For those of you just getting a new chapter post for the first time, thank you for favoriting my story. It means a lot to me, but first let's recap what happened last chapter.
Jacques Schnee won the election thanks to Watts and Tyrian who then framed Galen for Tyrian's massacre. Now, Galen Marek is now a wanted criminal and you can bet that Ironwood isn't happy about this, but for all of you fans of Robyn Hill, she's not going to go full on vigilante like she did canon, considering she still has family alive.
Galen's current status will be put on hold for the moment, because this chapter will feature a fight between the Fox and a certain character.
But first, let's get onto the reviews.
First off, the guest reviewer: Really, I didn't notice the similarity between Sir Nighteye's quirk. Speaking of said character, he will appear in my future My Hero Academia/Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue story. I did take a que from Neo's semblance and tweaked it a bit, didn't know I combined it with Fiona's semblance. Thanks for the review and keep an eye out in the future for my Power Rangers story.
BRUH3000: You think you can do better, than I challenge you to write a Force Unleashed/RWBY story. If you can't do that, then leave me and everyone else you've claimed to have a shitty story alone.
Jack Smith1: Yeah, I had that planned on from the start. It will tie into a certain chapter later on involving a dangerous situation where I can use my all-time favorite land vehicle to stop it. I get you like the V-19 and I think maybe, I can bring it in with some upgrades, I will agree about deploying another squadron to support Ahsoka. Speaking of which there is this story you might like, Avengers: Infinity Wars, which showcases a different orbital battle of Ryloth then in canon.
BlindFaunusGirl: Yep, I foreshadowed the last chapter pretty well, I think. But don't go thinking that Galen's teammates and friends will believe he truly is guilty. Harriet might, but as for Clover and Marrow, that's not likely. Yep, Ironwood truly see's Ruby as a weapon and it makes me wonder, in the actual series, Jinn told Ozpin that he couldn't kill Salem, but what if my theory about Ruby being the one who kills Salem is true? I hope it is. Jacques will get what deserves after he f's up a few times, as will Ironwood, Tyrian, and Watts.
Monster King: Thank you.
Luffy L Deathwalker: I'm still trying to figure out the ending for Volume 7, but I can promise you that someone will die.
Spartan-626: I can promise that Jacques will get what's coming to him, can't say the same about Harriet. Of course, I had Galen be the one framed for murder because he inspires hope, something that Salem can't have. Don't worry, he'll be cleared of all charges and like before, Jacques will get a proper beating from Wrecker. I know you said you're losing interest in the story, but I think I have a chapter that you will like in the future.
Song this chapter will be 'Soldier' by Samantha Jade
Alright onto the story, but first the into.
(Start Rise, Tv version by Madkid)
(The camera moves fast over the frozen tundra of Solitas before it shots up to the floating city of Atlas and the city of Mantle below it. As fighter jets fly past, the title card is revealed with two lightsaber blades surrounding it.)
Remnant Unleashed
In this empty void, I found the way to light. Can't find my way in this lingering world. Searching fo the answer- the one that I can trust in. I'm just wandering around.
(The title card vanishes as a shot of Ironwood addressing his followers is shown, standing in full military gear. Among them is Galen and his team, Jaune, Nora, Ren, Lop, Faye, Kara and Zett, the students wearing new combat clothing. Behind them in the corner with their helmets off are Rex and his brothers who eye the general with suspicion.)
Yeah, still stuck in the shadow ey, But I never follow that. This pain at last soon will pass. Turn into my own unbeatable strength. This guy or that guy -dead or alive by hiding alone, can't survive. I don't want to lie to myself.
(Behind Ironwood are his Ace Ops and Winter who then dissipate into mist before being replaced by Jacque who has a devious grin on his face, while Whitley and Serra stand behind him looking at each other with worry. The scene then changes to Mantle where Boba, Robyn, Ahsoka, the Fox, Maria, Grogu, Pietro, Penny, Artoria and the Happy Huntresses look up towards Atlas, Robyn crossing her arms before looking at a picture of her, Ray, Neo, and Amber.)
Keep on the fight, get right I'll never lose and cry. Keep run up day and night. Time to rewrite. No matter what anyone say's I find my way. Never go away.
(The Grimm charge towards from the tundra as Galen, Ruby, Jaune and their teams ready for their weapons for battle only for Ruby, Jaune and their teammates to vanish into mist while soldiers appear behind Galen and his team aiming their weapons at them. Galen's eyes are shown and then narrow as he ignites his lightsabers.)
Now, nobody can stop me no way. I will make sure not to forget those precious things. Yeah, I'll take a stand, get back all that I've lost. Rise suddenly in this word. (I don't look back yeah.)
(Galen and his team then charge in, now fighting a top a speeding train in the tundra against the Ace Ops while droids attack both groups. Galen slashes a droid and counters an attack from Harriet, Rose dodges Elm's massive hammer, Arthur clashes blades with his cousin, March trades fists with Marrow who looks unsure of his choices as Vine's giant hands try to swat away two human shaped machines flying alongside the train, with Clover trading blows Rex at the front of the train.)
This repetition will repeat 'till the end. And the regret that's still lingering in my head. Time to get it all back, now turn over. Rise suddenly in this world.
(The scene changes once again as Teams RWBY, JNR, Domino Squad, the Bad Batch, Fordo, Alpha, Cody, Waxer, Boil, Kara, Faye, and Able fight against the Grimm which then change into Imperial troopers as the shadows of Vader, Palpatine, Barriss, Jacque, Watts, Maul, Salem, Emerald, Mercury, and a mysterious robotic figure loom over them. Ruby's face turns to fear before her eyes shine and a silver light engulfs the screen before the title card returns.)
(Song ends)
Disclaimers are the same as always.
Chapter 107: Fox Hunt
"This is the worst-case scenario. More people are dead, rioting in Mantle has taken a turn for the worst and somehow, Jacques Schnee is sitting on the council." Ironwood recounted angrily, slamming his fist on his desk. In front of him was Ren, Nora, Ruby, Qrow, Winter, Clover, Artoria, Ahsoka and Rex. "That's the second shipment for Amity that was hit today. It seems election night was the last push Robyn needed to go from hometown hero to full-on vigilante."
"I'm afraid the problem is more complicated than that. It seems Robyn has emboldened our suppliers in Mantle. They're refusing to sell us provisions until the city is adequately repaired. With Robyn redistributing the goods her team has stolen, the Amity Project is completely stalled." Winter added.
"What about Galen? He's been framed for murders he didn't commit and was immediately targeted by the SDC soldiers who didn't waste time firing into the crowd." Ahsoka said. "It's just like when I was framed for crimes I didn't commit and was immediately declared a traitor without even a second look at the evidence."
"And it appears that your information is inaccurate, General." Artoria added. "Howzer and Thorn have reported no movement from Robyn or her team in attacking the shipments for Amity. In fact, her focus has been shifted more to preventing the riots from reaching a full-on war between Mantle and Atlas. Even the Garuda Team, Boba and the Fox have been focused on calming the rioters down. Jacques soldiers have gotten out of control and have practically put the city in a lockdown. Coupled with the recent Grimm attacks, I can't say I'm surprised that our suppliers refuse to sell us the provisions we need for the tower." Artoria added.
"But we're so close. There has to be some way we can finish the tower." Ruby interjected, still worried about Galen.
"There is – declaring martial law." Winter answered.
"You're not actually considering that, are you?" Nora asked worriedly as her eyes widened, same with Ruby's as Ironwood stared outside through the window, smoke rising from the lower city.
"What's more important? Establishing communications, unite the world? Or appeasing a few city blocks?" Ironwood questioned.
"Don't make it sound trivial when you know it isn't. You keep talking about how we just need a little more time, but you're not the only one having to struggle." Nora said emotionally.
"We have all had to make sacrifices for the greater good. Mantle has had to bear a lot of the burden, yes, but –" Ironwood began, turning around to face Nora who then interrupted him and approached his desk, more upset than she already was.
"They're bearing all of it! The longer this waiting game goes on, the harder each day gets for the people down there and now you wanna send in more soldiers? You can't just force people to fall in line. If you do that, you'll just be trading all of these problems for the Grimm! And don't get me started on the droids, Empire, and those new scrapheaps." She shouted. "You claim that Robyn is responsible for the attacks on the shipments, but Artoria just said that she's been focusing on keeping Mantle from declaring an all-out war on Atlas who they claim rigged the election in your favor. Not to mention you're the one who hasn't done anything to clear Galen's name and don't get me started on the Fox!"
Ironwood stepped forward and stared at Nora, his eyes narrowed while she stared back at him, panting before he finally lowered himself into his chair, resting his face in his hands. Ruby then walked forward and stood next to Nora.
"Please, General Ironwood. Squeezing Mantle this way… That kind of division plays right into Salem's hands. That's why Tyrian is here framing you and now… Galen." Ruby said in agreement, wondering how Galen was doing since she last saw him.
"Right, the reason we called you here in the first place. You're sure this was the man you saw?" Clover asked, stepping forward with his Scroll already out and pressed a button that projected the file about Tyrian. The same file that Tech pulled from the Atlas systems. "Tyrian Callows was accused of murders all across Anima. Not just huntsmen and huntresses, but also men, women, and children. A homicidal maniac who escaped justice when his prison transport was attacked by Grimm. After that, he was never seen again." Clover recounted.
"Well, he works for Salem and he's here. But he looked different than the last time we saw him." Ruby answered. "He looked more like that General Grievous character that Ahsoka, Ayala and Kit told me about. Galen killed him in Anima, but it doesn't explain how he got his body turned into what he is now."
"I think we know how." Rex said. "Maul must have brought Tyrian's body back to Salem and was able to use the same process that created Grievous to turn Tyrian into the monster he is now."
"If we ever had any doubts Atlas was Salem's next target, I think those are officially out the window." Qrow pointed out.
"But now we have a suspect. We can tell people." Ruby said.
"That a long-lost serial killer is loose in Mantle, the military has no idea where he is and that he's been turned into a long dead Jedi killer cyborg? Your idea does have merit, but it might make things worse before they get better." Clover countered. "Believe me, I want to do the same thing, but we can't risk it."
"I am so sick of secrets! If we just told everyone about Amity, about Salem-, about the Empire—" Nora complained.
"We can't!" Ironwood shouted, getting everyone to turn and look at him. "If we talk about Amity now, we risk Salem's forces, who we know are here, working to sabotage it. If we tell them about Salem now, we risk falling to the Grimm before we reunite Remnant." Ironwood then stood up and slammed his hands onto his desk. "I want Robyn Hill in custody. We can offer her a deal if she can get Mantle to cooperate."
Winter then received a communication and was surprised at what it was. "Sir, it appears that Robyn Hill is making an announcement on TV right now." She informed.
"What?" Ironwood shouted. "Bring it up at once."
A screen appeared from in front of Ironwood's desk, linked into the news cast. "For many of you that haven't met me personally, let me introduce myself. My name is Robyn Hill, hometown hero of Mantle and currently, a wanted criminal." Robyn began.
"It's on every station." Ironwood realized the moment he tried to change the channel.
"I'm sure by now all of you have heard that I've stealing supplies from Atlas and hording them for myself and my huntresses because of my loss in the election. Let me make it clear to everyone in Atlas and Mantle that despite my 'loss' in the election, I have not resorted to stealing from the military. True, Mantle needs supplies, but I will not resort to stealing and being labeled a criminal. That's the last thing I want my family to know me as." Robyn continued.
Rex and Ahsoka took notice that Robyn was standing in the middle of the Mantle train station, still wearing the same chest piece that Boba gave her, now with a pair of cross draw holsters that held a pair of pistols with long slides and extended barrels, no doubt given to her by Trigger who knew a few things about creating weapons. "The reports of the Demon Lord killing those people at the auditorium are false. The true killer is a homicidal maniac named Tyrian Callows, a long thought to be dead serial killer who is no doubt being employed by the true mastermind behind the recent attacks on our city." Robyn continued.
The fact that she knew about Tyrian caused some concern for Ironwood who only just learned of Tyrian's existence and planned to keep it under wraps. "I won't point fingers at Atlas, but it's clear to me that someone rigged the elections and gave Jacque the council seat he desired, but I'm not here to launch an investigation, I'm here for another reason. It's no surprise that the people of Mantle are angry that I lost and are considering the idea of rebelling against our 'Atlas oppressors', but I urge you all to abandon any plans of rebellion." Robyn went on.
Her speech was heard by all, from Sleet and Camilla to Whitley and Willow Schnee and Bella Jones. "I've seen the how far the SDC security forces have gone in terms of 'quelling' the riots and saw first-hand what they did at the auditorium the night of the massacre. I understand your anger, but I urge all of the people of Mantle to forget plans of rebellion. Such actions will lead to more death and more Grimm attacks. Now more than ever, is the time for Mantle to come together and unite. I make this promise to you all, once the matter is resolved, I will demand for Jacque Schnee to answer for his crimes, not just against the Faunus he has employed in his unsafe mines, but for the crimes he's ordered against our people. Until then, I urge you all to remain calm and if you ever need assistance, remember that the Happy Huntresses will be there." She finished.
Ironwood was livid that Robyn knew about Tyrian. If she knew about Tyrian, what's to say that she didn't know about the tower? What if this was all an act to instigate a riot against Atlas and Robyn was making promises she never intended to keep. "I want that woman in custody right now. Her huntresses as well. Anyone associated with Robyn Hill even if it's a single meeting, I want them arrested at once." He demanded. "Anyone not assisting with Robyn needs to Focus on Tyrian. I want to know who he's working with, where he's hiding, what he's planning, and how exactly that video got all over my kingdom. Do I make myself clear?"
Both Winter and Clover answered his question sternly while the others left Ironwoods office. "Not you, Winter. I have another task for you and Clover." The General told his best soldiers. "I think it's time we take care of the Fox."
Both Clover and Winter were surprised at Ironwood's words. "The Fox has been a thorn in my side for far to long. He claims that I've abandoned Mantle and won't lift a finger to protect the people. I've had enough of this vigilante. I want him arrested if possible and if not, I want him dead." Ironwood clarified.
"With all due respect, General. If we were to capture or kill the Fox, it could only make things worse than they already are. The people see him as a true protector of the lower city, and it could only embolden the more violent rioters. The Fox has only targeted the people taking advantage of Mantle's situation and the Schnee Dust Company for the crimes they have committed ever since he first appeared. I don't think he's our enemy, if he was then why did he save those people at Jacque's party?" Clover reasoned.
"Robyn couldn't have found out about Tyrian unless she was told about him. Galen must have found out and told the Fox about it. I wanted to keep this under wraps, but any hope of that has now been thrown out the window. I've put up with his vigilantism long enough." Ironwood countered.
"General, I don't think the Fox is our enemy. All he's done is to help Mantle. Miss Valkyrie was right; Mantle has been bearing all the burden for far too long. I…." Winter began before she was cut off.
"I didn't ask for your opinion, Winter. I want this man brought to Atlas at once in chains. If you kill him, then that will make our lives much easier. If you can't do it, then I'll find someone who will." Ironwood snarled. "Take the Ace Ops, Miss Belladonna, Miss Xiao Long, Artoria, Mordred and Miss Valkyrie into Mantle and flush that criminal out. Do whatever you have to do."
"But sir, I…" Winter protested before she relented. "As you wish, General." Ironwood smiled at the loyalty of his soldiers and took a seat back behind his desk, tired from the events of the last few days.
Down in Mantle, on the roof top of a building, Galen watched as SDC soldiers below him rounded up citizens for 'questioning'. One of the citizens make a run for it, but they were then quickly gunned down by the soldiers. Another pair of citizens, a mother and father stood against the wall of a building while their child stood behind the two soldiers who were about to kill their parents.
Galen was about to leap into action when he witnessed the Fox swinging down from another building into the soldiers, knocking them down before they could get a shot off and allowing the parents and their child to run for safety. The Fox noticed Galen on the roof and used his whip to pull himself up to the roof. "I see that you have been well, my friend." The Fox said. "Though the rumors about you haven't been very kind."
"I didn't kill those people. Tyrian did. He's been behind the murders like you said and yet no one's been able to track him down and stop him. I suspect he has help, from someone who knows how to manipulate the systems of Mantle." Galen told the masked vigilante.
"I believe you." The Fox answered. "I've heard the people of Mantle talking about you. They call you a hero, you give them hope like Robyn, her huntresses and me. You've shown that they have nothing to be afraid of when it comes to the oppressors of Atlas, like Jacques Schnee and many others like him who abuse the power they so desperately cling to. People like you; they're scared that they'll lose the power they have acquired over the years and will not accept change without a fight."
He then pulled out his scroll and opened it, displaying something rather interesting. "Those they cannot control; they'll do anything to destroy and ruin one's life. Such as this."
Said something was a wanted poster with a crudely created image of Galen, with a reward for five-hundred million lien and issued by the Atlas Council on orders from Jacques himself. "Seems like someone is already abusing their power. Jacques couldn't do this without any kind of emergency meeting of the council." Galen deduced.
"I would suggest that you plan on leaving the city before things become much worse. Jacque and even the good General will destroy this city trying to find you and a great many people will be killed in that attempt." The Fox suggested.
"It might be the only option I have." Galen said reluctantly. "But I need you to do something for me."
In another part of the city, The Ace Ops, Winter, Nora, Blake, Yang, Mordred and Artoria began searching for the Fox. The people of Mantle weren't too happy at their presence, as some of them started to hurl rotten fruit and vegetables, even bricks at them. One of those bricks almost hit Clover, but his semblance kicked in and he dodged it with ease. "I'll get them, sir." Harriet said, about to sprint after the thrower.
"Let it go, Harriet. We've got a job to do, we don't need to antagonize the people anymore than they already are." Clover said, getting the competitive member of the Ace Ops to stand down.
"Shouldn't we be looking for the Demon Lord? I mean, after what he did, we should be bringing him." Elm asked.
"A Jedi like him would have no trouble in defeating us." Vine said calmly.
"Yeah, he'd kick all your asses before you could even do anything. Not to mention he's killed more Grimm than anyone I've seen." Nora added with smirk. "Ugh, remind me again why we are hunting down the Fox? He hasn't killed anyone, and he's been doing better job of helping Mantle than Ironwood's ever done."
Harriet was offended by what Nora said and turned around, grabbing her by the collar of her jacket. "You shut your mouth about the general! He's doing everything he can to help the world, what Mantle needs is order, a reminder to them of who is in charge. When they look up at the city of Atlas, they see security and stability." She snarled.
"All I see are a lot of people with six-foot poles out their asses. I mean, ever since Atlas went airborne, Mantle's turned into a real cesspool of greed, corruption and who knows what else. Glad I went AWOL after Beacon. I wouldn't want to be serving one of those assholes." Mordred chirped, getting a snigger from Yang.
"And that's why we don't need traitors like you, Robyn, her huntresses or Galen. They'll just bring destruction to Atlas." Harriet growled.
"And yet the people of Mantle still hold Atlas in high disregard. Perhaps, if the General wasn't gripped with fear about the other kingdoms declaring war, none of this would have happened. Mantle wouldn't be suffering this much if the borders weren't close and the embargo in place. He's acting irrationally, allowing his fear to get the better of him and in turn, he sees everyone as a potential ally of Salem." Artoria pointed out as Harriet released Nora from her grip.
"I thought you of all people would see the good the General is doing." Harriet scolded.
"Then why hasn't Ironwood stepped in to investigate the SDC's illegal activities?" Blake asked. "Most of the White Fang are former SDC miners who couldn't stand working in the mines because of the unsafe conditions. Conditions that made them feel more like slaves then workers and don't get me started on how Weiss's dad used the military to take out his competition in the Dust Trade."
"We're a military, we don't waste time in worrying about the actions of various companies." Harriet countered.
"More like he doesn't want to anything about it. He's probably getting a cut of the profits and putting them in his own account." Yang suggested.
"Now that's a little far. The general would never do that." Marrow countered. "But I do have to agree with the kids on this. I don't think hunting down the Fox is going to solve anything about the current Tyrian problem. He's done a lot for Mantle, and he hasn't even killed anyone. He's not a murderer. Besides, we should be doing something about the SDC soldiers who are taking the law into their own hands!" he exclaimed as another truck of 'prisoners' drove past them. "Ok, that's it!"
Marrow turned around and looked at the truck. "Stay!" he shouted, and the truck came to a stop, long enough for him to open the back of the truck and free the 'prisoners' in the back. Those in the back didn't even thank Marrow for what he did and just ran.
"Nice going, Marrow. You just released a dozen or so criminals back into the streets." Harriet scolded.
"Those weren't criminals. They were ordinary people who didn't deserve to be locked up! Is this what you call justice?" Nora shouted.
"They broke the law; they get sent to jail. It's that simple." Harriet said bluntly, much to Nora's annoyance who was about to take her hammer and smack the competitive Ace Op but was stopped by Winter.
"I understand how you feel, but there's nothing we can do. Marrow acted on his own authority and I'm certain that the general will want to discuss the details with him. For now, we must focus on tracking down the Fox." Winter told Nora.
Nora huffed in annoyance and just followed after the rest of the group, making their way towards the last known location the Fox was spotted. A warehouse close to a section of the wall surrounding Mantle that hadn't been repaired yet. "Everybody spread out and search for the Fox. If you find him, let everyone know where he is. Remember, we're to take him in alive." Clover instructed.
"I'll make sure he won't put up much of a fight when I see him." Harriet said, eager to be the first one to find the Fox.
"And what about the Grimm?" Nora asked.
"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. For now, the Fox takes priority. Everything else is secondary, including Tyrian." Clover said with a reluctant sigh.
Searching for the Fox wasn't that easy, because the moment they started the search they came across the group of SDC soldiers who had rounded up several 'rioters' and were forcing them up against the wall. "What's going on here?" Clover asked.
"Just being civic minded, that's all. We've got some rioters' that were planning a rebellion. We're about to snuff out that spark." The leader of the SDC soldiers said bluntly.
Clover glanced at the 'rioters' and noticed that they were all men, women, and children, none of whom looked like they were in the condition to carry out a riot. "They don't look like rioters to me. I think you're overstepping your authority." Clover said.
"They're gonna kill us! We didn't do anything! We weren't planning a rebellion! They took us from our homes. Please help us!" One of the men shouted while his wife and children hugged each other for dear life before he was hit in the gut by the butt of one of soldiers' rifles.
"Pay no attention to them, soldier boy. We're about to waste them." The commander said.
"I'm afraid you won't be doing anything of the sorts." Clover said as he walked up and stood in front of the so called 'rioters.' "My duty is to protect the kingdom of Atlas and that includes the citizens of Mantle. Your employer might be on the council, but you don't have the right to act as a police force. These people are under my protection now, so either back off and walk away or we'll have a problem."
The SDC soldiers didn't back down and raised their rifles at Clover and the people, ready to fire but just as they pulled the trigger, their rifles jammed thanks to Clover's semblance who then swung his fishing rod at one of the soldiers, hooked their rifle and swung it into their head. "So, the soldier want's to be a hero? Fine then, I think we can oblige. We arrived to late to save the leader of the Ace Ops from being beaten to death by rioters who then engaged us in a firefight." The leader said.
"That's what you think!" Nora shouted as she landed in the middle of the soldiers, swinging her hammer down and created a blast wave of energy that sent the private soldiers flying back. "Permission to give these guys an ass-whooping?" she asked.
"Permission granted. Ace Ops, protect the civilians! We're not letting them die tonight." Clover ordered and cracked his fists.
The rest of the Ace Ops, Yang, Blake, Artoria and Mordred soon joined the other two, but as Winter was about to join them, she spotted the Fox standing on the roof of a nearby building. Even though she knew that Ironwood was wrong about taking down the Fox, she gave chase after the masked vigilante, with no one noticing her disappearance.
The Fox noticed Winter following him and smirked to himself as he led her on a merry chase before he noticed that she had somehow managed to lose him as he entered the warehouse. To his surprise, he found Winter had somehow deduced what he was planning and was waiting for him, then threw a knife at the controls for the warehouse door, which slammed on the ground. "Been a long time since we faced off one-on-one, Ms. Schnee." The Fox smirked.
"It has, though I wish I didn't have to do this, even though the General want's to only bring you in for questioning." Winter admitted.
"I take it he figured out it that I was the one who tipped Galen and Miss Belladonna about Tyrian's killing spree and the White Fang attack at your father's Pre-election party?" The Fox asked innocently.
"Yes, he did, and he also figured out that you were the one who told Robyn about Tyrian, the tower and Salem, didn't you?" Winter accused.
"Actually, you have Galen to thank for that. Unlike Ironwood, Galen trusts Mantle's hometown hero. Not just because he fought with her in battle at Vale, or because she's Three Strike's aunt, but because he knows that he'll need all the allies that he can get to hold off Salem's onslaught." The Fox answered.
"That might be the case, but he had no right to tell Robyn Hill about classified military intelligence." Winter scolded.
"Like how the General kept the truth of Three Strike's sister? He had the right to know about his sister, but the benevolent General decided to keep the truth about his sister a secret until she was already dead and now, the Demon Lord is wanted for a crime he didn't commit, all so your father could win the election." The Fox countered.
"What are you talking about?" Winter demanded.
"That's something you'll learn, if you can defeat me." The Fox challenged.
"If that's what it takes, then I will gladly except your challenge." Winter said, drawing her cutlasses before getting into a dueling position.
"Let's, although I really don't want to do this." The Fox said with a sigh, getting into a similar stance himself.
"Neither do I." Winter said in agreement.
(Start Soldiers)
The two stood still before The Fox made the first move, lunging at Winter with his rapier only to be stopped by a parry from Winter who lunged back at him, putting the masked vigilante on the defensive. "An excellent parry." The Fox complimented, back flipping several times to avoid a series of thrusts from his opponent. "Clearly, your skills have improved since the last time we dueled. Not a day goes by since I remember are first meeting. I always saw you as a rival."
"I think you're mistaken. I've never once considered you a rival." Winter countered, using her semblance to create a few black glyphs that she used once the Fox jumped up to the second floor. "But your skills, it seems you've been well trained in the art of fencing." She noticed.
"Well, when one has a rival such as yourself, it's always wise to train and prepare themselves for the evitable confrontation." The Fox smirked, attack with a few crosscut slashes that Winter countered using a few of her summons, more particularly smaller human-sized versions of the Arma Gigas. "Those are new. It appears that your summonings have improved over the years."
"You would be correct. Even though I have graduated the academy, a Huntress must always be prepared for what battles lie ahead, which includes training and improving one's semblance." Winter answered as her new summons charged at her opponent.
The Fox smirked and parried the sword of the summons, slashing one of them across the chest before the second one raised its sword about to bring it down on the masked vigilante before the Fox slashed that one across the chest after disarming it of its weapon.
The masked hero of Mantle lunged at the final Arma Gigas summon, thrusting his rapier into the chest and destroyed it, but that allowed Winter to attack with a crosscut of her own, forcing the Fox onto a rusted beam that she jumped onto as well. The beam groaned as the weight of the two fighters put a great deal of strain on the beam, but the two fighters continued their duel.
Their weapons were soon locked in a fierce struggle for control as both of them continued to give it their all. Neither one of them was about to let up as the masked vigilante leapt over Winter's head and landed behind her in a perfect position for the kill, but he instead choose to leap off the beam, landing back down on the ground, followed by Winter who he noticed was holding back. "Perhaps I'll make this more interesting for the both of us." The Fox quipped, sheathing his rapier and drew the lightsaber he used during the White Fang attack.
Its blue blade illuminated the dark warehouse as the Fox lunged at Winter with his weapon, who hadn't used her semblance again. A look of guilt and regret appeared on his face as he parried another attack with Winter, who noticed the look on the masked vigilante's face before they broke off their battle.
(End song)
"Something the matter, Ms. Schnee? You seem more contemplative in your approach today." The Fox noticed.
"For some strange reason, I feel like I know you from somewhere. Your movements, attitude, and eyes, they remind me of someone I know." Winter answered. Both opponents sheathed their weapons.
"Did he ask you what you thought of me, and you told him that in your eyes, I'm a hero?" The Fox asked.
"Yes. How did you know? I never told anyone that except… no, you couldn't be." Winter answered before she gasped.
Sighing, the Fox removed his mask and revealed the eyes and face of her former lover. "Hello, Winter." Diego said.
"Diego? You're the Fox?" Winter asked in complete shock.
"I am." Diego answered.
"But why? I don't understand, how did you become Mantle's vigilante?" Winter asked, still in shock.
"Do you remember the day we graduated the Academy? That was the day my semblance activated. I call it Omens. Long story short, when I make eye contact with someone, I can see the future of that person based on their choices. If the decisions they make lead to a bad outcome, I go out of my way to try and prevent it or help the people endure. It happened shortly after Ironwood handed me my license and diploma that day." Diego explained. "I'm sorry I scared you."
To his surprise, Winter walked up to him and slapped him across the face. "WHAT WAS THAT FOR?!" Diego shouted.
"That's for scaring me! I thought you were dead until the party!" Winter exclaimed, unable to hold back the tears of happiness in her eyes.
"I suppose I deserved that." Diego admitted. "I'm sorry."
He was then surprised again when Winter grabbed him and kissed him on the lips. "That's for everything you've done as the Fox." She said with a smile.
Over the next several minutes, Diego explained why he never told anyone aside from his father and his family's maid, Bernice about his vigilante work. Winter was shocked to learn that he knew about Salem, the Empire, and the outcomes of the future, one in which that found Winter and Weiss forced to serve a high-ranking imperial officer as his personal 'pleasure maids', which Winter found to be disgusting, especially when it was learned that it was her father that made the deal with the Empire. "So, you know everything, about the Empire, about Salem. That's why you saved that supporter of Robyn Hill that night, because he would be able to clear the general's name of trying to eliminate anyone in Mantle who would oppose his actions." Winter surmised.
"Helping Ironwood's good name is not what I had in mind that night. I only fight for justice and to protect Mantle. Ironwood's methods are forcing the people of the lower city to suffer all of the burden and with your father now on the council, Mantle will be destroyed." Diego answered.
"You mentioned that my father was involved in framing Galen for the massacre. What did you mean?" Winter asked.
"I'm still trying to piece together all of this puzzle, but your father clearly cheated to win the election and had help to do it. Help from someone who knew the systems of our 'great kingdom' inside and out. Whoever that man is, they are the one who hijacked the drones that nearly killed the Ribbon Fighter and the Demon Lord. Ironwood's systems aren't as secure as he thinks. Galen also knows that."
"Does Galen…" Winter began.
"Yes, Galen Marek knows about my identity. Before you ask, I erased my academy file when I began my work as the Fox, but the clone they call Tech was able to recover my file. Only Galen knows about my true identity, aside from you, my father and maid. Please, Winter, I ask you not to reveal who I really am to anyone. Not even General Ironwood." He said and implored.
"Don't worry, I'll never plan to reveal your identity to him at all. I mean, how could I, given all the respect I hold for you." Winter promised.
Diego however had one more question for Winter. "Do you still hold it for me now that you know the truth? The respect you hold for me?"
"Yes. In fact, I think's grown after all of this." Winter answered.
"Thank you, Winter." Diego said with a smile. A noise from outside the warehouse forced Diego to put his mask back on. "I guess this is where we part ways again, my love."
"Indeed, it is." Winter agreed.
"Just know, that I'll be there for you when trouble comes, I promise you that and you should know that your father has placed a bounty of five-hundred lien on Galen's head. I suspect that he's trying to cover up who really killed those people and is already abusing his power. Be on your guard." Diego promised and warned.
The two of them then shared one last kiss before Diego threw down a smoke bomb and escaped through the roof.
The door to the warehouse was then broken down by the Ace Ops, Yang, Blake, Mordred, Artoria and Nora and found Winter standing in the center of the warehouse with the Fox no where to be seen. "Well, he's gone. Guess this mission was a bust." Nora shrugged with relief.
"Shut up, kid. Our orders were to capture the Fox dead or alive and he's now escaped us again. The general won't like this at all, we're supposed to be the best of the best and we've been outsmarted by some mask wearing freak while we were off protecting a bunch of civies." Harriet said, angry at their failure.
"Not every mission ends in success." Marrow reminded the competitive Ace Operative, but thankful that the Fox got away and happy that he didn't have to fight him. Blake also felt the same way, knowing that there would be someone to defend Mantle.
"Right now, we've got the SDC soldiers to bring to prison. The General needs to know what they were up to. The civilians are being returned home now, at least we did manage to score one victory on this mission." Clover said, also glad that the Fox escaped.
Winter, on the other hand placed a hand over her heart as a tear fell down her eye at the job the man she loved was doing, also making her question if what she was doing was really for the good of the people or was it just the man, she respected was starting to become more and more paranoid as Diego had told her.
And that's the chapter. Luffy L Deathwalker, I hope you liked this chapter, it's not as long as some of my other chapters, but that tends to happen when I write from time to time.
Anyway, next chapter will show how much of a family Team GARM is regardless of the current situation that their leader is in.
Until next time, please read and review and if any of you have seen the review left by BRUH3000, let him know what you think about his comment.