"Combat cores activated!" KG's voice bellowed.
As the power distribution increased, so did the Titan's movement, sensors and weaponries too. As the hideous monstrosity of a beast stood in front of us, I aimed the XO-16 Chaingun at it.
"Are the manoeuvre thrusters ready?" I asked, eyes still fixated on the beast.
"Ready to use". KG said firmly.
As the beast swayed it's head, it sniffed the ground and it's surrounding. It's spontaneous growling could be the only thing heard followed by it's constant sniffing. As it's eyes became fixated on us, I held my fire and waited. Whatever this creature was, it didn't seem to understand what sort of beast stood before it.
"Incoming air targets". KG informed.
Glancing at the radar, I counted two fast moving objects coming in hot towards our location. Deploying the Multi-Missile System, I positioned them in an automated stance to clear the skies. Returning my attention to the giant creature, it still hadn't moved from it's spot.
Thinking it was a harmless oversized mutt, I was proven wrong when it let out an utter bewildering screech. As the sound waves rocked the area, I was taken aback by such power. Seeing the giant monster charge forward, I fired the XO-16 Chaingun in burst shots. As the bullets tore through the creatures legs, it tumbled to the ground before the rest impacted the other parts of it's body.
Walking up to it, I raised a foot and smashed it's head to a pulp. Watching the body go limp, I felt at ease knowing that was one threat down.
"Pilot Pierce, it seems that creature has garnered the attention of many other similar to it". KG informed me.
"You have to be joking me". I groaned.
As more red dots appeared on the radar, they began to come in from all sides. Seeing a shadow on the ground, I glanced up and spotted the biggest bird I have ever seen.
"What the...?" I trailed off.
"Free to engage Pilot?" KG asked.
"Free to engage KG". I said without any hesitation.
As the Multi-Missile System came to life, the skies became ablaze with fire as rockets raced after their target. As the first bird was brought down relatively easily, the second however was more faster and agile. Watching the targeting matrix lock on, I shifted my attention to the oncoming hordes of black skinned beasts.
"KG, I'm gaining manual control of Rocket Pod 1. Switch Rocket Pod 2 to the GAU-8 and pick off any targets that get too close". I ordered.
"Understood Pilot". KG replied.
As the left side Rocket Pod was relinquished to me, I targeted over 10 enemies in total and let loose a barrage of rockets. Turning away, I fired my Chaingun in short rapid burst at the ground. Mowing down the waves of despicable abominations, it was a relentless walk in the park.
Dashing forward, I kicked the tiny wolf like creature away like a ball. Smashing the ground, I used fists, feet and guns to clear the threat. Dashing through a massive horde, I activated electric smoke screen which instantly electrocuted my foes.
As KG racked up kill after kill with the rotary cannon, the place around us was filled with explosion marks and bullet holes. The entirety of the battle lasted less than five minutes. It was simply a massacre for the opponent.
"Dear Lord, I hope we didn't just kill some animals trying to protect their territory". I said with guilt.
"By my analysis Pilot, these aren't animals at all". KG said.
"What makes you say that?" I cocked my head in confusion.
"I cannot analyse any sort of data from the bodies. They seem to possess an advanced decomposing bacteria that chews away their body within seconds". KG explained.
Looking around, I was surprised that the ground wasn't littered with dead bodies. Instead, what I saw was grey gravel empty as we first saw it. It was like the town was abandoned for a long time.
"Any ideas about a local village or civilization?" I shifted my view.
"I have tracked the radio waves to be emitted from a nearby tower not far from here. It is roughly another 8 kilometres away". KG calculated.
"What's the catch?" I asked.
"I have mapped the terrain using only sound waves and pictures. If we follow this path, we should reach the tower by sundown".
"Estimated time of arrival?" I inquired.
"6 hours 13 minutes and 35 seconds starting now". KG replied.
"Do you mind taking the controls?" I asked in a lazy tone.
"Gladly Captain". The Titan said with a hint of joy.
As the time rolled by, I lay inside the cockpit with a bored face. Occasionally playing with KG through Galaga, we exchanged conversations throughout the journey.
"Pilot, incoming aerial targets". KG boomed.
Peering through the cockpit monitor, I glanced at the sky and watched as two odd looking airships zipped by.
"Get a bead on them. They'll probably lead us to a city or something". I said in an excited tone.
"Already on it Pilot". KG said before breaking into a full sprint.
As the ground rumbled beneath the Titan's heavy feet, we cut short the estimated arrival time by nearly 2 hours. Hoping to make it to the city before sundown, I realized it wasn't possible as the sun had gone down below the mountain already.
As we began and uphill climb, KG minimized the audible sound of his feet crunching the ground to any passer-by
"Pilot, I am detecting large amounts of heat signatures over the hill. Recommend you go on foot and scout ahead". KG said before opening the cockpit.
As the cold air rushed inside the cockpit, I removed myself from my seat and leaped out. Activating my jump kit, I softened my landing with minimal disturbance.
"I will track your movements wherever you go". KG said assured. "Give me the signal if there is trouble".
"Duly noted KG". Giving him the thumbs up to which he reciprocated. "I'm going to need my weapons first".
As a small pod ejected from the cockpit, I tugged the handle and the small canister popped open. Grabbing my personal Hemlock BF-R, I grabbed the three magazines that came with it and loaded one while stowing the two away. Equipping my secondary weapon, it was a power sword I designed with the help of KG, able to cut through most metals and hold it's own.
"You know the rules KG". I saluted to him before dashing up the slope.
Using my jumpkit, I propelled myself up onto the hill top. Landing gracefully, I was greeted by one of the most beautiful sights I had ever laid my eyes upon. As my helmet scanned the scenery automatically, still couldn't believe what I saw. A bustling civilisation built right into the side of a mountain.
"You getting this KG?" I spoke through the comms.
"Affirmative". He responded.
"I guess we're one step close to finally getting some answers". I smiled underneath the helmet.
"Sir, closer inspection of the city would be recommended". KG suggested.
"I know, I'm just wondering how I can get down there that's all." I said while analysing the area.
"Sir, I have spotted a building in front of you. It would serve as a good entryway". KG suggested.
Glancing over to where KG pointed out the building, I made out a medium sized house perched on the top of the mountain side with decent open ground.
"Alright, I'll take that route". I told KG. "I'm going to need a lift buddy".
With that, KG climbed up the slope and made his way towards me. As he knelt down in front of me, he pointed a metal finger at the building before making the calculations.
"Ready sir?" He asked while I climbed onto his hand.
"As I'll ever be KG". I said.
As he traced his finger again, he clenched his free hand and tossed me like a tiny pebble. Rocketing away from the Titan, I soared across the lush valley at breakneck speeds. As the wind howled around me, I aimed for the cliff face where the building sat atop. Using my jumpkit, I faced my feet towards the cliff face and activated my thrusters.
Landing on the cliff side with a soft thump, bringing myself to face the rocks, I pulled out my data knife in one swift motion and edged it into the rocks. Securing myself, I holstered my assault rifle and began to slowly make my way up. As the wind picked up speed, I quickened pace as I knew winds at this speeds could make me slip and fall.
As I reached the top, I hung myself at the edge and dislodged my knife. Activating my jumpkit, I flew over the edge and landed on dirt ground. Seeing myself in some sort of courtyard, I scanned the interior of the building to find multiple heat signatures inside.
"KG, you getting this?" I asked.
"Crystal clear Pilot". He replied.
"I'm going to make first contact. Stay put. If things go south, I'll start running". I ordered.
"I'll be sure to prepare Pilot Pierce". He answered.
As I made my way towards the house, I noticed it looked similar to houses on earth. It was a cultural house on some country called Japan that I read awhile back in some books. Stepping into what seemed like a training area, I glanced at swords of different designs. Clearly the owner must've been a forge smith or something.
As I made my way up the steps, I wondered if I should simply introduce myself or sneak in. Pushing my thoughts aside, I found a door and pushed it open. As it let out a small squeak, I kept a weary lookout. Hearing voices, my sensors indicated that I wasn't far off. Only a few more metres.
Peeking around a corner, I spotted a large tree spiralling upwards and perhaps through roof. Hearing the voices were right around the corner, I stepped out and noticed I was on an angle towards what seemed to be a living room.
Glancing at the figures, it seems that they haven't noticed me yet as they were still talking to each other. Judging by the sound their voices, I concluded they were teenagers. Peering at them, I glanced at girl who had black hair with red at the tips, then to the tall young blonde and towards the girl with pink hair and the asian.
"It seems culture resemblance is quite similar". I murmured.
"Agreed, probable DNA structure is clearly human if not, at all". KG spoke through the comms.
As I eavesdropped on their conversation, a small boy stood on the couch and held a cane in his hands as if he were dictating the teens.
"Now then, training will begin as soon as possible". The boy with the voice of a man said. "But first, Ruby, please deal with our guest". He swung his cane in my direction.
Freezing on the spot, I watched as all of the eyes in the room fell upon me. Surprised that an adult was in the room, he glared at me in boredom. Choking on my saliva, I stammered as I tried to speak.
"Professor, who is that?". The girl with red and black hair pointed.
"Your guest, you might want to tend to him". The boy spoke.
"I-I uhhh". I stammered.
"What brings you here? You're outfit doesn't resemble anything like what a huntsman would wear". The boy spoke while waving his cane at me.
"I'm not from around here you see". I began.
"That's kinda obvious". The grown man spoke.
"I mean, I'm like not from around here. I'm not from your world". I said.
"Oh?" Everyone said in chorus.
"And where might you be from?". The boy asked with more curiosity.
"Earth". I replied.
"Hold on, let me get this straight. Are you saying we're talking to an alien?!" The pink haired girl said excitedly.
"Ummmm...you guys aren't freaked out by this?" I pointed at myself.
"I don't think so. We're quite fascinated to be exact". The boy said.
"So what brings you to the world of Remnant?" The Asian teen asked me.
"I don't know. I was deployed on a mission and the next thing you know, I find myself on your planet". I said before shrugging my shoulders.
"You got a name?" The boy asked.
"Captain Andrew Pierce, SRS. Pilot of the Frontier Militia". I saluted.
"Ruby Rose". The girl bowed.
"Nora Valkyrie". She saluted.
"Jaune Arc". The teen waved.
"Lie Ren". He bowed.
"Ozpin and Oscar Pine". The boy said.
"Qrow Branwen". The adult waved before turning away.
"Nice to meet you all". I said happily.
"I am sorry to hear about your accident, is there anyway we can help you get back?" Ozpin asked.
"Unless you have a space faring ship that can warp travel, yes". I nodded.
Seeing Ozpin curl his lips in disappointment, he prominently shook his head. "I'm sorry. We can't help you there. Remnant doesn't possess that sort of technology yet".
As I lowered my head in disappointment, I realized I wasn't going to leave anytime soon. "Oh, it's fine then". I said, looking back up. "I guess I'll just have to figure out something with my partner then".
"There's more of you?" Nora squealed.
"Just one. Me and my friend KG". I told them.
"Who's KG?" Ruby asked.
"Ummmm". Rubbing the back of my head, struggling to find the right words.
"How about you stay here with us?". Ozpin suggested.
"Huh?". I said in confusion.
"Stay here, with us. You're more than welcome. And since you say you're a pilot, perhaps there are jobs here that could reflect your skills". Ozpin said.
"I think you must've gotten the word 'Pilot' wrong". I said sheepishly.
"Aren't Pilots usually those who fly planes and airships?" Jaune said.
"Not me buddy. I control something even better". I grinned underneath my helmet.
As the teens stared at me in confusion, Ruby cocked her head to one side and asked. "So what do you pilot then?".
"From where I come from, we Pilots are the elites of the battlefield. We aren't just some ordinary rifleman. We come in from the sky and rain hell on the enemy. We Pilots control Titans". I pumped at my chest.
"What's a Titan?" Lie asked.
"Giant robots that can turn the tide of any battle. Titan and Pilot work as one to be an effective team". I explained.
"So a bond is formed". Ozpin cracked.
"Precisely". I looked at the boy.
"How big is your Titan?" Nora perked up.
"Is it as tall as the Atlesian Knights?". Ruby clambered.
"A what now?" I responded.
"Oh right, you have yet to learn". Ruby rubbed the back of her head.
"Please, you are more than welcome to stay until something can be figured out". Ozpin said. "You can bring your Titan here with you".
"I'm pretty sure he won't fit inside the house though". I said while glancing around the room.
Ozpin chuckled at my remark. "There's plenty of space outside if needed be".
"I appreciate your kind offer. Really, I thought this would turn out to be a bad thing. Turns out I was wrong". I said.
"We're glad to help". Ruby said.
"I'll be back then. I'll just bring my Titan in to the courtyard outside". I pointed in the direction from where I came.
As I took off back towards where I came from, I heard footsteps behind me as the rest followed, eager to see what a Titan looked like. As I came back out into the open space, I spoke through the comms to get KG's attention.
"KG, good news. I managed to establish friendly relationships".
"Affirmative, next course of action?". KG asked.
"Remember that flight core we installed a few months back? Well I need you to activate in when I get there. You're going to make a really big jump KG". I ordered him.
"Understood Pilot Pierce". KG replied firmly.
As I stopped at the fence. I climbed over and found myself at the edge of the cliff. Seeing KG in the distance, I tried to make up a plan to get myself back across.
"Stuck?" Ozpin's voice came from behind me.
"Just figuring out how to get across". I said.
"Maybe I can help". Ruby said.
"How-' I said while turning around before getting cut off. '-what is that?". I pointed at the weapon Ruby was holding.
"This?" She looked at her weapon. "This is Crescent Rose". She giggled.
"How can you carry such a thing?". I cocked my head to one side.
"Blah blah blah. Enough questions already". Nora said before dragging me and placing me on the blade of Crescent Rose.
"What are you doing?". I asked in confusion.
"Giving you a lift". Ruby grinned.
"Maybe we can think this thr-' A loud bang filled the air as I was cut off prominently and thrown through the air. '-ahhhhhhhhhh. KGGGGGGGGG!". I yelled as I descended towards him.
As KG stepped out of the way, I activated my jumpkit and attempted to slow my descent. As KG reached out a hand, he caught me and cushioned my impact. Placing me atop the chassis, I let out a cheerful laugh.
"That was awesome KG!". I exclaimed.
"Indeed it was". KG said.
"Great catch". I patted the Titan.
"I appreciate the praise Pierce". KG replied.
"Ready to go?". I asked.
"Affirmative". The Titan said firmly.
"Alright, just aim for the ledge upon impact or else we'll shoot overhead. Once we get attached to the ledge, just make your way up". I instructed the Titan.
"We'll have it your way then". KG said.
As the cockpit opened up, I threw myself inside and settled in. Not connecting to the neural link, KG closed the hatch and I watched from the cockpit display as KG fired up the rocket boosters and flew off the ground.
As we soared across the large valley below, we crossed it in a matter of seconds before reaching our destination. As we approached the cliff face, KG put a fist out and crashed into the cliff side. As a loud bang echoed throughout out the area, the rocks that were affected by the nearby impact broke lose and began to tumble down.
As the noise and dust settled, KG grabbed onto a protruding rock and tested it to see if it would it's weight. Seeing as it did, we slowly made our way up the cliff side. Spending a good careful twenty minutes of climbing, we finally reached the edge and KG threw himself over.
As the Titan landed on the dirt ground, the ground rumbled from such immense force. Greeted by Ruby, Nora, Jaune, Ren, even Qrow and Ozpin. The group stared in awe at such a towering machine.
"Hello". KG greeted the group.
As KG knelt down, gained a closer inspection of the group who were still too shocked to respond at the sight.
"T-That's a Titan?!". Nora pointed at the behemoth.
"It's huge". Ruby gawked at it.
"It's bigger than any Atlas Paladin". Jaune remarked.
"Impressive indeed". Qrow nodded.
"Where's Andrew?" Lie asked.
"He is inside". KG said while pointing at himself.
As the group cocked their heads in confusion, KG opened the cockpit to reveal me seated inside. As the group gasped in shock, I removed myself from the seat and leapt out onto the ground. Pressing the release button on the side of my helmet, the pressurized locks detached followed by a hiss of air.
Removing my helmet, I grinned at the teenagers who stared at me and KG back and forth in awe.
"Quite the impressive show you have". Ozpin remarked.
"It's the best the Militia has". I said proudly.
"Come on, lets all head inside for some food. I'm starving". Qrow said before walking away.
"Would you like to join us?" Ruby asked.
"Ummm, sure". I said.
"How about your friend?" Nora asked.
"I will pass on the offer". KG waved his giant hand.
"I'll see you later KG". I said extending a fist.
As we both fist bumped each other, I walked inside the building with the rest of the group to have dinner. At the table, we exchanged conversations like normal only on a scale full of adventure. While the teens told me about their adventure trying to get to this city, which is Mistral, they told me of the hard adventures of they had together.
"So those black creatures you guys talked about. Those are Grimm?" I clarified.
"Yes, and they have been inhabiting this world for a long time". Ozpin said.
"I see". I nodded my head.
"Excuse me". Ozpin said. Followed by his statement, the boy's body glowed a green hue before a gasp escaped his mouth. "That was tiring". A young voice came out from his mouth.
"The hell?". I looked at him in confusion.
"I'm Oscar". He greeted himself before turning away.
"So the person I was just speaking too was Ozpin?" I looked around the table only to receive nods. "And now this one is Oscar?"
"Yep". The boy replied.
"Well this day just got even more interesting". I said while digging into my food.
As the rest of us laughed and exchanged stories, good and sad, I felt a tinge of pity for the teenagers. They have all been driven away from their schools which they considered home, and the worst part, lost some good friends.
"I'm really sorry for your losses". I said while looking at my plate.
"It's okay". Nora said.
"What about you? You say you are part of this 'Militia' what exactly do you guys do?" Jaune asked.
Taking a deep breath, I put down my utensils and looked at the curious sea of faces. "Being a Pilot in the Militia isn't easy. In fact, it's a job where we sometimes won't make it back alive. The Militia is currently at war with the IMC. The IMC, or Interstellar Manufacturing Corporation, is the hive of corruption and lies. They invaded worlds rich of resources and enslaved the innocent population. I remember my world being taken over for it's resources. And because of that, I lost my parents at an early age. I fought on and as soon as I was old enough, I joined the ranks of Militia and became a Pilot. To this day I have been fighting for the rights of the innocents".
As the curious faces around me diminished into that of pity, I noticed Ruby looking at me with full on pity. Clearly my story must've touched her or perhaps reminded her of something.
"That's...that's big. I'm sorry man. Sorry for your loss". Jaune said in shock.
"Thanks man". I smiled at him.
"I guess we've all had our ups and downs in life. We've all lost something dear". Ren nodded at us all.
"I think we can all agree on that". I leaned back in my chair.
As we finished the remaining food on the table, I helped clean up the dishes even though Nora insisted I didn't need to. As everyone else cleaned up, Ruby escorted me upstairs to a guest room.
"I hope you won't find it too noisy". Ruby laughed at her words as she lead me down the hall.
"Eh where I used to sleep, it sounded like a space battle was happening outside". I chuckled.
As Ruby opened the door, I found a single made bed with a large window. As I stepped inside, I placed my assault pack on the floor and stowed my weapons next to it. Peering out the window, I found KG sitting idle outside.
"You going to sleep now?" Ruby asked.
Tearing my eyes away, I shook my head before turning back. "I'll go to sleep after I do something".
"Okay. Have a goodnight". She quipped before closing the door behind me.
Hearing Ruby run down the hallway, I made my way towards the door and downstairs into the courtyard. Garnering KG's attention, his core eye widened with surprise.
"Pilot Pierce, nice of you to join me". KG greeted.
"Hey there KG. How's it going?" I asked while patting the robot's arm.
"I am fine Pierce. How about you?" KG asked.
"Doing fine myself really". I said before climbing into his hand.
As KG brought me up to eye level with him, I simply patted his eye core before hugging it. As KG let out a soft mechanical whir, I laughed a bit.
"I appreciate the affection you are giving me Pilot Pierce". KG said in a more albeit happier tone.
"Ah, this is long overdue. Just wanted to say it's been the best 2 years of my life serving with you KG". I told the Titan.
"It is an honour to fight by your side Andrew". The Titan pointed at me.
"And it's been a honour fighting with you KG. May we continue to fight alongside each other and go and many more adventures". I lightly punched the chassis.
"Indeed Pierce". KG nodded.
"Alright, I gotta crash now okay? I'll see you tomorrow KG". I said before hugging the giant robot.
As KG put me back down on the ground, I walked away before he said behind my back. "Goodnight Pilot Pierce".
As I made my way inside the house, I quietly made my way inside the room and retrieved my own grooming kit. Picking out a razor and some cream, I went to the bathroom and shaved my beard while lightly trimming my moustache. Wiping my face, I realized it's been awhile since I last shaved.
Exiting the bathroom, I kept my grooming kit and climbed into bed. Feeling a different sensation, they weren't as rock hard aboard the carriers. Settling in, I found myself dozing off very quickly to sleep. Within moments I was snoring loud enough for KG to hear outside.
Hey guys! Hopw you enjoyed this chapter. As you know, this currently takes place in Volume 5. So I would be following the recent chapters closely with a few of my own twists to it. As for villians, anybody wanna make one up for the duo?
Do note, Pilot Pierce will get an upgrade for his suit. For now, he would be relying on the new suit I will introduce sometime next chapter. Then there will be another one when god knows when.
Just to even things out fairly I say.