Faith sat alone, leaning against the rough bark of a towering tree. Her breathing was ragged, and she clutched her side, wincing in pain. The wound she'd sustained during her escape was worse than she had initially thought, and the relentless journey through the forest had taken its toll.
The forest around her was alive with sounds—rustling leaves, distant calls of unseen creatures, and the whisper of the wind through the trees. Despite the serenity, Faith's senses were on high alert, her every nerve tingling with the awareness of potential danger.
She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to gather her strength. The memory of her sister's death and her mission to avenge her sister filled her mind, fueling her determination. But her body was failing her, and she knew she couldn't go on like this for much longer.
Suddenly, a low growl pierced the air. Faith's eyes snapped open, and she saw a wild animal emerging from the underbrush. It was a predator, its eyes locked onto her with a hungry intensity. Faith knew she had to act fast.
With trembling hands, she activated her Nano drones. They swirled around her, forming into sleek, lethal blades that attached to her arms. She braced herself as the animal lunged at her, the blades glinting in the dappled sunlight.
Faith slashed at the beast, managing to cut its side. The animal howled in pain but quickly retaliated, knocking Faith to the ground. She struggled to get back on her feet, her strength waning. Desperation set in as she realized she was too weak to fend it off effectively. The animal closed in, its teeth bared and ready to strike.
Just as the beast was about to pounce, a spear whizzed through the air and embedded itself in the animal's side. The creature let out a pained roar and collapsed to the ground, its life swiftly draining away.
Faith looked up in shock as a figure leaped down from the trees, landing gracefully beside the fallen beast. It was an Armenthian woman, her movements fluid and confident. She had fox-like ears and a tail, her eyes a striking shade of green.
The woman retrieved her spear and turned to Faith, a wide grin spreading across her face. "Well, that was exhilarating! Nothing like a good challenge to get the blood pumping"
Faith, still catching her breath, managed a weak nod. "Who... are you?"
The Armenthian extended a hand to help Faith up. "Riu Tanaka. You?"
Faith hesitated for a moment before accepting the help. "Faith Narukami"
Riu glanced at the Nano drones hovering protectively around Faith. "Those are some serious toys you've got there. You handled yourself pretty well, considering you're about to keel over"
Faith looked at the drones, then back at Riu, her cheeks reddening slightly. "I-I didn't need your help! I could've handled it myself. These drones are more than enough"
Riu's eyes sparkled with interest. "Drones, huh? I like it. Keeps things interesting. But you, my friend, are in no shape to be playing hero out here. My place isn't far, and I've got some medicine to patch you up"
Faith turned her head away, trying to hide her embarrassment. "Fine. But don't think I'm grateful or anything. I'm just... accepting your help for now"
Riu chuckled, unfazed by Faith's attitude. As Riu helped her walk, Faith couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope. Perhaps this encounter would be the turning point she needed, a chance to continue her vengeance with renewed strength.
Riu chattered on as they made their way through the forest, her enthusiasm undimmed. "You know, this place might seem peaceful, but it's full of surprises. You never know what's lurking behind the next tree. Keeps me on my toes. So, what's your story? What brings you to our little slice of the galaxy?"
Faith managed a faint smile despite herself. "It's a long story. Let's just say I've got something to do, and things didn't go as planned"
Riu laughed. "Aren't those the best kind of stories?"
After a while, they reached a small, cozy house nestled deep in the forest. It was clear that Riu preferred her solitude, living away from the village. She opened the door and guided Faith inside, laying her down on a soft mat.
Riu quickly fetched some healing supplies and began tending to Faith's wounds with practiced ease. "Welcome to my little sanctuary. I prefer the quiet out here. More opportunities to test myself against the wild"
Faith nodded weakly, appreciating the warmth and safety of Riu's home. "I didn't ask for your life story. Just hurry up and patch me up"
Riu waved a hand dismissively. "No need to thank me. Besides, you seem like someone who attracts trouble. That means more excitement for me. Now go get some rest"
Faith grumbled but didn't resist, feeling a grudging sense of gratitude toward the outgoing and fearless Armenthian. She closed her eyes, letting exhaustion take over, with the comforting thought that she wasn't alone in this strange and dangerous place.
Sometime later, she awoke feeling refreshed, her wounds significantly less painful. The soft light of the moon filtered through the small windows of Riu's home, casting a serene glow over the room. She sat up slowly, taking in her surroundings and realizing she had slept for several hours.
The faint smell of cooking meat wafted in from outside, and her stomach growled in response. Gathering her strength, Faith stood and made her way to the door. Outside, she found Riu tending to a small fire, cooking the meat of the creatures she had hunted while Faith slept.
Riu looked up and smiled as Faith approached. "Hey, you're up! Feeling better?"
Faith nodded, sitting down next to the fire. "Yeah, thanks. I didn't expect to sleep that long"
Riu chuckled. "You needed it. You've been through a lot. Hungry?"
Faith nodded again, her pride momentarily set aside by her hunger. "Yeah"
Riu handed her a piece of cooked meat. "Dig in. It's not gourmet, but it'll fill you up"
As they ate in comfortable silence, Faith found herself warming up to the Armenthian. There was something about Riu's carefree yet determined attitude that was both reassuring and inspiring.
After a while, Riu broke the silence. "So, these Drones of yours... they're pretty impressive"
Faith chuckles "Yeah. My sister was a genius. She created them to be versatile, capable of forming any weapon I need. She... was everything to me"
Riu's eyes softened. "She sounds amazing. What happened to her?"
Faith's hands clenched into fists. "He killed her. His name is Priad, but he usually goes by his number, Trooper 117. He killed Mia, and I won't rest until he's paid for what he's done"
Riu nodded thoughtfully, then met Faith's gaze with a determined glint in her eyes. "I'll help you. Priad won't know what hit him"
Faith was taken aback by Riu's unwavering commitment. "You'd... really help me? Even though you don't know me?"
Riu grinned. "I live for a good challenge. And it sounds like taking on this Priad guy is going to be a challenge. Besides, I can tell you're serious about this. And I like you, Faith. You're tough"
Faith felt a mix of gratitude and wariness. "But you don't understand. He's got soldiers behind his back. They're highly trained, and their technology is far superior. It's dangerous"
"Then it'll be a worthwhile challenge. Count me in"
Faith couldn't help but admire Riu's fearless spirit. Despite her initial reservations, she found herself trusting the Armenthian more with each passing moment. "Alright. But we need to be smart about this. We can't just charge in headfirst"
Riu nodded. "I know. So, what's the plan?"
As the night wore on, the two women sat by the fire, discussing strategies and sharing stories.