The story has elements of both Dark War storyline and DemonxBunny's Masters of the Multiverse, so all credit goes to both Impact Wrestling and DemonxBunny. I do not own the characters, only the OCs. The story is entirely fictional.
Characters may look and act different than they do in real life. This was done intentionally, and things will change over time in this story, so please be patient.
Rating: M, for violence, coarse language, and mature themes/events that will appear throughout this story. Remember, this is Femslash, so if that's not your thing, you may not like this story.
Pairings: Allie/Rosemary (DemonxBunny), others over time.
Aftermath of the Dark War Chapter 18: Healing and Resting Among Fears by Jurassicfatt
Rosemary's Pov, Small Town, Tavern, After Midnight
The ride from the village was short and quiet. Allie and I followed Kiera on her 'war mole' all the way into town. When we informed the townsfolk that Jedidiah was dead, they erupted in cheers. The three of us, still covered in bruises and blood, headed straight for the tavern, leaving a blue trail of Jed's blood on the indoor wooden flooring. We rented a room with a bath and I let Allie go first, needing a minute to clear my head from another 'amulet incident'. I walk to the bar and ask for a spritzer, a typical red alcohol which burns like hell, but keeps your head off the pain.
The tavern isn't too bad. The chipped white walls and dark wooden beams are lit by a few dozen lanterns and the moonlight entering slightly through the broken windows. All around us are locals, both demons and Realmers. Most of them dance, drink, and sing in celebration on the tables, while others simply talk about Jed and the fear they felt. A brawl erupts between two demons, one yellow and one horned. They fight over a spot at the bar, then laugh and clink glasses less than five minutes later. A few demons are angry and unhappy that they did not win their 'who will survive the longest' bet. They play some sort of card game at a dimly lit table, their green spider-headed dealer shuffling the decks. I sit on a black wooden bar stool, circular glass with my spritzer in hand, as I rest my blood-soaked arms on the brown wood of the bar area. Kiera is right next to me, guzzling martini ale like its water out of her thin foot long tube glass. She's been quiet for the most part, other than the few drunken slurs she says to the barkeeper when he refills her drink too slowly.
Man, my arms are killing me! Actually, my whole body hurts right now. I roll my shoulders to ease the tension, which only serves to remind me of the pain in my shoulder. Next time, don't taunt so much, Rosemary. Damn bastard smacked his chest so hard, his minions and I ended up flying off his body and onto the monastery roof. Correction: into the monastery roof. By some miracle, I tucked myself in and flipped while I was falling, breaking through the roof and, unfortunately landing on my side. Banged up but still alive. Doesn't make my left shoulder feel any better now. Touching a hand to it, I feel a massive bruise, causing me to grit my teeth when I press on it. Fuck! That rubble knocking me into the wall didn't help, either. I've killed Warlords before, but tonight was different.
During the fight, I was knocked down, hardly able to move after pushing Allie away and getting hit with that rubble. I heard the demons coming towards me, but my only concern was Jed grabbing Allie. I cut the demons down quickly with my good arm and crawled over the rubble, and that's when I heard her scream. My amulet took over almost instantly, without warning, and suddenly I was cleaving through flesh, ignoring the pain. I'm so glad Kiera showed up when she did. If she wasn't there when Allie fell… I don't want to think about that. I should really thank her. I turn around, watching as she finishes her glass. She slams the glass down and turns her head to me.
"What's up, *hic* assassin? S-*hic*-Something on your mind?" she slurs, pointing to the barkeeper and asking for more ale. God, she should slow down!
"Listen, Kiera. I want to thank you for what you did for Allie." I answer simply.
"You using 'I' now? No more 'we' bullshit? Fucking confusing. Anyways, I said it earlier: no problem." Kiera answers, moving her hands in front of her face before putting them down again.
"That wasn't me, that, it's… it's complicated." I answer, not wanting to go into detail.
"Yeah. I *hic* get it. Jed does too, now that his brain is on the outside." she says simply, before slamming a hand to the bar. "He deserved that shit!" In all my years of hunting Warlords, I've never dealt with such a drunken pyromancer. I've never pulled out someone's brains, either.
Serves him right. The teasing voice says. She's yours and you protect what's rightfully your- Breathe. Focus on the task at hand, focus on the task at hand.
"Look, I was rude to you before for no goddamn reason. You seem pretty cool and you really helped out back there against Jed. I guess I just wanted to apologize for insulting you earlier." She looks at me, mystified, obviously not understanding what I just said to her. "Thank you for saving Allie. I'm sorry I was a jerk." I tell her slowly to let it sink in. She just smiles drunkenly.
"Iz fine. We cool." Kiera answers, motioning between the two of us. "I'd shake your hand, but you've *hic* still got blood all over. You should s-*hic*-ee if Dr. Sveztratz here. When he ain't busy, he helps assassins and shit."
"Yeah, I'll need to head up and see if Allie's finished. And I might just do that. I take it you are not an assassin?" I surmise.
"Nah!" she screams.
"What are you, then?"
"Just a freaky chick who can *hic* conjure fire when I need to. I'll be at the room in a couple of, hours. Shit, I don't know. I need more ale." she says, before nodding to me and jumping over the bar to grab the ale jug.
"Damnit. Give it here!" the barkeeper says, trying to pry the jug of ale away from Kiera. She wines and twists her body, trying so desperately to keep the large jug in her grasp. I've seen enough of this. Time to go clean up.
"Excuse me?" I hear someone say behind me. I turn around, seeing two spider-headed demons with four limbs. They are nearly identical, except for their clothing: one is wearing a pressed burgundy button-up shirt, with a healer's crest on the left side, and simple black pants, while the other has a short-sleeved, sewn up brownish-red poncho and pants.
"Um, hi? Can I help you?" I ask.
"No more than you already have. My brother and I wanted to thank you for saving our village." the pancho-wearing demon states humbly in his deep regal voice, as he bows with his twin.
"It's fine." I tell him, waving him off.
"But we do. This is actually my tavern. Nothing would have survived had Jed not been stopped." he continues. "We couldn't help noticing you were injured. My brother is a healer. Just finished with the village elder some moments ago with an infected wound," he points to his more formally dressed twin, "but we have some healing supplies available. It might not be much, but if we could help our savior even just a bit, it would please us greatly." I look at the brother.
"What's your name?"
"I am Dr. Sveztrat of the Healing Guild. If you will allow me, I may be able to help your shoulder, Ms.-" he says, his voice much deeper than his brother, pointing my left arm.
"Rosemary, of the Hive academy." They don't seem dangerous, but I'm still a bit unnerved by their generosity.
Just then, Kiera runs in between us, swatting at the barkeeper with a stool leg? When the hell did she get that?
"I'm warning you!" she says to the keeper, who shakes his head.
"Kiera, please, can you put it down?" I ask.
"No way, assassin. I'm not paying my tab without getting service. Period!" she argues, using her right hand to quickly cut across her neck to emphasize her last word.
"We don't have anymore martini ale! We're out of stock, since most shipments slow when there are Warlord sightings." the barkeeper explains.
"Ms. Kiera Hogan, can you please put the stool leg down? That is the second stool this week you destroy." the spider-headed owner says in a slow, understanding tone of voice.
"Look, if I pay her tab and the damages, will you guys let her stay?" I offer.
The barkeeper and owner exchange glances, before nodding. I look at Kiera, extending my right hand, palm forward. Staring between me and the other three, Kiera relents, handing me the stool leg, which I promptly give to the owner. I then give him a bag of coinage, more than enough to compensate for the ale, damages, and cleaning of blood the three of us caused.
"What do you say Kiera?" I tell her.
"Um, ss-sorry? For the t-trouble." she apologizes in an annoyed tone, her eyes rolling as she sways on her feet.
"So, Dr. Sveztrat, where is your office?" I ask.
"Right there." he points to the tavern side, with a sign reading 'Healer Sveztrat- Office and pharmacy' in pristine green and white writing. I walk with him to the room. Inside there are two cots, two chairs, and some medical tools/equipment, including sewing kits, bandages, medicinal plants, healing potions and balms, among other stuff. Sitting on one of the cots, which makes my puls raise, Sveztrat sanitizes, before preparing a cleaning sponge and water pail. "You may want to remove your jacket, and please let me know if you have bruising anywhere else, so I can observe it afterwards." Suddenly, another spider-head demon, with horns, comes in, wearing a red nursing uniform. This one wears dark navy blue nurse scrubs, and has a black choker around her neck.
"Sveztrat, you didn't tell me we had a patient? Hi, I'm Rosali-" she starts, before her words die in her throat as she looks at me. Staring at me in shock with wide eyes, another nurse comes by, this one a female Realmer with fair white skin and brown hair. Upon seeing me, she also stops, placing her scrolls on the table. Or trying to, as she misses entirely, her focus directly on me as the scroll papers fall from her grasp and scatter across the floor in a messy pile.
"Um, is there something wrong?" I ask, feeling uncomfortable from the stares. The fair-skinned nurse quickly grabs the scrolls and puts them neatly on a table. Seconds later, healer Sveztrat speaks up.
"*Ahem*, Rosalina. Sister, must you always do this with every assassin? And nurse Bella, can you please assist me in cleaning the areas around the wound? The last thing we want is any foul Warlord blood infecting our patient's cuts."
"Right away, Dr.!" they both yell, bowing before me, before frantically running around the office, grabbing sponges and other tools. Soon enough, the three of them clean most of my skin of blood, as Sveztrat examines my shoulder, murmuring enchantments to see the damage.
"Assassin Rosemary, you have done a number on your shoulder. Just from dark magic enchantments, I can verify that you've pulled multiple muscles in it. Luckily, nothing is torn, but the bruising is severe. I am not as adept as a dark magical sorcerer, however, so I may not be able to heal this without 48 hours of spell-casting. Do you have any other assignments?"
"Yes. There's at least one other town I need to check on, per my assignment." I admit.
"To hell with the damn Guild! They work you poor souls to the bone, and then they wonder why so many retire or die in battle?! The queen should not-" Rosalina begins, before her eyes widen and she goes quiet. She then starts again. "I mean, the assassins are only mortal. Working them too far beyond their limits carries tremendous risk! They should have guard posts within the more scattered areas, so as to not burden the ones working in cities like Saravish and Kaduran." she claims. Nurse Bella nods in agreement.
"I wish that were the case. I'm from Kaduran, so I know the struggle. Until they change that, though, we assassins are the only ones defending the frontier areas." Both nurses nod in understanding. Sveztrat continues casting healing spells, and a few minutes later, I can feel some of the pain being relieved on my shoulder.
"Nurse Bella, please hand me the healing tape." he asks politely. Nurse Bella gives him three strands of translucent but glowing healing tape, often used for soldiers after battles or Warlord attacks. Handing them to him, she looks at me in awe, her big green eyes looking over my features. She turns her eyes away whenever I try to meet her gaze. Okay, this is getting kind of weird. Just as I'm about to say something, Sveztrat finishes bandaging my wound, then looks over my arms and legs. "Some minor bruising. One or two more strand of healing tape across your hip area should help heal the damage." Lifting my shirt for a moment, the nurses clean the area, before Sveztrat places the healing tape.
"Thank you, doctor."
"Now, this healing tape is made of four different bark fibers, with medicinal healing balms and spells imbued within in. They will help to heal you overnight, and are water/sweatproof. However, given that you will be on 'assignment' for Guild-knows how long, it may take a few days to a week for your shoulder to completely heal."
"Will I be able to move it tomorrow?"
"The healing spells I just applied should help, alongside the tape, but if you strain too much or remove the tape, it will take longer to heal. You need to give your body time, something the Guild doesn't seem to care about here in the Western Territories." he argues. "As your physician, I would advise you to take it easy after this assignment. Should you need medical leave, I will do everything possible to get it for you." Sveztrat offers.
"If the Guild does not grant it, we can always use you here in the Western regions. You could ask for a transfer?" Nurse Bella offers, with Rosalina nodding encouragingly.
"I appreciate the offer, but I should be okay. My companion is upstairs waiting and I need to sleep."
"Rightfully so." Dr. Sveztrat acknowledges.
Slowly getting off the cot and standing up, I thank the three of them for their help. Sveztrat hands me some medicinal roots in a jar.
"Take these. If you feel any kind of inflammation or itchiness from the cuts/bruises, seek medical attention. But, if you're a ways away from towns or cities, chew this and place it on the wound. It will stop any infections and relieve pain until you seek proper healing." Taking the small jar, I smile.
"Thank you. All of you. I really appreciate this."
"It was our pleasure, Hive Qu-" Rosalina starts, before being elbowed in the stomach by Bella.
"I think what my sister is trying to say is we wish you well in your assignment." Sveztrat tells me. I walk out of the office, going upstairs to our room. I wonder what that was all about? I mean, I fell better, but what was with all the staring? Made me feel a bit self-conscious when both nurses kept looking at me like that. And what was Rosalina trying to call me just then? Hive something? Pushing those thoughts aside, I continue my trek upstairs. I need a good shower and to see how Allie's doing.
Rosemary's Pov, Tavern, Room, 1 Hour Later
Took me a while, but I think I've cleaned the remaining blood and brain matter off my skin and out of my hair. I've cleaned my jacket and boots, and I'm soaking Allie and I's clothing in a really strong cleaner. Caretaker put some sleepwear in the burlap bag. A sleeveless black shirt and black shorts. It'll do. I doubt I'll be killing until tomorrow anyways. I'm a bit worried about Allie though. I can tell something is on her mind.
When I got to the room, I knocked before entering. She was sitting in the corner in a brown leather chair, her wet hair clinging to her shoulders. She put on the shirt Caretaker gave her and a pair of blue shorts. She looked lost in thought and so sad. I asked her if she was okay, and she told me she's 'fine'. Her tone told me she needed some more time, so I didn't want to press the issue. I told her I'd just be in the other room if she needed anything. She merely nodded to me with a smile.
Walking out of the bathroom, I hear slight sobs and see she's still sitting in the chair, a hand covering her face. I quickly walk up to her.
"Hey, what's the matter?" I ask. She removes her hand and I see she's been crying. Her eyes are red and wet with tears, her cheeks slightly puffy.
"Hey *cough, clears throat*, I didn't hear you come out." Allie responds, not looking up at me. I kneel and put a hand over hers.
"What's wrong, bunny?" I ask her, using the name I gave her at the Pevonian Hot Springs. She darts her eyes around.
"I, I killed people. All my life, I've tried helping put smiles on people's faces, making homemade cakes and pastries. Today I murdered over three people in less than an hour. I know it was self-defense, but," she says, before looking at me with her tear-stained cheeks, "does that make me a bad person?"
"No." I answer. "Allie, those weren't people. They were Jed's minions. Focused only on causing pain and suffering. You saw what they did to the villagers. They don't deserve your pity. Trust me, you did the right thing. You shouldn't be crying over that." I remark to her. She must have a big heart if she feels bad after killing those demons. How could such a sweet person end up in a place like this?
"That's, *sigh*, that's not the only reason." Allie asserts.
"Oh? Well, what else is on your mind?" I ask.
"You." I feel my heart begin pounding in my chest the minute the words leave her mouth.
"Me?" I ask.
"Yes… Back when we were in the monastery. When you saved me and got hit by the pieces of stone. It… was frightening." she explains. "Do you remember when I mentioned my boyfriend, Braxton?" she asks. I feel my heart begin wrenching the minute I hear the word 'boyfriend'. Stop it. Focus on the task at hand.
"Yeah?" I answer.
"I never told you how he… he… died." she starts, choking back sobs. "I've been trying to hold back what happened, forget about it and focus on staying safe but I just… can't get the image out of my mind."
"What happened? You can tell me." I coax her, rubbing my thumb against the back of her right hand.
"B-Back on Earth, in the cave. When Certrius showed up, I told you Braxton pushed me towards him and tried to escape with the jewel. Certrius jumped to the rock where our scuba gear, er, our 'underwater breathing tanks' were. He punctured one of the tanks with his hand and grabbed Braxton by the arm." I nod, encouraging her to continue.
"He tried begging for his life, offering money. Certrius wasn't having it. He took the jewel, pulled Braxton's arm out of his socket, and then threw him hard against the rock wall. His body slammed into it and then fell into the water. He was just floating there, blood filling up the small pool. I felt so guilty! I was angry at him for trying to leave me, but I didn't want him to die!" she exclaims. "When I saw your body collide with the wall, all those memories just came flooding back. And then later, when you jumped into Jed's mouth, I just…" she says, before the tears begin falling again. Without thinking, I grab her and pull her down into my arms, holding her against me as she cries into my shirt. "I d-didn't want to think you were gone, a-all because of me." she cries out brokenly, clutching around my shoulders.
"*Shh*, It's okay. It's okay, I'm here." I whisper soothingly in her ear, rubbing her back and holding her close. She sobs into my shoulder. After a few minutes, I pull away slightly to look into her eyes. "Allie, what happened to Braxton was not your fault. Certrius would have killed both of you, had you not found that jewel. Braxton's greed is what got him killed." I say to her. "And don't worry about me. I'm here to protect you, and I'd willingly go down fighting to keep you safe." I say proudly.
"Why? Why would you even think of doing that? I'm just a girl from Canada! We haven't known each other that long and you're already gung-ho on protecting me until death! What makes me so special?" she pleads to me for answers. I stare deeply into her eyes, pushing some hair out of her face with my hand.
"Allie, you are unlike any woman I have ever met in my entire life. You are beautiful, smart, talented, and have a heart of pure gold. You are stronger than you realize. After all, you did save me, remember?" I confess to her. She nods, her blue eyes never leaving mine. "Oh, and trust me, jumping into Jed's mouth was all my doing. It wasn't pleasant. My nose still stings from that god-awful stench. Rotting shit must have been his favorite!" She laughs a bit, a small smile gracing her lips while she wipes her eyes.
"*Sniff* Well, next time don't go jumping head first, demon assassin." she says, playfully punching my arm. I hold it and wince slightly.
"Ow! That hurt!" I whine overdramatically. We both chuckle.
"Rosemary," Allie starts, her tone serious, "Thank you. Thank you for putting up with me. I haven't told anyone about Braxton's death, and I'm glad to have a friend like you to confide in." she says to me. My heart doesn't like the word 'friend', an empty feeling overtaking my chest.
Stop this nonsense! Focus on the task at hand. The scolding voice says briskly.
"It's no problem, bunny. Now, I think it's time we get some sleep. It is pretty late." I mention. We both look at the white clock mounted on the wall: 2:15 AM. "There's only one bed. You take it and I'll sleep on the chair."
"Wait," she says, before pausing to find the words. "Rosemary, that fight must have taken a lot out of you and you are hurt. I… don't think it's fair for me to hog the bed all to myself. Would you mind, uh, sharing it with me?" Allie asks, looking at me with those captivating blue orbs again.
No! The scolding voice screams to me. No! You are not a cuddling partner, but an assassin! Your job is to protect her. Not to lie in bed with her! Focus on the task at hand, which is protection, nothing else! Tell her no. Tell her no right now!
"Yes, I'll share the bed with you." I answer immediately. We both get up, and I pull another handkerchief, wet it with some water from a jug in the room and clean her face of tear stains. Once I finish, we both stare at each other, Allie giving me a little smile. I can't help smiling back. She's so damn cute! I then place my handkerchief down and we approach the wooden frame of the twin bed.
My heart feels like it's going to burst out of my chest for how hard it is beating right now. Allie gets on the right side; I go to the left and we pull the white wool blanket off the soft sagging mattress. We then get in slowly, sitting upright against the bed frame. I see her shiver slightly as the cool sheets touch the skin of her long smooth legs. I put my right arm around her and she relaxes, then slowly clutches herself to me as we both lie down and try to get comfortable. Her skin invokes a tingling feeling on mine the minute we touch, and I feel my cheeks flush and heat rush between my legs. Holy, calm down! Allie breathes deeply, her chest brushing against my side as her arms wrap around me. Ignoring that her breasts are pushed up against me, I find it comforting when she does that.
"*Yawn*, Good night, Rosemary." Allie says, yawning cutely before snuggling even closer.
"Good night, Allie. Try and get some rest." I respond. I hear her breathing begin to slow and feel the rise and fall of her chest on my side. My body begins relaxing, almost as if this is the most natural thing in the world to do. The exhaustion of the day creeps up and I feel my eyes close, still holding Allie by my side-
Bang! Allie stirs against me, but doesn't wake up. I turn my head to see the clock. 3 AM. Looking towards the door, I see Kiera has arrived, walking tipsily around the room. She opens her mouth to say something but I shush her and point to Allie. She raises her hands in surrender before sitting on the chair, chucking her shoes off and passing out. I pull the blanket over us as sleep finally catches up with me.
A/N: Hey everybody! Hope you're all doing well. So, another chapter for Aftermath. Kiera's shenanigans nearly getting Rosemary in trouble (and costing her some money). Rosemary getting healed by Dr. Sveztrat and those two nurses, but why were they acting so weird and staring? Why did they call her queen? And then we get a heart-to-heart between Allie and Rosemary. And then they went to bed, with Rosemary scolding herself once again. Next time, we'll see what happens when they finish off the last part of Rosemary's assignment in the Western Regions. Until then, have a good week and please review if you enjoyed! It's always appreciated. Take care everyone!