Disclaimer: I do not own any of the music, references, or elements used in this story. They are owned by their respective companies and creators.
Begin Chapter…
?, ?...
Day ?, ?:?...
Play Opening Act - Persona 3 FES OST
The moment Jack uttered those words, the ground shook as if responding to her will. A grinding noise came from above before a slight pressure laid upon me.
"W-what's going on now!?"
"We're moving!"
The abducted citizens yelled in distressed, their voices growing faint as I was lifted to God knows where. The flooded elevator soon stopped with a blinding light piercing through the caged door. I blinked, adjusting to the bright flare. My eyes panned around my surroundings, finally able to see after the brief pause.
The steel bars groaned, sliding back to release me as I maneuvered towards the wall. Small particles of dust blew into my cage while I carefully peeked out, making sure no one was there. My eyes narrowed to see a desolate and moldy hallway with a dim radiance illuminating the paths. Confirming that I was alone, my legs pushed its way through the ankle-deep murky water as I trudged along the wall to find some kind of weapon. I'll certainly need it…
"I-is someone there?" A frightened, feminine voice asked ahead of me. I stayed silent, calmly observing a young woman coming out of a cell identical to mine. Fearful brown eyes snapped from left to right, searching for any life near her. Isn't she… Not bothering to respond to her call, I continued to study the girl. The teen donned an academy uniform. Dark, close to black, brown jacket, tan vest, white shirt and a red, plaid skirt and black stockings. She had long, brown hair that reached down to her waist and a light-skinned complexion. Adding to that, there's an extra pair of appendages on her head not unlike that of a rabbit's ears. If I recalled correctly, her name's Velvet Scarlatina… Wait, why is she here? She's their kin... The Faunus finally spotted me and gasped, taking a step back to where she originated from with her arms in front, "S-stay ba-"
I moved forward, cutting Miss Scarlatina off from speaking as I grabbed her hand and went inside the elevator, "-Quiet," I silenced her, covering the Beacon student's mouth with my free hand as assurance, "Don't move," She reluctantly obeyed my warning before separate sets of rapid splashes entered our eardrums, stopping just at the doorway of this cage.
"You heard that, right?"
"Yeah, a girl. A rather delicious one if her voice was any clue."
Water flowed into the small space and a partial sight of sharp steel and sounds of metal clicks gave me all the information I needed from them at the moment. Two 'Predators.' One's using a sword, the other a gun...
"Please! Someone help!"
"..."
The increasing fraction of the sword's length stopped when we heard a horrified scream. Seconds, that seemed like hours, passed before the melee user spoke nonchalantly.
"You go ahead. I'll catch up after I'm done here."
"... Alright, hurry it up. You don't want to miss the fun, hehehe."
After a slight pause, his comrade assented, then ran towards the direction of the screamer. Noises of splashes faded as I patiently waited for the 'Predator' to move. Miss Scarlatina shook in pure panic within my hold when he resumed trudging into the cell again. Soothingly rubbing her arm in an effort to calm her, I slowly and gently pushed the brown-eyed Faunus to the far corner. A bright flare stabbed through the darkness as the Predator entered, his head turning to the opposite direction from me.
Without another second wasted, I struck, reaching for his sword-wielding hand. Grabbing the appendage, I twisted it until I heard a bone-cracking snap before seizing the tool and thrusting it into the kneeling man's back, not giving him time to speak at all. The now dead 'Predator' slumped down while I began searching through his gear. As I thought, he's a Mercenary… and he travelled light… All he had on him was an average single-edged sword, two knife pouches, a bag filled with provisions and one fresh water canteen... Enough rations and water that can last a day for both of us. Okay, this isn't a bad find…
"Y-you killed him…"
Miss Scarlatina whispered, her voice tinged in utter dread. Shooting a brief glance at her, I proceeded to scavenge the man's equipment.
Play Another Reflection - Nujabes
"He would've killed us if I hadn't..." I reasoned indifferently, a half-lidded gaze scanned around the area after securing the sword's sheath and knife pouch onto my waist, "More importantly, how are you here? Weren't you supposed to be in Beacon?" I asked, tossing the remaining knife bag towards her. It'd be best if she held one, considering her profile description.
"A-ah," Snatching it from the air, Miss Scarlatina stuttered in alarm to my question, "I was visiting my family…" The Beacon student mumbled, tightly gripping the bag's straps. She frowned slightly, probably remembering her home and family.
I didn't say anything. I couldn't. Nothing I say would change the fact that Faunus must live in the slums of the Ghettoes District. Instead, I merely nodded whilst gesturing for her to follow. Miss Scarlatina didn't move, taking to just stare at me in suspicion.
"What is it?"
"How, how are you so calm?" Brown-orbs looked down in thought, "Just like that time too. You were so unconcerned…" She shivered, remembering the event between me and Cardin, "Aren't you scared of what's going on?"
I tilted my head, carefully selecting my words. Scared? I'd be lying if I said I wasn't. Only a idiot could not be scared of facing death. But, I cannot let it control me. If I did, then all it would do is speed up my end. We can't let those feelings dictate what we need to do... Vocalizing those thoughts to her, Miss Scarlatina's brown eyes widened. Her lips parted, then closed as though trying to refute my words.
"... You're strong, you know that?" She whispered bitterly, "In school or here, you don't let anything stop you, even when you have a bullseye on your back… unlike me..."
My teeth clenched and my eyes narrowed, recalling my past failures, "I'm not strong at all... If I was, we wouldn't be stuck in this situation…" My feet forced its way through the cold, and thick water as I headed towards the direction the two 'Predators' came from.
"What do you mean?"
"Nothing. It's nothing," A quick glimpse of her following made me pause, "Just so you know, I'm not looking for a way out."
"Then, why are you telling me to follow you?"
"Do you have any other option?"
"I could kill you."
"Can you?"
"..."
Seeing that her glare of distrust ceasing, I continued marching through the dim-lit hall. So, she's still 'innocent,' huh? Silence returned with an occasional grunt from me and scream for help in which I suppressed the urge to answer the call with Miss Scarlatina's unnerved glance back at its direction.
"Ignore it."
I repeated to her. A command that seemed to be mostly for myself than her. If we don't hurry and find that girl, then we won't be able to stop this ridiculous game...
I suddenly halted in my tracks, causing the quiet Faunus to collide into my back. However, I wasn't concentrating on that. No, what I was focusing on is the sight of dozens of bodies in a wide open area, mutilated to the point of being mere lumps of flesh and intestines. The familiar pungent stench of blood and decaying corpses filled my nostrils with rotting meat. Reacting almost instantly, I whirled back with my arms maneuvering itself around my companion. Covering her brown-orbs and nose, she made a sharp noise in question.
"Wha-what are you do-"
"-Don't look," I said softly, seeing that her attempts to shake off my hold, "Just… follow my voice…" I gently whispered, waiting for her to accept my all but pleading demand. Although Miss Scarlatina may have seen it before, I wanted to spare her from seeing it a second time. Call it a small mercy if anything.
She made a small nod to comply and I carefully guided her around the piles of corpses. Once we're a good amount of distance away from the death room, I let go of her. Returning forward, I saw a stairway going up. Does this mean we're at the lowest floor? If so, how many levels are there? Determining that nothing will be answered if we stayed here, I trekked along the dry steps.
"Err, uh," The Beacon student stammered before taking a deep a breath, "What was back there?" Releasing an exhale, she made an inquiry about the corpse room.
I remained muted for a moment, thinking of a way to explain it. Finally, I sighed and rubbed my neck in deciding not to bother elucidating.
"It's nothing."
"... I-I see…"
Miss Scarlatina murmured after staring at me with an unconvinced glint in her brown-eyes. With her curiosity sated, we further advance up to the next level.
?, Second Floor…
Day ?, ?:?...
"Hellooo, Players~ This is Jack, your Hostess speaking!" Just as soon as we planted our first step on the second floor, the Mercenary had begun to speak, "Just stopping by to make a small announcement. There are now only two Prey and ten Predators remaining. I repeat two Prey and ten Predators remaining."
Damn it… We don't much time left… With these thoughts running through my head, I quickened our pace to find the next set of stairs. The dark and dry halls of the second left a rather deep, ominous feeling compared to the flooded and dim-lit of the first. Ignoring the feeling, my body pressed forward. If we don't hurry, those Mercs will catch up and those deaths would be for vain...
"Um..."
"What?" Miss Scarlatina flinched at my cold response and I immediately softened in regret, "What's wrong?"
"What are you trying to do?"
"... I'm trying to find that girl and stop her."
"'That girl?' The Hostess?"
Play Five - Mahou Tsukai no Yoru OST
I nodded, and stopped in front of the second set of stairs that led to the third floor when I felt a sense of hostility. Hardened black-orbs snapped behind the Faunus, glaring at the seemingly vacant darkness.
"Get behind me."
I motioned Miss Scarlatina towards the steps before grasping onto the sheathed blade's hilt. Noticing the expression I probably had, she raised no question nor objection and did just that. Lowering my center of gravity, my line of sight panned from side to side of the moderately spacious hallway, anticipating where the attacker will strike.
"Left!"
My body reacted solely by that word, my legs pushing off the ground as I unsheathed the blade for a quick kill. The sensation of the blade digging into flesh and bone then out of it, proving that someone was indeed there. Heavy thumps registered in my head and I looked down to see a 'Predator's' head a few feet away from its body. If there was one thing I can be envious of about the Faunus, it's their passive ability to naturally see in the dark… Confirming that I can no longer sense any ill intent, I inclined my head to her in gratitude before sheathing my sword and scanning through the dead Mercenary's items. That makes nine left... He must've been a Aura fighter, given that all the Merc had was provisions and water…
"Let's hurry."
I muttered, tossing the small bag to her as we sped our pace up the stairs. Rough pants came out of me from the combination of my recovering body and stamina waning in my ceaseless search for Tartarus' Mercenary. When we made it to the third floor, there was several prominent differences between this and the last two floors. The first thing that can be noted, is the fact that it's well-lit enough to cause me some pause to get used to. Second, the walls were clean white with multiple doors in either side. Almost like a lab hall…
"..!"
I abruptly coughed into my hand, snapping me out of observing the new area as I noticed blood on my palm. Pain originating from my abdomen spread throughout my body while I leaned against wall near me. Shit, Assassin's hits were worse than I thought… My vision swam and a feminine visage with warm, yet concerned brown-eyes faced me. Her lips moved, but I couldn't catch what she said before cold darkness greeted me...
?, ?...
Play Maya Theme - Persona 3 FES OST
A masked individual dashed, cutting apart anyone he came into contact with. His sword, tainted in the blood of its victims, gleamed as if its thirst hasn't been satiated. Likewise, the sword's owner, like a man possessed, didn't stop in his path to kill.
His steel pierced through an armor-clad blond with a weakening light in his cerulean orbs, then, into a lunging crimson-haired and vivid green eyed girl's neck. The next, was a man with green emeralds and blue-hair wielding two short spears, stabbed through his head. Then the next, one with dark red, borderline black hair and silver eyes which widened when the masked man sliced off her legs and arms. Then the next, who had white, almost snow-like, hair and expressive blue eyes that dulled when he planted his blade into her head. Then the next, a girl with a yellow shroud of hair and lilac crystals, her body bisected in half as blood splurted out of her. Then the next, mischievous brown eyes that matched her soft brown locks, dodged the first strike, but not the second as it sliced her arms then her head. Then the next, scarlet eyes reflected fear and confusion, her silky, black hair flowed into the wind as she ran along the masked person, waiting for a chance to attack. It didn't happen, because of a bullet penetrating through her chest straight into her heart. Then the next, one that had short, orange hair and turquoise eyes, which usually shined with joy, now held deep anger as she fired round after round of explosive Dust at the sprinting assailant. It came to an end when he zipped past the projectiles and returned fire point-blank in her face with his pistol. Then the next. Then the next. Then the next. Then the next-
"Aaaggghhh!"
-Unable to keep gazing at the bloodbath, I screamed. I screamed, tightly clutching my head in a failed attempt to block out the noises of their shouts and cries. Stop it. Stop it. Stop it. Stopitstopitstopit-
?, ?...
Day ?, ?...
"-Wake up!"
My eyes snapped wide open to find panicking and fretting brown gemstones, her lips set in an anxious frown. Her hands tightly gripping my shoulders as I tried to regain control of my breathing.
"Thank you…" Once I did, I mumbled out my appreciation. She nodded, still shooting me a troubled stare, "What happened?" I asked, my nightmare completely pushed to the back of my mind. While waiting for her to answer, I scanned the interior of a dark room that held a flickering light hanging above us. This… is the second floor, isn't it?
"... You were suffering from internal bleeding," She quietly replied, releasing one hand to point it at my stomach where a somewhat small incision was shown, "Signs of blunt trauma was present and I had to… physically touch the wound to accelerate the heal process with my Aura…" She paused, most likely remembering the ordeal, "You were also running a fever, probably from exposure of contaminated water in the first floor…"
"How long was I out?"
"Maybe a day or two..."
Bobbing my head slowly, I motioned to stand. I met resistance however, in the form of two small hands shoving me back down.
"You need to rest."
"We can't rest right now," I glared at her and, surprisingly, Miss Scarlatina remained firm against it, and answered with her own. Our locked gazes continued as I spoke, "If we stay here any longer than necessary, more of those 'Predators' will find us."
"Who said they hadn't already…"
My eyes narrowed at the relatively subdued statement, her hold loosening before falling flat by her sides as she averted eye-contact. Miss Scarlatina leaned against the wall, tucking her legs in then wrapped her arms them, and rested her chin on it. Her coffee-brown orbs showed a despondent glow while I stifled a groan when I stood and pass by her toward the closed door. The moment I opened the door, a pervasive smell of iron and death entered my nose. I turned to my left and my sight barely made out the details of a pile of decomposing corpses.
Play Rain - Sid
Casting a brief glance at the silent Faunus then to something that I missed earlier. A set of bloodied knives laid on the ground by the student's side... I closed the door and maneuvered myself next to her. For a moment, neither of us spoke, opting to reflect in silence. Was it really only two days? That's already more than half of the Mercenaries, counting the one I killed… She had to defend us five times by herself… She had to kill... Five times...
"... I can still hear them," She whispered, lifting her palms to her front, "Their arrogant expressions vanished when they knew they would die..." Miss Scarlatina's fingers curled as she placed them over her ears, "They wouldn't stop begging and… when I hesitated…" She shook her head, an attempt to drive off the noises only she could hear, "They moved and I-I just reacted, I couldn't..."
Calmly grasping her arm, Miss Scarlatina looked at me in alarm as though I'm the one haunting her. In a way, it's true. If I hadn't forced her to come with me, Miss Scarlatina might've not been subjugated into this... It's naive to think of that, because even if I wasn't here, she still may have done it. Or perhaps, the Beacon student would've been killed. Killed without having her hands tainted with blood… Nevertheless, I'm responsible for her torment…
"It's alright."
As if those two words were the key, it undid the locks that contained her troubles and abused treatment. I simply sat against the wall and soothingly rubbed the distraught teen's head, letting her release all of her pent-up emotions while she clung onto the fabric of my jacket. I don't know how long we stayed in this position, but I didn't bother to care. Miss Scarlatina's suppressed sobs soon stopped and she meekly peeked at me from her cover before pulling back, mindful of my healed being.
"Sorry…"
"Are you okay?"
Ignoring her apology, I raised a concerned question to her person. Her cheeks gained a pink hue, probably from the absolute sincerity in my voice. The Beacon student nodded and I stared at her as she began to fidget nervously.
"Alright," I rubbed my neck in a contemplating manner, "We should rest for awhile," I suggested, spotting the exhausted state she's in, "You can go sleep first, I'll stay watch." She nodded again, unable to reject the proposal of sleep.
Laying her back against the cold wall, Miss Scarlatina brought her knees under her chin and wrapped her arms around them, immediately succumbing to the sleep she denied for God knows how long. The lack of sounds excluding a certain Faunus' shallow breathing brought my thoughts back into that… dream. My hands clenched, recalling the dead bodies and the masked person. Nothing is making any sense anymore. I already knew who that man was. It was obvious. But, what I don't know is why it's happening.
Before I can give it any real thought about it, I felt something hit my shoulder. I turned to my right to see that Miss Scarlatina drifted off from her spot and settled onto my arm. Right, I shouldn't think about that. I need to concentrate on getting her out of here... Following this thought, I cleared my head of all things related to my dream and focused on the challenges that will be ahead of us later.
?, Second Floor...
Day ?, ?:?...
After a total of three hours in muted preparation, my partner in this nonsensical game woke up, looking a bit more healthier than earlier. Fastening the straps of new weaponry from the lifeless Mercenaries onto our persons, I studied Miss Scarlatina with a critical eye. The Beacon jacket's sleeves was now tied around her waist, conveniently hiding a short sword and knife pouches. Aside from that, she also clasped a rather solid-like backpack onto her front.
"Ready?"
If that's what I think it is, then our odds in survival is looking good. Walking to my side, Miss Scarlatina motioned her head in affirmative. Returning the gesture, we, then, marched up to the third floor.
The sight of the oddly clean and extremely well preserved third floor caused me to unable to deny that this had to be some type of lab area. It's too pristine to think otherwise and the faint smell of chemicals in the air reinforced that thought. I blinked, shaking away my assumption. Regardless of whatever it is, we need to keep moving. Ignoring the temptations to peek into every room, I resumed searching for the next staircase.
"Hey, Faith…"
"Yes, Miss Scarlatina?"
"Velvet, please."
"First name-basis already? Aren't we going a bit too fast?" I asked amusedly, an attempt to lighten the air around us. The tiny curl of my lips settled to a thin line when I faced her. The brunette stood there with a pensive visage, "Okay, Velvet. What is it?" Seeing that the Faunus was in no mood for jokes, I adopted the same stance.
"... I know this isn't your first time killing," Miss- Velvet started, "But why? What made you like that? I know for a fact that you don't enjoy it."
We had stopped in the middle of hall when she asked that question. I stayed silent, thinking of whether to tell her or not.
"Why do you want to know? You have no need to, Velvet. You can just use me until we get out of here, then we'll split ways and we won't have to interact-"
Play Living With Determination (Iwatodai Station) - Persona 3 OST
"-I can't do that," She fiercely refused, interrupting my attempt to persuade her to not get any further involved in this than necessary, "I can't ignore everything that just happened and live without a care about this side of the world," Velvet shook her head, her arms shivering as she gripped them, "No, I can't disregard the blood on my hands now…" Though she spoke softly, the intent was there. Velvet's brown eyes glared at me with a strong intensity of resolve. Those eyes… They're like mine…
"Are sure you want to know everything about this 'world?'"
A man with blood-red hair and silver-steel orbs monotonously asked, his face void of all emotions. An eight year-old boy stared back with the same expression, yet his eyes sparked in resolution.
"I'm already born into it and I pretended to be oblivious about this… I can't ignore it anymore."
"Hmm," The older gentlemen murmured thoughtfully before he bobbed his head, "If you have the resolve, then f-"
"-Follow me," I echoed aloud, taking swift steps forward, "I'll give you the short story of what's really happening for the past century."
From there, I began to briefly explained the important details an inexperienced Contractor would eventually learn. The corruption of the Four Kingdoms, the counter measure known as Contractors, Mercenaries and her kin's part in it. The entire time, Velvet listened with interest as a small thought passed by my mind. Is this what it feels like to teach someone, Qrow? Although, the sensation of educating felt satisfying, I remained on task to find the next floor.
"So, Contractors are basically like heroes? They protect the peace, right?"
"Mind you, they- we aren't always on the same side," An image of a black-cloak popped up, "It's true that their- our primary goal is to maintain the status-quo, though… it's mainly a difference of beliefs and the employer that causes us to clash sometimes…" I trailed off before adding in one last statement, "There are also instances where we would 'break' and go rogue…" Another mental picture of an energetic girl with a wide and cheerful smile flashed before quickly fleeing away from my head.
"'Break?'"
"The emotional stress of taking so many high-risk missions does that to a person," I turned right and gazed at the seemingly endless hallway, "The eventual mental breakdown is considered normal in our case and we'd set out to kill our former comrades. It's what sets us apart from Mercenaries; skill level, experience, talent, ideals, and endurance. Endurance to withstand the torment of killing our allies and enemies until we're nothing…"
"Then, it won't end…" Velvet softly pointed out, "Doesn't that contradict everything you're fighting for?"
"It looks that way, doesn't it?" I smiled humorlessly, stopping to look at the Beacon student, "Even so… isn't it worth it? To protect those lives just a little longer..." I repeated a familiar line from a long time ago.
She shivered, either by my shallow smile or flat tone. I couldn't tell as I had walked to a windowed door next to her.
"... But, aren't you lonely?"
I blinked.
"I decided. I'll be the one to protect you. I won't allow you to be alone any longer…"
Golden-slitted crystals reflected a strong flame of purpose and determination. The corner of my lips shifted, changing the hollow smile into a more genuine and meaningful one.
"Unfortunately, no," I sighed regretfully, grasping the door knob, "A certain person resolved to stay with me…" The door swung open and an archaic symbol greeted us at the center of an empty room, "So, there really is a Rune here…" Mindfully stepping into the premises, I made my way to the Rune to disable it.
Concept: Deception... Composition Material: Dust-infused ink... Date of creation: Three years and two months ago… Methods of Removal: Overload power source, drain power, alter properties…
Glaring at the ancient writing, I 'read' through the design and purpose. Although, I may not have been able to use my Circuits, Runes and Glyphs require nothing to analyzed them. It takes significantly longer to comprehend them without Aura though… As I contemplated our options, a small, thin hand touched the Rune which glowed white before the letters shifted into different places.
My eyes snapped to the hand's owner, "Disconnect creator's power source… redirect to new source…" Brown-orbs narrowed in concentration as she mumbled, "Reinforcing purpose… specifying targets… confirm alterations… end process… complete."
The air around us vibrated, revealing things that were not here originally. Desks formed and chemical test tubes filled with coloured liquids appeared on top. This really is a lab… Velvet gave out a relieved sigh, finished with reworking the Rune's state. Standing up from her crouching position, the brunette stretched her arms in accomplishment.
"Nice work."
"E-eh?" As if realizing my presence, Velvet stammered, "A-ah, thanks…"
"Let's take a break."
I offered after noticing the slight exhaustion on her features. She nodded gratefully accepting the much needed rest. She deserves it. Rune modifying is incredibly complex if you're not the maker. Usually, it would take a few days to solve it, even if you're proficient in deconstructing them. And her display of mastery over it further fueled the conclusions the documents mentioned.
In any event, now that the Rune's working on our side, we can rest easy… I sat next to Velvet, who had begun to eat, taking small bites of a ration bar. I started to do the same, slipping out two bars to chew.
"You're not going to ask, are you?"
"Nope, I read your file."
"Mm…" Velvet hummed, "About earlier…"
"What about it?"
"What will you do..? I know about your work."
"Depends on you."
"I see…"
?, Fourth Floor…
Day ?, ?:?...
In contrast to the three floors which only had one set of staircases to each level, the fourth had several. It was a minor surprise when we saw nothing but steps each time we turned a corner. When Velvet and I managed to reach the top, we're met with a room akin to a combat training facility. Untouched practice weapons hung on the shelves and protective gear next to them on each wall around us. My line of sight panned across the uncluttered room until it landed onto a entryway opposite of us. I carefully moved towards the door, mindful of the dead silent space.
"I am very disappointed, recruits…" An airy sigh registered in my ears, "Can't even handle one 'broken' Contractor and a timid Faunus," Jack's criticizing tone gave way to a malevolent one as she continued speaking, "Well, doesn't matter at this point since you two will be dead in a minute."
My eyes narrowed before I swiftly started towards the door, "Tsk… Get clear." Clicking my tongue, I commanded Velvet as I planted a small block of C4 onto the door handles before triggering the explosive.
Smoke and heat spewed from the locked doors leaving a clear opening. My legs pushed off the ground, sprinting through the destroyed doors along with Velvet who soon halted.
"Something's coming!" Giving a brief glance at my classmate that had rattled brown irises glued behind us, I brought out a few knives in preparation. Following her line of sight, I strained my senses to hear a series of dull and heavy thuds. Her ears twitched apprehensively when the sounds became more pronounced, "Above!" The ceiling caved in, blocking the way back into the lower levels. Debris and dry cemented dust slowly dissipated, leaving an intricate massive 'steel' on top of the pile of rubble, "Mech Armor!?"
As if to respond to her near frantic call, the 'steel' mechanically moved to our direction. My eyes widened when I saw a small flicker of red before I doved over to Velvet. Sharp intensity of warmth bled through the air of where we once were as I covered Velvet with my being. The heat dispersed, and I pushed myself of the frozen Faunus. Flinging the knives at the Mech in a useless attempt to damage it, I quickly grabbed the unresponsive student's hand and ran for somewhere to hide.
We maneuvered corner after corner, dodging the barrage of energy blasts the Mech's dishing out until we've reached another area filled with more of the same machines. As I gazed at the machinery in mute deliberation, I picked up the Armor's loud steps getting closer and closer.
"Shit…" I muttered, starting towards the nearest MA, "Fight fire with fire, right?" I asked to no one, climbing up the machine's arm into its open cockpit.
"You could operate this?"
Velvet inquired, crouching behind the pilot's seat. I answered while tapping onto the keyboard to start-up the Mech's systems.
Play This Will Be the Day - RWBY Volume 1 OST
"Not as skillfully as others, but with a bit of time…" I cast a hurried look at the entrance where a large silhouette grew until it finally bulldozed through. Damn it… It's too late, "It won't boot-up fast enough. We gotta go-"
"-Move over," Just as I was about to abandon our last resort to fight back, Velvet firmly pushed me aside and took over the controls, "Voltage concentration linkage, nominal. Dust reactor and oil pressure, nominal," The Faunus monotonously droned, her sharp and focus brown eyes flicking from left to right and again as she rapidly input commands. I looked up from the main screen to see the intruder scanning the premises, slowly but surely turning to our direction, "Tactical movement parameters updated. COS settings, complete. Systems all green. Cerberus, activated." Flipping the keyboard back to the side, Velvet pulled a lever under her and closed the hatch.
Grabbing the machine's main controls, Velvet took a deep breath before shifting forward into the attacker's side. The force of her charge pushed our enemy into another unmanned MA and out through the wall. Cold and fresh air embraced us as blaring screeches of alarms resounded in the vicinity. Replying to the warning, dozens of White Fang members soon emerged from their bunkers and began to surround us.
"Hey, hey! Who gave the permission to use the machines!? Shut it down!"
"It's those 'players!'"
I can't find Jack with this sort of confusion... She's probably heavily guarded too… Only choice now is to escape…
"We need to get out of here," I stated heatedly in regards to the thought of missing an opportunity in killing one of Cinder's hired Mercs, "We shouldn't be too far from Vale, so all we need to do is fight our way out…" I said, gazing around the wary enemies. We may have gotten them at a good time… They just woke up, but there's still too many against a single MA unit... "Got an idea?"
"Yes, this should help."
Unclasping the back-up and laying in front of her, Velvet flipped over the top to reveal a consoled Scroll. Lithe and light-skinned fingers danced across the board in an incredibly fast pace as she began to murmur incomprehensibly.
"Connecting to individual controls… overriding security locks…" As Velvet continued to type into the Scroll, the ground under us trembled, "Altering self-destruct commands… processing new objectives… confirming changes…" Sounds of mechanical movement filled the tense atmosphere and I turned behind us to see more MA's stomping out of the building, "All units active, proceeding to engage."
Our escape had begun the moment Velvet's finger pressed the final key. Gunfire, beams of light, and metal clangs resounded throughout their home turf as we started to run.
"Can you still activate the self-destruct mechanism on of all those units including this one?"
"Yes… why?"
Velvet answered hesitantly, shooting me an uneasy look. I didn't say anything else until after surveying the utter chaos the MA's were causing. If we forgo using this Armor, it can be used as decoy and we'll be able to quickly find a fast transport out of here. But, we'll also be sitting ducks out there… So, the best option would be…
"Get the MA's to surround us and move into the center of their formation," I pointed at the monitor where the White Fang hid amongst their makeshift barriers, "Set this machine to detonate within ten seconds and the rest a minute after."
"E-eh?"
"We'll use the explosion as cover to find transportation and vanish during the next set," I hastily explained, staring at the ongoing firefight between the MA's and the White Fang, "Can you do it?"
"... Alright," Velvet assented a moment later, her face morphing into a grim expression as she programmed the machines to do what I planned, "... It's done."
"Okay, on three," The steel surface under my feet started to shake in accordance to the Mech moving into the heart of where our enemies were, "Ready?" Velvet nodded, reaching below her side for the switch to open the hatch, "One," We were a few meters off and the first two MA's guarding us went down, their forms reduced to piles of metal scraps. They should still be able to detonate since the core hasn't exploded yet... "Two." We've made it to our designated point with a barrage of bullets and explosives hitting more of our machines. Wires and sparks flew into the air of the cockpit as the machine's integrity lowered, destroying most of its screens and hardware.
"Agh..!"
"Three!"
Lifting the Beacon student up to my chest, I leaped out of the ticking time-bomb and ran for where I've remembered the transports are. Switching my hold on Velvet to one arm, I unsheathed my sword and swiftly flung it towards an attacking adversary. The blade landed straight into his stomach before I pulled it out and resumed speeding away from the eventual eruption of heat and death.
The predicted wave of warmth and smoke soon crashed into my back while I shielded Velvet's body with my own. Making a sharp left behind a White Fang bunker, I mustered as much strength as I can into my legs to make a final leap over a high fence. Landing with a heavy thump unto the somewhat rough ground, I darted to an unmanned vehicle. Placing Velvet into the white-painted car, I went over to the driver's seat then proceeded to start the car.
A minute passed before my ears picked up a total of six thunderous bangs then pain-filled death cries of those who were unfortunate enough to get caught in it.
"Get the medic crew now!"
Good, that should occupy them for a bit… Nodding my head in acceptance, I flicked my wrist and the car's engine roared in its wake. Stepping on the gas pedal, I steered the car past dozens of obstacles in my way, receiving gunfire from those that were unaffected from the blast. It all ended after I had past the last gate when another boom erupted at their base. What..? I glanced at the rear-view mirror to see black clouds coming from one side of their base before many more joined it in multiple places. Did Velvet do that..? I shot a look at the unconscious Faunus. She breathed in then out, drowning in the blissful sleep she deserved. Although she had scuff marks all over her, Velvet appeared to be fine. The Mech's sudden malfunction must've put her out cold, so it couldn't be her…
In any case, we're out of that death game. Now, we just need to get home… Following this thought, I focused on driving back to Vale.
City of Vale, The Three Cubs…
Day 15, 20:45…
Play Short Change Hero - The Heavy
"Stay here, alright?"
"Yeah, I get it."
Passing a white mask to her, the girl nodded in compliance to my request. I stared at her as she attached the mask onto her face then sat down on one of the provided couches before I went inside the nightclub.
"I'm terribly sorry, Sir," A guardsman of the local information dealer apologized humbly, "But, we are closed for the night. However-"
"-Tell Junior that Paladin wants to talk with him."
"Err, b-but-"
"-Now."
"... One moment, Sir."
The nervous bodyguard scurried to manager's office while I leisurely walked to the bar, unmindful of the tense and anxious formal-dressed security around me. A restless and silent moment went by until the person I waited for arrived with a distinctly blank expression. I impassively gazed at him through my mask as he moved next to me with an eerie and artificial-like smirk.
"Ah, Paladin! My favorite customer, how may I help you?"
Hei cheerfully addressed, raising a hand from his pocket then subtly placing a slip of paper on the surface and sliding it in front of me.
Run.
Stealing a quick glimpse of him, I saw Hei faintly dipping his head with a flash of worry in his grey-orbs. So, they've gotten hold of him, huh? The question is whether I have to kill him or not… In spite of the fact that he's on their side. Is he on their side? As though knowing what I was thinking, Hei's fingers hit the flat with consecutive and rhythmic taps in near imperceptible pauses.
On… Your… Side… Comrade…
A few more raps onto the bar and I understood what I had to do. Rotating around to face him, Hei gave me a reassuring grin before it twisted into a pained grimace at the cause of my knife digging inside his side. Without another second, I hastened my pace towards the exit, dodging the various strikes on my person while retaliating with precise shots to their bodies.
"Contact the Headmaster, and request a ferry to pick us up."
"D-did something happen?"
Velvet had already begun to communicate with Ozpin during my issuing of instructions.
"... Just another casualty."
Beacon Academy, Headmaster's Office…
The familiar sight of my employer's office interior greeted me as I stepped in. A man with tousled grey hair and thin hazel eyes dressed in a black suit sat in front of me. As I walked further into the center of the room, the older gentleman took notice of my being and frowned in concern.
"I'll be blunt," He stood up and walked over to me, "Where the Hell were you?" Ozpin grabbed my shoulder, scrutinizing my bandaged state with an analytical eye, "It's been over a week since you disappeared. What happened?"
"I'll send you my report later. Right now, I have to establish a new network," I abruptly whirled around towards the exit, "I need to-"
"-What you 'need' is some rest," My employer calmly interjected, releasing his hold to return to his desk, "You just got back and you're planning to leave again? I do not condone this course of action, regardless of how justified your reasons are."
"Sir-"
"-No," He interrupted, sending a stern glare in my way, "You really will become a hollow being at this rate, you know," His fierce stare softened into something akin empathy, "Trust me on this. You need to relax for awhile. Otherwise, you'll just burn out and everything you've done would be for naught."
We looked at each other for a short time, neither speaking nor moving until I finally sighed, "... I understand," Rubbing my neck, I reluctantly agreed to his suggestion, "I'll take up your offer then…"
"That's good to hear," Ozpin nodded then returned to his work as I started towards the door, "By the way," Rotating one-hundred and eighty degrees around, I saw him sporting a smile that had an emotion similar to that of pity. Eh..? "Good luck…" I tilted my head, unable to figure out his rather ambiguous statement, "You're going to need it."
"..."
Wordlessly, I ambled out of his office and traversed the school to my where my team's dorm room was. 'Good luck…?'
Beacon Academy, Dining Hall…
Play Ready for Calming - Livetune
"Hey, you're okay, right?"
Averting away from my datapad, I became aware of being closely watched by Aria Pendragon. If no one truly knew her, the sight of Aria's features alone would make anyone fall for her charms. Especially when she held that expression… Her soft and supple lips curled down, forming a small perturbed frown with tender crimson-orbs gazing into my own from the other side of the table. You'd be hard pressed to resist the amount of natural allure she had at that moment...
"... You know," I breathed out, sliding my food tray with an elbow as I propped my chin against it, "You're amazingly cute when you pout like that."
"I'm serious."
"So am I," I casually retorted, staring at my partner through half-lidded eyelids, "I mean I'm not trying to get hurt on purpose, but you're so adorable whenever you worry, it's a crime to be that adorable…"
"..."
"... This is the part where you get flustered and kick me or something while saying 'idiot.'"
"After a while of being with Miss Xiao Long, Lilith, Miss Ro-"
"-Ah, I get it, I get it…" I raised a hand to end her listing of what I imagined would be the harassers, "No need to say any further."
"It wasn't all bad," She smiled warmly, "It's really… fun being with them…" Aria rubbed her arm bashfully, a pink-hue tinting on her cheeks for saying what she honestly thought about our friends.
My lips formed a lazy, yet genuinely pleased grin of seeing my partner's joy with them. At least I've been able to save her…
Play Counter-Attack Mankind - Attack on Titan OST
"You're dead, Weiss!"
"T-that's not meant for you!"
Our conversation stopped when the topic of our discussion yelled at each other. Our heads turned to our side at the direction of the commotion to see a brunette caked in white cream, glaring at another girl with malicious brown crystals. This isn't going to end well… My thought came true when Lilith Robin snatched a few pies from a serving cart then wildly hurling them at Weiss Schnee. Although it said in her file that Lilith's skills as an archer is incredible, being capable of hitting a target from seven-hundred meters away. However, she was currently blinded by rage, and thus could not aim properly. The end result was that every member of team RWBY got caught in the blast radius.
"A-ah," Lilith stumbled over her words at the desert-covered girls' rapidly darkening expressions, "L-Lance, back-up p-please," She wheeled around to see a man coated in food stuff, "Lance!?" Lance Duibhne had already fallen victim of their attack, his sitting form tilted forward and his temple unceremoniously smacking unto his own meal, "You bastards…" The brunette hissed, her hair overshadowing her eyes, "I'll avenge you, don't worry, Lan-" I sighed, picking up my tray while rising from my seat to move out of the way from the inevitable battle, "Aria! Grenade!"
"Got it!"
"Get to cover!"
Leisurely sidestepping the evacuating students and the many 'projectile' sent my way, I emptied my food plate before continuing on to the exit. I made four feet towards the door until I noticed two teens in front. One was an excited blond male with grey-eyes and the other had bright blue-hair coupled with perplexed dark-cerulean orbs.
"Ah, perfect timing," I delightfully muttered, his lively visage dimming after spotting me, "Sun, right?" He warily nodded, "Do you mind if I speak with you in private? It's about our common acquaintance," I inclined my head to the door then added in a statement about Blake as incentive. He paused in the middle of his refusal before hesitantly nodding again, "Thank you."
Beacon Academy, Gardens…
Once we've arrived to the vast greenfield, I turned to him with the utmost dour expression I could muster. Sun returned the sentiment, giving me a stern glare.
"I'll get to the point," I said emotionlessly, shooting him a profound look, "Join my squad."
A/N: Hey, guys! Been quite awhile, yeah? Anyways, this arc was short. Ending on one chapter… Hopefully, the more I do this, the more longer and complex I can make of the arcs.
So, I added Velvet into the story because I wasn't patient to see how she is in the canon. In this story, Velvet's pretty much the Tech and Aura to Dust Support specialist. And her weapon here, will be something that makes her skills of use in those fields.
Well, that's all I can say for now. I hope you enjoy this chapter and you'll be looking forward to the next! Tell me what you guys think about it so far or give me some tips to improve! I'll see you later!
