BJBB MISSION DEPARTURE RP: Ryu and Elle

Elle - The red head stopped her tracks as she glanced at the id card in her hand. Behind her were a whole trail of fellow brigadiers chatting or bickering as they walked along to the new base location in flocks or groups of close friends. The hitman however, looked back and stifled a small sigh as she went ahead on her own. Tightening her grip on her possessions ever so gently, Elle quickened her pace and moved on over to the front of the group of rabbits. She wasn’t the type to enjoy wasting time, and she would like to arrive at the new base as soon as possible. But much to her disapproval, her health hasn’t been responding very well these past few days… in fact it has been in decline. It hadn’t been very long since the brigadiers left their old base and Elle could already feel her body taking a toll on her. She just hoped that she wasn’t watching on a cold or anything, it was still a bit cold these last days even though Spring was practically at their door step. The hitman was sure to eat a balanced meal to keep her energy up before she left- yet still… Either way, regardless if she didn’t feel very well, she had to keep trudging forward if she had to, there was no time for rest at a time like this. Giving up so early- or even at all was unacceptable, so her stubborn nature nags about. If she had to give up now, she’ll never live it down.  

Ryu - The long haired male yawned as he looked around the crowded F-Ranked room. He stared at his ID card and looked over the map. Placing his headset  and the diamond visual attachment on his head, He copied and uploaded the file into them. Looking around for the twins, The B-ranker made his way through the crowd, holding a noisy long box and bumped into a familiar hitman. “Oh..Sorry-” He started to apologize carelessly until he noticed who it was. “Elle?..Oh hey how are you doing?..” The box wiggled in his grip as the Ripper held onto it tightly. “Do you have all your things together for this trip?” He yawned again placing the box down and leaning on it with his elbow. “It’s going to be a long one...So I hope you’re prepared…”

Elle - Elle wobbled as some stranger bumped into her. “No. It’s quite fine. Theres no need to apologize.” she answered, turning her head only to be greeted by a familiar tall red head that she respected greatly for his strength. “Good morning Ryu. My health has not great as of late… but aside that, I have been training  vigorously since our last spar and I do hope I get the chance to learn from you again if you allow it that is.” she spoke calmly, nodding her head once in response, “Yes, I’m well prepared for this journey… I hope you do not mind me asking. But there is a live being in that box am I correct?” as she was talking, her words began to trail off slowly as her ears twitched to the sounds of muffled cries of anger. Confused by such, the hitman walked up to the tall box and placed her hand against the cardboard, only for the box to wiggle and thrash about violently. “Is there perhaps a reason why there is a person bound into a box?” the hitman tilted her head question, what was the reason the stuff someone in a box? How curious… yet still very strange.

Ryu - “You really should of relaxed during your training...Train in moderation so that it doesn’t really do anything bad to your health…” He frowned slightly at her as he got a little worried for her well being. “Of course I would allow it. You can spar with me at anytime...but let’s wait until we get settled in the new headquarters….and when you’re fully rested….” He watched her stare at the box. “Umm well yes there is a person in the box. It’s Kynton as a matter of fact. One of the Overcards…” He patted the top of the box and chuckled lightly with a grin on his face. “He’s in there….because I wanted him in there...ANYWAYS..Do you have anyone to go with on this journey?” He said trying to change the subject.

Elle - “Unfortunately thats not the case.” The hitman looked up at her senior for a moment, then averting her gaze back at the wiggling box that had encased a fellow brigadier, “My my health has been weak since I was very young. I can not just rest in bed for days on end while everyone is fighting for something of value. I am aware my health is important, but I can not simply allow that weakness to cripple me.” she looked back to the elder redhead with a determined look in her eyes, “I apologize that you have to be concerned over my poor health. But even as stubborn as I am, I do try to stay in good health- if my body allows it.” At the mention of an Overcard, Elle blinked slightly in confusion. From what she remembered as she was attempting to study about the organization and it’s ranks, the Overcards hold power above all normal ranks and act as assistants towards the Trumps, whom were basically the heads of the whole place. But… someone of such a high rank… of all things, why are they crammed into a small box? Won’t they suffocate? Get hungry? Thirsty? …What if they needed to use the restroom? All the questions made Elle very curious as to know why, but if the subject should not be explained… well… so be it then. “Oh. It’s a pleasure to meet you Kynton.” Elle greeted the box, tilting her head slightly to how strange it must seem for a grown woman talking to a box- even if it had someone inside. “No I do not. My intention was to head over there by myself.” she responded, ears twitching slightly. It was one, she didn’t really plan to go with a group or anyone at all- and two, it wasn’t like she really had any ‘friends’- well Ryu was sorta one… but she was hesitant at the thought of fully acknowledging him as one just on personal reasons.

Ryu
Another frown formed on his face after listening to her little story about her health. He wondered what exactly was wrong with it. It couldn’t be that she has frail bones or anything. The spar that they had together erase that possibility. As he went through all the possibility in his head he stopped when he saw the determination in her eyes. It was a look at reminded him of himself when he was a child. Fighting the urge to pat her head reassuringly because he didn’t know if she would want to be touched, He nodded at her instead with a gentle smile. “Ok then...Just rest once in a while please?...” Leaning his arm on the top of the box as it wiggled in response to Elle’s greeting. “Well...if you don’t have anyone to go with.. maybe you wouldn’t mind to let 3 more people join your party?. We’re not going to get in your way.” He chuckled. “I promise...You don’t have to if you don’t want to though”

Elle - “I will.” Elle answered, looking away from the elder’s eyes. The hitman did mean it when she would rest, but the look of concern… made her uneasy. Why should Ryu- or anyone at all worry about her? She didn’t understand. In all honesty, the mention of Ryu wanting to team up was surprising, she was quite speechless to say the least. Half of her didn’t mind and the other resist the thought of teaming up. She had heard that their journey to the new base was a bit dangerous and the tunnel way was quite old. No matter how strong or how experienced her senior maybe, that hesitant part of her didn’t want to bare through the thought of losing someone. Did she already begin to form some kind of attachment to Ryu already? Gods, social connections was a damn confusing thing... “Perhaps it’s best to go on with the group you already have.” As she uttered her words, she continued to keep her pokerface, but underneath she tried her hardest not to shift her eyes away from the elder. If she had did, surely Ryu would have picked up something was wrong. She couldn’t look at the expression of concerned he had, the feeling that someone was worried about her bit her on the back of the neck. “I do apologize. I often like to be on my own, I hope you understand that.” Soon enough, other brigadiers were moving at the corner of her eyes. Ah, it seems like they were finally beginning to move on out. Excellent. “Excuse me. I will be seeing you at the new headquarters then.” she muttered, moving on ahead with the crowd onto the abandoned pathway. Moving forward, the young female couldn’t help but to lower her gaze to the floor as she walked but she shook her head, people needed to be kept at a distance. No matter how deep down… she really didn’t want to keep people away… but she just had to. Allowing people in the first time was a mistake, she never had any close relations or warm affections given to her before, she never had the experience of loss like others did, she didn’t have anything to begin with. But when Lind and the others died, Elle didn’t know what to do- she was scared and angry, but most importantly, she didn’t know how to deal with the mysterious pain that stabbed through her heart that night. If she couldn’t bare with that pain that night, how would she bare with future losses to come? It didn’t matter if she was emotionally strong… her heart would still ache in pain in the end. Clutching onto the corners of the box that contained her small possessions, Elle turned her head back and glanced at her senior. “ . . . . “ Looking away, the young hitman dug herself deeper into the front of the crowd. While she was moving onward, the ground shook, when they said to be careful they seriously weren’t talking about it very lightly.

Ryu - He stared at her wondering why she was acting the way she was. "My group isn't that...large...Plus as a High ranker I need to look out for my lower rankers...." He tried to explain but did it all seem pointless? She seemed like one of those persons who just wanted to stay alone. His ears perked up as she explained she likes to be alone. He nodded slowly. "I understand....I do hope you change your mind..." She reminded him of how he was when he was younger. Staying to himself, Not wanting any other contact or form connections with anyone. He wondered if she'll suffer the same fate as him...Finally letting the one person or persons into his inner circle. He shook his head from his thoughts as his face went back to his default emotion, Emotionless, and focused. It was time to move to the new base. He walked over to the other side of the room and met up with the group he was going to lead. Two twins, Each with a different look and personality, but still Identical and a short purpler haired female rabbit. He placed the Box holding Kynton over his shoulder and nodded to the group to moved out. He started to move along to the underground pathway but couldn't help to stare at the red headed hit man in front of him. Something was bothering her and he could tell. "...." He walked up and gently touched her shoulder. "You're coming with me and that's that...I'm sorry if you don't want to travel in groups but...Just follow me please....?" With that he smiled gently at her and his smile quickly faded as he walked on with the twins, Ame and Takara and his friend Dew following close by with their belongings. He just hoped he made the right choice. Well of course he did. He's looking out for all of them.

Elle - Elle flinched ever so gently when a hand touched her shoulder. When she came to face with her senior, she honestly didn’t know how to respond to his command. But now without her room for the time being, the hitman can’t just simply avoid the ripper some how. Stifling a sigh under her mask, the younger followed her superior without any other word.  While she followed the elder brigadier, three others came into view- a pair of twins and a bunny with dark purple hair. Though thinking about hair… Elle might have recalled seeing one of the twins before… and her hair… blue… it made her stomach churn. Taking a deep breath in, the young red head held back whatever urge she had to vomit. She didn’t need to create a scene nor did she want to hold her senior back from moving forward. “Pleased to meet you all. I hope to not become a burden to you all.” Elle said politely, nodding her head once as a formal gesture. Amongst the group, Elle stood herself besides Ryu. It wasn’t like she was uncomfortable with the other females, surely they were fine people… but the hitman felt more comfortable beside the ripper. Elle wasn’t really sure what to talk about with the other females, they seem more livelier than she is, quite interesting she thought. “Is there a reason why you insist that I join you, Ryu?” she asked in a softer tone, her eyes unmoving from the path before them. “I’m quite curious you see. Surely there has to be a reason behind your motive.”

Ryu - “A reason? Something look like it’s bothering you...and that could become quite a problem if you’re planning to go on your own.” He smiled and then walked on ahead a few feet and then stopped. “I’m not asking you to tell me what’s wrong...but I’m just looking out for you. I want you to at least get there in once piece.” He started to walk off with the group of girls close behind him.

Elle - “I see, how perceptive of you. I applaud how sharp your senses are to see through my exterior.” Elle whispered, trailing besides her senior. She was actually quite impressed with how little movement of her facial expression and how rarely did her voice change in tone, Ryu already sought through that  something was secretly troubling her underneath. Truly her senior keeps amazing her with his skills, surely… maybe theres something to read that is able to help her hone non physical skills that the older red head has. Hm, yes. There was still much for her to learn as a hitman of the brigade now. “Well, you are certainly free to ask me anything. So please do not hesitate. I do not have much to hide; however, I cannot say much for my emotions on the other hand.” she looked at her free hand and balled it into a fist. Yes... from now on she was going to drench her hands in the blood of those people who abused her- and everyone else who donned the same animal traits as she did herself.

As they travel down the path, the ground shook with each step more and more. It was a bit unsettling how many people would traveling about this route and yet the floor has not collapsed yet… maybe the floor was stronger than it looked. “Despite the area being deserted, the architecture is quite fascinating.” The hitman looked around, focusing on the bits of details on her surroundings, it must be built a very long time ago… “Nn… what a putrid smell.” Under her mask, Elle wrinkled her nose to the smell of dust and garbage?  possibly sewage that seemed to grow. Yup, the place was definitely old, but for it to smell this bad is another thing. “Ugh…” It wasn’t one for Elle to complain but the scent was beyond terrible, the young red head just had to pinch her nose with her free hand.

Ryu - “Ask you anything?...” He said as he walked onto the trail. “Maybe I should ask what seems to be troubling you..” he stated as the felt the ground shake slightly as they continued on. He sighed thinking that their travels might get quite bothersome soon. He tapped the diamond on his head and it shined a bright light, illuminating the rest of their path. He smelt the sewage but pushed the thought out of his mind. “Who would of thought we would spend our time in the sewage…” He sighed.

Elle - “Why does my troubles peak your interests so much?” Elle asked, her eye focused on what's before the group. It was the first time in forever that someone has been so concerned over her troubles, what a strange feeling it was, to know that people worry over her. Yes, it was definitely strange indeed. "Hm. I suppose you can say I'm not very good with people." She tapped her chin, trying to find a way to explain it without spilling too much than needed. How does one even say 'I'm scared of getting too close to people and that bothers me' so casually as if there's nothing? Of course there was nothing about it that's casual. Even Elle had to admit relationships with others are terrifying after all that she has gone through.

While walking, the red head could feel her foot kick something that rattled in response. As she stopped and looked down at her feet, the hitman noticed a clothed skeleton surrounded with empty beer cans. Ah, remains of a person... they must have intoxicated themself in their dying moments before they finally passed on. "What a shame." Elle muttered under her breath, "Death is always waiting for one's time to stop before he takes them away. How cruel." She said as she nudged the skeleton with her foot.

Ryu - “I see..” The red haired ripper replied as he listened to her short explanation. “I used to be the same way...Afraid that either others will hurt you as badly as someone did if your past...or just afraid that if they do...You’ll end up losing them..” He sighed quietly to himself before looking at the skeleton she found.  “What a shame indeed...Come on...Let’s go. I can’t wait for all of this to be over with…” Yawns slightly as they continued on the path.

Elle - “You are so strong… and yet even you were once scared.” she lifted her head, looking up at the ripper. “Is it wrong for someone to feel scared?" She lowered her voice only for her senior to hear. Ever since she was small- after day after day where she feared the next, she eventually learned how to keep her fear and feelings inside. As she grew up, that's what others saw her to be, fearless and unmoving. The hitman thought that she had to keep that face up, to stay strong as how people saw her. But no matter how strong her defenses were, in the end she couldn't lie to herself that somewhere deep down, she was just as scared and confused as she used to be, she was still a living being after all- not some robot.

"Yes. Pardon me for side tracking. We still have a long way to go." She replied, resuming her movements. The moment the red head ventured on, the ground shook violently for some odd reason, from behind voices of other rabbits yelled out. "Ryu, I believe the others are in trouble." Elle turned back, noticing a gaping hope on the ground behind them. "It's best if we-" the younger paused. Her ears twitched slightly as she heard cracking. Hesitantly, Elle looked about- where was it coming from? Glancing down at the feet of the female brigadiers behind the two red heads, Elle tossed her box by Ryu, "Get back!" She yelled,  shoving the girls back. As she did, the floor crumbled underneath the female hitman and dropped her down into the darkness below. At first, the teenager thought she would be dead upon contact with with the concrete floor or maybe stalagmites of rubble. But instead her body made contact with water deep enough to cushion her fall. "Ghhh!" Elle flailed about, having never learned how to swim. "Guh!" She gasped for air once she pulled herself to the surface, removing her face mask in the progress. "Is everyone safe?" She panted, looking above at the brightly litted hole above her.

Ryu - “You know...I always thought that it was wrong to be scared...I too have a fear rooted deep inside of me…” He shook his head as he got the thought out of his head. He was afraid that one day that’ll he go crazy and kill all of those who were nearest and dearest to his heart. There was a risk but he was assured by one of his good friend, The same friend in the box and his wife that it’ll never happen. He glanced to the side once he heard Elle yelled out. He caught the box and saw the girls rubbing their heads after being pushed to safety. “Elle!” He placed the boxes down and looked down into the hole, in which the diamond on his head illuminated the hole below. “Everyone is ok but are you ok?”

Elle - “I’m fine, thankfully the water down here broke my fall.” Elle answered. The hitman took a look around her surroundings, it was pitched dark all around- except for where Ryu’s head gear lighted the young red head. But the sound of the same  voices from earlier were echoing from her current location not too far, none in the least sounding distress as if someone were injured, “The others who fell down here are safe as well.” Raising from the water, Elle noted that the water levels reached to the upper half of her abdomen. It was a good thing that the water wasn’t way past her height range, otherwise she would have been in trouble. She didn’t know how to swim at the slightest- she didn’t even know how to doggy paddle. How embarrassing, she must learn how to swim later on. It would be useful when she would take on assignments near the water. “Ryu, I’m not sure what to do now. It’s too dark and my lighter won’t provide sufficient lighting.” While fumbling with her drenched hair, the bandages wrapped comfortably over her right eye slipped off after being soaked from the water, “Gah!” she squeaked in surprise, lowering her head from sight. Without the bandages that covered her evident physical  flaws, the hitman couldn’t help but react slightly in panic. She was insecure about that after all.

Ryu - He leaned down and held out his arm for her to grab onto it. “Then Grab on...We don’t know what might be crawling around in that hole. He glanced back and muttered something in Japanese, and instantly the twin held onto his shoulder to make sure that the Red head doesn't slip into the hole as well. He cared more about her safety than the fact that her face bandage slipped off.

Elle - Before Elle could even face Ryu, she shut her right eye closed, seeing as she didn’t have time to fix the bandage over her eye. While she hopped and grabbed onto the ripper’s hand she couldn’t help but squint at the light blinding her left eye. The rabbit held onto her senior’s hand tightly as he pulled her out of the hole with ease. As expected, Ryu never seize to amaze her by how strong he was every single time. She felt more the motivation to surpass him one day, hopefully someday soon, but even then she knew she was pushing her luck. She can’t obtain the ripper’s strength in such short amount of time, not with this sickly body breaking down every so often. “Hh- Ah- Ahchoo!” Elle sneezed. God, now she was drenched and cold, she already knew that she’s going to catch a cold soon enough and then she would have to lie about uselessly in her bed until she recovers. “Forgive me for deviating from the schedule. I’m ready to proceed.” she calmly spoke, peeling her mask off her face. She might as well toss away the bandages over her eye, who knows what kind of germs might be lurking in the waters? Especially with her weak immune system, she couldn't afford an eye infection of all things.

She shook her head and tossed the bandages aside, walking over to grab her box of possessions. Every step she took, her clothes felt soggy and gross- she definitely needs a nice long shower after this... "Ah-- Ahhchoo!" She sneezed again, muttering little curses to herself. Dammit, she was cold now. Got to toughen up up for the rest of of the journey.

Ryu - He watched her and stopped walking for a bit and put the box he was carrying down. He took off the outer shirt he was wearing and handing it over to Elle. “Here….it’s really not much but at least you should help to warm you up some more…” He shrugged and picked up the box he was carrying again and started to make his way forward, once again leading the group.

Elle - “Ah no… it’s fine.” She responded but took a moment to take the outer shirt. She fixed her bangs and brushed it over her right eye after she removed the bobby pins holding it back and removed her jacket. Without knowing, the bandages that covered up arms began to loosen slightly, “Ngh crap…” she muttered quietly, trying to over the burn scars under the bandages. She hurried and slipped the outer shirt on before she pulled her jacket back on. Hopefully no one saw all that… “Ahem… thank you kindly Ryu. I will find a way to repay you later on.” she returned to her normally calm personality. Grabbing hold her belongings, the hitman nodded and followed along quietly. In the back of her mind, she wondered if the other rabbits that fell into the hole were alright as well. She hated that she had to leave them behind. But being in an organization full of trained and upcoming fighters and such… she supposed they would be alright after all. “ . . . . “

Ryu - “You don’t need to pay me back...It’s alright” He said as he continued on. He looked at the map on his visor and checked their position. He sighed as they walked along a pathway near a stream of sewage, ignoring the smell. “We’re almost there at the new headquarters..” He said. “Now as long as there is no traps or other surprises we should reach there in the next hour or so…”

Elle - “Right. I could use a shower as soon as possible.” She sighed quietly. It wasn’t all that great either, she hadn’t been feeling at her best for the past week and now shes cold. Of all time and days they decided that  today was the day they all venture onto the new base. It would have been better timing if it was some time while everyone was still packing, when she didn’t feel like her knees were wobbling and read to collapse any moment. Now there wasn’t any use for her to complain about the timing and her useless body, the people in charge of the organization had their reason and Elle had no right to say anything about it. An hour or so left till their destination? Wonderful…

“Hm…?” Elle paused for a moment, a sudden wave of drowsiness had hit her. “Ryu… I… I don’t feel so good…” the hitman muttered, her vision beginning to blur. “My head feels dizzy… and I… feel sleepy…” the young redhead slumped her body against the nearest wall, fighting against the drowsiness that came up from time to time. It’s no use, she really hated her health. She wanted to be better again, to not be constantly ill or weak or drowsy. She wanted to be healthy and strong… like everyone else. Not some sickly dead weight. “Nngh… please forgive me. I am nothing but a bother yet…. again…” she yawned, fighting to keep her eyes open.

Ryu - He looked behind him and looked at her with a worried look on his face. “You’re not a bother...never a bother. Don’t say that ever again…” Placing the box that he was carrying down, he opened it and kicked the box letting the Overcard come out. “Go on ahead now. We’re almost there.” He walked over to Elle and picked her up, bridal style-His face remaining emotionless. “Come on, We’re almost there. “ He smiled and looked down at her and continued onwards, getting closer to the new HQ.

Elle - “Not…? But…” she muttered weakly, her eyes starting to close on her. Her conscious started to drift off and her body felt heavy, but for some reason she suddenly felt light as if someone had picked her up. Ah, she was useless in the end… couldn’t make through one trip. She had to be sure to properly apologize to Ryu later on for such an inconvenience. “Papa…” she mumbled in her sleep, turning her head to the side.

Ryu - He chuckled as they continued on. He didn’t mind carrying her. As long as she made it in one piece then everything will be alright. After a while of walking they finally made it to their destination. The girls when and looked for their new rooms while Ryu walked into the lounge and founded a free couch to rest her on. He sat next to her and folded his arms as he let her sleep without interruption.