Rwby: Skull Island
Chap 2
"FLARE OUT!" I shouted as I loaded a flare into the flare gun before aiming up and firing it into the sky. Every single ship stopping dead in their tracks as soon as they could once, they spotted the flare.
"Do you think they will actually listen in time Jaune?" Ilona asked.
"Considering it took them a few moments before actually spotting the flare and even more to get their ships to stop, no. They won't." I answered as we ignored the screams coming from the various ships. All of them yelling at us once they figured out that we were the reason the ships stopped 'suddenly.'
"HEY!" Cayden called out getting our attention.
"YES?" We shouted back to him.
"OZPIN AND IRONWOODS ARE ON THE MONITOR!" He answered.
"Let's get this over with." I said as we headed into the bridge again where on the monitor. On it was Ozpin, Ironwoods and many other captains along with crew members
'What is the meaning of this sudden stop?' Ironwoods asked.
"We sent up that flare to stop all of you as we are entering Skull Island waters." I answered.
'So, we are getting near the island?' A researcher asked excitedly.
'I thought we still had at least another day before we reach the island?' Winter asked confused.
"We do. You misheard us. We are entering the waters of Skull Island where everything begins to change." I explained.
'What do you mean Mr. Arc?' Glynda asked.
"Check your navigation equipment." I told them. They seemed confused by this but did so anyway.
'I don't see any-' Ironwoods began but was interrupted by a crew member calling out.
'CAPTAIN! YOU MAY WANT TO SEE THIS!' The member called out.
'What is it?' The captain asked.
'Have a look.' The crew member told him.
'What's wrong captain?' Winter asked concerned when she saw the captains face become one of shock and concern.
'Navigation systems are failing or not working. At all.' He answered surprising everyone else.
'Wait. What? This is equipment is brand new and had gone through all of Atlas's standard tests. It shouldn't fail.' Ironwoods said confused.
'Something must be affecting them general. But what?' Winter asked.
"The electromagnetic field." I answered getting their attention.
'What?' A captain asked confused.
"We are entering Skull Islands water where the magnetic field is so strong that it makes most navigation equipment fail or simply not work right." I explained.
'So, that is why you stopped us Mr. Arc.' Ozpin said realizing the reason.
"Precisely." I confirmed.
'Looks like we will have to resort to traditional methods. Maps and stars.' Another crew member said sounding annoyed.
"Stars won't work either actually." Ilona chimed in.
'What do you mean by that?' Ozpin asked generally confused.
"Normally stars would be easy to be seen as the skies are clear. However, for some reason that we ourselves don't understand, there are no stars at all near or above skull island." I answered.
'So, we are stuck to more traditional means. Very well. Luckily, we have experts in this field as well. If that is all, we will be signing off now.' Ironwoods said before cutting the meeting off. Soon followed by the rest.
"Might as well start digging your graves." Ilona said disgusted at the arrogance she saw. Before anyone else could say anything, we heard thunder and lightning. Turning around, we saw a fierce thunderstorm coming our way that wasn't there a few moments ago.
"Skull Island seems to be greeting us." Cayden said eyeing the storm and remembering how when we first voyaged to Skull Island, a storm exactly like this one came out of nowhere.
"We better brace the sides of the ship as the tides are going to be as fierce if not fiercer than before." I said as the ship started to rock slightly from the waters that are now turning slightly violent.
"We also better take stock of ammunition, weapons, and food supplies. As we are going to be there for a while. Even though I hope not. Not to mention, we still have the native people of Skull Island to deal with. Better get some training in as well." Ilona reminded us. We all nodded before heading towards where we needed to be.
Next Day
'Are storms always this intense?' Ironwood asked over the monitor.
"Worse actually." I answered while holding onto some railing to avoid falling down due to how violent the ship was rocking.
"It just means that we are nearing Skull Island." Cayden chimed in as he tried to keep the ship from crashing into the others.
'How much longer would you say until we get there?' Winter asked.
"Kind of hard to tell. With all the clouds and rain making it difficult to see." I answered.
"But we should be there within the hour at most." Ilona added.
"Which reminds me. Have one crew member on each ship continuously check for readings in how deep the water we are in is. Last time we came here, the seabed came right up under us before we had time to fully react." Caitali reminded us.
'Already on it. But when we get to the island, are we supposed to disembark in this weather?' Winter asked.
"Hell no. That is a death wish. You will capsize almost immediately. And if you being tossed against the rocks or ships doesn't kill you, the currents pulling you underneath the water will certainly kill you by drowning." I answered.
'Then how long are we supposed to stay on these ships?' Ironwoods asked impatiently.
"While we don't know everything about this island, we do know that storms while harsh and violent, do not last long. Meaning that, in about another hour at most, the storm will be gone or lighten up enough for us to go to shore by boat." I answered.
'Why can't we dock these ships on the island? Why do we have to go by boat?' Winter asked.
"Not enough space for the ships to dock. Too many giant rock formations that would prevent us from landing." I explained.
'Should we expect any surprises when we do reach the shore?' A researcher asked. Her face green from the constant rocking of the ship.
"Yes. But let us deal with that." Cayden answered before turning off the monitor.
"Wat we about to do next, none of them will like." Caitali told us.
"But if we are to land and not be impeded, we must do this." I agreed.
"Right. Get the guns ready. Ilona, get your sniper rifle ready. This is going to be close, but hopefully, no one dies from them." Cayden ordered. Nodding, we started to get prepared for what was next.
Three Hours Later
"Ready everybody?" Cayden asked as the boats were getting ready.
"Ready as we will ever be." I answered.
"Ilona. Ready?" Cayden asked her.
"Sights ready. Locked on." She answered from her perch above the bridge.
"All right. Let's get this meat grinder started." Caitali stated as we climbed into the boat before being lowered.
A couple of other boats were lowered alongside us. Each one filled with our guys. And each one of them are wearing protective gear and armed with high caliber weapons. With each boat also containing some explosives as well. Turning around, we began to make our way towards the shore line. Soon joined by other boats from the other ships. Though, we did get some odd looks when they saw us heavily armed. But we paid them no mind.
"Creepy." I heard Ruby exclaim. Turning to where it came from, we saw her pointing to a rock that had a face carved into a it.
'Always wondered how that came to be. Either a warning from people who made the voyage here before us or a warning placed by Oum himself.' I thought as we slowly passed by the rock. Feeling the boat rock a bit, we looked around and saw that we had a guest with us.
"Oh, hello Neo." I greeted when I saw that it was Neo who hopped onto our boat. She waved at me with a mischievous smile.
"Freind of yours Jaune?" Cayden asked suspiciously.
"No. Just someone me and my former teammates at Beacon faced before. Don't need to worry about her though. Seems like she is here only to have a front row seat." I answered to which she nodded.
"Does she speak?" Caitali asked.
"She's mute." I answered. Raising an eyebrow, Caitali started to use sign language.
'Do you understand us?' She signed.
'I'm mute. Not deaf.' Neo answered back with a pout.
"Just be ready. As everyone is about to get a nasty surprise when we land." Cayden told her.
'What kind of surprise?' She signed curiously.
"Let's just say. Something that all most everyone might consider morally wrong." I told her. This sent a shiver up her spine but kept a straight face despite it.
"JAUNE!" We heard Ironwoods call out.
"What!?" I shouted back.
"Is there anything we should expect once we make land fall?" He asked.
"Like we answered before. Yes. But we will take care of it. Just be ready to duck and take cover." I answered.
They seemed confused and still wanted answered. But before they could ask any more questions, they were silences when a rough wave hit the boats and send them to the floor. Shaking my head, we turned back and continued our way to the shore line. All the while ignoring the questions and sharp gasps coming from everyone else. After another ten minutes of rowing, we finally reached the shoreline. Getting out of the boat, we grabbed our gear and weapons and scanned our soundings.
"This place looks desolate. Like nothing could ever live here." Yang remarked as she observed how barren everything looks like.
"Don't let looks deceive you." Cayden told her as he lifted his rifle when we heard some noise coming from nearby.
"Why? It doesn't look like any living species could even attempt a chance at living here." A researcher asked confused.
"But the more important question is, why did you insist we each bring at least three well-armed soldiers with us on each boat?" Ironwoods asked. It was then, we heard a roar that me and my allies that were with me when we made our first voyage here have come to fear.
"ROOOAAAAARRRR!"
"WHAT WAS THAT!?" Yang shouted as every soldiers here lifted their weapons and started to scan the area. Even the huntsmen and huntsmen in training had their weapons out and raised.
"Your first and only warning that if you continue, we will all die." Caitali answered.
"That could just be a simple animal. Nothing that truly warrants concern." Weiss said annoyed. Yet, I could tell she was nervous about what caused it.
"You're dooming everyone here. Either way, since none of you will listen to reason, let's move forward." I said as we started to move forward.
"Though, I wonder what animal caused that horrifying roar. And how can it live here?" A scientist from Atlas wondered.
"That's cause only the shore line of the island is like this. Everything ahead of the shoreline is just pure jungle." Cayden answered. We continued in silence for a bit longer until we heard footsteps coming our way.
"Did you hear that?" Blake asked. Her weapon at the ready.
"Got sights on it. It's a... child." An Atlas soldier said confused.
"Wait, how is a child living here?" A scientist asked skeptically.
"They're the natives. But we don't know either how they managed to live here." Cayden said raising his gun to aim at the female child.
"Lower your weapons. She's no threat." Ironwoods ordered with all the soldiers following the command. But Cayden and others as we knew what was about to happen.
"I got this." I said as I approached the girl and took out a piece of chocolate.
"What are you doing Jaune?" Pyrrha asked worried and concerned.
"GENERAL! We got more natives." An Atlas soldier shouted as more people revealed themselves. Some of them with spears.
"Here you go little girl." I said as I neared the girl. She slowly raised her hand as her body tensed up. As if getting ready to attack me.
"I don't trust this." Glynda said as even more natives showed themselves. As soon as she said this, the little girl lunged at me but her body was sent flying back. Hitting the floor like a sack of bricks as blood seeped out of her lifeless body. Courtesy of the bullet hole in the center of her head.
"NOW!" I shouted.
"OPEN FIRE!" Cayden shouted as he and all the others who came with us started opening fire on every single native they could see. With Ilona firing off at any natives who tried to run away or attack anyone else from behind. Yet, despite how many natives fell, there was barely any blood on the floor. Which we found odd, but didn't think twice about. The whole fight only lasted about five minutes with the natives wiped out completely.
"STAND WHERE YOU ARE!" Ironwoods demanded us as every soldier aimed their guns at us. Yet, we just ignored him.
"Good job Ilona. Now, get on a boat and head over here. We could use your sharp shooting skills." I told her through my scroll.
"I SAID STAND WHERE YOU ARE OR WE WILL SHOOT!" Ironwoods again shouted.
"No need to yell asshole. We're right." Caitali said irritated.
"HOW CAN YOU ALL BE SO CALM!? YOU ALL JUST MURDERED INNOCENT PEOPLE!?" Weiss shouted in shock.
"They actually would have sacrificed us Wiess. They see any people coming to this island as threats and potential sacrifices for the beastie that let out that roar." I told her.
"I highly doubt they could have done much to us. Considering we have aura and armor." Winter said.
"Yeah. Tell that to Duncan." Caitali said in a sad tone.
"Whose Duncan?" Ozpin asked.
"Her husband. And he said the exact same thing Winter just said. And we initially believe him as we were suited with armor and nearly all of us had armor when we first came here. That was, until one of the natives threw a spear with so much force that not only it pierced his aura but also wen though his armor and came out the other side with his heart still beating. On the outside of his body." I answered.
"My apologies, I did not-" Ozpin began feeling he crossed a lone but was cut off by Caitali.
"It's fine. Just be more mindful." She growled out.
"Now, if you're done. Let's move on towards the rest of the island." Cayden said impatiently.
"Right. Let's move on." Ironwoods said as we continued forward while minding not to step on the dead bodies. Aside from the sounds of our footsteps, there was total silence as we made our way forward. Only stopping when we were face to with what we call the gates to hell.
"WOW! That is one big wall." Ruby said amazed at the sheer magnitude of the wall the was separating the shoreline from the rest of the island.
"What or who could have built this?" Glynda asked shocked.
"And more importantly, what could they be trying to keep out? Or in this case, in?" Winter asked eyeing the doors and numerous logs used to barricade the doors.
"We don't really know who build these walls. But the little bit of evidence we managed to gather from the last time we were here suggests that the natives built these walls. With an added part they used for sacrifices to the creature that made that roar. How and why, they did this is still a mystery. " I answered.
"Do you know when they built it?" Ironwoods asked.
"Rumor/legend has it that it was built over one thousand years ago." I answered. This caused some shocked gasps upon hearing that this wall was still standing after a thousand years.
"Well, before we actually head into the island, we should set up base." Ozpin suggested.
"Right." Ironwoods agreed before shouting out orders to his soldiers.
'Build your base. Not like it's going to be around for long anyway.' I thought aggravated when I saw them thinking that this island is a walk in the park. A part of me wanted them to meet the king soon so they can realize how unprepared they are. But I knew that was wishful thinking on my part as he generally likes to be left alone. And even if we did find him, he would most likely attack me and the others before he attacks anyone else as he will most likely remember us.
"We should probably set up our stuff as well." Cayden said reminding us off the stuff we brought along to at least try and stay alive for more than a day.
"Right." Caitali agreed. They both started to make their way to the ship. I was about to follow when I felt a tug on my shoulder. Turning, I saw Neo trying to get my attention.
'Yes?' I signed to her.
'While they might not believe you, I know there is a reason why you and your friends are acting like this. And it's because of what you saw on this island. How fucked are we truly?' She signed in question. But as soon as she finished, we heard the king of the island roar once more followed by the dying scream of a creature that also plagued this island. The skull crawlers.
"Very." I answered.
Note:
HalosZealotDemon: Yeah, I felt like it was too much and now am trying to slowly move away from that. And the reason I started that was actually because a friend from high school constantly made remarks on how Rwby can beat anyone. Like Superman and Goku and even omnipotent beings like Dr. Manhattan or The Batman who laughs. But yeah, it's getting to be too much. I agree. That's why I am trying to move away from it.
ArcherEMIYA: I forgot about the skull crawlers. Yes, I will put them in this story.