"The Resistance" by Skillet
(Song suggestion by Razilian)
Jaune flaked by Cinder and Oscar; stood watching from the sidelines as RWBY and the rest of JNPR charged out to face the Leviathan that was approaching Argus. He and Oscar would be of little use in such a conflict, though Jaune's recent display of ability proving that he was more than formidable against feeling opponents, but against the likes of what the Grimm were, he didn't match up to what his friends could do. Cinder said nothing as she stood besides him, neither did Oscar as they watched the battle from their vantage point.
He had quieted her desperation with a touch of his hand, flooding her with calm and peace. After which she shared everything she knew of the power behind all that had happened; along with any details she knew of future plans, and how she wished Jaune's death. Oscar said nothing during the whole spiel
"Why?" he had asked shocked that he would be the target of anyone let alone someone the stature of Salem, Queen of the Grimm.
"You can change the way people feel. She fears that." Cinder replied, "I don't really know why."
Jaune glanced towards the Fall Maiden, who had now joined their fold, or more specifically camp Jaune. When he had settled her, she swore every oath, and promise she could utter to him. Some of the things she hinted at causing him to blush. She was by far not an underlying. She would not just do something that he told her; he tried it. It was a simple test, but it failed. She wouldn't go take out the garbage. If what he desired, was beneath what she felt was her station, it didn't matter that he asked her. It just didn't get done or happen.
The fight with the Leviathan was short and sweet. Ruby had been training over the last week, with some old lady they had met on the train. Her silver eyes turned the great creature into nothing more than and overly large punching back for the rest of RWBY and JNPR. Jaune settled to sit down on the edge of the wall that surrounded Argus. It was the vantage point he had chosen to watch his friends in action. Cinder remained standing, almost acting like a guard. Oscar didn't move, and just stood there watching. Jaune wasn't sure who he was watching, him, Cinder or his friends.
Jaune sighed. Between her, Pyrrha, Ren, Nora and all of RWBY he doubted he could stub his toe without a full blown attack being brought down on whatever caused it. As much as he understood what, and why it still made him uncomfortable. The altercation with Cinder and Tyrian proving more to himself than anyone else that he wasn't fragile. That depending on what they all faced he could be of more than causal use. He could turn the tide with his voice.
Pyrrha had questioned him on his semblance on how he seemed to need to sing, but other times just used it. Instead of explaining he just touched her arm. He flooded her with a sense of distant sadness, and removed it just as quickly as he set it in. She had understood then. For a single person all he needed was to touch them, but for larger groups, his voice was the best delivery method.
"What about Mercury?" she had asked him in private, as Cinder guarded the door. "He touched you, why couldn't you?"
"It needs to be more than a graze, Remember I had to actually hold on to you for a minute, before you felt anything." Jaune replied. "I didn't have a chance to grab hold of him, at least then. Maybe now, with everything you and Yang are teaching me I could."
Cinder squatted down next to him and pointed into the air. Jaune tried to follow, and squinted, just making out a shadowy shape high in the air. Oscar also looked into the air, shielding his eyes with his hand.
"She knows." Cinder whispered "We need to leave."
/=/
Tyrian slid under the Beowulf that leapt at him; easily dodging its attack. Even mostly unarmed he was by far more than an easy target. Spinning about he launched a series of kicks to its face as it turned to face him, before twisting and driving his stinger through its skull. He would need to gain replacements for his dropped weapons, but for now he was relatively safe.
He felt a pang of regret for failing his Goddess, but even now thinking back on the encounter he shivered. The way that boy made him feel, was more than he could handle. He a murder of many, was driven away by a simple singing blond boy. Worse he had failed her, and he knew the price for that. It had been hinted at, when she said it was Cinder's last chance. He had not only failed in removing the boy, but also in meeting out her justice to Cinder.
He cackled, as he thought about it all. Maybe he could plead with her? No that wouldn't work, she was above the pleading of simple mortals. He could always seek out the boy and see her wish fulfilled. But he would be protected and watched now. Even his twisted mind doubted that those who surrounded him would let such a lapse in his safety happen again. No Tyrian decided he was screwed frontwards and backwards. So there was only one option. To move sideways.
"She desires the Maiden's" Tyrian let a maniacal grin cross his features. "Then I shall deliver them. That will grant me her favour again. Starting with Cinder."
Tyrian cackled, but stopped at the sound of approaching footsteps. Moving up into the trees he waited for his newest prey to emerge from the brush below him. He knew the Grimm hunted using fear, and other negative emotions, while he would never admit he was fearful, he was. He feared her displeasure, he feared failing her again.
/=/
Jaune and Saphron's father exited the passenger bullhead from Mistral. He had been travelling for days, first from Ansel to Vale, and then from Vale to Mistral, and finally to Argus. He was here for a two fold reason. To check up on his eldest daughter, and his grandson, while also bringing his only son home. He had found out through his wife; their mother that, Jaune was in Argus with Saphron. It had been mentioned in passing during a weekly conversation between daughter and mother.
"Now let's see if I can remember the way." he muttered to himself as he shouldered his rucksack, and walked out of the terminal.
/=/
Salem flipped the conference table, and then turned her rage on the lone Beowulf in the chamber. There was no one else present for her to unless her frustrations and rage upon. She had seen him through the Nevermore's eyes. He was alive, and Cinder now stood with him. To add insult to injury she noticed the boy, and instantly knew whom it was. Ozma was returned.
Summoning Grimm hands, she formed them into fists and had them batter the heavy table into splinters. She was still incensed, but logic was starting to filter back into her mind. If her associates were incapable of dealing with the boy, she would do so personally. Taking a deep breath she slowly let it out, and surveyed the damage she had wrought upon the conference room. The table was beyond repair, the chairs scattered some broken. They and the table would need to be replaced. She needed things back in order for when she sought out her next batch of recruits.
She moved from the conference room to her throne room. Taking a seat upon it, she leaned to her left, and braced her chin with her fist against the arm of the throne. She was thinking, planning, scheming. She needed to know where he would be, and she doubted that with the defeat of her Leviathan that they would be staying where they currently were. They had already thwarted her in Vale and Mistral so she doubted either place would be returned to; at least at this juncture.
There was always Vacuo, but that was a long trip away, with Vale in the centre. It would take them out of their way, and besides why go to Argus if you were seeking to visit Vacuo. It had to be Atlas, or Mantle. They were the only logical destinations. Through her interactions with Doctor Arthur Watts she knew what lay in Atlas. Hunters and a standing military. Formidable forces to face, not to mention their technology. But there also lay a relic, the relic of Creation. She would need to find the Winter Maiden to access it; but if no one was there she could take all the time she needed to in order to retrieve it.
She smiled and straighten in her throne. Smoothing the dress upon her lap, she nodded. She would confirm that the boy and the traitor would head for Atlas, and then she would raze it to the ground. Removing anyone and everyone who could try and interfere; with a special focus on the boy and traitor.
/=/
As everyone reunited, Jaune turned on Oscar. He had been sensing the nervousness of the teen for sometime, noticing it always became greatest when Salem, Ozpin, relics, or maidens was mentioned. To Jaune that was signalling something. If that feeling had just been in a constant state he would have attributed it to something akin to just not feeling like he fit in. Add in the fact that the teen was often seen conversing with Qrow off to the side; Jaune knew something wasn't right. There was another secret, a truth not being shared.
"You know something." Jaune accused as the squad of friends and associates entered the home of Jaune's sister Saphron.
"I... I don't know what you're talking about." Oscar Pine responded with a defined stutter, and pause.
"Jaune?" asked Ruby from her place beside Oscar.
"I KNOW he has something to add to what Cinder has told us. Him and Qrow both!" snapped Jaune.
"Jaune he's just a child. What could he know?" asked Pyrrha.
"I'm not sure, but it has something to do with what Cinder told us. I could feel it, and I feel it now."
"Feel what?" asked Yang
"I'm just a farmhand." Oscar complained, "I don't want to be here. I don't want to be involved."
"I can feel his insecurity, his nervousness."
"That could mean anything." Qrow countered, finally stepping into the conversation.
"Really? So why does it only happen when the topics, of Salem, Ozpin, relics, or maidens come up?" Jaune shot back, "The rest of the time I feel a mild sense of insecurity. He's hiding something. You're hiding something; and we deserve to know what it is."
"There's nothing. Honest." Oscar
defended himself, withering under Jaune's glare.
"Don't make me..." Jaune was unable to finish the threat as Qrow shoved his way through the circling group and grabbed Jaune by the collar.
"If you think..." Qrow wasn't able to finish either.
Qrow had not been privy to Jaune's demonstration to Pyrrha, in fact no one had been aside from Cinder. Qrow smirked as Jaune's hand wrapped around his wrist; figuring the tall blond was going to try and pull free. He was wrong. In an instant Jaune flooded Qrow with crippling fear. Qrow's released Jaune and dropped to his knees, his eyes wide. Jaune let the sensation of the feeling sink in before removing it as he released Qrow's wrist.
Yang and Ruby were at Qrows side the instant he dropped to his knees. Their eyes glaring at Jaune. Everyone else took a step back aside from Cinder, who had a pleased grin.
"You both know something, something we should also know, seeing as we are risking our lives here." Jaune growled, as he turned his attention from the recovering Qrow to the backing away Oscar. "I warned you. Now tell us. We DESERVE to know what this fight is all about!"
/=/
Jaune stormed out of the house, angry at what Oscar now revealed as the reincarnated Ozpin, or as Cinder referred to him; Ozma. His words and explanations, flaming Jaune's raged at being lied to. But he was also upset by what he had done to Qrow, and threatened to do to Oscar. It had been a moment of weakness on his part. Using his semblance as a way to force compliance to his wishes. It sickened him that he could take it, and did take it that far. Pyrrha moved to chase after him but was stopped by Cinder on the front steps.
"Let him be." Cinder told Pyrrha quietly.
"He needs..."
"He needs space. He needs to know we trust him, that we're not going to run after him and coddle him." Cinder informed. "He needs this."
It was then they say Jaune freeze, before him an older man stood; with a definite familial resemblance. The older man took a few steps forward before swinging a rucksack from over his shoulder to set it upon the ground next to his feet. Jaune took a step back, a motion that could either be seen as preparing to run, or readying to attack. Pyrrha made a move to step forward to head for Jaune's side only to have Cinder grab her by the wrist.
"He doesn't need us to always run to rescue him. Give him that dignity."
"You swore."
"I did, and this is not something that he needs or you for."
/=/
"Dad."
"Jaune."
"Why are you here?"
"I came to Saphron, Terra and Adrian. Make sure they're okay and don't need anything."
"You could have done that with a scroll call. No need to make a trip. Don't treat like I'm stupid. You're here because of me, aren't you?"
"Never ever thought of you as stupid. Foolish, yes, but never stupid."
"Foolish."
"Yes, foolish."
"And how am I foolish?"
"With what you're doing. Saphron told your mother, and she's beside herself with thoughts of you running all over the countryside risking your life. You're not trained. You can't protect yourself."
"Kinda hard to protect myself when YOU took away Crocea Mors, and just left me with my guitar."
"You stole Crocea Mors. You had no right to take it. It's a huntsman's weapon, not a toy."
"I am a huntsman."
"No you are a boy playing at being one. It's time to grow up Jaune, those stories your mother read you, are just that stories. Do you really know what happens to heroes? Do you? They die, without EVER knowing if their sacrifice meant a thing."
"No, that's not the fate of all heroes."
"For the type of hero you want to be, it is." Jaune's father snapped. "AND I refuse to let you throw your life away like that. I NEVER wanted that for you, or any of my children. You're meant to be safe."
"I am safe! I'm surrounded by people who act like you, doing everything to keep me out of harms way. They like you don't understand how strong I am and could be!"
"They have training. You don't."
"They're training me."
"It's not enough. Time to stop this, and come home."
"No."
"Jaune..."
"You have no faith in me do you? Not one iota of it."
"Jaune..."
"Do you KNOW that without my semblance Beacon would have been a slaughter? DO you realize that?" Jaune snarled his anger slowly threatening to take control, "What about Haven? Did you hear about that? What I did?"
"I have, and you were lucky."
"Lucky?"
"Yes lucky, that you have friends capable of protecting you."
"I can protect myself."
"With what? A guitar?"
"Yes."
"How does that help you when facing down a pack of Beowulf? You going to sing a lullaby?"
"NO but I can bolster my teammates. Make them even stronger, strong enough to face anything. Besides huntsmen don't only deal with Grimm."
"No they have to deal with the worst of the worse. How do you plan to handle that?"
"Like this." Jaune strode forward and grabbed his father about the wrist, much how he had with Qrow earlier in the evening.
"What are you..." his father never finished as waves of depression and insecurity washed over him, breaking his will and causing him to slide to his knees.
"This is only a sample of what I am capable of. This journey has taught me that. I can do so much more. I can do so much good. But not by hiding under my bed like you mom, and everyone else wants me to do!"
Jaune felt a pair of hands touch him. One on each shoulder. Looking to each side he saw Cinder and Pyrrha standing next to him. The soft and warm touches snapping the hold of rage that had been colouring his vision. Looking down he saw his father, his eyes twisted with emotional pain, tears rolling down his rugged cheeks. In a panic he pulled the flow of feelings back and released his hold, on the elder Arc.
"Dad?"
His father didn't say anything and just looked up at his son. Shadows of what had been flooding his mind keeping him from wanting to rise, lest his knees gave out on him when he tried. Jaune stood there, but inside he wanted to bolt. It was just the soft touched of Pyrrha and Cinder that kept him from doing just that.
"Dad? Say something please."
"Why? How?"
"I'm sorry. I never..."
"May I suggest we take this inside, for a calm discussion." offered Cinder.
"I think that would be best." Jaune's father agreed, as he finally decided to risk standing.
/=/
Everyone aside from Saphron gave the pair of Arc males time alone. She declaring herself the mediator of the little family reunion. Sitting around the dining room table the conversation rose and fell. Emotions running high on all sides. Even more so for Jaune as he could feel the rise and swell of Saphron's and his father's emotions along with his own. Everyone else aside from Cinder and Pyrrha had left the small house. Pyrrha remained and occupied herslef with entertaining Adrian while Terra took a call from work. Cinder just stood and waited. Her eyes on everyone. Ready to step in if she deemed it necessary to prevent any interruptions to what needed to happen.
Not much if anything was really resolved, aside from one main point. His father would respect his wish to continue on with his friends, as long as Jaune respected his wish for him to be safe. After that the family talk fell to just that talk of family. Cinder nodded at the resolution and moved away from her station and to the seat that had become her bed. She did wonder why everyone chose to stay in the small house, when there were numerous hotel and motel rooms available.
/=/
After his father left, choosing to get a hotel room over sleeping on the floor in the overly crowded home, Jaune found himself alone on the back steps looking over the small fenced in yard. He sat in silence until he felt someone take a seat beside him. Looking to his right he saw Pyrrha. He smiled weakly when she smiled in his direction.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah I guess. Just a lot has happened today."
"That's true." she agreed, "You could have told us."
"Told you?"
"Yes, told us."
"Told you what?" Jaune was really not following her line of thought.
"To give you space. None of us think you as weak, we just worry. You're special to each of us in their own way, and we know when you are using your semblance against groups; that you are venerable. None of us wants to see you hurt because you are doing what only you can do."
"Still feels smothering."
"I can talk to everyone, and see if we can dial it back," Pyrrha offered, "but if you're using your semblance know that anyone of us will be there to watch your back."
"Guess I have to accept that."
"You do, because we know you're watching our backs, in a way none of us can."
"So what's next? Atlas?" Jaune asked, knowing that he had stepped out of any further conversation between everyone after he got Oscar, no Ozpin to come clean.
"Yes, or at least that's what Oscar and Qrow feel would be for the best. See if General Ironwood can offer assistance in locating the other Maidens."
"Why?"
"Something about keeping relics away from Salem, and the end of the world."
"Of course." Jaune responded with a roll of his eyes.
Above them unnoticed the smallest of Nevermore sat, its head cocked to one side as if listening to thier conversation.
/=/
"So Atlas." Salem growled, "They think they are safe behind their walls, floating city and technology."
She stood from her throne and moved to one of the nearby windows and gazed out over the various inky black pools that surrounded her stronghold. She watched as new Grimm emerged. Ursa, Beowulf, Sabyr, and Beringel all climbed out of the pools. She smiled and closed her red eyes. Raising her hands she extended her will out towards the pool of Grimm. After a couple of minutes of one or two Grimm crawling free of the inky darkness, they began to disgorge them rapidly. Opening her eyes and bringing her hands down her smile deepened.
"Let's see your technology counter the terror my horde will bring down upon you." she spoke softly as the en massed Grimm began to move out. She could set them on a course, but in the end it would be the fear that drew them to the final destination.
/=/
It took sometime to make all the arrangements for the large group to travel to Atlas, by way of Mantle. Booking the bullhead seats on a commercial flight was a headache that Qrow would never have wished on his worst enemy, especially seeing it was like his semblance was acting up as he was trying. But eventually it was all done and the squad sized group of would be hunters found themselves on the way to the next stop of their journey.
/=/
"General! Sir!"
"What is it?"
"Grimm, sir. Thousands of Grimm."
"Main screen!"
Ironwood took a sharp intake of air. It was a mass like never seen before, and if his eyes weren't seeing things it looked to be growing larger.
"Lock down everything. Recall everything. I want anything capable of carrying a weapon, outfitted and in the air, NOW!"
"Sir?"
"What is it?" Ironwood snapped unable to take his eyes of the closing mass of red eyes.
"You have a call. Sir."
"Call? From who?"
"Someone calling themselves Ozpin. Sir."
/=/
"Well that could have gone better." Oscar/Ozpin stated as he got off of Qrow's scroll. "We have trouble coming."
"What kind?" asked Qrow already getting ready to blame his semblance.
"A horde of Grimm is approaching."
"That doesn't sound that bad." commented Jaune, "I mean they have walls, guns and huntsmen..."
"It's thousands strong." Oscar/Ozpin informed them.
"Oh." came the combined response of RWBY, JNPR, Cinder and Qrow.
"Our pilot will be instructed to land in Mantle. Atlas is now a no fly zone, and I'm afraid James will not have anytime to see us, let alone speak with us." Oscar/Ozpin commented as he gave Qrow his scroll back. "He has a war to direct, and as such has declared martial law, and shut down everything. We are only being allowed to land because of who I am."
"That can not be good for keeping fear in check." Blake mentioned.
"There are already riots, starting." Oscar/Ozpin stated. "Mantle and Atlas have become powder kegs of emotion drawing in the Grimm, as well as splitting their focus. Every officer, or soldier deployed to quell unrest is one less person manning the walls."
"We could help." offered Ruby.
"How are eleven of us going to turn the tide of this?" asked Yang.
"Maybe not all of us are needed. Jaune?" asked Oscar/Ozpin.
"I can't do anything with Grimm." replied Jaune.
"No, but you've proven you can influence the emotions that draw them in." commented Oscar/Ozpin. "She no undoubtedly just aimed the horde at Atlas counting on the fear that such a large host would to guide them the rest of the way."
"But why?" Weiss asked.
"She knew we were coming." Cinder offered, "She's trying to destroy us along with Atlas."
"I agree." Oscar/Ozpin added, "We've already stopped two of her attacks, plus we now have one of her associates sideing with us; not to mention the number we've been able to subdue. She's lashing out. Trying to regain some control."
"And if she wipes Atlas and Mantle off the map, the chaos that will cause will spark even more hordes to rise." Qrow took a swig from his flask, "Not to mention with no one around, she can take her finding the Winter Maiden and collecting the relic."
"Correct. It would be easier to search lifeless rubble than a living city." Oscar/Ozpin agreed, "It was probably her intended outcome for the attack on Beacon."
"Back to me. What is it you think I could do?" Jaune asked.
"To do what you do. Bring them together. Focus them against the true enemy, and not each other." Oscar?Ozpin answered, "Just tell us what you need."
"A place to broadcast from."
"Would Atlas CCT be acceptable?" asked Oscar/Ozpin.
"Can we get to it?"
"We will at least try. Qrow as soon as we land..."
"Steal the bullhead?"
Oscar/Ozpin just nodded.
Jaune sat in his seat and took multiple quick breaths. He still hated flying, the motion making his stomach roll, but he was far from being sick; but the thought of having to steal the bullhead in order to try and reach the Atlas CCT, just so he could attempt to quell the unrest was a risk.
/=/
Not only had they been shot down , but now they were in a running protracted battle with someone Weiss was calling the Ace-Ops. Flanked by Pyrrha, Oscar/Ozpin and Cinder Jaune ran sweat running down his face. Behind them Ren, Nora, Ruby, Yang, Blake, Weiss, and Qrow ran interference. It had been a minor miracle that they crashed with no injuries, to themselves of anyone on the streets. People scattered as the approached, fleeing from the fighting happening behind them.
"How much further?" Jaune yelled.
"Five blocks!" Oscar/Ozpin shouted.
/=/
"You're connected" yelled Pyrrha from below him as she got the signal from Oscar/Ozpin who was inside the tower. "You'll be going out over the Emergency Alert. It over rides everything."
Jaune nodded, then looked above him. Cinder stood there waiting, her glowing eyes watching the closing mass of Grimm.
"As soon as you start they will be on us." she stated from her perch letting flames burst to life on the palms of her outstretched hands. "Pyrrha?"
"I'm ready." she replied as she reached out with her semblance and pulled. Well below a bundle of rebar broke apart and floated into the air.
Jaune watched in awe at the show of power from the woman who loved him. Pyrrha steeled her gaze as she brought the bars to hover before her, at he place just a level below Jaune. Turning his attention back to the task at hand, he took a deep breath. Reaching up with his right hand he adjusted his now customary throat-mic before flipping the activation switch on his guitar. His fingers danced as the first chords rang out.
"I am a nation, I am a million faces." Jaune sung out as his fingers worked the strings.
As his voice sailed out, he focused his intent, centred what he felt the need to convey, to influence. Heedless of where he was standing he threw all his aura into the feelings of hope and unity. He had to quash everything before the horde closed even further. He pushed aside the waves of anger, distrust, fear, and hopelessness. Tuning out only what he was projecting.
In the distance a black cloud like mass broke from the main mass of Grimm.
/=/
All around Atlas and Mantle his voice reverberated over anything thing that was able to accept the Emergency Alert signal. It caused people to suddenly stop, and look about themselves. To take in what was happening around them. To see the self-fulfilling chaos that was taking hold. There was confusion, and resistance to the emotions trying to invade their thoughts. Some broke, at that point. Turning away from whatever they were doing and moving off. In that select sensitive few those that had served, made their way to the wall. The others moving towards schools, and other safe havens.
/=/
At the base of the CCT, RWBY, JNPR, and Qrow were nearly spent. The running distraction they had been taking part in to keep the Ace-Ops busy was nearly over. Spreading out the formed a defensive circle before the entryway. Weapons ready they glared out at the approaching Atlas operatives, daring them to try.
/=/
"What is going on?" yelled Ironwood from the bridge of his flagship.
"Someone has taken over the Emergency Signal. They're broadcasting music. Sir?"
"Music?"
"Yes. Sir."
"Let me hear it."
"It's our world, they can never have it! This is how we rise up!" Ironwood knew that voice. It was slightly different than it had been in Vale, but it was unmistakable.
"Order all ships to broadcast that signal on exterior speakers now!"
"Sir?"
"Do it!"
"Sir Ace-Ops has the individuals from the downed Bullhead cornered at the Atlas CCT."
"Stand them down."
"Sir?"
"They are ordered to stand down." Ironwood, barked "No cancel that! They are to take defensive positions and assist the those persons in defending that site!"
"Sir, Nevermore and Griffon are approaching."
"Course?"
"The CCT sir!"
"Fighter intercept. PROTECT that tower!"
/=/
Jaune was already sweating. The drain was immense, pretty much nearly the same as it had been at Vale. There was just so many targets to influence. Taking a deep breath as he replayed the intro for his second go through he pushed harder. He could do this, he would do this. He would not fail, even if it took everything he had, he would not fail. He was feeling the shift, it was slowly growing. His semblance infused words were having an affect.
/=/
More and more the unrest began to descend from a roar to a simmer. As people moved off, those personnel who could attend the walls, did just that. Shouldering their weapons they moved forward, the rioting crowds growing quiet, and opening paths for them to pass. With in small pockets of militia groups also fell in step and moving from causing trouble to following the soldiers and huntsmen towards the walls.
/=/
"Cinder!" yelled Pyrrha.
"I see them!" Cinder shouted back.
"Promise me!"
"Promise you what?"
"That no matter what happens you will keep him safe!"
"Only if you do the same."
/=/
Jaune barely registered their short conversation. He was totally consumed with what he needed to do. His fingers danced along the strings; his voice rang out, and his aura steadily dipped. He didn't need a scroll to tell him that he was going to be exhausting himself. He promised himself he would keep going regardless. Sweet was already starting to stain his hoodie, and run down his face. It felt like he was putting even more effort here than he had Vale, and maybe he was. He was trying to quell not only fear, but a host of other emotions. In Vale it was mainly fear. He forced the thought out of his mind. He had a job to do, and he meant to do it.
/=/
More and more people who were capable moved from the quieting marched and gangs to head for the walls. Anyone who arrived unarmed was handed a weapon. Soon the walls were lined with members from all walks of life, each focused on making the approaching Grimm no longer part of their world.
Above the Atlas Navy opened up. Their fighters zipping through the air cutting into the masses of flying Grimm, while heavy guns rained down upon the en massed terrestrial monsters. Huntsmen and Huntresses leapt from the walls fanning out, and making the first line of defence; quickly followed by members of Special Forces units forming a second wall of bone and flesh. On the wall average soldiers, militias and capable civilians waited.
From behind them all, the armoured and artillery divisions moved into action. This was their city, their nation. It would not go quietly into the night.
/=/
Cinder unleashed a spinning torrent of flames above her incinerating anything that ventured close, as from below Pyrrha flung out rebar with her semblance like javelins, driving them through any Grimm that evaded Cinder's flames. Between them Jaune played and sang. They knew he was putting his everything into what he was doing, nothing less would be expected of them.
/=/
Jaune knew it was working. The feed back was the same as what he was putting out. That made him let out a tired smile, as he pushed on. He no longer wore armour; there was no need, so to anyone who could see him, the front of his hoodie was soaked with sweat, his face slick with it. His fingers hurt, and his voice was starting to break. He however pressed on. He still had strength, he still could continue. Bolstering his own resolve he pushed onward into his fourth performance. He would go until the city was safe or he collapsed.
/=/
"Sir, the Grimm!"
"What about them!"
"They're breaking up. Some are even wandering off!"
"Keep up the bombardment. I don't want even one reaching the defenders. I want the ammo reserves run dry before anyone near or on that wall needs to fight."
"Sir!"
/=/
Oscar/Ozpin crawled out of the access hatch that had let the three other of their little squad of four get to the top of the tower. He had done all he could inside, and now he needed to support the rest of their impromptu team. He took a moment to watch as the semblance of a four time Mistral Champion, and the power of a Fall Maiden tore through the few Grimm that managed to get past the guns of Atlas's airships and fighters.
Taking a step towards the edge he peered down. The flashes of muzzles told him that those who had the range were also doing their part, as the others fanned out an engaged any Griffon that chose to try an approach by land. It looked like it was going to be enough. He hoped it would be enough.
/=/
Jaune was swaying. His vision getting blurry. His hands felt numb, his arms heavy. He knew he was past the point of no return. Yet he pushed on, he still had more to give. Drawing in every last speck of his aura he pushed it out with his voice, infusing his sung words with hope, unity and a sprinkle of defiance. Jaune was intent on making sure that this day would be remembered as one of victory.
He never saw it coming. A hand sized Nevermore. It skirted past the flames, and between the flying bars of steel. With razor tipped talons extended it struck. Jaune screamed as he grabbed for his left eye, his guitar and song forgotten. His aura had been mostly exhausted, so he had none to spare to defend himself even if he had seen the cursed thing dropping in for its attack.
/=/
Oscar/Ozpin racted in a flash, at the sound of Jaune crying out in pain. His cane struck out, skewering the offending bird, as his other hand lashed out for Jaune's slipping form. Dropping his cane he slapped his other hand on to the back of Jaune's soaked hoodie. His finger digging into the damp fabric, as he yanked backwards attempting to pull Jaune from his teetering perch. His feet slid against the smooth metal framing of the tower, but at the last instant found a perch and using more strength than he could have thought his body had, he yanked Jaune backwards and on top of himself.
/=/
Pyrrha and Cinder heard Jaune's cry, but could do nothing as they had to continue to fend off the remnants of the massive flock that had tried to assault the tower. Both silently hoped Jaune was okay as they focused on their own tasks, and under their combined efforts the air around the tower was soon, clear of anything that could threaten them.
They both felt heavy and lethargic, but even so they needed to check on the reason for their actions. They needed proof that he was safe; and that cry told them something had gone wrong with their plan.
/=/
Even as everyone heard his scream of agony, the residual effects of his words lingered. Fear did not take them, nor did the spell of unity that he wove falter. Atlas and Mantle stood united, and firm facing off against the dwindling mass of Grimm. The measly scraps of creatures that had survived the bombardments and strafing runs; were no match for the combined onslaught of hunters and special forces. The trickle of ones that rushed past found no sanctuary as those stationed on the walls did their duty.
/=/
Salem's fists slammed into the walls of her throne room. It was another failure. Her plan had fallen apart as soon as that boy opened his mouth. She was seething, and railing. Never before had one individual vexed her as this one singer had. Resisting the urge to dash her own skull against the wall, she stepped back and closed her searing red eyes. She had succeeded in striking at the object of her frustrations. It was a glancing blow, but maybe it had been enough to cause his fall. Surely an impact from that height would remove him. But she wouldn't count on it. Reaching out she called upon another of her tiny spies. She needed to know. He had escaped her justice too many times.
/=/
With Oscar/Ozpin; Cinder and Pyrrha laid their hands upon Jaune's shivering form. Pyrrha had seen it before in Vale. He had selflessly dumped too much of himself into his words. He was going into shock from lack of having nearly no aura. They all trickled some of their own into him. Oscar/Ozpin giving the most as he had expended none during the encounter. Once his shaking had stopped the Pyrrha brushed his hair aside and lifted his left hand from his eye. No amount of aura would heal that wound.
/==/
Hope this one lives up to the previous and the song choice. After the suggestions I was tempted to Use "Nothing Else Matters" by Metallica
THANK YOU to SolSparda369, bankai777 and commandosquirrel for the suggested songs. I listened to ever one of them to see if they fit what I wanted to do. Some did, but in the end "The Resistance" just fit what I wanted to do the best.
To Rev, thank you for the suggestion. I have 2 chapters left to do. So for sure the final chapter will have something more "classic" to tie everything up. I promise. (And aftre you mentioned I'm thinking something from AC/DC)
Top of the story shout outs to ANYONE/EVERYONE who can guess what the next segment's song is going to be.
Also thank you to Mega, for the suggestions. I don't think they really fit with my main idea of what I want to do, but they do give me an idea for another Bard like story. What if instead of being an Empath, Jaune actually had a mind control semblance linked to music. Maybe even using a flute (Ie the Pied Pipper of Hamelin)
As always, comments, critiques and suggestions always welcome. Enjoy.