Saturday, August 15
POV: Ruby
Team RWBY slowly made their way to the cafeteria. Ruby regained much of her previous composure thanks to her friends and Cerise. Just because she was cracked on the inside didn't mean people would be able to see it on the outside.
A small high-pitched roar made its way across the courtyard. Students were running away from one point on the far side. Soon enough, Ruby saw Cerise sprinting across the courtyard at her. Only a few seconds later the red dragon tackled her Rider to the ground. Both of them were laughing in their own ways. "Is this going to be a regular thing with you?" Ruby asked.
Yes, Cerise replied while backing off Ruby. Fun.
"Can't argue with that." Ruby stood up and dusted herself off. She caught a glimpse of Weiss rolling her eyes, yet at the same time trying to hold back a smile.
"Awww, they're so cute together!" The young Rider turned around and saw team JNPR walking up to her. Nora looked like she was about to pounce on Cerise while Ren was ready to hold her back if needed. Jaune wore that oblivious smile he always had around Beacon, and Pyrrha walked with her usual air of confidence. In other words, just a normal day for the team.
"Um, thanks?" Cerise made a noise her Rider couldn't place and moved behind Ruby as if to hide. Ruby put a hand on her dragon's head. They're friends, Cerise, she comforted.
"So Ruby, when where you going to tell us you had a dragon?" Jaune asked. He didn't sound offended or angry, just curious.
"Well, if all went according to plan…" Ruby thought it over. When did she want to introduce Cerise to the world? And why didn't she tell JNPR? Nora, right. She decided to go with something that seemed remotely sane. "…I would have ridden Cerise into the main courtyard when she was big enough to carry me. Looking back though, that seems like a bad idea."
"Why even hide her in the first place?" Pyrrha asked.
"She's shy, she didn't even like Yang for a while."
Yang shrunk down a little and rubbed the back of her neck. "I can't imagine why," she joked. Cerise snorted a puff of smoke in her direction, then let out a dragon's chuckle. "We're fine now though." Yang scratched behind one of the dragon's ears.
"Can she breathe fire?" Nora blurted out.
Ruby shook her head. "I don't think so yet, but I've never seen the smoke before, so it could be soon."
Not quite, a voice spoke in Ruby's head. Jaune looked like he was about to panic, while the rest of his team looked around confused. The rest of team RWBY smirked at their friend's confusion. Ruby turned around and saw Nalia slowly making her way across the courtyard. Dragons can puff smoke at quite an early age. Fire comes around six months of life. Cerise still has a long way to go.
Ruby slumped her shoulders, slightly disappointed. Jaune, meanwhile, took a step back. "Y-You can talk?" he stuttered.
Nalia snorted. Not like you know it, but yes, I can.
The young Rider looked back up at the green dragon. "Weren't you going to take Cerise out hunting again?"
No! Cerise said excitedly. You, Aaron, fight!
Ruby looked at her dragon, confused. "Um, what?"
Aaron wants to see how you fight, Nalia replied. You know the basics of everything else, now he needs to know how competent you are in battle.
Ruby smiled. "Of course! I've been wondering the same about him!" She took out her Scroll and started searching for times sparring arenas around Beacon were available.
"That could get interesting," Weiss said. "Aaron most likely has a style that has never before been seen around here. That combined with Ruby's…unique style could make an impressive fight."
"Mind if we all tag along?" Yang asked for everyone.
Nalia turned her head slightly to the side and her eyes unfocused slightly, probably talking with Aaron. After a few seconds she refocused on the group in front of her. We see no problem with having an audience. You are all welcome if you want to come.
"That's good, cause we were probably going to watch it either way." Came the voice of Zach, somewhat startling everyone, even the dragons.
"What do you mean by that? We would see you instantly. No offence, but a seven-foot-tall walking tank isn't exactly stealthy." Weiss said, with a bit of venom in her voice. Not enough to be noticed by most people, but enough for a trained ONI operative to notice. Especially one that has the ability to hear people's thoughts.
"Simple. Sniper Scopes and Active Camo." Zach said, as David pulled out Avenger, and Sakura turned invisible for a second. "Only reason we would do it is to find out what we could be dealing with later on."
"There's an outdoor sparring arena open in an hour on the other side of the dorms," Ruby announced, having ignored Zach. She tapped a button on her Scroll and booked the arena. "Now it's ours. That should leave us with enough time to eat."
"Mind if we join you?" Jaune asked, warily eyeing Nalia.
"Of course not. I'm sure Aaron would love to meet you guys. He doesn't really know anyone here besides us anyway." With that, the three teams and dragons walked together to the cafeteria. The conversation turned to the final exams they all had. They all hated that Professor Port had a few questions on his various exaggerated adventures, and that Doctor Oobleck had a strict time limit which made answering at least two questions per minute mandatory. Except team Gray, but considering they almost always wore their highly advanced armors in classes that require notetaking, or at least a helmet, which had been said to be able to record what they see, that wasn't exactly surprising.
Many people along the way stared at the dragons walking across campus. Cerise positioned herself between Ruby and Nalia as if they provided some protection. Ruby placed a comforting hand on her dragon's shoulder. Cerise, what's wrong?
People, stares, no like, Cerise whined.
Ruby sighed. They're just curious. They've never seen a dragon before.
Weapons. Scared… Cerise looked over at Yang, ...they like Yang.
Ruby gasped. Weiss looked over at her teammate, but Ruby shrugged her off. Ruby wondered how she could miss her dragon's fear of people. Cerise, no one here will attack you, Ruby comforted. They have no reason to and they would get in trouble if they do. Anyway, they would be stupid to attack when you're surrounded by the best first year teams and another dragon that can take down Deathstalkers like they're nothing. Cerise nodded, but still focused on the ground directly in front of her.
The group arrived at the Cafeteria and met Aaron outside. The older Rider apologized to team JNPR for his shortness with them the day before. "I had a long day yesterday," he said. "I just wanted to be alone and clear my thoughts."
Everyone who could fit through the doors entered the cafeteria and started talking. Aaron explained to JNPR the basics of where he was from and what a dragon Rider is, while leaving out is personal backstory. He also told them about the Fall and how he ended up in Remnant, leaving out any mention of magic. Ruby listened intently to see if she missed anything before, but she learned nothing new.
"There's something that isn't making sense to me," Pyrrha said. "If the Dragon Riders were among the best warriors in Alagaësia, how could so few take down so many?"
All eyes turned to Aaron. That question had been in the back of Ruby's mind as well. The older Rider sighed. "Superior tactics, ambushes, and trickery. Those the Traitor recruited were masters of the blade. We didn't stand a chance." He shook his head. "Enough of my sob story. What exactly is there to do around here except attend school and eat?"
"Well, if you're a cultured sort of person," Weiss answered immediately, "the theater scene in Vale is one of the best in the world. I don't know if you've been down Main Street in your time here, but it is home to some of the most revered theaters anywhere. Not even the Orphway in Mistral can compare."
Aaron nodded. "I don't think there's a Rider who doesn't have respect for the fine arts."
"Uh, Weiss," Yang said, "the VMC is on third."
"I'm not talking about a movie theater, you airhead!"
Yang laughed. "Anyway, I'm sure you've seen by now that we have moving pictures by now right? Well, movie theaters play what we call 'movies,' which has the same principle of the theaters I'm sure you're used to, but not live, and can be so much more exciting."
"I don't know, I've seen some exciting dramas in Ileria."
The blonde smirked. "Have there been explosions on stage? Major battles between thousands of people? Spaceships?"
Aaron raised an eyebrow. "Spaceships?"
Yang's smirk turned into a full-blown smile. "Well, it looks like I'll have to introduce you to Galaxy Wars at some point."
"Originals first, sis," Ruby chipped in.
"Is there any other way?"
Jaune let out an exasperated sigh. "What is everyone's problem with Bar Bar?" Everyone at the table looked at him with concern, except Weiss who grimaced, Aaron who didn't know who Bar Bar Jinks was, and team Gray, who just didn't seem to care, or just weren't paying any attention, with Gregor even having begun cleaning one of his guns. "What?"
"Anyway," Ruby began to change the topic, "there's Forrest View on the other side of the city. It's one of the largest amusement parks in the world, and it has thirteen roller coasters."
Nora perked up and turned to Ren. "I know what we're doing tomorrow! We haven't been there in ages!"
Ren shrugged his shoulders. "Fine with me."
"What's a roller coaster?" Aaron asked.
"You have to ride one to really know," Ruby responded.
"I'd assume it's about as close to riding a dragon as normal people can get," Blake added.
Aaron raised his eyebrows at Blake. "Really? I'm really going to have to check that place out."
Ruby looked at the time on her Scroll. "We have about fifteen minutes to get to our sparring field."
"How long will it take to grab our weapons and make it to the site?" Aaron asked.
The younger Rider thought it over for a second then froze in place. "About fourteen." Ruby grabbed her food tray and ran to the dish return at a normal person's speed. She dumped the tray on the revolving return and made for the doors while the rest of the group was just standing up. As she left the building, Cerise ran alongside her. I'll meet you at the arena, the Rider thought at her dragon. She quickly thought over the map of campus in her head. Before she could tell Cerise directions though, she turned and started walking in the direction of the arena. Ruby slowed down and watched her dragon walk off. How did...What? Did I just show Cerise a map? She shrugged. It was entirely possible.
Ruby continued to her rocket locker and grabbed Crescent Rose from inside. She folded it up into the little box for carrying it discretely. Aaron and Nalia would get a kick out of the reveal. Ruby quickly made her way to the arena to try and get there on time. She didn't like being late and she didn't know what Aaron thought on the subject.
She made it to the Arena just in time to not be late. Aaron was on the main floor while everyone else, including the dragons, stood on the sidelines. "Cutting it a little close, aren't you Ruby?" Aaron called as the younger Rider made her way into the arena. The older Rider looked over the younger. "Where's your weapon?"
Ruby smirked. "Right here." She pulled the compacted Crescent Rose out of her pocket and pushed a button. The red and black sniper-scythe formed in her hand. She stuck the tip into the ground and smiled. "Aaron, this is Crescent Rose."
Aaron and Nalia gaped at the sight. "How is that possible? There's more material now than could possibly fit in that box!"
Ruby chuckled. "That's my secret. I don't just give that away to anyone."
You made that weapon yourself? Nalia asked, bewildered.
"Everyone here but Jaune made their own weapons."
"Actually, Riptide was a bit of a family heirloom, but I have made some modifications of my own to it." Percy said.
"Ve don't care." Gregor replied, only to be given the bird, getting a chuckle out of most everyone present.
Aaron looked around with a shocked look on his face. "You are all weapon smiths?" All the Beacon students nodded, except Jaune of course. "Impressive. The Riders only ever had one swordsmith. At a time." The last part sounded like it was added as an afterthought.
"Well let's see your sword," Ruby encouraged. Aaron shrugged and drew his sword. Ruby gasped. She just thought the scabbard was meant to match Nalia's scales, not the blade itself.
Aaron smiled at the blade. "This is Redemption, one of the last swords ever made for the Riders. It's forged from Brightsteel, the metal of a fallen star. Like all Rider's swords, it is nearly indestructible."
Ruby stared at the blade from her position in the Arena. "If I'm guessing right on the metal used, it's strong, but not that strong."
The smirk disappeared from Aaron's face. "Special techniques are used to enhance the strength." Ruby took the hint and dropped the topic. He apparently still didn't want JNPR to know about magic.
Aaron raised his sword into a defensive position. "Are you prepared?"
Ruby tugged on Crescent Rose and the point removed itself from the ground. "Are you?"
All remaining emotion drained from Aaron's face. "Then let us begin." He started circling around the arena watching Ruby carefully. Ruby decided to make the first move. She ran over to Aaron swinging Crescent Rose behind her. Aaron froze and place and rose Redemption. Ruby swung at her teacher, but he deflected it with surprising speed and strength. In the same motion, he twirled and elbowed Ruby in the face, or would have if her Aura allowed it. Still, Ruby reeled back. Before she could recover, she felt cold steel touch her neck. She froze in place, unwilling to move.
Aaron still wore the same emotionless face, which unnerved the younger Rider greatly. He lowered his sword after a few seconds. "I'm going to assume that you haven't warmed up and that was a careless mistake." He walked back to his original starting position while Ruby stood frozen in place.
Ruby looked over at those on the sidelines. Her teammates and JNPR wore expressions of amazement. Cerise looked worried for her Rider. Nalia, by contrast, had the same expressionless mask as Aaron. After a few seconds Ruby made her way back to her starting position and prepared for another fight.
The two Riders circled each other, neither making a move toward the other. Eventually Aaron lunged at Ruby, who caught the slash on the rifle part of Crescent Rose, just on the other side of the scope from her fingers. Aaron drew back and slashed again, this time at her right shoulder. Ruby blocked again, but only just. The older Rider attacked repeatedly, forcing the younger to stay defensive. Aaron swung a particularly strong slash toward the back of the rifle section which knocked the weapon out of one of Ruby's hands. Again, Aaron pointed the tip of his sword at his student's neck.
"Better," Aaron said as he lowered Redemption. "You haven't faced many sword users have you?"
"No," Ruby said. "How did you get so fast?"
"I've trained with elves. They are much faster and stronger than any normal person. I've even bested them on occasion." The emphasized words did not go over Ruby's head.
Both Aaron and Ruby returned to their starting locations. Ruby eyed her teacher carefully. If he was fast, she would have to be faster. She activated her Semblance and swung at Aaron. He blocked, but it was late, and he was forced back a few steps. Ruby rushed again and slashed at Aaron's torso. He blocked and was forced back, but he managed to get a swing at Ruby's cape before she could run off again.
Ruby changed tactics slightly. Aaron was perfectly capable at blocking a single speed attack, but what about multiple at close range? The younger rider charged the older and slashed multiple times. Aaron blocked them all, but only just. Just when Ruby thought she was getting the upper hand, Aaron slashed at her arms. Instead of Ruby's Aura absorbing the damage, the blade slammed full force into her arms. She yelped, dropped Crescent Rose and fell to her knees. This time, Aaron didn't place Redemption anywhere near Ruby's neck.
"Your Aura didn't block that?" he asked, genuinely concerned.
"It prevented the cut but that's about it," Ruby moaned. She heard Aaron whisper a few words, but didn't recognize any of them. When he was finished, the pain disappeared. Ruby sighed in relief.
"I'll keep that in mind." He paused and bit his lip. "You ready to be done for now? I can understand after that hit."
Ruby shook her head. "No. One more round. There's one more thing I'd like to show off." Aaron nodded hesitantly. He walked back to his spot and looked up at Nalia. An unheard conversation passed between them. Ruby returned to her own spot and ticked the safety off on Crescent Rose.
Once more, the two Riders faced each other. Aaron charged, which was exactly what Ruby wanted. She pointed Crescent Rose straight down and fired. The two Alagaësians could just stare at the girl who just flew twenty feet in the air. Ruby landed and dug the scythe end into the ground and lined up a shot. Aaron figured out what was coming and moved to get out of the way. Ruby tracked him and fired.
It was a good thing she missed Aaron's center of mass. The Dust round passed right through his shoulder.
Aaron screamed and fell to the ground, convulsing from the Lightning Dust. Nalia roared and jumped over to her Rider and stood over him. Those still standing in the sideline were frozen in place, trying to understand what just happened. Ruby was also frozen to the spot. She dropped Crescent Rose in shock. Gregor and Zach jumped up and ran to Aaron, with Gregor pulling a strange white box with a red symbol off of his left leg as he did so (the Tactical/Trauma Kit).
Nalia, while blocking Gregor and Zach from getting to Aaron, turned on Ruby with rage in her eyes. Why did you do that? the green dragon demanded. He bruises you and you try to remove his shoulder? What justice is that?
"I…I didn't…" Ruby stammered.
The angry dragon growled. You didn't think! That's the problem with all you two-legs, you don't think over your actions.
Cerise jumped in front of Ruby and growled back at Nalia. Ruby glanced back at the people on the sidelines. Except for team Gray, those that had their weapons had them aimed them at the green dragon. Nalia growled at the students. "Guys, weapons down!" Ruby yelled. "Don't make this worse." All but Yang slowly lowered their weapons and Nalia returned her attention to Ruby.
Nalia looked like she was about to give Ruby another mental lashing when she snapped her head to the underside of the wing on the far side of her body. Instead of the growls from a few seconds ago, she hummed comfortingly. She stayed in that position for several minutes. Eventually the green dragon stood up and took a few steps back.
Aaron stood in her place rolling his shoulder out. "I liked that jacket," he said as he removed the destroyed piece of clothing. "Anyone know a good tailor around here?"
Ruby hesitated before she spoke. "I'm sorry! That usually doesn't happen. I thought your wards would be able to deflect that." She slapped a hand over her mouth as she realized what she just said. Aaron said she wouldn't physically be able to speak about their training with anyone but her team, even accidentally. When did he approve of team JNPR? Only a few minutes before it sounded like he didn't. Then again, there wasn't a hole in his shoulder anymore.
The older Rider waved her off and walked in her direction. "I thought the same thing. There's no permanent damage, so no harm done. What was that you shot though?"
"A .50 caliber Lightning Dust round." Ruby grabbed Crescent Rose from the ground and removed the magazine. She took out another of the Dust rounds and handed it to Aaron. He turned it over in his hand and looked over every minor detail. Aaron mumbled something under his breath, most likely in the Ancient Language.
"Nalia, help me remember:" he said, "normal wards don't protect against Dust rounds." Aaron blinked rapidly like he just had an epiphany. He looked back at Nalia with a strange look on his face. "Normal wards don't protect against Dust rounds." Nalia's expression changed from guilty and concerned to hopeful in the span of two seconds. Aaron smiled like he just won the Vytal Festival Tournament. He turned back to Ruby. "You may have just given us a chance at reclaiming Alagaësia."
POV: Aaron
Aaron walked back to the warehouse with team RWBY and team Gray. Team JNPR made their excuses and left the group shortly after they exited the arena, with Jaune looking sick. Aaron stared at the Lightning Dust round in his hand. This could be the key to taking down Galbatorix, he thought to Nalia. The problem is how do we get enough back to Alagaësia.
And getting close enough to use it, Nalia said. He will know we're coming from miles away, and will most likely attack us while behind the Forsworn, and the army he's built up.
True, but we at least have a chance now. When we're ready, we'll go back. Aaron returned his attention to the warehouse. Luckily no more additions had been added, at least, none visible on the outside. He still wasn't sure if he trusted Ozpin or not. The man was too kind, too insightful. The only ones Aaron knew were genuinely like that adopted him seven years ago.
The group entered the warehouse and sealed the doors behind them. "You have a name for this place yet?" Yang asked.
"No, why" Aaron asked.
"It's not exactly a warehouse anymore, and it isn't just another building."
Weiss rolled her eyes. "Does everything have to have its own name?" she asked. Aaron smirked. She had no idea.
"How about the Dragonhouse?" Ruby chipped in. "It's simple enough."
"It's too simple sis. Come on, you can do better."
"Actually," Aaron interrupted, "I think it fits. This is about the size of a typical dragon's house back home. There could be worse anyway."
Yang shrugged. "Whatever floats your boat."
The older Rider turned semi-serious. "Now, will someone tell me why you all insisted on coming here?"
Ruby rubbed the back of her neck. "I told my team about the other eggs, and they were…curious. I don't know about team Gray, though."
"Did you now?" Aaron sighed. He saw this coming a league away. The thing he didn't know was if Ruby could take the probable rejection of her teammates. He looked over at the unbonded women. "I'm going to tell you what I was told the day I was first brought before the eggs in Tierm. Being a Dragon Rider isn't about adventure or glory. It's about protecting people, whether it's from war, crime, disease, or themselves. It's a lifetime commitment and responsibility, and I'm sure Ruby has filled you in on how long that life can be."
"When you put it like that, being a Rider is not too different from being a huntress," Blake said. "I don't really see the negatives."
"I agree with Blake," Weiss said. "If anything, the two can build off each other."
"I just want to get better and better," Yang said, but lacking some of her usual confidence. "Having a dragon by my side would help with that a lot." Her eyes flicked over to Ruby for a fraction of a second. Aaron knew there was more to Yang's reason, and he couldn't argue with it. Family was important no matter where you're from.
"And you guys?" Aaron said, looking at team Gray.
"We were planning on going a bit more in depth as to our true origins and such." Zach replied.
Aaron nodded, then said to _WBY. "Then you all will be brought before the eggs." Nalia knelt down beside him and he removed the saddle bag that held the two eggs. He walked over to a now clean, table height ledge hanging off the wall. The unbonded members of team RWBY followed the older Rider, while Ruby, Cerise, Nalia, and team Gray hung back. Aaron placed the eggs on the ledge a few feet apart. He turned back to face the women. "Just place you hand on each egg for a few seconds. That will give the dragon inside enough time to see if you are worthy.
"Blake, you first." Blake stepped forward and placed a hand on the green egg. She held it there for a few seconds, then moved on to the golden. Out of all the girls, Aaron thought Blake was the least likely to become a Rider. It wasn't something with her personality, but the fact that she was a Faunus. The bond with dragons was only tied to elves and humans. Faunus are half animal, but the half human part may be enough.
"Weiss, you're next." The heiress walked up to the eggs and went through the same process. If Aaron was right, Weiss wanted to make a name for herself. He saw many of the same actions and attitudes among younger Riders and regular humans. Weiss most likely had a rough childhood and wanted to overshadow her parents. Then again, from the little time that he'd known her, Aaron saw she had a warm and caring heart under the cold exterior.
"Yang, you're up." The blonde placed her hand on the green egg, then moved to the gold. She paused with her hand hovering a few inches above the egg and cast a sideways glance at Ruby and Cerise. Yang finally placed her hand on the egg and held it there for a long time. She backed off after about twenty seconds, four times as long as any other placement.
As for Yang's chances, she seemed the most likely and one of the least for an egg to hatch for her. At least some of her motivation was unknown. If she really wanted to get better, there were plenty of other ways to do it, and most of them were less dangerous. However, she appeared to be the only one to really want an egg to hatch for her. Was that, and the golden egg's relation to Cerise enough?
"So how long until we know if one of us has been chosen?" Blake asked.
"Hatching times can vary from a few hours to a few weeks," Aaron said. "The eggs will also only hatch if their Rider is near. I suggest you all come by here at least once per day for the next two or three weeks."
"Why don't we take the eggs back to our room?" Weiss asked.
Aaron shook his head. "Nalia and I are responsible for the eggs' safety. I already failed with Cerise' egg, I'm just glad it turned out to be a happy failure. No, the eggs will stay with us."
The girls nodded. "Well, we're going to be here a while," Yang said. "Anyone got Scrollflix? Aaron needs to see Galaxy Wars."
"Wars isn't on there, Trek is though," Weiss said.
Yang put a hand over her eyes. "Not another Trek is better rant."
While the two girls argued, Aaron made his way over to his student. "Ruby, can I talk to you and Cerise for a second?" He gestured to the far side of the Dragonhouse.
"Sure," she said. The two Riders and the red dragon walked together to the empty corner. Nalia positioned herself between the group and the rest of the girls. "What's this about?"
"I must apologize for something I did yesterday." Aaron rubbed the back of his neck. "In the clearing, I was paying close attention to Cerise' condition, and I heard her first word."
Ruby made a confused face while Cerise growled. The younger Rider looked down at her dragon. "Is it that big of a deal?"
It is, Nalia responded. A bonded dragon's first words are intended for his or her Rider, and only the Rider. Those that hear, intentionally or not, are subject severe punishment from the offended dragon and Rider.
Ruby blinked several times and her jaw dropped slightly. "How severe?"
"Anything short of dismemberment," Aaron responded in a flat tone.
Ruby looked down at Cerise and an unheard conversation passed between them. The young Rider shook her head a few times, then Cerise nodded once. "Well, you were making sure Cerise was alright, and I did almost take your arm off earlier, so we're even."
Aaron sighed. "Thank you Ruby. That is all I wanted to say for now."
"I do have a few questions though. Is it possible to send pictures in my head to Cerise?"
"Of course. In fact, that's a wild dragon's primary form of communication. You'd be surprised how many times it's more useful than just using words."
"One more thing," Ruby paused, "do you think either of the eggs will hatch for them?"
Aaron closed his eye and dipped his head. "Only time will tell."
POV: Zach
After Ruby and Aaron had rejoined the group, Zach was about to speak, when his armor formed a familiar hologram of a man in cobalt blue Mjolnir Mark IV power armor.
"What is that?" Aaron asked, his hand on the handle of his sword, ready to draw it if needed.
"Zach, all of Gray team really, if you're seeing this, then that means you're still alive and kicking asses, probably literally in some cases." Church said. This received a few chuckles out of Gray team and Sakura looking at the hologram like she wanted to commit murder against it.
"I've had a lot of fun with you guys over the years. The 3 years of the war that I was assigned to you for, the 9 years after it, and especially the, unanimously agreed upon, 3 years spent with Fairy Tail. You may have pissed me off repeatedly, but I came to think of you like family. I know you did too. But A.I.s like myself don't last."
"No, don't you dare say that it's the end of the road for you. I still haven't gotten payback for that incident in 2558." Percy said.
"I was nearly at the end of my ability to function when we found Fairy Tail, and it was a miracle that I hadn't kicked the can before that point. The only reason that I didn't hit rampancy during those 3 years is because I found a way to use the ethernano in the air there to extend my lifespan. But here, there's not enough in the air, and I can't just draw from your Origin. At this time, I'm unable to delete myself, and rampancy has begun to set in, so I've done the next best thing, I've isolated myself. The firewalls I have in place will only come down two years after I set them up, if I manage to get lucky and survive rampancy, or if I end up getting deleted during it."
"No." Sakura said quietly, the tone of her voice indicating that she was on the verge of tears, which most of the SPARTANs in the room likely were.
"It's been an honor serving with SPARTANs like you, and I wish you the best of luck with what those three old hags decide to throw at you next. I know this ain't how you would have wanted it to go, but that's life."
"And ain't that a bitch."