"Okay so... Some things to point out."
"As you've seen in the summary this story is inspired by T.Kareon's The Unfortunate One. The premise is the same, that being of Jaune being Felix from RvB Chorus Trilogy. I'm posting it for two reasons:"
"1: The Unfortunate One hasn't had an update in almost three years now, and such a good idea with great potential... It seemed unfair to lose it. But please, go and read that if you are a fan of RWBY and RvB it is a good read and has some original elements the author decided to add."
"2: Think of this as a pilot. My main focus is still going to be Hunter X Zero X Two, but when that story inevitably comes to an end I want to have this story as an option to focus on. Depending on how it's received that its."
"I am expecting a lot of negative feedback from this. People calling me unoriginal or a copycat for using the premise of another user for my story. And you know what? That's fine, go ahead. Insult me, flame me, call me an unoriginal fuck. You are on your right to do so if that's your opinion. But I just want to give this concept a chance."
"So that's it. Remember that Hunter X Zero X Two is still my main work, and this is just a test. So if I don't update it soon, then just check my other works."
"Disclaimer: I don't own Red vs Blue or RWBY. Both works belong to Rooster Teeth."
Jaune Arc sighed as he made his way to the bullhead, the marvelous Beacon Academy behind him. His dreams, all being left behind as his truth has been revealed to the staff of the school. He forged his transcripts, he was a faker, unworthy of being a hero.
After he saved his bully, Cardin Winchester, he thought he'd be in the clear. That Cardin wouldn't rat him out, and in all fairness... He didn't. But... His teammates were another story. They wanted to get back at Jaune for 'humillating their boss' and went straight to Ozpin's office, with a recording of Jaune confessing his crime.
He was called to the office and almost immediately told to pick up his stuff and leave. Funny thing? Professor Ozpin seemed reluctant to do so, he didn't seemed to want to let go of one of his students... Weird.
But weird or not, here he was... Doing the walk of shame back to his hometown... After he basically went against his family's wishes to become a Huntsman, and cheated to do so. On top of everything he was going to be grounded for life.
He stopped at the docks, waiting for the bullhead that will take him home.
Worst part? ... None of his friends came to say goodbye.
He revealed them what happened and that he was being kicked out.
There had been a terrible silence and he just picked his stuff and left. Unable to meet their faces. He thought they were in shock, but now... After a while... They should have been here... But they aren't...
"Jaune!" A high pitched voice called from behind him.
He turned around and was immediately tackled in a hug by a petit raven haired girl with red tips. The first friend he made in Beacon, Ruby Rose.
"H-hey Ruby..." He said, trying to sound cheerful. "What are you doing here?"
"Is it true...?" She askes, looking at him with those silver eyes of hers. "You're leaving?"
"... Yeah..." He sighed. "It's for the best. I don't belong here."
"You do!" She tried to discuss.
"I don't," I said, trying to not lash out at her. She didn't deserved it. "Ruby, you must know why I'm leaving."
"I don't care!" She said. "You are my friend! ... You were the first I met here, and you're my leader friend and, and you didn't called me weird when I geeked about weapons!" Her little eyes watered and Jaune's brotherly instincts wanted to wipe them dry and pat her head. "Even if Weiss also said it was good if you leave."
Weiss... She really said that? Huh... The girl he had a crush on said it was better if he left. And it probably didn't matter for the rest of Team RWBY; Yang was only his friend because he was Ruby's friend, and he rarely talked to Blake... No like she says much to begin with.
Was Ruby the only one who cared about the fact that he was leaving?
A bullhead roared behind them, the doors opened and the pilot signaled Jaune to get in. He sighed again and turned around.
Ruby grabbed the sleeve of his shirt. "Jaune..."
He turned and gave her a smile. "Sorry, Crater Face," He said, freeing himself from her grip and entering the bullhead.
The transport took off and left behind a dismayed girl behind. Watching as her friend went away.
"Felix... Felix!"
"Bwagh?!" A man wearing a high tech orange and black armor, with a scout helmet said. He dragged his hands over the helmet, as if wanting to fix the hair that was being squashed beneath it. He looked up to see another man with an armor similar to his own, except this one had a different helmet. "Locus, what do you want?" He groaned.
"The Counselor wants to meet with us... Talk about the man that survived the initiation without following our instructions," The man explained.
Felix blinked and tilted his head in realization. "Riiiiiiight, yeah. Someone with that burn must have one heck or a history. Wonder what's so grate about him?" mumbled as he stretched and popped his muscles.
"Don't waste any more time," Locus told him, in his usual hard tone. "I had enough of you hearing your babblings about rubies and bacon of all things." He marched away, picking up his machine gun.
"Hey, bacon it's delicious and rubies are nice jewels!" He complained, while getting up and following after his partner. 'Heh. Haven't thought of those guys in a long time. Ruby 'Crater Face' Rose and good old Jaune 'Vomit Boy' Arc.' He shook his head to get rid of such thoughts. That was his old life, and Jaune Arc was dead.
He is Felix. A bad-ass mercenary space marine.
On the tower A of the Tractor Beam on what it was known as Crash Site Alpha that they used as their base of operations on the Planet Chorus, a middle-aged man with black skin was waiting for them patiently. He was known merely as the Counselor, a former member of the staff of the now disbanded project Freelancer, one of the higher ups, the Directors' right hand man. Oh, how he fell from glory after the crimes committed inside of that project were revealed and this man ended up in a prison full of low-lifes, eating shit every day.
Ain't karma a bitch?
"Gentlemen," The Counselor said, in that condescending tone of his. Wheter he's being really condescend or not, Felix couldn't tell... Okay, he simply didn't care. "I've talked to our guest. He's been calling himself Sharkface."
Felix raised an eyebrow behind his helmet. "What is he a Batman villain?"
"His physical appearance, combined with the deep-seed sense of contrarianism seems to-"
"Oh my god, shut up, I don't care," Felix said with a groan, already tired of the conversation.
Locus circled around the Counselor. "Can we use him?" He asked, straight to business as always, good ol' Locus.
"If we continue our sessions... Absolutely," The Counselor nodded
Locus nodded. "Good."
Felix scoffed. "Pfft. Sharkface. Locus. Whatever happened to normal fucking names? I mean am I crazy?" He asked, throwing his arms up. Seriously, did they thought they were cool or something?
The Counselor took his last question seriously. "Well..."
Felix wasn't having it. "Don't psycho-analyze me." If this fucker dared to put him on a cushion to talk about his issues, then he won't be responsible for what happens next!
Suddenly everything went dark around them. The lights just went off, like in a blackout. The Counselor raised an eyebrow. "What was that?" He asked.
One of their subordinates, who Felix has decided to call Space Pirate 1 because it was easier, communicated through the radio. "Locus, Felix. We've got a problem."
"Report," Locus ordered.
"Our teleporters malfunctioned. They just... detonated."
Felix frowned. "How many?" Those things were important, damnit. And with the Reds and Blues going around they couldn't waste ammo.
"Well... All of them."
At hearing this, the mercenaries exchanged looks. And just behind them a light started beeping behind them. The both of them turned with raised eyebrows behind their helmets. "What the hell is it? ... Is this a map?" Felix asked, while looking closer at the new holographic projection in front of him.
"And coordinates," Locus added. "It's here on Chorus."
Felix looked down in thought and clicked his teeth. "Listen!" He said through the comm. "Check all of the weapons, even the ones of the ship. I want a report on the damages, right the fuck now!
"Yessir!" SP1 said as he cut the comm.
"Now..." Felix said taking a breath to calm himself. "What is this thing showing us exactly?"
Locus hesitantly sweep his hand through the map, it showed different points all across the world. "Intriguing... Some of the zones showed on this map match with the areas where other alien temples are located."
"So this map is showing us where they are... Why? And why does that relate to what happened to our stuff?!" Felix asked impatiently.
"I don't know!" Locus growled back. "I don't have all the answers, Felix."
Felix scoffed. "Obviously," He said, turning back to the map. It wasn't Locus fault, he knows that. But honestly? Shit was going down and fast. "Maybe they're active..." He guessed.
"What makes you say that?" Locus turned to him, and Felix could just see his eyebrow raising with skepticism.
"Do you have any other ideas?" Felix asked back. Locus just turned back to the map, silently. "Look, let's just make the scientist check the map and see if I'm right... And then I'll laugh at your stupid face."
"That'd be unfortunate."
"I bet it would."
Another pirate, whom Felix has now named Space Pirate 2, arrived with news. "We had the scientist check 'everything.' Binary Rifles, Suppressors, they're all dead. Even the ones on the ship."
Felix bit back a growl. Fan-fucking-tastic, they're weapons were all broken now. His Hard-Light shield hasn't exploded so maybe that still worked. It was probably only those with alien technology that had stopped working.
"Then sent them up here," Locus ordered. "We have another job for them."
"You got it boss," She said. Leaving to do as ordered.
Through the radio on their helmets, Space Pirate 1 spoke. "Sir? We just received a communication request from control." Oh great, now baldy wanted to talk. "What should I tell him?"
Felix looked at the map one more time before answering. "Tell him... We'll call right back."
Later on...
The team dispatched to follow the coordinates found in the map continued to form a perimeter around the area. Meanwhile, Felix was grumbling under his breath as he moved to where Locus was standing. In front of them was a computer, and they... Had a call to make.
"I can't stand this prick," He complained as he stood at Locus' side.
"He's our employer," Mr. No-Fun reminded him.
"Still a prick," He insisted. He didn't cared how much money the pig had, a prick was a prick. He would know, he was one.
"Felix," Locus snapped at him. Wishing he would show some professionalism. Good luck there, buddy.
Felix huffed. "Whatever, let's just get this over with."
The screen came to life and the bald face of the chairman Hargrove appeared. Mastermind behind Charon Industries, and their employer. The man that wanted them to make sure everyone in Chorus was annihilated, so he could get his hands on the sweet, technological alien stuff on the planet, turn them into human-alien hybrid weapons, and sell them to other rich pricks.
And by the look on his face he wasn't happy... Fucking great.
"Control, this is Chorus transmitting on a secure feed, over," Locus spoke, professionalism being his default tone.
"Locus and Felix," Hargrove regarded them calmly. "I was beginning to wonder if you were purposefully neglecting my transmissions."
"What, neglect you?" Felix asked, feigning ignorance. He let out a sarcastic chuckle. "Chariman, please! Never in a million years! We were just... Kinda in the middle of something."
"Oh, I'm terribly sorry Felix," Hargrove said with a fake apologetic shake of his head. "I know exactly how frustrating it is to be interrupted." As he talked, he walked to the table behind him. "Just this morning I met with a client who was very interested in our new Suppressor submachine gun... Until the BLOODY THING BLEW UP IN HIS HANDS!" He exclaimed, grabbing a busted gun from the table and showing it to them.
"Gosh, you know, we are so sorry to hear that, sir," He said, feeling a bit nervous since he had a suspicion why the gun blew up. But he wasn't going to let it show, much less to the prick that hired them. "But it kinda sounds like you should take that up to your science team." He said, hoping the man would buy his lie.
He didn't.
"Oh I did," Hargrove said, throwing the gun to the floor. "In fact, I spoke with the members stationed with you on Chorus."
Oh fuck...
"They seem to believe that the colonists and their... heroes..."
Double fuck.
"... Are responsible for the incident. And last I checked... You are responsible for them," His tone was that of a warning. Even if Hargrove wasn't a soldier like them, he was a powerful man. If they didn't give him results, there would be consequences.
"We're taking care of the situation," Locus tried to convince him. Felix wanted to agree with him, but those Reds, Blues and the Freelancers were a constant pain in the ass. Specially Tucker...
"Are you?" Hargrove's eyes narrowed as he made the question. "When I hired you I was promised perfection," He brought his hands together and pointed at them for emphasize. "I was told that you were the best! Everything we had on your backgrounds and previous missions... Told me: You were the right choice! But, here we are."
Felix kept his mouth shut. He knew Locus could handle Hargrove, because if it was up to him? He would have snapped at Hargrove with a sarcastic or angry comeback, and that was the last thing they needed. They were the best damnit! It was just that... They underestimate the idiots. It won't happen again.
"Sir," Once again, Locus tried. But Hargrove wasn't having it.
"Is it lack of resources?" Hargrove asked, his brows furrowed. "Are the ships I've redirected to your front door not helpful!?" He asked, gesturing to the open space outside of his windows. "What about your armor enhancements? Stopping bullets on their tracks!" Felix's shield. "Vanishing into thin air!" Locus' camo. "Are this gifts not good enough for you?!"
Gee, even Felix was feeling uncomfortable by his rage. "It's complicated," He tried to reassure.
"No, it isn't. In fact, it's remarkably simple!" He took a deep breath as he looked tired, no doubt their failures causing him sleepless nights. "Everything I've built. Everything I've worked towards..." He said, in a more even tone. "Rests upon a strong foundation. An intricate web of partners, politicians and clients each supporting one another and right now... Your thread is straining to support the rest."
Traduction. Fail again, and they're done for.
"I think I know what the problem is," He said, as if he suddenly had an epiphany. "I think... it's your motivation." He walked to the center of his room. "Clearly your monetary compensation isn't enough. So... I'd like to try something different. F.I.L.S.S?"
"Yes, chairman." The voice of the computer that formerly served Director Leonard Church spoke. Felix had to say that she sounded... Depressed, for a machine.
From behind Hargrove a platform raised. Fully revealed stood an armor, but not just any armor...
Hargrove smiled as he watched the armor. "Do you have... Any idea what this is?"
"The armor of Freelancer Agent Maine," Locus identified.
"The Meta," Felix added, watching the armor with admiration. Dr. Church knew how to do create stuff.
"Not anymore," Hargrove corrected them. He gestured to the armor. "This is the future of modern warfare. Active camouflage, enhanced strength, light shields," He listed. "Dr. Church paired each of his Freelancers with specialized equipment. But with our modifications... This suit contains all of them."
Felix was thankful for his helmet, because his jaw dropped. All of them? That was awesome! So. Much. Power.
And yet... "I thought that wasn't possible." He had his doubts. This better not be a sham.
"Not initially," Hargrove confirmed. "The armor enhancements had to be removed and studied in secret so that we could create the modified versions you both carry now. The variations reduce power consumption significantly, solving a large portion of the puzzle."
Huh, that explains it. He loved his shield, but he had to wonder where the technology for it came from. This was all too good to be truth, there was a catch. There's always a catch.
"But it's still not ready," Locus deduced.
Yep, there it is.
"No, not yet," Hargrove nodded. "Individually, our new equipment can be activated without AI assistance. But test have shown that running multiple enhancements proves to be far more taxing to the mind than we anticipated."
Felix raised an eyebrow. "So, what? You want us to capture the Epsilon AI?" He won't say no to that idea. Hearing Carolina's scream when he stabbed her leg was... Surprisingly cathartic.
"Recovering Freelancer equipment is always a priority, Felix," Hargrove told him. "But the Epsilon unit is far too old to run this suit properly. I'm doing my best to secure an IA through legitimate means but even with my political influence, the acts of the late Dr. Church have made AI acquisition, an extremely difficult process. But it's only a matter if time," He said, stroking the armor as if it was his own child. "Which brings me back to my point. If the two of you can successfully complete your mission, before this suit is ready, Charon industries is willing to lend you the completed model... For your own use. As a form of... Field testing."
Felix chuckled. "Ho-ho, become a one-man walking weapon? I like the sound of that!"
The sound of being strong. And never go back to be weak, pathetic, and undeserving ever again.
"However..." Hargrove cut in. "If you fail to eliminate the remaining stragglers on Chorus then we will find another candidate to test the suit. And their first task will be finishing what you started..." His eyes narrowed. "... As well as tying any loose ends. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, sir/Crystal," Locus and Felix responded, respectively.
"Good," And with that the conversation was off.
And Felix just received confirmation of what he always believed. He turned to Locus. "What'd I tell ya? Fucking. Prick." He said as he walked away.
Locus lagged behind for a few moments on deep thought, before Felix called him out. "Hey. Let's go find out what that map let us to."
"Right," Locus nodded.
The two walked to the entrance of the alien temple they found in the jungle. It was the closest one in the map, and who knows? It might give them something to finish this job, kill the Reds, Blues, Freelancers and colonists, and finally get out of this godforsaken planet.
Locus and Felix made their way to the middle of the temple, where a beam was being shot up to the skies, something not uncommon with everything they've found on the planet. Like the tractor beams they've used to avoid ships from leaving the planet, or to stop communication from reaching other worlds.
"What has your team found?" Locus asked.
"This is... Well, where do I even begin?" The leader of the Pirate Scientists said, sounding awed by what he discovered.
Felix rolled his eyes. "Well you could start for what it is."
"A central hub," He answered, looking around the temple. "Some sort of... Device connected to the rest of the temples on the planet. That's our... Best guess at least." He turned to them again. "But this energy source in the center is... Something else."
"Can it be weaponized?" Felix asked. Right now they needed fire power after their weapons became duds.
"No, no, no, no no," The scientific denied quickly, looking at the beam. "The energy here is reminiscent of the teleportation devices we studied to make the cubes. We think... It's a gateway."
"To where?" Locus questioned.
"Well, that is the question of the day, now isn't it?" The scientist replied dryly.
"So..." Felix cut in, looking around. "Anyone care to take the first step?"
"I would... NOT advise that," The scientist tried to warn them. "We've been doing our best to decipher the text inscribed on the temple walls. It's all very biblical. Lots of symbolism but it does seem this gateway has some... Well, rules."
"Rules?" Locus enquired.
"The text is... Very specifically," The man elaborated. ""Only a true warrior may enter. A being of strength and mental clarity."" He quoted.
"And what would happen to a man who failed to meet these requirements?" Locus continue to ask, having the need to know everything about this beam.
"We don't know," The scientist admitted with a headshake.
Felix walked to one of the crew members closer to the beam and proceeded to kick him into the beam without a second thought. Everyone turned to stare at them incredulously and he shrugged.
"Guess we'll find out," He said. He turned to the others smirking under his helmet. "Fifty bucks says he doesn't come back."
Locus crossed his arms, looking at him with a deadpan unnoticed by his helmet. The leader of the scientist however just shrugged and nodded his head. "Deal."
Some minutes passed in which a heavy silence, filled with expectation, covered the room. Everyone watching the beam and waiting to see some kind of reaction after the poor bastard was sent in by one of the leaders of the operation. By the time five minutes passed, the beam spat something, or rather someone, out.
"Oh God! I'm back! I'm back!" The man thrown by Felix cheered, looking ready to take off his helmet and kiss the floor.
Felix clicked his tongue. "Guess I owe you fifty bucks," He said to the leader of the scientists.
"What happened?" Locus questioned the man.
"I saw..." The pirate panted. "... Terrible things... People I've killed..." His voice shook.
Felix was uncaring of his condition. "Oh man," He moaned. "If we gotta meet with every person we've wronged, or some bullshit, this is gonna take forever."
Locus turned to him, unamused. "Quiet."
"Seriously dude, I'm talking weeks!" Felix reaffirmed. He's been in this for almost twenty years! His body count was over the thousands now, maybe even the millions. Not to brag but... He was good.
"Well, aside from his scares, his vitals are perfectly normal," The scientist informed using his scanner to check on the spooked man.
Locus looked at the beam and clenched his fists. "Then I'm going in."
"What, now?" Felix asked in disbelief.
"We're already low on time," He reminded him. "I can get what we came for."
"Oh, bullshit! I know what this is about!" Felix exclaimed, looking at Locus accusingly. "Why do you know I'M not the "True Warrior"?"
"Because you're you," Locus said dryly.
"Yeah, and being me is awesome!" Felix countered.
Then two of them glared at the other for a few moments before Felix let out a sigh. "Alright... Look, why don't we both go in and let the giant alien thing decide?"
"Fine," Locus grunted and walked forward to the beam.
"Good," Felix followed. "Just don't cry to me, when you lose," He taunted as they stood in front of the beam.
"I won't," Locus said, glaring at him.
Felix turned to him. The smirk basically showing itself across his helmet. Oh Locus...
"Lose!" He tried to rectify. "I-I won't lose!"
"Ha! Too late! Fucked it up!" Felix gloated. How he loved it when he cracked Locus' 'I'm death incarnated grrr' facade.
He jumped into the beam, followed by an exasperated Locus.
There was a flash of light and suddenly Felix found himself in a forest. He charged his gun and looked around for any signs of hostiles. "Locus, come in." He tried to call through the comm. "Locus!" He tried again, only to receive static. "Shit..."
He prepped his weapons and make sure his shield was still working. He nodded in satisfaction and walked around the forest. He continued to try and contact with his partner through his walk.
"Locus, I made it through the gateway. My equipment works, but... Something feels off about this place," He said. "If you can hear me then-"
"~SHALOUKUUAA~"
"The hell..." He mumbled as a voice rumbled across the forest.
"~SURAKIE SUTO YOH~"
"Speak Christian, for fuck's sake!" Felix said, trying to hide the nervousness he felt for the voice.
"WHO... ARE... YOU...?"
"I'm Felix," He responded without hesitation.
"YOU... ARE... NOT..." The voice echoed before going completely silent.
His words shook Felix to his core. He clenched his fist and shook his head to avoid those thoughts from getting into his mind. "What would you know?" He growled. "I am Felix. A mercenary space marine."
That's who he was. Whom he was in the past is dead. He was weak, pathetic, a coward and desperate boy who wanted so badly to be a hero. And received what he deserved for pretending to be something he was not.
Jaune Arc is dead. He was Felix.
"Hey Felix!" An annoying voice made him turned. Standing there was a man wearing an aqua blue standard armor. A glowing sword gripped on his right hand.
"Tucker?" Felix questioned. His fists unclenching and his mouth forming into a smirk. "Hehehe, well what a surprise buddy. How did you get here?"
"None of your business, jackass!" Tucker snapped, pointing his sword at him. "I came to end you once and for all."
"Oh? Are we doing this?" Felix asked. "Please tell me we're doing this!" He said, taking out one of his knives.
Tucker charged recklessly at him and Felix just had to sidestepped and stick his foot out to make him trip. He recovered quickly, rolling over and standing on his feet again to attack. He stab and slashed and yet Felix dodged all of his attempts at getting him. When he went for an overhead swing, Felix activated his shield and bounced the sword off, throwing Tucker out of balance.
This gave Felix the opening he wanted, he stabbed Tucker on the stomach and kicked him in the exact place where he dug the knife, knocking Tucker on his back.
Felix loomed over him and pinned his arms with his knees. "You know Tucker, I always wondered what would happen to your sword if you die," He gloated. "It would be useless forever, or it would take on someone else?"
"F-Fuck you, asshole!" Tucker spat.
Felix chuckled. "Bow chika bow bow?"
"Oh son of a bi-" He didn't get to finish as Felix stabbed his throat with his knife. He let out gurgled grunts before he stopped struggling.
Felix chuckled and then he let out a boisterous laugh. Finally! The bastard was dead! And soon the rest of this so-called heroes will soon follow!
"J-Jaune?"
He froze. That voice... It couldn't be...
He slowly turned around and saw a girl wearing a red hooded cape looking at him with fear.
"Ruby..." He breathed out, slowly sitting up. "Y-you-"
"What have you done!?" She shrieking, looking at the corpse. "How could you!"
"No, Ruby, listen-" This couldn't be happening. She wasn't supposed yo be here! She shouldn't be here!
"He's a criminal!" A voice said, turning around he saw a girl dressed in white pointing at him accusingly. "A monster!"
"Weiss..." He growled. The girl he had a crush on on Beacon. The girl that said it was better if he left the school.
"Hey, you bastard!" A girl in yellow said, her red eyes glaring at him. "Stay away from my sister! If you hurt her, I'll kill you!"
"Yang," He mumbled. The grip on his knife tightening. How dare she make those accusations?! She didn't even cared to know him back at Beacon, heck he was sure he spread the Vomit Boy nickname!
Anothe figure came out from the trees. A girl in black, glaring at him with yellow eyes.
"Blake," Silent as ever. Her and Locus would make great friends. And yet those eyes worked to piss him off.
All three of them readied their weapons and stood in front of Ruby protectively. He growled and prepared his knife. They wanted to fight? Fine! Their funeral!
"Stand down,"
'Carolina?!' He thought as a fifth voice spoke He turned around to face the new arrivals, only to see a different redhead. "No..."
Pyrrha Nikos, Lie Ren, Nora Valkyrie. His former teammates, all pointing their weapons at him. Felix was seeing red at this point. "You fuckers! Don't you dare look at me like that! All judgemental, and self-righteous! You don't know what I had to do to survive! I was in a war for Christ sake!" He snapped.
"We don't care," She said coldly.
Felix head lowered as he trembled. "Just like you didn't cared to even say goodbye to me, right?" He chuckled mirthlessly. "Fine!" He spat and charged at her.
Immediately, gunfire rained from all directions.
"JAUNE!"
"AAAAH!" Felix stumbled forward with a scream. He doubled over and panted heavily as he now stood on a dark hallway. "W-what the fuck?" He muttered.
He looked back and noticed the beam but... The building was different. He was now on a more closed space... And the beam only reached the ceiling.
His head pounded and he shook it to ease the pain. "I... I've been... Here?" He mumbled.
He had the feeling he's been here before... But his mind was all fuzzy. It was somewhere important, but his mind couldn't identify why. Goddamn it, his head felt like someone was smashing a sledgehammer against it.
"Hopefully Locus is having better luck than me," He mumbled.
"Ah!"
'Seems not,' He deadpanned as he turned to his partner. "Locus. It was about goddamn-" He stopped as Locus pointed his rifle at him. "Wha-hey!"
"What did you see?!" He demanded.
"Calm down, asshole, you're fine. It was an illusion!" He said, pointing his gun back at him. "Y'know, a trick."
"What did you see?" He insisted, more calm now.
"Hmpf," Felix huffed. "Well, if you must know, I didn't see a thing. I passed the test. Turns out I'm a true warrior."
"What?" Locus lowered his gun in disbelief.
"Kidding. It was fucked," Felix admitted, lowering his gun. "Saw shit straight out of my nightmares."
"Do you think this is a joke?" Locus growled.
"No. But look around you," He instructed. "I don't think we're in Kansas anymore. This thing transported somewhere, and... I think it isn't in Chorus. So we need to scout and check if it's hostile, know where the fuck this thing sent us, why, and if we can go back."
"... Fine," Locus conceded.
Felix nodded and the two walked further down the hallway. All the while, Felix kept getting headaches that threatened to split his head apart. This place was important, he knew that, and yet he couldn't know why. Sure it was related to the aliens and stuff but... Agh, it was something more personal.
"Look," Locus said, pointing ahead. "There's an exit ahead.
He replied with a nod. Not need to say anything right now. For now they needed to know their exact location, contact the forces, check perimeters and hope this place isn't taken by the Feds, Reps, Blues and Reds. God, so many names...
When they were about to reach the exit, something caught their eyes. It was sitting near the door leading outside of this temple. Felix walked to it, it was covered by a blanket... He removed the blanket to look at the items below... And gasped.
Crocea Moirs. The Arc weapon. Jaune Arc's weapon.
"No..." Felix breathed out and shot out of the temple, leaving the ancient weapon behind.
"Felix!" Locus called after him and followed.
Felix passed the door and stood in the middle of a forest. Turning around he saw that most of the temple was in ruins, covered in vines and moist, and most of it buried under the group. He turned around and noticed the sun was setting, looking up, he saw how the moon was starting to show up... The fragmented moon.
"No way..." He mumbled.
Locus came out a second later, took a glance at the temple and then at the sky to see the moon. "What? How can this... Where are we?"
Felix looked down. His frame trembling before he started to walk forward. "Come on, there must be civilization ahead."
"Felix, we have to go back," Locus said.
"I told you we have to scout first!" He snapped.
Locus recoiled in shock at the intensity of his voice. His eyes narrowed in suspicion. "What's gotten into you?"
"Nothing!" He growled. "C'mon."
Deciding he wasn't going to back down, Locus followed his partner.
"One more thing..." He said. "Keep your guns ready... This place has things ripped from a psychopath's nightmares."
Locus raised an eyebrow at him, but did as he was told. "How do you know that?"
"It's called a sixth sense, only amazing people has it," He said in his usual tone, but there was an edge to it.
Locus stared at his back. He was going to question him about what this place was later, but they had to find civilization first. Know where exactly were they.
Felix looked back at the ruined temple. He left Crocea Moirs behind again. It was better this way... That was the weapon of a hero, not for someone like him.
It didn't actually took them long to reach a small town. Everything seemed a bit rural for them, having grown accustomed to the technology from planets connected to the UNSC. But it was enough for them to gather information of this place... Although Felix didn't needed to. The town looked like something out of the middle west, with people even using similar attires.
"Activate your camo, don't call the attention," He said. "One weird guy with an armor will be enough."
Felix grunted, but complied, seeing the logic behind his words. Felix and the camouflaged Locus walked around the town, with Felix receiving some strange looks due to his armor and weapons. He walked to a group of people looking at him, conformed by a woman and two men, and slipped on his polite facade. "Excuse me, could you tell me where the nearest bullhead station is? I kind got lost wandering around the town."
"You from Atlas kid?" One of the man, sturdy, with a beard, a hat and with an appearance that just screamed trucker.
"Yes sir, I was stationed there but I... Got lost," He said feigning being sheepish.
"Well sweetheart, the docks are right over there," A woman with a southern accent said, pointing to the east.
"Got it, thank you," He said politely before walking away.
As he got away from the group he whispered to Locus' who hasn't left his side for even a moment. "Get ready, we're getting ourselves a vehicle."
"Where are we going?" He asked. "We've already stablished that there's civilization, you should've asked where we are."
"We are on a backwater town with almost no technology. I say we go to a big city to gain some info," Felix said.
"... How did you know this place had stations and what's a bullhead?" Locus questioned.
"Lucky guess, that's how awesome I am," Felix responded quickly. Too quickly. "Now shut up and just follow me."
They walked in the direction the woman pointed them to. In front of them were many crates, and large airships and guards loading the cargo. Marked on the side of the boxes were the letters SDC. 'Maybe the Ice Queen inherited the company,' Gosh, he was so dense back then he didn't recognized such an important brand. Only classes in Beacon and her incessantly nagging made it recognizable.
Felix sneaked around the crates, looking around the area to see which of the bullheads he could hijack to go to Vale. He wanted to know, what was the state of this world, how has everything changed. Call it nostalgia, or recklessness, but he just wanted to know.
He circled around the area with Locus close behind, one of the bullheads was getting loaded and seemed ready to part off. "Get ready, buddy. We're about to get a lift," Felix told him.
Locus grunted, deciding to not call the attention.
The hatch started to close and both mercenaries leaped in before it fully closed. Felix hid behind one of the crates and motioned Locus to follow the crew to the main deck. He watched the shadow of his partner move and follow the unsuspecting worker inside, the doors closed and he just sat there to wait.
There were sounds of gunshots and screaming and he heald back a smirk, Locus was doing his magic. Quick and effective. The door opened again and the uncloaked form of his partner loomed over him. "Done."
"Good man," Felix said, getting off his hiding spot and walking to the main deck. The corpses of the workers lying on the floor with bullet holes and some knife imbedded on their skulls. The pilot was still sitting on his seat, a knife on the back of his skull. "Excuse me," Felix said, shoving him aside. "It's my turn to drive."
He checked the control panel, this ship was supposed to go to Atlas. Well not anymore. He pressed the buttons and changed the course to the city of Vale. "In this city we can get all the answers we need."
"And in the meantime," His chair turned spunt around, Locus was pointing his gun at him. "You can give me some answers."
"Locus-"
"No!" He barked. "You've been acting strange since we got here! You know how things are around here, and you're willing to forget the mission just to go to this city. And I think it's for more than just information. So talk Felix—What is this place. No smartassery, no half-lies, no excuses!"
Felix stared at Locus' gun and at Locus himself. He gave a sigh and slowly reached for his helmet, it came out with a hiss and he set it to the side. "This... Is my homeworld. I somehow got out from this place and ended in the middle of the great war against the aliens. I think that temple where we came from is responsible... But everything is... Fuzzy. So, forgive me, if I also want to check on how things have been after being out for over twenty years okay?!" He waited for a response from his partner, but Locus just lowered his gun. "What?"
"Your... Your face," He said.
"What is it?" He asked.
"Turn around and looked at yourself in the glass in front of you," Locus said.
Felix rolled his eyes and turned. Then he felt his spine becoming and icicle and his veins becoming liquid nitrogen.
Jaune Arc was staring back at him, blonde hair and blue eyes.
He growled and grabbed his helmet, locking it back into his head. "How?!" He growled.
For over ten years he died his hair and cut it up, and the baby fat around his face disappeared. And now it was all back!
"Maybe it's a side effect," Locus said.
"It didn't happened to the guy I kicked in!" Felix growled, shaking a bit. "God I hate that face!"
"That guy didn't ended in this world either," Locus said. He set his gun down and reached for his helmet to remove it.
Felix looked at the face of his partner and clicked his teeth. Just like him, his partner had rejuvenated, the difference? He didn't looked all that different aside from having less wrinkles and facial hair. "Intriguing."
"Fuck, I hope..." Felix trailed off as he sat up and walked around the deck. He started to perform a series of kicks and punches with great agility. "Oh thank God," He said. "My body still possess his badassery."
"It would have been unfortunate otherwise," Locus said, also clenching and unclenching his fists. "So what now?"
"Just... Let me see how's the city, check news and all that, then we can go back to the job," Felix said sitting back down. "We're nearing the docks of Vale."
Locus eyes' narrowed again before he sat down and put his helmet back. "I hope this doesn't take long."
"Relax. Just want to see how things have been for the last twenty years," He reassured.
The trip didn't took them long, but it was enough for them to open the doors at the side of the ship and throw the bodies to the ocean and let the sharks or Grimm take care of them. Soon enough they could see the docks of the city of Vale. However they noticed something was strange as they hovered over it. People were gathered around, but it didn't seemed to be workers from the place.
"What is happening down there?" Locus wondered.
"I don't know," Felix flipped the automatic pilot on. "Let's go check."
The two sat up and opened the door at the side of the ship. They fetch a pair of binoculars from their belts and zoomed down to the ground. A battle was taking place, a girl was holding a man hostage but she was forced to release him as many people with animal features surrounded her.
"Those people... Hears, tails, claws," Locus listed. "Why do they have animal features?"
"They're Faunus," Felix responded. "Basically humans with animal parts," He zoomed to the girl and his eyes widened. 'Blake!? She... Hasn't aged a day...'
Other two bullheads appeared and hovered over the scene. The man freed himself by shooting the girl on the foot with his cane. She leaped and hid on by the crates while dodging the shots from the man., leaving afterimages as she did.
"How is she-" Locus started asking but Felix interrupted him.
"Look, man," He said. "I'll answer all the questions you'll have after this, but right now, I'm curious about how this will develop. Otherwise we won't be able to land this thing."
Locus didn't answered, but turned and continued to watch the fight below. A blonde boy with a monkey tail threw a banana peel to the man's face, he was soon surrounded by the group with the uniform, fending them off really well with a bō staff.
The man fires at him, but the boy blocks the shot with his staff. Blake leaps from behind the crates and attakcs the man. He is able to fend off her attacks and even kicks her away, the boy leaps into action with his bō turning into nunchucks, with one of their ends being also a gun, but even with the shots and slams, the man is able to keep up with his pace, until a small pause gaves Blake the opening to kick slash him.
The man landed on his back, he noticed a crane holding a crate and shoot it to bring it down on the teens. They leaped away in time, but this buy the man time to reincorporate
"They're skilled. And they all seem to have guns added to their melee weapons," Locus analyzed.
"That's a thing around here. No one appreciates the classics," He said with a dramatic headshake. "But would it kill them to hurry the hell up!?"
"As if you're one to talk."
"Sshhhhhhhhhut the fuck up," Felix growled at him.
"Hey!" That voice reached even the two mercenaries.
"Oh no..." Felix mumbled, his gaze setting on the top of a warehouse were a girl wielding a large scythe glared down at the man and his group. 'Ruby.' He glanced at Locus and got up. "This is taking too long, I'm going down."
"What?" He didn't get go voice his opinion as he leaped down. "FELIX!"
"Hey!" Ruby called to Roman Torchwick and the members of the White Fang. Her belobed Crescent Rose expanded and ready to act.
"Well, hello, Red! Isn't it past your bedtime?" The criminal mocked, twirling his cane on his hand.
Ruby frowned at him. She wasn't in a good mood. Ever since Blake and Weiss started fighting, everything went downhill. Blake turned out to be a Faunus, obvious in hindsight, and a member of the White Fang. She ran away and they've been looking for her for twelve hours, and now Torchwick was mocking her.
She wasn't going to let Blake alone. She already lost a friend... She wasn't going to lose another.
"Ruby," Speaking of friends. Penny, her most recent and... Quirky friend peeked from behind her. "Are these people your friends?"
"Penny, get back!" Ruby instruct her.
Roman snarled and pointed his cane at Ruby, firing a fireball at her from his cane. Ruby turned in time to see the projectile coming to her, but without the time to dodge she was certain she was going to be hit... Until a figure landed in front of him and blocked the blast.
Both girls looked at the armored figure in front of them, a shield made of light in front of him. "W-who?"
"And who might you be my... Ahem... Armored fella?" Roman questioned, tapping his cane against the floor.
Felix narrowed his eyes at him and leaped down. He cracked his neck and knuckles while taking out six knives, each between the knuckles of both of his hands.
Roman rolled his eyes and walked away. "Well what are you waiting for? Get him!" He ordered.
The White Fang charged at him, their swords, bats and guns aimed at him.
'Too easy,' Felix thought. He threw all of his knives with expertise. They dug themselves on non-lethal places like the shoulder, knees, or some on the crotch of his opponents.
He took out his DMR and started shooting at the rest of the Faunus charging at him. Their aura protect them from the shots, causing them to just fall back. The ones who managed to get close to him tried swinging their weapons at him, but he blocked it either with his gauntlets, the with his own gun, or with his shield. He blocked a man going for an overhead swing and took out another knife, he stabbed the man in the gut and proceeded to use it as a meat shield to barrel through the rest of White Fang members while also using his magnum to knock them down.
Ruby and Penny observed the fight from the top of the warehouse. "Ruby, is this man on our side?" Penny asked.
"I..." Ruby started. At first she thought so, but then he saw him use one of his members as a meat shield. "... I'm not sure."
Felix discared the corpse he was using. Most of the members of the fang were knocked down or disabled due to his knives or bullets. A light shined down on him and the other bullheads opened fire on him.
His light shield covered him without a problem. He ran to the crates to take cover and prepared yet another one of his weapons. The sticky detonator. He took a peek from the crates and took aim to the bullheads. 'Grrr... Too far...' Yet he stopped when he noticed another bullhead flying over them and a figure firing sticky detonators from it. "Locus?"
His intercom went on and his partner's voice came through it. "I'm just making sure you live to give me a good explanation about your behavior."
"Geez, okay Mom," He rolled his eyes and cut the transmission off. Not a second later, the bullheads that were shooting at him exploded in a beautiful blaze of fire that slowly sank on the sea. "Ah, nothing like a good fight to end the day."
Something caught his eye and noticed Roman sneaking away. Chuckling to himself Roman followed him.
The criminal lead him to another bullhead he had hidden behind the crates to make his escape. "Seriously, what happened to this city?" Roman mumbled to himself. "First that bitch bossing me around, then those kids, and now supersoldiers?" He fumed and entered.
Felix was getting ready to throw a knife to the back of his head, until he he heard about the 'bitch bossing him around' and an idea came to mind.
The hatch closed and the bullhead took off, Felix launched his knife and it imbedded itself on the back of the ship. He allowed himself to smirk. 'This is gonna be great,' He chuckled to himself.
Going back to the docks he saw how Ruby, Blake and those two he didn't recognized were tying the members of the White Fang he knocked unconscious... Except for the one he used as a shield.
"You!" Blake hissed and walked to him. "How could you! You not only killed him, but used his body like that!" She said, gripping her weapon, Gambol Shroud tightly.
"Woah, hey, hey, Blake calm down!" The blonde faunus said as he put himself between them. "He helped us, he could be Huntsman from all we know!" He said.
Felix ignored them and looked over at Ruby and that new friend she had. The two were looking at him warily, with the girl putting herself in front of Ruby. "Ummm... Hi," Ruby waved awkwardly.
Felix waved back. His voice still resembled Arc's, now more that he got back to being seventeen, so he couldn't risk getting recognized.
"Your emmm armor is cool... Are you from Atlas?" The girl continued to ask.
"Ruby, don't talk to him!" Blake said. "He is dangerous!"
"Blake..." Ruby tried to discuss until a light blinded her and the rest of her friends.
"Felix!" Locus' called as he lowered the bullhead. His eyes narrowed and he took aim at the teens, ready to shoot. To his surprise, Felix put himself between them even activating his shield to protect them. "What are you doing?!" He growled.
Felix slowly shook his head and deactivated his shield while walking to him. He got in and put a hand on his shoulder. "Listen, if you harm this kids then we'll be hunt like animals. Let them be, we're not sticking around anyway."
Locus gave him a side-glance before sighing. "Fine."
Felix nodded and gave the teens a two finger salute. "Later kiddos!" He said.
A moment later, he realized his mistake as Ruby's eyes widened and Blake's ears twitched. 'Oopsie...'
"J-J-Jau-"
"Get us the fuck out of here," Felix said hurriedly, closing the door of the ship and the bullheads taking off.
Felix sat on the pilot's seat and turned to Locus, who even with his helmet on was somehow glaring a hole on Felix's head. "So..." Felix smacked his lips. "Explanations?"
"Talk. Now."
"Gee, okay what do you wanna know?" Felix asked, tapping the side of his helmet to track the knife he stabbed on the criminal's bullhead.
"Why did you leaped to help that girl? You would never do that."
"Okay, this will be a doozy so sit down," Locus didn't moved an inch. "Or stay up like an asshole, okay. That girl... Is someone I knew, someone I owned. I was just repaying her."
"She is way too young for you to have met her," Locus said. "You said it's been twenty years since you left this place, and she looked around fifteen."
"That's the thing. I think I know why we got young again. This place, I'm starting to think it's only been a few weeks since I left," Felix said. "Those girls... I knew them, and they didn't looked any older. So maybe there's some kind of time difference between this place and other worlds."
"Strange..." Locus said. "So time passes slow here? Then we have to get back soon to the mission, who knows for how long we've been missing then."
"Waaait a minute buddy," Felix said. "Listen, while fighting in the docks I suddenly had a great idea. Remember how those guys had those crazy abilities and shit? Similar to Freelancer's Armor Enhancements?" Locus nodded. "Well this world has something called aura, like a natural force field that protects their people. They can take certain damage and their aura would take the blunt of it, while also healing them."
"Sounds like fantasy," Locus scoffed.
"I have it," Felix said, causing Locus to turn to him. "How do you think a snot-nosed brat like me survived his first years on the war? The aura took the bullets my armor couldn't take."
"... And what's your point?"
"My point!" Felix said sitting up. "Is that I'm tracking that guy I fought, kill him and take his lackeys to fight for us. Think about it! An army of people with not only useful animal features like night vision, but also with a magical force field around their bodies that will protect them from the enemies' weapons! The Reds, Blues and the people on Chorus won't stand a chance!"
"... There's some merit to that idea," Locus conceded. "But what if killing their leader isn't enough, what if instead it only angers them more."
"Normally I'd use my sweet charming to sway them to us," Felix boasted. "But since we're in a hurry either they join," He loaded his sticky detonator. "Or they go straight to hell." His helmet started beeping. "My knives come with tracking sensors, that way I never lost them. We're getting close to the suited douche's location. Get your camo on."
Locus did so. Having already done this trick with him many times before.
Their bullhead went to the slumps of the city, near an old warehouse. The bullhead is stationed behind it. They lowered their transport so it was behind the one belonging to their target. Felix walks to the ship and noticed his knife was missing. "Huh, they must've noticed when they got down. Now I want it back."
"Focus," Locus growled.
"I am," He hissed back.
He walked to the warehouse and started to knock on the door loudly, his magnum in hand.
The door opened and a man with walrus' fangs glared at him. "Who the fuck are-" He didn't get far as Felix shot him between the eyes.
"Huh... Didn't engaged his aura."
"How unfortunate."
"Go for their leader, I'll call the attention."
He entered the room with a cocky expression concealed by his helmet and looked around at everyone in it. The faunus got their weapons ready and the suited douch looked shocked to see him. "Not getting rid of me so easily," Felix mocked.
"So I'm assuming this belongs to you?" The man said, showing his knife.
"Yeah, can I have it back?" Felix asked, extending his hand as if expecting the ginger man to hand it to him.
"Oh sure... Here," He threw it at him, aiming straight to the head.
Felix caught it effortlessly. "Thanks."
"Now armoured fella... I don't have the time to play with you," The man said. "So two options, you either drop your weapons and explain why you're here... Or you get full of holes."
"Well, I'm not dropping my weapon... But I will say why I am here. You, my mascara friend, are going to die... And your little buddies are going to work for me now," Felix said.
The man stared at him for a moment before he started to chuckle, before developing into a full maniac laughter. "O-oh my God! This guy's is a comediant! Just kill him already."
All the goons started to fire at him, but he just lifted his light shield. The bullets bouncing off it without any kind of problem. Realizing it was pointless, the goons stopped and Felix let out a yawn. "Weeeeelp. That was impressive, I am so scared."
"Cocky little-" The man started pointing his cane at him before he felt something pressing against his head.
"Don't move," Locus ordered as he became visible.
"What is it with tonight!?" He complained. Two times had someone taken him hostage.
"Now, my friends, do I have your attention?" Felix said. "Once your leader here is dead, you guys can work for me. And since you guys can't kill me so easily, well..." He chuckled. "You better do as we say."
"Oh really?" A sultry voice called from the upper floors. Felix looked up to see a beautiful woman with two teens at his side, one with tanned skin and green hair, and the other with pale complexion and silver hair. "You are going to kill me?"
Felix blinked. Looked at the man, then back at the woman. Man. Woman. Man. Woman. Man... Woman...
Oh.
"Shit," Felix said. "Think we got the wrong guy, Locus."
"You think?" Locus deadpanned.
"Now, why exactly do you want my men?" The woman asked, walking down the stairs.
"We got some business to attend lady," Felix said, walking to her. "And some extra hands could help us out."
The woman looked at him up and down. "My name is Cinder Fall," She said simply. "Who am I talking to exactly?"
"Felix," He answered. "And mister silent but deadly over there is Locus."
Locus didn't said anything, but shoved Roman away to join his partner.
"Your armor has caught my attention," Cinder said. "Are you from Atlas?"
"Pfff, they wish," Felix said. "We are mercenaries, freelancers if you will. We were on the middle of a job when we got to Vale and, well, we had our difference with mascara over there."
"Name's Roman," The man said, taking out a cigarette. "You imbecile."
"Right, with Roman," Felix corrected. "And since he had such a large group I thought: Hey, this might work for us. Sadly, it seems I overestimated him in thinking he was the leader of the operation."
"Bite me," Roman sneered, puffing out smoke.
"You do realize... That I can't let you go now," Cinder said, trailing a finger around his armored chest and moving it to his chin, smoke sizzling from it. "Right?"
Felix grabbed her hand and pushed his helmet closer to her. "Then how about a bet, gorgeous?" He said.
Cinder raised an eyebrow, the two teens had varying reactions. The girl looked ready to attack, while the boy watched with amusement.
"Name a condition, if me or my associate fullfil it then we can go," He said. "If we don't... Then we work for you."
"What?" Locus hissed.
"Oh?" Cinder smirked, freeing her hand. "Then what about your other job?" She asked.
"We'll see how to end it and then we'll come back to serve you, gorgeous," Felix boasted.
"Very well... You, will fight one of my associates," She turned to the teens. "Mercury."
"Yes, ma'am," He said lazily walking to him.
"Since you'll participate on the Vytal Festival," Cinder said, "why don't we put to the test what you can do?"
"Sounds fun!" Mercury grinned, cracking his knuckles.
"Now you're speaking my language!" Felix said. "So... Where do we take this?"
Cinder smiled. "Follow me."
As she walked away, Felix's eyes settled on her rear. "With this view? Gladly."
Locus shook his head in exasperation while the girl and Mercury followed them. As they passed by Roman, Cinder leaned on his ear and whispered harshly. "Don't you think I've forgotten about this mistake, Roman."
"Blame your new friend," The criminal glared.
"Intervention or not, I hoped better from you," She said letting go of him and continuing to walk while guiding the two mercenaries out of the building.
"Whipped," Felix chortled.
Roman growled as the group disappeared behind a door. "Good, I miss Neo."
Cinder and her crew lead the two mercenaries to the adjacent building. Yet another warehouse, this time completely empty and far more spacious for them to use. "Here we are gentlemen. Here you and Mercury will have your match. I hope you at least put a good show."
"I'll aim to please hot stuff," Felix jabbed.
The girl growled and clenched her fist. "You better show her some respect!"
"Emerald," Cinder waved her hand and the girl eased up at once.
Locus walked to Felix. "You better win," He said.
"Dude, trust me," He said, examining his magnum.
"Trusting you is what got us in tbis this mess on the first place!" He growled.
"Ugh, shut up!" Felix said, swatting an arm at him. "If I say I have this handled is because I have this handled!" He snapped.
"What's wrong?" Mercury called from the other end of the warehouse. "Trouble in paradise?" He quipped, his arms crossed and an arrogant smirk on his face.
Felix walked away from Locus and got ready. "Just watch and learn how it's done."
Locus growled and marched with the two females up stairs to the catwalk, where they would observe the fight from up
The two arrogant men stood facing the other. Mercury got into a fighting stance, while Felix picked up his DMR rifle and took aim.
Mercury started the offensive by dashing towards the mercenary, taking him by surprise because of the boldness of the action, but it only took less than a second to recover from the shock ans start to fire at the teen, who dodged his shots by jumping around the room at an impressive speed.
Mercury stood still and threw various kicks to the air, and from the plant of his feet bullets were shot. The light shield appeared upon Felix's command and blocked the bullets and he charged forward. Mercury stopped firing as he noticed its futility and instead took an impressive leap over Felix's head to get behind him. The mercenary turnes around, his field deactivating, and blocked a roundhouse kick with his forearm.
Clang.
The sound was small, but he heard it. Steel against steel. 'Either this kid is wearing armor under his pants, or prosthetics...' A grin formed under his helmet as a thought came to mind.
Mercury leaped back and Felix took out his knives, when the teen looked at his opponent he had to dodge the blades thrown on his direction, blocking some using his legs. Felix used them as a distraction to get close and slam the butt of his gun on the gut of the teen, then on his chin before finally kicking him away and start shooting.
Mercury received the shoots, his aura absorbing the impact, but ended up falling on his back. Felix jumped and went to stomb his stomach, Mercury flipped out of the way. Felix landed with in a crouch and proceeded to aim with his DMR again and fired. Mercury backflipped to dodge the attacks, he planted his feet on the floor and zig-zagged across the room to dodge the shots. When he was close enough he jumped and aimed for an axe kick, Felix brought his gun up and blocked it yet the strength of the kick worked to knock the weapon out of his hands.
Mercury landed and nailed a side kick on the chin of the mercenary. Felix's feet disconnected from the earth and Mercury followed with a strong kick to his gut, accompanied by a shot, that sent the mercenary flying.
Felix bounced on the floor, but flipped on time to regain his footage. Mercury dashed and he straightened himself hastily, the teen was cornering him against a wall. If he didn't get out then he would have nowhere to go. Mercury went for a roundhouse and Felix used his shield, the kick bounced and Felix deactivated it quickly to make the kid lose balance. He grabbed the leg and swept the other. Mercury fell on his back and Felix took out his magnum to shot at him.
Acting fast, Mercury's legs propelled him out of the way of the gun. He flipped and landed having gained enough distance from the armored man. "Time to end this," He muttered and raised his leg.
He fired at Felix who sidestepped at the right moment, but the bullet instead of impacting it started floating around the air. Mercury continued to fire even though Felix continued to dodge each of his attempts to hit him. He started turning around while firing covering the whole building with flares from his legs that circled around the two of them.
Felix dashed with his remaining knife towards the teen and Mercury stopped firing to face him. He stopped the mercenary's slashes with his legs without any effort, and proceeded to kick away the weapon before delivering a drop kick to the chest of his opponent. Felix landed on his back and all the flares that were surrounding the two rained on him, a small explosion covered the warehouse and a cloud of dust was lifted.
From the catwalk, the small crowd watches as the fight seemed to come to an end. "Good show, but useless nonetheless," Cinder said, looking at Locus.
The man didn't said anything, only looking at the cloud of smoke where his partner is.
Mercury kept his eyes on the smoke. Waiting to see the state of his opponent. When nothing seemed to happen he allowed himself to relax.
Big mistake.
Something shot out from the dust and impacters on Mercury's leg. "Eh?" He looked down to see a sticky detonator on his pant. "What the-" Another one was shot, sticking to his other leg. "Huh?"
"Kid," Felix voice said. Emerging from the dust, his shield over his body. "You need to learn to notice a pattern."
Mercury looked at the detonators and then at Felix. "W-wait-" It was cut off by an explosion.
The shockwave sent him flying to the other side of the warehouse. He's ears were ringing and his vision blurry, he sat up and looked at his legs... The metal was scorched and the cables sticking out. They were busted.
Felix chuckles and walked to him, cocking back his magnum. Mercury looked at him nervously.
Emerald tensed. "No..." She moved to help but Cinder raised a hand. "M-Ma'am?"
Cinder watched the scene calmly. This man proved to be as good as Mercury, if not better, and his partner was probably the same. If he decided to kill Mercury, then he was on his right to do it. He was only a sloppy second after all, the best choice after he assassinated Marcus Black, and couldn't even use a Semblance. Unlike Emerald, who had a power she could use, Mercury only had his skill and if he's been outmatched well... Then she had his replacements right in front of her.
Felix loomed over Mercury, who to his credit looked at him directly, even though his frame was shaking. He pressed the cannon against his forehead and...
Click.
"Hah!" Felix barked a laugh. "I scared you didn't I? Yeah, I ran out of bullets a while ago." He said, holstering his gun. "Good fight kid, but... I'm just too good."
Mercury let out a mix between a sigh and a chuckle. "Heh. You didn't do it bad either, man."
Emerald sighed in relief. Mercury was a pain, but she didn't wished him death. Cinder was indifferent, seems she will still use Mercury. And Locus just shook his head. The three of them made their way to their respective associates.
"So, I won," Felix said looking at Cinder. "Are we free to go?"
"You may... But, is there no way for you to stay?" The woman said walking to him. "We could use your abilities."
"Look lady," Felix said, looking down at her. "Getting our help is easy. We're mercenaries, just give us a sweet amount of lien, and if you ask me to jump, we won't ask how high, we will jump. Right, Locus?"
The man in green and black turned to him. "Yes. But first you must allows to finish our previous job, I am not a man to leave a request unfinished."
"Very well," Cinder said. "Name your price."
"100.000 Lien," Felix said quickly.
"Cute. 50.000," She countered.
"90.000," He fired back.
"60.000," She narrowed her eyes.
"80.000," He said, not intimidated by how her gaze seemed to burned.
"65.000," She spat.
"80.000."
"Impossible," She said. "67.500."
"80.000," Felix pressed. "Look lady, this price is for pur whole job. Whatever your planning, I know is big. So many dusk could be used to raise a small army, and taking in consideration that the White Fang is just that well... It's big. And so, for 80.000 You can have two guys who put one of your bodyguards on the floor."
"Well fuck you too," Said bodyguard spat from the floor.
"So it's 80.000, or we just walk away, finish our mission and you'll probably never see my handsome mug again," He said.
Cinder raised an eyebrow. "I haven't seen it yet."
"I- You know what I mean!"
Cinder glared at him for a moment before sighing in resignation. "Fine. 80.000, but at the minimal failure," She threatened.
"We never fail," Locus reassured.
The woman gave him a side-glare, before stretching her hand for a shake. Felix gladly took it and grip it tightly, to her credit she didn't flinched. "A pleasure making business with you."
"Likewise," She said. "Emerald, please help Mercury out," She ordered. The girl quickly complied, grabbing the downed teen and using her shoulder as support to drag the boy out of the warehouse. "And, how long is your job going to take."
Felix and Locus exchanged looks. "Not long. We'll be back before you know it; we're that good... Well, at least I am."
"Felix."
"Just sayin'."
"Very well," She smiled seductively at him. "I look forward to working with you."
She walked after her two subordinates, her hips swaying as she left and Felix let his eyes linger on them. "She is doing that on purpose. But damn don't I love it."
"So you get us a job," Locus said. "But you also made us waste time, hours, that we could have used in going back and finishing the job the Chairman gave us. And all for nothing, since we can't use this army."
"Can you chill out for five fucking seconds!" Felix snapped, not willing to hear him point out his mistakes. "Let's go back to the temple and back to Chorus, so I can stop hearing you bitching out for everything!" He said, pushing past him.
Locus growled and followed him. Continuing fighting will only cause them to lose more time, but if this caused them to lose their advantage over the armies of Chorus, then Felix is the one that will respond to the Chairman.
Their hijacked bullhead touched the floor, while its wings broke through any tree on its descension. Both mercenary's walked out of the watch, with Felix mumbled something under his breath. "I think it can give us one last ride to the city when we come back... But then we'll have to destroy it so they won't track it back to us. Maybe sink it in the ocean with the others we destroyed?"
"Quiet," Locus said.
"Hey, I'm just brainstorming," He replied in his defense.
The two stood on the entrance of the temple. "We're lucky we haven't attracted Grimm..." He said. "Specially considering you're gloom and doom incarnated."
Locus didn't dignified that with an answer and just walked ahead. Felix shook his head and entered. He pointedly ignored the shield and sword resting on the side of the entrance, not even giving it a second gaze.
The beam was still there, not as impressive as the one from the Jungle Temple, but it would do the work. "Ladies first?" Felix said with a mock bow as he gestured Locus to enter the beam.
"You're insufferable," Locus said entering the beam.
"And you're a lady~" He sang as he followed him.
There was a flash and the two mercenaries emerged from the beam, back in the temple. 'Huh, no test this time. Guess once you flunk it doesn't take you in again.'"Sirs, your back!" The leader scientist said, rushing to them.
"How long have we been out?" Locus asked, no doubt fretting they lost valuable time.
"Ummm, just a few minutes sir," The scientist said.
"Minutes?!" Felix realed back in surprise, then he chuckled. "Well that's convenient," He said nudging Locus' side.
"Eh, what?"
"Never your mind," Felix reassured. "There's nothing of value for us here. Pack everything up and let's move out."
"Yes sir!" The pirates nodded and moves around to gather their equipment.
Locus looked at the beam with arms crossed. "Intriguing. The time dilation seems to work both ways for interlopers."
"Magic alien bullshit," Felix said. "And convenient to boot. We're back, we have a job to do, and one waiting for us over there. This, is going to be awesome!"
"Your world is certainly strange," Locus said. "Explains how you turned out like this."
"Awesome?"
"Unbearable."
"Awesome," He confirmed. "And speaking of awesome..." He took out his helmet for a moment and looked at himself in the reflection of it. "My sweet looks are back!"
Black hair cut in a mohawk, and a scar running over his left eye. Yep, it was his handsome face and not the dork, punchable face of Jaune Arc.
He put it back on. "We're ready to go!"
"You were lucky," Locus suddenly said. "At the fact that the time dilation works this way. Had it been otherwise, because of your nostalgia and 'planning' we would have failed the mission."
"Get of my back will you?" Felix groaned. "It's all on the past now. And the past doesn't matter. All it matters is that we are here and now, ready to finish what Hargrove sent us to do. Just wait and see Locus, everything is going to be smooooth sailing from now on."
He just knows it. Called it being awesome.