Chapter 81
It was a few minutes after that Jason called back. Granted, it was pretty clear that the situation he and the other Argonauts are in didn't change. If anything, the video showed that everyone is still cramped and just as uncomfortable as before. But it seems they managed to position themselves in a way that wasn't as tight as before. Or at the very least, are tolerating their current state to make their current call without interruption. So while the video call showed the Argonauts in still cruddy positions, it seemed they stayed quiet regardless while making minimal movement.
"..." Though it seems things still got rather awkward. Primarily, when Jason made his call again where he then saw Ozpin. "Uhh…hey Masters." Along with the Fujimaru siblings who gave Jason an unimpressed look. After all, some of this mess had been caused by Jason after all.
"Yo." Ritsuka just waved at Jason, all while smirking.
"How have you been doing?" Gudako smirked as well. All while Da Vinci herself gave Jason a kind smile.
"Hey Jason." Hey eyes didn't match that smile one bit. As the genius herself happened to be quite upset with how Jason caused property damage in Chaldea. Which she had to fix and was far from easy. "You look well."
"Hi." Mash just gave Jason a smile for comfort.
Naturally, Jason knew he had to be careful with what he had to say. Especially since when he made the call, he never expected Chaldea of all people to be there in Ozpin's office. It was undoubtedly that they wanted answers while probably punishing him if they got a chance.
"Ah. Nice to see you guys. But we can't have any peasantry talk right now. We're in an emergency situation." Thank goodness that Jason could ignore answering such questions as technically, there's a problem that must be solved. "I'm afraid I'll need to deal with you later."
"Ohhhh." Of course, Da Vinci just looked irritated that Jason was trying to weasel his way out of this. "Don't think you can act like we're not important Jason." Raising a finger at the Saber, Da Vinci said, "We will talk about what you did. Maybe not know, but later." The Masters just gave Jason a comforting grin with some amusement seen in their eyes. Even Fou looked at the scene with mirth at Jason's expense.
"Alright then," While Ozpin found this all to be a bit funny, with even Glynda giving a chuckle and Oobleck a smirk, business needed to be dealt with first. "Now, I'm sure everyone is wondering about many things now. From how Chaldea is here and so much more, but for now, we need to focus on the task at hand."
"Mmm, fine." While still vexed, Da Vinci knew that right now, hearing whatever report Jason had is important. But she gave herself a mental note to deal with Jason when things calmed down. She won't let him get away from responsibility.
Something Jason knew as he dreaded the inevitable conversation later. Heck, his own teammates just looked away like it wasn't their problem. But for now, time to get back to work and the situation at hand.
"Alright, fine." Focusing, Jason cleared his throat to give his report. While still surprised on how and when the Masters got to Beacon, better to talk about the events at Mistral first. "So yeah, the Argonauts and I made it to Mistral as planned. Where we discovered the situation in the city…well…"
Before Jason could answer, Caenis did for him. "It sucked."
With the others giving their two cents in as well.
"So much disease that could walk was allowed to exist for far too long." Asclepius hissed while thinking about Gilles and Avenger.
"There were many Grimm and Demonic Beasts all over." Atalanta reported. "Many surrounding the city with hybrids are also seen. Created by Gilles and Salem."
"But with the White Fang's help, things went really smoothly." Medea (Lily) complimented the former terrorist organization. "They have their priorities straight. We even got help from Roman Torchwick and his Servants."
"We even eliminated many of those foolish Servants on the hag's side." Castor, joining in as well, bragged. Feeling pride for what he and the team accomplished. "Naturally, they stood no chance against us. Especially my sister."
"Oh, brother." Pollux chuckled while Heracles gave a thumbs up that everything went well.
"Wait, White Fang? Aren't they the bad guys?" Though those part of Chaldea, who barely knew much of the present situation, had a tougher time understanding things. With Gudako who thought the White Fang were still the bad guys.
"Hybrids?" Same with Ritsuka, along with the rest. "What does that even look like? Like…Grimm Chickens?"
Nearby, Ozpin also looked a little confused. Thankfully, he understood more of what Jason meant and nodded. Though looked worried when the mention of hybrids was told. To think that Salem would delve into such a practice like Merlot. That wasn't good, as who knew what kind of abominations she could make with such unnatural combinations. Though it seems there was good news in the end.
"You said you took care of Salem's Servants?" Nearby, Chaldea really wanted to know which Servants are apparently working for the woman that framed them. But they opted to stay silent for now.
"Well, most of them." Jason frowned while the others with him also appeared rather dissatisfied."It wasn't easy, but we took all but Avenger down." Well that wasn't good. While Ozpin is glad that many of the enemy Servants have been dealt with, the fact that Salem's most potentially dangerous Servant is still active is quite worrisome. The old wizard has faced Avenger with Qrow, a veteran Huntsman, and Ana, a powerful Servant of her own right. Only for all three to lose all while Avenger played with them whilst laughing.
'Hopefully we can deal with him later.' Ozpin thought before saying, "At the very least, you dealt with many troublesome foes. Though if I may, can you give a thorough briefing of what happened when you arrived in Mistral."
"Aw, when we landed." Jason understood.
"Landed?" Though Medea (Lily) obviously didn't catch on or understand. Saying to Jason's horror, "Didn't the ship we stole from Ironwood crash; and and then blew up?"
"..." Jason began sweating, averting his gaze from Ozpin who sighed.
"Glynda."
"Yes Ozpin."
"How much do those battleships usually cost?" Ozpin knew many things, but even he didn't bother paying attention to the pricing of such expensive military gear. Though he doubted it would be cheap.
"Over a billion Lien and so on." Glynda gave the grave news with Ritsuka and Gudako flinching. Mash already feeling bad for Jason who in turn began turning pale.
"...Well then," Ozpin grabbed Glynda's scroll and made a note there. "It seems, your 'highness', that Vale will be in debt to Atlas in more ways than one." He then handed it back to Glynda. "I look forward to hearing whatever proposal you have in clearing the cost." As Jason cursed his bad luck, Ozpin began pondering ways on how long he could delay the news of the crashed carrier. Though he had a feeling it'll be heard by James sooner or later.
Anyway, after a bit Jason soon began explaining what happened when arriving in Mistral.
After the crash landing, they met the White Fang who were now a force of good. Putting aside their usual operations and helping people, both faunus and humans while learning of the two Servants with the White Fang who helped them out. Defending the people as the kingdom had been surrounded by Grimm and Demonic Beasts, no doubt Salem's doing to cause fear and discord.
The Argonauts then met Adam properly and helped him out in liberating the flight district under countless criminal gangs control. Doing so, when the time came, the White Fang could evacuate the kingdom on the countless Bullheads and aircraft when things slowly went to hell. Even meeting up with Salem's cronies and facing them off for a bit.
Gudako, Ritsuka and Mash looked down at that, with Da Vinci giving a sad look when hearing that part of the story. It made sense. While they knew some Servants had gone more than a little rogue, they had hoped and assumed that they'd be like Okita or those like EMIYA in Beacon. Still helping out humanity.
So it was a tough pill to swallow hearing that the Servants were willingly helping Salem to cause destruction and fear. Or supposedly willingly anyway, as Medea (Lily) did claim that Avenger had potentially done something to cause the Servant's shift in alliance. Not that it made the gang feel much better as they still needed to be put down.
Resuming on, after that little fight the criminal gangs were wiped and the flight district now freed, the Argonauts moved on. Where they met a certain criminal they knew-and kinda worked with in the past-Roman Torchwick. Who, aside from looking like Robin Hood, actually had multiple Servants with him. Jack the Ripper. The child Hundred Persona. Nursery Rhyme. Abigail Williams. Four Servants all willingly working with him for some reason.
With Jack and Abigail helping the Argonauts who broke into Haven Academy and faced the enemy Servants and countless Grimm and hybrids. Killing each and every single one aside from Avenger and EMIYA (Alter), all the way to facing Salem herself.
"And…did you kill her?" Ozpin then asked with anticipation. Glynda and Oobleck, who had been told a while ago, all eager to know.
"Kill her?" Of course, once again though through no fault of their own, Chaldea is confused. "I mean, she looks weird-and freak-but isn't Salem a normal person?" Gudako asked Glynda who decided to give a small explanation.
"It's oversimplifying things, but in normal circumstances, Salem can't be killed by time." From what Glynda understood, Salem didn't age like a regular person. Being like a Grimm, ageless. Though the timorous look on Ozpin's face might say otherwise, considering he had hid a few things.
"Like hell we could." Something Jason decided to call out on here and now. "When we faced that bitch, we attacked her as best we could. Granted, some attacks failed and I was willing to assume maybe she just blocked some of the attacks I made." Like the grenade he threw that exploded. "But that all changed when she came out after Jack cut her in pieces and a whole bunch of destructive goop fell on her."
Jason then sent an image on the video chat to show what he meant. Everyone in the office seeing what may as well be the most massive Grimm on Remnant. A huge whale-like Grimm that could fly and the size of multiple city blocks while dwarfing any Atlasian aircraft they had.
"Damn." Ritsuka looked at the huge Grimm. "That's…a lot bigger than I thought."
"I don't think even a Servant can kill it. Unless they have the right Noble Phantasm." Gudako commented as she's amazed by the size of this creature. Not even Fafnir could reach such a height like this thing.
Fou just growled, not liking the beast with Mash petting him. "Don't worry Fou." She told the little beast. "I'm sure it can be dealt with. It just won't be easy." There were probably a few Servants that would be eager to try anyway.
"Hm. Quite large. Even more than the Machine Gods." Da Vinci analyzed the Grimm and decided that if she got the chance, scan it later to see just how dangerous it could be. "But moving on," However, there are other matters right now. "You said Salem didn't die?"
Ozpin's grip on the Long Memory tightened.
"No." Jason repeated himself. "After we ran with EMIYA (Alter), she just came out of nowhere looking healthy as before. Not a mark on her despite being lacerated multiple times with goop that melted Haven Academy." Yeah, such an act would normally kill most people. If anything, there shouldn't have even been a body left.
"But, that should be impossible. Unless…" Glynda then turned to Ozpin, who was silent. "Ozpin?"
"..." With an indecisive expression, Ozpin just looked at Jason on the screen and asked, "I…Had assumed your group was capable of killing immortals." EMIYA and Blackbleard claimed themselves that some Servants like EMIYA had weapons dealing with immortals. So Ozpin had hoped the Argonauts had the same capability.
"What?" Jason frowned. "Are you kidding me? None of us here can do that?" I mean, yes the group has Heracles who did slay an immortal Hydra, which was awesome. But otherwise, the Argonauts lacked two things in this situation. One: a weapon to deal with immortals. And two, "When you told us she was immortal, we thought it was the eternal youth type of thing."
That being the knowledge of what type of immortality Salem had.
Up until now, everyone had been under the assumption Salem was a powerful being with eternal youth. The halting of proper aging. Even those in Ozpin's circle thought so, as when Ozpin explained Salem's existence, they assumed Salem just didn't age like the Grimm themselves. So naturally, the Argonauts were blindsided that Salem could apparently regenerate or something from the killer damage she was given. Thus all of them had been caught off guard when she appeared looking as she did before while Salem killed EMIYA (Alter).
"Ouch. We know what that's like." Ritska, with a frown, said as he recalled past enemies. "Trying to defeat someone-"
"-only for them to have some damn invulnerability we didn't know about." Gudako finished while expressing slight anger. Remembering the time they realized Tiamat lacked a concept of death. Goetia's version. Heck, facing and battling Servants with invulnerability which made things complicated. Gudako then gave Ozpin a comforting look. "We know what that's like. It sucks."
"R-...Right." Ozpin coughed. "I admit, facing her has been difficult." Especially when she doesn't show up in centuries at certain times. Why, Ozpin hasn't seen her in over four hundred years by this point.
Granted, this was really all an excuse that he did know of Salem's type of immortality. And while it's true he did believe the Argonauts had some aptness in being able to kill her, the fact is he didn't tell them the truth of her indestructibility to regenerate no matter what. Lacking the foresight at that moment, to caught up that they could kill an immortal, to tell them Salem's actual immortality.
Thankfully, it seems they'll never find out.
"Don't worry Ozpin. We understand why you likely didn't realize this." Mainly because now everyone believes that Ozpin himself never knew. With Oobleck being the first to buy into it. The doctor patted Ozpin and said, "You have admitted the times you battled her were few. Why, it's understandable you never realized she could regenerate or whatever it is that allows her to continue existing."
"We've all been there." Mash nodded as she knew what it was like to face the unexpected. "But at least now we know."
"And we can come up with a better plan to deal with Salem now." Da Vinci encouraged everyone that not all hope was lost. "If anything, we have lots of weapons that should be capable of dealing with her."
"Y-Yes. Ahem. T-Thank you." Taking this chance, though guiltily, Ozpin quickly chose to follow through on everyone's presumption that he never knew of Salem's actual immortality. Admittingly, it was evading his own mistakes and misconduct, but were he to explain the truth now it might bring up some very bad tensions that could hinder their teamwork.
Of course, Jason seems a little dubious on the matter though said nothing. If anything, they needed to focus back on the original topic. Primarily, Salem's arrival. "Alright, enough of this. We need to focus, especially since that witch is coming with her massive pet whale and is heading to Vale itself. Or Beacon anyway." Not that it wasn't any better. Especially since the city is still recovering with Beacon already having its hands full with the countless civilians and the repairs after the battle with Merlot's forces.
All that may soon face Salem's pet abomination and whatever army she's bringing with her.
"The good news is that it'll probably be a while before she arrives." Speaking this time wasn't Jason, but Atalanta.
"Is it that slow?" Mash asked, having seen the image of the whale just like everyone else and wondered if it was just faster than it looked.
"Nope. It's slow." Atalanta confirmed.
"Girl's right." Caenis supported Atalanta though still has a frown on her face. "That thing isn't exactly going at a snail's pace, but a regular Bullhead could beat it in a race." So they had time, especially seeing as Mistral and Vale are on different continents. It'll be a while before Salem arrives and does whatever business she had here before moving on.
"I give you all about a little over a week. Maybe two if you're lucky." Castor huffed. "She seems to be taking her sweet time, seeing as she wants to show off her little pet all over to the people."
"And causing more panic and fear." Oobleck sighed. "No doubt a way to get people to protect themselves and just themselves." The doctor looked at Ozpin. "What do you think the chances are that the other two kingdoms can't help us?" Before Ozpin could reply, Ritsuka spoke first.
"Hold up." Waving his hands, he got their attention. Leaning forward slightly and asking, "It's not as if Mistral is destroyed…right?"
"The kingdom, no." Ozpin answered the young Master. "But thanks to Salem, the main city itself has clearly been taken over with many people having already left thanks to the White Fang." Meaning the city of Mistral will be abandoned with only Grimm and Demonic Beasts there. The only good thing was that most, if not all, of the citizens have left and are going to other cities across the continent of Anima. Still, such an act will soon be heard by everyone else with Salem taking advantage of it.
"Then we best get ready." With a triumphant look on her face, Da Vinci got off the chair and seemed ready for a fight. "With Chaldea's help, we can aid you in stopping Salem."
"Really?" While grateful, Glynda seems puzzled by this declaration. "But doesn't your organization have your own problems to deal with?" I mean, they came here to figure out why the Grimm arrived on their world. Helping them stop Salem didn't seem connected to their goal.
"It's just what we do. Right senpai?" Mash looks at Ritsuka and Gudako with an assuring look, the two doing the same. If someone needs help, then Chaldea will gladly assist them. Lending a hand to those in need is simply in their nature.
"Great!" With Jason more than happy for their help. "Then with Chaldea, the remaining forces in Vale, along with the Argonauts and I coming over, we'll show Salem a thing or two before putting her down."
"We should still be cautious though." Asclepius then spoke up while turning to the Masters. Telling them, "Word of advice Masters, during our battle with her, EMIYA (Alter) used an anti-magecraft which did nothing to her. So it's safe to say some immortal killing weapons may or may not work on her."
"Huh?" Gudako leaned back with slight confusion and a frown. "But how-oh, right. Different world, different rules." Though EMIYA should still have something that helps. Plus, there were countless Servants all around Remnant where some might have an ability or two to easily deal with Salem. "At the very least we have time to figure out what to do."
"Along with sending the civilians and those incapable of fighting to Vale." Ozpin added as he knew that they needed to get the non-combatants away from here. "Thankfully, some buildings have been restored along with shelter." It wasn't perfect of course, but better than nothing either.
"Great." Da Vinci put both hands on her hips. "Then all that's left is getting the Servants here organized and perhaps getting in contact with the other Servants within the remaining kingdoms." Plus tell the members brought here back in the Storm Border what's up. The small Servant then turned to Jason while asking, "I'm assuming you and the Argonauts are already on your way here?"
"Yep." Jason nodded. "Although-"
With a frown, Jason muttered, "-it's not smooth sailing."
"You can say that again." Pollux snarks with the other Argonauts in agreement.
After Salem left, the Argonauts quickly realized they needed a way back to Vale. Thankfully, they managed to find Adam before he left with everyone else. Even catching a glimpse of Jack and Abigail, who clearly made it out alright. Where, out of gratitude, the bull faunus offered them a ride to go back to Vale.
Buuuuut, he made it clear that since they needed as many aircraft and vehicles to evacuate, he could only give them something fast but small. In this case, a small Bullhead that should only hold two passengers. Not eight. Needless to say, cramming themselves into this floating tin can was tough and awkward for all of them. Quite frankly, Jason pondered if they should have just found another way to get back.
"We'll be in Vale much sooner than Salem." Jason told those on the other side of the conversation. "But for now, I guess you should prepare like my good lackey told you." Man was being king good. And no way will Jason let Salem attack his kingdom without a good fight.
"Yes, my lord." Ozpin said sarcastically though would do his job nonetheless. Nodding, Jason got ready to hang up when suddenly, Da Vinci spoke to him.
"Oh, one more thing, Jason." She had that tone, one that made Jason feel something bad was about to happen. "You mentioned how you killed all but Avenger. But if I recall, you also mentioned the Hassans. So," Da Vinci crossed her arms. "What happened to them?"
"Huh. Didn't we tell you." Deciding to repeat himself, Jason said, "Castor and Pollux beat them. After taking out No Name, he said those two were knocked out and then….then…" It was then Jason realized it with the other Argonauts realizing the same thing as well. "...oh." Primarily, they never bothered to grab them when the whale threw up its disgusting chunks. Having more or less…left them.
"Uhhhh, s-sorry, but there seems to be int-interference!" Jason then purposely stuttered while coughing.
"Like hell there is!" Da Vinci shouted. "Why I oughta-" Jason hung up.
"...you do realize that you'll have to deal with her sooner or later, right?" Asclepius asked with Jason slamming his head on the steering wheel.
"Yes. I do."
"Just thought I'd remind you."
"I feel so bad for the Hassans." Medea (Lily) looked sad with a small frown. "How could we forget about them?"
"Because we were running for our lives." Caenis reminded Medea (Lily). "Hard to think of anybody else when your life is in danger." Plus, those two are kinda forgettable. So they can be forgiven for failing to bring them with them. At the very least, their deaths were quick.
"Let's just move on." With Jason deciding to change topics. Speaking of another matter at hand. "So, does anybody see a bigger ride we can steal?" Mainly, getting a much more comfy ride.
It seems our heroes are finally about to meet up. With Salem coming, everyone needs to work together and gather whatever allies they can before Salem comes with Monstra and whatever nightmares she's bringing with her. So no point for infighting, with Ozpin barely getting scot-free for now from his secrets. Though someone will figure it out. The final battle is nearly here, and with it, the story.
Soon, everything will be done for. Just as the Hassans...or did they?
Mistral was now a ghost town. The only people left were the very same criminals that tried to hinder the movements of the evacuation process. Now, only Grimm and Demonic Beasts remained. Where, with Salem now moving on, both sides clashed with one another, destroying buildings and homes and causing damage all around. The biggest being the area around the former Haven Academy.
Little did most know, the goop Monstra dropped upon the earth had been not just destructive liquid. But also the type that spawned Grimm to life. Many Grimm that upon being 'born', rampaged and causing more damage on the mountains.
At the very least, nobody had to see such a sorry sight.
"Screw those Argonauts. I can't believe those assholes." Aside from Cursed Arm, or Grimm Arm in this case. The Servant grumbling and cursing the jerks that left him stuck in this miserable place. Behind him, without her mask, Serenity didn't look any better.
"We were freed…only to be left behind." The two remembered it all. How they were captured, manipulated by Avenger, then used by No Name to kill the Argonauts. Thankfully, Castor and Pollux had freed them when they killed No Name, who had been granted authority over them by Avenger. The two twins saved them…then leaving them while they were knocked out. Where when they woke up, they saw a massive amount of much falling down towards the building.
Their memories became a bit iffy after that. Primarily because both ran on instinct and went as fast as they could to escape such a horrible death. Now, after three hours since the giant whale left, the two Hassans tried to find a way out of this city only to realize they were too tired and needed Dust to fuel them.
It took them hours to find any. By the time they found a few crates in some storage sight, they learned the evacuation had finished by then. Thus the two were trapped here, where while there were a few Bullheads here and there, neither had the Riding Skill or actual skill to use the remaining vehicles to escape.
"When we see Jason, we're gutting him." Grimm Arm said with Serenity nodding. The two then take the long route out of the city in hopes of finding another city with people. Forced to fight monsters along the way all while being rather miserable. It'll be a while before they found civilization. A long while here in the continent of Anima.