The Investigation Begins...
The aftermath of the breach was starkly evident—shattered steel doors and rubble strewn across the grounds bore testimony to the havoc wrought by the escaped anomaly. Emergency crews hurriedly attended to injured personnel, their faces etched with urgency and concern, while the remnants of containment protocols lay in disarray.
Deputy Haturii, his stature a blend of authority and vigilance, stood amidst the controlled chaos, flanked by Aomorii, the Chief of Police. Their eyes scanned the scene, piecing together the unsettling puzzle left behind. Then, two figures emerged from the chaos—young, resolute, and a stark contrast to the grim scene unfolding before them.
"What's going on? We got here as fast as we could," the boy panted, urgency lacing his voice.
"What happened here?" the girl inquired, her green eyes narrowing with determination. She exuded an air of fiery independence, her demeanor hardened by years of rigorous training.
These were no ordinary youths. Yukira Margherita and Orenji, skilled and resolute students of the Claive Academy, had trained for moments exactly like this. Yukira's fiery red hair and Orenji's inquisitive gaze bespoke their individual strengths—tenacity and intellect, poised to confront the unfolding crisis.
Haturii turned to address them, his expression shifting from concern to strategic focus. "We're dealing with a Category 3 breach," he explained, his voice carrying the weight of experience. "The anomaly broke through with unexpected strength and ferocity."
Yukira's brow furrowed. "But I thought category 3 breaches were rare," she mused. "Breaking containment and wreaking this much havoc... it doesn't add up."
Aomorii interjected, arms crossed. "Are you suggesting someone on the inside facilitated this escape?"
Haturii nodded thoughtfully. "It's a possibility we can't ignore. We need answers."
Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Ganymede, a high-ranking figure within the Foundation, trailed by Dr. Rhys Stane. Her gaze was sharp, scrutinizing the newcomers with a blend of assessment and expectation.
"So, you're the ones they sent us," Ganymede remarked, skepticism laced in her tone. "I expected more seasoned operatives for a mission of this magnitude."
"What?!" Yukira bristled at the implication, fire flashing in her eyes.
Haturii intervened, his tone steady. "They're skilled. I can vouch for that. They'll prove their worth."
"Hmm," Ganymede responded curtly, her gaze lingering critically. "They don't look like much, but I suppose they'll have to do."
A vein bulged on Yukira's forehead. Fury ignited within her. "OKAY, THAT'S IT! Listen here, lady—" she started, stepping forward, ready to unleash her unfiltered thoughts.
Before she could, Orenji, ever vigilant, clamped a hand over her mouth and yanked her back.
Her muffled tirade was thankfully rendered inaudible, though Ganymede's expression remained unchanged.
Orenji attempted a chuckle, though his nervousness was evident. "S-sorry," he stammered. "She doesn't always think before she speaks. Missing a few screws, you know, in the head."
His attempt at levity earned him a sharp bite on the hand.
"Ow! Hey! Why'd you have to do that?! That's going to leave a bruise, you know."
"Well then you deserve it," Yukira retorted matter-of-factly.
A brief silence hung in the air before Ganymede sighed. "Very well. Follow me."
She led them to a secure briefing room, her demeanor shifting to business-like efficiency. "We're dealing with RSCP-004," she began, her voice grave. "It's unlike anything we've encountered before."
Haturii's expression hardened. "Containment protocols?"
Ganymede shook her head. "Void. Containment has failed. What we need now is to neutralize it before it reaches populated areas. We believe it's heading straight for town, if not already there yet."
Yukira exchanged a glance with Orenji. This was no ordinary mission—it was a test of their training and resolve.
"Until now, we've managed to contain these creatures," Ganymede added sharply, "but this one is different. Stronger. Smarter. It adapts."
Haturii glanced at the two students. "Could you leave us a moment?" he said.
Orenji frowned. "Huh? W-wait, but—"
Yukira rolled her eyes, elbowing him in the side. "Come on, genius," she muttered, grabbing the collar of his shirt and dragging him along. "It's way better over there than it is here anyway."
As they left, Yukira, unapologetically herself, flashed Ganymede the middle finger.
The two adults watched them until they were out of sight.
"Hey," Orenji muttered. "I don't really get what Sir Haturii just said. It's not because I'm stupid, right?"
"Shut it, stupid," Yukira retorted, her frustration evident.
Despite their equal age, they were constantly at odds. Orenji, curious and analytical, had a quick mind for puzzles and research. Yukira, abrasive and headstrong, was determined to prove that while roses may be seen as delicate, their thorns were sharp—and hers were sharper than most.
A clash of personalities indeed.