Chapter Text
The soldiers, and officers were in relief and in awe at the sudden appearance of a lone soldier. The sudden silence as the mech was disabled and the rebels begin to attempt their final assault. The remaining Defense Force, Obol Squad, and Public Security ready themselves but then the soldier readies it's rifle and fires multiple shots at the rebel forces and approaches them without hesitation stunning the defending side particularly, Zhu Yuan observes the soldier handling the situation with ease. The skill, the tactics, the pressure it gives towards hostiles. As men of the Defense Force, Obol Squad and Public Security witness this figure fight the rebel troops solo, they just watched. Some are impressed, some are worried about "it" especially Soldier 11, she observes "its" combat performance. Anby approaches her as she looks at the battle unfolding, as always in a nonchalant and monotone voice.
Anby: What is it Harin? You seemed concerned, are you injured?
Soldier 11 regains her attention to Anby... wanted to draw her blade, but Trigger sees this and grabs her hand shaking her head in disapproval..
Soldier 11: That... soldier, is nothing the Defense Force have right? (looks at the soldier's uniform and gear)
Obol Squad looks at the soldier's attire. No Defense Force insignias, no Public Security badges, not even any identifications belonging to the Hollow Special Operations.
Trigger: Could it be a mercenary? Or those gangs from the Outer Ring. But those tech neither belong to the main military and security forces. If "it" turns against us, be prepared... (her visors illuminates a red glow)
The three soldiers continues watching the "One-Man Army" handling against the rebel forces
Rebel Trooper: WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT FIRE POWER? THE DEFENSE FORCE IS TOO STRONG FALL BACK, WE'RE LOSING TOO MUCH AND OUR MECH IS GONE.
The rebel forces initiates a full-scale retreat, some surrendering and laying down their weapons. Seeing this the Defense Force gather up at the surrendering forces. Obol Squad and Public Security approaches cautiously towards the lone soldier weapons primed, blades drawn.
Zhu Yuan: Hands up! Don't move... or will use force.
Silence now runs around the Hollows, they awaited to see "it" comply
???: (raises both hands, slightly muffled) Alright, calm down Officer... I'm not to here to cause trouble I just saved your team here. (raises goggles)
As the soldier raises "its" goggles they were surprised that the soldier is a human being and just seeing how expressive the eyes are. Zhu Yuan sees the soldier's eyes... was in awe and admiration, she then snaps out of it leaving a small shade of red in her cheeks. Lucky no one saw it, except... Trigger giggles a bit.
Trigger: You okay there Captain Zhu Yuan? (visors illuminate to a pink glow)
Zhu Yuan perks up a bit when Trigger calls her out
Zhu Yuan: (stutters) O-Oh um, yes Trigger... I-I'm fine.
Anyways back to you. (looks at the soldier) Who sent you, here? How did you know about this... operation?
???: Hmm, I was sent by the Defense Force.
Obol Squad looks at the soldier in disbelief, knowing they have no one like him in the force. Soldier 11 approached "it" with a small sense of aggressiveness, blade at hand. As the situation was getting intense the soldier speaks up.
???: Woah... woah! I'm not a threat! I'm not fighting back am I?
Soldier 11: (still slightly aggressive) So what, if we turn our backs, you'll strike. As a soldier, I stay vigilant. (Looks at the soldier's eye, seeing it without changes. She concluded that "its" not a threat and holsters her blade.)
Anby: So what's your name?
When Anby asked, the soldier cross "its" arms and glancing the people in front of it. Obol Squad has a calm but professional look, Public Security has a curious but serious look, Except for Zhu Yuan, she has the looks of admiration like a fan meeting her idol.
???: (adjust the mask to proper adjust the clarity of voice, revealing a deep male voice) Well, my name is classified from the field. But you can call me... The Hollow Commando.
When Hollow Commando introduces himself, some of the troops of the Defense Force turned their attention. They we're like fanboys...
Defense Force Trooper 1: Wait, Gabe you hear? It's the Hollow Commando.
Defense Force Trooper 2: THE... HOLLOW COMMANDO?!?
Some of the troopers gathered where the Hollow Commando is, leaving Obol Squad and Public Security confused
Defense Force Trooper: HOLLOW COMMANDO BIG FAN! Please sign my helmet.
Defense Force Officer: SIGN MY RIFLE PLEASE!
By surprise, the Hollow Commando signs the items being offered for autographs.
Defense Force Trooper & Officer: YES! THANK YOU HOLLOW COMMANDO!
Seeing this Zhu Yuan was curious and asked about the reputation of the Hollow Commando
Zhu Yuan: Hey quick question, what's the deal about this guy? (points at the Hollow Commando with a raised eyebrow then readies her notepad and pen)
Hearing this, Obol Squad share the same sentiments. As the trooper heard the Captain's question and saw the Obol Squads confusion, he went to geek mode
Defense Force Trooper: YOU NEVER HEARD OF THE HOLLOW COMMANDO (points at the Hollow Commando, seeing him point the Hollow Commando slightly grins underneath the mask with his eyes squinting)
The trooper continues explaining the "lore" of the Hollow Commando
Defense Trooper: THIS LEGEND IS A SAVIOR IN THE HOLLOWS. (excited) When I first joined the Defense Force, We were in a patrol and I was part of Umbra Squad
Flashback, 3 Days after the fall of the Old Capital
Umbra Squad is tasked to provide intel in clearing a pocket hollow to secure the area to establish Scott Outpost. The squad leader takes the lead inside the Hollow, he was a veteran during Hollow Zero. his members are grunts like the trooper who explains the flashback.
Squad Leader: Alright listen up, High Command wants us to recce the area of ethereals. If we find the source of this Hollow, they'll send in the Void Hunter.
Defense Force Grunt: You mean Hoshimi Miyabi sir?
Defense Force Trooper: (smacks the grunt's helmet) Who do you think it is? Hosihmi Miyabi is such a badass, that blade of hers is said that it was from her ancestors from generations to generations. And its cursed.
Defense Force Grunt: Oh, uh right, you a fan of her?
Defense Force Trooper: Oh hell yeah! Have merch of her. I can show you aft-
They were interrupted by a loud growl. They soon break formation and headed to cover. The squad leader takes out his binoculars and saw a Metro Gobln type ethereal.
Squad Leader: That's a big fella. Alright Umbra Squad on me, initiate the Ethereal Suppression Tactic.
All: Roger sir!
Umbra Squad takes position and the grunt hesitated and took the shot
Squad Leader: WAIT PRIVATE, NOT YE- (gunfire)
The grunt was rushed and the large ethereal got hurt and is in a rage as it charges their position
Squad Leader: LOOK OUT!
The ethereal attempts to smash the grunt but was saved by the trooper taking the shot at the ethereal's core. The ethereal releases a relentless roar, this alarmed the nearby ethereals in the are. As swarms appeared, the trooper get his radio and sends a transmission.
Defense Force Trooper: This is Umbra Squad, large number of ethereals requesting backup. (static)
The trooper waits for the response from the radio while fighting back the ethereals, then the radio receives a transmission.
Radio: Be advised, additional squads is enroute ETA, 10 mins.
The squad leader heard the message and grabs the radio himself
Squad Leader: YOU BETTER THEM TO HURRY THE FUCK UP! (slams the communicator back to the radio)
Moments later another large ethereal rushed in the area but without reinforcements they are outnumbered. Just like what Zhu Yuan experienced, the men of Umbra Squad thinks that this is their last moment in their lives. Moments later gunfire was heard. Is it the reinforcements? Its a lone figure, fought all the ethereals. Umbra Squad just watches in awe. After the engagement the lone soldier approaches them.
???: You men alright?
Squad Leader: Yeah, we're alright, but where are the rest?
???: Oh you mean them? (Points at the reinforcements just arrived)
The reinforcements were hyped to fight but seeing the ethereals were all defeated they were a bit disappointed
???: Yeah.. SORRY FOR STEALING YOUR MOMENT GUYS
The men part of the reinforcement started mumbling with made Umbra Squad giggle a bit
Defense Force Trooper: So.. who are you?
???: You can call me the Hollow Commando.
Defense Force Grunt: (grins) I think I'm your first biggest fan!
After that encounter, rumors and speculations ensued in the Defense Force about the Hollow Commando. Even the citizens of New Eridu slowly finds out about this lone operator in the Hollows. The Hollow Commando shares the same amount of fame as the infamous Hollow Special Operations Hollow Section 6.
Present
As the trooper explained, Zhu Yuan took notes on the details given while giving glances towards the Hollow Commando. She can't help but to find out more about this unique individual. After Zhu Yuan took down notes, she called her team and prepared for a debriefing along side with Obol Squad.
Qingyi: Well that was a successful operation. (sips hot water)
Trigger: If the Hollow Commando didn't show up, it would have been our end. (visors illuminate to a yellow glow)
Seth: Yeah I agree to that, that guy really packed a punch against those rebels, right Captain?
Seth looks at Zhu Yuan reading her notes, Seth approaches Zhu Yuan.
Seth: Captain?
Zhu Yuan: (surprised after skimming through her notes) Oh um, yeah... (takes a small glance at the Hollow Commando)
As the late night approaches, officers leaves the station one by one as Zhu Yuan is the last person leaving. She proceeds to her car and drove to her apartment. Zhu Yuan releases a sigh of relief after the recent events that had occurred. She can't help but think about the Hollow Commando, she wants to investigate about him; his intentions, his purpose, and his identity. But in her thoughts she also felt something else, something she never felt before. The rapid beating on her chest every time she thinks about the Hollow Commando will soon be noticed by her peers, and this will be a huge embarrassment for her. As she unlocks her door, she hear something approaching, she goes full alert.
Zhu Yuan: Is someone there?
As she waits for a response, a cat shows up. It frightens her a bit since she is not fond of small furry creatures especially cats. Then a silhouette appeared and approaching fast, Zhu Yuan quickly subdue and the man was shrieked in pain
???: OW HEY ALRIGHT THAT HURTS!
Zhu Yuan quickly loosen a bit but didn't let go suspecting its a criminal running away.
Zhu Yuan: Why were you running fast? Did you do something
???: What n-no I'm just rushing for dinner...
Zhu Yuan sees the person holding a meal that luckily did not spill.
Zhu Yuan: Oh I apologize for the misunderstanding, (loosens her grip to release him) I thought you were a criminal or someth-
???: Oh y-you're Captain Zhu Yuan.
The person quickly recognizes her due to her in uniform. The person quicky fixes their composure and introduces themselves.
???: Hey Captain, I'm Gerard Ryan its a pleasure to meet you... under this circumstance, I heard a lot about you and the recent joint operation with the Defense Force, was it tough in the Hollows?
Zhu Yuan: Yeah sure was, but our training and teamwork came through. (grins) Anyways what do you do for a living Ryan?
Gerard Ryan: Well just living the casual civilian life, it's kinda difficult to get Dennies these days. (stomach growls) Well, my gut tells me I should go now. (looks at Zhu Yuan's eyes) For a hard working officer, you look fresh like a new recruit. (smiles) See you around Captain! (waves as he leaves)
From the complement given from the civilian, Zhu Yuan can't help but be flustered.
Zhu Yuan (thought): Such a nice guy, but when he looked at me, it felt familiar for some reason...
Zhu Yuan shakes her head to clear her thoughts and steps inside her apartment, changing from her uniform into a comfortable attire and heads to bed. As soon as she fell asleep her phone vibrates with a message. "Zhu, meet me by entrance of PubSec, I need to see you"