Chapter 1: Introduction
Pov- Layla
"...honestly, you need to stop being so lazy-"
I put the phone to my chest to muffle the persistent voice that wouldn't shut up. Her incessant, crisp words continued to repeat, stuck on a record. It took me the entirety of my willpower to resist rolling my eyes at the same old lecture my mother seemed to push on me.
The puddle rippled the instant my foot stomped into it, splashing onto the bottom of my leg. Apathetic about the slightly murky water that had splattered onto my skin, I side stepped a middle aged Korean man that charged forward in the street, his balding head ducked down and lips moving at an impossible speed, speaking sharply in his native tongue. He seemed to ignore the drizzle gently dampening his grey suit, too angry to acknowledge it- or me.
"...Way- you should be on your way back now, it's late and you've seen the news, London is on high alert lately." I gnawed on the inside of my cheek with mild annoyance at her indefatigable worrying. She was the type of woman to be scared by a leaf, I swear to god. "The key will be on the windowsill, be careful on the trains- and text or call me when you're at the front, don't use your key because mine will probably be in the lock and I don't want you to break it."
I made the motion of strangling someone in front of me, eyes shortly meeting the mirthful gaze of a man standing by the wall, he watched me do my awkward gestures with a twitch on his mouth. My face slightly heated up, sheepish at being caught out doing my moment. I scratched the bridge of my nose, passing the stranger and bowing my head in semi-shame. "Yes, okay."
"Alright, bye." Silence finally greeted me and with relief, I put my phone on standby, shoving the device into my jean pocket.
My mother drove me insane. She was so… overbearing sometimes. If it was a little, I wouldn't mind. Mothers will be mothers. But still- it was suffocating at certain points and I just wanted to be left alone.
I was out here because I was visiting a good friend of mine who happened to now live in Soho. He had recently moved there, so I was helping with a few boxes and moving some stuff around for him. I spent a week there, playing video games after helping him set the last of his stuff up, movie marathoning and just spending time with the guy.
Soho was an interesting place to live. After strolling down the streets, it wasn't even a joke how many porn shops and strip clubs there were. I didn't bother questioning why Mark decided to move here, knowing him and his… high libido.
It was time to go home, especially since my mother seemed to think I moved in with Mark. Which I didn't, but because I had spent so long away (mainly to avoid my family for a bit) she automatically assumed I had moved in with him. She called me, then started to lecture me on how I wasn't financially secure yet, how I couldn't look after myself, how I didn't even have a job yet- and just kept droning on about how irresponsible and stupid it was.
I didn't know how I managed to survive her overwhelming nature growing up, but now it was starting to catch up with me. My irritation was growing stronger, even at the simple things she said that weren't even anger inducing- she just drove me nuts.
I needed a break from my family for a while- sue me.
My phone buzzed.
Fishing in my jeans for the trusty gadget, I pulled it out and switched it on. The brightness of the screen blinded me, illuminating the features of my face in the dim lightning of the evening. Whilst briefly scanning a message I just got from my friend, my eyes darted to the time to realise that, yes, it was late.
"Fuck." I groaned, seeing the 23:40 in the right corner of the screen. I had 20 minutes to get to the station or it would shut and I'd be stuck in Soho. To be fair, Mark wouldn't mind me staying one more night, he'd understand, but I didn't want another earful from my mum.
You should have left earlier. It's your own fault. She would say, like always. I wasn't sure she knew what the word fun meant, or if she had ever had so much fun that she lost track of the time.
In my new predicament, I decided I would take a shortcut through Swallow Street.
My mouth struggled to hide a smirk at the choice of naming. I knew that the bird was the main reasoning for the title of the street, but my mind couldn't help but dip deeply into the gutter. Considering this was near Soho- where all the porn shops and strip clubs were, it seemed too convenient.
The street was surprisingly empty- with how much night life there usually is around this time in London this was a little odd. Then again, this was a Thursday, most people would probably need to sleep for work tomorrow morning.
The dark grey floors were adorned with dim street lamp lights which were occasionally planted along the road. A slightly eerie fog slithered around the atmosphere, making it a little difficult to see. I could only see one person out, from what I could see in their figure- male.
He was very tall, around 6'2. A messy, shaggy mess of brown hair peaked out from underneath the hood that was up around his head. His hands were in his pockets and judging by the hunched way he walked, shrinking back into his jacket- he was cold. I didn't blame him, with the light rain and breezy weather we were having tonight.
The way he was shuffling around, swiveling his head and eyes noticeably searching the area, I could guess he was lost.
My fingers curled over the strap digging into my shoulder and I paused in my fast pursuit to the station.
I knew I shouldn't have indulged in my curiousity. I knew that my mother would get pissed if she found out I was trying to help poor strangers out in the middle of the night- and think I was stupid for even attempting to. I could've been stabbed, I could've been kidnapped or raped or murdered.
Despite all of this, my moral compass twisted my feet in his direction and shoved me forward.
If you were lost, you'd want someone to help you.
My teeth gritted. Fucking… dammit.
"Hey." I cleared my throat and raised my voice a little so he could hear me properly. His head shot over to mine and my heart skipped a beat. I kept my distance, nervously clutching at my bag strap. "You okay? Are you lost?"
"Yeah, actually." He let out an awkward chuckle, shifting his weight onto his other foot and squinting through the smog to peer out at me. "I really need to find the station, or I'm kind of stranded here."
I nodded my head, letting out an awkward. "Ah. Oh. Well." Glancing to the side, I held back a grimace, before making a quick decision. "Well, I'm heading there- to the station. If you'd like… you can... accompany me."
What are you doing? You have no idea who this guy is.
I mentally swatted the thoughts of reason and logic, suppressing a sigh at how stupid I could be. He's lost and needs help- someone has to help him. I swallowed a hard lump forming in my throat and relaxed my shoulders. "If you want. I don't mind."
He perked up at the offer, relief flashing across his face. "Really? I guess I'm just really lucky today then!" There was a slight pause, then he bobbed his head into an eager nod and walked a little closer to me. "That would be really helpful, thanks!"
Feeling a little more comfortable, I quirk my lips up into a friendly smile. "No problem, but we should be quick about it, I don't know what train you want but my last one is in-" I swiftly took out my phone and glanced at the time. 23:50 "-ten minutes. Shit, we need to hurry."
"Christ, that really isn't long." He looked off into the distance, before pulling a face of mild surprise, seemingly remembering something, before continuing with, "My name is Max, by the way."
"Layla." I warmly introduced myself, holding out a hand over to the tall boy. I could finally tell what colour his eyes were since he was right next to me, an emerald green.
"Nice to meet you, I like your hoodie, by the way." Shaking my hand firmly and rapidly, as if it was some kind of race.
At the mention of my N7 hoodie, which I had bought from ComicCon two years ago, my mouth involuntarily spread from ear to ear. "Thank you! You're a Mass Effect fan too then?"
At my question he nodded, voice becoming a little more upbeat now that we were talking about something we both had in common. Maybe this isn't so bad. "Yeah, I enjoy those games a lot, it's got a really interesting setting."
"Same," I agreed, ready to dive deep in depth about my favorite franchise when something glinted in the corner of my eye. "It's been a while since I-" I stopped walking, boots skidding against the gravel.
What the… hell?
We were in an alleyway close to the station, it was hollow and dead. Just empty of life and slightly grimy flooring. Graffiti stained the brick styled walls and rubbish bins stood by the side squished up in the corner, with a rat skittering around underneath a pile of wrecked wooden crates. An occasional squeak emitted from the small creature, but I ignored it- more concerned with the gaping tear of blue scratched in the… air.
At the end of the alleyway, it gleamed, hues of green curling and waving slowly around the circular rip. It hung there, floating endlessly. No sound came from it- no smell, no... nothing.
What.
In.
The duckery-duck.
Is.
That?
Fear struck my heart, so much that I nearly stumbled backward. My gaze darted frantically to my temporary companion, wondering if he was seeing the exact same thing- or if I was really crazy. But judging by the shock that plastered over his features, the doubts faltered. Both relief and a fresh feeling of dread washed through me. "You're seeing this too?"
"Thank fuck, I thought I was just losing my mind here." He took in a deep breath and pointed at the tear "What the absolute shit is that?"
My hand found the wall. It was damp, grimy- and I was certain my finger touched a piece of used gum. My disgust was overridden by the urgent need for support, and to check I wasn't dreaming. I tried to find logic in it, eyes staring unwaveringly into the beaming mass of blue and green which swirled around. "I… some effect of the fog? Chemical reaction? I- I have no idea."
I peered over my shoulder, looking behind us-
What the fuck.
"It's there too!" I gasped, staring. "What in the fucking shit?!"
"I kind of want to poke it. Good idea or bad idea?" He turns to me quizzically after stating this.
"Bad idea, very bad idea- however…." I stepped back, away from whatever the fuck it was. "Get a rock maybe, throw it at the… magical cloud of wonder. Hope it doesn't explode in our faces." I sent him a playful smirk. "It's fine. I'll use you as a shield."
"How brave. Here is hoping something interesting happens." He said as he scrambled onto the ground to pick up a rock. After finding a sufficiently sized rock, he got into a cricket bowler stance, and prepared to throw it.
"Wait-wait wait!" I held out my hand, my panicked voice was enough to stall him. He threw me a questioning look over his shoulder, I backed away a few more steps, then I picked up the grimy rubbish bin lid, grimacing at how gross it smelt. I held it out in front of me, shielding my face.
"Okay. Proceed." I swatted my hand as a motion for him to continue.
"If something bad happens, I blame literally everyone but myself!" He exclaimed as he threw the rock into the cloud, arm arching overhead from the throw.
It rippled and held onto the rock, before suddenly engulfing the stone, swallowing it whole. No evidence of it's existence left at all.
"This is trippy." I stated, gaze fixated onto the strange mystical fog. "Well… we're definitely gonna miss the train now."
"Yeah. That sucks." He pauses and looks around, noticing that there is no way around these strange clouds. "Seems like there is only one real action to take here."
"Use our phones to call for help?" I scoffed. "That'll make an interesting prank call, 'hello, yeah, we're being held captive in an alleyway by some weird magical cloud."
"Oh no, I was talking about walking into the clouds in the name of great adventure and just kind of wing it and hope for the best."
I stared at him. "Oh, yeah. That's a great idea." I turned around. "Let's walk into the weird glowing fog! Surely nothing bad would happen-" I threw him an emphasised look. "-at all. Right?"
"I am going to pretend that wasn't sarcasm and that you agree that my plan is perfect in every way." He grinned as he eyed the cloud, determination flaring in those green depths. "Besides, what's your plan anyhow?"
"Sit in a ball of panic on the floor and pretend I'm in a happy place?" I rose an eyebrow. "I hear Spain is nice this time of the year."
"You see, that's a really boring plan. What's life if you don't take risks?"
"Safe." I started, pushing my back up against the wall, glancing over at the cloud with a thinning mouth. "Not dying. Sane. Comfortable."
"Don't forget dull." He pointed out to the cloud, to help get his point across. "Who knows what could happen if we do this? It could lead to something exciting, or it could," he stopped to roll his eyes, "be dangerous. Point is, we don't know, but I think it's worth it to flip that coin, if you get me here."
"You're suggesting I risk my life," I slowly spoke, looking at him as if he were a two year old. "-over a coin toss."
"The alternative option is freeze out here in this alleyway"
"I'll take hypothermia over…" I wildly gestured to the cloud. In hindsight, it looked very beautiful and almost hypnotising to stare into, any other circumstances where I was far away from it, I would just casually sit and sketch it out, but I was stuck. Trapped between two of these things with a stranger in the middle of Swallow Street. "-whatever the hell that is."
"I don't know, I would rather take possible death over assured death. Who knows what could happen?" He chuckled. "You might get superpowers."
"This isn't a comic book." I snorted derisively, crossing my arms over my stomach. "If you want to waltz into the unknown- possibly get eaten alive by a potential acid fog, be my guest. But don't haunt me and say I didn't warn you."
"Well, I was only trying to make light out of a bad situation. Can't blame me for trying, right?"
"I guess not." I huffed, waving a dismissive hand. I sighed and leaned down, bracing myself on the floor. "Besides, I'm-"
A loud high pitch cut me off, I cried out and grabbed my ears, desperately attempting to muffle the sound. I leaned forward, placing my forehead against my knees, my head exploding with sudden pain.
In the corner of my eye, I saw something move. I lifted my head, noticing that Max was in a similar position, kneeling on the ground with a scrunching face, pain flashing in his eyes. We exchanged looks of panic and terror as the clouds started to merge. A vine shot out from one of them, then connected with the other. Many of these lines started to follow suit, soon forming a web. The clouds started to pull on each other.
They were closing in.
Fuck.
"Well, I think the choice has been made for us!" His voice bellowed over the commotion.
"Fuck my life!" I screamed over the screeching, then let out a startled yell when one of the vines connected with my arm, coiling itself around my limb stiffly. It was cold. Unwelcoming. Fear bucked inside me.
Multiple vines wrapped around my ankles, yanking me forward. I shrieked before letting out a loud string of curses, pain stretching over my back when it pushed me over and started to drag me to one of the fogs. I writhed, thrashing against the vines, fighting them desperately as my breath escaped me. "Fucker-shit-mother-fudging- jam- Jesus- son of- Cthulhu-"
No!
But no matter how hard I pulled, how hard I struggled- the fog was beginning to swallow my legs. "Oh fuck me sideways- shit- no- please- fuck- fuck- fuck, fuck!"
Before I knew what was happening- everything was twisted. It was distorting and spinning so frantically, over and over. Black filled my eyes until I was completely blind. I couldn't move. I couldn't breathe, I couldn't think. For a while, it felt like I was floating through some kind of empty void. My body was being stretched. It was one of the most strange sensations I had ever been through.
My eyes snapped open.
"Good luck, kid."
At first, I had to blink a few times at the person standing in front of me, with a warm smile. They were unfamiliar, but they looked at me as if they knew me. He reached forward, patting me on the shoulder before turning on his heel, missing the recoil that sprung me away from him, startled to all hell at what the fuck was going on.
My head swiveled around drastically, almost like an owl, my gaze wildly shooting around to analyze my surroundings, to make sense of what the hell is happening- of what exactly just occurred. What.
My hands patted my arms, then my eyes darted down to my body to see if I was injured. I appeared healthy and normal as always- except for the tracksuit. I didn't even own a tracksuit.
Why the shit am I wearing a tracksuit? When did I change…. Am I losing my mind?
That aside- more importantly.
I was…. I was alive.
I was here. I was here.
But…. where?
Where was here?
I glanced around and the breath knocked out of my chest quicker than lightning, it felt like a herd of elephant had just stomped all over my lungs. My hand reached out to the wall nearby, using it as leverage to keep standing. I couldn't process what my eyes were seeing-
I was on a futuristic docking bay, of some sort. Red was a very popular theme here- beaming lights illuminated the surfaces of every corner. The floors were grimy and it smelt like shit, mixed with rotten eggs and maybe what I'd imagine a corpse would smell like. A rubbish dump was nearby, with heavy smoke rising above it, curling in the air.
Tilting my head, I spotted flying walkways and weird curved buildings and structures- I heard the hum of a fucking flying car and watched it like a hawk when it whizzed by, coupled by a few hundred more lining up like normal, mundane traffic at home. My breath hitched inside of my throat for a moment, I couldn't do anything. I had to look away, I had to calm down.
A loud, banshee scream emitted from my mouth.
Inches from my face, were familiar looking avian features. Traits that an alien species from a video game had. Mandibles stretched out from his mouth, with some minor scarring on his left one. A metallic carapace with dark grey and black plates. No markings on his face. Talons. Then finally- a striking emerald gaze peered down at me from his almost towering height, freezing me into place and halting my scream out of pure terror.
"See, we totally didn't die!"
Those words made me briefly pause in my reign of fear. I stumbled back, wide, unbelieving eyes gawking at the turian in front of me. His voice was flanged, but had a familiar tone that unmistakably belonged to the boy that I was with in the alleyway a few moments ago. It can't be…. Max?
"Why are you freaking out so much?" The figure pauses for a second. "Also, does my voice sound weird to you too?"
Holy shit.
No way.
What. The. Fuck. In. A. Jam. Duck.
I'm dreaming. I fucking have to be dreaming. This isn't real.
Distant sounds of voices were in the background, the humming of flying cars blending in and merging with the muffled noise of machinery and thudding club music which was quiet but slightly coherent- it sounded like it was far away.
"Don't...don't freak out." My voice broke, trembling. I was talking to myself, swallowing another lump growing in my throat. "Don't… don't scream…"
"Why would I scream I mea-" He pauses upon seeing his reflection in the mirror. "Oh. That would do it." He practically whispered.
"Yeah." I weakly said, as still as a statue, standing there watching him. It was all I could do- it gave me something to focus on so I didn't fall over- or faint.
"Shush. Let's... let's not freak out right now."
"I'm not freaking out, are you freaking out?" I nervously stammered. "Why would I be freaking out? There's nothing to be freaking out about- I mean, we just- we only got dragged through a fucking weird fog and now we're standing in a place that looks very much like Omega- and you're a turian- why would that be cause to freak out?" I giggled, it sounded hysterical even to my ears.
He quietly mumbles "I'm just… going to stand completely still for a moment, and silently freak out. Give me a minute." And then began humming one note for a short while.
"Move out my way human." Stars exploded in my eyes when I was roughly shoved aside- I tripped over my foot, collapsing onto the floor. I rolled over and looked up, groaning. The person who charged by me wasn't human.
The batarian sneered, walking off.
"Fuck me sideways up a mountain eating jam toast." I wheezed, holding onto my arm, I avoided the turians gaze. "Right, excuse me."
I stood up, using the railing beside me as support. I stumbled off behind an alleyway, ignoring the smell. I deeply and calmly inhaled, before taking off my tracksuit jacket- and screaming loudly into it.
What in the Jesus- Gordon Bennett- James Brown- bloody hell is going on?!
Author's Notes
Hello! Thanks for reading this chapter, I hope you enjoyed it. This fanfic is co-written between me and LeShyWolf, who you should definitely follow and favourite if you enjoyed this. To give a quick understanding of this, the POV will shift between the two characters more or less every chapter, giving a slightly different view on things. Max's POV is mostly written by me and Layla's POV is mostly written by LeShyWolf, however we are still both involved significantly in writing each and every chapter.
This is an OCI/SI fic, if for whatever reason you found it unclear. Please leave a review saying what you think about this chapter and the concept as a whole so far.
(As an added note just from me, I am still updating A Woman and Her Wolf, at the point of writing this I have about half a chapter completed, so expect that somewhat soon)