Thus Kindly I Scatter
Signal, just any other Reaper Base, acted as a headquarters for all personnel who have pledged their lives to fighting in the Grimm War. When the Grimm War first started, a Grimm would invade after a number of months. However, people soon realized that the intervals between attacks were getting shorter as the years passed. This meant that Grimm attacks were much more frequent and that Reapers had to be manufactured at a faster rate to keep up with the growing threat, which was easier said than done. After a Reaper was deemed operational, it would be stationed at Beacon, the main headquarters because of its proximity to the Grimm Portal, or other minor bases such as Signal or Sanctum.
Signal was located several miles off the coast of Vale while Beacon was located on the coast. Their proximity to each other has led to both bases cooperating with each other several times, although most of the time they are able to handle things independently. Ruby sat in Signal's mess hall on one of the many tables that could seat an entire army. As she was waiting for her mother to come back with their food, she decided to text her older sister Yang on her scroll.
"Hey sis, you up yet?" she sent.
"Ruby! Yeah, I just woke up several minutes ago actually. Blake said something about me snoring too loud and hit me with one of her hard-ass books," came the reply a couple minutes later.
"Lol. Well, your snoring is only reason Mom and I were so glad you decided to move to Beacon," Ruby texted back.
"Ouch. My dear sister, is that what you really think of me? What has the world come to these days? Grimm are eating people, Reapers are punching the crap outta Grimm, and now my own family has betrayed me :'(" was Yang's response but Ruby knew she was just being sarcastic.
"So how are things going? Anything interesting happen?" Ruby replied.
"Well, you remember Ren and Nora from the good old days? I heard they finally got their own Reaper and it's called Lotus Thunder. Oh and I heard your boyfriend is nearly done with training at Sanctum where that one famous athlete girl is too," Yang answered back.
"Jaune and I only dated for a while sis, he's not my boyfriend anymore. We're just friends now. Oh and I think your talking about Pyrrha Nikos. Y'know, she used to be on the cover of our favorite cereal way back when. Remember?"
"Ahhh, that girl. Anyways, I gotta go. I have to help with welcoming a new Huntress who got stationed here at Beacon. She's supposed to filthy rich or real famous or somethin."
":P Well ok bye. I love you sis and I'll text ya later. I'm starving. TTYL"
"You too little sis, you too. Tell mom I said hi and I miss ya guys :D"
Ruby closed her scroll with a small smile and looked up to see her mother returning with breakfast. She caught sight of pancakes with strawberries on top and almost started to drool.
"Hey honey, glad to see you made it," Summer said as she sat down across Ruby.
"Well, I am a Huntress like you said. Might as well live up to the title. I just texted Yang about some news at Beacon. Oh, and she says hi and she misses us," Ruby responded as she took a plate of pancakes.
"Oh really? I really miss my sunshine too. It's a good thing we don't hear her snore anymore, right?" laughed Summer. She took a bite of toast before asking, "So, did she say anything about what's happening at Beacon?"
"Yea, our friends Nora and Ren finally got their Reaper. Yang said it was called Lotus Thunder. She also told me that Jaune was finishing up his Huntsman training at Sanctum," Ruby answered after chewing a strawberry.
"Oooh, that's where THE Pyrrha Nikos is training as well. Wait a second, did you say Jaune? You mean Jaune Jaune? Jaune Arc? Your boyfriend from before? That boy was so awkwardly charming and adorable when you introduced him to me," said Summer as she reminisced.
"Not you too. C'mon, we only dated for a bit. We're not together anymore, just friends," Ruby groaned.
"Aww, but he was such a nice boy. You two were so cute together," Summer replied cheerily.
"Yeah, but you know, hunter training, the Grimm War. I mean, it's not easy to live a normal life anymore when we have to defend the world," Ruby reasoned. "Besides, I think it's cooler that we can be called heroes from time to time."
"Ruby, dear, you're still young. I know that we have to fight if we want to survive but you should try to let loose once in a while. Go out sometime, hang out with new people. Remember what Yang and I said? Strangers- "
"Are just friends you haven't met yet," Ruby finished. "I get it mom. I remember."
"I'm sure you do, sweetie. Say, after we finish our training for the day, you go out and have some fun? Talk to the other Signal personnel here, kay?"
"I'll try, but no promises," responded Ruby as she was finishing up her pancakes.
The Roses were now in the training room, where people can freely hone their skills in combat. It may seem strange due to the fact that it is physically impossible to employ these fighting techniques on Grimm but it's about more than just the moves. By sparring with each other, compatibility can be discovered by how much in sync they are and how well they work together. It is possible to be compatible with more than one person which makes it easier to find a replacement should a partner be injured or KIA.
It's also about being physically fit so that one can wear the drivesuit that is necessary to pilot a Reaper and handle the physical strain that it puts on the body. The drivesuit is comprised of the circuitry suit that interfaces with the pilot's nervous system, allowing them to feel everything the Reaper does, and the armor worn over it to handle the intense physical requirements. It also involves being able to think clearly as well because a Reaper is nearly impossible to pilot with just one brain, therefore a pilot-to-pilot connection was implemented to share the neural burden and lessen the strain on the mind, called Drifting. This allows pilots to share instincts, emotions, and memories with each other but if one loses focus and latches onto a single memory, it can be catastrophic. The emotions from a memory can trigger unintended actions for the Reaper and do more harm than good to those around it. This is known as Random Access Brain Impulse Triggers or R.A.B.I.T. This led to phrase of "never chase the rabbit."
Currently, the Roses were practicing with wooden sticks by using them as polearms. Before the Grimm War started, Qrow used to teach fighting techniques with polearms and spears and he eventually taught some of his moves to Summer and Ruby. It is said that Qrow's actually hunted large game with a war scythe but it has been dismissed as mere rumors.
"You're getting better everyday, little rose. Maybe one day you will surpass me," Summer said as they took a break.
"I guess, but I don't think I can beat Uncle Qrow yet," Ruby panted before taking a gulp from her water bottle. "I still need to work on hand to hand combat though. I want to be as good as Yang."
"Don't fret too much about that, Ruby. Besides, I'm sure your older sister will be more than happy to help train you in her area of expertise," replied Summer. "Although, her technique does seem a bit too brute for your physique and style. What about your friend Ren? I heard his family is good with hand to hand."
"Nah, I don't think I can keep still long enough to even try it his way. I'm too hyperactive, y'know?" Ruby laughed.
"That you are, dearie. Well, break times over. Want to go another round?" Summer asked.
"Yeah, just let me catch my br-"
"ATTENTION. PORTAL ACTIVITY DETECTED. THIS IS NOT A DRILL"
"Dammit," Summer swore under her breath. She offered her hand to her daughter. "Well, better go see Qrow what that's about."
"Yeah, I was getting a little bored," Ruby said nervously as she was helped up to her feet.
"Mom, wait up," Ruby said, trying to keep up with Summer.
"Hmm, what? Oh, sorry Ruby, but you have to keep up" Summer said as she slightly slowed her pacing for her daughter to catch up.
"Well, you kind of ditched me back at the training room as soon as you changed your clothes," answered Ruby as she fiddled with her sock while walking.
"Sorry dear, but this is important. Another Grimm could be invading," said Summer while dodging all the other personnel in her way.
"Yeah, I know. It's just..." Ruby hesitated. I hate when you put your job before me, it's always been like that even before the war and right now it feels like you're doing it again even though you don't mean to, she thought."...nothing. You're right, let's hurry up." Ruby rushed past her mom, who was wearing a knowing look on her face.
I did it again, didn't I, Summer thought as she caught up with her daughter. She had a feeling about what Ruby was thinking, after all they've looked into each other's minds on several occasions.
As soon as the duo reached the command room, they were greeted with the sight of technicians and other workers running about and looking at the various monitors and displays. Qrow saw them and waved them over to his position.
"Good, you guys are here. As you know, activity has been detected at the Portal. It could be nothing, it could be Grimm. We aren't sure yet but as always, we have to be prepared," Qrow said. "Marshall Jaeger wants you two suited up and ready to bring out your Reaper. Crimson Thorn is the only one fully operational, everything else is either repaired or destroyed."
"On it," the duo answered grimly, knowing the fates that befell some of their comrades, before making their way to the nearby drivesuit room. After the technicians were done fitting them into their drivesuits, they stepped into the conn-pod where they are hooked up to the operating system. Then came the Drifting process.
"Ready for this, Ruby?" asked Summer who was situated on the right side.
"Ready, mom," answered Ruby who was on the left side. She closed her eyes and relaxed in preparation for what was about to happen. Then, it happened. There's no real way to describe the experience, at least Ruby couldn't find the words. It just happened. Memories rushed by in an instant. She witnessed her mom's life and vice versa. She saw baby Yang before the memories flashed by her own baby self. The date with Jaune when they were young, the fights against that bully Cardin and his lackeys. As suddenly as it began, it stopped. Now they were one. One with each other, one with Crimson Thorn.
"Let's go hunting," Summer grinned.
"Remember, Thorn. There may or may not be a Grimm so try not to get too excited," came Marshall Jaeger's voice over the comms.
"Understood sir," Summer answered. The feeling of piloting a Reaper was enjoyable enough but she was slightly disappointed that they won't be able to beat up an unfortunate Grimm.
"Aww man, and here I was itching for a fight," Ruby said sarcastically with a pout. Deep down, she was still a bit nervous just like with all her previous battles with the Grimm.
"Careful with what you wish for, honey," Summer teased.
Crimson Thorn patrolled the ocean near Signal, ready for action should a Grimm actually appear this time. Like her namesake suggested, Crimson Thorn was a Reaper with a deep red color with tints of black. The Thorn part of her name came from the sharp protrusions on her knuckles that could be super heated to inflict damage on Grimm hide. A MAC cannon was also fitted onto her back which went over the left shoulder when in use. Like all Reapers, she was over 50 meters tall and powered by Dust, most of it courtesy of the Schnee Dust Company.
"Alright you two, looks like it's your lucky day. We got a Beowolf type coming out of the Portal," Jaeger sad.
"It's always a Beowolf. Back in my days with Qrow, we fought against Ursi types," Summer muttered.
"C'mon, mom. This should still provide a nice work out for us," Ruby replied.
Thorn made her way to intercept the Beowolf and prevent it from reaching Vale City. It has been studied that the Grimm flock over to large concentrations of life, although it is not certain if it is out of instinct or not. It has also been noted that Grimm will fight back against whatever is deemed to be a threat, and the Reapers definitely fit this category. The Roses planned on letting the Beowolf's "instincts" guide it to where Crimson Thorn will be.
As expected, a large dark mass could be seen moving beneath the ocean water. Out of the darkness came the beast. It was truly a terrifying creature even if it was hunched over and not standing at its full height of around 60 meters. When it saw its adversary, it let loose its infamous howl from a wolf-like maw lined with razor sharp fangs.
Crimson Thorn took a combat stance and as the pilots prepared themselves.
"So, you wanna wait for it or punch its mask off first?" Ruby asked cheekily.
"Let's rush it," answered a grinning Summer.
Together, as one, they surged forward with incredible speed hoping to catch the Beowolf off guard. The results were what they expected as Thorn's right hook collided with the beast's lower jaw, tearing pieces of its skin with heated knuckles. With a pained growl, it retaliated with a swipe of its right claw which was blocked by Thorn's left forearm.
"Too slow, puppy," Summer playfully said before punching it straight in the face mask, cracking it in several places. The Beowolf fell back into the water with a whimper and struggled to get out of its daze.
"Engage MAC cannon?" Ruby asked.
"Engage MAC cannon," Summer affirmed.
By the time the Beowolf cleared its head, the cannon was already fully charged and ready to fire.
"Fire!" Summer shouted. The interior of the conn-pod echoed and shook with a boom as the tungsten slug shot forward. For whom the bell tolls, she thought to herself.
Unfortunately, this Beowolf was faster than it looks and the round only grazed its left arm, tearing out a chunk but it wasn't fatal enough.
"Shit," cursed Ruby.
"Language, dear," Summer said, also a bit frustrated at the miss.
Whatever Ruby was going to retort with was interrupted as the Beowolf tackled Crimson Thorn, forcing it backwards. At this close range, the cannon couldn't be used effectively. That left only the knuckle thorns.
"Put it in a headlock!" Summer cried out even though both mother daughter knew what the other was thinking.
"Be advised, Thorn. This Beowolf is different from the others! You have to end this quick!" shouted Jaeger from the command room.
This Beowolf actually looks different, Ruby thought as she got a closer look at the beast. It actually seems bigger than the ones before and it has more protrusions on its back.
Crimson Thorn grappled with the Beowolf to try and headlock it but the beast headbutted upwards, knocking Thorn backwards and forcing the conn-pod up. Dazed momentarily, the Roses regained their bearings to try and lunge at the Beowolf again with their fists. At the same time, the MAC cannon was charging up again for another shot.
The Beowolf lunged forward with its claws but Thorn dodged to the right and grabbed hold of its injured left arm in an armlock. Straining with all their might, they were able to bend its arm backwards and break bones before following up with a series of left punches to its open wound. However, they forgot about its tail which it used to knock into Thorn's torso. The hold was broken and the Beowolf used its spiny protrusions to leave dents in Thorn's frontside, causing minor damage.
The Beowolf then quickly turned to face its opponent and locked its jaws over Thorn's left arm. They repeatedly beat at the creature's head with the right fist but this only caused it tighten its hold. It drove its claws deep into the arm leaving gouging marks before tearing it off with its powerful muscles.
"ARRGGH!" Ruby screamed as the pain set in.
"RUBY!" Summer cried out as she also felt the pain.
Crimson Thorn sent her right fist crashing once more into the Beowolf's mask, cracking a large piece of it off. It went down into the water again and Thorn followed up by pinning it down with her full weight and punching it repeatedly in its face and simultaneously drowning it while also aiming the MAC cannon at its head. Just as another round was about to fire, the Beowolf's left arm shot forward and dug its claws into Thorn right side of her face and attempted to claw it off. The right side of the conn-pod. Summer Rose's side.
"MOM!" Ruby shouted.
It knows we're here?, Summer thought, staring at the large claw near her. It's as I feared, they're actually learning and adapting. She gave one last look at her daughter with a loving smile on her face.
"Summer, there is a breach on your side. Suggest you disengage from the operating system and get out, now!" Jaeger ordered with panic in his voice.
It was too late, the Beowolf had already torn the right side of the conn-pod out and had taken Summer with it.
"MOOOOM!" Ruby cried out, tears streaming down her face.
At the moment the connection was severed, she was forced to pilot Crimson Thorn on her own. Ironically enough, she only had to worry about moving the right arm. In her sorrow and rage, Ruby furiously slammed the right hand onto the Beowolf's neck, choking it and holding it secure for a MAC cannon shot.
"BURN IN HELL YOU BASTARD!" she angrily screamed before firing the MAC cannon.
At point blank range, the tungsten slug utterly destroyed the Beowolf's head. The neural strain took its toll on Ruby as she eventually blacked out, the last thing on her mind being her mother's final thoughts.
Don't worry, I've got you. Nothing will ever harm you.
Well, that was a thing. I'm still trying to come up with some names for the Reapers, which will be based on the actual show's canon partnerships among the characters. I've already come up with Jaune and Pyrrha's Reaper name (spoilers). Crimson Thorn was what came in my mind because roses have thorns and most have red petals. And its kind of like a homage to Crimson Typhoon in the actual Pacific Rim film. For those of you wondering, the Grimm as we know them in the actual show never existed. Only the Grimm in this AU, the colossal ones, exist.
