The sun hung low over the desolate expanse of Sector 18, casting long shadows across the scarred battlefield. Craters pocked the ground like wounds from some ancient fury, remnants of twisted metal and shattered Rapture husks scattered amid the dust. Arthur Cousland strode forward, his goddesium prosthetic legs propelling him with unyielding precision, the faint hum of their mechanisms blending with the wind's whisper. His tactical coat billowed slightly, concealing the weight of his N7 Typhoon rifle and the ever-present Vapaus bullet in his pocket—a crimson promise for Marian's salvation. Flanking him were the Monarks Alpha team: Scarlet, her SMG at the ready, eyes sharp as daggers; Nyx, towering with her Screamin' Eagle launcher slung over her shoulder; Lyra, silent and focused, Basilisk sniper rifle in hand; Anis, smirking with her usual sarcasm; and Alisa, bubbling with energy despite the grim setting.
Ahead, Absolute Squad waited, their silhouettes stark against the horizon. Eunhwa stood at the forefront, her long black hair flowing with a wind, gray eyes narrowed in disdain, sniper rifle propped against her hip. Vesti fidgeted beside her, short silver hair framing a face flushed with nervousness, her oversized rocket launcher clutched like a security blanket. Emma rounded out the group, her curvaceous form accentuated by her tactical gear, blonde hair swaying as she offered a tentative smile, machine gun in tow.
The groups converged, the air thick with unspoken tension. Arthur extended a hand in greeting, but Eunhwa ignored it, crossing her arms instead. "So, this is the famed Monarks," she sneered, her voice dripping with contempt. "I expected more."
Anis broke the silence first, eyeing the assembled Nikkes. "Damn, look at the size of this party. Hope we don't trip over each other out here."
Eunhwa's scowl deepened. "Watch your tone. We're here to work, not play."
The comment hung, and Eunhwa continued, her gaze sweeping over the Monarks like they were beneath notice. "Absolute is the elite. Pairing us with a third-rate squad like the Monarks? It's insulting."
Anis blinked, then grinned wickedly. "Third-rate? Hey, three's higher than one or two. Means we're better than you absolutes."
Nyx chuckled, her imposing frame shaking with mirth. "Yeah, math checks out. We're number three, you're... what, zero?"
Vesti couldn't help it—a giggle escaped her lips, light and unexpected. Eunhwa whirled on her, eyes flashing. "What the hell are you laughing at? Apologize!"
Vesti's flush deepened, her blue eyes widening. "S-sorry, Eunhwa! It was just... funny."
Eunhwa huffed, turning back to the Monarks with renewed dismissal. She waved a hand as if swatting a fly. "Whatever. Just stay out of our way. We don't need amateurs slowing us down."
Anis's smirk faded into a glare. "Amateurs? Remind me, who's got six Tyrant kills under their belt? Not Absolute, that's for sure. Monarks has been out here ending real threats while you've been... what, polishing your scopes?"
Emma stepped forward, her warm demeanor a stark contrast to the brewing storm. "Hey now, let's keep it civil. We're all on the same side. If this bickering continues, I'll have to report it to Ingrid. And you know how she gets."
Eunhwa's jaw tightened, but she fell silent, her scowl speaking volumes. Anis pounced. "Ooh, scared of the boss lady? Big bad Eunhwa tucks tail when Ingrid's name comes up. Cute."
The back-and-forth escalated, voices rising. "You think you're tough?" Eunhwa snapped. "Talk big for someone hiding behind a commander."
"Hiding?" Anis shot back. "I've faced down worse than your attitude on a bad day."
In a flash, Eunhwa raised her sniper rifle and fired a warning shot at Anis's feet, the crack echoing across the battlefield. Dust kicked up, and Anis froze for a split second before fury overtook her. "Put one in your head next time, third-rater," Eunhwa growled.
Anis exploded, stepping forward with fire in her eyes. "You bitch! Try that again and see what happens! We've bled for this, taken down Tyrants you wouldn't dare approach! Who the hell do you think you are?"
Emma's eyes widened in shock— she'd never seen anyone stand up to Eunhwa like this. Vesti stared at Anis in wide-eyed admiration, her nervousness forgotten in the face of such bold defiance.
Arthur's fury ignited like a fuse. He stepped between them, his Cerberus charcoal-alloy arm flexing, omni-blade extending with a sharp whir. "Enough!" His voice boomed, commanding attention. "Eunhwa, threaten my squad again, and you'll be heading back to the Ark as a head in a brain shelter. Understand?"
Eunhwa met his gaze, unflinching, but the omni-blade's glow reflected in her eyes. She lowered her rifle slowly. Anis, still seething, felt a blush creep up her cheeks at Arthur's protective stance— her commander, always there, fierce and unyielding.
From the comms link, Shifty's voice crackled through, exasperated. "Hey! Everyone! I've been trying to get your attention for ages! Focus up!"
Anis, still skeptical after the Syuen impersonation incident, crossed her arms. "Yeah, right. Must be Syuen pulling another trick. Not falling for it."
Shifty's annoyance was palpable. "It's me, you paranoid pest! What do I have to do to prove it?"
"Fine," Anis said, smirking. "Badmouth Missilis. Go on, say something nasty about your precious corp."
There was a pause, then Shifty sighed. "Missilis is a bunch of greedy hacks who treat Nikkes like disposable tools. Happy? Now can we—"
Anis laughed. "Okay, okay, it's you. Touchy much?"
The bickering continued briefly, Shifty grumbling about respect. Scarlet, ever the level-headed one, interjected. "Shifty, the operation report. Please."
"Finally," Shifty replied. "But you're not getting it standing around like sitting ducks. You've been in one spot too long— move out, or you'll attract every Rapture in the sector. Report en route."
The group mobilized, tensions simmering but progress made. Arthur led the way, his mind racing. This alliance was fragile, but necessary. Eunhwa's hostility mirrored deeper divides in the Ark— elitism versus his egalitarian approach. As they traversed the battlefield, Arthur pulled Anis aside briefly. "You handled that well," he murmured. "Proud of you."
Anis's blush deepened, but she played it cool. "Yeah, well, someone's gotta stand up to bullies. Thanks for having my back."
Deeper into the ruins, the squads spread out, examining debris. Lyra knelt by a charred husk, her fingers tracing anomalous energy signatures.
Nyx and Vesti bonded over heavy weaponry, comparing launchers with growing camaraderie. "Yours packs a punch," Nyx admitted. "Ever taken down a Lord-class?"
Vesti nodded shyly. "Once. Scary, but... exhilarating."
Emma chatted with Alisa, sharing stories of past missions, while Scarlet kept a watchful eye on Eunhwa, who scouted ahead grudgingly.