Chapter 9: Unusual Knight
"How does it feel? I know I'm a bit taller than you, but I'm sure those should fit just fine." The knight, Bridge, beamed as he leaned against the wall of the ship's storage room with his arms crossed. He was nice enough to look away while Arbus changed into a new set of clothes. Arbus appreciated the pointless gesture, since It made him feel more like a guest than a prisoner. He also believed his theory about the knights origins to be more certain.
"It's fine. Thanks." Arbus said as he adjusted the sleeves. He had finally cleaned himself after being drenched in dried blood throughout the journey here.
To his surprise, Yome was the one who suggested he got the chance to change. He was sure it was because they would be meeting the Sentinel soon, and bringing him in that state wouldn't look good. She had also asked him to get a check up in the med bay, but he refused. He didn't feel like explaining why he had no injuries at all. After all, they were already suspicious enough from the state of his clothes.
The ship had landed on Paradis half an hour ago beside their destination. The Hold. The largest Tower on the moon that dominated the skyline with its imposing silhouette.
The team was still waiting patiently to be called in when they were needed. Arbus had long grown bored of that, but he didn't really have much of a say.
He glanced over to Bridge with a curious look after he was done.
He couldn't help but wonder what cloth he was cut from. Arbus had never met a knight or noble who didn't care about their status. Most of them were proud, boastful and loved taunting those below them. Not only that, the knight didn't seem that bothered by his human appearance compared to the others on the ship. He was being more familiar with him than anyone had been in the past year. It wasn't a high bar, but still.
"I'm thankful for you and your team's help so far. Honestly, I'm a bit confused on why you seem so eager to help me out." He said truthfully. "But I'm thankful nonetheless."
Bridge's brow raised in puzzlement. "Really?What's so confusing about it? You're the last survivor of a terrible tragedy. The likes of which has been unseen in our star system for years now. It's only natural that we would help you as much as we can, especially since you've been officially cleared of all suspicion."
Arbus stared at him silently for a moment. "Yes, but I'm also half-human. Aren't you uneasy about my presence, at the very least? I know that's how many feel about my kind."
Bridge chuckled. "And why exactly would I feel something like that?" He asked with a smile still playing on his lips
"Don't get me wrong, there's a lot about you that draws all sorts of questions." He added "But I can feel that you don't mean us any harm."
"Hmm, is that so. Well, it doesn't seem like your team agrees with you." Arbus could still remember the killing intent in the eyes of the red mornan with ocean blue eyes.
"Yeah..." Bridge said with an audible breath "And that's terrible. But I understand where they're coming from. I'm sure you would too if you knew how many of them have encountered a actual human in their home Systems. Or even a member of the Second Chance group."
He frowned. "Still... I don't believe they should be directing that animosity at half-humans like you who have nothing to do with it."
He inhaled deeply and straightened. "I think It's quite a sad thing, really." He said, sounding discouraged. "The 'Renegades' is an organisation built on the foundation of protecting the populace of Rendes and the victims of the Humans."
"And yet a majority of it discriminates against those that can be considered the biggest victims in this war."
"It's unfair." He breathed.
Arbus studied the knights complicated expression, wondering if he really meant any of the words he was saying. It was the first time he saw someone unrelated to his situation speak so openly in his favour.
"I want to apologize on behalf of my team." Bridge continued. "I would really appreciate it if you don't judge them based off your first impressions."
"trust me when I say they are all great people. The best people I've ever known."
He smiled. "Especially our Vanguard, despite her intimidating personality,".
Arbus didn't respond as he watched Bridge pace around the room. "…In a way, this crew is kind of in a similar position to yours. Not to the same extent, naturally."
"But We're all Red Mornans. The weakest of our species, looked down on by everyone." He spread his arms wide. "And yet here we are, not letting that label define us."
"We're still Renegades, and we're still fighting to rise up the ranks until we prove everyone wrong."
"Just because we had a worse start doesn't mean we can't surpass everyone else!" he shouted.
Bridge seemed to realize how loud he was being as a hint of embarrassment appeared in his expression.
"...Well then, I wish you luck in your journey." Arbus replied with a small smile. The only smile he could offer currently.
Bridge blinked for several moments, then smiled back. "Thank you friend. I wish you the same, as well."
Both of them emerged from the doors leading into the ship's main room shortly after, heading to sit beside the others that were already waiting patiently.
Arbus glanced at everyone present again. Bridge had already told him the names of each of them at some point during their talk.
The ship's pilot, who he hadn't seen earlier, was called Caster. He was a tall Mornan with dirty blonde hair tied back in a loose ponytail.
Arbus noticed the bandages beneath his clothes, most likely due to a recent injury. An anxious expression rested on the Mornan's features as he snuck glances in his direction.
The woman who sat sprawled in a chair was Arya. The towering old Mornan in a bulky Knight's suit was called Damian.
The youngest member of the crew was simply nicknamed Trix, since no one knew his real name. He still seemed as downcast as before.
And finally, the young Mornan with ocean blue eyes and dark blue hair watching him like a hawk, was called Kai.
They were all sitting in silence, waiting for their Vanguard's orders.
Finally, After a long while, their Vanguard—Yome, emerged from the ship's communication hub in the bridge.
"It's time." she announced, her voice cutting through the quiet.
Her eyes scanned her team before finally landing beside Arbus. "Bridge, you'll follow along. Everyone else, remain here and wait for our return."
The dark-haired girl, Arya, suddenly straightened in her seat as she looked at her Vanguard with an indignant expression. "What? That's not fair, Yome! we want to see the Hold too!"
She scoffed, glaring at Bridge. "Why does Bridge of all people get to go instead of us!?"
Yome's eyes turned towards her as she simply stared down at her with an aloof expression.
To Arbus's surprise, Arya—a knight, pouted like a child being disciplined as she grumbled in response.
"Understood, Vanguard Yome," came the hoarse voice of the towering old man with a small laugh. The large Mornan reminded Arbus of his grandfather in some ways.
Bridge nodded in excitement as he stood. "Of course, Vanguard!"
The ship's door slowly hissed open as Arbus accompanied by one knight and one Vanguard strode out of it.