"What's the plan?" Ruby eagerly asked.
She looked around her dorm at her friends. It was crowded, fitting both team PARM and JNPR in the tiny dorm. The rest of team RWBY was present as well. Three teams proved to be a challenge in spacing.
"Today's the day!" Percy announced. He walked up in front of everybody. Jaune and Ruby stood with him. Percy clapped Jaune's shoulder. "Jaune has a solution to the Timo problem and Torchwick issue."
"Yeah," Jaune said, "We know that there is a base in the southeast, thanks to team RWBY. We also know that the docks are a hotspot of activity for these people."
"Yes," Percy cut in, "Most likely because Hope Reich is supplying them with dust, ammunition, and soldiers."
"So what is the plan?" Weiss asked.
"We need to strike them back, but organized and in teams. First we'll go after Timo," Jaune explained.
Ryden rolled his eyes. "Verstand will just get in the way again. He's stronger than Timo and we don't even know his powers yet."
"But we do know Timo's," Jaune said, "He's a lightning Guardian. Like Percy he can throw lightning and run fast. Lucky for us, we have a counter to that."
Jaune looked at Nora. The Valkyrie grinned like mad. She could not wait to get a swing at Timo.
"How will we draw them out?" Blake asked.
"We use myself as bait," Percy answered. He drew Thundercloud and held it up. "Everytime I use this sword, they can sense it. I'll bring myself into the Emerald forest and wait."
"Pretty brave," Weiss replied. "Or stupid."
"We'll handle Autumn," Ruby said.
Jaune looked at his team. "We got Rook."
Percy smirked. "I guess that means my team will handle Aqua and Timo."
"Well Nora will handle Timo, but yes," Jaune said.
Yang fist pumped the air. "Yeah let's show 'em!"
XXX XXX XXX
Wind howled. It cut through the trees and brush of the forest. The midday's sun cast shadows across the Emerald forest. It was the center of the forest that Percy picked. He picked that spot for a reason.
That reason became clearer and clearer as he sat in the middle of a grove. Percy could hear it, or rather not. The sound of nothing. It was something he didn't have time to explain to the others.
It was an hour after his arrival that he felt it. The presence of another. Multiple auras actually.
Percy got onto his feet. He twirled Thundercloud around and did the same with his black katana. Duel wielding both was something he hoped would help.
"Pretty courageous of you to meet us like this," Aqua said.
Rook and Autumn stood next to the Ocean Elder. Their weapons were drawn and released up to the first seal. It was a site. The four Elder Guardians of Hope Reich, staring each other down and waiting to battle.
Autumn stepped forward. "And all alone? I don't believe it."
"Where's Timo?" Percy asked, ignoring their lip.
"He's hanging back," Rook answered, "Percy, don't make this harder on yourself. Just hand over the sword and we can-"
"Tell him that I demand Kampf!" Percy declared.
"You wish to battle Timo in a one on one fight?" Autumn asked.
Percy nodded. "I do it for the throne." he smirked.
Autumn clenched her weapon. "A traitor like you can't fight for honor! I'll take you on myself!"
"Autumn!" Timo barked. He emerged behind the three. "I'll do as he asks."
Timo walked further into the grove. He stopped short a couple yards from Percy. The two stared each other down. Neither moved or wanted to make a move yet.
"You really don't have honor, do you?" Timo asked.
Percy raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"The eleven Beacon students that currently have us surrounded," Timo replied, "Why don't they come on out?"
No one did.
"Rook," Timo ordered.
Rook nodded and stepped forward. He brought his hammer back and slammed it into the ground. The dirt shattered and the ground around Rook followed. The ground in the forest began to shake. It was like an earthquake.
Massive shards of stone and rock shot up from the ground. The ground itself shot into the air and shook. Trees were toppled and hills of rock were formed. It wasn't senseless destruction, Rook did everything for a reason.
He had done his best to form a maze of the debris. Rook knew he had split the teams up. But he did not know where they were.
"Autumn, Aqua, Rook, find them," Timo commanded.
The three nodded and left.
Timo looked back at his brother. "You're not going anywhere."
Timo charged Percy. Crimson lightning shot off his body and he wound his sword back. Timo was in front of Percy at a blinding speed. He thrust the blade at his brother's neck.
A grenade was fired, pink smoke bellowed out from it. The grenade slammed into Timo's chest. It exploded into a cloud of pink gas.
Percy was thrown from the explosion. He slammed into a tree and fell down onto the ground. Percy struggled onto his feet. His crimson aura shimmered around his body. It barely managed to activate in time and Percy was forced to use his Gewitter to speed it up.
He looked back at the dust cloud where he and Timo once stood. That could've killed Timo. Percy's hopes were dashed as the dust settled.
Timo was still standing. His arms guarding his face. Crimson lightning covering the area of impact like a shield. Timo lowered his arms and the lightning faded. He sighed and looked around.
"That was annoying," Timo said.
Nora emerged from the thick woods. She was grinning and had her grenade launcher aimed at Timo.
"That was the plan!" she said.
Percy dashed behind Timo. Nora's grin grew and she switched her weapon into its hammer form. The two made eye contact and nodded to each other. They dashed at Timo. Each swinging their weapon.
At the last second, Timo leapt over Percy. He shoved his brother toward Nora and kicked him to the ground. Timo kept his blank, emotionless and unentertained expression the entire time. His cold blank eyes staring into Percy's frost white ones as he moved.
Percy hit the ground and immediately rolled onto his feet. He clenched his blades tighter and charged Timo again. Percy jabbed furiously at Timo with each blade.
Timo spent little effort dodging the blades. Gracefully he side stepped each attack. Timo ducked, blocked and parried every attack. But not once did he go for a counterattack. A strange plan to both Nora and Percy. If Timo could dodge so effortlessly, why did he not fight back?
"Percy, I expect you to land one blow before this battle ends," Timo said, pushing Thundercloud away as it flew at his neck.
Percy crossed both blades and slashed outwards. It was no use. Timo just leapt back. Timo wasn't even using his semblance or Gewitter. There was no special technique, it was just a gap in skill.
"When?" Percy asked.
Timo cocked his head. "When what?"
"When did you become more than a Guardian? More than a huntsman?" Percy asked.
Timo scoffed, showing emotion for the first time in this fight. "I'm not. This is the level of a trained huntsman or Guardian. Without my semblance or Gewitter, I am simply on the level of any other Huntsmen in Vale."
"So you're saying I-"
"Need practice." Timo finished his brothers words. "You're predictable. Even with your semblance and Gewitter boosting your speed, you fall into a pattern with each strike. I don't think when I swing my sword, I merely just do. That is what separates us, brother. It is what divides the elite from the trash. Skill and training."
Percy chuckled. "I guess I am far from elite when it comes to fighting. For all that destructive force I have, I can't land a single hit." Percy looked at Timo and grinned. "But that doesn't excuse you're novice mistake."
"Which is?" Timo asked.
"You took your eyes off Nora," he said.
Timo's eyes widened. He felt a breeze from behind. The cold steel of Nora's hammer touch his back. It was all he needed. Timo immediately flipped over the hammer. He landed on his feet and watched hammer finish its swing.
"Damn," Percy said, he held up his arm, "Guess we're going with plan B."
Percy shot a stream of lightning. Timo snapped his eyes onto it. He was surprised when it was completely off target. The torrent of electricity missed Timo completely and slammed into Nora. She slid back a bit, but endured the stream.
Only it wasn't off course. Timo soon realized this. It had hit its target. Timo was able to figure this out once he saw the lightning turn pink. The stream stopped in seconds. Nora had pink lightning crackle around her body. She grinned madly and swung her hammer.
Timo was forced to draw his sword. He blocked the attack, but it didn't stop the shock wave. The collision created a powerful shock wave that shook the trees around them. It cracked the ground beneath their feet. Finally, it knocked Timo from his feet.
He was thrown into the air. Nora leapt after him at high speed. Her semblance channeling all that lightning Percy blasted her with straight into her muscles. Timo knew that was it. It was like the Gewitter, but ten times more effective and powerful.
Percy shook his head in disbelief. He watched the girl slam into Timo once more. Another blocked attack, but another attack that sent Timo flying. It was astonishing how her semblance could change the tide of the battle.
Timo slammed into the ground. He hopped onto his feet and leapt away. Just in time as Nora shattered the ground and formed a crater with her hammer. Lightning surged all over her body. It cracked around the pupils of her eyes. Danced around her maniac like grin.
Nora gave chase. She caught Timo with ease. Nora became a blur as she swung violently. Timo was forced to activate his semblance. Crimson lightning surged around his body. He dodged the attacks at an equal speed.
It was something Percy never thought he would see. Someone else pressuring Timo. All his life, Percy believed that only a lightning Guardian could move at those kinds of speeds. He was relieved to know it wasn't so select.
Timo was struggling. Nora was moving faster than most cars could drive! She was experienced with her semblance and knew how to use it effectively. Many times did her hammer skim or brush against Timo as it swung. The male did his best to keep up with that kind of speed. But it was pointless.
Bam
It was like the final note of a symphony. Nora's hammer connected with Timo. It struck him right in the chest. Timo's eyes bulged with a mixture of awe and pain. Timo staggered back, clenching his chest.
"Timo," Percy called, "I never needed to land a hit. She did."
Timo looked at his brother. Percy did the same. Two brothers just staring each other down. But Percy swore he saw something. He swore Timo smiled. It wasn't ominous or evil. Not malignant or menacing. Percy swore it looked like it was almost… approving. Like Timo was proud.
"The hell are you grinning at?!" Percy shouted.
Timo frowned and his blank expression returned. "What are you talking about?"
"Whatever," Percy growled, "Time to end this."
"I agree," Timo replied, "It would appear I win."
Percy and Nora looked at each other. They were both confused.
"Did Nora give you brain trauma? What was the last minute to you?" Percy asked.
Timo looked at his brother for a brief second. Timo shut his eyes and shrugged. "Pity."
"Nora, break his kneecaps," Percy said.
Nora grinned. "Done."
"Her semblance has expired," Timo explained.
Percy stuck his hand out again. But this time Timo wasn't going to let him do that again. In a flash of crimson lightning, Timo was in front of Percy. He grabbed Percy's arm and twisted it. The black katana fell from his hand. It was then that Timo pulled. A pop was heard and all Percy felt was pain.
Timo kicked his brother to the dirt. He looked down at Percy. Timo shook his head and turned to Nora.
"Never rely solely on a team attack. It can fail easily," Timo said.
Timo swung his leg and smacked Percy across the face with his foot. Percy fell limply back. Timo twirled his blade and aimed it at Percy's throat. Slowly he pushed it down.
Nora charged Timo and swung desperately. Timo spun to her. He blocked the hammer. The two warriors struggled against each other. Each pushing against the others weapon.
Nora knew she was fighting a losing battle. She squeezed the trigger down and a grenade shot out the hammer. It exploded, spreading pink gas everywhere.
Timo clapped his hands together and his ink black aura cloaked his body. The aura flared off his body. It cleared the smoke from around him. When Timo looked, Nora and Percy were gone.
He looked around. "You won't escape this forest."
XXX XXX XXX
"There you are," Autumn said.
The Elder of the wind looked upon the group of four girls. Team RWBY had just landed after dodging the monstrous earthquake Rook created. They managed to all land in one spot. It was a flat area that was walled in by chunks of rock and stone.
Yang looked at Autumn and grinned. She slammed her fists together. "I can't wait to get some payback."
"Autumn, we don't want to fight," Ruby said, "You can't win in a four on one."
"Ha! That's a good joke, Ruby," Autumn said.
"It's not a joke, you won't win this," Weiss added.
Autumn raised her weapon. "Why don't you all find out what I can do."
Yang shrugged. "Fine by me."
Yang charged the Elder Guardian. Not stopping by the cries of Ruby.
"Yang, we need to act as a team!" her sister shouted.
It was too late. Autumn and Yang had already met. Yang blocked a slash from Autumn with her fist. The shotgun inside Yang's gauntlet fired and Yang ducked under the blade. She threw a punch at Autumn's side.
The woman blocked the attack. She caught Yang's wrist and twirled her around. Autumn kicked Yang in the back. She looked back at the rest of RWBY. Autumn saw them rushing in to help Yang.
Autumn pressed a button on her hilt. Her blade split into three. Two parts fell down and a hard light dust grid activated. It connected all three parts. A massive fan was formed and Autumn smirked. She spun around and gathered a massive gust of wind. The wind swirled around her, forming a tornado.
Autumn released the mini tornado. It forced the three girls to split as they dodged it. Ruby and Weiss leapt to one side and Blake to the other. Autumn folded her sword and aimed it at Blake. Amber aura gathered on the tip of the blade.
Yang leapt in front of the blade and knocked the blade upward. She threw eight quick jabs at Autumn. The Wind Guardian blocked them all with her sword. Finally Yang sent both her fists flying. Autumn blocked the attack, but skid back.
Yang cocked both gauntlets and unloaded onto Autumn. She emptied each shotgun gauntlet. A storm of bullets rapidly approached Autumn.
Autumn unfolded her fan and slammed it down in front of her. She used it like a shield. All of the bullets slammed into the fan. Autumn waited until the barrage was over. She yanked her fan out and slammed it down. A wave of air was launched at Yang. Yang braced herself, but was carried back from the gust.
Autumn relaxed, but a red blur slammed into her. Had Autumn not been so quick, Ruby's scythe would've cut her in two. Autumn quickly parried the scythe and kicked Ruby back. Ruby was only one pest.
Weiss flew in on her glyphs. Together, Weiss and Ruby battered Autumn with attacks. Autumn could barely keep up. The quick stabs from Weiss' rapier and the powerful and swift cuts from the scythe all slowly pressed her back.
Autumn was soon backed up to the walls of debris. She was growing tired of the two. With one hand, Autumn pushed Weiss away with air. Now she focused on Ruby.
Autumn caught the scythe with her blade. Autumn pressed her blade down against Ruby. Autumn locked her sword hilt with the scythe's handle. She twisted it and disarmed Ruby. Autumn kicked Ruby. She knocked the red caped girl to the ground.
Ruby stood back up. Her head pounded and she looked at her scythe. It laid behind Autumn. The worst situation for her. Ruby charged Autumn and wound her fists back. Ruby threw the first punch.
Crack
Autumn smacked Ruby's jaw with her hilt. Ruby's feet flew out from underneath her. Autumn shot Ruby back to the dirt with a blast of air.
Ruby slowly rolled onto her feet. She looked at her scythe once more. It was still behind Autumn. Ruby looked at Autumn and clenched her fists. Ruby threw another punch.
Autumn dodged it. She kneed Ruby. Autumn smacked Ruby across the face. She swept Ruby's legs out. Once more Ruby crashed down to the dirt. Ruby did not get up. She was pulled to her feet by Autumn. Autumn pressed her sword tip to Ruby.
Yang came in between them. Her hair a lit and eyes crimson. Yang furiously threw multiple punches. They were wild and filled with rage.
Autumn released Ruby and blocked Yang. It was far easier than before. Yang was uncomposed and mad. Yang brought both hands down. Autumn unfolded her fan and blocked the attack. She spun Yang around and tossed her away.
Ruby went for her weapon again. She dove for it. Only to dive right into Autumn's boot. Autumn kicked Ruby back. A bullet slammed into Autumn's shoulder.
It was Blake. She charged Autumn. Blake fired three more shots. Autumn blocked them and cut at Blake. The cat faunus used her semblance to create a shadow clone.
It did not distract Autumn. Her off hand snapped up and blasted the real Blake. Blake was carried off her feet by the blast. Autumn attacked Blake again as soon as she landed. Autumn cut Blake in two. But it was just another clone.
Autumn spun and faced the real Blake. Before Autumn could attack, the forest shook violently.
"What was that?" Weiss shouted to her teammates.
"A shockwave," Autumn answered, "I think Timo's having fun with your friends."
Ruby had managed to get back on her feet. "They can handle it."
"Like how you're 'handling' me?" Autumn smirked.
Ruby grabbed her scythe and ran off. She raced toward a small opening in the debris. She had to make sure that Percy and Nora were okay.
Autumn launched herself with a blast of air. She slid in front of Ruby. Autumn unfolded her fan and placed it in front of her.
"I'm not letting you pass," Autumn said.
Ruby switched her weapon to its sniper mode. She fired several rounds. It was pointless. The fan didn't budge.
"Ruby," Weiss said, "We need a plan."
Ruby nodded. "You and I need to get passed her!"
Yang came barreling at Autumn. "I got that!"
Autumn ducked down. She narrowly dodged a right-hook. Autumn countered with a couple of swipes.
Ruby and Weiss took the opportunity and ran for the opening. Thanks to Weis' glyphs and time dilation, they were able to make it through.
"Damn it!" Autumn shouted.
Autumn kicked Yang back. Only for Blake to come down on her. Their blades met. Sparks flew. Autumn fired a blast of air. Blake dodged with another clone. She landed on the ground. Autumn instantly struck Blake.
As Blake staggered, Yang charged in. She was angry again. It was too easy for Autumn. In such a short time, she figured out all of their weaknesses.
The next part was predictable. Autumn dodged Yang's attacks. She struck Yang and sent her into the ground.
Blake thrust her katana. Autumn parried and countered. Blake summoned another clone. But Autumn immediately switched targets and struck the real Blake again. Blake was knocked to the ground.
Both Yang and Blake were now in the dirt. Autumn loomed over them. She was taking them apart like they were nothing.
"Those clones you're making won't work," Autumn said, "I can feel the air. Feel your movement. You always dodge, it isn't even a fight anymore."
"Yang, you need to get your head together. I'll be fine, just focus on her," Blake said.
Yang nodded. "Got it. Time for a new strategy?"
Blake stood up and loaded a new magazine into her weapon. "We'll need one."
Blake charged Autumn. The wind Guardian slashed at Blake. The cat faunus summoned another clone. Autumn smirked as she spun and cut Blake in two. A major defeat. Now Yang would become so enraged at the death of her friend that she would be easy to take care off.
If only that were Blake. The real Blake cut Autumn with her katana. Autumn stumbled back. She looked at Blake in shock. Autumn clenched her blade and stabbed at Blake.
Yang dashed in and sucker punched Autumn. Yang gave Autumn a left hook and knocked her into the ground.
Autumn rolled back onto her feet. She spun to Blake. Autumn watched as Blake launched a clone to her side. A fakeout. This time she'd just target the one in front of her. That was the plan, but something was different about this new clone.
The clone was covered in flames. It was made entirely out of fire dust. The clone exploded. Autumn was thrown.
"Might want to try dodging!" Blake shouted.
Blake threw her katana out. It was caught by Yang. The two nodded to each other and Yang launched herself.
Autumn tumbled across the ground. She stabbed the ground and stopped herself. Autumn slowly got back up. She was met with the site of Yang being swung in a circle by Blake. A long black piece of fabric anchoring the two.
Yang came around and wound her free hand back. Autumn unfolded her fan and raised it. The two connected. First it cracked, then the hard light dust shattered along with the middle piece of the fan. Autumn was struck by the attack.
Autumn's amber aura shattered off her body immediately. She was thrown across the forest. Her limp body skipped across the dirt and slammed into a large piece of stone.
XXX XXX XXX
Ryden strolled through the forest. He had been flung the furthest from everyone. The forest around him was decimated. Debris was everywhere, fallen trees, dirt, and pieces of the ground.
"Ryden!" A voice called.
Ryden turned to meet it. Marty came running up to him.
"Good, let's hurry and get back," Ryden said.
"What's the rush?" Marty asked, "I want to get back because Percy is in danger. Why do you?"
"To fight Timo, you idiot," Ryden snapped.
Marty snickered. "Right, to prove you're not some worthless street rat," he said.
Ryden glared at his teammate. "I don't have to prove anything to anybody, got it!"
"Right," Marty said, "only to yourself."
Marty wasn't wrong. It was something that Ryden knew, but never would say.
"Shut up," Ryden replied.
The two resumed walking. They soon reached the area that they started in. But they were still a couple hundred yards away. In between two large rock formations.. The mini canyon the two were in had a stream running through it. Only one barrier remained. A rather large chunk of rock laid before the two. It blocked the canyon off, making the stream collect into a pool.
"Marty," Ryden barked.
"Yeah, yeah," Marty said.
Marty raised his hands. He didn't even try to move such a large object, he struggled with smaller ones anyway. Marty instead summoned his titanium and started carving through the rock.
"Geez, Rook is really strong. How can one man move so much at once," Marty said.
Ryden shrugged. "No idea, not my area."
"But it is mine!" A new voice called.
Marty and Ryden looked up. On the edge of one rock formation stood Aqua. She grinned down at the two and leapt down. Aqua landed in the pool of water.
"These Elder weapons boost our powers. Rook would struggle greatly if it weren't for his warhammer," she explained.
Ryden drew his sword and charged Aqua. She extended her trident and sent a blade of water at him. Ryden blasted the water with flames. Through the steam, Ryden slammed into Aqua.
Their weapons met. The sound of metal against metal bounced off the rock walls and into the sky. It was reinforced with the sound of many, rapid, strikes. Finally the sound of one weapon hitting the ground was the final echo.
Ryden held the weaponless Aqua by the throat. He pinned her to the stone that blocked the way. She smirked back at him.
Marty was quick to pull the weapon to him. It was surprisingly easy for Marty. He thought for sure there would be some resistance. The same was true with Aqua. Why did she go down so easy?
"I could kill you now, but I have a question," Ryden said.
Aqua laughed. "Ask away."
"Who is Verstand?" Ryden asked.
"Someone who has transcended the limits of a human," Aqua replied, "But I don't have time for these foolish games."
Aqua clenched a fist. Ryden felt a sharp pain in his arm. It was like it was being crushed. Ryden watched his arm recoil back. Aqua's feet landed back on the ground. She waved her hands and Ryden collapsed to one knee. Aqua looked at Marty and forced him down.
"The average adult male body is made up of sixty percent water. Normally I can't control it, but once I concentrate hard enough, it's possible." Aqua threw Ryden to the side.
Aqua focused on Marty. She separated her hands. Marty shrieked in pain. He felt his organs pull along with her hands, his blood move, and even his sweat obeyed.
"The trick is figuring out someone. Although it's hard, once done, I can move their insides around at will," Aqua said, "Let's tear you apart."
Marty tried to fight back, but it was like trying to push against the weight of ten cars. He was pulled into the ground. Marty tasted the wet soil and blood that he spat out.
"Your muscles have water in them. Do you feel it? That's everything inside of you being shifted," Aqua said, "the brain is eighty percent water, lets see what happens when I scramble it."
Marty's eyes bulged from his head. He summoned all his strength. It was useless. No one could fight that force. Aqua's grip was too strong for him to move.
An idea popped into his mind. If he couldn't move his body, why not move Aqua's? It would be tough, but Glynda had been teaching her son many things. The same rules applied to Marty, it would take a little bit and he didn't know if he could do it.
"Aqua!" Ryden roared.
Aqua sighed and turned to Ryden, keeping Marty down with one hand.
"Yes?" she asked.
Ryden struggled onto his feet. "I'm going to end you!" he shouted.
"Ha! No, you won't." Aqua slammed Ryden into the ground.
Ryden grit his teeth. Flames flared across his body and he vanished in the fire! The flames shot behind Aqua and reformed into Ryden.
"Oh crap," Aqua said.
She spun around and summoned her trident back to her. Aqua blocked Ryden's sword. She used one hand to take control over Ryden again. Aqua pushed him back. She pulled his muscles down and brought Ryden to his knees.
Marty watched this unfold, desperately trying to activate his semblance. It was a bit on the spot for him, but he knew he could do it. Just a bit longer and he'd have her figured out. So much needed to go into manipulating a human, muscle movement and patterns, strength, will.
Aqua grinned as she slowly pulled her hands apart. She took great joy in hearing Ryden howl in pain. Ryden's arms slowly rose up. Aqua moved Ryden like he was a puppet.
"I'll take my sweet time killing you, then I'll simply go and kill the other one," Aqua said.
She twisted Ryden down into the ground. Then sent Ryden back. Aqua lifted Ryden off his feet and pressed him against the rock wall. Aqua smirked as he passed out from pain.
"Honestly, this is getting too eas-" Aqua froze, "What the hell?"
Her whole body was covered in a faint purple energy. Markings carved into the air itself, floated around her.
"It took longer than I thought," Marty said, "but I finally activated it."
Marty smuggily grinned. He held his hands up, locking Aqua in place.
"Now let's see how you like it!" he said.
Aqua was forced to her knees. It was like the air itself was crushing her. She found it harder to move with each second.
Marty slowly approached her. "My family's semblance cannot be trumped."
"You act confident," Aqua struggled her words out, "but I can see you're still a novice."
Marty felt the pain return. His insides in the control of another. It was like every inch of his body was being stabbed slowly. Marty felt his knees slowly falter. He felt the cold water as he was brought down.
Aqua slowly rose. She tightened her grasp on Marty. That sinister grin returning to her face. It was smug and murderous.
Marty had to act fast. He quickly flicked his fingers. His titanium was sent toward him. The metal flew onto Aqua's wrists and tightened around them. The rest morphed into a chain. It shot into the ground, anchoring Aqua's hands.
Marty was released from Aqua's control. He collapsed down into the cold stream. Marty's emerald aura shimmering around his body. Marty looked up at the chained woman.
Aqua's smug expression was still there. A growing infestation of ice was on the chains. It covered the metal that bound Aqua's hands.
"I'm not worthless without my hands," Aqua said, "I can-"
Her words were interrupted by Ryden's fist. Aqua was completely blind sided. She was knocked unconscious instantly. Her limp body splashing down into the stream.
Ryden took long breathes. He looked at Marty. "I did it!" Ryden weakly cheered. He gave a limp fist in the air. Ryden toppled over.
Marty chucked. "Took you long enough."
"Screw you," Ryden energetically muttered.
Marty pushed himself up. He called his metal back. Marty morphed it into two wristbands and placed one on each arm.
"Come on," Marty said, "Percy needs us."
XXX XXX XXX
Team JNPR raced through the forest. Although Nora had been with Percy, they could tell she was in trouble by the aura monitor on Jaune's scroll. They had not been separated or encountered any resistance. Their luck quickly ran out when they encountered Rook.
The large man was simply sitting on a toppled tree. No cover was in this clearing. It would be a difficult battle for the group. Rook could block any attack and shift the terrain to his will.
JNPR drew their weapons and stood before the brute. He did not move. Just let out a sigh and readjusted himself.
"You'd be wise to not go further," Rook said.
"No deal, our teammate is in trouble," Jaune said, "we'll go through you if we have to."
Rook opened his eyes and stood up. "Let me get this straight. You saw me create an earthquake with ease and your plan is to 'go through me', is that right?"
"Yes," Jaune answered.
Rook chuckled. "Good luck."
"Please, just let us pass," Pyrrha said.
Rook sat back down. He moved his hands around. The ground shook and cracked.
Jaune and Pyrrha readied their shields. Ren fell behind them and aimed his guns over their shoulders. They prepared themselves for Rook's attack.
Rook's attack finally broke through the ground. It was a fountain. Made of pure marble. Water spew out the top.
Rook leapt from the tree. Bark flew off with him. It shaped into four objects. Rook flicked his hands up and the ground in front of the team shot up. As Rook's feet touched the soft grass, he had finished.
Rook pulled out a chair made of stone. He sat down at the marble table, he himself had crafted. Rook placed four wooden cups down onto the table. The cups were filled with water that he had retrieved from the fountain.
Team JNPR stared in bewilderment at the man. They remained vigilant, lowering their guard the slightest bit.
Rook gestured to the three cups. The cups that sat in front of three chairs. "Drink? I promise the water is clean," Rook spoke. His voice soft, but stoic and gruff.
"We would be honored," Ren said.
It was a shock to Pyrrha and Jaune. They watched Ren hollister his guns, bow gently, and sit down.
"Ren!" Jaune said.
Ren waved his friend and leader down. "Relax, Jaune. It's just water."
"How do we know he didn't put something in it?" Jaune asked.
"Then it would not be clean," Rook said with a smile.
"Ren, we really do have more important things to do," Pyrrha added.
Rook frowned. "Please, your friends are fine. I can feel them converging and regrouping as we speak."
"Don't you want to help Timo?" Jaune asked.
Rook nodded. "Which is why I won't let you pass." He raised a cup and drank it. "But I don't see why we can't relax, do you?"
"I'm sorry, but Nora is in trouble," Jaune said.
Jaune hurried passed the table. A wave of stone flew up in front of him. Jaune looked at Rook.
The man held up one hand. "I can't let you. Please sit and rest."
XXX XXX XXX
"This is very bad," Nora whispered to herself.
Nora peeked out from a log. Her eyes danced around, scanning the forest. Nora looked back at Percy. She sighed at the sight of his weak state. Not only did Nora have to worry about Timo, but she had to make sure Percy did not die.
Timo was closer than she thought. A crimson flash coming in between Nora and Percy. It was Timo, blade aimed at Percy's throat.
"It's over," Timo said.
Thud
Timo looked over. The site was a surprise to Nora, but invoked no reaction from Timo.
Team RWBY and the leaderless PARM, stood before the three. Autumn and Aqua were thrown at their feet.
"Get away from him!" Yang barked.
Timo scoffed. "Or what?"
"It's eight against one, how do you expect to win?" Weiss said.
Timo smirked. He sheathed his blade and held up his hands. "I suppose you're right. The odds are against me."
"You surrender?" Ruby asked.
Timo looked between the many weapons that were aimed at him. "Keep the girls."
A flash of crimson erupted and Timo dashed off. He left Aqua and Autumn. A move that baffled everyone, but Ruby.
The young huntress wasn't ready to let Timo leave just yet. She acted on pure impulse. Ruby knew that she could catch Timo. Ruby gave chase!
At least she would've had her hood not been caught. It was in the hand of Percy. He solemnly stared at Ruby.
"I appreciate your drive, but that's a bad idea, Ruby," Percy said, "Come on, we need to get back."
XXX XXX XXX
"Why can't I just wear normal shoes?" Ruby whined.
The rest of the day wasn't anything special. Everyone had their wounds treated. Nothing serious in any of them, something that surprised Percy. They worst was Marty and Ryden. It was nothing some rest would fix.
Now it was time for the dance. Ruby was both overjoyed and suffering. She sat on Weiss' bunk. Ruby stared down at the black heels on her feet. Her silver eyes full of dread.
"Because, Ruby," Yang said, "You want to look good tonight, right?"
Ruby wore a short, red, sleeveless dress with a thick black sash around the waist and black trim running along the bottom. Black stockings covered her legs and the dreadful black heels were still on her feet.
Yang wore a sleeveless golden dress. It's silky fabric running all the way down her legs and stopped at her ankles.
"Come on, we're going to be late," Yang said.
XXX XXX XXX
Percy pulled on his tie. He stood at the refreshment table. Music blared around Percy. Crowds of students stood around him. The noise was immense. It was a distraction really.
Percy sighed and checked his scroll. He hoped Ruby would show up soon, he really could use a friend to talk with. The two agreed to meet at the dance, instead of before.
"Don't you look handsome," A female voice said.
Percy turned to the voice. There stood a woman. She wore a long, black, formal gown. The woman smirked at Percy. She gestured out her hand.
"Care to dance?" She asked.
Percy studied her hand. "I'm actually waiting for someone," he replied, "Thanks anyway."
Percy did not know what, but something made him extremely nervous. The woman's expression was like she held knowledge Percy would kill for.
Percy turned to leave, but was grabbed by the shoulder. He turned around to the woman.
"Please, my date cancelled," the woman said.
Percy sighed and checked the time once more. "I suppose."
The woman smiled wickedly. She led Percy onto the dance floor. The two locked hands. Percy placed one on her hip and the other grasped her's. Together they danced.
"I've heard a lot about you, Percy," she spoke.
Percy scowled. "Why's that?"
"I don't know, perhaps you could tell me? What's so special about you?" she asked.
"Nothing. I'm just one person," Percy answered.
"Really? I'm sure someone thinks you're special," she said.
"I have friends, if that's what you mean," Percy replied.
The woman smirked again. "Any family?"
"None," Percy spat.
The woman's smirk grew. "Don't talk to them much? Your mother, father, sister… brother?"
"No, I do not," Percy said, "What is your name?"
The woman opened her mouth to speak, but was interrupted by a buzz. Percy felt his scroll buzz once more. The two separated, Percy's eyes trained on her. Percy broke that gaze and looked down at his scroll.
"My friend is here, I'm afraid we must cut this dance short," Percy said.
But when he looked up, the woman was gone. Percy was alone on the dance floor. He stormed off. Percy knew that woman was bad news. He wasn't going to let her get away with whatever it was she was doing.
"Hey!" Ruby called.
The young huntress ran up to Percy. She stumbled and almost tripped. Luckily Percy was able to catch her.
"Sorry," she laughed, a bit red in the face, "not used to walking in heels."
"It's fine." Percy did not look at Ruby. He scanned around, searching for the woman from before.
"What's wrong?" Ruby asked.
Percy walked off. "Nothing, but I need a minute."
Percy wandered to the entrance. He looked outside. In the distance, amongst rooftops, was the woman. She was no longer in that dress, but a suit. Made of leather and complemented with a mask
Percy shook his head. He hated being right about her. Percy looked back at the dance, he saw Ruby standing alone. Percy didn't want to leave her alone, but he had to. Percy leapt off after the woman.
He was able to catch up to her easily. The woman did not try to flee nor did she move. She just grinned at Percy.
"Who are you?" Percy asked.
The woman smirked. "My name is Cinder, Cinder Fall."
"What are you doing?" Percy questioned.
"Maybe, you shouldn't worry about what I am doing, but what I will," Cinder replied. She victouriscouly looked at Percy. "You have two options. Turn around and go back to your dance or… find Timo."
Percy's eyes widened. He clenched his fists.
Cinder snickered. "We both know what you'll pick, see you there."
In a flash of crimson lightning, Cinder vanished. The lightning racing away. But it wasn't getting away.
Percy watched it leave. He watched it race across Beacon, down the cliffs and across the bay. The streak stopped at the docks.
Percy thanked his Gewitter for that ability. He always had good eyesight and it helped a lot in a fight.
Percy sighed. He raised his hand and Thundercloud flew into it. Percy paused for a second. It was a brief moment of hesitation. Part of him really did want to go and enjoy the evening with his friends.
Memories came to his mind. He thought back to when he fled Hope Reich. The situation was the same. Timo needed to be stopped, Percy had an Elder weapon, and fight or flight kicked in.
This time, Percy wasn't going to pick flight.
XXX XXX XXX
It was empty and cold at the docks. The wind howled as Percy walked through. He was following a trail of scorch marks. They led Percy to a warehouse with a large number on its door. It was the number thirteen.
Percy kicked the metal doors down. A loud clang echoed into the warehouse. Percy entered the dark and ominous building.
It was pitch black. Luckily Percy was able to use his scroll's flashlight. The beam of light pierced the darkness. Percy looked around and was astonished by what he found.
Hundreds of crates of dust surrounded him. Massive shipping crates towered in stacks of four and an uncountable rows.
"With this much dust, you could fuel an army," Percy said to himself.
It all suddenly made sense. The growing sense of dread in the air, Timo and Verstand coming to Vale, and Cinder's words. It was clear they were planning a large scale attack, but on what? The city was too well defended.
It did not matter. Percy knew their plan and once he told Ozpin, it would be over. Now all that was left was to get back to Beacon. A task that would prove to be impossible.
The floor shot up into a wall made of stone. Percy's scroll light flickered out. He was covered in a cloak of darkness. A vale that was quickly lifted by a crimson light.
"Timo," Percy growled.
Timo stood before his brother. Crimson lightning surging around him. Timo slowly walked toward Percy.
Percy clenched his fists. He copied Timo, sending waves of blue lightning across his body. Percy's eyes flashed into a Gewitter. He drew Thundercloud and readied himself.
"I'm ready this time," Percy whispered.
Percy charged Timo. He brought Thundercloud down.
Thud
Percy was on the ground. Timo swiftly brought Percy down by sweeping his legs out. Thundercloud flew from Percy's hands. It was snatched from the air by Timo.
"It's over," Timo said.
Percy flashed onto his feet, only to be knocked down again. Percy hit the cold cement floor and rolled onto his knees. He looked up and was met by Thundercloud.
The blade slashed across Percy's eyes. It was so quick, he had no time to guard with his aura.
Percy clenched his eyes. He howled in pain. Blood stained his hands as the gash weeped scarlet tears.
"Forever reveal in darkness, brother. Like I have. Maybe one day it will make you stronger," Timo said.
"I doubt it," Verstand said. He emerged behind Timo.
Verstand clapped his hands. Both became illuminated with purple aura. Verstand reached down and placed his hands onto Percy. Percy's crimson aura gathered in Verstand's hands.
Verstand drew a ball of crimson aura from Percy. He split it into four and shot the aura in various directions.
Verstand grinned and turned to Timo. "He's all yours. Remember what Salem ordered."
Timo looked at his brother. Timo looked down at Thundercloud and sighed. "Verstand took your aura. I stole your sight and weapon. It's time to end this, brother."
Percy was thankful he did not see what happened next, although it did make it ten times worse. He felt the cold steel in his chest. The sharp pain it brought. Then the chill that ran down his spine.
Timo yanked the sword from his brother's chest. A splatter of blood painted the floor.
Thud
Percy's cold corpse hit the ground. Timo looked down at it. For a second, Verstand swore he saw a tear.
"We have work to do," Timo said.
Verstand cackled. "Yes… we do."
XXX XXX XXX