A/N: Welcome to another installment of My Turn!

Well…considering the length of this chapter, it's safe to say that a lot happens here. Some of it a bit dark, yet apparently I somehow managed to have humor in it as well.

So let's not stand on ceremony here and make this a long beginning author's note, am I right?

Time to see what route I went with.

Amber…live or die?

ON WITH THE CHAPTER!


Disclaimer: I don't own RWBY.


(My POV)

Ah, what I was about to do to screw with Qrow would be GLORIOUS!

NO I WON'T GIVE IN! I WON'T GIVE IN!

TILL I'M VICTORIOUS!

AND I WILL DEFEND! I WILL DEFEND!

Damn, that theme song is so epic, it won't leave my head.

I wonder if I could be GLORIOUS!

Nah. I don't see it happening.

Anyway, what I'm about to do is the best idea I've ever come up with.

I made sure to wake up a bit earlier before dawn. I quickly got changed and moved towards Qrow's room. I took out the master key (of course I have a key that unlocks every door in the house, it's a basic necessity) and unlocked the door, stepping inside.

I now stood next to Qrow's bed, watching him sleep….

Yeah, that obviously sounds creepy, but I need to watch if he's close to waking up before the right time. If he does, I can bolt.

The sun began to shine through the window, and I grinned.

Here we go.

I placed my underneath the side of the mattress…and flipped Qrow off the bed.

"AGH! The fuck?!"

I laughed so hard I think I might bust a gut.

Qrow scrambled to his feet and glared at me. "WHAT. THE. FUCK!"

I struggle to stop laughing. "I-I'm sorry! T-That was j-just to g-good to pass up!"

Qrow suddenly had his weapon extended in scythe form.

"Give me one good reason, other than you meeting with Ozpin, why I shouldn't maim you."

"I need you dressed and outside."

Qrow raised an eyebrow. "For what?"

"Did you think I was gonna let you stay without doing your part?"

"…What?"

I grin. "You're helping me with the farm work!"

"No."

I shrug. "I figured you'd say that."

I step away for a few moments…then return with a tired Violet.

"Daddy," she mumbled, rubbing her eyes. "I still have another hour or two left."

"Sorry dear. It's just that the mean Huntsman won't do his part."

Violet was immediately awake. "What?!"

I push her inside. "Why don't you convince him?"

Qrow just stared at me weirdly. "You think the kid's gonna convince me to work a farm? I've already dealt with this with my two nieces when they were young."

"Well, Violet isn't one of your two nieces."

I step out of the room and slowly move the door. "Good luck."

I shut the door and lean against the wall.

A door down the hall opens, and Amber steps out.

I raise an eyebrow. "Should you really be up and around right now?"

Amber shrugged. "Being the Fall Maiden tends to help one recover fast. Besides, all I'm doing is walking."

"…Fair enough."

Amber crossed her arms. "So, what are you doing waiting outside Qrow's room?"

"I woke up Qrow-."

"Do you have a death wish or something?"

"-and told him he had to do his part and help me with farm work," I continued, ignoring her question.

Amber frowned. 'You know he won't actually do that, right?"

"I know. He already told me as much…which is why Violet's in there talking to him."

Amber deadpanned. "I think you're overestimating how cute your daughter is."

"Just give her a few more seconds."

Violet came out of the room with a smile. "I'm done."

She went back to her room so that she could go back to sleep.

Qrow came out a few moments later, a scowl aimed towards me.

"I hate you."

"Noted. Now then, time to work!"

Amber smirked. "This I've gotta see."


Making Qrow help with the farm work…was the best idea I ever had.

I laughed my ass off at how he epically failed the way I did on my first day. Even Amber let out a giggle.

Qrow had been tasked with feeding the chickens….

Yeah, the outcome was no surprise whatsoever.

The chickens immediately swarmed Qrow, pecking at his legs as he tried to get away. Unfortunately, he stepped in a hole and tripped. The chickens dogpiled him and pecked him wherever they could.

"AGH! MY BALLS!"

Including there.

I can officially say that Qrow was having a worse first day than I did. At least I didn't get to experience that.

Amber was lost in a fit of laughter along with me.

We now stood inside the barn, where I would task Qrow with milking the cows.

"Alright, it's simple. All you've gotta do is pinch the one of the teats of the udder, and the milk will come."

Qrow scoffed. "Eh, this won't be any different than what I do with the ladies."

I…didn't need that image in my head. I may have read a smut one-shot involving Qrow and Winter, but-.

On second thought, never mind. The idea of Qrow and Winter together suddenly pissed me off for some reason. Which is weird since I enjoyed that ship back in my past life.

It's probably nothing.

Qrow smirked. "You know, I bet this is as close to a teat as you've ever gotten."

Wow, Qrow. Low blow.

Also incorrect. Since there was that time when Winter was here and I had somehow found myself in an arousing posit-.

SLAP!

NO! NOT NOW! DAMN IT!

"You alright, kid?"

I shake my head rapidly. "Er, yeah! Fine. Just…milk the cow."

Qrow shrugged. "Alright."

He grinned. "Watch the master do what he does best."

He pinched the teat-.

THWACK!

And immediately got kicked in the face by the cow.

Qrow just laid there as the bruise began to form.

"…You know, funny thing is, this always happens to me when I do that."

I deadpan. "Gee, I can't imagine why."

Qrow shrugged. "I can't either."

Goddamn it.

Next, I had him feed the pigs….

That ended as well as I expected.

When he stepped in, the pigs swarmed him and tackled his legs, sending him to the ground. They then dogpiled him and refused to budge.

"GET THESE PIGS OFF ME!"

I shout back. "THAT'S HOW THEY SHOW AFFECTION!"

"AAAARRRRGGH!"

Next, I had him get on a horse.

I guess it was too much to ask for him to mount it the wrong way like I had, but I guess he's ridden a horse before. When he tried to get it to move however….

The horse bucked him off and back kicked him into the pig pen, where the pigs swarmed and dogpiled him again.

He raged so hard, much to me and Amber's immense amusement.

At the end of it, he was a ragged mess that was glaring at me.

"I hate you."

"Guess it's a bad time to tell you that I had the farm work done yesterday before I went to stop the attack on Amber then, huh?"

"I'm giving you a five minute head start."

I clap my hands. "Perfect! Plenty of time then."

I whisper to Amber. "Try to get him to change his mind."

Amber giggled. "I'll try."

I turn and walk back inside my house.

"Hey, Violet!"

Violet came down the stairs, up and ready for the day. "Yes, Daddy?"

"I need you to pack your stuff. Clothes, personal possessions, all that."

Violet frowned. "We're not moving, are we?"

"…No, but I just have this bad feeling is all."

Ain't paranoia a bitch?

I know Cinder, Mercury, and Emerald will try to make another attempt on Amber. And considering how they know where I live…it's most likely that I'll have to leave the village.

I'm hoping it won't come to that, but all the TV I've watched and the stuff I've read has made my imagination run wild, which leads to coming up with damning scenarios, which leads to paranoia.

Not a good thing, but it helps in some cases.

"Just pack your stuff, okay?"

Violet nods. "Okay, Daddy."

She scurries up the stairs to her room.

I follow, but I divert to my room. I step inside and begin to pack the stuff I need. Clothes, personal items, stuff like that. Not to mention that stash of money that kept going up thanks to the swear jar.

Who knew I swore a lot?

Then again, it wasn't just me…man, this town is vulgar in its language.

As I'm nearly done, I hear Amber's voice in the doorway.

"I calmed Qrow down…but you do know he'll get you for that, right?"

"It was worth it."

"I don't doubt that."

She looked at my bag. "Going somewhere?"

"…I'm a paranoid guy, so I tend to be prepared for anything."

"You think you might have to leave?"

"With Cinder around, I'd say it's a possibility."

I'd have said inevitability…but I tend to remain optimistic.

Amber looked down to her feet. "…I'm sorry."

I turn to her. "Huh?"

"It's my fault, isn't it?" she asked. "I'm the reason you're in this mess in the first place."

"No. It's not."

She gave me a confused look.

"It's your fault because you're the Fall Maiden? Hell no. I made the choice to get involved, and I need to face the consequences of that, whatever they may be."

I just hope I'm the only one that has to suffer for it. If Violet or anyone else gets hurt because of my decision…I don't think my mind could take it.

"And now that Cinder comes to mind…I need to go talk to Vert."

Before I leave, I pull out my wallet and make sure a certain item is within.

NEO SPECIAL

ONE FREE LAP DANCE

NO EXPIRATION DATE

Just in case….

What? It could happen! Don't judge me!

I put my wallet back in my pocket.

"And there we go."

I stand and move past Amber. "You think you could watch Violet for a bit? I need to head down to the village real quick."

Amber nodded. "Sure."

"Thanks."

"…And be sure to ask who's betting on me, too."

Goddamn it.

"I can still help speed it along, if you'd li-?"

I ran out of there before she could finish, her laughter the last thing I heard before leaving the house.


I panted a bit as I finally reached the village.

I'm gonna keep it 100 right now: if all the women I meet screw with me like that, then maybe I should consider not settling down period.

Seriously, I don't think I could take anymore trolling at this point.

"So, have you and Amber gotten together yet?"

Oh my fucking god.

I turn to glare at Vert. "No, Vert. We're not together."

Vert sighed. "Damn, and I stand to make enough to retire."

"You're already retired."

"You know what I mean."

I facepalm.

"Oh for…you know what? Forget that. I need to talk to you."

Vert crossed his arm. "About?"

"Amber's assailants."

Vert frowned. "…You still think they'll try something?"

"Definitely. Cinder wants what Amber has, and she more than likely prefers to get it before Amber returns to the Kingdom."

Vert sighs. "…Alright, tell me what they look like. I'll inform the militia immediately."

I nod. "Right, well Cinder's the one with-."

"Vert! Colt!"

We both turn at the interruption to find the Brazen Orion, the son of the village elder, running towards us. The Elder himself, Julius Orion, followed behind, albeit more calmly.

"What's wrong?" Vert asked.

"My father and I have been informed by the watch post that several bullheads are heading this way!"

What?!

Me and Vert look towards the horizon to find that Brazen was right. What looked like ten to fifteen Bullheads were heading this way.

Vert grew serious. "We need to get the militia ready."

He let out a shout. "MILITIA! ARM YOURSELVES AND FORM UP!"

With that simple command, several men and women (no gender discrimination here) began to rush into their homes and arm themselves with pistols, rifles, shotguns, bows and arrows, knives, and machetes. I even saw Beef grab his oversized club and the barmaid grabbing her double-barreled shotgun. Those that couldn't fight ushered their children and those of the militia towards safe areas to hide in.

I took out both revolver/scythes and made sure they were loaded, then rechecked that my knife Dundee was hidden on my back within my coat.

The Bullheads soon flew over us and maneuvered themselves so that they were surrounding the village. I looked to them and saw…a very familiar insignia.

The White Fang? What?!

They lowered themselves, save for one, to the ground and opened their side doors. Several White Fang grunts came storming out, brandishing swords and rifles. The Bullhead at the entrance, however, let out three people that had me go pale.

Adam Taurus, leader of the White Fang.

The White Fang Lieutenant, whose name was never revealed, yet I remember him for wielding a chainsword for a weapon….

I wonder what would happen if he met Leatherface?

The last person, however….

"F-Fenrir?!" I hiss under my breath.

Elder Orion rubbed his chin. "Was he not one of the ones to attack us two years ago?"

I nod. "That's him. And he has the leader of the White Fang with him this time."

"…Strange, I do not see Sienna Khan anywhere."

"...Who?"

"Sienna Khan, the leader of the Whiter Fang."

Huh, so Adam's not the leader...good to know.

"But I recognize Adam Taurus most certainly."

Before I can try to figure out who this Sienna Khan could be like, Elder Orion starts making his way forward.

My eyes widen. "What the hell are you doing?!"

"Father!" Brazen shouts. "You can't expect to reason with them?!"

Elder Orion stopped and turned to look at us. "I am the village elder. And I am tasked with ensuring the village's safety."

I grit my teeth. "Elder, I really don't think the White Fang will listen."

Actually, I know they won't. They hate humanity to the letter, especially Adam.

Sorry Blake.

Elder Orion shrugged. "I must try."

He continues towards the entrance, hands hidden in his sleeves. Several militia hide themselves behind buildings or on rooftops, ready to fire at a moment's notice.


(Adam POV)

I stare unimpressed as an old man makes his way towards us.

Fenrir scoffs. "What does this old fool think he's doing?"

Banesaw chuckled. "Perhaps he hopes to 'negotiate' with us?"

"Both of you be quiet."

They did as ordered.

Those two don't see it, but I do.

That old man has a small blade hidden within his right sleeve.

He thought he was being clever in hiding it, but a man that cares for details would be able to spot it easily.

A man such as myself.

Still, I would humor him and whatever he's about to say, if only for my own amusement.

The old man stopped in front of us with a calming smile.

"I am Elder Orion, the leader of this village, and I ask what business you have here. We aren't harboring any Schnees this time, if that's what this is about."

He had looked to Fenrir when he said that, earning a look of ire from the Wolf Faunus.

Guess this settlement still remembers their run-in with my organization a few years ago.

"That is not why we're here," I state calmly. "There are two people that we are looking for: Colt Remington and Amber Autumn."

Elder Orion frowned. "I'm afraid I do not know of this Amber you speak of."

I smirk. "Why not ask Colt? He's harboring the woman."

Random curses spewed from around the village.

"Damn it, Colt!"

"Not again!"

"What is it with you and protecting beautiful woman?"

"Yeah! Are you trying to get laid or something?"

"SHUT UP!"

"Is Amber the new girl that's in the betting pool? I better change my bet to someone else then."

"SCREW YOU GUYS!"

"Actually, we should probably change our bets to her. With this kind of drama, their love will shine brightly in the darkness!"

"WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?!"

"Never mind! Keeping my bet to Amber!"

"I'll go the Amber route!"

"DO YOU NOT REALIZE THE SITUATION WE'RE IN?!"

"Traitor! That Schnee Specialist is hot as hell! Aim high for men everywhere!"

"SERIOUSLY! A FIGHT COULD BREAK OUT, AND YOU'RE ARGUING ABOUT A STUPID BET!"

"Actually, I've heard people tend to go with the really short girls. That ice cream girl still has a chance."

"GODDAMN IT!"

"Bunny girl. Nuff said."

"ALL OF MY HATE!"

"Well, that fashionista chick is the only one to openly show interest in Colt, so that's why I'm betting on her to steal his heart…and his dick, with how forward she is."

"AAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGHHHH!"

Elder Orion chuckled. "For the record, I'm simply betting he'll settle down and that's it."

"ELDER ORION, WWHHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY?!"

"Because it's fun…also you're trollable."

"GODDAMN IT, VERT!"

"I didn't say nothing."

I slowly turn to Fenrir. "Fenrir…what the fuck?"

"I-I swear, this village wasn't like this back when I first came here. This is Colt's doing!"

"THESE PEOPLE WON'T STAY OUT OF MY LOVE LIFE!"

Okay, then. Getting back on track now.

I clear my throat. "As I was saying, Colt Remington is harboring the woman we're looking for, and we want both of them to surrender."

Elder Orion smiled calmly. "And if we do not?"

"Then everyone here will be slaughtered. And unlike last time-."

I ignored Fenrir flinching at that.

"I will make sure it's done right."

The old man pursed his lips in thought.

"And just so you know," I continue. "There will be no negotiating over this."

The old man frowned.

"But…I may be willing to spare you of the slaughter that is to come…so long as you bow before me."

I knew this old man's type. I expected him to refuse….

The old man smiled. "I am the village elder. I bow to no one."

Tch. Predictable.

"Then you will die with the rest of your village."

The old man had the same smile, but his eyes shone with resignation.

He knew what was coming.

Elder Orion sighed. "Very well…however-."

A glint appeared in his eye. "You first."

For an old man, he had an impressive amount of speed when he spread his arms and revealed his small knife….

But I saw it coming a mile away.

I blocked it with my sheathed blade, then kick the old fool in the gut. He let out a gasp of air as he fell to his knees.

The villagers cried out for their Elder, one of whom shouted the word "father".

It appears I'd be killing someone's father this day.

The Elder lifted his head high and gave me one final look of defiance.

It was pointless.

I unsheathed my blade-.

SLASH!

And beheaded the old man then and there.

His head rolled off the side of his body, the latter slumping to the floor….

Hmm, I think this is the first time there's ever been a deathly silence with this many people before when I'm around.

CLICK.

CLICK-CLICK.

CLICK.

CLICK. CLICK.

The sounds of weapons arming echoed throughout the village. The villagers were ready to fight.

I give one simple order.

"Kill them all."


(My POV)

…Oh….

Oh my god.

The White Fang raised their weapons.

"OPEN FIRE!" came Vert's shout.

Gunfire erupted from both sides, but I hardly paid attention.

Elder Orion…he was dead.

I…I-.

"COLT!"

Vert's shout brings me out of my reverie, and I face him.

"W-Wha-?"

"SNAP OUT OF IT!" he shouted in my face. "FIGHT!"

R-Right! Now's not the time to b-break down! I…w-what happened so far?

I gaze around at the firefight that erupted. I saw that three White Fang grunts were dead, as well as five villagers.

That's…that's not good for us.

I looked towards where Elder Orion had been killed, and found that only the White Fang Lieutenant remained.

Adam and Fenrir were nowhere to be seen.

I searched around the firefight to locate those two, but only got to view how for each White Fang grunt that fell, two villagers were slain.

FWOOP! FWOOP!

Two arrows were sent flying, impaling an eye on the White Fang grunts that were targeted. Both bodies fell to the ground with a thud.

I turned to find Vert launch two more arrows before whacking at some grunts that tried to outnumber him. Not that it mattered, since he handled them with ease.

Vert scoffed. "These are supposed to be warriors of the White Fang? I'm not impressed."

"The feeling's mutual."

Both Vert and I turned to find the White Fang Lieutenant had approached.

"So you are the great Vert Bowman?"

Vert had an arrow drawn and at the ready. "Yes, I am."

"…Hmph. You really are an old man. And to think you managed to best some of us back then."

Vert's eye twitched. "…Did you just call me old?"

Uh oh. He pushed the age button.

"I did," The Lieutenant said. "What of it?"

"…Kids these days. Never show respect for their elders."

Vert pulled his hood over his head, casting a shadow over his eyes.

"Sometimes the youngsters need to be put in their place."

That thing in anime where the eyes glow a sinister red in the darkness happened with Vert.

Yup. He was pissed.

The Lieutenant chuckled. "You? Put me in my place? I suppose with age comes delusions of-."

FWOOP! BOOM!

"AGH!"

Vert had launched an explosive arrow towards the Lieutenant, sending the terrorist flying with the explosion.

Vert smirked. "I'll deal with this child. You help the others, Colt."

R-Right, then.

I nod to him and rush off into the firefight.


(Cinder POV)

The first stage in our plan has commenced.

The villagers and the White Fang were currently fighting each other, while the Bullhead my subordinates and I lowered at the other end of the village, where a farm could be seen.

From what Fenrir has told us, that is where Colt Remington and his daughter lives. And if the man helped the Fall Maiden once, he'd do so again.

By letting her stay at his own home.

My subordinates and I stepped off to find Adam waiting.

"Took you long enough."

I smile. "We were simply waiting for the right time to land."

"After my men kept the villagers busy?"

"The right time."

Adam growled.

I chuckle. "No need to be upset, Adam. The target I seek is at that farm, and so too would the Huntsman."

Adam grunted. "I'll take care of him as per planned."

I grin. "Excellent."

The four of us make our way towards the farm.


(Violet POV)

I can hear the gunfire coming from the village, making me shiver.

Who would want to attack us?

I turn when someone places a hand on my shoulder, seeing Amber's reassuring smile.

That calms me down a bit.

The mean Huntsman comes out of the house. "Amber, you and I need to go."

What?

Amber looks at him in disbelief. "Qrow, you can't be serious?"

"Oh, I'm dead serious. Your safety is a priority, and we can't just sit on our asses and wait for the fighting to end."

"Then let's go help!"

Qrow sighed. "Amber, Ozpin told me to make sure you get back to the Kingdom okay. You were already attacked once, and you're still not 100%. If you go out there now, you'll only get yourself killed."

"And the village?"

"…I don't like it, but people outside the Kingdoms die all the time, and villages are known to become desolate and empty after a Grimm attack."

My eyes begin to water.

A-Aren't Huntsman and Huntresses supposed to be heroes and save the day?

Amber glared. "…And Colt? I thought you wanted to get answers out of him?"

"…Well, if he's a threat, then him dying here won't be any skin off my back."

My lips tremble.

"And if he isn't?" Amber growled.

Qrow just stared. "…I'm gonna be honest, he hasn't exactly shown himself as trustworthy, and he's been uncooperative as well."

He crossed his arms. "All in all, he hasn't exactly given me a reason to trust him."

…T-That's it!

"Y-You big meanie!"

I begin to repeatedly kick him in the shin.

"Y-You don't know nothing about my daddy! He's nice and cool and is always there for everyone when they ask him for help!"

The mean Huntsman just stares blankly at me. He thinks my kicks aren't doing anything, but I know they hurt!

My daddy has said as much.

"I-I don't know what it is that's making you think all this about my Daddy, but I know for a fact that he would never do anything evil!"

I continue to kick.

"A-And how dare you suggest that you leave us behind! My Daddy let you into his own home!"

Qrow sighed. "Look, kid, it's a bit more complicated than-."

"No it isn't! You're a Huntsman! You're supposed to protect people! Not leave them to die!"

Qrow stared. "…You really do remind me of my niece when she was younger…actually, you kinda remind me of her as she is now."

He sighed. "I really hope you never find out how cruel the world can really be."

Before I could say anything in response, Amber interrupted.

"Someone's coming."

Qrow looked behind me…and frowned.

"Great. Just great."

I turn around…and quickly hide behind Amber.

There was a scary man walking towards the farm.

He was a tall man with bull horns, red hair, and a mask covering his eyes. He wore a black suit, and a sword hung at his hip. He had this aura about him that made me fear him. It was like he wanted nothing more than to cause harm.

I shrunk behind Amber to stay out of sight of the scary man.

Qrow immediately stepped up with his broadsword at the ready.

The tall man looked to Qrow. "Are you Qrow Branwen?"

"…I am," Qrow answered with narrowed eyes.

The tall man humphed. "So, you're the Huntsman that will die by my blade.

He placed his hand on the hilt of his sword. "My name is Adam Taurus, and I intend to spill your blood on the dirt beneath us."

Qrow frowned. "Adam Taurus, huh?"

Qrow's weapon immediately transformed into a scythe. "Guess I'll need to get serious from the start."

I frowned. Get serious from the start? Why wouldn't he have been serious to begin with?

I look up to Amber. "What does the mean Huntsman mean by that?"

Amber looked down to Violet. "Let's just say that Adam is a very dangerous man, not meant to be pursued by a lone Huntsman."

"Oh please."

Amber and I turned to Qrow, who had scoffed.

"That crap of 'no lone Huntsman' is a bunch of baloney. Besides, this is me we're talking about. I can take him easy."

"Didn't you just say you'd take this seriously from the start?"

"That's why it'll be easy."

Amber groaned.

Adam got in his stance. "Do not underestimate me, human!"

Qrow got in a stance. "I don't intend to."

Both sized each other up for a moment.

I peeked out a bit more so I could get a good look at what was to come, with Amber patting my head reassuringly.

It helped.

Both men waited a moment longer…then charged.

CLANG! BOOM!

Both blade and scythe collided with a clang, and the shockwave cracked the ground beneath their feet.

Why did I have the feeling that our land might not survive this?


(My POV)

I shoot at a random grunt that's trying to corner a villager. The shot distracts the terrorist, allowing the villager to get the drop on him and fatally wound him.

I wince.

I'm…not exactly sure how I feel about killing people, whether they're bad or not, but I chose to put it at the back of my mind and deal with the mental fallout later.

They were attacking us with the intent to kill, so we had the right to defend ourselves.

I shot at another White Fang grunt, who had been standing on a rooftop. He fell off onto some steel pipes, impaling himself on them.

Oh god…I did not need to see that.

The fact he was still alive didn't help….

Okay, I can give him a mercy killing, right? H-He's in pain and is unable to move. I-I can't in good conscious just leave him there to suffer, c-can I?

I step forward to the suffering terrorist and aim Lucky at his head….

Okay, just pull the trigger. H-He's dying already, right? No need to make him suffer, even though he planned to kill us.

S-So…I just pull the trigger and-.

"COLT!"

The shout made me jump, pulling the trigger prematurely and blowing the grunt's head off.

Wow, these .44 magnum Dust rounds weren't the strongest bullet for nothing. His whole head's gone! Blown to bits!

Oh god, I think I'm gonna be sick.

I'd have thrown up…had I not been tackled to the side…with hands currently choking me out.

"Agh! Gah! Ergh!"

The person chocking me…was none other than Fenrir.

"At last! I shall have my revenge!"

Great job on fulfilling the revenge stereotype, Fenrir. Way to fall in line, buddy.

"Ack!"

And I'm still getting choked out.

Yeah, I need to get out of this predicament.

I form a fist and give three good punches in the kidney area.

"KIDNEY PUNCH! KIDNEY PUNCH! KIDNEY PUNCH!"

Fenrir gasped and the grip on my neck lessened.

One more ought to do it.

"Aaaaaaand…KIDNEY PUNCH!"

Another fist to the kidney area.

"Agh!"

Fenrir stumbled back, letting go of my neck.

Thank you, TeamFourStar!

I quickly get up and draw my revolver/scythes. Fenrir is quick to recover and draws five throwing knives in each hand.

"Take this!"

He launches all ten at me- OH SHIT!

On instinct, I swing my scythes around with a surprising amount of speed, deflecting most of the knives while the rest just graze my Aura as they pass.

I blink in shock.

Did I just do that?

Fenrir grunted. "So you've gotten better since our last encounter, I see."

I…guess so?

I really need to see how I stack against other people. Other than Fenrir, the only other people I've fought (or sparred really) was Vert, Neo, and Mercury briefly.

How good at fighting did I get?

Guess I'll find out with Fenrir.

Said Faunus growled…a bit ferally actually.

"I'm going to rip you apart!"

His claws extended, his eyes became feral, and he roared like a wolf.

Oh right, he can do that.

He leaped at me, and I instinctively caught him midair and monkey-flipped him with enough force to send him crashing through the window of a building.

I blink again.

I can't believe I actually did that.

I get back up to my feet and look into the darkness of the inside.

"Hah! Take that you son of a-!"

Fenrir pounced out of the darkness land screeched like an animatronic from Five Night's at Freddy's.

"OH SHIT!"

He crashed into me and began to claw at my Aura. He sent his claws swiping each side of my face, and even tried to bite me, but I held firm and kept him somewhat at bay with my arm….

It didn't last long.

CHOMP!

"FUCK!"

He had finally decided to bite at my arm. He began shaking it around in an attempt to pierce my skin.

"WILL YOU STOP WITH THE BITING, GODDAMN IT?!"

I pulled Lucky out and aim at the kidney area.

Fenrir sees it coming and hits the gun out of my hand. I aim MM, but he swipes it away as well.

Fenrir grinned. "Hah! I've disarmed you!"

…Well, guess I finally get to use the knife Vert got me-.

CHOMP!

OH COME ON!

Fenrir had managed to bite at my shoulder, shaking his head in an attempt to bite off a chunk of my flesh.

Okay, you know what? Screw this!

I reach behind me and unsheathe Dundee. With authority, I bring it down onto the back of his shoulder.

SHANK!

"AAAUUGH!"

…What?

Fenrir immediately lets go and scrambles away from me, pressing his hand on the area I stabbed in an attempt to keep any more blood from flowing out.

I stare at him in a mix of confusion and horror, then gaze down at the bloody knife in my hand.

Did…this knife cut through his Aura?!

Vert! What the hell kind of knife did you give me?!

Fenrir glared in pain. "H-How the hell d-did you manage to get your hands on an A-Aura-piercing weapon?!"

…I honestly never thought this type of weapon would exist on Remnant.

Great job, fanfiction. Hope you're proud of yourselves.

"…I got it from a friend."

Still need to talk to Vert about this, but at least I have an advantage.

I point the knife at him. "Come at me, bro! Come at me!"

Fenrir growled and charged on all fours towards me. I swing Dundee at him, but he goes low and crashes through my legs, sending me tumbling to the dirt. I quickly recover and move to block whatever strike he has planned….

Only to find him climbing a building and disappearing from sight.

"Hey!" I shout. "Get back here!"

"COLT!"

I turn at the voice and find Beef lumbering towards me.

"One of the villagers said he saw four people heading towards your house. One of them was Adam Taurus."

Four people…with one of them being Adam.

"W-Who were the other three?"

Beef shrugged. "Not sure. He could only make out that one of them had a red dress."

Red dress…red dress….

No, t-there's no way.

S-She can't have formed an alliance with the White Fang! She doesn't have the power to back it up! I made sure of that!

I stop panicking when I realize something.

Amber's there…and so is Violet….

Oh fuck.

"Beef, can you and the other villagers handle things here?"

Beef nodded, hefting his massive club over his shoulders. "No worries, we've got things covered here. Go get Violet…and the woman I'm betting on for you to settle with."

"ARE YOU SERIOUSLY BRINGING UP THAT GODDAMN-!"

I pause. "…Wait, you're betting on Amber?"

"Yeah. I originally went for that ice cream girl…then the Schnee…then the ice cream girl again…then the Schnee again. But then this new chick shows up, so I figured she's the underdog for coming late to the party. And you can't help but bet on the underdog."

My eye twitches. "…You people are the bane of my existence."

"We love you too, Colt."

Goddamn it.

With a groan, I sprint past Beef towards my home.


(Vert POV)

Wow…this isn't as challenging as I thought it would be.

Sure, the man's using a chainsword, which is rather interesting, but other than that…this fight's a total wash.

"HOLD STILL SO THAT I MAY HIT YOU!"

"Why would anyone hold still for that? I'd have thought the next generation was smarter than this."

The chainsword guy roared and swung his weapon at me again, but I vaulted over it and him to land behind him and give a good whack with my bow to the back of his knee.

He buckled and fell to one knee, but I swung my bow at his head, giving him a good hit.

This only frustrated the man and made him swing his chainsword wildly. I backflip a good distance and land in a crouch.

The man growled. "It appears I underestimated you, Vet Bowman. You clearly retained some skill despite your old age."

…And the man continues to dig his grave deeper.

"What's your name?" I ask calmly.

"Banesaw," he replied. "What? Wish to know the name of the one who will kill you?"

"No." I grab an arrow and draw it back on my bow. "Just want to know what name to put on your grave."

I release the arrow. Banesaw makes to move, but the arrow releases a net that ensnares the Faunus.

The Faunus yelled in anger and used his chainsword to rip through the net, but I was already upon him with my bow mid-swing.

Another good whack to the head ought to teach him to respect his elders….

It didn't if him grabbing the bow before it could connect was anything to go by.

"GOT YOU!"

Banesaw swung his chainsword at me, finally landing a hit and sending me flying back.

Ugh…I'm getting too old for this bullshit.

I jump back to my feet in time to find Banesaw charging with his chainsword at the ready.

Alright…I think I've played around long enough.

I quickly pull back three arrows and launch them in the air. They arch in the air and fall back down to land around Banesaw, who stopped and stared in confusion.

"…Well, well, well. It looks like the Vert Bowman has finally missed a shot. Three I might add."

I smirk. "Boy…I never miss."

BOOOOOM!

"AARGH!"

All three arrows exploded, covering the Faunus in a torrent of flames.

I quickly draw another arrow and leave it in my hand, waiting.

Banesaw comes charging out with a feral scream.

"I WILL END YOU!"

"You'll die trying."

I duck underneath his attack, spin around his body, and impale the arrow into his neck.

He gurgles a bit as blood begins to flow out of his mouth.

I draw two regular arrows and stab them through his knees. He gurgles in pain.

I calmly walk away from the soon-to-be dead man….

BOOM!

The arrow through his neck explodes, blowing his head apart and killing him.

I shake my head. It's people like this that make me worry for the next few generations. Luckily, people like Colt are out there as well, so I guess it's balanced out.

"VERT!"

I look up to see Beef lumbering towards me.

"What is it?"

"Well," he began. "We're slowly overtaking the White Fang."

That's good, at least.

"Colt also ran back to his house."

I raise an eyebrow. "Why?"

"There were four people heading that way. One was Adam Taurus, and the other three remained a mystery. Though, Colt seemed freaked out when I mentioned one of them was a woman with a red dress."

I frown a bit.

He freaked out about one of them…which means he knew who this woman was.

Three unidentified people…and there had been three assailants that attacked Amber….

Whether or not I'm right about those three being the assailants, I'm going to have to go after Colt. He's not skilled enough to take on that Taurus fellow, let alone three others at the same time.

"I'll be heading over to Colt's place, then," I decide. "Can you hold down the fort?"

Beef grinned. "Like I told Colt, we've got it handled here."

I nodded to the large man, then took off after Colt.

That boy better not get himself killed before I get there.


(Amber POV)

Wow…those two were really going at it.

I mean, the farm pretty much looked like a battlefield from the Great War.

They had speed around the land, striking at each other or blocking an attack, each time resulting in a loud boom that formed a small crater on the ground.

There's also the fact that they pretty much totaled the barn and pig pen….

Oh yeah, and the now dead pigs and cows that had been caught in the battle.

And now the chickens were the next victims of this fight….

Well, Colt did say those chickens were evil.

Violet certainly didn't appreciate it, and I think her opinion of Qrow is lower now than it was before.

Her screaming at the man was an indicator.

But now she was quiet. Guess she's scared at the moment.

I move my hand to pat her head in reassurance….

Only to feel nothing.

I turn and find that Violet's gone.

"V-Violet?" I call out, hoping she was nearby.

I noticed the front door was open a bit.

She must've gone inside without me knowing.

I give one last look at the fight between Qrow and Adam before poking my head inside the house.

"Viole-?"

I froze mid-sentence at what I saw.

The three assailants were here.

One of them, the gray haired guy (Mercury Black according to Colt), had his arm wrapped around Violet's body and his other hand clamped shut on her mouth, keeping her from screaming.

The dark-skinned girl (Emerald Sustrai) had one of her weapons in its gun form, aimed at Violet's head and ready to fire.

The last person (Cinder Fall) was currently making herself at home in one of the couch chairs.

"My, my," she began. "What a lovely home this is."

I move to grab my weapon-.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you."

Emerald pressed her gun against Violet's head to emphasis Cinder's point.

Violet herself was scared and teary-eyed.

I scowl. "What do you want?"

Cinder smirked. "I believe we both know the answer to that question."

"You're not getting my power."

Cinder chuckled. "Oh you poor fool…you don't have a choice."

She gestured to a scared Violet. "Are your powers truly worth this girl's life? Would you let her die to keep a hold of them?"

…That bitch!

Cinder crossed her arms. "It's quite simple. Give me what is mine, and the girl's life will be spared."

Muffled sounds were heard, and I turned to find Violet trying to shake her head free of Mercury's grip.

"Stay still, you little brat!" Mercury ordered.

Violet opened her mouth and bit Mercury's hand.

"Ow!"

Mercury shook his hand in pain as Violet spoke.

"D-Don't do it! Whatever she's talking about, don't give it to he-OW!"

Mercury had decided to pull at Violet's bunny ears as retribution.

"You think you can get away with biting me?! Huh, you little brat?!"

He pulled on her ears again.

"Ow ow ow!" Violet screamed, tears coming out of her eyes.

"Stop it!" I shout.

Cinder raises her hand, signaling for Mercury to stop. He does so begrudgingly and clamps Violet's mouth shut again.

Cinder turns to me. "It's your choice, Amber. Your power…or this girl's life."

"Alright."

I've only known Violet for about a day…but she didn't deserve this.

"My powers are yours."

Violet once again tried to say something, but Mercury kept her quiet.

Cinder smiled. "Excellent."

She pulled out a white glove that had a red marking on the back. She put it on and beckoned me to come forward.

That glove…it fits the description that Colt gave me when we talked last night.

"Get on your knees. This will be over in a moment."

I don't like how vague that last part was.

I do as I'm told and get on my knees. Cinder raises her hand so that the palm is facing me.

If what Colt said was true, then any moment now….

A small Grimm-like bug appeared out of the palm through some small portal. It chittered as it stared at me with malicious intent.

He was right.

The bug appeared, just like he said.

And since Cinder wants my powers, then that bug is the way to get them.

So then…what he told me really was true. All of it.

Including the part that I secretly still had doubts about.

…I guess I won't get to apologize for doubting him, then, if this bug has anything to say about it.

The bug begins to rear its head back, ready to spit out something from its mouth.

I close my eyes.

This was gonna hurt….

"Yeah, no."

I was suddenly pushed aside, and a scream followed. I opened my eyes and….

"Colt?"


(My POV; sometime prior)

I ran as fast as I could up the trail towards my farm.

"Hold on, Colt!"

I come to a sudden stop and turn to find Vert catch up to me. He stopped and had his hands on his knees, panting.

"Ugh, perhaps I am getting to old for this."

"Vert?" I ask. "What are you doing here?"

He stood straight and gave me a stern glare.

"I'm here because you planned to take on four people on your own!"

…Oh right. I'd have to deal with four people.

Vert deadpanned. "That hadn't crossed your mind, did it?"

"I-I'd have thought of something."

"Sure you would have."

Goddamn it.

I sigh. "Look…Qrow's there, and so is Amber. Counting me, that's three people. Better odds, alright?"

"Four," Vert corrected. "Don't think I'm not tagging along. Violet's my honorary granddaughter after all."

I felt better knowing Vert would be helping me.

The sounds of weapons clashing echoed from my farm.

"Looks like the party's started without us," Vert said.

He chuckled. "Well, guess that makes us fashionably late."

I put on a serious look. "Let's go."

We start running towards the sound of battle. When we get closer, we can clearly see Qrow duking it out with Adam….

Huh, I wonder which of the two is stronger.

"Damn fool."

I jump at Vert's curse. "What do you mean?"

"Adam Taurus isn't supposed to be taken on by one lone Huntsman. He's dangerous."

"…But isn't this Qrow we're talking about here?"

"…Fair point. But that doesn't mean he should've fought alone."

I gaze at the battle. "Looks like he's holding his own."

It was true. Qrow was matching Adam's speed and strength. Hell, I'd be willing to place my bet on Qrow to win this fight. Sure, I don't know Adam's full potential, but I'm an optimist.

"Colt, look down."

I did so, and noticed footprints. Guess they belong to Adam, Cinder, Mercury and Emerald.

"Okay," I said. "What about them?"

"They split off."

Wait, what?

I look more closely and find what he said to be true. Two sets of footprints move off to the left, while a single set moves off to the right. The last one simply kept going ahead, obviously belonging to Adam.

I grit my teeth. "Adam's just a distraction. The other three are trying to get to Amber by circling around."

Vert nodded. "Right."

If I had to guess, the two sets of footprints on the left belong to Mercury and Emerald. Those two are always together….

I ship the- DAMN IT, NOW'S NOT THE TIME!

Which means that Cinder must've gone right.

"I'll follow the two on the left," Vert said. "You take the one on the right."

When he makes to leave, I hold out a hand to stop him.

"Quick warning: the two you're following are Emerald Sustrai and Mercury Black. Emerald's Semblance can manipulate one's perception and make them see what she wants them to see. Not sure about Mercury's, but he has metal prothestic feet that shoot shotgun blasts."

Vert raised an eyebrow. "So…illusions and shotgun boots?"

"Pretty much, yeah."

Vert sighed. "Kids these days."

With that said, Vert and I went down our respective path…before I realized something.

I might run into Cinder….

FUCK!

No, no. I'll be fine. Maybe I can hold my own against her or something?

I shake my head and follow the trail of footprints left by Cinder. As I do, I notice how much collateral damage had been caused by Qrow and Adam's battle. Hell, most of the animals were dead!

I'm so punching Qrow later. As for Adam…I'll just put a pin on that.

I continue to follow the tracks until I find myself behind my house. Vert's already there, surveying the area.

As I walk towards him, he speaks quietly.

"The back door's open."

I look and-yup, it's true.

Fuck.

With a finger for silence, we sneak onto the back porch and glance inside….

And neither of us liked what we saw.

Emerald and Mercury had Violet held at gunpoint, and Cinder was currently trying to get Amber to submit to her.

Vert turns to me. "So, what's the plan?"

I gawk at him. "Me? You come up with a plan!"

"You need to learn to think, Colt."

"My daughter's life in in danger, and so is Amber's!"

"Exactly. You realize I won't be around forever, right?"

…I didn't to think about that.

"So, you need to learn to come up with a plan on the spot. So do it."

I groan quietly. I hate it when he's right.

I look back inside.

Okay…I get the feeling Amber will be forced to do what Cinder says, which means she'll let Cinder take her power via that Grimm bug inside the glove.

Emerald had a gun aimed at Violet's head, with Mercury holding onto her.

"Okay…I think I have a plan."

Vert nodded. "Lay it on me."

I whisper the plan to him….

"That's a bit risky, Colt. What about Violet?"

"…I'll just shout 'stranger danger' and let her take it from there."

Vert grinned. "Oh…that'll be funny to see."

"Yes. Yes it will."

Without another word, I focus on activating my Semblance….

And there we go.

I quietly make my way up the steps, Vert splitting off to sneak in through a window.

I step inside and quietly make my way forward.

"Alright."

I freeze at Amber's voice.

"My powers are yours."

…Well, guess I called it then.

"Excellent," Cinder said.

She pulled out a white glove and put it on.

Okay, need to hurry up.

I take longer steps and reach Emerald and Mercury, who are oblivious to me being there.

"Get on your knees. This will be over in a moment."

Oh crap.

I steady my breathing. Can't be heard now.

I take a slow long step towards Amber as she gets on her knees. I take another as Cinder holds out her palm towards her.

I take one final long step as the Grimm bug appears out of the palm of the glove, chittering about. I reach behind me and slowly unsheathe Dundee.

Since this can pierce Aura…I was going to enjoy what I was about to do.

Amber closes her eyes as the Grimm bug readies to spit out its black venom.

"Yeah, no."

I push Amber aside and stab Dundee through the Grimm bug, killing it. At the same time, since the knife is big-.

"AAAUUUUGHH!"

Yeah, I stabbed Cinder through her hand as well.

Take that, bitch!

She stumbled back as she grasped her hand, glaring at me.

And now to add insult to injury…by making another reference.

I put on a French accent. "Oh, I'm sorry! I saw you were going to do something involving that Grimm bug, so I thought, 'Wow, that must be important!'"

I grin. "Please tell me it was important."

Cinder's hair covered her eyes as she growled.

"That was my only way to power-."

Her eyes revealed themselves, full of rage.

YOU BASTARD!"

And so the DBZ Abridged reference is complete!

Cinder gave a snarl. "EMERALD! KILL THE GIRL!"

We'll never know if she would've done it or not…since Vert chose that moment to palm the gun out of Emerald's hand, and then pick her up and throw her to the side.

Mercury stepped back. "S-Stay back! I have this little brat hostage and-!"

"Violet! Stranger danger!"

Violet immediately understood and opened her mouth to bit Mercury's hand…hard.

Mercury screamed in pain and dropped Violet. She quickly turned-.

POW!

And sent her tiny fist straight into Mercury's family jewels.

Mercury's eyes widened comically as he gasped and fell to his knees, holding his aching manhood.

Violet runs to me and hugs me. I pat her head.

"Good girl."

Violet giggles.

I move towards Amber and help her up.

"Are you alright?"

She nods. "…Colt."

"Yeah?"

"You really were telling the truth last night, weren't you?"

I smirk. "Let me guess, still some doubts left?"

"…Not anymore."

So Amber believes me…she's earned some points in my book.

"Ahem."

We both turned to find Cinder with her bow out and three arrows drawn.

"Did you forget about me?" she snarled.

Wow she looks pissed and-.

"DUCK!"

I grab Amber and pull her down to avoid the arrows of doom. They land in the kitchen….

And then I hear the all too familiar sound of a high-pitched whistle.

"Oh cra-."

BOOM!

And now my kitchen was ablaze….

I'm only experiencing the cons in helping Amber at this point.

I draw Lucky and aim at Cinder, only to find her gone.

"Shit. Vert, you have eyes on Emerald and Mercury?"

"Yes. I've got them cornered."

I turned to him…only to find him aiming an arrow at an empty corner.

"So, you brats think you could get the better of-?"

"Vert, you're under the illusion Semblance."

Vert blinked…then reached his hand forward to find no one there.

"FUCK!"

Yeah, Emerald's Semblance is evil.

"Where did they go?" Amber asked.


(Cinder POV)

That complete bastard!

I had the Maiden's power within my grasp…and he interferes again!

You appear angry, child. And rightly so.

I growl. "Please tell me you intend to enact your plan."

I ignore the looks from Mercury and Emerald.

I do, indeed. Tell Adam to recall what's left of his men, if there are any.

With a grunt, I turn towards the fight between Adam and Qrow. The former is sent flying into some barrels, breaking them.

He steps out, blood dripping from his mouth and head.

Qrow didn't look much better, a cut across his abdomen and the same wounds on the head as Adam.

"Damn…maybe there's some merit to only hunting you down with more than one Huntsman."

Adam growled. "And you're proving to be more than a mere annoyance."

I give Adam a signal with my hand.

He stares at me…then sighs.

"It appears we'll have to finish this another day."

He placed a finger to his ear. "Any brothers and sisters still alive retreat immediately. Pilot, pick me and my allies up now."

Adam and I look to find the fire inside the house spreading. Those inside rush out, distracting Qrow for a moment.

Adam tilted his head. "The old Huntsman is still alive?"

He activated his comms again. "Banesaw, are you there?"

"Banesaw, do you read?"

"…I see."

I'm guessing this "Banesaw" didn't make it.

Adam finishes his contact and looks to me. "You've yet to tell me how you actually intend to carry out this plan of yours."

I smirk. "It's already in motion."

The Bullhead lands, and the four of us step on.

"Hold it!"

We turn to find Qrow, Vert, and Amber with their weapons drawn and at the ready.

"You think you can just leave?" Vert asked.

I smirk. "I do…since you'll have bigger problems at hand."

Qrow narrowed his eyes. "What are you-?"

Several roars interrupt him….

Followed by multiple Grimm rushing past the farm towards the village.

Vert glared. "You bitch!"

I give a final smirk and wave as the side doors close, and the Bullhead takes off.


(Vert POV)

I glare at the Bullhead as it takes off.

Rotten bitch!

I turn to find the number of Grimm charging towards the village.

We just defended ourselves against the White Fang. We're in no position to fight off Grimm!

I sigh. "We need to get down there."

Qrow gave me a sad look. "Verty…we won't be able to do much."

"Qrow!" Amber hissed.

"There's too many, alright!" He exclaimed. "And our ride's going to be here any minute."

"…What?" Amber asked.

Qrow pulled out his scroll. "I called Ozpin last night. He said he'd have a Bullhead over to pick us up later today…which is soon."

Violet whimpered. "W-What about the village?"

"…I'm sorry, but there's nothing we can do for them."

"B-But-!"

I scowled. "Maybe that's what you think, but I intend to help!"

Not bothering to hear a response, I rush back to the village.


(My POV)

I had opted to stay inside the burning inferno that was my house.

Why?

Well…me and Violet did all that packing for a reason, and Cinder pretty much gave us one.

I'm getting her back for this, I swear.

I rush out of the house with my pack and Violet's. I stop beside Qrow, Amber and my daughter and set the two packs down.

I sigh. "Well, there goes my house."

I look up when I see that the other three weren't listening to me. I looked and….

Holy shit! Where did those Grimm come from?!

Were they heading to the village?

And was Vert on his way there?!

I draw Lucky and MM. "Violet, stay with Qrow and Amber. I'm going to see if I can help."

I rush forward, only to be stopped by Qrow.

"Like I told Vert just now, it's suicide. Besides, you think I'm letting you out of my sight? You've got questions to answer, kid."

I scowl. "If you want me in your line of sight, then you'll just have to follow me."

"And I said-."

"Stranger danger."

POW!

Violet sent her tiny fist right into Qrow's family jewels.

He let out a high-pitched gasp and fell to his knees. I shook off his grip and pat Violet on the head.

"Good girl."

She giggled.

I turn to Amber. "Can you watch her?"

Amber stared at the village, then at me.

"…I want to help."

"W-What?!" Qrow gasped.

I was glad she wanted to help, but….

"Amber, I can't really let you put yourself at risk."

Amber placed her hands on her hips. "Let me?"

"…W-Wait, that came out wrong."

Qrow whispered. "Tread lightly, kid. She can kick your as in twenty different ways."

"Twenty-five," Amber corrected.

Screw it. I don't wanna get killed by an angry woman.

"Fine. Forget I said anything."

I turn to Qrow. "Can I trust you to watch my daughter?"

Qrow slid his palm down his face. "…Fine. I'll watch her."

Qrow turned to the horizon and saw an incoming Bullhead. "Must be our ride."

He turned back to me and Amber. "That Bullhead is our ride home. I'll take the kid aboard and watch from above. But if it looks like it's hopeless, you two and Vert are getting your asses on board, no excuses."

…Well, that's as good as it would get.

I turn to Amber. "Let's go."

She nods, and we both make our way to the village.


(Qrow POV)

Unbelievable.

I stare at the horde of Grimm that continues to increase in size.

They don't stand a chance.

I'd help…but that Taurus fellow took more out of me than I thought.

Next time I face him, I'll have back up. Pride be damned.

I look down at the little rabbit Faunus next to me, who's gazing worriedly at the retreating form of her father.

"It'll be okay, kid. I'll get them to pull out before it's too late."

"You really don't believe they'll win, don't you?"

The Bullhead landed behind us, and I sighed.

"I had hoped you wouldn't get to see the cruelty of the world just yet…but I guess that was just wishful thinking."

I slowly held out his hand to the girl. I knew he was on thin ice as it was with her, but I needed her on the Bullhead.

"Come on. Onto the Bullhead we go."

Her head lowers. "This is the second time I'll be on a Bullhead."

She turns around and makes her way to the Bullhead.

With a sad sigh, I follow.


(Vert POV)

By the time I arrived at the village, it was pure chaos.

Militia were firing everywhere at the Grimm. They got to down a few of them before they were overtaken by the massive amount of Grimm.

I draw several explosive arrows and fire them at the number of Grimm, killing all of them.

I fire a normal arrow at a charging Beowolf, then leap over an attacking Ursa.

I draw two more arrows and fire at two Creeps coming my way.

The Ursa from before attacks again, but I duck under it and impale an explosive arrow in its abdomen, then backflip away as it explodes, killing the Ursa.

Several Grimm were sent flying over me. I turn to the source….

"Beef?"

The mammoth of a man swung his massive club around, sending Grimm flying in different directions. He lumbered towards me.

"Vert! Where did all these Grimm come from?!"

I shake my head. "I'm not sure…but I can make an educated guess."

That red-dressed bitch did this somehow. I swear, if I make it out of this, I intend to make her pay!

"How many militia are left?" I ask.

"…Just the two of us, I'm afraid."

What?

He sighed sadly. "The Grimm were too numerous. Most of the militia went to the safe house to guard the rest of the villagers…but it was for naught. The Grimm overtook them and killed everyone."

He lowered his head. "It's just the two of us, now."

…No.

I-It can't be.

H-How could this happen?

GRRRRR.

Beef and I slowly look around us to find that we've been surrounded by several Grimm. They're snarling at us like we're easy prey….

How foolish.

I draw an arrow onto my bow as Beef readies his club.

"VERT!"

Several Grimm on one side are blown away, and Colt and Amber rush to our side.

"We're here to help," Colt said. "Where's everyone else?"

Oh boy…this would crush the boy.

I sigh. "There's no easy way for me to say this, but…there is no one else."

"We're the only ones left."


(My POV)

H-He can't be serious, can he?

"W-What about the-?"

"Everyone's dead, Colt…everyone."

I…I can't believe it.

The entire village. Woman…children…elderly, even the militia.

"F-Flan?"

Beef frowned. "He got cornered by some Beowolves."

"D-Doc?"

"Swarmed by Creeps."

"B-Brazen?"

"Died trying to keep the Grimm from his father's corpse."

Beef looked at me sadly. "I'm sorry, Colt."

"He's the one that should be sorry."

"Um," Beef started. "Did anyone else hear that chilling voice?"

"Over here."

The four of us turned to find a lone Beowolf staring at us. Only thing was…this one had black eyes with red irises, and purple veins pouring out of said eyes….

Oh hell no.

"Do you see what your actions have caused, meddler?" Salem asked through the Beowolf. "You've single-handedly wiped out an entire village."

"…So, I'm not the only one who sees a talking Beowolf, right?" Beef asks.

"Quiet."

Beef clams up.

"This is what happens to those who dare challenge me. While you remain a mystery to me, Colt Remington, that does not mean that I cannot learn your vulnerabilities."

My hands shake uncontrollably.

"Know that the blame for this catastrophe is yours and yours alon-."

BANG!

I silenced the Beowolf with a shot in the eye, blowing its head off.


(Salem POV)

ARGH!

I grit my teeth and rubbed my head.

"Blast."

A downside to being able to take over a single Grimm…I'll feel the pain that Grimm suffers through.

And since it died via a bullet to the head, I now have a goddamn headache.

Massaging my head with my fingers, I opened my eyes and managed a smirk.

I seemed to have a struck a nerve with Colt.

Serves him right. Interfering in my plans.

And now…he will fall to my Grimm.


(My POV)

After that one Grimm fell, the others growled and prepare to attack.

I ready my guns, not really feeling anything but pure anger.

Amber reaches out to me. "Colt-?"

With a roar, I charge at the horde of Grimm.

"Colt, wait!" I heard Vert call out, but I didn't listen.

I had too much anger inside, which made me an all-you-can-eat buffet for the Grimm.

I fired all the rounds in both Lucky and MM, effectively downing eleven Grimm.

I flip the guns around for melee and swing the scythes at the Grimm in front of me, severing its arms and head. I decapitate a Creep and impale a Beowolf's eye before slitting its throat.

Around me, the sounds of battle are going on. Vert's using whatever arrows he has left, Beef's swinging his club around wildly, and Amber….

Her powers truly are amazing.

She's wiping out Grimm left and right, blowing some away while blasting others with lightning and fireballs.

In all honesty…she looked kinda hot doing it.

DAMN IT, COLT! NOT NOW!

I slit an Ursa's throat, then will myself to turn invisible. I press my back against a building as I reload my weapons, while the Grimm try to look for me….

Then again, they can sense negative emotion, and I was emitting a lot of it. They were already surrounding me, but the fact I wasn't there confused them long enough for me to finish reloading.

I turn visible, much to the shock of the Grimm.

"Surprise, bitches!"

I unload round after round into the Grimm, killing many in my wake.

"GAH!"

I turn at the shout to find Beef on one knee after being bitten by a Creep. He bats the Grimm aside and tries to stand, only to be tackled by an Ursa. He uses his strength to hold it off, but the Grimm keep coming."

"Hold on, Beef! I'm coming!"

I make my way over there…only to be swiped aside by an Alpha Beowolf.

I try to get to my feet but the Alpha pounces on me, pinning me down and knocking the air out of me. It raises its claw and brings it down, but I block it with one of my revolver/scythes.

As I hold it off, I turn to see Beef turning the tide against the Ursa. He manages to toss it aside like a sumo would another sumo. Beef manages to pick up his club and spots me.

"I'm coming, Colt!"

He lumbers towards me…only to be tackled by the same Ursa. This time, several Beowolves join the fray and bite down on the man.

"BEEF!"

Beef struggles to stand with all the weight on him. One of the Beowolves manages to bit down on his neck.

Beef gurgles a bit before swinging his arm to toss a Beowolf aside, then grab the current one biting at his neck-.

SNAP!

Beef's body slumps, his neck having been snapped by the Beowolf.

My mouth is agape in shock and horror.

N-Not Beef. He…He's always been there to hear me out when I drink at the bar.

GRRR.

That growl reminds me that an Alpha Beowolf is still above me.

I roar and shove the barrel of Lucky into its eye socket and fire three times.

The back of its head blows out, and it slumps.

I push the damn thing off me and rush towards the body of Beef, which the Grimm had decided to leave alone after killing him.

I stare down at his lifeless body, hoping beyond hope that he's only unconscious….

If only it were that simple.

I lower down and close his open eyes.

"…I'm sorry."

A growl catches my attention, and I turn to find a Beowolf already leaping at me….

It's quickly stopped by an arrow to its eye.

Vert rushes towards me. "Colt…we need to leave."

…Yeah, we do.

There's nothing left to protect anymore.

The sound of a Bullhead is heard, and I look up to find one lowering down to a rooftop. The side door opens, revealing Qrow and Violet.

"GET UP HERE BEFORE THE GRIMM CONVERGE ON US!"

Several roars are heard to confirm what is about to happen.

Time to leave!

Vert does some parkour on some rubble before getting on the roof. I try to climb up, but I'm not fast enough.

Amber comes up from behind me, grabs me, and levitates off the ground, taking me with her. We both land on the roof.

I nod. "Thanks."

She smiles. "Anytime."

"LET'S GO ALREADY!" Qrow shouts.

The three of us hop over rooftops towards the waiting Bullhead. The Grimm are keeping pace with us, getting closer with each rooftop.

I take potshots at any Grimm that get too close, while Amber keeps the majority of them away.

We manage to make it to the rooftop that the Bullhead landed on.

Amber manages to get on, followed by Vert.

I make to follow-.

"REMINGTON!"

"GAH!"

I get tackled aside by Fenrir of all people!

Where the fuck was he hiding?!

He tosses me near the edge of the building. I quickly roll to my feet, but Fenrir tackles me over the edge. I land on the ground with a scream. It didn't help that Fenrir had landed on tip of me.

He gazes down at me with a maniacal grin.

"This is where you die, Colt."

He stood up and kicked my side, sending me to the side of the building.

I cough a bit, trying to catch my breath.

I'm lifted of my feet by Fenrir, who then decides to slam me against the wall.

SLAM!

"Ack!"

He grinned. "Did you like that? Well, why don't we try some more?"

SLAM! SLAM! SLAM! SLAM! SLAM! SLAM!

I try to catch my breath. "C-Can we talk about this?"

Fenrir hummed. "...Sure, we can talk."

Wait, seriousl-?

SLAM! SLAM!

"Agh! What the fuck?!

Yeah, I probably should've known he was lying.

Fenrir tossed me high into the air, then vaulted on the sides of each building to get at my height. He jumped towards me, then used me as a stepping stone to make himself go higher, while sending me falling to the ground.

BOOM!

...Okay, ow.

I groan and open my eyes...only to find Fenrir falling towards me with his fists facing forward.

SHI-!

BOOM!

SHATTER!

...Oh...oh no. My Aura just shattered.

His grin widened. "Now…let's see your blood paint the ground!"

SKKTZZ! SKKTZZ! SKKTZZ!

"Agh!"

He clawed at my body three times, leaving claw marks. Blood poured from them, flowing to the ground.

Fenrir grinned. "Yes! This is exactly what I wanted! With Banesaw now dead, once I bring your head to Adam and that woman, I'll be promoted to Lieutenant!"

Fenrir clawed at my body four more times, these striking deeper this time.

I coughed blood.

Fenrir picked me up and tossed me aside. I crashed into some trash cans.

I…I'm in serious pain right now.

I try to pull out my guns, but I can't find them. I must've dropped them on the roof….

Wait. DUNDEE!

I wait until the right moment.

Fenrir stalks towards me and pulls me up by my collar.

"Any last words before I kill you?"

…W-Well, I guess I'll need to distract him. And what better way to do it than with a reference.

I smile and speak in a deep voice.

"I have a thick…meaty…vagina!"

Fenrir is flabbergasted. "W-What?!"

And that's my que.

I quickly unsheathe Dundee and slam it down onto Fenrir's chest….

Right where his heart is supposed to be.

Fenrir is silent for a moment…well, he's silent forever, I guess. I mean, a stab through the heart is an instant kill, right? No time for any sound to be made?

In any case, Fenrir's dead carcass falls to the ground, allowing me to get free of his grip.

I stagger a bit and hold my wounds to keep any more blood from flowing…which is difficult since the wounds are numerous.

I stare at Fenrir's corpse.

I…I just killed someone….

Well, I killed more than one person, but that other guy was more of a mercy killing.

Still…I didn't think I'd ever take the life of another.

I…I don't think I liked it, no matter what the circumstances.

Then again, had he lived, he'd have gone after me and my daughter, so….

Screw it. I'll think about this later.

Right now, I need to get back on the Bullhead.

"COLT!"

I look up to find a rope ladder being lowered…with Vert at the bottom.

"Hold onto my back, boy."

I can't really argue with that. I'm too hurt to even attempt to climb that ladder.

I hop onto Vert's back as he climbs the ladder…which is going slowly.

"Y-You alright, Vert?"

"I'm fine! You're the one that's not fine."

"…Fair point."

As the Bullhead rises, Vert manages to get to the top, where Qrow and Amber are waiting.

I look behind me at the desolated village beneath me.

Everyone I've gotten to know here in this village is dead. There's no one but me, Vert and Violet, now….

Qrow and Amber help pull Vert and myself into the Bullhead. Vert gently lays me down on the floor. Violet kneels beside me and stares in horror at the wounds I got.

"D-Daddy?" she stuttered. "A-Are you o-okay?"

I can hear that she wants to cry.

I give her as reassuring a smile as I can muster and pat her cheek.

"D-Don't worry, sweetie. I-It's just a flesh wound."

Violet smacked my head.

"Ow! Violet?!"

"Don't lie to me, Daddy."

…Okay, fine. My wounds are bad. I was just trying to reassure her, damn it!

"I-I'll be fine, really," I reiterate. "Just need to get to a hospital or something."

Qrow chimed in. "We're heading towards Beacon Academy, so you can get treated there."

Heh…not the way I wanted to finally see Beacon, but as the old saying goes: beggars can't be choosers.

Vert stared down at the massive horde of Grimm that were destroying everything in sight.

Suddenly, the pilot's voice sounded off. "We're heading out now. I'm picking up on possible Nevermores and Griffons heading this way."

Vert pulled out a long and slightly large odd-looking arrow from his pack.

"Hold on a moment…there's one last thing I need to do."

Vert held out his bow and drew the odd-looking arrow back. He aimed at the middle of the village, where the Grimm were more numerous….

And let it fly.

Qrow raised an eyebrow. "Just what was that supposed to-?"

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

I and everyone else watched in complete shock at the size of the explosion.

It had started in the middle, then spread out in a spherical explosion that engulfed any Grimm unable to outrun the blast. It continued to spread until the entire village was engulfed.

Smoke rose from the destruction as the Grimm who had managed to outrun the blast were howling and scattering about.

We slowly turned to Vert, who hummed at the display.

"Well…this was the first test, but I can safely say that it was a complete success."

Qrow gawked. "You had an arrow like that on you?!"

Vert shrugged. "I did…the only one of its kind, though. Gonna have to get the materials needed to make another one, but the results are worth it."

…I need to remember to never get on Vert's bad side.

Violet, Vert and I stared sadly at what used to be our home. Qrow took out his flask and drunk from it, while Amber could only stare at her own feet.

She probably feels responsible for what happened…gonna have to remind her that it wasn't her fault.

It was mine.

I chose to involve myself in affairs that weren't my own.

I chose to save Amber rather than let half her powers get taken.

I chose to cross Cinder and Salem.

And everyone in the village payed the price for it.

How does choosing to help the Fall Maiden result in the death of an entire village?

Does…does that seem fair?

Or right?


A/N: …Well? Does it?

Because of my (Colt's) decision…everyone I know in the village is dead, except for Vert and Violet.

That…that can mentally scar a person. Will I be able to bounce back?

I don't even know because I haven't written it out yet.

So yeah…that'll be a blast to write out, I guess.

Now, obviously Violet was gonna live…anyone who thought she wouldn't make it should be ashamed of themselves for doubting the adorable girl….

Just kidding. It's understandable if you thought that she would die.

As for Vert…yeah, I was conflicted as to whether or not I'd kill him off during this massacre. I was writing this chapter out and…I somehow wrote it so that he'd survive.

I mean, seriously. He could have and probably should have died at the hands of the Grimm, maybe using that special arrow I introduced to take himself out as well as any Grimm that charged at him. Hell, one of you even made a good case as to why he should have died.

In the end, I couldn't do it. Vert's here to stay…for now.

In any case…don't you think Vert deserves some answers as to why this happened? Maybe even get revenge…or try to?

Fenrir's dead…not much else to say about that, really.

And finally…Amber.

Yep, your thoughts in your reviews (which were numerous by the way! I'm so happy!) have been taken into account in my decision as to whether Amber lives or dies.

In the end…I stuck with my original plan and made sure Amber lived and made it to Vale, specifically Beacon, I guess, since that's where we're going.

Where I will undoubtedly meet with the rest of the Ozluminati….

So, let's see: the aftermath of the massacre, meeting with the Ozluminati, and add to that my possible depression over the result of my decision and whatever Cinder and co. discuss in a secret hideout or something….

Not a bad way to end the "Intervention" arc, huh? Next comes the "Aftermath" arc.

Also, I still don't know if I should change the rating to "M".

There will unfortunately be no omake this time. After writing this chapter…I just don't have it in me to write any Violet and Uncle Torchwick shenanigans.

I'll see about getting back to it next chapter.

If you liked this story and want to be kept up to date, be sure to follow and fav. Leave a review to tell me your thoughts. Trust me. I really want to hear your thoughts about this chapter.

Now…if you all will excuse me, I intend to go watch Deepwater Horizon at a local movie theater.

LATERS!