Good news, he was not next! In fact, she accepted him as her mate, he learned the crane mating dance and now every year, he artificially inseminates her with crane semen to expand the very endangered crane population. True story.
Sorry, he WHAT? Imagine being this man's boss and having to sit him down like. Listen. Brian. We need you to fuck the bird. You have to act like you're excited about it.
(WalWaPo makes you jump through like three separate hoops before you can read the article, so I will share some of the highlights:
Walnut was born in a species-recovery breeding program in the 1980′s. The program had crane chicks hand-raised by human volunteers, and at that time they did not fully understand the measures necessary make sure that the chicks do not imprint on humans and retain their identity as cranes.
As a result, her keepers believe, Walnut does not recognize other cranes as members of her own species.
It has not been proven that Walnut killed her previous suitors; however, there is a persistent rumor in the white-naped-crane-conservation community that she did.
Because this species is highly endangered, and the gene pool of the captive population is small, it’s pretty important for the survival of her species that Walnut A) mate, and B) not kill a bunch of other cranes.
The actual name of the keeper is Chris Crowe.
They both arrived at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in 2004.
Walnut immediately began paying special attention to Chris--and ignoring the eligible male crane in a nearby enclosure.
Walnut initiated their courtship, performing the opening moves of a mating dance.
Chris realized that if he reciprocated the mating dance, it might be possible to artificially inseminate Walnut with her participation and consent. (The process normally involves restraining the bird.)
It worked!
Chris and Walnut have had five children, who were raised by other crane couples at the facility--sometimes the biological dad and his mate--both because it’s unclear whether Walnut would accept the chicks as her own, and because Chris is not equipped to be a Crane Dad.
However, the Institute provides her with artificial eggs to sit on, and Chris takes his turn looking after them. (This would not work with real eggs because he can’t sit on them properly, but Walnut seems to feel that he is on the job if he just stands over them.)
Chris accepts that he is pretty much married to this bird. White-naped cranes live to be about 60, and they mate for life, so he knows he can’t retire while Walnut is alive. (At the time of the article, Walnut was 36, and Chris 42.)
she has not been PROVEN to have killed her exes, but there is a PERSISTENT RUMOR (really officers she's simply DEVASTATED, she sobs, wearing a new feather boa unfortunately resembling her most recent deceased husband)
His name is Chris CROWE. (Mrs. Walnut Crane-Crowe?)
the mental images of a whole human man learning and performing the crane mating dance, and "sitting" on artificial eggs so she thinks he's performing his duties as a husband and father (and apparently OBJECTS if he does not?)
"chris, buddy, you gotta marry the possibly-murderous crane lady for the GOOD OF THE SPECIES." (alternately: "chris, my man! good news! we found you a very interested lady! She's 36, she's very spirited and independent, she holds a very important and rare status in her society! ...Is there a downside? WELL...")
chris sits any potential human partners down, like "my love, you must understand before we wed,,, i am already... Attached" (camera drifts wistfully to the above photo) "Lady Walnut and I have an,, Understanding... the relationship is open, but very committed"
Not only is he 'married' to walnut, this has apparently happened SEVERAL times, so he has MULTIPLE crane wives, none of which know about any of his other crane wives. This man is, for some unknown reason, irresistible to cranes
the “this content has been removed for violating Tumblr’s Community Guidelines” notice really adds a lot of flavor to this post and somehow makes it MORE obscene than whatever that actually was
I regret being the bearer of bad news, but I thought it should be shared that Walnut passed away in January of this year (2024). There's a lot of mixed info about the lifespan of cranes (due to people misunderstanding what a median is...) but the average for most species I know of is 20-30 years (in the wild if nothing eats them/they don't die young), and 30-45 in captivity, with the oldest known white-naped crane having loved to be 46. Given that she was 42, this old gal did good, and I'm certain she will be missed by folks here.
Summary: Feared dead, Scott travels to Southern Georgia to find, if not recover Virgil and Vani. How can Scott handle another loss so soon after his father - how can his family? He just hopes whatever occurs, can be an end to the terror they've experienced the past 24 hours.
A/N: Thank y’all so much for the love you’ve shown this storyline <3 I’m glad y’all are enjoying it :) The characters Slicom and Saarc belong to @thescoutpilot and Zayne belongs to @kings-out-of-pocket-hell. Credits to @thescoutpilot for the banner <3. Another piece of fanart within! Please heed the content warnings below xoxo.
Content Warnings: Blood warning, descriptions of physical violence (punching, stabbing, shooting and gunshot wounds), character death, implied sexual assault, and mentions of child abuse, grooming and exploitation.
Chapter 1 // Chapter 2
The smell of carbon was sickening, despite the filtered air that filled his helmet. A heavy weight hung in the air that was equal to the dread Scott felt. Looking out to the charred remnants of a house, his thumb dragged over the glove pattern, lost in thought.
As he had announced, the moment Saarc and her team had landed on Tracy Island, Scott went straight to St Mary's with them. He had to scold and practically ground his brothers and Zayne for volunteering to come. If they did find Virgil and Vani amongst the ruins, Scott didn't want them to bear witness to the sight. A hand on his shoulder brought him out of his mind. Glancing behind him, Saarc watched him with gentle eyes. Rich brown eyes that were decorated with vibrant blue tribal patterns, complimenting her cheekbones.
"Did the fire crew find anything?" Scott whispered.
"The explosion happened around 3 hours ago, and they've only tamed the fire in the past half hour. They did find three charred bodies." Saarc looked at him. "All male, but from their observations, none matching Virgil's profile." He felt his chest ease slightly.
"No sign of Vani, or anyone with a similar profile?" Scott spun to face her. Saarc simply shook her head.
"No female victims. They'll get said bodies to the morgue to run dental records." Saarc squeezed his arm. "My guess is that Vani and Virgil likely escaped." Saarc motioned to the open farmland the property sat on. “ Dexter is canvasing the surrounding grassland, while Geoff is looking at local surveillance, and Donnie is calling local clinics and hospitals. Given likely walking speed, we've drawn up a radius of likely spots they would be."
"Thank you." Scott nodded and gently took her hand, kissing her knuckles before squeezing lightly.
"We'll find them, and bring them home." Saarc announced. Footsteps approaching, Saarc glanced to the youngest member of her team.
"What'd you find, Tank?"
"Just before the fire crews made their way up to the house, there was evidence of a couple of people moving away from the house. Someone was being dragged or barely held up, and the blood spatter was light. It was from what I'm assuming after the house exploded, that the blood flow got worse then stopped." Turning herself to a darkened streak of grassland, Dexter held up his finger. "Flattened grass heading north-easterly." Dexter began, motioning towards the coastline. "The trampled marsh suggests vehicle - it went off the developed road. At least we have a head start." Dexter looked between Saarc and Scott. He took note of the way the International Rescue Commander's eyes tried to anticipate what she would say next. "Provided they got into a car and drove, they're well enough, but the erratic driving could imply one was gravely injured."
"We move in that direction then." Saarc considered. "We follow the route until it dies down and then fan out across a mile apart and see if we can pick up any further clues. We maintain radio contact at all times."
"Yes ma'am." Dexter acknowledged.
"Commander!" Donnie called, approaching the group. Scott and Saarc, in true military fashion, straightened their backs.
"What is it, Don?"
"Southeast Georgia Health just called - confirmed sightings of Virgil and Nirvana. Taken in under the alias' Grant Grissom, and Claire Kodak just under two hours ago." Donnie announced. "Currently in urgent care, and in stable condition."
Scott let out a breath. They were alive. They were safe.
-o💚O🖤o-
3 Hours Prior
Vani can't remember when she had fallen asleep, or for how long she had her eyes closed. She only prayed that nothing had happened to Virgil in that time. Slowly bringing her eyes to an open, she took in the room. She felt the cool concrete beneath her, remembering how she tipped herself over.Nothing hurts or feels broken - if anything, all the injuries I do have are now numb. Which meant Vani had a greater chance of escape, and getting Virg away safely. Virgil. Craning her head up, she saw him laid on the floor before her. He was cut down.
"Virgil?" His head tilted towards her, from where he laid supine. "You okay?"
"I'm fine." He answered. Before she could reassure him that everything would be okay, the metal door opened with a screech. Virgil tensed at the sound, clenching his jaw in anticipating a blow. She assumed the fall down to the ground wasn't a smooth one - the blossoming bruises over his torso, and disproportionate shoulder was evident of that.
Footsteps approached her from behind. Craning her neck, she saw Slicom standing over her with a blade. A blade that was a part of a pair. A pair that had been handed down to her and Sli - one that bore the Montgomery crest and carried generations' worth of blood. His eyes bore no emotion, she couldn't sense his thoughts. But the grip on his knife told her everything. "Don't worry, I won't beg. Just," She glanced to Virgil and swallowed. "Make sure he has a chance to get out."
At the implication, Virgil started moving, albeit weakly, as if to get towards them and stop it. Closing her eyes, Vani didn't want the last moments alive to be immortalised by Virgil broken and bloodied. Instead, she thought about the Tracys; how they brought her into their family and treated her like their own. She smiled at the way Gordon and Alan made her laugh. How John, Tanusha and her would discuss various topics. When Scott used to tease and challenge her, then Sally and Jeff taking her side. And how Virgil made her feel safe and warm. How he always did. That's what she wanted to remember. Movement behind her implied Slicom was ready to strike, and so she took in a deep breath. Slicom's arm moved quickly through the air, the sound alarming to Virgil.
"No!"
But when the blade came down, it wasn't to her skin. A loud thud forced Vani's eyes open. Slicom ripped the blade out of where it just missed her chest, and was lodged into the back of the chair. He knelt and started slicing through the rope. Vani fell from the sudden release of tense bindings, then looked up at Slicom. He reached behind his person, and held out her gun and own Montgomery blade. Vani stood, reaching out and taking her weapons. "You'll have five minutes before this place is blown to pieces." He was giving them a chance.
"Come with us-" Vani began.
"No."
"Sli-"
"I said no Nirvana." Sli's eyes narrowed slightly. "Alex gave me a directive to burn this place to the ground once I was done with you both. And I am." He stepped to the side and stared ahead at the wall, the door still open. "Get out, and don't come looking for me." Without thinking, without considering how he would react, Vani wrapped her arms around him. A hug that was long overdue. She felt the way his body tensed under her, but he didn't move.
"I'm sorry I didn't fight harder to save you." Vani whispered, her voice cracking. "I should've done more." After a pause, Slicom wrapped his own arms around her and squeezed lightly.
"I'm just relieved you got away from it all." Slicom whispered. Pulling away, Vani wished he didn't. She nearly cried at the loss, watching as he stepped back and bowed his head. Turning a blind eye. Taking the invitation, Vani moved quickly to where Virgil laid, and undid his blindfold. Blinking quickly to adjust to the sudden brightness, Virgil groaned and looked up, his face falling at the sight of Vani. He knew she got injured on missions, but to see the result of purposeful torture broke his heart.
"Vani, what did they do to you-?"
"I'm okay Virgil." She gave a small reassuring smile, gently sitting him up. At the wince from uncomfortable movement on his shoulder, Vani moved to his other side and helped him stand. Virgil limped in her hold, body heavy and unused to legs after being suspended for hours on end. "We have to move, we have to get out." Virgil nodded, his eyes falling onto Slicom's back. In another life, maybe they could've been friends. Moving through the door, Vani looked around as they weaved through the halls.
Just before they could reach the front, footsteps approached and halted Vani's movements. Leaning Virgil against the wall, he groaned. "Do you know how to shoot a gun?"
"I do, but my shooting arm is currently out of order."
"That's good enough for me." Handing it to him, Vani drew her blade out. "I'll be quick."
"Okay…" Virgil groaned, dizzily leaning his head back against the wall.
Drawing to the edge, Vani clenched her jaw at the familiar drawl of Anton's Germanic growl. Watching the shadows approach as she hid in her own, Vani swung her arm out blindly and drove the blade into what she hoped was Anton. But it was another lackey's neck. Good enough. Hearing his gargled shock, Vani ripped the blade out and drove it again into his stomach, before pushing the lackey into Anton with as much force as she could muster. The sudden action alerted the second lackey. Drawing his own gun, Vani quickly ripped the blade out and threw it skillfully. At the same time a gunshot fired.
Crying out, Vani flew back as a bullet pierced her right shoulder through the clavicle. The second lackey also fell to the ground, the blade sticking out of his eye. Just as Vani regained her stance, a sudden force tackled her into the wall. Knocking the wind out of her, Vani looked up and was met with the eyes of Anton. His arm was braced against her neck, his hips pinning her body - a hold he prided himself in using on Vani throughout her training. A sickening smile, he drove his thumb into the gunshot wound, forcing a startled shriek and whimpering pants out of her.
"You thought you could escape that easily?" Anton laughed a little, leaning in. "You're never going to be free, especially not from me." Anton purred as he curled his thumb and pushed against the already shattered collarbone. Another pained scream erupted from Vani's throat, tears falling freely. Using whatever strength she could, Vani kicked and thrashed. But Anton's pelvis had restricted most of her movements. Looking dizzily up at Anton, she gave a final snarl before throwing her head forward and clamping her teeth on flesh over the upper trapezius, biting down with as much force as she could muster.
Anton roared, hand snaking through her hair and pulling at the roots harshly. Hair ripped out of her scalp, but she refused to budge. Biting down harder, Vani felt blood pool into her mouth as Anton blindly hit and punched her back. A strike to the side of her throat, loosened her bite and caused her to fall forward. Slimy hands threw her to the ground, Vani sinking into the wooden floors. Before she could even react, three gunshots echoed in the hall, causing her to curl into a ball. Footsteps approached her, and a hand fell on her arm. Letting out a panicked scream, she looked up, only to see a worried Virgil looking down at her.
"He's dead." Was all Virgil said, before holding out his good arm. Taking it gently, she hissed as the movement caused more blood to seep out. At the sight of her wound, Virgil discarded one ratty half of the suit shirt and quickly created a makeshift bandage. Despite being tight and restricting, his touch was gentle, and Vani leaned into it.
"Thank you." She whispered.
"Now we're even." Virgil gave a small smile, before stumbling a little.
"We're not even until we're out of here." Biting the bullet, Vani looped Virgil's good arm over her right side and helped him to the front. As they neared the door, Vani kicked it open. She relished in the cool air, how the smell of salt carried on the wind. Looking around, Vani saw an SUV parked a few feet away, and started to pick up the pace. They hadn't taken more than a couple of steps before a sudden force and loud bang erupted from behind them. The shockwaves threw Vani and Virgil forward into the dirt, skirting in front of the car.
A bright mosaic of oranges and yellows consumed the house in flames, the heat growing more and more intense. Slowly pushing herself up, Vani looked at the blackening silhouette of the house. And saw a lone figure standing in the doorway. Slicom. He reached into his pocket, and pitched the item through the door towards them. As it hit the gravel and skimmed towards her, Vani's eyes laid on a set of keys. Car keys. Looking up into the house, Slicom had disappeared. Lost to the wind. Vani swallowed and glanced to her right, seeing Virgil groan and sink into the Earth. Grabbing the keys, Vani moved quickly to open the door and picked up Virgil.
"Just moving you into the car, just hang on for me Virg. Please." Securing him in the back, Vani moved to the driver's side and threw herself in. Starting the ignition, Vani let out a breath as the car rumbled to life. Without a second thought, she shifted gears and slammed her foot on the accelerator, the car speeding forward and through the marsh.
-o💚O🖤o-
Every second Virgil could've been getting medical treatment and having a quicker recovery, she refused to move. They may have had an easy escape, but Vani was sure Alex's people would be surveying their every move. Vani must've gone to 3 different hospitals and sat there for 15 minutes, to canvas the area and then move to another different car to blemish their trail. Upon dating when and where they were, Vani had gathered they had been held captive for close to 15 hours in Southern Georgia. Quite a fair distance from Pensacola. She glanced back to Virgil, who had passed out from the rapid movement and shifting. She couldn't help but admire, depsite his injured state, how peaceful and calm he looked. She wanted to treasure this moment just for another second, but she knew he needed the help. And then, she'd run. She can't endanger him again.
Taking a deep breath, Vani climbed out of the car. Carrying Virgil through the emergency doors, she looked around the department, and a few nurses saw her. Recognised him. "Please, please help him." Vani pleaded. Everything blurred as the weight that was Virgil suddenly disappeared. Tunnel vision showed him being laid onto a gurney and wheeled away. He was safe. Vani spun on her heel, staring at the doors. Run. But she didn't. Her body didn't obey the command, and instead gave way underneath her. Voices surrouded her, as her body moved against her wishes. You're not there, Vani. They're dead, she kept reassuring herself. And with that comfort, Vani let herself sink into the linoleum floors and close her eyes.
-o💚O🖤o-
Current Time
"And there was no sign of them?"
"Not that we found no. Wherever Alexander and his henchman disappeared to, is a mystery." The British aristocrat confirmed. "We have their photos and are sending it through every database we can."
Good luck finding them. Vani twisted her mouth, and looked up amongst the three women who were by her bedside. When she had waken, the nurse asked for next of kin. And so she asked for Scott. It wasn't surprising that Scott and Saarc were in the state looking for them, and them arriving within 10 minutes of that call shocked no one. Once Scott saw them both, he called home to tell the others that they were safe and well. And then suddenly the whole Tracy clan had arrived. Thunderbird 2 sat to the hospital's south - to which Vani gathered Alan would've piloted.
I wonder how security are going to explain a sudden Thunderbird craft in the south parking lot. If they overstayed the permit, how would they issue a parking ticket. While the group all moved between the two rooms, Saarc remained at Vani's bedside. She had stationed herself near the door since she had arrived. Had watched the nurses work and help Vani manage the pain and discomfort. Making sure no one would hurt her in a site of care. For someone who despised the westernised medical sites so much, Saarc refused to leave. That's what made Vani grateful for a friend as loyal as the Enassian.
"I appreciate the efforts." Vani began. "But these men won't want to be found, and will strike out of nowhere. The only way we'll be able to anticipate their next move is to guard ourselves." Looking to Kayo, International Rescue's security, she nodded. "Our current measures, but more airtight."
"Understood. Is it worth arming the boys during rescues?"
"No, the sudden introduction of arms would give Alex and his men the impression they're out to attack. It would be taken as an invitation, a challenge. Besides, they won't need the weapons during rescues, and would further worry those they're helping." Vani reasoned.
"F.A.B." Kayo nodded, before rubbing Vani's arm. "It's good to see you alive and well, Nirvana."
"And you too Tanusha, I just wish it were under different circumstances." Giving a small smile, Vani watched as Kayo nodded to each of the women, and left the room.
"While there's not much Parker and I can do," Penelope began. "We will observe any galas and social circles moving forward. Even follow any leads we think could help."
"I appreciate that Lady Penelope. But I don't want to endanger you all. Virgil got caught in the crossfire and is badly injured." Vani felt her throat tighten. It's your fault. You will always hurt those you love. "Anything on them goes through me first. And even then, I will be the person who acts." Looking at the woman before her, Vani noticed the softened gaze Penelope gave her. Hurt that Vani was trying to work alone. Like she was pushing them away.
"I understand." Penelope leaned down and kissed her cheek. "You rest dear."
"Thanks Pen. Take care." Vani waved as Penelope bid Saarc farewell, and she and Parker disappeared down the hall. Eyes falling on Saarc, she quirked an eyebrow.
"Let me guess; you've got your team looking into this as well?"
"I don't know what you mean." Saarc shrugged, then sipped tea from her ceramic mug. "I am not responsible for the actions of my team, especially Geoff. Geoff is…naturally curious." She waved her hand dismissively. "Any information he finds is simply an accidental discovery." Information that I don't want shared just yet, Vani thought to herself.
"I think I'll go and see Virgil." Vani glanced to her, carefully swinging her legs to the side of the bed. Within seconds, Saarc was by her side and helping her stand.
"I would argue you both need rest," Saarc began. "But the Tracy boys are badgering Virgil, and you're one of the most stubborn people I know. So I'm simply going to just supervise." Letting out a chuckle, Vani pushed herself off the bed and leaned into Saarc's hold. Slowly shuffling to the room across the hall, Vani saw the familiar silhouettes of the brothers. Alan and Gordon were naturally at the head of the bed, talking Virgil's ear off. Scott was standing at the other end, watching with crossed arms as if monitoring his vitals personally. John, who was seated beside Zayne on the chairs, watched the others with silent amusement. Upon approaching the room, Vani knocked. All eyes fell onto her, but the only eyes she sought out were his. Virgil looked exhausted - whether that was from his injuries or his younger brothers badgering him, she couldn't tell. But he was safe.
"Hey…" Vani greeted Virgil.
"Hey." He smiled weakly, eyes sparkling at the sight of her. Despite what had transpired in the past 24 hours, Virgil's heart still skipped a beat, and his body warmed at the sight of her. Even knowing she never reciprocated the emotions, he still deeply cared for her. Even with the room being packed, she was the only thing that seemed to matter there and then. Was the only relevant thing in his existence. And it hurt him to see her so vulnerable, barely able to stand.
"Hey Scott," Vani began, looking to his older brother. "I hear the bakery down the road has a really good apple pie. Why don't you and the other's go and check it out?"
"No thanks Vani," Scott began with a small smile. "I'm good for now - maybe later?" Oh dear lord, how dense was his brother? Vani blinked a couple of times, his brothers looking amongst themselves.
"Scott, there's a bakery down the road, that I think you should go to, that has great apple pie." Vani repeated a bit more pointedly. Virgil tried to hide his smile, amused at the cluelessness of his brother, but also the way Zayne and Saarc looked at each other concerned.
"Vani I'm-"
"Oh Gods," Saarc groaned. "Scott, Vani wants to speak to your brother alone!" She rolled her eyes, as a laugh escaped Zayne, John and Virgil. Vani had to hide her laugh as she watch the cogs turn behind his blue eyes, then realise what was happening.
"Oh…" Scott admitted. "Oh okay. Yeah, let's go get some pie. Come on everyone!" As Scott grabbed the younger two, there were some protests.
"But I don't want pie!"
"I just ate lunch!"
"We're going to the bakery, and that's final!" Scott commanded, pushing his younger brothers out. John sighed and looked to Vani, as Zayne wrapped his arm around John's waist.
"I'm sorry for my brother. He's not the sharpest tool in the shed."
"Don't mourn for me," Vani hummed, tilting her head to Saarc. "Mourn for her."
"Touche."
"Don't fret, I mourn for myself." Saarc mused, before looking to Vani. "You'll be okay on your own?"
"Always am." Vani smiled a little as Saarc nodded and slowly pulled back. She followed the Starwelders as they trailed behind the rowdier lot ahead, the room growing quiet. Turning to face Virgil, she gave a small smile and walked slowly inside. "Hi." She greeted again.
"Hi." He smiled a little, shifting to sit upright on the edge of the bed. Sitting to his right, Vani looked over his being. Virgil's face had a couple of cuts, but most of the harm came to his body. His left arm sat in a sling, and was bandaged tightly to secure the joint. His middle was also bandaged, but did little to conceal the bruises that covered his torso.
"How are you feeling?" Vani whispered.
"A bit beaten, but I've had worse from rescues gone wrong." He lightly joked, looking down at her. Virgil felt his stomach twist at the sight of her injuries. She also had bruises and cuts that adorned her face, gauze over her arm and chest, where she was cut and shot. "You look just as tired as I feel. A lot happened in that room."
"It did." Vani watched him. "I take it you heard things?"
"How that man, Slicom?" He asked, only for Vani to confirm with a nod. "Is your brother?"
"Yes."
"It wouldn't have been easy to see him after all that time apart." He remembers what was said - including parts of my childhood. "And it sounds as if it wasn't a normal circumstance too."
"No, not exactly." Vani shifted a little. "This mission was personal, I was consumed with every feeling, and I dragged you into it. I'm sorry Virgil."
"For what?"
"I promised Scott I would look after you." Motioning to the room around them, Vani huffed. "And I broke it. Not to mention, you got hurt in more than one way." I don’t love you Virgil. I never did. "And that's the last thing I wanted to do. I'm sorry."
Inhaling a little, Virgil flexed his fingers before reaching across and gently clasping her hand in his, giving a reassuring smile. "You don't have to ever apologise. As I said; I would've said yes a thousand times, just so you wouldn't be alone." Her eyes softened at the reminder, her throat bobbing as she swallowed. "This wouldn't have been easy for you, so I'm glad I was there in some way." Nodding, Vani gently squeezed his hand in silent thanks. Then after a pause, she let out a sigh.
"Slicom and I lost our mother young. Alex took us in. Other than the drug and illegal arms trades, he also trains children into soldiers to protect him and his empire." Vani stared at the floor. "Ever since I was five, all I knew was a small, dark room, training arenas, and how to hold a gun. Slicom got the brunt of it all; being a neurodivergent boy. Alex wasn't appreciative of his "broken mechanics", as he called it. He would subject my brother to involuntary surgeries, torture, and every abuse you can think of under the sun." Virgil felt nauseous at the thought of Vani's childhood and brother being subjected to torturous military training. And what that man said in the room - I’m not above forcing my way with you, if it means getting what I want. Just how bad did things get?
"Vani," Virgil whispered. "Did anything like that happen to you?" At the question, he noticed the way her eyes shook, how they searched for an answer. A safe answer. Facing him, she gently squeezed his hand.
"I've endured a lot of things in my life, experienced a lot of hurt. But it was nothing compared to what my brother got, and continues to endure under Alex's rule." That told him enough.
"You've tried to find and rescue him before, haven't you?" She nodded.
"And each time I failed." Her voice cracked. "I hoped this time it would've been different. But it was foolish to think I could get that."
"I don't think it's foolish." Virgil wrapped his arm around her shoulders, and Vani sank into them. "I think you have hope, and it drives you to search and find ways to help him. Even if it means helping others along the way. And that's nothing to be ashamed off." As she lifted her head, she gave a small smile.
"Thank you."
"And you don't have to feel guilty about not reciprocating feelings." Virgil bravely announced, Vani's face falling. "I do care for you deeply and want you to be happy, including staying as friends. Your happiness is important."
"And what about your happiness?" Vani looked at him. Virgil was transported back into the hall - how she looked, how freely she behaved. What a stark difference to now.
"I am happy with you in my life, in any capacity." He gently hugged her, careful of her wounds.
"I lied." Vani quickly declared. Virgil looked to her in confusion. "I know you may not believe it, but I've had strong feelings for you, genuine deep admiration and love, for a while." Shifting her gaze downwards, Vani inhaled a little. "I know how my brother operates, I've seen him torture people for less. You declaring your love was a window of opportunity. I had to shoot it down to protect you. It wouldn't have done much, but if it guaranteed your safety for another second, minute, hour or day more? I hate to admit this Virgil, but I would break your heart in an instant just to protect you."
Virgil felt his heart ache - Vani had reciprocated those feelings. But she was willing to sacrifice her happiness for his safety? He wouldn't have it.
"Vani." Virgil carefully cradled her cheek and tilted her head up. "I know all about dangerous work, hell I go and risk my life everyday to save a few. You don't have to worry about protecting me."
"You protect everyone - but who would protect you?"
"I know you will, Vani. As I will stand by your side and protect you." Virgil reassured. "I know its hard being vulnerable, but I won't force you out of something you don't want to reveal." Gently stroking his thumb over her cheek, he scanned her face. "I want you safe and secure, and I can give you that. At your pace. No one else's." Vani's eyes welled with tears - a declaration as simple as "I want you safe" felt like he was giving her the whole world and more. "Is that something you want?"
"Yes," Vani breathed out. "I want that with you." Smiling a little, Virgil wiped the tears that fell. Placing a gentle kiss to her forehead, Virgil looked down at her as he always did - with love and awe.
Some Bereznik content with some potential faces for a fic.. is this perhaps the woman who was angry at Scott in the previous WIP? Yes.. yes maybe she was..
Post-loosing her brother
Looking back now she date should be later but its fine.. you see nothing.
Hurt/Comfort Oneshot set post-ch3 of @thescoutpilot's Blackbirds AU. Where Virgil has lost his ability to speak.
Happy Disability Pride! (´▽`ʃ♡ƪ)
Negative Space
Fire everywhere. He was drowning everywhere.
He screams, except the fire takes that from him. It’s hot, it scalds him from inside out; trying to scream only worsens the pain. He gripped his dry throat in distress, hoping to force a scream by perhaps somehow pushing air out of his diaphragm. Nothing happened. Scott’s name barely registered.
His eyes snap open. The fiery red flashes away. He finds himself in a dark and cold room. His room. He was just sleeping. It was just a dream.
It was just a dream. His heart shudders vigorously. It was just a dream. But the pain wasn’t a dream! His eyes widen, his throat still burns! He jolts upright from his bed, hands desperately stretching out from under the multiple layers of thick cotton blankets to free itself and latch tightly onto the stitches at his neck.
Coarse hands rush to envelope the front of his neck in response to the pulsating red pain, massaging courteously at the sides of the provoking stitches while breathing heavily to force gulps of cool air down his throat and past where his vocal chords used to be. It’s hard to tell whether this action helps to relieve the pain, or worsen it; but with no better ideas, it’s the best solution he can think of.
Or is it? His line of sight slowly creep from the blankets to the bedside table between each gaspy puff of breath. John had installed a panic button days ago, close to the edge of the nightstand for possible emergencies, or otherwise other specific scenarios.
The younger brothers’ reasoning had been logically pitched to him prior to installation: Without a voice, there is no way for your family to know if you were having an emergency. Virgil shuddered; Gordon was right; no one had heard him scream tonight, and for that, no one would be coming to check on him. Not unless he called for them.
He stares down the condescending button with sceptic eyes. It’s a replica to the one Gordon already has in his own room; its circumference is small enough to not stand out, yet large enough for his thumb to slide over it smoothly. The only difference between his and Gordon’s is the fact that the shell of his button matches the colour of the nearby night stand's dark ebony, where Gordon’s one donned a birch coloured shell to fit in to the rest of the furniture.
Upon a minute of thought, Virgil finally makes his decision, he leans over the bed until able to stretch his arm out, then firmly presses his thumb against the circular face of the machine. there’s a silent, disappointing click in response, rather than an expected positive beep of confirmation. Unknowing of how long to wait, he shifts himself back upright over his duvets and returns his palms to his neck in order to focus on the burning sensation while he waits.
The burn in his throat continues to provoke for what feels like almost five minutes before the doors abruptly burst open with light. It was naturally expected for Gordon to be the first to find him. After all, the elder brother slept upstairs; an unfortunate circumstance of needing a larger room that could fit a gigantic bed for sharing with his brothers.
The first thing Gordon noted was the Virgil’s grip against his throat, then there were the panicked heaves of breaths between Virgil’s panting. With that little of information, he could easily conclude that the engineer was in pain, as well as just how much pain he was in.
Gordon swiftly bee-lined for the jug of water on Virgil’s paint splattered desk.
Usually, when the Fish was here, he’d loudly take note of every new mess on the wooden desk, then complain about every new scratch mark, as if trying to convince the engineer to get a new one. This would then trigger Virgil into rambling about how “this desk was handmade”, or that it had secret compartments specifically for his satisfaction.
Though, who wouldn’t want to defend something hand-built by The big brother Scott Tracy? Those were the days where Gordon felt the most relaxed. There was something tranquillising about listening to the engineer of a brother get so very verbally defensive over something so old.
It’s a shame that those days are over.
Gordon pours the water into a glass stationed by Virgil’s nightstand, before handing the cold glass to him.
Virgil takes it without a moment’s notice, the cold kiss of the glass absorbs the heat of his palms; despite the comfort of it, he hurriedly sips the water. The cool contents of the liquid washing his throat instantly. It’s soothing, yet the burn continues to provoke at the surface of where the stitch wounds were. He— near desperately— gulps the rest of the water down.
Noticing the small winces of pain, Gordon cautiously asks, “do you need anything?” while also refilling the empty glass in the elder brother’s quivering hands.
“I…” Virgil breathes, before remembering his vocal disability, he hastily plops the cup down with frustration— causing the sound to reverberate over the ebony wood— then resorts to using his hands. Starting with them both shakily brought up to his face to sign scream before letting the left hand drop while his right palm moves closer to the side of his head, closing as he turns it counter-clockwise with a closing motion. Scream asleep, he had signed.
“Oh, ouch, dude.” Gordon empathises, already imagining how the stinging sensation must feel. The thought however doesn’t do much for the tears that are threatening to leak from the corners of Virgil’s eyes. So the younger settles himself down on the bed, next to his brother, and offers the water again.
Except Virgil refuses via a small head shake.
Gordon frowns. “Is… Is this going to be forever?” Uninvited flashes of his own traumatic past begin clouding his mind as the words leave his mouth.
The engineer shakes his head again. Then raises his trembling hands close to his chest, intentionally shaking them to signify the word injury otherwise pain; using his right hand alone again, returning back up to his chin, to sign temporary.
There’s a definitive pause between the explanation and the reassurance that the younger brother doesn’t miss. Feeling the weight seep through him, Gordon suddenly leans in, arms already splayed out and wrapping his brother tightly across his sides. The abrupt action has Virgil tensing at first, only upon realising that this is a hug, before eventually, relaxing into the protective arms of his little brother’s.
That’s how Scott finds them upon bursting the door open. He stares widely at his two brothers closely comforting each other. Multiple different scenarios are already occurring in the back of his mind before he even asks: “What happened?”
Gordon releases his grasp over Virgil who stares at Scott with sodden eyes. The engineer raises a hand to massage his throat as a gesture to subtly point implications towards at the scars. Burns: the word which he slowly mouths without so much as a breath.
Scott sighs, “figured as much.” He pulls out a small bottle of painkillers from his pocket and strides closer to hand them to Virgil.
It is with immense gratitude that Virgil doesn’t snatch it from the big brother’s palm right then and there. He gently, while swiftly, accepts the offering. Then, he prepares his arms to toss them into the air with a quick heave, only for Scott to immediately place a hand on his shoulder.
Surprised, Virgil glances up to find sharp cobalt eyes glaring down at him. They were firm eyes of authority, just as much as they were as well eyes of concern. Eyes that implied stress, as if worried that he was about to accidentally hurt himself— to which, come to think of it, dry swallowing pain killers for a damaged throat, would be painful. He does not need more hurt than he already has.
Raising a free palm, he signs an apology with a look of guilt between eye contact. Then, lets his focus track the abandoned glass of water until Gordon notices the act and reaches for it. As soon as the aquanaut hands the the water over, he uses his now free hands to envelope Virgil once again. The bigger brother doesn’t refrain.
End Note: This was originally considered “done” like… Months ago, before I went back to it last month just to give it a polish… Then @mariashades gave it a read, and offered some suggestions about the sign language, so I gave it some research and came out with this :D
A/N: Is Virgil okay? How's he adjusting? Is Scott about to kill a guy? .. We'll never know until Chapter 5.. this is more a blow-up-in-your-face-chapter.. Enjoy!
Smooth, yellow countertop rolled underneath his fingers. The faint smell of salt from the churned up ocean was overpowered by the faint waft of pancakes that somehow appealed his stomach rather then made it recoil, in which it had been for the past week. Outside was bleak, the sky grey with agitated clouds that seemed to reflect the Island's inhabitants. There was a pause, the burn increased in the back of Scott's throat as he turned from the kitchen sink. His younger brother sat still, hands clasped around holographic pieces of information.
'I believe it would be best if we shut 5 down,' John finally said, an awkward swallow followed his statement. Eyes drifted up towards Scott, worry expressed between his pinched eyebrows. 'I mean, then I'll be with you all, to help Virgil. I can bring EOS down here. I'll go back up eventually but, just for now.'
Scott gave a slow nod of approval, eyes drifted to the holograms, 'I think it would be best. Alan and I can take you up in 3? So you can fit all of EOS' housing? If that's what you plan to do.'
'I guess so, yeah. I'm sure I could take it in the space elevator?' John gave a look translated so much as 'stop smothering'.
'It'll be Alan's last trip up to space for a while I can imagine.. and with the GDF with unclear motives I'd like us to go up to get extra,' Scott's eyes trained to John's.
'Scott, seriously. I'll be fine,' John pulled his best aggregated younger brother face, 'fine, fine! We can go up in Three.'
Scott gave a satisfied hum of acknowledgement, his thumb rolled around in a circle on the wooden chair, 'it's a good call, John.'
'I figured,' a pause, 'Virgil was up all last night in pain again.'
Scott settled into the chair beside John, hands gripped the dining table with force. 'I know.'
Silence wafted into the air again, both brothers sat on their watch out towards the sea and pool. Ripples pulled and pushed off the pools surface at the heavy wind threw the water at the sides that wished to contain it. It would be days like this he would hope that it would calm down before he even thought to launch his silver child from her bay- not in worry that the water would cascade down upon them- but more so with the fact that his sensitive and fussy rocket plane would not enjoy the heavy winds; nor would he enjoy the decreased visibility.
'Whoa! Who cooked pancakes without telling me?' A sleepy Alan wondered about the kitchen, dumping about a dozen cold pancakes onto a spare plate before he settled lazily into a chair opposite his older brothers. A yawn was the loudest thing in the villa for a long moment, 'gee you guys look like you've seen the end of the world.'
John gave a lopsided grin, 'it nearly seems that way with all of this.'
'Surely it can't be,' Alan said through a mouthful, 'I mean surely the world council will call the GDF out on this?'
'We can only hope. Anyway, John's shutting down 5,' there was a look of utter protest from Alan and Scott silenced him with a hand, 'only temporarily, don't worry. But, we're going to bring all the important stuff down here. Figured you and 3 would like to assist us?'
Alan seemed to wake up a little more as he shoved another pancake into his mouth and gave a definite nod.
'Thunderbirds are go!'
-*-
Past the thick clouds and out of earth's atmosphere, the world looked hardly unchanged from Thunderbird 3 as they neared the white space station. Thunderbird 5, too, was unchanged. Of course nothing had, the only thing that seemed to have changed was the GDF's morals and the fact now his little brother couldn't speak. It physically seemed to carve a hole into Scott's heart, anger always bubbled just under his skin, and he wasn't so sure he could keep it in for that long. Why they had taken his brother and physically removed his voice was still at a loss to Scott. Something prickled at the back of his neck, his gut swirled with an uneasiness that hadn't left since the day of the broadcast. As the hiss of airlocks sounded, Scott found himself mechanically floating around the gravity ring of 5, the world underneath his feet. He took a deep breath.
'Alright, just grab things that are important and load them up,' John said as he tucked EOS' portable drive underneath his arm.
'F.A.B,' Scott acknowledged as he pried his eye away from earth, slowly he collected physical files and personal belongings John kept. While he wasn't much the reader, he too took some of John's books down for him to keep himself busy. A bored John was rarely a happy John. There was a slow frown as a warning light popped up on Thunderbird 5's dash. Curious, Scott pushed himself towards the light that blinked rapidly.
His blood froze.
'OUT, everyone OUT, right now,' Scott tensed as he pushed Alan out as fast as he could, sirens started to wail and Scott's throat pulled to a close. The safety protocols were followed to a T on-board the station, safety shutters closed off the gravity ring from it's usual view of the infinite universe. Brains would have been proud. That was, if Thunderbird 5 didn't have a full on warhead about to obliterate it's very being. The destruction would push the remaining parts of the station- if any- into atmosphere where they would burn up on re-entry.
Scott tucked the last parts of the station into 3 as he gripped one of her seats with such a force the metal might as well have crumbled beneath his fingers, 'where's John?'
Followed by a curse, Scott pushed himself back into 5, 'Alan, as soon as that warhead comes onto 3's scanners I need you out of there. Us on board or not.'
'I can't just leave you here?' Alan yelped, 'Scott I can't do that!'
'You can and you will,' Scott pulled his helmet on, 'I count on you to. For Virgil, for Grandma.'
'Scott!' Alan's eyes were glassy as he watched his older brother.
'We'll get back in time,' Scott threw the promise he wasn't sure he could truly guarantee into the air. He stepped back into the station with Alan's small conformation.
Sirens yelled and screamed at Scott as he pushed himself through the station, he called out to John like someone would when they tried to find their lost dog. Time seemed to slow, almost as if he was in a dream state. He couldn't push himself fast enough before he found his brother huddled over EOS' housing. The siren's seemed to drown out.
'We have to go,' Scott felt out of his body, the only grounding sensation was the sweat that stuck his palms to his gloves.
'Wait,' John hissed before he snapped EOS' processors, 'okay okay lets go.'
Scott pulled his brother with a mighty tug. His heart became the main feature of his hearing, probably a better sound then the sirens that would make him deaf by 40. He head the clunk of Thunderbird 3's arms that detached from 5, the warhead was on his scanners. Pride swelled in Scott's chest for a moment as he threw John into the airlock that was on its way closed. Even if they didn't make it out, at least Alan did.
There was a hiss of an airlock, pain rolled up from Scott's lower spine to his head, his ears rung at a high pitched whine, the ground beneath him shuttered. An earthquake, Scott mused, a little confused where he had managed to get himself into this predicament once more. He was in uniform, the bounce of his helmet against his skull told him that much. His eyes cracked open but the bright whites and yellows streaked across his vision allowed no other visual feedback to enter. An explosion? Okay, that was new.
Someone yelled his name, they seemed worried. Time was a funny thing, it slipped through his fingers, sometimes he heard yells, others the world laid silent. His hearing started to cooperate and now he could fully hear the deafening 'SCOTT' thrown at him over and over again. It felt like the words split through his skull and forced it open. 'Scott are you with me? Scott please!' It was a younger brothers voice, that much he could tell. Younger then John, definitely. That concerned him.
A groan fell from his lips, pain radiated through his skull as he forced himself upright. Upon a couple of blinks he could see the black floors of his youngest brothers Thunderbird. After even more inspection, there was Alan by his side, not-so-quietly he fussed over Scott's shoulder. John sat a little away, green eyes haunted as if the world had just crumbled around him. Then it hit.
The explosion.
'John, you okay?' his voice was strained, rusty even. How long had he been out? The Thunderbird was still in space, but earth seemed further away then what he had seen before. They were out of orbit, 'what's happened?'
'That was an idiot move,' John snapped, he refused to make eye contact.
'What did I do?' Scott blinked.
'Threw me in before you, you barely made it into 3, you got hit against the deck by shrapnel. You're injured,' Alan explained.
'Gathered,' Scott mumbled as a sticky sensation apparently made itself known down his forehead.
'Your helmet shattered,' Alan continued to explain and pointed to the pile of glass a little while off.
Scott gave a nod, 'and Thunderbird 5?'
'Obliterated. We're waiting for the shrapnel to go around before we can re-enter,' John finally said. Pain thick in his throat as he swallowed.
'John I'm so sorry,' Scott thanked Alan as he swiped at his face.
'Guess I'm not returning to her,' John sighed, 'least EOS is safe.'
Scott gave a slow nod at the mechanical look to his brother. He ground his teeth, 'do we know who sent the missile?'
'The GDF,' John answered his worst fears.
'But how did they know we were up there?' Scott frowned, eyebrows creased his forehead.
'The sound detector,' John said, his eyes finally met Scott's, 'they were listening all along.'
A few things have happened in my personal life since my last drawing but I’m so excited to share this because I’ve had the idea for probably a month and it’s finally done!!
Here it is!!!! My first of hopefully a few mock comic covers for the old guard!! ^^
Big thank you to everyone on the discord for their feedback (and ideas for future covers 👀) and @sunflower-prophetess for the title suggestion
I can’t believe I downloaded three fonts for this 🥲 and made a whole villain
Summary: This was not a part of the plan - getting close to Alex was. Nearly a day since the Gala, Vani and Virgil find themselves in a predicament. Typical Bad Guy Bullshit happens, including some secrets being revealed. However, not the ones Vani wanted to be shared. Will these lovebirds find a way out, or being caged forever?
A/N: The characters Slicom and Saarc belong to @thescoutpilot and Zayne belongs to @kings-out-of-pocket-hell. Credits to @thescoutpilot for the banner <3. Another piece of fanart within! Please heed the content warnings below xoxo.
Content Warnings: Blood warning, physical violence (punching, cutting, purposefully carving), implied sexual assault and child sexual abuse, mentions of child abuse, grooming and exploitation, and character death.
Chapter 1
The world passed around him in a blur, and yet moving for him was like wading through concrete. Why was walking hard? What’s holding me back? His arms wouldn’t budge, like two phantom limbs with no hold. Lifting his head slightly, he groaned at the strain but pushed through to gain a sense of reality. Attempting to open his eyes, the lids refused to budge. What the hell happened? All I remember was following Vani- Vani, where the hell is she?!
“What’s with Alex and hiring such fragile men?” A laugh echoed. He knew that voice - Vani. Forcing his eyes open again, Virgil tilted his head up. Follow her voice. Vani sat before him, a smile on her face. But it wasn’t gentle or amused, like it usually is. No, this was different. Bloodied. Why was she bleeding? Squeezing his eyes shut, and willing them to fully open and focus, Virgil took in his surroundings. Although, he wishes he hadn’t. The beautiful emerald dress was now stained and torn, if not crumpled under rope that held her down. Open wounds scattered over her exposed skin. Jagged cuts and bruises blossomed on her face. Deliberate cuts on her arms and chest - an 'A'. over her left breast. A sick claim of ownership.
“I’d watch your tone with me girl,” a thick Dutch accent growled. It belonged to the man that circled her, grazing his blade over her skin, pinpointing the next spot. “I can make you suffer the stuff of nightmares.”
“I’ve heard that song and dance before Anton," The 'A'. "You don’t scare me.”
“I’m not above forcing my way with you, if it means getting what I want.” Fingers grazing over her cheek, she scoffed and looked away. “You know this.” A bitter taste filled Virgil’s mouth at the implication.
“If you’re going to do that again, at least lay me on a bed first. Last time, the friction from the concrete upset my aim. Assuming you last longer than ten seconds this time.” She only laughed for a second before Anton’s fist connected with her cheek. Anger coursed through Virgil’s body, despite the nauseating, overwhelming confusion he felt. Groaning a little, Vani spat out the saliva and blood that pooled in her mouth. “Yeah, fragile ego.” Another crack, this time his fist drove into her nose, snapping her head back.
“He’s awake.” A new voice intervened. Following the voice, his eyes met with those of the man they saw in the ballroom. As the man pushed off the wall, he crossed the room and looked down at Virgil. Gods, he was tall. But why does he look so familiar? “I’m sure you’ve taken note of the position you find yourself in.” He glanced up.
Suddenly the feeling of phantom limbs made sense. Looking up, both of Virgil’s arms were suspended from an industrial beam. Well this is gonna reverse two years of physiotherapy, Virgil huffed. “Given your shoulder injury from that hurricane a couple years back, I give it another hour before the muscles tear and the shoulder dislocates. Provided Nirvana plays nice.”
"It’s me you want Slicom, Virgil is not involved.” Vani choked a little, struggling to huff and spit the blood that accumulated from the punch to her nose.
“He was involved the moment we saw him with you.” The tall man - Slicom - affirmed.
“So what,” Virgil huffed, looking up at him. “You get to her through me? Typical bad guy bullshit.”
“My methods are not typical.” Slicom tilted his head, reaching to his side and pulling a trolley closer. This seemed to spark something in Vani, as she thrashed helplessly.
“Slicom, don’t-” She pleaded - a first for Virgil. Slicom didn’t seem to heed her words, pivoting almost robotically as he stood behind Virgil. Fabric suddenly hung over his eyes, scratching at his face and blocking out any visual cues. Virgil held his breath. Sounds suddenly became louder, the smell of blood - Vani’s blood - hung heavily in the air, his throat burning as if he’d been running.
Eyes darting blindly, the sound of scissors slicing through fabric sent a shiver up Virgil’s spine, before cool air hit his bare back. Virgil stiffened as a cool blunt edge placed itself against his shoulder joint. Most likely over the scar he gained after the surgery. He didn’t have time to brace himself, all he knew was that a sudden force drove the blunt edge into the scar and wedged itself into the socket. It tore the muscle, wrenched the bones apart, and dislocated his shoulder. Virgil roared as his right-side plunged down, limp and unable to recover. He heard Vani scream; broken and panicked. He never wanted to hear such a distressed sound ever again in his life.
Tears dampening the edges of the fabric over his eyes, he felt a hot breath on his left ear. Unwillingly tilted up to listen to a menacing voice. “Tell her to stop this.” Sli commanded softly into his ear. “To give in and tell us everything she has on Alex.”
“Vani, tell this asshole to go to hell.” A smirk on his face, Virgil hoped that it masked the pain he felt. Surely it would work for him as it did with Scott when covering his own discomfort.
“I see he’s as stupid as you are, Nirvana.” Sli hummed. Before he could take a breath, a hardened fist drove into his right ribs. Jerking upwards, but forgetting his severed joint, Virgil grunted and fell limp, tugging the muscles more.
“He’s like a punching bag.” The second man - Anton - chuckled, as he continued to drive fist after fist into his ribs. Tensing in a feeble attempt to lessen the impact, Virgil screwed his eyes shut and tried to block it all out. Including Vani’s hysterical cries for them to stop hurting him.
-o💚O🖤o-
“Sir I understand your concern, but we cannot account for their disappearance after the commotion in the ballroom.”
"It doesn’t strike you the slightest bit odd that two people chase another, and then suddenly all three cannot be found. Especially when the person being chased was not registered, nor identifiable?”
John peered at the man before him. It had been 12 hours since Virgil and Nirvana flew to Pensacola for the Aeronautics Gala - 10 since they heard a word from either. Scott had initially worried something happened, but after Gordon joked the pair were catching up, he decided to sleep on it. Earlier that morning, John had called them saying he didn’t hear from Virgil, as he promised he would. After seeing that both Virgil’s comms were offline and partygoers reported a sudden ‘frenzy’ at the event, did it raise alarms.
“Security reported no other incident.” The organiser defended.
“Let’s hope no other incident occurred.” John raised an eyebrow, then sighed. It wasn’t worth exhausting his words on a man who was equally in dark as they were. And incompetent. John mused. Seriously, you organise a high end event, but not proper security? “Thank you for your time.” Nodding at the organiser, John spun on his heel and walked out of the City Hall. As he made his way down the steps, he saw Scott practically yelling into his phone on the sidewalk.
Scott was naturally protective of everyone he loved- being an eldest brother and all - but it heightened when the brothers would travel to the mainland. Being the sons of Jeff Tracy, the monstrously-hungry media and fans wanted to know all about them. While Jeff tried to shield them from their prying eyes, they always found a way. John hated to think about the possibility of an obsessive fan being responsible for this. It nearly happened to John a few years ago.
“Colonel Casey, surely you can expend a couple of officers.” A pause. “Unfortunately, I’ve already done that. Not to be rude, but I would appreciate a little help!” A pause, the pilot pinching the bridge of his nose and exhaling. “I understand, I’ll keep you updated. Thanks Colonel.” Hanging up the phone, Scott groaned.
“Let me guess, they won’t act unless there’s proof of danger.”
"We don’t exactly ask for that when they call us.” Scott pointed.
“We’re a rescue organisation,” John began. “We don’t take chances.”
“And they can? No wonder there’s criminals still running rampant, and innocents being injured if not killed.” Scott scoffed, tapping his phone against his palm. “Don’t suppose Zayne could charm Casey?”
“While he does have charisma, the Colonel will see right through it.” John huffed. “Can’t exactly ask Saarc and her team to assist. Foreign military special ops, brought in on unclear terms - it would be going behind Colonel Casey's back. And she wouldn't be happy.”
“The terms are a suspected kidnapping.” Scott argued. “We can hire them privately.”
“Oh yeah, because the GDF will be so happy about that.”
“Well the GDF won’t help us, so we’ll have to go through some more unofficial channels to find them.”
“And if they catch wind of it?” John raised an eyebrow.
“They won’t.” Scott smirked, a little too menacingly.
“I don’t like that smirk of yours.”
- o💚O🖤o-
Breathing wasn’t exactly easy. Virgil couldn’t tell if it was the suspected broken ribs he had, the overwhelming pain, or the clawing anxiety of still being blindfolded.
“Virg?” Vani’s voice - so quiet - called out to him. Like a moth to a flame, Virgil tilted his head up.
“I’m here Vani.” Virgil croaked. He didn’t know how he appeared, but his voice certainly didn’t convey the stoicism he hoped for.
“I didn’t mean for this to happen.” Vani began. “I should’ve been smarter about this-”
“This isn’t your fault.” Virgil groaned, shifting his body weight to alleviate the burning numbness on his upper right chest. “They’re hurting me, you’re not. Everything that has happened, nothing has been because of you. Even with knowing what happens, I would’ve said yes a thousand times over, if it meant you wouldn’t be alone in this room.”
A beat of silence, then a small laugh. “You’re an idiot, Virgil Tracy.”
“An idiot in love with you.” Virgil breathed. A longer silence followed the admission, and breathing suddenly became impossible. They admitted a mutual affection and longing in the hall, however long ago that was. But to say love? What was he thinking?
“Vani-”
“Virgil, don’t-” Vani interrupted. “Don’t do this.” Her voice, while soft-spoken, was hardened. The air felt heavier, and Virgil’s stomach dropped. “Whatever you’re feeling is delirious, your mind is trying to create something not true. You don’t love me. And even if it were true, I don’t.” Virgil’s throat closed. “I don’t love you Virgil. I never did. I only saw you as another person in my life.” He wished the ground could open up and swallow him whole. That’s what he got for showing a part of himself that he usually kept locked away. One that had been scorned so many times. And yet, he never learnt his lesson.
“You’re right. Thanks.” Virgil murmured. Vani was grateful they had blindfolded the man before her. Because she would’ve hated for him to see the tears that welled in her eyes.
“That was quite cold-hearted Nirvana.” Slicom’s voice echoed. Vani gritted her teeth, looking up at the man. It had been about eight years since they last saw each other. He was- no is - a completely different person. At least that was what Vani kept reminding herself. “Had Alex been with us, he would’ve commended you on achieving such cruelty.”
“Alex prefers to spectate - would hate to get his hands dirty.” Tilting her head at Slicom, she hums. “So he sends you. Then he takes all of the credit.”
“Why the sudden interest in finding us Nirvana?” Sli said. He never was one for small talk, Vani mused. “Because it’s been eight years since you left us. So imagine my surprise when I learned my little sister finally found us, after years of nothing."
“As if you both hadn’t been following everything I have done. After all, that’s what big brothers do. Look out for their little sisters. Or did Alex forcibly remove that from you too?” Vani spat, a sour taste in her mouth.
Sli’s dark expression only confirmed that the comment hit a soft spot, if there was ever any left. Her older brother had been subjected to archaic treatments from a young age to correct and mould his behaviour. That’s what made him a perfect soldier. All sense of autonomy stripped from him meant he had nothing to lose, no conscience to stop him. Slow, calculated steps carried Sli to stand before Vani. Resting his arms on the chair rests, he caged Vani into the ratty chair. His head tilting down and observing her with a predatory glint.
“You don’t get to talk, when you left me behind.” Sli growled, Vani’s eyes softening. “You could’ve come back to us, but you abandoned us.”
“I didn’t-” Vani diverted her gaze.
“That’s not how we were raised-”
“We weren’t raised, we were trained-.” Vani growled.
“You left me behind. After all I did to protect you from them?” A small, involuntary whimper left Vani. The tears that gathered for Virgil, now fell down her cheeks for Slicom. He’s trying to break you down. It’s his tactic. Familiar yet foreign fingers clasped her chin, forcing her gaze onto him. And her heart broke.
Confused irises looked at her, even if his body language screamed angry. She didn’t see Slicom in that moment - the psychopathic assassin Alex broke and tore apart, to reform. No, she saw Sli. Her goofy smiled, messy-haired big brother who loved to give her hugs. Who always shared the biggest half of their desserts. Who, despite his own troubles understanding the world around him, tried to make it better for his little sister. He’s still in there.
“I meant to find you.” Vani let out a defensive plea. “I tried-”
“You failed.” Sli stared at her. “Just like how you’ll fail to rescue him.” Glancing to Virgil over his shoulder, Vani’s face hardened. Virgil. Sli made no effort to make the conversation private, even if it meant sedating him. He was listening to everything they had been saying. This was a part of her that Vani wished to keep away from the Tracys. She had only shared fragments of that life with Jeff months before his death. She’ll always remember the rage that shone in that man's eyes, that could’ve burned holes in the Earth. And now for it to be unwillingly shared before a man who declared his love for her minutes ago - would he even see her the same afterwards?
“I haven’t failed. I can still help you.” Vani whispered. Sli looked at her with a pensive gaze. “It’s not too late. I’m close to taking Alex down, you know this otherwise you wouldn’t have done this.” She looks around, then leans forward. “I can protect you.” Sli stiffened at the proclamation, as if being safe was a foreign concept. Vani watched his brain tick and turn in his eyes. Before she could try again, Sli spun on his heel hurriedly.
“Sli- Sli wait-” He threw the door open and stormed out, the metal slamming shut. “NO!” Thrashing heavily in her binds, the chair rocked underneath Vani, until the legs gave way and she toppled onto her side. Panting heavily, Vani looked at the door and roared like a caged animal. Screaming at Slicom to return and face her fury.
-o💚O🖤o-
“We’ll be touching down in less than an hour.”
“It’ll be good to see you after so long.” Scott leaned forward on the desk with a small smile. “I’ve missed you.” Snickers from the other end of the line echoed, behind a woman who wore a stoic expression.
“I admittedly have as well. However, I feel all sense of such will dissipate the moment I see you.”
“I love it when you’re mean to me baby.” Scott smiled at Saarc, the woman rolling her eyes in return as she let a glimpse of a smile shine through.
"Goodbye Scott.” Saarc bid farewell and ended the call. As her face disappeared before him, Scott let out a sigh. It had been close to twenty-four hours since he last saw Virg and Vani. Scott had imagined every worst-case scenario he could. He couldn’t bear to think of them helpless and injured - two of the strongest people he knew, unable to fight back. In immense feelings of helplessness, the occasional thought of “the sooner we find them, the better” gave him the strength to keep looking.
“What do you think Scott?” The voice brought Scott out of his deep thought, blinking his eyes to focus on the man before him. Shaggy black hair, and green eyes that rivalled his brother’s looked back at him. A face full of concern, Zayne watched Scott as he ran his fingers through his greying brown fluff.
“Sorry, I lost focus. What were you saying, Zayne?”
“The GDF received an anonymous tip about Virg’s location. They’re considering it a trap, and are a bit stubborn to act. Trust me, hearing that in passing was a headache.” Zayne mumbled.
"I find it odd,” John began, slinking his arm around Zayne’s waist and pulling him closer to his side. “That they only mentioned Virgil.”
“I doubt Vani is dead - that little menace wouldn’t leave us that easily.” Zayne joked, earning a small smirk from John.
“Are you saying we should investigate this anonymous tip?”
“It wouldn’t hurt. I’ll get Kayo and Lady Pen-.”
“No.” Scott stopped him, standing from their father’s desk. “Zayne, while you are GDF, you aren’t exactly combat trained.” Zayne went to open his mouth, only for Scott to hold up a silencing hand. “And no, verbally attacking a crippled old man doesn’t count.”
“You’re humanising Derek, and I don’t appreciate that Scott.” Zayne squinted.
“My point is, Zayne,” Scott returned the squint. “If the GDF are right on this, and it is a trap, then those trained for those situations can get out of it. If they’re wrong, then we win and get everyone out safely. Once Saarc and her team land within the hour, we’ll orchestrate a plan and I’ll go with them.” Scott looked between the two astronauts, who nodded in reluctant agreement.
“Fine.” Zayne huffed, crossing his arms. “I was really excited to use my new roundhouse kick too.”
“What else do we know about this tip?”
Before Zayne could start, an all familiar ping drew their attention to the desk. Pressing a button to his right, Scott answered the incoming call. The holoprojector lit up, showing the woman he spoke to not even a minute ago.
"Saarc?"
"Scott." Saarc greeted. She rarely let her emotions show, even in the heat of the moment. But Scott took notice of the way her eyebrows drew closer, her eyes watching with more caution than assessment. Something plagued her.
"What's wrong, Saarc?"
"We've received intel that there's been an explosion in St. Mary's in Southern Georgia." She began, Scott frowning a little. "Atlas pinged the location, and it matches to where the anonymous tip originated - coordinates 30-degrees North. 81-degrees West." Turning to Zayne, Scott looked at the pad he held in his hands.
"Where did the tip say Virgil was?" Zayne glanced at John, his throat bobbing as he swallowed.
"30-degrees North, 81-degrees West." The room fell silent, John holding Zayne's shoulder as Saarc bowed her head.
"We're monitoring the fire crew radio. They've begun a preliminary investigation," A pause. "No sign of survivors as of yet." Scott felt his chest tighten. Not only did this reveal where Virgil and Vani had been, but also that the person holding them planned to leave nothing to chance.
Summary: This was not a part of the plan - getting close to Alex was. Nearly a day since the Gala, Vani and Virgil find themselves in a predicament. Typical Bad Guy Bullshit happens, including some secrets being revealed. However, not the ones Vani wanted to be shared. Will these lovebirds find a way out, or being caged forever?
A/N: The characters Slicom and Saarc belong to @thescoutpilot and Zayne belongs to @kings-out-of-pocket-hell. Credits to @thescoutpilot for the banner <3. Another piece of fanart within! Please heed the content warnings below xoxo.
Content Warnings: Blood warning, physical violence (punching, cutting, purposefully carving), implied sexual assault and child sexual abuse, mentions of child abuse, grooming and exploitation, and character death.
Chapter 1
The world passed around him in a blur, and yet moving for him was like wading through concrete. Why was walking hard? What’s holding me back? His arms wouldn’t budge, like two phantom limbs with no hold. Lifting his head slightly, he groaned at the strain but pushed through to gain a sense of reality. Attempting to open his eyes, the lids refused to budge. What the hell happened? All I remember was following Vani- Vani, where the hell is she?!
“What’s with Alex and hiring such fragile men?” A laugh echoed. He knew that voice - Vani. Forcing his eyes open again, Virgil tilted his head up. Follow her voice. Vani sat before him, a smile on her face. But it wasn’t gentle or amused, like it usually is. No, this was different. Bloodied. Why was she bleeding? Squeezing his eyes shut, and willing them to fully open and focus, Virgil took in his surroundings. Although, he wishes he hadn’t. The beautiful emerald dress was now stained and torn, if not crumpled under rope that held her down. Open wounds scattered over her exposed skin. Jagged cuts and bruises blossomed on her face. Deliberate cuts on her arms and chest - an 'A'. over her left breast. A sick claim of ownership.
“I’d watch your tone with me girl,” a thick Dutch accent growled. It belonged to the man that circled her, grazing his blade over her skin, pinpointing the next spot. “I can make you suffer the stuff of nightmares.”
“I’ve heard that song and dance before Anton," The 'A'. "You don’t scare me.”
“I’m not above forcing my way with you, if it means getting what I want.” Fingers grazing over her cheek, she scoffed and looked away. “You know this.” A bitter taste filled Virgil’s mouth at the implication.
“If you’re going to do that again, at least lay me on a bed first. Last time, the friction from the concrete upset my aim. Assuming you last longer than ten seconds this time.” She only laughed for a second before Anton’s fist connected with her cheek. Anger coursed through Virgil’s body, despite the nauseating, overwhelming confusion he felt. Groaning a little, Vani spat out the saliva and blood that pooled in her mouth. “Yeah, fragile ego.” Another crack, this time his fist drove into her nose, snapping her head back.
“He’s awake.” A new voice intervened. Following the voice, his eyes met with those of the man they saw in the ballroom. As the man pushed off the wall, he crossed the room and looked down at Virgil. Gods, he was tall. But why does he look so familiar? “I’m sure you’ve taken note of the position you find yourself in.” He glanced up.
Suddenly the feeling of phantom limbs made sense. Looking up, both of Virgil’s arms were suspended from an industrial beam. Well this is gonna reverse two years of physiotherapy, Virgil huffed. “Given your shoulder injury from that hurricane a couple years back, I give it another hour before the muscles tear and the shoulder dislocates. Provided Nirvana plays nice.”
"It’s me you want Slicom, Virgil is not involved.” Vani choked a little, struggling to huff and spit the blood that accumulated from the punch to her nose.
“He was involved the moment we saw him with you.” The tall man - Slicom - affirmed.
“So what,” Virgil huffed, looking up at him. “You get to her through me? Typical bad guy bullshit.”
“My methods are not typical.” Slicom tilted his head, reaching to his side and pulling a trolley closer. This seemed to spark something in Vani, as she thrashed helplessly.
“Slicom, don’t-” She pleaded - a first for Virgil. Slicom didn’t seem to heed her words, pivoting almost robotically as he stood behind Virgil. Fabric suddenly hung over his eyes, scratching at his face and blocking out any visual cues. Virgil held his breath. Sounds suddenly became louder, the smell of blood - Vani’s blood - hung heavily in the air, his throat burning as if he’d been running.
Eyes darting blindly, the sound of scissors slicing through fabric sent a shiver up Virgil’s spine, before cool air hit his bare back. Virgil stiffened as a cool blunt edge placed itself against his shoulder joint. Most likely over the scar he gained after the surgery. He didn’t have time to brace himself, all he knew was that a sudden force drove the blunt edge into the scar and wedged itself into the socket. It tore the muscle, wrenched the bones apart, and dislocated his shoulder. Virgil roared as his right-side plunged down, limp and unable to recover. He heard Vani scream; broken and panicked. He never wanted to hear such a distressed sound ever again in his life.
Tears dampening the edges of the fabric over his eyes, he felt a hot breath on his left ear. Unwillingly tilted up to listen to a menacing voice. “Tell her to stop this.” Sli commanded softly into his ear. “To give in and tell us everything she has on Alex.”
“Vani, tell this asshole to go to hell.” A smirk on his face, Virgil hoped that it masked the pain he felt. Surely it would work for him as it did with Scott when covering his own discomfort.
“I see he’s as stupid as you are, Nirvana.” Sli hummed. Before he could take a breath, a hardened fist drove into his right ribs. Jerking upwards, but forgetting his severed joint, Virgil grunted and fell limp, tugging the muscles more.
“He’s like a punching bag.” The second man - Anton - chuckled, as he continued to drive fist after fist into his ribs. Tensing in a feeble attempt to lessen the impact, Virgil screwed his eyes shut and tried to block it all out. Including Vani’s hysterical cries for them to stop hurting him.
-o💚O🖤o-
“Sir I understand your concern, but we cannot account for their disappearance after the commotion in the ballroom.”
"It doesn’t strike you the slightest bit odd that two people chase another, and then suddenly all three cannot be found. Especially when the person being chased was not registered, nor identifiable?”
John peered at the man before him. It had been 12 hours since Virgil and Nirvana flew to Pensacola for the Aeronautics Gala - 10 since they heard a word from either. Scott had initially worried something happened, but after Gordon joked the pair were catching up, he decided to sleep on it. Earlier that morning, John had called them saying he didn’t hear from Virgil, as he promised he would. After seeing that both Virgil’s comms were offline and partygoers reported a sudden ‘frenzy’ at the event, did it raise alarms.
“Security reported no other incident.” The organiser defended.
“Let’s hope no other incident occurred.” John raised an eyebrow, then sighed. It wasn’t worth exhausting his words on a man who was equally in dark as they were. And incompetent. John mused. Seriously, you organise a high end event, but not proper security? “Thank you for your time.” Nodding at the organiser, John spun on his heel and walked out of the City Hall. As he made his way down the steps, he saw Scott practically yelling into his phone on the sidewalk.
Scott was naturally protective of everyone he loved- being an eldest brother and all - but it heightened when the brothers would travel to the mainland. Being the sons of Jeff Tracy, the monstrously-hungry media and fans wanted to know all about them. While Jeff tried to shield them from their prying eyes, they always found a way. John hated to think about the possibility of an obsessive fan being responsible for this. It nearly happened to John a few years ago.
“Colonel Casey, surely you can expend a couple of officers.” A pause. “Unfortunately, I’ve already done that. Not to be rude, but I would appreciate a little help!” A pause, the pilot pinching the bridge of his nose and exhaling. “I understand, I’ll keep you updated. Thanks Colonel.” Hanging up the phone, Scott groaned.
“Let me guess, they won’t act unless there’s proof of danger.”
"We don’t exactly ask for that when they call us.” Scott pointed.
“We’re a rescue organisation,” John began. “We don’t take chances.”
“And they can? No wonder there’s criminals still running rampant, and innocents being injured if not killed.” Scott scoffed, tapping his phone against his palm. “Don’t suppose Zayne could charm Casey?”
“While he does have charisma, the Colonel will see right through it.” John huffed. “Can’t exactly ask Saarc and her team to assist. Foreign military special ops, brought in on unclear terms - it would be going behind Colonel Casey's back. And she wouldn't be happy.”
“The terms are a suspected kidnapping.” Scott argued. “We can hire them privately.”
“Oh yeah, because the GDF will be so happy about that.”
“Well the GDF won’t help us, so we’ll have to go through some more unofficial channels to find them.”
“And if they catch wind of it?” John raised an eyebrow.
“They won’t.” Scott smirked, a little too menacingly.
“I don’t like that smirk of yours.”
- o💚O🖤o-
Breathing wasn’t exactly easy. Virgil couldn’t tell if it was the suspected broken ribs he had, the overwhelming pain, or the clawing anxiety of still being blindfolded.
“Virg?” Vani’s voice - so quiet - called out to him. Like a moth to a flame, Virgil tilted his head up.
“I’m here Vani.” Virgil croaked. He didn’t know how he appeared, but his voice certainly didn’t convey the stoicism he hoped for.
“I didn’t mean for this to happen.” Vani began. “I should’ve been smarter about this-”
“This isn’t your fault.” Virgil groaned, shifting his body weight to alleviate the burning numbness on his upper right chest. “They’re hurting me, you’re not. Everything that has happened, nothing has been because of you. Even with knowing what happens, I would’ve said yes a thousand times over, if it meant you wouldn’t be alone in this room.”
A beat of silence, then a small laugh. “You’re an idiot, Virgil Tracy.”
“An idiot in love with you.” Virgil breathed. A longer silence followed the admission, and breathing suddenly became impossible. They admitted a mutual affection and longing in the hall, however long ago that was. But to say love? What was he thinking?
“Vani-”
“Virgil, don’t-” Vani interrupted. “Don’t do this.” Her voice, while soft-spoken, was hardened. The air felt heavier, and Virgil’s stomach dropped. “Whatever you’re feeling is delirious, your mind is trying to create something not true. You don’t love me. And even if it were true, I don’t.” Virgil’s throat closed. “I don’t love you Virgil. I never did. I only saw you as another person in my life.” He wished the ground could open up and swallow him whole. That’s what he got for showing a part of himself that he usually kept locked away. One that had been scorned so many times. And yet, he never learnt his lesson.
“You’re right. Thanks.” Virgil murmured. Vani was grateful they had blindfolded the man before her. Because she would’ve hated for him to see the tears that welled in her eyes.
“That was quite cold-hearted Nirvana.” Slicom’s voice echoed. Vani gritted her teeth, looking up at the man. It had been about eight years since they last saw each other. He was- no is - a completely different person. At least that was what Vani kept reminding herself. “Had Alex been with us, he would’ve commended you on achieving such cruelty.”
“Alex prefers to spectate - would hate to get his hands dirty.” Tilting her head at Slicom, she hums. “So he sends you. Then he takes all of the credit.”
“Why the sudden interest in finding us Nirvana?” Sli said. He never was one for small talk, Vani mused. “Because it’s been eight years since you left us. So imagine my surprise when I learned my little sister finally found us, after years of nothing."
“As if you both hadn’t been following everything I have done. After all, that’s what big brothers do. Look out for their little sisters. Or did Alex forcibly remove that from you too?” Vani spat, a sour taste in her mouth.
Sli’s dark expression only confirmed that the comment hit a soft spot, if there was ever any left. Her older brother had been subjected to archaic treatments from a young age to correct and mould his behaviour. That’s what made him a perfect soldier. All sense of autonomy stripped from him meant he had nothing to lose, no conscience to stop him. Slow, calculated steps carried Sli to stand before Vani. Resting his arms on the chair rests, he caged Vani into the ratty chair. His head tilting down and observing her with a predatory glint.
“You don’t get to talk, when you left me behind.” Sli growled, Vani’s eyes softening. “You could’ve come back to us, but you abandoned us.”
“I didn’t-” Vani diverted her gaze.
“That’s not how we were raised-”
“We weren’t raised, we were trained-.” Vani growled.
“You left me behind. After all I did to protect you from them?” A small, involuntary whimper left Vani. The tears that gathered for Virgil, now fell down her cheeks for Slicom. He’s trying to break you down. It’s his tactic. Familiar yet foreign fingers clasped her chin, forcing her gaze onto him. And her heart broke.
Confused irises looked at her, even if his body language screamed angry. She didn’t see Slicom in that moment - the psychopathic assassin Alex broke and tore apart, to reform. No, she saw Sli. Her goofy smiled, messy-haired big brother who loved to give her hugs. Who always shared the biggest half of their desserts. Who, despite his own troubles understanding the world around him, tried to make it better for his little sister. He’s still in there.
“I meant to find you.” Vani let out a defensive plea. “I tried-”
“You failed.” Sli stared at her. “Just like how you’ll fail to rescue him.” Glancing to Virgil over his shoulder, Vani’s face hardened. Virgil. Sli made no effort to make the conversation private, even if it meant sedating him. He was listening to everything they had been saying. This was a part of her that Vani wished to keep away from the Tracys. She had only shared fragments of that life with Jeff months before his death. She’ll always remember the rage that shone in that man's eyes, that could’ve burned holes in the Earth. And now for it to be unwillingly shared before a man who declared his love for her minutes ago - would he even see her the same afterwards?
“I haven’t failed. I can still help you.” Vani whispered. Sli looked at her with a pensive gaze. “It’s not too late. I’m close to taking Alex down, you know this otherwise you wouldn’t have done this.” She looks around, then leans forward. “I can protect you.” Sli stiffened at the proclamation, as if being safe was a foreign concept. Vani watched his brain tick and turn in his eyes. Before she could try again, Sli spun on his heel hurriedly.
“Sli- Sli wait-” He threw the door open and stormed out, the metal slamming shut. “NO!” Thrashing heavily in her binds, the chair rocked underneath Vani, until the legs gave way and she toppled onto her side. Panting heavily, Vani looked at the door and roared like a caged animal. Screaming at Slicom to return and face her fury.
-o💚O🖤o-
“We’ll be touching down in less than an hour.”
“It’ll be good to see you after so long.” Scott leaned forward on the desk with a small smile. “I’ve missed you.” Snickers from the other end of the line echoed, behind a woman who wore a stoic expression.
“I admittedly have as well. However, I feel all sense of such will dissipate the moment I see you.”
“I love it when you’re mean to me baby.” Scott smiled at Saarc, the woman rolling her eyes in return as she let a glimpse of a smile shine through.
"Goodbye Scott.” Saarc bid farewell and ended the call. As her face disappeared before him, Scott let out a sigh. It had been close to twenty-four hours since he last saw Virg and Vani. Scott had imagined every worst-case scenario he could. He couldn’t bear to think of them helpless and injured - two of the strongest people he knew, unable to fight back. In immense feelings of helplessness, the occasional thought of “the sooner we find them, the better” gave him the strength to keep looking.
“What do you think Scott?” The voice brought Scott out of his deep thought, blinking his eyes to focus on the man before him. Shaggy black hair, and green eyes that rivalled his brother’s looked back at him. A face full of concern, Zayne watched Scott as he ran his fingers through his greying brown fluff.
“Sorry, I lost focus. What were you saying, Zayne?”
“The GDF received an anonymous tip about Virg’s location. They’re considering it a trap, and are a bit stubborn to act. Trust me, hearing that in passing was a headache.” Zayne mumbled.
"I find it odd,” John began, slinking his arm around Zayne’s waist and pulling him closer to his side. “That they only mentioned Virgil.”
“I doubt Vani is dead - that little menace wouldn’t leave us that easily.” Zayne joked, earning a small smirk from John.
“Are you saying we should investigate this anonymous tip?”
“It wouldn’t hurt. I’ll get Kayo and Lady Pen-.”
“No.” Scott stopped him, standing from their father’s desk. “Zayne, while you are GDF, you aren’t exactly combat trained.” Zayne went to open his mouth, only for Scott to hold up a silencing hand. “And no, verbally attacking a crippled old man doesn’t count.”
“You’re humanising Derek, and I don’t appreciate that Scott.” Zayne squinted.
“My point is, Zayne,” Scott returned the squint. “If the GDF are right on this, and it is a trap, then those trained for those situations can get out of it. If they’re wrong, then we win and get everyone out safely. Once Saarc and her team land within the hour, we’ll orchestrate a plan and I’ll go with them.” Scott looked between the two astronauts, who nodded in reluctant agreement.
“Fine.” Zayne huffed, crossing his arms. “I was really excited to use my new roundhouse kick too.”
“What else do we know about this tip?”
Before Zayne could start, an all familiar ping drew their attention to the desk. Pressing a button to his right, Scott answered the incoming call. The holoprojector lit up, showing the woman he spoke to not even a minute ago.
"Saarc?"
"Scott." Saarc greeted. She rarely let her emotions show, even in the heat of the moment. But Scott took notice of the way her eyebrows drew closer, her eyes watching with more caution than assessment. Something plagued her.
"What's wrong, Saarc?"
"We've received intel that there's been an explosion in St. Mary's in Southern Georgia." She began, Scott frowning a little. "Atlas pinged the location, and it matches to where the anonymous tip originated - coordinates 30-degrees North. 81-degrees West." Turning to Zayne, Scott looked at the pad he held in his hands.
"Where did the tip say Virgil was?" Zayne glanced at John, his throat bobbing as he swallowed.
"30-degrees North, 81-degrees West." The room fell silent, John holding Zayne's shoulder as Saarc bowed her head.
"We're monitoring the fire crew radio. They've begun a preliminary investigation," A pause. "No sign of survivors as of yet." Scott felt his chest tighten. Not only did this reveal where Virgil and Vani had been, but also that the person holding them planned to leave nothing to chance.
I have two questions - how come Peggy doesn’t have John’s hair colour? I don’t dislike it how you have it just wondering if there’s a story there as the others match?
i did match the exact colours when I was first creating them. however, i found the more darker oranges suited peggy better (it could also be the style of sketching i do that makes it appear darker…).
there is a male Kayo equivalent - Tanil ‘KO’ Kyrano. I have unfortunately only drawn him once, but hopefully I can flesh out the other characters as well soon, and introduce Kit’s fraternal twin Ant.
germansingergirl
stormborns
kianamaiart
origamiaround
blakekathryn
