TBB - One slip of the vibroknife (CROSS/HUNT)
By Gun Roswell
Preface
Enemy is such a dull word - let's call it, being frenemies
Join in or not to join in, that is the question, right?
Preface
Set in the Clone Wars and the Bad Batch galaxy, in a multiverse of things.
Friends, enemies… whatevers - the knife on the other's throat just needs to slip one single inch… and then it'll all be over?
A short ficlet of when Hunter and Crosshair meet while still being on opposite sides. For now?
Inspired by FanArt by Art of Juliana Key.
Part of Crosshair/Hunter series
Notes:
Please enjoy this little tale of Cross/Hunt!
Thank you for reading!
Enemy is such a dull word - let's call it, being frenemies
'Sometimes old feelings resurface even when fighting on the opposite side of some dumb war.'
"Crosshair, is here."
Tech's tone was serious as he stated the very fact. Not that it wasn't unexpected to see the now turned all imperial Commander there. But yeah, the sniper of the Empire certainly seemed to pop up wherever the Batchers went for whatever reason.
"He seems to always be where we are, doesn't he."
Not that Hunter really minded seeing Crosshair that much anyway. Having his former sniper around was certainly something Hunter did miss even if they were on opposite sides now.
"It's like he can see us coming to some place and then he is there. Maybe he uses the Force."
Wrecker was trying to be funny. Then again, the more he thought about the little slip of his tongue, the more assured Wrecker became he was right in his assessment of their former teammate.
"Hey… what if…"
"No Wrecker, you're totally wrong. Crosshair is not a Force wielder. He must be tracking us is all."
Echo was shooting the somewhat dumb theory down before either Tech or Hunter could counter. After all, they knew Crosshair was more than capable of tracking them. The old clone codes and whatnots could have easily been used. Plus Crosshair knew all their moves of his old squad. And so it was becoming more and more difficult for the remaining Batchers to figure out ways and plans they had not used in the past in the efforts of making it so much more difficult for Crosshair to track them down. But he was doing that. Tracking them. That much was true. And it was uncanny how many times in the past few weeks they had ended up in the same place with the sniper. Too uncanny for it to be a coincidence.
"We need to get to the thing and get the hell outta Coruscant before he sees us."
Hunter wasn't too amused though. The word and shots having been exchanged during each and every encounter before… Needless to say Hunter was worried. For Crosshair to actually capture them this time around. Or worst case scenario, shoot one of them or all. After all, Crosshair had become somewhat, unstable.
"This way."
Tech had already scanned the best route for them to take to get to the object in question they were after. The one they had been hired to get and deliver at a somewhat of a hefty bounty.
They team made their way in the shadows of the old abandoned building. The supposed artefact residing somewhere in the basement of the place. At least, according to the lore. Tech and Echo had managed to get more intel while digging in deep in the holonet's archives than simply the location of the place. Having scoured the holonet looking for anything about the object d'art they were there to retrieve for their client. A mystical and powerful thing it was supposed to be. Something of a myth for sure, but perhaps there was something to the fables behind it as the Empire was clearly interested in it as well. As why else would Crosshair be there?
Threading quickly through the several flights of stairs, the squad reached the lower levels of the large size building. Landing on a level where they could see several rooms each of them having once housed most likely cargo and whatever else was needed to run the place. Some kind of storage area for things and such.
"Still on your scanner?"
Hunter had to ask, even he could see Tech was monitoring the residual trace of the object him and Echo had figured out it was made of from their research. Some kind of crystal compound emanating low level radiation.
"You sure it's safe for us?"
Wrecker's query sounding for the umpteenth time. Because, well, radiation! He was worried as the rest of them had been. They had left Omega back at the base with Rex and other clones not wanting her too exposed in case it was dangerous after all. But the pay for the gig was way too big to simply let it slide. As this would do much good for the rebel cause which the team was working for now. The credits that was.
"It's perfectly safe Wrecks. These levels are not dangerous for living beings." Tech assured him and then pointed once again at the direction they needed to head towards.
"Alrighty then. Let's make this quick. It won't take too long before Crosshair figures out we're here if he hasn't already and then come after us and the artefact."
Hunter really did not want to become face to face with their old squad mate again. As it was, Hunter had tried to reason with Crosshair already. Several times to be exact. Even having tried to apologise for leaving Crosshair behind at get go and then later too. But clearly, the sniper wasn't listening. At all. The chips were long since gone as were all the issues they had caused. The lot having been thrown down a long chute with the rest of the excuses flown away along with them. But Crosshair having taken potshots at them during each and every encounter, Hunter did not want to risk it any more. Clearly the sniper wanting to be the imperial soldier he had so adamantly become. So best keeping out of sight and touch was the way to go.
"We're close. Behind that door." Tech pointed at the end of the corridor where they were coming to an impasse.
The team made it there quickly, finding the place almost empty, much to their surprise."
"There's nothing here!"
Wrecker complained, the place pretty much ransacked like the rest of the old base was.
Tech made more scans. Finally picking up a trace.
"Over there, right behind that wall."
"The wall?"
Hunter and Wrecker both stared at the general direction. Exchanging glances, they made their move towards the seemingly empty wall. Each of them tapping along the surface before they found what they were looking for. A hidden panel, which easily slid open. Behind it, revealing a green gemstone on a pedestal.
"That's it?"
Wrecker and Hunter both stared at it while Tech took more scans again.
"That's the object we're looking for."
Hunter was just about to reach for it when they heard it. The snarly and all too familiar tone right behind them.
"Well, well, well. Look what the loth-cat dragged in!"
As the lot of them turned around towards the familiar arrival, they were staring right into the barrel of the riffle of their former sniper, Crosshair.
Join in or not to join in, that is the question, right?
'A recruitment speech can go both ways… as it turned out, both sides were hiring." Much to their surprise, Crosshair was standing there all by his lonesome. His new team, all of them imperial recruits rather than clones nowhere to be seen. A first for sure. Crosshair looked almost conflicted seeing them all there for whatever reason. Then again, his helmet was on so most likely suspect on his face was his permascowl for seeing his former teammates once again.
A surprise?
"Stand down."
The monotonous snarl ordered.
"And what if we don't?"
Hunter wasn't too easily fazed by the command.
Then again, he wasn't too happy to see Crosshair there either as this would mean yet another standstill between them. Maybe yet another 'chat' about the why the Empire is good and why Crosshair should go with them. Both of the two easily arguing their case. If Hunter was honest to himself, he had grown sick and tired of playing this stupid game between them. As deep down, Hunter was sure Crosshair would never really harm them. Enemies or not. But neither would he come back to them either.
Crosshair had seen the artefact too. The shiny thing not gone unnoticed even if Tech and Echo had so eagerly having tried to hover in front of. Trying to hide it, unsuccessfully so. As nothing went unnoticed by the sniper. It was also something of a surprise, as Crosshair's superiors had neglected to tell him about the treasure, clearly. Something his former colleagues, his new imperial teammates had ignored informing him about as well. Suspecting they had known all along what he mission was about. But Crosshair was not stupid. Having seen the looks on the others faces while en route to this place. They were up to something. And he knew what it was. This being it. The last stop, he had thought. And so.
"We fight."
The four members of the Bad Batch exchanged glances, not really sure what that meant. They were in closed quarters after all and Crosshair, so far at least, was alone there with them. That could change easily though. Tech quickly scanned the immediate vicinity of the area, seeing no other life sings there.
Another surprise? "Wot?"
Wrecker could not help the question escaping though. As clearly, the sniper had lost his mind if he thought he was able to take them all down. Alone.
"We fight. Hunter and me. Knives only."
It was an odd choice to make. Not just the fighting part, but Crosshair choosing a knife to do so. And so, they all stood there, staring at each other for a long spell before Hunter broke the silence.
"This is a waste of time. We have a job to do here."
Hunter wasn't really sure whether Crosshair had lost his mind for good. Nor what had happened to the rest of his team as this was the first time they had seen him come alone. Hunter was only itching to leave this old and creepy place… And talking of creepy, Crosshair's current behaviour was giving Hunter those same vibes as well. Creepy being key.
Crosshair nodded towards the panel on the wall, which Tech and Echo were hovering in front of still despite realising Crosshair had seen the artefact.
"You mean whatever it is behind them."
It was a surprise again for sure. The team thinking Crosshair had been sent to get the object. But again, he was alone and well, Crosshair did not even seem to be aware of what it was the squad had been sent to get.
"There's nothing there."
Echo really tried.
"Nice try Reg."
Crosshair half snorted.
"Fine."
Hunter finally yielded, simply nodding for Tech and Echo to grab the object before he turned to Crosshair again.
"Is it?"
"Guess we just have to figure it out, won't we."
Crosshair placed his riffle on the floor slowly together with his backpack and helmet. Hunter sighed and shook his head but followed the sniper's example suit.
"Fine!"
The two were in full a combat mode soon enough. Prancing around each other in a circular motion. Just like they had done in the past while training together back on Kamino. Only this was not then and they were no longer friends nor anything else for that matter. Whatever they had been in the past had surely been sucked down the drain after Crosshair went all Empire.
It took a few moments before anything happened. Both men assessing their opponent with their vibroknives drawn out. It was Crosshair who lost his cool first, pouncing on Hunter who managed to duck the assault easily. After all, knife fights were more of his style than Crosshair's.
The other three stood in the sidelines, not really sure whether to end this or what.
"Should we stop them?"
Echo's tone was a low whisper.
"It's fine for now. We're alone and perfectly safe. For now."
Tech had his scans running constantly, not wanting to be surprised by more imperials arriving.
"What if they hurt each other?"
Wrecker was more worried of the two fighting. Not really liking what was happening. Wrecker never really having gotten over the fact that Crosshair had decided to remain with the Empire even after his chip was gone. Well, Crosshair's own words as they could not really be sure whether the chip had really been removed.
"Hunter won't let it happen."
Tech sounded adamant, even if the other two might have looked worried.
"You're sure?"
Echo pressed on.
"I am."
Tech really was. He knew Hunter after all and what Crosshair meant for the scout. Not that Crosshair wasn't simply chopped liver for the rest of them. But Hunter and Crosshair had been close once. More so than any of them had. And no matter what Crosshair had become, Tech knew Hunter would not let anything happen to Crosshair.
"So, we just, wait?"
Echo wasn't really sure what the plan there was.
"Yes."
Tech was glancing at his scanner, seeing nothing there still. Which again, was a surprise. The why as to Crosshair was alone there. But they could maybe figure that one out later. Right now, he only waited for Hunter to…
Oh-oh!
Hunter was suddenly on his back. With Crosshair having the scout pinned down having flung himself on top of Hunter with his knife on the scout's throat. Wrecker and Echo tried to make their move to save their Sarge. But Tech held them back, his eyes on the other two, warning them not to interfere. Tech being sure he knew what he was doing.
Crosshair simply stared at Hunter for a long spell. A snide glare on his face as he did.
"Join the Empire Hunter."
The sniper's tone a coarse snarl only.
Hunter stared right back at Crosshair, never wavering in his own stare. Their eyes permanently locked.
It was uncanny, Crosshair simply staring back at him. It was as if… Hunter could not be sure, but he decide to chance it anyway. Betting everything on the fact that they had once shared the strongest bond ever to exist. And so…
"Shut up Crosshair."
A moment passed, then two. The stand still between the two clones lingering in the air.
"Now?"
Wrecker whispered loudly, but Tech simply shook his head. He too was betting on the something else Echo and Wrecker wasn't seeing there between the two fighters locked in their pose.
"You always were so full of yourself."
Crosshair snarled, but the delivery was not mean, rather, sounding soft and fond and…
"It takes one to know one."
Hunter's lips curled into a sort of a smirk, as did Crosshair's.
A moment more passed. But then, it was Hunter who made the first move. His hand finding itself to the back of Crosshair's neck. Grabbing a strong hold of the sniper, drawing him in closer… ever so much closer…
There was a loud rattle suddenly. A knife dropping onto the concrete floor.
A soft gasp was heard. As to the whom it came from was uncertain. Echo and Wrecker simply staring at the two fighters, while Tech was simply nodding his head in satisfaction.
"Called it."
Hunter and Crosshair had their lips locked in a passionate kiss. The fight all but ended. After all, there was nothing more to fight about. Was there?
"I… so… is he coming with us now?"
Wrecker was scratching his head, not really sure what had happened between the two. But he was glad to see Hunter and Crosshair had finally made it up. Literally in front of them, making up and out.
"I would say so."
Echo managed. Guess there was some explanation there somewhere.
The two former lovers parted lips, breathing heavily with Hunter still on the floor on his back and Crosshair on top of him.
"So, you're ready then?"
Hunter had to ask, even if the kiss had spoken volumes to the Sergeant about Crosshair.
"Yeah, Hunt. I am ready."
Crosshair got up first, offering his hand for Hunter to take.
"Come on then. Let's go home."
Crosshair stared at Hunter for his choice of words for a moment. But then, his toothpick found his mouth and with a nod, Crosshair was following the rest of them out from the building.
It might have been a difficult choice to make, or then not. But none of them were complaining about having Crosshair back. Least of all Hunter. As they got out from the building, they could see the few TK-troopers usually part of Crosshair's entourage laying on the ground. Their lifeless bodies where they had fallen. None of them asked anything. It was them or the Empire after all. And Crosshair, had chosen them. It had been an easy choice to make after all in the end.
