The Crystal Swordsman Side-Stories

Black Rose

I was traversing a part of the ruined city on the edge of the badlands when I felt a heat rise on my neck. I flinched with a pivot and a turn, effectively dodging an incoming bullet that impacted the wall next to my head. I growled and dashed away as fast as I could, unaware of where my attacker was located. I knew I had to be on my toes in order to avoid their line of fire. I decided to hug a pillar and peek from a dented side of it. Thru the broken gap in the concrete, I was able to scan the nearby rooftops and high rises. It wasn't painfully obvious at first due to the sunlight that always blankets this area, but my vision was eventually caught by a spec of peach colored hair. I ducked back in fear they may have seen me, but I quickly took the moment to close the distance and find that particular building. It didn't take long. A bit of careful movement and attention, and I was already climbing the stairs. I reached the top and found a prone girl who was actively scanning with her ghillie sniper rifle. I froze when I caught a glimpse of her peach colored hair up close. It was long and tied in a low tail, falling over one shoulder gracefully. The texture and sheen from it intrigued me just by looking at it, I wanted to touch it. She wore skinny camo cargo pants and a grey tank top that was fitted nicely as well. She had a belt of tactical equipment and a pistol tucked in her waistband behind her. I decided that instigating a fight at this range could be catastrophic for us both. Worst case scenario, we both fall off the broken building and neither of us come out on top. I opted for a less orthodox approach, as I often like to do. I cautiously stepped forward, taking care not to make any noise as I closed the distance. I was eventually close enough to make my move as my heart raced. Any second she could turn around and draw her gun to me and I'd lose, but I kept my course. Once I was about to execute, my anxiety immediately washed away. I had her right where I wanted her. I placed my foot on her lower back, blocking the avenue she'd need to take to draw her pistol. She instantly turned her head and went to reach but realized this in the moment. She froze and we locked eyes. 

"Relax." I told her while aiming my Deagle in her face.

She just stared at me, knowing she was now at my mercy. The way she looked at me tho seemed worrisome. I didn't want her to think I was some kind of soulless monster, but I didn't want her to try anything either. I weighed out my options in my head before coming to a decision. I fished the pistol out from under her waistband and tossed it off the building past her. She watched it fly by before bringing her attention back to me.

"Roll over." I ordered and motioned with my gun barrel. 

She slowly and carefully let go of her sniper to do what she was told. She was now facing me sitting up, bracing herself with her hands. Her eyes shifted to something a little more curious now, I detected a hint of attraction. I tilted my head at this a bit.

"What's your name?" I wondered.

"Lena." She said with a nod. 

"A fitting name for a woman so alluring." I commented. 

She didn't react.

"Why are you hunting me?" I leaned a little closer and pushed my gun more to her forehead.

I wasn't really going to shoot but she didn't need to know that yet.

"I heard you were one of the best around. I had to see for myself." She admitted. 

"Really now?" I wasn't buying it. 

"Our organization is looking for highly skilled individuals for armed raids against our opposition." Lena informed.

"Organization?" I asked.

"It's called Black Rose. We're an all female Private Military Company but we've been running into issues as of late..." Lena seemed to look away slightly.

"What kind of issues?" I wondered.

I didn't lower my gun just yet but I did untense my arm a bit. 

"Our core members are being held captive by a terrorist organization known as Trinity. We've made efforts to rescue them but... we've lost more in the process. I'm one of the last two members still accounted for." She informed. 

"You said you're an all female group?" I tilted my head once more.

"That is correct." She nodded.

"Then why me?" I asked genuinely.

"You're very well known in the mercenary world. I didn't know who else to turn to..." Lena hugged herself as she looked away again.

I read her body language and couldn't help but feel sympathetic to her situation. I didn't know it at the time, but this quirky little side-gig was going to become quite a memorable set of missions that I would cherish for a long time after.

"Alright, sweetheart. I'll bite, but just be aware from the start..." I holstered my gun, stood up and offered her my hand. 

She took it and stood up, allowing us to be formally face to face.

"I'm happily married." I smiled and shook her hand.