In the prvious chapter we saw ruby figuring out that qrow might actually be her father. Along with that lets return to vacuo now to see what some old miltary commander started his belongs to Rooster Teeth and Monty Oum. I own the OC's, AU. Hope you enjoy
Chapter 34:Old War Dogs Tale
It was a rather long walk to ge there where they needed to go right now as it took them more well over an hour to get where they were going. But after maybe a half hour they reached the academy as they were walking down the long halls as the students were already heading to their next classes for the day.
It just reminded jaki of his time back at beacon missing those days when he was just becoming a huntsman at that time. Along with spending time with his older brother along with his fireflower calida. Their was also his other teammates kali who he also hoped is doing well. Mainly dealing with her eldest and yougnest lose of limb by the same man.
Though as they walked through the halls toward the elevator they were curious why they were being called upon.
"Aren't you curious why the headmaster of the academy would request you exactly?"jaki questined coldly.
"No idea my friend. My guess is something to do with some huntsman work to clear some grimm or those cultist in the area."fenix answered which made him wonder how bad these cultist where despite being here that long. He seens a few in the capital just preaching about joining their sect but he chalked them up to be mental patients. Since some of them had craved symbols into their skin.
"Perhaps but maybe it has to do with the current situation in vale maybe"jaki suggested
Fenix tapped his chin as his ears slightly twitched"perhaps but lets just see what he wants then we can come up with a plan"he replied
They got to the elevator as they took it up to the top of the academy as they soon got to theodores office. But they were met by decker along with theodore and xanthe. Their was also carmine with beritalak by her side as the two seemed rather annoyed. As they were in a deep disucssion right now.
"We've been telling you we needed to deal with these cultist years ago. We need to round up as many huntsman and hutnresses as we can right now!"bertilak demanded slamming his hands on the desk cracking it slightly.
"Celadona calm down please look i understand your concerns this is troubling right now. But.."theodore was stopped as he slammed his hands again on the desk cracking it more
"No you don't! Look i got sick and tired of protecting the rich merchants in the capital while letting those who lives out in the dunes suffer"he shotued in rage as carmine put a arm up to dwell her partner anger.
"Calm down, we aren't getting anywhere by just sitting here chewing each other out right now"carmine stated
Before xanthe looked up at jaki and fenix approaching them"ah and… a surprise to see you with him"she said getting their attention as they turned toward them. As jaki was surprised by some familiar faces along with a couple news ones he hasn't seen.
"Ah their you are fen, it seems you also brought a friend. Pleasure to see you again jaki how long has it been?"theodore asked walking from behind his desk shaking his hand.
"I can't really recall but a long time. I take it you called us here because their is a problem with these cultist?"jaki asked getting sitraight to the point.
Decker nodded at this"for starters i was here to ask for help on another matter. But we got bigger problems right now take a look on the table"he said gesuting to the table.
That being a piece of paper but it looked like a map hand drawn from the looks of it. It showed a small black dot labeled corquina and back to the upper left of it was labeled the capital. Then another black dot that was far in the lower right was labeled gossan and next to it had a drawing of a small drawing of a small tower with an "x" right on it
"Hmm what exactly is all this?"he asked confused.
Fenix then got a good look at it as he chuckled slightly"that right their theo would seem to be your property from the looks of it. Why bring this up carmine?"he asked
Carmine sighed crossing her arms under her bust presenting it slightly"for starters early i was trying to take a bath. But then suddenly the water to my shower went off. "She explained
"Then several other people reported the wells being dried up and we checked the pipes. All of the central piping is in working order but we didn't know what happened to it"bertilak added
Theodore placed a hand on his head"along with that i even got a recent report from early that is linked to this"he added
What exactly was this report?"jaki questioned
"That with our huntsman busy trying to defend the city from any more grimm knights that may appear. But right now with the increase in the unseen eyes activity as well"theodore continued
"Our water well has been dried up right now which alluded us for since most of our water mainly comes from the weeping weels for the water supply but without fresh water we can't grow all of the plants that we have or provide proper nurishemtn for the people here"theodore replied
"Yes and with the current water system most people relay on the water lines that come from the ocean"carmine added
"But isn't most of the water from the ocean salt water. That woudln't be good for the people here"jaki said
"Actually we had a solution for that. We had a filter that drains into a large container then that container removes the salt from the ocean water is gathered and that water is then moved to another container before traveling through the pipers underground that connects to the wells here i the complicated but it works"xanthe explained
Jaki only blinked for a moment intrigued hearing that"a rather unique system couldn't agree more that does sound useful. Must have alot to build it i take"jaki said
"Yep but it works. But we don't know why the water has stop coming through the wells"decker added wanting some answer of his own as bertilak growled.
I got one those dam cultist, our scouts have reported some walking around the dunes lately carrying equipment for something it seems"bertilak mentioned
"Hmm that might be the case but we've sent a small team of huntsman and huntrsses out their to discover the problem early but none of them reported in. even a few of my students and a couple beacon students. They had yet to return"theodire replied
"We sent them out a small team this morning asking for volunteers as some did volunteer to discover it. But we can't really go right now"xanthe added
"Mainly because i have duties here as headmaster of the academy with my hands tied right now"theodore added
That was when decker got an idea"what if some of go and check it out? See what the problem is?"decker suggested
Thoedore was a little thrown off by the idea trying to give it much thought"are you sure? You never know would could be up their if you do?"he questioned
"We can handle out ourselves."fenix said confidently crossing his arms with a smug look.
"And if we find out the problem say that the despardos helped give the people their water back. Might help with my problem i got right now"decker added because that what his catch was to it.
Theodore sighed at that rubbing his eyes seeing how confident the man was with his abilities he heard stories about all of them nodding.
"Very well then. Just be careful don't push yourself though you will need this maybe"theodore said walking to the shelf containing several artifacts.
As he opened it he retrieved a black box with a simpel string to hang off of. In center of it a emerald gemstone surruoudned by gold trimming.
Placing in front of jaki he picked up the object notiicng it can be opened and so when he opened it which revealed an eight star pointer with the directions of north, south, east and west on them with the letter N highlight in red.
"A…compass?"fenix quesiotned rather confused
"No its known as a traveler compass an artifact from the olden days. I have a feeling you might need this"theodore said as jaki pocketed the compass into his possession.
"Oh i recalled that thing. Doesn't it point you in the direction if you ask for where you need to go?"carmine asked
"Indeed it does but its a simple tool that can guide those who lost their way. It sort of like a map but it rather trickery i don't know the full extent of its abilities. It may come in use for your little mission."thedore said before sitting back down.
"But i'll send a couple of my naitve students with you to assist you. I suggest you head off tomorrow"theodore said as they were leaving the office with xanthe joning them. They had a mission in mind but as they reached the elevator xanthe decided to strike up some conversation real quick.
"Oh fen dear how is your wife doing this time of day? Busy i take it is she up to anything i might want to catch up with her"xanthe asked
"Nothing much tomorroww she plans to meet with noira to see her new bundle of joy she had recently. After that probably head back home"fenix replied which made the women smile slightly.
"Wonder to hear i may visit, tell her congrualting on her new child. If you may excuse me i'll be off to take a break now since its getting rather late today"xanthe said a sthey reached the bottom floor of the academy as they were making their separate ways for today when they need to depart for tomorrow. But fenix, jaki, carmine, bertilak and decker grouped up real quick to get a game plan for tomorrow.
"So when are we leaving for tomorrow for the water pump exactly?"fenix questioned
"I won't be with you, i'll be running things back at the proeprty to make sure the miltia is sent where they need to be. Sorry red"beatrilak said that he wasn't joning them,
"Thats alright buddy but hey you'll have the rattlesnake of the sands joining you"carmine replied
"Interesting nickname you have i take it you know the lay of the land pretty well?"jaki asked as she nodded.
"Native to this place for most of my life right now. But lets talk tomorrow and meet up to discuss a plan with each other. Get some supplies from valencia auto shop their we could maybe get some gear. "Carmine suggested
"Why not a vehicle pretty sure their something their that can be used for the terrain here"jaki replieed but that was shot down again.
"No dice mountains terrain is pretty rough along with the large amount of grimm in the area. We need to avoided them much as possible to see what were dealing with alright. Lets meet up tommorrow at that shop"decker replied as carmine and beartalik left them as the three men walked out of the academy but the merc eyed the lion for a moment.
"You still on for tonight game we might have to do it earlier now"he asked
"Oh i'm all for it this time you'll be begging for me to stop winning against you all. Be prepared to loose all your lien"fenix goated as the smoker laughed before eyeing the weaponsmith.
"You wanna join us for tonight? It'll be interesting if we have a cleebritity join us tonight."decker offered to him
The frozen man thought about that for a moment its been a long time since he played poker everysince his brother passing. They played it together for fun at times with a few of their old friends in mistral they knew. It sounded nice to get his mind off things.
"I might as well, maybe i can even learn more about my host name around here. Everyone seems to know him including you"jaki replied as decker nodded taking a puff of his cigar before blowing out a plum of smoke.
"Deal it'll be at nine see you then"decker said walking away from the two as they walked back to fenix home for the night. Unknown to them watching them right now was xanthe who had a pick smile on her face as she traveld elsewhere out of the capital to meet someone it seems.
After about maybe three hours right now as the night sky right now was turning an orange haze as the sun was setting in the distant sandy landscape. Right now in the neaman housheold bastet with some of jaki help since he was a decent cook actually his brother taught him a thing or two on how to cook.
Their dinner mainly cosnited of some fruits that bastet got from the market early slicing them up making a small plater of oranges and apples perfectly sliced for easy consumption. While they had had smoked fish for tonight along with some soup for tonight for their meal. Along with a bowl of twice baked mash potatoes.
Bastet and jaki set the table as fenix was playing with his daughter and lexi. As he was basically letting the two double team him as he was the ground begging to be released from the two right now. As lavi had her arms wrapped around his neck as lexi sat on top of him.
Lavi giggled"ha ha daddy got beat again"she said in a sweet voice.
"Daddy is alot more tougher that him, but i cant beat him along with big brother"lexi added sweetly.
Fenix tapped the ground as a sign of defeat"my lioness help me i'm being suffocated by two adorable little munchkins"he begged for help
Bastet laughed slightly as she set some utensil out on the table. Before patting herself for a moment walking over picking up lexi easily as she kicked in the air to be free.
"Ah! No fair you snuck up on me"lexi whined as her tail swayed cutely.
"Well for starters you two both are crowned the winner for beaing up an old lion. Because right now we need to have dinner."bastet said
Lavi groaned slightly"but i wanna keep beating up daddy"she whined in annoyance wrapping her little arms around his neck as he pretended to be choked out.
"But…my little lion…don't you two want those muffins that nice women made?"fenix asked knwoignly.
The two little girl soon zipped over at the table all seated and ready for dinner. As the adult chukcled that what it took for them to sit down as they set each others plate out for each other. As they did they all bit of their food for dinner tonight digging into it for the night.
As they did jaki was enjoying his meal as he took a bite of the twiced baked mashed potatoes along with the cooked fish humming slightly in delight but kept his monotone looking facial expression.
"This is some pretty good fish that i've tasted. Your cooking might be on par with my brothers"jaki commented as bastet laughed apprieciaitng it.
"I take that as a compliment. My husband and little girl love fish so do i. I have to be the best at cooking it or it might turn out bad"bastet replied eating her dinner.
Lavi hummed eating her fish as her tail showed her excitement right now as she kept taking several bites of it.
"Yeah yummy fishy"lavi cheered innocently making jaki smirked slightly recalling the days his daughter would be excited to make things with him.
She would be so excited when he came back from long business trips, working on projects she wanted to see. Or asking if they could visit her favorite uncle his brother which made him stop eating for a moment having a somber look
He was in his own world thinking about the current status of both his daughters. The first being his cold daughter who acts like him at times. He was so happy that she had the ability to walk thanks to his work. But now he was wondering if it was his fault she got taken. That his prosthetic leg malfunction cuaisng her to be an easy target to take.
Then theirs his second daughter who has the same fiery passion for weapons like him. He worries that she will be turning down a path that she can never come back from. But also wonders right now if she dead in some ditch somehwere with grimm feasting on her rotting corpse.
But soon someone brought him back to reality"jaki are you alright…is something on your mind?"bastet asked snapping him back
"I…i'm fine dear just thinking about a few things right now"jaki answered with a hitch in his voice which she noticed. As they were already finished with dinner as she was placing the dirty dishes in the sink. As lexi and lavi were eating the muffin that meg made in delight right now as both their swayed swayed in unison enjoying them.
Fenix noticed his look sighing"girls why don't you finish those up then get ready for bed alright. Because your having a sleepover"he said as the two nodded quickly finishing their muffins
Then the little girl sped off deeper into the home as bastet guided jaki surpsignly to sit down. Once she did the two lions stared at the cold man with a distant look along with fenix noticing him to be troubled right now.
The man guessed what happened as he decided to talk about it.
"So i take it…your thinking about your daughters right now?"fenix asked. That was when the weaponsmith froze and dropped his cold demnor right now as he began to shake slightly at what he was going to say at first.
It was surrpsied to see such a emotionless man right now showing this type of emotion as they waited to comfort him.
"I..i'm worried about that, when i saw on the news eria was kidnapped. It broke me right now, i..i've been trying to keep looking toward the positives. But how can i? M-my other little girl went out to go…kill people…becuase of all the friends she lost that day"jaki stutered slightly holding his head distraught about the recent events that happened as tears began to form in his eyes.
Fenix saw him distraught deciding to help by wrapping an arm around jaki to try and make him feel better.
The man made a small sushing sound as to try and calm him"its okay. You can let it out. It'll be fine i know it hurts"fenix said smoothly as jaki got his composure slightly to continue
"I just want my little girls home…i..i know their hurt. Pyrrha was like another part of our family like another daughter even. Rogue was very c-close to my brother…but he gone as well. A-along with that loudmouth rocker that helped with the bullying they reicved. But.."he paused swalloing slightly sighing.
"But their both also hurt about their leader being gone. That…dumb brat…sent a sucide message which hurt them the most."jaki frinished crying slightly which made fenix raise an eyebrow at hearing that.
"What are you talking about? I don't recall torch kid mentioning a video from his nephew?"fenix suddenly asked making the man eye him for a moment pieciing something together that roman torchwich was a close friend of that boy adoptive family.
"Wait…that lynx whos gotten in fights is his son? I've heard rumor but…"he paused as bastet nodded
"We took that boy in as a good grace with his father. He was a crook but he gave some us info on slaver rings. But what is this sucide video?"bastet asked as jaki had a somber look form. He pulled out his scroll because he recorded a message long ago that was on his daughters scroll, he even got it.
Then they sat in silence as he played that video as the two lion watched as fenix went wide eyed seeing what played. As bastet felt very hurt for a friend of her right now, once it was over it was silence for a moment.
Fenix sighed getting up heading toward the door"why don't we head to that poker game with some friends i have. It'll clear our mind on things"he suggested as his wife didn't argue.
"Be safe dear i'll make sure they head to bed tonight"bastet said as the two men got up to leave for the club oasis
It was a rather long walk to get their as they soon arrived at the bustling club in the capital run by the despardos on the side for their business. Their was still a long line of people as in the front of line was someone trying to get in the establishment right now.
That being a boy with fair skin along with a set of dark green eyes along with a toned build to him. As he seemed to be seventeen as his hair was black short, voluminous bob style. As he was rather tall for his age.
But for his attire it cosnited of a green wool long coat that reached the ground as it had golden leather lining around the coat. As on the collar their was some white fur that was thin around the collar as it was left open. Revealing an undershirt that was golden tanktop with a crocodile imprint on it colored black. While he wore a pair of brown pants with black shoes. Along with sporting a pair of black fignerless gloves with crosses on them.
He was arguing with the bouncer right now about being let in.
"Come on man let me in, i'm old enough to enter if you let me in i'll let you get a discount somehwere"he offered to the bouncer unamuzement
The bouncer snarled slgihtyl"get out of here loki. Your ma told me if i saw you around here again. I'd be libably to give you a spanking"he warned to the boy named loki
"Oh cmon don't be a nark. Come on what will it take lien…a favor…a trick?"loki asked as he pulled out some juggling balls. He was about to juggle then but the bouncer growled grabbing him by the collar lifting him up.
"I said no! Take a hint kid maybe this will get through your thick skul"the bouncer siad reeling his fist back but fenix whistled stopping him as he turned to him.
"Ah my friend having some trouble with the youngining i take it?"fenix asked as the bouncer still held loki in the air.
"You can say that. The kid heres trying to bargain his way in again seriously stop hanging out with those idiots kid. The police already arrested them for those fake id"the bouncer warned but seemed concern.
Loki rolled his eyes"come on i just wanna dance maybe even get that cute bartender number. Oh maybe that spider faunus"he said as fenix and the bouncer laughed at that.
"Kid their alot older than you, and nez already has someone else i think on her mind. But come here"Fenix said taking loki away from the bouncer arms guiding him to the side to talk.
"Kid your ma will be mad that your out this late. Remember she gave you and your siblings a curfew"fenix warned to the boys annoyance as he grumbled slightly.
"But come on fen i'm sick of her rules…she makes way to many for us. Don't go their don't do this, don't get involved with anything dangerous"loki said
Fenix groaned smacking his face"just get home kid if you want sometime. I can show you some moves from sanzangs dojo maybe?"he offered as the boy thought before nodding running off to his home, then he rejoined jaki as the bouncer let them through into the club.
"I take it you know that boy?"jaki asked as they walked into the neon covered halls of the club as techno music could be heard ahead.
"I do hes one of lilith kids. The dang kid got a good heart but he always keeps getting in trouble sometimes. Me and sanzang help keep him out of trouble sometimes"he replied peeking his interest hearing that women have that many kids it seems.
But soon they reached the dance floor as everyone inside the club faunus and human alike were enjoying themselves right now. Not with a care in the world right now as they were dancing like no tomorrow to the music playing throughout the club. He coudln't remember the last time he visited one of these places.
They reached the bar as the bartender was busy serving drinks to everyone as she noticed them greeting them
"Oye fen your here, slip away from your wife to come for a drink?"she asked
Fenix laughed slightly"no vicky were here for poker night, brought a friend tonight. Deck and the others back their?"he asked as vicky nodded before polishing a glass to clean it.
"Hes back their right now, their waiting for yah"vikcy replie
"Thansk vick have fun serving drinks to the patrons here"fenix said walking through the doors
"Ya mon"she replied continuing with her work serving drinks to the patrons of the club. As they walked to the back it was strange to see a small force of soldier as jaki noitced them beginning to load up crates that contained relief supplies it seems. Along with some of them carrying crates with automatic weapons in them and several cases of dust shells along with them
But waiting at a table in the far back of the room right now where about three others two of which being decker and brann. Both in their despardo uniforms right now but another was with them. That being a man
The man seemed to be in his early forties right now with a very msuclar build to him as he occupied a seat. He was a monkey faunus with a golden prenhensail tail. His skin had a tanned colored to it as he wore a simple outfit. That being a white tanktop that showed his massive chest along with his bulging arms. Along with wearing a pair of blue jeans with a hole in the back for his tail. Also wearing some red tennis shoes and sported a dewrag over his head but he had blonde hair underneath it with brown colored eyes.
"Oh seems like you arrived fen bout dam time, and you brought a friend"the man replied
"Come on now sanzangs i had to make sure my daughter and yours got to bed. "Fenixx said as the two took their seats. The monkey faunus also sun wukong faunus chuckled.
"I got another one recently, another bundle of joy in my family. Sent a postcard to my little sis in atlas she'll be happy"sanzangs replied
Brann was shuffling some cards before chcukling"yeah the little sister whos in the military or whatever. Heard she was very annoying"he jabbed
"Heh shes like a carbon copy of my son, though dang kid went to menagerie to help his friends. Talked about helping some women with grieving for someone"sanzangs said
"Though i take it we got a celebrity in our midst. So the CEO of hayley hardwares graces us with his presence tonight"decker joked peeking some of their interest as jaki remained emotionless right now.
"Hot dam we got a walking bank over here, ready to lose all your money old man?"brann asked cocky
Jaki laughed at that"if you even beat me. Just to let you know i have an expert poker face from what i've been told"he retorted making decker laugh as smoke plummed from his mouth as he tapped it in a nearby ash tray.
"Cold bastard got some jokes. Alright if your all here games simple were playing twenty my favorite. "Decker said as brann began to deal the cards out to the five of them. As jaki retrieved his looking at them for a moment seeing he had a ten and four. Which puts him at a disadvantage right now.
"But lets add a bit of spice to this, winner gets to ask anyone a question of their choosing. Along with the winning of the pot"he added
"Thats it? Pretty childish but whatever only can play for a bit i want to make sure noira is okay after giving birth"sanzangs added
"Don't worry just be prepared to loose tonight my friend"Fenix warned
The five men began to play a game of twenty one as they decided to do the best out of three. The three of them expected the lion to win again like he usually does but something surprising happened. That being jaki who kept a decent poker face the entire time as he moped the floor with them three times in a row. Even a few of the soldier close by watched impressed how a man could keep such a calm and level head.
As the last round was going on it was jaki who layed out a ten with an ace with a smug look as the pot had some lien cards and coins on the table right now.
"It appears that i won the third round again"jaki announced as brann scoffed throwing his terrible cards down. As sanzangs looked rather annoyed throwing his down as fenix groaned slamming his face on the table. Decker was a little surprised as the soldiers cheered for their bets right now.
"Someone owes me one hundred lien cough it up"one of them said
"Oh come on Seriously this guys rich and a CEO. bastards pretty good at negoaiting with people i guess."another added
Decker shrugged his shoulder as he took a big puff of his cigar as he inhaled deep before blowing the smoke as it clouded the table for a moment.
"Alright then the businessman wins alright since you won you could ask any four of us a question. But only one"decker said
It wasn't really something jaki wanted to win but he thought about that question. He was a little curious about this brann fellow at the table but he wasn't that interested from the looks of it. While he glanced at sanzangs with a curious look but guessed he wasn't that interesting either. Then their was fenix as he knew a bit about the man but that left decker shaw.
The man had an entire military organziation udner his command which made him wonder exactly did a man at his age even get that type of influence. Because he heard from rumor that he was discharged from the military for some strange reason as he came up with his question.
"Alright how exactly did you start this outfit and why did you get kicked out of the military. I heard you where a commander"jaki coldy asked as the soldiers got quiet for a moment. Espcially brann who dropped his glass to the ground as it shattered
Fenix ears flopped over on his head"uhhh my friend that isn't a nice question to ask. Its all very personal for the man"he warned because he doens't want to see him get anger.
But surprisingly decker buried his first cigar as it was now useless as he picked up a drink filled with whiskey. Taking a swig of the amber liquid he set the bottle down wiping his mouth off propping his feet on the table.
"Relax fen, since we gotta honor the bet i might as well. Interesting question buts its a rather simple story. I'll tell yah how i started up my band of dishcargers and ex-atlas soldier"decker begun his tale on how he founded the current mercenary organziaiton that stands here today
Five year ago atlas
It was five years ago as deep in the mountain terrains of atlas right now in the snowy blizzard right now was a younger decker shaw. But instead of his traditional uniform he sported today instead something else.
That being a white collared uderhsirt underant a white long sleeves coat that reached the ground where his ankles where. As in the center of it a black tie was neatly fasten around his neck. While the sleeves had blue lining it. While he wore a pair of navy blue pants with a pair of black cokbat boots along with a black pair of gloves. On his head was a dark blue beret sporting his rank that being a silver leaf on his beret.
But on his side was a combat knife along with a magnum holster on his right side of his hip. While he was overlooking one thing right now.
That being several atlas soldiers all in winder gear right now being traditional atlas attire while some of them sprouted scarves, gloves or wool hats to stave off the cold right now. As their were several tents below him right now as his soldiers were trying to keep warm from the harsh winter landscapes of atlas.
But as he stood their a voice called out to him greeting him.
"Commander we haven't seen any signs of bandit activity in the area right now"a female voice spoke up as he turend to face her.
That being a younger nezumi who was just a private at the time it seems wearing the same atlas uniforms like the rest of the soldiers at the time. In her hands was a standard issue atlas assault rifle.
"At ease private, i take it the men are doing their best to stay warm?"decker asked turning to face her. As he was grabbing a couple cups out right now as she placed her hands behind her back.
"Yes sir. Along with that the owner of the mines will wish to speak with you at any moment when you get the chance."nezumi replied
Decker seemed slightly annoyed by that as he poured a fresh pot of coffee into a couple mugs. Then he sat down exhaling as steam came off his mouth from the cold.
"Great that pompous asshole. Heyya kid want a cup of coffee to stave off this cold because we got about forty mikes till we have a supply convo arrive to drop off the necessary provisions for the troops"decker offered but she shook her head.
"Sorry..s-sir i cannot have that because i well can't really have it"nezumi replied to his confusion
Decker took a swip of the bitter liquid warming his body up feeling energized as he set it down staring her down.
"Not a fan of coffee i take it? Come on it'll warm you up we don't have hot coco out here except some bourbon from the cooks here. But whats gives you lactose intolerant or something kid their aint no milk in here"he said taking another sip as she sighed
Then nezumi pulled her gloves off revealing the web sacs on her wirst as he went wide eyed slightly setting his cup down realziing why she can't have it.
"No i can't have it. I'm uh spider faunus if i take coffee it can make me look drunk sometimes depending on the ammount. One of the cons of being a spider faunus"nezumi replied pulling her gloves back up.
Decker shook his head at that standing up as he cracked his back from sitting in that chair along with dealing with the fridgae cold right now.
"Come on kiddio, don't be so dim on being a faunus. You and your kind are pretty interesting ill say. Walk with me"decker ordered to her confusion as she followed her commanding officer through the camp. All the soldiers were doing their best to prepare for anything that might come their way tonight along with any grimm or bandits in the area.
Nezumi gave him a puzzled look"what you trying to be nice to me to look good for the faunus in the regiment"She casually said but realzied she mouthed off her commanding office.
"Not that is a problem sir…if..if you don't want me near you..i..um"neuzumi couldn't find the words as he laughed at her actions right now.
"Calm down kid. Unlike most people in atlas i actually respect you faunus. Hell i think the current labor laws with them with the owner of this mine are terrible for your people. Seriously its like negative twenty out here and hes still forcing his workers to work in those bloody mines right now."decker begun as they walked through the campsite
As they passed by the guards of this mine because it belong to the SDC company because this was one of jacue schnee many mines throughout the continent of atlas. As they were tasked to protect it from bandit attack plaguing the area recently. The two passed by a SDC guard rifle bashing an older faunus to the ground who was in tattered clothing along with very red skin from the cold right now.
"Keep moving you dam beast. Or do we need to put you in the hold right now"the guard warned
The faunus coughed some blood up as it stained the pirstine white snow"but…you haven't given us any breaks…and its like a blizzard out here. Please just–"he was stopped as the guard dragged him with another toward the mines. Nezumi clenched her fist seeing this which he noticed.
"Coudln't agree more with you kid, fricking racist jerks don't understand how their treating people. I only joined up this military to protect everyone in our world faunus and humans alike"decker said with pride as the young faunus stared at him for a moment feeling inspired it seems.
"I…your not wrong sir i joined up since i didn't have-"nezumi was stopped as the sound of gunfire erupted through the campsite. As the two looked as a fiery explosion rang throughout the camp setting abalze some of the tents in the camp. Atlas soldier scrmabled as from the tree lines a hail of gunfire came through them. Along with several people in winter clothes all of them bandits stormed the campsite.
"Dammit get a defense set up now!"decker ordered his soilders as they began to set up a defense against their attackers. The man kept firing down the attacking bandits from the treelines as one of them leaped over some cover charing at him with an axe in hand.
The bandit raised it back salshing at the commander cutting his aura slightly but he reeled his fist back socking them in the gut stunning them. Then he pulled out his combat knife burying it in the man back. Pulling out his magnum he shot down two of them who didn't have aura as he executed the one that was buried in his knife.
This went on for an entire hour as both sides had heavy losses but the bandits soon enough entered the mines. As they were now at a standoff right now mainly because the bandit leader had a denator in his hands. His regiment was low on men as both sides took heavy loses as the two were now in a standoff.
The bandit leader had a megaphone in his hands"greeting you atlas dogs! We are here to reep the riches of this here mine. And if you want to make the smart choice you'll let us go!"he shouted as his voice echoed.
Decker chuckled peeking over"fat chance! Why would we let a bunch of scum bags like you go free!"he shouted back as the bandit leader smirked before presenting the insurance they have.
"That because if you don't want all these mine workers here along with a few of the guards to die! Your going to let me and boy takes these airship, if you follow us i'll press this here denator trapping them all. Giving them a slow painful death"the bandit leader answered to the commander shock right now. Some the soilder began to murmur amognest themselves.
"Dammit we can't risk any of them dying"one said
'Who cares about a bunch of dumb faunus seriously their meant to be used for mainly labor"another said
"Are you serious we need to save them"another soldier argued as this went on for a bit until he felt someone tap him on the soldier.
"Commander the mine owner just told us our orders."nezumi replied
"And what exactly would that be?"he asked reloaidng his magnum spinning the cylinder as she looked down with sorrow.
"He..he told us to let them kill those beast. He can just get more…and…and that our orders are to rescue his product. If he loses an ounce of dust it'll be our ranks"nezumi replied as the commander thought about his options for a moment wanting to follow orders. But he had a high moral compose as he growled before giving his answer to the bandits.
"Your free to go! Just leave the workers and guards unharmed and your free to go!"he answered to his soldiers including her soilders. The bandit leader didn't respond but instead all of his men started to board airship with the SDC logo. As all of them were flying off with large shipments of dust. But as they were jetting off the mine entrance soon had a fiery explosion ring out to their shock as he growled.
"Lying bastard. New orders rescue the workers in the mine now!"he ordered as some of his soldier heisated as he rushed head first into the mine. Decker rushed down the winding tunnels of the mine before reaching the location where the hostage where. Which consisted of a few of the guards along with several faunus workers ranging from women, men, the elderly and even a few kids. But some rubble blocked his way as he began to dig his way through grunting with each heavy stone he lifted.
They kept coming as he coudln't accomplished this alone but soon several footsteps could be heard behind him seeing nezumi along with about maybe thirty six of his soldiers. They all began to help him clear the rubble pulling out debris and rocks out of the way. It was for life and death right as they wanted to save the workers.
After an hour they managed to clear the rubble but right now decker was getting tongue lashed by jacque shcnee right now along with general ironwood right now.
"Unbelievable are you an idiot! Do you know how much of my comapny lost their profit for letting those cretins get away with my dust!"jacque said as he slapped decker across the face as he stood their quietly with his hands behind his back.
"Jacque! That is no way to assault the commander here. But commander shaw you've disobeyed direct orders from the employer of this opportunity. As you may know the kingdoms rely on dust produced from company. So.."he paused before opening his hand.
"I'll be taking your rank, your being dishonrable discharge for following orders. I'm sorry old friend but your being striped of your name and rank"ironwood regrettabble ordered as without a word he took his hat removing his pin. Then placed it in his hands as he walked to a transport ship to take him back to atlas to gather his things for when he leave the military.
But as he walked through the snow the sound of metal and objects hitting the snow could be heard behind him. Glancing back he noticed nezumi and several soldiers removing their atlas helmets along with their patches. Then she eyed him before stepping forward saluting him
"Permission to join you in your discharge sir?"she asked as he looked at them smiling nodding as the soldier joined him on the transprot ship. After that day the despardos would soon be formed based in vauco.
Present
As he finished the story the soldiers listened intently but jaki for one was surprised to hear that annoyance jacque schnee was the one who got him kicked out of the military. He already figured out long ago on who hired those assassins after him that money grubbing dust company owner.
"Their you have it how i made my unit where it is nowadays. Got kicked out for saving some lives which should have earned me a medal. But instead got discharge because of jacque connections and how he technically had command during that op"decker said
Sanzangs scoffed"That pest seriously i miss nicholas back then that company meant something. Though lets call it a night i gotta head home"he said as they all agreed upon that. Jaki and fennix soon left the club returning to his home as he finally got into the room he'll be staying in temporally. A simple bedroom with a dresser as he didn't bother unpacking as he just got into his bed passing out from today.
But on the outskirts of the capital right now near the mountain range right now. Their was xanthe who was walking through the sandy dunes like she has an objective in mind right now. As she soon approached a mountain pass right now as on the cliffisde several figures could be seen moving around.
As she reached a certain part of the path an arrow was shot by her feet as she stopped dead in her tracks. Looking up she glanced up to see her attacker that being an unseen eye assassin who jumped down deploying a paraglider landing by her feet.
Once they landed by her several of them were emerging from random crevices as it seemed they were going to attack her. But the oppoiste happened in fact as they bowed to her placing their hands togheter.
"Ah sister rumplee i take it our plans are under way?"A female voice spoke up as from the crowd flora emerged with her seer staff in hand. Along with a prosthetic right arm curiosity of watts as it was colored dark purple with the symbols of the unseen eye painted over it
Xanthe bowed on her knees to her"yes for the last six years speaker flora. I've managed to finally gain that headmaster trust enough to convince him to follow our whim. Along with even suggesting him to send fresh scarfieces to queens loyal servants alpha and zeta"she replied as flora scoffed slightly as the women knelt down slightly.
"I bring terrible news on that our queens knight zeta has been tragically slain. But no matter the former speaker of our fellowship is making more loyal warriors for our queen"flora replied
Xanthe seemed disheartened by that news sighing"that is terrible to hear sister flora, but do not worry i have made sure that neaman is leaving his home. His women will be at her home after visiting some vermins home with her daughter"she relayed which brought a proud smirk to flora face.
"Excellent work sister xanthe, keep up the ruse i'll send a few of our followers to hand them off to arthurs. They'll be bargaining chips to keep that headmaster in line"flora ordered as xanthe nodded as she walked out of the passage as the cultist dippseared from their sights as flora hoped to appease her queen now.
Seems flora is back in the story if breifly but xanthe seems to be a spy for these insane cultist. While we got some backstory on decker on how he met nezumi and how he started the despardos back in the day. Along with loki who is my own for reading!