Episode 0-3 (Part 2): Orange Cargo, Retrieved
I've made my choice.
I tossed the duffel into the boat.
"Go! Get out! I'll hold them off!" I yelled.
Goddamn, I did not want to be the hero for today.
But unless we wanted to get buried six feet underneath, someone has to make a choice.
I mean, do I have anything left to lose at all?
Holy shit it sounds like I'm dying and about to make my last stand even though I won't.
"S-senpai! We wo-"
"I'm not gonna take 'no' for an answer. This is a direct order from your squad leader, I say move now!" I interrupted Eyja-girl before she could've continued.
Instincts tingled. Duck, get to cover. Narrowly avoid Arts projectile.
Crossbow bolts kept firing at my position. Grenade it is then.
Except I didn't have to throw any.
Suddenly, a rain of orange swords fell from the sky. Stabbing and impaling through the unlucky soldiers that were too weak. I heard them scream in pain.
What the..?
Suddenly, a loud clang erupted from my side. I looked to what it was, or rather, whom it was.
"You think the second-in-command is going to listen to the third-in-command?" Hoshiguma stated. Bringing up her shield to block the crossbow bolts and some of the Arts being thrown at us. "Come on! Get those casters! I'll be in front!"
Goddamnit. No time to complain.
I immediately switched to my All-American, there were three casters that I saw. I easily dispatched them, those stupid ceramic and plastic masks aren't gonna help stop bullets. Especially the armor-piercing ones.
Hoshiguma bashed the light armored veteran in front of her, dazing the poor guy.
"Now!"
As she said that, someone leaped over her head and stabbed the goon right in the head. Immediately after, she ran back into cover as the crossbow bolts just invaded her previous position.
"Good grief Six. I knew you were gonna do something reckless." Texas looked at me with an exasperated expression. "I don't want anyone spilling their blood for their mission. But you..."
"Save it for later. Can't you just join the others?" I looked at the boat still in front of us. The rest of the squad were staring at us while Croissant's hands were still firm on the wheel.
Texas followed my gaze. "Croissant. Go. Get the cargo to safety."
"Righto! Everyone, let's go!" The western-lookin' girl didn't even hesitate.
"B-but, are they gonna be-"
"Baws' orders." Croissant grinned at Jessica as the boat began moving. "'Sides, they can take these guys just fine."
"Oh believe me, they got Six over there. And he took on me, Texas, and Siege!" Franka vouched for leaving.
"Step on it, Croissant." Texas instructed, her voice sounded fierce yet calm.
"Don't get yer panties in a twist Lupo!" Croissant switched gears as the boat began moving faster. "Stay safe!"
Great.
"Hey, if you two can stop being sitting ducks, that'd be appreciated!" Hoshiguma broke us out of our trance.
Right yeah, we still got asses to kick.
Why the fuck aren't these assholes not advancing on us?
"They're by themselves, get 'em!" I heard one goon say.
I'm not gonna even bother commenting about that.
Anyway...
Texas behind Hoshiguma. Peek out of cover. Quickshot seven crossbowmen. 10 rounds eaten. 14 left.
A defender emerged on my left. He clashed with Hoshiguma's shield. Soldiers encircled around the clash and tried to attack only for Texas to quickly take them down with ease. A random crossbow bolt tried shooting her, but she reacted in time and deflected the bolt.
Dash in, draw .357 magnum. Headshot crossbowman. Evade incoming Arts attack.
I looked at the source, meters away in front of me was a caster, and a large veteran defender.
I looked at my left, Hoshiguma easily took down the defender and Texas threw her sword at one of the footsoldiers.
Well, looks like they'll take that side.
The defender and the caster kept pressuring me with the Arts projectiles. I easily dodged them, even though they were moving like plasma projectiles.
Grab flashbang from pocket, remove pin. Toss flashbang.
I went into cover and as soon as I heard the flashbang go off, I got out and instantly moved.
Draw sniper, aim at defender's visor. Pull trigger, defender's body fell. Caster still staggered. Draw .357 magnum, headshot. Draw All-American. Reload.
More soldiers came from the entrance. Except all of them had swords. Shitty looking swords.
"Hey, that's him! Get him!" They sounded like thugs as they rushed at me.
Well, isn't this interesting.
Me, plenty of enemies, and a single hallway made out of shipping containers.
This would be a waste of bullets if I just shot them all.
Well, let's get funky.
I kept my pistols and rifles. I just had my fists. Knife if it's too much for me.
They all rushed at me like a horde. I count 17.
Too little.
Roll underneath first soldier. Recover, uppercut surprised soldier number 2. Follow right hook, number 2 is down. Another soldier followed on right. Sword swung. Evade. Grab soldier by the arm, hold it irregularly. Bend forward, broken. Number 3 down.
The whole lot of them were hesitating, but their numbers instilled them confidence. I heard ineligible mutters.
"Huwah!" I gave them a little boo. They got spooked.
I was unprepared for the sword to chop my back.
"Grgh!" I reacted accordingly; in pain. The guy removed the blade from my back, I don't think it didn't even go through.
Right fuck, there was one guy I evaded.
Great, so I only took down two guys.
The guys in front of me took advantage and two guys swung at me.
Stop both arms, pull arms back. Clothesline. Number 3 and 4 are down. Instinct. Guy who chopped me rushed. Sidestep and grab his neck. Take hostage, take sword.
I threatened to kill the guy in my arm, he tried his best prying out.
They didn't hesitate to rush at me. All of them.
I threw their guy at them, they stopped. I followed by throwing the sword onto the neck of the poor guy near me, that's number 5. A guy rushed at me with a sword, I blocked it with my unbreakable Pip-Boy. I returned a gut-wrenching punch, he began collapsing. Number 6.
Then a guy tried to tackle me, keyword being 'tried'. Then he was followed by a bunch of guys. They were careful not to hit their teammate so they couldn't swing properly, let alone swing at all. But they did try hacking their shitty sword at my sides. Either they got me or hit my armor.
I only felt one weak cut.
Retort. Smash fists onto guy on my stomach. He let go. Straight punch guy on my right, number 7 down instantly. Stop the guy on my left, takedown. Punch. Punch. Punch. Again and again.
Number 8.
The guy I pounded my fists onto earlier tried to grab my leg, I stomped on the joint of his arm and broke it.
Number 9.
I looked at the crowd in front of me. How many were left? 8? So I took down 9 guys?
What a joke.
I gestured and taunted them to come for me. I got into a boxing stance.
Instinct kicked in. Presence from behind, duck underneath clothesline. Guy that got clotheslined came after me. Other guy rushed, flip him over and stomp on face. Another guy rushed with right arm, deflect and chop neck. He fell backwards, out cold.
The crowd in front of me prepared as they watched their two comrades fall.
This time however, they attempted coming at me one by one.
One guy with a shorter sword tried swinging at me. Except his range and spatial awareness was really off.
He swung again, left hook. Follow right uppercut. Number 10 down. Another one, swings sword from below. Swing downwards, dodge both, backstep while doing so. Left punch, right hook. Grab head and slam into shipping container.
I looked at the remaining 7. I kept hearing ineligible muttering, maybe a different language?
Fuck it. Get it over with, these guys are boring me.
This time, three guys dared to come at me.
Number 11, 12, and 13 rushed at me at the same time. I ducked under 11's swing as he overstepped his bounds. 12 swung his sword upwards at me but failed and slipped-oh yup, he sprained his ankle. 13 failed to hit me with his sword.
Flying kick to 13's head, pained scream. Falls over, knocked out. Look behind, stop 11 from swinging, catch arm. Leg sweep, punch head midair. Body falls and ragdolls aside.
11, 12, 13 down.
Number 14 charged at me, but he slowed to a halt midway. I didn't do anything, but he froze in place. His sword arm still high in the air. I stepped one foot forward, the poor guy stepped back.
Number 15 and 16 came at me next. I didn't even need to try as they were too slow to raise their swords to block my punches. When they got hit, I hit them again. Again. Again.
15 and 16 down.
Number 14 still watched while frozen. I took another step forward, he stepped back.
I followed another step, he went back. Number 17 at the back did the same too, wary as they stepped backwards.
I stopped following them midway, they did the same.
Raising two fingers, I gestured them to come at me.
Taunting.
They took a stance with their weapons. Is it an effective stance? They look like they don't know what the hell they're doing. Like they're those fake martial artists you see on the internet.
I didn't even make a stance, I merely raised my head.
Then they foolishly rushed at me.
Tornado kick, both stunned for a second. Dash towards 17 on my right. Climb, leap, and jump off. He's sent to the ground. Flip over to 14, falls on ground, me on top. Chop both side of the head, finish with straight punch. Roll over to 17. Cover and hold down neck, punch face-
SPLATTER!
...
Whoops.
My fist went straight through his mouth. My knuckles were drenched in blood as I.. okay, I'm gonna ignore that.
Mistakes happen. Blame my 10 point Strength.
I stood up as the world around me made sounds again, I idly forgot and tuned out the rest of the area. So the sounds of people fighting came back to my senses.
But before I could find who was making those sounds, I looked at the mess I made.
Sheesh.
I killed some, I knocked out some.
Man, I sure do discriminate on who dies and who doesn't.
I sighed.
Crap.
CLANG!
I turn my head to the sounds. As I watched a tall green-haired girl send a defender flying back, and a wolf-girl cut open a poor guy's stomach.
Well, not in the way that their guts leak out.
They then turned and we exchanged glances.
"Oh well." I hummed.
I made my way back to the duo again. They were panting for air, sweat trailing down the side of their faces.
"You girls okay?" I asked.
"We need a way out of here. I think we've handled enough Reunion for today." Hoshiguma wiped the sweat off her head. One eye closed and the other looking at me.
"I... well, we should split up. I know that doesn't sound like a good idea bu- GARGHH!"
I didn't get to finish my sentence as I fell to the ground. My left hip burned and felt like it got shot by a plasma ball. Except, the burning effect was amplified to a whole new level.
"Six!" Hoshiguma yelled.
...
Her shield was blocking Arts shots.
...
I heard footsteps come closer.
...
I felt a gaze on my back.
...
Just kidding I saw the veteran caster aim his hand at my "corpse".
So I raised my magnum that was underneath my crotch.
BANG!
He fell to the ground with a thud.
I stood up shakily and with a groan as the Arts burned.
"Argh... it didn't hit main street, fortunately." Glad that it didn't.
"Six! You okay?" The green-haired Defender asked, rushing to where I was. Texas following behind. Her gaze stoic.
Yet she did look a bit concerned judging from her eyes.
That aside, I gave Hoshiguma a look. "Yeah. I'm fine."
I was going to regret saying those words later.
And I was going to regret not using my stimpaks or Med-X.
"You got hit twice the same way, by the way." Hoshiguma suddenly muttered.
"Ok and?"
Right. I got hit earlier by a caster when I was running to the boat.
She just gave me a look. After saying that, I got back on topic. "As I was saying, we should split up."
"I disagree." Hoshiguma and I looked over to Texas, the one who said that sentence.
"Uh, I get that you're squad leader, but why is that a good idea?" I ask.
"We can't take on an entire squad ourselves if we encounter one. I'm certain you could," She gestured over to me. "but one of us won't last long."
"I agree with Texas." Hoshiguma took her side. "I may be dangerous, but even whole squads of casters, I can't handle."
I sighed. I pulled out my sniper and checked it's magazine.
It's full.
"Fine. We'll go together."
Hoshiguma gave me a light smile while Texas nodded. I gave the aisle we were in a stare. My HUD didn't detect any enemies, so no markers. For now.
"Let's go."
We barged into the warehouse we trashed a while ago. I scanned my eyes around while I heard the sound of a switch flicking, and lights flickering.
"What are we doing here?" Hoshiguma asked.
"To find some car keys," Texas answered, going to a nearby kitchen drawer. "Or a car itself."
"Yeah but, can't we just take one of the jeeps parked outside?" Hoshiguma asked.
"They got wrecked by the crane, remember?"
That and the jeeps are armed to explode. I wonder what would happen if I sat with the detonator on my butt right now.
I looked at the cabinets adjacent to where Texas was investigating. Hoshiguma on the other hand stood at the door.
"Can you hotwire a jeep?" The only Defender here asked.
"Yes. But that's a hassle."
No it isn't.
"Are you just lazy to do it?"
Texas continued pulling drawers. "No."
I'll take that as a yes.
Hoshiguma scoffed. I continued checking the storage until I couldn't find anything useful. After that, I decided to investigate the garages. I mean obviously, the garage might have something more useful than a kitchen, right?
So I did. Looking around, there was a wooden table to my left. I made my way to it, ignoring the useless items on top of it.
Oh look, LMD. Yoink.
I opened the drawers, a key. But it doesn't look akin to a car key. What else then? I continued scrounging through the drawers.
"Find anything?" I heard Texas ask. And her voice seemed to be in my direction.
"Nope." I merely responded as I finished up with the table. So nothing other than LMD was there.
I went back to the first door we entered, Hoshiguma was still there waiting with her guard up. While Texas appeared walking out of a doorway to my right. A pocky stick in her mouth.
"So nothing?" Hoshiguma asked. I shook my head while Texas replied with a 'no'.
The shield girl sighed. "Well, if we can't find a key, let's just find a jeep that isn't broken and jumpstart it."
She walked out the doorway, we soon-
"Enemy contact, 12'o clock!" I yelled as I immediately noticed the two markers directly in front of us.
Hoshiguma's guard raised. Turning forward, she stopped before raising her shield up-
BOOM!
I shielded the smoke with my arms while Texas covered her mouth and nose. Something exploded in front of us, mortar likely. The smoke was slowly dissipating, I saw the silhouette of a tall green-haired shield girl blocking the shot.
I ducked for cover, as Hoshiguma ran away from the outside and the door. Peeking from my cover, directly in front of us was a veteran crossbowman and a veteran mortar gunner.
Fun.
I drew my sniper, and with quick precision, I gave the mortar a guy a beautiful headshot. I didn't even return to cover since the veteran crossbow guy missed, I just got another headshot. Damn, they call themselves veterans?
"We're clear!" I alerted my teammates.
"You sure?" Hoshiguma asked.
If I wasn't, I'd be yelling everywhere about how my HUD's filled with enemy markers.
"Positive." I holstered my sniper as I got to my feet. I went outside the mess of the entrance, Texas and Hoshiguma came out behind me.
I looked around, there was no presence of the enemy. So, safe.
"Let's get going." Hoshiguma ushered.
"No." I disagreed. "I'm certain there aren't any enemies around. So we'll split. You and Texas can go look there while I look over here."
I pointed in random directions. Hoshiguma gave me a skeptical look while Texas raised a brow.
"If enemies do ambush any of us, I'll treat you both something nice when we get back."
...
"Fair enough." Hoshiguma gave in.
"So just like that Inspector? You're siding with him?" Texas looked at the girl beside her.
"If it's Six we're talking about, I know he'll give something pretty good."
I was already meters away from them but I still heard their conversation.
"Remember! I said something nice, not something expensive!"
That's the last thing I said before turning the corner. Just going around the building.
I met the door of a garage. And in front of the door of the garage is an untouched jeep.
You gotta be fucking shitting me.
I immediately turned tail around the corner. "Hey guys! Nevermind I found a-"
They weren't there.
Oh.
Guess I'll find them then.
CLANG!
I heard the sounds of clashing from afar.
You gotta be shitting me.
My God this feels like some guy is trying to drag this stupid ass scene for God knows how long.
I sighed. Mentally and physically. Well, never fear, the man called Six is here!
"Shit!" Hoshiguma cursed as she skidded back, her shield that's planted on the ground getting dragged with her.
"Hmph!" Texas planted her sword and sent a rain of her blades upon the enemies around them.
And every enemy was a veteran.
Defender. Crossbowman. Caster. Footsoldier. You name it. Well, of course, not every kind of member in Reunion was here.
Orange blades impaled and stabbed everyone around Texas. Stunning them, but not enough to kill them. So when the veteran defender in front of Texas snapped out of their state, the defender gave the biggest, most heavy bash he could muster.
The Lupo staggered backwards, though she got back into her stance when a dual swordsman suddenly rushed at her with two blades. Texas activated both her own and dueled the swordsman.
The guy swung horizontally, only to slice air. Texas ducked and gave a kick to his shin, the swordsman losing his form. With a quick recovery, Texas sliced with her left blade. The orange glow burning through the man's chest. He dropped one of his swords, but Texas did not allow him breathing room. With a quick hop, she used her right blade to stab it into his head.
Texas didn't bother grabbing the sword she used. Instead, she hopped back to evade the incoming projectiles.
As Texas went back, Hoshiguma spun her shield and deflected any projectiles after them. The Lupo behind her hid under her shadows.
"How long until your Sword Rain is ready?" Hoshiguma asked. The veteran defender closing in on them.
"A few seconds."
"You have a plan?" Hoshiguma asked. Bracing for the incoming shield bash.
"Yeah." Texas planted her blade to the ground. "Follow my lead."
Hoshiguma merely grinned.
A rain of orange swords fell upon the enemy. Hitting them everywhere, but not killing them.
The three-second stun was enough of a window for Texas.
Suddenly, she blurred. Appearing on top of a shipping crate. And slashing the crossbowman in front of her. She moved up, jumping to the next container. The Reunion goons pointing their attention towards her.
Hoshiguma chuckled this time.
Now that the attention was on her, Hoshiguma bashed her shield onto the enemy defender in front of her. Spinning her shield onto him, she tore through the armor easily, getting to the guy's skin.
The defender screamed when his flesh was being rendered into bits.
Hoshiguma ended her attack by bashing the defender again, knocking him out this time. The enemies also shifted their attention towards her, but Texas was also a threat. Moving quickly and slicing enemies in a blur, they didn't know who to prioritize.
The veteran caster decided for them. "Get the Oni!"
They focused fire on Hoshiguma, who was slowly walking forward while her shield was up.
Too bad it didn't go the way they thought it would go.
In a few seconds, Texas dealt with all the enemies. Slashing and swinging her orange sword everywhere. She didn't know if she killed all of them.
Swinging her sword, she turned to Hoshiguma. "All clear."
Or so she thought.
The next moment, a powerful Arts blasted Texas' side.
"Hng!" She was sent off the container, landing harshly near Hoshiguma.
"Texas!" The Oni yelled, running to her teammate as enemies emerged from the shadows.
More veteran casters. More veteran crossbowmen. More veteran enemies.
As if they could handle this horde.
Hoshiguma grabbed Texas by the arm and shielded themselves with the other. The enemy launching another relentless barrage.
Or so they thought.
A canister clattered near the enemies. Before exploding in a white, deafening bang.
As I landed, the enemies aimed at me. I responded by throwing a flashbang.
Jesus, just a glimpse and all these veterans were itching to kill the guys who were killing their friends.
The flashbang blinded the others. I circled around a crate, and jumped over another crate. I had my magnum in my hand, so as I neared the light armored vet, I whipped him square in the face. He staggered, his body circled. I immediately sent him a bullet to his head and went ham.
Duck underneath Arts. Grab the caster's wrist and bent it. Bones and joints snapped, I silenced him with a bullet. A bolt appeared before my foot, I tracked, aimed and shot. Crossbowman down. Go into cover. Take out .45 Auto Pistol. Big shadow loomed around the corner. Luck was on my side, defender veteran was facing another direction. Latch onto back, aim both pistols at his head. Empty chambers on both weapons.
Fuck I'm a greasy animal.
Leap from defender's back. Land on top of veteran soldier, clapped him out cold. Quick reload. Barraged vet caster from afar with bullets.
...
Repeatedly stab throwing knife onto defender's visor, threw the knife onto a soldier's head.
...
Kicked a crossbowman's knee, made him kneel. Grab and slash bowie knife onto his neck- head decapitated.
...
The goddamn fight became a blur at this point, because for God knows how long, I was on top of a container. Stepping on a dead crossbow guy.
I think I killed two veteran defenders, three vet soldiers, one light armored vet, four casters, four crossbow boys.
I was knocked out of my stupor when I heard loud banging steps coming for me. A dual swords guy was rushing my ass. How fast did he get up here?
I heard an emanating hum and saw a glow beside me. One of Texas' swords lay there.
I immediately took it and got into a stance, the katana lookalike at my side.
The dual swordsman rushed. My eyes and vision glowed green.
In a flash, I appeared behind him and cut through his abdomen. I turned to meet him, I slashed the sword across his chest. Threw sword upwards, flung into air. Draw pistol on right and shoot his head, draw pistol on left and shoot his head. Holster guns, saw the sword coming down. Kickflip into air, kicked sword onto guy's chest. Took out my All-American.
I emptied every 24 shots in the magazine.
When the gun clicked empty, the guy-no. That's a corpse. A fucking mess of a body. Holes, cuts, and part of the head was missing.
And his body flopped down onto the container.
I reacted by flicking the empty magazine away and reloaded my carbine.
"Six!" Hoshiguma called out to me, I walked and saw the two down there.
They do look a bit hurt. Though it looks a lot more like scratches and dirt.
I jumped down from the container and made my way towards them.
"Quite a show you put up there." Hoshiguma commented. Did she ignore the decapitation and the amputation and shit?
"While you two were up here getting your asses kicked, I just so happen to find an untouched jeep around the corner before you two left."
Texas looked at me funny, Hoshiguma thought I was kidding.
"So you gonna stand there all day or go ride home?" I asked.
Texas regained her composure, Hoshiguma coughed, then answered. "Right, let's go!"
We sprinted. I lead, they followed.
It was good we held around long enough and whittled the numbers down to a reasonable level. Because right now, no sign of Reunion everywhere. Even my HUD wasn't picking it up.
Moments later, we stopped in front of the jeep.
"Alright." I began, feeling a bit out of breath. "Who drives?"
"I'll do it." Texas sheathed her sword hilt and climbed inside the jeep.
Hoshiguma on the other hand opened the trunk. I took the seat in the back, safer. More space, focus.
And in case if the enemy ever attacked.
The tall horned girl put her shield inside, she immediately closed the back door as Texas finished hotwiring the jeep. The vehicle's engine roaring to life.
Hoshiguma got into the passenger side, while Texas closed her door as the jeep began reversing out of it's parked position. It kept on reversing until we reached the entrance.
"Punch it, Texas." I said. Even pointing my finger ahead.
And she did.
Well, she didn't go full-throttle. But she did go forward, following the speed limit.
We followed the east road. In the direction we originally came in, the helipad we entered was a block away, while the bridge we're intentionally going for was a few roads ahead. It was quiet, no Reunion, all we needed was some music on the radio. And life'll be good.
I even checked my HUD, looking around in a 360-degree rotation. No markers, nothing. Quiet on the radio-
"Contact, 3'o clock!" I warned as Hoshiguma immediately looked to her right. Texas slightly looked as well, to see an intersecting road.
And on our right was a trio of jeeps filled with people uniformed in Reunion outfits.
"Shit!" Texas cursed, stomping on the brakes. I pulled out my sniper, since I used most of the ammo I had right now for my All-American.
I saw one of the Reunion drivers look at us, before they looked like they decided to pursue.
"Back up, they saw us!" Hoshiguma must've seen them too.
"I'm on it!" Texas sounded like she didn't want to hear it twice.
The jeep reversed, as Texas looked behind her to see what's she's reversing at. I moved to the side, allowing her vision. I looked a bit too, we were backing up real fast. The west road. The one that had a crane blocking portion of the road while littered with jeeps from a while ago.
Oh wait, it is littered with jeeps from a while ago.
What do you mean I armed them with explosives?
Perfect.
"Texas, can you drive past the crane and the jeeps?. I got a surprise for them." I suggested. I began fumbling around my pocket.
"Don't tell me the surprise would involve more bombs."
"You just had to ruin the surprise, horny girl." I told Hoshiguma.
"Knew it. And don't call me that." Hoshiguma said as I grinned behind my helmet.
"Six," Texas began. "I'll try backing up through that mess."
"I know you can. You drive, don't you?" Totally not referencing a movie with that line.
"You read my file, didn't you?"
"I happen to have knowledge and tidbits from- just kidding, I did."
Texas didn't answer as she focused on driving.
I checked the front, the other jeeps that found us were chasing.
I didn't want to shoot right now, I might ruin Texas' concentration or make her and Hoshiguma deaf.
Then the jeep we were in moved violently to the side, Texas kept her hand on the wheel and the pedals. As I just saw the jeep go underneath a part of the crane.
"Woah!" Hoshiguma held on the handlebar.
"Hang on." Texas warned as she suddenly steered the wheel. The jeep violently moved again, I didn't bother looking behind as I trailed my eyes on the enemy jeeps.
One of them hit the crane, the other two went underneath smoothly.
We were going past the abandoned jeeps-
Then we ran over something underneath.
"That was a corpse." Hoshiguma stated, seeing what it just was.
"There's a lot of corpses." Texas said, though it sounded a bit like she was exclaiming. Her teeth were clenched, struggle and focus exuding from her.
"Yeah about that..."
Finally, we rounded the corner. The jeeps that were chasing us were still a little bit behind. So we got out of that mess safely and smoothly.
Texas didn't warn us, but she spun the wheel and used the handbrakes. The entire jeep spun, until the front swapped directions with the back.
"Six, whatever it is you're going to do, do it now!" Hoshiguma said.
You don't have to say it twice.
I immediately hold my detonator, and press my finger down the clicker.
BOOM!
Consecutive explosions passed, as a jeep suddenly flipped from the road. Another jeep was there, looks like the two were the ones that chased us. The rest of the jeeps were on fire.
It was a beautiful mess.
"Damn..." Hoshiguma cursed beneath her breath. As Texas stopped looking behind and finally looked forward. Driving ahead.
Finally, it got quiet again.
Texas drove ahead until we rounded another corner to the left.
"Six." Hoshiguma began. "You are going to take responsibility for the explosions and the collateral damage. Right?"
"I'm pretty sure she would know." I said.
Who the fuck's gonna miss that toppled crane and those lines of jeeps burning? Along with the mountain of corpses we piled up in the docks.
I'm not even gonna think about the consequences of that.
We turned another left. This road looks like the ones those guys came from awhile ago.
"Texas, did you circle around?" I asked.
The bridge came into view. Texas spoke up. "Yes."
I sighed in relief.
Then I heard the sounds of vehicles behind us.
I perked up, held my sniper in case, and looked back.
"OH SHIT! Texas punch it!" I aimed my sniper. I looked at the front seat, Texas' eyes darted at the mirror. She squinted-
And then the car got faster. I lost my balance, but my sniper aim was still firm. I held the car seat with my other hand and regained my aim. Through the scope, I saw a couple more jeeps behind the jeep right on our tail.
Jeez, how much men do they have here?
I pulled the trigger, the glass shattered. I aimed for the driver's head, the windshield spurted blood. In the following second, the jeep drove and drifted to the side as our vehicle sped. I saw that we were on the bridge already. The cars right behind us stopped when the jeep in front blocked their way.
In a jiffy, these asscracks would be right on our tail again.
"Texas speed up, we'll lose them in the city!" I suggested.
"Not quite." Hoshiguma interjected. "These guys are Reunion. They sure as hell don't want to go in and bring the entire L.G.D to their hideout, now do they?"
I stopped, taking that thought in.
...
"Point taken. Huh." I eased a bit, especially when I saw the cars did stop giving chase.
"We've confirmed the threat. No doubt we'll be making a move on them soon." Hoshiguma continued. I stowed my sniper away as I saw Texas ease on the steering wheel.
I sighed. "Ah shit."
I felt the fatigue hit me like a truck. I'm either out of adrenaline or the drain of Action Points hit me hard.
Either way. I felt like I had the need to pass out or sleep.
"Should I follow the stoplights...?"
"Better... we did..."
As the stolen jeep drove farther into the bridge, the pursuing Reunion stopped. They didn't want their presence to alert the masses of Lungmen, and especially the authority in the city. Their whole performance over in the docks was already gathering attention on the other side of the river. Must be the media spewing all the noise. They would have to quiet it down before they proceed onto their pending invasion.
So Reunion called off the pursuit, letting the enemy (that's very much Rhodes Island and the L.G.D working together) flee to safety.
And right now, one was watching what had transpired.
She stood on the lookout's balcony. Her eyes following the jeep that went across the bridge.
"So, the enemy escaped." A voice said beside her, his white hair flowing.
"Let them. We've done enough to warrant their attention." She said, but didn't look at the boy.
"And it seems they took the one thing we've been holding hostage."
His eyes eyed the one cargo that was emptied on. The one at the back of the docks.
"Worry not. They took what, their hard drive? Well, we have a backup anyways." She reassured. Holding up a small hard drive of her own.
"Heh. Very convenient." He chuckled. "So convenient in fact, that you didn't share it with the rest of us. Why is that?"
She pocketed the drive. "I thought it best not to."
"So it seems." He breathed. Watching the horizon with her. "So what next, esteemed leader Talulah?"
Talulah turned to the side. Preparing to leave. "Final preparations. Chernobog. And Lungmen. We have intel from both sides. Rhodes Island would have a recon team near Chernobog, and we have plenty from the L.G.D."
"So we go as planned?" The boy asked.
"Soon, Lungmen will be under attack." Talulah was about to round a corner. "Get going Mephisto."
"By the way..."
Talulah stopped.
Then she backtracked. "What?"
"You saw him. Didn't you?" Mephisto's eyes dilated.
Talulah's blank expression didn't change. "Yes. I did."
...
"Look at how many of our men they slaughtered." The boy commented.
"And who in their right minds decided to order his men to attack them with him standing by their side?" Talulah retorted.
Mephisto could only grit his teeth, trying not to look too pissed off.
"Well? What do we do with him involved?"
"Are you scared, Mephisto?"
"Never." He grinned.
"Then get going." Talulah said firmly before finally disappearing from the boy's sight.
Tomorrow was going to be a big day.
For Reunion, for Lungmen, and for Rhodes Island.
"Where are they?" Franka scanned the horizon, looking for something that sticks out.
"It's been a rough 42 minutes. I think." Gavial commented.
"It's 45." Liskarm looked at her own watch.
"You don't think, senpai and the others got-?"
"I doubt it, Eyjafjalla." Warfarin interrupted. "We know how tough Ms. Hoshiguma and Ms. Texas are. And you've seen Six."
"But they're outnumbered..."
"Numbers don't mean anything to them Eyja-san~" Franka reassured. "I'd be more worried about the grunts who'd try and take them."
"S-still, it's been 40 minutes. Shouldn't we be worried?" Jessica added, who was sitting on the transport copter's ramp.
Right, they parked the boat in a docking bay. They hauled the cargo over to the nearby extraction point. And fortunately, the pilot was there waiting with the chopper.
As of the moment, they were outside the chopper waiting. The cargo was on the side, as it'll be hooked and carried from outside. They just had to wait for the others to come. Which would be the three squad leaders.
"That is true, Jessica." Franka agreed.
"We'll get worried when it's been an hour." Warfarin decided, as the group agreed instead. Knowing how capable their leaders are.
"Oi wait, what's that?" Croissant pointed out. The entire squad looked at some jeep that was crossing the bridge. From the looks of the jeep, it was... actually fine. Despite the scratches and bends, the entire frame, the chassis, just everything. Barely hurt. Far from exploding.
But the passengers inside are what calmed and reassured the squad.
The jeep stopped. A Lupo in her winter attire got out of the driver's door while a tall Oni stepped out in the passenger seat. They both looked tired as the Oni let out small huffs.
"Looks like they're fine." Franka commented.
"Yow, Texas." Croissant yelled. The Lupo turned to meet her gaze. "Where's the Six guy?"
The green-haired Oni answered by opening the backseat door. Revealing an armored guy lying down.
"Oi, wake up bucket head." Hoshiguma bonked the man's helmet. Eliciting a pained groan from him.
Some of the squad giggled.
"Christ. You guys could've woken me up earlier you know." He said, sitting up.
"Well, we didn't want to disturb your stupid face." Hoshiguma teased.
"Shoulda done it anyway. Make my face look stupider." Six said. He reached something from the back of the jeep. Hoshiguma did the same as she opened the trunk. She pulled out her large shield. Texas on the other hand went to where the cargo was.
Well, looks like everything was fine after all.
On the surface.
I walked past the squad. Of course no one immediately paid mind to my presence. Maybe my security guard aura is still kicking. Anyway, I went to the end of the transport copter. The seat there was my aim, and first come, first serve. I didn't mind letting my ass slam onto the metal bench. The sniper on my hands was then placed onto the side of the wall. Tilted and safety on.
I let out a groan. A tired one. God, I fucking hate myself. I told myself I won't play hero. And then I decided to screw it anyway and went and became a hero. Well, Hoshiguma and Texas did play a part in helping me. And they were both good too. Even then, I really tried avoiding going to that route. Ah well, no point in dwelling in it now. Deed is done. No one's hurt.
"You okay there buddy?" I'm pretty sure that was the pilot.
"No. I'd like a bed and some air conditioning." I replied.
"Bah, you look like you'll get that either way. Anyway, you seem to be the center of attention."
"Am I?"
"Sure. Just ask your fans."
I looked around the chopper, they were all still outside while the propellers were running.
Goddamn kids.
But I did get what the pilot meant.
"Ha ha. Pretty funny." Imagine being alone.
"Heh. Go get some rest buddy, might as well take a swig if you have a beer. You look like you got a flask on you."
"Wait, I can drink whiskey in this chopper?"
"Sure go ahead. Just don't go puking all over my cargo bay."
"Pfff. As if I'm dumb enough to think I can drink inside a chopper." I inwardly groaned, the wound in-between my armor still hurt like a bitch. "A-anyway… call them in. Let's RTB."
"Copy that." Afterwards, the pilot sounded like he notified everyone to get inside the transport. I however didn't care for the details and tuned it out. I laid my head on the metal wall. There's no cushion so sleeping like this is all I got.
I was about to take a rest. Until a wolf girl sat beside me and a green horned dorito shield girl sat across me.
"So. How're you feeling?" Hoshiguma asked.
I decided to pretend I'm sleeping. I even thought of adding snores but that's too obvious.
"Hey, are you awake?" Hoshiguma leaned forward and asked me.
"I don't think he's asleep." Texas added beside me.
The sea knight began lifting up into the air.
"He isn't. He's awake." The pilot said all of a sudden. I still didn't make a sound.
"Buddy I swear, I'm going to tell the story of Johnny Guitar and-"
I jolted forward and turned to the pilot. "OK SHUT UP. I'M GOING TO BLAST YOUR HEAD IF YOU UTTER ANY OF THE LYRICS."
You know how many times Johnny Guitar played on the radio?
He played it again too much.
"See? He's awake." The pilot said with smug.
"Go fuck yourself."
A fist smacked my helmet. "OW! What was that for?!"
Hoshiguma retraced her fist. While Texas grabbed for a pocky stick.
"That right there is bad practice, Six." Texas said disappointingly.
"Wise words coming from a hypocrite." Don't think I heard you run your mouth like a sailor one time?
The wolf didn't respond. Just went back to munching on her pocky stick. I must've hit a nerve.
"Anyway," Hoshiguma proceeded. "you were wild back there. Sure you didn't take a hit or something?"
"Nah. Was flying like a bird." I said, while my wound had to just churn itself. I barely kept my groan.
"Six, are you sure you're fine?" Warfarin, who was beside Hoshiguma, suddenly asked.
I looked at her. "I-I'm alright, kiddo. I just need a nap."
"Don't call me 'kiddo'!" She exclaimed. I ignored.
Fuck. Why didn't I bother using a stimpak or a shot of Med-X?
"Anyway, holler at me if you want something. I'll knock myself out."
Then I closed my eyes as my head leaned into the metal wall of the chopper.
"Oh shit!" I woke startled, my upper body jolting upwards. I looked around and realized we were on the helipad. Must've woke during the landing.
I looked around, realizing a green-haired horny girl and the wolf girl beside me gave me a worried look. Well, not Texas.
"You okay?" Hoshiguma asked.
I nodded.
Then I realized I slept while my head was on Texas' lap. "Why was I snoozing there?"
"How's the nap?" Texas fiddled for a pocky.
"Fine." My wound churned. "Pretty fine."
The ramp was lowering. The pilot spoke. "Ok everybody out."
No one said a word, just them exiting the chopper immediately. I was the last one to go out. As I grabbed my sniper, I turned to the cockpit.
"Thanks for the ride."
"I'll say 'you're welcome' after I get my pay." The pilot responded.
I joined the others outside. I stepped down-
I tripped and fell. "Unf!"
I dunno but I felt eyes on me. While Texas and Hoshiguma grabbed both my arms. The horned girl was the first one to ask. "Now don't lie to us, are you okay?"
"Perhaps." I felt it getting worse. "Perhaps not."
"We'll get you some help then." Texas said as they both helped me walk. I was gonna refuse the help but my wound said 'yes, thank you for the help'.
"Just uh, drop me off- you have got to be kidding me." We stopped in our tracks as I saw someone waiting outside.
Someone waiting for me.
And she did not look happy.
Well, she always has that look anyway.
"Hello, Six." Dr. Kal'tsit said.
Reply to Nantono and Notice me sempai.2nd: Thanks.
Reply to Crappyidiots: There's a lot to edit yeah. Having a hard time writing because I don't know how to word shit at this point. As for Six, I don't think I have a pairing in mind. If I did I would be too based.
Reply to kerrowe: There'll be more like this. Some would actually be part of the main plot.
Reply to Thedarktheme: She came home ages ago. Now my Exu has a sister.
Reply to wwgaming: Were it so easy.
...
Author's Notes: me when I cut a scene from the helicopter
But hey, finally uploaded this chapter.
Also, this was getting stale to write. It was fun at first, but making a fight chapter this long took me out of it (finished the entire thing months ago, but some parts didn't save or I was having a hard time thinking about the scenes). If you do find this shit boring and not Fallout-ish, I apologize for that. I'll make it up in the following chapters.
And hey, Episode 7 seems to be a blast so far (plot still doesn't fucking fail). Can't wait to meet Patriot so I can kick his ass.
The chapter after this is still in the works. But hopefully it should be fun to write.