A red streak ran past numerous cars. Bolts of crimson lightning crackled off the streak. It continued down the highway. Running onto an overpass. The streak of lightning ran. It was being chased.
A yellow motorcycle dodged in between the cars. It was in hot pursuit of the crimson flash. The golden haired rider accelerated quickly. She closed in on the streak. Two were on that motorcycle. Both were female. While the driver's golden hair flew majestically behind her. The girl who rode on the back had her red cap flapping in the wind. Streams of rose petals flew from the cape. The night air whipping the girls' faces.
Unfortunately for the two girls, there was no way they were going to catch the red streak. But they didn't have to.
A wave of red fire slammed into the streak. The streak was revealed to be a man. The man was thrown. He landed and rolled onto his feet. His amber eyes frantically scanned for an escape. A stained brown trench coat swayed, rubbing against his ankles. His buck teeth and beady red eyes gave away the fact he was a faunus.
He was then punched. A fist connected with his face and the man was thrown over the railing of the near empty overpass. The wind whipped his face as he plummeted down the one hundred yards to the concrete ground.
Ryden dove over the side of the railing after him. He caught the man in the air and landed with him, ground cracking beneath him. Ryden threw the man up against a concrete pillar of the overpass.
"Ryden, I don't know anything, I swear!" The man's hands flying up to shield his face.
Ryden growled, "Where is he?"
"Who?" The man asked.
"Percy Brewner!" Ryden shouted, "Slick, I know you hear things. Tell me where he is!"
"I haven't heard anything! I swear!" Slick cried.
Ryden backhanded the faunus. "Damn rodent, tell me!"
"Hey! No reason to bring race into anything-"
Slick was interrupted with a punch to the face.
While Ryden interrogated Slick, Alex, Ruby, and Yang gathered on top of the overpass.
"Does Ryden have him?" Yang asked.
She parked her motorcycle along the railing. A car going around and beeping its horn. Yang walked up to the railing and peered over.
Alex nodded. "He's currently beating the crap out of him."
"Why'd he get the fun part?" Yang grinned.
Alex gave a halfhearted smirk. His eyes had not moved from Ryden. The eyes of the younger boy, not a few days ago filled with joy, now had bags under them. Alex looked awful, the countless nights he spent searching around Vale took their toll on him.
Yang frowned. "I'm sorry about Percy."
"We'll find him, Yang," Ruby said.
"I know, but it's been a couple of days," Yang replied.
Alex sighed. "Guess we can't go on that mission."
"Did you talk to Glynda about it?" Ruby asked.
"No, she's been looking for Percy," Alex answered.
Alex sighed and looked at the city lights of Vale. They seemed like a beacon. He just knew their team leader was somewhere in the city.
"Where's Timo then?!" another one of Ryden's shouts echoed up to the overpass. It was soon followed by the sound of him decking Slick.
Yang placed a hand gently on Ruby's shoulder. The sisters looked at each other.
"We need to head back," Yang explained, "Oobleck wants to get up early tomorrow."
Alex faced Yang. "Go. We'll catch up."
"Why don't you come with us?" Yang asked, "Oobleck wouldn't say anything and it we could always use the help."
"I don't know," Alex said, with a heavy sigh, "Percy could be in danger."
"Percy's a big kid. I'm sure he's just off somewhere training or finding more out about Timo," Yang said, "Plus, Glynda and Clay are spending all their time searching for him. I doubt you guys will do any better than those two."
Alex huffed and peered over the railing. He watched Ryden's interrogation for a bit. Nothing new, just Ryden beating up a defenseless faunus. Alex looked back at Yang.
"I'll see if they're on board," Alex said.
XXX XXX XXX
The next day was mundane. RWBY and the leaderless PARM's version of mundane. All they did was clear grimm out in the city of mountain Glenn. A city which the grimm had overrun years ago. Now all that was left were towering ruins and toppled buildings.
Night quickly fell on the city. After a day of killing grimm, and RWBY secretly searching for some White Fang base, the group decided to make camp.
Camp was made in a crumbled skyscraper. It was on its ground floor. Everyone rolled out a sleeping bag and Ryden started a small fire in the center. Oobleck was the one who decided they should sleep in shifts, with one person keeping watch.
Marty volunteered to go first. He said his good nights to everyone and climbed the stairs to the second story. Marty strolled over to a blown out window. Scorch marks were everywhere. He imagined the horrible grimm that broke through that window, spewing flames from its mouth. What it looked like. What the faces of its victims looked like. How twisted in fear they must've been.
Marty clenched his fists. He crossed his arms and leant against a stone pillar. He looked out at the desolated city. It made him angry. He became a huntsman to prevent tragedies like Mountain Glenn. At least that's what he told himself. It certainly was part of the reason. Deep down Marty became a huntsman to keep up with his brother.
Even adopted, Percy was always favored by everyone. He was a prince, disgraced and driven from his home. Glynda was always trying to talk to Percy, make sure he was alright. She never gave that treat to Marty, not that he needed it or that Glynda would have reason to. Still it made Marty a bit envious of his brother.
While jealous, Marty still loved his brother the same. He did not tell Alex or Ryden, but there was a sinking feeling in his gut. Marty just knew something awful had happened. He dared not think about it, but was Percy dead? That's what upset him the most about this place. Marty could be out finding his brother, but he was doing some pointless mission.
Marty's thoughts were stolen from him. Suddenly interrupted by another's presence. Marty smirked, he knew who it was.
"Couldn't sleep," he called, "eh, Alex?"
The young teen emerged from the shadows. He meekly looked at his older teammate. The team was not as close as team RWBY or JNPR. They were all suddenly thrust together and had little chemistry. Percy never made any of them get to know each other nor did they talk much. Alex really only knew Ryden and Percy. However, Marty was the only other person awake.
"Yeah," Alex replied. He walked to the window. "What are you thinking about?" he whispered.
"No one," Marty said, "I meant nothing."
"You're worried about him, too?"
"How did you know?"
Alex shrugged. He sighed and summoned a small flame in his palm. Alex watched the crimson flame flicker around, slowly dying out.
"I've always been good at reading people's emotions, when I want to. Guess it's the universe's way of compensating for Ryden's ignorance," Alex joked.
Marty gave a half hearted chuckle. "Percy always said you'd be a good leader."
Marty's words made Alex smile. But it quickly turned into a frown.
"He's dead, right?" Alex asked.
"I don't know," Marty replied, "knowing him, it could be anything."
"He's that mysterious?" Alex asked.
Marty shook his head. "Nah, just dumb enough to not send someone a text."
"Would Timo really kill him?" Alex asked.
"Yes," Marty bluntly answered.
Alex shook his head. "Why? How could a brother do that?" The thought baffled the young teen.
"Timo wants Thundercloud. He can only use it at its full power if Percy willingly gives it up or dies," Marty explained, "also Timo had his head filled with nonsense."
"What do you mean?" Alex asked.
"Timo was told that if he killed two of his family members he would assume the throne," Marty said, "It's why he killed his own mother."
"Geez," Alex said, "why was he told that?"
"They have this thing, in Hope Reich, some people can use their semblances to read out people's destiny," Marty said.
"What was Percy's?"
"He never told me."
"What has he told you?"
"Not much," Marty said. He pulled his scroll out and checked the time. It hadn't been too long, a mere thirty minutes. But that was his shift. "Well it's time for me to switch with Ruby."
The two boys ended their conversation, although Alex still had many questions. They walked down to the first floor. Marty rubbed his eye and yawned. He walked up to the crimson sleeping bag that Ruby brought.
"Come on, Ruby. It's your turn to-" Marty stopped. He looked at Ruby's empty sleeping bag. "Ruby?"
Zwei, her dog she snuck with them, came running in, barking loudly. Alex never would understand why Ruby brought her family dog to a grimm infested city. Oobleck was approving of it and so Zwei, a corgi, was allowed to follow them.
The dog's barking aroused everyone from their sleep. They were all equally confused and some were annoyed, mainly Ryden.
Finally Oobleck stepped in. "Gather your weapons, your leader may be in grave danger."
"Where would she be?" Marty asked.
"Also, not our leader," Ryden added.
Oobleck stroked his chin. "Zwei could lead us to her."
"No need, she's probably in the underground caves," Alex said.
Everyone turned to the young boy. They all gave him a puzzled look.
"How do you know about the caves?" Oobleck asked.
Alex looked around and tilted his head. "Don't you all feel the quakes in the ground?"
The group exchanged glances. Oobleck seemed curious, but it was hard to tell with the professor. He was a bit of an oddity.
"What quakes?" he asked.
"It feels like hundreds of people running around down there," Alex added.
"We'll wonder about Mr. Feuer's seismic senses later," Oobleck said, "Let's find Ruby!"
XXX XXX XXX
"So how'd you find this place, red?" A man asked.
He held Ruby by the collar. The two stood in front of a train. Multiple White Fang grunts loaded it with various weaponry and mechs. A sprawling city of ruined buildings were in the cave.
Ruby glared at him. "I'm not telling you anything, Torchwick."
"Boss!" A faunus shouted. He came running around some ruins.
Whatever the faunus was about to say, he was cut off. A massive explosion of blue and red flames occurred behind him.
His attackers soon poured around the corner. Revealing themselves to be the leaderless PARM and RWBY.
"What now?" Torchwick whined.
Ruby saw her opportunity to get away. She shot off in a mess of rose petals.
"Someone kill her!" Torchwick barked. He held up his cane. A cap popped off the end and the gun inside cocked.
Four faunus with guns were at his side. All five of them opened fire on the sprinting Ruby. She was able to dodge their fire and meet up with her friends.
"Ruby!" Yang cried. She ran over and hugged her sister.
Ruby pushed her sister off and looked at the rest. Alex handed Ruby her scythe.
"Lost this?" Alex asked.
Ruby smiled and took it. "Yeah, when I fell."
"You fell?" Weiss cocked an eyebrow.
Ruby shook her head. "No time to explain, that train's about to leave."
"That's ridiculous, Ruby," Oobleck said, "these tunnels are sealed."
Steam bellowed out from the train. A loudspeaker rang out. With Torchwick barking orders to board the train.
"Come on!" Ruby ran toward the train. She burst into rose petals and flew onto the caboose.
"Need a hand?" A voice asked.
Everyone turned to it. Alex's eyes lit up. Marty smiled. Ryden rolled his eyes. Stood before the team was their leader. Percy smiled at the group, he looked awful. His clothing was torn and his face was all cut up.
"Where have you been?" Marty asked.
Percy shrugged. "Long story. I'll tell you all later. Right now we need to get on before it's too late!"
No one dared to ask questions. Here was their leader and friend, that everyone had been searching for. But while no one asked questions, they still had them. Marty and Alex might've been thrilled to have Percy back, but something seemed off to Weiss of all people. It would have to wait as the train was leaving.
The group all took off in a mad dash for the caboose. With the train only beginning of moving, it was slow. Everyone was able to make it on the back. They all climbed onto the top to meet up with Ruby.
"Percy!" Ruby squealed. She hugged Percy. "I was so worried!"
"I know," Percy gently smiled. "Come on, let's go."
"I hate to break up this reunion, but we have a problem," Oobleck said, "there is a bomb in the caboose."
"Move!" Percy shouted.
"Blake, detach the caboose, it will kill us all!" Oobleck said.
Blake leapt down to cut the caboose. She readied her blade, but the car detached itself.
"It detached itself!" Blake shouted.
Oobleck watched the caboose roll back, slowly coming to a stop. It exploded, opening the tunnel up. Grimm poured into the tunnel and followed the train.
Oobleck shook his head. "They're going to lead grimm into the city!"
"What are we going to do?" Ruby asked.
"Ruby and I will stay topside and work on stopping the train," Oobleck said, "You seven go low and try to stop those bombs!"
XXX XXX XXX
Team PARM, Blake, Yang, and Weiss landed down inside a train car. Hundreds of weapon crates surrounded them. The Schnee Dust Company logo could be seen on a couple of crates. Weiss handed Blake some dust. The group made their way across the car.
A woman leapt in front of them. She was small and carried an umbrella. Her hair and eyes were split. One was brown and the other a light pink. The woman grinned at the party.
Yang glared back. "She's mine."
The others nodded and ran past her. Ryden quickly looked back, watching the two eye each other, before the door snapped shut.
Now in the next car, the six party members looked around. Unlike all the other cars this one was completely empty. It was a perfect arena for a fight... or a trap. A man stood at the far end of the car. He brushed a hand through his wavy black hair. His metal robotic left glimmered in the artificial light of the train. A buster sword was strapped to the man's back.
"Well hello," he said, "been a while."
"Leo," Weiss said.
"I'm glad some of you remember me," he said.
"I thought Clay killed you," Alex said, slowly placing a hand on his sword hilt. He became posed, like a snake ready to strike.
Leo chuckled. "He almost did. My master was able to heal me."
"Master?" Percy asked. He smirked, "Never would've thought of you as someone's lap dog."
Weiss spoke, "Who is this master?"
"Verstand Blau, a name I'm sure you're all familiar with," Leo answered with another chuckle.
Ryden perked up at the mere mention of Verstand's name. He stepped forward. Ryden's eyes became entangled with Verstand's. The two strongmen looked each other down.
"So you're his minion?" Ryden asked, "that means you're the weaker one, right?"
"That's right," Leo said.
Ryden nodded. He quietly whispered a command to his friends, "Everyone leave. This guy is all mine!" Ryden's blue aura shimmered around his body. In one sudden burst, the aura flared up like fire. It lit the dim train car. Shadows were cast across the seven faces inside the car.
Alex had seen Ryden like this before. It was a few years back. Alex had stolen food from a vendor back when they were homeless. The vendor caught Alex and beat him so badly that he cracked a rib. Ryden almost killed the guy afterwards. But this wasn't some average guy selling mediocre, if not questionable food. This was a fully fledged huntsman. Like Clay or Glynda. Alex wasn't going to let his brother fight alone.
"You have no clue what he can do, I'm not going!" Alex protested.
Percy nodded and clapped a hand on Ryden's shoulder. "I'm not letting you fight alone."
"What's the deal, team leader?" Marty asked.
Percy pointed to him. "Take Blake and Weiss forwards. The three of us can take Leo. Make sure you make it to the front and stopped the train."
Weiss, Marty, and Blake nodded. The three raced past Leo and into the next car. Leo paid them no mind, he knew what was ahead for them. Leaving Percy, Alex, and Ryden to argue.
"You both can stay, but I'm fighting him alone," Ryden growled.
"We could take him down if we fought together!" Alex said.
Ryden drew his sword. "I need to do this." Ryden growled, "Let me do this."
Alex huffed. "Fine." He didn't want to, but this was clearly important to Ryden. Maybe Ryden would be able to do what Percy and him could not. It was unlikely, but Alex liked to think positive.
Alex and Percy stepped back. They would be mere observers.
"Takes some guts, kid. Facing me like this," Leo said, "but you might be missing some after this."
Ryden did not banter back. He just remained posed and ready. One hand clenching his blade. He had more reach than Leo, so there was one advantage.
Leo charged Ryden and swung his sword. Ryden blocked and stepped to his side. Ryden countered with a jab. Leo blocked it. Leo countered with a slashed and Ryden blocked it.
The two amazed the other for a brief moment. Leo surprised by a student's ability to block his swift attacks and Ryden in shock at Leo's pure speed. Leo was moving quicker than a normal opponent would. Each attack was just a bit faster than the last.
Leo knew this boy was different than Percy, who was a quick and light attacker. Ryden was clearly a heavy fighter, using brute strength in the absence of speed.
They continued a dance of attack and defend for a while. Probing for a weakness. Testing the other's defense. Each fighter thinking of a way to break through and land a strike. They slowly drew back from each other. Eyes locked and blades up.
Finally Ryden was the one to break the cycle with a charge. He thrust his blade. Leo parried. Leo snapped the hilt of his sword into Ryden. He kicked Ryden. The teen stumbled. Leo kept the pressure. He threw his sword at Ryden's chest.
Ryden frantically blocked. Ryden felt the force behind the attack. He was pushed back one foot, but was able to block. Leo slapped Ryden's sword away. Leo brought his buster sword down. Ryden caught it. The blades locked and the two warriors struggled against each other.
Leo locked his hilt around Ryden's. He twisted the blade from Ryden's hand and threw it to the side. Leo kneed Ryden. He watched as the teen staggered. Leo swung his sword down.
Ryden summoned his blue aura to his hands. He caught the massive blade. Even though Ryden had shielded his hand, he still felt the blade. It almost burned as the pain was the only thing to break through his shield. The blade forced Ryden to one knee.
"I'm impressed," Leo said, "Not even Percy had the strength to go up against my sword. Yet here you are, no blade, keeping it back. Can those muscles hold out forever?"
Leo kicked Ryden in the gut. The teen skid back. He slammed into the far wall of the train car. He collapsed down to the cold metal floor of the car.
Leo smirked. "Guess you'll need more than brute strength. Why not have Brewner tag in?"
Ryden glared at Leo. He raised his hands. Two balls of blue fire collected in each one.
"Don't compare me to Percy, we might be on the same team, but we're nothing alike," Ryden shouted.
Ryden flung the balls of fire. They slammed into Leo and exploded. Ryden darted into the fog like cloud of smoke and fire. Both Ryden and Leo vanished inside the fog. The only thing that was seeable was the flames retract. Two silhouettes appeared, one with his fist covered in the blue flames.
Leo and Ryden appeared and were now eye to eye. It was a pointblank attack. Ryden threw his fiery punch.
Leo guided the attack away. He led Ryden's fist into a wall of the train car. It burst through the metal. Exploding a massive hole in the steel wall. The outside tunnel was now visible. Wind whipped into the train car and distant, yet loud, sounds of explosions could be heard. The sounds of Ruby letting off rounds as she and Oobleck fought atop.
Leo jabbed Ryden in the face. He gave a quick left hook. Ryden faltered down, but Leo caught him and threw Ryden back onto his feet. Ryden had no time to recover as he was punched again.
Leo grabbed Ryden and slammed his head into the wall. The man tossed the teen across the train.
Ryden landed on his hands and flipped back onto his feet. His eyes scanned for Leo. But they were met with Leo's fist. Leo rapidly punched Ryden. He landed a mighty twelve hits before finally letting Ryden fall to the floor.
"It's over, boy," Leo spat.
The hitman placed his foot on Ryden's head. Leo slowly pressed down. Ryden's blood red eyes widened. He shrieked in pain.
"Ryden!" Alex shouted.
Alex ran to his brother. He drew his blade and swung at Leo. Leo snapped to Alex and disarmed him instantly. Leo picked Alex up and tossed him. Alex tumbled through the hole in the wall and fell through.
Leo looked at Percy. "Just gonna stand there? I'm going to pop your friend's head like a grape." Leo applied more force to Ryden's head. He looked at Percy's blank face. "Nothing? Guess they can't replicate feelings of love."
Percy tilted his head. "What?" He asked.
Leo waved his hand. "Nothing, just mumbling to myself."
Percy shrugged and drew his katana. He charged Leo. The hitman ducked under the blade. He clapped Percy's ribs. Leo smirked and snapped a fist into Percy's face.
"I was waiting for you to join in. Your speed is something else," Leo said. "That Ryden kid had some strength to him, but I like speed more."
"You're nothing but a leech, feeding off the strength of other's," Percy sneered.
Percy gripped his katana tighter. He charged Leo again. Percy cut at Leo's chest. The assassin stepped back. Percy glared and grit his teeth. Blue sparks erupted on his blade.
Much to Percy's surprise, the sparks quickly died out. He stared at his katana in bewilderment. He tried to call on the lightning again, but it seemed foriegn to him.
"Another error in the process," Leo muttered to himself. "What's the point in you even being here, Red?"
Percy heard those words and his arms felt weak. He tried to move, but his body was sluggish. There was something about that name, Red. It bothered him and broke him. Percy couldn't move his mind past it.
Leo kneed Percy and the gut. He tossed the boy back. Percy was able to stay on his feet, but Leo was determined to change that. A quick five jabs to his face and a sweeping kick to the legs, and Percy felt the cold steel of the floor. He landed hard on his side, his crimson aura flaring up as a shield. It was instinctual in his training, his teacher would often blindside him from any angle.
Leo delivered a swift kick. It was followed by another and another. Percy just laid there. He didn't move or flinch. It was like he was a zombie.
From the hole in the wall, came a hand. Alex scrambled back inside the train car. He huffed and looked around. It was a terrifying sight for Alex. His brother in a beaten pulp and his team leader laying on the floor, getting the crap kicked out of him. It also inspired something in him. A hope that he had longed for. Finally this was Alex's moment. Save both of his teammates that he sought approval from.
Alex came charging. He swung his sword. Leo sidestepped. Alex snapped his off hand up and torched Leo with a blast of fire. The hitman was thrown into a wall. Alex spun and leapt at Leo. He impaled the wall. Leo had dodged just in time.
"Jeez, kid," Leo said. "You really got fired up."
Alex grinned and yanked his sword out. He rushed to Percy's aid. "What are you doing, Percy?"
Percy shook his head and groaned. "What happened?"
Alex cocked his head. "I have no idea, you just went dead on me. Are you alright?"
"Never better," Percy said. He got onto his feet and looked around. He saw Ryden finally getting back onto his feet and Alex already out of breath. The situation was getting worse. Leo was fine, spare a few singe marks and cuts.
Percy shouted, "I've had enough of this! Alex, can you and Ryden take it from here?"
"This guy was destroying us, three on one," Alex said, "yet you want to leave... and do what?"
"Get help," Percy replied.
Ryden stood back up. He glared at everyone in the car. "I don't need help!"
Ryden barreled at Leo. Leo grabbed his buster sword and charged Ryden. The two clashed in the middle of the train car. Their mighty swords struggling against one another. Leo broke the struggle and slammed his foot into Ryden's chest. A loud crack sounded throughout the car and Ryden flew back.
Alex looked back to Percy. The younger teen shot his team leader a look. "We're going to need that help, now go!"
Percy nodded and raced off. He ran to the front of the train, hoping to catch up with Weiss and Blake. The door opened for him and lead him into another train car. This car was very different from the last.
Blue lights illuminated the car. Crates and boxes lined the walls. Debris was everywhere. A few boxes had spilled and opened up. Shards of dust spewed from the boxes.
The biggest eye grab was in the middle of the car. It was Weiss. She was thrown over the shoulder of a large man. The man wore a White Fang mask and carried a massive chainsaw.
Percy went to stop him. He took one step and pain shot through his side. Percy pulled his jacket aside and lifted his black muscle shirt. His skin was discolored, purple and red. Multiple bruises ran up and down his ribs. Leo must've snuck in a few hits with his semblance, fast enough that Percy didn't have time to guard with his aura.
He looked back at the White Fang member. "Hey!" Percy called out.
The White Fang lieutenant turned around. He spoke with a deep voice. "What?"
"Who the hell are you?" Percy asked.
The White Fang member tossed Weiss aside. She landed on the metal floor. He scoffed and lifted his chain saw. "I'm known as Banesaw."
Percy kept his eyes locked on Banesaw. Ever since he woke at the docks, Percy had felt off. Percy had a burning desire to regroup with his team. Even ignoring the obvious question that was in his mind, why was he at the docks? What happened to Thundercloud? He thought that once he met up with his team and friends, these questions and feelings would leave him. However, they only got worse. Percy knew he couldn't focus on Leo while he was off.
"What did you do to her?" Percy growled.
"What I'm going to do to you!" Bane saw dashed to Percy.
The chainsaw Banesaw wielded roared as he slashed Percy with it. Percy was able to guard with his katana. The chainsaw grinded up against the dark steeled katana. Sparks flew and the blade chipped. Percy pushed Banesaw back.
Percy used his off hand to gather a weak sum of lightning. He slammed it into Banesaw. It did next to nothing. Banesaw grabbed Percy and barreled forward. Percy was slammed into the metal wall. Leaving a dent in the outline of his back in the steel. Banesaw threw Percy over his shoulder.
Percy slid back and Banesaw pursued. A slash from the chainsaw, again made Percy block. Banesaw continued. Again and again. Each swipe from the chainsaw chipped the blade of Percy's sword. Banesaw raised the chainsaw above his head and slammed down. Percy used both hands and braced with his blade. Sparks flew as the two swords met.
Snap
Time almost slowed. Percy watched as the chainsaw cut through his katana. The chainsaw came down across Percy's chest. His crimson aura roaring to life against the attack. Even that was strained by the chainsaw. Percy had no time to move as he felt the boot of Banesaw hit him in the face. Percy flew across the ground and tumbled, landing next to Weiss.
Percy didn't move. He groaned and slowly opened his eyes. A nasty looking gash was on his side, where his aura broke and the chainsaw got through. A pool of blood was slowly forming around him. His sky blue eyes rolled around, dazed and gazing around the room.
They landed on Weiss. Percy watched Banesaw slowly bend down and place a hand on her. This made Percy angry.
A rage built up inside him. He knew he was weakened after fighting Leo, but could he really not protect one of his friends? Percy felt all his questions and that feeling of foreignness leave him. It was replaced with one thing, anger.
Percy slowly rose. Blood still trickled down his side. Lightning raced around his body. It was different this time. More natural to him and a lot stronger. The crimson lightning illuminated the train car.
Banesaw brought his chainsaw down onto Percy. The teen dodged. Percy kicked Banesaw in the ribs. It sent Banesaw skidding back.
The brute stopped and glared at Percy from beneath his mask. He barely felt that kick. Percy might've gotten a second wind, but it would quickly turn into a dying gasp if he did not put Banesaw down and fast.
"Percy!" Weiss shouted, "Duck!"
Percy did not even look back. He dipped his torso down. A blast of fire dust soared from Weiss' rapier over Percy's head. The inferno sailed at Banesaw.
Banesaw stepped aside and the fire exploded. A massive hole was blown open in the wall of the train car. Wind invaded the car. Percy felt the wind dance through his blood stained hair. Lifting strands up and ruffling them around.
Banesaw chuckled. "Trying to kill me with the dust that my people mined for your family? Schnee, you really are pathetic."
Weiss had mustered the last of her strength to stand and fire the dust. She faltered down to her knees. Her head bowed. Weiss had her aura drained and had no stamina.
"Now die, Schnee!" Banesaw charged Weiss.
Percy sprinted over to Banesaw and tackled him. He drove Banesaw into the wall. Percy was able to knock the chainsaw from his enemy's hands. Banesaw now only had his brute strength. Which was revealed to Percy with a kick.
Percy flipped back onto his feet. "Why won't you just go down?" he panted.
"My ancestors fuel me," Banesaw replied.
"What?" Percy asked.
"You defend a Schnee, daughter of the family that enslaves my kind!" Banesaw said.
Percy raised an eyebrow. "Go on."
Banesaw aimed a finger at Weiss. "With how many faunus die in the Schnee dust mines, how can you defend her?"
"I'm not, she's going to defend herself," Percy said.
Banesaw spun to Weiss. He was met with a rapier to the throat. His aura barely blocking the attack. Weiss was sent flying by a punch from Banesaw. Not before she ejected all the dust in her sword's chamber.
It was enough dust for Percy to ignite it all with a single bolt of his crimson lightning.
The chain reaction shook the train car they were in. Shards of ice, torrents of flames, chunks of stone, and bolts of golden thunder all shot out.
Banesaw was thrown. He sailed back and tumbled across the floor. Banesaw went through the hole the wall. He managed to grab onto a shard of metal. Banesaw started to pull himself up.
Percy dove for the chainsaw. He ripped his cord, letting the blade roar to life. Like a javelin, Percy threw the chainsaw at Banesaw. It severed his hand and Banesaw flew out, hitting the car behind them.
Percy huffed and his crimson aura shimmered and faded. The teen collapsed onto the cold metal floor. Percy crawled over to Weiss and shook her.
"I'm fine, you dolt!" she snapped.
Percy lurched back. He fell down on his back. The two just laid still. Neither had energy to move. Banesaw proved much tougher than either of them thought.
"Percy," Weiss said, "Where have you been?"
Percy shrugged. "I don't know. It's been kinda a blur. I don't remember much."
"You worried a lot of people," Weiss said.
"Yeah?"
"Oh yeah."
"I'll make sure they know I'm fine, once we get done here," Percy said.
Weiss furrowed her brow. "Who exactly will you tell?" Once again she was questionable about Percy. It didn't feel right to her.
"Ozpin, Glynda, other Beacon professors. I'm sure they would want to keep track of a student," Percy answered.
"I think Glynda is more worried about losing a son," Weiss corrected.
Percy fell silent for a brief moment. "Right," he quietly said, "she would be."
Weiss sat up, wincing in pain a little. She looked over at Percy. "We should get going."
"Right," Percy said. He stood up, but immediately fell back down. Percy grabbed his side. Blood still trickled from his wound.
Weiss put her suspicions aside. She knelt down. "You've lost a lot of blood."
Percy felt the car start to spin. Everything looked fuzzy and he felt cold. The noise around him, the train, gunshots, and Weiss' cries all started to fade out. Percy saw darkness and fell limp in Weiss' arms.
XXX XXX XXX
Percy awoke to a blinding white light. He shot up, pain shooting through his side. Percy's sky blue eyes scanned the area around him. A white room stretched out before the teen. Little furniture was in the room. Just a cheap chair that was placed next to Percy's bed. An all white nightstand. Various racks and hangers, for IVs and other medical equipment, stood next to Percy's bedside. It was one of many rooms in Beacon's medical wing.
Percy shivered. His chest was bare, spare the cloth bandages that had been wrapped around his gash. He rubbed his forehead. It felt like it had been split open. The teen swung his legs off the bed and stood. He took no more than two steps before stumbling back. His headache throbbed. Percy caught himself on the nightstand. The stand was on four wheels. It was pushed back into the wall.
A metal bowl on the stand fell. It clattered on the tile floor. Blood soaked shards of metal spilled out onto the floor.
Percy stared at the shards. He knew what they were, a reminder. Bits of Banesaw's chainsaw when it sliced into the teen. That was when he lost the fight. If it hadn't been for that wound he could've beaten Banesaw. Percy thought to himself that the battle was over before it began, he was already wounded by Leo. If Ryden and Alex weren't weaklings, then he surely would've ended Banesaw in seconds.
The thoughts angered Percy. With one arm, Percy threw the nightstand across the room. It crashed into a wall and broke through it.
The door opened instantly after the nightstand hit the wall. Ruby and Weiss rushed in. Ruby ran to Percy and Weiss looked at the wall.
"What're you doing?!" Weiss shouted. She glared at Percy.
Ruby nodded. "Yeah! You'll reopen your wound!"
Weiss sighed and face palmed. "No, Ruby, he's acting like a child," Weiss snapped, "why would you throw that?"
Percy dismissed her scoldings with a wave of his hand. "What happened?"
"You passed out, probably from blood loss, so after the train crashed-"
"The train crashed?!" Percy interjected.
Weiss rolled her eyes. She slowly nodded in a patronizing manner. "We had to fight off Grimm from entering Vale once the train broke through the tunnel."
Percy looked down, his eyes widened as he remembered something. "What about Leo? I came to get help with him. Ryden and Alex… are they okay?"
"They'll be okay. Leo beat them up badly, but they'll recover," Ruby answered.
"He didn't kill them?"
"No, each of them were able to escape. Ryden took most of the beating. He's in a medical room too."
Percy looked at the two girls. "So what now?"
"Torchwick was captured, but we're still looking for a woman that attacked Ruby the night of the dance," Weiss explained, "and of course there's always Timo, Verstand, and Leo to worry about."
"Why does it feel like they aren't the only ones we have to worry about?" Percy asked, "A storm is coming and for the first time in my life, I don't like it."
XXX XXX XXX
In the darkness of midnight, the docks of Vale were still very active. Despite the hour, a lot was about to happen. The shattered moon that sat in the star filled sky, lit the waves that churned in the bay. It cast looming shadows of each warehouse. Casting shadows across two men. Their faces are covered in shadows. The men stood on the edge of the docks. A slight spray of salty mist hitting their shadow veiled faces. They were silent. Staring at the rough bay. One turned to the other.
"I think it's time for phase two," Timo said.
"Of course," Verstand said.
"What if he doesn't follow the plan?" Timo asked.
Verstand laughed. He looked at his partner. "He will. He's predictable like that. If not, we always have the back ups."
"I think four was unnecessary." Timo turned his back to Verstand.
Timo had taken no more than one step away, before Verstand spun him back around.
"That was unnecessary?" Verstand asked, "Why'd you send his own sword across his eyes?"
Timo fell silent. He huffed and avoided Verstand's eyes. This caused a wicked smile to grow on Verstand's face.
"Do I sense regret in you, boy?" Verstand asked.
Timo silently shook his head. "I don't regret anything I did."
"Good, because I know what someone like you can do. If you raise a finger to double cross us," Verstand got closer and whispered into Timo's ear, "then your corpse will make a good test subject."
Verstand's cold breath sent chills down Timo's spine as it hit his ear. He slowly placed a hand on Thundercloud, which was strapped to his side. Such a powerful sword should've been in Timo's possession a long time ago.
Verstand's eyes flicked down and back up. His grin grew and a soft hum could be heard from his hands.
The two beings stared at each other. Their eyes locked, but each knew what the other would do to start the fight. It would ruin the plan if they killed each other now, but Verstand wouldn't let up and Timo couldn't let him tell Salem anything that would get him killed, not before he was done in his home land.
Unfortunately their battle would have to wait as both men became distracted.
The sounds of heels hitting the concrete dock grew from behind the men. They turned to see a woman walking toward them. Her red dress swaying as she walked. Eyes almost glowing amber.
"Boys, play nice," Cinder called the men. She smiled at the pair as she strolled up.
Verstand chuckled and turned to Cinder. He bowed politely. "How have you been?"
Cinder smirked. She held up her scroll. "My mission was a success, the plan is going perfectly. I trust that you two completed your roles?"
"The pawns have been placed, if that's what you mean," Timo sneered. He looked at Cinder with disgust. It was as if she was something he stepped in.
Cinder walked up to the man. "Oh poor Timo. Mad that I'm the one that will do it?"
"Just try not to screw up," Timo sneered.
"I won't," Cinder said, "Now let's get started with phase two."
XXX XXX XXX