Shade's New Blood – Chapter #11
Alone, Trya approached the wide-open garage in her goal to sneak inside the large compound before her. She was a little surprised at the lack of guards and seeing that it was left unwatched, but she had a gnawing feeling within her that something was bound to go wrong since she was there; something always went wrong. Her light-blue eyes were filled with dread with her legs being frozen with terror as she stared into the gaping maw that was the entrance. Like staring into the eyes of a monster, it was as if the interior itself was looking back at her. The insides weren't dark, yet she feared that the shadows, no matter how unnoticeable, how faint, and how harmless they looked, were just waiting to jump out at her. The Faunus grabbed her trembling fist, pulling it close to her chest in an effort to calm herself down with middling success. She took the first step forward, gulping down her fears before forcing herself to take another, then another.
Inside this makeshift garage were rows of metal shelves placed out of the way of the entrance she just came through and lined up in neat rows close and parallel to one of the side walls. Scattered about were unopened crates and containers, all marked with different labels and in various stages of being prepped for transportation. However, there wasn't a vehicle to take them. In fact, this place and everything in it looked like it was just abandoned there, evident with old tools dropped on the floor, rags soaking in water, and other former signs of life. As she looked around, she was puzzled about the garage's size, it was much too small for any garage she'd expect for a warehouse of its size; only enough space to house maybe a single pair of cars. Trya could only guess that this was more of a secondary garage or a repair bay, a place that wouldn't get in the way of the main vehicle storage wherever that may have been, assuming it wasn't converted for another use too. Regardless, the Faunus continued her exploration, browsing the many boxes of tools and supplies as if it were a common goods store—albeit one with more criminal elements.
Trya was too afraid to leave the visual safety of the exit, instead wandering aimlessly through the rows of crates and shelves and willfully ignoring the main set of double-doors that would lead her deeper into the facility. She distracted herself by investigating the shelves' contents, finding them wildly disorganized with trinkets, old tools, rags, and whatever else their owners threw upon them. Rusted and dirty, they appeared to have been in service for years at the minimum, information that could be useful later… maybe… hopefully… or maybe not.
Trya sighed to herself, slightly berating herself for wasting more time, but every time she looked at that set of double-doors, she recoiled as if it had shocked her. Once again, she diverted her own attention, taking a false interest in the wooden crates that were set aside and waiting patiently for workers to come back and complete their jobs, whatever they might have been. It was a feigned interest until she took a look inside them. There she found things that a 'simple repair shop' shouldn't have, but they were goods she had almost zero clue about. From vials of strange liquid and small opaque bags, to the typical store of alcohol and cigars. She didn't even want to touch them.
Close to Trya was another kind of crate, one designed differently than the cheaply produced wooden ones. It sat away from the others, but stood out with its darkened metal exterior and a white snowflake—barely discernable with many scratches having chipped away the paint—branded on its side. Curiosity got the better of her. She approached the container with an innocent interest, and was no stranger to seeing the logo at high-end shops. Plenty of products were branded with such a label, but here? In a complex owned by a criminal gang? It wasn't too hard to assume how they got it, but she couldn't help but want to open it. Perhaps it contained a link to the origin of the weapons her team was after. It didn't hurt to look, did it?
Soon, Trya fell to her knees before the mysterious container which held contents unknown. Like a wrapped gift, she couldn't help but want to learn what was inside and tried to lift the latched lid. It was heavier than expected, but the rewards within sparkled like the stars above the kingdom she called home. Inside was an orderly set of crystalline Dust, two rows of a dozen each, and sorted by their color into a rainbow. Each crystal was neatly and evenly spaced out and cushioned by black packing foam with their deep hues and gem-like shine having done their work to allure and tempt the Faunus closer. However, she grabbed her own hand which had reached out to touch them, talking herself down for even thinking about taking them—even if they were from criminals. Yet, that didn't stop her from trying again seconds later, where she gave in and grabbed two of the Dust crystals, inspecting them with her newly calmed, relaxed eyes.
One was a light-blue and cool to the touch in her hand, emanating the thinnest of ice-fogs around itself. It was relief, one that sent a satisfying chill down throughout her body as she temporarily forgot about the heat-dominated air around her. The other was yellow with tiny, electrical bolts dancing around underneath its hardened exterior, excitedly waiting to get out. It buzzed its new wielder with its gentle, steady hum, as if subtly showing off to the Faunus the power it held within itself. It… It hurt to look at its beautiful color, staring into its yellow form was but reminder of something she had thought forgotten long ago. But, before she could picture it, she was yanked back from that memory by the sound of a pair of metal doors being forcefully slammed open with her ears perking up at an angry voice swearing after them.
"Such an idiot! An idiot!" The voice loudly complained, "I told him, didn't I? I told him that there was no way a Huntress that obvious wasn't acting alone! But does he listen? No!" It was a voice Trya had thought long gone and forgotten. Yet after all this time, it still sent a shiver down her spine. "Pfft, if I was in charge, we'd have subjugated those Crown fools and those vermin Vultures already!" It continued.
"It's 'Valiant Vultures', Ebby." Corrected the voice of another girl whom Trya recognized. Ebby… That was a name Trya hadn't heard in few years, one she had hoped to never hear again. The Faunus scrambled away in panic, searching for anywhere where she could hide.
"You think I care about their name? It'll be erased, mark my words! I mean, come on, new contact, new resources, and a whole new armory of fancy weapons, yet here we are just sitting on them doing nothing to dominate this damn city."
"That's a lot more dangerous than a simple skirmish."
"What? You don't think I can handle myself in a fight?"
Trya heard the second girl sigh, "I do, and that's the problem. Let's not make too many enemies while life is going well, alright? We can't just run back home like when we were kids."
"Ugh, don't remind me of that place." Ebby replied in disgust, "I'm glad to have left that place and never looked back."
Hiding behind a small pile of crates, Trya huddled herself into a ball, knees close to her chest while the animalistic ears on her head flattened. All she wished was for them to go away and leave her alone, but it would seem that the world had cursed her very existence with the worst luck imaginable. It was hard to steady her breath but she managed, but that didn't stop her body from trembling in terror. If only Maron had accompanied her, then maybe—
"Huh? Well, look at this, I was right again!" Shouted the voice of Ebby who sounded prideful in her find, "Someone's taken an interest in our Dust, and…" She stopped mid-sentence.
Fearing that her hiding place may have been compromised, Trya got on the ground and crawled along the sand-covered floor with nothing but the shelves to hide behind. Keeping low to the ground was the only idea she had for now, at least until she found a suitable place to stand while simultaneously remaining hidden. Her goal right now was to escape, to leave without a trace and pray that she wasn't spotted nor caught. That was what she feared most right now.
Suddenly came a loud clang. Metal clashed against metal in a rhythmic melody of terrifying bangs. Trya dropped to the ground, tucking her knees close to her chest again, but this time with her hands shielding her sensitive ears from the noise, but it did nothing to protect her from the resurfacing nightmares. Each bang brought a memory to the front of her mind, always with terrifying images of three darkened silhouettes, each with sinister smiles spouting degrading remarks, venomous words, and other abuses.
Like a pack of predators, the sound of footsteps and metal clanging surrounded Trya no matter how tightly she squeezed her eyes shut or how desperately she tried to drown out the noise. Then it stopped. The Faunus sat herself up, confused but still shivering with adrenaline. That's when she heard two sniffs next to her ear.
"…and she's still here." Came a whisper that instilled in Trya a new feeling of dread. Panic had finally won over, taking control of Trya and forcing her to spring into action. She fled, her greatest fear having come true, but she didn't get far, not with a strong grip snatching her by the throat. Trya looked up at a strong, towering Faunus girl with a set of bear-like ears on top of her head. "I knew I smelled something familiar." She half grinned, baring her teeth while forcefully shoving the smaller girl back with her large hand still clutching Trya's neck. "Finally kicked out of the nest?" Ebby taunted as Trya clung to her arm out of fear.
Two more Faunus circled her. Of the pair, one had a pair of horns on the side of her head, the other showed small hints of rough-looking scales along her skin, leading up to a reptilian tail that swayed side-to-side as its owner drew closer. Trya was thrown to the ground, barely able to recover and crawl back with her back pressed against the wall as the three shadows engulfed her. "So, there was a rat stealing from us." Snickered the Taur-like Faunus.
"Eh, we can take in a stray." Ebby replied, "She can work it off. Seems only fair after trying to steal from us, isn't that right, Trya." Ebby said in a playful yet sinister tone as she leaned toward the petrified girl.
With only one chance to escape, Trya threw her shoulder into the bear-Faunus, hoping to buy herself an opening just large enough for her to squeeze by. Her attack may have been pitiful against Ebby's immense strength, but it was enough. Without missing a step, the smaller Faunus had slipped through the opening she made and tried to run, but a quick hand caught her by the collar of her jacket, threatening to yank her back to the center of their torment.
So, she abandoned it.
Falling into a sprint, Trya had barely escaped the greedy hands of the trio behind her, weaving through the packed shelves to keep her distance from them. That was until one was toppled over, crushing her underneath its weight with the horned Faunus she knew as Mayz standing on top of it.
"Banan's not gonna' like us breaking stuff." Said the somewhat low, yet gentle voice of the reptilian-Faunus from the side.
"Relax, Reena. Worst comes to worst, we have 'repayment' for him." Ebby replied with a chuckle as she looked down on the pinned girl.
A spark went off in Trya's mind: Do or die. Her body came up with an impressive amount of strength, and acted on its own accord. She pushed up from the ground, catching the others by surprise by throwing off the weight on her back. Unfortunately, as quick as her strength came, it vanished just as quickly. However, she still had the quick thought to get her feet moving again. She ran as fast as she could, just like she always did back then. Her goal lied before her, a shining bright with light from the sun and the heat she never thought she'd so desperately miss.
Something wrapped itself around her ankle.
Trya fell hard, faceplanting against the rough concrete beneath her with the pain stinging for a solid second or two. She then crawled, anything to get outside again. She reached out toward the outside, hoping—no, begging—for anyone to notice her; to come and save her.
Just like always…
"Can't let you run off this time, Trya. Thieves don't get off so easily when they're caught in this line of work." Ebby said, casually stepping Trya's outstretched hand, grinding her heel into it as an extra step before continuing forward. The smug Faunus unhooked the chain from its anchor, letting the garage door freely fall. But at last, someone had glanced Trya's as if granting her one wish. She stared into their eyes with a pained look, silently pleading for them to help her. They could rescue her, or perhaps grab the attention of others, or, if she was lucky, maybe a Huntsman or Huntress was passing by who could help!
But they looked away without a second thought.
Trya could do nothing but watch as the last light of the outside world was extinguished by the shutters slamming shut before her watery eyes. Her body was dull, heavy, and unresponsive to her will as weak as it was. Yet… Yet. Yet, she had to get up! There was no other option, so, she forced her barely responsive limbs to move, but each muscle was an entire battle of its own. Her legs trembled, barely usable by Trya, but it was enough to keep her standing. It was enough. It had to be. She was surrounded, alone, and afraid, but her arm still instinctively reached for her whip. She was not defenseless, that is, until she found it missing.
It was gone, her holster empty.
"So, a 'Huntress'? You?" Ebby questioned before a hearty laugh, being tossed Trya's cherished weapon before inspecting it herself, "Shade must really be scraping the bottom of the barrel to accept someone as pathetic as you, Trya." She ridiculed.
Ebby was right, why did she even try to join Shade in the first place? She should have failed initiation. She did fail initiation. She had no right to be there, not like the others who worked tirelessly to improve. Trya pulled her arms close together, sinking a little low as the insults came.
"Wow, I'd ask if that hit too close to home, but I know you don't live there anymore. They kicked ya' out." Ebby mocked as Trya's heart sank a little lower, "No worries, like I said, we can take in a stray." She snickered.
Anger swelled up inside her. Why was she always such a disgrace? Why couldn't she just do one thing in her useless life! She bawled her fist as the others commented with snide remarks, clenching her teeth as disappointment in herself grew greater and greater. Without thinking she threw a strong punch, at the tall Faunus in front of her, but it was nothing compared to her tormentor's strength who caught the blow. Her mind cleared and for a second she felt a stinging gaze burn into her. Not from around her, no, but from above. A quick glance above and past an upset Ebby was a pair of blank, crimson eyes staring back at her from through a vent, but a single blink and it vanished. She didn't even get to utter a word when she remembered where she was.
"Really? All that Huntress training and this is what you have to show for it?" Ebby questioned, staring deeply into Trya's renewed, terrified eyes with a look of both disappointment and anger. "I knew I shouldn't have expected any better." She began, "Now, I just feel sorry for whichever team has to carry you around. Must be hard dragging down others, but you're good at that, Trya." She finished before backhanding Trya with the hilt of her own weapon, sending her crashing to the ground.
Trya struggled to push herself up from the floor and started to wonder if it was even worth going back to Shade after all of this was over. Someone like her wasn't worth their time to begin with, she knew that. She got to her hands and knees, unable to muster the strength nor will to stand anymore. Why had she enrolled in the first place? She wasn't a fighter, nor a researcher, nor a historian, nor a teacher, she wasn't anything that the school could deem useful. She was nothing. It was… It was the only place she could go. Even so, why continue to study there if it would amount to nothing? Why go through all that pain and hardship, all that trouble, just to disappoint others? Even now, she couldn't even fend for herself, so what would happen when she finally had to fight Grimm while on mission? So why did she not just turn around and leave instead of wasting everyone's time? "Why…" She thought aloud to herself.
"'Why'?" Ebby echoed, stomping her boot on Trya's back and forcing her back to the ground, "Because Vacuo has no place for cowards like you. But don't you worry, I'll make sure at least your team is relieved of their burden."
That's… all she had been, hadn't she? Just a liability they were responsible for. Constantly having to be saved from danger by the others. She'd apologize to them right now if she could, if they were here. No doubt they looked after her purely out of pity and obligation anyways.
"Should've left for Menagerie, the traitors there would have welcomed a weakling like you." Ebby said while leaning her weight in Trya's back, "But I'm sure the others here would 'love' to meet you." She finished, with a mischievous smile and tug on Trya's hair.
She didn't seem to bother registering the pain, nor did she seem to have the will to fight on. But… But maybe that was for the best. It wouldn't matter if she fought to her last breath, the result would be the same, so why bother trying at all? Piece-by piece, she let herself drown out the world starting with the sadistic laughter from above her. No more laughter, no more pain, not even a tear. Trya simply closer her eyes and let herself be consumed by the inevitable…
She blinked her eyes open once, then twice; her vision still blurry but her senses slowly came back to her. How long had it been? Minutes? Hours? Where had she been taken? Why was it so quiet? Trya fully opened her eyes to find herself still face down on the concrete in that makeshift repair shop. Just as she opened her eyes, they fell upon a pair of shin-high combat boots which stepped into her blurred vision. Their owner squatted down just as Trya slowly sat herself up and the two came face-to-face with Trya's gloomy, light-blue gaze finding a warm pair of olive-colored eyes looking back at her with a comforting aura.
Trya was… confused. Before her was a young, human woman, the back of her dark-grey—almost black—hair was tied up in a simple ponytail, leaving plenty of free hair to hang around her sandy-brown face. She was dressed in full black attire, including a mask pulled over her mouth and nose. It wasn't an outfit she had seen around the city, nor was it the mismatched rags or casual clothing of the thugs she'd seen around the compound thus far. Thus begged the question of, 'who was she'?
The olive-eyed woman held in her hands a pair of ornate kamas, both of which she swore she could see the faintest tint of red around their sharpened edges and points. That detail left her mind though as when the woman returned them to their leather holsters on her thighs, she reached behind her and promptly presented a chain-like whip which rested in her hand. Trya's most treasured belonging. The Faunus looked at it with a mix of emotions pouring out from within her. Pain, sorrow, joy, relief, her salvation and savior was right in front of her and she couldn't be more thankful. She took the weapon without hesitation, holding it close to her chest as if having been reunited after years of separation—even if it hadn't even been a day.
A gloved hand reached out, igniting another surge of panic and terror from Trya who recoiled in preparation of some punishment or hit, but what she got instead was a gentle pet on the head with the woman's fingers giving a gentle scritch behind her wolf-like ears. Once she was done, the woman stood up and turned, starting to walk deeper into the place Trya was too afraid to venture into. Before she could get far though, Trya stuttered out words of thanks, "U-Um, t-thank you!" Trya cried out, "Who… Who are you?" She then asked. The woman stopped, turning around just enough to look back to the girl. Trya saw a small, sweet smile underneath that mask accompanied by a wink, but the woman didn't say a word. Instead, she put a finger to her lips in a 'hush' gesture before point it toward another part of the garage. Trya followed its direction, her teary eyes falling upon the sleeping form of Maron, who was sat against a pie of crates with her staff standing as a vigilant guard over her. "Maron!" Trya yelled out, stumbling over herself in her rush to get to her.
Dropping to her knees, Trya gently shook Maron. She called her name each time, pleading for her to wake up before looking over her shoulder to the woman who had rescued her. However, the mysterious stranger was gone without a trace. Fortunately, Maron started to stir with a groggy groan, immediately rubbing her neck as she slowly opened her eyes. "Ugh…" She let out, "Tr… Trya?" Maron fought to keep her eyes open and fix them upon the Faunus. The shock at seeing her reddened eyes, ragged hair and clothes, and a missing jacket was enough to fully wake her up, "What happened?" She asked after seeing the sorry state of the girl before her.
Without uttering an answer, Trya sat back and wrapped her arms around her knees before burying her face behind them as if ashamed. They did this didn't they? "Can… Can we just go home?" Finally came the girl's weak voice.
Welling up with fury, Maron slowly pulled herself up to her feet, "Not yet." She stated. These criminals would pay. They would get what they deserve, she'd make sure of it herself. If not just for Trya, then certainly for the long list of other possible victims of their crimes. Besides, the others were expecting them to regroup anyways. She had to follow the plan unless something changed like… like… She sniffed the air, recognizing the very faint but easily distinct smell of smoke. Hmm, Flaye must have done a number on this place to set it ablaze, but to Maron, it was nothing of value to begin with. She crouched down in front of Trya, putting a hand on the other girl's knee, "Come on, the others are still waiting for us."
"You… can go on ahead. I'll just slow—" She tried to start, but Maron cut her off.
"We can rest once our job is done here." Maron began, "Right now, the others are expecting us." She said and then switched subjects, "You wouldn't happen to have any Dust on you, would you? Water or ice, I mean."
Trya looked up and rubbed her one eye, "The-There's a crate over there. W-What for?" She asked as Maron grabbed her wrist pulled the her to her feet. "Maron?" Trya's called the girl's name, but Maron hurried over and inspected the impressive haul before her.
"Best be prepared." She finally answered her companion before she grabbed a blue-colored Dust—aaand a handful of others. Wouldn't want to let it all go to waste now, would she? And, it was a free restock on Dust for her arrows, though she'd still have to get around to crafting them, but that was for later.
"M-Maron, I don't think we should be stealing these…" Trya said to the other girl in a worried tone.
"Don't think of it as 'stealing', it's from criminals anyways so think of it as… 'disarming' them!" She chuckled to herself, pulling one of the crystals up to her eyes to inspect the sparkling gem before pocketing it with the rest. She couldn't take too much, obviously, but she'd certainly wouldn't have to worry about dust supplies, at least for now. "All we need is a liiittle water." Maron said, scraping it against the ground with just enough strength to shave off a few pieces without destroying the rest of the crystal in the process. Yet, even those small flecks of dust were enough to create a decently sized puddle. She looked around and quickly grabbed two of the cleaner rags before soaking them. Then, once that was done, she tossed one to Trya who failed to catch it and the wet cloth slapped her in the face. "Tie that around your nose," Maron instructed as she did the same, "Air's gonna' get hot inside."
"I-Inside? W-We're going in?" Trya questioned after taking the cloth in both hands and doing as she was told, but was now frightened once again.
"Breach in, regroup, hunt down their leader. That's still the plan. One we will finish." Maron reminded Trya. For once, she started to get a little excited at seeing action, especially since it came to enacting her own sort of justice. Hmph, was this how Toma felt? "Come on!" Maron grabbed Trya's hand. The Faunus was pulled along and before she knew it, she passed the pair of doors she had feared not too long ago.
- - o - -
The pair of girls headed deeper into the poorly maintained compound. As predicted, the air grew hotter with a subtle drop in its quality, but it wasn't the worst it could be. Still, distinctive white-grey puffs of smoke floated to the ceiling on its way to find an upward escape, but without many places to leave from, it started to seep lower and into the halls and other rooms. That aside, the torn-up halls appeared to have seen signs of battle with many scars, holes, bullet casings, and splotches of red decorating the dull and dirty walls and floors. Stranger still was the lack of any people to point to as victims of the aftermath. It was like they and the perpetrators had just vanished. There was the possibility that those involved that suffered wounds had simply escaped to other parts of this place for treatment, but Maron was no optimist, and the lack of 'results' didn't sit right with her even if they'd just be gang members.
Maron grabbed her Scroll to notify the others of the strange occurrence, as well as to update them of her own recent discovery of those robotic soldiers. Alas, 'No Signal'. "Urgh," Let out, giving her device a light—but frustrated—squeeze. She turned to Trya who was still right behind her, "Can you check your scroll to see if it works? I need message the others."
She and Trya stopped as the latter drew her Scroll, but one look at it and Maron got a disappointing answer, "N-No… No signal… Sorry." Trya replied.
Maron didn't like the sound of that answer, and not just for the obvious. To have technology fail her was one thing, but a blanket communications blackout was unheard of—especially when it was just around this specific building—as far as she knew. In fact, the only time she's experienced it herself was during Shade's initiation, but back then, it was— "…Intentional." Maron thought aloud her quick assumption, "Trya!" Maron called to the Faunus.
"Y-Yes!" The girl answered in a yelp, startled by Maron's sudden exclaimation.
"Stick close and watch our surroundings, I have a bad feeling about this place. Worse so than what we're expecting." Maron instructed before going on to inform her of the Atlesian Knights she had encountered. There was no telling how many of them were operational and were stalking around, and, if they were anything like the others she previously fought, they weren't to be underestimated even if they were mere machines. Now that they came up, a sense of sense of déjà vu took hold. She took them all down, right? That's why she was here. Wait, no… No, that wasn't right. She was beaten, she could remember that much but nothing came up that could fill in the blanks between then and when Trya woke her. Either way, she should just be thankful Trya was there at all.
Regardless, she and Trya moved on and delved deeper into the compound while the clock was ticking. A double race between catching their target before they could escape, and the toxic air quality which dropped by the second. Something Maron was not keen to be a part of for long. On top of that, another headache cropped up as the interior was nothing compared to the blueprint they had studied, meaning they'd have to clear the rooms and halls one by one and hope to stumble across something important.
Soon enough, the pair approached from the right side of a 'T'-shaped intersection. It was there that Maron could pick out quick footsteps from among the crackling of the structure. She pushed Trya and herself against the wall as she slowly crept toward the corner and waited for whoever was headed their way. Maron laid in wait, hand clenched into a fist with anticipation of her ambush, once she heard the footsteps get close enough, she leaped out from behind cover. However, in a twist of luck, Maron found that it was Shae clutching a small case to her chest, yet, neither could get out of the way in time, resulting in a painful collision as both crashed to the ground. "Shae?" Maron said in a confused manner.
Shae didn't reply save for a small grunt of pain. Her panicked eyes were quick to scan the floor until they fell upon the small case that had escaped her grasp. Once she picked it up again, she finally answered to Maron, "Oh, it's you…" Shae began while catching her breath, a hint of disappointment in her tone until she saw Trya, "And Trya! What's with the rags? Can you two get a signal—nah, forget it. We need to leave!" She said one word after the other without pause.
"Hold it, hold it. We're still not done here!" Maron declined, "And what's with the case?" She raised a brow and pointed to said object.
"Important information, shipments, suppliers, finances, targets, you name it!"
"Shouldn't we take a look?"
"We don't have time for it, Maron!" Shae exclaimed, looking over her shoulder down the newly darkened hall behind her, "Trya, lead us out of here." She turned and commanded the other girl.
"U-Um—" Trya began before Maron cut in.
A little ticked off at the dark-haired girl, Maron stood by her decision, if a bit out of spite, "No! We're sticking to the original plan and regrouping with Toma and Flaye." She firmly stated.
"Oh, so now you want to be a 'team player'?" Shae snapped back, stepping toward the other girl as she tucked the case under her arm and gave Maron an inquisitive finger.
"What happened to 'doing your job', Shae?" Maron retaliated, "Or is that excuse just for when it's convenient?" She crossed her arms while glaring at Shae.
Before anymore sparks could go off though, Trya had interrupted them, "U-Um, Maron? Shae?" She called out in a timid voice, pointing at the other end of the hall. The others shifted their sights in that direction, momentarily forgetting their little quarrel. At the end of the hall the group had not travel down was a small, vulpine figure, black as a void with bone-like plating on its two front paws. It stopped mid walk, staring back at the trio with its blank, crimson gaze after being pointed out by Trya, but seconds later it casually turned its head and padded away as if disinterested in them, disappearing behind another corner.
A Vulzera… Without talking to the others about it, Maron had already started following after it, feeling its strange pull toward depths unknown. There should be dozens of the damn things, yet time and time again, it had always just been the one, its mystique interested Maron as equally as minor annoyance grew within her. Namely toward a certain teammate. Forget about Shae, she'd get this mission done without her if necessary.
"Maron, where're you going!" Shae had shouted to her.
"Stick with me or don't. I don't care which." Maron replied. Trya was first to follow after Maron after a second of hesitation, uttering an earnest apology to Shae as she passed her. Shae, on the other hand, stomped her foot and cursed the air before reluctantly staying with the duo, concluding that staying together would be safer than going alone.
The newly regrouped team of three followed after the Grimm, but with every turn, the figure of the creatures seemed to disappear quicker and quicker until Maron had finally lost track of it. However, upon the last corner she turned, Maron and her companions found themselves witnesses to a young, black-haired girl wearing a nice but simple dress, a start contrast compared to the members of the criminals who owned this place. She didn't look much older than them either, but she was being escorting her was another woman, one with a familiar black outfit and a striking pair of olive-colored eyes.
"Maron, she's dressed like—" Shae started.
"I know." Maron cut her off. She could remember that Faunus she and Shae had encountered, dressed the same save minor details. That wasn't to mention her first experience with these masked individuals, but she couldn't for the life of her figure out what their purpose was. Thievery? Murder? Now kidnapping? There didn't seem to be any consistency among the crimes. Still, the olive-eyed woman stood as a shield against the students with her arm stretched out protectively in front of the girl she was guarding.
"Trya," Shae called, looking over her shoulder before shoving her case into Trya's chest, "Take this, and run. Don't stop for anything until you get outside."
"But—"
"Do you understand?" Shae said over Trya, refusing to let the other girl question her. If this new woman was anything like the Faunus she fought, it would be too dangerous for Trya to stay and to lose such a valuable wealth of information that she had been hunted for. Like this, even if she and Maron were to fail to rescue the girl, they'd at least still have a way to step in the right direction and find her again. But Shae wasn't going to let that happen in the first place.
"Y-Yes!" The Faunus cowered behind the case before promptly running off in the opposite direction. On the other side of Maron and Shae, the tall woman narrowed her eyes, appearing upset after hearing Shae command Trya. She drew her kamas, prompting the remaining two students to do the same with their respective weapons.
Her partner also seemed ready to fight, which slightly amused Shae who then scoffed at Maron, "You know, I'm surprised you'd bother wanting to rescuing her." She smirked.
"Like you said, information is important, and she might have a lot of answers. Especially if she needs an escort." Maron replied. Truth be told, she did want rescue her from the clutches of these masked assassins—or whatever they were—but pride had been the primary culprit. She could do better than plenty of those arrogant fools at Shade—and she wasn't referring to her combat skills—but she'd just have to prove it. That, and she had a gut feeling that told her neither of these women were truly aligned with the gang that called this place their home. Thus, she wanted answers of her own.
"Hah!" Shae let out, "And here I thought you had a change of heart."
"Shut up, Shae."
Without a plan of action, Maron decided to throw caution to the wind and jump forward for a first strike, lunging and jabbing at the olive-eyed woman's head and torso with her staff, but each of her attacks were deflected. With the halls being quite narrow, Maron couldn't properly swing her staff without risk of hitting the wall and leaving herself vulnerable, but she did pull it close, using the momentum of her latest deflected strike to spin around and go for a side-kick. However, her foe was quicker to match her with a forward kick of her own, their feet colliding and pushing off each other. Unfortunately, Maron was the one who was thrown off balance and was shoved away, toppling to the ground. She could only open up her eyes just in time to see a piercing, olive gaze staring down at her with two sharpened kamas beginning their dive on her.
Before the woman could strike Maron though, Shae stepped in with her shortsword at the ready, successfully blocking the two deadly weapons before throwing them off and creating an opening. She started lashing at the woman, slicing across her stomach and chest in two quick strikes. She went for a third, aiming at the woman's neck, but she missed as the woman flipped back to land on her hands, evading its edge. Simultaneously, as she threw the rest of herself over, the woman struck Shae's chin with an upward kick with enough power to crash Shae against the low ceiling. Too dazed to defend herself, a second kick came forward, thrusting into Shae's chest and sending her tumbling against the ground past a recovered and charging Maron.
After seeing what happened to her companion, Maron dropped to her knees, dodging an incoming swing of two kamas and drawing two arrows in the process. She was quick to let them loose, watching them hit the woman in front of her. Initiative now went to her, and Maron was going to make the most of it. She started striking the woman several times with light swings—the best she could do given the tight quarters—and though it wasn't much it was enough to do damage. Maron's last strike came from overhead, her staff barely clearing the ceiling even after shifting her grip around. Her staff smashed against the woman's raised kama, but it didn't block her attack from striking the woman's shoulder.
The woman faltered, her face wincing in pain but still without a word. Maron wanted to press on, but another kama swung from the side to strike at her neck. Forced to drop her staff else be forced to endure the hit. Maron had barely managed to back away as the kama's point stabbed into the wall beside her, stumbling back as the woman got up, but from the corner of her eyes she spotted Shae dashing forward to slip past them both. Unfortunately, the woman's free hand had abandoned its weapon and snapped out to grab Shae. With a shocking amount of strength and a powerful throw, Shae was pulled away from her sprint and was forcefully thrown into Maron, forcing the two girls to the ground after their collision.
"Ugh…" Shae groaned, "Welp—That didn't work." She commented, rubbing the back of her neck. "Any better ideas, Maron?" She asked with a wince of pain as she picked herself up. Ahead of the duo, the woman rolled her shoulder and retrieved the weapon buried in the wall. While Shae and Maron both started to feel worked up, the woman in front of them merely took a single deep breath before readying herself again. It was as if she was unfazed by the quick combat and as fresh as new.
Shae could feel her Aura weaken by the second. She cursed its fragility and herself, knowing that, should she fail here, that captive girl will be taken. That woman between them was tough, but Shae had to rescue that girl. If she could do that much, then maybe, just maybe it would be enough to keep her chasing after 'such a foolish dream'. Oh, how those bitter words hurt to repeat, yet in spite of them, she refused to go home just yet. Maron's voice brought Shae back to the task at hand, "You good enough to slip by?" She had asked her.
"I think so." Shae answered, "I think I've got just enough for one last play." She finished.
"Good, I'll get you an opening." Maron told her.
Was Maron acting all heroic and sacrificial? That was certainly something different from what she would have expected, but she didn't have the energy nor was it the time for any remarks. Shae nodded, giving Maron the go-ahead as she did her best to catch her breath. Unfortunately, the air was growing hotter as well as the smoke, making each breath difficult but Shae still tried. She was ready for another dash, prepared to expend whatever energy she had left to succeed, but then, a small thud followed by a grunt from behind caught her attention.
It was Trya, thrown to the ground and bound by her own whip while a familiar mint-eyed Faunus stood with one foot atop her. "Trya…" Shae whispered fearfully as she recalled her and Maron's previous encounter. She had sent her out alone, didn't she? All without warning of a threat chasing after her. She made the mistake of believing she was free from her pursuer, but not once had she thought that it would be that same Faunus with the snow-leopard tail.
"Hurry it up, Shae!" Maron exclaimed, too focused on defending herself to even risk glancing Shae's way.
Looking between the two, Shae struggled to make her choice. Whichever she made; it wouldn't matter much. Someone would be lost. To save that girl from the clutches of her kidnappers, or to go back for Trya and the case of intel. Which was the right choice? Who would she have to abandon to save the other? Those questions tore at her core. Meanwhile, the masked Faunus dangled the case Shae had barely escaped with at the ends of her fingers, taunting her with a smug look in her eyes and a slight tilt of her head knowing what she was doing. Whatever arguments were to be had within herself needed to be answered soon. But, after a quick tap on her shoulder, there came a much different answer, one that silenced her internal turmoil via the end of an electrified mace…
Maron was pushing herself to the limits of her skills. Even without her staff, she was able to keep up with her opponent, but she was at the limit of what she could do. A couple of jabs, a few blocks and dodges, even a kick or two, it all meant nothing. Once she had gained distance, she snatched up her staff once more and prepared to strike with it. Maron glanced over her shoulder, angry that Shae had yet to even start her part of the plan, but that's when her eyes fell upon her companion who was facedown and defeated with new arrivals on the scene. Evidently, her original foe had also realized this as she started approaching Maron with a menacing presence in each step.
Stepping back, Maron eyed each of the three masked women who now surrounded her. Trya was captured, Shae was down, and now she was all alone… She needed to make her next move carefully. These masked foes were already looking to take that girl away to who knows where. What for? She didn't know, but she felt confident in doubting that they'd bother sticking around for Trya, Shae, or herself. But was she willing to take that gamble? Truthfully, they might be expecting her to go after the others, which very well would play into their hands. She might not have another chance at rescuing the other girl anyways. So, she took that gamble.
Maron dashed away from her teammates and charged toward the masked woman with the two kamas. She had managed to catch the woman by surprise as hoped, smashing her staff into her side and shoving aside and against the wall as she dashed past her. Closer. Closer! She was almost in arms-reach of the girl being taken away. However, what Maron saw wasn't relief or hope at being saved. No, what she saw in those silver eyes was a spark of alarm; of fear.
Before Maron could grab the girl—who recoiled as Maron got close—she was grabbed from behind and thrown back to the center of the trio. However, she was quick to get back up and fight. Although the masked Faunus stood back and watched, Maron still had to contend with the two-on-one against a pair of kamas and a mace. She once again pushed forward, jabbing the olive-eyed woman in the stomach before striking her with the back of her staff. She swapped the grips of her hands, giving her polearm a small twirl to disorientate and drive back her opponents before swiping at the olive-eyed woman's legs to trip her, but the woman had escaped its path and stomped on Maron's staff. Despite this, Maron was undeterred as now would be when her nights spent training would start to show.
Abruptly tugging on her staff, Maron had forced the woman—if just briefly—off balance while the back of her staff had thrusted at the head of the approaching foe from behind, forcing her to call off her assault. With two hands on her staff once more, she swung it right back around and grazed the woman in front of her, but she didn't stop there. Her swing continued with the twist of her hips before being forcefully stopped in its tracks by a mace blocking its path. Once again Maron twisted around, bringing her staff for an overhead strike that put the newest of the enemies on the defensive, but that was where Maron's luck had reached its end. It was blocked and in return for her attempt, Maron received a boot to the stomach.
Behind her came a kick to the back, and then she was once again grabbed by the mace-wielder and shoved against the wall. Maron was brought down to all fours, but a rough hand held her by the jaw and lifted her up off her hands. She showed defiance till the end, even as her strength left her, even as her breaths grew ragged, even as she was forced to stare into the smug-looking set of lime-green eyes. A gentle finger traced Maron's chin. A mace raising high toward the ceiling lined with smoke. And before it could come down, a figure crashed into the girl in front of her. The case Shae had so desperately wanted to keep safe had tumbled past her and against the smoothed concrete flooring before finally sliding to a halt. A dim shadow fell on Maron, and she could see the silhouette block the already dim lights, yet she saw that it was not the face of a stranger.
"So," Said the amused voice of Toma with a small smirk appearing on her lips, "When'd ya'll start fighting ninjas?" She jokingly asked, taking Maron's hand and pulling her up to her feet. "You know," She continued, "There's a book like—"
"Make one—" Maron wheezed as she caught her breath, "Stupid joke right now—and I'm leaving you here." She interrupted, looking a little less than amused given their situation.
Toma showed a small smile and chuckled, "Glad you're ok too." She turned to the trio of masked individuals, spotting the observing girl behind them, "So, what do we got?"
"We need that case. And rescue that girl if we can." Maron informed Toma with a quick debriefing.
"Trya!" Toma called to the girl behind her, now freed from her own chain, "Get Shae to her feet as quick as you can, would ya'?" She instructed without taking her eyes off the three masked individuals before them. "Can you still fight?" She then asked Maron
"Well enough—I think." Maron answered back, picking up her staff once more and readying herself into a guard just as Toma did the same.
The girl with the mace looked Toma up and down and then to her weapon before letting it roll off her fingers with a shrug. Their eyes met as she bawled her newly freed hands into fists just as her Faunus companion drew two daggers, leaving her rifle holstered on her back. The woman with the olive-eyes was about to ready herself again, but she was stopped by an outstretched hand of the newest arrival. A quick gesture and she withdrew behind the other two, putting away her weapons but still standing guard for the girl they intended to escort who now stood by with a much calmer look.
No one else made a move, each waiting for the other to throw the first blow all the while it kept getting hotter, the air started growing too thick with smoke for anything larger than short, simple breaths. Between the two parties, the first ember fell from the ceiling with all eyes resting upon on it. Like a feather, it aimlessly swayed in the air as it made its way downward and once it touched the ground, both sides made a dash at both each other and for the case.
A sharp pair of daggers clashed against Maron's staff, sliding against the metal body of the polearm and aiming for its owner's hands. Maron threw off the Faunus, but she was fast to retaliate and put pressure on Maron's already weakened defenses. Trying to counter, Maron swept her leg down at her opponent's own, but the agile frame of the Faunus made stopping her next to impossible in Maron's current state. With every swing came an easy duck, jump, or elegant flip to evade it. With every jab of her staff, there was daggers grinding against its body, guiding the Faunus close, going so far that her face came only inches away from Maron's own. She was toying with her. With her back turned, the Faunus started to mimic Maron's core movements—save when she needed to dodge. Her hips and shoulders shadowing Maron's own like it was little more than a dance routine to her. That was, until she got tired of the farce, ramming her right elbow back and into Maron stomach before dropping to one knee, grabbing Maron's wrist and shoulder, then throwing other girl over her shoulder and onto the ground.
Toma wasn't faring much better with her opponent's speed outmaneuvering Toma. Though her blocks were effective, each time she missed her guard or left herself exposed meant a counter slipped past her. Using only two of her knuckles on each hand, the lime-eyed girl placed sharp, tiny jabs across Toma's flanks and openings. Toma could tell they were purposefully light in their strength, but that didn't stop them from inflicting damage. With their speed, they were often too quick for Toma to react and protect herself even with her own semblance.
Maron rolled to her stomach and pulled her arm out from the Faunus's grasp. Out of the corner of her eye she spotted the all-important little case that had yet to be touched. So, she scrambled for it and snatched it up from the ground. However, her foe wasn't far behind and just as Maron got up, she was taken down by a well-placed roundhouse to her side. She was sent crashing against the wall before the Faunus picked up the fallen case herself. However, Toma had disengaged from her fight after seeing it, jumping over to wrestle the case out of the girl's hands and driving her shoulder into the Faunus and into the same wall Maron crashed into. Dust and crumbs of structure rained from above. Once in possession of the case, she tossed it over toward Trya just before a fist slammed into her cheek.
The student Faunus looked away from a dazed Shae and snatched up the case once more. She tried to help Shae up so they could escape, but a red-tipped throwing knife had sailed from across the room, its edge glancing across her cheek and gliding past her. The blade stabbed the ground behind her and from it came a deafening boom with a ball of fire incinerating the way the students came. Flames crawled up the walls and across the floor as smoke choked the air with its intoxicating clouds. The Shade team and even the two masked combatants were flung to the ground from the explosion with the case escaping Trya's hands and once again tumbling against the ground. It slid past the four brawlers whom were too stunned from the sudden explosion to do anything about it. However, the case came to a halt when another boot stepping on it; the boot of a fourth member of this masked gang.
Maron looked up to see the new woman on the scene, she recognized that calm look and dull blue-green eyes. The woman bent down and picked up the case, looking at its insides before giving a couple of nods to it. She turned her attention to Maron with a look of pity once again just like the first time they'd met, but it was an expression that was short-lived as she whistled for her companions to join her. The masked foes regrouped around their hostage who appeared more relieved than alarmed now. They weren't going to get away so easily though, not while Maron still had strength left in her.
Her racing heart was pumped full of adrenaline that pushed her to survive and escape while she could, but through the burning air that choked her, through the light-headedness, through the soreness and pain in her body, she instead pushed up off of the ground for one last attempt to claim a victory, channeling whatever energy she had left into this last gambit she had. She charged the hostile group, something their leader was quick to take note of. With a flick of the woman's wrist, a throwing knife had hit the ceiling above. Crackling, shouting, then came the crumbling rock and debris. Maron tripped and didn't have time to react. Looking upward she could see it all start coming down on top of her. There was nothing she could do to escape it.
From behind came a single swipe of a blade and the chunks of concrete and metal were cut in half, falling to either side of Maron relatively harmlessly save for what would now be a couple new bruises. Above Maron stood a fiery-eyed Huntress covered in ash, dust, and with a cloth around her mouth and nose like herself. Ahead of Flaye was the leader, whom she locked eyes with, but with the building starting to come down, both women knew any move now would be pointless and do more harm than good. So, the masked gang left behind a cloud of smoke as Flaye just watched. Maron looked up and opened her mouth to speak, but the angry-looking Huntress forcefully grabbed her and pulled her to her feet, "Get up!We're leaving!" She exclaimed, sheathing her weapon before hurrying over to carry Shae in her arms despite the protests from the girl. "Keep your heads low, stay close to me, and do not stop!" She ordered.
Through the flames and collapsing supports, the group sought the safety of the outside. Their lead smashed through walls which had been weakened by the fires, they forced themselves over burning debris that blocked their path, and all while the smoke-filled air wrapped its invisible tendrils tighter around their necks, making every breath sting. However, it wasn't long before the group had pushed out an exit and escaped the burning building.
Team Amethyst, desperate to take in the fresher air they now found themselves in, were thrown into fits of coughing and relieved gasps. Each member of the team, plus Flaye, were covered in sprinkles of soot and ash, leftovers from the burning wreckage behind them which by now was being contained by Vacuo's emergency personnel. On-lookers viewed the flames with worry and concern, though there were a few faces in the passing crowd that showed a hint of satisfaction, knowing those who owned the place didn't exactly have a bright reputation. For the young Shade team though, there wasn't much of a celebration to be had.
"Well, that could've gone worse." Toma stated a bit nonchalantly as she faced the burning ruins with hands on hips. Despite her casual tone though, it failed to lighten the mood for any of the others, especially her own team.
Shae was let down by Flaye—who was quick to pull out her Scroll instead—and the girl dropped to her hands and knees at the sight of the burning compound. It couldn't have been over, not yet! There had to be something she could still do other than sit here! Shae's curled her fingers against the sand-covered, flagstone path, feeling the weight of such a bitter defeat. There had to be more, right? They couldn't just leave empty handed. "Do we… Do we have the case at least?" She asked the others.
"They got that too." Maron answered, sounding more like she had been mildly annoyed at the results than truly disheartened, "Fortunately for you, I've at least got something to go off of. They aren't—er—weren't working alone from what I've gathered, and the resources they've got aren't from around here, I can tell you that much."
"Oh, do you now?" Shae questioned, doubting Maron had anything other than the desire to make herself look better. "We could have at least gotten more intel if we brought that case outside first..." Shae replied, sitting back on her legs so that her hands could clutch the fabric of her skirt. She wanted to speak more but choked on her own words.
"O-ho, don't try to pin this on me, Shae, nobody forced you to tag along. And, as a matter of fact, I do!" She returned, drawing her own scroll to show off the photos she took of the various vials, plants, and hardware she found. Sure, it may not have been much, nor did she know how useful or not it could be, but it was something at least. However, she found… nothing. Every photo she took of them was missing, erased and vanished without a trace. That… That couldn't be right.
"It doesn't matter anymore." Flaye cut into the bickering, putting away her own Scroll as she fixed her posture to stand tall and appear more professional once more.
"B-But what about the target—Banan?" Toma stuttered, surprised by how dismissive Flaye was.
"Dead, I suspect those 'assassins' got to him first." She began, looking over to the team of four, "Now, it doesn't matter what we could have had held against the group."
"W-Well, you could have at least made backups, Shae." Maron suggested, crossing her arms and looking a little flustered now without anything to back herself up.
Shae rubbed one eye as she got up before immediately turning to walk away. "I'll remember that next time I'm getting shot at, Maron." She said as she passed her. She didn't even bother looking her in the eye, "I'm going home." And with that, Shae had walked away, leaving the others behind to be debriefed.
"S-Should we go after her?" A worried Trya questioned.
"You all can go home, there's nothing more for you to do anyways." Flaye answered.
"So that's in then? Those 'assassins' just kidnap someone and we're supposed to just 'go home'?" Toma questioned the woman with a frown.
Flaye put a hand on her hip and sighed, "Toma… Do really believe they wouldn't have changed their appearance by now? Even if we went after them right this second, we haven't the faintest clue of what they'd look like, especially whoever it was you say was taken."
"But still—"
"Do you have a photo then? A description? Do you even know what they look like or where to start?" Flaye shot off a rapid series of questions, putting Toma on the spot.
Maron spoke up for her, "I got a good look at her." She started, "Y-Yeah, they probably would have changed by now, sure, but the girl they took had black hair and silver eyes. She also wore—"
"'Silver eyes' you say?" Flaye interrupted, perking up at Maron's answer.
"Is… that an issue?"
"No… Not at all. It's just a rare trait." The woman replied, briefly thinking about something to herself before continuing, "But, it is one that would narrow down the list of people to look through."
"Alright, then we can help!" Toma cheered, reinvigorated now.
"Your enthusiasm is admirable, but none of you are in any shape to come along right now, and I believe you now have a different matter to settle. So, go rest and enjoy your school-life while you can. I'll look into this."
The three girls watched Flaye turn and leave to join her own team who they could just barely see in the distance among the crowd. Toma was the first to go after her, but she stopped when she realized Maron and Trya weren't joining her, "Come on, we're not just gonna' sit by, are we?" She asked them.
Trya put held her hands behind her back and sheepishly lowered her head, "S-Sorry…"
"She's right though. As it stands, I'm not in the best shape for another conflict that'll inevitably happen. And that's if we find them." Maron told her, "Believe me, I would if I thought I could manage."
"A-A-And we still have mid-terms at Shade!" Trya added, perking up as she reminded her friend, "W-We should probably work on that… I-I'm not doing so well at combat practice…"
Maron let out small sigh of exhaustion, rolling her shoulder as she turned to head home. Trya watched her then looked at Toma with another apologetic expression before turning to walk by Maron's side. Toma was disappointed and disheartened but didn't argue, she joined the pair as they walked back to the academy without another word.
A.N.: Thanks for waiting.
As always, enjoy!
~Firetoast312