I do this a lot. I have a few days of motivation and then I have to slack off.
Sort of hot off the presses - but not truly. Feel free to point out any glaring errors.
I will work on possibly making longer chapters, but I am finding the more focused main issue per chapter is suiting the story.
Please enjoy.
Ozpin had forgotten what shock rounds felt like, in contrast to Ironwood who could recall the sensation but hadn't experienced it in more than a few years. Both had it better than Glynda, who had never had the benefit of such training in addition to being struck by the combined number of rounds that Ozpin and Ironwood each received individually.
Jaune and Weiss were of like mind and as soon as the directive to eliminate was declared they made their move. Hip holstered semi-auto pistols appeared in their hands. The rapid bang, bang, pause and bang of the triple tap echoed as Weiss placed two in the chest and one in the forehead of Ironwood. Jaune mirrored the action at the same speed and timing with the overlapping weapon reports punctuating Ozpin also being struck two in the chest one in the head. Both men dropped instantly the shock of the rounds playing havoc with their nervous systems. It was only the saving grace that the shock rounds relied on the dust charge to delver an debilitating shock over the minimal powder charge that allowed them to survive the head-shots.
Glynda would survive the encounter as well, but suffered more. As Ironwood and Ozpin collapsed the pair drew a rapid bead upon her. In unison the small arms barked. Two sets of two to the chest instantaneously followed by two single shots to the forehead knocking the awe and fear inspiring professor into painless unconsciousness.
They pair considered each other for but a fraction of a fragmented second before responding to the alarms and cries of action from the security staff surrounding them. Eight members of the test forces held the arena floor with them. They would have non-lethal rounds, the others however, it couldn't be chanced.
On the move as soon a Glynda's form began to drop Jaune and Wiess separated. With the small arms holstered the pair turned to the larger calibres chosen earlier. Without a sound or a signal they worked on instinct, taking cover and marking sight lines. To anyone outside of the arena it would have sound like complete and utter chaos, like a war was being waged. Inside was a different story.
The expansive nature of the room allowed for the reports to echo making it sound as if twice or more the number of firearms where going off than what was actually being employed. Teams moved in under cover fire to extract the three downed VIPs while Jaune and Weiss used the recently revealed cover to duck and dodge behind avoiding line of sight and return fire.
The Special Forces were skilled, and highly trained. It showed in not only their movements but also the trigger discipline. Jaune and Weiss didn't show it but they were impressed. Likewise the teams arrayed against the pair held after but a few short seconds into this engagement a grudging respect for their skills as well. Often touted as some of the best if not the best marksmen and women in the four kingdoms, they were getting schooled by Weiss and Jaune. The pair would move cover to cover, one always ready, always weapon up.
Outside the echos made it sound like a raging bullet storm, inside each report was punctuation to an action. Attempting to use their dwindling number advantage the Specialists closed. Bursts of solid rubber rounds from alternating points in the line attempting to keep the two teens suppressed. Weiss noticed it first and with a nod to Jaune clued him in as well. Everyone here was using Non-lethal rounds. Though that did not change the fact that lethal or not getting shot hurt with body armour or without.
Fanning out more to keep line and move around obstacles the Specialists closed. Jaune and Weiss had ceased returning fire and opted for a tactical stealth approach. Crouching low Weiss waited and upon the sound of a booted steps. Once she gauged them to be about twenty feet away she responded. Swaying out in the low split legged crouch, she went weapon hot. Four rapid bursts connecting. Three with human targets, one with the floor behind the split line drawing their attention.
Jaune acted then moving from cover shotgun at the ready. The distraction had caused the lined to fragment just enough for him to close. The normal triple tap was discarded. Near point blank with the large bore weapon he needed only centre mass, considering that weapon was using shock rounds, and not slugs or normal buck-shot. The distinct difference between the rapid tick for the sub-machine gun and the roar and metallic click of the pump action being worked, quickly informed the remaining operatives the plan was a bust. Bursts of rapid covering fire drove both Weiss and Jaune out of the line of sight as the remaining seven of the original sixteen attempted to regroup.
Discarding the shotgun, Jaune swapped out to the carbine. Tilting the weapon between the ACOG and Red dot he moved from cover. Tapping the trigger he switched sights and targets with ballet like grace each shot a hit, each hit if he had being using standard ammo, a kill. Seven dwindled to five and then four. Weiss discarded her spent automatic and drew her pistol. Crossing behind Jaune, using his body and his fire as cover she moved to gain position. With the safety off, and pistol held up and close to her face in a hand over hand grip she turned a corner.
Four became three and then two as the rapid report of shot and follow up shot signalled Weiss in action. Cycling the carbine Jaune dropped it and drew the revolver. Spinning out of the line of fire into cover only to emerge a moment later. Two became one as the cylinder revolved. The final target ducked for cover and forced herself to try and calm down. Her ammo was nearly gone, her team mates all down. Options where limited. Drawing her side arm she attempted to withdraw from the urban like test course. Continually checking corners and listening for the soft foot falls of her targets turned predators.
Weiss and Jaune split the room, often crisscrossing before and behind each other. Not the most efficient of search methods, but easily the safer as each always was aware of the other, and the over lapping foot falls preventing the sole survivor of this exercise from pin pointing either of them.
"I smell a rabbit." whispered Weiss during the most recent cross over.
Jaune just grunted his reply. The revolver replaced by a semi-auto. Weiss was half right. The final target was getting ready to make a break, but not away from her pursuers. Bolting from around a corner she squeezed off four quick rounds. Weiss took one to the chest and shoulder, knocking her back and off balance. Jaune had two impact him in the side just below his ribs. Releasing his two handed grip he snapped his left hand up and caught the final Specialist's weapon knocking it and her hands high. Dropping his own weapon low he pivoted in the same motion and from the hip emptied four rounds point blank into the body armour protected gut and chest of the solider.
One became none as the shock rounds did their work dropping the figure in a twitching heap. Keeping his weapon ready Jaune tried to recover his breath as he focused on trying to ignore the pain caused by the solid rubber rounds. Weiss in kind was also forcing her body to ignore the numbing shock from the impact of the heavy rounds.
"Time to go." Jaune commented as he proceeded to reload his remaining weapons. He would have preferred access to proper rounds but he would take having non-lethals over having nothing any day.
Weiss mirrored his actions knowing herself that a confirmed full mag in a weapon before trouble was better than swapping out a partial in the middle of trouble. Once satisfied she moved to cover near him.
"Once we're free and clear all bets are off."
"Yeah." Jaune cast a quick glance around as did Weiss seeing no other threats he nodded to the nearest door. Weiss responded with a silent nod as well. Echoing the tactics used in the fake fire fight they crisscrossed each other, one always with a weapon up and ready. Closing the gap to what they both hoped was an exit. Backs to either side of the door they took a moment, and moved. Jaune working the handle as Weiss moved to cover. A second later the two were gone.
/- /
Ironwood threw the examination try across the room in his frustration at confirmation from Winter and the staff of Beacon that both Weiss Schnee and Jaune Arc had made it free and clear from Beacon Academy. He was enraged at the thought of two of possibly the most Lethal operatives he could conceive of lost in the massed populace of Vale. Free and clear to do whatever they wished.
Ozpin was more reserved. He was replaying the long conversation he had had with the pair weeks ago. If they stayed true to form, he was afraid. Very afraid. The absolute animosity and desire to kill each other would drive them, and without anyone to intercede the resulting encounter or encounters could cause massive amounts of collateral damage.
Glynda was blessedly still unconscious. Not that upon waking up and finding out the pair had deemed her the largest threat and unloaded six rounds into her, would make the situation any easier to swallow. She would be incensed, and possible inclined to hunt them both down herself. Another possibility Ozpin was not comfortable contemplating the result of.
"How are the teams?" Ironwood had gained a measure of his composure.
"Fair condition. No serious injuries, just the effects of many of them taking multiple shock round hits, and more than a few of those being head shots." Winter reported, "We were fortunate, they only used the rounds issued to them. If they had swapped any weapons."
"We'd have actual casualties." Ironwood completed her train of thought. He had forced the dust round issue during the planning stages. He wanted to compensate the pair for the lack of Aura, and never truly considered if they would be as proficient with firearms as Ozpin believed they would be. If those two had used the heavier rubber rounds, more than one of his Specialists would be going home in a body bag.
"I have to ask sir."
"You are free to speak Winter."
"Why did our troops have the rubber rounds and not also the shock rounds?"
"I thought I was being fair, but I also knew the training of our troops in the case of subduing a target."
"Centre mass. Never head."
"Correct. But it appears I made an error. A serious one."
"You are not alone in that regard." interjected Ozpin, "It seems we all under estimated the abilities and drive of our two subjects, the question is now what do we do to fix the issue?"
"We'll have to find them, and find them fast. What assets do you have on call Oz?"
"I have a few Hunters and Huntresses, in addition to the teaching staff."
"Do you have any ability to due a full canvas of all CCTV surveillance with facial recognition?"
"I believe we can. What are you proposing?"
"Lock down the city. Emergency exercise or test. Use the software to scan everyone and see if we can pick up a trail while the Test keeps the general population more or less stationary."
"I see. It is worth a try. I'll make some calls."
"So will I."
/ - /
Having successfully gotten clear of Beacon, Jaune and Weiss extended their impromptu truce as they disposed of the weapons and gear they had used to escape. They knew they had to blend in, and two teens walking around in body armour and sporting multiple firearms would not be as under the radar as they would want. They had noticed others strolling about with weapons, but it was more often than not a single one, or pair, not multiples. They separated shortly there after to wander and find their own way, both knowing that in short order next time they meet or one see the other a score would be settled.
Jaune had no real plan as he wandered the streets, glad for once to be wearing the childish hoodie of this body. With his face concealed he walked, and walked. Looking for anything he could remotely consider inviting to someone wishing to stay in low profile.
He found himself at the waterfront a few hours later, considering the facade of a more than shady bar. The sign said Junior's, but the guards spoke of organized crime. He had no issue, in fact he was slightly relieved that such a place existed in this world. Organized crime meant access to some things he would dearly love to have on hand. Proper equipment, lodging, and work. Work would mean funds, funds would mean he had a way to provide for himself. With a his head low he walked in. The bouncer stepped forward and after taking one look into Jaune's eyes, stepped aside. The guy was big but he was far from stupid, he knew the look of a killer when he saw one, regardless of how young the face was.
Jaune moved through the entrance way and around the nearly empty dance floor and surrounding tables. He was focused on the bar. It was only when he was there and seated did he pull back his hood to take a long awaited breather.
"You are kinda young to be in here." the bartender's voice was gruff and matter of fact.
"Yeah, but only if I order anything. Right? If you don't serve me, there is no issue. Correct?"
"Technically yeah." Junior was not entirely impressed with the kid's tone.
"Yeah, then let's stick with technically."
"Suit yourself." During the short back and forth he too had noticed the boy's eyes. If he was causing no trouble, no reason to start any, was Junior's final thought as he left the boy to his own devices.
Jaune knew by her foot falls who it was before she had even taken the seat next to him.
"Birds of a feather." commented Weiss as she leaned forward chin in her hands.
"Yeah."
"You seem a little," Junior stopped taking as soon as the girl looked him. She had the same eyes as the boy. Eyes that have seen and delivered death, "ah forget it. I can give ya both water and if you promise not to make any fuss something to eat."
"The catch?"
"You have to move from the bar to one of the back booths. I don't want nobody to see you here."
"Fair enough." replied Jaune.
"Seems awfully considerate and charitable of you." commented Weiss, "Can you give a girl a hint as to why?"
"I know what I know, and don't care how young you look. I can see death in ya, and I would swear on my mother's grave if you two had come in here like you wanted to I would have smelt it on ya as well."
"He's got a point."
"He does." Jaune agreed, "Back booth?"
"Please."
The pair nodded and pushed themselves from the bar to take up residence in the back shadowed corner the bar tender indicated. Neither spoke they just sat in silence trying to plan and calculate their next respective moves. Each thought set aside as they required one thing neither had at this point resources, specifically money.
The food while not gourmet, was more than fair. In fact the full belly it gave them eased some of the tension the pair had. It was always better the think on a full stomach rather then an empty one. The question now was what was the next move. They had gotten free, now what.
"I'm starting to feel like this urge I have to put bullet into your skull is wasted effort. Get what I mean Jaune?"
"Yeah." Jaune knew exactly what she was referring to. He was feeling it as well. There was no sense to it. It wouldn't change anything for them here and now. In fact from his point of view it would make it worse for whomever survived the altercation. At least right now they both had someone they knew, both in skills and motive. A reliable ally was always an asset.
"Jaune," Weiss' tone was low and cautious, drawing Jaune from his thoughts to the sounds coming from the entrance way, "We have trouble."
"Rival gang?"
"I would say yes."
About fifteen men forced their way in holding the bouncer at gun point. Their style of dress was wildly different from the staff of the bar. Neither Weiss or Jaune could really make out what was being said, but they both knew they had a choice to make.
"Sit it out?"
"He did feed us."
"True, but does that equate to stepping into what looks like a turf struggle?"
"No, but it may give an option to better our current situation."
"Employment?"
"Maybe, but reputation and maybe some funds."
"Either would work."
"Yeah."
"So," Weiss had a mischievous grin as she leaned forward to look Jaune straight in the eyes. "Does this mean you are back Mr. Arc?"
"Yeah Ms. Schnee I guess I'm back."
Weiss almost giggled as she and Jaune rose from the darkened booth and moved towards the group of armed thugs.
