Arknights - Red Ichor

Disclaimer: I don't own Arknights except the account I play and paid for. This is purely made from my passion and love for the story and the characters. All music references belong to their respective performer, creator, musician studio, I made no profit from them.

"Talking"

This for Thinking, Flashback, Transmission or Whispering

"Summon/Mind talking, SFX"

A what-if story, a doctor with special origin, his background hidden, a carefully protected individual, not even a glimpse to the members of Rhodes Island.

The reason why even the worst case of Oripathy infection has a chance to survive.

… Oh what the heck, I just want FrostNova to come home.

So here we go.

Oneshot - Winter's Warmth

He watched her fight.

Pushing through their last line of defense. Amiya, Blaze and GreyThroat.

Three against One.

Yet they still failed to hold her back.

Ice blades sprung forward, sub-zero frost covered the ground.

And they all fell.

Just like that.

He watched her step forward, reaching him. Determined to extinguish his absurd fantasies of a better future. Determined to end his life.

FrostNova was near, a few steps closer and she would reach him.

Three steps.

Two steps.

….

But she too, fell on her knee. A sound of crystal breaking was heard. It was the necklace she was wearing. The sound was so clear in that deadly silence.

" It…. shattered ?"

" So this…" He heard her whispers. " ...Is as far as I could go."

FrostNova collapsed, right before him. She reached her limit. That necklace was a relic of some sort, given to her by her father, said to keep her alive… She said it was a fake, just as she is to her father.

But… Is it really ?

"They followed you because of your idea."

Her death doesn't worth anyone's time? Don't joke around. This war, this battle, everything that happened and even now. What was she thinking? The past happened. It can't be changed. But the future is right before him. Talked about worthiness when you don't even know your own? How funny. It made him angry.

"I'll stay."

It sounded like an order to Rhodes Island members.

It was an order.

Finally alone, he rested her body on his hands. How light she was.

They finally came face to face. Only a few ever saw his face. The 'Tactical Commander' of Rhodes Island. FrostNova didn't react much to it. His lack of ears, horns, any physical features that define one's race and origin. She insisted on her inevitable departure, ignoring their promise.

" Didn't you promise to join Rhodes Island?"

Of course it was all he could think about. Villains or not, it didn't matter. She had no complaints about the end but he did! People hurt each other all the time, yet they could still change and live in harmony after. History proved that, again and again. Rhodes Island was his. He decided if she has business there or not.

Even if he had to get on his knees and beg several scary individuals.

Such low self-esteem for a girl that powerful enough to be a Catastrophe on her own…

Ah, he wished she could stop caring for others and thinking about herself for once.

Enough already.

" FrostNova?..."

He interrupted her.

" I think your father really loves you."

" Just like you remember your birth parents dying for you."

" You remember clearly all that your father did for you."

Girl, he was not going to outlive you. You would.

" It is because he has suffered so much that he cherishes you."

Ah, she smiled. Such a gentle expression. Call me however you want, honestly. Made your choice, FrostNova. I would respect it.

She touched his face.

Her hand… It was warm.

" You're warm, FrostNova."

You were dying.

" FrostNova, Amiya and I want you to join Rhodes Island."

If you were underserved, then none of us deserve it.

" If you just die, here and now, you won't have a chance to right your wrongs."

Please respond, before it becomes too late.

" I….would like to join Rhodes Island."

" Thank you."

" No… Thank yo- What are you doing?"

FrostNova widened her eyes as the Rhodes Island Doctor put his thumb in his mouth. He bit himself. It was so cold that his skin broke easily. Or maybe his body was so cold that his pain was numbed.

" Keep your promise, FrostNova. You belong to me now."

Before she could question him, his bleeding thumb was already pressed down on her tongue.

The first thing she felt was the taste of iron.. Her weakened body reacted to the foreign object and the smell of blood. But the Doctor never let go. With one hand behind her head and the other pressing against her. FrostNova could never escape him in her current stage.

She struggled, leaking a weak sound filled with confusion.

What was the point of all this, she thought in terror.

Then she suddenly found the strength in her arms, pushing against his torso. Her teeth bit down, drawing more blood from the thumb within her mouth.

The Doctor furrowed his brows from the pain, but instantly turned delighted. Seemingly approved of her reactions… FrostNova was confused. Was this man a depraved maniac? Would her final moment end up a toy for him to play with? Even after dying?

Tears rolled on her cheeks, then came the choking as the fluid went down the wrong pipe.

" Shh, swallow it. Don't spill a single drop."

He sat her up then, putting her head at an angle that would make her swallow up his blood. Warmth spread all over her body. So warm that FrostNova couldn't help but feel sleepy. Her eyes which were opened wide from the terrifying experience happening then, they were closing down, slowly. Along with the rest of her senses.

Darkness overcame her. But for the first time, the cold was missing.

" Doctor calling HQ. Coming HQ."

" This is HQ, Doctor. What's your status?"

" The operation is over. Connect me to the Infirmary."

" Directing."

"... This is the Infirmary. Warfarin speaking."

" It's me, prepare an emergency blood transfusion.."

" Eh? Doctor?! Are you hurt?!"

" No, but our newest operator is."

" Ah you're back. Did you catch the enemy commander? The infected known as Memphisto?"

" Get outta my face you fucktards."

The L.G.D Officers didn't take his response well. Not that he cared, his steps hasten, hugging her form closer against his body. His coat wrapped protectively on her form, kept her hidden from prying eyes. Underneath his visor hid a worried expression. He couldn't help but feel unsafe, carrying her in the open like this. All alone.

FrostNova is alive.

The Ichor works wonderfully as it should be. Rhodes Island's ultimate secret.

The source of their research. The answer to the Oripathy cure.

The blood of a Human.

" Hey, what the hell happened down there?" Unwilling to give up, an officer blocked his way.

" An infected person died."

Hearing that, the officers quickly sank back, fearing of being infected by the corpse being carried before him. The Doctor moved past them and continued on his way toward Rhodes Island's landing pad. He had to hurry. Proper treatment must be made. More Ichor were needed to save her from the Death.

He passed by Blaze and GreyThroat. Those two were bickering among themselves. Good, he guessed. Midway through the buzzing streets, filled with L.G.D officers, he spotted his team. To be exact, they spotted him first.

" Doctor, are you well?"

" Greetings, Doctor."

" Saria, Nearl."

It was Saria that spotted her.

" Those white ears… Isn't that Fro-"

" It is." He quickly cut her off. " She's with us now."

" So another soul has been saved." Nearl's eyes shined with respect for their commander, even more than before. " As expected of the one that Shining pledged herself to."

" You two, please escort me back to Rhodes Island. She needs immediate treatment. Be discreet, but at a fast pace."

Saria and Nearl caught the meaning of his orders. They fell into line with him in between them.

The rest of the trip was smooth sailing thanks to his trusty Defenders. Saria's intimidating form easily opened a path for them. Be it Lungmenites or L.G,D , the moment they noticed their tall and stoic form, holding on gigantic shields that were several times more heavier than common shields. They all spread apart, making way for the Rhodes Island members.

They stuck with him all the way to the door of the Infirmary. A modified dorm, specialize in treatment and recovery. He thanked the duo for their service and relieved them of their duty for today.

The door slid open, he quickly made his way to the bed that was prepared before hands.

His form caught the attention of those who are in the area. Patients and doctors alike.

The moment he put her on the bed, gently, and removed his coat. All hell broke loose.

" Hey... it's Big Sis! She's here!"

A member of the Yeti who were under treatment exclaimed. Alerting the others in the area. The whole place was actually full of ex-Reunion members.

" Huh?! Where?!. It's her! It's really her!"

" FrostNova! She's alive!"

" Big Sis! She's so pale! Is she alright? Hey Doctor! What happened?!"

" Pipe down! She needs treatment, so do you all!"

Warfarin quickly took control of the situation. " Ansel! Administrate calming agent to whoever refuses to stay still. And no peeking! Shining, please cover for me."

With that, the albino closed the ward screens. The Doctor had already prepared himself on the other bed. They quickly proceed with the transfusion. It didn't need a careful exam to know that FrostNova was near Death's Door at the time.

" ...She's going to need a lot to make it through."

" I'm fine with a bit of anemia."

" Pity, a chance for me to steal a slip of your Ichor."

That was a joke, or not?

" Then again, I wouldn't want your ex sic that terrifying thing on me."

" My ex? Who are you talkin… bout..."

Before he could finish his question, the needle had already pierced his arm. The effect was instantaneous, whatever Warfarin injected him with. The Doctor could already feel his senses shutting down, his eyes getting heavier by the seconds.

" No need to worry about that. Now take a sleep. You've done well Doctor."

Pulling the fabric over his torso, she assured him.

" The girl will be just fine."

Her eyes jerked open, FrostNova found herself standing before a familiar place.

" This is…"

A meadow of emerald green, spotting violet flowers and yellow grasses, a lazy stream cutting through, water sparkling gently under the bright sun. A wind gust came, her hair flung back as the pine trees swayed gently. A mixed smell of cedars and spruces filled her senses.

Home. A thought came up in her mind.

" Yelena."

Her name was called. Standing before her, a man and woman… also her grandmother. Then it clicked in her mind, she knew who they were. The nightmare she saw almost every night.

" Zayka, little bunny, you've grown so much."

The rest were left unsaid, FrostN- Yelena threw herself onto her parents welcoming arms. Her stoicism forgotten, she wailed in their embrace, tears gushing out like a broken dam. It wouldn't stop, she couldn't stop. Their comforting words just ended up making her cry more and more.

Words that were left unsaid, emotions that once hidden, the love that never had a chance to show. Everything came out, in tears, laughter and wailing of a girl that lived in tragedy.

With moments like this, time seemed irrelevant.

" Everyone, it's time to go."

" Baba?" She questioned her grandmother's words.

" This is a gift, Zayka. A short one, but a gift nonetheless, for all of us."

A brief but strong embrace from her mother, then she was let go.

" Treasure this second chance, Yelena. Make your own choice. Protect your family and friends. Find love and grow old."

" Mishka." Called her grandmother once more, urging her father.

His hand, her birth father, was warm, petting lightly on her head, caressing her ears in a loving gesture.

" May the Savior light your way."

Then he too, stepped away from her, together with her mother and grandmother.

The girl attempted to chase them. But found herself losing her balance. When she regained herself, a wide river stood before her… On the other side was her family.

They definitely didn't expect her to jump into the river, swimming to their side. She swam and swam, but the distance stayed the same. Then came a wave of light, swallowing everything in its path. Soon it reached her family. Their final moment etched in her mind.

Not the slaughter that happened in her dream.

But their loving, encouraging smile.

When the light finally hit her.

FrostNova woke up.

" It feels like I'm still dreaming."

Spoke the young, teenage boy sitting near the bedside, acting like a lost deer. His old uniform discarded, he was given a pair of white trousers and black sweater to change in.

Formerly codenamed Yeti Member D, actual name Nikita.

The youngest member of the Yeti squad still couldn't believe it. They were enemies just a few days before. Yet here they were, receiving treatment from the infamous Rhodes Island. The named arch-enemy of the Reunion Movement.

Their treatment actually worked.

The crystal on his body actually receded after taking the pills and injections by the medical staff. They were given accommodation and treated well. As actual patients that needed help. The kind of help that was refused no matter where they go, until then...

Tears of happiness threatened to fall once more. The young Yeti swept them away by the sleeve of his clothing.

" Ha? Why are you crying now? Did someone bully you?"

He let out of a yep of fright from the rough female voice.

Suddenly appearing beside him was their savior. She was bandaged, her right hand in a tourniquet. A crutch under her left side, keeping her standing.

" Ah! It's you, um… the Sexy Cat lady?"

" ...The what just now?"

" … Ugh… I'm sorry. I never caught your name. And big brother called you that so..."

The tall lady mumbled things like ' I'll kill that guy ' before turning to him. She looked scary. But despite that, the boy knew she meant well.

She was the one that broke through and saved them from total annihilation by the cloak guys. The way she dropped into the battlefield, her chainsaw blazing with fire, sweeping through everything, leaving destruction in its wake.

" Call me Blaze. Remember that."

Ah, how fitting. He thought.

Then she stood there, glaring at him, as if waiting for something. He shrank back from the sheer pressure of her gaze. Blaze raised an eyebrow at his change of attitude.

" …. And you? What's your name? Call sign? Anything to address you with?"

" Ah… Nikita, ma'am. Just Nikita."

" The hell with that formal tone. Anyway, I'm here to relieve you of your duty. Go join the rest of your squad at the Pizzeria. Stop with the bowing, scram."

The Elite Operator took the boy's seat as he hastily made his way out of the Infirmary.

" How long are you going to pretend to be asleep?"

" White Rabbit."

On the bed, FrostNova opened her eyes slowly. She was awake for a few minutes then.

" …...They're alive."

" …Not all, sorry. I tried. I really did." What a regretful tone.

" No, thank you… Sexy Cat."

Blaze groaned into her hand while FrostNova raised the corners of her lips to form a smile.

" …How am I alive?"

" Beats me. I ain't involved in the medical shit we're doing in here. Maybe the doctor carried an emergency Oripathy treatment pack with him?"

Answered the Operator.

" But it's damn effective isn't it? You being alive and all. I'll let you in on a fact. We have a crematory for the infected here in Rhodes Island. But none of them actually di-… passed away from Oripathy."

They were killed in combat.

She caught the meaning that was left unsaid. Then she remembered what happened under that freezing tunnel. How the Doctor forced fed her his own blood. The satisfaction she saw on his face as the smell of iron ran down her throat. It was… warm.

But FrostNova knew her condition. Rhodes Island may prolong her life, days, or weeks if she held back from using her arts. But she wouldn't accept such an end. She was raised by the hero of Ursus. As a soldier. There was no way she would accept her end, laying in a comfy bed. While there were still others who suffered, who needed her help.

" Here, put this on."

A bracelet was thrown on her lap. It was black in color, thick, with a smooth and wide surface.

" Put it on like this." Blaze indicated to the same one she was wearing on her left wrist. " It's an infection monitor. It can track your infection progress and monitor body signals. Also works as an ID for Rhodes Island members."

The word 'member' triggered another memory for FrostNova… She did agree to join them. So be it, she thought. The bracelet closed down with a click, around her slim neck. She felt it tighten for a brief moment before loosening. As if she wasn't wearing anything at all.

" Oi, why at such a place? You can't even get a good look at it on your own you know…"

" Does it even matter? I know myself well. This body of mine… Whatever the Doctor did, he merely extended this life of mine for a few days longer, weeks at best."

" The hell with you Yeti. You are all the same." A look of disgust and annoyed marred the feline's face. " Look, your bracelet indicator is showing the same stage as mine."

" ….You're lying." FrostNova didn't believe it.

" No I'm not. Damn, where's a medical chart when you need one. Not like I can read- White Rabbit?! What are you doing?!"

The Yeti squad leader suddenly tore open the hospital gown she was wearing. Blaze was shocked by the sudden act and rendered speechless as her eyes set upon the naked torso of FrostNova. Her uninjured hand put up, covering her eyes out of respect for the other female's private.

Still, Blaze couldn't help but peeked a little.

Meanwhile FrostNova was shocked at what she was seeing. The originum crystals that protruded from her skin, which could be harvested for her squad to use. Most were gone, leaving behind scars and white patches. There were still quite a few, but those were small and scattered.

" FrostNova! Cover yourself already. Seriously…"

" Give me your hand."

" Wha-"

" Your hand."

" …."

Blaze reluctantly held out her hand, the hand that she was using to cover her eyes in the first place. She felt FrostNova's fingers wrapped on her own, it was ticklish. She felt cool, a refreshing coolness. They were both fighters, both hands were that of soldier's.

" It's true. I can even touch others now. Your hand…"

FrostNova leaned forward, pressing the hand she was holding against her bared chest.

" It's so warm… and getting hotter?"

Steam was visibly floating from Blaze's body then. The elite operator pulled her hand away from FrostNova. Mortified, she stood up, forgetting that she was currently in need of a crutch to stand. The seat she was sitting on was knocked away, the sound it made echoed through the closed area of the Infirmary.

" What's with all the noises?... Ah."

The first thing Petrova saw upon coming through the ward screen was Blaze, kneeling on top of his Big Sis, the latter's gown torn open. He noticed that the feline was quite flustered, being caught red-handed and all.

But before that.

*SNAP*

Nice picture, taken! Camera for quick access button sure is handy.

" Thirty minutes, Sexy Cat. I'll go inform the rest of the squad about Big Sis's awakening then."

" Hah?! No! It's not what you are thinking! Petrova you son of a ****! Comeback here!"

" Foolish daughter, you are finally awake."

" Father, your voice..."

" I received treatment. Same as yours."

She threw herself against him. The last Wendigo, who had shed off his armor, returned his precious daughter's affection. All around them, his guards and the Yeti squad, shed tears of joy. Some couldn't help but sniffle like children.

" Father, I was a fool. Please forgive me."

" Me too, child. Me too. There is much to be done."

" But I assured you. This time, we will do what is right. For the vision of a better future. For everyone. Together."

" Together."

" Here's your specially made pizza and double steak, Doctor. Enjoy!"

Gummy put two big dishes in front of the Doctor as he was tearing the hamburger in his hands. After a few bites, the steak became his next victim. Then like a hungry beast, he wolfed down the pizza, leaving behind not even a crumb.

Chugged down a glass of coke, the Doctor proceeded to let out a loud burp.

He needed the energy after donating much more blood than usual. Iron pills alone wouldn't be enough after all.

" ...That can't be healthy." Grani gulped while saying so.

" But it sure damn makes up an appetite… Gummy! Give me the same thing Dokutah ordered!"

" Ifrit!"

Silence immediately reacted to that.

" What a nice place. If we've known. We would have joined you sooner."

FrostNova casually sat down before him, ignoring the gazes set on her back from the other operators. Many were still wary of her and the Yeti squads. But not out of hostility, just for the sake of being cautious. She knew that and didn't mind much.

" There's also a bar and a musical stage."

" Thank you. Whatever you did to save my life… And to save my father from Talulah's clutches."

" No, thank you. Else he'd fight us to the death."

He gulped down another glass of coke. And another burp.

" And it'd be sad to see the General fight against his own comrade."

FrostNova tilted her head in confusion. The Doctors signalled her to follow him. They both left the Pizzeria, the elevator took them to another floor. The place they entered was a classy bar with a mix of brown and gold theme. They took the seats at the bar counter.

" That, is General Hellagur."

She followed the Doctor's finger to a corner. Where she saw her father casually enjoy a drink with an elder gentleman of Liberi race. She understood then. What kind of tragedy would follow her demise. A fear surged up within her, but quickly as it came, those feelings disappeared without a trace.

All that left was a sense of relief within her.

" May I say you look mighty fine in our uniform?"

Two drinks in his hands, one for himself, another was for her.

" I heard from Blaze that you actually begged someone to let me join?"

" ...A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do."

She smiled once more, accepting the drink.

" Cheers then, for this contract of ours. Welcome to Rhodes Island, FrostNova."

" Cheers. We'll be under your care then, Doctor."

They both finished their drink, both wearing joyous expressions.

" And please, Doctor." She gave him a warm look.

" Call me Yelena."

~Fin~

Or to be continued?

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