Archive of Our Own ^beta

For a moment, they considered trying to open the back door, roll out, and run for help. But that intrusive thought was absolutely useless. Their hands were zip-tied behind their back, so they’d be fumbling for the handle for a while, long enough for someone to pull them back. If they did manage to get the door free, they’d be falling out of a van moving at least fifty miles an hour. JC wasn’t a doctor or scientist, but that’d probably be fatal. If they survived and kept most of their bones intact, then they’d be in the middle of bumfuck nowhere with the sun down. And while they were running around for help in the middle of the cornfields with two gaping leg wounds, who knew what would happen to Nicole and Cyrus?

Unless...Instead of them escaping they could try to push out the others. Hell, even one would be enough. Much better if they'd get to push Red Wolf out of the car. But it'd be risky. They'd need to make sure Cyrus and Nicole doesnt fall out. That is if they even successfully open the door of the van.

They put their head back against the van and closed their eyes. Both of their thighs were bleeding and hurting like a bitch. Their diabetes were acting up. They opened their eyes to take note of everyone's positions.

Red wolf was leaning closer to the driver's seat. Michelle was sitting in front of them. Black Dove was curled around with cat Cyrus in the cage closer to the back door, with Cyrus between Michelle and the dog form of Black Dove.

They debated. But it only lasted for 3 seconds. 'Fuck it, whatever god is or gods are out there...this better work.' They thought as they fiddled with the zip ties around their wrist. It wasnt particularly hard to get rid of- they've had stronger things they broke out of than some zip ties- they would even say amateurs but they really didnt want to push their luck.

The moment Jc felt the zip-ties break they attacked. Lucky for them it was also the same time the car did a sharp U turn, something about police?, which caused everyone to stumble. They used the opportunity to open the doors and kick Black Dove out of the car into the road. 

Red Wolf cursed and yelled, "STOP THE VAN!" As he took his knife.

Michelle tried to grab them but they slammed her head against the van, they heard a stressed mewl and put their foot just in time to stop Cyrus' cage from sliding out of the van too. 

Unfortunately while their attention was on not letting Cyrus slide away the van turned and screeched to a stop. Causing them to stumble forward right into Red Wolf who tried to stab them, barely managing to turn so that he only slit their side and not stabbed them.

They kicked his feet under him, just a short distraction and flipped him into the front of the driver's seat using a move they learned back when they used to be in a gang. A dizziness hit them, they didnt know whether it was from bloodloss thanks to their actively bleeding thighs or thanks to their diabetes. They grabbed his knife which had fallen and cut Nicole free. "Take Cyrus and lets go" They stressed. Nicole grabbed Cyrus' cage and opened it while Jc was busy fighting off a recovered Michelle.

Cat cyrus immediately jumped off the van, Nicole followed right after she threw the cage at Michelle which was enough to distract the woman from trying to stab Jc for a second, giving Jc enough time to slam her down out cold, the crack her head made when she hit the floor made sure she wouldnt be awake soon.

"Lets go." They said as they followed out. They stayed behind Nicole, making sure she was safe between them and Cat Cyrus.

Unfortunately for them not everything went as easily. A hand grabbed their hair and a dagger was held against their throat. "Fucking bitch..." Red Wolf cursed against them. Their eyes locked in with Nicole. A battle of choices. Jc knew she didnt want to leave them behind- god was she hot when she threatened to draw a dick with glitter on their face back at Vlad's -but they both knew it was too dangerous. This was their only chance. If they didnt leave Jc behind that'd mean all that Jc did would've been for nothing and would guarantee an angrier Red Wolf with no rewads for them.

With obvious self hatred and guilt in her eyes, Nicole nod once before running as fast as she could with Cyrus into the nearby forest.

Jc was thrown back into the van. "Fuck!" Red Wolf yelled as he slammed his fist against the van. They lost their most valuable asset against Violet. The fae and the witch was probably already too deep in the forest. And by the way the druidic wand and one of their cell phones were missing the fae must be back in his original form and have already contacted Violet.

He didnt feel like sending more of his people to get them back. Not when most were injuried. He glanced at where two men were patching up Black Dove using all heal. She had some nasty broken bones, cuts and bruises from being thrown the fuck out of a moving vehicle.

If this baker wasnt his only leverage against Violet, he's pretty sure he would've killed them already. "Change of plans, everyone." He said, gathering the attention of everyone. They had taken a spot at some gas station.

"Instead of going to the Black Beach we will be stalling for a while. Try to get Violet to come to us alone." And maybe have some fun with their hostage, but he left that part out. "We will find a small clearance in the forest and park there in a triangle. Get whatever you need from the market and lets get back on the road." He said, "get some juice or whatever for the baker too" Afterall he couldnt risk losing his only hostage. Not before he got to have his fun.

Jc was a bit scared to be perfectly honest. They had given them some orange juice and even bandaged their thighs, albeit sloppily, but it was more than enough.

It scared them because that meant business. Back when they were in a gang, the only time they patched up someone they messed up was when they needed them for longer periods. Either for longer torture or to use them. And they didnt like the thought of being subjected to either of those choices.

The only sliver of comfort they had was that Cyrus and Nicole were safe, away from them and these assholes. Even if they died here by the hands of these fuckers, they'd be safe. Sure, they'd grieve for a while- at least they hope they would -but they'd move on after a while. Bob could find a new baker, one with no criminal record this time. 

They were distracted from their self-deprecating thoughts when someone slapped them. They huffed and looked up, seeing Red Wolf above them, looking at them like a starving wolf. Yeah no, they definitely were not leaving here alive or in one piece...

A pair of boots were dropped in front of them. They raised an eyebrow, "what are those?" They asked but he didnt answer. Just taking off their shoes and replacing them with these ones.

The moment the boots were placed and laced a burning sensation overwhelmed their feet, making them gasp in surprise and slight pain. Looking closer, they could make out some carvings that looked similar to the good luck charmes Nicole would make. 

Boots with runes that burn your feet. Yay. Fan-fucking-tastic. "Stand, it will burn. The more we are away the more you will feel it." Red Wolf said coldly. He had half a mind to drop them here and take a small ride with the van just to make them suffer the feeling. But he couldnt risk losing them, not even slightly. So that idea was scrapped.

What wasn’t scrapped was forcing them to stand by tying their wrists to the driver's seat's back. Relishing in the way they gritted their teeth, their body tensing and a small whimper escaping.

He waited till everyone was back. When he made sure they didn't have anyone left he spoke "lets go."

Jc was trying their goddamn best to keep calm. The boots were fucking hell, and this was while Red Wolf was beside them. What about when he left? Fuck...

By the time they arrived at wherever they brought them, they were barely keeping their eyes open. Their knees felt like buckling, the pain was never stopping. Red wolf grabbed them by the hair. Slamming their head against the van until they were too dizzy to stand up and then cut them free. Dragging them out of the van.

All cars were parked to block the back of the forest. The area they were in was a small clearing in a big and tangled forest. JC was thrown in the middle of them. Groaning in pain as they were ziptied to some trunk. They let out an involuntary whimper as something stabbed them in the shoulder and made a big cut.

Red Wolf took a photo of the baker and texted the phone the fae and the witch took with them when they escapes with a short text.

'Only Violet. Or i will do far worse. You have 5 minutes' with a location tagged under it. Red Wolf knew it was a bit stupid to leave their direct location but he trusted Violet to know he was serious about this. Or he wouldn't hesitate to send them a picture of their baker, handless.

Nicole ran as fast as she could. With each step the hatred and guilt inside her grew. She left JC behind. They left them behind. If anything happened to them she didn't think she could forgive herself. She knew this was the better choice, didnt mean it was a comfortable one.

She slowly sat under a tree. Her legs were shaking, her hands were having a hard time staying still as well. She really wished she could just...cry.

A little meow broke her out of her mind. Her eyes sliding over at the cat beside him, nudging a wand towards her.

Right. Cyrus. Gotta turn him back. She had never used a wand like this before, normal wands that witches use to assist them? Yes. Magic fae wands? Nope. She could only hope it worked similarly and she didnt accidentally turn Cyrus into something else.

She focused on visualizing Cyrus' fae form in her mind , muttering a small chant for luck for herself, she touched the wand on the cat Cyrus. For a second nothing happened, but aunt Violet taught her better than to doubt immediately, so with a little more focus and force Cyrus finally shifted back into human. But it left Nicole feeling more exhausted.

"Fuck." Was the first word Cyrus said. In any other case Nicole might have smiled, but the way he said it, nd when, there was nothing to smile about this. He sat beside her. Making a quick work of getting into the phone and calling aunt Violet.

Ring

Ring

Ri- "hello?"

Something in Nicole shifted and relaxed. Even just hearing her after...everything, helped. Like an invisible weighted blanket. Hiding her from the world. 

"Violet." Cyrus breathed out. He couldnt hide the relief he had in hearing his mentor's voice either. "We need you to pick us up- we don't know if they are looking for us or if they left. But we dont want to risk it." He said quickly and then said something in fae that Nicole didn't know. Probably something between him and Violet to prove they are the real ones and not shapeshifters or etc.

"...dont leave your spot, i will be there in 5" the voice came from the staticy phone audio before it closed. Cyrus quickly sent her their location and then finally rested against the tree with her.

"...if JC-" Nicole started but Cyrus beat her to it. "They will be fine. They are strong. And Red Wolf needs them, so they will be alive." He spoke quietly, they both knew they'd be alive, but alive didn't mean okay. There were many curses that would make you wish you were killed off instead. Like the one they did to O'brien. 

"...let me patch you up, i have some gauze." Nicole said as she shifted to face Cyrus. Taking his hand with the missing pinky. Cyrus didn't bother protesting. Turning his head away and letting Nicole do what she needs to. 

Bob was flying on Rethu the moment she confirmed Cyrus' identity and he sent her the location. She wasn't sure what she was feeling. Relief? Fear? Anger? Guilt? Maybe a little bit of all. Afterall, it is her fault they got roped into this. If she was a better person back then...

...well, no use thinking about the past. She needs to check on them, get them to somewhere safe, and then find a way to neutralize Red Wolf before he damages her friends and family anymore. She gave enough leniency, she tried to convince him this wasn’t the path, but if he was dragging those who had no business in this...then she won't hold back either.

They were woken up by the sound of a dragon landing. Cyrus' hand immediately going for their knife where it usually would be, if they werent taken. Nicole flinched for a second but when she saw Violet she relaxed.

When Violet got off Rethu who turned back into human form Nicole didn't waste a second. Getting up and immediately squeezing her into a hug. She needed this. And she had a feeling they all needed this. She could feel Violet tense for a second but she relaxed and returned the hug just as strong. Cyrus joined them a second later.

After hugging for a while they separated. Violet's eyes looking around. "Where is-" "Red Wolf grabbed them before they could run away." Cyrus explained, voice tight. Nicole's hands clenched around her sweater. 

Violet turned to Cyrus. JC was still with them...this wasn’t good, not good at all. There was a little silence before Violet broke it. "Okay...first-" a ding interrupted her. The phone Cyrus had stolen getting a message. Cyrus fished it out of his pocket and hold it down for all of them to see as he opened the message. 

'Only Violet. Or i will do far worse. You have 5 minutes' with a location tagged under it. From no other than Red Wolf.

All three of them were silent for a bit. Rethu was actuallt the first one to speak. "I could fly us there in three and attack from air?" Violet shook her head. "He'll be expecting anything and everything." At least that's how she taught him. Even now a small part of her was proud of him for remembering their lessons. If only he didn't use it against her...

"You're not saying you-" Cyrus protested. "Yes, i am. This fight was stupid from the start. It was between me and him and you, got roped into it. Especially Jennifer Charles who didn't even know me for as long. This is the least i can do. I won't risk any more injuries." She said sternly. She was not risking losing Jennifer Charles. She already caused the poor human enough trouble.

"It wasn't your fault. They came willingly just like we did." Nicole shook her head as she said. Stimming with her fingers. "How willing one can be when they were already framed for it?" Violet answered. "Willing enough to not leave when they could've." Cyrus argued. JC had plenty chances to leave. To say bye y'all and go back. They didn't.

Violet smiled, it was nice to see her family defending them like their own. She made a good choice with getting them as their baker. "And that is why i must go alone and not risk them getting hurt more. You've seen how far he went." Her eyes slipped down at Cyrus' bandaged hand and missing pinky, whom awkwardly toyed with his wrist.

"But that won't just be it, right? What if he hurts them even if you go?" Nicole argued. Her stimming getting faster. She could feel herself getting dizzier as well, probably the concussion she gave herself.

"No, it wont be it. I promise." Violet said as she stepped beside her. "But first lets get you two fed and healed. Rethu will explain everything." She glanced at Rethu who huffed and turned back into dragon.

"...you're going there now, aren't you?" Cyrus sighed, fighting against his mentor was like arguing a wall that had feelings but no plans to change its mind.

"I am" Violet nod.

Red Wolf was glancing at his watch every five seconds. She should be here in any seconds. At least if she cared about her baker. He glanced at the baker who was still resting against the trunk. Bleeding sluggishly from their shoulder which had ruined most of their jacket and the grass below. Red Wolf felt a little apologetic for the grass.

Thankfully he wouldn't have to make them bleed anymore as Black Dove made a cry in the air, formed as an eagle. Signing that Violet had come.

Some of them remained in the cars ready to drive, some remained around the baker. Michelle stayed behind him as Red Wolf stood. Watching Violet walk towards them.

"You didn't bring anyone." He said. "I didnt." She agreed. Her eyes looking past him at the baker. He could see the moment she noticed the boots that he had used on her, her jaw clenching lightly and her body tensing even when she tried to mask it. She never liked people she saw as hers getting hurt. Back then, that look would be towards him whenever he got hurt in the battles.

He shook his head lightly. No dwelling in the past. "Planning on surrendering?" He said as he walked back beside the baker. Cutting them free only to jerk them in their feet, making them let out a cry of pain. He had given the key ring to Black Dove who was still flying above, far from the baker, which meant the burning was worse. Worse enough they immediately buckled down and would've fallen face first into the dirt if Red Wolf wasn’t holding them with a tight grip.

"Let them go." Violet spoke sternly. "Im here. As you asked. Now let them go, and take those off." She couldn't help but feel guilty. She knew how much those boots hurt- she invented them afterall -she could only wish Red Wolf wouldn't drag this out. Even she could hardly deal with the pain of the boots back when she was captured by them and that was with Red Wolf close to her.

Red Wolf glanced at Michelle and gestured for her to go and cuff Violet with the zip ties. They didn't have anything better right now. But Red Wolf knew he didnt need a better cuff when he had a hostage he could use.

Michelle grabbed some zip ties and walked over to Violet who let her cuff her with them. After making sure the cuffs were tight Michelle held thumbs up to Red Wolf who then whistled for Black Dove to come down and give him the key ring for the boots

Violet didn't mind allowing herself to be cuffed. She especially didn't mind it when they were plain old zipties with no magic or tricks. Although it worried her a bit that Red Wolf didn't mind such lack of security, especially when she had escaped from better ones.

Red Wolf grabbed the ring from Black Dove who had shifted back into her human form. Giving the ring and then walking beside Michelle and Violet to help contain Violet and not let her escape again. You can't blame her for not trusting a human to contain her, especially when the last human assisted Violet's escape.

Unfortunately for Violet, Red Wolf had no intentions of freeing the baker. He did take off the magic boots. Putting them back on Violet instead to limit her chances of escaping again. Michelle dragged Violet into the van after Red Wolf finished putting on the boots on her, throwing her in.

Violet bit back a groan, oh how much she was regretting ever inventing these boots, even though they worked extremely well. But she could endure it. All she needed was to focus. Focus on the plan. Focus on JC. Now they would leave JC behind and Cyrus and Nicole would come with Rethu by air travel to pick them up. 

Then they would follow them to get Violet back using the tracking compass Violet made using her own blood that would track her no matter what protection or blockage.

But her plans were slightly interrupted when instead of leaving Jennifer Charles behind Red Wolf threw them in the van beside her and then got in after them. Slamming the van a few times to start moving.

"You said you would let them go if i surrendered." Violet spoke coldly. Red Wolf, sitting in front of her, simply smiled. "No, i said i would not hurt them any more if you behaved and did exactly as you were told. Not that i would leave them free." Violet grit her teeth but she didn't say anything in response. She hated that she couldn't blame anyone but herself for the way she thought. Shuffling until she was touching Jennifer Charles shoulder to shoulder.

"At least patch up their shoulder" she sighed, her eyes staring at the side of the jacket that was nearly soaked in blood. Red Wolf rolled his eyes at her care for a mere mortal but nudged Michelle to do so. He wouldn't want his hostage against Violet to bleed out.

 JC breathed heavily as they laid against Bob's shoulders. They felt so exhausted. Exhausted, starving, suffering bloodloss and a sucking concussion. They could still feel the ghost pain of their feet burning thanks to those boots, which they made a face at when Bob was forced to wear them. They weren't sure if the dizziness was from the concussion or the blood loss.

"I apologize for getting you roped into this..." Bob whispered quietly. JC grunted and opened their eyes with some struggle. "Not...not your fault..." They groaned out, the dizziness taking over and making them shut their eyes again. 

Violet wished she could comfort them, tell them that she had a plan, that others were coming to save them. But she couldn't. Not without risking the others hearing it. She could only hope they could hold on until they were saved...

"Stop looking at me like that" Red Wolf huffed in irritation. Playing with his dagger. Violet has been looking at him with a cold anger and disappointment ever since he shoved the baker beside her and got on the road.

Violet didn't. She was upset and disappointed. He could've been so much better if he had gotten over his anger and problems like she had.

"I said stop" he hissed. He wasn't a little kid and he certainly wasn't her student to lecture after each battle anymore- No matter how much he wished he could return to those times when they fought aside and not against, when this long was used on soldiers other than him -and he wasn't going to waste time on her anymore than he already had. Maybe he could have some fun while they were on the road. He wanted to hurt Violet, although not physically yet. And he wanted to make that baker pay for what they did to Black Dove. So why not kill two birds with one stone?

He grabbed the zipties they tied them with and did a small spell that wouldn't use his energy much. A simple, pain sharing spell. The spell worked simple, whenever one of them were harmed or felt any type of pain the other would also feel it with no physical wound. 

He felt Violet stiffen under him, probably because she understood what he did. Or maybe because she started sharing the baker's pain. Afterall, having two stabbed thighs, one stabbed shoulder, concussion and diabetes must be hard for one mortal. While the baker groaned as the spell took place and hid their face against Bob's shoulder. Most likely hating the fact they could feel their feet burning again even without the boots.

He pulled back a bit, smiled, and then slapped the baker for Violet's little disobedience. "You caused me so much trouble. This all could have been avoided if you had just came with me willingly from the start for the punishment of your past actions." He stared at Violet and then slowly turned to JC. "And you, you hurt someone who worked for me..." His hands clenched as his mind went back to the moment.

When JC had kicked Black Dove out of the moving van. The way fear had paralyzed him for a moment, his mind showing him a thousand unpleasant things that could've happened to her. The fear of his stupid revenge idea getting one of his...friends, killed...

"Black Dove, do whatever you want" he ssid coldly as he turned away and sat against the other wall of the van. Not trusting himself when his mind is all scrambled. 

Black Dove gladly took over. She was more than happy to finally get revenge on the asshole that kicked her out. She grabbed JC by their hair and slammed it against the van again, making their concussion worse. She relished in the pained groan they let out, from the corner of her eye she could see how Violet winced, feeling the same pain.

She grabbed JC's hand from behind them and took her knife. But before she could do anything Violet arched forward. "Don't." she stared directly into Black Dove's eyes. For a moment no one moved or made noise. 

Then, with a small huff, Black Dove cut JC's palm and let go of their hands. Upset that she couldn't cut off the baker's hand, but even she couldn't fight the way she got chills from how Violet said 'don't.' She definitely lived up to her name...

They mostly left them alone after that. JC had fallen asleep against her shoulder not even a few minutes after the situation. If it weren't for the fact Red Wolf's pain spell was still making her feel their pain actively she would've been worried they passed away. Violet sighed and leaned her head against the van. Allowing herself to close her eyes and rest for a little bit. The pain of the magic boots were low compared to the pain she felt from Jennifer Charles. She wondered how they could fall asleep with so much pain but considering everything...it wasn't surprising.

Violet wondered about the aftermath whilst she waited for the rescue team to rescue them. Would Jennifer Charles still want to work for her as her baker? With everything that was going on? She couldn't even tell them this would be a one time thing if they asked...she doesn't even know if it will end with Red Wolf considering it is obvious he is working for someone and it isn't Grandfather. So she has a few people she can guess, all of them more dangerous than Red Wolf.

Her thoughts were interrupted when the car suddenly took a U turn. She didn't need to see to know what was going on from the sound of a dragon's roar.

Jennifer Charles shook up at the sound. "What the hell?!-" they turned at Bob. But the way she looked told them it wasn't them who needed to be worried.

They were grabbed and escorted out. Them by Michelle and Bob by Black dove as Red Wolf followed with a sword. There, they could see Cyrus and Nicole close to the dragon. Their shoulders sagged with relief at seeing them safe and sound.

"Get them away! Black Dove handle the dragon!" Red Wolf commanded as he took over Black Dove and grabbed Bob. Running whilst dragging her.

Unfortunately Black Dove didn't stand much chance against a born dragon. One of the cars were already exploded from the dragon fire. Cyrus was handling the rest of the men with his dagger while Nicole chanted good luck and good fortune on him and JC. 

JC took the chance and kicked Michelle off. They were still too weak to fight fully but they didnt need to fight fully. When Michelle was off they ran and headbutted Red Wolf, biting off the key ring necklace for the boots and ripping it off. The slight distraction was all they needed as they and Bob started to run towards Rethu and others. It was a bit hard considering the boots Bob had on and JC sharing rhe pain but they got away enough for Cyrus to reach them after handling the men. Fairies are above killing? Yeah, not anymore.

"Violet- lets go-" Cyrus urged as he cut the zip ties using the daggers. The moment the zip ties ripped the spell Red Wolf casted had disappeared, leaving them suffering their own pain without the added pain of eachother which was a relief. JC let Cyrus take the ring from their teeth and undo the boots Bob had. "Lets do this never again." They heaved. Adreline high.

"I'd love to agree Jennifer Charles but we are not done yet." Bob gave them a symphatetic smile- probably because she knows the pain they are in -and took her sword from Cyrus. And went to finish this reckless and childish battle against her old student, Red Wolf.

The aftermath was....messy, for a better word. Exploded vans and cars. Bodies and blood everywhere. JC was leaning against Nicole who had brought them some snacks like the smart girl she is, letting them munch on some much needed orange juice. Cyrus recently finished off collecting his daggers from the corpses. Bob was still standing over Red Wolf's corpse. Looking at it with mixed emotions. They didnt blame her, they would have mixed emotions if someone they cared for became their enemy and they had their blood on their hand. 

When they felt better enough that they didn't fear collapsing the second they stood up on their own they separated from Nicole in favor of limping beside Bob. Silently standing next to her and staring at the body of the dead fae.

"...i wish it didn't have to come to this..." Bob muttered. "I cant help but feel like some...some part of the blame lies on me...for how he turned out..." She explained. She didnt need to hide it. He had once been her student. She taught him almost everything he knows. She felt like if she managed to change him with her...if she had been a better mentor...

"It does." JC agreed. They weren't going to sugarcoat it. "But he had many chances to change, just like you had. It's not your fault that he never chose them..." They trailed off, a memory surfacing. Someone who had long ago tried to help them with their addiction. Someone who stayed with them through their good and bad moments. Someone they drove away with each action they took until their last bit of relationship was ripped apart because of one of their actions. 

Bob glanced at them and straightened. "...i think i made a good choice with hiring you." She smiled at them. They returned that smile, albeit weakly. "Lets go. We should probably get you checked.." Bob held out a hand to help them walk. Slightly apologetic for making them wait in their pain for unnecessarily longer.

JC nod as they held on from her and walked back to Rethu and others. "Ugh...now we have to talk to the cops..." They groaned, making Bob let out a small chuckle. She'll deal with all that when the time comes. Right now, she'd like to enjoy knowing her...family, was in one piece. Herself too.