Volume 7

Boros POV

Boros looked at the city from his tower. 17 years since he scoured the globe in search of Anakoth. 17 years since he conquered Remnant. 17 years since... 17 years in preparation for Apophis's arrival. It was odd that after all this time Apophis had yet to find him and his brother. Something else was amiss something he wasn't aware of. He felt a few worlds go dark every now and then, but... The movements were erratic, nonsensical, random. Apophis was probing the worlds he assumed that much. His father wasn't an idiot he knew that it was only a matter of time until he was discovered.

Suddenly clapping thunder, and dark clouds filled the sky. In the small amount of time since he had assumed control he built a strong military presence and a strong empire. The rebellions were all but crushed in the first few years all that was left were a few pockets that were nothing more, but a mere nuisance. He heard the door to his throne room open and saw Ozpin enter.

Ozpin kneeled down before Boros. "I have news from the Axanar Institute."

"Hm."

"We have begun to test the new Cloven subjects."

"And?"

"The mortality rate is one in every thirty. The success rate is remarkable. However, there are several... Variants."

"Variants?"

"The scientists believe it might be simple genetics, but the subjects that undergo the procedure have developed secondary abilities. It was quite unprecedented."

"What sort of abilities?"

"Powers that far surpassed Semblance."

"What about the HYDRA project?"

"Ironwood has already begun to initiate the first trials."

"Ouriah has to prepare itself for Apophis. What about the Chimera? Where's Admiral Ghaun?"

"He's preparing another expedition into the heart of Mistral. Thinks he'll be able to find a way through to Shastri." Answered Ozpin.

"Hmm..." Boros felt something strange for a moment. Something tugging at his insides. "Have him send out a few recon patrols and the 3rd Justiciar Legion as well as 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Chimera Legions."

"That's a tad bit excessive my lord."

"Not excessive enough. What about the 45th Expedition Legion? Have they returned from the Hellmouth and the Unknown Regions?"

"Hmm you better see this." Ozpin pulled out a chip and inserted it into a holo display table. "It's all we could get from one of the... Well the soldier died from his wounds shortly after."

"Let it play." Boros watched as the soldiers were torn apart by the red eyed horned woman. Every time he sent his soldiers there it was always the same all KIA. But it wasn't just the woman in the video it was also some of Anakoth's Grimm he had seen. To think that some of them still survived. "Call back Ironwood and Ghaun I must reassess my options and begin funneling resources adequately."

"Understood... What about the resistance in Vacuo?"

"Overseer Vizara can handle the paltry bunch I have other matters to attend to, and Ozpin..."

"Yes?"

"Have Overseer Cain triple security around the Axanar Institute. We've come so far I'd rather not have it all go to waste."

"Understood sir." Ozpin left Boros alone to his own thoughts.

Boros looked at the city once more. The rain got heavier and the lightning looked as if it would strike the tower and the city. "In another life Ouro... In another life."

Nagisa POV

Nagisa looked at the portal closing as he began to fall. He looked at the earth from his vantage point and could see nothing but desert for miles around. "Damn it."

He finally landed on the ground as he rolled off a sand dune to break his fall. "Agh yeah definitely gonna feel that one in the morning."

He scanned his surroundings. "Damn it Morn I told you to leave me back at Atlas not Vacuo. Well then time to see how everything's been going."

Nagisa began trekking through the desert for days on end. "Now then if my calculations are correct I should be coming up on..." Nagisa saw a city in ruins with sounds of gunfire and explosions. "A battlefield. Maybe it's a resistance cell."

Nagisa sprinted as fast as he could into the city ruins. He took cover behind a large armored vehicle. He took a moment to see a strange emblem on it. It was a spear with a snake wrapped around it. "Huh? That's not a S.C.A.F.A. emblem..."

Nagisa saw a group of soldiers firing at one of the skyscrapers attempting to get to the vehicles. "They're wearing the same emblem... Could it be Boros's army?"

He got closer and avoided detection and gunfire trying to get a sense of friends and foes. "Pope, Onions get the supplies onto the Mastodon NOW!" Barked the commander.

"It's Orion not Onions."

The commander grabbed the boy and tossed him a few meters trying to get him moving. Suddenly a massive creature emerged from one of the destroyed buildings. The beast resembled a Beringel Grimm except this one wore some type of mechanical armor and a large hammer. "Agh fuck! Get out of there Onions."

"Well now I know." Nagisa rushed the beast and cut its head off in one strike. Nagisa saw several other creatures like it rush his position. "Kid you're gonna want to run."

The boy gulped as he picked up his rifle and ran to the vehicle. Nagisa charged his sword with his aura. He then swung his sword and cut down the beasts. The building behind the monsters collapsed on itself from Nagisa's attack.

"No way! Is he... Are you a huntsman?" Asked one of the soldiers.

"Aw man captain he's just like you."

"Captain?" Nagisa asked. He looked at the man. He had a full beard, three scars that ran across his face, and carried a large mace. The armor he wore had an eagle or bird of some kind... "Cardin?"

The man raised a brow in suspicion. "How do you know me?"

"We went to Beacon together. It's me Nagisa Shiota."

"Hmm... Thought you died. What the hell are you doing here?" Asked Cardin almost unimpressed by the revelation.

"I'm off to fight Boros... How long has it been since... Since the Fall of Irithyll?" Asked Nagisa suspicious.

"Little over 17 years Shiota. C'mon I'm taking you with me... There's someone I need you to see, but first we have to complete the mission. Pope, Onions hail Zavala tell her we've got Chimeran Legionnaires in the vicinity and triple A."

"Radio's out boss can't hail her. They must be jamming our signal."

"Shit! Okay then Pope, Onions stay here watch over the merchandise. Rojas take the rest and look for those jammers. As for you Shiota you're coming with me there's one more thing we need to get on the grocery list."

Nagisa nodded and followed Cardin away from the group. "That boy just now Onions... Are there no more huntsmen around?"

"Not as many as there used to be. When Boros took over Remnant the first decree was for all huntsmen to be turned over or face his wrath. All the governments complied for the most part. They put many of them into reintegration camps."

"I'm guessing many now work for him?"

"What you saw just now... Those Chimeran Legionnaires, the huge beasts, those were huntsmen and huntresses."

"WHAT!?"

"Keep it down!"

"How?"

"I don't know probably has something to do with Ozpin."

"Ozpin?"

"I'll let Pyrrha brief you."

"She's alive." Nagisa smiled thankful that they had escaped Boros.

"She's not the same as she was Shiota... You'll see soon enough."

"What happened to your team?"

"Dead... Just like everyone else."

They kept walking in complete and total silence until they reached a large air base. They base had several docked fighters as well as three large cruisers and a few cargo ships. "That right there is what we are after."

Nagisa saw Cardin pointing at the base, but could not really see what he was pointing at. "What is it?"

"Shiota we're gonna go down there and kill them all."

"What? Why?"

"You see all that stuff. That's enough to arm and feed Bastion for months, and besides I'm sick and tired of these small shopping runs Pyrrha makes us go through."

"It's gonna be a hell of a fight."

"Yeah it is." Cardin jumped down and began his assault on the base.

Nagisa jumped down and began helping Cardin. Nagisa saw Cardin's mace turn into a bladed whip and began tearing apart several soldiers. He was practically enjoying himself. Nagisa placed his hands on the ground and summoned ten heavily armored snakes to help them even out the odds.

"Never seen you do that before. New trick?" Asked Cardin with his back against Nagisa.

"Yeah guess you could say I've learned a few things."

Nagisa began rushing the Chimeran monsters as he charged his sword with aura and cut through their armor. He saw his snakes wrapping themselves around the soldiers eating them, crushing them. One of the soldiers boarded a fighter and began firing and Nagisa and Cardin. Both of them found a tank to cover themselves behind. Nagisa saw one of Cardin's men armed with a missile launcher take down the fighter. Finally Nagisa and Cardin began mopping up the rest of the enemy soldiers.

"Captain what the hell was that? You know Admiral Nikos is gonna have your ass right?" Said one of the soldiers.

"Shut it Lisbon. Rojas call Pope and Onions have them bring the Mastodon over. And hail Zavala and the rest of the group tell them we hit pay dirt. Shrimp come over here for a sec."

Nagisa followed Cardin as the rest of the soldiers began hoarding the supplies and loading them onto the freighters. "What's up?"

"When we get to Bastion I'm gonna need you to go here." Cardin handed Nagisa a piece of paper with an address.

"What's this for?" Nagisa asked.

"Trust me on this. If Pyrrha finds out about you it's over. Especially with Squall."

"Squall?"

"Pyrrha's boy toy. Guy's a fucking push over, but he has pull with Bastion. Besides it's for the best I need to figure out a way to explain this."

"What's really going on Cardin?"

"You don't miss a beat do you? I'll explain when I get home. My men are loyal trust me just don't draw too much attention okay?"

"Fine."

Nagisa was forced to hide inside a crate. Cardin promised him Onions and Rojas would send for his weapons at Cardin's house. Finally Onions opened the crate. "Welcome to Bastion."

Nagisa saw the city surrounded by a huge wall, surrounded by various gun towers, and had a small fleet orbiting its skies. There was only one building at the center that was taller than all others. "That's our HQ. Where Admiral Nikos along with our government have their meetings." Said Onions as Nagisa began exiting the crate. "I'll have your weapons ready later."

"Thanks."

"So are you like really Nagisa Shiota... The dude Boros called Nassar Embry?" Rojas asked in excitement.

"Yeah."

"No way man that's so cool! You gotta come to my son's birthday party next week he was a huge fan."

"Sure thing Rojas."

Onions hit Rojas over the head. "Dude what about keeping a low profile?"

"C'mon man I'm not gonna miss out on this opportunity. Besides Nassar Embry, the party is at Embry square. I'll be Remnant's greatest dad for fucking ever with this."

"You know it's Ouriah now right?" Said Onions.

"Always been Remnant to me man. C'mon we'll take you to Cardin's."

Nagisa followed the two through the streets of Bastion. Some of the conditions were deplorable, but they could be worst off. The buildings were mostly rust shacks along with some aluminum houses here and there. The streets were small and cramped many of the people had a difficulty getting through. "I gotta ask why do they call you Onions?"

Rojas laughed and Onions simply cringed. "So this one time we were supposed to be stealing a weapons shipment from Chimeran Legionnaires when this guy who's only barely been on his first mission makes a beeline for the crates."

"I'm gonna fucking kill you."

"We grab the crate and we evac immediately not even bothering to check what was inside. We look and what do we find..."

"Onions." Nagisa finished.

"Yep. Greatest moment of my life. Not so much for Onions here."

"In your sleep that's when I'll do it."

Nagisa and the other two stopped in front of Cardin's house. "Well here you go. We'll have your weapons later."

"Thanks." Nagisa stepped inside the house. It was relatively larger than he thought. He looked around the house and noticed that the decorations were not what he would have expected from someone like Cardin. He went to look at one of the book cases and saw a picture of Cardin, a woman, and a small boy.

"Never would have figured Cardin for a family man. Maybe they're out or something."

Nagisa lied down on the couch. He remembered the last conversation with Pyrrha he had at the Summit Ball. Then he remembered Cardin's mention of the Squall guy. "I'll just kick his ass."

Pyrrha POV

Pyrrha had Cardin give her a full report on the mission. "So Cardin how did you manage to steal so many ships, weapons, and supplies from the base?" Asked Pyrrha narrowing her eyes onto him.

"Deceit, deception, and a big fucking mace." Answered Cardin.

"Hmm..." Something else was going on she was sure of it.

"Admiral Nikos, Cardin here has given us a major advantage we need these supplies. His unit has had a high success rate since his promotion." Spoke Amodar praising him.

"Hmm... Who knows maybe he turned traitor and Vizara gave him all that as a token of good faith." Spoke Squall.

"Care to say that again jackass?" There was a hint of anger in Cardin's tone.

"Just saying I mean Team what was it? Oh right Team CRDL was all but wiped out save for their leader. Seriously how do we know that the only reason you are successful is because you turned traitor and Vizara is giving you these things in exchange for information."

Cardin drew his mace. "I'm gonna give you one chance to not piss me off."

"The point of the matter is Cardin that you had strict orders to grab the medical supplies and run, not steal all of this. You put the mission and your men in danger." Said Pyrrha.

"The mission was fucking suicidal. And I know that you Squall and your cum receptacle over here are the ones who gave it to me." Cardin pointed to Squall and Pyrrha.

Pyrrha held back her anger. She did want Cardin dead... For many reasons. "You and your unit will have all your passes revoked and suspended. You will be assigned to Alpha Outpost in two weeks."

"Tch we'll see about that." Cardin left the room.

"Admiral Nikos if I may..." Amodar began.

"Admiral have the ships repurposed and pressed into service immediately. Have the engineers run a thorough scan make sure they weren't bugged."

"Yes ma'am."

"Colonel Farron."

"Ma'am."

"Begin redistributing the supplies adequately, but send the medical supplies to Zakera Ward first we may have another outbreak."

"Yes ma'am."

"Fang."

"Yo."

"Have your huntsmen teams run patrols and radio checks on all bases and outposts."

"On it."

"Meeting adjourned."

Pyrrha pinched the bridge of her nose she had to figure out a way to get rid of Cardin now. She noticed Squall was the only one to remain in the room sitting next to her. "Squall I'm not in the fucking mood right now."

"About Cardin what are we going to do?"

"Hope that Boros sends someone competent enough to get rid of him and his unit."

Squall leaned in and was about to kiss Pyrrha. Pyrrha stopped him. "Get out or I will see you out."

"Okay."

Squall finally exited the room. Pyrrha looked at the city from the top of the tower. 17 years and nothing no word from anyone. Pyrrha pulled out a picture from the desk drawer. She saw herself, Coco, Yang, Cinder, Winter, Weiss, Maid Gunner, Raven, and a small Ashe together smiling. The last time she saw them was well over 10 years ago. She pulled out another picture she had that Winter had given her of Nagisa sleeping. Memories began rushing back of the night they spent together in Atlas.

"My someone's a little horny!"

"What the hell do you want MEFE?"

"Just thought I'd stop by... So we gonna masturbate in your office or what?"

"Why won't you leave me alone?"

"You are alone."

"I have Squall."

"He sucks! Nagisa was a million times better. He could actually make you cum! Squall can't do that. Cardin was right you are a cum receptacle."

"He has his uses."

"So do your fingers. Last I recall I saw you masturbating to that same picture after he blew his load inside of you."

"Fuck off MEFE."

"Why aren't we rescuing Nagisa?"

"Who's to say Boros hasn't killed him yet?" Asked Pyrrha.

"You have this huge army and you aren't even gonna save him?"

"Like he saved us? Like he saved you?"

"You killed me remember I gave you my Apostle so that you could have the life that I couldn't."

"To hell with you I need a shower."

Pyrrha left MEFE although in truth MEFE couldn't leave her side even if she wanted to. She reached her apartment which was located two floors below the meeting room. She stepped in and took the hottest shower she could. It was something she did on routine when she thought about him. Coco said that Nagisa could barely stand when he fought Boros. If... If he was... After all this time? MEFE had a point there were no public announcements or executions made with his name. But then why hasn't he made his return yet? Why hasn't he saved us? No... Nagisa abandoned them plain and simple, and if he didn't they were left to fend for themselves.

She stepped out of the shower, and looked at herself in the mirror. She hadn't aged a day, and she was now Admiral and leader of an entire city. Her eyes resembled a snake's and her incisors had grown out. But at least she didn't look like Ozpin... Or Ironwood. She looked like a half faunus for the most part. She laughed at that. There weren't any more faunus or half faunus left anymore only humans, Chimera, her, and Boros.

She heard a knock on the door. "It's me."

"Yeah what is it?"

"It's important are you almost done?" Asked Squall.

"Yeah let me just..." Pyrrha grabbed a bath robe and stepped outside. "What is it?"

"Uh right so listen we've been together for five years now and I thought..."

"You want me to marry you?"

"Yeah."

"You have to say no Cleavage." Pyrrha looked at MEFE who was making gestures behind Squall.

"Okay."

"You fucking bitch!"

Nagisa POV

Nagisa saw Cardin arrive with a dissatisfied look on his face. "Your wife and kid aren't here yet. Just thought you should know."

"They're never here Shiota."

"Divorce?"

"Dead... Been that way for... Seven almost eight years now. Died during the Fall of Perseus here in Vacuo."

"I'm sorry."

"Not your fault. It's Pyrrha's for making a stupid decision."

"What kind of decision?"

Cardin sighed. "After the Fall of, and by the way all of our battles start that way."

"I figured, but didn't want to assume."

"After the Fall of Pomeroy we were only a small band of airships trying to stay alive. For days Ghaun and several Interdictor class vessels hounded us. Pyrrha decided that it was best to split us up and link up elsewhere. We did at Perseus, but lost a lot of ships on the way. We held the city for a few days, but we had to abandon many of our own people."

"I see."

"But that was a long time ago." Cardin looked at Nagisa. "We are gonna need to change your appearance and give you a new identity."

"Can't I go to Pyrrha?"

"You can... But you might not like it. Besides it's about time I've hunted bigger game."

"So got a name for me yet?"

Cardin sat in front of Nagisa. "Hmm... Arcade Gannon."

"Okay then I'm gonna need some make up and hair dye."

"Hmm I think I can help with that. Wait here let me call someone."

There was a knock on the door. "It's Zavala."

"It's open I was about to call you."

"Yeah well then..." Zavala punched Cardin's jaw.

"I figured you'd be pissed."

"REVOKED!? Fucking revoked Cardin!?"

"Yeah pretty much."

"You okay man?"

"Who are you?"

"Nagisa Shiota. Zavala I presume?"

"Nikos is gonna fucking kill you when she finds out you're hiding him."

"Listen I need you to get make up and hair dye anything else?" Cardin turned to Nagisa.

"Contact lenses if you can."

Zavala sighed. "He better get assigned to our unit and not Fang's."

"I'll get Amodar on it."

"Yeah I'll be back tomorrow with your stuff."

Nagisa laid down on the couch. "Cardin the faunus..."

"There aren't anymore faunus or half faunus. There's only the Chimera now."

"I see." Nagisa finally let sleep overtake him.

Nagisa awoke to find all the products he needed in the coffee table next to him. He saw a note as well. "Got your shit here."

"Thank you Zavala." Nagisa headed towards the restroom and began... He tried to change his hair color to black first. "Just in case." Then he began applying the hair dye. "Now contact lenses."

After a few minutes Nagisa finished and walked out. "You done?"

"Yeah whatcha think?"

"Well it'll be harder to recognize you that's what's important. Now come on I need to get you to Amodar's to get you assigned to my unit."

"Why?"

"Because he's not an asshole. If the others know how good you are it'll be difficult. Squall will want you in the Bastion Guard. Fang will want you with the Huntsmen Vanguard Unit. Farron with Guardian Corps. You get me?"

"Yeah. So how many huntsmen and huntresses are left?"

"Little over a hundred. Most serve with Fang's unit. She was part of the Imperial Guard here in Vacuo. She's married to Farron."

"Guardian Corps Farron?"

"Yeah they are a police force mostly as well as militia. She used to be the daughter of one of the generals that we picked up. Amodar controls the Navy which is just a few ships. Then there's Squall he controls the Bastion Guard."

"What do they do?"

"Mostly secure the outposts and bases scattered around Bastion make sure Boros hasn't found us yet. Standard military basically."

"And Pyrrha?"

"Controls Pyrrha's Marauders... That's all of us. I'm sure you've seen the symbol."

"Okay then let's go."

Cardin led Nagisa to the central tower to get him enlisted into his unit. Nagisa was mesmerized by the change of scenery it was certainly cleaner and nicer than where Cardin lived. There was actual green no more brown. Nagisa saw several soldiers moving about in due earnest.

"Something's up."

"What is it?"

"Wait here."

Nagisa waited for Cardin as many more officers gathered around a holo screen. He saw his brother Boros give a speech. The speech was unimportant what was important was the massive vessel behind him. It was easily three times the size of an Atlesian Dreadnought. There wasn't just the single vessel either there were dozens of them. He was able to amass such a fleet in just 17 years!

Cardin came rushing back. "Come on shrimp let's go we've got our orders."

"What happened?"

"We've been assigned to Epsilon."

"Epsilon?"

"Later just follow me so I can get you some gear."

Nagisa followed Cardin into the Armory floor of the tower. Even the soldiers here were in a rush!

"Cardin what can I get you?"

"Get me whatever it is you can to arm up the boy."

"Hmm hope you don't turn out like Onions. Well lucky for you we have a uniform your size here. Let me go and get the rest of your gear. You can change over there in that locker room."

Nagisa took the uniform and headed to the locker room to get changed. The uniform itself was nothing special, but it did have ballistic fiber mesh. The material was light weight, it's machine washable, and dryer friendly. He put on the tactical vest and holster, and walked back out. He noticed some guns, ammo, and miscellaneous gear spread on the table for him.

He finished putting everything where it needed to be. "Okay follow me we have to find the rest of my unit and head towards the dock."

"Cardin."

"Yeah shrimp?"

"What the hell's going on? Why's everyone in such a rush?"

"Fleet flying close to Bastion. We're going to engage them and drive them away."

"Why not let them come here?"

"Listen... Gannon we don't have the numbers or ships to take on a fleet that size. Which is why we are going to steal one of them."

"What!?"

Cardin leaned closer. "Maybe you haven't noticed yet, but Pyrrha is more concerned with keeping her ass alive. I couldn't care less I want to kill these assholes."

"So which one are we going to steal?"

"The one called the Prosecutor. It's Overseer Vizara's pride and joy. Lucky for us it's the one leading the fleet. We capture it, and Pyrrha will have her hands full dealing with us now."

Nagisa had a difficult time keeping up with Cardin as many other soldiers bumped into him and made their way to the dock. He bumped into someone and fell underneath them. "I'm sorry I..."

His mind went blank when he saw her. She hadn't aged a day! Her pupils were different kind of like his when he transformed and her incisors were sharper. Pyrrha stood up and offered her hand to Nagisa. He took it albeit hesitantly. All the soldiers around him looked at the spectacle.

"Who's your C.O.?"

"Cardin Winchester ma'am."

"I see you better be off then."

"Yeah." Nagisa turned around and took one step when Pyrrha placed a hand in his shoulder.

"What's your name soldier?"

"Arcade Gannon ma'am."

"Hmm rookie?"

"Yeah."

"Off you go then don't die now." Pyrrha let him go.

Nagisa didn't waste any time and hurried to the dock.

Pyrrha POV

Pyrrha felt something familiar from the boy. She pushed it aside and continued on towards the war room with Amodar and Farron. She made it inside and saw several warships on display. "What's the situation?"

"Small fleet of six vessels with Vizara's flagship. She hasn't found us yet."

"Shall I prepare the ships for evacuation ma'am?" Asked Farron.

"How close are they?"

"Epsilon outpost found them. They haven't been discovered yet."

"Hmm okay who do we have on station?"

"Cardin's unit is going in to provide support. I've scrambled five fighter squadrons. Fang and her unit are almost there, but they are a ways out."

"Okay. Have Cardin and anyone else Epsilon can scramble to lure them away. Have the fighters provide support only after they are they have set up the trap. Is Vizara taking part in the attack?"

"Her flagship the Prosecutor is there, but no confirmation as to whether she is there." Stated Farron.

"Have Fang hole up in Epsilon just in case... Something's amiss. Farron have Squall send a few more squads to Epsilon. Amodar I want you to load up a handful of tanks and provide support for Epsilon."

"Ma'am."

Amodar and Farron left Pyrrha alone. She couldn't take that boy's face out of her mind. Who was he? He seemed familiar, but...

"I thought he was cute let's ask him out."

"MEFE get the hell out."

"Why are you marrying Squall? You don't even love him."

"It's about time I..."

"Fuck you if you say let go. Nagisa is still out there. He needs our help."

"And we need his."

"If Coco and the rest could see you now..."

"Fuck them they made their choice. Especially Yang and Cinder."

"They had a daughter of course they were going to choose her over us."

"Fuck this I need to get out of here."

"Where are you going?"

"To the brothel where else."

"The only reason you sleep with Aria is because she has blue eyes and hair like him."

"I don't remember fucking Coco for that reason."

"And she left you as I recall."

Pyrrha simply left annoyed with MEFE.

Nagisa POV

Nagisa was onboard the Skyranger with Cardin's unit. "Command gave us an order to engage the enemy and lure them away from Epsilon. Once we lure them away we will spring up a trap located at these coordinates. Amodar has scrambled a few fighters to provide air support."

"Is Vizara there?" Asked Rojas.

"That's what we are going to find out."

"Uh what?" Asked Onions.

"Zavala is going to drop us off at the Prosecutor, and we are going to steal the ship."

"Uh what about our orders?"

"These are your orders. Now get set for a combat drop."

Nagisa loaded a fresh magazine into his rifle. A part of him went nostalgic being onboard the Skyranger with other SCAFA Legionnaires. Another was the weapon they gave him was from that time. The M5A2 Folsom Carbine which fires .303 tungsten jacket rounds in a 50 bullet magazine armed with an M200 40 mm grenade launcher. They really preserved the rifles well he was amazed and thankful.

"Why are you smiling you know they gave you an old gun right?" Said Pope.

"I fought with SCAFA using Skyrangers and rifles like this one."

"Cool." Said Rojas.

"Alright boys get ready we're coming up on the Prosecutor." Said Zavala through the intercom.

The ship began to shake as flak and missiles attempted to hit their mark. Nagisa had to remember to compliment Zavala maneuvering these things was always a pain in the ass. "You guys are gonna get one shot."

Cardin signaled the men to stand up and turn towards the exit. The red light turned green as the door opened and everyone jumped out immediately. They landed on a railing platform overlooking one of the major guns firing on the rest of the Skyrangers. "Get out Zavala we got it from here."

"Good luck." Zavala flew off evading the missiles and flak that tried to shoot her out of the sky.

"Rojas take the bridge. Shiota you're with me we're hitting the command center."

"Got it."

Nagisa followed Cardin towards the command center while Rojas led the rest to take the bridge. "So what are we doing Cardin?"

"Figuring out why they are here. Vizara never comes out in the open let alone with such a small force. Something's going on here."

"Cardin it's Rojas."

"Come in."

"It's a fucking ghost ship! There's nobody here."

"Pope what do you have on the IFF?"

"Just us... Wait I got a ping."

"Where?"

"Command center."

"Shiota let's hurry. The rest of you hold position I don't like it."

"You got it boss."

Nagisa and Cardin made haste through the corridors, and stairwells to the command center. Rojas was right there was nobody aboard the vessel. They were finally right outside the command center. Nagisa and Cardin each took position on both sides of the door. Cardin pressed the door switch, and both rushed inside. The room was empty they couldn't see anybody. Nagisa made way to the computer to figure out what was going on.

"What have you got shrimp?" Asked Cardin still scanning the room.

"Good luck."

"What?"

"That's what it says. Good luck."

Cardin looked at the computer screen. Nagisa turned around and continued his search throughout the room. He saw a chair move slightly, but when he turned it all the way there was no one sitting there. Nagisa noticed a few scratch marks on the floor. He kneeled down and traced his fingers over the marks. Then he looked at the ceiling and saw the same marks, but no sign of what made them. "Cardin I don't think we're alone."

"Yeah I figured. Rojas it's Cardin do you read?"

"Yeah we're still here boss man."

"It's a trap. Can you contact Epsilon?"

"Not from here we'd need to get to the bridge."

"Fuck! Okay we're coming to get you. Shrimp let's go."

Nagisa walked towards Cardin, but suddenly hit something. He couldn't see anything. He placed his hand on the object and felt it. Nagisa aimed his rifle at it and began firing. Suddenly the object became visible as it evaded Nagisa's gunfire. Nagisa got a closer look at it, it was a machine a robot with large claws with human characteristics. It was nimble too as it jumped from surface to surface evading Nagisa's gunfire. Suddenly more of the machines revealed themselves and began attacking Nagisa and Cardin.

"Rojas come in we've got Chameleon Sentries."

"Shit need back up?"

"We got this one, but stay close watch your corners."

Nagisa placed his hands on the floor and summoned several snakes. Cardin drew his mace and attempted to hit several of the sentries. Nagisa's rifle could barely pierce through it's tough armor, he switched to his grenade launcher and fired. He was able to hit one of the sentries, but it shook off the hit as if it were nothing. Nagisa placed his hand on his back choosing to use his swords. He couldn't feel the handles... "Oh fuck I forgot them!"

"Fuck Shiota just fuck!"

One of his snakes managed to stranglehold one of the sentries. Nagisa rushed to its position placed his rifle on its head an unloaded the full clip. Finally the thing was down. Nagisa called back his snakes as the sentries began closing in on their position. Cardin and Nagisa opted for a retreat and rushed to Rojas's position.

"Rojas status."

"They're here too. We're trying to make our way to the bridge now."

"Fuck okay let's not waste any time splitting up just hurry and warn Epsilon. Shrimp let's go."

Nagisa and Cardin didn't waste any time getting to the bridge as they helped Rojas and the rest push forward. "Shrimp lead the push I'll cover the rear."

"Got it."

Nagisa and a few of the unit kept pushing forward as they emptied their guns into the sentries. They were barely able to make it inside as many more kept following them from behind. Cardin was barely able to make it inside as Nagisa closed the door and shot the lock. "Pope you get Epsilon. The rest close off all access points. Shrimp on me we're shooting down the rest of these assholes."

Nagisa made his way to one of the gun controls and began firing on the nearest vessel. Nagisa could hear the sentries pounding at the door, but remained focused on firing on the remaining vessels. The vessels responded in kind and laid a barrage of missiles on the Prosecutor. Finally they shit the last one down, but the ship itself was on its last legs.

"Cardin I got Epsilon they say a ship is heading their way."

"How big?"

"Massive it's an assault class acclamator ship."

"Designation?"

"Bospherus."

"Shit that thing is probably loaded with Goliath mech tanks and Titan class Chimera. This ship is on it's last legs... So much for capturing it and Vizara. Okay we crash it into the Bosperus, and hope we kill as many as we can."

"Amodar has already redeployed the rest of the units to Epsilon..."

"What is it Pope?"

"I've got Admiral Nikos on the line."

The squad heard the pounding on the door as the sentries kept trying to get in. "Give her here. Go for Cardin."

"Cardin just what the hell do you think..."

"Oh no the sentries broke through. They're killing my men. Onions is getting eviscerated blah..." Cardin said unenthusiastically and handed the radio to Pope.

"Why me man?"

"You made us go back for those weapons that's why." Added Rojas.

"Barricade the doors and call Zavala and tell her to pick us up on the bridge."

"Sir."

The ship was barely able to maintain itself during the flight. Cardin and Nagisa aimed the ship's weapons at the Bospherus and began to open fire. The Bospherus began returning fire as it began deploying it's forces and laid siege on Epsilon. The sentries were almost through, and there was still no sign of Zavala. Cardin set the ship on auto pilot into a direct trajectory with the Bospherus. Nagisa set his guns to auto cycle and kept them on auto fire as he rushed back to help the men hold the sentries. Cardin saw Zavala hold the Skyranger steadily in front of the bridge.

"Everyone get onboard now!" Cardin then broke the glass as several of his men already made way.

"Go all of you I got this." Said Nagisa as he held the barricade together.

"Shrimp hurry up!"

"Go now I'll be fine."

Cardin POV

Cardin boarded the Skyranger as he watched Shiota fight off the Sentries that broke through.

"We're gonna leave him?" Asked Rojas.

"He'll be fine he's survived worst like Boros."

"Zavala get us out of here!"

Zavala flew the transport away from the Prosecutor. Cardin could see several Goliaths and Titan Chimera already attacking Epsilon. The Prosecutor finally collided with the Bospherus landing on top of the troops it had already deployed leaving only a handful intact.

"Zavala get us on board that Goliath we're gonna even the odds. Just so it's out there you are to call Shiota Arcade Gannon. Consider that a standing order."

"Sir."

Zavala evaded Titan fire as it tried to get on the head of the Goliath. She opened the hatch and poured all of the troops onto it. Cardin made a hole with his mace and ordered his men onto it. He was the last to finally jump in and began engaging the Chimeran crew inside the Goliath.

"Pope, Onions control room. Rojas take the rest and begin mopping them up."

Cardin kept mopping up the last of the crew members giving Pope and Onions a clear shot to the control room. Cardin took command of the Goliath and began firing at the remaining two. One of the Goliaths fired its Hadron Cannon killing off a few of the soldiers on the ground. Cardin armed the torpedoes and took down the last one.

"Alright everyone let's get the hell out of here. Tell command we got a new toy in our arsenal."

"Zavala..."

"Already got the kid we're coming to you now."

"Let's go."

Cardin and his men exited the Goliath to meet and angry Pyrrha and Squall. Cardin performed a mocked salute only to be received by Pyrrha's fist to his jaw. Cardin fell to his knees and spit out some blood.

"You're welcome."

"You endangered the mission and your men for the last time Cardin." Pyrrha drew her spear and aimed the tip at Cardin's head.

Rojas and the rest aimed their weapons at Pyrrha, whilst Squall had his men aimed theirs at them. "Easy there Rojas."

"Fuck you Squall! Just give the order sir and we'll unload on these pricks."

"Calm down Rojas. Everyone stand down." Ordered Cardin. "Look Pyrrha I'm sick and tired of always being on the defensive it's about time we took the fight to Boros."

"We don't have the..."

"Fuck you! You're scared aren't you. Coco told me what happened at Irithyll. Well tough shit we've all lost people. I lost my team, my wife, and my son. And I'll be damned if I spend my last days on this earth scouring like a fucking rat."

"At the risk of losing your men? What about the families back at Bastion? What about them?"

"With all due respect ma'am fuck you!" Rojas began speaking. "Have you seen the conditions our people live in? Outbreaks, disease, hunger... Shit we don't need Boros to kill us off we're already doing that ourselves."

"Yeah he's right. How many people died of cholera? How many died because we couldn't put food on the table? Anyone else remember the Winter of Sorrow? I had to bury my entire family." Said Pope. "At least Cardin here isn't afraid to take the fight to Boros."

"Well Pyrrha what's it going to be?" Asked Cardin as he began rising to his feet.

Pyrrha raised her spear only to be stopped by Fang grabbing her arm. "Admiral I know the two of you don't exactly get along, but we managed to score a huge victory here. Let's not choke on our pride. Besides Vizara is getting closer we have to move people to safety if she got this close to Epsilon."

"Fine then. Amodar have salvage crews scavenge what they can from the crashed ships."

"Roger that."

"What about Gannon, Cardin? Doesn't look like he made it."

Cardin wore a smug smile on his face. "Zavala has him on the Skyranger. You're welcome to look." Cardin then pointed to Shiota as he stepped off the transport waiving his rifle in the air.

"Quite the recruit if he managed to survive the crash. I wonder..."

Cardin cursed Zavala's timing and the Shrimp's survival skills at that instant.

"You leave my men out of this."

"They are my men too Cardin."

"Ma'am?" Asked Fang.

"I'm just gonna go... Congratulate him."

Cardin saw Nagisa walking in their direction as Pyrrha was about to meet him halfway with Squall in tow. Fang stood next to Cardin. "Kid's made of tough shit if he survived."

"You have no idea."

"You worried about him?" Asked Fang.

"Worried about them."

"Them?"

"Long story."

Cardin and Fang walked towards Nagisa as he stopped halfway through to meet Pyrrha and Squall.

"So Gannon how did you and Cardin meet?" Asked Squall.

"I stole his food several times."

"Really?"

"Well my parents were both dead so..."

"He took you in?"

"More like I forced him to. Isn't that right Cardin?"

"Yeah that's about right. Are you two done?"

"Almost." Pyrrha took a closer inspection of the boy. "Tell me something Gannon are you a spy?"

"No ma'am."

"Well then let me ask you one simple question."

"Okay what is it?"

"When was the Winter of Sorrow?"

"Uh... Winter? Was that not it?" Nagisa looked at Cardin who just sighed in defeat.

"How many years ago?"

"Oh uh..." Nagisa looked at Cardin.

"No look at me." Pyrrha held his face with both her hands. "When was it?"

"5?"

Pyrrha smiled. "Take him away." Ordered Squall.

"Pyrrha you're going to regret this." Said Cardin.

"Will I?"

"Shrimp just do it doesn't matter anymore."

"You sure?"

"Yeah."

"Okay Pyrrha I know that you gave a class session at Beacon about jelly sap used to enhance sexual performance."

"Hmm Cardin knows that he's been telling everyone."

"I know you mastered Aural Arts from Yada Touka."

Pyrrha looked at the boy more seriously now. She drew her spear and aimed it at his face. "Fuck you."

"It's me Pyrrha it's Nagisa."

"FUCK YOU!" Pyrrha began fighting Nagisa whilst he tried his best to avoid getting hit.

"Nagisa Shiota, Nassar Embry, The Devourer, Boros's brother?" Asked Fang.

"Yeah that's him."

"Should we..." Fang began.

"Nah they'll get it sorted out. Let's go we have wounded to tend to."

Pyrrha POV

No matter how hard she tried Nagisa was still better than her. "I said stand still."

"No."

"It's your fault! You destroyed everything! You evil, maniacal, sadistic pompous asshole, big sword, but doesn't know how to use it jackass who left without saying goodbye!" Pyrrha struck Nagisa's weapon as he blocked her spear.

"I'm sorry I..."

"C'mon cleavage we can use this to our advantage for make up sex... And pity sex." Said MEFE who was busy making sand angels on the ground.

"Tch... For how long have you been back?" Pyrrha sheathed her spear.

"Almost a week. I ran into Cardin when they attacked the airbase."

"Can we trust him?" Asked Squall.

"Maybe assuming he doesn't run away again." Said Pyrrha. "Squall stay here supervise the salvage. Nagisa you're coming with me. Zavala to Bastion."

"Ma'am."

Pyrrha and Nagisa boarded the transport and were taken to Bastion.

"Where are the rest?" Asked Nagisa.

"I don't know. Yang, Cinder, Ashe, Maid Gunner, and Raven were supposedly in Vale. Coco, Weiss, and Winter were in Atlas. We lost contact years ago."

"Aren't there other resistance cells?"

"Maybe in Mistral, but that place is a goddamned battlefield. Besides Boros crushed all opposition the academies were taken over or worst... Destroyed. With the exception of Beacon."

"Why Beacon? What's there?"

"The Axanar Institute. It's where Boros develops and manufactures his weapons."

"What about the teachers from Beacon? Glynda? Ozpin? Oobleck? Port? Anybody?"

"All killed except for Ozpin he serves Boros now. Boros turned him into... Something. Almost looks like a Chimera. Shit Nagisa there aren't anymore huntsmen or huntresses we died out years ago."

"And the Grimm? The Jigua? I haven't seen any faunus or half faunus. Where are they?"

"Killed, killed, converted into Chimera. Boros wiped them all out never stood a chance. He united all the kingdoms against them. It was a massacre."

"Why did the group split? Why aren't you with the rest?"

"We had certain... Differences."

"Those being?"

"I'm here they are not."

"Are you an Apostle?"

"Yeah."

After landing in Bastion Pyrrha led Nagisa to her apartment to continue their conversation. "You guy's built the city so quick."

"Most of the center and outskirts already existed from a time when Vacuo wanted to expand. We were in luck that Boros hadn't found it yet. We've been here ever since trying to scrape some sort of livelihood."

"Aren't you guys training any huntsmen?"

"No. We don't have the time, resources, or even someone who can."

"Well you do now."

"Nagisa as much as I would appreciate having an extra team of huntsmen most of these people lack the strength to do it. Some of them can't even fight their way out of their beds."

"What the hell happened to you Pyrrha?"

"Me? What about you? I lost everyone I cared for in Irithyll. Where the hell were you all these years?"

"Apophis... I was trying to look for a way to stop him."

"Well?"

"I found one, but it's not going to be easy."

"It never is with you."

"Yeah... Well then I guess..."

"Why didn't you tell us... Tell me you would be gone?"

"In case you guys were captured I couldn't risk letting Boros know."

"And sticking together?"

"Pyrrha I wasn't in Remnant during all this time."

"Where were you?"

"I was at the Twisting Nether."

"Where is that?"

"In another dimension far away from here. Morn and I were looking into Apophis's birthplace. It's also where I was born."

"Morn?"

"I met him in Menagerie he's the one who saved me in Irithyll from Boros after I helped you guys escape."

"And where is he?"

"I dunno he's tracking Apophis trying to figure out a way to buy me time to find the Architect and the Ark."

"And I assume you want an army?"

"If you are offering. I'll also take a really good team."

Pyrrha walked to the door and made sure she locked it. "That depends."

"On what?"

"How you perform in the sack."

Rojas POV

Rojas along with the unit were busy scraping for any usable materials from the ships. They were in luck as they found a few Goliath mechs intact. "Yeah now that Embry is with us Nikos has to take our side."

"Wouldn't be so sure Rojas."

"Oh come on Peyton it's fucking Nassar Embry man! If anybody can do it it's him."

"Cardin?" Peyton turned to Cardin as he carried several steel sheets.

"There was a time when maybe it would have made a difference. Now I don't know."

"Told you."

"Fuck off Peyton! Come on boss. Do you really think Nikos has gone off the deep end?"

"She hasn't proved us wrong so far. Now hurry it up we have to finish up before Vizara sends backup."

Overall they were able to secure a large armament and metal from the wreckage of the ships. Rojas and the rest sat down to catch their breaths and rest for a moment. "So Rojas is Embry gonna go to your son's birthday?"

"Shit Pope I forgot to remind him! Well it's still three days away. I'll do it later."

"How old is he now?"

"He's going to be six. Hard to believe its been so long."

"Yeah... To think it's been so long."

"Almost feels normal doesn't it?"

"That it does."

Rojas saw Onions coming their way. "Guys we got new orders. Amodar wants us to recon the Wall keep an eye out for any other ships coming this way."

Rojas looked at the rest of his unit. "You heard the man pack your shit we leave in five. I'll get Cardin and meet you guys at the transport."

Rojas saw Cardin talking to Fang as he called out to him. "Captain we have new orders from Amodar."

"Yeah I know he told me. Let's get going."

Rojas along with the rest of the unit boarded the transport and made their way towards the Wall. "Amodar wants us to do recon only. Which is what we are going to do."

"What about taking the fight to them?" Asked Rojas.

"We fire one bullet Rojas and the entire Empire of Ouro will be on our asses. We play it safe on this one. Believe me it pisses me off too, but we don't have the shrimp backing us up."

"We're coming up on the insertion point. Good luck out there."

"Go go go."

Rojas exited the transport and scanned his surroundings. "We're clear."

"Good we'll split up cover more ground. Rojas take Pope, Onions, and Peyton. I'll take the rest remember recon only. And don't shoot your guns or mouths off unless it's to defend yourself."

"Sir. Okay on me let's go." Rojas and the rest made his way towards a cliff on the farthest side of the insertion point. They had to figure out if what they just saw was a recon fleet, patrol, or the beginnings of an invasion force. They reached the cliffside and looked down on the massive wall that stood dividing the borders of Vale and Vacuo.

The wall itself was immense at least five miles high, reached both seas, and was armed with anti air, anti infantry, anti vehicle weapons. Rojas remembered when they first attempted to attack the wall more than ninety percent of their forces were decimated. Returning here he could still see the carcasses from his vantage point the ships and bodies cooking under the hot sun.

"Peyton you have eyes on anything?" Asked Onions.

"Same old same old not a damn thing. What about you guys?"

"I have movement, but I can't tell if it's another patrol or some routine inspection." Said Pope.

"Where?" Asked Rojas.

"Fifty meters from that AA tower to the right under the patrol ship."

Rojas zoomed in to where Pope was pointing. "Holy shit that's Admiral Ghaun and Admiral Ironwood!"

"The leaders of Boros's armies? What're they doing here?" Asked Onions.

"Maybe they've come to kill Vizara since she lost her ship." Said Pope.

"One can only hope." Rojas pulled out his radio. "Sir we have eyes on Admiral Ghaun and Admiral Ironwood."

"Fuck me! What're they doing here?" Asked Cardin over the radio.

"No idea sir, but it's definitely not good."

"Well then that does it we'll spend the rest of the day and night here see if they don't send any more ships. Update every hour."

"Sir. So anyone brought a deck of cards?"

Rojas looked at the night sky as he was pulling watch duty. Ghaun and Ironwood were still around, and the ships seemed to be pulling extra shifts. "Just you wait you fuckers. Just you wait until we bring that fucker down."

So far it just seemed like a routine inspection nothing out of the ordinary, and that just pissed him off even more. There was obviously something going on for Ghaun and Ironwood to be here, but what? More importantly why wasn't there any recovery attempt being made on the ships they took down? It kept bugging him to no end. Rojas then saw one of the ships leave the wall into Vacuo and drop... Something. He focused his scope on the device that had been dropped, but couldn't really see it from his vantage point. He looked around hoping that there was another place he could get a better vantage point. He spotted a downed cruiser that could provide him with cover and a better spot.

"Guys wake up. Come on."

"What is it?" Asked Onions.

"I just saw a cruiser drop something over there. I'm gonna go in for a closer look I need you guys to cover me."

"Cardin is gonna have your ass." Said Pope.

"That's assuming I'll still have an ass. Now come on."

Rojas was followed by Peyton and Pope leaving Onions to provide overwatch from the cliff. Rojas led the rest to the downed cruiser taking cover from the searchlights. Rojas ordered Peyton to provide overwatch from the cruiser in case they needed a quick exit. Now it was just Rojas and Pope making their way down the cruiser towards a trench.

"Why not get a close look from the downed cruiser?" Asked Pope.

"That was before I saw the trench we have to get closer to it."

"I swear you are just like Cardin."

"Yeah yeah."

They kept walking along the trench until they were at least three miles away from the device. Rojas aimed his scope at it and saw that it was some sort of... Pylon? Bomb? Beacon? He didn't know what it was. Then he saw a beam of light coming down from the moon and into the ground punching a large hole.

"Pope... You saw that right?" Rojas asked.

"Yeah I did kind of wish I hadn't."

"Holy shit are you guys still alive?" Asked Peyton.

"Yeah we were a ways away from it. Fuck we have to get back to Bastion and warn everyone." Said Rojas.

Rojas, Pope, and Peyton reached the cliffside with Onions, and the rest of their unit waited for them.

"So then what was it?" Asked Cardin.

"Some kind of targeting beacon maybe. The beam came from the moon though so they must have a huge gun up there." Said Rojas.

"No shit okay then we have to go now and warn Bastion we can't fight them head on. Not with that kind of firepower. Pope see if you can't hail for pick up."

"On it."

"The rest of you grab you shit we leave now."

Amodar POV

Amodar looked at the holographic image of Bastion as he began strategizing a new defensive tactic against those new cruisers. They were just too big, and their arsenal wasn't big enough to provide any sort of tactical advantage. He sipped some more coffee and began running another simulation. This one he had prepared in secret and could only be done when Admiral Nikos wasn't around due to certain stances. Cardin was right it was about time that they took the fight to them. He ran the simulation this time an attack on the Wall. He could almost taste victory every time, but it was useless even with the added firepower of the Goliath mechs his total casualty rating was at eighty percent. Not enough to survive a counter offensive, nor to push through to Axanar and Atlas.

He sipped some more coffee and picked another simulation this time of the evacuation of Bastion. It was the only thing he was able to get right with a small casualty rating of twenty percent. It wasn't much, but it was his to be proud of. He heard the door open and saw Nassar Embry walk inside.

"Oh sorry I was..."

"It's fine come on join me. It's not everyday I get to talk to a living legend."

"Well it's not like I get to talk to a fossil."

"Hmph... So then how did the meeting between you and Admiral Nikos go?"

"About as well as you'd expect. She and I still have a history together but it's not necessarily a good one."

"I figured."

"And you Amodar where are you from?"

"Atlas, but I served the Massassi Corporation in Mistral. I was a privateer providing frontier security and such. Served under Admiral Forge before he died during the days after Irithyll."

"Forge as in Tunguska Blitz Forge?"

"Yeah we managed to take down a massive Grimm horde led by Shibboleth heading into Tunguska. That was what? Almost thirty years ago now."

"Yeah I was serving under him I was with Avalon squad I was a fighter pilot."

"No kidding maybe you and I met during the fight. I was captain of the Endeavor."

"No I was stationed in the Conviction."

"Yeah seems like a lifetime ago. Now I command a few ragtag vessels that can even be called a fleet."

"What do you people have at your disposal?"

"At least a dozen light cruisers, one corvette class cruiser serving as our flagship, a few cargo freighters, close to two hundred fighter planes, sixty transports, enough vehicles for three armored divisions, and seven hundred fighters. All protecting at least a little over a thousand souls."

"Damn and that's still not enough?"

"Not against Boros and his armies"

"Any word on other resistance cells?" Asked Embry.

"Mistral is a battlefield the resistance there is disorganized lacking in leadership. By now they've probably been wiped out. We used to be more under the command of Fleet Admiral Schnee, but that resistance was wiped out after three years."

"What happened?"

"A few military officers got together and assembled an army of huntsmen, ships, soldiers almost anything. In one move we decided to strike Atlas and end Boros, but we failed. Boros singlehandedly wiped us out."

"How?"

"He turned into a giant snake and began eating our ships and soldiers."

"What about the survivors?"

"What few survived pushed towards Atlas. We kept communications with them for a while, but we don't know what became of them. We are isolated all the way out here."

"And you? What were you doing?"

"I was in Mistral mustering whatever ships and soldiers I could. I decided to lead a defensive operation in Vale providing cover and evacuation for civilians. After a while I had a strong enough navy to fight back against the enemy, but..."

"But?"

Amodar sipped more of his coffee and looked at the holo map of Bastion. "Sarrish happened."

"What happened in Sarrish?"

"I had gathered a few dozen vessels and dreadnoughts by this time. I received word that Sarrish was under siege and began mobilizing. I ordered my ships to engage the enemy, and for a while we had the upper hand. I began evacuating the civilians into the transports when more of the enemy's ships arrived. The fleet was three times the size of mine in the end I had to sacrifice all my ships to give cover for the civilians to get away. In the end it wasn't enough and they still shot down most of the transports."

"How many made it out?"

There was a long pause before Amodar continued. "Not enough. I've presided over the worst military defeat in history."

"But you still managed to make it out."

"Doesn't change the fact that Ironwood beat and nailed me to the fucking wall."

"Ironwood!?" Embry was surprised by the mention of his name.

"Yeah he is Boros's Fleet Admiral last I heard he controls the entire Atlesian defense perimeter. No ship in our out without his say so."

"What about a woman named Salem? Have you heard of her?"

Amodar did his best to remember, but not once was there ever a mention of her. "Never heard of her. Is she important?"

"She's the one who caused all this."

"The fact that we don't where she is should be a serious cause for concern."

"Yeah. And Vale have you heard from them?"

"Not in a long time. Last we heard was that they would attempt to take down the Axanar Institute, but the fact that we still have ships and weapons being produced means that they failed."

"And no new attempts have been made to start a new resistance?"

"Embry we are the only people out here in Vacuo. We've searched high and low for other people trying to build up our numbers. You've seen Fang haven't you?"

"Yeah tall brunette, tanned skin, green eyes."

"Her group was the last one we found. Everyone else has been relocated to Vale. We are the only ones who are probably left fighting him. If you could even call it that."

"And Menagerie?"

"Gone... Literally. There was an uprising there from the huntsmen captured there, and the entire continent was sunk."

"How!?"

"We don't know."

"Where was Boros?"

"Hmm Mistral I think why?"

"Then that was probably Salem."

"Is she that strong?"

"She has the abilities of the winter, summer, and spring maidens. Not to mention she is a maiden herself."

"Then this fight has gotten more complicated than I originally imagined."

They heard the door open with Col. Farron walking through with Fang, Squall, and Nikos in tow. "We have a problem." Nikos began.

"What happened?" Asked Amodar.

"Nagisa you once told Velvet that there were temples that connected Remnant to the moon right?"

"Yeah there's a city inside the moon called Rusalka why?"

"If someone wanted to build a cannon up there that had the capabilities of shooting a laser and punch a hole at least a mile and a half wide could they do it?"

"Ausius once attempted that, but we didn't have the resources... Boros did it!?"

"Just got word from Cardin's unit. A ship launches a targeting beacon that allows for the cannon to fire, and it doesn't miss." Said Pyrrha.

"Well shit we have to leave Bastion you guys can't fight that!"

"We have you."

"I'm sure that cannon is meant to kill me... Possibly Apophis too."

"Apophis?" Amodar asked.

"Yeah Apophis the..." Embry began looking around all the people seemed confused.

It was the first time Amodar had ever heard the name. "Who is he?"

"He is my father as well as Boros. He is coming to Remnant to kill us off." He turned to Pyrrha. "You didn't tell them?"

"I did not."

"Why would you hide this from us?" Amodar asked.

"It's not like knowing would have made a difference all of us would be dead."

"When is he due to arrive Embry?" Amodar turned to the boy.

"I don't know could be today, tomorrow Morn hasn't told me anything so that's probably a good sign."

"Can we kill him?" Asked Fang.

"No... I don't know. I was supposed to find the Architect and find the Ark to get you guys out of here. Maybe even buy you guys time."

"Better late than never I suppose. What now?" Squall turned to Pyrrha.

"... Nagisa?"

"I don't know I... This wall that splits Vale and Vacuo how strong are its defenses?"

Amodar began speaking. "Admiral Thane led an offensive many years ago against the wall. Ninety percent were wiped out the few that did were lucky enough as it is."

"And the other side of Vacuo?"

"There is the coastal defenses, but it would take a miracle. Even then where would we go we don't have the fuel to support all of our ships. We can't even carry everyone."

"But you all know where we can get what we need don't you?" Embry looked around.

Amodar began pressing a few buttons on the holo table. Soon a large base appeared with a dozen heavy cruisers docked. "It's their launch point for all operations here in Vacuo. If we can take the ships and fuel we stand a chance. Bigger problem is where to go."

"The Broken Isles." Said Col. Farron. "Since everyone was relocated to Vale it might be deserted we can even establish ourselves there for the long haul if need be."

"Well it's got farmlands and far away enough from any of Boros's bases we could do it." Said Fang.

"What about the defenses?" Asked Squall. "Even with the ships those guns would tear us apart. Not to mention that they would know where we would be going if we take them out."

"Then we don't. We infiltrate the base and disable their grid. Amodar can we pull it off?" Said Embry,

"You would have to kill everyone stealthily, disable communications, make sure they don't stop sending the all clear... It's a tall order, but maybe. Admiral Nikos?" Everyone turned to Nikos wondering about her decision.

"Amodar, Farron set up a defensive perimeter around Bastion. Squall, Fang grab everything from the outposts and bring it here. We hold Bastion then we'll see."

"Pyrrha what the hell!?" Nikos simply left the room without saying another word. Squall followed her soon after she left. Embry slammed his fist on the table. "Damn that girl."

"Embry?"

"She is right though when we hit the base they will definitely know where we are going. They will find Bastion." Said Fang.

"Amodar can you scramble command crews for the ships?"

"Yes."

"Good. Fang I'm gonna need backup. Farron have everything loaded onto the ships, and have them fully gassed up if possible. What about the fighters what's their status?"

"We can scramble them from the base, but not all of our cruisers have docking capabilities." Explained Amodar.

"What about those ships?"

"They do, but not for all of them. There is however an airship carrier located here just a few miles. It has enough space to carry the rest."

"It will have to do." Embry was about to walk out when suddenly armed guards aimed their rifles at them with Nikos at the center.

"You will all stand down now!" Nikos drew her spear and aimed it at Embry. "Don't make me do this Nagisa."

"Nikos what the hell is this?" Asked Amodar.

"I'm stopping all of you from killing us off."

"Pyrrha you're scared and I get that but..." Nikos cut Embry's cheek with her spear.

"You don't know. I don't think you ever knew. It's so easy for you isn't it? You used us as your pawns sacrificed us when need be for your goals. Well it ends today. Seize them and lock them up."

"So that's it then? Squall what about you?" Asked Amodar.

"I have to stand with my wife on this one... I'm sorry, but it's the only way."

"Nagisa you have until tomorrow to leave the base and the city. I won't let you sacrifice any more people."

"Hmph fine then."

Amodar along with Farron and Fang were then taken to the brig.

Zavala POV

Zavala saw Embry and Cardin walking up to her, and she knew instantly what that meant. "Let me guess she said no."

"Worst." Embry began. "She wants to fight them here."

"Damn! Well that's not good. So what now boss?" She turned to Cardin.

"We need you to break us out of here."

"Can't all ships are grounded the only one's leaving are those that are tasked with troop deployment."

"Huh troop deployment interesting. Say Cardin isn't your team being assigned to do some recon?" Asked Embry.

"Why indeed it is shrimp too bad we don't have a pilot."

"Both of you can be real condescending assholes you know that right?" Said Zavala.

"Yeah so will you?" Asked Embry.

"Fine then but you guys have to be quick my ship leaves in fifteen."

"More than enough let's go."

Zavala was already in her cockpit turning on the engines of the Skyranger looking at all the soldiers move in earnest. She double checked the gauges making sure everything was in order. She was going insane they were taking their time then she heard a knock from the door behind her.

"Let's go." Said Cardin.

"On it." Zavala began lift off procedures when she heard static on the radio.

"Zavala you're not cleared for take off."

"Listen Richter do you want to be the one to tell Nikos why the front lines don't have their latest ammo shipment?"

"Ugh okay then go."

"Dumbass."

Zavala began flying as far away from Bastion as possible staying out of range from the anti air towers. She could see convoys moving in all directions setting up barricades and bulkheads. Once she reached outside the city she saw the soldiers digging trenches all around setting up artillery guns. It would be a massacre that's for sure.

"So Embry where are we going?"

"We need to steal an aircraft carrier to provide support for our air units."

"That's it?"

"No we are also gonna raid an air base that they use to launch operations into Vacuo."

"With just ten soldiers and a Skyranger?"

"It's got guns and missiles doesn't it?"

"Not enough to take on those ships."

"Just stay out of their line of fire and you'll be fine."

"Should have stayed back at the base." Zavala neared the coordinates where the aircraft carrier was located. The base consisted of several anti air towers, patrol ships, and regular patrols.

"Take us there."

"Okay then, but I don't know how you guys will take on all that alone."

"Zavala you wound me." Said Cardin.

Orion/Onions POV

Onions stepped off the transport and loaded his missile launcher. The soldiers gathered around Cardin and Embry. "Okay so shrimp how do we go about doing this?"

"Okay so plan is I waltz in through the front gate. You guys hang back and provide support."

"That's it!? That's our plan!?" Asked Cardin.

"Well what the hell did you expect man? It's the best that I could come up with besides this time I have my swords."

"Right why do I even bother. Onions, Pope you guys are on anti armor and anti air duty keep them off of us. The rest pick them off from a distance. I'm going with you."

"So you do care."

"Just don't get us all killed."

"We don't have a lot of missiles sir." Said Onions.

"Well then you better not miss. Now everyone get into formation." Ordered Cardin.

Onions took position behind Rojas, Peyton, and Rowen. He waited until Embry and Cardin walked through the front gate and began killing off the guards. They advanced a bit further and already the rest of the men save for him and Pope opened fire. Onions saw a gunship near their position. He locked on and opened fire. The gunship crashed into a few of the Chimera firing back at them. He only had six more missiles left.

They finally pushed deeper into the base. Thankfully the Chimera seemed to be more preoccupied with Cardin and Embry at the moment. Onions spotted another gunship this time aimed directly at them. Pope was able to spot it and take it down. They proceeded further this time.

"Onions, Pope get rid of the AA guns now!" Ordered Cardin.

Onions and Pope began firing their missiles at the gun towers. Onions now only had one missile left. "Better make it count."

"Zavala air support now!"

Onions saw Zavala bring in the transport and began firing at the remaining Chimeran troops. Onions saw a gunship come in from Zavala's rear and fired taking down the gunship.

"Good job kiddo."

"Thanks."

"Everyone grab weapons and ammo load up everything into the carrier. We're taking it back to Bastion. Shrimp you and I are hitting the other base. And make sure to take out the tracking beacons."

Onions and the rest began loading the fuel canisters, vehicles, and supplies onto the carrier. Pope and Rojas were in charge of taking out its tracking beacon. Onions loaded the last of the supplies onto the carrier, and jumped aboard. The carrier began making its way back to Bastion along with the rest of Cardin's unit. He sat at the edge of the carrier looking down at the rest of Vacuo. Nikos would surely have their heads for this one. They were nearing sight of Bastion when Onions heard Pope contacting them on the radio.

"Yeah we stole a carrier we need to find a place to set her down." Said Pope.

Onions couldn't hear what was being said on the other side.

"Yeah well she can try. Besides we have guns, ammo, a few gunships and transports, and some fucking fuel. Not sure Nikos is gonna pull all that out of her ass... Alright then set her down outside west of Bastion."

Rojas came up on Onions. "Kid grab your gun and follow me the rest of you too."

"What are we doing Rojas?"

"We're taking our city back. But first we have to free Amodar, Farron, and Fang. All of you find a ventilation shaft and hide. Now!"

Onions found a small crawlspace under one of the grates. He crouched down and waited until finally Squall and a few soldiers entered the docking area. "Find them now!"

"Sir."

On the one hand they could fight them off. On the other not sure killing your allies was a great way to start. They waited there patiently until they began searching other areas of the ship. Onions crawled out of his spot and noticed Rojas along with the rest making a bee line for some vehicles.

"Okay then here's the plan we go to the brig and free the prisoners. Then we broadcast our message on the PA siren."

"Will it work?"

"We don't have a choice kid. Cardin and Embry are counting on us to deliver them some reinforcements. Push comes to shove Pope take Rowen, Peyton, and Ambrose to secure a transport." Rojas turned to the rest. "You guys on me we're freeing the prisoners."

Onions rode with Rojas to Bastion in a Mastodon that Squall left them hoping to free their leaders. The ride to Bastion was a quiet one. Onions didn't know what to expect. If he was forced to kill his friends would he do it? He pushed that thought away hoping that Rojas would see them through it. They reached the entrance to Bastion.

"Rojas!? Where's Squall?" Asked the guard.

"He's at the carrier taking inventory."

"Really?"

"Was I convincing?"

"Not even remotely." The guard sighed. "Let them through. Good luck."

"Thanks."

"Well that was easier than I thought. Thought we'd have to ram the vehicle through."

"Have a little faith Onions. The night's still young. Besides we still have to deal with Nikos when we reach the brig."

"Ah fuck."

Pyrrha POV

Pyrrha was pacing around the room biting her nails.

"Pyrrha you have to calm down." Said MEFE who was sitting on the bed.

"Calm I'am calm can't you see. Ha ha ha ha." Pyrrha began laughing for no particular reason.

"Pyrrha you know I love you, but you are seriously starting to lose it."

"Fuck you MEFE I have nothing else left to lose."

"What about Nagisa?"

"Fuck him! He's a manipulator. He..."

"He made you cum! Here, there, in the shower, and on the ceiling when he did that thing with the snake fingers."

"What do you want from me MEFE?"

"Pyrrha you are losing your mind. The Apostle is taking over. You can't keep doing this if you keep going..."

"What!?"

"You will die and the Apostle will take over."

"I've made it this far for 17 years."

"Yeah but during that time you were a killer. You were out in the field not cooped up in an office. You don't have Watts to make you the dust injections or the therapies."

"Then it's hopeless might as well let it take over."

"But you have Nagisa. He can save you. Save us."

"Do you really think he'll just do it like that?"

"Didn't you say he wanted to try? Then let him try."

"And Squall?"

"Do you even love him?"

"Fair point." Pyrrha went to her nightstand and opened the drawer. She pulled out Yada's journal and activated the sigil.

Pyrrha saw Yada sitting at the fountain looking at a small Embry chasing butterflies. She walked to Yada to ask for her help.

"Pyrrha it's been a while."

"Almost four years. Here goes... Did Nagisa ever take advantage of you? Did he ever manipulate you? Did he ever promise you the sky, land, and sea only for it all to be a lie?"

"He's back?"

"Yeah..."

"... Pyrrha when I fought the Grimm I knew that my chances of seeing tomorrow were practically zero, but I did it anyways. And not just me but Mephala and Rokk too."

"But Nagisa..."

"I know. He destroyed my world, but in its stead gave me something better. Something to look forward to."

"Was it worth it? All the lives that were destroyed."

"Pyrrha... There is no easy route to making a better tomorrow. To building a better future. We must be willing to sacrifice and die if need be to make that happen. From your perspective it might look like he is a manipulator, and I'm sure he's resorted to brutal methods as well."

"Then why..."

"Because I love him. Because no matter what else I learn about him. The lives he destroyed, the people he's killed, after all that I can still love him. And I'm sure he loves us too. He's sacrificed too Pyrrha. His students, people that he's met during his lifetime. Nagisa will keep sacrificing and dying because that is what is expected of him. Because he promised me he would."

"And when the sacrifice is too great?"

"It will always be that way. No sacrifice is too great. Besides you've made sacrifices too. You've been in his position."

"I wish I wasn't."

"Do you think Jaune could have made the decisions you made?"

"No... I don't think so."

"But you did because it was the right thing to do. Your friends sacrificed themselves so that you could be here now. So that you could fight for them. So please believe in him."

"It's too hard."

"It always is with him, but if you don't..."

"Yeah."

Yada looked at Pyrrha's hand. "He proposed."

"Different guy."

"Oh?"

"Long story."

"It always is."

"How's Embry?" Asked Pyrrha looking at the boy.

"He still can't speak yet, but I'm hoping. He's perhaps put a lot on the line for the sake of others."

"It was because of him that the Grimm were made."

"No. It was because of us. Because we became greedy. He was merely a casualty. The Grimm as well."

"I guess I better go then." Pyrrha opened her eyes and saw that she was back in her room. Pyrrha sat in her bed deep in thought. This war that Nagisa was gearing towards... How many people would have to die? She needed an assertion that no harm would come to them. She grabbed her spear and made her way towards the brig.

As she made her way a few soldiers ran up to her. "Ma'am Cardin's unit went rogue."

"Hmm... I'll deal with them return to your posts."

"Yes ma'am."

Pyrrha finally reached the brig and saw four of Cardin's men about to release the prisoners. "You need any help with that?"

The soldiers turned and aimed their rifles at her. "Admiral listen..."

"Here you go." Pyrrha tossed the keys to one of the soldiers. "You're welcome."

"Okay what's going on here?" Asked one of the soldiers.

"What's going on here is that we are getting out of here... Together. Amodar, Farron, Fang I'm sure Nagisa gave you guys a list of orders to carry out so do it. Rojas you are with me. We're saving their asses."

"How do we know you won't turn your back on us?" Asked Amodar.

"You could say I've had some sage advice."

"From who?"

"Yada Touka, Nassar Embry's wife."

Amodar and the rest gave her a questioning look. "The longer we wait the closer Boros gets. Now move it!" She ordered.

All of them began to leave, and so did she as she made her way to a transport to render aid to Nagisa and Cardin. She could see them from her transport taking fire from all directions. They were pinned down by one of the cruisers taking fire from tanks and gunships.

"Something's never change. Find a place to set her down. As for me..." Pyrrha jumped out of the transport and landed on a Chimeran Brawler. She cut its head off, and rushed towards the tanks.

The tank fired a shell at her, but Pyrrha grabbed it and threw it back blowing it up in the process. Pyrrha sprinted and tackled another one of the tanks pushing it against another. She grabbed the last one by its cannon and threw it at one of the gunships. She saw one of the soldiers crawl out of the wreckage of the tanks. The soldier saw her and crawled away from her.

"No please..."

She placed her foot on his neck. "Why?"

"I have kids."

"So did all the people you killed." She snapped his neck with a twist of her foot.

"Pyrrha..." Nagisa began.

"Let's move. Won't be long now before they figure out something's up." Pyrrha looked overhead as several transports began landing. "Seems Amodar pulled through on the command crews. You know the drill. Tracking beacons, supplies, and everything else now move it!"

All the soldiers began moving as if their lives depended on it. She noticed Squall remained and began walking towards her. "So what about them?"

She looked at Nagisa and Cardin, who were helping move supplies. "They won't be a problem much longer."

"What makes you say that?" Asked Squall.

"Once we reach the Broken Isles I'll cut ties with them. Give them an ultimatum. Although I know what their answer is going to be."

"Hmm... In any case I've already prepped everyone at Bastion for the departure. We'll leave as soon as we are done here."

"That fast?"

"It's not like we had much to begin with."

"True."

"All we need to do is take the ships to Bastion load them up, and we'll be done."

"Thanks."

"No worries, besides..." Squall leaned in and kissed Pyrrha.

Pyrrha could see Nagisa watching the entire spectacle. She embraced Squall hoping it would hurt him.

"You are conflicted." Said MEFE. Pyrrha continued kissing Squall. "Fine if you are going to be a bitch about it and let the Apostle take over then I'm leaving. Have fun ruining your life cleavage."

Pyrrha let go, and continued on her way finishing up with preparing the ships. Her mind was muddled, confused. One minute she helps Nagisa the other she hinders his efforts. Perhaps life with Squall wouldn't be all that bad. Sure she would outlive him, but she wouldn't have to deal with Nagisa either. Then again Nagisa did know how to properly fuck her. Finally the ships began taking off and were bearing down on Bastion to pick up the rest of their people. From here on Pyrrha let Amodar take control of the fleet. She needed him to be in his element when they stormed the coastal defenses.

She was now resting in the captain's quarters looking at the ceiling with a naked Squall wrapped around her. She rose from the bed and headed to the restroom to wash her face. She let the water run for a while and she finally splashed her face with the cold water. She lifted her head to face the mirror and she saw herself, but this version had red eyes, red markings, jet black skin, and sharp teeth.

"Hello Pyrrha."

Pyrrha did her best to hold back any sort of reaction. "Who are you?"

"I'm surprised the other girl never told you my name. I guess it's only natural she was perhaps much stronger than you."

"No one is stronger than me."

"And that's what I like about you Pyrrha. My name is Abathur fourth born of Anakoth."

"Fourth born?"

"Out of the eleven I'm the fourth is that so hard for you to understand?"

"What do you want?"

"Your body for starters."

"You can't have it."

"Oh dear clearly you don't know."

"Know what?"

Suddenly Pyrrha's hand reached her neck and began choking her. Pyrrha couldn't control her hand anymore. She tried fighting back, but it was all for naught. She was running out of oxygen fast. She tried breathing through her nostrils, but her sinuses were blocked. The Apostle had gained control of her body.

"That you are now my puppet."

Finally her hand let go, and she began to get her bearings. "Wha... Do... Want..."

"Your body for starters until I can claim my father's body... With your help."

"Why should I help you?"

"Does Squall know that you've been sleeping around behind his back?"

"... You can't prove that."

"Didn't you sleep with my father after he proposed?"

"Why should I trust you?"

"I care not what happens to your paltry group. All I want is my father dead."

"And Boros? What about Apophis?"

"I could care less about them. Besides once I have my father's body I can kill Boros, and claim his powers. Then I'll just kill Apophis."

"You make it sound so easy."

"Sometimes it is easy."

"If I refuse?" Pyrrha began feeling a strong painful sensation coming from her chest. "You know if I die..."

"I will take over once I reconstruct your body. All I have to do is leave you brain dead and pretend I'am you. It's not all that difficult."

"Fine..."

"Good. Now grab your equipment and head to a training room we have work to do."

Nagisa POV

Nagisa began cleaning his swords. His BRSBLADE and Arachne Grimm scythe sword were already showing signs of wear, cracks, and dents even little bits had been chipped off completely. "Damn they have some tough armor." Black Rock ore was extremely rare, and if what Cardin and Pyrrha told him was true he could no longer fix his Grimm sword. "17 years and this is what I come back to... Damn it Morn I should have come back sooner."

Nagisa heard the door slide open and he saw Rojas walking in alone. "Oh right your son's birthday right?"

"Yeah anyways here you go." Rojas handed Nagisa a picture of his son with another woman.

Nagisa understood what the gesture meant. "How did they die?"

Rojas sat down next to him. "During the evacuation of Atlas. There weren't any airships left so we had to take boats into Vale. I got my family on one of the last boats out, but... The Grimm sank the boats and began eating all the people."

"Rojas..."

"Fuck look I don't give a shit about my life, and neither does anyone else at this point. I've already lost everything."

"Is that why you joined up with Cardin?"

"Pretty much Pope, Rowen, Ambrose, Zavala, Peyton, and the rest we've all lost everyone."

"And Onions what's his story?"

"Yeah he is rather young. He used to be... Well he was being trained to be a huntsman. He was only six when all this shit happened. He and the rest of the trainees were sent to reintegration camps. He won't talk about it, and I don't blame him."

"What do they do?"

"Experiments mostly most of the Chimera we fight nowadays are huntsmen that have been experimented on."

"Damn how did he get out?"

"By pushing forward and not looking back. He was part of a small group that escaped one of the camps only he made it out."

"And Cardin?"

"Lost his entire team at Beacon, then his wife and child at Perseus at this point boss is pretty much looking for a fast way to get killed. I don't blame him that's pretty much how we all want to go out these days."

"Hmm..."

"And you?"

"Huh?"

"What are you going to do?"

"Boros or not biggest problem is still Apophis. I need to get to Atlas."

"What's in Atlas?"

"The Throat of the World."

"You want to go deep into the Nexus? Those caves go on for miles it's a fucking maze why?"

"To save everyone that's why. Problem is I need to get my weapons fixed otherwise I'm as good as dead."

"Black Rock ore huh? Well Col. Farron and Fang might help you out with that."

"Why?"

"Well for starters you know..." Rojas pointed at Nagisa. "It's you. Also they know this area a lot better than anyone especially Fang."

"Yeah heard Fang was an Imperator Guard, but where's Farron from?"

"Vale. Don't know all the details, but they're both together so might want to drop by."

"Thanks Rojas."

"Anytime."

Nagisa picked up his weapons and headed to where Farron and Fang were sleeping in. He reached the entrance to their quarters when he heard a conversation between the two women.

"You know Sunshine it would be real easy if you stopped fidgeting."

"It would be easier if you would knock off the crap."

"Well now whose bright idea was it to use oil in the first place?"

"Just shut up and fix this."

Nagisa knocked on the door. "It's me Nagisa. What's going on?"

"Not much, but Light here is being a little... Damn it Light I told you to stop moving."

"I'm not doing anything... Just agh damn it Fang."

"Do you guys need any help?"

"That depends."

"On what?"

"What do you need?"

"Black Rock ore."

"How much?"

"Enough to fix my sword."

"Well then get us out of this bind first then we'll talk."

Nagisa walked in and saw the women in a compromising position. He saw that Farron had her hands and feet tied to the bed, and Fang was tied around Farron herself. Nagisa undid the binds as quickly as possible wanting to get this situation over with.

Fang was the first to speak. "Well bad news is that all the mines in Vacuo are tapped. Boros sent in excavation crews to gather the last of our natural resources. However, Sunshine over here can help you out can't you dearie?"

"You see my weapon there?"

Nagisa looked at the weapon it was compact... "It's a gunblade!"

"Yeah mine's called Blazefire Saber. We have enough parts lying around for you to make one if you want."

"Can you do it with the Black Rock ore on my sword?"

"Yeah if there's enough."

"Okay then in that case I need to borrow yours see how to make it."

"Go right ahead."

Nagisa grabbed the gunblade and made his way towards one of the workshops on the ship. He spotted Cardin sharpening the blades on his mace. He set the gunblade down on the table and began disassembling it. The blade itself was coated in osmium probably made it easier to cut through a Chimera's armor. The bullets were caskull rounds, explosive acidic tips probably as a means to penetrate walls. It could shoot twelve rounds per magazine at an adequate range probably the same as a pistol or a sub machine gun. The blade had a strange symbol on it. It was that of a lightning bolt held as a sword, but this one was like that of a particular family crest... Farron huh? Once he had the concept down he reassembled it, and collected the parts he would need to build his.

"You gonna build your own shrimp?" Asked Cardin as he inspected the blades of his mace.

"Yeah Farron lent me hers so that I could build one."

"She's pretty protective of her weapon. Then again it is you so..."

"Does your mace have a name?" Nagisa wondered if Cardin had a special name for his weapon like all the rest did.

"It's called mace."

"So no?"

"It's just a mace shrimp. It bashes people's heads in, kills my enemies not sure why it needs to have a name. Why do people name their weapons? It's weird."

"Well it's an extension of yourself."

"So are my fists, and they can also do what my mace can. But you don't see me giving them any weird names like your old students."

"Fair enough."

"Hmm... You talk to Rojas yet?"

"Yeah..."

"That's what all their stories are like."

"Why aren't you guys back in Vale fighting? Why remain here after all this time?"

"It's not like we didn't try leaving. Admiral Thane tried, and we were almost wiped out. Besides leaving Vale was perhaps the best option. Life in the protection camps was getting difficult... Especially after the scarcity of food, water, medicine, and electricity it was only a matter of time."

"But..."

"Boros began pitting us all into settlements where the tiniest form of rebellion is met with death. It's not pretty shrimp, but we've built something for ourselves here... Even if it is all meaningless."

"Yeah..." Nagisa ended the conversation with Cardin, and resumed to work on his gunblade. Rather than making the blade into a kukri form Nagisa opted for double edge. This meant making a few Black Rock double edged blades he could use as spares. There was enough to make a small knife from. All that was left was the bone sword... He opted to also turn it into a knife. "Well at least they aren't as cumbersome."

Nagisa carried his weapons to a training area onboard the ship to test them out.

Amodar POV

Amodar was already preparing for the fight of his life. Taking out the coastal perimeter was not going to be an easy thing, even with Nassar Embry leading the charge. The ships and supplies they gathered were enough to mount an offensive, but he would have to strategize accordingly to minimize casualties. As far as air superiority goes he was covered. He had enough pilots to storm the guns and provide cover for the ships. Biggest problem was the fact that the ships carrying the civilians had no weapons to speak of. If the coastal defenses launched their fighters, it would be an uphill battle from the start. That should be his first priority. The dreadnoughts they captured would have to provide cover for the civilian ships, whilst still maintaining the offensive.

Amodar moved several ships around in the holo projector trying out formations seeing which one would provide the best option. He could also ask for Nassar Embry to turn into that monster, but that would raise more problems in the long run. He also had to figure out a way to lure the ships away from the Broken Isles should they be pursued. Obviously the best option would be to drop off the civilians with a sizable force, and keep heading towards Mistral. But even that was a foolhardy move on his part. Neither he nor anyone else knew what was happening in Mistral or Vale even Atlas, aside from what was being broadcasted in their news channels. Those dreadnoughts he saw on television would wipe them out if he encountered them. If even a single one had the capabilities of wiping out their fleet he had to know about it.

So little information was available to him. He heard the door slide open. "You wanted to see me sir?"

"Ah Zavala good timing I need you to gather your team for a mission."

"Recon?"

"No. I need you all to find us a place to set down before we launch our assault. Tell Cardin this is non-negotiable. If he wants to do recon tell him it can wait, besides we have to assume that we are already being tailed."

"Sir?"

"Cardin told me about Ghaun and Ironwood. If they are here then it was more than to just test a weapon. Question is will I face one or both of them?"

"Understood sir."

Anodar looked at the holo projector again, and ran the battle between Admiral Thane and Ghaun when he attempted to breach the wall. At that time they were at their peak with an army five times the size of what they had available. So few made it out alive, even Thane himself was not the same after the battle. Amodar remembered walking to his house to find Thane hanging from the ceiling. The loss was too much for him to bear. One option they had available was to attempt to take the coastal defenses, and use their guns against them. It would prove useful, and it could provide them with cover as well as time for them to make their escape.

He had to figure out a way to get a team inside the defense perimeter without alerting the enemy of their presence. He would have to move a team on the ground, and have them take a makeshift boat to get on the control tower. If Embry could kill everyone stealthily, disable the guns temporarily, and keep the all clear signal online... That was the best case scenario. Worst case... A massive battle over the guns, the signal is interrupted... So many things that could go wrong.

Morn POV

Morn had no luck in finding Apophis, nor any answers as to how to defeat him at the Twisting Nether. Although one thing did gnaw at him through his entire journey. Why didn't Apophis just kill Anakoth? On the one hand having both brothers kill each other may have been productive, but even so... Apophis is strong enough to kill both of them so why... Unless... There is only one person who had the answers he was looking for. Morn left the desolated planet and opened a portal back to Remnant, more specifically Sanctuary.

The buildings looked deteriorated, run down, and in some cases about to cave in. This place hasn't been visited in years... Probably longer than that. Morn began scouring around looking for the book that contained Yada. Anakoth said Yada was able to control him... If that is true then perhaps she might know about the Architect, and the Ark of Souls. Morn made it inside the library to find dust, cobwebs, and rot settling in.

Morn looked through the books looking for the one that contained Yada, but nothing. All the books contained knowledge useless to him. Morn had to find the book somehow... Morn began drawing an enormous circle in the air and he began tearing into the fabric of time peering for answers. He saw a girl with red hair and green eyes standing dumbfounded. He moved forward to Anakoth taking the book with him.

"Irithyll." Morn opened a portal towards Irithyll in hopes that he could find the book.

He moved towards the location where Anakoth encountered Boros, and saved his students. Morn hoped he would wander into a desolated ruin and he did, but he did not expect to find a jungle in the middle of a polar region. He saw dozens of ships moving large containers in earnest. He moved to one of the rooftops to have a better vantage point. Miles upon miles of jungles, and forests covered all of the city.

"Impossible... How did..." Morn saw a small band of soldiers led by a woman in white clad armor.

The woman began signaling her soldiers as they moved to another one of the ruined buildings. Taking cover and ensuring that the vessels above would not spot them. While the woman did in fact pique Morn's curiosity he had more important things to do. He rushed towards the place where Anakoth's students were picked up to see where he would go next.

For hours on end Morn traveled along Atlas and Vale following the red haired girl's trail. The bright side was that she still carried the book with her. On the other hand she had an Apostle inside her, and from what Morn was able to gaze at it was only a matter of time. Morn reached a large city with armed cruisers hovering above and around a large central spire. The spire was immense far larger than any building he had seen anywhere else. He went in for a closer look, and spotted many people rushing about in lab coats. From his vantage point he could see a young girl with lilac eyes and charcoal black hair talking to another girl with amber eyes and chest nut colored hair. He could also see a boy with mechanical implants among the group.

Morn saw more cruisers approach the center spire and decided to leave the place behind him. Finally Morn reached the Wall between Vale and Vacuo. He had dropped off Anakoth as far away from Atlas as possible given that Boros would most likely linger there, especially since he could still feel his presence there.

Morn kept traversing through the desert looking through the time tears into this girl's past. At least the book had survived this long, and would hopefully still exist as Morn neared his destination. Finally Morn saw several large ships hovering above. He could feel Anakoth's presence aboard one of the ships... Perhaps he knew about the girl's whereabouts.

Morn transported himself aboard the ship and saw Anakoth swinging a sword, and hitting several sparring mechs. Morn called out to Anakoth.

"Anakoth."

"Morn! Is it Apophis? How close is he?"

"I haven't been able to locate him. Wherever he is... Is probably somewhere that I can't reach."

"Damn it. Well why are you here?"

"Yada Touka. You told me that there was a book containing a fragment of her consciousness."

"Umm yeah I mean... I gave it to Pyrrha, but I don't know if she..."

"She has it, and I need it... Now."

"Well first I need to introduce you otherwise it would make things difficult."

"Very well then."

Morn waited for Anakoth to gather everyone to the training room. Morn felt a chill running through his entire body. As if something ancient and evil stirred aboard the cruiser. Finally Anakoth brought everyone to see him.

"Morn this is Amodar, Fang, Farron, Squall, and Pyrrha. Guys this is Morn."

Morn waived at them.

Fang was the first to speak up. "Whoa an actual alien! So they do exist!"

Farron elbowed Fang. "What does he want?"

Morn pointed at Pyrrha. "The book with Yada. I need it."

"Why?" Asked Pyrrha.

"To figure out why Anakoth is still alive."

"Morn?" Anakoth turned to his friend.

"There is something that has been bothering me for quite sometime. I need it." Morn explained.

"Very well then follow me." Pyrrha led the duo back to her quarters.

Morn could feel a gnawing darkness within the girl. This girl was probably still struggling for control, but does she know how far gone she is? They finally reached her quarters.

"Wait here while I look for it."

Morn turned to Anakoth. "I think you may have been right. I should have brought you back earlier."

"What do you mean?" He asked.

"The place called Irithyll is now covered in a dense jungle and forests. Vale houses one of the biggest buildings I have ever seen. His armies are massive and unending. I think I should take you with me."

"I can't abandon them... Not again."

"Anakoth?"

"You have your job... I have mine."

"I understand."

Pyrrha returned with the book on hand. "Here you go."

As she handed him the book Morn's hand made contact with hers for a brief instant. The gnawing darkness he felt was overwhelming. This girl had lost against the Apostle. Morn did not let his anguish show, he would have to find a way to help Anakoth with this issue.

"Should I go with you?" Asked Anakoth.

"No need. I won't be long now." Morn needed Anakoth to stay behind and watch over his body.

Morn placed his hand on the emblem and was transported inside the book. He spotted Yada reading a book with a small boy sleeping on her lap.

"You're not a creature of Grimm. You're not a Chimera that Pyrrha told me about. What are you?" Asked Yada.

"An Akundalarian, my name is Morn."

Yada placed the book on her side, and gently placed the boy's head on the fountain. "Who sent you here?"

"Myself mostly, but worry not your husband and the girl are still alive."

"What do you want?"

"The truth."

"About?"

"Since I met Anakoth it's been gnawing at me that Apophis may not have been the one to destroy his memories... The only person that controlled Anakoth was you. You were able to dominate a being that far surpassed your own powers. How did you do it?"

"..."

"I have my own methods of making you speak." Replied Morn as he neared Yada.

"Hmph... It starts with the Empire of Ouro."

"You know of it?"

"I lived in it as many others. I was part of a rebel cell that attempted to overthrow the empire."

"What?"

"I'm sure you are familiar with Yorshka."

"Yes the mother of Anakoth and Boros. What about her?"

"As it turns out Boros retrieved Yorshka's remains from her battle with Apophis. I along with a group of girls were... Experimented on. Only I survived."

"You stole Yorshka's powers for own."

"Yeah."

"Then how..."

"I visited Rusalka on a day I knew Na... Anakoth would be there. At first it was difficult... Anakoth ran amok... I couldn't fully control him."

"And the boy? The Grimm? Boros? What happened?"

"I was able to exert better control over Boros eventually sealing him up in that godforsaken desert. As for Anakoth... He returned, and I erased the memories of his past."

"That easy?"

"We lost a lot of people trying to stop him before I could control my powers. It wasn't easy."

"And the boy?"

"As it turns out with the power vacuum many nobles and such lost their status. Many were hung and executed. What few survived blended into society. Hence the boy. They hated him because he reminded them of the old power structure."

"Why keep Anakoth around?"

"Out of the two Anakoth was... Is gentler."

Morn held Yada by her neck and began to squeeze her tightly.

"What are..."

"For years I thought Anakoth was the one to blame for the destruction of my home, but now I see that it is you. He left this place and destroyed my world."

Yada attempted to grab Morn's arm, but her hand went right through it. "I'm..."

"Sorry? Sorry doesn't bring back my family. Sorry doesn't bring back my people. Sorry does not bring back 8,000 years worth of civilization back." Finally Morn let go of Yada.

Yada began coughing and tried to get her bearings. "What are you going to do?"

"Continue my search for Apophis."

"You won't tell him?"

"I don't see why I should."

Morn exited the book and found himself staring at a distinct version of Pyrrha with jet black skin, red markings, red slitted eyes, and sharp teeth. And he didn't see Anakoth anywhere.

"I like your body." Said Pyrrha as she aimed her spear at Morn's face.

Morn quickly tapped his finger on Pyrrha's forehead putting her in a comatose state. "Glad your body is human."

He heard the door hiss and saw Anakoth enter. "What did I... What happened?"

"It would seem as though the Apostle took over her body."

Anakoth stood by Pyrrha's body seeing the changes. "Pyrrha I..."

"I can put her out of her misery Anakoth."

"What!? No! I... The purification temples."

"Purification temples?"

"They have water with curative properties if we take her there we might have a chance."

"Do you know where one of these temples is located?" Asked Morn.

"Yeah I know the location of several that might still be active hopefully. The one that I would recommend is near Sanctuary."

"Very well then we should let the others know." Said Morn.

"Agreed."

Morn waited for Anakoth to gather everyone to the room. The man called Squall seemed agitated. "We won't be long."

"I'm going with she's my wife after all." Said Squall.

"Okay then pack the essentials, and let's go."

Squall POV

Squall packed everything from a spare change of clothes to the book Pyrrha carries all the time all in a rucksack.

"Sir." One of his lieutenants saluted him.

"Alvarn you're in charge while I'm gone."

"Understood."

Squall hoisted the rucksack and rushed to where Embry and Morn were waiting for him. He saw Morn carrying Pyrrha over his shoulder. Truth be told having the abomination touching his wife abhorred him, but he didn't have a choice. It was better he did it than Embry.

"Okay Morn you know what to do." Morn opened a portal to what seemed like a cavern than the insides of a temple.

"Let's go."

Morn and Embry stepped through the portal first. Squall took a deep breath and stepped through the portal into the cavern. He saw the portal close behind him. At the center laid a small pool of water crystal clean, and clear. Squall noticed Embry beginning to undress his wife.

"Hey what are you..."

"I need to know how far gone she is. Relax I've seen her naked too."

"Just hurry up."

Squall saw scaly patches popping up in her torso, chest, and thighs. "Well you're nothing if not resilient." Said Anakoth as he stood up and dipped his knife in the pool.

"Now comes the hard part."

"What are you..."

"I'm going to remove the Apostle from her body. Relax the water has curative properties. Now if you will please let me carry on with my duty."

All Squall could do was watch as Embry drove his knife through Pyrrha's chest and begin cutting downwards opening up her insides for them to see. Squall saw Morn looking at the entrance to the temple.

"Is something the matter?"

"I feel... A great storm coming this way."

"Like a maelstrom?"

"Bigger... Much much bigger and greater. Anakoth you should hurry."

"Uh... Yeah I..."

"What's the matter?" Asked Squall.

"No nothing I just have to place her in the pool and let the water do the rest."

Embry carried Pyrrha and laid her in the pool. What once clean water turned crimson with blood. Squall walked towards her wife and placed his hand on her shoulder. "Just hang in there."

"We have to go. Now!" Warned Morn.

"Morn what is it?" Asked Embry.

"The storm isn't a storm it's someone."

"Someone well who... Salem."

"Who's Salem?" Asked Squall.

"Long story short she revived Boros and is the reason for all this."

"Well what do we do? Does she even know we are here?" Asked Squall.

"Morn?" Asked Embry.

"She is headed this way. Whether or not she is strong enough to perceive us is a different story."

"Damn it! It will be a while until she is fully recovered... Squall get out there and see if you can't spot them. If Morn or I head outside it's over."

"What do you mean?"

"Salem brought Boros back. So I'm sure he made her a top official. If she finds out about us Boros will take further measures to wipe us out. It's gotta be you."

"Agh fine here give her this." Squall gave Embry the rucksack, and headed outside.

He tried to find a vantage point from where he could spot any incoming ships or soldiers approach the temple. He found a hill from where he could get a bird's eye view of the surrounding area. He reached the top of the hill and began scanning the surrounding area for any sign of the enemy. He couldn't see anything just the trees, hills, and mountains for miles. On the other hand it was nice being away from the desert. Then a ship just appeared right above his position with a small fighter escort.

"How the hell did..." The fighters began bombing the mountain that housed the temple.

"SHIT!" Squall began running back towards the temple as troop transports began landing Justiciars at the temple entrance. Squall waited for the teams to head inside before going in himself. He could hear the sounds of fighting and screaming from his position. He rushed inside to see Embry fighting alone against twenty Justiciars.

Squall pulled out a grenade and threw it at the enemies surrounding Embry. It would buy him precious time as he attempted to reach Pyrrha. But there were just too many Justiciars around.

"Shit." Squall saw Embry cut the head off of one of them only for it to grow back.

"Squall what the hell are these things?"

"Justiciars. They can't be killed by conventional means."

"Shit!"

"My thoughts exactly what now?"

"I'll make an opening. Grab Pyrrha then we rush out of here."

"Got it."

"Now!"

Salem/Averia POV

Salem overheard the fighting from outside the temple entrance. To think that huntsmen still existed after all this time.

"Ma'am we have three people inside. One of them matches the description of Squall a terrorist from Vacuo. The other two are unknown."

"Vacuo? How did he escape?"

"Don't know ma'am."

"Bring them alive."

"Ma'am." The soldier marched inside.

Salem felt something... A familiar presence, but also something she has never felt before. She walked inside to see Squall carrying a girl to what looked like a portal. Just before he reached for it Salem conjured an ice spear and threw it at Squall impaling him to the wall. Salem saw the portal close. She turned her gaze towards Squall who had his hands on the ice spear attempting to pull it out.

"How did you escape Vacuo?" She asked as she stood before him.

Squall spit blood at her face. "Fuck you!"

"So be it." Salem waved her hand and the spear pushed further into Squall killing him.

"Ma'am the girl is unconscious. What should we do?" Asked the commander.

"Take her aboard the ship. Have a medical team examine her. And examine the bag for any useful intel."

"Ma'am."

Salem walked towards the girl. The girl seemed strangely familiar, but Salem just couldn't place it. "Commander Vikar."

"Ma'am?"

"I leave you in charge of the operation. I have other matters to attend to."

"It will be done ma'am."

Salem boarded her ship and saw the girl being treated at the infirmary. The doctors began running tests on the girl. Something didn't add up. Why was Squall at the temple? Did he always know of their existence? Did he inhabit the place? Was he attempting to teach a new generation of huntsmen? More importantly where did the portal go? And did he open it from Vacuo? So many questions, and not a single answer. Salem saw one of the doctors approach her.

"I don't know where to begin ma'am."

"What do we know Dr. Friede?"

"Her blood has unusual traces of... Well things that aren't supposed to be there."

"Explain."

"We found traces of... Well they're iron in nature her blood and organs have huge amounts of it. We also... We can't seem to make heads or tails of some of these readings ma'am. Here look."

Salem grabbed the clipboard and saw the various scans, readings, and charts detailing the girl's physiology. These readings were unnatural. Whatever she was... She wasn't human, at least not entirely.

One of the nurses approached them. "Doctor she's coming to."

"I'll have a word with her. See if she can give us a name or something." Salem walked inside the infirmary to see the girl looking at her hands, and the room around her.

"Where am I?" She asked.

"You're aboard a research vessel. Do you know a man named Squall?"

The girl shook her head. "Sorry I don't know who that is."

"And your name? Can you give me your name?"

Tears began forming at the corners of the girl's eyes. "Why can't I remember my name?"

The girl wasn't lying Salem could perceive that much from the conversation. Salem regretted killing Squall, but she doubted he was strong enough to survive his wounds. Salem rose to her feet and walked out of the room. She saw Dr. Friede along with two Chimeran soldiers. "Keep her under surveillance. Doctor with me we have other matters to attend to."

Salem and Friede walked through the halls of the ship discussing their latest pet project. "The bodies... Have they been reconstructed?" Asked Salem.

"Vikar has already given us some of the water, but the process is quite lengthy. It should take a few more days before the two subjects are ready."

"Hmm... All that's left is to find the last body."

"About that... Are you sure..."

"I'll be fine Friede... Besides this is a matter that I must attend to... Personally."

"Shall I send for an escort?"

"No."

"And the girl?"

"Hmm... Keep her under surveillance. Depending on her behavior we will decide what course of action to take. I want a full psychoanalysis report on her... Maybe then we can figure something out."

"Yes ma'am."

Salem reached the hangar and boarded one of the transports. She was so close to finding it. She was dropped off at a small clearing and walked alone. She told the pilot to return, and that she would send for him should the need arise, but this was her journey to walk alone.

Salem had always wondered about its location. There were times when she would often consider finding the place and burning it all to the ground... As well as crucifying his corpse right in the middle of the compound. It would serve him right! After all that he has done. The lives that he has destroyed. Salem saw a wall of grass in her path. She placed her hand over it, and she could feel concrete just underneath it. She finally found it.

Salem circled around until she could find the doors leading inside. She sighed when she saw the poor state Sanctuary was in. Although Sanctuary being in this state meant that Shiota had not yet returned... Or at least hadn't returned here. Salem could still remember the first time she was here.

MANY YEARS AGO

Averia busied herself in practicing her latest ice technique. She had learned about dust crystal resonance which detailed how a dust crystal can act as a transmitter or radio to its other half when split in two. When she learned about it she decided to create an ice golem to test the theory out for herself. Averia broke the shard in two. She then focused her semblance in creating a vessel for the second shard. She formed the ice giving her golem legs, arms, a head. She made sure to keep the inside hollow as she formed her golem. Once the form was set she placed the shard inside and sealed up the ice golem.

Averia took a few steps back, and began focusing her aura on the shard in her hand. As she did she saw a glow coming from within the golem itself. Then the golem started moving slowly and steadily. At first it moved its arms, and finally it began walking around. Averia tried some attack commands to see how effective the golem could be in combat. The golem smashed the ground with full force causing the area where it landed the hit to freeze and summon several ice spikes.

Whilst the golem did lack speed it certainly made it up in force. She commanded the golem to face her. She examined the golem's arms to see if it had suffered any damage. She could see several cracks along its arms, as well as some ice that had been chipped away. She focused her aura on the shard in her hand and was able to heal her ice golem instantly. She smiled seeing how far she'd come along, and in an instant those thoughts were shattered as Shiota shattered her ice golem with a single punch.

"You still have a long ways to go kiddo." Said Shiota as he placed his hand on Averia's head.

"Tch... You're such a pain in the ass! It's a wonder I've come this far with you." Averia barked back.

"Hmm... If you truly believe that then by all means leave. However, need I remind you that it was you who came to me not the other way around."

"... So what are you going to teach me today... Master Shiota?"

"Underwater basket weaving techniques from the old south."

"What!?"

"Just kidding. Today I'm going to teach you aura resonance."

"But I already know that."

"Without using a catalyst."

"Is that even possible?" Averia wondered if there was even such a way to control certain natural aspects without the use of a medium such as dust. Although many tried over the centuries none were ever successful.

"Yeah let me show you."

PRESENT TIME

Salem made her way to the archives and library to find Yada's journal. Her first encounter with Master Touka was rather... Illuminating. Shiota did say that he was Nassar Embry. What he did not mention was that he was The Devourer as well. In a way she grew curious. She wondered how Touka was able to convince Shiota to stop altogether. The only answer she received was love... Except that love doesn't save the world. Love only breeds hatred, jealousy, sorrow, pain, and even death. Salem searched endlessly for Yada's journal hoping to use her and the child for her own experiments.

After searching for hours and looking through every nook, cranny, and crevice she came up empty handed. Whilst the book was essential she didn't need it for this particular experiment, but the boy on the other hand... His powers could prove useful if trained properly that is. Salem walked towards Touka's grave in hopes of finding her remains intact. She left Touka for last seeing as how she helped her train, and after doing what she was going to do... She pushed the thought aside as she stood before the tombstone.

Salem concentrated on feeling Yada's coffin within the earth. She could feel dirt, worms slithering within, and Yada's bone dust. With one move of her hand the ground shook and the coffin rose from the earth. Salem gazed at the coffin... Originally she had planned for Yada to host the last Apostle, but given certain circumstances she couldn't afford to waste any more time. Though given what happened to MEFE... She was glad that she chose Summer over her. Then it would have been a real uphill battle even with a revived Boros.

Salem grabbed some of the dirt that was still on top of the coffin. She breathed into it and threw it at the floor. From the dirt emerged several dirt golems, and each one grabbed the coffin and carried it. Salem led the golems back to where the ship would pick her up with the coffin in tow.

MANY YEARS AGO

Averia was at her limit. She just couldn't muster the necessary aura to control the golem. And even when she did the golem tried to attack her, went on a frenzy, or was simply destroyed.

Averia began panting. "How... Just how..."

"Hmph seems you've got a long way to go kiddo." Said Nagisa as he stood over the icy remains of Averia's latest golem.

"It's impossible!" Averia was beyond exhausted. She fell to her knees and dug her fingers into the dirt in anger. She looked at her teacher smiling at her. Averia grabbed the dirt and threw it at Shiota. "Fuck you!"

"Now now Averia... No need to be snappy. Now get up."

"Tch..." Averia stood up and dusted herself off. "Now what?"

"Again."

"What!?"

"I said... Again."

"I... I can't." She was at the end of her rope already. She couldn't conjure up another golem to control.

"Well... Tough shit. Again." Shiota demanded.

Averia let out a long sigh. "Fine."

"Good."

Averia had tried many times trying to get it right, but she just couldn't pull it off. There was something she was missing something she was failing to see. But what could it be? She combined her aura and semblance to create the golems, but that didn't seem to make a difference. What was she missing?

"Need a hint?" Asked Shiota.

"Hmph... Yes please." She was embarrassed to ask him for help at this point.

"Remember when you did it with the ice crystal?"

"Yeah... Why?"

"There's the hint."

"Asshole." Averia remembered when she first used the ice crystal to move her... Was it really that simple? She remembered all of her attempts until now and how each one ended in failure. "Learn to crawl before you can walk."

She focused her aura on her ice and formed her last golem. She could feel the insides of the ice golem the ice on this one wasn't particularly strong, but it would have to suffice. This time she focused more on giving it one command at a time, and even then she could only make simple ones. The golem didn't seem to act erratic at all, and followed her commands accordingly.

"In your face..." Then she succumbed to her weariness.

PRESENT TIME

Salem was overlooking the vat that carried Yada's remains as well as those of Rokk, and Mephala. A part of her wished she could own the whole set, but she would need these three to take the other one.

"Ma'am."

"Dr. Friede?" Salem looked at the doctor

"It will take some time before Rokk and Mephala are fully reconstructed... About a week perhaps."

"And Yada? What about her?"

"I can only guess... Perhaps longer."

"Hmm... I wonder... The girl how is she?"

"She still hasn't recovered from her memory loss. And the readings... It might set us back if we use her."

"You let me handle any set backs. Besides... We are providing for her. It's only fair she pays us back after all."

Nagisa POV

Nagisa stood before Cardin, Farron, Fang, Amodar, Morn, and Alvarn.

"So are they..." Alvarn wondered if they were both dead.

Nagisa let out a sigh. "Yeah... If it is Salem." He turned to Morn who shook his head. "Then there is a good chance they are both dead. If not now then soon."

"Fuck!" Alvarn yelled.

"Well... We've already lost two admirals in the board. Embry you have to lead us now." Said Amodar.

"I know... FUCK!" Nagisa drew his sword and cut a chair in half.

"Shrimp..."

"I know Cardin. Farron, Fang prep up your best soldiers. Cardin you too we'll be hitting the guns. Amodar I want you to prep all fighters anybody that has ever held a stick I want them up there once the guns are ours. I want squad leaders and everyone else to assemble now!"

Everyone save for Cardin and Morn stayed behind. "Shrimp are you..."

"Morn I need you to leave and find Apophis. He's still out there."

Morn didn't say a word, and left as quickly as he arrived.

"We still need you. I know how much..."

"Pyrrha was a soldier Cardin." Nagisa began. "She honored me by fighting in this war." Finally he stood up. "But the war goes on... With or without her. Now let's make these fuckers pay."

"Aye aye sir." Cardin saluted him as he left the room.

Amodar, Farron, Fang, and Alvarn were quick to gather their soldiers to hear Nagisa's orders.

"Now I'm sure by now you all know who I am."

The soldiers simply nodded.

"Good. Now then the coastal defenses span the entire perimeter of Vacuo. That being said we will focus our attack here at the southern most edge. According to Fang the underwater trenches that make up most of that area have made it so that there is fewer guns to deal with. But, there are also plenty of fighters and cruisers to deal with."

Nagisa let Amodar take over. "Yes. I along with the fleet will engage the enemy and drive them away from the guns... On the off chance that they don't take the bait the group inside the defenses will be isolated."

Nagisa took over. "Which is where I come in. I will lead four squads inside the control tower here, and take over the guns using them against the enemy. That should give us an edge in battle."

"How will the squads inside get out?" Asked one of the soldiers.

"They will have to make their own exit. Chances are even with the guns on our side their air superiority might still be too much for us and the guns to handle... We'll hijack some transports and evacuate."

"How many fighters?" Asked another.

"Everyone that's ever held a stick. The squads will enter via makeshift boats during the night. If we are lucky they won't be able to call for any reinforcements, but be ready for anything."

Nagisa looked at the soldiers gathered... He could see it in their eyes. This mission would most likely be the last for many of them. There were so many unknowns, but this was the only option they had. The soldiers left the meeting room leaving only Nagisa and Amodar to look over their plan.

"Amodar... Think we can pull it off?"

"Can we? Yes. Like this? No... If Vizara or Ironwood or Ghaun find Bastion before we launch our assault..."

"Damn it."

"Yeah... That's about the size of it." Amodar looked at Shiota. "About Squall and Nikos I'm..."

"Yeah... Thanks."

"I guess now I should give you and Cardin the rank of Admiral."

"What!?"

"Non negotiable... We need the both of you to lead us." Amodar looked down at Shiota. "Please."

"..." There was an uneasy pause. "Okay then. I'll go tell Cardin."

"Before you do here... Admiral Embry." Amodar handed Nagisa a pair of Admiral insignias from Vacuo before saluting him.

"Vacuo?"

"One belonged to Admiral Thane and the other to Fang's father."

"Shouldn't she have it?"

"She gave it to me for... Several reasons. All of which involved Farron."

"Why?"

"He didn't like the idea of her daughter marrying... A woman."

"Oh..."

"Now go."

Nagisa saluted back and prepared himself for what was to come. He had arranged for Fang, Farron, Alvarn, and Cardin to take the boats to the central tower. Now all they had to do was hope that Amodar wouldn't be spotted before they pulled off the attack.

Nagisa and the rest were still rowing the boats towards the tower. To their fortune the guns weren't meant to repel an amphibious assault. So far the operation had worked to their advantage. Nagisa looked at the towers scattered all around the perimeter. There was no end to them! To think Boros was able to build this in just seventeen years.

"How did he build so many of them?" Nagisa asked Cardin as they kept rowing.

"Captured prisoners mostly..." Answered Pope.

"You were one of them?" Asked Nagisa.

"My family and I... A few thousand others. Most didn't make it."

"Why families though?"

"Any act of rebellion was met with death. Sometimes execution, sometimes labor camps, and other times they send you to Axanar or Atlas. Basically a one way trip."

"Axanar and Atlas?"

"Experiments." Answered Onions.

"Fuck."

All four boats reached the base of the tower. With a simple hand gesture all four of them began cutting their way in with laser cutters tearing apart the metal trying to make a way in. After an hour of cutting through several layers they were able to make their way inside the tower undetected. The first thing Nagisa did was summon his snakes as a means of clearing a much larger area undetected.

"Okay Farron, Fang, Alvarn take your group and find us an exit. Cardin on me we're taking the control center. And as much as I hate to say it no comms. We can't risk them knowing we're here so stay radio silent."

As Nagisa and Cardin began making their way they could see the trail left behind by Nagisa's snakes. Bodies, broken cameras, and the occasional open vent from which they attacked.

"Hmm so far so good." Said Cardin as he covered the rear.

"Let's hope it stays that way. I split my snakes so that the other half would provide cover for the other group. Now let's go while we still have the upper hand."

The group managed to locate a communications hub as they kept making their way to the top of the tower. Nagisa signaled Cardin's squad to secure the room whilst Pope and Onions began accessing the computers.

"Pope talk to me." Said Cardin as he kept surveying the room.

"We're still in the... Oh no..."

"What is it?" Asked Nagisa.

"Shit... We've got inbound... If I'm reading this right we have a fleet coming in."

"How many?"

"Thirty plus... Over half of them are heavy cruisers. Amodar's going to be outgunned and outmanned."

"... Can you contact the other group?" Asked Nagisa.

"Hmm... It's gonna have to be short otherwise they'll know something's up. They're tracking all communications."

"Fuck! Cardin take Rojas, Ambrose, and Peyton and tell the second group to lock all the hangars."

"Got it. Let's go."

"The rest of you on me we have to reach the control center."

Nagisa and his group wasted no time in rushing to the control room. He saw one of his snakes waiting outside the door leading to the control room. Nagisa placed his hand over the snake and the snake crawled back inside his skin.

"That's the most fucked up thing I've ever seen!" Said Pope.

"Hmm... The room's inaccessible to them. There's fifteen hostiles inside they definitely know something's up."

"They know we're here?" Asked Onions.

"Not yet... Otherwise they would have sounded the alarm... Maybe they think it's some type of hardware malfunction. In any case..." Nagisa drew his gunblade and converted it to its gun form. "Pick your targets. Don't let anyone sound the alarm."

Nagisa opened the door and began firing away at the people inside. It was all for naught as one of the Chimera sounded the alarm as bullets began penetrating his body. The alarm sounds were blaring and ringing everyone's ears. Nagisa aimed his weapon at the PA system and fired away hoping to silence the alarm.

"Well... Shit! So much for stealth. Pope you know what to do. And shut the damn alarms off!"

"On it boss."

"Rest of you watch the door."

"Shrimp what the hell happened?" Asked Cardin over the radio.

"Cardin... Radio silence remember?" Nagisa reminded Cardin hoping to draw the argument to a close.

"Fuck radio silence!"

"Copy that... Just get to where I told you and engage the enemy. Keep them from getting on their fighters. Amodar is going to need all the help he can get right now."

"Fuck... Fine!"

"Pope can you get me Amodar?" Asked Nagisa.

"Yeah just a... There! I got you a secure line, but you better make it quick."

"Amodar it's Embry can you hear me?"

"Yeah we hear you. What's your status?"

"Chafed, but the guns are ours. You're gonna have to move quickly we have a fleet on intercept course thirty plus inbound mostly heavy cruisers."

"Understood we'll..." The line was finally cut off.

Nagisa looked at Pope who tried getting back in touch with Amodar.

"Leave it Pope. Just rewrite the IFF's to read us as friendly."

"Okay got... That's gonna be a problem." Said Pope as he kept reading the computer screen.

"What is?"

"I can't rewrite the IFF's. I can either wipe the system or disable the guns."

"What happens if you wipe the system?" Asked Nagisa.

"Guns will shoot them and us as well." Said Pope as he kept typing on the keyboard.

"FUCK! We're so fucking close."

"Well... I could reboot the system and wipe it... I could even have control of a few guns."

"How many?"

"... Three... Maybe less. I don't know."

"It will have to do we'll need an air corridor... Fuck we need to get the word out to Amodar otherwise the fleet will be wiped out."

Amodar POV

"Trident formation. Civilian ships on the center with every ship around them. Have Artimec Wing, Ballista Wing, Coryx Wing, Decimus Wing, and Eygon Wing on offense. All the rest on defense. I want TAC Response teams at the ready in case of boarding parties... And someone get Embry back on the line we need to know if it's safe to move in or not."

"Sir we have an incoming transmission." Said one of the technicians.

"Embry?"

"Vizara... Sir."

"Put her up."

Amodar and the rest of the command crew saw Vizara smiling on the screen.

"Been a while Amodar."

"Vizara... Fuck off."

"Quite the tongue on this one... So here is how things are going to play out. Most of you will die... And then we'll chase the stragglers and finish them off."

"It's a shame nobody told you."

"Hmm?"

"We don't plan on dying today. Cut the transmission."

The transmission was cut shortly thereafter. In a way Amodar was glad that it would be Vizara he was fighting... But a part of him wished it was Ironwood to pay him back for Sarrish. All the pieces were on the board now all he needed to do was to ensure that they would all reach the other side.

He had almost two dozen cruisers at his disposal... Most of them were light cruisers, and the heavies were lightly manned with skeleton crews. At least the tower hadn't released it's fighters yet he had an advantage there. But there was a possibility that they might need reinforcements, however, he didn't know if they were able to turn the guns on their side. The battle hadn't even started and there so many unknowns.

"Sir heavy fleet on sight they're on intercept course."

"Have our cruisers form a protective shield around the civilians. Our ships can handle the hits theirs can't. I want all fighters out there now! Arm and load all missiles on my command we open fire."

"Aye."

Embry wasn't kidding when he said it was a heavy fleet. Worst of all they had sent the new dreadnoughts against them. At least they were out of range... For now. He also had to watch out for their new weapon one hit from that, and it would be over.

"Sir we have comms back with Nassar Embry."

"Put him through."

"Amodar we have control of three of the guns."

"Three!? So were the rest disabled?"

"... No."

"NO!?" Amodar already feared the worst. It was already starting to play out like their assault on the wall several years ago.

"They had a failsafe installed. We got you a corridor at least. The guns have been reset so they will shoot anyone... Not including those three."

"Hmm... Do you require pick up? Reinforcements?"

"Neither... Alvarn already found us a ship we can take. We'll hold out as long as we can, but you need to hurry up now!"

"Got it." Amodar cut the transmission and looked to the rest of his crew. "Have all wings cover our withdrawal. Have all civilian ships move through the corridor."

"Sir the corridor he's talking about is very narrow."

"I know. Have all heavy cruisers hold position outside their range. We'll hold them off long enough to escape."

Amodar saw as the enemy fleet released its fighters to swarm the ships. On the upside they had no idea of the status of the guns.

Cardin POV

Cardin bashed another Chimera's head in with his mace as more of them poured into the hangar. There was just no end to them and they had lost almost half their number. At least they made sure none of the pilots reached their ships. Cardin took cover as more Chimera appeared and opened fire on him. He pulled out a grenade threw it in the air and hit it with his mace throwing it at the Chimera. Apparently the grenade landed near a fuel station because the entire hangar went up in flames.

"Damn Cardin." Began Rojas as he saw several Chimera rolling in the ground writhing in pain.

"Eyes up they're bound to send more of them. Alvarn take the wounded to cruiser. Farron go with him and cover his ass. Fang on me we have to keep the Chimera engaged."

"No disrespect admiral, but we've lost a lot of our forces here. We won't be able to hold them off for long." Said Fang as she pulled out her spear from a dead Chimera.

"We just need to buy time until the Shrimp and the rest of my team get here."

They heard sounds of flak, bombardment, and explosions coming from outside. Cardin and the rest saw Amodar engage the enemy fleet whilst the guns fired on their own cruisers.

"Our ships can't handle that much damage." Said Rojas.

"We knew people would die. Lisbon get me Pope on the line now!"

"On it boss. Pope it's Lisbon do you read?"

Cardin heard footsteps coming from the hallways once more. "Lisbon tell them to hurry the fuck up!"

Then he saw Pope along with the rest of his team in tow minus Nagisa. "What the hell took you guys so long? And where's Shiota?"

"Justiciar squads... Three of them headed this way, and they're pissed." Answered Onions catching his breath.

"Embry is holding them off said to leave without him." Said Pope.

"Alright let's gas one of these fighters and unlock it he's gonna need it."

"Sir I have Amodar on the line." Said Lisbon as he handed the radio to Cardin.

"Sir?"

"What's your status?"

"We're just about to evac."

"The faster the better I won't be able to hold out much longer. They have more fighters than we've got bullets."

"Sir is it even safe to leave?"

"Embry cleared us a corridor of three guns that are on our side."

"Understood." Cardin gave the radio back to Lisbon. "All set?"

"Yeah we're good."

"Then let's get out of here. Move it!"

Cardin brought up the rear as they ran towards the ship that was docked in other hangar. He looked behind him to see that they still weren't followed. He saw Farron waiving her sword at them calling for them. The ship Alvarn found was... It was the same dreadnought model that had just been made. He saw the letters written across its hull "RESURGENCE".

"That sounds about right." He whispered as he boarded the ship.

Zavala POV

Zavala was in the fight for her life as she avoided another missile lock. She shut off her engines and let the fighter behind her fly past her. She then turned them on and began firing. She took out the enemy fighter, but for every plane they shot down three more appeared in its place.

"Zavala stay in formation."

"Fuck formation we have to make sure none of them get past us."

"Zavala..."

"Fuck you too Elijah!" She she shut off her comms and reengaged the enemy as they prepared to swarm the cruisers.

Zavala flew her Viper right in the middle of the enemy swarm hoping to break their formation. The enemy squadron broke off and disbanded attempting to kill Zavala. Zavala saw several friendlies moving in to back her up. She turned on her comms yet again.

"ZAVALA!"

"... Yes?"

"We have to go now or we'll miss our window!"

"Ugh fine."

Zavala and her squad mopped up the last of the enemy fighters and began retreating towards the fleet.

"All fighters on me it's gonna be a tight squeeze."

Zavala saw a rain of flak hitting their cruisers. She saw several other fighters go down in flames failing to avoid the incoming fire. Zavala tried her best to attempt to fly under the guns and go through the base of the towers, but the guns were following her every move. Even with the small corridor that they secured the other guns still had considerable range and were making short work of their pilots. Zavala made it through the other side of the tower and was close to one of the ships.

However, the guns still had her on their sights and began opening fire. Zavala's Viper was hit and began losing altitude. She was close enough to dock with one of the transports so she immediately steered her ship towards the hangar. She lost a wing as her Viper began dragging itself across the floor of the hangar. The Viper dragged along the hangar deck knocking down several scaffolds, ships, and crates until it finally hit the wall.

"Ugh fuck me..." Said Zavala as she exited her Viper.

"Ma'am are you..." Began one of the deckhands.

"I'm fine. Have fire crews at the ready."

"Ma'am!"

Zavala walked towards the edge of the hangar to see the Chimeran fleet in disarray as their ships were coming under bombardment from their own guns. The ships began firing at their own guns hoping to relief some of the incoming flak, but the damage was already done.

Then she saw a small enemy fighter dodging fire from the enemy cruisers and the perimeter guns trying to make its way to the fleet. Whomever was on the stick was quite agile at handling themselves under that much fire. The ship was finally home free as it began docking with the cruiser. She saw Embry exit the enemy ship.

"Should have guessed it would be you. So what now admiral?"

"To the Broken Isles... We're not out of this yet. They probably know where we are going."

"So much for a celebration."

"Yeah."

Amodar POV

"I want a damage assessment and a full battle report now! I want all squad leaders to report any casualties... And will someone get a command crew and medical team aboard the Resurgence now!" Barked Amodar.

"Sir!"

As much as Amodar wanted to relax he couldn't. Not yet. There was a bigger battle to be waged ahead. He heard the door hiss open and saw Embry walk in.

"Glad to see you made it." Began Amodar.

"Yeah... Can't say that to some of our pilots though."

"Yeah. Don't suppose you might have grabbed anything on the way out detailing if the Chimera might have set up a base or two at the Isles did you?"

"No... I was in a bit of a rush."

"Well intel or not we have to figure out what's out there." Amodar turned to one of his ensigns. "Lovell get on the line and have the Bospherus, Avalon, and Malta get a head start and run recon on the Isles. Embry I want you down there with the first recon team. I will stay behind and make sure the ships are in working order then we'll meet you there."

"How long will it take for you guys to get there?"

Amodar looked at the rest of his officers until one of them spoke up. "It will take at least two days... Maybe more to fix the ships."

"Hmm... We'll make repairs on the way then. Go and make sure the area is clear."

"Wilco."

Trescu POV

Trescu looked at the latest report thrown at his desk.

"Trouble?"

"Captain... I can't even begin..."

"Of course not... Dr. Serina we've hit a goldmine just finding the damn things. What more do you need?"

"Radioactive shield plating."

"I'm guessing you've looked everywhere?" Asked Trescu.

"I've checked every little island and nothing." Said Serina as she let herself fall on the chair exhausted.

"Hmm... We've been here for two months already, and the thing that makes it impossible is a piece of sheet metal."

"Any word on General Adel? Or from any cell in Mistral?"

"None."

"Bonn? What about Shastri?" Serina asked wondering if they managed to send or receive a message.

"We can't reach the city or the capital Serina."

"Damn it!"

"Yeah... Is there any way you can salvage one missile and use its parts to fix another?"

"Yeah, but..."

"But?"

"We'll leave a lot of them behind Trescu."

"How many?"

"Dozens."

"Shit." Trescu exhaled. "No other option I guess. Take Kaliso and supervise the salvage. Then when..."

Trescu was interrupted when a soldier barged in. "Sir we've got contacts!"

"Shit! How many?"

"Three light cruisers inbound."

"Hmm probably just a scouting party. Okay then have everyone move underground now! I want Kaliso to head a recon unit I want to know why they are here."

"Uh sir... They're not Chimeran."

"What!?" Trescu asked.

"We took pictures... Here." The soldier handed Trescu several images that were taken of the ships.

"My god... Could it be?" Trescu began.

"Trescu?" Serina asked.

"Can we reach them?" Trescu asked.

"We don't know sir."

"Hmm... Send a message to the fleet."

"What message sir?"

"The daffodils sing in the moonlight."

"..." Serina had a puzzled look in her face.

"It's an old one... Hopefully they remember."

Nagisa POV

Nagisa looked at the transmission. He couldn't make heads or tails of it. He looked at the captain of the ship who seemed deep in thought.

"Hmm."

"Is it friendlies?" Asked Nagisa.

"Maybe... Maybe not. It's an old Massassi passphrase. Could be a trap. Could be actual friendlies. I don't know."

"Do we have a location?" Asked Nagisa.

"Yes we've pinged it back at the center isle. We can get you a rough approximation though." Said one of the officers.

"It will have to do. I want two transports loaded up and ready to go. Pass the info back to Amodar maybe he knows."

"Yes sir."

Nagisa pulled two squads onto the transports and headed topside into the main isle. "Alright people listen up! Word is there might be friendlies down there... Maybe. Recon only."

"No Chimera?" Asked one of the soldiers.

"No sign of any so far... But with the commotion we caused in Vacuo they'll turn up eventually." Said Nagisa.

"We're coming up on the insertion point. Get ready!" Said the pilot.

"Understood."

The light finally turned green and everyone exited the transport rifles aimed high. Nagisa saw the second squad land near his position. "Everyone stay close, watch your corners, and don't shoot unless fired upon. Second squad you guys watch my flank. Move out!"

Nagisa took a good look at his surroundings. He could see no movement from the supposed friendlies. If memory served there were several villages along with a few cities in the Broken Isles, but... If they still stood they would be nothing more than ruins.

"Admiral where to?"

"There's a city not far from here. Signal came from that way."

"Maybe it is friendlies." Said one of the soldiers.

"How so?" Asked another.

"I haven't seen any Chimera."

Nagisa pondered on that thought even further. Why did Boros not build something here? Perhaps a lack of resources, lack of strategic value, or maybe... He grew complacent. Nagisa hoped on the latter. Nagisa and his team kept walking until they reached the outskirts of a ruined city.

"Admiral we've got nothing on our end." Reported the second squad's leader.

"Yeah same here. Keep your eyes sharp they sent the message so they are obviously out here." Answered Nagisa.

"Movement." Said one of the soldiers.

"Where!?" Asked Nagisa.

"Second building third floor on the left."

"I don't see anything."

"Doesn't mean it's not there."

"Second squad what's your status?" Asked Nagisa on the radio.

"So far so good sir."

"Roger that. Assume we're being watched. Watch the rooftops for snipers."

"Got it."

"Okay assault formation. You two head up there and cover our approach. The rest of you on me. Move!" The squad split up. Nagisa moved his team closer and closer to the building moving from cover to cover.

Nagisa radioed the captain of the Malta. "Malta this is Cobra do we have word from Amodar and the passphrase?"

"Cobra this is Malta we have confirmation from Amodar we've got friendlies out there. I say again we have friendlies on the isle."

"Roger that Malta." Nagisa turned to his squad. "Alright people we have a possibility on friendlies, but be ready for anything."

"Sir?"

"Amodar said that the Mistralian rebel cells weren't exactly holding hands with each other. Guess we'll see which side this cell represents."

"Shit." Whispered one of the soldiers.

Nagisa saw a man emerge from one of the buildings wearing an officer's uniform. Upon closer inspections he saw him wearing a captain's uniform. Nagisa and the rest of his squad aimed their rifles at him.

"Sir this is second squad we have visual several armed 'friendlies'."

"Do not fire unless fired upon." Ordered Nagisa on the radio.

"Copy."

"Identify yourself!" Yelled Nagisa as he and his men aimed their rifles at him.

The captain held his hands high and stood several meters away from Nagisa and his men. Finally the man spoke. "My name is Trevor Trescu. I'm the captain of the Ishval serving under General Adel's fleet."

"Stay here and keep a close eye on him and the buildings. I'm going in for a closer look." Nagisa walked carefully to the captain's position until he stood a few feet away with his rile aimed at the captain's face. "Did you say General Adel? As in Coco Adel?"

"Yes that's right... And you are?" The captain asked.

"Nagisa Shiota."

"No way... It's really you."

"You know me?"

"Yeah everyone in Remnant knows who you are... Nassar Embry. Or should I say Anakoth?"

"Is she okay?" Nagisa asked as he lowered his rifle.

"Last I saw her was several months ago. Before she gave me my mission. She seemed fine."

"Well that's good to hear. And what is your mission captain?"

"There is an old Mantle missile depot here. Our mission is to retrieve the missiles and return to Shastri."

"Shastri? You guys recaptured the capital?" Nagisa asked.

"A few years ago. Thanks to General Adel and her wife Cinder Fall."

"Don't you mean Yang Xiao Long?"

The captain raised a brow. "I don't know who that is."

"What about Ashe? Cinder Fall's daughter?"

"I never saw her with a girl named Ashe... Although I did see her with her and General Adel's daughter Aodha Adel..."

"They had a daughter?"

"Yeah."

Nagisa feared the worst already. If Boros and Salem had all the maidens then that would mean... Harmony. "Oh no."

"Something the matter?"

"Captain I need your men... And those missiles ready to go. NOW! We escaped from Vacuo and the Chimera are on their way here."

"I guess this means we're allies."

"For now once Amodar gets here..."

"Amodar? He's alive?" Asked Trescu.

"Yeah... Where do you know him from?"

"Sarrish."

Athena POV

Athena floated inside the vat container as the scientists and doctors continued to run their tests. She saw Salem walking inside the room with another doctor in tow looking at several data pads.

"Is she ready Dr. Friede?" She asked.

"It's anyone's guess at this point. She... Nothing has gone as expected with this one. Not like Rokk and Mephala."

"Release her then." Ordered Salem.

"With all due respect..." Dr. Friede began to object.

"I respect your opinion, but... I want to test her skills myself."

"As you wish ma'am. Empty the vat let her out."

Athena slowly sank to the bottom of the vat as the fluids were being poured out. She began pulling the tubes out of her body, and slowly rose to her feet still feeling disoriented. She leaned on the glass using it to keep herself standing up. The glass then shattered and Athena fell to the floor cutting herself with the small bits of glass. She got on all fours and tried standing up yet again. She looked at her hand that had several cuts from the glass and saw the blood return to her body. She looked at the floor and saw the same thing happen. Once all her blood returned to her the cuts were immediately closed up.

"Hmm interesting I wonder if..." Salem formed a sword made of ice and cut off one of Athena's arms.

"Salem what are..." Began Dr. Friede in shock as Athena's arm fell to the floor.

The arm began moving and used its fingers as feet as it began walking back to Athena's leg where she picked it up and reattached it. She began moving her arm cracking and popping a few bones.

"Good as new." She said as she opened and closed her hand.

"Hmm someone give her some clothes then follow me. I have to introduce you to the others."

"Others?" Athena asked.

"The Sentinels."

Athena clothed herself and began following Salem down the halls of the ship. The scientists and soldiers all looked at her as an oddity. She ignored their stares and kept following Salem as they entered a room with three other people in it.

"Is she it?" Asked the teen.

"Yes Adonis. Athena this is Adonis a justiciar and executioner to Emperor Boros' enemies."

"She doesn't look like much. And she's supposed to fill in for Yada? Hope you can handle yourself kid." Said a man who was more focused in finishing his steak than looking at Athena.

"Just give her a chance Rokk. Wasn't Yada the same when you met her?" Said the woman holding her hand out to Athena. "I'm Mephala and this is my brother Rokk."

Athena shook her hand. "Athena. Why are we all here anyways?"

"I have handpicked you all as you all possess abilities that far surpass any other individual to date. Emperor Boros has deemed it necessary for the preparation of three enemies that threaten the empire."

"Those being?" Asked Rokk.

"Apophis, father of Boros and Anakoth, the rebels, and finally Anakoth himself."

"If you would have let me kill him Mephala we wouldn't be here."

"Rokk now's not the..."

"Fuck you! Where the fuck is he? Where is Embry?" Yelled Rokk.

"We don't know." Answered Salem.

"Tch."

"What is Apophis?" Asked Adonis.

"A... God. According to Boros he has lived since the dawn of time devouring any and all life."

"Hmm that part sounds familiar." Said Rokk. "So what he's just bigger and badder? Sounds easy enough just get me my axe."

"If it were easy Rokk I'm sure Boros and Embry would have done it ages ago." Said Mephala.

"Need I remind you what my semblance is?" Said Rokk with a sneer.

"Need I remind you of mine?" Mephala answered back.

"Well then shall we begin the testing trials? I have everything ready if you are?" Asked Salem.

"I'll go first I need this badly." Said Rokk as he stood from the chair.

"Follow me then all of you."

Athena let Rokk and Mephala follow Salem whilst she and Adonis lagged behind.

"Are you a justiciar?" Asked Adonis.

"No."

"Cloven then?" He asked again.

"No."

"Then what are you?"

"Something more." Athena answered.

"What like a new prototype?"

"Maybe. And you? What's your story? Why are you here?"

"Me well I'm a justiciar. I'm one of the best handpicked by Emperor Boros himself to become one of his executioners."

"So you execute people?"

"Yes and no. My job is to hunt rebels and execute them."

"That's it? I would have expected more. What abilities do you have?"

"You'll find out. So for how long have you known Salem?"

"A few days."

"Hmm so you were made using Yada Touka's remains?"

"Yeah."

"Guess we'll see if you live up to her name."

"..." Athena didn't respond to Adonis' comment.

They reached a large empty room that was at least fifty yards in length and four floors high. Salem the stood before all of them.

"This room will showcase your new abilities. Everything here will be made to kill you. All restrictions off. Now then Rokk you stay here. The rest of you follow me."

They entered a small observatory from which they could see everything inside the room. Salem began pressing several buttons and the room began flooding with water. Athena watched closely as Rokk swam to the observatory with a smile on his face. She looked closely at his neck to see... Gills?

"Survival... Or adaptability. My brother can adapt to survive in the toughest conditions." Explained Mephala.

"Indeed." Said Salem. "How about... This." The room emptied itself and began flooding with... Lava?

Athena watched more closely as Rokk's body began turning into some type of stone.

"His abilities... Is that how..." Adonis began.

"Yes. We used Rokk's DNA as well as other huntsmen and huntresses to enhance the justiciars." Said Salem.

"Now then time for the main event." The lava drained and a door opened revealing a large animal. The animal itself seemed to weigh at least several thousand pounds. With sharp fangs and claws on four legs. The animal resembled a lion or a tiger of sorts, but something was different this one was clearly bigger at least five times bigger. It was wearing some sort of heavy advanced armor with a large blade on its back.

"A Lodestar Behemoth. It's a bit much even for a squad of justiciars." Said Adonis.

"You've fought them?" Asked Athena.

"If you want to remain a justiciar you have to survive. Even with my advanced regeneration... Well I've lost plenty of friends who were being careless."

"A gift from... A hunter of hunters." Said Salem.

"Whom?" Asked Athena.

"Black Gold Saw her DNA is also embedded into justiciars."

"Who's she?" Asked Mephala.

"Shiota's adoptive daughter."

Athena focused her attention on the battle and saw Rokk evade another hit from the Behemoth's blade. She saw his nails turn to claws, his teeth turn to fangs, and his legs bend in such a way that they resembled the hind legs of a dog.

"He almost looks like one of the faunus! Is he..." Adonis began.

"Adaptability and survival. He simply grows fangs and claws to combat another animal." Explained Mephala.

Rokk jumped on the Behemoth's blade and ran across the blade through the arm and cut off its head with one swipe of his claws. Rokk looked up to the observatory. "Give me a real challenge!"

Salem smiled. "Later for now... Mephala your turn."

"Right."

Rokk exited the room and joined the rest at the observatory just as Mephala was about to leave. "Welcome back so when are you... You know?" Mephala asked pointing to her brother as he was still in his animal form.

Rokk snarled and slowly returned to his human form. "Happy?"

"You don't smell like burned dog anymore." She said as she made her way to the training room.

"I thought the two of you might get along better seeing as how both of you were a part of Team RMNT." Said Adonis.

"Ha listen kid there is a lot you don't know about that time. Sure we were together but we were never 'together'. That's just a bunch of romanticized bullshit Embry came up with."

"How would you put it?" Asked Athena.

"United we may stand, but divided we will fall. Although I wish Embry was the first to fall." Said Rokk.

"Who died first?" Adonis asked.

"I did." Said Rokk as he sat back.

They all saw Mephala make her way towards the center of the room. Salem pressed several buttons, and multiple turrets emerged and began firing in all directions at Mephala. Athena couldn't see Mephala anymore, and the turrets seemed to be going haywire shooting everywhere.

"What the... Where is she?" Asked Athena.

"Hmm... She's showing off that's what." Rokk stood up and began tapping the glass. "Hurry the fuck up Mephala!"

Mephala began moving between turrets forcing them to shoot each other. It was over in just a matter of seconds. Salem pressed a few more buttons and released two Chimeran Titans. Each one carried a plasma cannon that had the same destructive force as a tank. Mephala simply used her momentum to add force to her punches as she began punching the beasts. The beasts finally fell bloodied and bruised as they could not even put a finger on their opponent. Salem pressed one more button and suddenly an entire justiciar squad rushed through the door armed with swords, axes, and spears. What followed next could only be described as a red mist of blood as not a single trace of them could be seen.

"She... She obliterated them!" Said Adonis shaking.

"Tch show off." Said Rokk.

"Speed... Is that her semblance?" Asked Athena.

"Hmm something like that... It's more like she exists in a different... What did Embry call it? Ah yes state of time. Anyways her speed is unmatched. By the time you have made the choice to draw your weapon Mephala will have already turned you into a bloody red mist." Explained Rokk.

"We were never able to fully replicate her speed with the justiciars. Now then your turn Athena." Said Salem.

"I don't even know what I can do." She said.

"You let me worry about that." Said Salem.

Athena raised a brow in suspicion, but decided to follow Salem's lead on this. She made her way to the arena where she saw Mephala just exiting the room. "Knock 'em dead kiddo."

"Thanks."

Athena walked towards the center of the room and saw Salem press several buttons. The walls in the room all began to close in on her at an alarming rate. She was able to successfully hold the walls back, but suddenly she felt a surge of electricity throughout her entire body. She touched the wall again only to feel a jolt of electricity. She couldn't touch the walls anymore if there was another option she couldn't see it, but it was too late as the walls all crushed and flattened her.

Athena's body began repairing itself. Limbs that were once flat now began inflating themselves the bones cracking and adjusting themselves. The blood that had spilled out of her body made its way back to her. Athena stood up as the bones in her legs also popped, cracked, and readjusted themselves.

Athena heard a noise and saw several justiciars rushing her with melee weapons. One of them was able to strike Athena's head with his sword, but the sword broke immediately as it made contact. Athena grabbed the nearest justiciar by the neck and began crushing it. Suddenly Athena's arm began glowing a dark crimson as several veins emerged from her skin and connected themselves to the justiciar. She could feel a strange sense of satisfaction coming over her, but usually from when one is eating something. She was consuming him. Nothing but the clothes remained. She looked at her hand, and saw her fingers turn into blades. The justiciars retreated and waited for her to make her move.

Athena's other hand turned to tentacles. She looked at both her arms and then to the justiciars. A smile crept to her face as she rushed at the group at super sonic speeds and shredded them all. She saw them beginning to grow back their limbs, but she grabbed each one of them with her tentacles and consumed them all.

She made her way back to see Adonis waiting outside the room. "What are you really?" He asked.

Athena simply smiled. "An abomination."

Adonis walked past her and entered the room. She saw Salem make her way towards her.

"Very well done you've exceeded all of my expectations."

"What am I really though?" Asked Athena as she looked at her hands.

"I don't know. We've studied you for so long day and night that... Well even with our current technologies we can only deduce so much."

"It... It felt good to kill them."

"Might not want Adonis to hear that. He just saw some of his friends get murdered."

"Why put us against them?" Asked Athena curious as to why Salem would sacrifice her own soldiers.

"Simply put Athena they are a dying breed. The Cloven project will soon render the justiciars obsolete. Just like they rendered the Chimera project obsolete. And just like the Chimera rendered the huntsmen obsolete." Explained Salem.

Cardin POV

"Move that battle line over there. You there get that turret up on the ridge and set up a kill zone. And will someone tell Amodar that we need more ammo now!" Cardin was busy barking orders as they were all preparing to defend the city within the center isle.

He saw an armored car park nearby and a soldier rushing to him. "Admiral Cardin sir new orders from Admiral Embry."

"Why am I not surprised. Well give it here." Cardin took the paper from the soldier and began reading. "Son of a fucking whore!"

"Everything alright there Admiral?" Said Rojas as he was carrying some sandbags.

"Shrimp wants me elsewhere."

"Where to sir?" Asked Onions.

"Just me."

"Must be tough being an Admiral." Replied Onions.

"Yeah which is why I'm promoting you to Commander Rojas. Now it's up to you to lead the team."

"Kiss my ass Cardin." Replied Rojas whilst flipping off Cardin.

"As you were. Soldier take me to Shiota now."

"Yes sir."

Cardin saw barricade after barricade, gun emplacement after gun emplacement, trench after trench as they drove to the outskirts of the city where he would meet Shiota. It would be a difficult battle, and one where air support would not be used given the size of the fleet. It would be a waste of pilots, and ships. He saw Shiota talking to Trescu and Amodar.

He exited the car and went to meet them. "Why am I not in the front?" He asked annoyed.

"I need you to protect Serina while she gets the EMP rockets working again." Said Trescu.

"Wasn't that already done?" He asked.

"Targeting computer is fucked up. We are going to have to build one from scratch. And that will take a while." Explained Shiota.

"Shit! Okay so who am I taking?" Asked Cardin.

"Tai Kaliso and a few other huntsmen. Also Fang's unit is here. Can't afford to lose our saving grace."

"Once Serina gets the rockets up in the air and they have disabled most if not all of their ships we will rule the air and wipe them out." Explained Amodar.

"What's the catch?" Asked Cardin looking at both Amodar and Shiota.

"Once Serina sets up the targeting beacon... They'll know something's up and they will send everything to try and stop you guys." Said Shiota,

"I don't suppose we can count on any back up from Mistal right?"

"Trescu?"

Trescu hung his head. "No we are on our own."

"Can't we send an envoy? See if they can't get a message through?" Asked Amodar.

"You could... But they will shoot first and ask questions later. Besides it will take them forever to get any reinforcements here."

"Damn!"

"We'll have to make do. We have concentrated our forces at the city hopefully they'll take the bait. We've set up AA at the highest buildings to provide cover. Now then the missile silo is on the other side so while we focus all of their attention on us you guys will fire from behind and take down their ships." Explained Shiota.

"Sound easy enough let's go." Said Cardin.

Rojas POV

"To the left!"

"Where!? WHERE!?"

"I can't see them!"

"MY LEG! WHERE THE FUCK'S MY LEG!?"

Rojas took cover behind the barricade while the Chimera continued to assault his position. He peeked from cover and began firing his rifle at the coming Chimera. "To any units nearby this is Hammer Squad we're pinned by agh..." Nothing but screams of death filled the air and radio chatter. More than half the men guarding the path were were either injured or killed. He reached for a clip when a Chimeran soldier jumped him. He wrapped his arms around his neck and began strangulating him. Rojas reached for the knife sheathed on his leg and pulled it out stabbing the Chimera in the leg. He then threw the knife at his head killing him.

"This is Commander Rojas to any and all survivors... Fall back to the second line! I say again fall back to the second line. Grab anything your dead friends have on them. They won't need it anymore."

"Need a hand?" Asked Pope.

"Thanks man. Fuck!"

"Sir we don't have any room for the rest of the injured." Said one of the soldiers approaching him.

"If you can walk..."

"That's not the issue. We don't have enough vehicles." Explained the soldier.

"Pile them on top of each other if you have to. Everybody else on me we'll hoof it the rest of the way."

Rojas could see as several aircraft began dropping bombs. He could also see the rest of the heavy fleet moving closer and closer.

"This is Colonel Farron to all units on the North and West regions. The Chimera have begun to use Chameleon Sentries all units be advised use your IFF trackers."

"Alright you heard the lady IFFs now!" Ordered Rojas.

Rojas and the rest of the men marched up the road to the second defense line hoping to hold off the next wave of Chimera.

"This is Commander Briggs we've lost the police station. I say again we've lost the police station. All eastern units fall back to the shopping district now!"

"Damn they're tearing us up!" Said Onions as he carried several ammo boxes.

"We still haven't seen the ugliest part of the battle yet." Said Pope.

"Fuck!"

"Cut the chatter we have to get to the..."

"IFF's hot we got incoming!" Yelled one of the soldiers.

"Where?" Asked Rojas.

"Behind! Thirty... Twenty meters."

Rojas and the rest aimed their rifles and began firing. Some used their grenade launchers hoping to destroy more of the sentries.

"They're still coming!"

"Shit! I can't see them."

"Keep firing!"

Rojas was already emptying his fifth magazine when he saw the first few soldiers in front of him get butchered. Soon enough they were all surrounded as sentries began to overtake their position and began butchering his men. He felt a large blade puncture his chest when the Chameleon revealed itself. Rojas grabbed the arm as tightly as he could. He pulled out a grenade and took the pin out with his teeth and smiled.

Cardin POV

Cardin bashed another Chimera's head in with his mace. He pulled it out and began bashing another one's brains in soon after. They were able to funnel the Chimera through a small entrance that allowed them to maintain superior numbers, but the Chimera were too many and they were already exhausted. Cardin threw a grenade at the entrance hoping to buy some time, and block the entrance into the hall. The blast of the grenade only managed to scratch the surface, but it was able to halt the progress of the Chimera.

"How... How much longer?" He asked regaining his breath.

"I just need a little more time... There that should do it. Now all I need is to..."

Cardin and the rest of the soldiers felt a large tremor or earthquake shake the entire facility. Already Cardin feared the worst.

"Shrimp! Shrimp are you there!?"

"Cardin... They used it... The entire city is gone."

"... I understand." Cardin hung his head.

"Did he just..." Began Fang.

"Yeah... Fuck!"

"Oh no... Oh no... No no no NO!" Serina began screaming at the computer.

"What is it?"

"The launch doors are locked. Must have been the earthquake. We can open them manually, but..."

"But?" Cardin asked.

"That person will be killed once the rockets launch. Their won't be any way for you to get out. You'll be burned alive." Explained Serina.

"Seems like my expertise okay then let me handle this just be ready to press the button and get out of here." Said Cardin.

"Admiral?" Fang began as Cardin walked into the missile launch bay.

"It just occurred to me that none of you know what my semblance is. As soon as I open them be ready to fire." Said Cardin as he began climbing the ladder up to the top.

He placed his hand over the warhead and his whole body began turning into the same metallic alloy used to make the missile. Cardin inspected his hand gazing at the dullness of the metal. He saw the auxiliary levers and began pulling on them. He saw the light beginning to sneak in through the openings as the launch bay doors began moving. Cardin found a small crevice that he used to sneak inside of as the missiles began firing. He could feel the intense heat from the exhaust beginning to cook him. He saw his hand almost melt.

"This is Admiral Amodar confirmed hit. I say again we have a confirmed hit. Most of their fleet is down all units rendezvous at these coordinates, and we'll pick you up. Let's finish this fight!"

Amodar POV

Amodar sat on the bridge of the Resurgence as they began bombarding the enemy vessels. He could see several of his fighters mopping up the last of their stragglers as they began providing air support and evacuation to their remaining forces.

"Sir Admiral Embry has reported in."

"What does he have to say?"

"He estimates that at least... That at least 70% of the city has been wiped out sir."

Amodar let that thought settle in. Now he understood what Admiral Thane felt. But unlike Admiral Thane he still had to hunt Ironwood.

"Tell him to find Vizara."

"Yes sir."

Amodar saw the last remaining cruisers beginning to retreat only to be shot down.

"Now we take the fight to them." Amodar whispered.

Nagisa POV

Nagisa made his way through the halls of the ship as his snakes began killing off the remaining crew. He only had one target that he needed alive and that was Vizara. He reached the bridge only to see several bodies lying around and a woman under some debris attempting to get out.

The woman looked up and saw Nagisa. "You! You're still alive!?"

"Hmph... You know who I am?" He asked.

"Anakoth."

Nagisa crouched and looked at the woman in the eye. She didn't have any Chimeran traits. Nor Justiciar for that matter. She was human through and through. Nagisa placed a hand on her cheek.

"I won't tell you anything."

"I don't need you to."

His fingers turned into snakes, and they began slithering through her mouth, nose, and ears all of them trying to reach her brain until they finally did. Nagisa could see everything access codes, troop deployment, base locations. He hit the motherlode with this one. Finally one of his snake fingers bit her brain and poisoned her leaving her dead. Nagisa began to leave the vessel as the rest of his snakes returned to his body. He saw a transport waiting for him outside. He boarded and began to depart from the ship and headed towards the Resurgence.

Nagisa walked through the halls looking at the many injured soldiers rushed through some missing limbs, others with severe wounds, and some clutching their rifles for dear life. It was a brutal fight and one with severe casualties. At least they won in the end. Nagisa saw Cardin exit one of the rooms used as an infirmary with a bandaged arm. Cardin waived him over.

"At least you'll live." Said Nagisa.

"Yeah..." Cardin then left Nagisa alone. He stopped halfway and turned to look at him. "My team didn't make it." And he moved on.

"Damn it!" Nagisa kept going making his way towards the bridge.

He saw several officers move at a quick pace still receiving reports from the search and evac teams on the island. He spotted Trescu and Amodar at the war table waiving him over. Nagisa moved avoiding any of the officers that seemed more preoccupied with their duty than bumping into someone.

Amodar let out a sigh. "It's not looking good Embry."

"How bad?" Nagisa asked.

"We've lost over 70% of our fighting force."

"Fuck..."

"Yeah. We have some search parties looking for any survivors. And we also have some salvage crews moving in to secure anything from the enemy fleet."

"So much for invading Vale." Said Nagisa as he hung his head.

"Yeah. Trescu I need you to give it to me straight." Began Amodar.

"Sir?"

"Will the Mistralian rebels attack Vale?"

"No... They won't launch an assault."

"Why the hell not!?" Nagisa asked.

"We may have lost our king and queen not to mention the bloodline as well. But Boros failed to wipe out most of the Shastri Parliament. They control our actions. And war is not on their to do list."

"Then what is?" Nagisa asked.

Trescu sighed. "R... Re-election campaigns."

"Are you..." Nagisa stepped away from the console. "WHAT!?" His voice sounded visceral nothing at all like the voice of a teenager. At that moment everyone turned to look at him. Nagisa glared at them. "Get back to it! NOW!"

"When we retook Shastri and the surrounding cities and towns... People just seemed to forget all about Boros."

"Well they're gonna be in for a rude awakening."

One of the officers reported in. "Sirs... We have finished sweeping for any and all survivors, and we have salvaged everything we could from the enemy fleet."

"Understood. Helmsman signal the fleet and get us out of here. We're going to Mistral." Ordered Amodar.

Coco POV

Coco stood by the door leaning against the doorframe as she looked at Aodha sleeping. She couldn't remember the last time Aodha had a full night's sleep. She looked at her watch. It was an hour past midnight, and still nothing. Then she saw her daughter beginning to toss and turn, followed by mumbling in her sleep. She was dreaming again. Aodha dropped her Ursa Grimm plushy. Coco sighed and picked it up. She sat on the bed and shook Aodha hoping to wake her up.

"Mom... Wha... What happened?"

"You were dreaming again sweetie."

"It just felt so real. The monster it... It ate everything."

"Relax. Here you dropped Pheryl." Coco handed Aodha the plushy.

Aodha took it and held it tightly. "Mom... Is sis gonna okay?"

"Yeah she is."

"That's good." Then Aodha fell fast asleep.

Coco walked out of the room and closed the door behind her. She saw Cinder waiting outside. "How is she?"

"It's getting worse. There's no question about it. She knows about Apophis."

Cinder let out a long sigh. "I'll drop her off tomorrow at school then we can talk about it."

"Yeah that... That sounds good."

"Come here." Cinder embraced Coco. "It's okay Coco."

"It's not okay Cinder. None of this is okay."

"Yeah. I know now c'mon we have a long day tomorrow."

Coco embraced Cinder as they laid in bed together. "I can't remember the last time we were like this."

"Yeah... Me too."

"You know it's..." Her scroll rang. "Well so much for sex night. Hold up." Coco picked up her scroll and answered it. "Yeah what... Whoa slow down... From where... Vacuo? Where are they now? Fuck! Okay I'm on my way... Well stall them."

"I heard Vacuo." Said Cinder.

"You heard right."

"If it really is Pyrrha..."

"I'm gonna put a bullet between her eyes."

"I'm coming too."

"No. Someone needs to stay with Aodha."

"I have as much beef with her as you."

"I know."

Coco drove all the way to the docks to meet with her uninvited guests. She parked and saw one of the dock officers approach her. "Ma'am."

"Did one of them say her name was Pyrrha Nikos?"

"No one under that name we could verify, but we did have someone else who was interested in speaking to you."

"Name?"

"A Cardin Winchester. Says he knows you from Beacon Academy."

"Well that fucking takes me back. Show me to him."

"Right this way ma'am."

Coco followed the dock officer and saw the massive crowd of people leaving the ships. "How many people?"

"By our estimates... Little over a thousand... About thirteen hundred people."

"Damn."

"Right this way ma'am."

Coco entered a small room with a table and two chairs. She saw Cardin looking out the window.

"Been a long time Coco." Cardin began.

"Yeah... Well over ten years."

"Give or take."

"Where is she?"

"Dead. I think. Hopefully dead."

"How?"

"Someone by the name of Salem... You know it?"

"Yeah I do."

Cardin took a seat and signaled Coco to do the same. She took him on his offer. "So that all you came to talk to me about?"

"No... I have a rather... Interested party in meeting one on one with you... And Cinder."

"Who is it?"

"Like I said an interested party."

"Well I'm not interested."

Cardin sighed. "Look just trust me on this. Give me your address and we'll stop by."

"Hmm... Fine then here." Coco wrote her address on a piece of paper and gave it to Cardin.

"Thanks."

Coco left the room where she met with the dock officer. "When will they be cleared?" She asked.

"In a few moments."

"Alright then."

Coco entered her car and called Cinder.

"Did you kill Pyrrha?" Asked Cinder.

"No... Salem killed her. I met Cardin again."

"Oh? How was it?"

"Awkward as all hell. We're gonna have visitors tomorrow thought you should know."

"Trouble?"

"Not yet."

Coco slept in for the night as Cinder dropped their daughter to school. She heard the doorbell ringing. She put a pillow over her head trying to block the noise. The ringing kept going and going. This person never seemed to stop.

"Fuck me!" Coco got dressed and made her way downstairs to open the door. She thought about Cardin's comments last night, and grabbed her pistol just as insurance. She opened the door, and she saw him pressing the button over and over and over again.

Nagisa POV

Nagisa did his best to avoid eye contact with Coco by pressing the button. Until she grabbed his arm dragged him inside the house and shoved the gun up to his nose.

"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't shove this up your ass and empty the clip!"

"You love me?"

Coco removed the safety.

"I... Uhh... I can defeat Boros?"

Coco cocked the gun.

"Oh come on!"

"Hmm." Coco put the gun away. "What the hell do you want Nagisa?"

"An army."

"To do what?"

"Invade Vale."

"Ha as if! There's no way in hell anyone's giving you an army."

"Why not?"

"Look around you. People here have long since forgotten what it's like to be afraid of Boros."

"What about Apophis?"

"Well, the bastard never showed up."

"Doesn't mean he won't someday."

"Someday... Just not today."

"Know of anyone who can give me an army?"

"Nope. You are on your own."

"Fine then... Guess I'll talk to Winter then."

"Good luck with that."

"Why?"

"She's dead."

"How?"

"Boros ate her when we invaded Atlas. Bastard began eating our ships killed off most of our fleet."

"Weiss?"

"In Atlas coordinating a tiny cell."

"How tiny?"

"Including her... Five people."

"Yang? I heard from Trescu that Cinder married you, and that you guys have a daughter named Aodha. What about Ashe?"

"Yang died some time ago. As for Ashe... She's in Axanar providing intelligence and such. She's a spy."

"How did Yang die?"

"Raven did it."

"Black Gold Saw? Maid Gunner? The Grimm? Anybody?" Nagisa was desperate for anybody to join his side.

"Saw and... Us aren't exactly on good terms right now."

"Oh?"

"She tried to... Well did in fact kidnap Ashe, and tried to eat her to become a maiden. Maid Gunner is with Ashe in Axanar. The Jigua have all been annihilated. As for the Grimm well... There aren't as many of them around as there used to be. Most reside within the Unknown Regions and the Hellmouth... Saw's domain."

"Guess I know where I'am heading next."

"Are you serious?" Coco asked.

"Yeah... I think it's about time the world remembered why the Grimm are still feared."

"Hmm... Good luck."

"Thanks. Before I go... I need to know what happened between you guys and Pyrrha. She told me you guys made a choice as did she. What did she mean?"

Coco let out an exhausted sigh. "After you left I... Sort of led the team... What was left to lead anyways. She and I were together for a time."

"Oh?"

"The sex was okay. She and I were only seeing each other to unwind anyways. Although what did end it... It was all the baggage Pyrrha brought with her that was a real concern. She began hearing and seeing MEFE. You can guess how that ended. After that it was like... Like how when you left. Pyrrha just couldn't handle being alone... Or at least dumped. Didn't help when she took half the fleet and fled to Vacuo during the exodus to Mistral."

"Cardin told you right?"

"Yeah he did... No love lost here." Coco smiled.

Coco POV

Coco saw Nagisa leave her house. She pulled out her scroll and decided to give Cinder a call.

"Hey it's me." Said Coco.

"I'm almost home what is it?"

"You will never guess who just visited me."

"Do I get a prize if I'm right?"

"Maybe? Wanna give it a shot?"

"Nagisa Shiota."

"You just saw him right?"

"Yeah... He just waived at me."

"..."

"I still get the prize right?"

"Anything."

"I know just the thing."

Cardin POV

Cardin was sitting on his bunk bed inside a tent in the internment camp waiting to be relocated along with the other soldiers and civilians. He saw Zavala enter the tent.

"Hey."

"Hey."

"How you holding up Cardin?"

"I'll live. You?"

"Me too."

"For them."

"For them!"

"Saw that you packed your bag. Going somewhere?" She asked.

"That depends."

"On what?"

"How plan A pans out. If not... Plan B."

"And that is?"

"Grab another army."

"From where?"

"Not the question you should have asked."

"Then what is this other army made of?"

"Grimm."

"Grimm? They're..."

"Alive and well apparently... Not as many as there used to be. Shrimp told me so now... Now we have to find them. And hopefully get them to launch the assault on Vale."

"That's gonna be an ugly can of worms."

"I heard that."

Nagisa walked into the tent with Amodar, Alvarn, Fang, and Farron in tow. "Well good everyone's here."

"So what's the plan bossman?" Asked Fang.

"We get the Grimm to join us."

"..." There was an uneasy silence that overtook the tent.

"What?" Asked Nagisa.

"I'll take your word for it what's the plan?" Asked Amodar.

"Cardin and I will take an air transport to the Hellmouth in the Unknown Regions try to get them on our side. Hopefully we'll pull through if not... Boros has already won."

"Okay and what do you want us to do?" Asked Farron.

"Grimm on board or not we'll be screwed if we don't get some back up. We need weapons, transports, and anyone who can fight. After the losses we took at the Broken Isles... I don't know. I hope there's enough people who still have some fight left in them."

"Got it."

"Zavala get an air transport gassed up and ready to go you'll be taking us there."

"Understood."

Cardin grabbed his bag and walked out with Zavala and Shiota. "Now let's make those fuckers pay."

Boros POV

Boros looked at the latest report that came in. One hundred percent KIA no survivors. A fleet of over thirty heavy vessels wiped out by a rag tag group of insurgents using outdated technology... Something else was going on here.

"Emperor Boros we did a thorough investigation of the island and found this." Said one of the officers.

Boros saw pictures of what looked like a military warehouse or bunker of sorts bearing some type of insignia. "What is it? Who's it from?"

"Mantle way back when Mantle existed that is... All ships were... I don't know how to explain it, but all systems were fried. Almost like an EMP blast. We've never seen anything like this in other battle reports."

"Contact Admiral Ghaun... And Salem." Said Boros.

"Sir?"

"I think it's about time we put the fear of death back in their minds."

"Understood."

"One more thing."

"Yes sir?"

"No survivors."

"Understood sir we'll get it done."

"Do you think it's him?" Asked Ozpin.

"..."

"The report does not match any attacks made by a large creature. Perhaps it was Mistralian rebels along with Pyrrha Nikos that orchestrated the thing."

"Perhaps... If memory serves Nikos was implanted with an Apostle correct?"

"Yes." Answered Ozpin.

"Hmm... I wonder."

"If she could sit on the throne?"

"Nothing that I have tried works. And my brother is nowhere to be found... Nikos takes priority. I want her found, and if they can't bring her alive they damn well better bring me her head."

"We have no current information on her... Or what she looks like, if she even looks the same assuming the Apostle didn't take any effect in her body."

"Didn't Coco Adel, Cinder Fall, and Weiss Schnee all serve in the same class?"

"I understand."

"Find them and we find Nikos."

One of the officers came back inside holding a datapad. He placed the datapad on the table and soon enough two holo images of Salem and Ghaun appeared.

"Emperor." Both said.

"Ghaun, Salem I want you both to invade Mistral... More specifically Shastri."

"What's in Shastri?" Asked Salem.

"Pyrrha Nikos. Bring her back to me alive... If possible. If not... Her corpse is just as good. Ozpin will prepare a file of known associates she might know. Interrogate them and we have Nikos."

"Wouldn't it be better if I were to handle it? The Sentinels are more than..."

Boros raised his hand signaling Salem to keep her silence. "These people have grown complacent. I have let them grow from a nuisance to a cancer. No more. You will both invade Shastri and its surrounding cities, and wipe it from the face of the planet. The men, women, children, old, sick, young, healthy... All shall perish. Now go forth and kill them... All of them. I will leave the battle plans to you. Take whatever you need and go."

"Sir wouldn't it be easier to use the HYDRA weapon on them?" Asked the officer.

"Not for this mission it won't. But I will say this... Once you have taken Shastri and the surrounding cities use it. Only after you have captured the cities."

"Yes sir."

Cardin POV

Cardin stood on the bridge of the ship looking at the city burning down below. He looked at Pyrrha who was ready to signal the evacuation. "God damn it Nikos don't do this!"

"It's done Cardin. Helmsman signal the fleet we're moving out!"

Cardin hit Pyrrha's head with his mace. Cardin was then restrained by several officers, but Pyrrha lunged at him and scratched his face leaving three huge gashes across it. "Those people are still alive down there!"

"Not anymore they're not." She crouched down to get a good look at him. "It's a shame you are of more use to me alive rather than dead."

Pyrrha grabbed Cardin's head with both her hands so they could see each other at the same level. Pyrrha opened her mouth and a large snake emerged making it's way down Cardin's throat. Cardin jumped from his seat at the nightmare he just experienced. He saw Shiota was still fast asleep in his seat across from him. He went to the cockpit to see how much further it would take for them to reach their destination.

"How much further Zavala?"

"A few minutes actually. We've been flying for days now... Almost a week in fact."

"Ugh... About damn time. Do we even have enough fuel to go back?"

"Well yes... But I've also always wanted to ride a Dragon Grimm so... You know. Maybe I'll get my wish."

"Dream on. I'll go wake the Shrimp."

"Why do you call him that anyways?"

"What? Shrimp?"

"Yeah..."

"That's a nickname I gave him back at Beacon when my team and I were about to gang up on him. Fucker wiped the floor with us."

Zavala bust out laughing. "You got your ass handed to you by a blue midget!"

"Blue shrimp... In any case..." Cardin looked through the window to see a massive black hole leading down towards hell itself. "Looks like we found the Hellmouth. I'll wake him up find us an LZ."

"On it."

Cardin saw that Shiota was already getting his bearings. "We there yet?"

"Yeah Zavala will find us..." The transport began to shake violently. "What the fuck!?"

"Hang on back there!" Said Zavala as the transport kept shaking probably avoiding incoming fire.

"What the fuck is going on out there Zavala!?" Asked Shiota.

"Reavers."

"Reavers?" Cardin asked.

"Grimm Reavers." Shiota answered. "We found her. Drop us off as soon as you can then pull out!"

"Got it opening the doors. Jump on my mark. 1... 2... 3... Mark!"

Shiota and Cardin jumped from the transport into an outcropping of rock as they saw Zavala disengage and fly out towards the surface. Cardin and Shiota made their way through a crevice to reach the lower depths of the Hellmouth. Cardin pulled out a flashlight and began waving it around illuminating his surroundings. He could see shards of dust crystals... But these were different... They were...

"Fossilized dust."

"Fossilized dust?"

"Yeah happens when they become too old and unstable. If you were to use one of these it would be the last time you did."

"Dust has an expiration date?"

"More of a half life deal. Takes centuries for dust to go 'bad'. The longest that I've seen is three thousand years."

"Is it even useful?"

"Yeah if you want to make bombs this stuff is great. Only one hundred pounds of this stuff and you can make a bomb powerful enough to destroy anything in one hundred miles."

"That's a pretty strong bomb. Anybody do it?"

"Ausius did I tested a prototype once... Wiped out an entire city to kill an Atlesian general."

"Millions of lives for one general?"

"I didn't know it would be that effective. After I used the bomb Ausius practically lost the war and the Atlesian rebels won."

"Who was her? When we were being attacked you mentioned a her. Who is she?" Cardin asked.

"My... Adoptive daughter. Just follow my lead on this one."

"It's pretty much the one thing that I've been doing since Vacuo Shiota."

"And we are still here."

"Not all of us." Cardin reminded Shiota of the 'defeat' of the Broken Isles.

"Did you find their remains?"

"Yeah... There was enough to bury... Of some of them that is. Couldn't find the rest of Rojas."

They trekked through several miles of tunnels going deeper into the Hellmouth hoping to find any sign Shiota's daughter. It seemed strange that they had yet to spot a single Grimm since the Reavers.

"They are watching us. Don't be fooled Cardin. Stop and listen."

Cardin did as he was told. He focused on any sounds coming from any which direction, but nothing. All he heard was the water dripping and flowing. Then he heard a soft moaning and groaning coming from the walls. He didn't dare shove the light in their direction.

"Let's keep on moving. They're sleeping anyways."

"What are they?"

"Ever heard of an Aswang Grimm?"

"Human like in appearance, long sharp claws, sharp teeth, about seven feet tall, has a really long tongue?"

"Yeah... You forgot the part where they use their tongues to suck the fluids of their victims dry."

"Don't remind me. How much further?"

"That is a good question."

"Shrimp..."

"I thought we'd see her by now."

"Terrific." Cardin and Shiota traversed several more feet underground to reach a large cavern that seemed to be like it's own world. Columns of stone that were several hundred meters high and wide, an enormous lake that seemed more like an ocean covered a vast expanse reflecting the light of a large piece of crystallized dust. "Whoa... What is this place?"

"My kingdom." Cardin and Shiota turned to see a woman with large red horns and long hair smirking back at them.

"Been a long time... Dad."

"Saw... How's it been?"

"Oh you know same old same old. Boros still tries to send his paltry army to kill me. I end up killing and eating them the usual." Saw strut her way between the pair and kept her pace. "Now then follow me... Come on now... Don't be shy."

Cardin and Shiota followed her until they reached a small delta made of stone where the rocks were carved. Many of the Grimm kept their pace watching the pair hissing and growling at them. "If I were you two I wouldn't make any sudden moves... It's been a while since they've had any dinner. Me too."

Finally they stopped at a chair carved from stone where Saw sat and looked at the two. "I know why you're here."

"So... Yes?" Shiota asked.

Saw smirked. "What's in it for me?"

"What do you want?" He asked.

"Boros."

"Why?"

"Checks and balances. You see after you win... With my help that is. The humans will turn their guns on us next, but if I were to take Boros's powers from him..."

"You think it's that simple?"

Saw smiled. "Isn't it always?"

"How many Grimm survived?"

"A few thousand no more than six to be exact."

"World Eaters?"

"Captured."

"Where are they?"

"Atlas."

"How do you know?"

"Ashe."

"Yeah Coco said..."

"That I tried to eat her? Don't get me wrong her flesh is nice and soft just the way I like it, but... She is worth more to me alive than dead."

"Oh?"

"I want her to bear my heir."

Shiota's eyes went wide. "You know that's..."

"I don't give a shit. The child she would bear would have tremendous power... Power that I want... That I deserve."

"Hmm..." Shiota seemed deep in thought. "I can give you Boros... After I'm done with him and Apophis that is, but I won't give you Ashe."

"Then Apophis for Ashe... And Averia as well."

"Wha..." Cardin began, but was interrupted.

"Deal!" Shiota had his hand outstretched.

Saw took it and shook hands with him sealing the deal. "Welcome back Anakoth."

"Just don't expect me to turn into that thing until Boros figures out I'm here otherwise he'll send his armies against us."

"Fair enough. I want to see the expression on his scaly face anyways." Saw picked up her greatsword and held it up as high as she could. The Grimm all roared and howled. "TO WAR!"

Nagisa POV

Nagisa, Cardin, and Saw made their way back up towards the surface to see Zavala armed with a rifle coming out of the transport.

"I was gonna come find you guys. We got a problem." She said.

"What sort of a problem?" Nagisa asked.

"I just got word from Amodar that Admiral Ghaun has invaded Shastri. And he is not alone."

"How many?" Asked Cardin.

"An entire armada. They already broke through the perimeter defenses. If Shastri falls..."

"Hmm..." Nagisa was deep in thought. "Saw any Maw Grimm survive?"

"Yeah a few."

"Good. We'll take one and ride it to Shastri. Zavala, Cardin grab anything important from the transport food, ammo, meds we're gonna need it."

"Saw contact the Maw Grimm now!"

Amodar POV

It was a logistical nightmare. There were so many casualty reports coming in, and it was only going to get worst. He managed to gather his forces and prepared his fleet in earnest.

"Message for you sir."

"Put it through."

"Amodar it's Trescu... Patch up the cord... Damn it! It's a fucking nightmare."

"How many?"

"It's like they brought the entire fleet with them. We're outmanned and outgunned. Command wants us to pull back to Shastri and hold the city."

"Tell them that's a bad idea they will no doubt use their weapon against us if we are all holed up in one place."

"Yeah I know... Shit! Any other ideas?"

"One... But it's a long shot."

"Tell me."

"Fighting retreat. We hold off the enemy and break their encirclement and get as many people out as we can."

"It's gonna be hard with just your ragtag fleet and my ship."

"I know."

"I'll tell General Adel... She might agree."

"Got it." The transmission ended. Amodar looked at all of the officers gathered around him awaiting their orders. "Launch all fighters. Prepare transports for medevac and casevac. Clear any and all halls leading towards the infirmaries. Find me a soft spot to break the encirclement."

"Sir got another message coming in from Shastri."

"Let's hope they listened. Put it through."

"Admiral Amodar this is General Adel, Trescu just informed me of your plan. I have Vice Admiral Renard and Rear Admiral Picot holding off the brunt of their attack, but I need someone to lead the assault and punch a hole big enough to exit."

"Anywhere I should start?"

"The city of Bonn has been able to halt it's ground offensive, but they need air support I suggest you start there."

"On it." Amodar ended the transmission. "Rally the fleet any and all available forces to Bonn."

Mephala POV

Mephala and the rest of the team were able to successfully infiltrate Shastri amid all the chaos and commotion. Now all they had to do was find their targets and bring them in for questioning.

"Hmm we should best split up." Began Adonis.

"That would be great if only we knew where to look." Said Rokk as he walked a ways forward ahead of everyone else. "Seriously where the fuck are we?"

"I think... I think Polis used to be here." Said Mephala.

"And just like Polis this place is coming apart. Let's go."

The group kept walking hoping to find any sign of their target until they saw a large contingent of soldiers rush through the streets. The soldiers ignored the group and kept moving.

"We need a new strategy." Said Adonis.

"I say we infiltrate one of their command vessels and wait and see." Said Rokk.

"Wait and see? That's your plan?" Asked Mephala.

"There is just too much going on besides... He's not here."

"Rokk..."

"C'mon let's go all of you before..." The group heard a large howl and saw a giant worm like creature emerge from the ground. "Grimm. Guess plan's changed let's go."

Adonis was about to protest, but Rokk and Mephala already made way and were in pursuit of the large worm. Rokk nodded his head at Mephala who in the blink of an eye disappeared and reappeared. "How many?"

"Eight hostiles. One Grimm, two of the three identified targets Coco Adel and Cinder Fall."

"And the others?"

"Unknown although one of them matches the description of Black Gold Saw." Mephala withheld the information on Embry. If his brother knew... She still owed him for all those years.

"Okay then in that case I'll hold them off, and you take the targets back to Adonis and Athena."

"Roger."

Mephala and Rokk reached the emergence point of the Maw Grimm and saw that it burrowed back underground leaving only the seven people behind. She saw him... He hadn't aged a day. She turned to Rokk who reached for his axe and began smiling.

"You have no idea how long I've been waiting for this!" Rokk rushed Embry and attempted to cut his head off.

The man with the mace blocked it, but the force was too great and his mace quickly broke. Embry threw a knife at Rokk who caught it with his teeth. Mephala simply stood back and watched the spectacle hoping to catch them off guard. She read the dossier on Cinder Fall's abilities even her speed and eyes could not protect her against that kind of heat. She decided to hold off for now.

"Ah shit... I can't believe Averia would... Fuck." Embry drew his sword and stood at the ready. "You guys get out of here... These two are mine."

"Shrimp you are going to..."

"These two are... Or were rather part of Team RMNT. That's Rokk and that's Mephala."

The man snarled. "Fine let's go!"

Mephala stayed with Rokk and made sure her brother wouldn't do something stupid.

"I'm really going to enjoy this." Rokk and Embry began trading blows.

"Calm down Rokk!" Embry yelled as Rokk attempted to decapitate him again.

Mephala just stood there hand on the hilt of her weapon. She heard footsteps and saw Adonis and Athena already about to draw their weapons. Adonis was the first to jump in, but Rokk kicked him throwing him to a wall.

"Fuck off kid! He's mine!"

Athena lunged at Rokk only for him to split her head in two with his axe. "That means you too!"

Athena's head began pulling itself together as small tendrils connected one side of her brain to the other and fully healed her. Athena growled and walked away. Mephala saw the expression on Embry's face. He was focused on the girl. Almost as if he knew her. She pushed those thoughts aside and focused on the battle in front of her.

"Don't do this Rokk. We don't have to kill each other."

"We do Embry. As long as you walk this earth I will never stop hunting you."

"So be it." Wings protruded from Embry's back and he began flying away.

Rokk did the same thing and flew in chase of Embry. Mephala saw Adonis and Athena approach her.

"What the fuck is wrong with him!?" Exclaimed Adonis.

Mephala sighed. "That kid... Is a long story. Let's go we have to report back to Salem and Boros that he's here."

"And Rokk?" Asked Athena.

"He'll be fine." Answered Mephala.

"How do you know?" Asked Adonis.

"Because I know them both... It won't end here. Now let's move and catch a shuttle out of here." Mephala kept a close eye on Athena. Knowing her brother he saw it too.

Rokk POV

Kept his distance as he pursued Embry who finally landed atop a large tower. Rokk saw Embry looking up at him and sheathing his weapon. Rokk closed some of the distance, but not too much he still wanted to keep some in case he used his snake fingers.

"It doesn't have to be this way Rokk. We can still work this out!" Embry yelled.

Rokk tightened the grip on his battle axe and descended on Embry at top speed. Before he knew it there was a large flash of light and suddenly he saw a massive snake heading towards him. He dodged, and saw eleven others flying away each in a different direction. He didn't turn into that thing instead he split himself up.

"Clever bastard." He muttered. Rokk sheathed his battleaxe and pressed the locator on his wrist. He saw the entire city in flames... This place really did remind him of Polis.

MANY YEARS AGO

Rokk and Embry scurried between alleyways with the Grimm following close behind them. They were successfully able to route the main horde and were now leading it to a choke point where they could lure them to their death.

"What's the matter old man? Can't keep up?" Asked Embry as he carried a smug look on his face.

"Just hurry up jackass!" Rokk and Embry were almost to the choke point.

They could see Yada, Mephala, and the rest of the Polis archers lined up. He heard splattering as he looked down he could see the black oil flooding the alleyway. He could feel himself slipping on the oil. He made it to the end when the archers already fired up their shots and lit the oil burning and killing off the Grimm. One of the creatures managed to get through, but was already limping and fell to the ground. It wasn't dead yet which gave plenty of time for Rokk to pull out his battleaxe. He stood above the creature and with one swing severed its head from its body. The creatures remains slowly began disintegrating and fading away.

"Rokk c'mon we have a thousand other places left to secure." Said Mephala.

"Yeah I know." Rokk reached for his neck and clung to the necklace holding both a bone finger of his wife and son. "I swear to you Roth... Aela. I will kill every single one of these bastards."

PRESENT TIME

Rokk reached for his neck to see that the necklace was no longer there. It had become a habit at this point... One that he had to let go, but not one that he would forget. For as long as Embry lives he would always be on the hunt for him.

He saw a transport flying low with searchlights aimed at him. The transport landed and out came Mephala, Adonis, Athena, Salem, and to his surprise Boros himself. Looking at the monster before him Rokk thought about ending its life quickly. He owed it that much for giving him a second chance at killing Embry.

Salem smiled at Rokk then Boros began to speak. "Is it true?"

"Yeah... Embry's back."

"Hmm... Salem have the Sentinels pursue Anakoth with the fleet when he turns into his true form that is when you will strike."

"As you wish."

Rokk saw Boros flicker, and before him stood a person made of metal and lights. "What was..." Rokk began.

"A hologram. This is a robot. Now let's go Admiral Ghaun is preparing to destroy Shastri."

Rokk boarded the transport along with the rest of them. He saw the city completely falling apart.

MANY YEARS AGO

No matter how hard they tried, no matter how many they killed the Grimm kept coming. Rokk along with the rest of the Polis royal guard sealed the castle entrance. Mephala, Yada, and Embry began barricading the entrance.

Rokk tried to catch his breath. "They just... Keep coming. How many did we lose?"

"We are all that's left." Answered one of the soldiers.

Rokk began pounding his fist against the floor. "To hell with this! I'm not dying here!"

"Then where do you wanna die Rokk?" Asked Embry.

"What?"

"I said where do you wanna die?"

"I'd rather die out there than in here."

Embry smiled. "Good. Soldier the king keeps his horses indoors right?"

"Yes sir I'll get them for you."

"I know that look. What are you planning?" Asked Yada.

"I just thought Rokk and I should go outside for a breath of fresh air is all."

Yada smiled. "I see... Mephala let's go. The rest of you with us we'll take the other exit."

Rokk looked at Embry with suspicion. "A breath of fresh air?"

The guard later showed up with the horses. "Here you go sirs."

"Thanks now go with the others." Said Embry as the soldier nodded and left.

Rokk and Embry mounted the horses and waited while the Grimm kept pounding the entrance to the palace. Rokk saw Embry ready his sword. He smiled thinking that if this was his end... It would be one that the Grimm would remember. He readied his axe and finally the doors burst open. Embry and Rokk galloped towards the horde killing any and all that stood in their way. They were able to catch the horde unprepared and managed to score a sizable amount of kills. However their luck would not last as the Grimm overwhelmed them and killed their horses. The horse fell on top of Rokk who tried his best to push it aside. He saw a Beowolf about to go for his head when Embry jumped from behind it and plunged his sword through its head. Rokk finally pushed it off of him and grabbed his axe. He had his back against Embry as did he. He looked at his surroundings to see no way out. They were completely surrounded.

"Quite the breath of fresh air eh Embry?"

"As long as you don't mind the scent of burning Grimm."

"Any ideas?"

"Just one."

"And that is?"

"Fight."

Rokk smiled. "I like it."

Rokk lunged forward and cut the head off of a Beringel that threw a boulder at the pair. Rokk threw his axe at an Ursa only to hit it in the shoulder. The Ursa howled in pain, and Rokk rushed at it to grab his axe. However, a Creep bit his ankle and before Rokk knew it many more Grimm descended upon him. There was nothing but darkness afterwards.

Rokk jumped up and looked around him. He saw several of the citizens they had just rescued from Polis. He looked at himself and saw bandages wrapped around most of his body. He began standing up and walked hoping to find the rest of his team. He saw Yada and Mephala tending to some of the injured.

"Seems like you are finally up." Said Yada.

"Yeah... Where's Embry?"

"Over there." Yada pointed to her husband.

Rokk followed Yada's finger to see Embry sitting on a rock at the edge of a cliff. He walked towards him until he finally saw Polis on fire.

"Quite the view isn't it?" Said Embry.

"In a different circumstance I would have liked to have seen Polis burned... But not like this. Not to these abominations."

"Yeah..."

"How did you..."

"Brute force, a sword, and a large axe... Sound familiar?" Said Embry.

"Hmph... So what now? With Polis gone we have no army this side of the Imperium."

"True... But... There are other... Alternatives."

"Nevarra?"

"Yeah. They might not have an army to stand up to them, but they can provide the bodies to buy us time."

"Time for what?" Asked Rokk.

"To figure put what to do next."

"So the plan is to get people killed while we come up with another plan?" Asked Rokk infuriated by Embry's decision.

"Unless you have a better one?"

"The Apostles... We kill the Apostles."

"And the World Eaters? What about them?"

"We'll deal with them later, but if we kill the Apostles then we draw out the big one."

"You mean Anakoth? What if he doesn't show up?" Asked Embry.

"The bastard will. Trust me."

"No one has seen him in years Rokk. He may not show up at all."

"On this one he will. On this one he will."

Coco POV

Coco stood on the bridge of the ALBION as she saw Ghaun use the weapon Nagisa and Amodar told her of. Shastri... Along with every other soul that they had been unable to save was now lost.

"Ma'am message from Rear Admiral Picot... They destroyed... Shit."

"Soldier..."

"Every city has been destroyed."

The officers gasped and stood petrified. It was just them now. Coco knew it was only a matter of time until Boros would take the fight to Shastri, but she never expected this. They suffered too many losses, but even so they still had a sizable force to mount an offensive. Was it enough to assault Vale though? Coco let put a small chuckle. She was beginning to sound like Nagisa and Weiss.

"Rally any and all survivors to Reims."

"Ma'am?"

"We've sent scouts out there. It's deserted for the most part... Minus the local wildlife."

"Understood."

She needed a new strategy. Obviously she still had to contend to Nagisa... And the problems he just caused.

"Relay a message to all ships... I want Nagisa Shiota also known as Nassar Embry found."

"Understood."

All that was left was to wait until she could hear back from them. Although that wasn't the real issue right now.

"Fuck you've gotten old as shit."

The issue right now was...

"It's no wonder you got you're asses handed to you you people can't fight for shit anymore."

"Black Gold Saw."

"So I see that you've been scissoring my niece... Kudos. So how strong is the kid she popped out?"

Coco sighed. "What hole did Nagisa pull you out of?"

"The Hellmouth out in the Unknown Regions. My Grimm army and I have been holding out killing all expeditions sent there."

"You don't say." Coco hated having to deal with her. Especially after everything she did to her, Cinder, Ashe, and especially Yang. "So are we allies now?"

"For the moment... Yes. Dad did negotiate a form of compensation."

"What sort of compensation?"

"Oh come now Coco. That would be telling. Besides the deal stays between me and him. He should after all be the one to tell you." Saw then left the bridge.

Coco turned to Cardin. "What was the deal Cardin? I know you and Nagisa went there."

"Shiota agreed to give her Apophis, Boros, and someone named Averia. You know her?"

Only Nagisa would be desperate enough to agree to that. Then again it's not like she offered him any help at all. "Averia is Salem. She's a maiden."

"Hmm I see."

"Ma'am incoming transmission from a transport."

"Patch it through."

"Coco glad to see you made it." Said Nagisa.

"What the hell are you doing?"

"Buying you guys some time. I'm going to lure Ghaun and the fleet away from you guys. Give you all some time to recover and plan for the assault on Vale."

"Assault? We're not attacking Vale. Are you fucking crazy?"

"Coco there is nowhere left for any of you to hide. Boros will hound you day and night. You all have nothing left to defend."

"God damn you Nagisa! We can't assault Vale!"

"So you would rather fight a losing battle? What the fuck happened to you? If your team saw you now..."

"Cut the transmission." Coco ordered. The entire room fell silent. Everyone stood still processing the exchange between the two. "Back to work all of you! We still need to rally the rest."

Cardin POV

Cardin left the bridge seemingly disgusted that Coco would be no better than Pyrrha. Only difference being that one was crazier than the other. He looked at Coco who glared at him.

"What!?"

"Hmph... You just remind me of Pyrrha is all." And then he left.

He saw the woman Nagisa called Saw standing outside in the hallway her back leaning against the wall. She looked at him and smiled. "What if I told you I knew where my dad is going?"

"Can you get us there?" Cardin asked.

"Maybe. I just need a pilot preferably the same one as before, and you need a weapon."

"I'll be on my way. Wait at the hangar bay... And if possible don't draw attention to yourself."

"That is going to be really hard being the only faunus and all." And the woman left.

Cardin made his way to the armory to see if there were any weapons he could use to replace. He was almost there when he saw Fang, Farron, Amodar, and Alvarn approach him.

"What's the good word?" Asked Fang.

"Good? Not a chance. Coco is taking us to Reims to hole up and mount a defense against Ghaun and his fleet."

"Fuck! They'll kill us off." Said Alvarn.

"Yeah."

"So what's the plan? Where's Embry?" Asked Amodar.

"I'm going to back for the Shrimp and help him out with the woman that leads the Grimm." They were all about to ask him questions. "I don't know and I don't want to know. So I'm going with her and Zavala to help him out."

"Want us to..." Farron began.

Cardin cut her off. "No stay here they will need you all anyways."

"Cardin we won't survive another offensive." Said Alvarn.

"I know... Alright here's the plan Shrimp or not we'll be screwed if we don't mount the offensive. We need weapons, transports, and anyone who can and wants to fight. Spread the word out see if we get any people that way."

"After the Broken Isles..." Fang began.

"I know. Let's just hope they have enough anger boiled up inside them to fight."

"In that case I better make sure that 'our' fleet is ready to go. We'll take our ships and mount our offensive with that if need be."

The group dispersed and each went their way. Cardin finally reached the armory and looked through the various weapons they had on stock. All of them were overly complicated and had multiple modes such as gunblades, scythes that turned to snipers... It was like he was back at Beacon. Then he saw it. A massive greatsword with a foot thick blade that was about three meters in length.

"It will have to do." Cardin grabbed the sword, and as he did felt the weight of the blade. It must have weighed a ton at least! But it was enough to get the job done. He found a holster he could use for it and equipped it. Up next he had to find Zavala.

He reached the mess hall and saw Zavala eating her meal. She looked at him with sword and gear packed. Then she resumed eating. Cardin stood there waiting. He could tell that Zavala didn't want to join him in this mission. Then Zavala sighed and walked up to him.

"I fucking hate you."

"C'mon. Shrimp won't hold out forever."

They were quick to make their way to the hangar when Cinder caught them by surprise. "I'm going with you."

"Does your wife know?" Asked Cardin.

"No... And she doesn't need to know."

"She'll notice you're gone."

"She thinks that I'm aboard one of the civilian ships."

"Okay then."

They reached the hangar to find all soldiers and deck officers fixing their eyes on Saw. "What? Never seen a faunus before?"

Cardin pointed his finger at an airship signaling her to board it. Soon he and the rest boarded whilst Zaval headed to the cockpit ready to takeoff.

"Where did he go?" Cardin asked.

"Genova." Saw answered.

"Where is that?" Asked Cinder.

"In the mountains near Denerim's Pass. It's a small city with a castle. That's where he went."

"How do you know?" Asked Cinder.

Saw smiled. "I know him better than any of you. He was my father after all. Well is."

"Consider yourself lucky we are on the same side." Said Cinder.

Saw smiled at her.

"Uh Cardin I have an incoming transmission from General Adel." Said Zavala.

"Patch it through."

"Where the hell do you think you are going?"

"To get shrimp what else?"

"Cardin we are in no shape..."

"You know what I've had enough! If we don't rescue Shiota we are dead! YOU HEAR ME!? WE ARE ALL DEAD!"

Rokk POV

MANY YEARS AGO

"IT WAS YOU!" Rokk punched Embry knocking to the ground. "I'M GOING TO FUCKING KILL YOU!"

"I'm... I'm sorry Rokk." Said Embry.

Rokk picked up Embry with his hand wrapped around his neck as he began to squeeze tightly. He drew his knife and aimed it at his stomach. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't kill you right now."

"You... Need agh... Me." He tried to breath but Rokk was squeezing his neck too tightly.

"I don't think so." Rokk then began to pierce Embry's stomach with his knife. "You feel that Embry. That sense of helplessness, the pain, suffering... No one is coming to save you. The same thing I felt when those monsters killed my wife and son... You are going to feel it too."

"Rokk... Please."

Rokk pushed his knife deeper and deeper twisting the knife trying to inflict as much pain as possible. He had to kill him. It was the only way they could win. If he cut the head of the snake then the body would die. Rokk pulled out the knife and aimed it at his heart.

"This one if for Aela." And he pierced his chest reaching the heart.

Embry began coughing up blood. "Ro... Ple..."

Rokk then aimed the knife at his left eye. "And this one is FOR ROTH!"

Before the knife could make contact Mephala got a hold of his wrist. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" She asked.

"My duty. You know what he is. If we kill him we kill the Grimm's leadership. We can end the war now Mephala."

"Rokk... We can't kill Embry. He..."

"Created the abominations that killed my wife and son! I have to do this Mephala. It is the only thing that matters..."

PRESENT TIME

Of all the places Embry could have run to he chose Genova... Fitting. It was about time he finished what he started. He grabbed his battle axe and began walking to the nearest transport shuttle. He saw Salem walking in the opposite direction. She held her hand up to stop him from going any further.

"I think not."

"Out of my way!" Rokk put his hand on Salem's shoulder only to have it freeze. Rokk tried to use his semblance to no avail. His semblance wouldn't turn on.

"Adonis and Athena told me everything... As well as Mephala."

"He's mine! I'm the one that should kill him!"

"Hmph... I'll give you one more chance. And no more. I expect you all to have Shiota with you by the time I arrive to Irithyll." Then she walked away.

Rokk would have to be careful around her from now on. Just what he needed... He kept walking to meet the rest of his team waiting outside a shuttle. There was an uneasy silence in the group.

"Just stay the fuck out of my way." Said Rokk.

"Rokk..." Mephala began.

"What?"

Mephala simply looked at him with concern. "You can't kill him... Not on your own."

"Just watch me. And as for you two just stay out of the way. If I need you I'll call for you."

Neither Adonis or Athena said anything and they simply boarded the shuttle. Rokk kept his attention on his axe making sure that it wasn't damaged during the fight. If Embry showed his true form it would be an uphill battle. Even with that beam weapon they had. Embry would destroy all their ships before they had a chance at a second shot.

"We're coming up on the insertion point. I've got a visual on the target."

He heard the pilot on the speaker, and as soon as the doors opened Rokk jumped out of the transport. He saw Embry standing there weapons still sheathed.

"It's been a long time Rokk."

"Too long. It's a shame to see you still walk the earth. Although it wouldn't surprise me. I'm probably the only one who's come close to killing you."

"There have been a few others... Eight to be precise. You included."

"It ends here!"

"So it does." Embry drew his sword and stayed at the ready.

Rokk lunged at Embry swinging his axe hoping to decapitate him. Embry's sword clashed against his axe, and the two remained at a standstill. Their weapons were locked one against the other neither giving any ground.

"You're holding back." Said Rokk.

"You have no idea."

"There is only one way this ends."

"Yeah... There is."

Rokk saw Embry's eyes turn red with slits. He retreated as far as he could until he saw Embry's true form. Rokk began protruding wings from his back and flew towards the central head. He began evading fire from the cruisers that began bombarding Embry. He only had a short window before they would use their new weapon. He had to make this count.

Nagisa/Anakoth POV

Even with his bone plated armor Nagisa could still feel the pounding the cannons gave him. Nagisa had one chance to take down the fleet before they used their weapon on him. He began crashing into the ships forcing them to run aground and crash onto other vessels. He was almost at his limit as the ships continued firing every missile and battery at him. He was close enough to destroy the last dozen ships, but the damage was too much. Nagisa changed back and fell aboard the hull of one of the cruisers.

He saw bruises, contusions, lacerations... The guns really did a number on him. He laid there for a while trying to get his bearings, but as luck would have it Rokk followed suit. He saw him walking towards him axe in hand. He began crawling away from him trying to let his body heal the remaining injuries, but the damage he suffered was extensive. He felt a foot pressing against his back.

"Pathetic. To think you were once close to exterminating the human race."

"Just kill me already."

"Not. Just. Yet."

Nagisa felt the foot being removed from his back only to have it stomp and crush his spine. Nagisa cried in pain as Rokk kept stomping his spine. The pain was excruciating as Rokk kept stomping Nagisa, and made sure that each stomp hurt more than the last.

"No final words Embry?" Rokk asked.

"A few."

Rokk grabbed Nagisa's hair and lifted his head. He pressed the blade of his axe against his neck ready to decapitate him. "Those being?"

"I never really liked your guts." Nagisa smiled at him.

"Me neither." And Rokk slit Nagisa's throat.

A black tar like substance began spilling out of Nagisa's neck burning and melting everything. Rokk's axe was useless after being exposed to the substance. Rokk saw as the substance began burning through the hull of the ship. He looked at Nagisa to see him smiling at him still.

"You forget yourself Rokk. I have eleven heads." He then spit some of the substance at Rokk's face.

Rokk used his arm as cover. He let go of Nagisa and saw that the substance was burning through his armor. He removed it and saw Nagisa slowly rising to his feet.

"What the hell is that stuff?"

"Poison."

"Tch... In that case." Rokk began transforming. His body grew a hardened carapace that protected his body.

Nagisa saw the rest of Rokk's team approaching them weapons at the ready. He thought for sure Salem would have killed Pyrrha, but... That girl wasn't Pyrrha anymore. Whoever... Or whatever she was she had only one single purpose now.

"I told you all to stay out of it!"

"Not now Rokk! Embry... It's been a while." Said Mephala.

Nagisa smiled. "It sure has. Salem sure went through a lot to get the old gang back together. So I'm guessing she must be the new Yada?" Nagisa pointed at Pyrrha.

"Yeah she is. Her name is Athena and that's Adonis."

Nagisa sighed in exhaustion as he began growing weary, and he began seeing multiple versions of the same person. This was it... He chuckled. "Well then I guess that's it for me." And he fell to the ground.

Nagisa saw blinding lights, hear the sounds of wheels turning, and people talking as he saw himself in a stretcher with medical personnel all around him. Then complete and utter blackness. Nagisa finally came to and saw himself sitting in a white room strapped to a chair with several torture devices on a table next to him. He tried to wriggle free but the wounds he sustained during the fight still hadn't healed yet. Finally the doors opened and he saw Rokk, Mephala, Adonis, Pyrrha, and another man that looked like a chimera probably Ghaun.

"Hmm... Been a long time."

"Have we met?" Asked Nagisa.

"Sort of I was in the train when Adam left me to rot."

"His lieutenant? The one Weiss fought."

"Now then you are going to tell me everything. Where is the architect?"

"I don't know."

"Hmm..." Ghaun reached for a knife and stabbed Nagisa's stomach. "Where is it!?"

"Agh... You fucking..."

Ghaun stabbed him again and again. "We can do this all day you know?"

"Fuck you!" Nagisa had to think of a way out, but there wasn't one he could see. Especially not in his condition and with these four behind Ghaun.

Ghaun handed the knife over to Rokk. "Do with him what you wish. If he passes out call the medical team."

"Understood." Rokk grabbed the knife and stabbed Nagisa's chest. "Just like old times."

"As soon as I get out of here Rokk... I'm going to make you wish that I..." Nagisa felt himself losing consciousness again. "What..."

Nagisa stared at an empty blue sky. He heard the sounds of children laughing and running. He turned around and saw two girls running around. He looked around and saw a house that very much resembled Yada's back at Sanctuary. He saw Yada coming out of the house with a bright smile on her face.

"Something the matter?" She asked as she neared him.

"Yeah... None of this is for me."

"You need to wake up now Nagisa. They still need you."

Nagisa awoke to hear the sounds of alarms blaring, soldiers running about, and orders being barked from the PA. He saw himself inside some type of containment unit being transported along with Rokk's team escorting him. They reached the hangar to see several cruisers firing back at them. Nagisa saw several transports landing several boarding parties. Rokk was about to engage, but Mephala held him back.

"We need to get out of here. Not fight."

"Hmm... Let's find another exit."

"We could just fight through them." Said Adonis.

"Kid if they got through then that means we will be shot down the moment we leave. Besides getting him out of here is our top priority. Let's move."

"But..." Just as Adonis was about to protest again a missile flew across the hangar and hit the fuel tanks blowing up most of the transports and setting the place on fire. "Yeah let's go."

Nagisa began to kick the containment unit from the inside trying to make it topple over. Rokk and Adonis held onto it firmly resisting against his attempts.

"Let me go you... Agh why won't this damn thing break!"

The ship began to shake from the impact of the bombs. Then an entire hallway caved in as the roof collapsed over their heads splitting up the group and leaving Nagisa stranded under the debris. Nagisa kept banging the containment unit trying to create a small opening. He succeeded in making a small hole from which a few of his fingers could fit. Nagisa released five snakes through the hole hoping to use them when the time was right. He turned around and saw Pyrrha looking at him. Nagisa didn't say a word, and he hoped that she didn't see him do that just now. Pyrrha kicked the containment unit from under the debris and pushed it to the other side.

"We better keep moving." Said Mephala.

Pyrrha hummed in agreement, and proceeded to push the containment unit to its destination.

Cinder POV

"Any idea where to go now?" Asked Cinder.

"He could be anywhere on this ship!" Said Saw.

"Relax. They'll be taking him to their secondary hangar."

"How do you know?" Asked Saw.

"Because we blew up their primary hangar... Remember?"

Saw simply grunted and let Cardin lead the way forward. Cinder kept an eye on Saw she still wasn't convinced that Saw was on their side. They kept walking keeping an eye out for the enemy. Cinder noticed something slithering under the debris. She moved it aside and spotted a black snake with red markings. The snake looked back at her swaying from side to side. She extended her arm and the snake wrapped itself around her arm.

"Hey jackass where are you?" Asked Saw.

The snake stretched its head outwards pointing to a hallway. "Alright then let's go."

The group began running hoping to catch up with Nagisa before they left without him. They caught up, but decided not to fight them just yet. Cinder saw Pyrrha carrying the containment unit holding Nagisa.

"What's the plan?" Asked Cinder.

"Cinder I want you to use your flames to blow through the hallway. Saw you and I will grab Shiota as she keeps them at bay."

"Won't that kill you?" Asked Saw.

"I'll be fine. You will walk in front of me I will shield you from the flames now go!"

Cinder threw a flame bolt at Pyrrha. The group then turned their attention towards her. She conjured up all the strength she had and covered the hall in black flames. "Go... Now!"

She saw Cardin turn to steel and shield Saw from the flames as they walked forward trying to claim the containment unit. She saw Pyrrha walking through the flames as her skin burned attempting to stop Saw and Cardin. It was then that she saw a snake lunge at Pyrrha and bite her neck. Pyrrha grabbed the snake and tossed it aside. She fell to her knees, but still tried her best to get back up. She noticed something else make it's way through, but could only make out a humanoid figure covered in rock. She tried her best to intensify the flames on certain fingers trying to cover both Cardin and Saw, but it was proving to be too difficult.

The snake on her arm bit her, and while she did feel pain she also felt a surge of power coursing itself through her body. She amped up the heat trying her best to melt the man made of rock. She saw Cardin and Saw beginning to walk back along with Nagisa. She felt something cold pressing against her neck. She turned her head to see a woman with silver eyes looking at her with her sword pressing against her throat.

"If you would be so kind." Said the woman.

Cinder stopped her barrage immediately.

"Thank you." The woman then hit Cinder's side with the pommel of her sword knocking the wind out of her.

"Agh..." Cinder fell to her knees trying to catch her breath. As she did she saw the woman pummel Cardin to the ground. Then the woman cut Saw's head off in one quick motion. Cinder saw Pyrrha walking up to her as her body began regenerating. "Fuck you!" Then total darkness as she saw Pyrrha's foot coming straight for her face.

Nagisa POV

Nagisa still had three snakes in reserve that he could use, and hopefully luck would still be in his favor as they boarded the transport and set off. He could feel the snakes hiding inside the cockpit with one pilot on the stick. He had to plan this carefully. One snake would incapacitate the pilot, while the other one opened the doors, the third would have to hold in reserve and deal with any unforeseen contingencies.

"Thank you Mephala... For not killing them."

"I decapitated Black Gold Saw."

"If only it were that easy." Said Nagisa.

Nagisa saw Rokk let out a grunt as he applied some more bandages over his burns. Pyrrha on the other hand was completely unscathed.

"So I take it you two know each other? What with the way you looked at her Embry when we met back at Shastri."

"I've never met him... But I know of him." Added Pyrrha.

Nagisa kept quiet refusing to respond to Rokk's questions.

"Guess that proves my point."

"I already told you that I'm sorry about Roth and..."

Rokk got up from his seat and punched the containment unit. "FUCK YOU! You took everything from me! And now... Now I get even."

"You are wrong Rokk." It was at that moment that Nagisa put his plan in action.

The transport began to fall and the doors were opened creating a vacuum that began sucking Nagisa's prison out in the air. Pyrrha grabbed on to the containment unit, and Rokk grabbed onto Pyrrha as Adonis headed inside the cockpit to regain control. Nagisa used his last snake to bite Rokk's arm and let both he and Pyrrha go out the transport. They began to fall down the sky as Pyrrha grabbed hold of Nagisa's prison attempting to use it as a means of shielding her from the impact. Nagisa began to break out of his containment unit fighting off Pyrrha as he did so.

"Stop it and let me save us." Nagisa grabbed Pyrrha's waist and protruded wings from his back. He had a difficult time getting any sort of stability as Pyrrha drew a knife and began stabbing him.

"Fuck it!" Nagisa let go of Pyrrha.

He flew down to see if she was... In a better mood so to say. He saw her regenerating and beginning to rise to her feet. Blood that was once spilled on the ground returned to her body and closed up her wounds, bones began cracking and popping readjusting themselves. Nagisa's heart sank... This... Thing wasn't Pyrrha anymore. Pyrrha pulled out another knife and readied herself.

Nagisa wore a somber and morose look on his face. "I'm sorry for everything... Pyrrha." And then he flew away choosing not to go down that road yet again. Nagisa flew for a while longer as the red markings appeared in his body once again. He fell to the ground as the wings made their way back inside his body. His injuries finally began healing... Whatever was in that containment unit seemed to hold most of his powers at bay. He began to crawl towards Genova... Wherever that was. He simply turned himself over and gazed up at the night sky.

"What the hell am I even doing anymore?"

"It used to be easier back then... Wasn't it?"

Nagisa turned his head to see Yada sitting next to him looking up at the stars. "How are you feeling?"

"Yada I... I can't... I can't do this anymore." Nagisa's eyes began to fill with tears, and his voice was breaking.

Yada smiled back at him she ran her hand through his head and placing it on top of her lap. "Shh... It's okay."

"It's not okay Yada! None of this is okay!"

"It'll all work out Nagisa... You'll find a way. Just like you always do."

"Yada I... Yada?" What Nagisa once felt as warm, soft, flesh now felt like cold, hard, rock as he saw himself resting his head on a rock. "Damn... I'm really starting to lose it."

Nagisa closed his eyes and let sleep overtake him.

Coco POV

"God fucking damn it Cinder..." Coco uttered as Cinder and Cardin were both rushed to medical. She then turned her attention to Saw who was busy popping all the bones in her neck. "And you... If I find out..."

"I like it when they struggle not when they are passed out. I think Blondie is a true testament to that... Where is she by the way?"

"Get the hell out of my sight!"

"As you say."

Coco turned to one of her soldiers. "If she tries anything gun her down... Take a team with you and watch her."

"Ma'am!"

"Helmsman have search parties looking for their ship we can't let them get away."

"Yes ma'am."

Coco left the bridge and proceeded to head towards the infirmary to see if Cinder had regained consciousness. She saw Aodha waiting outside the infirmary with her stuffed Ursa Grimm plushy. She grabbed her daughter and picked her up.

"Is mommy gonna be okay?"

"Yeah she'll be fine kiddo."

"Can we see her?"

"Sure."

Coco walked in to see Cinder already awake. She smiled as she saw her and Aodha. "Mommy!"

"Hey there little one!" Coco then handed Aodha over to Cinder.

"Did you save grandpa?"

"I uh... No... I didn't. But you will right? You and mom are going to save him so that he can save us from the monster."

"Yeah we will sweetie. Why don't you wait outside while mom and I have a chat?"

"Okay." Aodha climbed out of the bed and walked outside.

Coco then pulled Cinder in for a deep kiss. She was just glad to have her back. "I should mount rescues more often." Said Cinder.

"Never again you hear?"

"So what happens now?"

"Now..." Coco let out an exhausted sigh. "Now I get demoted and courtmartialed not in that order. Chancellor Syne didn't sanction the assault even if we did have the upper hand. He'll probably have me executed too."

"So now what?"

"I heard a rumor that Amodar's group is breaking off taking anyone that wants to stick it to Boros for an invasion to Vale. They are going to try and attempt to take down Axanar."

"Well it's a good thing Ashe is there. She can provide intel same as she always has."

"Too bad she couldn't tell us about the attack... Or that fucking beam weapon!"

"Coco..."

"You're right."

"It's been so long since..."

"It's okay." Cinder tried to reassure her. "It'll all work out."

"Yeah I just..." Before Coco could finish her phrase a squad of soldiers walked in and aimed their guns at her.

"General Coco Adel by order of Chancellor Syne you are charged with treason, desertion, and dereliction of duty. Take her away!" The soldier handcuffed her and took her to the brig.

"Well... Shit. That was faster than I thought." Coco sat in her new quarters as she waited for her 'trial', if you could even call it that. She didn't think her prediction was right on the money given that she did score a victory against a portion of Ghaun's fleet.

"Well lookey here! What the fuck did you do now!?" Coco saw Saw on the other end of the bars wearing a smug expression.

"The hell do you want?"

"Blondie? Where is she?"

So she didn't figure it out. Or perhaps she did and she just wanted to take a path down memory lane. "Dead Saw. Raven killed her."

"Whoa her mom killed her? Didn't see that coming. Did she kill her when she was carrying my child?"

"Yeah... That's the one good thing that came out of it. We didn't have to see your abomination walk this earth."

"She certainly was a fun ride. Where's Ashe anyways? And who's the new kid you were carrying?"

Coco's insides were screaming at her to grab Saw and hold onto her so that she would not hurt her family. But that would create more problems than it solves. "Her name's Aodha she is our daughter."

"Cute kid. How old is she?"

"She's five."

Saw began chuckling.

"What's so funny?"

"That's the same age Solomon was when I met her."

"She wasn't a blood relative?" Coco asked. This was the first time Saw seemed... Human.

"No. She was only a few years younger than me. I was ten at the time."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"To let you know that you don't have to fear me anymore. You don't have anything I want anymore. My dad has given me everything I could have ever dreamed of."

"That being?"

"The powers of two gods and three maidens."

There was no way! No way at all that Nagisa would make that kind of deal with her. "Bullshit!"

"It's true. You can even ask his friend with the mace about it."

"Hmm..." It would seem as though Nagisa was more desperate than she thought. That was not a pleasant thought given that if he was desperate then that would mean Apophis... Aodha's visions were true after all.

"Although... Thinking about it now I might have misspoken when I said you didn't have anything I want anymore."

"Oh?" Coco feared the worst.

Saw drew her blade and cut the iron bars. "I still need an army to get all those things and my Grimm alone ain't gonna cut it."

"Hmph..."

"She's getting away! Open..."

The soldiers all stood there petrified. Coco turned to Saw whose eyes had the silver circles in her iris.

"I thought you liked it when they struggle?" Retorted Coco.

"They're men it's different."

"Right."

Coco followed Saw to the infirmary petrifying all the soldiers and personnel on the way there. She saw Cinder getting up along with Aodha and Cardin.

"What's going on?" Asked Cardin.

"We're wanted fugitives that's what. Grab your shi... Stuff and let's go." Coco almost let it slip.

"Okay then."

Amodar POV

Amodar began breaking off of the fleet at Reims and took his forces further west to Grimsby from where he would launch his assault. Thankfully there was no protest from the rest of the Mistralian fleet about his departure. He began tallying the numbers and that's when the problems began. He barely had enough to mount an offensive, and he had yet to see how many... Grimm would form a part of his army. At least he still had the RESURGENCE which now served as a flagship for the fleet. The fleet now carried eleven vessels: one dreadnought, five heavies, and five support vessels. He had to surrender the rest of his ships to help the evacuation.

"Admiral Amodar dispatch for you sir."

"Helmsman?"

"It's Admiral Winchester sir. Says it's urgent."

"Put him through."

"Amodar it's Cardin." Amodar listened in through the communicator.

"Glad to hear from you son."

"Likewise. We have a... Situation."

"What kind of situation?"

"General Adel wants in on the invasion."

"Okay... So what's the problem?"

"Chancellor Syne wants her head on a pike for launching the assault on Ghaun's fleet to save Shiota."

"I see... Anything I can do?"

"We need exfil."

"Alright I'll send a team to extract you immediately." Amodar shut off the communicator. "Contact Sgt. Hayes and tell him to get his team out there."

"Sir."

Amodar sighed. "Where the fuck are you when we need you Embry?"

Nagisa POV

Nagisa had eyes on Reims it was only a matter of time before he got there, and set everything else in motion. He made his way inside the city with a convoy carrying civilians inside the city. He saw their faces. A lot of them were battered, tired, some looked like they wanted to die. He couldn't blame them, but these people have to accept the fact that it's do or die now.

Once inside the city he left the convoy, and tried to find the rest of his group. He couldn't recognize anybody from that convoy so he figured they would be deeper inside the city. As Nagisa walked through the streets of Reims he could see piles upon piles of body bags all stacked up. The piles were so high one could easily mistake them for a roadblock. Vehicles had a tough time getting through as the streets were extremely narrow and the civilian traffic increased by the second.

MANY YEARS AGO

Nagisa walked through the city as it was set ablaze by the bomb he set off. People were screaming and dying all around him. The flames barely touched him, but the people weren't so lucky. Some of them looked at him held their arms out to him asking for help, and all he could do was watch. These people were beyond any help. As he kept walking he saw a boy of about seven years old missing and his arm was covered in blood and dust. The boy dragged a smaller child whose entire lower half was missing. Nagisa could still see the entrails and viscera dragging along the rubble. The boy walked in his direction not paying any mind to his surroundings at all. The boy bumped into Nagisa, but did not pay him any mind, and simply just kept walking a bit further until he collapsed and died.

PRESENT TIME

Nagisa kept walking hoping to find some trace of his group, but he found none. There was only one person he could find to help him out, Trevor Trescu. Nagisa decided to ask around see if anyone knew where Trescu was. Thankfully enough the soldiers pointed him towards the police station, which was now a make shift command post. Nagisa saw several military roadblocks as he made his way to the station. Nagisa saw several troop transports leaving the station probably expecting another assault from Boros.

Inside was absolute chaos people kept bumping into each other, people screamed at one another across the room, soldiers were constantly asking for their officers to repeat what they just said. If Boros were to attack them now he would be successful and wipe them all out at once. Nagisa caught sight of Trescu along with a few other captains walking into an interrogation booth probably to walk away from all the noise. He waited outside deciding it best for them to have them deal with their situation first then him.

Finally, Trescu and the rest came out. As he saw them leave he could see the dark circles and bags under their eyes, their eyes were also red and watery probably from a lack of sleep and exhaustion from all the fighting.

"Trescu!" Nagisa called out.

The man looked at him then rubbed his eyes. "Holy shit! When did... Never mind I need you to come with me now!"

"Okay..."

Nagisa followed Trescu outside the building to an alleyway. "We thought they got you."

"They almost did. Where's Amodar and the rest?" Nagisa asked.

"Grimsby. They broke off and went to Grimsby. He's planning to hold off there see if anyone else wants in on his invasion plan."

"How much did he take?"

"Eleven ships as far as I know. Not sure how well equipped he is."

"Fuck!"

"That's not the worst part though."

"There is more?"

"General Adel along with her wife, Admiral Winchester, and the horned girl are all at large."

"Why?"

"For starters the rescue op, and also... Ashe Fall."

"What does she have to do with this? She's not even here... Is she?"

"The only reason we've been able to survive this much is thanks to the intelligence she provides. Lately we received good intel like the EMP missiles thanks to her."

"For a teenager she's resourceful."

"Quite... I was just briefed on her role myself at the station. I knew we had someone on the inside. I just didn't know it was her."

"What now then?" Nagisa asked.

"I don't know... Unless... You challenge Syne somehow."

"How?"

"You are Nassar Embry. More importantly you can level the playing field. That's surely worth something."

"Hmm... I've got it, but I need to find them first. You are in luck."

"You know where they are?" Nagisa asked.

"No, but I can get you an extra pair of eyes. Amodar contacted me sent a squad of his here for exfil. I can get in touch with the squad and they can help you. So... What's the plan?"

"We help them get captured."

Cardin POV

They were moving from alley to alley trying their best to avoid detection. It would be a lot easier except for one problem.

"Why not just kill the fuckers?" Asked said problem.

Cardin looked at the horned woman. "Would it hurt if you were to cut the horns off?"

"Would it hurt you if I shoved my hand so far up your ass that I use you as a sock puppet?"

"Will you two just shut the fuck up and get us out of here!" Added Cinder.

All they had to do was reach the docking bay. Easier said than done. Every soldier was out looking for them, and as much Cardin and the rest were tempted to simply fight their way out it would be the end for them.

"Hmph..." Cardin grunted. "Zavala is probably already at the docks. And the evac team is a bit further out. We'll have to call them to see if our path is clear."

Cardin pulled out his radio and began hailing the evac team. "Sarge where are you and your boys?"

"We're in Tayari Plaza making our way through."

"Is the area clear?"

"..." No answer.

"Is it..."

"Head towards Nairobi Station Admiral Embry is waiting to meet you guys there. In the meantime we'll secure transport."

"We have a shuttle waiting for us already. Meet us at the docking bay."

"Roger."

"Let's move."

Cardin and the group moved to Nairobi Station hoping to rendezvous with Shiota and get as far away from Reims as possible. Cardin was impressed but not surprised that Shiota was able to get away from Nikos and the rest of them. Must have been a hell of a fight. They reached the station without much delay as they spotted a clear run all the way to the station. Cardin focused on the approaches and saw no patrols making a pass.

"Let's move now!"

All of them dashed through the street making their way to the station to see Shiota waiting for them... And not a single other soul in sight.

"Son of a bitch." Cardin sighed.

"I need you to trust me on this." Said Nagisa.

As soon as he finished several dozen soldiers aimed their rifles at them lasers trained on their heads.

"I'm going to shoot you when I get out." Said Coco.

"Yeah." Replied Nagisa.

Coco POV

Coco stood before Chancellor Syne and several others waiting to hear her charges.

"General Coco Adel you stand before us now facing multiple charges. Dereliction of duty, insubordination, desertion, and most serious of all treason! How do you respond to these allegations?"

"Saved your ass didn't I?"

"General Adel is it true that Ashe Fall, daughter of Cinder Fall, is our only source of intel from within Axanar?"

"You already know the answer."

"Then why did she not report the invasion? Or the new weapon?"

"The hell should I know? She's just seventeen! It's not like she has access to that kind of information."

"She is a student at the Axanar Institute isn't she General Adel?"

"Yeah... And?"

"Is it therefore possible that she may have defected? Striking a deal wherein you and your family would be spared."

"Eat my shit!" There was no way Ashe would have struck a deal with them!

"Then explain your actions in recent time. More specifically the invasion of Shastri, the attack on Ghaun's fleet, and most important of all... The Grimm. And let us not forget your association with the Jigua as well."

"Amodar's group and Trescu fought Overseer Vizara in the Broken Isles it was there that she used the weapon. Amodar said that they tested the weapon in Vacuo, Admiral Winchester saw it firsthand. You all wanted to make us an easy target by falling back to Shastri they would have wiped us out."

"And Ghaun?"

"Nagisa Shiota."

There were whispers and murmurs in the entire court. "Order!"

"He led Ghaun's fleet away buying us time to evacuate and regroup."

"Nagisa Shiota is dead! He is simply a myth you and your associates created."

"Is that what you think?"

"Then where is he now? Up until Irithyll you thought he was dead. Why the change of heart? Or could it be that you've been working with them since Irithyll?"

Coco remained quiet. She was hoping Nagisa would come in anytime now and save the day... She heard doors being slammed open and saw Nagisa running through the crowd looking frantic.

"I ugh... Oh man I... Damn... That was... A lot of stairs... I... Just give me a sec... Man you have no idea how many rooms I just burst through unannounced. I'am Coco Adel's defense attorney."

"Guards remove him!"

At that point Nagisa changed his body just like he did at Beacon many years ago. Everyone froze and several guards aimed their weapons at him.

"I'am Nagisa Shiota, Nassar Embry, and Anakoth The Devourer... So unless any of you can take me on go right ahead." The guards stood back and lowered their weapons. "Good. Now if you will excuse me I need General Adel and whatever you can spare to Vale... And Atlas."

No one responded.

"I'm guessing that is a yes?"

"Why are you here?"

"To save everyone... For good this time. I have amassed an army of humans and Grimm in Grimsby and together we will take this fight to them! Now I know what I'am asking is not an easy thing, but it is necessary. If we want to see the seasons pass, our children grow, and experience a time of peace that we have never known then we must take this fight to Boros. We will march and take the fight to where they live and we will destroy them! This is the day that we take the battle to the heart of the enemy! This is the day that we correct the course of history!"

The crowd clamored.

Amodar POV

ONE WEEK LATER

Amodar saw several more cruisers making their way to Grimsby. They now had the numbers for an invasion. Now the real question began as to where exactly invade. They had little to no information regarding enemy positions and fortifications. As far as they knew the entire coast could resemble that of Vacuo's.

"Agincourt." Said Embry.

"Agincourt?" Asked Amodar.

"It's the southern most point of Vale. Besides it will buy me time to infiltrate Axanar find Ashe and destroy that weapon."

"Agincourt it is. Helmsman signal the rest and prepare the fleet to move tomorrow."

"Once we begin Amodar there is no telling what will happen." Said Embry.

"I know. What's the plan for getting to Axanar?"

"Once I make contact with Ashe and get a full read of the situation I'll contact you. Space gun down or not Axanar has to go down. Ashe will probably know of a way for me to get to the moon if she hasn't already."

"It's a lot for one kid to bear."

"Yeah. Let's hope she's up for the task."

Ashe POV

Ashe sat next to Aria holding up a datapad. "How's mom and mommy?" Asked Aria.

"Don't know haven't really talked to them." Answered Ashe reading the datapad.

"Do you think they made it out okay?"

"Yeah I passed on the information they should be fine."

"That's good. Do you think they'll come?"

"Yeah... Yeah sis I think so. Now go get some sleep." Ashe looked at her sister tucking herself in. She would have to cut off her horns again... Damn things just grow back instantly. Might have something to do with her being Saw's daughter.

Ashe left the room and kept her attention on her datapad. She noticed Maid Gunner walking by the hall. "Oh is she..."

"She's sleeping Gunner. And Raven?"

"Same."

"I see well then in that case you should too I still need to finish up."

"Okay... Also Ordis said that you haven't checked in with him in weeks. Is everything okay?"

"Yeah it's just I haven't come up with anything useful to send home."

"Okay then I'll take my leave."

Ashe nodded and made her way to the basement to see her computer lighting up and blinking. She saw the folders resting above the keyboard with the word CONFIDENTIAL marked across. She opened them up and saw images of the lunar base, a massive fleet leaving Vale... All information that she should have passed.

She turned on the computer and lo and behold Ordis. "Ashe... It's been awhile."

"Few weeks Ordis."

"By my estimates you should have sent approximately 78 messages home. I only have three in the last month recorded."

"Yeah well it's not like I have anything to report home." Ashe held the folders in her hands and used her semblance to burn them leaving no existence of them. Ashe smiled... Now they would have no other option. "Ordis begin running the simulations. I need to know if Genos and Rindou will be ready. Also run the latest test on the fabric I need to know if I can cut through it using the latest frequency."

"Yes ma'am."

"Your move now Boros."

Pyrrha POV

SOME TIME LATER

Pyrrha walked through the rubble as more debris and rocks fell from the sky. She gazed up and saw nothing but fire and rock fill the sky as more kept falling to the surface. She saw Nagisa laying down by the statue. He was covered in blood, and seemed to be breathing irregularly.

"All hail the conquering hero. Let us remember him as our savior and not the one who brought us this." Pyrrha began walking to him. "As our savior, and not our betrayer." She stood before the statue of Nassar Embry and gazed upon it. "Let us see him forever as you." She looked on him. "And not... As you." She drew her knife and raised Nagisa by his neck. "All hail the conquering hero. The one who was supposed to save us all! But now I must save us... From you."