“S. maybe it is best to leave him alone.” The girl had guts. You had to give her that. Why was she so interested in that guy? Was it because he was dangerous? The twins seemed to share your unease. You know Shelly was a powerful fighter, but pulling a stunt like this? Minutes before an important meeting? You hoped she had a plan.

“You heard him. Leave me be… and prove to me that you’re just a coward. Or step closer and let me see for myself if you’re as… capable as you claim.” The voice hiding in the darkness growled, dripping with malice. A challenge. A power play. Maybe this wasn’t a bad idea after all. Shelly wasn’t one to be underestimated. Not everyone had a winning record against Sora. And as far as you knew, she was the only one to survive a direct fight with those monstrous Hunters that attacked the city not too long ago. Nothing to scoff at.

Shelly smirked as she walked forward, her silhouette vanishing into the shadows. Oh no. You knew that smile. You barely had time to react. The sound of ripping concrete echoed through the air, the floor crumbling into the levels below. Above, through a gaping hole in the roof, you caught a glimpse of Shelly, floating midair. And that smile. That predatory smile of hers. Full of malice. Full of cruelty. Like a wolf toying with its prey.

Rust-coated blades erupted from the darkness, slashing toward her as a barrage of stabs were directed at impressive speeds. She spun gracefully through the air, avoiding them all. More blades emerged, trying to catch her, as the man started climbing up through the roof with another set of blades behind him.

The monster battling your monster.

It was a man with a gas mask. His short, black hair was messy. Almost oily. His torso… was barely a torso at all. More like a grim, mechanical carcass. Constant fumes billowed from exhaust pipes, gears spun, and pistons hissed as his metal body clanked into motion. He had no true arms or legs, only metal replacements, rusted and jagged. But there weren’t just four limbs. He had eight. No, a dozen spider-like appendages, each tipped with blades, each one of them as long as yourself. It was a grotesque marvel of biological engineering. Fascinating, and… terrifying.

“Wow…” One of the twins murmured. The three of you stood watching the spectacle unfold. A floating girl, dodging the monster’s relentless stabs and slashes, laughing all the while. She didn’t even bother to draw her weapons. She was having her fun. Sure, she had the upper hand with her ability to hover, but dodging this number of attacks in such a short time? It was like watching a child with a stick try to swat a butterfly.

(1/?)

“S, do you need…?” You started, hoping Shelly might hear you, but she was too focused. She watched the fight intently, eyes glued to Bayfor’s movements. You could yell at her to stop, but doing so might reflect poorly on your faction. Sure, she was an underling and maybe overstepping, but calling her out like a child would hurt her reputation. And by extension, yours, in the eyes of your allies.

“If only Miss Malachite were here to see this show. I’ve heard she’s a great fan of fights.“ You remarked, testing the waters with the twins. “She didn’t come for security reasons, I assume?”

“Correct.” The girl with the white dress replied. “This was a high-risk event, and exposing her in the open would make her vulnerable to attacks. But don’t worry. we’re more than capable of handling this meeting for her. Besides, we’re no pushovers. Don’t you think, sis?”

“Of course, sis.” A few seconds passed as she stayed engrossed in the fight. “Maybe, in the future, if this meeting proves fruitful, we might consider having her attend the meetings in person. She’s spoken very highly of you. Says you’re a professional, a charmer, and quite the cute young man.” She turned to you, winking and blowing a kiss. “And I can tell you, she was right.”

They thought their charms would sway you. Foolish. You knew exactly who they were. Assassins. You’d done your homework. They botched a mission in Vale, were defeated in a two-on-one fight, and because of that, mommy brought them back here. Trained in seduction, they were trying to win you over. Bad luck for them. Your heart had withered long ago.

Still, better not to underestimate them.

“I’m flattered… send her my regards as well. And tell her she’s lucky to have such beautiful daughters. She must be proud.” You could play their game. Above, the fight raged on, Shelly now parrying with her weapons to deflect strikes she couldn’t dodge. Was she in trouble?

“Oh, no you didn’t say that.” The girl in the white dress chuckled, while her sister blushed and looked away. “Let’s talk about having fun some other time. I’m sure my sister would love to get to know you better.”

“No, I don’t.” The girl in red, still flustered, crossed her arms and turned away, pouting. Oh, the hearts of the young. So easily stirred.

A loud clank echoed. Shelly was in the air, blades crossed with all of the cyborg’s multiple limbs. A contest of strength. Was Shelly strong? You couldn’t remember. You knew she was graceful. Was she in trouble? She licked her lips, savoring the moment, her eyes glowing red again. You’d promised to help per uncover the truth behind her condition, to find out why she had it.

If only Carmine would stop withholding the information… but there was no talking her out of it.

>Let Shelly do her thing. She knew what she was doing. Maybe even encourage her a little. Let her defeat the freak.
>Victory wasn’t guaranteed. You had your handgun available at any moment. Ambush tactics were your forte. Ask her if she wanted help. She could hear you.
>Intervene. A few shots in the air, tell them both to calm down. You had a meeting, and they’d had their fun. You trusted Shelly wouldn’t be as reckless as Sora. She’d hear you out. As for Bayfor? It didn’t matter. It would look bad on the Black Sheep if he didn’t stop. Win-win.
>Other (Write-in)

>>6183806
>>Let Shelly do her thing. She knew what she was doing. Maybe even encourage her a little. Let her defeat the freak.

>>6183806
>>Victory wasn’t guaranteed. You had your handgun available at any moment. Ambush tactics were your forte. Ask her if she wanted help. She could hear you.

>>6183806
>Let Shelly do her thing. She knew what she was doing. Maybe even encourage her a little. Let her defeat the freak.

>>6183806
>Let Shelly do her thing. She knew what she was doing. Maybe even encourage her a little. Let her defeat the freak.

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>>6183806

You rummaged through one of the many pockets inside your robe. Empty. What about this one? A mask. Not needed. A few more failed attempts. Aha! A lighter and a cigarette. Second one of the day. Maybe it would help you calm your nerves.

“Hey, S.” you called her out, flicking the lighter. Damn thing always got stuck. Again? Really? Finally, a small flame warmed up your hand. Lighters like these weren’t easy to come by for someone of your status.

You caught the flicker in her eyes. She’d noticed you, even as she struggled against the clash of blades. You had her attention.

“Make sure not to kill him, alright? Wouldn’t look too good for us down the line. Just incapacitate him, should it come to it.” Strange how you had better luck lighting this thing here, where the wind howled far more violently than on the ground level.

The elevator door slid open, a pair of blinking lights turning on besides the doors. A pair of figures stepped out from it. “What, you think I’m a psychopath? Of course I’m not gonna kill him.” Shelly’s voice rang out. She was amused. You had to split your attention between the newcomers and Shelly’s fight.

The first figure was a relatively old woman, her face lined with wrinkles. Her white hair was styled into a three-layered bun, and a small mole sat near her left eye. She wore a high-collared vest with a pinstripe texture, paired with brown and black trousers seemingly reinforced with some metal plates. You had no idea who she was. Most members of the Black Sheep concealed their identities behind drones. This one was bold, revealing herself out here in the open.

Behind her stood a massive brute. Well, brute wasn’t the right word. He was broad, solid, and tall. Really tall. You barely reached below his chest, and you weren’t short by any means. His hazel eyes, brown hair and short beard framed a face that meant business. His outfit was that of an olive-green coat draped over a classic black shirt and pants combination. Despite the sounds of the battle overhead, his gaze remained steady and unreadable.

“Should we be concerned?” His voice was deep and calm. Eerily so. There wasn’t a hint of fear or… concern about it.

“Not at all. They probably had some stress pent up.” You shielded your cigarette with one hand, lest the wind from the constant clash of blades snuff it out. “Black Sheep, I assume?”

“No. Just their guest. White Fang and Spider?” The man countered, glancing at the twins. The elderly woman stepped forward, her brow furrowed as she gazed up at the fight while exhaling sharply.

“Yes.” Both twins answered in unison, eyeing the man warily. You simply nodded, indirectly watching the battle unfold. That left only some remaining members of the Black Sheep. And, should they still be around, the Hana Guild and the Wave. There wasn’t much intel on those last two. One of the downsides of being the new kid on the block.

(1/?)

“You should tell your underling to stop the fight.” The old woman scoffed, her gaze trying to size you up. “Unless you don’t mind burying her.”

“Miss Victoria, I presume?” You exhaled a puff of smoke into the air. “With all due respect, if anyone here is in danger. I think it’s your boy. They’ve been at it for a while, and I don’t see my underling in any real trouble.” You gestured toward the fight above. Shelly expertly dodged a barrage of stabs with her back turned against Bayfor. The girl knew how to put on a show, you had to hand it to her.

“Don’t be ridiculous. There’s no one in the city capable of defeating him.” The lady replied, her voice devoid of concern. However, you caught a glimpse of her eyes glancing to the side, trying to size up the fight. She was hiding behind a façade.

“Want me to prove you wrong?” Shelly roared. Damn, she was paying attention even while fighting? Impressive

“I want you to prove her wrong.” Came the mechanical voice of the encased man with spider-like limbs. The clashing came stronger this time, with the fight increasing in intensity. Why did battle junkies always flock to you?
“I strongly suggest you stop this at once. There’s no reason we can’t start the meeting now, and I don’t like distractions.” The towering man stepped forward, arms crossed. No visible weapons. With a body like that he probably didn’t even need them.

“Um, I’m sorry, but who were you again? You do know this is a private meeting, right?” One of the twins said as if dismissing him.

The man glared at her, almost as if trying to kill her with gaze. The girl, however, didn’t flinch. She had the classic air of a smug noble. Either she was reckless, or she knew exactly what she was doing. The man sighed.

“Who I am is not important. I’m here as a guest of the Black Sheep. The others should arrive soon, and they can vouch for me. Please, just pretend I am not here. Now, please, can we stop this pointless fight?” His tone was formal. Measured. From his appearance, you’d have expected a brute prone to anger, but instead, he was composed and well-spoken.

“He’s right. He’s our guest of honor, and we expect him to be treated with respect.” The old woman turned her head to look at you. She was studying your face. Was the mask good enough to conceal you below the light of the moon? Probably not. “And I agree. This fight is meaningless. The results will be obvious in due time. Mister, would you kindly tell your… underling to stop this nonsense?”

(2/?)

Ah. She was trying to make you the first one to back down. With stakes this high, every action, every movement, would reveal something about who you were and what you represented. Backing down first? It would make you look weak. That wasn’t ideal. But weakness wasn’t always something disadvantageous. You could frame it as a show of respect, deference to your leaders. They would see you as a lesser. Easier to overlook.

And that’s exactly what you wanted. Because you had a mole within their ranks.

>Tell Shelly to stop the fight. Show respect to authority. Let them know you’re not afraid to fall in line. Humility will serve your subterfuge.
>Spin it against Victoria. Make her back down first. Paint it as a favor. She wasn’t representing the entire Black Sheep, after all. Show the others you don’t fear them.
>Stall. Make small talk. It doesn’t mater if it’s obvious. Make them see you as unpredictable, someone who doesn’t follow orders blindly. Victoria and the guest may dislike it, but deep down you knew people respected those that didn’t back down.
>Other (Write in)

>>6186426
>Tell Shelly to stop the fight. Show respect to authority. Let them know you’re not afraid to fall in line. Humility will serve your subterfuge.

>>6186426
>Tell Shelly to stop the fight. Show respect to authority. Let them know you’re not afraid to fall in line. Humility will serve your subterfuge.

>>6186426
>>Tell Shelly to stop the fight. Show respect to authority. Let them know you’re not afraid to fall in line. Humility will serve your subterfuge.

>>6186426
>Tell Shelly to stop the fight. Show respect to authority. Let them know you’re not afraid to fall in line. Humility will serve your subterfuge.

>>6186426

“But of course.” You exhaled a slow puff of smoke, watching it drift upward, dissolving against the backdrop of the moon and stars. A pretty sight. “S, wrap it up.”

She glanced at you, the faint red glow still emanating from beneath her mask. After a brief pause, she clashed both sabers against Bayfor’s spider-like legs once more This time, however, Shelly was sent hurtling through the air in your direction. She descended slowly, and after a few moments, landed soundlessly. Tilting her head, she brushed strands of hair from her face.

Bayfor, meanwhile, edged closer to the rooftop’s ledge, crouching like a predator surveying its prey. Sparks flickered as his metal legs scraped against each other, his body coiled, ready to pounce. His intent was obvious in his posture, he was itching for a fight.

“Honey, stand down.” The elderly woman kept her gaze on you as she spoke. Bayfor’s head snapped toward her in an instant. His breathing, ragged and heavy, was audible even through his gas mask. He stabbed his legs into the rooftop, cracking the concrete beneath him. Chunks of debris tumbled through the hole in the wall, disappearing toward the building’s edge. The bloodlust rolling off him was palpable.

“I’m bleeding.” A whisper at your side. Shelly. You turned your head slightly, keeping it discreet.

“What do you mean bleeding? Your Aura isn’t broken.” Bayfor shifted, climbing down the side of the building toward Victoria. She met him halfway, fingers threading through his hair as if she was comforting a lover, their faces inches apart from each other.

“It wasn’t this fight… I think. I feel a taste iron in my mouth, but I’m not sure how it happened.” She lifted her hand as if to show you, but hesitated at the last second. It would feel… off for you to inspect her like this right now.

“Are you all right?” You had to ask. How bad was it? Maybe she bit her lip during the fight? Clenching her teeth too hard might have done it. Still, it was strange for a Huntsman to bleed. Aura usually prevented that. By the time a trained Huntsman bled, it often meant a mortal wound or something dangerously close.

“Yeah. I feel fine… I think. Anything else changes, I’ll let you know.” Her gaze shifted, locking onto the tall man ahead. Did they know each other? He was watching her closely, eyes half-open as if studying her. Shelly… had a stiff and tense posture.

The man sighed. “Thank you for your cooperation. I’ll let Victoria take it from here.” He turned and walked toward the wall near the elevator, leaning against it with his arms crossed.

“Finally. I was starting to get bored twenty minutes ago.” One of the twins interjected, the other nodding in agreement.

Bayfor slowly sulked behind the elderly woman, his spider limbs retracting into his mechanical suit.

(1/?)

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“The purpose of this meeting is simple.” Victoria began. “A pair of monsters attacked the city. Three separate incidents in the upper district, two in the middle and one near the southern warehouses. The Black Sheep intends to put an end to these hunters. As such, we propose a ceasefire between our factions so we can focus on eliminating this new threat to our city.”

The elevator chimed as its rusty gates slid shut, descending once more. Someone new would be arriving soon.

“And since when do you care about this city’s fate? Have you seen the state of it? Crime runs rampant, drugs flood the streets, and people die every day. We’re not ones to judge, but we both know your motive has nothing to do with the city’s well-being.” The white-dressed twin stepped forward, arms crossed. If your memory served correctly, her name was Melanie.

“We care about the city’s well-being because it belongs to us.” Victoria shot back. “It gives us money. It gives us resources. We are its rulers, and as rulers, we need to ensure it remains profitable. And let’s not pretend you’re any different. So, spare me the sanctimonious act.”

“You? Rulers? Please.” Melanie scoffed. “You take and take but give nothing in return. We know exactly what goes on behind closed doors. White Fang, do you know why no one allies with the Black Sheep? Because they’ll stab you in the back the second you stop being useful. That’s why every other faction stands against them.” Miltia, her twin, nodded in silent agreement.

“A family of spies, assassins, and smugglers accusing us of disloyalty? That’s rich. And ironic.” Victoria stepped forward, closing the gap between herself and Melanie, Bayfor keeping close behind. “No, the others oppose us because they lack the guts to do what’s necessary to survive. That, and they let their pride cloud their judgment.”

She let the words hang for a moment before continuing. “The Black Sheep didn’t even exist a few years ago. Do you remember the old days when the noble families tore each other apart? Of course you don’t. You were still in diapers when that happened. We ended that chaos. We put aside our differences, joined forces. That was the only way this city could survive. Through an iron fist.” Her voice dripped with anger. Genuine or rehearsed? Hard to tell. But it sounded convincing.

“And what are you implying we should do? Follow your orders? Believe every word you say? Worship the ground you walk on? Sorry, but this city isn’t yours. As dangerous as those monsters are, we still see you as the greater threat. So why should we agree to a truce?” Miltia retorted, her voice soft at first but growing sharper with fervor.

(2/?)

“Yes. We expect you to follow orders. We are the only ones who have survived this long, and if this city is to endure, your defiance is nothing but an obstacle.” Victoria smiled, glancing at you. “I’m sure the White Fang agrees. Only through cooperation can we stand a chance.”

“We acknowledge that these hunters are dangerous. There’s no denying that.” You said, stepping in. The tension between the Spider and the Black Sheep was evident. “And while we believe in cooperation, our priority remains helping the Faunus in need. Choosing a side in this conflict requires the… utmost caution.” The words felt… hollow. Was your conviction this shaken?

“Good. Then I must thank you for agreeing with us.” Victoria smirked. “See? The White Fang is on board with our plan. If only you knew when to cooperate. Instead, you cling to reckless behavior befitting a petulant child. Behavior that will be your family’s downfall, Spider.” She chuckled.

Melanie took a step forward, nearly within striking distance of the older woman. “What the hell are you talking about? They never agreed to your plan. The White Fang is still new in this city. The only reason you haven’t attacked them yet is because you know that would mean a war. A war your syndicate of old farts isn’t capable of winning.”

Miltia’s gaze flicked between you and Shelly, wary. You had shared information with them for quite some time. If anything, you leaned more toward the Spider than the Black Sheep. So why was Victoria putting words in your mouth?

“As appealing as the idea of a truce may seem, we’ve seen the current state of things, and… Forgive me, but you don’t seem like the most trustworthy ally, Victoria.” It was time to make it clear to the Malachites whose side you were on.

“Oh, stop with the jokes. It’s obvious that siding with us is in your best interest. What other faction has the resources and influence to let you operate as freely as you do? We control the most territory, have the most resources, and secure a steady flow of Atlas tech straight from convoy raids. We even decide who enters and leaves the city. What more do you want?”

Melanie and Miltia’s gazes were fixed on you. There was no formal agreement between you, but you’d shared plenty of information. If you sided with the Black Sheep now, they would undoubtedly see it as a betrayal.

Then again, honor was a rare occurrence in this city. Nothing stopped you from forming an alliance with the Black Sheep now, only to help the Spider family later. A risky move, but not impossible. A hypothetical for another time.

(3/3)

>Show support for Victoria’s plan. If you decided to stay, the White Fang’s power and influence in the city would grow significantly. Yes, Victoria and, by extension the Black Sheep, was a dangerous ally, but securing a stronger foothold here in the city was invaluable.
>Remain neutral. Say you want to hear what the other factions have to say. Wait for them to arrive first. Let all the cards fall on the table first before showing your hand.
>Side with the Spider family. The Black Sheep held significant influence, but the Spiders had already built diplomatic ties with you. Their control over the underground communities of Kuchinashi and Remnant was an advantage. They would surely appreciate your loyalty.
>Other (Write in).

>>6188344
>>Remain neutral. Say you want to hear what the other factions have to say. Wait for them to arrive first. Let all the cards fall on the table first before showing your hand.

>>6188344
>Remain neutral. Say you want to hear what the other factions have to say. Wait for them to arrive first. Let all the cards fall on the table first before showing your hand.

>>6188344
>Remain neutral. Say you want to hear what the other factions have to say. Wait for them to arrive first. Let all the cards fall on the table first before showing your hand.

>>6188344
>Remain neutral. Say you want to hear what the other factions have to say. Wait for them to arrive first. Let all the cards fall on the table first before showing your hand.

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>>6188344

“I appreciate the offer, Miss Victoria, but I’d like to think it over a bit longer. I’m curious whether the other leaders might have something to say that changes my mind. No offense intended.” Calm. Composed. It was important to make that clear. You weren’t taking sides. Hell, you weren’t even sure if you wanted to ally with anyone. The alternative was still to escape with Shelly and Sora, but casting the White Fang aside so easily? That wasn’t your style. You’d at least do what you could to help them in the long run.

Victoria scoffed. “I seriously doubt the others have anything useful to add. Be warned, White Fang, I’m not known for my patience. This offer won’t stand forever.”

“Thank you for your consideration. I truly appreciate it.” A soft smile to ease the tension in the air.

Silence filled the room as the elevator doors slid open once more. This time, three figures emerged.

Leading them was a rugged man in a classic-style hat, his unkempt beard partially obscuring his face. Orange-tinted sunglasses hid his eyes, and a cast was wrapped around his left arm. In his other hand, he held a small, unfamiliar machine, its shape oddly reminiscent of an oversized ashtray. Flanking him were two floating drones, each with a single glowing orb, their frames reinforced with what looked like metal plating. Their design was obviously that of a modified scout drone.

No one spoke. Unusual. You didn’t recognize the man, but the drones were familiar. Nobles often used them as proxies when they feared appearing in public. Were these the Black Sheep other leaders? Most likely. Their description matched what Sora had detailed in her reports.

“I thought this was to be an in-person meeting. Or did the plans change last second?” You finally broke the silence, noting how no one else seemed inclined to speak.

“I’m afraid we had to take some precautions.” One of the drones responded, its male voice composed yet slightly robotic.

“Miss Victoria? You actually came in the flesh?” The other drone, its feminine voice filled with curiosity, hovered slightly closer.

“Of course. If danger dares to approach, I have the perfect solution for it.” Victoria rested her hand on Bayfor’s armor. He tilted his head against her shoulder, almost like a cat. A bit unsettling.

“I must urge you to reconsider your security measures.” The drone said in its usual monotone voice. “To update you on the matter, alongside our esteemed guests, I regret to inform you that one of the heads recently lost his life to the attack of the hunter, while the other was left in critical condition.”

Victoria whistled. “Two of us, huh? That’s surprising, considering how paranoid most of us tend to be. How did it happen?”

(1/?)

“The first was poisoned. An acute nerve gas was deployed into his private chambers while his security system was hacked, sealing him inside. The body remains there, his security team still hasn’t been able to gain access.” The masculine drone talked with a somber tone.

“As for the second one…” The female one continued. “The water system of his manor was laced with an acidic agent just as a fire broke out, triggering the emergency sprinklers. He sustained extreme skin damage and remains in critical condition. Unlike his servants and guards, he’s still alive. For now.”

As brutal as it sounded, you couldn’t shake the feeling that all this information was being shared for shock value. What were they trying to achieve? Were they trying to scare us into agreeing to the truce? Shelly’s face twitched with discomfort. Poor girl, still not used to this level of cruelty.

“My condolences. Do we know what happened to the other faction leaders? Are they safe?” you asked, fishing for information. Your instincts told you the twins didn’t want to seem too concerned about the fate of the Black Sheep’s leadership.

“We were infiltrated and attacked in the dead of the night.” Said the man in the hat and sunglasses. “Formless, shadowy figures tore through us like animals in a grinder. We couldn’t fight back. Our light systems had been sabotaged. We were blind. Our leader died. Now I’m the one in charge of hunting down the bastards who did this.” He spat to the side, barely containing his fury.

He slid the device in his hand toward an empty patch of the floor. It flickered to life, projecting a holographic call with no visible person. Only a glowing blue crest resembling a rolling wave of water. A masculine voice crackled through the static.

“Current representative of the Wave here. Like the others, we suffered heavy casualties. We’d show ourselves, but we’re in hiding. Nearly half of our members were killed in their sleep, stabbed through the heart.” A pause. “At least… they didn’t suffer much.”

The scale of the attack was worse than you’d imagined. You had lost one of your VIPs and a fair number of soldiers, but something told you that, compared to the others, you’d gotten off easy.

“I can’t believe how much damage a handful of unhinged people managed to inflict.” You muttered, reaching for a cigarette inside your robes. The weight of it all pressed down on you.

“I would like to announce that the Underworld Fighting Arena is officially disbanding as of now.” The man in the hat said in a stoic tone. “To preserve what little we have, we are joining the Black Sheep family as a subsidiary.”

“The Wave agrees to the truce. However, we wish to maintain our relative independence. As of now, we declare ourselves allies of the Black Sheep. Is that… acceptable?” The holographic device flickered with static, the water symbol distorting as it spoke.

(2/?)

“The terms still need further refinement, but we appreciate your intentions. We accept.” The drone’s sharp, feminine voice answered.

The twins exchanged uneasy glances. This meeting was going horribly for them. One by one, the factions had abandoned them, flocking to their rival. It felt premeditated. In the end, it all boiled down to two sides. On one stood the Spider family, and on the other, the Black Sheep… along with everyone else. And you were caught in the middle.

“This is outrageous!” Melanie snapped, her composure slipping. “This was planned from the start! This wasn’t a meeting to discuss the monsters, it was a setup! A ruse to… to force us into this!” Her voice cracked, clearly frustrated and feeling betrayed. Poor girl. You wouldn’t want to be in her position right now.

“Relax, dear.” Victoria said with a tint of sarcasm. “We’re all on the same side here. Something terrible attacked us, and we chose to unite against it. I know you feel blindsided, isolated, even betrayed. But trust me, that’s just your emotions talking.”

“Don’t… worry, sister. The Hana Guild hasn’t arrived yet. They’ve always been loyal to us.” Miltia’s soft voice trembled as she moved closer to her sister.

“I’m afraid the Hana Guild no longer exists. They were assimilated nearly two months ago. All the trade deals and intelligence you received from them were… not entirely accurate, to put it mildly. I apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.” The male drone’s voice remained as composed and emotionless as ever.

Melanie’s eyes widened like plates. It was official now. All the other factions had sided with the Black Sheep. Her hands shook as Miltia placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. It did little to calm her.

“Something’s coming. From the outside. It’s… flying, and its fast.” Shelly whispered in your ear, almost at the same moment Victoria cleared her throat.

“White Fang.” Victoria stepped forward, her tone firm. “Now that everything is clear, I think the choice is obvious. This is the second and final time I’m making this offer. Accept the truce and alliance, and we will ensure that your influence in this city thrives. We’ll discuss the terms later. Will you accept?”

The twins turned to you, their expressions tense with concern. Against the wall, the tall and hulking man lifted his head, his sharp gaze locked onto you, silently judging you.

Choose one from here:
>Warn the people in the meeting that something was approaching the building.
>Don’t warn them. Discretely take precautions with Shelly.

And one from here:
>Agree to the truce and alliance. Going against so many powerful enemies would be suicide for your branch of the organization. Besides, this was the best option if you wanted to work with the Spider family in the future as a double agent.
>Stall for time. Claim you needed to think it over. This was an important decision, one that required further discussion with Sienna, Shelly and the others.
>Refuse to the offer. It was obvious the Black Sheep were trying to strongarm you into submission. Accepting would look bad to your superiors. You’d deal with the consequences later.
>Other (Write in)

>>6190195
>Don’t warn them. Discretely take precautions with Shelly.

>Agree to the truce and alliance. Going against so many powerful enemies would be suicide for your branch of the organization. Besides, this was the best option if you wanted to work with the Spider family in the future as a double agent.

>>6190195
>Don’t warn them. Discretely take precautions with Shelly.

>Stall for time. Claim you needed to think it over. This was an important decision, one that required further discussion with Sienna, Shelly and the others.

>>6190195
>Don’t warn them. Discretely take precautions with Shelly.
>Agree to the truce and alliance. Going against so many powerful enemies would be suicide for your branch of the organization. Besides, this was the best option if you wanted to work with the Spider family in the future as a double agent.

>>6190195
>Warn the people in the meeting that something was approaching the building.
>Agree to the truce and alliance. Going against so many powerful enemies would be suicide for your branch of the organization. Besides, this was the best option if you wanted to work with the Spider family in the future as a double agent.

>>6188344

“I’m afraid we don’t have any other choice, do we?” You felt every gaze in the room land on you. Especially the twins. And from Shelly’s, too. You were being judged.

“Speak clearly, White Fang. We don’t appreciate uncertainty in our dealings.” Victoria’s voice was sharp, showing irritation. The tension in the room thickened to almost unpleasant levels.

“You must understand that my primary objective is to bring both glory and stability to my superiors. With that in mind, I agree to this temporary alliance and truce between our factions.” Melanie gasped while her sister stared at you with disbelief. You barely managed to hear Shelly’s whisper at your side, something like ‘What are you doing?’

“Huh. Well…” Victoria glanced at the bulky man leaning against the wall. Did she seriously expect you to refuse? Her posture betrayed surprise, hesitation even. The man simply shrugged. “…then I must thank you for your cooperation.” Her attention shifted. “Now, Spiders, what about you? You don’t seriously expect to walk away from this in one piece all on your own, do you?”

The twins huddled closer together, whispering between themselves. Shelly placed a hand on your arm, signaling for you to lean in. As you did, her voice came through more clearly. “You know I have a history with them, right? As in… I guess you could say I betrayed them by joining you. Are you sure this is a good idea? What about Sora?”

She had a point. There were a lot of moving pieces in this deal. You had Sora planted as a spy, you knew there was bad blood between Shelly and the family, Victoria’s hesitation unsettled you. But the price was too enticing to ignore. A powerful ally offering resources, territory, influence. If everything fell into place, the White Fang would gain an unshakable foothold.

With this newfound power, you could finally finish what you started. You could prove to Sienna that you still had what it took to lead. The Spiders? You’d deal with them later. This wasn’t necessarily a betrayal. After all, deception was inevitable in this line of work. When the time came, you’d decide whether to truly turn on them or help them from the shadows. But for now, this was the right move.

But first, you had to calm Shelly down.

“Don’t worry, S. We earn far more by taking this deal than by rejecting it. And don’t worry about yourself or… our friend.” Shelly didn’t respond right away. Her gaze was distant, fixed on the wall, her mind elsewhere. “I’ll make sure everything turns out fine for you. I’d never do anything that would put either of you in danger.”

She fell silent for a moment, then suddenly tensed, alarmed by something. In an instant, she hugged you before tackling you side. You hit the ground hard, her body pressing against yours, just as the sharp click of guns, gears and blades echoed through the room.

(1/?)

File: VesperaNocturneV.jpg (240 KB, 1024x1024)

240 KB JPG

“You weren’t invited.” Bayfor’s mechanical voice cut through the hum of whirring turbines. Shelly rolled of you, gripping your shoulders to help you up. As she did, you saw what had rattled everyone else.

Three female androids emerged from the same hole you had entered through. They descended to the floor of the room thanks to some propulsion devices attached to their feet. The sound of the burning fuel quickly dimmed down into near silence. Each had a different hairstyle, but their faces and figure were identical. Black lipstick, dark purple eyes, pale metallic skin and delicate antennae crowning their heads. Multicolored butterfly wings shimmered behind them. Quite an elegant contrast.

“I don’t need your invitation. I’m as much a part of this city as either of you.” One of the androids spoke with confidence, all three of the simultaneously drawing whips that crackled with multicolored electricity.

“I know her.” Shelly murmured beside you. “I fought her when I first arrived in the city. She’s the one who plastered my face all over Kuchinashi, trying to make me famous so that the monsters that hunt Huntsmen would recognize me.” Her hands hovered over her sabers, her guard already up. A devious move from their part. Were the androids connected to the Hunters?

“You petulant child. Don’t stick your nose where it doesn’t belong.” Victoria scolded, stepping forward. “Darling, deal with the nuisance, please.” And with that, the spider-like creep lunged at one of the androids, sending all three crashing out of the building.

“Three should suffice for such a crude and amateurish experiment.” One of the scouting drones trembled as its lights flickered erratically. The female voice that came from it was noticeably different from before. “You do realize that using a 3.215-A-4 encryption program is so… old school, right? There’s a reason Atlas discarded that software so quickly after deployment. Too many security holes.”

“Intriguing. I never expected my dear friend’s security system to be hacked so fast. So careless of her.” The other drone’s voice carried a hint of amusement as the people near the hacked drone backed away instinctively. “You really are a prodigy, girl.”

“Enough with the empty praises.” The drone’s female voice was sharp. “First, if you bother me, I can just as easily shut down half your network for months, scum. Second, I’m not a ‘girl’. Call me Vespera, and I belong in this meeting just as much as anyone else.”

(2/?)

While most eyes were on the hacked drone, you noticed the twin in the red-strapped dress subtly approaching. Shelly tensed, ready to put herself between you two, but you stopped her. She was too on edge right now.

“Dealing with the Black Sheep is a mistake. We expected better from you.” She murmured, disappointment evident in her voice. Nearby, her sister lingered close, eavesdropping. They were waiting for an explanation. How bothersome, you had planned to deal with this much later.

> Loyalty still meant something to you. Of course, you’d help them, but not now. Laugh it off and drop an offhand comment with just enough double meaning to let them know that they could count on you in the future.
> Playing both sides would bite you in the ass sooner or later. Make it clear that circumstances had changed. They got played so badly it was embarrassing. Keeping them as allies might cost you more than they were worth.
> Put your silver tongue to work. Convince them to accept the truce and alliance. Even if they despised each other, isolating themselves would be a mistake. If they were smart, they’d find a way to use this situation to their advantage.
> Other (Write in)

>>6193768
>Put your silver tongue to work. Convince them to accept the truce and alliance. Even if they despised each other, isolating themselves would be a mistake. If they were smart, they’d find a way to use this situation to their advantage.

>>6193768
>Put your silver tongue to work. Convince them to accept the truce and alliance. Even if they despised each other, isolating themselves would be a mistake. If they were smart, they’d find a way to use this situation to their advantage.

>>6193768
>Put your silver tongue to work. Convince them to accept the truce and alliance. Even if they despised each other, isolating themselves would be a mistake. If they were smart, they’d find a way to use this situation to their advantage.

Gonna need a dice throw. 3d10, best of three, DC 21, Crit 25

Rolled 7, 8, 8 = 23 (3d10)

>>6195090

Rolled 5, 4, 6 = 15 (3d10)

>>6195090

Rolled 4, 7, 10 = 21 (3d10)

>>6195090

>>6193768

“Don’t take it personally. I’m just doing what’s best for my people. And you should do the same.” A distant explosion rumbled outside t he building. A sharp gust of wind rushed through a gaping hole in a nearby window, and for a brief moment, you caught a glimpse of Bayfor, mid-air, clashing with the three androids. They were far away enough for you to feel relatively safe.

“Are you just repeating their words?” Melanie crossed her arms, her gaze heavy with melancholy. “Were you with them from the start?”

“No. And let me say it again. Do what’s best for your people. The Spiders never let their pride cloud their judgement, right?” You tapped your knuckles against the side of the ceramic mask covering your eyes. “I’d wink, but that might be hard to notice behind the mask.” For trained assassins, they seemed surprisingly slow to pick up your hints. Both slowly lifted their heads, looking at you with a puzzled expression.

Meanwhile, Shelly was completely ignoring the exchange. Her focus was elsewhere. Most likely on the murmurs of the others in the room. They were deep in discussion about… something. You’d have to ask Shelly about it later.

“I know the Black Sheep can’t be trusted, but making them open enemies seems like a mistake. Accept the truce, fight in the shadows. That way, you won’t be in as much danger. That’s your specialty, right? Subterfuge and all that?” A sudden flash slightly lit up the room just beyond your view. One of the flying androids battling Bayfor had erupted in an explosion, a trail of smoke marking its descent into the city below. It was difficult to tell exactly what had happened from this distance.

The twins remained silent, exchanging looks as if communicating without words. They weren’t responding, most likely just weighing their options.

“That’s just my opinion.” You continued. “Still, I enjoyed the little time we worked together. I hope fate gives both of our groups a better future.” Across the room the tension was rising. It seemed the hacked drone and Victoria were exchanging heated words, their argument growing more intense. Pride was clearly a major factor for both of them.

“Enough.” The man leaning against the wall spoke in a commanding tone, cutting through the noise. The room fell silent within seconds. It was strange how much authority this guest seemed to hold over the Black Sheep. Almost as if he outranked them. “I don’t have time for this. Let’s wrap this up. We all have more important things to do.”

“Let’s.” The unhacked drone responded in its usual composed manner. “Miss Vespera. We shall deal with your situation shortly. But first, we need to conclude the primary matter of this meeting.”

The hacked drone let out an exaggerated, teenage-like groan. “Fine. But hurry it up. Otherwise, kiss your hardware goodbye.”

(1/?)

“So…” Victoria cleared her throat with a cough. “Since the Spider family refuses to cooperate with the rest of this alliance, we’d like to propose-”.

“We accept the truce.” Melanie cut in abruptly. “But this alliance still seems like a terrible idea. We’ll deal with the Hunters in our own way. Don’t expect our help, but we won’t stand in your way either. The Spider thrives in the shadows, and that won’t change here.”

“That… won’t work at all.” Victoria countered. “As much as I personally enjoy the idea of not having your agents skittering around and being a thorn in my side, for this plan to function, we need full cooperation. Half-measures won’t cut it.”

“Then we’ll do exactly what we’ve always done.” Miltia interjected, backing up her sister. “We’ll move in the shadows, ‘skitter’ as you put it, and sabotage your agents at the worst possible moments. Makes no difference to us. If you refuse this truce, then we’ll gladly go to war with you while you’re still busy dealing with the Hunters.”

Victoria’s lips grinned. “I can work with that. In that case-”.

“My apologies, Victoria,” the unhacked drone interrupted, its voice smooth and composed. “But I’m not comfortable with that course of action. I say we accept the Spider’s offer. One less enemy to deal with. I’m sure they would also prefer not to deal with us as we carry out our operations. The more focused our efforts, the greater our chances of eliminating the true terror that plagues this city.” Whoever was speaking through the drone had an air of refinement, his tone, word choice and calm demeanor all being proper of a gentleman.

“Miss Ciara also agrees with the truce.” The disc on the ground with the hovering holographic symbol of the Wave flickered, speaking. “She may not be able to control her drone or communicate through it, but she can still hear everything being said. So… she’s opened another private comm channel to inform us of her decision.”

A chuckle emanated from Vespera’s hacked drone. Victoria frowned, a flicker of rage crossing her face before vanishing as quickly as it appeared. “Fine. We accept the deal, then. You Spiders will stay out of our affairs, and we will stay out of yours. At least until the Hunter’s are dealt with. No alliance required.”

“Those terms are acceptable.” Melanie smiled. “If there’s nothing else to discuss, we’ll take our leave. Best of luck to you all.” Without saying another word, the twins turned and stepped toward the elevator, the doors closing behind them. The only thing left was a tense silence, broken by the wind and the distant clang of metal as Bayfor and Vespera’s androids clashed outside in the distance.

(2/?)

You caught a glimpse of Shelly opening her mouth slightly, then closing it. Doubt flickered across her face. She wanted to say something, but she was holding back. Under normal circumstances, you’d encourage her to speak freely, but right now, doing so could look bad to the White Fang, with her being your underling and all that.

> Let someone else take the lead of the conversation as you talked privately with Shelly in whispers. You were curious as to what she thought of the situation, and she was sharp enough to say something that might be important.
> She just needed some time to gather her thoughts. Once she was ready then she would speak. No problem. For now, it would be wise to take the lead in the meeting, ask for options as to how to deal with the Hunters. Take the initiative. It would strengthen your image as a leader.
> Pat her in the back and silently nod. Let her indirectly know that she can speak if she wants. There was something obviously bothering her. Some encouragement to let her know that she had permission to speak if she wanted.
> Other (Write in)

>>6196913
>Let someone else take the lead of the conversation as you talked privately with Shelly in whispers. You were curious as to what she thought of the situation, and she was sharp enough to say something that might be important.

>>6196913
>> Let someone else take the lead of the conversation as you talked privately with Shelly in whispers. You were curious as to what she thought of the situation, and she was sharp enough to say something that might be important.

>>6196913
> Let someone else take the lead of the conversation as you talked privately with Shelly in whispers. You were curious as to what she thought of the situation, and she was sharp enough to say something that might be important.

>>6196913

“What’s bothering you?” You leaned in closer, whispering as your eyes remained on the others in the meeting. Most stayed silent, occasionally glancing at you but choosing not to intervene. They, too, were waiting for someone else to speak.

“Do you think that Vespera girl is in league with the Hunters?” Shelly murmured with concern across her face.

“Haven’t given it much thought. She’s the one who plastered your face all over the city about a month ago, right?” That was one of the main reasons Shelly had caught your attention. Huntsmen were rare in Kuchinashi, and those who openly revealed their identities usually vanished soon after. Shelly was one of the few exceptions.

Shelly nodded, her gaze locked onto the hacked drone. “Either she’s in league with them and we need to deal with her too, or she isn’t but she still tried to have me indirectly killed. Either way, I need to talk to her.”

“Wouldn’t it be smarter to investigate from a distance? I could have Carmine dig through the network, find something on her.” Having Shelly investigate the Diva-android girl made you feel nervous. Vespera wasn’t just another eccentric in the city. She was notorious, unpredictable, vindictive. And if she had survived in Kuchinashi this long, then there had to be a damn good reason for it.

“Just like how Carmine promised to get you information about my medical condition? About that doctor with ties to the Black Sheep? And she hasn’t said a word in weeks. I don’t blame you for trusting her, Tay, but you know as well as I do. She hates me. She’ll never agree to help. This is something I have to do myself.” Ouch. So she hadn’t forgotten that promise. Guilt was a taste you didn’t want to remember.

“I’m sorry. She’s… been more volatile as of late. I’m not sure what’s the reason. I’ll make it up to you somehow.” Making promises you couldn’t keep always felt awful. That feeling never dulled, no matter how many years passed.

“Victoria, I’d like you to update me on what happens in the meeting. For now, I’m going dark, for obvious reasons.” The drone’s male voice was calm, his light dimming. “Goodbye, everyone. A pleasure to meet you all.” Then, with a faint click, the drone shut down, lifeless on the floor.

A pair of metal claws emerged from the gaping hole in the wall. Bayfor stood there, a single Vespera-like android girl impaled on two of his spider-like metal legs. “It is done.” His metallic voice rasped as he moved toward Victoria. He appeared mostly unharmed, though one or two of his legs bent at unnatural angles.

The hacked drone let out a sigh. “So bothersome. Do you have any idea how much time it takes me to build a new one?”

(1/?)

Victoria rubbed her temples, exhaling sharply before tilting her heard toward the remaining drone. Without hesitation, Bayfor stepped forward and drove one of his metal legs through it. Sparks flared as the drone shut down.

“We need to deal with her eventually.” Victoria’s demeanor felt calmer. “I wouldn’t call her a threat. That would be overselling it. But no one likes a stone in their shoe, right?”

“Can you do me a favor?” Shelly whispered, tugging on your arm. “I want to find out the answers myself. That girl, Vespera, might know something. And… I don’t want the Black Sheep to be involved. Could you propose for us to deal with her so that I have an excuse to go after her?”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” You could understand why she felt this way. You’d be furious too if someone tried to have you killed in the most cruel and painful way possible by proxy. No wonder Shelly wanted to confront her.

“No. I’m not sure.” Shelly sighed. “I guess part of the favor is also asking for your advice. Do you think I should go after her? Should I just let it go? Should I do this alone or with someone’s help?”

“We could always ask for the Black Sheep for help. We’re supposedly allies now, after all.” Would they even be willing? Probably. A true alliance meant mutual support, and refusing would send a bad message to their underlings and other allies.

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea. I don’t think they like me. And for good reason. If I get too close, I’m afraid they might try to stab me in the back, or worse.”

She had a fair point. There was bound to be bad blood between them, and at some point, you’d have to deal with it. What would Shelly do if she ever took over your position as the White Fang boss in this branch? You didn’t want to leave her with such heavy baggage, especially if it meant being a target for one of the largest criminal alliances in Mistral, possibly all of Remnant.

> Propose to the people in the meeting that your faction should be the ones to deal with Vespera. Knowing them, they’d likely try to spin it as you asking for something, but with the right wording, you could make it seem like you were the one helping them.
> Its not that you underestimated Shelly, but letting her face an enemy who had lived in this city for so long felt… like giving her an unfair handicap. Propose a plan for the Black Sheep to assist her by sending one of their agents, like Sora.
> You’d deal with Vespera later, once you had more intel on her. For now, it might be better to smooth things over between Shelly and the Black Sheep. If she feared them less, she’d be in a better position to handle them. Offer for your faction to do them a favor to get in their good graces.
> Other (Write in)

>>6200290
>Its not that you underestimated Shelly, but letting her face an enemy who had lived in this city for so long felt… like giving her an unfair handicap. Propose a plan for the Black Sheep to assist her by sending one of their agents, like Sora.

>>6200290
>> Its not that you underestimated Shelly, but letting her face an enemy who had lived in this city for so long felt… like giving her an unfair handicap. Propose a plan for the Black Sheep to assist her by sending one of their agents, like Sora.

>>6200290
> Its not that you underestimated Shelly, but letting her face an enemy who had lived in this city for so long felt… like giving her an unfair handicap. Propose a plan for the Black Sheep to assist her by sending one of their agents, like Sora.
They love each other

>>6196913

“I have an idea.” After whispering to Shelly, you stepped forward, drawing the attention of most others. She followed, her expression questioning as she studied your face. “As a sign of good faith in this new alliance, I propose that our faction should be the ones to deal with the android girl. This would give the rest of you a clearer field to focus on the main issue at hand. The Hunters that attacked us.”

“Any particular reason you want to take on this task?” Victoria’s stern voice cut through the room, her expression locked in a perpetual look of irritation. “Not to underestimate you, but your troops are ill-equipped to handle such a persistence nuisance. She may not be overly dangerous, but she’s as resilient as a cockroach.”

“There are several reasons.” You replied, your voice firm, your movements measured. A slight shift of the hands, a well-placed pause. Years of practice had made you good at this. “First, we want to show our gratitude for the opportunity to operate in this city with relative peace. As you all know, our group isn’t exactly welcomed in most other places. This is our way of saying thanks for your hospitality.”

You turned slightly, gesturing toward the ruined windows where the city sprawled beyond. “Second, even with your support, I’m afraid we lack the strength to confront the Hunters directly. Our role should be more strategic. More supportive. For that reason, I will send my strongest associate on a mission to deal with the android nuisance. And for the troops, rest assured, we’re expanding our influence in the district we reside in. We’ll keep you updated on anything suspicious that happens there.”

“Quite the benevolent leader. And will you do all of this without asking for anything in return?” She didn’t trust you. Understandable. A deal this good always had strings attached. In fact, not asking for something in return would almost be bad manners.

“Not exactly. Since my priorities are clear, I’d prefer if you, Black Sheep, sent one of your agents to assist the one I’ll be entrusting to this task. It would pain me greatly if my asset here were to lose her life.” You made a subtle gesture toward Shelly. She stiffened.

Now, you had to make them agree to send Sora. Asking for her directly would be too risky. You had to choose your words carefully. First, they needed to accept the idea.

“Not a bad plan.” Victoria’s answer came after a few moments of thought. “Bayfor, what do you think about helping the White Fang hunt that pesky android? Surely you’d like to deal with her permanently.” She trailed a delicate touch along Bayfor’s armor. He grunted.

“They will get in the way. It would be best if I went… alone.” His voice carried a sharp edge of annoyance. For the hideous experiment he was, at least he seemed to be honest and direct about his intentions and thoughts.

(1/?)

“With all due respect, I’d like you to reconsider that choice.” You said slowly, keeping your voice steady and natural. “Firepower alone won’t be enough. Don’t you have another agent? Someone more… sly? Cooperative? Astute?”

Victoria crossed her arms, pressing her fingers to her forehead as she shut her eyes briefly.

“I have a Huntsman like that.” The rough-looking man with the sunglasses and an arm cast said, stepping forward. “He’s injured right now, but he’ll be back in top shape in a few days. A week at most. Would that work?”

Damn. You had to act fast. You needed the Black Sheep to choose Sora, but they also had to believe it was their idea.

“A solid suggestion.” You said, exhaling just enough to sound weary but not overdo it. “But I’d hate for our mission to fail. Time isn’t a luxury any of us have, not with those Hunters likely planning their next attack on the city.”

“Yes, yes. I see where you’re going.” Victoria’s tone was edged with irritation, thought it softened the more she spoke. “I’ll have to evaluate who’s best suited for this kind of job. Thank you for your support, White Fang. I know the Spiders might have painted us as ruthless warlords, but you understand how these games are played. Leading a city isn’t easy. Keep being proactive like this, and we’ll make sure your organization thrives here.”

That… felt nice. Genuine. If only they weren’t the backstabbing type, you might have been honored to do even more for them. If only.

“I agree. I can’t even fathom the effort it must take on a daily basis to keep this place running. Is my presence still required?” A soft smile, hands clasped behind your back, a show of respect toward their authority. Shelly stood with her arms crossed. She really needed to work on her professional demeanor.

“I think not. We’ll update you in the coming days. In the meantime, prepare your agents and troops for war. Feel free to leave if your attention is needed elsewhere.” What an educated way to dismiss you. Was that a genuine smile from her? Had you won her over in the end? Everything suggested that was the case, but you had long since learned that fake smiles were far too common, and nearly impossible to detect when the stakes were this high.

“In that case, I’ll take my leave. I wish you all a pleasant evening. Should the need arise, don’t hesitate to contact me.” You bowed slightly, one hand moving to the side. A bit theatrical, but it left a strong impression. A few approving nods, an excellent way to conclude the meeting. Placing a hand on Shelly’s back, you signaled her to move. “Let’s go, shall we?”

“Understood.” She said plainly, leading you toward the hole in the wall. She wanted to leave that way instead of taking the elevator? Well… sure. No problem. That worked too.

(2/?)

“The same way we arrived, boss?” She emphasized the last word, clearly irritated. You sensed the frustration in her tone. You’d explain everything to her once you were far from the others.

“Of cou—“ Shelly didn’t even wait for your answer, shoving you out as she pushed you from behind. For half a second you plummeted, then your descent slowed. The shock knocked the air from your lungs. You hated falling, especially from who knows how many dozen floors up.

Shelly dropped slightly faster, finally leveling beside you as your fall stabilized. Still unsettling, but much safer than before.

She was right there, arms crossed, a stern glare locked onto you. She was pissed. But she wasn’t speaking. Might as well break the ice.

“If it make you feels be—“

“Was that your idea?” She cut in, her voice barely audible over the wind. “Now I have to work with some random guy who might want me dead. I don’t trust any of them, and you just went ahead, willy-nilly, making a huge deal without even talking to me first. I know I didn’t give you much to work with, but… but what the hell man? Can’t you change the deal or something?”

If only she knew how terrifying she looked when she was angry.

“Look. Let me explain.” You gestured to the side in an attempt to defuse the situation. Shelly remained silent, actually listening. A rare occurrence. Normally, you’d be interrupted the moment you said that exact phrase.

“I get that the agent that guy wanted to send might not be the most trustworthy, but I wanted the Black Sheep to send Sora to assist us. That’s why I pushed so hard for Victoria to send one of her own agents.”

“Oh.” Her voice softened, her rigid stance easing. A few seconds passed as you both descended slowly, and she didn’t argue back. That was a good sign.

“They wanted to send Bayfor, and that’s when I objected. But outright rejecting that guy’s offer would have made our intentions too obvious. I had to make sure Victoria picked Sora. Trust me, I’ll send our resident maniac a message, get her to push for the spot. That way, you two can work together. Even if that guy tried something, you’d have her backing you up.”

Shelly kept her arms crossed, her gaze shifting away in what almost looked like shame. “Fine. I get it. It makes sense. Sorry for… pushing you so hard. I’ve got a headache, and I’m starving.”

> Offer to take her somewhere to eat. Also, invite Sora to join. It’d be better to update her on what happened in the meeting in person.
> Head straight back to headquarters. Staying on this side of the city didn’t feel safe, especially with so few agents at your disposal. You needed to update everyone on the new plan.
> You couldn’t ignore how Shelly had mentioned feeling like she was bleeding from her mouth. And now, with her headache? A check-up wouldn’t hurt. The Noble District likely had a good doctor. Take her there.
> Other (Write in)

>>6203093
>You couldn’t ignore how Shelly had mentioned feeling like she was bleeding from her mouth. And now, with her headache? A check-up wouldn’t hurt. The Noble District likely had a good doctor. Take her there.

>>6203093
>Offer to take her somewhere to eat. Also, invite Sora to join. It’d be better to update her on what happened in the meeting in person.

>>6203093
>You couldn’t ignore how Shelly had mentioned feeling like she was bleeding from her mouth. And now, with her headache? A check-up wouldn’t hurt. The Noble District likely had a good doctor. Take her there.

>>6203093
>> You couldn’t ignore how Shelly had mentioned feeling like she was bleeding from her mouth. And now, with her headache? A check-up wouldn’t hurt. The Noble District likely had a good doctor. Take her there.

>>6203093

“In that case, let’s check out the Noble District. Maybe find a doctor or something. We can grab something to eat on the way.” You did your best not to look down. Even with the slow descent, the height was unnerving.

“You sure that’s a good idea? The city’s still on edge. If a guard spots us, they might cause trouble.” How was she so calm this high up? You wanted to tell her to speed things up, but the words never left your mouth.

“I highly doubt it. It’s not like they can do anything about my Semblance. Worst case, we say we’re with the White Fang or allied with the Black Sheep. I’d be surprised if the guards weren’t already in their pockets.” You shut your eyes, feeling a little better. Maybe just a quick glance to see how much longer the fall would take? No. Better not.

“Well… if you insist. Honestly? I’m getting tired of always sneaking around in the dark. I miss just walking through the streets like a normal person.”

“Perfect. Now, please, tell me when we are close to landing. I’d rather not look down while we’re this high up.”

A few seconds passed before Shelly spoke again. “Sure. You can open them now. We’re close to landing. I wouldn’t want you to trip.”

You opened your eyes. You were still high above the city. Below, tiny dots of light flickered, scattered among countless buildings, their neon glow cutting through the mist that veiled the Noble District. A heavy knot twisted your stomach. You sighed, shutting your eyes again, trying to steady your breathing. This damnable fear of heights.

Shelly chuckled. “Now we’re even.”

--------

“I can’t believe it.” Shelly said as you walked together through the streets, her hand resting near your shoulder. Your loyal dog pressed against your back inside your kimono, his warm fur being comfortable while he snored softly.

“What is it that you can’t believe?” You sidestepped a large piece of paper drifting toward you. The streets of the Noble District felt… wrong. Pristine, untouched, but lifeless. Unlike the other parts of the city, there were no ruined buildings, and barely any trash littered the ground. The elegant architecture stood immaculate, yet hollow. No one walked these streets but the two of you. Maybe your Semblance wasn’t even necessary here.

“That we haven’t found anything even close to a medic’s place or a restaurant. How do these rich bastards live without basic amenities? All I see are houses, maybe a bathhouse or two. The only remotely interesting thing was that abandoned Dust shop back there.”

“Maybe they send their employees or butlers to the Middle District for supplies. I guess that’s where most of the goods end up, with the market and all that.” You kept walking, the thick mist curling around every corner, swallowing the streets in an eerie silence. It felt like wandering in the underworld as a ghost drifting through a city that had long since forgotten the living.

(1/?)

“Taylor, we’ve been walking for almost an hour, and nothing’s open. Honestly, it’s a miracle we even found that bathhouse hours ago. Shouldn’t we head back?” Her voice was tense. She was worried. And truthfully, so were you. Something about this felt… off.

It didn’t make sense. It wasn’t that late, and even if it was, surely some place should still be open. Anything. As strange as it sounded, you almost missed the distorted chatter of drunkards, the slurred curses of thugs, the restless noise and bad smell of the Middle District.

“Maybe…” You glanced to the side, a sensation creeping up near your neck. Someone watching? No… just mist. Your mind was playing tricks on you. But still, you couldn’t shake the feeling that you were being hunted.

“Maybe what?” Shelly asked, following your gaze.

“Shelly, have seen anything weird? Heard anything off while we walked?” If something was out there, her senses might confirm it, or put your mind at ease.

“Trust me, whatever you’re feeling, I feel it too. Probably even worse. But… no. I haven’t seen or heard anything strange. And I’ve been watching everything. I swear. At most, I heard some chimes a while ago, but those were just some decorations near a rooftop. Nothing is following us… I think.”

You relaxed, if only a little. Most likely, it was just paranoia. And even if something was following you, your Semblance provided an extra layer of security. “Fine, fine, forget I asked. I was just saying… maybe with the recent attacks, people here have gotten too paranoid. Maybe they’re just hiding.”

Shelly tilted her head slightly, as if dismissing you. Her eyes remained fixed ahead, slightly narrowed.

“You heard something, didn’t you?” You started talking, but she hushed you immediately.

“Can you turn off your Semblace? Just for a moment? It messes with my hearing, and I think I heard something.” Her gaze kept looking to her right.

Well… if she insisted.

The moment you deactivated your Semblance, the world around you sharpened. Sounds became clearer. Most noticeably, the wind whispering through the empty streets. The sky seemed just a shade brighter, and some of the mist got clearer.

“So? What is it?” You asked.

“Turn your Semblance on. We’ve got company.” Damn. Trouble? Now? Just perfect. After activating your Semblance again, the world around you dulled. Sounds muffled, lights dimmed, and the mist thickened as your fingers brushed against the handgun at your belt.

“How many?”

“Many, but I don’t think they’re hostiles. I heard some guards talking. They’re on edge, too. Let’s go.” Before you could respond, she grabbed your sleeve, practically dragging you forward. You relented.

(2/?)

After a few minutes of walking, you spotted in the distance a full squad of guards armed with assault rifles and night-vision goggles. You recognized that tech. Top of the line. Scouting drones hovered nearby, their red lights blinking in the fog. Several turrets were positioned at the gate and on the roof of what looked like a large mansion. But what caught your attention the most was the front door. It wasn’t just broken, it had been thrown to the side, its surface corroded as if eaten away by something.

“Shelly, I could use your ears on this one.” Her enhanced hearing might pick up something useful. You leaned against the wall of the nearby building. Even with your Semblance active, standing out in the open was a risk. If they had thermal imaging or anything similar, you’d be easy to spot.

“They are scared. They don’t want to be here.” Shelly whispered. There was no need to whisper, no one could hear you even if you spoke normally, but you’d tell her that later. “It’s hard to say without context, but I think this was one of the places where the other Hunter attacked. The one who poisoned nobles or something. Something about… ‘making sure they didn’t take anything.’ There’s something valuable in there.”

Valuable? Interesting.

“So, how do we get in?” You asked Shelly, already considering possible plans. If something valuable was inside, you wanted to see it firsthand. It could be useful. Taking them down was always an option, but… picking a fight with the Black Sheep this early into your alliance didn’t seem wise.

“What do you mean ‘get in’? We should go. Whatever it is, it isn’t ours, and we shouldn’t steal it.” Shelly scolded, still whispering.

“You? Saying ‘no’ to finding out what our future enemies are hiding? Are you sure you don’t want to know what hidden cards the Black Sheep is holding?” Come on, Shelly. Say yes. This was a golden opportunity.

She fell silent for a moment, thinking itt over. “And how can you be so sure these goons are with the Black Sheep?”

“We’re in the Noble District. Far north, deep in their territory. Only the wealthiest houses reside here. The hidden gem of the valley, as they call it. I’m certain of it.” You were absolutely not certain of it. But was the most probably answer.

“Fine… I guess stealing from thieves isn’t so bad.” Poor girl, her conscience was eating at her. Sora had called her a goody-two-shoes, hadn’t she? Sooner or later, she’d have to learn how to play dirty.

“Thieves and murderers, Shelly. And slavers, drug-dealers… and worse. Now, let’s come up with a plan.”

> Subterfuge was your best bet. Study their patrol routes, look for weak points, a distracted guard, anything to disable the drones and turrets without raising suspicion.
> Psychological warfare might work best. If the guards didn’t want to be there, that was fine by you. Exploit their fear. Take shots from a distance. Have Shelly use her gravity Semblance to disorient them. Make them panic. Make them run.
> A frontal assault was the fastest solution. With your Semblance active, tracking you was nearly impossible. End them quickly in an ambush. Violent, sure, but a squad of guards was nothing against two experienced Huntsmen. Efficiency trumps everything.
> Let Shelly take charge. She needed to learn how to be a good spy, a clever leader, a dirty fighter, and a dangerous Huntress. Whether her plan worked or not didn’t matter. What mattered was the experience she’d gain in tactics and strategy.
> Other (Write in)

>>6207342
>Subterfuge was your best bet. Study their patrol routes, look for weak points, a distracted guard, anything to disable the drones and turrets without raising suspicion.

>>6207342
>Subterfuge was your best bet. Study their patrol routes, look for weak points, a distracted guard, anything to disable the drones and turrets without raising suspicion.

>>6207342
>> A frontal assault was the fastest solution. With your Semblance active, tracking you was nearly impossible. End them quickly in an ambush. Violent, sure, but a squad of guards was nothing against two experienced Huntsmen. Efficiency trumps everything.

>>6207342
> Subterfuge was your best bet. Study their patrol routes, look for weak points, a distracted guard, anything to disable the drones and turrets without raising suspicion.

Gonna need dices dices dices. 3d10, best of three, DC 19, Crit 25

Rolled 2, 6, 3 = 11 (3d10)

>>6209092

Rolled 8, 1, 6 = 15 (3d10)

>>6209092

Rolled 7, 3, 9 = 19 (3d10)

>>6209092

>>6207342

“Do you want me to take the lead or…?” Shelly murmured, peeking around the corner at the soldiers.

“No. I have a better idea. How does your Semblance work with objects?” Two drones, a turret, a few guards at the front. Some at the sides, maybe another squad near the rear.

“As long as the target doesn’t have a well-developed Aura it works pretty good. The range is not that long, however. Why do you ask?”

---

“How long are we supposed to wait here?” Pennant’s voice crackled through his visor. Always nagging, always slacking. No wonder he kept getting stuck with these shitty jobs.

“Just a few more hours, mate. What, eager to hit the bottle again?” Sama replied over the comms. She was the only one guarding the flank. Brave girl. Always eager to impress. Always angling for that promotion. She’d climbed the ranks faster than most.

“More like hitting the bed. I’ve been up nearly a full day. I can barely see straight.” He groaned, loud enough to make your ears ring. Idiot never figured out how to modulate his damn comms.

“Penn, lower your comm. You’re about to make our ears bleed.” You sighed, exhaling loudly. At least the night was calm. Guarding this place felt pointless. It had already been ransacked. Only boredom kept you company. “Jude, Noro, report in. Everything clear in your end?”

A pair of bleeps confirmed they received the message. “Yup, everything fine ‘ere, Apollo.” Jude replied. “Me and my squad are bored out of our minds. Y’sure we can’t, like, play dice or something in the meantime?”

“No, Jude, we can’t. Not until the trucks arrive and secure the remaining goods.” Did something move in the distance? No. It was only a door swaying in the wind. Poor bastards who lived here had to evacuate a perfectly fine district. In a few more weeks, this place would be nothing but a ghost town.

“And how long is that gonna take?” Jude grumbled. “The streets are empty, there’s no one blocking the way, and it’s late as hell. How long does it take to roll in some trucks?” He had a point. What was taking them so long?

“I don’t have confirmation yet. I’ll check in with command soon. They’re on high alert or something. Heads had a meeting recently, so there aren’t many people available to give out orders.” You were sure your commander was asleep. Suphis was a damn useless person, and even a worse boss.

“Noro, what the fuck are you doing? Didn’t you get my message?” You had to scold him. His comm was still silent. A relatively new recruit, but supposedly talented. Even so, you weren’t about to give him special treatment just because his daddy had money.

“Yeah, yeah, sorry. I got it, it’s just… one of the drones is acting kinda weird.”

What?

(1/?)

“Elaborate. What do you mean?” Your breathing grew shallow. Was there going to be trouble? Beads of cold sweat ran down your forehead, dripping inside your helmet. You could feel Pennant tensing up.

“Well, it’s still active, but It’s not flying anymore. I’m trying to get it to move, but it won’t budge. It’s also flickering. A malfunction in its gravity pulsors?” Noro had a knack for electronics before he joined. If anyone could figure out what the fuck was going on, it was him.

“What the fuck are you waiting for, then? Fix that shit ASAP. Were you messing with it?” Goddamn it. For a moment, you thought you were about to be attacked. Useless kid. No experience at all. The quality of the guards had been declining over the last few years.

“I’m trying, but it won’t budge. Does anyone have some tools to open it up? Maybe if I take a look inside, I can see what’s maki-“ A barrage of gunfire erupted from one of the turrets on the south side.

You pressed a finger to the side of your visor, already sprinting as you waited for your teammate’s response. “Sama, you’re the closest to the engagement point. What the fuck just happened?”

“Don’t know, chief. The turret autotracking moved on its own. Maybe it spotted an animal or something? I’m standing right where the shot landed, and there’s nothing here.”

Your slowed to a stop. “What? Keep looking and keep me updated. Jude, send two of your soldiers to back up Sam.” Another false alarm? One was a coincidednce. Two in a row? That was too suspicious.

“Is everything alright, sir?” Penn’s voice came from behind you. That dumbass, had he followed you on his own? You never told him to. Was he scared of being alone?

“Penn, who the fuck is guarding the entrance?” Another screw-up from this idiot. Not only did you have a potential attack to deal with, but now this? You could feel a vein ready to burst.

---

What seemed like a pretty wooden mansion from the front felt far too modern and well-maintained on the inside. Fancy paintings, vases, a fireplace, etc. What really caught your attention was a double door hatch torn open awfully close to the entrance, leading down towards an expansive tunnel.

“I think they’re on high alert.” Shelly said beside you, peering into the tunnel that was surrounded by rock and tangled cables. Flickering lights dotted the bottom and the sides, and what appeared to be a moving ramp or an elevator was near the entrance.

“What makes you say that?” You began climbing down, Shelly following close behind. Activating the moving ramp was as easy as pushing a button, but it would make too much noise. Gliding down was the better choice.

(2/?)

File: UndergroundTunnels.jpg (310 KB, 1021x426)

310 KB JPG

“There’s a guy near the entrance screaming at one of the soldiers. Sounds pissed.” She noticed your right hand lift slightly. She got the message, grabbing hold of you and helping you glide besides her, leaving the ramp untouched.

“Angry? You sure about that?” The tunnel was bigger than expected. Several meters wide and tall. Getting back without the ramp would be tricky, but not impossible.

“Yep, pretty sure. At least I learned a few new swear words.” You could hear the smirk in her voice.

You hadn’t been spotted, but the distractions you had used definitely stirred the pot. Glancing up, you saw sparks shooting from a cable supporting the ramp, a fresh set of small holes punched clean through it. Good thing you didn’t use it. Was it even working in the first place?

As you landed, the space around you seemed to expand. The tunnels stretched far wider, their dark-green metallic sheen giving them a cold and sterile look. Far prettier and cleaner than the ones in your headquarters, but the air here felt… off.

“I don’t like this place.” Shelly muttered behind you, her hand gripping your shoulder as she landed. Back again to normal movement. Finally.

“Me neither, but that’s how it is.” You started walking forward into this labyrinth. You spotted countless turns vanishing into the distance. This place almost felt like a hangar connected to an extensive labyrinth of tunnels. “Looks like the Spider’s intel was right, after all.”

“What intel?” Shelly kept glancing back, always on guard. You could tell from the tightness of her grip.

“That the Black Sheep had a network of tunnels, complete with hidden rooms spread across the city. Mostly concentrated in this district, of course. This is where they store valuables, conduct business, smuggle things in and out of, and whatever else they do down here.”

Shelly kept quiet, looking forward. “Any more useful info you forgot to tell me?” She pushed you forward a little bit, urging you to move. Was she mad again?

“No, nothing concrete. This was just a rumor I wanted to verify. And, well… here we are.” You hesitated for a moment. “Are you… alright?” You never meant to keep her in the dark, but some things were meant only for those in your position. Things you’d eventually show her back at base.

She exhaled, obviously tired. “Yeah, sorry again. I’m just still hungry, and my headache hasn’t gone away.”

> Search the rooms near the entrance. Going too deep into the tunnels was risky. Too many cameras, too many changes to get caught.
> Move deeper into the tunnels. The most valuable things were always the hardest to reach, which meant the best loot was likely stashed near the far end.
> Send a message to the Spiders through your scroll while keeping an eye on Shelly as she searched. Follow her to make sure she was safe, of course. Let the Spiders know their intel was accurate. This would keep them interested and remind them you were still a potential ally.
> Other (Write in)

>>6210487
>> Move deeper into the tunnels. The most valuable things were always the hardest to reach, which meant the best loot was likely stashed near the far end.

>>6210487
>Search the rooms near the entrance. Going too deep into the tunnels was risky. Too many cameras, too many changes to get caught.

>>6210487
>> Search the rooms near the entrance. Going too deep into the tunnels was risky. Too many cameras, too many changes to get caught.

>>6210487
> Search the rooms near the entrance. Going too deep into the tunnels was risky. Too many cameras, too many changes to get caught.

>>6210487

“Well, at least we’ve confirmed that places like this exist.” Staying here for too long would be risky, and exhaustion was starting to set in. “Let’s just check around near the entrance. Reconnaissance and all that. If we need a more through investigation, we can always call in support from the Spiders at a later date. If I were them, I’d be dying to know what’s hidden here.”

“You sure that’s a good idea? Shouldn’t we, you know, actually go all out and search deeper in the compound?” Shelly asked, glancing around, probably impressed by the construction. It was… a pretty sight, maybe?

“Yeah, I think we should, just not right now. The guards mentioned something about trucks coming soon, remember? We don’t know exactly when they’ll arrive, and besides, my Semblance will probably fail if a camera catches us. So, stay sharp, ‘kay?” You hadn’t realized how windy it was down here.

“Roger that, I guess.” Shelly was tired. Her movements made it obvious. Good thing you wouldn’t be here for long.

Near the entrance, several rooms stood open, some cargo lay scattered around, and beyond that, the long corridor stretched toward other warehouses. A quick search of the first few would be enough.

---

Your stomach rumbled, breaking the monotonous silence. Now you were the one feeling hungry and weak. Not too much, but definitely uncomfortable.

You opened the last drawer. Empty, just like all the others. If anything was left behind, it was only scattered papers filled with administrative gibberish, none of it useful. Some outdated schedules, cargo manifests with names scratched out. The Black Sheep was organized, you had to give them that. At least someone had left behind a coffee cup with a funny cartoon on it.

“Hey, Shel, anything useful on your side?” You turned as you spoke, scanning the empty office littered with abandoned desks and chairs once again.

Something caught your eye. A gun? Interesting. You stepped closer behind one desk, taking it. It was nothing special, standard ballistic tech. No Dust modifications, no high-tech enhancements. Checking the magazine, you found it still partially loaded. So, whoever had been working here was armed. But this wasn’t the kind of weapon issued to security personnel, it was more akin to those used by regular people in self-defense. Maybe it belonged to the grunts working here?

A sudden knock at the entrance pulled your attention away. You turned to see Shelly standing there, her expression tense. “You should come.” She said. “I found something.”

You stood up from the floor, setting the handgun down on one of the empty desks. “Good job. Is it anything useful? I’ve had shit luck like you wouldn’t believe. Look.” You held up the cup, a bright yellow mug with a cartoon pig’s smiling face. Maybe this would lighten the mood.

(1/?)

Shelly, however, didn’t smile. Quite the opposite. She frowned. “I found a body, and, uh… I think you should see for yourself.” She turned and walked out of the room.

A body? Shit. Grim news, but at least it was something.

Following her into the large hallway, you took a left at the second room. A few lights flickered near the end of the hallway. Looked like the deeper the rooms were, the harsher the electrical issues.

Inside, the dim room was filled with powered-down machines, some occasionally sparking, likely from gunfire. The flickering light made it hard to see clearly.

Shelly stepped in first, motioning toward something near one of the corners the opposite side from the entrance. As the light briefly illuminated the area, you saw it. A body. A bald man, probably in his thirties, slumped against the wall. His white coat was soaked in dried blood, green pants and black shoes completing the picture. Near his right hand lay a handgun, nearly identical to the one you’d found earlier.

So, the people who worked here were armed after all. Dully noted. Even lowly grunts from the Black Sheep had weapons on them.

You approached the body, ready to inspect it. Investigating the dead was never pleasant, but luckily (or unluckily, depending on how you looked at it), you had plenty of experience. And the tolerance to match. All thanks to your days as a White Fang foot soldier.

“Not to sound cold, Shelly, but… why are you so nervous?” The body was cold. It had been dead for a while, but there was no stench yet. That meant it wasn’t too old. Two days, maybe? One? Less than that? “I mean, it’s part of a Huntress’s life to come across things like this on the regular.”

“Because only sick people don’t care when people die.” Her voice felt… judgmental. You glanced at her.

“…No offense meant.” She added after a pause. “I mean, I just don’t think it’s normal for people to get used to death. It’s not right. Every single one of these guys had a life, a family, probably friends. Even if they were bandits, killers, or worse, their deaths still leave behind suffering. That’s something I’ll never be comfortable with.”

She wasn’t wrong… in a way. But you fundamentally disagreed. You knew firsthand how much damage terrible people could do if left alive. You had seen it. Lived it. But now wasn’t the time for that debate. Both of you were tired and hungry, and besides, she was entitled to her view, as flawed as it was in your eyes.

“Lets… leave that talk for another day, okay?” You continued inspecting the body. How did this guy die? Was there a wound somewhere? “…Oh, fuck.”

“What is it?” Shelly asked, startled by your swearing.

(2/?)

“Gunshot. To the side of the head.” You lifted your gaze, scanning the room with your single eye, taking in the scene. Bullet holes riddled the machines. Cracks ran along the walls. One of the overhead lights flickered, shattered.

All these shots… could they have come from this guy? And who shot him? Judging by the angle, someone must had been in the room with him before leaving. But then, why were there bullet marks near the entrance wall? Was this guy this much of a lousy shot?

None of it made sense. It didn’t seem likely that someone had killed him. The more plausible explanation was that he… Ah, fuck. That only raised more questions.

“I think he…” You hesitated, trying to phrase it as gently as possible so Shelly wouldn’t grow more uncomfortable than she already was. But she was already walking toward the entrance. Shit. She knew.

“Wait.” You stood up, following her. This was exactly why being so idealistic was dangerous. People like her were the most fragile. And… you couldn’t blame them. It wasn’t their fault that they were this way. Poor girl.

Shelly shushed you, keeping you inside the room as she leaned out, looking around. Knowing her, she was probably listening instead.

“What is it? Did you hear something?” A small part of you felt relieved, the thought of her being shaken because she heard something, instead of the alternative. Maybe she was stronger than she seemed. She was… hard to figure out.

She nodded. “Gunshots. And shouting. From above. Lots of it. I think the guys outside are in a fight. Can’t make out what they’re saying, though. The way this hallway is shaped, plus the distance, makes everything sound… muffled.”

“Shit. Are you sure?” This was real trouble now. The only way out you knew was through the entrance. Not far away, at least. But was it smart to check outside? Going deeper into the tunnels was even riskier, as there was no guarantee of an exit.

“Yeah. I’m sure. It’s still going on. Can you hear it?”

You closed your eyes, trying to focus. All you heard was the wind and the faint crackling of broken machines and sparks behind you.

“Nope. I can’t.”

> We need to find a place to hide until the fight ends, then we can see if escaping through the entrance is even possible. Shelly’s enhanced hearing will be crucial for this.
> Heading deeper into the tunnels was risky, but it might lead us to another exit, or at least something useful.
> The battle still raged above. If we move quickly, we might be able to slip out through the entrance, using the chaos and your Semblance to your advantage. It would also give you both a chance to see what’s really happening.
> Other (Write in)

>>6212632
> We need to find a place to hide until the fight ends, then we can see if escaping through the entrance is even possible. Shelly’s enhanced hearing will be crucial for this.

>>6212632
>> We need to find a place to hide until the fight ends, then we can see if escaping through the entrance is even possible. Shelly’s enhanced hearing will be crucial for this

>>6212632
>We need to find a place to hide until the fight ends, then we can see if escaping through the entrance is even possible. Shelly’s enhanced hearing will be crucial for this.

>>6212632

Shelly’s gaze tilted slightly upward toward the tunnel entrance as she peeked out of the room. So many options. Should we make a run for it? Head deeper? Try to sneak out?

“Let’s hide somewhere. Maybe inside one of the rooms, under a desk or something. Can I count on your hearing to update me on what’s going on?”

“Yup. I was thinking the same thing. Let’s go to the first room. Best place to sneak around.”

A slight nod. That was it. A plan.

Back in the first room, you carefully shifted a few desks and chairs. Just enough to give you an edge in hiding while keeping things inconspicuous.

As you activated your Semblance, the atmosphere around you seemed to dim. Sure, it wasn’t as flashy as invulnerability, explosions, or… manipulating gravity, but it barely drained your Aura. As long as nothing went wrong, you were sure you could keep it on indefinitely.

“So… keep me updated, Shelly, okay? If anything suspicious happens, let me know, and we’ll adjust our plan accordingly.” You pulled out your handgun and knife. They looked… plain. Average, and not in a good way. But they worked just fine. It had been a long time since you last used them.

Shelly nodded, her eyes shutting briefly as her head tilted slightly from time to time, ‘adjusting’ her hearing. She was listening. Best to stay quiet.

…

…

“The shooting stopped.” Shelly whispered after a few minutes. “Now there’s only silence.”

If the shooting had stopped, that meant the fight was over. But who had won? The guards or whoever attacked them? Maybe a Grimm attack? With the chaos still unfolding, the city’s security would surely be in shambles sooner or later.

“Fuck.” A word you never liked hearing. “Now someone’s screaming. Fuck. I think it was one of the soldiers, I’m not sure.”

That was it. Whatever struck first had finished the job. And fast. Too fast.

“You swearing? That’s new. You always seem so careful with your words.” Probably not the best time for jokes, but someone had to lighten the mood.

“I think someone’s coming down the tunnel.” She ignored your joke. “I hear voices. Two of them. A man and a woman.”

At least she was more focused than you.

You closed your eyes, straining to listen. Nothing. Still too far away. “So… what are they saying? Anything important?”

“Give me a sec.” She leaned forward slightly, tilting her head as if adjusting to pick up the sound. “They’re… laughing? Joking with each other?”

Two people coming down here, after tearing through the squad of guards and turrets outside, yet they strolled in like it was nothing, unconcerned about being heard or followed. Such arrogance. It couldn’t be them, could it? The infamous Hunters who had thrown the city into chaos?

“Shelly, you fought one of the Hunters, right? Did you hear his voice? Can you tell if-“

Shelly cut you off with a sharp shush, pressing herself closer beside you.

(1/?)

“I heard him over a radio. Too much static. No promises.” She edged forward from under the desk, creeping toward the room’s entrance. You moved quickly to stop her. If she moved too far, your Semblance wouldn’t be able to shroud her.

Then, at last, you heard them. Distant voices, inching closer. A girl’s mocking laughter, and a man’s low, irritated grumbles in response.

Shelly froze, then scurried back behind the desk at your side, trembling. That could only mean one thing.

“It’s them, right?” Dumb question, sure, but you had to confirm.

“Uh-huh.” She crossed her arms, her hand touching her bow. She was really shaken. Was the fight with that guy really that bad?

The faint voices started to get louder. If you focused, you could just make out what they were saying.

“And why not? Why shouldn’t I?” A sharp female voice rang out, amused and being carefree. “I mean, it’s their fault for not preparing properly. Like, no respect at all, you know?”

“Don’t let it get to your head.” A male voice replied as he walked. The echoes of the tunnel worked in your favor, you could hear the distinct tap of a cane with each step.

“And why should I listen to you?” The woman shot back, irritated. They were right outside the door of the room where you were hiding.” “It’s not like I have a defeat under my belt or anything. If anything, you should be the one following my orders now, by decree of who isn’t a failure and all that, right?”

The man groaned. “I told you, it was just luck. Next time things will be different.”

“Tyrian won’t be pleased to hear that, you know? But if you’re that desperate for help, I suppose I could lend a hand. Us younglings have to look after our elders, right?”

“I’m… not that old.” At this point, the male voice was heard as if it was inside the room, peering inside. Shelly stared at the wall, her breathing rapid and uneven, her eyes alarmingly wide.

“Not that old? You’re ancient!” The pair continued walking, finally leaving the room undisturbed. Your Semblance had worked just nicely. Good. “I’m shocked you can even stand! Come on, try my formula. I promise, it will shave at least twenty years off your back.”

The man sighed. “I’d rather have my insides liquefied and slurped up by a Grimm than trust your concoctions.”

The girl cackled like a maniac, her laughter ricocheting through the walls of the tunnel. “No wonder you’re still breathing after all this time. You’ve got good instincts, wheezer.”

As they moved deeper into the tunnels, Shelly’s tension eased, but only slightly. You reached out to her, resting a hand on her back as you attempted to calm her. “Are you… alright?”

(2/?)

“Yeah, just a little startled. The fight I had with that guy wasn’t… pretty. You can ask Sora for the details. I’d rather not think about it right now.”

A little startled? If you didn’t know her, you’d think she was having a panic attack right now. Even if her words said otherwise, the way her body showed her emotions, when she was angry, when she was excited, when she was afraid. Everything was always at full intensity.

At least you had learned to trust her words over her body language.

“So… what do you want us to do? Should we ambush them? Try to escape?” Her eyes were still locked on the wall, asking for your advice.

“Maybe… we should go?” The words slipped out. Those two had scared the city into submission with almost no effort. Sure, they had no idea you two were here, but picking a fight with them? That was reckless. And stupid.

“Are you sure you don’t want to engage?” Shelly asked, still staring at the wall, her expression unreadable. Something about it unsettled you. “If we take them out now, a lot of lives could be saved, and… avenged.”

You studied her face. She sounded sure of herself, but… she was terrified. Her breaths were shallow, her eyes wide as plates. The disconnect between what she said and what she felt never stopped being jarring. Like she was two different people at once.

> Lets just sneak out. Shelly was strong, sure, but she was probably biting more than she could chew. You didn’t want to lose her. And you didn’t want to die, either.
> Middle ground. Tailing them was the safest bet. With your Semblance, you could track them unnoticed. And you were curious. What were they looking for in these underground tunnels built by the Black Sheep?
> Engage them. A well-timed ambush. Your handgun, paired with Shelly’s bow, might be enough to take one of them out. Maybe. You’d wait for the perfect moment before striking.
> Other (Write in)

>>6215501
>> Lets just sneak out. Shelly was strong, sure, but she was probably biting more than she could chew. You didn’t want to lose her. And you didn’t want to die, either.

>>6215501
>Lets just sneak out. Shelly was strong, sure, but she was probably biting more than she could chew. You didn’t want to lose her. And you didn’t want to die, either.

>>6215501
>Middle ground. Tailing them was the safest bet. With your Semblance, you could track them unnoticed. And you were curious. What were they looking for in these underground tunnels built by the Black Sheep?

>>6215501
>Lets just sneak out. Shelly was strong, sure, but she was probably biting more than she could chew. You didn’t want to lose her. And you didn’t want to die, either.

New thread with the update!

>>6218592
>>6218592
>>6218592