Search Party
Silence. That's how Graham would descried the city before him. The kind of silence that commonly fall upon graveyards.
How many city's in the wasteland held the same descriptions, Graham wondered. Usually, during his campaigns under Caeser's banner, city's were at least filled with tribes hiding out in ruined buildings but Mountain Glenn was different. Life seemed to have completely left, even with the return of mother nature around the city's lower streets. Everything felt empty.
Of course, according to Andrew, there was life here. Below the city was Lanius and the White Fang, hidden inside the metro system that was suppose to supply Mountain Glenn with goods from Vale. But, from what Graham had read up on, the place is nothing more then what remains of the city's human population after it was block off. All to stop the furthering approach of Grimm into Vale.
The Vertibird that brought Graham here then took off. Dusting up dirt and giving away Graham's position to anyone who may have been watching. A tactical error if Graham ever so one, likely allowing a guard topside to report to Lanius that the Mojave had arrived. Caesar's second Legate was either preparing his men for a fight or a retreat, both were a possibility.
However, by Andrew's word alone, Lanius would do neither. The Courier had received information from an unknown informant that the White Fang, and Lanius included, were currently in a vulnerable position. Not ready for a full fledged assault nor in the position to create a proper retreat. This was the MoJave's perfect opportunity to secure Vale's safety as well as Graham's chance to speak with the Legate, probably his only.
So, even if Graham wanted to refuse, Andrew had pushed the mission on him in a matter of minutes after he arrived onto the Tandi. Not so much explaining why they needed to scout out Mountain Glenn, saving that for a private discussion with Graham, just that they needed to. If he had to guess as to why this was Graham would say Andrew did this to give him time to speak with Lanius, keeping to their promise. A whole MoJave division searching through the city didn't provided the best place for discussion after all.
Grabbing his gear, Graham climb down from the crumbling building the Vertibird left him on into Mountain Glenn's streets. Scanning the area and keeping his finger close to the trigger of the MoJave rifle he carried. For as powerful as his pistol is here it wouldn't do much against an onslaught of Grimm. Automatic fire and 5.56 rounds were better suited for that.
No target so far and, besides the occasional gust of wind, the silence that fall this place held up. The scenery around him stayed the same, only varying from destroyed apartment to destroyed store or bar, as Graham continued forward deeper into the city's interior.
His target was a metro tunnel that will allow him to reach the position of which Lanius and the White Fang hid. Were after he found them Graham was to call in for support. Marking this as an accident rather than a planned out operation. Andrew explained that this was how the mission was suppose to go, not going in specifics besides covering their tracks from certain eyes. Who those eyes were Graham did not know.
Continuing his track towards the metro at a steady pace, Graham came into contact with the city's new inhabitants. Grimm as expected had remained in the city after it's fall. Hunting its streets in hope of finding another group of humans to decimate. Remembering what he had learned, Graham moved behind what was left of a stone wall.
Grimm are attracted to negative emotions, Graham understood he of all people won't be able to hide long from them. Instead, before the Grimm took notice of him, he pulled out one of three grenades provided to him. The pin was removed and then dropped as the high explosive baseball was thrown over towards the pack of Beowolfs.
After the blast, a barrage of rifle fire rang down on what was left of the pack. Ripping them apart before they released someone was killing them. Their bodies turned to black dust and walking through it was Graham, as calm as one would be walking through the park.
Howling soon replaced the silence of the city. The Grimm population coming to life by not only the sound of Graham's rifle but also the distinctive noise of sniper fire.
"I best hurry."
Graham reloaded and then went into a sprint towards his target. The students from Beacon not that far off if their weapon's firing could be any indication.
Team RWBY had just cleared out another pack of Beowolfs, these specific creatures of Grimm being found quite commonly as they continued on with their mission. Charged with reconnaissance, the team was searching through Mountain Glenn for any signs of White Fang activity. Allowed to take the mission designed for second year students after Ozpin cleared them. Though with an extreme mission such as this came an extreme monitor.
"Good work ladies! I say that was an exemplary display of skill!" Doctor Oobleck complement the girls, standing off to the side. Observing the girl's well drinking coffee from his thermos.
Unlike his students, the Doctor looked more prepared for an archaeological dig than a combat mission. Also unlike his students, the Doctor was in a much more lively mood next to Team RWBY who were bent over and taking the time to catch their breaths.
"So Doc, when are you going to decided to help? Wouldn't mind seeing a Huntsman in action," Yang asked, being the first of her team to stand straight again.
"Oh but I am in action. Watching and learning about how far you girl's have come and keeping an eye out for any irregularities that may have developed here since the fall," Oobleck's words were like a buzz saw. If they even for a second stopped listening they would have missed the Doctor's explanation.
Oobleck then continued on forward through the city's ruins, the rest of team RWBY following after and keeping their weapons unholstered. Knowing well they'll have to use them again in a few minutes at best or seconds at worst.
Though they were all slightly exhausted, the team kept up with the Doctor at a steady pass. All except Ruby, who was lagging behind thanks to the extra baggage she carried. They were only suppose to be here for two days with the Doctor carrying all their necessities. For them to bring supplies was unneeded but Ruby was initially allowed to bring the backpack after saying it had extra ammo for her team.
This, though, only got eye's turning from Ruby's teammates. None of them remembering Ruby packing this nor did they need extra ammo, an abundance already on person. So, with the pro being out weighed by the cons, Weiss stopped her teammate. Standing in front of Ruby with an outstretched hand forward.
"Ok Ruby, drop the backpack. You're clearly not preforming well with it."
Ruby became defensive, clutching her weapon to her chest well thinking up an excuse. Before she used the one she used last time, Blake joined Weiss and the whole group stopped to see what had transpired.
"She's right. You should just had out what ammo we've already used and leave the rest here," Ammo may be expensive but with the school constantly supplying them and the fact Ruby was being weighed down. Dropping the backpack was a sound idea to Blake as well as the rest. Nodding their heads.
"Um well,... we can always..." As Ruby tried desperately to provide a reason for the backpack, said item opened. The head of a small black and white dog popping out. "Get back in the bag," Ruby whispered, noticing the motion behind her as did the group.
The dog was named Zwei. His owners being Yang, Ruby and their father's respectively. Since they were at Beacon, neither sister had any real contact with the corgi for some time. It was just this morning, though, that their father gave them responsibility of Zwei once more. Along with a dog food and a message explaining that their dad had to take on a mission.
Ruby gulped as Oobleck rushed forwards. Invading her personal space and staring down at the young girl with his fogged up glasses.
"Miss Rose, we are on a mission deep within Grimm infested territory. And you for some reason thought it best to bring a house pet?" The Doctor's words were clear, avoid of the sporadic nature of his normal speech.
"Yes?" Ruby was unsure of any other response besides this.
Oobleck then blurred out of existence and reappeared behind Ruby. Grabbing Zwei out of the bag and using his semblance once more to reappear in the middle of team RWBY, holding Zwei in the air.
"Brilliant!" The Doctor was back to normal. "Canines are commonly know for their heighten sense of small. Making them perfect for assisting Huntsman in search mission such as ours. Miss Rose you have truly out done yourself by bringing this animal along with us."
"I am a genius," Ruby padded herself on the back as the rest of her team watched on in irritation. Both towards Ruby's self-absorption and the Doctor's irrational behavior.
"Shouldn't we continue forward, Doctor?" Blake asked, cat like eyes scanning the area around them for Grimm.
"Oh yes, you are correct Miss Belladonna," Oobleck dropped Zwei, the animal rushing over to Ruby's side. "Lets."
The mission was then back on its way. Moving out of the shadow of half a skyscraper and onto another street, the group had an open view of the gray sky before them. The buildings around them lower then those behind them. Providing them the opportunity to clearly see two things.
One was another pack of Beowolfs, prompting team RWBY to ready their weapons once more. The other was a Vertibird taking off into the skies and away from the city.
"The MoJave?" Weiss was the first to question. Her attention now away from the Grimm.
Her focus else were, one of the Grimm rushed her. Jumping towards Weiss but missing her thanks to Yang's gauntlets meeting it's skull. The creature was thrown into a stone wall, killing it on impact.
"Grimm first," Yang elaborated.
After a quick nod of thanks from Weiss, the team went on the offensive. Yang at the front to take the brunt of the Grimm with Blake and Weiss covering the girl's flanks. Ruby was the farthest back, giving her team sniper support for if any of the Grimm got behind them. Oobleck was at Ruby's side, along with Zwei, watching the Vertibird finally exit Mountain Glenn's skyline.
The pack was small making it even easy for the team to destroy. After a minute of fighting and another pack of Grimm turned to dust, the team reloaded their weapons.
"So, anyone have an idea why the MoJave's here?" Yang questioned this time, now free of the initial threat.
"Probably for the same reason we're here," Weiss answered, pulling Myrtenaster from a Beowolf's corpse were then after the creature started to evaporate.
The possibility of the White Fang's presence here was high. Therefore, seeing a Vertibird in the sky should have been expected. There was though one little caveat that made this a surprise to some. Andrew had promise corroboration with Huntsman but if that was the case. He should have informed Ozpin of the MoJave's mission into Mountain Glenn.
It seemed that promise has been dropped. Though to be fair, Ozpin clearly didn't inform Andrew of their mission here either.
"Should we make contact?" Ruby asked, turning towards their teacher for an answer.
Oobleck looked back at his students. Observing each subtle action the girl's showed once Ruby asked the question. Yang was, for a lack of a better term, 'angrier' but still cool headed. Blake gripped her pistol tighter then what was necessary to hold it well Weiss simple stood their. Showing no real conflict. Ruby was the only one who looked excited.
"I think we should. Don't what them accidentally firing on us now."
The idea of a friendly fire scenario scare the girl's enough. Disbanding any opposition they may have had towards working with the MoJave. Following the Doctor, team RWBY walked on towards the destination of were they saw the Vertibird take off. Were, after another quick run in with Grimm, soon heard gunfire not to far off.
Sprinting towards it, the group passed through another building's shadow to enter a bright clearly of what was once a park. Trees long since dead, shriveled up into a state of burned wood. Stairs along with the sidewalks in desperate need of repair and a crumbled building behind it all with the sign 'Metro' attached to it in red letters.
In the middle of this setting was one man in a black vest and blue jeans, his body wrapped in bandages. Carrying a rifle that had a bayonet aimed towards a group of three Grimm. The rest of the pack laying motionless around the park, already evaporating.
Graham noticed the group but kept his eyes forward, both thankful and unthankful that he was found by the Beacon students. Though, happy to see familiar blonde hair.
He fired a burst of rounds into the first of the creatures. Knocking it to the ground and killing it rather quickly. One of the Beowolfs then went in for a swipe were, after a side step, it become in perfect distance of Graham's bayonet. Shoving it into the creatures throat and firing another burst of rounds.
The gun was pulled out just as the finally Grimm came in close. Graham docking as the Beowolf's claws missed him by inches. The creature now opened, Graham punch the Beowolf with the butt of his rifle. Pushing it back and providing him with a chance to aim. Another burst of rounds and another dead Grimm.
The magazine for the rifle fell to the ground, replace motionlessly by another fresh clip. The rules of gun safety taking effect as Graham aimed the rifle down, turning towards his new company.
"Well I'll be. Looks like you can kill Grimm just as well as you heal people," Yang came running forward, the group following her lead though at a slower pace.
"It comes with the life I choose," The somber tone of Graham's voice wasn't missed. Causing the cheery Yang to circle back.
Graham then put his attention towards the group behind Yang. Team RWBY, as Andrew had informed him before the mission, stood in front of Graham in a tired state with the willingness to continue on forward. A man besides them, a professor most likely, awake more than he had any right to be with the condition of his students and the gloomy setting around them. And a dog that looked just happy to be here.
Three of them he recognized back during his brief stay at Beacon. The event that transpired that day being explained by Andrew as nothing than friends meeting back up, which Graham doubted. Looking into it a little, Graham found out about the events that took place during the operation in Vale. Causing the Burned Man to fear that history was again repeating itself.
Yang took notice of the questioning stares around her and the uneasiness between them. Knowing she'll have to take point in starting their conversation.
"Doctor Oobleck this is Joshua Graham. He's the one who helped me at Junior's Club," Yang elaborated for the Doctor, the rest knowing something about the man thanks to the elder sister before hand.
Oobleck scratch his chin well walking forward. Eyeing Graham up and down. Then the Doctor's hand was presented outward for a shack. Graham obliged.
"Good to meet one of the MoJave's greats. Though I do have to ask, why are you here?"
Tactically speaking, Graham wasn't suppose to answer this question. Andrew wanting to keep the accident angle above all else. However, a self explanatory response didn't break this rule.
"The reason shouldn't be that hard to know, Doctor," Graham answered, showing respect for the title. Healers, no matter what side of a conflict, were workers of God's mercy on humanity. Respect is paramount.
"Then we have a common goal, and from the looks of things," Oobleck watched as the final pieces of black dust evaporated. "We're both have fallen on hard times."
Graham took once last glance at the metro station and nodded his head in agreement. The station had collapsed in on itself, making any entry for Graham impossible. He had to find a new way in and from his current position that was going to be easier said then done.
"If that's the case you join us," Ruby suggested, walking up next to Oobleck. "If we find the White Fang we're better off fighting them together then alone."
"You are absoulty correct Miss Rose," Oobleck said before turning back to Graham. "I'm sure no one would mind if you came along with us good Mr. Graham."
Weighing the option, Graham observed the group to see if Oobleck's statement held true. Ruby and Yang seemed thrilled by the idea but the rest, even the accepting Doctor, gave off an air of suspicion. The younger girls more obvious with it then their teacher. Still, extra hands was a usual benefit on search missions. More eyes scanning the area and their be there to help once the fighting starts. Graham wasn't a fool to believe such a thing wouldn't happen as much as he wished other wise.
They may be easier to spot but working with these kids felt right for the once Legate.
"Very well. Let's continue forward."
"Yes! Let's go find the White Fang!" Ruby yelled out cheerfully, finding enjoyment in working with the MoJave for a another time. Though, now without the fear that Yang would punch them.
The group of six plus dog went deeper into Mountain Glenn after words. Scouring the city's ruins well hoping to find any evidence of the White Fang's presence here.
They found nothing. Having to make camp inside one of the few buildings that looked stable as the sun fell from the sky. Remnant's destroyed moon slowly raising above them.
Their campfire was completed relatively quickly, helped along by Graham and Yang as Blake and Weiss got their gear out such as beds. Team RWBY's leader and Oobleck had left them to secure the area around them. A Grimm attack at night not the most favorable scenario for them. Even for Graham, who understood these creatures with black fur had a better chance at night in killing them than day.
Graham's mission in finding a way under the city proved far more difficult then anticipated. If they had run into another Metro station it was a repeat of the first. No clear way in that didn't involved moving a thousand tons of stone and metal. As for sightings of the White Fang that proved also difficult. It appearing that Lanius truly didn't set up any scouts top side.
If there was an upside in all of this, Graham would say it was with his surprised associates. Team RWBY had taken charge in most of the fighting there on after, saving Graham ammunition and energy. And each girl provided Graham something to think about.
For all their willingness to charge into battle, each gave a conflicted response when the Doctor asked for their reasons for fighting. All except Ruby, however. Though, maybe Oobleck was asking the girl now since they were alone but Graham found that unlikely. He may not be the best teacher but Graham could see Miss Rose had her priorities straight. There was no alternative motive with her, she truly wishes to help people.
The rest kept questioning themselves after Oobleck asked. Sure they had a reason to give straight away but each one had a moment were they stopped. The reasons they gave seemingly at odds with their voice.
The three girls gathered around the fire, talking about the question Oobleck presented to them. All while Graham found a nice spot to rest near the one solid corner in the room. Pulling out his scripture to read.
"There's more to it then holding up my families legacy but..." Weiss was the first to speak up, trying to find the words she wished to use.
"I mean, it doesn't really matter. We know why we're here, right?" Yang was the next to question her words.
"I know what I need to do. The corruption of everything needs to be stop but the how and..." Blake wasn't able to find the last word. Getting caught up in her own mind as it battle towards finding her reason.
"Why."
Graham closed his book, taking the girl's attention away from their minds. He wasn't about to leave them in their desperate mind set. Both for reasons of keeping their minds clear for when the fighting started back up and to maybe do another good deed in his life.
"If its any consolation. The reason we fight can change throughout life. For me now it's redemption but as long as you're doing good. The reason doesn't truly matter."
The group was taken back by Graham's openness. Most only meeting him today well Yang knew him from a few instances. But here he was, trying to pass some wisdom onto them and giving them insight to his past. The bandages making a whole lot more sense as he said the word 'redemption'.
It was Blake though that formed the best understanding of the man. Seeing a very familiar book clutch in Graham's hands.
"That book, Andrew has one like it," Blake commented, filling her team in on her fascination with said item.
"And I'm assuming he told about what I did," Graham replied, his shame all to present. He didn't know what back story the Courier had given him but, by the girl's reaction, it was probably half true. Though, it was best not to take that huge of a risk here. "I am in his debt because of his help."
"You nearly killed a person," Blake continued. Providing Graham with the information he needed to speak properly here and for Weiss and Yang to understand their teammates tone of voice.
"I've killed far to many people in my time. All I can do now is leave something good on this world before death final comes," His words were like a knife on Yang's idealism on the man. But she couldn't say she didn't still respect him.
For whatever life Graham may have lived, he now stands before the world trying to do something good. His priorities are clear and his reason just. Unlike her, who still didn't know her purpose in all of this. Yes, she out of anyone on Remnant never wanted to see good people get hurt. But was that all there was? Can it really be that simple as doing the right thing?
Andrew claimed something like that. But a road like his wasn't anything Yang wanted.
"Oh wonderful. A campfire."
Oobleck and Ruby then returned. Zwei following closely to Ruby as she warmed up next to the fire. Each missing or ignoring the air in the room before their arrival.
"Well girls and Graham. Eat your dinners and ready for bed. We continue our search tomorrow," Oobleck nearly rushed off after that, coming back to ask one last thing. "Which of you is taking first watch?"
Ruby raised her hand and with that the Doctor was satisfied. Rushing off to find his own little spot to huddle up in. The room Graham and team RWBY was in far to small for all of them.
Team RWBY did as they were told, dropping the conversation between them but not forgetting it. And when it came time for bed, neither could they sleep because of this.
Izzycity: Well... that took some time to write. Hope you've enjoyed it.
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