Chapter Text
The bitter cold stung at your lips and nipped at your half covered ears as you sat in the haul of the train car. An anxious, sickening feeling was settled firmly in the bottom of your gut. You tried to stall whatever feelings by gripping onto your pants, but only found little purchase due to the slick of your gloves. You snorted into your scarf, warmth billowing back to you as you stole a glance at the person sitting not too far from yourself.
He sat with his ankles crossed, long, lanky legs flat in front of him. His arms rested on his lap, and his own face was buried in his scarf, a flat cap brim draw down over his eyes. Anyone else would have guessed that he was asleep probably, but you could see the faint gleam of his slate brown eyes blink slowly down at the boots he wore.
He was quiet. Had hardly spoken a word since he greeted you. He didn’t really talk unless spoken to.
“U-Uh…” You started, trying to make out words with nearly numb lips. “How much longer do you think?” Your breath billowed out in front of you, probably the warmest solace in the cold of the car. He didn’t answer, but he shifted, a long snort drawing out of him, followed by a puff of his own breath as he sat up.
“Dunno. Maybe another hour or so. They said the trip wasn’t gonna be short.” He answered, voice gruff. There was an unmistakable accent behind his voice. You couldn’t quite put your finger on it, but it sounded something like you’d hear in the United Kingdom. Liverpool, really.
“Oh. ‘kay.” You uttered out, ending the conversation, but he didn’t really seem to mind.
You weren’t sure if it was an hour, two hours, twenty minutes, but the cart had finally came to a halt. You jarred slightly in your seat from it, and the young man next to you did as well. You took it as your signal that, well, this was the end of the line, so you stood. Grabbing your belongings, you squinted as the train door slid open with a horrendous screech, and light flooded in. A woman stood at the door, bundled up in a long purple and white trimmed coat, mufflers of the same color covering her ears. The glasses and smile she gave you made it clear that this was Miss Pauling, the woman whom had called for your duties. Hand picked you.
“Hope the trip up wasn’t too bad. You both look pretty cold, though. Sorry, this was the best arrangement I could make for you.” She spoke, brisk, but friendly. She motioned for you both to follow, and you were the first to hop out. A muffled noise escaped you as you sunk into probably a foot or two of snow, and you dragged your feet back up. “You’re the medical apprentice, right?” She asked you, and spoke your name as well. You confirmed this, watching as the lanky male slipped down beside you, not seeming to mind the snow as much.
“Connor. Connor Archie. Sniper.” He answered before Miss Pauling could inquire about him. She closed her mouth, giving a nod of her head.
“Right. Well, you two, let’s get going to the base.” She instructed, turning and trotting off through the snow. You adjusted your bags, and followed after, hearing Connor shuffle behind you. The trek felt like a half an hour, but in reality, was probably only about ten or so minutes. Your legs were burning by the time you reached the base from the hellish trudge through the icy grounds. You could’ve collapsed from relief as you entered the building’s safe haven. It wasn’t exactly warm, but it felt a lot nicer than it did outside.
Painted grey with fading red markings here and there, it wasn’t a very colorful place. You weren’t too sure how to feel about how your bunker would look-- Or who you would even be placed with. You didn’t know if you’d get your own bunker, or really at all how much you owned after signing on for this contract.
“So, I'm sure you know the standard nine classes,” Pauling started, reaching into her coat and pulling out a clipboard, “But to avoid confusion, you will be called by different names here than what your class is.”
“What do you mean?” You inquired, a little confused on the subject.
“Well, for example, you're the medical apprentice yes?”
“Yeah.”
“You'll be referred to as Nurse on the battlefield. Connor, you're going to be Ranger.” She informed. Connor raised a brow at the name, and you frowned a little. You liked the sound of ‘Medic’ better compared to ‘Nurse’, but you were in no position to complain. “All the apprentices have their own wing, and but you'll be sharing rooms. You'll get to meet the others today, but you won't see the actual team until tomorrow.” She turned down another hall, coming upon a set of 4 doors, spread out from each other.
“Dining room is down the hall to the right, showers and other utilities to the left. Soldier will probably arrive rather early tomorrow to officially start the training.” Pauling continued, walking down the hall. You followed suit, stopping as she did. “Nurse, this is your room.” She informed, motioning to the door. It had a medical cross painted on, as well as a bundle of fire. Flame.
You were roomed with the Pyro. “Go ahead and get settled in. I think everyone else is eating at six, and lights out by eleven is recommended.” She briefly placed a hand on your shoulder, a smile pulling up on the corners of her lips. “Welcome to the team.”
“Thanks.” You responded back quietly, even if she had already started to get Connor settled in. You slowly opened up the door, tensing up as the faint smell of ash and flame hit your nose. You drew in a sharp breath, completely opening the door to see… the room unharmed. Looking on one side, you saw the bed, dresser, and so forth were untouched. On the other side, someone sat at a desk, humming away as they scribbled on a piece of paper.
A mop of somewhat curled, bleach blonde hair sat atop their head, leaning more towards the yellow side. Something else really caught your eye: The large, dark feathered hawk sitting on their desk, preening its feathers. The hawk lifted its head, its beady eyes peering into your own.
You blinked.
It blinked.
It raised its wings slightly, a startling screech leaving its throat, even if it was quiet. The person instantly swung their head over, bright green eyes wide and startled as well. You weren’t sure, but it looked like a screw or two was… Probably lose in his head. It made you feel a little on edge, the way he stared at you, mouth opening slowly. “Oh! You must be my new roommate.” No sooner was a grin scrawled across his face, and he scrambled out of his chair. He pulled you fully in the room, shutting the door, and held out a hand. Hesitantly, you took it. His grip was firm, and he shook your arm wildly. “I’m Taboo. Taboo Hawkington. I’m the pyro, it’s nice to meet you.” He introduced.
You pulled your hand back as soon as he let go, looking down at it, faintly worried. “Uh… I’m the Nurse.” You introduced, deciding to keep your name disclosed for the time being. You weren’t sure you trusted him enough with it.
“Well, nice to meet you, the Nurse!” His grin didn’t falter. He looked over, holding an arm out, and the hawk spread its wings. With a powerful beat of them that sent papers scattering, it flew over, perching on his arm. You grimaced, faintly, as the talons it bore dug into his arm to grip on. Taboo seemed to pay no mind to it, however, bringing the hawk closer to him. “This is Mr. Hawkington!” He introduced the bird. Your frown only deepened as… Mr. Hawkington eyed you.
“I… Didn’t know they allowed you to have pets here.” You said, slowly. Taboo flinched, as if struck, curling back and bringing the hawk closer to his body.
“Mr. Hawkington is not a pet! He’s my father! He raised me to become the person I am today! How dare you say something so hurtful?” He looked like a kicked puppy, turning his head to coo gentle things to bird of prey. You seriously couldn’t be more confused. This guy… Thought… The hawk was his father…? You didn’t risk saying otherwise.
“I-I’m sorry, I didn’t know.” You apologized, a little bluntly. He glanced at you, a doubtful look on his face. “Seriously. Sorry.” You tried again, just resisting rolling your eyes. He seemed to accept that, for he bounced back to his lively self, grinning.
“That’s okay! Everyone makes mistakes. Mr. Hawkington forgives you, too.” His smile was no less brighter than earlier.
“I’m-- I’m glad to hear. I’m gonna, uh, get settled in, now.” You informed the pyrotechnician, jerking a thumb towards your side of the room.
“Oh, yeah! Yeah, yeah, yeah, of course, need help?” He offered, taking a step forward, unto which you responded with a step back.
“No… Thanks, I’m good. Uh…” You hesitated. Taboo waited eagerly. You didn’t exactly want him around here while you unpacked your things, just in case he became a little too grabby or touchy feely. He seemed like that kind of person. “Could you get me a glass of water? I’m pretty thirsty.” You asked. He seemed to light up at the request, and gave an eager nod.
“Sure thing! C’mon, Mr. Hawkington, step up! Let’s get going.” He announced, the hawk crawling up his arm and perching on his shoulder, and he was out the door in a flash. Peace and quiet. You sighed. Turning back to your bed, you slung your bag on it, opening it and pulling out all its contents, your suitcase following. You put your clothes in each drawer respectively, stacking a few books on the top of the dresser as well. Some pens, paper, and a picture frame that had yet to be filled.
Your bags were slid under your bed, and with a sigh you flopped down on it. As you expected, it wasn’t very comfortable. It felt more like a cot than anything else, and the sheets and covers weren’t in the best of quality either. Itchy, for sure. The pillow was even worse, but the comfort of laying down on something that wasn’t metal and cold was starting to lull you into sleep. You were snapped out of that state as the door was slammed open, then closed. Taboo had returned.
“Here’s your water, Nurse!” He announced, setting the glass down on the dresser atop one of your books. You grumbled, sitting back up with heavy eyes and a head even more led-felt.
“Thanks.” You muttered, taking the water, and merely looked it for a moment. Finally, you took a sip, but realizing how thirsty you actually were only caused you to gulp the rest down. With a sigh, you set the glass down a little more forceful than intended on the table, and laid back in your bed.
“Sooo... “ You stifled a groan, instead opting to sigh. Turning your head over, you saw Taboo sitting crisscrossed on his chair, arms straight down between his legs, Mr. Hawkington still on his shoulder. “How’s life? Wanna talk about stuff? We should get to know each other, since we’re gonna be roommates, and all. Plus, I gotta watch your back for those pesky spies. You’ll thank me later for it.” He started. Your brow twitched and this, and with the most patient tone you could currently muster, you responded.
“We can talk later, Taboo. I had a long trip up here, and I wanna take a nap before dinner. Why don’t you wake me up when it’s time to eat?” Taboo perked up again slightly, and he gave a salute.
“Yes’m! Get some rest.”
“Gladly.” You mumbled, turning away from him. Surprisingly enough, he did stay quiet, shifting back to do work you only assumed. You were out within a matter of minutes. Dreamless was your sleep, as you expected, and it only felt like you’d been in slumber for a couple moments before you were roused.
“C’mon! Foods a waitin’!” Taboo announced, and you could hear him open the door and bound out of the room. Groaning, you sat up, rubbing your face to wipe any sleep away.
“Fff… Lights out by eleven, no problem.” You muttered, pushing yourself up and pulled your shoes back on. You made your way out the door, shutting it and heading down the corridor. Turning to the right, as instructed earlier, you could make out the smell of cooked food wafting down towards you. It smelled like some kind of stir fry, and your stomach grumbled involuntarily.
When you came into the kitchen, you couldn’t help but suddenly stop. You recognized Taboo, of course, as well as Connor, but you didn’t seem to take into account the other apprentice mercs, for some reason. You saw a dark haired male at the stove, cooking said stirfry you smelled. His back was turned to you, face obscured, so you looked at the table.
A rather well chiseled young man sat, kicked back in the chair, an arm slung over it. His blond hair was cut clean and militaristic, his teeth as straight and white as himself, you were sure. He was attractive, yes, but you knew he’d be a pain, especially with the way he seemed to talk the other’s ears off. Beside Taboo and Connor sat a young woman with a toned body herself. She was probably rather tall when she stood, and her broad, dark shoulders were interrupted by the pink of scars. Now that you noticed it, her arms had some as well.
The blond finally stopped talking, fixing his blue eyes on you. “Well, hello there, ‘Nurse’. Pleasure to meet you.” He stood from his seat, giving a salute. “The name is Michael Foster, but on the field, please refer to me as ‘Cadet’.” You assumed he was the soldier apprentice. “I’m being taken under the wing of the soldier.” Yup, there it was. “I look forward to working with you.” He held out a hand, and you reached forward, giving a firm shake in response to his. “You seem promising.” He flashed a grin, and a wink to follow it.
“Thanks. You too.” You responded, just keeping the desert out of your voice. Your eyes slid over, finally able to see the man cooking as he placed the pan of stirfry in the middle of the table for everyone. He was of some Asian descent, you weren’t sure what, maybe Japanese. He wore dark rimmed spectacles, slipping slightly from the sweat gathering on his face from the heat of the stove. He reached over, grabbing some sides to go with the main course, looking back at you.
“Aisatsu. I am the Razer, the demolitions apprentice.” He greeted, bowing briefly, before going back to what he was previously doing. Before you had a chance to say anything, the woman at the table spoke up.
“I am the Warmonger. I use the big guns.” She announced. Her voice was strong, albeit quiet, and her accent sounded faintly African, possibly from an area of Jamaica, but you could be mistaken.
“Nice to meet all of you.” You finally got out, moving past Michael to sit at the table. You took a seat next to Connor, who merely acknowledged you with a muttered ‘evenin’ again’.
“I’m so excited for tomorrow!” Taboo spoke up, the first to start shovelling food onto his plate. “It’s gonna be so much fun I bet! We’ll get to do training, and then use some weapons, and talk with the actual team, and--”
“I’m sure, Taboo, that we will have to go through a physical examination before anything else.” The razer interrupted, voice calm, polite. He had finally sat himself down at the table after setting a pitcher of what you assumed was iced tea in the center as well. “We probably won’t get to see our weapons tomorrow, but instead will be familiarized with our mentors.”
“Oh… Yeah, probably. That’s fine, too.” He simply shrugged, taking a chunk of meat from the stirfry and offering it to Mr. Hawktington on his shoulder, who gobbled it up hungrily.
“I think Taboo’s right in some aspects. There has to be some sort of ass-kicking involved tomorrow, so they can gauge our physical abilities.” Michael commented as he dumped food onto his own plate, soon beginning to shovel it into his mouth “That’sh gunna be the fun part.” He chuckled, mouth full as he spoke. You’d taken your own rations, listening mostly as Taboo and Michael went to and fro about tomorrow’s expectations. You realized the food was actually rather good, but didn’t bet on it always being this tasteful in the future.
“This is good, Razer.” You suddenly commented, a little loudly, as the two blonds started to have a ‘who can stuff the most dinner rolls in their mouth’ contest.
“Thank you, Nurse. I brought some ingredients from home. They survived the journey, as you can tell, and I’m thankful. There wasn’t much for me to work with here, anyhow.” He informed, offering a small smile.
“You cook often?” Asked the warmonger, soon taking one of the(luckily) untouched rolls.
“I do. Well, did, for my siblings and mother.” He answered.
“Are you here for them?” You couldn’t help but ask, hoping it wasn’t too personal of a question.
“I am. Money is tight, and this job pays well.” He answered, but before he could say anything else, the cadet spoke.
“Same, man, I feel you. Y’know why I’m here?” Nobody asked why, but he’d went on anyways. You only partially listened. Something about wanting to help his parents out back in California after he’d gone into the military. It was an(unsurprisingly) lengthy story, and by the time he was done, everyone else at the table was. You were still feeling quite beat, so after taking care of your dishes and thanking Razer once again for the meal, you made your way to your quarters.
Changing and doing your nightly routines went by fast, and soon, you were plopped in your bed, the rather scratchy blankets pulled over you. It was quiet without Taboo, and soon enough, you found yourself asleep. It was a dreamless night, filled with an uneasy rest. It’d only felt like minutes you’d been out, but a startling banging on your door, and the sound of a rough and commanding voice drew you out of your slumber.
“Up and at’em, maggots! We start our training at 0-600 hours! Get your asses in gear!”