Lament of the Swan

Sylvie Romero. Codename: The Swan. Flight. 19 years old. "O children, I shall sing a lamentation of a winged swan which crossed the great waters."

[sylvieromero]

Zadrian & Sylvie | The devil and the swan

[sylvieromero]

“I know you will.” Zadrian gave a small little smirk at the girl with wings, happy to have her oblige and bend her to his absolute will and trust. He looked over her in the next moment, an eyebrow arching as she questioned him, as she didn’t fully comprehend the request. He figured it was quite the odd things to say, but, he wanted her to understand exactly what was happening as to make this as comfortable an experience for the both of them. Giving her something that was so much apart of him wasn’t anything to take lightly, and Zadrian saw it as the highest form of compliment he could ever give anybody. So much so, especially since this would be for his dearest sister. 

And, at her next words, a pleasant enough smile graced his face while his eyes met hers. “The only thing that will make you happier is having my child.” He uttered back delicately, letting a short hand lightly glide over her cheek. “Of course. This is the greatest gift in the world, my angel.” He smirked back, his abilities wavering lightly as to not exert more energy than he needed before leading them back to Hydra.

She nodded as her mind processed all the the things he commanded her to feel. Watching the world and he own emotions through the cloud that was his power. “I’m happy!” she said, almost excited. Sylvie felt the familiar glass cage surrounding her, where she could watch everything that was happening but wasn’t able to do anything about it. She would be screaming on the inside, banging her fistst against the glass wall but no one would hear her. Sylvie wanted to break his arm again as he called her ‘my angel’ once more but the filter of his power would twitch and turn every word and feeling into something that would please him. “I’m so happy you picked me.” she said while following him what seemed to be Hydra.

[sylvieromero]

Zadrian & Sylvie | The devil and the swan

[sylvieromero]

“That’s a good girl.” He muttered with satisfaction, happy to always find a willing partner to do as he pleased. “Come along then angel.” He sweetly called her with a sly smirk as he offered her his arm. “I know you do. And you know what’s going to really please me today?” He asked her, his eyes bright with excitement as he felt full of life and energy as he let his clouded ability reach past Sylvie, infiltrating her mind with the will to make him happy. “I want to put a little baby inside of you, and I want to be overjoyed about it. No sense in making this any harder than it has to be.” He gave back a delicate grin, before leading them away from the black market.

Angel. Only Aiden ever called her angel. Zadrian wasn’t allowed to use that word. That wasn’t his word to use he couldn’t say that to her! Why was she walking with him? Why was she walking away from the safety of other people? Why was she taking the arm he was offering? Why would she even touch him?Why did him telling her she was a good girl relieve her so much as if that was her only purpose of existence. “I’ll do anything.” she said as he was about to tell her what would please him most today. As he told her his purpose with her today she just stared at him. Like she was a computer who had received too many commands at the same time or just one it couldn’t handle and was now getting stuck. She just blinked. Her mouth opened but the sounds of agreement and her screams of horror tried to find their way out at the same time, causing an inaudible set of noises that didn’t really mean anything. “I don’t understand...” she managed to say.

Happy. He wanted her to be happy about...a baby? He couldn’t mean what she thought he meant. What would be the purpose of that? He hated her, despised her, thought she was an animal. “I’m happy.” she then said. “Very happy and honored.” she added. “Anything for you.” The words were robotic and inside her mind she was being consumed by fear. This couldn’t really be happening. It almost happened once. It couldn’t truly be happening now. 

[sylvieromero]

Zadrian & Sylvie | The devil and the swan

[sylvieromero]

When he spotted her across the simple crowd, it was like a lightbulb had gone off. Sylvie was the perfect contender for such a feat, and even if the power of his control was breakable by her strong will, he had other means of force. With a sly grin, he began to approach her, carefully avoiding eye contact with anybody else as if anybody even had the courage to give him a side-eyed glance. “Sylvie—” He started, his crooked grin all the more powerful he thought before lifting a brow. “You’re positively glowing today.” He uttered softly before letting bringing up a hand and slowly caressing her face while looking into her eyes. “Don’t you just absolutely worship me?” It was worth a try, getting inside her mind, and with as much practice as he had over the years, he only wanted to be the most powerful at what he did. Narrowing his eyes, he could feel the reach of his ability as it pushed outward and exerted the energy he had within him. He knew that Sylvie was a sight for sore eyes, but he also wanted this to be fun, not just a mindless task.

She took a few steps back but there was way she could pull of a clean sprint in this crowd and his damned powers. The moment he started speaking to her she could feel the familiar cloud crawling in to her mind. There had been moments she could fight it. But these had only been seconds of gasping for air in a storming sea. And it had been six years ago. She doubted he had never trained his ability since then. Which meant he was stronger now. “I do...” she said at the question if she worshipped him while she stared at him. She could hear the words leaving her mouth while he mind couldn’t believe she would actually agree to such a thing. What did he want today? Just another chance to make her miserable? Was he bored? Soon the feeling of wanting to please him, of adoring him filled her entire being. “I only ever wanted to please you.” she said. 

[sylvieromero]

Zadrian & Sylvie | The devil and the swan

Sylvie wandered over the black market, looking for certain supplies she needed at the nursery. After the battle they were low on stock on a lot of things and since the shield was up around the base there were only certain hours one could leave to do things like this. Most weren’t allowed to leave at all. Sylvie had permission as a nurse to go out and get what they needed. Even though New York was on edge, the black market had always been a sort of neutral place if one was careful enough. There were stuff there that both sides needed after all and it wouldn’t do anyone any good to start fights here. That’s why the Black market, next to the graveyard, was one of the relatively safer places of New York. Even though it didn’t have a written agreement of neutral grounds such as the graveyard, it was much like a gentlemen’s agreement. Though when Sylvie saw Zadrian there, staring right at her, she was overcome by fear. She didn’t think him to be the person to go out for his own supplies, he would likely send people for that. So why was he here now? And why was he looking at her like she was the prey, again.

@zadriandougal

[sylvieromero]

“That’s a good idea.” Bailee started slowly with a nod. “Distracted? Maybe he just has a lot on his mind. Or— well…perhaps some cognitive testing would help him?” She shrugged off handedly. “I’m good. Really. I’ve been fine.” She loosened her shoulder with a short movement and gave back a short sad smile before looking to the ground. “Hey— no….we’ll get him back. I know he can’t be gone like this forever. He’s stronger than he gives himself credit for.”

“You think that would help? I don’t want to scare him either...He has been through a lot with the battle and all the panic around here. A war like this is a lot for suc ha young boy to handle. Julian has been wonderful with him though. Children just need to be able to enjoy their childhood and play. Julian gives him that.” she said. “Would you like to see Noah?” she asked her. “I’m sure he would love seeing you.” she said. We’ll get him back. We just have to.” Sylvie said.

[sylvieromero]

“I just said you have amazing eyebrows.”

“That’s the first time anyone has ever given me that compliment but it’s a nice one nonetheless.” she chuckled while her wings fluttered amused.

[sylvieromero]

“Oh, that’s sweet of you too.” She gave back with a cheeky, flushed grin. She listened to the story and tilted her head slightly with confusion. “Oh god. This is not a good time for anybody to be getting sick. I hope he starts feeling well soon.” Bailee replied. “That doesn’t sound too well though. You’re the nurse however, probably know more about this than I do, have you take him to the infirmary?”

“Yeah I might take him there if he is still feeling ill tomorrow.” she said. “Kids get fevers but it’s just his absence of ind that worries me. Like he is distracted all the time.” she said. “How have you been? How is your arm? I’m so sorry about Kyle...” it was something Sylvie still felt guilty about.

[sylvieromero]

“Well, you look great Sylvie.” Bailee smiled to her friend and gave the young woman a short pat on her shoulder. “What have you been doing then? How’s Noah?”

“You always look great.” Sylvie replied. “Actually he has been behaving a little off lately. He is convinced he saw his father at the black market. Which he did only it was that damn Cal with his temporary shape shifting powers.” she said, not realizing how wrong she was about that. “I think it really messed with his head and I can’t exactly blame him...” she sighed. “It almost seems to make him a little ill, or perhaps he is just really getting a fever I’m not sure.” she told her friend.

[sylvieromero]

“Thank you, that’s very sweet of you to say!”

[sylvieromero]

[sylvieromero]

Sylvie & Rose | Begin again

[sylvieromero]

Steve was clear that she had to wait until she took her tests before she could even get out of this place. Even the tests didn’t promise anything, which was the scary part. One wrong move, one wrong word and all of her freedom would be revoked. The blonde wore her hoodie and curled up in her blanket to just sleep away her confinement. Earlier that day, she didn’t even touch her food. She just wanted water and to no longer be in the cell. Not seeing the sunlight or getting to feel the wind in her hair was depressing. Not to mention she found out her own organization had not even saved her. Did they not care? When she heard the woman’s voice, all she did was mumble. “Come in.”

Sylvie carefully entered the cell. She watched how Rose’s food seemed untouched. She gently put down the water bottle next to her. “Are you alright?” Sylvie asked her. “It must have been a tough day for you too.” she said. Maybe she had expected to be saved. Sylvie knew she would feel abandoned if she would hear S.H.I.E.L.D. was present where she was a prisoner and they would not get her out. “I’m sorry I look so messy, I didn’t have time to change yet...It was a long day.”

[julian-ace-nichols-blog]

broken, shattered again | sylvie & julian

[sylvieromero]

He began to sit up, wincing lightly, but pulling himself up to lean back against the pillows as she spoke, a short smile glossing over him. “That’s all I ask for. I’m glad… I helped somewhat.” He muttered, shifting in his bed and giving a short breath before turning to her. His shoulders fell relaxed at her touch and he only glanced into her eyes, her sweet gentle eyes before she began to say something else. “What is it?” He asked, growing concerned as his friend’s tone dropped. His brows furrowed and his expression dropped before she revealed what had happened. “Annabella…my…my mentee?” Julian’s face completely melted as his jaw dropped. “No… no no no.” He carefully said back, gulping back and trying to hold in his tears. “And Kyle? No. Sylvie. Please tell me you’re joking. That can’t… No.” He shook his head seriously as the tears welled up in his eyes before he finally broke down.

She nodded, Annabella had been her friend and she grieved for her just as much. She didn’t really know Kyle but whatever had happened to him he had done so to save her life. She felt guilty about all of it. “I’m so sorry...” she said again while her voice cracked and as Julian broke down she sat down next to him. She wrapped her hands around his shoulders, rubbing his back trying to comfort him, hold him and just let him know someone was here to help him through all of this. “We’ll avenge them. We’ll take Hydra and the Dougals down.” she hushed him. “And we won’t stop looking until we know what happened to Kyle.”

[julian-ace-nichols-blog]

broken, shattered again | sylvie & julian

[sylvieromero]

Julian looked around, a bit dazed still as he blinked slowly to see the angel in disguise that said she would be taking care of him. “Sylvie?” He asked back weakly with a small smile that finally graced his face. “I couldn’t have asked for anybody better to take care of me.” He muttered still, his side smile growing. He nodded then at her next question a slow lick at his lips and another gulp before he answered. “Yeah… I remember…I just…” He bit the insides of his cheeks to keep himself from stumbling over his words and saying something he would regret. “I guess I got carried away in the action.”

“You did get a bit carried away.” she said with a gentle smile. “But you did well, you’ve really helped.” she said. “Take it easy...” she hushed him while gently putting her hand on his shoulder so he wouldn’t make sudden movements. “Julian...There is something I need to tell you.” she said, her eyes serious. “Things have happened while you were out...” she started. “Not everyone...not everyone made it. This might be a lot to take in but...I have to tell you.” she said while she swallowed. There would be no use in prolonging his agony. “Annabella was murdered by Aurora...” she then said. “And Kyle...He has been taken by the Dougals, we don’t know if he’s dead or alive. I’m so sorry Julian.” she said. 

[julian-ace-nichols-blog]

broken, shattered again | sylvie & julian

Julian woke up beaten, battered, and bruised, his nose feeling stuffed up and swollen. He had been on the battlefield the last he remembered, speeding past hydra copy agents and bring them down without blinking an eye. He took down a whole army of men swarming to the SHIELD base, but has been overpowered when he tried to take too many at once. His face was left with bruises and a black eye that felt sore when he blinked. But, he was just glad to finally be in a hospital bed, away from the fight. “What the hell happened?” He muttered through, feeling the presence of somebody near him. His head lulled slightly to get a better look at her.

@sylvieromero

[sylvieromero]

Julian’s monitor started beeping as sign he was awake. Sylvie rushed towards his bed side, taking his hand gently. “Hey, I’m here.” she said in her sweet voice. “You’re ok.” she said to put his mind at ease. “A bit beaten up though.” she added. “But I’ll take care of you and won’t let you out of my sight.” she promised him. She knew she was talking a bit nervously but she didn’t know what she would have done if something had happened to him. If she had lost someone again. Even the thought alone was almost already too painful to bear. “You were in the battle of S.H.I.E.L.D., do you remember?” she asked him. She swallowed. She would have to tell him about Kyle. And Annabella even. But she wanted to make sure he was strong enough.

[high-tech-knight-deactivated201]

Suit of Iron, Hearts of Steel || Open

Tony had already been awake and was on his second cup of coffee when the sirens sounded and yelling reverberated through the base walls, and if he had a true heart, not one made from genius mechanics, it would have sputtered. Dropping his cup of coffee on his desk, he shoved a few blueprints off the the top, the papers scattering like weak birds, and he opened up one of his many secret compartments with the touch of his finger. A digital button was lit on the edge of the desk, and he pressed it fervently, his mouth turning into a tight line. He didn’t have time, at least he assumed, to go turn on the force field barriers that he installed around the campgrounds a few years back, but overhead, he heard the piercing sound of rockets, informing him that his iron suit guards were out and ready to rumble.

He then hurried outside his office, scanning the hallways for any source of obstruction, only to find the inhuman students and other S.H.I.E.L.D. agents running to and fro (and he wasn’t quite sure if they were moving toward or away from the action; some had weapons, some were sparking up their own powers). Even so, he continued down the hall, pushing past and placing a reaffirming hand on shoulders whose owners looked like they were cattle headed for the slaughterhouse. And maybe that’s what was happening, and Tony would have been damned if he would let that happen. He had to find Mr. Star-Spangled, Banner, or in all honesty, even Natasha, but seeing as they were nowhere to be seen, he assumed he would just have to meet up with them on the battlefield. 

When he reached the front doors of the base, Tony took a deep breath, preparing himself for the inevitable, and whatever threat was out there wasn’t going to be taken lightly. Casualties might have be involved, and whatever was happening would become a giant dent in his bank account (though, better safe than sorry in his opinion).

Stepping outside the doors, he activated his red and gold suit, the metals contouring over every inch of his body, and once the pieces were secure, he launched himself from the grounds, flying around the grounds in breakneck speed. Another one of his suits locked onto him and followed behind closely. He saw a few fingers pointing up at him, but he didn’t stay too focused on them, only analyzing the grounds when he saw a wave of HYDRA members.

How did they find the base?

He circled the wave like a hawk a few times, options upon options coursing through his mind, and he wasn’t the type to make rash moves. Instead, he shot back toward the base where the wave was a bit more scattered, and in all honesty, defending the doors seemed the best possible way to help at the moment.

He landed quickly, a few good yards away from the door, the other suit in toe, and he set up camp. The two suits geared up, and Tony outstretched his hand to the oncoming persons, prepared to get to the nitty gritty.

[sylvieromero]

Sylvie had shot up in her bed the moment the sirens rang. It was like something out of a nightmare. The last time it had happen had been back at the academy. And the bomb had started hitting them one by one and her husband had died. She tried to grasp the reality of it all that it seemed to be happening all over again but no bombs seemed to hit them. She heard the announcement through the speakers and realized it must be an attack on the outside. She didn’t hesitate for a moment and jumped up, ran to her drawer and got out her nurse uniform and put it on. Then she got her crying son from her his bed and hugged him close. She had to get them safely to the Cellar first before she went out there to help potential wounded. She pressed him against her as she opened her room door. The chaos was obvious between all the running people. She joined the minors that were running for safety towards the Cellars. Since she had a child in her arms most people were courteous and gave her space. It was painful to leave her son behind there but she knew it was the safest place he could possibly be and she had an obligation towards S.H.I.E.L.D. and people out there who were hurt. 

Once she was outside she blinked against the bright spotlight of the Hydra helicopters shining upon the base. It had to be Aurora who betrayed them, there was no other way. She wasn’t a fighter but when she saw the herd of copy-agents storming towards the door she realized she had to, in order to protect her son who was on the inside. He wings spread and she flew up in the air, landing gracefully next to Tony in his suit and she nodded towards him.

“Mr. Stark, need some assistance?” she asked him. Her wings could deliver a mean blow and snap a grown man in two if she wanted to. Even though she was a bit of a pacifist it looked like she had to make an exception today.

[sylvieromero]

Sylvie & Rose | Begin again

Sylvie was exhausted. The battle had taken every bit of energy out of her. Together with all the wounded and even dead. She had done everything she could to help. Now it was all over and she had just put Noah to bed. Her dedication for her work showed that instead of going to sleep she faithfully went to check upon the prisoner girl, Rose. Sylvie moved down to the cellars. She hadn’t had the chance to change yet so her uniform was still covered in other people’s blood. She moved to Rose’s cell. “Hey Rose, can I come in?” she asked in a friendly voice. “I brought you water.” she said while holding up the bottle.

[sylvieromero]

“And what S.H.I.E.L.D. and Steve tell you.” She replied. “You guys might not have records of me, but at least three people here know me. Do you not take their opinions into account?” She inquired. Her eyes narrowing slightly. “Lose the defensive attitude? Do you realize where I am?! Of course, I am going to be defensive. I didn’t do anything wrong. I didn’t even try to struggle against Steve picking me up. Do you really think it’s fair to ask me to not be defensive?” She sighed. “I don’t even want you to step back in. You might give me things I need, but you are hardly comforting with your own attitude. There might be protocol, but I am still a person.” Rosalie said realizing that the argument is going nowhere, so it was pointless. She looked to the ground and sighed. “That should be it. Thanks.”

“Like I said, opinions don’t matter. All I know is Steve brought you here. I’m not invited to the big table where personal matters are discussed. I don’t know which other people you’re reffering to.” she said. “And yes, I’ve been nothing but kind to you and showed you I wish to help you. You are a person and we’re treating you better than our agents can ever expect at Hydra. You are a person but I am too. I’m not just some anonymous nurse you can scold or take your frustrations out on.” she said rather stern. 

Hydra killed her husband and she wouldn’t be spoken to like this. Like S.H.I.E.L.D. was the cruel one, like she was the bad guy here. Like she even had a viber in her being that was capable of cruelty. Sylvie looked like she was really disappointed in Rose, like she expected another nurse to know better than to behave like this. She guessed it was simply because she was scared, something Sylvie couldn’t entirely blame her for and tried not to take too personally. “Alright then, goodnight Rose. Try to get some rest and I’ll check up on you later.” she said while gathering her supplies and leaving the cell.