Memoirs of a Hero

My name, is Angel Martinez-Niccals. My partner in crime? Khloe, a pitbull brought back from the dead whose soul is linked to my own and who has the power to heal. As for me, I can do some pretty interesting things with magic. Together, we form the hero duo of Search and Rescue, with me being the latter.
I learned things from my adopted dad's personal tomes, mostly other ways to use my magic.

His name is Jack Niccals, a famous actor who has played the main villain in most of the bigger Action films. Some people, however, know him as the villain Whitelight. And my adoptive sister, Lou-Ann Niccals, the world's most famous trans model, is his right hand villain, Blacklight.

News got out that my hero persona is the son of my father's villain persona and now the world knows that Rescue is the son of Whitelight, and I've been under scrutiny since. Hell, I even took in the Horrorterrors, a Deep World spirit, or perhaps a group of them, who has made a contract with my dad, my sister, and now, me. But, that all seems like a thing of the past.

Now, I continue to operate as Rescue, but with Hex as my mentor. I'm looking forward to learning new things from him, and he's even given me a few tools to help me with my time on the Big Team. Things have been weird since Zodiac City almost fell on Halcyon, but now, we move forward.

To Brighter Days.

## Miracle [x]

*Angel sighed as he finished washing off the bloodied pearl and bloodied arms. Gingerly, he carried Zmei’s...treasure, so to speak, and put it on one of Khloe’s old dog beds as the pitbull herself rested on the mattress nearby, watching the teen as he walked slowly. Once Angel felt the pearl was safe enough, he sat next to Khloe and scratched the top of her head, causing her eyes to close in bliss.*
*Angel looked around his old room in the Niccal’s mansion and bit his lip, picking at a piece of dry skin before pulling out some lip balm. It’s no surprise to have returned to the mansion. After all, the Team Base was burned. When Angel got back from Russia and heard the news from Cyclone, the first thing he wanted to do was rush over and see what can be salvaged. But, he knew it would be pointless. When his last home caught fire, only three things remained: his abuelo’s guitar, his mother’s diary, and a single photo that had kissed one of the flames. And now, chances are, they were gone again.*
*When Angel moved to the Base, he took most of his belongings with him. Photos, instruments, clothing, everything. Just...everything. And now, just like that one Christmas day, it was all gone. And he could do nothing about it. Just like Christmas..*
*He shook his head and pulled out his phone as he started to walk towards his closet, scrolling through his contact list until he finds the one person he was looking for and dialed their number.*
*One ring.*
*Two rings.*
*Three rings.*
*‘Shit,’ he thinks to himself, ‘I knew I shouldn’t have-’*
*“Yes.”*
*A deep voice speaks from the other side of the reception, making Angels shoulders relax.*
*“You busy, Pul?” he asks as he kneels down in his closet, searching for some bags or old Lou Ann trademarked luggage. Always wanting to show off her fame, that one..*
*“No. Class finished. You not here though...worried. Mission?” Pulalu’s voice usually doesn’t show his emotions unless it’s strong, but Angel could hear that tone in his voice change.*
*“I know, Pul, I’m sorry. It was real sudden and I don’t get reception in Russia.”*
*“Russia?” asked Pulalu, worry turning to confusion.*
*“Yeah...long story. Stopped some rogue heroes, silled a dragon, got a pearl, saved a town, weird mission overall. Kinda shaken up about it, honestly. I had to disembowel that dragon to make sure it was dead. It…” Angel hesitated to say his next words, knowing full well what the implications might mean, “the dragon talked to me, Pul. Said it was cursed or something and that the pearl was our reward for defeating it. Couldn’t even give Zmei a proper burial..”*
*Pulalu remained silent on the other line, listening intently until Angel stayed quiet long enough to signal he was finished. This was a normal occurrence for the couple, Pulalu was naturally quiet, which Angel understands and adapted to. If Angel were to be honest, however, he liked that Pulalu was the way he is. It allowed him to think more clearly and to just enjoy the smaller things when around him. Being at peace was just easier with the clouded leopard around.*
*“Meet at café.”*
*“Pul-”*
*“Meet at café.” he said again, more forcefully this time. Angel sighed in defeat, knowing that Pulalu would not take no for an answer.*
*“Alright, you win. When?”*
*“Now.”*
*“Now? Pul, we haven’t even-”*
*“Now.”*
*Angel rolled his eyes and started to undress, readying for a change despite the dirt and grime and possible dried blood still on him.*
*“You’re difficult sometimes you know that?~”*
*“I know. Love you.”*
*“Love you too, Pul. Want me to order anything for you ahead of time?”*
*“Flan.”*
*“You really love that huh? Glad I asked Sabrina to add it on the menu then.”*
*“Yours better.”*
*“Flatterer.”*
*“Just truth. Sorry, have to start going. Not want to be late.”*
*“Alright love, I’ll see you soon.”*
*“Yes. Wear sweater. Cold.”*
*“Oh come-”*
*“Sweater.”*
*“You’re lucky I love you, I hope you know this.”*
*The last thing Angel heard before the call was cut off, was a chuckle.*
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*“Waiting on the boyfriend still?~” asked a perky young girl as she brought a teapot to Angel’s table. A black cat watched from the bay windows as Khloe hopped up and curled into a ball, ready for her nap. Palazzo del Gato, a cat cafe that specialized in good vibes and tasty sweets. Angel found himself visiting more often, which was nice. Angel always had a pension for sweets.*
*“Yeah, he’s coming from Zodiac City, so..” Angel leaned back in his seat as he nibbled on a tea biscuit, “thanks for all this, Sabrina, you don’t have to go through all these lengths to protect my privacy.”*
*“Aw, sweetie,” she said as she sat across from him, scooting closer so she can reach out and hold his hand, “You know I don’t mind! Besides, after the nasty things the paparazzi has said in the past about you, how can I not! They don’t deserve to get into yours or your family’s business.”*
*At that, the bell above the door rang silently as a clouded leopard walked in, fur slightly matted with sweat and wearing nothing but an open hoodie and shorts. Angel huffed as he quickly stood up and walked over to him, bringing him into the café as Sabrina walked back to the counter with a grin.*
*“And where’s your sweater?”*

“Fur.”
*“Not an excuse.”*
*“You still wear crop top.”*
*“Hey, it’s still a sweater!”*
*Pulalu smiled as he rubbed his head into Angel’s neck, purring all the way. Angel giggled as he tried to push him away, but the clouded leopard refused to be deterred and just pushed harder as he snuck in a few neck kisses.*
*“Pul! We’re in public!” Angel remarked before elbow checking his lover.*
*“Sorry. Been a while. Wanted scent on you~”*
*Angel snirked as he led Pulalu to their table.*
*“What, marking your territory?”*
*“No. Just nice to have our smells mix.”*
*“How cat-like of you.”*
*The couple sat down next to each other and elected to catch up for a moment. Pulalu spoke of Zodiac City and his dance classes, while Angel spoke of his latest Big Team Mission and recapped what had happened. The Bogatyrs, Zmei the Dragon, and the small town that they saved. They both listened to each other intently and took turns speaking as they shared a custard desert and a cup of tea.*
*Angel took a sip of his tea before leaning closer to Pulalu, letting out a sigh as the Transformed man wrapped an arm around him.*
*“I have a favor to ask, Pul,” he started, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath before continuing, “so, the Big Base burned down. I don’t know how, I don’t know why, but as soon as we got back that’s what we were told. I had a lot of things there, mostly sentimental, but it would mean a lot if you came with me to try and see if we can salvage anything.”*
*“When?” Pulalu asked, scooping a piece of flan into a spoon and feeding it to Angel.*
*Angel hid his mouth as he chewed and spoke, “How does tomorrow sound? The sooner the better honestly. I know you're probably tired from the Monday class. It’s mostly kids, right?”*
*Pulalu nodded in agreement, but suddenly he reached over and grabbed Angel’s chin with his hand and moved his head so they faced each other. The pair stared at each other for a few seconds before Angel raised a brow and spoke.*
*“All good there Pul?”*
*“Have some flan on lip.”*
*“That’s it? I’ll just get a napkin and-”*
*Pulalu smirked before licking the corner of Angel's lip, leaving the young hero stunned. As Angel got ready to speak again, Pulalu pressed his lips against Angel’s. The shock on Angel’s face showed for just a moment, before it was taken over by a smile as he kissed Pulalu back. Pulalu reached a hand up to caress Angel’s face as a flash of light appeared in the direction of the window. Angel ignored it and the sound of Sabrina screaming as he wrapped his arms around his lover’s neck, trying to make the moment last just a bit longer.*
*However, Pulalu pulled back and kissed Angel on the check before smiling, his tail swishing about in huge arcs.*
*“That was a cheesy excuse for a kiss, Pul.”*
*“It worked.”*
*“So, I’m taking this as a yes?”*
*“Yes. But,” Pulalu pulled him closer to him as his eyes examined other’s, searching, “Where will you live?”*
*Angel’s face twisted with uncertainty, his gaze going downward, but Pulalu’s hand stopped him and forced him to look forward. A frown turned to a forced smile, but his voice betrayed the image he tried to put forward.*
*“I’ll...figure it out. Maybe I can just move back into my dad’s place, but-”*
*“Is it safe?”*
*Angel’s eyes wandered to the floor as he sighed. When he shrugged, Pulalu shook his head.*
*“Want to help.”*
*“I know. Maybe...can you just, stay the night with me at my dad’s place. He and Lou-Ann are, well, gone for a bit. I’d just feel better if you were there with me.”*
*Pulalu nodded immediately, but before he could say anything, Sabrina walked back into the café, breathing heavily.*
*“Angel!” she shouted, fanning herself. Quickly, Angel got up from his seat and went to get a glass of water while Pulalu seated her down, “Oh my gosh, thank you.” She gulped down half of the glass before she spoke, “I’m so sorry. I had the sign set to close and the blinds closed, but I think I forgot to lock the door and some green eared reporter snapped a shot of you two! Oh gosh, now it’s gonna be in all the tabloids and-”*
*Angel let out a small chuckle before taking a spot next to his friend, “It’s fine, Sabrina. Really. They would have found out sooner or later anyways. Thanks for everything though. I think me and Pulalu need to get going anyways, we have some things to do. What do I-”*
*Sabrina slapped Angel’s hand as he reached for his wallet.*
*“Consider the flan and tea payed for. Just go before some more schmucks find out you’re here. Use the back you lovebirds~”*
*Following her instructions, the couple walked out back with Khloe following close behind. Angel led the way to the Niccal’s estate and continued to talk with his lover the whole way, meanwhile Sabrina dealt with a small wave of paparazzi.*
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“

Can you feel the pain? /
See the mess and trouble in your brain /
Anger you retain, pressure rocks you like a hurricane /
Is it time for you to jump into the next train? /
Change of head, make a stand
I can see your heart change
(Wake up!)
No more nap, your turn is coming up /
You feel lazy but stop the fantasies and bubble butts /
If you need to hear: go for it /
I will teach you how to feel the thing so close to you, connect it all!
(Act like a brother)
Every day is a miracle
(Help one another)
Connect back with the people
(Give it to your lover)
And all the people you miss
(Let's come around)
(Act like a brother)
Don't think you're invisible
(Help one another)
Connect back with the people
(Give it to your lover)
And all the people you miss
(Let's come around)

…

## (Fuck A) Silver Lining [x]

*“Angel,” Pulalu picks up Angel and places him over his shoulder, meanwhile the smaller human complains, “too rowdy. Outside. Not break Rhiannon home.”*
*The large leopard walked through the estate, carrying the grumpy hero around like he was nothing more than a sack of potatoes. Khloe, the ever so dependable pitbull partner, walked alongside them, sniffing the floor in an attempt to find something of interest.*
*“Oh please,” responds Angel, crossing his arms as he’s carried outside, “as if I would break something of Rhiannon’s.”*
*“You almost break wall.”*
*“Almost being the keyword..”*
*“Still bad. Need calm.”*
*“I’m totally-” Angel yelped as he felt a jolt go through his leg. He looked over at Pulalu, whose eyes glowed a bright blue light before returning to their golden hue. He smirked at his small lover, who only rolled his eyes as he was placed back on the ground, sulking as he looked around.*
*“The garden,” Angel questioned, raising a brow at the larger Transformed, “really?”*
*Pulalu reached his hand out and grabbed Angel’s, tugging him along as he walked further in, “Garden calm. Angel need to be calm.”*
*“I told you, I’m-” Angel stopped talking as Pulalu looked at him through the side, eyes glowing a soft blue and the crackle of electricity faintly emanating from him. Angel sighed and swung his arm, defeat written across his face while a smile appeared on the other’s.*
*The couple continued to walk in silence, listening to the sounds of nature and breathing in the air. Angel would occasionally find himself kicking a stray rock along the floor, the sound of earth against earth being something, anything, to distract him from the voices in his head. Khloe would attempt to dig a hole or jump for a bird, but would never quite succeed as Angel would call her back and scold her, her ears going down in sadness only to be picked up again when he called her over to join the walk.*
*The trio eventually reached a fountain, the water babbling as the filters kept the rhythm moving. Angel sat down on the floor next to it and watched the water as it moved, Khloe sat next to him and joined the watch, and Pulalu walked about, gathering some fallen some flowers together. As Angel watched the water, he was reminded of the Prince he met not too long ago.*
*At first, Angel thought he was just a handsome, but oh so stupid Transformed who got carried away. But then, it turns out he’s really a Prince from Montreal with no manners. He couldn’t stand people who made his friends feel hurt, purposefully or not.*
*‘**Who the hell does he think he is?!''''***’ *he thought to himself, watching as his skin and hair started to change to pitch and snow, '**‘**God damned handsome Prince man just thinks he can show up and tell Rhiannon that her saving two fucking cities is bad? What the fuck! Sure, his people are important, of course they are, but you can’t just say something like that with no regard to the person you’re saying it to or their circumstances! I swear, if he makes Rhiannon cry again, I’m gonna-**’***
*His thoughts were cut off as he felt something placed on his head. He blinked, and noticed something entirely new as he stared at himself in the water. Aside from his usual Horrorterror transformation, it seemed like his face had started to twist into something more...sinister. He looked around and noticed that, while nothing had been damaged, the tell tale signs of the Terror’s tendrils were there, thrashing about, but slowly calming. Khloe whined and rested her head on Angel’s shoulder, looking up at him with her big brown eyes. His vision starting to return, Angel patted her head and looked back in the water, watching as the transformation undid itself and the screams of the Terrors melted away. For now.*
*He reached up and touched the item placed on his head, a flower crown made using some of the flowers in the garden. He smiled as he felt a smooch press against his cheek and a pair of arms embracing him from behind.*
*“Need stay calm,” Pulalu said, sitting directly behind Angel and holding him close, “Scare birds. Scare Khloe. Worry me..”*
*“I know,” Angel replied, leaning into the embrace, “Sorry. I’m just tired of people, adults or not, telling us what we’re doing wrong and what we’re doing right. Sure, sometimes they might be making a point, but other times they just...don’t understand? I know I’m 18 and technically an adult, but I also know I’m still a kid. But, even then, sometimes you get tired of just looking at the silver lining and want things to just be right..”*
*Pulalu stayed silent and held Angel tighter, causing him to sigh as he looked to the sky.*
*“That Prince made Rhiannon cry. I understand he’s worried about his people and it’s easier to just say, ‘You’re the problem. Nothing else matters.’ But, like...we can all try and fix things together, y’know? We don’t have to write things off or put all the blame on one person. I just wish-”*
*Angel’s words were cut off by a sudden shock running through his torso. Pulalu chuckled and put a finger up to Angel’s lips, making a shushing noise.*
*“Thinking too much again?”*
*Pulalu nods and pulls him closer.*
*“I know. Also, very unfair of you to use your magic on me, Pul. I never do that to you.”*
*“I know. Only way to get you to hush.”*
*Angel chuckles and leans further back, causing the pair to lay flat on the ground.*
*“You’re getting better though. How did you make this crown for me anyways..”*
*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
*“*
…
Fuck a silver lining /
Fuck a silver lining /
'Cause only gold is hot enough, hot enough /
Fuck a silver lining /
Fuck a silver lining /
'Cause only gold is hot enough, hot enough
*It's just cherries, cherries /*
Everything is cherries on top /
It's just cherries, cherries /
Everything is cherries on top
*One more, one more*
*We've been falling, falling /*
It's like we fell to the top /
I was born to cut a million /
Cut my teeth and made a killing /
Now I'm dodging, dodging /
Everything you think that I'm not /
Archetype of television  /
Was lost in thought but held my vision, hey
*When you gonna say my name?*

When you gonna say my name?
…”

## Humility [x]

*Angel let out a long huff as he sat down on a nearby bench, sweating profusely as the sun beat down on him. He looked around at the area he was assisting, smiling with pride as the broken parts of Zodiac City were being rebuilt with the aid they deserved. It had been some time since Jack Niccals, Founder and Operator of the Niccals Charity Foundation was sent to spirit prison alongside Lou-Ann, his daughter. Since then, it fell to Angel to help run relief efforts in the Halcyon City branch. Of course, it also extended to Zodiac City, Angel’s own personal project with the foundation.*
*Angel always looked up to the people of Zodiac City, especially Monkey who always seemed to want to do what’s right for the people who have been wronged. It was only right for him to want to assist in any way he can. And what better way than to aid the rebuilding of the new Zodiac City? And, of course, the efforts were not just focused on rebuilding old homes or the like. The Niccals Foundation also aided with things like fresh clothes, clean water, everything they can. While the Halcyon division downstairs helped with the homeless and less fortunate, Angel was up in Zodiac City, getting ready to start his own small division up there. He wanted nothing more than to help the-*
*His thoughts were broken as quickly as they came when a balled up t-shirt hit him in the face. Angel got ready to scold whoever it was, but by the time he got the shirt off his face, a familiar figure sat next to him and quietly offered him some water. With a sigh, Angel took the reusable bottle and sipped from it, relishing in the cool relief of hydration. After finishing, he handed the bottle back to the clouded leopard sitting next to him, who only gave Angel and icy stare.*
*“What,” questioned Angel, tossing the shirt over his shoulder, “did I do something wrong?”*
*Pulalu continued to stare as he pulled the shirt off Angel’s shoulder and pushed it towards him.*
*“Oh, come on,” he argued, “I’m not putting a shirt on. It is way too hot for one of your baggy shirts right now.”*
*“Shirt.”*
*“No way.”*
*“Please. Very hot, yes, but also important to shield from sun.”*
*“I’m gonna get tan lines, babe. Besides, I’m wearing sunscreen!”*
*Pulalu stared into Angel’s eyes, saying nothing, but his eyes still filled Angel with guilt.*
*“Ok, so I’m not. But, you aren’t either.”*
*“Fur.”*
*“Oh, come on!”*
*“Shirt. Please.”*
*Angel rolled his eyes as he begrudgingly took the shirt from Pulalu’s hands, pulling it over his head with a grumble as Pulalu’s tail swished and his smile appeared. The shirt was large on Angel, effectively making it a sort of make shift dress, but he loved that about Pulalu’s shirts. It would often make him feel more at ease, but this time, all he could think about were the words that Dobryna had said only a few days ago.*
*I hope you know now what being a true hero can call for…*
*“Mister Martinez?”*
*Angel snapped back into reality as he looked up to see a black doberman Transformed in an officer’s uniform, sporting the badge of Zodiac City.*
*“I’m sorry, Officer Brewer, head in the clouds,” stated Angel before sitting straight as he addresses her, “Is there something-”*
*The Officer raised her hand up, cutting Angel off and speaking up.*
*“Please, call me Dog. Everyone else does these days,” Dog flashes a small smile before clearing her throat, “And, no, Mister Martinez. I just wanted to thank you for your efforts here today. And the other days. We get plenty of help, what with the tree holding this city up constantly shifting, but the Niccals Foundation has been very active. I just wanted to make sure that you were told.”*
*Angel smiles at Dog, hiding his tired eyes as he does so, “Thanks. Really it’s the least I can do. I know that the Big Team is the one to thank for keeping Zodiac City aloft, but we have to remember to help our neighbors too. Halcyon should help as much as it can, myself included.”*
*“Even when we arrested you once?”*
*“Yes, even when-” Angel cut himself short and looked Dog in the eyes. Her look was stern, yet kind, and betrayed nothing. She chuckled to herself and adjusted her stance, opening herself to look more welcoming.*
*“How did-”*
*“I took a guess. I remember reading the file on a certain hero’s brief imprisonment here. Figured it would be the same person whose father and sister went off the grid the same time Whitelight and Blacklight did.” Dog flashed another smile at Angel and sat next to him. Pulalu, on the other hand, maintained an icy stare on the officer, pulling Angel closer to him and away from her.*
*“Your boyfriend seems rather protective.”*
*“Yes,” he stated, eyes unmoving, “Angel not need hard time when not Rescue.”*
*“At ease, Pulalu. I’m not looking to bring him any distress. I just need to talk.”*
*“What about,” asked Angel, making sure to keep a decent distance from Dog. He felt like he could trust her, but anyone who knows about him and his father can always prove to be dangerous. No matter what their intentions are.*
*“Simply put,” she started, easing into her seat and crossing her legs, “I need to make sure that our allies are keeping themselves safe and healthy. And, correct me if I’m wrong, but you’ve been extremely busy as of late. All your time seems to be spend here in Zodiac City, or out saving the day as your hero persona. You can’t hide those bags under your eyes, Angel, no matter how much magical power you have.”*
*Angel found his fingers moving towards his face, lightly brushing against the darkened sacs that have begun to develop. He couldn’t speak, instead choosing to look down to the floor, refusing to acknowledge her statement.*
*“Look, I know I’m not someone for you to confide in, and I won’t pretend to be. But, I do need you to know that whatever it is you’re trying to prove won’t come to fruition if you tire yourself out,” Dog patted Angel’s shoulder and stood up, bowing slightly before turning away, “You’re a good kid, Angel. Just make sure you don’t get burned by your light while trying to chase away the shadows.”*
*As Dog walked off, Angel slumped against Pulalu who continued to stare her down, all while tears fell from Angel’s face.*
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*The TV in Angel’s room blared on in the darkness, casting his and Pulalu’s shadow as they sat on the floor together, watching from inside their makeshift fort using pillows, bed sheets, and a lot of magic from the both of them. Angel sighed as he took another spoonful of cake into his mouth, and watched as the children on the television transformed into anthro beasts. It was a fairly unpopular show while Angel grew up, but the sudden influx of Transformed seemed to have ignited a love for the show as young Transformed children saw themselves as heroes and not monsters.*
*Pulalu sat next to him in silence and messed with some magic in his hands, bouncing electricity back and forth between his fingers. A small jolt flew loose and hit Angel in his arm, but he didn’t react at all. Not because it did not hurt, but because Angel’s thoughts were lost in a sea of doubt, poking and prodding for a way out.*
Y’all have been quiet for a long time. And now this happened and not a single word?
**…**
Come on, aren’t you gonna bother me a little? I’m tired and susceptible to the words of Deep World Spirits~
**…**
You’re very committed to the silent treatment aren’t you. You’re actually scaring me.
**…**
*The silence in his head scared him more than anything. Even when he tried to call on their power, they did nothing and his change never came. It was not until Pulalu’s thumb brushed against his eye that he noticed he had been crying again. Angel sniffed and wiped the rest of his tears away, laying on his side, facing away from the other as he let the tears fall. Angel curled up into a ball as Pulalu quickly laid himself behind him, holding him tight as though the world threatened to steal him away.*
*They remained shrouded in silence for a long time, saying nothing, yet knowing everything. Angel did not wish to speak, and Pulalu had always remained the silent strength. However, Pulalu knew that Angel had to let things out, so he spoke out after a few more minutes of nothingness.*
*“Angel, want talk?”*
*Angel stayed quiet, but shook his head in response.*
*“Okay. I talk instead,” Pulalu shifted his position so that now the pair were facing each other, “Halcyon and Zodiac...weird place. Weirder now with Prince, like you say. Many things...trouble. Russia was newest. You and team did what think was best. Dobryna...also. Can not let others decide what hero means for self. I know it is...difficult. But, also know Angel is good. Need rest. Work too much. Think too much. Both still young. Figure things out in end.”*
*Angel stayed quiet as he buried his face into Pulalu’s chest, breathing in deeply and letting out a massive sigh. Pulalu continued to speak, which only spoke to the situation more. He had always remained quiet, speaking only when necessary and acting more often than thinking. Angel hugged Pulalu closer, making the Transformed leopard stop and chuckle.*
*“Better?” he asked, looking down as he put a hand on Angel’s head.*
*“Kinda,” he responded, finally looking up to meet his lover’s eyes, “How are you only three years older than me and yet seem like you’ve seen it all?”*
*Pulalu lets out a light chuckle and kisses the top of Angel’s head, smiling after as he looks down at him.*
*“Just seems. A lot I not know.”*
*“Could’ve fooled me…”*
*“Talk now?”*
*“Yeah,” Angel let out a sigh and pressed a his forehead on Pulalu’s torso, “it just seems like I’m doing everything wrong, I guess. I know I shouldn’t let others decide what a hero is to me, but old habits die hard. There’s a lot of old hangups I still have, and I know I said I would stop focusing on those things. But, it’s harder than I thought. I’m even starting to miss these damned demons in my head. At least the noise was familiar, y’know? And it was easier to chase off old habits and thoughts when I had an actual voice to yell at.”*
*“I’m just...uncertain about the future. My future, I guess. So, I’ve been giving myself distractions by focusing on Zodiac City, Big Team, the band, pretty much trying to spread myself so thin I don’t have the time to think about anything else. Again. The only constant I have is you, Pul. Rhiannon is busy with her own things, especially now that this whole Montreal business is happening. My dad and sister are missing, but even if they were here I can’t talk to them about hero stuff. And, I don’t really have any friends outside of the band. And even then I don’t want them getting too close.”*
*“Why?” Pulalu asks, pulling Angel’s face up so their eyes met, “Not like band?”*
*“What? No, of course I do,” Angel stammered out, but averted his eyes as he spoke, “I just- look it’s just-”*
*“Angel.”*
*“I know, but...I just don’t like letting people in, okay? It’s hard for me. It took a long time to let Rhiannon into my life, and even that was a huge gamble. I barely know Seth, Gwen is hard to read, Alex and I don’t have the best history, and Mini is..”*
*Angel’s voice trailed off. He wanted to say more, but he couldn’t bring himself to do it. Instead, he chose to let out a sigh. Before Pulalu could speak, Khloe’s head poked up between them as she let out a huff and a whine.*
*“Saved by the dog,” joked Angel, petting the pitbull and smooching her snout, “Thanks, Pulalu. You always seem to be the hero I need. I should really flip the tables on you one day. I wanna be your hero too. You...mean a lot to me. And I don’t want you to feel this is a one way kind of-”*
*“Hush,” a hand was put on Angel’s head once more, halting his thoughts, “Already hero. If really feel like, come back to dance. New performance coming up. Need another dancer.”*
*“Deal.”*
*“One rule. No outshining. Can get jealous~”*
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“
Calling the world from isolation /
'Cause right now, that's the ball where we be chained  /
And if you're coming back to find me /
You'd better have good aim /
Shoot it true /
I need you in the picture /
That's why I'm calling you (calling you)
I'm the lonely twin, the left hand /
Reset myself and get back on track /
I don't want this isolation /
See the state I'm in now?
…”

## Cuz I Love You [x]

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(cw: implied sexual acts between 2 people 18+)

```

*Angel and Pulalu kissed once more before their bodies separated from one another as they hid themselves under the covers. The two of them had spent most of the night like this, something that hasn’t been able to happen for a while now. Angel had been so busy as Rescue, and Pulalu’s classes only continued to grow. At times, it felt like they wouldn’t be able to see one another more than once or twice a week, but each moment was special in its own way. This time, however, they spent all night with one another, never wanting to separate.*
*After a few minutes spent cuddling and catching their breaths, the two shared another kiss before Pulalu spoke.*
*“Sorry for other day,” he started, looking down to Angel’s eyes, “I was just upset. We hardly get time alone and I felt...alone when you left.”*
*Angel cups Pulalu’s cheek in one hand and kisses his other cheek, smiling at him as he stares into his eyes. “Don’t worry,” he replies, “I know I left very suddenly. Especially when we were getting ready to get a bit more...physical.” His face heats up a bit at the mention of this. They’ve gotten close to doing these acts in the past, but they ever really decided to go further until this past weekend. Unfortunately, Angel, or Rescue, to be precise, got called away for a mission that GAIA deemed important. As soon as he could, he called Pulalu to inform him of the situation. The two argued over the phone for a brief moment and it left them on a sour note. However, once he returned, Angel immediately apologized to Pulalu and Pulalu apologized to Angel.*
*After another day of heroing for Angel and teaching dance for Pulalu, the two were finally able to spend a full day with each other. It all started with a breakfast date in Zodiac City, leading to a walk through the streets and even picking up some sweet bread from Ms. Tickletock. Pulalu then surprised Angel with a dance beneath the stars, all alone just outside his dance studio. Things began to...escalate from there. They quickly retreated to Rhiannon’s estate and spent the entire evening alone, door locked and under the covers. You can never be too certain with a mansion full of powered heroes.*
*But, now, in this moment, the two would finally be able to talk. Time did not matter. Fatigue did not matter. They both knew that if they didn’t talk now, who knew when they would get another chance. With that thought in mind, Angel pulled Pulalu closer and spoke up.*
*“Pul, can you do most of the talking today,” he asks, pulling him closer to his body, “it feels like I always dominate the conversations. Tell me about your problems. Your days when I’m not around. I just like hearing your voice..”*
*Pulalu smiled and purred as he rubbed Angel’s back, kissing the top of his head as he lets out a huff. “Well,” he starts, “things have been...all over for long time. Classes still go well, but Zodiac CIty want more performances than we can handle. No help with so many kids signing up too. Between teaching and magic training with Smithtons, been very busy. Not enough time to spend with Angel.”*
*Angel smiled and kissed Pulalu’s shoulder, getting a soft sound of satisfaction from the older Transformed. “That’s sweet. That you think of me, that is. You should take a break. Get some rest.”*
*“Only if you do.”*
*“Ok, that’s so not fair.”*
*Pulalu chuckles as he nips at Angel’s ear which causes the younger Human to giggle uncontrollably .*
*“Stop,” he shouts, giggling more and more, “you’re tickling me you jerk!”*
*“Fine,” Pulalu teases, giving him one last nip on the lobe before pulling away, “but only because we’ll do more later.” He purrs out the last few words, sending shivers down Angel’s spine. “For now, we talk. Sun up soon and we not sleep all night. Should talk while we can. Your turn.”*
*“Nope,” he replies, putting as much stern power behind his voice as he could, “I always talk too much. Your turn, Pul.”*
*Pulalu lets out a long sigh, pulling Angel closer with one arm. “Okay,” he says, “I can do that. Angel, I have to say that I worry when you be Rescue. Yes, you have Team and Khloe, but I always scared you may not be back. Or when you are back, you are different. When you talk about being Rescue, many things cause me worry and I want to just hold you close and not let go. Dragon, Crab drones, aliens, and even own family. I want to protect, but...I can’t. Not strong like hero. Magic still weak.”*
*As though to prove a point, he summons a ball of electricity into his palms. Although it sounds real and looks real, when Angel puts his hand over it, it disappears as though it never existed, giving him nothing more than a small static shock. Pulalu sighs and looks down at his hand, disappointment written all over his face.*
*“Not sure why,” he continues, “but always makes same thing. Try hard, but even then I can barely do anything. Maybe, I am just not good enough. Not good enough for magic. Not good enough...to protect Angel. Care very much, but just not strong enough for you or Zodiac City...”*
*“Pul…”*
*“Scared...scared of future, Angel. Please, do not wish to lose good thing.” Pulalu chokes on his words as tears escape him, but he quickly grabs Angel’s hand and presses it against his face. His breaths become more erratic and strained. Seeing him like this, Angel can’t help but hold his face in his hands. “Angel...Angel. You are real. I’m afraid that Angel is not real and thinking that makes me scared. I do not like this feeling. I miss home. Can’t go back. But, I do not care if it means Angel is real. Future with Angel, makes me happy. Think of having family. Think of spending all night talking and dancing.”*
*“But,” Pulalu sniffles and presses Angel’s hands closer to his face, “always scared. Can’t protect Angel when being hero. Can’t protect Zodiac City if something bad happens again. Feel weak. Please, do not hate me for being weak. Don’t leave. Please…”*
*Angel immediately pulled Pulalu close, holding him tight as he squeezed back. Pulalu cried softly, letting his sobs fall out in a way that’s never happened before. Angel could feel tears threatening to escape, but he fought them back. For now, he needed to reassure him.*
*“Pul,” Angel pulled away from him, looking up and pulling his face closer, “I would never, ever, think about hating you. Leaving you is out of the question. And you’re plenty strong, Pul. How many times have you helped me in a way no others can? Just seeing you makes me so happy and everything I do suddenly becomes worth it all over again. I love you. That will never change.”*
*Pul makes one final sniff as he smiles down at Angel, wiping his tears away before giving him a kiss on the cheek. “I’m lucky,” he says, cupping Angel’s head in his hands as he rubs his thumbs against his cheeks, “Still want to get stronger. Will never want to not protect Angel.”*
*“Maybe your magic is just different from conventional standards?” Angel lays on his back and stares at the ceiling as he speaks his thoughts. “I noticed it a lot lately. My magic is different from everyone else’s on the Team. So, maybe, yours is different too? Not just an elemental thing, but maybe something spiritual? Probably something to do with Clouded Leopards and the significance they have for your family..”*
*“Angel,” Pulalu starts, laying on his back as well, “Can I hear about your week? Don’t want to cry again. Just need distraction.” He lets out a half-hearted chuckle as he finished his words, prompting Angel to smile and nod.*
*“Well, I told you about the aliens and how weird all that stuff was. By the way, sorry for pretending to flirt with someone else. I know we talked about the whole poly thing, but I still feel bad.”*
*Pulalu shrugs, staying silent as he stares onward.*
*“So, I guess besides that, it just leaves the new kid and what happened with Narsus and Gally. It was scary, Pul. It started out easy enough, met Hex’s new student who goes by Contrast. Shy kid, but eager to prove himself. Which proved not too good when he jumped right in front of a crab drone.”*
*“Montreal?”*
*“Yeah, the same ones. But, it was stronger this time. Could use ice like Seth. Don’t know how, but they seem to be evolving the more we fight them. Doesn’t look great, but could be worse. Anyways, we beat it and had some amazing teamwork from the others. Herald was there, Seth, Rhiannon, even Narsus. Don’t know why, but it was good to see him getting out there and making friends. I guess. We talked, I sent some of the crab bits to Hex and then Narsus disappeared.”*
*“Rhi took off like a bat out of hell and Herald straight after her. Left me behind to taxi Seth and Contrast. I was annoyed, seeing how we were supposed to meet with Hex and Madge to look over the parts, but I’m sure they had their reasons. By the time I caught up, Narsus had taken a dive into the waters and both Rhi and Herald were alone.”*
*“Did group go to Hex?” Pulalu asked, turning on his side to face Angel.*
*“Ugh, I wish,” Angel mimicked his lover’s movements and faced him, “Just me and Herald. Had to enter that weird meditation world Hex uses. He got a little too interested in Herald’s eye, but I think I scared him in trying to get the Horrorterrors into view and made things worse. He got hurt, but not by much thankfully. We started researching, but Madge tried to call us out. See, I promised Gally I would hang out with him and Godspeed when they left. But…”*
*Angel’s voice dropped as he looked down, disappointment conquering his face. “I, uh, had to break the promise to him. I asked Herald to apologize for me, but…”*
*“Like baby sibling.”*
*Angel nodded, looking down as struggled to let his next words out. “I, uh, was supposed to have a little sibling. It was still early in my mom’s pregnancy, but then the fire happened and-”*
*Angel felt a finger press against his lips, shushing him before his own tears would start to fall.*
*“It’s ok,” Pulalu tells him, bringing his face back up, “I know it hard to say.”*
*“Thanks,” Angel lets out a sigh before continuing, “well, Hex and I traced my own magic signature at the HIgh School’s football field. Apparently, Gally and Godspeed were there too. I quickly rushed out and grabbed Hex’s teleportation amulet and took Herald, Khloe, and I there. We were a bit late, but Godspeed had it handled. Or, I thought he did. Another drone popped out and knocked him away like he was nothing. Then, it turned to Gally and started advancing, There was no way in hell I was gonna let anything happen to him. I didn’t think, I just remember holding Gally in my hands and a crazy amount of pain searing through my back. But, I couldn’t let Gally see me in pain. I had to tough it out.”*
*“Are you still hurt?” Pulalu started to turn Angel around, feeling around his back in a panic.*
*“Pul, I’m fine,” Angel reassures, “Khloe fixed me up just fine.”*
*A sigh of relief comes from the Leopard as his tensed shoulders relax.*
*“I’m just more worried about Rhi and Narsus, to be honest. I don’t remember what else happened, but I remember her crying and Narsus laying in his own blood. I didn’t get a chance to offer Khloe to heal him I think I was...in shock. I’ve never seen a friend like that before.”*
*Angel sighed, not knowing what else to add. So, instead, Pulalu spoke up. “Well, in end, everything good, right?”*
*“Right. I hope. Well, let’s not bring the night down hehe. We spent our first night together in a long time, Pul. I’m happy we got to do this again.”*
*“Me too. You make cute noises,” he purred, pulling Angel into a deep kiss as he positioned himself above the smaller Human, nipping at his neck.*
*“Pul, seriously?”*
*“Still not done. Keep thinking of first time we met. Of how Angel was bad at dancing. But, kept coming anyways. And how I fell in love with Angel.”*
*“And, what, that’s getting you in a mood?”*
*“A little~” Pulalu teases as he kisses Angel’s exposed collarbone. “I just like making Angel happy. Might not have eighteen inches of tongue, but I know I can please in other ways~”*
*Angel giggled as he pulled Pulalu closer, “You’re not gonna let me live that down are you?”*
*“No~ Just lay back and relax...”*
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“...
Never been in love before /
What the fuck are fucking feelings yo? /
Once upon a time, I was a ho /
I don't even wanna ho no mo' /
Got you something from the liquor store /
Little bit of Lizzo and some Mo  /
Tryna open up a little more /
Sorry if my heart a little slow
I thought that I didn't care /I thought I was love-impaired /But baby, baby /
I don't know what I'm gonna do
I'm crying 'cause I love you…”