Chapter 1: Life In A DGRF
“HEY!.... HEY ARE YOU EVEN LISTENING TO ME?!”
As I reluctantly open my eyes all I can manage is a simple grunt of acknowledgement. Unfortunately this seemed to make the voice just the more agitated.
“I fucking swear you are the biggest pain in my neck. If you don't get your sorry ass up I'll fill you so full of lead they'll call you the Lead Knuckle for the rest of your miserable existence.”
“Jesus christ, fine I'm getting up.” I said. “What's the big rush anyway? There are no tests scheduled for this early in the morning.”
“Yesterday you promised we would eat breakfast together, or have you forgotten?” the voice seemed to say with daggers.
“Uhhh… no… of course I haven't.”
“Sure, whatever. Just hurry and get ready, I'm hungry.”
As my eyes adjust to the blinding light of my room, I realize this agonizingly spiteful voice was that of my partner, Ruger. Ruger was about 5’10” and had long, light blue hair that she hung in two pigtails all the way down to her knees. At only 13 you would think she would have some sort of dignity. Well you'd be wrong. All she wore was a pair of bright pink skinny jeans she had cut off all the way up to her ass and an alligator print bikini top. It wasn't like she had anything to hide behind it to tell the truth though. Not including her holster for her Beretta and her ammunition straps that was all she wore to cover herself and if you tried to make her wear anything else she'd threaten you at gunpoint. Not the best armor for a soldier but hey, to each their own.
“Are you just gonna sit there like a knot on a log or am I gonna have to make you get up?” She said while reaching for her Beretta.
“I'm up, see?” I said whilst crawling my way from the bed.
“Good. I'll be waitin’ outside for you to get dressed.” And with that she walked out. But not without giving me the bird first. Rude. As she walked out I gave the room we were in a look around. It was almost exactly the same as a hospital room save for there was no medical equipment, TV, or windows. All we had was two beds, a trash can, and two wardrobes. Walking to my wardrobe I started asking myself simple questions such as, “Who am I?” and “How old am I?” For some reason the stiffs have us do this every morning just in case. It's not like I'll forget who I am overnight. I am The Titanium Knuckle. Also known as Fist. I am 6’3” and have jet black hair. I am 18 years of age. I typically wear black dress pants and shoes with a white button up, a black tie, and a black vest. Under all this I like to keep a Kevlar vest for protection against long-range opponents. I have the ability to see people's souls and tell certain aspects of them from it such as their current emotion or what they are about to do. As I dressed I tried to do something with my messy hair but decided to not go through the trouble of having Ruger yell at me for making her wait so long.
“Hey, are you ready to go yet?” I heard her yell through the door
“Just a second.” I replied. As I walked out I was still putting my gauntlets on so we walked at a slow pace on our way to the cafeteria. “What is for breakfast this morning or do you not know?”
“What?... oh yea, um I think it was eggs, sausage, toast, and oatmeal today.”
“You ok? You barely ever space out like that.”
“No I'm fine. It's just, well today is the anniversary of our agreement to become partners…” she said with flushed cheeks.
“Oh I see,” I said with an evil smile “you wanted me to eat with you so bad as an anniversary gift didn’t you? That's so sweet Ruger!”
“I freaking hate you…”
“Awww! Don't use such mean words towards me. You might hurt my feelings…” I said with a sarcastic frown. I'm good at annoying Ruger.
“I SWEAR I’M GONNA BLOW YOUR FU-”
“Good morning Lead Barrage. Titanium Knuckle.” said a voice that was as monotone as it gets.
“Mr. Otto please refer to me as Fist. I've told you this before.” I said turning to meet the voice.
“Yes, of course Fist.” He said with not so subtle sarcasm. Mr. Otto is Ruger and my overseer. An overseer is essentially the parent of a Hybrid pair. They make sure they have the bare necessities, are undergoing their training regimens as scheduled, and etcetera. “Later today make sure to report to the Infirmary for your weekly check-up, then on to the training grounds for a skirmish with Hybrid pair #378. And Lead Barrage, please do watch your language and noise level. There are some people here who enjoy the quiet.”
“Yes, sir.” Ruger and I say in tandem.
“I swear if I could I would fill him so full of holes.” Ruger said under her breath and full of anger. “I want to tear him limb from limb.”
“You don't even know…” I mumbled, but I wasn't really in the moment. I was going over whom Hybrid pair #378 was. Pair #378 consists of a Svarog sniper, calling card Hidden Muzzle, and a Raróg assassin, calling card Sulfur Blade. Not quite our level but still a troublesome pair to deal with. Ruger will most likely need to do some counter-sniping while I act as bait for the sniper. Once the sniper falls for the trap, Ruger will be able to effectively dispose of him while I deal with the assassin.
“Earth to blockhead… hey we’re at the cafeteria.”
“What? Oh. I was just going over a stratagem for eliminating pair #378.”
“I've got a strategy, point and shoot!” She said making finger pistols at my chest.
“Just follow my orders…” I said, mimicking Mr. Otto as best as I could manage. Ruger mouthed the words back at me like a toddler as we walked into the cafeteria all the while giving me the bird for the second time this morning. The cafeteria was as blank as one room could be and still be considered a room. The walls, floor, ceiling, and just about everything else was an off white color. The staff and the “subjects”, as they refer to us, are to sit on separate sides of the room. The staff get actual good food while we waste away on processed junk. But I can't really complain, at least we get food. While waiting for our turn to receive a tray, I tried to go over my plan with Ruger but all she could think about was sausage. All she can think about is food and keeping her guns clean. Eventually I got her to listen through bribing her with my breakfast.
“Seems pretty simple to me.” She managed to say through a stuffed mouth, “All I have to do is wait until you find the position of the sniper, take him out, then try spot the assassin from my lookout.”
“Exactly. And don't talk with your mouth full it's gross.” I said pointing a piece of toast at her menacingly. But taking into account who Ruger was, it wasn't surprising when she opened her mouth as wide as she could to show off the mushed up contents of her breakfast. As we finished our breakfast, we decided since we don't have to report to the infirmary until around 3:00, we would walk around the indoor park that was built to keep us Hybrids occupied. It was complete with a trail, a pond, and even a few ducks. It was the only area of the building with actual color to it. Not too many staff use it, but occasionally you find a white lab coat taking a smoke break when they aren't allowed to even have cigarettes in the building. Other than that it was normally occupied by two or three other Hybrid pairs.
“Ok Ruger, pop-quiz. What is our plan of attack for today's skirmish with pair #378?”
“Umm… I have to wait for you to do something… then I kill someone… then I help you look for someone else?” She said with a pathetic attempt at an innocent smile.
“Close enough I guess. But no killing, it's a skirmish remember? Killing is only allowed in grudge matches. Skirmishes only allow extreme injury, so try to aim for the shoulder or the side of his face.”
“Ok whatever. But no promises, got it?”
“If you kill him, we will be punished jackass. So how about you don't. I'd rather not be have to go the next week without food.”
“Fine. I promise I won't kill him.”
“Good.” I said with a smile growing on my face. “Hey Ruger, I bet I could beat you in a race.” Instantly, Ruger looked as though someone just handed her the keys to a M1 Sherman.
“Whatchu got to bet little man?”
“How about… if you win I'll take you on a trip to wherever you want to go in town and if I win… you have to clean my gauntlets.”
“What if I win?” A female voice said from behind us. As I turned around I was surprised to find the familiar face of our doctor, Elisa Albrecht. Albrecht was around the age of 25 with dark brown hair and was extremely active. And by active I mean she believed chasing after my constant affection and annoying the living hell out of Ruger to be considered sports. “Won't I get something? Or are you two afraid of being beaten by an old lady?”
“Albrecht, just name it and I would fucking wreck you in it!” For some reason Ruger saw Albrecht as her mortal enemy and strived to be what she couldn't. Even though Albrecht has beaten her in every contest they have ever taken part in save for sharpshooting.
“Ok then Ruger…” Albrecht said with a maniacal smirk “How about a contest of feminine wiles?”
“What?!” Ruger managed to stutter in response.
“Would you like to be the judge Fist?” She said as she lunged for my arm but ultimately failing and falling flat on the floor.
“I’d rather not get involved in trivial matters like that.” I said while trying to awkwardly walk away from the cat fight in the making. It's not like there would be any competition between Ruger and Albrecht anyway, considering Albrecht has a D cup and an overall more appealing body. I just didn't want Ruger trying to kill me. “How about we just stick to the original plan of a foot race instead? We will go from one end of the park to the other and back.”
“Y-yea. I like that much better.” Ruger barely managed to get out.
“And to answer your previous question Albrecht, I've decided to change the rules a bit. If either Ruger or I win, you will have to treat us to a day outside of the facility, and if you win, you can have me for yourself for a whole week.” I said as confidently as I could.
“Really?! Oh hell yea I’m totally in for that!” She said with pure excitement.
“Just don't cry when I kick your wrinkly behind Albrecht.” Ruger said after finally regaining her composure.
“Yea, yea whatever short stuff.”
“HEY, YOU ARE ONLY AN INCH TALLER THAN ME SO DON’T GO NAGGING ME ABOUT HEIGHT BITCH!”
“We start when I say ‘go.’” I said completely ignoring their side conversation. “3… 2… 1… GO!” Almost instinctively, Ruger was off and already far ahead of Albrecht. I could have just let Ruger do it for me but I couldn't help but show off. So I dug my foot into the dirt as hard as I could and kicked off sending myself flying towards the other side with strides the length of Ruger’s hair. Eventually I caught up to Ruger, passing her in no time, and reached the other side of the wall in a record time and with time to spare I could pace myself at a reasonably normal sprint to reach the starting point before Ruger. On the way back I gave Ruger the bird and Albrecht was so out of breath I almost felt bad but kept going until I had reached the starting point. I may have said Albrecht was active but I never said she was in shape.
“What took you two so long?” I said with an obvious smirk.
“Why. Are. You. So. Fast?” Albrecht sputtered through her pants of exhaustion.
“Albrecht you should know better than anyone of the numerous surgeries to enhance my physiology. I mean you were the one who made it possible for me to use the reserve power the brain keeps locked away for emergencies. And wasn't it your ‘trusted surgeon friend’ who was the one who enhanced my muscles so they could withstand the intense amount of power the brain can use?”
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
“Whatever, just don't go choose somewhere expensive. I'm really low on cash right now.” She said, clearly agitated at the lost opportunity to steal me from Ruger. “Anyway, it's about time to have your weekly check-up so come by and see me in my office when you two are ready.” And with that she turned to walk out the door.
“Now that the hag is gone, we can try to enjoy the peace and quiet.” Ruger says with a sigh of relief.
“Why do you hate her so much Ruger?”
“It's none of your business that's why.” She said while awkwardly trying to walk faster than me so I wouldn't see how embarrassed she was. “Just shut up and walk with me.”
“I swear you two are ridiculous.” I said with a sigh. “...How long has it been since I first took you on as my partner? Eight years now, right?”
“I'm surprised you could remember that…”
“Of course I remember it, you were the lowest ranked potential partner and no one wanted you because of your attitude and all the missions you failed. But I chose you because I saw something in you. I saw potential in the small child crying by herself in the corner. I saw past all the failures and I saw a sparkling diamond that just needed some polish.” I said looking at our reflections in the water of the pond. Ruger tried to say something but just ended up opening her mouth then closing it again in a desperate attempt to keep the conversation going. “I'm sorry I've been so hard on you for these eight long years Ruger. The training I've put you through was to make you the ‘you’ I knew you could be. But I hope these years haven't been too hard for you.”
“Hey, what do you think you're doing. If you say stuff like that you might give people the wrong idea.” She said in a soft voice. These are the times when it truly shows that she is the product of a Dzydzilelya. If I wasn't also the product of a Paranormal Hybridization I would probably be under her spell by now. “I guess I wouldn't mind it though…” she mumbled under her breath as she attached herself to my side.
“Did you say something?”
“What? Oh, no I didn't.”
“Well it's about 2:30 right now so we should get going to the Infirmary so we won't be late.”
“Ok. But I can't promise I won't fight that wrinkly old bitch when we get in there.” She said, crossing her arms and pouting.
“Oh stop acting like a toddler Ruger.” I said, flicking her in the forehead and turning on my heel to walk out the door.
“I'm not!”
“You are and you know you are to. You just want to argue with me.”
“I'll do what I freaking want and you'll let me.” She said.
“Whatever just don't be a jackass.” I said on my way out the door. “I just want to get this dumb check-up over with. What is the point of doing tests on my eye when you can just test the abilities of my powers?”
“Isn't it supposed to test the reactions of the muscles in your eye to see if it reacts differently due to the demonic power or some science-y bullshit?”
“I haven't the foggiest idea…” I said with a sigh of disinclination, “All I know is I hate it.” I said was I walked as slowly as I possibly could and still not be late for the appointment. To be honest, it wasn't only the fact I hate that they poke and prod at my eye, Ruger doesn't have to do diddly-squat except keep me from tearing into the doctors. All she has to do is a regular check-up complete with checking her weight, height, and growth patterns. It's all a bunch of BS if you ask me.
“Hey Albrecht, its time for our appointment!” I yelled into the seemingly empty medical wing, “Didn’t she say was going to be in her office?” I said, turning to Ruger who answered with a shrug. “Well if she isn't going to be here, I'm not doing this dumb check-up.”
“Woah woah woah, just turn right back around and lay on that table.” Albrecht said as she rushed into the door with a lollipop sticking out of her mouth. “I'm here I just needed to go get the others.” She said as two other doctors dressed in scrubs walked in the door and started sanitizing their hands. “Ok Fist, you know the drill. Get on the table and have Ruger strap you down.”
“I swear one of these days I'll kill all of you…” I mumbled under my breath as I lied down on the operating table and Ruger strapped my arms and legs down.
“Ok Fist, are you ready?” Albrecht asked approaching me as carefully as possible.
“I guess I am.” I answered through gritted teeth. “As ready as I'll ever be.”
“Alright Fist, just stay focused on me.” Ruger said as she positioned my head on her lap and Albrecht, along with the other two doctors, started their tests. These tests are really just those doctors taking cells from the inside of my eye and using them for or on God knows what. Albrecht has told me multiple times they run tests on trying to replicate the gene sequencing that gives me my Drekavac powers but to be honest I doubt that's all there is to it. If they wanted to try and replicate demonic powers, wouldn't they take cells from Ruger to?
“FUCK!!!” I screamed as they started to dig into my eye. It seems that I wasn't the only in pain as the table and the straps screamed in response as I struggled to break free. The other two doctors seemed hesitant to keep going but Albrecht kept at a steady pace, drawing blood and scraping off pieces of my iris as well as my pupil. All the while Ruger was petting my messy, jet black hair and whispering into my ear about how much fun she had being my partner for these past eight years. If I didn't have someone to keep me sane during these dumb weekly check-ups, this facility would have serious trouble keeping positions in the medical wing locked down. “LET ME OFF OF THIS FUCKING TABLE SO I CAN GUT ALL OF YOU!!!” Have I mentioned that, while I do have a high pain tolerance, I'm not the best at keeping calm when I am hurt?
“Stop being such a baby Fist,” Albrecht said as she straightened up and put my eye back together. “I'm all done. Now you lay there and calm down before you end up going on a killing spree.”
“See Fist? It's already over.” Ruger said as she got off the table so Albrecht could weigh her. “Now just calm down for now and you can take your anger out on Hybrid pair #378 later during our skirmish.”
“Don't tell me to fucking calm down. I'll do whatever the hell I please.”
“Well look at who's acting like a toddler now.” Ruger said with a smug look on her face.
“I swear I will kill you someday.” I said, staring daggers at her. “Just let me out of these dumb straps.”
“Have you calmed down? Last time I let you out this early you tried to choke one of my partners against a wall.” Albrecht said warily.
“Yes, I've calmed down. Now please get me out of here.” I said with a sharp hint of hatred to my voice.
“Fine. Just don't do anything rash.” Albrecht relented.
“Finally.” I said as I straightened my vest and shirt. “Ruger, what the hell are you doing?” I asked as she grabbed my hands and lead me from the room.
“I'm saving those two other doctors lives that's what I'm doing.” She said dragging me through the door and down the hallway.
“Whatever. When is the skirmish scheduled anyway?”
“I'm not sure. They should be announcing it soon so just control yourself for now, ok?” She said looking at me from the corner of her eye.
“Fine.” I said crossing my arms.
“*SCHZZHT* WOULD HYBRID PAIR #378, HIDDEN MUZZLE AND SULFUR BLADE, AND HYBRID PAIR #523, LEAD BARRAGE AND THE TITANIUM KNUCKLE, PLEASE REPORT TO ARENA 01 FOR THE SCHEDULED SKIRMISH. *SCHZZHT*” a staticky voice said over the facility PA system.
“See? What did I tell you Fist?” Ruger said as she slapped my back with enthusiasm. An evil smile started to creep across my face as we walked towards the designated arena. My plan would work perfectly in Arena 01’s setting. A01 is set in a partially wooded area with stone pillars littering the area from a long forgotten civilization. On all sides of A01, a cliff overlooks the forested areas and the ruins. Unfortunately, the ruins area has no trees but has multiple places to hide from oncoming fire due to the pillars I spoke of earlier. While I play the bait in the ruins area, Ruger will determine where the sniper fire is coming from. Once she has the sniper disabled, she will aid me by using her scope to look for movement in the trees while I listen for it. Once we have confirmed movement in both sight and sound, I will strike, effectively disabling the assassin and winning the match. Nothing too complicated but hopefully the other Hybrid Pair plays along. As Ruger and I made our way down the hall our overseer, Mr. Otto, managed to find his way behind us. He deemed it necessary to repeatedly remind us of who our opponents were and what they are capable of. I tuned him out for the most part only catching bits of him saying things like, “make sure to be aware of your surroundings.” It's almost like he doesn't know I could snap his neck if I really felt like it. But to be honest I couldn't even if I wanted to. If I did that, not only would I be punished, so would Ruger and I couldn't put her through that kind of pain. Once we get to the arena, Mr. Otto goes to the glass box at the top of the arena while Ruger sprinted to the armory to grab a high caliber rifle. Where Mr. Otto was is where both overseers, a doctor, and potential employers watch the fights. And today it seems like there are two potential jobs. I can't see the second one but I can tell that it's an old man and from the looks of his soul, he isn't the kind old man you see in a soda parlor either. The other is actually a Demon surprisingly. While, yes they have rights and such, it's very rare for one to be in such a high position they would need a bodyguard. This was a Bagiennik and quite a young one at that. Demons live a substantially longer time than humans with a lifespan of close to 3,190 years. From the looks of her she is about 238-240 or about 6-7 in human years. She had fair skin and long brunette hair and her horns were only about as long as my index finger. Unfortunately for her, she has the pleasure of being in the same room as Mr. Otto. Poor girl. At least she has Albrecht and whoever the other overseer is. To be honest I couldn't care less about his name. In the middle of the ruins area, Pair #378 was waiting for us to shake hands so the skirmish could get started. Both Hidden Muzzle and Sulfur Blade are boys about my age and build.
“We’ve heard about you two.” Muzzle said with a smirk. “It seems as though your skills as fighters are on par with some of the best bodyguards this facilities produced.”
“According to our overseer anyway.” Sulfur butted in. “We will have to put that to the test.”
“What are your names again? I seem to have forgotten.” Ruger said in a overly obnoxious voice.
“Don't let that get to your head you whore.” Muzzle said through gritted teeth.
“What?... What did you just call me?” Ruger said reaching for her pistol.
“Ruger.” I said reaching over and grabbing her wrist. “Remember. No killing. Only serious injury. They'll get there's in due time.” And with that we shook hands and the two of them jumped backwards into the forested area. “Ruger, I'll throw you into the air so look for a good position. Then I'll toss you into the general area.” She nodded silently. As I tossed her into the air the entire time I searched the immediate area for signs of our opponents.
“There is a nice outcropping with decent shadow cover about 5:00.” She said as she landed in my arms. With that, I tossed her in that direction hopefully into the cliff. After she disappeared from view, I switched on the earpiece we are given before the skirmish. *BANG*, the shot came from the northern side of the arena. Luckily I deflected it with my gauntlets before it hit me. It seems he is aiming to disable my arms by hitting my shoulders. A few more shots like that and I should have a good guess of his position.
“Fist! Are you ok?” Ruger’s voice came over the earpiece.
“Yea I'm fine. He didn't hit me. Just stay calm and try to pinpoint his posi-” I was cut off by Sulfur trying to slash at my knees from the bushes. As I brought my leg up, I aimed a punch at his wrist trying to disarm him but he pulled back and managed to retreat back to the bushes. It seems he is a lot faster than I imagined. I may get a good kick out of this fight after all. *BANG*, another shot. Northwest this time. There are only a few cliffs that can see me from that area. I start moving towards a pillar to see if I can bait something from him but Sulfur stops me by trying to slash at my ankles. I see. He keeps me from getting into cover so his partner can keep me under fire. Simple. *BANG*, this shot came from the highest cliff.
“What's wrong Fist? Why isn't your little whore helping you?” His voice seemed to echo from all around me.
“Why would I need her help with low life's like you?” I said with an edge to my voice. “All I need to do to find you is clear this brush, right? So that's whAT I’LL DO!” I screamed slamming my fists into the ground creating a shockwave that blew the trees over and toppled the ruins. “Hmph. Not as big as an area as I hoped. Maybe I'm getting soft.” I said as I flexed my right arm attentively. “Ruger. The sniper is on the highest peak in the Northwest area of the arena.” I said as I looked around trying to find Sulfur in the wreckage I made.
“What the hell happened to the plan?” Ruger asked with subtle agitation.
“Sorry. I'm still a little over the edge right now.”
“Yea I can tell.”
*BANG*, this time it was Ruger who shot. “Confirmed strike. I took his hand.”
“Nice work. Now help me find Sulfur.” But before she could answer, a buzzer went off signaling the end of the skirmish.
“*SCHZZHT* No need Fist. You knocked him unconscious with a tree. You two report to the showers to wash off. Hidden Muzzle, grab your partner and head to the infirmary. *SCHZZHT*” Albrecht giggled over the intercom. Well. That wasn't exactly how I planned this would go but a victory is a victory after all.
The showers were most likely the only room, that we are given access to, that is close to being called luxurious. To be honest it was more like a giant bath than showers. While, yes there are showers, we normally only use them to rinse off any dirt or sweat and mainly use the bath to sooth aching muscles and calm down after a match. Ruger says it's her favorite part of a fight day but I doubt it's because it's relaxing.
“Don't try anything dumb Ruger.” I said casting her a sideways glance.
“Me? Nooooo.” She said sarcastically.
With that, we went into separate changing rooms to get towels to wear into the bath. Luckily I was the first one into the bath. As Ruger came into the bath, I'll admit, I was surprised at how cute she is with her hair down.
“What? Why are you staring at me like that? It's creepy you perv.” She said blushing.
“It's nothing.” I said realizing I was actually staring. “I just don't remember the last time I saw your hair down like that. It suits you.”
“Well sucks for you cause I like it better in ponytails.” She said trying to disguise her excitement with malice. Sometimes I wonder what I would see if Ruger had a soul. Unfortunately, Hybrids do not have souls just like their Demon counterparts. “Toss me your shampoo.”
“You’re supposed to do that when you rinse off.” I said as I threw it to her.
“Whatever. It takes too long. It's easier to do it sitting down. I want to use as much time as I can enjoying the hot water.”
“Then wouldn't it be better to wash your hair before?”
“No because I get to sit in the water to wash it.”
“I guess so…” It's true we only get around half an hour to soak. So it would make sense to spend as much time in the hot water. “I'm just interested in seeing if we've been hired.”
“There was someone watching?!” Ruger said surprised.
“Actually there was two. An older gentleman and a young Bagiennik Demon girl.” I said in response.
“Really? A Demon? That's surprising. I don't think I've ever heard of a Demon coming to hire a bodyguard. How old do you think she was?”
“From the looks of her and the length of her horns, I’d guess around 238 to 240 years of age.”
“She was 243.” Albrecht said as she stood in the doorway with a hand over her eyes. “Very talkative. She seems to have taken a liking to you, Fist. Sweet girl.”
“Does she want to employ Ruger and I is what I'd like to know.” I said without glancing at her. But I could tell the air in the room changed after I said that. Something's wrong.
“Well about that…” Albrecht said looking at her feet.
“What? About what?” I said looking at her with a mix of angry and worry. She wouldn't say anything. “ANSWER ME ALBRECHT DAMN IT!”
“She would like to hire both of you but… that man won't give Ruger up. He wants to hire her but won't hire you, Fist.” She said with sad eyes. “She tried. She really did. I watched the two of them argue for the whole fight but he just won't accept not having Ruger and he really seems to dislike you Fist.”