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 38: Lunch Date by Jurassicfatt
Rosemary's Pov, Omni Sports Tournament, Tent, Morning
Slowly waking up, my eyes peek open in the morning light of the tent. I feel so comfortable right now. Can't I wait five more minutes? Turning my head to look at the clock, I see the time is 6:50. As I do so, I feel a weight pressed against my side. Looking to my left, I see Allie beside me, still fast asleep. Her head is resting on my chest, with her left arm draped over my stomach and left leg entangled with my own. I try not to move too much, so I don't wake her. She lightly snores, her hair covering her eyes and part of her face. I gently push some strands away, gazing upon the gorgeous creature beside me.
She seems so peaceful right now. Her lips look as plump as ever, and I feel myself longing for them against my own. When she kissed my cheek last night, I was afraid my heart might pound right out of my chest. It left a tingling sensation I want more of. We stay like this for a few more minutes, before I see her eyes move. She snuggles deeper into my side.
"Rosemary?" she asks groggily, rubbing her eyes and finally opening them.
"Hey Allie."
"Why didn't you wake me? I wasn't hurting you, was I?"
"Not at all. I didn't have the heart to wake you. You're too cute while you're sleeping." She blushes and giggles, coaxing a smile out of me.
"Thanks, I try." As she gets up, she stretches her arms out, before wincing.
"You okay?"
"Yeah. I'm still a bit sore from the tri-sports event. *Groan* Maybe more than a bit."
"Would you like some coffee?"
"Yes please." I go to the bathroom, put on my face paint, take some coffee from the tin and put it in a cup. I then bring it to a vendor outside so he can prepare it. A few moments later, I walk back in with her hot drink.
"Here you are." I hand her the drink as she sits up in bed.
"Thank you. You're the best, Courtney." I feel myself smile when she uses my real name. Allie takes a sip of her coffee, before moaning in delight. "Wow! It's really good."
"I'm glad you like it."
"So, I guess you need to get back to guarding now, right?"
"In a little bit. Trust me, I'd rather spend the whole morning here." I admit, causing her to giggle again.
"Hey, um, can I ask you a question?" I nod. "Why do your eyes change to a different color when you put on the face paint?"
"It's actually a characteristic the paint. The paint uses dark magic to make it impermeable to water, sweat and blood. Supposedly, the light blue eyes give us assassins an 'undead' sort of look, which many Warlords find frightening. It's not a permanent change." Not like her eyes are.
"I find them mesmerizing. Not t-that your normal eye color isn't nice. I like brown too. Um, I just, er-" I put a hand atop of hers, causing Allie to stop mumbling and look at me.
"It's okay. I get it." She breathes a sigh of relief.
"Do you take your face paint off often?"
"Most of the time, yes. I've been leaving it recently. I reapply to keep the pristine look of the paint. But I usually do it after a hunt, and in private. Since I became an assassin, only people I trust have seen me without it."
She opens her mouth in surprise, before smiling and tucking some hair behind her ear. "You said it was waterproof, sweatproof and… blood proof. How do you take it off?" I get up, go to the table and pick up my circular, button-sized paint container. I show it to her, flipping it over.
"You see those words?" I point to the Ancient Tongues language symbols. "It's a dark magic incantation. When you apply the paint, you say those words to make the paint stick. Once you're finished with a hunt, you say them again and wash it off. Simple." I hand her the container. Allie stares at the words on the bottom, before handing it back.
"I never realized your paint had such a procedure to it."
"Most assassins don't feel the need to put the incantation on. But when you're knee deep in a humid swamp hunting a Warlord, it comes in handy." Allie takes another sip of her coffee. "You hungry?"
"Oh no. All those wood pulp drinks I had last night filled me up. Rebel was laughing at my appetite. I hope it doesn't go to my thighs." She looks down to her legs.
"Don't worry too much about it. You'll look good anyway." I say to her. Allie's eyes go big and she blushes, starting to play with the tips of her hair. I feel the heat rush to my cheeks too. "*Ahem*, So, are you headed to the arena today?"
"Yeah, Rebel wants to hang out this morning. Why? Are they stationing you elsewhere?" I nod my head.
"Yeah, they want me to check out the flower gardens. Some fools have been getting drunk and passing out there." Assassin-on-guard. What a rip.
"Oh, okay. Um," she starts, darting her eyes around before looking back at me, "wh-where do you want to meet? You know, for, uh, our lunch date?" Date? Is this considered a date? I mean, we've eaten together before. Although, that was before I poured my heart out and told her I have feelings for her. Then this is a date! "Uh, Rosemary? You okay?"
"Y-Yeah! Um, we can meet right outside the arena exit. R-Right after the games finish, outside." What the hell is the matter with me? I was doing fine, and now I'm stuttering like a complete idiot. Repeating the same words. Calm down!
"O-okay." She's stuttering too. We both look away, before the red light of the seal activates, catching my attention.
"Assassin? You are needed." a soldier speaks.
"I'll be right outside." I call out. Getting up, I quickly get changed, putting on a pair of jeans, black shirt and leather jacket. I see Allie turn around so as to not stare at me while I change. "Allie?" She turns to look at me. "I'll meet you after my first shift, right outside the Colosseum exit." I repeat.
"I'll see you then. Be careful." she tells me, giving me a small smile. I smile and leave, with a skip in my step. Let's get this over with so I can get to lunch.
Allie's Pov, Omni Sports Tournament, Tent, Morning
As Rosemary leaves, I finish my coffee and get up quickly, bolting for the bathroom. Um, actually, make that 'limp-bolting', since my legs are still sore from yesterday's event. I quickly wash, get ready and go outside, heading straight for Rebel's tent. I hear the seal turn on and Rebel groan.
"What ya'll doing? I was here *yawn* sleeping." she responds from inside her tent, her accent thicker than usual.
"Rebel? It's me, Allie." I hear quick footsteps, followed by Rebel raising the opening flap. She's still groggy, but gives me a small smile, then breaks the seal. I wave before walking in and pacing.
"Allie? What are you doing up so dang early? And why are you so antsy?"
"I need someone to talk to… and I need a favor."
"Sit down. I'll get you a cup of water."
"It's okay. Rosemary got me a coffee."
"Hm, okay." She pours a glass for herself, before her head jolts up. She turns around, giving me a cheeky grin. "Sit, will you? You're gonna put a rut in the ground." I take a seat on one of the chairs available. Rebel washes her face, sits next to me, takes a sip of her water and then crosses one leg over the other. "Now, I'm all ears."
"Rosemary… Courtney told me her real name last night. And about her past." She laughs out loud, saying 'I knew it'. "Did you know she was going to?"
She nods her head. "She did mention it, yes."
"Is that why you were so secretive last night?"
"Why of course. It wasn't my place to tell you about that stuff. I wanted her to tell you herself." She takes another sip of her water. "So, did she say anything else?"
"She… told me she liked me." Her smile gets larger, before she scoots closer to me.
"So? Do you like her?"
"I… *sigh*, I know it's strange, but I do. We've only known each other for a little while, but I've, I've never experienced feelings like this with another woman."
"S'not strange at all! See, I told C she was overreacting!" I raise my eyebrow. "She was so nervous about telling you what happened to her as a kid. She thought it might scare you away. I told her you wouldn't judge her, but she was still so scared. Poor girl."
"But none of that stuff was her fault!"
"I know. But C is afraid of letting people in. Loads of assassins didn't accept her, so she assumes everyone will react badly. But I told her not to worry."
"I could tell she was nervous. I was nervous too. I'm still am now, considering what we planned."
"Wait, what did ya'll plan?"
"W-We're going to lunch together, after the first period of games." It feels weird to say that… but also really exciting.
"That's great, Allie! Glad my cousin finally grew a pair and told you what was on her mind. I'm happy for the both of you."
I laugh at Rebel's comment, before responding. "Thanks Rebel."
"By the way, what's this favor you need?" She takes another sip.
"Um, i-if you don't mind, I'd like you do to my makeup again. For my…" I pause, trying to find the right words.
"Date with my cousin?" Can this be considered a date? I called it that earlier, but I wasn't sure if I should've. My heart is beating fast and my mind is in circles just thinking about it. I nod. "Sure thing, Allie. I'd be honoured."
"Really?"
"Of course. Need to make you look extra pretty for my cousin. Just give me a second to wake up and I'll get my kit ready. I got to look my best, too." I blush at her comment and thank her. My mind is still processing this. I'm so nervous, flustered, and excited all at the same time. I'm really looking forward to this. I just hope I don't trip on my own feet or something. Please don't screw this up, Allie!
Rosemary's Pov, Omni Sports Tournament, Coliseum, Noon
My shift just ended and I'm waiting outside the gates, watching spectators walk past me. I carry my jacket in my hands, the heat making it too hot to keep on. My heart has been racing all morning, and a few of the soldiers said they've never seen me smile so much. I can feel it too. Just thinking about lunch with Allie is getting me flustered. Damn it, I don't want anything to go wrong. It could ruin whatever friendship Allie and I have in an instant. Just focus on the task at hand. Wait, following that advice stopped me from pursuing this in the first place! I should just focus on being myself. Taking a few deep breaths to calm my nerves, I finally look up and see her with Rebel. I feel my breath catch in my throat.
Allie is wearing a red t-shirt that hugs her form perfectly. Rebel must have bought it for her, because I've never seen it before. She's also wearing some burgundy jeans that bring out her hips and a pair of black boots. She's put on those white diamond earrings Rebel gave her the other day. Her hair is tied back into a pony tail, which brings out her brown eyes. I can see her black eyeshadow, which, combined with the mascara she has on, makes her eyes that much more hypnotizing. Her ruby red lipstick matches her outfit, and just staring at them makes me want to kiss her. Her cheeks look rosier than ever and she has a smile plastered to her beautiful face. "Hi." she says.
"H-hi. You look stunning, Allie." She looks down, smoothing out the crease of her jeans.
"T-thanks."
"Hey C. How are you doing?" Rebel cuts in, before elbowing me in the side. I turn to her and she mouths an 'I told you'. I simply shake my head.
"Hey Rebel. How were the games?" I ask the both of them.
"They were okay." Rebel says. Allie looks at her.
"Really violent, though. I think that spike turtle might have broken his back." Allie remarks.
"I know. That was pretty brutal. Good thing the healers had that pincer thing to pull out the glass." Rebel shudders, then looks between the both of us. "I better leave you girls to it. I've got to help Vena with the next round of athletes who need their makeup done." She hugs us both, saying goodbye. As she walks away, she turns around. "Hey C?"
"Yeah, Rebel?"
"Go show Allie a good time, will ya?" She then points between the two of us. I blush and shake my head again, waving goodbye, before directing my attention towards Allie. She's playing with her hands, looking between me and her feet.
"Y*Ahem*-You ready to go?" she asks.
"Uh-huh. Yep. Sure." A simple yes would suffice, you nervous ass. We both turn around, walking towards the various vendor tents and browsing through the different items and foods available. I make sure to walk slower, since I know she's still recovering from yesterday. I offer my arm to her, but Allie says she's okay. She asks me to stay near her, just in case. Thus, we're walking beside each other, close enough that our hands are nearly touching. We stop at a rather large tent with a sign that reads 'fresh produce'. We go to the counter and order our food, then sit down across from one another. Allie has ordered some corn on the cob and a large vegetable stew with carrots, green beans and purple potatoes in a tomato sauce. I ordered a simple meatball dish with leafy greens, carrots, and long grain rice. We both decided to get ice waters, given the heat. As we focus on eating, a thought of guilt comes to my mind.
"I hope it doesn't bother you that I'm eating meat." I tell her. I know she's a vegan. I just couldn't let myself go without some sort of protein in my meal.
"It's okay. I may be vegan, but I'm not going to butcher someone for not living the same way I do."
"Do you ever miss it?"
"Not really. I learned a lot about factory farming when I got older. About the way they treat animals. Turned me away so quick, I stopped using animal products and went vegetarian. The majority of the pastries I made at the Choco Bunny were vegan, so I guess my next step was to take the full plunge."
"At your business? You must be pretty smart to learn how to bake all those different pastries without milk? The closest thing we have is tree creamer."
"Back on Earth there's a few alternatives you can use to bake. I like oat and almond milk the best. My customers really like my treats, so safe to say it works."
"Your family must be proud of you becoming such a successful businesswoman."
"Yeah, Mom was. Dad was already gone by then. But he always told me to follow my dreams." I hear her voice go low in her throat at the mention of her father's passing. She told me he fell ill when she was just a child. I grab her hand.
"He'd be proud of you." I tell her, her gaze meeting mine.
"Thank you." We both look at my hand, still holding onto hers. I pull it away and blush, then change the subject.
"So, you still thinking of setting up shop in Kaduran?"
"Very much. I just saw some coconuts at the stall we went to for our meals. I'll see if I can get some for a dessert I can make, one Caretaker can sell at his shop."
"Which fruit?"
"Coconuts. They're the round brown things by the carrots." I see them stacked high in the tent.
"You mean the Skull-cracker gems?"
"Is that what they're called here?"
"Yeah. Many Realmers are afraid of them, since they're known for falling on people's heads and splitting their skulls open."
"Well, I guess that would make sense. Do demons like them?"
"The insides, yeah. Some demons like to eat them whole."
"You think they might like a pastry with coconut pieces or flakes?"
"I think most people would. If you're not sure, I'd be happy to try some of your pastries."
"Really?"
"Of course."
We continue to eat, making small talk over the food and the Tournament. Then Allie asks me. "Hey Rosemary?"
"Yeah?"
"Does… does it ever bother you when you kill demons?" she asks, playing with her food.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, I still feel bad about what happened with Jed's minions. I know you told me not to and that it was self-defense, but I wish I could have just knocked them out instead of killing them." I take a moment to answer.
"Allie, you did what you had to in order to survive. I can't imagine you would have had a lot of fights to the death in the pastry business?" I say jokingly, eliciting a small laugh from her. "But unfortunately, I was a slave. I saw a lot of death, and many times ended up nearly dead myself when I lost fights in the cage. I know that Warlords and minions are thousands of times worse, so to answer your question… No, I don't feel sorry for killing them. I wish some of them would change their ways, given there are Warlords that do good or mind their own business in the Realm. But very few do, and a lot of them are more ravenous or power-hungry than others. I do feel sorry when innocents die, though. Especially if the death was preventable."
"I see your points. I hope I don't sound weak not wanting to kill."
"Not at all. Allie, you're still new here. You are getting used to living in this Realm and learning about the ways we do things. Yes, you need to be safe, and sometimes that means killing. My job is one such example, where eliminating threats in order to protect others is common business. But that is just one job. There are plenty of beings living in the Undead Realm who are careful, but never hurt anyone. You should never feel that you have to change what you believe in or who you are in order to fit in. Trust me, I didn't, and I'm still kicking."
"As one of the best demon assassins ever." I feel my heart go warm at her comment. I put a hand to my face and look away.
"Stop, you're going to make me blush."
"It's true, though! You're the best I've ever seen!" Allie exclaims. I bring my hand down and look at her.
"Thanks, Bunny." As we finish our meals, the waiter comes by with the bill. Allie pulls out some money, but I wave her hand away and pay him.
"No need, Allie. I'll take care of it."
"Hey, no. No way Rosemary! We can split it." she offers.
"Allie, I asked you. Given that fact, and the fact that you came, the least I can do is pay."
"B-but we can split it! I don't mind at all. And, and my food was more than yours."
"Bunny, it's fine."
"Oh, okay." she says in a defeated tone. She can be quite stubborn. I like that. We both get up, going to the different tents and vendors. We tell funny stories from our past, the two of us laughing at the ridiculous things we've done.
"That's not true! There's no way you kicked in a door to get maple syrup for a dish!" I tell her.
"It's true! I really did! I paid 336$ for a case of 2-liter bottles. The man took my money and walked in the back, then never came out. I knocked and he said they were out from the inside. My friend wanted to leave, but I wanted what I paid for. So, I kicked in the door." she says simply. I laugh again. "Why is that so funny?" she asks, starting to giggle herself.
"I never knew you could be so vicious!"
"I take my profession very seriously. I love having fun, but there's a time for that and a time to get to work. Although, I was banned from entering that store ever again." She laughs, her face going flushed.
We keep walking around the tents, taking in the sights. One vendor is doing handstands and juggling with his feet in order to attract attention. We gather with a small crowd to watch as he flips up and chops the juggling items into pieces before our very eyes. We continue our trek, making our way back to the entrance of the arena. Allie turns to me and starts kicking her feet. "Rosemary?"
"Yes, Allie?"
"Thank you for this. I liked having lunch and spending time with you today. Without, you know, running from Warlords or preparing for battle." she says, causing the two of us to laugh.
"Yeah, I get what you mean. I liked spending time with you too, Allie."
"So, would you like to do it again, maybe when we get back to Kaduran? I know you were telling me they're giving you more tasks here."
"Nothing I can't handle. But yeah, I'd like that."
"Great. So, um, will you be guarding here now?"
"Yeah. You coming?"
"I can't. Rebel wants to hang out again, says she needs some help with something pastry related." I raise my eyebrow.
"Oh, well I guess I'll see you tonight then?"
"Definitely. But, um, thanks again for taking me out." Allie tells me. She walks up to me and kisses my cheek, close to the corner of my mouth. She lingers there for a second, before finally breaking it. "I-I'll see you tonight. Bye Rosemary." she finishes with, scurrying off towards the workers tents.
"Bye Allie." I tell her, waving. I bring my hand over the spot where she kissed me. It still tingles, just like last night's kiss. Removing my hand, I see some red on it. Looks likes some of her lipstick has rubbed off on me. Pulling a handkerchief from my jeans, I quickly wipe the corner clean, before going into the Colosseum to finish my last shift. Don't need other soldiers asking me about my private business. As I walk towards my seat, my thoughts turn to my latest meeting with the Shadow. Could I really do it? Is it really the only option? I have my doubts. He's not exactly the most trustworthy of entities. You know what, no. I had an incredible time today. The first time I could finally let loose and be myself with someone I genuinely like. I don't care what the Shadow says, there must be another way!
*Elsewhere in the Undead Realm*
We find ourselves in a large room, with red brick walls and dark brown wood floors. The sound of feet stumbling around and a woman's voice barking commands can be heard. We see that the woman is Su, who screams at a group of women. Each one is wearing a black and white formal dress. Some with skirts, others that drag all the way to the ground. All of their dresses cover from neck to navel. Every woman has thick white face paint, with blackish-red eyeshadow and lipstick.
Su's face paint has changed a bit. Her blackish-red eyeshadow is shaped in an almost Egyptian queen style. The left and right sides of her mouth have dark sharp lines leading away from her lips. On her right hand is a blood red fleshy glove, its putrid smell scaring away the beaked demons in the room. Her 'bridesmaids' go to numerous shelves, strapping daggers to their thighs/calves. Upon closer examination, we see that the bridesmaids' all have unresponsive, almost dead looks in their eyes. They only show compliance to Su's demands. The sole exception is a black-haired bridesmaid with deep black lips and a red line going from under her nose down to her neck. She wields a club in her hand, tapping the blunt object against a nearby bench. She wears a black rose corsage on her wrist. Certrius is present, his red robes eliciting a faint green glow. He hovers slightly above the ground and stares at the bustling scene. A few moments later, Father James Mitchell and Havok walk into the room.
"Su, my darling, are they ready?" he asks. She turns and with a wicked smile, nods. Certrius turns towards the Warlord. He lowers himself down to the ground, the green energy fading away from his body.
"Good. I see the maid of honour is prepared?" Mitchell points to the woman wielding the club.
"How much longer must we wait?! Why bother preparing them if they will not leave immediately?!" Certrius argues. Mitchell puts his hands up.
"All in due time, old friend. I've struck a deal with a most important ally. Don't worry. When the time is right, that girl will be in our grasp." he asserts, closing his fist for emphasis before laughing out loud.
"Are you sure they are trustworthy? Loyalty to the host of these Games is often paramount." Certrius asks.
"Nothing a few gold bars couldn't bribe away."
"Excuse me, Master, but are you sure about this?" Havok inserts. "I can be a great help to you! Just say the word and I'll-" Su unsheathes her sword, putting the blade just above Havok's throat and cutting off her speech. Havok screams at her, smashing the sword away and readying her fists. Su grits her teeth, placing the sword directly back across her throat, giving her a look that could kill. Mitchell puts his hand up, grabs the blade with two fingers and slowly lowers it to the ground.
"Ladies, calm down please! No, Jessicka, you are not required. You must remain here and make sure we have no more spies within the community. As the Patriarch of the Satanic Religion, so help him, I decree that if you find any would-be enemies in our beautiful sanctum, that you capture them if you can, but vanquish them above all else. Slowly, but with, tehehe, absolutely NO MERCY! HAHAHA!"
Certrius goes up to Su, putting his hand out. She eyes her blade, before giving it to him. He turns it over and over, gazing upon it. The blade glows green for a split second, before he hands it back to her, Su sheathing it.
"You have grown stronger, Bride." Certrius says, before bending down to stare in her eyes. "Bring us the girl, and ensure that the assassin suffers for her transgressions." he hisses through gritted teeth, showing the scar across his chest. Mitchell places a hand on the sorcerer's shoulder, before looking at Su with an evil grin. A smile spreads across her face. Su then screams aloud, the bridesmaids coming to her and bowing their heads. Mitchell begins to laugh, as the maid of honour hands her a crown of thorns and a bloody veil resembling red hair.
Author's Note: Hey everybody. Hope you've been doing well. The latest chapter, just for you. So, Allie and Rosemary had a nice cute breakfast together. Once Rosemary left, Allie went to Rebel's tent for help and to tell her the news, which she was happy to hear. And then they had their date! How considerate of Rosemary to look out for Allie's injuries and to ask whether she offended her with her food choices. Bonding over food and funny stories, and they already made plans for another date in Kaduran! But what is Rosemary saying about this 'option' the Shadow offered here? That will have to wait, because it seem that Certrius, Mitchell, and Su are moving forward with their plan, whatever that entails. Next chapter will be a flashback to Rosemary's meeting before Allie's tri-sports event. Stay golden everyone.
If you enjoyed, please feel free to review. It's always appreciated. Until next, take care and enjoy your day!