Before we start. This is my first story. So expect errors in both grammar, spelling and possibly fact and cannon errors. I will try my best to be as close as possible but I am only human.
Two years. That is how long the war ended. Two years since the Dawn was cut in half by the portal and left them floating in the middle of nowhere. Two years since John, The Master Chief, Hero and savior of humanity, went into cryo. Two years with a beacon on waiting for pick up and still nothing. Two years of waiting and thinking. These are the thoughts that are going through Cortana's mind as she watches over John. She gave a mental sigh of boredom. There was nothing to do on this thing. No calculations to run, and the ship was running on emergency power, only cryo was working. With absolutely nothing to do she decided to do something that surprised even her, She viewed old earth videos, more specifically the adventures of Malcolm the out law and Dante Captain Batman.
" That. Was… different." Cortana thought. Two days passed since she decided to watch Let's Play Destiny 2. Needless to say it was an interesting little waste of time but was entertaining. Add in the fact that they played as multiple characters and became said charters was amusing.
" Ok. What is going on out there?" She asked herself. Using the limited camaras left on the dawn she took a look outside.
" Stars, Stars, Ship dibres, stars, Stars, blackness, blackness. Ahhhhhhhhh, I wish something interesting would happen!" She whined.
She was just about to cut the feed when a wormhole suddenly opened.
" Well, sudden wormhole is sudden." She said. She was going to get to wake John and get him out of the dawn, but the wormhole already started sucking them in. She still got the chief thawing for what every was on the other side. As the saying goes, better safe than sorry. It took only fifteen minutes to thaw and get him up to speed.
"What's happening?" He asked.
"Same as usual we are in trouble. We are getting sucked into a surprise wormhole." She started to explain," I started the thawing as soon as I could but sadly we are already caught in the gravity well and getting sucked in."
"Sudden wormhole is sudden then. No way out?" He asked
"Affirmative"
" So why did you wake me?" John asked opening the cryotube and stepping out.
" To get you up to speed and ready for whatever may be on the other side." She responded.
He gave an approving grunt and then grabbed his assault rifle from the rack. Giving it a quick once over, he ejected the magazine and inspected it as well, and satisfied that there was no damage, slapped it back in. He then turned to Cortana.
" Ready to get to work?" He asked.
" I have been bored out of my mind on the thing for two fucking years. I am ready to do shit. So quit teasing me and let's go." She said in a snarky voice.
Giving a smile under his helmet, he ejected the data chip from the pedestal and slotted it in his helmet. The feeling of liquid mercury flooded his mind as Cortana interfaced.
" Still as cramped as ever in here I see. You should really make room for me to set up in here. I am thinking about putting in a couch, what do you think?" She said playfully.
He simply responded with a simple " Noted" and went for the armory.
He walked the empty halls of the ship that used to have UNSC marines and other personnel doing tasks to maintain the ship, now empty with debris floating around in zero G, lights flickering. Cortana humming in his ear as she directed him to the armory.
" Any Ideas as to what could be waiting for us on the other side?" The Chief asked, wanting to not think about how empty the ship is and how many lives were lost.
" Not really. Other than expect the unexpected. Hell for all I know we are going to be dropped into a world where logic and the laws of physics get broken on a daily basis and give the finger to those who made said laws of physics." she replied.
"That was oddly specific." He said bluntly.
"It's just best to assume that we are going to be in unknown territory for the time being." She replied.
He nodded in response as the armory door opened for him allowing him access. He walked over to a rack and grabbed an M6. After inspecting he holstered it on his thigh and went to work filling up rucksacks, ammo boxes, crates extra. Taking fifteen minutes to pack duffles and rucksacks, he stacked everything on a couple of trolleys and walked them down to one of the few intact hangers where even still an intact Pelican dropship. He strapped everything down and then brought a mongoose on bored.
" How much time do we have left?" he asked.
" Not sure. Go to the observation deck. We can do a sensor ping and get more data to use." She replied.
Nodding he made his way from the hanger to an elevator. Now that he was thawed and awake, his mind started to wander. He wondered about the rest of Blue team. Fred 104, Kelly 087, Linda 058, and Will 043. When he was gearing up at Earth, he asked about them and all that he was told was that they went to reinforce Doctor Halsey at Onyx and reclaim forerunner tech.
'Am I the sole Spartan left? Has the rest of my team died defending Onyx? What was on Onyx anyway and why hide it?' He thought.
" John, I doubt that Blue team is dead and I am sure that Onyx was classified for a reason." Cortana reassured him.
" I see you decided to poke around in my mind to see what I was thinking." He shot back. Good old Cortana. She seemed to know what to do and how to lift his sprites.
" I have to make sure you don't go all mopey and depressed on me." She snarked.
Smiling, he walked onto the observation deck. It, like the rest of the ship, was in pristine condition but empty of crew. He walked up ramp and approached the controls.
" That control will raise the shutters." Cortana informed," And that one will do a ping." She finished highlighting the two controls.
In doing so she saw the complete blackness of the wormhole. Looking at the control panel again he pressed the sensor ping. What he got in return was a response.
"It appears we are coming into the end of our journey. Anything you want to say or confess? Like your undying love for me?" Cortana asked playfully.
John didn't respond. Insted just watched as they exited the felt a tingle run throughout his body. What also greeted them was not the heart of a dying star, nor was it a hellis looking planet, it looked like a full solar system. So far all that they can see is a shattered planetoid. A moon maybe. But what caught them off guard was the planet that was behind it.
A almost carban copy of earth. The land masses were different but it had an atmosphere.
" Uh, Cortana? Where are we." John asked, not even realizing his voice sounded differently.
" Unknown. I will scan to see- what a minet. John there are people down their. A full civilization! And their are humans down their!" Cortana exclaimed surprised that humanity was on an uncharted planet.
" Humans?! How?" He asked, surprised and confused.
" If I knew that I would not be making a big deal about it now wouldn't I?" She shot back.
John was stumped. ' A whole new humanity out in the middle of nowhere. What are the odds of that happening.' He thought.
Finally taking note of his voice.
"Cortana, do I sound different to you?" he asked.
" Now that you mention it you do." She sounded shocked.
" Is their air for me to breath on the observation deck?" He asked.
"Yes. Why?"
Instead of answering, he unsealed his helmet and looked into the visor. His eyes met with a younger looking version of himself. Not a teen more like mid to late twenties if not early thirties.
Cortana gave a wolf whistle. " looking good John, now all we need to do is get you a women."
She quipped.
John just gave her a look.
"Well we should figure out what to do. Is the dawn going to make orbit?"He asked, coming up with different plans and how to modify them on the fly if he needed to.
" It will make landfall but it will be beaten to hell. Not sure what we could do from their. We could try to rebuild it with whatever suppleis this planet has. But for that we would need a decent income and a place to hide it." She responded.
He put his helmet on and sealed it. He then made his way to the hanger and powered up the drop ship.
" Chief, what are you doing?"
" We probably don't want to be on the DAWN when it touches down." He told her.
Seeing logic in his point she did not argue against it.
" Can you do a scan and find us a safe place to land that is in close proximity to where the dawn will touch down" John asked.
She used some of the remaining spy drones to look for a good landing spot. With in a few seconds and a number of simulations later, she found a good landing spot.
" I think we might have a good spot to land and crash the ship. It's a small island called Patch. Few people their and is part of the kingdom of vale. Lucky it will land on the outskirts of the island and in a easy to conceal place." She informed. " I am also going to launch satellites and drones to keep in orbit."
Firing the pelicans thrusters, he opened the bay doors and started his descent to the planet.
He had a nav marker placed on the island of patch. Finding it he flew in and started the search for a place to land. Unknown that he was spotted by a certain toddler.
Ruby was out side playing with Yang when she heard a noise. It was started low but got higher as it got louder. Being the young child she was, she thought it was thunder and ran inside hiding behind her father clutching his leg whimpering.
" Woow their Rubes what's wrong?" Her father asked.
" Monster outswide." She said shaking a little bit.
Picking her up and holding her to him, he brought her back out and then her heard it as well. Looking at her he smiled.
" Ruby that is just the sound of an aircraft flying. Nothing to be afraid of." He comforted. He then asked, " Do you want to see if you can spot it?"
She gave a nod knowing that she was safe. Her mother came out as well to play with Yang and Ruby when she saw them looking into the sky.
"What are you three looking at?" She asked as she spotted Yang looking as well.
" A Bullhead or something is flying around and we were going to try to spot it." Tie said.
She gave an 'oh' and joined them in looking. They didn't have to wait was the first to spot the plane.
" There it is!" She said pointing.
The adults followed her finger and saw a unique looking plane. It was not a bulhead, that was for sure. It had thrusters on the tail as well as the wings. It looked bulky and military. But it wasn't in any Atlas colors. This was a forest green, like it was to be hidden from sight. Now that they gave it some thought, that made a lot of sense. Sure steel color and aluminum looked cool but it did not camouflage all that well.
" What do you think it is Daddy?" Yang asked.
Tyi was stumped. He hadn't seen a design like that at all. A prototype perhaps. Atlas always made advancements before other kingdoms. Looking towards Yang he smiled and and said that is was most likely a prototype.
Unknown to this small tight knit family, the hero of humanity, the one that has saved the universe including thiers, the symbol of hope for all and all around bad ass, has landed and is going to be making a difference in this world.
It was now currently night and the Dawn was going to touch down with in an hour. If one was observant enough they could see what could be described as a shooting star falling into atmosphere. John was standing by waiting to move either out of the way more or to head to the crash sight.
At the same time Summer and Tye were outside watching the night sky having a little bit of romans. It was the perfect time to since Ruby and Yang were in bed. With Summer sitting on Tia's lap and the back of her head resting on his shoulder as his hands were running the length of her body. Looking up she saw a star falling. Smiling she lifted a hand and pointed.
" Sweety look! A shooting star." She said with a bit husk in her voice from the actions of her husband was doing. He looked up and smiled while wrapping his arms around her abdomen.
" A perfect night for my perfect wife." He commented.
Giggling she gave him a kiss and pushed him to the ground while straddling him. The message being absolutely clear.
If the watched a little longer they would have seen said star get brighter and closer. There was a loud bang that couensidently happend while Summer gave a loud moan. The Dawn flew right past the couple that were out making love. But so into the moment they were that when it past and broke the sound barrier, they thought God himself blessed their evening with his presence.
But we will let the couple enjoy themselves. It won't last forever.
With a ground shaking impact the Dawn touched down, bounced and touched down again. It skipped itself out into to shore and slid deeper into the shore. With the foresight to shut all hatches and airlock, water would not seep in and coroud the ship too much. All that is needed now is to make a land base to repair it. But all in due time. For now, he would venture to the depths when he needed to.
Hovering over the wreck, he prepared to give a once over on the ship and check for hardpoints to connect. The job only took a couple of minutes. So with that info tucked away, he headed for the clearing that Cortana pointed out on the way in.
" So, now we set up shop. I will do what I can to get us cover stories and house plans. Hopefully we can pull a build off before anyone snoops around." Cortana informed. A few minutes later a house plane was brought up. It was a two story house with a basement and a garage. It had that homey look to it. She also brought up a schematic for a underground hanger and workshop for housing the DAWN. Now it was time to settle down and get to work.
" Ok so onto other matters, I need to access this planets network. I have Isolated a communication tower in Vale. That seems to be one of the main sources of information for this planet." Cortana said. Giving a nod he turned the pelican towards vale and punched it going right over Summer and Tia… and they spotted him...again...and not the down flying over their heads… anime logic.
So he flew too Vale and almost immediately found the tower. This is going to be a stealth opp. So he fixed silencers to his weapons, pulled cortana and had at it. Dropping on the roof he found a access hatch and dropped in. The inside was dark as one would expect from a facility closed for the night. The only light source was from the numerous tumanals. Sneaking around the small space, he found a terminal that could take a chip and inserted Cortana into the network. She took a full ten minutes to access and download everything she deemed worthy enough to grab and look into.
Grabbing her and getting back to the pelican, he gunned it back to patch to set down and get too work on a house and possibly a hanger.
" Ok, So the other spices here is known as the faunas humans with animal traits. Tail, ears, Gills, you name it." She said describing them. " Apparently they have been discriminated against for many years with some forming groups that protect themselves. Some even going further still as to attacking any human they see thinking that they should serve the faunas as slaves or just be killed."
She stated in a bit of shock." While those types are few and far between, there are a coupe of groups. The biggest one is in a Kingdom known as Vale. They refer to themselves as THE AVENGING BULLS. They have quit a record. Vandlism, robbery, battery assalt, murder to the upteenth degree, theft, rape, trafficking, you name it they did it."
John was at a loss. " They sound worse than the insurrection." He uttered.
" Yea they sure do."
" What else can you tell me?" He asked
"There is a common enemy that they face. Grimm. They are creators of pure darkness that are drawn to negative emotion. Anger, sadness, envy, depression and alike. They fight back with a substance called dust. And no it is not the dust you clean off of a table or anything like that. Supposedly it can harness the power of the elements. Fire, water, lightning, earth, and surprisingly gravity." She said in almost awe.
John gave a low whistle.
" And that is not the coolest thing. They use it in every part of life. Power source, dust, fuel sources dust, propellent, you guessed it, dust. Hell it is even woven into clothing." She said impressed. " Now the grimm are combatted not only by villagers, but by a group of people called Huntsmen and Huntresses. They specialize in killing these things off. They are like mercenaries with a moral code. Though there are exceptions. As usual. But for the most part they are role models for just about anyone." She finished.
" So what do you suggest we do now?" He asked as he brought the ship over the island and to the spot he picked out for home base.
" Now we start to build a house." Cortana said. "
/
A full month later, we see a humble house. Not to big but not to small. It was just right. Two stories with a basement. Five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a modest size living room, Kitchen and dining room and a family room. Two car garage and one would think that a fairly large family was living their. But they would be wrong. It's just a single guy with an AI who needs a body to move around in. Till then she just uses the projectors if she wanted to move around.
In that time, John had not needed to make an appearance as the spartan...yet. But he still trained and did maintence on his armor. He had an area marked out to start digging so he can bring the dawn in and start repairing it. On that front it is slow. While the spot is marked, he needs tools and resources to make the bloomin hanger. This is going to take a number of years so let's not worry about that front.
It was early morning and we find John on a morning jog. He had a routine of sit ups, push-ups, jumping jacks, squats, and to top it off a couple mile jog. The sun was rising and the air was fresh and the dew was on the grass. John was on his return home when he heard the vehicle approaching. It sounded like a transport and sure enough, it was. A school bus. Patch Elementary. He looked ahead of him and saw a group of four people. Two adults and two children. As he approached he could make out details. A white cloak on one and forearm guards on the other. He saw the bus stop and only one of the children got on, the young blond girl while the raven haired girl was waving and hanging on the older women. As he approached, the bus accelerated and took off, and he could pick up a bit of a conversation.
" Come on Ruby wave to Yang, no she is not going away, she will be back. She is just going to school." The older women said to the younger.
He had full intention of just jogging past till…
" Hey mister Good Morning!" the women called. He stopped and looked and waved.
" Thanks. Good morning to you three as well." He replied giving a wave as he took the time to catch his breath. She and the male approached with the girl still in the big guys arms.
" You don't look familiar, are you new to the area?" The women asked.
" Yes moved in about a month ago." He answered.
" So you are the guy who just moved in." The man said, " Told ya we would run into his sooner than later" he directed the last part to his wife with a bit of an elbow to the side.
She gave a childish pout and stuck out her hand to shake.
" Sorry where are my manners, My name is Summer Rose and this is my husband Taiyang Xiao Long, and our little bundle of joy Ruby Rose, our daughter." She said introducing the other two. He took her hand and gave a gentle shake and offered the same to Tia who gave a firm shake. But one could tell he was wanting to go for a strength test.
" And the one that just left was our daughter Yang." Tia said as too not exclude her.
" John Mendez." He introduced.
" Well why don't you come up for some coffee? We are neabors after all and it is my duty as a huntress and neighbor to make sure you are welcomed so I am not taking no for an answer." She asked and demanded as she sped up the driveway towards the house leaving a stunned SPARTAN and a facepalming husband in her wake.
" She usually like this?" John asked.
Giving a grone Tia responded," Yea. Her heart's in the right place but she can be a bit childish sometimes. But it is on of the many things that I fell for"
Ruby looked at John finally and managed a meek " Hello" before going silent again.
John being polite gave a small smile and a hello in return.
" Well come on, we better get a move on before she comes back and drags us to the house. She may be small and petite but she possess the strength of an animal when she wants." Tia said as he set Ruby down and held her hand as they walked. John followed wondering how this happened. He was on his normal routine and now he was invited for coffee by a grown women child and her husband and daughter. Cortana was going to give him an ear full when he got home.
When they got to the front, Summer slammed the door open and was about to yell to the duo, when she shut her mouth and beckoned them in with a 'beware of the dog' comment. That got him to raise an eyebrow as he walked in and was assaulted by a small grey and white bellied corgi. Kneeling down he went to pat its head when is dropped and rolled over presenting its belly. Giving him quick belly rub, he stood back up he walked into the kitchen to see three cups of hot coffee on the table with Summer and Tia sitting at said table waiting for him.
" Have a seat John and relax. We don't bite...much." Summer said with a chuckle.
John raised and eyebrow at her and gave a dafuq?! Look at her as if she was a little unhinged.
Tia cleared his throat and tried to calm Summer down a bit.
" Honey, calm down and quit scaring him will ya."
The couple began to have a playful argument as John sat down and took the offered mug. Ruby who was set down so the adults can use both hands, walked up to John, hugged his leg and went to another room to play for a bit. John had a quizzical look then looked back towards the couple as they seemed to laugh at a thing and then turned back to question him.
" So, tell us about yourself. Married? Kids? Girlfriend? I can hook you up with someone if you are interested." Summer shot out.
" Summer I think-
" Its OK Tia. No. I am not married, no kids, no girlfriend. I simply live at home with my half sister when she gets home from Atlas." He told them.
" Oh. Sorry to bring up personal stuff I am just too hyper for my own good sometimes." Summer apologized as she took a sip and got up and went to the stove to make breakfast. " You hungry?" She asked being a good host.
Tia was about to say something but John beat him to it.
" I don't want to intrude, the coffee was more than enough and I-
He was cut off as Summer interrupted" You are not intruding! Here I'll make a quick omelet for you and-" She was cut off from Tia as he got up and grabbed her to keep her from moving, and planted her their.
" Summer. I love you but you need to calm yourself. He probably has plans or something he wants to get done today and would like to get home soon." Tia said in a firm yet loving voice. John gave a snort and stood up.
" Well this has been entertaining. But I do need to get back home and get things ready for my sister. If you want we can have a cookout later if you feel so inclined to" John said to help calm down the overactive Summer. She seemed to deflate a bit but gave in.
" Ok. I just wanted to welcome him to the neighborhood and be a good host." She said pouting a bit. She seemed to not have heard him invite them to his place later on in the week.
" Summer" She looked up with a bit of a teary eye " You did a made me feel welcomed. And you have played a good host. I think you just went a little bit overboard." He told her. She seemed to perk up a bit and gave a small smile. She thanked him for the compliment and asked for a time.
" Friday. 5-5:30 sound good?" He asked.
" That sounds good. Is your sisteeer, what did you say her name was again?" Tia asked realizing he never got her name.
" Amethyst Keys. And it is out of our control. She is working on something a bit classified before she comes home. Though she may be able to have a holo call if you are that eager to meet her." John answered.
" That would be nice." Summer said.
John gave his good buys and headed for home. Cortana was going to give him an earful when he gets home. And sure enough the first question out of her mouth was,
" What took you so long?"
" Got stopped and was forced to have coffee with the neighbors." he replied.
" Were they nice? Who are they?" She asked.
" They are the Rose/Xiaolong/Branwen family. Summer Rose, her husband Taiyang Xiao Long, and Qrow Branwen. Tia has a daughter, Yang Xiao Long and HIs other daughter with Summer, Ruby rose." He said still with a bit of a puzzled look as he remembered the...odd family. " Oh, we are also going to have them for a cook out on friday. Summer insisted on wanting to be a good neighbor and huntress."
Cortana, who decided to appear on the counter, looked at him with a blank face, then she seemed to light up.
" Oh. My. God. Are we going TO HAVE COMPANY?! OH WHEN WILL THEY SHOW UP? WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO MAKE? ARE THEY GOING TO BRING THE KIDS? WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? OHHH I CAN'T WAIT! IS IT FRIDAY YET?" She squealed in excitement, jumping around in her holographic form. For a second or to he could have sworn she became chibi out of pure excitement.
This is something he has took notice of over the past month. It is something that, when he confronted Cortana about, she just said to refer to it as anime physics. At random times of excitement, stress, surprise or even just thinking, random things will happen. Starry eyes, thought cloud, surprise eyes, exclamation marks popping up, the whole ' seeing stars' concept, and more to mention.
Not wanting to be a downer but new he had to bring it up, he asked, " Cortana, have you made any headway of making a body, because if you havent, you are only going to be able communicate through hologram." he said.
Her cheere and excited demeanor dropped to a moppy and pouty one.
" You didn't have to crap on my parade John." She said in a depressed like tone. She said with anime tears rolling down her holographic cheeks. John was about to respond wondering if she was going into the early stages of rampancy, when she responded," I have made some progress. There is a person of interest. A Mr. Palindina. He is an engineer and android producer." She said. " He and his wife were to have a child, a daughter, who was a stillborn. But he preserved her remains as best he could and started work on a project. Penny. He would build a body for her so he can have the daughter he lost, and to have a sense of a family. But that is for a later date when season one of the show start."
… ERROR HAS OCCURRED. PLEAS RETYPE AND TALK TO CORTANA ABOUT FOURTH WALL BREAKING…..
She broke off at the end with a bit of a sad tone. She took a breath and continued. " I made contact and, after telling him that everything he was about to hear was classified, agreed to try a test run by making a body for me." She explained. " There are however going to be side effects, what they are are unknown." She finished.
He leaned back and thought about everything. " Any idea how long it could take with help?"
" Negative. It's all going to be up in the air."
" Well we got a few days till the cook out...what do normal people make at a cookout?" He asked.
Cortana facepalmed and uttered" We have a lot of work to do."
Thursday was when John decided to suit up. Cortana intercepted a call of a small time grim nest that needed to be cleared. He was going to leave it up to the huntsmen when Cortana informed him that the nest is bigger than the locals thought.
So he armored up and was ready to go kick some ass.
Grabbing his trusted assault rifle, he clamped it to his back and grabbed two plasma rifles. After that it was a full assortment of grenades. He then grabbed a combat knife and left the small armory. On his way to the hanger, he asked Cortana the location of the village and who was sent.
" The village is in the outskirts of vale and the hunters are..." She paused processing the info." Taiyang Xiao Long and Summer Rose. They are already their fending off the grimm. But they are going to need reinforcements. This nest is going all in."
John grabbed the pelican and took off at highspeeds hoping to make it in time to provide aid.
…
Summer and Tia had underestimated the grimms strength. They were told it was a small nest. So they asked a friend of theirs to watch the girls while they took care of it.
It started out good. But the grimm had this place surrounded. And them by extencion. Now the two of them was always up for a challenge but this, this was going to be a slaughter. Tia and Summer where back to back as the grimm circled them. They were prepared to say their goodbys and make peace, when the chugging of cannon rounds was herd and the grimm were blown to pieces. Looking up the two hunters saw the prototype plane Yang and Ruby saw earlier that month fly past. A second later, a figure in green armor slammed into a ursa major, snapping its back as he landed and rolled. Grabbing a rifle off its back it gunned down some of the weaker grimm.
Summer stared at the new comer with contained excitement, that would turn into fangirl as soon as the nest was clear. Tia already saw it coming. The finger turned and spoke to them.
" Stay close. I am your best chance at success." He said in a gravelly voice that spoke no nonsense. Giving a nod they went at it. And with this new commer, the tides have changed. The husband and wife duo watched as this new guy just rip and teared through the grimm. Littraly in some cases. They were cut down with automatic weapons fire, melted by two alien looking handguns that fired a blue plasma, blown by any number of grenades, sliced or stabbed with knives and just beaten to death. All in all it took the whole night and a good deal of the morning to finish the job.
Tia and Summer were exhausted while the newcomer showed no signs of tiring. He walked over with a canteen in his hand as he handed it to the couple.
" You two look like you could use it" He had stated.
The two took a long drink of the cold liquid. Each sighed in content, which was then shattered as the once exhausted Summer was dashed in front of the new guy and started to fangirl.
"OHMYGOSH!WHATISTHISARMOR YOUAREWEARING?WHATPOWERSIT?CANITRYIT? OHHH!WHATABOUTYOURWEAPONS?DOTHEYHAVEASECONDFUNCTION? CANITRYTHEMSOMETIME? PLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPRETTYPLEASE? WHATISYOURNAME? AREYOUAROBOT? HOWDIDYOUDOEVERYTHING?" She rapid fired as she inspected the armor and went chibi.
He looked at Tia and pointed to the overly excited Summer in a jester of ' is she normally like this?' giving a sigh Tia got up, grabbed Summer by the cloak, kissed her, gave an apology along the lines of ' this is for your own good' and cold cocked her.
" I am so sorry for both her and you needing to see that." Tia apologized as he caught his wife before she could fall.
" You don't look the abusive type. I see no bruises, cuts or scars or any other signs of spousal abuse. And as far as her excitement, cut back the caffeine." the armored figure told him.
Tia gave let out a breath of relief. Adjusting his grip on her, he offered his hand to shake.
" I am Taiyang Xiao Long. And this is my wife, Summer Rose."
John hesitantly shook his hand as he replied.
" Master Chief Petty Officer Spartan 117." Was his reply.
" That is a mouth full, can I just call you chief or something?" Tia asked.
"Master Chief, Chief, SPARTAN or 117 will do." Was his answer.
" That's easier to say. Thank you for the assist. That nest was way bigger than what we thought. So as to what Summer said, what are you? I can tell you are s solder but that armor...is it atlas or is it something else?" He asked taking another swig of water and handing it back.
The SPARTAN looked at him and taking back his canteen. " Its classified. I am human but beyond that is classified. I am a soldier, but again…"
"Classified. I get it. Kind of like a black op unit? Wait no dont answer, I know the answer its classified and if you did answer you would need to kill me, my wife and kids and dog for good messer?" Tia answered with a little bit of fun in his voice towards the end.
" Something like that." Was the reply.
There was silence. Not an uncomfortable one just a silence. Tia looked at him wanting to ask a question but not sure how to ask it. Finally he worked the nerve to ask.
" Hey Chief I need to inform the village elder of the success, collect our pay and then head out. I was wondering if we could hitch a ride with you?" Tia finally asked.
John thought about it. On the one hand he is here and would be heading back to his base which is not all that far away, and a bullhead from vale will take time to get the go ahead and fly here to pick them up and fly back. Really when he thought about their was no downside. And Cortana said that they would start the legend of the SPARTAN. That the criminal underworld would learn to fear the mere mention of his name.
All he did was nod. " If you want I can get her strapped in and the bird ready for takeoff." He offered.
Shrugging his shoulders, Tia handed Summer to Chief and walked back towards the elder. John walked to the pelican and strapped Summer into a seat, then to the cockpit he went to get the engines warming up. Tia boarded a few minutes later. With that he raised the ramp and took to the skys. Once he reached a suitable altitude, he put it on cruze and went back to the troop bay. Tia was on a seat next to his wife, who was stirring to conisness.
"Tia, can I ask you a question?" John asked.
" You just did" He shot back with a smile and a chuckle.
John just stared at him with an unamused stare.
" Tia, not in front of the girls" Summer utterd in her sleep, " No strawberry, come back, I just want to eat you." she kept saying and uttering random things that are better left untyped. Both John and Tia just looked at her with raised eyebrows. She suddenly sat bolt upright eyes opening with a gasp. Before she took in her surroundings, she stretched her arms and back and after feeling a couple of pops finally noticed she was on a airship.
" Oh we are on a bullhead heading for home?" She asked turning towards Tia with a bit of sleepiness still in her eyes.
" We are on the way home, just not on a bullhead." Tia said looking at her.
She then looked at her surroundings and when her eyes finally landed on the Chief she ALMOST went back to what landed her in this situation. But she still vibrated with unrestrained energy. And in Summer Rose passion she brought both fists to her mouth like she was ready to squeal.
" Summer! Calm yourself." Tia commanded. Surprisingly she did. She just vibrated a lot more.
Summer just looked at the towering person in front of her. She drank it all in. From the weapons he had on his person to the the slightes dings in the armor. Every ding had a story and she will hear them all.
" Summer, This is Master Chief Petty Officer Spartan 117. He is obviously a soldier and a black ops one at that. So don't go asking questions. They are all classified. Even if he could tell us a lie he would need to kill us, our daughters and to be on the safe side the dog as well." Tia informed her, still with the playfulness that he used.
" That is a mouth full to say. Can I shorten it to like say Spartan or Chief?" Summer deadpanned.
" Chief will do fine" Was her reply.
He then asked his question.
" Since you are awake, do the two of you mind answering a question?" When he received two nods he continued." Why did you two become hunters? Some do it for fame and glory, others for riches and the entitlement. Few do it for noble reasons. What are yours? He asked.
Summer and Tia looked at one another before answering.
Tia started it off." I joined for the thrill mostly. I wanted to get wrapped up in as much excitement as I could. And if I helped people on the way then I was cool with it. Being a huntsman mostly lined up with it. But one thing I never would have thought was that I would have foud love in the only two female member of team STRQ. So with that I had to shift my prioritys. First with Raven and being a good boyfriend/husband to her and later ona father to Yang, and then the same thing to Summer and Ruby. With that I took on a job at Signal acadomey inbetwen hunts so both girls can have a parent at home. Every now and then Summer and I will switch it up but for the most part if one goes on a longer hunt, we both go."
John could respect that. Tia started out as a young dum kid but really matured into a decent father. He still had a question for him though. " If you and Raven are together than why are you with Summer? Are you cheating on her?"
Tia gave a laugh" No. I am not like that at all, although I can see why you would think that. Raven left me shortly after Yang was born. No note no nothing. I spent a year and some trying to figure out what I did wrong. Summer and Qrow really helped me out, but Summer. She was a life saver. She helped me out with Yang as a surrogate mother and, well one thing led to another. We slept together and she conceived. Being raised an honorable man, I married her and the rest is history." Tia answerd.
Summer put a soothing hand on his back. Telling him that he did nothing wrong and that she was there for him.
After a minute of Summer soothing him, she took her turn to answer.
" I became a huntress to help people. People need people to look up to and to strive to be. As a girl I looked up to hunters as heros and have always wanted to be one. Now I want to influence a small child to achieve her dreams and no matter where you came from, no matter how rich or poor you are, if you put your mind to it you can shoot for the stars and actually get to them." She said with sincerity. " Now as a mother and wife, I just want to make the world a bit safer for them. Because if it wasn't for hunters and other guardians, we would always be on the run and never find peace."
Again no problems. She just wanted to make the world safer and help inspire the next generation.
She then looked at him with still a bit of excitement but was really subdued. " So if you don't mind me asking, can you tell us about yourself? Tia mentioned you are a black ops soldier, but are you also a huntsmen? Got any cool stories that you can tell us?"
He thought about it.
" Sorry. Most of what would interest you is under classification that I know you don't have. But at the next opportunity, I will get you the paperwork to fill out." He said.
They gave a small chuckle at that. Clearly they were fatigued. Bags under their eyes and they just looked drained. Yet Summer still wanted to be up.
" Ohhhhhh. I got stuff to make for tomorrow." Summer groaned out leaning her head back into the rest. She turned to the Spartan. " We are invited to a new neighbors place for a grill out. A welcome to the neighborhood type thing. Hmmm I am just so tired I can't really think on what to get out or what to make."
" Summer. Its friday. The cook out is in the afternoon. I am sure we can get something whiped up in a few hours. But first we need some rest. Recharge and clean up." Tia informed his wife.
She gave another groan.
"Ok. First thing is first. We see Yang off to school. We asked Glynda to watch Ruby for the day, then we wash off before getting at least three hours of sleep. Hey Chief how far away are we from Patch?" Summer rapid fired.
" We will be over Patch in an hour. Till then get some sleep. I will wake you as we make our approach." The Chief told the two.
They didn't need to be told twice. With in seconds they were out. John looked them over and sighed. He was going to have a long day ahead of him.
" John. You didn't tell me Summer was cute. To bad she is taken. She would be a good fit for you." Cortana teased.
He just growled in response as he stepped back to the cockpit and set a course for home.
And sure to his word, with in an hour they were over the coast. He walked back into the troop bay and saw that Tia had his arm around Summer in a loving protective way. He saw how peaceful they looked and decided to let them sleep till they landed. Wich was only and extra fifteen minutes. There was a subtle thud and bounce that stirred them to wakefulness.
Tia spoke first while stretching." HGRRRMMMM. Whats going on?" He asked.
To that John walked to the back of the pelican, and open the back hatch. What Tia and Summer saw shocked them. They were in the front yard of their house. Both had the same question running through their heads. ' How did he know were we lived?!'
They looked at the spartan with looks ranging from surprise, suspension, and shock.
" I looked you guys up on the way here." was his reply. " Plus you look like you could've used the extra fifteen minutes"
They gave him a skeptical look, then shrugged it off and walked down the ramp to be met with Glynda Goodwitch. She was standing there with arms crossed and foot tapping with a Ruby and a yang at her side ready for school. As their eyes landed on their parents, they ran right up the ramp and into the troop bay. Dropping down to a knee Summer and Tia hugged their children with smiles on their faces. Saying how much they missed them or how much they loved them.
The Chief stood back and watched the touching moment. Cortana appeared in the corner of his HUD. She smiling and even shedding a few tears.
"Snnfff, This is great. This is just heartwarming John you really need a women so we can have this more often." She said choking up.
Finally seeing the Spartan, Ruby walked up to him with stars in her eyes and drool at her mouth. She then squealed and somehow started to climb up and down his armored bulk. She didn't say anything, just inspected and looked it over with a child's imagination. Summer looked up at her youngest daughter and gave a chuckle.
"She really seems to have taken a liking to you Chief." She said with a smile as Ruby somehow sat on top of his head.
" Well that is a sight you don't see everyday. Care to explain what all happened?" Glynda asked with raised eyebrow.
" The nest was bigger than the village elder thought. We were about to bite it to, if it weren't for big green and scary over here going beast mode." Tia said then as if it just hit him," Oh Glynda Goodwitch, meet the Master Chief. Chief meet Glynda Goodwitch." he introduced. She stuck her hand out to shake, and again he hesitated. Not many people would want to shake his hand in armor. A fragile hand pressed and encased an unyielding gauntlet. He took it and gently shook it.
"Nice to meet you Chief. Tell me, did James send you here for testing out this prototype?" She asked.
His response was a no and that it was classified. She gave a huf then a small smile.
" Hey Glynda, did you get the job at beacon?" Summer asked as she reached for her daughter. Ruby was about to move when he reached up and picked her up and gave her to Summer.
Glynda smiled with excitement. " I did! I start next week! Oh I am so happy and can't wait to start!"
" Well as much as I would love for all of us to go in the house and chat," Tia said cutting Summer off before she and Glynda could go on longer, " I know the Chief has some black oppy stuff to busy himself with, Yang has a bus to catch, and Sumer and myself need a shower and rest. With that Glynda do you mind staying a bit longer? I know its a lot to ask but…"
" Of course I can. I can tell you two are wiped and need rest and I am sure that Ruby may keep you both up. Hell I do so free of charge." Glynda said. She may be strict and stern but she loved the two little ones. She just wishes to meet a man and have kids one day.
" Glynda you are a lifesaver. Thank you." Summer said with an exhausted smile.
Yang walked up to the towering Spartan and looked up at him. Seeing her standing there looking up at him, he dropped to a knee to be at eye level with her.
" Can I help you little one?" He asked. Instead of an answer, Yang threw herself at hem and wraped her arms around his neck in a hug. Being caught off guard, he hesitated a full two seconds before gently hugging her back as well.
" Thank you for helping them." She said.
" A solder shouldn't be thanked for doing his duty. But you are welcome." He told her cripticly.
The adults looked at him quizzically.
" What do you mean by that sir?" Tia asked.
" I am a soldier. I should not be thanked for doing what is expected of me and my job. That being to protect lives from all threats. Foreign and domestic. I seek no praise for what must be done, for the work of a soldier is to recognize a threat and eliminate it. To go into a hostile situation and rescue people." He replied.
That got them to think. He does things that would be questionable and others that would be labeled as down right wrong. He doesn't want to be recognized for the bad, yet at the same time the good. He showed humility and honor. A worrier through and through. Unknown to the adults both Yang and Ruby would reflect on those words and think about them.
Giving one final goodbye, he sealed the ramp, powered up the pelican and took off. The small tight knit family watched as the ship took to the skys to places unknown.
" Well Yang, you ready for school? I know you would like to stay home but think about what you can tell your friends." Summer asked.
" Yea I am ready to go. By mom, By dad, By Glynda," She gave the adults a hug as she said each name, " See you when I get home Ruby." She finished with a hug to her sister.
She then sprinted to the end of the drive way as to wait for the bus.
" Alright. Glynda thanks again for watching over Ruby a little while longer. Summer do you want first dibs on shower?" Tia asked.
" I was thinking of showering together. We both get clean at the same time and hit the sack at the same time. I don't want to wait for my snuggle buddy to get in bed with me because he is showering." She answered tiredly and with that same playfulness.
With that the remaining four went into the house with Summer and Tia going to their bedroom to shower and sleep, while Glynda cleaned up from breakfast and got Ruby ready for the day.
" Summer." Glynda called. Summer stopped at the top of the stairs and turned. Taking that as a reason to answer, she continued. " Is there anything you need done? What are you planning for dinner? Need any shopping done?"
Summer thought for a minute, then nodded her head. " We have been invited to a grill out at a neighbors place. A welcome to the neighborhood kind of thing. I am assuming he will provide the meat, so I was going to bake a double batch of my famous cookies to bring as well as some pasta sallad and maybe some veggies and fruit. If you do go to Vale, would you pick the stuff up?" She asked.
Glynda nodded and quickly wrote down what Summer requested and she turned and went to join Tia in the shower. In all honesty Glynda was a little envious of their relationship. Not enough for ill will. She just wanted the same thing. Giving a sigh she turned to Ruby who looked around with all the wonder of a toddler.
" So Ruby." Glynda called as she bent over to be at a better eye level with the child." Do you want to go for a morning stroll? Maybe stop at a shop in Vale for lunch?"
What she got was a smile as she grabbed her shoes and her baby blanket and walked to the doorway. She gave a chuckle, grabbed the list and her shoes, and brought out a stroller.
And so Summer and Tia had their shower. And oh did it feel so good. They could see the grime and blood wash off of them and swirl down the drain. They could feel the dirt and everything wash off of them. They each took turns under the shower head to get water on them or to rinse off.
It was Summers turn to soap up and scrub. She was humming a nameless tune to herself washing down when she felt Tia get her back, and in a way he was also massaging her back as well. She moaned in satisfaction with the impronto massage. She looked up at Tia with a smile and heavy lidded eyes.
" Remind me to have you do this again when we not only have more time, but also when we are not dead tired." She said.
In response he just kissed the top of her head as he turned her to be under the water to rinse off. He helped her out and once she was done he rinsed off and dried off. With that they got in some sleep wear. Summer just grabbed a white nightgown and slipped under the covers as Tia set an alarm on his scroll and joined her. With that they slept. And boy did they need it and enjoy the rest.
John landed in a hidden hanger after his night out. His armor had hardly a ding on it. The Grimm didn't even get through his energy shields. As he walked to his armor removal station, he thought more about what Tia and Summer talked about. Mostly their reasons for doing what they do. Tia wanting a thrill then later on wanting to protect the ones he loved. Both of his Raven and Yang, and later after Raven left, Summer and Ruby. And how Summer has always wanted to inspire and protect people.
They really were good and honorable people. He did wonder who Qrow and Raven were. He would need to look them up at a later date.
He decided to hit the showers and get some shut eye.
Ozpin sat in his office looking over the morning report. He had this body for only a few years and the host still needed to come to full terms with what is going on. He hated the fact that he needed to be incharge for all of his hosts natural lifespan while his host stayed in the background. Watching his body live and do things thats they probably wouldnt do. One of the many curses with this curse. He just hopped that someone will help in braking this cuse. To defeat Salam.
Giving a sigh he looked over the reports from yesterday. Last minute missions were such a pain. Especially to those who have families. Speaking of witch, Summer and Tia's mission was a success. He was about to set it down when his eyes spotted the almost failed part.
Intrigued he read further.
" The husband and wife team were completely surrounded and were on a silver platter. All the grimm had to do was attack. You could tell they new they were not going to make it. But as if fate had other ideas, a plane of somesort dropped off reinforcements in the form of a single green robot. He broke an Ursa major's back and proceeded to just rip and tear through the horde."
That got Ozpin's attention. ' A new prototype of robot from atlas perhaps?'
He took another sip of coffee and looked out the window thinking. ' Surely they are sleeping. If the time stamp is anything to go by the would just be getting home. I will ask them to come by Monday to debrief.
With four thirty rounding in, John got to work getting the everything ready. He already had the hamburger and Misraalian sausage ( Italian Sausage in remnant) thawed. He had some Brats and hotdogs set and condiments out.
" Ok so I just mix the ground meat with spices and alike?" He asked his trusted Ai companion who decided to appear ready to help. Chef hat and all.
" Yup. Mix the ground beef and sausage together and then eyeball the seasoning. Then it's off to the grill. Speaking of which, did you get it cleaned or assembled for that matter?" Cortana remarked.
John just looked at her. " Yes. You kept pestering me about it. I will get it preheating at around ten till." He deadpanned.
Cortana just giggled and went back to doing what she was doing. So with that John did just that. The meat was mixed and patted out into patties. He looked at the time and saw it was quarter till five. He was going to start cutting up the lettuce, onion, tomatoes and slice up some cheese for the burgers, when he heard a knock at the door. Querking an eyebrow he looked at Cortana. She shrugged and winked out.
Walking over to the door and opened it. What surprised his were the people in front of him. Summer Rose, Taiyang Xiao Long, Ruby Rose, Yang Xiao Long. And they were early. He also saw another guy. He had black spike hair, red eyes, a bit of a stubble. A dress shirt pants and shoes with a red tattered cape to top it all off.
Seeing his surprise Summer, ever the observant childish one, spoke first.
" Hi John. Sorry for the sudden arrival. I always believed in arriving early." She said sheepishly. He saw Tia facepalming on her right and the mystery person just looked at him with an analytical eye.
" No its fine. You just surprised me is all. Come in." he said jestering for them to come inside. They did so with the mystery person halting in front of him and stuck a hand out.
" Qrow Branwen" He said.
" John Mendez" John replied taking the hand and giving a firm shake.
Summer went to the kitchen with the girls and brought out what she brought from a basket.
She saw the meat and smiled at the thought of her being right. The girls walked around looking at the house. Ruby, ever the innocent and honest one spoke first.
"Its empty." She observed.
" Your right Ruby. There isn't any life here." Yang said
Summer was about to say something, but was save when a beep emitted from a speaker. Summer still scolded them about what they saw and that he probably hasn't had time to put any decorations up yet and to apologize. John told her it was alright as he hit the accept call button. Instead of a voice it was a hologram call. There stood a women with hazel brown neck length hair, bright blue eyes, a rounded face that just gave her a vulnerable look, and a striking figure. She wore a white lab coat with gray pants and shoes. The name tag read A: Keys.
" John, am I late? Did they show up yet?" She asked John.
" No. You are on time actually." John said to her. He then turned to his guests.
" Amethyst, meet Summer Rose," He pointed to her who waved, " Taiyang Xiao Long" he gave a two finger salute with a hello, " Qrow Branwen" Qrow just looked her up and down and gave a 'whats up' as he took a swig from his flask," And…"
" WHO ARE THESE TWO ADORABLE CREATORS?!" She dropped to a knee and examined Ruby and Yang who were looking at her with a bit of a blush at the praise.
" I thought you said you were single John" Tia said.
" I am that is my step sister." John said.
The adults gave an 'oh' and watched as Ruby and Yang looked at her wondering what to do. Yang being older and more confident, step forward.
" Hi I am Yang, and this is my younger sister Ruby. You look very pretty." She said.
Amethyst squealed in excitement.
" Oh you two are so sweet. I honestly think i will get a cavity from just meeting you two." She smiled happily.
Ruby and Yang looked back at their mother, father, and uncle for support.
" She has been looking forward to meeting you all." John explained. " When I said you had children, well you see the result."
The adults looked at Amethyst with quirked eyebrows. Summer then leaned to Tia.
" If she isn't crazy, I think we might have found a new babysitter when she arrives." Summer whispered.
"I AM NOT CRAZY!" Amethyst shouted to her. " I just really love children. The pureness and innocentes is contagious. I just want to see them grow and help them along their way, that's all."
There was a smack and they looked at John who had his face in his palm.
" Ahhh. what am I going to do with you sis." He groaned.
They all were sitting down to enjoy what all was made and to get to know each other. Cortana winked out after a few minutes of her arrival saying she had to get back to work. So it was just John and the others.
" So John," Tia said taking swig of beer that they brought, " what do you do for a living?"
He looked at him before replying.
" I was in the military. Long deployments. Got so good I was routinely sent on what some would consider suicide missions." He told them. " Now, well you can say I am a self taught hunter."
" OH! WHAT IS YOUR WEAPON!?" Summer asked suddenly.
" Summer calm down. That is kind of a personal thing." Tia scolded her.
" I dont stick to any one type like normal hunters do. I use what the situation calls for. Weapons are just tools. Anyone can pick up a sword and swing it around. Without a hand to wield it, the sword is useless." John said getting Summer to look at him, " I am the weapon. In the hands of someone who is trained, that sword can cut through anything."
She looked at him processing what he said.
" So you are saying that this," She brought out her sniper scythe," Is nothing without me. And I am nothing without it?"
" More or less. What I am saying is would you rather have a weapon that is a long range weapon whos melee form is still to big to use in tight spaces in a building with space at a premium, or go in with close quarters weapons? Shotguns, submachine guns, sidearms, knives and maybe even some swords." He shot back.
She looked up in thought. Tia looked at her waiting her response. Ruby and Yang were looking at her with eager was eyeing John up.
" I see your point. My weapon is a bit bulky for anything inside. And the sniper rounds are to big and high velocity for indoor fighting. Mis a shot and it could go through a building." She said sounding mature for once.
" Don't you carry a sidearm or any form of back up? If not that then please tell me you know hand to hand." John asked, hoping that if she didn't have a sidearm, she could defend herself.
That hope was shattered with what she said next.
" Sorry. I don't have a sidearm. And my I am complete garbage when it comes to hand to hand. Tia and Qrow have tried and tried but I could never get it down. I just can't seem to figure it out." She said exasperated.
" She isn't lying. Both of us took turns training her and she just never seemed to get it." Qrow said looking at her.
" Mind if I give it a shot?" John asked.
And with that the guys watched as John taught and coached Summer how to fight hand to hand.
To say she has a lot to learn is an understatement. They spent a good hour on the basics. From form to throwing a punch. No real training or discipline.
That took till evening. And she was ready to go soon after words.
With that they said their farewells and headed for home. John cleaned up and went to bed afterwards.
So as you can tell this takes place after halo 3 and before halo 4, and way before RWBY season one starts. Also this is part one of a three way crossover. So with that said. I am always looking for help.
Now things may change from canon but that is to be expected. And i am sure i missed some things here.
If this feels rushed well it probably is. I am doing everything on my own and am not to good at finding errors I might have made. So if you want to criticize do so, just make sure it is constructive criticism. Not any ' this sucks you should go kill yourself' or anything like that. If you see something wrong point it out and all that jazz.
Leave a comment and concerns in the boxes and I think I am going to call it for the time being. If you see me on the virtual battlefield, feel free to shoot me a message. I play both PS4 Ironspartan72 and Xbox red october700.