Chapter Text
He remembers the smell of flesh burning, and the cold of skin peeling and freezing as he moved, confusion consuming his waking moment, he stares down at the entrails, loosely hanging from his body.
How am I here?
After a step, he stopped, and dropped to his knees.
He wondered.
What am I?
*2 years later*
The smell of fresh bread, full pastries and brewing tea filled his nose as he, worked behind the corner at his job, smiling as customers walked in and allowing them to feel welcome in this space.
He liked caring for people, it made him feel better.
This, 'He' in question is Zane Lazarus (Magicians name, he knows) and he's freshly 21 and working in a small bakery on the corner of 5th Avenue. It's a cute little store, but shockingly popular due to it's aesthetics and the fact that it's just a delicious bakery!
(Apperance- Zane had brown skin mixed with an olive, his hair was thick and he had a 4C hair pattern with tight coils. His tired, almost droopy eyes were a deep brown, full of love and slight sadness at all times, eyebags holding them up, and his nose drooped slightly, teeth slightly crooked, but he had a full face, and he was a midsize guy, slight fat on his body with some muscle, scars danced upon his body for unknown reasons…)
He looked normal enough, and felt that way.
But, Zane had a secret, as you could guess…
A biiiiiiiggggg one.
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Ding!~
Zane perked up as he heard the familiar sound of the bell hanging over the door ringing, watching as the familiar old woman hobbled over, her cane clacking softly as it made contact with the floor and he smiled.
"Hello Ms. Deriah, how was your day?" he tilted his head, watching her with a soft expression. She smiled up at Zane and patted his hand, "Oh hello Zane, it's lovely so far!" she says, with that sweet old lady giving him a sweet smile. Zane rubbed her hand gently as well, "Well, would you like your normal order? Chammomile Tea and a raspberry muffin?" he hummed, looking over at her.
She nodded, "Dear you know me so well." she paid for these items and sat in her booth as the news began to talk more about the Avengers, and New York and blah, blah, blah, Zane smiled as he walked over handing her the warm tea and fresh muffin, "Enjoy!" Ms. Deriah nodded with a smile as he went back to his place behind the counter, and as he baked he thought.
‘What should I have for dinner?
‘Should I order out?’
‘It's cold today so eat something warm.’
‘It's cold.’
He shivered.
He never did like winter.
He can’t even finish his thoughts as screaming came from outside the shop, and as he ran to look at what was happening, seemingly, a couple of guys are robbing the bank a few blocks from here…
Because. Of course.
He sighed as he watched the absolute chaos, opening his doors to lead some people inside, he watched as people, all shapes and sizes flooded the once calm bakery.
Zane himself watched from the counter, examining the faces around him, the other faces of fear. His shoulders relaxed as he heard the familiar sound of IronMan’s suit, whizzing through the sky, listening as kids at the window pointed and let out sounds of awe. Zane himself didn’t care much, but all he knew is that he wanted these kids happy.
As the battle raged on outside because for some dumbass reason these robbers seemed to have supersonic weapons,
Lovely.
Zane watched silently on the news with the many people surronding him, while Ms. Deriah sipped on her tea as if accepting any chance of death, Lord that woman is strong.
A group of kids huddled by the windows, watching the Avengers, while the adults stared up at the tv, listening to updates of not only the superpowed team, but also some updates on the surrounding area, fearing for their homes, schools, businesses, everything.
He stood near the basement and opened it slightly…
Just in case.
Suddenly there’s an ear-splitting crack..
Whoever..or whatever is trying to get in, so as there always is, there was chaos, pushing and shoving into the basement, parents grabbing their children and running, hell, one of the kids brought Ms. Deriah down with them, others just ran.
Zane watched as the basement filled, there’s was a hint of dread but also some acceptance stewing in his gut, he’s should’ve been dead a while ago…
It’ll be okay if this is the e-
CLANK-
THUD
What the hell?
There stands The God of Thunder..
Thor in all of his..hammer-y and lighting-y glory, with a wide grin of victory.
Before he can even say anything, the doors of the basement open and people are scurrying out like fearful animals, frantically filling the lobby os your store.
Thor put his hands on his hips, “Down the street! That’s where the fortress of safety lies! Run! RUN!-”
-”DAMN!- Point Break no need to be so dramatic, yikes.” Iron Man says as he lands next to him, “But he’s not wrong…for once…go to the S.H.I.E.L.D tents, for safety resources.” He pulls people up and leads them in the right direction.
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Zane was pulled along by the crowd, the anxiety of people around him was palpable, it seeped into his thoughts, and the thoughts of those around him.
Are we safe?
And to be honest…prolly not, Zane thought, but you have to stay hopeful in these things….right?
Well. Zane should’ve hoped better, way better infact. So much better so one of those criminal bastards grab him, along with some other people and try to blow them up or something.
Because, why not?
He glanced around, a young girl, and old man, a paranoid looking woman, and some guy in way to much shitty designer.
Zane only had one thought in this scenario…
“If I die to these fools, I’m going to be pissed.“