SilentType 1997, don't be sorry about your pairing comment, I appreciate that you gave your opinion. I can personally see where you see how Sienna and Slayer could be a thing; Sienna is certainly a hard core fighting type, but yeah, Robyn seemed like a more ideal partner for the Slayer.
Later that day, Ruby decided to speak in private with Anton and Khione.
"What is it?" Khione asked when she and Anton arrived in one of the locker rooms outside of a training arena.
"It's nothing bad" Ruby assured, "I just want to know more about our kind."
"Our kind?" Anton asked.
Ruby nodded, "You know, Night Sentinels. I just have a few questions about them…well, us."
"You say our kind as if we're a completely different species" Khione scolded, a stern look on her face, "Despite out powers, we are still human."
Ruby looked down bashfully "Sorry. It's just that, learning I had this kind of heritage is a bit overwhelming."
"I don't blame you" Anton said, "Having a heritage like yours is not to be taken lightly."
"Did you know them?" Ruby asked, "The Sentinels my family came from."
Anton and Khione thought for a moment before Khione responded "Well, you did say your last name is Rose, so that does narrow it down to a few possible clans."
"Clans?"
Anton explained "Our kingdom is made up of four different warrior clans that were all untied under King Novik in our war against our enemies…before the Slayer ever came. Even after the Slayer, our system remained as the leaders of the clans became the generals of our army."
Khione nodded in agreement, then turned to Ruby "Your last name, Rose, suggest your family came from one of two different clans: Clan Florius or Clan Inferna."
Ruby nodded "Uncle Qrow did say that silver eyed people are destined to be great warriors. I guess I never knew what he really meant until now."
"It is a lot to take in for the first time, I agree." Anton said.
"So, does this mean I have to become a Night Sentinel?"
Khione chuckled in amusement "Not if you don't want to. If being a Huntress is good enough for you, than we will allow it. Ultimately, it's your choice."
Ruby smirked, "Well, that's good to hear." Then she thought of something, "Wait, if Nora's your daughter, Anton, than how come she doesn't have silver eyes?"
"Most, but not all of our children are born with silver eyes" Anton replied, "However, those who don't still inherit a considerable amount of power. I'm sure you've seen what her Semblance can do."
Ruby nodded in understanding; Nora's Semblance was not something to mess around with.
"Was there anything else on your mind?" Khione asked.
"Too much, actually" Ruby chuckled, "These past few days have been REAL hectic."
Khione nodded "Indeed they have. You should get some rest right now, but if there's ever a time you need to talk to me or my sisters, or Anton, please, don't be afraid to."
Ruby nodded in return "Thank you. I'll keep that in mind." Then, she stretched and yawned "I am pretty tired, to be honest. Well, good night."
With that she walked off as the three went their separate ways for the night.
…
The morning after Jacques closed the Schnee Dust Company's nonessential facilities, the Mantle rioters are sitting on sidewalks and in police airships with their wrists bound by boluses. The Drunk Mann who the teams met after they arrived stands in line with other Mantle citizens outside a polling station. As he gets to the booth, he decides whether he will vote for Robyn, Jacques, Ivy Brown, or Pearl Wistier. The outside walls have campaign posters for both Jacques and Robyn, and Jacques' posters have been spray painted over.
"Although rioting in Mantle is finally under control, how does it feel to know that the majority of those involved were your supporters?" A reporter asked Robyn.
"I don't condone rioting, especially when our city is being denied aid for the hardships we've already had to go through, but Jacques Schnee's latest stunt is holding the city hostage for his own political gain. So I understand their anger, but ask that they show it not in the streets but at the polls today" Robyn answered.
In the Atlas Academy training room, Blake uses her Semblance and jumps from pillar to pillar while Yang follows and attempts to catch her.
Below Blake and Yang, Winter sends her Beowolf Summon to attack Weiss, who creates black glyphs above, below, and to the left and right of it. Weiss then uses the glyphs to throw the Beowolf Summon around, slamming it against the glyphs. She creates a white glyph in front of her and uses it to send the Summon back toward Winter, who creates her own white glyph to stop it. However, Winter suddenly winces in pain and drops to one knee. She then discovers that a small version of Weiss' Arma Gigas Summon snuck up to her and cut her ankle with its sword. The Arma Gigas strikes a pose with its sword on its shoulder, and Winter glares at Weiss, who gives a smug smirk in return and giggles.
Behind Weiss, Jaune is using his shield to deflect a rubber ball, while Nora keeps hitting it toward him with her hammer. Nora activates Magnhild's upgrade, charging herself up with electricity. She swings Magnhild around and sends the ball rocketing toward Jaune, who blocks it and slides backwards several feet before dropping to one knee. The emblem on his shield glows cyan while he blocks, and the ball eventually turns to ash.
Nearby, Oscar is using his Scroll to keep track of Jaune's Aura, which has been reduced to approximately 65%. Jaune sits up and takes a deep breath, his Aura glowing for a moment, and Oscar watches Jaune's Aura increase to approximately 95%.
"Nice, your recovery is getting faster" Oscar said.
Nora walks over to Jaune, who gives a cheerful thumbs up. Nora then gives him a heavy pat on the back, still using her Semblance, which knocks him onto the ground, reducing his Aura to approximately 64%. Ruby Rose zooms past with her Semblance, heading straight toward Lie Ren who is meditating in front of a pillar. She splits into three red blurs, which all go around Ren and the pillar, before merging into one blur and becoming Ruby again.
"Have you always been able to do that?" Oscar asked.
Ruby peeks out at him from behind the pillar and then walks over to him panting "I don't know. I don't normally think it through that much".
Meanwhile, Elm is working with Novus on his strength while Harriet and Katrina race around the arena. Elm had managed to get a makeshift pillar made from the blocks in the arena and was having Novus lift it above him.
"Come on!" Elm shouted like a boot camp instructor, "Let's see just how tough you are!"
Just then, Harriet and Katrina stop just next to them, both immediately hitting a button on their scrolls, pausing the stopwatches.
"Ha!" Katrina said comparing the two times, "I'm a half second faster!"
"Actually…" Harriet corrected, showing Katrina that the faster time was on Harriet's stopwatch. Katrina deflated and gave a small pout, causing Harriet to laugh "You've definitely gotten better though, that's for sure."
The two are then startled by Elm's shouting as she somehow got on top of the pillar Novus was lifting and was shouting in order to motivate him.
"Lift, Novus!" she shouted "Come on!"
"Is this really necessary?!" Novus protested, sparking a laugh from the speedy sisters. He was able to lift the pillar just fine, but that before Elm decided to jump on top of it, adding a solid 240 pounds to what he was lifting. It was safe to say this training exercise was not going as he was expecting.
Meanwhile, Oscar was talking with the others "You guys are evolving and I still don't have my Semblance"
"Relax, Oscar" Novus grunted "Neither do I."
"Well, I bet we'll all be jealous when you do" Ruby assured.
Ren continues meditating, deep in a state where he has blocked out everyone around him. There is a ringing sound, followed by the sound of the training room door opening, and Ren opens his eyes and looks toward the door.
"Clover wasn't kidding. You're really giving this your all" Ironwood said.
"Well, we have to with the way things are going" Ruby said.
Ironwood takes out his Scroll, which projects a screen depicting the live election results. Currently, Jacques has 30% of the vote, while Robyn has 70% "They're not going well, are they?".
"Better Robyn than Jacques Schnee" Yang said as she rests her arm on Oscar's shoulder, taking him by surprise.
"Oh, I suppose so. Either way, this election doesn't bode well for our stability" Ironwood said.
Ironwood putts his Scroll away "The likelihood of that working-".
"She's right, you have to do something about Mantle. If you could get Robyn to trust you..." Nora said.
"I bet if you opened up to her she'd understand that you're being framed" Jaune added.
Ironwood sighs" Perhaps... but it will only work if she's open too".
"I'm sure she will if we give her a reason to." Novus said.
"Let's hope so" Ironwood replied.
Nora starts to say something, but Ren steps forward and interrupts her, earning a look from both her and Jaune "I take it you're here for new mission assignments?".
"You could say that. The General and I want you to take the rest of the day to recuperate" Clover said.
"You're giving us a night off?" Blake asked.
Ironwood smiled "Ordering it. After tonight's election, we'll be waking up to a very different Atlas tomorrow. I need you rested and ready for whatever that may bring".
Ruby starts thinking to herself, looking uncertain.
Back at JRHD's room, Julius was busy running his hands through his hair while Roman was adjusting his outfit.
"Where are you two off to?" Hector asked.
"I'm heading to a party with Blake and Yang." Julius replied.
"And I'll be heading with Weiss and the other guys." Roman added.
Novus nodded "You sure you won't be at the election party for Robyn?"
"I'm sure you and Hector can handle it." Julius said, "Plus, you'll be with the Ace Ops AND Penny. What could go wrong?"
Later, after the sun has set, Novus, Hector, Ruby, Nora and Ren are walking in Mantle, on their way to Robyn's victory party. A truck drives down the street, honking its horn, with people standing in the bed holding signs, which say "HILL IS HERE" and "HILL 4 COUNCIL".
"I understand Weiss' point though. A victory party does seem a bit premature" Ren said.
"Aw, let them have one sure thing" Nora said.
"Probably the last sure thing before Amity Tower goes up and every learns about… what we're fighting" Ruby said.
They walk past a group of people watching the live election results on a TV screen. Jacques has 33% of the vote, and Robyn has 67%.
"We spent so much time worrying about how Ironwood will react to the truth about her, but have any of us considered how we're even going to beat her if we manage to work past that?" Ren asked.
"Jinn said she can't be beaten" Nora reminded.
"She told Oz that he couldn't destroy her" Ruby said.
Nora looks at Ruby "Only that Slayer guy could right? But he's stuck behind a magical barrier."
"Pretty much" Novus replied, "and let me tell you, he's pretty pissed about it."
"Can't really blame him" Hector said, "I would be too."
"Even so, we should be training right now" Ren said.
Nora looked annoyed "We've trained enough! Take some time to-".
"We don't have time!" Ren all but snapped.
Hector looked curiously at Ren; what had gotten him so worked up all of a sudden?
A large crowd of people have gathered inside a small auditorium for Robyn's victory party. Wires have been taped up along the walls, and there are Robyn Hill campaign posters decorating the walls. Above the stage is a giant hologram screen showing the live election results. Jacques has 36% of the vote, while Robyn has 64%. A pair of camera drones float around the room, one of which has a "Kick Me" sign taped to the back of it and the other of which has a gift ribbon stuck to it, causing Hector to chuckle to himself. While Ruby, Nora and Ren enter the building, the vote percentage shifts to 37% for Jacques and 63% for Robyn.
Penny makes her way through the crowd and sees her friends " Ruby, Novus, Hector Nora, Ren!".
Ruby smiled "Hey, Penny".
"I am so glad you made it. It's just Marrow and I tonight, so more friends means more fun. Where are the others?" Penny asked.
"Weiss and Roman are out with the boys, and Julius, Blake, and Yang are off doing their own thing... again" Nora answered, still in a bad mode.
"So, how are things on your end?" Novus asked.
"They're going great, Damian!" Penny replied, only for Novus to put out a hand in caution "I know the other teams know my real name, but still refrain from using it in public. Please."
Penny nods before she gets communications from Marrow through her ear piece "Penny, where'd you go?".
"Mind if I come with?" Novus asked, "Ruby can join if you want."
"Of course!" Penny said as they go backstage together to meet up with Marrow.
"Oh hey, what-what're you two doing here?" Marrow asked.
"Just, uh, hangin' out with a friend while she's on the job" Ruby casually holds out her fist for a fist bump.
Recognizing the gesture, Penny gasps, her eyes wide and shining with excitement. She makes a fist, closes one eye, sticks her tongue out and lines it up. She pulls back her fist and then slams it into Ruby's with a big smile. There's a dull ding noise, and Ruby gains an expression of deadpan shock, her hand throbbing with pain. Novus stifles a laugh as Penny turns to Marrow with an innocent smile, and Ruby cradles her hand, groaning quietly in pain.
Marrow was not that amused "Yeah, real cute. Look, try not to be too much of a distraction. We need to be vigilant in case-".
May suddenly approaches Marrow, setting the tip of her weapon to the floor "In case what?".
Marrow looked at her "In case someone tries to start trouble".
May smirked "Oh, funny, that's why we're here. So feel free to take a hike".
Marrow glared at her "Listen, the General's trying to help, all right? Just 'cause you can't understand-".
"What's going on here, May?" Robyn has suddenly entered the backstage area next to Novus, Ruby and Penny. She notices Ruby "Oh, and the pipsqueak is back" Ruby gives a slight glare, growling a little, then Robyn looked at Novus, "You too, apparently."
Novus simply crossed his arms and said nothing.
Marrow scoffs "We're concerned about security risks, ma'am. The General doesn't want any surprises tonight".
May smirks in amusement as Joanna is now standing next to her. Robyn walks over to Marrow "Fine, but stay out of the way" She then walks over to stand with May and Joanna, the former of whom gasps in surprise and confusion "If I get elected tonight, we'll all have to learn how to get along".
Robyn then turned to Novus, "Forgive me for asking, but could you and I talk in private?"
Novus thought for a moment, this might be his one chance to reveal himself "Sure. I see no harm in it."
Robyn nodded and walked away with Novus, telling her friends to go elsewhere while she and Novus talked.
The two went into the backstage area of the building.
"Alright" Novus asked, "what is it you wanted to say?"
Robyn looks around to make sure they're alone and sighs before responding "I can't tell you how relieved I am to see a Night Sentinel again; these past 19 years have been hard, no two ways about it."
"I'm sure they have been."
"But the thing is…your armor isn't like most other Night Sentinels', so you're obviously in a place of some prestige."
Novus nods "I am, and you might actually recognize me."
Robyn looked confused before Novus reached up and removed his helmet, showing his face…his skin tone and hair color matching Robyn's. Robyn studies his face before gasping in shock; what she had thought before had been confirmed. That face may have the scars of battle, but she could recognize the face of her son anywhere. There are a few moments of silence before Robyn begins to break down in tears and runs up to Novus, pulling him in a bear hug.
"My baby boy…" she whispered.
Novus found himself tearing up as he returned his mother's hug.
Robyn pulled back "I'm so sorry, Damian. I wanted to be there for you and…"
"Mom" Novus replied "I know what happened. I don't hold anything against you. Besides, Dad told me all about how amazing you are; you definitely didn't seem like the person who would run out of cowardice."
Robyn brushed a tear off of her face "Well, he spoke correctly, and I still refuse to give up now in this election. Now, you and I have so much to catch up about, but I need to make a speech here in a few moments."
Novus nodded, "Do what you need to do; I gotta do something to, actually."
Robyn nods as the two split off. As Robyn heads for the stage, Novus immediately goes over to a (fortunately) empty voting machine and, once he scanned his Huntsman's license to confirm his identity, he immediately voted for Robyn. If he was going to support anyone right now, it was his mother.
Fiona taps on the microphone, causing loud feedback, much to the crowd's displeasure "Ha-ha, well, that worked".
The live election results now show that Robyn's vote percentage is 57%. Joanna walks away, and Marrow groans in annoyance and walks away toward Penny and Ruby. The crowd begins chanting "Robyn".
"Scram kids, we've got a job to do" Marrow exits the backstage area, and Ruby hops out and blows a raspberry at him, which Penny giggles at. Ruby and Penny wave to each other, as Ruby walks away into the crowd with Lena. Ruby's smile fades when she sees that Nora and Ren are still arguing. The live election results now say that Jacques has 41% of the vote, while Robyn has 59%.
"I want to thank everyone for going to the polls today. This is Mantle's moment. I know that, like me, you're all thrilled that we chose Robyn as our voice in Atlas. No one has fought harder for Mantle than she has. And…" Fiona covers her mouth, trying not to cry, and then wipes a tear from her eye with her palm "I know Robyn will continue that fight on the Council. Will you share a few words?".
She turns to look at Robyn, who is off stage, and the crowd begins chanting Robyn's name again. Robyn walks onto the stage, causing the crowd to cheer. She takes the microphone, and Fiona excitedly talks to her for a few moments, before walking off stage "I've never been much for public speaking, probably wasn't my best idea ever to go into politics. Thank you so much, everyone, for choosing me. You said you believe in me. But I'm the one who believes in all of you. You've proven to me that as individuals, we are strong. But together, we're unstoppable. So no matter what happens tonight, win or lose, we will continue to fight for our city, because it is this city that brings us together".
Somewhere else, in a room filled with Schnee Dust Company crates, Watts is watching live drone footage of the party on a screen projected from his Scroll. Beside the live drone feed is a recorded video of Penny fighting Sabyrs in the streets of Mantle. In windows behind the live and recorded footage, there is a Mantle election map and the live election results screen with the numbers erased. Watts taps the screens of an array of Scrolls laid out in front of them, and the screens light up. He adjusts one of his rings, and all eight of them light up.
He strikes a pose with his hands in the air "You ready, Tyrian?".
Tyrian is standing among the crowd at Robyn's party, with the hood of his jacket obscuring his face, he chuckles "Always".
The countdown began, and it looked like Robyn was about to win. Ruby notices Tyrian's prosthetic tail slither out from the crowd as he begins walking away. Hector also notices this and turns invisible. Ruby moves and leans into the crowd to look for the owner of the robotic scorpion tail, her eyes widening in panic. Tyrian chuckles maniacally and looks at Ruby.
"Watch out!" Ruby shouts before the power is cut off.
The crowd murmurs in confusion. May and Joanna are leaning against the wall opposite from the stage, looking up at the lights. Ren and Nora hold onto each other, looking around with confusion and worry. Robyn drops the microphone onto the stage, and there is a faint sound of blood spatter, followed by a woman screaming. In a panic, someone elbows Ruby, knocking her down and causing her to hit her head against the side of the stage. Tyrian begins swiftly moving through the crowd, kicking people's legs from under them and slashing them with his blades. He stabs one person in the torso and continues his rampage, running and spinning through the air. Penny activates her night vision and looks at Ruby, who is sitting with her back against the stage, trying not to be trampled. Penny turns and looks at the main area of the building, to see Tyrian slash another civilian with his weapon and then impale yet another with his stinger. He drops the civilian and straightens up, licking his lips.
Suddenly, Tyrian face changes to surprise as his neck is grabbed by an invisible force, forcing him to the ground and stalling him long enough for Novus, the night vision on his helmet engaged, run up and tackle Tyrian to the ground, pressing his boot into his head.
Robyn and Fiona stand back to back on the stage, weapons drawn "Huntresses, to me!".
Fiona looks back at Robyn, "Come on, we've gotta get you outta here!".
"Robyn!" Penny activates her jets and flies toward the stage.
Just then, the power comes back on, momentarily blinding Robyn. Once her eyes adjust, Robyn sees Penny standing in front of her with swords drawn. Penny looks around, upset and confused. Behind her, the giant screen displays a photograph of Jacques, with the word "VICTORY!" below it "And the winner of the Atlas Council election is… Jacques Schnee!".
Penny stares out at the bloodied civilians lying on the floor. The rest of the crowd is standing back from the massacre, crying and yelling hysterically, Only to see Tyrian growling in frustration as Hector, now visible, and Novus pin him down. Ruby looks around at the scene in horror, while Marrow looks at the bodies in shock. One of the citizens, who is putting pressure on a fallen civilian's wound, points at Tyrian "It's that crazy murderer!"
"And the Protector of Mantle did nothing about it!" shouted another.
The crowd gasps in shock as Tyrian chuckles "Surprise."
Suddenly, he slips put of the two's grip, knocks them away with a spinning kick, and jumps out of a nearby window.
Later they are all standing in an alleyway. Penny is standing apart from the group. Ren still has his weapons drawn, and Marrow has his hand to his face. Penny was sitting against the wall, shaking from her encounter with Tyrian, with Ruby making sure she was OK. Ruby turns and looks at Penny, who is staring into the distance, her eyes glimmering from the shock and despair. Ruby reaches her bloodied hand out to Penny, but then stops and looks at the blood.
Marrow turns to Penny "Penny, you need to get to Atlas. Backup's on the way" Penny does not answer "Penny?".
"Penny, they know it wasn't you" Novus reassured, putting a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Penny turns a little, as if to look back at him "But all those people got hurt, and I couldn't save them."
She then flies away into the sky and disappears behind a building. In the distance, Grimm roar and more sounds of people screaming are heard.
"Grimm" Ruby said.
Marrow sighs, drawing his weapon "We've got a long night ahead".
Novus cocks his shotgun "Looks like it."
The run out of the alley to face the Manticores that have begun invading Mantle. The giant screens in the city broadcast a live feed of Jacques' acceptance speech, while Mantle's security sirens begin blaring and the street lights turn red "And as the newest member of the Council, I pledge to serve each and every citizen of Mantle and Atlas".
Hector growled "I'm gonna fucking kill him."
Hayden watched from a screen with Elena Richardson. A massacre and Jacques somehow winning despite all odds being against him, and next to no one even liked him. This was no coincidence, and Hayden planed on getting to the bottom of this. One way or the other.