ROSE: FEAR YOUR WORLD - ArcofUA (2024)

Chapter 1: Rose Among Any Other

Chapter Text

Firstly, I wanted to say thank you, to those that did say they would like an Original story from me as that did help boost my confidence to make this! This story will be featured here and on Wattpad.

So I want to welcome you guys to ROSE: FEAR YOUR WORLD, my first-ever original story that will be updated alongside my fanfics!

But enough talking, let's get into it, shall we?

~~~~~~

Finn Tresscoat, a 20-year-old with short dark brown hair, brown eyes, and a pale complexion, strolled down the sidewalk of his small town. He wore a light brown leather jacket over a black shirt, paired with black jeans and black-and-white sneakers.

As Finn ambled along, he glanced at the many shops lining the main road of the town's bustling center. He wasn't searching for anything in particular; he simply wanted to enjoy the rare day off from his job, one of the most perilous occupations in the United West (U.W.).

"Finn! Oh, Finn!"

Finn turned his head to the right and spotted Ms. Tori Elortor, or simply Ms. Tori as he called her. She was an older lady in her early fifties, though her youthful appearance often surprised the townsfolk. With long white hair cascading down her back, pale skin, and bright hazel eyes, she was a striking figure. Today, she wore a navy blue sundress over a pair of tight blue jeans and brown cowboy boots.

Ms. Tori, the local bakery owner, was considered quite attractive and often caught the eye of the younger men in town. Her curvaceous figure and active lifestyle, including regular yoga sessions in the park, only added to her allure. However, Finn saw her differently. Having known her since childhood and feeling like part of her family, he saw her as a maternal figure rather than anything else. He was also close to her son, Eric, feeling like an older brother to him.

Despite his demanding job, which kept him busy for nearly twenty-four-seven, Finn always tried to visit Ms. Tori and Eric whenever he could. Today was a rare opportunity for him to relax and reconnect.

"Ah, hi Ms. Tori! How are you today?" Finn greeted her with a warm smile.

Ms. Tori returned his smile. "I'm just fine, Finn. The real question is, how are you? I haven't seen you in months!" Her tone shifted to one of concern. "I was worried, and so was Eric. You do have quite a dangerous job for someone so young," she added.

What kind of dangerous job did Finn have, you might ask?

Well, Finn was a "Gaunt Hunter," a member of a specialized group tasked with safeguarding the small towns outside the major cities in the United West from creatures known as Gaunts.

These slim, humanoid creatures had leathery black skin, no eyes or nose, and wide mouths that drooled a strange dark green liquid. They had emerged after the cataclysmic "Decade of Winter."

The Gaunts varied in form and capability. Some were very muscular, while others had bat-like wings, allowing them to fly. They were also cunning, often creating weapons from scavenged materials and hunting in packs.

Disturbingly, these were just the common variants.

There were tales of Gaunts resembling animals and some that could even speak, though Finn himself had never encountered such anomalies.

Despite the ominous title of Gaunt Hunter, Finn's role wasn't as glamorous as one might imagine.

He wasn't a high-tech, gadget-wielding hero. Gaunt Hunters received training similar to regular police officers, focusing on the use of firearms. However, since firearms were not commonly traded or shipped to the smaller towns outside the major cities, Gaunt Hunters were also taught to wield swords, knives, and other melee weapons, as well as trained in close-range combat.

Finn had been trained to fire a pistol but also learned to fight with a machete, which was more practical for their needs than a traditional sword. On duty, he carried a standard-issue Glock-17 and a machete strapped to his side. He also wore the standard protective gear issued to United West Security Forces (UWSF) officers.

Returning to the conversation with Ms. Tori, Finn let out a lighthearted chuckle. "Dangerous for most of the veterans on the job, but I'm young and fit! Practically invincible!" he said with a grin.

Ms. Tori gave Finn an unimpressed look, raising an eyebrow. "Is that right?" she asked. "Then what's this I hear about a Gaunt nearly taking your head off just last week?"

Finn's face flushed with embarrassment as he recalled the incident. A Gaunt had caught him off guard and nearly decapitated him with a makeshift axe. "Okay... yeah, fair enough," he admitted, looking down.

Ms. Tori's expression softened, and she gave him a few light taps on the shoulder. "Oh, I'm not trying to make you feel bad, Finn, I'm just reminding you that your job is dangerous… You need to be careful," she said gently.

Finn looked up at her and nodded. "I know, and thank you for caring," he replied. Inwardly, he thought, 'It's not like anyone else does'

"Of course, I care, Finn," Ms. Tori said firmly. "Do you know how devastated I'd be if you got hurt or, heaven forbid, died? I'd be heartbroken,” she told him. “Eric would be even worse off, after all, who would play with him?"

Finn felt a wave of warmth at her words. Despite not wanting to worry Ms. Tori or Eric, it was comforting to know there were people who cared about him, and who wanted him to stay safe and come back home. "I guess you're right," he said with a soft smile. "I'll try to be more careful out there, I promise,”

Ms. Tori nodded, her smile lingering. "Good,” she said. “Now, how many days do you have off?" she asked.

"Not many," Finn replied with a sigh. "Just today,"

Ms. Tori's eyes widened in shock. "Only today? Why?" She asked.

Finn's expression turned serious. "Many of the other Gaunt Hunters are either dead, retiring, or switching to become cops... There are only ten of us left in the entire town,"

Ms. Tori's eyes widened in horror. Gaunt Hunters were the primary defense against the Gaunts. The law across the U.W. dictated that local law enforcement dealt with human issues, leaving Gaunt-related threats to the Hunters. The thought of their numbers dwindling was terrifying.

Each town was supposed to have a contingent of Gaunt Hunters, given that small towns were the primary targets for Gaunt attacks.

Major cities, in contrast, rarely had to deal with Gaunts.

The dense populations of these urban centers acted as a deterrent, scaring off most Gaunt packs. Even if a small group of Gaunts did manage to attack, the cities were equipped with heavy weaponry and advanced defenses, making Gaunt Hunters unnecessary there.

This starkly contrasted with the dire need for Gaunt Hunters in the smaller, more vulnerable towns.

Ideally, each small town would have around fifty Gaunt Hunters, a number intended to ensure adequate protection against the Gaunt threat. However, the reality was far grimmer. The inherent dangers and heavy responsibilities associated with the job dissuaded many from becoming Gaunt Hunters. The perilous nature of the work, combined with the constant threat of death, resulted in a severe shortage of recruits.

As a result, the numbers in many towns had dwindled alarmingly.

"Only ten?" she repeated her voice barely above a whisper. "That's... alarming… What happens if more Gaunts come?"

"We do our best," Finn said, trying to sound confident. "But it's tough… Every day, we’re stretched thinner,"

Ms. Tori took a deep breath, trying to process the gravity of the situation.

Finn felt a lump in his throat. "I promise, Ms. Tori. I'll do everything I can to stay safe," he said, trying to remind her if his promise mere moments ago.

Ms. Tori wanted to argue with Finn's comment, but deep down, she knew he was somewhat right. The town was struggling—trade had slowed to a trickle, and many residents had moved away. The constant threat of Gaunt attacks made living there increasingly untenable. Even Ms. Tori had considered leaving to ensure Eric’s safety and to give him a chance to grow up in a more stable environment where he could interact with other children and experience the broader world.

However, she couldn’t bring herself to leave.

Her late husband was buried in this town, and even though years had passed since his death, she felt tied to the place where he rested. She had loved this town deeply, and in a way, staying felt like keeping a part of him alive.

Seeing the conflict in her eyes, Finn decided to change the subject. "Hey, why don't I come over for dinner?" he suggested with a soft smile. "I'm sure Eric would be happy to see me after so long,”

Ms. Tori was pulled out of her thoughts by his offer. She smiled, grateful for his willingness to spend his rare day off with them. "That would be lovely, Finn," she said with a quick nod.

They walked together to Ms. Tori's home, a modest three-bedroom house with a large attic. Inside, they found Eric sitting in front of the TV, watching cartoons. Hearing Finn’s voice, Eric turned, his face lighting up with excitement. He jumped out of his seat and ran to give Finn a hug.

Eric was about 11 years old, with brown hair like his deceased father but hazel eyes like his mother. He was wearing a dark black and blue striped shirt, dark gray pants, and black slip-on shoes.

Finn hugged him back, smiling. "I've got some stories to tell over dinner," he said, which made Eric's eyes sparkle with anticipation.

He loved hearing about the world beyond their town, even if it was mostly filled with woods and the ruins of an old world.

Finn then followed Ms. Tori into the kitchen to help prepare dinner. He found what he could and handed the items to her, glad to be of assistance. Ms. Tori thanked him and asked if he could help chop vegetables, which he was more than happy to do.

As they worked side by side, Ms. Tori glanced at Finn, her expression a mix of gratitude and concern. "You know, Finn, this town means a lot to me,” she told him “It’s where I built my life with my husband, and it’s where I want Eric to grow up, despite everything,"

Finn nodded, understanding the deep attachment she had. "I get it, Ms. Tori. This place has a lot of memories, and as long as I'm here, I'll do my best to keep it safe for you and Eric,"

Ms. Tori smiled warmly. "I know you will, Finn... Thank you,”

Dinner was a warm, lively affair. Eric listened intently to Finn’s stories, hanging on every word. The laughter and conversation filled the small home, creating a moment of normalcy amidst the chaos of their world. For a brief time, the threats outside seemed distant, and they enjoyed the simple pleasure of being together.

After a few bites, Eric looked at Finn eagerly. "Can you tell me one of your stories, Finn?" he asked, his eyes bright with anticipation.

Finn nodded, swallowing a mouthful of food. "Well, a couple of days ago, I was out with two or three other Hunters, we had just finished fighting off a few Gaunts, once they were dealt with, we decided to explore the area since it was the site of an old abandoned amusem*nt park,” he began. “Some of the rides were still standing, though most were broken and destroyed, it was interesting to see the tech they used to have back then," Finn recounted.

Eric's eyes widened with excitement. "Wow! That's awesome!" he exclaimed.

Finn grinned. "It was pretty cool, but it’s nothing compared to some of the parks I saw in Salton Lake City! Those places are amazing,"

Eric's eyes gleamed at the mention of the nearby city. "Man, I want to go there someday!" he said enthusiastically. "Maybe when I start my training to be a Gaunt Hunter," he added with a big smile.

Finn chuckled. "So, you want to be a Gaunt Hunter, huh?" he asked. "You think you’ve got what it takes?"

Eric nodded vigorously. "Uh-huh! I know I can be a Gaunt Hunter! I bet I can even be better than you!" he declared, pointing at Finn.

Finn raised an eyebrow, amused. "Oh really?" he said. "Who's to say I'm not the best of the best, huh?"

Eric gave him a smug smirk. "Because if you were the best Hunter, you'd have already gotten rid of all the Gaunts!" he said confidently.

Finn chuckled. "Well, you got me there," he admitted. "But hey, if you think you can be the best and get rid of all the Gaunts, then I say go for it, dude."

Eric chuckled and resumed eating, his enthusiasm undimmed. Ms. Tori watched the two with a fond smile, marveling at the brotherly bond between them. It warmed her heart to see how close they had become. She knew that Finn cherished this connection just as much as Eric did, especially since Finn had grown up without a family of his own, raised in the local orphanage.

She recalled those early days when a young Finn would walk into the bakery, clutching a few coins. His eyes would light up with wonder at the sight of the treats and goodies lining the shelves. Something about him had touched her heart, and she began offering him free treats for him and the other orphans whenever he visited. Her late husband had also taken a liking to Finn, treating him like the son they never had. When Finn decided to become a Gaunt Hunter, it was her husband who had helped him prepare for the rigorous training, getting him into shape and offering constant encouragement.

After her husband's death, it was Finn who helped her grieve and find the strength to carry on. She had felt terrible about leaning on him during such a hard time, knowing he had his own sadness to deal with, yet he remained steadfast and strong. He had been there for her and for Eric, helping the young boy understand their loss and navigate the difficult times that followed.

She was truly grateful to have Finn in her life.

Suddenly, Finn's phone vibrated insistently in his pocket. He quickly reached for it and saw a text message from work. He opened it, dreading what it might say.

[Finn, we need you tonight. Jon and Gary quit out of the blue, so we need someone to fill in.]

Finn sighed, frustration bubbling up inside him. 'Great, now we're down to eight Hunters,' he thought. 'And Jon and Gary were both my age and in better shape than the veterans at the station.'

Ms. Tori noticed the change in his expression and knew immediately what it meant. "Does duty call, Finn?" she asked gently.

Finn nodded, his expression weary. "Yeah, looks like Jon and Gary quit. They need me to cover tonight."

Ms. Tori sighed, placing a comforting hand on his arm. "I'm sorry, Finn. I know how much you were looking forward to some time off."

"It's alright," Finn said, forcing a smile. "I knew it was a long shot anyway. The town needs all the help it can get."

Eric looked up, concern etched on his young face. "Do you have to go, Finn?"

Finn ruffled the boy's hair affectionately. "Yeah, buddy. Duty calls. But I'll be back, and we’ll have more stories to share. I promise."

Ms. Tori gave him a supportive nod. "Just promise us you'll stay safe, Finn."

"I will," Finn assured her. He stood up, preparing to leave. "Thanks for dinner, Ms. Tori. It was great, as always."

As he left the warm, comforting atmosphere of Ms. Tori's home and headed out into the cold night, Finn felt a renewed sense of purpose. Despite the exhaustion and the ever-present danger, he knew he had to keep fighting. For the town, for Eric, and for the memory of the man who had helped him become who he was.

Once at the station, Finn entered and immediately spotted Dick Cortez, a veteran Gaunt Hunter who had been safeguarding the town for as long as Finn could remember. Dick, now in his 50s, had graying hair, deep-set wrinkles, and perpetually tired eyes. He was wearing the standard-issue armor that all Gaunt Hunters received, though each Hunter was allowed to customize their armor with different colors and modifications.

Dick's armor consisted of a high-collar black shirt beneath a modified, pure black chest plate that covered his upper abdomen, along with similarly-colored bracers. Both the chest plate and bracers were trimmed with white and featured matching shoulder pads. He also wore gloves with small metal plating on the fingers, dark navy jeans, black and white metal knee pads, and dark brown boots.

Dick noticed Finn and offered a small smile. "Heya, Finn," he greeted.

"Hey yourself, Dick," Finn replied with a nod.

"Sorry about having to bring you in on your day off," Dick said, his tone genuinely apologetic.

Finn walked over to his locker, where his armor and weapons were stored. He glanced at Dick and shrugged, giving a small smile. "It's alright, Dick. I understand why, and I'm not angry—well, not at you, but at those two," Finn said, referring to Jon and Gary.

Dick nodded in understanding. "Trust me, I'm disappointed in them too, but I can see why they left so suddenly," he said.

Finn nodded back, opening his locker to reveal his armor. His armor was similar to Dick's but differed in color and the clothing underneath. Finn wore his usual attire beneath the armor, which consisted of a dark brown chest plate trimmed with black, matching bracers, shoulder pads, knee pads, and gloves.

He took the armor out and quickly dressed, securing the pieces in place. He then grabbed his Glock and its holster, strapping it around his waist, and added his machete in its sheath. Once fully suited up, he turned to Dick with a raised brow. "Which side of town am I patrolling tonight?"

"Outer wall, west side," Dick stated, his voice firm.

Finn nodded, mentally preparing himself for the task ahead. The west side of the outer wall was notorious for Gaunt activity, a hotspot for their attacks. It was going to be a long night.

As he headed out, Dick called after him, "Stay sharp out there, Finn. We can't afford to lose any more good Hunters."

Finn turned back and gave a resolute nod. "I will, Dick. See you in the morning."

Once outside the city, Finn couldn't help but take in the grim sight of the outer wall. It was marred with deep scratches and chips from relentless Gaunt attacks, stained with the dark green goo that dripped from their slavering mouths, and speckled with bloodstains that would never fully wash away. The stark contrast between this battered exterior and the inner walls of the town was striking. Inside, the walls were adorned with chalk drawings from children and vibrant murals from the town's artists. These cheerful images served as a reminder of what he was protecting, and why he had chosen to become a Gaunt Hunter in the first place.

Reaching the west side of the wall, Finn began his patrol, moving back and forth to ensure no Gaunts were attempting to scale the barrier. For now, the night was quiet, and he hoped it would remain that way.

As he walked his beat, his thoughts drifted back to dinner with Eric and the boy's enthusiastic declaration about becoming a Gaunt Hunter. While part of him felt honored by Eric's admiration, another part was deeply troubled. The life of a Hunter was dangerous and filled with horrors that no one should have to witness, let alone a young boy like Eric.

Finn's mind flashed back to a particularly gruesome memory from a past patrol. He and another Hunter had been called to assist in repelling a large pack of Gaunts. They had rushed to the scene, only to find their comrades dead, slaughtered in horrific ways. One Hunter's skull had been cracked open, with Gaunts eating from it as if it were a bowl of grapes. Another Hunter, still alive, was being disemboweled and devoured. Finn could never forget the man's agonized expression as he watched his own entrails being torn apart and consumed. The sight had been so revolting that Finn had vomited on the spot, paralyzed by shock until his partner snapped him back to reality.

Then there were the stories he had heard from veterans like Dick. Dick once recounted an incident where a Hunter had been speared to death by multiple Gaunts. They hadn't even eaten him; they had just impaled him repeatedly, leaving his body to rot in the woods for days. Such tales highlighted the Gaunts' malevolence and complete lack of empathy.

Finn shuddered at the memories. He didn't want Eric to face such nightmares. The boy was full of life and potential, and Finn couldn't bear the thought of him enduring the same horrors he had.

Since that harrowing incident and the chilling story Dick had shared, Finn had sworn to himself that he wouldn't meet a similar fate. He vowed to go out fighting, to not end up like those other hunters. He couldn't bear the thought of becoming another victim, especially after what happened to his sister.

The sudden howl nearby jolted Finn out of his grim thoughts. The sound was close—too close. Instantly alert, he scanned his surroundings. Just then, something whizzed past his face, slicing his cheek. He turned to see a makeshift arrow embedded in the wall. Spinning back around, his heart sank as he saw ten Gaunts emerging from the tree line.

"sh*t!" Finn cursed, his eyes widening in horror. This was a dire situation. He quickly drew his Glock and aimed at the advancing creatures. Before he could fire, a sharp pain seared through his left side. He glanced down to see a small dagger lodged in his torso.

'What the hell?' Finn thought, bewildered. 'Did one of the Gaunts throw this?'

"Sorry, but it's nothing personal," a strange voice echoed through the darkness.

Finn's gaze snapped forward, and he saw a figure emerging from the shadows. They wore a long black cloak that seemed to envelop them completely, giving the eerie impression that they were gliding across the ground rather than walking.

The figure approached him, their face obscured by the cloak's hood. "My, you are a handsome young man," they purred in a sultry tone. "Such a f*cking shame that my babies must eat. We've been on the run, and they haven't had a chance to rest and eat until we saw you." They giggled, a chilling sound that sent shivers down Finn's spine.

Fear gripped Finn, but he managed to look up at the cloaked figure with a raised brow. "W-Who are you?" he stammered, his voice wavering.

The figure tilted their head slightly as if amused by his question. "Who am I?" they echoed. "I am their mother, their caretaker. I ensure they survive, even if it means feeding them humans like you." The figure leaned closer, and Finn could just make out a twisted smile beneath the hood.

Finn's mind raced. He needed to think of a way out, and fast. The Gaunts were closing in, and he was injured and at a severe disadvantage. Summoning his remaining strength, he clutched his Glock tighter and tried to steady his breath. He couldn't let this be the end.

The figure's giggle echoed eerily through the night, sending a shiver down Finn's spine. "Oh! Now I'm regretting stabbing you," they remarked with a twisted amusem*nt. "It's not every day a handsome young man asks me my name, you know? Most prefer a no-name policy." Their tone was cryptic, and Finn couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in his gut. "While I would love to give you my name in far better circ*mstances, I'm afraid I don't have the time," they continued, their words dripping with urgency. "As I said, we're on the run from a rather unpleasant girl."

Finn's confusion only deepened. The figure's response didn't provide any clarity, leaving him even more perplexed. As the figure began to back away, Finn's eyes widened in shock as the Gaunts beside them moved in unison. ‘She can... control them!?’ he realized, disbelief washing over him.

"Go ahead, babies... EAT!" the figure commanded, her voice chillingly calm.

With a sickening lurch in his stomach, Finn watched as the Gaunts surged forward, their hunger palpable in the air. Determination surged within him, driving him to fight against the odds stacked against him. Ignoring the searing pain from his wound, he raised his gun and fired at the approaching Gaunts. Despite his efforts, only one was hit, and even then, it didn't slow down.

Finn gritted his teeth, preparing for the inevitable close-quarter battle with the monsters. "Come on!" he growled defiantly. "I'm right here!"

The Gaunts closed in, their predatory instincts driving them forward. Just as they leaped toward him, ready to strike, something unexpected occurred.

Thorny vines erupted from the ground, snaking around the Gaunts with incredible speed. Finn's eyes widened in astonishment as the vines ensnared the creatures, halting their advance. The vines twisted and contorted, slamming the Gaunts into the ground with brutal force, tearing at their flesh and rendering them helpless.

"Damn! How did that bitch already find us!?" the figure exclaimed, frustration evident in their voice.

Finn's gaze followed the figure's gaze as a new figure emerged from the shadows.

Her appearance was striking, to say the least. With a spiky red Mohawk and piercing red eyes devoid of any white, she exuded an aura of fierce determination. Smudged mascara framed her intense gaze, adding to her wild and untamed appearance. Her lips were painted black, a stark contrast to her fiery red hair and eyes. Clad in a black leather crop top vest that accentuated her slim, athletic frame, she exuded an air of defiance. Arm bands encircled her wrists and biceps, resembling the wraps worn by boxers, hinting at her combat prowess. Around her neck, she wore a large choker, adding to her rebellious demeanor. Her attire was completed by tight leather pants and high-heeled platform boots, giving her an imposing presence.

"Found you, ya freaking c*nt!" she spat, her voice laced with venom.

The cloaked figure retreated, increasing the distance between them and the girl. "Ugh, don't you ever give up?" they retorted, their tone tinged with irritation.

The girl leveled a fierce glare at the figure. "After the sh*t you've done!? I ain't letting you go!" she declared, her voice dripping with disdain.

The figure let out a mocking giggle. "Is that so?" they taunted, gesturing toward Finn who lay wounded on the ground. "Not even to save his life?"

The girl's gaze shifted to Finn, her expression softening momentarily as she registered his injuries. Before she could react, a shrill howl pierced the air, drawing their attention back to the figure.

"What the hell did you do!?" the girl demanded, her voice trembling with rage.

"Oh, just called in a few friends over for dinner," the figure replied casually.

"You bitch!" the girl seethed.

With a swift motion, she thrust her hand forward, summoning a massive vine with thorns protruding from its surface. The vine lunged toward the figure, but they evaded the attack with agile grace, darting away through the forest.

"Have fun~!" they taunted, their laughter echoing through the trees as they disappeared into the darkness.

Driven by determination, the girl pursued the figure, her footsteps echoing through the forest. However, her path was suddenly obstructed as a horde of Gaunts emerged from the shadows, blocking her way with menacing snarls and bared teeth.

"Get out of my way!" the girl cried, her voice ringing with determination.

In an instant, a smaller thorned vine shot out of the ground with startling speed, piercing through the approaching Gaunts like a bullet. Lifted into the air by the force of the vine, the creatures were hurled aside, crashing into trees with bone-crushing force.

As more Gaunts emerged from the shadows behind her, four shots echoed through the air. Finn's aim was true, striking the advancing Gaunts and causing them to writhe in agony as they fell to the ground. The girl glanced back to see Finn's timely intervention, offering a silent nod of acknowledgment before focusing her attention back on the remaining threats. Summoning more vines, she ensnared the creatures, tearing them apart with ruthless efficiency.

Satisfied that the immediate danger had passed, the girl turned back towards Finn, who was now sitting against the wall, applying pressure to his wound.

Bending down beside him, the girl flashed a smile, revealing sharp triangular teeth reminiscent of a shark. "Nice shooting there, dude. Really saved my ass back there," she remarked.

Finn managed a weak chuckle. "I should be thanking you. If you hadn't shown up, I'd be Gaunt food," he admitted.

"Let's call it even, then, eh?" she suggested. "What's your name?" she inquired.

Finn met her gaze, taking a moment to catch his breath before responding. "Finn, Finn Tresscoat," he introduced himself. Curiosity burning in his eyes, he posed a question in return. "Who are you? No... What are you?" he asked, unable to shake off the mystery surrounding her.

The girl maintained her enigmatic smile, meeting his gaze with her striking red eyes. "The name's Rachel Rose," she revealed. "As for what I am, well... I can answer that once you're all patched up," she added cryptically.

Summoning another vine, Rachel gently lifted Finn to his feet, supporting him as they began to make their way back towards town. With each step, Finn's mind buzzed with questions, the mysteries surrounding Rachel and her abilities swirling in his thoughts. Who was the cloaked figure? How did they control the Gaunts? And most pressing of all, who—or what—was Rachel, and how was she able to command those vines with such ease?

As they walked back toward town, Finn couldn't help but feel the weight of exhaustion settle upon him, both physically and mentally. His thoughts swirled with questions about the events that had just transpired—about Rachel, the cloaked figure, and the unsettling abilities they both possessed. Yet, amidst the chaos of his mind, one pressing question emerged, demanding attention above all else.

'When the hell am I gonna get another day off? Because I can sure as hell use it right now...!' Finn thought to himself, his weariness palpable.

Chapter 2: GEGA

Summary:

Finn gets to know more about Rachel and what she's doing in his village and why she was chasing the hooded figure that attacked him. Meanwhile, one of Rachel's siblings is attacked by another cloaked figure, however, they seem to be very different than the one Rachel fought...

Chapter Text

Rachel lounged on Finn's couch, idly flipping through channels while propping her feet up on his small coffee table. Despite the distraction, boredom gnawed at her insides. "Ugh! There's absolutely nothing worth watching these days!" she groaned in frustration.

"Sorry about that. The TV reception out here is pretty awful," Finn apologized, shuffling into the living room, still visibly recovering from the stab wound inflicted by the mysterious figure in the cloak.

Turning her head, Rachel greeted him with a warm smile. "How're ya feeling, dude?" she inquired, genuine concern evident in her voice.

Finn returned her smile, albeit with a hint of discomfort. "Could be better. Can't wait for this hole in my side to heal," he remarked wryly.

Sympathy flashed across Rachel's face. "Yeah, getting stabbed is no picnic, believe me," she empathized, her own experiences likely coloring her words.

As Finn settled beside her, he couldn't help but notice a subtle greenish hue to Rachel's complexion, a detail he hadn't observed the night before. Nevertheless, he chose to focus on their conversation. "TV's pretty dull out here, most of the good shows never make it to our neck of the woods," he remarked, hoping to steer the discussion away from darker topics.

Shrugging nonchalantly, Rachel replied, "Eh, it's not the end of the world. Besides, I won't be sticking around for long, so don't worry about me trying to annex your place or anything."

Intrigued by her impending departure, Finn probed further. "Oh? Where to next?" he inquired, genuinely curious about her plans.

"Bay City," Rachel disclosed, her tone hinting at a mixture of determination and reluctance.

"Why Bay City?" Finn pressed, his curiosity piqued by her choice of destination, which lay on the opposite coast of the country.

Rachel met his gaze steadily. "It's a long story," she replied cryptically, leaving Finn to wonder about the mysteries lurking behind her enigmatic journey.

Finn's shoulders lifted in a casual shrug. "I've got time, besides, it's not every day some girl who can control vines and has a very... unique look, saves my ass from some figure who can control Gaunts," he admitted, his voice tinged with a mix of gratitude and curiosity. "Which is one of the reasons I want to know what the hell that was about last night and what you are because your appearance and what you were able to do spell it out clearly... you're not exactly human," Finn observed, his tone laden with intrigue.

Rachel's lips curled into a smug smirk. "You've got a sharp mind there, Finn. Usually, people would be freaking the f*ck out after what happened last night," she remarked, admiration evident in her voice.

Finn's shrug was accompanied by a rueful smile. "Trust me, I'm still trying to process it and still freaking out a little, but I've seen a lot of crazy stuff as a Gaunt Hunter," he confessed, his tone carrying a hint of resignation mixed with determination.

"Fair enough, but don't tell me I didn't warn you when I said it was a sh*t long story," Rachel warned him, her eyes gleaming with a mixture of amusem*nt and seriousness.

Finn simply shrugged in response, signaling his readiness to hear her out.

Rachel nodded, steeling herself to recount her tale. "Well, first of all, the real story starts back on January 3rd of 2000, My father, Dr. William Gaster, and a few other scientists around the world were awarded for perfecting genetic engineering," she began, her voice taking on a somber tone as she delved into her past.

Finn's surprise was palpable. Dr. Gaster was a name known far and wide in the scientific community, revered for his groundbreaking work in genetic manipulation. "I remember hearing about him. He was a genius," Finn interjected, his tone filled with respect.

Rachel nodded in acknowledgment before continuing. "The reason they were able to do it was because of all the advanced tech being shared by almost every country at the time," she explained. "Anyway, a few certain countries had been creating genetically engineered children or GECs, in order to see if it actually worked, that a whole new human could be created in a faux womb, however, my dad wasn't interested in that sh*t, instead his focus was on a rift in space that NASA discovered back in '62, see, he wanted to know where it led and what caused it to form between Earth and our moon," she elaborated, her words carrying a weight of significance.

Finn's brow furrowed in concentration as he recalled the historical event. "I remember hearing about that. A sub put on a whole documentary about it when I was in middle school," he mused, his curiosity piqued. "Didn't it suddenly close up?" he inquired, eager to piece together the fragments of Rachel's narrative.

Rachel nodded solemnly, her expression betraying a mix of gravity and determination. "It did, and according to my father's notes, the rift closed on April 25th, 2000," she recounted, her voice carrying a weight of significance. "However, the rift only closed after something else happened, something that involved my father and another scientist by the name of Dr. Alyona Stalin."

Finn's curiosity was piqued by the mention of the unfamiliar scientist. "What happened?" he inquired, eager to unravel the mysteries shrouding Rachel's past.

Rachel's demeanor shifted, her tone growing more serious as she delved into the heart of the enigma. "That's the f*cking weird thing" She began, "Most of my father's notes on the Rift are missing, except for one, but it wasn't written by my father; it was written by Dr. Stalin," she revealed, her voice tinged with frustration.

Finn leaned in, captivated by the unfolding tale. "What did the note say?" he prompted, his curiosity bordering on urgency.

"The note was written on September 27, 2000, The time listed was 7:00 AM, and apparently, Dad and this Dr. Stalin chick activated a machine called U.D.N that would supposedly fix the rift," Rachel disclosed, her words laden with a sense of foreboding. "However, it went ass-backward, and some sort of energy burst from the machine, a few saved reports from NASA say that a similar energy signal was released from the Rift at the same time, but besides that, nothing f*cking else about what happened was reported in the note," she lamented, frustration evident in her voice.

"What happened after that?" Finn asked.

"After the Rift was closed, my father was focused on creating me and my siblings, saying we were "needed in the future he saw in his dream" whatever the f*ck that means," she concluded, her tone tinged with bitterness and uncertainty.

Finn absorbed the information, his mind whirring with questions and speculation. "That's... intense," he remarked, struggling to comprehend the magnitude of the events described. "Aside from that freaky mystery, how did your father create you?" Finn inquired, shifting the focus to the intriguing details of Rachel's origin story.

Rachel's smile was tinged with a hint of mischief as she prepared to divulge the unconventional methods behind her creation. "Now, that's the interesting part actually," she began, her eyes sparkling with intrigue. "Instead of being regular GECs, my father labeled us Project GEGA,"

"GEGA?" Finn echoed, his curiosity mounting with each revelation.

Rachel's smirk widened. "It stands forGeneticallyEngineeredGauntAgents, and yes, by the name, I'm sure you can tell what the f*ck our DNA was mixed with," she teased, her tone laced with a mixture of amusem*nt and pride.

Finn's eyes widened in realization. "Gaunt DNA," he breathed, the pieces of the puzzle slotting into place with sudden clarity. "Dr. Gaster used Human DNA and Gaunt DNA in order to create you and your siblings," he concluded, awe coloring his words as he contemplated the implications of Rachel's extraordinary origins.

Rachel nodded, a knowing glint in her eyes. "Bingo! Which is why we're only half human," she clarified for Finn's benefit, her tone tinged with a sense of pride mixed with a hint of resignation. "Because our genetic code is made of Human and Gaunt DNA, we're given unnatural powers, each different in their own way, for example, my powers involve summoning those vines you saw, but we also have super strength, speed, and stamina, and due to the Gaunt DNA, we also have regenerative abilities, and some of our features are odd, as you can see, like my hair, eyes, and skin tone," she elaborated, her explanation punctuated by a sense of matter-of-factness.

Finn's astonishment was palpable, his mind grappling with the implications of Rachel's revelation. The idea that Gaunt DNA could bestow such extraordinary abilities upon humans was both fascinating and unsettling.

After all, he had never heard of any experiments involving Gaunts conducted by the government or any organization. Since the "Decade Winter," Gaunts had become an accepted part of the world, akin to animals.

Rachel noticed Finn's incredulous expression and couldn't help but grin mischievously. "Yeah, pretty f*cking freaky, but hey, I'd say we're pretty cool compared to your normal meat bags!" she quipped, her humor a stark contrast to the gravity of their conversation.

Finn chuckled appreciatively. "Fair enough, and I wouldn't mind having powers too," he admitted, the thought of wielding such abilities sparking a flicker of excitement within him. "So, what happened after you and your siblings were created?" he inquired, eager to delve deeper into Rachel's intriguing backstory.

Rachel nodded, slipping back into the narrative with ease. "After we were born, some of us older than the rest, we were given letters that identified us, just like the other GECs in the other countries," she recounted, her tone tinged with nostalgia. "My older brother and sister were labeled as S and G. I and two other siblings were labeled as R, K, and X, while the youngest among us was labeled H. We weren't given real names until dear old dad said we had mastered our powers. It took us four years to do so, and that's when we were given our names," she explained, a note of pride evident in her voice. "My older brother and sister were named Samuel Sans and Genavieve Gaster. You already know my name, but my other siblings' names are Kali Krest, Xander Xeno, and Helen Hound," she revealed, a hint of fondness coloring her words.

Finn's smile widened as he observed the pattern. "First and last names begin with the letter you guys were given," he observed, impressed by the clever naming convention.

Rachel nodded in confirmation. "Yep," she confirmed. "Samuel and Genavieve are one of the reasons I'm out here," she confessed, her tone growing more serious as she broached the subject.

Intrigued, Finn arched an eyebrow in question. "What's the other reason?" he prompted, eager to uncover the layers of Rachel's motivations.

Rachel's gaze hardened, her eyes flashing with determination. "Revenge," she declared, her voice laced with a steely resolve. "The person who stabbed you and controlled those Gaunts broke into my dad's home while I was there, demanded to know about the Rift and UDN, and when he refused... she killed him," she revealed, her words weighted with the gravity of the tragedy.

Finn's eyes widened with shock, the revelation that the world's smartest man had been slain by a mysterious assailant sent a chill down his spine.

"I need to get to Samuel or Genavieve before they do and find out if they know anything about what Dad knew about the Rift and what UDN is," Rachel declared, her voice firm with determination. "Which is why I'm heading toward Bay City. That's where they live, and that's where I'm sure they'll have answers."

Finn regarded her with a mix of concern and gratitude, his mind still reeling from the events of the previous night. If Rachel hadn't intervened, his life might have ended in that dark forest. He felt an overwhelming debt to her, one that couldn't be repaid with mere words or gestures.

"Why don't I come with?" Finn proposed, his voice steady despite the lingering sense of unease. His offer hung in the air, laden with sincerity and a desire to repay the debt he owed.

Rachel's eyes widened in surprise as if Finn's offer had caught her off guard. "Finn, you hit your head too back there in the forest?" she countered her tone a mix of concern and disbelief. "The people we have to fight, they're just like the person that nearly killed you... They aren't human, and they may be GEGAs from other countries," she explained, her words tinged with caution.

"I understand that," Finn acknowledged, his gaze steady as he met Rachel's. "But you do realize I've already got a dangerous job, right? I want to help you, Rachel, you saved my ass back there, and I owe you... I owe you a lot, so I want to help," he reiterated, his determination shining through.

"You want to help a stranger?" Rachel queried, her brow arched in skepticism, though a faint smirk played at the corners of her lips.

"No, I want to help a stranger who saved my life," Finn clarified, his sincerity evident in his tone.

Rachel regarded him for a moment, weighing his words carefully. Finally, she sighed, relenting to his steadfast determination. "I hate to ask, but you can fight, right?" she inquired, her expression serious yet tinged with a hint of hope.

Finn nodded, a confident smile gracing his lips. "Self-defense, not to mention I know how to handle a bladed weapon, and I am, of course, training with a firearm," he assured her, his readiness to assist palpable.

Rachel's smile mirrored his own, a flicker of relief crossing her features. "Well, that's good then," she conceded, a sense of gratitude softening her demeanor as she accepted Finn's offer of assistance on their perilous journey ahead.

Rachel pondered the proposition with great deliberation, her mind weighing the risks and potential consequences. She knew firsthand the resilience of her own body, capable of enduring significant damage and healing from wounds that might seem fatal to others.

But Finn... Finn was different. If he sustained serious injuries, there would be no miraculous regeneration, no second chance at life. His mortality weighed heavily on her conscience, the thought of his blood staining her hands a burden she couldn't bear to contemplate.

Yet, despite the inherent dangers, Finn's unwavering kindness and acceptance had endeared him to her, offering a rare beacon of warmth in the cold reality of her existence.

"Alright, fine, you can tag along, Finn," Rachel relented, her voice tinged with a mixture of apprehension and gratitude. "Besides, I could use the company."

Finn's laughter rang out, a reassuring sound amidst the weighty decision. "Good," he replied with a smile. "So, when are we leaving?" he inquired, his eagerness to embark on the adventure palpable.

"In two days," Rachel replied, her tone decisive. "We're going to head to the nearest city, Salton Lake City, and once we get there, we can hopefully catch a plane to Bay City," she explained, outlining their travel plans with clarity.

"Sounds good," Finn agreed, already mentally preparing for the journey ahead. "I'll get things packed and take care of a few loose ends here before I leave. I've got a job and some people here that need to know I'm going to be leaving," he added, his sense of responsibility evident in his words.

"I can help in case they don't believe you," Rachel offered, a flicker of mischief dancing in her eyes. "I am pretty convincing," she added with a sly smile.

Finn nodded in appreciation. "I can see why," he conceded, his gaze lingering on Rachel with a newfound sense of admiration and gratitude.

~~~~~~

The dawn had broken over Salton Lake City, a bastion of self-sustainability within the United World, its towering walls a testament to its resilience against the chaos that gripped the world beyond. Within the city's fortified confines, three figures moved with purpose, their mission clear: to hunt down a gang of notorious criminals.

Among them was a woman, her fierce determination palpable as she pursued the fleeing criminals with unmatched agility. With two swords in hand, she weaved through the narrow alleys and bustling streets, her eyes ablaze with an unwavering resolve.

This woman was Kali Krest, one of the GEGA children forged by the brilliance of Dr. Gaster.

“[Kali! Do you still have them in your sights!]”a voice echoed through the earpiece nestled in Kali's ear.

Kali nodded, her focus unwavering. "Sí, they're heading toward you two right now!" she replied, her voice tinged with urgency.

“[Got it!]”

As the criminals dashed desperately to evade capture, a mysterious figure cloaked in black materialized before them, his presence an ominous portent of danger. Kali's keen senses immediately registered the unfamiliar threat, her instincts honed by years of training and genetic enhancement.

With a swift motion, the cloaked figure conjured an orange spear in his outstretched hand, its ethereal form gleaming with deadly intent. With precision and speed beyond mortal comprehension, he unleashed the spear, each strike finding its mark with lethal accuracy.

Despite the chaos unfolding around her, Kali remained undaunted. With a deft flick of her wrist, she intercepted the oncoming projectile with one of her swords, the clash of metal ringing out in the air. The force of the impact sent the spear hurtling into the nearby wall, where it shattered like glass before dissolving into nothingness.

A smirk played across Kali's lips as she turned her gaze to the hooded figure, admiration mingled with curiosity in her crimson gaze. "That's some neat trick you've got there, amigo," she remarked, her voice laced with a hint of admiration and a touch of amusem*nt.

The man's hand retreated into the depths of his cloak, his gaze steady as he regarded Kali. "Justice has been passed upon them, Kali Krest," he declared, his voice shrouded in an aura of solemnity.

Kali let out a low whistle, a spark of intrigue dancing in her crimson eyes. "You know my name too, now this is interesting," she remarked, a faint smirk playing at the corners of her lips. "Tell me, who sent you? Was it the J.I.A? UWSF? K&Q? Or maybe you're RIB?"

"I am neither, Kali Krest," the man replied, his tone cryptic. "I am a servant of God."

'Oh Jeez, he's one ofthem, huh?'Kali thought, a mixture of skepticism and wariness clouding her thoughts. "Look, whatever you want, you've got the wrong chica! I'm just your average bounty hunter, I've got nothing you want, amigo," she asserted, her voice tinged with defiance.

There was a moment of silence before the man spoke again, his words heavy with purpose. "I very much doubt you're an average bounty hunter, Kali Krest," he stated, his gaze unwavering. "But you're very wrong, You do have something I want... Where and what is UDN?"

Kali furrowed her brow in confusion, her mind racing to recall any information about the elusive project. "UDN?" she echoed, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "Never heard of it," she admitted, her tone genuine.

"It was a project your father, Dr. Gaster, and Dr. Stalin worked on," the man elaborated, his words sending a chill down Kali's spine. "My organization believes that UDN can bring back our God, so I desire to know where it is," he explained, his voice carrying a sense of urgency.

Kali rolled her eyes, her patience wearing thin. "For the last time, I don't know where it is, so get lost, burro," she retorted, her defiance unyielding.

"Tell me what you know about UDN, or I shall pass God's justice upon you, Kali Krest," the man warned, his tone laced with a chilling resolve.

A smile tugged at the corners of Kali's lips at the prospect of confrontation, her adrenaline surging at the challenge before her. Gripping her blades tighter, she adopted a defensive stance, her eyes blazing with a primal hunger. "Those are fighting words, cabrón," she declared, her voice dripping with defiance. "Bring it, perra!"

The man beneath the cloak regarded Kali with a look of disappointment, his features obscured by the shadows. "Your lust for battle clouds your judgment, Kali Krest," he remarked solemnly, conjuring two spears of shimmering orange light in his hands.

Once again, Kali marveled at the enigmatic power wielded by the cloaked man, a power that defied conventional explanation. It was unlike anything she had encountered before, far beyond the abilities possessed by any GEGA or GEC.

"Gotta ask, amigo, how are you able to do that?" Kali inquired, her curiosity tinged with a hint of disbelief. "You can't possibly be human," she asserted, her words laced with skepticism.

The man met her gaze with an inscrutable expression before the spears vanished in a burst of light, replaced by a shimmering dagger forged from swirling orange energy. With a swift motion, he slashed his hand, and Kali watched in astonishment as blood welled from the wound, refusing to heal.

'Impossible... he's not healing!'Kali's mind raced, grappling with the implications of the man's apparent mortality.'But that can't be! A human shouldn't have the ability to create weapons like that without being a GEC or GEGA!'

Lost in her thoughts, Kali barely dodged a spear hurtling toward her face, the projectile grazing her temple as it sailed past. With a hiss of pain, she instinctively activated her regenerative abilities, the wound closing before her eyes as she fixed the cloaked man with a steely glare.

"Stay focused, Kali Krest," he admonished, his voice cutting through the chaos of battle.

Kali growled in frustration, her patience wearing thin as she faced off against her mysterious adversary. "Just what the hell are you?" she demanded, her voice edged with determination.

The man conjured another spear and assumed a defensive stance, his movements fluid and precise. "I am human, Kali Krest, and a servant of God," he replied, his tone unwavering.

"God damn religious freaks and their cryptic bullsh*t," Kali muttered under her breath, her frustration boiling over as she prepared to confront the enigmatic foe before her.

~~~~~~

Wow, a lot of things happened in this chapter huh? And It looks like Rachel's sister is in a fight of her own with another hooded figure appearing with their very own power, and oddly, he seems to be human! Hopefully, Rachel and Finn get to Salton Lake City soon and possibly help Kali.

I wonder what's going to happen next!

A Few things to explain:

1.UWstands forUnited West, the super country that is the combination of Canada, the USA, and Mexico.

2.UWSFstands forUnited West Special Forces, an elite group of people that handle top-secret government secrets and tasks. This replaced what was the CIA,CSIS, andCNI after the Decade of Winter.

3.J.I.Astands forJapan Intel Agency. This replacedNaichō after the Decade Winter.

4.K&Qstands forKings & Queens, a new agency that replaced MI6 and is run by the UK's own GECs, and the only members in it are the GECs themselves.

5.RIBstands forRussian IntelligenceBureauand is also run by Russia's own GECs and they are also the only members of RIB. Many things have been said about RIB, some say that are more cruel and ruthless than the KGB while others say they are much better and more open the most agencies across the country.

Locations:

Finn's Village: Finn's Village is a remote village located in what was once North Dakota

Pacific City:Pacific City is the City where Rachel and the rest of the GEGAs are from, the City spans from what was once San Diego to Tijuana

Salton Lake City: Is located and built in the middle of what was one Lake Superior, which had grown much larger due to some of the land being destroyed and other lakes connecting to it such as Lake Michigan. The whole City is powered by Water

Bay City: Bay City is one of the largest Cities in the UW and is Built around the east side of the Hudson Bay

Anyway, thank you all for reading and I hope you're pumped for the next Chapter!

Chapter 3: The Best Cheeseburgers

Summary:

Finn and Rachel arrive in Salton Lake City and, feeling hungry, stop for a meal at a local eatery. While there, Rachel learns about Finn's tragic past and the events that led him to become a Gaunt Hunter. However, their meal is abruptly interrupted when someone is flung through a window, and a cloaked figure arrives, prompting a fierce fight between Rachel and the mysterious intruder.

Chapter Text

~~~~~~

Exiting a nearby building were a man and a woman, both impeccably dressed in tuxedos.

The man, standing tall at six feet, had a tan complexion and striking red hair slicked back neatly. His yellow eyes glinted with a mischievous light, and he wore a toothy grin that suggested he thrived on excitement and unpredictability.

The woman beside him was a full foot shorter, her pale skin contrasting sharply with her partner’s tan. Her purple hair was styled in a chaotic bat's nest, giving her a wild appearance. Her eyes were a vacant pink, and a scar ran across her neck, hinting at a violent past. Her expression was dull, a mask of disinterest, and she moved with a detached air.

These two were agents Patrick Adler and Tanya Sawyer of the UWSF.

As they walked down the street towards their car, Patrick glanced at his partner. "K, X, and H have been beaten by a member of "Void", also, it looks like R and a Gaunt Hunter have been spotted entering the city," he informed Tanya, his voice casual yet focused.

Tanya looked up at him, her expression unchanged, and pressed an electrolarynx to her throat. "What are our orders?" she asked, her voice emerging with a robotic undertone due to the device.

"The Boss wants us to head to Salton Lake City and bring back K, X, H, R, and the Gaunt Hunter," Patrick replied, his grin widening at the prospect of action.

Tanya nodded, her vacant eyes showing a glimmer of anticipation. "I hope we get to see some action. I've been bored here in Bay City," she said, her tone almost wistful despite the mechanical quality of her voice.

Chapter 4: The Void

Summary:

Rachel and Finn wait for Helen to fully heal and wake up, however, they are visited by Agent Patrick Adler and Agent Tanya Sawyer, who inform them of who they are up against, and while some things are revealed, more mysteries are created.
Meanwhile, the cloaked figures have a secret meeting in a desolate building as we learn who they are...

Chapter Text

~~~~~~

Night had fallen in the City, casting an eerie calm over the bustling metropolis. Rachel and Finn finally arrived at her sibling's house, with Helen, who remained unconscious but was thankfully showing signs of healing.

The house was situated in a quiet suburban area, standing out with its considerable size. It boasted a spacious garage, which housed at least two cars, indicating a well-off household. As they stepped inside, the living room greeted them with its expansive layout. A large television hung prominently on the wall, surrounded by three sizable couches encircling a sleek coffee table. The floor tiles, resembling burnt charcoal, had veins of purple-like liquid seeping between the cracks, giving the room a peculiar, otherworldly feel.

The house appeared to have numerous rooms branching off from the main area, and a set of stairs led both to a basem*nt below and a second floor above, suggesting plenty of space for the family.

Helen was gently laid on one of the couches, her slow, steady breathing a small comfort to her friends. Rachel and Finn positioned themselves in the living room, taking turns to watch over her and periodically peering out the windows, vigilant for any signs of the mysterious cloaked figure.

"I hope she wakes up soon," Rachel said, her voice tinged with worry as she glanced at Helen's peaceful face.

"She will," Finn replied, his tone steady but his eyes scanning the darkness outside.

Rachel nodded in agreement, "She is a fighter..." Rachel said. "You think we lost him?"

"For now, maybe," Finn responded, still keeping his gaze on the window.

Rachel sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I just wish we knew what he wanted," She said.

"We kind of do," Finn said, finally turning his gaze to her. "He's definitely in league with the cloaked woman we encountered back in my village, and they're both after whatever the UDN is, but are they the only ones, or is there a larger group behind them?" he wondered aloud, his voice tinged with frustration.

Rachel groaned, her face darkening with anger. "There's more," she said through gritted teeth. "That bastard told me himself before he vanished into thin air."

Finn let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through his hair. "Great," he muttered. "By the way, do you have any idea how that guy could create those weapons with that orange light? I've never seen anything like it."

Rachel shook her head, her expression a mix of confusion and concern. "No, it's unlike anything I've ever encountered," she replied.

"Damn," Finn muttered under his breath.

Just then, a sudden knock at the door broke the tension, causing them both to snap to attention. Rachel immediately stood up from the couch, readying herself to activate her powers. Meanwhile, Finn dashed to the kitchen, quickly grabbing a knife for protection.

They cautiously approached the front door, their senses heightened as the knocks continued, more insistent this time.

"Who could it be at this hour?" Rachel whispered, her eyes darting between the door and Finn.

"No idea," Finn replied, his grip tightening on the knife. "Stay sharp,"

The knocking persisted, and then a voice called out from the other side. "Hello? Rachel? Finn? Are you in there?"

Both froze, their names being called out sending a jolt of fear through them. They exchanged wary glances and moved cautiously closer to the door. Standing just in front of it, Rachel decided to confront whoever was outside.

"Who is it?" she called through the door, her voice steady but tense.

A clear voice responded, "Name's Patrick Adler, Agent of the UWSF! I'm here with my partner, Agent Tanya Sawyer, we need to talk to you,"

Rachel and Finn exchanged another glance, skepticism etched on their faces. Finn took a step closer to the door, his hand tightening around the knife. "How can we trust you?" he demanded.

Patrick's voice came back, calm but insistent. "We know that Kali and Xander have been taken, we also know you encountered a guy who could create weapons with light, and that Helen is inside with you, currently recovering,"

Rachel frowned, suspicion still clouding her mind. "How do we know this isn't some trick?" she asked, her voice edged with doubt.

"Are you serious?" Patrick replied with a hint of exasperation in his tone. "If I wanted to attack you, why would I knock on the door?"

Rachel and Finn exchanged a look, the logic of Patrick's argument sinking in. After a moment, Rachel nodded and cautiously unlocked the door, opening it to reveal Patrick and Tanya standing there. Patrick had a friendly grin on his face, while Tanya looked utterly bored, her arms crossed.

Patrick raised an eyebrow, still grinning. "You gonna let us in or what, kid?" he asked, his tone teasing.

Rachel stepped aside, opening the door wider. "Come in," she said, gesturing for them to enter.

Patrick and Tanya stepped inside, Patrick immediately taking in the surroundings with a curious glance, while Tanya maintained her disinterested expression. "Thanks," Patrick said, his grin softening into a more serious expression. "Now, let's just get down to business,"

Rachel closed the door behind them, turning to face the agents. "Alright, let's talk," she said, her voice steady but her eyes still wary.

Finn remained on edge, keeping a close eye on the newcomers. "What exactly do you know?" he asked, his tone guarded.

"More than you might think," Patrick said with a smirk, sitting on the couch. "Let's begin with who that cloaked figure was and who he works for,"

"What about the woman?" Finn asked, his voice tense.

Patrick's brow furrowed in confusion. "Woman?" he echoed.

Rachel nodded, her expression serious. "Yeah, the woman who killed my dad and attacked Finn was dressed similarly to the guy we encountered... she could control Gaunts."

Hearing this, Tanya's expression darkened, and she spoke up through her electrolarynx. "We had no ideashewas involved as well."

Rachel's brow furrowed. "She?" she questioned, seeking clarification.

Patrick shook his head and chuckled, a hint of disbelief in his voice. "You two have the worst luck I have ever seen!" he said, his tone laced with amusem*nt.

Finn frowned, his patience wearing thin. "What the hell are you talking about?" he demanded.

Patrick leaned back, his laughter subsiding. "You two just ran into the most wanted and dangerous individuals tracked by the UWSF!" he exclaimed.

Rachel's frustration boiled over. "Just tell us who they are, you asshole!" she growled, her eyes flashing with anger.

Patrick's smile faded, replaced by a more serious expression. "We have no idea," he admitted, still with a trace of amusem*nt in his voice.

Rachel stepped forward, her eyes narrowing as her fangs became visible. "That's not good enough," she hissed, her anger palpable.

Patrick held up his hands in a placating gesture. "Calm down," he said, his tone more measured.

Tanya spoke up again, her voice steady. "We don't know their real names or true identities, but we've assigned them codenames and have some understanding of their abilities," She said. "The woman you encountered is codenamed "Love", she works alongside the man you met, known as "Justice", both are part of a group called The Children of The Void," she explained.

"But we just call them The Void," Patrick added.

Rachel and Finn absorbed this new information, feeling a slight relief in finally knowing more about their attackers.

Finn turned to Tanya. "What do they want?" he asked.

Patrick answered instead, a hint of a chuckle in his voice. "They want to bring their so-called "Gods" into our world," He said. "They're essentially a cult,"

"Yeah, just a cult of people with powers," Rachel interjected, rolling her eyes.

Patrick chuckled. "Okay, not exactly your average cult," he conceded.

Finn's curiosity deepened. "Speaking of powers, how do they have them? Are they GEGA's like Rachel or GEC's?"

Patrick looked at Finn with mild surprise, impressed that he knew about GEGA's and GEC's. He quickly realized it made sense, given who Finn was traveling with. "Neither, at least not any of the original GEGA's or GEC's that we know of," he replied.

"We theorize that Love might be a GEGA, considering her ability to control Gaunts, however, we have no idea who created her," Tanya chimed in. "As for Justice, he's just a normal human, but he possesses a power we call a "Trait", which complicates things even further,"

"How so?" Finn asked, raising an eyebrow.

Tanya took a deep breath before explaining. "We don't know how Justice acquired his power, but through our research and personnel who possess different traits, we've come to understand what a Trait is," she began. "As the name implies, it's a characteristic that embodies the person, somehow, this trait manifests physically, granting the user the ability to manipulate it,"

"Do they differ?" Rachel asked, curiosity piqued.

Tanya shook her head. "In color, yes, but in essence, they're the same, all traits can take the form of ethereal light," she explained. "For example..."

Tanya opened her free hand, and a dagger formed in it. Unlike Justice's orange light, Tanya's dagger was a deep violet. The sight of this left Finn and Rachel momentarily speechless.

"My Trait is Peace, and its color is purple," Tanya said, her half-robotic voice carrying a note of calm.

Rachel stared at the glowing dagger. "So, you can create weapons too?"

"Yes," Tanya confirmed, letting the dagger dissipate into wisps of violet light. "Each Trait manifests differently based on the person,"

Patrick then chimed in, his voice cutting through the tension. "Tanya's Trait manifested when she was near death," he began. "As for mine, it appeared during an operation where I was hunting down a criminal,"

Rachel turned to him, eyebrow raised in surprise. "You have a Trait too?"

Patrick nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Yep, it's called Determination," He opened his hand, and a pistol made of dark red ethereal light materialized, its form solid yet otherworldly.

Finn, ever curious, asked the next logical question. "Can you only create weapons?"

Patrick shook his head. "No, we can create or do whatever we want as long as we can imagine it," he explained. "Well, almost anything, there are limits,"

"Like what?" Rachel pressed.

Tanya answered through her electrolarynx, "We can use our Traits to enhance our physical abilities but we can't heal ourselves or others," She replied. "And we can't manipulate reality, trust me, someone tried,"

Finn nodded, processing this information. "So, there could be more people like you, Patrick, Justice, and Love out there?" he asked, his mind already strategizing.

Tanya nodded. "Yes, and we're certain there are more Trait users within The Void," she replied.

"If that's true, we might be in some serious trouble," Rachel chimed in. "Justice is skilled with his Trait and has been trained to fight, could it be possible those crazy f*cks are training Trait users in their cult?"

Patrick leaned forward and let out a sigh. "That's something we've considered and feared," he admitted.

Finn looked confused. "Why?" he asked.

Patrick turned to Finn, his expression grave. "Because if they're training Trait users, it means a seasoned Trait user is teaching them," he explained. "This also suggests that there were Trait users long before we discovered them, which is alarming because we've only recently identified Traits,"

Rachel's eyes widened at the implications. "So, there could be an entire network of these people, all trained and dangerous."

Tanya nodded. "Exactly," She said. "If they have a mentor with extensive knowledge, it means they're more organized than we anticipated,"

Finn's face darkened with concern. "How many do you think they have?"

Patrick shrugged, frustration evident in his posture. "It's hard to say," He replied. "The Children of The Void operates in secrecy, and they've been very good at keeping their numbers and abilities hidden,"

Rachel's mind raced with the possibilities. "If they have that kind of head start, we really need to get our asses in gear,"

Patrick nodded. "Agreed," He replied.

Tanya interjected, "Which is why we've been focused on two things: strengthening our defenses and gathering intel on their operations," She told them. "If we can disrupt their training and recruitment, we can slow their progress,"

"But one thing we haven't got a clue about is why they went after Dr. Gaster and why they are targeting you and your siblings," Patrick said, his tone grave.

"U.D.N," Rachel replied without hesitation. "They want to know what it is,"

"U.D.N?" Patrick asked, curiosity and concern mixing in his voice.

"U.D.N is a machine," Rachel disclosed. "It was developed by my father and a scientist named Dr. Stalin to try and fix the rift in space,"

Hearing this, Patrick's eyes widened, and he exchanged a nervous glance with Tanya, who also looked unsettled. He turned back to Rachel with a raised brow. "The rift that appeared back in '62 and closed in 2000?"

Rachel nodded. "Yeah... why?" she asked, noting their worried expressions.

Tanya let out a robotic sigh, the sound eerie through her electrolarynx. "Things just got a lot more complicated..."

Rachel and Finn exchanged confused looks.

Patrick leaned forward, his expression serious. "There's something only a few UWSF agents and upper brass know about," He said, "We don't have clearance to know the full details, but we know that something appeared from the rift before it closed, and it landed up north near Oshawa and has been sealed away in some sort of... egg,"

Rachel's eyes widened in shock. "An egg? What the hell is inside it?" She asked

Patrick shook his head. "We don't know," He replied, "All we know is that it's highly classified and heavily guarded, the fact that your father's work is involved with the closing of the rift means it's connected somehow,"

Rachel let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through her hair. "No kidding," she said. She took a deep breath, steadying herself. "Look, let's set the U.D.N. and egg sh*t to the side, what we need to do is get my brother and sister back,"

Tanya nodded in agreement. "Of course, that's our primary mission," she said. "Our orders are to bring all of you back safely, including you, Mr. Tresscoat,"

Rachel nodded a new question forming in her mind. "Speaking of which... who sent you?"

Patrick smirked, his eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief. "Who do you think?" he asked, his tone teasing.

Rachel instantly smiled, realizing who the UWSF agent was referring to. "Heh, just like them to keep tabs on us," she said, a touch of warmth in her voice.

Finn looked confused, clearly out of the loop on who they were talking about, but before he could ask, the group moved on to more pressing matters. They gathered around the coffee table, pulling out maps and documents to begin formulating a plan for the night.

"We need to locate Kali and Xander first," Rachel stated her voice firm. "If we can figure out where they're being held, we might be able to stage a rescue,"

Patrick nodded, studying the map. "We've got a few potential locations based on the latest intel," He said, "However, we'll need to split up to cover more ground,"

Tanya interjected, her mechanical voice steady. "We should also set a trap to lure out either Justice or Love," She began, "If we can capture one of them, we might get the information we need,"

Finn's mind raced with possibilities. "What if we create a false lead? Something that suggests we've got a lead on U.D.N?" he asked

Tanya's eyes lit up with understanding. "That could work," She said "It would force them to come out and confront Rachel or you, which give us the advantage, as we can overwhelm them, should they show,"

Patrick grinned. "Sounds like a plan to me!" He said. "But we'll need to coordinate our movements carefully and stay in constant communication,"

They all nodded in agreement.

Rachel looked at each of them, her eyes burning with determination. "This is it," She stated. "We're going to get my sister and brother back, and we're going to put a foot up The Void's ass,"

The group spent the rest of the night, meticulously planning their operation, considering every detail and potential contingency. The stakes were higher than ever, but they were united in their mission.

~~~~~~

In a secure and hidden location, "Justice" waited in what appeared to be an old, decrepit building on the coast not too far from Salton Lake City. The structure, once vibrant and full of life, now stood as a hollow shell of its former self, providing the perfect cover for clandestine activities.

For the first time in a while, the hood of Justice's cloak was down, revealing his striking appearance. His long white hair cascaded down to his shoulders, framing a face that was a study in contrasts. His skin was lightly tanned, and his left eye was a vivid purple, brimming with intensity. His right eye, however, was completely white, marred by a burn that scarred both the eye and the surrounding area, a testament to past battles.

Justice sat in an old, rickety chair, focusing intently on his current task. He conjured orange darts from thin air, hurling them with precision at a makeshift dartboard he had fashioned from the top of a broken desk. The repetitive thud of the darts hitting their target filled the otherwise silent room.

"Hehehehehe~!" came a sultry laugh, one that was all too familiar to him.

Justice's face twisted with annoyance as he looked up. There, perched casually in the rafters of the building, was none other than Love. The bright moonlight streamed through the shattered roof, illuminating her features. Her hood was also down, revealing her own striking appearance.

"Love" had pale, porcelain skin that contrasted sharply with her dark attire. Her white hair, cut in a stylish pixie cut, framed her delicate face, giving her an ethereal, almost otherworldly appearance. Dark purple eye shadow accentuated her bright yellow eyes, making them stand out dramatically and almost seem to glow in the dim light of the old building. The effect was both mesmerizing and unsettling.

Her lips were adorned with deep purple lipstick, adding to her striking and somewhat gothic look. A black labret piercing beneath her lower lip glinted in the moonlight, drawing attention to her mischievous smile. Two black stainless steel stud earrings decorated her ears, completing her edgy, enigmatic style.

"Enjoying yourself, Rafael?" she teased, her voice dripping with mockery.

Justice, now known as Rafael, let out a low growl, his patience wearing thin. "What do you want, Sister Angelique?" he snapped, flicking another dart with a bit more force than necessary.

Love, now also known asAngelique, gracefully descended from the rafters, her movements fluid and deliberate. She landed lightly on the ground with her bare feet and walked toward him, her smile never wavering. "I just came to see how our resident brooder is doing," she purred. "You seem... tense, I can always help fix that~"

Rafael rolled his eyes, his irritation palpable. "And indulge in your sick pleasures? Not a chance in hell," Rafael spat, his voice dripping with contempt.

Angelique giggled a melodious sound that belied the darkness in her eyes. "Aw~! What a shame!" she said, her tone mocking yet pleased. "Such a prude~! You know, there's nothing wrong with indulging in the pleasures of the flesh, after all, isn't love a gift from the gods themselves?"

Rafael rolled his eyes and groaned in irritation. "It's no wonder the goddess Nekrós-Amour chose you as her champion,"

Angelique's giggle turned into a laugh, rich with amusem*nt. "And I see why such a boring goddess like Karokavex would choose you," she replied with a smirk.

Hearing Angelique speak ill of his goddess sent a surge of fury through Rafael. He quickly formed an orange sword in his hands, the blade glowing with the intensity of his rage. With a swift, determined movement, he lunged at her.

Angelique was ready. In an instant, she conjured her own ethereal blade, its bright red light contrasting sharply with determination's dark red color. The clash of their weapons sent sparks flying, the colors dancing violently in the dim light of the room.

"You're predictable, Rafael," Angelique taunted, her voice a venomous whisper. "Always so quick to anger, so easy to provoke,"

Rafael growled as he deflected Angelique's blade, forcefully pushing it aside. He swiftly pulled back, readying himself for a counterattack, his eyes fixed on his target. Just as he lunged forward, two bullets of green ethereal light shot through the air, striking their blades with pinpoint accuracy. The force knocked the weapons from their hands, and the bullets dissipated into the night.

Startled, both Rafael and Angelique turned their heads toward the direction of the shots. Emerging from the shadows was another member of their cult, a single green rifle in his hands. His cloak obscured most of his attire, but his face was illuminated in the dim light.

The man had a light complexion, his age betrayed by the wrinkles etched into his skin. His hair, grey and styled in an undercut, framed his dull hazel eyes, and a prominent scar stretched across his face, a souvenir from a battle with a Gaunt.

This was Father Arrkan, one of the founding members of The Void, and a figure of significant authority within the cult. Upon seeing him, Rafael immediately dropped to one knee in reverence. Angelique, on the other hand, remained standing, a smirk playing on her lips as she raised an eyebrow at Rafael, intrigued by his reaction to someone of such high rank.

"Father Arrkan," Rafael greeted with a tone full of respect and submission.

"Greetings, Father," Angelique echoed, her voice tinged with curiosity. "What brings you out here?" she asked, her eyes gleaming with interest.

Father Arrkan stepped closer, his presence imposing yet calm. "I could ask the same of you," he replied, his voice resonating with authority. "Why are two of my most promising disciples battling each other instead of focusing on our greater mission?"

Rafael lowered his head further, guilt washing over him. "I apologize, Father, it was a misunderstanding."

Angelique, however, maintained her defiant posture. "We were merely testing our skills, Father, ensuring we remain sharp for the challenges ahead,"

Father Arrkan's gaze shifted between the two, his expression unreadable. "Discipline is essential, but so is unity, remember, our strength lies in our cohesion," He said, "Do not let personal disputes weaken our cause,"

Both disciples nodded, Rafael remaining on one knee, while Angelique's smirk remained evident on her face.

Father Arrkan regarded the two with an unreadable expression. "I've come to inform you, young apostles, that the situation has become more complicated," he began. "Today, two UWSF agents arrived in the city, their mission is to retrieve Rachel Rose, her siblings, and the Gaunt hunter accompanying them,"

"So?" Angelique interjected, her tone dismissive.

"If They aim to collect all the GEGA's in Satlon Lake, they'll be looking for Kali and Xander, so inevitably, that search will lead them to us," Arrkan explained. "And this, my dear disciples, we can turn to our advantage,"

Rafael looked up, curiosity piqued. "How so, Father?" he asked.

Arrkan's eyes glinted with cunning. "If we use Kali and Xander as bait, we can draw them into a trap," He replied, "Once captured, they can be leveraged against the UWSF, bargaining for any information regarding the U.D.N,"

Rafael hesitated, glancing at Angelique before addressing Arrkan again. "Forgive me, Father Arrkan, but why not simply eliminate these abominations? Are they not blasphemous creatures that deserve destruction?"

Arrkan nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed, they are," he said. "However, they serve a greater purpose for us, as without them, we cannot locate the U.D.N machine, and without that, we cannot forge the gateway necessary for our gods to come forth,"

Angelique's smirk faded into a frown of contemplation. "I still don't understand how Mother Superior learned of such a thing," she said.

Father Arrkan's expression remained impassive. "Mother Superior has her ways," He replied. "Her visions and insights are gifts from the gods, trust in her guidance, for it leads us to our ultimate destiny,"

'Hard to believe that, when only the other founding members have ever met Mother Superior,'Angelique mused to herself. Despite her skepticism, she shrugged it off with a mischievous smirk.'Oh well, at least I'll get to have some fun with that little hunter~,'she thought, licking her lips in anticipation.

"Now then," Father Arrkan continued, "I'll be returning to the church, your task is to capture Ms. Rose and Ms. Hound, along with the Gaunt Hunter and the two agents, understood?"

"Yes, Father," they both replied in unison.

Satisfied, Father Arrkan nodded and melted back into the shadows, disappearing into the night and leaving Rafael and Angelique alone in the ruins of the building.

Angelique turned to Rafael, her expression brimming with amusem*nt. "It appears you'll be seeing more of me," she cooed, her voice dripping with playful malice.

Rafael glared at her, his disdain evident. "How lovely," he replied with heavy sarcasm, his tone cutting through the silence.

Angelique chuckled softly, relishing the tension. "Oh, don’t be like that, Rafael," She said, "We might as well make the most of our time together," she teased, stepping closer to him.

Rafael's jaw tightened, but he kept his composure. "Let's just focus on the mission," he said curtly, turning away to conceal his irritation.

Angelique’s eyes sparkled with a dangerous mix of excitement and amusem*nt. "Oh, I am focused," she purred. "Very focused~ but I do enjoy multitasking~!"

Rafael shot her a sharp look. "Just remember, our success depends on us working together, not indulging in personal vendettas or distractions,"

"Of course," Angelique replied, her tone suddenly serious. "Our missioncomesfirst, always,"

With their objectives clear, the two cultists prepared to embark on their mission, the night around them filled with an uneasy alliance and the promise of conflict.

~~~~~~

A/N:We finally understand the nature of Rafael's power, and the identities of these enigmatic cloaked figures have been unveiled! However, as some questions are answered, even more mysteries have emerged!

In the next chapter, Rachel is used as bait to lure the cultists into the open. However, the plan quickly goes awry, leading to a fierce battle erupting in the streets of Salton Lake City. Amidst the chaos, a catastrophic incident occurs, one that could lead to a fatal outcome...

ROSE: FEAR YOUR WORLD - ArcofUA (2024)

Chapter 1: Rose Among Any Other

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Chapter 2: GEGA

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Chapter 3: The Best Cheeseburgers

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Chapter 4: The Void

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Chapter Text

References