Isolation

Bonus: Fates Intertwined

Emerald

The crescent edges of Thief's Respite met Vernal's ring-shaped blades, hooking Vernal closer to her. Emerald shifted her foot forward as she leaned in further towards Vernal. Vernal's natural cocky grin quickly fell as Emerald launched her head forward to headbutt Vernal's nose. The sudden attack caused Vernal to recoil back, losing her footing.

Vernal stumbled down onto the sand holding her nose, "You fucking bitch! Damnit, I should have just used my Semblance this round."

Emerald holstered her twin revolvers before reaching her hand out towards her fallen opponent, "See? How many times do I have to beat you without my Semblance to show you I can handle myself just fine?"

Vernal grumbled as she accepted Emerald's outstretched hand, "You're just a cheater. Your Semblance is bullshit and your weapons counter mine. It's not fair you can just hook my blades."

Emerald rolled her eyes as she helped Vernal stand, "Boo hoo. The world isn't a fair place. Cheat or die. Should have just used your Semblance you whiny skank."

"If you die it just means you were weak," Vernal mimicked Raven's tone of voice as she responded back.

Emerald laughed, "Your impression is spot on. How long have you been practicing that for?"

Vernal shrugged, "She says it every raid, just picked it up one day. She would kick my ass if she heard my impression, huh?"

"Hate to break it to you, Vernal. You don't have much of an ass to kick in the first place. Stick to the killing and not the acting," Emerald's voice was filled with mirth as she smirked at Vernal.

Vernal's eyes narrowed as she raised her weapons, "We're going another round, brat! I'm not going to be satisfied until I know you can easily solo the next raid we go on!"

Emerald unholstered Thief's Respite, "Brat? I'm sixteen. That's only four years younger than you. Besides, I got more kills than you did last time. Slowing down over there, granny?"

Vernal launched herself forward, a manic grin on her face, "Fuck off, Emerald! You made those mercs braindead before you put a bullet into them, lazy bitch!"

Emerald met her blades with her own as the two launched into another spar.

The two went a few more rounds in the sparring ring before one of the members of the tribe wandered over to interrupt them.

"Emerald! Chief expects a visitor soon. We're holding him at the gate. She wants you in position."

Emerald swiped at some of the sweat on her forehead before nodding, "Got it. I'll get going."

She moved past the messenger, quickly passing by several of the worn buildings within the village as she headed for the central home of the Chief. The building itself was much larger than the rest in the small village, composed of white adobe. The previous owner of the home had been the leader of the village before the Branwen tribe had conquered it for themselves two years ago. It had been the first raid Raven allowed her to participate in since liberating her from that Vacuo water baron. That bastard took her from her true family at the age of eleven to use her for her Atlas citizenship.

Emerald entered the home of the Branwen Chief, before heading down the hall towards the central living room of the house. Emerald brushed away the drapes separating the hallway from the living room.

Raven was sitting upon a luxurious red cushion behind a table, sipping from a clay cup. A kettle of tea was in front of her, placed on a wooden table draped in expensive fabric. Most of the room was composed of tokens from their various raids. Expensive paintings and other decorations filled the room.