Forever Fall.
The giant forest known as Forever Fall spans a significant portion of the Kingdom of Vale, the full area has many cliffs and is covered by a forest of red-leafed trees, allowing the whole area to appear a dust-red color, even the grass. The forest has trees that are well-known for their Red Sap that many researchers found interesting to study. It also serves as a wide railway track that has always been important for trade with the other kingdoms.
The morning wind flew through the branches of the trees and several red leaves fell from it, some of them fell on the black mask below the tree. A White Fang member who had been patrolling the location shook off the leaves and continued on his way until he saw another soldier in similar clothes with dog's ears who was standing and observing the forest surrounding them.
"I'm so tired of this stupid forest. This red color is starting to hurt my eyes," one of them complained, while his friend just nodded.
"Yeah, we have spent eight months there already and everyone is sick of this place. I wish the boss would have taken us with him."
"Like hell he would. You know him. He always takes the best with him, leaving the beginners here," the first faunus sighed."I wish we had some action at least," he wished, not knowing that his wish was already coming true.
"Wait!" Said the faunus with dog ears when he heard something. He pointed his gun in the direction of the sound, but saw nothing. He then decided that it was just the wind and turned to his friend. However, when he turned around he saw his friend being held by some wolf faunus in strange metal armor."Wait, yo-" Before he could scream he felt something pressing against the back of his head, something that was small and hard, something that resembled a revolver's trunk. Under the mask, the poor man's eyes went wide and he dropped his gun, then raised them in an act of surrender.
"Now that's a good...dog, no racism, pal," said a voice from behind, while the wolf faunus slightly glared at him.
"Now, now, we don't have time for this," a new voice suddenly said, while dozens of steps were heard by the dog White Fang member. A moment later a new figure emerged at his sigh: the already well known black mask and spoke."Good morning, sir. Could you please help me and my friends find your base?" he asked in a polite tone. He answered in a trembling voice.
"O-of course, Z-zero." The masked leader of the Black Knights smiled behind his mask.
Outside the forest.
Several miles away from the forest another base was formed. This one was a quickly made camp with soldiers in white military uniform running around preparing for the upcoming operation. Unlike White Fang, their armor was more protective and their helmets were completely different, but the main difference was that none of them were a faunus. In fact, it would be hard to find a faunus soldier in the Atlas army.
Inside the biggest tent, a group of intelligent officers was studying the map and checking everything again and again. A hologram of the blue map was slowly rotating on the right, while Atlassian specialists were studying it. A moment later, the tent opened and a young women with a group of people entered. A couple of soldiers who were guarding immediately saluted her along with the rest of people there because she had the highest rank there and they were generally terrified of her. And the reason for that was that everyone in the Atlas army knew that it would be the last day in their lives if they decided to stand in the way of Winter Shcnnee.
The Atlassian specialist observed the room for a second before she neared the table in the center with the map hologram on it. The nearest officer saluted her and she asked.
"Is everything okay?" She said while her eyes were focused on the map. The officer nodded.
"Yes, ma'am! The Paladins are prepared and pilots are ready to deploy. All troopers are ready as well."
"Good," said Winter and then turned to the rest of them."Soldiers of Atlas! I want everyone to remember our main objective here! It is to capture the White Fang group in Vale," Winter said through gritted teeth. She ordered them, showing them what would happen to them if they hurt her sister. General Ironwood wanted them alive to interrogate them. Winter sighed with closed eyes before she opened them and continued."Don't forget that they might have Paladins as well. We need to capture as many alive as possible, but be ready for everything," Winter said and left the tent. She maybe would still have a chance to release her anger and bloodthirst on some of White Fang animals.
Inside the forest.
Lelouch and his Black Knights were making their way towards the White Fang base while two unfortunate patrol soldiers of the organization were leading them. Not all of the New Order was there, only half of them. The Black prince looked around the forest, it was the first time he was there, Lelouch never had time to observe the beauty of the place. He still didn't have time for it but at least he could look to the sides while they were going. Lelouch also was thinking about that day's mission.
Saving White Fang wasn't his original idea but he had no other choice if he wanted to have Grey Raven's cooperation in the future. However, that mission could open a lot of possibilities. Lelouch could see benefits coming from it, even a potential fight with the Atlas military would be useful for the Blackwatch and Steeljaw groups. They could learn how to fight against real enemies together and he would obtain more information on the Atlas army during it.
"We're here," commented one of their hostages. Zero saw a wooden wall and he was able to see some red tents behind it. Steeljaw turned to the captured White Fang member and asked.
"Traps?"
"Not here. It is a safe road." After the small moment of silence, McCree said.
"They probably know that we here." Steeljaw nodded and turned to Zero with a questing look.
"If they know that we are here, then there is no point to keep them waiting," the masked leader said and went towards the center in camp. Under his mask Lelouch saw uncertainty on both Steeljaw's and Jesse's faces. He then said:"Don't worry if they didn't attack us yet. They are probably waiting for us inside. Besides, they might have seen that these two are alive and gone right to the main entrance." He pointed at their hostages."That means that whoever is inside the camp is able to see that we won't attack first," said Zero after he continued on his way.
The Black Knights behind him went with him. The moment the black masked vigilante stepped inside the enemy territory he saw dozens of soldiers aiming at him. He heard that his own soldiers were ready to point their weapon too but quickly raised his hand to stop them, and they stopped. Zero then glanced around and counted at least 30 White Fang members, Lelouch was sure that there were more of them. He then said.
"I'm Zero, the leader of the Order of the Black Knights, I come here to warn and help you with the upcoming Atlas attack!" yelled Zero and was glad that the faunus in front of him started to glance at each other and he then heard some whispers too. A minute later a faunus with a slightly different uniform appeared before Zero. His mask had a red mark that looked like the trail of a claw and he had a goat's horn protruding from under the hood."You are probably the leader of this group."
"Yeah, you're right, that would be me. I'm lieutenant Borak" said the goat faunus."I'm not happy with you capturing my people." He glanced at the two hostages who were in front of Steeljaw, who had his hands on their shoulders, ready to cut their throats if needed."But you have peaked my interest. Honestly, I wouldn't believe you if our other patrol didn't report Atlas soldiers in the north, so I wish to know more about this attack you are talking about," he said carefully, his hands were near the place where his handgun was.
"But of course," nodded Zero."However, can we discuss it somewhere else? It would be better than just standing here," asked the masked terrorist.
"Very well, but your group, especially humans will remain here," Borak said humans with venom, Lelouch couldn't complain.
"Well, we are your guests after all. Steeljaw, take command," said Zero while he followed Borak who was walking towards the biggest tent in the camp. Before he went any further he remembered."Oh, and let those two go," after he said it the wolf faunus pulled his hands away and smiled at the two already terrified faunus next to him.
On the way towards the tent, Borak asked several questions.
"I still need to know when Atlas will attack and where did you get this information and how you know that we were in the forest," said the goat faunus.
"But of course, I hope that we can come to a solution together," said the Black prince.
When Zero and the lieutenant entered the tent, the first thing that Lelouch saw was a map of Vale on the wall with several marks on it. Docks and the south of the city were marked with green dots, while the Beacon and the center of the city were marked with red dots. The lieutenant next to him saw it too and cursed.
"Damn it! I ordered them to hide it!" he said and went to take it off himself. When he took the map away he turned to Zero and said in a menacing voice."Don't think about what you saw, it was old map anyway," he lied and Lelouch could tell it was a lie, but decided to play with him. In the end, he would learn about what those marks meant anyway.
"But of course. Besides, I have another thing to worry about, like the Atlas military that is on its way here," said Zero while making his way to the center of the room."Believe me when I'm saying that we want to help your group."
"Help? Huh, after what you said on TV that's hard to believe," commented the goat faunus.
'Why? Didn't I say that the Order of the Black Knights are warriors of justice? What is justice if we leave you alone to fight against Atlas alone?"
"Who said that we were alone? I still can contact other groups and ask for their assistance if you didn't know," he said with confidence but Zero shook his head.
"That will not work. Atlas has muffled all radio frequencies here." Lelouch was sure that Borak blinked under his mask.
"And how do you know that?"
"I have people who served in Atlas before, you must have seen one of them on TV. The large person with the white reaper mask," said Zero while under his mask his eyes were focused on the faunus before him, or more precisely on the shadow figure that was appearing behind him while they spoke.
"Oh, yeah. That guy, where is he by the way?" Asked the goat lieutenant and when Zero wanted to comment a new figure decided to do it himself.
"Right behind you," Reaper said with a menacing tone and let a small laugh out that scared the poor faunus. Reyes had a dark sense of humor, but Lelouch actually found it funny. And before he could do anything one hand was covering his mouth while another pointed a shotgun at his back, stopping Borak from pulling out his handgun."Do it and we will see what your insides look like." Zero didn't need to see his eyes to know that the lieutenant in front of him was scared and terrified at the moment.
"Okay, I think that's enough. Reaper, remove his mask and make sure he is looking at me," ordered Zero and Reaper did as he was told. When the mask of White Fang fell to the floor Reaper made sure that he wouldn't close his eyes."Good, very good. Now you will obey my every command," said Lelouch while he revealed his left eye.
"Brothers and sisters!" Borak shouted loud enough so that the entire base could heard him. He was standing on some sort of podium. Everyone was there to hear, even the soldiers who were ordered to watch over the Black Knights."Just a moment ago I learned that our enemy Atlas has sent their soldiers to hunt us down like some wild animals! But Atlas is mistaken if they think that we will fall so easily!" shouted the faunus lieutenant and many other faunus cheered. Little did they know that everything he said was ordered by the Black king who was just standing on the side and watching the show.
"You ordered him to say it?" Zero slightly turned to Reaper who was standing on his right, he then turned back to a crowd before him.
"I just gave him some examples and advice about how to give the speech before the battle," said Zero, glad to see that his speech raised more of the faunus from White Fang."They will need it."
"How many of them will die?" asked Reaper and Zero was silent for the moment."You know, not all of them will make it out alive."
"You're right, but If at least one of them will manage to escape and spread rumors about this battle, it will be our win." The Black Knights objective wasn't to save all of the members of WF but as many as possible. If they would succeed, the Black Knights would gain the cooperation of Gray Raven and his group. Also, as a bonus, their reputation among the faunus would rise as well, something that they needed
.
"By the way what was on that map?" asked Reyes who also was there when Zero had a short conversation with their goat lieutenant and was interested in it. After Lelouch ordered Borak to obey him, the faunus said that the other White Fang group went to the docks to steal dust from the Schnee company and the other green dot marked the safe place for them to hide. He didn't know anything about why the Beacon and the city center were marked.
"Nothing that we need to worry about right now, we will deal with that soon, " said the masked leader and the masked killer agreed with him.
While two of them were having a little chat, the geassed lieutenant turned to Zero and announced:
"It was thanks to our new friend that we know about this attack! I'm sure he doesn't need an introduction. But..." Borka did just as Lelouch had planned. Zero walked towards him and Lelouch noticed how the atmosphere had changed. Some of the faunus who were cheering were now silent, obviously because of him. Well, there was nothing to do yet. It seemed that Borka had noticed it too and quickly said."I know how many of you might feel about this person but I want to remind all of you that Zero himself came here, to the Forever Fall forest to inform us and help. Please listen to what he says."
"Thank you, lieutenant ," said Zero after the goat faunus stepped back and gave him enough place to start his own speech. Zero once again looked at the crowd."I know what many of you think of me and my people. We Black Knights don't consider the last White Fang actions and-"
"Then why are you here!" shouted someone from the crowd."I'm sure that Adam has already planned something to save us!" shouted the idiot. Zero glanced to the side and saw that McCree was about to pull out his revolver but Reaper stopped him
"I'm sorry to inform you but nobody in White Fang is coming to save you guys. As for your leaders, you are just a useless sacrifice," Reyes said without any emotions. Inside his mind, Lelouch thanked him, then returned his attention to the loud faunus.
"My dislike," or hatred," for White Fang has nothing to do with you or any other faunus. I saw a lot of racism and discrimination towards minorities and witnessed horrible things that were done by both sides. Old Fang was trying to voice his opinion of faunus around the world, to show that they want equality and to live in peace. However, when it didn't work the necessary changes were made and the new White Fang decided to fight for faunus rights. I always knew that you need actions to support your words," said Zero. Lelouch remembered a time when he wanted to destroy Britannia, how he wanted to free Japan and all other areas from his father's control and how it all ended.
"White Fang doesn't to fight for equality anymore, at least not in Vale. If things continue the way they are now then the future for faunus everywhere doesn't look too bright," Lelouch finished and looked at the faunus before him once more. They had masks over their faces but Lelouch could feel that they were thinking about what he said."That's why I want to make a difference today and here! We Black Knights came here not to save White Fang but the faunus from the aggressor. Brave Faunus!" Zero raised his right hand at his side."White Fang has done horrible things to humans in every kingdom and now they have come here for revenge! Your leaders decided for you! I want to know what you will do! Will you just let the system destroy or will you fight till the end?!" shouted Zero and a second later he heard how all White Fang members started to cheer.
"If White Fang doesn't need us, then we don't need them too!" suddenly Borak took off his mask and threw it. Surprisingly many of the faunus did the same. Lelouch was surprised by this, maybe his geassed goat went a little too far with his order, but it did work in the end. Lelouch looked at the crowd who was ready for battle and only one thought was inside his head:
'Now I need to make sure that not all of them die today.'
In another part of the forest a group of Atlas soldiers were slowly entering the forest. Soldiers were checking every corner and had their rifles ready for a fight. Forever Fall was known as a safe place, meaning that the Grimm population there was minimal, and so both Atlas and White Fang didn't need to worry about potential attacks from creatures of darkness. Still, Atlas was ready to call hunters if they needed to. General Ironwood, however, ordered Winter to use it only if the situation would become really bad.
"Even on the battlefield politicians will find a way to make things more complicated," sighed Winter who was outside the forest."And I thought that at least in the army I would escape it. Damn it," quietly cursed the former heiress. She had finished with all the political schemes when she was a teenager and abandoned her title, unfortunately though, her little sister was the one to took it. Winter felt guilt inside everytime she remembered it but shook her head. It wasn't the time for it, it was never the time for it. She turned to the soldier on her left side and asked.
"Has the first squad reached their position?" The Atlas soldier shook his head. Winter planned everything so it would go without any issues. Atlas knew that White Fang had their camp in the forest and had the location of it. The first idea that came to mind was to attack from the air but it would be a month before general Ironwood's air fleet would come to Vale. There also was the huge possibility that the faunus would just shoot their bullheads down. There were too many trees to see anything properly from the air. There also was another danger, that the faunus would just run to the sides. Sure, that sounded like a minor issue but Forever Fall was giant and it was difficult to find anything there, especially if someone like Adam Taurus would be there. Winter didn't have enough luxury to do such a thing.
"No, ma'am. Squad captain has reported that they have a few small difficulties." Winter narrowed her light-blue eyes at him and the soldier looked down."I'm sorry, ma'am." Winter turned back to the forest and sighed again.
"What kind of difficulties? Did some tree just fall on them?" thought the oldest Schnee daughter while making her way towards the Paladins. Before she left she gave her last order:"Contact the bullheads again and order them to be ready." The soldier nodded while Winter went outside.
While bullheads are an easy target to shot at, it didn't mean that they couldn't be used there. All they needed to do was to transport soldiers to needed locations and wait on the side, more exactly to transport them behind the enemy camp. They would be too far that even the faunus wouldn't able to notice them, but at the same time, they would on the perfect spot to stop them from retreating through the west or north. The first squad would come to the enemy camp as close as they could on the west side and block them there. Then she and other Paladins would just enter the forest from the south and head right to the enemy base, the other groups had enough manpower and firepower to stop the faunus from escaping this forest. Winter thought that her plan was if not perfect then good enough, she thought so at least.
A group of thirty armed soldiers in white gear were making their way through the forest. Well, they were trying to go through the damned forest. Right then they had a little problem. Several trees had fallen on the ground and blocked the way for them. Not a serious issue. All they had to do was to get over the fallen trees but it would take some of their time, enough time for their enemies.
"Do you see them?" asked the faunus who was wearing the black gear that belonged to the Black Knight, well, just like him. The one who he was asking was a wolf faunus in unusual armor.
"Silence, they might hear you," Steeljaw, who was using binoculars to locate their targets, silenced him. When he saw that they were coming closer a smirk formed on his face, showing his wolf teeth. He then turned to the group behind him, which consisted of about fifteen faunus, some of who were without their masks."Well, brothers. I think it is time to show our superiority over humans," said Steeljaw and then pulled some sort of detonator and pressed the button.
The Atlas soldiers weren't ready for their attack. A second ago they crossing fallen trees but when the first couple of them managed to pass through the red trees something unexpected happened. The trees that were under their feet suddenly exploded, killing and throwing some of them aside. The moment it happened the first two soldiers that stepped on the solid ground immediately jumped behind the nearby trees and took cover. The captain who was uninjured aimed his weapon to the sides searching for the enemy while shouting orders for others to take cover and he medic to help the wounded.
It wasn't long before someone opened fire at them. Their enemy was firing at them at least from three different directions. The Captain glanced back to see that their medic was dragging the heavily injured while those who were able to move had taken their positions. He then asked.
"What's our status?"
"6 dead and 3 wounded," said the medic and the captain wanted to curse but decided to shut up. Negative emotions would make things only worse, he and his group knew it. He needed to make a decision and he did.
"Call the center and report that we have engaged with the enemy...We need to go further if we-" before he could finish one of the soldiers behind them screamed.
"They began-" but before he could finish his scream his throat was cut. The others saw a faunus in black gear with a knife in his left hand. The moment they saw him he quickly jumped to the side to the nearest cover and when one of the soldiers was about to open fire at his position another faunus in black armor jumped at him and killed him at seconds. Suddenly dozens of shots were heard, the enemy opened fire at them not only from behind but from above as well. It took a few seconds for the captain to realize what was happening.
"They are in the trees!" shouted the captain and aimed at the top of the trees and started to shoot. His soldier did the same and soon they saw how several animals started to fall on the ground. But they were losing more people than their enemy, they needed to fall back.
However, the moment the captain wanted to order to move back something or someone jumped on him. He tried to shoot but the grey armor protected his enemy and seconds later a pair of claws cut his throat. He fell to the ground and tried to stop the blood but it was too late. The last thing he saw were yellow eyes and the smirk of a hungry animal. He saw how seven of his soldiers had fallen on the ground while others threw out their weapons and raised their hands in surrender. And finally, he saw how a strange dark figure came to them and ordered.
"Perfect, now take their armor and-" Unfortunately he wasn't able to hear them anymore. Why? Well, he lost too much blood obviously.
In other parts of the forest, dozens of faunus were trying to escape the deadly trap made by the Atlas. Their nemesis had better trained and equipped soldiers, but the White Fang soldiers had the advantage. They spend several months there and knew that forest better and then, with help of the Black Knights, they had an even higher chance to succeed!
Two large machines were making their way through the damned forest. Why damned? Because their first squad had come in contact with the enemy and it was their last report. One of the Paladins was running ahead of others while the second was close behind. Soldiers were moving on their sides trying to not slow them down and not to lose them. The one that was running was piloted by Winter herself and to say that she was not pleased was an understatement. The word furious was closer to describing her current feelings.
'Damn it!' cursed inside her mind Winter. It was only the beginning of her operation and she already messed up! Her first squad might be dead at this point and the enemy already knew about them. The last thought raised another question. How did the White Fang know about it and where did they find such information in the first place. However, she didn't have time to think about it right now.'Still, we have a plan B for this kind of situation.' Never go fight without a plan B.
Minutes later she and her soldiers got to the place where they last time heard from the first squad. After she ordered to check the area, her soldiers spread out across the territory. It was only two minutes later when one of them found something. Her Paladin came to the some fallen trees and she narrowed her eyes. Among the fallen trees there were her soldiers.
Nine of them were tied with a rope while five others were on the ground wounded. She also saw fifteen bodies next to them, lying on the ground. There were thirty and this means that one body was missing. Winter didn't know what to think. White Fang didn't kill the rest of them and even helped, as much as they could, to treat the wounded. Something was not right and Winter could see what. Some of them were missing their Atlas armor or had some parts missing from it. She went to the nearest soldier who was awake and asked.
"Where is your captain?" he then pointed at one of the dead bodies. Winter sighed and asked."What happened here? And where is the rest of your gear?"
"It was an ambush. Once we passed these trees, they attacked us." said the soldier and Winter noticed that something was off with this soldier, though she just couldn't tell what."They attacked the trees and killed the captain." he didn't sound sad and angry but like it was okay to lose half of your group."And they took our weapons and armor that wasn't damaged." when he said the last part Winter eyes went wide in realization what the faunus wanted to do. She quickly turned to her Paladin and started to order.
"Contact Center! Inform them to check every soldier on the base!" she yelled while climbing into her machine. She then used her Paladin radio to contact her bullheads. Without any warning or formalities, she started to ask."Is there any sign of White Fang in your area?" the pilot of the bullhead on the other line wasn't ready for this kind of question and was stunned.
"N-no, ma'am. Everything is clear." said pilot with a little fear inside himself. Winter didn't answer and just turned to the soldiers who didn't know what was happening but were ready and waiting for orders.
"Everyone! We have to get back to base! The White fang is trying to attack the base!" Winter bites her lip. The missing soldier was probably with the faunus, forced to lead them to their camp. Those animals from the White Fang weren't as stupid as she thought. That didn't matter. She still had two bullheads if she needed. With this thought, Winter went back to the base, others following. Half of her soldiers she left there to help the others.
What Winter didn't realize, is that all the soldiers from the first squad who were alive had strange red circles around their eyes.
Inside the Atlas base.
While their commander left them the other soldiers were preparing for plan B. The second option itself wasn't very practical at all. The soldiers who were left in the camp would use one of their bullheads to fly into the forest and land where they will recieve orders. This plan was meant if something happens with one of the strike teams and they would need reinforcement.
Everyone was busy and none of them noticed one figure who was moving among others. He passed in camp unnoticed and thanks to his Atlas armor and how busy everybody was he was moving in the base without any troubles. He was headed to the main tent where intelligence officers were. He was glad that only two guards were standing there when one of them asked why he was there he just said:
"I have important orders from lieutenant Schnee." only her name was enough for the two to let him inside. When he entered he saw only two officers who were checking the holographic map. It took only seconds for them to notice him when one of them asked.
"Private, why are you here?"
"Sir, lieutenant Schnee ordered me to come here and inform you about new orders!" he tried to sound as persuasive as he could. He had orders to follow no matter what. Two of them glanced at each other and then said:
"Very well, tell us what the lieutenant' ordered." the first nameless soldier smiled and happily said.
"I was ordered to do this." he then pulled out a handgun with the silencer and quickly aimed at their heads that weren't protected by armor. Before any of them could do anything he pulled the trigger. The first body fell to the ground and after that, the second. The soldier then turned to the entrance and waited for a minute to see if the guards heard him, they didn't. He then started his next phase. He took his helmet and a pair of red circles were visible around his eyes. He contacted one of the bullheads and informed the pilot about the new location and that he needs to be there as fast as possible. He then destroyed the communication device, so no one will be able to screw up his master plan.
"Now master Zero will be pleased." happily said the geassed soldier. He was happy to accomplish his masters orders. However, he didn't know that someone already returned to base and was heading right for him. The Geassed puppet didn't notice how a white-haired women entered the tent or how her eyes went wide.
The moment Winter saw two bodies on the ground and the soldier standing near she immediately shouted at him to surrender. The two guards who were outside came in at the sudden scream and when they saw the reason for this, immediately raised their rifles and aimed at the traitor. However, the geassed soldier wasn't going to disobey his lord.
He aimed his gun at one of the soldiers and shot, but Winter Schnee was faster. With her incredible speed, she rushed or more like appeared next to him and used her sword to disarm him. When he tried to hit her with his free arm she managed to dodge and made a final strike. His body fell to the floor as well, even though he was still alive. Winter then turned to the communications device but it was heavily damaged, she gave another deep sigh.
"...Goddamnit." she turned to one of the soldiers behind her."Look after him. I don't know why he decided to betray us now but I will deal with it later. And prepare my Paladin." One of the soldiers nodded but still decided to ask.
"Where are you going, ma'am?" Winter didn't look at him. While leaving the tent, she said with a cold as ice voice:
"I won't let them escape so easily."
"Are you sure that they will come?" asked Reaper. Lelouch just nodded again."What if your little trick didn't work?" Reyes sure was a pessimist.
"They will, just wait for it," said Zero. He and his friend were waiting to the east from the White Fang base. His Black Knights were all here as well. Some of them were slightly injured but not in critical condition. It was perfect for Lelouch.
"Still." started Steeljaw."I'm surprised how well that all went. We didn't lose anyone and the White Fang only had several loses. However why they all needed to take off their armor?" asked the wolf faunus.
"Tell me, Steeljaw. Wasn't it too easy for you to locate that Atlas group?" he nodded and Lelouch continues."White armor stands out more than black, that was the first reason."
"And the other reasons?" asked Steeljaw who was interested.
"Second was phycological." declared Zero and Steeljaw was surprised and unable to understand."I ordered them to leave their White fang armor behind to show that they can succeed without it, without White Fang." said Zero. Without white armor, it will be harder to find them which means that they have a higher chance to escape this forest.
"If they had it, Atlas would have most likely seen us." coming to the conclusion, said Steeljaw."You saved them and now everyone in Vale will know that the Black Knights are friends to faunus," the masked terrorist leader nodded.
"It's a little bonus to the main objective." behind his mask Lelouch smirked."I have already prepared a request for our new friend." Gray Raven will have a lot of work in the future."In the end, information is a powerful weapon."
"And dangerous." suddenly said, Reyes. Both Steeljaw and Zero turned to him."This raven knows about us. I doubt he knows your identity but it might be the only question of time." grumped Reaper."I don't like it, we don't know anything about him and his little group."
"You right." agreed on Zero."However, it still doesn't change the fact that we need them. They have an advantage, Reaper. An advantage that we need." said Zero and then he wanted to say something else but Steeljaw interrupted him. His ears were twitching and not only his, all other faunus in the Black Knights turned in the same direction
"Something big is coming!" said the wolf faunus. Lelouch took out his binoculars and looked in that direction and saw something big, white and fast...it doesn't look good.
"Everyone!" he glanced at his people and ordered."To your positions! Don't open fire without my command!"
"It seems the enemy won't let us go without a fight," commented Reaper.
The Black Knights took cover while some climbed on trees to have the high ground, high ground is always effective. McCree pulled out his revolver and went with the other soldiers on the sides while Steeljaw joined his group in the trees. Reaper was standing next to Zero and was preparing his guns. Minutes later a massive robot came into sight. A large white and black machine know as a Paladin.
'So this is what Atlas's robots look like...can't compare to knightmares from my world. Its design lacks style.' thought Lelouch from the perspective of someone who saw way more war machines in his days. The Paladin truly was an interesting mech...at least in Remnant. However, right now it didn't matter which world' robots were more stylish.
The Paladin looked around and Zero was surprised that it didn't shoot yet. The Paladin looked at Zero and the black prince had yet another strange deja vu, he didn't know why though. He wondered why the pilot didn't shoot. Seconds later, Lelouch received his answer when he heard the voice of the pilot.
"Zero? What are you doing here?" a womans voice, she was also surprised. Under his mask, Lelouch was surprised by the fact that a member of Atlas didn't shoot the moment they saw him. After what he said about them, that sounded like the logical thing to do.
What he didn't know was that Winter was grateful to him. She wasn't able to contact the bullhead but was able to locate its signal, she didn't expect to find the new terrorist group there. When the older sister saw Zero on the news for the first time she thought of him nothing but another criminal who just wanted to show off.
Then that night happened, a night where her little sister was taken as hostage. Winter wanted to rush to Vale and save Weiss more than anything at that moment but she couldn't. She thought that she was left to suffer because of her family name, again. But then the Black Knights and Zero came. Wiess was saved and the animals who took her were killed. Lieutenant Schnee was happy that her sister was safe and grateful to the masked terrorist for it. That's why when Winter saw him there she didn't shoot him immediately, at least for now.
"Well, I'm glad that someone from Atlas special forces knows about me." Zero glanced towards the symbol on the Paladin's chest. Reyes had told him about Atlas' military structure when they were planning the operation."I would be honored to know your name as well, Madam."
"My name isn't important," she said ignoring the last word. Who would call their potential enemy 'madam'?"What matter is that you and your terrorist cell have helped the White Fang." Winter remembered where both of them were. Zero and the Black Knights were in the same forest with the White Fang and Atlas at the same time when her operation went to shit, you don't need to be a genius to put two and two together. Her Paladin's right arm transformed into a cannon and she aimed at Zero."Surrender Zero and no one will get hurt." She didn't want to shoot him, just scare him. It didn't work.
"...What a pity." sighed the masked leader."And I thought I found a person who prefers words over actions.*sigh* kill her." at his command a knight a with rocket launcher shot at the Paladin's right arm. It didn't destroy it but it was enough to disbalance the robot. Winter closed her eyes at the hit and hissed.
"I wanted to do it without needless failing as well, but you don't leave me much choice." her Paladin opened multiple missile launchers on it's back to open fire. Dozens of missiles flew and struck targets on the ground. Zero who has already hidden behind one of the trees was now watching and analyzing the fight.
"We need to distract this thing. Reaper! Destroy its legs. I want that Paladin to focus on you." the former leader of Blackwatch did as he said and seconds later was moving in wraith form under the Paladin and started shooting at it. Winter tried to step on him, but Reyes would dodge or just transform out of her way."Good, Steeljaw, do you hear me?" Lelouch asked his helper through the Black Knight channel.
"Clearly, Zero."
"Excellent. Listen, I need you and your men to destroy that thing from the top. Do you have any explosives?" he asked and on the end, the wolf faunus laughed.
"I understand what you want, we'll get it done, sir."
"Now, Black Knights! Lay down surpressive fire! Shoot at its arms." at his command the knights started to shoot, avoiding the ones who were above the robot. Zero then looked around his people searching for the cowboy who was about to shot before Lelouch shouted."Jesse! I have another task for you." the named individual turned to him with a questioning look.
"But things only started to get fun." Lelouch rolled his eyes. He sounded like a little boy whose dad told him to stop playing.
"Doesn't matter. Our bullhead will be here any moment and when he sees a fight who do you think he will help?" both Zero and McCree knew the answer."I want you to go and make sure that our guest won't joins us." the cowboy sighed but did as he said nevertheless.
"But if he will find out, I will shoot him. ok, big boss?" asked Jesse before he went to the landing zone. Two soldiers who were slightly wounded went with him.
Inside her Paladin, Winter was already annoyed by another masked bastard who was shooting at her from the bottom. And these black knights, be they on the ground or on the trees, they all were annoying as hell. She decided that enough is enough and used both cannons to shoot at the enemy soldiers behind the trees.
She heard several screams and saw how two or four bodies were thrown back by an explosion, it will do for now. Next target were the ones in the trees. When Winter lifted her head she saw how small objects were falling on top of her machine. Her eyes went wide when she realized what they were. A moment later another explosion was heard, this time it was from the Black Knights. Her monitors showed that the Paladin was done for and that she needs to leave it. Well then, it was about time to start round two.
When Paladin stopped Zero thought that it was their victory...only for the pilot to jump from the machine. And Lelouch saw something truly beautiful, some sort of angel. A woman who was in her twenties was standing on the top of the defeated robot, her figure was covered by sunlight which made the picture only more beautiful. She had light-blue eyes and white hair and was armed with a sword in her right hand, ready to fight and kill everyone here. In the eyes of Lelouch, she was the closest thing he could describe as an angel.
"Wow. I didn't expect my opponent to be beauty such as you, my lady" he tired to flirt, he was a man after all. His enemy didn't appreciate it though and narrowed her eyes at him.
"Flirting during the fight, you're a bold man, Zero," commented Winter. While she did so Reaper and several others tried to surround her, she of course, noticed it. A smirk appeared on her face. She used her semblance, Glyphs, to create ice thorns around herself. It hurt some of the knights but not all of them.
Steeljaw, who was still in the trees decide that it was time to finish the fight. He jumped down on her and wanted to strike her but Winter's reflexes were faster. When the faunus was right above her the white-haired women dodged his attack. She launched herself at the nearest standing black knight and kicked him, she then blocked a strike from his friend who tried to use the butt of his rifle. After that, Winter used her Glyphs again. This time some kind of portal opened behind her and hundreds of little white nevermore copies started to fly around the battlefield. Zero decide that it was time to finish this madness, he still had his last ace.
"Reaper! Use it!" the skull-masked shadow looked at his leader and then back at his opponent. Lelouch ordered the others to fall back and take cover. Reaper's body started to glow with a red aura and dark smoke started to seep from him. Seconds later he exploded in back smoke and he started to sshot in all directions at speeds that made only his afterimage visible. Dozens of bullets were flying everywhere. His shots were destroying anything and everything it came in contact with, primaraly Winters Glyphs and her as well. It was Reaper's most powerful and dreaded attack. The Death Blossom.
Schnee didn't like her situation. she was hiding behind an ice wall. While Zero was afraid that her forces would come at any moment to help her. He gave the final order to retreat.
"I think that it is time to say goodbye, my ice angel." Winter's eyes went wide with the sudden nickname."Black Knights! Fall back." Reaper stopped his attack and he was visibly tired, Steeljaw saw this and came to his aid. When Reyes looked at him with a questoning gaze and wanted to ask what he was doing but he was to tired to care. The Black Knights were falling back to their escape bullhead. Zero just hoped that Jesse didn't shoot it down. And he was glad to see that he did not.
Minutes earlier.
The Atlas bullhead landed at the designated location that he was ordered to land at. The pilot didn't have any soldiers with him because for some strange reason he was ordered to leave them somewhere else. It was weird but hey, who was he to question ordered from command anyway. When he glanced to his sides he didn't find anyone. The pilot was starting to worry, but then he felt something strange. A chill went down his back and when he wanted to turn around a hand fell on his shoulder. His eyes went wide and he was about to scream but McCree was quick enough to knock him out. He then looked out the window and yelled.
"Ready!" two black knights then went to the bullhead. An Atlas military bullhead was larger than an average one and was able to transport large groups of soldiers, good for them. Minutes later the cowboy saw others and that some of them were injured.
"Is it finally over?" asked McCree when the others entered the bullhead, Reaper glared at him."What?"
"You haven't done anything useful today." complained Reyes at his student."Even idiots from the White Fang were more useful than you."
"And now some of them are dead," informed Steeljaw who was carring Atlas armor. Reaper looked first at the armor than at him.
"Hey, it was big boss' orders."
"Doesn't matter." said Reyes who was just annoyed and went to let his anger out on his student, as usual. He then looked at Steeljaw who helped him, even if he didn't need it...he wouldn't admit that he needed."And why do you have this?" was the first thing the skull masked killer asked
"Who knows? We might need it in the future." smiled the wolf faunus showing his teeth. While they were speaking Zero ordered.
"My Black Knights!" started their leader. "Today we successfully assisted the faunus from the White Fang. I know how some of you think about them but don't let stereotypes blind you. It was our victory and they know it too. Soon every soul in Vale will know about our triumph!" all the soldiers of Black Knight, both faunus and humans, cheered. Steeljaw and Jessie among them, while Reyes just nodded while standing behind.
Zero was glad to see that victory have brought them a little closer. He wanted to show Remnant that humans and faunus can and will work together to solve their problems as the Black Knight have shown. Soon everyone will be able to see it too and Lelouch's plans will become more easy to achieve. The operation has ended and as Lelouch wanted the Black Knights came out victorious in the end.
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Hi, everyone! I'm happy to finally release this chapter. My beta reader Shad7000 right before New Year but I wasn't able to post at that time, small problems here and there. However, after so long new chapter of 'Zero of Remnant' finally here! On a serious note, sorry that keep you waiting. Now about chapter itself.
1. Some of you noticed that I have copied events from the first season of Code Geass and yeah I did that. I don't know why decide to that way, maybe because it was easy to transport scenario from CG to RWBY or maybe because I was lazy, probably both. Anyway, after this, I want to make completely new and different scenarios for fanfic.
2. This chapter goes in parallel with end of RWBY volume 1. Yeah, I had other ideas for the first meeting between Ruby and others with Zero but decide to change that. Also, since Black and Weiss had an argument at the start of fanfic they didn't have original issue between themselves. Let's just say that Sun run at Blake and she told them her past with White Fang. No drama there, I just found little strange in the actual show that Blake and Weiss didn't have a fight at the start of volume. You would think former terrorist like Blake will act coarser to Weiss who was bitch in the start. This could even be a more interesting arc, better than Jaune's Arc (Ha! Yang would be proud) but that just my thoughts. I know cut huge moment with Roman fight scene but we already all saw it many times.
3. Someone said that Lelouch acts like OC. Okay, this is little complicated but I will try to explain. Lelouch has died in his original world and was transported to a new one, he doesn't have anything that will slow him down like Nunnally did in his old world. Lelouch can do both good and horrible things, he simply doesn't care too mush about it. That's why when White Fang took hotel he show little interest or his usual professionalism there. To put it bluntly he was bored with that situation, mostly because he already did this in the past. That's the way I see him in this fanfic,
4. Also, I want to talk about RWBY volume 5 that still going. To put it simply...i disappointed so far. This volume has so many problems that I can describe them all. If you want to heat them all then go to YouTube and watch fat man falling channel to understand how bad it is. Bad writing, plot holes, and too mush needles exposition, way too much. Raven's clan is total disappointment and she herself too, her chat with Weiss and Yang was badly done. Ruby became just another 'friendship and power of love' believing main character. I started to hate many characters, especially Blake because of her arc and how long it was dragged. And lack of action, believe me, I'm fine with no action scenes if there something else interesting but RWBY volume 5 couldn't or didn't want to present anything else. I still love the show but it needs to change, but hey that's only my thought...and many others.
Anyway thanks for the reading!
Beta-reader: Shad7000