"So who were they?" Ryden asked. His voice pierced the tense silence of Ozpin's office. It was the question that was on the minds of Ryden's peers. All of them wanted answers after the attack.
It had been some time after members of their teams confronted Aqua, Autumn, and Rook in Beacon's courtyard. In that time, Ruby and Percy's wounds were treated as well as the other's minor injuries.
"Mr Feuer, that is a great question," Ozpin replied.
Clay cleared his throat. He stood behind the headmaster. "Oz, you sure about this?"
"Absolutely," Ozpin answered. He looked around at the eight students in front of him. "Those were soldiers of a forign nation."
"Which one?" Weiss asked.
"A small, but powerful, nation to the east of here," Ozpin explained. "A place called Hope Reich."
Silence befell the room. Team RWBY didn't know the name, but they could tell it wasn't good by PARM's reaction. Percy's face had visible shame and guilt on it. Marty's leg bounced up and down rapidly. Ryden and Alex became much more intrigued in the conversation, remembering to when Percy referenced that name. It was clear that the name had serious weight to the team.
"Percy was their target," Clay added.
With those words, all seven students turned to the blonde. The guilt on Percy's face grew. He avoided eye contact with the others, staring at the floor like it held the secrets to his troubles.
"Indeed. Hope Reich still runs on a monarchy. The Feldherr is the strongest fighter they have, but their king is the absolute ruler. The current family in power is the Brewners," Ozpin explained.
Ryden and Alex's had the same expression. Their eyes widened and they looked at Percy in awe.
"Edward Brewner, Percy's father, vanished ten years ago. Edward's brother, Cain, took up the mantle. Rightfully one of Edward's children should be the ruler," Ozpin finished.
"So… Percy is royalty?" Yang asked.
"Yes, he is a prince," Clay answered, grinning at his student. Percy rolled his eyes back. "Although, he wasn't next in line for the throne."
"That doesn't explain what they were," Yang spoke out. "What was with their weapons? Or their semblances?"
"Ms Xiao Long, those weren't normal enemy soldiers," Ozpin explained. His tone turning solemn.
"Not many folk are mighty religious nowadays, but them? They worship five goddesses. All of Hope Reich does," Clay explained. He pointed a wrinkled and old finger at Percy. "The five are responsible for giving a form of magic back to a select few… according to their religion."
"We're called Guardians," Percy added. "Guarding secrets of the goddesses."
"There's more to it than just that, boy," Clay replied. He turned to team RWBY. "Each Guardian holds control over one element, fire, lightning, earth, water, and air. Four of those Guardians are given artifacts that amplify their powers, they're called Elder Guardians," Clay explained. He gestured to Percy. "You're actually in the room with the current Sky Elder."
"Sky Elder?" Blake asked, raising an eyebrow.
"The four are agents of the four terrains, the sky, the sea, the ground, and the air," Ozpin answered.
"Does that mean you can fly?" Ruby eagerly asked.
"Nope," Percy replied. Ruby frowned and looked back to Ozpin.
"So let's say we believe all of what you just told us, how come Hope Reich isn't known about? Or why isn't there Guardians outside of the country?" Yang asked. "Also what does this have to do with us?"
"Heh, one question at a time, miss," Clay said, smiling at Yang. "Well… Hope Reich is a very closed off place. The four great kingdoms also keep their mouths shut about its existence. Hope Reich forbids marriage of its citizens with outsiders, keeping the Guardian gene in their land. Not saying there has never been a few cases of it slipping out into the world." Clay gestured to Ryden and Alex.
"As what this has to do with you," Ozpin interrupted. "Depending on if those three know of you, they may place a bounty on your heads."
"Hehe, in other words, y'all pissed off some very powerful people," Clay added.
"Great, just great!" Yang scoffed. She glared at Percy.
"Professor Ozpin," Weiss said. "What exactly happens now?"
"Well my dear girl, that's up to you," Ozpin said. "You'll be safe at Beacon, that I can promise." Ozpin looked back and forth at the eight students. "Stay at Beacon and train. After that, the decision is yours."
"You expect me to just sit here and let those three get away?" Ryden sneered. Ryden shook his head. "No, I'm going after them."
"You'd get yourself killed, boy," Clay scoffed.
Ryden stood up and blue flames lit in his palm. "What'd you say?"
"Ryden, what are you doing?!" Alex asked, grabbing his brother.
Ryden pushed Alex back. "I can do it!" Ryden declared. His burning eyes flickered between Ozpin and Clay with their glare.
"You wouldn't last two seconds against the three of them," Percy snapped.
Ryden spun around and shot a dirty look in his team leader's direction. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"They crawled back to their leader, Timo Brewner," Clay said. "The four of them together are a scary combination."
Ryden looked back at Ozpin. He could tell the headmaster had no intention of telling him anything.
"Damn you," Ryden said with a quiet, but angered whisper. His hands clenched into fists. "I'll do it myself." The teen turned his back on Ozpin and stormed off. His cold crimson eyes getting one last glare in as the elevator doors slid shut.
A brief moment of silence swept over the group. It was broken by Alex standing up.
"I should go talk to him," He said.
Yang stood up as well. "Mind if I tag along?"
Alex shrugged. "If you want."
"Thanks," Yang said, joining Alex and walking out.
Ozpin let out a sigh and looked around at the remaining students in front of him.
"You all may return to your dorms. I understand it was a big night for some of you," Ozpin said.
XXX XXX XXX
Wind whipped across the roof of Beacon's dorms. It sailed up into the air, slicing in between ink black hair. The wind fell back down, swirling around Ryden. It danced around the teen, almost taunting him. Ryden clenched his fists. Flames appeared in each hand.
His eyes shut and Ryden let out a long breath. In his efforts to calm down, the wind kept whipping around him. Thoughts of his battle with Autumn flashed through his mind. Ryden clenched his fists tighter and tighter. His eyes finally snapped open in a rage.
"Damn it!" He shouted, blasting a column of blue flames into the night sky.
"Busy?" A voice asked.
Ryden spun around, his eyes landing on a Yang Xiao Long. He huffed. "What do you want?"
"Quite the melt down back there," She said, slowly stepping closer. "And now," She quickly added.
"Melt down?" Ryden questioned. Raising an eyebrow and wondering if Yang truly wanted to test him.
"Whatever you want to call it," Yang corrected, smiling.
"Why are you here?" Ryden asked. He turned around and stared across the sky, taking in the view of Vale at night.
Yang sighed. "I was confused."
Ryden paused. He slowly turned around and raised an eyebrow. "About?"
"If you don't need anyone, then why'd you save me?" Yang inquired, stealing another step.
Ryden turned around once more. "I blocked one blow."
Yang walked forward five steps, sneaking up on the hot headed male. "But why? You don't seem like the type to do things out of kindness."
"I saw you could be used to secure a victory, so I saved you. Nothing more," Ryden coldly said.
Yang wouldn't say it, but she heard his pledge to protect her. She smiled slightly, taking one final step. "I'll help you."
Ryden spun around. "Wha-" He was grabbed by the blonde.
The two stared into each other's eyes. Yang studied his eyes, his face, the pain in both of them. Ryden's eyes were practically begging for attention. Even his face sought to prove his worth. Yang saw passed Ryden's rough and tough exterior, she could see the lonely orphan boy.
"I'll help you," She repeated, smiling. "You might not stand a chance against those three, but Ryden Feuer, the boy who saved my life, I will stand with you," Yang said, copying Ryden's declaration from before. Yang's smile transformed to a sly grin.
Ryden's face turned a tad pink, but he quickly snapped out of it. He vigorously shook his head. "No, I doubt you could keep up with-"
In the blink of an eye, Yang had spun the male around and forced his arm behind his back. She grinned and whispered in his ear, "What was that?"
Ryden broke the hold and spun back around. His eyes met the smiling blonde. Ryden took a step back. "Okay," He said.
"Great," Yang said, her smile growing. "And remember that you're not alone anymore. You have a team now! Percy and Marty seem nice, I'm sure you can rely on them… and me."
"Thanks," Ryden mumbled. He walked passed her. "I'll try and remember." Ryden walked to the door leading back inside the building.
The door was flung open. Alex came sprinting out, breathless. His eyes snapped onto Ryden and the boy raced over to his older brother. "Ryden!" He shouted. "You need to calm down!"
Ryden smiled and ruffled his brother's hair. "I don't know what you're talking about." With that, Ryden walked back inside the building, leaving Alex confused and lost.
"Why's he so happy?" Alex asked, looking at Yang. The brawler shrugged and gave a clueless expression. Alex stared at the ground, thinking to himself. "Huh… weird."
XXX XXX XXX
"Good morning!" Ruby happily cheered, she plopped her lunch tray down on the wooden table.
The young student pulled up a chair, sitting amongst her team. Ruby sat across from Blake and Weiss. Yang was to her right. Different breakfast foods were piled on her plate and she immediately dug into the food.
"Good morning, Ruby," Yang replied with an equally joyous voice.
Weiss and Blake looked between the two. They gave each other a puzzled expression and Weiss turned to her teammates.
"You two are in a good mood today, anything special?" Weiss asked.
"Oh nothing," Yang said.
Ruby hummed a tune to herself. "I'm always like this, Weiss."
"Yeah, but you're like… more," Weiss said, narrowing her eyes on RWBY's leader.
"Okay so there may be a reason," Ruby said.
"I knew it," Weiss gloated. "Why?"
"Ozpin just gave us a mission!" Ruby squealed.
Yang and Blake looked to each other. They now exchanged a puzzled expression. Blake looked to Ruby.
"Ruby, we're going on a mission?" Blake asked.
Ruby shook her head. "No, Weiss and I!"
"Wait, Ozpin's sending just the two of you on a mission?" Yang asked.
"Nope, Percy and Alex are coming," Ruby gleefully explained, smile growing.
"Oh dear lord," Weiss said, eyes widening. "Please not those two."
Ruby frowned at her teammate. "Why not?"
"They're walking trouble!" Weiss exclaimed.
"Weiss, they are not," Ruby protested.
Weiss sighed. "Try explaining the three maniacs attacking us. At least Percy is strong, so whatever mission will be a breeze." Weiss looked up at Yang and grinned.
Yang noticed this and tilted her head. "What?"
"I bet you're mad you can't come," Weiss said.
Yang became more confused. "And why is that?"
"I know how much you liked that Percy guy," Weiss said.
Yang shrugged and looked down at her food. "Oh well."
The sound of wooden doors creaking rang out through the cafeteria. Weiss turned to see who had entered. It was no one that excited her, just Percy and his team. She rolled her eyes and returned to her meal.
"So, Yang, are you gonna ask him to the dance?" Weiss asked, looking back up at her teammate.
Much to the heiress's surprise, she was gone. Weiss looked around the cafeteria for her missing team member. Weiss found her, far from team RWBY's table. Yang was approaching team PARM, who had just received their food.
"Welp, Percy, you're the leader. Where do we sit?" Alex said.
"Good question," Percy said, scanning the room.
Ryden rolled his eyes. He looked over his shoulder to Percy. "Jeez, this isn't that hard!" Ryden turned forward to begin walking, but bumped into someone.
Ryden looked at whomever had gotten in his way. He was slightly surprised to see Yang standing in front of him. Her smiling beaming up at Ryden.
"Gods, you overslept," She said. Yang looked around. "Do you guys have a place to sit?" She questioned.
"I was just about to-" Ryden was cut off.
"Nope," Marty interjected.
"Uh huh, I see." She nodded. Yang grabbed Ryden's wrist and began pulling him. "You and your team can sit with us," Yang said, pulling Ryden away from his team.
The other three members of PARM just watched their teammate be drug off. Marty elbowed Percy and leaned to his brother.
"Think something's going on with that?" Marty asked.
Percy watched Yang introduce Ryden to her team and smirked. "Heh, it looks very one sided." He sighed. "That does appear to be the only open table."
"Hold on," Marty scanned the room once more. He gave up almost instantly. "Yeah that's the only table."
"Hoping someone else wanted us to sit with them?" Percy asked.
Marty sighed. "More of a prayer, but whatever," He replied with a laugh and smile. The three members of PARM all walked toward the table.
"So Ruby, when are we leaving for this mission?" Weiss asked.
"Right after breakfast," Ruby happily said.
"Does Percy know that?" Weiss asked.
Ruby shrugged. "No clue."
"Do I know what?" Percy asked, sitting down next to Ruby.
Ruby let out a yelp and hopped into the air, surprised by the male's sudden appearance. This gained a snicker or two from Yang. Ruby landed back down on her seat, realizing what display she had put on. Her face turned pink.
Percy shrugged. "Didn't mean to startle you."
Weiss looked at the meek Ruby and rolled her eyes. She snapped her eyes onto Percy. "Hey! You know that after breakfast is over, we're leaving for our mission, right?"
"Yeah," Percy said. "We're guarding a wagon from grimm."
"Good," Weiss said. She stood up. "I'll get my things together." Weiss looked at Ruby. "You should come too." Ruby nodded and followed her teammate.
XXX XXX XXX
"Ugh, where are they?" Weiss asked. Her arms crossed and foot thumping the dirt road. The heiress was leaning against a large wooden wagon.
Ruby sat on the back of the wagon. Her legs swinging back and forth as she waited for Percy and Alex. The mountain of cargo was stacked behind her. Sacks of various food, boxes of water, and other basic supplies. A single bull was present at the front.
At the front of the wagon, was a woman. She had grey hair and brown eyes. Dirt ridden clothing and mud covered boots. It was obvious to the two girls she was some sort of farmer.
"If your friends don't show up soon, I am leaving without them," She threatened.
"Don't worry, they'll show up, miss?" Weiss said.
"Ash Smith," The woman answered. "Do you children even know how to fight?" Ash sneered.
"I can assure you, that we do," Weiss said. She looked up at the woman. "We'll protect you from Grimm."
Ash rolled her eyes and stared forward. Her muddy boot striking the wooden wagon. Her fingers fidgeted and she shook her head. Weiss could feel how tense Ash was, but didn't want to pry with questions.
"Weiss!" Ruby's voice called.
Weiss quickly walked over to her teammate. She discovered Ruby was pointing. Weiss looked down the dirt road. Her eyes locked onto Percy and Alex. Weiss patiently waited for the pair to reach them.
"Good morning!" Ruby cheered.
Percy grunted. "Morning."
"Bad mood?" Weiss asked.
Percy shook his head. "No, just a feeling."
"Well I'm in a bad mood," Weiss snapped. She stuck a finger in Percy's face. "You both are half an hour late!" Weiss scolded.
"Yeah… sorry," Percy mumbled, pushing Weiss gently aside. He threw a duffle bag onto the wagon.
Percy walked to the front of the wagon and looked at Ash. She looked down at him and narrowed her eyes. It was almost like the two were studying each other, their eyes examining everything they could see.
"You're a student?" Ash clarified. Percy nodded. Ash let out a long, annoyed sigh. "Had a shred of hope there."
"Don't worry, we'll keep you safe," Percy said. He reached up and climbed onto the wagon, sitting next to Ash. Percy looked back at his team. "Come on and get on!" He called.
The others all nodded and got onto the back. The wagon bounced with each student's boarding. After three bounces, Ash grabbed reins and snapped them down. Two horses began to move, pulling the wagon with them.
As the wagon drove further and further down the dirt road, Vale disappeared slowly behind them. Percy looked back to his comrades. He found it unusual that Ozpin would send them off with no huntsman. Even if it was a simple protect and escort, they had been attacked at Beacon recently. The enemy wasn't afraid to strike whenever and wherever.
"We'll sleep in shifts," Percy commanded.
"Humph! Who made you the leader?" Weiss asked.
Percy stared Weiss down. "Does Ruby have any objections?" He questioned. Ruby shook her head and Percy nodded, looking forward. "I'll stay awake first, you guys should get some sleep."
XXX XXX XXX
"Whoa there!" A voice called, rousing Ruby from her slumber.
Ruby's silver eyes fluttered open. She sluggishly sat up, rubbing her eyes. The student looked around. Both Alex and Weiss were still asleep on the wooden bench. Alex was rested against a create of wheat. Weiss' position made Ruby snicker as she was rested on Alex's shoulder.
Ruby looked around, realizing the wagon stopped. Not only that, but they were in a town. Ruby scanned around, it didn't take her long to realize this town was deserted and in ruins.
Houses and buildings lined the street they were on, but all of them were crumbling or in shambles. Charred remains of the homes scattered the streets. Ruby slowly crept up to Percy and Ash.
"Hey," She whispered, leaning next to Percy's ear.
"What?" He whispered back. Percy kept his eyes glued ahead. They were trained on an object in front of the wagon, but Ruby could not see it due to some boxes and Percy's head blocking her vision.
"Did we stop to investigate this town?" Ruby asked. Percy did not respond. She frowned. "I think it's clear Grimm came through."
Percy shook his head. "Do Grimm do that?" Percy pointed ahead and moved his head. It was at that moment, Ruby got a good look at what Percy had been studying.
Just a couple yards in front of the wagon was a cube, made of a violet aura. It was large, blocking the entire road. The aura swirled around, like it was alive. But that wasn't the worst part. It was that hundreds of bodies lay inside the cube. Each looked almost as if they were in the process of decomposing.
"Oh gods!" Ruby said, gagging.
"Yep, I don't know of any Grimm that can do that or any human," Percy said.
A strong feeling of dread emanated from the cube. Like it was almost reaching out and trying to draw others into its prison. That's what it was, Percy knew it was built to keep those bodies in.
"That's sick," Ash said, her eyes trembling with fear.
"Tell me that there's another road to your town," Percy said, eyes glued on the cube.
Ash slowly shook her head. "This is it, I passed through this town just a week ago on my way to Vale… everything was fine."
"Well, I'll see what I can do," Percy said, gulping. He grabbed Carbon Jäger and strapped it to his back. Percy leapt off the wagon and slowly approached the aura. "Ruby, stay back and tell the others the same!" He called.
As Percy grew near to the aura, it stopped swirling around. The massive clump of violet aura slowed all movements, like it had sensed Percy. The teen noticed this and drew his katana. An action the cube did not like.
Tendrils of the purple aura shot out. They wrapped around Percy's wrists and ankles. One twisted his right wrist, forcing the sword from his hand. With the same lightning speed the tentacles extended from, they retracted. Percy was brought with them, being thrown into the aura.
He hit the ground and tumbled across it, landing amongst the bodies. Percy shot up, his Gewitter activated. He acted with haste, feeling his skin burn. Percy clapped his hands together and his crimson aura shot out from his body, covering him. With this cloak of aura, the burning stopped and Percy breathed a sigh of relief.
His relief was not rightfully earned. Smoke rose from the crimson aura and Percy's frost white eyes flashed open. The violet aura was covering him and dissolving his cloak.
"What the hell is this?" Percy shouted. He clapped his hands together and lightning crackled out from them.
Percy shot a barrage of thunderbolts at a wall in the cube. The bolts did nothing and the wall simply absorbed them.
"What happened?!" Weiss called, sprinting towards the violet aura.
"Stop!" Percy shouted. Weiss froze in place. The Tendrils had formed, but were immobile. "Weiss, mark the ground in front of you!" Percy slowly commanded.
Weiss nodded and slashed the dirt road with her rapier, making a clear line. She looked back to Percy. His aura cloak was still being eaten away. It was amazing and terrifying to watch.
"This is magic, I'm sure of it!" Percy shouted.
"Magic's not real!" Weiss argued. "This has to be some sort of weapon or-"
Percy was struck across the face with a tendril of aura. He staggered only to be struck in the back. Percy was slashed across the chest. A tendril shot down and wrapped around his neck, pulling him into the air. The aura gathered in front of him, forming a spike.
"Whatever that thing is, it's grown impatient with Percy's aura and is trying to drain it with force!" Alex said.
"How do we get him out of there!" Ruby asked. But she wasn't looking for an answer from the others, but herself. Ruby ran different ways through her head and coming up with an idea. "Weiss, you know your time glyphs?" Ruby asked.
"Yes, Ruby," Weiss replied.
"Well is it possible to slow down time?" Ruby asked. Weiss thought about it for a second and nodded. "Slow down the aura!" Ruby said.
Weiss eyes widened. She raised her rapier and a finger. A black clock and cogs appeared underneath the violet aura. The spike shot at Percy, but was slowed a few feet before his chest.
"That bought us some time, how long can you hold it?" Ruby asked.
Weiss grit her teeth and her arms began to tremble. "I-it's already trying to break free," She struggled to get out.
"Okay," Ruby said, pacing around, trying to come up with something. Ruby wished that Pyrrha or Marty were here, they could pull Percy out. Weiss could've pulled him out, but she was stopping the spike from killing him. "So we can't pull him out or destroy the cube… this thing has to have a weakness," Ruby said to herself.
"The whole thing is a weakness," Alex said.
Ruby paused and slowly turned to him. "What?"
"Haven't you noticed? It's only meant to keep things in," Alex explained. "The aura is loose to the outside, that's why it could pull him in, but he can't get out. It's a one way entrance."
"So we can send objects in, but not take them out. We also need to remain a certain distance back… how are we gonna save him?" Ruby asked.
"Why not fight magic with magic?" Alex suggested.
"Now you lost me," Ruby said.
Alex walked up and whispered his plan into her ear. A smile grew on her face as he spoke. She turned to him and whispered into his ear. The two looked at each other and nodded.
"Guys!" Weiss shouted, sweat dripping down her face. "I'm at my limit!" She explained. "Tell me you have a plan," She pleaded.
"We do!" Ruby cheerfully said.
The girl ejected a mag from her sniper. Ruby reached down onto her belt and pulled out a dust filled magazine. The magazine had a symbol on the front. It was four arrows all pointing at a circle in the center.
"Ready, Alex?" Ruby asked, cocking her gun. Alex nodded back. "Then go!" Ruby dropped to one knee, a scope popping out of her gun. She brought up her rifle and prepared a shot.
Alex sprinted at the aura. He was ready. His feet passed the line and hundreds of tendrils. The tendrils moved slowly thanks to Weiss. Alex's crimson blade was set ablaze and he began cutting through every tendril. Alex pushed his way closer and closer. He slashed his blade in the air and an arc of crimson flames shot at the aura.
Alex was correct and the arc broke through with no issue. It sliced the aura spike in half, right as it was inches from Percy.
"Weiss, drop your dialation!" Alex called, dodging the tendrils.
Weiss nodded and flicked a finger up. The black clock and cogs faded, allowing the aura to return to normal. She aimed a hand onto Alex as the tendrils shot at him with their real speed. In the blink of an eye, ten glyphs were in a line to Alex. He was pulled back by these glyphs, which threw him back across the line in the road.
As Alex passed the line, Ruby shot four bullets. Each of the bullets shot through the tendrils. They entered the aura prison, each striking a corner inside. The entire prison of aura was engulfed in a black cloak. The ground around the aura began to crack and shattered.
Ash watched in awe as the students plan went off perfectly. The ground that the aura prison was on, began to float up into the sky. Black crystals of dust were revealed, sticking out of each corner.
Ruby and Alex watched as the ground was lifted higher and higher into the air. They turned to each other and high fived.
"You were right, there's no floor to that prison," Alex said.
The dirt that held Percy in, quickly fell apart. The teen fell through the dirt as it collapsed. The relief of being free was overruled by the terror of the free fall.
"Weiss, you can catch him right?" Ruby asked.
"You're lucky I can," Weiss snapped. She aimed a hand to Percy. Twenty black glyphs appeared under him. As he sailed through each one, he slowed down. Eventually softly landing on the ground.
Ruby trumphiently looked around. "Am I a genius or what?"
Weiss rolled her eyes. "Alex helped with at least half of that plan."
"Yeah, but I got him out," Ruby said, sticking her tongue out at Weiss.
"Um, is he alright?" Alex asked, pointing at Percy.
"Oh right!" Both Ruby and Weiss said, each racing to Percy. The two helped him to his feet.
"Are you okay?" Ruby worriedly asked.
"I'm… fine," He weakly said.
"Maybe next time don't go near strange cubes with bodies in them?" Weiss joked.
"I'll keep that in mind," Percy quietly said. He weakly stumbled back. Weiss and Ruby caught him.
The two girls helped Percy back to the wagon. He sat down in the back. Percy was drained, his aura almost completely gone. Percy shut his eyes and quickly fell asleep.
Weiss and Ruby returned to Alex, who was studying the floating cube. His eyes cautiously danced around, almost like he was afraid to set his eyes on it.
"Who could have done that?" Weiss asked, looking at the pile of bodies.
Alex shook his head. "No clue, they can't be human though."
"Well, as much as I don't want to stay here, we can't leave with Percy in that condition. He may attract hordes of Grimm," Ruby said.
Weiss turned to her teammate and raised an eyebrow. "Won't this place attract more?"
"If it did, then we'd have seen them by now. I noticed ever since we began traveling in this direction, there has been a lack of Grimm," Alex said. He stared at the pile of bodies. "No markings along the woods we passed, none of the other towns around here looked like they fought hordes. For a place with such an evil to be so close, you'd think Grimm would be crawling. It's almost like something is warding them off."
"Jeez that is creepy," Weiss said. "Why would Ozpin send us on such a dangerous mission?" She asked.
"How could he have known?" Alex replied.
Weiss shrugged. "I suppose. It still feels off to me." Weiss looked at her team leader. She studied Ruby's eyes. Watched them dart back to the wagon with a growing concern. Weiss scoffed. "He'll be fine, Ruby."
"Oh, I-I'm not worrying," Ruby stammered. She looked away, hiding the slight blush on her cheeks. "I know he'll be fine."
"Why the worried look?" The heiress questioned.
Ruby swung her hips back and forth. "Well… I-"
Alex stuck his hand up, cutting Ruby off. He looked around the ruined town. "I swore that I heard someone," Alex said, peering around.
"Hehe," A voice cackled. A man emerged from the rubble. A massive sword with a thick blade hung on his back. The sword was at least a foot thick and the length of his body. He brushed a hand through his short and wavy jet black hair. "I got careless with my stealth, didn't figure a bunch of kids could detect me," He said with a low and gruff voice.
"Oh great," Weiss sneered, drawing her weapon. "And who are you?"
"I… am Leo Aegean," He said, placing a hand on his sword. "If you three would kindly move aside, my target is behind you."
"Are you the one who made that cube?" Ruby asked.
Leo narrowed his sky blue eyes on Ruby. "No."
"Who did?" Alex growled.
Leo scoffed. "You won't want to meet him, kid." Leo drew his blade. "Now move."
"No!" Alex said, drawing his gladius.
Leo dashed at him. In the blink of an eye, he was behind Alex. Leo was poised and ready to cut Alex in two with his great sword.
"I wasn't asking, kid," Leo said, leaning next to Alex's ear. Leo heaved the sword at the boy.
Alex leapt into the air and landed a few yards away. Crimson flames erupted on Alex's body and sword. Alex cut the air seven times, launching arcs of flames. Leo grinned viciously. He dashed ahead. Leo cut them all in two. He was met with Alex's blade.
"That butter knife of a sword ain't gonna help, kid!" Leo shouted. He moved so fast that Alex had to abandon his attack and block.
The great sword met Alex's gladius. In the last moments before the two connected, Alex could've sworn he saw Leo's blade speed up. It struck him with a thunderous blow. Alex was thrown. He landed on his back twenty yards away. Alex tumbled across the dirt road, losing grip of his weapon.
He eventually rolled onto his feet. Alex let out a sigh and looked up, staring right into Leo's eyes. Alex's eyes widened as the great sword sped at his skull.
A white blur came racing in. It grabbed Alex, while a red flash parried the attack. Alex was carried back. Soon he and his savior came to a stop. Weiss held him while she aimed her rapier at Leo.
"That was close," Weiss huffed. She closed her eyes and tried to catch her breath. Unfortunately he moment of rest was interrupted quickly.
"Weiss!" Ruby shrieked as she hurled down from the sky.
Weiss face palmed. "That idiot," She said. The heiress flicked her fingers up and a trail of glyphs appeared. Weiss shot off, leaving Alex alone.
"Weiss!" Ruby screamed again, nearing the ground.
"I'm coming!" Weiss snapped back, racing across the town.
"No!" Ruby shook her head. She pointed behind her teammate. "Watch out!"
Weiss spun around. Leo had struck. His sword swung. It tore through Weiss' jacket and forced her away. Weiss flew back and flipped onto her feet. She clenched her rapier. Without hesitation, Weiss shot to Ruby. Leo grinned and gave chase.
Ruby morphed her scythe into its gun form. She unloaded onto Leo. It worked. The killer stopped and blocked each shot.
Weiss was able to leap into the air and catch Ruby. The two landed on the ground. Ruby grinned at Weiss. "Got your back, best friend."
"I hate you." Weiss dropped Ruby. She turned to Leo. "Get ready, Ruby. This guy's serious."
"I'm gonna charge, use your time dilation on me!" Ruby raced off.
Weiss rolled her eyes. She aimed a hand at Ruby. A glyph with cogs and a clock appeared under her and a golden aura covered Ruby. The young girl flashed toward Leo at twice her normal speed.
"Fool," Leo sneered.
Ruby slammed her scythe into Leo at high speeds. But the man threw his sword into the ground and grabbed Ruby's scythe. In the blink of an eye it lost all force, freezing. Ruby flew on, flying into Leo's other hand. Soon she too stopped moving instantly.
Leo grabbed his sword and threw Ruby. She sailed into the air. Leo snapped his great sword up. The massive blade went to cut the girl in two. But Leo was sent flying by a blast of lightning.
Ruby fell back down to the ground. She landed in the arms of Percy. He gently placed her back on her feet.
"You okay?" Percy asked. He examined his friend.
Ruby nodded. "Yeah, but are you okay?" She asked.
Percy shrugged and cracked his knuckles. He walked to Leo. "Guess we only have one way to figure it out."
Leo acted with haste. He immediately charged Percy. The two readied their blades. Percy returned the charge. Blue lightning racing around every part of his body, Percy's eyes flashed into a frost white.
Weiss aimed her hand onto the male. She cast her time dilation, doubling Percy's speed. Ruby slammed her scythe into the ground and loaded a fresh magazine of dust filled bullets.
In seconds, Leo and Percy met. Their blades clashed with a thunderous sound. Sparks flew from the two swords. But the victory of the clash was clear. Leo easily pushed Percy back, even though he blocked the massive blade.
Leo brought his great sword back and stabbed. Percy rolled to the side. He slashed Leo in the shoulder as he dodged. Percy finished his roll, only for Leo to swing the sword in his direction.
Percy was blindsided by the massive sword. It caught him in his right arm. He was thrown, landing about fifty yards away. It wasn't a graceful landing at all. Percy hit the ground and tumbled to a stop.
Leo clapped a hand on his leg. He shot off like a bullet. His speed rivaled Percy and Ruby's. Leo reached Percy. He lifted his sword and prepared to slam it down onto Percy.
Alex dashed behind Leo and flipped over him. As Leo cut down, Alex parried the attack. The young male cast a cone of crimson fire. Leo was thrown by the fire. Luckily his aura shielded him from the blast.
"Alex, what're you doing?!" Percy asked. He got back onto his feet. "This guy's not some low class grimm. We're fighting a fully trained huntsman!"
"Yeah and we need all the help we can get," Alex said.
Before Percy could argue back, Leo appeared in between the two. "I couldn't agree more!" He slammed his sword into Alex. The young male was thrown into the ground.
"Bastard!" Percy shouted. He charged the man.
Leo thrust his sword at Percy. The massive blade was blocked by Percy's own. Percy flashed behind Leo. The student dug his katana into Leo's back. Leo staggered and recovered quickly. He spun around, slashing anything within a six foot radius.
Percy was too quick. In an instant, Percy sped back. Percy countered just as fast. Percy quickly became a blur, lashing out at Leo with superhuman speeds. In seconds, Percy unleashed a salvo of thirty jabs onto the man. He ended this barrage with a crack of his sword. The katana slammed into Leo's face. With a boom of thunder and blast of lightning, Leo was hurtled.
Weiss watched Leo sail in the air. She laid her eyes onto his sword, which he tightly clung onto. The heiress flicked her fingers up. A small black glyph appeared on Leo's wrist. Weiss pulled another hand back. The blade was ripped from Leo's hand.
"Now, Ruby!" Weiss shouted. She chased after Leo. Ruby nodded and followed.
Leo was now defenseless as he crashed into the ground. The man rolled and quickly hopped back onto his feet.
"Kid's fast," Leo muttered under his breath. He was completely caught off guard by Percy's speed, something that Leo swore would never happen again. Leo went to get up, but was confronted.
Ruby and Weiss arrived in front of Leo. Both of them were in the midst of striking. Ruby was bringing her scythe down over her head. Weiss thrust the rapier, aiming it at Leo's throat.
Leo sinisterly grinned. He moved faster than the girls. Slamming a palm into each student. Instantly Weiss and Ruby were slowed. Their strikes coming to a snail's pace. It was only for a brief moment, but that was all Leo needed.
The man leapt up. He swatted Weiss' rapier aside and dug a fist into her gut. Leo's attack was blindingly fast. Weiss felt the air fly from her lungs. She collapsed onto her knees. Leo's arm flash up and caught Ruby's scythe. Leo gave a powerful kick. The kick forced Ruby from her weapon and sent her sailing.
"My semblance, Leech, allows me to absorb the velocity, momentum, and force of someone or something," Leo explained. He examined Ruby's scythe, but quickly became bored and tossed it aside. He set his gaze on Weiss, whom still had not recovered.
Leo wound back his arm. He grabbed Weiss by the collar of her jacket and lifted her up. But he paused. Leo stared into her eyes. He gave her a glare and threw her away.
Percy ran in and grabbed Weiss before she hit the ground. Percy gently placed Weiss onto the ground. Percy whispered in her ear and she nodded back. He spun around to face Leo, but was met by a fist to the face.
Percy quickly recovered after a brief stumble. Blue lightning burst across his body and he went to run. Much to his surprise, Leo grabbed him. Percy felt all his speed leave his body. He looked up at Leo's solemn face.
"Do you run for all of your problems?" Leo asked. His arm flashed up and grabbed Percy by the collar. With his other arm, Leo slammed a fist into Percy's jaw. He brought his fist back around, smacking Percy. Leo threw Percy like he weighed nothing.
Percy rocketed into a pile of debris. He recovered quickly and landed on his feet. Percy held out his hand to the wagon. He knew it was risky, but he needed something from inside it.
Boxes in the back of the wagon began to shake and shift. Suddenly the sheathed Elder weapon, Thundercloud, burst from underneath. It flew from the wagon and into Percy's hand. He flicked the sword down, throwing the sheath from the blade. Percy looked at Weiss, who weakly nodded at him again.
Percy shot back to Leo. He reached the man quickly. With haste, Percy began his assault. Letting off seven lightning fast swipes with each blade. Percy dashed behind Leo and jabbed the katana into his back. When Leo spun around to hit him, Percy leapt over him.
Percy brought Thundercloud down as he landed. The blade sliced down Leo's entire body. Percy kept the pressure onto Leo. His swords became a flurry. Each one was a blur. The only clear thing was the stray bolts of lightning that fired off from the speeding swords.
During this whole barrage, Leo was doing his best to block it. With each strike, Percy pushed Leo back and advanced himself. Pretty soon Percy had backed Leo up to a wall. It was at this moment that Percy drew back both swords and prepared to end Leo's life.
Percy threw both swords forward. Leo's hands shot up, but Percy knew he'd try that. A glyph appeared under Percy. It was Weiss' time dilation. Percy's speed doubled and he effortlessly stabbed the blades into Leo.
"That was quite the plan, kid," Leo said. He clenched onto Percy's hands. "Too bad you underestimated me," Leo said.
Each of Percy's blades had impaled Leo, in his hands. Leo had pushed his hands down the blades and to their hilts, grabbing Percy's hands. Percy's eyes widened. He ripped the blades from Leo and went to attack again.
The student was too slow. A quick right hook slammed into Percy. It was followed by another punch, and another. Leo kicked Percy. Leo used all the speed and power he had absorbed in three seconds. Leo became a blur as he viciously beat Percy. In those three seconds, Leo punched Percy fifty five times.
Percy stumbled back. He weakly swayed from side to side, fighting to keep his legs from collapsing. Percy couldn't. His crimson aura shattered off his body, white drained from his eyes. Blood slowly slid down from a cut above his eye. A sharp pain appeared every time Percy drew a breath. It was clear that Leo had broken a few ribs. Percy soon limply collapsed.
Leo caught Percy by his neck. With one arm, Leo picked Percy from the ground. Percy's grip on his blades faltered. The blades slipped from his hands and the sound of the blades hitting the ground echoed. Leo examined his bloody hands and chuckled.
"You did better than anyone would expect," Leo said.
At this point Percy was barely even conscious. The world around him refused to stop spinning. Every part of his body was in agonizing pain. His eyes widened as Leo brought a fist back.
"Don't feel bad, kid. No one would have expected you to win," Leo sneered. He threw the finishing blow. It was a punch but filled with his aura. The shockwave the aura would deliver would kill Percy. Unfortunately, Leo's attack was interrupted.
A red blur shot up to him. The blur was Ruby, the only fighter that could still move. She put her sniper's barrel against Leo's chest. The trigger was squeezed extra hard and Ruby used the kick back to leap back.
Leo shot away, dropping Percy. All part of Ruby's plan. She grabbed the older teen. Percy was thrown over her shoulder, a surprising feat of strength for the small girl. Ruby retreated, not wanting to push her luck any further.
In seconds, Ruby had cleared hundreds of yards between her and Leo. Leaving only a mess of petals behind. Nothing that Leo could follow, but he would find her and Ruby knew that.
Ruby heaved Percy to a shattered stone wall and gently placed him down. His head limply falling. She stopped and recovered her breath, staring down at Percy.
"I don't know if I can do this," She said. Ruby peered around and saw Leo approaching. "I can do this, I can do this," She chanted to herself. Ruby let out a loud gulp and charged Leo.
Leo had gotten his sword back. He grinned like a madman as his eyes landed on the red blur racing at him. Leo returned the action, barreling to Ruby. The two were set on a collision.
Weiss watched the two from afar. The heiress tried and tried, but she could not get back up. Weiss was too fatigued to even use her semblance, so any hopes of buffing Ruby were fantasy. The heiress knew Ruby would need help.
A loud bang erupted across the town. It was the sound of a bullet being discharged. The sound was startling for Ruby and intriguing for Leo. Either way, it got them both to stop their charge. Each looked to the origin of the shot.
"Now, how can…" Clay paused and lowered his cigar from his mouth. He let out a breath of smoke. The man shoved his twelve shot revolver back into its holster at his hip. His eyes squinted at Leo. "A fella be so cowardly, he'd hurt a little lady like Ms Rose?"
"Clay Embers," Leo said. He turned and began walking in Clay's direction. It was like he had completely forgotten about Ruby.
Clay puffed out more smoke. "Ya heard of me?" He asked. Clay gently nodded his head. "Okay, what's yer name then?"
"I'm a hitman," Leo explained. His eyes grew wild. "I came to kill a wagon driver… I did not expect to run into the White Flame."
"White Flame?" Ruby repeated.
Clay scoffed. "In my glory days, that was my name. Now Ruby, go take cover."
Ruby shook her head. "You're going to need help, let me help."
"Age might've taken some of my strength, but…" Clay drew one of his two revolvers. He slowly cocked the hammer back. "This old dog can still bite."
Clay threw his cigar aside. He squeezed the trigger and followed up by fanning the revolvers hammer. The pistol was empty in the blink of an eye. All twelve rounds rocketed through the air at Leo.
The assassin heaved his sword up and gave it a twirl. Much to his surprise, as the first bullet hit his sword, it exploded. It was fine at first, but then the other eleven came in. All together they created enough force to send Leo skidding back ten yards.
Clay quickly reloaded. "Those bullets are tipped with fire dust, gonna be hard blocking twelve… let alone twenty four," Clay said with a solemn tone. He reached down and whipped out a twin revolver.
His speed was just as impressive, even while dual wielding. Clay was able to unleash the salvo of bullets and empty the guns in less than a second. Sending a storm of dust filled projectiles at Leo.
Leo leapt back, dodging ten. The rounds left small craters in the ground as the erupted. The fourteen bullets were aimed differently. Clay knew Leo would dodge and he made sure to shoot that way too.
Leo was caught off guard by the rest. One round flew into his shoulder, by luck Leo's aura was able to stop it. The round did explode and created a puff of smoke that blinded Leo.
Leo rolled to the side, dodging the others. He was left panting. It was starting to sink in that he underestimated Clay. The Guardian looked like an old man, but he was deadly accurate.
Clay raised his twin revolvers, which were freshly reloaded. He popped off six from each. They hit the ground in front of Leo. All twelve rounds combusted and threw up a cloud of smoke, dirt, and dust.
"Trying to blind me to your next ranged attack?" Leo asked, standing straight up. "That won't work!" He swung his sword through the cloud, splitting it in two.
Clay burst from the cloud. His revolvers had changed into two knives. Clay jabbed both with them aimed for Leo's ribs.
"Fool!" Leo shouted. His arm snapped up and made contact with Clay's chest.
Clay fell victim to Leo's semblance. His strike was slowed. Leo was the opposite, countering with extreme speed and power. Leo slashed downward.
Clay acted with haste. Crossing his knives and catching the massive sword. It wasn't enough. Leo was still being strengthened by his semblance. He easily pushed the cowboy back. Clay couldn't even counter as he barely was able to push against Leo.
"What in god damn?" Clay shouted.
"Clay!" Ruby screamed. "He can absorb your speed and strength with a touch!"
Clay nodded and grinned at Leo. "Quite the semblance."
"Quite the compliment considering who you are," Leo cackled. He upped his strength and forced his blade down. Clay was brought to one knee as he struggled against Leo's brute strength.
"Unfortunately," Clay said through his tired huffing. "You're facing me." A wicked grin flickered across the man's face.
White fire quickly engulfed Clay's body. The flames shot back and reformed as Clay. The cowboy pressed a button and his knives began to whirl and morph. They switched back into Clay's revolvers.
Clay holstered one revolver. He kept his amber eyes locked with Leo's the entire. Clay slowly brought his hand back and pulled out his whip. Clay thrashed it, unraveling the metal plated leather whip. It was long, almost twenty yards.
"My whip is my primary weapon. It can extend at my command and has a couple special tricks, let me show you!" Clay said.
He brought the whip back. It made a loud crack as it hit the dirt road. Clay flicked his wrist and thrashed Leo with it. Leo rolled his eyes and stepped back. The whip struck the ground at Leo's feet.
"You missed," Leo smugly said.
"Nah, you ain't watching!" Clay replied, with equal smugness.
Leo's eyes snapped down to the whip. As it flew across the ground, ports opened on it. Red powder was discharged from those ports. Leo soon realized it was fire dust. His realization was fire too late. Clay flicked a switch on the handle and a spark ignited on the whip. The dust ignited. A massive explosion was created.
Leo was carried into the air by the blast. It was then that Clay flicked the whip back and thrashed it out again. The whip sailed up into the air and struck Leo in the back. It slammed the assassin back into the ground. More dust was discharged and ignited.
A cloud of smoke bellowed around the town, clouding Leo from all. It didn't take long for him to reappear.
Leo came sprinting out of the cloud. His clothes in smoking tatters. A massive burn covered half his face, along with one burn covering his right shoulder and bicep. He charged like a wild animal, clearly enraged.
Clay let the man come to him. He retracted part of his whip, shortening it to about ten feet in length. He waited for Leo to reach that distance and then struck.
Leo parried the whip and continued his charge. Clay smirked and sent out four rapid lashes from his whip. The first, Leo dodged with a roll. The second and third were blocked by Leo's sword. The fourth cracked Leo across the face, but he kept barreling to Clay.
Clay flicked his wrist and the whip snapped to Leo's wrist. Clay yanked Leo's sword arm to the side. With his free hand, Clay drew a revolver. He slowly pulled the hammer back and fired.
A single bullet, that seemed to move in slow motion, sailed right into Leo's left shoulder. Leo stared at Clay. Leo's eyes widened as they stared at Clay's solemn and almost lifeless face. Clay looked at Leo like he was nothing more than a bother.
The dust filled round then detonated. It inflicted fatal damage. Shrapnel was sent all over inside Leo's chest. His left arm was completely severed. Leo howled in pain and fell down to his knees.
Clay flicked his whip back. He glared down at Leo. Clay retracted his whip fully and placed it away. He walked to Leo. The cowboy slammed one of his boots into Leo's face. The man was knocked over.
"I don't reckon that anyone ever gave a horse's ass about you, so ya might not get this," Clay growled. He grabbed Leo and held him up. Clay pointed to Percy, who was unconscious and bleeding. "You shouldn't have done that! Now, you're gonna pay," Clay barked. He drew a revolver and shoved it up against Leo's neck.
"Hehe," Leo weakly chuckled. His hand slowly opened a pouch on his pant leg. "I'm sorry, Clay," Leo said. His hand slowly grasped a mixed shard of fire and water dust. "I can't let you do that," Leo said, activating the shard with his aura. The shard instantly created a cloud of steam.
Ruby watched as the two men became engulfed. She could barely make out two silhouettes. Ruby saw one strike the other and dash off. Leo burst from the cloud, sprinting away.
Ruby didn't bother with him, instead she chose to run to Clay's aid.
"Are you okay?" She worriedly asked, bending down next to the old man.
Clay let out a hoarse and rough laugh. It quickly became a cough. Clay stopped quickly. He slowly got onto his feet and looked around.
"What was that?" Ruby asked.
"Just a cough, age does that to you," Clay replied. He looked at the three students that were beaten and bloodied. "We need to get that town, now."
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