Archive of Our Own ^beta

The temporary truce between Ostania’s deadliest organization and the best espionage agency from the west seemed like a bad joke at first. However, said joke turned into understanding with time, finding a strange sense of camaraderie that had a lot to do with their roles in preventing another war.

Not that any of their assets would openly admit it, it was easier to pin their targets without wasting resources by being at each other’s throats. 

Not even cold blooded assassins could bear the thought of it happening again, neither the most efficient spies. 

Somehow, it worked. Hints and trails here and there were easier to find, dangerous assets wiped out, cover stories good enough for both organizations.

That was why Twilight knew he had to hurry up and gather formulas, samples of recently designed truth serums or poison made in the upper labs before the Garden paid their visit. His main goal was to confirm one terrifying suspicion so no traitor escaped and no unnecessary casualties happened. 

Handler had been clear. No intervening, no blowing his cover, just in and out. 

It should have been easy for the man of multiple disguises. It almost was. 

He'd been granted authorisation for the less known levels, masterfully pretending to be one of the researchers and listening for any hint that might be useful when it happened. 

He noticed a distant lament, something strange and heartbreaking. Screaming, not exactly far away but muffled by walls and heavy doors. He'd taken a turn in order to sneak easily before anyone noticed when the high pitched, unnerving sound reached his ears.

Twilight, as detached as he was from his past self and anyone he had to manipulate, should have kept going. 

But the oh so broken, heart wrenching sobs seemed to pull him closer and closer to its source, tugging at his guts, at his very soul. It was unnerving, he managed to keep the mask on as he made his way over the source of the noise.

Pushing the heavy lab door after lockpicking it, he somehow hoped for it t be a trick, for it not to be what it sounded like. 

Then there it was, the source. A child. Too small, too fragile to have seen the horrors of the world yet cowering in the corner of a barely cushioned cell. More of a cage, a tiny one at that. Like those some used for dogs, the kennels. His rage outweighted his horror, enough to make the spy slightly less cautious and make him break the frail lock of the kennel with his bare hands. 

By the time he arrived there, the screaming had gone down to sobbing, too silent for any healthy or safe child. It reminded him too much of the war, of his own broken childhood. 

He reached slowly, murmuring what he hoped were soothing reasurances.

The child flinched and tried to make itself even smaller, but didn’t move away from its place. So bundled up and drowned by blankets, he couldn’t be sure if a girl or boy, but a child nonetheless. A crying, frightened child. 

– Shh, it's fine. It … — he got the signal across his radio. Garden was ready to intervene as soon as he sent his answer — they won't hurt you anymore. I won't I promise — 

He would keep this child safe, the safest he could while the killers for hire took down the scientists. Twilight reached once more, slower this time.

—’mise?— it was barely audible. 

— I promise— 

The child let herself be lifted, amazed by the gentleness of the big hands that she was sure could make as much or more damage than the evil men. This stranger held her close to his body, close to warmth and too fast thoughts. 

Sleepy from the… the meds, she welcomed the newfound safety. It took her a few minutes to grow familiar with the mind of this new visitor. Then the word sinked. He was a spy! A spy like bondman! 

Oh she missed bondman since the evil men had taken her back. But, this was a real life spy, a good safe spy. 

—you is… are you bondman?

The weak voice made his gut clench, so hopeful and vulnerable. He had no idea what “bondman” was. 

— I don't think so. But I'm here to help— 

Even if Handler chewed him out for it. He would fight tooth and nail if necessary. 

He sent the radio signal to alert his people, and rushed to leave the secret facilities behind. 

When he almost had completed the escape route, a frantic looking scientist closed on him, proving to be more of a problem than the two security guards he had swiftly taken out. 

The spy kept the tiny bundle close to his body, protectively, which left him at disadvantage. Instead of a desperate punch or some chemical, he received the sharp end of a scarpel for his troubles. 

By the time he'd taken out the scientist, blood cascaded down his face, and he had to focus in order to avoid the pain rendering him defensless. He had a purpose, something more important.

He had to stay conscious and hidden until garden got to him, they did recognise their assets and allies. 

The child, a little girl, was crying again. Oh no. 

He did his best to calm her down, as much as he could while bleeding profusely and his left eye half closed. 

—They’ll be here soon, help is coming. They won't hurt you anymore —

—But they hurt you!—

— It looks scary, yes? I'm sorry I look scary—

—No! Not scary!— the exclamation almost made him startle— not like… — she pointed to the dead scientist, tears falling down her face. 

—I suppose not, huh. I'm sorry you have to see this. Help is coming, they will keep you safe — he repeated, ragged breaths making his word less soft. 

Dazed, he did his best to stay awake, alert. He growled a warning, defensive, as someone stepped into the room. His mind caught up with his instincts as he recognised the person. 

—Apologies, Thorn Princess — he murmured the greeting, right before the blood loss rendered him useless, his mind and body shut down to try and keep him alive.