Chapter Text
Zanka!” Cthoni said, trying to wake him up but got no response. That gets her more worried as she notices Zanka's clothes start to get damp with blood.
She immediately tried to pick him up, Not noticing the other Raider's start to come in to see what's going on.
“What’s going on, Cthoni?.” Bundus asked as he walked in first.
“Don't tell me it's Zanka. Is he…” Momoa said but didn't finish her sentence once she saw Zanka. She immediately stood still in shock, hell happened to him?.
One by one, the others are in and just like Momoa, get shocked by Zanka's condition. The claw marks, the bruises, and the pool of blood behind Zanka is all they could see. He looks horrible, something they never thought they'd see from Zanka.
“Bundus, Hurry and help. I don't know how much blood he's lost.” Cthoni said, or rather demanded from Bundus. Her voice got them to snap out of it.
“Uh, Alright.” He said as he immediately went to pick up Zanka, noticing that he's stepping on Zanka's blood which was just…Ugh, but he tried to ignore it.
“I-I'll tell Boss.” Noerde said before leaving to find Zodyl, and possibly to not focus on that horrible sight.
Momoa just stood there, watching as Cthoni checked on Zanka's wounds to see if they're fatal. Like everyone else, she can't believe it. Out of everyone, Zanka is the one that's badly injured…Maybe that's why he took so long, What happened?. Was he trapped or something?.
She stopped focusing on her thoughts once Cthoni gave her a task.
“Hey, quit standing there and set up the bed in the infirmary.” She said, Getting Momoa to immediately go do that.
Zanka isn't gonna die, He's strong enough to take those types of attacks…Is he?. The Raiders hope that he'll be fine.
…
Zodyl finally arrived, he looked pretty exhausted as if he ran all the way there. He didn't even fix his hair once he saw the state Zanka's in.
“...What happened to him?.” Is all he asked but as much as he tried to act indifferent to the situation, The two can tell that he's as worried as the rest of them, if not more.
“I have no idea, I just heard Cthoni yelling at Zanka. I thought he was in trouble for summing." Bundus said, Getting Cthoni to tell her side.
“I noticed that Zanka was taking a long time for his mission, so I went to get him. I noticed that he was dealing with some Cleaners but he looked like…This. I'm surprised he was still up.” She explained in the shortest way she could, wanting to tell the full situation later.
Zodyl thinks for a moment until he hears Momoa come in.
“I finished.” Is all she needed to say for Bundus to start sprinting to the infirmary, leaving a trail of blood as he left.
Momoa herself left, possibly to take in the whole situation alone like Noerde.
After a minute, Cthoni noticed a hint of distress in Zodyl's face until he spoke up.
“Cthoni.”
“Yes?.”
“Hurry up and get the best doctor you can find.” He said, plain and simple but with that look on his face…It doesn't really make it simple for Cthoni.
“Of course.” She immediately went to look for a Doctor but once she glanced at Zodyl before she left, she noticed that serious look started to crumble until it was completely gone.
Zodyl looked completely devastated, full of worry and stress. That look, finally seeing his true feelings about the situation made Cthoni feel the need work faster.
…
It only took seven minutes for Cthoni to find a good Doctor. She immediately took him with her, ignoring his plea and fear of being taken by a Raider. We got no time to be caring about that, we need to care for Zanka.
They made it to the base, In the infirmary where Bundus and Zodyl are. Bundus was trying to stop the blood as Zodyl helped.
Doc was pretty frickin scared but he noticed the situation, getting him more scared. Immediately asking what they wanted from him, he had nothing they need from him.
“Help him.” Zodyl demanded as he looked at Doc.
Doc was still scared but he noticed Zanka, seeing those severe injuries made him want to faint but Zodyl's stare got him to walk closer and inspect Zanka's injuries.
They looked pretty bad. The claw marks were deep and it didn't help that Zanka tried to endure it earlier. The bruises weren't as bad as the other wounds, besides the bruises around his stomach and chest. His shoulder is probably the worst wound, besides the marks and stuff. Cause of Zanka still using that arm, it just made it worse than it was before.
Safe to say that Zanka…He ain't looking too good, especially his outfit. Really shouldn't have worn his new uniform for that mission.
The doc was a bit nervous but told them that he doesn't have any of his tools, which got him hit in the face with his medical tool bag. Luckily Cthoni stole his shit in advance.
“Hurry it, Doctor.” Zodyl demanded, And those looks from the big three made him start to prepare to help.
…
As Doc was doing his thing, Momoa and Noerde waited outside. They both don't want to admit that they're worried for Zanka cause…C'mon, it's Zanka?. He's strict, serious and uptight, no one would want to care about someone like that…
“...Why are you here?.” Momoa asked.
“...Cause everyone else is here, I also had enough time to spare.”
“Hm.”
...
“...Why are you here?.”
“Same thing?.”
“Mhm.”
…
…
“You know…We both have to be lying, Right?.” Momoa asked, and after a minute of silence…
“...Yeah, we are…You're here for Zanka, Right?.”
“...Yup.”
After another few minutes of silence, Noerde sighed.
“Why do I even care about his well-being?. He's nothing but an asshole.”
“That's what I was thinking. He's so serious when it comes to Boss or work. He can't even live a little”
“He’s so distant, as if we're beneath him or something. It pisses me off.”
…
“Well…Besides him letting us use his stuff.” Momoa said.
“That's only because he felt the need too.”
“Why does he let us keep on using them then?.”
“That's…I don't know. He's probably too busy to focus on us.”
…
“Then again…He did give me that new perfume I've wanted.” Noerde muttered.
“Didn't he say something about getting it by accident?.”
“It couldn't be an accident if he also gave you a cd of that band you listen to.”
“Yeah…”
...
...
“He was also kind enough to give us some of the sweets he was making.” Momoa said, remembering that time since it was the first time he was kind to them.
“Wasn't that just extras?.”
“Yeah…He was still nice enough to give it to us. Even if he struggled hard to do it.” She said, getting Noerde to let out a lil chuckle.
“I remember. He struggled so hard to be nice, it was quite entertaining to see.” She said, getting Momoa herself to laugh.
Now they were just talking about the things Zanka had done for them, remembering the times he'd act like he bought them something cause “Boss told him” or that he got the wrong thing. Even remembering the times he'd get embarrassed for trying to get into the things they liked.
It was funny, and stupid but it made them realize that Zanka isn't just a serious guy that doesn't like fun. He was much more than that, even if he tried to hide it.
That's what makes it hurt more when they remember the state Zanka is in now.
…
…
“Hey.”
“Yes?.”
“...Do you think Zanka will be alright?.”
“...I hope so.”
…
Doc had finally finished his work, telling the three that they're lucky they…Kidnapped him in time?, or it would've been too late for Zanka.
Doc tells them that Zanka just needs to rest and not use his leg or arm that much, or the stitches will be undone. He started writing a list of things Zanka can or can't do, how long the healing will take and all that.
“Alrighty. Thanks for yer help, Doc. I thought he was long gone after seeing all the blood and stuff.” Bundus said, getting Zodyl to hit his shoulder as a way to shut him up.
“Like he said, Thanks.”
Doc was a lil happy for a job well done but he hesitantly asked he they'll let him go now.
Zodyl takes a thinker, “Fine, But if you tell anyone what you saw. We will look for you.” He said, That stare got Doc to promise that he'll keep this a secret.
After a minute to make sure he's telling the truth, Zodyl lets Cthoni take Doc back to where she got him. He looks at Zanka for a minute.
Bundus noticed, “Imma go and give ya some time alone.” He asked before leaving, knowing when it's time for him to leave.
That left Zodyl alone with Zanka, who's still unconscious but he's just lucky that Zanka's alive.
He looked at the bandages wrapped around Zanka, still seeing a few bruises and cuts that Doc didn't need to patch up, Or maybe he forgot from being watched by three Raiders.
Zodyl started to think more as he looked at Zanka. He can still feel himself shaking a bit, feeling the serious act he forced himself to put on once he finally saw Zanka start to crack.
As much as he tried to act like he didn't care, that it's just Zanka and he knows that Zanka's much stronger than that. He couldn't when he had that feeling of dread once he got the news from Noerde, him practically running to find Zanka and…Him feeling so worried, so anxious once he saw the state Zanka was in.
Zodyl took a minute before letting a single tear shed, The only time he'll let out his emotions.
“Zanka, When will you learn…” he said as he wiped his tears away.
He knows that Zanka's skilled and smart, but he's still not the best when it comes to realizing that he's not alone anymore. He doesn't have to act so irrationally or foolish just for Zodyl. He needs to realize that he has people who care about him, he can't be acting reckless anymore.
Zanka keeps on acting like he needs to win Zodyl's respect or approval, as if he's not good enough for his boss. But lil ol Zanka needs to realize that…Zodyl has respected him a long time ago.
…
Zanka finally started waking up, opening his eyes to see his team all in the room. He noticed Zodyl and Cthoni talking to each other, Bundus reading a random pamphlet Cthoni took from that doctor and…Those two.
He is immediately greeted by Momoa, who immediately rushes to him once she notices that he's up.
“Zanka, you're finally up.” She said a lil too loudly, getting everyone else to notice and go to him too.
“Yeah…How long was I out?” He asked, getting an immediate answer from Cthoni.
“About four hours.”
He was pretty shocked but once he tried to sit up, he used his wounded arm which hurt like hell. That got him to just lay down until Bundus stepped in.
“Whoa, careful buddy. Doc said to not use that arm until yer all better.” He said as he helped Zanka sit up, making Zanka a bit embarrassed for needing help on the most basic thing.
“Huh, Doc?. How did ya get a doctor?.”
“Ah, we just took one. We're lucky that we ain't need to force him.” He said with a lil chuckle but it's hard to believe that.
“Right…”
“Well, Zanka. Are you feeling better?.” Momoa spoke up, going right next to him.
“What do you think?.” He said. he's still acting rude, even in pain.
“We’ve been waiting for you for so long and this is how you treat us?. Ok.” Noerde muttered but Zanka could still hear it, making him annoyed for some reason.
“What do you mean by that?.” he asked, close to sparking an argument, until Cthoni spoke up.
“Come on, Zanka. They've been worried for you like the rest of us, At least be nice.” She said, getting the two to get embarrassed of being exposed like that.
“Why would you say that?.”
“You just gotta keep on talking, don't you.”
They said, getting pissed at Cthoni but they heard Zanka let out a little snicker.
“So you guys were worried?. Ain't that nice…Sad that you didn't say it though.” He said as he's tryna not to laugh.
“Shut up. You're lucky I wasted my time here.” Noerde said, pissed at him acting like that.
“Yeah.”
Zanka just stayed trying not to laugh, letting a lil giggle out now and then, but that got the girls annoyed.
The big three are just watching them and their…Weirdly complicated relationship. They could be friends one day, then straight hating and fighting each other the next day. They don't understand why but they just chop it up to it being how they love each other.
After a while, Bundus stepped in to stop the fight that's about to come up.
“Alright, calm down. Y'all don't have to be embarrassed about caring for one another but Zanka is still injured. Y'all can fight another time, Kay?”
The three think before mumbling an agreement.
“Alright, now let's go give him some privacy. Well see you later, Zanka.” Bundus said as he and the two got outta there.
“Bye.” He said, now he's with Boss and Cthoni. Luckily he ain't gotta speak first, Unfortunately the words he got are horrible for him.
“Zanka, You'll need to stay here and rest. That means no training or going on missions.” She said, making him a bit sad.
“These injuries aren't that bad, I can still work.” He said as he sat on the edge of the bed, it's still painful to move but he didn't care…And that got Zodyl to speak up.
“No. You won't be allowed to work until you're better.” He said bluntly.
“Boss, don't be stupid. I can still work, I just need-”
“No, Zanka. Do you not realize that you almost died?. I'm not going to let you keep on working after that.” He said, a teeny bit irritated at Zanka's persistence to work.
“I'm fine, Really. You don't need to worry.” Zanka said, getting annoyed at his words.
“I need to keep on working. I have many things to do, many things to-” he tried explaining but Zodyl stops him with a simple question.
“When will you focus on your health?.” Is all he needed to ask for Zanka to go silent for a minute.
“...What?.”
“You haven't focused on your health at all. The times you've stayed up training or the times you've done missions till you pass out. When will you focus on that?.”
Zanka is surprised. He knows that he's been ignoring his own needs, he always felt tired or exhausted. He even remembers passing out a couple times, but he doesn't do anything about it for his Boss. But being called out on it by Zodyl of all people makes it feel much more important than Zanka makes it out to be.
“Cause…It's not a problem. I don't need to worry about that if I…” he said but he can't tell Zodyl his reason, that'll sound stupid to him.
“If you what?.” He asked, but Zanka tried changing the subject, as expected.
“Why do you care anyways?. I'm doing all of these missions and getting stronger. Why can't you just care about that?.”
“Cause…” he started to get hesitant. He can't bring himself to tell Zanka something that personal, But Zanka thinks he got him.
“Cause I'm right. Boss, Ya really don't need to care about something like that. At the end of the day, I'm getting the job done and that's all that matters.” he said. The more he talked, the more Zodyl got annoyed.
Zanka speaks as if he's just useful for doing work, as if no one would care if he actually died back there. That pissed Zodyl off cause every Raider cares about him…Even…
“Cause…CAUSE I CARE!.” He basically shouted, getting Zanka to go silent.
He wanted to tell him later, but now he has to. Zodyl just looks at Cthoni, getting her to leave so he can speak to Zanka alone.
After a minute to calm down, he looks at Zanka.
“I care about your well-being, Zanka. Everyone does, they've been waiting for you to wake up for hours.” He said but once Zanka tried speaking up, he interrupted him.
“Zanka…You aren't replaceable.” He said, Getting Zanka to just sit there in silence and think.
“You…You keep on speaking like you're just useful for work or me, As if you're nothing but a tool I can handle throwing away. You have to understand that you're not, you are one of the best Raiders I have. You help me in more ways than just work.” He explained, watching Zanka's expressions closely as he kept on talking.
“You help Cthoni get the things we need since you're the one no one would expect to be a Raider. You get those two to stop fighting with each other, even if you force yourself to be nice. You give Bundus company when you're both up too early. You…Help me the most with your hard work and dedication to completing everything I ask.” He said as he went closer to Zanka until he was in front of him.
“You're the main reason we have these Raiders now. If you weren't here, I would've never met these guys. Zanka…You're important to me, to everyone and I won't allow you to make your injuries worse for something stupid. I need you, Zanka. You're the most important Raider I have.” he said, finally letting his reasoning out.
That was really hard for Zodyl, going all out with his feelings without being subtle or just not doing it at all. As much as he tries to stay stoic and all that, he can't cause it's Zanka…He's been with him the whole time. Even when it was just him, Cthoni and Zanka, he was the one that had the idea to find more people that would want to be Raiders.
Zanka is the main reason Zodyl isn't a lone wolf with an assistant to look for The Watchman Series. He can still remember Zanka's words, “Wouldn't more people in this…Group help you find what you're talking about?. If that thing is important then you'll need more people, I'm surprised that you haven't thought of that yet, Sir.”
Cause of his suggestion and meeting Noerde, then Momoa and lastly Bundus. He has a team and he's been making progress faster than he would with just Cthoni, Plus…It's been nice having a team. He ain't gonna admit that though.
Zodyl finally stopped his trip to memory lane once he heard something. He looks at Zanka and notices that he's trying not to cry, his head down to not show that he's sad and everything.
“I'm sorry, Boss. I just…” he said but he still can't get the words out, pretty much nervous about how Zodyl would react.
He just looks at Zanka, thinking for a minute cause he really doesn't want to see him cry…That's until he remembered his “how to deal with difficult teens for beginner parents” book. All that reading is finally gonna pay off!.
Zodyl takes a deep breath before going and sitting down by Zanka, reciting the steps in his head.
“What is it?.” He said, speaking more calmly and waiting for an answer.
After a while, Zanka finally started to speak once he noticed that Zodyl doesn't seem that serious anymore, just waiting when Zanka's ready.
“It's just…I don't want you to be disappointed in me.” He said, Staying silent a bit before explaining further.
“...I promised that I would get better, be the strongest for you cause…You're the only one that helped me, telling me that I don't need to be a natural or the best at everything on the first try. I…I want to show that I'm becoming better and stuff.” He said, sniffling and all that, but he felt Zodyl's hand on his shoulder.
“You already have.” is all Zodyl said, making it short and simple for Zanka to understand.
“B-but I keep messing up.” He mumbled, getting Zodyl a bit confused though.
“When?.”
“Well…I keep on failing to get Rudo, and I'm failing my missions cause of that disgusting cleaner getting in my way.”
Zodyl takes a thinker, remembering something in his book that gave him a brain blast.
“Those are simple mistakes, Zanka. You keep on thinking about the mistakes instead of what you did right.” He said, getting Zanka to look up at him.
“They're not a lot though.”
“Don't lie. Tell me, when you failed to get Rudo, did you get no information about him?.”
“...No, I did get information about Rudo. But-”
“Were they useful?”
“I…I think so.” He guessed, he was never sure if the info he got was good enough.
“It was. Your information helped me a lot. Tell me…Did you find more information on your mission?.” Zodyl asked, getting Zanka to think.
“Well…Yes. I know a little about Rudo's power. I saw him transform some typa necklace into something, I did find it weakness too. But then I saw it start to break.” He said, getting Zodyl stunned for a moment, but gets a bit happy.
“I'm assuming that he can transform stuff…I don't know how or why though.”
“That's great.” Zodyl immediately said, getting Zanka a bit surprised himself.
“Really?.”
"Yes. You just told me very useful information that'll help us get Rudo.” He said, he's even smiling a bit.
That got Zanka to think. He didn't focus on that at all, He only focused on what he did wrong. He was so persistent on getting Rudo that he forgot what Zodyl really needed, Info.
“Zanka.”
“Yes.” He said, Focusing on Zodyl.
“You…Do you remember what I said about growing?”
“Of course, it's the reason I wanted to join you.”
“Well, you must know that making mistakes helps you grow. Right?” He asked. Getting Zanka a bit confused.
“I know that, I'm not stupid.”
“Then why would I be mad at you for messing up this mission?.”
“Well…” he trailed off a bit, getting a bit nervous but he spoke again. “I didn't want you to be disappointed in me…I want you to be proud of me like last time.” he said, getting embarrassed for such a stupid reason.
Zodyl thinks before looking straight at Zanka.
“I could never be disappointed in you. I know that you always come back from missions with information for me, even if you failed them.” he said, Getting Zanka to tear up but he was straight bawling his eyes out once he heard the next words Zodyl said.
“Zanka, When I say I'm proud of you, I really am. I don't need to keep on saying it for you to notice cause it will be clear that I am…I will always be proud of you.”
That part, those lines are what Zanka wanted to hear and more. He couldn't hold his tears, he was sobbing like crazy, he didn't even realize that he was hugging Zodyl.
Zodyl was surprised but relieved once he noticed Zanka starting to get it. He just patted Zanka's back, trying to remember those steps but…His outfit is about to be soaked in tears.
Does he care?. Not really, He's more focused on Zanka finally starting to realize that he's important and needed. He doesn't need to be perfect, he just needs to keep on growing until he knows that he's good enough.
…
That lasted longer than Zodyl thought, Zanka basically cried himself to sleep or maybe it was lack of sleep he's been getting, who knows. He just laid Zanka back on the bed and tucked him in, even telling him goodnight.
Once Zodyl left the infirmary, He noticed Bundus and Cthoni waiting.
“So, is he ok?. I heard a lotta crying.” Bundus asked.
“He's fine, I just talked to him.” Zodyl said, back to his serious self.
“Well…What's up with your shirt?.” Cthoni asked, seeing a part of his clothes drenched in tears.
“Nothing.” He said a lil too quickly.
After a minute of thinking, Cthoni spoke up.
“Did you…Hug Zanka?” She said but Zodyl didn't say anything, making their assumptions clear.
“I don't think that was in the book ya got.” Bundus jocked, getting Zodyl a teeny bit embarrassed.
“Shut it. That was nothing, I was only comforting him.”
“Did you get that from the book too?.” He joked again, getting a lil laugh from Cthoni.
“Shut it. We are not speaking of this anymore. If you keep on speaking about it, I'll need to give you a harsh punishment.” He threatened, getting the two to nod.
…
…
“...I bet you he got some of the stuff he was saying from that book.” Bundus whispered to Cthoni, making them both laugh a bit…Until Zodyl noticed.
Yeah…They had to do extra work after that.
…
The few weeks were excruciating for Zanka. He couldn't train or anything, just rested all day and night. It would be nice, if he wasn't so used to taking hour naps. Now he just gets bored most of the time.
Lucky for him, Each Raider had checked up on him and spent some time so he wouldn't be too bored. If they didn't, he'd most definitely try and get up.
Momoa's time with him was talking or getting him to listen to her music, even showing him the limited edition merch she had. It was sorta nice for Zanka, At least her music had a variety so he didn't get bored with it.
For Noerde, it was either talking about her day or just gossiping with him. Sometimes she tried to do his hair and make up, even giving him tips just to get even better tips from him.
Now when both Momoa and Noerde were spending time with him, it wasn't that bad. They be talking, doing Zanka's hair or just trying different types of makeup on him…He didn't look that bad in any of them, getting both of em kinda jealous. Zanka was even a bit comfortable telling them about the many, many, many clothes that were made for him.
He didn't think of it as bragging, just simple information he's spilling but him having a whole wardrobe of clothes and different accessories made the two envious. This motherfucker got designer clothing while they got above average clothes.
Anyways, Bundus was much calmer with his time with Zanka. Just getting good cooking tips from Zanka, him telling stories of when he was younger. It was interesting and helped Zanka fall asleep faster, even though that wasn't the intention but Bundus doesn't mind.
For Cthoni, she was either getting info on what things she needed to buy for the base, which places to go and all that since Zanka was the one that usually did it. Now that he's resting…She sadly gotta go out and do it herself, it was more difficult than she thought with how specific Zanka was.
Now for Zodyl…Tea time, it was simple talking and enjoying Zanka's presence. That was until he tried to make tea for Zanka. That shit was so horrible that Zanka couldn't even fake it being good.
First drink, He tried to get a compliment in but just started throwing up. That made Zodyl want to give up immediately, but Zanka gave him some advice on how to make it better.
Their entire time was just Zodyl trying to make good tea for Zanka, it being slightly better than last time and Zanka trying so hard to compliment it. That hurt more than just him saying it was trash.
Those weeks were interesting for Zanka but it made him feel happy. He didn't really think that the others cared for him since he's pretty rude, but once they started spending time with him at the infirmary. He started to realize that maybe they care about him more than he thought.
The more Zanka thought about it, the more he felt better. Having someone other than Zodyl care about him this much is surreal for him, but it felt good…Maybe, just maybe he'll try and do something for them once he gets better.