It’s early in the morning. Azalea finds herself in the borderlands between Solana and Misteria. The journey to the far East was a bumpy one, but not as long as it would’ve been a few years back. The roads are mostly well kept and now the ranger can afford a motorcycle that’s decent enough to actually make it all the way.
But she’ll have to leave the bike here, as the path from this point on is a climb up the mountains. It sure is a hassle. But the job pays well and comes from a trustworthy contractor, the Aui’s Scales. Now the ranger has to go through the treacherous path towards Mistcloak Gully.
Thankfully, she doesn’t have to figure out the complex trails covered by the mist, as her contractor provided an aide, Michiko, who will accompany Azalea throughout the whole operation.
A great warrior herself, Michiko dons the marks of experience, having a large scar that goes through most of her right cheek. This, along with a stern and disciplined look on her face contrasts with her low stature, delicate skin and round facial features. Her black hair is tied on a pony tail and, aside from not having a mask on, she wears a navy blue shinobi shozoku (traditional ninja attire).
Both of them greet each other but don’t talk much for most of the trail, only exchanging words when necessary.
They arrive at dusk on the same day. Azalea doesn’t spare the thought of how long she would take to figure out the pathway by herself. She’s not that kind of ranger.
By the great lake surrounded by waterfalls that produce its namesake mist, Mistcloak Gully has most of its buildings hidden. The traveller has to descend further in the mountains to catch a glimpse of some houses. Michiko takes her to the Aui’s Scales headquarters for a mission briefing.
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The interior is cozy. Multiple lanterns burn across a great wooden hall, the floor expertly crafted. Azalea takes notice of a squad in formation, attentively listening to whom she supposes is their superior officer as he communicates something. Michiko takes the Ace in the Hole to a room on the second floor of the building.
“Azalea, this is Commander Sanjing. He will brief you in on the details of your contract”. Michiko bows low to her superior as she speaks, a man at about 40 years of age, with long black hair tied in a bun, wearing a fine black kimono. He bears a neutral look on his face as he looks at the ranger.
“It is good to meet you, Azalea. I hope your travels went well. The mountains are harsh on travelers, but that is what it takes to live in Misteria”. Says Sanjing while he makes a slight bow.
“That’s part of the job. And you’re paying well so I don’t mind. That said, let’s get to business”. The ranger doesn’t miss a beat. “You must be really desperate to call a hitwoman from the Pits. Don’t want the blood on your hands?”.
The commander takes a moment to choose the right words. “This is part of it. But the situation is a bit more complicated. See, there have been some disappearances as of late. But my forces are having trouble investigating the occurrences as whenever I task someone on anything, they go missing too. I suspect that the enemy has spies in our ranks. They can predict our every move when I have to mobilize more than my most trusted warriors. At the same time, all that I’ve sent to investigate alone can’t fend for themselves, apparently. The culprit behind the disappearances seems to not only have a great spy network, but also is a capable fighter”. Sanjing looks at Azalea with eyes filled with determination.
He then goes on: “You fit our needs. We need an outsider that can defend themselves while doing independent investigation. We will provide backup, but we should only speak directly, as our communications’ secrecy is compromised”.
The ranger understands. This is still not a lot of information on the hit, though. After talking a bit more, she figures that’s the extent of what her contractor knows. Finally, Sanjing assures her that he will instruct the Scales to not get in her way during the investigation. This will make her highly suspicious, but a foreigner would always garner attention no matter what.
Michiko takes Azalea to her hideout and quarters for the time being. She needs some rest after the long journey. The cave is not fancy but at least it’s safe. The ranger opens her bags and checks if her armor and equipment are good for tomorrow. Who knows what awaits her. Michiko takes her leave and Azalea spends the night listening to the calming sound of the waterfalls.
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On the next day, Azalea heads to the village in search of any leads. She asks around about anything out of the ordinary. Some old ladies speak of the disappearances and ramble on about how the tides of Chi are disturbed. The ranger manages to find people who are close to some victims and takes note that the great majority of those gone missing are men, and all of them are of age.
Others mention that they’re worried about nightlife in recent times. They blame evil spirits for their husbands and sons sneaking out at night and coming back drunk in the next morning. Yeah, right. Azalea thinks to herself. That wouldn’t fly on the Pits. I’ve seen my fair share of people coming to fetch their drunk partners at Blackjack’s. There was this one guy that was shanked on sight by his wife. No questions asked.
The investigator learns of another rumor going around. That a kappa has been stealing peoples’ shoes or something. Azalea doesn’t know what a kappa is and dismisses it as a red herring.
Without much to go on, the ranger figures she should focus on her best lead and see where everyone is getting shit faced. She waits for the night to come to continue the investigation.
Azalea spends the night literally hopping from place to place. After a few hours have passed, she can’t notice anything especially strange. So no progress. She really liked the food, though. The Ace takes the time to scout the village before going back to her hideout. A ranger should at least know her way around, she thinks to herself.
She sleeps through the next day. Azalea wants to stay sharp and her only real lead is about the village’s nightlife, so she goes to sleep.
Azalea dreams vividly as she rests.
Beautiful, soothing songs are played on string instruments. A graceful dancer moves with the rithms. Her amber eyes are accentuated with red eyeshadow. She has white, delicate skin and is happy to show it, as her dress, although traditional, shows most of her bust, hanging below her shoulders.
After the private show, the dancer serves some alcohol to the ranger, who just now notices that her armor is nowhere to be seen. Her attire is much more comfortable. That’s just what Azalea needed after that damned climb up the mountains. The stranger sits beside the tired ranger and listens to her complaints about her travels and uncomfortable hideout.
“Oh, my! I’m so sorry you’re going through that. To come all this way and work without rest! That won’t do. Here”. The dancer comes close to Azalea as she speaks, producing a towel, and goes on to wipe off the sweat from the ranger’s brow. Both of them lock eyes. She’s too close, Azalea thinks, now with her guard up. But the dancer promptly makes some space between them, having noticed that her company is on edge.
“I’m sorry, dear. I didn’t want to bother you. You see, from what you told me till now, I figured you’d appreciate someone taking care of you for a bit. Please, relax and let go, leave everything to me”. She gives a warm but somewhat lascivious smile.
Azalea blushes and looks down. “Oh, don’t worry. I don’t mind. You just took me by surprise, that’s all”. The ranger is mad at herself. Her guard is down and this… stranger has her all figured out with a single conversation. She turns to the dancer and says “I should go. Thank you for everything”.
“So soon? Of course. You are a busy woman. But please, do come again. Don’t let yourself miss on what Misteria has to offer. Indulge yourself before going back to the Pits”. She gives another warm smile and gets up.
“I’m sorry, have I mentioned where I’m from? How would you know that? Who are you?” Azalea gets up from the floor startled.
“Oh, Azalea. How wouldn’t I know a thing or two about you when you’ve come all this way just to see me? Well, you may call me Nuu. I’ll be waiting for you at this Tea House. You know how to get here, right?”. As she speaks, the room is filled with mist. Before the ranger can ask further questions, all she sees is white. She then wakes suddenly. It’s morning outside.
TO BE CONTINUED!