Disclaimer: I don't own Honkai Star Rail and any of their characters. All belonged to their rightful owners - Hoyoverse.
+++===++++
A couple of minutes earlier…
Have you ever been where you're just walking, doing your own thing, minding your own business, and for some reason, you had an inkling feeling someone is watching you? I couldn't distinguish whether this was based on my sole fear of being vulnerable or just me being paranoid. Probably both.
What if I was mugged? What if I got kidnapped again? Those sorts of thoughts put me on edge and I didn't like it. Not one bit.
I tried distracting myself by humming a song in my head. It worked…for only a short while before those thoughts clouded my head like it was brewing a storm.
Knowing I was in every way possible defenseless with Orion out of my reach, I took my time to hurry my pace, not running, since it would place suspicions on me. Rather, I walk fast. Just enough to speed up my pace without having some sort of misunderstanding from the people around me.
"Orion, if you can hear me, please respond buddy" The watch was locked, it couldn't turn, twist, or anything. Orion didn't even give a single response to indicate he was there.
What should I even do? The watch still has its share of mysteries. Its origin for example is unknown. Even the Great Madam Herta was interested and even I could tell she had no clue what it was. I was now starting to consider her offer to be a lab rat, as I call it. Maybe in that way, It would broaden my horizons from this watch of mine.
Or...Maybe I would just consult Orion about it but I doubt he'll tell me. He even disclosed the secrets to unlocking the second phase from my elemental forms.
Stingy AI.
Despite my current circumstance, I still held some faith that somehow it would fix itself, not knowing how and when but I prayed that it would be soon.
But Faith would only get me so far.
At this point, I am on my own.
When I arrived at the intersection just like the old man told me. I took a moment to catch my breath, pondering for a moment if my memory serves me right. When I was sure of it, I took a sharp left turn. From there I came across a robot.
It was situated in the middle of the road, blocking the way moving onward. The best way to describe its appearance would be a small traffic light with legs and a blue color around its metal plating.
Not the first time I've seen it, so no surprise from there. Rather, I was left confused as to why it was standing with pieces of trash around its body.
What if it's broken? That made me wonder. Then I quickly catch a hold of myself.
No, I was getting distracted. Must focus.
This, itself, was not a problem by any means, I would just go around it and–
"There it is!" A shout broke my thoughts.
"Quick, don't let it escape!"
The voices were heard from my left before I could turn around, I watched as the robot immediately ran for it. The way it did so was quite funny in the way that his legs wobbled around like the ones you see in cartoons.
It was cute. That was one way I could describe it.
"No! It escapes again!"
I finally shifted my gaze to the side and saw a bunch of kids out of breath. One was even kneeling, gasping for air. There were four of them, however one stood out from the rest.
"Don't worry, We'll catch it next time for I am the Pitch-Dark Hook the Great!" The girl with bright yellow colored hair shouted with her fist high up in the air. Her attire consisted of a thick leather coat jacket with an ushanka on top, and a Russian hat that I was slightly familiar with but its appearance was quite different from one from Earth but similar in other aspects.
Still, Pitch-Dark Hook the Great? What kind of title is that? It sounds over the top but somehow, when I thought about it more, it made me chuckle.
However, it didn't go unnoticed, the girl sharply turned her head towards me.
"You!" She pointed her finger at me.
Was she glaring? Sending her a puzzled look, I asked "Me?"
"Yes, you! Why did you let it escape?!" Right, she was glaring and preferably angry at me.
Why, though? I send her a look of puzzlement.
"I don't know what you are talking about" I shook my head, seeing that I may potentially get myself into something here. I resumed walking but the boy in the green stopped me in my tracks.
How did he get here so fast?
"Halt!" The boy said, setting his palm forward.
"What?"
"Our boss is talking to you," he replied with a very serious expression.
I tilted my head. "Who?"
Before the boy could answer, I could feel my jacket being pulled from the back.
What the–?
"I'm talking to you!" When I turned around, the same girl, Hook, snapped at me.
Was her expression supposed to scare me? Sadly for her, it did the exact opposite. For some reason, I found her expression oddly adorable. However, it didn't stop me from being annoyed.
"Fine but can you let me go? I think it'll tear if you don't," It was the only jacket I had, and it was expensive. Almost a quarter of my salary was spent on it.
With a huff, she thankfully let go. That's when I realized the kids with her started to circle around us, leaving us in the middle.
'They're cutting off exits, I see' I noted my observation. It felt like I had done something wrong and they were to gang up on me.
I returned my attention to the girl. Her eyes had the same color as her hair but darker in contrast. Her gaze evenly met mine despite being a tad shorter than me. "Thank you for that. So, what was your question again?"
"I'm asking you why you let it escape?" The girl asked impatiently. Apparently, from there we shared something similar.
"And that is my problem, why?" I folded my arms, sending her an annoyed look.
At that, the girl blinked. Seeing she didn't respond, I continued.
"First of all, who are you? And second of all, why should I care to not let that robot escape? I don't know you and you don't know me. Lastly, It's not my problem, now is it?"
The girl merely stared at me. Her expression was unreadable before she spoke.
"Hook." It earned a tilt-head response from me."
The name's Hook or better, you can call me Pitch-Dark Hook the Great! And I'm the Boss of the Moles, better remember it." The girl proclaimed boastfully.
What's up with that introduction? The one word I could describe is amusing at best. Not like I had the right to judge when I practically needed to say a word before activating the watch.
"Okay, Hook—"
"That's Pitch-Dark Hook the Great, to you! Who said you could shorten my title?"
Her glare and slightly furious expression took me aback. Was it really necessary? She even left me an option earlier, what happened to that?
Well, whatever, they are just kids after all.
"....Ah right, Pitch-Dark Hook the Great, It's nice to meet you," I offered a friendly smile while she on the other hand wore a satisfied smile.
She nodded. "That's better and you better remember that!"
I snickered at her warning. "Anyways, why are you chasing after the robot anyway?"
Curiosity aside, I actually had a good guess they were responsible for its current state, mainly the trash around its body.
That earned me an eye-roll from the girl. "Hmph, you know it's rude to not tell me your name while I told mine?" She crossed her arms and pointed at me. "Tell me!"
Why do I feel like she's ordering me to answer? Putting that thought aside, I told her my name "Ethan"
"....."
"What?" What's with the silence and look?
"He's boring," One of the kids behind me said.
What was that? Just when I was about to turn around to settle with that kid. I then heard a snicker like someone was holding a laughter. I found it to be none other than the girl in front of me. Her expression sold it right away and the way she lowered her head.
"Ethan.." Hook repeated my name, nodding at her own words. When she lifted her head, her previous expression changed and I could see a burning look in her eyes. "From this onwards, you are now an Honorary member of the Moles!"
Eh?
++++==++++
"Why are you still refusing?!"
"I told you, No." It seemed that this girl was quite stubborn. A trait that somehow brought me deja vu and a weird sense of familiarity. And no, that familiarity I was feeling was not good.
If you count my head almost getting smashed by a bat as good, then consider yourself a masochist.
"He dares refuse such an offer?" I could hear a gasp from behind then murmurs that I couldn't quite catch on.
Why do they make it sound like I'm refusing an offer that would lead me to regret my entire life?
Still, I was firm in my decision.
I stopped for a moment as I turned to Hook and the rest "Listen, I'm in a hurry right now and can you guys just leave me alone? I would really appreciate it"
Was it rude to say that? I thought so but knowing I could be in any danger if I stayed around any longer, I had to move quickly. Not that the mine was any better judging from both Natasha and that Old Man's warning. I doubt getting in would be easy, but at least the team was there. I just need to figure out how to locate them. And going with these kids would bring more trouble than it's worth. I'm not saying they are deadweights, rather, I don't want any of them to be involved in where I'm going.
Regret is not something I want to sit idly in my heart. I had enough regrets in my past life to know that feeling was the worst.
Hook's expression turned thoughtful for a moment before nodding "Alright,"
Surprise took me for a short moment, never did I expect she would agree to that quickly. Was I wrong about her being stubborn? Well at the very least, she's manageable.
I gave an appreciative smile. "Thank you–"
"On one condition, we go with you!"
"...." I was taken aback, taking me a moment to compose myself. Massaging my temples, I said in the softest tone I could master. "You know, you could spend this time finding the robot you want to chase. Why spend it on me?"
"Hmm, that is correct." She agreed to my words. Never thought she would fold that quickly. However, it brought me relief. It seems we've reached an understanding.
"However, as the great leader of the moles, my duty is to not abandon my fellow honorary members" She added much to my dismay. "And that finding that robot is a piece of cake, we've captured it from time to time, it's just that… it always escapes." She mumbled the last part.
The apparent reason they tried to capture the robot was mainly because it stole most of their snacks from time to time and it was sneaky as it did so. No matter how they tried to teach it a lesson, it always did the same thing again and again.
I actually sympathize with them on that part.
"I told you, I'm not joining," With a deadpan expression, I reminded her to which she just smiled.
"Future honorary member!"
"Right," I rolled my eyes.
Her expression shifted to a thoughtful one then in a span of a second, it quickly changed to panic. "Oh, I forgot I haven't introduced the members yet!"
"This is Honorary Member Julian, second-in-command" She directly gestured her hand toward the boy in the green shirt.
"Sup"
"Sup" I greeted back
She then gestured to the other girl, whose hair was tied in a ponytail "This is Honorary member, Sofia."
"Hello!" She certainly had a cheery aura surrounding her.
"Hey"
Then lastly to the boy in a hoodie. "Lastly, this is Honorary member, Po!"
The boy merely gave a nodding gesture at me which I returned.
"So there's only four of you?" I asked.
"And counting!" Hook exclaimed with a nod. "The Mole's is expanding at an increasing rate, just so you know."
"That said, why do you call yourselves the Moles?" I asked, very curious about the chosen title they had. Was there a reason for it, perhaps?
"Because it's cool" Po, the boy with a hoodie, responded.
"What about it?" The girl, Sofia, asked, looking at me curiously.
"Nothing just curious" I answered, thinking for a moment. "But I'm still not joining."
Apparently, Hook saw that as a challenge as she declared. "We'll see about that!"
I'm not really gonna convince her, am I?
++++=====++++
After a few rounds of convincing and arguments, eventually they won and I had no choice but to let them follow me around as it pained me to do so.
"You're going to the mines?" Hook asked beside me.
"That is my plan, yes" I nodded. No, I didn't tell them about where I was going, rather, they found out by themselves.
Smart kids.
Hook stared at me, questionably. "Why?"
"It's classified." I shook my head.
Hook's eyes furrowed, showing a flash of irritation. "It's bad to keep secrets from your leader!"
"I'm not even a part of your team," She really is persistent. I know I said a lot, but man, it was starting to get annoying.
It reminds me of the time I had to watch over some troublemaker kids during a part-time job. Sadly, I had no shortage of traumatic memories of that.
"Future honorary member!"
"Not planning" I waved my hand dismissively, refusing her statement.
Hook huffed, "So why don't you tell more about yourself? I could tell you're not from around here."
I briefly glanced at her. "How can you tell that?"
"Hmm, well aside from your looks, the way you behave is simply more in line with someone who hasn't been to this place." She clarified, raising her chin.
"My looks? What does that have to do with it?" I asked, confused.
"You're too clean," She replied.
"?" My confusion doubled.
"And the way you look around gave it away as well," She added.
Was I too easy to read? That was the impression I got after I was read like a book. "You're certainly perceptive, you know that?"
"Why thank you, it's a natural trait that all great leaders such as myself are born with." Hook replied with a smug expression, taking my compliment as if it were the tastiest dessert she had.
The walk went more smoothly after that. Thankfully, they decided to not bother me anymore and just simply tagged along silently.
Just how far is the mine? Was it a thirty-minute walk? It seemed like it judging from how long I've been walking now.
It took a while but my efforts bore fruit when I saw a sign that said "Mine up ahead" I knew I was close. Now, I just hope they didn't leave the mine already. That would just spit into all my efforts.
"Ohh look, there's a lot of people there!" Sofia shouted.
It brought my attention to the crowd of people blocking the entrance of the mine. Even from a distance, I could see the entrance being barricaded.
Great, another problem.
Just for once, I wish something would go smoothly for me. This day isn't certainly my day.
….Wait, is today–today? Or was today, the next day? But I haven't gotten any sleep. So did I not just sleep at all? Maybe that's why I'm tired. Just when I was getting lost in my thoughts.
"Should we go closer?"Julian decided to ask. It brought me back to my senses and right in that moment, Hook responded.
Or more likely, ordered.
"Of course, onward!" She moved ahead of the group, walking in a strange manner.
"Yes, Boss!"
"....." Was it me going to the mines here or them? I started to question myself.
Nonetheless, I quickly followed shortly after.
++++====+++
"Let us in!"
"Let us in!"
"Let us in!"
"I told you all to back off!"
People were rioting. I quickly took notice.
That wasn't far off from the initial expectations I had about the current situation from the mines though I had to admit, I didn't expect it to be slightly worse.
Looking to the side, I took note of a few lying down, clearly injured from their current appearance. I could see them being treated by medics if I guessed that right. One even had a bandage around its head. That tells me a fight had occurred not too long ago.
That could explain why the people outside were getting restless and angry at the ones inside. Casualties were no joke, it was enough to ignite a spark of rebellion among the people here which I would guess to be miners.
Speaking of the people currently inside the mimes, they were quite familiar. They had those weird spears, strange masks, and the same type of clothing, a combination of leather clothing and a white buttoned shirt. They were wearing the same type of clothing as the same guys that kidnapped me.
Do they have a faction here? I couldn't help but think of that. The way they appeared somehow like they are in different batches made it seem like it.
I watched calmly from behind as the riot grew more intense as people outside started to throw out junk to the —What were they again?---those mask guys.
"Take that!"
"STOP!"
"Bleugh! Who threw a diaper?! Now that is going too far!"
As amusing to watch as the mask guys tried to block the projectiles coming at them, especially the diaper one, which was textbook, I doubt I could find myself entering the mines with this going on. I needed to find another way other than the occupied entrance.
But the question is where? And How?
I found myself lost.
"Hehehe, it seems you need help, future Honorary member" A laugh interrupted me in my thoughts. I glanced at Hook, the source of the laugh, as she looked at me expectantly.
I knew what she was expecting me to say. "You're gonna help?"
She smiled brightly. "Of course, as your leader, whatever any Mole member has hurdles in their way, is my responsibility"
"I'm not—"
"Hush, you want my help or not?" She cut me off sternly before I finished my sentence.
It was a change of tone like she was forcing out a deal that would be soon gone if I didn't respond quickly. As amusing as it is, I took a look of puzzlement and proceeded to ask.
"How can I be sure that you can help me?" Was it right for me to ask kids for help? Surely, I couldn't stoop that low, right? Judging from the things I've seen. I could see this mine to be dangerous.
Now, I can't just let them inside knowing that. I'm supposed to set an example as an adult.
"Like you're any better. Our boss is great at many things, navigation is one of them." Julian said, displeased by my doubt.
Seeing they backed her up, Hook boastfully added "We've lived here our entire life, we knew this place like the back of our head. And of course, I had my few shared experiences in the mines."
Her last sentence felt quite odd. It seemed like she didn't realize her mistake judging from her current expression. "....Aren't you just a kid? And what are you doing in the mines anyway?"
Her eyes widened at my words. Why does she look nervous? Looking at the rest of the kids, they look away. I feel like I'm missing a context here.
"Play…of course, play. What else would I be doing?" Like a mask, she quickly covered her nervous expression with a confident one. Even I could tell it was forced. "And also why are you going in the mine anyway, aren't you also a kid?" She argued, shoving my own words back to me.
I opened my mouth to refute but realizing I am technically a kid for now, I decided not to voice it.
Seeing that, she smiled victorious.
I took a moment to ponder. What they told me brought a lot of points. If I go there with no clue on navigation, I would get lost and that would lead to unpleasant circumstances. On the other hand, if I agree, then that would be solved. Still, was this really okay?
No.
It was not.
I was not the kind of person to let these kids be in any sort of danger.
"Sorry, but I have to say no." Before Hook could have a chance to speak, I added. "It's too dangerous for you guys."
"Danger?! Hah, that's our middle name!" Julian said aloud.
"But's not our middle name…"
"It's a figure of speech, Sofia!"
"What my second in command said, you don't have to worry about danger. We know a thing or two in defending ourselves " Hook assured, wearing a confident expression. "Right, everyone?"
"Yes, Boss!"
"The Moles are number 1!"
I shook my head. "No, you're parents would be worried sick about you guys. If something happens to you, I'm gonna take the blame for it which is a no-go for me."
"Hmph, you're speaking like an adult! We don't like adults, especially that old witch." Hook glared at me.
If only you knew. I thought. And old witch? Who's that?
"Down to the Old witch!" The three behind her synchronously cheered.
Well, they certainly had hatred for that person. I wonder who that is.
However, I remained indifferent. "Hook, listen, I'm gonna say it once and this is my final. I'm firm with my decision, okay? I just can't let you guys go with me at this point."
I watched as her expression took a fall. "Oh okay," She said, head lowered down. "I guess, it would be too bad to tell the guards in the entrance that somebody is planning to sneak in inside the mine without them knowing."
"Wait, what are you—"
"After all, we're good kids and we don't want anybody to be hurt when they are not following the rules." She stared at me innocently, her voice also took a drastic change from her normal one. "Not to mention, you're just a kid as well like us."
"...You blackmailing me" I stated plainly, cutting to the point.
"What's that?" She asked, genuinely confused.
Does she not know the meaning of the word but still use that said word to me? I didn't believe that. "Don't spew innocence on me, I know what you're doing"
"Hmph. whatever you're thinking, just so you know, Pitch-Dark Hook the Great would never resort to blackmailing or whatever that is." She replied, hesitation flickered from her eyes. "We're merely doing a good deed."
"Good deed? Huh"
"Of course. We, The Moles, are law-abiding citizens, after all."
I shot her a disbelieving look. "You're gonna tell them, right?"
She tilted her head. "Well, it depends…" Her words trailed off as she shot me another one of her innocent expressions.
At this point, she was really using it as an advantage over me. Not like it was working. Her blackmail, however, does.
I sighed. "Fine, fine. You guys can come."
Her expression took a swift turn and I added. "However, you are here to help me get inside the mine. Further than that, you guys can't come."
She blinked in surprise. "You're planning to go deeper?"
"That depends if I found what I'm looking for,"
"What are you looking for?"
"That's classified."
She pouted, thinking my words over. "Alright, deal!"
She extended her hand. I shot a look at it and couldn't help but wonder. Were they really kids? Normal kids?
With another sigh, I reluctantly shook it.
"..Deal"
I had a feeling this wasn't gonna be good.
.
..
…
….
…..
...
....
.....
You know what?
When has my gut feeling been anything but bad?
Recalling everything that has happened so far.
Yeah,
I'm pretty sure this wasn't gonna be good.