Perilous Arc |AU|

Mission Engage [Chap. 22]

"Will those work as good replacements?"

I glanced at myself in the glass as we passed by a series of windows in the path, and observed. A set of armor that was functionally the same as my old set rest on my body, but it was far more brutalist in appearance. Sparse strips of crackling black paint ran around the scraped bland steel of the cuirass and gauntlets, while the bulky pauldron was painted entirely. I let my gaze flick away from the reflection in the glass just as the series of windows ended, and focused forward. With each step I felt the weight of the tower shield and long sword on my back, and the other odds and ends I was equipped with clinked with the movements.

"I'll manage." I shrugged noncommittally, glancing at my companion from my peripheral. "You coming with?"

"It is your first official mission as a certified Huntsman!" Elm gushed, clapping her hands softly as we walked. "I felt it in good taste to tag along to observe your display, and the General agreed. I've been assigned in-post to the mission with you and the Huntress."

I hummed at the info, thinking it over in my mind as we arrived at the departing docks.

"... suppose that's smart." I conceded, eyeing the numbers lining the dock and maneuvering towards the right one.

"Ah, I see your hesitation now!" The accented woman exclaimed, patting my shoulder roughly with a toothy smile. "I won't be getting in your way, Arc. No need to worry!"

"It's not you I'm worried about." The words were stoic, but needed no further explanation. Going on a mission with a Huntress isn't anything special, but in this particular situation she's basically an unknown to me. When I selected the mission from the terminal earlier today she was already locked in and was just awaiting a second person. According to the listing she has skills as a marksman, and is a certified Explosives Expert.

'Whatever that entails, exactly. I just hope she isn't a pain to work with.' I didn't bother voicing my thoughts and just let them remain as we boarded the Bullhead. The journey was quick and filled with me stoically humoring Elm's excitable quirks, and attempting to ignore how physical her shows of expression were. More than once she'd slap me on the shoulder or bump into me while explaining something, and I just experienced the woman quietly with a frown that was quickly becoming natural for me. It wasn't long before our ride landed in one of the docking zones of Mantle, and as a pair we hopped off the Bullhead.

"Back to Mantle! You know, I seem to find myself here more often than I thought after becoming a Specialist..." My companion thought aloud. Her hand stroked her chin thoughtfully as she gazed at the tall brick buildings that were cast in a warm glow from the fire dust network. A hum left her lips before turning to me, and I met her with a cool gaze. "I don't think I have ever asked what you think of here, no? Impression?"

I grunted at the question and took a second to soak in the city. The buildings and the toasty color of the lights against the glass windows combined with the sprays of neon signs to form a pretty peculiar air around the place. I'd only been here twice so far, and I'm aware that most would find the people to be on the rougher side. For myself, I thought of the place as homely for reasons I couldn't express.

"More charming that Atlas." I answered finally.

"I couldn't have put it better myself!"

A new voice joined the conversation after my words, it was light and airy. Elm and I shared a look before checking behind us, where the culprit was standing. I studied her quickly, and she stood with her hands on her hips and a bright smile on her lips as she flicked her attention between us. It was a woman with pixie-like features and long silky brown hair that was tied into a ponytail, and a fringe that parted down the middle and swept to the sides. There was a red headband tied around her forehead that matched red cloth likewise tied around her wrists, and she wore a skin-tight body glove underneath armor comprised of brown leather and polished steel. Grenades and an odd collection of magazines were strapped around her waist and thighs along with twin pistols.