"But I can think of a few things that are a whole lot worse."
Theo let out a sly laugh, leveling his shotgun at Fortier.
Fortier's eyes widened before narrowing, a fleeting vulnerability crossing his features. In that moment, fear crept onto his face—a stark contrast to the strong, authoritative presence he had always maintained for his men and himself. It was the first time he had been held at gunpoint in an uncontrolled environment, and the experience was overwhelming. He was only in his second year as Commander of the CPD, and despite graduating at the top of his academy class, this real-world challenge was an entirely different test.
Is this how it ends for me? No heroics, no grand farewell? I can't accept it. I deserve a hero's death, one that echoes through the annals of history—not a demise swallowed by the swamp's shadows. I won't be forgotten. I won't allow it. This kingdom must recognize the greatness I've brought to it. This isn't the death befitting a statue in the capital.
I deserve immortality. I want to live beyond this moment.
Suddenly, a voice from behind Theo snapped Fortier out of his spiraling thoughts.
"Surely, a big gun like that is one of them," the voice remarked. "Dumb question, I know, but do you have a permit for that thing?"
Fortier's flashlight swept to Theo's right. There stood Jackie, her revolver pressed against his back, poised to act if necessary.
"A civilian with a gun is a rare sight, given the tight firearm restrictions in this kingdom," Jackie noted.
"Says the civilian packing heavy heat," Theo shot back, glancing over his shoulder at her.
"Oh? You can tell I'm a civilian?"
"Some form of law enforcement, but retired nonetheless. You're wearing CPD gear, but it's too casual for an operation like this—especially compared to the rest of your team. Not only that, but there's something about you. You smell different, lady, and I'm not just talking about that light perfume you're wearing."
Jackie smirked. "Wow, color me impressed. Y'know, I always had a soft spot for hunters back when I was an active contractor. If the two were related, they'd be cousins, no doubt. You fellas have some of the best trackers I've ever met."
"Ahem, I hate to break up this heartwarming interaction, but if we could come back to reality, please?!"
Commander Fortier intervened, irritated with the nonchalant nature of the conversation—even if it did ease some of the tension.
"Alright, alright, folks, I know when I've been bested."
Theo surrendered. Lowering his shotgun, he handed it over to Jackie.
"Here, take this, Ms. Boss Lady. I don't think your junior here would know what to do with it. Keep it safe for me, m'kay?"
Theo smirked, toying with the idea that Jackie was the one calling the shots. It was a petty attempt to fluster the commander, but an effective one. He saw the way his words and actions wormed their way under Fortier's skin. The idea of an outsider—an unofficial member of his team—being perceived as the one in charge gnawed at him.
"My apologies for this, Commander," Jackie said, clearing her throat. "But you both should probably move."
Before either man could react, Jackie shoved Theo forward into Fortier, letting go of the shotgun he'd handed her.
She had sensed something coming. It carried no bloodlust, yet its intent was unmistakable—death.
As Theo stumbled, something sharp sliced through the air where his neck had been, grazing his hair and shearing off a few strands.
"Woah there, that was a bit too close for comfort. What if you had hit me?" Jackie remarked as Fortier fumbled for his flashlight, shining it across from her.
There stood Noir, eyeing Theo. His attempt at taking the Dread Hunter's head had been thwarted, and his cover under the blanket of darkness was gone.
"It's the kid!" shouted Fortier.
"Hey there, champ!" Theo let out a sly chuckle as he rolled off of Fortier, dusting himself off. "I guess you got your get back from earlier," he said, his attention drawn toward Noir's axe. "You should be careful—that thing's no toy."
Now that his cover was blown, Noir had no choice but to be direct. He pounced on Theo, but as he did, he felt a snag. Jackie had grabbed him by the shirt and slammed him to the ground.
"Not so fast there," she explained. "We aren't here to hurt you."
"Well, I'm not, but we're almost certain that he is," she gestured to Theo. "Let's just talk."
But Noir wasn't in a talking mood—not that he did much talking anyway. He rarely opened his mouth for anything other than eating. He'd stopped crying a long time ago. He'd stopped talking a long time ago. If it wasn't a necessity for survival, he stopped doing it a long time ago. Even his thoughts had been silenced until tonight.
Quickly, Noir recovered, turning over onto all fours. Supernaturally, he leapt into the air with his axe in hand, twisting his body as he swung his weapon at Jackie.
As if it were too easy, Jackie waved her hand, knocking his weapon out of his grip with the back of her wrist. But that didn't stop Noir—because with a second twist of his body came an uppercut that Jackie hadn't expected. It almost grazed her chin, but she fluently sidestepped him.
The storage area was a tight squeeze for a fight, but both Jackie and Noir knew how to use it and what they were capable of doing in it.
As the two continued fighting—Jackie mainly countering and dodging Noir in an attempt to tire him out—they utilized anything and everything in their environment. Whether it was a crate that Noir used to spring off of, or a pipe that Jackie used to block Noir's punches, they used the space to its fullest potential.
While the fighting went on, Theo glanced around, looking for his shotgun.
"Aha, there you are."
"Not so fast!" Fortier's words were followed by a click as he aimed his gun at Theo's back. "Move, and I'll clear this entire cylinder."
"Oh my, look at you. Where'd all this courage come from all of a sudden? Just a minute ago, you looked like you were gonna mess your pants." Theo grinned, raising his hands in the air. "I get it. I'd feel confident too if I had someone like your superior over there taking the lead."
"She's not my superior." Fortier rose to his feet, making sure not to take his eyes off Theo for even a second.
"Hey!" he yelled out, sweat dripping from his brow. Being inside the cramped metal confines of the boat only multiplied the heat. "Will you stop playing around and wrap it up already?" He asked Jackie. "Unless he's somehow actually too much for you to handle."
"Oh, please," Jackie responded, taking up the attack. Maneuvering through Noir's strikes, she grabbed him by the face and slammed him to the ground, knocking him out. "I was just having fun, Fortier."