Memo: Author Note's are at the bottom of the chapter.
2.30
In most cases Deborah Arc was a calm and well mannered person. The day even started out ok. She woke up on time, had a short meeting with various political groups and finished with plenty of time to make a personal call to an old friend.
She thought the day was going well.
Now… she really only had one thought swirling around her head:
I'm going to kill him… I'm going to rip off his arms and beat him to death with them.
Deborah was not prone to needless violence and normally she would always try to find a peaceful solution. It had been something she was known for as a hard earned reputation of hers.
All that went out the window upon learning that her husband… soon to be former husband if things went her way… had been responsible or at least had his hand in several grievances;
He falsified a request to Beacon for a Team to be dispatched to deal with a minor Grimm problem.
Had lured Jaune and his team into an ambush….
An ambush by the WHITE FANG of all organizations. Out of everything he could stoop too it had to be a terrorist organization that had a violent string.
Basically add all that up and it amounts to one simple fact. Deb was in a bit of a mood… to say the least.
The type of mood that causes people to just get out of her way as she stormed through the Castle while everybody around her flew around like a maniac trying to get up to speed. Nobody was brave enough try and force her to alter her path she was on… wherever it lead. All of them, everybody on the route to her destination cleared out of the way. They knew that Deb was a good kind hearted person… and right now was not the time to remind her of that.
The timing of the incident in question was rather nefarious. A storm was most definitely hitting the northern most area of the territory, as such an official response was limited in what they could or could not do.
They WOULD do something. They might not be able to respond in full force… but they had some tools they could employ. They were expensive, experimental and hardly perfected like a Bullhead. However they did have the option to use them. The Hummingbirds.
An experimental flier developed by Cadian engineers. The newest model was capable of flight in the worst of storms, able to ward off wind gusts that would cripple a Bullhead and fly on through almost any type of natural phenomenon. They were expected to phase out the older Bullhead's over the next few years for use in its home territory.
The problem was… Cadia did not have many of them at the present time.
Those new fliers were Deb's destination. The nation might not be under attack directly, but at least this might have one unexpected consequence. Something that whoever was responsible for the situation with JNPR probably did not expect.
Jaune, was the Duke of Cadia now. An attack on him, is essentially a declaration of war to her mind. Given the circumstances she could not mobilize everything at her disposal… but load up the 3 Hummingbird's which were up and running to send them off is something they absolutely could and will do.
"MOM!"
Deborah was so inside her own mind that she, at first, did not hear her daughter calling after her. More frenzied footsteps was the only answer she gave.
"MOM!"
The shout was repeated again sounding closer.
This time Deb heard it and turned… reluctantly stopping her march towards the transports. Her eldest daughter was the one calling after her. She had long ago fully recovering from the battle months ago, and now appeared dressed for a conflict. Wearing the armor made for her, her weapon on her back and had her padding under the armor to keep warm.
"Eve, I do not have much time… what is on your mind?" Deb still had to get into her winter garb before the trip, and did not have much time if she was going to arrive to affect the outcome of the conflict.
"Mom, I think you know what I want to say." She said calmly.
Deb might have been able to guess… but at this time she did not feel like guessing. If Eve was going to run out here to talk to her she could speak her mind.
"Eve, I might be able to guess but I won't. What is on your mind?"
Eve put on an annoyed look but proceeded forwards.
"Mom, we both know you should stay behind." Eve stated simply coming to a halt in front of her mother.
Deb put on one of her glares in annoyance… the effect was rather minimal. Eve was one of the few people who could weather it and not cringe.
"Evangeline are you seriously telling me I need to stay behind while my son is being threatened?" She almost could not believe what Eve was asking her to do.
Eve just crossed her arms and held her ground. She knew Mom would want to go… but she also believed she shouldn't.
"Mom, you KNOW I am right. You Both cannot be there. Gods above forbid something happens to both of you we do not need a power struggle for our home. You need to stay back… I will go instead." She claimed trying to be calm.
Deb took a deep breath.
Eve spoke on "As the seneschal you should stay behind-"
"Eve I cannot I will not sit here and do nothing! Too much has happened to him without my involvement I MUST go!" The elder Arc's torso was heaving… unable to stay calm.
"Mom I am not saying you need to do nothing. We need somebody to stay here. Either way I Am going. You should stay back and coordinate."
"I will go too." A voice declared from the side.
Both women turned towards it, the caller was moving at a jog towards them.
"Annabelle" They said at the same time.
Annabelle… One of the Arc children who did not follow the hunters path, instead enlisted in the Cadian Military to serve. She was dressed as a woman of her station… as an officer in the military dressed for battle. She was in excellent shape like every Arc child… but was less carefree in her appearance keeping her looks in a more militaristic fashion.
"I did not realize you were free to help Anna." Eve stated simply.
"I intend to go regardless of if I am free or not. I was last ordered to respond as I see fit… I am." The younger sibling stated.
"None of this means that I cannot go as well!" Deb argued.
"It means Jaune would not want to risk our home being put through another event like before. He would want something secure. You should stay back." Eve argued right back.
"She is right Mom."
Deb turned to the NEXT individual joining in the debate.
"Miyas… you are seriously going to try and convince me to stay behind?"
Deb was nearly struck silly given that she is really being asked to stay behind with what is happening.
"It is a sound decision mom. People are going to want to know what is going on. Anybody but you talking to other nations… especially Atlas would likely result in them bringing their forces into our territory. We do not need that." Miyas claimed looking strangely at Anna…
Anna picked up on that "Our brother is the Duke now… he basically is my commander in chief. I have not been ordered to go but I doubt anybody can say anything about my going. You should stay behind mom they are right."
Slightly more collected now she looked from one daughter to the next… and ultimately lost the staring contest.
With a heavy heart she sighed and allowed her shoulders to drop slightly.
"Fine… you two bring him home and come back safely."
She gave both daughters a hug before she and Miyas returned inside to help coordinate.
Eve and Annabelle jogged towards the Hummingbirds and traded friendly jabs at each other.
"You ready for this officer? I wouldn't want you to damage that fancy uniform." The elder sister joked.
Anna scoffed "Please, you and your 'Stick' will be hard pressed to keep up with me." She pulled out her weapon… in police baton form.
Eve laughed "It's a Stick that shoots sticks… compared to your what… metal spewer?"
Both women had climbed into the craft and gripped a roof mounted handle for stability. Several other members of the military were present, not exactly a full battalion but a team of people per vehicle.
The police baton morphed… elongating and with a series of clanks and shinks came to rest in its second form… that of an assault rifle. Anna fashioned it to a strap around her neck with the weapon resting against her chest.
"Spewer is such a… derogatory term…" She smiled slightly as the Hummingbird began to lift off.
Growing more serious the two sisters shared a glance.
"Let's go get our baby brother." Eve stated as she gripped the antiquated communication device the Hummingbird uses as an emergency measure and tried to keep herself busy.
Her thoughts were not as focused as she might have preferred.
In the past… Anna might not have been the kindest to her younger sibling. Now… none of that mattered. He was the Duke… he was family and he was being threatened. The flight of 3 Hummingbirds proceeded forward as quickly as possible. Nobody knew what they would find when they arrived on the scene… but they would find Jaune and bring him with his team home. Or somebody was going to be very unhappy before they were done.
***Beacon Commons***
Kate… was Mad. Like really REALLY mad. As in 'Nora has been deprived of pancakes for a month while being forced to watch others eat pancakes' mad.
Jaune was once again in danger… and just like before, she was nowhere nearby. She had WANTED to go, she was even tempted to use her semblance and sneak aboard. She could have done it. She could have revealed herself mid flight. Jaune would have been upset given the duplicity but she SHOULD be there with him. It was killing her to think that she could do nothing but watch as the same hate filled speech was put out.
"This is Mercury Black with another episode of Justice…"
She zoned out before he could proceed forward. Surrounding her was the friends she had accumulated throughout the year.
Team CFVY looked on Irate… RWBY looked worried. More and more teams looked on concerned for their friends and comrades. SSSN was always friendly with the group… even CRDL seemed concerned for their fellow students.
"Your brother will be fine Kate… everybody always underestimates him. He will be fine." Ruby stated with forced cheer noting the bleak expression on her friend.
Kate crossed her arms and smiled sadly to herself… really wanting to believe that.
"I mean it Katherine. Believe in him more. He has Pyrrha, Ren, Nora all of them with him. They won't go down so easily. The White Fang doesn't even know what's coming at them I wager." Ruby put forth again trying to force confidence into her face. Unfortunately when Weiss put an arm on her shoulder it proved more than the Reaper could handle… and she started to cry.
Weiss fully hugged her partner and continued to steal glances at the screen. She was a bit upset about the ordeal with the notes… but right now that didn't matter.
A glance to her side revealed several professors were even watching… Glynda… Port and Oobleck were all present.
I suppose they would have an interest in seeing how this played out too, however painful it was to do so.
It might have been the hardest thing Kate ever had to do short of waiting to meet Jaune after meeting with Nora and Ren.
Ren… He better come back safe after all this too.
Despite her normally strong and tough exterior… she felt herself start to crack a bit. Tear's would not fall… but they threatened to.
***JNPR in Mine***
Jaune wanted to be livid. He wanted to scream. With an effort of will… he forced himself to do neither.
Grimm were climbing the walls and pounding along the stairwell. He did not have time to be angry.
"Jaune, what do we do? Do we fight this?" Pyrrha asked with her weapons ready scanning the room.
Jaune kept thinking to himself.
"Jaune we cannot fight both the Grimm and our way through the White Fang ambush. We have to do something." Ren advised.
Jaune knew that already… but he couldn't just order his team to run out and into the ambush. That would be just about the stupidest thing he ever heard. Moreover that would still leave the Grimm as his backs… that… huh.
This is a mine… and like any mine they would have prepared for a cave in. One of the first things they would do after digging down so many levels is build a secondary shaft up and out… right? That is something miners always spoke about…
"Ren head upstairs quickly look for a map of some form there has to be a second way out of here." He believed Ren the best suited given his attention to detail.
Ren hesitated.
"Hurry man Go!" Putting his command tone into the order.
Ren nodded and took off at a run up the steps 3 at a time.
Jaune risked a look down, they did not have much time until the first Grimm arrived.
Already Jaune heard Pyrrha open fire with Milo on whatever she could get a clean line on. Beowulf's were soon raining down from the wall as she her targets hit more and more often.
"Nora don't fire just yet, cover Pyrrha I am going to help Ren look… we need that map." Jaune ordered and began to head up stairs.
"Map for what Jaune?" Pyrrha yelled at him straining as she concentrated on aiming.
"One of the first things a mining team would do is dig a secondary shaft out in case of a cave-in. I'm trying to find out where that point is." He yelled back already having cleared several steps.
As he continued to roam upwards while scanning his surroundings.. he almost heard himself think:
'If it hasn't already caved in… if they did actually make one… if his team can find it and IF they can get to it given all the Grimm.'
It was not a fun thought.
"JAUNE! GET UP HERE!" Ren shouted from above.
Pulling himself out of his thoughts he took off after the voice.
He had to climb several stories up until he could finally spot his friend. Given the height he had plenty of time to look down, already Nora and Pyrrha were fighting both in melee and ranged combat trying desperately to keep the stairwell clear. Most Grimm did not get close and those who did encountered Nora's hammer… thus far they were holding steady.
"JAUNE!" Ren shouted at him again.
Jaune at first didn't realize it wasn't a shout to get moving… it was a warning.
A pair of Jaws snapped shut inches from his shoulder, Jaune spotted it a mere fraction of a second before his arm was caught and dove away… literally at the last possible moment.
The Knight had armed his weapon but kept his sword sheathed in the shield given the climb.
One, two, three blows were rained down and deflected off the shield before Ren was able to drive it away with a hail of firepower.
Jaune kicked out with his leg striking it in the knee before pulling himself back in a summersault to rise to his feet. As he stood he pulled out his semblance and ignited in his white flame lighting up the area white.
Jaune was not an expert at reading a Grimm's facial expression… but fear, fear is what he would classify it as.
"AArrrrcc!" The Alpha croaked out pointing a wicked finger at him as it stood up towering over the two Beacon students.
Jaune pulled out his weapon at the exact moment another set of Beowulf's dove at them from the wall.
With his semblance slowing things down he was able to perform relatively well.
Stepping to the side and making an upwards cleave with his sword he sliced the first Beowulf in two, another leapt forward which Ren handled moving his weapon in a circular motion around his body.
The Alpha lurched forwards with a roar… the roar became a whelp as the two teammates set themselves upon it in a coordinated attack.
The ancient Grimm took a swipe at it with a deadly claw. Jaune struck it at the elbow sending the limb away dissolving into nothing while still mid air.
Ren got in close ducking under a swipe from its healthy arm and unloaded into its shoulder socket.
The Alpha could not fend off both men with just the one arm.
Jaune ran forward and went airborne driving his sword through the Alpha's chest. He twisted and yanked on the blade carving out a section of the Alpha's chest. Each motion of the weapon cause another help of agony from the Grimm… however it could do nothing with only one arm engaged with both teammates.
Seeing the healthy arm had been rendered unusable Ren spun away making a swipe at the back knees of the Alpha. Finally that made it lose its balance and fall to the ground on its back.
Jaune used the momentum of the fall to roll upwards towards the Grimm's head and brought his sword straight don't through its skull… finally killing the ancient Grimm.
"Wow… this is pretty cool." Ren stated.
Jaune was breathing as he tried to steady himself but looked over at his friend… and understood the comment.
Ren… was on Fire.
A green colored flame, it seems their Aura's had bonded enough for him to share in with the Arc semblance.
"Yes fancy that… why did you call me up here Ren?" Jaune asked eager to get back to getting to business.
Ren grew more serious as he responded "I found a wounded worker, he asked to speak to you. Go on I will cover you he is just a few levels up."
Jaune ran upwards as quickly as he could and stole another glance down below. Both Pyrrha and Nora appeared to still be embattled… but Pyrrha succeeded in thinning the crowd with her rifle such that Nora did not have much difficulty in crushing anything that got to close.
Ren opened fire on what he could to help with thinning the pack before they reached their teammates. It seemed like they would weather the first wave of Grimm without much damage…. Course he had no idea what else could be climbing up the walls or what has yet to emerge.
The Knight have very little desire to discover the answers to either question if he could manage it.
Jaune found the wounded man in question without much difficulty a few levels up… The rude individual who had brought them to the mine in the first place. The man was barely breathing and was obviously dying. He was bleeding from several points via what appeared to be bullet wounds on his body and was obviously trying to carry something… though he had dropped it from lack of strength several feet away.
Jaune didn't care about the man's rudeness at the moment… he was a human in need of aid.
"Don't move I will try to heal you." Jaune stated as he knelt down next to him.
He looked at Jaune weakly and coughed "Don't… don't bother…."
"But-"
"Don't… bother lad. Not even your mother could save me from these..." He coughed again sputtering up blood.
Jaune looked down and collected himself before looking at the man again. It was difficult to see, but he appeared ghastly pale. He reluctantly lowered his arm down to the ground again to focus his attention on the wounded mans last moments.
He was breathing hard and for a few scant seconds just stared at Jaune intently.
"You are your mother's son." He said simply eventually.
"Don't talk save your strength." Jaune stated shaking his head.
He shook his head "I… need to say this. You…r father… I … worked with him. Must… stop him. Brings chaos to world… Promised Return to glory for Cadia… Lied. I… I am sorry." His breathing slowed.
"Take… That-" He pointed at the contraption on the ground next to him.
"Find… Shaft… Get away…"
"The alternate path out yes where! Where is it!?" Jaune asked gripping his shoulders lightly.
He coughed again. "Supervisor… level… chained… wall…I… Hector. Wrong… about you. Get… away."
The man… Hector apparently, slowed once again in his breathing and his vision went out of focus… then ceased to move.
Jaune let go of his shoulders and balled his fists. The sounds of battle echoed through the mine… yet he couldn't hear any of it. All he could hear was his own thoughts.
Yet another life wasted, this man was even loyal to my father, and he still was thrown away. Cast aside and left to die… for what? Maybe all of these men were his. Was this entire village loyal to him? Have they all been thrown away in this manner? Was all of this to get to me?
Jaune did not know the answer to any of those questions. All he knew was that enough was enough. He picked up the contraption Hector had pointed him towards and examined it. He did not recognize it right away but he did after a moment's study. An old fashioned communication device. Before scroll technology these were used to send messages long distances. He had no idea why Hector had such an item on him but picked it up and attached it to his belt.
"JAUNE! We gotta move!" Ren shouted.
Jaune stirred and was brought back to his surroundings. He stood and started running down stairs towards his friend.
"Ren follow me." He stated as he ran right by.
"Down?! I thought we were trying to go up!?" None the less Ren took off after him keeping pace.
"Hector… the guy you found indicated the way out is on the level we spoke to the supervisor at, behind that chained door." Jaune answered still sprinting down.
Pyrrha and Nora had began to retreat upwards fighting off the Grimm that got close, but were already engaged and could not easily handle an Ursa which was quickly approaching.
Jaune leapt off the stairs angling down towards his partner and friend below. As he was in the air he realized he probably didn't need to do this as both Pyrrha and Nora managed to free themselves enough to handle the Ursa… but he was concerned that they wouldn't notice it in time… oh well he's in the air already.
Bringing his sword down on its Neck he landed on its back and drove the Ursa to the ground with a powerful yank severing the spine. Jaune landed in a skid in front of his two female teammates and did a quick spin to take in his surroundings.
The Grimm climbing appeared to try and regroup down below and were edging away from the team above. As such Jaune felt he had time to get everybody on the same page.
Ren appeared behind them and it was only then he noticed something as he turned to face his friends.
They were ALL on fire. White on himself, Green on Ren, Scarlet on Pyrrha… and Orange on Nora. Every single one of them.
"Wow… that is something to see." He stated simply.
Pyrrha looked around… and realized his claim but didn't get a chance to speak before Jaune went on.
She observed him looking down the mineshaft and appeared deep in thought.
"Follow me everybody." He stated simply and took off down deeper into the mine again.
"Jaune what's the plan?" Pyrrha questioned.
They continued to move quickly towards his destination as they spoke softly.
"According to a worker the secondary shaft should be on the level were we saw my… father. It was the passage chained off." He claimed skidding to a halt as he realized he was in danger of running right by his destination.
"What if he lied to you?" Ren questioned.
Jaune thought about it… to be fair he never considered the possibility.
"It was his last words… they are genuine." He stated simply arriving at the door in question.
Pyrrha had another thought "Ok… but what is to stop the Grimm from following us? We would still have the same problems in the meantime." She stated simply.
"Nora bust this open." He stated as he turned back towards his partner and friend.
He looked oddly at them… then looked beyond them as if staring into nothing.
The Lake.
Of course the Lake! That is how they handle this mess.
He smiled.
"New plan Nora I will get the door open. Fire on that wall." Jaune stated pointing at the wall on the other end of the chasm.
Nora just grinned and prepared her launcher.
"Jaune… what are you doing?" Ren asked cautiously.
Jaune made a single swing of his sword and sheared through the chain holding it shut before speaking on.
"The water from the lake will drain, it will not ALL be frozen. The water will force the Grimm up to the surface where our friends in the White Fang will keep them company." He answered simply.
Nora fired a shell and connected with the outer wall on the other side.
"Jaune it is going to require more than one shell!" She advised shouting back.
"How many do you have?" He shouted back.
"Now? 11." A tremendous impact was visible on the wall, but it held still.
She fired again "10." Further damage and some water could be seen leaking through the rock now.
She fired another time "9."
That time the wall crumbled and like a river magically appearing water began to flow out of the hole. The sound was nearly deafening.
"Come on then everybody get in here and lets go." He instructed.
"Jaune you do realize that you are banking everything on your hunch that the man did not lie to you, right?" Pyrrha stated concern evident in her voice.
He nodded in a sad sigh.
"Yes… Pyrrha I do know that. I also know we cannot fight both the Grimm, the White Fang plus whatever else is waiting for us outside. Other teams have tried and it has not gone well for them. We have to do something they do not expect. I do not believe they have planned for this-"
The roars of Grimm brought his speech to a halt. What sounded like hundreds of Grimm began to climb up making the walls and floor shake with their weight.
Jaune phased out of his semblance as he spoke on. "C'mon we NEED to move."
He moved through the door.
"Wont other Grimm follow us Jaune?" Ren questioned.
Nora was next in having came back to the group.
"No, we will shut the door and seal the passage behind us." He stated.
"Jaune, that won't leave us any way to escape if you are wrong." Nora worded… accurately in her summation.
"Yes… that is true. But trust me when I say; I believe this is the best move." He answered.
"What if the Grimm STILL open the door and clear the passage? They might be able to do that." Ren questioned hesitantly.
Jaune smiled as the answer was made evident. The water level was already visible outside the passage.
"Ren, this entire floor and likely that of several up higher will be flooded, I doubt Grimm will be able to do that. They will either drown, or march up into the White Fang ambush. Either way… both are occupied while we try and get out of here."
"What about the White Fang broadcast, we have to assume it is still running and waiting for us to try and leave." Pyrrha asked.
Jaune was getting frustrated with all this debating but knew he needed to get this put behind them to move forward.
"Pyr, one of a few things will happen. They will continue to record and broadcast them fighting the Grimm. Showing that things aren't exactly going as they planned. Or they will cut out and lose the focus of their audience. Either way WE do not care. They will be focusing on other things while we can move and try to get out of here."
With that the team ceased their objections. He was right, the move was already have been made. It might be a gamble, but it was a calculated one. In any case… they could not rebuild the wall containing the lake. They had little choice but follow him into the exposed shaft. A few hammer strikes from Nora later and the path was sealed shut behind them.
A good thing to stop any Grimm that might try to follow, not so good at stopping the water. Already the water from the lake was beginning to fill the pass behind them.
Jaune through it all put up a good mask of appearing much more confident than he actually felt. He was playing a hunch… several hunches in fact. He had no definitive proof that Hector told him the truth. Granted the passage they were told was caved in and unusable… thus far they had seen no proof of that. He was gambling with his life and those of his team that he was being truthful in his last moments. Beyond that he was also hoping he could get the communication contraption working.
He might have made a reckless decision in ordering Nora to destroy the wall… but in his mind it was what gave them the best chance of succeed. For now all he could do is march along while his team reloaded their weapons moving as quickly as they were able.
***Beacon Common's***
A brief amount of cheering took place in the area when the White Fang commentators seemed confused if not downright baffled at the presence of the Grimm emerging from the mine. The team they were waiting for still had not shown themselves. Something which the students and staff initially were happy for… until their minds took it in any possible direction imaginable.
Turns out there was a great deal of possibilities to consider… not all of them were good.
"If the Grimm got past Jaune and his team… what does that mean for them?" Yang had asked to an open floor.
That single sentence more or less silenced the happy and humorous thoughts of those present.
Indeed… it was a fair question… if one with a dark purpose. The only way Grimm could have moved beyond the team in the mine… is if they were no longer there… or were gone. The former not seeming very possible, and the latter more likely. It was not a pleasant thing to consider.
The broadcasters seemed to pick up on that reasonably quickly… only a few minutes of confusion existed until they themselves pulled themselves together… or whoever was feeding them a script adapted to current circumstances.
"JNPR… I don't know." Ruby claimed.
The Reapers look implied that she DID know… she just couldn't bring herself to say it.
Katherine more or less watched on silently keeping her peace. It was painful to be unable to act… the inability to do what she felt she must plagued her throughout her youth. It never got easier feeling helpless to the worlds actions.
"Kate… what do you think? Is Jaune and his team still ok?" Weiss asked pointedly.
The friends mostly focused on her as Kate put together her answer.
"It is difficult to say what I think." Kate tried after a few seconds of uneasy silence.
Yang and Ruby shared a brief glance before turning back to Katherine wearing the same concerned look.
"What do you mean you aren't sure what you are thinking?" Blake asked cautiously.
"Look… I know what you all are thinking. It is logical, the Grimm could not move beyond the team unless they were already gone. But… That is not what my feelings are telling me." She tried again.
"What are they telling you in this case?" Weiss asked.
Kate shifted her weight to her other leg and crossed her arms again. How could she possibly make them understand…
"My brother and I have shared a connection all our lives. It might not be as powerful as what Patricia and her birth mates share but it was something which we have always known and relied on even when we did not understand it. Most times we do not need to speak to communicate effectively. Just reading each other's body language and feelings gave us a very clear understanding of each other. It has however always given each other an idea of what the other is experiencing. I know when he is in pain, I know when he is afraid. Both of us have always known that about the other."
She took a breath and looked around the gathering. She knew that many of them were unsure about the connection the twins shared… it was a difficult thing to explain. Yet Kate found talking about it seemed to help steady her nerves.. as such she continued with her explanation.
"The triplets can get very exact information… they can mirror each other's feelings and reactions. Feel each other's emotions to an extent. I get raw emotion unfiltered and directionless without knowing as exactly as they do. I fear for him terribly right now. He fears for himself. I get the impression that he is nervous, anxious, he is not calm or collected. But he is not wounded, that I am sure of. I am certain I would know if he is wounded or dead. I do not believe he is either of those. Concerned for his safety and that of his team absolutely. I do not however believe he is in mortal danger right now, he at least does not believe so. If you were forcing me to guess."
Ruby and Yang smiled… the rest of RWBY looked on thoughtfully. They had seen firsthand the effects of the connection the siblings shared. A glance across the room spotted Lissette and Patricia. Both girls wore the same look. Nobody believed their concern was forced.
"I guess all we can do is watch… They have been fighting Grimm for nearly an hour by now, I wonder how many more of them are left in those tunnels?" Ruby stated simply.
Kate smiled to herself and really tried to believe her words. She believed without a doubt that she would know if Jaune was wounded. That didn't mean his team couldn't be trapped in the mine or potentially lost in the same structure. Either result was potentially life threatening given the current situation. Something about that tingling she felt in the back of her head spoke otherwise. Something has him FURIOUS. So angry that she struggled to understand what could make him feel that much anger. At this point she really could not make a guess. But if he was angry, that meant he was not dead. That, for now, was enough.
***JNPR in MINE***
"Well… at least we have stopped moving horizontally, it is nice to be moving upwards again." Ren stated calmly.
They had put in an unknown amount of time into moving headlong into… the unknown, and they continued to move at a steady pace. They did not really have a choice in the matter… but the rising water level might have spurred them on slightly. It was difficult to know where exactly they were going. At times they would swear they were going deeper into the mountain. In other instances it would corkscrew in various directions. Right now… they did seem to be going vertical in a tight circle upwards.
More than one JNPR team member stole the occasional glance at their friend and team leader as they moved their way through the mostly abandoned passage trying to gauge the moods of those present.
It was an inexact science.
Ren had long ago made a torch and moved forward at the lead position the rest of the group following him.
They needed to keep moving, it was difficult to judge time, distance or any real aspect of modern concerns when the only thing to keep you company is the steady footsteps of your travel companions coupled with Jaune's still furious breaths to try and calm himself down.
He was good a good job of convincing them by appearance that he is doing better.
If they had just met him and began to spend time with him, odds are they might have even believed the calm façade.
Those who knew him could tell he was the eye of a storm. All around him his emotions were raging and pulling in every direction possible. Yet he did his best to keep up the calm and collected outward appearance. With the situation he had little to occupy his mind but his thoughts for the day.
Ren shared more than one look with the women on his team. The two girls shared a similar glance. They all basically said the same thing.
'I've never seen Jaune this mad before.' Nora mouthed at Pyrrha.
Pyrrha just nodded sadly. Nobody needed to tell her how angry Jaune was. SHE was livid to the level of violence just at seeing the utter Horrible excuse for a human being known as James Arc.
How Jaune MUST feel upon seeing him… and what he learned from the brief conversation must be difficult beyond comprehension. To think that Jaune shares blood with that man… it nearly denied logical possibility. Both of the twins seemed… too good too pure of people to have anything to do with what James had shown from his character. Come to think of it… that might be why Jaune is so mad. This is his father… and his father is trying to be a force for evil in the world. James might not view it as evil… but most evil people probably didn't view their actions thusly.
An un measured amount of time went on as they continued in their jog under the earth.
Pyrrha had seen Jaune emotionally distraught before. This… did not appear to be that. He continued to keep pace and seemed to continually attempt at getting himself more composed. In the end… she decided some light conversation might be a good idea.
"Jaune… what is that thing you are carrying? I do not recall seeing one before." Pyrrha asked.
Jaune continued on as if he didn't hear the question for several moments… possibly as long as a minute.
"Jaune?" She repeated.
The Knight finally stirred.
"Yes?" He asked.
Pyrrha could have tried to lecture him about letting his dad get the best of him… but really given the circumstances there is very little else that could dominate his thoughts. As such… she went with another option.
"That thing you picked up? What is it?" She asked again.
They reached an upwards path of the mine which seemed in poor repair… the path was crumbled and while it clearly was in an upwards direction… many stairs and ladders were either missing or to damaged to be safe. As such they had to assist each other in climbing safely hefting each other up the levels as they go.
"C'mon gimme your foot." Jaune stated setting his footing.
The team took advantage of the offer and continued to climb.
"Jaune?" Pyrrha asked again trying to remain patient.
Jaune just leapt up and grasps his teams hands as they pulled him up higher.
"It is a communication device. Very antiquated but it worked wonders before scroll communication." He answered hefting his team up another level.
"That must be very old." Ren commented simply.
Jaune let himself get hefted upwards and gave Nora a turn at giving others a lift.
"It is very old. Honestly I don't even know if it works. Cadia used these frequently ages ago but I've never seen a working one or used one before." He answered back.
Pyrrha and Ren caught Nora as she jumped and pulled her up.
"How was it used before?" Nora asked setting her feet again.
"It was aura based as I remember. It didn't have a power source. You charge it by putting some of your aura into it. It basically communicated like a radio but only to like…" He stopped as if thinking about something.
After getting everybody else up to the next level they didn't have to go through the leapfrogging anymore to proceed… they encountered actually maintained ladders assisting them further.
"I will take this as a good sign. You were saying Jaune?" Ren commented as they continued to climb.
"Well… it only communicated on … certain… frequencies…."
He paused… and smiled.
"I cannot be the only one feeling that wind, right?" He queried feeling much better. Hector…kept his word in the end. The thought that he had lied on his finals word were a disconcerting thought.
The group stopped moving and cocked their head.
"I don't feel anything." Nora stated.
Ren and Pyrrha both agreed with their blond friend.
"Makes sense if we are getting closer… thankfully we already had a warm-up." Jaune said simply.
They nodded… but a further travel forced them back into at least another layer of winter clothing. It was, as they realized, FAR colder outside now than when they arrived.
Basically, it was night out now. They could see the opening now just a few feet above them, one more stairwell up would take them to that level.
Jaune knelt down on that level after everybody had reached it and spoke on in hushed tones.
"Ok guys. This might be a time for an appropriately inspiring speech… but alas you all are dealing with me. So, I have nothing for you. Just some things to keep in mind."
His good humor might have been forced… but it succeeded in getting his team to smile and focus again.
"Seriously everybody no lights. No talking unless we must either. I do not know what will be waiting for us at the exit and we do not want to get seen before we are ready." He paused and let others speak if they needed too.
"Right… we know the White Fang is outside, we know the Grimm might still be pouring out of the mine… though I doubt it given the flood. If they are still broadcasting they might be waiting for us to emerge." Pyrrha cautioned coming back into her typical fighter self.
"Exactly. We need to be slow and cautious. No lights, no fires. We go up and get a look around." He paused and cocked his head to the side.
"Nora pull out your scroll again, can you get the broadcast now?" He asked curiously.
Nora whipped out her scroll and in no time at all found the stream she was looking for.
"Yeah they are still going… look." She held up the image.
The group studied the image and broadcast as best they could. It was hard to say… but HOURS must have transpired while they were navigating the tunnels out. The fallout of a major conflict around the mine entryway was evident. Some Grimm were even still dissolving. Many White Fang casualties were obvious. However the most important detail was something that Jaune really did not expect to see.
"Hummingbirds." He said smiling.
The remaining teammates shared a glance.
"What's a Hummingbird?" Nora asked as she doubled checked her weapon to ensure it was still ready for use.
Jaune pointed out two fliers in the broadcast.
"Those are Hummingbirds. The announcer was being rather smug about witnesses to something which was already being shown to the world. That obviously hints that they are not under White Fang control… given that it is something developed by the Cadian Military… I think it is safe to say those crafts are friendly." He advised.
Nora smiled evilly and looked at Ren.
Pyrrha spoke on.
"What what are they doing?" She looked thoughtful as she studied the picture.
Jaune wanted to just speak freely… but he forced himself to take a steadying deep breath before talking on.
"I cannot imagine word not reaching the Castle about our situation and regardless of the fact that I am here… I believe Mom would offer assistance. Maybe even come herself to help." He answered.
"Then why don't they attack? If that is a military craft surely it could outgun a Bullhead." Ren asked.
Jaune nodded in agreement before speaking further and nodded for his team to follow him towards the opening. Sure enough they could see the scene play out fairly well. A Bullhead bearing the White Fang emblem, coupled with 3 other crafts which Jaune recognized.
Jaune pointed to them before ducking back down into the cave and out of the view of prying eyes.
"I would agree with you. However they would obviously be mostly interested in helping us… not starting a fight against superior numbers and unknown skills. Besides I bet they just arrived." He stated.
Maybe…
Jaune pulled at the old communicator he had tied to his waist thinking it might contact the friendly fliers… only to find it completely broken.
Ugh… somewhere I must have been less than gentle with it. Oh well.
"So what do we do Jaune?" Pyrrha asked… this was the heart of the matter.
He took a deep breath and answered after looking at each of his teammates.
"I understand this is a gamble. I cannot prove my theory one way or another. However I suspect the instant we show ourselves those friendly crafts will unleash havoc on everybody and everything around us. We clear a path of any personal in our way and make our way to a flat point for them to land and get us out of here. There are still a terrifying amount of White Fang personal outside we cannot hope to engage them all. But surprise them and give us a chance to get away, I think we can do that. You all ready to make some noise?"
Nora grinned an evil grin and armed her hammer.
Ren smiled and pulled out Stormflower.
Pyrrha just looked at him admirably and armed her own weapons.
"I will take that as a Yes…. Let's go. Nora listen to the broadcast as best you can while we move. They might say something important."
Nora nodded and switched her scroll to comlink mode to listen in while remaining alert to her surroundings.
Jaune lead them out trying to stay out of sight as best that he was able. He did not have Blake's or Kate's natural affinity for stealth but given the situation it really was not all that hard to move out of the cave. Initially they made a great deal of progress.
They moved out and down to the more level area and finally got a very good look at the situation that wasn't restricted to a broadcast image. They emerged above the wall of rock and ice surrounding the entryway to the mine. The Bullhead bearing the White Fang symbol was the lowest of the fliers in the sky. The 3 Hummingbirds were all holding ground above it, and now that Jaune had a firsthand view of the situation he had to admit… he was unsure what exactly to do.
"I confess I am unsure how to get their attention without getting ALL of their attention. There are still dozens of White Fang personal on the upper wall not to mention possibly down below. We cannot possibly fight them all." He stated in hushed tones ducking back down behind a snowdrift for cover.
Ren poked his head up as did Pyrrha. Nora just put a finger on her ear as if listening to something intently.
"Well Jaune if you are asking for opinions I think you know what Nora would say. If you cannot avoid detection you might as well cause the biggest ruckus possible. We need to notify those friendly allies and at the same time cause some serious damage and confusion so we can get out. I do not see a way to be quiet and accomplish all that." Ren stated calmly.
"I do not think you are wrong." Jaune admitted.
Pyrrha nodded and began to voice her mind "Yeah… if we cannot get by without a mess we might as well make the biggest one-"
"HUSH!" Nora demanded.
"Jaune pull out your scroll you NEED to hear this." The hammer-wielder instructed.
Jaune did and listened in via comlink mode missing the first part of the announcement but catching the important part. "… They have obviously refused to heed our warnings. It is time to swat these pests from the air…"
Jaune immediately focused himself and sat up spinning around to see the act of the threat start to get fulfilled. One the ground several White Fang personnel had pulled out an armed a heavy piercing weapon designed to take down what conventional weapons couldn't.
"Pyrrha Ren open fire take them out." He ordered.
"You are sure?" Ren asked lining up his shot.
"Yes I am sure, if they take down the transports we will be here a VERY long time. Open fire and take anybody out that points at them. Nora don't use everything you have but try to start some snow drifts. Bury as many hostiles as you can." He reached up and pulled out his shield.
Pyrrha and Ren opening fire succeeded in taking down their target and causing confusion to flow all over the battlefield.
Nora fired off two grenades and said "7 left. What are you going to be doing?"
Jaune smiled grimly before replying "I am going to be visible."
***Hummingbirds in the Air.***
Eve never wanted to consider the possibility that Jaune could have fallen to the Grimm. She did not want to be forced to accept that these people could perform this act and get away with it… at least initially. However given the numerical disadvantage paired with the fact that these terrorists did have weapons capable of taking down the transports they were utilizing… she nearly was forced to doing something she did not want to do.
The smug broadcaster's voice along made her want to gag.
"Well… I need a decision… do I shoot or are we pulling back? I cannot take out all of those weapons before they can fire." Anna asked keeping her weapon trained on the targets below.
The sounds of weapons firing took her attention. More shells… yes actual shells detonating causing some mini avalanches continued that trend.
Neither of those actually succeeded in stealing her focus. No, it was the sight of a male jumping down from the upper rock and igniting a very familiar White color made her scream.
"YES! BOUT TIME!" She called out pointing at the figure… knowing full well who it is.
The figure had landed and began cutting a swath through the White Fang personnel in the confusion.
"Is that who I think it is?" Anna claimed cocking her assault rifle.
"Hell yes, it is. I think it is time to reverse the situation on these fools."
She switched her scroll to comlink mode.
"Ok guys listen up. Birds 1 and 2 clear a path on the upper level to pick them up. Put down covering fire while 3 gets into position to pick them up."
She pulled out her weapon set to longbow mode and started picking off targets at the same time that the main Gatling guns on the Hummingbirds began to spin to life and start to unleash their payloads.
"Uh… Eve… is that who I think it is?" Anna asked as she reloaded her rifle.
Eve loosed the arrow and tried to follow her sisters gaze.
Her hands balled tightly as she believe she spotted the individual in question.
"If it is… I should shoot him."
An explosion in the sky rocked the transport and forced their focus to themselves. The other aerial Hummingbird supplying support fire just exploded.
"What the?!" Anna exclaimed.
"What was that?" The pilot asked up front.
Eve finally found the figure…. she thought. Following the glow of energy back to its… supposed source.
A woman, in a dress of all things red to match her eyes. The dress showed plenty of leg… even somebody from Cadia would be freezing in that dress given the temperature and the night chill. What… How is that possible?
"I wonder if that is the boss. We need to avoid whatever happened to the other transport…"
She looked down at her brother before stating "You are going to have to clear the path bro… we might be occupied up here."
***JNPR down below***
Jaune's initial push did exactly what he wanted. The Hummingbirds up top were safe… for the moment. He had forged a path from the alternate exit down through the White Fang personnel below. As usual things were going too well for fate's tastes.
A woman appeared and somehow… blew up one of the friendly transports. The loss of its firepower was already being felt as more and more White Fang supporters recovered and got in position to fight.
That was the second thing on his mind at the moment.
The first thing… was that blocking his path was James Arc, who contrary to most times he had been seen recently… seemed prepared to fight…
Through his semblance he knew that his teammates were starting to move down while keeping firepower on the enemies they could see. None the less the Hummingbird would be vulnerable while landing… they needed to leave quick or lose the chance.
"Sorry boy, I cannot let you leave." His father stated with a smug smile.
"I doubt you can stop me old man." He fired back.
His father lost his smile.
"You doubt I can stop you? Willing to wager your life on that?" He challenged pulling out a small coil of cord…
Jaune identified it as a whip.
"Are you willing to wager your life in it? Regardless of your confidence in your ability to face me, do you really think you can face my entire team? I suggest you surrender. It seems to be what you do when things don't go your way."
James smiled again, and make a lightning quick slash with the whip.
The speed of the strike took Jaune by surprise and despite him blocking it with his shield it did not stop it from coiling around it to strike at his arm.
More circular swings were directed at him as his father had drawn a second whip utilizing one in each arm. The constant attacks forced Jaune back and rethink his plan.
"All bark and no bite boy. This is remarkably easy for me even by your abysmal standards." He taunted.
As much as Jaune did not want to admit it… He was running out of time. The Hummingbird trying to pick them up could not stay low like that for long.
"You know Mr. Masters-" His father bristled at the implied statement.
"-you know what your problem is? You do not know when to shut up." Jaune put forth and promptly took aim with his bracer and fired.
The bullet hit cleanly right to the chest knocking the wind out of his dad.
Jaune ran at him and switched his shield into its third mode to bind to his arm.
"I have Had ENOUGH of you BOY!" His father roared and once again began the rotating spin with his arms.
Jaune ducked and slid forward in the snow under the first few overhead swings.
James paused his spin and brought one of the whips up and over his head down on top of his son.
Jaune shielded himself with his left arm and let the whip coil around him.
"So you will let yourself be disarmed for nothing? Seems fitting for you idiot boy." He taunted.
Jaune smiled, and laughed.
James tried to pull the whip away… and just then noticed in addition to it coiling around his arm… Jaune had caught it with his hand as well.
"Did you actually think you could pull off whatever scheme you had in mind? It isn't like you to actually stand up to people capable of killing you." Jaune started to move in closer keeping a firm grasp on the whip.
"You wish to speak of death?" James asked as he brought the other whip across his body.
Unfortunately for him he also underestimated the power of the Arc semblance.
Jaune pulled tight with his left arm totally unbalancing the older man at the same time he brought his sword across the now pulled tight cord and severed it cleanly. He rotated spinning with the pull and brought a fist around in a powerful stroke.
Time might as well have slowed for Jaune. The fist edged closer and closer. 3 feet away…. 2 feet away… 6 inches away…
Only to miss as James recognized the danger and was able to take a quick step back avoiding the blow.
"You accuse me of running away." The knight stated confidently as he strode forwards again.
"Taking needless hits is not courage fool-"
-BANG-
"JAUNE GET DOWN!"
Jaune figured it was Nora yelling that from the voice but did not hesitate, unsure what the danger was that she noticed…
It was several heartbeats later when he realized there was no danger she just wanted a chance to break his legs.
Firing a grenade shell to accelerate her she flew towards James and brought her hammer around into a vicious roundabout swing.
The elder Arc had no desire to test his luck against both his son and his teammate. He dove off the elevated wall and slide down towards the ground below.
"Running away again?!" Nora shouted.
Jaune could understand the feelings of his teammate but at the same time he did not have time to care. The Hummingbird in the air had drawn the attention of the White Fang supporters but it was equally obvious it was outgunned.
"YO! IT IS TIME TO LEAVE KIDDOS!" Somebody in the uniform of the Cadian Military shouted from the craft as it set down.
A couple passengers stepped off to provide covering fire while the craft was down.
Jaune basically agreed.
"EVERYBODY ONBOARD!" He roared as he moved towards the craft and stepped on it.
Nora had spun around and fired another shell from her grenade launcher as Ren and Pyrrha ran past and joined Jaune on the craft.
'They made it'
He thought and dropped out of his semblance.
'It did not seem possible… but everybody...'
Oddly above the dim and sounds of everything around him, he heard a bowstring tense up and pull back.
He heard the 'Thwack' of the arrow being fired.
A pained cry filled the air a moment later.
"NORA!" Somebody yelled.
Jaune's breath caught in his throat at the sight in before him.
An arrow had taken Nora clean through her leg to the point she toppled sliding down the wall to the lake below. Her weapon fell out of her grasp and slide down on a completely different trajectory… she was literally weaponless on one leg.
He followed the arrows path back and found who he believed fired it. The woman in a dress showing an abundance of thigh.
'How the hell is she wearing a dress in this cold? I thought I was resistant to it but she… she's basically fully open skin… how?"
He shook his head and forced himself to focus.
"JAUNE!?" Ren called out looking frantically as his friend below.
"Duke Arc we need to go, we are vulnerable this close to the ground." The pilot called as the support crew climbed back up.
"We CANNOT LEAVE her BEHIND!" Ren roared.
"Pilot set us down we do not leave anybody behind!" Jaune called out.
The sounds of stray shots whizzed past the Hummingbird now as it started to lift off.
"Sorry Sir I cannot do that it is far too dangerous, we have to take off now." He answered the craft began to lift.
"Jaune we aren't actually going to leave Nora behind are we?" Pyrrha demanded.
Jaune continued to look around and think frantically. They are a team… teammates do not leave each other behind. But he could not ask anybody to risk themselves in a situation that seemed hopeless… the Hummingbird did have to leave now or it was in danger of being damaged and inoperable. The entire crew could die along with the team.
They were well into the air now…
What would Nora want me to do?
"JAUNE!?" Ren pleaded.
"Keep going." Jaune instructed the pilot looking behind him briefly.
"Jaune what?!" Ren demanded as Jaune stepped back from the open port a few steps.
"Jaune seriously you are-" Pyrrha could not believe it… but she couldn't finish her objection either.
Jaune made a running leap off the Hummingbird activating his semblance once again. Driving back the black of night once again bringing the light of hope to the battlefield. He landed in a shoulder spin and promptly slide down wall to the lake below.
"That… damnit. Cover him!" A crewman commented taking aim with his weapon.
Ren and Pyrrha needed no further encouragement. Both of them pulled out their weapons again taking aim on the White Fang personal raining shells down on Nora below.
Sadly… their ammunition did not last long given the amount they had already burned through that night. As their weapons were clicking on empty cartridges they finally lowered their weapons and watched.
Jaune, was on his own.
***Frozen Lake below***
If Jaune had more time on his hands he might make a comical statement about charging headlong into danger in a way that even Professor Port could appreciate.
He did not have that type of time on his hands.
Switching his shield into tower mode he of course knew a few things about the situation.
First, that the lake was drained… a fall would prove fatal.
Second… even if he survived the fall… he was not a good swimmer… equally fatal.
Also… the water was cold.
There was also that, which made the fact that he was getting fired upon most troubling.
Holding his tower shield in front of his body he reached down and poured as much of his aura as he dared into the ice to try and hold it together as he looked around. Nora has slid down to the middle of the lake and was trying to crawl to her weapon. The hammer was about 30 yards or so away from her and given the wound to her leg… she was not making much progress.
"Hang on Nora!" He yelled in encouragement.
Keeping his sword sheathed for now he pushed off and got a nice acceleration going on as he closed in on Nora's hammer.
The enemy shells deflecting off his shield was causing it to shake on his arm even with his semblance powering his grip… it was a supreme amount of firepower to handle.
None the less he got within a gripping distance of the hammer and promptly claimed it.
The knight did not care about what exactly he was aiming at. All he knew is that he was being fired upon… and if he caused an avalanche in the meantime so be it.
Pushing off again towards his friend he fired off a shell. It sailed over all possible targets on the ridge above him.
He didn't care. He kept firing until:
'YIKES!'
The shell in the chamber was currently labeled as 'Do not fire! EVER! -I mean it-'
That might have been bad…
None the less he kept his shield up until his slide took right next to his wounded teammate.
He held out her weapon and tucked it right into her abdomen.
"Hold ON!" He ordered.
Nora nodded and tried to sound cheerful as she responded "Got it!"
He picked her up with his left arm having switched his shield to his back and tried to make his way back to the upper ledge.
"I hope you can jump for both of us." Nora advised sounding pained.
Huh… fair question…
Jaune continued to feel his back ricocheted shells off as the shield continued to hold. However Ice chips were starting to get frayed off the lake itself.
Gotta get off this ice… My aura won't hold it much longer.
As he approached the wall he thought of another problem… he cannot clear the wall alone.
He would have to climb it at least partially.
If only I had a sharp object… I cannot get my sword off my back while I'm carrying Nora… If only I had a blade or knife or… ! Knife! I am carrying a knife!
"Jaune we gotta go the Bullheady thing is getting high!" Nora warned looking up.
Jaune drew the knife at his waist and took a running leap upwards. His semblance propelled him a great deal upwards in the air but could not take him the entire distance.
Driving the blade into the ice he hefted himself upwards and kicked to propel himself higher. He had to repeat that process another time before he finally caught the ledge and pulled himself up.
Sheathing his knife again he began moving towards the Hummingbird when he heard another arrow in flight thanks to his semblance boosting his senses.
With a quick duck to the side he brought his bracer around and literally swatted the arrow to the ground sending an intense look back across the chasm to the shooter.
"C'mon Jaune we gotta move!" The somehow still cheerful girl advised.
Jaune was wondering how he would ever manage to reach something so high up that he didn't notice the hiss in the air signifying another arrow in flight.
"Believe me Nora I am try-" He began saying but it became a pained hiss before he could finish.
Another arrow clipped his thigh cutting deep into his leg.
Ignore it Jaune, you jump with your aura anyway not your body.
He had no time to study the wound, as much as his body told him to drop down to a knee and rest… he knew that to do so would be a fatal mistake.
"Jaune just jump trust me!" the happy one advised.
Okay… if she is sure.
Putting as much power into the leap as he could possibly muster he dug deep into the snow and pushed off into the air.
As he expected his semblance gave him a great amount of upwards movement but it was barely even half the height needed for the task. As such he considered his options…
What he did not consider is what Nora had planned.
She had switched her weapon out of launcher mode and back into hammer mode.
The special shell!
"Nora be careful-"
She pulled the trigger.
The resulting explosion filled the sky with a pink cloud of dust in the shape of a heart as the two took off like a rocket upwards.
"NNNNNNNNnnnnnNNNooooooooOOOOrrrrrrRRRRRRAAAAAAaaaaaaAAAA!" He screamed helplessly.
The shell thrust both of them well above their target.
As the explosion lost its thrust and they started to fall he could really only think of one thing to do.
"PPPPPPPPPPYYYYYYYRRRRRRRRRRRHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"
If his partner heard him or altered his course… he really did not know. All he knew is that as he fell he reached out with his right arm and with a stroke of luck… caught the outer rung of the Hummingbird.
***Beacon Commons***
"WOOOOOOOOOOOO!" A nameless student exclaimed as the student body erupted into cheers via a standing ovation and applause.
The entire time Jaune was in the air nobody spoke and probably nobody breathed. That all ended the moment the Blond managed to catch the bottom rail of the Hummingbird.
The friends were appropriately happy.
"Nora was working on that shell all year… rather frightening to finally see what it can do." Ruby stated with a huge smile on her face squeezing Weiss with a potentially deadly amount of force… at least judging by the look on the face of the heiress.
Both women however… had wet eyes and a smile on their face.
Kate just sat down and finally let her body relax… this has been an exhausting day.
"Well uh… this uh… is not uh… going as uh… say what? Oh uh. Right. Well you can see that uh this has been a bit of duplicity and…" The White Fang news broadcaster was clearly a bit flustered unsure how to treat the situation, however as the camera panned forward again the talk in the room went silent.
Jaune had helped Nora into the Hummingbird and was himself getting assistance into the craft. However once he was in, he had other plans for the remainder of that broadcast and its message. He kept his semblance running and even through the imperfect picture started the funnel what little energy he had left into his bracer.
"Uh… what?" The broadcaster stated confused.
Jaune leveled his bracer on the craft, and fired.
The shell sheared clean through the craft literally ripping it apart. The camera panned to the side to clearly capture the damage until it was pulled out of the grasp of the camera man and landed in the friendly Hummingbird.
"This is NOT Mercury Black and this is NOT another episode of Justice. Here we are in the middle of nowhere and-" Ren's voice was heard speaking while capturing the scene of the incident.
KABOOM! The Bullhead crashed to the ground in a violent explosion.
"Ouch, that looked like it hurt. We can only hope that no innocent wildlife was harmed in the crash. Remember children, this is why you always get your license before you fly. It can clearly be dangerous to-" Ren was clearly enjoying this.
"Ren…" Jaune's tired and breathless voice was heard.
"Oh right." He stated and zoomed in on the woman wearing the red dress down below, her eyes began to glow showcased how mad she was.
"See this 'woman'-" Ren started.
"Bitch" Nora translated.
"If you know her, she is not your friend. She is not your ally. She is the enemy regardless of what she appears to be-"
"I'd say she appears cold given the dress she is wearing." Nora suggested again.
"This ladies and gentlemen is what She stands for" Ren stated panning the camera around.
"A lost mining village and needless loss of life. If you see this woman please alert the local authorities. Smile for the camera please Miss! May we have your name?-"
The woman smiled sinisterly and finally turned around to walk away.
"I'd suggest leg breaking… or at least this." Nora input once again as she grabbed the camera out of Ren's hand and placed it on the ground. A powerful stomp crushing the camera brought an end to that nights broadcast.
The Beacon students were all laughing hysterically towards the end of the broadcast and even Kate had to admit she was smiling. Jaune was ok… Ren was ok. The team and her friends were ok. Thank god.
A glance to the side proved that the staff were taking the matter very seriously and were already at work trying to spread the word about the image regarding the woman in the dress.
"Told ya they'd be ok Kate!" Ruby put forth happily.
Kate looked at the ground and smiled in a wry grin.
"Yes… you did. I suppose all we have to do is wait for them to get back… we have a summer to look forwards too after all." She admitted.
A part of her wanted to ask Weiss about the 'mysterious detentions' she was subjected to… but she was too happy to care at the moment. They all made it… it was practically a miracle… but they did.
A/N
Well… 4 years of Beacon… 2 years completed. Probably 40% of the story… maybe. Those of you who have been with me from the beginning and continue to provide me support throughout, thank you for making the ride that much more enjoyable. Those of you who are more recent to follow along, welcome aboard. I hope the remainder of the story continues to grow and prove an enjoyable read.
A note about future chapters… I release chapters when I deem them ready. No chapter is ever going to be perfect and as much as I try to find grammar and such errors… I know I will never find them all. I have a Beta reader who I have learned to rely on. Both of us work full time. My ability to write, and her ability to read is directly dependant on the amount of bandwidth we have left over after work. I try to get content out as quickly as possible. But I cannot in good faith say every chapter will be released a week or sooner apart.
Please Kudos/Fav/Follow/comment/email/IM your feedback to me and as always I remind folks I read everything sent my way. Constructive criticism and praise along with everything in-between is going to be welcomed. Flame attacks are not.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the story/share any idea's you may have:
****INCLUDING IDEAS FOR SUMMER ACTIVITIES***
Please let me know. The summer will not be a gigantic section but it should be 3 chapters… plenty of time for some type of shenanigans and fun having J
I still could use some more examples and ideas for any story scenes folks would like to see made into picture form. I cannot promise all requests would be met, but if you have something you want to see, let me know.
I think I have rambled enough. Thank you for reading, and I will see you next time.
-Sean