Chapter 1: A Merc named Smoke

10 years later…

Argentum Trade Guild

The hum of the holographic screen was the only sound being made in the bar. Everyone and everything in the bar had been deathly quiet for some time. The screen was then shut off and the device, known to the user as the Idroid, was placed to the side in favor of grabbing the drink in front of him. A cup of water, not beer, was his choice of drink, however his thoughts were elsewhere as he refused to take a sip. The man sat next to a group of salvagers who kept giving him passing glances, their eyes were filled with fear. The man couldn't blame them, they had every right to be scared. Yet he did not wish for the silence to continue, so he spoke

"Alright, you can stop tiptoeing around me" he said. The man was unlike any other. His body was a mix of black armor and wiring. His body had been transformed into a machine, the only human parts that remained were his head and the fingers that protruded from his mechanical hands. The Salvage team then turned to face him as he deactivated the black visor covering his face, revealing his calm expression. His dark blue eyes gave off an aura of disappointment.

"This place echoes with chatter and the sounds of friends and family… yet the moment I walk in everyone shuts up. As if they all suddenly want to piss themselves now. Why is that?" the man asked the salvagers. One stood out, a women with jet black hair and mocha colored skin. She wore a brown and blue salvager suit and while she harbored some fear, she would not back down from the strange customer.

"I think it's because they know who you are and it scares them shitless." She said

"There's not a single person in all of Argentum that knows who I am" was the man's response. This caused the women to raise an eyebrow.

"You're Rex the ripper aren't you?" she asked with a light quiver in her voice, as if she had just said her final words. The man simply smiled sadly and turned back to his drink.

"Rex the ripper, a psycho killer that is driven by bloodlust. Some say he chopped down dozens of Indoline troops in a blood rage. Others say he enjoys combat and it's the feeling of pain that keeps him going. Others say that revenge is what drives him, his quest for revenge against those who had wronged him. Hell I've heard some say that he's a demon sent by the architect to cleanse the unholy when Malos failed before. Many believe that his blood runs cold as he is incapable of caring about anything other than the pain he finds in combat" The man then turned back to the women who was brave enough to speak to him. "But that's not who I am. More importantly, that's not who I want to be. I've had to leave a lot of people behind because of that damn name. I wish I could stay with them, I wish I could go home, but I can't." The man then stood up to face the women which he only stood 2 inches taller then. "I never asked to be like this" he said gesturing to his mechanical body "but it was the hand I was dealt. Now I'm trying to make sure I play it right. What's you name?" He asked

"The name's Sharla, why did you want to know my name?" she asked

"You lead this salvage team?" the man asked. Sharla nodded "Listen very carefully and please don't shut me down just because you think you know me when you don't." Sharla nodded again "Can you teach me how to salvage?" he asked. Sharla did a double take.

"I'm sorry?!" Sharla exclaimed

"I want you to-" he began but Sharla cut him off.

"I know what you said, I'm just trying to wrap my head around it. You want to salvage?" she asked. A nod was the response she got.

"I mean… why? You seem more like a mercenary than a salvager" Sharla asked

"Certain circumstances have forced me to leave the mercenary business behind. Salvagers move around a lot and are barely noticed by Indol." He said

"So you want to learn how to salvage in order to hide from Indol? Is that it?" Sharla asked

"Not quite but that is the basis of it." He said

"You do realize you'll need a team when you first start out" Sharla said

"That is why I'm asking to join yours" he said. Sharla went visibly tense, she wanted to say no immediately. She feared for her team, this was Rex the ripper asking after all. Yet when she looked him in the eye and looked for any sign of treachery, she found none. Now Sharla was visibly confused. Not only was this man serious, he also seemed slightly desperate. Her compassion got the better of Her.

"Listen, you see these people. They're my family. If you even think about laying a finger on them I will put a bullet in your head so fast you won't even be able to draw that sword of yours." Sharla threatened. The man was unfazed, in fact he even smiled.

"Your devotion to your friends and family is admirable. It is a trait I wish I had. That is why I would like your help." The man said sincerely "I will never mean them any harm nor will I let any harm come to them. That is my oath to you and your team if you would just give me a chance." The man finished.

Sharla wasn't sure what to do. Having an extra crew member who could double as a bodyguard would be invaluable but at the same time she was taking a huge risk. Yet when she looked at the man she did not see the face of Rex the ripper but rather the face of a man who simply wanted an escape from his old life and tragedy. In the end she nodded and stuck her hand out.

"I'm giving you one chance, don't make me regret it." She said as the man shook her hand. "One more thing. I need your actual name. We can't exactly call you the ripper." She said.

The man was hesitant at first, he wanted to leave behind his past behind. Yet he refused to give her his nickname, the one that he called him. Instead he opted for his second nickname, the one his second family gave him

"Smoke"

'Smoke' Rex 'Raiden' Hayter (Quinton Flynn)

1 year later

Sharla was once again messing with her junk rifle. Its second hand passing through the generations had taken a toll on the old rifle, yet somehow Sharla not only managed to keep it working but she restored it to it's former glory. The dock shook slightly as a salvager emerged from the cloud sea with only a small box in their hand. Sharla laughed a little.

"No luck huh?" She commented at the white and orange clad salvager. Said salvager then pressed a button and the entire suit retracted into a little box. The salvager was her teammate Smoke who shook his head as he put the retracted prototype suit into one of his cyborg pockets.

"No" was his simple response as he opened his tiny haul. The box contained a snow ring, the 15th he found this week. He was tempted to throw the item back into the sea but after taking a closer look, he realized the ring was in pristine condition. A simple cleaning would make it shine. For that reason he decided to pocket the ring.

"I don't think I will sell that one" he said which caused Sharla to mock gasp

"Smoke, I didn't know you loved someone." She joked with a playful smirk. Unfortunately for her, Smoke would never bite on those jokes nor would she get a good reaction.

"As if anyone would love a machine." He said in a neutral tone. Sharla could only frown at that response which Smoke then backpedaled on. "Before you say it, I know I'm not a machine… but every now and then I can't but feel like one. I've already explained this to you." He said

"I know. You can't feel anything except through your fingers and face. I can't really imagine what that's like. Not to mention you can't eat anything, only drink." Sharla stated sadly. 'To think I was so scared of him when we first met, now I feel bad for him. Life is indeed strange sometimes. How tragic that the kindest souls are also the most broken' Sharla thought

"What was that?" Smoke asked. Sharla realized she had said that part aloud. Seeing no reason to hide it, she repeated herself.

"I said how tragic it is that the kindest souls are the most broken" She said

"Are you referring to me?" Smoke shook his head "You are mistaken Sharla" he said quietly

"On which part? You being kind or broken?" she asked. Smoke offered her no answer. He did not wish to trouble her anymore than he already did. The two sat in silence until Sharla changed the subject.

"What else is on your mind, that you're willing to tell me?" she asked

"The chairman of Argentum called me for a special job earlier today. I've already met the crew that hired me… but something about them was off." Smoke said

"How so?" Sharla asked

"They were drivers and blades, they wanted a salvager from Leftheria. The payment is what tipped me off. They gave me 100k up front and offered another 100k after completing the task." Smoke said

"Why is that suspicious? Drivers and blades can salvage as well" Sharla followed up

"Yeah but they don't give you that kind of money unless they expect you to die. The up front payment is for your next of kin." Smoke stated

"You think they're trouble?" she asked

"Maybe… but at the same time… I don't know. Their leader seemed a lot like me. A swordsman who's trying to let go of something and can't for some reason. Maybe he'll turn out okay, maybe he'll try to stab me in the back. Either way I'm gonna find out" Smoke lamented.

"That is a conundrum." Sharla stated

"I'll handle it. I always do." Smoke said but his voice lacked the usual confidence

"Is something else bothering you? You seem really out of it today Smoke" Sharla asked

Smoke peaked over his shoulder multiple times before responding. "There's a titan on the final dock. His name is Azurda."

"Okay what about it?" Sharla asked

"He's the one I called gramps. He's from Fonsett, my old home." Smoke said sadly

"So go say hello" Sharla suggested and Smoke instantly shook his head

"I've been gone for 14 years. I can't just walk up to him and say Hi. I'm not the boy he used to know. Even if It was that simple, I know what he's gonna do. He's gonna try and take me home and I'm gonna say no. My family… they won't accept who, no, what I've become" Smoke said. Sharla proceeded to slap him across the face.

"Are you fucking kidding me?! If Azurda and your family really are your family, they'll accept you because they love you! They won't care that you're a cyborg now, to them, even though you aren't the same, you're still Smoke. Now go say Hi you stubborn mother fucker!" Sharla shouted

Smoke was still hesitant. Perhaps Sharla had a point, if they truly cared, then his body wouldn't matter, like it didn't with his second family. However it was the other baggage that Smoke carried that caused him to think twice

Family will help you. Go to him

Smoke made an about face. 'That voice' "Was that you Sharla?" Smoke asked

"I didn't say anything. Now stop stalling already." Sharla ordered

Smoke was visibly confused. That statement was clearly for him yet Sharla hadn't said it. Smoke decided to think on that later. He gathered his willpower and approached the final dock. The old titan was gray with little purple and green foliage on his head and back. Smoke knew that it was a longshot that gramps would recognize him but he had made up his mind.

'Fuck it, not like I have anything left to lose after…' Smoke didn't complete that thought as he approached the titan. He wasn't sure what to say and so decided to start with clarification

"Excuse me, you're Azurda right?" Smoke asked. The titan turned his head to the mechanical merc

"That I am. Who are you exactly?" the old one asked

"Someone you know but wouldn't recognize. Hell even I didn't recognize me when I first saw what I became." Smoke said

"I'm afraid I don't quite follow." Azurda said confused

"You lost someone years ago. I'm guessing that you've been looking for him ever since, am I wrong?" Smoke hinted

"How do you know this? Who are you?!" Azurda demanded

"Gramps, it's me, it's Rex." Rex reviled. Azurda stopped breathing for a moment. He did the titan equivalent of a double take. He couldn't believe what he just heard. This cyborg couldn't possibly be Rex. Yet the way he said it, the expression on his face, and the tone of his voice, and the use of the name 'gramps'… it could only be one individual. Still Azurda was skeptical.

"Can you prove your identity?" Azurda asked

"I have no physical proof as my body was stolen from me. However, I specialize in sword and knife combat, I prefer a .45 while my brother uses a 9mm. I have speed down to a tee while my brother is a stealth specialist. My mother and father adopted me after I was found in a forest. My home is Fonsett, my family means everything to me yet I had to leave them behind. My mother is named Eva Hayter, my Father is John Hayter, my brother is named David, I call him Snake and he calls me Raiden. My word is my only proof so I don't blame you if it's hard to believe." Rex finished. Azurda was in shock and awe. The architect must have finally blessed him, the boy he had been searching for had found him.

"Rex my boy… you've changed significantly." The old titan said

"Yeah I think that much is obvious…. Gramps I'm sorry. I must have had you and everyone else worried sick when I left. I never intended to stay away for that long, I had every intention of coming back… but" Rex hesitated

"Speak my boy, I harbor no anger toward you" Azurda said

"I mean… look at me!" Rex cried, gesturing to his mechanical body. "I was turned into… this! My body was stolen from me, my mind was next, it's only due to her bravery that I escaped that hell! I couldn't come home like this, no one would accept me!" Rex said

"That's not true and you know it! Your family wouldn't judge you for that because you had no choice!" Azurda insisted

"Maybe but that doesn't change the fact that I left without saying a word. I didn't want Snake to get caught… hell I didn't even say goodbye to Auntie, damnit now I feel like shit!" Rex yelled while slamming his fist into his palm. That women was like a second mother to him, he had no excuse to forget about her. Azurda's expression became dour.

"My boy, she would not want you to beat yourself up over one failure. Now I believe you owe an explanation to your parents and David… whenever he gets back." Azurda

"Wait… what do you mean when he gets back?" Rex asked

"He's been out looking for you for a few years now, last I heard he was in Mor Ardain. I haven't heard from him in a week. Soon I'll have to look for him as well. Come on now" Azurda insisted but Rex shook his head.

"I'm not ready, not yet. I've got a job now. I've been sending money to Auntie Corrine in order to help the orphanage. It's something I owe her" Rex said.

"So it was you, the one named 'Smoke' who kept sending gold to Fonsett?" Azurda asked and Rex nodded. "Corrine would be proud to know it was you for the longest of times" Azurda added.

"Listen gramps, I know it's been forever but please, give me some time. I've got a job to complete. When it's done I'll face my family, okay?" Rex Pleaded

"What are you so afraid about Rex?" Azurda asked

"I thought I was being a hero, turns out I became a martyr and an idiotic one at that. I carry a baggage that… I'm afraid of" Rex finished. Before Azurda could retort, a Gormonti woman stepped onto the dock.

"Oi Smoke, you coming?! Jin says we're shipping out early. Come on!" The women yelled. She wore a black jumpsuit with a red hood.

"Who is that?" Azurda asked

"Nia, one of my employers." Rex answered

"You didn't tell her your real name?" Azurda questioned

"No one except my families and teammates need to know my real name. I've gotta go gramps but in time, I'll make up for all those years." Rex said before running to join Nia. Azurda then went into deep thought

'Jin… she couldn't have meant him could she?' Azurda then backed out of the dock 'I lost you one time boy, never again."

…

Rex knew the job was important but he didn't think chairman Bana would bring out the Maelstrom for the job. Being Argentum's best ship meant it was only used on big jobs. Rex let his eyes linger on the boat as he unsheathed the Murasama only to re-sheath the blade. A small part of him wanted to take to Azurda's back and ride home to see Eva and John again. However now wasn't the time to be Rex, now was the time to be Smoke

"Gawking at a boat, what are you 12?" Nia asked with a sarcastic tone when she walked up behind the mechanical mercenary

"I'm old enough to know how to ignore your insults" without even looking at her, Smoke made a quip of his own "You however don't want to be standing there, otherwise the rope pile you're standing on will take you legs clean off when we ship out" Smoke said. Nia gasped and jumped back. Smoke chuckled slightly as he turned to face the pissed driver and her tiger blade. Nia didn't stick around to face him "Dromarch, I'd keep a close on your lady" Smoke said.

"I am duty bound to do so Mister Smoke but may I inquire why you are concerned about her?" the beast blade asked

"This group she travels with, does she call them family? If she does, she may want to rethink that decision" Smoke said. Dromarch was slightly taken aback

"Forgive me but I do not believe you are qualified to say that. My lady is in her present company for very good reasons." Dromarch said

"I'm just saying, I know people who would treat her better and accept whatever fear she carries as their own" Smoke stated with modest confidence. Dromarch seemed surprised by Smoke's statement

"How can you be so sure?" Dromarch asked

"Well, they accepted me, and I'm the scariest mother fucker on Alrest" Smoke said as he walked off. Dromarch wasn't quite sure what to think of that statement as he joined Smoke and Nia on the ship. Smoke sat down on one of the boxes and let his mind wander to when he first met his employers.

Earlier

Smoke walked into the chairman's office and came face to face with the Pink No-pon himself. The chairman gave his usual over the top introduction which Smoke blocked out until he finally got to the job description.

"Anyway, Bana called Smoke for a special salvaging job. Reward is 100 thousand gold." The No-pon proclaimed. Immediately Smoke was suspicious.

"A salvaging job, for 100 thousand gold? Sounds like an overpayment." Smoke said

"That's just upfront reward, another 100 thousand will be rewarded on completion of job" Bana added. Smoke knew for sure something was up.

"No one gives out that kind of cash for a salvage job, I don't care how big of a haul it is." Smoke stated

"Meh, you can ask them yourself" Bana said. The side door than opened up. First in was a Gormonti woman in a black jumpsuit with a red hood. Behind her was a white tiger in armor which Smoke identified as a blade. A tall and built man with black hair and armor came in next, following him was another blade, shaped like a walking lizard alien. The final individual caught Smoke's attention. He wore a strange horned mask over the upper part of his face. He carried a sword on his back which Smoke realized was a Nodachi. His hair was silver like Smoke but it was much lighter than Smoke's hair. Smoke suddenly felt like talking again and spoke up

"Drivers and blades huh? What do you need me for?" Smoke asked

"We've been trying to haul up a big catch and need help to bring it up but it's a long way down." The masked man said. Smoke was still suspicious

"That didn't really answer my question. I asked why do you need me specifically?" Smoke asked

"Bana can answer that. They were very specific. They want small, elite team, and only from Leftheria." The chairman said. That tipped off Smoke

"What are you really after?" he asked. The masked man gave no answer. The Gormonti woman was losing patience.

"Jin do we really need this guy? We've got people from Leftheria already." She said

"No you don't" was Smoke's response "The Argentum salvager corps has 100 individuals on tap, 25 are listen from Leftheria on the paperwork. Here's the catch, of those 25 listed from Leftheria, 24 are actually from different titans. They just put Leftheria in order to avoid taxes." Smoke said

"Wait, so who's the 1?" The woman asked

"Me, I'm the only listed salvager that's actually from Leftheria. In other words Miss… what was your name?" Smoke asked

"Nia" was her response

"Well Nia, allow me to put this in a way that everyone will understand. You need me a hell of a lot more than I need that 200 thousand gold. So unless you're willing to answer my questions, you're gonna lose my cooperation." Smoke finished. Nia had a shocked expression on her face, the one in black seemed greatly annoyed, the masked man however merely seemed disappointed.

"State your terms" the masked man said calmly

"Your names would be a start" Smoke stated

"I'm Malos, my blade is Sever, you've met Nia, the furry blade is Dromarch, and he's Jin" the one in the dark armor rattled off. Smoke then stood face to face with the swordsman.

"What are you hauling up and why do you need me?" Smoke asked again. Jin looked as if he was choosing his next words carefully.

"We are hauling up a ship near the bottom of the cloud sea. Within the ship is something personally important to Malos. I made him a promise and I intend to keep it. The ships doors will only open to Leftherian touch, hence why you are needed." Jin said. Smoke could read his expression like an open book despite the mask.

"You see him as family don't you?" Smoke asked randomly. Jin said nothing and his expression barely changed. "I can tell you've gone through some shit that you'd rather forget. He gave you a chance to put it behind you, or at least try to. I feel the same way, with what I've done." Smoke said

"Why are you telling me this?" Jin asked

"Because I know what it's like to lose family and hate the entire world for it. How do I know you felt like that? Because you give off the same aura I do." Smoke then put a fist to his chest over where his heart used to be "I respect someone who honors their promises to those they consider family." Smoke said as he dropped his hand. Jin seemed to be in minor shock while Malos and Nia were simply flabbergasted. "I'll work with you, end of story" Smoke then began to walk away, leaving the squad known as 'Torna' in a very unfamiliar state. Jin then asked

"You, what's your name?"

Smoke then turned with his arms out wide "I'm just a Merc named Smoke."