My Own Personal Throne

The city streets are dark, cold, and unforgiving. Haru, a teenager at the time, finds himself wandering through the alleys of a crime-ridden part of town. He's been homeless for weeks, living on scraps, trying to survive. His powers are still relatively uncontrollable, a burden that makes him feel more like a freak than a person. Every day is a fight to stay alive and to keep the secret of his shape-shifting ability hidden.

One night, while rummaging through a dumpster behind a store, Haru hears footsteps. He turns, expecting to see one of the usual thugs that often patrol these parts, but instead, he finds a figure in the shadows—a woman, tall and cloaked in a mix of mystery and confidence. Her grin is sharp, and her eyes glow with a mischievous light.

This is Cheshire.

Cheshire, with her playful, teasing demeanor, offers Haru a strange sense of comfort amidst his isolation. She's no stranger to the streets and quickly recognizes that Haru is more than just a lost soul. At first, Haru is wary of her, unsure of her motives, but her charm and wit eventually win him over.

She seems to know more about him than she lets on. She knows about his ability to shape-shift, though Haru never told her. She knows his pain and confusion, and rather than reject him for being a meta-human, she offers him a place in her world—a world where people like them don't have to hide or run.

Cheshire:"You know, kid… you've got something special. Not many people can pull off a disappearing act like that."

Haru, still hesitant, wonders whether this could be the first genuine connection he's ever had, but his past has taught him to be cautious.

Cheshire introduces herself fully, revealing her connection as sort of a partime gang leader to the Midnight Wolves, a gang known for their underground operations. She doesn't force Haru to join, but her words are persuasive—offering him a chance to survive and thrive in a world that's largely rejected him.

Haru, desperate for any semblance of stability, agrees to join the gang, though he remains skeptical of Cheshire's true intentions.

The two exchange words, and it's clear from the start that there's an unspoken bond forming between them. Cheshire, with her playful attitude, seems to have an almost magnetic pull on Haru, despite his usual wariness.

She talks to him like she knows everything—his abilities, his fears, his isolation—and in some strange way, it's comforting. Haru, on the other hand, doesn't quite know what to make of her. But he can't deny the way his heart races when she's near. The way her eyes sparkle with an intensity he hasn't seen in anyone before.

Cheshire:"You're good with hiding, but you don't need to hide from me, you know. You've got something inside of you... something unique."

The chemistry between them is undeniable. It's clear that Cheshire sees something in him that others don't, and in return, Haru finds himself drawn to her confidence and the mysterious air around her. It's not long before their conversation shifts, the playful banter growing more intimate.

It has been a few months since haru joind the Midnight Wolves, and todey marked the day of haru birthday, with him turning 16.

As the night grows darker, on a roof of a building haru and cheshire are sitting enjoying The air that is cold nice and thick with tension, a subtle, almost magnetic pull between the two of them. Haru can't help but be drawn closer to her, his thoughts clouded by a mixture of curiosity and desire. Cheshire, noticing his unease, steps forward, her gaze never leaving his.

Cheshire:"You know, I don't think you've ever been this close to someone like me before... but if you want I can make you feel something you've never felt as a birthday gift of course."

She reaches out, her hand brushing lightly against his arm. Haru's breath catches in his throat, the sensation sending a shiver down his spine. Their eyes meet, and for a moment, the world seems to fall away, leaving only the two of them in that quiet space.

Haru's heart pounds in his chest. He's not sure why, but something about this moment feels like it could change everything. He feels the pull between them, the way her presence fills the empty space in his life. He looks at her, uncertain, but she leans in, her lips dangerously close to his ear.

Cheshire:"You're not alone anymore. You've got me now, and i have got you."

Haru's hands tremble slightly, but he can't bring himself to pull away. The connection between them feels real, almost intoxicating. Before he can even think about it, she captures his lips with hers, a kiss that's soft at first, but quickly deepens with the intensity of their emotions. The kiss is a mixture of curiosity, longing, and an undeniable connection that neither of them can resist.

Cheshire:"From this point on, You're Mine~, do you understand."

Haru:"...Yes"

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The Young Justice team—Robin, Aqualad, and Artemis—have been tasked by batman to track down the Midnight Wolves gang, in hopes to find information about Cheshire's whereabouts.

Aqualad:"The Midnight wolves gang is the best lead we have. If they know where she's gone, we need to find them."

Robin:"I'll get the information from them. the gang has been working for over 5 years under Cheshire's . They'll know something, but they are not going to just hand it over."

Artemis:"Then I guess it's up to you to get them to talk."

Robin enters the hideout of the Midnight wolves, staying hidden in the shadows. The building is poorly lit, filled with the smells of smoke and alcohol. He moves swiftly, trying to blend in with the surroundings as he locates Griff, an underling who works directly under Cheshire, who is sitting in the back of the room, chatting with a few other gang members.

Robin:"Found him."

Griff looks up, his eyes narrowing when he sees Robin approach. A smirk spreads across his face.

Griff:"Well, well. The little hero finally shows up. What's it this time, Robin? Looking to spoil our fun?"

Robin:"I'm not here to waste time, Griff. I need to know where Cheshire is."

Griff:"Cheshire? You want her, huh? You know, I don't think I'm gonna help you with that, caped freak."

Robin:"This doesn't have to get ugly. Just tell me where she's gone."

Griff stands up, grinning widely as he steps forward, not intimidated by Robin's threat.

Griff:"You think you can just come in here and ask me for info like you own the place? I'm not one of your sidekicks, Robin. I'm not scared of you."

Robin's eyes harden, and he tightens his grip on his bo staff, ready for whatever comes next.

Without warning, Griff pulls out a switchblade and lunges at Robin, slashing wildly. Robin reacts quickly, dodging the blade and using his agility to stay just out of reach. The two circle each other, tension rising.

Robin:"You don't have to do this, Griff."

Griff:"I don't take orders from you, hero! If you want info, you'll have to fight for it."

Robin blocks the next strike with his bo staff, but Griff uses the opportunity to attempt a brutal kick to Robin's midsection. Robin rolls with the momentum, narrowly avoiding the blow.

Robin:"You don't need to make this harder on yourself."

Griff:"I told you, I'm not talking. You'll have to pry it out of me."

The fight grows more intense. Robin lands a few quick strikes, but Griff isn't giving up. His desperation fuels his anger, making him even more dangerous.

Griff:"You think just because you've got some fancy moves you can win? I've been in this gang longer than you've been playing hero. You can't just walk in here and think you'll get what you want."

Robin:"Tell me where she is, Griff."

Griff:"Not a chance."

Griff swings the knife, but Robin anticipates the move, using his bo staff to disarm him, sending the blade flying across the room. Before Griff can react, Robin pins him to the floor, pressing his knee into Griff's chest to hold him down.

Robin:"This is your last warning. Where is Cheshire?"

Griff's eyes flash with fury, but he knows he's been beaten. He groans in frustration as Robin's hold tightens.

Griff:"Alright, alright... She's at the docks. Old warehouse by the pier. That's all I know, caped boy. Now get off me!"

Robin stands up, finally letting Griff go. Griff scowls up at him, clearly unwilling to admit defeat, but Robin doesn't care. He has what he came for.

The Young Justice team, Robin, Aqualad, and Artemis, arrives at the docks, their mission clear: find Cheshire, and take her down before she can escape. The cold, damp air of the docks fills their lungs as they quietly sneak through the shadows, eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of her.

Aqualad:"We're close. The warehouse should be just up ahead."

Robin:"Stay sharp. Cheshire's dangerous. She won't make it easy."

Artemis:"When does she ever?"

The team moves cautiously, staying hidden in the shadows. They pass by the old warehouse at the end of the pier, its windows covered in grime and its structure appearing neglected, yet heavily guarded.

As they near the entrance, Robin motions for the team to stop. His eyes scan the area, looking for traps or any signs of Cheshire.

Robin:"There's something off here... too quiet."

Aqualad:"She's here, alright. I can feel her presence."

Suddenly, they hear the faint sound of footsteps echoing in the distance—Cheshire is already on the move. The heroes prepare themselves for a confrontation.

Before they can make a move, Cheshire bursts from the shadows, her trademark smile on her face, confident that the team has been spotted.

Cheshire:"Well, well, the famous heroes come knocking on my door. Did you bring cookies, or just yourselves?"

Robin:"You're not getting away this time, Cheshire. We know where you're hiding."

Cheshire:"Oh, how cute. You really think you can stop me? If I wanted to be caught, I'd have made it easier for you."

With a quick, fluid motion, Cheshire leaps into action, throwing a series of smoke bombs to create a thick cloud of mist, temporarily blinding the heroes.

Robin:"Stay together! Don't let her escape!"

The team moves quickly, each one covering a different exit of the warehouse. But before they can catch up, Cheshire slips into the shadows, gone in an instant.

Unbeknownst to the heroes, Haru is still unconscious in the warehouse. As Cheshire makes her escape, she grabs Haru by the wrist, dragging him along with her. The moment she touches him, a faint pulse of energy flows through him, though he remains unconscious, his body unwillingly following her movements.

Cheshire:"Not like this, Haru. Not like this."

Robin:"I've lost track of her! She's using the shadows again. Keep moving!"

As the heroes race to find Cheshire, Haru is unknowingly pulled further into the chaos of the chase.

Meanwhile, while the pursuit continues, Robin pulls Artemis aside for a brief conversation, his voice lowered to ensure no one else overhears.

Robin:"Artemis... we need to talk."

Artemis:"About what?"

Robin:"There's something I've been meaning to ask. It's about you. I've noticed you've been... distant lately. When we first met, you didn't seem to trust us. And now, you're always looking over your shoulder, like something's following you. I'm just worried, Artemis. What's going on?"

Artemis:"I don't know what you're talking about, Robin."

Robin:"Don't lie to me. We're a team. We don't keep secrets from each other."

Artemis takes a deep breath, glancing around to make sure no one is listening in. She leans in closer to Robin, her voice barely above a whisper.

Artemis:"You wouldn't understand, Robin. My past... it's not something I'm proud of. I came from a place where trust didn't exist. Where survival was more important than anything else. And now I'm trying to leave all of that behind. But sometimes it feels like it's always going to catch up to me."

Robin:"I get it, Artemis. You don't have to tell me everything. But just know that we're here for you. We've got your back, always."

Artemis:"Thanks, Robin. But sometimes, no matter how hard you try, the past never really lets you go."

Robin:"We'll face it together."

Artemis:"Let's focus on Cheshire. We can deal with everything else later."

As Robin and Artemis share their brief, quiet moment, the sound of footsteps approaching snaps them back into action. The smoke has cleared, and they now realize Cheshire has disappeared deeper into the docks.

Robin:"She's close! Stay sharp, everyone!"

Aqualad:"Let's go!"

The heroes move forward with renewed urgency, knowing that Cheshire won't make it easy for them. They are determined to finish what they started, but Cheshire is already planning her next move, and with Haru still unconscious, she won't let the heroes take him from her.

Cheshire:"Where is that ship it was supposed to be here ages ago"

The Young Justice team is closing in on Cheshire's location. After tracking her to the dark, industrial docks, they inch closer to an old warehouse at the end of a pier.

Robin, Aqualad, and Artemis move with stealth, the shadows their allies. They've finally cornered her. The only problem? Haru is in the equation now.

Robin:"She's in there with that boy."

Aqualad:"We can't let her slip away this

time."

Artemis:"This ends now."

The team spreads out, ready to move in. They see Cheshire from a distance, her silhouette visible near a stack of crates in the shadows. She's holding Haru, who is still unconscious, limp in her arms. The sight of him, vulnerable, ignites something in Artemis, but they cannot afford hesitation.

As the team moves in on her position, Cheshire's instincts kick in. She's aware of their approach and reacts quickly, her sharp eyes scanning the surroundings.

Cheshire:"You shouldn't have followed me. Know that I won't let you take him. Not now, not ever."

Before Cheshire can respond, a fast water punch was sending her through a wall.

Artemis"Stay down!!!"

Artemis was screaming that but, when the smoke disappeard Cheshire was not longer there.

Robin:"She's gone again!"

The team is momentarily stunned, trying to process how she could have evaded them again, but their attention is quickly pulled back to Haru.

Aqualad steps forward cautiously, his expression tense as he sees Haru lying on the ground, still unconscious, the pulse of faint energy lingering around him.

Aqualad:"He's alive, but still out cold. She was protecting him, but why?"

Robin:"All I know is that he is part of the Midnight Wolves, We need to get him back."

Artemis:"This isn't over. We'll find her again, and we'll get answers."

With their focus on Haru, they move him to a hospital. The team knows that the moment they let their guard down, Cheshire could go for him so they decided to do shifts of one hour each until he will wake up.

As the Young Justice team begins their shifts system, Cheshire watches them from a distance, hidden in the shadows. Her teeth grit together in frustration, but there's a resolve in her eyes that burns brighter than ever.

Cheshire:"I'll get you back, Haru. No matter what it takes. Even if I have to pull strings I swore I never would…"

Her gaze sharpens as she pulls a small communication device from her coat pocket. The sleek, black device glows briefly as she activates it, and a deep voice crackles through the receiver.

Voice:"Ah, Cheshire. It's been a while. What's the emergency this time?"

Cheshire:"The Young Justice team has him. They've taken Haru. I need your help. They won't just leave him alone, and I can't afford to let them have him."

Voice:"So, you're asking for my help? Again? You've always been resourceful, Cheshire. But this is more than just a petty theft. This is about your little lover boy, isn't it?"

Cheshire:"Yes. It's about him. I can't let them keep him. You owe me. I need him back, and I'll do whatever it takes to get him."

The voice on the other end of the line chuckles darkly, almost as though it's amused by the situation.

Voice:"You've always known how to bargain. But remember, Cheshire, nothing comes free. I'll help you, but you'll owe me more than you think."

Cheshire:"I'm ready. Get me Haru back, and I'll settle the debt later."

Voice:"Done. You'll have him back. But you know the cost. Nothing goes unnoticed when you make deals with me."

With the conversation over, Cheshire clenches her fists and looks out toward the horizon, her resolve growing stronger. She knows the Young Justice team won't give up easily, but neither will she. She won't let them take him from her—not without a fight.

Cheshire:"I will get you back, Haru. Even if it means dragging the entire world into this."