Summary/Disclaimer: Time for another chapter of The Dragon and her rook. Enjoy the 1200-word chapter. I don't own RWBY, Monty Oum, and Rooster Teeth do.
(Mantle, 3 hours after Robyn's Capture.)
Yang rode through the streets on Bumblebee. She looked up at Skyler's Manta before it slowly coasted to a stop. The ship set down in front of Yang's motorcycle and extended its ramp.
Yang watched as Skyler climbed out, a frown was set on his face.
"I'm glad you came," Skyler said while turning to look around. Mantas and Airships filled the air. "I'm beginning to not even recognize Solitas anymore," Skyler stated and brushed off his arms.
Yang said nothing, unsure of what she even could say. Part of her knew the military did sit at the top of the food chain in Atlas. Unlike the other kingdoms, Atlas focused entirely on their soldiers.
"So, you wanted to talk to Penny's dad?" Yang asked while she and Skyler walked towards the workshop. "Why him?" Yang questioned and dusted off her jacket.
"Because he's one of the few people I trust," Skyler responded with a frown. "My uncle has the majority of Atlas under his wing. I can't trust someone in the military on the off chance they report to him." Skyler stated and sighed.
Skyler stopped in mid-step while looking around. Skyler remembered how Mantle was years ago. It wasn't a perfect city… Still? To see it falling apart with hundreds of Atlesian Troops marching down every street? To see riots every day. This was madness.
'If Merlot doesn't drag Solitas to the ground, everyone in charge will.' Skyler thought to himself while letting out a breath. His breath turned into frost as soon as it left his lips.
"I heard Robyn got captured." Yang put in which made Skyler hum and nod. "What do you think will happen to her?" Yang questioned Skyler who was about to answer when the door opened.
They were greeted by the very man that Skyler was hoping to enlist in his efforts. Dr. Pietro looked between Yang and Skyler.
"Dr. Pietro," Skyler said with a slight incline of his head. "I'm glad you answered on such short notice. May we come in?" Skyler asked the doctor.
The man stepped out of the way as Skyler and Yang walked inside. Skyler watched Dr. Pietro scuttle around both of them and clear his throat.
"Are things as bad as I've seen?" Dr. Pietro asked Skyler. He got his answer in the form of a frown. "Then I'm guessing there's nobody else for you to contact." Dr. Pietro added to which Skyler walked towards a sofa.
He brushed off the worn green leather and took his seat. Yang sat next to him. She started to drum her fingers on her lap.
"My uncle is busy trying to make power plays," Skyler said before looking out the window. "Something bad is wrong. My uncle would have NEVER poured this much into Mantle. I have no idea who to trust anymore." Skyler stated, digging his fingers into the arm of the sofa.
"And what would you ask me to do?" Pietro asked with a warm smile. Skyler brightened slightly at the man's unbreakable optimism.
"I need someone to fix the outer wall," Skyler said and rubbed at his temples. "The longer my uncle focuses on power plays. The more Mantle suffers. It feels like I'm commanding the entire defense of the kingdom myself. I need someone who isn't part of my uncle's forces." Skyler put in which made Pietro hum.
"You haven't been home for a while, my boy," Pietro asked as his chair walked to the window. "Have you? I'm afraid there might not be much I can do." Pietro put in as Skyler raised an eyebrow.
Yang looked between the two men. She frowned and tapped her right arm on the sofa.
"We can't do nothing." Yang put in as both Pietro and Skyler turned to her. "I might not be from Atlas, but I know people. They're ready to snap." Yang added while rubbing at her left arm.
"I'm glad you have some enthusiasm, Ms. Xiao Long." Pietro put in and then turned his head to the window. "But both Merlot and General Ironwood have QUITE the deck stacked. I'm sure Colonel Azur here knows how difficult it is. Not only does General Ironwood have TWO seats on the council…" Pietro started to say before Skyler finished.
"But he's also in charge of the military." Skyler finished the thought and rubbed at his chin. "I love my uncle, doctor… But this isn't the same general I grew up around years ago." Skyler said as Pietro sighed and tapped a finger on his chair.
"There is ONE option that might work," Pietro stated before turning to Yang and Skyler. "But it is very risky." Pietro put in which made Skyler hum.
"I'll take it if it saves Solitas," Skyler stated to the doctor. "I care more about preserving the kingdom than my military career. We can't sit by why Mantle and Atlas crash and burn around us." Skyler added and stood up.
"The council is supposed to have a meeting with your uncle in a few days." Pietro put in before removing his glasses. "If you wanted a chance to inform the council? Then I'd appeal to them there. Both Councilman Sleet and Councilwoman Camilla will be present… From what I've heard? Not even the council knows what your uncle is doing." Pietro added which made Skyler frown.
The council didn't even know what his uncle was doing. Then Solitas was screwed, Skyler turned to look at Pietro.
"Can I count on you to try and fix the wall at least?" Skyler questioned and got a nod. "Then I'll make a move at the next council meeting. I need to make my uncle see how bad things are." Skyler put in as he stood up.
"I hope you do, Colonel," Pietro stated as Skyler walked to the door and let himself out. Pietro watched Yang walk to the door.
"Ms. Xiao Long?" Pietro questioned Yang as she stopped at the door. "I would take care of him. I've seen Skyler before, and he certainly cares a lot about you. I wouldn't treat him like he doesn't care about the kingdom." Pietro stated to Yang who frowned.
"It's not him I'm conflicted over," Yang said and looked at her wedding ring.
Yang walked out of the house toward her motorcycle while Skyler boarded his Manta.
"I'll meet you back at your office," Yang stated before Skyler nodded and closed the door. She watched as the aircraft lifted off and flew towards Atlas.
She knew for a fact that the only hope for Atlas was the military and people working together. Yang revved her bike and sped off into Mantle.
Author Notes
Phew. Another chapter is done. I want to point out that Yang and Skyler will be working together but strained a bit. The next chapter will be in 2-10 weeks or a month and will show the opening to Cordially Invited and such. Until then, Lighting Wolf out!
P.S: Yang will be 1200 or so Sunday. Ruby 900 Monday. Neo, Penny, and Cinder are 900 soon. Raven is 900 Sunday.