A/N:Before I begin, let me say thanks for deciding to give this story a chance. This is/was my first attempt to write fanfiction of any kind, so please keep that in mind. Please leave a review if you've got some constructive advice, and I'll try to listen!
Originally posted: August 14th, 2015
RWBY is property of Roosterteeth, I only own my characters.
Prologue
So this is how I die.
This was the only thought going through the mind of Alex Greene. The dropship that had been meant to evacuate his team had taken anti-air fire, and come crashing back down into the city. It hadn't taken long for the enemy to close in. Both Humans and Shades; oh-so many Shades. The shadowy creatures were quite literally flooding Alex's position. And the worst part? Aside from himself, Alex had only one soldier left, Dimitri, his very first teammate. Of course, there were worst people to die with than your best friend.
He and Dimitri had been holed up in the wreckage of the dropship for nearly an hour as of this moment. They weren't even exchanging words anymore, simply introducing the oncoming enemies to the business ends of their rapidly dwindling ammunition. Alex's rifle gave a sharp click, and the expended magazine was quickly exchanged for a fresh one.
"Last mag, boss," Alex heard Dimitri mutter. Alex checked his own supply, two extras left. He handed one to his companion.
"Make it count, alright?"
He got a nod in return. They quickly returned to their defensive positions, awaiting the next wave. Something struck Alex. Where had all the enemy soldiers gone? One moment they had been pouring down their throats, and now, complete silence.
The answer to Alex's question came in the form of a blinding flash of light. A giant mushroom cloud sprouting high above the skyscrapers. Alex dropped his weapon to his side, letting the rifle hang by its strap. Dimitri put a hand on his shoulder.
"It's been an honor, boss."
"Yeah," Alex nodded, and for one last moment, closed his eyes. "You too... See you on the other side..." The searing light engulfed the two, and when it cleared nothing remained in its wake.
Major Alex Greene and Sergeant Dimitri Averin were declared killed in action in service of the Earth Defense Coalition, added to the long list of friends and family members claimed by war.
Alex opened his eyes as a soft breeze brushed against his face. He was on his back, looking at the sky. Red leafed trees surrounded him, rustling gently in the wind. He was still in his combat gear and his rifle sat discarded in the dirt nearby. Dimitri also lay a short distance away, picking himself up off the ground.
"Still in one piece, D?"
Dimitri stretched and rolled his shoulders.
"Affirmative."
Dimitri grabbed his helmet off the ground, and shoved the article onto his head.
"Hey, Boss?"
"Yeah?"
"Where the hell are we?"
A/N 2: Minor fixes have been made to grammar and format as of 4/16/16.