Traitors and The Faithful

The Aftermath

(A/N) Takes place after chapter 1. What happens after Vers communes with the SI?

Tags: #Memory Loss #Memory Manipulations #Dark #Controlling Relationships

***

She didn't remember anything.

Her childhood. Her years at the academy. Her heroics as a warrior of Starforce. Their courtship. Their marriage. Nothing. Her memory was a blank slate. All that she knew was that she had been involved in a Skrull attack, that it had robbed her of her past, and that Yon-Rogg and his team had saved her.

It was necessary to cleanse her mind of all manipulations, the Supreme Intelligence had told him. I'm surprised that you aren't happier, Commander. You have your wife back alive and safe. Is that not what you wanted?

She remembers nothing, he had explained quietly. Not her past. Not the Kree way of life. Not her time with me. She doesn't even know that she's my wife.

Are you questioning me? The foundations for betrayal of the empire runs deep within your wife. It took root long before you even knew that she existed. What was done was necessary. If your love is as strong as you believe then you'll be able to overcome it, won't you?

Yon-Rogg had never felt disdain for their leader until that moment, rage battering against his control, tensing his body and clenching his fists. This was not what he had wanted for Vers. She didn't deserve this. This couldn't be the solution.

The thought was gone as quickly as it came, shame at doubting their leader prickling his skin. Who was he but a mortal man to judge an eternal being? If this was the decision that the Supreme Intelligence had made then it was the right one. He had sworn an oath of faith and unquestioning loyalty. This ordeal was a test of those vows. The cost of mercy for his wife.

She was alive, that was all that mattered.

He felt weak with unease, seeing Vers standing by the door to their apartment. Her eyes scanned their home warily, her arms wound tightly around her. She looked small and unsure, her confidence dwindled. With her memories gone everything was strange to her.

"Welcome home, Vers," Yon-Rogg said.

Vers said nothing as she timidly entered their home, staying close to the door. She looked like she wanted nothing more than to run away.

"You're safe here," Yon-Rogg assured her softly. "I promise, I won't let anything hurt you."

Never again. He had failed her once, he would not fail her twice.

Vers remained silent.

Yon-Rogg tried not to let it upset him, trying not to mourn the easy banter they used to have or how comfortable they were around one another.

"Let me reacquaint you with the apartment. The kitchen's in there. Washer room to the right. Our bedroom is over there-" Vers flinched at that and he quickly added, "-and the spare bedroom is beside it, which is where I'll be staying."

Vers nodded, her gaze firmly on the window.

Yon-Rogg rubbed the back of his neck and headed over to the kitchen. "How about some dinner? Ricel mushroom soup was your favourite."

Vers crept closer to the kitchen, watching him by the doorway. He busied himself rustling up the ingredients and switching on the cooker hobs. Vers always brightened up after a well-cooked meal.

"I'm not very hungry," Vers whispered. "I'd rather just go to bed."

Yon-Rogg nodded, watching Vers's retreating form. It was only when the door to the bedroom swooshed close that he allowed himself to release the breath that he had been holding. He leaned back against the kitchen wall, his head lightly thudding against it.