Chapter 2:

Ryujin's Resolve

Seeking Utopia


            Team #2, that is led by Ryujin, gathers around in their respective room. “This is exciting!” Skylar whispers to Kai. Anushka smiles at both Kai and Skylar, “Lovely meeting you two again! This time as team members.” They both nod and smile. She continues introducing them to the rest of the team. Then Ryujin- who looks a little young to be a captain, took a step forward and said, “Welcome aboard! It is nice seeing some fresh faces. How about a brief introduction to get to know each other better?”

“Yes, good idea!” Said Lemon cheerfully.

“I’ll start then, I’m Ryujin as Anushka just mentioned, and I am the Captain on this team. I joined the rangers about four years ago. This is…almost my second year as a Captain.” Wow, he was promoted to Captain in just under 2 years of joining? Kai thought to himself as he looked at Ryujin with sparkly eyes. The rest of the rookies looked just as amazed as Kai as they heard Ryujin speak. Now it was Anushka’s turn, “Hey! I’m Anushka, the second in command here. I joined around 6 years ago. This may come as a shock but a little fun fact, I used to work as a teacher before coming here.”

“Oh, what happened?” asked Skylar.

She sighs and looks down, “Why we are all here. Outsiders.” Although she tried her best to remain cheerful, she had this deep sadness in her eyes. “Anyways, that’s all for me. Proceed please.” She says as she looks at the other team members. The three Senior Rangers introduced themselves afterwards. Silas seemed to be the quiet type as he did not talk much, except when he had to. On the other hand, Lemon seemed cheerful and full of energy. Avery was friendly but seemed to be lost in thought or daydreaming occasionally.

Now it was the rookies turn to introduce themselves. “Hi, I’m Kai. I look forward to learning and working from you all. Fun fact about me is that my hobby is Cygliding.”

“Woah! That’s nice. Avery uses one too! Maybe she can give you some tips,” said Lemon.

“Really? That is so cool!” Said Kai. Avery seemed to be off guard, she looked around and then at Kai. “Oh um, yes sure…I guess.”

As Skylar and Joshua went on to introduce themselves, Kai suddenly noticed Fei who was standing in the corner. She had long dark sage green straight hair and bangs that just about covered her eyes. A pale complexion and a tiny mole next to her mouth. He was trying to remember her from their days as trainees but he couldn’t seem to do so. Perhaps she was always so quiet…

When her turn to introduce herself came she only said, “I’m…Fei,” in a low voice, then went back to staring at the floor. She was not enjoying this, rather she could not wait to go into action and start fighting. Since that day, 15 years ago…when they appeared. When her world was stolen… leaving her with nothing but dust. When she was left all alone in the freezing cold…a flame ignited inside of her. And it has been growing ever since. I already died back then…she thought. I only live now for one reason. Vengeance.

After the introductions of the team members, Anushka began by walking them through the plan for the rest of the day, “Our team is mainly responsible for Outsider occurrences in Neo Tapica and Lu’lua. We are usually stationed there to be on the lookout. We will be heading to Neo Tapica in a few days, you will be briefed on that closer to the date. Hopefully today will be a relatively light and easy day. Ryujin and I have looked through your reports, so we sort of have an idea on your capabilities and fighting styles already. But of course, it is always better to experience these things in real life especially before going into action. Hence, the rest of the day will be spent in the simulation training room. Ryujin and I; as well as the Senior Rangers on this team-“ she looks at the three Seniors as she said that, then continued, “-will be observing your skills and teamwork and we will give you feedback to further improve.”

Ryujin nodded in agreement then closed his eyes for a few seconds as if remembering something, then opened them slowly and looked at everyone. “When I first joined the rangers, I was initially put in a different team. We had a Ranger called Jeno in the team. To be honest, initially I found him to be too naïve and overly optimistic. Despite the situation the world was in…he still found things to be joyful about, ways to enjoy his life…remain hopeful. I on the other hand, believed that we were doomed. My intention was not to save the world, or protect anyone; I had no one to protect but myself. My goal was to die fighting.” He paused for a few seconds. Everyone was quiet, absorbed into his story. “I was close to achieving it once. I knew for sure I was going to meet my end soon. Until he stopped me…and went there instead.” He paused again and his eyes wandered for a bit. “Truthfully I did not want to become a captain, but now that I am given this chance. I will continue living as he would have…I will remain hopeful too. And I promise-“ he held his fist high and said, “This spark that I see in your eyes now. I will make sure to protect it at all costs. Mark my words, humanity will succeed.” His Amber eyes glistened. 

After Ryujin's speech, Kai began to understand why he was appointed as a Captain. He looked at Skyler, who was standing next to him. She smiled back and nodded. Fei however, did not seem to react. She still seemed to be staring into oblivion.