Chapter 29
The trip in Atlas for the White Fang had been tough, but doable.
They met grand resistance, and some decent Huntsmen and lots of droids. However, they had done it. They fought and through their effort they earned a reward. Particularly the many prototype Paladins that had been sent to Vale for future use. Now the White Fang were celebrating their victory.
"I have to admit, this was a tough one." A somewhat injured but still alive Adam said as he drank some Mistral wine to Asterios. "Yet all in all, it seems we won today."
"Yes." Asterios nodded. "It. Tough. But...Victory."
Adam chuckled. Seems his new ally was getting better at speaking. He was still a little slow, but overall he was fine with it. Adam had to admit, the bull faunus was indeed a powerful force to be reckoned with.
Why, he took on a Paladin alone when they fell into a trap. Adam provided support and dealt the finishing move, but he couldn't have done it without Asterios holding back the giant metal machine. He knew some people could be strong, but Asterios took that to another level, his bare fists blocking that Paladins strike.
He was indeed amazing.
Shame nobody else saw that awesome moment.
"Still, how are you feeling Asterios?" Adam mused to his fellow faunus, noting how his left horn was badly damaged with a good chunk missing. "I can understand that it must be tough for you to lose...such a fine trait." Adam couldn't help but feel a little guilty at this part.
During the battle while he was gathering energy, the person driving the Paladin saw him. Naturally, Atlas knew of his semblance after he fought against them for so long. So the Paladin then launched a pure Dust missile which would have killed him before he could do anything.
Yet instead, Asterios came in and knocked the missile off course, but sadly the missile was set off with him caught in the blast. He came out fine-if not heavily burned-his horn missing. It took a long while for the awakened aura he gave him to heal him, soon back up yet sadly something his horn couldn't heal from. Instead of accusing Adam though, Asterios just smiled.
"It. Okay. I...Help...Friend…" Friend huh. His lieutenant was a good man, yet thinking on it, can Adam truly call him a friend? A person he can rely on, trust, and fight with yes. But friend? No. When Asterios says it though, Adam couldn't help but feel...happy.
'Thinking on it, I never really enjoyed my time with other members.' Aside from...Blake, Adam usually just trained. Never really bothering with the other members. It wasn't that he was rude or anything, he just didn't think he should waste time on games when he could use the time he had on training. Though by doing this, in a way while the White Fang respected him with some idolizing him, they to never got close to him.
Only Blake did, and when she left, Adam wouldn't admit it but he became rather...lonely. So to say. Now though, things felt a bit different. Not the same as his time with Blake, but a good thing like it.
A smile sported on Adam's face.
"Well...I guess I owe you either way." He then lifted his cup with Asterios doing the same. Only to accidently spill it on himself of course, turning slightly red as he then tried to clean himself.
While Adam focused more on his missions, he couldn't help but deny that days like these weren't so bad. The White Fang might be terrorist to others, but right now, Adam felt happier than he has before.
Nothing could go wrong today.
"Time to make certain everything goes wrong for the White Fang today." Jason said smugly as he stood on top of a crate overwatching his team. Hercules and Atalanta, Medea (Lily) absent still though. According to Atlanta though, she got a text from the Hassan saying they'll drop her off near a store. Those pricks! Have they no shame contacting him after that stunt they pulled at the docks!?
Oh whatever. He'll need Medea (Lily) later of course. If only to use her magical powers for his own gain.
"Alright." Atalanta says crossing her arms staring at Jason. Not looking too convinced by his words. "And just how are we going to ruin things for the White Fang, huh?" Because last thing she wanted was to join on some dumb mission that will fail.
"It's siple really." Jason said acting all knowing. "See, I went to Junior today to get some information on the White Fang. Learning some interesting things."
"Like what?"
"That Junior knew nothing."
"..." Before Atalanta could consider leaving, Jason continued on talking.
"However, Hercules on the other hand," The great hero snorted with what may have been pride. "Was taking a morning jog just earlier today." Atalanta now knew what the news meant by early monster scaring the morning joggers. Seems however even Hercules wanted to stay in shape. "Where he then learned critical information."
Hercules smiled.
If kids were here, they'd be crying at his expression.
Jason then hopped down the crate. "Turns out while on his morning jog, he noticed some White Fang nearby sneaking around. So he followed them through the shadows, and figured out their location. A warehouse of sorts."
Atalanta stared at the giant man. Curious on how he even followed them without getting caught considering his size. Then remembered that he qualified as the Assassin Class. 'Still...he should still have the Mad Enchantment, yet managed to do this?'
"Moving on," The leader of the group then kept talking, ruining any foresight Atalanta could think of about Hercules mental state. "With this information, we can sneak into this White Fang location, see what they have, and take all they got." Jason then grinned. "And if they try getting in our way~"
Hercules walked near a metal container.
SLAM!
It was crushed by his giant sized feet without even trying.
"Alright. So looks like this idea isn't as stupid as I thought." Atalanta admits. "Still, we have other problems. Like the military that showed up with their ragtag metal golems."
"...You mean their robots?"
"I'm calling them golems." Pushing the matter of the name, Atalanta was right. Some guy called General Ironwood has showed up, and brought along a hell ton of ships and robots. Seriously, was this guy planning an invasion or something? I mean, why the heck did he bring so many soldiers!? The news said something about security for this Vytal Festival, yet this was too much!
"We can just attack at night." Is the answer Jason had. I mean, going for the strike in the night is just the right thing to do. He doubted the presence of this army will change that. I mean, what could they do? Probably nothing in the long run. After all, if Vale forces can't beat them, what good would some men in white and tin cans do to them? Nothing! That's what.
Atalanta sighed, already figuring out Jason's thinking. He always was one to think that nothing could harm the team when they are together. Which isn't wrong per say, as when the Argonauts were really untied, barely anything could harm him. That didn't mean they were invincible however.
I mean, if they were at full strength then nothing could harm them as Heroic Spirits. At their current level though, they can fall-except maybe Hercules. He was tougher than her, Jason, and Medea (Lily) combined.
Shaking that thought, overall this mission shouldn't have too many problems. I mean, thinking about it just because they can now be beaten didn't mean they will get beaten. As far as she can tell, the White Fang were no problem.
"The White Fang are definitely a problem." Inside the Beacon dorms are none other than Team RWBY, who once again have decided to take matters into their own hands. While some might say it's foolish, then again, they have accomplished far more than the local police and security. Sure it might have been because of luck, but they still did quite a bit.
The girls believed they had a shot at accomplishing this with their plan in mind.
"Hello."
"Hi!"
"Hey!...Can we come into your room? It's high up here."
Then it was ruined when they came.
The new kids here in Beacon. Sun, the leader of Team SNNN. Neptune, the partner of Sun. Then of course the plan had to change for a bit. As the new guys entered their plans in stopping the White Fang.
"All right, so we know you and Neptune." Ruby told the duo of Team SNNN. "However, we'd like to know you." She then turned to the beautiful lady who had a bust that surpassed Yang. Knowing that while she was with Sun and the others, didn't know anything about her at all. Something Sanzang was more than happy to explain.
"I am the follower of Buddha! The one who traveled along the west of the great dunes! Battling monsters and helping against the Incineration! For I am Xuanzang Sanzang, the one who stops the Demon King!" She shouted with a grand smile and striking a cool pose.
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
All four girls and even the two members of Team SNNN just stayed silent at that. Uncertain on what the heck that was about. Sun himself just looking embarrassed with Neptune shaking his head.
Ruby then just shrugged thinking its best if they ignore this for now.
"Um, okay." She then decided to alter the plan. "I'll go with Weiss to get information from the CCT. There might be information there we can use."
"Sun. You can go with Blake." The monkey faunus then grinned as he looked at Blake. The cat faunus blushing a little. Though neither didn't seem to be upset.
"Hmph!" Except for Sanzang for some reason. Seeing her apprentices look at Blake and crosses her arms just frowning. Not liking the pairing.
"Neptune." Ruby then pushed the blue haired boy along towards Yang. "You can go with Yang since she has no partner." While Neptune didn't mind being pushed along, Weiss herself also looked upset. "Everyone good."
"Actually Ruby." Weis then said. "Why don't you go with Yang. She is your sister."
"And I'll go with an apprentice." Sanzang added in, giving a small glare toward Blake. "Best he went with his partner."
"But, I'm his partner." Neptune then said.
"...It's best if he goes with me." Sanzang just said ignoring Neptunes words.
"Sorry Weiss, but if I did that, who'd go with you?" Ruby said oblivious to the real reasons why Weiss wanted Ruby to go with Yang. Then she faced Sanzang. "As for you, uh, San-zan?" She was a little confused on the naming. "You can't join Sun since he's a faunus, like Blake. No way you can enter the warehouse as a human. If anything, it's best you go with Yang and Neptune instead." Both human females just looked upset by Ruby's words.
"Now then," Ruby grabbed Weiss and began dragging her off despite her protests. "Let's go get our information!"
"Alright!" Sun said as he and Blake then left to go find the White Fang. "This is going to be so much fun."
"Just don't lose focus." Blake tells him.
"Man. Me and two good looking girls huh. Loving it." Neptune winks at Yang and Sanzang. The former chuckling while the latter just didn't seem to care. With that, the mission was a go.
"Alright then. Time to get started." It was just a bit close to the time to show Vale the new machines made. The Atlesian Knights that would be used in Atlas and later on, sent to other kingdoms. A way to help against the fight from Grimm and possibly thugs.
Ironwood already remembered all the lines needed, and had set up a stage to show his new machines. This should help the people feel more at ease. Knowing that the next generation of machines provided by Atlas will help out against the future battles.
'Even better if we have Penny make a good first impression.' Many people, while they didn't hate robots, naturally felt wary of them. The faces, the deadly guns, you know, stuff like you'd see in films. He recalled some people comparing Atlas robots to the popular character, the Grimm-Bot. A machine that was supposed to do good, but because of the Grimm Substance in them, went on a rampage and killed people.
'Honestly,' Ironwood shook his head. 'I can't believe people compare a fictional movie to real life machines.' Yes in the wrong hands the knights can do bad, but come on! People really should stop comparing fiction to reality.
Which is where Penny comes in.
Designed as a daughter but also a fighter. She was sweet, kind, and caring, yet can stand her ground if it comes to it. Using her swords and energy beams to fend off attackers, having shown immense capability against Grimm, combat droids, and some bandits when she helped out the outer villages in Atlas. If things went right, she'll be sent to protect Mantle later on in the coming year or so. Pietro did astounding work, thanks to his genius Penny could be used to help against the coming threat.
'I just wish Ozpin could see that.' Maybe bringing in so many ships and soldiers was a bad thing, but surely it will be good in the long run. Already low lives were thinking twice before they thought of commiting a crime. Crooks being captured and the Grimm outside the city being killed off more easily.
Yes maybe the people were uneasy, but that was short-term. If they see what good his army can bring, then in the long-run they'll realize his forces are a good thing. Learn to trust them and bring positive emotions. Making certain those of evil and those working for her also think twice of attacking the kingdoms under great protection.
'Though...it does worry me about the recent events in Vale and Atlas.' No offense to Vale, but he felt their police force has been truly incompotent. Roman Torchwick stealing like crazy, White Fang reported all over. Not to mention some blonde fool and a dangerous wild man destroying so many things. That wasn't mentioning reports and witnesses of an unknown assailant attacking people with small knives or daggers. While he didn't like it, he was glad those four girls from Beacon were putting a stop to the dark intentions happening in Vale.
Though it made him question the ability of the local police here. I mean, four teenage girls were doing a better job than they were. How were they not keeping up with crime? Which is why it was a good thing his soldiers were picking up the pace compared to Vale.
"Now then," Ironwood got up. "Best to see what it is the White Fang are up to." He opened up his laptop while in his room inside his ship. He may not be as wise as Ozpin and his numerous lives, but that didn't mean he was stupid. He may not be as long lived, but he learned as much as he could throughout his life. While he's no master detective, he could do some of his own investigation.
Particularly when he knew the recently stolen Paladins were somewhere around Vale, in and outside of it. He knew of the break in, a group led by the powerful Adam Taurus and his own forces. How reports were sent that many prototype Paladins were taken away from Atlas ground and then taken away for likely bad purposes.
'Even worse with the fact that the Fang were smart enough to remove the tracking devices.' The only reason he even knew the Paladins were in Vale was because the final Paladin taken activated an emergency tracker for two hours, indicating it was somewhere in Vale. Sadly it then deactivated due to lack of power, so no coordinates to find it and the others. Still, he had a general idea of its location before the tracker went off.
"Somewhere in the manufacturing district." Where many warehouses were made with the intention of delivering products or making them. Of course it didn't help that his troops weren't allowed to go there and deal with this mess themselves. Oddly enough, the law itself prevented them. Vale's security did not want Atlas troops to make a mess, saying leave the problem to them.
Even though there were many problems in this city that they haven't solved.
"At the least," Ironwood then tapped the keyboards, zooming in on the district. "Maybe I can send one person there."
While the person he thought of was a bit...weird. Not to mention incapable of reading somehow-and bad with tech, he was a powerful fighter and looked like he knew when to take action and when to stay still and silent. "Sigurd should be enough to handle this."
Ding.
He then received a text from one of his soldiers. Where it mentioned that he will be up soon and ready to meet the people in hologram while showing the new machines...And that Penny has gone missing again. Under Sigurd's watch too.
"..." Ironwood then tapped his keyboard and switched to the employees financial payments. "I'll just take some of his pay away."
"And while it would be nice to have you guys around, Neo will be enough for this job." The ever cute assassin Neo then smiled while giving a twirl. Roman, Neo, the Hassan, and Abigail with Medea (Lily) were having a meeting with tonight's big event. The rally of the White Fang.
"Very well." Cursed Arm held no complaint. "If anything, it's a good thing. I have no doubt the Fang would recognize us-or her in particular after the breakout incident." His gaze fell to Hundred Persona. She was the one that unintentionally framed the White Fang for the deed. Plus since she and the other Hassan were human, they would only be a hindrance. Though that did bring up a question, one Serenity says.
"Will you and Neo be alright? I mean, you are humans." The White Fang were faunus members only, yet Roman and her new friend Neo were going to said rally full of faunus. Neither of course looked worried.
"Of course I'll be fine." The thief said. His partner Neo smiles while showing her scroll revealing a smiley face emoji. "I got the best protection." Neo then just gave a fake blush but looked happy for the compliment.
"I still think you should take me with you." Abigail pouted wanting to help out. "I can fight. Those faunus won't know what hit them if they try hurting you."
Roman frowned a bit. Recalling Cinders little threat. "Nah. Like a kid can do anything to grown men."
"I can to!"
"Sure."
The Hassan looked at the little exchange between Roman and Abigail. Giving a knowing look as they saw Roman shoot down Abigail wanting to help fight. Thinking it funny that Roman was actually turning away a frightening Servant who can crush others and make even Berserkers cower before her.
'I suppose it makes sense though.' Hundred Persona thought cheekily as she saw Abigail turning around while puffing her cheeks. Having been rejected from joining her new family. 'To everyone else, she doesn't look like a Servant at all. Not to mention she hasn't even bothered using her powers.'
"Don't worry Abigail." Medea (Lily) comforted her fellow child Servant. "I'm sure you'll get to join one day. Which reminds me," She then turned to Roman. "Thanks for looking over me, but I'll be going back to Jason now. He's hopeless without me."
"Right, sure, sure." Roman agrees thinking it was best to let the kid go.
"Ah." Medea (Lily) held her cheeks wiggling a little. "I can't wait to be back with Jason. Oh. Jason-Sama. His words, his demandings of me, his strength. Oooh."
Both Roman and Neo began looking a little creeped out. While the Hassans knew what she was actually saying, even they got the chills. Abigail herself taking a few steps back from the blushing Caster.
"Uh," Roman just says. "What are you...talking about? Are you a...thing with Jason?"
"Of course!" Medea (Lily) says without hesitation. "He's my precious hubby! We ate together, laughed together, he has me do all the work and hits me if I do wrong, yells at me, and sometimes tries abandoning me. But he's so perfect."
"Hubby…?" Roman says getting disgusting implications from this.
"Oh boy." Serenity says knowing where this was heading.
"Yep." Cursed Arm nodded.
"That's right!" Medea (Lily) nods. "Me and Jason had a relationship. And while Jason betrayed me for that bitch after our adventure, now in Chaldea we can be together."
Roman had a disgusting look on his expression. Neo just looked outright horrified.
'That man.' Instantly Romans opinion on Jason fell quicker than he got beat by Red. The disgust he felt towards Jason was immense, along with animosity. Neo was now thinking on how painful she should make Jason feel. The two now thinking Jason was worse than garbage, and a creepy child loving pervert that hurt Medea (Lily).
They might be crooks, with Neo herself being sadistic, but their misplaced belief of what Jason did was a step too far for them.
"Neo." Roman whispered, having a dark look on his face. "If the chance ever presents itself, kill him."
"Neo nodded as her hand gripped her umbrella, just itching to pull out the blade within.
"Ahhhh. Jason." Medea (Lily) didn't even realize what she had set in motion.
And so ends this chapter, where you can guess the multiple plans happening about to all come together. That should make some lovely chaos when they all meet up.
This. Is. The. BEST!
Ishtar, the Goddess of bountiful Harvest and Beauty, was enjoying her new life here in Remnant.
Oh thank the Brother Gods...for leaving this world just for her to rule! Ah yes! This really is the best, even better since Chaldea no longer limited her. Sure she didn't hate the place, but they were so strict with the fact that she could only stay there. Yeah she understood why, but she wished she could leave and have fun in the modern day.
Now she was here, where even if she is stuck with her sister, Ishtar had loads of freedom. Here in Vaccuo, which was considered the worst kingdom, she was slowly turning it into her own place of worship. And right now-
"We welcome you to Shade Academy."
-she's meeting the people of one of the four academies that raised Huntsmen.
"Why thank you." She says as she overlooks the academy. A bit dull to her tastes, but she can change that. "I see you have heard of my endeavours."
"Of course ma'am." The man spoke to her, with many star-eyed students looking at her with awe. "Everyone has heard how you have been easily taking care of Grimm. Keeping the people safe." For the small price of gems and Dust.
Of course Ishtar wasn't greedy, and only took just a single Dust crystal and gem. She wasn't cruel enough to deprive regular people of all their riches. Still, over these past few months, things have been fine. Fine that she can now start her next plan.
"I'm glad you all appreciate my help." Ishtar then began flying, her heavenly boat by her side. "Because you see, I'm in need of a special place to live in. A place to call home." And not a giant mountain.
"A place?" The man looked confused.
Ishtar grinned. She then shouted, "As of this moment, this Academy is under my control! My temple of worship!"
All the students and teachers looked shocked at this proclamation. Ishtar's own followers though, who have been with her, cheered as they all brought equipment with them. Ready to transform the school into the temple she desired.
"Wha-!" The man went surprised by this.
"Don't worry." Ishtar then smiled. "You can keep training the students here and all, just consider this place under...new management." She needed a new place to consider home, and this school was the perfect place. Heck, she can even help the students here become stronger. Her territory increases as day by day goes by.
'And then, I'll be a beloved Goddess that everyone worships!' Soon she'll have all the riches and prayers sent to her and only her.
'"Ahem."
Right. Her and her annoying sister. Man she had to ruin things. Ah whatever. Her sister at least wasn't disagreeing as while she would never say it, she too had been converting this world's underworld into her own place of worship. Plus, Ishtar knew she wanted her name to be spread, but was too cowardly to try.
As Ishtar was enjoying herself, she then felt it. Something big.
"What the-." Her eyes turned to the desert, where suddenly, a snarl formed on her face. As the power she detected...was his.
"Him!"
That bastard! How was he here? He wasn't with everyone when Jason screwed up and sent them to this place. Yet this mana, this power, its undeniably to mention he felt...whole.
Ishtar fists clenched as her teeth grinded. Recalling the memories of that bastard. Had it been his older Caster version, then maybe she wouldn't have minded, at most tolerate him. Heck, even the child version was alright. But this one, he was just an ass. A fucking damn ass! One she hated immensely.
'And if he's here, then it may not be long before he detects me.' That's when things would get ugly. Very ugly. Ishtar was powerful, but she wasn't yet at her full strength. While she was more powerful than the other Servants here and was at least back over half her strength, she still isn't at one-hundred percent full power. Meaning if she faced off against him, she would lose.
Unless…
"I use this world's rules to my advantage." Ishtar then grinned, a plan forming into her mind. She'd have to talk to her sister, plu her new followers, and the possibility of using that, but she felt it could work. Yes. It can.
Ishtar looked up at the blue sky, the sun revealing its bright light.
Time to put the 'king' in his place.
