“Alright guys, listen. We all need to be at our best for this.” Merlot explained, as Team MABL traversed a darkened, somewhat busy and snow covered airship dock. “I want to make sure that this second year team takes us seriously- Hold on one second…”
Before continuing with her words, Merlot clutched a hand to her stomach and quickly leaned over the wooden fencing that surrounded the dock. She let out a retch, before pausing slightly.
“Never mind. I’m good…!” She turned to the rest of her team with a sickly expression and gave them a thumbs up. Robert looked at Merlot hesitantly, whilst Ash held back a laugh.
“Look who ended up spending last night drinking after being so hyper about the mission, hypocrite!” Bruno snapped at his leader, whilst sticking his tongue out. “If you barf on the airship I’m gonna kick your ass!”
“Shut up! I have a high alcohol tolerance…” Merlot muttered with an uneasy groan.
“I think you should lay down once we get moving.” Robert suggested, turning back in the direction the four had been headed.
“I’m… Fine…” She mumbled. Robert sighed.
“Hey Bruno, I thought you were gonna say bye to Lazuli before you left.” Ash commented, walking beside him.
“Nah. I’m kinda mad at her still. Normally we’d just end up talking in class and going back to the usual but… Eh, I guess I’ll just do it next week.” Bruno shrugged, making his way along.
“A-alright guys. Dock 07. Here we are.” Merlot said, looking from her scroll to a section of the docking bay. Following her gaze would lead to an elevated wooden platform, with a Mistralian airship resting upon it, basking in the morning light. Also illuminated in the area were four figures, who took note of Team MABL’s approach.
“Alright guys, we gotta be cool.” Ash said, stepping towards the pad.
“Yeah guys, don’t screw it up!” Bruno added. Robert and Merlot shot him looks of annoyance as they proceeded forward.
“Welcome! You four must be Team MABL!”
Stepping out from behind the docked airship was a new face. A tall, but younger man dressed in green robes and garments. His eyes were a piercing green and his hair was short, black and messy.
“The name’s Raphael Shouko, but you guys can just call me Leon. I just graduated from Haven last year, so Professor Lionheart thought I’d be a perfect fit for this mission!” Leon addressed the students with an upbeat and warm demeanor, leading them closer to the airship and by proxy their four upperclassmen. “I won’t bore you guys with details yet though, for now I want you to get acquainted with the team you’re gonna be working with!”
With that, Leon stepped back and the second years stepped forward. Two of them were recognized almost immediately, as Bruno found himself face to face with Geralt and Scarlett. Immediately his expression went from uncertain to sour. Geralt took on a similar expression as soon as he noticed Bruno. Before a word could be said however, a member of the team stepped forward.
“Good morning first years! My name is Shin Jin Se!” The boy was tall and muscled, clad in nothing but a shawl of sorts that barely did anything to hide his ripped chest. His hair was a brilliant gold and his eyes were a piercing red. A pair of golden gauntlets covered his hands. “I am the leader of Team SRGT (Sergeant). Allow me to introduce my teammates!”
Shin turned to the other three members of his team, going down the line.
“This fine fellow is Geralt Regalia. Next to him is Scarlett Raffia, and last but not least, Thalia Earthfall.” The last member of the team, Thalia, wore a light brown cloak, accented by a ring of fluffy fur. Her face was freckled and she sported a tiny pair of chestnut coloured deer’s antlers poking out of her cream hair.
Following introductions, Shin turned to Merlot. “And you?”
“Oh uh, I’m Diana Merlot… Just call me Merlot though. This is uh, Ash Taylor, Robert Linen and… Bruno Rice.” Merlot said lazily, motioning to each team member as their name was spoken. Upon being addressed, Ash gave a nod, Robert waved and Bruno did nothing, staring intensely at Geralt.
“Excellent. I look forward to working alongside you and your team, Merlot.” Shin said with a nod.
“Right. Same.” Merlot said, nodding slightly with one hand on her stomach.
“Robert.” Bruno turned to his teammate with an annoyed expression. “This Geralt asshole was never part of the deal! I am not spending a whole week with him!”
“Why? Do you know him-?” Robert began but was cut off as Geralt had stepped forward, straight up to Bruno.
“Oh Bruno! Looks like I’ll have the chance to knock you down a peg or two on this mission” He snarled. “Now that you don’t have your wrangler to protect you!”
“Oh really? How about you prove it instead of talking shit! I don’t need Lazuli to fuck you up!” He retorted.
“Bruno- Hey, what the hell?!” Merlot exclaimed, turning around.
“Geralt, what has gotten into you?!” Shin said.
“I’m just putting an animal in his place.” Geralt retorted. “But fine… You don’t need to tell me to back down, leader.”
“Behave yourself or I won’t hesitate to show you your place…” Shin threatened. “Don’t think I’ve forgotten how you’ve treated Thalia thus far…”
“Well at least she knows her place now…” Geralt chuckled. Thalia meanwhile, appeared to be growing angrier by the second. However, she remained a bystander and simply looked on, furious.
“Alright guys, just talked to the pilot and it looks like we’re all ready to go! Who’s ready to get started?!” Leon emerged from the airship, his words and positive demeanor deflating the situation quickly. Geralt took a step back and raised his hand. “Me.”
“Sounds great! Let’s get a move on then! All aboard!” Leon motioned to the boarding ramp, grinning as always. Shin and Geralt shared a glance, before stepping forward. Robert and Merlot wore looks of worry already, whilst Bruno remained enraged as the two teams boarded the airship.
Soon, the craft came to life. Propellers whirred, the dust fueled engine roared and the airship began to rise. The pilot sat snugly in the cockpit, whilst the eight students and their mentor grasped hand grips that hung from the ceiling of the ship’s inside. The winter winds blew through the interior space, before being cut off as the large doors sealed themselves. As they did, Leon turned to the group of eight.
“So! I’m sure you all went over the mission briefing before we departed, but just to reiterate… Our job is to defend the village of Shian Shi from Grimm for the duration of this week, in order to allow the citizens to build proper defenses against the increasing Grimm hordes!” Leon explained. “Our main priority is the civilians, and we will be on duty at all times. We’ll be on watch for the Grimm on shifts, but be prepared to act on a moment’s notice, even if you’re eating, sleeping or using the washroom! Any questions?”
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Ash raised his hand. “How long is this plane ride gonna be?”
“Well the town is a little ways out, so we should be there in about a half hour.” Leon replied with a short sigh. “Any other questions? That actually have to do with the mission?”
Scarlett timidly raised her free hand. Leon nodded to her. “Um… Do you or Professor Lionheart have any ideas… Or theories about the increased Grimm population?”
“Hm… Well, not quite. Mainly, it’s because this type of thing isn’t uncommon among Mistral’s smaller towns.” Leon said. “Maybe it was kickstarted by a spike in negative emotions, such as the death of a loved one. It could’ve spiraled from there with more unlucky events causing large amounts of negativity in one small period. Shian Shi is also a village that prides itself on its lack of reliance on Huntsmen... Until now I suppose."
Scarlett nodded in response, whilst Shin raised his hand next. “What kind of Grimm can we expect down there?”
“From the reports, just the usual Grimm for the area. Beowolves, Manticores, Beringles… Apparently a Gheist was also sighted.”
“Child’s play!” Shin exclaimed with a grin.
“Don’t ever take the Grimm lightly. No matter how weak they may seem.” Leon warned, narrowing his eyes. “That being said… I have faith in all eight of you. If we all play our part, this mission will go off without a hitch!”
Leon's words seemed to motivate Team MABL, with even Bruno gaining a slightly more confident and excited expression on his face, readjusting his composure slightly.
Meanwhile, Shin had a look of worry on his face as he turned his head to Merlot, who still had one hand on her stomach and was hunched over slightly. "Merlot, was it? Are you alright?"
"Hm? Oh... Oh yeah. Fine, I just dr-" Merlot paused her words mid-sentence, quickly shifting to. "...Just a little motion sickness."
*
Soon, the rocky cliffs of Mistral grew less and less frequent, and were replaced by massive forests, dusted in a coating of white snow. Within minutes, the airship came upon their destination. Nestled within a valley, on the edge of an expansive snowy forest, was Shian Shi. The village was a truly beautiful sight, even in the harsh winter. A large wooden wall surrounded the village, with a gatehouse located at either side and a waterway allowing a frozen over river to run through. On the opposing end of the forest was a long stretch of plains, leading to a large mountain in the distance.
The airship began its descent, slowly landing upon a single elevated wooden platform, serving as the town’s dock.
“Here we are!” Leon sprang up as landing lights flashed, and the dropship doors of the craft slid open. Upon coming to a stop, the boarding ramp lowered and the huntsman politely motioned the two teams forward. “Welcome, Teams MABL and SRGT, to Shian Shi!”
Leon’s attention turned to the town itself as the students got a good look at the snow covered village. Waiting a few feet away from the airship, was a trio of figures. Noticing this group, Leon immediately beckoned the two teams forward as he descended the ramp himself.
“Good morning, Miss Ivory.” Leon greeted the first of the three politely. The woman in question, Ivory, was relatively young looking, seemingly in her mid to late thirties. She wore a long black dress and matching hat overtop of amber hair and grey eyes. In her hand she clutched a short, wooden umbrella embroidered with flower symbols. She smiled slightly as Leon approached, bowing her head to him.
“Welcome, Raphael Shouko is it?” Ivory said with a warmth to her voice.
“Yes indeed.”
“And these must be the Haven Academy students, correct?”
“Correct. Allow me to introduce teams MABL and SRGT.” Leon said, before turning to the teams in question. “Students, this is Miss Ivory Faust, the mayor of Shian Shi.”
Merlot waved, whilst Robert and Ash awkwardly bowed. Bruno didn’t move a muscle. On the other hand, each second year bowed to the mayor, save for Scarlett who curtsied instead.
“It’s wonderful to meet you all, and I thank you for coming to help us protect our wonderful town.” Ivory said with a nod. “Allow me to introduce these two next to me.”
Ivory motioned to the man to her right, an older, grey haired wolf faunus dressed in a set of leather armour, a sword strapped to his belt. “This is Brandford Graham. He is the captain of the town’s guard.”
She next motioned to a woman dressed in a large white coat, clutching a clipboard underneath her arm. “This is Yuri Alvar. She is the town’s minister of construction. These two have been working side by side these tumultuous few weeks in order to protect the civilians of this town. You and your students will be mostly aiding them in their efforts.”
“Glad to be working with you students… Or should I say huntsmen!” Yuri said cheerfully. “Right Brand??”
“Mhm.” Brandford said, slightly disgruntled. He shot all nine of the new arrivals an apprehensive glare.
“We’re both so excited!” Yuri grinned, patting Brandford on the back.
“Before we begin, allow me to show you where you’ll be staying.” Ivory said, turning around and beckoning the huntsman and his students to follow. Yuri waved goodbye as the two teams followed Ivory, whilst Brandford maintained his icy look.
*
Ivory led the group through the dirt roads of the town, passing by shops and houses. The streets were only moderately busy, not at all uncommon for a cold winter’s day. The group caught the eye of many townsfolk. Rather than surprised or in awe at the armed group, they seemed to display looks of relief or happiness.
Soon, the mayor came to a stop in front of a wooden tavern. It emanated a warm glow in the midst of the snowy town, with the glow of firelight from the windows. Bruno frowned as he noticed another detail, however. A sign on the outside of the establishment that read ‘No Faunus’. Ivory didn't seem to notice or acknowledge the sign, simply throwing open the door and motioning for the others to enter.
“Welcome to the Next Best Gentleman.” Ivory said happily. The interior of the tavern was mostly deserted, save for a single man asleep at a table in the corner. A fireplace roared at the far end of the room and across from it was a bar, with a woman dressed in a white shirt and red suspenders tending it.
“Good morning, Lilac.” Ivory said cheerfully, resting a hand on the bar.
“Morning Ivory… And her entourage.” Lilac said, glancing at the nine behind the mayor.
“These fine folk are the students down from the academy who are gonna help us with our Grimm problem! I believe we discussed lodging earlier…?”
“Oh! Of course we did! Free rooms and meals for the whole week! Thank you for doing this town a service!”
“Your rooms should all be located on the second floor. Feel free to make yourselves comfortable! Yuri and Branford will come by in a little bit to get started.” Ivory said, motioning towards a nearby doorway leading to a stairwell. Lilac continued to grin happily… Until out of the corner of her eye she finally took notice of something. Bruno’s tail, curled up and bobbing slowly behind him as he made his way towards the stairs.
“Ivory.” Lilac hissed under her breath. “You know the rules. What’s he doing here?”
“Lilac, you know my thoughts on... Them. I didn’t like it when I was told who they were sending… But I can’t do anything about it now. Just… Tolerate it for the week.” Ivory replied in a low tone.
Lilac sighed. “Fine. At least it’s only one…”
“Two.” The mayor corrected. “Him and the girl with the cloak.”
“Only two then. If anything goes missing from my bar, that huntsman is gonna hear from me…”
“Of course. Thank you for the cooperation.”
*
“Here we are!”
Merlot threw open the door to a room, her other three teammates peeking over her shoulder. Ash immediately groaned.
“We all gotta fit into this?” He motioned to the chamber. It was small, consisting of two beds, a wardrobe, a holographic television and a single wooden chair.
“I suppose we have to take turns with who gets the beds…” Robert said. “Unless we plan on doubling up…?”
“Me? Share a bed with any of you? Ewwww!” Bruno exclaimed. “This room isn’t too bad actually. Bigger than my old bedroom. That cheap ass innkeeper could’ve probably given us our own rooms though!”
“So what’s the plan for sleeping then?” Ash asked.
“I’m taking the floor. You guys can share a bed or whatever.” Bruno replied, throwing down his travel pack.
"As the leader, I suppose I should take the floor-" Merlot began.
“No, I’ll resign myself to the floor as well.” Robert offered. "You and Ash can have the beds."
“Thanks dude!” Ash exclaimed, heading towards the one on the left.
“If you insist!” Merlot said, throwing her pack down on the other.
“You know maybe this whole mission thing won’t be so bad.” Ash said.
“Like hell! Screw those second years, I hate them already!” Bruno shot back. “I can’t believe we have to work with that rich prick too!”
“This is going to be a long week…” Robert muttered, sitting against one of the bedframes with a sigh.
*
"So, what do you three think of the first years so far?" Shin asked, throwing his pack down in Team SRGT's room, before turning to his teammates.
"Well... I'll have to see how they behave in battle to truly judge them." Thalia said, sitting down upon the right bed of the room. "So far though, I'm optimistic."
"As am I. They seem to mostly have good heads on their shoulders-"
"They're pathetic." Geralt interrupted. The boy wasn't even facing his teammates, rather examining the walls of their room with a look of disgust. "Did you see their leader? She looked like she was gonna throw up even before the airship ride. Probably hung over if I had to guess. The tall one with the hat isn't even properly dressed for combat, the one with the sword and shield may be one of the most generic looking Haven students I've ever seen, and as for the faunus..."
Shin frowned at Geralt, prompting a pause followed by a short chortle. "Well, the faunus speaks for itself."
"I um... Didn't mind them I guess..." Scarlett said, folding her hands in her lap. "But, I was just thinking about something else. There are only two beds in here... Who's sleeping where?"
"You bring up a fair point Scarlett." Shin nodded, a hand on his chin. "I don't want anyone sleeping on the ground, so we may have to double up."
At this, Scarlett blushed slightly and Geralt scoffed. "Right. Well if we have to, I'm going with Scarlett. Leaping out of that window is preferable to sharing a bed with either of you."
"Fine." Shin sighed, and exchanged a glance with Thalia. "I can already tell this is going to be a long week..."