Arknights Chronicles One

TG - 6 Silhouettes

"Ronin."
"You are a kind and strong person."
"Make sure you use your heart and strength to save people."
"Especially those that are the closest to you."
"It's okay if you lose your way and don't worry if they thank you or not."
"Save everyone you hold the dearest, even if you only manage to save one."
"Just remember to take care of yourself as well."
"There are a lot of people who care and worry about you."
"And if you know what's good for you, don't end up like me."



Year 1096, December 25, 18 : 35 PM
Location : Chernobog



The wind howled fiercely as the approaching thunderstorm loomed closer over the city, its ominous rumble occasionally breaking through the stillness of the night. On top of one of the city's tallest buildings, Ronin stood motionless, his arm hanging limply at his side. His gaze was fixed on the horizon, but his expression—shock, disbelief, and confusion—was not a reaction to the storm or the chaotic cityscape below. It was the weight of what he'd overheard on Rhodes Island's communication channel that shook him.

"What do you mean Doctor Aaron has no memories of his past?" Nearl's voice crackled through the earpiece, her confusion evident. Ronin stood motionless, the storm's fury mirroring the turmoil inside him.

Dobermann's voice came through the earpiece, steady but concerned. "We don't know how, but it seems that Doctor Aaron lost his memories about his past." The conversation between Dobermann and Nearl continued, their words muffled by the noise in Ronin's mind. As he stepped away from the rooftop's edge, Ronin placed a hand on his head, scratching it in frustration as he wrestled with the information.

"Lost... his memories? But how?" Ronin muttered, pacing in the middle of the roof. "I didn't do anything to the machine... I didn't tamper with it. I... I-"

The calmer voice, steady as always, interrupted gently. "I know, Ronin. The Sarcophagus shouldn't have a function that could delete memories but we can't panic right now, we need to focus."

Ronin nodded absentmindedly, his thoughts scattered. "We were with him almost all the time. 24/7, monitoring everything. Even when I left for work, I set up the traps and sensors. There were no alerts... no breaches. So how could this happen?"

The calmer voice fell silent, deep in thought, and the quiet hung heavy. Ronin's heart sank, a familiar sense of guilt clawing at him. "Don't," the voice suddenly interjected, firm yet understanding.

"Just. . . . focus on a more important task."

Ronin blinked in surprise at the voice's insight, but then it hit him. Of course, the voice was inside his mind; it knew what he was thinking even before he spoke. But it didn't change the fact that the weight of responsibility still pressed heavily on his chest. "Still-"

"Ronin!... Focus." The calm voice instructed though a hint of confusion and anger edged into his tone.

Both Ronin and the calmer voice fell into a heavy silence, the only sounds cutting through the tension were the distant booms of thunder and explosions in the city. Then, unexpectedly, the deep voice spoke up, its usual gruffness replaced with something almost gentle. "Sorry to interrupt this whole thing, but I think we should move quickly."

Both Ronin and the calm voice were caught off guard by this sudden shift in tone. "Why?" Ronin asked, curious and wary.

"Well, while you two were deep in thought, I was listening to the conversation between those two Rhodes Island operators."

Ronin's eyes widened in realization. What he hears and sees, the other two can as well. "What were they saying?"

"After this Dobermann girl told Nearl that Doctor Aaron lost his memories, they came up with a plan to meet up near one of the exits of Pripyat Park."

The name hit Ronin like a bolt of lightning. "Pripyat Park? That's close! If they're meeting there, then the abandoned shop they mentioned must be nearby too!" He felt a surge of adrenaline, his heart pounding with the possibility of finally catching up with Amiya and the others.

"Yes, we need to move fast. Dobermann mentioned they'd be on the move as soon as she ended the call, so they're probably on the move already." Ronin nodded, understanding the urgency. Without wasting a moment, he stepped toward the centre of the rooftop, mentally preparing himself for another high-speed dash across the city.

His objective was clear: find Amiya's team before they had the chance to relocate.

After a brief pause, Ronin spoke again, this time with sharper focus. "I have to act quickly. Amiya's team could be anywhere." His gaze shifted to the side, narrowing as he looked toward the area where the city's core loomed in the distance.

"If I remember right," he continued in his thought, "there are still three shops nearby that I haven't checked yet."

"I need to check those shops before they leave." Ronin's gaze drifted upward as thunder cracked louder overhead, the storm looming closer with each rumble. "And before that hits the city."

With one last glance at the darkening sky, Ronin vanished from the rooftop, moving swiftly through the city, each step driven by urgency. The rumble of thunder echoed overhead as he raced against both time and nature.

However, his search didn't last long. Amidst the city's noise, a familiar voice cut through the air, a voice he recognized immediately. Someone was shouting, pleading with urgency.

"There!" Ronin's heart skipped as he honed in on the sound, his pace quickening as he moved toward the source.



Year 1096, December 23, 18 : 36 PM
Location : Chernobog city



Faint footsteps echoed through the narrow alleyway as the Rhodes Island members quietly slipped out of the abandoned shop through the backdoor which brought them into a small garden. Ace's team led the way, their movements swift and deliberate as they scouted ahead to secure their path. The rest of the group followed closely behind, their steps careful, each of them wary of any danger lurking nearby as they pressed forward under the growing threat of the storm.

As nearly everyone had regrouped with the others, Amiya suddenly froze something catching the corner of her eye. She turned her head, her heart skipping a beat as she spotted an Ursus mother and her young daughter walking in the opposite direction. Straight toward where the Reunion soldiers were advancing.

Amiya's eyes widened in shock and alarm. "No..." she whispered to herself, her mind racing.

"Don't go that way!" Amiya shouted towards the mother, but her warning fell on deaf ears. "Amiya What's wrong?" Dobermann asked.

Amiya's voice trembled with urgency. "That mother and her child are heading right towards the Reunion patrols! They'll be spotted, we have to—" She started to move, her mind focused on only one thing.

But before she could take another step, Dobermann's strong grip caught her arm, pulling her back. "Wait, Amiya!" Dobermann spun her around to face her, her tone firm but desperate to make her understand.

"If we go after them now, we'll be walking straight into the Reunion patrols. If we confront them head-on..." She hesitated for a moment, locking eyes with Amiya, her voice softening but filled with a heavy truth. "Our deaths will be sealed."

Dobermann's voice was firm, almost pleading. "We need to continue the mission, Amiya. Our priority is getting everyone out safely."

Amiya shook her head, eyes wide with desperation. "I understand that, but we can't just stand by and let them kill innocent people! They'll be slaughtered if we don't—"

Dobermann grabbed her by the shoulders, her grip tightening as she forced Amiya to look at her. "Look around you, Amiya!" she snapped, her voice rising. "We can't save everyone in this city! If we try, we risk losing more of our people—and if that happens, we won't make it out of here alive!"

A few seconds of tense silence fell between them, the air thick with conflict. Then, a steady, authoritative voice cut through the tension. "Dobermann, calm down."

Dobermann pressed on, her tone sharp. "You are the leader of Rhodes Island, and as a leader, you need to prioritize what's most important!" Amiya opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out. Her gaze dropped to the ground in defeat, her thoughts swirling.

However, Amiya's downward gaze caused her to miss the sudden shift in Dobermann. The seasoned warrior's eyes widened as an unexpected chill swept through her like a cold wind freezing her from the inside out. Though the sensation only lasted a second, Dobermann instinctively recoiled, her hand slipping from Amiya's arm and trembling—unnoticed by the rest of the team. "What... What was that sudden cold feeling?" she thought, her breath catching as an unfamiliar sense of dread quietly settled over her.

Dobermann glanced around, deliberately avoiding her team's gaze, trying to hide the unfamiliar fear creeping into her expression. Just moments ago, she had been firm, urging Amiya to stay focused on the mission. But now, an unsettling dread took hold, as if she'd crossed a line she hadn't even known existed.

"PLEASE LOG IN." The robotic voice jolted Dobermann back to her senses, and she instinctively turned towards the source of the sound. Amiya, equally startled, looked up with wide eyes. Both of them focused on Doctor Aaron, who stood there with a tablet in his hand. "ADMINISTRATOR," the robotic voice declared.

Doctor Aaron's movements were deliberate as he pressed his pointy finger onto the tablet's touch screen. "Initializing... Complete. Permission Level 8." the system continued.

"Welcome back, Doctor Aaron." the computer confirmed, the words almost surreal. Slowly, Doctor Aaron raised his head, his eyes meeting Amiya's.

"It's okay," Doctor Aaron spoke softly to Amiya, his voice weak but determined. He activated the drones with a tap on the tablet, and they instantly rose into the air. "Searching for enemies," the robotic voice announced.

"We'll use the buildings to our advantage," Aaron continued, his speech laboured but steady. "We'll attack from above, making it difficult for them to counter us. We can save the mother and her daughter." His eyes held a quiet resolve despite the strain in his voice.

Ace glanced at him from the side, concern etched into his features. "Doctor, are you sure you're in shape to command? You don't have to force yourself."

Dobermann quickly added, "Wait a minute. With your memories gone, we don't know if it's a good idea for you to be leading."

But before anyone could respond further, Amiya's voice cut through the tension. "Doktuh, please go ahead." Her calm yet firm tone surprised everyone. Dobermann whipped her head around, her face a mixture of shock and confusion. "Amiya!"

"It was thanks to Doctor Aaron that we were saved twice." Amiya said with a firm and collected tone, turning to face Dobermann. Her words carried an undeniable weight, surprising Dobermann. "What?"

"His ability to observe and analyze our surroundings is as sharp as ever." Amiya continued, her conviction unwavering. Dobermann glanced over at Doctor Aaron, then back to Amiya. "I'm sure that he will lead us to victory."

Dobermann met Amiya's determined gaze and realized there was no changing her mind. The resolve in Amiya's eyes was unshakable. With a deep breath, Dobermann relented. "Very well. I trust you with this."

"She's our leader," Ace added, his tone serious but with a hint of humour. "We don't have a choice."

Amiya smiled warmly as she looked around at her allies. "Thank you, everyone." The warmth in her expression quickly shifted into a determined and serious resolve as she addressed the group with conviction.

"Silent we shall be, should conflict be avoidable, but fight tooth and nail, should it be necessary!"

Her words resonated through the group, a powerful reminder of their mission. "We are Rhodes Island, and that is our creed. If innocent lives are at stake, we will protect them at all costs."

As Doctor Aaron issued instructions to the team, Ace stood back for a moment, observing Amiya as she stood beside the Doctor. A small smile tugged at his lips. "She's almost like him now."

Ace reached into his pocket and pulled out an old, worn photograph. In the picture, many people stood together, but Ace's focus was on one person in particular: a black-haired boy with a sword planted firmly in the ground, his hands resting on the hilt. "If only you were here to see the journey she's walked so far." His quiet reflection was interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Ace."

He looked up, quickly tucking the photograph back into his pocket, and saw Dobermann standing beside him. "Ah, Dobermann. Is the briefing already done?"

"Yes," she nodded. "Doctor Aaron gave the instructions. We need to move quickly."

Ace chuckled softly. "Heh, Doctor Aaron was always quick with his briefings." Ace picked his gear up and looked at Dobermann before walking towards his team. "By the way Dobermann. I know Amiya can sometimes act childish out of nowhere but she's still a child and our leader. You should calm down before talking."

Dobermann was about to talk back about this topic but quickly stopped herself when she began to remember the sudden feeling of cold. As if she talked about that topic again, the cold and dreaded feeling would return. "I know."

"Don't pull your leg now. Everyone can snap in a scenario like this in this city." Ace began to move into position with the team, and Dobermann called after him. "Wait, Ace."

He stopped and turned to her. "Hm? What is it?"

Her expression was different now—uncertain, troubled even. It wasn't often that Dobermann showed doubt, and it caught Ace off guard. "After I argue with Amiya... did you, by any chance, feel suddenly. . . . cold?"

Ace frowned, surprised by the question. "Cold? What do you mean?" He studied her face, noticing the subtle tremor in her voice, something very uncharacteristic for someone as strong and composed as Dobermann. "Like crossing a line you shouldn't have... and feeling... like something's gripping you, cold, everywhere?"

Ace studied her closely, the seriousness of her words making him uneasy. "I've never heard you talk like this before," he admitted quietly. "Perhaps you just felt guilty after you shouted at Amiya."

"Perhaps," Dobermann murmured, forcing herself to accept Ace's theory even as doubt lingered. She took a deep breath to steady her nerves, offering Ace a brief nod. "Good luck." Without waiting for a response, she turned and hurried back to her team.

Despite her attempt to shake off the feeling, a subtle fear still clung to her—one that wasn't entirely unfounded. Someone was watching them from above, concealed in the shadows, their presence undetected by the others. Yet Dobermann could feel it. A cold, silent gaze that seemed to judge her every action, casting an eerie weight over her.

"Silent we shall be, should conflict be avoidable. What a line." The deeper voice murmured making Ronin form a small smile. "She's come a long way since the last time I saw her. And now, she's the leader of an Organization? Imagine that."

"It's quite the surprise," the calm voice within him agreed. "Though I have to say, scaring that woman like that... perhaps it wasn't necessary."

The deeper voice interjected almost defensively, "She deserved it. Yelling at Amiya like that... if anything she's lucky Ronin wasn't there personally."

Ronin let out a quiet sigh, a hint of guilt creeping into his thoughts. "Maybe. But still... perhaps I went too far. It wasn't my intention to leave her shaken."

"Guilt won't serve you now," the calm voice reassured. "Focus on the task ahead. Amiya and her team need us. You can reflect on it later."

Ronin nodded to himself, his eyes narrowing with determination. "Right. Let's move then. We don't want to miss my sister and her allies in action, now do we?" His voice carried a hint of a smile, though his expression remained unreadable.

The wind tugged at his cloak, swirling around him as he took one last look at the group below. For a moment, he lingered, a dark figure amidst the storm, before vanishing from his spot on the rooftop, leaving nothing but the faint whisper of wind in his wake.

He appeared within one of the abandoned buildings, looking out of the broken window his gaze sharp as it swept over the street below. The chaos of the Reunion soldiers vandalizing the street and capturing a mother and her daughter stirred an unease within him. His fists clenched, but he remained still, listening to the voices in his mind.

"Should we go and deal with them?" the deeper voice urged, frustration simmering beneath the surface.

"No," Ronin intervened. "If we do, it will undermine Amiya's speech. It'll also create confusion and suspicion as to what suddenly happened with the Reunion."

The deeper voice grumbled, "So we just let them work while we do nothing but watch?"

Ronin exhaled slowly, watching the Rhodes Island members take their positions. "Pretty much. Besides, I want to see what Doctor Aaron can perform."

He scanned the area, observing the formations and movements of his allies when they climbed up to the rooftop. As he scanned them, something caught his eye. Ace was also on a rooftop nearby, overseeing the operation. This surprised him.

"Ace is on the rooftop? I thought he'd be on the ground leading the charge," the deeper voice mused, perplexed by the change in tactics.

Ronin nodded slightly, his expression softening. "Doctor Aaron always had a knack for unpredictable strategies. This doesn't surprise me anymore."

"Hm. You're right," the deeper voice conceded, the tension in their dialogue easing as Ronin continued to watch the unfolding scene below.

As Ronin waited for Rhodes Island to strike, his attention drifted to a nearby rooftop where Amiya and Doctor Aaron stood, preparing for the impending battle. His gaze lingered on Amiya, and a pang of guilt welled up in his chest. Instinctively, he slipped a hand into his pocket, fingers curling around the dog tag. He clenched it tightly, the metal pressing into his palm, but not hard enough to leave a mark.

"Ronin..." the calm voice began gently, sensing his inner turmoil.

"Don't." Ronin cut the voice off abruptly, his tone heavy with unresolved emotions. "Just... be quiet for a bit. The both of you. Please."

The voices fell silent, their quiet acceptance hanging in the air as Ronin tried to steady himself, the weight of his past pressing heavily on his shoulders. Suddenly, his focus snapped back as a distant explosion reverberated through the streets, jolting him upright. He watched as Reunion soldiers were hurled into the air, the battle erupting with fierce intensity.

The surviving soldiers rushed towards the explosion site to aid their fallen comrades. It was their mistake. From above, Rhodes Island operators descended swiftly on ropes, striking with precision and taking out the Reunion forces in quick succession.

But the fight wasn't over. More Reunion soldiers began to march towards the van, ready to counterattack.

"They are going to attack them. Let's see what Doctor Aaron will d-" Ronin's confusion deepened as he noticed Amiya stepping forward on the rooftop. She raised her hand toward the advancing soldiers, and before they could react, energy projectiles shot from her hand, knocking them out one by one.

Ronin's eyes widened in disbelief. "Was that..."

"An Arts attack?" the deeper voice finished his thought, both of them sounding equally shocked. Ronin struggled to remember, Amiya had never possessed any Arts abilities before.

"The Black Crown." the calm voice remarked.

"What?" Ronin asked, his mind reeling.

"The previous owner must have passed it to her before..." The calm voice trailed off deliberately, leaving the end unspoken.

Questions flooded Ronin's mind, but one echoed louder than the others. "Why?"

"Perhaps it was a final effort," the calm voice spoke with caution, each word carefully chosen. "A last attempt to pass on the crown before her end. Perhaps Amiya was with her in her final moments."

There was a subtle tension in the air, the kind that came when old wounds were brought to the surface. The voice's tone was gentle, yet Ronin's expression flickered at the mention of Amiya. It was clear the thought struck close to home, stirring memories Ronin preferred to keep buried.

He continued to watch as the last Reunion soldiers were cornered by the ground team of Rhodes Island. Ronin then sees Ace and his team descend from the rooftop with ropes and capture the three last Reunion soldiers in a tight headlock.

As the last Reunion member fell, Ace signalled the team's victory, prompting a small smile to creep across Ronin's face. They had won—no casualties, no setbacks. It was a clean, decisive triumph.

"Well, that was entertaining," the deeper voice commented.

"It sure was," Ronin agreed, his gaze shifting upward toward Amiya. His thoughts lingered on her sudden display of Art. He couldn't shake the curiosity about the newfound power she wielded.

He chuckled softly as he watched Amiya and Doctor Aaron descend from the rooftop using ropes. Doctor Aaron, visibly struggling with the descent, fumbled awkwardly, causing Ronin to grin at the sight. "Same old Doctor," Ronin muttered to himself, momentarily distracted from the weight of his thoughts.

------

"How is everyone doing?" Amiya asked Dobermann.

"Everyone's fine," Dobermann replied. "A few sustained injuries, but they're being taken care of."

Amiya smiled at the response, glancing around to see the others tending to their gear and assisting the wounded.

Suddenly, a faint voice reached her ears. She turned toward the sound and saw a small child kneeling beside her mother. Concerned, Amiya walked over, noticing Ace speaking quietly to the child.

"What happened?" Amiya asked, her voice filled with worry.

Ace looked up at her. "The mother felt dizzy when she stood up. She'll be fine soon."

Amiya exhaled in relief. "Thank goodness." She then knelt beside the little girl, meeting her gaze. As their eyes met, Amiya offered a reassuring smile, and the two quietly began to talk, their soft voices blending into the sounds around them.

Meanwhile, inside the abandoned house, Ronin stood quietly by the window, observing the group outside. He leaned against the frame, his expression blank. "This is boring," the voice said, while Ronin was observing Dobermann, Ace, and Doctor Aaron who were deep in conversation as the voice in his head continued to echo.

"This is... boooooriiiing."

Ronin clenched his jaw, trying to block out the distraction. He wasn't here for entertainment, and he certainly didn't need the commentary. Another voice, calmer but edged with irritation, cut in.

"Can you be quiet? We get it, it's boring. But what Ronin wants to do isn't for fun," the voice said firmly.

"We need to keep Amiya and her—" the calmer voice began, but was abruptly cut off by the deeper voice.

"-allies safe because if we don't, they might die horribly at the hands of Reunion. I know!" the deeper voice replied, sounding annoyed.

"Still, if we want them to escape the city peacefully, then let's go talk to her and figure out what's going on inside that stupid Draco head of hers!"

Ronin's eyes narrowed as he processed the voices' words, his mind turning over the implications. Ever since he had interrogated that Reunion soldier in the alleyway about the attack, his confusion had only grown.

As he mulled over this, a memory flickered to life in his mind. The snowy tundra stretched out before him, visible through the trees of a frosted forest. Ronin stood silently, his eyes fixed on a Draco woman in the distance who looked in his direction with anger, with a younger Elafia girl standing behind her who had her hand over her mouth in shock.

His hand tightened into a fist, anger and guilt swirling inside him.

"STOP! DON'T TOUCH HER!"

A sudden shout snapped Ronin from his thoughts. His gaze quickly shifted to Rhodes Island's team. The mother, now fully awake, had pulled her daughter behind her, shielding the child with her body. Ronin raised an eyebrow, intrigued. Without a second thought, he disappeared from the abandoned building and reappeared silently on the rooftop just above them.

He crouched low at the edge, careful not to be seen, but positioned close enough to catch every word.

"Don't touch my child," the mother hissed, her voice laced with venom.

"Please, listen. We can take you somewhere safe," Amiya said softly, her tone filled with kindness and concern. But the mother quickly stood, gripping her daughter's hand tightly. Her eyes narrowed in suspicion and disgust as she looked at Amiya. "You're infected, aren't you?"

Amiya flinched, sadness washing over her. She stepped back, unable to respond.

"Thank you for saving us, but now, please, leave us alone," the mother said firmly, turning away and walking off with her daughter.

"W-Wait!" Amiya called out, reaching after them, but it was in vain. The mother and child hurried off, though the little girl glanced back, waving her hand innocently as they disappeared into the distance.

Amiya watched them go, her heart heavy with worry. "Please... be careful," she whispered under her breath.

"What a bitch," both Ronin and the deeper voice muttered in unison as he peeked over the edge, watching the mother and daughter retreat into the distance. The calmer voice remained silent, perhaps choosing not to engage with their opinion.

Suddenly, Ronin's eye widened as if sensing something. Without hesitation, he vanished from the rooftop, reappearing at a safer distance. Silently, he continued to observe his sister and her allies from afar, his presence undetected.

Amiya lingered for a moment longer, her eyes still following the distant figures. The medic approached her quietly. "We are done treating the wounded. We attended to everyone we could." he said.

"Good," Dobermann responded, her tone firm. "Let's move out before we're noti-"

"Now ain't this interesting," an unfamiliar male voice cut through the tension, causing the Rhodes Island team to jolt in surprise. Every member snapped their attention toward the source of the voice.

There, leaning casually against the broken window, was a Lupo man, his arms resting on the broken window frame. His face was concealed by a black gas mask, giving him an ominous appearance. Long, thick white hair was tied into a braid that draped over his shoulder. Slowly and deliberately, he straightened himself, stepping out from the shadows of the abandoned shop as if he had all the time in the world.

"I was wondering why this group didn't respond to our call." The person spoke with venom in his tone. As he fully emerged from the store, the team could see him wearing a long, black coat with a wide, furry collar that added to his menacing presence. The coat was tailored, with metal buttons that gleamed faintly in the dim light, and it flared slightly as he moved, revealing the tactical attire underneath. Strapped across his chest were several belts and buckles, securing a form-fitting top that resembled armour more than clothing. His black gloves, tight and well-worn, gripped the hilts of two sharp swords that hung at his sides, ready for use.

His pants were similarly dark and tactical, adorned with holsters and additional straps that hinted at the tools and weapons he carried. Every inch of his outfit spoke of combat readiness, and the way he moved made it clear he was no stranger to violence. The team could feel the tension in the air as the man, now fully visible, paused for a moment, his masked face giving away nothing but a sense of looming danger. "I bet all of you had fun killing my comrades."

Everyone immediately raised their weapons in defence as the unknown man's presence became a clear threat. Amiya quickly moved in front of Doctor Aaron, her hand raised towards the unknown male.

The man remained unfazed. With a calm, deliberate motion, he walked to the middle of the street, stopping a few feet away from Rhodes Island. His gaze shifted from the group to the bodies of his fallen comrades scattered around the area, his expression unreadable beneath the mask.

"Who are you?" Dobermann demanded, her voice steady but firm.

The strange man halted, turning his attention back to Rhodes Island. "My name is Connor Hughes," he declared, his voice carrying strength and determination. "One of many ringleaders of the Reunion movement."

"Ringleader?" Ace questioned, his tone sceptical, already sensing that this man was bad news. The Rhodes Island team tightened their grips on their weapons, eyes fixed on the newly revealed ringleader. Despite the tension in the air, they kept their composure, ready for whatever might come next.

"What do you want from us?" Dobermann pressed, gripping her weapon tightly.

Connor paused, tilting his head slightly as if in thought. "What do I want? Let's see..." he mused, scratching the left cheek of his mask with a finger, his gaze drifting to the side. Rhodes Island remained still, waiting for Connor to reveal his intentions.

While they were waiting for his response, Dobermann began to think. "How come we didn't hear him walk near us? How long has he been watching us?"

Dobermann averted her gaze from the man and looked at her teammates. "It wouldn't be good if we fight. Some people haven't recovered from their injuries. This is bad."

"I think—" The man's voice cut through the tension, drawing Dobermann's gaze back to him. He was no longer scratching his mask but staring directly at them. Even with the mask obscuring his face, the intensity of his glare was palpable, sending a shiver through the Rhodes Island members.

Connor finally answered the question, his tone cold and menacing. "I think I want you all dead. Right here, and right now."

The moment those words left his mouth, Connor swiftly reached behind him and pulled out a double-barrel shotgun-like weapon from his back, a large blade menacingly attached beneath the barrel. Without a second thought, he fired—not to kill, but to launch a smoke bomb straight at Rhodes Island. The projectile exploded on impact, and within seconds, the area was engulfed in thick smoke, shrouding the team in a dense fog that obscured their vision.

The group instinctively shielded their eyes, coughing as thick smoke engulfed the area. Amidst the haze, the sound of rapid footsteps drew nearer, catching Ace's attention. He turned just in time to block a vicious attack from Connor, who swung his blade down with deadly intent.

Ace managed to push Connor back, causing him to stagger past the other Rhodes Island members. One soldier attempted to strike Connor from behind, but Connor quickly deflected the attack. With a swift motion, he shoved the soldier back and delivered a powerful kick to the stomach, sending him crashing to the ground in pain.

Connor's gaze locked onto Doctor Aaron and Amiya. Without hesitation, he dashed toward them, cutting through the Rhodes Island soldiers who tried to block his path. Each swing of his blade, attached beneath his shotgun barrel, struck with precision, leaving the soldiers grunting in pain as they fell to the ground.

As he closed in on Amiya, he noticed her charging an art attack. "Are you sure you want to do that?" he taunted. "What if I dodge and you hit your allies?"

Amiya's eyes widened in alarm, causing her to hesitate and stop her attack. "Gotcha," Connor thought, grinning under his mask.

He surged forward, ready to bring his blade down on the two of them. But just before he could strike, Ace intervened, coming from the side and positioning himself in front of Amiya and Doctor Aaron. Their weapons clashed, blade against shield, as Ace held his ground.

"If you think you can get past me, think again!" Ace declared, glaring at Connor.

Connor chuckled darkly. "Ah, aren't you just sweet? I'm guessing that little Cautus and the odd-looking guy are important to you all?"

Ace's anger flared, which only made Connor smile beneath his mask. "Good. I'll make sure they're the first ones to die by my hand and my team's."

"Your team?" Ace repeated, his confusion and worry evident. Distracted, he didn't notice Connor pulling a knife from behind his back with his free hand, poised to stab Ace in the stomach.

Connor was poised to swing his blade when a whip suddenly wrapped around his wrist, yanking his attention to the side. He glanced over his shoulder to see Dobermann, her expression fierce with anger. "Don't even think about it." she warned.

He met her gaze with a bored, irritated expression. He noticed Ace was about to attack. With a swift motion, he retreated from Ace, narrowly avoiding a hammer strike. Tugging sharply on the whip that held his arm, he caused Dobermann to stumble forward. Seizing the moment, Connor raised his weapon and slashed through the whip, cutting himself free.

He lowered his weapon, standing still for a moment as he surveyed the group with a bored expression. Without a word, he took a few steps backwards, disappearing into the thick smoke that shrouded the area.

"Gather everyone into defensive positions!" Ace commanded, his voice sharp and urgent. The team immediately complied, moving quickly to form a defensive perimeter. Their eyes scanned the dense smoke, alert for any signs of movement, tension building as they braced for an inevitable attack.

However, confusion and alertness soon spread through the group as the smoke began to dissipate. As they stood ready for an attack, one of the guards suddenly looked up in horror. "U-Up there!"

Everyone's attention snapped to the source of the alarm, their eyes widening in shock at the sight above them. On both the left and right sides of the house's rooftops, Reunion soldiers armed with bows and wearing bizarre masks peered down at them, their presence a chilling reminder of the looming threat.

"When did they-" Dobermann began to question, but her thoughts abruptly halted as realization hit her. "He was buying time for his allies to arrive and ambush us."

Dobermann gritted her teeth in anger. "He fooled us. I knew we should've escaped the moment we were done here." The weight of her frustration hung heavily in the air as the team braced for the confrontation ahead.

"B-Behind us!" One of the medics alerted the others as some of them looked behind themselves to see Reunion soldiers emerging from the alleyways.

Everyone readied themselves to attack and defend as they watched the Reunion soldier slowly marching towards them. The soldiers on both sides of the rooftop, stood still as if waiting for the signal of their leader.

"You did well, Rhodes Island." a cold voice sliced through the tension, drawing everyone's attention to the ringleader, who stood confidently in the middle of the street a few meters away. To their horror, more Reunion soldiers emerged behind him, forming a formidable wall of threat. With a proud flourish, he stretched out his arm to his side, revelling in the chaos he had orchestrated.

"See this in front of you, Rhodes Island? Can you feel the similarity between you and my comrades you have killed?" Connor spat, his voice dripping with venom and anger as he watched the Reunion forces slowly close in on the group. Amiya's eyes locked onto him, her expression fierce, though a flicker of fear for her comrades betrayed her otherwise steely resolve.

Amiya's heart raced as she watched the ringleader lower his left arm and raise his right, preparing to give the deadly signal to the archers above. At his command, the Reunion bowmen readied their crossbows, drawing them back with precise coordination, their weapons aimed directly at the Rhodes Island team.

The ringleader's eyes narrowed, his gaze cold and calculating as he observed them preparing for the onslaught. "Tch, farewell," he muttered, the word laced with finality.

As the ringleader's taunting words lingered in the air, Amiya's eyes widened in alarm. She quickly began to channel her Arts, trying to form a protective shield around her allies. But before she could cast it, or Connor could signal his bowmen, a sudden, violent gust of wind tore through the rooftop to their left. The shockwave was so powerful it obliterated the structure, as though something or someone, had torn through it at immense speed. The force sent the bowmen hurtling to the ground, knocking them unconscious the instant they hit the floor.

Everyone's eyes widened in shock and confusion. "What?!" Connor growled, his voice laced with disbelief and anger as he watched his soldiers collapse, helpless against the unknown force.

Just as he whipped his head toward the opposite side, the same violent gust tore through the other rooftop, knocking his remaining bowmen to the ground. His men, too, were left incapacitated, leaving Connor surrounded by the chaos of his crumbling ambush.

The suddenness of the attack left both Rhodes Island and Reunion soldiers momentarily stunned, unsure of the source of the destructive power that had just saved the day.

"This is our chance," the Doctor's calm voice cut through the lingering shock, snapping the Rhodes Island operators back to the present. They quickly understood his meaning as they readied their weapons.

"Everyone, attack and defend!" Ace's roar echoed across the battlefield, spurring the entire team into action. The operators swiftly repositioned themselves, forming defensive lines both in front and behind, prepared for any counterattack. Amiya stayed close to Doctor Aaron, ready to deflect any attack that would come towards him.

Connor, still wide-eyed from the unexpected turn of events, glanced at his fallen soldiers on both sides who groaned in pain around him. His gaze then shifted to Amiya, who met his eyes with a softened but determined expression. Her resolve only seemed to fuel his rage. "Why you-"

Gritting his teeth, Connor pulled out his shotgun and raised it high in the air. "LEAVE NO MAN BEHIND! AVENGE YOUR FALLEN COMRADES!" he bellowed, his voice filled with fury and desperation, igniting a new wave of aggression among the remaining Reunion soldiers.

The Reunion soldiers roared fiercely as they charged at Rhodes Island, their battle cries mixing with the clash of weapons and the grunts of soldiers in pain. Ace stood at the forefront, blocking a wild strike with his shield and swiftly countering, knocking his attacker to the ground.

"Hold the line! Don't break formation! We can do this!" Ace shouted, rallying his team as the chaos unfolded around them.

Doctor Aaron, observing the battlefield with a sharp eye, quickly formulated a plan. "Dobermann, have your squad circle the left flank and pin down the remaining soldiers there."

"Understood!" Dobermann responded swiftly, immediately ordering her squad into motion. They moved with precision, ready to outmanoeuvre the Reunion forces.

Doctor Aaron continued to issue clear, concise commands to the Rhodes Island operators, his voice steady amidst the battle. He assessed the field, directing movements and adjusting the defence, ensuring his team maintained the upper hand as they fought to defend their position.

As the battle raged on, Connor observed the chaos unfold, his pace steady as he approached Rhodes Island's defence line. "They responded quickly to the situation and managed to establish a defensive perimeter in no time," he noted to himself.

His gaze shifted to the Doctor, who was engrossed in a device of some sort, likely relaying instructions to his allies. "If I take that guy out first, they'll be helpless against us. But first..."

Connor's attention moved from the Doctor to Amiya. "I have to eliminate that Cautus girl first. Her art is weird and I don't like it." With a resolute plan forming in his mind, he unloaded his shotgun, carefully replacing the rounds with specialized slugs. "Two slug shots should do the trick." he muttered under his breath, a grim smile forming beneath his mask as he readied himself for the strike.

After loading his shotgun, Connor raised the weapon and aimed it at the defensive line. With a deliberate squeeze of the trigger, a thunderous shot echoed through the street, slicing through the air. The round found its mark, piercing one of the guard's shoulders, causing him to grunt in pain and collapse to the ground.

At that moment, Connor caught sight of Amiya's face, her expression filled with worry for the fallen guard. A wicked smile spread across his face as he relished the sight. "Perfect shot," he thought, satisfaction coursing through him. "Goodnight, little rabbit."

Hearing the grunt of the fallen soldier, Ace turned sharply to see one of his men crumpled on the ground, clutching his shoulder in pain. His gaze darted around, searching for the source of the attack, until it landed on the Ringleader, who stood poised and ready, his weapon aimed with lethal intent.

Panic surged through Ace as he quickly connected the dots, realizing the Ringleader's target. "Amiya!" he shouted, instinctively sprinting toward her. He was prepared to leap in front of her and take the shot himself, but as he raced past a guard, his line of sight shifted.

In that split second, Ace's heart dropped when he saw an unknown man materialize behind the Ringleader. Without hesitation, the stranger seized the front part of the Ringleader's weapon and forcefully pushed it upward, redirecting the deadly aim toward the sky.

The shot echoed again, but this time it missed its target entirely. Ace rushed in front of Amiya, positioning himself as a shield to protect her from any further attacks. "Ace?" she called out, concern lacing her voice.

"Amiya, stay behind me!" Ace instructed firmly, locking eyes with her to ensure she understood the gravity of the situation.

Once he confirmed her compliance, Ace turned his focus back to the Ringleader. "Hm?" However, his heart raced as sees neither the Ringleader nor the unknown man at the place they once were.

"Whe—Where are they?" he muttered, scanning the area frantically, trying to catch any glimpse of their next move. The sudden disappearance of his adversaries sent a wave of unease through him, heightening the tension in the air.

- - - - - - -

"Huh?" A bewildered sound escaped the ringleader's lips as he suddenly found himself airborne. He crashed hard onto the ground, skidding backwards before coming to a stop. Grunting in pain, he struggled to his hands and knees, crawling away from the heap, his breathing heavy as he knelt, one knee planted firmly on the ground. His mind raced, trying to make sense of what had just happened.

"What the hell just happened?" Connor's thoughts spiralled in confusion as irritation surged within him. His mind raced, trying to piece together how he had ended up here. A different street sprawled before him, unfamiliar and unsettling.

As he scanned his surroundings, the faint but distinct sound of footsteps reached his ears, breaking the uneasy silence. The slow, deliberate pace echoed through the street, pulling his attention.

He looked up to see the same one-eyed unknown figure who had deflected his weapon earlier, now walking toward him with a slow, deliberate pace. The man's calm demeanour contrasted sharply with the chaos surrounding them, and Connor's gaze narrowed as he noticed his gun still gripped in the stranger's hand.

Connor quickly scanned his surroundings once more, disoriented by the unfamiliar area. "Where am I? This is a completely different street." Thoughts swirled in his mind as he took in the shadows and crumbling walls around him.

"More importantly—" His gaze returned to the man approaching him, moving with a deliberate, unhurried pace. Each footstep echoed in the eerie silence of the alley.

"Who is this guy?" Before Connor could gather his thoughts or voice a question, the stranger abruptly tossed his gun toward him, landing just out of reach on the ground. Connor's eyes darted from the gun to the figure before him. He met the stranger's crimson gaze, which seemed to pierce through him like fangs ready to strike.



To be continued in TG - 7 Fangs and Fists



Author note :
Finally some action next chapter! It's been years since I last wrote a fighting scene, I hope I won't do badly at it.
I'm gonna be honest, I'm not proud of this chapter but I let you all decide if it was good or bad.
I hate it when I don't find a good part to finish the chapter, that's why some of them are and will be long.
It also feels like the story telling is a bit fast but again, I let you all decide that as well.