Chp. 10: Errand Run
Essen, Atlas
February 18, 2020
The next day after a couple of hours of travel, A Blackhawk helicopter had made it to the small town of Essen. The village consists of shacks made from wood and roofs made of straw. The village also has a large windmill as well as silos, hinting that the village is a farming settlement. The helicopter soon makes its landing just outside of the village, catching the residents attention. As soon as the helicopter lands Keaton, Alex, Cassandra, Bulldog, Ice Pick, Missionary, and Steel all board off and make their way into the village.
"So this is Essen, huh? To be honest, I didn't think there would be other settlements out here. At least settlements not like this," Steel said.
"Well unless you're an Eskimo," Bulldog said.
"Let's go find this Russet guy here and see what's up," Keaton said.
They all walk into the village as the settlers come up to see the Americans that have just arrived. The marines and soldiers all looked around them, seeing the villagers staring at them.
"They're watching us," Cassandra said.
"They are probably not used to visitors, especially with who we are. Just ignore them," Keaton said.
"Oh? It's been a while to see travelers here in Essen Town!" a new voice cuts in.
The Americans turn their attention to the source of the voice to see a man wearing a brown parka jacket with a fur cape and hood up over his head, brown leather gauntlets and matching shoulder pads, a brown belt with pouches and a gold belt buckle, a pair of black snow boots, a pair of brown snow pants, and a yellow and blue beaded necklace with an animal's tooth. He also wore a brown viking style helmet with large white wings sticking upwards over his hood. He has light blue eyes, and a dark blond beard and mustache. He carries a long dagger with a brown leather sheath.
"Name's Russet, Guardian of Essen!" the man known as Russet greeted.
"You gave yourself that title, didn't you?" Ice Pick asked.
"So you're Russet Ka," Keaton said.
"You've heard of me then! I mean, it's no surprise, really. Local legend and all," Russet said. "Thornmane and I take down more than our fair share of Grimm!"
"Thornmane?" Alex asked.
"Yes, that's my boss. A former Huntsman from Atlas. Thornmane's network of guardians like myself reaches far across Solitas. But my post is right here in Essen Town! And I must say, Thornmane himself can really fight off Grimm too! Like no one I've ever seen! Between the both of us, we've got those Grimm running scared on the regular!" Russet explained.
"Sounds like you two make a great team together," Keaton said.
"Well, to be honest, I've been off my game ever since... the incident," Russet said.
"What happened?" Missionary asked.
"I set one foot in Essen Cave, and a Sabyr took a bite off my backside! The place is crawling with Grimm!" Russet answered.
"Maybe we should take a look," Cassandra said.
"Russet, could you tell us where this cave is?" Bulldog asked.
"Well, I don't recommend you go there, but if you insist... it's just west of here," Russet answered.
"Got it," Keaton replied.
"Beware, the powerful Grimm in that cave chomped clean through my favorite armor! Why, what's a guardian without his rear armor," Russet said.
"Uh... rear armor?" Cassandra asked.
"Yeah. Made only of the finest essential ore, mind you! If you find some, could you please bring it back to me?" Russet asked.
"Sure thing there, Russet," Keaton answered.
"Thank you. And be careful," Russet said.
The Americans turned around to leave until they heard a distressful voice nearby. They turned their heads to see a woman.
"I've looked everywhere I can... it must really be gone. Oh dear, I can't believe I've lost it," a woman said.
The woman has cyan eyes, magenta hair, and a scar going across from the right side of her cheek to underneath her left eye. She's wearing a wolf fur parka that consists of a gray fur cape, a red hood with gray wolf ears sticking out, a red fur tunic that reaches down below her knees beneath it, and a pair of red snow pants. She also wore a necklace consisting of a wolf's tooth, three large feathers, and two other charms. Along with the rest of her attire are a pair of brown gloves, a pair of matching snow boots, a purple scarf with tan strips under their parka, a small fishnet on her left hip, and two leather straps and a belt with a pouch on her right hip.
The seven Americans then decide to approach the woman.
"Is there something wrong, ma'am?" Ice Pick asked.
"It's my precious book. I must have dropped it in the shuffle of escaping those Grimm," the woman answered.
"What happened? What do you mean, escape?" Cassandra asked.
"I came here when my home was overrun by Grimm. Barely escaped with my life. I was able to use a pickaxe I found to fend myself. There's a settlement west of here called Crossed. That's where I'm from, but... now it just remains," the woman answered.
"What's your name?" Ice Pick asked.
"My name is Cerise Claire," the woman known as Cerise answered.
"Maybe we could find your book for you," Ice Pick said.
"Really?! You'd really do that for me?!" Cerise asked.
"We promise we'll try to find it," Alex said.
"Thank you. I'd lost all hope of ever finding my book at this point, and I couldn't possibly go back," Cerise said.
The Americans turned around and walked away through the village.
"So we got some stuff to do here," Bulldog said.
"Will have to split up. Will cover more ground this way," Keaton said.
"But we'll have to call for back up. Especially for the ruins of Crossed," Missionary said.
"Right. Barker, Rogers and I will go to Essen Cave to get some ore for Russet. The rest of you will go to Crossed," Keaton said. "We'll begin our tasks tomorrow. Rest here and wait until our backup arrives."
"Then let's go set up camp then," Alex said.
The marines and soldiers went out to find a good place outside of Essen to set up camp.
February 19, 2020
The next day, three Blackhawk helicopters were flying towards Essen Town where Keaton, Alex, Cassandra, Bulldog, Missionary, Ice Pick, and Steel were waiting down below. One of the helicopters soon lands and eight American soldiers board off of it. The soldiers approach Keaton, Alex, Cassandra, Bulldog, Missionary, Ice Pick, and Steel.
"We came as soon as you called, Captain," one of the soldiers said.
"Good. You men are with me, Rogers, and Barker two clear out some Grimm inside a cave that's near this village. Bulldog, Missionary, Ice Pick, and Steel will go with the others to the ruins of Crossed," Keaton instructed.
"Yes, sir," Bulldog replied.
"Let's move out!" Keaton ordered.
Keaton, Alex, Cassandra started to make their way to Essen cave with the other soldiers following them behind, while Bulldog, Ice Pick, Missionary, and Steel went out to the helicopter and got on and made their way to Crossed.
Essen Cave
After several minutes of walking, Keaton, Alex, and Cassandra, along with the eight soldiers with them all made it to Essen Cave. They all looked at the cave's entrance for a moment before the marine captain turned around to face the others.
"Turn your lights on. Stay close, and trace our steps so we don't get lost inside. There are Grimm inside, so stay on constant alert. But also watch your fire, there is some naturally occuring combustion Dust inside," Keaton instructed.
Everyone took a moment to turn their lights on placed on their guns and uniforms. They soon entered inside the cave as soon as they were ready. They were wandering inside the cave, looking around searching for Grimm. The stopped as soon as they heard the sound of growling. They all turned to see a Sabyr Slowly approaching them.
"Do you think that's the Sabyr that attacked Russet?" Cassandra asked.
"Probably. Either way, it's gonna die today," Alex said.
Just as the Grimm lunges at the marines and soldiers, the Americans all shoot at the Grimm, killing it. As the Grimm's body dissipates, they all hear a woman's voice call out.
"Hello? Who's out there?"
They all turn to the sound of the voice and see a woman who was wearing a blue parka, a pair of blue snow pants, a dark blue belt with a strap going over her right shoulder, dark blue snow boots, and a pair of blue earrings. Her brown hair was tied into a bun with two braids on the side of her head, and has magenta eyes. She was also carrying a trident in her hand.
"Who are you? And what are you doing in this cave?" Keaton asked.
"Zure Ayu. And I am excavating!" the woman known as Zure answered. "This quarry is said to have a naturally occurring Combustion Dust, and I'm gonna find it. Or at least I was until I had just found out I lost my pickaxe."
"Pickaxe?" Keaton wondered before remembering that Cerise had a pickaxe that she had found then pulled out her radio.
Crossed, Atlas
Meanwhile after an hour of travel, Bulldog, Ice, Pick, Steel, Missionary, and their escort were all finally arriving at the remains of Crossed. They all saw destroyed and ruined homes that were similar to the ones in Essen. Within the village ruins, they saw Grimm wandering around the area.
"We're gonna rain hell on these Grimm down there! They won't know what hit 'em!" Ice Pick said.
"Let the fun begin, boys," Bulldog said.
Steel and Missionary readied the mounted machine guns on the helicopter. They began to open fire at the Grimm down below, as well as the other soldiers on the other two helicopters. The Grimm down below in the ruins were being mowed down in droves from the hail storm of bullets being fired from the helicopters. After a minute of shooting. Most of the Grimm down in the ruins of Crossed were killed as the helicopters descended down to make their landing.
When the Blackhawk helicopters landed, the soldiers quickly boarded off as the remaining Grimm, consisting of Beowolves, Ursas, and Sabyrs started to charge towards them. The soldiers began to open fire at the Grimm, killing any that came close. An Ursa ran up to Bulldog and was about to swipe its paw at him. Suddenly, its paw was blown off by Steel as he was firing off his shotgun at it. He fires shot after shot until the Ursa fell backwards dead.
Everyone looked around to see that there were no more Grimm in sight. Bulldog pats the private in the back as he then turns to the other soldiers.
"Spread out! Search and scout the area!" Bulldog answered.
The soldiers all spread out in different directions, searching and surveying the area. Ice Pick was looking through the remains of a home and soon spotted something on the snow covered floor. He picks it up from the floor and brushes the snow away and finds a book with a purple leather cover. He opens the book and looks into it.
Bulldog and Missionary were walking side by side looking around at what remains of the settlement around them.
"To think that this place used to be thriving until the Grimm came and ravaged the settlement," Missionary said.
"Maybe when we make sure the Grimm are out of the area, maybe this place can be rebuilt," Bulldog said.
"Bulldog, this is Captain Gordon. Do you read me over?" Keaton spoke through the radio.
Bulldog pulled out his radio and answered.
"This is Bulldog. I read you," he answered.
"Have you found Cerise's book?" Keaton asked.
"Not yet," Bulldog answered "Why?"
"We found a woman missing a pickaxe. We believe it to be the one that Cerise had found. Find the book and when you give it to her, ask her for the pickaxe," Keaton instructed.
"Understood," Bulldog replied.
"Salutations!" a new voice greeted.
Bulldog and Missionary turned their heads to see Penny in her Volume 7 attire.
"Aren't you supposed to be Penny Polendina?" Missionary asked.
"Yes I am!" Penny answered.
"What are you doing?" Bulldog asked.
"I am on official protector duty!" Penny answered.
"Um... sure. But I think he meant why are you out here?" Missionary asked.
"I do not know," Penny answered.
"Ummmm..." Both Bulldog and Missionary were both unsure on how to respond to Penny's answer until she spoke again.
"However, this is a mystery! I found a gate! I can detect an unusual magnetic field, but I cannot identify the origin. I also cannot open the gate."
"Gate?" Bulldog asked.
"Yes. I had located it inside a cave just not far from this location," Penny answered.
"What would a gate be doing inside a cave near a ravaged settlement?" Missionary asked.
"I do not know," Penny answered.
"Any idea on what's on the other side?" Bulldog asked.
"I do not know," Penny answered again.
"Bulldog!" Ice Pick called to him.
Bulldog turned around to see Ice Pick running towards him with the book in his hands.
"I found Cerise's book," Ice Pick said.
Bulldog takes the book out of his hand and looks at it for a moment before looking up at his teammate again.
"So what's so special about it?" Missionary asked.
"It's a handwritten record of Cerise's ancestors who fought in the Great War," Ice Pick answered. "I had also taken pictures of each of the pages to take back for study."
Bulldog then turns around to face Penny.
"Hey, Penny. Can you do us a favor? Can you go over to Essen and take this book and give this back to a woman by the name of Cerise Claire? Then tell her that Captain Gordon said that he has found the owner of the pickaxe she's carrying and that she wants it back?" he asked.
"I shall gladly give this back to her and relay the message!" Penny answered.
She takes the book out from Bulldog's hand, and then takes a few steps back before taking off and flying away to Essen. Steel then approached Bulldog and Missionary as they turned their attention to him.
"Steel, there's a cave near the settlement and Penny said she has found some sort of gate inside. Get some men with you and investigate," Bulldog ordered.
"On it," Steel replied as he then turned around and walked away to carry out his orders.
Essen Cave
Back inside Essen Cave, it had been several minutes since Keaton had contacted Bulldog about Zure's missing pickaxe and they want Cerise's book given back so they can get the pickaxe for Zure. The soldiers were spread out inside the cave to kill any Grimm they come across. Keaton, Cassandra, and Alex were waiting outside of the cave. They see a speck flying in the distance, who they soon recognized as Penny and landed in the middle of Essen.
"Looks like Penny is here," Alex said.
"Then we better get back to the village," Keaton said.
The three marines all ran straight to the village taking only a few minutes to get there. They soon made their way into the village square and saw Penny had just handed the book to Cerise who looked incredibly happy to have her book back. Cerise turned around to face the marines who had just arrived.
"This girl told me what your men did to get my book back! Thank you all!" Cerise said.
"You're welcome, ma'am," Cassandra said.
"Without this book, my tribe's stories would have been lost to the ages. To think the very Grimm that led us into the dark times of those stories nearly separated this book from me!" Cerise said as she then pulled out the pickaxe. "By the way, I was told that this pickaxe belonged to somebody and you found its owner. Go ahead and give this back. I certainly won't be needing it since it's safer here in Essen Town, where there's a guarding on duty."
Cerise then hands Alex the pickaxe.
"Thank you, ma'am," Keaton said.
As Keaton, Alex, and Cassandra turned around and walked away, they saw Zure running up to them. She then noticed the pickaxe in Alex's hands.
"You found my pickaxe!" Zure said.
"Here you go," Alex said as he presented the pickaxe to Zure who then took it out of his hands.
"Thanks for the hook up! I really didn't wanna resort to dulling my fishing spear. Anyhow, you guys rock! Totally made my day," Zure said. "You know, before I lost my pickaxe, I was excavating the mine, and I found some ore. I don't need it, but you can have it. Might come in handy."
Zure pulls out a pouch filled with ore and presents it to the marines. Keaton takes the pouch from Zure.
"Thanks," Keaton said.
"Of course! Come and say hi to me on the unlikely chance you ever find yourselves on the outskirts of Dormir," Zure said.
"Sure thing," Cassandra said.
'The marines walked away and noticed Russet up ahead. They approached the town's guardian and turned around to face them.
"Ah! You're back! Did you find any essential ore?" Russet asked.
"Yeah, we got some. We also cleared out that cave of Grimm while we were at it as well," Keaton answered.
"Excellent!" Russet exclaimed.
"So... you good?" Alex asked.
"Well, to be honest, I'm not much for smithing. Do you know anyone that might be able to turn those ore into armor?" Russet asked.
"Actually, we might know someone," Cassandra answered.
"Excellent! I even have a blue print!" Russet said as he pulled out a blue sheet of paper and handed it over to Keaton. "Stupendous! I'll be here waiting. I wear a size XXL, by the way."
"XXL. Got it," Keaton said.
The three marines walked up to Penny.
"Salutations, Captain!" Penny greeted.
"Hey, Penny. Can you do us a favor?" Keaton asked.
"Sure. What do you need?" Penny asked.
"Take these to your father and tell him to make a size XXL armor from this ore," Keaton said as he pulled out the blueprint and the bag of ore.
"I shall gladly fulfill this task!" Penny said as she took the ore and blueprint.
Penny takes a few steps back and takes off, and starts to fly all the way to Mantle.
"I'm getting tired," Alex said.
"Yeah, let's call it a day," Keaton said.
Keaton, Alex, and Cassandra started to make their way to their camp outside the settlement.
Author's Note: I may be sick on this most wonderful time of the year, but that hasn't stopped me from releasing this chapter. Merry Christmas!