Chapter 30
The night, a time where under the shattered moon many forces of scum and evil begin their night by doing what they desired. Drugs, parties, disclosed information share, stealing, and whatever they decided to do. It was a time where crooks and criminal masterminds began their plots and evil schemes.
"So this is it, huh?" It was also a time for upstart criminals to topple the higher hierarchy of other crime families. Or in this case, that jerk who ditched his team at the dock. "Time for payback."
On the roofs under the night looking rather awesome was the new team of criminals that Vale newspapers and sites have posted to run away from. The Argonauts have come to ruin a gathering night.
The leader, Jason.
The muscle, Hercules.
The archer, Atalanta.
The cute caster, Medea (Lily).
All four now gathered once more to begin their plot of defeating two forces this time of the night. Oman Torchwick, who is confirmed as Vale's top criminal. Also the local branch of the White Fang in Vale. This meeting was important, holding many recruits. An attack should show the Fang they shouldn't mess with the Argonauts.
Though really, it was just because Jason wanted to prove how cool he is.
"Alright team." Jason then looked back at the members with a grin. "Todays the day we go down there and show those losers why the Argonauts are the greatest team to ever exist. We're going to rob them blind!"
"It amazes me how much you're willing to do for vengeance." Atalanta deadpanned to Jason.
"I think it's amazing." Always on his side, Medea (Lily) naturally stood by her ex-husbands side.
"▄▄▅▅▂▂▃▃!" Hercules just wanted to beat someone up. If he couldn't, then Jason will do just fine. Jason will have to act fast.
"Okay, everybody," Jason then called out to his allies. "Listen up, because here's the plan." Jason then went to a propped up table he had Hercules dragged where on it was a picture of the warehouse itself with smaller photos of the White Fang and Roman Torchwick. He then gestured for his team to sit-aside from Hercules for good reason-which they did.
"Now then, let's talk."
Not once did Jason or the others notice the other shadow a few roofs away.
Things were going absolutely fine. Oh. Except for the damn fact that Roman was once again forced to do crap he didn't like. Such as, for example, helping the White Fang. Seriously, he's a bad guy, a crook, a criminal mastermind, not some motivation speaker for all the little animals who crawled, slithered, and walked for a need of purpose. Yet because of Cinder, here he is.
'Seriously. What has my life become.' First he was manhandled to join Cinder's crazy ass plan, then forced to help the White Fang in a rather rickety relationship, taking care of some little girl-who he may or may not like-along with another little girl who came and went, and now this. Forced to give a speech to help a group of terrorists.
Where did the days of robbing and stealing go? Now replaced with this mess.
"The things I do to survive." He'd take being thrown in jail, then busting out later, than this. He may not mind causing trouble in Vale, but while he may not know Cinder's full plan, he knew it involved a lot of death with the train part. Seriously, just how far has he fallen?
He then turned sensing someone, and saw it was Neo who was eating a small cone of ice cream. She also had a scroll on her other hand texting someone. From the looks of it, Abigail.
"Let me guess. Staying up late to watch shows?" He joked with Neo giving a nod. Texting back to Abigail not to watch the horror show Dead Grimm Days as it will only scare her. Putting the phone away after.
By morning Abigail will be clinging to Neo frightened by what she saw. Even a girl with the power of a foreign god can be frightened.
"Bet she'll wet her pants come morning." Roman sighed. "In any case, we have work to do. I'll put on a show, talk to our animal allies, then show them the big and bad toy that Adam and his cronies delivered. Gotta say, it's a beauty."
Neo nodded with a smile.
Her eyes drifting to the prototype Atlas made. Strong steel, numerous missiles and bullets. Big enough to crush cars with just the feet. How much carnage can she unleash if she can drive that massive death machine? A lot, that's for certain. Shame Roman didn't let her read the instruction manual so she could understand how to use it. Bully!
Neo then noticed her boss's uneased face. She then patted his back, gesturing things would be fine. Though Roman disagreed.
"I don't know Neo." He replied scratching his skin. "I mean, I get it, we're bad people. You are pretty much worse than me." Neo couldn't deny that. "But this...I don't know. It was one thing robbing and killing a few people, but this joint business we're in. Just all sorts of wrong if you ask me."
Neo gave a little thought and couldn't disagree with her friend's comment. She still recalled the day when Roman came back looking hurt. Learning that Cinder was forcing him to work with her. Where Neo tried to kill Cinder...only to get beat up when that bitch used an unnatural fire which almost killed her. After that the things she and Roman did changed a lot.
Instead of their usual criminal activity, they were now lackies to someone who was way too controlling. Acted all smug because of her powers. Not to mention being a total bithg. Plus she could no longer do things she liked as usual as Cinder made her do other crappy jobs and lame assassinations. Sure she had some fun doing that, but the enjoyment was lessened as it wasnt her choice in doing so.
Now they were working with the animals, who were way too boring and all hypocritical as Neo saw their current plan as pathetic. I mean, they wanted rights yet attacked other faunus who stood against them? Pah! For people that said they were better than humans, they sure made the same actions like humans.
Shame Serenity wasn't here, she bet it would be more fun with her.
"In any case," Roman then rolled his shoulders, looking a little more relaxed. "Let's start entertaining our lovely guests, then maybe head out to eat. How about Diana's Dinner? I hear they're selling their limited meals with desert."
Neo threw a thumbs up agreeing with that plan.
"Good. Then let's do this." As Roman walked, Neo stopped as she then narrowed her eyes. Years of fighting and attacking from the shadows warned her of something. Looking up, her trained senses allowed her to hear something from the roof. Footsteps. "Neo?" She then saw Roma, looking at her confused. Neo just waved her hand telling him to go as she stayed behind. "Alright. Just be back soon." Neo just grinned as she would be back eventually.
Neo then finished the rest of her cone, and twirled her weapon Hush. Looks like this night might be more interesting than she thought.
Up above, the other figure was watching the Argonauts moving at last. Sigurd having his mask on as he observed them. "Just what are you up to?"
Thanks to news and other media outlets, Sigurd knew by now that the Argonauts were more or less criminals in the public eye. Yet while learning of this, Sigurd noticed something odd about it. Mainly, just what it is the Argonauts were trying to accomplish? Didn't seem like the news knew at all.
'I suppose it doesn't matter for now.' The master swordsman thought as he watched them on the roof of the warehouse where the meeting of the White Fang will take place. 'I'll question them after I capture them and secure the Paladin.'
The Atlesian Paladin-290. A massive mechanized battlesuit developed by the Kingdom of Atlas' greatest minds in collaboration with the Schnee Dust Company.
Having strong armor that can withstand numerous attacks, trackers and sensors all over to detect Grimm, and can make pinpoint accuracy attacks. Having a cluster of missiles, cannons, exploding rockets, and even fists for some reason. A grand machine that was now in the hands of terrorists who would use it for less than legal means. He highly doubted a machine of mass destruction would be used for peaceful talks. Not to mention this is only just the one mech from countless others.
'Hopefully the investigators can find the rest while I deal with this one.' He wouldn't allow the Fang to wield such dangerous weaponry and use for their own misdeeds. While he could sympathize why they went to violent methods, even he can tell the one running this branch was taking things too far. After all, for what reason would a weaponized mech be needed for equality? Clearly the leader of this branch was someone who utilized violence quite a bit.
In any case, right now he just needed to wait and when the time came, attack.
The plan is simple. First he'll wait for all the faunus inside to gather until the doors are closed, leaving them all inside. Next he'll strike before Jason and his lot would do anything, quickly entering the meeting. At that point, he'll defeat the leader running it, Roman Torchwick if his fellow workers said was true, effectively knocking out the head. He'll then try to knock out as many faunus as possible using non-lethal methods, not wanting to hurt the new recruits too much. Then, he'll call both Vale and Atlas forces.
That's how he'll get the job done. Though the real problem came in the form of Jason's group. Unlike the untrained recruits, they were stronger, Hercules the most. It would seem the great hero of Greek had more power than even him. Jason must have done something to solve that.
'There's also Atalanta, who's quick with her bow. And Medea (Lily) with her dangerous spells.' Aside from Jason, all the other three were grand threats that won't be nearly as easy as the White Fang and thief inside. Still, if he attacks quickly and disarms them, then he'll have a chance. Though he must move fast, the four were already on the roof, and were likely about to make their move.
Sigiurd positioned himself, ready to jump. He was about to utilize his magic heart to provide him the power to go at greater speeds and even access more power to knock the other Servants out. Once that's done, he can attack the White Fang and start.
Three….Two...O-
Crash!
Suddenly, two individuals, a cat faunus and monkey faunus, crashed out of the windows. Running at full speed.
BOOM!
Then a moment later the very mech he had been told to capture and not allow usage came out a second later. The plan to swiftly defeat the White Fang in this area and make certain no damages came...was ruined.
'...Children.' He internally muttered as these faunus have just ruined the plan. He then stood up and began running out to deal with this unexpected problem.
"Oh come on!" Jason was also feeling the same way. He had made a plan, one so good even his teammates liked, and were seconds away from using it. Yet now for some dumb reason, it was ruined with this giant mech running about. And from what he could tell when the shaking started, it was because of some kids. Curse them and whatever reason they had being here!
"So what now?" Medea (Lily) asked, putting down her glowing staff. She had been ready to unleash a sleeping spell, but she wasn't sure what to do now. Hercules and Atalanat looked to their leader, wondering what he was planning next. Jason rubbing his head thinking. His eyes then opened up, his face calm.
"Hercules, Atalanta." He then told them. "You chase after the mech. I don't know who's in it, but surely they must be someone who has loads of information we can use. See what you can get."
The two nodded with Atalanta hopping on Hercules shoulder. The great hero then roared as he jumped off the roof and landed on the ground with a thud. He then began running with the ground cracking with each step, chasing after the mech. Atalanta already holding her bow ready to stop the mech.
"As for you." Jason then faced Medea (Lily). "Use that sleep spell. The White Fang are now distracted. So may as well get what we can."
"On it." Medea (Lily) smiled as she then raised her staff ready to initiate the sleep spell. Floating in the air as she spoke to unleash her power. Jason just standing by waiting for it to be used, where he can then rob the sleeping idiots and maybe find some interesting stuff.
Only to then open his eyes wide and turned around, his now fixed sword raised as he blocked an attack from another blade. One from some girl who held...an umbrella?
"What the-" Was all Jason could say before the strange girl with dual eyes and hair then kicked Json away and grinned sadistically. Jason didn't know who this girl is, but his self-preservation instincts told him she was actually more skilled than him. Not good! "Medea (Lily), help me!"
Unfortunately Medea (Lily) didn't hear him as she was busy casting her spell. Dan! He forgot that whenever she entered this state, she wouldn't hear anything, including his cries of help. He's on his own.
"Oh whatever." He then raised his blade. "I may be weaker, but I'm still a Serva-" A small red crystal then hit his face.
Dink.
Then promptly exploded.
Ka-Boom!
"Medea (Lily)! Help me!"
Neo was going to enjoy this.
"I am so going to enjoy this." Roman chuckled as he was inside the giant mech, chasing after two of the brats that ruined his last scheme and getaway. The monkey and little cat, now running as he drove his fancy new toy. This mech was indeed as strong as he read about, and enjoyed the chase he was giving those animals.
"Time for a little fun." He chuckled as he pushed a few buttons. From it the mech started going faster, slowly catching up to these wannabe heroes. Once he gets his metal hands on them, he'll crush the life from them. Or at the least, break a few bones. It depended on the mood he was feeling.
Vvvv.
"?" A mood that turned into confusion, as he felt a strange vibration on him. He then looked down at his leg and saw something glowing out of his side pocket. Curious, he grabbed what was in it while setting the Paladin to autopilot, and then observed it.
It was the dagger that Huntsmen used to stab at his shoulder. He'd been meaning to sell it, but never had the time. Now, it was glowing a low red color. "Huh?"
His sensors on the screen then beeped, with two red dots getting very close to his mech which was faster than a car. Pushing some buttons the screen then showed the very same man who threw that dagger at him running at speeds that shouldn't be possible even for a Huntsmen. Just a bit behind he also saw none other than the two members of the Argonauts the Hassan told him about, Atalanta-
"▄▄▂▃▃!"
"Hercules!" And the very monster-man he didn't want to piss off. Though clearly it was too late as the look on the monster's face was one that told him if he fell into his hands...it wouldn't be pretty. Realizing he was in a life-or-death situation, Roman decided now was the time to start pushing buttons.
The mech then stopped, confusing both Sun and Blake who were still running and had called their friends, while Roman decided the best course of action was to engage and kill these guys. "Eat this!"
Paladin vs Hercules/Atalanta vs Sigurd.
Battle...start!
Without hesitation, numerous missiles shot out of the Paladin, each one full of explosives that could kill a person on sight. Most of them aimed at the biggest threat, Hercules. The others aimed at Sigurd.
"I don't think so." With a calm and beautiful expression, Atalanta raised her bow and quickly got her arrows in place. Each full of either Dust crystals, metal ends, or being very sharp. She then shot them at expert levels where she then shot another at extreme speeds.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Each causing the pre-explosion of the missiles aimed at them. Thus allowing them to move forward without any fear while also frightening Roman even more.
'As expected. She's good.' Sigurd himself was unable to do anything like that. He's a master swordsman, not an archer. While he did have the ability to throw objects like daggers with good precision, even he can't do it at such accuracy like Atalanta. Though not like he needed to do the same as her.
With his own abilities, he easily avoided the few missiles aimed at him and dodged them, ignoring their explosions. The few that got to close he just jumped over them or threw one of his disposable daggers which pierced threw the missiles and exploded with him unharmed.
In other words, Roman was very screwed.
"Crap!" Roman began sending more missiles but sadly, each one was either shot down or dodged. Hercules, having had enough of this, simply threw his massive weapon at the Paladin. "Ha!" Roman then laughed. "This thing is made of some of the strongest steel. As if some metal on a stick would-"
The axe promptly slashed off the right limb while causing a lot of damage.
"...Damn." It would seem this wouldn't be as easy as he thought.
"▅▂▂▃▃!" Hercules then jumped with Atalanta also doing the same. Here she then shot numerous arrows full of Ice Dust which all landed at the feet of the Paladin. Ice growing and making the Paladin stuck on the street unable to move at all.
Hercules then raised his own fists ready to crush the little man inside.
"Oh no you don't!" The remaining limb of the mech then transformed into a giant arm. Roman then aimed properly and slammed it onto the great Servant, sending him flying. That bought him some time. Now to deal with the other. The cannons on the front side of the Paladin then aimed at Atalanta all armed and shot out numerous bullets. Her arrows wouldn't save her here.
"Watch out." Except for Sigurd, who then jumped and grabbed Atalanta seconds before she was riddled with holes. The two landed on the ground with the sword master holding Atalanta. "Are you alright?" He asked.
"I am." She reluctantly said, quickly hopping off his arms feeling uncomfortable. She then narrowed her eyes at him. "Though why did you save me? Last I checked, you attacked us."
"I may have some quarrel with you and your leader, but it would be a shame to let a fellow Servant meet their end here." Sigurd replied to her. While he had orders to arrest them, he wasn't going to allow his fellow Servants to die.
"Hmph." Atalanta didn't look entirely convinced, but decided to humor the man anyway. A roar then came and from it Hercules came down. Looks like he's back, and a lot madder. His skin glowing just a bit of red.
"I assume your leader has a method to have made Hercules this strong?" Sigurd asked, making Atalanta realize Sigurd hasn't realized that Dust could be used to absorb.
"...No. Hercules was just like that." She then lied not wanting this high-ranking Servant to become even stronger. They are still enemies here after all. Sigurd didn't seem to believe her, though he didn't continue his questioning. For now, he had another mission. "Ignoring this, I have been given orders to re-capture the mech. Though, on the off chance it cannot, then I am to destroy it."
"I'm just after the man inside it." Atalanta told him the truth.
"In that case, our goals somewhat align. I don't suppose you don't mind a team-up?" He gave a look at Hercules, the demi-god still looking upset after his last tango with the swordsman. Though Atalanta was the one to make the call at the end.
"...Very well. I'll work with you. For now." Hercules nodded to her words. He hasn't forgiven the man, but can ignore his grudge for later. Sigurd agreed, lifting his swords. In that case, let us work together to bring this man down.
"Ah man." Roman knew by the fact all three were standing together meant that they were now working together. Well this was just fantastic! Now he had to deal with these guys who were all super strong. I mean, the battle at the docks showed that they were above what he can usually handle. His hands then pushed a button on his scroll, a small little SOS for his allies to get. Hopefully they'll come soon. "Man...I wonder what Neo's doing?"
"Hey! Hold it! Come on!" For Jason, he once more regretted not listening to Chiron's words and lessons more carefully in the world of combat. Sure the leadership, strategizing, and war plans he learned just fine. Fighting, not as much.
Evidenced by the major butt-whooping he was receiving.
This girl. She used misdirection and agility to dodge his moves then counter against him. Her tactics worked better than he could against her. Any stab he tried doing, he got jabbed in the gut. A punch to the face, he got a kick to the crotch. A chance to slice skin, he got nicked in the face.
His amateur fighting stood no chance against her. Even worse, she could somehow make some kind of physical illusion. A semblance. He learned about them during his time here, and knew they ranged from useful to useless. This girl had a useful one.
"Come on Medea (Lily)! Help!" For some reason that only seemed to make this girl madder as she fought with even more ferocity with a hint of sadism. How weird. As for the Caster, she had already finished her spell with all the White Fang members put to sleep. Satisfied, Medea (Lily) then turned with a smile.
"Jason~" She said with a giggle. "I did what you said and-! Oh!" There she then saw Jason being stabbed at and punched by Neo who was looking happy at beating the poor man. She watched as they fought, with Jason on the losing end. Her mind then coming to the proper conclusion.
"I see you two are training. How nice!" She naively thought. Jason wanted to scream at her, but couldn't as Neo then punched him in the Adam's apple, causing him to stagger as she then kicked him down. Before she could do anymore, she then saw Medea (Lily) floating down and hugging her.
"Hi Neo!" She squealed, catching the assassin off balance. "I didn't know you were training with Jason. How sweet of you to help him learn to fight."
As Jason got up groaning, he saw the girl Neo glaring at him. Her eyes saying this wasn't over, while patting Medea (Lily) on her head. What was her problem? Whatever the case, seems she won't be attacking him with Medea (Lily) around, so good.
"Okay," He muttered ignoring the aching pain he was in from getting his butt kicked. Quite literally too. Those long heeled boots jabbed at his butt, where she then stabbed him there with that blade. Sadistic jerk! "Now that we-uh-got this under control. I'm going to see what I can find down there."
"That's right, the plan." Medea (Lily) said catching Neo off guard. The Caster noticed Neo's look and decided to explain. "Jason wanted to rob the White Fang blind to prove himself. Plus get some information while getting information."
While Jason looked shocked at Medea (Lily) giving away information, Neo nodded. Looks like she'll have to tell Roman about this. Actually, wait a second! Neo then turned as she then saw smoke from afar. Her gut telling her Roman was the one causing this mess, and would need help. To prove it further, her scroll vibrated and when she grabbed it, it showed a message from Roman saying he was in trouble.
Neo then made hand signs to Medea (Lily) who understood them. "You have to leave to save Mr. Torchwick." She says with Neo nodding. "Okay. Here, have this to help." She then took out some bottles which would heal wounds which Neo gladly took, giving a curt nod of thanks, then making a slicing motion with her finger on her neck at Jason before jumping away.
"Pah. What a weirdo." He muttered.
"Come on Jason, she's nice!" Medea (Lily) shot back at him, defending Neo. "She's one of the people who helps me when I'm now with you. Even Abigail says they're nice."
"She's a killer." Jason then stated. Already knowing she has killed people just by the look in her eyes.
"Yes." Medea (Lily) didn't even bother denying it. "But don't we all know killers and still hang with them." A whole bunch of people from Chaldea came into Jason's mind.
"Tch." He just clicked his tongue. "Ah whatever. Let's just go down and see what we can get." He then hopped down the roof with Medea (Lily) following. "At the least, I bet Hercules and Atalanta are getting the job done."
She couldn't believe it. Atalanta never thought she would even see this.
Among the ruined street with burning buildings, a destroyed road, and flipped cars, she never thought she would see this.
"Ha..ha...ha…" Roman was standing, heavily injured, bleeding from his left leg. His arm holding his cane which was ruined, but not before he had shot something from it.
Sigurd was on the ground, also injured and unconscious. Having taken a nasty hit to the body with a lot of missiles. Serenity and Cursed Arm looked injured with Cursed Arm missing the hand that once held the literal cursed arm he attached to it. But the biggest shock wasn't that, not at all.
Among the ruined Paladin, lied Hercules.
Dead.
We'll see what happened with Hercules in the next chapter. I'm sure some of you will have figured out how he died.
Sand.
Sand. Sand. Sand. And more sand.
Such a dull that Gilgamesh found insulting. Even worse, no matter where he went there was just sand everywhere. Even when using his magnificent vessel he couldn't get a visual at all. From what he could guess, he was in some constant sand storm. Little did he know, he would be right as in Vaccuo the area he was in was known for having a constant sand storm making anybody who entered lost.
"To think, those mongrels had the audacity to send me here." Gilgamesh growled displeased by this turn of events. Trapped with no contact, and noticing the rather low amount of mana he was receiving. Actually, he wasn't receiving anything at all.
Luckily, he still wielded an immense amount of mana thanks to his divine powers.
If anything, he doubted anything in this lowly timeline would-
"...This power." He hadn't sensed it before, but he did now. It was a power he was most familiar with. One that made him snarl at the thought that woman was revealing herself. The utter worm was here! His hands itched at this declaration of appearance.
"I'll kill her!" Then like that, Gilgamesh had his vessel go to where the source the mana was at. Time to kill a god.
