They were so ready to meet their huntsman. Someone who would guide them through thick and thin and teach them and help them become stronger. Not only as hunters but as people. Yeah, that all came crashing down.
"Why hello young ones who's ready to fight for their lives?" The professor pumped his fist.
"I don't want to live on this planet anymore" Sora covered his face in his hands in hopes this was a dream.
"Professor Oobleck?!" Weiss was more then surprised.
"Yes, I'm afraid those bags won't be necessary. Seeing as you opted to shadow a huntsman on what is now a reconnaissance mission. I can assure you we will not be making a single base of operations." Sora looked to his team in bewilderment.
"How is he talking this fast, what is this?!"He whispered Yang shrugged in response.
"Rather we will be traversing several miles of hazardous wasteland and making camp in any inhabitable locations we may stumble upon. I've packed all of our essentials myself provided the air course and readied the airship" He paused.
"And! It is Dr. Oobleck I didn't earn a PhD for fun thank you very much" He drew in close glaring slightly.
"Uhh..." Weiss didn't have a rebuttal.
"Ah, before I forget, Sora is it? You'll be needing to take care of whatever threats you deem too malicious on your own" Dr Oobleck responded cryptically Sora glared a bit
"So, they've shown up there, haven't they?" The key-barer asked.
"That's up to you to find out. Apart of why professor Opzin allowed you to even take this mission was partly because of you in the first place. You have a gift and you are the only one who can kill them easily. So I will be keeping my eyes on you most of all." The girls gave skeptical looks.
"What do you mean them, you mean heartless?"Yang questioned.
"Yes but as for the strength of them we can't determine at this moment. Come now children according to my schedule we are already four minutes behind."
"Alright looks like we're off to save with the world with Dr. Oo-bleck yeah okay when you say it out loud it sounds worse" Everyone dead-panned
"I mean, it could be worse right?" Sora commented nonchalantly before he thought back to his first trainer.
"Save the world, you're going on world-saving missions without us?" Nora asked clearly upset.
"I'm hurt and sad, Maybe a little hungry? That last one's not your fault though, Ren!" He turned away.
"Sounds fun, where you going?" Jaune asked.
"Oh, just outside the kingdom." Ruby responded cheerfully.
"Oh? Isn't that where you're is from?" She glanced to the brunette who instead of responding looked off toward the ship with a simple nod.
"Hey, so are we." Nora seemed happier about this.
"Ren and Nora wanted to shadow a sheriff of a nearby village" Pyrrha responded a warm mirth in her voice about the coming trip.
"We set out tomorrow." Ren informed.
"Then you can party with us tonight" Sun and Neptune made a – almost calculated appearance
"We're shadowing a crime specialist all inner-city detective stuff we get junior badges" Neptune seemed rather happy about this.
Jaune didn't hide his want for one of these badges himself.
"We normally go to the city with you guys which means stuff's always exploding and junk. So we thought this might be a better way to check out the city when it's y'know normal."
"Well-" Ruby was cut off.
"Five minutes children!" A silence of smiles filled the group.
"Well, uh wish us luck." Ruby gestured to Sora who turned around to wave to the rest goodbye. As did the rest of the team and smiled sheepishly as they left.
Aboard the helicopter Yang had questions of her own.
"I never pictured you as much of a fighter" Yang stated.
"I admit I fancy myself – more of an intellectual but I can assure as a huntsman I've had my fair share of tussles." Ruby was showing confusion.
"Like the mushrooms?" She asked.
"Those are truffles" Sora also wore a look of confusion.
"Who uses...the word tussle?" Dr. Oobleck gave him a look.
"I do."
"Besides given my expertise in history as well as my dabblings in the art of archaeological surveys. Our dear headmaster saw it fit to assign me to this particular, assignment."
"What does history have to do with this?" Weiss asked perplexed.
"Why what a preposterous question silly girl history is the backbone to our very society and the liver and probably kidneys if I were to wager."
"No, seriously, how does this have anything to do with what we're doing?" Sora asked.
"The southeast quadrant is home to wild forests and deep caves but it is also home to one of the kingdoms greatest failures
"Mountain Glenn" Ruby added
"Yeah, that's right it used to be an expansion of Vale. But in the end it was over-run by Grimm and fenced off from the rest of the city"
"I wonder, why I never heard of that" Sora questioned.
"I mean, if you're from the outer walls of course you wouldn't. That town you're from was completely wiped off the face of the four kingdoms. Of course you wouldn't have any recollection of anything related to our kingdom." The brunette flinched a bit at his calm response.
"My apologies I didn't mean to come off so – abrasive now that I think about it that was actually classified." Dr. Oobleck lowered his gaze slightly to meet the chestnut haired teens own eyes
"It – It's alright, it's been awhile I just have to accept what happened, the past is the past right?" The group smiled a bit as they arrived at the abandoned town instead of touching down they were to quickly hop out of the plane which they did. Yang first followed by Blake, Dr. Oobleck, Ruby and finally Sora who took the most caution
"Children you may be students but as of right now this is your first mission as hunters has begun, from this point forward you need to do exactly as I say understood?" He glanced to Ruby
"Ruby, I thought I told you to leave all bags at school" chastised
"But you hadn't told us to listen to you yet, so I didn't" Sora laughed at the loophole she found
"She's not wrong" He reasoned
"Very well leave your bag here we can pick it up upon our return" Ruby seemed to grow sad
"But -I "
"Young lady what could you possibly have in that bag for you to bring-" Sora cut him off
"Let her take it if I work harder to compensate it's alright, right?"Sora stood in front of the smaller teen in protest
"Do you think I'll let her take frivolous things for no reason, this is a mission not a field trip!" Dr. Oobleck was growing furious
"Like it or not she already brought her bag just let her take it with her, I'll take full responsibility, so please" He pleaded Zwei popped out her bag.
"Get back in the bag" Ruby whispered Zwei woofed in response.
"We're here to investigate an urban jungle teeming with death and hostility and you brought a dog."
"I was defending you – and you brought...Zwei – know what I'm not even mad." Dr Oobleck seemed to agree with this sentiment.
"What a delightful idea!" Dr Oobleck stated delighted.
"W-wait what?" Both teens wore matching expressions.
"Canines are historically known for their perceptive nose and heightened sense of sound making them excellent companions for hunts such as ours!" Ruby was elated.
"I'm a genius!" Sora stared at her half-lidded.
"Whatever you say, dear whatever you say."
"Hey, I am!" She retorted at his obvious tease.
"So, what's the reason for us coming here?" Blake asked which seemed to make Dr. Oobleck smile with mirth.
"Ah cut to the chase I like that, the simple explanation would be because the southeast area has been marked as a hot spot for Grimm. And the reason being would be Grimm." The group all wore similar expressions of confusions.
"A species of Grimm 100 yards behind us." They turned ready to strike down said foe but were instructed to stop.
"Grimm often flock to an area because of negative emotions sadness, envy, loneliness, hatred. All qualities that are likely held by our hidden group harboring ill intent." Ruby was itching to ask the question they all seemed to be thinking.
"We wait, and track and hopefully it'll lead us to its pack. From the pack we find our prey" His eyes rested on Sora.
"Despite this, Sora, from what I've been explained those shadow creatures you fight. They gather from the same emotion? If that is the case you will fight them alone I trust that isn't a problem, my boy, and there's a pack."
A pregnant pause was had.
"W- what"
"And they've seen us."
"What?!" Weiss asked this time
"AND THEY'VE SEEN US" Dr. Oobleck repeated.
"Well, go ahead, show me what you can do." Dr. Oobleck commanded they readied themselves but in the middle of the pack. Sora noticed a small gathering of Powerwild's and a trio of Wyvern's.
"Grimm are yours, heartless-" He summoned Fenrir and Oblivion.
"Leave those to me!" They charged in a group only to split up leaving the heartless to dog pile on the keyblades chosen. One of the Powerwilds jumped at him he parried quickly knocking it higher into the air. A quick slice ended it. Two more came from both sides and one of the Wyvern's swooped down low charging at full speed. Sora jumped into the air using strike raid to end the Powerwilds. He came down full speed on the Wyvern crushing it to the ground and rending the creature right through.
"Only two left..." He looked to his team who seemed to be handling the situation with Grimm fairly easily. He jumped into the air not wanting this to continue longer than need be.
"Lightning blade beam!" Covered in yellow energy he jumped into the air as his blade was struck with lightning. He brought down two beams of yellow energy sailing above the ground with enough power to tear the concrete asunder. They collided with the winged beasts they cried out in pain as the hearts they held captive were released and they vanished.
"May your hearts, find peace." Sora whispered as he ran off to meet up with his team.
"Do not celebrate yet for I am certain this is the first bout of many" He was right more came running.
"Like cutting through silk." Sora dashed past the group he stopped a few yards ahead and stood still after a few seconds the Grimm split into pieces.
Striker.
"More coming, no problem." indeed more came in larger and larger packs and the more that came the more irritated Yang was getting.
"Excellent work." The girls seemed tired – except Yang she just seemed winded.
"Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be any sign of criminal activity in this sector. Oh well moving on!" Yang spoke up
"Hey, doc I was actually looking forward to seeing a pro huntsman in action. Like fighting or helping us fight?"
"Ah, but I am in action. Scouring the ruins for any sign of irregularity. Not every mission is filled with terror and heroism sometimes it's just a heightened form of extermination." He said sagely
"If you're that focused on another set of hands. You have one extra member than any other team, be thankful." Dr. Oobleck added.
"I feel like that's an insult" Sora responded
"You shouldn't, you remind me of your father." The former now had questions.
"You – You knew my dad?"
"Knew? No, but I know what he was capable of and I can see much potential in you. If only your headmaster contacted beacon sooner we could've helped him."
"Wait, what do you mean contacted you sooner?" The brunette wore a perplexed expression.
"Your headmaster contacted us the day before your town went black. He explained at the very least his position in your town and that he was sending someone important."
"The last of the line of SOILDER of course. Opzin couldn't readily refuse especially after he saw what you had to offer." Sora's features wrinkled in thought
After another wave, Dr. Oobleck started asking questions.
"Yang why did you choose this line of work?" She gave a skeptical look
"Well, to fight monsters and sav-" He cut her off
"No, that is what you do I want to know why it is you do it. The honest reason why you want to be a huntress." She seemed to understand now
"The honest reason? I'm a thrill seeker I want to travel the world and get into as many crazy adventures as I can. If I help people along the way that's even better it's a win-win y'know?" Dr. Oobleck had a look that gave off skepticism.
"I see" He walked off
"Miss Schnee a girl born into fame and fortune such as yourself certainly doesn't need the extra work. So why choose this over a cushy job in Atlas?" She tore through the last Grimm and made her way toward the man
"It's as you said I'm a Schnee and I have a legacy and honor to uphold once I found I was capable of fighting. There was no longer a question of what I should do with my life it was my duty." The resolve in her eyes was enough of a reason not to further question.
"Interesting" He hopped down from his ledge
After opening a door filled with Grimm crows and promptly killing them Dr. Oobleck had the same question for Blake
"What about you Blake, you seem to carry yourself with a sense of purpose." She stared blankly as if the question was already answered.
"There's too much wrong in the world to just stand by and do nothing. Inequality corruption, someone has to stop it."
"Very well, how?" She seemed to lack an answer and Dr. Oobleck seemed to stop there.
Ruby was off playing with Zwei – dunno where she managed to find a turkey. Let alone a cooked one but she had it stuffed to the end of her Crescent Rose allowing the dog to jump for it. She quickly hid it as Dr. Oobleck showed up.
"Are we ready to move?" She asked he stood firm
"No I believe that will have to do for today." He responded
"You three set up camp your leader and I will secure the area, Sora you follow alongside us. In case heartless come again." He sighed but obeyed his orders
They came to an overpass that opened out to miles of trees and Grimm. Out in the distance giant ones compared to the ones they've faced so far Ruby not entirely understanding the situation pulled out her Crescent Rose.
"Uh...Ruby, p- put the Scythe down" Sora hesitated
"Why? Let's kill it" He felt the need to pull her away and put her in a box.
"I'm afraid your sniper rifle will do nothing more than agitate a Grimm of that size."
"But what if it attacks us?" Ruby reasoned
"Fret not, those Goliaths are not concerned with us. "
"Huh. Reminds me Darkside..." Sora commented offhandedly
"Not every Grimm is mindless or rather not every Grimm is still mindless. The Grimm before you are so powerful – so superior to the ones you've faced that they've probably lived hundreds of years." Dr. Oobleck explained
"The thing that's kept them alive this long the most important thing – they've learned."
"Then, what are they doing this close to the border?" Ruby asked
"Waiting"
As they began walking Ruby decided to ask Dr. Oobleck why he wanted to become a huntsman. He chose to fight using his mind instead of traditional weaponry because he saw ways of fighting outside of traditional means. Taking what he knew and passing it on to students – to the younger generation so that more and more would be able to take up the mantle with his knowledge.
"I see these ruins and I see what could've been saved. I learn from this so no tragedy like this would be repeated. I'm a huntsman because there is nothing else I'd rather be."
"They made it back to camp in time for the fire to burn bright enough to keep the group warm.
"Enjoy your dinners and be sure to get a good nights rest for tomorrow we'll take turns watching over our temporary abode. Who shall volunteer for the first watch?" Ruby raised her hand before anyone else could or would probably.
"Hey, did Dr. Oobleck ask you why you wanted to be a huntress, what'd you tell him I mean?" Ruby gave a perplexed look
"No, he didn't oh well, good night guys." Ruby started her walk and Yang grew more confused
"What about you, Sora? He ask you anything?" He shrugged
"Nope, he didn't. I normally attract questions like that. I wouldn't worry about it, Yang." She gave him a skeptical look
"I don't know, it's just strange is all." She added
"As far as I know I wouldn't be asked such questions. I'm not really, you know from here and didn't join in a conventional way." Sora reasoned
"What do you mean?! You're as much one of us as anyone else at beacon!" Yang grew upset Sora sighed and remained silent
"If Ruby knew this was how you felt, how do you think she'd feel?" That seemed to strike a nerve he looked away toward any of the four walls near them and refused to turn back. Not so much angry but more or less upset with his own words.
"They see me as one of their own and I spat on that, I'm terrible"
The trio closest to him after awhile began talking about their pasts and why Dr. Oobleck chose to ask them in the first place. Out of all of them why they wanted to be huntresses Sora tried not to pry but the name Adam came up. That was the same guy they met before that much he knew at least Tidus brought him up at least once.
"At least you two have a sense of direction, I just go with a flow. it's not something that would honestly last but being a huntress lined up with adventure. I'm not like Ruby who dreamed of being a hero since she was a kid even before she could fight she knew that's what she wanted and trained so hard to get where she is today."
"Well, she's still a kid" Weiss responded
"Only by two years and we're not much older, even Sora's a year younger than us." Yang added
"I mean, look where we are, in the middle of a war zone armed to the teeth."
"It's the life we chose." Blake commented.
"It's a job, we all have the romanticized vision of being a huntress in our heads. But at the end of the day our job is to protect people."
"And whatever we want, will have to come second." Weiss finished
Ruby sat in thought her sniper rifle held up concentrating on random Grimm she saw but the back of her head held conflicting emotions as did her heart. after the dance she had a hard time looking at Sora. not because she was weary of him more or less...embarrassed with herself she couldn't bring herself to kiss him. They were friends and friends didn't do that but she wanted to. She admitted to liking him this was true but to what extent? She went out of her way to defend him and even as far as to fight Weiss over him staying. Maybe she did like him more than she initially thought. Granted she knew how he felt, he made that a bit more obvious but - she wasn't great at expressing it.
"He's got better choices and yet...is it just because of our connection or is there more to it?" She pondered she rested her Crescent Rose on her shoulder as she continued to ponder.
"I got envious when Yuna came back I know. I feel it harder to sleep when I'm not near him...he's helped me a few times. I want to help him too. But seeing him come back home hurt makes my heart ache and seeing him smile makes it flutter, what do I do?"
Sora had trouble sleeping, his hearing was a lot better than most and that irritated him. At least back at beacon walls helped deal with excess sound from irritating him however out in the wild? Anything was enough to keep him from fully committing to sleep. When Zwei started to bark and walk off Sora was up – irritated but stood up.
"Oh, you're up. It's okay I'll go get him" Ruby stood up as Sora yawned.
"You shouldn't go alone, if you're going I am too." Ruby pouted
"But you're clearly tired with Zwei gone you can rest" She reasoned
"Even with Zwei gone the wilderness never sleeps. You'd have to put everything in a night long coma to keep me from waking up, cmon let's go." They tiptoed out as Yang was the one on watch and not even a few feet outside they noticed him – peeing.
"Zwei this is a wasteland you literally could've done that anywhere" Sora laughed a bit
"He probably came out here out of respect for the women in the group." Sora reasoned
"I mean how would you feel if I decided to just go do that right near you guys?" He paused
An awkward silence fell and he realized the weight of his words when Ruby blushed.
"I- Not saying I would do that no way I'm just saying I understand why he – never mind." He gave up flustered and Zwei barked in response
"What was that?" A voice asked both teens perked up and hid looking over the makeshift wall. They noticed Whitefang members
"I thought I heard a Beowolf or something" The other responded
"Oh well, lets finish our patrol and get back to base." As they walked off Ruby made way to follow them despite Sora's silent protest. They silently followed until they made it into what seemed to be a building thanks to Zwei being look out and Sora's sense of eye-sight. Ruby brought out her communicator but the signal was low.
"Sora, did you bring your communicator?" The brunette in question scratched his head and smiled sheepishly.
"Ruby, I don't even think I brought another pair of socks let alone my communicator. Let's just go back" She huffed as they stood up and made way back. The ground below crumbled and Sora moved to push her away from the crumbling ground. Only for him to go first and Ruby to grab hold of some lose ground throwing her dog to safety commanded him to go before falling herself leaving her weapon at the hole's entrance.
Luckily for her Sora made a nice cushion.
"Ruby, no matter how small you are, your butt is still going to hurt when you fall from that height." She blushed at his comment
"Well I can't help that, maybe you shouldn't lay underneath me!" Sora gave her a bewildered look.
"If I knew you were going to fall on me I would've caught you." A door opened as they eventually stood up to reveal two Whitefang members.
"Freeze, you're a long way from home little kids, get lost on your date?" One of them teased Ruby reached for her Crescent Rose only for her to notice it was missing. Sora pulled out Fenrir.
"Don't worry, I'll take care of this." Sora ran toward one not realizing the other went straight for Ruby. Taking her out in a few punches knocking her unconscious.
"You- bastard!" Darkness surrounded the teen and he ran toward the other assailant. Drop-kicking him off the building they laid on, Sora picked up Ruby. The response to this was hot steel enter his body around his chest he fell to the ground in shock.
Ruby was the first to wake up looking around seeing the Whitefang everywhere walking around working behind in front of her she noticed Sora. Being dragged he was a bit more rag-doll-Esq, she noticed blood flowing from a wound he received.
"He wouldn't have been hurt if I was able to fight along side him." A sense of sadness washed over her.
"Hey boss we found something you might like" One of the Whitefang members called out
"Is it good or bad, Perry, because let me tell ya I have had a day."
"Uh...It's a little girl and a wounded stick in the mud."
"That would be bad"
He ordered the release of Ruby and sadistically began fighting her without a weapon while Sora lay held by the two members of white fang
"Come on, red don't you want to save your little boyfriend?" She charged again and missed and was tripped
"If you don't I could easily have him taken care of." Trepidation filled her mind of the things they could do but she held a face full of courage she knew she couldn't fight and didn't want to leave. She had two options her first option failed – running and finding her team and even then she felt bad about it.
She backpedaled into Sora and activated her semblance the light was bright enough to awake and repair some of the damage he received. Surprising not only her but Roman as well.
"Looks like we've got someone else who can use mana. Nowhere near as potent as ol' winged cranky pants but still. Enough of a reason to take you out. He pointed his cane at Ruby and the now slowly waking Sora. She stood in front of him her arms spread wide.
"I won't let you hurt him!" Roman smirked
"Cute but I don't think that puny body of yours is thick enough to stop bullets, red." He added as he came close to pulling the trigger a rumble threw him off guard. He turned around to see the rest of team RWBYS showing up.
"Oh, great more headache's " Ruby jumped overhead and ran toward her team. Roman and his henchman began firing but didn't quite hit the mark. Frustrated Roman turned his gun on the brunette shooting him instead. Even in his weakened state had enough in him to scream his lungs out at the similar pain once again reaching him.
"Take this kid, attach the car and get it moving put him on it we'll take him back with us."
"But it isn't- "Roman held his cane to the henchman's throat he complied quickly
Despite being shot he had enough magic to give Ruby a defensive barrier. in case she did get hurt but it was hard to concentrate with his vision fading in and out.
Ruby made it to her team and into her sisters arms. Yang herself taking care of some of the henchmen before speaking o her sister.
"Ruby! Are you okay?" She asked concern filling her voice.
"I'm fine I'm fine but we have to stop Roman. he's got all sorts of weapons and robots down here. Loaded up on that train and they've got Sora with them." Worry denting into her pale features.
"Is he okay?" A tear fell
"I don't know I – I ran I heard him scream but I -" She started to fidget.
"I think Roman shot him but -" A few more fell.
"Don't worry Ruby we'll get him back.
They managed to get aboard the train only to realize they'd been noticed sooner than they'd hoped. Whitefang members came from below they ran to the other car and tried to detach the one from before only for it to come off itself and explode.
Instead of worrying about it they ran ahead. Taking out white fang members as they went and once again the train car before detached. Once they got about to the third car in Dr. Oobleck instructed Weiss Blake and Yang to go below and to stop the bombs, while Ruby Dr. Oobleck and Zwei went on ahead to stop the train.
Inside the three girls split each in one car. Yang wasn't having the most pleasant of matches that girl with the mismatched eyes. showing much prowess for hand to hand combat and was able to stop her bullets with just her umbrella. Weiss was standing toe to toe with the higher white fang member and Blake was just now getting to Roman who had Sora chained up.
"Oh, kitty cat, we must stop meeting like this. I mean seriously can you come back in about five minutes I was about to kill this kid." Roman stated nonchalantly She glared.
"People are gonna talk, of well you can watch." He pulled his cane up and Blake ran for him. He side stepped and backed away instead of her making way to him he took initiative however she received dust from Weiss. Luckily enough every after image she left did something different the first one exploded in fire. Sending Roman back in a bit of a daze he stayed at a distance and fired a round only for the second after image she made to be of earth stopping his bullets dead.
She ran in head first using another after image that he attacked she went in attempting to do In Roman. for every attack he made he was met with an after image. The one that did him in however was ice, his cane was embedded in it. Blake took this as a chance to charge a beam of purple energy akin to Sora's own blade beam and shot it at Roman knocking him on his back.
He tried getting up but Blake kept him down with her boot covered foot.
"Why are we fighting, I saw you at the rally we're on the same side and you know it." Blake swapped her Gambol Symbol to gun form and shot down Sora. He slid down in a heap He was barely conscious.
With Weiss she was elegantly winning her fight dodging and striking with well tried strikes using her glyphs she used something ever close to Sora's own sonic raid. Bouncing off of glyphs she created. The last hit connected or so she thought, the man grabbed her by her mouth and slammed her to the ground. He began and onslaught of his own and time seemed to slow when he finally brought his chainsaw to her torso. Yang's fight wasn't faring so well either, it was still ever so one-sided and yet she was still entirely determined.
"So, what are we going to do?" You know that bow isn't going to make people forget what you were, what you've done."
"It...Doesn't matter what she's done her past doesn't affect that she wants to change. That – that...she wants to save people, you coward." Sora wheezed out Weiss came flying into the car they inhabited.
"So what's it going to be, Blake?" She promptly kicking him in the face
"Hang on Sora we'll take care of this guy and get you out of here."
"Oh, yeah...sure I'm – I'm not going anywhere just, bleeding out." He stated passive aggressively
Back with Yang however she was on the ground close to being impaled however – luck was on her side. A mysterious figure came with a long blade swapping to a red glyph infused blade out of her sheath. She walked forward, the girl clad in pink seemed to fear this person and left seconds later.
The woman left as Yang slowly came to she caught a glimpse of her as she stepped through the portal she created. she held some curiosity if only for a moment before racing off to the car that held Roman.
In that car, Sora who was barely with oxygen. To make matters worse was totally out of any potions.
"Just, Just go." He demanded.
"What do you mean, we can't leave you here." Blake retaliated
"What choice do you have? I'm – I'm going to slow you down I'm a liability at best, just go stop the train."
"At best you won't be alive when we get back – Yang." The girl in question hoisted the teen up from his waist despite the clear discomfort he felt. They used the latter to climb up and onto the top of the top of the train where they met up with Ruby. She took one look at her team and realized just how pale and lifeless Sora looked.
"He's, almost as pale as Weiss." Ruby's worry grew but they didn't have time to do much about it. The end of the road was coming, Weiss made a protective dome around the team as they hit the giant metal door. The team landed in a daze they noticed people and moments later Grimm came out of the metalwork. Chasing down people and causing mayhem.
Worry turned into determination Sora warily stood up on his own.
"We – doing this?" He asked wearily.
"You need to sit back you're too weak for this." Yang demanded much to his dismay.
"I can still fight." He glared a bit.
"You're still bleeding all you fighting is going to is cause you to bleed out faster." Sora fell back on his butt in defeat without much of a fight. Despite his want to fight he couldn't and as much as he hurt he couldn't manage to heal himself. He was too weak to absorb mana. All the negative emotion's running amok didn't help he wasn't getting enough at all.
They dragged him to the center plaza as the Grimm surrounded them despite the overwhelming odds they began to fight. Yang and Ruby going in first taking out the lesser Grimm with bullets and simple attacks with relative ease. Once the Cobra started to make its move and the crows began flying in it seemed they'd surely never make it out.
"Nora smash!" Nora came flying in on her hammer slamming the Cobra's dome into the ground. Her team right on her trail taking down whatever Grimm they saw. Jaune even managed to solo a giant Ursai much to Pyrrha's glee.
As more and more members from Beacon showed up so did Atlas' new soldiers. Cinders team even came to help, everyone began to cheer but – it was if anything short lived.
"Kid" A gruff voice called out Sora still barely conscious looked up in a haze. Whoever it was clearly wasn't friendly he felt a boot hit his ribs and he went flying into one of the stationary planes he cried out. Everyone looked over to see a tall burly shirtless man with a black sword and long black hair.
"Scuse' me here for the kid just making sure he's alive." Ruby ran to the brunette's side and held him close.
"Look, kid that's our dog I need him back, you can go get your own."Jecht said nonchalantly.
"I already have a dog, but Sora isn't a dog and I won't let you take him." He leaned in close to the girl and Yang threw a punch that stayed rooted in his cheek but he didn't seem to notice.
"Then hand him over – I'm not going to play nice about it." Yang pulled back and threw a shotgun powered punch this time – it was enough to make him glance over at her.
"Girly, for your own safety, stop trying to scratch my itch." Yang backed off instinctively.
"That boy is property of Beacon. We won't let you have him so easily." Dr. Oobleck stated as the teachers came into view
"You do know none of you can stop me, right? Why bother trying to get in my way I'll never understand." He sighed a bit reached down and grabbed a hold of the barely lifeless brunette however Ruby clutched onto him.
"You're persistent, I'm not a fan of that."Ject glared into her eyes, despite fear from her peers she glared back.
"But you've got spunk, unlike my chicken-shit kid who used to run away like a coward. So tell you what, I'll give you – two minutes to tell him your goodbye's you won't be seeing him again anyway." Jecht dropped them both on the pavement and Ruby held him close.
"I won't give up, I won't let you take him away!" Ruby shouted pulling out Crescent Rose once again.
"Kid, I'm trying to show some compassion here I don't do this often and your spitting on it." Jecht responded irritation showing on his features
She took a swing and Jecht just took it it didn't pierce his skin. He flicked the end of her scythe back and it went flying back and landed on the ground. She quickly ran back and grabbed it and charged again
"This is just – can someone take her away before she gets hurt. Despite my affiliation, I'm not too keen on killing girl who's already been kicked while she's down."Yang pulled her back much to her younger sisters disbelief.
"What, what are you doing?! If we don't fight they'll take him away, we won't see him again!" Ruby shouted
"We can't – we can't stop this guy if nothing we do is enough what are we supposed to do?" Yang reasoned
Ruby struggled and finally broke free of her sisters grasp and ran back to her friends side.
"You don't know when to quit do you, the kids barely hanging on and you think you can save him. You can't even hurt me even if every single one of you came at me the situation wouldn't change they know it but you're to stubborn to stop, why?" She gave a quizzical look but soon after glared a bit.
"I finally understand, why"
"I – I won't let you take away the person - the person I like most!" Jecht cocked a brow at this.
"You're doing this because you've got some school girl crush, that's cute but -"
"My feelings are real, I'll stand by him"
"If you take him you take me too!" She cut him off he glared and reached for the barely conscious teen.
"I won't let anyone take him away!"
"No!" She grabbed a hold of him and a bright light emerged from the ravenette.
"This light, mana?!" A barrage of ice and fire came from thin air all colliding with Jecht who didn't have enough time to react.
A giant orb of gravity hoisted him into it's center.
"She's even using Transcendence" He glared as he was sucked into the orb less than a minute later it imploded in itself and he returned to the ground
"She's using his mana but she has her own magic abilities?" She cried out as reality seemed to warp for Jecht he gasped when he finally realized what she was doing
"She's trying to warp me out of the plane of existence" He kicked up a patch of pavement and threw it at the girl it was met with a reflect shield and a retaliation of the spell Faith the light burned his skin and he for once felt he underestimated this girl completely
"What's going with Ruby?!" Yang asked taken aback by the sudden shift in power
"Her link with Sora" Dr. Oobleck stated.
"The stronger it gets the more power she acquires it's never manifested itself like this before however." he continued
"When I saw reports of the few times she was able to harness Sora's form change. I knew they had to have some form of link but to this extent. I had no idea it seems the closer they get the stronger she becomes. However, she has to be brought to boiling point as of now she can't tap into it without great stress being placed upon her." His features held great concern.
Jecht wasn't going to sit around and wait for another faith spell. Coating his skin in darkness he dashed into Ruby and grabbed her by the collar.
"I'm sick of your little games, girly." Jecht looked down to notice Sora's wounds had been healed and he was slowly waking up.
"Great, you made my job that much harder. Guess I'm just going to choke the life out of you. You're tiny enough shouldn't take long." The rest of team RWBYS attempted to release her from his grasp but to no avail all Jecht did was stare blankly at the girl as she struggled.
"Just let it happen lover boy here isn't going to save you, just give in!" something from behind – something hot was coming from behind he turned his head to gasp in awe.
"Meteor? You shouldn't - " It hit him before he could finish his sentence Ruby fell to her backside as Sora slowly opened his eyes.
"What'd -" He struggled to get up slowly sitting up.
"I miss?" He asked Yang pointed to the crater where meteor fell.
"Ruby just kicked shirtless guys butt" Sora stared in confusion until he realized what Yang meant.
"You need to get out of here" Sora forced himself to his feet as meteor began to break apart and slowly crumble.
"Why?" Blake asked perplexed.
"Because in no way is that going to stop Jecht." Sora responded readying a keyblade true to his word the meteor broke. Jecht stepped out of the crater with a few scratches and some first degree burns.
"See kid, I was going to break your neck and be merciful. Now? I'm just gonna cut you piece by piece." Jecht readied his sword
"You'll have to get through me first, Jecht!" The former popped his neck.
"Seeing as you're the only one who can actually put up a fight – this won't be long." The brunette glared
Ruby grabbed a hold of his hand and stood up she too sporting a glare of her own light began to surround the two.
"Final!" Sora shouted as light erupted from the two of them this time only Sora was bathed in the form change. Two blades rested behind him he raised his hand and the hidden blade that Mercury did so well to secure flew to Sora's handshe readied it.
The wind was the only sound that signaled the start of the duel both fighters vanished. Sounds of metal hitting metal and the occasional building toppling over was enough to know this fight was very real.
Jecht kneed Sora in the stomach as Sora used the momentum to bring his fathers sword over-head and slice into Jecht's shoulder. In retaliation Jecht grabbed the barer of the key by his cranium and slammed him into the pavement until he finally broke through leaving him in the dirt.
He slowly pulled himself out and began fighting again his moves were a bit more sluggish and a bit slower but he kept at it.
"Cross slash!" Sora tried the famous three hit combo only two of the three slashes hit but it was enough. Jecht flew through one of the many buildings near by, he recoiled quickly and elbowed Sora into the planes and forest outskirts. The only indication he was out that far was the now trail of dirt and the dust cloud and explosion that could be seen.
"Huh, think he's dead?" Jecht asked rhetorically.
After some time Sora finally made it back to the plaza clearly weakened covered in dirt and blood he readied himself once again.
"You know if you keep trying you're just going to die." It wasn't a haphazard joke they both knew that.
"I can't – won't die here" Sora huffed exhaustion getting to him Ruby ran to his side her Crescent Rose at the ready.
"Ruby, no you can't fight this one he's too much" She shook her head.
"I'm not leaving you to fight this all on your own we fight together, Sora." A warm light surrounded her body a field of light formed underneath Jecht and a white aura surrounded Sora.
"The hell, is this I can't -" He glared
"You combined holy and freeze to keep me stuck." Jecht tried pulling himself out.
"This won't keep me here for long whatever tactic you're trying won't keep work." The ice started to crack under the pressure Jecht was making with the combined efforts of his feet and slamming his sword into the ice.
"It'll keep you there, long enough." Sora levitated into the sky as the fusion blade split apart light forming around each blade.
"You think this is enough, you think I'll die to this?!"Jecht shouted
"Your time has come!" Ruby shouted as she herself flew above the weapons.
Limit: Radiant Omni Slash
"Holy!" Sora infused light into his keyblade and began striking light burning his skin every time he made contact. Ruby would also cast Holy when he finally got to the last sword Ruby cast faith one last time. In a concentrated state shooting down in a ball of pure light energy as it collided so did Sora's weapon.
The town was covered in an impossibly bright light as it slowly died down the spot Jecht inhabited was gone he was nowhere to be seen.
Back at beacon they all sat staring at the sunset more or less worn out from the previous fighting.
"If we don't get extra credit for this I'll be seriously disappointed." Yang responded.
"Weiss, a two-headed snake literally crushed a bakery I wouldn't count on it." Yang stated matter-a-factually.
"Plus we didn't solve everything, right?" Ruby added.
"A lot of people were hurt and we still don't even know why they did this or who that mystery girl was. Or that special power I used back there either." Ruby stared at her hands
"Well, not every story has a neat and tidy ending." Weiss answered truthfully.
"We might not have all the answers but we put a lot of people behind bars and that's what matters" Blake said in a way that seemed to put her at ease
"Yeah, and if anyone tries this again we'll be there to stop them!" Ruby added as they stood up laughing a bit and turning just in time to see Sora coming back from the infirmary.
"How was it?" Yang asked smirking a bit
"You try sitting in an office for three hours getting blood put back into you." He stated rather irritated
"Then on top of that not being able to move around for about thirty minutes the only upside." He fished around in for a baggy he had
"Is they gave me this" Sora snickered Ruby's eyes glowed with want.
"Cookie!" Ruby cooed
"Uh-uh, what do you say?" He teased
"Oh, Sora please!" She pleaded he smiled hard
"I dunno I think that's not enough." He wasn't stopping the trio smiled as they began walking on ahead.
"Ah, I know just the thing!" He snapped his fingers she jumped at this.
"What, what!" She was on edge
"You can give me this -" He leaned in brushing his lips against hers fully. Bringing her in close in the first kiss they've been apart of. One that wasn't a life or death situation he released her lips sheepishly smiling like an idiot.
"Here" He pushed the cookie into her wanting hands she smiled brightly before looking back into his glowing eyes. Blushing a bit she closed the distance between them again finding his lips once again.
"All in all I'd call today a success." Cinder started
"Those stupid kids really know how to make a mess of things." Emerald stated with a hint of concern
"Yeah a lot of Faunus didn't make it out of those tunnels." Mercury stated finally free to take a scratch at his back thanks to no sword being held there
"You still think the Whitefang will listen to us?" Emerald asked
"No," A man with a long black coat came into view.
"But they'll listen to me, so long as you let me at that Sora kid."
On one of the many roofs of Beacon Sora stood thinking over his newfound situation and his most recent encounter with Jecht. He was happy he was able to express himself with Ruby. They should've clarified where they stood so if anything it was mutual like from what he understood. He needed to have a talk with her about that. As for Jecht he reasoned the whole thing had to be some test, right? What other reason would he have to do what he did? Sora ruffled his brown locks in irritation.
"So, even the enemy will take strides to understand the other." Sora heard a blade hitting the cement building
"However, you'll never truly understand, I'll make sure of that." A cool breeze shifted toward them
"After you showed up, everything changed, so if I defeat you. Maybe Tidus will come back." Sora turned around with Oblivion in his hand.
"Tidus?" The Faunus laughed a bit
"He's lost to the darkness, nothing you do will bring him back." Adam charged Sora stood his ground guarding.
"What do you mean?!" Sora shouted
"If you want to find him you'll have to venture alone, into the depths of the thing you seek to destroy. if you can defeat me that is!" Adam shifted his weight off to this right causing the brunette to fall forward. Adam re-positioned his blade to get a clean slice through his enemies torso.
Adam looked over the teenager in disgust.
"I expected more, if this is all he had why would Jecht. -" He trailed off as he started to walk away however before he got too far he felt the presence of darkness. He turned back to See shadows cover the bearer of the key and he stood up howling like an animal he was lost to the shadows.
"It seems you've already embraced the evil within you." Adam readied himself once again.
"Come!" He ran forward as the wind brought rain and lightning struck. It was the light they had as they vanished into the darkness.
The storm picking up was enough to eventually wake up the sleeping ravenette who sat up in a panic. She looked around her room to see her sister and friends asleep but Sora remained missing.
She began hopping down out of bed and made her way out into the hall. A singular voice started to speak to her, she gathered from her connection with Sora.
"I'm too weak, I can't even fight him without relying on this - " Ruby clutched her heart, it was hurting and it felt cold. She had to find him she started running.
"No one needs to see what I've become, I'm a monster" She made it to one of the doors that lead outside she placed her hand on it trepidation filled her. The closer she came to opening the door the more fear made it's way into her shaking her head she pushed through and opened the door.
In the cool rain, she saw what looked to be a man on the ground his weapon off to the side stick in the ground. She saw what looked to be the visage of someone she knew but it was so dark.
"Who are you?" She asked if anything the question was to herself, fear left her voice lightning struck. As if to answer her question she saw him in all his glory his body covered in darkness, void of any of the colors she adored his skin was completely black. His face was lacking any emotion and his eyes - pupilless gold. She took a step back falling and looking up at the hulking monster that was. At least she was praying it wasn't - Sora it screamed to the heavens as if a warning.
"Stay away from me!"
In the principal's office, Professor Opzin and Dr. Oobleck sat.
"So you think, Sora's father planted this link between his son and her for a reason?" Professor Opzin asked skeptically.
"It's the only logical explanation, this is pure conjecture but - what if she holds something within her that we don't see and this link creates a way for us to see it." Dr. Oobleck responded.
"You're suggesting she might be -" Dr. Oobleck raised his hand.
"I am in no way suggesting she could be a maiden but - something close. That power was beyond what a normal person could do." Professor Opzin glared a bit
"You've seen Sora do these things, maybe she's tapping into it, through this link." He theorized
"Maybe, but something about it - feels different." Professor Opzin cocked a brow
"Different, how?" He Stared intently at his colleague
"It feels as though something is awakening and I'm not sure what but we should be prepared for the better or worst." Dr. Oobleck stated in a cryptic manner before getting up to leave
"You'll keep me informed?" Opzin asked more over rehtorically.
"Of course" Dr. Oobleck exited the office.
"I hope for all our sakes that whatever it is, that it is a positive feeling."