"Watch your step. Don't do anything funny."
Edward grunted at the threat. He glanced around him where other Rhodes Island were being ushered at gunpoint. Thousand expressions warring on their faces, mostly anger and fear. Ela, the feline medic was especially spooked.
After disposing of Ms. Akafuyu, the bandits forced the pilot to land somewhere in the mountain range. Fortunately, they didn't do anything more than beat them up. However, it made him realize that the bandits hadn't come to reclaim their comrade.
Their target was the airship all along.
His eyes caught a glimpse of the leader of this band of scum as she walked passed by him. Raven Branwen, an ex-huntress. The dossier he read warned of her exceptional strength and skills. It also noted her semblance that allows the creation of portals. The way she confidently strode away ignited a fire inside his gut. Especially with what she was carrying away.
Behind Raven was a young woman with braided brown hair and a robbed version of the bandit's uniform. She was carrying the child that Akafuyu defeated in her hands.
Edward gritted his teeth as he was being shoved away from Raven's direction and to a cave. The cave was a shallow one, barely a hole in the cliff, but it was enough for a makeshift prison. Not that they could do anything with armed bandits standing a few meters away from them.
He prayed that help would come soon.
Weak.
She had expected the outworlders to be stronger than whatever weaklings on the airship. The intel she got spoke of abilities similar to or even surpassing semblance. Instead, what she got was thrashing animals with no ability to speak of. Powerless brute with little to note of…
"Ms. Raven, we should treat Vernal now if not her wound might get infected,"
Speaking of power…
Raven glanced over her shoulder, locking eyes with her recent recruit. Violet was a girl who threw herself into her little group because she couldn't handle a little beating from her family in Mistral. Then, by a stroke of luck, she unlocked her 'Semblance' and killed them in a rampage. Violet was then found and trained by Lionheart for a bit before running away. she later fled to the woods where Raven stumbled upon her.
Raven glanced at Vernal's unconscious form on Violet's arms and scoffed, "It wasn't a serious injury. Let it be. Might do good for her to remember the price of being reckless."
"But—!"
A glare was all it took. Even though she couldn't even see her eyes, Violet immediately clam shut at a slight movement from her. The girl squirmed and looked down. Raven scoffed at the cowardly display and turned forward.
One of the last magic of this world fell to the hand of a coward. What a joke.
Raven led the cowardly girl to the entrance of a cave, away from where the airship had landed. There, her current contractor was waiting for her.
"Good afternoon, Raven," greeted a deep voice, it belonged to a tall man with crown-like horns. He was taller than the average man in Remnant, almost 2 meters in height. Just like the last time she saw him, he was donned in priestly garb decorated with crucifixes. Though he didn't come alone, it seems.
"Whose the girl?" Raven asked, glancing at the young girl standing behind the man. She was around Vernal's age, younger by at least a year or two. She was dressed in a white gown with a rosary twisted on her left arm. She looked very out of place.
"Hm? Ah, this is my student, a young acolyte I helped during my journey. She's been with me for a few years now, but she insisted on coming with me today," the man put a hand on the girl's back. The girl just nodded mutely. Her wary gaze locked on Raven and her little entourage.
"I see," Raven nodded before turning to the man, Raven walked to the man and handed him the box she was carrying with her, "I got what you wanted."
"My thanks. And what of the crew?" the man took the box and gave it to his little helper.
"Unharmed, just like you asked," she grunted.
"That is good, that is good…" The man nodded contently as he gently stroked his beard, "Less bloodshed is quite good for the soul. We humans rely too much on violence these days when even words can get everything across. Alas, the heart is a fickle matter. If only people could understand each other's heart more easily, surely there would be less hardship in the world…"
"...I don't have time for your sermon, priest. Is there anything else you want?" Raven coldly said.
"Hmm, no. I think I've got everything I need. Come now, girl. let us return."
The man walked away followed by the girl. Then, a hole in space burned into existence. Raven scowled at the display. The girl walked in first while the priest turned to her one last time, "I would invite you to our little abode, but I see I took your time too much already. May we see each other again, Raven. May the Lord's light show you the path to redemption."
With that last preach from the shitty priest, the burning portal flickered out.
"Um, Ms. Raven. Who was that?" Violet gulped and asked. It seems it shocked her that the big bad of the Branwen tribe knew and was willing to work for a priest.
"...A wolf in sheep's clothing," she said simply and turned away.
Rhodes Island took around half an hour to locate the stolen aircraft. Thankfully, no operators were badly injured in the attack, even Akafuyu, who was flung across the seas. But that didn't mean Rhodes Island could rest easy, especially when...
"They stole what?!"
Operator Edward flinched at the sudden roar. "They stole the Originium fuel from the aircraft," he repeated. Edward saw the Doctor's silence as a sign to continue. "They got the engineering team at gunpoint and already wounded one of them to prove a point. The bastards even made us watch."
The venom in Edward's voice was thick. The Doctor turned to Kal'tsit, who stood beside him. "Kal, this is a catastrophic failure. Not only were we robbed, but they also took something that could potentially spell the calamity of this planet."
"Indeed, this is an unprecedented incident that we have to solve post haste," she frowned. "You say the bandits barely took anything else?"
"Yes, ma'am."
Kal'tsit went silent. She cupped her chin. "They also knew the route Saria's team took. The only ones who knew of said route were Mistrali's Huntsman Association and the councils."
The Doctor looked thoughtful. He then turned to her, "Do you think?"
She frowned. She was aware of what might cross the Doctor's mind, but, "It might be too hasty for us to draw that conclusion. We should tread carefully. For now, let's focus on retrieving the stolen Originium."
"...You're right," the Doctor shook his head. "God, what a mess. Edward, take the rest of the day off. Dismissed."
"Thank you, Doctor, madam Kal'tsit." Edward bowed lightly before exiting the control room.
"...Jessica!" The Doctor suddenly barked, earning a strangled 'Eep!' from said operator, "Have you gathered what I asked?"
"Y-yes, doctor!" The long-haired feline gave some documents and a map to the man, "Here's anything about the Branwen tribe that we could gather on short notice from the Huntsmen association and the refugees."
The Doctor began reading. It was more detailed than the first dossier they received from the association, "this is… quite detailed. Where did this information come from?"
"Ah, um, it's from Mrs. An Ren, sir. when she was still active as a huntress she came to blows with the clan a number of times."
"I see," the doctor suddenly adopted a thinking pose, "Kal." He said simply and she immediately understood.
"It is quite risky to bring an outsider to a mission like this." She warned.
"I know, but she's our only choice if we want to avoid further potential leaks."
"...very well, permission granted." She said with a sigh.
"Okay… I think I have an outline of a plan. Jessica, can you help me gather these people?" The Doctor said and handed her a note he had written.
"Right away, Doctor!" The feline spun around and began to use the speaker.
When An's name was called over the comm, she was a bit confused. Today had started slow, just like every other day. After fussing over Nora and Lie before they went to school, she had gone to her new job at the Rhodes Island cafeteria as a cook. It was then, during the preparation of a dish, that she was pulled aside and asked by an operator. It turned out an altercation had happened with the Branwen tribe. Hearing that name after all this time made her heart boil.
During her days as an active huntress, she often came to blows with that particular tribe, as they were the most active among all the tribes on the continent. Even more so now that their new leader was an ex-huntress from Beacon Academy. It angered her how easily they made their escapes with their leader's Semblance. So, she told them what she knew. Every bit of detail that she remembered from the days she spent hunting them down. The fact that she had suspicions that the Nuckleave attack was their doing only fueled her flame further.
She hadn't expected to be called to a meeting with Rhodes Island personnel, though.
As she stood in the room with an apron and hairnet, she felt somewhat out of place among others who looked ready for war. An Ren glanced to her sides as the Doctor began explaining their issue. On her left stood a lithe, gray-haired woman decked in armor, with tufts of feathers pointing up from her ears. Contrasting the woman, on her right stood a tall, muscular man with an eye patch covering his left eye. His armor seemed to fit his physique, mostly hidden under a tattered cloak, though she could see an armored left hand (or was it prosthetic?). The most striking feature of the man, other than his crimson hair, was the curved back horns and sharp ears.
Overall, if one didn't look too closely, they appeared much like every other human or faunus. Not much about them screamed aliens, really.
Moving her gaze forward, it seemed that the Doctor had finished explaining the crux of the issue, the reason for the attack. Apparently, the Bandits had stolen something from the airship that was supposed to take them to Argus and seemed to have left other things–including the crew. It was strange; usually, these bandits would take the crew away with them. The Branwen tribe committed every crime under the sun, and ransom was one of their favorite pastimes. So, it was downright weird that the tribe left the crew to the wilds.
Unless…
"–We have a suspicion that the Branwen tribe is acting in the interest of others," the Doctor said what's on her mind, "the problem is, this interested party had committed a grave mistake that possibly could ruin millions of lives."
Huh? What was so dangerous that the airship carried? A bomb?
The Doctor then turned to her, "Mrs. Ren, what will be said in this room must not spread, not until we're ready to divulge it ourselves."
An resisted the urge to gulp as she nodded solemnly. The Doctor reciprocated with a slow nod, then handed her a document. She opened it gingerly and began to read. The files contained information about an element called Originium. As she perused the contents, the doctor began to explain.
Originium was a crystalline substance that served as the primary power source in their home planet, Terra. It harbored an energy so potent that it could fuel something known as the Nomadic City, a sprawling metropolis on the move. Just the thought of it sparked vivid images in An's mind, envisioning its grandeur and vastness. However, despite its remarkable capabilities, Originium came with significant drawbacks. One of which was particularly dire.
"...you may have noticed some individuals with crystals on certain parts of their bodies," the Doctor interjected after a moment of silence. An nodded in acknowledgment. She had indeed noticed. It had always been a curiosity for her, a mystery she never dared to delve into, as inquiries often met with vague assurances that it posed no threat of spreading.
"Originium, in its inert state, is relatively harmless. However, when activated, it becomes incredibly dangerous," the Doctor explained gravely. "Careless handling can lead to it entering the bloodstream and... integrating with the flesh, gradually transforming nearby cells into Originium clusters." An's eyes widened in alarm as the Doctor continued, "For further details, refer to the document you're currently holding. Please familiarize yourself with it during your available downtime on the mission."
Ah, yes. That was the reason for her summons to this meeting.
An composed herself and offered a nod of understanding. "Understood, sir."
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In her room, An Ren finished reading the document she had been given. She now understood why everyone had been so tense during the briefing. This incident could potentially be catastrophic, in a literal sense too!
An sighed. Remnant already had its basket of issues; there was no need to add another one.
She spun her chair around, her eyes catching a glimpse of the barely furnished room before focusing on the view outside. Not much of her belongings had survived the Grimm attack, not that her family had much to begin with. Her husband was a practical man (sometimes in a literal sense), so most of the house's decorations had a use or two.
An stood up from her seat and went to the cupboard near the window. She took a deep breath. It would be the first time in years that she took up the sword once more. She was both anxious and excited. With a resolute nod, An opened the doors.
Light flooded the cupboard's interior; the item within glinted as if sharing the same excitement as hers. An gingerly reached for the item and took it.
In the radiant glow of the light, the great dao gleamed in shades of green as majestic as jade. Silver streaks adorned the shifting mechanism, harmonizing with the weapon's primary hue. Its name was the Verdant Dragon, wielded by one of Mistral's most renowned huntresses, known as the Jade Beauty.
An paused, taking a breath before gracefully twirling her trusted weapon. It morphed seamlessly, encircling her form like a dragon coiling around its lair. The familiar embrace enveloped her, radiating warmth and reassurance.
"It's been so long, old friend," she murmured, tracing the weapon with her finger. Memories of her exploits flashed through her mind, igniting her determination even further.
An Ren completed her preparations just as the radio she had been given blared to life. She answered the call and secured the radio to her hip. After double-checking her gear, she exited her room.
"Mom?"
Ah, it seems that her children had finished their classes. She smiled at her children, "Lie, Nora, how's school?"
"Ah, school's fine. Mom, where are you going?" Lie asked. Ah, he must've noticed Jade Dragon already. Always the sharp eyes.
"Mom's going to go out for a while. It seems that Rhodes Island people have a problem that needs a huntress's touch."
"...do you have to?" Lie said after a pause. His face, An could see despite his attempt to look strong. The cracks, the fear. She understood. She was the only parent he had now. She knew that he was afraid that she won't come home, that today would be the last day he saw her.
An kneeled before her son and daughter and wrapped them in a tight hug. "I know. I know you're afraid, Lie. You don't have to put on a brave front for me. A son can cry in front of their mother, you know?" she whispered. Then, as if broken by a spell, Lie silently choked. She could feel his strong fingers clawing on her back, refusing to let go. She heard his silent cry, felt the drop of his tears. She tightened her hug around her children.
"I will come home, I promise. I won't be alone, the people of Rhodes Island will assist me on this mission," she let go and gazed upon Lie's tear-stricken face. She wiped them with her dress, "they're strong, I'm sure they'll have my back."
"I… I…" Lie wiped his tears. Holding back his tears of fear and sadness, he asked, "You promise?"
An smiled a proud, gentle smile. She raised a hand, "Yeah, pinkie promise,"
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An Ren watched from her position on the airship, waving at the dots behind a certain window in the landship. Once the airship was a considerable distance away, she turned forward. Her eyes scanned the seats around her, or to be precise the people sitting around her.
"Alright, everyone will be divided into teams of 6. Mrs. Ren, you will be with team A, lead by Elite Operator Sharp" the doctor's voice echoed in her mind, "your teammates will be…"
While her team leader went to talk to the pilot, An looked at her other teammates that were present in the room; Three women and a man.
The man was decked in Rhodes Island personnel armor: a flak jacket and the company's uniform. He had an air of mystery around his figure, not helped by the fact that he wore a full mask. Next to his feet was a compact bow. The only distinguishable element on his person, aside from his slick silver hair, was a pair of horns on his head. Stormeye was his name if she remembered right.
Next to the man sat a woman who seemed to be another archer. Under her cloak, she wore a white and dark gray combat dress with belts strapped around her torso and satchels on her hips. She flashed An a smile when they made eye contact. Her long brown hair was crowned by a pair of small equine ears. This was Meteor.
Across from the man and woman sat the other two women. One, a violet-haired woman with goggles rested on her head. She wore what looked like a black surgical mask, donning casual clothing; a black fur jacket over a black t-shirt and a pair of black leggings. If not for the sniper rifle and the bombs(?) hanging on her hips, she looked like just another tourist from Vale. Beside her was a young woman with long golden hair and a pair of fox ears. She wore a simple gray and black combat dress under her black jacket. From her badge and the satchel on her hip, anyone could tell that she was a medic. The pair were Andreana and Breeze.
An steeled her nerves. Seeing how prepared the people around her were reminded her that this was her first mission after years of hiatus. The nervousness brought back memories of her early days when she was just a fresh graduate of Haven Academy. However, amid the cloud of anxiety, excitement also coursed through her. She couldn't wait to strike back at the Branwen tribe, to make them pay for their crimes.
She would ensure that Raven Branwen faced justice and that she had nowhere left to run. A flame of righteousness blazed in her heart, reflected in her pink eyes.
For every life they destroyed.
For Kuroyuri.
For her dear Li.
Operator Jade Profile #1
Profile: An Ren, an ex-huntress who earn the moniker Jade Beauty during the peak of her career. Survivor of the Kuroyuri incident, she was saved and treated by Rhodes Island before then applying as an Operator after the Branwen tribe altercation. She now serves as both an active operator and cook for Rhodes Island cafeteria.
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Basic File:
Code Name: Jade
Gender: Female
Combat Experience: 18 Years
Place of Birth: Vale
Date of Birth: 12 May
Race: Sapiens
Height: 157 cm
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Infection Status:
Medical tests have confirmed that no infection is present.
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Physical Exam:
Physical Strength: Excellent
Mobility: Standard
Physical Resilience: Standard
Tactical Acumen: Qualified
Combat Skill: Excelent
Originum Arts Assimilation: None.
(A/N: decided to divide Remnant human races into Homo Sapiens and Homo Faunus. still not sure if I capture Raven's...whatever correctly. Hopefully, you guys enjoyed this chapter. Have a good day.)
