A/N: Alright, next chapter among these surprisingly well matched OCs!
So heads up, the opening for new OCs is now over. This story is closed for new main characters, thank you for all of your entries!
Nether: Stuff's goin' down harrrrrrd
Enjoy, be sure to review!
Chairs were dropped, with one placed opposite to two others. Strips of LEDs lit a galvanized steel roof, whose semicircular profile broke with sets of windows on each side. Haf's aquamarine hair showed bright as he stared at bunks, their barracks length divided by a wooden barrier. Taking half its space behind cellulose curtains, his eyes narrowed.
"That much space?" he asked.
"If others like Niirox join, yes." Haine said.
"But she can't be hurt like that," Haf said, "this isn't SAO. You can't just violate a girl, especially when none of us have dicks."
"Thank god," Haine shifted his gaze, "need to be making war, not love."
A brief chuckle left Praetor, but an eye roll from Geiger, whose hands fondled a rifle.
"Mostly dudes play this game, right?" Haf said, "The proportions should reflect the demographic."
"But we agreed on a need to market," Haine sat, "I'm presenting us as accommodating."
"That's great, but the last thing you wanna do is pander. Especially for the sake of looking 'nice'."
"Pf," Haine laughed hard, "Haf, if you knew my record, the words nice and moral'd be the punch line."
"What is your record?"
"Breaking dreams and spirits."
"Nice," Praetor said.
Niirox stared down at her [AK-M]'s broken exterior, its rust ridden dust cover dull against her bright orange hair. While an occasional glance to Haf was made, another was made towards Haine.
I can see how Praetor would get along with Haine, though that "record" leaves me wondering.
Leon sat back as Polestar cleaned his twin sidearms, smiling softly as he listened to the two argue.
"You should talk to them," Pole said, "you're smart."
"There's a time for everything," Leon said with a smile, "besides, I think you'll like the clan name."
Polestar looked to his friend of two eye colors, his own black eyes reflective and inspecting.
"Not now," Leon patted his shoulder, "wanna surprise 'em. Besides, I've got news they might like."
Haine looked to their table setup, adjusting his seat as Haf eyed their two meter tall wooden divider.
Hopefully somebody tough comes by. I know Henderson's coming, but who else? Far as I'm concerned, I've got mostly clean slates. How do I best teach them?
Praetor stepped out from his bunk, leaving Geiger fiddling with his [FAMAS].
"Not gonna lie," Praetor said glancing around, "when you mentioned us having space, I was hoping for a room."
"This's just the starting base type," Haf said, "if everyone gets things done, we get better spaces."
"Wouldn't count on it soon though," Haine said while scratching the table, "most of the requisition's going towards our standard issue. I'm not going cheap."
"No [M-4]s," Haf said assertively, "everyone picks that. Last thing I need is us looking like your everyday, run of the mill scrubs."
"You think there might be a reason for that?" Haine asked.
Geiger opened his [Footlocker], depositing his Marques as Niirox left her side of their Quonset Hut. Closing it, the container flashed a bright [Locked] message above its frame.
"Yes," Haf said, "but we'll stand out better if we choose something else."
"I like that," Praetor said, "something cool. Like what Haf's got."
"Is there a difference?" Geiger asked.
Niirox sat back, paying little attention to a laidback Leon's observations. Holding out her AK-M, she tried charging its handle back. It wobbled grossly, its construction creaking and bending with seemingly every motion she made.
Wish I could get this fixed, but I'm embarrassed to ask. It's Sunday too, got a chemistry test first thing tomorrow!
"Essentially," Haf cleared his throat, "there comes a consideration for things like upgrades. Rare stuff's harder to upgrade, but stands out from the crowd better...and usually has higher potential. This is why ultimately it's better to start with rarer stuff, cause we need as many recruits as possible."
Praetor's eyes diverted from Haf, looking instead towards their barrack's door.
Haf can really talk our heads off. Is he even aware?
"If the gun's their only incentive to being with us," Haine said, "I don't want them."
"Hold on," Leon raised a finger, "Haf's answering to marketing. He's advertising our team."
"And that's fine," Haine said, "I'm speaking to motivation. A lack of it."
"You can't expect them to be die hard from the start," Haf said.
"Pretty much," Leon said with a shrug. "what would you propose, Haine?"
"I'm sure our current members know what they want. Have them pick."
Praetor's gaze shifted to Haine, his heart beating faster as his claim reached his ears.
"What're you saying? Praetor asked.
Haf rubbed his chin, nodding before looking to him. "We're giving you four a chance to voice your choice. While I'm not exactly confident in some of your tastes," he looked to Niirox briefly, "I see the point."
"So we get to choose our new guns?" Praetor asked with a bigger grin.
Haine and Haf nodded, Geiger tensing with Praetor.
"That's sick!" Praetor said.
"You choose the clan's new gun," Haine said, "your personal choice's on your dime. This is just in case things go wrong."
Niirox sighed with relief, remaining otherwise silent as others almost bounced.
"Ooh," Geiger smiled, "I like this, Prae."
"Same!" Praetor grinned.
"Please let us know first," Haf said, "I'll die if it's cliche."
"Let 'em choose," Haine said sternly, "I'm sure they'll figure it out."
"You can both be right," Leon said, "I agree with the plan either way."
"Can I come too?" Pole asked timidly, "um, I mean may I?"
"You need one?" Leon asked with a slight smile.
"No problem, bro." Praetor smiled, "just don't be a Niirox."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Niirox glanced to Praetor.
"It's called living," Praetor said, "that means speaking. Not being like," he stopped, formulating thoughts. "like Geiger in Freshman year."
"Piss off," Geiger groaned playfully.
"Question," Niirox asked, "what's our price range?"
"Between uh," Haine stared up at their ceiling briefly, looking to Haf. "A hundred and two Rekis?"
Haf nodded, returning focus on Niirox.
"What's a Reki?" she persisted, "what's it worth?"
"Clan currency," Haf took a seat. "essentially, it's requisition. One req's ten Marques. US dollar's worth about ten Rekis."
"Okay, then as long as the gun's worth one to two k, it's fine."
"Try to avoid two?" Haf asked, "armor's important. Equipment. Haine and I are also considering a vehicle."
Niirox's eyes focus elsewhere, brightening in color at the mentioned of vehicular assets. A shiver ran down her arms, recalling the rumble of tanks on parade.
What kinds of vehicles could they be referring to? Cars? Trucks? What? Oooh, I hope it's a tank!
"Don't worry about that though," Haine said, "head to a local shop, pick out a rifle you all like and report back. Haf n' I'll handle recruits."
"Sounds good!" Praetor motioned the others, "let's move!"
Geiger stepped beside Polestar as they left their barracks, Praetor leading their party of four to Nouveau's streets. Sighing, Haine covered his mouth with both hands before looking between Haf and Leon.
"I'm getting that guy a name change."
Haf choked with laughter, Leon raising an eyebrow.
"Who?" he asked.
"Pole," Haine said with a shake of his head, "leading a stripper name into combat's immersion breaking. Least for me."
"But it's perfect," Haf said with a smile, "I get to say Pole danced."
Haine choked slightly, holding back a fit of mirth.
"In his defense," Leon said gently, "he wasn't thinking of it that way."
"Oh believe me," Haine laughed, "we know."
"Got the message ready?" Haf asked, "wanna make this quick."
Haine opened his inventory, drawing an [Intercom Switch (single use)] with some softly shaking hands.
"You got your wish list?" Haine asked.
"Essentially," Haf shrugged, "just hoping we don't get all new guys."
Haine shrugged, clearing his throat before pressing the item's red button.
"All of you out there seeking danger and infiltration, sign up for our newest clan at Barracks number...A dash thirteen three."
Releasing his press, the box faded into thin air. Haf looked to Haine, sighing as he readjusted his seat.
"Was that your plan?"
"Yup." Haine leaned back.
"Wasn't bad, was it?" Leon asked.
"It was pretty bland," Haf wrapped arms around his chest, "the only exciting thing was his enthusiasm behind it. If I was the new guy, I'd ignore that. You gotta present something more than simply an appeal to someone's desire. It's presumptuous, and won't get you far."
Haine said nothing, eyes focused on their front door with a strict posture.
"I don't know," Leon said gently, "seen plenty of clans use sex as a selling point."
"That's because some of us are tasteless," Haf rolled his eyes.
"Not gonna argue that," Leon kicked his long hair back.
"If a tactic works, why not use it?" Haine asked. "Problem is, I don't think Niirox would care for that kind of attention. Or would she?"
"Are you seriously considering that?" Leon asked back, "I thought you...never mind."
"I barely know any of you, how am I supposed to guess your kinks?"
Haf nodded silently, head tilted as Haine and Leon talked.
Only four days left, how do I bring this up to them?
Their door opened, all three reviewers stopping to greet their guest. A male of fairly slender profile stepped inside, a calm expression paired with a goatee and long blonde hair. His posture was slumped, as if trapped in a relaxed state as he approached the seat.
"Yo," he said before glancing at the seat, "this a job interview or somethin'?"
"Essentially," Haf said with a smile, noting the recruit's willingness to take a seat.
Haine remained silent, watching the man's motions with inquiry.
Lets see, goatee paired with scruffy five o' clock shadow. Bit disorganized. Not making eye contact, body isn't erect. Sensing a town-ie.
"How long have you been playing?" Haf asked.
"Oh uh," he looked around, "it's been a few weeks, I dunno. What's your clan name?"
"We're still deciding on that," Haf said, "ever been in a Gale clan?"
"Nope," he smiled, "heard the message off the boxes, came over."
While Haf remained stoic in expression, his eyes were focused.
I don't like this one, he's not experienced at all. By how he talks, he's a total airhead too.
Rain poured hard outside, its splash against concrete muted by an occasional crack and boom. Artillery guns competed for audible supremacy, their volleys challenging thunder for breadth as rounds were lobbed far distances.
"Got a class in mind?" Haine asked, "we're going to be a reconnaissance unit, roughly a light platoon in size."
"Cool," the dude said, "I was thinkin' something close up?"
"Really?" Haine asked with a smile.
"Yeah dude, something fast and shooty."
Haf almost rolled his eyes at this, glancing briefly to Leon. He would remain largely indifferent, eyeing Haf with a readable dissatisfaction. Haine, on the other hand was much more concentrated.
"So you like getting in people's faces?" Haine grinned.
"Oh yeah man, I was a bouncer for one of my local nightclubs. Nobody messed with me."
Leon lowered an eyebrow at this, giving this applicant's physique a once over.
Really? This guy's a stick, a five eleven stick sure, but a stick.
"How good do you think you are at hiding?" Haine asked.
"Uh," he laughed a little, "I don't like that."
"That's a bit of a problem," Haine looked down briefly, "you willing to learn?"
"Sure, I guess."
"You guess?" Haine's expression darkened slightly.
"I mean, yes."
Haine's eyes hardened, looking to Haf and Leon, who nodded at this point with a bored rejection. "Alright uh,"
"Get-me-off," he said, "I'm okay with 'Get-off'."
"Get off," Haine nodded, "I'll message you if you fit."
"So this is a job interview," Get said before rising, "good to know."
His departure was lax, but its result was explosive.
"No," Haf looked to Haine.
"Why not?"
"He's a total flake, I can sense it."
"That's a bit unfair to say," Haine said, "granted, I'm not a fan of his weak response."
"Oh yeah," Haf nodded, "his confidence sucked too. We agree there, but really? I think he's full of it."
"I wonder about that whole bouncer thing," Leon said on the side, "he's not exactly imposing."
"We need that sort of attitude though," Haine said, "we can't have guys afraid of going all out."
"Can't have idiots either," Haf said. "He'll get himself killed, like Praetor yesterday."
"From my take he was just eager," Haine said, "was already more than I could ask from my last group."
"Who was your last group?" Leon asked.
Their door opened again, Nouveau's backdrop darkened by cloud cover as another stepped in. Standing at roughly five foot six, bright red hair with orange highlights stuck out. His posture was fairly rigid, skinny shoulders raised. Stepping forward with a stiff range of motion, Haine's first catch was where his eyes looked.
Staring at the ground, tight as rigor mortis, getting servant vibes here.
"Name?" Haf asked with a smile, "we wanna make this quick."
"Um," he fidgeted with his pockets, "uh, Sakura?"
Sakura bent forward, bowing lightly to Haf as he rose from his seat to reciprocate. Haf's eyes softened, brushing back his blue hair before coming back with a smile. Haine, however, reached for a handshake. His steel gray eyes left Sakura almost leaning back, looking away.
"Uh," Sakura looked away, shakily reciprocating Haine's offer.
Haine shook firmly, his grip squeezing Sakura's palm to a darker shape. He released, but his gaze shifted from Sakura as he seated.
Grip's like wet paper, weak.
Drifting to his seat, Sakura sat face to face with a lightly smiling Haf. Haf's gaze proved much softer, easing Sakura as Haf noted.
Much politer than that last fool, I can work with this one for sure.
The question of experience was repeated, with Sakura cautious in his mention of a hundred and fifty hours of play time. Haine by this point had his eyes towards their barrack windows, brushing the lap section of his blue uniform with the shook hand.
His timidity bores me, what did he even do for those hours? I don't consider polishing one's barrel actual experience!
Sakura's class was next on their inquiry, with Haf leading predominately in conversation. While silent in his observation, Leon's expression warmed as their inquiry progressed.
"Infiltrator?" Sakura asked, "I like to sneak in, do what's needed."
"We could definitely use that," Haf said with a nod, eyeing Haine's distracted demeanor briefly. "How good are you at hiding?"
"I...I don't like to brag."
Haf again found himself smiling, Haine paying little attention beyond necessary. Leon watched both with a distant relaxation, smiling regardless of answers given.
It's so fun watching these two interpret this. Haine wanted an infiltrator, but not as bad as Haf wants a 'professional'. Haine likes them bold, but not Haf. Haine jumps between caring and cold, Haf sticks to professionalism...unless his temper's flaring.
"I'll assume you'll be open for training then," Haf said, "Haine over here is gonna teach stuff about hiding this Friday."
"Y-Yes sir," he said "if I'm accepted, I...will do the best I can!"
"Very good," Haf said before standing, "well mister Sakura, you'll hear from me personally if you're accepted."
"Thank you, sir!" he said with many stumbles, bowing again to Haf.
Haf reciprocated, leaving Sakura eyeing Haine. A lack of attention and motion, however, sent the infiltrator packing. Shutting in front of them, their door brought eyes towards each other.
"What was wrong with him?" Haf asked Haine, "I saw that look."
"Wet noodle," Haine said with a groan, "don't need him."
"Japanese don't really do handshakes," Haf said, "I understand you're American, but you should be considerate."
"When they wouldn't consider mine?" Haine smiled, "No, I keep my style. Last thing I need's a weak wrist."
"You mean like Niirox?" Haf asked, "I haven't seen you grill her over that."
"Over what?"
"She screwed me," Haf said loudly, "I gave her one job, throw a smoke. She got scared and couldn't do that!"
Haine's hands opened up, "you never told me."
"I didn't think I had to," he raised a finger, "I hope you're consistent with your 'style'."
"She definitely seemed the shyer type," Haine shrugged, "did you talk to her?"
"What'd be the point? She already knows she screwed up."
"To let her know?" Haine asked rhetorically, "what was her situation?"
"Oh so with her it's more complicated?"
"A firefight's more complicated than a handshake."
"In her defense," Leon stepped in, "wasn't that her first fight?"
"Yes," Haf nodded, "and I get that too. But really? One job?"
"Understandable," Haine sighed, "should have held back that call. Fight would've been better if I stayed."
"No kidding," Haf groaned.
"What call?" Leon asked.
"Clan was pissed," Haine said, "losing all those new guys cause their fee fee's got hurt."
Haine's fingers curled slightly, one of their table's legs gripped as he looked towards an empty corner.
"Took my gun," Haine grossed, "they promised I could keep it with good work."
His head drooped slightly, right fingers curling as if grasping a weapon.
I miss her already. Two round bursts, built in optics, the way its magazines lock in after a hard slap.
"Sorry about that," Leon leaned on his chair.
"Don't be," Haine said, "was fed up with his weak-wristed approach."
Haf's eyes kept towards their front door, ignoring what conversation persisted among them.
Not a fan of his tastes, but I can agree with his honesty. Bet his history's mostly telling people off, him and his mouth. Not exactly professional.
A slam of wood brought all eyes forward, with all but one staring as a giant strode through. His hair was a short, aged white. His beard bristly, trimmed and groomed to full form. Standing over six feet tall, with muscles bulging and veined he stepped forward. His stance was strict, upright as a bandolier jiggled across a chiseled frame.
"Guys," Haine smiled, "meet my man Henderson."
"Um," Haf leaned back slightly before rising and extending his hand, "glad you could join us. We've got a few questions."
"Shoot." Henderson said, lighting a cigarette.
"Experience level?" Haf asked.
Haine laughed at this, Henderson slow to take his seat.
"Five hundred hours, half of it in Gale's battlefields."
"Role?" Leon asked, watching as the giant deployed a heavily modified [RPK] on their desk.
"Automatic Rifleman."
Haf stared at what laid out across his table, nostrils almost flaring as fingers coiled tightly.
This is exactly what we don't want, an absolute meta-hog! Look at this thing, it's been modified to accept the box magazines of machine guns. I bet there's a heavy barrel in this, you gotta be kidding me!
Haine's eyes drifted to this weapon for a moment, though quickly reverted back to Henderson.
Really, man? You had to pull that one out? The hell happened to your [Negev]?
Leon's eyes dimmed slightly, though he ensured no eye contact was made.
I already provide this. Why would we need another?
"One of the scariest things on the field," Haine smiled, "he was my bruiser. Back of course before Tomahawk booted him."
"Couldn't take me," Henderson smiled at Haf, "got a problem, squirt?"
"Ahem," Haf cleared his throat, "I won't state opinions."
"Subtle," Henderson said, "you're not an officer, are ya?"
"Cool it," Haine raised a hand, "Haf's a rifle."
Haf glanced to Haine with a furrowed brow, "a rifle? I'm a bit more finessed than that."
"Was the easiest I could describe it," Haine shrugged, "you tell him your role."
Looking back to this old giant with a tightly pressed pair of lips, Haf nodded before saying "Assault."
"I see," Henderson smiled, his cigarette between fingers, "good to know you're not one of those stealthy types."
"That is the point of this unit," Haine said with a drop in pitch.
"I know," Henderson laughed, "you know what I mean."
Haf groaned internally, leaning back in his chair as Henderson and Haine bantered.
Haine's biased in this, how am I gonna deal with this chest-pounding gorilla?
"How good are you at hiding?" Haf asked with a lower tone.
"When? Before, or after everyone dies?" Henderson asked back, drawing an [M-72 LAW] rocket launcher from his inventory, "volume control's great."
"Let me rephrase this then," Haf leaned forward in his chair, "how good are you without shooting anyone?"
"Am I in court or something?" Henderson hesitated, "man, I deal with enough of that at home, gimmie a break."
"I was just asking-"
"Got a training session this Friday," Haine said, "wanna freshen up on that?"
Haf glared, but not directly at Haine.
"Couldn't hurt to try." Henderson got up, pointing a finger at Haf. "name?"
"Haf."
"Right, do me a favor. I do me, you do you. Got that?"
"Don't throw that," Haine stood up.
Haf looked to Haine, eyebrows raised slightly before looking to a similarly expressive Leon.
"He and I are leading this," Haine pats Henderson's arm, "chill, okay?"
"You're siding up with him." Henderson looked down, albeit softer toned.
"I'm going with us," Haine motioned around their barracks, "I wanna bring you in, man. Don't make me look like the ass god intended me to be."
Henderson glanced to Haf, nodding before lodging another cigarette in his mouth, "Friday?"
"Friday."
Nodding, the giant left their barracks with weapons in his beefy arms. Haine looked nervously to Haf and Leon, the former's stance crossed both legs and wrists in their seat.
"I should've mentioned some things," Haine said, "Henderson's kind of a-"
"Meta-mancer." Haf shook his head, "here's how it's gonna work."
Haine turned fully, steel eyes fixated.
"If you're taking him, I'm getting Sakura."
"And if he runs?"
"Why would anyone run?" Leon asked softly, "we're playing a game."
"Cause emotion gets in the way," Haine said, "get worried about their K D, or something dumb like that."
"Eh," Haf splayed a teetering hand, "it depends."
"So?" Leon asked Haine, "what're you gonna do about that? It's their choice."
A soft smile grew on Haine's face, nodding to Leon as his left hand fingered his holster. "It sure is."
Their door opened, Haine's smile vanishing like dust in a turbulent gust as he viewed who emerged. Haf stared with a widened gaze, Leon frozen in his seat. Their applicant approached them in a yellow suit, with hair a light blue hue. With a scarf around her neck and communication headset on one ear, a single request was made.
"Are you still open?"
GGO: Cordicide
Geiger paused as they turned a rainy street corner, Praetor quick to gaze as droplets crashed all around them. What strode Nouveau's roads lacked treads, forgoing wheels in exchange bipedal locomotion. Its feet were wide like a toad's with dozens of individual segments acting as claws, gripping whatever surface laid below. Standing roughly fifteen feet tall, a myriad of antennae and electronics lent it a set of unblinking green eyes.
Niirox noted, however, that its stride lacked signature compared to tanks. With every step, its audio report was several times quieter than its counterparts. Its weapon dwarfed them all, but not nearly to what she saw days prior. Roughly equivalent to an APC's main gun, tanks equipped much heavier. Polestar paid little heed to what beast of steel entranced them, focused instead on his three compatriots themselves.
They're definitely new here, but that's okay. Leon's got an eye for good people, and he chose them.
"What caliber you thinks on that?" Geiger asked.
"Big." Praetor said, a grin on his face.
"Insightful," Niirox said with a sigh.
Praetor looked to their red-headed commentator, though his eyes lacked a definitive mood. Geiger's throat clenched slightly, avoiding eye contact as his friend returned to a northward direction.
That wasn't very nice, but what do I say? Best thing's to stay out of it, won't help.
"So I checked out the map a 'lil," Praetor said while leading, "turns out there's a vehicle shop nearby."
Polestar glanced, but kept hands in his pockets. His arm twitched a little, fingers fiddling with a clay-like ball in it. Niirox's head perked up at Praetor's comment, hinting less than vaguely of interest. Geiger, however, quickened his step slightly to match his friend's.
"You thinking it?" Geiger asked with a smile.
"With guns that big?" Praetor nodded, "gotta know what's out there."
Polestar's tongue retreated, almost raising his hand to Praetor. A twinge in his gut, however, kept palms sheltered. Catching this, however, Niirox was quick to turn head. While she didn't speak, her eyes tried for an unspoken inquiry. His shifted from inspection, fiddling with his pocketed material.
Was thinking Praetor'd wanna know more. Don't wanna force myself though. He's not the swordsman, after all.
Niirox ceased efforts of enticement, focusing towards Praetor as he led them north, to a familiarly crowded street. The air filled with constant calls for bids, banter, and rumbling diesel. Geiger looked to Praetor as they neared a four story structure, whose width doubled its height. Grimacing slightly, he kept inspecting his friend's gaze.
I'm kinda wondering why Praetor's sticking around Haine. The guy's trying to teach, that's Praetor's kryptonite!
Entering via heavy metal doors, a vast chasm of concrete, assembly lines, and machine opened before them. Mechanical arms as thick as trees pressed, welded, hammered, and sliced in a rhythmic cycle. From fenced off displays rested vehicles of varying scale. Praetor's eyes, however, fixated on a specific type in a far corner of the first hall.
A bipedal construct, much like what wandered outside rested behind steel bars. Its scale, however, left it at only eight feet in height. Plated in what appeared to be inch plus thick panels of steel, its silhouette bore a hulking impression. Smiling and nodding, he glanced to Geiger before pointing.
"That."
"Looks sick," Geiger looked around its frame, reading aloud what info his HUD provided, "let's you wield weapons normally bolted onto cars. Plates can take up to three thirty millimeter AP, offers minor vehicular capabilities to the user."
"Only three?" Praetor frowned.
"Those must be pretty big," Geiger pointed, "I wouldn't know."
"I'll ask Haine, he seems to know his stuff."
"Haf's good too," Geiger glanced over his shoulder.
"Nah," Praetor shook his head, "too many words."
"Oh, right." Geiger squinted at a price tag, "hope you're saving up."
A forty dollar label bore through Praetor's brain like a drill, eyebrows lowered slightly as he processed his response. Niirox's eyes veered towards wide chassis and rough tracks, a [Light Tank Frame] drawing her in as metal hissed in liquid nitrogen vats. While dwarfed easily by its neighboring models, a simple holographic display listed its price at twenty five US dollars. Thirty dollar price tags were also found, but in turn offered a few pre-made models, armaments and equipment included.
I'm sure I could afford a chassis, but I'll have to learn more about tanks before I buy one. Heck, what happens if I bought it and it gets destroyed? Do I lose it permanently? Cause if it does, I'm gonna cry.
Polestar's focus moved from place to place, as what he had come to view wasn't composed of rubber and steel. Short curls of pink hair laid beneath a maroon beret, a bright green uniform sheltering a feminine frame, rendered modest yet ultimately imagination invoking. Darting between price tags, this figure wrote away in notes, answering instant messages, and otherwise busying herself.
Polestar looked to her with awe, a wonder impossible to mask as eyes followed in her fast movements. While she would turn his general direction, however, he quickly withdrew. Walking past Pole, it only furthered a sinking sensation in his gut.
Lisbeth, as beautiful as I remembered. What's she doing here, isn't she with the Blood Demons?
"I dunno about you guys," Praetor said from a far corner looking in, "but I...can tolerate this."
While Niirox's and Geiger's gazes were garnered, Pole remained entranced by the wandering Lisbeth in their presence. Talking to other groups of players, he overheard her sales pitch.
"Everyone likes big guns!" Lis cheered, "you wanna stop by my shop? Over twenty percent of sales go to needy players!"
"Nah, we good."
"Then how about a small donation?" Lis asked softer, "lots of players struggle out here."
This generated some income, with currency lightly trickling her direction as they spared change.
"You're too kind," Lisbeth smiled wry, "thank you!"
"Yo, Pole!"
Polestar shivered, Praetor waving him over to his group's corner. Obliging his request, Pole shifted over to where Geiger and Niirox's focus had fixated. What rested before them wasn't protected by a barrier, for its vast volume left it stuck in place. Over fifty feet wide, as well as forty feet high, a monstrosity of steel slumbered. Tank turrets dotted its surface, gun platforms, launchers of varying size and length sharing space. All of it rested on treads wider than automobiles.
"That's a [Land Cruiser]," Pole said anxiously, trying to bring his gaze back to Lisbeth.
"Who would use this thing?" Niirox asked with a furrowed brow.
"Who wouldn't?" Praetor asked with a laugh, "it's amazing!"
"Maybe an amazing target."
Geiger stared up at over a thousand tons of steel, shivering slightly as he eyed its SUV wide tracks.
These things are as tall as I am by themselves. How is this balanced? There's no way I could destroy this thing, not by myself! It's as long as some buildings!
Standing beneath its shadow, Praetor turned to Niirox.
"Isn't it?"
"It's..." Niirox hesitated, "it's something."
"Gonna ask if we can get one," Praetor smiled.
Pole almost choked, cutting off a hard laugh.
"Got a thousand dollars?"
"Never mind!" Praetor turned swiftly, "freaking rich guys. So anything you guys like?"
Niirox's mouth opened to speak, but closed half a second.
"Not really," Geiger said, "mean, we're supposed to be looking at guns."
"Not like there's a deadline." Praetor said before shooting glances, "anyone else?"
Niirox looked back to her target, the [Light Tank Chassis] with fixation. Still, its twenty five dollar price tag kept her silent.
I could afford this...but how'd my father feel? Mm, running outta time. Gotta study soon!
"We should talk to Leon and your uh," Pole looked down, "your guys' names?"
"Haine?" Praetor asked.
"Yeah, him and that other guy."
Geiger's mention of guns had alerted prying ears, drawing in with excitement a pink haired salesman.
"You want guns?" Lisbeth asked, "I've got the best, straight from experienced players!"
Geiger was quick to turn Lisbeth's way, "what types? I wanna get into sniping."
"Anything you could want," Lisbeth smiled wry, "for the right price."
She swiped her hand, looking at a menu with a lowering of her shoulders.
"Oh, you guys aren't in a clan?"
"Yeah we are," Praetor said while stepping in, "in fact, we've formed one earlier today."
"Then what's your unit name?" Lis asked, "size? Alliance?"
Everyone looked to each other with incredulity, opening menus to answer the salesman's question. Polestar, on the other hand strictly looked away, sweating and shaking as she spoke.
I can't believe she's speaking to us! What do I do? I can't just come in heavy handed!
"Act quick now and you'll get hands on my newest surplus."
"F it," Praetor waved a hand, "I wanna see."
Nodding affirmatively, Lis ushered them to follow her. Niirox had remained silent, watching carefully as she directed with a notable emphasis on the hip swing.
"Times are changin'," Lis said with a smile, "big clans shrinking, themed ones growing, and I get to help." she turned while walking backwards, "by the way, with every purchase you make, I get to donate a bunch of it to the less fortunate."
Niirox grimaced at this, though kept behind Praetor.
Why would she invite that kind of trouble?
"Not sure whether that's a good thing," Geiger said with a shrug, "I just got here."
"Have you?" Lis asked, "looked up any vids on sniping here?"
"Yeah, though I don't get most of it."
Lisbeth nodded, though turned forward again. With her sight adjusted, this bought Pole an opportunity to gaze, though fearful of a sudden change.
"By chance, do you have a PSG-1?" Geiger asked.
Lis looked to Geiger with minor surprise, turning away only to open her store door for them.
"You want one of those?"
"Very much," Praetor said, "boy's got a hard on for that barrel."
"Dude!"
Lisbeth laughed with a shake of her head, ushering Praetor's group inside with a wave. "He's got taste, I'll give him that."
Pole blinked as he caught a glimpse of her face, frozen as others entered.
Hey, she's got freckles! That's so cute!
Entire racks of various firearms rested against wooden racks, the counter top laden with various machinery and tooling. Scattering in varying directions, each member would leave Polestar with fewer and fewer means of cover. Getting behind said counter, Lis raised a rifle of tan polymer.
"This is the current gun on sale," Lis slapped in an empty magazine, "the Mark seventeen, or the scar heavy."
"Ooo," Praetor said with focus, "looks beefy."
"Cause it is," Lis charged its bolt back, "comes in four sizes, though the full length battle rifle's what's common right now."
Pole blinked at what weapon she held, his trance broken for a mere second.
Hey, that's my old clan's standard issue! Why's Magnum Opus' gun here?
"Uh," Pole stepped forward, shaking. "Wh-Where'd you get those?"
"From one of the best clans in game," Lis smiled, "Magnum Opus. Surprised they sold as many as they have, had to reduce prices for the sake of inventory."
"Oh," Pole said, nodding before retreating again.
"How much?" Praetor asked.
"Well that depends," Lis put the rifle down, "you can either pay with Markies, or Rekis."
Praetor quickly checked balance, Geiger eyeing a simple bolt action rifle from a far corner. Niirox, however, stepped forward with her [AK-M].
"Can you repair this?" Niirox asked, "got this yesterday."
Lisbeth inspected her weapon, keeping a smile as she swept through its stats.
Did she pick this garbage off the street or something?
"What rank?" Lis asked.
"Huh?"
"What rank do you want it? C? B?"
"Oh it's a grade deal?" Niirox asked.
"Yep." Lis leaned forward, "I suggest you go C."
"How much would that be?"
"Two fifty."
Niirox again would find herself grimacing, her balance already at three fifty.
Oh crap, running outta money fast.
"Uh," Niirox fidgeted.
"Here," Pole put forward the required sum.
Niirox blinked, seeing Pole's offer. Lisbeth snatched this without second thought, smiling warmly to Polestar.
"You've got a real gentleman," Lis said, "gimmie one second."
At this point, Pole was suffering a fit. So much so in fact, that Praetor looked to his blood red face with incredulity.
"The heck's wrong with you? It's like you were missed by a train."
"N-Nothing!"
"More like he got hit by a train," Geiger said quietly.
"Yes!" Praetor laughed.
Polestar relinquished his position, lowering his head to avoid eye contact. Niirox, however, smiled slightly.
Someone's got a thing.
"Excuse me," Geiger asked, pointing towards his target, "what's that one go for?"
"That [M700]?" Lis asked while slapping Niirox's AK into a vice, "fifteen hundred."
"Darn," Geiger winced, "three times what I got."
"How many Rekis you got?"
"What's a Reki?"
"Requisition," Lis said briefly, "your clan gets that."
Polestar swiftly dispensed fifteen hundred Marques, stunning Geiger while earning a smile from Lis.
"You guys should be thankful," Lis said softly, "I know I would."
Geiger looked to Pole as he blushed brightly, the bolt action rifle dropped in his hands.
"Thanks?" Geiger said, "that wasn't necessary, but thanks."
A glance down, however, neutralized Geiger's expression. Eyes reverting back to Lisbeth, eyebrows furrowed softly.
"No scope?"
"You wanted one?" Lis asked, "you order those separately, my dude."
"I thought that'd come with the package." Geiger shook his head, "never mind."
Praetor by this point had a wary expression towards Pole, inching towards Niirox while no one's looking.
"Sup with him?"
"Let him try," Niirox smiled, "it's cute."
"You mean he's, oh."
A whirring of drills, shriek of wheels, and a clunking of presses brought a shapely [AK-M] back on the counter. Niirox happily took this, smiling as it cycled cleanly with a tug of its bolt.
"Let me know when you're ready to upgrade," Lis cheered, "I don't settle for average! Speaking of which, how about the [MK.17], boys? Hits harder than an AK, reaches farther, weighs a little more than an [M-4]."
Pole moved in, only to be intercepted by Praetor.
"Not so fast, boy o." Praetor said before looking to Lis, "we'll talk to our lead. See what's up."
"Alrighty," Lis winked, "remember, I offer all four sizes! DMR included!"
GGO: Cordicide
Haine, Haf, & Leon
"You...wanna join us?" Haine asked incredulously.
"Was thinking of trying something new." Sinon said.
"Were you dropped on your hea-"
Haf elbowed Haine, nodding to Sinon. "Done."
"Welcome to Longsword," Leon said.
"That's our name?" Haine looked to Leon.
"Duh, sounds cool."
"I like it," Haf said.
Haine paused, nodding a second later. Sinon adjusted her anti material rifle's rest position, eyes jumping between all three men.
"Understand," Sinon said, "I'm not interested in drama...or big clan stuff."
"Then what brings you to us?" Leon asked gently.
"Looking for a quiet group to join. Things have been a bit tense lately."
"Still think you're crazy," Haine said, "I'd offer you to come to Friday training...but I doubt you'll need it."
"Is everyone gonna be there?"
"Yeah."
"Okay, I'll see if I can make it."
Haine looked past Sinon, lips pressed tight.
What am I suppose to teach her? She out ranks my ragged ass three fold! I might as well let her do as she wishes, cause the hell am I gonna do?
Leon, on the other hand could barely contain his grin.
She'll get our clan through so many problems. Trouble is, how do we keep it low profile? While it'd bring the swordsman out, we wouldn't be ready.
Haf leaned back, keeping composure as Sinon accepted her clan invitation.
Oh good, my bills will be fixed in no time! Hell, I could make it back with having her sign crap!
"Friday?" Sinon rose, shouldering her weapon.
"Friday." Haf said, bowing.
Sinon left as quickly as she came, leaving all three recruiters looking to each other with bewilderment.
"Do you always talk without filter?" Haf asked Haine.
"why're you so tame?" Haine asked while leaning back, "sweet Christ, how am I supposed to react?"
"Like a human being, not John the Smash-Mouth. She's a top tier player, don't give her lip."
"That's exactly why I'm lost," Haine groaned, "why would she join us?"
"She did mention drama," Leon said, "guess something's going down in her old circle?"
"Who cares?" Haf asked with a brief burst of cheer, "long as we get some solid anti-tank, we're set to win!"
"What about uniqueness?" Haine asked.
"Sinon's been targeting Russian style players for a while, remember?"
"Oh yeah!" Leon said.
Their door swung open, Praetor's group returning with its leader excited.
"There you are," Haf said, "good news, we've got three recruits joining us this Friday."
"Sweet," Praetor said, "does this mean we'll be getting messy again?"
Niirox looked away upon this mention.
Haf's probably still mad at me for failing.
"Oh we will," Haine smiled, "first though, I wanna know what you guys want. What's on your minds?"
Leon pulled Polestar aside, arm around his shoulder as Praetor and Geiger faced Haine.
"This gun shop owner's been offering this rifle on discount, the uh [Mk.17]?"
"Hm," Haine nodded, "how much?"
"Twenty two hundred Markies, or twenty two Rekis. Each."
"That's not bad," Leon said.
"No," Haf shook his head, "we can't afford that. Not with all the gear we need."
"It isn't bad," Haine nodded to Leon, looking through his own resources. "While I could afford to give all of you one of those, I couldn't for the rest. Who's the salesman?"
"Lisbeth," Geiger said, "I think."
"I'll see if I can't find us a good deal." Haine said rising from his seat, "someone wanna show me where she is?"
Pole glanced away, looking forward again as Leon's heated gaze drew him back.
"You spent...all that money...to impress her?" Leon whispered angrily, "you were supposed to keep hold of that!"
"I couldn't..." Pole shivered, "she looked so happy."
"She's a salesman, she's supposed to convince you!"
"Something going on?" Haine asked, intervening.
"No, it's fine." Leon splayed a hand, looking to Pole. "Go ahead and lead him, we'll figure something out."
Both Haine and Polestar left, Geiger nudging Praetor.
"wanna quest? Gotta get a scope."
"Yeah so," Praetor looked to Haf, "Geig and I are heading out. Later."
Niirox would be among the three last players in their barracks. Checking her time, she looked up at Haf with a softened gaze.
"Hey," she said.
Haf looked to her, keeping a fairly neutral expression.
"I'm sorry about...that. I didn't know what I was supposed to do."
"No need," Haf said with a nod, "it's been discussed."
Niirox's face grew pale, turning silent as she heard him through.
"It was her first fight," Leon said to Haf, "cut her some slack."
"I am," Haf said, "I'm just letting her know." he faced Niirox and asked, "you showing up this Friday?"
"I think so," Niirox shrunk.
"Now hang on," Leon turned to her, "everyone makes mistakes. Just imagine how many times I screwed up playing Gun Gale."
"Oh god," Haf laughed, "all of our first days. Sheesh, I was a total tard."
"Thanks," Niirox softened to a smile, "gotta go. See you later, right?"
Leon nodded, turning away as their redhead vanished. Alone in their rain free barracks, they sat close.
"So have you heard?" Leon asked, "about Opus?"
"Not really," Haf looked, "why?"
"Clan's going to damage control, something's gone wrong."
"Oh damn." Haf's eyes widened, "what're they doing?"
"I've heard they're withdrawing from the Hyde River. Yeah, that river."
"Seriously?! That's a gold mine!"
"Sh," Leon put a finger up, "best we keep that under wraps. We need the resources, so you make sure Haine hears about this. Got me?"
Haf nodded excitedly, getting up from his seat. "Wait...he's gonna be at that gun shop."
"With Lis of all people," Leon sighed, "she's a Blood Demon."
"Ew." Haf grimaced, "essentially, I'm gonna wait till he's done then."
Leon nodded before leaning back.
"Good, make sure we handle this swiftly."
"I've got plenty of reason."
A/N: Hey guys, thank you so much for reading my humble work. Let me know what's rolling around in your head, cause I need to hear!
See you all soon!