Sometimes, people are just monsters
Plot: When hunting down a notorious cult of murderers, the reader is taken as the most recent victim. Malcolm, guilty and terrified for the readers fate, sets up a plan to find them.
Pairing: Malcolm Bright x G!N Reader
Warnings: Mentions of a made up cult-like group. Culty vibes; blood, weapons, mention of torture-like actions. The reader is drugged and kidnapped (chloroform). Reader and others are tied up in a dungeon like area. Mention of guns, knives, etc. *There is a lot of dialogue in this - I have a problem with not using a lot of dialogue lol
Word Count: ~3.7k
General Taglist: @criminaly-supernatural, @caswinchester2000, @imaginesfireMalcolm Taglist: @cosplayingwitchRequested Taglist: @spuffyfan394
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Malcolm's shoulder brushes against yours as you stand in the doorway of the mansion. The crowd of people in front of you is denser than you'd hoped, but you aren't surprised. You got a brief description of one of the suspects masks, so at least you weren't going into this too blind.
There had been 4 victims already, only two more were needed. And on Halloween, in three days, they would all be killed. You needed to find the killers, and the victims fast. Time was running out.
"Okay, remember the description of the masks?" Malcolm asked from beside you. You nodded and glanced at him. He nodded in response before turning towards you "Ready?"
You turned to face him as well, he was wearing a simple black mask around his eyes, similar to your own silver one. "Yep." You said while nodding and letting out a breath.
He smiled at you, but you could see the apprehension behind his gaze. Reaching out, he placed his hand gently on your elbow "Be careful, and if you see anything let me know, okay?"
You let out a soft scoff "I should be the one telling you that."
He chuckled "Fair enough."
You smiled at him before turning away, giving him a parting glance, you walked separate ways, and moved into the crowd. Your eyes scanning over everyone's masks.
After around twenty minutes, and no luck, you felt a sense of defeat as you made your way to the other side of the room. Looking around, your eyes locked on the familiar blue eyes of Malcolm. You shook your head lightly, and Malcolm frowned. Walking up to him he let out a small sigh "I got nothing too."
Looking around towards the crowd, your eyes crossed over the same masks once again. As a slower song began to play, you heard Malcolm hum from beside you. Turning to look at him he smiled at you "Wanna dance?"
"Dance?" You asked softly, surprised by the sudden question.
"Yeah. We can get a view of more people from the middle of the room." His reasoning wasn't entirely inaccurate, but, it was mostly just an excuse so he could dance with you.
You could see this, but also noted the fact that it was true you could get eyes on more people. Smiling lightly you nodded. "Alright."
Smiling in return, he took your hand in his as you both walked to the dance floor. As you began to dance, you noted the way your heart began to beat rapidly in your chest. You were even more nervous now than when you were looking out for a serial killer.
"I don't know the last time I came to a party like this not looking for a killer." Malcolm said with a hint of amusement in his voice.
You chuckled lightly "That makes two of us. Except, unlike you, I'm never invited to any unless I'm looking for a killer."
He smiled and shrugged his shoulder "Maybe we can go to one together some time. That would certainly get my mother off my back. She's insulted every time I refuse to attend one of her charity gala's."
You smiled at this, noting the heat rising up your neck and to your ears at his invitation. "But would you still be miserable having to attend one?" You asked amused and he smiled.
"Not if you were there with me." He said honestly with his familiar smile, which you returned, hoping the flush of your face was not noticeable.
"Smooth." You chuckled out and he shrugged with a sly smile.
As you continued to smile, you glanced behind Malcolm towards the back of the room. And as your eyes caught on a mask that matched the description of your killers, your face fell.
Malcolm, noticing this glanced back "What?"
"I see one." You said with a low voice.
Malcolm spun you around and eyed the back of the room, but saw no one as people passed in front of him. "Where?"
"By the bar at the back of the room." You said as you both looked around.
"I don't see them." He said.
"We need to go." You said as Malcolm nodded, immediately letting you go as you both walked different ways and exited the dancing crowd, making your way towards the back of the room.
Malcolm could not deny the disappointment he felt as he had to pull away from you. But he moved his focus to the killers as his eyes grazed over everyone who crossed his path.
As you moved through a small crowd of people, you saw a taller figure, wearing a silver mask with horns, pointed ears and a pointed chin. By their side was a young woman, with a smile being led into the back room by the figure.
"Malcolm, one of the followers is taking a girl through the door at the back of the room." You said into your ear piece as you quickly followed.
'Wait for me!" Malcolm said as he pushed his way through the crowd.
"There's no time!" You said slightly panicked as you moved through the door to follow. You needed to get to them before the girl was taken.
Entering into a darkened hallway, you quickly made your way down the hall and around the corner. You let out a small gasp as you halted. In front of you, was standing a tall figure, clad in a black suit. On their face was a gold mask - the chin was pointed and the face distorted, there are long curled horns curling out and away from the mask, with pointed ears on the side.
Behind him was standing two other people, wearing the silver mask, the features less defined. And leaning against the wall, was the young woman, who until this moment, you had thought was a victim. But as she was now donning one of the silver masks, you understood.
The one in the gold mask was the leader. And this, was a trap.
"Malcolm!-" Just as you started to warn Malcolm, a hand came around you from behind, as an odorous fabric was placed over your mouth and nose. Panicking, you elbowed the figure, and pulled away.
You felt dizzy from the fumes, but began to fight back. But before you could, you felt someone smash something into the side of your head, causing your vision to go black as you fell to the ground.
Malcolm, having heard your cry cut off suddenly, felt panic take over as he ran down into the back room and down the hall. As he rounded the corner, he saw another empty hall, but lying on the ground was your earpiece, now crushed, and beside it, a piece of white fabric.
Leaning down, he picked it up. Bringing it to his face, he smelt the familiar smell of chloroform. Quickly pulling out his phone, he ran down the hall, listening and looking for any sign of you.
As Gil answered the phone Malcolm's voice came out panicked "It was a trap, they took Y/n!"
Bursting through the back door of the mansion, he looked around, seeing no one and nothing. He let out a desperate sigh as he realized that you were gone. They had their fifth victim.
- - - - -
Malcolm fiddled with his hands anxiously as he stared at the crime board. His eyes scanned over the picture of you, now pinned to the board next to those of the other victims. He let out a shaky breath as he wracked his brain trying to think of what to do.
This group, this, cult of sorts, had been brutally sacrificing six people every year for three years now. One victim kidnapped each day, six days leading up to Halloween. And on Halloween, they would kill all of them before displaying them in a public space to be found Halloween night.
What worried Malcolm the most, was that there was no apparent reasoning behind these murders. No meaning, no intention, just brutal murders to scare people. The leader was smart, allowing the group to be kept hidden and safe each year. And Malcolm knew too little to feel confident he could find them in time to save you and the other kidnapped victims.
Malcolm's eyes graze over the pictures of the previous years victims, all of whom were brutally murdered and tortured. And now, as Malcolm pictured you being one of the victims, he felt his stomach clench from the thought. Guilt swelled through him as he scolded himself for being to slow in getting to you before you were taken. If he was just a bit faster...
As the door opened behind him, he spun around, eyeing Gil hopefully. But he felt his heart sink a bit when he saw Gil shake his head. "They must have either turned off Y/n's phone or destroyed it. It can't be tracked." Gil said stockily as he closed the door behind him.
He watched Malcolm as he turned back to the board. He hadn't changed out of his suit, nor had be left the precinct at all in the last twelve hours since you had been taken. "Bright-"
"I'm not going home Gil." Malcolm cut him off.
Gil let out a sigh as he walked over to Malcolm "I know kid. I wasn't gonna suggest it." As Malcolm looked over at Gil, Gil smiled softly "I was just gonna say, we'll find them." He placed his hand lightly on Malcolm shoulder, hoping to comfort him at least a little.
Malcolm smiled as well, though there was hardly any emotion behind it apart from sadness. Gil knew how Malcolm felt about you, and how hard he had been trying to get himself to do something about it. Gil even encouraged it. So both of them knew how much this was effecting him.
Malcolm looked back at the board, a thought popping into his head "I think I have an idea Gil." Looking over at Gil, whose brow was now raised, he hoped that it would work. "They set up a trap to catch one of us. Meaning they must have someone on the inside that knew about our investigation. It'll make them cocky, make them think we're scared. So, what if we give them the opportunity to take me as well. But this time, we'll be expecting it, but they wont know it."
He could see the apprehension on Gil's face, so he quickly continued. "They're arrogant. SO arrogant that they took a NYPD detective. They've been gradually taking higher risk victim's each year. So, lets give them another one."
- - - - -
You looked around the dingy room, eyeing each blacked-out window and door for a possible exit. The four previous kidnapped victims were all tied up around you, all unconscious. You had been too, you weren't sure for how long, but you knew the sixth victim had yet to be taken.
From the time you woke up, you had been chained up against the wall. You attempted to ask question, trying to get information that might help you. But the members responded by hitting you, mostly with their fists, but one used a cattle prod as they worked to try and shut you up.
There were two cult members now, sitting in the corner of the room. Every few minutes they would look over at you before glancing over at the door. They seemed to know something you didn't. They were waiting for something, or someone. It didn't take long before you figured out what it was.
As the door swung open, two people came in, dragging someone between them, with a bag over their head.
'Oh no.' You thought, they got their sixth victim. That means you didn't have long to get out of here. As the bag was ripped off of the victims head, you felt your eyes widened and heart start pounding. They had a large bruising welt on their forehead as they groggily looked around. 'Oh God. Malcolm?'
As his eyes fluttered open, they immediately found you. You could see the relief cross his eyes as he was dragged over to the wall, not to far from you. He looked at you again as his hands were chained to the wall.
Malcolm's eyes grazed over you and he felt a pang of guilt and anger as he saw blood and bruises across your face. Looking around the room, he saw the other victims, unconscious, and in worse shape.
You could see something in his eyes, the way he looked at you, that told you not to worry. And as the cult members turned away, you saw the smallest of smiles twitch at his lips. This confirmed it for you. He had a plan. This was his plan.
A few moments passed before the door opened again. Entering the room, was two more cult members, followed by the leader, donning his familiar gold mask.
He stood in the center of the room, eyeing the two of you for a few moments before he smiled. "I've had the opportunity to take the lives of many people. Spoiled rich children, the homeless from the street, even simple workers of the city. But now, two police officers. Well, consider me honored." He spoke in a mocking tone.
You glared at him in silence before hearing Malcolm clear his throat. He smiled at the man "Actually, they're a detective, and I'm a profiler." He corrected.
The man simply smiled "Even better then."
"How'd you know we were coming for you?" You finally spoke. Wanting to know how they knew to set a trap for you.
The man eyed you before taking a few steps closer "I have many devoted followers. Many of whom would surprise you."
"Meaning one of your followers works for the NYPD." Malcolm spoke again, confirming his own deduction, before looking over at you. "That's less than ideal."
You scoffed before looking around the room at the several members, wondering if it was any of them. You tried to see if you recognized them, before your eyes caught on one figure in the back. You let out a scoff that earned Malcolm's attention.
"You." You said, as you made direct eye contact with a woman at the back. "You started at the station as a secretary two months ago. Just enough time to learn about the investigation. Kelly, isn't it?"
The leader turned and looked back at the women, who simply smirked at you, impressed by her own deception. You looked back at the leader. "Clever." You voice held a hint of sarcasm, that was clearly missed by everyone but Malcolm.
The man let out a chuckle before crouching down, and looking into your eyes, "Very." He spoke as though stroking his own ego. Suddenly reaching out towards you, you moved back as much as you could, recoiling from his attempted touch.
"How long do you think you'll be able to keep doing this each year?" Malcolm said, trying to take the mans attention away from you.
The man stopped, his finger barely grazing your chin, before he dropped his hand and stood back up. Turning to Malcolm now, he spoke candidly. "It is true, that we have overstayed our welcome here. The NYPD getting this close shows me that. So, this will be our last year here. Then we will move on, to somewhere new, to continue growing, we've not finished our evolution."
"Evolution?" You questioned, "Into what?"
"Ohh," the man breathed out as he looked back over at you with a wide grin that made the hair on your neck stand up. "Into something powerful." He spoke lowly as he moved closer to you again, grabbing a knife from a nearby table.
"But don't misunderstand detectives, I have no wish to be a God, like those news stories assume. No, no." He crouched down in front of you again, before placing the by your neck. "There are people who are healers, or protectors, like yourselves. But sometimes- sometimes, people are just monsters. I don't want to be worshiped, or loved, I want, to be feared. There is nothing more powerful than fear." Leaning closer, he brought his mouth next to your ear, making your skin crawl "I want to be the monster people look for in the shadows." Pressing the knife into your neck, you winced as you felt it break your skin.
"Whats the point in being a monster if you don't have a name?" Malcolm asked, as he watched the blood drip from your neck, anger and fear washing over him. The man looked over at Malcolm. "You stay in the shadows, you and the others. But, people wont fear you if they don't know what to fear. So why stay so hidden?" The man stood up again and walked over to Malcolm as he continued talking. "I mean, the public has coined a few different names, but none of them really convey...fear. I think most people see you as more of an...urban legend."
"Oh I'll be a legend." The man sneered as he crouched down towards Malcolm now, bringing the knife to his neck this time. "My story will go on for years to come, you'll see."
"You wanna know what I think?" Malcolm asked. The man simply tilted his head a bit, Malcolm continued. "I think you're going to be forgotten." Malcolm voice was now laced with contempt.
The man let out a huff of air as he stood, but Malcolm continued. "You and your followers are going to be arrested, and imprisoned, and forgotten by the public. No one will fear you."
The man smiled, amused at Malcolm's comments. "I think you're the one who is going to be forgotten."
Malcolm smirked "Maybe. But at least, for a while, I'll be remembered as the one who caught you. Because you did what everyone like you does. You made a mistake."
"And what mistake did I make, huh?"
Malcolm smiled "You took them." He motioned his head towards you a bit, and you felt your heart beat a bit heavier as Malcolm glanced over at you with a a look that held more emotion than you were expecting. Looking back at the man he tilted his head a bit "Plus, you were also stupid enough to take me, when it was clearly a trap."
You felt your chest clench at that moment, as he confirmed what you were hoping. The members of the group had no time to react before a group of police, headed by Gil, J.T. and Dani stormed into the room, guns raised. The followers all staggered back before they fell to their knees in surrender as the leader stepped backwards in alarm.
Taking the chance, he turned to you before running over, grabbing you, he pulled you away from the wall far enough to hide behind you. You gasped in surprise as he brought the knife to your neck. He stared Gil down as J.T. unchained Malcolm. Malcolm stared at you in fear as the knife pressed against your skin.
The man's voice came our rushed and panicked "Stay back, or I'll kill them right now!"
Gil looked at you and you nodded ever so slightly, signaling him that you knew what to do. A moment later, you smacked your head back into the mans face, causing his mask to fall off and for him to stumbled back. The knife cut your neck slightly before you threw yourself away from him, allowing Gil to have aim if he tried anything.
Gil bounded forward and pointed his gun down at the man, who, on his back, gave in with a defeated sigh. Dropping his knife, he held up his hands in surrender before being dragged up by Dani.
Malcolm knelt down in front of you and gently cupped your face in his hands as he checked your neck. Meeting his eyes he smiled "It's nothing."
You smiled at him as he began to unchain you. "So. Getting yourself captured by a crazy man in a mask to help save me? That's where we're at now?"
He let out a huff of laughter as he helped you stand. "I've done crazier for less important things."
You tilted your head and smiled at the comment as you brushed off your clothes. Looking around, you watched as paramedics rushed in to attend to the other victims. Letting out a sigh of relief you looked back at Malcolm. "Thank you Malcolm."
He smiled at you, "Anytime."
This time you laughed as you began to make your way out of the room. "Let's hope this is the last though."
"I don't know, I kind of like you owing me." He said with amusement as you made your way out of the room.
You laughed out. "Owing you?"
"Yeah! I saved you, now you owe me!"
"Well technically Gill saved me." You countered.
"Yes, buuut, I was the one who came up with this plan to find you and then save you."
Smiling a bit you let out a small amused laugh. As you exited the building into the cold nights air, you stopped, turning to Malcolm. "Okay, fair enough. What exactly is it that I owe you?"
He smiled before taking a small step closer. "Last night, while we were dancing, before you, ya' know, got kidnapped. I mentioned us going to one of my moms galas together." You nodded, having some idea of where this was going. "It just so happens she's holding one net week. Sooo, be my date?" He asked with a cheeky smile.
You couldn't hold back the smile that tugged at your lips. You kept silent for a moment as you stared into his eyes with an almost challenging gaze. "Alright. I'll be your date Malcolm." You agreed, making his smile grow a bit bigger.
Before he could respond, Gil called your name. Looking over, you see him waving you over to an ambulance, surely to get checked out.
You pulled your eyes away from Malcolm as you walked past him. But, turning back to look at him briefly, you smiled at him, sure that the heat rising up your neck and ears was visible as he grinned back at you.
The promising thoughts of your near future, helped to soothe the trauma of the recent past. Your job was hard, and full of a lot of danger. But, you knew that as long as you were on this team - and as long as Malcolm was there - you would always make your way back home. Because, it's true, sometimes, people are just monsters. But, sometimes, people also good.
xx End xx
I don't know what that ending was, but I was feeling it lol.
I hope you enjoyed this, and if you did please consider reblogging!
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