Character List.
This is just a list for the main characters. Added strengths/weaknesses for combat scenarios.
Axel Spring. (Main OC)
Sex: Male
Age:19
Height: 176cm (5ft9)
Weight: 52kg (114lbs)
Hair Colour: Light Brown
Eye Colour: Crimson Red
SAS Type: Pyrokinesis (Black Flame)
Weapon: Vantablack Katana
Strengths: Agility, DPS, Close Combat, SAS Power, Dexterity, Physical Endurance
Weaknesses: Raw Strength, Range, SAS Endurance
Extra Skills: ?
Jared Garrison. (Side OC)
Sex: Male
Age: 21
Height: 183cm (6ft)
Weight: 85kg (187lbs)
Hair Colour: Murky Blonde/Green Tint
Eye Colour: Pale Yellow
SAS Type: Sclerokinesis
Weapon: Heavy Steel Glaive
Strengths: Raw Strength, SAS Power, SAS Endurance, Groups Of Enemies
Weaknesses: Weapon Skill, Physical Endurance
Extra Skills: N/A
Kasane Randall.
Sex: Female
Age: 18
Height: 161cm (5ft3)
Weight: 44kg (97lbs)
Hair Colour: Silver/Blue Tint
Eye Colour: Scarlet Red
SAS Type: Psychokinesis/Gravikinesis
Weapon: Black/Red Throwing Knives
Strengths: Agility, Range, SAS Power, SAS Endurance, Physical Endurance
Weaknesses: Raw Strength, Close Combat
Extra Skills: Red Strings
Naomi Randall.
Sex: Female
Age: 20
Height: 153cm (5ft)
Weight: 40kg (88lbs)
Hair Colour: Blonde
Eye Colour: Deep Blue
SAS Type: Short-Term Precognition
Weapon: Assortment Of Traps
Strengths: Range, SAS Power, SAS Endurance
Weaknesses: Raw Strength, Physical Endurance, Close Combat, Melee Skill
Extra Skills: N/A
Yuito Sumeragi.
Sex: Male
Age: 20
Height: 173cm (5ft8)
Weight: 59kg (130lbs)
Hair Colour: Black With Red Highlights
Eye Colour: Scarlet Red
SAS Type: Psychokinesis/Gravikinesis
Weapon: Black Katana With Red Engravings
Strengths: Raw Strength, Close Combat, Physical Endurance
Weaknesses: Range, SAS Endurance, Dexterity
Extra Skills: Red Strings
Hanabi Ichijo.
Sex: Female
Age: 19
Height: 155cm (5ft1)
Weight: 40kg (88lbs)
Hair Colour: Light Brown/Very Slight Red Tint
Eye Colour: Pink/Violet Purple
SAS Type: Pyrokinesis
Weapon: Molten Club
Strengths: Agility, SAS Power, Physical Endurance, AOE Damage
Weaknesses: Raw Strength, SAS Control, Weapon Control
Extra Skills: N/A
(Other characters may be added if need be.)
Author Notes: Prologue
Honestly I have no fucking idea where I want this to go, no clue where it will go, lets just find out…
All I know is that I just wanted to reimagine the story and world of Scarlet Nexus with a slightly edgier tone. Characters are more 'adult-like' and slightly older, at least the main characters are. I'll be adding a lot of my own personal interests into this as well, the OC is somewhat of a hyperextension of myself in ways I guess, just makes it easier to write an edgier/more 'realistic' theme.
Also sorry in advance, I haven't properly written fiction since like the start of highschool, so it's been a few years, and I was absolute shit at it. Expect typos, grammar mistakes and other dumb shit, though I'll try as best I can to fix any and all of it.
So regarding tags, this is mainly focused on Scarlet Nexus, specifically the games' events, since the anime was pretty average ngl. There are aspects from Cyberpunk 2077, and in this 'universe', Night City exists, and so do the megacorps. The aforementioned 'megacorps' bit is essentially the only reason I decided to cross Cyberpunk over into this. Wanted the main OC to have a slight affiliation with them, which will make sense in context as the story progresses, I hope.
We can only hope.
Now in relation to the 'M' tag. Off rip, no written sex scenarios or anything, but will be insinuated. The majority of the explicit content will be graphic fights or drug/alcohol use, plus bad language, of course.
So yeah, enjoy.
Prologue
*brring brring*
*tap*
"Yo." I say in a gravelly voice.
I hear a sigh on the other end of the phone.
"Really Axel? What did I te-"
"Yeah yeah, I know. Sorry, ok? Look, what is it?" I cut off the caller before they could continue on with their lecture. I had heard it many times before.
'You're just destroying your body, Axel…' '...it's doing you and your liver no favors, Axel…' God I can already hear the tone of his voice too.
It's bad having a parent lecture you, but your own brother? Give me a break…
"Please come into OSF Headquarters as soon as you can. The higher ups will be assigning you graduated recruits into Platoons as Cadet OSF Soldiers. Don't make them wait too long, Axel." The voice on the other end speaks in his usual, cool and calm voice.
"Aight Fubuki, will do." I respond, with a deadpan tone. I wasn't exactly thrilled about this day. I really wanted to be in the same Platoon as Jared, as we've been friends from childhood. He almost seems more like a brother to me than Fubuki does at times…
"Thank you Axel. Also, please, try not to look too hungover, will you? It isn't a good look in general, let alone for your Platoon assignment."
"Understood, I can't exactly disagree."
"Good. Talk to you later, bro." Fubuki said, with a slightly warmer tone on the latter half of that phrase. He almost sounded like he used to…
"Yup. Later lad." I replied, then ended the call.
I sighed as I dropped the phone beside me.
'At least Jared will be in the same position as me I guess. His dad is probably lecturing him already…' I thought to myself as I slowly rolled out of bed.
I got myself dressed into my OSF gear and decided to skip out on breakfast. I tidied myself up slightly and headed off to the parking garage.
As I was heading down the elevator to get to the garage, Jared calls.
I pick up.
"Hey bossman, how's the head?" I ask off the bat.
"Man I'm fucked, why did the Platoon assignment have to be today?" Jared complained over the phone. I nod to myself in agreement.
"For real, the one night this week we decide to have a night out… plus who does important OSF shit on a fucking Thursday anyways? It's the end of the bloody week." I reply with equal annoyance.
"Dude Dad fucking caught me this morning too, I thought I hid it well last night, but nooope, he fuckin knows. So he's dropping me in this morning too, which is fucking embarrassing, getting my Dad to drop me in for Platoon assignment. Man I can't be arsed…" I wasn't particularly surprised. Gemma, Jareds' Dad, has always been strict on him with many things, alcohol in particular however.
"Fuck…" I say with a sigh.
"Though to be fair, I'm sure you won't be the only one arriving with parents. I'm sure some of these Cadets won't even have licences, right?" I try to reassure him. Plus it stems from truth, with how convenient public transport is here in Suoh, not many people even bother getting their licence.
"Yeah… I guess. Aye well let's not spoil last night, shit was fun. I'll catch ya when you arrive bro. I'll wait in the outside courtyard, by the main entrance." Jared replies.
"Yeah bro, see you then. Keep an eye out for any cute chicks will ya?" I say, half joking.
"Nah Imma hook you up with the big daddies." Jared retorts, completely deadpan.
"Fuck up cunt." I say with a chuckle as I hang up. I shake my head as the elevator doors slide open.
"Never change Jared…" I say to myself under my breath.
About 20 minutes pass and I arrive at the OSF Headquarters. I park up outside as I spot Jared already walking over to me. He covers his ears and jokingly scowls at the sound of my car. I smirk and rev the ever living shit out of it as the turbo hisses, the flat 6 howls and the dual resonators backfire. Jared just laughs and nods his head.
"Morning lad." I greet Jared as I open the door and hop out of my car.
"Gday O' mature one, how's the head gasket killer holding up?" He sarcastically remarks while gesturing at my car.
"Probably better than us this morning, you Orc." I say back to him as I knock his head.
"Pretty sure we both look like death." I remark as I look over to the large groups of soon to be Cadets flocking outside OSF HQ.
"Well I sure feel like it, not gonna lie. That is the last fuckin time we do tequila, I swear to god vodka doesn't make me feel this bad." Jared responds while holding his head slightly.
"Mate I tell you this every time though, tequila is just shit. And more expensive. And shit, in case I didn't already say tha-"
"Yeah yeah man I know, I know. I ain't suggesting it next time, I swear." Jared cuts in. It was his idea, as always, to try do some other weird fucking spirit that I know we'll both regret in the morning. This time is no fuckin different.
Suddenly a voice blares through the outside speakers.
"Attention all OSF Recruits. Line up outside, facing the entrance to headquarters. Your superiors, and soon to be Platoon leaders, will be out shortly."
The mic clicks off.
I sigh.
"Aight, off we go big boy." I say, while gesturing Jared to follow.
"After you, Princess."
5 minutes pass and all us OSF Recruits are lined up and facing 4 OSF Commanders. As the Platoon assignment continues, both Jared and I still haven't been assigned, not until the last 2 Platoons were being sorted. Jared was assigned to Kyoka Platoon and I was assigned to Seto Platoon. We were slightly disappointed that we were in separate platoons, but we figured we'd probably still see each other fairly often. At least from what I could tell, both Kyoka and Seto Platoons were fairly intertwined in terms of training exercises and mission deployments.
The Commanders then ordered their respective Platoons to head inside to get to know each other.
"Alright Axel, I'll catch you later. Try not to make too many enemies, yeah?" Jared teased as we started walking off to the main entrance to HQ.
"Sure, only if you don't perv on the girls in your Platoon, including that Commander of yours. I know she's your type, lad." I wink and elbow him as I tease Jared back.
"No promises." He responds, smirking while raising his eyebrows up and down.
"Alright. Let us all introduce ourselves. I'm Captain Seto Narukami, my power is electrokinesis. I look forward to leading our Platoon against the Others." The captain of the platoon introduces himself first, and to my far left, I hear a cheeky remark leave a tall, blonde man's mouth.
"Oh boy Captain, how valliant you are." The sarcastic tone was beyond obvious.
"Shut it Kagero, no need to show off to the newbies, right? May as well introduce yourself, blondie." Seto fired back, but with a satirical voice.
"Yes Captain~ I'm Kagero Donne, the late blooming genius of the OSF. I'll try not to show you Cadets up too much." The dual coloured eyes of his turned into a snarky stare, particularly directed at me and another boy standing to my right.
'He seems fun, but kinda annoying. Maybe we'll get on…' I thought to myself as the man averted his gaze towards Captain Seto once again.
"Sure sure, though only you call yourself a genius Kagero." The Captain remarked.
"Alright, next."
"Hey everyone! I'm Hanabi Ichijo, my power is Pyrokinesis. I'm looking forward to getting to know you all!" Spoke a sweet, brunette girl. She seemed like the total opposite of what an OSF soldier was like, in general at least. Her bright personality was already radiating from her.
'Well at least someone seems to be slightly more laid back, though perhaps a little too bubbly…' Before I could finish my train of thought, another member directly to my left spoke up.
"I-I'm Tsugumi Nazar… My power is… C-Clairvoiyance… Nice t-to meet you all…" The small blue haired girl quietly stuttered.
'The token shy one, of course. She seems nice, though I may have to carry conversation…' I once again reflected after she spoke. I then realised it was my turn.
"Hey. I'm Axel Spring, my power is Pyrokinesis as well." I nodded after I finished my sentence. The 2 girls to my left raised their eyebrows slightly at the reveal of my surname. Kagero seemed to already know. Then the boy to my right spoke.
"Uh, hey! I'm Yuito Sumeragi, and my power is Psychokinesis. I was saved by an OSF member as a child, so I'm here to repay that debt." He said with a warm smile.
'Oh so he's the Chairman's Son, and the Chief's younger brother I presume…' Things started to make sense now as I connected the dots.
'I wonder if Yuito and I were placed in the same Platoon to make watching over us easier…'
Lastly, another boy spoke from slightly beside the rest of us.
"Hey guys, I'm Wataru Frazer. My power is telepathy essentially, though only temporarily. I'll be your operator supporting you from back here when you're all out on missions." The purple haired boy introduced himself.
"Great, well that's all of us. A bunch of oddballs once again, we'll fit right in." The Captain said with a grin.
Kasane POV
I'm relieved that Naomi and I are in the same Platoon. It was weighing on my mind since our initiation as OSF Recruits. Both my sister and I were scouted a few years back now, and finally we're here, as OSF Cadets.
"Alright everyone, let's all introduce ourselves to our new members in the group. I am Major Kyoka Eden, my power is Duplication. Gemma, you next." The Major spoke with an almost familiar voice… but I'm not sure why. Before I could dwell on it, a man to my left spoke.
"Will do. I'm Gemma Garrison. My power is Sclerokinesis. Nice to meet you all."
As Gemma spoke, I noticed a boy to my right sigh slightly. In fact, now that I look at him, he does look pretty similar to Gemma.
'Perhaps they're related?' I wondered.
"Shiden Ritter, my power is Electrokinesis. Don't underestimate me." A green haired boy with glasses spoke with a 'douche-like' voice, is the only way I can think to put it.
'Definitely going to stay away from him, he seems particularly unreasonable.' I scorn in my head. I then look to my left as Naomi begins to speak.
"I'm Naomi Randall, one of the new recruits this year. My power is Precognition, but only short term. I'm happy to be here." Naomi said with a smile. She was so determined to help people, it made me happy looking at her like this.
"I'm Kasane Randall, my power is Psychokinesis." I said in my usual tone. My sister tells me I can be cold sometimes, I'm hoping I wasn't too monotone when I introduced myself.
'I've never been good at introductions I guess… or talking in general…'
The boy next to me spoke next.
"Hey I'm Jared Garrison. Yeah Gemma is my dad, before you ask." I noticed the boy looked slightly embarrassed saying this. I guess I would be too if my dad was in the same Platoon. Naomi is different though.
"My power is also Sclerokinesis. Looking forward to spending time with you all." The boy added.
A purple haired girl then spoke from beside Major Kyoka.
"Hey everyone, I'm Haruka Frazer. My power is telepathy, though I can only do it for a limited time. I'll act as your Platoon operator from the safety of headquarters." She beamed.
'She seems nice, perhaps I could try to make friends with her?' I felt slightly nervous at the thought. I wasn't very good at holding conversations, let alone making actual friends. Naomi was my only friend.
"Thank you all for the introductions. Gemma, Shiden, try to make these new recruits feel comfortable in our Platoon. I'm sure you both will, but just as a reminder." She smiled after she spoke.
There are certainly some interesting people in this Platoon. I looked over at Naomi and noticed she was smiling, a slight blush appearing on her cheeks as she looked over past me.
'Is she… looking at Jared?'
She must've noticed me looking at her quizzingly as she snapped out of it quickly. She just smiled and looked at me.
"Well, we're finally here as Cadets, right sis?" Naomi asked.
"Yeah, I guess we are." I nodded.
I need to ask her about this later, for now I'll just keep an eye on Jared. I'm not sure what to make of him just yet.
'I'll have to run some background checks.'
Axel POV
"Right, well that's us done for the day then. We'll all meet here tomorrow at 7:30. We are finally going to be able to go on our first field mission as a full platoon." Captain Seto informed us.
We were then dismissed. I sent a brain message to Jared as soon as I walked outside.
Axel: |Oooh shit, we can finally use this now.|
Jared: |Fuck yeah. Way more convenient than a phone, ngl.|
Axel: |I wonder if your brain will lag if I sent a shit ton of messages though? May have to test it.|
Jared: |My brain always lags fucker. Maybe I'll conveniently send you porn so you get hard while talking to Seto, purely to embarrass you.|
Axel: |Just because you get off to your commander doesn't mean I have to get off to mine, you prick.|
Jared: |Fuck you too. Meet me outside.|
Axel: |I'm already here, sloth.|
Jared: |Bruh. Wait for me.|
I then waited about a minute before Jared arrived outside, alongside the rest of his platoon. Instantly my eyes drifted away from him to a very pretty, but stoic looking silver haired girl. I saw her walk off with a shorter blonde girl. They wore matching red hair clips, so I assume they're either good friends or related, perhaps?
Both Jared and Gemma walked over to me.
"Hey kiddo, how'd it go?" Gemma asked.
"As good as it could I guess." I responded. Gemma has almost been like a father to me, in a way.
Since both my parents died when I was pretty young, it just left myself, Fubuki, and our older sister Arashi to fend for ourselves pretty much. Since Arashi is a fair few years older than both Fubuki and I, she sort of acted like our mother, but she's also so fucking lazy that Fubuki and I had to do almost everything anyways. Speaking of, she sent me a message this morning asking me to give her a call once my platoon assignment was over. It surprised me, since she's usually too lazy to do… well, anything. I guess it is different since we're family…
"Well that's good to hear Axel. Seto is a great man, he will do a fantastic job leading you and your platoon members." Gemma smiled, but only briefly, since his face turned serious again.
"Now, I know I'm not exactly one to be lecturing you Axel, and I'm sure Fubuki has already mentioned it, but you two need to stop with the excessive drinking…" Oh boy, here we go…
Us 3 stand and chat for a while, finally getting off the topic of drinking. Gemma then receives a message from Arashi to help her out at Mizuhagawa. I decide I'd go with him, plus then it saves a call to her since I can just tell her in person. Jared decides to go home, but we agree to hang out in Suoh that night - though not to get wasted, this time.
On the way there, Gemma decides to make conversation.
"Question Axel, as I am somewhat of a fatherly figure to you, I'd imagine I am at least." He said as he looked over with a smirk.
"Any girls on the radar?" He said, in a much deeper voice.
I sighed slightly, and just chuckled.
"Or guys, or guys. I don't discriminate." He added with a slight giggle. Funny how guys turn into gossiping schoolgirls when talking about women. Some guys, at least.
"Honestly not really. I asked your stud son to keep an eye out for me, y'know? Since he's built 1 to 1 as a fridge, like his old man, I figured he'd be a girl magnet. Apparently not. Yet, at least." I replied, trying to be somewhat serious, but also keeping the chill vibe.
I was really bad with relationships. I had never been in one, never really talked to girls in a flirtatious way, I'm just awkward in general.
"Well fair. Though there are some nice ladies your age in the OSF y'know? That Kasane seems to be up your alley I'd imagine…" Gemma prodded.
"Kasane? I can't say I know the name." That was a lie. I just didn't want to get into the topic about her. I at least knew of her, most Cadets have. Graduated top of her class, powerful with SAS and with weapons. Smart, agile, strong… and… pretty.
"Pfft, sure." Gemma scoffed, clearly seeing right through my bullshit.
"Cmon, at least try to talk to her. She's in desperate need of friends if nothing else, and you undervalue your charisma Axel. People love being around you. You've always been great at making people feel safe, even if you don't see it." Gemma showered the compliments through like they were nothing, making me slightly embarrassed.
"Ok, ok. I hear you. I'll… try." I replied, slightly embarrassed still.
"Atta' boy."
We arrived at Mizuhagawa.
The place was overrun with Others. We took them out on our way to the distress signal sent by Arashi. Both her and another short, green haired boy were surrounded by others in a sinkhole.
Both Gemma and I jumped in.
"Ah, thought you'd never show u- wait, Axel! What are you doing? Didn't you just get assigned to your platoon?" Arashi asked with slight confusion and worry in her voice.
"Listen princess, no time for talking. Lets eradicate these Others shall we?" I respond, sarcastically.
"Pfft, fine. Just don't die, knucklehead." Arashi retorts.
The short boy interjects.
"Gemma and I will take on the ones on the right! Axel, Arashi, take the ones on the left!"
"Understood." Replied Gemma, Arashi and myself in unison.
I power up my SAS and unsheath my katana.
'Finally, some action!' I think to myself.
There were a couple Wither Sabbats to take out on mine and Arashi's side. Black flames engulf my blade as I rush towards one of the Others. The Sabbat begins to charge, and as it does, I dodge left to narrowly miss its sharp horns. I raise my blade and start slashing at its front leg to stagger it. The blood that spills immediately clots as the heat from my blade scorches its wounds, the black flames now creeping under the Sabbats hide.
It wails and it charges a side dash with its horns once again. I quickly sheath and then unsheathe my katana to parry the charge, knocking the Other with massive force. I then charge my SAS once again, lunging forward and impaling the flaming katana straight through the Sabbats chest. It almost immediately burns into ash as black flames smother the entire Other from the inside.
I look over to Arashi as she battles the other Wither Sabbat. I rush over and swing my katana in an arch in front of me, flames emitting from the blade, mimicking the arch. The heat collides with the Sabbat and slices the Other cleanly in half. Blood spurts out before disintegrates into nothingness.
Arashi looks over at me, the concerned look still not leaving her face.
"Christ, you and Fubuki don't mess around, huh?" She asked, not really wanting an answer.
"Not when my dear princess is in danger, Miss Arashi Spring." I say as I jokingly bow to her.
She just rolls her eyes and her usual pout returns.
"You two really are the same…"
All 4 of us managed to fend off the Others. We then climbed back out of the sinkhole and started heading back towards Suoh.
"Well then Axel, how did the platoon assignment go?" My older sister asked me.
"Yeah, normal, I guess? I'm in Seto Platoon, the other OSF members seem aight."
"I heard the chairman's son is in Seto Platoon, his name is Yuito, correct?" Chimed in the short green haired boy, Luka.
"Yeah he is indeed. I wondered if they paired us up to keep an eye on us." I answered.
Through Fubuki, I had known of Luka for quite a while, since he was Karen's younger brother. I didn't know Karen's age exactly, though I assume he is a fair whack older than Fubuki, and probably even Arashi… or at least he seems it. Derived from that knowledge, I'd imagine Luka is a decent amount older than me, perhaps a similar age to Arashi. Though, unlike his brother, he was softly spoken and very polite, which made him quite easy to talk to.
"It is very possible, I mean they put Arashi in Kodama's Platoon purely so that she was closer to Fubuki, making her easier to monitor. I was in a similar boat being in Kodama's Platoon too, since both our brothers are practically inseparable." Luka added.
"Yeah it wouldn't surprise me either, Fubuki and Seto are also very close, and keeping the likely Crow magnets in the same platoon will make broadcasting easier." Arashi noted, in which mention of the Crows wound me up slightly. I hadn't even thought about them, but of course they'd be after both Yuito and I.
"Aaaawww fuuuck, I didn't even think about the Crows. Why do you and Fubuki have to be so damn popular?" I asked, rhetorically.
"Well I am a 'Princess', you said it yourself…" She replied in a sarcastic, sassy tone.
I sighed.
"Great."
Kasane POV
Flashback to earlier in the day…
"Kasane! Why don't we go out to a Cafe as a celebration for getting assigned to the same platoon?" Naomi asked with enthusiasm.
Cafe's weren't really my thing, but if it made Naomi happy, then I was fine with it.
"Sure, I'd love to." As I responded, we had just walked outside HQ. Another OSF Cadet quickly stood out to me. He had light brown hair with deep red eyes. He stood by a blue car, leaning on the door while checking his phone. My heart was pounding, but I don't know why…
'I have never felt this before… what is this?'
I then noticed him look up slightly towards the main doors, so I averted my gaze, though I could feel my face getting hot. Naomi also noticed this.
"Hmm? Interested in that guy over there, Kasane?" She teased slightly.
"Perhaps we should go over and talk to hi-"
"No. He just… caught my eye… that's all…" I cut in, though with uncertainty in my voice.
Naomi just giggled.
"Ok… just… don't be afraid to talk to people, yeah?" Naomi encouraged, though I wasn't filled with confidence. Only embarrassment. However, I decided to challenge her now.
"Well… what about how you were looking at Jared? I noticed that…"
Naomi immediately blushed.
"I… w-wasn't! Much… maybe a little…" She then went shy.
"I dunno, he's… just… my type, I guess…"
I smiled softly.
"I could tell, but… I'll run some background checks, make sure he's ok for you."
Naomi rolled her eyes.
"Kasane, it's fine. I'll take my time, make sure he's genuine-"
I cut her off.
"No, you won't, Naomi. I know you better than anyone and I won't have a biassed view on him. Please, let me do this."
Naomi just sighed in response.
"Ok, but, please… don't be too harsh… or brash… or blunt… or-"
"Ok ok, I get it. I'll be your… 'wingman'?" I responded, quizzingly.
Naomi giggled.
"Only if I get to be yours." She responded, taking a glance back at the brunette boy from before.
I just blushed in response.
Back to the present time…
Axel POV
I got back into the city and headed straight to headquarters, since I had left my car there.
"Thank fuck I paid the extra 600 bucks for a fuckin immobiliser…" I thought to myself. It's very fuckin rare for me to leave my car parked for so long, but hey, duty calls I guess…
I arrived back and thankfully my car was as I left it.
I hopped in and headed back to my apartment. I thought I'd get changed and freshen up before hitting the city.
Nighttime swiftly rolled around and I caught the bus into the centre of Suoh. The outskirts near the OSF Headquarters was much less densely populated in comparison to the city centre, and in ways, a lot safer. Not safer from Other attacks per se, but from the nightlife itself here.
"Man, this always reminds me just a little bit of Night City, just less horny and without the constant stench of Black Lace… hell, and the Cyberpsycho's…"
I arrived outside a small bar. Around me we're swarms of people, mostly within their late teens to late 20's, gossiping and chatting with one another. Large, noisy groups of jocks walked around as if they owned the streets, drunkards stumbled around, clasping onto anything that'd perhaps keep them upright, couples made out in alleyways and a few of the more quiet types hung around near shop windows or illuminated areas, somewhat away from the madness.
I walked inside after taking in the surroundings, then quickly noticed Jared standing around, already chatting up a chick near the bar.
"Wow. Shock. He's probably only been here for like 10 minutes…"
I trot up to the bar, slightly away from them, just so he notices I'm here but to not interrupt, just in case.
"Hey bean sprout, what can I get ya?" The bartender asks, with a wry smirk.
"This bean sprout will have your strongest concoction, thank you." I respond, deadpan.
His eyebrows raise.
"Wa- really?" He questions, taken aback.
"Fuck no. A pint of Natty will do, mate." I quickly respond, with a smirk at the end of my sentence.
He laughs in response.
"Fair play. Comin right up, twigs-for-legs."
I then chuckle myself.
-
About 10 minutes pass and I notice the girl who was talking to Jared stands up and leaves, wearing a cheeky expression on her face. I glance over at Jared and give him a confused look as he begins to walk over to me.
"Hey Spacey Junior, didn't spike that girls' drink to get her to talk to ya, right?" I ask, sarcastically.
"Harsh as ever, you wiry virgin." He responds in kind.
"Nah we just got chatting, gonna go over to her place later on I thin-"
"No you're fuckin not cunt, not tonight, at least. We gotta be up early tomorrow, we're OSF Soldiers now, we have to be a little more careful about when we let loose." I cut him off, my tone now more serious.
Jared grunts.
"Bro its fine, I don't think we'll drink, or fuck or anything."
"You don't know that, but I know you. You won't refuse if she suggests it. Like I say, fine if you could wake up tomorrow, hammered and just been done hammering, but you can't. Even if you're on time tomorrow morning, you need to be on your top performance all day, man." I reason.
Jared sighs.
"Yeah… but, she's different, bro."
I now sigh in response.
"You always say this, Jared. Maybe you're right this time, but find out later. This wasn't even the plan for tonight, we're here to have a couple beers and chill before tomorrow."
Jared simply sighs again. He doesn't even bother responding.
I look over at him, hoping he'll explicitly say he'll listen, but he doesn't.
"Look, let's order a beer and talk shit about other things…"
The night continues to roll on, and the tension from before dissipates. We talked until midnight about random shit, easing our minds before fully starting our life as OSF Soldiers tomorrow.
Just as we get up to leave, I reconfirm with Jared.
"Hey, please, just heed my advice man. I know you better than anyone, I really don't wanna see you start to slip due to some silly decisions." I say in a sincere voice, the kind I don't really use, but one Jared has heard more than anyone.
He just nods.
I then head off back home, staring out of the bus window at the still ever-vibrant neon cityscape.
"We'll hang out properly here again soon Jared, just let us ease into the OSF regime first…"
My alarm wakes me at 5:30 in the morning. I very reluctantly got up and freshened up. I put on a tank top and sweatpants and headed down a few floors of my apartment to the gym.
"Really is the best time to be here since it's dead empty… makes it worth the early start…"
I only did a 45 minute workout today, rather than the hour and a half usual. I had to get back and change into my OSF uniform for the 7:30 meet at Headquarters.
I showered and changed into uniform. It was black and red coloured, like all OSF garbs, however I did want mine to be custom tailored to be a little more lightweight for my fighting style. This sacrificed defence and padding, but the manoeuvrability was incredible. It fit more snug to my body, almost like a wetsuit in a way, but with slight padding for more vulnerable areas, plus some light kevlar to accompany it. I popped on my low cut sneakers and a vent mask for good measure, then headed out.
I arrived at the OSF Headquarters, this time parking in the now accessible OSF car parking area, situated just to the left side of the main building itself.
I wandered into the main entrance, still in awe at the size of the complex.
"Not quite the Megacorp complex back home, but damn is it still impressive…"
I walk for a few minutes, trying to navigate the seemingly labyrinthian hallways to find my Platoons' meeting room for today. Eventually, after a few polite questions on my current whereabouts to other higher ups, I found the correct room. As I approach the doors, I notice a familiar silver haired OSF member walking up the stairs further down the hall, creeping into my vision. Their piercing red eyes met mine, and a warm smile appeared on their face.
"Brother, good to see you." He welcomed.
"Likewise."
I took a couple steps back from the door and started to walk over to him.
"I'm a few minutes early, I'm sure I'll be fine time-wise to talk to Fubuki for a bit."
"Arashi told me your Platoon Assignment went as expected, Seto will be a fantastic leader for you, Axel." Fubuki assured me.
"Yeah he seems neat. The other members are pretty alright too… weird, but alright."
"Yeah mate, says you." Fubuki teased.
"I'm immature, not weird… sort of, sometimes…" I tried to reassure myself.
Fubuki just chuckled under his breath.
"Listen, in all seriousness, this is where stuff gets real. I know you're a more than capable fighter, and you get along with people bloody well, but you need to follow orders. I know you, and I know your… issues with compliance at times. Just do as you're told, ok? It'll save your skin, trust me." Fubuki warns, though it isn't a warning I haven't heard before. He's always harping on at me about compliance, which leaves me with worry more than anything.
"Is the government really that sketchy?" I wonder to myself, but outwardly, I just nod in agreement with Fubuki.
He nods in response, then smiles again.
"That aside, show them what you're made of, bro." He pats me on the shoulder and starts to walk off.
"Oh brother you best believe I will…" I say, just loud enough for Fubuki to hear.
I walk up to the door again and enter.
Most of the other Platoon members were there, we were only missing Kagero and Captain Seto.
"Oh hey… Axel, was it?" A sweet voice welcomed. It was Hanabi, I remembered her from Platoon Assignment yesterday.
"Tis' indeed, how's life?" I say in my usual, casual demeanour.
"Oh, yeah, pretty good, thank you." She looks a little reluctant to ask the next question, but she does anyway.
"You're… Fubuki and Arashi's younger brother, right?"
I nod.
"Yep, though I'm not disciplined or lazy, unlike each of them, respectively." I added. It was meant as humour, but also a slight jab at my siblings. Us three really weren't that alike in terms of behaviour…
"Oh… I see. Well, I'm looking forward to working with you!" She responds enthusiastically.
"Honestly if I had even half her fuckin energy…"
My sights then set on Yuito.
"Yuito, yeah? Good to finally chat to you."
"Likewise Axel, I have heard a lot about you from my brother…" Yuito remarks, then his expressions changes and he adds.
"Oh! Only good things though, don't worry!"
I just laugh.
"Yeah I know that isn't true, bro. I'm a troublemaker, I'm well aware."
Before we could talk anymore, Captain Seto walks in.
"Good morning Cadets, good to see you're all here… you too, Kagero."
The Captain then seemling points at a random corner in the room, and sure enough, the dual-coloured eyed brat revealed himself.
"Awwww Captain, I was tryna see how long it'd take for them to notice my absence!" Kagero whined.
"Sorry boss, I forgot your goofy-ass existed anyways…" I teased sarcastically.
Kagero shot back.
"Well you would, not everyone in your family can have high brain capacity I suppose…"
"Well shit, can't argue with that." I remark.
Seto just chuckled.
"Good to see you're all getting along. Teamwork is the only way we have a chance at surviving against the Others, let alone trying to stop them, remember that."
"But anyways, today's task is unfortunately not the most exciting. We'll be running through a simple patrol around Suoh. It may seem boring, but it is a very necessary procedure all OSF Platoons are required to perform. Other forecasts are only so accurate after all…"
20 minutes later…
Jared: | You on patrol as well? |
Axel: |Yes.|
Jared: | SEE. I would've been fucking fine last night! |
Axel: | You had no clue this was on the agenda for today. Others could still show up anyway. |
Jared: | And if they do, we can't fight them since we haven't had proper combat training yet. |
Axel: | I already have, I don't give a rat's fanny. |
Jared: | Yeah, that was under the OSFs' radar dickhead, this isn't. |
Axel: | Just stay alert, prick. |
Jared: | All I can do. |
Our Platoon continues on with patrol. I was teamed up with Tsugumi to patrol our designated area of Suoh.
I tried to make idle chit-chat…
"So… when were you scouted Tsugumi?"
"A few… y-years ago…" She shyly responded.
"Ah… I see, that's cool. Um.. what… hobbies do you have?"
Her expression sparked up a little at this.
"I like… flowers and p-plants… I think they're wonderful beings…"
"Oh very sweet, what is your favourite flower?"
"Oooh, I would say…"
We then continued conversation on flora for the next half an hour or so, I would assume this was the most words she had spoken in the last little while…
I have no fucking idea about plants and flowers and shit, but hey, it got us talking so that's all I cared about. I certainly learned… things? I think? Tsugumi talked for most of it, but I interjected and asked questions where I could, at least trying to be a responsive being in the conversation, if nothing else.
"Oh, sorry, I think I rambled on for a while, t-the patrol is over…" Tsugumi said apologetically.
"No no, I enjoyed our chat, Tsugumi. I learned a lot about you. I'd be happy to talk about various flora again some time." I then smiled warmly at her, trying my best to make her feel more comfortable.
She smiled in response.
"T-Thank you, Axel. I find… you very easy to talk to." She added.
Though as she finished her sentence, warning alarms blared out of nowhere. All of a sudden, Captain Seto communicated with us via brain talk.
"Team, head back to HQ immediately! Others are flowing in fast!"
Tsugumi looked shocked.
"W-We… have to go!" She said in a hurried voice.
"I'm going nowhere. I need a fight."
"Tsugumi, you head back. Tell Seto you tried to stop me, ok?"
She looked confused.
"H-Huh?"
"Just… trust me, please."
I then ran off towards the Others, meanwhile unsheathing my katana, allowing the dark flames to radiate from its vantablack blade.
"I said I'd show them what I'm made of, not that I'd obey orders, Fubuki."
I continued slicing up Others, making sure civilians headed back to evacuation shelters asap. However, I then managed to get back to the outskirts of Suoh, closer to HQ.
I ran back alongside the various overpasses towards HQ, when I noticed a silver haired girl facing a more dangerous looking Other. The Others' horns protruded either side of its head, with a long snout and strong hind legs to match. I then looked back over at the girl.
"That's Kasane. I'm sure she'll be fine, but I best go help her. Looks good on my part if I do too…"
I sprinted over and grabbed a rogue tire from a nearby car, infused it with black flames and hurled it at the Other. The Other screeches as the tire hits its hide.
"Hmm, a Wither Sabbat, I believe…"
I remembered the Ram-like Other from my textbooks.
As I wandered over to her side, she looked over at me.
"O-Oh, I can handle this…"
She looked flustered for some reason.
"Perhaps the adrenalin was already pumping?" I wondered.
"I don't doubt that, but I'll lend a hand, just in case." I responded. She then looks away slightly.
"I'll… take its sides, you aim for the head." She quietly ordered.
"Understood." I answered.
With our combined powers, we took down the Sabbat with ease.
"Fuck, your SAS is bloody powerful. Some sort of Psychokinesis I presume?"
She blushes and nods.
"Y-Yes…" She answers in a monotone, yet surprisingly timid voice.
"This honestly isn't what I expected her to be like, considering what other OSF Cadets had said about her…"
"Hey Kasane! I helped Jared!" A new voice broke our awkward pause.
I looked back to see a short blonde girl giving her shoulder to support a hunk of being… bloody Jared…
"Shit, you look like a drowned sewer rat you bloody Jock… you all good?" I teased.
"Fuck up twig. I'm ok though…" He leaves the girls' shoulder and walks towards me.
"I told you to stay alert… did you heed my advice from last night." I query.
Jared nods.
"Yeah… I did. Thank you, bro…"
"Of course man, glad to see you're ok." I looked over at the girl.
"Thanks for helping this oaf, he's a little washy in the head sometimes."
She giggled.
"No worries. My name is Naomi by the way, yours?"
"Axel. Nice to meet you." I held out my hand for a handshake, which Naomi accepted.
"This is my younger sister Kasane by the way, thank you for backing her up, she can be stubborn sometimes…" Naomi thanked, teasing Kasane in the process.
"Sister? They looked nothing alike…" I pondered.
Kasane just blushed.
"I-I'm not!" She responded, again flustered.
But Naomi just giggled again.
"Well, I'm glad we're all ok. We best head back to our Platoon leaders… Kyoka will not be happy with this…" Naomi's voice wavered slightly.
I shrug.
"Just blame it on Jared, he'll take one for the team, riiiiiight buddy?" I smirk and nudge him as I say this.
"Nah I'm going straight to Fubuki, twat." He retorts, almost a little too seriously.
Our idiocy brightens Naomi up a little.
"I'm sure we'll all be ok. I think we did a good thing today…"
I nodded in agreement.
Jared, Kasane, Naomi and I then headed back off to HQ. We all made a brain talk group chat, so we could keep in touch outside of seeing each other physically.
I still noticed Kasane wouldn't make eye contact with me, but she kept glancing over when I looked away. Naomi on the other hand was the same with Jared…
"Man, I still don't understand how women work…" I remark, confused by their sudden awkwardness.
I tried my best to start some sort of conversation, mainly just getting responses from Naomi. Both Jared and especially Kasane were just silent listeners.
We eventually arrived back at HQ, and prepared for our lectures…
After an earful of 'Health and Safety' garbage spewed from Chief Kaito, I was finally released from his office.
"Christ, there's a precious 20 minutes of my life gone…"
I then received an alert, it was a few new messages in the group chat between Jared, Kasane, Naomi and I.
| Naomi: Thanks again for your help, Jared and Axel. It's nice to know we can all work as a team to take down Others. |
| Jared: No, thank you Naomi for saving me, I really appreciate it. |
| Naomi: Oh it's no problem, Jared. I'm glad you're ok. |
| Kasane: I'll make sure I protect you as well, Sis. |
| Jared: Man, it was lucky we only got chewed out by Major Kyoka… how did you go, Axel? |
| Axel: I mean I think I have half inch fuckin drill bit in my ears, courtesy of Kaito. But I think I'll live. |
| Naomi: Oh no… so he did talk to you. |
| Kasane: That probably would have been for helping me, I'm so sorry Axel. That was my fault. |
| Axel: Nah don't be silly, I had already sliced up a few dozen Others prior, helping you was a given. I was exaggerating it anyways, it could've been worse. |
| Jared: Still feel bad you took the worst blow for it though, bro. Hey, by the way, why don't we all meetup for lunch? Axel I assume you also have time to kill before this afternoon's classes? |
| Axel: Yeah I'm free. How about you two? |
| Naomi: Ooh, that sounds great! I know a good Cafe nearby… |
| Kasane: I'll go if Naomi does. |
| Jared: Sweet, it's settled. Let's meet at the Cafe at 11:30. |
| Naomi: I'll send the location in the group chat. |