Chương 18: The Hunt for Aspen Del Santo
2 Weeks Earlier:
*POV Change: Valina*
I woke up earlier than I wanted to. My alarm was set for 0800, but here I am awake only 3 hours after the meeting concluded. I felt rested enough though. I lay in my bed for the next hour just thinking about what I had gotten us in. What this little pawn of mine had gotten us in.
A pilot with an Omega-level potential. By the gods, that's something I had never heard of in my life. Only my great great great great great grandfather had actually met a pilot with such potential, and that was like 3 centuries ago, during the times of the Great War of Cenollia.
If I recall correctly, the story went that the man was an Alpha-level pilot at the time, and he still moved through my great great great great great grandfather's ranks without even trying. Alpha-level pilots are amongst the most terrifying pilots out there. The man may have never reached Omega level, but that would be a nightmare to face.
Only 50 pilots had ever reached the Omega level of piloting before. And they lived during the times humans first ventured out of their cradle solar system. All 50 of them achieved feats thought to have been inconceivable, let alone doable. Even if that man doesn't reach his ultimate potential, he will still be a scary opponent. The way he dispatched 7 mechs with a single swing of Ajax's swords shows just how much potential for destruction he has.
Never mind that, how did he even survive my spear? I know for a fact I destroyed over half of his body with it.
I lay in my bed, my thoughts going haywire until I just couldn't take it anymore. I stood up from my bed and changed into some casual clothes. It was 0730, I could just leave early for Amdon and see what I can come up with. There's no way he could have gone far.
*3rd Person POV: Kai and Elara.
It was 7 am when they both woke up, ate breakfast, and got ready to go by 8 am. Kai was already by the MRAP by the time Elara had arrived.
Kai eyed her as she walked towards him. "You took your sweet time."
Elara gave him a deadpan look before saying her piece. "So what, and why the fuck are you dressed like that? All tactical? You're going to stand out like a sore thumb. The purpose of this is to find him without being spotted and kill him once we confirm it's him."
Kai shrugged, tugging at the black tactical vest strapped snug to his chest. "You have a point, but if we run into trouble, I'd rather be ready. Besides, no one's going to suspect anything in the outskirts. Not like anyone's paying attention out here. I'll change into something less eye-catching once we reach the inner city."
Elara shook her head, her eyes narrowed in frustration. "Yeah yeah yeah, and what is he going to attack us with? His piss bucket?"
"I'm just thinking ahead. You should try it sometime." His smirk didn't go unnoticed as he swung himself into the driver's seat of the MRAP.
Elara sighed, climbing into the passenger side, and setting her rifle between her legs. "Just don't get us caught before we even get to the city."
Kai turned the engine over, the MRAP rumbling to life, and without another word, they rolled out. Dust kicked up from the tires as they left the base behind, the empty, rugged landscape of the outskirts stretching out before them. The city of Kloln lay far ahead, a towering silhouette on the horizon, a mix of sprawling high-rises and industrial ruins.
They drove in silence for a while, the hum of the engine and the occasional crackle of the radio the only sounds. Elara busied herself reviewing the intel they had on Aspen, scrolling through files on her datapad. They didn't have much information on him but the assumption was that he was badly injured and lying low.
Kai glanced at her from the corner of his eye. "You really think he's at one of the hospitals? Seems too easy."
"Maybe," Elara muttered, not looking up from her datapad. "But he's a tough bastard. If he managed to survive that spear, then he's probably keeping his head down somewhere he can get treated."
"We'll see." Kai turned his attention back to the road, his eyes scanning the terrain. "Got a feeling things are not going to be as cristal clear."
They drove for about 6 hours, nearing the outskirts of Kloln when the first sign of trouble appeared.
"Hold up," Kai said, slowing the MRAP down as he noticed movement up ahead. "You see that?"
Elara looked up, her sharp eyes narrowing as she spotted the group of figures gathering near a partially collapsed overpass. They were armed, but ragged, likely nothing more than bandits taking advantage of travelers on their way to the city.
"Great," she muttered, pulling her rifle closer. "Just what we needed. Do you think they'll let us pass if we flash them some creds? I kind of hope they don't."
Kai smirked. "We could try. Or we could clear them out and save ourselves the trouble later."
Elara rolled her eyes. "Tempting, but do we really want to attract any eyes to ourselves is the question."
As they approached, one of the bandits stepped forward, waving for them to stop. Kai slowed the MRAP to a crawl, his hand drifting to his sidearm.
"Let's make this quick," Elara muttered.
The bandit leader, a scruffy-looking man with mismatched armor, raised his hand. "This road's closed. You'll have to pay the toll if you want to pass."
Kai leaned out the window slightly, giving him a once-over. "How much?"
The bandit grinned, his teeth yellowed and broken. "Whatever you've got."
Kai exchanged a glance with Elara, who sighed, already knowing what was coming.
"Right, how does lead sound to you," Kai said as he swiftly pulled out his pistol and fired a single shot into the man's head. He then floored the gas, sending the MRAP roaring forward.
The bandits scattered, but not fast enough. The armored vehicle slammed into the leader and passed over him, turning him to mush as a couple tons of steel just steamrolled over him as the others dove for cover. Gunfire erupted as the bandits opened fire, bullets pinging off the MRAP's thick armor, but Kai barely flinched, steering the vehicle into a hard turn.
"So much for not wanting to attract attention," Elara said dryly, unbuckling her seatbelt and popping open the roof hatch.
Kai chuckled. "Don't act like you didn't want this."
Elara stood halfway out of the hatch, rifle in hand. She took quick, precise shots, dropping two bandits before they could even react. The rest scattered into the ruins for cover, but Kai kept the MRAP moving, making it hard for them to aim.
"Three on your left!" Kai shouted, veering the MRAP to give her a better angle.
Elara responded immediately, squeezing the trigger and putting down the remaining bandits. The area went quiet, the last few gunshots echoing in the distance. She ducked back into the vehicle and slid back into her seat, as calm as ever.
Kai whistled. "Nice work."
"Could've avoided it," she said, though there was no real anger in her voice.
"Yeah, but where's the fun in that?" Kai flashed her a grin and drove on, leaving the bloody bodies of the bandits behind.
As they continued on their way toward Kloln, the city loomed larger, its towering skyline growing more imposing with every mile.
Elara checked her datapad again, her expression hardening. "Let's hope this wasn't a waste of time. We need to find Aspen or at least get a hint of where he could be before he comes hunting."
Kai's eyes flicked to the horizon, his hand tightening on the wheel. "We'll find him. And when we do, we'll put that dog out of his misery."
Elara sighed at Kai's comment. "Let's just hope he doesn't come hunting for us first."
---
The MRAP rolled to a smooth stop outside the first hospital, its reinforced wheels gripping the polished asphalt of Kloln's streets. The city around them buzzed with activity— people moved briskly along the sidewalks, their faces illuminated by the glow of their Nexus devices displaying everything from social media feeds to holographic advertisements for the latest advancements in healthcare and personal robotics.
Kai stepped out of the MRAP, his boots thudding softly against the pavement as he took in the surroundings. The air carried a hint of fuel and the metallic scent of the city, blending with the distant hum of traffic and the low roar of generators powering nearby buildings. Elara joined him, leaving all her gear except for her pistol in the MRAP.
The hospital ahead was a modern structure with a facade of glass and concrete, showcasing a blend of style and functionality. Automated doors slid open as they approached, revealing a bustling lobby filled with patients and medical staff. A digital information board flickered overhead, displaying real-time updates on wait times and patient services.
Elara walked to the reception desk, where a nurse stood, her attention focused on a holo-terminal. "We're looking for a man named Aspen Del Santo," she said, keeping her tone steady despite the urgency in her heart. "He's about six feet tall, muscular, long brown hair, pale green eyes, missing his left arm and leg."
The nurse paused her typing, her brow furrowing as she pulled up the hospital's records. After a moment, she shook her head. "I'm sorry, but there's no record of anyone matching that description here."
Elara's frustration flared. "Are you sure? He would've been admitted recently. He's in need of medical attention."
The nurse nodded, her expression sympathetic but firm. "I understand, but we haven't had anyone fitting that description come through. If he's seriously injured, he might have been transferred to a specialized facility."
With a curt nod, Elara turned away, rejoining Kai as they stepped back outside. He leaned against the MRAP, arms crossed, a concerned look on his face. "Nothing?" he asked, his tone matching her frustration.
"Nothing," she replied, her voice tight with disappointment. "It's like he's vanished off the face of the earth."
---
Over the next three days, they scoured every hospital and clinic in Kloln, moving from one location to another in their MRAP. The city thrived on a blend of modern and familiar elements— shops with advanced diagnostic machines lined the streets, and food vendors served steaming dishes from compact kiosks, their aromas mingling in the air.
At a smaller clinic tucked away in a less bustling neighborhood, Elara approached the reception with renewed determination. The atmosphere was quieter, filled with the soft beeping of medical equipment and the faint hum of conversations. "I need information on Aspen Del Santo. He's missing his left arm and leg, about six feet tall, long brown hair, pale green eyes."
The receptionist, a middle-aged woman with weary eyes, peered at her over the edge of her terminal. "I'm sorry, but we don't have anyone by that name or description here. If he was seriously injured, he'd have been sent to a larger facility."
Elara nodded, frustration simmering just beneath the surface as she walked back to the MRAP. Kai watched her approach, concern etched on his features. "Still nothing?" he asked.
"Still nothing," she replied, exasperation creeping into her voice. "He should be in a hospital. How could he just disappear?"
---
On the morning of the seventh day, they parked the MRAP outside a larger medical center known for its trauma care. The building was modern but not ostentatious, with an exterior of glass and steel designed for efficiency. Inside, the atmosphere buzzed with energy—patients checked in at kiosks while nurses moved swiftly through the corridors, tending to those in need.
Elara approached the front desk, where an attendant greeted her with a polite smile. "How can I assist you today?"
"We're looking for Aspen Del Santo," she stated, urgency lacing her words. "He's about six feet tall, long brown hair, pale green eyes, missing his left arm and leg."
The attendant's fingers flew over the keyboard, searching the database. "I'm sorry, but I don't see anyone matching that description. If he'd been here, we would've logged him in."
Elara felt a wave of frustration wash over her. "Are you sure? He would've needed immediate care."
The attendant nodded apologetically. "I understand, but we haven't had anyone like that. You might want to check with emergency services or the nearby trauma units."
Elara turned back to the MRAP, her fists clenched. "Nothing again," she said, frustration mounting. "It's like he's become a ghost."
Kai frowned, a thought forming in his mind. "If he's not in a hospital, where else could he be? We need to change our approach."
Elara looked at him, her determination reignited. "Agreed. If Aspen Del Santo is hiding somewhere in this city, we'll find him. We need to look for other leads— people who might have seen him or know where he is. Maybe it's about time we go and ask the underworld."
As they climbed back into the MRAP, the vehicle's engine hummed to life, the wheels gripping the road as they pulled away from the curb. They navigated the streets of Kloln, ready to explore the less traveled paths of the city, searching for answers in a place where secrets lingered just beneath the surface, waiting to be uncovered.
---
The streets of Kloln grew darker as Kai and Elara ventured deeper into the underbelly of the city. Here, among the rusting machinery and dilapidated buildings, was where information could be bought and sold, where secrets moved faster than currency. They parked the MRAP at the edge of a rundown marketplace, its neon lights flickering like dying stars above. They were here hoping to find any information about anything new going on in the mercenary circle.
Inside a dingy bar, they found what they were looking for. The bartender— a wiry man with hollow cheeks— leaned in as they placed a chip with 10,000 credits on the bar table. His voice was low and gravelly, barely audible over the distant hum of malfunctioning electronics.
"So, what can I do for you?" He smirked as he asked the question.
"We're just looking for information on anything new going on in the city," Kai responded promptly.
"Alright. Well then, nothing much has been happening. There are 2 new key players though. They go by Ghost and Reaper," the man said, smiling as if the names held some weight. "They've been stirring up trouble recently. Took a job with Grimz not long ago. It was supposed to be an easy escort gig, but the Tiger Claws had their eyes on the shipment. Launched a full-blown attack to claim it."
Kai's eyes sharpened. It wasn't much and he doubted it could connect in any way to Aspen, but it was something new.
"The Tiger Claws went after them?" Elara asked, leaning in closer. "How'd that go?"
The bartender's smirk widened, and he chuckled darkly. "Not the way they expected. Ghost and Reaper weren't your average mercs. They took out the entire Tiger Claw attack team—forty-five men, four of them snipers. Took them all down, clean and efficient."
Elara raised an eyebrow. "Forty-five?" She glanced at Kai, a hidden understanding between the two that this could only be the work of pilots or extremely skilled soldiers, then she looked back at the bartender. "And they didn't lose anyone?"
The bartender paused, his expression shifting slightly. "Well, Grimz lost two of his own. Hades and Wraith. Their VTOL was shot down at the start of the fight. Tiger Claws knew what they were doing, hit them fast. But once that bird went down, it was Ghost and Reaper who held the line. The Tiger Claws didn't stand a chance after that."
Kai and Elara exchanged a glance. The way the bartender described it, this wasn't just a lucky break. It was skill and precision.
"And Grimz?" Kai asked. "Where can we find him?"
"Word is that he's retiring from the merc life after that incident," the bartender replied. "Tiger Claws are furious. Grimz barely got out with his life, and from what I've heard, he owes that life to Ghost and Reaper. He won't be too hard to find, he's probably still at the town where they escorted the shipment."
---
The following morning, Kai and Elara set out toward the outskirts of Kloln. They drove south, following the thin trail of rumors that pointed them to a small, forgotten town. The MRAP's wheels kicked up dust as they rolled into the deserted streets. The town was a shell of its former self, a few buildings crumbling under the weight of neglect, and only a few wary faces glanced out as they passed through.
The places that were the nicest were a tavern at the edge of town, a building at the center of it, and a warehouse near the center of the town. Grimz was holed up in the tavern at the edge of the town, nursing a drink when they found him.
"What do you want?" he said before they even had a chance to sit down.
Kai took a seat across from him while Elara leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "We heard about what happened with the Tiger Claws," Kai said. "You were on that job with them 2 men, Ghost and Reaper, we're looking to hire them and heard they last worked with you."
"So you're here about Ghost and Reaper," Grimz grunted, taking a slow swig from his drink. "Yeah. Those two were something else. Thought it'd be a regular escort run. But the Claws had their eyes on it. Hit us hard. Took down our VTOL before we even knew what was going on— Hades and Wraith didn't even have a chance."
His voice hardened as he continued. "Thought we were done for, but Ghost and Reaper… they were something else. The way they moved, the way they fought— it wasn't just experience. It was like they'd done this a thousand times. They took out the snipers first. Don't know how the fuck they managed that since they were far off and hidden by the bushes. Clean headshots by both Reaper and Ghost."
Kai listened intently, piecing together the story. "And the rest of the team?"
Grimz shook his head, his rough voice lowering. "Well, Pyro lost his arm, and Kiara, well, she's just fine, not even a single scratch on her. Ghost and Reaper cleared them all. Forty-five Tiger Claws, and not one of them walked away, except for the last one he let me kill personally. It was surgical, with no wasted shots, and no hesitation. By the time it was over, they had wiped out the entire squad. If it weren't for them, I wouldn't be sitting here talking to you."
Elara frowned. "Where are they now?"
Grimz shrugged. "If I knew, I'd tell you. But those two? They don't stick around for long. I owe them my life, but I don't know where they've gone. From what I've heard, they're back in Kloln, keeping low. The Tiger Claws are gunning for them."
Kai stood up, pulling a chip from his pocket and tossing it onto the table. Grimz pocketed the chip with a grunt of thanks.
"One more thing," Grimz said as they turned to leave. "I don't really believe your story of looking to hire them, no one goes this far to hire someone. So be careful if you find them. Ghost and Reaper aren't your average mercs. They didn't just fight the Tiger Claws— they humiliated them. If you corner them, you better make sure you're ready for what comes next."
Kai gave him a nod before stepping outside, where Elara was already waiting by the MRAP. The engine roared to life as they set off back toward the city. They had a direction now, a trail leading back to Kloln. They were going to go down this route to see just who these 2 new players were in hopes that they could somehow tie back to Aspen.
Word Count: 3402 Words 🙂
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