man as you watch your own gun turn from the Colt back to your usual pistol.
The man raises his umbrella to rest on his shoulders, stance relaxed as he leans on one leg. His eyes crinkle, probably smiling behind that mask, "You know, information is a valuable thing around here. They come with a price." He raises a finger from the hand holding his umbrella, pointing it at you.
"With that said, strip."
You kick the leg he wasn't leaning on, letting him collapse to the ground as you aim the gun at him this time. He immediately raises his hands in surrender, "Wait, wait! Listen for a sec!" he begs.
You look down at him with a glare, "You have 5 seconds to explain yourself." He gestures towards you, more specifically your jacket, "You're a Sphereite right? The ones that come from up top?" he points to the sky where you fell from,
"People down here don't really like your kind with how you throw all your trash onto us. People do all sorts of messed up things with the corpses of Sphereites, chopping them up, selling them on the black market, who knows what they would do to you?"
You take in his explanation, deciding it's reasonable enough. Stepping back and holstering your gun, you let out an annoyed huff "Why didn't you lead with that first?" He stands up and dust himself off. "Thought it would be funny. It's okay though, I like a feisty girl." His eyes crinkle again, probably in a smirk. At least he's honest.
He looks you up and down, "Seriously though, the air out here is toxic. You need to get checked, and I know a good clinic in the town behind me, but we're not getting in with you dressed like that." He points a thumb at the metal wall behind him.
You let out a sigh, taking out your sheathed demon knife from your jacket and storing it in your pants pocket. You take off your jacket, handing it to him, leaving you in only a thin white shirt. "Only the jacket. I don't have other pants."
The man lets out a satisfied hum, taking the jacket and stashing it in his bag, "Well, I wouldn't mind without the pants —" you push past him, heading towards what looked like a gate that was graffitied all over, "Just lead the way you freak." You warned the man. "Yes ma'am!" His long ass legs easily caught up to you as he cheerfully led you into the town.
As you pass the gates, you look around at the more familiar sights. Now, this was a city. The man takes off his mask, which tells you that the air is cleaner in here. And of course, the fucker is handsome.
Neon lights flashed with shops and eateries as you weave through buildings, following the man as he leads you down a dark alleyway. You spot a neon pink sign above a door. "Alice Clinic?" You read the sign. The man opens the door for you, leading you into the small clinic.
"NOW WHO DO WE HAVE HERE?" A bald woman screams in your face. You back up with a grimace at the sudden shouting. "Hey auntie! Found this girl wandering outside without a mask. Think you can give her a check-up? Make sure she's A-okay after breathing in all that polluted air." The man tells the old woman.
"NOW WHAT KIND OF IDIOT ARE YOU WALKING AROUND A POLLUTED ZONE WITHOUT A MASK! YOU DUMB OR SOMETHING?" The old women yell at you. You unfortunately have to tank the shouting in your ears since she seems to be the only one who can help you medically. You don't want to fall sick this early. "Don't worry, auntie will fix you right up! I'll be back in a sec. Don't miss me too much!" The man makes a quick exit before you could say anything.
The overall procedure wasn't bad. It would have been more pleasant if the doctor would stop yelling though. The man came back just as we finished the check-up. "THERE. YOU'RE LUCKY IT WAS MINOR AND TREATABLE." The doctor yelled in my ear again, "NOW PAY UP AND LEAVE!" The man was quick to give the doctor some coins before guiding you two out of the clinic.
"Now, you hungry?" The man asks you. Your ears perk up at the sound of food, nodding your head furiously. You haven't eaten since breakfast and you could feel your stomach staring to eat itself. The man lets out a chuckle at your reaction before walking out the alley.
The man leads you to a shop, making you sit outside a restaurant as he goes inside to order food. In the meantime, you take a better look at the city. This looks more like Earth than anything above. Your attention goes back to the seat opposite you as the man sets down a tray of food on the table and you inspect what he bought for you.
No, it can't be. You hesitantly grab the round object into your hands.
A juicy patty, melted cheese, and fresh vegetables between two buns. Your mouth watered. You don't torture yourself for long and take a bite.
Holy shit I miss burgers!
Tears roll down your face as you gobble up the burger, "Damn, the food's not going anywhere, princess." The man in front of you comments. "So, what's your name, princess?" He takes out a cigarette, holding it with his lips as he lights it. He inhales, taking the away light between his fingers before exhaling. He rests his elbow on the table, using his hand to support his chin as he looks at you.
You swallow your food and wipe away your tears before giving him your name. "Huh, cute name. I'm Enjin. You're probably confused about everything right now since you fell from the Sphere. Don't worry, I gotcha." The man, or Enjin, explains to you everything you need to know.
You learn about how the ground came to be, how trash beasts are created, how vital instruments and givers can defeat these trash beasts and most importantly about the Cleaners. The organisation that is formed to clear out these trash beasts.
"But one thing doesn't make sense. I'm a Sphereite.Why are you so nice to me?" You asked Enjin.
Enjin gives you a smirk, showing off his dimples you couldn't see before, "I like strong women. And I recently became the leader of team Akuta in the cleaners. I get to pick my own members, and I want you on my team." He lets out the last puff of smoke before putting out his cigarette.
You make a face at his offer. "Hey now! What's with that look!?" Enjin exclaims, offended. "Do I have to?" You grumble. Working in a company that kills monsters sounds right up your alley, at least you're getting paid, but to be in a team? You usually fly solo unless it's with your dad or the Winchester brothers.
"Do you have any better options? Besides, you get me as your exclusive bodyguard." Enjin leans in closer with a smirk. You use a finger to push him back by his forehead. You let out a sigh, there is really no better option right now. "Fine. I'll join your cleaner gang or whatever."
Enjin gives a big grin, accentuating his dimples more, "Great! We'll head back to HQ and get you registered as a Cleaner by the boss."
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Taglist: @rubyninja1 (sorry, I had the story on schedule and was in class)