xoxo
X
"I'm going to give you three chances to tell me who you are and why you're here," Ryan speaks, his monstrous form frightening.
"Now!"
Leech, still posing as Abby struggles to speak with the bloodied hand wrapped around her throat. The deep and resounding voice shaking her entirety. Fear is something she feeds on but at this moment, she's petrified. Still, she does her best to give him the runaround even though her life is on the line.
"I— I don't know what you're talking about, Ryan. Please!"
With great force, he throws her across the room. Her body slamming against the wall, but before she can fall, he disperses into a river of blood and wraps around her body. Hoisting her against the ceiling, slowly reforming. His form is even more grotesque as his unhinged jaw widens, taking over the entirety of his face gradually inching closer to her.
He's planning to devour everything that she is.
Her struggling continues, but this time she can't speak. Blood rushing into her mouth, filling her insides with an inordinate amount. Eyes rolling into her head, she gags to try and throw him up but she can't. It's too much. So, she gives in. Hoping that he'll spare her if she tells him the truth, the soft whimpers pushing him to stop just inches away from her face.
Remaining in his form.
"Speak." Removing the blood from her insides.
"You're right, I'm— I'm not Abby." Coughing ensues. "I was sent here to tear everything apart."
Her head full of red hair becomes a head full of greys. Eyes going from a crisp blue to a dark yellow. The appearance of her skin transitioning to that of a snake and heavy bags under her eyes complemented by subtle wrinkles. The real her, in the flesh.
"My name... is Lily. I'm a category three elite with the ability to absorb powers from others, usually temporarily and the victims... naturally regain their lost power, but I can absorb powers permanently depending on how long I make physical contact for. It's how I was able to be Abby for so long."
"Where is she?" A tendril composed of blood strokes her cheek.
"If I tell you, you have to let me go."
A faint chuckle. "Fair is fair."
"Rowan has her. She's— she's locked away in the lower levels of the R Foundation. High security. There's no way out if you get caught."
A soft hum. "Thank you for your services."
"So, you'll let me go?"
Maniacal laughter ensues. Blood tendrils wrapping around her neck, pulling her closer to him as his monstrous form returns.
"I'll let you go..."
With a low growl, his mouth opens eliciting screams of terror from her but she's soon silenced by the tendrils constricting and suffocating her by degrees. Unable to struggle due to the river of blood keeping her restrained. All she sees is red, her oculars turning that same color as it becomes harder to breathe.
He makes her suffer. Realizing that he may have ruined someone's life due to a word that was never Abby's but an imposter. His actions were his own, he accepts that but the voice of reason— the voice that saw every side of a situation before making a clear and concise decision was nothing but a ploy.
The breaking point he's been avoiding has come and there's no turning back. Rage consuming him, blood boiling both figuratively and literally. The flesh leaving Lily's body under his sheer power. There's no escaping her fate, not this time. And though this won't make amends for anything, it's a start.
"... to hell."
With his last words, he grips and rips the skin off her body and devours it with ease. His bloodied prehensile tongue then wrapping around her frame, he gnaws viciously at what's left of her flesh and bone. First to go is her head as it falls to the floor, the rest of her ingurgitated by his monstrous form.
He roars and snarls deep and resoundingly when there's nothing left, those sounds becoming more human as he gradually returns to his standard form. Falling to his hand and knees. The blood dissipating. With the glass walls around him shattered, he allows himself to feel, to breathe, to let go.
His tears like streams down his cheeks as he sheds the tears that have been holding him back.
X
"I'm not here to kill you," Fitz assures, discarding his weapons by his feet. Noticing the hint of uneasiness in Olivia's browns.
"I just— I came here to get away for a while."
The uneasiness fades. "Where's your partner? How did you get out?"
"Viper released us when she realized we couldn't give you the answers you were looking for and Mike? He's heading back to Rowan."
"Oh." Turning her attention back to the water. "Is that safe?"
"It'll be fine." He assures, taking a few steps forward. "As far as he knows, I'm currently doing recon after discovering your last known location."
"Mike could get into trouble for lying, right?"
"Mike is very persuasive."
A faint chuckle leaves her. "How did you find this place?"
"I don't know. I just did." He's now standing beside her. "This place feels very familiar to me. Like I've been here a million times. You?"
"Same."
He squats down. "Did you find the answers you were looking for?"
The burning question.
Silence ensues for a moment. After everything Olivia recovered from the broken fragments of her mind, all she wants to do is express what she knows— to tell him that they had a life together in hopes of freeing him from his mental captivity. Her oculars cutting to him, lips parted, she struggles to speak the words building inside of her.
On one hand, she can tell him right here, right now but that can change the trajectory of everything. His reaction to the abundance of information could lead him down a road with no return and she doesn't want to lose him.
Not again.
On the other hand, she can allow him to find his way back. To see what she saw. It may take longer knowing her father, but at least she'll always know that he's out there. Even if he's after her, it's a risk she's willing to take.
"I did." Finally, an answer. "Turns out that someone I trusted did something execrable to me when this war between Elites and Hunters had just begun."
"How does that make you feel?" His cerulean orbs meet hers.
"I'm indifferent." A truth. "Of course, when I first found out I was angry I said some harsh things before storming out, but I can also understand the reasoning behind it as much as I don't want to."
A soft hum. "I think that you needed to knock that wall down between you and this person before allowing the light in." Shifting positions so he can sit in the grass, hands planted behind him to prop himself up.
"The thing I've learned in this war is that people like you— people like me have to make some unfathomable decisions. Adrenaline's running high, options are limited. Sometimes, there's no way out. Maybe that's the case with you and this person you trusted."
"You think so?" Keeping her responses to his words short for they remind her of the old Fitz. Her Fitz. But that's not the case. Not yet.
"I do." Confirming with a nod. "And if you can understand the reasoning behind the issue, then that should tell you that you still care. You're just processing the pain and betrayal of whatever happened to cause the fallout."
She heaves a sigh, eyes back on the water.
"You know? As a lawyer, I deal with this kind of issue all the time. Condemning people to a fate that can go either way, but the only difference is that I know what I'm getting myself into." Running her fingers through the water.
"I know that every time I step into the courtroom there's a chance that the evidence will stack up against my client and I'll lose which means they lose or I'll win and my client can have a life again at some point. I was blindsided in this instance, but there was nothing I could do to change my outcome."
"Which is why you shouldn't give up on them." A slight pause. "Feel what you need to feel, swim in those emotions but don't let them control you moving forward. You'll put yourself at a greater risk that will be your fault and your fault alone." Oculars cutting to the sky, the stars smiling down at him.
"You don't have to forgive them, but mutual understanding always works. And if things turn around, you can always allow them back into your space."
Still so wise. "Why are you telling me this?"
"Because..." fixating his attention on her. "... self-destruction is our greatest enemy and though I don't know the specifics of your situation with that person, I do know that once we start to harbor those ill emotions towards someone or something they change who we are and who we're meant to be."
There's a look of wonderment in her eyes. He understands her without knowing the truth regarding their relationship. How? She doesn't know or care. She's overwhelmingly elated to see that within Rowan's programming he's still somewhat him. Wise, thoughtful, understanding.
"You give good advice. Is that something you've always done or?"
"As the team leader, you have to break out the inspiration from time to time." A chuckle leaves him and her.
"I can understand that." Their oculars meeting, the energy calm. Inviting.
"So, what happens now?"
"Well," pushing himself to his feet, retrieving his weapons from behind them. "I should be heading back. The last thing I need is someone seeing me talking to the enemy."
"I agree." Heaving a sigh, rising to her feet and approaching him. The air getting thicker as she falls into his orbit. Her oculars transitioning to white.
"I have an idea so that he won't ask questions and yes, it'll be painful."
He doesn't care. "Whatever works."
With electricity coursing through her hands, she grips his wrists and channels it through his body. Tiny scars and gashes forming on his exposed skin making it appear as if he got into a fight. He grunts as her power travels through her, feeling inclined to hold her but opts out.
"There." Her power ceasing, oculars normal. "Now he'll believe that you were doing recon."
"Makes sense." A faint smile as he loses himself in her eyes. She doesn't know what he sees, but she can't let her curiosity take over. Not yet.
Stepping away from him. "You should go."
"Right." Running his fingers through his hair. "Thank you."
He keeps it short and ventures to the woods from which he came. Olivia watching from behind, arms folded.
"Fitz."
Her voice causes him to spin around. "Yeah?"
"For your advice, thank you."
That makes him smile. "Any time."
"I'll see you soon on the battlefield." She teases, oculars flashing white.
"I'm looking forward to it." Catching one last glimpse of her before disappearing into the woods.
X
Steven, Quinn, Huck, and Walker return to the haven from their food excursion. Bags of food in their hands for not only themselves but Olivia, Ryan, and Abby as well. However, something's off and they sense it immediately. Their joyful expressions filling with disquietude.
It's dark, ominous. Only the sounds of silence looming over them. There's no sign of Olivia or Ryan. And though they knew the blowout had happened per Ryan informing them beforehand, they didn't expect to come home to a feeling so heavy that it weighs them down.
"Where is everyone?" Quinn asks, scanning the room as she proceeds to the kitchen. Placing her bag on the counter.
"It's never been this quiet before. Even when tensions escalated."
"Ryan? Abby? Olivia? You here?" Steven calls out, but the silence remains.
"Maybe they left," Walker suggests.
"Ryan never leaves unless it's important. Same with Abby." Huck retorts. "I'm not sure about Olivia. She's still new.
"Chances are she left." Walker enters the kitchen, tossing his bag on the table.
"After a bomb that massive I would leave, too."
Quinn hums. "That makes up for Olivia, but what about Ryan and Abby?"
That's when Steven and Huck notice someone approaching them from the darkness. Bright red oculars emitting a bioluminescent cast.
"Ryan?"
Hearing Ryan's name, Walker and Quinn move to stand beside Huck and Steven. Seeing what they see, however, Ryan stops. Remaining shrouded by the darkness of the hallway. Before they can let a word out, the head of Lily lands at their feet, and the sight makes them wince in disgust. It's been mauled to death, but the identity remains clear for the bloodied, snake-like skin glistens under the moonlight.
"Rowan has Abby." His voice is deep and resounding. "He's had her the entire time."
"What?" They ask in unison, the shock evident.
"Then who is this?" Steven asks, unable to draw his gaze away from the severed head. "How did you—? What happened?"
"She was the mole. Sent here to get inside of our heads and take us down one by one and now she's dead." He's laughing, manically.
"She can take the power and form of anyone she touches. She— Abby's been gone this entire time and I followed this masquerader down a path I never would've—" a sharp inhale and exhale.
"Find out a way to get her back."
And as quick as he came, he disappears. Exchanging indifferent yet worried glances, Steven signals Walker to go and check on him while they get to work on finding out a way to bring Abby back home.
Picking up the head in a force-field bubble, Steven leads the way to the lab.
"Shit just got a hell of a lot more complicated."
X
"How do you think you're faring in combat, son?" Rowan inquires, a slow stride around the med bay table. Assessing Fitz's wounds, Mike watching in the background.
"I'm more susceptible to damage now. I'm also not healing as fast as I normally would."
"I can see that." Placing a hand upon his shoulder. "I'll take good care of you, make sure your implant is working properly."
Proceeding to the computer, he scans his palm to start the sequence. The inner-workings of Fitz's implant appearing on the holographic projector in the middle of the room. Various shades of red lighting up, eliciting a soft hum from Rowan.
"Your constant run-ins with Olivia is wearing your implant down."
"How so?"
"Her electrokinetic abilities. It's easy for her to cause significant damage to you— to any of you rather."
"Is there any way around it?"
"I could reconfigure the system, but if I make them more resistant to her powers there's a chance they'll be more susceptive to others." Starting the repair process, Fitz's wounds slowly healing as the shades of red gradually turn blue.
"However, I've been developing something for you two since you're the few that haven't gone through the trials to acquire abilities."
Brows knitted. "What is it?"
"An armor that binds to the skin. It takes all the damage and distributes it evenly keeping the stress off the implants until I can upgrade them." Oculars locked on the hologram. Almost done.
"So, you say you did recon and found her, right?"
He nods.
"Where?" Gesturing Mike over who pulls up the map of the city on his watch.
"Use the map to show me."
Without hesitating, Fitz points to a spot on the map and Mike zooms in on the location. Turns out it's the house he and Olivia lived in before everything went to shit. He doesn't remember it, but Rowan does. His eyes saying it all.
"Was she alone?"
"She was." He confirms.
"Mike, keep watch on that location. Chances are if she's been there once, she'll be there again."
Mike nods. "On it."
"And Fitz, try to avoid being struck by her power. The last thing I need is for you to come back unrepairable." The system repair finished.
"You two can get some rest. We'll reconvene in the morning."
And with that, Rowan departs leaving Fitz and Mike alone. Fitz putting his shirt back on.
"Are you okay?" Fitz inquires. "He didn't do anything to you while I was gone, did he?"
"I'm good, we're good." He assures with a smile. "What happened?"
A faint smile graces his lips. "I saw her. We talked."
"But the scars?"
"Courtesy of her thinking about what we deal with here. No fighting."
Mike's surprised. "Shit."
"Shit is right."
X
He stands in front of his bedroom window, arms folded across his chest. Tired oculars fixated on the moon shining through. His armor gone, glasshouse shattered.
He's hurting, but he's free.
A knock is heard from the door before Walker enters, closing the door behind him. The lack of reaction from Ryan telling him everything he needs to know, but he approaches him.
"Ryan. Are you okay?"
"If I say yes, will you leave?" His words faint, almost inaudible.
"Probably not."
"Then no."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"Not really." His voice trembles.
"Okay." His hands grace Ryan's shoulders, thumbs rubbing. "I'm here for you as much as I can be. As much as you'll allow me to be. Anything you want—"
"I want you to stay..." He murmurs, heaving a sigh. Turning to face him, their eyes meeting. The concern evident in Walker's features.
"... with me. We don't have to talk, but I just—"
"Say no more." He's stepping out of his shoes and removing his jacket, placing it on the windowsill.
Taking Ryan's hands in his own, he guides him to sit on the edge of the bed. Kneeling and taking off Ryan's shoes, setting them to the side. Rising to his feet, he climbs into the bed and pats the space beside him which Ryan moves to. His head resting on Walker's chest and in return Walker wraps his arms around him, holding him secured against himself.
Mending the broken pieces, enveloping him with warmth.
"You don't have to respond, but I just wanted you to know that this will pass. The pain will subside and you'll start to feel good again. Like yourself but better. I can't push you through this phase, but I can be an anchor to keep you grounded. If that's what you need."
Sealing the space between them, Ryan slips a hand around Walker's waist and intertwines a leg with his. There's a slight pause before he speaks, allowing himself to feel the words Walker spoke. Words that wrap him in a cocoon of protection and comfort. Something he hasn't felt since his short-lived, whirlwind of a relationship with Mike.
But this feels different. This feels like a fresh start. Deletion of the rose-colored glasses he's been wearing for years and a real chance at living a life he can be proud of.
"It's what I need."
X
Olivia returns to the haven and for once, she's happy to be here. A place where she's wanted, needed, normal. She has a real family and though things are rickety, she doesn't want to harbor any ill will towards Ryan or anyone else.
That doesn't include her father.
After her conversation with Fitz, hope is the only thing on her radar but no decisions are being made to rescue the man she loves at this very moment. Not until the time is right. Not until their business here is handled— until they have a real shot at freeing him.
The aroma of food pulls her to the kitchen and when she sees her name on a bag, she smiles. Wasting no time to wash her hands and heat her food, famished to say the least.
The microwave dings and she retrieves her food, sitting at the table by her lonesome. That's until Ryan enters the kitchen, unbeknownst to her presence until he turns around after grabbing two bottles of water from the refrigerator.
He's rested a bit, but Olivia can see the wear and tear and toll it's taking on him. The silence so loud until Olivia speaks up.
"I wanted to be mad at you— to shun you— to make you feel like shit, but the thing is... I can't." A truth.
"I can tell by your eyes that the decision you made that night regarding my livelihood is killing you, but I don't want you to let it win."
He's shocked. "Why are you saying this to me? I don't deserve your kindness."
"You do. One, kindness goes a long way. Two, it shows you that even in dark times such as this that there can be light somewhere. And three, I understand why you did it. That doesn't excuse anything, but I do understand."
A shaky exhale, tears welling in his eyes.
"I am so sorry. I shouldn't have— I was wrong."
"I know. I also know that you didn't act alone. I saw how you hesitated when Abby suggested erasing most of my memories. That showed me that you have a heart— that she was gaslighting you by using Mike as a sword, but I have to ask. If she didn't suggest that, would you have?"
"No." He's quick to respond. "I would've just brought you back and allowed you to maneuver through the chaos however you felt necessary."
"Even if it would've put you in a bad position?"
"Yes, because like you said, at least I got the chance to feel something other than emptiness."
That makes her smile a bit, but it fades when she realizes what she said to him.
"What I said—"
"Was correct." Quickly wiping his eyes. "I don't fault you for anything. I take full responsibility for what I did and for not telling you sooner. I don't expect you to warm up to me again so soon, but I do hope we can coexist for the sake of everyone else."
She rises from the table and approaches him, pulling him in for a hug. He hesitates for its unexpected, but he hugs her back.
"You've been through enough. We both have. And the last thing we need is to tiptoe around one another. That's not going to solve anything." And it won't.
"I forgive you, Ryan. Wholeheartedly."
"Why?"
"Because we're a team. We're family. And I don't want to see the foundation around us crumble because we're at each other's throats."
"Are you sure?" He pulls back to gauge her expression.
"I'm sure."
He nods, the tremendous weight lifting from his shoulders.
"Thank you."
"Thank you for taking accountability."
The hug resumes for a moment before they release one another. Olivia returning to the dinner table so she can eat and Ryan proceeding to his bedroom.
"Hey, Ryan."
"Yeah?" Turning around to face her.
"Is Abby around? I'd like to exchange a few words."
She doesn't know. "Your father has Abby. He's had her the entire time. The woman you saw was only taking the form of Abby to bring forth hysteria and take us down one by one. Her name is Lily and I killed her."
The love you have shown this story makes me so happy.
I'm glad you're enjoying the journey & this version of Olivia & Fitz.
& I hope you all are staying safe!