A/N - I would like to thank zebra1810 for the favourite
Finally, on the Bullhead, the Doctor ran through where we'll be heading.
So, we're headed to Mountain Glenn. I think I remember Mama telling me a story about the once thriving city filled with people from all walks of life but was quickly extinguished as soon as the Grimm infested the place. And now it stands as a dark reminder that the Grimm unknowingly possess.
After listening to a quick overview of our Mission with the Doctor, I couldn't help but detect something coming from Ruby's back.
Did she have a backpack on her back? I thought Doctor Oobleck stayed he wanted to leave our backpacks at Beacon. Why does the heartbeat coming from Ruby's back feel so familiar? Like this morning familiar? Wait is that...
"Miss Surana." The Doctor snapped me from my thoughts. "Are you paying attention?"
"Yes, sir. There's just something..." Ruby immediately started to tremble
Does she not want the others to know? Well I doubt Zwei could jeopardise the mission in anyway. Besides he's a dog so he's got super hearing, something that almost rivals my own. So, two more ears will be helpful.
"Actually Doctor, it's nothing. Forget I said anything."
"Very well. Now as I was saying..." The Doctor continued his speech until we safely landed.
Wasting no time, Doctor Oobleck had set us to work with tracking a heard of Grimm, which he said would take us to a hideout. Most likely hosting the White Fang or if we're lucky, Elliana and Torchwick. Though that plan quickly fell apart as the Doctor's loud mouth alerted the Grimm we were tracking, and they were coming straight for us. Though the five of us quickly dispatched the pack.
"Excellent work girls." The Doctor said as he approached us. "Though it looks like the hideout isn't in this quadrant of the city."
"Miss Surana, if I recall you Semblance allows you to sense movement from all organic life and predict their movements. Am I correct?"
"Yes Doctor." I answered, placing my bow around my shoulder. I stood still concentrating to identify a large quadrant of Grimm.
No... Nothing there... Oh wait- No... That's only 3 Beowolves and a couple of Ursa's... Hmm... Wait. Now that's a lot of Grimm.
"Found a large herd of Grimm in the south-east. It might be the hideout. The Grimm are attracted to negative emotions. It can't get more negative than Torchwick and his crew."
"Excellent Miss Surana. Please could yourself and our little fury friend guide us to that nest."
"Of course, Doctor." I nodded my head then tapped my shoulder. "Come on Zwei."
The dog yipped and soon he stood a top of my shoulder nuzzling into my neck. "Come on everyone."
"Excellent work girls. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be a hideout near here. It must have been only a small nest."
Just a small nest!?
"I think... That was more... Than a small nest... Doctor..." I spoke trying to catch my breath.
Honestly, how do Professional Huntsman keep on going. I'm exhausted. At least going by the speed of everyone's heartbeat, I'm not the only one exhausted.
"On the contrary Miss Surana. Compared to most herds that was a small nest."
"Whatever you say Doc." Yang answered dismissably.
"Miss Surana a word." The Doctor asked as I heard his footsteps walk away from the five of us.
Oh boy, what have I done wrong now?
I placed my bow around my left shoulder and stumbled my way towards the Doctor.
"A question Miss Surana. Why did you stay at Beacon?"
"Umm... What do you mean, Doctor Oobleck?"
"During your first mission with Team CFVY, you arrived at Menagerie to deliver supplies to the Faunus state. I hear you're close to the chieftain and his wife. Why didn't you stay? Why did you return to Beacon Academy and continue your training to be a Huntress?"
"Because I'm needed here at Beacon. There're people out there, inflicting pain and suffering onto others and I want to put a stop to that. I feel that's why Mama told me to see the Professor. Because he knew I could help stop the hurting." I answered earnestly.
I believe in my parents that Mama sent me to see the Professor for more than my Maiden abilities. I need to stop Salem and restore the peace across the four Kingdoms.
"That answer is... Acceptable for now. Could you please send for Miss Rose and start a makeshift Campsite with the others?"
"Of course, Doctor." I said answering his question, but at the back of my mind I couldn't help but feel I failed a test he was planning.
What was with that answer? Surely, he knows why I'm here. He knows I can't stay with Ghira and Kali not with my Powers. They'll be hunted down and killed.
Never mind, just concentrate on the mission, Nyreen. Don't let his question bug you.
Back with the others, we managed to find a safe yet secure place to set up camp for the evening. While Blake and Yang were off to find wood, Weiss was on look out and I had volunteer myself to start a fire.
With a flick of my wrist a heat burst from my hand and lit the wood in front of me.
Heh, we at least these powers are good for something.
Weiss must have noticed the roar from the fire, as I could hear her heels approach me. "Wow, I didn't think you could get one going Nyreen." She spoke astonished.
"It's all in the hand, just have to be patient about it."
Or have Maiden powers.
Weiss chuckled to herself. "I doubt that brute would have got it going."
I joined in Weiss's laughter. "She would've fired her gauntlets at it, probably blowing up the wood too."
"Yeah, she needs to learn a lesson in delicacy."
"You would have a better chance of getting Blake to be comfortably around Zwei."
"What's that about Zwei?" I heard a voice ask as I picked up on our two friends.
"Just that you would never get a fire going, Weiss said you would be a bit... Overzealous about it." I spoke as I heard Blake try her hardest to stifle a laugh. "Then I said Weiss would have a better chance of teaching Blake to be comfortably around Zwei then her teaching you some restraint."
"Not happening!" Both Blake and Yang spoke together.
Both Blake and Yang stared at us, with tension brewing.
Until we all burst out laughing.
"Still, that's a hell of a fire you got there Ny. For someone that's blind, you sure can put together a decent fire." Yang spoke as Blake crouched down next to me, wrapping her arm around me.
"It's all in the wrist."
"Here this'll make it grow." Blake said as she placed more wood onto the fire. The fire roared with great intensity.
We all then settled into a comforting silence, all huddled around the fire. Blake with her arms wrapped around my stomach, Weiss sitting next to us while Yang was resting in her sleeping bag.
"I can't believe we didn't find anything." Yang said breaking the silence.
"We've always been fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time. I guess we can't always have luck on our side." Blake mumbled out as she squeezed tightly to my stomach.
"Or in a different way, we have THE WORST luck, and this time our luck just got a bit better. At least there's no danger." I said, rubbing my hands together near the fire.
"That's not what I meant." Weiss spoke up, ignoring our conversation.
"Something wrong Weiss?" I asked.
"Earlier, about upholding the legacy. There's more to it like that."
"Yeah, no me too." Yang spoke.
"The Doctor asked you see same question then. About why you wanted to be a Huntress?" I said, unravelling Blake's arms around my stomach and standing up.
"Yeah." Blake said. "I know what I want to do but, I figured I'd always take things one step at a time."
"Well, it doesn't matter, we know why we're here." Yang said. "Right?"
No one said anything. The silence was deafening.
Then breaking the awkward silence was the Doctor as I picked up on him, alongside our small furry friend and Ruby.
"Ah, wonderful! A textbook campfire." The Doctor spoke as energetically as he normally is.
Ruby gasped. "Fire! Sooo... warm..." She crouched down next to me.
I chuckled. "It is a bit cold, isn't it?" I joined her nest to the fire.
"Very good, eat your dinner and hurry to bed." The Doctor said. "We have a lot of ground to cover tomorrow and we'll need you to take turns keeping watch over our temporary abode, any volunteers for first watch?"
"Yo." Ruby spoke up.
"Then I'll take second." I said holding up my hand.
The Doctor then darted off to somewhere, the gods only know. Leaving the five of us to ourselves.
"Hey Ruby, did Oobleck ask you why you wanted to be a huntress?" Yang asked her little sister. "I mean, what did you tell him?"
"Hm, no he didn't, weird." Ruby answered. "Oh well, goodnight guys."
Weird that he didn't ask Ruby? I guess since he didn't ask Ruby why we wanted to become Huntresses, what does that mean for us? Well I know why I became a Huntress, I didn't have a choice in the matter.
"Night Ruby and remember to wake me up. for my turn." I said.
"Will do."
The four of us then descended onto our sleeping bags with the Doctor's words still stuck in our heads.
Blake's POV
How? How would I fix corruption, equality and poverty? How would I make it a better place for everyone? I wonder what Oobleck asked Nyreen.
"Blake... Are you awake?" Yang asked.
"Yeah." I answered still trying to fall asleep.
"Why do you think he asked us about being a Huntress? Like What was he trying to say?" Yang asked as she moved around.
"Maybe he was just curious." I asked finally opening my eyes. Gazing at her long golden curls and her lilac.
"Ya think?" Yang asked curiously.
"Nope."
Yang sighed and settled back into her original position, gazing at the stars and the cracked moon.
"Weiss... Are you awake?"
"Of course, I'm awake! You two are talking." Weiss spoke coldly then sighed. "When I said I wanted to honour my family's name, I meant it. But it's not what you think. I'm not stupid. I'm fully aware of what my father has done with the Schnee Dust Company. Since he took control our business has operated in a moral grey area."
"That's putting it lightly." I couldn't help but quickly retort.
"Which is why I feel the need to make things right!" Weiss spoke as she rose from her sleeping bag. "If I had taken a job in Atlas, it wouldn't have changed anything. My father was not the start of our name, and I refuse to let him be the end of it... Or Whitley for that matter."
"What about you Ny?" Yang asked. "What did he say to you?"
Silence from Nyreen.
"Ny?"
"... Mama... That tastes so good, was it from Papa? Hmm... He always makes the best bread... ... Hmm I love your stories Blake, please tell me about the one with the two Princesses. Ilia said like she likes that one."
The three of us tried to contain our laughter.
"Come on, we should let her rest. I think there's an area over there, where it's all quiet."
Nyreen's POV
"Ny... Ny... Come on Ny Get up." I felt a voice shrug my shoulder.
"Umm... Give me a few more minutes Blake..."
"There's no time. Ruby's went missing."
"Uh... Ruby's missing...? Don't be silly, she's right over th-"
That's strange, I could've sworn I picked up on Ruby before I fell asleep. I better use my Semblance just in case.
"I-I can't find her." I sat up from my sleeping back. "I can't sense her, even with my Semblance. It's as if she's disappeared."
"That's what I been trying to say. Come on, we have to find her. The Doctor and Z-Z- that thing is already out looking. While Weiss is trying to keep Yang from tearing up the city to find her." Blake said as she tugged on my hand, pulling me to my feet.
"Yeah, she couldn't have gone far." I reached down for my bow and my quiver. "Let's go."
We spent what must have been a good couple of hours searching for Ruby. With Zwei and myself leading the group, with his sense of smell and my special awareness it was only a matter of time before we found something belong to Ruby.
Bark Bark*
"Hey guys! I think we found something." I shouted alerting Yang, Blake, Weiss and Doctor Oobleck. The four thundered towards us.
"Is that Crescent Rose?" Yang gasped.
"Do you think she fell down there?" Weiss asked.
"Down where Weiss. Is there a hole here?" I asked feeling around until I felt a crack in the concrete floor.
"Yeah, be careful Nyreen." Blake answered for her.
"Can you smell her, boy?" Yang asked Zwei.
Bark Bark*
"Good boy. Is she down the hole Nyreen?" Yang asked.
"I... I think so... I can pick her up but also there's a lot of chatter and a strong rumbling noise from below."
"Rumbling noises!? OF COURSE" Oobleck bellowed out. "Of course, Of course, Of course, Of course."
"Of course? What is it Doctor?" Weiss asked.
"How could I be so stupid?!" Oobleck muttered.
"Doctor Oobleck, what's wrong? Where's Ruby?" Yang asked, sounding worried.
"Mountain Glenn! Yes!" The Doctor Bellowed out again. "An expansion of Vale that was inevitably destroyed by creatures of Grimm! Previously home to thousands of people! Working people, community to the city, the main city. Developed a subway system to the inner city. Grimm attacks increase! Population in danger, now desperately searching for shelter. City evacuates into metro tunnels and what do they find The South-East quadrant of Vale is known for while forests and deep caves!"
"Doc, what are you saying?" Yang asked.
"My dear, we're not just looking for an underground crime network! We're looking for AN UNDERGROUND CRIME NETWORK!" The Doctor shouted out.
"They're been working in caves?" Blake asked.
"No, no. Mountain Glenn was Vale's first serious attempt at an expansion. It worked for a short period of time thanks to an aggressive perimeter defence and unique transportation. The city developed an elaborate subway system to carry citizens safely from the new territory into the main Kingdom. Sadly, without the many natural barriers Vale had to protect its borders, Mountain Glenn was doomed from the start. As the end drew near, the citizens of the territory made one last attempt at survival. They took up shelter beneath the city, in massive caves that they had cleared out for the subway. And they had to cut themselves off from the surface."
"An underground village?"
"In a manner of speaking, yes." Oobleck replied. "A... a safe haven. Until... Until an accident happened."
"Mama told me that there was an explosion that opened the mouth of another cavern. That... That was filled with subterranean Grimm. A lot of people died... Afraid... underground. Away from the sun light." I continued for the Doctor.
"That's correct, Surana." Oobleck said. "After that the Kingdom officially sealed off the tunnels, creating the world's largest tomb."
All those lives... lost.
"If Ruby is down there. We must find her."
"Closer... I can hear a lot of noise... but a wall... It's blocking the way?" I felt along the stone structure and tapped it. "It's hollow."
"Huh, allow me Ny. Let me have a closer look at it." Yang said.
She's gonna punch through the wall, isn't she?
'Bang Bang Bang.' Came from Yang's gauntlets.
Yang launched herself at the wall, the ground started to shake.
I thought so.
"Huh, didn't take much." Yang gloated.
"Nice work Miss Xiao Long and you too, Miss Surana. I doubt we would've found them otherwise."
"Heh, no sweet Doc."
"It was no problem Doctor. Now come on, Ruby needs us." I said grabbing my bow and notching a shock arrow.
"Okay, ladies don't disappoint." Doctor Oobleck said as we all charged forward towards the White Fang members.
They were taken out, instantly. Leaving the path to Ruby pretty much open. Though from the sounds their weapons were making, Ruby had to act fast to avoid the gun fire.
"Ruby!"
"Sis!"
"Nice to see you again Ruby. Funny how we always end up in these kinds of situations." I jested as I fired a couple of shock arrows, knocking out the remaining White Fang members.
"Speaking of, Torchwick's got all sort of weapons and robots down here. Androids, mechs - they're all loaded up on the train cars." Ruby answered once she had finally caught her breath.
Great Torchwick is here. What is he doing?
"Ah, that's ridiculous! These tunnels are sealed. The tracks lead to a dead end." Oobleck spoke.
A voice then echoed throughout the tunnels though a series of speakers. "Get to your places, we are leaving!"
Then the train hissed, and the horn sounded. "Well, it sounds like they're going somewhere." Yang spoke.
"Well if Torchwick is on there, we have to stop him." I said placing my bow over my shoulder.
"Nyreen's right. Whatever plan Torchwick is up to we have to stop him. We're stopping that train.
Once all of us got on the train itself, we all made a terrifying discovery.
"They all have bombs!" Oobleck shouted as the bomb directly below me.
I then felt the train cart rumble as it disconnected with the rest of the train. Before the bomb detonated, all of us managed to leap on the next train cart. I somehow managed to cover my ears before the bomb exploded.
Then it hit me... Why they're detonating bombs in the cave. Why they're using a train.
"Doctor, the bombs they're for the Grimm. Torchwick is using the train to lead them to Vale."
"Yes, Miss Surana. My thoughts exactly. We need to stop the bombs... somehow."
"What if we just stop the train. That'll stop the Grimm being led to Vale." Ruby spoke.
"Yes, but it will seal us inside with the Grimm." Weiss answered.
"Damn it, they played us. Bastards." Yang growled out.
"For now, focus on getting inside the train. Miss Surana, Miss Xiao Long, Miss Belladonna and Miss Schnee I'll leave that to you four. "
"Got it Doctor... Be safe Ruby." I said.
"You too, Nyreen."
Inside one of the train carts, I picked up on a very familiar signal.
"Neo..." I mumbled out.
"You guys go on ahead. This one's mine." Yang said as she audibly cracked her knuckles.
"If you're sure." I asked.
"Ny, come on it's me. I've got this." Yang spoke confidently.
Okay... I have to believe in her... She's got this.
"Okay... We'll meet you further up the train."
"Got it."
"Good luck Yang." Blake said.
The rest of us then ran through to the other cart, leaving her to deal with Neo.
In the next cart was someone to face, but this time it was someone new a Faunus, which meant a member of the White Fang. Still someone dangerous, going by the rev of his weapon.
"Time to kill me some traitors and a Schnee for a bonus. I wonder would your skulls be fitting around my waste or on the boss' table."
"Blake, Nyreen go. This one is mine. It's time someone taught him some manners."
"Okay Weiss." Blake answered.
"Be careful."
Weiss tutted. "When am I not."
Weiss then launched an ice dust ball at the White Fang member, which bought Blake and me time to move.
Now it was just Blake and me alone as the others were fighting for their lives.
I hope they're alright.
"Nyreen, come on. The controls to the train must be beyond that door." Blake said.
"Right, let's go." I nodded my head as we moved to the door, but a voice stopped us.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you, kitty cat or you wings."
Torchwick...
"Nyreen, you try and stop the train. He's mine." Blake said.
"But-" Blake cut me off.
"No but's Nyreen. Everyone is fighting, doing their job. It's time I do the same."
She's right... I know she's right. But still, I can't help but worry.
"Okay, good luck." With that I burst through the door, as I heard Blake charge at Torchwick.
Okay, time to stop this train... This would have been so much easier if I could see. Ah, well nothing I can do. Let's just try pressing buttons to see what works.
Hmm... How about this one.
Nothing...Okay what about this...
The trains horn echoed throughout the cart.
I immediately, clenched my fangs and held my ears.
Okay, don't press that button.
Something dawned on me as the ringing blared in my ears.
Wait, to stop the train, why would it be a button. Isn't it normally by pulling a lever or something? Just feel around for anything sticking out.
"You'll be looking a long time for it." I heard a voice from behind me... A very familiar voice.
"We can stop this train and save innocent lives. Please... Elliana. This train is leading Grimm straight to Vale. People will die unless I stop this train."
"Why should I? Those people didn't do anything for me, leaving me on the streets all alone. Leave them to die for all I care."
She was living on the streets? She must have been begging for food. Just fighting to stay alive...
If one person just opened the door to her, then she wouldn't have wound up here, serving Salem.
Still... I need to save them... We need to save them.
"Regardless, what they might've done in the past we need to save them. No one deserves to be left to die for the Grimm."
Well I can think of one exception.
No, there's no time to be thinking about that.
"Well if you're not gonna help, then stay out of my way." I declared as I felt the Maiden's power course through me.
Well if I can't find a lever to stop the train, I guess a little Maiden power will freeze it.
"Do you remember what I said before? I'm not stupid enough to face a Maiden head on." Elliana spoke up.
"You don't have to. You can just run away, and I say we never met." I spoke up as ice started to flow in my hand. I pointed my hand further, beyond the dashboard of buttons, to the front of the train.
"You're really gonna freeze the front of the train? To save those people? Why, they don't even know you?"
"It's what's right. I have a duty as a Huntress to defend the people of Remnant no matter what. Even if it costs me my life."
"Urgh! That's what I hate about you hero types. It never makes sense. You'd really just throw your life away just to protect a few people."
I nodded my head. "Every time. It's why I wanted to be a Huntress, to help those that can't."
"Tch silly girl! The world is a lot shittier than that 'fantasy' of yours." Elliana growled out. "Something I'll have to beat in to you."
Great... Now look at what you've done.
I drew my bow and notched an arrow. "You're really insistent to do this? I thought you didn't want to face a Maiden like me?"
"Fight, nope. I said before, I'll never fight you. But this... This will have to suffice."
Wait what?
I then heard something roll across the floor near me... Then a loud defining noise echoed inside the engine room. Immediately, I fell to the floor, curled up in a ball and clutching my ears
What is this noise... It's so loud... My ears hurt... Really bad... Was... that...
Then Darkness enveloped me, leaving the train on its intended crash course to the centre of Vale.