Vega's Rose

Synopsis: A SF fanfic about Vega saving a lovely young woman named Rosa Rodriguez from gang rape. He falls for her but realizes love can be quite tricky and complicated at times.

“You aren’t a hero, and I’m not beautiful, and we probably won’t live happily ever after,”, she said, “But we’re alive, we’re together, and we’re going to be alright.”--Hester to Tom, The Mortal Engines, Book #1, written by Phillip Reeve

‘This is just your body. It’s not bad or good. That part’s up to you.’--Dr. Ido, Battle Angel Alita

Chapter 1—A Fighter’s Cries For Help

Rosa Amelia Maria Rodriguez typically didn’t walk home alone in the dark, dingy back alleyways, but it was closest to her apartment. There she knew her beloved dogs, Skipper and Salty would be waiting for her. They were both labs, so named because some ingrate had left them for dead in the surf of the ocean. She rescued them, and in turn, they rescued her many times over when she was nearly robbed once.

Rosa felt a twinge of discomfort and a chill. Suddenly, she was surrounded by men, much taller, brawnier and with a wolf-like smirk upon all of their faces. They were after one thing and Rosa wasn’t about to give it to them. Before she realized it, they were ganging up and pressing in, closer and closer, trying to pin her and ravage her in the most uncivilized, rough way possible.

Rosa fought tooth and nail against her would be assailants but they finally overcame her, nearly knocking one of her teeth out. It hurt like hell but with what little strength she had left, she screamed for someone, anyone to come and help her before she was brutally raped.

Rosa heard the screams of the men that were about to attack her. One was left bleeding down his legs and yelping, fleeing from the scene. A man, stained crimson, speckled in sweat and rivulets of crimson blood down his ‘Wolverine’ ques blades stood in front of her, his handsome face masked. She was completely unafraid of him. His mystique made him all the more alluring.

Chapter 2—A Virtuous Viper

She noticed the Spaniard had a viper tattoo encircling him and that he was rather well-built, much like a matador or flamenco dancer. Even his costume suggested that had he not been a ruthless street fighter.

‘Thank you, whoever you are.’, she said. Vega slumped over, nearly overcome by the heat.

‘Come on, let me take you back to my apartment. I’ll get you a drink of water, maybe something to eat. I bet you could use a bite of nourishment.’, Rose said. Her soft touch was like silk and he felt like he could melt in it. Normally he wouldn’t have felt his heart begin to open to such a force as love but Rosa was stunning. She was smart, witty, beautiful and had a virtuous character. She had a gentle spirit and the voice of an angel. If Vega didn’t know any better, he would’ve considered her otherworldly.

Quickly, she directed Vega to her couch and had him sit down to rest. He took his manacle off there, feeling a bit woozy. Rosa quickly went to work and made him a spectacular Cuban sandwich and gave him water to drink.

‘I’m taking off my mask. Normally, I wouldn’t do so, but you must say nothing of this.’, Vega said. Having seen his face for the first time, Rosa felt time slow. He had the look of a model. Yes, he had a scar but it didn’t mar his beauty.

Boldly Rosa sat next to the brawler, enjoying her handcrafted sandwich.

‘Feeling better ?”, she asked. Vega nodded and actually allowed himself to smile. He couldn’t help but feel comfortable. Even her dogs liked him.

‘Heh ! My dogs even enjoy you. You must have a good spirit.’, Rosa commented. Vega couldn’t help but smile despite himself. Rosa made him feel special, wanted and, dare he think it, loved.

The food was far better than anything he had ever eaten before. He was impressed with how well Rosa knew the methods of treating small injuries and how gentle her touch was.

‘Surely there must be a way I can repay you.’, Rosa said, gratefully. Vega grabbed her arm to hoist himself up. He couldn’t linger at her apartment, lest he was followed by someone who wanted the bounty on his head.

‘You’ve done enough. Thank you.’, Vega said, his tone touched with hints of affection. Biting her lower lip and approaching him, she lightly touched his hand, which she had recently bandaged and kissed it.

‘For luck.’, she said, sweetly. Vega felt shock waves run through him, almost like his blood had become lava. Her kiss was magnificent, but he dismissed any sentiments or notions of attraction. He thanked her again, curtly nodded and dashed out her window, into the darkness, shrouded in the unknown.

Chapter 3—The Rose in her Garden

It was a stunning weekend and the weather was perfect. Rosa had gone to the park to eat some sandwiches, drink some sweet red wine and relax, listening to the birds twitter merrily. No one else was in the park since it was a holiday and most people were on vacation out of state or with their families in Orlando. Suddenly, Vega approached and asked,

‘May I ?’, and handed Rosa a fragrant crimson rose.

‘Oh, Vega...This is splendid. Thank you. How did you know red roses were my favorite ?’, Rosa questioned.

‘It suits you, your heart and your beauty which holds no equal.’, Vega said poetically. He had never spoken such lyrical words before, but now they spouted from him effortlessly and as easily as inhaling and exhaling.

Rosa placed the rose aside and offered Vega some wine and a triple cheese grilled cheese sandwich. She had Doritos, celery, carrots and blueberries. Her dessert was handmade cherry cheesecake which should’ve been illegal since it was so sinfully delicious. Vega couldn’t imagine a more unbelievable repast. He was amazed this woman was single, but again, the notion of marriage was a foreign concept, as was the newly incubated emotion he had come to know as love.

The sunlight shone in Rosa’s brunette hair. Her skin had the tint of honey and gold, but her eyes had Vega mesmerized. He couldn’t help feeling attracted, even if he wanted to deny it. He enjoyed being around Rosa and he could see just how determined, strong, free willed and witty she was. She could make him laugh without even trying. In all his years, being a street fighter had never really allowed him to love someone. He was more familiarized with lust but loathed that sort of company. In essence, Vega was a gentleman even though he was a trained assassin.

‘What brings you to my patch of the garden ?’, Rosa questioned. She unappologetically and courageously grasped Vega’s hand. Vega didn’t recoil. The sensation was addictive. He had longed for this feeling to occur again and it was so similar to a reverie he almost didn’t want it to end.

‘I was wandering around, savoring nature when I noticed you had come to this park. I couldn’t help but admire the prettiest rose in the garden.’, Vega said. Rosa turned fushia and lowered her gaze. Vega’s words had touched her. It was obvious that he was being sincere and they were both smitten with each other.

‘So, is this a date then ?’, she asked, leaning in close. Vega didn’t flinch.

‘Yes.’, Vega said. Inches away from her lips, his lips moved in closer to hers until they touched. They found themselves kissing very passionately.

‘We should go someplace more private.’, Vega said, kissing her again. He wanted to make love to her but wasn’t certain if she’d be accepting to it. He knew it would complicate his life immensely but at this point, he didn’t care. He loved her and he wanted her. No matter what happened, he was her’s; mind, body and soul.

Chapter 4—The Barrio

Even though it was rustic, Vega lived in a pretty upscale area despite his looks and ‘profession’. He was a gypsy though, moving frequently. This place happened to suit him because it had all the comforts of his Spanish villa back home, which he had left years ago to become a contract killer. Granted his contract was about to expire and he’d have to find another line of work. MMA would suit him well, stuntman or martial arts instructor but he often thought of becoming either a guitar instructor or performing flamenco dances for entertainment and instruction.

‘This is my mansion. It’s only temporary and it isn’t much but it’s my home away from home.’, Vega said. He put on some spellbinding Latin music in the background using a remote. He asked her if she would like some wine. She agreed and they enjoyed the wine together, laughing and chatting. Vega leaned over and took her chin into his fingertips, caressing her cheek.

‘You are a masterpiece. God wept in joy the day He made you.’, he said. She pulled him forward into her, hungrily kissing him, giggling.

‘Feisty aren’t you !’, he laughed. Since he was dressed a bit more casually for this encounter, he had removed his tank top and tossed it aside. Even though he boasted six-pack abs he was very ginger in every movement and touch, making certain Rosa was enjoying every moment.

Vega and Rosa were lost in ecstasy. Pretty soon, she was on top of him, moaning and he was clutching on to her for dear life. It had been so long since he had been intimate with a woman, but she was unlike any other. Every movement spurred him on and made him all the more aroused and ecstatic. They flowed together like water, their sighs like music. Their undulating went on for hours until they became tired and collapsed into each other’s arms.

‘Unreal.’, Rosa breathed, unable to take her eyes away from her Viper. The Viper delicately kissed her clavicle.

‘I would say surreal.’, Vega added with a chuckle. He traced the lines of her body and waited to recuperate before colliding with her again in a sexual explosion. With an ecstatic sigh, Vega plotzed onto the bed next to Rosa and they spooned until they went to sleep.

Chapter 5—The Viper Vanishes

Rosa knew that a love with an assassin couldn’t last and tried not to become too attached. Yes, he had saved her life but neither of them owed each other any favors. As quickly as Vega had come into Rosa’s life, he had disappeared. Oddly, she didn’t feel sorrow. Instead, she let it transform her into a fighter herself. She would never be a street fighter, but she became a luchadora named Corona. Corona was exceptionally talented. During another one of her matches, she swore she saw a masked man in the audience. She dedicated the match to him even though she didn’t use his name. Somehow, she could sense he was watching her because once she had become victorious, there had been a single, long-stemmed crimson rose that had fallen on the mat at her feet.

‘My virtuous viper.’, she thought, with a smile. Even though they would never see each other again, she knew her heart would one day love another, although a part of her heart would always belong to her silent matador.

Epilogue

Rosa did indeed marry her trainer, Bowie. The two retired quite comfortably off all the money they had accrued from Rosa (or Corona’s) winnings. The two of them are currently expecting their first baby, a boy that they plan on naming Domingo after Bowie’s dad. Fortunately, much of that money would be used to getting Domingo the operation he required for an organ transplant that was necessary. He had a faulty valve and it would be replaced with a younger, more viable man’s heart. He would have many healthy life and many happy years to come, especially with a grandchild to spoil.

Rosa couldn’t help but wonder about ‘what if’, even with Domingo in her arms. Vega would’ve been a tremendous dad, murderous tendencies or not. Part of her knew that he watched over Domingo as well as a sort of godfather, an avenging angel with stained crimson blades.

The End