Note: I am autistic and this story will include my symptoms or characteristics that show as an autistic individual.
There was a tribe on the ground known as The Neurodivergent a melting pot of people with neurodivergent tendencies ranging from ADHD to Autism or in rare cases a mix of both. Seeing one of these individuals was rare as they typically kept to themselves or if they did go into the cities they would act “normal” to avoid being ostracized or kidnapped for their skilled mindset. However three years ago the Hell Guard deemed the tribe a danger after one Neurodivergent panicked and attacked a civilian which led to the extermination of the tribe all except one 13 year old girl.
For the next three years you traveled alone to survive. You worked odd jobs and the only company you had was your beloved tonfa’s you lovingly named Yin and Yang. Slowly over time they became vital instruments and word spread that a lone giver was seen wandering the plains and around cities.
Enjin was out on a job with Zanka and Riyo when he came across the sight of a lone woman fighting off a massive trash beast with a pair of metallic tonfa blades. He knew then and there he had to recruit you into the cleaners. Approaching with his usual chipper and charisma he called out to you.
“Hey you’re the lone giver right? I can give you a place to stay and job if ya come join the cleaners!” He said as he touched your shoulder from behind. Jumping in fear at the sudden contact you took the much taller male down to the ground with your blade at his neck as fear sunk into your terrified eyes.
Seeing his mentor in danger Zanka’s first instinct was to get the assailant off Enjin. So he charged you and with a solid swing knocked you back a few feet. What impressed Zanka was your speed in blocking his attack. He was aiming for your face and in a split second your blades were up as a shield.
“Zanka stand down it’s my fault I scared her.” Enjin said as he stood up and swept the dirt off his clothes. Much slower this time Enjin made sure you saw him this time as he knelt in front of your cowering yet guarded figure.
“Hey I’m sorry for scaring you like that. Are you okay my teammate didn’t hurt you did he?” Enjin asked as he eyed your body for any injuries.
“I’m fine just startled is all. I don’t like people coming up behind me.” You muttered as you realize your slip up. “I-I mean I’m just tired is all.” You quickly say as you try and reapply your calm face.
“Well if you join the cleaners you’ll never have to worry about finding a place to sleep.” Enjin said as he extended his hand to you. Gently taking his hand you stood up and eyed the one named Zanka and the red haired female who gave you a wave and a smile. Deeming them not a threat you accept the offer and follow them back to their base.
Once at Cleaner HQ a kind African American woman looked you over with her vital instrument. Enjin was quick to calm you down as he explained this was normal as you were not accustomed to non combative vital instruments. After being introduced to Semiu you were escorted to the bosses office. As a precaution Enjin’s went in with you.
Upon meeting Corvus he asked where you came from. Feeling a sudden wave of unease at possibly being shunned you started to tap your fingers together. A calming technique your mother figure taught you. Noticing this Corvus immediately knew you were a Neurodivergent.
“If you don’t mind my bluntness I’d take a gander that you’re the last surviving member of The Neurodivergent tribe.” Corvus theorized as he watched your body switch from calm to on edge.
“H-how did you know that sir?” You asked as the trauma of being an outcast flooded your mind.
“Let’s just say I have a hunch but let me reassure you, you are safe here and I fully welcome you as the newest member of the cleaners.” Corvus said as he looked you in the eyes.
“Woah wait boss I thought all the members of that tribe were wiped out three years ago?” Enjin asked as he gave you an unreadable look.
“I was 13 years old and had wandered away from the camp when the Hell Guard attacked. When I got back everyone was dead or taken.” You say as your mind replays the horrible memories of that day. You subconsciously reach up and start twirling your hair letting the soft texture calm your emotional turmoil.
“I’m sorry that must have been rough on you. I promise we don’t judge based on background or personality. Everyone has their quirks that we work around.” Enjin explains as he handed you a blood choker. Taking the choker from him you watched him put his blood on the device.
“I’ll take her to Zanka and get his opinion on what training needs to take place.” Enjin explains as he beckons you to follow him. Following Enjin like a shadow you were lead to courtyard where the same teen that attacked you for your reaction to Enjin’s scaring you was twirling his staff at high speeds.
“Yo Zanka need you to test out the new recruit and get a gauge for what training needs to be done.” Enjin called out the blue eyed giver. Hearing his mentor Zanka’s stopped his routine and walked over with a skeptical and wary look in his gaze.
“Let see what you got newbie.” Zanka said as he watched you activate your twin tonfa blades. Giving them a twirl you launched at the male with blinding speed and agility. Your blades spinning with the velocity of a high powered fan you slashed at Zanka’s missing his face by mere millimeters. Your face was emotionless as he swung at you with pure raw power. Hooking your blade on the shaft of his staff you used your momentum to swing around behind him and hold your other blade to his throat.
For a split second Zanka had a flashback to his Hell Guard training and the day he got beat by Hyo. The memory caused an unimaginable rage to flow through his veins as he grabbed you and flung you to the ground. Thrusting his staff downward he pinned you around your neck. He was about to go further when a flash of yellow snapped him out of his rage as Umbreaker was thrust between you two. Zanka looked down and the sight made his blood run cold. You were pinned down and the raw fear in your face made the male teen deactivate his staff and storm off.
Enjin was about to go after him until he heard the sound of you hyperventilating. Quickly turning to you he saw you sitting cross legged and rocking side to side as you gripped your arms in a tight hug. Enjin was quick to calm you down as he tried his best to figure out why Zanka snapped.
“Zanka has Hell Guard training doesn’t he?” You asked as tears streamed down your face. Enjin’s silence was all the confirmation you needed as you got up and wandered off arms flapping and hands shaking.
Little did you know Zanka heard you ask Enjin about his training and understood immediately where your fear came from. Sighing at himself for his feral behavior he decided to try and be your anchor.
Over the next few months Zanka observed your behavior and characteristics. He noticed right off the bat how empathetic you were and your emotions were on a whole other level of complexity than an average human. He noted how exhausted you were after talking with August about your full face and altering your uniform. He even asked Enjin about you to confirm his suspicions about you.
“Yeah she’s a Neurodivergent. She doesn’t like bragging or talking about it so don’t make a big deal about it and when out in public don’t talk about it either she fears the Hell Guard and she fears if people find out about her she’ll be reported. For her sake don’t bring up your days in the Hell Guard she already knows and she’s under the impression you don’t like her and if she does something wrong you’ll report her to them.” Enjin explained to Zanka and Riyo who was also curious about your mannerisms.
“I’d never report her to them she just reminded me of that day where my eyes were opened to how average I am. I honestly didn’t mean to snap like that.” Zanka said as he looked over his Lovely Assistaff like it had all the answers.
“ I never thought I’d see a Neurodivergent but I guess surprises happen everyday.”Riyo chimes in as she watches you interact with Dear and Guita.
“She’s forgiven you Zanka she just doesn’t know how to approach you is all. If you want I can help you talk to her.” Enjin says as he sees your shoulders start to relax as you get more comfortable with the younger members.
“No I’ll figure something out somehow I always do.”Zanka mutters as he watches you sort and stack objects in front of you.
Over the next few months Zanka made slow progress with getting you to open up to him from getting you art supplies to trying to learn your routines that you were so religious about. You were still hesitant to ask him to spar and that made sense so he stuck to watching you from the sidelines. He stood within a comfortable range during loud events and large crowds and used his body as a shield when you started getting antsy and would even subtly guide you out of the area if your mask started to slip.
On your first big mission you went on Zanka was there and honestly he was glad he was there. It was you him and three supporters being tasked with clearing out some trash beasts that were terrorizing a settlement. Upon arriving to the location your anxiety spiked HARD. The location was dangerously close to the old Neurodivergent tribe settlement and the supporters were wondering how you knew the area so well.
“The only way you’d know about this area is if you were a Neurodivergent and that tribe of nut jobs got eradicated three years ago. So how do you know this area?” Asked one supporter. Zanka held his anger in but his grip on his weapon tightened as he watched you get drilled like you were a criminal.
“There’s no way a sweet shy girl like you is actually a nut case I mean come on right?” Said another each comment was like a boulder being piled on your soul.
“You’re right I’m not a nut case. I’m just really quiet. Hey I think I heard a trash beast over there so I’m gonna check it out. You say with an eerily calm smile. Watching you dash off Zanka waited a beat before follow in and the sight before him broke his heart.
All the stress of returning to your homeland and the comments made by your teammates were to much that it made you physically ill causing you to lose your lunch. Zanka kept guard until you were done then confronted you.
“You okay? If you want you can wait in the jeep and I can handle the trash beasts. When we get back I’ll talk to Enjin and Semiu about their comments.” Zanka said as he handed you a rag to wipe your mouth.
“No im fine I just ate something that didn’t agree with me. Their comments were hurtful but I’m used to it. I don’t want people getting in trouble because of me.” You utter as the supporters closed in.
“Wait so you’re actually a Neurodivergent no way! I’m gonna be rich guys the Hell Guard put out massive bounties on any survivors and we have one in our ranks!” Shouted one of the supporters as he went to reach for his blood choker.
“You call her in and I won’t hesitate to slaughter you here on the spot. The fact that you’d sell out an another cleaner sickens me more than my family does. You twisted pigs are the true filth down here” Zanka seethed as he held his activated staff to the supporters. Seeing how deadly serious Zanka was about protecting you made your heart skip a beat.
The supporters sneered at Zanka as they looked at each other and laughed like they won.
“You think we’re scared of you guys? There’s more of us than you and you’ve got a girl so anxious she’s about to faint on your side! COME ON OUT GUYS” shouted the lead supporter as a group of jeeps drove in and out piled even more men. Some you recognized as kidnappers and some were Hell Guard.
“There was no mission was there? This is an ambush all for one girl? what is wrong with you people she hasn’t done anything wrong. It’s not a crime to exist!” Zanka stated as he took a stance. Knowing you were stuck between a rock and a hard place because while attacking would be self defense some of these guys were Hell Guard and attacking them as a giver was difficult considering their use of guns.
Zanka however had his sister to thank for teaching him how to dodge bullets so he’d be fine, you on the other hand he was concerned about. You really did look like you were going to faint and there was no time for Zanka to take you to a safe place.
“(Name) I know this is a stressful situation for you but trust me when I say I WILL protect you. I meant what I said about it not being a crime to exist so just hang back and let me protect you.” Zanka declared as he got ready to jump into battle.
“I trust you Zanka.” Was all you could say before the dam of tears broke. Grinning at your response Zanka lept into the center of the group and started swinging. It was chaotic from the get go. Shots were fired, dust and dirt was flying and men were screaming.
Leaning against the boulders behind you, you tapped your choker four times a signal that you and Enjin created for whenever you were too overwhelmed to speak and needed help. Relief flooded your mind when the four taps were heard again but the relief was short lived as a stray bullet hit your abdomen.
The pain was searing hot and the only thing you could do was grit your teeth and stay alert. It would be at most 15 minutes before Enjin got to you unless he was being a reckless driver again then it would be close to 10 or 13. Your vision was growing hazy as a few men broke off from the main pack and surrounded you. Your fight or flight instinct kicked in and you took a fighting stance as anima surged into Yin and Yang. However before you could strike you saw the familiar yellow glow of Enjin’s anima out of the corner of your eye.
Knowing you were safe you let your body go limp as you dropped to the ground. The last thing you saw was Zanka’s panicked figure running to you.
Zanka had been keeping an eye on you the whole time he was fighting and seeing you get hit by that bullet damn near made him snap but he didn’t want to scare you so he held back. Upon seeing Enjin pull up Zanka handed the fight over to him as he watched you drop to the ground.
“(NAME) no no no no come on stay with me!” Zanka shouted as he slid to your side. He lifted your body into his arms as he pressed a hand to your stomach hoping to stop the bleeding. You winced as the pain dragged you back to consciousness as you started to panic.
“Hey hey hey it’s okay it’s me your safe Enjin is taking care of the kidnappers.” Zanka shushed as Gris ran over to apply first aid. Laying you on the ground so Gris could treat you Zanka griped your hand like letting go would mean instant death for you. Enjin had finished clearing out the kidnappers and was over by the you in a heartbeat.
“I stopped the bleeding but we need to get her to Eishia now for her to be fully healed. I’ll drive the Jeep that Zanka and (name) came in if you can drive ours Enjin.” Gris said as he packed up. You tried to sit up but the blood loss made you woozy and you fell back into Zanka’s arms.
“Dummy as if you could walk after losing that much blood.” He teased lightly as he scooped you up and carried you to the jeep. Situating you so your head rested on his lap as Enjin got ready to head out. The ride back was filled with questions about who tipped off the kidnappers and the Hell Guard for that matter.
“Zanka… your last name is Nijiku isn’t it? I’ve actually known for a while and I know you’re nothing like your siblings. You have a kind heart and your aura is far too gentle to be as ruthless as they are. The day I learned your last name was the day I decided to trust you. I’m sorry if I came off as standoffish or rude I just didn’t know how to approach you.” You slurred as you let sleep take over.
Zanka was on cloud nine with all the praise you just gave him. Even Enjin could feel the atmosphere lighten in the car. Glancing into the rear view mirror Enjin watched Zanka smile down at you as he gently brushed his fingers through your hair.
Arriving back at HQ Zanka carried you to the med bay where Eishia worked diligently to remove the bullet from your abdomen. After making sure you were fully healed she gave the okay to let Zanka in. Telling him to let you rest and to keep you calm when you woke up were her only instructions.
Zanka was by your side in an instant as he sat down and gently held your hand. Thinking back to his interactions with you up till now he felt a mix of embarrassment and rage. He wasn’t mad at you honestly he was more mad at himself for not noticing the behaviors of his fellow cleaners. He was usually really diligent about picking up on sketchy behaviors like that but for some reason he was distracted by you.
“God I’m an idiot for not seeing what danger there was around you. I was so focused on earning your trust after I snapped at you that I didn’t see what danger you were in. I should have been able to focus on you and your surroundings but I failed. I guess I really am too kind hearted… not that it’s a bad thing but I guess what I’m trying to say is I’m in love with you (name). Your strong and are willing to do whatever it takes obtain your goals and you’re far to humble to be the genius everyone says you are.” Zanka said to your sleeping form.
“Zanka? You’re an idiot…but I love you regardless.” You groan as you gazed at the staff user through tired eyes. Seeing you awake and having heard his confession the comical amount of red that exploded on Zanka’s face made him glad you two were alone. Trying to play off his embarrassment as smoothly as he could Zanka’s sat straight up and grabbed the rag that was sitting on the table.
Reaching down to wipe the sweat from your forehead Zanka did his best to avoid eye contact with you. Giggling softly as you slowly reached up and cupped his cheek.
“I’m autistic Zanka, so reading and feeling emotions is second nature to me both a blessing and curse. Your actions over the past few months were obvious to me and while I wasn’t unappreciative of them I just wasn’t used to someone showing such protective behavior and such willingness to learn how I tick. Honestly that’s what made me fall for you. I’ve spent the last three years not trusting people and you’re one of the few that actually made an effort to genuinely gain my trust.” You say as you feel Zanka lean into your touch.
“ I guess that means you two are a couple now?” Came Enjin’s voice from behind you. Both of you jumped at the sudden intrusion on your confession. Wincing at the sudden movement Zanka was quick to rest his hand over your stomach to calm you down. This only solidified the answer to Enjin’s question as he let out a hearty laugh and walked out of the room.
“He’s either got the best or the worst timing possible.” You deadpan as watch his figure getting smaller and smaller.
“Eh it comes and goes when it comes to him. Anyways slide over I know you like curling up with a body pillow when you’re in pain. I know I’m not a body pillow but I wanna hold my new girlfriend for a bit.” Zanka said as he moved to lay down next to you.
This was crap and kinda rushed but Zanka is a comfort character for me so I wanted to write this
