#oc reader insert

Konig looked up from his phone, copmpletely silent. Horangi raised an eyebrow. What was that look about? He hadn't seen that one in a while. Without a word, Konig gave Horangi his cellphone, letting him look over the names. Horangi was nervous to look now. It took less than a second for his eyes to fall on your name, and his blood to go cold. Fuck.

Horangi sat there, his thoughts going a million miles a minute. You were in danger, and god knows where. He had to find you. Konig's eyes were still on him, so he returned the phone, not saying anything, and looking at a wall, as if you were standing there with your smug face and he was about to taunt you about getting captured. Except there was no teasing smile on him.

A couple of days passed, and Horangi got to work. He contacted laswell directly, asking if she would be able to look into the drug lab. Laswell admitted she couldn't and redirected him to a freelance intel specialist, called Click. She was willing to help, no problems there. Horangi was distracted during his training and sparring, it wasn't hard to notice. Fighting in the ring was usually left at a stalemate, but more than once he was knocked flat on his back. He was hiding in his room more often, barely eating too. Spirit had started to bring Horangi some meals and leaving them outside his door, hoping he'd eat them. At first he would, but as time went by, Konig would notice the trays sitting in the hall, and would pound on the door until Horangi opened it and took the tray.

On the fourth ignored meal, Konig had enough. He knew what Horangi was doing, but rather than talking to the rest of the team, he was dealing with it all on his own, being secretive and hiding in his room. Konig demanded that Horangi tell the others. They could help, but Horangi kept insisting he had it handled. It wasn't their fight, they didn't need to know. Konig wouldn't have it.

Same day, Horangi was collected and brought ot a briefing room with the Los Vacqueros and the 141 present. Horangi glared at Konig.

"You went behind my back?" Horangi asked. "Didn't take you fo-"

"If a Kortac member is silent for 24 hours they're presumed dead." Konig interrupted. "Y/N hasn't made contact for over that time but others from their team have. One of them saw Y/N get shot."

Horangi grit his teeth, and his fists clenched. He'd already learned all that. The question wasn't why or how, but where. Where in the world had you gone, what had they done with you? That's what he wanted to know! Horangi sighed through his nose. Konig moved closer, practically towering over Horangi as his tail went still.

"Soap and Alejandro are some of the best trackers." Konig pointed out.

"They're also Specgru. Kortac wouldn't just let them waltz in and take over." Horangi argued.

"Did you try asking?" Konig asked. The question was so simple, yet it felt like a gut punch. Horangi had been keeping it to himself, because he didn't want to be vulnerable. He liked the relationship he had with you, private and personal. The last thing he wanted was the world to know.

"Fine." Horangi sighed. He stood by Konig as Price laid out everything they knew and Horangi included any information that was overlooked.

Left. Right. Back. Back. Release.... focus.... focus. Move! Opening! Strike!

Focus... Focu-move! Pounce! Recover. Strike!

Head down. Keep it down, jaws open. Back... back. Dodge, strike! Strike!

Slam. Back. Strike

Left, left. Right. Strike.

Claw. Snarl. Strike.

Bite. Slam. Right. Rig-...get up.

Left. Right. Focu-...get up.

Cla-...get up.

Get up. You hear everyone screaming and roaring it at you. Get up. It was like a roar of wild animals around you. Get up. Get up.

Your opponent was taunting the same. Demanding you get back up. Demanding you give him a proper fight. As if you hadn't faced a number of heavy hitters before him. Your body was screaming at you to stop, give in. You stared at your opponent, begging for sympathy, mercy, anything. Whatever qualified for relief.

The other fighter, some sort of gorilla hybrid picked you up. You didn't fight back or try to stop him. You knew what was coming and it would either kill you, or convince whatever qualified as a reffree that you were done. One minute you were in the air. The next, you were swiftly reunited with the mat.

When you awoke, you were in human form again, a leash attached to the collar they put on you so you could reach the door to your cell, or kennel as they put it. It was where they had taken you. Some kind of converted underground dog fighting ring. The cells were chain link fences and wood boards. The floors were concrete. Your leash was the only thing they may have changed, because it was reinforced metal and was less worn than any of the other metal.

You were exhausted and broken. The collar forced your forms, giving your captors the option to make you shift at the flip of a switch. Quite literally. Hopefully your beat down meant you could take a break. Very carefully and slowly, you pushed yourself off the floor and moved to the closest wall to lean against. Breathing hurt, your ribs were likely cracked. There was a small ringing in your ear, and your head was foggy. You weren't sure if they'd give you medication or pain relievers or let you suffer as a form of punishment for losing. For now, you focused on yourself. Your whole body felt sore from both pain and exhaustion. Right now you needed to rest.

There was the sound of door opening somewhere down the line of kennels and you heard footsteps and someone being dragged. What time was it? You hadn't thought about it until now, how long you'd been out for. As the footsteps grew closer you didn't try to hide or seem weaker. No point. Soon enough you saw your captors dragging another "contestant" along, half concious. One of them opened the kennel across from you while the other two carried in the hybrid. After ensuring his collar was locked on the lead, they hurried out, as if the hybrid could fight back at any moment. Two left, making small talk, while the last one locked the kennel door. You couldn't see the keys or where they were stashed once he finished locking up.

Before he walked off, you called out, weakly. "Hey... Hey!"

The guy stopped before he got more than two steps away, glancing over. His face was covered, only his eyes visible and he spoke in a casual tone, as if you were a stranger asking for directions. "Yeah?"

"What time is it... how long was I out?" You asked, your eyes barely staying open.

"A couple hours. Relax, fighting is over for tonight." He said, and walked away. There was some relief hearing that. You could rest. The lighting was dim, often casting shadow into the kennels, making it harder to see the competition. You could make out sizes and loose shapes but that was it. How long had you been in these cells? How many fights had you had? The pain suggested more than you should have been.

"...new here?" You heard a laboured voice ask. You looked into the kennel across from yours. The shape was big, and there might be a tail.

"Not sure." You admitted. "Week maybe. You?"

"A few months." The voice said.

"...captured?" You asked.

"Volun-told." He said. "Pay off debts."

"Have a buddy with debts."

"Yeah?... where the fuck is he?" The voice asked.

"...safe." You said.

You hoped.

"Cabrone! Enough! You'll kill him!" Alejandro tore Horangi off of one of the collectors Horangi got in contact with. Placing bets and losing left him with enough collectors with the right bad connections. He finally paid this one off, with interest, and started asking questions. When Alejandro had revealed himself, cornering the collector, the collector got cocky, but coughed up a location. Your location. The comments he made about you, that set Horangi off. Alejandro didn't stop Horangi from kicking the collector's ass. When the claws came out, that was when Alejandro had to step in.

Alejandro pinned Horangi to the wall, who was fighting back like a wild animal. Alejandro barked for the colelctor to book it and not to show his ugly mug to anyone else. Only when he was out of sight, did Alejandro release Horangi, who shoved the colonel away from him. Horangi started to pace, trying to work out his frustration. Alejandro watched him move like a restless tiger. He was about to tell Horangi off for going too far, but Alejandro knew if the roles were reversed, he'd likely have done the same. Though he doubted Horangi would have stopped him from going too far. Rudy meant everything to Alejandro. Clearly, you meant a great deal to Horangi.

"We'll find them." Alejandro told Horangi. Horangi kept pacing. "We have a location. We'll give it to Laswell and the captain. We'll have a plan."

"Specgru will allow that?" Horangi challenged. He knew the 141 and the Vacqueros by now. By the book, that's how they worked. If Specgru said no, they wouldn't do it.

"...well..." Alejandro said, grinning deviously. "Wouldn't mind seeing some hybrid fights."

"Why?" Horangi asked, almost like he was countering an argument. Alejandro raised a brow, his grin changing to confusion.

"What?"

"Why are you doing this?" Horangi asked. "Helping me, helping them? We're mercenaries at best, isn't that against whatever moral compass you have going?"

"You're distracted." Alejandro told him. "It will only get worse as we go, the sooner we help them the better. And no doubt Kortac will owe us a favour for reclaiming some of their best."

"That's it?" Horangi questioned.

"Si." Alejandro said.

You had your back turned to the kennel gate, trying to rest on the hard cold floor. At least it was cool, helping with some soreness. Fucking hell you were exhausted. You heard the gate open and winced. You were ready to fight back, even if every muscle in your body was screaming to stay still. When you had tried to fight back, you were punished, painfully. Instead you heard the gentle clatter of a metal bowl being placed on the floor behind you. The gate was closed again, and you heard them mumbling about how a lion hybrid had been reduced to nothing. You hardly cared to talk back. The last few fights had all been heavy hitters, and you lost each one. You were practically a warm up, a punching bag for them to show off on.

Your neighbour, the one across from you hadn't given you much hope for escape. He told you the food was drugged and infrequent. Painkillers or opioids, fogging your mind and dulling your pain. Leaving the food alone wasn't an easy option. If they found you weren't eating, they forced it down. You'd already tried. Your neighbour had tried to escape more than once. In fact he was sure some of their methods were because of his attempts. One the brightside, he made for a decent conversation partner.

You awoke to banging against the kennel gate. Not again, you thought. Footsteps behind you but you didn’t fight. One of them tried to shake you awake but you didn’t open your eyes. You just tried to nudge him off. Instead he pressed something on your collar and you were forced into your lion form. You groaned, wanting five more minutes. Instead they tugged at your leash, and dragged yourself up.

The walk to the ring was long and slow. You swore you smelt sulfur for a second. Probably just your opponent. Then you slowed your pace. The air was hazy. A different hazy than smoking and dust. It was still in the air, but it seemed thicker. A hard tug from the lead forced you out of your hopeful trance. Right. You were a pit fighter. No time to get sidetracked. Yet you found your ears twitching about, trying to cancel out the loud roars and cheering, to locate the sulfur smell over the booze that was being spilled everywhere, including on you. Maybe a good match would grant you a shower, or at least a hosing down.

Deep breath. Do the fight. The odds of getting out were slim to none.

Then you saw your opponent. Fucking hell, when did he get here? Someone brought in their own hybrid, or the hybrid was desperate for something. So far most of your opponents had been shifters, full animal ones, like pumas, dire wolves, bears, etc. but this one... how was this a fair fight? A nagual? So you don't get to have opposable thumbs but your opponent does?!

The fighting cage's door was shut behind you, making you jump. Clearly someone wanted a good show, to bring in a heavy weight like a nagual, so you batted at the cage. It wasn't just for show, the nagual is bigger than you, has more mobility, more strength, more speed, and... wait. What was that smell? You stopped your escape attempt, and looked at the nagual who was keeping an even distance from you even as you had been trying to break the chain fencing. Was your opponent trying to cheat? Cat nip?

You properly faced the nagual, growling and staring him down as you started to circle the ring. The nagual continued to keep an equal distance. It was waiting for you to make the first attack, but you knew that could be a death sentence. It growled back at you, a challenge. It felt like a solid minute of the two of you just circling each other. The crowd was starting to get restless, and your exhaustion was catching up with you again. Everything was growing foggy. The nagual's growling seemed to lessen. Son of a bitch, was it making the haze thicker? You let out a threatening roar, fainting at the nagual before back off before it could try and strike, but it didn't give in. It just roared back. Your move did get the crowd excited. The haze was growing thicker, the smell of cat nip was still faint, and you swore there was another scent. You tried to write it off as nostlagia trying to trick you.

There was a loud bang, one that turned the roars and taunts of the crowds into shouts of fear and panic. The nagual looked away for only a moment and you took your shot. If the noise was a distraction, you weren't going to let it go to waste, whether it was meant for you or not. Your claws out, you swiped at his chest, jaws open. The nagual cried out, as you clamped down on it's bicep. He didn't have a collar. It tried to shake you off, but you only took a moment to readjust your grip. With whatever strength you had left, you yanked the hybrid into a stumble, before tossing him somewhere into the cloud covered arena. Wait? Clouds?

The crowd was dispersing, fleeing. They were in a panic, tripping over each other, trying to get away as more ruckus could be heard through the fog. It was so loud that you lost focus on the fight. Soon the door to the ring was forced open and a gun was trained on you, sending you into a crouch, ready to bolt.

"Stand down, we're here to help." The man said. He had a spanish accent. Still, you didn't soften. You were practically cornered, and your fight or flight reflexes were on fire, knowing that somewhere in the fog was a nagual. You fainted at the human, who only adjusted his footing. You tried again, only to get put in a headlock. Son of a bitch! You fought, kicking and claw, trying to twist your head to escape. Then you heard it.

"Leo!" A voice you thought you wouldn't hear again. One that made you pause, and gave the nagual enough time to shove a small pouch of catnip into your face. Your body relaxed, despite trying to fight back and you were carefully lowered to the floor. The human holstered his weapon, and the nagual made sure you were still breathing. You tried to look through the fog for him, see if he was nearby, but your senses were dulled. Rest. You wanted to rest.

Horangi got the fog to dissipate once the room had been cleared, and the other hybrids were taken out of their kennels. They were being loaded into vehicles both miltary and emergency so they could be treated and return to their families or units. He made his way to you, while Alejandro and Rudy waited close by. Even from a distance, Horangi could see your chest rise and fall from your breathing. Hopefully, you were okay.

Horangi got into the ring while Alejandro and Rudy stepped back.

"Your chica can fight." Alejandro commented, human and wrapped in a blanket to cover himself. Horangi nodded and crouched in front of you. You could barely stay awake, adrenaline gone from your body and the cat nip next to your face. You let out a soft groan as Horangi reached out and scratched your neck. If you could chuff, you would.

"Yeah. They've dropped me more times than you." Horangi said, looking over his shoulder at Alejandro. Alejandro saw that as a future challenge. You needed to recover first, and to have your collar taken off. Very weakly, you tried to claw at it, to push it off but it's too tight to go over your head. It would shrink down when you shifted back to human, or rather when they flipped the switch. Horangi's attention returned to you, his mask and glasses hiding his face, but you could see past the lenses, just barely. Eyes filled with something you didn't see from him yet. "Get some rest. You're safe now."

Horangi kept checking in on you. The paperwork was a shitshow, one he took responsibility for and found easier to go through while at your side. The rest of the team had taken some of the load, as they were required, writing reports and contacting the families of anyone who wasn't in Kortac. Horangi was fine with taking the brunt of it, because it meant he got to sit with you and work. He got to watch over you. You hadn't woken up for a while, or at least he hadn't seen it. You moved a little, and your wounds were pretty bad. The drugs in your system dulled the pain, but according to the doctors, the painkillers were experimental. At least the collar was off, and you were back to humanoid.

"By the time you wake up, I'll be knocked out." Horangi commented, stifling a yawn. Reading and not a lot of moving made it hard for him to stay awake. He set the paperwork aside, standing up from his chair and stretching. Maybe he needed a walk. It could help. Before he could step away, he saw another fighter approaching your bed. Horangi tensed slightly, knowing some of the fighters had tried to take advantage of their rivals' weakened state, and a lack of separation. The one approaching was a large hyrbid, with a large build, and dark skin. He had a similar build to Alejandro's with more muscle. Certainly looked older, but that could just be an exhausted expression. At first he seemed to examine Horangi before shutting his eyes and taking a breath. He seemed to soften. "You alright big guy?"

"Fine. Tense." The man said, his tail whipping from side to side. A tiger, with a significant amount of black striping. Horangi offered him to sit, explaining that he was heading out for a bit. Clearly the tiger hybrid was tense, as was Horangi. "This is Leo? That's what they called themselves."

"Y/N. Leo is the callsign." Horangi clarified. The man nodded, keeping his eyes on you. "You met then?"

"Kennel across from me." He said. "We talked when we could."

Horangi looked back at you, still resting. Were you always so cute when you slept?

"You the buddy with the debts?" The man asked. Horangi looked back at him. Why did he feel nervous suddenly? Like this man was your dad, and he was assessing Horangi like a potential suitor for you.

"Yes." Horangi answered. "Horangi."

"Rasha." The man said, still looking at you before turning to offer a handshake to Horangi. Horangi took it. "Stretch your legs. I'll watch them."

Without another word, Rasha stepped past Horangi and sat in the chair that had been offered earlier. Rasha's expression was unreadable as he sat down, watching over you. Horangi saw more scars on his arms, and even a fresh patch of gauze taped over his jawline and neck. When Rasha noticed Horangi staring, he gave a slight smirk. "Yeah. Y/N's work."

Horangi chuckled, and left the room. Damn his legs were stiff.

When you woke up, your whole body felt stiff. At least the drugs were flushed out, with morphine dulling your pain instead. Good. You hated the way the other stuff made you feel. turning your head you saw a familiar, cheeky face looking over some papers. Your movement alerted him, making him look up. Immediately the papers were set aside and he moved closer to you.

"Hey." You croaked out.

"Missing for almost a month, and then out for a week..." Horangi told you.

"Shit... did I miss anything?" You asked, eyes half open.

"Not much. You saw me save your ass. I would say that was the most important thing." Horangi told you, grinning. Cheeky bastard.

When you returned for your new placement after getting shot down in the field you found a pleasant surprise. Section Chief Laswell, who you knew by reputation. She was there to give you information on your new station, which you were very pleased with. A couple of humans but mainly hybrids. As a combat medic you could be valuable when it came to injuries that the healing factors couldn’t handle.

This is what you had studied for, your research and work targeted towards hybrids and their autonomy and anatomy. The night before you shipped out you went over each file, twice. Not a single one was the same as the last. A dragon with one wing? If there’s one thing you sadly could heal with was limbs removed to that degree. A wraith was certainly a new one. The research that could be don-no! No. You had to be respectful, and you refused to treat anyone like an experiment. If you wanted to learn more you could do it via observation.

Arriving to base you were met with Captain Price, and the medic, Hunter. They both shook your hand, as you introduced yourself. You noted the shoulder weight on Price, to compensate for the missing wing. Maybe an improvement could be made, but that was something to discuss later on. For the most part you would be in combat, fighting and taking care of injuries on the field. Of course to make your fellow medic’s life easier you came with small dropper vials of your tears.

You would be working with Hunter the closest, who was more than happy to make you feel comfortable. You were escorted to the med bay where there were a few occupied cots and Hunter guided you through each of them. It was the same as any other first day on base, despite your experience. You only correct Hunter when they make obvious mistakes, knowing they were testing your skills. Hunter brought you to a cot with a man who may be one of the tallest you’ve met, passed out on the cot.

“And can you tell me what happened to this patient?” You asked Hunter before they could ask you. Hunter appreciated the playful challenge in your eyes.

“This is one of our KorTac transfers. He’s a Percht hybrid, and he’s recovering from a rampage.”

“Interesting. It happens often?” You asked.

“That he passes out at the end or that he goes on a rampage?” Hunter asked. You gave them a look, that reminded Hunter of their training days. “He passes out after every rampage, but doesn’t always go into one. For the most part his size and skills get him through the field well enough.”

“That must make it easier.” You commented. Hunter nodded.

“How long is the recovery period?” You asked, this time an actual question.

“Depends on various factors.” Hunter said. You assumed as much. Still, quite intriguing. “Once he wakes up though, I have to do routine physicals on each of the hybrids, if you don’t mind assisting.”

“Much more detailed look than any file will provide, I’m sure.” You said.

When Konig wakes up, he is still given a few hours to rest to work off a nasty headache, but he allows you to assist with his check up. You make small chat with him, but it’s clear that headache remains potent. Once you take some measurements and check scars and injuries he’s sent on his way. Decent enough guy.

Horangi is called in next, and as a haetae he’s equally intriguing. At first glance anyone would take it for a tiger hybrid but you’ve already read his file. He’s compliant but a little reserved. Still gives you casual respect, noting you definitely weren’t human. Though your features aren’t very obvious to anyone. Horangi gives you a nod out of courtesy and leaves once his health information is written down.

Price steps in, and when his shirt comes off you see the shoulder weight much more clearly. You can only imagine the amount of force it would take to rip his wing off let alone remove it from the socket completely. You asked the captain if the counter weight was even enough for proper balance. He admits it could be improved but at the same time he’s gotten used to it, and changes could make it a little difficult. You still offered to help him with finding him a better solution and he accepted.

A new pair of wings comes in, and shakes your hand almost immediately, recognizing you as a new face. Kyle commented on your warm hands, which were pleasantly toasty. Yeah you got that a lot. Kyle was curious about you though, noting you didn’t show any wings yourself, despite being a Phoenix. It’s a little more complicated than that, but he doesn’t pry anymore than you are comfortable with.

Johnny takes the seat and makes a few jests towards Hunter, who rolled their eyes. You aren’t afraid to make some comments of your own, which makes Johnny more relaxed around you. Good, you didn’t want to wrestle with a werewolf if you could avoid it. If you could avoid injury that was preferable.

When Simon steps in you feel it first, like there is death close by, simply waiting like a parent at a doctor’s office. You’d read up on Simon before coming to the base and you’d hardly heard of wraiths let alone seen one in person. Right off the bat you ask if questions are okay, and Simon prefers they’re kept to a minimum. You have most of your information from the files, so you simply ask him how he prefers his tea. Simon certainly feels a bit more at ease. You’ve seen plenty of cases in your time, you knew how to make people comfortable.

Next is Rodolfo, who is mostly human. His cadejos are very charming, and you get to give them some belly rubs. Easy, calm and relaxed conversation between you two. He and Hunter seem to be close.

Alejandro comes in and okay dang that’s some muscle. A nagual, a guardian. And Rudy’s husband. Proud of it too. You can understand why.

Finally, you meet the youngest which is Spirit. You offer to leave so she can be examined properly, but she doesn’t seem to mind. Hunter ensures she stays covered for the most part and you look away out of respect. Spirit is very excited to lift her shirt, to show you her ribs. Except you find a normal physique. Hunter still encourages her to keep it up, as they continue to examine them. A jackalope hybrid, with a wendigo form. Antlers are a little chipped but healthy enough. She’s sent on her way afterwards.

“Coffee?” You suggested to Hunter.

“Please.” They said.

“Seriously how do you fall out of a helicopter?” You asked Gaz on the roof. Gaz chuckled, shaking his head.

“Very talented my friend.” Gaz told him.

“Yes but when you have wings.” You said.

“Speaking of wings,” Kyle said. “Mind if I ask about yours?”

“How do you mean?” You asked.

“Well they told us you were a Phoenix. Guess I figured you’d have wings, you’re pretty rare specimen.” Gaz explained.

“Oh right. Ha…” you trailed off.

“If it’s a sensitive topic I get it.” Gaz said, you brushed it off.

“No no… I honestly don’t know why.” You said. “I remember being jealous of harpies like you though.”

Gaz’s wings puffed up a little. You smiled, enjoying the short time of peace and quiet. Gaz said, “I’m flattered.”

The team waited with baited breath at the clouded battlefield, waiting for you to return. Hunter stood near by, a stretcher ready to be loaded onto the helicopter. As soon as your silhouette was visible, carrying a barely conscious Rodolfo on your shoulder. You were in no better state, gritting your teeth and ignoring the blood you had. Alejandro and Hunter closed the distance between you and the rest of the team, Alejandro taking Rudy and Hunter catching you as you stumble from the weight being lifted.

As Hunter helps you to the helicopter, the propellers already starting up, you handed her a vial of clear liquid. "For Rudy. It will make his recovery...faster."

Hunter lowered your hand, focusing on getting you inside, and getting home. Rudy was laid on the stretcher, and hoisted in while Price gave you a hand, hauling you up and taking you to a seat. Hunter worked on Rudy first, taking the vial you'd offered. Admittedly Hunter almost didn't believe you, but given Rudy's condition, it was better to take the shot.

You watched, eyes growing tired and your vision blurring. Hunter was a brilliant medic. The eye dropper was used on Rudy's wounds, and healed over quickly. Poor guy would still need to rest as your tears couldn't do much for head injuries unless they were bleeding. You panted in your seat, before stealing a glance down. There were blood stains on your clothes, but you ignore them. You could use a break.

When Price tried to call Hunter over to give you attention, you put a hand on his arm. "I'm good."

"You're going to bleed out." Price argued. You just nodded. Yeah, you were.

"I'll be fine." You insisted. "Please Captain. Been needing a break."

"Hunter?" Price called, seemingly ignoring your wishes. "Just patch 'em up."

Hunter obliged. You weren't going to be leaving anytime soon. Sometimes for you it was easier to just hit the reset button. At least you had some good company, company that valued you for more than just your tears. You rest your head back, fighting to stay awake. Gritting your teeth you warmed your hand up, a soft warm glow appearing on your palm. The hand went to your wounds clotting them, before Hunter could get the bandages out.

“Damn it Nix!” They barked at you. You chuckled through your pain, as they batted your hand away and started to wrap you in gauze. “I could help you more if you would just let me.”

“I know… I know…” you said.

You were helped out of the helicopter by Simon, where you saw the rest of the team waiting. Johnny had a smile on his face until he saw you. Spirit’s face was covered by her hand in shock. Gaz rushed over immediately, taking your other arm to take the weight off Hunter but you shake your head. You were far enough.

“Set me down.” You breathed. Hunter looked at you, hating this part. “I’ll be fine.”

Hunter reluctantly lowered you to the ground, while Kyle stepped back. You turned your head to the side, seeing a sunset. Beautiful. Always beautiful. You overhear Spirit asking what was going on. Her concern was sweet. A deep breath and you shut your eyes. Another good ending.

The team looked on as your body burst into flames. Spirit gasped, eyes wide watching you burn. Johnny held her back, looking on as if it were just another campfire. Price folded his arms, wing going around Kyle on instinct. It wasn’t a pleasant sight, seeing someone they had come to care about, burning in front of them. Luckily it was also quick. Your body became a pile of ash.

“I hate it when he does that.” Hunter commented.

“It’s his choice.” Price reminded them. Doesn’t mean Hunter had to like it.

“What… what happened?” Spirit asked confused. She hadn’t seen you reset before, you’d only been back on the team for a short while, having been called to other assignments. Johnny let Spirit go, while Kyle approached the ashes.

“I’ll show you.” He said, gesturing for Spirit to approach. The jackalope came over seeing the pile of ash start to shift. “Come on you bald chicken, come on out.”

Your beak poked out of the ash your head following with it. Spirit gasped while Kyle smiled. You felt his finger stroke your head. You let out a happy chittering sound. “There he is.”

“I’ll get a blanket.” Hunter said.

The best part of your rebirth is probably the pampering. You already asked Kyle to show Spirit what to do before the mission. Kyle was fine with playing nursemaid, and giving Spirit some extra education.

“He remembers everything? Even though he died?” She asked while you were looking back at her in your blanket nest.

“Everything.” Kyle told her. “Only thing that changes is his age. He grows quickly from hatchling, and then it’s a matter of shifting back to human. By that point he’s an adult.”

“Never seen a phoenix before.” Spirit commented, resting her head on the table. You leaned over and nibbled at her nose, making her giggle. You got gentle strokes to beak as a reward.

It didn't take too long for you to get your feathers back. It let you take off, enough for some branching and practice, but not much distance yet. Spirit helped you by letting you ride on her antlers around the base. She was very careful, doing constant check ins to make sure you didn't fall off. If you weren't on Spirit's antlers you were riding somebody's shoulder. Except Simon's.

You don't feel safe around Simon in such a vulnerable state. If you had your human form, you would be fine. Simon is also fine with this. You're a phoenix, they're not very comfortable around undead, and technically speaking he is undead. Your skills against thralls and vampires were enough to satisfy him. Johnny is often in the same room anyways, so having a wolf as a mediator even with just his presence put you more at ease.

Hunter keeps you close as well. It's been a while since your last regeneration, so they take advantage to study you and any changes you might have in behaviour and personality. You don't mind, they don't needles to you except for any vaccinations they deem necessary. The other medics find your presence a treat, getting to greet you, and admire the beautiful warm colours of your feathers coming in.

Once you're able to fly a bit better, you often start to wake up Hunter. It's getting colder and the heating unit on base isn't exactly perfect, so some areas on the base are still chilly. You give off enough body heat that Hunter can pull on a hoodie, put you in the large packet, and have a couple minutes to warm up before getting their coffee. Sometimes Hunter puts the hoodie around your nest to heat it up over night.

Once Hunter has their morning coffee, you take off to wake the others. You land in front of Simon's door and let out a small cry. Simon doesn't always sleep, but rather he tries to relax in his room. Once there is movement, you move on to the next one. If Johnny isn't in Simon's room or outside after a full moon, you find him next. There's only so many places Johnny can be a full wolf inside, and the cold doesn't bother him, but Simon will open his door for you so you can nestle up next to him before letting off some extra heat. You may or may not nudge him with your beak, hey! No rolling over! Come on!

You're not quite heavy enough, and your talons can't grip the handle or knobs properly. First time you woke Simon he suggested he help you with your wake up calls. You didn;t object, and saw it as a trust excerise, since Johnny will help you if he's sharing a room with Simon for the night.

Alright, Kyle is next. Sometimes he's already awake or he's with the captain. Simon lets you in, and you fly over. Kyle is a harpy and therefore has some bird tendencies, include his wings covering his face a bit when he sleeps. You find an opening easily enough to wake him. Once your hear a soft morning from him you're able to get him out of bed. You let him wake up on his own, before heading out of the room and on to the next one.

Spirit is a typical teenager, and will try to ignore you like Johnny. That is if she doesn't try to curl up with you like a plushie. You land, wake her, and as soon as she reaches for you, you're off again. Spirit tends to get dressed and showered before eating breakfast anyways. You leave her to it.

You don't go to Konig if he's had a rampage the day before. He needs rest and he's unconscious. After the red mist he can make you aren't about to bother him. Konig is a gentle giant sure, you ride his shoulder any time the medics are uneasy around him to make them feel safe. You don't want to try to force him awake if you don't have to, and usually his rampages land him in the medbay anyways. Today you could wake him, and its the same as most, but you don't have to warm him up much. You get a warm greeting from him though as he drags himself out of bed.

You don't like waking up Horangi. Why? Because sometimes he's a jerk. More than once you've gone in to wake him, found his bed empty and are met with a haetae looking at you like Lucifer looks at a cornered mouse in Cinderella. You've taken to just letting out a call outside his door. One time you did this and Horangi opened the door ready to pounce and spook you. You retreated and let out a cry at him. Horangi was pretty smug, right up until he saw Simon close by, staring him down. Yeah, he stopped after that.

Alejandro and Rodolfo share a room, so not as much work. You can let out a call from hallway and they'll take a couple minutes. The two warm each other up, no issues there. You've gone in before and landed behind Alejandro, pecking at his back to wake him. Didn't work, he nearly rolled on top of you. If you hadn't cried out when you did, jolting him awake, you might have had some bent feathers. You go inside today though, as Rudy's injuries are still a little rough. It can take longer for him to fall asleep, and Alejandro struggles with sleep as a part of it. You're able to hop on to the bed, hop on to Rudy and land between them. You nudge Rudy first, who gives you some pets to get himself moving. Rudy then wakes the colonel, and you're on to the last one.

Price sleeps well enough but sometimes you find him sleeping on his desk or sitting next to his bed going over some files. Workaholic. Simon tries to scold him about it but well, it's not really scolding. More just commenting. Simon cracks open the door and you poke your head in. WOO! He's sleeping! You almost don't want to wake him. But you have to. The advantage here is that you can wamr up with him, because as a dragon hybrid he's pretty warm. You can nestle with him for a bit, giving him a couple miniutes before you wake him. Price groaned once you were comfortable. He saw you, and got out of bed, picking you up, and holding you to his core, where his body was the hottest.

Kyle takes you up to the roof anytime he relaxes up there. All he has to do is find you call "Nix". You know where you're going, and you'll fly over immediately. You get to relax with him outside and sometimes go for a flight yourself, with Kyle watching or joining you. It gives you a chance to brush up on your hunting skills. Mice and rats weren't uncommon to find. Spirit comes out with you guys as well, laying back and staring up at you while you fly over head.

Another life another cycle. It can feel tedious, and one day you'll probably end up doing something else. For now you have good people, and safe space. It took time to find this, to build it. You weren't about to walk away from it. If only it could have been that easy.

You had gone with the team to an outpost, a temporary set up for a mission. You still weren't shifting, not that you couldn't but it wasn't an ideal form. If you did shift to human it would be very young and very vulnerable. You didn't want to reset before you had to, and a kid was an easy target. A juvenile phoenix? That would require more stopping power.

"Wheels up at 0500 tomorrow. Prep your gear, eat, rest up, and we move out." The captain ordered. You made a chirping sound to get his attention once the team dispersed. Price offered his arm for you, giving you a chance to fly over and land on him. You inch up to his good shoulder nuzzle the back of his ear befoire looking at him expectantly. The Captain recognized that look. You were very expressive for a bird.

"Nix you'll be staying behind." He told you. You squawked in protest, your feathers puffing. The captain sighed. "Nix, you'll provide overwatch with Gaz."

You wanted to do more, but without a human form, you had some limitations. At least as overwatch you could still do some work as a medic. Price got to work prepping his gear with you close by, either perched somewhere or on his shoulder. If you noticed someone looking for something, you brought it to them. You noticed Simon was tense and you already knew why. The location of the mission had some heavy memories for him. Hell even Price wasn't sure about coming. You noticed the scope to his rifle was missing as he was assembling the weapon. It was under the bench. You flew over to him, your bright colours catching his eye. Simon watched as you retrieved the missing piece and flapped up, onto the bench. The scope was in your talons as you out a soft chirp. Simon took the scope and you nudged his leg. Your tears could heal a lot, but emotional and mental wounds? Not so much.

"Thanks Nix. Stay safe yeah?" He told you. You stay safe? You were more worried about him.

Downside of being a phoenix - well you already know the downsides - everyone wants a phoenix. Hybrid trafficking is a thing as well, with some sick tickets enjoying the idea of having hybrids for pets. A phoenix has extra benefits, with healing tears. There has been entire debates and conferences on phoenix tears and whether it should be allowed to be bought and sold in pharmaceuticals. As for your feathers that's a whole other issue and has long since been deemed illegal to traffick real ones. Not that poachers would care.

The mission had been going fine, you were keeping an eye out for wounded human soldiers from above. It was like watching a maze being solved by multiple lines, and just as chaotic. Kyle had been called to the ground to assist a team, leaving you to take care of another wounded soldier. As soon as you landed next to him, you were grabbed. You didn't have an ear piece so no one heard your distress. The next thing you know, you're uncermoniously stuffed in a bag, and dragged off.

When you awoke you were in a bird cage which you would never stop finding humiliating. This wasn't the furst time either, but you were more irritated by the fact that it had happened when you were trying to help someone. That being said you know better than to thrash against your cage, knowing they would try to restrain you further to preserve your feathers. To make matters worse you recognized the voice of the person who had caught you.

Valeria stood there staring at you. You tilted your head at her, remaining calm and avoiding too focused of a gaze. Gorgon hybrids were familiar enough to you. You could avoid mind control well enough, including hers. The question was if she recognized you as well. You were younger than when she previously saw you, and it was at a distance.

"Did you check for a tag?" She asked. The two men who'd caught you shared a look, and she sighed face palming. You weren't sure whether to pity them or laugh at them for such a rookie mistake. You did have a tag on you, Price had insisted on it. The way she went off on the two of them, holy crap. The fact she didn't turn them to stone right then and there was surprising.

"Out. I'll deal with you later." She hissed at them. That wasn't even a pun. Her attention was back on you, and you puffed up your feathers. The way she was staring at you was... kind of odd. If anything she seemed to be admiring you. I mean what was there to be disgusted by? You couldn't help but detect something else behind her eyes. The snakes didn't seem bothered by you.

"You could give me so much." Valeria commented. Fuck, not what you ever wanted to hear in this situation. You squawked in warning at her, almost challenging her to try something. She just smirked. "If only Graves were here, I might just set you on him. Maybe you could get him to shift gears."

She sighed seeing you bristle. "But you're with that pack of misfits... hmph... I'll take advantage of what time I have before they come to collect you."

As soon as you saw a few figures approaching with gloves, you started to thrash. Not again. You wouldn't let this happen again.

"Nix... Nix can you hear me?"

You were a pitiful sight. A number of feathers had been plcked from you, and your eyes were dry and sore.

"Can you hear me... try to move if you can..."

That voice. Spirit. You heard a couple more but they were further away. You tried to force your eyes open, but all you felt was still air on them. There was a crack of light but not enough to make out anything.

"Hunter.... he needs help!"

"Shit... come on Nix don't make me do this the easy way... really hate doing that... stay with us."

Tired... you were just tired and sore. You can feel gloves again, and you try to scratch back with your talons.

"Hold him down..."

"Yep." You felt leather holding your legs.

"Gently."

"I'm trying."

Something is laid next to you, you feel the edge brush against you. very gently you're awkwardly placed into something soft. You thrash at first, your mind still alert, but the voices assure you everything will be okay. It was all going to be okay... sleep... you wanted... sleep...

Hunter wasted no time getting you back to the med bay, getting you fixed up. They hadn't hesitated to break some things, and extracting your tears was done with little care for your well being. You felt something cover your head and you relaxed, realizing it was over.

Sleep returned to you while Hunter did their best to fix you up. As always, a remarkable job was done. You were placed in Spirit's room in a warm nest made of blankets and a hoodie. Recovery would be slow but you didn't need a reset. Not this time. You didn't want one either. When you woke back up you heard the team talking.

"His wings were broken, his eyes are dry and primary feathers were removed..." Kyle said, repeating the information Hunter had given them.

"Literal no fly list." Spirit commented.

"Having his eyes bandaged for now is the safest, so he'll need extra assistance around base." Hunter mentioned. "If he chooses to stay on base during the recovery period."

"I hate to mention it, but if Nix were to reset...

"No." Hunter said immediately. "I'm not about to do a reset."

"Could... someone else do it?" Spirit asked, her tone hesitant.

"I'm the only one with the training to do it, if anyone else does it on the team, it could be considered... no." Hunter trailed off before putting their foot down. Hippocratic oaths didn't cover phoenixes, and Hunter was strongly against being the reason you reset.

"Nix will still recover." Simon spoke up. "Just extra time."

"That settles it." Price said, before anybody could object. Not that anyone would. You fell back asleep hearing that.

The next time you awoke, you felt large hands take hold of you. You stayed calm, feeling yourself pressed to a warm chest. You were carried out of the bedroom and into a more communal space. The bandages remained over your eyes. You knew it would be while until you could see properly again.

"Hunter wants to give you some eye drops." You heard Price say softly. You let out a soft cooing sound, showing your appreciation. The team had to put in extra effort to help you recover, and they were choosing to do so. You heard Price and Hunter talking quietly, with Spirit asking if she could help.

"Keep your eyes shut, I'll tell you when to open them." Spirit said while Hunter instructed her on how to apply the eye drops. When the bandage was removed, you couldn't register much light. Hunter was doing this to protect your eyes. Gentle, latex fingers took off your bandages. Spirit asked you to open one eye and the drops were applied. It was a welcome relief until you could produce more natural tears. The other eye was treated and a new bandage was applied. This would take some time before you could see again.

Once Spirit said you were finished, Price took you to get fed, letting you locate the food yourself. You heard Kyle come into the room. You replied to his entrance with a friendly chirp. After you filled up on spices and fruit extracts Price picked you back up.

Price laid back and placed you on his chest where his heat was the strongest. The warmth was a great comfort, and you nestled in. You told yourself, when you could properly shift to a human state, you would thank him, and apologize for being so reckless. In maybe a week or so you would be around Spirit's age, and by the end of the month you would be an adult. By that point you should have your feathers back, and be able to see properly.

For now, you rested against the captains warm chest, trying to rest again. Those sickos had left their mark though. It wasn't long before you started to fidget and needed to be woken up again. Kyle woke you, taking you off Price's hands so he could get to work on his reports. You let out a startled tweet, your feathers puffing again.

"I got ya Nix. You're safe here." Kyle assured you. If only could see it for yourself.

Your blindfold stayed on until you could shift to an adult. It had come with some difficulties, and you shifted to human a few times before if only to make navigation a little easier. Spirit spent plenty of time with you, helping you walk around. Hunter insisted on a human state to get better adjusted to walking around with assistance.

Despite Hunter's intentions, König would pick you up and take you to whereever you need to go. You weren't much heavier than Spirit anyways. Horangi's antics against you stopped as soon as he learned what had happened. You didn't know at the time, but if he overheard someone making comments about your vision, he made the room foggy with his clouds and caused them to stumble around. The cadejos are great seeing eye dogs, and Rudy showed you how they can guide you around. May have led to you bumping into a wall or two, from the cadejos passing through them. Alejandro worked with Hunter and Price to find tasks you could do on base with your young age and impairment. You found you could still navigate the medbay with little issue, but sharp items were kept out of reach.

The biggest issue was your nightmares. More than once you would wake up to complete darkness and cold sweat. You didn't cry out, not wanting to bother anyone else. Except Spirit doesn't work that way, nor does Ghost. Ghost on more than one occasion has walked in on you, checking to see how you're doing. Spirit could hear your small noises of distress as well.

One night, Spirit knocked on your door. You allowed her entry from your bed, and she offered to take you for a walk or get a snack. Each time you accepted her invitation. Spirit didn't pry or bother you with questions. You got the impression she'd been through this before, or something similar. After half an hour or so you were led back to your room and could sleep the rest of the night.

Then came a night where Ghost came to your room. He announced himself calmly, and you were helped out of bed. The bandages would be coming off the next day. You were relieved to finally see again. The nightmares didn't subside though. Ghost made sure you had tea and something to eat before he decided to lay it all down.

"They did a number on you." Ghost stated.

"Yep." You said calmly.

"Sick fuckers." Ghost commented. "You made it out alive."

"I got myself caught, and put myself in that situation." You said.

"You did." Ghost agreed. Great talk Ghost, very inspiring.

"Should've stayed behind. I'm living with my mistakes." You reminded him.

"Same." Ghost said sipping his own mug. You turned towards his voice. "If all you do is beat yourself up about your mistakes, you're just gonna turn purple. You've got scars, we all do. That's what happens when you make choices."

"I know." You said. You'd been around for a long while. This isn't the first time you'd dealt with something like that.

"I'd fucking hope so, you're older than me." Simon pointed out. "But if you know, then you know when to fucking say something."

"I do. Once the bandages come off, I'll be attending therapy. Not sure if they can help but it's worth trying." You told Ghost. Ghost looked at you while you finished your midnight tea.

"Good." He said.

You sat on the bed, a full adult. Spirit instructed you to shield your eyes with your hand while the cotton pads were removed from each side.

"Okay... open slowly." Spirit said. You did, wincing a bit. "Well?"

You stared at your hand. "Five right?"

Spirit's face lit up as she confirmed it. Finally you could get back to work again. Of course Hunter wouldn't let you. Instead it was a mental health day, and it was doctor's orders so no getting out of it. The team left you alone and you returned to your room, sitting on your bed. You know what comes next, and you know it could mean you leaving the base and the team. It was important though.

You dialed the number you found online. A receptionist answered. "Hello, how can I help you today?"

"Hi, I'd like to set up a consultation with a therapist."