A few more things to be cleared up, then we are close to the finale of the battle! It's been a long ride but we are nearly there!
Gravenimage: Just hold on in there, that will be revealed soon enough!
Atom king: Oho! You think Sigma is bad, keep in mind he is not in charge this time! If he is bad, the true villains are much worse! Who are they? All will be revealed soon!
Pea Brain Writer: Yeah, weird to see Sigma taking a subordinate role isn't it? By the way, that question was just a reference to the show, wasn't expecting a whole essay! Interesting viewpoint though, made for a great philosophical discussion with my friends. Thank you for that!
The headmaster's office made for quite a view. It's dizzying heights giving the observer a view that some could only dream of. Now though, the headmaster thought of it as something of a nightmare.
Sat in the seat behind his desk in the now ruined office, Ozpin could only look on on silent despair at the battle erupting throughout his school. He had taken it upon himself to train his students for this moment, now he could only watch on as they did their duty.
He grimaced slightly as a twitch of movement pulled at one of his many wounds. Looking above to the ceiling, he could hear Cinder and Pyrrha fighting on the roof. It was an intense battle indeed. Much as he wanted to be there to aid his pupil, he knew he was in no condition to fight. So Ozpin sat, letting his aura heal him and trying to see how all this would end.
He let out a deep sigh and leaned back in his chair, eyes closed. He let the feeling of his aura wash over him, like cool water tending to his wounds and easing their pain. A small smile grew on his face as it did so.
Until he turned his head to the elevator doors.
(Insert music: Megaman Zero 3 Remastered – Creer and Prier)
Three figures stood there. To of them hooded and the other being the Reploid scientist, Gate, though Ozpin did not know him.
Ozpin shakily stood up, though in his condition it was understandable why. He looked dead serious, his eyes narrowed as he adjusted his glasses.
"Most people would tend to make an appointment before barging into my office. I take it you are not just here for a chat?"
The first hooded figure spoke, a girl. "Professor Ozpin. Headmaster of Beacon Academy and one of the many Guardians of Remnant. Like your ancestors before you, you have taken it upon yourself to bear the burden. You train warriors to keep the world safe. A world that rightfully belongs to me."
"I don't believe we have had the 'pleasure' of being introduced, Miss...?"
"Who I am is of no importance to you. I have no reason to exchange pleasantries. I just came here to make sure this task was handled properly. Despite your weak appearance, I know the power you hold, Ozpin."
Ozpin tapped his fingers on his cane, ready to retaliate at a moments notice. How did this woman know him? And who was she?
"I have done my research." She said, somewhat answering his query. "I have waited thousands of years for this moment, I would not just rush into a fight so recklessly. Anyway, you have wasted enough of my time."
Instantaneously, Ozpin felt a sharp pain go right through him. Looking down slowly, he saw a large, two handed blade, pierced right through his back and protruding out of the front. It was red with his blood which dripped onto the floor. He felt a foot push against his back and kick him off the blade. With no strength left in him, Ozpin fell to the floor, his vision fading as his blood left him and death's embrace drew near.
"Excellent work, brother." The girl said as the other hooded figure, still with blade in his hands, walked out from behind Ozpin and stood beside Gate.
The girl moved over to Ozpin and placed a white, gloved finger over his lips. "Ssssh, I know, it's terrifying. The loneliness of having to face the unknown on your own, but worry not. Your students will be joining you soon enough."
With that Ozpin, let out a final sigh as the girl placed a hand on his forehead. Her hand ignited with purple energy that slowly covered Ozpin. His body grew bright purple for a split second, almost like a flash. Then, he slowly disintegrated, the purple ashes fading away into nothing.
The girl slowly rose, noticing Gate watching her with slight fear in his eyes.
"Gate, you may begin, then we shall tend to our little upstart."
With a quick nod, Gate pressed a holographic button on his wrist and allowed a machine to teleport in. It was around double his height, but was long and thin like a spear. It stood on four thin legs and had two rings, one large, one small hovering over the tip. Gate then took out a large amount of the Grimm essence, calling it from seemingly nowhere, before placing it into the device.
"Uploading DNA samples."
The device started to glow, wisps of dark energy forming around it as the rings began to spin. Small arcs of electricity shot from the rings to the pole in the centre as Gate watched a panel on the device intently.
"The DNA sample is sufficient." Gate told the girl. "It will take approximately 10 minutes for the DNA to align with the pulse signal."
"More than enough time to remove our other problems. Stay with the device Gate and ensure nothing interrupts it. Brother, come with me, the battle draws to a close and there is still much to be done."
Beacon Academy – Evacuation Area
A few soldiers watched on as citizens were loaded onto the airships. Most were more confused than anything else since the battle had not reached the city, thankfully.
Turning to the sound of footsteps approaching, the soldiers saw team JNPR (minus the P) running up to them.
"Sir! The evacuation is proceeding smoothly, this is the last group of civilians to be escorted."
"Sir?" Jaune queried.
"Yes sir! General Ironwood has informed us that all Hunters are to be seen as commanding officers for this battle. Our unit is at your command."
Jaune had to take a moment to comprehend all this. So now he was in charge of military units, no pressure then! Then, he noticed the obvious.
"Wait a minute, where's Pyrrha?" He asked Ren and Nora, the latter replying with a shrug.
"Sir!" The soldier that Jaune was talking to turned to see his comrade pointing up at the Beacon tower. "We have a firefight on the tower roof!"
Taking out a pair of high tech binoculars, he looked towards the roof of the tower, zooming in on the action. He then passed them over to Jaune.
"Look familiar?" he asked.
Jaune held the binoculars up to his eyes, not much could be seen through the dust and smoke but, he saw Pyrrha for a split second and that was all the proof he needed. To make matters worse, he saw his beloved teammate fighting Cinder and she was losing!
"Come on, we gotta go help her!" Jaune ordered, throwing the binoculars back to the soldier as they started to make a run back to the academy.
It was by pure chance that Nora happened to look up again, giving a small gasp at the incoming danger.
"Hit the deck!" she cried, leaping into Ren and pushing him out of the way with her. Jaune hopped back and was thrown by the force of something massive landing in front of him. He held his head and groaned slightly as he got back up and the debris settled around him.
"Sorry, we can't let you do that!" Two voices spoke in unison, one was deep and tranquil sounding, the other was level pitch but had that twist of crazy in it.
(Insert music: Megaman Zero 4 Remastered – On the Edge)
"After all..." The deep voice said.
"...the fun is just beginning!" The other finished.
To team JNR's surprise, the two that stood in their path were Reploids! The normal voiced one was a regular sized humanoid Reploid. He wore mostly yellow armour with blue highlights on his feet and hands, as well as white on his thighs, upper arms and the tips of his feet. He had pure white eyes and his other facial features were masked by a white metal covering. He held a large shield with a blue crystal in the middle and a gold decorated arch on the top.
The deep voiced one was much larger, so much so that the small Reploid could fit on his shoulder with ease! He wore mostly red armour with blue hand and foot sections. His belly area was coloured grey and a large golden arch went over his head from one shoulder to the other.
The soldier's drew their weapons, aiming them at the two Reploids before Ren held out an arm to stop them.
"You have the last of the civilians on board?" He asked.
"Yes sir!"
"Then go get them and yourselves out of here, this is our fight."
Hesitantly at first, the soldier backed away before saluting and motioning for his squad to fall back. As the Bullheads started to leave, JNR eyed up their opponents, who regarded them cooly.
"It really is touching that you want to help your friend but you see, our mistress has some important things to do in that tower and frankly, she has enough problems with Cinder and that Spartan girl without you showing up."
"The big guy's right! I can see you are spoiling for a fight though. So how's about you stick around? It's been way too long since I got my hands dirty!"
The small one cracked his knuckles and neck while the large Reploid marched up alongside him. JNR regrouped in front of them.
"If you don't wanna get turned into scrap metal like your Reaverbot buddies, I suggest you get lost!" Nora taunted.
"Ooooo! The little meatbags have some fight in them! Sweet!" The small one chortled, rubbing his hands together. "Ready to play, Byte?"
"Ready and eager, Bit!"
(Insert music: Megaman ZX Tunes – Rockin' On!)
Bit was the first to strike, dashing towards JNR as he drew a pink energy sabre, the blade curving around him due to the speed of his dash. He had picked his target already and went straight for Ren, who he deemed to be the fastest of the group, thus requiring his ability more than Jaune or Nora.
He clashed into Ren's Stormflower blades, the Beacon student was holding him back with difficulty, using bith of his weapons in unison to hold Bit's sabre in place. Ren's arms shook as Bit used his superior Reploid strength to press him back.
"Ah, it seems you have upgraded your weaponry! I thought my sabre would cut right through your primitive technology."
Ren strained as he pushed Bit back, forcing his guns down as he did so and pushing the sabre towards the ground. As his guns lined up with Bit's head, Ren fired a quick burst. Bit dashed backwards and deflected the shots.
"You'll find we humans are full of surprises." Ren calmly retaliated.
"Oh you are? Great! I may actually have to use some of my skill here!"
Jaune and Nora watched as the two set about their duel. Then, Byte landed directly behind them, his giant form making the ground shudder as he stood over the two Hunters. They both gulped and turned to look at their opponent.
To their surprise, he was pinching the brow of his nose, seemingly embarrassed.
"I apologise, my partner can be a little over excited at times."
Nora and Jaune looked at each other, unsure of what to say to that.
"Ummm... no worries?" Jaune replied, the only answer he could think of at the time.
Byte put his hand down by his side and stared straight at Nora and Jaune. "I on the other hand, intend to give you a much more dignified battle. This is not a personal matter you understand, but I have my orders."
Jaune and Nora tensed up, Jaune drew his blade and held his shield firmly as Nora weighed up her hammer in her hands.
"By the way, I would like to apologise in advance. Whilst I do respect you Hunters to the utmost extreme, I would rather like to enjoy myself in this battle, please do not take it personally."
Nora tapped her foot. "Are we gonna fight, or are we gonna talk?"
Jaune practically face palmed, talking would be an infinitely better option than fighting this giant behemoth right now!
"Oh yes, how rude of me. Good luck to you both, let us begin."
Byte stomped the ground with his foot, sending out a tremendous shockwave. The sheer power of it felled trees nearby and made the school building shake to it's foundations! It also had the more pressing effect of knocking Nora and Jaune up into the air. Byte then wound up a punch and threw it just as the two were passing his height.
"Watch out!" Nora called, throwing her body up and dodging the punch. Landing next to the giant, she cartwheeled back upright and looked to see Jaune was being flung far away by the punch.
Realising he couldn't dodge the attack, Jaune had raised his shield and focused his aura on it, hoping to block the strike. To Byte's surprise, he did so, the young Huntsman absorbing the crushing impact and recovering without so much as a scratch.
"Impressive." Byte complimented.
"Oh, we're just getting started!" Nora growled, still mad that Byte had dared attack her leader.
She leapt up and started to run alongside Byte, an easy thing to do given his size, not so easy given his movement. As Nora approached him, Byte tried to swat her. Nora slid under his sweeping hand motion and then swung up and over, using his arm as a grip. Leaping high, she swung down with her hammer, hitting the giant Reploid in the back of his head. A hollow clang gave indication of the hit and Nora jumped back down to the ground as Byte held the back of his head. Byte tried another punch, Nora easily dodged it however and the mighty fist slammed into the ground instead.
"I would appreciate it if you held still, little one!"
"Lovely manners, but they won't get you anywhere tin grin!"
Bit noticed the little exchange taking place and decided to get involved.
"Excuse me a moment!"
Shoving Ren of his feet, Bit turned a held a hand to his head. A glowing orange ring materialised in his hand. Pulling his arm back, he threw the hoop straight at Nora. As it hit here, it hovered in place around her feet, not touching them but just staying there.
"That better, partner?" Bit asked, sarcastically.
"Much." Byte replied.
Nora prepared to dodge his next strike, only to find that she couldn't move her feet! The hoop was somehow holding them in place, and Byte's fist was heading straight for her!
"NORA!" Ren shouted as he ran to her aid. Bit would have none of it though, tackling the boy and pinning him face down on the ground. He pulled Ren's head up to see what was happening.
"Uh uh, watch, don't interrupt!"
Nora winced as Byte prepared his strike, pulling his fist far behind himself so as to land a good hit. Bit watched on with a sadistic giggle coming from him as Ren struggled against his grip.
Then, just off to the side, they heard a defiant battle cry. Byte had already thrown his fist forward, just as Jaune leapt in, his shield in front of himself. He dived in between Nora and the incoming hit. He would block it or die trying, he would not let Nora be taken from them!
"Aw, cute." Bit mocked.
The fist hit Jaune's shield, and no one could have predicted what would happen next.
As the fist touched the face of the shield, brilliant streaks of white light poured forth from the shield front and Byte's fist went no further. As the momentum of the punch stopped, the beams faded away, but the shield maintained a glorious white glow. The white glow then formed up at the shield centre, making it into a small glowing ball.
"Don't you DARE lay a finger on my friends!" Jaune roared.
Straight after, the ball of light exploded, producing an almighty shockwave. It was so strong that it sent Byte skidding along the ground, his feet tearing up the earth around him. Bringing himself to a halt, the giant Reploid examined his arm. It had fallen limp and was covered in arcs of electricity. He felt it gingerly.
Jaune swung his blade and cut Nora free from her bind. The bubbly fighter was rarely lost for words, but this was one time even she didn't know what to say.
"Jaune... that was... amazing!" She managed to say, but not much else.
Bit meanwhile, had stopped giggling, silence replacing it until he spoke again in anger.
"What the hell? You seriously lost to that guy, Byte? Fine I'll do it myself!"
"No you won't!" Ren said, prompting Bit to look down at his victim and see the barrel of Stormflower pointed at him.
Ren pulled the trigger, a single shot hit Bit straight in his left eye, prompting him to fall backwards with a cry of rage and allow Ren to get free. Bit slowly removed his hand from his eye, letting the team see the damaged metal and sparking wires where he used to be able to see from.
"Grrrr... you little!"
At this point, Bit noticed all three Hunters pointing their weapons straight at him and surrounding him. His head darted around, looking for a way to win this fight, but he just didn't see it. Clenching a shaking fist, he called to his partner.
"Byte, hold 'em down! We're leaving!"
With a nod, Byte pulled a disc shaped device from his back. It was half red and half blue with a gold antennae in the centre. Winding up his good arm, he threw it far, well past where Bit was.
JNPR's weapons were suddenly pulled from their grasp, as well as Jaune!
"What the-?" Jaune cried as Nora and Ren grabbed him to stop him being pulled away.
"An electromagnetic beacon!" Ren realised. "It's pulling on your armour!"
Jaune groaned internally, why always him? Looking back, he saw Bit and Byte retreated to a safe distance and started to teleport away, their bodies flashing white as they did so.
"Hah, I knew your pathetic teammates would go and rescue you and leave us time to escape." Bit laughed. "Must be something about you they really admire. Maybe it's your magnetic personality! GAHAHAHA!"
With that, the duo vanished. As soon as they did, the magnetic beacon powered down, letting Jaune fall ungracefully back to earth, face first.
Nora looked spitefully at the spot where the two Reploids had stood. "First, they attack our school, then they try to kill our team, now they tell puns that are just as bad as Yang's?! They are so getting smashed when I see them again!"
"We can worry about them later. The evacuation is done so let's go get Pyrrha!" Jaune brought the group back on topic
"Aw, more stairs?" Nora groaned as the trio made their way to the top of the tower once again.
If you have been keeping count, you will be aware that we are still missing one member. They will appear in the next chapter, then it is time for the big reveals! We are so close I can't wait!
Until next time
TOODLE PIP!