Over 3000 views for the Volume 2 finale! A big thank you to everyone reading, reviewing and enjoying this tale! :)
Vale's defenses have been breached, its defenders still en route. It is up to RWBY, JNPR and our Heroes to hold the line in their absence…I hope everyone enjoys the Volume 2 Finale. :)
Olivia fired another volley, dropping three Beowolves standing too close together and allowing the young couple they were looming over a chance to run. The area was now completely deserted save for the Grimm…the rest having retreated to safety.
"Ruby!" Olivia shouted, spotting the four members of Team RWBY staggering to their feet at the foot of the train cab.
"Olivia! We couldn't stop it; they are pouring into the city!"
Ruby, Weiss, Blake and Yang all stood back to back, completely and utterly surrounded by Grimm. It was here Ruby felt most at home. Without a word the four scattered, picking a group of Grimm and fighting with everything they had.
Ruby planted Crescent Rose into the ground, using it as a base as she ran in circles, kicking any Beowolf that dared get too close; there was no shortage of takers.
Yang blasted off the ground using her gauntlet rounds as propulsion. Once high enough she started firing barrage after barrage at the hordes on the ground, decimating them in record numbers. A loud screech drew her attention, turning in mid-air Yang spotted a flock of Nevermores bearing down on her while she could not evade.
Olivia aimed her rifle up, firing her largest high-impact fire dust rounds directly into the flock, forcing it to scatter. A single talon clipped Yang, sending her plummeting to the ground.
"I got you!" Roland shouted, diving beneath, tilting his shield up towards her. Yang planted her feet, spring boarding off the shield, immediately flying into the nearest Beowolf and slamming it into a wall. "Dropping in?"
"Well you know how I love to start a fight with a Yang," she smiled as the two reunited on the battlefield.
"Perfect," he returned the smile. "Now I get to show off."
Winding up his arm Roland released his shield with a mighty throw, sending it spinning towards the nearest Ursa. The shield's bladed edges clipped clean through its neck, bouncing off two additional walls and through another three Beowolves before returning to his hand. He had been practicing that for weeks.
As the shield returned it unfolded once more into the warglaive form, Roland was much more proficient in its use with two good arms. He slashed his way through a wave of Creepers, Yang watching his back.
Weiss and Blake were covering each other not far, each striking what Grimm they could before falling back to allow the other to cover their retreat. Blake converted her sword to its gun form and mowed down a wave of Creepers…but more always poured forth to fill the gaps.
"Where is Horatio?" Ruby asked, taking a nearby Grimm's head off.
"Under the train!" Olivia shouted in reply. "He and Cinder were…"
Before she could complete her thought a loud explosion forced them to cover their ears. From the looks of it a pillar of flame had erupted from the train debris blasting away a portion of what remained. Had a weapon cache detonated from the flames?
After several tense moments Olivia spotted three forms begin their climb out of the freshly formed opening…a smile returning to her face where it belonged.
Beneath the Rubble…
Cinder looked up as soon as the sound of grinding metal and stone stopped, surveying the situation. That stupid child had refused to leave the park, eliciting Horatio and by extension herself to pursue her. Horatio performed as selflessly as ever when the train had careened right into them, diving in to shield them.
And that was where his power came to the forefront.
Until now she had understood he had freakish strength and durability…but now it made absolutely no sense. He had leapt between the train and Cinder; the little girl shielded between them and held his ground. The train had plowed into his back…and just STOPPED. Every piece of the train that struck his aura stopped cold, the rest not directly impacting him continued its path of destruction literally shearing itself off from the rest and continued forward.
But the part that boggled the mind…she couldn't feel the force of the train around her AT ALL. Were it not for the grating sounds and what she could see with her eyes…she would never know she was at the eye of a steel typhoon. Cinder could understand someone's strength holding back just about anything…but to block a speeding train so utterly that another person standing directly in front of him cannot even slightly feel the impact? That should be utterly impossible.
Horatio appeared to have trained to extend his aura somewhat as there was no way he was large enough to completely protect Cinder with his body alone…yet not a single scrap of metal so much as nicked her vest or the child as the train rushed past. After agonizing seconds the train completed its parade of destruction, leaving the three trapped in a bubble of gnarled machinery and scrap.
"Are…you both ok?" Horatio asked. The groan of metal could be heard over his back, likely the one thing preventing it from collapsing on their heads.
The little girl was still crying but was otherwise fine, Cinder only nodded as she pointed a hand upward. Horatio had proven he would keep her secret and she didn't think she could stand being under this rubble with the brat crying for much longer.
Flame encircled her right eye for an instant.
With a single concentrated burst of flame the roof above them exploded outward, revealing sunlight. Horatio grunted as the pressure disappeared from his back and he could stretch his arms freely again, the girl refusing to release the hold on his leg.
"It's ok now," Horatio assured her. "You can let go."
The girl let out a wail, digging her nails deeper into his leg, no sign of letting go in sight. Cinder reached out to pull her away, frustration nearly at the breaking point again.
First Roman initiates the next phase WEEKS early, eliciting an attack that may do damage but would no longer ensure Vale's destruction. Then I am forced to protect these…PEOPLE and a brat who doesn't have a hint of self-preservation…if she doesn't silence herself, Horatio nearby or not I will…
Cinder's eyes froze as they locked onto where the little girl was clinging. She was digging her nails into the skin of his leg just below the hem of his shorts…as soon as Cinder had bored down on the girl a single nail flicked across his leg, eliciting a wince as it cut through his skin.
"I-I'm sorry," the little girl apologized upon realizing what she'd done. Her cries finally subsided to tearful sniffles.
"Don't be," Horatio comforted with a pat to the head. "It's just a scratch."
Just…a scratch?
Cinder's mind raced, this man, this first-year Huntsman in training who had survived Grimm, androids, mutants and now a train traveling at incredible speeds without so much as a bruise was just scratched…by a toddler. And then the answer hit her, she allowed a malicious smile of triumph to cut through her façade as she had solved the mystery…this HAD to be the answer.
She remembered back to the times she had watched him fight, against Mercury, the androids at Merlot's lab, the mutated Grimm…all of it. At the start of battle he would seem above average at best but nothing special, however as the fights went on he became a force of nature taking hits with seemingly no injury while delivering titanic blows…and therein lay the secret. It even explained how he could stop the train so completely.
Even the weakest of auras would have protected against a child's nails…I was too busy thinking he was like others…which I should have realized by now he never was.
His semblance allowed his aura to absorb the kinetic force of anything that struck it, like the Xiao Long girl's…but so much more. His was passive…allowing him to absorb and channel the force towards his speed, strength, durability, even stamina…the harder you hit him the stronger he would get. Unlike the golden girl he actually STOPPED the kinetic force against his body and prevented injury, there had to be a thermal component to it as well which would explain how he could survive even a Maiden's flames. But could it be so simple? Why didn't he seem so immovable all the time if he could totally cancel an objects momentum?
Her smile deepened upon realizing the simple answer…he could CONTROL how much energy he channeled. Emerald had determined he was actively hiding how his power worked…if he could control how much he absorbed he could allow enough kinetic force through to play the part that he was still feeling the attacks and keep others from realizing what he was doing. But…his aura was fragile without his semblance to reinforce it as a result as the little girl had so kindly proven. If the attack did not possess sufficient force to strengthen his aura or skin…it would pass clean through.
A knife through the heart at close range pushed in VERY slowly…that's all it would take. He let her close to him often enough…
Cinder assumed he mustn't be able to hold onto the energy for very long without input as he was cut so soon after having stopped the train…or perhaps he used up all he had absorbed to stop it…something for future examination. Horatio often stomped his feet or slammed his hands together before going into battle. Cinder had assumed it was a part of the male bravado to amp himself up for a fight or to show off. It was anything but…he was actively generating his own kinetic energy in preparation for the fight!
Such a clever boy…with that strategy we might never have realized how your powers worked. But you made a mistake, for the first time today you used your FULL power to stop that train's momentum completely. On top of that this girl showed us the rest, between the two we were given all the pieces we'd ever need. You just revealed the secret of your power, and for what? You gave yourself away just to…just to…
He had given himself away without a second thought…to protect her.
The two climbed out of the rubble, the girl held in Horatio's arms as they broke through outside into the morning air.
"Oh no," Horatio groaned.
Grimm were swarming throughout the park climbing over the train rubble and running through the streets. He could see law enforcement road blocks doing as best they could to contain them…but without backup they would not last long.
"I will take the girl," Cinder offered, picking her out of Horatio's arms. "Once she is safe I will return, my team is nearly here."
A reward for your role today little one, you get to survive.
Horatio nodded as he jumped over the side of the car, flattening the first Grimm unfortunate enough to be below. He could see Olivia waving in the distance as she dropped another nearby Beowolf. She, the rest of Team HERO and RWBY were fighting through wave after wave of Grimm and were barely holding, there were plenty more for all of them…It was time to get to work.
Team HERO…
"Horatio!" Olivia shouted as Team HERO reunited with their leader. Despite their near-constant battle the Grimm still had them completely surrounded. Thankfully their presence seemed to be keeping the invaders focused on the area instead of spreading out into the city.
There was no time to talk, they had to do some damage until the reinforcements arrived from Beacon. The four situated themselves in front of the breach, where Grimm were still pouring inside the city.
"We need to seal the breach…Defiance against the Gods!" Horatio shouted, unable to hide his smile at the inclusion of their full team attack name.
Roland split his shield onto each arm, Horatio stood behind him with Esmerelda and Olivia protected between them. Esmerelda fell into a meditative stance, creating eight copies of her weapon hovering overhead, it was her limit and she could not maintain her aura while she had so many…but protecting her was Horatio and Roland's task now. Olivia poked her rifle out over their shoulders, ready for the Grimm's advance…and fired.
They surrounded and charged their position but their formation held, no new Grimm would get past them. Whether they charged at Roland or Horatio Team HERO stood their ground, Horatio clobbering any that came his way while Roland pushed them back until one of Esmerelda's Naginatas could come around and take their head off. Safely tucked between them Olivia had free reign to fire her rifle indiscriminately, no need to worry about evading or keeping out of their reach.
Esmerelda's eight weapon-clones swung majestically over their heads like an umbrella as she sat meditating behind their protective stance. With absolute focus she could command them to go wherever she chose with complete certainty she was safe as she did. Grimm bodies began to pile around them faster than they could disintegrate, none able to so much as dent their formation.
Zwei had followed Roland into the battlefield, it was clear he was no ordinary dog. No Grimm that challenged him stood a chance; a single head-butt from the beloved Corgi sent even the largest Beowolf smashing through a nearby wall. He leapt into the nearest cluster of Grimm and started tearing through them.
Team RWBY…
Unfortunately, even with the numbers HERO was holding, many more flooded other portions of the street through smaller breaches and team RWBY was hard pressed to hold them back. Ruby had finished decapitating another Beowolf, turning to find her next target her eyes widened at the sight of a King Taijitu…a large serpent Grimm staring her down, roaring in challenge.
"NNoooooooorrrrraaaaaaaa SMASH!" Came the cheerful pink fighter shouting as she flew through the air atop her hammer, bringing it down upon the Taijitu's head, killing it instantly.
Looking up Ruby spotted a Bullhead hovering above, she saw it was indeed Bolt piloting. Nora had launched herself from the open hatch to reach the battle first. One by one Team JNPR dropped down into the battlefield starting with Jaune.
"Let's go!" Pyrrha shouted as they joined the fray, she and Ren flying into the nearest Grimm with Jaune close behind.
"Alright…who's first?" Jaune asked, seconds before an Ursa Major dropped seemingly out of nowhere directly behind him. In a flash it brought an enormous paw down on Jaune's head. Or it would have, had he not raised his shield in time, deflecting its claws expertly. With a mighty swing he cut clean through its neck, sending the Grimm toppling backwards.
Team JNPR was not alone, from the same Bullhead four new students led by Arslan of Team ABRN dropped into the battlefield.
"We got more coming from Beacon!" She shouted, sliding into a combat stance. "More Bullheads are scrambling, everyone who was still on campus are on their way and those that are close enough are being recalled!"
"Then we hold them here!" Ruby announced with renewed energy.
They did not need to wait long, looking up they could see backup had already arrived. Olivia and Esmerelda smiled at the familiar sight of an Atlesian Command Ship looming over the buildings. This time they had additional air support as dozens of Bullheads descended. Each one carried a squadron of Atlas Knights, mechanical soldiers similar to Dr. Merlot's androids. Created under the supervision of General Ironwood their purpose was to ensure as few living people were sent into combat as possible. The Bullheads began to launch their payload over the city; the knights falling by the dozens.
The knights swarmed the streets, fighting Grimm wherever they found them. It seemed Atlas had chosen quantity over quality as it often took many knights to bring down even simple Beowolves. It was no wonder they had created the larger Paladins. The Grimm gave as good as they took from the knights, mangled machinery and mechanical parts were scattered everywhere as the fighting intensified. Despite their fragile nature the assistance was greatly appreciated.
Along with the army of knights they had air support, massive Gatling guns fired into the Grimm horde, decimating their seemingly endless numbers.
Cinder had returned with the rest of her team, Emerald and Mercury tore into the Grimm that had nearly broken the police blockade. The entirety of Team SSSN was close behind proudly showing off their junior detective badges they had received from their senior Huntsman.
The Grimm were pushed back to the central park where they had started. No new forces had succeeded in entering Vale from the breach, Team HERO still held though clearly fatigued. Even Dr. Oobleck had emerged from the tunnels unscathed to join the fray.
By the time NDGO, CFVY and a half dozen other upperclassmen teams landed led by Ms. Goodwitch and Professor Port the battle had raged for the better part of the hour but at long last Grimm numbers seemed to be finally thinning. The latest reinforcements were the nail in the coffin for the assault. Coco shooting down a half dozen Nevermores with her Minigun handbag was the stylish finish she had become known for.
Roland finally relaxed as the last of the Grimm fled back into the breach. Already a team of Paladins were working to seal it back up to prevent further incursions. Olivia shook out her pockets and pouches scattered on her person, nearly every bullet she had was spent…it was a first time experience for her to come so close to empty. Esmerelda opened her eyes again, her weapons disintegrating as she did…only two remained of the original eight.
Horatio was still on edge, fists clenched ready for more to come at him…but none dared. They had fought so hard…and yet only had taken on a portion of those that broke through.
There were…so many.
Horatio had known that the Grimm were numerous…but this wasn't even the majority of those that roamed Mountain Glenn and the surrounding countryside…and they'd only won by pulling in nearly everything they could. Seeing was truly believing...he was visibly shaken.
We got lucky today…there HAS to be an alternative to just fighting them like this…there has to be…and I'm going to find it.
After the Battle…
The last of the Grimm stragglers had been cleared; friends sought each other out after the battle. Civilian injuries had been low and as far as they could tell there were no Huntsman or Huntress casualties other than the heaping mounds of destroyed Atlesian Knights.
"Try to hold still," Roland stressed to Yang. Her aura had been depleted during the fighting and she'd been struck from behind pretty hard. "You'll be right as rain in a minute." Roland was massaging her back, both glowing blue with his aura as he healed her bruises.
"You are loving this, aren't you?" She asked with an annoyed grin, she usually didn't like being fawned over.
"Any chance to lessen your burdens, I've been told I also give excellent shoulder massages," he smiled. As the aura dimmed and went out Yang stretched her arms still amazed at the power of his semblance.
Roland stumbled forward slightly groaning in pain; Yang caught him in an instant.
"I'm fine," he assured her. "Arm is just a bit sore, the Atlas Tech. must have taken a hit during the fight…I'm fine."
"Come on," Yang pushed, hooking Roland's right arm around her neck to support him. "They have medical personnel setting up shop nearby; they can take a look at it."
Cinder and Team CRMS had located Roman and the White Fang Lieutenant that Blake and Weiss had bested respectively and were handing them over to the authorities. Neo was nowhere to be found.
"O I can't believe that you caught me," Torchwick groaned sarcastically as Emerald and Mercury handed him over to the Altas Knights. "You've really taught me the error of my ways."
Emerald smacked him upside the head.
"Hey hey hey, watch the hat!"
Esmerelda and Olivia were watching the aftermath together awaiting the Bullheads return to ferry them all back to Beacon. In the wake of the attack all vacations and missions had been suspended pending assurances that Vale's defenses were restored.
"We did good today didn't we?" Olivia asked, her smile as bright as ever.
"We did," Esmerelda smiled. "Though I'm not sure Horatio thinks so."
The two saw their leader staring out over the destroyed park, knights and paladins and older Huntsman and Huntresses still scouring the area for any missed survivors, stray Grimm or more defeated White Fang. His face was much more serious than they were accustomed to; before they could do anything they noticed Ruby coming up behind him. She had just arrived from a meeting with her own team.
"Are…you ok?" Ruby asked, poking him in the arm to alert him to their presence.
"Just thinking," he smiled without turning to look at her. "Strategizing…the usual."
"Abooouuuttt?" She asked, giving him her big puppy eyes. Even she could tell there was more to it.
"I…guess I just learned today that one man cannot win a war," he admitted.
"Pfft, of course not," she remarked as if it was no big deal. "That's what you've got friends for."
He could only smile as they sat overlooking the city. She never failed to cheer him up…she must have a second Semblance.
"Thanks Ruby," he placed a hand on her shoulder, pulling her into a gentle bear hug that he sorely needed.
"Oh…uh….thanks…um….I guess," Ruby stumbled over her words, unsure of how to react to his unexpected contact. Behind them Olivia and Esmerelda could only smile.
Ozpin's Office…
"Ozpin….Ozpin!" Called a video message that had shimmered to life across his computer screen.
Ozpin took a bracing sip of coffee before turning back towards his desk from the window. "Yes, Councilman?"
"The Vytal Tournament cannot be broadcast…let alone held, if we are unable to ensure the safety of the citizens."
Despite his words reflecting worry for the common folk his tone was anything but, likely more worried for disrupted timetables and pre-planned meetings. The Vale Council members were not known for their flexibility.
"Ahem," he continued. "Therefore, we have reached out to the Atlas Council due to their aid in quelling this attack and together have decided that the best option is to appoint General Ironwood as head of security for the event."
A small image of General Ironwood appeared in the top corner of the screen, slowly growing until it encompassed much of the monitor.
"Thank you Councilman," Ironwood bowed respectfully. "Our Kingdom is happy to lend as many troops as it takes to ensure the event runs as smoothly…and safely as possible."
"And we thank you General."
"Will that be all?" Ozpin asked, his voice betraying just a hint of annoyance. The Council had never been fond of his appointment at Beacon Academy, but his…impressive experience left them with little choice in the matter.
"For now," the Councilman warned, the friendly tone he had given with Ironwood's appointment a moment ago completely gone. "But after this Festival comes to a close we are going to have a SERIOUS discussion regarding your position at Beacon Academy. General Ironwood's reports these last few weeks have left us somewhat…concerned."
James…all I needed was some more time…
The Vale Council feed disconnected as they ended the call, General Ironwood's face now taking up the entirety of the screen.
"This is the right move Oz," he assured him. "I promise…I will keep our people safe, you have to trust me." Without awaiting an answer he ended the call as well.
Ozpin spun his chair back towards the window, how had things degraded so much so quickly?
I do trust your intentions James, Ozpin thought. He wanted to believe, but he had known James since he was a boy. When he was certain in himself he had resolve greater than many he knew…but it also made him sloppy…predictable when he would fall into Atlas discipline and procedures. I have no doubt you will do everything to protect our people…the question is if that is exactly what the enemy wants…
Ironwood's Airship, Prisoner holding…
General Ironwood approached the cell of their latest…'guest,' the twin guards saluting as he neared the door.
"Leave us," he commanded. Without a word the two complied and moved further down the hall.
The prisoner raised his head, he looked quite miserable…though not as miserable as Ironwood would have liked. Despite the accommodations his sneer rarely faded from his face…it was that look Ironwood had come to despise from Roman Torchwick.
"Come to return my hat?" Roman asked snidely, rubbing the top of his bare head of red hair.
"I've been informed that so far you've refused to cooperate with the authorities," Ironwood began the interrogation, ignoring his question.
"I…know this might be hard to believe General but uh…I'm not the biggest fan of law enforcement." He was acting as sarcastic as ever.
"How about the world's strongest military power?" Ironwood corrected, crossing his arms proudly.
"First impressions?" Torchwick smiled as he glanced around the cell and down the hall. "Not great."
"I'm going to give you…ONE chance," Ironwood threatened, his voice bereft of any kindness. "Who's REALLY behind all this?"
Ironwood was no fool; he knew full well that Roman was a small time dust runner. Working with the White Fang…orchestrating Grimm attacks on Vale…these were not his MO. Clearly someone bigger had hired him to carry out these attacks…or threatened him. Ironwood was hoping it was the latter, then protection against them could be used as leverage for information.
"You really want to know General?" Roman leaned in close, beckoning the General to do the same. Ironwood slowly leaned closer, ready for answers.
"You're looking at him!" Roman suddenly exclaimed loudly, leaning back into his cell with a big grin.
Ironwood only chuckled as he stood back to his full height. "Very well then," with that final word her turned to walk away down the hall, no further chances would be given. "Be sure to make yourself comfortable…we will have all the time to…talk."
Ironwood approached the two guards he had bidden to leave, commanding them to return to their post. "Ensure he is looked after."
The guards saluted proudly, taking up position in front of the door again. The first guard glanced into the cell at him curiously for a moment. Even from a glance Roman could tell it was a woman, the armor almost completely hiding this fact; Roman was never a fan of the design for that reason. With a mischievous grin he relaxed for the duration, confident in the knowledge that no one else had witnessed her eyes shimmer pink and brown for a brief instant.
Overlooking the City…
"All in all, I'd call today a resounding success." Cinder announced proudly to Emerald and Mercury, the three standing atop a building overseeing the battle.
In more ways than one, she thought about her revelation of Horatio's semblance. But there's no need to let them know just yet…it can be...my little secret.
"Those stupid kids really made a mess of things," Emerald chuckled. "They all put up quite a fight."
"Yea," Mercury agreed. "A lot of Faunus didn't make it out of those tunnels. You still think the White Fang's gonna listen to us?"
"No," a deep voice announced behind them.
Turning around they saw a tall red-haired Faunus, his face was hidden behind a white Grimm mask. He had small black horns protruding from his hair, his vest and pants matched their color. He had a long sword at his hip; he never removed his hand from it.
"But they WILL listen to me."
Volume 2 draws to a close, an unsteady victory for our heroes…confidences broken and revelations that not all things are certain…
I will still continue into the next volume, however updates may be a bit further apart. There was so much about Volume 3 that has potential for new events and I want each chapter to be perfect. But rest assured this tale will continue, please let me know if a RWBY: HERO Chibi would be wanted for off weeks. As always, Read and Review, but most of all Enjoy. :)